36: Pondering

(originally posted on 11/16/2011)

Thursday

I'm really starting to get huge. Greg constantly tells me that no, I'm not huge and it's sexy that I'm having his baby.

Me: I feel terrible though. My back is killing me.
Greg smiles at me: Well, why haven't you gone to the spa yet?
Me: I'm just too tired.
Greg: I'll drive you if you want.

So, I go buy a huge package at the spa, and Greg goes back home. He says he'll pick me back up later.

However...my spa visit gets interrupted.


I can't believe this is happening... and I can't walk this time. It's too far. I call Greg..


...and his phone is busy.
Some random guy offers his scooter to me.


I'm desperate, so I take it. Probably not the best idea, but I get there safely. I get admitted, and I'm constantly trying to get in touch with Greg. Where the heck is he?


Finally he answers the blasted phone. Who on earth was he talking to anyway? I never get the chance to ask him, because he hangs up and heads over.


When all the insanity surrounding me calms down, I deliver a baby boy. We named him Benjamin. Boys. Boys everywhere is what this is going to feel like once Marie grows up.


I can't quite tell what color eyes he has. It's always so hard to tell with newborns. It almost looks like he's a redhead. That would be nice. Just like how I pictured him...a little Greg running around. Of course, all that doesn't matter really. He's already showing what a sweet baby he'll be.
(loves the outdoors and athletic-traits)


I decide to walk home because I'm such a trooper that I recover like nothing happened. Greg is somewhere behind me, on the phone again.

As I walk home, I pass by the house that Greg lived in when I first moved here. He didn't seem to care that Betty was pregnant then, and then he hardly saw Demarco. What if he decides all this is too much for him?


What would I do if he left me? There I'd be... 2 boys and a teenage girl. I never wanted kids to begin with. Not that I don't LOVE my kids. Who was he talking to on the phone? I asked him and he said, "Nobody, don't worry about it." Don't worry about it? Why won't he just tell me? I hope I'm freaking out for nothing.


We get home and X-man is dutifully doing his homework. Thank you, Marie. I love on Ben a little before Greg begs to hold him.


Greg mumbles little words to Ben that I can't understand. He's so sweet. Why was I thinking all that crap earlier?

(Poof, she changes clothes. )
I hear a noise behind me.


Me: Demarco! WHAT were you doing to that toilet?
Demarco: Ooo I like this song.
Me: Answer the question.


Me: What were you doing to the toilet?
Demarco: Nothing.
Me: Right. I have no reason to believe you're telling the truth.


Demarco: Hey, back off! You didn't see anything!
Me: It was you last time.

This boy is EVIL. He truly is going to be dangerous with those green eyes of his father's one day.


Demarco: But I didn't do anything!
Me: I don't believe you for a second, Demarco. If I find that anything, and I do mean ANYTHING, is wrong with that toilet you are in big trouble!


He is SO going to get it. That boy has had way too much bad influence from his mother.

(btw, those are the flowers from the engagement. )

So, I go and explain to Greg what happened about the toilet and the lies. He goes and puts Ben in the crib then punishes Demarco. I don't feel like I should be that involved in that. So, I have no idea what Greg decided to do. Probably got off with a lot less than he would have with me. I've been dealing with the pranks way too much.

(Here's a little side note.)

Tate is dead. While he was in jail some other inmates got hold of him and decided they'd deal their own form of "justice" that they give creeps with that crime.

(Yes, I know that's a grave marker for a meteor. I had a list to choose from so why not choose that one? Haha.)

Friday


The next morning, I hear Xavier get up at around two. When I asked him why later, he said he really needed to brush his teeth...twice.


I still can't figure out what color eyes Ben has, and I don't know why I'm obsessing over it. I think they might be green. Oh yeah, he got another creepy doll. I did NOT put it in the crib. I have no idea who put it in the crib with him. It's not a good idea to have toys in the crib when the baby is in there. So, I take it out.

I get an invite to the Blanc's house for a party. Marie is, of course, coming too since Armand Blanc is her boyfriend. I hire a sitter.

The second I get there, John's brother Jonah gets hold of me and asks me to dance. I'm not expecting Greg for a while so I say fine. Jonah's dating the maid I had when I was married to John, Eva Trout. She may still work for John, I don't know. So why isn't Eva here now?

Jonah: I'm glad I caught you, Elena.
Me: Really? Why?
Jonah: I've been trying to figure out how to talk to you about something.

Me: "Talk to me about something." What?
Jonah: About John.
Me: Yeah?
Jonah: He's been really down lately. I'm getting a little worried.

Jonah? Worried? Jonah has the emotional depth of a small puddle, and he's actually worried.

