Chapter 7 - Love and the Toddler Oh, but of course you want to hear more about the baby! He is the center of attention in our little household. A lineup of at least three is constantly in the nursery, and we had to get rid of Bonehilda just to reduce the amount of traffic!
I was overjoyed to hold my little boy up to the cake, blocking out the thought that, one day soon, he would no longer be so little.
It just so happened that my son and I shared a birthday, so we shared a birthday
party as well! I'm sure nothing will change when I'm an adult--how could it, when I live such a happy life?
See? I look, and feel, wonderful--oh, no! Wrinkles! Wrinkles, wrinkles, wrinkles! The house is too small, the car is too cheap, my clothes are too old-lady, CHANGE IT ALL!
Oh, dear. I didn't handle that nearly as well as expected.
Here, look at these pictures of Nick while I go primp. Yes, Nick--but we usually call him by his full name, Nicholas. Isn't he adorable? With Thornton's hair, and my eyes--although I hear you all were rooting for my hair and Thornton's eyes! Both combinations are gorgeous, I'm sure.
I'm very pleased with his bright, sunny wardrobe, considering I hadn't been there to help him choose his clothing. Thornton had taken me "backstage" to assuage my age-related worries.
Do you see wrinkles? I do. Everywhere! Oh, this is just silly . . . there! Right above my mouth, I knew it!
Alex and Bella attended Prom together, although neither won crowns. While at the dance, Bella asked Alex to go steady! Isn't it just so very wonderful? Oh, to be young . . . and unlined . . . and vibrant . . .
Alexander aged into a Young Adult in front of the Science Center, where he intends to seek employment. He's already an expert fisherman, and quite a good gardener, so advancing through the Science career shouldn't be difficult him.
He aged rather . . . plump, and asked me to make him a Lean and Mean potion. He looks extremely handsome, if I do say so myself, and I confess to feeling an almost motherly pride for his Honor Roll achievement and incredible mastery of fishing. He certainly has grown from that chubby little boy with the funny hat who was dropped off at our house so long ago--although, I suppose that by the time I'm a hundred years old, a few weeks will no longer feel so very long!
After the heir was born, I walked around town thanking everyone who had sent their congratulations. I paid special attention to a certain young man--the recurring romantic interest, Michael Bachelor.
You see, I had discovered through Alex, who is dating Michael's sister, Bella, that Michael is currently in a steady relationship with a Claire Ursine, while also seeing Kaylynn "unofficially." In addition, the young Mr. Bachelor has been replacing Dustin Langerak as the most persistent writer of love letters--to me.
Now, usually I would be flattered, and laugh off this attraction as a sweet-natured joke. However, this Michael is hurting Kaylynn--or would be, if she wasn't so busy with her art that she barely leaves the house. And when some townie with an old-man haircut and loafers is hurting my Kaylynn--oh, dear, my Mama Bear side has emerged. I'll have to write Michael, the sweet young man, an apology note with a fruit basket--but still, it is simply
not nice to go behind people's backs in ways of love! If this gets out of hand, I'll send Agnes and Zelda to deal with him; they're far more ruthless than I am, I fear.
Agnes has started writing a Children's novel called "The SMD." I believe that stands for "The Small Mean Dwarf," but it is impossible to be certain as dwarves are customarily both friendly and hospitable. At any rate, Agnes ended up joining the Writing career and is doing quite well.
Kaylynn is pursuing both sculpting and her architect career and excels in both. She really is such a talented young lady--far too good for a boy like Michael, who seems perfectly nice then acts like a--no, no, using such language is very unladylike.
Alex is pursuing interests of a rather . . .
different kind.
I'm very happy for him and Bella, of course, but felt the need to draw him aside for a little chat all the same. "
Alex, dear, is pre-marital Woohooing really a good idea? What about Bella's reputation? What if she gets pregnant?"
"
Aunt Serena, I want to marry Bella, but there isn't enough room in the house! Isn't it better that we can be together, even if it does cause a little gossip?"
As a happily married woman, I can't very well argue with the ideal of being happily in love. Being a hopeless romantic, I can't very well argue with the ideal of love that can never truly be! Thornton feels the same way, I'm sure.
I taught little Nicholas the principles of love the following morning, being sure to stress that he must
never, ever be a bad person and cheat on his beloved. I certainly hope little Nicky understood, as love does make the world go 'round. And no one can love many in the romantic way without hurting everyone involved--well, no one besides Freddie Classic, anyway. Freddie, Freddie, Freddie . . . you are just too wise.
Oh, you can really see the family resemblance! I'm lucky that my men are so handsome, and kind, and sweet, and just so wonderful in every way. Love, love, love!
Spotted seems rather curious about the newest addition to the family. Nicky, on the other hand, worships the prim little cat.
Just look at that sweet little face!
Did I mention that I mastered cooking? The certificate is proudly displayed in my museum, next the photograph of me going into labor. Ah, memories . . .
Oh, I feel horrible! All this talk about
faithful love, and I was so upset over becoming older that I--I--I cheated on Thornton with Ian Bowler! And the night before Love Day, too . . .
After that betrayal, I was too ashamed to even Woohoo with my husband. Somehow, it just felt like taking advantage of him--and the beautiful wedding picture over our bed did nothing to soothe my guilt!
At his question, I confessed to cheating and nearly started crying. But Thornton understood immediately, and comforted me. He knew nothing serious had happened, and that we still loved each other with just as much passion.
Our relationship was mended, our marriage was saved, and I knew, for with firmer conviction than ever, that only Freddie Classic can practice in free romantic love. I also realized that friendly love will be enough for me, so long as Thornton is always by my side to supply me with the
other kind.
