5.20 Edit

Even as the sun chose to stay behind the clouds in the sky, it was more than warm enough to have the traditional summerparty. Neda kept her promise of keeping them family and friends only; no more officeparties. The ones that involved swimming usually didn't end very well for her.

From now on it was all about the family for her. Even if Irena and Signe- Catherine was to busy to show up. Something about working.

Might as well be for the best. She was done with drama in her life. Now, if just Tara could get off the slide, she could actually have some fun at one of these parties for a change.

Titania really wanted to try the waterslide, but with also grandma getting in line she decided on the pool instead. She'd had to wait for one of the oldies to break their pelvic before they'd let her have her turn.

As the pool smelled freshly, and suspiciously strongly of chlorine; she covered her nose. Tania was way to young to worry about footwarts anyway, so she just enjoyed summer and spending time with the family.

Summer was the absolute best!

Aurelius had taken it upon himself to cater the rest. Usually they'd just throw themselves at anything even remotely edible; like wild animals. But he was going to make sure it came off as atleast a bit classy. The most important thing was that this way mum could relax a bit, and enjoy herself.

He did his best not to mention Steve to anyone, but once and again the thought came back. Even if he knew the rest was right. He also knew that it had to be Steve that had done something to mum. After all, mum was practically perfect.

Oh no! I have that stupid article to write!

Served her right for beeing so greedy she didn't say no. Just one more article for a competing newsmagazine, and then Neda would start beeing all loyal again. Unless it payed really good ofcourse. Guess she'd had to stay awake for the rest of the night then, because she had the day off damnit!

Why had she even said yes to write an article about baseball, Neda wondered as she took some more nectar. She didn't know anything about baseball. They didn't even have a team. Like, who even knew anything about baseball? Why was it even a sport?

Scouting around a bit, she noticed her mum staring at her. Did mum know anything about baseball? No. Niko? No, definitely no. Damn. She had to do research online. She hated sport.

Just because Sam was really nice and calm today, didn't mean she wouldn't find something to get angry about. But it was difficult as everyone enjoyed the warm day. And reading a book whilst floating on water was an underrated joy.

She hadn't forgotten about Steve, but just had to believe that Lee wasn't dumb enough to do anything about it. Besides, just look at what mum did for everyone. Ofcourse it was that bastard Steve that had hurt Neda. Definitely not the other way around.

Well, Sam was almost at her best behaviour.

So you're a real witch? She really did her best to wipe a mean grin off her face: So, I bet you had a lot of fun with nerds in school. Right?

Oh yeah. Definitely. Lillian was all to happy talking about her youthful shenanigans with a fellow hothead. And the things she'd done was things Sam could never even dream of.

Kevin and Niko had gotten over the worst bumps to. He was an easy boy to get close to. Not surprisingly he'd chosen to stay with Neda, which Niko completely understood.

It made it easier for him to get used to his dad dating again. He was barely used to it himself after all. Niko hadn't really had any serious relationships since Kevins mum, but for some reason this one felt different. Or maybe not.

Neda and Tara sat down to enjoy the dessert her son had made. A dish she'd never be able to replicate no matter how much she'd wanted to. Which she didn't.

This is really good. Maybe he'll be a chef.

Tara was far from a racer in the kitchen herself. She'd love to have a chef in the family, that way she could get free meals, and would never have to cook again.

I wish, but my son is obsessed with making simoleons. 

Aurelius might think she didn't notice, but she heard the small comments and hints. And she suspected a chef wouldn't make enough for him to be satisfied. It was still really good.

Even as it kept getting darker, Titania kept hanging after her grandpa. She was definitely his favourite, because she was way cuter then the other kids. And she had so much in common with him, and with grandma. So this was the best thing in the world.

It did come as a surprise to them that he passed away that very night. He'd seemed so youthful, and then he was just gone.

Unfortunately it was how things went in simlife, and perhaps in was fitting to celebrate death and harvest shortly after. Because things always got better after some time passed.

Despite beeing  a weatherlady, Neda still took assignments for other magazines. Without her boss' knowledge ofcourse; didn't want to get fired. Journalism also meant she had to stay at the top of her game, and it payed some extra on the side.

This time around, she'd barely managed to say her name before the firesim interrupted her: Well well, we're supposed to quench fires, not start them. She winked at Neda, who took a second to understand that the firesim thought she was hot. Oh my.

Smoothly Neda came off as beeing as professional as possible, and pretending not to be flattered at the same time.

