1.6 Bonding Time

Geneva

   This 'big sister' thing isn't all so bad. I mean, I definately don't want one of my own anytime soon, but I guess she's pretty cute, even if she is smelly and loud... Speaking of loud, she started crying, so I shouted mum and put her back in her crib, before running off to shower.

   See, it was Saturday. My first Saturday as an official teenager, so I could go down to the arcade with my best friend, Maria. We played some army-space-blaster game. We skipped the intro, and it was hilarious because neither of us knew what we were doing. Maria's sister, Abigail, is pregnant by my cousin, Marlon. They're not much older than us, but I know my mum had me young so I don't suppose it'll be a tragedy.
   "She's HUGE now, like, she looks like she could pop any second." Maria twittered. "It makes me feel a bit sick when I see her belly, like, it looks like it could just pop. It creeps me out, like, I think her skin might split and the baby will just fall out." She made gagging noises and I giggled. My cousin had recently moved to our town, because of the impending baby.

    A few days later, it was Aria's birthday. Her first act of toddlerhood, was to mess her nappy, and giggle. My mum looked exasperated, but me and dad just burst out laughing. We'd made plans to go to the gym together. I didn't like the weight I was, and dad kept saying he was getting a 'middle-aged spread', so we'd agreed to go together.

   On the drive over, dad asked me if I was being bullied over my weight.
   "No!" I replied, kinda surprised at the question. Nobody had ever mentioned my weight, it was just a personal issue I had with myself
   "You know if anyone ever says anything, you can tell us." He didn't believe me. "I want you to know that you're gorgeous the way you are, you don't have to be thin to be pretty."
   "Yes, dad, I know." I groaned. "I want to be a police officer when I grow up, I need to be able to pass the training."
   "Oh really? You've never mentioned this before?" I looked at him, he was beaming at me.
   "Oh, sorry, I've been thinking about it a while now." I shrugged.
   "Well, I'm proud of you. That's an honourable career to choose."

   At the gym we talked about all things police-force. How to enroll, when to enroll, where to enroll. What the physical test would be like, what the final exams would be like, what the training would be like. Which area I wanted to work for, traffic, homicide, forensics, patrol... I'm still undecided on that one.

   As we were leaving, dad handed me the car keys. I just stared at him questionably.
   "Every copper needs to drive, why not learn now?" He smiled, getting into the passenger side. Shakily, I climbed into the drivers seat. I didn't even know the basics! "Well, to start with, belt up." He prompted, pulling his own seatbelt on as I did the same. "Look in the footwell. Those peddles are go, stop, and gear change. Remember 'ABC' - Accelerator, Brake, Clutch. That's the order they're in if you ever get confused." I nodded, already a little overwhelmed. He explained a little more, before he made me pull off. It was terrifying! It took me ages to pull out of the car park because I couldn't work out how fast cars were coming at me. Dad was really patient though, and when we eventually arrived home he said I was a natural and wouldn't need all too many lessons.


Nazari

   "Shit-munt!" Aria giggled. I'd decided to take the opportunity to help her with her speech while Ernesto and Geneva were out. It wasn't going too well.
   "No. Chip. Munk." I sounded it out really slow for her.
   "Shit. Munt." She laughed even harder. She thought it was a game. I had heard somewhere that not making a big deal out of toddlers swearing would make it less appealing. I think that advice was wrong.

   "Shit-munt, shit-munt, shit-munt!" Aria chanted, giggling. I sighed. That advice was definately wrong. I heard a screech of breaks and then a car engine clunking outside. "Twat?" Aria questioned, and I stared at her while I tried to work out what she meant.
   "Do you mean 'what was that'?" I clicked what she meant. But that was yet another swear she knew now.

   I stood, and handed Aria her bottle. My back was killing. This being heavily pregnant with a toddler thing was no fun.
   "Mum! I drove!" Geneva burst through the door, startling me a little.
   "Well done." I smiled. Ernesto really was brilliant with the girls, and so supportive.
   "I'm gunna go shower." She stopped and posed, flexing her biceps. "An afternoon at the gym and I'm already a bodybuilder." She joked, dancing off to the bathroom.
   "Don't worry about turning the engine off or shutting the front door!" Ernesto called as he walked in. He pecked me on the cheek as a greeting.
   "Thank you." I smiled at him.
   "For what?" He asked. "I had to shut the door because it's starting to frost over already out there."
   "Not that, for being wonder-dad." I wrapped my arms around him. "Now, wonder-dad. Rundown-mum needs a nap." I kissed him before pulling away towards the bedroom.
   "Get some rest, this baby is kicking your ass." He looked a little worried, so I shook my head to reassure him before closing the bedroom door behind me.

