The Wrongway Legacy: 5.1

8/4/2019 The Wrongway Legacy: 5.1

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The Wrongway Legacy

Generation Five, Part One:Footprints


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Last Time...

Ralph returned and Maddie finally got to put her fighting skills to good use. Arielalso returned, and cast a spell, making Fiona, Robin and Austin's newborn baby, amute. Maddie expressed some of her concerns about heirship to Lee, who toldher she had nothing to worry about. Elizabeth passed away and a large wake washeld, in which most of the family attended. Maddie kept Lee company, Hex andLavender got talking, Leda got left out and Lance made sure Gold, Elizabeth'sgranddaughter, was okay. Hex, Lavender, Lee and Maddie sat down to discussheirship, and Maddie expressed she didn't want it. Unfortunately, Maddie doesn'thave much choice...the success of the lines was also explained. Maddie decidedshe wanted no part of the legacy, that she wanted to see the world...and so sheleft town on a bus, while Lee watched, worried.

Sound familiar? If not, I recommend taking a look back. :) Just a thought.


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Hex had looked all over the place for Lavender, and wasn't surprisedto find her at the window in her room. When she was deep in thought,he would often find her there.

Lavender? He asked, quietly, what's wrong?

She turned to face him.


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We haven't heard from Maddie since she left for uni, Lavender said,voice breaking.

In order to cover up Maddie's disappearing act, Lee had taken heradvice and told the family she was studying at La Fiesta Tech.


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She's a student, Hex reminder her, gently, they barely have time forclass, let alone for getting in touch with home. Remember your uniyears?

I got too drunk and threw up in your car as a student, Lavenderremembered, fondly.

Don't remind me of that time, Hex laughed, I was a student, once,we both know she's probably having the time of her life on campus.


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I need to know she's okay, though. I need to know she can handlethis legacy,

Hex smiled again, Then we'll visit her in a few weeks time. We'll driveup to La Fiesta Tech, and go see her. It'll be great.

I hope so, Lavender replied, I honestly hope so.

* * *


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Since getting off the train that morning, Maddie had found theinfamous promenade of Desiderata Valley, as advertised in the touristguide she had read in Veronaville.

Unfortunately, the promenade didn't look quite as nice as thebrochure.


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Bit run down, Maddie thought to herself, as she eyed the burnt outcars, messy alleys and quiet promenade, but it could be worse.

With a concentrated gaze, Maddie searched the promenade for anysigns of a hotel.


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Unable to find any, Maddie looked around for someone to ask. Thiswas the problem with arriving in the morning, very few people wereout.

Luckily, a jogger was out running in the morning sunshine.

Excuse me? Maddie called, Can you help me?


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I'll do my best, the man said, what can I do for you?

I just arrived here this morning, and I'm looking for a hotel, Maddie

searched the street once more with a quick glance, but I can't seemto find any.

A hotel? the man repeated, We don't have any. They closed downyears ago, when I was just a kid.

No hotels. Right. Is there anyone looking for a lodger or something?Maddie bit her lip.


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We can try the local paper, if you want, the man offered, with a smile.

That could be good! Maddie returned his smile, Thanks.


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Tell you what, the man continued, how about we look for lodgingsover breakfast, my treat.

Maddie frowned a little.

Seeing as you're new in town, and everything, the man clarified.

You're a complete stranger, offering to buy me breakfast, Maddiesaid, slowly.


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Oh, I see how it is, the man raised an eyebrow, a man can't ask awoman to breakfast, even though his intentions are innocent. Fine. Iwasn't asking you on a date, I was just going to buy you a grilled

cheese sandwich, but-

Who has grilled cheese for breakfast? Maddie asked, cutting him off.

A hint of a smile came up on the man's face, My friend...she's a littleeccentric. Come to breakfast and see for yourself.


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Fine, Maddie agreed, I suppose I've got nothing to lose.

Excellent, the man started walking down the promenade, I'm John,

by the way.

Cool. I'm Maddie.

* * *


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Natasha Una's face lit up into a smile when she saw who was walkingthrough the door of her diner.

John! I wasn't expecting to see you so early, Natasha said. Maddiestepped in after him, And you've brought a friend! I'm happy for you.Finally, you have a friend other than me.


