Dear Diary, ever since I can remember, I’ve taken for granted that my life would always be the same. Well, except for the parts of it I wanted to change. When you’re a child, you naturally assume everything will stay the same forever, your parents will always be there and your grandparents, too.
I don’t know what I would have done, how I would have reacted if Momma hadn’t had second thoughts and called me from the little hotel phone across the water. Really, though, I think it must have been my father’s insistence that lit the fire under her causing her to call me.
It’s a wonder I hadn’t already found out since the whole world was aware of the dreadful news. My grandpa had died and a terrible weight had entered my stomach making it impossible to sleep or eat.
The TV stations ran the story several times, delving into details of his amazing life that even I didn’t know. Magazines hurried to the presses, pumping out “never before seen pictures” of him.
My favorite was done by Stadium Magazine. They did a plain cover devoted completely to him and his favorite guitar, the one my mom said he slept with before he married grandma.
There were no unnecessary teasers on this cover. It was beautiful in a way I couldn’t describe.
Grandpa had been on a huge amount of Stadium covers before and Xalen had collected them all. We were anxious to get home and look through that collection even though I knew I would be crying the entire time.
By the time we did get home from our trip, it was nightfall and the children were exhausted. Paparazzi lined the walk outside and I didn’t know quite how to take that. Never before had they bothered me. Momma mentioned on the phone, though, that once word got out, it wouldn’t be long before the “little insects” figured out where his family members lived.
I was able to keep myself together for the most part until I saw Susan who was waiting for us at the door. When her blue eyes met mine, a sob wrenched itself free from my throat and she began to softly cry.
As we fell into each others’ arms, Xalen explained to the children why we were sad.
“Momma’s worried about the funeral,” Susan quietly said as we finally let go of one another.
I nodded a little. “Seeing from all the paparazzi outside, it seems she was right to be concerned. Xalen and I talked about the situation on the flight and he’s going to arrange to have security there so we can mourn in peace. They will keep everyone at bay so we can have some privacy.”
Eyes rimmed with red, Susan nodded understanding and gripped my hand. “We have to be strong for Momma.”
It was a long funeral ceremony for many family members and friends wanted their chance to speak about what my grandpa meant to them. I was proud that he touched so many lives in such a positive way.
Grandma Leela was very distant and left as soon as the ceremony was over. Momma told us that grandpa was the love of grandma’s life and she needed time to herself. I was worried about grandma but momma said she and daddy were going to stay with her for as long as it took to make sure grandma was all right.
The weight in my stomach had given way to a numbness that enveloped me like a blanket. Xalen assured me this was normal. He was so patient with me and fielded most of the questions the kids had.
Everyone wanted photos of Leo and Leela’s children. Aunt Ruby, Momma and Uncle Leo stood patiently as people snapped their cameras, however, I could see how it all was wearing on them.
Most everyone had left, as I approached momma, who was standing away from the others. Her eyes met mine and her lips curled into a soft smile even though tears still flowed from her eyes.
“Are you all right, Momma?” I asked.
Instead of answering me, she pulled me into her arms and I stood there as limp outside as I felt inside.
Her fingers tenderly stroked my hair and she kissed my salty wet cheek. “Grandpa loved you so much.”
“I know,” I said, barely above a whisper. “He was so good to me.”
“I don’t know of anyone he wasn’t good to.”
“Do you think grandma will be okay?”
“I don’t know,” she said, her voice gentle. “I hope she will be, but I just don’t know.”
As momma regarded me with the same green eyes grandpa had, I realized how much older she was now, too. She was still beautiful, yet the hands that had once shown me how to bake and sew were now looking more arthritic and stiff. She was good at covering the wrinkles on her face, but I still saw the lines, each one like a road on a map, with its own story.
“Momma, I don’t know what I would do if anything ever happened to you,” I suddenly blurted.
Her eyes sparkled with unshed tears as she smiled softly again. “Oh, Marty, you may not think so, but you will be just fine. You are a wonderful, independent and courageous woman and I’m not worried one bit about how you will get on without me.”
“But – ”
“Shh… ” she said with another smile. “You have done amazing things with your life. When things got rough and didn’t go your way, you persevered and have gotten everything you’ve ever gone after and then some. I’m so proud of you.”
This, of course, made me cry again. “Thank you,” was all I could squeak out.
