-1Eureka Seven

Long Lost Love

Chapter 1- Renton Matthews

My name…well from what I've ever been able to remember, it's always been Renton Matthews, or at least that's what I've been known by since I've lived here. Oh, where do I live? Well, it's a little town called Gladiolus city. I've been a clerk for our local hardware store here for the last four years. But I always get strange looks from everyone since I never seem to age at all, and neither does my wife, Sarah Matthews. Our doctors can't seem to find anything wrong with us though, so we just go on living our normal day to day lives with our two girls, Adrian and Faith. Their ages are two and one respectively. Since the day I met Sarah, or should I say since the day she found me, she's always been loving, kind, caring, and well, from what I know, the best mother and wife that a husband could ever ask for. But there are days where, for some reason even I don't why, keep feeling like I belong elsewhere, with someone else. Then Sarah walks in, and my heart skips a beat and I can't do anything but smile as she walks up to me and kisses me. As we then exchange a few words and talk, my heart melts for her, yearns, and just doesn't want to let her out of my life. But the question is…why do I keep having these other feelings when I don't know anyone else?

When I first saw Sarah four years ago, I woke up after what looked like an accident scene gone horribly wrong. I was covered in cuts, gashes, and bruises and could hardly move. Sarah on the other hand wasn't so injured and was able to get us, or me really, help within a few hours considering we were stuck in the middle of a forest. After I was taken to the hospital, Sarah was by my side day and night, watching day by day as I would get stronger and healthier as my wounds healed. She had gotten a job at a small boutique in town, and with a little bit of luck, was able to save up enough for us to get a nice apartment together. But when the doctors asked me who I was, I didn't know. I had no idea who I was, what my past was like, if I had any family or not, nothing came to mind. Everything was a complete blank. All Sarah knew was that my first name was Renton and that I was rescuing her from a war torn battle scene when we got shot down out of nowhere. But at that time, it didn't matter to me. I was just glad to have her around.

A couple of months passed and I was finally cleared to leave the hospital to continue my rehabilitation at the apartment Sarah had gotten for us. It was decent sized. Two bedrooms, a bathroom, living room, and a eat in kitchen, which meant no dining room, but it didn't matter to me. I was just happy to have someplace to stay. The next couple of months went by slow, but they were wonderful days. Each day with a little help from Sarah I'd get up, make my food for the day, and just sit back and relax as I recuperated from my injuries. It wasn't until one fateful day that I realized that I loved her…

I had just gotten out of the shower and into my boxer shorts, getting ready for the day. I was to start my job at the hardware store that morning, and I was totally up for it. I found that I loved tinkering around and fixing things, so this was going to give me the chance to finally be around something I loved. Well anyways, Sarah had just walked into the bathroom to quickly fix her hair before she went to work herself and just about screamed in embarrassment when she saw me before trying to run out the door. I tried to run after her, but ended up slipping on a small puddle of water on the floor, forcing her to catch me. When our eyes met after I regained my composure, we just stood there, speechless. Not a sound came out of our mouths for almost several minutes. After what seemed like an eternity, I just bent over and kissed her. At first she seemed surprised, but soon our arms were wrapped around each other like we had been in love for years. From there, well, to say the least, we were both late for work after that since we had decided to make love to each other right then and there.

For several months after that, it was complete bliss for the both of us. Each day was spent waking up in each others arms after I moved into her room with her, her warm body next to mine, her hair, even though I still can't figure out why to this day, always smelled like strawberries. Her skin was soft and smooth, easy to the touch, and the curves of her body always entranced me. Then she would stir and turn and look at me, giggling since I would always be running my fingers along her arms, tickling her ever so slightly. We'd then kiss gently before getting up and doing our day to day routine, smiling at each other with every glance, kissing every chance we got, and just being ourselves, two people in love more than anyone should've been legally to.

At the end of the sixth month of being together, we found out we were pregnant for the first time with our first girl, Adrian. Well that did it for me right then and there. Within a week we went to the court house and were married by a judge of peace. Sarah was a bit surprised when I first brought that idea up, but when I told her I wouldn't take no for an answer, well, we made love to each other right there on our living room floor. I'm guessing that was her 'yes' answer, so it worked out rather well for the both of us.

Nine months later, Adrian Matthews arrived into our world. A seven pound, six ounce baby girl. She looked just like her mother, except she had her fathers eyes and his nose. Other than that, she was Sarah the rest of the way. The first night in the hospital with them, I was at Sarah's side the entire time as she held little Adrian in her arms.

"Renton, darling, she's so beautiful."

"Yes she is Sarah. She looks like her mother."

"Yeah, she did get my qualities." she giggled. I just looked at her and kissed her forehead as I laid on the hospital bed next to them, looking at the miracle we had brought into the world. She was so precious. This little girl who now had my heart, my soul, everything about me was in that little baby girl. All I could do was smile as I wrapped my arm around Sarah and kissed her. "Hey Renton?"

"Yes dear?"

"I'm happy we could start a family together. I've been dreaming of this day ever since we first kissed."

"Yeah, so am I. And now we have our family, right here in your arms."

"Yes we do." and for the rest of the night while Sarah slept, Adrian slept in the little bed that the hospital provided for her while I slept on the sofa on the other end of the room. It was uncomfortable, but it didn't matter to me. I still slept better that night than I had ever done in ages before that.

Two days later, we returned home with our new little bundle of joy to a surprise party that her coworkers and mine had planned without us knowing. It was a grand event of laughing, talking, and the opening of gifts for Adrian, me and Sarah. I never thought a baby could be spoiled that much as I soon found out that night. She got everything she would've ever needed for almost a year. All we had to buy were the diapers and food. So my old room quickly got converted from that into a nursery with everything supplied for us. Sarah couldn't have been happier when we finally got done with the nursery, and neither could I to tell you the truth. Watching each day as Sarah sat in there with her, rocking her to sleep, feeding her, playing with her, it was all very precious to me. I would just go in there and sit besides them on the floor, my arm wrapped around her waist, watching as Adrian would play with her toys. Sarah would just kiss me on the cheek, rest her head on my shoulder, and we'd just sit there, happy to be together like we were.

