Glitter – Chapter 6 – Summer Jobs

Dakota twisted a strand of her long blonde hair around her index finger. She hummed softly to herself looking up every once in a while to see if her twin had closed her book yet. Twenty minutes later at the end of her patience she demanded “are you almost done?” She rolled from her bed to bounce on the edge of her sisters bed causing as much motion as she could.

“What is your problem” Montana asked sticking a finger inside her book to mark her place.

“I want to go out” she whined.

“Then go” Montana opened her book reading a few more paragraphs before her sister’s humming drove her to distraction. “Do you mind?”

Dakota gave her sister her best blank innocent look “am I disturbing you?”

“Go away” Montana mumbled determined not to let her sister spoil her first day off from school. She was going to enjoy her downtime with a good book even if it killed her.

“I’m bored” Dakota whined bouncing up and down.

Then go do something and leave me alone” Montana said her nose buried in her book again.

“Come with me” she pleaded.

“I want to finish my book” she flipped a page determined to ignore her sister.

“That’ll take forever” Dakota wailed seeing the thick volume that must have had thousands of pages with hundreds of words on each one. The idea of reading all that made her head ache. “Please. Just for a little while.”

Looking up Montana found her twin giving her large sad puppy dog eyes. “Fine” she sighed slipping a book between the pages before closing the book. Swinging her legs over the bed she said “remember your promise. This summer we get real jobs not like last summer.”

“We got paid didn’t we” Dakota demanded.

“It was babysitting” Montana rolled her eyes “we’re too old to babysit. We’re going to college in the fall.”

“What’s left” Dakota asked flopping backwards on the bed.

“Hollis Resort” Montana snapped her fingers to her sisters attention. “It’s perfect. We go there every summer anyway.”

Dakota sat up “I’m listening.”

“Not to mention all the hot guys coming and going from the beach surfing” Montana enthused fanning herself.

“Don’t forget the girls” Dakota added eyes shining.

“Speak for yourself” Montana teased “you know I only look at the boys.”

“You don’t know what you’re missing” Dakota replied. “If we get jobs we’ll have to stay there for the whole summer and not just the few weeks we normally go for.”

“Yeah I know” she acknowledged. It was the only flaw in her plan.

“Do you think Daddy’ll let us go” Dakota asked no doubt thinking the same thing she was.

“We’re both eighteen now. Daddy knows we aren’t little girls anymore.” It was kind of depressing to know she would be making her parents sad by being gone all the summer before college began.

“Don’t be sad” Dakota reached for her hand “they have to let us go sooner or later.”

“I know I just wish I didn’t know it was going to hurt him when we tell him” Montana wiped a stray tear away.

“Let’s talk to dad first” Dakota suggested “he’ll know what to do.”

“You’re right” Montana nodded despite her own misgivings.

“You’re not changing your mind are you? You’re the one who thought this was a good idea” Dakota pointed out needlessly.

“That was before I realized I’d be breaking Daddy’s heart” she confessed.

“Let’s send in our applications first. See if we get hired” Dakota suggested “then we’ll tell them.”

Considering her sister’s suggestion Montana nodded. “Yeah let’s do that” she gave her a relieved smile “after all we might not get hired. Why make Daddy worry for nothing.”

Dakota laughed “you’re always worrying about him.”

“Well someone has to” Montana said.

Shrugging Dakota said “that’s Dad’s job not ours. Now let’s go out and have some fun.” She hopped off the bed grabbing Montana’s hand in the process pulling her towards the door.

***

Montana was finishing drafting her thank you email to Charity when Dakota bounced into the room. “We have jobs” she announced.

“Awesome” Dakota clapped her hands “did we get the positions we applied for?”

“Well…not exactly” Montana said.

“What does that mean” her sister frowned at her moving towards the computer to read over her shoulder.

“It means we get something in the area of what we wanted but not what we wanted” Montana explained in a roundabout way.

“Meaning” Dakota tapped her toes willing her sister to come to the point.

“Well you wanted to work with animals” Montana gazed up at her “your the new dog walker.”

“But I wanted grooming” she cried.

“Evidently you need experience and training before you can become a groomer.” Montana sighed sharing her sisters disappointment “don’t kill the messenger. I didn’t do much better.”

“Athletic supplies” Dakota read “what exactly is that?”

“It means I’m charge of keeping the gym stocked with fresh towels and stuff” she sat back in her chair with a wounded expression.

Laughing at her sister Dakota said “so much for being the yoga instructor.”

“Evidently that requires experience too” Montana admitted “Charity said at the very least I’d need to be certified before I could instruct a yoga class.”

“Well it’s a start at least” Dakota sighed.

“And we have jobs that pay” Montana enthused.

“Plus we’ll gain some much needed experience” Dakota added.

“I guess that means we need to tell them” Montana said looking to her sister for support for informing their dads they’d be away all summer.

“It’s not going to be as bad as you think” Dakota assured her. Standing up she said “we better get it over with now. The sooner the better.”

Reluctantly Montana followed her sister out into the living room were their parents were cuddling on the couch watching a romantic comedy. “Hey guys” Dakota said plopping herself in front of the TV blocking their view. “We have something to tell you” she waved towards Montana indicating she should take over.

“Can’t it wait” Waylon asked frowning at his daughters for interrupting their movie night.

“Honey” Zach patted his hand “they need to tell us something. It’s important.” He knew the girls had perfected this maneuver over the years. The only way to wrestle Waylon’s attention from the TV was to block it.

Turning the TV off Waylon demanded “what’s so important it couldn’t wait?”

“We um got jobs for the summer” Montana announced her eyes darting from her parents to her sister.

“That’s great” Zach enthused “just remember to get the time off for the weeks we’ll be on the island.”

“Um well that’s the problem” Dakota said “the summer jobs we have are at the resort. We’ll be there all summer.”

“At least until we have to get ready to go to university in the fall” Montana added nibbling on her lower lip.

***

Zach’s bottom lip quivered as he listened to his daughter’s excited voices telling them about their jobs. All he kept hearing was they were leaving him and he wanted to be happy but an oppressive sadness clutched his heart. They weren’t his little girls anymore. His heart lurched painfully in his chest as he pushed up off the couch. He gave each of the girls a hug. His mouth forming the necessary congratulatory words that he didn’t feel. He could see the worry in Montana’s eyes as he stepped away from kissing her cheek.

His lips thinned to form a caricature of a smile. For all he knew his life was ending. Grinding to a halt. He thought he had the summer to get used to the idea of them being gone. Stepping back he let Waylon have his time with the girls. Feeling heavy and light headed at the same time he slowly walked to his room. He heard Montana ask “is Daddy alright?”

“Don’t worry sweetheart” Waylon assured her “he’s happy for you.”

“But he looks so sad” she protested.

“Give him time to absorb the news” Waylon reached a hand out to stop her from following Zach.

“Are you sure” Dakota asked her voice now just as worried as her sisters.

“I’m positive” he sighed “it’s just he had so many plans for the summer.”

“We don’t have to go” Montana offered.

“No sweetie” Waylon pulled her close “that’s the last thing he’d want. Take the jobs. You dad and I will adjust.”

“Are you sure” she asked watching him closely.

“I’m positive” he kissed her forehead “why don’t you to out and celebrate.” He pulled his wallet out and handed them money “go shopping. See a movie. Have dinner.”

“You want to get rid of us for the night” Dakota surmised.

“I do” he glanced over his shoulder.

“Tell him we love him” Montana urged.

“Yeah” Dakota agreed taking her sister’s arm, pulling her towards the door.

“Bye Dad” the called from the door before they left.

The silence of the house seemed somewhat oppressive if not mournful after they had gone. Turning Waylon went in search of Zach. He found him curled up on the bed softly crying. Gently Waylon sat on the bed beside him gently pulling him into his arms. He placed soft kisses on his neck and cheek. After a minute or so he felt Zach take his hand and squeeze it.

“I’m sorry” he mumbled “I should be happy for them. They’re such beautiful young women.”

“Yes they are” Waylon agreed “they know you’re proud of them and love them.”

“I’m a wet blanket on their parade” he sniffed trying to get control of himself. “I knew this day was coming. I thought was prepared but the nightmares…”

Waylon didn’t need to know what nightmares. They were always the same. “We’ve taught them well” he assured his husband “they’ll be ok.”

“I know it’s just I’m so scared” he leaned into Waylon for support “I just don’t want them to be like me. I want them to enjoy this time in their lives.”

“They don’t have the same experiences you or I had when we were their age” Waylon said.

“Thank goodness for that” he cried “I still worry. I’ll never not worry.”

“They’ll be ok. They’re smart. Self-reliant young women. They have the tools we taught them to succeed.” Waylon could only hope his words were enough to reassure his husband.

“Thank you” Zach smiled stretching up to kiss Waylon’s lips “you always know what to say and do to make me feel better.”

“It’s because I love you and the little family we created together” he nuzzled into Zach.

Closing his eyes Zach felt himself relax “we should let the girls have the house while they’re on the island.”

***

The twins stood in front of their families island home. “Are you sure Daddy” Montana asked turning towards the smiling blonde male.

“I’m positive” he nodded “you and your sister will need a place to stay while you’re here. Charity could use your help too at the resort.”

“Thank you” she squealed throwing her arms around him. Dakota followed soon afterwards. “We love you so much.”

“We love you too” Waylon asserted smiling down at his daughters.

“You’re still coming in August right” Dakota asked.

“Wouldn’t miss it” Zach assured her “unless you don’t want your old dads staying with you.”

“Don’t be silly Daddy” Montana laughed “we’ll always have room for you and Dad.”

“And you’re not old” Dakota asserted.

“Do you have everything you need” Waylon asked looking at the empty trunk.

