5.12 Grumpy

The room was way to empty to be holding a toddler and a baby, but there just hadn't been enough time to redecorate. They didn't care from what she understood anyway, and between her job and three kids Neda just didn't have the energy to do anything else. The house could stand on it's head, whilst she did her best beeing a journalist, friend and mother.

Kevin was more than happy to play with Aurelius, so without him knowing it; a lot of work was taken off her shoulders that way. The two boys went well along and it was all good.

Well, most of the time everything was good. She did her best so they'd all eat together, even if Aurelius would rather play with the food. This was the last time she ever bought anything healthy for a toddler atleast; goodbye oatmeal porridge, hello banana and rice! Maybe he'd eat that.

She'd love to pretend that the only reason that she wanted them to eat together, was to establish good habits. But she had other, less pure reasons.

As Kevin got older he asker more and more questions: Was mum and dad married?

She wasn't entirely sure, but Dragan had insisted they weren't. So she could really just repeat what he told her: No. 

Why not?

I'm not sure. She tried to look very busy with her food: It's expensive, and there's really no financial reason to get married either. As long as they lived together, they'd have the same legal rights as if they were married.

Legal rights? As over me? 

Neda stared at her food a bit more: Yes. 

Then why aren't I with mums parents or your parents? 

Because they're old. I think your mums mother has been dead for many years. She wanted to bite off her tongue before she'd finished the sentence. Whoever had claimed that inbreeding caused idiots to appear, should've met this little kid.

What's her name?

I... I don't know. Damnit kid! Leave me alone already! Why wasn't Aurelius kicking around making him stop!
  
You know she's dead, but you don't know her name? It was Kevins turn to stare at the plate now, and pretend he didn't think this was a big deal.
Uhm, no. No I don't. I just know what Dragans been telling me.... she was lying through her teeth now. She didn't want to tell him anything! She couldn't do that? Like, how the hell did you explain that to a kid?

When am I going to meet him? Dragan that is?

You know what Kevin! That is a damned good question!! She changed her mood so quickly that he started coughing: When the hell are you going to meet Dragan!! 

This was all his fault! His and fucking Irena! She was so angry at them! How the hell could they just leave her with him like this! Not that she minded taking care of him, but she didn't know how to answer any of his questions!

And Niko! How could he just abandon his kid like this? She didn't care about her halfsister, because this was all Irenas and Nikos fault. It was always their fault! And mum and dad? They would've fixed this in no time, but they hadn't even tried contacting him! What was wrong with everyone? Fine, she knew that these things could take years and years to finish. Personally she assumed that Irena was trying to drag it out until their parents died, but still!

You know what, Kevin? I'm going to have a little chat with Dragan, and see what I can do. Irena even had a little boy his age, that he wouldn't get to know.

He calmly took their empty plates and washed them: It's okay Neda. It can wait. Didn't you have that article for that new newspaper to write? 

She'd gotten a phone from a new paper to write an article about Jerichos orphanage. The truth was that she didn't even know they had one, so she had to check. As aweful as it sounded? She was planning on taking a little trip there in a few days time and talk to them.

Ofcourse, if Bai found out that she was writing an article for an up and coming new paper; she might loose her job.

Doug wasn't the smartest dog around, but he knew how to lighten the mood. Kevin was his favourite sim, and he'd sleep in his bed if there was room. For now he often camped out in Nedas bed instead.

Okay, okay! I'll take you out for a walk! Doug and Kevin liked taking walks to the playground, or the dogpark. Though, Doug often left him when he was there and fell asleep in a bush or something. He was an old dog, so he wanted to do a lot of things, but rarely had the energy to keep it up.

Kevin was good at taking care of his dog and cat, because Neda had told him it was the only way he could keep them.

It was perfect autumn weather to take a walk in; not to hot and not to cold. And it was so little traffic, that he started wondering if something had happened. Maybe there was a simfest somewhere that caused it. He wasn't one for complaining, because the cars driving by constantly was a pain in the butt.

The older he got, the more often he found himself wondering what it was Neda wasn't telling him. He doubted his parents were dead, because there wasn't any reason not to say that. Even if he was still waiting for them to come back, he also assumed they wouldn't. It depended on what day it was. Today he was certain they were coming to fetch him any day.

Well at the playground, Kevin and Doug played a bit before the old dog got to tired. He wasn't to tired for a little bellyrub though. Sometimes it was a bit annoying that Doug had so little energy, but today there were a lot of kids at the park so Kevin didn't mind.

