5.17 Feast

In true springfashion, Neda decided to throw a feast for the entire family. She rented Grandmas crazy, and ended up spending all the time cooking. Even if she'd brought with her an enormous ammount of food, the family kept on eating nonstop. It was called a feast for a reason.

It was nice seeing most of the family together; chatting loudly and stuffing their faces and drinking all her nectar. Niko and Jack was already catching up, with mum almost glued to his side. Even Dragans wife, Lillian, did her best to get to know him.

When they were done eating, they kept on drinking even more of Nedas fine nectar. She had to send Lee home to get some more bottles, as her family didn't have any limits. At this speed, her entire nectarcollection would disappear. All well spent, if you asked her.

Everyone was enjoying themselves. Even if the teens spent most time away from the oldies.

Kevin and Niko didn't get all along all the time. As far as Neda could tell, they were mainly friendly with eachother. But the teenaged Kevin could be a bit snippy, and she suspected Niko didn't handle it all to well.

Ofcourse, if her brother had any self- insight, he'd notice that his son resembled him a lot. That moody behaviour that had suddenly appeared when dad showed up again, wasn't a coincidence. She was sure they'd come around. But, it did mean that Kevin was staying with her. He didn't want to move in with Niko, and that was fine.

It was a lot easier with Titania. She loved when mum held large familyparties, because she got tons of attention from her grandparents. Grandpa and Grandma were the best.

Everyone waited for the longest time for Irena to show up, but she clearly wasn't ready to swallow her pride. Still, they all missed her. At the same time they all anxiously waited for the long missing oldest sister. They were finally going to meet her in a few days. And if anyone wondered why Niko knew how to contact her, no one said anything. Atleast that was a guarantee for Irena to show up, as she'd never been one to avoid drama.

The air this close to the swamp was a bit more humid than usual, but who had the time to care about something so trivial. Especially now that Neda done such a great thing.

She snook out into the fading day after Dragan. They often talked on the phone, but they rarely met up. Other than all of the parties she held. Which actually meant they met very often. But they could've met even more often. But, just as the two of them; twins.

I've done really good, haven't I? Neda deserved to brag about her amazing feet of using Jacks computer without permission.

Yeah, you've done great. Mum and dad haven't stopped talking about it yet. You really saved the day. 

She definitely deserved the credit for this. Even if she'd never find Catherine without Nikos help, but that wasn't important. The important thing was that everything was going to end well. Irena would come along eventually.

It was far from as aweful as Neda had feared. Aino finally got to meet all her kids, and it didn't matter how shy Signe-Catherine was, because grandma had pictures to show and that meant everyone had to look at them.

She also didn't have any other children than Kevin, but maybe that wasn't so strange. She also didn't mention that she'd just lost her husband. Somethings could wait, and she had other things to worry about at the moment. Atleast the kid seemed to have grown up just fine for beeing; well, and inbreed.

As much as Neda wanted to chat up her halfsister, they mainly left the three of them alone. It was more important that she talked to her son and mother. The rest of them would just have to wait a bit. And just as expected, Irena couldn't stay away from the potential of drama.

So? Any tempertantrums yet? Yelling? Attacking? Crying? And not one word of appology. Just as it should be.

I'm so glad you came! Neda couldn't hold it in anymore. Her sister might be aweful, but they were family. And she'd missed her snark and cruelty.

Yeah, yeah. Irena patted her on the back, but Neda just knew she was crying happytears on the inside. Because she sure was; that and she was proud of herself. All of this, and no failures.

Look at me! SAAAM! LEE!! LOOK AT ME! Titania went as fast as she could, the swing squeaking loudly. She'd loved to jump off at speed, but it was still to dangerous. Maybe she'd be slung out onto the road! Or into the sun! It was never good to know, but she still planned to get as high as she could. She was sure the two teens would stop her before it got dangerous. Because teens were definitely trustworthy.

LEE! What are you doing?

Tania was shocked to see her bigbrother destroy the sandcastles. Someone had spent time building them. Why did stupid older kids always destroy everything others built? They were so mean.

She tried pleading again: Lee! Stop it! Why are you destroying the houses?

I'm Leezilla! I'm destroying town, so you have to rebuild it from scratch.

But you're a big boy, godzilla is a dinosaur.