I'm not a new recruit. I'm a journalist. We contacted the chief here for an intervju.

The department had taken out some massive fires and recieved some rewards and stuff. It was mainly a followup intervju. What was the plan from now on, disasterprevention and such. Especially now. Winterseason was the one with most housefires starting.

The firesim smiled at her: That makes a lot more sense. You look a bit scrawny for this job. 

When she was right, she was right. Neda pretty much just did cardio to stay thin. That was, the viewers would hopefully stop complaining about her weight. Even if she could stand to gain some of it.

Well, you are looking at the chief here. 

Oh. That was great. She probably had a lot of work to do.  

Are you sure you're straight though? Because if you're not...

Ofcourse the entire thing didn't bother Neda. Her subjects kept hitting on her all the time. But she wasn't dating, and that was final.

Yes. I'm sure. I like men.

Why?

 I have no idea. Neda mumbled: But you were one of the first on spot at the subway?

Yes we were. They always said we. She probably meant the personell.

Unfortunately, the articles she wrote on the side, meant her boss eventually found out. He'd shown up on set and went:"My office afterwards". That was it. Bai was never that short. He might be an old fart, but he never talked to her that way. That was how he talked to dumbarse Benny.

She was getting fired. She was going to get fired, then she'd be out of work and she was to old to get a new job now. They'd have to move in with her mother. She hadn't even had time to wash of the clownmake up she had to wear on screen.

Oh no. That was her article about the firedepartment! And it wasn't even particullarly good. If she was going to get fired, couldn't he atleast fire her ower a one of the good ones?

That was it. Her whole life was over. Why did nothing good ever come her way? This was the life of a professional looser. Well, atleast now she didn't have to look anyone at the office in the eyes, after she fell over the postsims cart and it took off with her. And no more puddingtrick, it was getting a bit annoying.

You wanted to see me Bai? She absolutely refused to call him by his surname, even if she really wanted to.

Mhm. I did. He flipped the pages back and forth a bit, reading here and there.

Every cell in her body, told her to growel at his feet, and do everything he wanted.  She had no pride when it came to these things.

This is a really good article. Who edited it`?

 I did. Poorly at that.

She practced the speech in her head: please don't fire me! I'll work for half the paycheck. I have four kids at home! Was it possible to kneel in this stupid skirt?

It's a shame, wouldn't you say? Wasting all your skills like this?

This was it! Quick Neda! Growel! Growel like you've never groweled before!

Bai. I just wanted to write a bit again. Not that I don't LOVE beeing a weatherlady! Which she didn't.

Neda, you told me you hated it. 

I was just joking! Why did she always have to open her giant mouth?! Stop saying everything you think about!

There's no need to worry. I'm promoting you to editor in chief. I'm clearly getting to old to do everything around here. And who else is going to do it? Benny? Or that other idiot; Vegard? None of them have the skills you do. Congratulations on your new title. 

Really? Wow. This was how it felt not to be a looser: Thank you so much Bai! I won't let you down. Ofcourse I'm better than Benny! 

Ofcourse. And I'll let him take over your post as weatherman. 

Ahahaha! He was going to be graded beneath her. Take that for ruining her relationship all that time ago.

You start tomorrow. 

Yes! I'd love to start tomorrow! Fuck you Benny. And the rest of her coworkers! Soon, she'd be able to fire them if they ever pranked her again. This was to good to be true. No more clownmakeup!

It wasn't just Neda that was winning all over. Sam had learned that by not punching one nerd, the rest of the geeks flocked to her. Like, what was she? Their saviour? And it was so different. Instead of punching one into doing her homework for her, they actually helped instead. Almost like punching sims wasn't the solution to all her problems.

And when she didn't understand something, they actually explained it to her. Maybe... maybe nerds wasn't as bad after all. Like, punching other bullies was a lot more challenging. Sometimes they even punched her back.

Why was he acting all weird though. She swore, if he started crushing on her, the fists were coming out again.

No, no. It's true. Sam is so much calmer. She hasn't been hauled off by the police in ages. She's so different than before. 

Neda was flabbergasted by the relative change. 

Sometimes she even comes down to my room when I'm working, and reads on the bed. She'd never done that before. Not even as a little girl.

I mean, she keeps the shoes on in bed. So I have to clean the sheets all the time. But that's not important. 

She still have tempertantrums where she leaves, but not to the same degree as before. 

