3.9 Golden heart

     The few guests were doing their very best beeing considerate in the familys situation; quietly talking and walking. Everyone weighed their words, desperately hoping not using saying that might trigger any painful memories: How are you, considering the circumstances. It was a question she was used to getting by now. Every time she answered "fine" with sad eyes and a longing, tired sigh: Is there anything you need? Just let me know. That was another one that often came. The mood was rather somber.

     The new house was a lot bigger then the old one, and so much more fitting for someone of her standard and taste. Every inch of sympathy she got was even better, it had never been easier manipulating sims before. But she had to take care when she did; like she had when she'd gotten dad to buy her that giant tv for instance. That way she didn't have to buy it herself.
     It was a good thing Ians insurance was good, or else this might not have happened. A large house with many rooms, and a big cellar for all her potions. It was best for them when their surroundings were cool.

     Pretending that she was struggeling with sadness, whilst feeling triumphant was tough. Usually the police looking for a male serialkiller would've offended her, especially since she'd gotten her own nickname; the KG killer. But she was smart enough to know it was to the best for her. When she'd gained immortality, she could extract her revenge on the idiots that had claimed the KG killer was a man. She'd just wished they'd given her a better name; like the Surgeon; because of the wounds they kept claiming she put in everyone. Instead they named her after the river, because that's where they fished up stupid Wilma. Wondered what they would have called her if they knew how she'd killed the rest of them?

     Jarl sends his thoughts, Lucky said it like she was supposed to care: But he had to stay home with the baby. Telling the grieving woman that Jarl had just outright refused to meet her again, was probably best avoid mentioning. Not that Lucky knew why, he refused telling her why: Is there anything we can do? Another question Skuld got often, but this time she answered: No, but thanks for offering. Eventually she'd find something they could buy, but she was getting a bit out if ideas at the moment. She wanted a new car, but that was probably a bit pricey for them.

     Dad had gotten even older- looking, loosing every bit of blond hair he'd had left. Didn't he dread getting older at all? Skuld really tried focusing on what he said, trying not to panic about the possible future she could see. What if she wasn't able to stop the horrible aging? Dad had been so strong and handsome, and look at him now; he was a twig! Not even that way to young girlfriend kept him any younger, but thankfully he'd left that golddigger at home.

     Even her younger brother was a grown man, and he'd gotten married to. But it was yet another sign of age creeping up on her. Because when he got older, so did she. And he was the younger brother! Swallowing deeply, she tried focusing again: I'm sorry about Ian. He'd said that already hadn't he?
     Doing her very best at looking sad, she thanked him. He had to have quite a bit of simoleons right? Doctors weren't exactely underpaid. Maybe he could get her a new car? Or maybe not, now that he was married. She hadn't even met his wife, she was probably some golddigging skank. Why else would anyone want to marry him?

     I can take another look at him if you want, maybe run some more tests?

     Thanks Odin, but there's nothing more to test for. After she'd defused Ian, she'd made sure to take a longer break. Skuld had found information about all the social insurances she could apply for, and Ians health insurance to calculate what would be more economical beneficial. Ofcourse, contrary to his lifeinsurance. Then she'd had to estimate how long this would take, and how high his insurance would be by the time she succeeded and would kill him off.

     Turned out that keeping him in a coma was the best financial choice for her at the moment. now Ian had a lovely little room in the giant new house. As long as he kept getting fed her special little brew, he wasn't going to wake up again. The city had accepted that she took care of him herself, since she had the education of a doctor. But they sent some nurse to bathe him a few times a week.

     Now that Aino was getting older, she could start taking care of Ian instead so Skuld didn't have to. Finally! The little brat should be thankful she'd let her help. That way she'd never have to look at him or his giant nose again! It was a grand day to be Skuld, and she was so close to her dream right now. With Ian out of the way and Aino growing, she'd never have to get as old as dad was. That's why the family was present ofcourse, to celebrate the girls age- up. That way they could entertain her so she didn't have to.

     As Marco saw another generation of young girls grow up, he realized he needed a new shotgun. Or atleast to make sure the ones he already had still worked: So Aino, you know how dangerous ponds are right? Shouldn't go near them. Especially if there's men with cameras there.
     I can swim grandpa, Aino assured him, dad had tought her that as a toddler. She could swim alright, she was possibly the best swimmer in the entire city. And why would she be afraid of sims with cameras? That didn't make any sense. Unless they could catch your soul with it! Which would've been awesome.

      Thank you so much for arranging a birthday party for me mum. Aino politely thanked the rest of the guests to. She wanted them to come visiting again, that would be nice. But if she said anything mum might get mad, and she didn't want mum to think she wasn't enough. Skuld on her side, just wondered how many calories the cake contained. She was going to have to run to the moon and back to get it off her thighs.

     Thanks for the outfit aunt Marea. It wasn't just clothes after all, it was fancy ones that cost a lot of simoleons. Atleast that's what auntie Lucrecia said. She'd thank uncle Efraim again to, but his job had phoned after him, so he'd left. Then it was just Marea left to thank.

     You're welcome, she said calmy: I got help from Lucky to pick it out though. The two of them were fashion disasters, but the girl seemed more than happy with it.

     Then Aino thanked Lucrecia again: You're welcome. She thought it was a bit odd that the girl kept thanking so much for so little; it was just clothes. By the way she kept thanking them, one could think she wasn't used to getting anything. It was good beeing polite, but this was a bit much. She seemed like a pretty nice kid though, and it was good to be a bit away from her own baby: You're such a pretty girl, that we figured you needed some pretty clothes to.

     The girl looked strangely at them before thoughtfully eating more cake. Fine, she was a bit strange, but with a dad in coma it might not be that odd: And your hair is so thick, Marea said: It was difficult braiding it.

     Yeah, Lucky nodded: I've never seen anyone other than you and your dad with that shade of red either. Most sims have to buy that at the store.        

     Red hair is so pretty, Marea was talking more to Lucky than with Aino now: I've always wished I had that when I was younger. 

     You are very pretty Aino, Lucky said to her: I bet the boys aren't going to leave you alone. Aino didn't get why boys wouldn't want to leave her alone, that was just strange. And why would she care if boys talked to her anyway?

