4.3: Growing Up

   Her words lingered in my mind, even after a year. The boy's first birthday was today. The one year anniversary of her disappearance. And their appearance. Chase and Steven. Steven and Chase. I sat at my laptop, as they slumbered. Move on. I could do that.I finished attempting to set up my online dating profile, a mug of coffee, my new addiction sitting my my laptop. Online dating is not the best place to find potential mothers. Older woman wanting to cheat on their husbands, looking for a fresh face? Yes. Old men pretending to be a hot twenty something year old girl? Absolutely. A girl who's around my age, likes children, and wants to date a twenty year old who has twin boys who are a year old and has finally managed to throw out the old sweater his ex-girlfriend left yesterday? Not exactly a common find. I logged out of my profile, ignoring the message someone sent me.
   I had been working on a case lately, solving it fairly easy. I busted a small criminal circle who where petty thieves. They stole gift cards from stores. Not activated ones, but the kind you couldn't use until a cashier scanned them. Approximately six stores suffered a loss off plastic. The only thing worse than a criminal is a dumb criminal; if you can even call the gift card brigade a criminal. With the case rolling in big bucks from thankful stores and the twins, I didn't have much time for a social life. In fact, I didn't have time for much of anything.
   "Whahh!" I heard one of the babies cry out. I stood up, shutting the lid of my laptop.
   "Oh Chase." I picked him up. He didn't need a diaper change and I fed him before I logged onto my computer; about seven minutes ago. He couldn't be hungry that soon, could he? "It's your birthday today. Yes it is. Yes it is!" He giggled, looking at me. "Are you ready to blow out the cake?" I moved to the center of the room, where I had set up a table and two birthday cakes. "Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday Chase, happy happy happy birthday to you! I love you so much." I sang. "And now it's Steven's turn!" I sing-talked. I picked him up from the rocker, placing Chase on the floor to play with the toys I'd bought. I was lucky; Calina had decorated everything for me. She may not be a fan of children, but she did appreciate nice interior design. Does. Did. Do I refer to her in past or present tense? She isn't dead...but she might as well be. These are the things that bother me. The small details. I'm not sure if I'm suppose to hate her, or memorialize her, or pretend she didn't happen, or what.

     "Happy birthday, happy happy birthday! Happy birthday to Steven. And many more. I love you." I said. I loved both of my boys, regardless of the circumstances. I'm healing...I don't wish Calina was here for me. I just regret her not being here to see the boys grow up. I have no idea where she is or I would try and send her pictures of everything. I know she doesn't want to be a mother, but doesn't she deserve to see her children? I've forgiven her. I was upset, but then it hit me. I have the boys. I can despise her all I want, but without her I wouldn't be a father. I can wish she stayed, but she wouldn't like it. She would hate every moment of it, making life miserable for the boys. She wouldn't purposely do it; it would just happen.

 Dear Calina,
   I know that you'll never receive this letter; I won't send, even if I did I don't know where I would. Life began flying by, once they began toddlers. Chase is talking. You'll never guess what his first word was. it was no! I was trying to have him say daddy, but he refused:
    "Say daddy!"
    "No." He giggled.
    "No! That's right! No." Even though he was ignoring me, he still said his first word. No. Chase was defiantly going to be the rebel of the pair. Steven has begun walking; he skipped crawling and decided he wanted to go places the big boy way.

He is a lot less chatty than Chase was. Of course, since his older brother was walking, Chase had to as well:

I wish you could see them; they're growing up so fast. You would be proud, if you knew. You wouldn't be the one mother who's teaching her sons everything, you probably would be quietly reading a book about Australia or something, but you'd be annoyed. I know you would be, even if you where proud..... Their birthdays was eleven months ago. I'm moving on; I hate to sound rude, but I'm not missing you as much. I wish you where here for your sons, but I understand it's better this way. I still love you, but not... it's hard to explain. You're the mother of my child. You'll always have a special place in my heart, excuse the poetry, I know you hate it, but I'm not in puppy dog love. I'm thinking of you more like a really good friend than a wife or girlfriend. Sorry. I don't know how to explain it. 
    If there's one thing I know you wouldn't miss, it's the potty training! Chase is against it, completely. Steven was okay, but Chase refuses. He gives me this little look, like he's saying: "Why me? Why? Please don't make me do this." He giggles and tries to run away, but I catch him and bring him back. I started giving little stickers to him as a reward system. Steven likes playing with the blocks and hates stickers. He likes colors though, so I give him crayons and paper to play with while I potty train Chase. I gave Chase this Elmo sticker one day and he refuses to take it off his shirt. He's stubborn; just like you.  

   Steven likes mashed potatoes a lot. I thought that was funny, since you loved them so much, but during your pregnancy you couldn't stand them. He's a messy eater, throwing his spoon away when he's done. He can feed himself now. 

Both the boys have the odd love for applesauce. If one of them refuses to eat their mashed peas (I have to admit, they look better in the jar), I'll tell him "Applesauce after." And they'll eat it. Or if they want to play and it's nappy time, I'll feed them after their nap if they don't fuss. Or, I'll use there bear. They each have one. "Beary is tired, he wants to go beddy bye." It works like a charm.
    My PI business is going well. I guess being self employed helps, since I don't have to leave them with a sitter all the time; I can have clients over at the house instead of the office. I should go now, Steven is crying and Chase is holding his bear- I bet you can figure out what happened!
From Love Sincerely,
Parker, Steven, and Chase

Thank you for reading! I recently reached 7,000 views! Seven thousand! That's a huge amount , especially since I reached 6,000 about three/four weeks! Thank you so, so, so much! I don't know how to thank you all; I'm just so grateful.

