Carrying on the Torch

Disclaimer: I don't own Good Luck Charlie

A/N:

Chapter 23 (Guest Invitations)

Charlotte made her way to Mason's home, fully intending to invite the Heglin family. She wanted to extend invites to her friends and their families, everyone within her family were okay with this idea. Besides, when it came to young Jennifer, maybe she'd feel better having another kid her age at this party. Granted Tyler was a year older, it still meant a young friendship and some extra childish fun. Besides, Jennifer's next cousin, Grace, was practically the same age as Charlotte! An age gap that wide just didn't seem fair.

Now, if Mr. Heglin doesn't shove her straight out of the door the minute she arrived, then everything would be golden. If, by some miracle, the Heglins show up, maybe they can get closer to PJ and everyone else there. If not, maybe Mason would show up anyway, he did say he was thinking about going. If anything, she wanted him to bring Tyler, so that Jennifer would have another kid to play with.

In truth, she couldn't wait to get to Dee's family. Sure, she was exhausted with them, but they were a huge family. All of Dee's cousins, three to be exact, had been born in the 1990's, they had young children too, due to being married young and pressured into marrying rich families. That, was on part, why Dee was so exhausted with them. Even now, her mother and father would have these 'social outings' where Dee would be encouraged to meet young, successful boys from wealthy families.

As for Regina and her family, a great majority of her relatives have passed away from ailments such as COPD, Pneumonia, Respiratory failure, cancer, or any such disease that affected lungs. Disease ran thick through her extended family, which was why her mother Alice was doing everything to try and get away from all of that asthmatic problems. She didn't smoke, she did everything she could to prevent Regina from smoking, she tried to stay away from other smokers or anything that could cause serious problems. To Charlotte, Regina was the closest friend to understanding just how it felt to lose practically everyone in the family.

Alice's father passed away a few months ago, so Regina was without a grandfather. The man's sister passed away in the late nineties, so young, but she had been a morbid chain smoker. Alice's uncle, on her mother's side, passed in 2003 from smoke inhalation. Why he decided to become a firefighter when already his parents smoked, his sister smoked, and his lungs were so weak, nobody quite understood. The further up the line Regina went, the younger her ancestors were when they had children. In theory, all of her great grandparents should be alive, born in the early 1950s, but only two were living. Alice's paternal grandmother and maternal grandfather remained living, but Denise Wartheimer's health was rapidly failing her.

Regina's uncle Leroy passed away a year ago after having an asthma attack, it really hit the family hard. Regina didn't like to talk about her family's problems, but both Dee and Charlotte had been there for her whenever she had a major breakdown. Her last breakdown was when her grandfather passed away at the age of seventy back in March. She wanted to know why no one in her family ever seemed to even get past seventy years. She and her three cousins were probably going to go through life very fearful of their life expectancy.

On the plus side, Regina and her cousins actually were the turning point of their families. They were all strong, healthy, vibrant, and could very likely live long lives if they remained careful. Regina was the oldest, the next cousin of hers was Leroy's daughters, Candice and Quinn, born in 2018 and 2020. Her cousin Ryan was born in 2021, making him just two years old. If Charlotte could talk Regina into bringing her cousins along with her, then that would make even more children to have fun at the party.

She shook her head and looked up to the vanilla colored home, first things first, she needed to try and convince Emmett to show up at this family get together. If anything, Tyler at the very least. Taking a deep breath, she reached up and rang the doorbell. Inwardly, she prayed Mason or his Aunt would answer the door. She put on a pleasant smile and looked down to the papers in her hands. They were just reminder flyers that Skyler prepared so that Charlotte could give them to her friends and they wouldn't forget.

The door opened and young Tyler was looking up at her with curiosity. "You're the girl that my cousin likes!" Her face became like that of a tomato, she didn't know Mason had told Tyler of their date. Then again, he probably didn't, but the kid looked like he was smart enough to figure out who his older cousin liked and whatnot. "Are you here for Mason?" She crouched and met his eyes with a kindred smile, she wanted him to be able to trust her, just in case Emmett decided to feed his son with any lies about the Duncan clan. Mason said he never did that, though, apparently there was some iota of respect left.