Geneva

    I got out the shower, and Westly had texted me.
   Westly: Abi had bby boy cld Kenyon xx
   Geneva: K thx xx I replied. He'd put kisses. Why did he put kisses?

    Westly was the reason I even knew Maria. We'd been best friends as kids, and I used to go to his house and we'd sing karaoke together. Maria and I got closer as we got older. I started to like-like Westly and I didn't think he felt the same, so it had been awkward.
   But he'd sent kisses. Another text came through.
   Westly: Its bn a whyl... Meet @ libry 2mo? xx
    Geneva: K :) xx  Then again, maybe I'd been wrong about his feelings...



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Aria is too cute <3
Aria is said 'Ah-ria'. Yes, it's that simple.

Also, points for who can spot the crazy inconsistency in the pictures ;) 

1.5 Fear

Nazari

   When we'd managed to make it to the hospital, things thankfully got much easier and less panicked. Several hours later little Aria was born, and a few more hours after that we were allowed home. A few days later we eventually arrived home. Well, not literally, but damn. I've never seen anyone drive so slow! Ernesto's driving caused an argument... I don't think he realised how uncomfortable I felt. I'd just pushed a 9 pound baby out! I was exhausted! And there he was driving 20 below the limit all the way across the city. I suppose it was sweet that he didn't want to risk his newborn daughter being in an accident, but I was snappy, and when we got home he went all sulky and went to his little garden. There isn't even anything to do in the garden, it's coming up to winter now, but I was glad of the few minutes alone with my new baby. She's gorgeous, got her daddies eyes and mouth, but my nose... I think. She's a little too young to tell.

    Of course, having two kids did have its downsides, especially in this tiny crappy trailer... I didn't mind the sleepless nights so much, and I know Ernesto didn't either, but I felt awful for Geneva being up all night and then having to be at school all day. I really hoped her grades wouldn't suffer. I know I'd never even bothered attending school, but I wanted better for Geneva. I worried whether her situation at home affected her making friends in a town where everyone was richer than us. Did she hate that everyone else had two parents? The same parents as their siblings? Did she wish me and Ernesto were married? I know I did. I just wished I knew how to ask her these questions in a way she felt she could answer honestly without offending me. But then again, she was a tough girl, she's probably not even bothered.

***

   The familiar crackle, the roar, the hiss, the heat. All I'd wanted to do was show Ernesto how much I loved him by making him a romantic dinner. Now the girls were in bed at the far end of a burning wooden cabin with no exit.
   Maybe they won't wake up. Then they won't feel a thing as they burn to death peacefully in their sleep... My idiotic brain told me. I wanted to go save them, but I was frozen to the spot in fear. Some mother you are, too chicken to go save your kids lives... I couldn't help it. We'd had six housefires as a kid. Every time Sunset Valley Fire Department had showed up in no time. But Starlight Shores Fire Department was the other side of the city. Nobody's coming, it's been hours... I knew it hadn't really. It had been moments but it had seemed like a lifetime. See? This is why Ernesto doesn't want to marry you. He can have much safer fun with some blonde chick in a mansion... I didn't even understand why my brain had thrown that one at me, it had nothing to do with fire, but I suppose your mind does stupid things in panic mode.

   I looked around me. Ernesto was by my side, Geneva was here too. And SSFD had arrived. I don't know whether I'd blacked out or if I'd been too deep in terrified thought to notice them arrive. Ernesto is in his underwear... My brain told me. He saw the fire while he was with that other woman, didn't even have time to get changed... But that would be a good thing. He loves me enough to leave her behind to make sure I'm ok. I stared at him. He looked terrified... But they were swim trunks, and that made me breathe a sigh of relief. We all covered our ears at the boom of the fire extinguisher. But I still heard Geneva scream...

  "MOMMIEEEE!!!"
   "GENEVA!!"
   "I'M ON FIRE!!!" She screamed. I screamed. The fireman turned to me.
   "Get her in the shower!" He demanded, a little too calmly. Luckily, Geneva heard him. I was still frozen to the floor.

