A Girl's Garden--A Farmacy Story (COMPLETED)

[deedee_828]

I spent hours watching kid's zone, with Kindle and Heidi keeping me company.

Kindle got tired of it and started playing with her doll, while I sat there bored out of my mind, and hoped it was worth the mind-numbing effort.

And quite uncomfortable in my cowboy boots and hat.




Then I couldn't take it another moment, so I changed and picked up Kindle for a snuggle, asking, "Want to get out of the house and away from that terrible TV, sweetie?"

Kindle doesn't have a very big vocabulary yet, but she repeated the most important word, "Out!, Out!"

I checked with Leonard and he said getting out of the house for a family outing sounded like a great idea.




So Leonard happily took over my evening chores with the horses to get them done quickly.

Now that he's mastered both his gardening skill and the career, he's got some free time now.

Especially since he'd made a few more phone calls, and reached his LTW goal of 20 friends!

No wonder he's sporting such a big grin, hitting all those milestones before his adult birthday!




With the horses settled in their stalls for the night, Leonard and I took Kindle to the library.

Her first outing off the lot, as the ride in her stroller down the sidewalk didn't really count.




Once inside, I read with Kindle first, knowing my stamina wouldn't be nearly as long as Leonard's with my increasing pregnancy.

But the library atmosphere had Kindle and I just flying through several toddler skill books!

After all that kid's zone TV earlier, it was a joy to focus on some quality time together.




When my back needed a break from the hard floor, I gave Kindle some playtime and joined Leonard in reading a baby book.

He was almost finished with a new one he'd found, but I focused on a baby names book.

We wanted to use Diwan, Leonard's other family name for a boy, but hadn't really settled on a girl's name yet.




Then, seeing my uncomfortable frown, Leonard suggested I go to the spa for a relaxing massage.

He smiled, and grabbing another toddler book, said he and Kindle would be just fine on their own.




I hung around for a few minutes just to make sure.

And this sight was one I was glad not to have missed!

Leonard's love for Kindle is written all over his face and it made my heart sing to have captured it.

I went off to the spa with a joyful heart knowing Leonard and Kindle would have their own special time together.




Just as Leonard was putting away the last of the toddler books, he ran into Kelle Aragon, Diana's sister.

She was a young adult now too, and happily told Leonard she wouldn't be an Aragon for much longer as she was engaged to our cousin, Jacob Swanson!

Looks like I really misinterpreted that look he gave her as a teen or maybe it was just a teen guy thing that he couldn't help.

Whatever the reason, looks like both of the Aragon sisters will be part of the Swanson family.




The next few days passed with some events more pleasant than others.

It was fun playing frisbee with mom, giving us both some fresh air and mild exercise.




And she helped me take care of the horses too, quickly becoming friends with Wayfarer.

But what wasn't so pleasant was the odorous smell coming off Sunshine!

We had no idea what she'd rolled in, but the smell was awful.

It took several brushings, while I held my nose, just to get her presentable again.




And then we had an issue with the nectary garden!

Well more with the grow station than the plants themselves as dad could no longer move it to cover the other beds.

After fussing over it for what seemed like hours, dad finally figured it out.

But the issue could only be resolved by extending the basement towards the house as you couldn't reposition the grow stations over the other garden plots with Wayfarer's stall above them!

It made no sense to any of us, but mom said, sense or not, it was what it was and she went ahead and hired a local builder to make the necessary renovations.

So here's the new nectary basement, more than doubled in size, but with no real farm expansion except for mom buying two new grow stations for the existing beds, as she said dad was too old to be moving them about all the time, anyway.

Dad grumbled a bit at the expense, but we knew he was secretly relieved not having to do that anymore!




Then it was time for two birthdays.

Mom brought Kindle to her cake with both of the laughing and smiling, while Leonard happily twirled a noise maker.




As mom got ready to help Kindle blow out her candles, dad and I joined in the birthday festivities.




And with birthday sparkles surrounding her, Kindle became a child!

A child who not only loves cats, but all animals, quite a useful trait growing up on a farm!




Then it was Leonard's turn and he thoughtfully made a wish as his candles burned brightly on his cake.




As Kindle quickly ate her cake, the rest of us cheered Leonard on.




And though Leonard seemed happy enough with his new adult self and frankly didn't look all that much different, he confessed to me that he was having a bit of a mid-life crisis!




I pulled him in for a comforting hug and told him he had nothing to be worried about.

He'd already accomplished so much, mastering the gardening skill, the career, and his LTW, having 20 friends now!

He smiled and corrected me, saying 21, as he'd made friends with Kelle Aragon after meeting her at the library.

I laughed and told him he was being silly.

There was no reason in the world for him to be having a crises, but we'd get through it together!

He could make friends at the drop of a hat and he was the best husband, gardener, and father I knew.

One who was soon going to be a father again!




At my words, Leonard looked down at my expanding tummy and patted it gently.

"You always know exactly the right thing to say Rielle! I do have it all and soon we'll have another child. Boy or girl, I'll be happy with either one!"

"If things work out the way I've planned, maybe one of each!"




Leonard eagerly chatted away to my tummy, speaking nonsense only parents and grandparents-to-be comprehend.

With a smile, I asked, "I still haven't figured out a girls' name yet. Do you have any ideas?"

Leonard spoke to my tummy, asking, "Any thoughts on a name little one?"

But then turning a bit more serious, he said, "What about after your mom or grandma since we already used Kindle and are planning on using Diwan for a boy?"

I shook my head, and answered, "I can't think of a way to modify Summer or Brooke and I don't want to duplicate family names. I like honoring family members with a variation of someone's name though."

Leonard paused and said, "I know you're not close to my mom, but Karie could provide some cute variations."

I nodded and mulled a few names over in my mind, saying, "Karinda, Katrina, Karadyth. Yeah, I think a variation of Karie could work! And a 'K' name will go nicely with Kindle."




Kindle, playing chess nearby, said, "I like the name Karina. And I'd love a little sister to play with!"

Leonard and I smiled at each other, and softly whispered, "Karina."

Our hearts filled with the knowledge that our oldest daughter had provided the name for our next one, if girl she turns out to be!




Having already earned four logic skill points at the chess table, due to reading the toddler skill books at the library, Kindle moved on to painting, and gained another two skill points as soon as she picked up a brush!

But since she'd picked a large canvas, she didn't get to finish as it was bedtime.




She quickly picked out a pair of green summer pj's and brushed out her hair and plaited it in her favorite style, with green hairbands too!




Then she excitedly went off to bed to spend her first night upstairs in her big girl bed!

We'd told her we could make over the room, but since the bedding was already her favorite color, green, she was happy with it just as it was.

And she fell asleep with a sweet smile on her face as she dreamed of finally being big enough to play with Heidi!




Both Leonard and Kindle had birthdays drawing us ever closer to our second child's birth.

And Ben and Nicole's baby is due just before mine!

Will we be adding boys or girls to the Swanson clan?

Maybe one of each if I get the twins I'm hoping for?

Follow along as I record events in Chapter 76: Baby Time!
Coming soon.

[deedee_828]

Mom and dad were invited to a formal party at Ward and Diana's, the first of many, if Ward has his way!

And mom was happy to chat with Danica, as she and Dean were guests as well.

Mom learned that both Dean and Danica were doing well in their chosen careers, and that Dean had earned another promotion and was now in the minor leagues.

Mom and dad both had hopes he'd make the major leagues and that was only one step away now!




Then mom eagerly chatted with her soon-to-be grandchild as Ward danced proudly nearby.

Diana's pregnancy is just a little behind mine and Nicole's, so mom and dad will be adding three new grandchildren to their growing list.

More, if I get my wish.




Mom's busy exercising the next morning, when she gets the call.




Mom and dad rush across the way to Ben and Nicole's home, the former Dean place.

Nolan felt bad when both Nathan and Sammi decided to sell their family home, but he understood that they both had too many sad memories attached to it, losing both their parents in the home.

But having Ben and Nicole buy it, still kept it in the family and kept them close by too, so a win-win as far as all of us were concerned.

Ben greeted them proud as punch to be a new father, and happily invited them inside.




Nicole proudly shows off the newest addition to their family, little Cole!

He's a vampire/genie hybrid just like his mother, but with Ben's skin tone, and he's just adorable.

Looks wise anyway, as Nicole said he's already been pretty fussy, so not the easy baby Kindle was.




But before either mom or dad gets a chance to hold him, Bella goes into labor!

True to her word, Leonard's mom, Karie, let Ben adopt Bella, and it didn't take long for her to accept Merlin as her mate and be expecting her first litter.

And mom is thrilled to be here to witness the birth!




Once the birth sparkles disappear, we have three new kittens in the family!

Two boys and a girl.

And they definitely show Merlin as the father, with two having his spotted coloring and one his stubby tail.




Make that all three as this one has Merlin's Manx spots as well.

But this cutie, Roxy, the girl, has a long tail, like her mother, Bella, Flynn's daughter.




Merlin quickly takes care of Jubel, the oldest of the litter.

He seems to have more of Bella's gray color than Merlin's brown and cream, but that could just be the lighting.




Mom plays with Dacoda, the other boy, while Bella bonds with Roxy.

So cute seeing all the bonding between the cats and their new kittens, and with mom of course!




While mom was busy with the new kittens, Dad focused on his new grandson.

Playing with him and listening to his baby coos.




Then doing the honors and feeding him a bottle.




Meanwhile, back on the farm, Kindle had taken advantage of the beautiful summer day to play in the sprinkler.

Always a family favorite.




Then she couldn't resist plucking a juicy red apple or two for a snack.




I was just about ready to join her to harvest some apples for Sunshine and Wayfarer, when a familiar pain shot low down through my abdomen and had me gasping for breath and clutching my stomach!

My cries had both the maid and Leonard there in seconds, with the maid imploring, "What should we do Mr. Swanson!?!"

Leonard just clutched his head and said, "I've forgotten everything from the books I've read! I knew I should have jotted down some notes!"




Leonard calms down enough to tell the maid to get some clean towels, so she hurries off to complete that task.

Just in time for mom and Kindle to show up and start screaming!

Oddly enough, Kindle's screams have me calming down so as not to frighten her more.

"It's okay baby girl, this is a natural process. I'll be fine, I promise. Just a few more pains and you should have a new sibling, two, if I'm lucky!"




I crouch low and grab my stomach one more time, doing my Lamaze breathing, and wondering if the first baby will be a boy or a girl.




Then I proudly show off our new daughter, Karina!

Who loves the outdoors and is easily impressed.




But to my surprise, no birth pangs of a second child follow Karina's birth!

I cuddle and feed her, more than a little annoyed at the bad advice I'd gotten from that baby book.

All that kid's music and tv for nothing!

I quickly pull out my phone and send texts to all my family anxiously awaiting our baby news as Leonard steps towards us, eager to meet his new daughter.




Kindle, so proud to be a big sister at last, shows of her baking skill, saying, "I'll make you some delicious muffins mom! You'll need to eat after all of that!"




And once I get Karina settled in her crib, and get showered and changed, I find Kindle contentedly playing with her doll on the floor.

"Your muffins are just cooling off mom! I made blueberry ones. I hope you like them."

I just shake my head in wonder at this eldest daughter of mine.

First, she freaks out, screaming like a banshee during my labor, then sweetly makes me a batch of muffins, to help restore my strength!

I say, "I'm sure I will sweetie. They look delicious! Thanks for taking care of me."

"Well, I'm not big enough to look after Karina yet, so I did what I could do."

"That's very smart thinking, young lady. Perfect for a farm family heir!"

"Oh, I wasn't even thinking of that, mom! Do you think I will be heir?"

"That's totally up to you Kindle. If it's in your heart, then it will happen."




"You may want to stay on the farm, keeping the garden going and selling our harvests like your Grandma Summer does. Though her loves will always be family and cats! Just look at how much time she spent with you when you were born and now with Karina."




Or maybe you'll focusing on nectar-making, like your Grandpa Nolan, keeping the nectary going and making awesome blends with perfect grapes and fruits."




"Or maybe you'll choose to be an equestrian, like I am. Training or racing a foal of Wayfarer and Sunshine's perhaps? You may even choose a different farm expansion that means something special to you or your partner. If either of you love fishing and want to become an angler, then your expansion could be our very own fishing pond here on the farm. Maybe you'll add cows or chickens to our animal menagerie, being an animal lover. Or even decide to raise bees and sell their honey or use it to become a gourmet baker or canner to add delicious food to our consignment items. There are so many possibilities!"

Kindle smiled up at me, her eyes wide, as she exclaimed, "I never even dreamed there were so many choices, Mom!"

 "The choices are varied, use your imagination and follow your dreams, Kindle! But…if nothing on the farm calls to you, makes your heart flutter with excitement and enthusiasm, then maybe you'll choose a completely different path. One off the farm. Maybe you'll want to be a musician like your Aunt Breeze, or an athlete like your Uncle Dean, or maybe you'll become something no one else in the family has strived for yet! The choice will be yours Kindle. You're not too young to start thinking about it. Keep your mind and heart open and discover your own destiny. But that doesn't mean focusing on it exclusively right now. Having fun and enjoying each of your life stages is important too! You never know what skill or activity will trigger your heart's desire!"

"I'll definitely start thinking about it Mom! And I'll make sure Karina knows all the choices too as soon as she's old enough. And any other sisters or brothers I may have. I think it's something we'd all need to consider, not just me. They'll have the same choices too. And that way, the one who really has the farm in their heart will get to stay here!"




Over the weekend, Kindle did think about what we'd discussed as I caught her sitting quietly from time to time with a thoughtful expression on her face.

And on Monday morning, when I took her first day of school photo, I could see she was still focused on something with that nervous look in her eye.

I worried that I'd spoken too soon, burdened her with the idea of heirship on the farm, so I couldn't help but ask, "Are you worried about what I said about choices Kindle? Or today being your first day of school? Everything will turn out fine! You'll meet kids your own age, make friends, I didn't mean to scare you…"

She flashed me a smile and said, "Oh, I'm not scared about any of that stuff Mom! I was just wondering why the bus driver is trying to turn this huge bus around when he could just go around the park!"

I laughed with relief and said, "The workings of a bus driver's mind are something we'll never fathom! But I better get off unless I want to spend the day at your school!"




We've added two nooboos to the Swanson family, but not the twins I was hoping for.

Ben and Nicole have a son, Cole, while Leonard and I are the proud parents of another daughter, Karina!

I've had a heart to heart talk with Kindle now that she's school age, all about her choices, staying on the farm or following another dream, as I don't want her floundering as a new young adult like Ben did.

We still have an open spot in the house, so I'm seriously thinking of filling it soon, giving our daughters a third sibling, though it will mean another delay before I can train Wayfarer or race Sunshine.

But, I need to follow my own advice and let things happen in their own time.

I'll try not to be so impatient, but at least there won't be any reason to listen to kids music or watch kids zone on TV!

Follow along in Chapter 77: Life Continues on the Farm
Coming soon.

[deedee_828]

That evening I spent some time with Sunshine and Wayfarer, brushing them and treating them to apples and carrots.

We'd missed the races that evening but it was too soon for me to ride after having Karina and I wasn't leaving my newborn daughter either.

I do love horses and riding, but there are limits, and being a new mother is one of them!

But I assured Sunshine we'd be back on the racetrack soon enough and she should enjoy her vacation, just as I was.




I then patted, talked to, and whispered to Wayfarer until we'd developed a deep friendship!

And I promised him we'd start his training soon, but encouraged him to practice jumping with the low trainer bars as much as he wanted to.

I'd trained Sunshine for racing first, but then learned my rookie mistake as jump training also increases a horses racing skill!

So this time around, I'll focus on jump training with Wayfarer.




Of course mom's focus was either on Heidi, her new kitten.




Or on spending grandma time with Karina!




In fact, between mom and Leonard, it was hard for dad and I to get our baby time in!

If mom didn't have her, Leonard was playing with her.




Or rocking with her.

Quite solemnly too, I might add.

Seeing this look, I had to ask him what he was thinking about.