     Skuld didn't understand what they were talking about. Her daughter was ugly, red hair was ugly and she looked like her ugly father. Didn't they see that large nose? Or those fat lips? The only pretty one was her. She was the prettiest one in the family, she always had been and she always would be. Aino was fat and ugly, and she'd get even fatter with the way she kept eating cake. Skuld wasn't sure about that outfit Marea and Lucky had gifted. And the girls hair wasn't thick, her hair was thick. She had to do something before the kid got some confidence.

     Aino was happy that she'd finally meet the family, even if she'd met them before. But she couldn't remember it very well: Is it true that you're a doctor? You don't look very doctory... She wasn't sure what to think about uncle. He looked cool, but not like a real doctor. He smelled doctorclean though, like handspirit and he looked clean to. There were probably no bacterias on him. But doctors didn't have tattoos: Are you like a real doctor, or is it more a doctor degree in something that doesn't have anything to do with anything doctory at all? And doctors always were bald and old, and he wasn't that old. He was younger than mum.

     Atleast it was clear the girl didn't take after his side of the family. The way she stumbled with words and didn't look straight at him gave that off. Poor kid, couldn't be easy with her dad needing all that care. Skuld didn't want him to look at the guy though, so he respected that; I'm the type that operates on sims. Not a bookworm. Okay, he was a bookworm, but that wasn't the point. 

     Doesn't all the blood make you sick?! The girl asked quickly, and revelead beeing as grotesque as a lot of kids were at a certain age.

    No, not really. But the first time I witnessed an authopsy I threw up on the floor. Just missed the table by a heartbeat. Odin sometimes forgot that not everyone got doctor-humour, and was slightly disappointed when the girl didn't giggle.

     An authopsy? Wasn't that when they cut in dead sims? Aino wasn't really scared of dead sims, but she'd never seen one before. Wondered how they looked: Did your mum get mad at you then? Mum was mad at her a lot, even if she didn't throw up on the floor.

     Uhm... No. It was during my internship. The doctor, she just laughed at me... and at all the other ones that did the same thing.

     That was strange: So your mum didn't get mad? All mums got mad at their kids when they weren't good. That's what her mum said, and mum was always right.

     I haven't met my mum, so I don't know what she'd think about it. He was calm as he said it: It was just the interns and some doctors there. 

     Uncle Odin didn't know his mum? Even her mum had met her own mum, atleast she'd though she'd said it. That was so sad. Aino loved her mum, and hoped she'd be a great daughter for her one day. That way mum would be happy. Aino was always happy when mum was happy.

     Nothing was better than when Aino realized that grandpa was alright to. He even let her make funnyfaces without getting mad. Not that she'd ever made a face at mum, she didn't want her getting angry. But this was still fun. Dad had let her make funnyfaces, but he was ill now and noone knew what was wrong with him. But she would take care of him and mum.

     The party had also left a lot of dishes. She should wash them so mum didn't have to. Aino really wanter mum to be happy, and to be the best daughter. It had to be difficult for her now that dad was unconscious all the time. Or whatever it was called in doctor- language.   

     She almost missed grandpa talking: How is your mum doing? Does she have moodswings? Was he serious? Everyone had moodswings didn't they? Mum changed her temper in a few seconds, so Aino felt like she was always walking on eggshells. But she loved mum and wanted to make her happy.

     Everyone had it like that at home, so she knew that everyone lied about it. And she didn't want mum to get disappointed in her: If mum has moodswings? Not really. Hey, is beeing a cop like in the movies? Aino just changed the subject, because she was sure that grandpa had given her a strange stare. Or maybe he hadn't? Maybe she was just imagining it.

     No, not at all. He sounded a bit off when he said it, like all air had been sucked out of him. But atleast he didn't ask more about mums mood. Grandpa was fun, but a bit strange.

     One thing that Aino had noticed, was that her family was kind of pretty. She didn't mind beeing the only one that wasn't, she was just glad other sims were pretty and happy. Aunt Lucrecia was very pretty to, even if mum was a lot prettier: You're very pretty! The woman jumped when she talked, maybe she hadn't heard her entering the room: Is your husband pretty to? Bet he was, but she'd never met him. Wonder why?

     Taking a deep breath, quietly collecting herself after the sudden startle, Lucky had to admit the girl was really weird. She was way to obsessed with this whole "pretty" thing. On the other hand, she herself had told the girl that she was pretty. Maybe it wasn't a good idea, after all; she hadn't been that obsessed with it as a kid: Uhm, yeah. Yeah, he is. Jarl's very pretty. And green, he's very green.    

    He's green! Is he an alien? That was so awesome. Aino had never seen a green sim before. 

    No, he's a plantsim. My mum did some experiment, and he was the result. We lived in the same house our entire lives actually. For some reason things like that was easier to explain to kids than adults. They just took these things so naturally.

     Oh... Was your parents pretty to? Aunt Lucrecias parents had to have been pretty.

     Sheesh, this was starting to rank high up on odd talks: Well, yes.

     Aino knew what type of relationship all the grownups had; Luckys mum was grandpas sister. But she couldn't remember seenh a picture of her or anything: Was your mum as pretty as my mum? It was always mums that were pretty: Do you look like her? The little face that aunt Lucrecias colours was far different from the rest of the family, was just a little detail in her young mind. Her husband was green after all, so who knew what else could happen? Ainp wished she looked like her own mum sometimes, but she was a lot prettier than she could ever hope to be. But she looked so up to her, and her pretty blonde hair. Dark hair was pretty to though.

     For some reason aunt Lucrecia didn't look straight at her, and fumbled a bit for words before talking: I look a lot more like my dad.. We have the same colours and... yeah. We look alike. She took a long break before talking more: He died a good while ago. Just never got over mum after she passed away

     Aino knew a lot about that to. Grandpa had just told her, and mum and dad had mentioned it a few times. She felt a bit sorry for Lucrecia and her mum. And now for her dad to. Mum and uncle Odin had grown up without a mum, and so had her dad. Even aunt Lucrecia and Efraim had. And Marea had no parents at all! She was so lucky that she had a mum, and a dad even if might as well have been asleed all the time.