Jonah: He claims it's because of his breakup with Raquel. I'm not so sure. I don't even know if HE knows what his problem is. I tried to get him to talk about it, but he closed up and avoided any topic that might bring him around to telling me what's wrong. I was hoping that maybe if YOU talked to him...
Me: Right. Like he'd talk to me about anything.
Jonah: He might.
Me: I don't know...

Jonah: Please? You know me, Elena. I wouldn't ask if I didn't really need you to do this.
Me: I'll see what I can do I guess.

Jonah dances off and finds another partner.

Well, great. Now I have another worry to add to my list. First, is Greg going to leave me like he did Betty? Why won't he tell me who that was on the phone? Second, Demarco and all the problems I'm having, and will continue to have no doubt, with him. Now, John. John's a big boy. He can take care of himself. Still. JONAH is the one that asked me to do it. If Eric had done that, I might've thought it wasn't necessary for me to go and talk to John. Great. Now I'm really worried. And how in the hell could I possibly help?

19: Tate Busted

(originally posted 10/02/2011)

The next evening, John takes me out to the bar. He seems to like this one more than the dance club. I'm happy about going out. When we get there, however, he explains to me that I need to be 'bait.' He asks me to call Tate and ask him to come over to the bar. I get a sinking feeling in my gut.. I hate even thinking about this man, let alone talk to him.

Tate: Hi, Elena. I'm glad you called. I wanted to talk to about something.
Me: Um, okay.

John comes out of nowhere and tackles him.

Tate: What the?

Tate tries to fight John off, and John punches him in the nose.

I'm just standing there a little too close, but it's like a train wreck..I can't help but watch.

Tate: Mother F-
John: You're not going anywhere, Tate. I'm taking you in!

What? I'm thinking.

I dust something off my skirt to hide how furious I am. I told him to get off Tate for what he did. I just want it forgotten. I've TOLD him that.

Tate: Are you EVER gonna lay off, man? You don't have a thing on me. You nearly got fired the LAST time you tried to take me in. I don't think your superiors will be too happy about this.

Last time?

John: The evidence is rock solid this time, Tate. Kiss the regular world goodbye because from now on you'll be seeing it through a jail cell. Elena, back away.

I do. I am SO MAD. Rock solid? He better not be expecting me to take the stand. This obsession with getting Tate is really getting on my nerves.

Tate: You have GOT to be kidding me.
John: So you're not coming easily?
Tate: I'm not going anywhere with you, crazy.

John pounces.

Wha? This fight doesn't seem to be looking too good for John.

Tate: I've been working out, John. You're not taking me anywhere single-handedly.

John wins, but barely.

John: Yep, that's it. Get going. My partner has the squad car waiting.
Tate looks over at me: I thought you'd forgiven me, Elena.

I just stand here trying to form words, but nothing comes out.
I'm so upset I need to work off some steam. I see a co-worker at the foosball table.

Raquel: I'm so glad that scumbag is getting put away. One time when I went into the hospital he tried to seduce me and everything. Told me he was going to divorce his wife for me, all I had to do was ask.

I say nothing. John has his partner take Tate in, and he walks back into the bar just as Raquel says all this.

Raquel: I hope they lock him up for good. I'd love to be there. I'll laugh in his face.

John calls Raquel over to the bar. I have just about HAD IT with my husband. So THIS must've been what he was working on so hard over the past few days. I'd never seen him so obsessed about work before. He even canceled the sim fu training with Marie for a few days.

John: If you really want him put away for a long, long time then perhaps you can help me.
Raquel smiles: I'd LOVE to help you any way I can, John.

John: I'd like to get an official report from you, if I can. We'll need all the help we can putting this man behind bars.

He looks over at me as he says the last part. I just glare back. He turns his attention back to Raquel.

Raquel: Sure, anything. Right now good for you?

So Raquel tells the sordid details of her misadventure with Tate. Some of the more drunk patrons of the bar are listening really closely, apparently getting something out of this. I want to go home. So much for 'going out.' He's sleeping on the couch tonight.
 



Friday

Well, nothing exciting as this happens in our town so Tate's court date is the next day. Last night John had tried to apologize, but I wouldn't have it. He finally just sighed and stomped down the stairs to his new place of rest...the couch. I heard him throwing every book off the bookshelf and cursing under his breath...knocking everything off the coffee table and the chess set. It was all clean by this morning, however.

Tate was getting escorted in when John and I arrived at the courthouse after work. (I guess he's back undercover at the hospital.)

John: Well, I see it's time to take out the trash.

Maybe I can try to be a character witness for the defense...
(I hate this pic... I should've had them move around a bit and reset Sabrina...oh well, can't fix it now.)

