Chapter 1.24: Confession

      Back at the house Rachael sent the children to go play with their toys inside.  As they left the park earlier Rachael had called Cerulean and told him what happened.  He had told her to take the kids home and that he would stop by the park to see if he could track down the sim who had tried to grab Ochre.

     Later that night, as Rachael was cutting up tomatoes for the next days lunches, Rhidian walked into the kitchen.

     "What a day huh," he said sitting at the counter.

     "Yeah, but how do you know about it," Rachael asked.

     "I was at Mags house when you called Lean."

     "Why were you at Mags' house?"

     "Uh..well..uh," Rhidian stammered.

     Rachael looked at her brother surprised he seemed to be at a loss for words.

     "Well, I've been seeing Mags.  Romantically," he added when Rachael didn't respond.

     "What," Rachael yelped, surprised by that revelation.  "Since when?'

     "Since your honeymoon," Rhidian answered.  "We spent a lot of time together taking care of the kids and we just clicked.  Not unlike you and Lean."

     "But you're still so young," Rachael said.

     "I'm not a kid Ray.  I'm a grown man."

     "I know, I know.  It's just that I have a hard time thinking of you as anything but my little brother."

     They were silent for a while as Rachael went back to cutting up the tomatoes.  After putting them to the side she asked, "do you know what she does?"

     "If you mean the Palette Agency, yeah.  Seeing all the trouble you and Lean have had with his work she told me shortly after you two came back."

     "How do you feel about that," Rachael asked.

     "I'm not thrilled with all the secrets they keep but what they do is important.  At least Mags doesn't put herself in dangerous situations."

     "At least," Rachael repeated.

     "Sorry Ray.  That was stupid of me.  You know Lean is good at what he does.  He'll be okay."

     Rachael smiled at Rhidian, "I hope so.  I would hate to have to train another husband."

     Rhidian smiled at her lame joke, "good night Ray."

     "Good night," she said, tilting her cheek for his kiss before he went to his room.

     At bedtime that night Ochre was too scared to sleep in his room.  When Rachael came in to tuck the kids in he was still sitting up in bed.

     "Bedtime, little man," she said.

     "Can I sleep with you and Daddy?" he asked.

     Rachael hadn't made a big deal of it but it seemed that the scare from the kidnap attempt this afternoon had unlocked the little boys voice.  Ever since their return home he talked with her and River and responded to their questions.

     "Sure, little man, come on," she said leading him to her bedroom with Cerulean.

     Ochre immediately climbed into the bed and started to drift asleep.  Rachael sat in one of the two sitting chairs and picked up one of the books she was reading.

     That was how Cerulean found them when he returned home that night.

     "He really spoke?" he whispered.

     Rachael looked up from her book when Cerulean entered the bedroom and nodded.

     "Yes," she answered.

     Cerulean first went to his boy and checked on him.  Rachael watched as the tensed muscles in his face relaxed when he saw his son was safe, unharmed and sleeping soundly.

     In silence, Cerulean offered Rachael a hand to help her stand and the two walked over to the fireside sitting area.

     Rachael sat in one of the chairs while Cerulean stood in front of the fire.  Neither one spoke at first, not wanting to break the silence.

     Finally Rachael asked, "did that strange sim have anything to do with the sim you are trying to track down?"

     Cerulean braced his hands on the mantle and leaned into it.  He nodded his head, "I think he does."

     He turned around to look at Rachael.  "I told you that one of my first cases was an undercover assignment as low level muscle to a crime family.  What I didn't tell you was I got my 'in' with the family by dating the only daughter of the boss.  It started as a simple assignment but I did develop real feeling for her.  She was my first love."

     Rachael didn't say anything when he drifted off, lost in a remembrance of that time.

     He continued, "we were together and she got pregnant with Ochre.  At the time I asked her to leave her family with me, to build a family with our child, but what i didn't know at the time is she was truly loyal to her family.  I thought she didn't know what her father did but she was in the thick of their business.  I didn't want to believe it when I first unearthed the evidence of their crimes but it was there in front of me, solid proof."

     "I turned over the evidence to my father who was supervising the case and the entire family was arrested along with several of their high ranking members.  Ochre's mom, Eve, was arrested at the same time.  It turns out that there was a lot I didn't know about her.  She had been working as her father's assassin and had been for years before I met her."

