Shooting Stars
Summary: "Until they have reached the age of 21, they will be under the care of Evelyn Mercer and her sons, Bobby Mercer, Jeremiah Mercer, Angel Mercer, and Jack Mercer."
Disclaimer: Don't own anything except for any characters you are not familiar with.
Chapter 1: Goodbye Today, Hello Tomorrow
Amidst the crowd, the flowers, the cries, and the black, the relatively large casket was lowered. A sense of numbness enveloped the crowd as they watched in despair. The sensation-rather, lack of sensation- was, to put it lightly, dead. The feeling of never being alive was present. But, then again, cemeteries were always like that. There was nothing to be cheerful for.
The crowd departed the casket to go to the after-party. It was sometimes a wonder how you could celebrate after a death. However, it was more of a remembrance party. At least that's what we all like to think.
The four children stood still in silence, watching the burial take place. It was a tender, fragile moment that felt as if it could be broken by the simplest of things.
'It was better to be strong than to whimper down and cry,' the youngest thought to herself. Mother and father wouldn't like to see that.
The three older children, all brothers, stood watching, while concealing their emotions perfectly. The youngest, Cam, had the most trouble as her glazed eyes felt as if they were about to freeze. Sliding his arm around her, the eldest, Drew, rested his chin atop her head.
"The Will declaration is tomorrow." The second oldest, Kevin, stated. He laughed, "Bet they just can't wait to sink their claws into mom and dad's money."
David, the third youngest, sighed, "……what about Cam?" He asked, knowing full well that someone would have to take custody of their sister.
"Trust in mom and dad." Drew stated. "C'mon, let's go."
Placing a single rose in front of the tombstone, David shivered. 'Things will never be the same…..'
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Well-tailored and all, everyone took their seats at the large table as Mr. Walton began to get ready for the reading of the Will.
"It fills my heart with sadness to hear of such a great loss. Camille and Daniel Winthrop were close friends of mine, and it truly amazed me everyday on how they could get up each morning and smile, even at the worst of times. As I look around the room, I see faces that have been touched and moved by these two remarkable people. I ask you all now to bow your heads in a moment of silence as we remember the memories that kept us so close with our dear friends." Mr. Walton smiled sadly, giving glances to the Winthrop children.
"I don't buy it." David rolled his eyes, holding Cam's hand.
"We all don't." Their uncle Rooney folded his arms, entering the room. Rooney was a tall, husky old man that was close to retirement. Many people disliked him because of his compassion toward the Winthrop's, and the fact that he used to be a drunk.
Drew and Kevin greeted their uncle, while David shook his hand. Drew chuckled, "Finally, we actually have family here."
"Now, we all shall begin." Mr. Walton opened a box that resembled a treasure chest, and the Winthrop's chortled softly. The box resembled something their parents would use for a 'safety deposit box'.
He pulled out a note the introductory letter Mr. and Mrs. Winthrop had made for everyone. Everything felt awkward, when the letter was read. It seemed as if many people could care less about it. However, the time came for the 'fortunes' to be handed out, and they were happy about that.
"We leave all that we have for my children; the corporation, jewelry, and money." Mr. Walton faltered as he read the bottom of note the note. The details resided on the back of the page on the specifics. The three oldest Winthrop's laughed as did their uncle. The whole room fell silent.
"I ask all of you to leave the Winthrop children as I read the rest of Will handed out for them." Mr. Walton addressed to the crowd. There were sullen looks and angered people who waltzed out of the room, completely enraged at how 'selfish' Mr. and Mrs. Winthrop were. However, they did their bets to hide it.
Sitting closer to Mr. Walton, the Winthrop kids settled anxiously in their seats, not quite sure what to expect.
"Your parents have left you many notes," he handed out specific envelopes to the children. "But above all……I think the most important note is in my hands."
The children looked up, and found a big brown envelope that looked to be filled with documents.
"A long time ago, your parents made a decision pertaining to the custody of their children when you were younger….. I bet that if they could turn back time, they would have you, Camilla, given to your brothers. But, since the will was not updated on time…." His voice got uneasy, and for the first time, they could actually see compassion in his eyes. "….I'm afraid Camilla will have to be given to…."
He opened the enveloped and released one document from it. There was tension in the room. David squeezed his sister's hand, but was alarmed to find that her hand was limp and weak. It was as if she didn't really care at all. However, as soon as he saw the look on her face, that changed. Her eyes were filled with anxiety, and her face was pale. It looked as if she hadn't even breathed.
"Until they have reached the age of 21, my children, Andrew Jackson Winthrop, Kevin Anthony Winthrop, David Marlin Winthrop, and Camilla Lovell Winthrop will be under the care of Evelyn Mercer and her sons, Bobby Mercer, Jeremiah Mercer, Angel Mercer, and Jack Mercer." Mr. Walton read the statement and gazed up at the children. "We ask that this be performed immediately."
Camilla froze, having no account of who those people were.
Drew gave a sigh of relief, but shuddered. He quickly stood up to hug his sister. "Don't worry, they're good people."
Mr. Walton sighed once again, remembering what else he had to address, "It has also come to my attention that Evelyn Mercer has just recently died."
"…which means Cam still stays with us?" Kevin asked hopefully.
"I'm afraid not. The Will states that Camilla is also under the care of Ms. Evelyn's sons." Mr. Walton breathed out, "We have also took the liberty of scheduling your flight just as your parents wanted."
Andrew shook his head, "How much time do we have?"
"Till tomorrow evening at 5 at the JFK. You should be there by around 7. Here's their number to inform them about your arrival." Mr. Walton declared. "Well, now, I'll just leave you to gather what's left of your parent's safety deposit box."
With that, Mr. Walton left with a couple of documents.
"I'm so sorry, Cam." David stroked her hair.
Cam laughed, but it came out like a cry. "Now I have to deal with four boys, instead of three."
They all sat together, reminiscing about their parents as they handed out random, valuable items: jewelry, priceless pictures, awards, etc. After, they left the room, deciding to spend their time with their sister until she had to leave. David was right. Things would never be the same.
Hello! Thanks for reading my story, and reviews are much appreciated!Tell me if you want this to be continued :D
Thismoviejust popped into my head one day, andwhenI looked on this site,I found so many greatstories on here! AlthoughI haven't read anyyet,I'm looking forward to reading your stories as well.The next chaptershall be coming in shortly. Don't you worry!
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