His face still showing shock, he said, "I'm an adult and I have two daughters to protect! Karina's still safe enough but Kindle will be a teenager soon and then there'll be high school, parties, and…boys!"

I laughed and said, "You were a teenage boy once Leonard, and you turned out just fine!"

Shaking his head he added, "That's just it. I was an absent-minded teenage boy, yet we did plenty of kissing. Just think what could happen if Kindle gets involved with a boy who isn't absent-minded! Or worse, is a schmoozer, or irresistible as a teen!"

"Don't forget hopeless romantics! They're always looking for love! I know I was!"

Leonard's mouth dropped open as he said, "That doesn't make me feel any better!"

I finally stopped teasing him and said gently, "Kindle is a level-headed girl Leonard. She's shown me that in several ways lately. I think she'll make safe choices."

Leonard's face lost a little of the tension and he sighed, saying, "Well, that does make me feel better."
Then he got that flirty look in his eye as he said, "I'm really hoping our third child is a boy! I still have that wish you know!"

My smile grew larger as I replied, "Any time you're available Mr. Swanson! Romance is always at the top of my list!"




While I still could, I got in some jump training with Sunshine and she was magnificent!

She's at level 8 in the skill now and she just flies over the triple poles with ease.




And the solid jumps aren't a barrier either.

In fact, she jumps them both in sequence flawlessly.




She's become so good, I've added a rather dangerous jump that's only for the most skilled horse.

The fire jump!

The first time we tried it, my heart was in my throat, but Sunshine was amazing and got us through safely and with perfect form!

She never even hesitated as confetti, smoke, and flames burst forth in a dazzling display.




While I was busy with Sunshine and Leonard was napping, mom occupied herself in the garden.




So Dad took the opportunity to play with Karina.

She's such a happy, easy baby, but I'm sure that's because there are four of us doting adults in the house vying to spend time with her!




Sunshine and I were so pumped from our jump training and the thrill of the fire jump, that I made sure we arrived at the equestrian center in plenty of time for the first race at five o'clock.

But as it got closer to race time, I started feeling a sensation I'd already experienced twice before.




And within moments my feeling was confirmed!

Leonard and I were expecting our third child!




I ended up taking a cab home, no longer being able to ride, and found Leonard exercising to the radio in the entry hall.

Heidi was watching him curiously, probably wondering what all the jumping around was for.

I watched in appreciation of Leonard's form!




I called through the kitchen and asked him to meet me in the terrarium room when he was finished with his workout.

Once he arrived, I showed off my lovely maternity wear, which was better than most, but still included my cowboy boots and hat, and broke the baby news to him!




He was just as thrilled as I was, rubbing his hands over my stomach gently, though he asked if I was disappointed in not getting to race tonight.

I was honest, telling him that I'd hoped to get in at least two races that evening, but having our third child was much more important to me.

I had all my adult years to race and I wanted Karina and baby #3 to be much closer in age than she and Kindle were.




Then he chatted happily away saying, "Listen up in there! This is daddy and I'd like to be feeding a bottle to a boy this time! If not, then I'll have three girls to worry about, so please keep that in mind and give your old man a break!"

I laughed and said, "After all the baby books you've read Leonard, you know the baby doesn't have a say in that!"

Leonard smirked and said, "Yes, but if this one isn't a boy, I'll still have the wish for one. And you know I'll be able to work my wiles on you and talk you into baby #4!"

As I started to say that the house would be too full, I suddenly thought of Sunshine.




I'd had to leave her across town at the equestrian center and she'd been calmly cropping grass and drinking from the pond when I'd left.

But that had been some time ago now.




So I raced, okay, who am I kidding?, I waddled upstairs and as I reached the shed door, I heard her sweet nicker just outside!

She'd made it across town safe and sound and I breathed a sigh of relief.




Down in the basement, Mom had taken up the chore of cleaning the terrariums and refilling all the pet dishes with their specific foods.

Leonard decided to keep in touch with several of his new friends, as he wanted to further those relationships.

And Kindle followed his example, calling up the new kids she'd met at school to make friends of her own.




I settled down with a baby book, though with Karina's recent birth, the process was pretty fresh in my mind.

I did notice dad smiling at his new grow stations though.

Even though he protested that moving the one we had around wasn't too much for him, he's decided that mom was right and having one for each bed is great!

He still only uses them for watering, but I have a feeling that future generations might use them a bit more fully, to save time with all the different farm chores we'll have in later years.




Before bed, I had a craving for some pancakes, so I whipped up a batch.

Then I heard an odd noise.

Somewhat familiar but a little different, so I checked out the hallway.




And there was Flynn, his red ghostly cat form causing me to gasp a little at the shock of seeing him visit for the first time!




Turning at another eerie sound, I found mom brushing ghostly Kobe in the living room!

With little Heidi nearby crouching by the scratching post, probably a little fearful seeing a ghost cat for the first time.

It is a bit startling, that's for sure!




Mom played with her beloved pets until the sun rose the next morning.

It was heartbreaking to lose them, but having them back in ghostly form, and being able to brush and cuddle them made her feel a lot better.

Though I'm not sure she was aware that Kobe had snagged her shirt and there was a small tear in it now.

I'm sure she'll think that a small price to pay to have her dear Kobe back in her life!




Well, farm life has continued with each one of us focusing on our favorite parts.

And still giving Karina plenty of nooboo attention.

And now Leonard and I will be parents for the third time!

But will Leonard get his boy?

They say third times the charm, but that doesn't necessarily mean our little one will be a Prince Charming!

Only time will tell, and you know I'll write all the important stuff down.

But before the baby, we have several other events on the horizon.

Let's see what happens in Chapter 78: A Special Friend for Kindle--Part 1
Coming soon.

[deedee_828]

Wayfarer and Sunshine are becoming friendlier as the days pass.

So my hopes of breeding them may still come true.

But that will be some time in the future as with our third child on the way, the house is full.



And with my pregnancy advancing, I've gotten to spend more bonding time with Karina.

The all important playtime, when her soft baby coos and happy noises fill my heart.




Feeding her so she gets all her important nutrients to grow strong and healthy.




And cuddle time where her sweet baby smell makes me want to hold her forever.




But we're not the only one making friends here on the farm.

Tomorrow is Leisure Day so, with no school, Kindle's invited over most of her classmates for a slumber party!

As the guests start to arrive I start snapping photos.

Here's her cousin Wyatt Swanson, Dean and Danica's son, looking sweet in cowboys pajamas.




The boy in the light blue pj's turns out to be Pedro Rios, my Aunt Autumn and Uncle Jamey's youngest child.

They had him later in life, so though he's my cousin, he's Kindle's age!

But stuff like that happens in large families with some kids being born and already being aunts and uncles to older nieces and nephews.

And seeing his bright eyes, it looks like he's a werewolf too, like his dad and siblings!




Next through the door is her cousin Bruce Rios, Breeze and Barrett's oldest son.

And then two girls appear on the sidewalk, which evens up the genders attending the party.




But not long after he arrived, Bruce surprises us and ages up to a teen!

He decides he's too tired and now too old to participate in a kids' slumber party, so he heads home.

But his younger siblings, Bianca in the dark blue pj's and Anthony in the blue clouds, are definitely staying!

Bianca's already grooving away to the stereo and Wyatt and Anthony are asking about snacks.




Then door bell rings one more time, so Kindle goes out to meet one of the girls from her class, Star Dean.

Star's distantly related to us on both the Swanson and Dean sides as she's the daughter of our cousins Flynn Swanson and Emilie Dean.

And it appears that Star loves cats just as much as mom and Kindle do!

While Pedro listens to the girls' chat, he works on his homework.




But before any of the other kids can join him for a homework fest, it's time for bed!

It's such a beautiful, warm, summer night that the kids decide to sleep outside on the porches.

Three of them bed down on the front porch.




While three of them choose the back porch, snuggling down in their sleeping bags and quickly falling asleep.




Hearing Karina's cry, I quickly head to the nursery and feed her a bottle, not wanting her to disturb the sleeping children.




Then I pat her to avoid excess air in her tummy, which will only lead to more fussing.

And though my actions are focused on my infant daughter, my thoughts have turned to the future.

All of Kindle's slumber party guests were nice children, but one thought above all others has struck me.

They are all related to us!

If Kindle did decide to take over the farm as the next heir, who could she choose as a partner!?!




I expressed my worries to Leonard, but strangely enough my fears seem to lessen his own worries, and he calmly settled down to read a baby book.

Then I realized why.

With no boys in town Kindle's age that weren't related to her, Leonard's fatherly fears were put to rest.

Since there weren't any grade school boys in town, there wouldn't be any teenage boys around for him to protect her from either!

Well, that just wouldn't do at all!

Like I'd turned my mind to helping Ben out, I decided now was the time to focus on Kindle.

Whether she became heir or not, as a hopeless romantic, I couldn't bear the thought of her having a loveless life!

But I kept my thoughts and ideas to myself, as there was no need to fluster Leonard again, especially since he was still in the throes of his mid-life crises.




After mulling over my plans, I started making phone calls to some of the most influential sims in town.

My aunt Mysti was definitely on that list, as she was highly respected and knew just the right people in family services for me to contact.

And my sister, Breeze, as she knew of younger couples that might be willing to add to their families.

In no time at all, we found a family willing to provide a home for a couple of orphaned boys that had been delivering papers here in Aggie's Corner!




The social worker dropped them off at the their new home with the Westmoreland family.

She was kind enough to send me a thank you note for the generous donation allowing the Westmoreland's to renovate their home to accommodate two more children.

Along with a photo of the two boys.

Charlie, a supernatural hybrid, with beautiful light blue wings, was closest to Kindle's age.

And Curtis, a cute boy with curly hair, was just a couple of days younger.

But the boys didn't hang around long as their new dad urged them off to school.

Which was perfect for my purposes as I wanted Kindle to meet them both as soon as possible!




With my background work completed, I showered, dressed, and whipped up another batch of pancakes, as my craving for them had returned.




While I was busy making breakfast, mom took care of Karina.

I've never seen anyone more thrilled about babies and children than my mom!

She just glows whenever she's around them.

And just look at her slim and trim figure!

She's been working out in her free time lately, when she's not busy in the garden or with Karina, or playing with her kitten Heidi, and it really shows!




While I was cooking Kindle had been busy baking her own breakfast, and was happily munching on a blueberry muffin.

With all her practice with the toy oven, I'm hoping she keeps up her interest in cooking, as my skills are limited to pancakes, waffles, and mac and cheese!

As she's eating, I say, "Make sure and make any new kids in your class feel welcome. You know how it is when it's your first day at a new school."

"It shouldn't be bad today mom, we've got a field trip planned to the police station! So no classroom work, just a fun day!"

"That sounds like the perfect time to meet and make new friends!" I said with a sly grin, adding, "And with no school tomorrow, you could host another slumber party so any new classmates could get acquainted."

Kindle nodded but frowned saying, " I love the idea of another party, but how come we get another Leisure Day this week?"

I just shrugged and said, "I guess someone messed up with the school calendar. Hopefully it won't interfere with you earning an 'A' this week. Your teen birthday's this weekend, and I'd like you to be able to pick your new trait."

"I've been thinking about that, but I haven't decided on one for sure yet. I want my 'A' first, so I don't jinx it!"

Then we heard the bus horn, so she quickly dressed and ran to catch it.




As I watched to make sure she made the bus, I saw another sight that filled me with joy.

Sunshine and Wayfarer spending time together in the front yard.

The sounds of their playful whinnies and nickers filled me with delight and my hopes for a foal became even more realistic.

Of course, we'd have to have a space in the house, and that would probably mean losing mom or dad.

A thought that filled me with dread.

I wasn't ready to lose either one of them yet!

And mom insisted, with my run-ins with Grim, that I keep the death flower she found close at hand, just in case.

The death flower from the plant she grew she gave to Leonard.

When we protested she told us that it was vital for heir parents to live long lives and raise their children and help them raise the next generation.

She said she and dad had already lived, long full lives, raising five children and having the joy of all their grandchildren.

It was hard to argue with mom's logic, so we gave in, but it still fills me with dread at the thought of losing either one of them.




With Leonard having so much free time on his hands now, he lavished the baby with attention.

As much as he wants a boy, he's got wishes for a girl too, so he'll get one of those either way.

I don't have any baby wishes currently, but I think a boy would be nice to complete our family, and use Leonard's other family name.




But once Leonard and I share the same space for any length of time, sparks fly!

And it's not long before our attention is on each other and romance as we kiss each other with passionate abandon.




Spending some couple time together has the day passing quickly, and  before we know it, Kindle's home from school and busy with her homework.

Leonard gives her hand with it, and she completes it before dinner.




Then she calls her classmates and invites them over for another slumber party.

As the first guest arrives, my hopes rise as I see this look on Leonard's face.

I know it will cause him a bit of discomfort, but it's necessary for Kindle's future.




And with her face so happy and animated as she talks with Charlie Yeager, one of the two new boys in her school, I know I've done the right thing!

But this is just the beginning of the party, will these two continue to hit it off and become special friends?




Let's find out in Chapter 78: A Special Friend for Kindle---Part 2
Coming soon.

[deedee_828]

Kindle and Charlie continue to chat as other guests arrive.

We meet Jamie Rios for the first time, though I don't think she's related to Aunt Autumn's Jamey or that branch of the Rios family.

It's hard to tell though as there's been so many marriages between founding families and with most of the supernaturals having extended lives, a lot of children!

Jamie does the traditional party thing and sits down to do her homework first thing.

And Anthony and Bianca Rio, Breeze's twins, have happily returned for another fun filled evening.




We'd gotten the water slide out for the children to play with and Kindle asks Charlie to try it out with her.




Then they both chat as Charlie asks, "Are you sure your dad's okay with supernaturals? He gave me a really weird look when I first got here!"

Kindle assures him saying, "Oh, dad doesn't have anything against Supernaturals! He has lots of them as friends. It's boys he doesn't like, especially ones I'm not related to! But mom says dad will just have to deal with it as a girl needs options."

"What does that mean?"

Kindle shrugged and I hid a grin when I heard her say, "I have no idea! Mom just laughed when I asked the same question and she said I'd understand when I was a bit older."

Charlie shook his head and said, "Grown-ups sure can act weird. They say and do the strangest things sometimes! But Miss Thistle, our social worker, says Curtis and I should be really grateful to have found a home here. I do like the Westmoreland family that opened up their home to us. They're supernaturals too. They have a teenage daughter, and Mrs. Westmoreland is expecting a baby, just like your mom! I was afraid we'd end up with some old couple and have a hard time fitting in, but it's been great! Curtis and I have our own room and new toys, even a water slide in the back yard! It's a different one than this one with a big monster tunnel you slide through."

"That sounds like fun! Maybe I could come try it out sometime?"

"Sure. I'll make sure it's okay with the Westmoreland's and let you know what day. Those hot dogs your mom's cooking smell great. Let's head inside and make sure we get one!"




But the hot dogs weren't quite ready yet so Kindle and Charlie passed the time playing chess.

"Do the Westmoreland's have a chess table at their house?"

Charlie shook his head saying, "No, but they have a dominoes table. That thought that would work better so more of us could play games together. When you come over, we can try it out."

"I've never played dominoes. Is it hard?"

Staring in confusion at the chess board Charlie answered, "Not as hard as this!"

Kindle laughed and said, "It's not hard once you know how the pieces move. I'll show you some practice moves until you get the hang of it."




But once the hot dogs were grilled, nothing spectacular, but at least I didn't burn them, the kitchen was filled with hungry children, all eagerly munching away as they chatted about their trip to the police station.

It was nice to see Charlie making friends with the other kids too.




As the clock struck eleven, the children all started yawning and looking for places to set out their sleeping bags.

Bianca said, "We're thinking of sleeping out under the stars, Charlie, want to join us?"

"Sure. Just let me change back into my pj's and I'll be right out."




All the children decided sleeping outside was great idea and I couldn't blame them as it was a beautiful night with a star-filled sky.

