89: Happily Ever After

(originally posted 03/28/2012)

(Well, I deleted all my saves and started the neighborhood over. I saved as much as I felt I needed to in the simbin. There will be a few new faces, but many of those that were mentioned in the story are still there. Hm, Dawson Creek's girlfriend is gone. And Marie and Armand are no longer going steady.)


Happily Ever After

Elena


So, it's my wedding day. Again. For the last time I hope.

I chose a pretty and simple ivory dress to wear. Even though no one is coming, I still want to dress up.


The last time we were married I wasn't sure that that was what I wanted. I still wondered about my feelings for Greg. What if Greg were still alive? Would I be thinking the same thing? I'd like to think I wouldn't, but I guess I'll never know.

One thing I AM sure of is that I love John. The long-lasting kind of love that stands the test of time and comes out stronger.

I sigh happily and head downstairs.


We decided to have a little ceremony at an arch we rented. I say no one is coming, well, no one that isn't in the household that is. John's brother Jonah is going to live with us for a little while. He and Eva broke up, and he's really sad about it. I just wish he'd stop throwing me these looks he throws me, like he could eat me alive. They make me just want to slap him. I'm amazed John hasn't noticed. Jonah will be good to have around when John and I go on our 2nd honeymoon to watch the kids though.


I am SO HAPPY. I hope, like he said, that things calm down for us now.


My mind runs through my life with him. I don't dwell on the bad, however. We've been through so much together. I hope all my future memories are good ones.


I stand there and try to come up with something to say to him, but my mind goes blank. There's just too much raw emotion inside of me that if I say one word I'm liable to burst into tears.

This man is going to be my husband again.

My heart feels so full it's about to burst.


John: Are you ready?

All I can do is nod.


Sorry ladies, he's mine.


He puts the ring on my finger and we've said our vows.

John: I love you.
Dangit, I start crying: I love you too.


Elena Castillo Schwartz Parren Turner Castillo.... Parren. Just Elena Parren, thank you.

That's how it should stay.


John takes a step back and looks at me: Elena, are you crying?
My voice sounds squeaky: Yes.
John grins widely and chuckles at me.

I wish I knew why he finds me funny so much.


We all go back inside to have some cake. We bought a cake because, well, I like cake! Plain and simple.


My tears go away and I can't help but smile constantly.


(Okay, I have to interrupt here. I LOVE THIS PIC!!! John tries to keep his hand steady to cut the large cake. X-man stands there doing his artist thing. Elena is worried. There's green fog coming out of the fridge because no one ever cleans it out.)

I'm glad John is doing the cutting because I'd probably mess it up.

Um, John! Not like that! He's going to get icing all over his tux.


Me: John! I told you we didn't need to exchange gifts! I didn't get anything for you.
John grins: Well, it's a present for me too in a way.

I open it up and find lingerie. Just a simple little top and shorts. Simple, yet I'm sure very effective.

Me: I see what you mean by a gift for you too.

He just grins. There's a playful glint to his eyes that makes me immediately wary.


(Move, Jonah!)

He pulls me into one of those surprise attack kisses of his. I'm simultaneously embarrassed to be making out right next to his brother and having a hard time not laughing through the kiss. I'm so happy.


Jonah walks over to the front door and says he's going to the club.

John's grin contradicts his attempt at being bossy: Upstairs. Now.
Me: Right now?! But...
John: Do I have to carry you?

He reaches for my waist, but tickles me instead.


I lightly hit him on the shoulder: Quit it!

John can't help but laugh uproariously. That is, before he makes good on his threat and carries me upstairs with me yelling at him the whole way.

I hear Xavier talking to Marie: They're going to be like that for a while, aren't they?
Marie chuckles: Yes.


John: Get over here, Mrs. Parren.
Me: Oh? Who says I have to? What if I want to go take a shower or something?
He drags me across the bed towards him: We can do that later.


The sun has set when we finally come up for air.

John: Elena, never for a minute doubt that I have the only the deepest kind of love for you.
Wow, how do I top that?
John continues: I knew from the moment I first saw you that we were meant for each other. We've traveled down a long and sometimes difficult road, but we're stronger for it.


Me: I'd say we came out ahead. ... I love you, John. ... You've always been the one I should be with. I don't deserve the way you love me, but I'm glad you do anyway.
John: Don't deserve it? Nonsense. Deserve has nothing to with it. I never stopped loving you.

He kisses me on my cheekbone just under my eye. Then again a little lower down my cheek before he continues his path down my neck.