     Cerulean walked over to the other chair and sat in it.  "After the trial and her imprisonment, Ochre was born and since I made it known that my relationship with Eve was how I got in with her family the judges who presided over her case asked if I wanted to take my son.  I did of course.  Whatever my relationship with his mom and however it turned out, he was my son and I was going to take care of him."

     "So it was Eve that escaped from prison.  And the first kidnapping, do you think she had something to do with it."

     Cerulean blew out a breath, "looking back I think it's a probability that it was her.  Or rather someone working for her who tried to grab him, then and today.  She escaped maybe three weeks before the first attempt.  I wasn't informed of her escape until after the kidnap attempt.  My dad thought all the safety measures we take would have been enough to protect us but apparently they weren't."

     "Mags is checking her work from our move to see if we were somehow traced through that but I don't think that was it."

     "How do you think she found Ochre here?"

     "I think it has something to do with all those sightings I've been investigating.  I think she let herself be sighted intentionally to draw me out.  And using my travel information to backtrack here.  Get enough information and you'll find out the truth after all."

     Rachael felt queasy at the thought of Cerulean with this unknown woman.  And that he hadn't told her until today that it was his ex he was tracking down.  

     "Do you still have feelings for Eve," she asked.

     Cerulean looked at her in surprise. His face softened at something he saw in hers.  He stood up and helped pull her out of her chair and into his embrace. 

     "No.  She wasn't the sim I thought she was when we were dating and she isn't a sim I can spend my life with.  She has done horrible things and feels no regret or remorse for them.  The only interest I have in her today is to put her back in prison to protect my son, you and our child."

     Rachael rested her head in the bend between his shoulder and neck, "okay.  When do you next leave to track her down."

     "Not for awhile.  You and the kids need me here for now and we need to make other arrangements so you'll all be safe when I leave."

      "Okay," Rachael said stepping back from Cerulean.  Taking his hand she continued, "let's go to bed then.  I'm tired and it's been a long, long day."

     "Sounds like a plan to me. Come on."

                                                                                              

Random Ramblings

   So this was part of the character backstory I hinted at in earlier Rambles.  There really isn't much elso for me to ramble about so I'm going on to write the next chapter.

Chapter 1.23: The Attempt

     Rachael and Cerulean talked awhile more about their family histories and stories they had been told over the years.  As they talked Rachael began to feel her eyes droop.

     "Come on love.  Let's get you to bed," Cerulean said before helping her stand and walk inside to their bedroom.

     Rachael was asleep before her head hit the pillow.

     When she woke she saw the numbers on the clock indicated it was seven a.m.  She slept through the night and into the next morning.  As Rachael climbed out of bed she could hear giggles and murmurs coming from beyond the kitchen.

     After a quick stop in her bathroom to refresh herself she went out to find out what was going on.  Walking out of the kitchen she found River and Ochre playing with their toys in their pajamas.

     "Shouldn't you two be getting ready for school?" she asked.

     "Good morning Ray," River said, "it's Saturday so we don't have school."

     Rachael felt her brows climb in surprise.  She had forgotten the weekend was coming up.
She walked over and knelt next to River at the dollhouse,  "Okay then.  How about you two go get dressed and then we'll take a trip to the park.  Does that sound like a plan?"

     "YES!" screeched River as she quickly jumped up from her toys and ran to her room.  Ochre was nearly as quick crossing over to his room.

     Rachael chuckled as she stood up and pulled out her phone.  Pressing the buttons to call Rhonan she waited for him to pick up.

     "Hello?"

     "Hey Rhonan.  It's Ray, I'm taking River and Ochre to the park this afternoon.  Do you want to stop by on your way to work so we can catch up?"

     "Sure Ray.  I'll see you in an hour," and then he hung up.


     The weather was good as always.  As soon as they arrived River and Ochre ran off to join the other children playing on the playground.

     "Hey Ray."

     Rachael smiled as she saw her brother walk up.  "Rhonan," she hugged him as he stopped next to her, "how are you?"

     "Fine," he mumbled.

     She snorted, "Rhonan, you know better than to try and lie to me right.  Besides you are a lousy liar."

     Rhonan ducked his head and shuffled under her searching gaze.

     "You're not taking Patrick's death so well," she finally stated.

     "I know right.  I've been so angry at him for so long but now he's gone.  Before there was always a chance we could make up but now..."

     "Now he's gone and there will never be another chance," Rachael finished for him.