Neda still had no idea where she went and asking just made her angrier. She'd love to follow her. But as tempting as it was, talk about not showing trust in your kids.

Well, that's pretty good atleast. Tara agreed with her in that.

That didn't mean life was perfect. Blinking away a few tears was the best consolidation for now. But in the end it wouldn't change anything. Why did change always come when the weather was dreary?

There's always room for you here, you know. You don't have to leave yet. What about university?

No wonder sims always thought Kevin was her son. He looked a lot like his dad, and they were siblings; thus he also looked like her.

I'm just saying it's not necessary for you to leave just yet.

Well, I'm kind of grown up now Neda. You know. An adult. 

 
You weren't an adult yesterday. So you can pretend you're not one for a little longer.

Why was it so hard for him to understand that. Just because he was an adult now, didn't mean he'd been it for so long that it meant something.

I've gotten a job at the science sentre already. And dad has helped me get a small place. Dad had recently gotten married, so he'd never move in with him either. Not that he'd done that either way. But dad had suggested it.

I'll remember to thank him later. She would definitely remember thanking her dumb brother later.

Everything will be fine. I'll visit as often as possible. And you have my number.

She was such a worrywart. Neda wouldn't be happy until he slept in a crib again. Kevin wasn't an idiot, he knew it was hardest with the first and last kid. But come on, technically he wasn't even hers.

It was a lot more empty around the house without Kevin. But they'll get used to it eventually.

And even if Neda didn't like admitting it, it was a lot less crowded around the house. Now she just needed to find out where Sam was off to when she was upset, and all would be fine.

Smile! It was so rare they did anything together, just the small family.

Mum. Just take the picture. Aurelius thought it was a bit annoying. The only one posing was Sam anyway.

Smile a little then?

No. Tania rolled her eyes. Mum was so embarrassing. Why did she have to be here?

Other than that, Neda enjoyed her new jobtitle. She still chipped in doing intervjues. Beeing editor in chief, she liked helping around a bit; editor in chief. Such a nice ring. Unfortunately, the new title hadn't stopped anyone from pranking her. She definitely wasn't going to fire anyone for it either, because that would be a bit mean.

You're shorter than me!

Putting on her best smile, Neda did her best to get it over with. Editor in chief. Things couldn't get a lot better now. Even heightcomments. She saw sims shorter than her all the time.

I don't think you understand what that means. The lady looked around like she'd seen the light for the first time in her life. Come on, it was like max half a centimeter. Just answer the question already.
---------------------------------------------------------
Daniel died just a few simhours after the chapter was done. For some reason noone got the mourning moodlet. And Kevin aged up. He started dating his childhood friend Erland straight after. But they ended it after a few days unfortunately. Now he's living as a hermite.

I've had homosexuality turned off in the RLC until this generation. But, now every damned sim flirts with eachother all the time. So, I think I've done something a bit wrong in the settings. Neda has never been more popular with the weirdos around town.

Thanks for reading 

5.19 Karma

She'd pretty much jumped poor Walter after coffe; attacked the man right there, next to a gross airconditioner, and way to close to the dumpsters. They had been able to smell them even over where they stood. Atleast he hadn't been unwilling; he'd seemed more than willing. Still tasting of the sour coffe, she couldn't bother thinking about brushing her teeth.

They had just hired a room at the nearest motel, not wanting to spend any more time waiting. Afterwards they had just relaxed. It wasn't easy to keep things going now that old age was creeping up on them. Besides, it had still been sunday. And they were supposed to rest on sundays. Not that Neda worked to many days a week, but she had earned it.

He'd picked up his ringing phone, whilst Neda had pretended not to eavsdrop. With the aggressive ring to it, she'd assumed it was his job. But there was something about the way he'd talked that eventually didn't make sense. His voice had gone all soft, and they weren't talking about anything that sounded professional.

She did hear the "bye babe", when he'd hung up though. Bye babe? Who did men say that to? Not their co- workers.

Yes, that was my wife. I'm married. What did you think? 

How... why hadn't she checked him online to? She always checked them online. But she'd trusted him- because she knew him. Was this karma catching up to her? How? How did sims do this?

But you didn't say anything. Why didn't you say anything? He wasn't wearing a weddingring either. Come to think about it, you weren't allowed to wear jewlery in kitchens.

You haven't exactely had a problem with this before. Is it supposed to be different when you're the other one maybe? Do you think it feels different for you than others? 

