tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84581906064611968882024-03-08T23:45:00.260+01:00Bristol Bay - a Sims 2 blogBristol Bay is a blog about my fictional neighborhood based on the Sims 2 game.Rosahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10167677554407880996noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458190606461196888.post-72019027032730117152011-09-06T17:00:00.002+02:002011-09-06T17:00:59.237+02:00Sorry!I'm so sorry that I haven't been able to update in a long time, but I just moved into my new apartment and got the internet working. I've been so busy for the past two weeks that I really haven't had the time to just sit down and write! I do have all the pictures ready for the next update, but I'm not sure when I'll have the time to write and post the update. My real life has been quite hectic lately (almost as hectic as the lives of my characters, LOL). I just thought I'd tell you guys what exactly has been taking me so long, so here you have it! Thank you all for reading!Rosahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10167677554407880996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458190606461196888.post-51055777606392993932011-08-22T18:28:00.000+02:002011-08-22T18:28:15.594+02:00January 2020 - Graduation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/1-18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="465" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/1-18.jpg" width="600" /></a></div><br />
Carla Dallas is graduating this January with a degree in Economics and a GPA of 2.7. It has been a tough four and a half years for her, but she made it through thanks to all the encouragement she has been getting from her mother and her best friend Claudia. <br />
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Carla's mom and her stepdad Arnaud, as also his children Jessica and James, came to see Carla on her big day and they decided to get some pictures taken. <br />
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Now Carla is living in Bristol Bay, in a big rental apartment (mostly due to her mom's financial support.) The building itself is old, but the apartment is completely renovated. Rosahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10167677554407880996noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458190606461196888.post-464685798064439512011-08-19T08:19:00.000+02:002011-08-19T08:19:33.417+02:00New Year 2020James Cooper is 21, Carla Dallas is 23. <br />
(Summer is 25, Jeff is 29, Micah is 26, Andrew is 26, Claudia is 23, Cody is 25, Lucy is 25.)<br />
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James doesn't really know what he's doing at this party. He only knows a few people, including his roommate Andrew who is actually the one to have persuaded him into coming.<br />
<br />
“Come on, James. It'll be fun. Besides, you don't have anything better to do, do you?”<br />
<br />
No, he didn't. That was the only reason why he hadn't just stayed home – he didn't want to seem pathetic.<br />
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Everyone at this party seems to be married, engaged or in a steady relationship. James doesn't belong to any of those categories. He's single, and almost feels like he's being punished for it. He's only 21, but he feels 40. Most of the people he used to go to school with are now in college, go to college parties and spend time with their college friends. James, on the other hand, goes to work, attends some lame adult parties and spends time with his very grown-up friends. <br />
<br />
He grabs a beer and sits down on a chair. <br />
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“Listen, you guys”, Micah says enthusiastically. His voice sounds a little unstable, as though he had already drunk a few beers. “You can get married, do whatever you like, but there's one thing you should never forget about.” <br />
“Oh my God, Micah”, Summer, one of the owners of the apartment, says. “You're so drunk. I can't believe you're the same person I used to date back in high school!” <br />
“What?” a blonde girl with lots of freckles on her face shrieks. “You guys used to <i>date</i>?”<br />
“Oh yeah, I remember that”, the guy sitting next to her says with excitement. <br />
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“I can't believe you all used to go to high school together”, the blonde girl continues. “It's not fair!” She crosses her arms dramatically.<br />
“Trust me, you didn't miss out on anything”, Summer laughs. “For example, Cody and I didn't even speak to each other until... When was that?” <br />
“I think it was our junior year”, the guy says.<br />
“Of college”, Summer adds. <br />
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“It was probably around then when Summer stopped talking to me”, Micah says. “Did you have something to do with that, Cody?”<br />
“He didn't”, Summer says with a laugh. <br />
“Gosh, there are so many things I know nothing about!” the blonde girl says. “You must fill me in with all the details.” <br />
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“Micah was devastated”, Andrew says. “Good thing he found Celeste.” <br />
“Poor guy”, Claudia giggles. <br />
“I was okay”, Micah insists. “But my wife's a real catch, isn't she?” <br />
“She is.” <br />
“Where is she, by the way?”<br />
“She's spending the holidays with her family”, Micah answers.<br />
“And she didn't want you to meet them.”<br />
“She did”, Micah says. “And I've already met them, you moron. We're <i>married</i>. But, you know – they didn't have much space so we just thought-”<br />
“-that you're an alcoholic”, Andrew finishes the sentence.<br />
“No, man, that's not what I was going to say.” <br />
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James stays still, listening to the conversation go by and thinking about every word he hears. He turns his head a little, and sees a guy with long hair sitting there right next to him. <br />
“You're not married, are you?” he asks him.<br />
“Nah”, the guy says. “Too young.”<br />
“How old are you?” <br />
“27.”<br />
“You know you're older than most of these people.” <br />
“I guess I am.”<br />
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“You know them?” James asks. <br />
“Not really”, the guy says. <br />
“Then what are you doing here?” <br />
“That's a good question.”<br />
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“I guess I'm just here for the free beer”, he says finally. James raises an eyebrow, but then smiles a little. <br />
“Me too. I mean – I was invited, but it's not like I'm part of this group or anything.”<br />
“Yeah”, the guy says. “Something like that.” <br />
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“I'm actually a DJ”, he soon continues. “And I have invitations to the best New Year's eve parties in the country. And here I am.”<br />
“Why's that?” James asks. <br />
“I sort of”, he starts, but then hesitates for a while. “Messed up.” <br />
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“And this is your punishment?”<br />
“I guess”, the guy says. <br />
“Aren't you being a little too hard on yourself?”<br />
“Nah, not really.” <br />
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“You see”, he says, “I messed up <i>really</i> bad. There was this girl, and I loved her. I did, and I now know that.”<br />
“You broke up with her”, James says.<br />
“No, I didn't”, he says quickly. “We're technically still together, I guess. The only thing is that she won't return my calls and it's been like that for three months.”<br />
“That's a break-up.”<br />
“You think?” He sighs. “Man, I wish she'd just listen.”<br />
“Tell me about it.” James takes a huge sip of his beer. “I mean, there was this one girl, and she left me. Then, I tried calling her to ask what I'd done wrong, but she didn't even want to hear from me anymore. It was all fucked up, you now, since I hadn't even done anything.” <br />
“She's a bitch.”<br />
“Yeah, maybe”, James says. “But I'm starting to get over her.”<br />
“That's great man. I wish I could do that.”<br />
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They both stand up, and the long haired guy goes to grab another beer. <br />
“I guess I'm just gonna drink myself to death.”<br />
“Nah, don't”, James says to him, but before he can say anything else, he sees someone at the door. “Look, man- I gotta go. It was nice talking to you.”<br />
<br />
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<center>~~~~~</center><br />
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Carla doesn't really know what she's doing at this party. She doesn't know the owners of this place, she just presumes they're friends of Claudia, since she's the one who invited her. <br />
<br />
“You should come. I bet there will be lots of guys for you to meet.”<br />
“But I don't want to meet any guys.”<br />
“Well, I'll be there.”<br />
<br />
It's New Year's eve, and Carla's got no-one to kiss. She's gained about 10 pounds during the holidays. How sad is that? <br />
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“He's here.”<br />
<br />
She sees her best friend, as thin as ever, running out to her with a worried expression on her face. <br />
<br />
“I swear, I didn't know he was going to come-”, Claudia starts to explain alarmedly, but Carla interrupts her immediately: <br />
“That's okay, I know you didn't.” She looks towards the living room, searching for any familiar faces. “Did he bring someone?” <br />
“No, he didn't”, Claudia answers quickly. “But actually, he was just talking to-”<br />
“Okay”, Carla says. She doesn't want to know. “I just need to use the bathroom.” <br />
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She doesn't really go to the bathroom. She looks for a little quieter place to sit, just to clear her thoughts and calm down.<br />
<br />
She knew this was a bad idea. She should have just stayed home, listened to some really sad songs and maybe talked to Jessica. She and Jessica are friends now, sort of. Technically, they're sisters, since their parents are married now, but she reckons it's already too late for that. You kind of have to know someone since the minute they're born to call them your little sister. <br />
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She can hear someone getting closer, even though the people in the living room are talking very loudly and the music is playing almost non-stop. <br />
<br />
<i>Please just go and use the bathroom</i>, she prays in her mind. <i>Don't come here.</i><br />
<br />
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But he does. <br />
<br />
“Oh”, she says, surprised. “It's you.”<br />
“Yeah, it's me”, James says.<br />
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There is about a minute of silence. Then, Carla finally breaks the ice. <br />
“So”, she starts slowly. “I had no idea you were going to be at this party.”<br />
“Me neither”, James says. “But you know – Andrew.” <br />
Carla nods. “Claudia”, she says. <br />
<br />
They don't say anything for a while, just listen to the calm music coming from the other side of the apartment. James clears his throat. <br />
<br />
“You want to go grab some fresh air?” he asks then. <br />
“Sure”, she answers. <br />
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It's kind of cold outside, but they sit down on the icy steps anyway. She looks at him, only for a second, and then just lets her thoughts run.<br />
<br />
“I met someone”, he suddenly says. “A girl.”<br />
“You did?” She gets a little uncomfortable. “What is she like?”<br />
“Amazing”, he says. “I haven't slept with her yet.” <br />
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“Is that a good or a bad thing?” she asks him.<br />
“I guess it's a good thing”, he says. “Usually when I meet someone, I just like to get it over with as soon as possible, and then, I pretty much lose interest.” <br />
Carla looks away, but still listens. <br />
“I just really want to get to know her, you know.” <br />
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“You should”, Carla finally says. “You'll never know when they'll break your heart.”<br />
“Yeah.” He sighs. “Tell me about it.” <br />
She now turns to look at him, and sees him there, with his heart broken, devastated, just like she is. “Gosh, James”, she then says. “When did you grow up?” <br />
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“What do you mean?” he asks her. She smiles, but only a little.<br />
“I mean”, she starts, “that you're not that silly teenager anymore. I wish you were, though.” <br />
He frowns. “Why?”<br />
“I just hate to see you like that.” <br />
“Like what?”<br />
“Like you've had your heart broken.” <br />
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He looks at her. “So?” <br />
She takes his hand. “So I guess that makes you a real grown-up now. Welcome to the club.” <br />
“But you had your heart broken just a few months ago”, he says. “I've had mine for over two years.” <br />
Carla gives a cold laugh. “Believe me, this wasn't the first time a guy has made me cry. I've been dumped before, I've even been cheated on before.” <br />
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“Seriously?” His whole being is full of concern. Carla looks at him, smiling, but fighting back tears at the same time. <br />
“Yeah. And here I am. Alive, still.” <br />
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They stay quiet for a while. Carla swallows back her tears, and tries to remain calm. <br />
“You kind of broke my heart, too”, James suddenly says.<br />
“What?” Carla shrieks. She looks at him skeptically.<br />
“You did”, he says. “Don't you remember? The first time you and your mom came to our house for dinner. You kissed me.” <br />
Carla closes her eyes in attempt to recall what had happened that night. Suddenly, she gasps. <br />
“Oh my God!!!!” she screams. “I did!” <br />
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“How could you forget?” he demands. “You were 16!”<br />
“I don't know”, she says, with horror. “I mean, I knew I had a crush on you, but-” <br />
“You had a crush on me?” he interrupts. <br />
“Um, yeah – I did.” She lets out a nervous laugh. She is only a shadow of her old, confident self. “But I knew it was wrong. I mean, our parents were getting married.”<br />
“You know that doesn't mean anything”, James says quickly. “We're not real siblings.” <br />
“I know”, Carla says. “But still, just the thought of it... I don't know, it was just crazy. And your sister was being very protective of you.” <br />
<br />
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“What?” James exclaims. “Jess? Protective? What are you, kidding?” <br />
“She was!” Carla insists. “She hated me from the second she saw the two us talking.” <br />
“Well, we weren't exactly talking-”<br />
“Shut up”, she laughs. “She never knew that. Unless you told her, of course.” <br />
“I didn't”, he says. <br />
<br />
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She takes a quick look at him. <br />
“She did see the two of us dancing at our parents' wedding, though”, he suddenly says.<br />
“She did.” Carla smiles, but quickly becomes more serious. “But then you went with -”, she doesn't say the name out loud, but they both know exactly who she's referring to, “and left me alone on the dance floor.” <br />
“You've never been alone. There has always been a bunch of guys drooling after you”, James says, trying to take her mind off Coco. <br />
“Was she a better kisser than me?”<br />
“Wait. What?” He can't believe his ears. She looks at him shyly. <br />
“So many guys seem to prefer her over me, so I just thought...” She gulps. “Maybe she really is better than me.”<br />
“She's not”, James says quickly. “Besides, you were 16 back at the time. I'm sure you've gained a lot of experience after that.” <br />
She bites her lip and looks at him desperately. <br />
<br />
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The countdown starts.<br />
<br />
10, 9, 8...<br />
<br />
The people at the party start pairing up, looking for their loved ones, or their cell phones to call the ones that mean the most to them. <br />
<br />
“Do you remember what happened exactly two years ago?”<br />
“I do.” <br />
“I'm so glad we're doing this.”<br />
“Me too.” <br />
<br />
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7, 6...<br />
<br />
“Don't go anywhere.”<br />
“I won't.”<br />
<br />
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5, 4...<br />
<br />
Some manage to steal a little kiss even before it's actually the time. <br />
<br />
“We should get home soon. We promised the nanny.” <br />
<br />
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3, 2... <br />
<br />
Soon the sky is going to turn into the playground of all the different colors... People wait for the fireworks... <br />
<br />
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1, 0... <br />
<br />
Everyone is looking for someone, they're waiting for something new, hoping that this new year will bring them something good, something better... <br />
<br />
It's a new chance. To start all over again.<br />
<br />
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“I should probably call Whitney.” He smiles at her, the most friendly and encouraging smile he knows, and then gets up.<br />
“Yeah.” She smiles back at him. “And I should end things with Alec. For good.” <br />
<br />
It's a new start. <br />
<br />
<br />
<center>~~~~~</center><br />
<br />
<i>• Okay, first of all, just a quick reminder – James and Carla aren't really brother and sister. James' (and Jessica's) mom died when they were little and their dad Arnaud was alone for a very long time. When the twins were about 14, Arnaud met Carla's mother Gwen and soon after they got married. So nothing strange going on here ;) <br />
<br />
• James had the want for making out, Carla had the want for a date, but basically it was just pure ACR. These two have huge chemistry, 150 ACR or something like that... After the kiss, James rolled the want for woohoo in bed but also for calling Whitney, whereas Carla just wanted to buy some new clothes and play some pool (seriously, wtf sims?) So yeah, it was just a kiss. <br />
<br />
• Also, I suppose you all recognized the red-haired dude James was talking to. If you didn't, you should read the last college update :) <br />
<br />
• I'm currently staying at my parents' house which just basically means that I have nothing more to do than just play the game and write. This will all change next week when I'm going on a little trip with my friends, and I'm also moving! Yaiks! <br />
</i>Rosahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10167677554407880996noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458190606461196888.post-60790603835357261352011-08-17T01:57:00.000+02:002011-08-17T01:57:03.751+02:00Christmas 2019 - Sims<i>Warning: this one is LONG. You might want to take a few breaks while reading...</i><br />
<br />
Cody and Lucy are 25, Isabel and Isaac are 0. (Mikayla is 18, Robert is 44, Nicole is 38, Noah is 9 and Nora is 6.) <br />
<br />
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It's Tuesday the 24th. <br />
<br />
It's one of those mornings when the word “hurry” doesn't even exist in the vocabulary – it feels as though they have all the time in the world. Everything is nice and cozy, exactly like the two of the most indoorsy persons in the world would expect it to be on the day before Christmas. <br />
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“We should probably go downstairs”, Lucy sighs as she pulls one of her little babies closer to her chest and softly kisses his forehead. <br />
“You just fed them”, Cody says. <br />
“I know, but we can't spend the whole day in bed, you know.” She looks at him with her green eyes wide open. “Can we?” <br />
“You know I'd love to.”<br />
<br />
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They do eventually get up, and that's when the day officially starts. Isabel and Isaac are now 4 months old and they've turned out to be quite the attention seekers. They don't cry much, but they do need lots of activities to keep them entertained. <br />
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This litte family just got a dog, a Labrador retriever. His name is Ocelot, and he has already become an important part of the family. <br />
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Lucy always wanted to have a dog, and now she finally has one. She loves Ocelot – he's perfect. The dog is only about a year old, and he isn't exactly housebroken, but Lucy's love for him has no limits. <br />
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Mikayla is spending the holidays with them, since her mom is out of town with her “boyfriend”, Berjes. Mikayla's already 18, but everybody knows Christmas is supposed to be a family occasion. <br />
<br />
“Thanks for letting me stay here”, Mikayla says smilingly.<br />
<br />
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“Mikayla, you don't have to thank us”, Lucy says, her eyes twinkling like stars. “You're Cody's little sister. We love you.” <br />
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“This is going to be the best Christmas ever”, Mikayla promises. “You'll see.”<br />
<br />
She's being totally honest with her– for the last couple of months, this house has been her safe haven. It's the place where she has been able to be her real self, without any judgments. <br />
<br />
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It's the place she can practically call her home. She can freely open the fridge, find something to eat and then serve herself. She doesn't want to bother anyone – she pretty much takes care of herself and her own needs without causing any trouble. <br />
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Mikayla simply adores her little niece and nephew. She takes care of them while Lucy heads upstairs to take a nice, relaxing bath.<br />
“There is nothing more like a romance killer”, she said to Mikayla, “than hair that smells like vomit.” <br />
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Mikayla holds Isabel, and looks at her very closely. She is so tiny. The baby looks at her, with her brown eyes wide open and full of curiosity, and lets out a little, yet trickling, laugh. <br />
<br />
Mikayla smiles, and pulls the little girl a closer. She cuddles the baby, and whispers in her ear: “Aunt Mikayla loves you.” <br />
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After her bath, Lucy takes the babies upstairs to take a little nap. Isabel falls asleep first, but Isaac is a bit more cranky this time. Lucy tries to sing him to sleep, but it doesn't seem to help at all. <br />
“Oh, my baby”, she sighs while lifting the cranky one in the air. “You <i>don't</i> want to wake up your sister.” <br />
<br />
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Lucy's life pretty much circles around the babies now. That way, she has learned to appreciate all the tiny little moments of pleasure in her life. Nothing could make her happier than being able to sit down at the end of the day, maybe eat some ice cream, and later, make love to Cody. <br />
<br />
Then again, Isabel and Isaac are the ones who bring the most joy into all the repetitive days. Seeing her babies smile and learn something new almost every day makes it all worth it. <br />
<br />
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Mikayla is sitting downstairs, watching some TV while Cody and Lucy are putting Isabel and Isaac to bed. She zaps through some channels until she finally finds something interesting to watch. <br />
<br />
She loves the way she's being treated; Cody and Lucy let her do whatever she wants. “We trust you”, Lucy always says. She values their trust too much to actually do anything stupid. Besides, she's 18 now. She figures she's an adult.<br />
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After about 20 minutes, Cody comes down the stairs and walks to the living room. <br />
“I'm not really watching KidzTube”, Mikayla says quickly. “I was just zapping.”<br />
“That's okay”, Cody says with a reassuring smile, and sits down in one of the armchairs. <br />
<br />
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“What's up?” he asks then. Mikayla laughs.<br />
“Are you serious? I've been here the whole day.” <br />
“Yeah, but I mean”, he hesitates for a while, “in life. Not just today.” <br />
“I'm okay.” She tries to control her laughter. “Seriously. I'm better now.”<br />
“I know you've been talking to Lucy-”, Cody starts, but Mikayla interrupts him:<br />
“Are you jealous?” She can't help but laugh. “You know she's a <i>girl</i>. And she's not my <i>brother</i>. It's easier to talk to her.” <br />
Cody smiles a little. Then, he becomes more serious. “Listen, sis. I know living with mom isn't the easiest thing in the world. Especially now that she's going out with that guy, what's his name again?” <br />
Mikayla raises an eyebrow. “Berjes”, she says dryly. “He was at your <i>wedding</i>. Plus, she's not just going out with him. He <i>lives</i> with us.” <br />
“I knew that”, Cody says quickly. He takes a moment of deliberation, and then speaks again: “Anyway. You've been spending a lot of time here lately, and I like it.”<br />
“I like it too”, Mikayla interjects.<br />
“And you know, next year you're going to college and, wait – you are going to college, right? Well, what I wanted you to know is that, you know.. We'll always be there for you. Us, Lucy and I.”<br />
Mikayla looks down, blushing. “Thanks, Cody”, she says. Then, she smiles. “You've never been the kind of brother to give lectures or anything.” <br />
“That wasn't a lecture.”<br />
“I knew that”, Mikayla teases. <br />
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Lucy comes downstairs and Mikayla soon joins her in the kitchen.<br />
“You won't mind if we just order in tonight, will you?” Lucy asks her. She grabs her cellphone and starts dialing a number. “You know I'm not much of a cook.”<br />
“No, I won't mind at all”, Mikayla assures her. <br />
<br />
In fact, she couldn't be any happier – she just loves how <i>real</i> Lucy is. Mikayla's mom always prepares a fancy meal for them at Christmas, but that isn't something Mikayla likes. It's all pretending – they try to act like a real family, even though they're all perfectly aware of the fact that they're not. <br />
<br />
But Mikayla likes it here. In her opinion, Christmas isn't about following the traditions to the point where you actually forget to enjoy yourself. She figures it's about being with the people you love. <br />
<br />
And she might be a little embarrassed to admit it, but deep down, she knows it's true – she loves these people. <br />
<br />
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The girls sit down to play some of Cody's video games, as the doorbell rings. <br />
“Cody!” Lucy calls. He soon comes out of the kitchen, with cookie crumbs all around the corners of his mouth. Lucy gives a laugh, and then says: “Could you please get the door? It must be the delivery guy.”<br />
Cody nods, and says: “I can tell that you guys are obviously in the middle of something much more important.”<br />
“As were you”, Lucy laughs and gets back to the game.<br />
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“Merry Christmas, man”, Cody wishes. <br />
“Same to you. Here's your food.”<br />
<br />
It's snowing outside – it's one of the coldest Decembers Bristol Bay has ever seen. Cody pays the delivery guy, and takes their dinner inside. <br />
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Just as they're about to sit down at the table and start eating, they hear a soft cry coming from upstairs.<br />
“You know it's Christmas, don't you?” Lucy asks Isabel. “You want to come and celebrate with us.” She looks at the other crib, and notices Isaac is also awake. “Well, you might as well come then.” <br />
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Lucy hands the two babies to her husband, who gently places them on their playmats. <br />
<br />
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The three of them can now finally start eating, while listening to the twins' reduplicated – Cody learned that word from a parenting book – babble. <br />
<br />
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“This is good”, Mikayla says as she takes her first bite of the food. <br />
<br />
She loves the relaxed atmosphere that's surrounding them. She loves the fact that she can look everyone in the eyes, be herself, and that she doesn't have to watch her every move, dreading someone might misunderstand her. That's exactly what goes on at home – she tries to avoid her new stepdad as best as she can, but at times, she fails at it. <br />
<br />
Her mom, on the other hand, is a bitter middle-aged woman who raised her to become just like her – bitter. Mikayla understands that now, after having spend months and months running away from home to come here. <br />
<br />