The children chatted, laughed, and joked a bit, but soon all of them snuggled down in their sleeping bags and drifted off to sleep.




Early the next morning, I flirted outrageously with Leonard and took his mind of Kindle and Charlie completely!




Then I had another plate of delicious pancakes.

I have no idea why I crave them so much when I'm pregnant, but at least it's something that I can make without burning them!

Then I heard the unmistakable sound of rain on our tin roof!




Sure enough, our slumber party guests were getting a drenching!

Kindle woke up first thing, and though she neatly rolled up her sleeping bag, I knew we'd be hanging it out on the back porch to dry or it would smell awful the next time she used it.




As the rain continued to fall, the rest of the kids woke up, shouted their thanks to Kindle for inviting them over and told her what a great party it was.

Then they all dashed inside for dry clothes and breakfast.




Then, umbrellas in tow, they all went back outside to wait for their parents to pick them up.

Except for Charlie, who hopped on his bike, saying, "Aw, it's just a little rain! I've delivered newspapers in weather a lot worse than this!" Then he added, "It was a great party Kindle! Thanks for inviting me! I'll call you and let you know about using the water slide or playing dominoes at my house soon."

His words brought a rush of feeling to my romantic heart and I could barely wait for Kindle to get that phone call, I was probably more excited than she was!

Though if Leonard had heard it, I'm sure it would have struck terror in his!




Kindle spent the rest of the morning chatting with Star on the phone, as she'd spent so much time with Charlie at the party, she didn't want her new friend feeling left out.




Then Kindle worked on her painting again.

She still has a ways to go before it's completed, but she gained another skill point.




And me?

I spent the day relaxing and enjoying my extended vacation from riding and racing.

First, I rocked with Karina, getting in some important mommy bonding time.

When she was ready for a nap, I headed out to nap myself in the lounge chair on the front porch.

Once I was settled in, I realized what a nice spot this was, and instead of napping just thought about all the wonderful things in my life.

Leonard, the children, the horses, our farm, everything was just perfect!




Then I realized today was Karina's birthday!

I quickly called mom, dad, and Leonard and told them we'd have Karina's party as soon as she woke up from her nap.

When I heard her stirring, I headed for her crib, I picked her up and turned to head for the kitchen when a familiar pain hit me!

I didn't even have time to put Karina back in her crib before another cramp struck me!

This was definitely baby time!




Hearing my cries, mom and Leonard came running in to the nursery, thinking something had happened to Karina.

But seeing my agonized face, they quickly realized that Karina wasn't the baby they needed to be concerned about.

The one I was carrying wanted out!




Then dad and Kindle joined us, making for a rather crowded nursery.

Though at least this time, instead of screaming, Kindle only anxiously asked Leonard, "Is Mom really having the baby dad?!?"

Leonard, having Kindle to focus on, smiled and nodded, saying, "Yes. You'll have a new baby brother or sister soon!"




Then he turned and picked up Karina, saying, "Speaking of little sisters, let's get this one safely back in her crib. And maybe give mommy some space to finish bringing the new little one into the world?"




At my grateful agreement to that suggestion, the room emptied, and within moments I was holding our son, Diwan!

Like his sisters, I chose Loves the Outdoors for one of his newborn traits, knowing just how hard it was for dad to deal with farm life hating being outside.

For his second trait, I chose Good, because I wanted him to grow up into a good man.

Just like his sister Karina, he had Leonard's skin tone and I was hoping he would look just like his dad!

I quickly fed, played with, and cuddled him, as he was exhausted and needed his own crib.

And his birth, taking me by surprise, he'd unknowingly interrupted Karina's birthday party.




Sighing with the relief that my labor was over, and with our son safely in his crib, I picked up Karina.

"Let's try this again sweet girl, and see if mommy can get you to your cake this time."

With no other unexpected events, I was soon standing in front of Karina's cake, her candle blown out as I closed my eyes and made a wish for her.

I could hear mom and dad behind me, their excitement quite clear as dad tooted a party horn and mom squealed with anticipation to see Karina's toddler transformation.




But I couldn't bear to watch, so I quickly put Karina down and raced from the room!

I was dreading the thought that I'd passed on my cheekbones to another daughter.

But I covered up the reason for my escape saying, "Oh, I think I heard Diwan! I better go check on him!"




So I missed seeing what everyone else got to see.

Karina becoming a toddler with my gold/purple hair, passed on to me from my Grandma Brina!

Her long colorful locks caressing the cutest chubby cheeks ever, with no cheekbones in sight!




When dad held her so I could get a good look, I burst into tears!

Her cheeks were even more rounded up close!

I blamed it on baby blues and hormones, of course, but I think dad knew what I was crying about.

After all, he had two sisters, and one of them had the Dean cheekbones too, and Aunt Nikki complained about them every chance she got!

But our little Karina would never have to, she was just adorable, and oh, so sweet the way she cuddled into her grandpa and looked at me with her big eyes!




After all my physical and emotional stresses of the day, mom, dad, and Leonard insisted I go straight to bed and rest.

Mom said she and Kindle had plans to play with Heidi, so Kindle could make friends with her.

Dad and Leonard assured me they had the other children well in hand.

As I left the nursery, Leonard was happily getting to know his son.

And dad was showing Karina what the potty was for.

Hearing Diwan's contented cooing and seeing Karina's sweet little face, I could see they had no problems taking over parenting duties for the next few hours.




So Kindle's well on her way to having some special friends in her life, even if one is a boy!

Leonard's just going to have to deal with it, especially since we have a son of our own now.

Earlier today, I thought I couldn't be happier, but I was wrong.

With Diwan's birth, Karina a precious toddler, and Kindle becoming a teen soon, well, my cup of happiness is not only full, but overflowing!

I know the weeks ahead will be filled with dirty diapers, bottles, toddler training, homework, and more parties, along with lots of riding and racing, but the thought of all that only increases my happiness.

Like I told Kindle, when your life is full of what you love, what you're passionate about, then it's not a burden or a chore, but a labor of love.

I'm even more eager to see what happens next in my life!

Join me as I recount the events in Chapter 79: Busy With Family
Coming soon.

[deedee_828]

Mom had gotten several calls from other gardeners in the area about harvesting their crops, having her consign them, and splitting the profits, so she headed out to work on that today.

She worked in the gardens diligently, despite the rain, harvesting crops from Aunt Mysti's original lot, as well as her larger one, though they were owned by other families now.

Then she helped Ben and Nicole out by harvesting their mature plants, finding some nice grape varieties.

Which, when added to some very nice Life Plant produce Mom found at Aunt Rayne's, will have dad itching to use them for his high quality nectar blends, as soon as he has enough to work with.




But since Dad was waiting on our own Life Fruit to ripen, he decided to spend some time with Breeze's family.

He got to the Rios home just as Breeze was heading off to work, but she told dad that Barrett and the kids were inside and to make himself at home.




Dad had gotten an opportunity to build up his own celebrity status if he made friends with another celebrity, Barrett!

So dad chatted with Barrett for a very long time!




Some of their conversation going quite well, as you can see by dad's smile, and it built up their relationship.




And other parts not so well, if we look at this photo, with both dad and Barrett looking quite upset with the other!




They'd talked so long that dad was a bit shocked when he heard Bianca chatting with Breeze.

"Hi, mommy! How was work today? Did you get to play any cool songs? Or meet any famous musicians?"

"Hi, sweetheart. Work was fine, thanks. I did meet a few minor stars, stage hands don't get to play much, but I love being around all the people and hearing all the music!"

Dad, realizing he'd been there much longer than he planned on, quickly said his goodbyes, and headed home.



Now that my maternity leave was over, I was able to get in a couple of more races with Sunshine, .

If we get to the equestrian training grounds earlier enough, I can get in two races each evening.

Sunshine is eager to race and jump, so we've entered both of those races now.

We don't always come in first, but we usually place in the top three, so I'm building up my winnings little by little, earning 20,000 simoleans so far, half-way to my LTW goal of 40,000.




I try to balance time between caring and training with Wayfarer and caring and racing with Sunshine with family time.

Spending nooboo time with Diwan, getting in that all important mommy/baby bonding time.




And getting in lots of mommy cuddles with Karina, who fills with me joy every time I see her adorably sweet face.




But it's not all play as I start teaching Karina how to talk, and she was just as stubborn as her sister Kindle!

"Grandma, Grandpa, and daddy all plant seeds in the garden. Can you say, 'seeds'?"

Karina looked down at the floor.




"Maybe you're more interested in movies and kids' TV? We watched a lot when I was expecting you! Movies? TV?"

Karina looks directly into my face, her eyes wide, but stays silent.

I guess having her actually focus on me is progress of sorts, but not much.




I say, "bottle", "star", "simoleans", and "rocks", with Karina looking at me, away, at the floor, and back at me, but not repeating anything!

I'm feeling so frustrated that I'm considering a bribe, like mom did with Kindle!




Then we have a break through with the word, "tickets," with Karina's eyes lighting up, as my own face lit up with a smile!

Followed by my enthusiastic praise, "Yes, yes, good job sweetie!"




That success was quickly followed by another, with "cookbook!"

Karina even more excited as she waved her arms and bounced on her bottom.




And to my surprise, she even repeated, "exercise", as I said, "Grandpa and mommy love to exercise!"




But we'd been at it so long, Karina had other needs needing attention, so I brought her to the potty.




As it was late afternoon by then, I got Sunshine ready and headed over to the racing grounds.

This time we entered an Advanced race which we won, followed by 2nd place in a Beginner cross-country, adding another 2000 simoleans or so to my winnings.




While I was gone, Mom took care of Diwan, loving nooboos like no one else I knew!

She was happiest with a little one in her arms, no matter what time of the day or night.

And, believe me, I am ever so grateful for having her help!

I could focus on training and racing knowing my children were safe and loved in mom's more than capable hands.




But Leonard took on his share of daddy duty too.

Paying special attention to Kindle, as we'd be losing her to teenage years soon enough.

Kindle like talking about comic books as she recently developed and interest in them, and Leonard said he could read them rain or shine, though he'd often forgotten which ones he'd read.

Kindle smiled and said, "I don't forget them but I still like reading them again!"




But he made sure Karina was fed and took her to the potty before getting her to bed.

And then he got in some play time and cuddles with Diwan, along with providing a fresh diaper and a bottle.




Finally, he settled down in the rocker with him, while he told Karina a story as she fell asleep.
(F Gen3 H 5)


After my races that night, something snuck up on me unawares, my adult birthday!

My last two pregnancies had delayed it a bit, but I was ready, so no mid-life crises for me.




Leonard noticed as soon as I got home, finding me in the hall, and flirting outrageously, as was his way!

His words, "Happy Birthday, darling!" were generic enough, but it was the husky tone and look in his eyes that made my tummy flutter as though it was filled with butterflies!




He followed that with a steamy kiss, and added, "Our children are all in their beds, so we can spend the rest of the evening together, celebrating."




Mom and dad even gave us some privacy by spending the evening down in the rockers in the nectary.

Not a hardship for either of them, as they loved spending time relaxing that way, chatting over their day together.

Dad, reveling in the smell of the growing grapes and other fruits, as well as any nectar blends he had fermenting.

With limited Life Fruit on hand, since it was the main ingredient for most of his nectar recipes, he'd started experimenting with other grape and fruit blends.

One in particular turned out to be an amazing combo, made simply with 5 Gralladina Fran grapes, and 5 apples!




Well, we've definitely been busy with on the farm, between gardening, nectar-making, horse care and racing, along with caring for our three children.

I couldn't do it without mom, dad, and Leonard's help, so I truly appreciate all they do.

But busier times are yet ahead as we get ready for two more birthdays.

Diwan's toddler birthday and Kindle's teen one!

I anxious to see who Diwan takes after, me or Leonard, as he ages up.

And Kindle is reaching her all important teen years, choosing a new trait, and clothes, defining her sense of self.

Let's see what changes are ahead in Chapter 80: Another Toddler and a Teen
Coming soon.

[deedee_828]

Early the next morning, mom and dad took care of the younger kids so Leonard and I could sleep in.

Dad rocked with Diwan, while mom worked with Karina on expanding her vocabulary.

As I stood in the nursery doorway, I heard mom singing, just slightly off-key, "A Spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down, The medicine go down-wown, The medicine go down, Just a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down, In a most delightful way!"***

With Karina bopping and singing along as best she could, "Med'cine go down, med'cine go down! In mos' dewightful way!"

And as Karina finished singing, her words adorably sweet, she mastered talking!




Dad, not to be outdone, popped Diwan into his crib and took over potty training.

And Karina mastered that too!




Later that morning, Karina even sang the "med'cine song" to Leonard, butchering the words even more, but her sweet toddler voice warbling the song had Leonard looking at her with love and devotion.




But when Karina asked, "You sing daddy?"

Leonard shook his head and said, "Daddy can't carry a tune in a bucket! But he sure can tickle!" as his fingers find Karina's ticklish tummy!




And then he had Karina try a few steps.

"You stand right there….daddy will move a little bit away, and then you walk to me, 'kay?"

Karina stood on wobbly legs, looking at Leonard with anxious eyes.




And when he prompted her, saying, "Walk to daddy, Karina. Walk to daddy!"

She promptly sat down!

Which had Leonard ducking his head and chuckling at just how stubborn a toddler could be.




Speaking of stubborn toddlers, mom and dad went over to Ben and Nicole's and dad found Cole with this grumpy look on his face.




But it didn't take dad long to get Cole over his grumps as he played on the xylophone with his grandpa!

"That's it Cole, a one, and a two, you've got it, my boy!"

Nicole just shook her head in disbelief, asking, "How did you get him to play!?! He just shakes his head and pouts when I try!"

Dad smiled and said, "Cause Cole likes playing with his grandpa! Don't you my boy?"

Cole's answer was to smack the xylophone keys in response!




While dad was busy with Cole, mom was busy meeting her latest granddaughter, Kizzie!

Kizzie is the coveted tenth grandchild, and mom reveled in reaching that prized goal!

"Look at you little one! So precious and sweet!" mom said as she cuddled her close.

Kizzie replied with soft baby gurgles and coos that brought mom's tender feelings to the fore.




Once the introductions were over, mom got down to the serious business of taking care of her.

Feeding her a bottle.




Then rocking away as Kizzie settled contentedly in the crook of mom's arm.




But even knowing mom and dad were in their glory visiting with Ben and Nicole and their children, with little Kizzie fulfilling their ten grandchildren wishes, I couldn't stop my own feelings from showing clearly on my face when Leonard snapped this photo of me rocking Diwan.

At Leonard's gentle, "What's wrong Rielle?", I could only shake my head.

But here in my journal I can reveal my sober thoughts.

I can feel it in my heart, Grim's next visit looming closer and closer as the days pass.

Mom had once been a day or two older than dad, but with her last pregnancy, it had delayed her birthday so now she was a day younger than dad, but both of them were in their last days.

And my greatest fear was that Grim would repeat his appearances back to back, like he did with our cats, Kobe and Flynn, and it would leave our family much more devastated, even more than we had been with the cats!




But then, much like my own, another unexpected birthday occurred.

This time for Mom's kitten, Heidi!




Who was now a full grown cat!

Her tail stayed short, of course, but she lost her fluffy kitten chubbiness, taking on a long and lean look.




After that bit of excitement died down, I threw off my doldrums and sad thoughts and took Sunshine over to the racing grounds.

Again we were in time to enter two races, an International Racing event, as well as an Advanced Jumping event, and to my surprise we won both!

I felt a lit bit better with my total winnings a bit over 25,000 simoleans now.




When I got home that night and told Kindle that Sunshine had won both of the events we'd entered,  Kindle said, "Congratulations Mom!" but then she hesitated and I knew she had something else on her mind.

"Did you stay up waiting for me to ask me something Kindle?"

She nodded and asked, "Do you think I'm too old for a bedtime story mom?"

I smiled and said, "Absolutely not! Let's make it special! Go get your jammies on and hop in my bed!"




Once Kindle was snuggled under the covers, I sat beside her and began reading.

