#classic generation

TW//Assault

Winter had settled in Copperdale, but despite the cold Hezekiah and Anabelle often enjoyed the occasional sneakaway. "We should get back."

Kye groaned, "Let them cook their own dinner."

"You're supposed to be preparing for your dad talk with Mathias."

Hezekiah and Anabelle returned from the lakeside gazebo. Mathias joined them for dinner and then he and Kye had a talk.

"Aren't you cold?"

"No. How did the talk go?"

"Eh, Just the typical dad stuff. I just told him how amazing you were and now we're solid."

"What 'typical dad stuff'?"

"You know like, 'what are your intentions with my daughter?' 'I got a shotgun in the closet if you hurt her.' That kind of stuff."

"He doesn't have a shotgun."

"They usually don't."

"But he said yes?" Mathias shrugged, "I guess we're official now"

He took a step toward her and her heart raced as he planted his hand on the fence near her head, "You know, a lot of teens nowadays start woohooing when they go steady."

She twirled her butterfly ring with her thumb, "I...still want to wait. I like just making out with you."

He leaned closer, "Yeah? I like that too but usually those things are meant to lead to other things." He put his hand on her face tilting her face up towards him.

She pushed him away. "Are you crazy? My parents bedroom is right there. We could get caught!"

"Sounds thrilling."

He placed his hand on her hip and pulled her closer. "Relax, your parents were playing a game with Stefan. Your dad trusts me now...why don't you."

"I trust you...I'm just scared."

"Of what?"

"Won't it hurt?"

"Only for a moment and then," He pressed closer, "pure ecstasy."

He pushed her back against the fence again and for a moment she stopped breathing. He smirked, "You're a fool to think you don't want this."

"I do want it...I'm just not ready yet"

"It's not healthy to keep it all pent up." He leaned in closer and she lost her train of thought

Suddenly he stepped away from her. "Don't worry, I'd never actually do anything with your parents right here. Your dad might not have a gun but I've seen him angry, I'd rather not have that chat."

Sofia nodded.

"How bout we go to the Carnaval again this weekend.

"Okay."

That weekend Kye and Anabelle sat out on the water watching the lights from the Carnaval. "I'm surprised you said yes."

"Me too. But she's your daughter. She'll only be more determined if we say no."

"She'll have her heart broken."

"Yep and we'll be here when she does."

She wrapped her arm around him and looked into his eyes. "When'd you get so wise?"

"If I recall, It was about the time you shattered my heart into a million pieces."

"Which time."

"Hmm I forget. Sofia's a Mizrahi, a broken heart won't destroy her and she won't be alone"

Hezekiah was right about one thing, Sofia was strong but that night would set her on a path that would test her Mizrahi resiliance.

"I'm so glad we're finally getting to come here"

"Is there something specific you wanted to try?"

"The ferris wheel! I heard the view is stunning"

Mathias laughed. "Sure if you would rather look at the scenery."

"What do you mean?"

"The view may be stunning but that's not generally why people ride the ferris wheel."

She looked at him blankly.

"You know...private cart no way to get interrupted."

"Oh! I knew that!"

He bought the tickets at the booth and they headed onto the Ferris Wheel. The view was stunning and the makeout session didn't disappoint. Mathias was feeling pretty good by the time they got off the ride.

"Shall we get some ice cream next?"

"Yes please!"

They got some ice cream and Sofia insisted they ride the Love Carts but Mathias was bored. "Maybe you'll like the Haunted House, that's exciting." "I hate Haunted Houses. Let's skip it." "Well what else do you want to do?" "I know a nice private place around the corner."

He took her down an alley behind the Haunted House to a table tucked back near some sheds. "I'm so nervous."

"You don't have to be nervous. Like I said, it'll only hurt for a moment."

She nodded and touched his chest tentatively. "What if I'm not good at it?"

"Then we keep practicing." She nodded and finally got up the courage to lay her hand on his chest. "That's it, now move lower."

She hesitated and leaned forward. "Can I kiss you instead?"

He sighed, "Fine. But you better not chicken out on me."

"I won't. I promise."

He pulled her closer and she dipped down to kiss his neck. "What are you doing?"

"Kissing you."