Is not!

Is to!!!

Is not!!!! 

Is to!! 

Sam rolled her eyes at the other two. Sometimes she swore Tania and Lee were closer in age, than she was with him. Because it sure sounded like that. Why did she have to be here with the two of them? She'd wanted to meet Kevs mum, because she was mature. Unlike these two.

Stop it! Stop it! Tania didn't really seen to mind him destroying everything to much though. It was just that kids sounded whiny no matter what.

GODZILLA BRINGS FORTH THE REIGN OF CHAOS ON TOKYSAND! As much as he loved movies, he'd never wanted to work in the industry. He just loved watching them. It was a great way to relax after a long day at school, and extracurricular activities. Because he did great in school, like the rest of the kids. Yes, even if he wasn't a genious. It just meant that he never got sent to the hallway, because he never corrected the teachers.

Sam rolled her eyes as the two kept bickering. Fine, they were good sims and wanted everything with Kevs and his mum going fine. But she had tried pushing away that knot in her stomach, until she realized it was jealousy; she wanted everything with Kevs and his mum to go down terribly- That they never spoke to eachother again; that he came home dissolved in tears. Why? Because she was a terrible sim, that's why.

It was just... Tania and Lee had their mum; Neda, and then there had been he and Kevs that didn't have parents. But now he'd gotten his dad back, and a few days later he was cozying up with his mum to. Now he got to have both of them, and Neda, whilst she didn't have anyone. Ofcourse she loved Neda, but she wasn't her mum. It just wasn't the same. Sam also knew she wasn't supposed to feel like that, but she did. She'd always known her parents were gone, and now she was the only one without parents.

She really was horrible. She was sitting hoping that Kevs mum would turn him down. Or atleast that the infamous Irena would ruin everything. But they were still there, so did it mean that thing were going well? Stop thinking like that! She wanted to be the bigger sim, and see everything go well, but that meant she'd be all alone in this. And she didn't want to.

See! Aurelius explained: Now that Godzilla has inflicted the reign of chaos, it's time for you to step up and rebuild the world. 

He sat down in the sand, ignoring the strange cold that always came from the sandpits. He just knew, at the bottom of his heart, that the box was full of catpoop.

I'm going to have a city dedicated to old Eric! She wasn't entirely sure who that was, but since he was old he was probably nice.

That's as good a dedication as any.
  

Aurelius tried eavsdropping in on Sams phonecall over all of Tanias chattering. She kept phoning someone everytime she was upsed, and then she left. But he had no idea who it was. Probably a friend of sort, but why did she keep it a secret from mum? He barely overheard her saying "ofcourse she's fine with it. Yeah, she'll text you afterwards". Who was fine with what? Sam had all kinds of secrets, but most of them weren't that big of a deal. He wasn't so sure about this though.

Then she hung up and left: Bye Sam! 

He barely got a wave back from her. If he hadn't been so scared of her, he'd ask where she was going and who she was meeting. Not that she'd ever harmed him or anything, but she had that explosive temper that scared him a bit. Maybe when he got a bit tougher.

As Sam dissapeared into the nearly underground, Tania kept on chatting: She'd meeting that man again. 

Huh? Was she playing now or?

Samantha is meeting that man. That's where she's going aaaall the time. To meet that man. She threw some sand around: Swwooosh! It's snowing! OH NO! Old Eric, save us all!! She grabbed a stick that he assumed as one of the residents, and snapped it.

Aurelius drew a bit in the sand; so Sam had a boyfriend, that did explain a lot. Probably someone from the other schooldistrict, but he had no idea who.

Titania was so cute though, still having problems with understanding that bigger didn't necessarily mean older. She still didn't get that he was younger than Kevin, even if he was bigger. And that him and mum weren't the same age, even if he was almost as tall as her. So he didn't worry when she'd called Sams boyfriend a man instead of a big boy; that just meant he was tall. Yeah, that made sense. Made it harder for her to beat him over the head then.

Everything was going so well that Neda was sure that things had turned. So, for once she accepted one of the many dates she was asked out for. It wasn't to ignore, that they had ran in a lot quicker after she got on tv.

Halvard was a lot older than her, but she didn't mind. Maybe it was the way to go. Trying to date mature men, instead of someone her own age. He was a bit strangely dressed, but beeing charming, fun, a gentleman and a great dancer, Neda was more than willing to ignore it.

