Chapter 7

I was enjoying my kids newfound independence, well able to entertain themselves at any rate.

 It was nice not having to get up at all hours of the night to feed or comfort some crying child. They were actually very good sleepers now, and rarely woke up before we did.

Azalea was in mommy heaven teaching them how to walk and talk. When I wasn't busy at work I would sit down with them myself.

Work kept me occupied at the later parts of the day. It was a great job...I got to meet new and interesting people..plus the added "perks" of dealing out your own bonuses was nice.

I had gotten two promotions and was well on my way to a third. At my last review, my physique was brought into question. I like to think I am a fit guy, but every month we have to run an obstacle course. One, to stay in shape. Two, to keep our reflexes sharp. I guess I had been slacking on the "stay in shape" part. My final time was 20 minutes and 10 seconds. Not near as fast as I had once been. This made the boss wary of my ability to evade authorities.

So, it looks like I won't be getting that promotion until I work on my fitness more. This meant more time at the gym. I really hated that place. Everyone always wants to come over and talk to you, like we are best friends or something. I swear, this place is way too cheery. If I could afford it, I'd get my own stuff at home.

One morning in place of the gym, I got up early to jog a few miles. It was quiet, and still relatively dark out. I figured this would be the perfect chance to exercise and not be bothered.

After an invigorating run and some 2 hours later, I had worked a large sweat and an even larger appetite. I made my way back home. Azalea was out in the garden, as usual, with Kobi and Orchid playing happily near her. As much as she loved to be outside, she still wanted her kids to be near her, so she could keep an eye on them. Kobi was a good kid, sometimes, but that evil streak was unpredictable.

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

Well, Kobi and Orchid have mastered the art of walking. I thought that'd be a great thing. now they are into everything! Cupboards, the toilet, my room! That is where I flipped.

First of all, that room is much to dangerous for them to be in. Second, it's MY ROOM! My one place to get away from everything.

Let me explain.... I woke up early one morning. I was about to start my morning jog, when I heard some giggling coming from my "cave". I normally keep the door locked, so I was curious to find out who could be in there. I found my "darling" children playing with pieces of scrap metal, they had managed to drag out the little soldering iron I kept on the table.

I was enraged! "GET OUT OF HERE NOW!" I bellowed.

The kids turned around in shock, since they hadn't heard me enter the room. At my sudden outburst, they both erupted into uncontrollably sobs.

"You can cry all you want, I don't care! It's much too be dangerous for you to be in here! Not get out!"

Azalea, upon hearing my yells and the kids crying, came running to see what all the commotion was about.

"What is going on here?!" She cried.

"You need to keep a better eye on these kids! This room is to be kept locked." I yelled.

She quickly gathered up the crying children and bustled them out of the room. All the while glaring at me.

Once the kids were settled down and playing in the living room, she came to talk to me.

"How dare you talk to me like that!" She cried.

I stood there, surprised that she would raise her voice to me. She had never shown any form of aggression.

"Do you have any idea, what kinds of dangers are in here? They could be cut or burned." I managed to respond calmly. "If I have to, I will be a dead bolt for this door, since it appears you have no control over these kids."

She drew in a gasp of breath, "I am with these kids all day long. While you are out "working". So, I slept in. I am sorry, but you could be doing a little bit more around here yourself! These are your kids too and it wouldn't kill you to be involved more."

I couldn't take it anymore. If I stayed there I was going to do or say something I would regret.

"I'm going out for a bit." I stated as I stormed out. "Before we both do something we'll hate ourselves for later. I'll be back later."

"Where do you think you're going?!" She cried out after me.

I had no real destination in mind. I was just running on pure adrenaline. in a sick sort of way, this rush of energy felt good. I was fired up and looking for a fight.

I found myself going to the park. There were always people there and it was late afternoon. And then I saw him.

"What are you looking at?" I said maliciously.

He looked around, uncertain as to who I was referring too. "Who me?" he wondered.

"Yeah you! You got a problem with me?" I smirked.

"Uh, no." He stammered, visibly shaken.

"Good. Get out of my face!" I yelled.

The man quickly scampered away relieved to be out of my presence.

I laid claim to an empty chess table and played a quiet game by myself. As my mind focused on the pieces moving about the board, my heartbeat began to slow and I felt a calm rush over me. The calm was soon replaced with guilt. I treated Azalea badly. Once again, my Hot headed nature wins again and I lose.

