Holiday Greetings

A special holiday shout out for all the readers.  May your holiday (whatever it may be) be joyful.

Chapter 2.11: Wishful Thinking

     Emrys smiled at the laughter coming from the playroom.

     "Girls, it's almost time for bed," she called out as she finished putting dishes away into the cabinet.

     "Can't we have another hour?" Saffron called back.

     "Yeah, another hour Mommy," Amy echoed.

     "No," Emrys yelled, "so start putting your toys away."

     "I thought I said to put your toys away," Emrys said as she entered the playroom.

     "I just need to finish this project," Saffron said.

     "Okay, you can finish but then it's time for bed.  As for you mini-me.  Bed.  Now."

     "Ahh, Mommyyy," Amy whined.

     "Don't 'Mommy' me, little miss, come on," Emrys said picking Amy up.

     "But I'm not tired," Amy yawned as Emrys carried her upstairs.

     "Of course not," Emrys said putting Amy in her bed and tucking her in.

     "I'm not," Amy's yawn was even bigger.

     "Good night mini-me," Emrys whispered.

     "Sing our song Mommy," Amy mumbled as snuggled under the covers.

     "Okay," Emrys said as she sat on the edge of the bed and began to sing,

"Laughter and giggles whisper through trees
Joy and love fall on soft moonbeams
Glowing warm and safe, sheltered and protected
We dance through your dreams."

     Amy joined singing the next part,

"Where Faeries and Wolves will play

Home in Falls of Moonlight the river dances

And magick given by the Witch and a gift of the Pyre

Home is a place of second chances

Laughter, giggles whisper through trees

Across moonlit tides we sail

Here you are, home at last

We dance across the veil."

     By the time she finished singing Amy was already asleep.  Emrys smiled and kissed the top of her daughter's head.

     "Headed to bed," Emrys asked as she passed Saffron going up the stairs.

     "Uh-huh," she nodded.

     "Goodnight," Emrys said.

     "Goodnight," Saffron called from the top of the stairs.

     Emrys walked into the kitchen to find her aunt at the coffe pot preparing it for the next morning.

     "Aunt Ray," she said.

     Rachael looked over at her.  "What is it," she asked.

     "Do you really think Sienna can't be involved with my parents deaths?" Emrys asked sitting at the island.

     Rachael sighed as she joined her.

     "It's not so much that I think it's impossible as I just find it really hard to believe.  And I worry about Ochre.  He hasn't even brought her around the house despite the years he's been seeing her.  If she really has nothing to do with it she will be hurt by our suspicions and Ochre may lose her."

     "That's assuming he wants her though," Emrys said looking down at the surface in front of her.

     "Why do you say that?" Aunt Ray asked.

     "Wishful thinking," Emrys said standing and kissing her aunt.  "Good night Aunt Ray."

     "Good night," Rachael said as Emrys left the kitchen.

                                                                                           

Random Ramblings

   So I need some filler chapters but not ones that entirely detract from the story though.  So here's just a little tidbit of life at the O'Malley House.

   On a side note that lullaby was a pain to write up.  I'm still not sure I'm happy with it but I'm not much of a poet.  Have fun singing it to whatever tune you like.

Chapter 2.10: How Innocent

     "We told Ochre about how we want him to act on behalf of his daughter when we pass on the inheritance," Mom said.

     "He wants to know why you won't inherit," his dad explained gesturing for her to sit on the couch.

     "I can't inherit because I'm the first born daughter of the first born son of the Mulligan family.  I have my own inheritance issues to handle." Emrys said sitting down.

     "Wait.  Mulligan?  As in Joel Mulligan?" Ochre asked.

     "No," Emrys said, "well yes, but Joel is my uncle.  My father was his older brother Kaleb Mulligan and Joel killed him when I was a little girl."

     "Emrys and the agents we have in the Jefferson Colony have been working to gather evidence of his numerous crimes for the last few years," Dad said.  "We believe he keeps records that can be used against him at his house here in Oasis Springs.  However his wife stays there all the time."

     "So we haven't been able to uncover any evidence?  What about the police?  Have they been able to find anything?" Ochre asked deciding to focus on the business side of the issue.  Business he could handle right now because apparently he hadn't known Emrys as well as he thought he had.

     "No," Emrys answered, "but you said your girlfriend was working on the reopening of the lounge.  Will Joel be there?"

     "Sienna might have mentioned him hosting it," Ochre said.