The few years after that went by like clockwork. Little Faith eventually came into our lives, which now brings us up to my current day situation. Sarah had been feeling a little under the weather the last several of days and had taken off from work early to head home. On her way she decided to stop by the hardware store like she would so often to just to say hi, check how my day was going, and to say that she loved me. I kept telling her she didn't have to, but she always countered back by saying "I know, but I want to. I like seeing the man I love in uniform anyways." That always made me laugh and smile when she said it, and she knew it was also my weak spot since light humor always got me for some reason. It didn't matter though. I still loved everything about her.

"Did you stop at the store Sarah?"

"Yes I did dear. I just had to pick up a few things we needed."

"That's fine. How are you feeling?"

"Still a little under the weather, but better than yesterday. So it's probably just a minor bug."

"Ok. Just lay on the sofa and get under the covers when you get home. I'll see you there after I get off work."

"Ok. I'll pick up the kids from the babysitter on the way home."

"I'll take care of that Sarah. You just go home and rest."

"Alright." she said lightly. "You must love taking care of me, don't you?"

"Yes I do." I replied with a soft kiss. "Now get going. I'll see you there in a bit."

"Ok honey. See you soon."

"Of course. I love you."

"Love you too. Bye now." and with one more gentle kiss, I would wave her goodbye knowing that she was the one I'd be going home to every night, our two girls right there with us. I would just smile and chuckle to myself before going to the next customer that needed help, anxious to get home to the one I loved.

As per usual, I would pick up the kids from Jennifer, our teenage babysitter who our girls absolutely loved and so did we. Me and Sarah thought of her as our own. She was always upbeat, cheery, and couldn't stand not having our girls around. We usually paid her each day she watched them to make it easier for us to keep track of things instead of weekly. She didn't mind though. It helped her get through her high school days. When I got home, Sarah was laying on the sofa wrapped up in a blanket watching the local news while Adrian ran up to her and hugged her. Sarah would just laugh and sat her up on her stomach, tickling her ribs as she played with her while I went to lay Faith down since she was usually the first one to fall asleep.

"Did you behave for Jennifer today Adrian?"

"Yes momma." Adrian replied with a giggle as Sarah continued tickling her in the ribs.

"Good girl. Did you behave for daddy on your way home?"

"She was a complete angel darling." I said as I walked out of the kid's room. "As good as ever tonight."

"Oh really? Well then, I think that deserves a treat. What do you think Adrian?" Adrian would just yell in happiness as she jumped down from off her mother so she could get up and go into the kitchen with her. Sarah would give her a popsicle for her good behavior every time she came home with a good report. If not, it was usually straight to bed. But on this night, she was really well behaved. I just smiled as Adrian would take her popsicle and go to the table every time she got one. To me, it was usually one of the highlights of my night. "You trained her well Renton."

"You didn't do so bad yourself Mrs. Matthews." I would say with a smile as I wrapped my arms around her while she leaned on me from the front.

"I would tend to agree dear. How was work today?"

"Normal day as always. Been selling shovels like crazy though."

"Why's that?"

"They're predicting a pretty harsh winter this year, so people on stocking on everything they can to get prepared."

"I see. Thank god we live in an apartment where we don't have to worry about that." I just had to chuckle at that comment. Sometimes her basic logic would utterly amaze me, even though I already knew it.

"You're right about that sweetie. Adrian, straight to bed after you're done with your popsicle, ok?"

"Ok daddy." she replied happily. Later that night after the kids were asleep, me and Sarah would have dinner together since Jennifer fed the kids before we'd pick them up. But something was unusually different about this night. Sarah went the extra length tonight to make my favorite dinner, which was usually steak, potatoes, vegetables, stuffing, and my favorite pumpkin pie for dessert. This could've meant a variety of things, ranging from just having a nice day, getting a raise or promotion, or just because she loved me. But in any case, I wasn't about to turn down a dinner like this, especially with the way she cooked. If there ever was a gourmet chef, she would be it in a heartbeat.

"Looks amazing love." I would sing in her ear softly as I wrapped my arms around her waist while she was cooking at the stove.

"When doesn't it to you?" she giggled as she kissed me on the cheek. "Now will you please let me cook? If you don't you won't get any."

"If you say so." I chuckled as I gave her buttocks a slight pinch, making her jump.

"RENTON!" she laughed. "Knock it off will you?"

"Yes ma'am." I laughed as I went into the living room to read the days paper. "Spoil my fun why don't you."

"Not while I'm making dinner over a hot stove silly!" she laughed. "Do you want me to burn myself?"

"Ok ok! You win this round hon!"

"That's what I thought!" all I could do was sit down in my favorite recliner and laugh back with her. It was moments like those that always made my nights enjoyable while living with her.

"You know I love you!"

"I love you too dear. Now come eat! Dinner is ready!"

"And I just sat down too!"

"Well now you can get up! Now come on!"

"Yes dear!" I laughed as I got up out of my recliner. "You have impeccable timing, you know that?"

"I try my best Renton. Now sit. Everything is ready."

"Looks amazing as always Sarah." and as I sit down, the aromas and smells fill my nose. The food looked amazing as always, like you could just eat it with your eyes alone it was prepared so nicely. Now I knew something was up. "Ok, what's the occasion sweetie?"

"What do you mean?"

"There's no way you would prepare a meal this nice without there being a reason for it. So what's on your mind this time?"

"Oh nothing." she smiled as she looked at me with her innocent eyes. But something was up. She didn't carry that look for nothing.