I try to maintain a calm voice; it isn't easy: Somehow I knew that, but there were times I wouldn't let myself think it.
John: Denial.
Me: Guess I'm Denial's Queen.
John: Queen of denial, that's you.
I laugh softly: One thing I'll never deny myself ever again is you, my beloved John.
He picks his head up and looks me in the eye.
Me: For you, the crown comes off. You won't let me wear it anyway. (He smiles.) The Queen of Denial WAS me. Now I'm going to look life in the face and see it for what it is. You taught me that. You taught me how to live, how to love, accept, forgive, and a letting go kind of forget instead of burying it. I wouldn't be the woman I am today if it weren't for you. Of course I love you. Of course I want to spend the rest of my life with you.
John: No time like the present for getting started with that.

We both grin at each other before he kisses me and we pick up where we left off a moment ago.

88: It's All Greek To Me

(originally posted 03/28/2012)

Elena


I go back home and wonder where John is. I can kind of hear his voice down the hall in Xavier's old room.

When I go in there I see him sitting and reading X-man a story. Sometimes Xavier still sleeps in this room, especially if he's feeling unsafe for some reason. John has been great helping him as he helps me.

He is SUCH a GOOD dad.


Why is he reading a mixology book to him?

John: And this is the fine art of shaken, not stirred. See the diagram?
Xavier: Cool.

John turns to me and smiles before turning back to Xavier. My heart melts.


John: And don't forget, the straw or stir is VERY IMPORTANT. A straw or stir can make or break a drink. You wouldn't put a heart shaped stir in a sorrow annihilator now would you?
Xavier: Nope. That would be so wrong.
John: Exactly.
Xavier: So where are the measuring cups so you can make sure you get the exact amount of each nectar for each drink?
John: You don't have to measure, sometimes you just wing it.

I doubt Xavier will ever be the type to 'wing it'.


They talk more about exact measurements vs. random mixtures before Xavier starts yawning real big. Finally, he slumps down and falls asleep. John kisses him goodnight.

Okay... so why does he look so hot doing that? I guess because of the contradiction. John exudes this strong "tough cop" persona, yet to his kids, he's just Daddy. I love that man.


He walks over to dislodge Ben's toy's hand from out of his mouth. I hadn't even noticed.

Then he walks over to me with a content look on his face.

Me: How do you do that?
John looks confused: Do what?
Me: That. Just automatically know what to do with them.


John quietly chuckles: You do it too, Elena.
I shake my head: Not lately. And I was never like that. Like you are.
John just smiles: I really have no idea what you're talking about.
Me: Well, like I never even noticed Ben was sucking on his doll's hand.
John: He would've been fine if I hadn't have gone and taken it out. It's not like his nose is stuffed up.
Me: But still, I never noticed.


John: Elena, you've got to give yourself some credit here. You're a good mom. You can't help it that things have been crazy lately.
Me: Hah. Things always seem to be crazy for me. It's just the recent past has been even more crazy than normal.


John: Things should calm down now. That will be nice.
Me: Until the bottom drops out again.
John: Don't let it.
Me: I didn't LET it earlier.


We're quiet now. John just stands there and stares at me. I can't meet his eyes for very long, so I look away. I can still feel him staring at me.

What is he thinking about? Yeah, I remember, I probably don't want to know. Well, what if I DO want to know? Why does he have to stare at me that hard?


I start studying the pattern the grains in the wood make while John stares. I wonder if he's just wondering what to say. Does he expect me to say something? Okay, the quiet is getting on my nerves now.

John: Let's get out of the house a minute.
I nod.


So, we walk outside to the front of the house.... and John sits down on the sidewalk. He pats the ground next to him.

Me: I thought when you said 'Get out of the house' you meant a little more out than this.
John: No, this is good. Come here I want to show you something.
I sigh and sit down next to him.
John: See the moon?
I look up: Yes, of course I do.


John: See the bright stars next to the moon?
Me: Yeah. They're not usually there are they? Not like that anyway. Okay I don't really know actually.
I can almost hear John smile: They're not actually stars. That's Jupiter, and that's Venus.
Me: Oh.
John: And, as I'm sure you know, Venus is also Aphrodite, and Jupiter is..
Me: Zeus.


Me: Are you going to make more Zeus references?
John chuckles: Yes, actually.
Me: What, have you changed your mind and decided you actually ARE him?
John: No. But I'm pretty sure you're Aphrodite.
There's a trace of sarcasm in my voice: Mhm.


John: Well? Okay, so maybe she's your mom.
Definitely sarcasm now: Right.
John acts undaunted by my sarcasm: Ever hear about Zeus and Aphrodite getting it on romantically?

I can't help but laugh when he says "getting it on".