     Was it your dad that was pretty? Maybe it wasn't that strange. Uncle Odin was kind of pretty to, even if he had a lot of tattoos. She liked the tattoos though, it was like having pictures on your own skin.

    Really, what was wrong with this girl: Yes, he was handsome. The ladies liked him a lot. Not that he'd been interested in anyone else but her mum. Aino nodded and smiled. She was going to take good care of her own mum. And dad ofcourse.  That way, she wouldn't have to be without a mum like so many of the others had.

     Quickly changing the subject before it got any weirder, Lucky tried beein a good grown up: How are you holding up then? With your dad beeing ill and all?

     The girl still had that strange look on her face, like she didn't understand what she was talking about. Maybe she had trouble processing what had happened: I want mum to be happy. That was it, the only answer she got. It was kind of sweet, so typical for kids to think about the parents when she should have thought about herself: Well, if you ever want to talk about it, or anything else. Just come and visit us, okay? And you can go to your grandpa and uncle Odin to. And Marea and Efraim ofcourse. The girl had that short look of confusion again. Poor thing. It was probably difficult for her.

     Aino behaved pretty well during the gathering, but talked a bit to much. Children were to be seen, not heard. Skuld didn't really like that outfit om her. Tilting her head, looking at her daughter, it was time to have a little chat now that the guests had finally left: Aino. Instantly the girl looked up: That is not a good look for you. You don't want the other kids to laugh at you. Do you? She didn't even answer; just payed attention to her every word: You are to fat to wear a tight outfit, and you look like a whore. Are you a whore Aino? Then she paused for a long while, keeping the eyecontact.

     It took ages before the kid said anything: no... She wasn't sure what a whore was, but it was probably something bad.

     Smiling coldly Skuld said: Did I say you could talk? Why do you always interrupt me? You're so rude. And that even after I fixed a birthday party for you. You're so ungrateful.

     Skuld knew just how to treat sims, to get the effect needed. The girl looked guilty and insecure, followed by a deepfelt appology: I'm sorry mum. I didn't mean to. You're so kind for doing all of this for me. I don't deserve it mum, I'm not worth it. I'm so sorry.   
     Hearing the girl saying the same things she'd told her as a toddler, was all music to Skulds ears. What a great idea it had been to start so early. Aino probably didn't even have any idea where the thoughts were coming from: So now you're sorry? You've made me sad Aino. 

     She whispered, so low that it was near impossible to decipher: I'm sorry mum... I love you... Aino felt terrible, she'd just wanted mum to smile and be happy. She hadn't meant to seem ungrateful. But she was ungrateful. She could've thanker her more, and mum just shouldn't have gone through all that trouble for her. She just wasn't worth it.

     Making sure that the girl wouldn't feel any closure, Skuld changed the subject: We have to do something about the way you look. Your hair is ugly, and you're fat. Lucrecia and Marea just bought you that outfit so others would make fun of you.

     Aino was caught by surprise, they had seemed so nice: They did? Mum was definitly right, why else would they have bought her leather- lookalike trousers and a tight shirt? And hadn't they said they wanted to get the hair away from her face? She'd just thought they meant it was annoying to get in her eyes. 

     Ofcourse they did. They always do things like this. Skuld pretended she cared about her daughter: When your hair is like that, your ugly face is easy to see. And with that outfit everyone will see how fat you are. You don't want the kids at school teasing you, do you? Kids now adays were to sensitive, couldn't even handle a bit of bullying.

     Aino was really nervous about starting school. Not just because then she'd have to leave mum and dad alone, but also because she'd be without mum. Now she was even more scared; she didn't want to be teased: No I don't.

     You see Aino, Skuld continued soothing her daughter: You won't make any friends anyway, so it'll be better if no one notice you. Don't you agree?   

     Quickly nodding Aino couldn't have agreed more. Hanging to every word she said, because mum was always right about things. She was right this time to. Aino wasn't going to be any prettier and only pretty girls had friends: But what do I do mum? I'm not getting prettier. She wasn't, mum said she got uglier every day.

     Don't worry Aino! Skuld was such a good mother at times, it was surprising she hadn't won an award yet: We'll just get some wide clothes to hide your weight, and cut your hair in a way that covers your face. The less ugly red hair it is to notice, the better. And the more face you hide, the better. We just need to find something that makes that big nose of yours less obvious. 

     Mum always took care of her every needs. Aino thought she was the luckiest girl in the world to have such a great mother.

     Looking up at her with admiration, Aino knew her mum was the smartest and most beautiful in simnation. She was like one of those fairytale princesses she'd seen on tv: You're the best mum. I love you! What would she ever do without her?!
     Smiling back, Skuld answered: Ofcourse you do. I'm pretty, so I deserve love. Skuld felt so good when the girl looked at her like she was perfect. Which she was, and the whole point of other sims beeing alive, was to make Skuld feel good about herself.

     The mix of dirt and garbage wasn't the best of change from her cellar. Not that she didn't love the smell around her workshop, but it could get a bit sickening at times. It might come as a surprise to sims, but for all the strange things they contained, it often smelled quite sweet. But it was also a sickening sweetness when stuck in it for long. This stench of rotting food that emerged from the recycling bin didn't do wonders for her mood. Why on earth didn't they use lids? Atleast that might contain the alarming ammount of flies that buzzed around the old garbage.

     Skuld didn't bother trying the door this time, it was better just doing it the oldfashioned way. Knocking on the backdoor wasn't as suspect as it might seem. It was common practice, especially between aquaintances. And she wore a common brand of sneakers, incase someone noticed the footprints. Merete and her was almost family, so she should be thrilled to see her. But her facialexpression showed another feeling.

     Skuld was still a bit surprised that Merete invited her inside, but maybe she didn't want anyone to hear what they had to say to eachother. Ofcourse she wasn't a complete idiot, she'd made sure that they were alone. Her halfsister had gotten married, and no longer lived with the sister. And her ancient crust of a mum was dead. If she was to believe official records, Merete had been married several times, and was divorced again. With daughters and a son that lived with her dad to, none the less. There was no way that a horrible old hag like that had any other man in her life, and she hadn't seen any specific sims coming back the times she'd surveilled the place. Lets just face it, Merete was a horrible woman. Besides she'd already made sure the neighbours wasn't at home. Had to learn sims habits after all.