As you can imagine, even with my help, Tate's trial didn't go so well. (Ok, so it really wouldn't have gone this fast irl, but I need to get the story moving. ) There were 3 ladies that accused Tate. I was not one of them. One was Ophelia Moves, the other Raquel, and one other person I didn't know. He was sentenced for such a long imprisonment that he'll not be seen again. ( ) In one way I feel sorry for him, another I'm glad to see him go. He DID apologize, but apparently I wasn't his only victim. Poor Brook and Janie.

That night, I get a phone call.

Greg: Elena. You left yesterday before I could talk to you.
Me: I think you've said enough.
Greg: Not hardly. I NEED to talk to you again. Come over here. Can you?

My heart pounds in my chest.

Me: I can't.
Greg: Please?
I sigh exasperatedly: I'll tell you what, I'll need to go to the grocer tomorrow. I could....spend a little more time out than expected.
Greg: I guess I'll just have to go to sleep until then. I can't wait to see you.
Me: Okay. See you tomorrow.

John still sleeps on the couch.

15: Shooting Stars and Bad Fashion

(originally posted on 9/29/2011)

John: Darling, I've been thinking, and with you being with child this is the perfect time to ask. I don't want you going around the house scrubbing toilets all day and carrying out the trash and stuff. We need to hire a maid.
Me: Can we even afford it with the high bills from this place?
John: Yes, we can, especially with Marie no longer in boarding school. I also have a promotion in store for me soon, I hope.
Me: John, I just think that's ridiculous to pay someone to clean when I'm here all day and...
John: And needing to rest. You'll see...you'll not regret the decision.
Me: Well, okay, I guess.

John went to the bookstore to buy a pregnancy book.

(Guess what! On a lark I made Heinz Doofenshmirtz for the neighborhood. The game put him in as the bookshop merchant? ) 

Then he hired a maid.
 

And here she is. In her smexy work uniform. =/ I don't know if I like that too much. Here I am going to be fat as a cow, and here's this cute lil' thing prancing around in front of my husband.

(Her name is Eva Trout. again. I swear, every neighborhood I have has at least ONE Eva Trout. One time I had 3.)

John: So I want you to make sure everything is spic and span. My wife is pregnant and I don't want her having to bend over or any of the crazy stuff she thinks she has to do around here.
Eva: No problem at all, sir. That's pretty standard.

John rushes me out the door to my first visit ever at the spa.
The next day I have a doctor's appointment. I head over to my former place of employment.

Great. Tate was outside.

Tate: Elena, are you pregnant?
Me: What if I say no? (btw, NEVER ask a woman if she's pregnant even if you suspect that she really is. ALWAYS wait until she or someone else says something about it.)
Tate: Oh c'mon, Elena, I think I know you well enough to detect the change.

'ugh!' I thought

Me: Well, Mr. Doctor, any advice for back pain? I'm still a little uncomfortable even after a massage at the spa.
Tate: I think blue tea is the best thing for that. Alot of people think green tea is the best, but I disagree.

Tate: Incidentally, would you like to know the sex?
Me: The WHAT?
Tate sighs exasperatedly: Whether or not it's a boy or girl.
Me: Oh, yes! Can you do that?
Tate: Uh, yeah, duh. It's a boy.

He looks down. Then looks at me with sad eyes.

Tate: I really am sorry about what happened. I was going through a rough patch and I'm afraid you got the worst of it.

John: Tate! Leave my wife alone! She's going to have our baby so BACK OFF!
Tate: Listen, you! I was only talking to her on a professional level!
John: 'I'm afraid you got the worst of it'? Sounds to me like you were forcing her to relive that night!
Tate: Well, yeah I was TRYING to start apologizing.

John: If I had MY way you'd be doing alot more than just apologizing.
Me: John, let's just go inside so I can have my doctor's appointment.

John glares at Tate. Tate glares back.

John: Alright, hun. Sorry I lost my temper like that. I can barely contain myself when I see this MORON (he jerks his head towards Tate) talking to you. I just can't stand the thought of him coming anywhere NEAR our precious baby.

(That's Jean Luc there in the pink/purple. Betty (Greg's ex-wife) broke up with him and married Donnell Cassidy-not familiar with him. She and Donnell had a baby, now toddler. However, Jean Luc still lives with them. )

I practically drag John into the hospital. I decide to let the other doctor tell us that we're having a boy -- and not let John know that Tate was the one to tell me.

Later that day, I head over to the library to read another pregnancy book. Hmm, the author doesn't recommend herbal tea in ANY form. She says it could possibly have stuff in it that would do alot more harm than good. Huh. Learn something new everyday, I guess.
It's so cozy in here. It's a nice change from the stiff, formal feel of my living room.

