5.11 Tasting the salt

The squeaking from the rockinghorse would end up driving her mad. Someone should really fasten the bolts on that thing. It was so typical of cafèowners to throw in some old toys that kids could play with, but never do anything to upkeep them.

Kevin kept making sounds and talked to himself. A typical thing that kids playing alone did.

So, that's him? He looks perfectly normal.

He is. I woke up a few days ago with an enormous dog in my bed. Turned out he'd decided we should adopt it. Or, you know; he fed it, then it never went away. He had it stashed away in his room so I wouldn't notice. He calles the dog Doug. 

Classic. 

Not that it's a problem, because Kevins cat Kitty, and Doug really likes eachoter.

You have a cat? 

Well, no. Kevin has a cat. Another stray he invited to stay just a few days ago. Neda nodded to herself; I just couldn't say no. Poor cat and dog needed a place to stay.

So, how is motherhood in general?

Loud. I manage ofcourse, but it's a bit crowded.

Well, you look...

Fat, Neda interrupted Tara: I look fat. I'm having problems breathing, so the babys coming really soon. 

Like, when I'm here soon?

Don't worry Tara, not this soon. 

She kept an eye on Aurelius while she sat there. The chest looked a bit old, she just hoped he wouldn't get splinters from beeing inside it. She couldn't even be bothered to care if the shopowner would come and yell at her or something. He should take care of the toys for the kids, before he dared judge her.

I bet in a little while you'll be dragging three, no five kids around all on your own to.

Neda tried to keep her spirit up. Maybe Steve breaking up with her wasn't the worst that had happened. After all, this way atleast she didn't have to be constantly irritated about that tv gaming.

Tara seemed like she was about to panick, without knowing what to answer, so Neda did it for her: Don't worry Tara. I won't be offended if you think having kids, or beeing alone with them is the worst thing ever.

That's not it, Tara said. Okay, it was a bit of that; But how are you going to make it? You have two others already? I can't believe Steve dumped you like that! 

I cheated. Remember? I slept with my fishfaced co- worker Benny. Ofcourse she'd filled her in on that. Not her proudest moment. And she still had to meet him at work.

Yeah, but he could just have gotten over it. Tara was definitely on her cousins side in this, just like she would've been on hers: Atleast until the baby's born. Does he ever meet Aurelius? 

Neda wasn't entirely sure how to answer, but decided against painting Steve as some dreamguy. Especially since they weren't together anymore.

Yeah, he stoppes by regulary. But, he always just sits and stares at the tellie whilst Aurelius sits close by. He doesn't interact or anything like that with him. 

She had a pretty good suspicion that he would become one of those dads, that would eventually visit rarer and rarer, to eventually fade away.

Ugh, typical. Tara said: Guys just want to spread their dna then think they have some kind of ownership of their offspring. 

Yeah, typical. 

It felt so good to badmouth Steve a bit. She kept forgetting that she was supposed to be a good sim. But, she donated to charity and stuff, so that made her kind right? 
 
Does he have the appartment now? 

We sold it. Turned out he already had a small flat in town, that's where he spent so much time. Instead of coming home to me. When she thought about it, she didn't get why she'd been so surprised. He'd been writing books all along, so ofcourse he had a "quiet place" to go to.

Taras jaw just dropped, so Neda kept talking; So turnes out the jokes on me. I cheated, end up with several kids and sell the flat because I wanted to be "nice" so Steve had some simoleons to get a new place. And he had one all along!

It was the last time she'll ever be kind to anyone. From now on, she was only going to care about herself and the kids. And Tara ofcourse. After all, she couldn't meet her parents, her sister hated her, her halfsister was missing again, and her brother skipped on them everytime they found him; and her and Dragan only ever spoke on the phone.

I mean, I could've told Steve that Bennys dick was bigger than his, even if I really want to forget that! And I could've told him that I fucked like half of campus whilst we were dating. But I didn't! Because I'm a nice sim! Ofcourse Benny also has no idea what a clitoris is, so it was just annoying anyway, but that's not the point! 

