Chapter 10: Week 2, Monday to Friday True to his word, Mr Payne sends over an easel and two new beds (Mr Payne knows the value of a good kaching or two). Neither of the twins thanks him.
Both Sebastian and Pippa are inordinately fond of mirrors. Whenever they have a spare moment they make a beeline for the mirror. It's quite hilarious watching them trying to get at the mirror at the same time. They both keep wanting to buy mirrors worth at least $600. Yeah, right. Like I'm going to let them waste money on a mirror when there are so many more important things they need. Get a decent shower and stove first, you idiots! Do they appreciate my wise guidance? Fat chance. The only mirror in the house is the ultra-cheap ghost mirror (I think it costs one simoleon). One more thing for Pippa to whine about.
Wednesday is Sebastian's day off. The social worker makes another of her flying visits (do social workers get lessons on how to move that fast?) and drops off the second baby, a son for Sebastian. Meet Graeme:
Graeme is a very intelligent little fellow. He's also brave, which should stand him in good stead in this household. Incidentally, he is named after my father. I've always liked that spelling of the name.
Sebastian is pleased to learn that he gets paid leave from work to look after his new son. The leave means it will take even longer for him to get promoted, but getting paid for not working suits Sebastian just fine. If the price for this time off is having to spend time with Graeme, he's ok with that.
I'm not sure if Sebastian was actually playing with his son in that picture or if he just happened to be carrying Graeme when he went to admire himself in the mirror. Somehow I neglected to take pictures of Graeme learning to walk, talk and potty, but here's a shot of the two of them at the library:
Trust selfish Sebastian to park himself right in front of the door, with no thought for other people trying to get past.
Meantime, Pippa loses no time running over to the Consignment store to find new shoes.
Pippa used to have all the latest fashions. And here she has been going around in someone else's discards. It's totally unfair. Cruel and unusual punishment. Someone of her quality should be wearing the finest imported fabrics - not secondhand rags. But these are desperate times, and Pippa feels a thrill of excitement as she pulls open the drawer to see what she can find.
Did Mr Payne really think Pippa would spend the money he gave her on sensible shoes? Not she. She finds a pair of spiffy high heels that are barely worn and tries them on. She also tries on a blouse.
The reason the shoes are barely worn is that they are extremely uncomfortable, and the blouse doesn't really go with the skirt (although it's hard to know what would go with that skirt). But Pippa doesn't care. She has something new and can finally stop going around in those hateful boots. You may also notice that she's finally learned how to comb her own hair.
Sebastian is so pleased at being given paid leave that he makes a small donation to charity. His choice of charities? He chooses to donate to The Rich. Naturally.