Had he even wanted her to begin with? Was it all revenge? How could he do something like this to his wife? She'd been young, but they weren't young anymore. They were supposed to learn. And she'd learned, hadn't she? Eventually atleast.

Did you think I was going to wait for you to come around? Like some patient little puppy? Okay, he had all rights to be angry with her. Still didn't excuse what he'd just did to his wife. Though, what could she do about it? If she told her, she'd assume she was a liar. Because she would never have even imagined Walter would do anything like this.

I won't tell your wife.

You're damned well right you won't. 

She'd just left him there, at the motel. Feeling the gaze of the poor younglings standing behind the counter, probably still believing there was something good in life waiting for them.

The sandman has entered the city! Titania didn't mind beeing alone on the beach without her siblings. It was nice when it was just her and her imagination to. Besides, Sandman was the only enemy she needed right now.

Are you serious?! She could hear Taras voice quite clearly, she was always where mum could see her. Titania already knew how to swim ofcourse, but that didn't mean that she was allowed to swim alone. Besides, she was playing in the sand. And Titania knew a lot of secrets, even the ones she didn't fully understand.

Neda shot Titania a short glance: Would you mind keeping it down a bit. 

Sorry. Tara lowered her voice: It's just... I can't believe that piece of rotten shit! How the hell does; you know what Neda. That is way below low. That is aweful! What a piece of utter garbage.

She'd just finished telling her what had happened between her and Walter, and rightfully; Tara reacted. She hadn't thought the reaction would be that extreme though. It wasn't that bad.

Neda brushed some sand of the towel: It wasn't that bad actually. I kind of had it coming. I mean, I treated him pretty terribly after all. And I didn't ask if he was married. And she kind of had guessed he'd waited for her, in some part of her tiny brain.

Yeah, it is that bad. It's way beyond bad. That is a whole new set of bad: that man needs to die set of bad! Tell his wife he's a lying cheater, and a scumbag.

Like, he needs to get strungd up by his prick, type of bad. And what the fuck was that "you better not tell my wife" garbage? He's threatening you or something? Fucking prick. I'm gonna beat him to an inch of his life if I ever see him.

Not that Neda didn't appreciate the support, but clearly her karma had caught up with her. What was she supposed was going to happen, really? That they would somehow clear thing up, and they'd live happily ever after. Maybe she was a bit greedy.

Neda let the murderthreats slip: I'm just a bit surprised. He's always seemed so nice, and yet, now he's so meanspirited. Maybe that was her fault to: I just remember that nerdy guy with the good grades and the mild temper from uni. 

Nerds are the worst- so are the rebels. You should always go for a jock. They were usually honest about their contempt for women.

Steve was kind of a jock though. Then again, I did cheat on him. She whispered it, to make sure her daughter didn't hear that she'd cheated on her father. She'd been lucky that Tania had never asked about him, but she had a feeling it would come soon enough.

Steve was also a completely arse, if you remember. Good riddance. Tara reminded her. It was true, but how much of it was because she was a massive cheater?

True, but I cheated on him long before he ever turned that way. 

What if her daughter turned out like her? She wasn't so young anymore, she was just a refusing to see the bad things in life. Which was all good ofcourse, but that meant she'd have a long time of heartbreak and getting disappointed by the sims in her life for.

You haven't turned anyone into anything. These guys are just like that. They pretend to be something they aren't, and when you're hooked they turn on you. It's good for you that you had something to fall back on, or else you might have been in deep shit right now. That's why she like Arne. He was 100% idiot, what you see is what you get. 

Maybe.

Maybe she was right. But then again, maybe she wasn't. But this was it for Neda, even dipping her toes into dating again had resultet into this. She was going to keep focusing on her careere, because she could feel that thirst for the next promotion.

She was so past standing infront of a camera to smile and talk about the weather. She was going to be the best damned reporter simnation had ever seen; she'd be a name on everyones lips. And to focus on anything, it was to save up for a new house- or atleast to try finding a new home for them. It was way to crowded.

Kevin and Erland had decided to take the trip to the park instead of staying after school. Whilst Erland was still struggling with his homework, he was already done. Good thing he was athletic, because there was no way he'd get into uni with those grades.

So, it's not long until you're finished school now. Kevin wasn't that far behind either, but Erland would be gone before summer was over.

Yup. So I'll try improving my grades before that. He struggled with his homework.