"I don't know what that is but it's not kissing."

She tried harder but it just made him angry,

"Just stop you're ruining the mood."

"I'm sorry, I told you I'm nervous."

He tilted her head for a proper kiss but Sofia already felt humiliated. Her eye caught the ring on her finger and her father's words came back. She deserved better than this. She pictured her dad walking her down the aisle and knew Mathias couldn't be at the end

"We should stop"

Mathias flipped her onto the table angrily. "What do you mean stop? You promised you wouldn't chicken out. I don't like broken promises, Sofia"

"I'm sorry, I...I just don't think-"

"What? Do I not fit your perfect image?"

"You're scaring me"

"And you're really pissing me off"

Sofia tried to push him off her but he grabbed her and yanked her closer. "No, Sofia. Enough of your games. I'm not playing anymore. I've waited way to long to have you bail on my now."

"Mathias wait. Stop. Please."

But he was already tearing at her clothes.

"I leapt through so many hoops for you, even put on a show for your dad and it still wasn't enough for you. Well tonight I'm getting what's due me."

Terror paralyzed her, her mind shutting down as he kissed her brutally and then moved lower. She didn't remember much after that.

Hezekiah Mizrahi (58) died of old age in the spring of 1970 while visiting the Romance Festival with his daughter Sofia and granddaughter Ava along with their spouses Nikolas and Kyle. He was born in 1912 at Mizrahi Farm in Old New Henford (then Little Henford), the son of Daniel and Elena Mizrahi. Hezekiah spent his early years living off the land in Evergreen Harbor. With no official employment he made his living through trade and odd jobs. It was during that time he met Anabelle Gillain and had their two children (twins Stefan and Sofia). Like most men of the 40's he joined the military in 1941 and returned in 1944 with a spinal injury that left him in a wheelchair for the rest of his life. Upon his return he married Anabelle and moved his family of 4 to Copperdale where he lived off his military pension and provided for his daughter and her children on more than one occassion. Hezekiah was known to be an emotional man with an irresistible personality. He was often avoidant of relationships and often repressed his feelings until the war made everything a bit clearer. After the war he was known to be hot-headed with a quick temper and a fierce loyalty. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Lizbeth and close cousin Kailee as well as her husband and his best friend, Knox. His wife Anabelle passed at the same time and location. He was survived by his children Stefan (35), and Sofia (35) and grandchildren Ava (20) and Thomas (12). He and his wife were buried together near their home in Copperdale which is now owned by their daughter Sofia and son-in-law Nikolas.

One crisp fall day, Anabelle woke early to tend the garden. With the winter season coming soon she knew they would soon have to move on from their camp and food would become scarce. Kailee soon came out to join her and the two settled into an easy conversation.

"I'm glad to see you and Kye worked things out."

Anabelle flushed thinking about what 'working it out' looked like. Her stomach turned and she massaged her neck anxiously.

"I'm sorry I shouldn't pry. I just worry about him and I've seen how much he's grown with you."

A wave of nausea flooded her again and she leaned back against the hay bails.

"Everything okay? Your anxiety flaring up again?"

Anabelle wanted to say yes but it was getting harder to deny what she knew had to be true. She covered her face with her hands. "I'm such a fool!"

"Anabelle, what's going on? What happened?"

"I thought we could just enjoy each other. I thought maybe things would work out once the economy got better. I can't believe I was so stupid."

Kailee's heart sank as she put her arm around her, "Are you-"

"I'm pregnant Kailee."

Silence surrounded them for a moment as the words sunk in "You should tell Kye"

"No!" She wiped away her tears her face becoming firm. "He doesn't want this. He made it clear. This is my fault, I should have been paying better attention and I'm going to take care of it...alone"

Once Anabelle had voiced it out loud, her path became clear. She had to leave before it became too obvious, before Kye had the chance to figure it out. "You've been awfully quiet tonight." She'd avoided him all night but once the others were asleep he slid his arms around her.

She didn't say anything, her thoughts becoming too loud. She wanted to tell him to stop, wanted to tell him the truth, wanted to keep her thoughts clear...but she couldn't, not with him. The more he touched her the more she longed for it to never stop.

Just one more night.