“We have everything we need” Dakota nodded.

“If not the house is stocked and we can buy whatever else we need” Montana added.

Looking at his watch Waylon put an arm around Zach. “Our flight home takes off in a couple of hours. We should be on our way.”

“Do you have to go soon” Montana cried hoping they’d change their minds and stay a  few days.

“I’m afraid so” Zach nodded “we couldn’t find anyone to watch the ranch while we were gone.”

“Oh” the girls mumbled together with dual disappointed expressions.

“Hey we’ll be back” Zach said hugging them both “you can’t escape us that easily.”

They giggled as they watched their dad’s walk hand in hand to their rented car. Briefly they waved as they drove away. “This is it” Montana said when the car was  out of sight. “We’re on our own.”

“Party” Dakota suggested.

Shrugging Montana suggested “call the boys and see if they want to come over for pizza and a movie.”

“If we call them you know Unity and Justice will tag along” Dakota said as she pulled out her phone.

“Let them” Montana shrugged “they’re good kids and it’s not it’s a date.”

“Eew gross” Dakota wrinkled her nose at the thought.

Chapter 5 – Everything Nice /

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Glitter – Chapter 5 – Everything Nice

“Daddy” London glanced up from her desk where she was working on her homework. “Did you need something?” She had seen him straining to reach something that was just out of his reach on the floor.

“My pillow” he said sitting back with an irritated scowl. “It fell out of my chair” he attempted to reach for it again stretching as far as he could. His fingers scraped the edges of it but no dice.

Moving quickly London retrieved the pillow. “Is that better” she asked placing the pillow behind his back. She watched him for a moment looking for signs of discomfort.

“Do I pass inspection” he asked catching her watching him.

Instead of answering London threw her arms around him. “I love you Daddy” she cried squeezing him tight.

“I love you too sweetheart” he reciprocated attempting to mask the pain her unexpected hug ignited.

“Daddy” she sounded worried “are you ok?”

“Sure I’m fine” he lied giving her a huge grin that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “You don’t have to lie to me to protect my feelings” she reprimanded him. “I can tell you’re in pain.”

He gave her a quizzical look “you can?”

“Yeah it’s in your eyes” she touched his skin around his eyes “you’re all tense right through here.”

“Sorry” he apologized “I am in pain. The air is too cold and humid around here.”

“Do you your pain meds” she inquired “I can get them for you. Mom showed me how just in case.”

“No not yet I can manage” shaking his head rueful “at least until Mom gets home.”

“Are you sure” she asked her voice taking on a tone he knew she picked up from her mom. “The best way to manage pain is to nip it in the beginning before it gets too bad.”

Looking at his daughter he nodded in agreement. It was amazing this grown up little person was only ten years old. She spoke about pain management like it was a normal everyday topic of conversation. He supposed it was for her. “If you know where Mom keeps it then I’ll take some.” He regretted the necessity of needing a gatekeeper on his own meds; especially his ten year old daughter. Unfortunately it was necessary after he had inadvertently taken too many when one of his other meds affected his memory and he couldn’t remember when or how many he had taken. It was a scary time for all of them.

Without hesitation London went to retrieve the meds for her dad. Returning she held out a glass of water along with a couple of pills to him. “Take these Daddy” she instructed.

“Thank you sweetheart” he murmured accepting her offerings. It was depressing to think how fast his little girl was having to grow up because of him and his condition. He wanted her to have a normal life not one that included taking care of him.

“Don’t be sad Daddy” she gave him a grin “I like helping. I’m going to be a doctor one day. I’m going to make sure no one else has to be in a wheelchair.”

“Don’t you want to be something more exciting” he asked feeling guilty for robbing her of her carefree childhood. It reminded him too much of how he had joined the military thinking that was how he could honor his father who died for his country. He didn’t want London feeling obligated to follow a course she thought he wanted her to do.

“What could be more exciting then helping people” she asked “I love you Daddy. I like helping you. I hope one day I can help other families not have to go through what we do.”

The conviction in her soft spoken voice was enough to ease his conscience. He knew her goals could change as she got older but so far it hadn’t wavered since she was old enough to know what a doctor was and why her daddy was permanently attached to a chair with wheels.

***

Late that evening Teasha joined Phoenix in their room. “How did she take the news” he asked.

“As well as could be expected” she gave him a tired smile.

“I suppose she hates me now” he mumbled looking away.

Silently Teasha crossed the room. Gently she knelt beside his chair holding his face. “Our daughter loves you. She understands this will help you.”

“But” he blinked back frustrated tears as they rolled down his cheeks. “She shouldn’t have to sacrifice her happiness for my health.”

“She’ll see her friends every summer” Teasha assured him “she’ll be ok.”

“She’ll have to go to a different school” he said “she likes it here. I just don’t think we should uproot her from everything she knows.”

“I agree it’s going to be difficult and it’ll take time to adjust but we have to do this. Believe me when I tell you she’d rather have you than any of the things she’ll be giving up in the move.” Stroking is face remembering the way it once was so full of life. “You’ll see this will be good for all of us.”

“I hope so” he leaned his forehead against hers. “I just don’t want her hating me because of this.” Closing his eyes he knew all too well how difficult it had been on his family to move every few years. Being an army brat meant moving wherever his dad was stationed at. His younger brother resented each and every move. Phoenix didn’t want that for his daughter. He never wanted to see his daughter looking at him the way his brother looked at their dad.

“She won’t” Teasha assured him. “She loves you. She wants you to be healthy. She’ll understand why we need to move. You’ll see it won’t be as traumatic as you think.”

A soft knock on their bedroom door interrupted them. “Come in” Teasha called squeezing his hands hoping to reassure him.

“Mom. Dad” London murmured as she entered their room. Her eyes were red rimmed “are you sure we have to move?”

“I’m afraid so” Teasha said “I know it’s going to be difficult to leave your friends behind but it’s the best thing for Daddy.”

London lifted her eyes up before stepping forward. “Why can’t we move to Isla Paradiso? It’s an island too. Why does it have to Sunlit Tides?”

“That’s a good question” Phoenix said looking towards his wife. “We asked the doctor for suggestions and he suggested Sunlit Tides maybe Isla Paradiso could be a possibility. What do you think?”

“I think it’s worth looking into” Teasha agreed “we already have a houseboat on the island so moving there wouldn’t be too bad. Plus London knows a few people there already so it wouldn’t be like starting over.”

“Thanks Mom” London sighed with relief “I’d go anywhere if it meant helping Daddy but if it could be somewhere we already know than all the better right?”

“We’ll check into it” Teasha assured her. She moved to her daughter drawing her into a hug “I love you sweetie.”

“I love you too Mommy” she squeezed  her arms around her mother’s neck. Next she approached her dad “Daddy I love you too” she leaned in close kissing his cheek “I hope you know that.”

“I do” he nodded thankful that she had come to them with the suggestion they hadn’t considered. He hoped the doctor would think it was a good alternative.

***

A few months later they were sitting on the deck of their houseboat enjoying the evening breeze coming in off the ocean. “Are you ready for school to start” Teasha asked her daughter sitting across from them.

“Yeah I guess” she shrugged “I wish I knew someone in my close. Justice at least is in the same school along with Unity.”

“Justice will be in middle school sweetie” Phoenix pointed out.

“Oh” she sighed “you’re right. I thought we’d be in the same school. I guess it’ll just be me and Unity then.”

“Unity is in fourth grade isn’t she” Trinity asked leaning against the railing.

“Yeah a year behind me” London turned towards her dad who was busy lighting a fire to roast marshmallows. “Unity says I need to decide who I want to be my boyfriend before school starts. How do I do that if I don’t know who my options are?”

“She said what” Phoenix choked on the words “you’re way too young for boyfriends.”

“I’m ten Daddy not a baby” she rolled her eyes “what do you think Mom?”

“Well” Teasha glanced at her husband who was still glaring into the fire. “I agree with your father. You are too young for boyfriends.”

Standing she dramatically stomped her feet. Rolling her eyes she announced “I knew you wouldn’t understand.”

“Understand what” Teasha demanded “and before you answer cut the attitude or you can go to your room.”

“Fine” she sighed “a boyfriend gives you status. Someone to do your homework with. Someone always to be your partner for in group activities in class or projects. It’s not like we’ll be doing any gross mushy stuff.”

“Oh a friend” Teasha said relieved.

“Does it have to be a boy” Phoenix asked still stuck on boyfriend.

“Argh” she cried stomping towards the door “Why do I even bother. Why do you insist on asking questions when you know you won’t like the answers. All I want to do is fit in. I’m the new kid. The one on one wants to be friends with.”

“I don’t think that’s a good enough reason to get a boyfriend” Phoenix persisted watching her slam the door shut but did little to keep her from eyesight.

Looking at the fire Teasha laughed “I guess we get to eat all the smores.”

“I guess so” Phoenix agreed “thanks for backing me up. I know you didn’t think it was a terrible idea like me.”

“No not terrible. Just too soon” she sighed “I was hoping not to have to deal with boyfriends and hormones for at least another year or two.”

“A year” he gasped “I want her to be my little girl longer than that.”

“We have no choice” she sighed sitting on his lap “she’s growing up and boyfriends are going to be a part of the package.”

Wrapping his arms around her Phoenix sighed “I’m not ready for this.”

“Do you think I am” she teased giving his cheek a quick peck “we’re getting old.”

“Speak for yourself” he said giving her a tender kiss on the lips “I’m planning on being young forever.”

“Keep telling yourself that when you see all the kids tomorrow at the resort.” She leaned her head on her shoulder “the teenagers out number the kids now.”

“For tonight let me pretend we’re still as young as we were back in college” Phoenix grinned at  her.

“Alright” she conceded taking his hand and watching the moon rise over the ocean.

