Gen. 2: Silly Rabbit, Vacations Are For People Without Children!

It's Birthday time in the Reed household once again, and I can say I'm pretty excited that there are going to be a few more self-sufficient (sort of) children in the house and not as many totally dependent toddlers!

Rione continues to look just like his father...and I think he has his big-freakin-dork gene...but hopefully he'll get a slightly-cool gene from me...(really, Bonnie?  Really?  You have a slightly-cool gene?  Okay, maybe not, but shut up, inner monologue!)

Adovie also looks like her father...and is shy and reserved like her father and brother, but hopefully having tons of siblings around all the time will bring her out of her shell.

Well, since Von, Niyah, and Tanison aged into teenagers together, they are all ready to embark on adulthood at the same time.  Can't say I'm happy about losing three of my babies at once, but what can I do?  Nothing, that's what...I pretty much just have to sit back, shut up, and let them do their thing.

Von is one good lookin' man, if I do say so myself.  Coming from Smith and Reed stock does a boy some good apparently...but don't think he's perfect, oh no, he has unfortunately picked up the sticky fingers/klepto trait and has big dreams of stealing lots of stuff...what's a mother to do?  *Sigh, shut up*

Niyah on the other hand, is Ms. Prim and Proper.  She would make a super snazzy librarian, but she has bigger aspirations, like being Leader of the Free World!  Moo-hahahaha!  Maybe she can make sure her brother stays on the right path, or at least never gets caught.

Tanison also has big dreams.  She wants to sort of follow in her father's footsteps and become an International Super Spy.  Well dayum!  This batch has proven to be an ambitious bunch!

As three of my children are graduating and moving on, two of them are embarking on school for the first time.

Showing her inner-nerd, Adovie is excited.  Is she excited about meeting friends and joining scouts or clubs? No, this child is excited about all the new pens, paper, pencils, and other school supplies I am hooking her up with.  And she can't wait to have homework...yes, you read that right, homework...what is wrong with this child?  I am more concerned about her than I am with the one that steals.

Well, I'm glad she's excited because I am excited to send her and Rione off to school on the first day along with their sisters.

I am perfectly content with Serge and Julianna at home.

As soon as I get them both down for naps, I get a call from my beau.

BONNIE: Hey!  I was just thinking about you!

BRENDAN: I'm always thinking about you, hot stuff!

BONNIE: oh how you talk!  *sarcasm*

BRENDAN: Yeah, well...so...have you given anymore thought to going with me to Lucky Palms?

BONNIE: I don't know...I just had these babies...

BRENDAN: Bonnie, the last time I asked you couldn't go because you were pregnant...I'm starting to think you are always either pregnant or have small children in the house...and I'm willing to accept that, but you need to be able to live your life too.

BONNIE: Hold on, this is my life...the life I chose.  I understand that choosing this life means that there are some things I just can't do...one of which run off on vacay with my boyfriend.

BRENDAN: Don't think of this as a vacation with your boyfriend.  You're looking into a new place to make a home for you and your family.  Think about it.  What is keeping you on Legacy Island?

BONNIE: I really love my house...did you know my grandmother designed this house for me?

BRENDAN: That's great babe...

BONNIE: And I love the location...having a house right by the ocean is perfect...

BRENDAN: We have water in Lucky Palms.

BONNIE: You are poo-pooing on my magic.

BRENDAN: I'm not saying it's not magical, but...

BONNIE: And this is where I have raised all of my children up to this point...

BRENDAN: Your mother moved, didn't she?

BONNIE: Yeah, but that was because she had a crazy vampire after her...

BRENDAN: Hmm, you'll have to tell me that story sometime, but seriously, don't you think she had the same worries?

BONNIE: Yes, but...

BRENDAN: And why did she end up back in Butterfly Acres?

BONNIE: To be closer to her family....

BRENDAN: And you would be moving to be closer to me...do you really care about me, Bonnie?

BONNIE: Come on, that's not fair and you know it...

BRENDAN: I know, but I'm not asking you to abandon everything and run away with me...just a vacation...

BONNIE: Hmph...let me think about it.

BRENDAN: Is that a possible yes?

BONNIE: Geez, you're worse than my kids!  It's a maybe...with a side of "don't bug me about it anymore."

BRENDAN: Yes m'am!

BONNIE: Okay smart ass.

BRENDAN: So what's on the agenda for tonight?

BONNIE: Rieba, Adara, and Emeri have been bugging me to age into teenagers, so we're probably going to go ahead and do that.  Do you want to come over for their birthday party?  They would love it if they could see you again.

