Chapter 1.18: No Words To Express

     The two weeks since Cerulean left to track the escaped fugitive passed slowly for everyone in the house.  Rachael didn't get to speak with him while he was gone.  It was a security protocol his family had long established for agents in the field.  Mags gave her daily updates and passed messages along for Rachael, but it wasn't the same as hearing his voice.

     She missed having him home and she could tell Ochre, River and even Rebecca missed his being there too.  And he was coming home today.  Rachael could tell from her last conversation with Mags that they were disappointed he hadn't found the escapee or any more information during his trip but she was looking forward to his return.

     While she knew that he would have to leave again after the party to follow more leads, she was happy they were going to get to see him for the short time he would be home.

     Rachael got up early to make breakfast for the children before they left for school.  Her stomach rumbled as she fried the bread for grilled cheese sandwiches.

     "Grilled cheese?  That's not a breakfast food, Ray," Rebecca said coming into the kitchen.

     "I was craving something cheezy," Rachael said moving sandwiches from the pan to a plate.  Setting the platter on the table Rachael joined Rebecca at the island to eat.

     "Where's your sister and Ochre?" she asked biting into her sandwich.

     Rebecca made a face at her sandwich before eating it.  She hadn't told anyone why but the kids were putting up with a lot of weird meal choices since Rachael found out that she was pregnant.  None of them did much more than make funny faces although the girls had begged Rhidian to make them something else when Rachael made apple pie and chili for dinner one night.

     "So what kind of cake do you want for your birthday tonight?" Rachael asked.

     "Are you making it?" Rebecca asked.

     Rachael had to bite back a smile when she saw the horror on her sister's face at the thought of her cooking.

     "I was going to, but if you want I can ask Rhidian if he would mind baking it."

     "Good.  Tell him I want a strawberry cake please."

     "Right," Rachael said as River and Ochre walked through the kitchen.  "Good morning you two."

     "Morning Ray.  When is Lean coming home?" River said taking a plate of grilled cheese.

     "This morning while you three are at school.  He'll be here for Becks party tonight after you get home."

     "Good." the kids said.  They were convinced that Lean's absence was the reason for Rachael's unusual cooking.



     Something brushing her cheek woke her from her afternoon nap.  Opening her eyes Rachael smiled when she saw Cerulean leaning over her.

     "You're home," she said brushing her fingers along his cheek.

     "I'm back," he said catching her hand and pressing a kiss to her fingers.  "I didn't think I would a sleeping beauty waiting for me when I got here though.  Is everything okay?"

     "Yeah, I worked this morning and took the afternoon off so that I could greet you when you got home.  Guess I goofed that up."

      "Nah, this is a nice way to find my wife after being gone for so long," Cerulean said helping her sit up on the bed before sitting in the chair next to the bed.

     "I have some news for you," Rachael said.

     "What is it," Cerulean asked.

     "I'm pregnant," she blurted out.

     When he didn't say anything Rachael started babbling, "I found out two days ago,  I wasn't feeling well recently.  I was getting sick and nothing was tasting right so I went to the doctors and they did the test and I'm six weeks pregnant and you're not saying anything.  Why aren't you saying anything?"

     "I'm still trying to process 'pregnant'," Cerulean admitted.  "A baby?  You're sure?

     "Yeah," Rachael smiled.  Taking his hand she pressed it over her flat stomach, "we have a baby growing inside me."

     Cerulean moved to sit next to her on the bed.  He fanned his fingers over her stomach.

     "A baby," he said again.  When he looked up at her Rachael saw unshed tears in his eyes.

     "Are you happy about this?" Rachael asked.

     "I don't have the words to express how happy I am," Cerulean said leaning over and pressing a kiss to her lips, "thank you Ray."

     Rachael smiled, "tonight is Becks birthday so I want to tell everyone tomorrow.  Let today be about Rebecca, you know?"

     Cerulean nodded his head.  Cerulean lay down on the bed and pulled Rachael down with him.  He wrapped her in his arms they laid together in silence.  Rachael rested her head on his shoulder and had just started to doze off again when he spoke.

     "I stopped by Mags's house on the way home.  She thinks that the next likely place to look is Starlight Shores.  She's already making arrangements for me to go there in the next day or two with Viridian."

     "How long will you be gone?" Rachael asked without lifting her head.  She didn't want him to see the disappointment she felt knowing he would be leaving again so soon.

     "Two, maybe three weeks was her original estimate but I'm going to tell her I can't be gone longer than two weeks and I need at least a week before going out again."

     Rachael kept silent knowing that he was trying his best to meet all of his responsibilities.  She didn't want to make it any harder on him, but it was disheartening to know he would only get a week here and there or a day every now and again in their foreseeable future.