***

Smoothing the wrinkles on her dress London mumbled “I’m a mess.”

“You shouldn’t have let Justice talk you into racing him” Unity giggled.

Temperance nodded linking arms with Unity “I think someone has a crush.”

Unity’s eyes grew large “do you like my brother?”

“No” London’s cheeks grew hot as both younger girls giggled at her.

“Good” Aubrey said joining them “you can dance with me instead. I promised Daddy I wouldn’t dance with any boys.”

“Oh” London bit her bottom lip “I was hoping to dance at least once with Benjamin and Justice.”

“Good luck with that” Temperance giggled “Jason has already been bugging Benjamin to dance with him.”

“Does Jason like Benjamin” Aubrey asked.

Shrugging Temperance nodded “he acts like it. It’s kind of cute in an annoying sort of way.”

“Don’t go to thinking you need to be annoying to get Justice to notice you” Unity advised turning to London “I guarantee that won’t work. Justice doesn’t like clingy people. At least that what he says.”

“Did the older boys bring dates” Aubrey asked. They all knew she was referring to the three teen boys Christopher, Noble and Loyal.

“They’re too busy mooning over Dakota and Montana” Temperance giggled “they’re gorgeous and older.”

“Which means” London asked.

Giggling Unity said “which means the boys are out luck. I mean my brothers are cute but they’re doofasses.”

Pointing towards an older man pushing his way through the crowd of people Aubrey asked “who is that guy?”

“He’s not supposed to be here” Temperance said turning to Unity with concern.

Unity shook her head “he promised he’d be good or I wouldn’t have told him.”

“Who is he” London asked repeating Aubrey’s question.

“That’s Zane” Temperance frowned “Unity’s other grandpa.”

“Oh” the two girls nodded wide-eyed. They had all heard about Graham’s first husband but neither of them had seen him before.

“Hey Gramps” Noble said cutting him off from going any further.

“Out of my way” Zane said straining to see Graham through the milling guests.

“He doesn’t want to see you” Loyal said joining his twin. “Why don’t you leave before you make a scene.”

“He’s my husband” he snapped attempting to go around the boys.

“Ex husband” Noble corrected “has been for almost fifteen years.”

“He didn’t know what he was doing” Zane protested “this is ridiculous to keep me from the resort we built together. I haven’t done anything wrong.”

“Says you” Loyal snickered.

“We’ve see you talking to old man Hollis” Noble added “if you really cared about Grandpa like you claim you’d have cut all ties with that creep.”

“Mr Hollis has done a lot for me” Zane protested.

“Sure he has” Loyal agreed “like having you beat up.”

“Ruining your marriage” Noble added.

“All so he could get his grubby little hands on our resort” Charity said joining her sons. “Boys I’ll take care of this.”

Nodding Loyal said to Noble “you stay. I’ll go get Dad.”

Zane eyed the boys with distaste “they act like I’m the enemy or something” he complained.

“You are” Noble growled.

“That’s enough” Charity chided him even she was proud of him for standing up for Graham. Turning her attention to Zane she said “Dad you promised you wouldn’t come. Not today.”

Zane craned his neck trying to catch a glimpse of Graham in the crowd before someone warned him he was there. He wanted to see his face without the perpetual frown that his presence always brought on. “I love him. I had to be here. To make him understand….”

“It’s too late for that” Charity shook her head “leave him alone. He’s happy shouldn’t that be enough to convince you he’s moved on with his life.”

“I need to talk to him” he entreated her like she hadn’t said anything “to explain why I did all of this. I did it for him.”

Putting a hand up Charity signaled for him to stop. “No dad. You did it for you. Daddy would have been happy running the dog shelter you had before you sold it and borrowed money to buy the resort. Daddy never wanted to it. That was all you. It was you who went to the one person you knew Daddy hated, Donnie Hollis. You took his dirty even though you knew how much it would hurt Daddy.”

“Do you really think I would do something like that to intentionally hurt him” Zane asked. “I wouldn’t do that. If I had known I’d have done things differently.”

“Somehow I don’t believe you” Charity shook her head sadly hugging her arms tight around herself. “You knew he’d be devastated once he found out or you wouldn’t have felt the need to lie about where you got the money.”

“That’s not….” he stopped as a hand came down heavy on his shoulder. Turning he looked into the serious disapproving eyes of his son-in-law.

“Mr Koehler it’s time for you to leave” Ryan said firmly “we don’t want to hear anymore of your lies.”

“I” he swallowed looking into his daughter’s eyes “I’m sorry” he mumbled turning and allowing Ryan to escort him from the property.

Chapter 4 – Sugar and Spice / Chapter 6 – Summer Jobs

Glitter – Chapter 4 – Sugar and Spice

“Mommy” Aubrey called from the kitchen table.

Glancing up from the computer screen Trinity frowned. “Mommy’s busy right now” she said turning back to her work and the two columns that refused to balance. She had been at it for several hours and she still couldn’t balance the books of her biggest account.

“But mommy” Aubrey’s voice was small and insignificant compared to the problems she was having.

“Not now” she said going back to her sums that refused to make sense.

Aubrey sat with her head down, teas trickling down her cheeks. Silently she scooted her chair out and methodically began to put her colors away. Carefully she tore the page she had been coloring from her book. With deliberate strokes she printed her name at the bottom. It was the way the famous artist did at the museum her daddy took her to.

Taking her picture she tiptoed over to where her mother was muttering over her computer. A slight rustle of paper alerted Trinity to the little girls presence. “Aubrey” she sighed “I said not now.”

Startled Aubrey let her drawing slip through her fingers and flutter to her mother’s desk. She squeaked turning and ran to her room.

Trinity’s eyes fell upon the drawing her daughter had been working on. It was very good for a five-year old. Picking it up from her desk she wondered when she had turned into her mother. She had spent most of her childhood trying to get her mom’s attention.

Saving her non-progress she stood up. Avoiding Vincent’s eyes as she walked across the room towards her daughter’s bedroom door. Knocking softly she opened the door to find her daughter curled up on her bed shoulders shaking. “Aubrey” she called softly crossing the room. Sitting on the edge of the bed she stroked her daughters fluffy head “I’m sorry.”

There was no perceptible change in the small figure lying with her back turned. “Sweetie I’m sorry” Trinity tried again. “I like the picture you colored for me.”

Sniffling Aubrey sat up rubbing her eyes. “You do” she asked her voice low uncertain.

“Of course I do” Trinity nodded “I’m going to have it framed so I can have it on my desk all the time.”

The corners of Aubrey’s mouth quirked upwards. “You really like it that much” her eyes were round with surprise. “I could make you another one. One that’s even better. I mean I got out of the lines there. The color isn’t quite right.” Her small hands reached for the picture to take it from her mother’s hands.

Gently Trinity kept the picture from her daughter’s reach. “It’s perfect the way it is.”

“It’s not good enough” Aubrey insisted “I can do better.”

It hurt hearing her daughter’s words. Trinity never saw herself being a mother and she found out she was expecting she had cried for a week. Her biggest fear was coming to reality. She was becoming her own mother. Demanding perfection. Lifting her daughter’s quivering chin up she smiled down into her daughter’s eyes. “It doesn’t have to be perfect. You made it for me. That’s all that matters. I love it because you made it for me.”

“I’m sorry mommy” Aubrey leaned into her.

“For what sweetie” she asked

“For disturbing you while you worked” she mumbled looking at the floor.

“I’m sorry for getting upset with you” Trinity said kissing the top of her daughter’s head.

“Now that you’ve apologized to each other” a deep voice said from the door “maybe we could all go out for dinner and a movie.”

“Yeah” Aubrey cried running to hug her father.

Smiling Trinity joined them moving a little slower but with no less excitement than her daughter. “It sounds like a date.”

***

“Daddy watch” Aubrey called trying to get his attention.

Smiling Vincent turned from Trinity “I’m watching.”

“You sure” she demanded hands on hips.

“Positive” he got his phone out ready to capture her latest feat.

“Alright here goes” she poised herself in the sand. Her feet spaced evenly apart as she took off to make the best cart-wheel ever. Halfway through she lost her balance causing her to fall to her knees in the loose sand.

“That was awesome” Vincent clapped.

“I didn’t do it right” she complained crossing her arms.

“It was a very good attempt” Trinity said coming up beside her daughter. “Next time you’ll do better.”

“But I wanted it to be perfect now” she pouted.

“You can’t be perfect at everything” Vincent said putting his phone away. “Let’s go for a swim” he suggested.

“No” Aubrey shook her head “I don’t want to.”

Kneeling in front of his daughter he asked “what do you want to do then?”

Thinking for a moment Aubrey smiled. “I want to build a sand castle.”

“Ok” he grinned sitting in the sand with her.

“Not with you Daddy” she objected “I want to do it by myself.”

Vincent stood up watching his five-year old daughter select a different spot in the sand to build her sand castle. Looking down as a hand landed on his forearm “my little girl doesn’t need me anymore.” He was half-joking despite the ache in his heart.

“She’s growing up” Trinity said moving to the blanket where they had their picnic lunch a couple of hours ago.

“She’s five” Vincent protested joining her.

“Don’t worry she still loves you” she assured him.

“I hope so” he muttered tossing a handful of sand in the air.

“I love you” Trinity said reaching for his hand eyes sparkling in the sunshine.

“That’s not the same” he pouted.

“What am I old cheese” she demanded moving to get up.

Grabbing her hand he pulled her down to him. “That’s not what I’m saying. I love you to the moon and back.”

“I love you too even though your still as sappy as ever.” She giggled as his hands went around her waist slipping lower to her hips. “Not here” she warned “people are watching.”

“Let them watch” he nuzzled his nose into the side of her neck placing soft kisses along her collar-bone.