     "Yeah," he mumbled, "I didn't think I would feel like this when he died."

     "I'm sorry you feel that way, Rhonan," Rachael said hugging him again.

     "Thanks.  Look Ray, I gotta leave now.  I start my routine in another hour and I have to get to the club before then."

     "Okay.  Take care of yourself and stop by the house sometime.  You don't have to be a stranger forever."

     "Right," he said taking a step back and leaving the park.  

     Rachael watched him leave before finding a bench to sit on and watch the kids play.

     She smiled as River called out for her to watch her swing across the monkey bars.  Ochre was swinging behind her and Rachael waved to him as he looked over at her.

     The kids continued playing while Rachael watched them.  As she watched them she became aware of a strange sim on the other side of the playground.  He seemed to be watching River and Ochre.

     As Rachael continued to look back and forth between him and the kids she became more and more certain it was her babies he was looking at.

     Rachael pushed herself up from her bench seat and started to walk over to the monkey bars.  While she was standing Ochre had jumped down from the monkey bars and the strange sim approached him.

     Rachael was to far to hear what he said but when Ochre nodded the sim grabbed his shoulder.

     "Mommy," Ochre yelled twisting in the sims grasp.

     "Ochre," Rachael screamed while trying to run around the pirate ship.

     "Let him go," River yelled at the sim.  River jumped down next to Ochre and kicked the strange sim in the knee.

     The sim dropped his grip on Ochre and the two children started running back to Rachael.

     Fortunately all the commotion they were causing had started to attract the attention of other park visitors.  By the time Rachael made it to the children the strange sim had run away.  Other sims stopped by Rachael to ask if her and the kids were alright.

     Rachael ignored them, hugging the little boy to her she checked him to make sure he was unharmed.

     "Are you okay," she asked both him and River who stood beside them.  As soon as she let go of Ochre she hugged River.  "What were you thinking you foolish, brilliant, brave girl.  He could have hurt you both."

     "He was scaring Ochre," River mumbled against Rachael's shoulder, "and me."

     "He scared me too," Rachael confessed.  She stood up and took the children by their hands, "come on.  I think this is enough excitement for one day.  Let's go home and tell Lean what happened."

                                                                            

Random Ramblings

   Finally.  I've had this story line in mind for so long that it's a relief to finally write it out.  So was anyone expecting that?

Chapter 1.22: Continuity

     Cerulean was overdue to return and Rachael needed him home today.  Rhidian and the kids were silent as they were gathered around.  Everyone dressed in black.  Everyone mourning the loss of Patrick, their beloved father and mentor.

     During his afternoon out with Rebecca he suffered a heart attack.  By the time Rachael and Rhidian made it to the hospital the doctor was waiting to tell them he was gone.  Rebecca cried while Rhidian hugged her and Rachael spoke to the doctor.

     They would have to do an autopsy for certainty but the doctor was Patrick's own physician and he thought it would be an unnecessary procedure.  He told Rachael that he had been seeing Patrick for heart problems over the last year and a half and he thought it had been only a matter of time until his heart gave out on him.

     Rachael took care of the necessary paperwork to release his body so they could cremate his remains and get a gravestone made for the backyard.  Then they went home and told River and Ochre who had remained at the house with Mags to watch them that Patrick was gone.

     Rebecca retreated to her room while they spoke.  When Rachael told them the sad news River cried in Rhidian's arms and Ochre hugged Rachael.  While trying to comfort her family Rachael couldn't let herself feel her own pain of the loss they shared. 

     Unlike when they lost their mother no one cried that morning as they said their own goodbyes to Patrick.  They'd had him for so long it was time to let him go.

     Even River as the youngest had always recognized her Daddy was unlikely to see her grow up.  "Just watch me Daddy.  Like I told you, I'll find the best husband ever, as good as Lean to love me," River said before placing the rose she'd plucked before his headstone.

     Ochre said nothing aloud but looked intently at the gravestone before nodding his head and putting his own flower down.

     They waited for Rebecca to speak next but when she didn't Rhidian started his own goodbye.

     "You were the best and the worst of father's old man.  You've shown me what it means to love my family.  But you've also shown me the hurt I can cause them.  I hope to be the man you've shown me I can be because like you, I'm only human."  Rhidian knelt before the stone and brushed his fingers over their fathers name then placed his flower with the others.