     "I didn't get to go through the pregnancy process with Ochre's mom.  We weren't together when she found out and I didn't find out until she was almost eight months along.  I want to be a part of this time with you and the baby as much as I can," he started.

     "But you still have to find your escapee," she finished when he trailed off.

     "It's important that they go back to prison.  A lot of harm can be done to innocents if they aren't put away soon."

     "You're stubborn.  They'll get tired of running long before you give up the chase," Rachael said.

     Cerulean's laugh rumbled under her ear and Rachael smiled, happy just to habe made him laugh.

                                                                                            

Random Ramblings

   So the next generation is on their way.  

   Is it just me or are my chapters getting shorter of late?  Well I think it's better than super long anyway.

Chapter 1.17: For Your Sake

     Rachael stretched in the bed before looking at the clock on the dresser.  1:34 pm.  She had time before the children would be returning from school.  She got out of bed and put on her dress before going to the kitchen and opening the refrigerator, looking at the notes on it.  Work til 8 -R.

     So Rhidian would be at work until later that night leaving her to make an after school meal for the children.  Rachael checked for the ingredients for grilled cheese sandwiches and seeing them closed the door.  Leaving the room she found Cerulean at the computer desk.

     "News from work?" she asked.

     "Mags compiled a list of recent sightings.  The evidence suggests that the fugitive is in Bridgeport."

     "Bridgeport?  That's at least an eight hour flight from here."

     "Yeah.  I've been talking with her and Viridian, trying to determine how concrete her reports are and if I should go..." he trailed off.

     Rachael looked at Cerulean as he stared at the computer screen, deep in thought.

     "You need to go," she said.

     Cerulean looked up at her in surprise.  Rachael smiled pleased that she had surprised him.  "You need to go," she repeated, "you need to find this fugitive and put them away again or you are obviously going to worry about the harm they could do to the children."

     "It's unlikely they would ever be able to find us here.  Mags is amazing at her job and she arranged for the move in a way that wouldn't leave a trail."

     "You're still worried," Rachael pointed out cupping his chin with her hands.  "How long will you be gone?"

     "It shouldn't be more than a week or two.  I need time to investigate the sightings and maybe find them but I'll be back by Rebecca's birthday."

     Rachael nodded, "Okay."

     "Are you sure you're okay with this," Cerulean asked pulling her to sit in his lap.

     Rachael shook her head, "No I'm not sure, but you need to do this.  I'll make myself be okay with it."

     "You are amazing," he said.

     "It's promising for our future that you recognize that now," Rachael tried joking.

     Cerulean laughed before releasing her to make the arrangements with his brother and sister.

     Rachael went back to the kitchen and started cooking sandwiches for an early dinner.


     "It was Joey's fault.  He kept pulling my hair and when I told him to stop the Principal told me to behave but I was behaving.  It was Joey who wasn't behaving."

     Rachael nodded as River told them about her day at school.  She looked at Cerulean who nodded to her, letting her know he was ready to tell the kids he would be leaving the next day.

     "Rebecca, River, Ochre, I have some news for you three," Cerulean said when River stopped talking, "I have to go away for work for a couple of weeks.  You three, Ray, Rhidian and Patrick will be here on your own."

     "Are you coming back?" River asked.

     "He has to come back," Rebecca interrupted before either adult could answer, "he's married to Ray."

     "Right now Lean will be gone for two weeks," Rachael broke in before the girls could start arguing. "He's planning to return the day before your birthday Becks."

     Rachael looked at Ochre sitting next to her.  The boy wouldn't say a word but worry was all over his face.

     "It's not forever," she said taking his hand, "It's just for work.  River, Becks and I will be here with you.  Okay?"

     Ochre squeezed her hand and nodded his head.

     That night Rachael tucked the children in.  Ocre was first.

     "Goodnight," she said kissing his forehead while the girls got ready for bed behind her.

     She smiled and brushed back his hair as he yawned.  Turning she walked through the arch to the girls room.  River was already in bed as Rebecca climbed under the covers.

   

     "Goodnight girls," she said

     "Goodnight Ray," two voices said from under the covers.

     Leaving the room Rachael ran into Patrick in the hallway.

     "You're back," Rachael said hugging the old man.

     "You didn't really think you were getting rid of me so easy did you?" he asked with a chuckle.

     "No.  I just didn't know when you were returning.  You missed dinner," she said.

     "I ate with your uncle.  How are the girls?'

     "Sleeping or nearly asleep by now."

     Patrick took Rachael's hand and walked her to the fireside chairs where he gestured for her to sit.  He took the other seat as she sat in the chair.  "Cerulean mentioned he had to leave in the morning for work."

     Rachael nodded.

     "How are you taking it?" Patrick asked.

     Rachael looked at him.  "Wise old man's eyes," she smiled, "they see everything don't they?"

