Austin Miguel II--Chapter 4

Austin Miguel II (age 27), his wife Kea (age 24)
Narrated by Miguel

I never thought that we would but we ended up buying a house. The apartment that Kea and I lived in was way too small. Now that we were parents we needed to have more space for our child. I personally thought this house was too big for us but Kea kept insisting that we needed more space not less.

We had a baby boy and thus the legacy of the Dominguez family is now secure. We decided to name my son Austin Victor III. I know im his father but he is the most beautiful baby I have ever seen. My wife, Kea agrees with me.

For now Kea has maternity leave from her job at the laboratory she currently works in. I have to admit that Kea's pregnancy was so smooth that being a mom for her seems so natural.

One of the best things about having my wife home is that I always have my meals prepared for me when I come home. I love that she enjoys cooking and taking care of the house. I have been thinking about maybe hiring a maid once or twice a week to help with cleaning this big house.

One night I snuggled up with Kea and she told me that her job had called her. Apparently they were making more progress than they thought they would. If Kea wanted acknowledgment in the research she would have to return to work sooner than was expected. I didnt want her to go back to work because that would mean that Victor would have to be with a nanny all day. Her schedule was so unpredictable that it was hard to say when she would be home. I tried to be supportive but with my promotion and me earning more money I just dont see why she has to work.

We planned a nice dinner to have my family over and introduce them to Victor. My family loved my new house and loved the way Kea decorated all of it. Kea was beaming when my sisters told her that she would have to help them decorate their houses.

Kea showed off Victor to Suki and my other sister Asia. They were so happy to see their new little nephew. Asia was happy and asked when we were planning to have another. For right now we do not have plans for another baby. I managed to secure the legacy and that was my main purpose.

Kea reminded me that she was going to go back to work and I was not happy. Of course we had the age old discussion of her being a stay at home mom. She told me that how dare I ask her to put her career on hold. She said as many women do, "I can manage both things... if you wanted a servant then you should have married one." As soon as she said that I changed the subject. I know Kea's temper and trust me I did not want her in a bad mood with me.

I had the day off so I stay home with Victor instead of hiring a nanny. Kea kissed me goodbye and reminded me that she loved Victor and I. I hated seeing her go. I wanted her to stay with my son and myself.

My sister Africa came over to check up on me. I think Kea also asked her to talk to me about the working situation.
"Why don't you want her to work again?"
"I just think that Victor would benefit from having a mom that's home"
"and why would he not benefit from a dad staying home? Your just as capable as Kea to stay home Miguel"
"Africa, you know it took me forever to get my position."
"and its that way for Kea as well. Miguel you cant be selfish. Kea wants to work. Let her or you are going to end up being one lonely man"
I know my sister was right but I couldnt help it. I remember the days my mom took vacation. I loved coming home to her and dad. I guess Kea will have her way...but I am still going to try to get her to see things my way.

I love my son so much. I am amazed that he is already a year old. Can you imagine that time flies by so much? I was busy playing with him that I didnt notice that Kea had come back from work.

"How has he been? How was the new nanny?"
"She was horrible. I can't believe we actually hired her. I want another one. Victor was here crying and she was downstairs watching TV. I still think that you should reconsider staying home"

One night I brought home one of my co-workers for a dinner meeting. I had told Kea about it but I got home to a house with a nanny and Victor waiting for me. My wife was no where to be found. I apologized to my coworker and managed to whip something up for us to eat. In the middle of dinner Kea arrived late and she centered my meeting with my client to her research. I could not believe my client was so bored and we didnt get to discuss our plans for a new building. He left and Kea and I got into it.

I was going to say goodnight to Victor but I heard Kea in there. I was still upset and I didnt want Victor knowing at such a young tender age that his parents were fighting. I hope that Kea and I can get through this "work" thing. Maybe I should quit and let Kea manage the household expenses.

Africa Dominguez-- Chapter 4

Africa (age, 29), her wife Laci (29)
Children: twins Darius and Dominica (age, 13)
twins: Sasha and Nicolas (age 4)
Narrated by Africa.

There is not too much action going on in my household and thats the way I like it. It has been peaceful and calm. We are now used to the toddlers getting to everything that we lay down so now Darius and Dominica really clean up after themselves. Laci and I are both happy with our jobs. Who could ask for anything more?

Now I know that I mentioned that we had no drama but, now my kids turned to teens. Darius and Dominica are 13 and let me tell you that they are so full of energy. The first thing Darius asked me was if they can have a cellphone. I and Laci of course said, NO. Laci is just as shocked that we are parents to teenagers. I still can not believe that they are growing up so fast.

Laci and I love entertaining and I think my whole family is like that. We are a small family and we like to keep in touch. Especially since my parents are now gone. I miss my parents every day since I walk past the home where I grew up. I am so happy that I got to work out my issues with my mother and managed to enjoy the rest the time I had her.
Laci and I discussed having a small dinner party and she agreed that it had been a while since we had one.

Everyone came over and we all caught up on what has been going on in our lives.

My sister Asia came over and still has the idea of actually adopting another child. I think that is great but were not getting any younger and i was her to experience dating. I dont want her to look back and think , "why didnt I date and find someone." I know my sister is using her daughter to hide the fact that she has not dated. I dont know whats her deal. I know she's not gay like me, I know she likes guys but I just dont know if my parents relationship tainted her. in the end my parents were so in love that I hope that didnt taint Asia. Either way if she does decide to adopt then as her twin I will stand by her side.

