Dear Diary, when I recently mentioned to my brother that Theo Fournier was staying with us because he had no parents, he decided to get to know the little fellow. Well, he won’t be little for much longer as he’s growing by leaps and bounds and will be a teen before we know it.
Anyway, Leo Jr. became quite enchanted by Theo and began taking the boy everywhere with him. They went fishing, worked Leo’s horses together and Leo even taught Theo how to ride. I just now only realized their names rhyme. What a funny coincidence.
Wilda didn’t seem to mind the attention Leo was giving the boy, but she kept her distance, too. The real trouble began one night at our house when the couple came to dinner. Leo was clearly taken by the child and even read him a story and tucked him in at bedtime.
Matthieu and I were clearing the table and washing up the dishes when we heard the two arguing in the living room.
“Don’t be ridiculous, Leo! You know this will never work.”
“But it could if you would just have an open mind.”
“So now I’m closed minded because I want a baby? This boy is almost a teenager! What good would we be to him at this stage in his life?”
Matthieu and I exchanged timid glances. Should we interrupt them? Ask them to go home? After all, it wouldn’t do to have Theo overhear any of this. I didn’t know if he could hear them or not.
As if reading my mind, Matthieu stepped into the room and said, “You’re getting a little loud, guys.”
Leo’s face flushed and he apologized. Within minutes, they’d made their departure.
As Matt washed and I dried, we discussed the situation. In the end, we decided we only wanted what was best for everyone, but especially for Theo since he was still a child and so taken with Leo.
Over the next few weeks, I began to suspect that Theo knew what was up because he began to trail behind Wilda, following her everywhere she went. At first, she couldn’t hide her annoyance and eventually turned to face him.
This was all told to me second… or third hand, actually, by my brother.
“Why do you insist on following me?”
“Because I like you!” the boy said brightly, with a wide smile.
Even in her irritation, this brought a small smile to Wilda’s face. “But I’ve been nothing but rude to you. Why would you ever like me?”
“Because we’re just the same,” Theo declared.
“And how do you figure that?”
“We’re both of us lonely. I’m not a baby, that’s true. But you need a child and I need a momma. Mrs. Larochette is real nice and I love her, but she didn’t even notice at first that I was there. They’ve got loads of kids, but you don’t have any so I think we need each other.”
This, of course, even pulled at Wilda’s stubborn heart. (Leo’s words, not mine! Personally, I know what it’s like to have your heart set on something only to find out you can never have it. But this isn’t about me.)
All at once, she was overcome with the opportunity that was right in front of her. As she embraced him, she said, “If you think you could stand me, I would love for you to be a part of our family.”
And a handsome family they are.
Perhaps their answer wasn’t the one they imagined it would be. I’m sure Theo would have loved to have permanent parents years before now, and I know Wilda and Leo would have been thrilled to have a baby instead of a child. But, it was an answer just the same and I’m so glad they grabbed onto it.
Several months later, it became clear that Matthieu would have to travel to the mainland to do some business. We decided it would be the perfect time to take the children there for the first time.
The children were beside themselves with excitement as we boarded the ferry. I was glad for the boat ride because it gave me a little extra time to review the rules with them.
“Stay together, don’t wander off, be respectful,” I said for the millionth time.
” – and listen to Charles and Laurent,” Carrie finished for me.
“Yes.” My brow was so furrowed on our way there that I’m certain I’ll have premature wrinkling in that spot.
“Relax,” Matthieu said easily, “just have fun.”
“I just don’t want to lose anyone.”
“It will be fine,” he assured me. Then he turned to Charles and Laurent and gave them more instructions about keeping the group together. And here, I thought he wasn’t worried!
While Matthieu attended to his business, I took the children to the public library. As soon as Susan saw all the books, her eyes lit up. Clearly, she and Laurent were in their element.
I gave the children instructions to keep their voices low and allowed them to explore the second floor at will since the books up there were more along their age groups. Everyone was able to find something to read except for Elisabeth.