     Patrick chuckled.  "What they don't see I try to remember from my own experiences.  Your mother had to travel a lot for her work.  I stayed home with you kids.  Even though we would have been happy to, life wouldn't let us spend every waking moment together.  It didn't make being apart any easier though," he finished rubbing his knees.

     "Are your knees bothering you?" Rachael asked.

     "Just old man joints," Patrick brushed off her concerns, "you didn't answer me."

     "I'm not sure how I feel about it," Rachael said looking down at her hands in her lap.  "It's his work though and it's important to him so I can't tell him not to go."

     "Yeah, that's a hard place to be.  But don't be so brave you forget to tell him how much he will be missed.  That was my greatest regret when your mother died.  I didn't get a chance that morning to tell her that I loved her."

     "She knew you loved her Patrick," Rachael began.

     "I know that child," Patrick stopped her, "but telling her and making sure she knew each and everyday how honored I was that she accepted my proposal was my happiness.  I planned to tell her that night at our dinner out but she never came home."

     "My point, baby girl," Patrick said looking at her, "is don't let that young man go off without saying it for your sake.  Not his."

     Patrick got up from his chair and walked over to Rachael and kissed the top of her head.

     "Goodnight Rachael."

     "Goodnight Patrick," Rachael said as Patrick went into his room and closed the door.  Rhidian had already called and said he was staying the night at a friends place.  Something about the way he said it made Rachael suspect that the friend was a girl but she hadn't pressed him for details.  He would no doubt talk when he was ready and not a moment before.

      Rachael got up from her chair and after putting out the fire went through the kitchen to hers and Cerulean's room.  As she was putting on her night gown the door to the bathroom opened and Cerulean came out.

     "How did Ochre do?" he asked.

     "He did fine.  I think he might have been asleep before I told the girls goodnight," Rachael said.  "Thank you for letting me tuck him in."

     Cerulean shook his head and sat on the bed, "Thank you.  It's important to me to know that you're here to take care of him when I'm not."

     Rachael walked over until she sat next to him on the bed.  Taking his hand she said, "he has your brother and sister, too.  No matter what happens he's going to be okay.  But don't you dare let that make you cocky and end up getting hurt.  Am I clear?" she frowned at him.

     Cerulean smiled.  "Crystal," he said kissing her frown away.

     "I love you," Rachael said kissing him back.

     "I love you too, Mrs. Palette."

                                                                                                               

Random Ramblings

   Okay so here is the second half of the last chapter.  Like I said it was getting too long so I had to break it into two parts.

   Now go get that fugitive Lean.  o/

Chapter 1.16: More Than I Thought Possible

     Rachael looked out the window of the taxi as they pulled up to the house.  After a week away she was happy to be home and looking forward to seeing her brother and sisters and Ochre though the children would still be at school at this time.

     "Is that a patio?" she asked turning back to Cerulean after seeing the addition to the side of the house.

     "Patrick already approved all the changes.  He thought you and Rhidian would like to have an outdoor area for entertaining guests.  We moved his garden out a little farther but it's all there."

     Rachael smiled, "I like it a lot."

     Mags was waiting for them at the door when they pulled up.

     "Welcome back," she cheered as they climbed out of the vehicle.  "Told you we could manage the kids for a mere week."

     "You did.  And they weren't any trouble?"

     "None at all.  They had a great time at our place and your uncles place too.  The workers finished yesterday.  I'm only here to deliver the keys to you."

     "Thanks Mags," Cerulean said.

     "Come on," he took Rachael hand as he opened the door, "I'll show you all the plans Patrick and I came up with for the house."

     "Don't forget dinner this weekend is at our house," Mags said as she left.

     "You're not coming in?" Rachael asked.

     "Not today.  And Patrick will be back after the children get home.  Bye now," she waved and continued walking off.

     "After you," Cerulean opened the door and gestured Rachael inside.

     "Wow," Rachael said stopped in the doorway and felt her jaw drop.

     The gray walls were replaced with a bright blue paint that complemented the blue sofa, love seat and living chair in the room.  An area rug set the sitting area apart from the walkway through the room.  On the wall across from the sofa was a new television and the old bookcase.

     "It's beautiful," Rachael said looking at Cerulean.

     He smiled and pulled her through the room to the hallway.

     Rachael looked ahead and saw bright yellow walls in the room.

     Through the doorway the room opened up into an informal sitting area with a fireplace.  The desk was set up in the corner of the room with another bookcase next to the boy's doorway and the dollhouse in the corner of the area.

     "The patio is through that door," Cerulean said pointing to the door.  "The bathroom and Patrick's room are still through these doors.  Rhidian has decided to start bunking with Patrick so that the kids keep their rooms.  The kitchen is through there."

     "Why are they sharing a room?" Rachael asked.