She hugged me again, then wandered off to make sure she’d spoken to everyone who was still there.
I caught up with the twins who were firing questions at my dad. Instead of interrupting, mostly because I didn’t feel like I could deal with this at the moment, I backed away.
“Marty, over here!” I heard Momma call.
I joined her while she was speaking to a woman and little boy I didn’t know.
“Marty, this is your cousin… uh, my cousin?” she laughed a little. “Let’s see, her mother was actually my first cousin – no that’s not right either.” She cleared her throat as the stranger and I patiently waited. “I’ll start over. Her mother was Ramona Ventura, and Ramona was Tia Ventura’s daughter… and Tia was my Great-Aunt Keniesha’s daughter.”
Relieved not to have to think about grandpa being gone, I smiled as pleasantly as I could at the woman and her little boy. “And that makes you…” my voice trailed off. It seemed I was as confused as momma.
“Let’s just say cousin,” she said then laughed. “I’m Olivia Ventura and this is my son Christopher. Leo meant a great deal to me. The first time I ever met him, I was just a toddler.”
“Oh yes!” Momma exclaimed. “Your grandma Tia brought you to Mango’s funeral!”
“Yeah, that’s right,” she grinned. “He and Leela kept in close touch over the years and Leo even helped me out a time or two.”
“He was like that,” I said.
“Olivia is a teacher and she’s looking for a job in these parts so you two will practically be neighbors,” Momma said.
A teacher! Suddenly, I had an idea. “What grade are you hoping to teach?”
“I would prefer younger children, but I’ve taught most grades at one time or another.”
An experienced teacher. I was nearly giddy with excitement. “Tell me… have you ever considered working privately?”
We walked toward the parking lot as I explained what I meant.
A few days later, Olivia was at our home and we were interviewing her for the tutoring position. I was really hoping this would work out because she had a child of her own, tons of experience and could travel with us if need be. Hopefully, it would be what she wanted, too.
Xalen smiled as the three of us chatted about the job, what it would entail, what we expected, what she expected and the like.
I was really encouraged by that smile of his.
Olivia was easy to talk to and very kind. I couldn’t wait to see her interacting with the kids. From what I’d already seen of her child, I was sure she would be terrific.
“Well,” Xalen said, “if you would like, we can show you around the living quarters.”
“That would be lovely.”
We brought her upstairs to the children’s room. Since they were no longer toddlers, they had graduated from the nursery to the bunk beds. (Xalen called this room the nursery, too.)
“I’m sure we could get another bed in here unless you would want Christopher to have his own room.”
She shook her head. “Oh, no, I would prefer he was with your children. You see, he hasn’t always had an easy time and I think it would be good for him to be around them.”
“That’s terrific!” I said.
After deciding the sleeping situation, we showed her the playroom.
“Hello, Father, Mother,” Rosetta said without looking up from her book. “I’m reading a very interesting book called ‘Carnage of Time.’”
Xalen raised an eyebrow and gently took the book from her hands, then replaced it with another book. She wrinkled her nose and said, “‘Horses and Friends?’ Ugh.”
As she continued to complain to her father, Olivia and I joined the boys who were pretending to be astronauts.
Olivia and I smiled at each other and shook hands.
I’d just finished cleaning the kitchen after feeding the kids when Shelly joined me. I could tell she wanted to talk to me about something important but she was hem hawing around.
“I met Olivia. It seems she’ll work out really well.”
“We’re hoping so,” I said as I turned toward her. “She’s a cousin to me or something. I haven’t quite figured that out.”
Shelly laughed a little.
“Is something wrong?” I asked.
“I don’t quite know how to approach you about this, so be patient with me,” she began. “You see, it has to do with your children.”
“What about them?”
She licked her lips and cleared her throat before answering me. “Well, there’s something really strange going on.”
“What do you mean?”
“I feel a presence around them. A hostile presence.”
Thank you for reading!
I love the story and the illustrations!
Thank you so much, Anon. You are very kind. 🙂
Thanks so much for swinging by thew “Ranch” and for the follow. We 💙 visitors.
You’re so welcome. Thank you for visiting as well. That’s very kind of you. 🤍🌻🌺
Just visiting for another read.
Gwen.
Hi, Gwen. 🤍🌺 Thank you! It’s great to see you.
