Chapter 4 Shifting

 The Holidays

Haven’t you met baby Nash yet? Oh right, last time you were here I was still pregnant. Sorry mom brains. Nash and myself had a complicated labour. I was on bed rest for most of the pregnancy and there were some other complications at birth. We ended up staying in the hospital a lot longer. I am so thankful everything went well and we had a great doctor. Her name is Mackenna Martino. I’d like to do something special to thank her for being so amazing.

I thought the parent life was hard with Ameliyah but Nash has been much more difficult to deal with. He cries so much more than his sister and needs almost constant attention. Mackenna says that’s normal and I probably just have a Wild one. I hope she’s right.

How is it already Spooky day seriously wasn’t it just Summer? Not me the season! I decided it would be neat to have all our friends over for a costume party to celebrate spooky day and well, I realized my friends haven’t met baby Nash yet!

It’s been awhile since I was able to get into the kitchen and really make some fun yummy foods lately our lives have been about quick meals. They fill the void but really aren’t as satisfying as having a yummy home style meal.

It was a great turnout! Lots of our friends came all dressed for the occasion. They enjoyed the yummy treats I made too. Everyone seemed to be having a great time why wasn’t I. Well one thing I know is I am over tired. Going back to work has been one of the hardest things to do. So much has changed since I was gone and there were all new staff at the restaurant It was like my first day all over again minus training orientation. I am finding it very difficult to jump back in.

The next night we both had off and we had agreed to watch a movie since we had barely had time together just the two of us. We had barely sat down to start the movie when Estaban’s phone rang. It was his brother telling him to turn on the news. He turned it on and we both watched in horror from the images.

“That’s Selvadorada Summer, that’s my home.” He weakly murmured.

I had nothing to say I’d never heard of anything like it. They were telling as that the world moved. Some places had dipped down into the ocean while other raised up to the sky. The terrain was changing. Many homes had been destroyed and rescue efforts we being conducted. After the broadcast had finished Esteban picked up his phone again.

“Don’t worry bro I’m coming. I’ll be there as soon as I can. Okay stay safe bro… okay bye…” He hung up the phone and turned to face me.

“Aand where are you going exactly?” I asked.

“Summer did you not just see the news? I have to go home.”

“Esteban, you are home!” I exclaimed.

“No Summer.. I need to go to Selvadorada, my family needs me there.”

“What about your family here? What about baby Nash, Ameliyah and what about me, you didn’t even talk to me or ask before making this commitment.”

“Okay, so maybe we should have talked first but what difference does it make, I’m going and that’s final.” Esteban was now raising his voice.

His words stung I couldn’t believe I was hearing them. I dropped my head to my hands and sobbed. Esteban had got up from the couch and starting gathering an away bag.

After he had finished packing his bag he plopped it by the door and stood in front of me. I stood up to meet his gaze wiping tears from my creeks.

“Are you done?” He finally asked.

“What?! What kind of question is that? No I’m not done you’re the one leaving me here to raise two babies on my own.” I shouted.

“You’re acting like I’m not coming back.”

“Are you?”

“When I can?”

“And how long will that be?”

“I don’t know days weeks maybe a year?”

“What am I supposed to do without you?”

“Summer you’re a smart girl you’ll be fine. Please just understand I have to do this.” He pleaded.

I could feel anger gathering in my heart I could take no more of this right now, “Then what are you waiting for get out of here.” I shouted and pointed towards the door!

“Summer you’re being unreasonable.”

“You are being unreasonable… just get out of my house.. go! Now!”

“Fine but once you cool down, I bet you’ll feel embarrassed by your actions tonight.”

“How dare you.”

“Whatever Summer I’ll call you later.” He made his way to the door picked up his bag and left without even looking back. As soon as the front door closed I collapsed in a heap on the couch and cried myself to sleep there.

The next evening I came home from work and I was greeted by a nanny reminding me that Esteban was no longer home. I paid the nanny for her services but it was more than I made that day. My work performance went down probably because my foul mood. I was close to losing my job. I felt as though I was losing everything. My mind raced and I couldn’t put it to ease the tears began to flow once again.

Ameliyah must have heard me. She crawled out of bed and pulled herself up on the couch and began to babble at me. She really is such a charmer. Even if my whole world felt like it was crashing in it really was crashing for other sims. I did feel terrible for the people who were affected by the world’s movement but I just don’t understand why Esteban had to leave. I hadn’t heard from him since he left and I was already starting to feel worried. I sat on the couch with Ameliyah babbling and playing until I lost track of time. All I know is it was way past both our bedtimes!

When I woke up the next day I decided to call over my best friend Liberty and tell her the news. She came over straight away.

My news came as a shock to her! I guess not many people watch SimNews. To be honest I didn’t really watch much SimNews until lately and now I’ve been pouring myself into it. I must have read every article and watched every update. She stayed with me for the day and helped me parent as well as keep me company and try help cheer me up. I’m so thankful for friends.

“Thanks for being here Liberty, I really appreciate it.”

“No problem what are friends for?”

“I don’t know what I’m going to do, the bills came today and I don’t have enough simoleans to cover it.”

“Hey if you need, you can always move back in with us?”Liberty offered.

“Really?”

“Yeah your room is still there and we can just move the office so children may use that room.”

“Aw liberty thank you. I appreciate that.”

“Plus, there is something I want to show you.”

“Oh? What would that be?”

“Let’s just say it’ll go down in history!”

“What?!” I looked at her puzzled.

“You’ll see.” She smiled proudly.

“Liberty?”

“What?” Liberty stood up and grabbed her coat. “I should be going.”

“Excuse me you can’t just leave almost telling me something?”

“Sure I can. You’ll see soon, just make sure you come on Tuesday.”

“Liberty…” I whined.

“See you next Tuesday!” She sang as she shut the door behind her and made her way next door to her house. I let out a deep sigh shaking my head.

I took a bubble bath to try to relive my tense mood but my mind still raced. I thought of all the things. I feel like I’m failing. I am failing at work my performance has been on a decline. The fear of piling bills loomed in my mind. My marriage is failing. Why did Esteban have to leave and why have I never even heard of this brother before? What was liberty up too. My thoughts spiraled until I thought of my children. I had to pull myself to together for them and be the best mom I could possibly be.

Stay Tuned For Chapter 5