     Cerulean looked down for a moment before saying, "it was Patrick's suggestion.  He knows he is getting older and doesn't have much time left to live so the room would be going to Rhidian at some point.  Rhidian refused at first but he accepted the arrangements before we left."

     Rachael closed her eyes in rejection of the eventuality of Patrick's death but like they said it was coming and they would do better if they could start accepting it now.

     Taking her hand and drawing her attention to him he pointed to the bookshelf. "I thought you might put the books you write in this bookshelf and at night we can sit and read or talk in front of the fire while the kids are playing."

     They turned to look at the other end of the hallway, "the bathrooms still on the right.  All the kids things are in here now, except the monkey bars which are still out front."

     "The girls and Ochre chose the new wall color together.  Patrick thought it might be better to open up the rooms with an arch making it more of one larger room though both rooms have their own doors to the hall."

     "The girls are used to sharing a room but how will Ochre feel?" Rachael asked looking around and through the arch to the boy's bed.

     "Up until now he has needed someone near to fall asleep so it should be good for him.  As they get older we can put up a wall to separate the rooms again."

     "It's so much more than I ever thought possible." Rachael said trying not to cry.

     Cerulean smiled and pulled her back out of the room.  "There's still more," he said leading her to the kitchen.

     "Rhidian was supposed to pick out the furniture but I have a feeling Mags helped when it came to choosing colors."

     Rachael laughed because the colors of the room did look like ones her friend would choose.  "It looks wonderful though.  It's relaxing in here. Just like a kitchen should feel."

     Cerulean smiled.

     "The dining room is through that archway now, so it's a separate room."

     Rachael walked over and looked inside.  The room was set for five at the moment but she thought they might be able to move chairs around and seat everyone in here for meals.

     Then she looked through the windows and saw the garden outside.  Rachael gasped putting a hand over her mouth as she felt tears well in her eyes.  Her mother's and her grandmother's gravestones sat in the middle of the most beautiful and colorful flowerbed she could imagine.

     Cerulean walked up behind her and wrapped his arms around her before laying his chin on her shoulder.

     "Patrick thought you might like the garden for your mom outside there."

     Rachael turned in his arms and looked up at him.  "It's perfect," she smiled at him before kissing him, "thank you."

     "You're welcome.  There's just one room left now."

     Rachael looked at the door on the opposite end from the entrance.  Cerulean stepped aside and let her lead the way to their bedroom.

     Rachael opened the door and looked around.

     The colors of the walls nearly matched the kitchen, though they might be a shade lighter.  Or that could be the result of all the windows in the room giving it an open feel.  The furniture contrasted with dark woods, while the beds gray coverlet matched the cooler blues and grays of the window treatments.  Two blue chairs sat in the corner near windows for natural light for reading.

     The doorway led to a master bath with a standing shower and what looked like a Jacuzzi bathtub.

     Cerulean stayed near the doorway while Rachael explored their new room.  "Anything you don't like we can still change.  There's room on most of the walls for your grandmother's paintings that you kept, or you can go shopping and get new painting to put up."

     "Where did we get the money for all this?' Rachael asked knowing she hadn't had nearly enough for one room let alone all the rooms that he had done.

     Cerulean shrugged, "I've lived with my parents or Viridian and Mags all my life.  I get paid very well for what I do and I've never had expensive taste or need to spend much so I've saved a lot of money over the years.  I figured it would be for Ochre and his education but now seemed like a good time to start using it."

     Rachael looked around in astonishment.

     Cerulean walked over to her and took her hands.  "Is it okay?  I wanted it to be my wedding present to you."

     "Lean it's so much more than I ever dared hope I could do.  Thank you," she said kissing his cheek.

     He smiled before pulling her close.  "This is how you thank me," he said kissing her on the lips.

                                                                                      

Random Ramblings

   So this was supposed to be part of the next chapter but it was getting too long so I cut out the next part and put it in a new post.

   So basically this chapter is just a tour around the house and a look at all the changes I made.  The basic layout is the same I changed colors, made the hallway bigger, added the dining room, patio and cemetery.  Other than that it really is a lot of the same.  Just better looking.

   Yeah so story wise they were broke after moving to the new house but really they had all their money intact and goodness was it a lot. Over 300,000 simoleans. She is the 4th generation in game after all.

   So really it's all her money used for the new house even if I say it was his.

Chapter 1.15: It's Complicated

     "Wow Lean.  This place is beautiful," Rachael said climbing out of the taxi.  The driver got out and took their luggage inside while they looked at the building.

     "Are those gardens," Rachael asked seeing a hedge wall around and behind the building.  The driver came out and got in his taxi, pulling out into traffic as they stood looking at the inn.

     "I'm glad that you like it," Cerulean said taking her hand and walking up to the door.

     Inside they walked to the desk and the clerk standing behind it.

     "Do you have a reservation," the clerk asked.

     "Yes.  The room's under Palette."