     "If he's hosting it then his wife will likely be there as well," Emrys said turning to his dad.

     Dad nodded, "It will be the first chance we've had to get inside."

     "As for the police," he continued, "Sage thinks the Mulligan's have the enforcers in the Jefferson colony in their pocket.  There are too many loose ends for it to be a murder-suicide as they've claimed but no effort has been made to investigate further the deaths of Emrys' parents."

     "Can you get an invitation to the reopening?  I want you to attend to keep an eye on Joel.  Emrys and Toya can search the house while he is out and you can let them know when he leaves so they can get out before he returns home."

     "Sienna asked if I could go with her.  I'd told her I probably couldn't but I can let her know my plans have changed," Ochre said.

     "It's not right to use his girlfriend like this," Mom objected.

     "It's the only way to get justice for my parents," Emrys said.

     "But she has nothing to do with their murder, Em.  And if she finds out that Ochre used her she'll be hurt," Mom said.

     "How innocent can she be, Mom." Ochre asked.

     "What?"

     "She's worked for Joel for years.  You can't do that without knowing something about the man you're working for," Ochre stood and started pacing the floor.

     "But she can't have had anything to do with your aunt's murder.  She would have been a child when it happened," Mom argued.

     "No," Ochre argued, "she's older than I am and I was sixteen when her parent's were killed."

     "You think she could have something to do with my parent's deaths," Emrys asked leaning toward him.

     "I don't know," Ochre said looking at her, "but I can at least help get you into Joel's house."

     Emrys nodded at him, "thanks."

                                                                                          

Random Rambling

   Really don't want to make reveal any spoilers so on to the next chapter.

Chapter 2.9: Inheritance

     "Since we have you here at last Ochre, your mother and I want to talk to you," Dad said when everyone finished eating.

     "Alright Dad," Ochre said.

     "I'm going to check on the girls before we talk.  Emrys can you and the boys put the food away," Mom asked standing up.

     "Of course, Aunt Ray," Emrys said.

     "When you finish can you come out to the workshop too?" Dad asked her.

     Ochre glanced at Emrys.  She nodded, picking up plates and taking them into the kitchen.  She laughed at something Toya said and bumped him with her hip as she put the plates into the sink.  

     Ochre frowned at their exchange but followed his parents out of the room.

     "This place doesn't look anything like the lair of the big bad director of the Palette Agency," Ochre said.

     "That's not what you said when you were little.  Do you remember all the hours you used to play in here when you were younger.  Calling it the 'Den'." Dad asked.

     Ochre laughed. "That's right. So what did you want to talk about?" he asked his parents.

     "Sit down first," Mom said.

     "Your mom and I want to talk about the inheritance of the O'Malley estate," Dad started.

     "Why? Are you guys okay?" Ochre asked.

     "Your father and I are fine.  We're just getting older and we want to get the issue of inheritance settled before we're Elders," Mom reassured him.

     "Issue?  Saffron is your only daughter, she'll inherit when she's older." Ochre said.

     "That's the thing," Mom said, "after my mom died when I was a teenager I did a lot of research about the laws of inheritance.  While usually it is the eldest daughter that inherits it doesn't always happen.  I want my eldest to inherit as Head of the O'Malley family.  Or rather to act as proxy for his daughter who has yet to be born."

     Ochre snorted, "I don't think you're gonna have much luck there Mom.  Hunter and Toya might have trouble conceiving a daughter."

     "I don't mean Hunter," Mom said tapping him on the arm.  She turned to look directly at him, "you, silly, are my first born son."

     "Wha..Bu..Mom. I'm not an O'Malley." Ochre stammered.

     "Doesn't matter to me," Mom said.  "You've been my baby for over twenty-five years, blood tie or not."

     "Your mom and I just want to start preparing you for taking over," Dad said.  "Not today or tomorrow but some day."

     "I don't know if I'll ever have kids, though.  What would we do then," Ochre asked.

     "If you never have kids, then Saffron and her children can inherit, since River married into the Downey family," Mom answered.  "I don't want to pressure you into a marriage or to have kids but you are the first one I thought of when I considered the matter of inheritance."

     "What about Emrys and her daughter?" Ochre asked.

     "What," he asked when his mom stood and walked over to his dad.

     "We'll talk about it when Emrys gets here," his dad said.

     "Talk about what," Emrys asked coming through the door and stopping by the couch.