Quickly glansing over at Kevin, she was glad to see that he still wasn't paying attention to them. That was the good thing with kids, with the ammount of sound they made, it was pretty free to talk as long as they didn't raise their voices to much.

He's probably care more about the dick- comment.

Tara liked when Neda was petty and mean. Not that it wasn't a shame that her bitchsister pretty much stopped her from contacting any familymembers, but it was so much fun when she was like this.

Yeah, I'm never letting any of those arseholes near me again. From now on it's just me and the kids. A man looks at me again, I'm going to waddle over and sit on him; crush him with my elephantweight. 

Neda sighed, having trouble breathing with that enormous belly; I really just... I don't really want to talk about this anymore. Can we talk about you instead? How's work? I saw your newest book sold well.

Not really, it just sold better than the others. Still sold like shit. 

Okay, that wasn't so interesting then: But it's good that it sold better than the other right?

Ofcourse, but I won't be satisfied before I'm a household name. I also want to write shitty books that sells great, just because the names wellknown. Tara had her future planned.

I thought the point was to revolutionize litterature?

No, it's about getting rich. Maybe if I write about shaving my balls, I'll get rich to.

What?

What? You're not the only one that petty and mean. You think I'd get a bestseller like that creep Benny if I wrote about shaving my lowers?

Maybe Neda should've gotten upset that Tara called her mean, but she was right: He wrote a book about that? 

Yup. 

Gross.

Great, now she had to think about that to whenever she met Benny at work. Not only had she slept with him, he'd outed her affair to Steve and now she had to know that. Ugh. He just got grosser. And yet it was her the dumbarses at work kept pulling pranks on?

I hate him.... She chose not to specify which "him" she meant. It was mainly Benny, but Steve was pretty high up on that list to.

Tara leaned closer and smiled: Tell me more. Let it all out to old Tara. 

No, I don't want to talk about it. More about you.

I dumped my boyfriend, and I never get to do anything fun anymore because all my friends are domesticated?

Shit. I'm so sorry Tara. I never thought I'd be one of those women that just thinks about herboyfriend and kids, and forgets all about friends. 

Don't think about it. We'll meet when we get older. 

No, I mean, I'm really terrible. I've always wanted a relationship like mum and dad, but it's just not realistic for me.

And now I'm having another child. I'll never leave the house again. I really should've waited. I'm sorry Tara. It's just... They need me pretty much twentyfour seven, so I don't see the point of even having anyone over. I bet you'd be sick of them after twenty minutes.

Probably. 

But, like, maybe you could come over for twenty minutes once in a while? Or we could meet like we do now when we're on our way home from work? Let the babysitter just spend a tad more time with them? 

It should be possible to do. 

It's just so stressful to plan things when the kids are so small. I mean, Kevin will be fine, but Aurelius and the fetus not so much. The babysitters are pretty expensive to. 

Well, I haven't been helpful either. I've not exactely made it easier for you when you did try to plan something. 

No, that's true.

And I had no idea that Steve was so lazy and didn't help you take care of the kids or anything. Why didn't you say anything?

I didn't want to sound like a nag or that I was complaining about him. I mean, he was so perfect when I met him. I thought that if I gave him some more time, he'd just grow up already.

Oh! I bet that was why you've been cheating for so long! 

Nah, that's just my lack of morale and judgement. 

I liked my version better. Tara said. Neda kind of did to.

She'd never cared about boys in school, so she had no idea why she'd been so crazy at uni. It just felt like it was supposed to mean something that guys liked her, and now she was alone with three kids.

You know Neda, it's no big deal beeing single. Women are happier, lives longer and are healthier than the married ones.

I know. I just don't understand what got into me. It doesn't matter.

She was going to dedicate herself to her work now, and the kids. She was going to be the best journalist Jericho had ever seen! Well, it wasn't likely because she didn't have an ounce of talent, but atleast she'd make sure that sims wanted to read what she wrote about.