Her mind made up, she turned toward him. Why was it that the look in his eyes made everything fade away. "Something's up."

"No, everything's perfect." It wasn't a lie. In that moment everything was perfect. She didn't want to think of other moments.

Kye held her as they lay back in the grass. The heat from the fire made the air suffocating despite the autumn breeze. He knew there was something wrong when she pulled herself desperately on top of him. He brushed her cheek forcing her to look into his eyes She was so distant.

He rolled her off him and sat up. "Kye?" She looked at him with those sad eyes.

He wished they didn't kill him. He didn't want to care but he did. "Talk to me. Why are you so distant tonight?"

"I...I don't want to think about it."

His hand moved under her shirt. "Fine"

He had her in her underwear before she could hardly blink. She could feel his frustration as he buried his face in her chest. She desperately wanted to stay present but she couldn't keep her mind from wandering. He wouldn't understand. When she disappeared he would blame himself.

"Hey!" he admonished her and she focused on him. "You're not supposed to be thinking about it. Just me remember"

She sighed, "I guess I'm killing the mood"

She tried to get up but he refused to give up so easy, he wrapped his arms around her, "You're not getting away that easy"

It struck him then what was happening: The distance, the disconnect, even the way she was looking at him now as if she would sear herself into his memory. The way she touched him like she never wanted to forget. He had told her he didn't want more so this was her goodbye.

They eventually fell asleep by the fire, his arm draped over her like those nights she had slept in his tent. If only they could go back to the innocence of those nights when it was just sleeping and talking. She pushed him away gently and sat up. She couldn't wait any longer.

She dressed and grabbed the few things she owned, slipping from the tent into the still night. Her heart jumped into her throat when she heard his voice, "So, you really are just going to slip out in the middle of the night."

He was going to make it difficult.

He stood to his feet, "Are you coming back?"

She took a deep breath and turned toward him forcing a smile and a lie. "I hope so. I just have to return home for a bit then I'll find you." She turned away quickly hoping she had hid her tears.

"Wait!" She didn't dare turn around.

He scrambled into his pants and ran after her but he suddenly didn't know what to say. He could tell her he liked her, that he'd changed his mind. He wanted her to stay, to see where things went, maybe even consider a family...but the words lodged in his throat.

He was too terrified to say those words. It was better this way. She could go and have the life she dreamed of. He wrapped his arms around her and just held her one last time. "It won't be the same here without you. But I understand."

"If only you actually could understand."

She climbed on the bike and he forced her to look at him, wrapping his arms around her. So many things he wanted to tell her. But he was so afraid it would turn out be a lie and she'd be even more hurt. He couldn't say it when she was standing there with the strength to leave.

She finally broke the kiss and he watched as she rode away. He didn't want to hope that he would see her again when everything screamed that it was over. "I think I'm in love with you." He whispered to the darkness and perhaps it was only darkness that would ever love him back.

It didn't take Knox long to settle in "So when he told me he couldn't pay me, I said 'that's fine I'll just take this whisky and we'll call it even.' The prohibition had just ended so you better believe I sold it for a pretty penny"

The women laughed, Kye was not amused

As the meal ended, Knox pulled out his guitar. "Ah I missed this!" Anabelle laid back on the table blissfully as Knox's soulful voice filled the camp. Anabelle was completely engaged as he moved from one song to another. "Oh this one's so beautiful. I've never heard it before."

"I wrote it after you left."

"It's so sad"

He shrugged, "There was a lot to process, the economy had just crashed, people were starving, I lost my job, then you were gone."

Anabelle leaned forward and pressed a kiss to his cheek, "I'm glad you're here now."

Kye's heart fell.

Kye knew Anabelle didn't owe him anything but seeing her with Knox had stirred up something new. He didn't like it. She didn't belong to him and made it clear she didn't want to, so why did it hurt so much?

"Kye?"

He bolted at her voice hoping his face didn't give him away.

He didn't look at her until she had sat across from him on the bench and placed her hands over his. "Can we talk?"

"About what?"

"We still haven't talked about what happened at the quarry. Maybe you're in the habit of leaving things, but I'm not."

"What else is there to say?"

She sighed and her hand drifted up to his heart. "I shouldn't have pushed you into things you didn't want. I still want you."