“What about Aubrey” she asked trying not to give in to her growing desire.

“She’s seen us kiss before” he tilted his head back “we’re on vacation. Relax.”

“I’m trying” Trinity muttered leaning into him.

“You know what our problem is don’t you” Vincent asked after a moment or two of silence.

Trinity scowled up at her husband “what is our problem?”

“We don’t take near as many vacations as we should” he gave her a bland innocent look “we don’t know how to act while on vacation.”

“I’m not the only one who works too much” she grumbled taking offense.

Making hand dampening motions Vincent sighed. “I didn’t mean it that way” his eyes glancing towards their daughter making sure she was still occupied with building sand castles.

“You implied it” she huffed. Sitting up she pulled her knees to her chest. Her eyes looked out of the ocean waves. “I’m sorry” she apologized a moment later “I’m never any fun anymore.”

“That could change” Vincent said making sure to keep his tone light.

“Not anytime soon” she retorted “I have the Brockhaven case to review next. You know how awful their books are.”

“Do you like your job” he asked her.

“What” she blinked at him like she didn’t quite understand his question.

“Do you like your job” he repeated enunciating each word carefully.

“Of course I do” she flipped her hand dismissively.

“It’s not what you had wanted to do in college” he pointed out.

Her shoulders rose and fell as she dropped her gaze to the sand. Her fingers drew circles. “We need the money” she said it like that was all there was to it.

Reaching for her hand Vincent stilled her idle circle drawing. “It’s not your fault” he said gently.

Staring at his hand, his thumb gently rubbing the top of her hand. “I keep thinking if I hadn’t been so caught up in my career things would be different now. If I hadn’t forgotten about our dinner date. If I had left earlier, even a minute sooner things would have been different.”

“Honey it’s not your fault” his voice cracked as he battled the emotions that were bubbling up inside him.

Jerking her hand away “it was my fault don’t you get it? I was driving. I was rushing. My mind was on all the things I left unfinished. I was thinking of my job, my career instead of paying attention to the road. Maybe if I hadn’t been distracted I could have seen what was going to happen. I keep thinking I could have prevented it.”

She stumbled to her feet Vincent following her. “Don’t do this to yourself. It wasn’t your fault. It was an accident. A terrible accident.”

Her left hand reached out to him while her right hand softly traced the scars on his once unmarred handsome face. “If I had been going slower it would have been you who had died that night. Instead it was a little boy.” Her face crumpled as she remembered the screeching of tires and crunching of metal as the truck tore into their car as it ran the stop light that night almost 2 years ago.

Pulling her close Vincent held her as the memories tore her apart. He rubbed her back whispering soothing words as she cried into his shoulder. The accident had been the reason she quit her job despite his protests. He knew even if she didn’t at the time it was her way of punishing herself for the accident. An accident that was out of her control.

***

“Daddy” Aubrey tugged on his pants leg “Is Mommy ok.”

“She’s a little sad” he smiled down at his wild haired little girl.

“Is she missing Toby” she asked.

He felt Trinity shiver in his arms at the mention of their son’s name. “Yes she is sweetie.”

“Mommy” Aubrey waited a moment looking up waiting for her mom to look down at her. “It’s alright if you still miss him. I do too… a lot.”

“Thank you sweetie” she sniffed moving from her husband’s arms. “I didn’t mean to make you sad too thinking about Toby on day like today.”

“I’m not sad” Aubrey insisted shaking her head. “Toby wouldn’t want me to be sad. So I made up my mind to be sad.”

“You’re right” Trinity agreed shocked when her daughter threw her arms around her in imitation of her father.

“Love you Mommy” she murmured. Pulling back Aubrey asked “can we go see my friends now?”

“Are you down playing already” Trinity asked glancing at the half-finished sand castle.
Shrugging Aubrey shuffled over to it. “It wasn’t very good anyway” she kicked at the walls with her feet until it caved onto itself.

Vincent exchanged glances with his wife before squatting down beside his daughter. “Sweetie not everything has to be perfect.”

“I know” she mumbled.

“Then why” he gestured towards the ruined castle.

Shrugging she crossed his arms “I didn’t like it anymore.” She looked up her chin set in a stubborn line “can we go now?”

“As soon as you pick up your things” Vincent told her. It worried him that since the accident Aubrey had become obsessed with the idea that she had to be perfect in everything she did. Any little mistake had her either quitting or sulking.

Joining Trinity at the picnic he sighed “maybe we should reconsider family counseling.”

Nodding she glanced towards the ocean. A far away look in her dark eyes. “You’re right we should” she said putting the last remnants of their picnic away.

Turning her towards him “I’m sorry” he murmured “this wasn’t a very good idea coming here.”

Looking up at him, her eyes moist, she shook her head. “It was a wonderful idea. We needed this. Our family needed this.”

“But…” he looked away to watch Aubrey picking up seashells along the beach. Every time the waves washed up on the sand around her ankles she’d giggle.

“Do you hear that” Trinity asked “that’s our little girl. No matter what that giggle was worth it.” She drew his head down to hers placing her lips over his to shush his next comments. “We’ll get through this. Maybe not today but sometime we will be a family again.”

***

 

 

By the time they made it back to the resort everyone was outside by the pool. Aubrey squealed in delight running to join her friends. “Jason, Royal you made it” she shouted.

“We’ve been here for hours” Royal informed her.

“Have not” Jason contradicted.

“Have too” Royal insisted glaring at his twin.

“Whatever” Jason muttered wandering off as his twin and Aubrey started to whispering into each other’s ears. “Benji can I join you guys?”

Benjamin looked up with a ready grin “sure Jason. We’re about to start the races.”

“What races” he asked confused.

“Wheelbarrow races” Christopher said “it’s me and Justice. Noble and Loyal. You and Ben.”

“All we need now is a judge” Justice said eyeing the adults to see which one they could rope into their little game.

“Grandpa will do it” Noble assured everyone.

Loyal shook his head “I doubt it.”

“How come” Noble persisted brows knitting together.

“Derek is here” Loyal giggled “they’re in love.” He made kissy faces to the amusement of the other boys in the group.

“Eew gross” Benjamin scrunched up his nose like he smelled something bad.

“You mean they kiss and stuff” Jason asked.

“Yeah gross” Benjamin affirmed.

“That’s not gross” Jason protested “I kiss my mommies all the time.”

“That’s different” Benjamin insisted.

Perplexed Jason asked “why?”

“It just is” his friend insisted.

“Ask him anyway” Christopher said to Loyal “I bet he’ll do it for us.”

 

Glancing over at his Grandpa Loyal shrugged. “He looks preoccupied” using a word he heard his parents use when he and his brothers were in the middle of some game or movie.

“You don’t even know what that means” Christopher objected.

“I do too” Loyal snapped “it means he’s busy.”

Glancing at Graham he shrugged “doing what? Holding hands? He can do that while he’s judging the race. Just ask him. We can’t have a race without a judge.”

“I’ll do it” Noble volunteered marching off towards the adults. “Grandpa will you be our judge?”

Graham smiled down at his grandson “a judge? For what?”

“For the race” Noble pointed towards the others who waved back “we’re having a wheelbarrow race and we need a judge.”

“Can’t I just watch” Graham asked reluctant to leave Derek by himself.

Derek nudged him “go ahead. The kids need a judge. I’ll watch.”

“You don’t mind” Graham asked taking his grandson’s hand to the excited clapping of the others.

“Why would I mind” Derek smirked “I have a much better view from here.”

“No mushy stuff” Noble warned “a judge has to keep his eyes on the race.”

“No mushy stuff” Derek promised eyes on Graham’s face.

 

 

Graham’s cheeks held a slight blush as he allowed his grandson to guide him to the finish line and explain his duties as judge. He could feel Derek’s eyes watching him giving him a peculiar warm feeling inside his stomach. It was nice to feel desirable again he thought as he waited for the kids organize themselves for the race. He waved at Derek while he waited. It had been too long since anyone had made him feel this way. He caught Charity watching him, a knowing grin on her face. He may not have much to be thankful from the years he had been with Zane but their daughter was of the good things. He wouldn’t regret that or the grand kids that resulted from it for anything.

Chapter 3 – Puppy Dog Tails / Chapter 5 – Everything Nice

Glitter – Chapter 3 – Puppy Dog Tails

Renee opened the door. The interior room was dark. The curtains were drawn giving the room a perpetual gloominess. “Divia” she called. The house seemed to swallow her words. Heart lurching as her feet carried her deeper into the house. Opening their bedroom door. Looking around. Empty. Leaving the door ajar she moved towards the nursery. Heart beating painfully against her chest walls. She knew without a doubt she’d find her wife inside the nursery. The room they had decorated for their little girl. The one they never to got see or hold. The bright pink broke her heart a little more each time she went inside.

The agonizing moment when they received the call. The adoption agency had declined their application. Blinking back the stinging tear as her mind played back the impersonal voice telling them they had been declined upon further investigation. The same voice informing them they were unfit parents and would not be considered for further adoption opportunities. Just like that their hopes and dreams were gone.

Renee’s hand shook a she turned the door knob. The soft muffled sobs of her wife reached her ears the moment she opened the door. “Honey” he called out moving towards the sound. Dropping to her knees she pulled Divia into her arms. “It’s going to be ok” she whispered wondering if she really believed that anymore herself.

“No it wont” Divia cried body shaking.

“We just started invitro” Renee knew she was treading on thin ice but she had to try something. “We need to be patient.”

“It didn’t work” Divia wailed.

“It’ll work next time” Renee assured her.

“What if it doesn’t” Divia persisted.