I thought I'd grabbed a story book, but after opening it, we both laughed as we realized it was an old handiness book of dad's!

With a big smile Kindle said, "Go ahead anyway mom! Make it like a story and see how it sounds!"

I laughed and said, "Okay, here goes. Mr. Hammer and Mr. Wrench are very useful pals to have around the house! Mr. Hammer is great for pounding in nails or removing them, and Mr. Wrench is handy for tightening leaky sinks and faucets!"

Kindle's smile grew as she said, "Too funny mom! Keep going!"

So I settled in more comfortably on the bed, and all my sad thoughts for the future evaporated as I read my oldest daughter to sleep.




The next morning started off typically enough, with dad stomping another barrel of grapes and fruit.

And getting it all set for his next batch of nectar.




And mom making a quick trip to the consignment shop to drop off our latest batch of red berry beans, one hundred perfect ones this time, along with a few other harvestables that we had in excess.




Then Leonard got Karina fed, changed and set up with one of her toddler toys.




And then it was double birthday time!

First it was Diwan, and I brought him to his cake, with all the required cheering.




And before I knew it, Leonard and I were the proud parents of another toddler.

This one totally surprising us by having mom's Swanson red hair!




Then it was Kindle's turn.

Dad had made it into the house right as Diwan aged up, so he didn't miss the birthday girl's big moment.

We all cheered and I lustily blew a party horn.




Kindle made a wish and blew out her candles.




And Leonard's worst fears became reality, he was the father of a beautiful teenage daughter!

One who chose Brave as her teen trait!

Even our cat, Heidi, realized Leonard was the one who was going to struggle with this the most.

Me? I finally realized that Kindle's Dean cheekbones aren't all that bad and I'd been worried for nothing.

Kindle's age up hairstyle, below the shoulder length locks with a thin braid across her forehead, along with her tanned skin, gave her the look of an Indian princess.

Kindle had liked her twin braids as a child, but I wasn't so sure about her keeping this new look.

And though I liked the hot pink with her coloring, she prefers Irish Green, so a make-over and new wardrobe will definitely be coming up!




Along with toddler spam and lots of it!

You have been warned.

Follow along as I show off my sweet toddlers and beautiful teen daughter in Chapter 81: Chatting With Charlie
Coming soon.

___________________________________________________________________________________
Author's note:
Songwriters: Richard Sherman, Robert Sherman
© Walt Disney Music Company
For non-commercial use only.
Data From: LyricFind

From <https://www.bing.com/search?q=a+spoonful+of+sugar&form=EDGSPH&mkt=en-us&httpsmsn=1&msnews=1&rec_search=1&plvar=0&refig=9b25a5059e45407fa5d8886e17705fbb&sp=1&qs=SC&pq=a+soonful&sk=PRES1&sc=8-9&cvid=9b25a5059e45407fa5d8886e17705fbb&cc=US&setlang=en-US>

[deedee_828]

I was right, as after one look in the mirror, Kindle pulled out the braid but kept the below the shoulder length style with a few wispy strands around her face.

A smudge of green on her eyelids brought out her cat green eyes, the same shade as my own.

And a pouf of light blush highlighted the cheekbones that had me in despair when she was a toddler, but now looked fantastic, and a touch of pale red lipstick completed her make-up.




Then she chose clothes in her favorite color.

Now that it's fall, an everyday dress with an Irish Green sweater for our cooler days and nights.

I can just see Leonard's eyes popping out of his head as he complains about the dress being too short!




A long formal in a creamy light tone with green flowers, that should appeal to Leonard as it covers up Kindle's legs.

But what will be giving him nightmares is the prom notice we got right after Kindle's birthday!

Kindle and I both smiled when it showed up in her school events, scheduled for Tuesday night, at 6 sharp.

My smile grew as she asked, "Do you think Charlie will have his birthday before Tuesday?"

I thought about it a bit and said, "I think he's one or two days younger than you, so he should age up Sunday or Monday night."

Kindle's face fell and she said, "That won't give me much time to ask him! I've only seen him at school twice since my slumber party and one day we had a field trip and we weren't in the same group."

I commiserated with her and told her she could invite him over Sunday afternoon and we could surprise him with a birthday cake, if we cleared it with his adoptive parents first.

Her eyes lit up again and she flung her arms around me in a big hug, saying, "That's a great idea Mom! Thank you, thank you, thank you!"

I hugged her back and said, "Just leave out some of those details if your father asks!"




With that settled and her heart buoyed up with the possibility of attending prom with Charlie, Kindle took a page out of her Aunt Breeze's fashion book for her outerwear.

An open leather jacket over a flirty black skirt and leggings, but with a pop of green in the tights, scarf, and fingerless gloves.

I couldn't find anything wrong with this outfit for Leonard to object to, but for some reason, I still think he'll find something!




After Kindle's make-over, I found Karina introducing Diwan to the blocks table.

She was babbling away, not caring that her brother didn't know how to talk yet.

And though she was carefully explaining how to stack the blocks, proud that she'd figured it out being a whole three days older than him, I could see that Diwan was more interested in how it might taste as he eagerly brought a round green block to his open mouth!

I quickly scolded, "Uh, huh! No eating the blocks Diwan," and he stopped mid-way at my abrupt tone.




I hadn't expected to scold him quite so harshly, but his good nature had him responding with a smile instead of tears as he looked at Karina and followed her example, setting his block on the table.

"Like this 'Wan. That's right. You getting it!"

Since Karina has everything under control, I left them to it.




After we eat cake down in the nectary, we hear Leonard calling Kindle.

She hurries off in answer to his call, a look of trepidation on her face.

I'm a bit concerned myself since I haven't had a chance to chat with Leonard about giving Kindle a chance to prove herself, so I follow her.




But it looks like neither Kindle or I had anything to worry about, since Leonard's just taking the time to get to know Kindle, see where her teenage head is, I guess.

"I'm happy to see you chose the brave trait Kindle, since both your mom and I have it. But keep in mind your own safety as well as others, no need to put yourself in situations where…umm, where was I going with this?"

"Not sure dad, maybe not getting into igloos with sims I don't know?"

By the surprised look on her father's face, I'm guessing that wasn't even a direction he'd thought of!

Leonard quickly processes it though and I know he's remembering what happened between Dean and Danica on our wedding night when he says, "Right, right, best to avoid igloos altogether!"

And Kindle adds, glancing at the raindrops dripping off us, "And know enough to get inside out of the rain!?!"

Leonard, finally noticing that he's soaked, we all are now, says, "Oh, of course, that too! We'd better get inside!"




Kindle heads back down to the basement for some privacy, and calls Charlie, inviting him over.

I guess she was too anxious to wait until tomorrow!




Kindle was grabbing the mail when Charlie showed up, but after inviting him in, Charlie headed straight for the kid's club house and went to sleep!

Kindle has to call him several times to wake him up and ask him to come down.

But before he does, Leonard's father genes have kicked in and he's run over to 'chat' with Charlie too!

I heard Kindle's words loud and clear, as she said, "Dad! I think Diwan's crying in the nursery!"




Leonard, forgetful as he is, quickly took off to check on our son.

Which gave Kindle the opportunity to chat with Charlie without her father listening to her every word.

Though it didn't prevent me from eavesdropping!

Kindle and Charlie chatted about this and that, their favorite colors and the like, until Kindle finally asked the pertinent question, "We celebrated my birthday earlier today Charlie. When's your birthday?"

Charlie's eyes flew open, "Hey Kindle, we have the same birthday!" Then a bit sadly he added, "The Westmoreland's said I could have a party, but Mrs. Westmoreland went to the hospital earlier today to have her baby, so I guess that won't happen now. I was looking forward to a cake of my own. At the children's home, they celebrated all the birthdays for the month with one huge cake."

My heart fluttered as I knew this was the perfect opening for Kindle, and my daughter didn't disappoint me asking, "Would you like to celebrate your birthday here Charlie? I'm sure my family wouldn't mind and my mom could check with the Westmoreland's to make sure it's okay."

"That would be great Kindle! I'd get a cake of my own after all."




I quickly called the Westmoreland's and they were so grateful for our offer that I actually felt a pang of guilt.

But only for a moment, as we didn't have much time if Charlie was going to get his coveted birthday cake.

He stood proudly before his cake with me cheering beside him.




Kindle watched expectantly from across the room.




When the sparkles disappeared, he stood before us as a new teen.




Kindle gave me a look and said, "Happy Birthday Charlie! Grab a piece of a cake while I, umm, take care of a few things!"

Charlie was more than happy to follow her instructions and I grabbed a piece myself to keep him company until Kindle finished with her 'things'.

If I knew my daughter, she'd headed straight to a mirror to gussy up a bit before chatting with Charlie.




I was right, too, though besides gussying up, she also made a few phone calls to her teen friends.

Inviting them over for a slumber party even though it was last minute.

But she didn't keep her voice down and I plainly heard her say, "That's right Jamie, tonight! I don't want to waste a minute of my teen time. Yes, girls AND boys have been invited! I knew that would have you on board. See you soon."




When Kindle joined us in the kitchen, I was the one that came up with 'things to do', and I saw the grateful look in Kindle's eyes as she started chatting away with Charlie.

As I hovered beyond the archway, out of sight, but not hearing, I heard Charlie ask, "So besides having a birthday in common, Kindle, what other things do you like?"

 "I love being outdoors, like most of my family, except for my Grandpa Nolan, he hates the outdoors, which is why we have the nectary garden down in the basement. It was my grandma's expansion to the farm as heir, her way of letting him contribute without making him so uncomfortable being outside."

"That was very thoughtful of her."




Kindle smiles and says, "Speaking of thoughtful, I got you a birthday present."

This was a surprise to me, so I peeked around the corner, and was shocked to see the frown on Charlie's face and the way he narrowed his eyes at Kindle!




I couldn't look away and watched as he shook Kindle's present, and bent down to listen, trying to figure out what was inside.




Then handed it back to her, saying, "I don't think we're quite at the exchanging gifts level yet!"




I think I was more stunned by his reaction than Kindle was, though the silence in the room thickened as they both stared at each other.

Maybe we had been wrong about Charlie after all.




With the slumber party under way, both Kindle and Charlie twirled into night wear.

Then my brave and friendly daughter figured out where Charlie's head was at as she said, "It was just a gift between friends Charlie, nothing I expected anything for. Not something personal at all, just a painting to hang on you wall."

Charlie looked stricken as he apologized saying, "I'm sorry Kindle, I forget that people can be nice just for the sake of being nice. In the children's home, accepting a gift or favor from someone meant you were in their debt. And I already owed you for the cake! Can you forgive me!?!"

Kindle smiled and said, "Nothing to forgive Charlie. Friends understand. And the cake didn't come with any strings attached either."




Then she flipped out her phone and said, "Check out this cat video! It's really cute!"

Charlie watched the video, smiling and waving at the kittens on the screen.

Breathing a sigh of relief, I left them to their conversation.




I went to check on our toddlers and found Leonard trying to teach Diwan to talk.

I watched and listened as Leonard went through several words, from rain, fishing, and even politics.

I thought that one was definitively over Diwan's head, and I was right as he stayed stubbornly silent, just as both his sisters had been with our first attempts to get them to talk.




Since Leonard was busy with Diwan, I scooped up Karina and brought here out to the hall to finish up her walking skill.

With just a few  confident steps, she masters that skill too, so well on her way to completing her toddler skills.




Karina's mastered potty training, talking, and walking, and she's still got three days before her birthday, plenty of time to work on mastering the xylophone and peg box.

We've started Diwan on both potty training and talking, but he's being just as stubborn as his sisters both were when it comes to actually speaking.

And we haven't even tried teaching him to walk yet.

So still more cute toddler photos coming up as we cover those skills.

Kindle's thrilled that Charlie shares her birthday and that they're both teens now, but can she break down his barriers to truly become a friend? Or something more?

Maybe Kindle's slumber party will give her a chance to do just that.

Let's find out in Chapter 82: Teen Slumber and Toddler Skills
Coming soon.

[deedee_828]

With walking mastered and some time before bed, I let Karina play with the drum.

A favorite toy amongst all of us Swanson children growing up.

It draws so much attention, it's too bad it doesn't increase the music skill like the xylophone does.

I love watching all of my children as they learn and play, but looking at Karina's mismatched outfit, I realize we've never updated her wardrobe.




I quickly run through all the children's clothes we have on hand and pop her into a few of them.

Since she's got my hair color, the purple/pink pastels will do perfectly, so we just match her every day top to her pants.




For formal, since it's fall, I choose a cute outfit with a sweater in another purple shade.




For jammies, it's not wintery cold, and she'll have her birthday soon, so just a pink and white onesie.

And since it's now close to bed time, I keep her in this outfit.




When we're done with Karina's new clothes, I find Leonard has given up on Diwan's vocabulary lesson and given him some play time before bed.




Then Leonard does one last potty to keep him from wetting during the night.




And then some tickles, attack of the claw, and snuggles before settling Diwan in his crib.




Then we heard the voices of Kindle's teen guests arriving, so I hurried out to get some snapshots.

Kindle's cousin, Bruce Rios, was happy to be part of a teen party this time.

And Chet Gallo, Winter's youngest son, who'd inherited the Swanson red hair, was old enough to participate too.

Along with Jamie Rios, a grade school chum of Kindle's.

Kindle would have invited her other cousins too, but they hadn't aged to teen yet, so couldn't come to this party.




Once inside, all the teens changed into sleepwear, and gathered in the kitchen for refreshments.

One plate was already gone and the other only had a serving or two left on it!

Teens can sure pack away food.

I recognized Star Dean with her dark hair and purple pj's, looking so much like her mother, Emilie. And with the sweet smile, I doubted she'd inherited her father's traits either. My cousin Flynn still held the record for mean and evil behavior in our house.

And Jamie Rios looked so cute in her shortie black and purple pj's that I had to smile.

The two vampires, I didn't know at all, but the boy's bright green skin rivaled his glowing eyes, and the blond girl's eyes were riveting as well.

Later I asked Kindle, and she told me the boy was Leon Westmoreland and the girl was actually Chet's girlfriend, Anissa Crumplebottom, which is why she invited her.




Before she headed down to the nectary basement, I also got a quick photo of Rayne's youngest daughter, Joanna.

Along with a paparazzi that was still hanging around.




But with the party starting so late, it wasn't long before the kids bedded down, some choosing the kitchen floor.




While others decided the garden was the perfect spot, even though it was still very damp after a recent rain.

Mom was a little concerned about that choice, and had to check her plants to make sure none were being disturbed.

But the teens were careful to stay on the edges of her beds and quickly fell asleep.




But Charlie must have truly felt at home at our house, because he headed upstairs to one of the comfy twin beds.




Diwan woke up at the crack of dawn the next morning, and mom hurried to take care of him so his cries wouldn't wake Karina.




Though as loud as his laughter was after some tickles, I'm surprised she stayed asleep.




Kindle was up bright and early chatting away with Charlie.

And from the sound of his voice, he was pretty happy that they'd overcome last nights misunderstanding and were well on their way to becoming close friends.




With Diwan's morning needs taken care of by mom, Leonard decided to work on Diwan's walking skill.

And Leonard's face split with his big grin as his son took a few wobbly steps towards him!




The rest of the teens had woken by this time, and the ones in the garden quickly dressed and headed to the house to say their goodbyes to Kindle.

From the smiles and happy grins, I'd say they all had a good time, even if it was a last minute party.

Sometimes those are the best ones!




The teens in the kitchen, Kindle's cousins, Joanna and Chet, as well as her friend Jamie, thanked Kindle for inviting them as well, and said they'd see her at school on Monday.




Kindle tried her hand at making waffles, but her efforts weren't edible in the least.

She was happy her friends had all gone home and didn't witness her cooking disaster.




Mom took this moment of down time to spend some time with Heidi.

With three children in the house and two horses, along with our large gardens, she wasn't getting in much kitty time.




Once she's brushed, petted, and hugged on Heidi though, she couldn't resist joining Karina for some music time.