     Merete should also be happy just to be given the opportunity to speak with someone as superior as Skuld, but the old hag didn't agree with that either: What do you want this time? Inheritance after your mother? She hadn't even thought about that! She was the dead womans daughter after all, so why hadn't anyone informed her? Unfortunately Merete continued before the dream of a fat inheritance came true: Because she signed away custody of you. There's nothing for you to fetch here.   
     And just like that, Skulds sweet dreams disappeared. Ofcourse she earned a lot of simoleons due to her potions. She didn't use all of them to harm sims, but sold them to. But she just wanted more simoleons. It wasn't like she could just buy everything she wanted in life.

     Tilting her head, Skuld studied the much older woman. She couldn't be far away from beeing an elderly. Her own mum couldn't have been that much older than her. But that was a time of life that Merete would never experience. As much as she wanted to cause the woman pain, she wasn't dumb enough to pick a fight with a fairy. Especially the ones with way to sweet voices. That didn't mean she was going to let her get away easily: I disagree Merete. There's a lot for me to fetch her. 
     Like what? She sure didn't sound to have a lot of patient, but what did she care.
    Well, I can fetch your essence.

      What? What on simplanet do you want that for? Skuld was just surprised Merete even knew what it was. It was far from the most known thing in simnation. On the other hand, she'd been the one telling her that tale all that time ago.
     I'll use it for a potion that can make me live forever. She said it, even if she wanted to keep a low profile. It wasn't like Merete could do anything about her outcome anyway.
     How are you going to do that? Are you going to turn them into liquid.. what?

     Skuld could have sworn she'd known exactely what do with it. Fine, she'd had that stupid dream all those years ago. But dreams weren't real. She'd just assume she'd know what to do, or figure it out in the end. She hadn't. It was a strange thing to think about, but she'd been so busy getting what she needed instead of researching more directly. This was unheard of! She was supposed to be a genious.
    Merete luckily wasn't. As she continued to talk before Skuld answered: And how are you going to get my essence anyway? Then an all familiar look on her face, that showed Skuld that her victim realized her imminent death was at hand.

     It was by far on the top three most expensive potion she'd ever made. It contained gold. It was also the only potion she'd used on herself, instead of the victim. Atleast it hadn't turned her into a fully fledged king Midas, so for a second she worried how well it had actually worked.

     Merete didn't have any chance to stand against it. Skuld was the best thing that had ever happened to simnation, but even she was baffled by her own superiority. The fairy had turned into solid gold in the blink of an eye. She got so shocked by the effect that the essence nearly escaped her. After all, getting turned into gold inside and outside, made things like the longue, heart and brain stop working to.

     The gold effect would disappear in a few hours, and whoever found her would be none the wiser. For once she didn't feel like looking inside a sim. Meretes words had gotten a grip in her mind. What was she supposed to do with all those essences? She couldn't use them for anything in their current state.
     Even worse was that she was horny as hell, even if this thing hadn't been that exciting. She was pretty certain that Ian couldn't still get a hard on atleast. So how difficult could it be getting a man to screw on a regular basis?

     A short stop home to cure the midas- touch, a shower and a new layer of makeup; Skuld found herself at a place she'd never been before: A danceclub for ordinary sims. As usual she was the most beautiful one there, but she was used to that.

     Simply walking up to the first guy she saw, Skuld barely even talked to him before asking if he wanted sex.

     She'd never expected it to be that easy. Okay, the guy was a lot older than her, but what did she care? She had an itch that needed to be scratched and Ian was indisposed at the moment. What did she care about the bartender that gave her some judgmental look? Old hag was just jealouse of her anyway. Who wouldn't be? Skuld was quite the sight.

     Usually she wouldn't allow some gross stranger entering her perfect body, but this was about her needs; not this idiot. The fool even gave her his number and asked to call him whenever she felt the urge again. What an idiot....
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If you didn't get it, Ian is still alive and kicking ;)

I had Skuld go to a club and just hump the first guy she saw, which was this idiot. If anyone remember Jonny from generation 2, I'm sure you can see the resemblance. They are a huge family and they all look the same. And I mean they are pretty much all clones of eachother. I thought I'd gotten rid of all of them, but on closer inspection this guy alone has 7 kids. And like five brothers, whom look pretty much the same as this one, with almost equally many kids each. No wonder they are everywhere.

Aino really loves her mum and worships her quite the bit. She also think she's perfect and always right.

Thanks for reading

3.5 The only one

warning: language, gore, nsfw

     As it turned out, beeing pregnant in the summertime wasn't the best choice. Neither was working out whilst the belly never stopped growing. Magazines seemed to be full of pregnant women working out, even lifting weights until they popped. But for some reason she found it to be an impossible hell.
     Or maybe she just noticed how much there was about pregnancies everywhere now that she was a whale herself. Her legs ached, the back hurt, the stomach hurt and stupid Ian kept insisting she take up biking and stop jogging. She's even tried attending one of those fucking classes for pregnant women, but they were all so happy and positive. Made her want to bludgeon them to death with her giant belly.

     She was flatulent, constupated and threw up all over the place, and even if she mainly ate salads; she still got fat! Close to the end not even the pregnancyclothes fit her fat body, and putting on her own shoes was impossible. Thankfully the entire experience was all over now. She never wanted another baby again. The entire thing was unnatural. Why the flying fuck wasn't it men that had to carry that thing inside them?

     Holding his babygirl close, Ian had no idea what he'd been worried about. Their daughter was absolutely perfect. Not only did she have all toes and fingers intact, she was eager and payed attention to her surroundings. And she smelled so lovely; sweet and soft at the same time. Because soft was obviously a scent. Ofcourse she was a lot more perfect than other babies, but that was beyond the point.
     To think Skuld said all babies looked the same! His perfect little Aino didn't look like any other than herself. Sometimes he was still worried that she resembled him a bit much, but she was still small. She'd probably grow it off. Blinking heavily with her still baby- dark eyes and whimpering a little, it was clear the baby was sleepy. So Ian put her in her crib, hoping she'd fall asleep, and not just cry because she was sleepy. Babies did that alot.