                                                                                    

Random Rambling

   Does anyone else ever get surprised by the things I come up with?  I did not really see this coming.  Not at all...well maybe some of it ^o^

   I've noticed my ramblings have gotten shorter but I just don't have as much to say.  And I don't want to put in any spoilers. (I had to delete an entire paragraph earlier because it was too spoilery.  No that's not a word but I'm using it.)

Chapter 2.8: Family Dinner

     Emrys started her day with her usual workout with Cerulean.

     He trained her everyday since she was a teen and she told him about the sim that murdered her parents and how she wanted to catch him.

     "So what did you get from the runner?" Cerulean asked while Emrys punched at the bag.

 

     "He gave me a name connected to the killer.  The Bridgeport..Black...Widow," she grunted between strikes.

     "Good," Cerulean said, "and brace yourself when you strike with your left arm.  Your guard is dropping."

     "Right," Emrys said adjusting her stance and punching again.

     "That's it.  Now twenty more times just like that so you don't forget it."

     "Got it," Emrys hit the bag again.


     After her workout Emrys walked out of the room and over to the bathroom off her bedroom.

     "Sorry," she said when she bounced off someone.

     "Sorry.  Have you seen my dad," Ochre asked.

     "Workout room," Emrys pointed over her shoulder.

     "Thanks," he said and walked around her to the work out room.

     After her shower Emrys checked on the girls.  They were playing together at the dollhouse so Emrys continued into the kitchen.

     "What can I take care of Aunt Ray," she asked.

     "I've got the chicken can you start on the salad?"

     "Sure," Emrys said taking some vegetables out of the refrigerator and over to the counter.

     "The girls are still playing?" Rachael asked.

     "Yeah, they are having a blast with that dollhouse.  Saffron was saying something about writing their story after dinner."

     Rachael smiled, "her class is doing some creative writing assignments and she decided Amy would help her with it."

     "I hope Amy is helping and not bothering her when she should be writing." 

     "Nah, Saffron was having trouble coming up with something to write about so I suggested she should start with an item and let Amy help her look at it in a new way.  She decided to use the dollhouse."

     "Hunter, Toya," Rachael called out the kitchen.

     "Yeah, mom," Hunter called back.

     "Come set the table, dinners almost ready," Rachael said.

     "Okay," Hunter yelled.


     "This smells delicious mom," Ochre said sitting at the table.

     "Thank you Ochre.  It's been too long since we had everyone together so I went all out," Rachael said scooping a serving of chicken onto a plate and passing it to Emrys.

     "Yeah, sorry about that," Ochre said accepting his plate.

     "Just come home more often son," Cerulean said.

     "I'm sure your girlfriend would be happy to see you more often," Emrys added taking a bite of her food.

     "I'm sure she would," Ochre muttered eating his chicken.

     Emrys looked at him.  He didn't sound happy about that.

     "What?  Trouble in paradise," Hunter teased his brother.

     "Shut it, kid," Ochre jabbed his brother with his elbow.

     "Language, Ochre," Rachael scolded him, "and Hunter leave your brother alone."

     "Sorry, mom," Ochre said.

     "What is happening with your girlfriend," Cerulean asked.

     "There's nothing to talk about.  I work, she works, we get together when I'm in town.  That's all."

     "What does she do," Rachael asked.

     "She works for Joel Mulligan," Ochre began.

     Emrys dropped her fork with a clatter.  "It slipped," she said when everyone looked at her.

     "Isn't Joel Mulligan a big name in the space colonies," Cerulean asked.

     "Yeah," Ochre said, "I met her during one of the transport runs I had out to the Jefferson Colony.  She's here running the lounge they're replacing the Solar Flare with."

     "When does that open," Emrys asked.

     "Next Saturday," Ochre said.

     Emrys glanced at her uncle who nodded slightly to her.

                                                                                                         

Random Ramblings

   Oh, what to do, what to do. *evil smile* I'm enjoying writing this oh so very much.

Chapter 2.7: On Your Own

     Emrys closed the book and kissed her sleeping daughter on the head.

     "Good night Saffron," she said to her cousin who had stayed awake for the entire story.

     "Good night Em," Saffron yawned and settled under her covers.

     Emrys turned off the light and closed the door.  It was still early so she should probably write an article for her publisher on traveling around the colonies so she could keep her cover job.

     When she got to the bottom of the stairs she saw a light from the backyard coming in the playroom windows.  She detoured through the computer room and stepped out into the night.

     "Got another one of those," she asked Toya when she saw him drinking juice.