She remembers the time when she still considered her mother something like a saint. She believed every word she said, she <i>changed</i> because of her. But as her mother fell in love, <i>everything</i> changed. <br />
<br />
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“Yeah”, Lucy says, “this is good.”<br />
<br />
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They finish dinner and Cody and Lucy take the twins back upstairs – hopefully for the last time that night. It's getting really late, so Mikayla just slumps on the couch, without even turning the TV on. Ocelot is chewing a new squeaky toy that Mikayla gave him as a Christmas present. <br />
<br />
Otherwise, it's rather quiet. Mikayla listens to the howling wind, and is happy to be inside where it's dry and warm.<br />
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Later that night, Cody lights the fireplace to bring them even more warmth.<br />
“Be careful”, Lucy says. She doesn't seem to have a lot of faith in her husband when it comes to dealing with fire. <br />
“Of course I am.”<br />
<br />
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They all sit down to watch how the flames start growing bigger and bigger, and soon fulfilling the room with a nice sensation of warmth. <br />
<br />
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“Guys, I'm gonna head to bed now”, Mikayla soon announces and gets up from her armchair.<br />
“Are you tired already?” Lucy asks her.<br />
“Yeah, I am. Good night.” <br />
<br />
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What Mikayla means is that she wants her brother and Lucy to have a little moment of their own, as well. They've been married for five months, of which four have been dedicated only to their newborns. <br />
<br />
So the two of them sit together on the couch, watch the beautiful, orange flames dancing, and cuddle. <br />
<br />
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Later, they go upstairs, to their bedroom, crawl into bed and make love. <br />
<br />
<center>~~~~~</center><br />
<br />
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The next morning, as the people of Bristol's Square look out their windows, they see huge drifts of snow covering up almost all of their neighborhood. It's all happened during just one night, and the little ones believe Santa Claus must have had at least something to do with it. <br />
<br />
“I've never seen this much snow before”, Mikayla says with joy. <br />
<br />
The twins are particularly happy this morning – it's not like they understand anything about the snow, but Lucy thinks it's because of Christmas. The babies surely sense the joyful spirit. <br />
<br />
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“Come here, sis”, Cody says suddenly. Lucy is smiling brightly at Mikayla.<br />
“What is it?”<br />
“We got you something.”<br />
<br />
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“Aww, guys, you shouldn't have”, Mikayla says as soon as she realizes what's going on.<br />
“Shut up”, Cody says jokingly. <br />
“We weren't sure what to get you”, Lucy starts explaining. “So we just thought – what is it that Mikayla likes? And we came up with it – music!” <br />
<br />
It's a brand new iPod, and Mikayla simply loves it. She hugs both her brother and Lucy, and immediately starts testing out her new toy. <br />
<br />
Mikayla isn't used to getting anything new – she has some nice things, but most of them used to belong to Cody; his room in the attic, his old laptop, his antiquated cellphone. Their mom isn't poor, but she's very strict on using her money; most of it is spent on herself. At first, she had needed to look as good as possible to attract men and now that she already had one, she needed money for sustaining their relationship. “Ask your dad for money”, she always said to Mikayla. “He's rich. Do you have any idea of how much it costs me to maintain you?”<br />
<br />
<center>~~~~~</center><br />
<br />
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That afternoon, as Cody decides to take the twins napping, the girls stay downstairs. <br />
“Mikayla”, Lucy starts with an unsure tone. “You do know we are going to have some visitors tonight?”<br />
<br />
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“Um, no”, Mikayla answers confusedly. “Cody didn't tell me anything.” It's not like she's afraid of people, but there is that certain look on Lucy's face that makes her stomach twist. “Who?” she then asks. <br />
<br />
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“Your dad”, Lucy says in a calm manner. “And your brother and sister. And, of course...”, she takes a short pause, “Nicole.” <br />
<br />
Mikayla just looks at her, without blinking. She's not mad at her, of course not – it's their house, and they're free to invite whomever they want there. But at the same time, she feels like she's been tricked; she wouldn't have agreed to spend Christmas with them if she had known her dad was going to be there, as well. She hasn't seen him after the wedding, but that's normal for them. He lives only two blocks away, and yet they almost never see each other. <br />
<br />
She can't help but laugh acerbically at the thought of calling those kids her brother and sister – she's never even said a word to them. She saw them at the wedding, of course, and they were all perfect – well-mannered, nicely dressed and the objects of everyone's adoration. She doesn't want to say she's jealous at them – they're just kids – but she knows they have been given so much more than she ever has. <br />
<br />
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“Okay”, she says plainly. <br />
“They're all really looking forward to seeing you”, Lucy says. <br />
<br />
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“Yeah”, Mikayla says. “Sure.”<br />
<br />
She can see it in Lucy's eyes – concern. <br />
<br />
<center>~~~~~</center><br />
<br />
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She decides to take Ocelot for a little walk, just to clear her thoughts. There's snow everywhere, but the weather itself isn't too bad – it's actually quite pleasant. The sky is clear, and the sun is almost shining, not quite though; it's still December. <br />
<br />
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Mikayla's always been the kind of girl to solve all of her problems on her own. She locks herself in her room, goes for a walk or just does something else to forget about them. But lately, she has come to notice that her own remedies just aren't strong enough – she can hide all those painful thoughts in the depths of her mind, but eventually, they'll come out. <br />
<br />
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She's been telling Lucy quite many things about herself. It's been relieving – having someone to talk to, someone older, someone who listens, and someone who cares. <br />
<br />
“You're 18 now”, her mom had said to her own her birthday. “Why are you still <i>angsting</i>? You're not a teenager anymore.” <br />
<br />
Mikayla had always known it – her sadness wasn't normal. It wasn't just because she was a teenager – it was something more. She had grown up without a real, reliable figure of a father, which had made her lack the confidence she needed to become an independent, self-assured woman. And then, there was also the example she had been provided with at home. No wonder she has grown up to be like this – bitter. <br />
<br />
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She doesn't want to see their faces. She doesn't want to know how happy they are, living in one of the most expensive houses in town, with a pool, and probably with a pony somewhere in the countryside. It had also been <i>her</i> dream – a dream that had been ruined for her. <br />
<br />
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It's getting darker. The earlier so bright and blue sky now turns into something grayer, something red. Mikayla sits down on the lowest step of the porch, and sighs. Ocelot curls up lazily right next to her, and leans his head on her knees. She strokes the dog's head, with her fingers lingering over the silky softness of his ears. <br />
<br />
She doesn't know what time it is. Quite late, she presumes. How long has she been out already? <br />
<br />
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The door opens, and Mikayla jumps in the air. Ocelot runs away, alarmed, but doesn't go too far.<br />
“Where have you been?” Cody demands. <br />
“Nowhere”, Mikayla says, but quickly corrects herself: “I mean – I was out. With the dog.”<br />
<br />
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Cody loosens up a little bit. “I fall asleep and the next thing I know you're gone. What am I supposed to think?”<br />
“Nothing”, Mikayla says. “Don't you trust me?” <br />
“Of course I do”, Cody answers quickly. “But Lucy told you about dad.” <br />
“She did.”<br />
“I thought you'd ran away.” <br />
<br />
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“I didn't”, Mikayla says, trying to remain calm. Cody smiles a little.<br />
“I'm glad you didn't.” He takes a deep breath. “You should come inside. They're going to be here any minute.” <br />
“Okay.”<br />
“You know – they really want to see you.”<br />
“Okay”, she repeats. <br />
<br />
<center>~~~~~</center><br />
<br />
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She doesn't take a shower, nor does she even change her clothes. She feels like there's no need to make an effort or to put up a show. She goes to the balcony, leans on the fence and breathes in the cold, evening air. <br />
<br />
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Then, from behind the trees covered with frost and snow, she sees the headlights of a car that's approaching slowly. She gulps loudly, and feels her heartbeat hastening.<br />
<br />
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She turns around and goes back inside before anyone can see her.<br />
<br />
...<br />
<br />
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She stops at the upper end of the stairs, and tries to breathe normally. She feels like a spy, or an outsider, a silent watcher. <br />
<br />
It's ridiculous, the way she dreads them, as if they were ghosts or some well-hidden skeletons from her closet. But that's exactly what they are – they've always existed, no matter how hard has she tried to forget about them. <br />
<br />
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She knows she can't hide forever, so she'll start walking slowly, without making a sound. She wants to enjoy the last seconds of her secret hideout, before stepping into the spotlight. <br />
<br />
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<i>She</i> is the first one to notice her. They look each other in the eyes, without saying a word – they both just stare.<br />
<br />
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Then, with something that seems like just one, subtle sprint, she's there, hugging her. Mikayla hugs her back, clumsily, waiting for it to end. For a minute, it feels as though they're the only ones in the room, but then Mikayla sees the faces of all the others – waiting, even scared of what's to come. <br />
<br />
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“I'm so happy to see you”, Nicole says. <br />
<br />
Mikayla doesn't know if it's genuine, or just an act, but she decides to not even care. <br />
<br />
<center>~~~~~</center><br />
<br />
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Cody and Lucy have somehow managed to get three more – non-matching - chairs around their dining table. They all sit down to eat – some pizza and Chinese food – and the conversation begins.<br />
<br />
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“Yeah, work's great, dad”, Cody says contentedly. “We're actually working on this new video game right now, it's going to be awesome.”<br />
The little boy, Noah, looks at his older brother admiringly, as though he'd never seen anyone cooler before. <br />
<br />
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“I'm so glad he found this job.” Lucy smiles. “It pays well, and he clearly enjoys doing it.” <br />
“Who wouldn't?” Robert laughs. “He plays video games for a living.”<br />
<br />
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Mikayla doesn't look at her dad – instead, she turns her head to face the opposite direction and remains silent. It's an easygoing atmosphere, yet she's feeling haunted. <br />
<br />
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The kids look happy. The boy doesn't say much and seems very respectful, whereas the girl, Nora, talks a lot and thereby always draws the attention back to herself. Everyone can tell that these are children who have been raised in a loving, solid environment. <br />
<br />
Not like everyone. <br />
<br />
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But there is someone Mikayla can't even stand to look at. It's <i>her</i>. She's not constantly talking, but makes a few comments among the conversation. She acts like she's Lucy's best friend, all youthful and vivacious. And then, she asks Cody about things that aren't even her business – she's not their mother. They already have one, who might be kind of shitty, but she's still their real mother. <br />
<br />
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After dinner, the little girl walks up to Mikayla and asks:<br />
“Are you my sister?” But before Mikayla even has the chance to answer, the girl continues: “My daddy says you are.”<br />
<br />
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“It's complicated”, Mikayla says with a sigh. She looks at Nora, whose brown eyes remind her of the ones she sees every times she looks in a mirror. <br />
“My daddy says you are.” <br />
<br />
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“I've always wanted to have a big sister”, Nora continues. “I only have two brothers, Noah and Cody, but I don't like their old toys. Noah likes to play with blocks and build things, but I love playing my piano. Do you have a piano?”<br />
“I don't”, Mikayla says. “I have a violin.” <br />
“Wow”, the little girl gasps. “How come you never come to visit us?” <br />
<br />
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Mikayla gulps, and feels a pressure on her chest. She looks at the little girl's eyes, the exact same shape and color as hers, and sees confusion, but also hope. <br />
“I've never been invited”, she gulps. <br />
“You don't need an invitation, silly”, Nora laughs. “You're my sister. You can always come. Wait until you see my room, it's really pretty!” <br />
Mikayla isn't even blinking anymore. She just looks at the girl, almost paralyzed. <br />
<br />
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“I have a gift for you”, Nora says. “Can I give it to you now?”<br />
“Um, sure”, Mikayla says uneasily.<br />
<br />
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“Here”, Nora says. “My mommy helped me to wrap it up nicely. It's a drawing, but she told me to get a box for it, otherwise the package wouldn't be as pretty as it is now.” She lets out a bubbly laugh. “I drew a picture of you, but at first I wasn't sure what you looked like. I saw you at Cody and Lucy's wedding, but I didn't really remember. I wanted to draw you as a princess, and then my daddy told me you look a lot like me. Easy-peasy.” She giggles. <br />
<br />
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Mikayla holds the gift, uncomfortably, and doesn't know what to say. Nora is waiting eagerly for an answer, and looks at her with her brown eyes twinkling. <br />
<br />
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Mikayla looks at Lucy, in need of an answer. She smiles at her very brightly, and slightly nods her head. Mikayla feels everyone in the room is staring at her, expecting her to do something.<br />
<br />
She gulps.<br />
<br />
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“Thank you”, she says weakly, almost like a whisper. “I can't wait to open it.”<br />
<br />
She gives the little girl a kiss on her cheek, because she reckons all the bad in the world can't possibly be her fault.<br />
<br />
Probably not any of it. <br />
<br />
<center>~~~~~<br />
<br />
• <i>Okay, so Mikayla just basically took over this whole update. She's an interesting character with a story to tell. Or maybe I just like writing about troubled characters ;) <br />
<br />
• Well, to be totally honest, Mikayla's story has a very special meaning to me. I see a lot of myself in her, and that's why writing about her is something that comes very naturally to me. <br />
<br />
• Lucy is probably my favorite sim at the moment. She is so sweet! I also like Cody, so I guess that makes them my favorite couple! <br />
<br />
• Mikayla got fat during the holidays! But you know, because fat sims don't even look fat, she just now has some bigger boobs, which isn't such a bad thing. </i></center>Rosahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10167677554407880996noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458190606461196888.post-68075600632949295212011-08-14T23:23:00.005+02:002011-08-15T00:51:29.239+02:00Lot tour - Jeff and Summer's apartment & Cody and Lucy's houseI'm currently working on the Christmas update, but since I haven't been making a lot of progress in the writing lately, I decided to share some pictures of two different apartments with you guys. The first one belongs to Jeff and Summer, who just recently moved there. <br />
<br />
I used lots of creamy light colors while decorating this apartment, and I think it turned out to be very Summer. She and Jeff are also hosting our New Year's party, so you will be seeing some more of this apartment in the near future ;)<br />
<br />
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<br />
<center>~~~~~</center><br />
<br />
Next up is Cody and Lucy's place - they've actually lived there since a few weeks after their wedding. It's a small, two story house in Bristol's Square. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/23-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="460" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/23-9.jpg" width="600" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/24-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="466" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/24-9.jpg" width="600" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/25-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="462" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/25-9.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>Rosahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10167677554407880996noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458190606461196888.post-1525632481950398612011-08-12T12:17:00.001+02:002011-08-12T12:18:34.720+02:00November 2019 - Welsh-CooperAndrew Welsh is 26, James Cooper is 21. (Claudia Russo is 23, Micah Knight is 26.)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/1-14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="463" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/1-14.jpg" width="600" /></a></div><br />
It's not like James hasn't gotten over Coco. It's been two years already, and he's doing just fine. He's been with other girls – or at least slept with them. Most of them are just random hookups, girls he meets at bars and later takes back to his place. He never calls them again, even though they almost beg him to. They're just blurry memories, just faces among the crowd, without names. <br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
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He can't remember the name of this one, who gently caresses his chest with her fingertips and looks him in the eyes with a sleepy smile on her face. <br />
“What are you thinking about?” she asks him. <br />
“Nothing”, he says, maybe coldly, but he doesn't really care. He hates it when they get all affectionate on him – it's just sex. He doesn't want anything else from them, and the truth is – it's the only thing he has to offer. <br />
<br />
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The days go by like seconds. He gets up, goes to work, and falls asleep once again. He knows this isn't the life he wanted – he wanted to <i>be something</i>. And currently, he's nothing. He has a job that only barely pays his bills and it really is a miracle he ever made it through high school. He feels like a failure. <br />
<br />
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“Where are you going, man?” Andrew asks him.<br />
“Work”, he says. They've been roommates for two years, and they both know exactly where he's going. <br />
<br />
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Andrew takes care of the cleaning, and James takes care of the – well, he doesn't really take care of anything. He just pays his half of the rent, and maybe sometimes fixes a broken dishwasher. It isn't a fair system, but neither of them feels the need to complain. <br />
<br />
James isn't lazy – cleaning just isn't his first priority in this life. His room is mostly messy, sometimes even repugnant. There are piles of clothes all over the floor, and he never makes his bed. Sometimes Andrew does it, but James can't even begin to understand why. <br />
<br />
His room pretty much represents himself. He's a mess, and he has been for some time now. It isn't who he really is, but unfortunately, it seems like there's no way around. <br />
<br />
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One night, they both sit down at the table and James clears his throat. <br />
“I've been thinking about starting to work out again.” <br />
“That's great, man”, Andrew says. “You've been a little down lately. Is everything okay?”<br />
“Yeah”, James says, trying to sound carefree. “Things have just been a little rough at work lately.”<br />
“Oh yeah?” Andrew seems interested, but James knows he really isn't. He doesn't know what it's like to have a real job – he just plays soccer.<br />
<br />
It's something all the boys dream of when they're little – being able to earn their living by playing a sport. It had been James' dream, as well, but then he had grown up and the reality had punched him straight in the face. It just wasn't possible. In the end, all those little boys needed to find themselves real jobs.<br />
<br />
Except for Andrew, of course.<br />
<br />
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The next morning, they go for a jog. James hasn't been doing any exercise for a long time, but he keeps up with Andrew easily. It's kind of amazing, actually – how he can hear the cool morning breeze whispering in his ears, and how he feels like he can't stop, not even for a minute. He just wants to move forward, faster and faster. <br />
<br />
He's really missed this. He's missed the feeling of getting out of breath and being able to listen to his own heartbeat. <br />
<br />
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Later that day, they go to shoot some hoops at a nearby park. This is where James used to go almost every day a few years ago.<br />
<br />
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They invited Micah to come with them. He is a nice guy, a former roommate of theirs, who nowadays works with James at the car repair shop. He used to go to college with Andrew, so the two of them have known each other for a long time. Micah got married last year, to a girl named Celeste, and they live in a small row house just across the street from the park. <br />
<br />
James is definitely friends with Micah, but he can't help but feel a little awkward around him. He knows Micah's wife had a miscarriage about a year ago. James can't exactly relate to him – that's why he never comes up with anything comforting to say. Andrew, on the other hand, always seems to find all the right words. Maybe it is just due to the fact that Andrew happens to be in a real relationship; not just fucking some random girls every now and then, like James. <br />
<br />
Being with Coco was the closest he's ever been to being in a relationship. They were best friends, but they also had sex. It was good, better than with any of the other girls. But she left him, and he still doesn't know why. One day, she just showed up at his workplace and asked him if they could talk. <br />
<br />
“In private”, she had said. <br />
<br />
He still remembers the day like it was yesterday. Coco had parked her dad's car on the side of the road and her little sister was waiting inside.<br />
<br />
“Cristina, sweetie, do you see those big, colorful vending machines over there?” she had said to the little girl. “Go buy some bubble gum. I'll give you some coins.” <br />
<br />
She had sat down in the front seat and invited him in. <br />
<br />
“Look, James.” She had dragged out every single one of her words, as if she had wanted to hurt him as much as possible. “I think we should end this.” <br />
<br />
He hadn't understood it – what was the reason behind all this? They had just slept together last weekend and everything had seemed more than perfect. She had been happy, and she had told him how much much she loved him. They had gone to the beach, camping, and they hadn't slept at all. They had talked, they had talked about everything, about their dreams, about their fears, about their pasts. He had told her about his dead mother, and she had listened. <br />
<br />
James never understood what had gone wrong. He had lost his faith. <br />
<br />
That's why he can't even begin to imagine what Micah's going through right now. He just can't believe there are still people out there who actually trust each other enough to get married. <br />
<br />
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“We should do this again sometime”, Andrew suggests after a brutal match of basketball. <br />
“Definitely”, Micah says.<br />
“I can't believe you were so bad”, James says to Andrew.<br />
“Well what can I say? I play soccer, I don't have to be good at everything.”<br />
“Yeah, but you sucked”, Micah laughs. <br />
<br />
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Chicago Pizza is probably their favorite place to gather. Everyone is busy with their work and everyday routines, but they do manage to go out almost every Friday.<br />
<br />
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The food is great and – most importantly – very affordable. They sit down at one of the tables placed in the farthest corner of the restaurant.<br />
<br />
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Andrew brought his girlfriend along – they rarely stay apart from each other now that she has moved back to Bristol Bay. She's okay, but maybe talks too much.<br />
<br />
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Andrew is very much smitten with her, everyone can tell. His life has always been so easy and drama-free – after all, he did get the girl he'd dated back in high school. Being apart for so long wasn't easy for them, but they made it through. Now they seem to be going stronger than ever. <br />
<br />
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She babbles blithely, and occasionally gives them the opportunity to open their mouths.<br />
<br />
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She's their friend's girlfriend, so they can't really say anything. They just keep smiling, nod their heads and say things like: “Yes”, “Oh really?” and “mhm”. <br />
<br />
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She reminds him of Coco. Not because of her character, but her appearance. After all, they are sisters. Her face might be a little narrower and her hair not so curly, but there are some similarities, as well. The real difference is in their eyes. Coco's eyes are much warmer, much darker, like coffee. <br />
<br />
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The way she looks at Andrew, playful, flirtatious, reminds him even more of Coco. She used to look at him like that. <br />
<br />
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James and Micah remain silent, while Andrew and Claudia focus only on each others. <br />
<br />
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“I'm gonna go smoke a cigarette”, James says, but feels like no-one listens.<br />
<br />
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It's not cold, but it isn't warm either. He doesn't know what time it is, but the sky has already turned black. He spends a while looking for a lighter, until he finally finds it in one of the pockets of his jeans. He places the filtered end of the cigarette between his lips and lights it. <br />
<br />
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He doesn't even know why he started smoking. Now that he thinks about it, it was a stupid thing to do. He was 19, already an adult, and there was no social pressure. He guesses it was an attempt to mediate stress, or something. Or maybe it just fit his new image.<br />
<br />
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James doesn't even know himself anymore. Who is he? What does he want from life? Where is he going? What is he doing?<br />
<br />