     Skuld didn't see the point of the whole charade beeing happy about a baby. She'd been sure she'd split in half whilst squeezing the thing out. Her vagina would never be the same again. Beeing a mother wasn't all to bad though; Ian took care of it and let her sleep. Sometimes he nagged her to spend time with the baby, and she did. Just not more than she had to, because Aino just weren't that interesting. It didn't do anything. And as much as she wanted to keep up with her experiments, she just wasn't in any shape for it now. Her cunt hurt, she bled and her breasts felt like exploding. Skuld had to pump her breasts for milk, even if she wasn't breastfeeding. Because if she wanted it to stop without getting an infection, she had to pump some of it out.

     Despite just having given birth, there were still worse things. Ian had barely gotten down putting Aino to sleep before they heard her crying again: Skuld, I'm really dizzy. Can you please take her? The baby was screaming again, and stupid Ian was nagging about beeing dizzy and tired. What about her? She'd given birth!! Just because he'd been dead without knowing, he was "dizzy"? So what if he threw up without any warning and passed out once and again. That was nothing compared to her discomfort! And why did he have to sit so close to her all the time?! 
      Sure Ian, she said trying to sound like she was struggling: I'm not that sore anymore. Then she pretended having trouble getting out of the sofa, pulling a grimace of pain.
     Wait! As expected Ian stopped her: Sit... sit. I'll take her. Men were so gullible.

      Almost as soon as Ian had left upstairs for the baby, the doorbell rang. Simnation just didn't want to give her a break it seemed. She wanted to be left alone on her misery. That stupid kid woke her up every night, and it took forever before Ian calmed her down so she could go back to sleep. Now this?!
     Ian!! She called for him: Ian, get the door!! He probably pretended he couldn't hear her that redheaded bastard. He heard the kid from the second floor, but not her?
     Skuld didn't even have the time to get up from the sofa, before the visitor opened the door himself: Where's my little doll at?

     Skuld wasn't really happy to see him, but atleast she didn't have to move that far: Daddy! She hugged him back, as he put his arms around her.
    How's my little babygirl. Marco hugged her tight, and she was pleased to notice he didn't smell like an old man, which meant he showered on a daily basis. But when had he gotten that old? And had he shrunk to? She could've sworn he'd been taller. The only man- midget she knew was Ian... Dad was so thin and brittle.

     ....this is my girlfriend, Maya... Dad sounded a bit nervous introducing the not- surprisingly superginger girl: Maya, this is my oldest one, Skuld. What the hell was it with that man and redheads? He was a gingermagnet.
     Maya greeted her politely, but for some reason it didn't make Skuld feel any better. The man was a grandfather, and this girl was how old? Like it wasn't bad enough that her kid and husband were ugly, now her ancient dad was running after little girls?! She really didn't have the patience for this!
     Skuld wasn't the least bit interested getting her father angry, what if he decided to start working again and looked into certain happenings around the city: ...hi.... her teeth weren't that clenched were they:... it's nice to meet you Maya... And it wasn't like acid dripped heavily from her lips. Skuld hated her already. Why couldn't he get someone age- appropriate?

     Busy staring a hole in Mayas face, Skuld didn't notice Ian coming back down with the baby: oh hey Marco... Maya... Ian took a short look over the livingroom, but didn't need to ask what was going on. Marco looked guilty and a bit embarassed, Maya like she was about to faint of happiness that he was there, and his lovely wife looked ready to rip Mayas head off. So, his father- in- law had gotten a younger girlfriend. As much as Ian loved his wife, she was a bit stuck up, so he worked hard not to start laughing loudly. His own mum and dad had almost the same age- difference as the two newcommers, and they had been happy enough.   
     Ian... Hi! Maya seemed so happy it was awkward.

     Ian also recognized his wifes voice when someone was in trouble: And how do you two know eachother Ian? She sounded ready to spit fire. Poor Marco, and him if he didn't explain this one.
     Fellow redheads... he explained: All redheads know eachother, don't you know that? They laughed awkwardly at the internal joke that no one else got, especially blondes.

     No really though, we had carrot- club when we were in elementary school, and Maya was the president. They grinned at the silly childhood memory: but I'd barely started school when she left for higher education.... She's quite a bit older than me.... He just hoped the indirect explanation got his wife to calm down a bit. They were both grown- ups and could do what they wanted. Even if Skuld didn't like it. Fine, Maya was tiny and looked like she was ten but she was still a lot older than both of them: We lived pretty close to eachother to, and I babysat little Ian a bit... Maya tried explaining. Not that Skuld looked calmer, but it was still a bit better than earlier.

     Marco was just happy to be able to talk about something else: I know you sent me a couple of pictures files....
     Thirty....
     Okay, a few more than a couple... He pulled out his wallet, showing him the pictures; But look here, isn't she adorable! Look at that face, and she's smiling here, you can clearly see it.... He kept pointing at the pictures.
    I know Marco, I took those pictures of my daughter myself. Ian might as well not have said anything, as the proud grandfather kept talking: She looks like your dad, have you seen it? But the eyes are definitely from my side of the family... By the way he kept going, you'd think he'd given birth to the baby himself.
     He'd never stop talking if someone didn't interrupt him: How about you two take her for a ride in the stroller or something? Skuld and I could always use some sleep.... That and he felt ready to pass out again.

     That's not why I'm here! Ofcourse that was why he had come to visit. He hadn't met his granddaughter before, she was still a fresh baby. Ian didn't look quite like he believed him though: How about you come with us to, and we'll let Skuld sleep? So typical to assume that the mother did most of the work; but why did he look so serious?
     Sure... Ian didn't feel to well, and really could use some sleep himself. But saying no was just so difficult. Especially to Marco, the man had been a pretty big influence in his life after his own dad disappeared.

     Judging by the looks Skuld kept sending Maya, it was best they got the hell out of there as quickly as possible.