A bit late for that now, ey mate? Kevin tried not to laugh, with a few weeks left it was really to late.

I'm hoping to improve my E okay! Now, shut up you titt, or I'll throw you in the duckpond. 

Kevin glanced at his math: It's supposed to be -x over lnx. You're also supposed to have learned that a long, long time ago. 

How the fuck am I supposed to know that? And no one walks around and memorize this shit.

I do. 

Well... shut up! He still tried to see it. If Kevin had been a meaner boy, he'd laugh louder than he already did. Then Erland started mumbling: Can't believe I'm the one that had to start beefing up so I wouldn't get bogwashed. But you, the giant nerd; nothing ever happens does it. 

That's because I'm to smart to get in that situation. He barely had to glance at Erlands writing to see it was wrong: Not like that either.

Erland sighed and erased it: Did you want to do it, genious. 

Nah, I already know how to. 

Bite me then. Unfortunately he couldn't put Vinnie in his pocket throughout the rest of school unfortunately. Or he'd just let him do it for him.

Still wrong. 

How?! How is this shit still wrong? This is supposed to be the easy part. He was so screwed. He was so screwed, and he was going to be a giant failure and he'd never become anything.

Why don't you just look it up online? 

I tried! I couldn't find anything about how you calculate it!

Then why didn't you just look at the video your teacher put up?

What? She did that? 

Yup. 

Then why haven't I looked at it? 

Because your a dumbarse? 

That might just be it. 

Watching his friend easily jumping over the next three pieces, to go for one that looked easy on the surface Kevin tried not to give the answer. He'd planned for so long to tell Erland about how much he fancied him, but he just couldn't do it. And now he'd leave in a little while, probably to go off to uni and play some stupid sport. Well, that was life he guessed. It wasn't the end of the world. He'd live. Both his father, mother and aunt were all single, and they had great lives as much as others might think it was sad. 

He was already sure of what he wanted to do, but he still wasn't sure if he wanted to go to university, or just jump straight into work.

Didn't matter, he was already certain he was going to spend summer practicing his drawingskills. That was easy to, even if his dumb artteacher kept nagging him to "think less". Was nothing called that. Idiot. Well, he was going to have fun to ofcourse, couldn't just work. But time was running short, and he wasn't getting younger. He wanted to do this, before he eventually decided if he wanted higher education or not.

Well, that's it. I'm done! 

You have not finished your homework in that time.

Didn't say I finished anything, I said I'm done. I'm hungry so we're getting something to eat. 

I'm not. 

Yeah, well you've lost a lot of weight lately, so you're eating wether you want it or not. Now come on, dancing Panda, let's get some meat on that skinny arse of yours.

Is that so Lamalover?

It's so, you can walk or I'll drag you. 

Think I'll walk then. Sure, a little food was always welcome. He just didn't have a lot of wish to eat anything lately. Besides, he could've just eaten afterwards when he'd planned on meeting up with the other kids on the beach.

There was no magic in this fucking world. Not even one damned fairy to find at the aboreteum. Where were they all at anyway. Maybe most of the supernaturals had fled the city. Not that she cared, she was bored. Maybe she should go and join Lee at the beach.

She smelled him before she could see him properly.

Nerd.

There was just something about nerds that made her angry. And she didn't even know why. Well, she knew why. She'd even figured it out on her own. But why did she still keep having that immidiate reaction? It was supposed to be over.

Punching nerds was just so easy. She didn't even have to do anything anymore. They were terrified of her. And it still got her lots of attention. Maybe that's why she kept doing it?

It was so entertaining. That was probably the main issue: it was funny and it got her lots of negative attention. Lots! Way more than when she was nice. She was actually nice a lot more often than she was mean, but beeing nice didn't really get her any attention.

Maybe just one little swing at him, for old times sake.

Look at foureyes, he was practically begging for it. He looked like he was staring death in the face, so he clearly knew who she was. Sam took a deep breath, the warm air filling her longues.

Just do it.

After a deep sigh, Sam walked over to the nerd: Hi. Ali, right? If you're looking for fairies, you won't find any here. She considered finishing it off with a polite laughter, but just couldn't do it. It was to hot.

Damnit, she couldn't believe that mum had gotten to her like that. Just imagining that look mum got on her face, whenever Sam did something bad; was enough to make Sam feel bad.

She halfway expected him to run away screaming, but instead he almost surprised her.

I know who you are! You're that bully! Stay away from me! I know sim fu!