He wishes there were someone to answer all of his questions. He needs someone to tell him what to do. He needs someone to bring back the old James, the guy who used to be funny and a good athlete. He looks down at his cigarette, and realizes it might be too late already. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/24-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="461" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/24-8.jpg" width="600" /></a></div><br />
He can hear someone pushing the door open, and stopping right next to him. There is a light breeze of a vanilla scent perfume, and he can hear her breathing. <br />
<br />
“Did you hear about what happened?”<br />
<br />
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He tilts his head only a little, just to make sure it really is her.<br />
<br />
“What are you talking about?” he asks. She looks away before she answers. <br />
“I'm talking about your sister. And mine.” <br />
<br />
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He inhales and allows the smoke to flow smoothly into his lungs. He notices how even the mere mention of his ex-girlfriend forces his heart to skip a beat.<br />
“What about them?”<br />
“They're no talking to each other.”<br />
“They're girls.” He holds the smoke in his mouth for a second before inhaling. “It happens all the time. It's normal.”<br />
“It's not normal.” She bends her head towards him, and he can feel her eyes boring their way into his mind. <br />
<br />
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It almost feels like she's accusing him of something, although they both know that's not what it is. <br />
“What happened, then?” he asks, even though he isn't quite certain whether or not he even wants to know. He's been trying to forget about this girl, and suddenly she's working her way back into his head, once again. <br />
“Coco did something bad.”<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/28-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="465" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/28-8.jpg" width="600" /></a></div><br />
He decides he doesn't want to know. But at the same time, he worries about his sister. <br />
“How is she?”<br />
“Who?”<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/29-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="464" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/29-8.jpg" width="600" /></a></div><br />
He still doesn't look at her. <br />
“I don't know.” He sighs. “Both of them.”<br />
<br />
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“I don't know. Maybe you should call her.” <br />
<br />
She turns around, and goes back inside. <br />
<br />
“Or both of them”, he can hear her saying before the hefty door closes behind her. <br />
<br />
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He doesn't want to go inside. He needs a moment alone, he needs a moment to sort all the thoughts that are running through his brain right now. He lights another cigarette, and exhales a large cloud of smoke into the fresh, autumnal night. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/32-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="463" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/32-6.jpg" width="600" /></a></div><br />
The door opens again, but this time, he looks. It's just a glance, but he manages to see it's not somebody he knows. It's a girl, a blonde one, who's wearing a red jacket and some really tight jeans. She looks good, and now James thinks he might actually even recognize her. He looks again, very quickly – he doesn't want to get caught. He knows the girl, or technically he doesn't, but he knows where she works. He's seen her before, at the gas station. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/33-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="462" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/33-6.jpg" width="600" /></a></div><br />
“Was that your girlfriend?”<br />
It was so sudden – he cringed as he realized she was actually talking to him. Her voice is soft, but not very high. He doesn't move his head, but he smiles a little as he says: “She most definitely wasn't.”<br />
“Oh”, she says. He isn't able to interpret her tone. “She seemed kind of pissed”, she later adds.<br />
<br />
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She turns to face him with only one subtle movement and opens her mouth; her milk-white teeth almost blind him. <br />
“You must have said something to her.”<br />
“I didn't.” He shrugs, but the corners of his mouth twitch in the attempt to repress a smile. “She actually handled most of the talking.”<br />
“Yeah, that's what we girls normally do.” She's definitely smiling, before she releases a trickling laugh. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/35-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="466" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/35-5.jpg" width="600" /></a></div><br />
“I'm Whitney.” She almost touches his chest, but pulls her hand away just in time. <br />
“James.”<br />
“Hi, James.” Her voice is bubbly, and her green eyes sparkle. “Aren't you cold?”<br />
“Not really.” He can't resist smiling. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/36-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="460" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/36-3.jpg" width="600" /></a></div><br />
She looks at him attentively, and then says: “You know smoking isn't good for you.”<br />
“Yeah.” He sneers. “I do know that.” <br />
“Then why do you smoke?” <br />
“I don't know.” He sighs briefly. “I guess I'm an idiot.” <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/37-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="464" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/37-3.jpg" width="600" /></a></div><br />
They both turn around a little to see a red car pulling over on the side of the road. <br />
“You don't seem like an idiot to me”, she giggles. She waves at the driver and takes a few steps towards the car. Then, she stops. “That's my ride. Maybe I'll see you again.” <br />
Maybe he's imagining it, but she sounds hopeful. <br />
“Yeah”, he answers with a smile. “Maybe.” <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/38-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="463" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/38-3.jpg" width="600" /></a></div><br />
He goes back inside, and sees his three friends standing in front of the counter. He then joins them, in attempt to appear normal. <br />
<br />
<br />
<center>~~~~~</center><br />
<br />
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He can't get Claudia's words out of his mind. He tries to not think about them for a while, but eventually they always manage to find their way back into his thoughts. In the end, he has to give in. He sits down in his bed and grabs his cellphone. He dials his sister's number, and waits. <br />
“James?”<br />
“Hi, Jess.” His voice is hesitant, almost nervous. “How are you?”<br />
“I'm okay.” She sounds more quiet and timid than usual. <br />
“You sure?”<br />
<br />
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There is a moment of silence. She breathes uneasily on the other end of the line. <br />
“What's this all about?” she finally says. <br />
“I don't know.” He feels like an idiot, interfering in his sister's life while she's away at college. They're grown-ups now, not children anymore. “Claudia told me to call you.”<br />
“She did? Why?” They both know why. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/41-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="495" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/41-3.jpg" width="600" /></a></div><br />
“She seems to be under the impression that you and”, he takes a little break before mentioning the name, “Coco aren't talking to each other anymore.”<br />
“Well, she's not wrong.” She tries to sound unconcerned, but he knows his sister. Just by hearing her voice he can imagine the current expression on her face, or the thoughts that are running through her mind right now. But they both know he doesn't want to go there – he doesn't want to know all the details. The way his voice shivered at mentioning <i>her</i> name made it very clear that he isn't ready. That's why he decides to leave it there. <br />
“You sure you're okay?” he repeats his question. <br />
<br />
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“Yeah.” He knows she's forcing a smile on her face, just to make sure her voice sounds as convincing as possible. “Don't worry about me, James.” It's what she always says. She takes a deep breath, and intentionally changes the subject: “How's work?”<br />
<br />
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They finish the phone call, and he remains paralyzed for a minute. He squints his eyes, Claudia's words echoing inside his head. <br />
<i>“You should call her. Or both of them.”</i><br />
<br />
He hasn't talked to Coco in two years. She hasn't called him, nor has she – presumably - been showing any signs of repentance. Why should he be the one to make an effort? <br />
<br />
In his heart, he knows how much he still loves her. But he's fighting against it, he's denying the feeling – that way, maybe one day he'll stop loving. There is a certain emptiness in his heart, and he knows it might never be fulfilled the same way again. <br />
<br />
He knows her phone number by heart. He once dials it, and then backs off in the last minute. Instead, he dials another number and presses the cellphone close to his ear. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/44-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="465" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/44-3.jpg" width="600" /></a></div><br />
“Texaco Gas Station.” <br />
He recognizes her voice, friendly and alive. And the name – this time he remembers it. <br />
“Whitney? Is that you?” <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/45-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="466" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/45-2.jpg" width="600" /></a></div><br />
“Um, yes.” <br />
“It's James”, he says before he realizes she most probably knows a bunch of other guys who share a name with him. Then he gulps – there is also the possibility of her not remembering him, at all. “You know,the guy who – I mean, we met the other night.” <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/46-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="463" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/46-2.jpg" width="600" /></a></div><br />
“What? James?” She sounds incredulous. Then, she bursts into a laughter. “What are you, stalking me?” <br />
He sighs out of relief. “I guess so.” <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/47-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="465" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/47-2.jpg" width="600" /></a></div><br />
“Well this is a surprise”, she says with enthusiasm. <br />
“Yeah, I know.” He takes a deep breath before he continues, trying to sound confident: “Listen – would you like to go out with me some time?”<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/48-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="463" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/48-2.jpg" width="600" /></a></div><br />
She contemplates for a minute, almost enjoying the power she has now been given. <br />
“Sure”, she finally says. “Sounds great.”<br />
<br />
<br />
<center>~~~~~</center>Rosahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10167677554407880996noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458190606461196888.post-69312857117670199422011-08-10T01:01:00.002+02:002011-08-13T23:24:51.604+02:00October 2019 - JacksonTaylor is 36, Savannah is 10. (Brittany Lewis is 27, Andrew Welsh is 26). <br />
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It's definitely not appropriate for a divorced 36-year-old man to sit down at the end of the day and have some wine with his 27-year-old nanny. At least that's what Taylor Jackson thought before he had realized he had fallen for her, for good. At that point, he couldn't even care less. He just wanted to be with her. <br />
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At first, they just talked. He told her about himself, his childhood and later, his failed marriage. He wasn't ashamed of admitting that his wife had left him for another man. The nanny already knew – she knew he was alone with his 10-year-old daughter. It wasn't an easy job that he had been given. <br />
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At some point, she had reached out for his hand and the tone of their relationship had changed. <br />
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Sometimes, he feels guilty. “Brittany”, he then says. “Have you talked with Savannah's dance teacher?”<br />
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He asks about his daughter because he wants to know. He cares. But he also asks because she is the real reason this beautiful woman is sitting at that table right now. Or at least, she should be. That's why he feels guilty. <br />
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But the girl, or the woman – Taylor is confused, he doesn't know what he should call a 27-year-old – answers. She tells hims everything about his little girl, every little detail without forgetting about anything. <br />
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It's October and the mornings are getting colder and colder. He bought a car, but he really just bought it for Savannah. He doesn't want her to take the school bus, so he gives her a ride every morning, and then later picks her up at 3PM. He figures a car is a must for a single parent. <br />
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He bought a car, but that doesn't mean they are financially stable. They are, for now, but what about in 4 years? <br />
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He's 36 and a professional basketball player. He is familiar with the statistics – most professionals retire before the age of 40. He doesn't have any serious injuries and he still is in a relatively good shape, but there is no denying the fact that he is getting a little old – for a basketball player, at least. <br />
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At the age of 19, he had made the choice of not going to college and focusing on becoming a professional athlete. Back then, there had been just him. His whole life had consisted of playing basketball, and nothing else. It was the only thing he could do. <br />
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Now things are different. He is a divorced man with a child. It isn't just about him and his needs anymore – there is a little girl, his daughter, who needs to be fed and taken care of. He has responsibilities. <br />
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He is keeping his eyes open for any other possibilities, but it isn't looking good. There really isn't anything else he can do, or is even legally qualified to try. There's just basketball. <br />
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Taylor normally isn't the kind of guy to worry about anything, but when it comes to the future of his daughter, he'd do anything.<br />
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At least he isn't alone. Brittany cooks, washes dishes and most importantly, looks after Savannah. <br />
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Without her, the house would probably just explode. She takes care of their laundry and she does it good. <br />
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Taylor is constantly looking for excuses to be with her. She's folding some sheets, and he walks in on her. <br />
“How's everything going?” he asks, acting casual.<br />
“Everything's great”, she answers, and gives him one of those smiles that could melt an iceberg. She is so warm and kind, perfectly down-to-earth and reasonable; nothing like his ex-wife. <br />
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The state of their relationship has been perfectly clear for some time now – but only for the two of them. They haven't kissed yet, and aren't planning on doing so anywhere in the near future, but sometimes they do steal a quick moment of intimacy while no-one's watching. She places her hands behind his neck and he buries his face in her sweet-smelling hair. They feel like back in high school, or as if their togetherness was something forbidden. <br />
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But it only lasts for seconds. They've barely even touched, yet they already need to let go. There's a huge electric connection between the two of them – it almost feels like three bolts. <br />
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Brittany's most important job is to keep Savannah's mind occupied while her dad is away at practice. She does a great job, and they both like each other a lot. <br />
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Savannah hardly ever sees her mother. She moved away two years ago and is now living in Portbridge with the man she left Taylor for. She is a world-class ballet dancer and doesn't really have time for her daughter. It is sad, especially since she has always been Savannah's greatest role model. <br />
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Taylor accepts the fact that little Savannah wants to be exactly like her mother when she grows up. She is only 10. She sees her idealized – she only remembers all the good things about her. <br />
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Savannah wants to teach her dad how to dance. He might be athletic, but when it comes to dancing, he is a bit clumsy. <br />
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Taylor loves his daughter more than anything. He knows he's making a fool of himself right now, but if that's what it takes to make this little girl laugh, he'd do it again and again and again. <br />
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Savannah pretty much takes care of herself nowadays. She keeps telling everyone how she's already almost a teenager and that way, scares the hell out of her dad. <br />
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Already at 10, she has gathered quite the posse around her. Most of her friends are boys, which Taylor oddly finds quite understandable – girls can be a little mean sometimes. One of Savannah's best friend is their neighbor, Noah Sims, whose mom Nicole is a close friend of Savannah's mom. They still keep in touch, although they call each other a lot less frequently nowadays. <br />
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<center>~~~</center><br />
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Taylor likes to work out with Andrew Welsh, who is much younger than him but isn't in as good shape as he is. He is trying to convince himself that age isn't everything – it's all about talent. Andrew doesn't play basketball – he is a minor league soccer player – but they both share a mutual passion for going to the gym. <br />
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They're both guys, so the atmosphere tends to get a little competitive. Andrew isn't weak, not at all – but Taylor knows he can beat him. <br />
“Hop off”, he says to him, “it's my turn.”<br />
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“Fine”, Andrew gasps. “Let's see what you've got.” <br />
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Taylor hops on the treadmill and starts to run. At first, he keeps the pace slow – he's warming up, getting ready for the real act. Then, little by little, he speeds up – now he's <i>really</i> running. <br />
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Andrew sighs. “Seriously dude”, he says, “I get it – you're a show-off. There's no need to make me cry.”<br />
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They move on to the punching bags. Taylor holds the bag for Andrew who starts to punch it as hard as he can. <br />
“It's not fair”, Andrew keeps complaining. “You're bigger than me. You're <i>older</i> than me!”<br />
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Taylor doesn't say anything back – he just holds the bag. <br />
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“Come on”, he then starts pushing him. “You're 26. You can do it.” <br />
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“I know that, <i>old man</i>”, Andrew roars and kicks harder than he ever has. <br />
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They go to the exercise bikes and start racing.<br />
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“So tell me about her”, Andrew suddenly says.<br />
“What?” <br />
“You know, the girl you're thinking about.” <br />
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“I'm not thinking about anyone”, Taylor says and closes his eyes.<br />
“Yeah right.” Andrew gives a sarcastic laugh.<br />
“I'm just thinking about my career.”<br />
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A moment of silence.<br />
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“Fine”, Taylor gives in. “Her name is Brittany.” <br />
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They hop off the exercise bikes and Andrew says: “Go for it.”<br />
“What do you mean?”<br />
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“Listen, man. You've been so darn miserable after you got divorced that I can't even bear to look at you. And besides, she's hot.” <br />
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Taylor looks at Andrew. “How do you know she's hot?”<br />
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Andrew seems hesitant. “Well, I mean – your ex-wife was hot”, he says. “You've got a good taste in women.”<br />
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Taylor takes a shower, and thinks about Brittany. Yeah – she is hot. Of course he had thought about it, even though it had been her personality that he had fallen in love with in the first place. He had already once made the mistake of going for someone only for their looks, and that had only ended up in divorce. <br />
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Brittany was also smart, and caring. <br />
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But yes, Taylor has to admit it, she is also <i>hot</i>. <br />
<br />
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<center>~~~</center><br />
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It's Thursday night, and time for Savannah's dancing lesson. Her dad is taking her to the Ballet Academy, just like every week. <br />
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Brittany is also coming. Taylor had asked her, just in case she wanted to see Savannah dance. Of course she did. <br />
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The drive to the Academy is a quiet one, but it doesn't get awkward. It's only about half a mile, anyway. <br />
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They get out of the car and Savannah immediately rushes to the locker rooms to get changed. <br />
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Taylor walks to Brittany, and looks her in the eyes. “I'm glad you came”, he whispers.<br />
“So am I”, she says softly. <br />
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Savannah dances beautifully, Taylor can tell, even though he knows next to nothing about ballet. He looks at his little girl, whose movements are so graceful she might as well fly. When Savannah was little, her mother used to teach her. Taylor knows Tessa was a good dancer, probably one of the best ones in the county. That's why he doesn't blame the little girl for wanting to be like her mom. She wasn't a good mother, or a good wife, but she was a good dancer.<br />
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Taylor and Brittany lean on the wall and observe Savannah dance. They stand very closely to each other, almost – but only almost – touching. The music is playing gently, and Taylor can hear Brittany quietly humming. <br />
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“She's so good at it”, Brittany finally talks, but manages to do it without breaking the magic of the moment. <br />
“I know.” Taylor smiles. “I'm so proud.” <br />
<br />
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He still has his eyes on Savannah, but he can sense Brittany looking at him. <br />
“You should be”, she says. <br />
<br />
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He tilts his head, but she isn't looking at him anymore. She is watching the little dancer. <br />
<br />
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They are now holding hands. They're the only ones who know, yet he feels like the sparks tingling between them could fill up the whole room. <br />
<br />
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But Savannah keeps on dancing. <br />
<br />
<br />
<center>~~~</center><br />
<br />
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It's 8PM and Taylor drives to the marina. Their house is just across the street, so he figures they might as well enjoy the rather warm evening before bedtime. Savannah still has some energy left after her dancing lesson and runs to the playground. <br />
<br />
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Brittany goes with her, but Taylor stays back. <br />
<br />
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There is a jungle gym on the playground, and Savannah climbs up there. The view is great – she can see the boats, she can see the sea.<br />
<br />
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But right now, there is something else that catches her attention.<br />
<br />
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“You look a little cold”, Taylor says and takes a step ahead. It's just an excuse, like always; he just wants to wrap his arms tight around Brittany, and pull her close to his chest.<br />
<br />
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It's the first time their bodies actually touch. His frame feels even more muscular than she had ever imagined – she is petite, yet her body feels invitingly soft. <br />
<br />
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He wants to kiss her, but she stops him at the last moment. <br />
“Wait”, she breathes heavily. “Are we really going to do this?”<br />
“Yeah”, he answers, and swallows loudly. “I think we are.”<br />
<br />
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They hear someone tripping somewhere behind them, and quickly turn around, without letting go of each other. <br />
<br />
Savannah looks at them with interest, almost thoughtful. Then – they can see the corners of her mouth slightly moving.<br />
<br />
It isn't a smile, but something close to it. <br />
<br />
<br />
<center>~~~</center><br />
<br />
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They put Savannah to bed, and she falls asleep almost immediately. She is 10, but she still likes it when someone kisses her goodnight. <br />
<br />
They move upstairs, and he leads her to his bed – the same bed she had made earlier that day. She isn't his wife, but she might as well be. <br />
<br />
It's something they've both been waiting for. It's something new, it's all exciting – they have no idea of what to expect. <br />
<br />
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It's their first real kiss. Her lips are soft and warm, and he is anxious. <br />
<br />
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“Wait”, she whispers suddenly.<br />
“I know”, he answers immediately. “Let's take it slow.” Rosahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10167677554407880996noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458190606461196888.post-30439271345415644012011-08-08T00:12:00.000+02:002011-08-08T00:12:51.073+02:00September 2019 - Bristol State UniversityCoco Russo is 20, Jessica Cooper is 21 and Carla Dallas is 23. <br />
<br />
Narrated by Jessica Cooper<br />
<br />
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It had been Coco's idea. <br />
<br />
She had wanted to throw a party, and I couldn't have said no to her. She had asked me if I could go and get the groceries, and I had said yes – once again. But I hadn't known that Coco had also talked to Carla, who was now coming with me. <br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
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At first, it was a little awkward, as usual. Neither of us knew exactly what to say or how to act, so we just walked to the nearest grocery store without saying a word to each other. As we finally got there, Carla decided to lead the way. <br />
<br />
“Okay”, she started calmly. “We need to get some booze. Lots of it. But I'll take care of that.” She examined me from head to toe with her eyes. “Could you maybe grab some mayonnaise? I'm sure that was on the list.”<br />
<br />