Stroking her wifes long blue hair Renee remained silent. There was no good answer to that. They couldn’t adopt not after what happened with their little girl. She’d like to find out who had informed the adoption agency of their so-called issues that made them unfit candidates. She had a few things to say to them. “I don’t know” she admitted softly. “What I do know is we can’t continue to mope around like we have been.”

“But” Divia stirred in her arms.

“No” Renee brushed her finger tips over Divia’s cheeks. “Hear me out. We can’t go on like this. We need a change. The doctor even suggested we get away for a while. What better place than Isla Paradiso? Charity offered to let us stay at the resort.”

Indecision shone bright in Divia’s amber eyes “I don’t know.” Her hand rested on the pink crib gently caressing it. “It’s time” she sighed. “Do you think” she inhaled a deep breath. Held it a moment before continuing “can we have someone come in while we’re gone and get rid of all this?”

“Are you sure” Renee asked holding Divia’s face between her hands and peering intently into her eyes.

“No” Divia’s voice was small and shaky “but it needs to be done. I can’t hold onto something we never even had.”

“Alright” Renee squeezed her tight “I’ll make arrangements.”

“Thank you” Divia said in a voice barely audible.

***

Walking along the beach Divia leaned into Renee. “Thank you for being so patient with me.”

Draping an arm around her trim waste Renee smiled down at Divia. “Anything for you darling.”

Smiling up at her Divia giggled “that’s so sappy.” Before Renee knew what she was doing Divia took off running along the sand.

Giving chase Renee caught up to her. Tripping on the loose sand she sent both of them sprawling to the ground. Laughing she glanced down into Divia’s eyes that were shining happily up at her. Trying not to think of the months that the same beautiful eyes had been dull and lifeless orbs Renee murmured “I love you.” She nuzzled Divia’s neck bringing her lips closer to her full soft lips. Their lips locked in a mutual sensual dance brushing lightly across each others melding their souls together.

When their lips lost contact with each other they became aware of the sounds around them. The cat calls from a group of teen boys ogling them. “I think we have an audience” Renee whispered to Divia helping her up from the sand.

“I don’t care” Divia giggled glancing over her wife’s shoulder at the young boys. “Let them watch” she said situating herself into her wife’s lap. “I’m tired of worrying about what other’s think. I want to be happy.” Leaning back her long hair flowing across her bare back “are you happy” Renee asked holding her breath.

Lifting her hands to Renee’s cheeks she peered deep into her eyes. Her lips twitched “you know I think I am.” Her smile grew encompassing her entire face. “I didn’t think I would be but I am.”

“You have no idea how that makes me feel” Renee sighed pressing her forehead to Divia’s.

“I’m sorry” she murmured “I’ve been so absorbed in how I felt I never stopped to think you were hurting too.”

“Its alright” Renee assured her.

“No it’s not” Divia shook her head “I was selfish feeling I was the only one hurting.”

“It’s ok” Renee closed her eyes absorbing  the peace of the moment. The raucous call of sea gulls, the roar of the waves crashing onto the shoreline, the gentle hum of subdued conversations of others on the beach. It was a moment she’d treasure. “Don’t go” she protested when Divia moved to get up.

“We have just enough time to change before meeting up with Hannah and Charity” she said holding her hand out to help Renee up.

“I forgot” she groaned “can’t we postpone it.” She wrapped her arms around her wife drawing her close.

“I wish we could” Divia giggled as Renee’s fingers traveled up her spine. Stepping back she took Renee’ hand and started walking towards the resort. “It’s the last chance we have to see Hannah and the kid before they fly back to Brooklyn Heights.”

“But we can see them there” Renee pouted.

“Don’t whine” Divia advised squeezing her hand “we have more time together before we  have to go home. Plenty of time to pursue those naughty little thoughts in your head.”

“Who said they were naughty” Renee protested.

“I know you” Divia giggled “that look in your pretty blue eyes tells me what you’re thinking.” Stopping just outside the resort door “if you want any of them to come true you’ll quit complaining.”

“I’m not complaining” she raised her hand “scouts honor.”

“You’re not a scout” she laughed pushing the door open. “Hi Mr Hollis” she waved at the pink haired male at the hotel front desk. He waved at her in a somewhat distracted manner. “What’s up with that” she asked perplexed

“Don’t tell me you didn’t notice the hottie” Renee giggled.

Frowning she looked around the lobby “what hottie?”

Nodding towards an older male in shorts talking to a couple of teenagers. “Him” Renee said keeping her voice low.

“No way” Divia protested “he’s old. He has to be close to my parent’s age.”

“I didn’t say I thought he was hot” Renee laughed “but the way Mr Hollis was looking at him he thought so.”

“Eew gross” Divia scrunched up her face.

“Act your age” Renee rolled her eyes “he’s a single good-looking guy. Why shouldn’t he be interested in someone?”

“I don’t know” Divia frowned “it’s just weird. I’ve known him since I was five years old. I don’t see him as anything but Charity’s dad not some sexual being.”

***

Renee kept a cautious eye on Divia as she knelt to play with three toddlers at once. “Mama” one of them called launching himself at Hannah’s knees. “There’s my little man” she laughed picking him up. “You know who this is” she asked pointing at Renee.

Shaking his head snuggling her close “no” he whispered in her ear.

“Of course you do” she encouraged.

“Rae” he murmured between his chubby little fingers. “Down” he demanded after a moment trying to wriggle out of his mother’s arms.

“Christopher” she chastised him. “What do you say?”

“Peas” he giggled “down peas.”

Setting him down he made tracks for Charity’s twin boys Loyal and Noble. One of the boys took Divia’s hand tugging with determination to get her to follow them.

“How is she doing” Hannah asked her voice low.

Dragging her eyes from her wife Renee smiled “better. Much better.”

“That’s good” she put a comforting hand on the woman’s shoulder. “I can’t imagine how difficult this has been for the both of you.”

“It wasn’t so bad until the adoption fell through” Renee sighed.

“What happened with that” Charity asked joining them.

Keeping a wary eye on Divia she said “the agency said there were inconsistencies in our application.”

“That’s kind of vague” Hannah said sitting down on the nearby couch. “Didn’t they say anything else?”

“Go ahead and tell them” Divia encouraged joining them of the boys in her arms. “Charity deserves to know.”

“What do mean I need to know” Charity asked looking confused.

“The adoption agency Zane gave us as a referral was bogus” Divia explained.

“Evidently they only ever made one adoption before they closed” Renee added “otherwise it was a house where young girls could go to have their babies.”

“My adoption was legal though” Charity insisted.

“It would seem so otherwise you would have run into problems before now. Yours evidently was the only one. Your’s being legal made it easy to use a front for other less legal things.”

“I’m so sorry” Divia moved to sit beside her friend “it’s awful you had to find out this way.”

Wiping at the tears she sniffed “that doesn’t mean Zane knew anything about the illegal stuff. I doubt he would have offered it as a referral if he had known.”

Hannah moved over to her side “I’m sure you’re right. Zane’s a lot of things but not even he would do something like that. Donnie Hollis on the other hand might. I wonder if he had anything to do with your adoption?”

“I hope not” Charity lifted horrified eyes to her friends “please don’t mention any of this to my dad. He’s been through too much as it is.”

“We promise” they assured her.

“Mama” Loyal said coming up to her putting a small hand on her knee “sad”.

“Yes mama’s sad” she sniffed “but not anymore.” She said tickling the little boy making him squeal with delight. After he toddled off satisfied that his mama was alright she said “thanks. He’s so fragile right now.”

“Is Zane still coming around” Hannah asked.

“Yeah he doesn’t seem to understand it’s over” she blinked back more tears. “He doesn’t see the damage he’s done. The betrayal.”

“What your dad needs is to find someone new” Renee said filling the silence.

“He’s been hurt enough” Charity protested.

“They do say you need to get back on the horse after you fall off” Hannah said raising an eyebrow at her. “Are there any eligible men we could set him up with?”

“I saw one in the lobby” Renee giggled “Graham could hardly take his eyes off him.”

“Do you mean the new maintenance man” Charity asked.

“So you have noticed  the way your dad looks at him” Renee giggled causing them all to laugh.

***

Three months later Renee opened the door to her house. It had been a difficult day. Her thoughts kept going back to the fairly recent announcements from Hannah and Charity that they pregnant again. She tried share in their joy. To be happy for them. She just couldn’t. She expected to come home to find the house dark and Divia huddled on the floor crying.

With a sinking heart she knew today was that day. The house was dark. Silent. She could hear the ticking of the kitchen clock. “Divia” she called knowing there’d be no response. For a moment she wanted to turn around and run. Run as far away as she could. She couldn’t go through this again. The crushing depression. The debilitating hour of lying awake for hours wondering why. Why were they destined to be childless? Why them? The questions ever ceased. Neither did the hollow empty feeling in the pit of your stomach. She was tired of pretending to be happy watching your friends families grow while yours stayed the same. Stagnant

Worst of all was the jealousy. It ate you up inside. Se put a hand over her mouth to muffle the anguished cries choking her. She leaned on the wall almost hoping it would topple over and crush her.

Gulping a lungful of air she held it. Counting to ten closing her eyes and repeating to herself she had to be strong. Divia needed her to be strong. Pushing off the wall she continued through the house. “Divia” she called again fearing the worst.

She opened the old nursery door, empty ow of all remnants of the pink fantasy they had created for their little girl to come home to. It was dark. Sad. Shivering she closed the door on their hopes and dreams. Opening the room she shared with Divia expecting to find the blue haired girl sobbing into her pillow.

A frown creased her forehead as that room too was empty. Where was she? Her heart ached in her chest as her mind imagined a hundred awful scenarios. Had Divia wandered off? Had she down something awful to herself in her depressed state of mind? She knew how easily depression could affect your thoughts and entertain ideas you wouldn’t normally. She hadn’t thought it was that bad? What if he had been wrong? Had she missed the warning signs?