"Actually yes, but also I was hoping to talk to your mommy, if she's home."

"I'll go get them! Daddy's in his study right now, so I can't get him for you." She chuckled nervously and scratched the back of her head. As long as he was busy working and wouldn't tear her apart for being related to PJ, she was happy.

"That's fine, thank you." Tyler hurried off in pursuit of his mother. As she rose up, she looked inside the house, seeing it really for the first time. It definitely gave the appearance of wealth, but not as wealthy as Dee's home. The carpet was a very light blue, ocean color and the walls appeared to be the shade of the clear blue sky. The furniture inside was almost regal looking, a navy blue sectional couch in the corner of the living room, a rich television stand with a flat screen positioned towards the couch. There were several lamps scattered about and records sitting in various places of the walls. As much as it seemed his uncle was into music, she was astonished that Emmett wasn't concerned with Mason not going into the music field. She started to step inside, not realizing it, then heard Mason's voice.

"Amazing isn't it?" She looked to her left and blushed, Mason was standing in a doorway that led into their family kitchen. He had his arms crossed and an exasperated expression on his face. With a heavy sigh, he lowered his arms and started walking towards her. "Uncle Emmett is so deeply involved in chorography and recording contracts, I'm surprised he has time for the family…and he doesn't seem to mind that I'm not musically gifted."

"Mason, sorry, I didn't mean to just walk in like that…"

"It's fine, Tyler left the door open. He knows better." Mason moved over and shut the door behind her. "Aunt Ivy's cleaning up a mess in Tyler's bedroom, he spilt some orange juice on the carpet. Anyway, welcome to my humble abode, first time here, isn't it?"

"Y-Yeah, your family looks rich. Granted, not as wealthy as Dee's family, but still…surprising."

"There's a difference, only Uncle Emmett has money. Dee's entire family is freaking rich. How you have a friend from a rich family like that is…impressive, to say the least. Most wealthy people are a bit haughty." Charlotte laughed and lifted her finger.

"Most of Dee's relatives are haughty. She's not, that's the difference there. I don't know, but I think her mom, while she enjoys the rich life, isn't so tremendously concerned about Dee living in riches and glory." Well, Dee hadn't been married off yet, had she? "Anyway, this is a nice house you have."

"Thanks. Now that we got you here, maybe we could get grandma and grandpa here…" Oh right, Emmett's parents disowned him, she'd almost forgotten about that. It must be terrible to be disowned by your own parents, raising your nephew who never really remembered his parents. Born in 2009, he was only five when his father died. His mother died two years later, so he had some memory of her. He went directly to Emmett when his mother died, apparently the grandparents never even made an attempt to contact him because evidently, Emmett was not the favorite child.

"Why did they disown your uncle, anyway?" Mason opened his mouth, but the words that Charlotte heard were not his. Spinning around, she saw Emmett leaning against the door frame leading into his study. His face was very straight and narrow, his eyes half lidded and his jaw tight.

"Because evidently I had no future in music, which they hated." Ivy and Tyler left from the hallway in the far end of the living room and froze upon seeing that Emmett was already out of his study. Emmett spread his arms out and stepped forward, still frowning. "Look at this, my house. My family. I can take care of my wife, my nephew, my son, and my father in law…all because of my career as a choreographer and a record producer. I've signed off many great musicians, made them famous, and my parents still refuse to recognize me as their son."

"Why, Mr. Heglin?" She met his eyes, they were filled with sadness and resentment. "If they saw you now, I bet they would be thrilled. I've never met any parents that weren't happy with their child's success." She wanted to try and appeal to his softer side, but she couldn't deny she was terrified of him. This man could throw her out of the house in a heartbeat if need be, so she didn't want to piss him off in any way. "Like you and Mason said, you're wealthy, you can support a family, why would they be mad?"