John smiles: Well have you?
Me: I don't know.
John: I haven't. I think I know why. I think he knew better than to mess with her.
Me: They ARE just stories, John.
John shrugs: All the same it means you're safe from him.
I sigh exasperatedly and roll my eyes: Is this why we're sitting here on the sidewalk in the middle of the night?

I turn and look at him with a slightly-smiling glare.


He answers my glare in a very unexpected way.

Okay, so call me Aphrodite? That's really nice of him. Well, if I'm Aphrodite then he's Aries. Makes sense.

Me: John. This isn't comfortable.
John smiles: No, it isn't is it?

He stands then pulls me up to him.


I get a slight head rush from standing up so fast. John is already holding me anyhow, so he keeps me from falling over.

Me: So where were you going with the whole Aphrodite thing anyway?
John shrugs: We needed to get out of the boys' room. And then I thought about you being Aphrodite and all, and then I remembered that Venus and Jupiter look really cool lately. So that made me want to look at the stars.
Me: On the sidewalk?
John: Yeah. But inside I was thinking something...
Me: What?


John: Stop the whole "I'm a bad mom" thoughts right now okay?
Me: But I am.
John: No, I know bad mom. You're not it.
Me: Oh? How am I not like her? Because I certainly have jumped from man to man like her.
John: No, just two. That's nothing compared to her.
Me: Huh.


John smiles: So stay with this one.
I smile back: I intend to.


I hope you honestly don't think that I'd leave you again.


John: You never really had a relationship with your mom, did you?
Me: Nope. Neither of them. I don't think she wanted me.
John: Of course not, she was busy up on Mt. Olympus.
Me: Oh brother.
He laughs.
Me: You're in a strange mood tonight.
He grins now: Let's get married... tomorrow.

Do what?!

John smiles at the look of shock on my face.
Me: Um...
John: You got the dress, so we'll have a small thing with just the kids and us. Maybe my brothers.
I continue to stare at him in mute shock.
John: What.. you've decided you don't want to?
Me: I didn't say that. I'm just trying to keep up.
John: Okay, so ... tomorrow?
I laugh because his face reminds me of a toddler asking for a cookie: Why the hell not?

87: Bloodletting

(originally posted 03/27/2012)

(This café is a fine example of why I stink at decorating. Ugh. Too much red lol.)


Elena

(I originally wanted this to be a lunch scene, but my game is driving me UP THE WALL with the error code 12 thing.(and the best save I have starts at 4:15pm-so it's a dinner or after dinner scene now) I just NEED to get to a certain point... update after this one... or the one after that, and then I can just wipe everything after putting what I want in my simbin. Hopefully I can get rid of the dern thing once and for all then if I start fresh. /sigh.)


I've decided to ask Brook to meet me at the café. This is where it moved when the owner could no longer afford the high rent of the place I own now.

Can I do this? What if I can't do this? How am I going to do this? I need to do this.


In walks Brook in this not-so-happening café. She looks a little confused as to why I asked her here.

I guess the place being deserted is actually a good thing. Still, I wonder where the girl went that runs the cash register?


Brook: Hey, Elena! I'm so glad you're okay! What's up?
Me: I need to talk to you about something.


Brook: Well, obviously. Otherwise why not just invite me to your house? Is this something you don't want John to hear?
I gulp: Not exactly.
Her eyebrows raise.
Me: I just don't want to involve him in this.
Brook: Okay, now you have me curious.


I put on a fake smile: Heh. Yeah. Well. I don't know how to get started.
Brook: How 'bout just telling me the general subject?

She puts her elbow on the table and her cheek in her hand, waiting for me to say something. I freeze.

I can't do it!

Brook looks at me like she figures out that I'm freezing up and not just being quiet on purpose: Just the general topic.
I take a deep breath: Tate.


Brook sighs and sits back in her chair: So you're finally ready to talk about it and you choose ME?
Me: I thought you could be the one that would most understand.
Brook lets out a short laugh: True. What a pig he was.

I can't do this!


I sit there mute again.

Brook's jaw clenches and her eyes narrow like she's trying to figure me out: Is this about that night?
I nod.
Brook: He r*ped you.

I feel like the earth just opened up and I'm falling down a deep, dark hole. I nod. Brook has always been very blunt. I guess that's what makes us good friends. I can always trust her to tell me exactly what she's thinking. As long as we're one-on-one.

Brook: You guys were both at that party while I was working...
Me: Yes. He talked about you.
Brook: Hah. He did, did he?
Me: Yeah. That you were never at home at night.