"Sure there isn't." I replied in a seductive tone, trying to break down her barrier. "I know better than that."

"Nice try dear. You know that tone doesn't work with me."

"Oh you're breaking my heart!"

"Knock it off you goof!" she laughs as she starts serving our dinner. "But yes, I did make your favorite dinner for a reason."

"What'd I do wrong this time?"

"It's not what you did darling, it's what we did."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, I went to our doctor to figure out why I was feeling sick the last several days."

"What did he say?"

"Are you sure you want me to tell you?"

"Sarah…are we?"

"Mhm. We're pregnant darling."

"That's wonderful!" I yelled as I got up and danced with her into the living room.

"But are you sure? We just had Faith not too long ago."

"It doesn't matter to me. We can have as many kids as we want. As long as they're with you, it's all a wonderful thing to me."

"Oh Renton," and as I looked into her soft brown eyes, I noticed a slight glimmer of tears in her eyes. It was the one thing in the world that told me that she was not only happy with the lives we had, but more in love than she had ever felt before. "you have no idea how happy you make me."

"I think I do Sarah." I then gently wiped a tear from her face as I bent down to kiss her. When her lips touched mine, Sarah just wrapped her arms around my neck as we continued to dance in the middle of the living room, each kiss a tender memory of that evening.

"Renton, darling?"

"Yes dear?"

"Promise you'll never leave me. Our time together has been so wonderful and I just don't want it to end."

"I promise love. Now we had better go finish our dinner before it gets cold."

"Oh yeah, I forgot about that." she giggled in reply before one last kiss. "Thank you."

"For what?"

"For loving me like you have."

"It's my pleasure dear." and as we sat back down to eat, our eyes never lost contact with each other, a sign to us that our love was pure and true.

The next morning I walked into work with a smile on my face, a bounce in my step, and a song in my heart as I went into the back room to hang up my coat. My boss, Jim Rodney, noticed this right away. Jim was a modest man of seventy three years. Always friendly, helpful when asked upon, and most of the time was quiet and kept to himself unless it was with me, of which then he was always joking around and had a story to tell. But on this particular day, something was different about him, something, well, out of the ordinary.

"Well, looks like someone is in a good mood today."

"Hey Jim. Yeah, how'd you guess?"

"The last time you were like that, you and Sarah were pregnant with little Faith."

"I was? Well I guess you got me then Jim."

"Another one on the way eh?"

"Yep. Sarah told me last night."

"Three little ones already. You're turning into quite the family man Renton."

"Thanks Jim. How are things going today?"

"Busy with the storms they're talking about."

"I know, I heard. I hope they can hold off until I get home."

"I'm sure they will. I can feel it in my knees."

"Last time you said that Jim, me and you almost got snowed in an hour later."

"True." he chuckled. "Oops, another customer. Boy, can't sit down five minutes without that doorbell ringing."

"I've got it Jim. Just sit there like you always do."

"You youngsters, I tell you. Always coming back with the smart-alecky comments."

"I learned from you Jim."

"Go figure." he laughed as I went up front to greet the customer. "Welcome to Rodney's Hardware! Can I help you with anything?"

"Yes sir. Got any snow shovels left? I've been all over and can't find one anywhere."

"Sure ma'am. Follow me."

"Thank you. You guys are a godsend."

"Only doing our job ma'am. Ok, here they are. Need anything else?"

"No sir, thank you. Oh, do you carry winter gloves at all?"

"Up front by the counter ma'am."

"Ok. Wow, how do you manage to keep all this stuff in stock?"

"Old Jim back there says it's a trade secret, WHICH HE WON'T TELL!" I laughed.

"Quiet youngster!!" he laughed back. "If I told you it wouldn't be a secret!"

"Yeah yeah!" I chuckled.

"Oh my." the lady giggled. "Seems you two get along well."

"That we do ma'am. Almost like father and son. Ok, one pair of winter gloves and a snow shovel. Anything else?"

"No, thank you."

"Alright. That'll be seventeen fifty three."

"Ok. And thank you again. You have no idea how many stores I've been to trying to find one of these."

"I can imagine ma'am. Alright, your change is two forty seven. Have a nice day now."

"I will and you too. Bye now."

"Drive safe! Well Jim, another happy customer."

"You have the touch Renton, that's for certain."

"Quit babbling, will you?" I chuckled. "I just think it's dumb luck."

"No Renton, you have real talent for this sort of thing, which is why I need to talk to you in the office."

"Oh, ok." nervously, I followed Jim into his little corner office next to the back room of the store, wondering what he had up his sleeve. "So what did you need Jim?"

"Well, as you well know, I'm getting ready to retire soon. This old body has seen almost fifty years of this business, and they've been wonderful years to me. But, I think it's time to call it quits. I'm tired and don't think it's possible for me to keep it up."

"So you're shutting it down?"

"No Renton. Here." Gently with a slightly shaking hand, Jim handed me a set of keys. "We've been working together for a few years now, and you're the spitting image of me personality wise."

"Jim…"

"Renton, I'm not closing this place down. I'm putting it into the hands of someone I know can keep it going for many more years to come. I'm giving it to you Renton."

"Wow…I'm speechless. Thanks Jim. I…don't know what to say…"

"No words are needed Renton. Just make sure you take care of it for me."

"I will Jim, I promise. But one question though."

"Sure."

"Didn't you have any family that would be willing to take it over for you?"

"Yeah, but all they would do is fight over it, and I'm not willing to deal with that headache since they would all fight over who gets what on it. This way, it all goes to one person who I know really cares. I have all the paper work here, drawn out by my attorney. All I need is a few signatures and she's yours."

"You got it Jim." I said as I signed the ownership papers. "Does your family know about this?"

"They will after I get these into my attorney, which is where I'm heading next. I'll be back in about an hour."