"I didn't go into the 'family business', Charlie." She started to correct him, but decided against it. Mason lifted an eyebrow and curled his lip into a smirk while stepping next to her. She turned her eyes to him and sighed, it wasn't that she was allowing Emmett to call her Charlie, she just didn't want to be tossed out before she got to talk. "My father is real estate salesman, as is my mother. Their parents worked real estate, and their parents before them. My brother was going into real estate, passed away, so I was their only hope to carry on the torch or whatever." He walked forward a bit and continued to stare into her eyes. "Now…what are you here for? I thought I told your family that I didn't want to see anymore of you Duncans…"

She brushed his remark aside and continued to appeal to his softer nature, which she knew had to still exist. If it existed before the accident, then it had to still be in there somewhere. "Why don't you talk to them?" Mason looked over to Ivy, who lifted her eyebrows in shock, as if it was unbelievable that Charlotte was having a conversation with Emmett. Or, trying, for that matter.

Emmett tilted his head to the side and arched his right eyebrow into a high arc. "Excuse me? It isn't like I haven't tried."

"I mean if you were to sit them down, don't just try over the phone or by way of email. Sit them down, show them how your life is going, find a way to appeal to their parental nature. Families are family for a reason, they'll love each other no matter how hard it seems to be…blood is thicker than water, right?"

"You think they'd listen? I'm a failure as far as they're concerned. Furthermore, I am done with this conversation. Why are you here? I know your brother wouldn't be allowing you to be here."

"I wouldn't say that…" Okay he was right, to a point, PJ probably wouldn't be happy knowing she were here talking to Emmett. He probably wouldn't care, but he wouldn't be thrilled. "Besides, Mason is my friend."

"Oh, right, of course…" The man rolled his eyes. Mason smirked delightfully and crossed his arms.

"You know, Uncle, you and Mr. Duncan are the ones that introduced us." Ivy covered her mouth and stifled a laugh while Emmett let out a defeated growl.

"You two were just babies then, I hardly think that warrants any kind of-"

"I met my best friend when I was two," Charlotte reminded him. "Dee and I were little babies hugging our stuffed bears that Ivy and my sister made at that bear shop." Ivy's eyes widened and filled with joy as she recalled the vivid memory. Her eyes started to glaze over and she quickly wiped her tears away. Mason and Tyler glanced at her curiously as she started to leave the room. "Also Regina's mom was friends with my sister, if you remember Alice Wartheimer."

"Yes I remember her…god I don't know how PJ managed to keep in touch with all of them." He turned away and started for the door.

"He didn't." Emmett stopped in the doorway, putting his hand to the doorframe. His head rose up and his body sunk with a sigh. "Skyler believed in babies having friends, so she would take me over to the Dooley's home, not necessarily with PJ knowing. We met Regina in grade school while we were running around the store that her mom owns, and we just clicked. None of us even knew the connections until Skyler and PJ let us know. Hell, I didn't even know that Mason and I had ever even met before the fifth grade." Emmett chuckled awkwardly and closed his eyes.

"Okay, point taken, PJ didn't keep in touch with anyone. Not even his best friend. What the hell do you need?" Okay, now he was getting agitated, that was clear. Ivy came walking back into the room, studying everyone closely.

"Well, I was hoping you all would come to my family's first reunion-"

"No." She stopped and closed her eyes, sighing softly as Emmett glanced over his shoulder at her. "I have absolutely no desire to be near that brother of yours."

"Well…at least Tyler then, right? I mean, please? My cousin Jennifer is only six and there aren't any other cousins that would be the same age. The closest is Grace, and she's only a year younger than me. That's nowhere near close enough." Emmett chuckled and folded his arms across his chest, turning fully towards her.

"You know, your sister and I were around that age when we first met. She was always that bubbly type, much like you. I'll never understand the Duncan family…I would much rather Mason and Tyler not be mixed up with you, but Ivy tends to carry more weight than I do these days…just don't expect me at that reunion of yours."