     "Here's yours," he said holding one out to her.

     "Thank you," she said taking it and sitting on the bench next to him.  Toya put an arm around the back of the bench and Emrys settled against him.

     "What are you going to do about tomorrow," Toya asked.

     "Do about what," Emrys asked innocently.

     "Emmy," Toya playfully growled at her and squeezed her.

     Emrys giggled and wiggled in his hold. He let her go. She took a sip of her juice and grew pensive. "I don't know.  How do I tell him after all these years?" she asked, "for that matter should I even tell him?"

     "He has a right to know."

     "Maybe." She said quietly, then sighed, "why couldn't you find me attractive Toya.  It would solve a lot of my problems."

     Toya laughed, "I happen to find you to be a very attractive sim Emmy. Both inside and out.  You just don't rev my engine."

     Emrys laughed aloud at that.

     "Besides Emmy, I could never compete for you heart with that ghost you carry around."

     For awhile the two of them were quiet just looking up at the stars and sipping their drinks.  It was Emrys who broke the silence first.

     "I've loved him for so long Toya.  Ever since I was a little girl. How do I stop?"

     "That's a million simoleon question," he answered kissing the top of her head.

     "What did your mom write in her letter?" Emrys asked changing the topic.

     Toya snorted, "she writes that her boyfriend broke up with her and threw her out of the apartment they shared.  Seems he objected to finding her in bed with another sim.  She's asking if I can send her some money to get out of Sunlit Tides."

     "I thought she was in Lucky Palms?"

     "So did I," he sighed.

     Emrys looked at him, "how much did you send?"

     "Thirty thousand simoleons."

     Emrys grimaced and put her head back on his chest, "a hefty amount but a pittance to what you make from the software you design."

     "I sent a letter with it.  I told her that this is the last time I'm giving her money.  I'm done with it Emmy, I can't keep bailing her out and going through this every time she needs money.  It just makes me feel so alone."

     "You're not alone," she said hugging him.  "You promised me when Amy was born that you would be there for her.  Well, I'm here for you and I always will be."

     "Besides," Emrys said, "you have an entire family here with Hunter and everyone else.  You and I can't really say we'll ever be on our own again.  Can we?"

     "You're right.  I just have this feeling in my bones that some kind of storm is on its way."

     "Well, we'll just have to weather it out.  But we can because we're a family.  All of us. Together." she said pointedly.

     "Alright, we're a family.  You made your point."

     "Good," Emrys said settling back against him, "now what am I supposed to do about tomorrow?"

     "You're on your own with that one," Toya said.

                                                                               

Random Ramblings

   So can anyone guess what they are talking about?  Anyone?

   Read on to find out...Or wait until the next chapters are posted, whichever is available at your time of reading.

Chapter 2.6: Vigilance is Vital

     Ochre collected his mail from the neighbor on the way to his house.  He kept the place for whenever he was in town so he could avoid staying at his parents house.

     He pulled the keys out of his pocket and unlocked the door.  He did a sweep of the house to make sure nothing had changed in his absence.  His dad had drilled it into him and the others growing up that not even home was safe and vigilance was vital in their line of work.

     He sorted through the mail pulling out the bills and tossing the rest.  He went to the kitchen and pulled out the fixings for grilled cheese sandwiches.

     He was grilling the sandwiches when his door opened.

     "Welcome home lover," she said walking in.  "How long have you been back in town?"

     "Just got back in this afternoon.  I'm making sandwiches.  Do you want one?"

     "Sure," she said.

     Ochre looked over his shoulder at Sienna.  "Everything all right?" he asked.

     "Of course," Sienna said walking up behind him and wrapping her arms around him.

     "You're gonna burn yourself," Ochre said pulling her arms off.

     He saw Sienna whenever he was in town.  She was a career oriented sim who didn't want a relationship anymore than he did.  Their's was a relationship of convenience.

     Or it had been, he thought putting two plates on the table.

     "So my boss is hosting a grand gala at the opening of the Kissing Llamas Lounge in Oasis Springs and I want you to come as my plus one," Sienna said.

     "When is it," Ochre asked when he tuned back in to her chatter.

     "Next Saturday night.  I told you already.  Are you feeling alright," she asked reaching across the table to put a hand on his forehead.

     Ochre pulled back, "I'm fine Sienna.  I don't think I'll be able to make it.  I have plans with my mom and dad at their house while I'm in town."

