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