4.5 Part One: Dancing Til Dawn

    "Woo! This awesome." Holly shouted. It was twelve-ten am Friday night- or Saturday morning to be accurate, and so far our date was going amazing. By amazing I mean we'd both had two shots and Holly's alcohol tolerance was incredibly low. I wouldn't ever take advantage of someone when they where in her current state- she was just a very fun, party animal, tad stupid drunk. Much better then the mean violent ones. "Let's get this party started!"
     "Yeah!" I shouted over the music. The club was a bit on the rough side- tattered chairs covered in stains, rusty door, and the bathrooms that looked like hadn't been cleaned in forever; they probably hadn't been. Holly was screaming and luckily hadn't begun dancing on tables deciding that this dance club was now a strip club. I'd stop her long before that happened, of course.
     "Wanna get a drink?" She asked me over the blaring music.
     "Sure."
     "Commme on." She grabbed my arm, pushing through the crowd to get to the bar. "Barrrtennder two drinks. Whatever yaa gottts."
     "Right away." That was the one advantage of having Holly- the hot, tipsy if not completely drunk, blonde. Guys seemed to give her whatever she wanted; they let her go ahead when they've been waiting for forever, and they hardly complained when she ended up sloshing vodka all over them (and her light colored lacy, barely covering anything top). "Here ya go." He handed her two drinks that where a neon violet color.
     "How muchchch?"
     "No charge. Wouldn't want to ruin your fun."
     "Thankss. Parker, hollldd these." She thrust the drinks in my direction. The bartender paled, as if he was just noticing that she was here with a date and free drinks wouldn't get him anywhere.
    "Here." I handed her her glass once she was stand still, stable. I took a gulp, as the concoction burned down my throat.
    "This is goood." She swayed in time with the music.
    "Wanna dance more?"
    "Whatdya mean?" She giggled.
    "You're- oh, nope." She was dizzy from the alcohol, not trying to dance. On second thought, let me take that. I grabbed the cup from her hand as she pouted, protesting.
    "It's my thirrd onnne onllyy. Gimme."
    "Holly, you can handle alcohol as well as my great grandmother could- not very well."
    "Fine. You meeaaannss though." She began walking away, stumbling over her heels.
    "Holly! Holly- here." I turned to some stranger, handing him our drinks. "Hold this."
    "Dude. Nice one ya go there."
    "I'm not doing to- Holly!" I rushed over to her- she had fallen down and was currently leaning against an incredibly muscly man who was getting a treat considering how far forwards she was leaning. "We should be going." I took Holly's arm and placed it around my shoulders.
     "Dis nice mammmn gonna show me hisss rocket." She giggled. 
     "Seriously?" I glanced at him. "That's what you say to her?" He shrugged and turned away.
     "We gonna dance?"
     "We're sitting down."
     "I gonna dance whille youu seat and watchh."
     "No, you're going to sit and sober up."
     "Parkerrrr," She leaned against me. "I gonna dancey wancey."
     "No, we're going to sitty witty."
     "Finnne. You smarrrt. I dooo what youuuu sayy."
     "How do you feel?"
     "Good." She fell onto the couch- she was laying down. "But myy headdd huuurtts."
     "We should get you home." I didn't know where her home was, though. I couldn't stick her in a cab without knowing something about her. The last thing I needed was her rambling some address off and ending up in the bad part of town with no one to help her.
     "I cann go after wee part-TAY."
     "Where do you work?"
     "I'm unemppployed. I- hehe!" She laughed. Something was incredibly funny- and I was missing it.
     "What's funny?"
     "Oh, I don't gots a job. Buuut, I readd lots. I usually go to library and I work someeee thereess."
     "The library. Alright. That's going someplace."
     "Someplace...yes! Let's go to the libraryy! Nopey- nopey. Mee go hommme. You come witth."
     "Holly that sounds great. Really, really, really, really, really, really, really- what are we talking about again? Oh yeah. Really great. But we can't."
     "Why notttts?"
     "You're drunk."
     "Me notttt drunk."
     "Yes, you are."
     "Haha! I'm not drunk..."
     "Who's the president?"
     "George Clooney."
     "What- he- Clooney? He never even was a president, he's an actor. You know, Gravity?"
     "See, you drunk, not me."
     "Do you mean Washington? As in George Washington? Or Bush maybe? Because both those answers are wrong- real presidents, but wrong."
     "Nope, nope..." We continued chatting and dancing, until it was five am- the club's closing time. Holly was sobered up, lucky for me; I wouldn't have to stick her in a cab and hope for the best.
     "I had a great time." I said outside the club, as the sun began rising.
     "Me too." She smiled at me.
     "You know, you get drunk as quick as you sober up."
     "Should have warned you. My heads going to kill me in about three hours, though."
     "Soup." 
     "Huh?"
     "I've found that it's great hangover food- surprising, right?"
     "I should try that sometime. You're so nice..."
     "Thanks...you're incredibly humorous when drunk."
     "What did I do?" She leaned closer to me.
     "Said George Clooney was president. And Paramore was a type of angle, not a band.  And Adele was a computer."'
     "Gaw- I'm really, really stupid!"
     "Only when drunk. Besides, you only confused pop culture with... not pop culture stuff."
     "I haven't drank in awhile."
     "Awhile?" Oh please don't let this be the first time. Please let her be twenty-one.
     "Four months." My nervousness was let out in a huge sigh.
     "Hold old are you?"
     "Parker! Never ask a ladies' age."
     "Sorry, sor-"
     "Twenty-five."
     "Thank goodness."
     "What? Why is that good?'
     "I was worried you where like eighteen."
     "Thank you."
     "That was a compliment?"
     "You thought I was eighteen. Of course that's a compliment."
     "I...I..."
     "Parker." She quietly said, leaning even closer to me; we where practically touching. "Don't speak. Just...you're so nice. And kind." She stumbled into me, as her lips touched mine.
     "Holly." I quietly said, once she pulled away.
     "You didn't kiss me."
     "I did."
     "No...it was me kissing you. We weren't...it wasn't like a spark."
     "Are you still a little drunk?"
     "Maybe." She chuckled. "You taste good, though." Defiantly a tad bit tipsy still.
    "Holly, I like you. We can't begin like this."
    "We won't begin like this.We'll...we'll...Parker. Kiss me."
    "Holly...we're both drunk, probably. It's getting early. I should head home."
    "But...but..." She leaned on my shoulder. "Parker, I want to see you again."
    "I want to see you again, too."
    "My cab." She pointed to the yellow car. "I need to go." She walked away, giving me a little wave. Something great almost happened. Something would have, if both of us had been a little more sober and the day was still a little earlier. Now we'd have to wait to see if it'll come around again.
     She sat in her cab, waving goodbye to me. She rode away, into the distance. Her cab was pulling us apart. I didn't know her last name, address, or cell number. I had no way of contacting her. I sighed, as I began the trek. The trek to find a cabat a time where all the drunk people began disappearing form the streets so the sober businessmen and woman could rule Bridgeport, turning it from a party place into a second Wall Street. I sighed, riding home in my cab. I stared out the window, wondering. Holly. I know we'd see each other again, I just didn't know when or where. But I wished it was soon, and it was. Sooner than I thought it would be.

