Build Me Up + Blow Me Down

The Will To Carry On

Noah stepped briefly into the other room and motioned his sister to join them before walking back into the room he'd left, Amy close behind him.

The whole room was silent, as though it was holding its breath as the attorney opened up the envelope and removed the papers that were enclosed inside it.

“From their combined life savings as Vice President and Chief Architect of The Realico Urban Development Association respectively, Jonathan and Daria leave a total of approximately $3.4 million to be divided accordingly: $1.2M to each of their children, Noah Blakely and Amy Blakely, and $1M to be divided evenly between the following five charities: The Red Cross, The Salvation Army, Amnesty International, The United Nations Children’s Fund, and The Hospital For Sick Children. To their daughter Amy, they leave their home, to be entrusted to her on the completion of her high school diploma or her 18th birthday, whichever shall come last. Until then, it is to be entrusted to the care of Jonathan’s brother, Gill Blakely. Mrs. Blakely also leaves to her daughter immediately on her 18th birthday, her 3% sharehold in Realico Urban Development. Jonathan’s 22.5% stock in Realico Urban Development is to belong to their son, Noah. Mr. Blakely leaves his 2015 Lexus car, his collection of baseball paraphernalia, and his photo album also to Noah. Mrs. Blakely leaves her collection of dresses and jewelry to her daughter, and her collection of holiday decorations to her son. All unmentioned clothes from both parties are to be donated to a charity of the family's choice and all unmentioned belongings in their home will remain with the home and thus with Ms. Amy Blakely. Mr. Blakely leaves his small art collection as well as his small home library to his godson, Jared Blakely.”

At this point, Noah’s eyes darted to Jared. Noah had been unaware that Jared was anything more to his father’s nephew. Noah now wondered if, since the last occasion he’d seen Jared, Jared had talked to his father at all. The attorney continued.

“The couple’s property in the Aosta Valley region of Italy, as well as Jonathan’s private journal and notebook is to be donated to the Botticelli Society.”

Now both Noah and Amy displayed visibly shocked looks on their faces, although Noah recovered quickly. Neither sibling had ever even heard of this society and had no clue what sort of connection it could have to their parents. Nor did either of the two know that their parents owned land in Italy. And while their parents leaving unknown land to some society was odd enough to start with, the idea of their father leaving all his private papers to this organization as well was positively baffling. Their father was not a very famous man. He was no authour, to his children’s knowledge he had never published any type of book in his life (although his children had to now admit that their knowledge was perhaps limited). Of what use to anyone except his close personal friends and family could his personal thoughts possibly be?

Noah took a look around. The entire family appeared confused at this announcement. He doubted that he would be able to expect many answers from the current company. The only people in the room not looking at all uncomfortable were, unsurprisingly to Noah at this point, his orphan cousins, Jared and Kate. He turned back to Mr. Atkins once more.

“And that covers all of the couple’s belongings.”

The attorney moved towards Noah and offered his hand. Noah reciprocated and they shook.

“My sincerest condolences for your losses.” he stated, alternating his gaze between both children of the deceased.

“I’ll have copies of the will faxed to this address promptly, so don’t worry about that. If either of you two are in need of legal advice or aid at any point in this transition period or any point in the future, I will be glad to be of service. “

He smiled reassuringly to Amy before Gill guided him back to the door. He exited the house and the atmosphere of the entire room seemed to immediately ease ever so slightly. Whispering broke out between the adult friends and relatives of the room.

Noah frowned as he observed the crowd closely, hoping for some sort of hint that any one of the people gathered in the room might be able to answer the questions he now had as to his parents.

After a long moment of searching it occurred to him that he’d been standing perfectly silent next to one person who would want his attention and comfort right now. He turned to his sister to find her frowning deeply in thought. He wrapped his arm around her.

“You holding up alright there, sis?”

“Yeah. I should be okay. Noah, let me ask you something. Did you know anything about that Italian society? Or the land they owned?”

Noah shook his head.

“No, I can’t say I did. Quite confused me too. But I’m sure it’s nothing we need to worry about too much.”

Amy nodded. Noah internally breathed a sigh of relief. He was not at all certain that they need not worry. He had a sinking suspicion in his gut that there was something more behind the will then things appeared, although Noah had to admit that that could easily be attributed to his somewhat paranoid personality.

At this point, Jared and Kate approached the pair.

“Hey, how are you feeling?” Jared questioned Noah.

Noah was taken aback slightly. Why was Jared asking that now? He'd already found out how Noah had been just a bit earlier in a much more casual, unconcerned way. Was he expecting Noah to feel differently now that he had inherited money and belongings?

Before saying anything, Noah stopped and considered to himself the fact that the will had revealed Jared to be closer to Noah's father then Noah had believed. He could perhaps be the only person who Noah could talk to at the moment who might be able to inform Noah more on why the will had been so unusual, and what kinds of things Noah's parents hadn’t been telling their children. Noah needed to play his cards right right now.

“I’m alright. A bit surprised by some of the contents of that will but nothing I can’t handle.”

Jared nodded. “I understand, surprises always come out of this sort of thing. Anyways, I was wondering, if you’re free, do you wanna go catch something to eat? Maybe just coffee? We can catch up.”

Now Noah hesitated, he did not wish to leave his sister alone so quickly. He glanced over at her.

“Umm, I don’t know, Jared-”

Amy cut him off.

“You should go, I’ll be fine.”

At this point, Kate spoke up.

“I can keep her company. You wanna hang out with me?”

“Sure. that’d be cool.” Amy smiled. The two waved at their brothers and walked off.

“Well, alright then I guess.” Noah volunteered.

“Great.” Jared smiled.

With that settled the two cousins moved towards the door and left.