From the treehouse one of the girls in his class saw him, and hollered at him to come over. Because his bestfriend was also inside. And they didn't even throw water at him!

Erland was his best friend in the whole world, and Kevin was sure they were they going to live together when they grew up: We should move into the same house when we're grown ups!

It was a good idea. Because even if he liked living with Neda, he saw that she had a bit of problems taking care of the house, her job and all the kids. He never felt that she took better care of her own kids than him though.

Erland also thought it was a good idea: I'm going to be a policeofficer when I grow up. So I can keep you safe from burglars! The treehouse creaked under them as the boy suddenly shifted his seating.

You'll get a really cool uniform then. Kevin thought cops had cool uniforms, but he didn't want to be one when he grew up. But he really wanted to live with Erland, because he was so nice and they had so much fun together- he bet he'd be really cute in a cops uniform to.

If I were a painting, I'd be a masterpiece? Erland thought that sounded a bit strange, but Kevin often said odd things: That's a bit strange to say? Who'd paint me then? You? I thought you wanted to play the piano?

Maybe you can write me a song instead? Erland suggested- Kevin was a bad drawer. He was pretty bad at it to. It wasn't fun to draw at all.

I'm not very good at the piano. Kevin let his soles slide across the slimy leaves, that never seemed to dry.

Oh, okay. They weren't really good at anything other than playing.

With Kevin and that dog out of the house for a while, Neda put the last touches on decorating for autumn. She didn't have the energy or finances to decorate the entire place anymore, so the livingroom had to do. But if she was going to be honest with herself, she'd definitely end up with just decorating one single corner eventually. Atleast as long as the kids were young, she'd had to do a bit more. As long as that damned cat didn't try eating the decorations again, everything would be fine.

Her grand plans to phone the orphanage was destroyed when a man she'd barely met phoned and asked her out- She'd swore she was done with men. But it had been a long while since she'd dated. And one date couldn't hurt, right? In broad daylight, no alcohol. She was a lot older and mature now, so a little coffe wouldn't hurt.

She couldn't stop laughing at her own stupidity. Ofcourse he stood her up. She sat there waiting like an idiot, for a man that couldn't be arsed to show up after asking her out. What a prick. That was it. Never again. This was just the reminder she needed that men were utter trash, and she'd rather eat her own eyeballs than ever going out with one again.

Sometimes she found herself thinking about Bonegnasher from university, and how he'd told her that she'd end up living alone in a trailer. Not that her life was anything like that ofcourse, but sometimes she still wondered if he had anything to do with her bad choices. Even if she'd started doing them before she met him, but just maybe it couldn't be all her own fault?

The babysitter showed that Neda wasn't at home, so Kevin walked straight up to the piano to write Erland a song; because they were friends and friends did that: You're eyes are so blue, that it makes me... uhm... happy to... ehm...look at you?  Maybe musician wasn't the best choice for him? How about something a bit nerdier for a potential future? Like astronomer maybe! Yeah! Stars were cool!

Oh, so that's what that building was; an orphanage! She'd always just thought it belonged to some weird old lady that boiled her own soaps and stuff. Neda wasn't really sure if she thought it looked cozy or creepy. The grey sky in the background didn't really help the place either. Well, it could've been worse right?

She'd been sent there after talking to the fostercare cordinators, and some adoption whatnot official. The entire article was pretty much done, it was just to talk a bit with someone who worked here and get some pictures, to add that little personal touch to it. 

Wow! Neda did her best not to laugh: This looks very different than I thought it would. Pretty much every little thing was in the same colour, it was difficult to figured out where the nearest corner was.

Yeah, the moral is don't let the kids decide for themselves. Brandon was the guy that had been given the task of showing her around, and answering any questions she had for her article.

Who's room is this? 

Uhm, this is Cowplant and Austronauts room. We try to have two- three children in each room. Depends a bit on how they behave and how old they are and such. 

Cowplant and Austronaut? She was hoping she would be allowed to talk to some of the kids here, but this guy seemed pretty intent on saying "No" to everything.

Yeah, you'll see soon enough.

Can I take some pictures? She'd been at a course at work to learn how to use a camera better. Not that she understood why they couldn't just use a real photographer instead.

Brandon hesitated a bit: I'm not sure it's a good idea. The less anyone knows about where the kids rooms are, the better.