When I arrived home, she was sitting on the sofa reading a book. A new wave of guilt washed over me.

"Honey..." I said.

She jumped in her seat and shot me glaring eye. "You scared me! Don't sneak up on a person like that."

"I'm sorry...about everything. I shouldn't have blown up like that." I said grabbing a hold of her hands in mine. "You do so much around here, and I apologize if I take that for granted."

"Well, what you said hurt a lot. But, I accept your apology. And I will make it a point to keep the kids out of this area from now one. We can get one of those little gates and pit it between the doorway."

"That sounds great." I said.

I pulled her close to me and hugged her. The smell of her hair and the warmth of her body began to stir something inside me.

"So....you wanna go to bed?" I mentioned slyly.

"Why, Mr. Shadowstorm are you trying to seduce me?" She responded coyly.

I picked her up and led her to the bedroom where we shed our misgivings as well as our clothes.

Chapter 6

These babies are constantly crying. The constant feeding, diaper changes, always needing attention...it's driving me to my wit's end.

I love my kids, I really do...but seriously...give it a rest, will you?

Azalea could sense my agitation, after she got the kids settled down and sleeping, she suggested I go out and blow off some steam.

Thinking that was the best idea I'd heard in a long time, I headed out. Is it wrong I didn't feel the least bit guilty leaving her with the babies? Oh well, once the door closed behind me, that feeling of utter peace enveloped me like a comforting hug.

Finding my way to the Community Pool, I staked out a lounge chair I could relax upon. I was just getting comfortable, when some of the local fruit loops decided skinny dipping was in order. Let me tell you, some of these folks should never be naked. I was disgusted, and then I had an epiphany.

Most of the residents were occupied with splashing each other, I ran around the pool collecting all the clothes lying about...and I hid them. Not the most evil thing to do, I admit...but that'll teach them to bare all in a public place.

The sun was staring to set and I figured I should be getting back home lest I end up sleeping on the couch. As I started to walk home, I passed the old Junkyard. I decided to take a gander and see what I could come up with. I was surprised to see the kinds of things people would just throw out.

 I took a bunch of the scrap metal with me, I thought I might be able to tinker around with it. Anyway, it would keep me busy.

As, I was taking my load of scrap with me, that weird family, you know the one? The blue aliens? He accused me of taking something he wanted. I wasn't going to stand there and let this freak accuse me of something I didn't do. I planted my size 12 boot, right in his...well, you get the picture. Needless to say he left, sporting a nice shiner for his troubles. 

"What are you grinning about?" Azalea asked me as I walked through the living room. "You look like the cat that swallowed the canary."

"Oh, nothing really...." I answered slyly. "I just met that Blue Alien guy at the junkyard."

"You picked a fight didn't you?" She said knowingly.

"What?! Me?...Well he started it."

"Gah! I can't send you out anywhere" Azalea remarked with a small smile. As much as she hated my Hot-Headed ways...I think she found them entertaining at least.

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

Time at the workplace was going well for me, I was getting raises and promotions fairly quickly, which helped care for the babies and give us some extra funds to build me my own man cave. It's a work in progress but I can escape there when the family life gets to be too much.

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

As the months progressed, the babies grew and grew. They were sleeping through the night more, which was a blessing in itself.

Azalea had planned a small party, just the two of us, since we weren't the most popular family in town. She insisted on taking both kids to the cake.

Kobi was the first...as she puckered to the blow the candle out for him, he sneezed at that moment extinguishing the flame.

Little Kobi is such a handsome devil.

Precious Orchid was next...she is such a beautiful little girl. I love my Princess.

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

I am having more fun with my children, now that they are a bit older. They are starting to develop their own different personalities.

Kobi is such a devilish child. On more than a number of occasions, you can find him laughing whenever Orchid is crying to fed or changed. It just seems like he takes delight in other's misfortunes. Yep, he's definitely my boy.

Orchid is very excitable...she loves all her toys, she loves being outside...in fact I think she just about loves everything. Her laughter is so contagious. Its really hard to be mad when ever she is around.

Despite their personality differences, they really do play well together. Most times, when I come home from work, I can find them sitting at that dumb dollhouse biting the heads off the figures inside. it warms the heart. *snicker*

Chapter 5

Azalea's pregnancy was taking its toll on her and I. As much as I love her, her constant cravings were driving me to the edge. I found myself snapping at her a time or two. Which I shamefully apologized for later.

