Chapter 2.28: Fighting for Love

     "So your Sienna is the Bridgeport Black Widow," Dad started the discussion.

     Ochre snorted, "Start off by tying me with the widow, why don't you?  Yeah.  And it seems she was at Emrys's parents the day they were attacked."

     "What?  How do you know this?" Mom looked at Emrys.

     "I remembered seeing her when I arrived home from school," Emrys said.

     "You think she had something to do with their deaths?" Dad asked her.

     "I can't think of another reason she would have been there," Emrys answered.

     "We wanted to talk again about protecting us from her claim that the child is mine until we know for certain if it is or not," Ochre looked at his mom.

     "What are you thinking of," Mom asked.

     "You said that we would be in a similar position with any of my exes if we asked them to act as a shield from Sienna.  That's because they would then have a claim to our family," Ochre said, thinking aloud as he put his idea into words.

     "That's right.  Your ex would have the same claims Sienna does and if she isn't trustworthy she could take advantage of the situation."

     "So if my ex is trustworthy it could work," Ochre said glancing at Emrys.

     She looked at him before turning back to his mother.

     "Of course Emrys is trustworthy," Rachael said, "but the problem with her claim is the fact she didn't tell any of our family until now.  Sienna could argue that she is only claiming Amy is your daughter to usurp the baby's rights due to the break up of your relationship with her."

     "What if Ochre and I were married?"

     Ochre looked at Emrys, surprised by her suggestion.  She met his gaze and lifted a brow in question.

     Mom was silent for a moment, thinking about her suggestion.

     "You want to get married before we even go on a date," Ochre asked.

     "I want to protect our family," Emrys said and turned back to his mom.  "Wouldn't our claim be stronger if we were an official couple?"

     "The claim would be stronger," Mom admitted, "but we would never ask you two to marry just for that reason."

     "No one asked Aunt Ray, I volunteered.  We could sign papers at city hall and start the process for Amy's paternity test.  It's possible that by the time Sienna does get around to bringing her case to the courts we could cut off her rights to the family fortune.  She might still get some of Ochre's money because she's claiming the child is his but the rest of us would be protected."

     Ochre glared at her, "there was no mention of dating anywhere in that statement."

     Emrys rolled her eyes, "you and I are not going to date."

     "We will," Ochre stated.

     He looked at his mom when Emrys turned to glare at him.

     "Will Em's idea work?" he asked.

     "I honestly don't know.  The situation is almost unheard of in past cases.  Paternity testing is a recent practice.  It used to be that the word of the mother along with corroborating witnesses would decide paternity in such disputes.  It just might work like Emrys is suggesting to at least insulate the family's money from Sienna's reach."

     "We can sign the paperwork and start getting it processed tomorrow," Emrys said.

     "Ahem," Hunter coughed behind them, "there is still one slight potential problem."

     Ochre looked at his brother.

     "What do you mean," Dad asked.

     "Living arrangements.  Civil papers like Em is suggesting require that the couple live in the same residence.  One of you will have to move," he said looking at Emrys and Ochre.

     "I can move back to the house," Ochre said first.

     "Amy's lived here most of her life," he said when Emrys looked at him, "she shouldn't have to move to my house.  Besides it's not set up for children yet."

     "Then that's settled.  We can sign the papers tomorrow morning and move Ochre's things here in the afternoon," Emrys said.

     "Great," Ochre sighed.  As great as it would be to live with Em and Amy he knew she would be twice as determined to keep him at arms length.  Well, he thought, no one ever said fighting for love was easy.

                                                                                         

Random Rambling

   So the story is winding up for the final chapters.  Who has any guesses how it will end?  Besides the standard everyone (mostly) lives happily ever after.

Chapter 2.27: Bridgeport Black Widow

     After their talk with Amy, Emrys and Ochre went to Lean's office where Toya was working on sorting out the files they had copied from Joel's office.  He spent most of his working time on the project so they could save Rebecca and Emrys's brother as soon as possible.

     "How is it coming along?" Emrys asked walking up behind Toya.

     "It's coming.  I got maybe half of the files processed.  Lean has your Aunt Mags and Amber organizing it for presentation before the tribunal."

     "That's good.  Do you think you will have enough for them to arrest him?

     "Based on what I've already processed, he'll be getting multiple life sentences and so will a lot of other sims who've done the work for him."

     "How many are we talking about?" Ochre asked.

     Toya mouth twisted in disgust, "dozens.  He's had years of building up his little army to do all his dirty work so he never has to actually do it himself.  Fortunately for us there's enough evidence to show he was complicit in planning or funding several illegal actions."

     "Thank you Toya," Emrys kissed his cheek.

     "It's nothing, sister," Toya said.

     Emrys smiled.  In the last week Toya had taken to calling her sister at every opportunity.  It was nice, Emrys decided, to have someone whose faith in her never wavered.  It had been there all along she knew but now she recognized it.

     "One more thing before you leave," Toya said as Ochre and Emrys were leaving.

