Chapter 2.26- Out the Door

          Rain was still falling as she pushed the button on the doorbell with a heavy heart. Merry sounds of children inside playing touched her ears, but the tinny sound of the shrill bell over the clamor was all she really heard.

          Then she heard a baby’s cry, and one of the girls calling for her mother to go and soothe it. The doorbell had startled the poor thing again.

          Unfortunately, the baby’s cry only made her remember that here was another person who would never know her mother. Henry would never know his grandmother now. And Layla dissolved into the tears she’d been holding back since Tiburcia’s mother had stormed off of her porch into the rain leaving so many questions behind.

          “Hey sis,” Cyrus pulled the door open just as Layla managed to scrub her eyes and get a deep breath.

          “Can I come in?” she didn’t even allow space to ask.

          Frowning, he glanced about furtively before stepping back and allowing her room to pass into his home.

          “Sure,” he said. “Sure, yeah, come in.”

          “So what’s going on? What do you need?” This time Cyrus was the one to not allow Layla a moment. Over his shoulder Olivia’s narrowed eyes and pinched lips made her feel as though even Olivia still held her in judgment.

          “Well,” she said slowly. After all, wasn’t she still digesting the news herself? “I got a call this morning from Daddy-”

          “Oh,” Cyrus cut in, nodding and breathing through his teeth. “That’s nice. What’s up?”

          Layla blinked. Was she missing something?

          “Well,” she tried to continue, though she was worried he’d cut her off again. “Daddy called to tell me that last night- last night.” She stopped, her words cut off in her throat.

          “Mom’s gone, Cy,” she finally choked out. “She passed away last night.”

          Cyrus bowed his head, closing his eyes.

          “She’d been ill for a long time,” Layla said. “Uh, Galen’s wife, Arden. Arden had insisted she move that PlumbBob awful couch and mom wasn’t up to it. She was hurt pretty badly and after that she was just constantly in pain, and in and out of the hospital with these nasty infections, and pneumonia and Daddy said this last week- this last week was-was-bad-”

          Cyrus’ head came up, just in time to catch his baby sister as she hurled herself at him as she had flung herself at Iggy earlier.

          “Hey!” He cried, startled as she cried into his shoulder. “Hey, hey, hey! It’s alright! It’s alright!”

          But Layla ignored his pleas and continued until he finally had to push her off of him.

          “Really, it’s going to be okay,” he said, wide-eyed and looking at her as though wary she might do it again.

          Putting on a grin that he figured looked as goofy as it felt, he tried to get her to smile back.

          “Anyway,” she finally found her voice again. “Daddy said she passed last night in her sleep. So at least she’s not in pain anymore and that in some ways it’s a relief to know that she’s not suffering.”

          Cyrus nodded as behind him Olivia loudly cleared her throat.

          “Hey,” Cyrus cleared his throat as well, as if answering his wife. “Hey, uh, this is really awful about Mom-about Helen, and all, but I’m- we’re- but we’re kind of expecting company over soon.”

          Arching a single brow, Layla looked back at her brother quizzically. Was he really not that affected by their mother’s death? Surely he wouldn’t carry his grudge against their mother beyond her death?

          “And it would be really awkward if you were here,” he continued. “If you are here still, when he arrives.”

          Jaw dropping slightly, his words hit her like lead in her stomach.

          “Really, Laydee,” Cyrus still went on. “I hate to ask you to leave at a time like this, but I kind of have to.”

          Blinking, nodding, it took her a few moments to gather herself and formulate a response. How could he kick her out? Wasn’t she more important than a guest?

          “Oh. Okay. I’ll go,” she said, ashamed of how bright her words sounded to her. “No. No. I wouldn’t want to make things awkward for you.”

          She took a step around him as his own mouth opened as though he wanted to say something.

          “See,” she said before he could get anything out. “See, I just thought that family always stuck together. Thought you’d want to know that the woman who gave birth to you had died. Oh well. Have fun with your guests.”

          And without a backward glance, she walked out the door.

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

          Ignacio heard the front door close from the kitchen. He’d been tempted to call Layla to see where she had gone to. Arriving back home and finding her gone had worried him. His mother’s prediction that she might go to Cyrus hadn’t sat well with him either, as he was fairly sure of the welcome she’d receive as Ned was her brother’s employer.

          Coming into the living room swiftly and quietly he found a scene that took his breath away momentarily. Layla was cuddling his little girl

          “The gems are pretties aren’t they?” Layla crooned, her voice pitched higher than usual in an imitation of baby talk.

