Chapter 102-Regrets

I rolled out of bed dreading this day. Marcus had been coming over every day for a week, but I made sure he waited until the kids were home from school. He’d spend a few hours with them before leaving to go back to Florence. He even spent time at Dunham’s house getting to know his daughter-in-law and granddaughter. I tried to avoid being in the same room with him whenever possible. Having him in the house, seeing him almost daily was hard enough. Some days I would leave to spend the time either at CeCe’s house or at Carter’s. Today however I wouldn’t be able to avoid him. The kids knew of Florence but today they were meeting their new soon to be step-mother. They were curious about her and wanted to meet her and I couldn’t blame them, it was only natural. It was time since they could get married now without any concerns. My official divorce decree arrived in the mail yesterday. I handed Marcus his copy when he came over then left. I didn’t want to be around any one so I took Fred and Wilma on a walk to the dog park.

I headed to the bathroom so I could shower and get myself ready for the day. The triplets were already in the dining room eating breakfast with Finley. I looked at my youngest child and recalled the heartache I had when I found her crying in her room one night. She looked at Mulo as a father figure as much as the triplets had. She would never get to meet her father, the triplets had theirs back, and Mulo no longer being around all left her hurt and confused. I was angry with Mulo all over again seeing once more the effect his actions had on my family. It was hard for her not to have a father, but I reminded her how many people she had in her life that loved her. They didn’t make up for not having a dad, but she would always have someone there for her.

“Good morning kids.” I said as I walked past them towards the kitchen to fix myself a cup of coffee.

“Mornin’ mom.” They all responded.

While my coffee brewed, I did another check of the groceries to make sure I had gotten everything at the store yesterday. It was going to be a small family cookout so that the kids could welcome Florence to the family.

“Mom.”

“Yeah sweetie?” I responded turning to see Finley.

“Can I help make the cookies.”

“I can’t do them without you. They never turn out right.” I replied smiling as I pulled the eggs out of the fridge.

The triplets came in to put their dishes in the sink then left to go get dressed. Finley and I enjoyed a fun time making cookies. She was an easy going child, and it was nearly impossible to remain in a bad mood when she was around. We had just pulled out the second batch when the Edson walked in.

“Mom can I ask you a question?” He asked.

“Of course dear. You can ask me anything you know that.”

“Why’d you do it?”

I looked up at him and saw that this was going to be the talk they had been avoiding with me. I would catch bits of things as they talked to Marcus but none of them spoke to me about how they were feeling in all this. When I asked, I got the standard ‘I’m fine’ answer.

“Finley go upstairs and get dressed dear. I need to talk to your brothers and sister.”

Even though they weren’t downstairs, I knew they would be. They still communicated without the use of words, and if this talk was going to happen, it would happen with all of them.

“Aww Mom, we aren’t finished with the cookies. Why can’t I stay?”

“Because sweetie…”

Finley threw up her hand to stop me from talking. “Yeah, yeah, yeah I know I’m not old enough. I really hate that answer.” She grumbled as she sulked out of the kitchen.

“Let’s go sit shall we.” I said directing him towards the dining room. The others were entering just as I suspected they would. “So is this about Mulo?” They all nodded. “What do you want to know exactly?”

“Why not all of it.” Elton answered with a shrug.

Continue Reading: "Chapter 102-Regrets"

Chapter 101-Reunion

Elphie looked like she had been crying and the boys all looked upset.

“What’s wrong?” I asked my heart sinking fast since Finley was still unaccounted for. “What’s happened where’s Finley?” The feeling of dread was already settling over me just from the expressions on their faces.

“She’s fine mom.” Dax said. “She’s with Carter and Vicki.”

“What why and why are you here? Not that I’m not happy to see you but I thought you were in Bridgeport.”

“Was he here yesterday?” Elphie blurted out looking on the verge of tears again. “Is that why you were acting so weird?”

The accusation in her tone was mirrored on the five faces looking at me. Mulo. I thought as I closed my eyes preparing for the onslaught of angry questions. I knew instantly what or rather who was behind her question.

Why? Why did you tell them?

Because I wanted them to know it was my fault.

But it wasn’t your place to do that. I wanted to do it in my own way so they understood.

They understand.