     "What is it?" Ochre asked as they walked back over.

     "Lean asked me to look into the Bridgeport Black Widow awhile ago.  Yesterday I managed to track down the aliases she used.  You'll never guess who she's married to now."

     "Who?" Emrys asked.

     "Joel Mulligan," Toya said looking up at them.

     Emrys stared at him.

     Toya smirked and nodded, "I wonder when she's going to decide to off him.  Hopefully, she won't get to it before he's arrested."

     "How did you find this out?" Ochre asked.

     "I started with her earlier victims.  I traced her movements.  She started in Bridgeport with her first two  victims.  She married them under aliases June Randall and Janice Westing.  From there she's been moving west ever since.  She married Joel almost two years ago under the name Jane Rice."

     Toya leaned back in his seat and crossed his arms.  Frowning at the screen he added, "this is the longest she's ever been married without killing her husband though."

     "Maybe he's not rich enough for her to kill just yet," Emrys suggested.

     "Maybe," Toya shrugged, "wanna see a photo of her?"

     "You found a photo?" Ochre asked.

     "Yeah.  It's from the wedding announcement to her third husband so a little old.  Maybe ten years old."

     "Bring it up to the big screen," Emrys suggested.

     Toya typed a few buttons on his keyboard and the map on the wall faded out to be replaced by the picture of a couple.  The prospective groom looked happy and in love with his bride-to-be.  She on the other hand appeared distant, almost disconnected from the happy nature of the photograph.

     Behind her she heard Ochre swearing, but Emrys couldn't look away from the bride.

     "It's her," she whispered.

     "Who?" Toya asked turning away from Ochre.

     "She was outside the apartment that day.  She was there when my parents died."

     "What do you mean?  Emrys, what are you talking about?" Ochre gripped Emrys' arms and turned her away from the screen.

     "Her," she said pointing to the screen.  "She was outside my families apartment the day my dad was killed.  I passed her on my way home from school."

     Emrys dropped her head into her hands when the tears began to fall.

     She sobbed from the pain.  The lady had asked if her dad would be home.  Her father died because Emrys had said he would come home later.

     Ochre pulled her over to the couch and held her while she cried.

     "It's not your fault," he murmured over and over, kissing her head and rocking her to comfort her.

     "It is," she cried.

     "No," he pleaded with her, "you were a child.  Nothing that happened was your fault.  Bad people did bad things to your family, but you are not responsible for anything that was done."

     "Your dad will be here soon.  He's coming from HQ at your aunt's house," Toya said.

     Emrys looked up at him.  He was putting his phone on the table and looking at Ochre.

     "Why is Lean coming home," Emrys asked.

     "I recognized the sim from the picture too.  It's Sienna. And she's already threatened to use her baby to take our family's money."

     "She can't do that.  Can she?" Emrys frowned.

     "Mom thinks it's a possibility," Ochre admitted.

     "You were getting Amy's birth certificate when she told us last week," Toya added.

     "But Amy's the first born." Emrys argued.

     "A paternity test would have to be done before the courts can declare her rightful heir," Toya said.

     Ochre nodded, "and in the meantime Sienna can submit a claim that her baby is mine.  The courts may still give her an allowance from our funds until the child is born and a paternity test can be done."

     "Isn't there anyway we can stop her?" Emrys asked gripping his hands.

     "Your mom dismissed the idea of asking an unknown ex about children Ochre, but wouldn't Em be a different matter?  It's not like she's going to try and reject you from Amy's life." Toya suggested.

     Ochre looked at him, "that's a good idea.  We'll ask her."

                                                                                         

Random Rambling

   I got no ramble in me today.  Enjoy the story.

Chapter 2.26: Daddy

     "Are you sure about telling her Em?" Ochre asked when he arrived at the house.

     It had been nearly a week since Emrys had revealed Amy's paternity and he was anxious to start getting to know his daughter.

     "Why?  Are you having doubts already?"

     "No.  I want her to know I'm her dad.  It's just that Amy only knows me as the absent cousin."

     "True," Emrys said leading him through the living room.

     She stopped in the arch to the playroom.  Looking inside Ochre could see Amy playing with the violin.

     "She's better than you were when you came here," he joked.  He smiled when Emrys laughed.

     "Not yet, but she really does love to play.  She's taking classes on her own at the skill center rather than following Saffron all day, which is what I thought she would do."

     Ochre frowned.  He looked at Emrys, "she's not even five years old yet.  Should she be taking formal lessons?"

     "I talked with the teacher before she started.  He's having her practice chords at home and teaching her to play children's songs.  His class is spent listening to different genres of music and exploring a variety of instruments.  More of a music appreciation really.  He's only doing the chords because Amy shows so much interest in the violin," she finished talking and looked at him with one eyebrow raised.  Daring him to question her further.

     He didn't take her up on the challenge.  "You obviously know better than I."

     She immediately softened, "Not better, longer.  So I've had more practice."

     "Amy," she called.

     Amy stopped playing and turned around.