There was one more door to try. If Divia wasn’t in there she’d have to call everyone they knew. She wouldn’t leave a rock unturned until she found her. The door knob clicked as she opened it. Her breath whistled out of her as Divia looked up at her from the floor a stunned expression upon her face. Renee’s eyes focused on a stick the girl held between her fingers. Taking a deep breath she met her wife’s eyes “I thought we agree to wait…”

“We did …. I ….” a large beautiful radiant smile spread across her face. “I hadn’t felt well for days. I thought it was the flu. I mentioned it to Hannah who laughed at me saying it sounded more like morning sickness.”

“So you took a test” Renee’s voice was flat tinged with fear. “What does it say?”

Holding it out for her to see Divia giggled “positive. It says positive.”

Staring at the positive test result Renee felt the fear, the anxiety drain from her body. “Pregnant” she whispered as she let Divia pull her into a hug. “I can’t believe it” she mumbled crying softly.

“Neither can I” Divia squeezed her tight “I hope it’s a boy.”

“I thought you wanted a girl Renee said looking into her wife’s happy face.

“I want a boy” she said firmly “Dad would love to teach him how to ride. To be a cool dude like him.”

Chapter 2 – Snips and Snails / Chapter 4 – Sugar and Spice

Glitter – Chapter 2 – Snips and Snails

“Ity I can’t believe it” Hannah giggled as they walked into the living room together.

“What” the other girl asked as if she didn’t already know.

“You. A mom” Hannah flopped onto the couch “of twins.”

“You make it sound like a bad thing” Charity accused.

“Oh no” Hannah gasped “ it’s not that. You’ll be a wonderful mother. It’s just we’re getting old. We’re no longer the kids getting into trouble together. Soon we’ll be the parents chasing down the kids making sure they’re not getting into things they shouldn’t be.”

“Put like that I’m not so much a mom but a fun sucker” Charity tossed a pillow at her best friend’s head. “Just wait until you one.”

“What” she asked innocently “a fun sucker?”

“A mom” Charity giggled “you don’t become a fun sucker until they’re older.” The thought sobered them both up a little. Giving her friend a serious look she asked “what’s wrong?”

Hannah’s shoulders rose and fell “I keep thinking about my half siblings.”

“Are they still blaming your dad for what happened” Charity asked. She knew Eddie would never hurt anyone intentionally.

“Yeah” Hannah’s voice was flat. “They think Dad should have fought harder for them. They don’t seem to understand that he couldn’t. He wasn’t strong enough. Then as they got older it seemed cruel to separate them from Grandma and Grandpa.”

“I know Nana” Charity stroked the long blond strands “I’m sorry.” She knew how much Hannah had longed to be accepted by her half siblings but the older they became the more her half siblings resented her.

Wiping her eyes Hannah sniffed “I’m alright. It’s Daddy I worry about. He’d really like to have a relationship with them and his grand kids.” Shrugging she continued “that’s never going to happen with the way things are.” Charity bit her bottom lip as an idea came to her. Hannah shook her head as if reading her friends thoughts. “That’s never going to happen. At least not any time soon.”

“Why not” she said “then our kids could grow up together.”

“We’re not ready for kids yet” Hannah protested.

Charity gave her a long inquiring look before saying “are you sure it’s we and not him?”

Hannah stared at the floor a little too long to just deny it. She could feel her friend’s eyes watching her. “Donovan wants to wait until we’re a little more settled before thinking about having kids.”

“You could always have a little accident” Charity suggested.

“No I couldn’t do that. Not on purpose” she shook her head adamantly rejecting the idea. “Although I am hoping he’ll change his mind after seeing your two bundles of joy.”

“I knew there was an ulterior motive to your visit” Charity shoved her friend from the couch.

“Hey” she protested “your husband is getting a free computer upgrade thanks to our visit.”

“You’re right. I’m sorry” Charity said contritely helping her up.

“You should be” tugging on Charity’s hand pulling her down to the floor beside her.
“Ow” she cried rolling over on the floor “be careful.”

Sticking her tongue out Hannah ignored her friends threats until they both had to get up to tend to the hungry cries of twins.

***

“I know what you’re doing” Donovan said stopping to look at the ocean.

“What am I doing” she asked coming to a stop beside him.

Taking her hand he squeezed it tight. “This visit…” turning he peered into her green eyes. A brilliant shade of green, a little pensive and full of concern no doubt wondering what he was going to say next. A smile lit up his face alleviating the concern if not the sadness. “Ryan didn’t need my help with the computer upgrade.”

“Of course he’d day that” Hannah protested “he’s a guy.”

“Meaning we don’t ask for help even when we need it” he asked quietly. He let her hand go slowly turning away. His attempt at a lighthearted mood evaporating to dark.

“Donovan” she called out to him helplessly. She could see the tenseness in his shoulders. “I didn’t mean that….” She bit her bottom lip as he turned to face her. Looking a million years older than he was. “I’m sorry” she said moving towards him.

“No I’m the one who should be sorry” his voice was low. “If I had listened to you we wouldn’t be where we’re at.”

“Where do you think we’re at” she asked running her hands along his chest and around his waist.

He snorted softly “I ruined everything. Our relationship. Marriage.” His voice choked “I almost went to prison.”

He tried to turn away but she wouldn’t let him. “Don’t push me away. I love you.” She brought her hands up to cradle his face “remember our vows? I promised to love you in good times and in bad times.”

“But” he wasn’t ready to let it go yet “because of me there’s been more bad times than good.” He couldn’t quite bring himself to look her in the eyes yet.

“Listen to me” she cried “I don’t want any more of this kind of talk. You made a mistake.”

“If I had listened to you it could have been avoided” he attempted once again to turn away from her.

“I’m done arguing with you about this Donovan” she sighed “it was avoidable yet. But it was still a mistake.”

“I didn’t keep my promise” he buried his toes in the loose sand. “I shouldn’t have been doing what I was doing.”

“What were you doing” she asked him softly her eyes watching him closely. For the past year he hadn’t been able to say it. To admit it. If they were ever going to get beyond this point he had to say it.

Lifting his chin up. The sorrow in their blue depths was almost as bad as being physically hit. “I was hacking. I thought I was helping and it was all a set up.” He gulped letting her draw him close. “I’m so sorry. I should have listened. I should never have broken my promise.”

She could feel the wetness on her bare shoulder from his tears. It had been a difficult year. Not knowing if he’d get off. Fearing the worst. “I love you” she said her voice firm and determined. “I won’t let the past destroy our future.”

Sniffing he pulled back enough to gaze into her eyes. A glimmer of hope brightened his eyes. “Do you mean that?”

Nodding she giggled squeezing him tight. “You’re mine and your stuck with me. You’re everything I ever wanted and I want to start a family with you.”

“Ah that’s why we’re here” he smiled down at her the ghost of his old self shining back at her. “You’re hoping I’ll change my mind….”

Giggling as he lifted her into his arms she squealed “is it working?”

He lost his balance falling on top of her into the sand. Catching himself with his hands he hovered above her breathing hard. “What if I say yes? Do you really want to have kids with a guy like me?”

She lay in the sand silently contemplating his question. When she saw the troubled retreat in his eyes she wrapped her legs and arms around him forcing him to face her. Instead of answering right away she brought her lips up to meet his. Pulling back just enough to say “Yes you silly man I want to have kids with you.”

***

Giggling as they walked past the resort office Donovan stopped. “I promised Ryan I’d take a look at the computer system we set up to make sure it was running smoothly.”

“Ok” she smiled brightly up at him shoving him a little towards the door. “I’ll see you later for supper then.”

“It’s a date” he leaned down to kiss her. Just as their lips brushed against each others the door opened and Zane stumbled out. His face was pale like he was about to throw up. They watched in horrified silence as he weaved an unsteady course towards the lobby door. “Maybe I should follow him” Donovan suggested taking a step after him.

“Don’t worry about him kid” a harsh voice announced behind him making them both jump.

Turning they came face to face with a grizzled unpleasant sour face of an elderly man. “Donnie Hollis” the man held his hand out to Donovan “I could use a man like you with your computer skills.”

Donovan stared at the man’s hand like it were a poisonous snake. A sinking feeling opened up inside his stomach. Yet another person recognized him from his picture in the papers “I don’t do that anymore.”

“Pity” the older man commiserated “I had a job lined up just for you.” Glancing over his shoulder he smirked “such a disappointment.”

Hannah followed his gaze. Mr Hollis was standing there, chalky white and every bit as shaken as his husband had been when he stumbled past them. “The resort isn’t for sale” she informed the old man.

“Everything’s for sale if the price is right” he shrugged dismissing her. “Your family isn’t in a position to bail anyone out.”

“You” her eyes grew wide as she realized what he was referring to. “It was you who set Donovan up. You wanted us to be financially strapped with legal fees so you could what? Make more trouble here so you could take control of the resort again.”

“You my dear have a shrewd mind beneath those golden locks” he moved to pat her head.

Shaking his hand off she walked past him into the office leaving Donovan behind to deal with him. “Your not welcome here” he said hoping the man would get the hint and leave.

Shrugging Donnie Hollis handed the younger man a business card. “Call me when you change your mind. Someone like you never fully leaves the thrill of hacking behind for long. I could make it worth your while.”

“I don’t do that anymore” Donovan glared at the old man without acknowledging the offer that was made.

“In case you change your mind” Donnie said tucking the card inside the elastic waistband of Donovan’s shorts. “Call me” he said walking away with the stride of a man who knew he had won.

“Is he gone” Charity demanded as Donovan walked into the office.

Closing the door behind him Donovan nodded “yeah for now.” He leaned against the desk “what’s going on? I thought he gave up trying to buy the resort after the last time.”