Tara was nice enough to go to the playground with them, and even got Neda to join in a game of hopscotch. By the laughing she did, she seemed to be more interested in seeing a pregnant lady jumping around. It didn't matter, because Neda finally won for once.

Kevin climbed onto the highest spot and looked into the horizon. He waited for his mum and dad to come and fetch him every single day, so he spent a lot of time looking for them. Aunt Neda said they were coming home soon, so he knew it was true.

But he also understood that "soon" for a grownup often was a bit longer than "soon" for a kid. Still, they could show up any day now! He knew how dad looked, because Neda had showed pictures and videos of him. He wasn't entirely sure how mum looked though, Neda was a bit quiet everytime he brought her up.

Kevin found one kid to play games with at the karaokeclub. He was thrilled about it, because it was infested with oldies. Not that oldies were always bad, but it was still more fun spending time with other kids.

Neda and Tara decided to sing a duet to a cheerful audience. It was just something about a heavily pregnant sim singing and showing off, that made the audience go wild.

Aurelius decided to pretend he didn't see them and demostratively turned his back against the singing sims. Even toddlers could get embarassed by their mother. Him and the teddy was also the only audience present, so them turning their back was a clear indicator of how terrible they were.

Neda was a bit jealous at Tara, since she could use the bull. She'd never tried one of those before. Why hadn't she? And now she couldn't because she was pregnant. Pregnancy was so restrictive.

On the other hand, Tara could have that thing all to herself. Neda wasn't going anywhere near it, pregnant or not. That looked like it hurt.

Seeing a woman beeing thrown off the bull, made one of Nedas coworkers want the challenge to; both of them pretended they didn't see him. What a copycat

You did not just do that! 

Clearly Tara payed a bit more attention than Neda thought: Did what?

You just bumped into the table on purpose!

I did no such thing! Neda tried staying serious. She never won anything!

You did to! You bumped your belly into the table on purpose! It's not going to do any good!

It was a pure accident! I can't help where my belly goes!

Oh come on! Tara noticed her bumping the table again.

That was also an accident! Neda said.

Then the sight of Vidar flying off the bull caught her attention instead. How was that thing even legal to have? Look at him flying off like that!

Did he.... I think he's broken his neck...

Neda and Tara stopped playing when the guy went headfirst into the ground. That looked absolutely terrifying. Though, if he died, maybe she'd get a promotion since they were both journalists.

Thanks for taking me out Tara. It's getting late, so I should take Kevin and Aurelius home.

I get that. I'm tired to. To much excitement for me on a saturday... Yeah, I know. And no, I don't really party a lot. 

Okay. 

Are you okay?

Neda did her best to pretend: Yeah. It's just my fake contractions getting worse. Think the accidental tablebumping made them worse. 

That was not an accident! You did that on purpose. Only reason you won to.

Yeah... Tara?

Their not fake! Shit! She had no idea that a lot of secondtime births were quicker.

What?! 

The baby' s on it's way!

What?!!!!

Another contaction grabbed hold, and Neda wasn't able to answer for a second. The menfolk around were more than happy to share their experience wisdom and help a pregnant lady out.

Hnnng.... hospital. Finally she was able to squeek something out. Now she could just hope Tara had heard her.

....okay... she didn't look happy, but Neda didn't have time to think about her feelings.

Titania was a healthy babygirl. It wasn't before after naming her that Neda realized that her nickname would probably end up beeing tit. Not the best idea. But, Steve hadn't been present, so it was something they could argue about later.

------------------------------------------------------
So that's it for poor Neda; she'll be a single mum: single parent. But atleast now she'll have to make better decisions for herself.

It wasn't supposed to be this dramatic, but it turned out that Steve had the meanspirited trait. So instead of the usual, I just pretended he was very selfish. Which he was to btw. Anyway, last chapter he kept on arguing with her on his own accord, so I figured it was a fitting time to break it off for them.