     "Here you are.  Your room is being prepared right now.  While you are waiting, feel free to have a meal in the lounge or take a tour of the garden in the back."

     "Alright, thank you," Cerulean accepted their room keys and turned to Rachael.  "So what will it be."

     "Gardens sound nice.  Let's take a look around," she said walking back outside and around to the garden entrance.

     "This is great.  Oh look, they have a fountain here," Rachael said going ahead to look in the water.

     Cerulean laughed as he hung back at the entrance to watch her.  Rachael looked over her shoulder at him.

     He looked so relaxed now.  She knew some of it was their formally declaring their relationship to their families and some was that he was somewhere new with Ochre and beginning to let go of his worry that something would happen to his son.

     She smiled as she walked back to him.

     "I love seeing you happy," she said taking his hand and kissing him.

     Cerulean smiled and kissed her again before pulling her along the path around the fountain.

     When they returned inside the desk clerk informed them their room was ready so they headed upstairs to put their bags away.  

     Rachael laughed looking around, "this room is definitely not your color."

     "What, you think I can't sleep in a room that's not blue?"

     "I don't know, can you?  I've seen your room at your house."

     Rachael was startled when he turned her around to face him.  "Well, I guess it's a good thing we won't be doing much sleeping here."

     Rachael laughed placing her arms around his shoulders and kissing him.


     The next day they went out to explore the neighborhood around the inn.  After coming across the small lake they decided to give fishing a try.

     "This is supposed to be fun," Rachael asked after a half hour of the activity.

     "I guess," Cerulean said.  "Where are you going?" he asked when she started to put her fishing pole away.

     "To that bench," Rachael said pointing to it, "I'm going to read the book I brought while you fish for dinner."

     Rachael looked up when Cerulean joined her shortly after that.

     "Where's my fish dinner," she asked.

     "My worthy foe eluded the lure," he said, "I'll buy you fish dinner at the lounge to make it up to you."

     "Sounds good," she said kissing his cheek.

     After their meal, Rachael pulled Cerulean out to the dance floor where they danced until late then retired back to their rooms.


     A ringing phone pulled Rachael out of sleep.  The bed shifted as Cerulean got up to answer it.  Rachael watched as he picked up the phone and silenced it before going to the bathroom and closing the door.

     Rachael pulled the covers up and tried going back to sleep as Cerulean's voice drifted through the door.

     When she next stirred he wasn't in bed.  Rachael sat up looking around the room until she saw the door to the balcony was open.  She got out of bed and went over to find Cerulean sitting outside.  He didn't seem to notice her at first so she stepped through the doorway.

     "Who was that call from?" she asked.

     He jumped at her voice, confirming her suspicion that he hadn't noticed her.

     "Sorry, I didn't mean to wake you."

     "You didn't.  When you didn't come back to bed I went searching for you."

     Cerulean nodded as she sat in the chair next to him.

     Rachael looked at him and waited.  "Well," she prompted when he didn't answer her question, "who did you talk to?"

     "Mags called."

     "What?  Are the kids okay?  What happened?" she asked alarmed that her friend would be calling in the middle of the night.

     "No, no," he said realizing he had alarmed her, "the kids are fine."

     "They're okay," he repeated taking her hand in his, "she was calling about work."

     "Okay," Rachael nodded as her heart rate steadied. "What happened at work?"

     "She found a possible lead on someone I've been trying to track down for months now."

     Rachael felt her eyebrows drop into a confused frown, "why are you trying to track someone down?"

     "It's part of my job.  The part I haven't told you about yet," he said blowing out a breath and leaning back in his chair.

     Rachael stayed silent waiting for him to continue.

     "The Palette Agency isn't just a jack of all trades organization.  It's a group of mercenaries and rogues that does legal and sometimes not so legal work.  Mags does the computer work at the company like she said, but it's not just payroll and accounting.  She also handles tech support and computer investigations for active agents.  Viridian's shipping is really borderline legal smuggling.  He acts as an ear into the underworld for when we need those kinds of connections.  I did undercover work before my leave.

     "A few years ago I was undercover as low ranking muscle to an influential crime family.  I played a pivotal part in gathering the evidence needed to put them behind bars.  One of their members escaped from prison not too long ago and we've been trying to track them ever since."

     Cerulean turned to look at her from his seat.  Rachael was shocked by his revelation having never expected his 'work' to be anything like this.

     Cerulean sat forward in his seat worry on his face.  "Are you okay?" he asked.

     "I don't know," Rachael answered.  "This is a lot more unexpected than I expected it to be.  I kind of feel lied to.  You and Mags both have kept this from me."

     "We never meant to lie to you or anything like that," he said taking her hand, "it's just that we don't talk about the family business outside the family.  It's part of how we are raised, to be part of the family business and to keep it's full activities a secret."