He twirled her around with ease, to Nedas great delight. She already had butterflies in her stomach. But beeing a lot older now, she knew that they didn't mean anything than a hope of what might be. Not what was. It didn't stop her from enjoying the attention.

She also tried pretending she wasn't dying to feel a mans hands on her again. She hadn't been with anyone since before Titania was born. Not that she'd missed it really, it was just that standing this close to a man made her remember it. Could say what she wanted about Steve, but he'd been pretty decent that way. Wonder how long it was okay to wait? She didn't really want to rush into anything. And Halvard was a mature man, not some boy that just graduated.

 I can't remember last time I had this much fun! Neda had already decided not to pretend she wasn't enjoying everything. She was getting to old to play games. Either they were interested, or they weren't.

Well, I did tell you. Halvard sounded very confident in himself. He was a single man, with no kids of his own, he'd told her. So she was a bit surprised that he wasn't scared off by her four- but again, he was older than her. He'd just worked to become successful. And now that he was working less, he'd decided to date again. It was a good story; she liked it.

You sure did. She hadn't mentioned anything about where she lived either. Their house was nice, even if a bit small. But when sims heard that it was one of those old containers that had been remodeled, they usually imagined something completely different. So best not to say anything; atleast yet. She'd wanted to move, but the housing market was terrible.

So, is it tempting to do it another time maybe? He had to enjoying himself since he already asked for a new date, before this one even ended.

It soundes very tempting. She answered honestly. She could've tried beeing flirty, but wasn't really good at it. Best to avoid it then: I'd love to go out another time. I'm really enjoying spending time with you. 

I enjoy spending time with you to. He was just as honest. This might actually work.

It was way past her bedtime before she headed home, the entire house was quiet with the kids beeing asleep and all. She didn't really know what got into her. She'd already checked Halvard online before going out with him, and he'd seemed alright. But, for some reason she had this nagging feeling. He was just to good. Why would a single, successful man go out with a singlemother of four that kind of lived in a dumpster?

She sent a message to her brother, hoping he'd see it tomorrow: Hey brother-where-art-thou! Do my a favour and check out Halvard Olsen Røysland; some hotshot businessman. Not for work. She'd never gotten the hang of typing like a teenager, and wasn't planning on it either.

Clearly Dragan never slept, and texted her back a couple of minutes later: Halvard Olsen Røysland; kingpin. He's got 5!priv. profiles. 1 of them married with 3 kids. Then links to all of them.

That was him alright. Fucking hell.

Ofcourse he was a married man with several different profiles to hide it. And he was engaged on two of the others. She knew he was to good to be true. Why did she even bother?! Men were scum!

Refusing to be to disappointed, Neda went to sleep. She had a workday tomorrow, and atleast she'd gotten a free night of fun. Completely unaware of someone breaking into their house.

Nedas fan had waited outside her house forever, and didn't have any plans other than staring creepily at her. Maybe steal a few personal items for herself. All harmless! She just weirdly obsessed over the weatherlady!

She hadn't gotten into her room, before she was tackled by a skinny twin that threw himself on her from the staircase, sending her straight down. She quickly got up and ran off. This family was crazy!

Kevin drew breath through his nose. There was no point in calling police, because they never did anything. They just looked around and nagged, before leaving. Best to let Neda sleep instead. It was so rare she was out and having some fun. But, it wasn't the first time he'd thrown out one of her creepy fans, and probably wouldn't be the last either. He locked the door before going back to bed, damned freaks.
_____________________________________
I didn't have to much about Catherine, because this is Nedas story after all. But it did end well, so it's all good and she's good so it's why she doesn't hold any grudges. Have to use that trait for something. Irena was supposed to be cozy with the rest alot earlier, but she keeps on ditching all the invites. And all's good between Kevin and Niko to, he's just a bit moody there. They are bestfriends already.

The burglar was completely random, so nothing to worry about there either. I'd just forgotten that Kevin is brave, so I was a bit taken back when he launched at the poor burglar like that.

Thanks for reading

5.16 Mirror

There was sand everywhere, and it just kept gleaming stronger as the sun rised; almost like a mirror. I was sure I was going sandblind, if that's even a thing. We'd started walking at three in the morning, and we barely had any breaks. I think we would've died of heat if we'd started any later, because there wasn't any places to hide from the sun.