Hi, I’m receiving your likes and thank you for those. But not your posts??? Blessings, Peter
Hi there, Peter. Thank you so much for your kind comment. I hadn’t had a post in a long while due to a sick family member. A post did come out this morning, but I’m told some didn’t get it in email like they usually do.
That is a beautiful fictional cemetery memorial
Thank you so much. 🙂
Nice Post. Nice Art work..
Thank you so much for your kind words. 🙂
I have many crime stories in blog form. Thanks for comment of Jack the Ripper. Nice art work too it seems .
Hello Rosemary, you are a lady with such talent, skill and most of all, humanness. Thank you for drawing us, your readers, into the intimacy of your Family. Blessings Peter. P.S. Thank you too for all the likes, I appreciate those.
Thank you so much, Peter. I really appreciate your kind words.
I am very sorry for your loss. You brought a great deal of tenderness into your account of the things that you have had to deal with. I wish you the best, and will keep you in my prayers.
Thank you so much for your kind words. xo
You are very welcome.
I have experienced similar pain. It is horrible.
I’m very sorry for your pain.
Thank you very much.
It’s been forever but this still makes me cry! Especially since I totally spaced yesterday and forgot that it had been 2 years since my mom’s mom passed away.(2.22.18)
OMG, when I saw the title of this chapter, my blood literally ran cold. I knew this day would eventually come, but I’m gonna say it anyway.Leo!!!! Nooooooo!!!!! *flops onto bed, pounds the mattress, and sobs in uncontrollable hysterics* What a blow! Leo was…and always will be…my Sim heartthrob.
I’m glad they found a solution to the tutor/school situation for the kids. Olivia came along at the right time – Leo’s funeral :*( – and I think she’ll be exactly what they need.
Oh man! Marty telling Blue she doesn’t know what she’d do if anything happened to her – broke my heart. 🙁
Ohhh, I knew something was up. I think this hostile presence definitely is connected to Holden’s monster – or maybe it IS Holden’s monster. Scary! I just hope nothing happens to the kids. That would totally kill Marty.
I thought you might know what the title of the chapter meant. I’m with you in your grief, believe me.
It’s true that Olivia came along at just the right time. And, I had fun bringing Keniesha’s family line back into the story.
You might be right about the hostile presence being connected to Holden’s monster. I can’t wait for you to find out more.
I knew this was coming 🙁 Goodbye Leo my favorite heir so far! I’m worried about this hostile presence around the kids. I wonder why? No doubt is has something to do with the line of work Xalen and Marty are involved in. You can’t investigate that kind of thing without generating some backlash. Too bad it’s focusing on innocent kids. I can’t help but hope the kids start to act more like kids now that there’s another kid around. Rosetta especially is so unchild like its a little spooky.
Thank you so much. 🙂 It is spooky, I agree. I definitely think having Christopher around will be good for them.
You’re right to think the hostile presence has something to do with their line of work. I agree totally with what you said about backlash. Perhaps they’ve been a little careless.
I miss Leo so much. <3 I wish he wasn't gone.
I knew from the title. ;_; Leo! He is such a great loss. It’s sad that future generations won’t be able to know him. ;_;
I’m glad they found a tutor/private teacher that fits for them! But, oh no, the kids really are in trouble.
Yes, something is definitely going on with the kids. More on that in today’s chapter.
I knew the title would give it away. I just couldn’t think of anything else that fit so well. I miss Leo already.
I’ve been dreading this moment for so long… Rest in peace, Leo. He was one of my all time favorite characters. Well loved ❤️
Thank you, Raymond. <3 I was really dreading this, too, and I miss him already. I'm glad you loved him.
I know this too much to see grandparents in a coffin.
So weird to see they are gone, just empty cold bodies and you won’t interact with them anymore
Yes, that’s so true.
It really makes one aware of our own mortality. How sad it is to see loved ones go.
How right you are! Thank you, Jolie.
My heart, no! I knew it was Leo. I just knew it. I’m gonna miss that sweet boy. He had such a crazy life, but now we have other things to worry about. Like, what is haunting the twins!?!? You can’t leave us on a cliffhanger like that, I say even though 90% of the time I leave on cliffhangers. Hee hee. 😉
Thank you, Rosie. I miss Leo, too. <3 LOL You and cliffhangers! 😀 😀 Hopefully, whatever it is, Marty and Xalen will be on it and fast.
