Dear Diary, over the next couple months, I still occasionally got that creepy someone’s watching me feeling but I never saw anything out of the ordinary. Since there was nothing I could do about it, I tried to push thoughts regarding this in the back of my mind.
One evening, the weather was exceptionally hot, so Susan and I decided to take an evening swim in my small pool. As we dried off, she looked around as if she was noticing my backyard for the first time.
“Did you put in the swingset and other toys for your babies?” she asked.
Shaking my head, I said, “No. I’ll give you three guesses who had this installed before I even moved in.”
Suddenly, Susan laughed as it dawned on her. “Grandpa Leo!”
Cracking a smile, I nodded. “You know it.”
“You know, I think we couldn’t have gotten any luckier with grandpas.”
She was right, of course. I happened to feel pretty lucky to have the parents and siblings I do, too. Even so, I still hadn’t told any of them about my predicament. As far as they knew, I was finally ready to settle down in one place and lead a normal life – or what they might think was normal.
“You’ve been so quiet lately, Marty. Are you feeling scared?”
“Oh, no,” I said. “We’re not going there until you finally tell me what’s been going on with you and why you’re staying with me all of a sudden.”
The truth was, I wasn’t just scared, I was absolutely terrified. And why wouldn’t I be? I was having a baby by myself. Well, actually, two babies by myself, so twice the terror there. It seemed like every day, I woke up to some new horror happening with my body, too, and no one to tell. Susan was here and willing to listen, but I promised myself I wouldn’t burden her further with my problems until I knew what hers were. So far, she hadn’t shared.
“I’m ready to relax. Let’s watch a movie,” she said, changing the subject.
After we got cleaned up and settled in front of the only TV in the house, we had to argue for a full fifteen minutes before finally deciding to watch “Wives Without a Goal.” If you ignored the wife part, the title pretty much summed up how I felt about things.
After the main credits and few minutes of bad dialogue, I said, “This movie blows.”
“Maybe something good will happen.”
I doubted that but held my tongue because I didn’t think I could handle another discussion about movies.
“Your phone dinged.”
“Oh!” I exclaimed. I must have been into the movie more than I realized because I hadn’t noticed.
I grabbed my phone off the charger. My heart caught in my throat as I stared at it.
“What’s wrong?”
“Xalen sent me a text.”
“OMG! What does he want?”
I could barely answer her as my pulse quickened and little beads of sweat broke out on my forehead. I stared at the phone for what seemed like ages.
“Um… he wants to talk to me and he’s sending his request in a text so I can’t hang up on him.”
Susan could barely contain herself as she jumped up and stood next to me, peering over my shoulder and hopping from one foot to the other like a little bird. “Tell him yes! You have to!”
Biting my lip for a moment, I tried to measure the outcomes of either meeting with him or not. Yes, I was trying something new by not hastily answering with the first thing that came to mind.
“Go on! Tell him yes!”
“It isn’t easy as just saying yes.”
“It kind of is,” she insisted. “It’s three little letters… one short word. If you won’t type it, I will.” Then she added, “It’s your decision, though.”
If I wasn’t so rattled, I would have laughed at her. With shaking hands, I typed back to him, “I’m sorry. This isn’t a good time.” Before I could change my mind, I hit send.
“You’re killing me!” Susan yelled. “And I think you’re killing him and yourself, too!”
“I’m trying to do what’s right!”
“For who? Him? You? Because I don’t think what you’re doing is right for the babies!”
Turning my back to her, I placed my phone back on the charger and turned off the TV. My heart was so pained, my chest ached. If only I could run to Xalen right now. If only he would take me in his arms and tell me everything would be okay.
If only the babies were his for sure.
“You think you’re being selfless but you’re not. What you’re doing is so selfish, Marty, I can hardly believe you’re my big sister.”
“And I can hardly believe that my own sister would make such a judgment of me when you’ve never been in this position before. You’re not me – you only know second hand what I’m going through. And what’s more, you’ve never met Xalen or Beckett. You have no idea what either of them is like.”
Her shoulders slumped as if the wind was kicked out of her. “I know that’s not the first text or phone call he’s made to you. I know you’re depriving him – ”
” – Stop it, Susan! Please, I don’t want to fight about this.” Tears welled in my eyes regardless of the fact I thought I couldn’t cry about this anymore because I had so much already. “I’m really tired and I’m going to bed.”
She knew I meant she needed to leave my room and with the finality of my statement, shoulders still slumped forward, she left me alone.
Things between Susan and I were a little rocky for the next few days, neither of us wanted to admit we were wrong. Gradually, though, I began to realize that my list of friends and allies was pretty short. I needed Susan to be in my corner through this. Not to mention it was stupid to be at odds with her. She was the sweetest, kindest person and only said what she did because she cares for me.
After my morning run, which these days, was more like a fast penguin walk, I found her in the kitchen. It was early morning, but she was eating a leftover black bean burger from the night before.
“You make that look good,” I said in as friendly a voice as I could.
“It’s the avocado,” she said between bites, “that makes it so yummy.”
“I love avocado.”
“Did you know it’s a fruit?”
“Yeah, but, uh, I don’t want to talk about avocados.” She didn’t look up at me at all as I spoke but I couldn’t really blame her, I guess. “I want to apologize for the other night. I hate it so much when we fight.”
She sighed, putting her burger down. “I hate it, too. And I’m sorry for the things I said. I don’t really think I’m wrong, but I am sorry I said it all.”
The corners of my mouth curled into a small smile. “I know you said what you did because you love me.”
“Yeah, and you can be so infuriating if you want to know the truth,” she grinned.
I laughed because I could only imagine what dealing with me was like.