Then out of nowwhere; columns. On top of that ancient path that went almost 90 degrees, a bunch of giant columns. How has anyone gotten them up there without any machines? They were colossal; like I didn't even stand higher than the base they stood on. The inscriptions on them were really clear though, and whoever built them made sure to put his name all over. And behind the colums, there were finally trees. We knew we were looking for an oasis, so where there's trees there's water. 

Then we finally noticed it far at the end of the trees. Maybe we'd seen it all along, because it completely disappeared into the rest of the sand. I wouldn't even have noticed it if I hadn't seen the obelisk in the distance. 

It's not one of those pyramids that tourists visit, so we didn't really know what to expect. But we saw that the door was open. I got a bit nervous then, because what if it was graverobbers or something? We hadn't seen a jeep or any other sign of life; come to think about it, I'm not sure if a jeep even would've handled the climb, or the road. 

Kevin had been sure to show up at the gym, and dragged Erland out of a workout. And like any good friend, he was curious as to what had happened in Egypt: So what happened? Was it graverobbers? 

Well, no. Neda just walked straight to the door, and I lagged a bit behind. Just in case... you know. 

Yeah.

It was really beautiful inside, a bit dark ofcourse, but the state of everything was incredible. It looked like it was brand new. The colours were so vivid, and there was an indoors pond with fresh, clean water in it. I always thought that pyramids were empty inside, but clearly that's just a rumour. 

Okay, now I know you're joking with me. 

No, I'm telling the truth! The pond even had lillies in it! Probably came from some underground source or something. But then Neda and me found another door, and...

Obviously it was just that one room. Kevin wrinkled his nose at the memory: Some freak coincidence I think. There was sand everywhere, and nothing left of the floor. It was full over overgrown, stinking ponds with sunken statues in and the walls had crumbled. And there were some insects, that'll give me nightmares for the rest of my life. Someone had lit the old lamps there though. 

Why would anyone take the chance of ruining ancient lamps?

How would I know? Do I look like I know anything about old lamps? 

He'd just been there. Completely unaware of their arrival. Kevin hadn't needed to see his face, he'd been able to tell from his aunts reaction. She'd suddenly stopped dead; mesmerized as he dug through the dirt. Everyone had always described his dad as a softie, but the man they saw was clearly a weathered adventurer. Even the clothes had been worn- out and he looked like he smelled.

Erland might be a big, dumb jock. But he understood that his friend was trying to avoid coming off as emotional: So did you find him there? 

Kevin nodded: Oh yes we did. 

And?

Well, I chickened out, and hid whilst Neda did the talking. 

Though that wasn't exactely what he'd expected: You did?

Yeah, I just couldn't do it.

What was he supposed to do? Walk up to a stranger and go "hello daddy- o"? He'd just figured Neda could do it, atleast she knew the man. Kevin had been to busy potentially damaging the ancient statues. Mainly he'd tried to deal with everything. He hadn't actually thought they'd find him.

He'd really hoped that Neda would yell at his dad, but he couldn't hear anything. The adults had taken their sweet time, and he pretended he didn't know what they were talking about.

They came back out to me eventually, and Neda left us alone for a little while. 

 
Erland leaned a bit closer. It wasn't all to easy hearing over the mucic at the gym: Then what happened?

He looked really different from what I thought. Tall, really skinny with shaved head and stubble. And he did smell just as musky as it looked like he would. Guess it's not tempting to bathe together with crocodiles. And he wore a cammo- shirt. Who wear those anyway? What was he trying to camoflauge himself from? Crocodiles? Mummies? 

That's not  what I meant Vinnie. What did he tell you? 

I know that this is difficult to hear. But you have to understand that we had no idea. We had no way of knowing. Your mother....

You mean your sister? 

It had been a lot easier to say than one would think. No wonder Neda hadn't said anything. And all of them had known about it, and not said a word in all these years.

Your mother and I did what we thought was best for you. We had no idea how to handle it.

I'm sorry I haven't contacted you. He hadn't looked even a tad sorry. He looked more like an aging man trying to set a kid straight: We didn't even know if we'd be allowed to keep you if the authorities found out. I hoped mum and dad, or maybe Dragan and his wife would take care of you. But Neda's been good to you, hasn't she?