This had to be the most paranoid guy she'd ever met: I can just take a picture from the corner and avoid the windows....

He hesitantly agreed to it. What an idiot. She better be payed well for this job.

The livingroom. Brandon continued his tour: hey Kriss... 

The boy just grunted at them and continued reading. From the sound of it, Neda bet that it was Brandon that taught them their lack of manners. She knew not to bug kids ofcourse, but kids were usually a bit excited when she came and visited.

... ofcourse we don't use the fireplace unless an adult is present. 

Duh. How was she supposed to get a good report out if this? He had to be the least charming sim she'd ever met.

Despite the lack of charm radiating from Brandon, Neda felt her motherly instincts return looking at Kriss. Maybe she should adopt a child: Can I talk to...

He interrupted her before she'd finished: No

The kitched was as cozy and clean as the livingroom; a little bit run down here and there but far from what she'd expected. Aw, look at the adorable little baby! And the poor thing didn't have anyone. Her heart bled for the little one. Maybe she could fit a couple more kids in with her?

That's Ozzy, he's been adopted away. The new parents are picking him up tomorrow. He's a bit older than the usual adoptees, so he was pretty lucky. Brandon said walking past a sleeping toddler. Why the hell hadn't she bought one of those chairs? If she knew they were that effective.

She walked after him as fast as she could: So, there's a small window when the kids get adopted? Bradon confirmed in his usual, blunt manners. That was so terrible. All kids deserved stable and loving homes. It was a right for all sims.

Ah, so that's what he meant: Cowplant and Austronat I assume? The two kids were hollering and screaming as loudly as they could, both riding each swing. Neda was surprised at herself immideately wanting more kids. How strange. She'd thought her and her uterus had come an agreement on that issue.

Oh yeah. A willing adopter comes here and sees them, they tend to just turn around and walk away. Neda didn't really see why though, looked like pretty normal behaviour to her. Or, you know, they want to adopt one but not the other. 

Are they related? 

No. But we have a pretty strict policy about the kids wellbeeing coming before the feelings of potential parents.

Neda wasn't all to sure what to ask, even if she'd prepared herself. This Brandon didn't want to let her use her premade questions it seemed. She'd worked so hard read about all the fluff and butterflies in adoption, that she hadn't expected anyone working here to seem so strick about things: Wouldn't it be better if they got adopted separately, you mean? To think she hadn't even considered that.

I doubt it. These kids aren't just abandoned at birth or have dead parents. Some of them have parents that have lost custody of them for.... other reasons. Most of them have been in fostecare, but I assume you know how that works? 

Well, yeah ofcourse. She'd read up on it.

Both Cowplant and Austronat, she liked how he didn't use their actual names; she bet they had told him to call them that instead: have been in and out of fostercare. Not because they are badly behaved, they're great kids. But since they are likely to be adopted in theory, they got moved around so not to get to attached to their fosterparents. 

What? That's not what they said when I talked to them. How could anyone sit and think that was the solution. Kids needed adults to feel attached to.

Because it's not supposed to happen. We keep telling them that it's better for them just to stay here. You've seen this place. It's nice here and they're happy. Yes even Kriss, he's just in a bad mood today.

But because his parents were alcoholics, potential adopters thinks it's some huge issue that relates to trauma. Ofcourse we have kids here that are traumatized; Kriss needs to sleep with the lights on and used to wet his bed. That's litterally it. But since he's grumpy, everyone assumed he's going to grow up into a serialkiller or something. 

Neda wasn't entirely sure what to do with this information to be honest. She wasn't even allowed to take this information into the article. Due to a code of ethics when dealing with children. And why was her uterus whispering the sweet song of having more kids? And whilst looking at grumpy here. Ew.

She'd has such a cute idea of the angle of the article. But by the sound of it, she had to change it completely.

 Just look at the blonde playing, he gestured towards the sand: Sam's an actual orphan; parents died when she was a newborn. She knows, for the record, and understands the entire thing. And she was adopted and they came back with her. Because she had tempertantrums.... A kid that has tempertantrums and they came back with her. She has them here to, perfectly normal. She's just a hothead and a kid.

Neda eventually had to stop his never ending tirad: I'm sorry Brandon, but I'm getting the impression here that you don't want these kids to be adopted. And she already felt it as a personal attack on her and her uterus. Not that she got why it was trying to get it's voice heard. She couldn't handle another pregnancy.

How is that what you got out of this?