Thanks for reading

5.10 Take a dive

Beautiful and warm, the summerday had to be celebrated as tradition said. Well, having a poolparty might not be a real tradition, but Neda did her best to suck up to her boss and coworkers. She was still hoping they would stop their dumb pranks if they just liked her enough.

As Steve did his best not dying as he slipped off the slimy diveboard, he fell chest first into the water instead. He wasn't sure what was worst either; that it hurt so badly, or that he could almost hear footwarts popping up.

It might not be the cleanest place they had been, but it was way cheaper than renting the bathhurst pool.

Ideally she'd just taken the day completely off, and go to the festival with her fiancee and kids. But with springsdisaster fresh in mind, she still hoped for more quiet workdays. Fine, as much as she didn't want to admit it; Bai was getting old so hopefully he'd retire. And if he did, one of the others would take over his position. Or, if she did this right, she might take over his position; even if it wasn't very likely. She was allowed to try.

For once, she wasn't the only woman present. Bai had brought his wife Dove. And Vidar had brought his wife Mabel. Neda had never met the woman before, but she was quite the chatty type.

So, you're the new journalist? Blogger, was it?

Neda had been "promoted" to blogger, so she just worked a few hours a day now. Which meant that the paychecks were pretty thin. Bai had insisted it was a good idea, since he claimed young sims read blogs. They didn't, but as long as it meant she could avoid twitsim, simblr and their like, she didn't care.

Yeah, that's right... Blogger. She wondered if sims thought she was like one of those pink-bloggers, and not a real journalist.

Are the guys treating you fair then? 

Why? Had she heard anything? Did that stupid husband of Mabels gossip about her?! Neda wasn't really a skilled writer, but she wasn't bad either. Pretty average really.

Yes. They are great. I feel really welcome!

Wonder if her honest smile seemed belivable enough. She wasn't beeing harassed or anything, but the same damned "prank" once a week was really getting annoying.

That's good to hear, because they were kind of pricks to the last young girl that started there.

They were? I haven't heard anything about that.

Strange, but why would they tell? Maybe it was a trend they had going or something.

That's right. They kept putting her stuff in pudding, gum on her chair and immature things like that. Poor girl got so sick of it, that she quit. 

Is that so?

That meant they did this to all the rookies, or just to the young ones. Neda atleast was pretty sure that they hadn't intended to litterally get her to quit. The pranks were to harmless for that. 

Mabel continued: I think they're just worried about beeing replaced. Vidar isn't a great journalist, and neither is Benny. They're both decent, but nowwhere near Bais skills. She finished with a sigh.

Neda pretended she hadn't noticed Mabel saying her own husband wasn't very good. They were both better than her though. Yikes.

They aren't good writers?

Nope. The paper used to be a lot better before; heavier you know. But I think the owners wanted something different. Bai still makes sure that it's atleast a bit serious. When he retires, it'll take a toll on the quality.

Oh, so now she very likely had a possible loss of job in the future? She hoped Bai didn't retire then. She'd rather write a blog, then be out of work. Ofcourse, Mabel hadn't hinted anything about that, but Neda had to be as pessimistic as possible. Her looser- quality made sure she knew how to live with dissapointment.

They were interruped when Benny got out of the water, and decided to join them. Who knew how long Vidar had stood there though. Clearly Mabel didn't care if he'd heard them. He didn't seem to be any wiser.

Argh! Mabel! Vidar whined: I think... I think a ladybug flew up my nose!!

Mabel rolled her eyes and whispered: Having a husband is like having a child that'll never develop, and gets more useless as each day pass by. 

Luckily Vidar only had a little allergy, and no poor ladybug was stuck up his nose. Mabel just thought it was good he was pretty, or she'd never marry him.

Neda sat down to rest a bit. She got tired easily now a days. She was already pregnant again, even if she was barely showing. Steve and her had postponed the wedding when Aurelius was born, and now they were going to do it again.

Maybe he didn't want to get married at all. Maybe he just wanted to stay engaged. She kind of understood why. Kids were expensive and timeconsuming. But she didn't need a big wedding or anything.