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I have friends, John chuckled, this is Maddie, she's new in town.

Oh! Welcome! Natasha replied, beaming at Maddie.

And she's unfamiliar with the custom of cheese for breakfast, Johnexplained, playfully, I think it's our duty to educate her.

Absolutely, Natasha said, and I take my duty very seriously.


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As they sat down at one of the tables in Natasha's diner, Maddiegrinned at John, grateful she was already settling into the town. Insome places, it took a little longer. Desiderata Valley clearly wasn't one

of those places.

Sorry, I forgot to ask if you wanted a coffee, John said, with a smile,so, um, do you want a coffee?

No, it's fine. I haven't drunk coffee since I lived in Belladonna Cove.The number of times Chastity and I would go for a coffee...I'm offcoffee for life, I think.


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Ah, so you're a bit of globe trotter, then? John grinned.

You could say that, Maddie shrugged, I've been to a fair number of

places. Nowhere abroad, like Takemizu or Twikkii, though.

Still, you've seen the world, you've lived a little, John paused,thoughtfully, I've done nothing but work.

What do you do? Maddie asked, curiously.


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Maddie never got an answer as Natasha sat down at the table, twoplates of grilled cheese.

You know, Natasha said, cheerfully, if you're looking for a job whileyou're in Desiderata, I could use another set of hands here in thediner.

Maddie looked at her sandwich in thought, But it's so quiet here.

It's only early, John chuckled, Una gets busier at lunch and dinner.


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I'm flattered by your offer, Maddie smiled, but aren't you worried thatI'm a stranger?

Any kid I hire to man the till is going to be a stranger to me, too,Natasha pointed out, besides, any friend of John's is a friend ofmine.

John returned Natasha's smile, Now it's just finding her somewhere tostay...


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Breakfast first, then home hunting, okay? Natasha replied, happily.

I can't disagree with that, Maddie added, this sandwich is the best

I've ever had.

* * *


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Home hunting began by visiting John's place, first. Apparently, hewasn't man enough to spend the day in his tracksuit.

He's such a baby, Natasha stated, playfully. John wore a matchingsmile on his face.

Just because you don't work out, John rolled his eyes, I'll only be asecond.

Maddie, who had been silent for awhile, spoke up, Can I asksomething?

You just did, but go on, John replied.


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Why are there boxes everywhere? Maddie questioned, with a smile.

I just moved back here, John replied, nonchalantly, you're not the

only one to have lived in Belladonna Cove.

He travels a lot, Natasha explained, as John left the room, for hisjob.


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What's his line of work? Maddie asked.

I don't even know, he doesn't like talking about work so we just never

discuss it, Natasha shrugged, before changing topic, So whyDesiderata?

It was just next on my list of places to visit, Maddie smiled, I've beentravelling a long time, now.

Well, hopefully you'll like it here, Natasha said, enthusiastically,Right! Home searching!

* * *


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Minutes later, and John walked back into the room, dressed andsmelling fresh, Any luck?

None at all, Maddie answered, frowning, as far as finding a placegoes, your town is the hardest.

Hmm. Well, we're no longer much of a tourist town... John shrugged,Nowhere at all?


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Natasha closed the internet browser, tired. She hated technology andcomputers, the blinking lights and screens gave her a headache.

Slumping back her chair, she sighed, John, I think she's going to haveto stay with one of us.

But neither of us are really set up for lodgers right now, John pointedout.

You may have a point there, Natasha sighed, What are we going todo?


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John turned to Maddie, What are you like to live with? I mean, haveyou shared with other people before?

Sure. In Strangetown, I lived with five other girls. That was crazy,there was a fight every other night, Maddie replied, truthfully. Shedidn't add that she missed them all.

So you'd be okay with not having much space to yourself?

I slept in a sleeping bag on the sofa in Belladonna Cove, does thatanswer your question?


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This might not work out, John warned, I'm used to my own space.But if you don't mind having a mattress on the floor, you can stayhere.

Maddie folded up the paper and stood up, That's fine. I won't getunder your feet, you won't even know I'm here.

We'll talk rent later, okay? John said, firmly. Maddie nodded, andfolded her arms.