     He stood up and carried their empty plates to the sink to wash later.

     "Well that's too bad.  I'll let everyone know you're sorry to miss it," Sienna said.

     "Right," Ochre nodded absently.

     "Should I call you a cab?" he asked walking toward the front door.

     "I thought I would stay the night," Sienna pouted.

     "Not tonight.  I have some work I need to finish," Ochre growled, feeling annoyed at her childish display.

     Sienna looked away at his show of temper.  After mumbling something about calling a cab herself she walked out the door.

     Ochre checked the locks and turned off the lights before going to his home office.

     He turned on the computer and logged into the Agency network.  He browsed through recent cases his family handled trying to figure out why Emrys had been at the bar yesterday.  Because it wasn't just for the bounty.

                                                                                       

Random Rambling

   I think I have a handle on the whole switching between viewpoints now.  I think it's easier to do it chapter by chapter though.  I'm just gearing up to run with the story.

   The Kissing Llamas Lounge was made by RachelRosebud.  I needed a lounge for my gala reopening and I loved the lounge she made.  I will have so much fun exploring it with my sims once I'm ready to run on with my family (after this story ends). You can read her blog here  RachelRoseBud.

Chapter 2.5: Can't Stop Now

     "That took forever," Emrys groaned as they arrived back at the O'Malley place. 

     The police had arrived at the bar to stop a fight.  No one in the main room was seriously hurt, only a few stools were broken when they were used as weapons.  Once the fight was over they found the body in the restroom.

     Emrys's target was found dead in the restroom.  The police needed a statement but as he was wanted across the space colonies for drug and weapon trafficking for a rising crime family, his death was sanctioned by the interstellar tribunal.  Which meant Emrys, as an independent agent, got paid the bounty on his head.

     "You could have let us know you were there for the rat too.  We had all the paperwork taken care of if you had clued us in.  You wouldn't have had to go through the process after the fact." Hunter said.

     "First rule of the job, Hunter.  Besides what could I have said, 'I'm on assignment and I'm supposed to take out this target.'" Emrys quipped.  She quickly went through the mail, handing Toya his letter before putting the rest of it on the table by the door, "Aunt Ray, Uncle Lean we're back."

     "I'm at my desk," Aunt Ray called.

     Emrys walked in to see her aunt at her computer.

     Rachael turned around.  "Ochre," she said happily seeing him by the fireplace.  "You're home."

     "Hi mom, I'm just here to make sure everyone got home.  I'm going to head out to my place now."

     Rachael's smile drooped, "Oh, okay.  Come over for dinner tomorrow night.  You can bring that girl you're seeing."

     "Thanks mom.  I'll let her know."

     "Bye," Rachael said as Ochre walked out.  Emrys shook her head.  Ochre really was such an idiot at times.

     "Where are the girls," Emrys asked Rachael.

     "They're swimming outside with Lean.  Are you going to join them?"

     "Nah, I'm tired from traveling.  I'll say hi and tell them to dry off before I start cooking lunch."

     Rachael nodded and went back to her writing.  Emrys smiled when she exited the house.

     Cerulean waved from his seat on the edge of the pool where he sat next to his youngest child and only daughter.  Emrys waved back.

     "Mommy!  You're back."

     Emrys smiled as Amy swam towards her and climbed out of the pool.

     "Hey mini-me.  I'm home," Emrys laughed hugging her daughter. "You're getting me all wet."

     "You can come swimming then."

     "Oh no little miss.  Tell Uncle Lean and Saffron you guys need to dry off.  I'm going to cook lunch now."

     "Fine," Amy pouted.

     Emrys smiled and lightly pinched her daughter's lips.  "I'm cooking grilled cheese sandwiches."

     "Yay," Amy cheered and ran towards her great uncle.

     "No running," Emrys yelled at her.

     Amy immediately slowed to a fast walk around the pool.

     "The branch office called this morning," Rachael said coming into the room.

     "Yeah, another job well done," Emrys joked but it fell flat.

     "Em, don't make a joke of it," Rachael scolded.

     "Sorry, Aunt Ray," Emrys said, "it's just easier to deal with the job by making a joke of it.  Even if he was a criminal he was still a living sim."

     "If it's so hard, why not make your job with the paper full-time." Rachael asked.

     "I'm trying to catch the man that had my parents murdered Aunt Ray.  I can deal with whatever I have to do to catch him."

     The back door opened and the children chattered as they walked inside.