   "I'm doing it!" Geneva screamed to me as she ran for the bathroom. In all the fires I'd seen, I'd never seen anyone on fire before. My poor daughter, I desperately wanted to go help her, but I really couldn't move. The fireman soon got the blaze under control, and once the flames had gone he double-checked that it was all out, before leaving, telling us to be more careful on the way out.

   The house was still warm from the flames, but Ernesto seemed really cold.
   "I'm sorry." I mumbled, knowing nothing I could say would fix the destruction I'd caused. "I only wanted to make you a romantic dinner..." I reached out to touch him, and he batted my hand away.
   "Just leave the cooking to me in future." He snapped, and continued to stare at the charred remains of our kitchen.

***

   The next morning was Geneva's birthday. We hadn't had time to scrub the kitchen yet, but she wanted to have her cake for breakfast. My tiny baby was becoming a teen... I couldn't really believe it. It wouldn't be long before Aria was a toddler either, it made me feel old...

   For her birthday, we got her a chipmunk we found outside. She named him chip. This trailer is too small for all these sims and pets. There's four of us crammed into a tiny bedroom, and then two huge cages taking up valuble space... We've started looking for new places, but we can't afford anything bigger.

   And I think we're going to need that bigger place...





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Lol. looksie at what the kind fireman did...

 He cleared my leaves!! Haha! He stayed about 20 hours. It was silly. But I got Nazari to burn the piles of leaves so he'd feel at home. lol.

Also, if the fire-scene seemed really... not like Nazari, it was supposed to. Being the mistress has caught up on her, and growing up without a father and with a mother she didn't get on with, she has issues forming relationships as it is, without the added trust issues. I wanted her fears she hides away to come to the surface for a moment. She'd got a tough shell, but she's still really young and has a lot of baggage hidden away.

I feel now would be a good time to reveal everyone's traits. lol. They weren't a secret, I just forgot until now.

Nazari Ursine: Loves to swim, Virtuoso, Never-nude (UGH!), Mooch and Easily impressed. I didn't get to choose any of her traits as she never went to school. Her favourites are Chinese music (but she's a pop-star....), stir-fry (fits with the music, perhaps she ought to travel..) and the colour black (although she wears white. lol.)

Ernesto Gonzalez: Ernesto is a pre-made from Starlight Shores. He's a Party animal, Hot headed (which I've been sort of playing on, not in a huge violent way though), Childish (which is why he gets on with the kids so well), Mooch and Lucky. His favourites are Latin music, Ratatouille, and Spice Brown.
Ernesto also has some weird obsession with playing the lottery, he rolls wishes for it constantly, but despite his lucky trait, he never wins. lol. (If he was to win, I'd familyfunds it away, it's too cheaty, I just wanted to see how much you can win off the lottery)

Geneva Ursine: Genius (in contrast to her illiterate mother), Artistic, Mooch and Lucky (Yes, everyone so far is a bloody mooch!). Her favourites are Beach Party, Vegetarian Chilli and the colour Orange.

Aria Gonzalez: Easily Impressed and Brave. I'm not sure how a baby can be brave, but there y'go. Her favourites are French music, Vegetarian lobster thermidor (???), and the colour Orange like her sister.

1.4 Surrounded By Idiots

Nazari

    Ernesto didn't want a job, and we both agreed that when the baby came it would be best for me to go back to the job I loved while he stayed home. In the meantime though, my agent had told me I couldn't work 'in my condition'. So we improvised. Ernesto had no problem sneaking behind the supermarket and rummaging through the dumpsters. You'd be surprised what people throw out! He'd then sell the useful stuff he found, after I'd cleaned it up of course, and we even managed to get a new chair and rug for our house!

   He came back one day with a bird cage. Geneva had been parroting on (haha!) about having a pet for ages, so I cleaned it up and found a place for it, before tiptoeing outside and catching a bird. Geneva called him Tweety when she got home. I do quite like the bird, but it has a tendency to whistle all night and it drives me crazy....

   Ernesto couldn't wait to be a dad. In his eyes he already had a daughter, Geneva, but this one was the real deal and we'd constantly sit down and talk about baby things and family days out we could have in a few years. We considered moving, having four of us in a one-bed trailer was hardly ideal, but we really couldn't afford it right now so we were stuck here...