4.4: Dives and Dates

   "And remember boys, no running. The rules are right here." I pointed to the water park's rule board that was at the entryway.

   "We know dad." Chase sighed. They'd turned six recently, and had discovered their love for swimming.  Over the summer we had started become frequent visitors water park, much to the delight of  my six year old's who where completely bored with Bridgeport's normal activities. That didn't keep me from going over the rules multiple times, though.
    "Daddy, we'll be fine." Steven said. "Can we go play now?"
    "Yes..." It was a routine. I explain the park's rules, Chase, out of boredom, says he knows them all, and Steven asks if they can go play. They'll go play in the Slip 'n Slides, and I'll dive off the high dive, then lounge in the hot tub. "As long as you two stick together."
    "We will, we will!" They both said together, running off together.  I glanced at the high dive. The line was increadibly long, much longer than usually. I walked to the hot tub, deciding not to wait.

-Steven's POV-  

     "This is so fun!" I shouted, as I slid on the Slip n' Slide.
     "Yeah!" Chase screamed in agreement, as I jumped onto the pink and green one. I stood up, shivering slightly. A light breeze had come by. "Wanna go down the slide?"
     "Slide?" I hadn't ever done that before.
     "It'll be awesome." Chase assured me.
     "Defiantly. Okay, I will." I loved water, and if Chase said something would be awesome, chances are it was. I quickly warmed up, running across the concrete to the slides. Chase climbed up the ladder, rushing down. I followed suit, excitedly.

     "Do you have any money?" Chase asked me, when I landed in the water. 
     "Yeah, why?"
     "I want to buy ice cream."
     "Don't you have some?"
     "Couple quarters."
     "I know! Let's have a contest! Whoever can hold their breath the longest underwater wins all the money."
     "Deal. And then has to buy the loser ice cream."
     "Worried you're going to lose?"
     "Just making sure you have something to cool down your anger after I win."
     "It's on!" We counted to three and submerged ourselves in the pool water.

    I held my nose, hoping that I would win. It wouldn't matter, since either way you got ice cream, but the bragging rights where what we where after; not the money. I glanced at Chase. His eyes where firmly closed. I could feel my lungs getting ready to explode; it had been about twenty seconds. Chase looked fine. I had to keep going. Twenty-one, twenty-two, twenty- three- I felt a tug on my arm.
     "Hey!" I shouted. Chase had pulled me up to the surface; it was a tie.
     "What?" He smirked. "Wanna get ice cream?"
     "You cheated!"
     "Did not!"
     "Did to." I splashed him, angrily. 
     "Did not!" He splashed me.
     "To!"
     "Not!"
     "To-"
     "Boys, what's going on?" We stopped our splashing match- that was turning into a shoving match.
     "Uhhh." We both said at the same time.
     "Can we please have money for ice cream?"
     "Sure. It's getting hot anyways." He handed us each a couple dollar from the pockets in his swim trunks.
     "Great!" We climbed out of the pool, running to the vendors. "Thanks!" I remembered to shout when we where halfway there.