"Ok Jim, and thank you. I won't let you down."

"I know you won't Renton, but I'm still your boss until the end of the day, so don't get lazy on me."

"Darn, almost had him." I laughed as he was walking out the door.

"Funny kid. I'll be back soon."

"Alright Jim, I'll hold down the fort."

"Right. See you later."

Eight o clock in the evening I said goodnight to Jim for the last time. It was Friday night, making me think that Jim had planned this just right for some reason. It had been a busy yet happy ten hour day since I started at ten. For the first time in my life, I got to lock up on something that I owned. It felt weird, but yet it was the best feeling in the world. Sarah was going to be amazed at this news when I got home, and excited, well, I'm sure that was going to be an understatement. But I guess I was going to find that out when I got home. I knew Sarah had already picked up the kids, so I just hopped into my car and started the fifteen minute journey home. Luckily Jims prediction deemed true and the storms held off until I got home. By the time I had gotten inside, it was snowing so hard I couldn't see two feet in front of me.

"Hi dear."

"Hey love." I said smiling as I hung up my coat. "Boy, I'm glad I got home when I did."

"I know. From what the weather says, it may not end until sometime tomorrow evening. The worst of it is supposed to blow through tonight and tomorrow morning."

"Hmm…go figure. And I have to open shop tomorrow somehow."

"You? But how? You don't have the keys to the store."

"You mean these?" I said jiggling the keys in front of her face while I sat down next to her.

"Did you get promoted sweetie?!"

"Well, you could call it that…"

"Renton, what are you hiding from me?"

"Oh nothing…"

"Oh no you don't." she laughed as she tackled me onto our sofa. "You're not hiding anything from me my dear husband. Now out with it!"

"Aww…but I thought you hated surprises…"

"I love surprises and you know it!"

"Oh really? Prove it."

"You mean this?" she then kissed me passionately and softly, breaking down the barrier that I tried to hold so well. It wasn't until that we were both almost out of breath that she finally let me go. "Now, what were you hiding darling?"

"You're looking at the new owner of Rodney's Hardware!"

"What?! That's amazing Renton! When did this happen?"

"This morning. Rodney retired as of tonight and instead of letting his family fight over it, he decided to let me take it over."

"So…we're running it now?"

"That's correct hon. Me and you now own our own business."

"Maybe now we can get a house like we've been dreaming about!"

"We've been able to do that for a while now dear. It's just finding that right place that's been hard."

"Speaking of that…"

"Oh boy, what did you do?"

"I found this really nice house in the real estate magazine today and I made an appointment to look at it. I hope you don't mind."

"Not at all sweetie. Where is it?"

"About ten minutes from here. Three bedroom, two bath, two story home. All the updates have been done and the appliances are included."

"Sounds good to me. Is it within our price range though?"

"Well within it. I was surprised myself when I found it, but the way it sounds, the seller is moving and is looking for a quick sale."

"Nice dear. When do we look at it?"

"In two days after the storms pass."

"It'll have to be early though due to work."

"I know. I planned it for nine since it's five minutes from the store."

"Works for me. Boy, sure is quiet with the girls sleeping."

"Yeah…it's romantic too watching the snow fall outside. Kind of gives you that calm relaxed feel."

"Yes it does Sarah. Yes it does…" curling into my arms and pulling a blanket over us, me and Sarah relaxed on our sofa while watching the snow outside as it fell silently from the night time sky. "Hey Sarah?"

"Yes dear?"

"What do you think we'll have this time?"

"Knowing our luck, it'll be another girl." she giggled.

"Yeah, you're probably right." I chuckled back. "But I hope it's a boy this time. It'd be nice to have a different change of pace."

"Well we'll be happy no matter what we have, won't we?"

"Yes we will hon." and with one more gentle smile and caring kiss, we laid down and almost instinctively fell asleep, warm at each others side.

Two days later at nine sharp, we arrived with our girls at the home that Sarah made the appointment to look at. At first glance, I was highly impressed. We had been to several homes and none of them made an impression quite like this one did. Our realtor Janet arrived about a minute after we did, giving us just enough time to glance at the outside of the building.

"Morning Janet!"

"Mr. and Mrs. Matthews, good seeing you again. How are you doing?"

"Just fine now that the storms have passed."

"I know! I've had to cancel about six appointments due to all that snow. Luckily yours was in town, making it easy to get to."

"Indeed. Well, shall we go inside?"

"Lead the way Mr. Matthews."

"Kind of hard to considering you have the keys."

"Oh yes, of course." she laughed lightly. "Follow me. Now as you read in the information sheet, all the updates have been done for you. Paint, windows, new heater and AC unit, water heater, and roof. You'll find hardwood floors in the living, dining, and kitchen areas as well as the entryway as you can see. The stairs going up are all solid wood also with carpeting in the bedrooms and vinyl flooring in both bathrooms. All the remodeling was done about two years ago, so it is fairly recent. All appliances are included in the cost."

"It's amazing Renton!" Sarah then yelled gleefully from the kitchen. "I love it!"

"So do I dear." I laughed. "The floors are amazing."

"So is everything else. I wonder why he has it priced so well though considering all the work that was done to it."

"A family emergency came up and he had to leave right away." Janet chimed in from the living room. "So he needs to sell right away to take care of things."

"I see. That's sad though considering how nice it is."

"Yes it is Sarah. I'm glad you called about it right away. I think it'll make a perfect home if you're both interested."

"I'd have to say I am." I quickly yelled from the upstairs bedroom. "The master is twice the size of ours if not tripled."

"I'm sure all the bedrooms are love." Sarah said as she walked out of one of the two other bedrooms. "Janet, how long do you think it'll be before this place sells?"

"Pretty quick considering the current market. So if you want it I'd jump on it if I were you."

"Well Renton, what do you think?"