“Well my so-called grandfather hasn’t given up…” her voice faded as she jumped up and ran to Graham’s side. He was slumped over clutching his chest. “Daddy” she cried watching his complexion change from chalky white to ghastly green.

“Can’t believe….” Graham swallowed finding it difficult to breathe “can’t believe….he’d do that….to me.” He took several gulps like he was finding it painful to talk. “I…I thought” his eyes rolled up inside his head as he slid from Charity’s arms to the floor.

“Daddy” she screamed clutching at him as he slipped from consciousness.

“Call 911” Donovan ordered being the first one to come to his senses. “I think he may be having a heart attack.” Kneeling on the floor he checked for a heartbeat. Finding none he ripped the man’s shirt open, buttons flying everywhere. His long ago CPR course came to mind as he found the spot to begin chest compressions.

“No” Charity sobbed “that’s his favorite shirt.” She attempted to tug the remnants around him. “You’re hurting him” she cried noticing what Donovan was doing.

“Hannah a little help here please” he shouted “get her out of here. She doesn’t need to see this.”

Startled out of her stupor Hannah wrapped her arms around her best friend. “Come on sweetie let’s go outside.”

“I can’t leave him” she protested “he needs me.”

“Donovan and Ryan will take care of him” Hannah assured her. “You want him to get better right?”

Nodding she presented a tear streaked face to her friend. “Nana what will I do without him? I can’t lose him.”

“You’re not going to lose him” she grabbed the distraught girl forcing her to look at her. “Repeat after me. You’re not going to lose him.”

Dragging her eyes from her father Charity repeated “I’m not going to lose him.” She fell forward into Hannah’s arms sobbing on her shoulder.

***

An hour later they were sitting inside the white sterile walls of the hospital waiting room. Charity jumped up expecting to see her father’s doctor. Her expectant face crumbled upon seeing Zane walking into the waiting room. “Get out” she screamed. “You have no right to be here.” She jabbed a finger in the air pointing towards the door he just entered from.

“He’s my husband” he mumbled “I love him.”

“How dare you” she shouted needing someone to vent her feelings on. “You can’t say that and do what you did.”

Ryan crossed the room to go to her side. Slipping an arm around her he whispered in her ear. Turning she scowled at him “no I won’t sit down. He shouldn’t be here. It’s because of him that Daddy’s here.”

“You don’t understand” Zane cried reaching for her.

Flinching she stepped away from his touch. “No you don’t get to talk your way out of this. You took money from the one man Daddy truly hates.”

“What was I supposed to do” he cried “let his dream of running the resort go up in smoke?”

“The resort was never Daddy’s dream. He only did it for you. You convinced him that running his own resort would prove that Donnie had no hold on him.”

“That’s true” Zane insisted.

“Don’t you get it” she cried “It means nothing. The man he hates most was the man you borrowed the money to buy the resort with. You kept on borrowing money when things started going wrong. Donnie was probably maneuvering things so that the resort would fail so he could come in and scoop it up for little to nothing.” She glared at Zane crossing her arms “how could you betray Daddy like that?”

“What difference does it make where the money came from?” Zane persisted “I borrowed it because I wanted Graham to be happy. I love him. He needed to know he could be a success. I made that happen. The resort will a success.”

“Don’t you dare take credit for Daddy’s hard work.” She nuzzled into Ryan’s arms seeking comfort and support.

“I worked just as hard as him” Zane persisted.

“You spent the money” Charity contradicted. “I remember the arguments. I used to think Daddy was wrong always asking you where the money was coming from. Now I understand. You couldn’t be trusted.”

“You’re blowing this all out of proportion” Zane shook his head sounding more calm than he looked. “When Graham is better he’ll see I was right. He’ll forgive me like he always has. That’s what married people do.”

Charity shook her head clutching at Ryan’s shirt. “That’s not how marriage works. You don’t go behind your partners back and take money from a person you know they hate. You don’t put them in a position to lose everything. You don’t betray them like that and expect to be forgiven.”

“You don’t understand” Zane shook his head “you’ll see. Things will be the way they’ve always been.”

“Come on sweetie let’s get some air” Ryan gently kissed her cheek “he doesn’t understand the magnitude of what he did.”

“I know and that makes it all the worse” she let Ryan him guide her outside.

Chapter 1 – Honeymoon’s End / Chapter 3 – Puppy Dog Tails

Glitter – Chapter 1 – Honeymoon’s End

Her father’s raised angry voice was the first thing Charity heard as they opened the resort doors. She was aware of the startled curious stares from the guests milling around the lobby. Glancing over at Ryan she smiled when he chose that moment to squeeze her hand as if sensing her need for reassurance. Leaning in closer to him she whispered “what do you think could have happened while we were gone?”

Shaking his head he opened his mouth to respond when a flash caught both of them unaware. A man with a mic approached them. “What do you think of Donnie Hollis’s bid to take over the resort?”

Gasping Charity’s eyes grew large and round as a million conflicting emotions overwhelmed her. “The resort is not for sale. My father would not sell the resort to the likes of…of….that man.” She let Ryan take her hand and lead her away from the growing group of media sharks.

Stopping in front of her father’s office the angry voices grew in volume. Looking up she found Ryan watching her in concern. “Don’t say it” she held her hand up forestalling any comment he might have made.

“Charity” his voice was deep laced with concern for her. Not only could she hear it in his voice she could see it in his green eyes.

“No” she shook her head jutting her chin out. She refused to believe her father, the notorious son of Donnie Hollis, would sell his resort to the very same man who went to prison for embezzlement. “No” she repeated reaching for the door handle.

“Charity please” Ryan covered her hand with his stalling her. “We both saw the audit. The resort has been losing money. Has been for a while.”

“He would have told me” she insisted turning the door knob.

“He might not have wanted to worry you” Ryan squeezed her hand until she looked up at him. “We were in the middle of getting married. Going on our honeymoon. When would he have told you?”

She let her hand slip from the door. He was right. Daddy wouldn’t have told her. He would have kept it to himself. That was why he looked so worried at the reception. The wedding crasher had turned out to be her infamous grandfather Donnie Hollis.” She leaned into her husband’s solid reassuring steady shoulder. Sighing loudly she buried her face into his chest.

He slipped his arms around her slim waist. Kissing the top of her head he suggested “let’s put our stuff away. Hopefully by then our unwelcome guest will be gone.”

A small smile tugged at her lips “ok.” They retraced their steps stopping short of where they  had left their bags. “I can’t” she shook her head unable to face the stares again.

Kissing her cheek Ryan nodded “stay here until I get back.”

“But you’ll need help” she bit her lip reluctant to be the center of the media’s feeding frenzy again.

“I’ll manage” he assured her confidently.

Shrinking back she watched warily as he traversed the lobby. Flashes from multiple cameras went off at once. She marveled at how calm and collected he remained as he retrieved their bags. He didn’t stop once to acknowledge the men and women hedging in and shouting questions at him.

“You’re amazing” she cried launching herself into his already full arms.

“Yes I am” he grinned at her eyes sparkling.

“Don’t let it go to your head” she slapped his arm playfully before relieving him of some of his burden.

“You don’t have to” he protested.

“I won’t have my husband looking like a pack mule” she giggled glad to be home despite everything that had happened upon their arrival.

***

Taking her hand Ryan started to walk down the hallway towards their small apartment they were lucky enough to have at the resort. As they neared the office door an elderly man strode out a scowl etched deeply into his facial contours. “You’ll regret this” he shouted fist waving in the air as the door slammed shut in his face.

“How dare you talk to my father like that” Charity bolted forward dropping the bags at her feet in the process.

“Father” the man snorted a look of contempt in his eyes. “That boy isn’t fit to raise a cockroach much less a child.”

“I think you have that turned around” Charity said coming to her father’s defense.

The older man raised an eyebrow “do you even know who I am?”

“Besides a jerk” she matched his condescending glare with one of her own “you’re Donnie Hollis. Embezzler. Spent the past twenty odd years in prison.”

“I see my reputation precedes me” he straightened his suit lapels. “Good” he stared at her with eyes of steal “it makes things easier.”

“What things” Ryan demanded stopping beside his wife.

Eyeing Ryan up and down taking his measure Donnie said “I’m taking control of this establishment before dumb and dumber run it into the ground.”

“You can’t do that” Charity protested “my parents have worked hard to make this resort a pleasant place for families to come and enjoy the island.”

“There’s no money in that” the man laughed. His disdain evident in the way he stood. “Take a good look around you girl. This place is falling apart. It hasn’t been remodeled in years. It probably looks the same as it did on the day they bought it. The decor is hopelessly out of date. There hasn’t been any live entertainment for at least ten years. The paint is flaking. The plumbing is old. The pipes rattle in the walls.” He took a step closer “open your eyes girlie. This place is falling apart. It’s days are numbered. Even the families are going elsewhere. Places where the kids actually have fun.”

She hated to admit it but Donnie had a point. The resort did look old. She ran a hand along the wall “it needs a little TLC that’s all.”

The man snorted “you’re as delusional as your father. Wake up before the bill collectors come knocking.” The man pushed past them to stride down the hall.

A growl built up inside her as she whirled around to pursue him. She slipped through Ryan’s hands as she sped after the old man. “What kind of father are you” she demanded grabbing his arm forcing him to stop and look at her.

Shaking her off he stepped back “I’m a shrewd businessman. First and foremost. I always keep track of the bottom line. Anything else is extraneous details.”

“Your family. Your son” she shouted giving vent to her anger “they are all second to the almighty dollar.”

“I wouldn’t put it quite like that” he raised an eyebrow “but yes that analysis is accurate.”

“You could help us save the resort” she could see by his stony face that he wouldn’t.