Brook: You can't blame me. He was starting to disgust me, and I didn't want to be there when he got home. My job made it VERY convenient since most of my cases I need to be there at night.

(reminder: She's in the ghost hunter profession.)

I'm quiet again.
Brook prods me some more: So, he mentioned that he said that I was never home at night.
Me: Yes. He said he hated having an empty bed.

I liked that new bed at first. I feel the blood drain from my face.

Brook leans forward: Elena, you don't have to tell me all this if you don't want to.
Me: But I need to tell SOMEONE!
Brook: What about John?
I shake my head: No. I want to talk about it with you because you're someone who understands fully just how much an as*hole he was.
Brook can't help but smile.
I sigh: So then I mention something about how I didn't plan on having an empty bed for long. I was talking about John, of course, but he took it differently I think.
Brook looks down and nods a little.


Me: So he offers me a ride home, and I take it. Stupid me.
Brook sighs exasperatedly: You're not stupid.
I wave my hand through the air in front of me in some subconscious way of expressing I want this 'stupid' comment to fly away: Okay.
Brook: So then what? Obviously he didn't go back home.
Me: No, he was outside... playing with my sprinkler of all things.
Brook rolls her eyes.
Me: I know, right? So, out of politeness I invite him in.
Her expression is grim now: What did he do?
Me: This is where it starts to get a little fuzzy.


Brook: Just tell me what you DO remember.
I scowl and try to bring up things I have had buried for years: Um, I remember talking about my bed. He had this strange look on his face that I kept trying to ignore. (A nauseated feeling hits me.) He called me 'my sweet'.
Brook: Hm.
I look up, grateful for the distraction: What? What are you thinking?
Brook: Don't worry about it. Keep going.
I bite my lip for a few seconds before I start again: Then ... I don't even know how it happened, but I started feeling dizzy and sick.

I lean on the table and place my hands over my face. I then relate as many details as I can to Brook. She sits and listens. I don't know what her facial expressions are because I don't look up. Remembering frightens me, but I keep going anyway. The more I try to remember, the more I actually remember. It's like... remembering remembering. The words flow out of me. I'm reminded of when people used to think that a sick person needed to be bled to get the "bad blood" out. That's what I am doing, letting the bad blood out. I am extremely glad that we are the only ones here.

When I sit up again I get out the tissue I knew I would need and wipe my face. I was right in thinking that I would need the waterproof mascara today.

Me: And then I woke up with a splitting headache and he was still there.
Brook nods.
Me: Then it was scary trying to avoid him all the time. Before I started making myself forget what really happened.


Brook: I can understand why you wanted to just forget.
Me: Also I kept wondering if I had done anything to encourage him... ever... I didn't. Honest, Brook.
Brook: I know that.
Me: And I hate that John went after him like he did. He ruined your life. I'm sorry.
Brook: I'm not! He did us both a favor! He did the whole TOWN a favor!
Me: But Janie...
Brook: Is better off without him. I used to live in fear that when I was at work he'd...
Me: Oh no! Would he? That's terrible!!!


Brook smiles a scary smile: If he ever did, I'd be in jail for murder.
I shudder at the thoughts in my head now.
Brook: Elena...
Me: Yeah?
Brook: You did nothing wrong.
Me: I know.
Brook: Do you?

I'm quiet for a minute. I feel so spent from telling Brook everything that happened.

Brook: You know, maybe you should talk with a professional about this. I'm hardly the right person to...
Me: You're the perfect person, I told you that.
Brook looks down and gets quiet for a moment or two before she speaks: My life was hell when I was married to him.
My eyes get wide: You didn't act it when we first became friends.
She runs her fingers through her hair: I know. I was just as good at ignoring the truth when it's right in front of my face as you are. My home life was so dark and depressing that when we became friends it was like a ray of hope, like a breath of fresh air. Then he had to go and ruin that too. (She pauses.) I can't believe what his apparent step-brother did to you.
Me: Thank goodness for John, right?
She grins: Yes. You hang on to him this time around, k?
I grin back: I plan on it. And you hang on to that Stephen, even though as the owner of Leo's he's my biggest competition.
Brook laughs: Nah, your pub is like a hybrid bar and dance club. We're a bar that people sometimes dance in. The dance club is a place where people dance and sometimes order a drink.
I pause now: Thank you, Brook.
Her eyebrows raise: I don't know what I did.
Me: You listened.
She chuckles a little: Anytime then.

She tells me that she needs to get to work, so we stand up and hug. This is the first time in a long, long time that she really feels like my best friend again. We have a common bond now, it's just awful that our bond is something terrible.

Out of bad comes good. Good wins. I smile at this thought.