Noticing Benny staring at her, Neda also had a sneaking suspicion that serving alcohol hadn't been the best idea. It wasn't anything strong, but the more the guests consumed, the higher the chance he mentioned they slept together.

She slapped on one of her polite grins, hoping it would get him to stop staring.

She really had to stop smiling. It was something about her smiles that invited sims to talk to her, even when she hoped they said "stay away from me, I'm just smiling to be polite".

I heard you got the intervju with the army informant. You did a really good job. 

Bennys breath had a faint taint of sweet alcohol, but she tried not to pull a face at the sudden smell. She'd expected he'd be mad at it, so it was a nice change.

Thanks! It was just theft of food, that was supposed to be sent to troops abroad. 

It allegedly was supposed to mean something, but she'd never really gotten why. Neda had just quoted the expert instead. Ofcourse that article had been published in the real paper, and not on the blog. Couldn't post anything interesting on that ofcourse, because then someone might take her serious as a journalist.

Well, it was still a good article. 

Neda just ended up beeing suspicious at the sudden niceness. What was really going on? Was he planning another prank or something. Here, at the poolparty maybe?

Unfortunately, it was a lot worse than that: I don't mean to come off as nosy. But, I've noticed your boyfriend has barely even looked at you whilst we've been here. And he hasn't helped you with anything either. 

She hoped that he'd stop to clear his throat of something, so that she'd had time to stop him before it went further. But, Neda wasn't dealt a good hand in life. Atleast for the mistakes she chose to make.

I thought about what happened between us. You know, my wife just doesn't understand me. But you and me Neda, we had a good thing there and...

He stopped when he finally noticed the look on her face. She knew exactely where this conversation was going. A "no" had never been shown more clearly without the use of words.

Out of nowwhere, Steve interrupted them. His eyes had a drunk shine in them, without Neda understanding how. It wasn't that much alcohol here, unless ofcourse someone had taken their own with them.

Hey! Hey Neda. Neda. Check it out! I talked with Bai, and he totally dared me. Just look. Just look now, okay? Look now!

You're bonding with Bai? That's so nice Steve! 

If he made a good impression, maybe she'd get his job if he retired instead of gross Benny. She could almost smell that promotion coming up already! And Steve got a friend, yeah that probably mattered to.

Yeah, but Neda! Neda! Look! Look! It's really awesome. Are you looking? Look Neda! Are you looking? 

Yes, I'm looking. 

He had some weird teenager-grin on his face, but did he have to sound like one because of that? Damnit, she was looking!

Steve bent down and grabbed a handful of dirt: Look Neda, look! Bai said I wouldn't do it!!

Then he got that weird teenager- boy giggle again.
 

Steve took his hand to his face, and licked it all up; sand, alges, dirt and sim knows what. Neda felt herself getting nauseous, to think she'd kissed that mouth. How often did he do that.

Even Benny was grossed out: That... that is disgusting. 

Steve!  

Neda was so embarassed. How could he behave like that infront of everyone she worked with? This was humiliating. Couldn't he just have acted grown- up this one time. Just one damned time!

Like the small child trapped in an adult body he was, Steve ran off to brag to Bai. She stared after him as he ran off. Yeah, this was still humiliating. Why did everything she tried to do, get ruined.

She knew it was bad, when even Benny reacted: That was disgusting. Neda, how can you date that guy, and have his kid? Ofcourse, he's just a boy. And you're a woman Neda. A woman needs a real man. 

Benny also had to much to drink it seems. Why couldn't he just shut up, and Steve act normal?

No such luck, because he didn't just shut up. Ever!

I get that you might be hesitant, but we're so good together. He meant in the elevator, not at work: My wife, she's not really enough anymore. She doesn't appreciate what I do for her. I work so much, and she just keeps on nagging!

Well, beeing a journalist wasn't really the hard work that he made it out to be. Not for them atleast.

... you have to feel it to Neda. 

He just wouldn't shut up about it either. Like she was dumb enough to fall for that "my wife doesn't bla bla whatever" garbage.