“What’s wrong, Lissie?”
With a troubled expression, she turned toward Laurent to complain. “I don’t like to read.”
He knew this about her already, but he couldn’t really identify with her on this point. “Well, maybe you just never found the right book for you. What do you like? Sword fights? Princesses? Pirates?”
Wrinkling her nose, she shook her head. “No. Yuck.”
“Hmmm….” he said, then suddenly, he snapped his fingers. “I’ve got it!”
“You do?”
“Yep.” He turned toward the shelves, running his finger along the titles until he came to a particular one. “I think this is the one.” Pulling it out, he handed it to her.
“What’s it about?”
“It’s a ghost story, but it’s funny sometimes, too. It’s about a girl named Blossom Culp and her friend Alexander Armsworth. She always gets into trouble and one day, she realizes she can see ghosts. It’s not too scary and I think you’ll like it.”
With a small smile curling the corners of her mouth, she looked the book over then said, “Thank you, Laurent!”
“Anytime, kiddo,” he said. Finally, it was his turn to find something to read.
Carrie, Susan and Marty were all engrossed in books. It was good to see them enjoying something that would enrich their lives.
As I turned to look out the window, Charles joined me.
After watching me for a few minutes, he said, “What’re you doing, Momma?”
“Oh, just watching all of the people down below and how they bustle here and there, doing important things.”
“Do you miss living in town?” he asked. All the children knew I wasn’t originally from Winchester.
“Sometimes…. but not very often. I really love my life on the island.” Then I smiled softly at my handsome son. “With all of you. I wouldn’t trade my life for anything.”
Walking through the second floor, I found Lissie in a quiet cubby reading her book. She even laughed out loud a few times.
Later that afternoon, we met Matthieu at the theater. I was so excited because my dad had started working with Uncle Josh again and they had scored this one. I must’ve told the children a hundred times that their grandpa had written the music.
“What’s the movie called again?” Carrie asked.
“The Silvery Sword,” all the other children groaned because she’d asked more than a few times.
“Susan!” I exclaimed. “Where are your shoes?”
“I took them off, Momma.”
“I can see that. Put them back on, please. I told you, no going barefoot today.”
“All right,” she sighed.
Looking them all over briefly, I nodded. “All right, now, when we get in there, sit down in an orderly fashion, and remember that if you speak during the movie, other people will become annoyed. So, don’t do that.”
They all agreed and filed in with minimal noise. Matthieu took my hand and squeezed it.
“I can’t wait to hear your dad’s music.”
I had to admit that this was a pretty proud moment.
Three weeks later, it was time to celebrate Theo and Marty’s birthdays. Alice and I baked two cakes and Wilda brought party favors and homemade ice cream.
As we hooted and hollered like crazy people, Theo took a deep breath and blew his candles out in one try.
“Yay!” we all exclaimed, clapping.
I was amazed at what a handsome teen Theo was with his crystal blue eyes and brown hair.
Wilda began to cut the cake and I nodded at Marty. “It’s your turn now.”
Slowly, she moved to the other end of the table where her cake was and after a moment, closed her eyes tightly to make a wish.
“Wish for something good, honey,” Matthieu grinned.
As before when it was Theo’s turn, we went nuts with the party favors as she blew the candles out.
I held my breath as she looked up from the cake. She was even more pretty than I’d imagined she would be. Yet, she looked a little disappointed as she looked down at her body.
Was she upset because she had a bustline, perhaps? Or was she upset that she wasn’t as curvy as she thought she would be? I couldn’t tell, but I could remember how awkward I’d felt at my teen birthday. All of my feelings were a jumble and I’d acted horribly.
Oh, help me with this one, I silently said to the sky.
Abruptly, she turned and went out to the back porch, staring out at the night. I was tempted to follow her, however, I stopped myself when I saw Theo go outside and stand next to her.
Maybe, now that they were older, they had things to discuss.
But only a minute or two later, he left the porch and walked off into the night.
Maybe Marty needed me. I took that moment to go to her. She looked sad and uncertain.
