Tuesday, March 10, 2015

Chapter 3.11- A Pitiless Yolk

            Nothing good ever came in the mail. Ever. Though she had still been a teen when she’d taken over the household finances, Mariah had never gotten used to the bad news bills regularly brought.
            Hatred of bills trumped her hatred of chain letters, even. She’d received one from a cousin once. The thing had been burnt at her little hideaway cabin, it’s dire warnings never to be heeded and the cousin who had sent it still snubbed.
            But this was no chain letter. No. Nor was it the only bill in the mailbox. Mariah sighed.
            “Bills.”



            Once Upon a Time her bank account was flush with funds her parents had carefully built up. Then this house was smaller, chopped up and dark. It had been full of ghosts and shadows that came out to taunt Mariah, presenting her with every mistake she’d ever made. A particularly viscous one took the form of a dark stain on the floor. It arose with the sole intent of taking her back to the very darkest times. Regrets and tears would follow with their own haunting and she had been miserable under their pitiless yolk.
            No matter how bad things looked on paper, she couldn’t regret what she’d spent to make her house her home. *Home.* New walls and furnishings along with the laughter of her happy children had transformed it into such, banishing former times.



            A resounding crash followed by Vivia’s riotous laughter brought Mariah’s head up quickly. Now there was one more broken item needing to be replaced.
            She’d done so well before this! Still, she intended to be the paragon of single motherhood to prove to the world that she could do it all completely by herself. One day, once she’d taught her kids the value of persistence, she’d ask Roger to give up his dream and come home to stay with them always, but not now. She couldn’t ask that of him now.



            Plugging her ears against the cacophony her kids were making she turned her attention back to matters in front of her.
            Roger still offered to provide child support, but she couldn’t admit to him why she’d suddenly changed her mind. So far, she’d done wonderfully on her own and would continue to do so. There would have to be some belt tightening, that’s all. She could start tending to the unkempt front garden to get extra produce. Perhaps the twins could use cloth diapers instead of disposable. Ick. But there were plenty of other ways she could cut back on things to make it by, surely. No one would be the wiser to her financial mistakes.

-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --







            Despite a threat from the credit card company to cut her off if she didn’t pay them soon, she couldn’t resist going all out for Dove’s birthday. Balloons and streamers were everywhere, the cake much too big for their small party.
            Roger was back in town to help his mother settle something related to his father’s recent passing and was there to help them celebrate. He wouldn’t be able to stay too much longer, but having him home was always wonderful.



            A quick peek around the room sent flutters through her stomach. Ceeven was totally absorbed with that creepy doll some distant Aunt had sent, but Vivia was missing. In the interests of keeping costs down, she’d kept a much closer eye on Vivi lately, trying to keep her from destroying everything she touched.
            “Where’s Vivi? Have you seen Vivia?” she asked the room at large.
            “She can’t be too far,” Roger laughed at her. “She’s been eyeing the cake with more interest than Dove has for the last hour.”

-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
SparkleSpam! Because I can’t resist. =D





/End Sparkle Spam

-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --





            Vivi in tow, Mariah managed to make it back just in time. Tears welled up in her eyes as she looked at the little girl in front of her.
            “Happy Birthday, Dovey!” she gushed.
            Dovey, however, rolled her eyes at the familiar term. “It’s not ‘Dovey,’ Mom. Geez.”



            “She’s a big kid now!” Roger chanted before blowing a noisemaker as loudly as he could.
            “Says the ‘man’ who still dresses like he’s a teenager. If she’s a big kid now, how old does that make you?” she fired back. Big kid or no, that was still her baby standing over there cutting a massive slab of birthday cake.
            “Ha! How old does that make you then, beautiful?” Roger fired back with a wink.

-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --



Roger’s POV







            “Might I have this dance?” Dove had been twirling in front of the stereo from the moment she’d finished eating.


            “Oh! Yes, DaddyRoger! Er, kind sir. I would be honored to dance with you.” She’d chirruped back, blushing a little. After watching all those princess movies on TV, she knew just what she was supposed to say. The awkward feeling that came with the words was unexpected though.

            Roger suppressed a chuckle. This one was as girlie as her mother had been, still was.



            Catching on, Dove and her Daddy-Roger were quickly joined by the rest of the family. Not entirely sure what was going on, Ceeven attempted to play Peek-A-Boo with anyone whose eye he could catch. Vivia, surprisingly, seemed captivated, not even taking the opportunity of everyone else being distracted to run off and climb a bookcase or dresser. She hummed along to the tune, mimicking whatever Mariah did.