Nearby, Leonard was helping Diwan take care of personal needs with a trip to the potty.




While Kindle was making another important phone call.

She'd asked permission to have a friend over for the day, and of course I said yes.




As I headed off to the Equestrian Center for the noon races, I waved to Charlie as he bounded up the porch steps.

"Hi and bye, Mrs. Swanson! Good luck to you and Sunshine!"

"Thanks Charlie! I should be back for dinner. You're welcome to join us, if you'd like to."

"I can always eat Mrs. Swanson! I'll call the Westmoreland's and let them know you've invited me. I'm sure they won't mind, they've been real busy with the new baby."




So things are moving right along for us here on the farm.

We're all busy taking care of the toddlers, teaching them their skills, and forming family friendships.

Kindle's hosted her first slumber party, which was quite the success, and she's striving to form teen friendships of her own.

Number one on her list is Charlie Yeager!

Will she be able to continue breaking down his defenses and form a true friendship?

Let's find out in Chapter 83: Unexpected Happenings
Coming soon.

[deedee_828]

Not wanting to be late for the first noon races, I galloped Sunshine through town to the Equestrian Center.

Sunshine was now so fast and her gait so fluid, it was almost like flying!




We got their with only a few minutes to spare before the first race, so I whispered and patted her encouragingly.

"We can do this girl! You are in prime condition and good form!"

My answer was a loud nicker and whinny that told me she agreed.




Back at the house, mom had gotten the toddlers set up with their toys.

Later she told me that Karina mastered her peg box skill, while Diwan started plunking away on the xylophone.

Since he was just learning, the noises were pretty bad, but his playing didn't seem to bother Karina as she happily played nearby.

Mom said it was the cutest thing when Diwan asked, "Like this, 'Rina? It doesn't sound so good!"

Karina kept popping blocks into her box, saying, "Teep playing. You'll get better D'wan. You can do it!"




Out in the entry hall, mom was getting in some exercise and keeping an eye on Kindle who was eagerly chatting with Charlie, getting to know him better.

She learned that he preferred small groups, enjoying being on his own even more.

That he was looking forward to the upcoming winter season, as he loves cold weather.

And most importantly, he was suspicious of over-friendly sims, especially girls his age, as he was not at all interested in causal flirting!

Showing his exasperation and disapproval with a wave of his arms, Charlie said, "Some girls just come on too strong! And flirting is just their way, doesn't even seem to matter if they like the guy or if he's shown an interest in them. It's just so fake and turns me right off!"




After learning that he'd gotten a part-time job at the Spa, as the school had encouraged all new teens to do, she asked, "Do you know if they have any more openings? I'd like to work there as well."

"I'm not really sure. I think they said something about that at orientation but I'd have to check my notes. If I don't write stuff down, it's in one ear and out the other!"

Kindle laughed and said, "You sound just like my dad, he forgets stuff all the time too! I'll call and ask tomorrow, as I'm waiting until after prom to apply. I don't want to have to take time off right after getting a new job!"




Then she continued with, "Speaking of prom, are you planning on going with anyone special?"

Charlie smiled and said, "You know I'm pretty selective about friends Kindle, I don't trust easily, due to my background. But when I do find a friend, being a Pisces, I want to spend as much time with them as possible. You've shown me that true friends don't use each other. I have to confess that I think you're dreamy Kindle! I'd like to go to prom with you and move our friendship to the next level!"




I'm sure Kindle's eyes flew open wide at Charlie's admission and invitation, but seeing her face didn't matter as her next words and actions came across loud and clear!

I'm glad it was just her grandmother who witnessed this, and not Leonard, as he'd have spiraled into another mid-life crisis!

Because Kindle moved into Charlie's arms, encircling him with her own, as she whispered, "No need to wait for prom to do that Charlie. I was hoping you felt the same way about me as I do you."




With the two teens bursting with the new emotions their confession of feelings and first romantic hug had brought about, it was inevitable that it would lead to a momentous event.

Their first kiss!




But Kindle didn't stop there!

Her new teen feelings were so overwhelming she couldn't resist giving in to them, especially since her fingers were itching for more physical contact and the tingle and rush it gave to her.

So she gave Charlie a back rub, all the more encouraged by his soft sighs and groans at her touch.




Then Charlie turned to face her and she stroked his cheek!

With his eyes glowing and piercing her own with his stare, like he could see into her inner most soul, and shared all he found there, Kindle took a deep breath…




And asked him to be her boyfriend!

I really love stuff like this, but even for me, it was a little too fast.

And I'm sure Leonard's going to go through the roof when he finds out.

I mean, Kindle's been a teenager for all of a day and she's had her first kiss and already has a boyfriend!?!

She's not even a hopeless romantic, so what happened to my level-headed, daughter?

Maybe I should have been as worried about that igloo comment as Leonard was!




I arrived home after winning both races we entered, bringing my winnings to just over 25,000 simoleans.

And I was just in time to see Kindle greeting our first Spooky Night trick-or-treaters.

While Charlie was trying to get acquainted with Wayfarer, and not having a lot of success.

I was puzzled as Wayfarer usually liked everyone, but my attention was quickly brought back to Kindle.




As even from my perch atop Sunshine, I could feel the electric sizzle of attraction between Kindle and the teen trick-or-treater.

Which was just wrong in so many ways!

First, Charlie was standing right there in the yard.

Secondly, the trick-or-treater was none other than her cousin, Anthony!!!




And they talked on and on, totally focused on one another!

Until Bianca, not even bothering to stifle her yawn, said, "Can you just drop the candy in his bucket so we can move on please!?! If you two take much longer I'll be needing a rocker! Really, cuz, get a grip!"




As darkness fell, I remembered Charlie was probably watching too, but when I looked he wasn't on the lawn anymore.

But a fiery glow was coming from the orchard and Kindle spotted it too!




The glow accompanied a blood-curdling howl of pain as Charlie transformed into his Lycan form!

I knew his eyes had a familiar glow, just like cousins Mitchel's, but with Charlie's beautiful, blue, fairy wings, I'd forgotten about his dual genetics until now, a night with a full moon.

A double whammy for Lycans as it coincided with Spooky Day!

And totally explained Wayfarer's negative reaction to the teen, as horses have a much keener sense of the supernatural, and don't much care for werewolves.




Before I could caution Kindle, she'd raced over to Charlie to see if he was okay.

"Don't look at me Kindle, I'm hideous, a monster!"

Puzzled, Kindle stepped closer and said, "You look fine Charlie. No difference that I can see. Our Rios Uncle and cousins get really wicked looking teeth, but you don't look any different!"

Charlie searched Kindle's face and seeing no fear or disgust, he asked, "Really?" Quickly running his hands over his face, he realized Kindle wasn't just being kind, his face was completely normal. "I've never changed before. I wasn't sure what to expect. Certainly not, nothing. I guess my fairy genes are dominant."

Then taking in the rest of Kindle's words, he asked, "You have Lycans in your family!?! And nobody minds?"




With a shrug Kindle said, "They're family, what's to mind? It takes a little getting used to when they change without warning, and their table manners are atrocious in their Lycan form, from what I've been told. But other than that, just regular supernaturals. Aggie's Corner is full of them. And we have genies, fairies, and vampires in the family too. Haven't you noticed them all around town?"

"Sure. I was a paperboy. I just thought each group kept to their own kind, especially the humans. Your family here is all human."

Kindle nodded and said, "Only because being a supernatural would give them longer life and we can't have that here on the farm. My great-grandmother Brooke, who started our farm, was under strict rules about things like that, and though the contract was between her and her dad, my grandmother and my mom, are trying to keep within the spirit of those rules. So the Farmacy heir can't marry any supernaturals with longer life."

Charlie's face shows his shock but Kindle quickly puts him out of his misery as she strokes his cheek and says, "But spares can marry whoever they want, so I've decided I'm not heir material!"

Charlie sighs as Kindle's touch sends a tremor through his sensitive Lycan form, and says, "Does your family know that?"

"They will! I'm planning on making it known very soon."

Behind the shed, I'd just mounted Wayfarer to get him used to my weight, and Kindle's words were crystal clear in the still night air.

So clear, I had to hold back my gasp of shock and dismay.

They say eavesdroppers don't ever hear anything good about themselves, and though it wasn't about me, finding out that Kindle had already decided being the next heir wasn't for her, hurt so much it was a physical ache in my chest.




And then I spotted a familiar form in white on the other side of the garden.

Mom was busy popping in some seeds that needed the cold of fall and winter to germinate come spring.

And at Kindle's words, she'd frozen in place, having the same pang of disappointment I had apparently.




But the teens were oblivious to mom's presence and, with Kindle's admission about choosing him over heirship, Charlie pulled Kindle in for a romantic hug.

Charlie, his arms holding Kindle close asked, "I can't believe you'd choose me over all this!  I've never known anyone like you before Kindle. Loved anyone before you! And I promise you won't regret making that choice. Our love, the two of us being together, is all that matters!"




I didn't want to alert the teens to my presence, so I carefully walked Wayfarer over behind the house.

I sat there stunned, taking in Kindle's words, and feeling the ache in my heart grow even more.

As eager as I was for Kindle to find someone to become a close friend, a male she wasn't related to, I'm afraid she's growing up too fast.

And it's all my fault!

I made the arrangements for the two paper boys to be fostered in town.

I never even thought about Charlie's fairy/werewolf genetics making him ineligible as an heir partner.

And with Kindle and Charlie's attachment growing into love, I put my daughter into the position of having to choose between love and heirship!

Being a hopeless romantic myself, I knew choosing love was inevitable.

But what I didn't know, before now, was just how much it would hurt.




As the saying goes here on the farm, I've certainly stepped in it!

But should I try to fix it and maybe make a bigger mess?

Or leave it up to Kindle to find her own way?

Maybe her feelings for Charlie will wane and the farm will become more important to her?

But how can I hope for that and have her break Charlie's heart!?!

It's only the beginning of Kindle's teen years and mom and I are already experiencing heartache and disappointment.

Then the thought strikes me, *What more could happen!?!*

And I shudder anew as my next thought is that you are NEVER supposed to ask that question!

Which turns out to be oh so true in Chapter 84: Monday's Mood Swing
Coming soon.

[deedee_828]

The next morning Kindle was up bright and early and heading to the kitchen as mom taught Diwan some words.

She'd been having a lot more success than Leonard, but she'd had a lot more practice too.




We'd thought Kindle was up early for breakfast, but dad found her struggling with her first teen homework.

She'd not realized she had an assignment until late Sunday night, so worrying about it through the night has put her in a bad mood.

Monday morning and her first teen mood swing! Not a great start to the week.

When Dad asked if she was okay, it was like striking a match!

Staring at her homework, her voice fierce, Kindle replied, "Do I look like I'm okay? It's barely dawn and I've no idea what this question means! I'd much rather be spending time chatting with Jamie, Charlie, or Anthony! Anything would be better than unexpected homework before my first day of school!"




Dad, with the experience of parenting two moody teen daughters of his own, replied mildly, "When your grandmother's done with your baby brother, I'm sure she'd love some help with her fall seedlings. Gardening can be very soothing to the soul."

But dad's mild tone did nothing to mitigate Kindle's outraged response, "That's all this family talks about! Planting seeds, tending the gardens, harvesting. I'm certainly not wasting my time doing menial chores like that! There is so much more to life than this farm!"




I was in the hall and saw mom's hurt look at Kindle's harsh words.

Though he didn't understand her words, Diwan looked ready to cry at his sister's raised voice.

I was outraged at Kindle's behavior, and started for the kitchen to take care of the problem, but Mom placed a gentle hand on my arm and shook her head.

And I realized she was right.

Knowing Kindle's true feelings was important, though hearing such negative views of the farm was painful, for both mom and me, as we loved it so much.




And Kindle continued to share her negative thoughts with dad, saying, "We live so far out of town, burglars don't even come out here! Not that I'd want our stuff stolen, but at least it would add some excitement to the place, besides just having boring vegetables!"

Dad didn't respond at first, just munched away on his breakfast sandwich, mulling over Kindle's words.




Then we heard dad's voice, calm but firm, "For starters young lady, the world doesn't revolve around you! The feelings, pressures, and moodiness of your teen years can be difficult to process, so I'll give you a pass this time, since you've just aged up. But if you think you're going to have all the fun of slumber parties, prom, and a boyfriend with none of the responsibilities, you'd better think again. Those 'boring vegetables' turn into farm fresh meals that you and your friends eat with relish. And the 'menial chores', that take up so much of your grandmother's and father's time, bring in a sizable income. One that provides you with all the necessities of life and then some. Didn't you get a whole new wardrobe after your birthday?"

Kindle's reply was so low, mom and I almost didn't catch it, as she replied meekly, "Yes, Grandpa."

Hearing the repentance in her voice, dad softened his tone, "We don't expect everyone to have the farm in their heart Kindle, but we do expect respect for the hard work this family puts into this farm. And part of that respect is sharing in that responsibility, to at least some extent. Do you understand?"

Kindle's words were even more muffled and we could hear held back tears as she answered, "Ye…s. I'm sorry Grandpa. I didn't mean to be disrespectful. I was planning on letting everyone know I don't have my heart set on the farm, but not in such a mean way. It just came out all wrong."

"I know, Kindle. But thoughtless words can hurt much more than you intend. It's a lesson we all have to learn as we grow up. Usually AFTER we've hurt someone's feelings. Your grandmother and baby brother are in the hall, and I'm sure your words were loud enough to be heard. And if you listen, I'm sure you can hear Diwan's whimpers at your raised voice."




Though we all missed it, Kindle was feeling pretty bad about her outburst and she confided in the only one she thought would understand.

"I messed things up completely Peanut! I wanted to let my family know that I wasn't planning to stay on the farm, but not in such a mean way. I think you're the only friend I have in the whole house now! What can I do to fix this?"

"When I mess up, I try to help out around the house. Couldn't you do that to?"

"That's a great idea, Peanut! I could take out the trash, clean up the dishes, do some laundry." Wrinkling her nose she added, "Maybe even help out in the garden."

Peanut glanced out the window and said, "I don't think plants are growing much right now. The leaves are already turning."

Kindle brightened, then slumped dejectedly, "I'm sure something will need tending, and the plants in the nectary are always growing! Chores like that never stop on the farm. But maybe I could fill the horses' water trough and throw out some hay, that appeals to me more than gardening. But no time for that now. I have to get ready for school or I'll be late! That won't help me one little bit!"




After Kindle left for school, Mom's thoughts were still on this morning's drama.

So much so that she couldn't even hide them from dear ghostly Grandpa Jerad as he appeared while she was helping Diwan use the potty.

"What's troubling you Summer? Potty training shouldn't be causing such a worried look on your face!"

"Oh dad! I was hoping I was hiding my thoughts better than that, but I've never been good at hiding my feelings. It's Kindle! She's just become a teen and she's doing and saying things so out of character for the sweet girl we know and love. Such big changes and so fast."

"I think you've hit upon the reason already Summer. She's just become a teen! If I remember correctly, your Breeze made some poor choices in her teen years, too. And you and your sisters had me pulling my hair out! Not that you ever gave us any trouble, there were just boys everywhere, human, genie, werewolf and fairy. But everything turned out for the best in the end. It will for Kindle too. She's just stretching her wings, getting her feet wet, getting used to her new teen self. It happens with all teens, just a part of the process of growing up. You raised five of your own and they all turned out well. Don't worry so much Summer."

"You're right dad! I guess it's just been awhile since we've had a moody teen in the house and her negative feelings about the farm, they took me by surprise. But Nolan handled it well and Kindle did apologize to him for being so disrespectful. Though I think she's avoiding me. She didn't even say goodbye before she left for school."

"Out of embarrassment, I'm sure Summer. Knowing you're in the wrong, having to confront someone you've hurt and apologize, it takes a lot of courage to do that, just give her some time to work it out."

"That's a good idea dad. You always know just what to say, which is probably why we all turned out fine!"