          Ignacio turned to sneak back out of the room. Layla freaked out if she thought the little girl had touched the gems. She said she was terrified she’d choke on them, though she still hadn’t removed them from the girls reach.

          “See the pretty butterflies? So pretty. Butterflies,” she continued as Ignacio slipped back out, his stomach flipping even as the muscles in the corners of his mouth twitched.

          Ignacio had just managed to make it back into the kitchen without detection when Layla turned around, scanning the room.

          She’d kept hold of Tiburcia, enjoying the child’s warm weight on her arm. Turning, she buried her nose in the soft dark hair on her shoulder, inhaling the sweet scent that clung to her.

          “We need to get you a room with us so you can stay with your Daddy and that mean old woman won’t need to come get you from him,” Layla looked around again, as if she half expected Ignacio to have materialized since she last looked around. “We should tell him.”

          Raising her voice a little: “Ignacio? Iggy? Where are you?” she called.

          Ignacio’s heart leapt a little when he saw that Layla still held Tibi. He also noted the hard look in her eye that hadn’t been there earlier.

          “Hey,” he said. “There you are. I was a little bit worried when we got back and you weren’t here. Are you alright? Where did you go?”

          Layla’s eyes narrowed fractionally as Tiburcia began to fuss and wriggle trying to get down to a toy she’d spotted.

          “Hang on, let me put her down.”

          Putting the girl down Layla slowly walked back to where Ignacio was standing.

          “So,” she said, putting on what she thought was a seductive face. “So, I’ve heard tell that the greatest real estate mind in town is currently living with me. That is, if what you’ve told me is true at least.”

          Ignacio took half a step back, narrowing his own eyes as she had earlier. What on Sim Planet had gotten into her?

          He put a fist on his hip, nodding at her slowly.

          “Uh-Huh,” he acknowledged warily. “That is true.”

          “Hmmm,” Layla’s fingers walked up the buttons on his shirt front and he nearly shivered from anticipation over whatever the hell she was about to do. “Well, isn’t that convenient.”

          “Uh,” his eyes darting about as he tried to puzzle her words out. Where was she going with this. “Uh, that is good? I guess? Why is it convenient?”

          “Because I think I’m ready to be a homeowner,” grabbing his shirtfront  in her fists, pulling him an inch or so closer. “And you’re going to find me a house to buy.”

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

Yeah. I had fun with that bit.

Ok. Cyrus. Layla is not going to know this for a long time. Maybe never. But Cyrus and Olivia were expecting Ned at any moment and as Ned is his boss (in story only, it’s backwards in game) Cyrus did not relish a meeting of those two in his home, especially with Layla all emotional like that. Cyrus is genuinely sad Helen had died. Really. The news, however, was a lot more shocking to him than it was to Layla and sometimes that takes a bit more time to sink in. So don’t think too horribly of him right now. Let Layla do that.

And in game that was the first time Layla had autonomously done something with Tiburcia. So be proud of her folks. There might be hope for her yet. I couldn’t not use it. It was so sweet! And I still love how when I want her too Layla gives great face.

Chapter 2.25- Dam Burst

          “Daddy!” Ignacio paused almost imperceptibly as he finished washing the breakfast dishes. Buck did not call the house phone when he wanted to talk, he called Layla’s cell phone. “How are you this morning?”

          His Mami had said she’d be by to assist with Tiburcia today, and Buck was calling early on the house phone. What was going on?

          “Yeeeeee-aaaah,” Ignacio could hear her smile slipping. Arden was due at any time now, and Helen had not recovered from the incident before Arden’s baby shower. Arden had insisted a couch needed to be moved at that very moment, that it couldn’t wait for Buck or Galen to get home. Two broken vertebra, and a pulled muscle were all Helen gained from giving in. Since then, she’d been in and out of the hospital in pain and with various infections.

          “Last night?” Reaching to turn off the taps, Igancio prepared for the worst. “Why didn’t anyone call me last night then?”

          They must have taken Helen back to the hospital last night then. Every time she went back Layla had a harder time staying away. Ignacio wasn’t sure she would be able to keep her promise to her folks much longer.

          “Yeah,” turning around Ignacio stood waiting for the report. “Yeah. I’m so sorry Daddy. Really sorry. I wish I could have been there.”

          ‘Could have been there,’ that was past tense. He stood pondering the meaning for a moment, only coming around as he heard the click of the handset being hung on the cradle. He’d missed whatever else she’d said. But if he’d expected her to turn ready to tell him everything, he was wrong. She stood silently with her head bowed for a moment before turning.