BRENDAN: Ooh, sure...

BONNIE: Just be warned...they are going to be teenage girls...don't do anything too dreamy.

BRENDAN: Haha, I'll try to contain myself.

Well, turns out Brendan has something that keeps him busy for the beginning of the birthday party, but he promises to be there later.

BONNIE: Okay girls, to the birthday cakes!

INCOHERENT CHILD VOICES: Yay!  Woo-hoo!  Yippie!

First up is Rieba who looks a lot like me but has curly magenta hair and bright aqua-colored eyes.  No, those are not contacts.  She has enough alterations with the lip piercing she insisted on.

Adara is Ms. Spunky.  She's another fashionista with a lot of attitude...what child of mine doesn't have attitude?

Emeri is still the sweetest kid...and she has the biggest, prettiest green eyes.

Late at night, when the kids are in bed, Brendan finally makes it to my house.

BRENDAN: So, have you made up your mind?

BONNIE: *Sigh* I really want to...I do...it's just...I worry about the kids...

BRENDAN: Bonnie, the kids will be fine.  You've got three great teenage girls that can keep everything running until you get back...

BONNIE: Yeah, young teenage girls...I don't know...

BRENDAN: Do you trust them?

BONNIE: Um...

BRENDAN: Okay, do you trust your ability to raise good kids?

BONNIE: Well, yeah...

BRENDAN: So...

BONNIE: You're right...I just worry...I've never left for a long weekend before.

BRENDAN: They'll be fine, and if not, leave them enough money to hire a sitter.

BONNIE: Yeah, I guess you're right...

BRENDAN: Wait, I'm what?  *sarcasm, evil grin*

BONNIE: Okay, I'm glad you're proud of yourself.

BRENDAN: Baby, you're going to love Lucky Palms.  There's so much to do...you won't be sorry.

BONNIE: I hope not.

Nothing like a kiss to seal the deal.  I really do hope I'm making the right decision.  I really, really want to go with him, and hell, I could use the vacation, but I do worry about the kids.  I don't know if they will know what to do without me here.

I worry about it all night, then when I wake up, I see Emeri holding Serge, rocking him to sleep and putting him in his crib.

BONNIE: Hey sweetie, you didn't have to do that...

EMERI: It's okay Mom...I was walking past your room and heard that you were still asleep, but Serge was cooing like he was just about to start wailing, so I thought I would take care of him and let you rest a bit longer.

BONNIE: Well...thank you...you will make a good mom some day...

EMERI: I hope so.  I can't wait to have my own kids.

BONNIE: Even after having all these siblings?

EMERI: Of course.

Emeri reminds me of myself a bit when I was her age...except for having an evil sister.

BONNIE: I have a question honey...

EMERI: What would you think if I went away for the weekend...and left you in charge?

EMERI: Me?  I don't know...I'm not the oldest or anything...

BONNIE: Your sisters are older than you by minutes, and I would leave all three of you in charge of the house, but...would you be comfortable being in the house without me for the weekend...taking care of your baby siblings and making sure Rione and Adovie don't do any science experiments that blow themselves, each other, or the house up?

EMERI: hmm...Adara can be my muscle...

BONNIE: Haha!  That's probably true...so you think the three of you can manage without me for a weekend?

EMERI: You know what Mom?  I think we can.  You should go and have a good time.

After thinking about it a bit longer, I decide I may as well live while I can.

I pack a bag, call Brendan, and with that, we're on our way.

Goodbye, Cornucopia, Hello Bridgeport

So, I've almost got you caught up. The kids are gone and the house is getting packed....we're almost to Bridgeport...

***A DAY AND A HALF AGO***

As I looked around the now nearly empty room, I couldn't help but want to cry. This house has meant so much to me. This room was where all my kids learned to walk. The dining room table was where we all ate dinner. The backyard had so many happy memories of weekends out by the pool...I had just lost my children, now my house...and was about to move to a new city because my vampire friend had proven to be a danger to me. How could someone lose nearly everything she had in less than a week?

As I walked through the house, I found myself in the study. The only thing left to be packed was the easel. I thought that was so appropriate because that was the first thing I ever bought when I moved out on my own. I can't help but smile, remembering that first little house I lived in that was practically empty except for the easel and a computer...and sleeping in a sleeping bag because I didn't have enough money for a bed. Being a professional artist has actually proven to be quite lucrative for me. I am going to get about 250,000 simoleons from selling the house and I already have about 500,000 in savings. It was going to come in handy buying my new apartment though.