"Yes sir…" She watched, still holding onto her breath, as he walked back into his study and slammed the door shut. Silence carried in the air for several seconds before everyone could safely release their breath. Ivy and Tyler hurried over to them, both grinning happily.

"When is this gathering?" Ivy asked, her hands on Tyler's shoulders. Charlotte handed her a flyer, which she took and read carefully. "Okay, the 9th? Mason has a doctor's appointment that day, but I don't see why I can't have dad take Tyler to the park."

"Really?"

"Yes, and if Emmett says anything about it. Well, I'll deal with him." Her heart lifted as the woman lowered the flyer, smiling happily at her. "Either way, I'm sure Tyler will enjoy meeting someone his age."

"If I can get Dee and Regina to bring their cousins, then there will be more kids there, so Tyler and Jennifer won't be the only ones."

"Sounds like a plan."

"Thank you, Mrs. Heglin!" Now she just needed to seek out Dee and Regina, surely things wouldn't be nearly as tense with them. Though Regina's mom always did have that somewhat tense aura about her. She wondered, what family drama they had. As she started to turn, she stopped and glanced back at Ivy, she'd always did wonder what she did nowadays, Mason never told her. "Hey, what do you do for a living?" Ivy's lips curled up and she moved her arms across her chest.

"I design clothing, more freelance than anything. I also tend to help Emmett with choreography lessons."

"Awesome! Well, thank you, and I don't mean to rush out, but I have got to get to Dee's and Regina's before the day is through!"

"Okay." Mason followed her outside and slowly closed the door behind him. She turned to him and gladly absorbed the warm smirk on his face. He was probably impressed that she held her ground when talking to his Uncle.

"Most people don't end up talking to Uncle Emmett that long. You've outdone yourself."

"I just tried to talk some reason with him, maybe appeal to his softer side. He just seems like he's dealing with a lot of stress…"

"Yeah." She looked off to the distance, trying not to spend too much time gazing at him, else she get distracted from her mission. "Your relatives are sticking around for church on Sunday morning, right? I think you said everyone wanted to get together for that?"

"Yeah, then they're all going home Sunday evening. I'll be seeing them again for Christmas."

"Cool. Maybe I'll get to see them then."

"I don't know about that, we're all going to Aunt Diane's. However, we are thinking about having monthly meets, so who knows, if you and I are still dating then…" She smiled sweetly and nudged her shoulder into his chest. "Think we'll still be dating then?"

"Well I hope so. We still haven't set up our second date…Weekends seem to be the only free time. Saturday's off, so, maybe you'd like to go the weekend after next? Seeing as how you probably want your rest on Sunday, when the family leaves."

"The sixteenth?" She rubbed her chin and slowly nodded her head. They were out of school the week after the sixteenth, and off until January 8th. Everyone would be leaving to Aunt Diane's home come the 18th, and staying until the 1st. "I think that works out, it's a date!"

"So be it." He started to lean over to kiss her forehead, but she quickly brought her fingers up and rested them on her lips, smirking as she recalled how dazed she became last time.

"Ah uh, I want absolutely no distractions before reaching Dee and Regina." He lifted his eyebrows and chuckled. She lowered her fingers and smiled back at him, it was impossible to tear her eyes from his! "I'll talk to you later, all right?"

"All right, I think I'd better get in anyway, don't want Uncle Emmett to start wondering…Tell Dee and Regina I said hi."

"I will." She watched as he reached for the door, took a brief pause, than reached over and pecked her cheek. Her eyes widened and her cheeks flushed as he flashed a smirk and reentered the house. Her lips trembled into a goofy grin and she felt like she were being lifted into the air. Damn he was good. It took her a moment, but she finally grabbed a hold of that heart he set aflutter, and quickly turned from the door. "D-Dee's up…or maybe Regina…" She stepped forward, stumbling, caught herself and quickly cleared her throat. "Damn it Mason…"

A few things learned about Emmett, few things learned about his family, Mason pulls a fast one, and Charlotte's dazed...again...hah. Let me know what you thought ^_^