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The store was rather small, a lot smaller than the one we had in Bristol Bay. It didn't take me long to find the mayonnaise so I quickly returned back to our shopping cart. Carla was running around the store, throwing some more stuff in the shopping cart and then disappearing again behind all the shelves that were filled with colorful jars and bottles. <br />
<br />
“That's not non-fat”, she suddenly pointed out and looked at me severely. She was talking about the mayonnaise.<br />
“Yeah, but it's a party, so I don't think anyone's going to mind.”<br />
“I do”, she snapped.<br />
<br />
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<i>You can't even tell the difference</i>, I complained to myself as I browsed through all the different mayonnaise brands – once again. It seemed like such a stupid thing to do.<br />
<br />
Over the past few months I may had become a lot more courageous and confident, but Carla was still Carla. I was still scared of her. I was 21, but acted like a little baby around her. She was able to control me the way she wanted, and I could never say anything back to her. It wasn't just about the mayonnaise. It was everything. It had been too many years already. <br />
<br />
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I was tired. I was tired of hating her. I was tired of her hating me. <br />
<br />
<center>~~~</center><br />
<br />
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That night, I had my girlfriend Hailey stay the night for the first time. I was so nervous, but in the end it all turned out just fine. She had a lot more experience than I did, I could tell, but that didn't necessarily mean anything. It was my first time, so I hadn't really known what to expect. <br />
<br />
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We stayed awake for a few hours, and just cuddled. She was the best thing that had ever happened to me, and I didn't want to let go.<br />
<br />
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“Was I bad?” I finally asked her timidly.<br />
“Of course not”, she said immediately, and looked me in the eyes. “That's not even possible.” <br />
<br />
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“I'm so glad we did this”, I said quietly while playing with her hair. <br />
“Me too.” Her tone was so honest, like always. <br />
<br />
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“It was about time, right?” I gave a little laugh. “I'm always kind of late.” <br />
“No, you're not”, she said firmly. “You just wanted to be sure.”<br />
“I was”, I told her. “Because of you.”<br />
<br />
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Falling asleep next to her was the best experience of my life. Her warm breath was tickling the back of my neck, and I could feel her narrow arms wrapped around my waist. She was so tiny, yet I felt like she could protect me from anything bad in the world. <br />
<br />
I smiled in my sleep. <br />
<br />
<center>~~~</center><br />
<br />
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Coco was going to throw a party. <br />
<br />
It was going to be a real party, a real <i>college</i> party. It was her sophomore year and the first time she actually felt <i>free</i>. Her big sister Claudia had finally moved away from campus and it was now Coco's time to have fun. <br />
<br />
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It was 4PM. There were still lots of things to do, but Coco had just got home from her soccer practice. She had wanted to take a quick shower before starting with all the party arrangements. She had all the other girls helping her out, so it wasn't like she was all alone. <br />
<br />
The water was nice and warm and Coco could feel the hot steam filling the whole bathroom. She kept her eyes closed and just enjoyed the brief moment of peace and silence. She had always lived with a bunch of other people, so she had learned to appreciate the rare instants of loneliness. <br />
<br />
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Coco had been a tomboy for her whole life. When she was little, she had always refused to wear all those frilly pink dresses that her mum used to buy her. Her big sister Claudia had been more than happy to put them on, but Coco had always preferred hoodies and jeans. One of her best friends was a boy, who later became her first boyfriend. <br />
<br />
She had always attracted guys that were looking for a friend more than a girlfriend. They saw her as a game buddy with benefits – a sexual being only in the bedroom. Coco knew it was mostly because of her own behavior – it was just too hard to get rid of all the old habits and acting like one of the guys. But today, she was 20 years old and was ready to become a woman. It was time for a change. <br />
<br />
<center>~~~</center><br />
<br />
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When I was a teenager, I never went to any parties. One time, my brother James had wanted to throw one, but our dad hadn't let him. <br />
<br />
I didn't know what I was supposed to do at a house party. It was my house, but I didn't feel comfortable in it. I was just sitting there, looking at all the people dancing, laughing and throwing up. There was a beer keg – I had no idea who had brought it. <br />
<br />
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Suddenly, I felt someone lightly touching my arm and curling up next to me. It was Hailey.<br />
“Hi”, she said with her soft voice, almost like a whisper.<br />
“Hi there.” I looked at her beautiful face and smiled. “I missed you.”<br />
<br />
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“It's a nice party”, Hailey said.<br />
“Yeah.”<br />
“You don't like parties.” It wasn't a question. <br />
“I really don't have any experience.” <br />
<br />
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“You never went to any parties during high school?” She didn't sound surprised.<br />
“No, I didn't.” I closed my eyes. “I bet you did.”<br />
Hailey just laughed a little and took my hand. “I did.”<br />
“We're so different”, I sighed.<br />
<br />
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“I disagree”, Hailey said confidently. “I think we have a lot in common.”<br />
I smiled blandly. Then she held my face between her palms and kissed me lightly. “I love you, Jessica.”<br />
“I love you too.” <br />
<br />
I really did love her. I had loved her since the day we first met, but it had taken me such a long time to finally realize it. But now, loving her was just as clear as daylight. It was like breathing – I didn't even have to think about it, but I still unconsciously kept doing it. <br />
<br />
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“You should introduce me to your friends.” Hailey looked at me gently.<br />
“You've already met Coco.”<br />
“I know, but your other friends.”<br />
I looked at her, and she seemed sincere. I took a deep breath, and then reminded her: “I don't have any other friends.”<br />
<br />
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Coco was looking beautiful that night. She didn't look like herself, but it didn't seem to matter to any of those guys that were gathering around her. <br />
<br />
The way she acted, the way she spoke – it just wasn't <i>her</i>. <br />
<br />
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She had lined her eyes with a color that was even darker than black, and her lipstick was as red as a beetroot. The outfit wasn't her, not at all – Coco had never liked showing much of her skin, and now you could see every bit of it. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/23-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="493" width="643" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/23-6.jpg" /></a></div><br />
She clearly enjoyed all the attention she got as she was strutting around the house. I never spoke to her that night, which was a little odd – she had been my best friend for 7 years. But I just didn't recognize her anymore. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/24-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="495" width="643" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/24-6.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I had Hailey by my side, but I just didn't feel comfortable. There were too many drunk students around the house, and I just kept hoping the party was already over. I didn't know even half of the people that were there, and I wasn't sure if the other girls knew them either. There were plastic cups all around our living room, and no-one seemed interested in throwing them away. I tried to clean up, but in the end it was just too much work. <br />
<br />
For me, it was a nightmare.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/25-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="499" width="643" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/25-6.jpg" /></a></div><br />
At some point of the night, Carla walked unsteadily to the living room and stopped right in front of me. I could tell she was drunk, from the way she moved and the way she talked. <br />
“Jessica”, she started, sounding breathless. “I need your help.”<br />
“What is it?”<br />
“I need some CDs. We've already played all the ones I've got.” She was leaning on the couch, trying not to fall. I couldn't help but notice that her tone was a lot more friendly now that she was drunk. <br />
“Sure.” I stood up. “I'll give you some of Coco's, she keeps them in our room.” <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/26-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="496" width="643" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/26-6.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I helped her up the stairs and led her towards our room. Her legs were wobbly, but somehow we managed to get to the door. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/27-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="495" width="643" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/27-6.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I pulled the door open and it took me a few seconds to realize what was going on in the room.<br />
<br />
There was Coco, and Alec – Carla's boyfriend. They were kissing, making out, like it was the end of the world. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/28-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="493" width="643" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/28-6.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Carla didn't say anything, but I could sense her world crashing down. <br />
<br />
<center>~~~</center><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/29-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="496" width="643" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/29-6.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I didn't know how I had ended up there. <br />
<br />
I was with Carla, in her room, sitting on the floor, at the empty space where Claudia's bed used to lie. We weren't talking. I knew Carla was in shock – her body was shaking, but she wasn't even crying. It was so quiet – someone had turned off the music. The police had come and all the guests had been chased away. <br />
<br />
“Too much noise”, the police officer had said to us. <br />
<br />
Well, I hoped they were happy now. There weren't any noises anymore. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/30-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="495" width="643" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/30-5.jpg" /></a></div><br />
“Sometimes”, Carla finally started, after a long, hollow silence. Her voice shivered, as did her body. “Sometimes I really miss her. She's my only friend.”<br />
I knew she was talking about Claudia. I didn't turn to look at her – I was afraid of seeing her cry. She had always been so tough, so unbreakable. I knew she didn't want me to see her finally break down. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/31-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="496" width="643" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/31-4.jpg" /></a></div><br />
But I couldn't help but hear her bursting into tears. She was now sobbing desolately, with her head on her knees, but she wasn't trying to hide anything. If she didn't want me to know she was hurt, she would have told me to leave her alone. <br />
<br />
I couldn't bear to look at her. I couldn't allow myself to admit that the girl who had been loathing me since the day we first met could actually have feelings. I didn't want to admit that maybe, after all, there had been a reason. That maybe she was fragile, just like everybody else, and that maybe she didn't just hate me. <br />
<br />
What if there was just something more to her than her hard shell?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/32-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="493" width="643" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/32-4.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I didn't know what Coco had been thinking. She was now devastated, of course, after seeing my reaction. Maybe she had expected me to take her side. But after seeing how she had hurt my brother I felt like I couldn't take it anymore – I didn't want to see anyone else being killed emotionally by her. <br />
<br />
She never cared about the people whose feelings she had hurt. She just didn't want <i>me</i> to hate her. She wanted me to remain by her side. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/33-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="497" width="643" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/33-4.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Carla was still sobbing silently next to me. I wasn't looking at her – I needed a moment. It had all happened so quickly – an hour ago, we both had disliked each other equally. And now I was there with her, and she had let her shield down. She was now showing me her real, vulnerable self.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/34-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="497" width="643" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/34-4.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I finally looked at her.<br />
<br />
I remembered the words my dad had once said to me. “She's your sister now.” I looked at her hair, her graceful body and her deep brown eyes, that were now filled with tears. She wasn't my sister. <br />
<br />
But I knew she could have been. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/35-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="497" width="643" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/35-3.jpg" /></a></div><br />
She had finally stopped crying, and she wasn't trembling anymore. She was now motionless – she didn't move an inch. <br />
<br />
I looked at her, at her most vulnerable, and saw something real. I moved a bit closer to her, and wrapped my arms around her. <br />
“I'm sorry”, I finally whispered. <br />
<br />
<center>~~~<br />
<br />
<i>• Wow, all these college updates have lately become a real pain in the ass for me, so I'm glad I finally got this done! And boy, was there some drama...<br />
• I really don't know how this all happened. One minute, Coco was making out with Spencer, the guy she's been dating for about a year now, and the next thing I know she's upstairs getting it on with Alec. She's always considered him hot, and I think I've mentioned it in the story, as well. They've always been flirting a little, but this was a huge surprise for me. Coco's been all about Spencer lately. Alec is a romance sim, so this wasn't really unexpected from him, but I'm still surprised. <br />
• Jessica's reaction to this whole drama triangle was also something I hadn't expected. The minute she saw Coco and Alec making out, she became furious with both of them and immediately started comforting Carla. Coco, on the other hand, rolled the fear of Jessica hating her, exactly like she did when she broke up with James. <br />
• It was kind of hard for me to come up with a reasonable motive for Jessica to so suddenly change her mind about Carla. They've disliked each other since the moment their parents got together! But then I started thinking – Jessica's always seen Carla as the kind of persons who really doesn't care about anything and acts all cold with everyone, except for Alec and Claudia. And then, I remembered the difficult situation Jessica was put in when Coco broke up with her brother. She didn't like the way Coco ended things with him, nor did she approve of the way Coco totally ignored him after the break-up. <br />
• I don't know if things are okay now between Jessica and Carla. We'll just have to wait and see how they act in the future. <br />
• I'm so glad Jessica and Hailey are finally together. It took her two and a half years to make up her mind! Both of them are very serious about the relationship and I think they're going to move in together in the near future. </i></center>Rosahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10167677554407880996noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458190606461196888.post-48370896023147988482011-08-03T19:47:00.000+02:002011-08-03T19:47:52.047+02:00August 2019 Birthdays<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/1-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="499" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/1-11.jpg" width="643" /></a></div><br />
It was a very ordinary Tuesday afternoon. Summer Gilmore was reading in her bed. It had been a peaceful day. She had woken up at around 7. Then she had gone to her mom's shop to help her out a little with the accounting. Later she had decided to relax for a while and read something that had absolutely nothing to do with medical science; she knew she was going to spend the rest of the evening studying for a big exam she had coming the following week. <br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/2-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="497" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/2-10.jpg" width="643" /></a></div><br />
But sometimes, things just don't work out the way you've planned. <br />
“Hello?” <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/3-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/3-10.jpg" width="643" /></a></div><br />
“Summer, it's me”, she could hear Cody's breathless voice. “We're at the hospital.”<br />
“What? Is everything okay?” Summer worried.<br />
“Yeah, more than fine”, Cody replied quickly, sounding casual. “You should come. As soon as possible, okay?” <br />
“Okay.” Summer sighed with relief. “I'll borrow my mom's car.”<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/4-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/4-10.jpg" width="643" /></a></div><br />
There was a lot of traffic on the way to the hospital. Summer was getting a little impatient but she tried to remain calm. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/5-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="497" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/5-9.jpg" width="643" /></a></div><br />
As she finally got to the hospital she hurried through the lobby straight to the room she knew Lucy and Cody were in.<br />
“Hi”, she managed to say with bated breath. <br />
“Hi, Summer”, Lucy said with a bright smile. She was sitting on a bed, holding hands with Cody. But they weren't the only ones in the room – there were also two little babies there.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/6-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="496" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/6-8.jpg" width="643" /></a></div><br />
Summer sat down on one of the chairs in the room. She couldn't take her eyes off the babies. She couldn't believe they were finally there.<br />
“Do they look alright?” Cody suddenly asked her. <br />
“What?” <br />
“I mean – you're the doctor.”<br />
Summer gave a little laugh. “Not really. Just a student.” She looked at Lucy. “They're perfect.”<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/7-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="497" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/7-8.jpg" width="643" /></a></div><br />
Lucy looked at her little children, so small and fragile.<br />
“This is Isabel”, she said softly, caressing gently the cheek of one of the babies. Then she touched the forehead of the other one, and continued: “And this is Isaac.” <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/8-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="497" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/8-8.jpg" width="643" /></a></div><br />
“They're both beautiful”, Summer praised and leaned forward on her chair. “I'm so glad you're all fine.” <br />
“Of course we are.” Cody was grinning. “I almost passed out, but Lucy hardly even screamed. She's so tough.” <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/9-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="499" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/9-8.jpg" width="643" /></a></div><br />
“Shut up, Cody”, Lucy snapped, but still smiled. “I just wanted to see my babies.”<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/10-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/10-8.jpg" width="643" /></a></div><br />
“It's all really incredible”, Cody mumbled, as if he was only speaking to himself. He was looking at Isabel and Isaac. “One minute, they're inside her belly, and then suddenly they're here.”<br />
“And soon they're off to college”, Lucy laughed. <br />
“Don't even mention college”, Cody sighed and reached out for Isabel and Isaac. “They're not ready.”<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/11-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/11-7.jpg" width="643" /></a></div><br />
“Not everyone drinks beer 24/7 at college”, Summer notified. “I didn't.”<br />
“But Cody did.” Lucy grinned.<br />
“I was a nerd”, Cody tried to defend himself. “I never left my dorm room before I met you two.” <br />
“That's true.” <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/12-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="495" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/12-7.jpg" width="643" /></a></div><br />
Lucy was feeling a little tired so Cody and Summer decided to give her some time to rest. She fell asleep almost immediately, with Isabel and Isaac sleeping right beside her. <br />
“They really are perfect”, Summer repeated as they left the room and entered the waiting area of the hospital. “You're so lucky, Cody.”<br />
“I know.” Cody smirked. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/13-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="495" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/13-7.jpg" width="643" /></a></div><br />
“I'm so happy for you”, she continued. <br />
“Thanks, Summer.”<br />
“I think I'm gonna cry.” <br />
“It's alright, Summer. Me too.” <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/14-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="497" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/14-7.jpg" width="643" /></a></div><br />
...<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><i>~~~</i></center><i><br />
<br />
• I can't believe the twins are finally here. They both have brown eyes and brown hair; I can't say that I'm disappointed but I was hoping for a blond. <br />
• Cody and Lucy are now officially residents of Bristol's Square - I got them a pretty 2 bedroom house; with Robert's money, of course. ;) <br />
• Summer still lives with her mom but I have already started looking for some affordable apartments for her and Jeff. They have yet to set a date for their wedding, but I don't think it's going to be anywhere in the near future.</i>Rosahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10167677554407880996noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458190606461196888.post-64533718196734667072011-08-02T19:43:00.001+02:002011-08-02T19:44:45.722+02:00Neighborhood overview<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/1-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="446" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/1-10.jpg" width="643" /></a></div><br />
I've been building a lot lately so I decided to share all these pictures with you. Here is <br />
Bristol Bay - you can see the lighthouse and the Marina, as well as all the very expensive<br />
townhouses.<br />
<a name='more'></a> <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/2-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="448" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/2-9.jpg" width="643" /></a></div><br />
It's not a big city, but it's constantly growing. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/3-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="446" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/3-9.jpg" width="643" /></a></div><br />
You might recognize the building Claudia just moved into. Gwen and Arnaud also live there.<br />
There is also the Central Garden where Lucy and Cody just held their wedding reception. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/4-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="449" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/4-9.jpg" width="643" /></a></div><br />
This is Bristol's Square. I'm using a combined terrain which basically means that all this takes<br />
place in the same neighborhood. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/5-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="442" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/5-8.jpg" width="643" /></a></div><br />
Currently the Anderson family is the only one living here, but Cody and Lucy are going to move<br />
here as soon as possible. The prices aren't low, but the houses near the Marina are a lot more <br />
expensive.Rosahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10167677554407880996noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458190606461196888.post-77969383110590844692011-07-29T20:08:00.001+02:002011-07-29T20:09:29.181+02:00July 2019 - the Brown-Sims WeddingLucy Brown and Cody Sims are 24. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/1-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/1-9.jpg" /></a></div><br />
It's a beautiful morning. The sky is blue, and the sun is shining behind the few cloudlets wafting through the air. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/2-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="495" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/2-8.jpg" width="643" /></a></div><br />
A wedding ceremony is about to start. The guests have already sat down and the two bridesmaids are ready and waiting.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/3-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="499" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/3-8.jpg" width="643" /></a></div><br />
Some of the guests are getting a little impatient by now. <br />
“Mom, I need to pee.” <br />
<br />
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There are balloons over the wedding arch, just like Lucy wanted. Cody's mother Carol would've preferred just the flowers, but Lucy's the one in charge this time. It's her special day. <br />
<br />
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One of the main reasons Lucy wanted to get married in this exact park was the fact that you could see the lighthouse from there. It is very much visible this morning, thanks to the mostly clear sky. <br />
The music starts. People turn around in their seats, and Mikayla gasps.<br />
“She's so beautiful!”<br />
<br />
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And yes, the bride is beautiful. She has chosen to look very natural on her special day, but she still manages to appear more beautiful than ever. <br />
<br />
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She takes a deep breath of the fresh morning air, and smiles. It's all perfect. Simple, yet perfect. <br />
<br />
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He looks at her like he'd rather die than take his eyes off her face. He can't believe she's going to marry him, she's going to marry him in a matter of a few minutes. It's all real, it's all happening. Even though he never really cared about all the planning and the pondering, he always cared about the actual thing – getting married. Getting married to her. <br />
<br />
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At first he worries he might forget his lines, but then she reminds him quietly that it's not a performance. It's just the two of them, making a promise to each other. It's not about anyone else. <br />
<br />
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So he promises her he'll love her, he'll love her forever. For better or for worse. For richer or for poorer. In sickness and in health. From this day forward until death do them apart. <br />
<br />