     "But what about the cost to your baby, Emrys.  Doesn't Amy deserve time with her mom?"

     Emrys looked up and smiled as the girls passed through the kitchen.  It was difficult to feel the gloom from her job when she had her own personal sun around.  Amy took the long way around and gave her mom a hug before joining Saffron in the dining area.

     "I have to finish what I started, Aunt Ray.  I can't stop now just because my life has changed.  If he ever found out about me and Amy he will come after us."

     "You're right.  As long as you're careful," she added, "because I'm not going to lose anyone in this family again."

     "I love you too," Emrys said kissing her aunt's cheek before carrying the platter of sandwiches into the dining area.

                                                                                         

Random Ramblings

   So yeah there's the newest chapter.

Chapter 2.4: When Did That Happen

     "So the clerk said there are only two one-bedroom rooms available." Ochre said, "Hunter and I can take one room and Toya and Emrys get the other."

     "Idiot," Emrys said grabbing the keys from him and tossing one set to Hunter.  "See you in the morning."

     Hunter smirked before he and Toya went to the other room.

     Ochre stood dumbfounded for a moment while Emrys unlocked the door to their room.  

     "How long has that been going on?" he asked after he entered the room.

     "You get the couch," Emrys said going to the bathroom.

     Ochre changed his clothes while Emrys moved around the bathroom.  "How long have they been dating," he asked again.

     "They told Aunt Ray and Uncle Lean last Feast Day.  Which you would know if you had bothered to show up at the house more than once every five years."

     "I was on a shipping run for Uncle Viridian.  I told Mom and Dad I couldn't make it," he said.

     "Whatever," Emrys said coming out of the bathroom, "we have to be at the police station in the morning."

     "I know the procedures, I've been doing this for years Em," Ochre said.

     "Don't call me that.  Only the people that care can call me that," Emrys turned on him.

     "You think I don't care," he yelled at her.

     "You were clear about where we stood with each other five years ago," Emrys said coldly, "I don't think anything has changed since then."

     She turned her back on him and climbed into the bed.  Ochre gound his teeth before dropping onto the couch.  He tossed and turned, trying to get comfortable until he was laying on his back with his feet hanging over the edge.

     He lay there in the dark listening to her breathe and tried to ignore the ache her words put in his chest.

                                                                                       

Random Ramblings

   Oh so much drama, so little time. 

Chapter 2.3: Reactions

     "What are we going to do about her," Toya asked.

     "Why do we have to do anything?  It's Friday night.  She has a right to party however she wants to," Hunter responded brushing back his hair.

     Ochre glared at his little brother, "but does it have to be tonight.  You two know what is going to go down."

     "She's better able to take care of herself than most of the other sims here." Hunter retorted back.  "The better question is what is she doing here."

     "Doesn't matter.  Can one of you just go and get Emrys out of here," Ochre said glancing down the bar to where she was dancing.

     Emrys studiously ignored the trio at the bar as she danced with the sim.  He was known as an errand runner for the owner of a local restaurant.  Emrys's investigations had led her to him.

     It had taken long weeks of clubbing and being seen in the right places to get his attention.  She couldn't waste this opportunity to get the information she needed.

     So she was very annoyed when he walked up behind her.

     "We need to talk," he yelled over the music.

      Emrys turned and glared at him as her target sidestepped and slipped her a note.

     "That was graceful," she snapped at him trying to hide her reaction.  She opened the note and read it.

     "Graceful is one thing I've never claimed to be," Ochre glared at her.  She'd cut her hair since he'd last seen her.  The cut was flattering, it highlighted her cheekbones and showcased her eyes.  And the glare she angled at him.

     "Do you have any idea what you've done," she hissed, pushing past him.

     "Getting you out of here," Ochre said following her.

     "Yeah, cuz I so obviously need a man to take care of me," Emrys said sarcastically.

     "Do you have any idea what is going to happen here," Ochre asked her.

     Emrys turned around and put a hand on his chest.  As soon as she felt his body heat sear across her palm she snatched her hand back.  "You can't follow me in there," she indicated the door to the ladies bathroom and walked inside.

     Ochre threw up his hands in frustration and stomped back to his brother.

     "How'd it go, bro?" Hunter asked.

     Ochre snarled at him and grabbed the drink they got him from the bar.

     Toya broke down laughing at him and Ochre seriously considered slapping his brother's partner upside the head.

     Emrys came out of the bathroom and picked up Toya's half empty drink and gulped it down.