“Where’s the profit in that for me” he asked “I’m in this business to make money not lose it on a bad investment.” He dusted off his suit “the sooner you learn that the better off you’ll be.” His disdain deepened as he looked over his shoulder but luckily for all of them he simply huffed before walking away.

***

“I was hoping he’d be gone before you arrived” Graham’s soft voice spoke behind them.

“Daddy” Charity cried running towards him arms open wide as she greeted him.

As her arms tightened around him he squeezed her tight. “I missed you” he murmured. A look of shock crossed his face “I mean..I hope you had a good time. Enjoyed your honeymoon.”

Ignoring him she sniffed “why didn’t you tell me?”

“Tell you what” he asked evasively unable to meet her eyes.

Reaching up she held his face still between her hands. “How bad is it” she demanded.

Making a noise like a deflating tire Graham seemed to shrink into himself. “It’s bad.”

“Bad as in we can manage bad” she looked up catching Ryan’s eyes, drawing comfort from the way he was watching her.

“No honey” Graham pulled away with a heavy sigh “bad as in we can’t go on. Zane he …. he borrowed money from some” he stopped face twisting in anguish. “Let’s just say the loan came due and their methods of getting weren’t very pleasant”

“Where is Dad” Charity asked. She had expected him to be waiting for them at the airport when they arrived.

“If we’re going to talk about this we better go into the office.” Graham shuffled towards the door without waiting for a response.

Charity watched him like she was seeing for the first time. He seemed to have aged twenty years in the week she’d been gone. Following him inside Charity sat down on one of the empty chairs. Memories of her teen years coming to mind. She had sat in here for what felt like countless hours listening to her parents scolding her for some transgression or another. Now it almost felt like the roles had been reversed.

Graham sat like a man defeated behind his desk loaded with papers, the majority of which were unpaid bills. He lifted his eyes toward his daughter. The only bright spot in an otherwise bleak future. “Zane is in the hospital. A couple of goons beat him up when he couldn’t pay back the loan.”

Jumping to her feet she cried “is he alright?”

Ryan took her hands gently leading her back to her empty chair. “We’ll see him tomorrow just as soon as we can.”

“Alright” she gulped air feeling as if she had fallen into a nightmare. A nightmare where everything was different but looked the same. Lifting her eyes to Graham she asked “what are we going to do about the loan? Those loan sharks won’t simply go away.”

“It’s already taken care of” Graham stood looking out the window. It was a gloomy prospect as it looked out upon the empty pool. “You can thank Hannah’s parents later for helping me get the money Zane needed in such a short time.”

For just a moment Charity allowed herself to wonder what it would have been like if Eddie had been the one her dad had chosen instead of Zane all those years ago. Would she even be here? Shaking her head she shoved those disloyal thoughts away. How could she even think like that when her dad was lying in a hospital bed? “Can’t they loan us enough to get the resort back on its feet again?”

“No honey I can’t ask them to do more than they already have” he shook his head. “The only thing left to do now is sell the resort.”

“No” she shouted “I won’t let you.” She turned to Ryan “he’s giving up without a fight. Tell him Eddie and Rory will loan us what we need. I know they will.”

“No they won’t” Graham’s voice rose, loud and firm catching their attention. “They’ve given us all they can. If the money your dad owed had been only a few thousand dollars that would have been something else. I wouldn’t hesitate to ask for more. I have no doubt they’d do all they could to help.”

 

“How much did Dad owe” her voice quivered like she were standing on the edge of an abyss.

“Thirty thousand dollars” Graham sat down heavily behind his desk cradling his chin in his hand. “I’ll never be able to pay Eddie back.”

“We’ll figure something out” Charity insisted “we can’t let old man Hollis take the resort from us without a fight.”

“Honey we’re all tired” Ryan stood holding his hand out to her. “Perhaps when we’re rested things will look different, less bleak.” Turning to Graham he said “sir perhaps I could take a look at your books in the morning. Maybe I’ll see something that you overlooked.”

“I’m sure I haven’t missed anything but be my guest” Graham waved a hand at the clutter. He watched as the young couple moved towards the door. “Ryan call me Graham or Dad. Anything but sir.”

“Yes sir….I mean Graham” he nodded as he left the room.

***

Charity glanced at a framed picture of herself and Ryan sitting on her dad’s desk as she swiveled back and forth in his chair. She was alone, lost in her own thoughts. It seemed like yesterday she and Ryan had returned from their honeymoon to find everything they had left in chaos. Hard to believe that was already a month ago. Even harder to believe they had another month before the new owners came to take over the resort.

This was her home. She tucked her feet beneath her. This was where she had met her best friend Nana. A small smile graced her lips as her thoughts returned to the days she and Hannah had played in the nursery together. It seemed all her favorite memories had been here. She met Ryan here. Her fierce protector. He never let anyone or anything hurt her.

He had proposed to her along the beach. Then they said their vows on the very same beach. How could she possibly let this place go? The resort was a part of her. She loved it. Had dreamed about all the things she would do to it when she was in charge. It would make a beautiful hacienda style resort. Many of the homes on the island were in that same style.

She pushed herself away from the desk glancing out the window. How could Zane put all that in jeopardy? Because of him her father had lost everything. She knew she was being unreasonable blaming him. She knew he had borrowed the money in the belief he was helping. All he did was compound the issues. Neither of her parents were good business men. Reviewing the books with Ryan proved that beyond any doubt. It’s amazing the resort had lasted as long as it did.

The door opened and her dad’s pink hair emerged. “Sweetie I’d like you to come out and meet the new owner.”

Frowning she protested “we have another month.”

“I know sweetie but he’s anxious to get things started” Graham beckoned her to follow him.

With ill grace she followed frowning severely as they approached a tall dark haired man. Her footsteps slowed as they came to a stop. She wanted to run. Be anywhere but there. The man turned with a grin and held his hands out to her. “Ryan” she exclaimed “Dad said we were going to meet the new owners.”

Nodding he handed her a large manila envelope “open it” he encouraged, eyes gleaming as he watched her.

 

Giving him a curious look she tore open the envelope. Her eyes skimmed over the words. Deed of ownership. Hollis Resort. “You bought it” she breathed shallowly.

“Keep reading” he insisted.

Her name was listed on the line that said owner. “But I…How did…” Tears gushed as words failed her. “You did this for me” she said in a small hushed voice.

“Well” looking over his shoulder he smiled “we all did.”

She followed where he was looking to find the old gang. The kids that had helped form her. Zach and Teasha Ferris. Hannah Bennett. Divia Marx and Vincent Rake. “Thank you all so much” she cried moving in for a group hug “you have no idea what this means to me.”

Chapter 39 – Second Chance / Chapter 2 – Snips and Snails

Not So Quite Life Is Coming Back

I’m going to start the next generation of this story soon. I’m looking for sims. I thought it might be fun to see if any of my readers would like to provide a sim. If so continue reading.

The last time we saw this group they were college kids just starting out on their life’s journey. A lot has changed since then. They’ve grown up. Had kids. Their kids are starting on their life’s journey. That’s where the story begins again. Ryan married Charity Hollis and moved to Isla Paradiso where they took over her dad’s resort. It’s summer time and the kids are flooding back to their summer jobs. We’ll be taking a look into their lives. The ups and downs. The tragic and the happy. The first loves and the heartbreak.

The cast of characters is huge. So I’ll be writing this like a soap opera (hopefully) Focusing on one group a chapter at a time. Some will have bigger stories while others will fade into the background as they go back to college, move, etc.  It will primarily focus on the kids the previous generation had. I will be introducing them a little later. I also added a few cuties that were hanging out on my Bennett family tree to spice things up.

I am preparing some intro chapters to get reacquainted with everyone and to catch up on their lives. In the meantime I hope some of my followers will want to send me some sims. They’ll be either paired up with one of my sims or another simmers sims. Anything goes. They will get a story. Whether big or small remains to be seen. As I largely don’t know until I start writing what’s going to happen.

Requirements Below

I need teens. Boys and girls. If you send a teen I’ll need their family as well. Can’t have homeless teenagers roaming around. Their parents can be happily married or ready for divorce. They can be single parents struggling to raise their children. If they are single are they open to finding love again? Anything goes be creative. They can have other children. Just don’t make the families huge. No more than 3 or 4 children. Remember the more kids the more bios needed.

Bio requirements: Relationship with their parents (are their parents their best friend, do they feel they’re to strict, ect) Brief personality sketch, Hobbies, Bad habits (at least one along the lines of picking their nose, burping at the supper table, cracking their knuckles, staying up late reading, etc) If you don’t provide one I’ll randomize a list of bad habits I found and give them one randomly. Same thing goes for their hobby. Sexual orientation. Some of the kids will be sick, leukemia, cancer, etc. Some will go into remission some will die. Think along the line of My Sister’s Keeper and A Walk to Remember.

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Bio requirements: YA either gender. Same thing goes here. I’ll need a bio. Essential information: personality profile, Bad habit, Hobbies, Sexual Orientation. Have they been in relationships before? Bad breakup? Mutual break up? Are they interested in someone older? Occupation or Job they want at the Resort. Be Creative.

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Bio requirements: Adults either gender.  Same thing goes here. I’ll need a bio. Essential information: personality profile, Bad habit, Hobbies, Sexual Orientation. Have they been in relationships before? Bad breakup? Mutual break up? Occupation or Job they want at the Resort. Had they been married before? Widowed? Divorced? Are they looking for someone younger? Be Creative.

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Vanilla and Banilla sims only. No supernaturals. I have all EP’s and SP’s. Sliders and CC ok just don’t go crazy. Any questions or ideas please leave me a comment or if you’d like to participate. I put the request out on my Tumblr as well so if you follow me there just PM me.