Asia Dominguez-- Chapter 4

Asia (age, 29)
Children: Naremi (age, 2)
Narrated by Asia.

My daughter has grown up so fast. She is now 2 years old and honestly I am seriously thinking of adopting another child. When I adopted Naremi the process was so quick that I am hoping that if I do decide to adopt another baby.
I did decide to hire a nanny to take care of Naremi while I am at work. I must confess that I wish I could be a stay at home mom instead of having to go to work. Being that I am a single mother I think it would be hard to stay at home. For now Naremi will just have to enjoy being my only baby.

My twin sister Africa came by with her family. I made breakfast and we all sat down to catch up on what has been going on. It is amazing to see that my niece and nephew, Dominica and Darius are so grown up. I hardly recognized Dominica when she rang my doorbell. She looks so much like the Dominguez side of the family.
I brought up the idea of adopting another child and Africa quickly asked if I was ever going to date. Laci, her wife, thought that maybe I was too shy to date or just haven't found the right one. The truth of the matter is that I honestly do not care to date right now. I care about my daughter and making sure she has everything she needs.

Dominica has been coming around quite a bit to ask me how I am. I think that her mother, Africa is putting her up to it. I love my niece... she has so much potential. I started talking to her about college and she said she was not decided on going.
I advised her not to tell her mom that because knowing Africa, she would have a heart attack. We spent the afternoon looking at old pictures. We both were sad when we saw pictures of my parents.

Later I came up to make sure that Naremi was tucked in. I looked at her and my heart swelled with so much love that I had for her. If I do decide to adopt it will be hard to share my love.

Obituary---Austin and Estelle Dominguez

Austin Dominguez (Pictured on the left) and Estelle Dominguez (pictured on the right) leave behind their beloved children:
Asia, Africa, Suki, Atani, Austin Miguel II and Ariel.

They also leave their beloved grandchildren: Darius, Dominica and Nala.
They lived a properous carreer, Austin as a rock god and Estelle as a reknown Classical Ballet Dancer.

ch14 Austin Dominguez

Austin and Estelle Dominguez

Austin and Estelle have had their good times and they have certainly seen their bad times. In the beginning of their marriage times were good but then came the children and that seem to take a toll on their marriage. Austin became a devoted father while Estelle became devoted whole heartedly to her career. In the end, they both managed to put their differences aside and saved their marriage. Estelle had also taken major steps in improving her relationships with her children especially her first set of twins, Africa and Asia.

Estelle looked at her husband and realized that she would not have lived her life any other way. This is where she was meant to be. No matter what she always feared that Austin regretted not divorcing Estelle when he had the chance. There was no way that Austin would ever leave his Estelle... when he said, "I do" he meant it. He knew that they both suffered growing pains. Now that they were elders they enjoyed their time alone and with their grandchildren.
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The last to leave the nest was Ariel. She hugged her father goodbye. While Austin and Estelle hated seeing her go Ariel was happy to head for new adventures. She was still seeing Frances but now their relationship would either be stronger or fall apart.
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With Ariel away, both Austin and Estelle decided to finally retire and enjoy their life at home. This now gave them ample time to have their children over for lunch or dinner.
They both still could not believe that Asia had adopted a baby girl which they never saw out of Asia's house. Asia was a protective mother where as her twin sister Africa was more laid back.

Even Atani managed to come over and spend some quality time with her parents. Suki was busier than ever since her divorce and would only come once in a great while.
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Before they knew it, it was time to say goodbye to their mother Estelle. Estelle lived a good life but sincerly she was not ready to end it yet. As much as she wanted she could not put off what was unavoidable.

Everyone came over to help make arrangements and to make sure that Austin was OK. Ariel even came back from College to help her father out. No matter what they tried they really could not help Austin since he refused it.

He wanted to scream. He and Estelle were barely getting to know each other without kids and this happened. There was so much he wanted to tell her. He wanted to tell her that he loved her more than anything... he wanted to say that he too was sorry for being a jerk sometimes. It was all for naught. Although he knew that he treated Estelle well he still couldnt get the pain out of his heart.

He sat for many weeks barely eating. He just didnt know what or how to live without his partner. His children all came by and took turns taking care of him.

Suki was the last one there on the day that he passed. He told her everything about their marriage..about having each and every one of them. Suki understood that her dad was saying goodbye. All her brother and sisters feared was this moment when their parents ceased to exist. As much as she wanted her father to stay she also knew he was hurting too much to stay here.

She cried and bid him farewell. She called her sibilings and they all made the funeral arrangements for Austin.

At the burial not a single dry eye was at the cemetary. Everyone bid farewell to their parents. In-laws and grand children were on site to say good bye. No matter what they did they were both happy and sad at the same time. They were sadden to have lost Austin but happy because he was finally reunited with Estelle.
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After the will was read the house was indeed left to Austin Miguel, the new legacy heir. Austin didnt dream of living in the house full of so many memories. Everyone made the collective decision to sell the house and divide the monies among themselves.

Miguel took one last tour at his family home. He thought about all the loving memories that he had here.

When he arrived at the second floor he was amazed to see that his parents were getting into toy making. He thought he knew his parents well... but now he knew differently.