     "Come here," Emrys called and gestured for her to come to them in the doorway.

     Amy put down her violin and walked over to them.

     Emrys took her hand and walked her to the living room.  They sat on the couch while Ochre sat on the love seat.

     "Do you remember Ochre from dinner a couple weeks ago?"

     Amy nodded, "He's the spaceship pilot."

     "Right," Emrys agreed. "He's also your dad."

     Ochre was surprised when Emrys just blurted it out.  Amy was frowning at her mom.

     "He's not my daddy.  He doesn't live with us," she argued.

     "Sweetie," Emrys said hugging Amy, "not all mommies and daddies live together.  Like Uncle Toya's mommy and daddy, sometimes they can live in different places."

     "You didn't say he was my daddy when we ate dinner."

     "No, I didn't.  I never told Ochre that you were going to be born so he didn't know that you're his daughter."

     Amy glanced at him from behind Emrys and Ochre tried his best to seem as friendly as he could.

     "Do I have to call you 'Daddy'?" she asked.

     "I would like you to call me 'Daddy' but if you don't want to yet I understand.  I've never had a daughter before so I'm hoping you can teach me what I need to do."

     Amy looked at him thoughtfully.

     Ochre was surprised when she got up and joined him on the love seat.  She gestured for him to lean down.

     When he did she whispered into his ear, "I never had a daddy before though, so I don't know what a daddy is supposed to do."

     Ochre had to swallow past the lump in his throat before whispering back.  "Maybe we can learn together then."

     "Okay," Amy smiled and hugged him.

     Ochre wrapped his arms around his little girl for the first time and thanked his lucky stars he had this chance to start making things right with his daughter.

     Amy let go before he was ready to release her.

     "Can I go practice now?" she asked.

     "Yes," Emrys said.

     Amy gave him and Emrys each a hug before leaving the room.  A couple minutes later the violin began playing.  Ochre braced his arms on his knees and propped his head on his hands.

     "You did a good job raising her Em," he said when he could talk again.

     "I had your mom and dad to help me.  They've done more than I have," she admitted.

     "No," he said looking at her.  "She's loved and freely offers her love to everyone around her in return.  That's only something she could do because of you."

     Emrys blushed and looked down, "Thank you.  Sometimes I wondered if I've done right by her, with work taking me away as it does."

     "Don't doubt it, Emrys.  You've raised an amazing little girl."

                                                                                        

Random Rambling

   Again, moving on...

Chapter 2.25: That Special Something

     The house seemed quiet when Emrys arrived.  Her thoughts buzzed and swirled in a hundred different directions after her talk with Ochre.

     Toya was reading in the living room when Emrys entered.

     "There were no problems then?" she asked.

     "None," he said closing the book.  "Your aunt's been in the kitchen making cookies with both Amy and Saffron.  Nothing unusual's been said so I didn't see any point in leaving."

     "Leaving?  You're leaving again?  Why?" Rachael asked from the door.

     Emrys turned to look at her aunt.  "No one's leaving Aunt Ray," she said over her aunt's talking.

     "I'll leave you two to talk," Toya said standing up as her aunt walked toward Emrys.

     "Coward," Emrys called around her aunt.

     Toya chuckled but waved a hand as he left the room.

     "Em?" her aunt's voice broke saying her name and Emrys looked back at her aunt.

     She flinched at the pain in her aunt's eyes.  "I'm not going anywhere Aunt Ray," she mumbled and fidgeted beneath her aunts gaze.

     "Why didn't you tell me or Lean anything?  Did you think we would throw you out or something?"

     "No!!" Emrys exclaimed looking at her aunt, "I never once thought that.  It was just complicated."

     Rachael took her hands and pulled her to sit on the couch, "can you tell me now?"

     "It's not just my story to tell Aunt," Emrys hesitated to speak.

     "Tell me what you can then.  I need to know why you wouldn't tell us," Rachael pleaded.

     Emrys sighed, "It was just one night and he left right after.  When he never came back I didn't want to stay here and raise my baby surrounded by memories.  I didn't want to have to smile and pretend to be happy when he finally came back with someone else as his wife.  I never meant to come back when I left five years ago."

     "You were just going to disappear?  Like your mother?"  Rachael asked.

     "NO! Yes.  I just...I didn't feel like I could stay here and I didn't want to put you and Uncle Lean in the middle."

     "What made you decide to come back?"

     "I got sick.  I realized I needed your help to protect the baby but by then so much time had passed I didn't think I could tell you about Ochre being the father.  Everyone just assumed Ritchie was the dad and it was easier just to let everyone keep believing that."

     Rachael sighed, "When you and Toya returned with a baby I always wondered if it was Ritchie or Toya who was the father.  You were so accepting when he and Hunter started getting serious I didn't want to cause trouble by asking.  But it was really Ochre."

     "I never told him either, Aunt Ray."

     Rachael snorted, "I know that.  If he knew about this he would have moved the world to be with you and Amy."