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Everyone in the park reacts differently. There are the ones who take deep breaths, and let the warm sunshine caress their faces. Those are the ones who listen to every word very carefully and wonder whether or not they'll ever find anything similar. Whether or not they'll ever be loved in such a powerful way. <br />
<br />
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Then there are the ones who have already found what they're looking for, but are still growing their courage to do what it takes to actually get there. They look at the happy couple, searching for signs – what is it about them that gave them the courage to take the big step? <br />
<br />
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And then, there are also the girls who are fighting back tears, closing their eyes and breathing in. What they see is their first love, growing up. Getting married, becoming an adult, and most importantly – a father. But what they feel is not bitterness, nor sorrow. They feel proud, proud to be a part of that person's life. Proud to be able to call themselves his friend. <br />
<br />
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The family of the groom. Smiling, clapping their hands. Looking at that little boy, who doesn't seem so little anymore. He's a man now. <br />
<br />
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The mother, the woman who gets involved in everything, the woman who wanted to keep his son to herself until he'd turn 30. And now, she sees him, letting this another woman into his life, and growing away from the mother. It's not really sad, it's just the way life goes. And Carol tries to understand that.<br />
<br />
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The best friend, who couldn't be any happier to see these two very important characters in her life getting married to each other. She still feels like it was all thanks to her, since she introduced them. And the truth is, they're both more than thankful to her. <br />
<br />
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It's a beautiful day. A perfect day. <br />
<br />
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A kiss to seal the deal, as Lucy would probably say if she wasn't too busy getting married at the moment. <br />
<br />
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“I love you”, she whispers so quietly no-one else besides Cody can hear it. <br />
<br />
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“I love <i>you</i>”, he says softly, yet loud enough for everyone to hear it. <br />
<br />
…<br />
<br />
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It doesn't take too long for the chairs to be moved aside and the tables to be brought to replace them. The buffet is a success – everyone just loves the food and the venue is simply beautiful. <br />
<br />
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The grown-ups aren't the only ones who like the food. Cody's little sister Nora was spotted carrying some more turkey to her table for over three times. Looks like their caterer has outdone herself this time. <br />
<br />
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Lucy just loves it when people are having fun. She sits down with them, eats, chats for a while with them, then gets up and grabs some more food, sits down with someone else, eats some more, and laughs. She's allowed to do that, since she's the bride and also a pregnant woman. And those two babies in her belly are craving for some more salad. <br />
<br />
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Carol doesn't look very happy, but it's only because she is sitting next to <i>her</i>. She just keeps smiling and babbling with joy, like it was her son who just got married. But it isn't. Carol tries not to make a big deal out of it, but she only tries for him – if it wasn't his wedding day, she would've already lost her temper.<br />
<br />
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Summer is leading the conversation over at one of the tables. It's kind of her responsibility to make sure everyone is having fun, but she would probably do it anyway. <br />
<br />
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Jeff doesn't say much. He's waiting for the right moment. He's waiting for someone else to take lead in the conversation so that Summer could take a little break and listen to what he has to say. He's been planning this for a long time – he just needed to be pushed a little. This wedding was exactly what he needed. <br />
<br />
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“Here, Summer”, he finally says to distract her. “Take a bite of my turkey.” <br />
Summer is having salad, so she's happy to taste some of that tasty-looking turkey. And it is good, just as good as everyone's been saying.<br />
<br />
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“There's something I've been meaning to ask you for a really long time”, he says. At first, Summer has no clue, but as she sees the expression on his face she knows exactly what it's all about. <br />
<br />
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He's acting so silly, she figures. There's no need for him to look so nervous, because they both already know what is about to happen. They've known it for a long time, but it just hasn't been so easy to say it out loud. <br />
<br />
“Will you marry me?”<br />
<br />
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It is a beautiful ring. Very beautiful, and exactly like something she would've picked herself. She doesn't know when he bought it, or what gave him the courage to finally do it, but none of that really matters. <br />
<br />
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“Of course I will.” She smiles, and he smiles.<br />
“Those two should definitely get a room”, Andrew says. <br />
<br />
…<br />
<br />
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Now that Mikayla's already 17, she was allowed to bring a date. She didn't. Instead, she brought her best friend, Nicole Landchild. <br />
“See, I told you there would be some smokin' hot guys around here”, Mikayla says.<br />
“Really? I've only seen one, and he's kind of unavailable at the moment.” <br />
“Who is it?” Mikayla wants to know.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/33-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="496" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/33-3.jpg" width="643" /></a></div><br />
“Your brother, the groom”, Nicole answers. They both laugh. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/34-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="499" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/34-3.jpg" width="643" /></a></div><br />
Lucy might be married now, but she's still Lucy. She somehow manages to mess Cody's whole face with some of that delicious wedding cake. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/35-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="496" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/35-2.jpg" width="643" /></a></div><br />
But they both laugh. It's all really just funny. Plus, Cody doesn't mind since the cake is definitely yummy. <br />
<br />
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Mikayla hasn't really spoken to her dad in years. He hasn't changed much, though, only gained something that looks like twenty pounds. <br />
“Hi, dad”, she finally greets him on her way to the cake. <br />
“Hi, Mikayla”, he says back. <br />
“It's a nice party, huh?”<br />
They both look around them, and all the people are dancing, smiling and laughing.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/37-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/37-1.jpg" width="643" /></a></div><br />
“Listen, dad, I'm kind of sorry I never came to visit. But you know, it was all pretty hard after you and mom got divorced.”<br />
It wasn't an easy thing to say, but she knew it had to be done.<br />
“It's not your fault”, her dad replies quickly. “I'm the grown-up here.”<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/38-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="496" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/38-1.jpg" width="643" /></a></div><br />
“Yeah, you are”, she says, realizing what it actually means. “You're the responsible one.” <br />
And she turns around and goes back to sit with her mom. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/39-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="497" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/39-1.jpg" width="643" /></a></div><br />
“Enjoying your married life?” Lucy giggles as she walks past Cody.<br />
“Very much”, he says, smiling.<br />
<br />
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People are dancing and enjoying the happy atmosphere around them. <br />
<br />
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The kids are trying to stay out of trouble, but at times they fail. They are easily forgiven, though, considering all the circumstances. Nobody wants to be fighting on such a beautiful day.<br />
<br />
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Everyone seems to be on an especially romantic mood today.<br />
<br />
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And the newlyweds are happy. As they dance surrounded by the gentle warmth of the sun, they silently wish this day would never end. But at the same time, they can't wait for all the adventures that are waiting for them in the future – moving into their new suburban house and welcoming their baby twins being one of the most exciting of them. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/44-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/44-1.jpg" width="643" /></a></div><br />
But a good wedding isn't memorable only for the bride and the groom themselves. At the end of the day, everyone will be able to leave the park with lots of good memories. <br />
<br />
<br />
<center><i>~~~</i></center><i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="496" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/45.jpg" width="643" /></a></div><br />
Here are some of the more official pictures I took of the wedding. <br />
<br />
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The happy couple.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="497" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/47.jpg" width="643" /></a></div><br />
With Cody's dad Robert, his wife Nicole and their children Noah and Nora. <br />
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With Cody's mom Carol, little sister Mikayla and his mom's partner, Berjes. <br />
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The bridal party. Can we get a close-up?<br />
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Aww, they're just adorable, don't you think? I just love them! Congratulations, Mrs and Mr Sims! </i>Rosahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10167677554407880996noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458190606461196888.post-85857133720605910772011-07-25T17:48:00.002+02:002011-07-25T20:00:42.136+02:00June 2019 - CooperGwen is 41, Arnaud is 43. <br />
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Narrated by Gwen Cooper<br />
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I've never much liked the silence. So when I drive my car along the peaceful roads of the more quieter parts of Bristol Bay, I turn the radio on and listen to the casual babble of the presenter. I never feel the need to speak too much myself, but I just love the sound of another human being's voice. I grew up in a house filled with noises, with a crowd of older brothers and sisters. I've always been the one to observe, not the one to be in the spotlight. I'm the one on the background, the one who makes sure everyone else is doing fine. I'm the one who organizes everything and takes care of other people.<br />
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The summer vacation had already started for the students of Bristol High, but I was still working. The whole building was almost empty, and I could heart the echo every time I pressed one of the buttons on my computer's keyboard. I was writing something, but I can't remember anymore what it was. I am the principal, and I love my job, but not for all the paperwork. <br />
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At the time, my office was just too quiet. There were two couches placed on both sides of the room, but there was nobody sitting there. I was alone, with a huge amount of work to do. For some reason, I couldn't quite bring myself to concentrate. <br />
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There was a beautiful view from the window of my office. I could see the rocks, I could see the ocean. There was also the bridge leading away from Bristol Bay. But there were no signs of life. I couldn't squint my eyes enough to be able to see the city itself – it was only a misty spot behind all the rocks. I knew we weren't far away, but still, I couldn't help but feel isolated. And I didn't like the feeling.<br />
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I had work to do, but I had no desire at the moment. I had some more important matters to be taken care of. <br />
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I had learned her phone number by heart almost the minute she got her first cellphone. It took me only about two and a half seconds to dial it. <br />
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She didn't answer straight away. I had to call her once, twice before she picked up. Once she did, she sounded breathless.<br />
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“Hello?” <br />
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I could hear a masculine voice whispering on the background. <br />
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“Hi, sweetie, it's me”, I said cautiously. “How are you?”<br />
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“Good”, she replied quickly, as if she would have wanted to hang up as soon as possible. “What about you, mom?” <br />
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“I'm fine, thanks for asking. I was just thinking about you.” <br />
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“Mom, I'm kind of in the middle of something.” She sounded unwilling. “If you don't have anything else to say, could we please leave this for another day?”<br />
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“But your classes ended a few weeks ago”, I insisted. “Besides, I really feel like we should talk. Could you come and meet me today for lunch? I'll pay for your cab ride.” <br />
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There was a short pause. Then, I heard her taking a deep breath. “There's no need for you to do that, mom. I'm already in Bristol Bay. Fine, I'll meet you.” <br />
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I arrived first at the restaurant. I decided to ask for a table outside since the sun was shining but it wasn't nearly as hot as it had been during the first weeks of the month. <br />
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It took my daughter about half an hour to finally get there. She had a bright smile on her face as she approached the table. <br />
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But suddenly, she became serious. Maybe she had seen the worried expression on my face. <br />
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“What is it?” she sighed as she sat down at the table. <br />
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But before I could say anything, the waiter was there to take our order. Carla ordered the most expensive dish on the menu – it was so typical for her; to benefit from the fact that I was paying. But still, she was my daughter and I couldn't be mad at her. <br />
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We both stayed quiet for a while. I didn't quite know how to approach the topic. <br />
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“Listen, Carla”, I started slowly. “I know you were put on academic probation.” <br />
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She didn't say a thing. She just took a sip of her water.<br />
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“How did you find out?” she finally asked. <br />
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“Carla.” I sighed. “I'm the principal of Bristol High. I know people, I work with people.” <br />
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She took another sip of her water and I started looking at the menu. <br />
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…<br />
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One of my favorite things in life is lounging on the living room couch, watching TV and cuddling with my husband. I just love slouching against his strong and warm body and listening to his deep, thoughtful voice. <br />
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We got married four years ago and for the last two years of our marriage, there's been just the two of us. We moved into this smaller apartment last summer, and there really isn't any extra space. But still, at times it gets too quiet. Both Arnaud and I have always been very family oriented and miss the kids a lot. Of course, we love to have some time only for the two of us, but especially for me, life has been feeling quite empty lately. <br />
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Arnaud understands me perfectly. At first, he was very thrilled with the idea of having the house only for us, but over time, he started missing his children, as well. James still comes to visit quite often, since he lives only a few blocks away, but it's not the same as having him living with us. <br />
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I have only known Arnaud's children for five years, but I love them equally as much as I love my own daughter. I know the relationship between him and Carla isn't quite as simple, but my guess is that it's just due to the fact that they've never actually lived under the same roof. When we got married, Carla was already at college. <br />
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My husband also knows how worried I currently am about my daughter. He made me calm down a little bit by telling me how intelligent Carla really was and how she only needed some motivation. <br />
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We also agreed we would invite all our kids for dinner tomorrow night. James should be able to get a night off from work and the girls didn't have classes before August. <br />
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It made me feel a lot easier about everything. It would be good to have dinner as a family once again, after such a long time apart. The thing I wanted the most was to be able to create a real bond between all of the members of our blended family. <br />
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…<br />
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At times I feel like Arnaud and I have all the time in the world in our hands. We can spend hours and hours, in bed, getting lost in each other. Arnaud enjoys it the most, being the more physical type he is. Of course I love it, as well, but in my opinion, there's just so much more to a real relationship. He was never much of a conversationalist but within the time we've been married, I think he has learned to express himself a bit better by words. I've taught him that, whereas he's showed me all the ways of intimacy. He is a strong man, but not only physically. He raised two kids all alone, after the tragic death of his wife 18 years ago. He sometimes talks about her, and I'm not intimidated by it. In my opinion, it is only a good thing that he admits he's never stopped loving her. <br />
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Sometimes, by even the mere mention of her, I start thinking about my own romantic history. My ridiculous ex-husband, who by now, should be living somewhere in California. The idiotic scumbag who cheated on me and then left me alone with a 3-year-old. Somebody might think Arnaud and I had a lot in common in that way, but in reality, our pasts couldn't be any different. My ex, the father of my daughter, walked away because he wanted to. He never loved me. But Arnaud's wife, the mother of his children, wouldn't have left him. <br />
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I suppose the people in Bristol Bay are happy for us. They knew Kirsten, James and Jessica's mother, but they also saw how sad Arnaud was through all those years he spent alone. I believe I've made a difference. I know people used to know him as the depressed, yet incredibly attractive, bartender. I manage to get him out of the house every now and then, and not just to go to work. <br />
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There was the night we went for dinner, at Giovanni's, all the five of us. The table was big, too big for us, and it didn't help us to create the feeling of cohesiveness I was looking for. At first, it was like five strangers having dinner together. <br />
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James normally talks a lot, but that night, he was awfully quiet. He just kept staring at the menu, which made me worry whether he was making enough money at the garage to buy any food.<br />
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“Listen, everyone”, I started, looking at James, “I know you're all kind of short on budget these days. Dinner's on me.” <br />
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The girls didn't say anything. It's not abnormal behavior from Jessica, but Carla tends to be a lot more talkative. The other day, our lunch hadn't gone very well, but I had wished she would've gone back to normal by now. After all, I hadn't even lectured her properly – I had only told her how disappointed I was. <br />
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Arnaud was the one to break the ice. <br />
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“So, James”, he started calmly. “How's your roommate doing?” <br />
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“He's doing great”, James replied with a smile. The change of expression on his face made him look a lot more like his normal self. “He's playing for the local soccer team, you know, and he's really good. He's always giving me all these tickets. I was just about to ask you if you wanted to go and see a game with me.” <br />
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“Sounds good to me”, Arnaud said and suddenly took my hand. “Maybe Gwen would like to join us?” <br />
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I didn't quite know how to react. “I don't know anything about soccer”, I finally stuttered. “Besides, I think it's the best if you two go alone. You know, as a father and son thing.” <br />
I didn't look at James. I was afraid. I loved him, but I wasn't sure how he felt about me. <br />
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“Okay”, I heard Arnaud say. “Then we'll go just the two of us.” <br />
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“I still remember how you guys used to sit hours and hours in front of the TV watching some stupid games”, Jessica suddenly said, with her soft, quiet voice – it was almost like a whisper. Sometimes, it was so easy to forget about her presence – she had this amazing talent of appearing almost invisible. “You were screaming like two crazy persons. That's one of my clearest childhood memories”, she added. <br />
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There was a silent pause. I inconspicuously glanced at Carla, and noticed she was looking at me, as well. Nobody said anything. <br />
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It was a long silence, that was finally broken by Carla. <br />
<br />
“What I remember from <i>my</i> childhood”, she started, taking a second or two to think between every word, “is how much I loved my <i>mom</i>. She was always there for me.” <br />
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Another silence. I looked at Jessica, who was petrified. I didn't want to believe my daughter had meant to hurt anyone's feelings, but I could tell Jessica was very uneasy.<br />
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The food came. It all looked delicious, as usual at Giovanni's. Everyone grabbed their utensils, without saying a word. <br />
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“Oh Gosh, you didn't take that the wrong way, did you?” Carla suddenly exclaimed. “I only meant it as a compliment. I was just trying to make it all up to you, mom.” <br />
<br />
Jessica was looking at Carla. I wasn't able to read the expression on her face, but it didn't seem like she believed what Carla had just said.<br />
<br />
I had known for years that the relationship between my daughter and my step-daughter had been a little rough. Still, I had always imagined it had only been due to their age – Jessica was only 15 back at the time, a teenager. But now I was able to see how far things had really gone – even if Carla hadn't meant what she had said in the way all of us had interpreted it, Jessica had taken it as a indication of the fact that she had grown up without a mother. <br />
I didn't want to believe my own daughter could be so cruel. <br />
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“Seriously, cheer up, everyone”, Carla tried. <br />
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So we ate in silence. <br />
<br />
<br />
<center><i>~~~<br />
• I'm sorry, but the writing is terrible this time since I had to search for so many words in a dictionary (English is not my first language). Still, I like telling the story of this family because there's so much drama.<br />
• Gwen is always rolling wants for her daughter, but also for Jessica and James. Arnaud mostly just rolls wants for her with the occasional work related ones.<br />
• Every female in town just loves Arnaud. He has 3 bolts with almost everyone he meets, but he is very much in love with Gwen. He's only been with 2 women, but doesn't feel like he's missing out on anything. <br />
• And the kids. Well, Carla is still dating Alec. She is showing no interest in graduating, but as Claudia said to her, there would be no sense in dropping out now. And James, well, he's been sleeping around a little, but Coco's still the only girl he's ever loved. They haven't seen each other in a long time, but he's still thinking about her. And then there's Jessica, who finally seems to know what her sexual orientation is. Took her long enough.</i></center>Rosahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10167677554407880996noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458190606461196888.post-72471640945605469522011-07-24T13:19:00.002+02:002011-07-25T20:02:02.468+02:00June 2019 - mini updateLucy Brown is 24, Mikayla Sims is 17.<br />
<br />
Narrated by Lucy Brown<br />
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It was a hot day.<br />
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It was so hot, that I had had to tie up my hair, which is something I never do. I always let it run loose down my back and don't care about the wind messing it up, or the rain flattening it against the back of my head. But now the heat was almost intolerable. It's not very common here in Bristol Bay because of our geographical position – normally we get to encounter rather mild temperatures that do not vary too much around the year. This June has definitely been exceptional. <br />
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It was a hot day and I was 7 months pregnant. I was with Mikayla, Cody's little sister. She's 17 and is going to be one of my bridesmaids. I had invited her to go shopping with me, since we needed to find her a dress for the wedding. <br />
“This is the shop I told you about”, she said suddenly as we were walking past a wide display window filled with mannequins. <br />
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“This one?” I asked her, trying to get a glimpse of the store without entering. I had been told by Cody that his little sister was very hard to please and I didn't want anything to go wrong. I had never been too fond of shopping and was even a little afraid of ruining it all for Mikayla.<br />
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As she started browsing trough the clothing racks, I tried to give her some space. It was my wedding, but I just wanted her to be happy. <br />
“Can I wear a blue dress?” she wanted to know.<br />
“Um, actually, all the decorations are going to be green and we've already picked out the dress for my other bridesmaid, Summer.” My intention was to sound as friendly as possible. I tried to remember what it was like to be 17, but I couldn't. It seemed like ancient history. <br />
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“But the dress doesn't have to be long”, I continued and Mikayla's face immediately lightened up. <br />