     Rachael looked at the simple gravestone and thought of the man she knew.  Loving to a fatherless child, attentive to a lonely little girl and patient with the confused young woman she had been.  There were so many things Rachael wished she could say to him if given the chance but in this moment there was only one thing she wanted to say the most.

     "I love you Daddy," she whispered.

     Rachael turned at the footsteps behind her and turned to see Rebecca walking out of the garden cemetary.

     "Rebecca," she called and stepped toward her sister.

     Rebecca turned back at her name.  "I have to go," she said.

     Rachael was worried about her sister.  Over the last couple of weeks Rebecca was eating and sleeping less. She had bruises under her eyes and she had lost more weight than was good for her.  Neither Rachael nor Rhidian had been able to comfort her, she shrugged off their concerns and went on doing her thing.

     "Rebecca don't go," Rachael pleaded, "stay here."

     "Why?  So you can lecture me on how it's my fault Dad died," Rebecca held up a hand and Rachael fell back into silence instead of objecting, "no thanks.  I've gotta go.  My friends are waiting."

     Rachael watched her sister turn and walk down the street in the direction of her friends' houses.

     "How can she think it's her fault," Rachael whispered.

     Rhidian hugged Rachael,  "It's Becks, Ray.  She's always been extra sensitive when it came to losing mom.  I think that might be where it's coming from."

     "Come on munchkins," Rhidian said to the kids, "let's get you guys to school.  I'll take you on my way to work."

     Ochre and River each gave Rachael a hug before following Rhidian inside to change clothes for school.

     Once she was alone Rachael sat on the bench set in the corner of the garden.  As she sat there in silent contemplation her mind drifted through memories of Patrick one at a time, making her smile, chuckle and sigh.  Through them all she felt the trickle of tears running down her cheeks until she was bent over on the bench crying.

     "I'm sorry it's taken me so long."

     In shock Rachael looked up at his voice.  Cerulean was there.  He was finally there.

     "You're really home right? I'm not imagining this?"

     "I'm really home Ray."

     Rachael jumped up from the bench and threw herself into Cerulean's arms.  She cried into his shoulder while he just held her wrapped in his arms until her tears ran out.

     Once her tears finally stopped they sat on the bench together and looked at the small family cemetery in their garden.

     "I don't know where Grandpa Ray is buried," Rachael finally broke their silence.  "Or great-grandma Melody and great-grandpa Roy.  Our family is scattered about the sim world."

     "What do you know about them," Cerulean asked.

     "Not very much I guess.  I grew up with mom and grandma Meghan," she pointed to the solitary headstone. "I never met my grandpa, he died before I was born. I have vague memories of my great-aunt Marisa because she lived with us for a time but she died before mom married Patrick, so I was still little."

     "Her and grandma were the only children of great-grandma Melody and great-grandpa Roy.  My mom and my uncles Michael and Matt were Grandma Meghan's only children. Uncle Matt died a couple of years after mom did. He never married you know. Nor has Uncle Michael I think."

     "You know a lot about your family then," Cerulean said.  "I only know my mom, dad and one aunt.  Nothing about my grandparents and little about any cousins we have.  Though I work with my brother, sister and some cousins, we don't really socialize outside of the job."

     "Why not," Rachael asked looking at him.

     "To keep the secrets," he said.

     Cerulean hugged Rachael to him and looked back at her.  "I want our child to know everything we can teach him or her about our families.  I want them to have that sense of continuity I hear in your voice when you talk about your family.  You might never have met them but they are 'family' to you.  I'm kind of envious of it really."

      Rachael looked up at her husband and then kissed him. "Ochre and our children will know everything I can teach them about our families," she promised softly.

     Cerulean pressed his forehead to hers, "thanks."

                                                                                                               

Random Ramblings

   Like I mentioned in a previous post I had to reincarnate Patrick for some pics so now I've officially let him go.  It was kind of sad to see him go, especially since he was surrounded by his family.

   Though looking at the picture now I'm laughing to see Rhidian playing the guitar.  For anyone who's noticed, yes, this is pre-redesign house.  So it's Rhonan and Ochre crying, and Rachael just showed up I think or she finished her crying I can't remember.  It was too long ago now. And Grimmy is there too.

   This post was more reading than pictures but really since I'm not going to use any kind of pose player there are only so many actions I can get them to do and with this chapter there wasn't much more I wanted to do in terms of pictures.

Chapter 1.21: Try To Talk

     When Rachael returned from Mag's house and talking to Cerulean she found Patrick helping Ochre and River with their homework assignments.