When her nagging got too bad, I would often times go to the park, it was a good place to be alone for a bit. I met some of my fellow Sugar Valley-ians there. One particular evening, I met Dr. Pepper, after giving him a good scare, one of my favorite pastimes, we chatted for a good long while. he's not a bad fellow, when you get to know him.

The months just flew by, and with each passing day, Azalea grew bigger. She still looked just as gorgeous, she had that pregnancy glow about her, and it was really beautiful.

She still spent as much time as I would allow her, in the garden. Her love for the outdoors, kept her outside alot. Whether it be gardening, bird-watching, you name it she loved it.

I made it a point to be prepared for when the big day arrived, I just didn't count on it being so soon. I was at work when Azalea's water broke, but my boss allowed me to leave work early in order to witness the birth of my child.

Running through the hospital, the nurses led me to my wife's room, where she was already pushing. I rushed over and grabbed her hand in mine.

"I'm so glad you made it." She said through clenched teeth.

"I wouldn't miss this for the world, babe." I kissed her forehead, "You're doing great, hun. Keep it up."

Three agonizing hours later, my son was born. Kobi Shadowstorm. he strongly resembled myself, with his skin and hair, but he had his mother's eyes.

"The other one's coming!" The nurse cried. "Keep pushing Mrs. ShadowStorm!"

"Other one? Twins?" No wonder she was so big, I thought to myself.

Orchid Shadowstorm was the perfect clone of her mother. She was the sweetest, most beautiful baby in the world.

We were able to take the babies home that week, since they were healthy. I was the happiest dad in the world. I had a son and a daughter and they were perfect.

Chapter 4

Azalea and I have been meeting each other for weeks now. I am so happy when I am near her. She is patient when I lose my cool and even tho I may say things I don't necessarily mean, she forgives me. I just don't know how I lived all these years without this amazing woman by my side.

We met one evening at Peppermint Pier. Seeing as how this was the place we first met, I wanted to surprise her.

"Azalea," I said and I held her hands in mine. "From the moment I first laid eyes on you, I've wanted you for my own. I love your grace and beauty, your patience and your love for me despite my many faults."

As I got down on one knee, she gasped and brought her hand to her heart. I clumsily fumbled for the small box in my pocket. "Would you do me the honors of being my wife?" I asked hopefully.

"Oh, Slate." She replied, tears forming in her in her eyes. "Of course! yes!" She finally answered jumping in my arms.

We had a quiet ceremony, seeing as how I didn't know anyone but her. I didn't need anyone else. I was just happy enough to have her by my side now and forever.


After our first night together, I just lay in bed next to her. Watching her sleep. She was so beautiful. How did a man like me, get so lucky? I asked myself.

Her eye fluttered open as she turned towards me. "What?" She asked. "Was I snoring?"

"No." I smiled. I carefully moved a strand of hair from her forehead. "I was wondering what I did to deserve you."

As she pulled me to her, I felt her breathing quicken. We made love a few more times before we fell into a satisfied slumber.


Azalea spent many of her mornings working in the garden. She absolutely loved to be outside and the cool, crisp mornings seemed to help her. The last few weeks she has been feeling "under the weather."

Every morning she darts out of bed to rush to the bathroom. It's heart breaking to see her feeling so bad, but she assure me it's nothing.

I didn't want to go to work and leave her alone, but she said she was fine. I called her as much as I could, to check up on her. Each time she told me not to worry.

When my shift was over, I rushed home only to find my wife rushing out the door to greet me.

"Hello daddy!!" she squealed as she jumped into my arms.

Chapter 3

Morning had come all too soon, and with it, the obnoxious sounds of some birds chirping gaily outside the window.

I groggily sat up in the bed and stretched. I was sore, from my previous night's activities and smelled in desperate need of a shower.

Shuffling to my pile of clothes in the corner, I dressed myself and decided to tour this little town and see what it had to offer.

As I walked throughout my neighborhood, I saw various families out enjoying the crisp summer air. Some were gardening, while others were playing with their kids in the yard.

I finally came to the beach, surprised that I had walked so far in what seemed a short amount of time. The place I encountered was like nothing I had ever seen before. it was like a candy cane exploded. Red and white lines decorated the entire pier.

Like many of the neighboring houses, this place had a couple gardens as well. Some of the plants had been picked bare, but I noticed a few seedlings scattered about the grounds. I picked up as many as I could find, in the hopes I could get a few of them to grow, so I could have my own food supply.