-Parker's POV-

    "Boys, boys, boys." I sighed. I stood up from my current position; I was crouched by the side of the pool and walked back over to the hot tub. I climbed in, glad that I was the only one. I let my brain wander carelessly, with my eyes shut. Twenty-five. Wow... It had been six years since she left, and I was perfectly content living the single dad and twin sons life. It was a bit awkward, especially when I had to go to things like PTA, where the majority of the attendees where mothers a decade older than me, or whenever they needed to bring food into class; I was always the dad who sent in the store bought cookies.
    I opened my eyes, looking around. The boys where currently eating ice cream on the swing set. I glanced around and then- my brain stopped working. There she was. every time I came to this park with the boys, she was always here. Usually she'd be sunbathing or lounging by the pool. I glanced around she didn't appear to be here with anyone. I'd seen her for the last couple times and had slowly begun to develop what might be a tiny crush- if adults even had them.
    Summer was coming to a close; with only two more weeks until school started in September, the water park wouldn't be open for much longer. If I couldn't come to the park anymore, I couldn't see the suntan girl. I didn't know her name; I hadn't talked to her any. I'd never see her again if I left the park today without saying something. My brain raced. This felt like high school, nervously asking a girl out to Prom. (Darcy Williams, and she said yes.)
    I stood up, confident. I worked out at the gym. I stayed in shape. I had my very own Private Investigators firm. What wasn't there to like? She always seemed so confident and kind to everyone- this was fate. Why else would she be here every time I was? She didn't work here- the standard red lifeguard out was defiantly not what she was wearing; I preferred her skimpy green bikini.
    I walked over to her, trying to act nonchalant. "Hey." I smiled.
    "Hey." She said, standing up.
    "I'm Parker."
    "Holly."
    "Holly. Beautiful name." I nervously stuck out my hand, as she shook it. "Mind if I sit?" I gestured to one of the lounge chairs.
    "Go ahead."
    "So... come here often?" I nervously racked my brains for pick up lines. I hadn't used any in so long.. dammit, losing my touch.
    "Seriously?" She laughed, sitting next to me.
    "Yeah." I blushed.
    "Did you just come over here to hit on me?"
    "I'm guessing that yes is the wrong answer, soooo.... nope."
    "You're funny." She laughed. Her laugh was adorable. "So, why are you over here?"
    "To talk about the weather."
    "The weather?"
    "Yep. Defiantly what I meant to say and not the first thing to pop out of my mind."
    "It's hot. It's summer. I'm way to tan."
    "Why do you come every week, then?"
    "Huh?" Crap. I just admitted that I'd seen her before.
    "I come here a lot and have seen you before...you seemed cute and-"
    "Oh, honey you're so clueless." Clueless? Is that bad? "It's adorable."
    "Adorable?"
    "Like a little lost puppy."
    "Is that a good thing?"
    "I certainly think it's a good move."
    "Uh, thanks. Totally what I meant it as."
    "Are you going to ask me out now?"
    "Out?"
    "Come on, you didn't just come over here for an awkward conversation."
    "Want to go out sometime?"
    "Sure! When?"
    "Friday night, nine pm, the Grind?"
    "Love that place. Good choice."
    "Do you want me to pick you up?"
    "Nah, we'll meet. I'd like to get to know you more before giving you my address."
    "You're..."
    "Direct?"
    "And that's totally cool." I nodded. She was different. Quirky. I liked it. "I should go." I glanced over at Chase and Steven, who where running around, chasing each other with sunscreen. 
    "See you Friday."
    "See you." I stood up, excited. I had a date,. One of my first dates since the boys had come along.
    "Daddy, I have a sunburn!"
    "He's chasing my with sunscreen!"
    "Can I have a hot dog?" I sighed as their demands and questions filled my ears. Friday night. Two days from now. Two days to survive.

Thanks to Rflong7 who created this fabulous water park! It was edited by me a little to fit the story better, but Rflong7 gets 100% credit. You can download this amazing park HERE. 

4.2: No One Tames Her

WARNING: Themes that could offend/be sensitive for certain belief systems are mentioned