“Could you maybe pull some strings and get me a designer dress for free? I know you used to do modeling before you got pregnant.” <br />
I smiled at her enthusiasm, but unfortunately couldn't say yes. “I only did a few ads”, I told her, as she looked at me with her brown eyes wide open. “Lingerie and bathing suits.” <br />
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“It's still cool”, Mikayla said quickly. “I never knew you were a model, until Cody told me a few weeks ago. I bet you got invited to a whole bunch of cool parties.” <br />
“Only a couple”, I told her. “It was nice for as long as it lasted, but it's not what I was meant to do with my life. I'm much more happy now, getting married to your brother and having these babies.”<br />
“But you're still beautiful”, Mikayla continued. <br />
“Thank you.” I smiled. <br />
“I think I know the perfect dress”, she suddenly said. “I'll try it on.” <br />
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I waited for her outside the fitting rooms. It was nice and cool inside the clothing store, thanks to the effective air conditioning. I could feel the eyes of the shop assistant looking straight at me, but I couldn't even care less. I knew I was pregnant, too pregnant to be able to fit into the clothes they sold, but it didn't matter to me. I had left all that behind me. I wasn't a model anymore – I was going to me a mother. <br />
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My back was aching, but I knew it would be all worth it. It would be all worth it as soon as I held my little babies in my arms. <br />
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Then, Mikayla stepped out of the fitting room and was wearing a dress that was just the right shade of green. <br />
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“What do you think?” she asked me, grinning. <br />
“It's perfect”, I told her, and really meant what I said.<br />
“Can I wear the heels?” she continued. <br />
“Of course”, I answered. <br />
“I'm almost as tall as you are.” <br />
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The dress wasn't expensive, which really surprised me. After everything Cody had told me about his sister, I would've expected her to drag me to some of the most upscale boutiques in town. Her dress was even more inexpensive than the one we had found for Summer. As the dress hunting had only taken us about fifteen minutes, I decided to invite Mikayla for a coffee. <br />
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It was very nice to finally get to talk with her. She wanted to know a lot about modeling and the whole fashion industry, and I told her everything I knew. She also asked me if she was a little too short to become a model herself, and I told her that the height wasn't everything. It was the attitude that counted. <br />
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I could really feel Mikayla warming up to me. Little by little, she started telling me more and more about herself and her life. <br />
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She hadn't been on good terms with her dad ever since her parents got divorced. She had always lived with her mother, just like Cody, but unlike him, hadn't even set a foot in their dad's house. She had only met his new children very briefly, and wasn't very excited about meeting them again at the wedding. <br />
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Everything had always gone relatively well at home, until her mother's new boyfriend moved in with them. She's never liked him, even though he seems more than keen on being on good terms with her. But Carol, her mom, nowadays pays more attention to him than Mikayla. <br />
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That's how we started talking about how insecure Mikayla really was. She had always been tough, and didn't really care about what the others said to her. But still, she was only looking for acceptance. <br />
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And she told me about a boy. He was a lot older than her, but he seemed to be the only one on Earth who ever payed any attention to her. But he wasn't enough for her. She needed something more. Somebody else. <br />
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It had all been very unexpected. I hadn't been prepared, and I didn't know what to say. I took a deep breath, and looked her in the eyes.<br />
“Would you like to go and see my wedding dress? No-one's ever seen it before.”<br />
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She looked at me firmly. “Not even Summer?”<br />
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“Not even Summer”, I promised, knowing that it meant a lot to her. <br />
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As we got back to the street, it had already gotten darker. It was now a lot more pleasant to be outside, since it wasn't so disturbingly hot anymore. <br />
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There was a big fountain on the garden of the bridal store. It was a beautiful fountain, gushing small amounts of sparkly water in the air. We paused for a while to just look at it, and to admire the starry sky above us. After a while, we entered the store.<br />
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Mikayla sat down to wait for me to get changed. There were just the two of us on the second floor of the store, so there was no need to turn on the lights. <br />
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As I finally got my huge dress on, I walked to Mikayla. She really was the first person to see the dress. <br />
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“You look beautiful”, she told me, admiringly. <br />
“So do you”, I said. <br />
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Mikayla laughed a little. “Very funny”, she then said. “You're the one in the big, white dress.” <br />
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And suddenly, she bent down a little, and touched my belly. She had a bright smile on her face.<br />
“I can't believe there are two little Codys inside”, she finally said.<br />
“Me neither”, I laughed.<br />
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And then I hugged her, because I felt like she needed a hug – probably more than I had ever needed one.Rosahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10167677554407880996noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458190606461196888.post-86477512144175942702011-07-23T23:14:00.001+02:002011-07-25T20:02:32.487+02:00May 2019 Birthdays<a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/1-6.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/1-6.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 498px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 643px;" /></a><br />
Betty Anderson went into labor at night. She was in bed, asleep, with her husband Matt as she woke up to the familiar feeling of her water breaking. She quickly shook her husband awake and they both headed to the hospital.<br />
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The pregnancy might have been an easy one, but the delivery wasn't. Matt tried to stay calm and didn't let go of Betty's hand. <br />
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After a few days Betty and Matt were able to take their newborn son home. Seth and Sam were more than excited to finally meet their little baby brother, Shane. <br />
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Betty just loved having a baby in the house. Now that Sam was already finishing preschool, it was nice to have somebody to look after once again. <br />
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Claudia Russo just graduated from Bristol State University with a degree in Art and a GPA of 3.2. <br />
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The whole Russo family came to see the Graduation Ceremony held at the Campus Quad. <br />
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Claudia's boyfriend Andrew was there, as well. <br />
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She is now living in this small apartment building located in Bristol Bay close to her dad's restaurant and also the Central Gardens. <br />
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As a graduation gift, Claudia's parents decided to buy her a car – a brand new Mercedes. <br />
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At first Claudia thought that the car might be just a little too ostentatious, but now that she's gotten used to it, she just loves it. She's never known too much about cars, but she can imagine how much this particular one has cost to her parents. But then again, Claudia's always been a daddy's girl and couldn't refuse a gift from him.Rosahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10167677554407880996noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458190606461196888.post-3821910933306738552011-07-23T18:14:00.001+02:002011-07-25T20:03:11.997+02:00April 2019 - Bristol State UniversityCoco Russo is 19, Claudia Russo and Carla Dallas are 22, Jessica Cooper is 20. <br />
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Narrated by Jessica Cooper<br />
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Carla's been acting a little depressed lately since she was put on academical probation. She had just been spending so much time with her boyfriend Alec that her GPA had slipped from an average 3.2 to a low 2.0. After having a little talk with some of her professors, Carla was ready to leave college. But then, Claudia managed to talk some sense into her – she had already come this far, and it would be silly for her to drop off during her senior year. <br />
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Now it seems like Carla will be staying with us for a little longer. She's now repeating her penultimate semester all over again, and will most probably be graduating next January. She's not too thrilled about the delay, but after talking with Claudia, she's not planning on dropping off anymore.<br />
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She's still seeing Alec, though.<br />
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I bet he wasn't happy when she told him she wasn't going to be able to spend so much time with him anymore. He's been coming to the campus almost every day for the past 7 months, which I find unbelievable. The guy is a poor musician/ a part-time DJ and doesn't even have a car. I bet he doesn't have the money to pay for the 45-minute cab drive twice every day, so I suppose he takes the bus.<br />
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I'm not sure whether Alec just likes Carla or the idea of four college girls living together. The other day, Coco told me Alec had definitely been flirting with her. I know for a fact that ever since the beginning, Coco has been thinking how incredibly hot Alec is and how he shouldn't even be with Carla. I really don't know what to say to her – I've never liked Carla and I definitely don't like Alec. But then again, I've been there to witness how much Carla has actually changed ever since she got together with this guy. If they ever broke up, I'm pretty sure Carla would go back to normal, and that's not something I'd like to see happening.<br />
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Over the past one year and a half, Claudia and I have become good friends. It hasn't been something I could have ever expected, but here we are. Claudia's really sweet and it would be impossible not to warm up to her. I also really appreciate her for the fact that she has been able to form her own opinion and get to know me before believing all the crap Carla must have been telling her about me. <br />
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Claudia will be graduating this May and she is more than excited. She misses her family and her boyfriend Andrew, who all live in Bristol Bay. Claudia is definitely the kind of girl to be living in the same place for her whole life. Her heart is in our home town. <br />
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I've very much enjoyed living together with the Russo sisters. Their family is Italian, so the girls know all the best recipes. They both like to cook, but neither of them is too excited about working at their dad's restaurant after college. Claudia would like to enter the world of fashion design, and Coco has been thinking about joining the police force. <br />
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For Coco, college has never been all about studying. She just knew it was something she was supposed to do to make her parents happy. It wasn't easy for her to choose a major, but this semester, after a little encouragement she finally chose to major in Psychology. I tried to convince her that it would definitely be something useful if she really wanted to become a cop. <br />
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I tried to get her to understand how it would be really helpful for her to be able to enter the criminal's mind. She just laughed a little, claiming she'd just be chasing the bad guys and would leave all the analyzing for the smarter ones, like me. I told her I had no intention on becoming a crime investigator, since I've already had my future planned out ever since I was 12. <br />
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I would just love to become a journalist. I'm majoring in Literature and it's definitely something that I like.<br />
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At times I feel like I'm the only one who actually pays attention and takes notes at class, but then again, it's possible that I'm the only one here who's really passionate about all this. <br />
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Sometimes I feel a little lonely while I wander around the campus. It seems like everyone else has been able to make friends. <br />
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Of course I have Coco and Claudia, but they've both made lots of new friends at college and spend most of their free time away from home. <br />
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I'm always the first one to wake up in the morning. The house is so big and quiet it feels like I'm all alone in there. Those are the times when I really start thinking about my life, and the fact how lonely I really am. <br />
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Coco is the next one to wake up. She usually goes for a jog at around 8. <br />
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Carla hates it when she needs to get up before 10. She's such a slob. She just wants to have fun – no wonder she was put on academic probation. <br />
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I try to have some fun, as well, but at times it can feel very hard. Sometimes the girls drag me to the Campus Pub with them and it's nice, but only because of the booze. <br />
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I've never been much of a drinker, but being sober at a college party is definitely not fun. When I drink, I get all amorous and keep telling my friends how much I love them. <br />
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Coco had a date with this guy, Spencer. They met last year at this very same bar as we were playing some pool.<br />
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I was with Claudia, but she really started missing her boyfriend and called him. I know for a fact that Claudia isn't too fond of the college life and is more than eager to finally graduate this spring. <br />
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I can't really remember much of the night, but I do recall trying to hit on the bartender. It's definitely not something I'd normally do, but I guess it's just the production of months and months of loneliness – and my intoxication. I have no experience of flirting whatsoever, so of course I was turned down. <br />
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At some point of the night, Coco went missing. <br />
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I'm guessing she left with Spencer. She's never been too eager to start dating him officially, but after breaking up with my brother, she hasn't been seeing any other guys, either. <br />
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I just want all the best for Coco. My brother was devastated when she left him and it seems like he still hasn't moved on. But then again, Coco's my best friend and I can't blame her for anything. She dated James during high school, and only rarely people marry their first loves. <br />
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I'm not sure if I've ever been in love. During high school, there was nothing. Absolutely nothing. For a while, I had just thought maybe love wasn't something I was even meant to experience. I wasn't happy with that, since I had always felt the need to be loved. I had always been overshadowed by somebody else, so I just wanted someone to notice me. <br />
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It had been almost a year since the last time I talked to <span style="font-style: italic;">her</span>. I just hadn't found the right words nor had I even known what it was that I felt. She had kissed me. <br />
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<a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/29-2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/29-2.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 498px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 643px;" /></a><br />
It was the liquor. I stood up, ran after her and looked her in the eyes. There was no need for words. <br />
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<a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/30-2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/30-2.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 496px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 643px;" /></a><br />
It was a quick and a clumsy kiss, but still good. <br />
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<a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/31-1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/31-1.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 499px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 643px;" /></a><br />
We both giggled a little. <br />
“So you've finally made up your mind”, she finally said. “Took you long enough.”<br />
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~~<br />
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<a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/32-1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/32-1.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 499px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 643px;" /></a><br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">I just wanted to show you a little of the house the girls are living in. This is Jessica's side of her and Coco's room. <br />
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<a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/33-1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/33-1.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 643px;" /></a><br />
Coco's side. <br />
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<a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/34-1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/34-1.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 497px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 643px;" /></a><br />
Carla's side of her and Claudia's room.<br />
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<a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/35.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/35.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 496px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 643px;" /></a><br />
And Claudia's bed and sewing machine. </span>Rosahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10167677554407880996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458190606461196888.post-78471917285285303042011-07-17T13:50:00.000+02:002011-07-17T14:00:07.664+02:00The reason for my absenceI am very sorry that I haven't been able to update or answer any of your comments but I am currently on vacation in Italy and have been here for 11 days now. I'll be back in Spain by the end of next week. I have already got all the pictures ready for the next update so I'll only have to write. <br /><br />Italy is such a beautiful country and I'm having such a wonderful time here. I've already visited Naples and I'm currently staying in a small town in the heart of Sicily. Tomorrow I'll be heading to Rome. <br /><br />Thank you all for reading!Rosahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10167677554407880996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458190606461196888.post-36938107559205031722011-07-06T00:37:00.001+02:002011-07-25T20:03:26.248+02:00March 2019 Birthdays<a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/1-4.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/1-4.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 499px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 643px;" /></a><br />
It's time for Lucy Brown to enter the second trimester of her pregnancy.<br />
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<a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/2-3.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/2-3.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 498px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 643px;" /></a><br />
Lucy and Cody just recently found out that they're expecting twins! At first they were a little frightened, but now that they've had some time to get used to the idea, they couldn't be any happier. <br />
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<a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/3-3.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/3-3.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 497px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 643px;" /></a><br />
Betty Anderson is now 7 months pregnant and can't wait to give birth to the little baby inside her belly. She has also started her maternity leave and will be staying home with the baby for at least two years.Rosahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10167677554407880996noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458190606461196888.post-52868863181133340002011-07-06T00:19:00.001+02:002011-07-25T20:03:52.301+02:00February 2019 - mini updateMikayla Sims is 17, Carol Sims is 45 and Berjes Chung is 48.<br />
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Narrated by Mikayla Sims<br />
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<a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/1-3.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/1-3.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 499px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 643px;" /></a><br />
It's just not fair.<br />
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It's just not fair that my big brother Cody is getting married this summer and that my dad is going to pay for it all – the wedding, the house, the car. It's just not fair how dad paid for Cody's college. He barely even earned any scholarships, yet he got to live in the fanciest dorm on campus and have his private double room with his private bathroom. <br />
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<a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/3-2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/3-2.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 498px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 643px;" /></a><br />
It's just not fair how dad just left us, married that stupid woman and had those two stupid kids with her. <br />
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<a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/4-2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/4-2.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 496px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 643px;" /></a><br />
It's just not fair how those kids get to live in that beautiful townhouse, get to play with all the newest toys and will probably never even have to work to achieve the things they want. They just have it all.<br />
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<a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/5-2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/5-2.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 495px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 643px;" /></a><br />
It's just not fair how I never got to take any dance lessons, because my dad refused to pay for them. It's just not fair how I had to settle for a violin, since it was all my cheap mom agreed to buy me. I just wanted to dance. And I asked him to let me do that, and he told me it was never going to happen. I had made my choice, and it was to stay with my mom. I didn't do as my brother did – I didn't stay on good terms with both of our parents. I believed mom when she told me what an asshole my dad was. <br />
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<a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/6-2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/6-2.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 495px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 643px;" /></a><br />
It's just not fair how every time I look out my window, I see his perfect house and his perfect pool. I see his perfect car and his perfect life. Which I'm not a part of anymore, and he doesn't really care. <br />
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<a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/7-2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/7-2.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 498px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 643px;" /></a><br />
I never went over to see his kids. I never gave his new wife a chance to get to know me. I didn't want to get to know her. And I didn't want to see the kids because I knew what they had. They had it all. They had a mom, and they had a dad. They had the chance to do whatever they wanted. They didn't have to listen to all the fighting, they didn't have to be scared. They didn't have to choose between two parents – they could have it all. <br />
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<a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/8-2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/8-2.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 496px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 643px;" /></a><br />
I could hear someone coming upstairs. I could hear the steps getting closer and closer. <br />
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<a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/9-2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/9-2.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 498px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 643px;" /></a><br />
“Dinner's ready.”<br />
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<a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/10-2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/10-2.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 498px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 643px;" /></a><br />
There used to be just the two of us. We were best friends, we could tell each other everything. We would sit on the couch, watch a movie, and just blame my dad for anything bad that ever happened to us. If I ever failed a test at school, it was his fault. If we were having some trouble making ends meet, it was his fault. It used to be so easy.<br />
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<a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/11-2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/11-2.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 494px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 643px;" /></a><br />
But then my mom met this new guy, and suddenly, it wasn't so easy anymore. She stopped blaming my dad. She was blind – she only saw this new man who wanted to be a part of her life. And she let him in. <br />
And suddenly, I was outside. I wasn't a part of her life anymore. <br />
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<a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/12-2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/12-2.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 497px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 643px;" /></a><br />
I called the college guy, River. We had only met once before, but my brother had forbidden me from seeing him ever again. I drove to this quiet and empty spot, without saying a word. <br />