     "Let's get out of here boys," she said before leading the way out of the bar.

     Ochre looked at Hunter and Toya but neither one seemed to know what brought on this change.  The others slipped off their stools and followed behind Emrys.  Once outside the bar Toya touched her shoulder and stopped her.

     Hunter pushed Ochre in the back and shoved him down the steps.

     "What was that about," Ochre asked.

     "I don't know but don't question it bro.  Just give Toya a chance to find out what this change is about.  Her cooperation is going to be important if we want her to leave with us."

     Barely a minute later Toya and Emrys came down the steps and walked to the parking lot.  Everyone climbed into Ochre's rental and shut the doors.

     As they pulled out of the parking lot sirens were going off down the street.

                                                                                         

Random Ramblings

   What just happened?  You know even I'm not too sure, and I wrote this. o_o

Chapter 2.2: Bad News

     Ochre was outside putting his rocket together.  He'd spent the last two summers working with his Uncle Viridian to save up money to buy the parts and now he had enough to start building.

     It was tough work but he enjoyed being out in space with his uncle on their shipping trips.  Uncle Viridian and Dad had promised that as soon as his rocket was complete they would give him flying lessons so he could test for his pilots license.  Once he had that he could start taking local jobs on his own.

     "Excuse me.  Is this the O'Malley residence?"

     Ochre turned around.  A strange sim and kid were standing outside his work fence.

     He picked up his grease rag and started wiping his hands clean.

     "Yeah.  My dad's at work but my mom's here.  Who did you want?"

     "Rachael.  Cerulean should be on his way back, I called him once we hit the city line."

     Ochre frowned.  It was unusual that a sim would talk to his dad before coming to the house.

     "Are you a Palette?" he asked.

     She nodded, "Sage Palette-Summers."

     "This way," Ochre led the way to the house.

     "Mom, you have a guest," he called from the living room.

     "I'm cooking lunch," Rachael answered.

     "Mom this is Sage.  She asked to talk with you."

     "Hello Sage.  What can I help you with?"

     "Actually, I brought some news for you.  Some bad news," she added with a nod towards the child with her.

     Rachael frowned and glanced at the child.  "Ochre can you show.." she stopped when she got to the child's name.

     "Emrys," the child said.

     "Can you show Emrys to the playroom.  We have a lot of toys that you can play with," she said to the child.

     "Sure.  C'mon," Ochre said and walked out of the kitchen with child following him.

     "This is the playroom," he said passing through the archway.  "You can play with anything in here."

     "Thank you," she said picking up the child's violin and running the bow over the strings.

     Ochre winced as he walked out of the room.  Like most kids she played with enthusiasm if not actual skill.

     Once away from the sound he could hear crying coming from the kitchen.

     He entered the room and his mom was bent over the counter crying while Sage was wringing her hands.  "I'm so very sorry," she kept repeating over and over.

     "Mom," Ochre walked up next to her, "what's wrong mom?"

     Rachael shook her head before hugging him and crying on his shoulder.  Sage stood up and left the room.

     Ochre was startled by her breakdown so he was very relieved when the front door opened and his dad came in.

     "Ray?"

     "In here dad," Ochre called.

     Cerulean entered the room and pulled his wife off his son.  He walked her around the island towards their bedroom.  Ochre watched them whispering together from where he was at.

     "What's going on?" River asked sitting at the counter.

     "I have no idea," Ochre admitted.


     Emrys walked with Aunt Sage into the living room where the two adults were waiting.

     She sat with Aunt Sage on the couch.  Aunt Sage wrapped an arm around her shoulders and hugged her.

     "Emrys, this is your Aunt Rachael and Uncle Cerulean.  She's your mom's older sister.  They're going to take care of you now."

     "What about you," Emrys asked.

     "I have to go home and find out who killed your mom and dad," Sage said.  "You'll be safe with them."

     "Okay," Emrys said looking down at her hands.

                                                                                            

Random Ramblings

   Jeez,  my heart is breaking for poor Emrys.  She's got a good future in store for her though, I promise it gets better.  Maybe just not right away though. :p

   Oh and how is the view point change from Emrys to Ochre and back?  Does it make sense.  This is the first time I've tried to do that in a story, so some feedback would be appreciated.