"Thanks for taking care of our Summer so well, Nolan.  I had my doubts with you hating the outdoors, and I know I've not said it often enough, but she made the best choice for a partner here on the farm! I've seen your nectary and you've done a wonderful job with it. Some lucky lad or lass down the line will appreciate such a fine nectar cellar, I'm sure. Though it doesn't sound like that will be Kindle."

"No, she made her feelings quite clear this morning, but I'm hoping it was more being a new teen and the stress of unexpected homework, and not a permanent part of her life view. She did apologize and seemed repentant for her words. But thanks for the compliment, Jerad. I really hope all my hard work will fulfill a future generations hopes one day, along with adding to the family wealth as they sell some of my premium bottles. For now, we're just letting it age and become more and more valuable."

"That's a good plan, Nolan, saving that for future generations. We didn't have much to start with but our own hard work and determination, but you've got the Red Berry Bean cash crop that is quite the money maker now. Gives the family a nice cushion to live off of, as well as make all future expansions possible."

"And Rielle has plans to breed the horses, and use Wayfarer for stud services soon. Her winnings don't bring in anything like the beans, but she enjoys the thrill of training and racing."

Jerad laughed and said, "Not much comes close to those beans money-wise, unless it's winning the lottery!"




I heard Leonard stirring in our room, so I went back in and confessed to him how much of a mess I'd made of things after over-hearing Kindle's conversation with dad.

Pushing Kindle to have a special friend, only to have her choose a boy over staying on the farm!

And so quickly too.

Even though they smoothed it over, I couldn't get Charlie's angry eyes out of my mind when he rejected Kindle's gift, and I confessed my fears about that to.

Leonard was shocked to learn how far things had progressed between Kindle and Charlie, but instead of blaming me, he just held me close as I sobbed into his shoulder, "She's making this choice and deciding something so important so soon! She doesn't even know Charlie that well, yet. And it's all my fault!"




After consoling me, Leonard went to check on Diwan, to make sure he wasn't still upset.

But our happy-go-lucky son was all smiles and had moved on from the upset of the loud morning, though dad looked lost in somber thoughts as he rocked nearby.

Leonard gave Diwan some morning tickles and a snuggle, before he started his own day with some breakfast and a shower.




Then he was off at a run to help mom with our last fall harvest before winter came.

According to the weather channel, a big storm was headed our way and with the severe drop in temperature that was expected, that meant snow!




Then Leonard helped out in the nectary, removing barren plants to make room for new perfect seedlings.

He noticed there were some life plants and grapes ready for harvest, and he made a note to tell dad, as dad preferred harvesting the delicate specialty plants himself.




I did some light exercises to limber up before training and racing today.

It always helps my mood to get my blood running first, and then add the joy of running like the wind on Sunshine.




With our last harvest in, mom headed across town to consign our final crop of the season.

With that done, she settled down to relax a moment in the rocker in front of a blazing fire, while she chatted with the consignment specialist.

But her moment of peace was shattered when our cousin Flynn came through the door, and greeted mom with, "I see you've gotten even lazier since you became an elder Auntie Summer!"




Mom's smile belied the spurt of anger she felt at Flynn's negative greeting, and she did her best to laugh with him as she said, "You caught me sitting down Flynn! You're looking quite pleased with yourself though, so I'm guessing things are going well for you and your family?"

With an extravagant wave of his arm, Flynn said, "Of course, I always make sure things go my way Auntie! No one would dare cross me. Seems I've even scared Breeze off, finally!"

Mom wasn't sure what Flynn's words meant, but his arrogant attitude had her thinking, *same old Flynn*




But her curiosity was aroused enough to ask, "Scared off Breeze? I hope you're still not sneaking up behind her Flynn, you're both adults now, time to put childish pranks behind you!"

Flynn, his temperament even worse as he'd grown older, snarled, "Of course not!" Then as light dawned in his eyes he said, "She hasn't told you yet, has she!?!"

"Told me what?"

Delighted that he's getting to share the gossip going around town, especially knowing it will hurt Mom, he said with glee, "That with so many of the original families living in town, making it harder to find partners for our younger generations, half the town's decided to relocate. Breeze is at the top of the list for those wanting to move to Starlight Shores, along with other musicians and athletes looking for the limelight. They know it can't be found in this town! Not that any of the losers around here would ever make anything of themselves! Only those of us with true talent ever become famous! My name's a household word in my business, one that instills respect!"

Mom couldn't help it and her eyes blazing, yelled, "It's not respect but fear Flynn! And that's certainly nothing to be proud of. Only those like you get joy from causing hurt to others. If Breeze and other families in town have decided that such drastic measures are necessary, you've missed the whole point! Yes, it may help further their careers, but they're not just doing it for themselves, it's for the families they're leaving behind here in Aggie's Corner! It's not an easy thing to pull up stakes from the only town you've ever known, and start over in a new place. It takes guts, courage, and selflessness. But those are things you wouldn't know anything about!"




To our surprise, Kindle started doing chores around the house right after she got home from school.

Unclogging the upstairs commode, which earned her a handiness skill point by the time she was finished.




Then she noticed the hamper was full, so she grabbed a  load of clothes.

And she did it quite cheerfully, maybe not with a smile, but at least not with a chip on her shoulder.



 
Heading downstairs, she even checked the other hampers, grabbing clothes from both bedrooms.




And knowing how much dad and I exercise down in the nectary, she headed down there too.

I passed her as she was coming outside and I couldn't help but commend her with, "Thanks for helping out Kindle. A few chores around the house goes a long way in showing responsibility."

"Thanks mom. Grandpa helped me see that this morning."




Once she had a good size load, she threw it in the washer, added detergent, and started it up.

"That wasn't so bad. Helping out and having mom notice actually made me feel a lot better Peanut."

I wasn't sure who she was talking too, but at that point, having her help out and do it cheerfully, I didn't really care.

But when I heard her say, "Now for the apologies. That's going to be the hard part," I made myself scarce.




I peeked back down the hall to see her almost bump into mom.

Mom had just brought Diwan inside and popped him down by the play area, so she was right outside the laundry room when Kindle stepped out.

"Oh, Grandma, you're just the person I needed to see. I wanted to say I'm sorry for this morning. I, I…wanted to tell you how I felt about staying on the farm, but…it came out all wrong. I'm so sorry for making you feel bad, for scaring Diwan with my yelling. Can you forgive me?"




Mom pulled her in for a hug, saying, "Of course, Kindle! We just want you to do what makes you happy. Not everyone is cut out for a life on the farm."

"But there's a nice way to do that and a not so nice way and I didn't choose the right one."

"We all make mistakes Kindle. It's learning from them that shows maturity. Apologizing is a hard lesson to learn."

"And as soon as I change, I have one more to attend to, whether Diwan understands or not, I still need to make the effort. "




Picking up her baby brother, Kindle said softly, "I'm sorry I scared you this morning little man. Forgive, sissy?"

Diwan just cuddled close, loving the attention from his big sister.

As Kindle hugged him tight, she added, "You're the easy one, but Grandma let me off the hook pretty easy too."




Kindle's first day of high school started off pretty badly, but she redeemed herself by doing chores around the house and apologizing.

So now we can move on to happier events without hurt feelings clouding our busy week.

Prom is scheduled for mid-week and Snowflake Day is Friday, two big events.

But before that we have Karina's birthday!

So put on your party hat and join me and my family as we celebrate.

I'll have all the details in Chapter 85: Karina's Birthday and Bad News
Coming soon.

[deedee_828]

We planned the party early, right after Kindle got home from school Tuesday, and after Karina's afternoon nap.

No sense trying to have a party with a cranky toddler!

Then mom got in some last toddler tickles with the birthday girl.

Karina's hair had gotten so long, we'd been pulling it into a long pony tail on one side, and cut the front into cute bangs so she wouldn't chew on any stray strands.




Then it was Leonard's turn to get in some final toddler time with Karina.

I knew he was struggling with another baby girl growing up, and I was feeling a bit nostalgic as well.




While we got the cake ready, we let Karina and Diwan have one last toddler time together at the blocks table.

I couldn't hold back my smile when Diwan said, "Pawty with cake 'Rina! I likes cake!"

And Karina's answer, "Much better than blocks, 'specially the frosting!"




Then it was time and, despite my tinge of sadness at losing our sweet baby girl, I smiled and carried her proudly to her cake.




I thought she'd need some help with the candles, but she bent down and blew them out all by herself.




I set her down as we all cheered and sang happy birthday.

And snapped one last photo of our sweet toddler.




Then we all hear the doorbell and Kindle yells, "I'll get it! It's probably Charlie. We're doing homework ahead so we don't have to worry about it tomorrow night!"

As Karina started to sparkle and twirl, Leonard's face showed just how nervous he was about losing his baby girl.




And her long hair disappears and she gets Breeze's cyclops teen hair!

This may be an okay hairstyle for a boy, but it did nothing for Breeze as a teen, and it does nothing for my sweet little Karina either!




A quick trip to the mirror and a change of clothes and Karina grabs the first piece of birthday cake.




I stepped out onto the back porch and heard Kindle chatting away with Charlie about their plans for the future.

It seems like Breeze's and the other families' plans to relocate had trickled down to the teens as well.

Kindle, her voice full of excitement, said, "And we wouldn't have to settle for just a neighboring town, we could go anywhere Charlie! My Aunt Breeze and her family are flying to Starlight Shores soon. Along with quite a few other families in town."

She stopped abruptly as a horrible thought struck her and she said, her voice trembling now, "The Westmoreland's aren't leaving are they Charlie?!?"

Charlie smiled and said, "No. They decided the baby is too small for such a big move right now. But don't worry Kindle, I wouldn't have gone with them. I would have found a way to stay in town to be with you! We belong together."




After cake, the teens started practicing some dances for prom and one look at Charlie's face had us believing his words wholeheartedly.

He was beaming as they danced together, his whole attitude toward Kindle one of love and trust since she'd proven herself a true friend, not someone who was trying to use him.

Maybe things will work out even though these two are so young.

After all, discussing it with mom later, she and dad had met as children, just like me and Leonard.

And though Charlie hadn't had the benefit of growing up in loving family environment, it seems that living with the Westmoreland's and having Kindle's friendship had truly changed his outlook on life.




Kindle's cousins, Anthony and Bianca, came over to work on home work too.

The teens were all excited about prom and none of them wanted to worry about homework assignments during their big night.

But stepping out on the porch, I could see the fog and low hanging clouds and it didn't look good for tomorrow's weather.

It wasn't raining but the temperature had started dropping, so I encouraged them to come inside and finish their assignments with Kindle and Charlie in the kitchen.




Walking inside, I see Karina just getting up to take care of her empty plate.

Smiling, I ask, "Second piece Karina?"

Kindle laughs and says, "I had her finish mine mom! I don't want my prom dress to be too tight! I can eat cake after prom."

"And I'm sure little miss sweet tooth didn't protest one little bit either!"

"I sure didn't mom! Kindle's piece had extra frosting on it!"

"Imagine that, extra frosting and she just happens to decide she doesn't want it."

My daughters shared a conspiratorial grin and Kindle said, "That's what big sisters are for mom!"

I smiled and nodded, adding, "Exactly right."

The cheerful banter banished my earlier misgivings and my heart filled with love for both my daughters, content that despite their age difference, they shared a sisterly bond.




As Karina helpfully rinsed her plate and put it in the dishwasher, I asked, "Have you thought about a birthday present sweetie? Your daddy and I thought we'd let you choose afterward, so you could make it something special."

"I don't really want anything special mom, like a toy or a doll. What I'd really like is to learn how to fish! Could that be my birthday present?"

"Well, the weather's turned cold and it looks like we could be in for a big storm, so all the ponds will probably freeze up. But we could check with the one of the local businesses and see if they have a beginner class you could take. How does that sound?"

Before Karina could answer, Kindle nervously asked, "Storm? Mom! That would ruin prom night!"

As gently as I could I said, "If the storm they're predicting happens Kindle, there won't be a prom. At least not this week. But if it gets postponed or cancelled you could always throw a party and get together with your friends when the weather's better."

Her voice trembling, Kindle said, "But…that wouldn't be the same thing at all! Oh, this will ruin everything!"




Before I can try to think of something to say, a way to put a positive spin on it, Charlie gathered Kindle in his arms and said, "It'll be okay Kindle. The storm hasn't happened yet. And if it does, prom could be re-scheduled. Aggie's Corner doesn't have very long winters and it might be nicer to have it in the Spring anyway."

Kindle looked doubtful, but with Charlie's arms around her, and the hopeful look on his face as he tried to cheer her up, she just hugged him back, and whispered, "I guess."

And as I look past them through the windows, I see what the teens have missed, snow is already coming down fast and furious and the ground is covered with it!

But it doesn't take long for Kindle to notice and she wails, "No, no, no! Not tonight!"

I tell them I'm going to go out front and check the roads, to make sure it's safe for Charlie and Breeze's twins to drive home.




On the front porch, I find Mom and dad are sharing a romantic moment totally oblivious to the snow blowing all around.

So I give them some privacy and head to the road.

Moments later, Charlie joins me and  says, "I think I need to head home Mrs. Swanson, before the Westmoreland's start to worry! It's really coming down out here. It was so beautiful this afternoon, who would have thought we'd have a snowstorm like this! Kindle's pretty upset though, I hate to leave her."

"It's okay Charlie. We'll try to calm her down. She really had her heart set on prom ever since they made the announcement. But what's important now is you and the twins getting home safely. Please call us and let us know."

"I will Mrs. Swanson." Then his face looks a bit sheepish as he adds, "I was planning on calling Kindle anyway, a goodnight phone call."

"That's fine Charlie, just make sure that on school nights you guys say goodnight by 11, okay? You both need your sleep." But with a sigh I add, "Though I don't think there will be school tomorrow."

Charlie, out of Kindle's hearing, said, "I didn't want to say this since Kindle was so upset, but I love snow and cold weather Mrs. Swanson! I don't even mind giving up prom for it!"

I laughed and said, "Probably a wise move not to mention that Charlie! But I think most boys your age, and probably a quite a few older ones, feel the same way! They'd much rather do anything besides dress up and go to a formal party!"




After seeing Charlie off, I go inside to find mom and dad dancing away in the entry.

They may be elders but they still have plenty of energetic moves!

And if that glance of mom's is anything to go by, she still finds having dad's attention quite flattering.

Despite their dancing and flirty looks, I feel a pang of sadness as I know Grim's next visits  are going to be a painful ones.

But I shake off the sadness as it's still Karina's birthday and I don't want anyone, least of all her, picking up on my somber thoughts.




Then Karina talks Kindle into a game of chess, but Kindle is far from happy with the turn of events.

Her face showing her anger and disappointment, she shouts, "Mom! Just look at it outside. Why couldn't we live in a tropical paradise? Then we wouldn't have things ruined by…," with a look at my raised eyebrows, Kindle adds, "stupid…snow!"

I sigh and say, "I'm sorry sweetheart. But you're not the only one who may be disappointed, your sister's first day of school may get put off too."

Kindle, parroting her Grandpa's words says, "I know, I know. The world doesn't just revolve around me." Then slumping dejectedly in her chair she adds, "But why does it feel stacked against me!?!"




Early the next morning, I checked the school messages and it was indeed closed, and all school events cancelled.

No surprise really, as when I looked outside, the yard and house were covered in a blanket of snow and more was coming down.

I couldn't resist the lure of freshly fallen snow, so dressing warmly, I went outside and got a fantastic photo of our farm.

I know the snow had ruined Kindle's prom night but it glistened and sparkled wherever the light touched it and looked absolutely beautiful.




But when Kindle awoke and looked outside, her reaction was not mine or Charlie's.

In fact, the howl she let out when she remembered the snow had me running upstairs.

And when I saw this look on her face, I knew she'd seen that prom was, indeed, cancelled.

"Why is everything conspiring against me to ruin my life!?!" she moaned.

"Kindle you know it didn't snow just to spite you," I said, trying not to laugh at her dramatic face.

But there must have been too much humor in my tone because she asked, "Do you actually think this is funny Mom!?!"