“Marty, what is it?”
“I don’t understand it.” She bit her lower lip, then continued, “I told Theo about the new soccer ball you got me for my birthday but all he said was, ‘that’s nice.’ So, I asked him if he wanted to kick it around with me and he said he was going to Selina Roche’s house. Then he just left.”
“Selina Roche?” I asked aloud. “Isn’t she the girl that had a birthday a few weeks ago?”
“Yes,” Marty said, her face crestfallen. “And she couldn’t score a goal if her life depended on it.”
“No, she sure couldn’t,” I agreed. “I’ve seen her play.”
“Why would he go to her house on his birthday instead of being here at the party?”
“Maybe she has a gift for him?”
She shrugged and kicked at the floor boards.
Then, it all occurred to me and made me angry at the same time. Boys. “Honey, has he paid any attention to her before?”
“Yeah, but he always said I was his best friend.”
“Selina is what you might call a girly-girl,” I began.
“For sure,” she said, rolling her eyes.
“And some boys like that.”
All of a sudden, her eyes grew big and her cheeks flooded with crimson. “You mean he likes her?”
“Could be.”
Again, she looked down at her own body. “I’m so ugly and I know I act like a boy sometimes. But I thought someday he’d like me like that.” Biting her fingernail, she mumbled, “Maybe if I started wearing dresses?”
Pulling her into my arms, I took a deep breath of her hair which smelled like the wind. “You are not ugly. And don’t ever change yourself for any boy. I mean it. You are exactly the person you are supposed to be and a boy should like you for who you truly are or he isn’t worth giving a second thought to. Promise me.”
With tears in her eyes, she said, “I promise, Momma.”
Author’s Note: The book that Laurent recommended to Elisabeth is a favorite from my childhood called “Ghosts I Have Been” by Richard Peck. It’s the second in a series, the first book being, “The Ghost Belonged to Me.” I put links to the books in their titles. They are for younger readers, but worth the time regardless.
The other thing I want to bring to your attention is the lovely painting that Dax did of Blue and how it is hanging on the wall in the living room. You can see it in the pics where Leo Jr. and Wilda are arguing in the living room. I have that lovely painting on my wall thanks to Jowita (neverdoitagain) who made it for me. It’s been there all along, but I never had a chance to feature it until now. Thank you, Jowita!
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Wrote the book titles down to give my budding author/painter to write. 🙂 Right now she’s writing the Harry Potter series. Lol.
Loved the adoption story! It worked out so well, and I am so happy for them.
The teens turned out beautiful. So sad that Marty’s birthday ended and heartbreak. A lot can happen in the future though, and things will work out the way they are meant to. If Marty doesn’t get with Theo, someone else more suited for her will come along.
Thank you 🙂 I’m so glad you loved the adoption story. Turned out, they all needed each other.
I thought Theo was sooo handsome. 🙂 No wonder Marty had thoughts about him and was disappointed. You’re so right that even if they don’t get together, someone more suited will come along.
Beautiful teens! And yay for Leo, Wilda, and Theo! That thought crossed my mind when we got the terrible news.
Thank you! 🙂 Honestly, I wasn’t going to do that because it seemed somewhat contrived, but in the end, it became the right thing to do.
Meh…contrived things spice it up sometimes ☺️
lol You’re right. Sometimes I worry and over analyze when I don’t need to.
Same!
*hugs Marty* Her birthday ends in heartbreak, but Momma’s there to give brilliant advice. Who knew Blue would make such a good mother? Winchester was definitely good for her. Otherwise, we’d have a storyline that will most likely revolve around her trying to run from paparazzi.
Love the adoption storyline with Theo. That really worked out wonderfully.Even if he ended up liking someone other than Marty.