     Emrys turned her head.  She didn't want to argue with her aunt but she had her doubts.  Though Ochre's words earlier seemed to support what Rachael said.

     "You don't believe it do you?"

     Emrys shrugged.

     "You were still too young at the time.  Maybe 17, almost 18 years old, but sometimes I would see Ochre watching you.  It wasn't as a brother or as cousin, but as a sim who found that special something in another, that told them this is the person for them."

     Emrys looked at her aunt, "I never noticed."

     "He was always careful to make some remark or other that had you yelling at him a second later when you would catch him looking."

     Emrys blinked.  A lot of her memories with Ochre did involve yelling at him.

     "When are you going to tell Amy?"

     "I don't know.  Ochre wants to be a dad so we'll tell her.  Can you wait until then before you start having her call you 'Grandma'?" Emrys asked.

     Rachael laughed, "Me.  A grandma.  I was beginning to wonder if I would have to wait for Hunter to adopt or Saffron to grow up first."

                                                                                                        

Random Ramblings

   Another relatively short chapter.  Just moving along now....

Chapter 2.24: Dreams

     It hurt Ochre to hear the sadness but he didn't want to hurt her more by making a promise he couldn't keep.  He understood her reservations and respected her protectiveness over their daughter but he would have to show her she didn't need to protect Amy from him.

     He had done a lot of damage to their relationship when he left, the first step to fixing it would be to find a way to show he would be here.  Not just for Amy but for Emrys too.

     He followed her to the front door after they finished eating.  She was opening the door when a thought occurred to him.

     "Em?" he stopped her before she left.

     She turned to look at him.

     "Earlier, when we were talking, you said you loved me.  That you've loved me since the day we met."

     Emrys looked down at the ground but didn't deny what he was saying.

     "Do you still love me or am I an even bigger idiot than I knew?"

     Emrys remained silent, refusing to look up at him now.

     "Okay," he nodded to himself, making a decision.

     "Okay...what?" Emrys asked, finally looking at him.

     "You still love me.  You don't want to, because you're afraid I'll let you down again, but you do."

     "You can't know that," she whispered.

     Ochre grinned at her, "I'm going to prove that you can trust me again.  And when you're ready we'll go on dates and be a family."

     While she stuttered in disbelief.  Ochre leaned over and brushed a butterfly kiss over her lips before pushing her out the door and closing it.

     "You said we would talk about this after," she yelled through the door at him.

     Ochre laughed.  Placing his hands on the door he leaned against it, "I didn't think I could promise I wouldn't be an idiot again.  But I've been an idiot all along and you still love me anyways.  I'm not going to let my mistakes rob us of a life together.

     "I told you I had a dream when I woke up all those years ago and you were still sleeping.  I dreamt of what our future could be together Em.  I saw red-haired children and home full of laughter and love.  Em, that dream has kept me from moving on with anyone else 'cuz it wouldn't be with you.  I want it all Em and I want it with you."

     He placed his head against the door and closed his eyes, "consider this your warning, because I won't let fear stop us any more.  Not mine and not yours either.  I'm coming home."

     Ochre listened and for a long time there was no response from the other side of the door.

     Then there was a soft thump and Ochre opened his eyes.  On the other side Emrys mirrored his stance and was looking directly at him.  He saw worry and fear in her eyes but in the deepest depths there was the smallest glimpse of hope as well.

     "Be sure Ochre," she whispered through the door.  "Please don't promise me anything you won't deliver."

     "I promise Em.  We have a lot of things to work out but I'm going to be here for the both you and Amy."

     Emrys stared at him some more before turning to walk down the stairs and across the street.  By the time she reached the corner Ochre was already pulling the phone out of his pocket.

     "Hey dad.  I need your help with something."

                                                                                       

Random Ramblings

   So...thoughts?

Chapter 2.23: To Be a Father

     Ochre was in awe when she smiled at him though it was more wistful than happy.

     "The past is past Ochre, it can't be changed.  I came to talk about what you want to do in the future."

     "I haven't had anything to eat today.  Let me make something and we can talk while we eat."

     He led her towards the bar and settled her on the stool.

     "Since when do you cook?" she asked as he walked around to the fridge.

     "You say that like I don't have any skills to take care of myself," he said.

     She smirked at him but didn't say anything.

     He laughed, "a salad isn't that hard to throw together."

     "It's not high cuisine but it's nutritious," he said placing a bowl in front of her when he finished.

     "Thank you," Emrys said, eating her salad.

     "What do you want to talk about," Ochre asked.

     "What type of relationship do you want to have with Amy?"

     Ochre frowned at her question, "she's my daughter Em.  I want to be her father."

     "Look Ochre," she sighed putting down her fork, "I don't want to deny you a chance to get to know Amy but I don't want to put her in a position where she is always waiting for you to drop in when it's convenient."

     "You know my transport business takes me out on long hauls.  It's not going to make me any less a part of her life."

     "But it already has Ochre.  If you'd been here for any length of time in the last five years all of this might have come out already."