     "Do you expect Ochre to do this too?" she asked pulling away.  Standing up she continued, " What about any children we have?  Are they 'expected' to join the family business?"

     "It's complicated Ray." Cerulean said standing too.

     "So un-complicate it Lean.  This is our future children we're talking about right now," Rachael said turning on him.  "I won't let our children be forced into something they don't want and your family can go to hell if they think I won't stop them from hurting Ochre, too."

     "Whoa, Ray, stop," Cerulean said grabbing her shoulders, "It's not forced, okay.  Our children won't be forced.  Ochre, won't be forced to do anything he doesn't want to.  Like you, I want him to do whatever makes him happy too, but there are certain expectations."

     "I chose this life.  I chose to work for my family and do what needs to be done because my father was getting ready to retire and someone needed to take over his responsibilities.  And while it's not expected that everyone join it is expected that everyone keeps the business secret."

     "Why," Rachael asked, "why keep it secret?  Is it illegal?"

     "Sometimes it can be nearly illegal but it's always done with the support of the legal authorities.  There are just some things they can't do that we can.  But we keep it secret so that those in the family that are not also in the business, the wives, husbands, and children, won't be hurt to get to the agents that are."

     Rachael looked up at him a new worry taking root in her heart, "it's dangerous isn't it?  The work that you do."

     Cerulean looked at her trying to read her response before nodding his head, "It can be but I've been doing it long enough that I've learned to minimize the danger I put myself in."

     Closing her eyes and shaking her head Rachael stepped up to him and embraced him.

     His job was a worry she hadn't expected to have but she loved him too much to let it make her run away now.  "Don't you dare ever let yourself get hurt," she threatened him, "or I will be very upset with you."

     "I do my best." Cerulean answered wrapping his arms around her and pulling her close.

                                                                                                            

Random Ramblings

   So wow :O  This was so not what I originally thought I would write out.  It was scripted but not to this level of detail.  The details come in as I write it in the blog so again, wow.

   But I think I like it better.  So can anyone guess what Cerulean does in game?  Rachael is in the writer career (I already mentioned that) and Cerulean is a "secret agent" or something (can't remember the actual in game title and too tired to check now).

   I just had to come up with a plausible reason for him to be a secret agent and this is what I came up with.

Chapter 1.14: You've Grown Up

     "Okay, you have the number of where we'll be staying.  Call if anything happens we can be home in an hour."

     "Easy, Ray," Mags laughed, "I'm sure Rhidian, Patrick and I can handle the munchkins for a week.  It's not like they're evil geniuses bent on world domination."

     "I know, I know," Rachael said.

     Cerulean laughed walking up next to Rachael, "take it easy on her Mags.  She's never been away from the girls before."

     "Well, get going on your honeymoon then.  She seriously needs to relax," Mags retorted back at her brother.

     Rachael rolled her eyes at their ribbing and kneeled down in front of the kids.

     "Look after each other and listen to your dad, Rhidian and Mags.  Be good for Uncle Michael," she added.

     Rebecca and Ochre both nodded their heads.  River asked, "you are coming back right?"

     "Yes," Rachael tried to reassure her, kissing her on the cheek quickly before doing the same for Rebecca.

     She looked at Ochre who stepped back from hugging his dad to turn to her.  Rachael felt a lump in her throat when the little boy reached up to give her a hug too before running to play with his new step aunts.

     "I know you're not gonna listen Ray, but don't worry," Rhidian said.  "Like you just said Dad, Mags and I will be here to look after the kids."

     "Don't let it interfere with your job okay, both of your jobs," she said including Mags in her orders.

     "No worries Ray, I work from home so the location doesn't really bother me at all," Mags tried to reassure her.

     Rachael shook her head before giving Rhidian a hug, "I'll be back soon."

     Rachael squeaked when Rhidian squeezed her in a firm hug lifting her off her feet, "again, don't worry Ray.  I've got this now.  I can take care of our family for a week, so enjoy your honeymoon."

     Rhidian put her down and Rachael looked at him smiling.  "Sorry, I forgot," she said brushing some of his hair out of his eyes.

     "Forgot what?" he asked puzzled.

     "You've grown up," she answered.

     He smiled at her then.  It was still the same goofy grin but her little brother was truly a man now and no longer the scared not-a-man-but-not-a-child he had been when their mother died.

     "Ready Ray," Cerulean asked.

     Rachael smiled at her brother one more time before turning to her husband.

     "I'm ready." she said taking his hand and climbing into the taxi waiting to take them to the inn over in Oasis Springs where they would be staying.

                                                                                                                    

Random Ramblings

   So sweet.  When I began writing this chapter I meant to include the honeymoon in it as well, but I've decided to put that in a separate chapter now to shorten this one.  Technically right now in game Rhidian and Rhonan are still teens (don't know if I've mentioned that or not) in my real game I'm keeping them both in the house until their birthdays, they just happen to share their next birthday with Becks and I don't want her to be a teen yet and I'm not dealing with potions anymore this generation.