     The esperanza was always a good place to stay, especially as long as it was still pretty warm. Soon enough it would be to cold to sit outside without heatinglamps, as the winds from the river could get quite cold. Ian kept forgetting how good Marco was with kids, and by the looks of it Aino was officially the eight wonder of simantion. And if he took any more pictures of her... it wasn't possible to take more pictures of her now was it? He couldn't wait until the others had kids to, that man was exhausting.

     Eventually he handed Aino to Maya who was clever enough to take the baby inside, the two others taking a seat at a table. Ian wanted to sit inside, he was just wearing a t- shirt, but when Marco ordered him to.. it was still difficult saying no.
     Have you talked to any of the others lately? Marco asked pretty much before his butt touched the seat.
     Not really no. Skuld has been working hard with her potions, and hasn't been feeling well during the pregnancy. Not that the old man didn't know, he'd been pretty much phoning or visiting them every single day after they announced the pregnancy: Why. Is something wrong?
     What makes you think something is wrong? Marco parried so quickly that if Ian hadn't been so tired, he'd probably panic.

     He hadn't had enough sleep lately to be able to follow the older man though: what? 
     Pulling a short grimace, Marco appologised: Sorry, old habit. I'm so used to interrogating I sometimes forget not every sim I meet is up for questioning.      
     His brain still didn't want to work to much with him: So something is wrong?
     Well yeah. Bashir is dead. It's been a while since they found him, but we decided not to tell Skuld with her beeing pregnant. I know they didn't have the best relationship, but we still figured it was best keeping it to ourselves. You know how pregnant womens mood can be right? He didn't mention that he'd been worried she might get so upset she'd loose the baby. What? It could happen...
     Ian didn't need anyone to tell him about that. She'd been a firebreathing dragon the entire time. He'd tried to kiss her once and she'd pretty much launched at him, threatening to lick his lips and stick him to the nearest window like a suction cup. His mouth wasn't that big.

     I'm sorry to hear that. Ian remembered Bashir quite well, he scared the living daylight out of him but now he was dead? It seemed so strange that such a scary sim was able to die at all: How is Lucrecia taking it? Not to mention how Marco took it, but it was best not to try to get him talking about feelings. That was just embarassing. He wasn't a fool though; he got that it was Marco who wanted to talk about it but it was better to pretend it was about someone else. Not that he got why the two guys were so closely knit together to begin with.
      Pretty well, it's been a while so she's had time to prosess it. But she's obsessing with his wedding ring. Barely had any personal belongings, so it's very important for her to find it. But we just weren't able to. Ian had always thought that sims were buried with those, but clearly not: She has her mums, but not her dads. They had some supersappy heart- engraving or something. 
     That's to bad. Is there anything I can do to help? 
     He shock his head: Man never took that thing off after Oriana passed, but we just could't find it.

     What happened to him? He wasn't that much older than you was he?
      Marco shook his head again: Heartattack, most likely. Wasn't anything else it could've been.
     Really? Wasn't he a bit young for that? And didn't he just eat grass and stuff like that to?
     From what I understood, his heart stopped without any warning. It didn't look like a typical heartattack, but it wasn't anything else it could've been. He smoked and drank so much, it's probably a miracle he didn't die earlier.... Marco missed that bastard.... Could you break the news to Skuld sometime it seems fitting? I didn't want to do it since she just gave birth and everything...
     Sure, he could do that for the old man.

     Skuld had taken the news about Bashir pretty easily even if she'd been surprised, but Ian wasn't shocked. He was sure she suffered from birthdepressions and that was one typical sign of it. Not taking things to heart, and not feeling close to the baby. So when he heard Aino screamed in the middle of the night, he knew what had to be done.

     Sigh heavily, get up and check her. She'd probably gotten all the sleep she needed for the night anyway... He hadn't even gotten up before he heard the faint sound of slow footsteps dragging over the floor. Then a woman humming as the baby went quiet. That was so sweet! Skuld was finally warming up to Aino, it was about time!

     Skulds sudden snore as she turned around in bed threw Ian right out of it though. How could she be here? He'd just heard her in Ainos room. He must have been dreaming or something. Shaking his head, Ian still had to check on the baby. Maybe he'd dreamt her howling to? It wouldn't surprise him the least bit.

     You awake you little rascal? Ian picked up the baby from the crib, she was happy and awake. Not a single cranky face at all: Were you talking, and daddy thought it was mum singing to you? It was official, Ian was in desperate need of some sleep. Aino did talk, or gurgling was more like it; but that's how babies talk. She seemed calm now though, so he put her back in the crib and went back to the bedroom. No way was he going to avoid a nap when he could.

     If Ian had been superdad, he'd stay with his daughter and made sure she fell asleep before going to bed himself. But he wasn't superdad. It was bad enough he was tired all the time, but the waking with baby didn't make it better.

     He heard Aino talking a bit more before he fell asleep.

     He had waited for quite a bit now, but it didn't seem that Skuld was going to make it. Not that she picked up the phone when he called her ofcourse, but still. She knew it was Ainos birthday, even if they hadn't invited anyone she should be here. Whatever she was doing could have waited. Ian could wait to, but the baby was so ready for this.

     Maybe he should've invited someone else, but she was so small that she wouldn't remember it. And knowing Ainos grandfather, he'd probably invite the entire city, hire clowns and buy some elephants to perform or something. He'd been a bit over the top with his own kids, but he'd went all overboard with the grandkids. Thankfully they had a small house, or he'd never stop buying toys and blankets for her. There was a limit to how many they needed. Skuld wasn't going to show up, so Ian decided to let the baby have her little birthday.

     With a complete lack of grace and elegance, Aino aged up to be a very redheaded toddler, and like all good parents Ian dressed her in a dinosaur outfit. Because; dinosaurs. Though that didn't have to mean that she should do her best to look like a parasaurolophus already; not that they weren't awesome.