     "Or it might not have.  Despite the timing I always thought it was just a coincidence and your ex was her dad.  I never questioned it before."

     "I just want your promise that you will make an effort to spend more time in town for her.  If you want to be a dad, what's best for Amy comes first.  Not whatever is convenient for us."

     "I get it Em.  I've stopped traveling since dad pulled me in to help with your case."

     "And when it's done?  What will you do once we've saved my mom and brother and my uncle's been arrested?"

     "I don't know.  Let's get through this first, then we'll see.  Okay?"

     "Sure," Emrys sighed sadly.

                                                                                                     

Random Ramblings

   So I've entered slightly uncharted territory.  All my musings about this generation have focused on the previous two/three chapters so now I'm just writing and taking pictures for the story as it just comes to me.

   How's it coming so far?

Chapter 2.22: Reckoning

     "Just tell Ochre to go home.  I'll meet him there to talk," Emrys said.  Arguing in the background started when Rachael passed her message on.

     "He's leaving.  Emrys why didn't you ever tell Lean or me about this?  Why are we just now hearing that Amy is our granddaughter?

     "Not now, Aunt Ray.  After I talk to Ochre I'll tell you everything.  Just please pretend like nothing has changed for Amy's sake,"  Emrys hung up the phone before her aunt could say anything else.

     Putting her phone away she walked back over to the pirate ship where Toya was playing with the girls.  Toya looked at her as she walked over.

     "Amy," Emrys called her daughter over.  She kneeled in front of the little girl, "Toya is going to take you and Saffron home.  I have to go somewhere but I'll be home in time to tuck you in tonight okay?"

     "Okay, mommy."

     "Everything okay," Toya asked as Amy went back to play with Saffron.

     "Yeah.  Just the time of reckoning has come.  I asked Aunt Ray to play dumb for now but if you think they can't, take Amy to our hideout."

     "I know," Toya said heading back to the playground.

     "Toya?" Emrys called.

     He turned back to her, "Will it cause trouble with you and Hunter?  If you have to disappear?"

     "You're my sister Em.  Don't borrow trouble until we have to,"  he smiled at her.


     Ochre frowned at her when he answered the door.

     "Well hello to you too," Emrys said and stepped inside.

     "Were you ever going to tell me I have a daughter Emrys," he asked.

     "With all the time you spend away from home how was I ever going to tell you in the first place?" Emrys asked her own question.

     "I've been back over the last five years so don't tell me there weren't opportunities to tell me before this."

     "Enough," Emrys said and pushed past Ochre and into the house.  "If you hadn't disappeared the day after I probably would have told you as soon as I found out, but when you didn't come back after three months I left the house."

     "Why would you leave the house?" Ochre asked sitting on his couch.

     "I don't know?  Let's see...how about I was pregnant or maybe it was because I didn't have a boyfriend anymore," Emrys said sarcastically as she sat on the next to him.

     "Right," Ochre sighed and slumped on the couch.

     Emrys looked him over in confusion. "You're not yelling anymore. Are you okay?" she asked.

     "Yeah.  I was angry earlier but honestly I already knew why you wouldn't tell me.  I was a coward and a jerk when I ran away while you were still asleep.  I just couldn't handle what I thought was a betrayal of my mom's trust."

      "What does my Aunt Ray have to do with anything between us, Ochre?"

     Ochre sat forward and turned to her, "my mom is your aunt.  We've been family all our lives and even though intellectually I knew that there wasn't anything wrong with what we did, I still somehow thought it was wrong.

     "Mom's been great and while she's never made me feel any less loved than Hunter or Saffron I've always been aware that my name isn't O'Malley.  When I woke up and saw you sleeping next to me, for a brief moment, I thought it was a dream.  And while I looked at your sleeping face I imagined what the next sixty years would be like.

     "But then I remembered it wasn't a dream, you are an O'Malley, younger than I am and it felt like I was taking advantage of you in that moment," Ochre finished speaking and looked down at his hands which he clasped together in front of him.

     "You can be such an idiot at times Ochre," Emrys murmured taking one of his hands in hers,  "I couldn't care less what your name is.  I've loved you since the day we met when you showed me to the playroom where the children's violin was.  Since my parents died music was the one thing I missed most about my old life.  While I know that wasn't anything big to you it meant everything to me on that day."

     Emrys looked down at the ground, "I never meant to keep it secret I was just so hurt when you disappeared the way you did.  Then when I found out I was pregnant I was scared because I thought you didn't want anything more to do with me.  A baby would tie us together in a way that can't be broken.  So, I decided to keep it a secret."

     "But Toya knew," Ochre said.

     "Huh?" Emrys asked.

     "At the house.  When you two were leaving, he said congrats as he walked past."

     Emrys dropped his hand and stood up.

     "Emrys?" Ochre asked.

     She paced over to the window and looked outside.  Emrys wrapped her arms around herself for comfort as she remembered that period of her past.