   "I'm sorry we're stuck in such a crappy trailer." I apologized for the 10,000th time.
   "Stop it!" Ernesto sighed, squeezing me. "It's not your fault, plus when you moved here it was just the two of you. You had no idea any of this would happen so why would you have wasted money renting somewhere bigger?"
   "I wouldn't, but if I had worked harder then we'd have enough money to move right now."
   "I don't work at all, if I did would we move? No, because then you wouldn't be working. It's not about working hard! If you worked more then you'd be away from your family more, so don't worry about it. Money isn't everything."

   "You always know the exact right thing to say." I smiled.
   "Good!" he teased. "Do you want to watch some TV? You shouldn't be on your feet too much."
   "Being on my feet might make her fall out." I joked. I was a few days over due by now, and uncomfortable, but I did love how Ernesto was doing everything for me. It made this pregnancy so much easier than the last, when I was constantly arguing with my mother and trying to keep working at the spa so I could afford a crib and everything. Plus as there'd been my brothers newborn in the house at the time then I was getting nearly no sleep, but with Geneva at school I'd been able to nap through the day and sleep all night.

   The next morning we sat down to a family breakfast.
   "I really hate when the moon makes the lighting all funny. It hurts my eyes." Geneva whined. "Why can't we get blinds on the windows or something?"
   "Blinds on the windows wouldn't make a difference." Ernesto explained. "It's to do with the supernatural power enhancers or something. Strange things happen on full moons, and the weird glow is just one of those things."
   "Can't we get blinds anyway? That weird paparazzi outside always looks in."
   "We can't afford blinds right now honey." I apologised. "Maybe when your sisters here and I'm back at work."

   "Everything is always 'wait til your sister's here'" Geneva snapped. "Maybe I don't want a dumb baby sister anyway." I sighed and stood up. I wasn't going through this again. Geneva would be all excited about being a big sister one minute, and cursing it the next. I suppose teenage hormones were starting to creep in a bit, but I didn't want to get into an argument again. "Fine, don't say anything then, see ya." she mumbled.
   "Geneva, give your mother a break. Once your sisters here you'll love her and you'll feel bad for being such a bully." Ernesto scolded. I walked away and got my guitar out. I didn't need this stress right now.

   I started idly plucking at strings, feeling myself calm down instantly and ignoring the shouting Geneva was doing now. Ernesto could handle her and I knew she'd get over it soon enough and everything would be fine in time for school.
   "I hate you, your not even my real dad!" I overheard Geneva scream. The words made my stomach churn and my heart break. I looked up and caught Ernesto's eye. He turned and walked outside, slamming the door.
   "Geneva!" I shouted, putting my guitar down. She started to tear up and looked at me scared.

   Before I could scold her, my phone rang. It was Jordan. I felt like leaving it and dealing with Geneva first, but I knew he wouldn't ring at 6.15am unless it was urgent.
   "I'll deal with you in a minute." I spat at my daughter as I pressed 'answer' on my handset. "Jor?"
   "Sorry, is this a bad time?" My brothers voice replied, obviously overhearing what I'd said to Geneva.
   "No, there must be something important you need to tell me or you wouldn't ring so early." I reassured him. "What's up?"
   "Marlon's got his girlfriend pregnant." He sounded stressed. "I'm sorry to ring so early, but we found out last night and I've got nearly no sleep."
   "Shit..." I didn't know what else to say.

   "I'm sorry, I don't really know what to tell you, Jor..." Geneva started crying in the kitchen.
   "Mummy I'm sorry I didn't mean to shout at you and Daddy I just got upset." She wailed. I ignored her for now, my brother was going through far worse.
   "I know we both had kids when we were his age, but for fucks sake, I thought our kids would learn from our mistakes and they wouldn't end up like us." I knew exactly what he meant. Geneva was just starting to think about boys and I did worry she'd end up like me.
   "Well I guess all you can do is what Ma did for us." I tried to offer some advice. "She tried her hardest to support us, after the initial telling off, of course. What's his girlfriends situation? Ma let Corinna move in with you, so maybe if she needs it you could offer the same? Marlon's like you, so he probably won't be a rotten handful like me." I smiled, feeling like maybe something I said might have helped.
   "Cheers, Naz. But I'm bloody thirty and gunna be a grandfather...." I laughed.
   "Keep me posted, gramps. Catch you later." We said our goodbyes and I paused a minute, thinking what he was going through and what I'd say to Geneva about her most recent outburst.