     "Welcome home baby girl," Patrick said as Rachael walked into the kitchen.

     "I'm back," Rachael said going into the dining room and kissing Patrick's cheek.  Rachael walked over to each of the children and looked over their homework.  As she looked at each one she placed a kiss to the top of their heads before going back to the kitchen to start cooking.

     As she was getting bread from the top of the refrigerator for BLT sandwiches Ochre came up to her in the kitchen.

     "What do you have there," Rachael asked seeing the paper in his hand.

     Ochre held it up for her to see.  At the top he had written My Famly.  It was a crayon drawing of several stick figures and over each figure was a name in Ochre's writing. Daddy, Me, Rver, Patric, Ridan, Beks, Baby. Over the last figure Rachael assumed was herself he had written Mommy.

     "It's beautiful Ochre," Rachael said giving the little boy a hug.

     Ochre smiled at her before going back to the dining room and his homework.  Rachael turned back to the food and tried to surreptitiously wipe the tears that had gathered in her eyes at the little boys innocent display of affection.

     "He was proud to show it off when he came home from school this afternoon," Patrick said as the children crossed the kitchen to return their schoolbooks to their bedroom.

     Rachael smiled, "I don't think I've ever wanted to cry from sheer happiness so much before."

     "Kids will do that to you a lot," Patrick chuckled, "then they make you want to pull your hair out from sheer frustration."

     "Was it ever really that bad?" Rachael asked.

     "You don't remember all the fights you got into with the boys from when you were kids," Patrick asked back.

      Rachael laughed aloud, "oh yeah.  Lord we were loud then.  Running through the house, screaming at all hours."

     "You chased them up the tree in the back yard.  And it was a palm tree." Patrick laughed with her.

     "They broke my 'Pretty Sissy' doll. I was mad," Rachael shrugged.  "Is Becks in her room?"

     Patrick shook his head, "She called when the school let out.  Said she was going to hang out at a friends house this evening."

     "Is she coming back for dinner?"

     "She didn't say but I doubt it."


     It was past two in the morning when the front door finally opened and Rebecca walked inside.

     Rachael gave a brief but fervent prayer of thanks her sister was okay before the fear from the last several hours had her lashing out.

     "Just what time do you think it is Rebecca.  What are you doing coming home at this hour."

     Rebecca jumped when Rachael spoke.  She turned to see Rachael sitting on the couch.

     "Sheesh you nearly gave me a heart attack Ray," she said putting a hand over her chest.

     Rachael felt her brows climb up at her sister's response.  "Nearly gave you a heart attack.  What do you think I've been doing all night.  You didn't answer your phone when I tried calling you."

     "I didn't hear it ring, okay."

     "No. No it's not okay.  What good is that cell phone if you don't answer it and use it to let your family know you're all right.  I've been thinking you were hurt or dead all night."

     Rebecca sank onto the chair next to the door and crossed her arms during Rachael's tirade.  "There's no need to give yourself a heart attack.  I'm fine.  I was with my friends."

     "What kind of friends would keep you at this late and not let their own parents know they're okay?"

     "They are my friends Ray. Get used to it." Rebecca shouted.

     "Enough you two," Patrick said interrupting their fight, "Rebecca get to bed.  You have school in the morning."

     "Whatever Dad," Rebecca muttered as she got up and left the room.

     The door to the kids bathroom slammed as Rebecca went about her bedtime routine.

     Rachael groaned as she sat on the couch and dropped her head to her hands.

     "What are we going to do with her," she asked rhetorically.

     Patrick sat next to her and patted her on the back.

     "Don't think about it much tonight.  I'll pick her up from school tomorrow and get her to help me with the garden.  I need to do some shopping for new plants anyways."

     "How long is this phase going to last," Rachael asked him.

     "What makes you think this is a phase," Patrick asked.  "She might not do the things you think she should but it's her life to do what she wants with it.  She's still your sister."

     "Patrick at this point I would be happy if she just finishes school but that is in jeopardy with all her skipping.  How is she going to get a decent job if she doesn't graduate?  I'm scared for her. Scared of what her future holds."

     Patrick smiled, "baby girl. When was the last time you really sat down and talked to your sister?"

     "She doesn't talk to me anymore.  She yells at me. Often."

     "Try to talk to your sister, okay?

     "Okay Patrick.  I'll try."