"I'm not sure Sarah. It almost seems too good to be true."

"Well it is." Janet said with a smile from the bottom of the stairs. "It's a one time deal. I don't think we'll see something like this again."

"Well Janet, you haven't done us wrong yet, and I think this is your most impressive work yet to date."

"Thank you Renton. So, do you have a decision?"

"I say we take a chance and take it. How about you Sarah? I'm sure our girls here would love to have more space to play, especially with that huge back yard."

"Sweetie, you couldn't have said it any better. Where do we sign Janet?"

"Follow me into the dining room. We'll sign an offer, present it, and see what he says."

Two days later- D-day. Me and Sarah walked back and forth in our living room pacing like nervous wrecks waiting for that one life changing call. Faith and Adrian sat on the floor playing with their toys, not even looking at us. It's like they didn't have a care in the world. I didn't mind though. It kept them calm and happy, and for me and Sarah, quiet, until the phone rang….

"Matthews residence, Renton speaking."

"Renton, it's Janet from Gladiolus Realty."

"Hey Janet, how are you today?"

"Doing well. How about you and Sarah?"

"We're on pins and needles here. What's the news?"

"Renton, Sarah…"

"Yes?" I asked nervously. Sarah stood next to me, almost like she was going to bite her nails off at any second as the moments passed by slowly.

"It's yours! He accepted your offer and signed off right away. You can move in any time!"

"SARAH!! We got it! We got it!!"

"Thank you lord!! Thank you Janet! You're the best!" Sarah yelled as she held me tight while jumping up and down.

"Congratulations you two." Janet said happily. "I have you set up for an appointment at ten a.m tomorrow to get the final paperwork done and get your keys. It's the only time I have available right now. Is that ok?"

"It's perfect Janet. Thank you."

"No problem Renton. Congrats again and see you tomorrow. Bye now."

"Bye Janet!" hanging up the phone, I felt almost numb. The one thing that we had been working for was finally coming true, or at least it was true as I continued to stand there in disbelief. "We…did it. We…have a house…"

"Renton, have I told you how much I love you?"

"No you haven't dear. How much are we talking here?"

"This much!" and jumping into my arms, we held and danced our way back into the living room kissing knowing that finally, after trying and working so hard, our dream had finally come true.

Another month later after a lot of work and buying of some new furniture, we were finally moved into our new house. It was a cold move to say the least, but it was well worth it by the time we got done. Me and Sarah had our room, which was almost twice the size of our old one, Adrian had hers and Faith stayed in the nursery in her crib which sat across the room from the other one that would soon be filled with yet another bundle of joy in about eight months. The living room was set up nicely and an extra dining room set was bought to fill our new formal dining room along with a matching buffet with a china hutch. I had bought myself a new desk and a few bookshelves for our little study that we were blessed to get. I had always wanted a small office since I always had to work out of the living room. We had to completely go through and re-polish the floors since we unfortunately trudged in a lot of dirt from the harsh winter weather we were having, but we didn't mind. It was for something we owned, which was the best feeling in the world.

"Renton dear!"

"Yes hon?"

"The sidewalks have to be cleared again!"

"Darn snowstorms…"

"I know hon;" Sarah said with a warm smile as she walked up to me. "but don't worry, winter will be over before we know it."

"Yeah, thanks." I replied gently as I threw on my coat. "I'll be glad when this god forsaken season is over."

"I think we'll all be happy when it's gone dear. Just be careful out there."

"I will sweetie. Thanks."

"Sure. I'll make some hot chocolate so that way it's ready for you when you come back in."

"Ok. Sounds great. See you in a few."

"Alright hon." and as I walked outside to the snow storm that had been currently falling on us, all I could think to myself was "Yeah, this is the life after all."

Four agonizing months later it was may, and the weather finally warmed up and the last few areas of snow began to melt away. Sarah was now six months in with our new little bundle of joy and we couldn't have been happier, well, neither could our babysitter Jennifer, who quickly learned we now lived only a block from where she lived. If I hadn't guessed, we would've practically said she was living with us. But we didn't care though. The girls were happy to see her, we shared a lot of wonderful memories, and when the lawn was completely thawed out and the grass green, Jennifer took them out to play for the first time. Me and Sarah just stood on our deck and watched as the girls playfully chased Jennifer around the yard. We knew right at that moment we were home.

"Hey, Jennifer!"

"Yes Mr. Matthews?"

"I know you love watching the girls, but would you like a job sometime over the summer?"

"Sure! I'd love to, but I don't know where to look."

"Well I could use some help at the store if you're interested."

"I'd love to! Is it ok with you Sarah?"

"Of course silly! We love you like you were our own, so why would I object?"

"Thanks Sarah, I appreciate it. You've really been wonderful people to work for."

"And we love having you around Jennifer. If it wasn't for you, our girls would be stuck with me all the time."

"Aww, but that wouldn't be a bad thing Mrs. Matthews. I think they'd enjoy it."

"Yeah, but momma has to work too in order to support these little tykes."

"True enough. Well as long as I can still help with the girls, I'll take the job Mr. Matthews."

"Welcome aboard Jennifer. I'll get you started as soon as school ends for you."

"Thanks. Well, at least I won't be bored this summer."

"Looks that way, and with a new little one due in four months, well, we'll be even busier."

"Can't wait Mr. Thurston. If you want, I'll stay here when the baby is born so that way you don't have to drag the girls all over the place at the hospital."

"Sounds like a plan Jennifer, thanks. Just make sure to stay by your phone then so that way we can alert you at a moments notice."

"Can do. Ok girls, let's play some more!" and as me and Sarah watched them play, we just held each other in our arms and cuddled, happy to be together like the family we were.