"What about Knox?"

She let out a laugh, "Knox is an old friend...one I once had a thing for, but he's not you."

"No, he's better than me"

"Stop that"

She slid her hand to his shoulder pulling him closer, "Please don't push me away." Her anxiety flared as their lips pressed together. She wanted him so bad and she feared her desire for more had already ruined things.

"I still don't want the family life." he whispered

"I know."

For awhile they were lost in each other until Knox's voice echoed from the fire, "Hey we have marshmallows!"

"Come with me?" Anabelle grabbed his hand, "Let's enjoy this moment while we have it...please"

He let her pull him from the bench and they joined the others by the fire.

"How's the marshmallow?" Anabelle blew on the stick before trying a piece, "Mmm"

"Let me have a taste." he leaned forward to steal some.

"No! You have you're own!"

They both laughed then Kye held his to her mouth "Try mine"

She held his gaze as he fed her, hearts pounding.

Anabelle squeeled as Kye pulled her closer, draping her legs over his and whispered something in her ear. Kailee liked seeing them happy Kye deserved it, but she couldn't help but be skeptical that he would end up ruining it somehow. She didn't want to see Anabelle hurt.

Later that night after Kailee and Knox had headed off to their tents, Kye and Anabelle still sat by the dying fire as they used to do before their argument.

They talked until the fire had gone out and Anabelle stood, "I guess we should get to bed"

"I wish you could join me."

She swallowed as he came closer. He wasn't usually in the habit of good night kisses. "I know, I wish Knox had his own tent I miss-" her breath caught as he tipped her head up, "your warmth...and your...arms around me...and..." her words got lost in her mind as his hand moved.

She thought he was going to kiss her but his hand traced her cheek, following the bone to her ear and then down to her throat. She gasped as he tipped her head to kiss her but he deviated to her cheek teasingly, his lips moving hungrily in a way that made her pulse quicken.

She moaned as he moved down into the curve of her neck pulling her closer. "Shhh" He reminded her as he pulled away with a smirk, "tent walls are too thin for you to be making all that noise."

She scoffed "It's your fault!"

He just shut her up with a deeper kiss.

He turned her around, craddling her in his arms. "I've never felt this way about anyone before. I never thought I could want someone so much. I thought there was something wrong with me before I met you."

She opened her mouth to reply but he cut her off with more kisses.

She turned back to face him, looking into his eyes, "Do you really feel that way about me?"

"Yes. I've always had girls around me, kissed a few, even dated one, but...with you...you're something magnetic."

He lifted her up, her skirt riding up so his hands slid along her skin.

He lay her down on the table and he she looked up at him expectantly but he just looked at her blinking as if his brain had finally connected with where the night was heading.

"Why did you stop?"

"I want you so bad I feel like I might die if I can't have you, but-"

He pulled back sitting on the bench and she slid off the table to join him. "Kye, you're not the only one who wants this."

"I don't want you to regret it tomorrow."

"Let's not worry about promises we can't keep. I don't expect anything from you. Let's just enjoy this moment."

She pressed closer to him so that he couldn't hide his desire for her and he looked up at her with pained eyes. "You're not being fair."

"To who? You have nothing to lose."

"I don't want to hurt you."

"Let me decide that. Right now we both want the same thing

He let out a soft groan as she wrapped her fingers around his neck. "Fine, you win! But don't blame me if your heart gets attached. This is just woohoo"

She nodded "I promise. It's just woohoo" She pressed another searing kiss to his lips. There wasn't much talking after that.

Kailee was sitting by the creek with her feet hanging down into the water. The camp was quiet and she let her mind drift off toward Henford. She didn't regret leaving. She would do anything for Kye. He was her best friend and not even he could change that.

She still remembered the day the Mizrahi's had come to live with them during the war. They were already close in age but it was during that year that they became inseparable. Lizzie was a good sister but she had always been a little too self-focused to see that he was hurting.

Kailee was so absorbed in her thoughts she didn't hear Anabelle's approach until the girl was leaning over her "Can I ask you something?"

"Oh hey...Um sure!"

Anabelle sat next to her on the edge of the creek. "It's about Kye"

Kailee let out an abrupt almost cruel laugh "Oh no!"