   Fortunately for Geneva, her sister decided it was time.
   "Oh my goddd!!! Mum what's wrong?!" She shrieked.
   "Get - Dad." I panted, clutching my tightening stomach.
   "I don't know where he is. I made him leave us!" Geneva cried.
   "Oh don't be - so stupid, Gen! He's in the - fucking car-aaaahhh- having a cigarette!!" She fumbled with the door handle as she tried to rush outside. I heard her sprint down the steps and frantically shout at Ernesto, before they both came rushing back in.

   "Daddy make it stop! Make Mummy not die!"
   "I'm not - fucking dying - you idiot! I'm - in labour!!" I panted.
   "Waddowedo?!" Ernesto wasn't even making sense now.
   "Oh for gods sake. I'm the one - ah, shit, ow - in labour here! Geneva, get dressed - get to school. Dickhead - get dressed - get the overnight bag - and get me to the fucking hospital!!!"
  "Ok, sorry, calm, sorry." Ernesto said rushing past me to the bedroom. Geneva screeched past me to follow my orders. Seriously? This part was easier the first time, I wasn't surrounded by idiots.




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Rolls revealed: Couple, and secondary career is dumpster diver. However, Ernesto will not be dumpster diving again. He did it once and made §9,000. And that wasn't even selling everything off. :/ So, yeah, no. Only if we're desperate.

Marlon really did get his girlfriend pregnant! I don't think I've had an inactive teenage pregnancy before, not that I've known about... But I thought I ought to write it in, just incase I ever need it. lol.

I also hate how much sims overreact to labour. If everyone around me screamed, danced and pointed while I was the one in bloody labour, I'd be pretty pee'd off....
But I love how the family accidentally have colour-coded PJs XD 

1.3 Reactions

Nazari

    "Like this?" Ernesto asked Geneva, running sand through his fingers.
   "No, Dad," She giggled, "You have to throw your hands apart or it all funnels into one pile!" I smiled as I heard Geneva call Ernesto 'Dad' again. She'd started doing it a couple of years ago now, and at first it had started an awkward 'I'm not your dad' thing, but we'd eventually just given up on that. I could tell by the way Ernestos eyes lit up when she said it that he loved it.
  "I really hope he loves it." I muttered to myself, tracing a heart around the outline of his face on the window pane, misted up from where I'd been breathing.

    You see, a few days earlier, I'd been sick on the beach path when I was walking from one job to the next. I'd thought I was coming down with something, but every day since, bang on the same time, I'd been sick again. I remembered this from before, but I'd been nervous to take a test because I wasn't sure I wanted another baby... I mean last times saga was my own doing, but this time... What I had with Ernesto was perfect. We never got on each others nerves, because we weren't together all the time, but he was here enough to help me around the house and help with Geneva. Me not being able to read had been a worry for me when I realised Geneva would be starting school soon and I couldn't help with her homework, but Ernesto could, and did, happily. Plus, what would I tell Jordan?? Since Mum died last year, he'd been really over protective of me. If he found out I was messing around with someone who was in a relationship... Well, he'd flip.

    To my absolute shock, Natasha Gooder's friend called me the next day for a sing-a-gram for her... Apparently someone had told her that her partner was messing around with someone. Call me a bitch, but I struggled to keep a straight face while I walked to the location. I hadn't told Ernesto who I was going to see, I knew he'd stop me. I don't know why, but some sick twisted part of me wanted to go see her and hoped she was upset.

   I performed my standard 'cheer up' sing-a-gram, which comes complete with a stuffed toy rabbit, but she just kinda looked through me. I sucked it up, groaned inside, and asked her.
   "What's up, doll?"
   "Ernie used to call me that!" She bawled. Ernie?? Ew. I rolled my eyes at her.
   "Oh, I'm sorry, did he pass away?" I put on my most sympathetic voice. I had no idea why I was doing this.
   "No, apparently the bastards been doing some bimbo for a while now." She wiped her tears and looked a little angry.
   "Bimbo?" That wound me up. I knew I shouldn't, but I couldn't help it. "If you mean Ernesto Gonzalez, then your 'bimbo' is ME!"