Four months later at three a.m it happened. It was hot and balmy that night, so it felt like we went from one extreme to the other. The temps were in the mid seventies and the humidity was off the charts. Thank god for air conditioning. But laying in bed comfortably as we slept, Sarah knew right away as soon as the first contraction hit that it was time. I was on the phone right away to Jennifer and I swore she must have been racing at full speed after I called. She arrived at our door with bags packed and pajamas still on. It was the only thing that made me laugh that night before we left.

"Jennifer!!"

"Hey Adrian. What's the matter sweetie?"

"Where's momma and papa?"

"They're at the hospital."

"Why Jennifer?"

"Your momma is having the baby. You're going to be a big sister again."

"Yay!!"

"Ok kiddo, eat your breakfast." Jennifer giggled as she fed Adrian. "If you behave, we'll try to go visit your parents today, okay?"

"Okay!"

"Good girl. Oops, there's the phone. Hello, Matthews residence."

"Hey Jennifer, it's Renton."

"Hey Mr. Matthews. How's it going?"

"It's going. Sarah is due anytime though it's only been about seven hours."

"How is she holding up?"

"Extremely well. She even said that it was a walk in the park."

"Oh my." Jennifer giggled. "That's Sarah for you."

"Yeah, it is." I chuckled tiredly. "But how are my other two girls doing?"

"Doing good. We're all sitting here eating breakfast at the moment."

"That's good. But don't you have school today?"

"My parents already called the school and told them that I won't be in for a day or two, so it's all taken care of."

"Jeez, you sure are dedicated to us."

"Well you are my second family Mr. Matthews, so why wouldn't I be?"

"Point well taken Jennifer. Well, I had better get back by Sarah. I just thought I had better check in before you began to worry about us."

"It's ok Mr. Matthews, it's understandable."

"And can you do one favor for me?"

"Sure."

"Just call me Renton from now on. There's no need for you to be formal with us."

"Ok Renton, I'll do that."

"Thanks. Give my girls kisses for me and I'll call back later on."

"Alright. Good luck."

"Yeah, I'll probably need it." I chuckled. "Bye now."

"Bye Renton."

"Was that papa?" Adrian asked.

"Yes it was sweetie. Him and your momma are doing good. The baby will be here really soon."

"Yay!!"

"Oh my." Jennifer giggled. "I hope my kids are like you when I have them."

"You don't have kids?"

"No kiddo, I'm too young to be a momma yet."

"Ok!" laughing gently as she continued to watch over Adrian and Faith, all Jennifer could think to herself was "Yeah, but until that time comes, you are my family."

Back at the hospital, I just sighed to myself happily knowing our girls were in excellent hands as I hung up the phone. Sarah laid in her bed quietly resting at the time between each contraction. Since it was quiet, I decided to go downstairs to the cafeteria to get some breakfast since my stomach was rumbling quite noticeably. Sarah noticed this too and giggled quietly at me. I swear that woman had sensitive hearing or something.

"Hungry dear?"

"Yeah hon, I am. How are you doing?"

"Tired, but ok. Are you going to the cafeteria?"

"Yeah."

"Can you get me something?"

"Now sweetie, you know the doctor said no food, only liquids."

"Not even a snack?"

"I'll see what I can do love. Now rest. I'll be back in a little bit."

"Ok." walking out of the room, I just had to sigh tiredly, but with a smile on my face. My life was together just like I wanted it to be. A new home, two going on three wonderful kids very shortly, two cars, and if things kept going like they were, maybe even a nice pet in the future just to even things out. Going towards the elevator, I ran into an old friend of mine that I wasn't expecting to see, especially on the birthing floor. "Hey Mike!"

"Renton old buddy! What are you doing here? Wait, let me guess…Sarah is in labor?"

"Yeah, you guessed it. What are you doing here?"

"My younger sister had a baby yesterday, so I'm up here visiting."

"Well congratulations."

"Thanks. So where are you headed?"

"To the cafeteria for some food and hopefully a good cup of coffee."

"I'll join you. I could use some coffee myself."

"Sounds good. So what have you been up to lately?"

"Working."

"The paper keeping you on the run?"

"Pretty much. I've been assigned to cover the GekkoState if they do anything concerning the NRA uprising."

"GekkoState huh? Jeez, I haven't heard that name in a while."

"Yeah, they have been fairly quiet, but hey, let's not talk about work. Let's talk about you. How have you been?"

"Busy. Got a new house, busy with the new baby of course, I now own the hardware store I'm working at…"

"You own that now?!"

"Yes sir! Old Rodney retired and moved out of town to relax. I kept the name though in honor of him."

"Congratulations are in order then. Sounds like you're really moving up in life."

"I think I already hit the top Mike."

"True enough. Anything else going on with you?"

"Not really. Just keeping busy as always. How's life with you other than work?"

"It's been good. Still with the same girlfriend, though we hardly get to see each other."

"Sorry to hear that. You two work in the same office, right?"

"Right on as always. She's assigned as the senior reporter for the federation forces. Usually she's on special assignments."

"Special assignments eh? Sounds rough."

"It is, but I get by. Mmm…I smell food."

"As do I as well as fresh coffee. You up for a cup?"

"Give me two or three and I'm good for the day."

"Excellent. Let's go my friend."

"Lead the way Renton."

Eight hours later after almost sixteen hours of labor, as my darling wife had predicted, we had another little girl. Eight pounds, six ounces worth. Brunette hair, blue eyed, and cute as a button. Another light in our hectic lives. My friend Mike had stuck around just for kicks since his sister was there and was the first one to congratulate us. He was even nice enough to take the first pictures of all us and agreed to have them to us by the next day. After all the doctors and nurses had left me and Sarah laid next to each other on her bed, our little girl in her arms while she slept quietly. "Well, what should we name this one?"

"I don't know…I never really thought of that for some reason. I guess I was so excited I totally forgot."