Just as expected, Erland went completely silent. Atleast he hadn't pulled a disgusted face at him; No.

Yes. I'm an inbred monstrosity. 

But your so smart. And so... normal. 

Clearly not. 

How does even something like this happens? I don't get it. 

My great- grandma was a murder and kidnapped my mum when she was an infant. Everyone assumed she was dead. 

Erland didn't say anything else then. Kevin couldn't really blame him.

The thumping music from the rest of the gym was finally welcome. It made the awkward silence a lot easier to handle.

He... He says he's going to move here to Jericho. Neda and grandpa are helping him finding a house. He said that when they find a place, he'll... contact my mum so I can meet her to. His mum and aunt. Wow: I mean, I doubt he'll actually come to live here. But that's what he's saying. 

Kevin refused to believe it was going to happen. Why would he have changed his mind so suddenly. Neda and his dad had talked for quite a while without him. Who knew what she had told his dad.

 Are you going to move in with him now?

Erland said what he'd been wondering about himself. Did he want to move in with his dad? He didn't even know him? Wonder what Neda thought about it. She'd just said that it was up to him to decide.

Unlike what she'd worried about, Kevin wasn't mad at her, even if she'd lied. He'd do the same thing himself. Everyone had done what they thought was best, and he'd had a very good childhood. Sometimes he'd forgotten that he had two parents that didn't want him. Atleast now he knew why.

I don't know. I have to wait and see if he moves here first. 

It was just to fucking typical. He couldn't just have a deadbeat dad like Aurelius and Titania. Or dead ones like Sam. Nope, his had to be some creepy inbred drama crap, and now he might have to move to live with someone he didn't even know. What if Niko wanted to take him on some fucking adventure? He didn't like adventures.

Your kids have a membership at that expensive gym, and you go to this shithole?

All their friends are there, so I couldn't say no.

Yes you could. Just say N-O- no. Simple.

Breathing heavily through her mouth, Neda kind of wished Tara could shut up for a second. She was in a lot better shape then her. Then, she was single and childless, whilst Neda had four kids and worked fulltime. So she just didn't have as much time on her hands.

They already stand out enough. I don't want to make it worse. Uhm, congrats on your newest bestseller by the way! Best to change the subjects a bit.

It worked: Thanks! I'm not surprised. It's really good! 

Yeah I know. I read it, it's really good! Fucks sake, why wasn't she as hard of breath as she was.

Your coworkers book flopped though! Tara started laughing, a hoarse laughter that soon ended. Clearly she didn't have enought breath for that. Neda felt a bit better at that. She really should get better at taking care of her health.

Yeah, he told me. 

So, have you and him.... you know....

No. I jumped on the next co- worker instead! You know. He looked like he crawled out of a bad movie from the 50s, and I had just been in studio, so I wore more makeup than a clown. It was meant to happen.

Romantic. What happened? Is it a real office- romance now? 

Uhm, he said he was happily married and would never dream of cheating on his wife.

Ofcourse, she could have just started dating again, but she'd rather gnaw her own foot off. She just got lonely sometimes, and Vidar had been present. That was more than adequat reason.

Wonder what this button did? Maybe it made it go slower? That would've been really nice: So it turns out Vidar is a nice guy. Daft, but nice.

Look at us beeing all impressed at a man doing the bare minimum of beeing a decent sim. Tara answered sarcastically, and still without beeing hard of breath. Her lounges had to be made out of steel.

She'd gone through lots of relationships lately, and didn't seem to have any plans on either kids or settling down. It was nice that she knew not to settle for some bare minimum guy; even if her and Arne was occationally doing the dirty deed; gross.

I know. Can't believe that's all it takes. He actually loves his wife, and we're surprised by it!

They changed the subjects as the freakazoids started showing up. She vagely remembered the man she'd intervjued who believed in alien- conspiracies.

How's the new job? Tara asked her: I've seen you on tv. You look really good there. 

Thanks! It's pretty okay, it pays well and all. 

Don't know shit about weather, but they thought I did a decent job so. Neda had been promoted to weather- lady; My favourite is getting "fanmail" where viewers keeps complaining about the clothes I wear and my weight. 