Oh no, Leo! He was such a wonderful character and we will all miss him 🙁 What a lovely magazine cover, too.
Olivia seems really nice, and it’s great that she can solve the issue with educating the kiddos. And it’s nice that her son can play with them as well.
Oh dear, I’m getting increasingly curious about what the monster/hostile presence is! I can’t wait to find out… or do I, since I don’t want the family to be hurt by it o___o
Awesome chapter <3
Thank you, Lila. I miss Leo already. I’m glad you liked the magazine cover. It originally looked much more like a mag but then I ended up taking all the extra stuff off of it. lol
Olivia is great, I already love her. lol I thought Christopher was a nice addition for the twins, too.
I’m glad you’re curious about the monster/hostile presence! 😀 That’s a good question if you really want to know or not. lol <3
When I read the title and knew what was about to happen… or so I thought.
I had a feeling that it would be the end of Leo (#RIPLeoCapra)
But what I did not expect was the bombshell you left for us at the end. Who, or should I say what, is the hostile presence surrounding the kids?
Thank you so much 🙂 #RIPLeoCapra :'(
That is a great question and you will know the answer soon. Shelly really knows how to drop a bomb. LOL
Ha! I KNEW Holden was right about the “monster”!!! Now, I’m just curious whether the monster is an actual monster, or whether it’s a ghost or whatever pretending to be a monster to maximize their scare factor?!?
Boo Xalen! Don’t you know you should NEVER stifle your child’s desire to read above the “acceptable” age level!!! Hell, I was reading “adult” level books from the age of 10 (I had finished the entire Sweet Valley High, Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys series’ up to that point (this includes all the SVH spin off series’ as well). And, I can honestly say that if my folks had put a book about horses in my hands when I was Rosie’s age, I would have smiled sweetly and picked up the book I ACTUALLY wanted to read and continue reading it lol
My dad’s favourite comment to make about my reading is that, when I was at the age where kids would be reading comics “hidden” in their books, I was reading books hidden by my comics 😁 not because my folks would freak but because the other people would have…
RIP Leo. You lost your other half at a young age and then managed to turn your life around after many, many years of selfdestructive behaviour. I’m sure you’re hanging out with Jilly-bean already and the both of you are happier than clams to be together again.
Thank you, Mags. 😀 That is a good question about the monster! I can’t wait until we get there.
I was an avid reader as a kid, too. I could never get my hands on enough reading material. So, I totally get what you’re saying about Xalen there. lol
What your dad said is funny, I love it. LOL
RIP Leo. I imagine you’re right that he is hanging out with Jillybean at last. <3
Oh no, I called it 🙁 RIP Leo, you will be missed. Love the title of the chapter, btw – now I’ll have American Pie stuck in my head for a few days. It was a really lovely chapter, though, and a wonderful solution to Xalen and Marty’s problems. And then that wham ending! A lot going on here and a lot of stuff to look forward to. It’s just brilliant how you’re playing with our emotions on a weekly basis 🙂
Thank you, Louise. Yes, you did call it! I remember 🙂 RIP, Leo. I have that stuck in my head, too, if it makes you feel any better. LOL
I’m glad you liked the chapter and the solution to the education problem.
Oh, the ending… Shelly really knows how to drop a bomb. lol :O
Your words are so kind and encouraging. Thank you again.
Oh losing a much loved legacy family member is so difficult! You handled it very well. My day is coming soon and you are an inspiration.
Thank you, Lisa. Oh, it is very difficult, that’s true. I already miss Leo a lot. Thank you for your kind words.
Leo!! I feel like I didn’t say goodbye, but it’s just as well I suppose. I hope Leela will be fine in time. Olivia!! I sorta kinda remember her lol, but it sure is lovely to see Keniesha’s genes still floating around! And how beautiful she is! And how lovely that she’ll be around and solved their school problem!
I know what’s going on with the kids!!! 😀 I’m quite sure I know. I can’t wait to see if I’m right.
Annnnnnnd, you, my dear, are very slick! I’m sure you know what I’m referring to. I don’t want to start a rumor mill, so I won’t say in public. Either way…you’re on probation with no opportunity for parole!
Dang I must’ve missed something good. Going to get out my fine toothed comb and look.