     He wasn't to big of a fan of teaching kids that adults were to pick them up whenever they felt like, but Aino was still so small she needed lots of simcontact. All in it's time though. Even if he'd wanted Skuld to be here on her birthday he got a sense of pleasure beeing the first to see her as a toddler. Especially when it was so calm around them, it made it so much easier to bond: Can you say dad? She pulled his ear instead with a wise smile: Close enough Aino. For some reason in the middle of the bonding moment, he felt overwhelmed with sadness that she'd never know his side of the family. The two of them were the only ones left. They would've been great to talk to right now. Marco was nice, but hopelessly macho. He'd probably teach him how to use a gun, so he could shoot at potential suitors or something.

     What on earth was he so happy about? Skuld couldn't care less if she'd miss her daughters birthday, it was just a baby anyway. But why was Ian smiling so much, she wasn't there. The only thing there was that kid, and she drooled and pooped. That was about it. She really didn't like that he was smiling like that, especially because she wasn't in a good mood. He shouldn't be happy unless she was.

     She wasn't even there, but that kid made him smile? Skuld wasn't sure if this had been a good idea at all, and regretted it many times. But she needed the baby, and was certain she'd succeeded with the kid beeing what she needed. How on earth could she have failed after all? But this "happy Ian" wasn't something she was to thrilled about. She disliked the kid even more.

     Hey, turned out that Ian was paying attention after all; Look, it's mum! Was he talking about her? Her named wasn't "mum", it was Skuld. And the kids name was terrible, as expected with Ian picking it out. What was wrong with just calling it "poopdrool" or something? He put the baby on the floor, trying to get Aino to crawl over to Skuld without success.

     Taking a deep, silent breath Skuld walked over to the kid, slapping on a fake smile: I'm sorry I missed your birthday sweety! And I see daddy gave you a boys outfit, and not one for girls..... She gave him a look to know he was in deep trouble. EEEW!! It stuck it's finger up the nose and looked at the snot afterwards! Swallowing the sickness, Skuld did her best pretending that she didn't hate every aspect of beeing a parent. She was pretty good at hiding it, even if Ian kept hinting that she might have birthdepression, which she didn't.

     It surprised Skuld when Aino didn't put up a fuss or cry when she picked her up. She simply leaned her head against the shoulder, carefully grabbing a handful of hair. She didn't smell to bad at the moment either, Ian had probably changed her. The girl was ugly as sin though, no doubt looking like her dad. It was almost a shame, if she'd look like her the kid might have had a fighting chance. Instead she took after her ugly dad, maybe she'd get as fat as him to? Skuld shouldn't care, but it was embarassing that her daughter was so ugly, she should've been pretty like her. She might as well keep the dinosaur outfit, no cute, pink frilly dress in the world could make that car- crash cute.
     Skuld had other things on her mind after all, important things...

     Paula was an ancient old crust, she went early to bed like all old ladies do. On the other side of the house, Malvin lived. A very young man, who rarely cleaned himself and didn't draw the blinds when he watched tv. Not that it mattered though, because he was rarely there at night.

     Skuld however was outside the house in the middle of those, standing quietly waiting. There was enough fog from the river to make it difficult to see her from a distance, but thin enough for her to see what she needed. It also made sure the river smelled stale and slightly rotten. She didn't mind the stench or humid air though.

     She'd been here so many times by now that she knew the patterns. As soon as it got dark the blinders were shut, at nine fifteen the stereo went on, and then there'd be dancing for atleast half- an hour. It was friday, so it also meant that no one visited. And just as Skuld anticipated, the stereo came on, loudly; with pop music thumping so that she even could hear it from outside. The blinders might be shut, but they were far enough apart to sometimes notice the shade of the sim inside.

     It would've been easy to just smash one window open, the owner would never hear it with that loud music playing. But Skuld had simply waited outside yesterday, because thats when the owner left for the store without locking the backdoor. She'd just been gone a few minutes, but it was enough for her to walk inside and open a window in a bathroom that seemed to be rarely in use. It was full of dust, and smelled like the water in the drains had been there for a long time. Then she'd walked out the same backdoor and left. And just as she'd thought, the window was still unlocked today; and she could simply lift herself through it. Cattle were hopeless.

     Quickly and quietly Skuld made sure the frontdoor was locked, which is was and then just followed the music. She knew just what she'd find as she heard a womans voice singing falsely, doing it's best to follow the rythmic tune.

     Ofcourse Skuld hadn't forgotten about little miss pimplelard and her rude insult; to think that she'd called her stupid! Who was stupid now? Wilma Rothermeyer had changed a bit, she'd lost weight and her skin had cleared up, but she was still ugly and hopeless. She danced around on the floor infront of the covered windows. Skuld loved the matted glass in them, it made it so much easier for her to sneak up to sims. It didn't matter what Wilma did though, she didn't have a shred of elegance in her entire body. The soles of the womans shoes might have made a sound as she danced around, but the loud music covered it so well. Loud music was good.

     Wilma swayed her body to the music, before clapping her hands and jumping around. Her face stuck in a strange grin when their eyes met. Skuld didn't want to be rude though: Hi, she put on her sweetest smile, making sure Wilma could hear her over the music.

     ....What are you doing in my house? Whatever attitude she'd had as a teen was long gone now. This was one of the best parts about beeing a woman, sims had their guard down for a lot longer.
     Wilma was probably waiting for some strange explanation, and Skuld didn't want to disappoint: I'm going to cut you open, and see how you look on the inside. She could say that. After all, she'd seen the door next to them was locked already, with one of those annoying glass-door locks. Whoever had made those things so heavy anyway? Probably a man...
     Wilma blinked several times: Wha... what?
     I said: I'm going to cut you open with a small knife and see how you look on the inside of your body. It will hurt a lot unless you die first. Sheesh, cattle were so useless. Maybe she hadn't heard her over the music.

     ....wha.... wha.... why.... Wilma was clearly one of those sims that froze when in danger, which was all good to Skuld. That meant less running for her, but physical chasing after someone held a certain joy to. 
     You called me stupid, so frankly you deserve it. You're very rude. How couldn't she remember that?! Skuld remembered it quite vividly. It was possibly the most humiliating experience in her life!!
    A.... are.. .are you the one that killed that other woman that they blamed Diana for? Diana and Wilma had been inseparable as teeneagers, Skuld hadn't forgotten the other one either. But Wilma was the one that had called her stupid: Ofcourse I am. You didn't think I'd take my revenge? 
     She looked at Skuld like she was utterly insane, which she wasn't at all.