                                                                                           

Random Ramblings

    Another chapter down.  I'm trying to come to the climax of Rachael's story while setting up the backgrounds for other stories I have in mind. On to the next step...

Chapter 1.20: Come Back Safe

     Cerulean left the day after their pregnancy announcement to their families.  He continued his search with help from Mags and Viridian but he was stopping at home less and less, choosing to focus on his search in the hopes he could get it over with.  Rachael supported him but in the last two months he had been home for a total of six days and the last visit was over two weeks ago.  She was beginning to fell like she wasn't married at all.

     Rachael was up early cooking eggs and bacon for breakfast when Rebecca walked through the kitchen to the refrigerator.  Opening it up she pulled out one of the frozen pastries and popped it into the microwave.

     "If you'll just wait another ten minutes, I'll have breakfast done," Rachael said from the stove.

     "Don't want it," Rebecca responded.

     Rachael shook her head at Rebecca's breakfast, "that can't be all that healthy, Becks.  Eat some eggs too."

     Rebecca glared at Rachael before yelling, "I don't want any of your eggs Ray.  Just leave me alone."

     Rachael was taken aback by the verbal attack and before she could say anything Rebecca got up and left the room.

     Ochre, who eating left over garlic noodles and sitting at the island, watched Rebecca storm out before turning back to Ray.  His brows were raised, asking in his own way What was that about?

     Rachael sat next to him in Rebecca's vacated seat and propping her head on her hand said, "I have no idea."


     Deciding it was time to talk to Mags and see if they could get Lean to come home for even a short time, Rachael headed over to her house that afternoon.

     "Hey Ray, I didn't hear from him last night," Mags said.  "Jeez, you are getting big," she continued eyeing Rachael's stomach.

     "Thanks ever so much for stating the obvious," Rachael said dryly rolling her eyes.

     While rolling her eyes Mags leaned over to rub Rachael's stomach, "Just ignore your mommy now honey.  She's just a little grouchy over your daddy being gone for work."

     "With good reason Mags.  He hasn't been home in two weeks."

     "I know," Mags said opening the door for Rachael, "but there are so many sightings turning up across the nation he has to keep traveling to do the footwork.  As it is we've enlisted three of our cousins that do the same type of work to help out."

     "Has there been any progress made in tracking down the escapee?"

     "We know where they aren't and we're getting closer and closer to finding them," Mags looked at Rachael solemnly then rubbed her arm before passing her into the kitchen, "I know it's hard but it will end at some point."

     "I just hope it ends the way we want it to," Rachael murmured quietly.

     "What," Mags asked.

     Rachael just shook her head without answering and sat at the dining table.

     "The water's just starting to boil.  Are you going to stay for dinner?" she asked.

     "No. I have to go and cook for the kids," Rachael said

     "Why can't Rebecca or Patrick cook for the night?"

     "Patrick is hopeless with a stove and Rebecca..." Rachael trailed off for a moment, "hopefully it's just a phase she's going through but she's becoming a terror."

     "What do you mean?"

     "She's not doing her school assignments, she's skipping classes and when she does go she acts up in class and back talks her teachers.  She's hanging out with some new kids from school and from what I've overheard when she's on the phone with them, they are not going to be a good influence on her.

     "When Rhidian or I try to talk to her she yells at us. River and Ochre are pretty much ignored all the time. Patrick talks with her but he hasn't told me what they talk about, says it's between him and Becks, and I respect that, I just don't know what we should be doing with her."

     Mags sighed, "that's rough."

     Rachael watcher her as Mags averted her eyes and chewed on her lips, obviously considering something.  She waited curious what Mags was going to say.

     "Look, I can't contact Lean very often but he is due to check in with me in the next couple of days.  How about I call him now and let you talk to him for a bit," Rachael remained silent because the hesitation in Mags voice said she was thinking very carefully about the offer and possibly revoking it but she continued, "I haven't said it because he doesn't want me to worry you but it's obvious to me that he has been missing you and I think getting to talk to you might cheer him up."

     Mags stood up and gestured with her head for Rachael to follow her.

     Rachael stood up and walked through the red doors behind the stairs she had never been through before.  The room they entered was windowless.  There were two desks, a monitor on the wall between them and wide bookshelf full of books.  It was obviously a space used for work rather than recreation.

     "What is this?" Rachael asked.