He he, I hope you see it! 🙂 I’ve been scolding our dear author about it. 😛 There may or may not have been some threats as well… LOL
what the heck am I missing .. SMH I will find it
I got scolded but good! Thanks, Jes2G! 😀
lol
Did you see anything, Lisa? 😀
no .. but it has to be something in the screenshots maybe (that is where I hide most of my mischief lol
Hahahaha I really didn’t think anyone would notice. 😀 Jes2G has an eagle eye.
DANG now I really do have to look harder
LOL 😀
Keniesha’s genes are strong, let me tell you! LOL I don’t even see any of Mango really in Olivia. I’m so glad she is in the story because it’s kind of another family connection to Memphis and Keniesha that I miss.
I cannot believe you realized what you realized. Thank you so much for messaging me on FB. hahaha You are very observant, I will tell you that! 😀 I will not spoil the story, but dang, girl… you are good! 😀
I’m far too observant for my own good lol. It’s a blessing and a curse!
I love it when certain family members have strong genes. It’s almost like still having them around, you know? I think it’s really special–in legacy stories–to have other members of the family be close to the main family to, a.) maintain that connection you miss like you said, and b.) have a visual reminder that there are more family members than just the ones we see!
You sound like Monk. LOL “It’s a blessing… and a curse.” Haha
I love what you said about the genes and totally agree with you. So well put.
Hey, am I still on probation? LOLOL
Yes you’re still on probation! But…I may consider parole.
Well, that’s a start! Hahaha!
It’s always sad to lose a main character, and at this point in his life, Leo was sort of like the glue that held all the pieces together. What a pleasant surprise Olivia and Christopher were!! I hope they will fit in easily, too. I love how precocious Rosetta is, and how Xalen handles her “reading” material! I am really looking forward to finding out about this “evil” presence around the children. I hope Leo’s declining health was what the ‘secrecy’ was about when Blue and her hubby left so quickly from Marty’s home in a former chapter. It kind of worries me now that she has been reassuring Marty that she will do fine after Blue is gone. No rushing her off!!! =( Looking forward to next week! ♥
Thank you, Marj. You’re so right about that. Leo definitely was the glue that was holding the family together. He knew who all the extended relatives were on a personal basis and he was the one always throwing the get-togethers and everything. I miss him already.
Olivia and Christopher were needed in my life! LOL When I peeked in and saw how much Olivia grew up to look like Keniesha, I was all in! lol
Oh, gosh, Xalen and Rosetta. haha He saw her book and was like, “Nope.” 😛
Yes, this hostile presence needs to be dealt with, for sure. Xalen and Marty (and the team) will be on this ASAP.
As for Blue, there is something going on, but they did leave quickly from Marty and Xalen’s the other day because of Leo. <3
Noooo Leo!!! 😭😭 He will be greatly missed, such a wonderful heir 😢 <3 At least his life was happy for the most part and full, and Mango made it even longer! I love the title you chose for this chapter too, so fitting! (And I love the song too!)
Olive seems super nice, and the perfect solution for the issue Marty and Xalen were having!
But uh oh, what is Shelly talking about?! I really hope the children will stay safe 😦
Can't wait to find out what will happen!!
Thank you 🙂 I loved Leo so much, this was very hard to write. You are right that his life was full and he was pretty happy.
I think Marty and Xalen have agreed this is the solution! lol I better get moving on this story because gen 4 is almost at an end! Yipes!
Shelly knows how to drop a bomb, doesn’t she? Let’s hope Marty and Xalen get on this!
I miss Leo, too ! What a great Sim and character. I really enjoyed his whole story . And I’m so excited about Olivia and her son joining the crew! That ending is awesomely ominous !
Thank you, Cathy 🙂 I cried while I took pics and wrote this. lol I’m so glad you loved Leo and his story.
I’m excited about Olivia, too, and was so pleased to see how much she took after Keniesha in appearance.
As for the ending, you are so right. Hopefully, all will be well. 🙂
Beautiful chapter. Love the magazine cover.
Glad a compromise was found. 🙂
Thank you so much, Mama Dragon. 🙂 I’m glad a compromise was found, too. When I saw in game how much Olivia took after Keniesha, I couldn’t resist adding her to the story.
I’m so glad you liked the chapter and the magazine cover.