Okay, so maybe it hadn't been all healthconcerns she'd had in mind when she'd started  working out: her tits are to big, her tits are to small, the shirt is to lowcut, the shirt is to highcut, the skirt is to short, the skirt is to long. Damn, was her lounges already getting bigger: Her butts to big, her butts to small, she's to short, she's to tall.... 

What?! You're a gnome! How can anyone call you to tall?!

I'm not a gnome! You're a gnome!

Her feeling of getting healthier stopped as soon as the treadmill took off with her: Up again! Tara was unphased no matter how embarassing the entire ordeal was for her. No one else seemed to care either.

Does this happen to anyone else?! Why didn't these things have panic- buttons?!

All the damn time! If you get tired, just lift yourself up and stand on the side. 

I think I need a break now! 

Neda wasn't the only one that had some closecontact with the treadmill: Who's idea was this again? Now that Neda had payed for a membership, Sam had to keep going here.

It was yours when you said you wanted to become an astronaut. 

I didn't think she'd take me seriously!

Well, as long as it got your lazy arse away from the tv for a while. You watch to much tv.

Sam was a bit proud of herself. Getting Lee away from the tellie was no small feat.

No such thing called that. 

Him and Sam tried their best just to get to know the machines for now. They had declined getting a professional trainer. None of them were that interested in becoming fit. Least of all him.

Besides, its just a hobby. I like watching series to relax, and you feed of the flesh of the innocent. Each to their own.

I do not feed of the flesh of the innocent.

 
It was Aurelius time to fall flat on his knees this time: The machines have taken another victim! It's the rise of the machines!

You watch to much tv.

Where's Kevs anyway?! This was his idea! He'd forgotten all about blaming Sam for now.

Like the good siblings they were, they decided to dump the workout and go find him instead. It didn't take to long. Ofcourse they knew he was in the building, they'd all gone together. Wonder what he was looking at?

Ah, that explained it. And why he'd insisted they needed a membership here, and not at the way cheaper place. Aurelius was pretty happy about it, because here there was a hottub, a swimmingpool and a bar and all that good stuff. And tvs. Perfect recreational activities after a long and hard workout; which they hadn't had. But they had moved today, that was the only thing that mattered.

Damn, is that Erland? Look at him go! Kevs hadn't noticed them, because he jumped when she started talking. Wow, I had no idea he was that fit.

When did this happen anyway? Not that she'd even given a rats arse about ugly Erland, but it was her duty to tease poor old Kevs about this.

Bet he feels like a rock to touch, right Kevs?

Aurelius was more than happy to chip it. He had the benfit of beeing the bigger guy anyway, so if Kevin ever decided to get even, he could break him like a twig. Not that he'd ever do that ofcourse. 

I've never thought about it. He said it with cleched teeth.

We'll I'm sure thinking about it. Sam answered: Damn, look at him. I heard he doesn't have a boyfriend. Or a girlfriend.  Would be a shame if someone snapped him up just like that. 

Why would I care?

Oh, Kevs was really way more snappy than usual. Best to let it lie. He'd just met his dad, so he probably had other things to worry about. Maybe she should take it easy on the guy.

I mean, it would probably mean the two of you spending less time together. Coupling usually does that to a sim. 

Sam tried making it sound innocent enough. But he knew what she meant.

He's got a sixpack. I saw it in the shower after gymclass.

Teenagers should not have sixpacks. It was unnatural. Wonder how much work it was to get a sixpack? Maybe he could get one infront of the tellie, if he bought one of those machines you could attacht to you abdomen.

I don't stare at guys in the showers! Kevin snared back.

Ups, he hadn't thouht about it that way: I know mate. I know. I just wondered if it's this he's getting it from, or something else. 

Why? Are you looking to get a sixpack Lee? Get up from the sofa. Ouch. Best to let it lie. Let a chap rest a little here.

Titania loved spring almost as much as she did summer; and winter, and autumn. But she still couldn't wait until summertime, because then she'd finally be able to go swimming in the river. Mum said it was safe even if it smelled a bit bad. But right now, she sat in sand that was all dry for the first time in months, and she'd built herself an empire!

But she forgot all about her conquest, when a kid finally came to the playground. She ran up to him as fast as she could.