"Hmm…what to name our daughter…"

"Well let's see dear…we have Adrian and Faith…"

"How about…Hope Marie Matthews?"

"Hope Marie…that's a beautiful name sweetie. Hope it is."

"Our Hope…for a wonderful future."

"Yeah…"

Several days after that, I was back to work and Sarah was back home with Hope who was doing wonderfully. Business had picked up quite considerably at that time, and I think it was due to the fact that I had started advertising more, but of course that was only an assumption really. Jennifer had started working for me part time to help out and I was glad she did. I needed all the help I could get at the moment.

"RENTON! We need more electrical outlets!"

"Coming up! I have to get them from the back storage room!"

"Alright!"

"Ok, let's see…electrical outlets…electrical outlets…ah, here we go. Got them!"

"Thanks Renton!"

"No problem Jennifer." I said with a smile as I brought out a new box of them. "Boy, talk about it being nuts around here."

"Tell me about it. Thanks for hiring me. If you hadn't, it'd be insanity for you."

"Yeah, well, I think I'll need one or two more people to keep things up properly. We can't do it all ourselves you know."

"I may have a couple of friends who might be looking for work."

"Well…I'll think about it. Do they have any experience in this sort of field?"

"One of them is a construction student in school."

"Ok…that sounds a little ironic if you ask me."

"I'm sorry, I know it does, but I'm just trying to help."

"It's ok Jennifer. Go ahead and bring him in when you can. I'll then choose someone else on my own."

"It's a deal Renton."

"Alright. Get these stocked back up then and I'll deal with customers until you're done."

"You got it boss."

"And the leaders of GekkoState, Holland and Talho Novak, have agreed to once again, if needed, regroup their members in order to try to halter the rebel resistance that is starting to build up around Capitol City. More details at ten. Back to you Mary."

"They're back at it again eh?" Sarah said with a smile. "Those dumb rebel forces just never learn."

"Momma!"

"Hey sweetie." Sarah laughed as she played with Adrian on the sofa. "What are you doing?"

"Playing."

"Oh are you now? Well let's go outside and play while your sister sleeps, ok?"

"Ok momma!"

"You too Adrian, come play with momma." and picking up the baby monitor and Adrian, Sarah went outside to enjoy the early yet warm fall weather.

Bellforest. A large tower city now popularized by the infamous GekkoState, who were the true hero's of not only the home planet, but earth as well. In a large cabin home in the woods, a single mother of seven kids lives her life to the fullest after the sudden disappearance of her husband, Renton Thurston. But with only six of her seven kids living at home, she could tell that it was time that a couple of them were moving on.

"Maeter! Get the other kids going!!"

"I'm trying mom! Hurry up Linck! I can't help all the kids!"

"Coming!" Linck yelled. "Felicity, come on!"

"Coming bro!" Felicity yelled. Now seven going on eight years old, Felicity was the spitting image of her mother. In fact some even called her the younger twin of her mother. Timothy was now four going on five and just about ready to head into pre-school. The youngest members of the Thurston family were the twins, who were both three and the spitting image of their father. Angelina and Marie Thurston. The only difference between the two was that Angelina somehow got her mothers coralian eyes. Other than that, she looked like your normal everyday person. "Boy, talk about a busy house."

"It's this way everyday Felicity." Maeter giggled. "We get you guys off to school, Diane comes up to watch the twins, and mom goes to work."

"Yeah, yeah, I know. Hey, Justin is here!"

"Ahh, my knight in shining armor."

"Please sis, don't make me barf."

"Funny Felicity. Hey Justin!"

"Hi sweetie."

"Glad you made it. My little sister here is being her normal self as usual."

"Felicity, are you insulting us again?"

"Now why would I do that?" Felicity replied with a sly grin.

"Because, my dear little future sister, I know you too well."

"Go figure. See you in the car."

"Right. Linck, let's get moving bro!"

"Way ahead of you Justin!"

"Alright then. Eureka, I've got them from here."

"Thanks Justin. If I didn't have to work early today, I would've taken them myself."

"Oh don't worry about it. It's my pleasure. Well my lovely fiancé, shall we go?"

"Of course my dear Justin. See you later mom!"

"Bye kids! Have a good day at school!"

"We will!" and as Eureka waved them off, two little girls hugged her legs and waved along with her. She just looked down and smiled at the two little lives that Renton had left behind. Each one let her realize that they were the reason she was still here to that day. His legacy, his life, was always right there with her along with Felicity and Timothy.

"Maurice, we have to get moving!" Avriana yelled. "Can't be late on our senior year!"

"Yeah yeah! Jeez, who knew being married could be so hectic."

"Well who would've know we'd end up having our own place already."

"Fate sealed us dear. But you know I can't move that fast these days."

"I know hon. Just take it easy."

"Oh man, look at the time. See you in the car!"

"Be right there! Just have to finish fixing my hair."

"Okay. Alright, backpack, house keys, car keys, homework done, and house is clean. Alright Maurice Thurston, let's do this."

"And don't forget the Mrs. Thurston." Avriana giggled. "Can't be leaving the wife behind."

"Oh but of course." he chuckled while wrapping his arms around her waist.

"Ooh, Maurice, do behave yourself young man."

"You mean this?" and without notice, Maurice gave her a quick smile and a passionate kiss that by all means, could've set their apartment on fire.

"Mmm…yes that. Now come on or we'll be late."

"Yes ma'am. Oh, don't forget, we have to pick up Stephen too on our way."

"Got it. Let's roll." and with a turn of a key, the young couple headed out of their parking lot and onto another day at school.

"Maeter!"

"Hey Jackie! Hi Brian!"

"You ready for another day of brutal tests?"

"Please Jackie, who is ready? And besides, why would they throw them at us right at the beginning of the school year?"

"If I knew I'd tell you. It's like this school has a vendetta against us or something."