   Not sure if I'm gonna keep this outfit for Ray yet but I do like it.  Well, I'm gonna go right the next chapter now.

Chapter 1.13: The Ceremony

     After they made the decision Rachael and Cerulean began making plans to celebrate with a small private wedding.  It was going well until they told Patrick about their plans.  Patrick insisted on a big affair with everyone from both of their families there to witness it.

     They spent the next three months planning and preparing.  Rhidian, who had finished his classes, was hired to cater the event.  Chairs, tables, a bar and a wedding arch were rented and set up in the back yard of the O'Malley house.

     Rachael woke up early the morning of her wedding and dressed with anticipation.  Still hours early she was checking the fit of her dress in the mirror when someone knocked on her bedroom door.

     "Come in," she called and turned to watch her sisters enter the room.  She frowned at their pinched faces.  "What's wrong," she asked sitting down on her bed.

     River climbed up next to her and hugged her while Rebecca spoke, "Now that you're getting married do we have to move out with daddy?"

     "No," Rachael said in surprise, "Lean and I want all of you to stay here with us.  Why would you think we would make you leave."

     "I heard you talking to daddy," River whispered, "You said we were going to stay with Uncle Michael after the wedding.  Doesn't that mean you want us to leave."

     Rachael shook her head.  "No sweetie," she began hugging her baby sister, "I didn't mean forever."

     "So we are going to live at Uncle Michael's," Rebecca asked.

     Rachael hugged Rebecca too, "while Lean and I are on our honeymoon you guys are going to stay with Uncle Michael and Ochre will be with his aunt and uncle, but once we return we are all going to be living here again."

     "Lean and I want to make some improvements to the house so that it's bigger and everyone has enough room here for all our things.  While we are gone the workers will be fixing the house and you two, Rhidian and Patrick will need to stay with our uncle.  As soon as the workers are done you can come home."

     "Really Ray?" Rebecca asked.

     "Yes, Becks.  This is your home.  The only time you will need to leave is when you want to and not a moment before."

     Another knock on the door had all the girls turning as Patrick opened the door.

     "So this is where you girls got to, Rhidian needs some help moving the food outside.  Can you girls go help him?"

     "Yes, Daddy," they said in unison and filed out the door.

     "Look at you," Patrick said, "you look so like your mother on our wedding day."

     Rachael smiled as he sat on the bed next to her.  "I remember.  She said that it was the second happiest day of her life and that there never was a happier sim who lived."

     "Only the second," Patrick asked. "Ahh," he nodded, "the day you were born being the first.  She was right about that."

     "I miss her Patrick," she whispered and clutched her hands in her lap. "I wish she could have been here today."

     He reached over and clasped her hands, "your mother is with us in spirit every day.  I look at the boys who have her passion for creative pursuits, your sisters who have her wits and then you.  You, Rachael, have her heart.  Your mother's legacy wasn't her music and her records.  You children are her legacy and you would make her so very proud.  You have made me proud and I am honored to stand in for your father today."

     "Patrick you're not standing in for my father.  You are my father.  Everyday since you married my mom you have been the only father I have ever known.  You were everything my little girls heart needed in her dad and I am so thankful for that."

     Patrick silently nodded patting her hand and Rachael blinked back tears while trying to smile.  In that moment they said everything they needed to without saying a word.

     The ceremony was sweet and heartfelt.  Rachael smiled as Cerulean slipped the ring on her finger.

     Promises aside, it was the everyday work they put into building their relationship she trusted.  She knew that whatever their future held they were going to face it together.  With the words spoken Rachael kissed Cerulean as their families cheered

     Cerulean took her hand and they turned to face their family.  "Everyone it's time to party," he called and Rachael laughed.

     Good food, good drink, and good music kept everyone happy and the party going.  Rachael looked over as Mags waved her over from the other side of the rented dance floor.

     "You're leaving," Rachael asked walking over to her with Cerulean following.

     "Yeah.  Lean has the next week off but Viridian and I have to get back to work tomorrow.  I am so happy he found you," she said hugging Rachael, "you're good for him."

      She turned to her brother. "You," she said jabbing him with a finger, "be good to Ray.  You, I can replace but she's my best friend.  Understand."

     Cerulean smiled hugging Rachael to him, "got it, princess."

     "Okay.  Enjoy your time off then.  We'll see you when you return."

     Rachael laughed as Mags and Viridian left the party.

     "I think my sister likes you better than she likes me," he said looking down at her.

     "Think?" she asked.  "After that, I would dare say she does like me better than she likes you."

     "Well, I still have you, Mrs. O'Malley-Palette."