You nerds always say that. Having watched all of Bruce Simlees movies, doesn't make you a martial arts expert. But with those arms, he might not be lying. Wait. Ew! What was she thinking?

I... I... 

Relax. I'm not going to punch you. She just punched nerds. She didn't beat them up or anything. Wasn't her fault she punched hard, and they were made of glass. You know, I could teach you how to throw a punch if you wanted to. 

Why would I want to know how to punch someone?

So you can punch nerds.

I am a nerd. 

Oh right.

Maybe nerds didn't like punching one of their own. Not that Sam got why, she punched bullies to. There were no honour amongst bullies, but clearly there were some amongst nerds.

But you know, I'm not the only one in school that punches nerds. And you definitely got the arms for punching. You could be the hero of the nerds, with a little help from me. 

Uhm, she noticed he flexed a bit extra. I work out, like I lift and such. But I don't know sim- fu. 

Duh.

But, I appreciate your offer Samantha. But I think I'll pass. No way was Ali trusting a bully, no matter how pretty they were. He'd learned that the hard way.

She'd tried atleast, Mum would've been proud of her- but then she also wouldn't get any attention for it. And to be honest, it was a bit unfair. But maybe she'd made the nerds day.

Aurelius had also gone to the beach today, but not the same as his mother. He loved her and Tania, but not so much he never needed some time away. He'd sent for the other kids, but they hadn't showed up yet. The place was practically deserted- or it had been until Marthine showed up and started chatting.

I just love old movies, you know. They don't make them like they did anymore. 

He also loved movies, not just the old ones. He'd love to say he was a moviesnob, but he'd watch pretty much anything.

She set those light eyes in his, trying to stare into his soul. Atleast it seemed like that: What do you think then? What's your favourite genre?

I don't really have one. But I like the old ones to. You know; "rosebud"!

Marthine giggled a bit, and blinked a few extra times. Please, he got so awkward around flirting. They didn't know eachother well enough. And it was just something about the entire thing that seemed off to him.

He shifted around in the sand abit, feeling the tiny grains get stuck inbetween his toes. She'd probably stop flirting if he didn't respond positively. He kind of wished he knew how to flirt. As captain of the debateteam, Aurelius could pretty much spin every word as he wanted. But he just couldn't figure out the logics in flirting. How did it come so naturally for sims. Did they practice? How did they know what to say? How did they know when to start flirting?

Instead, she laughed again: I love citisim Kane! It's brilliant! It's the work of a genious. 

She clearly didn't know the the first thing about it.

It's pretty okay. He really didn't like it that much. It was just another okay movie in his book.

A figure in the distance caught his attention. Was that Steve? It looked a bit like him. It was hard to tell at this distance, but the outfit and the way he walked. The most suspect thing, was that he'd turned around abruptly as soon as he saw them here.

What do you say Lee?

What? Yeah, yeah. No, that was him. It had to be him. Who else walked around looking like a cowboy in this heat?  That piece of....

Great! I'll text you later then!

Sure. What? Text him about what?

Argh! What?! He hadn't seen that coming! What had he said yes to? This was not his style!

Or maybe he could get used to this.

For some reason, the weather decided to become unstable as soon as the other kids showed up. They could only hope that it would clear up again later. Since the temperature didn't drop, they were more than happy.

The only thing they could hear at the moment, was the radio going low in the background.

I think I have a girlfriend. I mean, she kissed me and she changed her status to "in a relationship". 

A long pause ensured. Kevin didn't even look up from his book. Maybe he hadn't heard.

Looks like the time of miracles isn't passed us. It was nice to a nerd today. Sam was proud of herself. She hadn't even had a temptertantrum today; not one. Not even when she hadn't found any stupid fairies. It was good to be her: Who is it?

Marthine.

Really? I had no idea you were interested in her. She wasn't his type, but he could figure that one out on his own. She wasn't his mother.

He isn't. Kevin didn't even look up from his book. Clearly it wasn't that interesting: He just doesn't know how to say no. 

Well, I don't see you dating anyone. Virgin. He was the only one of them that was dating. That meant he could say that. Even if he was one himself. Didn't see the big problem with it either.

Kevs' not a virgin. Caspar blew him off at recess a few weeks ago. No one knew how Samantha always got the juicy gossip from.  

I thought he was straight. 

Didn't look very straight down there. Kevin did his best to avoid a smug grin. He wanted to pretend he was an adult already.