          “Hey,” trying to appear as if he hadn’t been eavesdropping. “Hey what’s up? Who was that?”

          Only she didn’t answer him. She gave him a deep searching look that lasted ages and made him feel naked. It was a look he’d never expected to see from her, and he was almost wary of her in that moment.

          Unable to take it any longer, he broke the silence. “Layla, what’s wrong? What’s going on?”

          Still, she was silent. Only blinking, only breathing.

          Deciding to drop his feigned ignorance, Ignacio tried again to get her to speak.

          “Is your mom okay? What did your dad say?”

          And the dam burst. Flinging herself at him, she clung on shaking the both of them with the force of her sobs.

          “Hey, hey-hey,” he’d finally managed to get his balance and quickly reached around to quaking back. “Hey, what’s happened? Will she be okay?”

          “No,” Layla’s voice was low, and caught on the single word. “She’s gone.”

          “Oh,” he said. What more was there to say?

          “Daddy-” She choked. “Daddy said- said she’d been really bad for about a week and wouldn’t let them tell Fay or I and- and-now. And now. Oh-”

          Tightening his grip he pressed his lips into her hair. He didn’t mind his wet shoulder. And he couldn’t let her grieve alone.

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

          The bookcase did it. She didn’t know why. Didn’t care to know why, really. All that morning, almost everything she’d looked at had caused a flood of tears to begin again. It had happened when she’d looked at the gems, the wildflowers, the refrigerator, the washing machine. Then she’d feel stupid for crying over inanimate objects, or the memories they only somewhat evoked, shake herself out of it and move on.

          Unless, of course, Ignacio happened to be nearby and heard her grief. Then he’d spin her around and comfort her until she was in control of herself once again.

          The household had been somber the entire morning. Tibi had kept as quiet as possible sensing the atmosphere. She wasn’t afraid of Layla or her grief, she simply did as children in such situations do. They attempt to be as good as possible in order to make someone who is sad happier.

          After lunch the routine was abruptly changed when Sabria walked in as Ignacio went to cuddle her once again.

          “You need to grieve,” she said, not even bothering to offer a greeting, taking Layla from Ignacio. “It’s healthy. She’s your mother, no matter how close or not the two of you have been.”

          Looking up, Layla was surprised to see that Sabria was the one there. When had she come in?

          “She was your mother, dear,” Sabria continued, hands still chafing Layla’s arms. “It’s only natural.”

          “Oh,” said Layla. “Yeah. She was my mother. I do love her. Did. Did love her.”

          “You do. You do love her,” Sabria quickly answered. “She’s still here. Our loved ones never really leave us. We just can’t see them with our eyes, or hold them in our arms.”

          Ignacio went to snuggle Tibi who was quietly fussing at a toy that didn’t want to work the way she wanted it to. If he couldn’t snuggle Layla at least he could snuggle his daughter. He watched as his mother continued to offer comfort to Layla making particular note that Sabria’s hands never left Layla’s skin.

          Finally, Sabria left Layla to look out the window and walked toward her son and granddaughter.

          “She values her solitude,” Sabria spoke looking at Tiburcia. “And grief is disturbing to my little Tibi. She could use some fresh air. We’ll go to the park. Layla will stay behind.”

          “Are you sure that is a good idea?” Ignacio asked.

          “I can promise you she will be fine,” she said. “I think she might even use our absence to go and tell her brother of their mother’s death. For now, we will go to the park. Or- the library. Yes. We’ll go to the library. It might rain.”

          Fifteen minutes later Layla stood amidst the scattered toys on the floor Tibi had left behind. Normally, the solitude was something Layla not only sought, but revered. And with her heavy heart she should have welcomed being alone in her home. However, this time, she couldn’t rejoice in the sacred space she had made for herself in this home.

          As if on cue the doorbell rang. Of course it would ring right as she thought she needed company.

          Hoping it might be Nalleli coming over for a visit she turned to the door. Spying what looked like rain she decided to grab an umbrella. (Because it rains on covered porches in Sim Land.)

          Steeping onto her porch brought a startling surprise. A stranger stood there under her own umbrella. Well, maybe not a complete stranger. She’d seen the woman around town, though they’d never been introduced.

          “Can I help you,” Layla sighed the words rather than asked them. She was far too weary for making acquaintances today.

          “Why yes,” she replied, folding her umbrella as though intending to stay. “Yes, you can help me. I’d like to see my daughter please.”

          “Your daughter?”