   I was outside, with the dogs. Calina and I had adopted a puppy, Floozy, shortly after she moved in with me. I loved the dogs, and Calina to death. I glanced up at the sky. The sun was preparing to set. Nothing odd for an Autumn's night. Our one year anniversary was approaching, slowly. I was nervous and excited.
  "Parker!" I heard Calina's lovely screeches. 
  "Are you alright?" I dropped the treat I was holding, I attempted to train Floozy how to sit.
  "Yes, of course." She rolled her eyes, waddling out the front door. "Other than the fact that I feel like an obese penguin."
   "An obese penguin?" I chuckled.
   "Stop laughing!" Her nine month pregnant stomach had caused her to be very insecure about her weight.
    "You're gorgeous, honey."
    "I know." Her modesty had grown with her stomach.
     "Are you excited about the baby?" I tried leaning in to kiss her. She pushed me away.
    "Parker, stop."
    "Stop what?"
    "Doting on me. Treating me all special. This stupid accident," She pointed to her midsection, "Does not make me special."
     "I want you and the baby to be alright."
'    "And I will be. Look, thousands of babies are born everyday. In some countries,  men aren't even included. They provide what they have to to make a baby and you never involve them in parenting at all."
     "This is America. Not a tribal country. I'm here for you."
     "I don't fudging want you to be!" She screamed. "I hate being pregnant, I hate fudging children, and I hate you!"
     "Why? I-I'm sorry."
     "We said when we first  started dating that if anything like this happened I would get an abortion. You convinced me not to! Said I would love parenting and there was always adoption. I wanted a fudging abortion and  now I can't get one."
     "You..." I was at a loss for words. I understood abortions; I wasn't against them, but could Calina really feel that way? About her own child she would be having in a few days?
     "No. I just...I haven't traveled since we first met. Rome and Venice and Beijing; all my plans gone. Gone! I'm leaving."
      "You-I-can't we."
      "Do you want your child?" She spat.
      "Our child."
      "No. I want nothing to do with it. It's yours. You wanted to keep the fudging son or daughter of a bitch? Fine. But don't drag me into it."
       "Calina. Please." I begged. I was nineteen. I couldn't be a single parent. I couldn't be.
        "No."
        "I love you."
        "Just stop."
        "When are you leaving?"
        "After the brat is out. And I'm taking Floozy and Gabby."
        "You-tak-" My heart wasn't being broken; it was being stabbed into a billion little pieces. Leaving me as a single dad? Bad. Horrible. But taking the two things I had reaming from my old life? This was horrible. Awful. My child...without a mother? Is no mother better than one who hates you? Does Calina really hate her child, or does she hate the idea of having to take care of some parent dependent baby?
      "I'm sorry. But...I told you." Don't try and  stop her. That's exactly what she said. I need to though. But I can't. She has to go; keeping her here would only make things worse. "Parker, I don't hate you...I just. Can't handle things. I'm sorry. Maybe...you'll understand. I can't handle things like this."
     "Like this? Like what, being a mom?!" I tried screaming, but I couldn't. She was leaving. She never had been mine to keep. She was passing through; stopping to smell the roses and ending up knocked up. This wasn't part of her life. Travel was. I knew that.
      "I..." SHe glanced down, walking back inside. Gabby and Floozy followed her.
      "What have- dammit." I hadn't done anything. I couldn't keep her here and I couldn't make her leave. Only she could do that.
     I walked to the elevator, pressing the floor button. I wanted to avoid her. I wanted to go to a bar and- do what? I thought. I wasn't twenty-one. I haven't ever drank alcohol. Calina was old enough to, but I always declined her offer when she said she would buy me beer. I rode up on the elevator, listening to cheesy music. Was this? It couldn't be. Madame G? As in, my mother. Wow. I chuckled. My mother, who began producing songs at least two decades ago, was reduced to a simple instrumental and cheery lyrics meant to be played while you rode the elevator. If she was here, she would faint.
     My life was falling apart, while I listened to a decade and a half ballad about starting over, sung by my mother who use to do some very disturbing things. Well, disturbing to me. I remember when Maverick found the video. It was before she met my dad; it was made shortly after she graduated high school. She was in a werewolf film, herself being the lead werewolf. She ended up being captured by vampires and... a variety of scenes that showed parts of the human body you didn't particularly want to see, especially when they where your mother's, where scattered through the film. Apparently she's very flexible.
    I torn my mind away from the memories; as horribly scarring they where, they where memories. Maverick wasn't quite insane yet, my mother nearly died when she walked into the living room, seeing what was displayed on the laptop screen. She took away the computer and had our father lecture us. I could tell that he was trying to be serious, but Maverick kept giggling. She knew exactly what was going to happen after we went to bed.
    I arrived at my floor, exiting the elevator. The apartment door was unlocked, so I didn't have the few seconds it would take to use my key to collect myself. Floozy and Gabby where playing. It nearly made me burst into tears; something I avoided. They where going away, soon enough. I could probably bring in a lawsuit; make Calina pay child support and leave me with the dogs, but it wouldn't be worth it. I had the money for the best lawyers; Calina had none. I operated on a what's mine is yours and what's yours is mine basis, but if she was leaving...I couldn't think about it. I busied myself, looking through the fridge for something to drink. Calina hadn't bought alcohol, since she was pregnant, in the past nine months so any chance of me drowning my sorrows before I became a father was gone.
     "Parker." She moaned. She was standing by the TV.
     "What?" I glanced at her, upset, but trying to avoid being rude.
     "I-I...my water just broke!"
     "What!?" I screamed. "We have to get you to a hospital." I began panicking. I couldn't be a father. Not yet. I wasn't ready. The sooner the baby came, the sooner she left.
     "No....no...OHHOWW." She screamed. "Too late. Can't."
     "You...no. I'm going to go."
     "Parker." She shook her head. "It's too-OWWW late. The baby is coming. Now."
     "Now?" I turned into a senseless blob. Now? As in...I was about to become a dad. I helped Calina onto the couch, as she stretched out. "Get ready." I said. "I can..." I felt faint. I could see the head.It was coming. "One, two-"
     "What are y-OWWW SUGAR! Sugar! Nobody fudging counts."
     "Push!" I screamed.
     "What the fudge do you think I'm doing? Having tea with the-SUGAR. FUDGE! Hell, I-OWW gawd."
     "It's a boy." I announced, wrapping my son in blankets I had found in the bathroom closet.
     "What do you want to name-"
     "OWWW! What the fudge was that? Dammit. And we're naming him Steven."
     "I...another head." I felt ready to pass out. She was having twins. "Push!" A few minutes later, I was holding my second child. My second son. "Chase." I said, smiling. His name was Chase.
     "Let me see them."
     "I-" Should she really? If she was leaving?
     "Give the babies to me, Parker." She said, slowly. "I had them without any epidural or pain meds or whatever. I deserve a glance." I gently placed Steven in one arm and Chase in the other.
     "Your sons." I said.
     "My sons." She took a breath.
     "Help me stand."
     "Shouldn't you rest? You just popped out two kids."
     "Help me stand."
     "Okay." I gently placed the babies on the couch, as Calina stood. She picked both bundles of joy up and waddled to the nursery. I understood. This was a private moment for her; she was leaving. I glanced at the couch. I would defiantly need to reupholster it and bleach it. Or just buy a new one. Sons. Twins. I was a dad. Wow...I couldn't be ready for this. And with Calina gone... one baby, maybe I could handle that on my own. But two? I sat on the floor. This was going to be rough.

-Calina's POV-

   Sons. I didn't like children; so needy and useless. Holding my own two sons didn't change that. I still disliked children.But I felt a sense of pride. I had created something, two somethings, with Parker. And they where gorgeous. I still couldn't stay, though. I need travel and adventure. I don't settle down; it isn't what I do. It's better they never know me, than for me to suddenly pack up and leave. The first day of kindergarten. Sixth grade jitters. High school graduation. Fifth grade talent shows. I could leave during anyone of those; them wondering when I'll be back. But I wouldn't. If I leave early, maybe Parker can find a new someone. Someone to be their mother. Someone who won't leave.
   "Goodbye." I said, as I rocked Steven."Be good for daddy. I know you probably can't hear me, but I know you'll understand. I'm your mo-Calina. I'm Calina. You won't remember me, but be good... you'll have someone, a really mommy one day. She'll be better than I will. I know I shouldn't leave, but...I can't be a mommy. I'd hate it and you'd hate me. This way, you'll grow up and maybe one day have somebody to take pictures on your birthday and bake you cookies for class when it's your birthday." I gently placed him in his crib.
   I walked over to Chase's crib, picking him up. "You'll be a good man. Just like daddy. You and your brother both will be. I dunno if you heard me talking to your twin, so...am I suppose to say the same thing? Be equal. Cause I always thought just cause you shared a womb, doesn't mean you're the same person. Sorry. Here it goes. I...Chase I know life will be hard, but I'm...I won't be there. Here. Anywhere. You won't know me. But your daddy does. He'll be in a lot of pain and be good, okay? Just...don't look for me. I mean, don't expect me to come back. If you get a new mommy, love her for me. Don't regret never meeting me. Just...move on. Be good for daddy and to your brother. Be adventurous and fearless. You too, Steven." I placed him in his crib, sighing. I was ready. I really was leaving.
    I walked to the front door, where my suitcase and the doggy crates where waiting. "Goodbye, Parker." He was on the floor, crumbling. "Just...don't chase after me. Find someone new. Find a mother for the boys. I...you'll be a great dad."
    "Do you love us?" He asked, not looking up.
    "Do I-?" I felt a pang of guilt. I... "I'm sorry." I shook my head. "I want the best for you and the boys, and I hope you stay healthy and don't do anything dumb, and I hope they grow up with your brains and looks, cause then they'll be handsome and smart."
     "But you don't love us?"
     "No. But I care..."
     "I-I...you care." He said slowly.
     "It isn't the same. I know...just. move on. For me. Please?"
     "Why should I do anything for you?"
     "Because." I said simply. "I'm leaving you with your sons. I could have put them up for adoption or run to court, but I know you're the best thing or them. You need to move on for them. They can't grow up with daddy living in regret and pain."
     "Why leave?"
     "Parker...goodbye. I'm leaving so  you have the chance to move on and the boys don't grow up missing me. You can't miss someone you never met."
      "They will."
      "Just find someone. For me. Find someone who wants that huge family you do." I walked out the door, the dogs with me. I was gone. There wasn't any coming back for me.