     "Toya followed me when I left the house.  He stayed with me during my pregnancy.  He thought Ritchie was the father and I let him believe it at first.  But around the sixth month I started getting really sick.  I had a seizure once and my doctor tried to convince me to agree to an emergency abortion.  The impact it had on my health made it too high risk to continue with the pregnancy.

     "When I refused I knew I had to tell him in case I didn't survive the birth.  I asked him to bring the baby back to you, Aunt Ray and Uncle Lean."

     The couch creaked as Ochre stood up.  After a moment she felt heat at her back so she knew he must have walked up behind her.  She hunched her shoulders away from his warmth.

     "If it was so dangerous why did you go through with it?" he asked.

     Emrys turned around but after a glance at his face she looked to the away.

     "It was your baby.  Despite the way you left, I still loved you and couldn't stand the idea of never seeing our child."

     "I'm sorry, Em," Ochre said.

     Emrys looked up at him then.  She could see in his eyes that he was sorry for what she had gone through.  "I'm not.  I have a beautiful daughter and a small piece of you no one else could ever have."

     Ohcre took her hands in his, "Then I'm sorry that I wasn't there.  That I was so selfish and unreliable you couldn't come to me for help when you needed it."

                                                                                  

Random Ramblings

   Yet another scene I've been looking forward to for ages.

Chapter 2.21: Do The Math

     Ochre stared into the glass of juice before him, watching as the light from the rising sun turned it amber in color.

     The alarm on his phone went off.  Reaching over, Ochre silenced the alarm before dialing the number for his parent's house.

     "Ochre," his dad answered the phone, "Can you come to the house after breakfast?"

     Ochre blinked once, surprised by how his father started the conversation.

     "Sure," he answered, "but I have a problem I need your advice with."

     "We can talk when you come over," Cerulean said then hung up the phone.

     Ochre snorted and put down his phone.  "Sure dad," he said to himself.  He picked up his juice and swallowed it in a couple fast gulps before leaving his house.  If he walked he would make it to the house by the time they finished breakfast there.


     His dad answered the door when he arrived.

     "You're right on time.  Emrys just returned from dropping the girls at the Skill Center."

     Cerulean led the way into the kitchen.  His mom and Emrys were already seated at the counter.  His brother and Toya stood on the other side, they were both still dressed in their pajamas.

     Ochre settled into the corner opposite his brother and Toya and waited for his dad to talk.

     "Ray there is some good news that Emrys and Toya brought home with them last night," Cerulean began.  "In addition to some electronic files that might help us put Joel in prison, Emrys found someone you've been missing for many years."

     Ochre looked at his mom and saw her look back and forth between Emrys, Toya and Dad.

     Emrys touched her hand, "Aunt Ray.  I found my mom at Joel's."

     Ochre straightened and looked at his dad.  Cerulean nodded at him while Emrys continued talking, "She's been there since the night he broke into our home when I was a girl.  He's kept her prisoner by holding my brother hostage.  She was pregnant when he killed my dad."

     "Where is she?  You didn't leave them there did you?" Mom asked starting to stand.

     "We had too," Toya said.  "Emrys's brother wasn't there and if we rescued Rebecca without rescuing the boy at the same time, Joel would be warned to hide him somewhere we couldn't find him."

     "We're going to get them both out," Cerulean said.  "As soon as we locate where the boy is we'll be able to rescue both of them."

     Ochre turned around and leaned on the counter as his dad was reassuring his mom.  He was ashamed that he would have to add to his dad's troubles at this time.

     "What's with you," Emrys asked behind him.

     "Mom are you able to make Toya or Saffron your heir at this point?" he asked instead of answering.

     "Why?" Rachael asked.

     He turned and looked at his mom as he answered, "Last night Sienna told me she's pregnant and that I'm the father."

     A sweep of the room revealed expressions ranging from shock and surprise to hurt and anger.  Why Emrys or Toya would be feeling those emotions he didn't know but Ochre focused back on his mom.

     "Are you sure she's pregnant?  Is it really possible it is your child?" Rachael asked.

     "I don't know if she is or not but I don't think she would threaten my family if she wasn't.  And of course it's possible it's mine, Mom.  I'm not a monk after all, but whether it is or not I don't know since I had just caught her making out with Joel Mulligan moments before."

     "What do you mean, she threatened us?" Cerulean asked.

     "She said she would go to the courts for custody and the inheritance rights.  She couldn't do that could she?  What if the baby isn't mine?"

     Rachael tapped the bar stool next to her that Emrys had vacated.

     "You've got horrible judgment," Hunter commented as Ochre sat on the stool.

     Ochre glared at brother but didn't argue since he thought Hunter had a point.

     "Hush," Rachael shushed.  "Precedent is in her favor Ochre.  Similar cases in the past have granted the non-family parent proxy status on their child's behalf.  Since you travel so much, it's more likely that she would be given proxy rights.

     "We could try to argue that as the next Head of the Family the child could be raised here but she would still receive a percentage of our incomes until the baby was born and a paternity test can be done."

     "What if the baby isn't his first born?  Ochre's had other girlfriends in the past?" Toya asked.