Winchester really seemed to be the thing to make Blue more stable. I was so happy when she rolled “Surrounded by Family.” And then when she married Matt, he had that, too! It was meant to be. lol
I agree about Theo. It just seemed to fit together. 🙂
That was a nice compromise Theo being raised by Leo but that makes him family now. Even though he’s really super cute and Marty has a crush on him it’d be kinda weird for them to get together romantically. I mean they’re almost as good as cousins even if they aren’t blood related. Maybe that had something to do with Theo’s behavior? I mean maybe he only sees her as a cousin and not dating material and he’s putting space between them.
I think that is a very good and valid point you are bringing up. It does seem kind of weird because legally, they are now related.
I knew it!! I knew that Marty would have a crush on Theo when they were teens! And of course he’d like the girly girl *sighs*
Oh I’m so in for this!!
I also loved their trip to the mainland. What a lovely family they are! All the kids are adorable! <3
LOL! You were right about Marty! 😀 Someday maybe, Theo will realize the girl right under his nose was pretty spectacular…. perhaps too late.
I’m so glad you love this family. I’m going to miss seeing them all when Gen 4 begins.
hmmm could we have met the next heir this post? 😉
That’s up to you 😀 😀 The heir poll will begin on September 2 😀
Aside from the hair, Marty totally looks like Blue. And it looks like Mattieu hitting Dax turned out to be a good thing LOL
Oh Marty, don’t go changing yourself for anyone!! Love who you are, that is what is important.
LOL I think you’re right about Marty. Well, she has Matt’s eyes, too, but she does resemble Blue quite a bit. I am not sold on that hairstyle so don’t be surprised if it’s different in the next chapter. LOL
You said it! Don’t change for other people, but be who you are. 🙂
Oh girl. Never change yourself for anyone. Otherwise they won’t be loving you, but that mask you’ve put on to please them, and that’s no way to live. You’ll lose yourself – as my favourite Fae says in a lovely fantasy book, “We know how dangerous a mask can be; we all become what we pretend to be.”
You put that so well! And I love the quote, too. You’re so right that it is no way to live. <3
So glad Theo got a permanent home with Leo jr. He turned out to be a handsome teen.
Poor Marty and her first crush. But Blue is right she should not change who she is just for a boy. When the time is right the perfect one will come along.
I’m glad about how things turned out with Theo, too.
I agree with you about the timing with Marty. She’s still very young and she has plenty of time to think about such things later.
The family trip to the mainland was funny to see! I remember as a kid, my mother would always have my sisters & I hold hands absolutely everywhere, just because it was easier to keep track of a string of kids rather than several individuals running rampant. XD
Woah, Theo! O.o He grew up good…*whistles* Marty’s got some pretty features, looks like a nice mix of her parents, but it’s very clear that’s she’s in that awkward stage; hasn’t quite grown into some of those features. Those big eyes of hers are gorgeous, though.
And already she’s having boy troubles. *sighs* Marty, dear, you’ve got plenty of time to worry about that. Use at least these first few years of teenagehood to figure out you first. Hell, you might even find out your prefer girls!
Oh yes, the hand holding sisters. That brings back memories for me, too! lol
I think Marty is a nice mix of her parents, too. I need to change that hair, though. lol
I love your comment. I always let the sim decide their orientation, so we shall see what she says about that. 😀 😀
Yay, I was hoping Wilda and Leo would adopt Theo! And he grew up so well. And ahh poor Marty! I think she is pretty, I hope she sees that too without having to change. Nice chapter <3
YAY for Theo’s adoption! 😀 I’m glad you think Marty is pretty. I’m not sold on her hair, though, so don’t be surprised if it’s different in the next chapter. lol
I hope the same thing. <3
I love the moment between Blue and Marty on the porch! You did such a great job with the dialogue and emotion of the situation. I hope Marty takes her mother’s words to heart, but mostly that she finds some happiness in her own skin.
Thank you so much! 🙂 I hope Marty listens to Blue, too. Time will tell.
So much going on. Charles was such a sweetie with Lissie fining her a book.
And Theo – so glad he won over Wilda. Susan – get on your shoes! Haha!
But Marty…she is gorgeous and had her first heartbreak. Do Charles and Laurent have any girls they are hanging with?