Then, I head over to the consignment store. The guy running it, wasn't his name Darrell or something?, is making his hands talk to each other. He is either totally bored or totally crazy. Maybe both.

(Hey! This was neat...I found the NEEDED keystones that unlock tombs in Champs les Sims on the shelves of the consignment store! As well as some generic ones. That's going to come in handy!)

(Okay, now I'm going to switch gears for a little bit. Prom is coming up and I've not done it yet, so I'm paying a little more attention to Marie.)

She sees this senior from her school walking down the street and rushes over to introduce herself. There is instant chemistry. I don't know how I feel about this with her being a freshman, but who am I to judge? His name is Andy Creek (Dawson's big brother).

Andy: Um, you go to my school right? Though...I haven't seen you much.
Marie: Yeah, I got sorta kicked out of the boarding school I went to.
Andy: Cool!
Marie: I'm happy about it. It was SO LAME. I mean, I like sports and all, but THEY were completely crazy.

The two of them continued getting to know each other, and the sun starts to set.

Andy: Hey, there's going to be some kind of meteor shower tonight. Wanna just sit here and watch for it?
Marie: Okay, I've got nothing else better to do.

Andy: Hey! Look! It's starting!
Marie: So, does this mean we get, like, a million wishes or something?
Andy: Wanna know what I wish for?
Marie: You're not supposed to tell!
Andy: Then I'll whisper it so no one but you knows.

Andy: I wish I had a girlfriend. Just...like...you.
Marie: Oh, yeah right.

(sorry, I thought I took more pics than this.)
She shoves him into the dirt.

Andy: Hey! I'm serious. Now my feelings are hurt.
Marie laughs: You're going to have to pout more convincingly than that to fool me!
Andy smiles: I was kinda hoping the semi-darkness was going to help me out there.
Marie: Yeah, the dark, it is kinda scary out here. My house is right on the square, and I'm not used to it being so dark.
Andy: You don't trust me to protect you from any ghosties or ghoulies?

He tickles her until she falls over laughing, and he lands right next to her. Then it gets kind of awkward.

Andy: Well, I better not get caught by the police again for being out too late.
Marie sighs: Yeah, me too. Not that I've been caught before...
Andy: Well, you just got back into town.
Marie: It's been a little while.
Andy: How come I haven't seen you before?
Marie: Duh, I'm a freshman, you're a senior. We don't exactly have the same classes.
Andy: Oh.
Marie: But, yeah, I'd better be going too. It would REALLY suck if I got caught since my step-dad is a cop.
Andy laughs: See ya around, Marie.

Well, back to me. I'm huge now by the way. I also HATE this stupid pajama set. It's the only one that fits me anymore. I've had to get a little...ahem...creative with my wardrobe lately.

Ugh! And to think that I'm going to have another one!

John gets up extra early so he can go undercover in a hospital in another town.

John: Who's Daddy's little boy? You are! Peek-a-boo! Peek-a-boo! It's Daddy again!

It's so funny to see grown men turn to mush by the mere idea of their baby.

John: And don't think I've forgotten about you, you sexy mama.

Now you can see for yourself what I meant about being creative with my wardrobe. I get to have more time in my garden now that we have a maid. Of course, it's getting harder and harder to maneuver now that the baby is taking up so much room. Wait? I recognize that voice!

It's Brook! We've been slowly but surely becoming better friends again.

Brook: Elena! Tate told me you were pregnant! Good for you! I'm sure he'll be gorgeous.

So Tate really told her about it being a boy and everything.

Me: Yeah, thanks! John and I are so excited! It's going to be any day now.
Brook: Wow, that was fast!
Me: Well, that's how these things go. Before you know it....

Me: Um, my water just broke.

Brook starts freaking out. She sees Jonah and drags him into it.

They both start jumping up and down and screaming and throwing their arms around like lunatics.

Me: Um, guys...I'm just having a baby. That's all. People do it every day. I just need to get to the hospital.

It's close enough that I decide to just walk. (?--and I thought kirkuk made that up somehow. This is weird.) Well, it's better than getting amniotic fluid all over a cab seat. 

John rushes back into town and makes it just in time for the birth. The office isn't too happy with him leaving work and showing up at the hospital dressed up like a doctor, but I'm so glad he made it. If he'd been working while our baby was being born...after what happened at the reception... oh, he'd be in so much trouble. But that's neither here nor there because he made it.

Introducing Xavier Parren. Oh, and lucky me got her figure back!

John is thrilled beyond belief! He was practically smothering us both so I sent him upstairs to get a shower. I went ahead and gave Xavier his first bottle. He is sweet. Maybe I CAN do this mommy thing.