     I... I remember you! You're that barbiegenious hanging with that redhead with the big nose! Finally!!! Skuld had started to wonder when she'd remember her hideous crime against her!
    Yes, yes that's me, she smiled calmy, glad that the redheaded hag finally remembered. 
    My neighbours will hear.....
    They aren't home... She was so happy at the moment, this was so much fun! Way more fun then nearly getting killed herself: So you can stand still and I'll kill you, or you can run and scream and I'll kill you either way. How does that sound to you?
 

     Wilma turned around and ran straight for the door, that would take to long to unlock anyway. Sims, they were so predictable that Skuld took the opportunity to laugh a bit at her fear. She actually thought she'd get away. That was so fun and so pointless.... Ah, those sims...

     Finally understanding that she wasn't getting anywhere, Wilma did Skulds favourite thing. As she  pulled the knife out, pimplelard fell on her knees to the floor, begging: Please, please don't kill me. I won't tell anyone, I swear I won't! 

     Ofcourse she would tell, Skuld wasn't dumb. Besides she had to kill her anyway, because she needed her essence. And Wilma deserved it, after all she'd insulted her! It was so pleasurable feeling the knife find it's way straight through her ribs, without hitting a single one of them! Hitting bone made it so much harder to kill. It was murder for Skulds poor arms to, and ofcourse the heavy gloves made sure she didn't injure her delicate hands. They weren't just to avoid fingerprints.

     As usual, it was a breeze catching the womans essence. But it was disappointing that Wilma didn't own anything she could look at other then her phone. It was a bit entertaining looking at her datingprofile, the ammount of lies she'd put up about herself was way out there. In the end it couldn't keep Skulds interest up, as she undressed the corpses torso. The uncomfort of it was hard to get used to, as it made her feel like a sexual predator. But how else was she supposed to look inside them? Wilma looked pretty similar to the other woman, and she had a very healthy liver. In all it was still a waste of valuable time.

     Wilma didn't need that necklace so Skuld took it herself. In addition the corpse had left her with a bit of a problem... In the dead of night, she packed her sorry carcass into some sheets, dragging her into the river. Then she cleaned the place, turned the music off and grabbed the dead womans purse, phone and even some makeup. Before she left, she closed the window in the bathroom and locked the door from the outside. What she'd picked up of the womans personal belongings she threw in the river on the way home, except the necklace ofcourse.
     It had taken hours to get done! This was all Wilmas fault for bleeding all over the place! Couldn't she just had stood still after the first time she'd got stabbed? Would've made it so less messy.

     Do you have any idea what time it is?! Ian hissed at her when she got home in the early morning hours- her shower must have woken him up. Luckily for him it had also improved her mood greatly after pimplelard made such a mess of the place.
     I'm sorry Ian, she purred: I lost track of time..
     You do that a lot don't you? Your daughter has been crying for you to come home!! He wasn't having any of those excuses now. If it hadn't been for the rain that had started drumming outside, dawn would have broken.
     I do.... she purred again with that weird glare in her eyes: I'm sorry my love, I'll do better.

     Ian hoisted himself up more, his wife suddenly changing attitude as she sat down on the bed: I'm a terrible mother.
     No, no, Ian instantly felt guilty about talking to his wife like that. He hadn't meant it that way, he'd just been worried about her. Couldn't she see that?
    It's just, it costs a lot of simoleons having a kid, so I make as many potions as I can.... and for that I need ingredients.
    He felt terrible for not carrying more of the economic weight around the house: I'm sorry Skuld, I didn't mean it like that. I was just worried about you.... I'm sorry. You're a great mum, you are. And he'd been in such terrible shape lately, he hadn't even had the energy to fix up any of the used stuff he'd found. It was his fault she had to stay out this late, and then he verbally attacked her as soon as she got home? He was a terrible husband.
    She tilted her head and smiled at him: I know you worry about me Ian, and with good right.
    Really?

     Grabbing his legs, she pulled him down on his back. He helped to ofcourse, he was a bit to heavy for her delicate little arms. Then she straddled him before continuing her story: You see, I had to hide from the rain in a house along the way...
     Is that so? She had a weird sense of humour sometimes, but he liked that about her. Especially when she sat on top of him.
     Sighing with drama Skuld looked at him with a small smile the entire time: There was this other sims there, that was very rude. So I had to kill that sim... 
     Laughing at her surprising excuse, Ian couldn't help himself either: That's to bad. Couldn't you just have slapped them or something? 
     Shaking her head at him with a big smile, she played a bit with his chesthair: No, no they had to die unfortunately. But it was such a mess, and I had to clean up everything before I left!
     Stroking her cheek, Ians voice was filled with sympathy: Aw, poor dear. And you hate cleaning.

     I do... Skuld unhooked her bra and threw it on the floor. Ian was such an idiot, but atleast he was usable for certain things; other than cleaning that was. She'd barely taken it off, before she felt his hands on her breasts, squeezing them lightly. As much as she hated to admit it, he was pretty good at this stuff. Even if he was a bit boring.
     You should phone me next time, I'll help you you know. And I rock at removing difficult stains. I heard brainmasse is pretty much impossible to get out of carpets.
    She kept stroking his chest, before undoing his pants: It is, it really is. Ian had to admit he liked her a lot when she was out late. Even if it was a bit unfair for their daughter.

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pose: k2m1too, elexis,siciliaforever, clarisse, blam, spladoum, iliketodissectsims

Sorry about the poor quality of the chapter, I'm just not feeling it and it gets worse the more I work on it. Appologize for the english to. The next ones shouldn't be that bad though. But on the bright side, Skuld had gotten more professional right! And there's a baby already so that's a record for me.

Marco has several different girlfriends, and romantic interests around town for the record. But Maya was the oldest one... Oh Marco, you just never stop do you? Completely pointless bringing Maya along, but it was to good to avoid. And it was twice fun that her and Ian were friends.
Wilma is in chapter 2.29 and is awefully rude to poor innocent Skuld... the nerve of those sims ;)

Thanks for reading