            Once Dove tired of Roger’s slow movements, moving away to show Ceeven what was really going on, he seized the opportunity to pick up his tiny dancer.
            Any time he got to be home, he’d spent as much time as he could with his kiddos. He and Dove had always had a special bond, Ceeven warmed up to him quickly too. But Vivia had proven a challenge for Roger. This one was too active to want to sit down and let her daddy cuddle her. If he’d try to join in her play, she’d run away instead.




            At first, he’d been hurt and nearly heartbroken that his daughter didn’t want anything to do with him. Eventually, Mariah had talked him into accepting it, but it rankled still. This moment thrilled him. Finally, Vivia looked at him and smiled all because he danced with her.
            “Mom! You look ridiculous!” laughed Dove.
            “Dikilus, Mama!” Ceeven giggled along.
            “Hey! Don’t spoil my fun! You’re just jealous you can’t move. Like. This!” she smiled back at the pair, popping a hip.



            Seeing Ceeven act droopier than usual he scooped up “Cee,” as Vivi termed him, and settled on the couch with his kids.
            This little boy was almost exactly opposite his sister. He was calm and quiet, mellow and sweet. Long ago, his mother had used those very words to describe how he’d seemed to her compared to his rowdy older brothers.



            Sighing, he turned to the little girl now fascinated by his piercings. Pointing and babbling, her tiny hand warming his shoulder as her smiles warmed his heart Roger felt there was nothing he wouldn’t do for his kids. Stomach sinking, he realized how much he had missed by not being there all the time. He was away from work now, why go back? Why not take the chance to switch assignments and come home?
            Life was too short not to take every opportunity to be with those you love. In this moment he was willing to sacrifice everything to be here with his family all of the time. He needed them. They deserved him.

-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --



Mariah’s POV


            The kids were finally down. It had taken extra effort to get Vivia quiet. A sugary cake and the excitement of a family party had wound her up more than usual. And when she was wound up, she liked to prod at Ceeven, daring him in her own way to match her high spirits and keep up with her.



            Thankfully, Dove had moved into her own room, now sleeping in the big girl bed set aside for her so long ago. This freed up her old room, and her old crib, for Mariah to separate her twins at last.



            She’d taken Vivia into the other nursery to give her a bath, hoping the warm water and a good rubdown would calm her. Sure enough, she’d drifted off easily for once. That’s when Mariah found that Ceeven was sitting, whimpering for his missing sister.



            So Mariah had plucked him out of his crib and rocked until he’d finally nodded off, nearly nodding off herself. And now she was free to spend time alone with Roger.



            Looking at his form, stretched out along the couch, a glow spread through her, warming her cheeks with thoughts of indulgence. It had been so long since he had been able to spend so much time with them. She’d missed him. She’d needed him.



            Wasting no time, Mariah straddled Roger, kissing him with such an intensity she actually felt physically hungry. Bending low, she nibbled a little at his jaw line, tracing it with her tongue in between. His shirt in her grasp, she ground her hips into his, reveling in the knowledge he wanted her as much as she did him.



            “Marry me, Mariah.”
            Roger cupped her chin in his hands now, had pulled her back from him, forcing her to meet his gaze. But she couldn’t comprehend what he was saying. She needed him. Didn’t he get that? She couldn’t wait. There was nothing left of her but a flame burning brightly just for him.
            “Marry me, Mariah.”
            This time, Roger spaced the words out, breathing into them a passion that stole away her own.



            “Mariah.”
            Closing her eyes, Mariah let out a heavy breath. The hand clutching his shirt, grasped it ever harder until she found that Roger was holding her wrist in the same way.



            “Mariah.”
            Slowly, she let go of the shirt, noting she’d ripped it a little with her nails. Despite relaxing her own grip, Roger’s on her tightened. He wanted an answer.
            Face burning, she lifted her eyes back to his. A deep breath in intended to enable her response couldn’t give her the courage she needed to be able to say it. The second and third ones did no better, leaving her as cowardly and silent as the first.



            “Mariah.”
            He was pleading now. Begging her to end his suspense; begging her to declare one way or the other, to make up her mind, to give his heart wings and his life an anchor. Finally, tired of waiting, he let go of her wrist. With the release, her voice found her at last and she crushed him with a whisper.



            “No.”

-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --



Roll Reveal!