As, I was collecting the various seeds, I saw a young lady picking fruits as well. She was quite striking. She walked with a grace and confidence I hadn't seen before. Her skin had a light, rosey hue, while the sun bounced off her hair creating a halo effect around her head. She was the most beautiful woman I had ever seen.

She suddenly looked over to see my gazing at her, I immediately turned three shades of red in embarrassment. She smiled sweetly and gave me a wave. Goofily I waved back. Feeling like a complete idiot, I walked over to her.

"I'm sorry, I was staring. It's just...I was just so overcome by your beauty." I told her clumsily. "What is your name?" I asked.

"My name's Azalea." She answered. "You're not from around here are you?" She asked me.

Laughing, "Is it that obvious?" I answered.

"Well, you do kind of stand out here." she answered. "Ummm, not that that's a bad thing, I'm sorry how that came out." She said apologetically.

"So...how long have you been here?" She asked.

"I only just arrived a few days ago. back home, my house caught fire and I lost everything." I replied morosely.

"I'm so sorry. but, you made it out, that's good."

"Yeah, my uncle has a small house here. I guess it's been in the family for years." Sighing, I continued. "It's definitely a fixer-upper."

"Well, Peppermint Pier is like a home away from home. You'll find many amenities here, to help you out. You know, until you get back on your feet." She offered.

"That's great, I'm sure I'll using them a lot too." I added.

"Well, It's nice to meet you. I'm sorry I have to get going, but if you need anything, I'd be happy to help you." she offered. "Umm, here is my phone number." She quickly added it to mine. As she neared me, I found the smell of her perfume to be intoxicating.

"It was a pleasure to meet you Azalea." I replied. "I do hope to see you again."

She looked back and waved again as she left.

I quickly went home and began to plant my newly found seeds. Getting ready for bed, the image of sweet Azalea invaded my thoughts.

I couldn't wait for our next meeting.

Chapter 2

As I sat there mentally organizing what I would require to survive this mess I found myself in, I felt the all too familiar pangs of hunger set in.

I got up to take a look inside the fridge. I steeled myself for the horrors I might encounter when I opened the door. To my surprise, I found a box of baking soda and some bottles of water.  Well, that wasn't going to get me far.

"Well, this is as good enough reason to see what the parks have to offer." I thought to myself. On the taxi ride here I had noticed the parks and many of the homes had trees and gardens that were abundant with fruits and vegetables. Surely no one miss a few here and there.

As my stomach continued to rumble, night began to fall. I silently crept out of my house and stealthily made my way across the street to my neighbor's garden. It was smallish in size, but it had a bounty of delicious looking fruits.

Upon seeing this, my stomach cried out at the sight of this cornucopia before me. Tip-toeing, I reached the first of the many trees and began to stuff apples into a small bag I had brought with me. I stole quick glances around my shoulder in the fear that my misdeeds would be revealed. I could hear my pounding heart in my ears, the rush of adrenaline only spurred me onward.

Within moments my bag was brimming with all kinds of delectable delights. I took my bounty back to my house and began to prepare a salad.

With my hunger sated, I was overcome with exhaustion. I guess my night's activities and the sudden rush of energy I had felt at my sly misconduct took a lot out of me. I climbed into my bed and fell deeply asleep.

Chapter 7

 An Eye for an Eye

“That impudent little monster!

" What have I done to receive such animosity? I have given this family so much and what do I get in return?"

 "Disrespect and a total lack of appreciation for what I had to give up in order to come help them in their time of despair.”


Gretchen is fuming. We see her pacing back and forth in her room. She has just come from her confrontation with Wesley.

“That boy is getting too high and mighty. It’s time for him to be brought to his knees.” An evil smile starts to slowly spread across her face.

Gretchen is startled by the words of the man in gray. “You want to break these two apart?”

“Where did you come from?” Gretchen asked him.



“I come from lots of different places. Now, are you going to be the one asking the questions or are you going to answer mine?"






Gretchen smiles, “Yes, more than anything on this Earth. Her family has destroyed my life. And I will destroy hers as well.  I loved my Father and she took him away from me. I will take her love away from her as well. “

He asks, “And how will you do this thing?”

Oddly Gretchen starts to tell him her plans. He nods in acknowledgment of these deeds.

 “I believe that your end result will be bringing these children closer together and not further apart. Still, it will be interesting to watch. We shall see how strong their love really is.”