     Rachael shook her head, "we could ask any who've had a child during that time to allow a paternity test but we might face the same problems in those situations."

     "So I messed up by trusting Sienna," Ochre stated putting his head in his hands.

     "Probably," Emrys said returning to the room.  Ochre hadn't noticed her leave it.  "But you're an idiot in general."

     "Why are you always calling me an idiot," Ochre asked exasperated.

     "Do the math," she said slapping a document onto the counter in front of him.  With a nod towards the door directed at Toya, she left the room.  "We're gonna go back to the Skill Center until the girls are done with their classes, Aunt Ray," she called back.

     "The girls won't be done for another couple of hours," Rachael answered.

     "Congrats," Toya commented, knocking on the papers as he followed her out the door.

     "'Congrats' on what?" Hunter asked, leaning over to look at the papers.

     Ochre looked down too.  Across the top in fancy script was Certificate of Birth.

     A birth certificate?, he thought reading the rest of the document.

     The sim named was Amethyst O'Malley.  Under mother was Emrys O'Malley and under father was...Ochre did a double take.
   

     In shock Ochre dropped his head onto his hand.  Under father was his name.  Ochre Palette.

     What have I done?

                                                                                        

Random Ramblings

   So, who was surprised?

   I'm not sure how much of a surprise this was since I've known this was coming since the beginning of this story.  Honestly, this was one of the scenes I've most looked forward to writing.  I've played it out so many times in different ways.  I once thought he would find out in a confrontation with Emrys's ex-boyfriend at the lounge or in a bar...  I think I like this way better.

   Here are head shots of all three.  I think Amy is nearly identical to her mom, but her eye shape is just a little more Ochre than Emrys.

Chapter 2.20: My Mom's Alive

     Toya didn't say a word on their way back to the house.  Emrys was thankful since she didn't think she could say anything right then.

     She didn't say anything until they arrived at the house.  Looking up at the house where her family were likely fast asleep she spoke first, "I forgot to tell her about Amy."

     Toya looked at her but Emrys couldn't look away from the house at that moment.  Toya took her hand in his and squeezed it.

     "We promised to get her out of there Emmy.  Both of them and once we do you can tell both of them about Amy and you can get to know your brother."

     He took her other hand and turned her to look at him, "You'll have time to tell them everything you've wanted to tell her all these years.  But first things first.  Let's go tell your Uncle what we found.  He'll help you decide what to do next."

     Emrys nodded and followed him to Lean's office on the side of the house.  While the house was dark because of the late hour a solitary light over door was lit in the sign that Lean was awake and waiting for them to report in.

     "Ochre made it home safe.  He checked in thirty minutes ago," Lean said with out turning around from the computer.

     Emrys might have thought that Uncle Lean was giving Aunt Ray an update but experience had taught her that he always knew what was going on or did his best to make everyone else believe he did.  Beside the hidden camera by the door would have filmed their approach and shown the video on his monitor.

     She and Toya took seats on the couch and waited for Cerulean to finish what he was doing.

     "How did it go," Cerulean asked standing and walking over to them, "did you find anything we might use?"

     Emrys gripped Toya's hand. silently asking him to start.  She wasn't ready to talk about her mother yet.

     Toya squeezed back and started talking, "I found files on his computer that were password protected but he's not tech savvy.  The password was written on a pad of paper in the desk drawer."

     Cerulean frowned, "are you sure it wasn't a false password?"

     "I backed up his hard drive first just in case.  But it was the real deal.  Like you thought there are invoices and emails going back years.  I worked on one thread before we got the page from Ochre.  It led me straight to an open case we had a couple years ago in Oasis Springs.  Apparently you were right and it was connected to Joel."

     "An Oasis Springs case," Cerulean said thoughtfully, "the owner of the Solar Flare's suicide?"

     Toya nodded, "that one."

     "That's great.  Toya I'll need you to go through the rest of the files, tracing all connections and leads.  Let's set up a solid case for the Tribunal so we can go after your uncle, Emrys."

     "My mom's alive," Emrys blurted out.

     "What?" Cerulean confusedly asked. looking at her.

     "My mom.  She's alive," Emrys stood and walked away from the couch.  Crossing her arms for comfort she continued, "Joel has been keeping her prisoner at his house.  And I have a brother I never knew about."

     "You saw her," Cerulean said.

     Emrys nodded while Toya voiced the answer, "yes."

     "We both saw her.  She refused to leave because it would jeopardize her son.  I promised her we'd get them both away from Joel as soon as possible."

     "Of course we will," Cerulean confirmed.  He stood up and walked up behind Emrys.

     Placing a hand on her shoulder he added, "it's a good thing she's alive Emrys.  Not only will you get to see your mom and brother, but it adds to our case."

     "How?" Emrys asked turning to her uncle.

     "When Sage brought you to us she also brought a complete copy of the enforcer's report on your parent's deaths.  Both of them were pronounced dead at the scene and their bodies taken to the morgue.  If your mom turns up alive and well after all these years, in your uncle's house no less, it means the enforcers lied and the tribunal will be able to act."