NOTE: If this chapter reaches three comments (excluding my replies) I will post chapter 4.4! Yay! Yes you can comment as anonymous, I just really want feedback! What do you guys think so far?  I'm almost halfway done and, this being my first legacy, am so excited I made it this far.  *Hugs to you all*

4.1: Cheater

   Soft skin. Dark eyes. Vanilla. Her perfume still lingering in his nose. The tears of anger. Comforting her. Her kissing him. Him wanting to kiss her back. Beauty. Him kissing her. Her skin so soft. Her eyes bright. They talked. Stopped kissing. He had a taste of her. She wanted more. He agreed. She was glad. They went out of the waiting area. The office. Musty leather and books; like a library. The dog, in the waiting area. Her tears wiped away. Slowly, settling down on the couch. Unbuttoning his shirt. Slipping her sweater off. Kicking shoes aside. Letting him inside. The floor. Couch. Wall. Agreeing it will never happen again. Her coming over the next day. He wants  her. Again.  Five more times, over a few weeks. Sixth. Not love, passion. Lust. Memories and the hidden. Hiding it.

   I stepped inside her home, quietly. I was nervous; if this got out, my career would be ruined. She was standing still, waiting. Her hair curled. Jewelery on, heels, and a mini dress. I wanted her. I knew I did. But I couldn't.
   "We can't keep doing this."

   "He's in California, looking for a home for us to move into. We'll be fine."
   "You're getting married in three days."
   "I want you so bad..you're... he's nice, but he's so  blank. He's older and can provide and I love him...but in the bedroom." She raised an eyebrow.
   "Seriously? The bedroom." I chuckled. We'd done it in my office,  her living room, my bathroom, my office several more times; I'm fairly certain it needs to be bleached down after what happened two nights ago, and several hotels. Never her bedroom or mine.
   "I have a roommate We can't go into my bedroom. Besides, I only have a single bed and your room smells like dog."
   "Because I have a dog."
   "I need to shower. Look... this is something we've got. I met you at your office and I've never cheated before. Once. Like a bachelorrette party over several weeks and instead of some bought and paid for stripper, we have this...thing."
   "I'm not going to say no. Especially after the last time..."
   "I can let you do whatever you want, again."
   "Okay." I smiled.
   "Last time, I promise."
   "You said that last time."
   "I'm serious. In a few days, I'll be living in California perfectly married."
   "Will you tell him?"
   "No."
   "This is wrong, then."
   "Don't go all PI on me. I need to shower." She turned away, walking to the bathroom.

   I was in a moral dilemma. I didn't love her; this honestly was just sex. I followed her. One last time. it couldn't hurt.