Shut up Benny! I'm not interested! It was a once in a lifetime thing! You're old! Okay?
  

Quickly lowering her voice even more, she continued to an angrier co- worker: It's never going to happen again. I'm not doing that to Steve again and sure as hell not with an old man like you.

What did you say?

Where the hell was he coming from all the time? Was he running back and forth or something? Steve was a real ninja today.

What? I just told Benny that I'm not interested in his take on my blog. He's to old to know this stuff!
 
The lie was so pathetic that she never thought he'd believe it.

Steve stuffed a finger in her face: You! You're ungrateful! That's what you are. You're always complaining that I never do enough around the house, that I don't spend enough time with the kids.

She'd had it with horny coworkers and idiot fiancees. Why couldn't they just behave already? She just wanted one damned party without drama!

Well, boohoo! Neda spat, completely forgetting about keeping face: You always use that damned tv- game anyway! Besides, you DON'T help with the kids. Changing a diaper I just changed once a week isn't anything to brag about! And now I'm pregnant again! And we're having another one! And that would make FOUR babies for me!

This! This was what Mabel meant. Kids learned an grew, but men just didn't. They just bled every cell of patience out of you and then whined when you couldn't take it anymore! Calm down Neda, she kept telling herself. Remember that there's a potential for promotion in the future.

Benny gave his unwanted opinion once again: If you were my girlfriend, I'd treat you right. 

No one asked for your opinion Benny!

The look Steve looked from one of them to the other, showed he was getting suspicious. Come on. She didn't deserve this. She deserved a little peace.

This was not turning into what she's wanted it to be. She'd wanted a nice little party, so she could smooch up to Bai. And she hadn't even been able to talk to him, all because of those annoying guys. What if he'd heard what they'd been talking about?

Neda gave up and decided on taking a dip to cool down. He wasn't going to tell Steve anything. Benny would be to worried about getting beaten up. Because atleast he must have seen that Steve was a little unstable when drinking

Mabel had some mercy on her and joined in a breathholding contest.

Even if it took a while, Steve eventually got back to his old, calmer self. They hugged it out without an appology. The little nervousness she'd felt melted away in his arms. So Benny hadn't said anything, just as she'd anticipated.

Vidar had gotten way excited at all that drama. This was so much better than his soapopera!

As he'd payed more attention than anyone would've guessed, he went up to the host and offered some positivity. The girl had worked pretty hard after all, and it was nice to have some parties together for a change.

This is a really good party Neda. Everyone's enjoying themselves.

It wasn't a lie either. Everyone was semi- drunk and having fun in the water.

Steve laughed scornfully: Good? Good?! This is a joke, that's what it is! This whole thing is a cheap joke. You didn't even get any real food, just some pathetic tofu- dogs!

He even pointed at her, to show everyone that the mocking laughter was aimed at her. She was so sick of that behaviour. She was taking care of two kids, worked fulltime and he was just mooching around, trying to break through as an author!

If you don't like the food, you could've helped me then! 

She was overworked and pregnant, and he was complaining. Infront of everyone. And that tone of his drove her insane!

Well, they aren't my co- workers. Steve teased.

I'm your fiance! You should help either way! 

Because that's what you did in relationships! Helped eachother! What the hell was the point of living with someone, when they never lifted a finger out of their own free will?

You are nothing but a mean and petty drunk Steve! 

Finally, that wiped that mocking grin off his face.

Oh no, you didn't! Vegard thought he'd die of all that sass! He'd never thought Neda had so much drama going on! Oh, he was going to talk about this with his wife the rest of the day!

Still, Steve looked more bored than anything. Bored after she yelled at him. How could he do this to her?!

She waited until everyone "just had to go" after her little outburst before confronting him.

Steve. What's gotten into you? What's wrong?

She could've sworn the water dripping down on the waterslide hadn't been this loud earlier.

Benny told me. Is it true?

-------------------------------------------------
*insert dramatic music here*

Thanks for reading