The room is filling with the scents of expensive cologne and the pungent aroma of brandy. In walks an attractive man, with dark hair and a small goatee. He enters the room with an air of nobility.

 “This is Dmitri Michel. I think you’ll find him up to the task at hand.” She says introducing the two gentlemen.

Gretchen begins to inform Dmitri of her plans and the part he must play in them.



 “She seems like a lovely girl. I would very much like to meet this exquisite creature.”  He says with a smile upon his face.

Chapter 6

 A Revelation of Love


These past weeks have been so great!



Lizzie and I have made it a point to hang out every week and do something.

Whether it be a movie, ball game, stroll on the beach or just watching some sappy movie on TV. I don’t care what it is as long as it’s with her. '

'My love for her grows continuously. I want to tell her how I feel. I only hope she feels the same way for me. I think I will tell her tonight. It’s got to be a super special night. I’ll tell her to dress up for a romantic night on the town. I’ll make reservations at that new restaurant in town, Lantern’s Light. It’s a nice romantic place. I am sure she’ll love it. Then we can take a walk by the river and watch the sunrise.' 



Meanwhile, Wes helps his dad at home with some of the harvesting of vegetables.

 He also has been working hard at teaching little Levi to walk and talk. Levi loves his big brother to pieces.

Gretchen on the other hand has been watching Wes and Liz about town. She sees that they are growing closer. An evil smirk can be seen upon her face.

Wes is seen preparing for his big night. He calls Lizzie and tells her his plans. He then starts to get ready himself.

'Wow, I am so nervous. I can’t believe how knotty my stomach is. I am sure tonight is going to be a wonderful night. I love Lizzie so much, ever since that day at the Community Center she is always on my mind.'

With those thoughts in mind he heads out the door to pick Lizzie up at her house. She rushes out to greet him. He is stunned by how beautiful she is in her dress.

“Lizzie, you are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen.” giving her a hug and a small kiss on the cheek.

“Wesley, you are quite handsome tonight as well. I am looking forward to dinner. I am starving.” Wes gives her his arm and leads her to his car.



He drives to the restaurant and opens the door for her. They get a small table in the back. Wes pulls the chair out for her and then sets in his own.



“Lizzie, we have known each other since grade school days. Do you remember the hug you gave me that day at the Center?”

“Of course I do Wes. You saved my life. You were my hero. My knight in shining armor.” She said while gazing into his eyes. I took a deep breath and continued, “We became the best of friends, didn’t we?” “Yes, Wes we did. What is this all about?” she asked with a grin.

 'Gosh, my stomach was in such knots. I hope I can say what I need to say without sounding foolish.' “Liz, what I am trying to say is I love you. I can’t imagine my life without you. I would be honored if you’d consider seeing me exclusively.”


'Sheesh did my voice sound as shaky as it felt. I hope not.'

 Liz smiled that sweet smile of hers, “Why Wesley. Are you asking me out, on a “real” date?”

 I took her hands in mine and looked straight in her eyes, “If you’ll have me.” She squeezed my hands, looked me right in the eye and said, “As you wish.” I was still so nervous, “Is that a yes?” I asked her.

“Yes, Wesley of course, since the day you stood up for me, I have loved you. “ I kissed her our first “real” kiss and with that she said, “Now if you don’t mind, can we eat? I am starving.”



 We laughed and ordered our food, and ate heartily.

 Afterwards, I drove her to SimHenge and we sat and watched the sun rise.

She looked so beautiful in the morning light. I embraced her and kissed her. 

They began the morning in each other’s arms. Wesley drove her home and kissed her.

 And then drove himself home, where Gretchen was waiting for him.



“And just where have you been all night long?” she asked him with a sneer on her face. 

Nothing was going to spoil my mood. I tried to move passed her, but she blocked my path to the door.

 “I asked you a question, you insolent whelp!” She yelled through clenched teeth.

 “Move it you old hag! Or I will move you myself!” I said defiantly. “It’s none of your business where I was or who I was with.”



“You were with THAT girl again, weren’t you? She is nothing but trouble. You would be wise to keep her out of your life,” she said smugly.

 “I don’t ever want to hear you talk about her again, do you hear me? I will make you regret the day you came into our lives.” I said, pointing at her. And with that I went to my room.

Gretchen does not take kindly to spoiled brats speaking to her in such a way. She can be seen watching Wes walk away and an evil sneer spreads across her face.