   I dried off, as she dressed in her bedroom. Meredith was dynamite. Bodacious dynamite. She had come to my office shortly after we'd talked on the phone. She was upset that her father in law didn't trust her enough, or at all, and a PI had to solve their family issues. She started crying and I hugged her, saying it would be alright. Before I knew it, we where kissing, then our clothes where discarded and we both where laying there wondering what happened. We decided to continue the relationship, sneaking around. Horny? Call her up. It wasn't one night stands and it wasn't friends with benefits. It was worse. It was horrible. It was cheating.
   "I feel sick." I commented, as we ate.
   "Thanks." She rolled her eyes. "Glad to hear my culinary degree paid off."
   "I didn't mean it like that."
   "What did you mean?"
   "I let you cheat."
   "Look, it's all me. I wanted to. You said okay."
   "Exactly. I said okay."
   "If I hadn't asked you wouldn't of."
   "Just..."
   "You're eighteen. You're suppose to play around and experiment. Quit feeling guilty."
    "Don't you feel guilty?"
    "Look, we've dated for six years. I get bored every so often."
    "Bored?"
    "You're a nice kid and all, but damn are you clueless. Especially for a detective."
    "I-I..."
    "I'm home!" I heard a voice cry out. A female voice. "Italy was amazing! I don't get why you hate traveling, Meredith.  freaking love it."
    "You're roommate?" I asked.
    "Yes." She whispered. "I have to hide you."
    "Meredith, did you know that your almost in laws sent roses? Cool, huh."
    "Yeah, Calina." She pushed me into the bathroom, while the one girl, Calina pranced by.
    "OH my god. They sent a card asking when they'll get grand kids. I hate kids. Needy and annoying and you can't travel with them."
    "Cal, how about we go in my room?"
    "Our room."
    "Same difference."
    "I can't believe that we'll not be living with each other in a few days..." I heard Meredith's roommate say, as they walked away.
    I opened the door to sneak out the front. The home was small; sneaking was easy. As I tip toed past their bedroom, I pressed my ear against the door. Whispers filled my ear.
    "Mere did you tell the handsome blonde pizza guy that you're getting married?"
    "This morning."
    "Thank goodness. I can't believe you cheated on your husband!"
    "Fiance."
    "Same difference."
    "I have to admit, though. Mr. Blonde came over once looking for you when I was here and wow! He's super hot. Too bad you hmhm with him. That would make it weird." She's cheating on me, the guy she's cheating on her husband with? With a pizza delivery man? Angered, I flung open the door.
   "What the h-" The room was split right down the middle; whomever decorated it had split personality disorder. Something I knew well about, too; Maverick's list of many disorders included that one. Half of the room was decorated in blues and yellows. It was very Victorian in style. Four poster bed, with a canopy, vintage artwork, and  lacy curtains, all matching the color scheme. The other half was a teen girl disaster. Everything was pink, with no particular theme. A bunny rug, posters, knick knacks, and objects of no purpose filled the space besides antique French Renaissance chairs and a bed their was barely room for.
    "Parker?" Meredith paused.
    "Who's that?" Calina turned to look at me. "Oh gaw, Mere.  Cheating? Again? On the guy you're cheating on your husband with?"
    "Fiance."
    "That doesn't matter!" I exclaimed.
    "Look....I began sleeping with two guys around the same time."
    "What?!" Calina and I both exclaimed.
     "I assume you're one of the guys?" She spun around to face me."
     "Yeah." I glanced at my shoes. "Honestly...I..."
     "She's almost married."
     "I should go." Meredith slipped out the bedroom door, leaving Calina and I in awkward silence.
     "I'm so sorry...I just. I dunno." I shrugged. I had no excuse. No feelings; nothing why I needed Meredith.
     "Let's...Meredith usually is a totally snobby proper brat."
     "Really?" She was pretty wild in the...well not her bedroom. Mine.

     "Yeah. he got bored and experimented one night when I ordered pizza. I figured it was wedding jitters; you know, some one night stand. Nothing actually meant something. That night, she headed off to a PI's office.''
     "That's me. Parker Janes. Private Investigator." I stuck out my hand.
     "Calina Rice. Surprisingly interested in you."
     "You're what?" I asked, as she shook my hand. Interested? In me? "I slept with your sister." I blurted out. 
     "And I'm going to ignore that fact. Look, I love adventure and you obviously do, too..."
    "No."
    "What?"
    "If I'm going to do this thing again- if you want it, no. I really don't want a relationship with the relationship and just sex." Calina cringed.
    "You're mature for a nineteen year old." I shrugged. "Look, how about I ask you out on a date. I like you. You're honest and adventurous and handsome."
     "What about a picnic? The fireworks are coming up in a week. We could watch the fourth of July celebration."
     "Sounds like a plan. Parker. Just... don't let this ruin you, okay?"
     "What ruin me?"
     "If we break up, don't fall apart. I like you, but...I just have trouble settling down."
     "I..." I nodded, not quite sure what she meant. Settling down? Huh? I could make sure she didn't get bored. I mean, isn't that what she meant? I could...an analogy.  Tame the lion? I always hated English class, something my father ironically
loved.
    "I will leave, may be one, two, seventeen, or forty years from now. You have to let me go."
    "Forty years?" I wasn't thinking past four minutes ahead what I had to, much less forty years.
    "Just don't be surprised. Don't hold me back. I will leave and I will still love you. And I will not want to, but I  have too. I need travel. It's my life."
    "I can travel with you."
    "No." She sighed.
    "Why does it feel like we're breaking up, without even going on a first date?"
    "Because unless you've got magic powers, and if anyone does, you do, I will."
    "I could make you stay?" I was confused. I was nineteen. Her? Stay?
    "I just want to tell you, before we begin. So I hurt you as little is possible. Understand?" I blindly agreed to what she was saying, completely unsure of the insanity I was engulfing myself in. I would be drowning soon enough.

4.0: Solving Mysteries

   I hurried from the police station, tired. I'd been doing low level police work in between cases. I was trying to gain popularity in the world of crime- something quite difficult to do, regardless of whether you where a hero or a criminal. I was lucky in someways; I made my own hours. The officers treated me as if PI stood for personal immaculate-r.  I could come in at ten, if I over slept or leave at one if I became fed up with the file papers, go on Dunkin' Donuts runs, repeat routine.
   I was lucky; I'd solved several cases. Snooping around, appeasing the ignorance of Bridgeport was far from ideal; most people's ideas of PI meant someone to yell at the neighbor because the maple leaves had fallen into their hot tub. A case was a case, though and I loved helping people, regardless of how silly it seems. There was a problem; a mystery and I'd solve it. It was my job; my love.
   I paid the taxi driver, generously tipping him. I arrived in my apartment's lobby. I checked the mailboxes. A charity had sent me a thank you for my donation; they wanted to find a way to thank me for keeping them from shutting down. I fumbled around in my pocket, pulling out  a check and an old sticky note. I scribbled a four figure number on the check, making it out to the charity. 'No need for thanks.' I scribbled on the post it, placing both slips of paper into the return envelope that came stampeded. I stuck it back in the mailbox, as I pressed the fourth floor button, riding the elevator up to my apartment.