I'm still the only one with a real girlfriend. Unlike the rest of you. So I win.   

Win what? 

I don't know. Something. Wait. Maybe this wasn't fog. Could it be smog? Typical. They'd all get longuecancer and die then.

Why couldn't the damned sun come back again. She wanted a tan. It was probably her fault for beeing nice to a nerd. And now the weathergod punished her. Wait a second. Was that smog? It was. Fuck. But, that still did happen sometimes. Especially on days like today, when the wind was scarce and everyone was going home from work at the same time.

Ofcourse you'd go steady with the first girl that looks at you. 

She's not the first girl to look at me.  

It's an expression, Lee. Sam rolled her eyes, just to realize he wouldn't be able to see. What a waste of a good eyeroll.

I got distracted, so I just answered yes. I assumed she was talking about a movie. But I thought I saw Steve in the distance. Then he just turned away as soon as he noticed me. If it was Steve, I mean. 

Aurelius had seen him around ofcourse, but he lived in another part of town. The only thing around that part was flats, so he rarely went there. If it had been Steve, he'd just never shown that he was avoiding him that clearly before.

Do you think I should try contacting him?

Are you an imbecil? Kevin sounded awefully adult, despite the choice of words.

What? You meet your dad?

That's a bit different mate. Your dad litterally lives right here in the city. And he just stopped visiting you. Don't you remember that he just sat and watched the tellie, whilst you tried getting his attention. He remembered it clearly, even as young as he'd been himself: Remember how many times you asked Neda about him, and how hard it was for her trying to explain it to you?

  
Mate, your dad is trash.

As mad as Aurelius was at his dad; hearing Kevin trashtalking him made him really irritated. Did he forget that his own dad had litterally left him with his aunt?

I know he's not the best father. I'm just curious. Mum doesn't have a bad word to say about him, just positive. So, I just want to know why. I mean, why did they break up to begin with. 

He knew it was Steves fault ofcourse. Mum was pretty much perfect, even if he worried she was overworking herself. Couldn't be easy taking care of all of them, a household and have that stressful job.

I can't believe you, Sam hissed in the background. He'd barely heard her over the radio.

What? 

You want to meet that walking pile of dung? For what? Why? What has he ever done for any of you. And here she'd been in such a good mood today, despite the smog that was slowly killing them. How can you even think about it. 

He left whilst your mum was pregnant with your sister. And he didn't fucking help then either. What if something had gone wrong. Have you ever thought about that? That she could've fell in that fucking deathtrap we have of a staircase? But did that semendispenser care? He couldn't even be bothered to be there during Tanias birth, because he clearly had something better to do!

Aurelius was getting a bit to old to be scared of her tempertantrums, but he just let it continue. Had to be hard not having any parents at all, and then knowing that some of them just couldn't be bothered. She didn't like Kevins dad or mum either.

How hard do you think it is to contact you Lee? You're all over every webpage there is. He can't even like one of the pictures you post. Because that's way to much for him to do. You know what? Fuck this shit! I'm leaving. You two MORONS have fun! 

Sams angerpack was one of her fastest yet. None of the boys had bothered asking her to stay, because it was pointless. They'd been rather surprised when she'd whipped the phone out, and asked to come over. She hadn't even bothered hiding it this time around.

Aurelius watched as she stomped away; her hand clenching and releasing rythmically as she walked. The smog made it look like she was walking into a painting.

The good thing about Sam, was that she was almost as quick to calm down as she was to anger up.

She's right, you know. 

I know. I miss having a dad at times. Everyone at school does things with their dads, even the divorced ones. And I'm that weirdo that doesn't. 

He stopped when he saw Kevins expression. Maybe he wasn't the right one to complain about that subject to.

They were right, and he knew it. Best to stay away from Steve. He was scum. Mum was the better one of them. Wonder what Steve had done to her to make her break up with him? Because he assumed she was the one that had ended it. It sure couldn't be the opposite way.

----------------------------------------------------
Aurelius isn't getting a girlfriend. They became romantic interests, but she aged up the same day the chapter was shot. Then she went and got a boyfriend. Ah well, the agegap was to real anyway. And Kevin was at that prom thing, and he became romantic interest with a guy. I didn't notice he was a puddingface before after they had woohooed a few times. So, he's still single to.

Walter starting yelling at Neda, and it turned out he was married in game. Her luck strikes again, because I forgot she's not just a looser, she's also unlucky.


Thanks for reading