Chapter 2.1: A New Generation

     Emrys' mom had the radio on while she cooked dinner for when her dad came home.  While she was cutting up the food she sang along,

"I'm lookin' out the window

Happy just watching my world go

Around

And I think to myself

How lucky can a girl be"

     Emrys loved listening to her mom sing.  At night her dad would play guitar while she sang.  It was Emrys' favorite time of day because everyone was together and happy.  It was perfect.

     "Hurry princess the clock is going to strike midnight.  You need to leave before the carriage turns back into a pumpkin," Emrys said picking up the toy carriage and placing it behind the toy horse.

     The door opened and Emrys looked up.

     "Dad," she squealed when her father walked in the door.  She dropped her toys and jumped up to run over and give him his welcome home hug.

     "How was school, princess," he asked hugging and kissing her cheek.

     "Good.  Mrs. Katser gave back the spelling tests today and I was the only one who got all of them right."

     "Good for you.  You studied hard for that test."

     "Dinner's almost ready if you'll wash up Kaleb.  Emrys can you set the table?"  Mom called from the kitchen.

     "Okay Mom,"  Emrys said going to pick up the plates from the counter and putting them on the table.

     As Dad passed Mom at the stove he stopped and pulled her into a hug.  Mom laughed and gave him a kiss before shooing him over to the kitchen sink, smiling she went back to cooking.

     Mom always smiled when Dad kissed her.

     Everyone ate tacos while Emrys told them about her trip to the park with her friends afterschool.  They laughed at all the funny things and asked her about her friends.

     After dinner Emrys took her bath and put on her pajamas.  While she was brushing her teeth she heard her Dad tune his guitar.  "Wait," she squealed, "I'm coming."

     Mom laughed when she came running out of the bathroom.

     "Come here Emrys," Mom said.

     Dad smiled as Emrys walked over to her mom.  Mom wiped some of the paste Emrys must have missed off her cheek.

     "We wouldn't have started without you, Princess," Dad said strumming the guitar.

     "But I didn't want to miss a single second," Emrys said, already swaying to the music he played.

 
     Mom sang while Dad played and Emrys danced.

     "Okay, Emrys. Time for bed," Mom said standing up when Dad finished his tenth song.

     "Aww, Mom," Emrys whined.

     "Listen to your mom, Emrys," Dad said firmly.

     Emrys ducked her head and mumbled, "yes Dad."

     Emrys walked over to her dad as he put the guitar down.  "Goodnight Daddy," she said opening her arms for her hug.

     "Goodnight Princess," Dad said giving her a kiss.

     Mom tucked her into the bed and kissed her head, "Good night my littlest love."

     "Goodnight Mom.  I love you," Emrys yawned.

     As soon as Mom closed the door Emrys climbed out of the bed and crawled over to the door.

     Opening it a crack she looked out and watched Mom and Dad snuggle on the couch.  Then Dad looked over Mom's head and saw her.

     "Into bed Princess," he said.

     Mom turned and seeing her at the door, she stood up.  "Emrys," she began, when someone knocked at the door.

     "I'll get it.  You put Emrys to bed," Dad said.

     "Come on baby," Mom said walking toward Emrys.

     There was a loud boom as the front door slammed open.  Mom turned toward the front door.  "Kaleb," Mom yelled.  Emrys couldn't see what was happening.

     "What are you doing?" Dad sounded confused when another, louder bang sounded.

     Mom turned around and slammed the bedroom door closed.  Then she pulled Emrys with her, climbing on the bed towards the window.

     "What's happening Mom," Emrys asked.

     She didn't answer.  Instead she picked Emrys up and started to push her out the window.  Emrys dropped onto the fire escape.

     "Remember the plan," Mommy whispered and pressed a kiss to Emrys' forehead before pushing the window closed and shutting the curtains.

      Emrys moved as quietly as she could and climbed up the stairs to the roof and the hideaway her parents had made in a storage shed.

     Just as she made it over the edge of the roof another loud bang and a crash sounded below her, like the window breaking.  As the glass trinkled down to the ground below, Emrys dropped to her knees with her hands over her ears, biting on her lip until it bled so she wouldn't scream.

     It took her a moment but she started to crawl towards her hiding spot as quietly as possible.  She had to follow 'the plan' now.

                                                                                                 

Random Ramblings

   The start of the next generation.  I am waaaayy too into sad/gruesome beginnings.  First Rachael's mom is dead and now this.  Well, on to the next chapter.

   Oh and the song at the start is one of the verses from Jamie O'Neal's "I Love My Life".  It's one of my favorite songs and I thought it best described how the mom felt about her life.