   "You?!" She shouted, and people around us turned. "You're the stupid slut who thinks she can get my Ernie?? You've got to be kidding me. He's at least twice your age, he's leading you on, love." She laughed. "He'll drop you, don't worry, he'll come back to me."
   "Drop me? Because I'm young?" I laughed back at her, and didn't care that everyone was staring. "He does nothing but moan about you. Every time you've kicked him out for three years, he's come running to me and I've had him moaning my name more times than you've had hot dinners." My latest revelation kinda knocked the wind out of her, and she just stood there gaping at me a minute, so I continued. "I'm sorry you're such a frigid old hag, but we both know that's because you're still getting it from your boss. I hope that promotion ends up being worth it, because you'll have plenty of time to work when you're single." I didn't even wait for a reply, I just turned around and marched out of there, head held high and dancing inside. It was over. The deep dark secret was out, the truth was free, and I felt great. ...But how would Ernesto react?

    That evening when I got home, Ernesto grabbed me.
   "I've got a surprise for you!" He grinned grabbing my hand and pulling me in for a quick kiss before spinning me round to face the kitchen counter.
   "Flowers? You got me flowers!" I beamed. "Nobody's ever got me flowers before! Thankyou." I turned and pulled him close.
   "Geneva's in bed" He muttered in my ear suggestively, sending goosebumps over my skin. But no, I had to tell him.
   "Well I've got a surprise for you, too." I smiled at him, and he looked at me confused. "I'm pregnant." I came right out and said it. Not how I'd planned to, but it was out there now. A look of panic flashed across his face before it was overcome with a huge smile. He squeezed me tight.
   "We're having a baby?" He grinned, and I nodded.
   "Will you leave Natasha now?" I asked warily.
   "Of course I will babe! She's not answering her phone tonight so I'll pop over tomorrow and get my stuff-"
   "It's ok, I already broke up with her for you..." His face dropped.
   "You fucking what?" He said quietly.

   "No, you fucking what?!" We both froze. I think my heart stopped.
   "Jordan." I breathed helplessly.
   "Mate, dude, chill, yeah? Its not how you think..." Ernesto stuttered, he was shaking. Or was I shaking? Maybe we were both shaking.
   "Not how I think? You're fucking my baby sister and she's having your baby. What have I got wrong there??" Jordan was shaking too, but I think his was with anger, me and Ernesto were shaking with fear.
   "Jor, its not your business. I'm an adult." I whispered. I couldn't get my voice any louder.
   "Barely!" He exploded. "You're twenty-one!! He's forty-three! What the hell are you both thinking?"
   "Age is just a number." I rebelled, still unable to talk at a normal volume.
   "So fucking what?!" I'd never seen him so angry. "How long? How long has this shit been going on behind my back?"
   "Three years give or take." Ernesto found his voice.
   "You're supposed to be my best mate and you've been fucking my baby sister behind my back, behind Tashas' back, for three years?!"
   "It's not like that!!" Ernesto shouted back. "I fucking love her, man." My heart stopped again. He'd never said the 'L' word before. Jordan went quiet and stared at Ernesto. I think, anyway, I was staring at him too.
   "I think I love you too." I whispered. He turned to look at me, and his scowl melted into a smile as he looked into my eyes. I smiled back and I completely forgot about Jordan as he kissed me passionately. We've kissed thousands of times, but this was different. He was holding me extra tight, and as we kissed it was like we couldn't get enough of each other. It was probably the hormones, but I started crying. Happy tears. He loved me.

1.2 Ernesto

Nazari

    My brother had rang me just as I was getting up. His mate from near me, Ernesto Gonzalez, had come home late last night to find his girlfriend in bed with her boss. He'd apparently spent the night in the cells after some kind of 'altercation', and Jordan had rang me asking if it was ok for the police to release him to my address as he wasn't allowed contact with Natasha Gooder (his missus) for 48 hours. I'd said yes, trusting my brother, and remembering I had my first gig that night and I didn't want to take Geneva, but I also didn't have the cash for a baby sitter. I almost immediately regretted agreeing to this shit, who the hell did this prick think he was? Sideways cap with a cardigan?? Very 'gangsta'. He was on the phone, I assumed to my brother, when he came in, and he looked me up and down and looked equally unimpressed with my look too. Good, if we both didn't like each other that made it easier.