What were you trying to accomplish by telling them instead of letting me. They hate me enough as it is.

I was taking your suggestion and trying to be a good man. Taking responsibility for what I have done.

 “Guys let’s go have a seat please. I’ll tell you everything.” I said letting out a slow exhale. Even when he attempted to be 'helpful' he made things harder for me.

“There’s nothing to tell. Where is he? Where’s our dad?” Dunham asked.

“Will you guys give me a chance to explain? Please.”

All five of them begrudgingly filed into the living room. I could feel the hostility rolling off them. I had no clue what to tell them and I wasn’t even sure they would listen to me any way.

“How long have you known?” Dax asked after taking a seat.

“For a little while now.”

“He’s been here hasn’t he?” Dunham inquired. "He was the strange man that Kylie talked about."

“Yes.”

“Why didn’t you tell us sooner? Nevermind Mulo answered that. He doesn’t know us because of him.” Dax sounded hurt when he said that. I understood all too well the pain of that reality. “That doesn’t change the fact that he’s our dad. We are adults, you should have told us.”

“I’m sorry, I really am. I was trying to figure out the best way to tell you all and minimize the damage.”

“I guess some things never change with you huh Mom?” Dax said coolly."Only filling us in on things when you are forced to."

"That's not what, that's not how it is this time."

They all had the same look of anger and distrust. My relationship with the triplets was already rocky and this was only going to make it worse. I was only trying to protect them and still I had to face their anger. Mulo had done this, he was the reason they were robbed in the first place, yet I was the easier target. No matter how hard I tried I always seemed to be on the losing end. I couldn’t keep going through this, there was no way I could complete this crazy task. I headed into the hall to get my phone. I sent Marcus a text letting him know they were ready to see him. He responded almost instantly.

“He’ll be here shortly.” I said walking back into the living room. “I’m going to go fix dinner.”

“We’re not hungry.” Elton replied. It was the first time he’d spoken since they got home.

“Well I’m going to cook anyway.”

I heard the five of them talking, wondering what it was going to be like to see him. The triplets had only seen pictures but Dax and Dunham remembered him. They were telling the triplets about him when the doorbell rang. The talking stopped and I waited to see if one of them would answer but it seemed as if no one was moving. I wiped my hands on the towel, took a deep breath, then went to answer the door.

Marcus 

It seemed like forever before she answered the door. I could tell by the look on her face that the talk hadn’t gone well.

“Are you ok?” I asked softly. She just shook her head as she closed the door.  “Tell me what happened.”

“They’re waiting for you.” She said ignoring my request.

I was nervous as I followed her the short distance into the living room. Knowing I had children was one thing, but getting ready to actually meet them made it very real. The two older boys looked at Amari then at me. They looked like me, but I didn’t feel a ping of recognition. I was speechless and so were they. The triplets stood together. Each of the boys standing protectively on either side of their sister. I was now officially a father of five.

“Um that’s Dax.” Amari said being the first to break the silence. She pointed towards the one in the blue tshirt with dreads. “And that one is Dunham.” She continued pointed towards the young man with the shorter hair. “Elphie is easy since she’s the only girl. On her left is Elton and on her right is Edson.”

“Oh my God, Dad it’s really you.” The one she said was Dunham spoke first. He slowly walked towards me as if he were seeing a ghost before quickly wrapping his arms around me in a hug.

Continue Reading: "Chapter 101-Reunion"

Chapter 100-Face To Face

I can't believe this is my 100th chapter! I had no idea when I started this story it would become such a story LOL. I know that sounds strange but it's the truth. My first attempt into the world of sim stories and I thought hey a baby challenge should be easy. Well 100 chapters later, it's no longer a baby challenge but I appreciate the continued support you all have given me! Through all the ups and (mostly) downs of Amari's life you guys have stuck with me. I can't say it's going to make it 100 more as I feel the story may be nearing its end, but I hope you all enjoy the final ride with me.

She was even more stunning up close. I had only seen her briefly that day I went by their house but now being face to face with her, I felt instantly shabby in comparison. Her skin was flawless, her makeup was perfectly applied, and her clothes looked like something you would see in a magazine.

“Pardon my English. I seek Amari Smith.”

“That would be me and who are you?”