     "This is nothing cuz you were never here," Mags said, "but we call it HQ.  I work from here.  That's Lean's desk when he's here," she added pointing towards the other computer.

     "It doesn't look like it would be his desk," Rachael said, "and doesn't he still have his computer upstairs?"

     "He had Viridian pick out the desk before our move," Mags smirked over her shoulder, "and the computer upstairs is just a decoy."

     Rachael chuckled at that before walking up behind Mags.  Looking over her shoulder she saw strings and strings of numbers scroll across the screen as Mags fingers danced over the keyboard.

     "What are you doing?"

     "Setting up a secure connection through the subnet. It will give the two of you time to talk without having to worry about someone tracing you."

     "Alright we're set up.  Now we just have to wait for Lean to pick up."

     Within a few moments there was a beep from the computer.  Mags clicked something with the mouse and a new window opened with Cerulean's face on the screen.

     "What's up Mags," he started then saw Rachael over her shoulder, "Ray?  You're in HQ?"

     "Yeah.  And thanks for letting me in on that secret.  Just how many more do you have?" she asked trading seats with Mags.  Mags left the room closing the door behind her.

     "Only one left now," he said, "but I really can't go into it over this line.  I'll tell you everything when I get home okay."

     "When are you coming back?" Rachael asked.

     "Soon.  I've run through the last leads I had here.  There are sightings in one more city I need to investigate before I can return so maybe one week."

     Rachael closed her eyes and looked down.  "Okay."

     "Is everything okay at home?"

     "Not really, but I'm handling it.  We'll talk more when you come back.  Just come back safe okay."

     "I'm doing my best.  I love you Ray."

     "Love you too."

                                                                               

Random Ramblings

   I'm going to begin now by saying I am not computer savvy in the least.  I can do an internet search and play sims but that's about it.  I don't know if the 'subnet' or any such thing really exists outside of tv or stories and I give those a lot of skepticism to begin with.

   It basically sounded good for the story so I am taking writer's privilege and using it.

Chapter 1.19: More To Go Around

     "Happy birthday to yoouuuuu" the chorus trailed off as Rebecca blew out the candles on her strawberry cake, baked by Rhidian himself as she requested.

     "Happy birthday," several people called as Rebecca started cutting the cake and Rachael helped pass it out to all the guests.

     Their Uncle Michael had come, as will as Viridian, who was in town, and Mags.  Rachael looked around as Rhidian took the next plate from her.

     "Have you seen Rhonan?" she asked.

     "He's out on the patio avoiding dad."

     "He still hasn't talked to him them?"

     Rhidian shook his head and took the next plate to Patrick and Mags who were sitting in the dining area.

     "I want a big piece Lean," River piped up to Cerulean who had taken over cake cutting duties.

     Rachael found Rebecca near the island and walked over to her. 

     "Happy birthday baby sister," she said hugging her sister.

     "Ray I'm not a baby anymore," Rebecca said as Rachael let go.

     "You'll always be my baby sister.  Even when you're ninety years old.  Get used to it kiddo."

     Rachael smiled as Rebecca rolled her eyes.  She reached out and brushed one of the red locks of hair that fell out of her sister's pony tail.

     "You look so much like mom," she murmured.

     "Do I?" Rebecca asked.  "I don't really remember what she looks like at times."

     Rachael nodded, "You have her red hair, though your eyes are most definitely Patrick's.  This outfit though," she said gesturing to the grey sweater dress, grey hat, and cosmic print leggings Rebecca wore, "are definitely like great grandma Melody's.  Did you find them in the back of the closet?"

     "Yeah.  I found a picture of grandma Meghan with great grandma Melody and looked for this outfit.  What do you think?"

     "It looks good on you," Rachael said accepting the piece of cake Cerulean handed her.  Kissing her sister on the cheek she went with Cerulean to eat in the dining room leaving Rebecca to talk with Viridian and River.
   

     "Great party, Ray," Mags said as they sat down.

     "Thanks.  Rhidian baked the cake though.  You should have seen Becks face when she thought I was going to be cooking it.  I have never seen so much horror on a face before."

     "Why is that?" Cerulean asked, "you're a great cook."

     "I've made some odd choices lately for meals.  The kids have been very patient with me but I guess Becks just wanted a normal cake for her party."

     "That's not fair," Patrick said, "your chili and apple pie plates were quite good the other night."

     Rachael burst out laughing at the looks on Mags and Cerulean's faces.