"No, no, of course not, Kindle." Hoping to distract her, I added, "Oh, Karina didn't make her bed, do you think you could make hers too? Or better yet, I'll send her up and you can show her how."




After yanking the covers up and smoothing them down on her own bed, she quickly walked over to her sister's bed and did the same, saying, "I'm so NOT in the mood to be giving bed making lessons! I'll just do it myself!"

I wanted to say something upbeat, but I was sure Kindle wasn't in the mood for that either, so I just sighed, and hoped the rest of today wasn't going to go from bad to worse.

Kindle had only been a teen for four days and she'd woken up on two of them in a bad mood!

As that thought struck me, I wondered how my grandparents and parents had made it through the teenage years with five kids, and for poor Grandma Brooke and Grandpa Jerad, four of them had been girls!




Despite Kindle's bad mood, she dressed warmly and went outside to scatter hay for the horses, then she came inside and started making breakfast.

Her first attempt at waffles had turned out pretty much on par with my own first cooking attempts, but this batch came out great and we all complimented Kindle on her cooking.

Kindle accepted our compliments graciously, but there was a look in her eye as we ate breakfast that I couldn't quite fathom.

But if I knew my daughter or teenage girls at all, I knew her head was spinning with some scheme or other!




After breakfast, the flurries had stopped, though they were supposed to start again later this evening, so all town and school evening events were still cancelled, as a precaution.

The roads were still a bit precarious for car travel, since the outlying roads hadn't been plowed yet, but Wayfarer needed some exercise and he was sure footed enough to get me to the Equestrian Center and back home safely.

Though tonight's races at the Center had been canceled, the center was open today for other services, so after our ride, I brought Wayfarer in  and offered him up for stud service.

To my delighted surprise, even with his racing skill only at 5 and his jumping skill at 3, his services brought in over $1300 simoleans!

That's more money than I'd won racing Sunshine in some of her beginner events.

When I asked the attendant about it, he said that stud service as well as training horses and then selling them, could turn quite the profit.

His words had me so deep in thought that I'd forgotten about the look in Kindles' eyes this morning.




And if I'd been home to see Kindle almost falling out of the computer chair as she hemmed and hawed over the site she was looking at, I would have even been more concerned!

Because I'd been right!

Kindle definitely had something on her mind.

Something that would leave us all with no doubts as to just how responsible Kindle really was and how much more growing up she had to do!

Especially since she quickly changed screens and acted like she was totally innocent and just playing a video game.

But, of course, the truth came out later.




Karina's birthday went off without a hitch, though with the unexpected blizzard, her first day of school, as well as Kindle's prom, was cancelled.

And though Kindle had complained bitterly about it first thing that morning, she'd settled down and done some chores and even made breakfast.

And I'd taken Wayfarer on his first long ride, over to the Equestrian Center, to offer him up for stud services that brought in an unexpected tidy sum, more than some of Sunshine's race winnings.

But I'd suspected Kindle had some idea or other bouncing around in that pretty little head of hers and I was right.

Though we'd didn't find out about any of it until after it was all said and done.

This next part of my journal is Kindle's story to tell as she was there and Leonard and I felt it only fair that she relive it all as she recounted the whole sorry tale.

Sit tight as she reveals what happened in Chapter 86: Kindle's Confession
Coming soon.

[deedee_828]

I'm not happy about having to recount this for mom's journal but it's part of my punishment so I'm just going to get started and get it over with as soon as possible.

Since I've been a teen, I've already stepped in it quite a few times, as sims around here would say.

I really hate that expression! It's just so corny and country!

But it really shows the mentality of the sims here in Aggie's Corner.

I know that's mean, but I'm not feeling very nice right at the moment.

You wouldn't feel great either if you got grounded, which I am!

And I get that I made some bad decisions, but nobody got hurt, well, not physically hurt.

Though having to listen to dad's lecture made my chest ache horribly and gave me a stomach ache too.

And it really wasn't my fault! Stupid snow!

I know one thing for sure, as soon as I'm out of school, I'm moving to someplace warm and tropical, like Starlight Shores or Sunlit Tides, or maybe even Isla Paradiso!

Someplace where the weather doesn't ruin everything.

That's why all of this happened anyway.

I've looked over mom's previous chapters and she already mentioned the blizzard that ruined my life.

And how she's the one that gave me the idea of having a party in the first place.

 So I'll continue from there.

The site I'd been looking at was the website for The Grind, the dance club in town.

I know it was wrong, but mom said I could throw a party, so not totally wrong. Right?

Well, that's how I justified it anyway, when I pretended I was mom when I filled out the on-line form and I even snuck her debit card to pay the $400 rental fee!

Then I called and invited all the teens in our high school to the club, 23 of them, so we could still have our prom.

That evening just as I needed to leave, the doorbell rang, giving me the perfect excuse to answer it and sneak outside.

It was my cousin Cole from across the street, and he was out trick or treating!

"Cole, Spooky Night is over, why are you here?"

"I had my birthday last night and since I missed it, dad said to come over and you'd give me candy anyway."

"Well, you're in luck, since it falls in with my own plans, I'll gladly give you candy so I can be on my way."

"On your way? Dad made me promise to come right home, because it's already snowing. He said we're supposed to get another storm and it's not going to be safe on the roads tonight."

"You let me worry about that. Here's a few extra pieces for keeping my secret. Just between cousins!"

"Wow, thanks Kindle. I thought you'd be a stuck up teen, but you're alright."




I followed Cole to the road and ignored the huge flakes of snow falling all around me.

I knew the flutter in my stomach wasn't just anticipation for seeing Charlie and my friends at The Grind, it was the pangs of doubt as to this being a good idea.

Cole words came back to me about the snow making the roads unsafe.

But I couldn't back out now, not when all my friends had agreed to meet me there.

So I took a deep breathe of the frosty air, slipped the keys of the motive mobile out of my pocket and jumped inside!




I had a few anxious moments as though the roads weren't covered yet, they were a bit slippery.

Being a new driver and unused to such driving conditions, I slowed down and hoped my friends did the same, and arrived safely.

That fluttery feeling came back to my stomach as I wondered what the roads would be like in a few hours, but I shook my head to get that thought out of it and just focused closely on driving.




The town roads were a little better than the ones out by us, and once I arrived at The Grind, and saw all my classmates, I was just thrilled that they'd all showed up and we were going to celebrate our prom after all.

The snow had picked up and was swirling around everyone faster and heavier than before, so we all hustled inside.




I was one of the first ones to change into my prom dress and start dancing to the music.

After everything I'd done to make this happen, I wasn't going to waste a minute of prom night!

With the weather, I hadn't expected the place to have such a crowd besides my class.

But when I mentioned it, the proprietor told me that the form hadn't specified that it was an exclusive party, and that teens needed chaperones anyway, so to just think of them like that.

Since it was supposed to have been my mom that scheduled the party, I didn't really have a choice but to accept that and go have fun and dance.




Soon the rest of my classmates joined me and the dance floor was a crush of teens in various dress, some staying in everyday clothes, while others had brought formal dresses and suits.

Charlie's foster brother, Curtis, had aged up to teen the night before and I'd promised Charlie I'd make sure he had a good time too and didn't feel left out.

To fulfill my promise, when he came out onto the dance floor looking a bit nervous, I headed over, introduced myself and tried to make him feel at ease.

When a song came on that had his eyes lighting up, I told him I liked it too and asked him to dance.




He smiled and happily agreed and soon we were shaking our booty and everything else to the rockin' beat.

For a new teen, Curtis had some nice dance moves, so I kept focused on dancing rather than conversation, so I could keep up.




Then Charlie asked me to dance and my heart fluttered at seeing him looking so handsome in his dark tux.

As we danced together, he smiled and said, "Thanks for dancing with Curtis and making him feel more comfortable in our crowd. By the way he's looking at you, I think you've definitely made a new friend. Maybe I should be jealous!?!" he added, teasingly.

"Nope. My heart's already taken by a glowing eyed Lycan with beautiful blue wings!"




At my words, Charlie gave me that look that melts my insides, like he could see straight into my heart.

"I feel the same way about you Kindle. You've opened up my heart, not just for friendship, but for love. I've never trusted anyone before you to allow that to happen."




Then he smiled one of his rare sweet smiles and said, "I hope a slow dance comes on soon. You've already filled up my heart, but I want you in my arms"

Charlie's words had my heart beating faster and my fingers tingling to touch him.




A few minutes later, Charlie's wish was answered and I felt his strong arms come around me and hold me close.

Though the music was loud, I heard his sigh as my arms encircled his waist.

Then he murmured, "This is where you belong Kindle, in my arms. I didn't think prom really mattered all that much to me, but seeing you in your dress looking so beautiful, dancing close like this, it's a memory I'll cherish forever."

Then he tipped his head towards mine and no more words were needed.




When his lips met mine, everything disappeared, the bright lights, the music, and all the sims around us.

It was like Charlie and I were the only two sims in the whole word.

The kiss went on and on, and I never wanted it to stop!

Everyone talks about a perfect moment in your life and I thought this one was mine.




But soon most of my class headed home, obeying their curfews, and all those that were driving were muttering worriedly about the roads.

The snow had continued, and even gotten worse, while we'd all been dancing and socializing inside.

But I couldn't bear to leave, I was floating on cloud nine and could still feel the heat of Charlie's kiss on my lips, so I just kept dancing.

And that's where I told mom and dad the night ended, with me dancing alone for hours just lost in love.

Which was only partially true, as though I did dance for a bit after my classmates left, I wasn't alone for long.

And I was no longer thinking of Charlie, but of a tall, dark, and handsome stranger!

Which is just between my head, heart and my diary!

And Aunt Danica, but I'm getting ahead of myself.




I'll remember that moment for the rest of my life!

With the crowd thinned down, that's when I noticed him for the first time, dancing on the counter.

His smile warm and welcoming and his eyes meeting mine across the dance floor.




My heart did a flip as I realized I wasn't imagining it, he was looking straight at me.

I turned away, my heart beating faster as my cheeks flushed, and I knew what was going to happen next, and I didn't even try to stop it.

Didn't want to stop it.

His first words were the typical pick up line, "I've seen shooting stars that aren't as bright as you sweetheart!"




I turned and said, "And flowers don't come close to smelling as heavenly as you do!" Then I laughed and said, "It's lines like those that give romance a bad name."

His smile grew and, instead of taking offense, he said, "True, but it helps break the ice and let's the recipient know exactly what's on my mind. Though I wasn't expecting the snappy comeback from one as young as yourself."




I knew it was playing with fire but I said it anyway, "I'm not the school-girl miss you think I am. I'll be out of school soon and out of this one-horse town soon after that."

His eyes brightened at my words, and he clapped his hands as he replied, "Now that's a sentiment I could get behind! I've been looking for someone brave enough to join me on an adventure, but those sims are few and far between. I'm Trevor, by the way. What's your name? I think we definitely need to get to know each other better!"

"Kindle. Kindle Swanson."

His eyes stared into mine as he whispered, "So not soft and sweet, but fiery! Quite fitting for someone who's also a Dean, a beautiful burning flame! And with dance moves to keep the candle burning all night long!"




I could feel my cheeks flushing again at his words, so I tried to take the attention off me saying, "You're not so bad yourself, if those moves on the counter are anything to go by! Quite the party animal it seems!"

His eyes hadn't left my face and his intense stare was making the butterflies in my stomach dance, but his words had them somersaulting and doing black flips when he lowered is voice and said, "They're even better with the right partner."

But then the 'closing time' announcement was made and saved me from responding to that wide-open remark.

We all donned our outerwear and made our way to the main exit.




Just as Trevor asked for my number, I bumped into my Aunt Danica, who'd I'd totally forgotten I'd seen earlier that evening.

And her words struck me like knives, sharper than the cold night air, as she said, "Kindle!?! It's a school night and you've just started high school, shouldn't you have left with the rest of your class? Do your parents know that you're still here? The roads are pretty bad, especially for someone that just got her license. I better drive you home! Wait here while I get my jacket."

I saw the light go out of Trevor's eyes to be replaced by a wary look as he took in the words, 'just started high school' and my heart plummeted as he quickly turned away into the crowd.




I was so embarrassed! And angry!

When Aunt Danica came back out in her jacket, the words just flew out of my mouth, "Thanks a lot Aunt Danica, for treating me like a child! Now Trevor will never speak to me again!"

"Kindle, you ARE a child! And you don't need to be hanging around with Trevor! He may be my younger brother, but he's still older and much more worldly than you are. For your own safety, please hang out with your teen friends. Hey, don't you have a boyfriend? Charlie, with the blue wings?"

At the mention of Charlie's name, I felt sick inside! What was wrong with me?

One minute I was thinking of Charlie's sweet kiss and then the next making eyes at a stranger!

Then Aunt Danica's words came through my emotional turmoil, "Kindle? I'm sorry. I didn't mean to embarrass you. I can see by your face that you were just caught up in the moment, in the thought of romance. Just let this be a lesson for you and we'll keep it between us girls, okay?"




Aunt Danica drove me home and did me the courtesy of not lecturing me for the whole ride.

When we got to the farm, I was shocked when I realized the light was the sun coming up!

I'd never planned on being out all night.

I tiptoed up the front porch steps and quietly opened the door, breathing a sigh of relief at the sleeping stillness of the house.

Until dad's voice startled me saying, "Good morning, young lady! I hope you enjoyed your all nighter. It'll definitely be your last outing for a good long time!"




Before I could say anything, dad was standing in front of me, shaking his finger angrily in front of my face!

"We trusted you Kindle! To not only make good decisions, but to keep yourself safe. And what did you do? You not only endangered your own life but the lives of all your friends too! The roads are icy and slippery, and with all the curves and hills, not meant for new teen drivers. But instead of thinking of that, all you cared about was putting on a pretty dress and going dancing! Your sister just became a child, and THIS is the example you show her, of how NOT to be a responsible teen!?! Not to mention that fact, that you used your mother's debit card for the $400 rental fee! Yes, the bank called, so we already know that part too. They were suspicious of such an expensive purchase, so they called to confirm it, to make sure the card hadn't been lost or stolen. After checking with The Grind, your mother was surprised to find out that she booked the place for a party tonight. So…we hope you really had a good time because you are GROUNDED! You will go to school, do homework, and then chores. Lots and lots of chores! $400 worth of chores!"




With my ears burning from the blistering of dad's words, I clenched my fists, screwed up my face, and stomped by foot, shouting, "Ooh, that's so unfair!"




And then anger took over and I said, "I miss my prom and now you do this!?!  No one got hurt. And I'll pay the money back. I'll get a part time job, which is better than chores, because it'll bring in real money. Enough to cover the rental fee of the club and pay for the limo when they re-schedule prom."




And then dad shocked me completely when he said, "No, Kindle. No bargaining. You won't be getting a part time job, but you will be doing chores. And as far as prom goes, unless you start showing some sense and responsibility, even if it does get re-scheduled, you won't be attending!"

"But dad…"

"No but's! In fact, I don't want to hear another word." And dad snapped his fingers closed in front of my face! Adding, "Unless you'd like me to extend your house arrest until you're a young adult!"

I wanted to protest; scream, cry, anything except accept dad's words, but I'd never seen him so angry.

Or so disappointed.

I think that hurt worst of all.

That I had caused that look on dad's face.




Dad's look not withstanding, or mom's, or grandma's or grandpa's, as I can barely look any one of them in the face, I'm still angry.

But after writing all of this down, I'm not only angry with mom and dad, but angry with myself too.

Because dad was right.

I was thoughtless and selfish, only wanting to wear my pretty dress and have a romantic night with Charlie.

And though that did happen, I also ruined just how special that was by flirting with Trevor.

I trust Aunt Danica not to say anything, but what if someone else noticed and Charlie finds out?

So now I've not only lost my parents and my grandparents trust, but I could lose Charlie's too!

As I was thinking of both of them, Charlie and Trevor, it struck me how alike they are, both having dark good looks and piercing eyes.

Maybe that's why I found Trevor so attractive, because he was like an older, more confident, version of Charlie!?!