"What?"

"Don't go down that path Anabelle. My cousins irresistible. Like seriously every girl in high school wanted to date him, but he's incapable of reciprocating."

Anabelle frowned, "Well he talks to me just fine."

"That's because it's not serious."

Kailee's sighed and looked out at the water "Don't get me wrong, Kye can be incredibly gentle and funny. He's the kind of guy who'll hold your hand even while warning you you're gonna fall and then carry you home on his back when you twist your ankle. But it's all surface"

"So what? It's all a lie?"

"No, what you see is real. He's authentic and loves to joke around and make people smile but he's been hurt a lot. The moment a relationship becomes too serious...it's over."

"So the way he looks at me? You're telling me it doesn't mean anything?"

Anabelle pressed her fingers to her temples. This conversation was not going anything like she planned.

"I'm sorry Anabelle. Those looks don't mean anything. He doesn't understand what those looks do to girls like you."

"Girls like me!? What is that supposed to mean?"

"I just mean he doesn't realize how charming he can be. How irriststable that goofy smile is."

Anabelle put her head in her hands, "I don't get it, why doesn't he push you away?"

Kailee bit her lip, biting back a wave of emotion, "Cause I've never let him know how much I care."

That night everyone sat around the fire, enjoying grilled fish and telling stories. "Hey where's Anabelle?"

"Haven't seen her tonight."

"She's fine." Kailee chimed in, "She just needed some alone time tonight"

Kye stretched and swung a leg over the log, "I'm gonna head to bed.

As he swung his leg over the log, Anabelle suddenly appeared. "Leaving so soon? Did I already miss dinner?"

"No there's some fish." He motioned toward the fire.

She placed her hands over his, "Don't go yet, the nights still so young."

Kye quirked an eyebrow followed by that irresistible smile that did things to her he apparently couldn't understand.

"Okay, I guess I can stay a little longer."

"Great!" she tucked herself against him pulling his arm around her.

"What are you doing?"

"I'm cold." she shrugged

Kye felt confused. He liked Anabelle more than he felt he should but he was incapable of love. Wasn't that what Jessie had said? A burden, a disgrace to his father's name? He barely registered when everyone slipped off to their tents not until Anabelle slipped into his lap.’

For a moment he held her, unsure what he was supposed to do. Hadn't Jessie done stuff like this to drop hints. He pulled her into a kiss. Was this what she wanted? He pulled away.

"What's wrong?"

"I'm sorry, I don't want to lead you on but...I can't give you what you want."

She pulled herself back into his lap, leaning over him, "You don't know what I want."

His heart pounded as she kissed him. He hadn't allowed himself to imagine something like this with her. It was dangerous. Being with him was dangerous. He pulled away. "Anabelle-"

"Shhh..."

She pressed her finger against his lips then lay it against his cheek. "All I want is someone who will keep me warm during these cold nights...that's all"

"Are you sure?"

"Kye, I like this," She kissed him again, "But it doesn't have to mean anything."

He smiled weakly, "Okay"’

The next morning Kye woke feeling exceptionally good, though he wasn't sure why. It wasn't like anything had really happened last night. He had kissed Anabelle...and thoroughly enjoyed it. But that was it. It didn't mean anything and had gone no farther. But he felt good

"Good morning Autumn"

"It's morning all right, wouldn't necessarily call it good."

"Oh? What's wrong?"

"It's these ridiculous kids. They think just cause they're married with a kid, they can act like adults."

"Don't you think you're being a little unreasonable?"

"What? No, they need their family now more than ever."

"I'm just saying they may be teens but if they're old enough to create a family, they're old enough to make they're own decisions."

"You don't know anything about it! They're way too young and naive to make it on their own"

"I'm just saying she's your sister-"

"Don't pretend like you know my sister. You don't know anything about my family."

"I mean I've heard a little."

"You don't know the half of it! My parents were young and stupid and their families completely turned their back on them!"

"Okay, I'm sorry. It's none of my business."

"No, you know what. I never asked for any of this. I've been doing my best everyone just likes to tell what a bad job I'm doing. I'm done. We're leaving."

Before Kailee could even protest, Autumn had disappeared inside the tent.