    "Hey Gabby." I threw open the apartment door, smiling. She smiled greeted me, excitedly. It was like we hadn't seen each other since forever, when in reality it had just been a few hours. "You glad to see me?" She wagged her tail, barking. "Me too." I leaned down to pet her.
    I'd adopted Gabby, my dog who was a mix of several breeds, shortly after Maverick was shipped off to Crazy Central. The apartment was lonely, large and empty. I needed someone to share it with and I wasn't about to try and find a mail order bride, just because I hated living alone.
     I was a private investigator. Thrilling? At times.  Lady magnet? Not exactly, considering that I wasn't exactly advertising my status, especially during undercover work.

  "What's that?" I leaned down, picking up the slightly slobber covered newspaper. I had trained Gabby to get the newspaper for my every morning. Everyday I would come home, read the paper, while Gabby played with her toys. Lately, she was favoring the hot dog chew toy.
    "Woof!" She barked, running off to the doggy playroom slash office, also know as Maverick's old bedroom. I followed her, sitting down on the futon.
     "Huh." I started reading the classifieds. PI NEEDED lined the top. Call at YAY-SIMS Interesting. I needed a new case; something real, something not 'Hi, can I have five large mocha lattes and a baker's dozen?' I took out my cell and dialed the number.
    "Hello sir, this is Parker Janes with Janes Investigations."
    "Did you see the ad?"
    "Yes, sir. How may I be of service?"
    "My neighbor has been moaning like a hyena who has had too much laughing gas at the dentist! Every night, there's a male coming over to the home, I'm aware that the girl has a boyfriend, my son, and am afraid she's cheating on him."
    "Do you have your son's consent?"
    "No."
    "I can work with. Would you like to meet at my office?"
    "Please, no. I don't want anything to seem out of the ordinary. How about near the bookstore?"
    "Alright."
    "Tonight? Nine?"
    "Yes, sir." I hung up, overjoyed. I wasn't glad that my client's son's girlfriend was unfaithful, but I was happy that I had a case. I prepared dinner, salad, the one thing I couldn't burn and mess up. I filled Gabby's bowl to the brim, the leaned down and petted her goodbye. "I'll be back."
    "Wooof." She sadly said. I stared into her puppy dog eyes, sighing. I hated leaving her; she always got this sad look on her face, begging me to stay.
    "I'll be back soon." I stepped outside, locking the door. I rode the elevator down and hailed a taxi. "Bookstore, please." I rode in silence. Not my first case, but still one of the first ten.
    "Mr. Janes?" I heard the man exclaim when I exited the taxi.
    "Yes, sir?"
    "I need you to solve this case fast. My son is thinking of proposing to her, see. He doesn't know about her late night adventures, see."
    "What's the girlfriend's name?"
    "Meredith Rice. Nice girl, really. I have her address and an email she sent me, confirming the birthday party we planned for my son a few weeks ago. "
    "Can you forward me the email?"
    "Anything to help with the case."
    "I'll trace her IP address and hack her email, seeing if I can find anything."
    "Will it take long?"
    "It depends, sir. You're cooperation helps the investigation. If she has anything incriminating in her email, the case will move much faster."
    "Okay." He sighed. "I have to go. They're coming over for dinner tonight. Try and solve the case. I don't want to ask her; she might think I'm stalking her. I know... I care hear physical sounds. I'm aware that she's..."
    "Yes, sir. I understand." We exchanged some small talk, my rates, and finally we left. I rode home, thinking. Meredith Rice. Was she cheating?

   I arrived at my office the next morning, with Gabby in tow. I had a weekly cleaning service that always cleaned well, allowing me to bring my lovable dog to the office. The email was sitting in my inbox. I quickly traced the IP address, hacking into her inbox. Spam, spam, Last Night! I clicked on the last night email.

From: meredith.rice@sims3email.net
Subject: Last Night!
Thanks for coming over last night. Srry about issues. :) Love ya.

To: meredith.rice@sims3email.net
Re: Last Night!
No problem. ;) He'll love it. Mere, I don't like sneaking around. Could we tell him?

From: meredith.rice@sims3email.net
Re:Re: Last Night
Not yet. We don't want him to be upset. He doesn't like me; I can tell. Look, I love you. A lot...I just...we broke up a month ago. But...he doesn't know yet. He wants you to settle down and was going to force you into proposing. Your dad wants us to get married; well, not us but you. He wants you to settle down. We broke up from the pressure...I love you.

To: meredith.rice@sims3email.net
Re:Re:Re: Last Night
Will you marry me?

From: meredith.rice@sims3email.net
Re:Re:Re:Re: Last Night
Haha. I already said yes yesterday night. We can tell him soon.

From: meredith.rice@sims3email.net
Re:Re:Re:Re:Re: Last Night
Thank you. :DD

   That was odd. She was engaged to- I glanced at the recipient of the emails. The man's son?! Time to make a phone call.
   "Hello?" He answered.
   "Sir, did your son break up with Meredith?"
   "Uh," He paused.
   "Sir, lying will only prolong the investigation."
   "Yes." He sighed. "He's already thirty three and she's only twenty-four. They love each other, but he needs to settle down with a woman who's his age, not some college aged whore."
   "Why did they break up?"
   "I told he she slept with his brother." He was crying. "I ruined their happiness! I-I-" I comforted him for a few minutes, then called Meredith.
   "Hello, Meredith Rice." She answered, happily.
   "Ma'am, this is Parker Janes with Janes Investigations."
   "For the hundredth time, I'm completely faithful!"
   "Excuse me?"
   "My almost father in law called you, didn't he?"
   "Yes."
   "I'm coming over to your office. I'll look up the address in the phone book." She hung up. She was incredibly angry and aggravated. I felt awful; she was secretly engaged to the man's son, hiding it from him because he hated her and all she wanted was to live happily ever after. This wasn't what I pictured life as a PI as. Did anyone?

And the Generation Heir is...

Parker Janes! Parker and Maverick where neck and neck with votes, but Parker came out on top.
Maverick- 4
Parker- 5
Total- 9

A chapter will be out shortly, thanks for reading, voting, and commenting!