"Tell me about it. So Bryan, is the soccer team looking forward to another championship year?"

"I think we can squeeze another one out. Besides, the soccer team was undefeated last year if you remember correctly."

"Yeah, who doesn't."

"Right. Hey Justin, let's try to go for more shut outs this year! What do you think?"

"Let's do it Bryan! Those other teams won't know what hit them!"

"Sweet! Crap, there's the bell! Let's move!"

"Wait for us!" yelled Avriana.

"Well hurry up!" Maeter yelled back. "You too bro!"

"I'm trying! Man, what a way to start a school year." Maurice laughed as he slightly limped his way into the school.

"Morning Eureka!"

"Hey Michelle, Katie. How are things today?"

"Swamped. Even the guys are having a hard time keeping up."

"I see. What progress have Joe and Dustin made on that LFO that showed up here?"

"Little to none with all the other orders that we have to take care of. Too bad there aren't that many mechanics out there that know these things."

"Yes, I know. Katie, how are we looking scheduling wise?"

"We're packed for the next five or six days. I'm not sure when our next day off is."

"It figures." Eureka sighed as she sat at her desk. "Have Mack work with Joe and Dustin today. Maybe if we add in the extra man power we can get more done today."

"Can do Eureka. Hey, how are you holding up by the way?"

"What do you mean?"

"With Renton being gone."

"It's still hard Katie, yet…I feel like he's still around for some reason."

"Is that just because you miss him or…"

"No. Well, yes, I do miss him terribly, but my mental connection to him feels like it never got lost or severed."

"But the crash from what I heard was the worst crash scene ever seen in these parts. No survivors were found."

"Yes, I know. But it still feels like he's here, yet I don't know where…"

"Renton! Renton!"

"Huh, what? Oh, hey Jennifer. Need something?"

"It's time to close up for the night."

"Oh, so it is."

"Boy, talk about spacing out. Is everything ok?"

"Yeah, I'm fine Jennifer. Thanks. Can you lock the doors?"

"Sure."

"Thanks. I'll get the lights after I get the deposits done. Make sure the store is organized and swept before we leave."

"Alright Renton." after Jennifer left my office, I had to kind of shake my head and clear my mind. "What in the hell was that? Jeez, my mind sure is wacky on some days."

"Hey sweetie, welcome home."

"Hey hon."

"Daddy!!" Adrian yelled as she ran up to me.

"Hey there kiddo!" I laughed as I picked her up. "Have you been a good girl today?"

"Yes daddy!"

"Good girl. Hey, why don't you go play with Faith, ok?"

"Ok daddy!"

"Hey hon, how is Hope doing?"

"Wonderfully." Sarah said happily as she came out of the kitchen with our little one in her arms. "Care to hold her?"

"Oh but of course darling. Well, aren't we bright eyed tonight, eh Hope?" I said gently as Sarah handed her off to me.

"Yes she is. She's actually been awake most of the day, so hopefully she'll sleep well tonight."

"We can only hope dear. What's for supper tonight?"

"I ordered pizza earlier. There's some left over for you in the kitchen."

"Works for me. I didn't feel like cooking anyways."

"Long day?"

"You said it." I laughed lightly. "If it wasn't for Jennifer working for us already, I would've gone nuts tonight."

"I guess your little advertising campaign worked better than you thought."

"That it did. Well, time to eat."

"Ok hon. I'll be in the living room watching TV."

"Well maybe I'll just join you out there then."

"Now Renton, dear, remember what I told you. No eating food in the living room."

"Darn thy rules."

"Funny sweetie." Sarah giggled. "See you after you eat."

"Ok hon." and as I walked towards the kitchen, all I could think to myself was "Whatever that was sure was strange. But oh well, it's probably due to my accident. This is my life. This…is where I belong."

Back in Bellforest at the Anderson residence, Nadia and Hap had invited Maurice and Avriana over for dinner after a long shift at the hospital.

"So Maurice, how is your mom doing?" Hap asked.

"She's hanging in there day by day Hap. Ever since we lost dad, things have been a little rough on her."

"I think it has with all of us Maurice. I still can't believe it happened though. It still seems too surreal to me."

"I think it feels that way with all of us dad." Avriana replied softly. "But talking about it right now won't help us. Every time we do, it ends up being a really depressing."

"Yeah, I know. Sorry about that kiddo. Joey, quit running in the house!"

"Sorry papa."

"It's ok bud. So, how was the first day of high school?"

"Whacked out if you ask me. It was tests the entire day. I swear it felt like we were getting drilled by a drill sergeant."

"Maybe Holland gave the teachers ideas on how to work you guys to death."

"Funny dad. Really funny."

"I know, I try. Did you do ok on them at least?"

"We won't find out until tomorrow. I think we did ok though."

"I hope so. I don't need my ace of a daughter to get taken down a notch or two on her first day."

"Hah! There has yet to be a teacher in that school that can do that to me."

"That's my girl." Nadia giggled. "Always the confident one."

"You got it mom."

"Well dig in everyone. We've got ribs, veggies, salad, stuffing, and for dessert, I made a giant brownie cake."

"Thanks mom. You're the best."

"You'll be hearing that when you and Maurice have kids of your own someday."

"M-mom!! We're still not ready for that!"

"Relax Avriana." Maurice laughed. "I think she already knows that."

"Still…"

"He's right dear." Nadia continued on softly. "I'm still amazed that we broke your not getting married rule."

"Yeah, that's true. I am blessed to have a wonderful husband."

"And an apartment too. I guess you got lucky since Eureka got into real estate also."

"Yeah, no kidding. I guess she needed something other than just the shop to keep her mind off dad for the time being."

"Do you still believe he's out there?"

"Maybe." Maurice said confidently. "If they couldn't find anyone at that crash sight, then he has to be out there somewhere. He's just got to be…"