   We didn't talk an awful lot that day, he sat around watching TV while I practiced for my gig and looked after Geneva. He'd agreed to babysit, and Geneva seemed to love him. Plus, he ran down to the supermarket and bought some food, so he wasn't all bad. He even made us a chicken salad for dinner! For someone used to cereal and tinned food it tasted amazing.

   My heart was pounding that evening when I got on stage. There were quite a few people at the park, but not many of them were looking at me yet which made it easier. Luckily, my nerves didn't show in my voice, and I soon got into it and even did a few dance moves when I saw everyone was enjoying it so much!

   There was one woman, Natasha Gooder, she stood a little way back from the small crowd, and she was really loving it. She had no idea her boyfriend was at my house. I laughed to myself. Stupid bitch. If I ever get the chance... Why am I so angry? I barely know the guy, and he probably deserved to get cheated on. Anyway, she left quite early on after getting a phone call. Probably her boss wanting more.

   The evening seemed to fly by! Before I knew it I was at the end of my set and taking my final bows. The modest crowd was cheering, and I really appreciated the support. The Propriator gave me §250!! That's the most money I've had since leaving home! My mind told me all the things I could buy with it, but I told myself to shut up, I needed to be grown up and sensible, save it for when I needed it. Who knows when I'll see that kind of money again?

   When I got home, I was greeted by Natasha and Ernesto arguing in loud whispers in my living room, I guess at least they were respectful enough to not wake Geneva. I tiptoed past to the bedroom, and seeing Geneva was all tucked up and happily sleeping, I got into bed myself. So much for 48 hours no contact... I muttered under my breath, wondering if there was a threat on either of their lives and if I should ring Jordan and ask what to do. I heard the front door click shut and someone stomping down the creaky porch steps. I guessed Natasha had left because the footsteps weren't loud enough for Ernesto, a much heavier person. The next thing I knew my bedroom door opened. I don't know why but I shut my eyes tight and pretended to sleep. I felt Ernesto slide into bed next to me. His breath stunk of beer as he let out a sigh. He turned so his back was to me, and I didn't know what to think. Surely this was some kind of personal space thing? But the poor guy saw his girlfriend doing some other guy, and then he just had an argument.... He's probably used to sleeping next to someone, and wants it to feel normal. I reasoned, deciding to just go to sleep. He didn't scare me anyway.

    The next morning.... Well, I don't even know how we got here. It just kinda happened. I woke up and he was lying there awake.
   "Morning." I'd said, and he'd turned to look at me. We exchanged a little small talk, and then I guess I kinda came onto him. I mean, it had been a while for me, and he was right there. He'd responded eagerly, I know it was only a rebound thing, but it satisfied a need we both had, so it was fine.

   We got up and I had a shower, I went back to the bedroom to change and saw a sight that melted my heart. Geneva really did love Ernesto. And he was great with her. Wait a minute... Am I falling for this guy?? I questioned myself. He saw me looking at him, and caught my eye. We held a look for what felt an eternity, before Geneva let out a little giggle and we turned our attention to her.

   The next few days flew by, Ernesto dug Geneva a sandpit outside, and stayed to watch her whenever I got a job.

   As days turned to weeks, Ernesto started a little garden by my porch.

   And as weeks turned to months, Ernesto was around more than he was away. He set himself in as the man of the house and fixed things that broke for me, which was quite regular in this crappy trailer.

   He snuck over one evening as the leaves began to turn, doing his secret knock on the door that made me come running across the wood paneled floor.
   "Sorry, Naz, I had to see you again." He grinned, kissing me.
   "What's she done now?" I smiled back, enjoying the warmth of his embrace.
   "Apparently the fish pie I made was too fishy." He laughed.
   "I don't know why you even call her your girlfriend." I sighed. "I mean, you practically live here more than there." I hinted.
  "Don't, Nazari." He warned. "You know what we have wouldn't be half as good if it was legit."

   He leaned in and kissed me, and I realised he wasn't wrong. Every time we saw each other was a rush, what if someone was to see? What if Geneva let it slip out to Jordan? It was so much fun, but I did miss him when he went, especially knowing that when he wasn't in my bed he was in hers.

   But for tonight, that didn't matter.