She cocked her head to the side and gave a sly smile. “Tink you know already. May I come inside?” Her words were spoken with a thick accent, but her body language was easy enough to understand. She was here to fight for her man and my morning just got a hundred times worse.

“Certainly.” I replied stepping to the side to allow her in. I didn’t miss the once over she gave me as she entered.

I directed her towards the living room. “Give me a minute to get dressed and we can have a talk. Although I’m not sure we really have anything to discuss.”

When I got to my room I thought about calling Marcus to let him know she was here. I suspected her just showing up like this meant she hadn’t told him she was coming. I was pissed she had come here. She had already won, even if she didn’t know it, but now she was here to stake some claim on him. She was wandering around the living room when I got back downstairs.

“Can I offer you something to drink?”

“No, but thank you. He loves me, but only feels an obligation for you.”

So the claws were out. She was cutting right to the chase and skipping all the pleasantries. “An obligation? Is that what he’s told you, to help ease your fears?” I asked walking towards the sofa.

“It is obvious. You use children to get him, but it will fail.”

I sat there shocked that this woman, this stranger who didn’t even know me, accused me of using my children to get Marcus back. I was going to attempt to be nice, but why? The gloves were coming off.

“I don’t have to use my children to get him. He came looking for me, he may love you but I think you know he has feelings for me as well.”

“You play on his memories. What he feels is nothing.” She spat angrily.

“If you really thought that, you wouldn’t be here. What I think is he stays with you out of a sense of obligation. I mean considering your troubles, he may not want to seem heartless leaving you after such a loss.”

It was her turn to be shocked. Her entire demeanor changed and I felt slightly bad bringing up the loss of her babies. I had experienced that sort of grief and knew the heartache that came with it, but she was the first to strike.

“How you know of my losses?”

“Marcus, we talked the last time he came to see me.”

“Marc would never share something private with a stranger.”

“Ah, but see I’m not a stranger, I’m his wife and the mother of his children.”

Florence’s face contorted into an angry scowl when I said that. She didn’t like being reminded we were married and certainly didn't want to be reminded I gave him something she couldn't. I understood, however, how learning something so deeply personal had been told to the other woman would be hard to hear. I could see that this meeting was not turning out in the way she had hoped.I was willing to be nice and even help ease her fears more, but she didn't want it that way.

“You are just a link to a life forgotten.” She counted regaining her composure. “If you were so memorable Marc would not forgotten you so easily.” She sat back with a smug look of satisfaction on her face.

“You are so very correct Florence.” I replied coolly. “If we were dealing with a simple case of amnesia, but we aren’t. Which is why you are here. If you were as confident in your relationship as you would have me believe, you wouldn’t have come here to have this little meeting with me behind his back. So you are here to what? Ask me to walk away? To plead your case on letting the two of you have a chance? I sent him divorce papers, the fact that he didn’t sign them should speak volumes to you, because it does to me.”

This time her brave face crumpled. Florence got up and started walking around the room. I knew I had struck a nerve and it was cruel of me to do so. She was just as innocent in all of this, but I was tired of playing nice. I know she was scared of losing Marcus, hell I shared her fear, but I was tired of putting everyone’s feelings above my own. That favor never seemed to be returned to me and today she got the brunt of that. The pain I am inflicting on her now would only be temporary. Once she made it to his hotel she would learn she won. He signed the papers; he was free of me and my mess. She had him, she had won.

“I think you should go now.” I said standing. “You need to talk to him, not me.”

Without saying a word, Florence picked up her purse and gave me a weak smile. Once she was gone I finally let this morning’s discovery sink in. He had signed the papers, he did as I asked of him and chose the easier life and it hurt worse than I thought it would to lose him a second time.

Continue Reading: "Chapter 100-Face To Face"

Chapter 99-Harsh Reality

Marcus paced around my room pausing every so often to look at me. He started to speak but stopped several times.

“What does that mean? Half-state, bonded, his? What the hell is going on with you?” He was getting pissed again I could see it. This time he was at least trying to keep his anger in check.

Rolling the tension out of my neck I took a deep breath as I tried to explain my situation. “The half state is just that. When he attacked me he didn’t give me enough of his blood to completely change me. I got some improvements such as I no longer need my glasses, my hearing has improved, and I’ll live longer than the typical human because I am aging slower.”