* * *


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Austin, terrified that being mute would stop his daughter from havingfriends, encouraged Fiona to bring home classmates after school. Notall of them understood.

Georgia Newson wrinkled her nose, Want to play?

Fiona nodded her head, with a hint of a smile on her face.


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A bad decision, Garrett Newson added, taking a deep breath of theair. He loved the sunshine.

Shut up, Georgia snapped at him. To Fiona, she asked, Do youhave any swings?

Fiona shook her head. She wasn't enjoying Georgia's company, whydid she choose to bring Georgia home?

This is stupid, Georgia cried, I'm going to sunbathe.


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Ignore her, Garrett advised, she hates that.

Fiona offered a smile.

Just because you can't talk doesn't mean you're stupid! Garrettannounced, Want to be friends?

Fiona nodded, enthusiastically, and gave him a grin.


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I've always wanted a friend, Garrett admitted, in a small voice, butI'm too shy to talk to many people.

Fiona gave him a confused look.

We'll be good friends you can't talk and I don't really like talking!

The smile on Fiona's face returned.


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How about a game of cops and robbers? Garrett asked, I will knowyou're shooting at me even though you can't make gun noises.

Fiona looked delighted, and formed a gun with her hand. Garrettgrinned, and the pair of them spent the afternoon running around thegarden in silence.

* * *


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It was getting into the afternoon when Natasha finally decided sheneeded to get back to the diner. While Maddie wandered around andgot her bearings with her new home, John saw his oldest friend out.

This will be good for you, John, Natasha said, honestly, you need tounderstand what people are like outside work.

I'm fine, John shrugged, you worry about me too much.


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If you didn't work so much, I wouldn't have to worry so much,Natasha pointed out.

Hidden round the corner, Maddie smiled, So he's a workaholic. That'sa new one.

Stay awhile, this time, please? Natasha asked, You were barelyhere three weeks last time.


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Before John could answer, Natasha pulled him into a hug. He smiled,and hugged her back.

I'll try and stick around a little longer, this time, he offered.

Thank you, she smiled, pulling away.


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If you need anything, phone me, Natasha told him, grinning.

Likewise, John answered.

See you at breakfast, she replied, and with that, she walked away,back towards the diner.

* * *


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By the time the evening arrived, Maddie was settling into her newhome. She started working through her list of things to do when shearrived in a new place the top thing on that list was to phone Lee.

Hey, Lee! How's life?

You're in a new place, aren't you?

How can you tell?


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Maddie, it's a routine. You send me one letter from each place, andphone me once, when you arrive, and you think that's fine.

You mean it's not fine?

Maddie, it's been two years. When are you coming back?

I expect that kind of talk from my mother, Lee, not you.

I'm serious.


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I am out here, living, Lee! That legacy crap they've got in the desertisn't living!

Living, right? Part of life is responsibilities, you know.

If this is about that heir thing, I don't want to talk about it, Maddiereplied, firmly, I've been all over the map, Lee! I'm much happier livinglike this.

You know I've been all over the map, too, right. Every place you saidyou were, I've been looking for you.


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Why did you do that?

Because Ralph and Ariel have gone missing, and I need to know

you're safe, Lee chuckled, you're not the only one who's experiencedsome crazy things. That room mate of yours in Riverblossom Hills?Let's just say that was a night I'll never forget.

And a night I never want to discuss with you.

Where are you?


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Maddie sighed, Desiderata Valley. But you don't need to come here,Lee.

Yes I do. We don't know where Ralph is gone, and I don't want to beheld responsible for not being there if he finds you. I'll see you soon.

Lee hung up, and Maddie sighed again, putting the phone back on thewall. Maddie couldn't truly escape home, home was following her now.

Maddie! Called John as he entered the room, I want you to meetsomeone!


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The woman who entered with John immediately reminded Maddie ofsome of her friends from the past two years mostly of Chloe, fromStrangetown, in the way that she dressed.

Hi, I'm Sharon. I'm John's girlfriend, the woman said, with a grin.

Oh, he has a girlfriend! Natasha said he didn't have any friends,Maddie winked, and Sharon laughed.