     Emrys hugged her uncle.  She was starting to believe that she might be able to have her family back again.

     "Thank you Uncle Lean," she whispered.

     He shook his head, "go check on your little girl and go to bed.  We'll tell everyone the good news tomorrow."

     He pulled back and smiled at her, "your aunt will be so happy to hear that your mom is still alive.  It broke her heart to hear she died."

     Emrys smiled back.  "My mom's alive," she said again just to hear it aloud.

     Toya walked up next to them and place a hand on her back, "She's alive and we're going to rescue both her and your brother, Emmy.  Believe that too."  Cerulean nodded his agreement.

     "Thank you both.  For helping me with this all these years."

                                                                                            

Random Ramblings

   Some happy news for everyone.  Yay.  As I mentioned before I didn't originally intend to bring Rebecca back from the dead but I'm so happy I did.

Chapter 2.19: Hostage

     The sim on the bed stiffened before turning around and looking at Emrys.  Her jaw dropped and worked for a moment but she didn't make a sound.

     "Emrys," she finally breathed, her voice barely above a whisper.  Rebecca O'Malley stood and walked around the foot of the bed.

     Emrys nodded, "It's me Mom."

     She tumbled back a step when her mother threw herself into her arms.

     "Emrys, Emrys, Emrys," her mom repeated between sobs.  Emrys tightened her grip and buried her face in her mom's shoulder.  

     Her mom calmed slowly and managed to hold back her tears.  She pulled away from Emrys though she kept a grip on her hands and pulled Emrys over to the bed.

     "Why are you here?" Rebecca asked.

     "I was looking for evidence that Uncle Joel had killed you and dad but if you're here..."Emrys trailed off looking at her mom.

     Rebecca shook her head.  "He killed your father that night."

     "How did you get here," Emrys asked.  "The Jefferson Enforcers told us that you and Dad both died."

     Rebecca looked down, "He has enforcers on his payroll.  They came to the apartment after he shot your father and carried me out.  They probably made a false report to cover my disappearance.  Joel didn't kill me because he wanted what your father had.  The family fortune and me."

     Emrys grimaced and placed her hand on mother's but didn't ask the question.  She didn't want to know yet.

     "We can get you out of here mom," she said.  "You don't have to stay anymore.  I know Aunt Ray and Uncle Lean will help protect you until we can get Joel arrested."

     "No," Rebecca said and grabbed Emrys' arm startling her.  "I can't leave.  He has your brother somewhere."

     It was Emrys' turn to drop her jaw.  "I have a brother," she squeaked.

     "I was pregnant when he killed your dad.  Joel is using him to keep me under his control.  He keeps him somewhere else but I don't know where.  I only get to see him once a month when Joel is feeling 'generous'," she said the last word sarcastically.

     Emrys jumped when her phone buzzed in her pocket.

     She pulled it out and looked at it.

     "What is it," Rebecca asked.

     "Uncle Lean is telling us to wrap up our search and exit the building."

     "Us?" Rebecca echoed.

     "Emrys," Toya called from the hallway.

     Rebecca flinched at the voice.  Emrys stood up and opened the door stepping into the hall with Rebecca following behind her.

     Toya was startled.  Emrys could see it even with the glasses shading half his face.

     "Toya," she said quickly before he could react, "this is my mom.  Joel has been keeping her prisoner for all these years."

     His shock turned to thunder as she said this.  Toya nodded, "we can get you out of here, Mrs. O'Malley."

     "No," Emrys said while Rebecca shook her head.  "Joel is using my brother as a hostage and if mom leaves there's no telling what he might do to him."

     "The scum," Toya said, "okay.  I'll make sure the coast is clear first then we'll leave."

     He looked at Rebecca, "I'm sorry we have to leave you but I promise we'll come back for you."

     "Thank you," Rebecca said giving him a small smile.

     "I'll get you out of here somehow," Emrys said hugging her mom as Toya walked down the stairs.

     "If you could somehow find and save your brother that will be more than enough," Rebecca pleaded.

     "I'll find him but I'm not giving up on you either Mom." Emrys said.  She stood looking at her mom, "Now that I know you're alive I'll never give up on you."

     "Stay safe," Rebecca said.

     "I will.  I love you mom."

     "I love you, too."

                                                                                                

Random Ramblings

   So when I was moving Joel into one of the premade houses in Willow Creek I ended up bringing his entire household with him, which included Rebecca and Kaleb.  (Yes, they are still alive in game.  I didn't have the patience to really kill them when I was playing.  And now I'm glad cuz I can just create the brother for real and add him to the community.)  

   Like I've said somewhere before, I'm using the family to tell a story it just isn't the game play story.  I think robinsonfam said it best once.  His sims are like actors.  That's what my sims are here.  Actors.  In my story.

   To read robinsonfam's story (which I do recommend BTW) go here...

http://www.robinsonfamts4.com/