I’m so glad you enjoyed the outing with the children. haha I thought it was high time they saw the mainland.
That’s a good question about Charles and Laurent. 😀 We shall see. 😀
I’m so glad Theo found parents who love him just as much as he loves them! He grew up handsome :0 Maybe once his teen years are over, he’ll get over superficial things and realizr how good of a friend Marty is? And how she could possibly be an even better girlfriend? 😉
I’m so glad Theo found parents, too, even if he was leaving childhood behind so quickly. I think you may be right about how he’ll feel after he gets a few more years under his belt.
ohh dear child .. it is hard to grow up and so many self doubts!! It willbe alright!
lol 🙂 I wish she could hear you. You’re right that everything will work out.
❤️❤️❤️
Growing pains indeed. Unrequitted crushes are the worst.
At least Theo has a family now.
So true. 🙂 The teen years can be hard.
Marty is awesome and beautiful !
Thank you, Cathy. 🙂 I really like her a lot.
Wow, Marty is beautiful!! She may think she’s a hard-nosed tomboy, but just one look at those eyes and you can see a shy, vulnerable teen looking at you. And poor kid, got her heart broken on her first day as a teen – “It’s My Party and I’ll Cry if I Want To” (showing my age, for sure!! lol). Blue is very wise, and handled it perfectly. Theo is quite a handsome guy, too! He was adorable with Wilda, and I am so glad that worked out. Evidently, he did hear them arguing. Hmm, perhaps he should take up politics!! =D There is so much happening now, which is to be expected with so many children, I don’t know how you play them all!! I am sure looking forward to next week…hurry up Saturday (again!).
I think you’re spot on about Marty and a vulnerable, shy side. I love the song reference! It does fit, doesn’t it? 😀 I imagine Theo did hear them arguing, but instead of letting it get him down, he used the information to his advantage. Hey, you might be right about politics! Good thinking! Playing so many children is difficult, it’s true, but it’s fun at the same time. 😀
I love libraries! Glad they got a chance to go. Just think, it won’t be long before the baby birds fly the coop. Oh, to have a mom that can offer such wisdom. Good for her to give Marty just what she needs. Who knows what her future holds. I think she’s lovely!
Oh yes, I love libraries, too! I was thinking the children would enjoy that. As a kid, I spent many hours in ours. It’s hard to believe the kids have grown up that much and soon, they’ll move out and on with their own lives. 🙂 I’m glad you like Marty; I like her, too.
Just as I said, Wilda and Leo finally can have a child. That’s lovely!
Children finally explored the mainland and the library. And Laurent knew exactly what book would be good for his sister. It was so funny when Blue and Matthieu were teaching the children on how to behave and how they all knew the movie title in the end.
All eventually turned out well for everyone and I’m sure it will be that way for Marty, too. Theo is a stupid boy not to give such a pretty and fun girl a try!
Finally, I never thought you’d eventually use this painting, but it looks great in the living room.
Thank you, Jowita! I loved the painting you made from the very beginning and have used it ever since you gave it to me. My original intention was that when Dax returned, he would see it on Blue’s wall and they would discuss it. But Dax, as you know, had other ideas. I had the worst time with him. hahaha
You’re right about Theo not realizing how much fun Marty would be.
Oh and lastly I totally forgot to say, I absolutely loved the ending. Marty is a great gal and no female should change who they are for a man…or woman!
Thank you so much! You are so right!
WOW! Theo is a handsome young man! But still he would be crazy for not wanting to date Marty. But, on the flip side, perhaps dating a few others before settling down with someone (perhaps Marty) will teach him hopefully how to treat a lady properly. My hope is that Marty will date as well and not wait for him. He may not be the right guy Marty! Take a look around and see.
Theo was so clever in following Wilda around! He is going to be so well loved by them both!
Thank you, Bee 🙂 I was surprised by how cute Theo was. lol I think you’re right that both he and Marty should date others and that perhaps Marty shouldn’t wait for him at all. 😀