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<a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/13-2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/13-2.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 502px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 643px;" /></a><br />
I let him do whatever he wanted with me. I barely even moved, I wasn't excited. I just wanted to get it over with. <br />
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<a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/14-2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/14-2.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 499px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 643px;" /></a><br />
I drove back home at around 5am. I wondered if my mom had even noticed my absence. Maybe she hadn't. She was too busy with her new life, just like my dad.Rosahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10167677554407880996noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458190606461196888.post-73320834696125621562011-07-05T22:58:00.001+02:002011-07-25T20:04:10.039+02:00January 2019 - SimsRobert is 43, Nicole is 37, Noah is 8 and Nora is 5.<br />
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<a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/1-2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/1-2.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 498px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 643px;" /></a><br />
Narrated by Nicole Sims<br />
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<a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/2-1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/2-1.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 499px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 643px;" /></a><br />
I always wake up at 7am to get the kids ready for school. <br />
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<a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/3-1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/3-1.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 497px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 643px;" /></a><br />
It's Nora's first year of elementary school, so every morning I walk her and her brother to the bus stop and stay there with them until the bus arrives. I bet Noah's not too excited about this arrangement – he's 8, and claims he's a big boy now. <br />
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<a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/4-1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/4-1.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 498px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 643px;" /></a><br />
Once I get back home, I have nothing to do anymore. It's been like this since last August, or in other words, since Nora's first day of school. <br />
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<a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/5-1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/5-1.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 643px;" /></a><br />
Ever since my best friend Tessa moved away from Bristol Bay, I haven't really left the house anymore. She used to take me out on Saturday nights just to relax a little bit and escape from our everyday lives. We still call each other every now and then, but Tessa has already started her new life in Portbridge and is rather busy working as a professional ballerina. <br />
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<a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/6-1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/6-1.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 499px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 643px;" /></a><br />
Although I love Tessa, I would never be able to do the same thing as she did. She really hurt her family, especially her daughter Savannah. Savannah is only a year older than Noah and still comes to play at our house every Wednesday. I just can't understand how Tessa could just leave her daughter and her husband and run away with another man. I knew she had never been too happy living here in Bristol Bay, but still, how could a new job and a new love mean so much more to her?<br />
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<a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/7-1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/7-1.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 643px;" /></a><br />
When Robert and I had the kids, I agreed to stay home with them at least until they started school. I had my master's degree in Architecture, but back then, I was willing to put it all aside to start a family. I love my kids, but the truth is, I've been a little frustrated lately. That's why I've started looking for some open positions in the field of Architecture. <br />
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<a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/8-1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/8-1.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 498px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 643px;" /></a><br />
I just have so much time in my hands now that both of our kids have started school. We have a maid and a gardener, so there's just not much for me to do around the house.<br />
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<a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/9-1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/9-1.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 498px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 643px;" /></a><br />
Robert has been very supportive about this. In his opinion, it would be a shame if all my talent and enthusiasm went to waste. His ex-wife hasn't worked a day in her life, and Robert himself is a very hardworking person. Besides, he agrees with me – there's not much for me to do while the kids are at school. <br />
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<a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/10-1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/10-1.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 499px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 643px;" /></a><br />
Financially, there would be no need for me to start working again. Robert's businesses are doing great. <br />
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<a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/11-1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/11-1.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 497px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 643px;" /></a><br />
Sims' Family Market pretty much runs itself nowadays. Everyone in Bristol Bay goes there to buy their groceries. <br />
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Robert's son Cody and his fiancée Lucy live right across the street from the store. They stop by almost every day and Robert keeps pressuring them to come over and have dinner with us someday. I've always loved Cody, even though he isn't my real son. He always lived with his mom, but he still spent some time over at our house, too. I know it was partly because of our pool, but everyone still considers Cody as a part of our family. <br />
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<a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/13-1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/13-1.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 498px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 643px;" /></a><br />
The Family Market isn't the only one of Robert's businesses. That's why he needs to be driving from place to place throughout the day. <br />
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<a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/14-1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/14-1.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 643px;" /></a><br />
There's also the garage, but Robert really doesn't have a lot to do there. His employees take very good care of the place.<br />
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There's Micah, whose wedding both Robert and I attended last summer. He and his wife Celeste live in a cute townhouse next to the Sports park. <br />
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And then there's James, who's only 20 and decided to skip college. He got the job right after graduating high school. His dad owns a bar and his stepmother is the principal of Bristol High. <br />
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As the kids come home from school, they often bring some friends with them. It's actually very nice, since I love children and there's plenty of room for them to play in this big house. During summertime, nearly all the kids in the neighborhood want to come and try out our swimming pool, but now that it's winter, they usually just settle for staying in the house. <br />
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Noah is such a sweet kid. He's also very neat and organized, so he likes to keep everything in order. That's not very common among the children that come to our house, so it's nice to have someone to help me out with keeping everything under control. <br />
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Nora is only 5, but she has already proved out to be very fast at making new friends. <br />
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We bought her a piano for her 5th birthday and she loves it. The greatest thing about it is the fact that she can actually play it. She's constantly learning new songs and wants everyone to hear her play. <br />
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Both of our kids are doing OK at school, but Robert and I still like to supervise them while they're doing their homework. We just want to make sure everything gets done and that Noah doesn't help his little sister too much. <br />
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It was the last week of January when Robert told me Lucy and Cody had finally accepted his invitation to come over for dinner. We were both really excited and eager to see how the kids would react to the news. <br />
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It's no secret that I've never been much of a cook, so Robert offered to prepare dinner that night. I chopped some vegetables but managed to cut my finger, so I finally volunteered to step away from the kitchen. <br />
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My first impression of Lucy couldn't have been any better. She was adorable, smiling all the time and seemed to have such a bubbly personality. <br />
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Dinner was very nice. Everyone enjoyed the soup Robert had prepared for us - even the kids. <br />
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It was more than obvious that Lucy and Cody simply adore each other. In Noah's opinion, his big brother holding hands with a girl was more than hilarious. <br />
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After the kids had been sent to bed, Robert and I stayed downstairs for a while to really talk with the lovebirds. <br />
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Robert wanted them to know that he'd be more than willing to help them out financially. He even offered to buy them a house near the Marina, somewhere close to ours, but Cody made it pretty clear that it wasn't going to happen. Robert had already paid almost all of Cody's college fees, including the tuition and the very expensive private room he used to live in. But as Robert kept insisting, the four of us finally came to a conclusion – after the wedding, Lucy and Cody would be moving into a small house somewhere in Bristol's Square. It's not exactly in the heart of the city, but it's close to all the schools and the prices aren't as high over there. <br />
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I wanted Lucy to know that she could call me whenever she felt like talking to someone. I also offered my help for planning the wedding, even though I was certain Cody's mother had already done the same. His little sister Mikayla is going to be a bridesmaid, so I can only imagine how excited Carol must be. I would've just loved the idea of our little Noah and Nora having at least a small part in the wedding, but I guess it's not the same – after all, they're just Cody's half siblings. <br />
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Just as we were talking about all the arrangements, Lucy suddenly got off the table and ran to the bathroom. We could hear all the noises, so we knew exactly what was going on. <br />
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“I'll go check on her”, I informed the boys and got off the table. <br />
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<a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/32.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/32.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 643px;" /></a><br />
As I saw Lucy throwing some cold water on her face, I held her long hair back and waited. Once she was done, I opened my mouth: “I'm guessing this is not a food poisoning.” <br />
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<a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/33.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/33.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 498px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 643px;" /></a><br />
“No, it's not”, she answered after a short pause. <br />
“How long have you known?” I asked her then. <br />
“About two months.” <br />
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<a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/34.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/34.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 498px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 643px;" /></a><br />
There was no need for words. I hugged her, and she hugged me back. <br />
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<br />
<center><span style="font-style: italic;">~~~<br />
• This family is currently the richest one in town, so buying a house for Lucy and Cody is definitely not a big deal for them. Everyone in Bristol Bay really buys their groceries at Sims' Family Market!<br />
• Here in Spain, children usually start school/pre-school at the age of 3, but having toddlers crawling on the floors of my school building is just not going to work for my game. That's why in my hood, children start Elementary school at 5, but can also attend pre-school at the age of 4.<br />
• Noah and Nora are such good kids. They're constantly rolling all these wants for doing their homework or talking to a relative. Both of them really liked Lucy.<br />
• In fact, the whole family just loved her! Nicole wants to call her almost every day and Robert had the want of becoming best friends with her.<br />
• The kids would just love to obtain a pet, especially a dog, but I just don't see Nicole as the kind of person to want to have an animal in the house. She's a Family sim, but she likes to keep the house tidy and everything needs to be in order.</span></center>Rosahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10167677554407880996noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458190606461196888.post-22256297289311669502011-07-02T20:08:00.001+02:002011-07-25T20:04:43.536+02:00December 2018 - AndersonMatt is 45, Betty is 41, Seth is 14 and Sam is 5. <br />
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<a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/1-1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/1-1.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 646px;" /></a><br />
Narrated by Betty Anderson<br />
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I'm 4 months pregnant now and I have to say, this time has been the easiest of all my pregnancies. Still, I turned 41 this August and my doctor has been warning me about all the complications pregnant women over the age of 35 often encounter. <br />
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My husband Matt is clearly worried about me. We both really want this baby, but in Matt's opinion, we should have done this a lot earlier. He doesn't let me do any of the household chores anymore, and basically just takes care of everything by himself. <br />
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<a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/4.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/4.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 647px;" /></a><br />
Our oldest son Seth has been showing a lot of interest in cooking lately. So far, he's only been preparing lots of hamburgers but he's getting better at it. <br />
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I guess it was the TV that initially inspired Seth to try out all these new recipes. But still, apparently none of those cooking shows haven't taught him how to clean up, since he always leaves a huge mess in the kitchen. <br />
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Since Sam started Elementary school, he's been bringing lots of friends over. There aren't too many families living here in Bristol's Square with us, so there's no room for Sam to be choosy. One of his best friends is actually a girl. <br />
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<a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/7.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/7.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 647px;" /></a><br />
This girl seems like a tomboy, though. She always comes up with the idea of playing cops and robbers. <br />
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At times I feel like Seth and Sam aren't the only kids in the house. My husband keeps wanting to buy all these radio-controlled cars. It seems to me that he loves them more than our boys do. <br />
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Although the boys get along relatively well with each other, there's no escaping from the occasional arguments. Sam keeps telling us how Seth constantly gives him noogies, and he just doesn't like that. <br />
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I don't know if I should start worrying about Seth. He spends more and more time in the bathroom and just seems a bit too focused on his looks. <br />
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Matt and I just don't know what to say to him. He's also clearly interested in girls, since he talks about them 24/7. <br />
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I'm sure Seth would just love to start dating already, but for the time being, he's just going to have to settle for the company of his dog, Luke. <br />
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The poor dog is getting old, though.<br />
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Luke has been a part of our family for a long time. We got him as a present for Seth for his 7th birthday. He's a big dog, an it's a known fact that bigger dogs tend to die younger. We can only hope Luke has still got many more years left. <br />
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As old as he might be, Luke still hasn't learned to hold his urine. It's not nice to wake up and see a pond of pee on the living room floor. <br />
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We've all been trying to make the effort of spending more time with Luke outdoors, but lately our lives have just been pretty hectic. Both Matt and I are working, and the boys have been told to do their homework right after they come home from school, so nobody really has the time to take the dog out. <br />
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Whenever Matt has a day off, he tries to spend some time with the dog. <br />
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I'm still pretty sure he can't keep himself away from the computer and all Seth's games. <br />
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I don't think Seth would mind his dad messing up his game saves, though, since nowadays he spends more time in the kitchen than at the computer. <br />
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The other day, Seth asked us if he could bring his dad's old punching bag to his room. “I want to start taking care of myself”, he explained. I wasn't sure if it was a good idea since I put a lot of effort into decorating that room and the punching bag just doesn't go together with all the shades of light blue and green that I used, but then again, it's his room. <br />
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Sam is a lot less rebellious than his older brother, but I guess it's just the age. <br />
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Neither of our boys is doing extremely well at school, which I find a little disappointing, considering the fact that I am a teacher. I try to help them out with their homework as often as I can, and I can definitely see that little Sam is highly motivated. He always does his homework right after school. I'm hoping to see some results in the near future. <br />
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Now that Seth and Sam are a little older, Matt and I have started going out on dates again. We're not doing it on a weekly basis, maybe just once a month, but it's definitely something the both of us really needed. <br />
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Matt still hasn't gotten tired of giving me compliments. He's always thought I look my best while pregnant. <br />
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It's really nice to get out of the house with him every once in a while and have some actual conversations. We won't be getting much of that once the baby's born. <br />
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Our favorite restaurant is definitely Giovanni's. We love the food, and the view is gorgeous.<br />
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This year has been unusually warm. Normally, in December, there would already be some snow on the ground. I'm not complaining, since it was nice to have dinner while sitting outside. <br />
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<a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/28.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/28.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 506px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 643px;" /></a><br />
Even though it's great to be able to spend some time alone with Matt, neither of us can wait any longer until this baby is born. I'm due in May, so there's still 5 months to go. <br />
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I really hope I can count on Seth's help and that he takes taking care of his little brother seriously. I wouldn't like the idea of him having any friends over while he's alone with Sam. <br />
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I think my son is just not ready to date yet. He's only 14, and should definitely focus on his studies. <br />
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<br />
<center><span style="font-style: italic;">~~~<br />
• During this play session, Seth was all about dating and kissing and woohooing in bed. He's a Romance sim, so I guess that's normal, but I think it's also totally normal for almost any 14-year-old boy... <br />
• Betty and Matt both rolled the want for a date so I let them go out. Other than that, their wants have been pretty much about having a baby and Seth getting an A+ Report Card, which is so not going to happen. <br />
• So while his parents were out, Seth had this blonde girl over and the rest is history. She rolled the want for woohoo, but Seth didn't, so they just kissed.</span></center>Rosahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10167677554407880996noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458190606461196888.post-66975371138439507532011-07-01T14:48:00.002+02:002011-08-12T12:24:16.099+02:00November 2018 - Sims - BrownCody Sims and Lucy Brown are 24.<br />
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<a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/1.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/1.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 644px;" /></a><br />
Narrated by Lucy Brown<br />
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My boyfriend Cody and I just recently decided to get engaged. He never actually proposed to me; the both of us just knew this was something we were supposed to do.<br />
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We've been living together for four months now, and it's been really nice.<br />
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It's so funny how things change once you move in together with someone. At times it can mean the end of romance. This morning, as I was brushing my teeth in the bathroom, Cody just walked in and used the toilet – right in front of my eyes! I guess I really must be in love with this guy, since I didn't even mind. <br />
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I'm still perfectly capable of kicking his ass if I ever wanted to. Cody has such a soft spot for me. He still loves to call me his angel, although in my opinion I'm probably as far away from being an angel as anyone can be. <br />
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As sweet as he might be, Cody still doesn't let me win him at any video games. I don't think it's fair, though, seeing the fact that the guy plays all these games for a living. <br />
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The building we're living in is pretty awesome. It's situated right in the heart of Bristol Bay so we're just a few steps away from all the amenities. In addition to that, one of my best guy friends Andrew lives on the same floor with us with his roommate, James. <br />
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Our bedroom has this small balcony with a nice view over Cody's dad's grocery store. Cody even used to work there as a teenager. <br />
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I graduated from college with a degree in History, but I haven't been able to find a job in any of the corresponding career fields. So as a friend of a friend suggested me I should try modeling, I wasn't as negative about it as I might have been a few months ago. I've never considered myself as the kind of girl to be even able to do modeling, but the photographers keep telling me that I have the face and that I have the body. I'm currently only posing for some magazine ads, but my agency says I definitely have potential. <br />
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I've never really had the energy to take any special care of my body – my figure has always been naturally slim. But as some of my agents told me it would probably be easier for me to land jobs if I started thinking more about my lifestyle, I decided I should try yoga. I haven't had the time to join any classes so I've been just training at home with the help of some magazines I bought on my way from work. <br />
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I also decided it was time for me to start paying some extra attention on my diet. I've been preparing a lot of healthy foods at home, which is something Cody isn't too excited about. But he'll just have to learn to live with that if he still wants to have a model as a fiancée. <br />
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<a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/Untitled12-2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/Untitled12-2.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 644px;" /></a><br />
He does like the fact that I usually get to keep all the underwear I wear at the photo shoots. <br />
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Cody and I both are heavy sleepers and would like to spend all day in bed. We usually stay under the blankets for as long as we can and just enjoy each other's company. <br />
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But eventually, it's time for us to officially wake up. I never leave the apartment before 11am but at times, Cody needs to be at work at 9.<br />
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During the weekends, Cody and I just love to spend some time with our friends. On Saturday, I invited Andrew and his girlfriend Claudia – who also happens to be Cody's ex – and Cody invited our friend Summer and her boyfriend Jeff to join us at the Garden Park for a picnic. <br />
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To me, Claudia seems really sweet. I can definitely understand why Cody used to go out with her during high school, but she and Andrew match together a lot better. <br />