Looking at everything so empty and cold was too much for me to handle and I sat down on the floor and sobbed.

Butch walked into the room mid-meltdown for me.
"It's going to be ok, baby," he assured me.
I replied as I continued to sob, "I know, it's just so..."
He pulled me up off the floor and into a hug and let me lean my head on his broad shoulder.
"Okay," I said as I dried up my tears, "we need to get on the road if we're going to get to Bridgeport by morning."

***THE NEXT MORNING***

We get to Bridgeport as the sun is coming up...well, it's kind of hard to tell with all the smog, but I am assuming the sun is there somewhere. I slept up until Butch gently nudged me, "Home sweet home, babe."

I looked up at the 20 story building and wondered if I will ever consider it home. I'm not really much of a city person. I was raised in a small town and I lived in small town...yeah, just call me John Mellencamp.

Even though I was dreading it, I got out of the limo (being a five-star celebrity has its perks) and walk into the all blue entry way.
Anyway, I bought a penthouse apartment on the eighteenth floor. The building has a community pool and hot tub, so that's nice. The apartment itself has four bedrooms, two baths, kitchen, living room, and dining room. My real estate agent told me I would be pleased, but that remains to be seen.
Butch and I got into the elevator and headed up to the eighteenth floor.

As we walked out of the elevator into the entry way in front of my apartment, I froze.
"I don't want to go in, Butch," I told him.
"Why?" he asked.
"Because then it will be real," I confessed. Irrational, I know, but it was the way I felt.
But finally he convinced me to go inside and look around.

I walk in the door and to the left of me was a doorway with a beautiful dining room.

As I walked into the living room and took a left, there was the living room decorated in a deep yellow with beige, brown, white, & green accent colors.

The other side of living room...

On the other side of the dining room is where the kitchen and little bitty laundry room is. I had to use one of the security camera photos to show you those. Yes, Vishous installed a serious security system in my apartment. Can we say "overprotective"?

My kitchen was top of the line and chic...I didn't feel cool enough to stand in it. It has an exposed brick wall and stainless steel appliances.

Of course, I was put at ease when I saw the children's eating area. I longed to fill this apartment with the sounds of children. I believed it would do my heart good.

I took a picture of the towel rack in the kid's bathroom because it is so cute! The whole room is decorated around this little green caterpillar hook.

Of course, there's always room for class, even in a child's bathroom.

I also have all new bathroom fixtures.

At the very end of the hall is my room. I do like the vanity they put in.

My Dresser...

The above view of my bathroom. It's very simple...black and white.

The hallway...the view from my door.

The toddler's room is right next to mine. There are four cribs in there, so there really isn't any room for much else. I had the decorator make the room gender neutral because the apartment only has four bedrooms, enough for mine, a nursery, a boys room and a girls room.

The top view of the nursery.

The girls' room...very girly, but also very classy. I really like it.

The computer...

The boys room...it's really simple...

The first thing I did was paint. I thought it would relax me. I also bought a computer for the living room and a bookshelf. I had them delivered to the apartment so I wouldn't have to leave.

While I was painting, I couldn't help but start to cry from time to time. I had spent so much time in a house full of children and this apartment was too quiet.

I think Butch was afraid I was loosing it...
"Hey sweets," he said, "It's going to be okay."

"I can't do this, Butch," I sobbed into his Armani suit, "it hurts too much."

"Okay, that's enough," Butch said, "your agent called a minute ago and he said you have a standing gig to dance at The Brightmore tonight. Let's go out."
"I couldn't possibly..." I started.
"I don't want to hear it," he said, "we're going."
I never thought anyone would actually pout about going out to a club, but I assure you, I did.
"It's still daytime...I just want to go take a nap..." I argued.
"No, it doesn't open until 5:30, but let's go look around first, hell, it's a city, let's explore it!" Butch tried to be upbeat for me, which I thought was a bit funny because he doesn't exactly seem like one of those "glass-half-full" types.

As I sat in the limo, I looked out and pouted. I saw nothing that enticed me.

Just buildings...

Big metal structures that seemed to serve no purpose...*sigh*

First Butch and I checked out the art gallery. I needed to speak with the curator about payment arrangements for my paintings anyway. Before leaving Cornucopia, I had decided to go back into art. It makes me a whole lot happier than hacking...and it's legal.

Butch tried to get into the gallery, but I don't think it's his thing.