John shook his head, but he was smiling, I'm just going to go makesome coffee. Back in a second.


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The minute John left the room, Sharon's expression changed, Don'teven think about stealing him from me,

Oh, you're one of those girlfriends, are you? The ones who are nice tome when he's around, but of course, the minute he disappears...

I'm serious, Sharon scowled, I don't care who you are, but you can'thave him.

Sharon, did you forget to put on a pair of trousers today? Or do younormally just wear your shirts with stockings? Maddie asked, with agrin. Sharon narrowed her eyes.


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Do I look like I'm joking? Sharon demanded.

Probably not, but I've been through all this before. Crystal Vu wassurprisingly protective of Lazlo, even though I was dating Pascal atthat point.

What?

Don't worry, I'm not going to tell John about this, because it neverworks, Maddie shrugged, and you can have John. I'm notinterested.


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Moments later, John stepped back into the room, and Sharon's nicesmile was restored. Maddie rolled her eyes and began to walk away.

You coming, Sharon? John asked. Sharon beamed.

Of course, Sharon replied, and gave Maddie one last meaningfullook before following John out of the room.

Guys are blind, Maddie thought to herself as she walked away, thoughI thought John was smarter than that.

* * *


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So I was kind of confused. John seems like the guy who would knowif his girlfriend was two-faced, Maddie concluded, with a scowl.Natasha laughed a little.

John doesn't understand people, Natasha replied, he works toomuch to really have a grasp of social stuff.

Then how does he have a girlfriend?


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That's just a label, Natasha said, cheerfully, Sharon's in it for thewoohoo. I heard a rumour she's sleeping with her sister's husband aswell.

Really? Maddie shook her head, thinking about Don and his manylovers, And John has no idea?

I don't think so, Natasha replied, thoughtfully, he's not home oftenenough to really notice, I suppose.


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Natasha wandered over to the counter, and smiled, while Maddiestood there in thought.

Why does he have to leave town? Maddie asked, frowning a little.

He goes where he is hired to go, but I don't know much more aboutit, Natasha shrugged, like I said, he hates talking about it.

Maddie was about to ask why John had been living in BelladonnaCove, when the diner door opened.


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Hi, you sell food, right? The guy asked, as he walked up to thecounter.

Natasha nodded, enthusiastically, We have something for everyone,providing that everyone likes grilled cheese.

The man laughed, Sure! I'll have a grilled cheese sandwich.


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While Natasha made the sandwiches, Maddie stood at the till andsmiled, So, are you from Desiderata?

No, the man replied, with a smile, I'm from Bluewater Village. I workat work of the Langrabb Computer Companies there. Got a call out tofix a machine here.

Isn't this a bit far for you to come and fix a computer? Isn't Bluewaternear Pleasantview? Maddie frowned. She'd heard of Bluewaterbefore, but never been there.


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Nah, it's not too far, the man said, I used to drive up here as a teenwith my friend, Gilbert. His Mum used to own a property on the prom,and we'd stay there most weekends.

Sounds like fun, Maddie replied, thinking of the properties still on theprom and how run down they were.

It was, the man agreed, so are you from Desiderata?

No, I'm from a tiny little town about an hour away from Sim City.


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The man smiled, Sim City is miles away from here, you're furtheraway than I am.

Probably, Maddie agreed, it's a nice change.

I'll bet, the man paused, hey, if I bring Gilbert up here this weekend,do you want to hang out? Me and Gil know Desiderata really well, wecan show you some of the night life, if you'd like.


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That would be excellent! Maddie replied, I don't know anythingabout Desiderata, really.

Cool, the man nodded, it'll be fun!

I'll write you down my number, so you can get in touch, Maddiegrabbed a napkin from under the counter, I'm Maddie, by the way.


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I'm Chester, he said, taking the napkin and putting it into his pocket,and we're going to have a great weekend.

You know it, Maddie grinned, as his sandwich arrived, I'll see you

soon.

* * *


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That's it for this time!

I can't believe we're over half way into the legacy now! So tocommemorate the occasion, I got Jim and Ralph together. They look

so happy to be together again, don't they? :P

Thanks for reading!

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The Wrongway Legacy: 5.1