“Ok, and the downside is…”

“The downside is that until he sees fit to finish the job we are bonded. He can hear my thoughts, I can hear his. We have a strong mental connection that allows us to communicate that way no matter the distance.”

Marcus gave me a bewildered look when he heard that. “Hear your thoughts? Like in everything, always?” I knew what he was asking without him having to actually say the words.

“Yes, but no he wasn’t around when we…he um left, put up a block. I can tell when he’s there and when he’s not. The moment I opened the door and saw you he was gone.”

He looked as if he was skeptical but I guess he rather not think too hard on somebody else being sort of present during a time like that.

“Why do you continue to live like this? Why not just have someone else complete the change?”

“Do you think I want to be like this? If I had a choice?” I asked sounding very exasperated. “He has to do it. If someone else, another vamp tries I could die. Something about mixing of vamp blood in my system.”

Marcus walked around more as he processed everything. I walked over and took a seat. He was having a hard time with this, hearing the rest was not going to be any easier.

“Have you tried? How do you know he’s not lying to you?”

“I’m sorry but I’m not willing to take that sort of risk with my life.” I snapped at him.

Continue Reading: "Chapter 99-Harsh Reality"

Chapter 98-Ten Rounds

I stood there panic stricken. How did I lose track of time? I looked over at Marcus and knew exactly how I was able to forget everything.

“Mom?” They called out again.

“Shit. You have to hide.”

“Hide?”

“Yes Marcus, hide as in you can’t be seen.”

“That is crazy Amari.” He said laughing. “You are acting like a teenager being caught by her parents.”

I ignored his comment as I picked up his remaining clothes off the floor. I walked over shoved them in hands then pushed him towards the bathroom. I heard their footsteps getting closer as they headed towards us.

“Just be quiet.” I hissed at him before shutting the door.

“Mom what are you doing?” Elphie asked.

“Laundry, care to help?” I asked trying to keep my voice calm and casual.

“Yeah no.” She replied turning up her nose.

“Hey mom who’s car is that?” Elton asked.

Shit a car? Of course he had a car, what was I thinking that he ran over here. Crap, crap, crap. “Um what car honey?”

“There is a car parked in our driveway.” Edson said giving me a curious look.

“Hm, I don’t know dear. I’ve been busy, um cleaning all day so I don’t, I don’t know. Maybe one of the neighbors had to park in our driveway for some reason.”

“Mom, are you ok?” Elphie asked looking around the room before settling her eyes back on me.

“Yes dear, I’m fine. Let me finish putting the clothes in the dryer and I’ll come up and make you guys a snack.” I looked at them expectantly as I waited for them to retreat back up the stairs.

“That’s ok, I think we’re just gonna play video games.” Edson replied walking over towards the TV.

“You know the rules, no games until after homework is finished.”

“We don’t have any this week, it’s finals week.” Elton answered. All three of them were staring at me like they knew something was wrong.

“Well then that requires some studying. So go study.”

“Mom, we got this in the bag. Tomorrow is English, easy A.” Elphie said with a smile. I raised my eyebrow when I looked over at her.

“In the bag?”

Continue Reading: "Chapter 98-Ten Rounds"

Chapter 97-Giving In

Cleaning up after four children was exactly how I didn’t want to spend my morning. Breakfast dishes washed, beds made, all that was left was to start the never ending laundry. Then Fred, Wilma, and I could go on a nice walk to the park. The doorbell rang as I started down the stairs with one of the baskets, and they started barking. The person on the other side quickly rang it three more times which made them bark louder.

“Fred! Wilma! Be quiet. I’m coming, stop pushing the button.” I called out as I headed towards the door. “No, no, no.” I said when I saw Marcus’s smiling face.

“Good morning to you as well.” He said stepping inside.

Continue Reading: "Chapter 97-Giving In"

RATED R***Chapter 97-Giving In***RATED R

This version of chapter 97 is intended for mature audiences only. Much like the Death of David chapter, I wrote this for a few of my readers who wanted to see Marcus in action. Normally I keep this story in the PG-13 ratings but for my pervy readers (and you know who you are LOL) this chapter is for you. Enjoy!

Continue Reading: "RATED R***Chapter 97-Giving In***RATED R"