How did she say this without sounding rude: Well, you've been complai... critiquing sims willing to adopt since I got here. 

Ofcourse I have, because they deserve it. We're not the biggest orphanage around, but we always have kids here. The few times we get applicants, so many of them act like they're getting some designer- child. I'd rather you wrote an article beeing realistic about adopting, than another rosetinted one. Or another horrorstory.

So many of the sims that comes here are acting like they are going to get a kid, that just smiles and sits quietly in a corner; runs up to them and hugs them and tells them how much they love them. Brandon tried explaining again, but she still thought he sounded like a stuck up, grumpy old man: It's like they don't understand that they are getting a small sim, with it's own personality and behaviour. And if they're traumatized, they can't just hug the kid and then it goes away. 

Well, if you have problems with the kids getting adopted; why am I here? Neda clearly heard her uterus answer: "you know why".

I don't know, I didn't want you here. I voted "no".

What? Someone didn't like her: But... why not? I'm nice! She wasn't used to not beeing welcome, everyone liked her; except her own family, her ex and... well, mostly everyone liked her; atleast strangeres that got tricked by her adorable and quirky exterior.

It doesn't matter. Now that you're going to write an article, a bucketload of sims are going to show up on our doorstep. All thinking they're doing some good deed because they don't see adoption as anything else than an act of charity. Then they end up taking the kids back here sooner or later. 

You are way to young to be this bitter. Shouldn't he write deep poetry about beeing misunderstood or something.

Well, it must be good to have such an easy life, since you don't have anything to be bitter about. 

Touchè grumpy. Poor kids, imagine having this guy bandaging their little knicks and scrapes. Probably like beeing cared for like a gnarly old tree.

It wasn't about having an easy life, it was about enjoying what you had. Atleast that's what Neda told herself. She didn't have time to be bitter, because she had to much to keep herself occupied. But, it still didn't stop her from thinking about the kids at the orphanage. They didn't have a loving family. What a terrible thing for a young kid; not ever beeing held by a mother as they aged.

But she couldn't think about that as she celebrated Titanias birthday. As usual Steve was a no show, and as much as she hated admitting it she barely even got angry about it anymore. She'd rather have him not showing up, then promise to come over and dissapoint everyone. Maybe the kids could take up contact with him when they grew older? Though, that would also mean the kids could learn about what she'd done to Steve. But that would be selfish to worry about.

Her and Tara had also kept eachother promises to eachother, and had shorter meetings after work atleast once a week. But this time she'd shown up to a birthdayparty: I swear, Neda said: I had to change the entire article to a critique of sims adopting, instead of about the orphanage! That was the grumpiest guy I've ever met! Atleast Bai didn't figure out I took a job for another paper, so I haven't gotten fired or anything, and it's gotten excellent critique!

I don't know, Neda continued after they got the dishes: I kind of want more kids, but I don't really want to be pregnant again. I hadn't even thought about adoption before I saw it for myself. Maybe that made her a bad sim, but she'd also thought that she'd never been able to adopt.

Oh? Tara thought uit sounded like a good idea, because then you didn't have to actually be pregnant.

Well yeah. I kind of thought you needed to have a lot of income, and be married and all. But it turns out you don't. Atleast if you adopt locally. It's expensive, but not that bad really. She could afford it. 

You want to adopt one of the kids don't you?! Tara wasn't really that surprised, because three kids seemed a bit little for someone as careing as Neda. Because she liked kids. and was pretty good with them.

I'm kind of thinking about it yes. There was this one girl there, Sam, that I talked to a bit and she was such an okay kid and all. I just wanted to take her home. 

What is your uterus saying? A little orphan girl seemed a good enough reason to expand your family.

My uterus is saying it wants kids, just not in itself. Neda was already considering it ofcourse, but she'd wanted anothers opinion on it.

The uterus must be given what it wants. It's a Andrea Dworksim quote. Tara answered like an old, wise lady.

I'm pretty sure she never wrote anything like that. However, the words were still wise: But you know what Tara. I'll try. I'll talk to the kids about it. And then I'll do it. I'll try to adopt. 

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I had a longer chapter planned with meetings before the orphanage- place and talking to the kids there and stuff, but figured it got way to long and this worked well enough. The opportunist gives some nice storytelling purposes; writing an article for an opposing paper, and getting to lvl 1 in photography.

I have no idea how adoption works, so just pretend that makes sense.

Thanks for reading