Marital Structure is!

Single.

Sorry folks. :(

Also, my apologies for the wait. Things should be slowing back down in a week or so, hopefully meaning updates a little closer together and Ill be able to catch up on all Im so terribly behind on.

22 comments:

  1. What?! No? No??? Mariah, are you nutso? Stupid rolls anyway, lol

    Well done chapter, I loved it---even if Mariah gave the wrong answer. I hope Roger is patient with her! I was just thinking as I was reading the chapter what an adorable family they were---loved them all dancing together, and Roger is such a doll, he was going to move back home where it was safer for him and all----and just... She said no! :P

    The kids are all so cute! Dove, loved all her "big girl" talk.

    Where did you get Vivia's hair? That is the cutest style on her. <3

    I can't wait to find out what happens next----

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think so too. lol. Stupid roll not letting me keep him around!

      Aw! Thank you! They are a great family in game too. Roger invites himself over everyday where he comes to tickle dove before working out and ignoring the other two for Mariah to take care of. Then he and Mariah do their best to sneak in a couple of TFBs when they think I'm least paying attention. Yup.

      Dove is a darling. I need to show her everyday wear soon I guess.

      Vivi's hair is here-> http://shockshame.tumblr.com/post/53579858597/my-textures-and-control-some-of-them-also-have It's the bflysims 078. It's the first time I've used it and despite the transparency warning, so far it looks great in game.

      Teehee! With any luck we'll find out soon. ;)

      Delete
  2. Financial mistakes, eh? Such as? The house? or something else? And why not accept child support? It doesn't have to be called that, just let him help, they're his kids too. Silly Mariah. Pride goeth...

    RIP Roger's Dad :( Uh...what was his name? Omaha?

    Stevia--er, Vivia--is so gosh darn cute. She might be your cutest toddler yet. Though Cee gives her a run for the money in those Simblreen poses <3 Seeing Roger with kids gives me the warm fuzzies, it's a shame he can't be with them more often.

    *sigh* No me gusta. Now what's going to happen to these two? You don't really just bounce back from a NO to a marriage proposal.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Financial mistakes in that she went nuts redoing the house. Lots of new furniture, lots of new walls and floors. It's all her pride. She thinks that since she was able to do it for so long prior, she ought to be able to do it now.

      LOL! Ottawa!

      Rofl! Vivi is a cutie pie. She's got Roger's smiley mouth which helps a lot. Those poses are adorable! I love them so much! Roger had to be the one to try them out with Ceeven. They had to!

      Yeah, they probably won't be bouncing back any time soon. But don't tell them that, all the TFB's they're always trying to sneak in game... Ha!

      Delete
  3. Aw, poor Roger!
    Is Mariah worried about tangling him up in her financial problems? Or is it her fierce need for independence?
    I do, do hope Roger isn't going to be too awfully hurt by her rejection of his proposal, but probably not. =(
    They are so sweet together.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Poor Roger indeed. He really gets the short end of the stick.

      It's more her fierce need for independence. She's done it on her own for so long, she feels she ought to be able to continue just as easily.

      He's not going to take it very cheerfully for sure. Just how badly though? We'll see. They are sweet together. Will they still be together next time? We'll see.

      Delete
  4. Happy birthday to Dovey!
    May I add, that's quite a petulant face Mariah is pulling right up at the top there, hee hee.

    I adore Vivia's hair buns! *dies from cuteness of hair buns but can still talk and comment* I need them, where are they from?

    :( I had a feeling her roll was single, I thought it was either half sibling or single (being as though she had Dove)... Maybe when Vivia and Ceevan are older though? But I doubt the turnout from the no would end all too well :( I hope he isn't too hurt.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dovey. lol. Oh, yes. That is her go to sneer, and I love getting to pull it out. =D

      They are from this post -> http://shockshame.tumblr.com/post/53579858597/my-textures-and-control-some-of-them-also-have The Bflysims 078. The retexturer says there are transparency issues and root problems, but I haven't seen any on Vivia yet. Though I also haven't used the child/teen/adult versions either. lol.

      Yeah. It was pretty obvious, but I had to make it official. No half siblings this time around, thankfully. It just worked out that way for the story. Yeah, maybe when the kids are older things will work out better. But for now? It's a very independent Mariah. He's pretty hurt. We'll let him tell just how hurt next time.