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And then there's Summer, who's just adorable. She keeps telling me how I was her first female friend ever. We used to share a room in college and got really close. I'm forever thankful to her for inviting Cody to one of the parties I hosted in our dorm. Without Summer, Cody and I might have never even met. <br />
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As usual, after a while we took a break from hanging out as a group and just started cuddling with our partners. Cody and I have been together for less time than the others so in my opinion we deserve to act all lovey-dovey. <br />
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Later on, Summer wanted to congratulate me personally for my engagement. She also told me it was like a dream come true for her to see her two best friends getting married to each other. <br />
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I don't know if Summer and Jeff have already been talking about marriage, but I can definitely see the two of them doing that in the near future. I can already imagine Summer walking down the isle in a beautiful, white dress. But I guess I'm still going to have to wait for that to happen. <br />
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<a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/Untitled21-2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/Untitled21-2.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 643px;" /></a><br />
After all the others had already gone, Cody and I decided to stay at the park for a little while longer. As we stood there, in front of the fountain, I had an idea.<br />
“We should get married in this park”, I said out loud. <br />
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Cody loved the idea. It was such a beautiful place – you could even see the lighthouse rising up above the roofs of Bristol Bay. <br />
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The next day, I invited Summer over to start planning the wedding. Cody and I wanted to get married in summer, so the ceremony will take place on July 2019. I also wanted to ask Summer if she wanted to be my bridesmaid alongside Cody's 17-year-old sister, Mikayla.<br />
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As I hugged Summer and thanked her for all the help, I could just feel Cody's eyes on my back. He doesn't really understand all the hustle and bustle that needs to go on before a wedding can actually happen.<br />
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I still know we both really want this. Neither of us could even bare the idea of getting married to each other without throwing a little party. I just want the whole world to know how much I love Cody. <br />
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I've been feeling a little sick lately which is something new to me. I can't even remember the last time I was ill.<br />
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Then I started thinking – I couldn't also remember the last time I had had my period. <br />
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I didn't know what to think. I needed to lie down for a little while, just to be able to clear my thoughts. <br />
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That night, as I got back home from work, I knew it was time for me to speak with Cody. <br />
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<a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/Untitled30.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/Untitled30.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 643px;" /></a><br />
I decided to cut to the chase and just blurt it out. <br />
“I'm pregnant.”<br />
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I wasn't capable of reading the expression on Cody's face. It seemed like he didn't even breathe. <br />
“Are you sure?” he finally asked.<br />
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“I just took the test”, I told him. “Feel free to dump me if you'd like.” <br />
<br />
<a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/Untitled33.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/Untitled33.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 646px;" /></a><br />
It didn't take Cody long to wrap his arms around my waist and start smiling.<br />
“Dump you? Are you crazy?” he laughed and kissed my cheek. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/Untitled34.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/Untitled34.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 646px;" /></a><br />
I couldn't have felt more relieved.<br />
“We're having a baby”, I whispered, and we both smiled. <br />
<br />
<br />
<center>~~~<br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">• Both Lucy and Cody have been rolling multiple engagement and marriage wants for a long time now, which I find interesting considering the fact that Cody is pleasure/knowledge and Lucy is popularity/pleasure. I guess they must really love each other!<br />
• Lucy's pregnancy is the result of some risky woohoo. Cody uses birth control thanks to his neatness, but this stuff happens... <br />
• Lucy's due date is in August, a month after their wedding.<br />
• I just love the idea of having Summer and Mikayla as Lucy's bridesmaids. They're both so cute!</span></center>Rosahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10167677554407880996noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458190606461196888.post-81112984971341384692011-06-30T16:36:00.001+02:002011-08-12T12:24:48.705+02:00October 2018 - GilmoreSummer is 24 and Sandra is 42. <br />
<br />
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/Untitled4-2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 645px; height: 500px;" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/Untitled4-2.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
Narrated by Summer Gilmore<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/Untitled2-3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 642px; height: 500px;" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/Untitled2-3.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
It definitely feels good to be back home. I had really missed Bristol Bay, although I had also enjoyed my time in college. But the truth is, this is where I belong. <br />
<br />
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/Untitled3-3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 646px; height: 500px;" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/Untitled3-3.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
At first I thought it would be a little weird to return back home after being away for such a long time. I was only 18 the last time I lived here. But now, moving back here has turned out to be one of the smartest things I've ever done. <br />
<br />
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/Untitled1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 645px; height: 500px;" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/Untitled1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
If I had done the same thing as many of my age-fellows, I'd be currently living in a tiny shoebox apartment, and possibly with roommates. Now I don't have anything against the idea of living with other people, but at times I just need my own privacy. Besides, I couldn't even bare the idea of not being able to bring my cat Pancakes with me. It was hard enough to be away from him for four years. <br />
<br />
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/Untitled6-2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 641px; height: 500px;" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/Untitled6-2.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
This summer, my mom decided to do something she'd been wanting to do for a really long time – she started her own business. <br />
<br />
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/Untitled7.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 642px; height: 500px;" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/Untitled7.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
My mom might not know too much about marketing, but she knows a whole lot about gardening. That's why she decided to focus on selling plants and furniture for people's gardens. The store is called Gilmore's Garden. <br />
<br />
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/Untitled8-2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 645px; height: 500px;" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/Untitled8-2.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
She even planted a few lovely apple trees outside the store to bring in even more customers. My mom has always had a green thumb. <br />
<br />
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/Untitled9-1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 644px; height: 500px;" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/Untitled9-1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
I wish I were able to help out in the store a little more often, but lately med school has been taking up almost all my time. But then again, I might not be the world's best cashier. <br />
<br />
<br />
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/Untitled10-1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 644px; height: 500px;" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/Untitled10-1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
Ever since I was 12, I've known I'm supposed to become a doctor. I went trough college maintaining a GPA of 4.0 just to be able to enter medical school. I'm a perfectionist, so I'm expecting to do just as well here. <br />
<br />
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/Untitled11-2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 646px; height: 500px;" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/Untitled11-2.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
So far, I've been enjoying spending all this time at the hospital. I've learned so much and wish to continue learning in the future, as well. <br />
<br />
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/Untitled12-1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 644px; height: 500px;" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/Untitled12-1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
Since I'm not rich, I had to take a huge loan to be able to pay just for the first semester. There are still seven left, so I've still got plenty of paying to do. I'm sure it'll be worth it, but becoming a doctor isn't inexpensive. <br />
<br />
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/Untitled13-2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 645px; height: 500px;" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/Untitled13-2.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
I really love it when my friends come and visit me at the hospital during my breaks. My friend Cody works at a small game design company but mostly works from home. He was very lucky to get this job only months after graduating from college, but then again, video games are his passion. Cody and I have next to nothing in common, but during our junior year in college we just started hanging out. I even introduced him to his current girlfriend, Lucy. She was my roommate back on campus. <br />
<br />
<br />
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/Untitled14-1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 648px; height: 500px;" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/Untitled14-1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
I was kind of surprised to find out Cody and Lucy had already been thinking about getting engaged. They met each other 7 months ago, which to me seems like yesterday. After graduation they moved in together in this small two-room flat, so I knew they were serious about their relationship, but I definitely wasn't expecting this.<br />
<br />
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/Untitled15-1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 645px; height: 500px;" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/Untitled15-1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
I'm still happy for them, since they are pretty much like the perfect couple. <br />
<br />
<br />
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/Untitled16-2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 643px; height: 500px;" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/Untitled16-2.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
Jeff and I have been together for two and a half years now. He always comes to pick me up from the hospital and takes me out to grab something to eat. <br />
<br />
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/Untitled17.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 647px; height: 500px;" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/Untitled17.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
Since Jeff's studio apartment is relatively small, we usually meet somewhere in the city. <br />
<br />
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/Untitled18-2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 639px; height: 500px;" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/Untitled18-2.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
Things have been unbelievably perfect for the past couple of months. Jeff and I have been able to see each other more often and spend a lot of time together. While I was still in college, we could only meet during the weekends and the holidays. I don't think I've ever been any happier than I am right now. <br />
<br />
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/Untitled19-1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 652px; height: 500px;" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/Untitled19-1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
One night after dinner, Jeff brought up the subject of moving in together. I've known for a long time that he's the guy I want to spend the rest of my life with, but right now I'm just financially not in the position to be able to take such a huge step ahead in this relationship.<br />
<br />
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/Untitled20-2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 648px; height: 500px;" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/Untitled20-2.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
Of course Jeff understands me. He graduated from college four years ago himself so he knows what it's like to be newly graduated. He also knows I'm going to say yes to him, someday. <br />
<br />
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/Untitled21-1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 644px; height: 500px;" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/Untitled21-1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
Lately I've been a little worried about my mom. She's been pretty much alone ever since my dad left, which happened over twenty years ago. I know she dated a few guys when I was still a kid, but over the past few years, she's mostly just stayed home. She's only 42 years old and has dedicated her whole for taking care of me.<br />
<br />
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/Untitled22-2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 642px; height: 500px;" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/Untitled22-2.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
I brought the subject up the next morning over breakfast. At first, my mom was a little unwilling to talk about it, but I finally got her to open up. <br />
<br />
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/Untitled23-1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 644px; height: 500px;" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/Untitled23-1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
She told me she'd been a little down for some time while I was in college, but now that she had opened up her business she'd been feeling like her life had a meaning again. She loved the fact that she was now able to meet so many new people again and had already made a few friends. She also assured me she was more than okay now. <br />
<br />
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/Untitled24-2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 643px; height: 500px;" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/Untitled24-2.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
I really wanted to believe her. She's been spending lots of time at the shop lately and I hope it's making a profit.<br />
<br />
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/Untitled25.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 641px; height: 500px;" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/Untitled25.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
Both my mom and I have been extremely hardworking throughout this fall. When I'm not at the hospital, I'm usually at home doing all the assignments my med school teachers give me. <br />
<br />
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/Untitled26-1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 643px; height: 500px;" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/Untitled26-1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
It's not easy, but I know it's going to pay off. <br />
<br />
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/Untitled27.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 644px; height: 500px;" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/Untitled27.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
One night, as my mom came home from the shop, she told me she had some big news to share with me.<br />
<br />
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/Untitled28.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 641px; height: 500px;" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/Untitled28.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
Her business had been granted an Owner's Association Award worth of §20.000. We just kept hugging each other until my mom told me she'd be more than willing to help me out with my med school expenses. At first I refused to allow her to do that, but my mom can be pretty stubborn if she wants to. So now I've got most of the costs of my medical education covered!Rosahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10167677554407880996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458190606461196888.post-6623617085138968302011-06-29T19:15:00.001+02:002011-08-12T12:25:14.259+02:00October 2018 - mini updateCeleste and Micah Knight are 25.<br />
<br />
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/Untitled2-2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 647px; height: 500px;" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/Untitled2-2.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
Narrated by Micah Knight<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/Untitled3-2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 645px; height: 500px;" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/Untitled3-2.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
We just found out that my wife of three months had a miscarriage. At first, she didn't even understand it – she'd only been pregnant for about a month, and it hadn't yet really sunken in. <br />
<br />
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/Untitled5-2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 647px; height: 500px;" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/Untitled5-2.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
But once the truth hit her, she couldn't stop crying. She'd always been dreaming of a big family, so this was something that really broke her heart. I was devastated, too, since I'd also been very excited about this baby. I definitely want to start trying again, but Celeste keeps telling me she's not ready.Rosahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10167677554407880996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458190606461196888.post-57578280055295679272011-06-29T01:00:00.001+02:002011-08-12T12:25:24.230+02:00September 2018 - Bristol State UniversityClaudia Russo and Carla Dallas are 22, Jessica Cooper is 20 and Coco Russo is 19.<br />
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<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/Untitled5-1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 646px; height: 500px;" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/Untitled5-1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
Narrated by Coco Russo<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/Untitled3-1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 649px; height: 500px;" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/Untitled3-1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
It's my first semester of college and so far, I'm liking it. I really love living with people close to my own age, since back at home I'd been feeling a little lonely ever since Claudia left. I'd also been sharing a room with my 7-year-old little sister, so having my best friend Jessica as a roommate is definitely a welcomed change. I still miss my family a lot, but luckily I've got Claudia here to support me. <br />
<br />
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/Untitled4-1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 645px; height: 500px;" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/Untitled4-1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
Claudia and her best friend Carla are seniors this year and they couldn't be any happier about graduating. They've both got their boyfriends in Bristol Bay, about a 45 minute drive away from campus. Claudia is also excited about finally starting her career. She's been into fashion design for as long as I can remember. <br />
<br />
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/Untitled2-1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 649px; height: 500px;" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/Untitled2-1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
At first I was afraid me breaking up with her brother would affect my relationship with Jessica. Turns out, it didn't. Things have pretty much gone back to normality since James still lives in Bristol Bay and there's no danger of bumping into him every time I step out the front door. <br />
<br />
<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/Untitled6-1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 644px; height: 500px;" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/Untitled6-1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
I still try not to talk too much about the break-up. It's a little weird, since it's had a huge impact on my life but then again, Jessica's always been really close to her brother. And the truth is, it did happen 8 months ago. I guess I should have gotten over it by now. <br />
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I'm not the only one here who's going through something huge right now. The other night, as we were talking, Jessica told me she might be in love with a girl. At first, I was astonished, since this was all news for me. But then, I started thinking – back in high school, Jessica had never had a crush on anyone. She'd always looked a little uncomfortable when I had been talking about dating or guys in general. It suddenly all made sense. <br />
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I wanted to encourage her a little so I told her she should go for it. After all the hard stuff she's been through, I figured the girl deserved to be happy. <br />
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The person I miss the most has got to be my little sister. She just turned 7 last month, and I can't believe it. Seems like the day she was born was just yesterday. I've always felt kind of protective of her, seeing I'm 12 years older than her. I know Cristina isn't just as close to Claudia since they've never really lived under the same roof. She was only three years old when Claudia moved on campus. <br />
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The two of us have never been inseparable or anything, but we like each other a lot. It's hard not to have a special bond with someone you've shared a room with for almost 16 years. <br />
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I'm not sure what to think of Claudia's taste in friends, though. I never liked the way Carla treated Jessica or James, for that matter. Three years ago, I was furious at her. But now everyone keeps telling me how she's changed after she started dating her new boyfriend. According to Jessica, she and Carla don't exactly get along but at least Carla has stopped being so mean to her.<br />
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Alec is so cool, though. The first time I saw him, I couldn't believe he was the guy Carla was dating. He's extremely hot, and a musician – in other words, so not Carla's type. Not that I know much about her, but it's just the way she appears. I'd rather see her with someone a bit more desperate, considering all her bitchiness. <br />
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But then again, she's a completely different person when she's with him. She's all sweet and considerate, or at least acts that way. Whenever Alec's here, I can't even bare to be in the same room – Carla just keeps giggling like a little girl. <br />
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Truthfully, Carla and Alec spend most of their time in her bedroom. It must be a bit irritating for my sister who also happens to live in that room. She keeps her sewing machine there, so she doesn't like it when she's told to get out. <br />
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It's all different when Claudia has her boyfriend Andrew over. They're not all over each other – in fact, they act just like normal people do. I don't know him too well, but last spring when Claudia brought him home to dinner, he seemed like a nice guy. <br />
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Jessica's all about studying right now. If she's not reading, she's at the computer. It seems like she has totally forgotten what we talked about the other night. I think she should go out more and socialize. I know she's shy, but she shouldn't just lock herself in and never go out again. I understand she's confused about her sexuality right now, but she's not going to find all the answers to her questions by isolating herself.<br />
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I also have to admit that I tend to get really bored while Jessica's working on her assignments and Claudia's at class. I know I should spend all my spare time by studying, but it's just not really my thing. I want to graduate and all, but I guess I just thought college wasn't all about that. <br />
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One Thursday night, I was more than excited when Claudia invited me and Jessica to join her and Andrew for drinks at the Campus Pub. It wasn't easy talking Jessica into going with us, but I finally managed to do that. <br />
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Once Claudia and Andrew got started with their couple behavior, Jessica and I really got a chance to talk. I had missed my best friend so much. <br />
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There weren't too many people at the pub that night, but Jessica and I actually had a pretty good time. <br />
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We even ended up meeting a guy. He seemed a little more interested in me, but considering Jessica's situation, I'm not sure if she even minded. <br />
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I felt a little bad for spending so much time with Spencer, but he seemed really interesting and keen on talking with me.Rosahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10167677554407880996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8458190606461196888.post-71930383770944932262011-06-26T18:11:00.002+02:002011-08-12T12:25:37.951+02:00August 2018 Birthdays<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/Untitled3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 643px; height: 500px;" src="http://i1084.photobucket.com/albums/j402/bristolbay2/Untitled3.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />
Coco Russo is turning 19 this month and will be starting college soon. She has already moved on campus to share a house with her big sister Claudia, her best friend Jessica and Jessica's half sister Carla. Coco has yet to decide on her major but she figures there's plenty of time. <br />
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Sam Anderson has just turned 5. He is an active little boy who just loves playing games and spending time with his 14-year-old big brother, Seth.Rosahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10167677554407880996noreply@blogger.com0