Ah, Leo! So, both your and my heir gen2 heirs are gone now…*Sobs* Dellie…
I really loved how you did this chapter and how Leo’s death was such a shock and brought so much sadness. What do we do now, we’re all fans of Accidental Therapy…So heartbreaking. As a side note, I love the pose when Marty rests her head on Blue’s chest. It reminded me of the scene of a movie I’ve recently seen. This pose feels so sad and real.
Well, Olivia does look a lot like Keniesha and I am so glad that you decided to show us more of the family. I am always saddened by the fact we don’t get to explore all the stories of the family members, both when I consider mine and other legacies I read. I am glad Xalen and Marty sorted the tutor problem out! And I think it’s hilarious how serious the kids are.
Hostile presence? I KNEW the monster wasn’t just children’s imagination!
Thank you, Jowita. Yes, I thought about how Dellie and Leo are both gone. :'( I think if they’d known each other, they would have gotten along pretty well.
Yes, what do we do now? Continue wearing Accidental Therapy t-shirts! lol I’m so thankful to have those in my game, let me tell you.
Oh, what movie was that? As I was writing the chapter, that pose is how I felt. LOL
Olivia really did take after Keniesha, to my complete joy. 😀 I, too, wish I could show all the aspects of the extended family as their stories would have been a lot of fun, too. I think about the other family members, too, when I read simlit.
These kids… it’s like they were born serious. haha
You were right about the monster! :O
I’m sure they would have gotten along well, too!
I don’t have them in my game, so pretty sure I’m missing out. I need to download the file you sent me via FB.
Call Me By Your Name. There is such a particularly sweet scene when Elio rests his head on Oliver’s chest, and this is exactly how I imagined Marty would do this. See here I was lucky enough to have found exactly the scene I was talking about.
Yes, it’s sad how we never get to feature some of the extended family.
I haven’t seen that movie, but I’m going to look it up. It sounds good.
I wholeheartedly recommend it. Such a beautiful love story.
Thank you for the recommendation. I’m always looking for new movies and books. 🙂
Ohhh. It was sad sd in the beginning (awesome mag cover by the way) Then it got better as they found a tutor for the kids and then you drop a bomb! A hostile presence! Noooo! They are just kids!!! Great end for a great heir.
Thank you, Audrey. I’m glad you liked the mag cover. I had a whole bunch of stuff on that cover and ended up taking it all off. To me, it looks less like a cover now, but I like it better.
Yes, a tutor Xalen and Marty can agree on! 😀 I was always wanting to bring Olivia back into the story as an adult, didn’t figure anyone would remember her, but it was just something I thought would be cool since she ended up looking so much like Keniesha.
The hostile presence is something I’m hoping I can pull off. haha
Sadly, I’m sure you will pull it off. Those poor sweet babies.
Oh dear, yes, they are sweet babies. I hope you are not upset. :O
That depends!😈
:O Oh dear! :O
Okay, I will be honest and tell you I didn’t read this again. I skimmed it quick reading a bit, but I cried while editing this chapter and I don’t want to cry again. I’m sad three fold, Leo was such a great character and to have him gone leaves a big hole in this family. I’m sure readers will feel it for some time. Two, Leo’s death is such a finality to all the great times we had collaborating our stories. I’m sad to see that end. It almost feels like a death between us Kymber, if that makes sense at all. Three, that part where she tells her mom she doesn’t know what she would do if anything happened to Blue…..imagine how I feel right now……..
Oh Holden and Rosetta! No no no, you keep them safe! (stomping foot and pointing a very stern finger at you Kymber) But also rubbing hands because I can’t wait to see what you have up your sleeve!
The chapter was beautifully done and flowed so well, allowing your readers to feel the emotion gradually instead of a slap in the face. Well done!
Thank you, Bee. I cried while writing this… well, I cried when I was doing the pics, too. It does leave a hole in the family. He was there for everyone.
Leo’s death does feel like a sad thing between us because of our collaborations. Still, I can bring him back to do the one we’ve talked about for so long. <3
I know what you mean about Marty saying that to her mom and what that means to you. I'm sorry to have brought that out.
Holden and Rosetta are going to have some things to deal with – well, the whole family will be wanting to know what's up with this. lol I have something very special up my sleeve, I just hope I can pull it off! LOL