      Delete
  5. I was waiting for the single roll unfortunately. And I'm still waiting for Mariah to change her mind, so that Roger can die in some horrible way, or marry someone else first or something. (Please don't do that)

    Aw sweet Mariah, not having enough controle on her finances. Either she has to move, or get a job. I suggest finding Andre and make him pay childsupport ;) Taking simoleons from an ex that doesn't want to pay feels soooo good....

    Such a sweet chapter, to bad it had to end that with a no. Poor Roger, he just wants to be with his family.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lol! I will admit to toying with the idea that Roger ought to date someone else for a little while at least. After all, Mariah's been 'it' for so long now...

      Lol! I bet that *does* feel good! And after all, Roger knows exactly where to find Andre. ;) Not that I think he's told *her* that. But we'll see.

      All he wants is Mariah and his family. All she wants is to prove something to a faceless crowd. Ah well.

      Delete
  6. Damn it Mariah! Wrong answer! Roger has been incredibly patient and understanding with her all these years. I'm not sure how much longer that can last now that she has rejected him in a big way.

    Also, I agree with Misty. I think Vivia is cutest toddler to date.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lol! Roger *has* been incredibly patient with her. Now it's her turn to do the same. Yeah, how this will turn out can't be too good.

      Aw! Thank you! She's a darling toddler with those smiley lips. lol

      Delete
  7. Aw, I'm last to the update party! I'm a little confused these days, I blame it on selling my apartment. Contract signed and everything! Yay.

    Stupid single roll. :( Poor unsuspecting sims. They never knew what hit them. But to be honest, I don't think I would marry a guy who went away for years and then almost on a whim decided that getting married would be a great idea. So that "no" was harsh, but I thought it was a pretty realistic outcome at the same time. He's been absent, what, six-seven years?

    Babies with buns! Vivia is so cute. They all are cute. Poor kids,not knowing what happened while they were sleeping. Pretty sad birthday for Dove, in retrospect, although they had fun while it lasted.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're late? I'm a year behind in answering! Ha!

      I'm going with 3 years absent at this point. In my head, Toddler stage starts at age 2; Child age starts at age 5; Teens are 14, YA is 21. So Dove had just turned 2 when he left and has only now turned 5. Still. That's a long time to only be calling and texting Mariah when he gets a chance.

      I love that bun-style! So darling. Nope. They had no idea. However, only Dove will remember that anything might ever have been different. So the twins are spared at least. =)

      Delete
  8. DANGIT! Sometimes I really hate the Single roll!!! Waiting for her to make her decision was intense! She looked so sad when he proposed! It broke my heart! Beautiful poses, as always! :)

    So they have to wait until the twins are halfway through their teen years, right? *does quick calculation*

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I hated this roll too. But isn't that the point of our little challenge? To push us to play what we're not always comfortable with? *sad smiles. She'd known he's had this on his mind for a long time and knew what her answer would be. :(

      ;) xD Quick calculation that lasts as long as it takes me to update. Sorry!

      Delete
  9. I'd already guessed single. Or you told me 10,000 years ago and I remembered, one or the other ;) xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Was it only 10,000? lol. I'd guessed 15,000. Still. You remembered! Xxxxx

      Delete
  10. I'd guessed single too, esp with the way she declined the child support.

    Poor Roger. I hope he doesn't go on a rant and disappear only to have something horrible happen to him that would make Mariah regret her refusal for the rest of her life, maybe making her go mad like her mother went bonkers. Boy, I'm a ray of sunshine, aren't I? Lol

    Bills piling up. Hm. Might be time to hitch up the ol' wagon and do some fake predictin'.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well, I half tried to hide it hoping someone might think I'd moved in Roger before Dove's birth, but yeah. Half. Twas fairly obvious for sure.

      Lol. a_ray_of_sunshyne. Ha! Sorry. xD Thankfully, Mariah is made of tougher stuff than was Layla. Layla also took so much of life personally, even when it wasn't about her. But she's only like that *because* Layla broke, so... Yeah.

      Might just be. ;)

      Delete
  11. Boo! Mariah, why?! (Haha, I know why... damn rolls!)

    I really like the way you remodeled the house! It looks very pretty and suits Riah perfectly. And the scene of all of them dancing together was super cute!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Stoopid roller. *kicks RLC roller. :'( But life doesn't always work out and I love the story opportunities this presented.

      Thank you! I think so too. Her personality is bold, but not her taste. And there's SO much more room by reorienting the front door! It was crazy how much space the house gained! Routing fails:Deactivated! lol

      Delete