          “Yes, my daughter. The little girl in the custody of her father who, as rumor has it, lives here now? I usually call her Tibi, though Ignacio might just call her Tiburcia since he’s the one who named her,” She spoke in a sugary sweet voice as though she wanted to conceal the bite of her words.

          “She’s not here right now,” Layla answered warily. “And unless Ignacio were here also, I wouldn’t let you in to see her.”

          The woman looked surprised, and was quiet for a moment. Layla took the opportunity to dig through her memories trying to remember when she’d heard this woman’s name mentioned. What was it?

          “Well,” The woman’s tone had become pleading, almost whiney. “This is probably for the best then. I don’t have the money for the support payment this month.”

          The change in the woman’s tone brought the recollection of where Layla had heard this woman’s name before. She’d been at the consignment shop where Layla sold her finds the first day she’d been in town. Mathew had called her Melly.

          “So,” Melly continued. “So if you could just maybe talk Ignacio into letting this month’s payment slide, that would be wonderful. As soon as I get the payments for my other kids' dads in I’ll get it to him. But, four kids at home, single mom? I don’t usually have that much to spare.”

          It was nearly enough to touch Layla’s heart. Only she knew better. Though she’d only heard snips and bits of the gossip about her, the grains of truth Layla could pick out were that all of her children had a different father. That she’d successfully ruined at least two marriages in town, and that the best place to find her, (if one were so inclined,) was at the smoky little bar on the outskirts of town where she spent her money most nights buying drinks to any man who would give her half a minute of attention.

          “I wouldn’t know what Ignacio would think about that, you’ll have to ask him, not me,” Layla wasn’t sure what she was getting at, but she did know that it wasn’t her place to make such a decision.

          “Well, I know Matthew says you’re a regular. And I’ve seen you in and out over there several times. Surely with your combined finances…” Melly’s voice trailed off hopefully.

          “Alright,” Layla finally was able to take in what she wanted. Melly wanted Layla to act as a barrier between Ignacio and her so she could let her parental duties slide. “Alright, for starters: Our finances are not combined currently. He has his, I have mine. And after what you’ve just hinted at, perhaps it ought to stay that way. Secondly, when I say you’d better talk to Ignacio, you’d better talk to Ignacio. I will not be your messenger boy. Got it?”

          Narrowing her eyes, Melly stepped back as Layla lifted her chin in defiance. Layla wasn’t about to let this harpy get to her. She’d agreed to have little Tiburcia (she’d never be able to call her Tibi again even if Ignacio and Sabria could) in her home and damn it if she wouldn’t make sure things stayed that way. Maybe she didn’t have room in her house for her, but that would change. And soon. And damn it if she wouldn’t buy the biggest house she could afford just so this woman wouldn’t get a dime of her money.

          Without another word Melly turned and stalked off in a huff.

          Watching her as she left Layla was hit with a single thought. This woman, no matter how horrid she is, is a mother. And Layla had just lost hers. The common parent between her and Cyrus and Phedra was gone. And then came the realization that getting a hold of Phedra would take another day or so, so Phedra can’t have told Cyrus about Helen. Cyrus didn’t know. She’d have to go tell him. At least they would still have each other to lean on.

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

Phew. Alrighty. So if that’s choppy or odd sounding I’m coming off of a week’s worth of illness and guests in my home and my brain is mush. Half the time I’d type a word and look at it and go “no… No that’s not right. That’s not even close to right. Like ‘door’. No lie. I typed in Wall for Door. Then for Window? Curtains. Nope. Not right. So I’m blaming anything odd or off in this one to Mushy Brain Syndrome. 

Melly Pelly has a really strong, fake, affected drawl when she’s talking sugary. I could Not get that typed in and reading right so I gave up after nearly bringing myself to tears over it. Just pretend it’s there. And I love that she autonomously begged Layla for money. I officially love her since she played along so nicely. Also, on the lines of Melly Pelly and her gaggle of kids- Tibi and Sally’s (now husband in game) boyfriend Ottawa Fox are half siblings. While playing AP before I’d moved Layla and co. over I had teen pregnancy on without having a single teen in town pop up preggers. The second Melly Pelly aged up she popped up pregnant by Choctaw Fox, who was Melly’s older sister Penny’s boyfriend at that time. (Penny moved on to Angelo Martingale, while Melly moved on to many more men.) I’m not making her sluttiness up, she must have gotten it from her father- Kanoa Parrot. The second she gave birth to Tiburcia I turned off her ability to get pregnant again as she’s got 5 kids currently. Ignacio broke up with Melly almost immediately after I got the pregnancy notification. They dated for like 5 sim hours. Thank you SP for getting something wonderfully right for once.