     The door bell rang and Rachael went to let Mags in.  Viridian left after the party the night before so it was just Mags and the O'Malley household coming together for their announcement.

     "Girl, what is so top secret you couldn't have told everyone last night at the party," Mags asked walking inside. "Hi Mr. Donahugh," she greeted Patrick who sat next to the door.

     "Hello Magenta," he returned the greeting.

     Everyone was in the living room after that so Rachael went to sit on the loveseat next to Cerulean and Mags joined Rhidian and Rebecca on the couch.

     "Not secret, just big news.  Yesterday was Rebecca's birthday and we didn't want to take away from that," Cerulean said taking Rachael's hand.

     "Everyone, Cerulean and I are expecting a baby." Rachael announced.

     The room seemed to boom in volume as everyone tried to speak at once.  Asking when the baby was due? If they knew if it was a boy or girl yet?

     The only one that didn't say anything was Ochre.  He just looked back and forth between his dad and Rachael before running from the room.

     "Ochre," Cerulean called as the boy ran past.

     "Wait," Rachael said taking his hand as he started to get up to go after the boy, "let me talk to him first."

     Cerulean nodded so Rachael stood up and walked over to the boy's room.

     "Knock, knock," she said peeking around the door.

     Ochre was sitting on his bed not looking at her so Rachael entered the room.

     She sat on the bed next to him and let out a sigh.  "Big news, huh.  I can understand if you're a little scared of becoming a big brother."  

     She looked at the boy who just shrugged a shoulder.

     "That's not it, hmm," she hummed while looking back at the wall across the room. "Maybe it's because your dad is having another baby.  That's what it was for me."

     Rachael bit back her smile when Ochre finally looked up at her.  She nodded to herself, "Yep that was scary, alright."

     She looked at the boy,  "I mean what if my mom and Patrick didn't want me anymore now that they had the new baby.  That scared me bad.  I had nightmares for weeks because I couldn't tell them about it.  What if they didn't realize they didn't need me anymore and telling them made them realize it."

     The little boy nodded in understanding.

     "Finally my mom and Patrick sat me down to talk about my nightmares.  Do you know what they said when I finally told them how scared I was?"

     Ochre shook his head.

     "They said 'we love you, no matter what'."

     "Ochre, your dad and I love you.  The baby doesn't change that.  It only means our family is growing and there is more love to go around.  Not just love for the baby but for you too."

     "You're going to become a big brother and that's a big responsibility.  It means this baby is going to look up to you and want to do what you do.  But it also means this baby is going to love you every bit as much as your father and I do."

     Rachael wrapped the little boy in a hug.

     "We've never talked about it, you and I, but it's up to you what you want to call me.  Ray or 'mom' the choice is yours.  I would be honored if you ever decide you want to call me mom but only if you want to."

     "I love you Ochre.  It hasn't been very long but you're one of my babies, just like River and Rebecca.  Just don't tell them that okay," she asked.

     Ochre nodded his head in agreement.

     "Thanks," she said kissing him on the forehead, "neither one wants to consider me to be anything more than 'big sister Ray' but that's not how I see them anymore.  After all I helped take care of them from the very first day they came home."

     "Are you feeling a little better now," she asked him.

     Ochre nodded his head against her shoulder.  "Let's go see your dad, okay?"

     Ochre sat up and lead the way out of the room.  Cerulean was waiting for them in the hallway.

     "Everything okay?" he asked.

     "Yeah, Just a little talk about how much the baby is going to love his or her big brother and can't wait to meet such an amazing little boy," Rachael smiled down at the boy.  Ochre looked up at her and smiled back.

     "Okay then," Cerulean said and leaned down to hug his boy, "I love you Ochre."

     Rachael smiled as the little boy patted his father on his back as if to say yeah, yeah, I love you too, but can we stop the mushiness already.  But the little smile on his face showed how much it meant to him to hear his father say the words.

                                                                                                            

Random Ramblings

    Jeez, I'm writing this and I'm making myself cry here.  Anyways, with the family dynamic I set up here I knew introducing the baby should cause some confusion with Ochre but Rachael has the unique experience of having gone through it herself :O 

   So in comes this scene where she talks with Ochre about what she herself might have felt in the past.  Maybe not with the twins cuz she was theoretically only two...maybe three years old when her mom was pregnant with them but certainly a possibility with Rebecca's birth.

   The story marches forward and time moves on.