Oh what a mess I've made of things!

I really hope Grandpa was right about gardening soothing the soul because mine could use some soothing.

I'll be turning mom's journal back over to her now, and I hope I'm never featured in it like this again.

But I'm sure she'll have lots to tell you in Chapter 87: Triple Celebration- Part 1
Coming soon.

[deedee_828]

After her father's lecture, being grounded, and confessing her actions in my journal, Kindle stomped around the house doing a few chores before school.

I'm sure it's partly due to her father's admonitions, partly because she feels unjustly punished, and partly because she knows what she did was wrong.

At least we're hoping she realizes the bad choices she made, and that she'll learn from the experience.

Karina doesn't notice Kindle's attitude at first, with all of her excitement about her first day of school.

As she plays with Heidi, she asks, "Isn't it thrilling going to school for the first time Kindle!?! Meeting your teacher and all the new students? I can't wait to make friends with kids my own age."

Kindle doesn't respond, just stares mutely out the window, not focused on anything outside of her own inner teenage turmoil.

"Kindle? Are you okay? Have I done something to make you mad at me?"

Listening in the hall, I want to interrupt to make sure Kindle doesn't say something that will hurt Karina's feelings, but I hesitate, and my opportunity is lost.

Thankfully, Kindle responds, though a bit dully, "No Karina, it's not you or anything you've done. In fact, it's something I did all by myself. But a word of warning kid, don't be quick to want to grow up and become a teen. It's definitely not all it's cracked up to be."




With the girls off to school, Leonard and I sit together on the couch, wondering where we went wrong.

But after hashing it over for a few minutes, Leonard puts his arms around me saying, "There's no way to go back Rielle. We can't change what's already happened. We can only go forward and try to improve the situation. Do you think I was too hard on her?"

"No, Leonard. You did what you had to do. After getting that call from the bank and realizing what she'd done, that's not something we, as responsible parents, can just overlook. It wasn't a harmless prank. And the money doesn't even come close to the main issue; Kindle or any one of her classmates could have gotten into an accident on the icy roads, and gotten hurt, or even worse!"

"But, they didn't, and neither did Kindle, which is the only good thing about the situation, no one got hurt. Well, except for Kindle's feelings. She's pretty mad at me right now. I've never played the heavy father before, and I wondering if that was my mistake, right from the beginning."

"Not a mistake you made on your own Leonard. I'm the one that told you to let her show us how mature she was. And, I DID give her the idea to have a party with her friends to make up for prom. But I never dreamed she'd do that the way she did, booking The Grind using my debit card without our permission and on the very night of a bad storm! She made one bad decision after another. And I can't help thinking it's on me."

Leonard squeezed my shoulder and said, "No. Kindle made those choices all on her own Rielle. She KNEW you meant when the weather was better, when it was safe to be on the roads. And sneaking your debit card, there's no way to turn that into anyone's fault but her own."




While Leonard and I were discussing Kindle, Mom got in some grandma time with Diwan.

She got him up, fed, pottied, and then rocked with him a bit until he was more awake and alert.




Because today was the day he needed to finish up his toddler skills, leaving us free for tomorrow's party.

A party that encompassed not one, not two, but three celebrations!

First, it was Snowflake Day, second, Leonard and my anniversary, and third, Diwan's child birthday!

So mom began with teaching him a few more words.

"Love is the reason for Snowflake Day, love of all our family. And your mommy and daddy's anniversary is all about love too. And our love for you, makes your birthday special too! Do you know how much I love you little man?"

"I lub you too, gwandma!"




And with 'toothbrush', he masters talking, adding, "After my birfday, I'll bwush my teeth by myself!"

"Yes. What a smart little guy you are! Next up, walking, let's finish that up to."




Mom, takes him by the hands, pulling him up until he's gained his balance.

Then she steps away, further and further, and he walks to her each time, his steps more and more confident.




In a few minutes, he's mastered walking too, and mom picks him up, tossing him in the air, his arms waving with excitement as he laughs and giggles.

"That's my boy! You're well on your way Diwan. Now some play time with the xylophone."




And mom snaps a photo of Diwan's surprised look as he plays a nursery tune all the way through!

"Did you hear that gwandma!?! I played the whole ting without any mistakes!"

"I heard sweetie! Quite the little virtuoso. Maybe you'll grow up and be a musician like your Aunt Breeze."

Diwan doesn't respond, not really understanding mom's words, he just keeps on playing one tune after another, going through all his toddler songs, and then starting from the beginning again.




Karina took a selfie of them on the bus that afternoon, as I'd forgotten a first day of school pic that morning, with all the drama of Kindle's night out.

And both girls looked anything but happy.

Kindle still looked stricken after he confrontation and grounding by her father, while Karina just looked sad.

Circumstances being what they are, I'm not surprised really, but I'm hoping the girls can both learn from Kindle's experience and not let this affect their own budding friendship.




With it being Snowflake day tomorrow, the start of a long weekend, the girls could have put off doing homework, but Karina wanted to do hers and asked Leonard for some help.

I saw mom smile as she exercised nearby as Leonard explained new math, "I'm not sure what's new about it Karina, it seems like regular old math to me, but I'll do my best to help you with it."

"Maybe it's just that it's new to us kids who're going to school for the first time."

Leonard thought that over for a bit and said, "Could be. Let's get to it then!"

And they continued until Karina's first homework was complete.




But afterward, Leonard tracked Kindle down, finding her outside, sulking.

When he asked if she'd done her homework or started on the list of chores we'd made up, she flips from sulky to downright disrespectful, yelling, "I'm not absent-minded like you are dad! My brain works perfectly fine! I'll get my homework done before school Monday and those stupid chores too! Believe me, being on house arrest, there's certainly nothing fun for me to do! And now you're telling me I can't even walk around outside in this stupid snow!!!"

Leonard, shocked and dismayed by Kindle's attitude and outburst, flares up as well and confines her to her room for the rest of the evening, adding, "And make sure you get started on those chores first thing in the morning! This is no way to show regret for your actions Kindle, and insulting me isn't going to make me forget about your punishment, continued disrespect and rudeness will just prolong it!"




That night, more snow ruined mom and dad's plans too.

They'd wanted to take me and Leonard out to dinner to celebrate our anniversary, but once we were all dressed up and ready to go, the snow got heavier and we decided to stay home and be safe.

When we discussed it dad said, "We can't expect Kindle to make better choices if we don't set a good example. We'll go out another night."

So we all stayed in and dad spent the evening reading Karina a bedtime story.

He even made sure it was a children's book, choosing one of the Jimmy Sprocket stories.

The smile on Karina's face when I peeked in said more than words, but her sleepy eyes told me she'd be asleep soon.




The next morning I was woken by banging and crashing from the kitchen.

It turned out to be Kindle following through on her chores list but way too loud for this early in the morning.

But the noise abruptly ceased when I spoke softly but firmly behind her, "Your grandparents are still sleeping Kindle, though that racket you're making will surely wake them up, if it hasn't already. Everyone needs their sleep for all of the festivities planned today."

In a hushed but pitiful tone she responded, "Except for me! I fell asleep way too early after dad sent me to my room. And I doubt very much that I'll get to participate anyway."

I could hear the longing behind her bitter words and sighed, saying, "Kindle you honestly think that your father and I are such monsters that we'd forbid you from attending the last Snowflake Day Feast with all my siblings and their families in attendance, your aunts, uncles and cousins, that we will most likely never see again!?!"

She stiffened, but kept focused on the open dishwasher, moving items around, but a lot more carefully, and with much less noise, "So…I'm not confined to my room? I can join the party?"

"Of course. But it's going to take some work to get it set up, and I'd like for the rest of us, you, me and your father, to do the bulk of it and just let mom and dad enjoy the day." Looking at the size of the kitchen table, I added, "Though grandpa may have to help get that monster down to the basement. But we can't worry about that until everyone's up as it's going to take four of us. And it'll be after we all eat breakfast. Since you've finished yours, why don't you go make your bed, if you haven't already, and then be the first one in the shower, so you're all set?"

I was surprised when she meekly answered, "Okay, mom. And I'll be quiet since Karina is still asleep, or she was when I came down."

Feeling like I'd make progress, of a sort, I grabbed some leftover waffles, ate quickly, and headed off to my own bathroom for a shower.




Later that morning, after we'd just wrestled the table down to the basement, Dad got a call from Breeze.

I heard dad laugh and say, "No need to worry about what kind of food Breeze, it might be a feast party, but you know it's more about family. Cook something, grab something from the bakery, whatever works for you. The important thing is all of us being together for one last time."




Then I watched as dad carefully chose bottles of nectar and started serving them up.

He'd even grabbed a couple of tables so each blend had time to 'breathe' by itself and not mingle with the other blends.

I didn't have the heart to tell him I had no idea what he was talking about, so I just smiled and nodded and told him whatever he thought best was fine, with him being the resident nectar expert.




Then all of my brothers and my sister Breeze and their families started showing up with their contributions to today's feast.

We still had some significant snow on the ground from last night's storm, but it let up towards morning and the day was crisp, clear, and cold.




Then we brought all the food downstairs to the basement and set it up on the long counters to let everyone enjoy it, buffet style.

Ben and Nicole had decided to stay in town, for now anyway, and Ward and Diana hadn't made up there minds about leaving yet either.




Cole and Noah, our youngest attendees, since Ben and Nicole's daughter, Kizzie, was too young to attend, showed off their supernatural powers.

First Cole displayed his genie levitation.

And Noah, with his hands on his hips, struck a pose and boasted about his fairy wings.

"My wings may be smaller than my mom's, but I've been practicing and soon I'll be able to do flips and twirls in the air, just like she does! If we do move to Starlight Shores, I'm thinking of becoming an acrobat as my fairy wings will be a big help with tricks and stunts."

We all applauded the boys' efforts, and then the feasting began in earnest as we lined up at the counter buffet.




Everyone was chatting away about Starlight Shores as we ate our meals or sipped on nectar.

I heard Bianca raving on and on about Starlight Shores and the wonderful warm weather there.

"None of this nasty cold and snow, Grandpa! Just imagine, stepping outside your back door and having the ocean at your feet! I can't wait to move, but mom says it'll be a bit longer to get all the details settled. She's still trying to sell Bruce on the idea as he's waffling about leaving his girlfriend. But I think he'll come around, especially once he sees all those brochures mom received on the fabulous beaches and homes there."

I knew Dad must be feeling pain at the thought of his children and grandchildren moving away, but not wanting to quench Bianca's enthusiasm for the move, he stayed pretty quiet, smiling and sipping his glass of nectar, only saying, "It sounds wonderful Bianca. You'll have to take photos and tell us all about it when you get there."

"That's a great idea Grandpa! I'll start practicing with the camera I got for Snowflake Day now, so I can get some great photos to share with you."




As dad finished his nectar and debated opening another bottle, Danica called across to Bianca and said, "I'm with you on the warm weather and seeing the ocean views every day! Since it's only me, Dean, and Wyatt, we've been looking for a small home close to the beach, to take advantage of just that. Dean's already gotten a position on the team there and is very excited about playing with them."

After I snapped the photo, I glanced up to see that Diwan was happily playing with his doll.

That accounted for one of my children.




I moved on to get a great photo of the big table with Mom and Ben at the head and foot with Nicole and Ben on one side and Diana and Barrett on the other.

Mom asked Barrett, "And what do you think of this move? Are you as gung-ho as Breeze and Bianca?"

Barrett, thoughtfully chewing a bite of Shawarma, swallowed and said, "I'm looking forward to warmer and better weather that's for sure. And I could seriously do without Flynn breathing down my neck at every opportunity. I mean I want to get ahead in the business just as much as he does, but he's cruel along with it! I mean, I'm not saying I'm easy to get along with, but he never forgets the tiniest little mistake or slight and adds the list up against everyone. I'm ready to move on and start somewhere else."

Mom sighed and said, "That sure sounds like our Flynn. It's hard to fathom him being my brother and sweet Mysti's son, but there it is. I just have one request Barrett. Please keep Breeze and the children safe, away from the flack of your profession. Can you do that for me?"

Barrett sat motionless for a moment, surprised I think by mom's request, that she'd brought it up so openly and at a family party.

Then he said with the utmost seriousness, "Their safety is always my first priority. I love Breeze and our children more than anything Mother Swanson, and I will do everything in my power to do just that. You have my word on that."

Mom just searched Barrett's face, and gave him a brisk nod and said, "Thank you Barrett."




It was then that I caught Karina coming back down to the basement with a muffin.

I gave her my best mom look and she said, "I already ate a hamburger, so this is my dessert."

I smiled and said, "Good girl. You look so pretty in your dress sweetie! Hold still while I get a photo."

Karina said, "Thanks mommy. I love my dress. It's not only in my favorite color but it's soft and warm too. Perfect for Snowflake Day!"




Then dad grabbed a tray of nectar and handed out glasses saying, "A toast to Rielle and Leonard on their anniversary! They've made a lot of beautiful memories together, here's to many, many more!"

Everyone clapped and drank to that sentiment as Leonard and I shared a special moment together.

When Leonard looked at me, his eyes meeting mine, and all of our memories from the past crowding in, I did what I always do in his presence, melted.

Then I brought my hand up and caressed his cheek, murmuring, "Oh, yes, to many, many, more."

Leonard grabbed me in a passionate kiss that left me breathless and had the family cheering all around us!




Once I came to my senses, and glanced around the room again, there was no mistaking what I'd realized earlier.

Kindle wasn't part of our gathering.

That really puzzled me as she'd been so concerned about not getting to attend this morning.

When I mentioned it to Leonard, he relieved my worries by saying, "Oh, she's in the terrarium room." Lowering his voice, he added, "I didn't want to make a big production of it, but we lost another one of Kobe and Flynn's critters. And you know how sensitive she is about any of the animals, even a snake. So she's taking a moment to mourn and clean out the cage."

"Clean out the cage? Now? During our family party? I know it's a chore that will need to be done, but it's not necessary right this minute."

Leonard held up his hands and said, "I know. I told her that. But she insisted she wanted to do it." With a smile he added, "How about some more of that anniversary celebrating, love?"

I smiled and said, "Hold that thought. I want to check on Kindle first, make sure she's okay. She is sensitive when it comes to the animals."

But when I quietly peeked in the door it wasn't a distraught, mourning Kindle that I found.

She was animatedly talking on her phone, something she wasn't supposed to be doing at all!

And the subject concerned me even more, as I heard Kindle say, "You've decided to stay in town and not add your name to the first list of willing emigrants? That's great news! Yes, I really mean that. I'd love to add you to my list of friends." Then she ruefully admitted, "But the thing is, I'm not supposed to be on the phone right now. Yeah, part of my punishment for the party at The Grind the other night. I've been thinking about you too. And I have to be upfront about something. I am younger than I let you think, and…Aunt Danica was right, I do have a steady boyfriend. I don't want to mess that up. I love Charlie and he loves me more than anything! So that's all we can be, just friends. If you're okay with that, then once I'm off restriction, I'll give you a call."




I closed the door as quietly as I'd opened it, my first thought being I'd done it again, eavesdropped and heard something not meant for my ears.

But who on earth was Kindle talking to!?!

Someone she'd met at The Grind, someone she'd led to believe she was older, that was clear, and if she now wanted to 'just be friends', what on earth had happened that night!?!

But I couldn't stand here thinking about it, Kindle might walk out any minute.

My mind buzzing with horrified thoughts and unanswered questions, I quickly walked back to the party.

There are more happenings to recount during that Snowflake Day Feast.

More conversations, as well as goodbye's, along with Diwan's birthday.

But I've run out of room for this journal entry, so I'll continue in the next one.

Follow along in Chapter 87: Triple Celebration- Part 2
Coming soon.

[JudesSims]

Dee, I have just finished "binge-reading" your story. I'm loving it! So many babies! You are such a good writer! I'm jealous   My youngest granddaughter, born 3 months ago, is also named Rayne. So, of course, I loved that as well! I'll be bookmarking this story for sure!