I must admit, looking at the paintings and sculptures was relaxing for me.
"What the hell?" Butch asked as he looked at that flamingo sculpture, "What is this doing here?"
"It's art," I said.
"Well, my granny had a bunch of these sculptures in her front yard when I was growing up...and can guaran-damn-tee you they weren't this expensive." He commented.
I smiled at him. Thank goodness Butch had decided to stay. Apparently he anticipated that I would need someone.

The next play we went was a park that was perfect for kids. Apparently Bridgeport had a "revitalization" project going on...basically meaning they planned on planting more trees and getting rid of some of the eyesore buildings, but this park was one of the first things they added.
I sat on the park bench and longed for my children.

Here's another pic of the park...it has a lot of stuff in it, but it's on concrete, not grass...hmm...I guess it would have to do.

Butch and I realized we were right next to the Brightmore and we had about an hour before it opened, so we decided to play some chess. I was kicking his ass! Hehe!

Next stop, The Brightmore. We had to get in another freakin' elevator to get downstairs to the club.

The club promoters were excited I had moved to Bridgeport, so I posed for lots of pictures.

And danced...

Butch had hardly any rhythm...he's not much of a dancer, but he tried for me. He really is a sweetie, even though he doesn't see that side to himself.

I ordered us some drinks...they were called "Pink Bunnies" the bartender was really attractive...but that's what I've heard about Bridgeport...it's a mecca for really attractive celebrities.

After a few drinks, I decided to get in the hot tub. I was feeling pretty good.

Okay, so Butch and I were pretty wasted...and...uh, well...he got in the hot tub too...and then I dared him to skinny dip...then he dared me...and...well, you can just guess what happened then...*guilty look*

We also made out for awhile...man, he was a good kisser...I think I just needed to be comforted and he was more than happy to oblige. So...that's all that has happened this past week. Now you're caught up!

***PRESENT DAY***

So...that's all that has happened this past week. Now you're caught up! I have a whole new look and I am struggling with living in a new city...

Butch is already awake. He's watching TV, so I come join him.
"Damn, girl!" he comments on my new look, "You look smokin! A little plastic, but definitely hot!"
I laugh, "Thanks. It's different, but I feel like I need a change. So, how's about I whip up some breakfast?"

"Um, Hadley," Butch starts, "I'm going to need to be going soon..."

I am a little shocked, but I knew that he couldn't stay forever.
"Um, ok, Butch," I start, "I can't say I'm not going to miss your company, but I understand."

I help him get ready to go and then we say goodbye.
"Thank you so much for all you have done for me," I say, "you really worked hard for me and I appreciate it. You have no idea how much you've helped me."

Butch pulls me into a hug.
"I'm going to miss you, girl," he says.

"Thank you again, Butch," I say, "really...thank you."
With that, he leaves...and I am alone in the apartment.

The first thing I do is fix myself a PB&J...my favorite...

Then, I get a call to dance at another club, so I go there...it's Aqua-something...I can't remember the name.

I talk to the bouncer and ask if I can get in.
"Are you kidding?" he asks me.
"No...so, can I get in?" I reply.
"Dude, you're like, the most famous celebrity we have in town right now, you can walk into any club you want." he replies.
Well, ok...I didn't realize...I am just a small town girl after all...

Of course, I get into the club and feel nauseous. Maybe it's all the smog?

I get over it quickly and get a drink. It's a really cool club with a pool...

...and a hot tub...ahhh, exactly what I need.

I shake it on the dance floor like they want me too...in my new bikini!
Then I head home. I'm actually pretty tired.

It's the next morning and I am sick...that's weird...I didn't really think I drank that much, but I guess I did.

Well, soon I realize why I've been puking....turns out that night of drunken sex that Butch and I had lead to a baby...I'm pregnant with Baby 32! That does lift my spirits quite a bit.

Even though I'm excited to be pregnant, I am still so bored...I get hold of the bouncer from the club last night to see if he wants to hang out.

We meet up at the gym...I need to work hard if I want to keep my new "Bridgeport body" in shape...

I work out hardcore...

Then I hit the club again to do some dancing...

As I come home, I almost get eaten by the damn elevator! Ugh, I am sooo not a city girl!

As I face another day alone, I realize that I need to make some friends...hmm, hopefully I'll figure out how to get some...

***Question: When I write the dialog, do you like the more integrated dialog where I write "he said", "she said" or whatever, or do you like the listed dialog where I write Me: blah, blah? Which one do you prefer?***