     "Yeah.  You do," she said putting her head on his shoulder.

                                                                                                         

Random Ramblings

   Okay. so they've tied the knot.  Finally,  I've just realized it but I'm skipping through time here.  I think this is about four months, four and 1/2 months since the jump from the beginning of the story.  My time does fly, certainly seems that way in real life at times.

   And is it just me or am I ending chapters on kisses more often than not. or at least pictures of kisses?  Course that's where most of the drama is.  Romance and conflict...

Chapet 1.12: Moving Forward

     When Rachael woke up she reached out across the bed for Cerulean.  She sat up when she didn't find him right away.  Then she heard the shower running in the bathroom.

     Rachael got up out of bed and grabbed the first thing she found to wear.  She pulled on Cerulean's shirt as the water turned off.  Turning around she saw Cerulean stride out of the bathroom, shirtless and in a pair of jeans.

     "Hi," Rachael said feeling inexplicably shy considering everything they had just done.

     "Hi," Cerulean said leaning against the door jamb and looking her up and down.

     Rachael fidgeted and tried to pull the hem of the shirt down further.  "Sorry, I couldn't find my clothes and I just grabbed the first thing I found to put on."

     Cerulean smiled then, "It's fine.  That shirt looks better on you than it did on me."

     Rachael blushed and mumbled, "thanks, I think."

     Cerulean pushed off the doorway and walked over to her.  Rachael took his hand and sat on the bed with him.

     "Are you ready to talk?" he asked her.

     Rachael nodded, "yeah."

     "Carl is my ex.  When I was sixteen we started dating.  We were together for about two months before my mother died.  I was a mess then.  I didn't know how to handle taking care of Patrick and my brothers and sisters, my uncle told me I was the first prospect as head of the family.

     "I was scared and I felt so alone.  My siblings were counting on me, my mother was dead and the rest of the family wanted me to be an adult like I wasn't still a child.  There was so much pressure to be a grown up when I didn't even know what that meant.

     "After the wake Carl came over late and I was angry about everything.  I was yelling at him and then we were kissing," Rachael looked down at the hands she dropped in her lap, "he was my first."

     "What I didn't know was he already had a girlfriend at another school and while we were dating he  had proposed to her."

     "He was cheating on her?" Cerulean asked.

     Rachael shook her head, "no.  She knew he was going out with me.  Turns out it was some stupid locker room bet at my school.  I didn't go out with anyone when I was younger and Carl took up the challenge.  He had her blessing to try and get me into bed."

   
     "He was, and based on our run in the other day, probably still is a bastard."  Cerulean said putting an arm around her shoulders.  "If she really did support him hurting you then she's a bitch and they deserve each other."

     Rachael snorted and leaned into him, "I found out all this about a month later.  My period didn't come on time and I thought I might be pregnant.  I went to the doctor and while they were doing the blood test I decided to tell Clark we could be having a baby."

     "He told me that a baby was my problem and had nothing to do with him.  Then he told me about Bridget and the stupid bet.  He was the high school super star and he wasn't going to let his life be overturned by a pregnant mistress. He said that a lousy hundred simoleans wasn't enough for him to want anything more to do with me.  He gave it to me, telling me to take it and get rid of the baby.

     "I was shocked at first.  He had been so kind and caring at first, so attentive that I thought it couldn't have been a bet that brought us together.  But then I remembered all the times he would look at other girls in front of me, the canceled dates and broken promises.

     "I felt stupid then because in retrospect it was so obvious he wasn't all that in to me in the first place.  I was stupid, naive, careless..."

     "Don't Ray," Cerulean interrupted her, "you were young and in love.  He took advantage of you in a time of need.  It was wrong of him but that isn't a reflection on you."

     "Ray, in the time we've been together I've seen the love and care you have for your siblings and your stepdad.  Even the distance you put between us was for their sake.  I didn't like it but I understood it.  You gave him a precious gift and he treated it without care, but you haven't let that destroy you.  You're strong and you have a heart so pure it shines."

     "Why couldn't I have met you first," she asked against his shoulder.

     He laughed then, "if we had met then, I wouldn't have Ochre now.  A lot in my life is messed up but I wouldn't change a moment as long as I have him.

     "What's important now is moving forward.  It's only been a little over a month but Ray I want more with you.  I want a life together taking care of the girls and Ochre. I want to spend the rest of my life with you, waking up with you every morning and going to sleep with you in my arms."

     "I want that too," Rachael said kissing him.

                                                                                                                 

Random Ramblings

   Wait. what about the romantic dinner and the candle light proposal...Now I need to go toss those pictures out of the folders  :-(

   Yeah so I'm trudging along through the story.  This was not the original proposal I had in mind while playing but I think I like it better.  Here's the original proposal photo.  Cute but the story is definitely better I think.

"Marry me sweetheart"