Oh! Hi! Uhm. Do you want to play? Titania didn't stare because he didn't have hair. She knew who he was, because they went to school together.

That also meant that he knew who she was: Why would I play with someone like you?

What? What do you mean someone like me?

Someone like you, that doesn't have a dad. 

Wow, she hadn't expected that at all: Why would you say something like that to me? That is very mean of you! And she was very hurt. Everyone knew she lived with her mother and the other kids.

It's true isn't it? Your dad abandoned you. Probably because of something your mum did. 

Nu- uh, mum hasn't done anything! Dad's just a deadbeat. She wasn't entirely sure what that was, but that's what Aurelius called him. So it was probably true.

Yeah- uh it is. It's always the mums fault, that's what my dad says. And his parents were divorced, so that meant that dad was right. Since he lived with his own mum: Or, maybe it's because he didn't want to have you! That'll teach her! Stupid Titania beeing all happy and chirpy when he was unhappy.

Hi Sam.

Huh? Karstein thought he'd been smart this time, but he turned around to something scarier than a little girl.

It was a big girl. They were alot scarier than the smaller ones, who was scary in their own right.

The hell did you just say?

M... me? Karstein stuttered, looking around for a grownup to save him. He couldn't see anyone just yet.

Yeah, you, you little dick-with-ears. I'll teach you talking to my sister like that, you worthless little shit.

Oh no! It's Steve! Quick! Hide! Neda whisper- yelled, dragging Tara behind the nearby wall. Fuck. She rarely ever met him downtown, so why did he have to show up right now?!!

You think he saw me? 

Shit! That was one man she did not want to meet. Couldn't he just move out of town or something? What if the kids accidentally bumped into him? Titania wouldn't recognize him, but Aurelius remembered him a lot better than she'd thought.

Relax. He left. Tara rolled her eyes. How could anyone be that nervous about meeting their ex. Just because Neda was a cheater.

I'm so worried that he wants to meet the kids again. Because I know he won't follow through anyway. That, and she was a cheater- a massive cheater. She was never dating again because she didn't know how to keep her undies on. And it really didn't help that Steve was still so hot!

I don't get why you keep avoiding him. Especially now that you look all good; having your titties hanging out and everything.

What is it with you, and commenting on them all the time?

No reason. You just have it either or; completly covered, or hanging all out there. 

Watch your own giant titties! Really, when you had a chest the size of an extra sim, you did not get to comment on others.

Hey, atleast someone is watching my giant titties. 

Oh! That was... first of all, it's Arne; gross. And that was really not... Stop it! Where's that lazy barista! I want to order a coffe.

Probably masturbating in the backroom. 

Why do you keep doing this to me?

Tara laughed at her.

Maybe we should go somewhere else and get a coffe?

No! We have to wait a bit longer, just in case Steve is still outside. Neda wanted to be sure that he was gone before going outside. She didn't want to talk to him: Wait. 

What? Is he coming inside again? Tara seemed to be a bit tired of her behaviour.

No. I think.... Is that Walter? 

Who?

I mean... Yeah, it's him. It's Walter alright. Uhm... Someone I went to university with. Just wait here okay. 

 
Neda approached him carefully, he couldn't be mad at her still, could he: Walter? Is that you?

He looked far from happy as far as she could see. Why were guys angry for so long. Like they had been wronged to the bone or something. Just move on with your lives. Like she'd done whilst hiding from Steve just now. Progress!

Turned out he'd just been as surprised as she had, because he cracked out a large smile at her, He did remember her, and he clearly wasn't angry anymore either. Even if she had been leading him on.

Neda! Hi! I saw you on the news. You're doing really well for yourself.

Can't complain. What have you been up to lately? I mean, what are you doing here? In town I mean. 

We're opening a few of our restaurants here, and I'm overseeing the prosess. She assumed he meant "we" as his family. Unless ofcourse he'd started for himself. Nah, he was to much of a mums boy for that. 

Really? So your staying in town for a while then? 

Yeah, I've been here for a while.

Oh! And yet he hadn't said anything to her. Which frankly wasn't that strange when she thought about it a bit deeper.

So how's Steve doing? I heard you two got married. I mean, it's a long time since I heard obviously, but....

Neda hoped she didn't look to awkward: Uhm, we never got married. We broke up before that. After having two kids. Well, actually, he dumped her whilst she was pregnant with the second one, but details.

Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to....

It's okay. It's ages ago. History long gone and all that. 

I don't mean to be rude Neda, but I really have to leave. I was supposed to get a coffe on my way to work. But the barista seems to be missing.

Yeah, he's probably.... overworked or something. Well. Enjoy your sunday- work then Walter. 

Maybe I'll see you around. 

Yeah, maybe we'll see eachother around town. That hadn't been all to awkward.

Neda hadn't even gotten back to Tara before the phone rang: What? What's wrong?

She could feel her heart drop. Another one? How many times were they going to call her: It's the police. Again. I have to take this one. Sorry Tara. 

No problem. 

What's assault? Titania had snook behind the policeofficer even if he'd told her to sit still. She could do that and get away with it, because she was cute. That's what her brothers and sister told her, and they were definitely right. 

Uhm. Assault? Assault is when... uhm. It's what we call it when a grownup hits another grownup?

Okay! She chirped happily: hi mum! But why does grownups hit eachother? It's not okay to hit eachother. 

Uhm.

 
Sweety, let the officer work. Titania was a sweet kid, but just like all of them she never understood when she'd stepped over the line: Hi officer. she didn't have to introduce herself, he already knew who she was.

Miss. She picked a kid up by the scruff of his neck and physically threw him. 

It was soooo cool mum! Mum! It was really neat!! Titania was happy to lend her opinion.

Is she in any trouble? That was mainly Neda concern.

They'd been lucky so far, she hadn't done anything directly illegal. But it didn't really matter. The big problem was that if she kept this up, the police would eventually stop giving her the benefit of a doubt. And then she could get in serious trouble, if she ever overstepped the line by just a little.

No, miss. The parents of the kid didn't want to press any charges. Not that they'd get anywhere with it: So she's all yours.

But what's assault with a lethal weapon, then? What's lethal? 

Titania! Let the man work! 

You can just fetch her miss. She's all good to go. Now, I don't want to see you here again, okay young lady? He directed the last part to Sam, still busy with his real job.

Whatever. Sam snared from her seat. Please, just behave for a few minutes longer.

How can you assault someone with a weapon, if that weapon is a foot? Is it because it smelled like footsweat?

Titania, honey. We have to go now. Atleast he wasn't working on Sams rapport.

Sam, sweety. You can't keep physically throwing kids around, or push others into pools, egging sims houses and all those other things you do.

I didn't throw the kid. What the hell was she, the incredibly hulk?  

I don't care. Sooner or later the cops are going to get sick of this, and then I can't help you. 

Yeah, well I don't want your help anyway.

She more like smeared him up against the tree, and told him she'd snap his neck if he didn't knock it off.

Titania wasn't sure what snapping necks would cause, but it sounded really cool. And he'd started crying when she said it.

As usual, everyone ignored what she said. She couldn't wait until she got bigger.

You don't mean that Sam. Mum sounded sad now. She was probably going to cry again. Wonder why Sam didn't call mum mum.

Yes, I mean it Neda. I don't need your help. I had everything under control. 

If you had everything under control, why were you at the policestation then? 

Because... because I did okay! Leave me alone! 

Then Sam stomped out the door and left them alone. And mum cried, just as Titania knew she would.
 

It'll be okay mum. Sam's just a bit upset. She'll be back soon.

Titania also knew how to make mum feel better. She knew a lot of things. Like where Sam went when she ran off- but she wasn't going to tell on her. No no. Because that would be wrong. Or so she thought atleast.

She thought it would ring on forever, but it finally answered on the other end: Hi. It's me again. Can I come over? She yelled at me. Again. Yes, ofcourse I did! I wouldn't lie! Can I come over or not? Okay. Fine. I'll come right on over. After a short break where none of them said anything, she continued: Thanks. Okay? Thanks. 
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I don't really want to make to much out of the thing between Kevin and Niko. He's not going to hold a grudge against Neda or anything. I've got to admit I was exhausted after gen 3 and especially 4, so I wanted to keep this generation as simple as possible. So, I'm not planning on any giant dramas or conflicts. That's why Neda also isn't more involved in anything. She also has the "good" trait, or whatever it's called in simlish. So figured it was excusable.

Thanks for reading