After she finished eating, we sat in the living room. I desperately wanted a shower after my exercise, but she seemed in the mood to talk now, so I wasn’t going to spoil the moment if I could help it.
“I’ve been thinking a lot the past few days,” I began, “and I’ll tell you what. It pains me to no end and I’m nervous as all get out, but I’ll call Xalen if you will finally come clean about what’s going on with you.”
“It’s a deal!” she said with a huge smile. Suddenly, though, she was frowning. “Only…”
“Only what?”
“I am so afraid you’ll be ashamed of me.”
“Look at me, Susan. I don’t have the right to judge you.”
She laughed a little bit at my joke and hopefully, it put her more at ease. Although, by this point, I was a little afraid of what she would say. What in the world could be so bad?
“I met a man who was so wonderful,” she began. “It was kind of a whirlwind thing. I was on a photo assignment in Twin Brook when we met. He was so handsome… and tall, too.” Her voice began to take on a dreamy quality as she spoke. “We had a few things in common – well, enough in common to have interesting conversations. After the assignment was over, I didn’t take another so that I could spend some time with him. The closer we got, the more I realized I was falling in love.”
When she didn’t continue, I quietly said, “What happened?”
She wiped stray tears from her eyes. “He found something out about me that gave him second thoughts about a relationship.”
“Oh, Susan, what was it?” I couldn’t imagine anything about Susan a guy might not like.
“He said I have an eating disorder and he couldn’t go through that with someone. Can you believe it? Of course, it’s not true. I know my weight fluctuates at times, but it’s just how I am.”
I looked into her indignant eyes and felt rage at a guy who would treat her that way. Yet, I also wondered if he was right. Looking back, a young teenage Susan was always concerned about her weight. She cried all the time because other girls called her fat. Then, when she’d visited me in Longview years ago, she was rail thin.
“Aren’t you going to say anything?” she asked.
“Well, yes,” I reluctantly said. “The first thing I want to tell you is that if I ever see that guy in person, he’ll have me to deal with. What you need is someone that will fall so hopelessly in love with you, he’ll want to share your good times and bad. The guy you’re talking about doesn’t deserve you.” As the words flew out of my mouth, I began to turn them toward myself. Wouldn’t Xalen have shared the good times and the bad with me? Who was the first person by my side after Beckett attacked me? Who was the one that never left my side for even a minute after that ghastly incident?
While I felt like Susan’s guy, whoever he was, didn’t deserve her, I began to wonder if I deserved Xalen?
“You don’t understand, though. I don’t have an eating disorder. He was ridiculous to even think such a thing. I’m just fine. It’s not like I throw up after I eat or anything.”
“I’m glad you don’t, but I think there are other types of eating disorders, aren’t there?”
“Who knows?” she said. “The point is, he broke my heart and tried to humiliate me.”
“What did he do?”
“I brought him to Winchester to meet Momma and Daddy and he told them I’m ill with this eating thing! Can you believe it? Then he left me there and said he couldn’t deal with it all.”
“Oh, Susan, I’m so sorry. That must have been horrible.”
Susan wiped away more tears from her cheeks and nodded. Her face looked so devastated and sad, I cried a little, too. I knew what it was like to be without the person I loved.
But in my case, I’d done it to myself.
Since Susan opened up to me about what was going on with her, I felt like we’d grown even closer than we’d ever been. I tried hard not to make any rash judgments were the accusations of eating disorders were concerned because I didn’t know if she was in trouble with that kind of thing or not. All I could do was a little research to learn more about it and watch her closely without looking like I was watching her closely. It’s harder than it sounds.
Autumn is fully upon us even though temperatures are still nice and warm. Before living with Aunt Ruby in Longview and going to university there, I’d never experienced real changing seasons before. Winchester was always steadily the same, hot and tropical.
I think Autumn is one of my favorites but the best thing, in my opinion, is when the snow flies. This year promises to be extra fun because Grandpa Leo has asked everyone to visit for Christmas. While I’m sure this will prove to be a lot of fun and it will be great to see everyone together, I’m nervous, too, because no one but Grandpa Leo and Susan knows that I will be bringing two little babies with me.
While speaking with Grandpa Leo on the phone, he mentioned that it’s not too early to start bank accounts for the babies.
“The sooner, the better,” he said to me.
So, without delay, I went to the bank to open the accounts. I figured if I put some of my paycheck into the kids’ accounts every time I got paid, they might have a little nest egg when they got older.
I purposely came to the bank at an odd hour so I wouldn’t have to wait in line. Lately, I looked like I was ready to pop. I was so front heavy, it always felt like I might fall forward and land right on my face. What else? I couldn’t sleep at night because I couldn’t find a comfortable position. If I laid one way, I couldn’t breathe, if I laid another way, I had to pee every five minutes. There was no winning. My ankles had started swelling up and my back hurt All. The. Time.
“Dr. Larochette, would you please accompany me to the vault?”
I stared at the clerk with the most irritated look I could muster (which wasn’t hard while in this condition!) and said, “The vault? What on earth for?”
Under my harsh gaze, he seemed to shrink in height and I could see his confidence melting away. “Well, uh, umm, you see, your grandfather has something there he wants you to see.”
Grandpa Leo? I had to fight to keep from rolling my eyes. He’s the best grandpa in the world, it’s true, but I had a feeling these kids would be spoiled rotten if he kept giving them things.
“Ma’am?”
Realizing this poor clerk was waiting for me to follow him, I softened my attitude. “I’m sorry I was so impatient. I’m not very comfortable right now. Going home and putting my feet up sounds like heaven at the moment.”
He smiled and we began down a flight of stairs. “Oh, I understand. I have three children myself and remember what my wife went through.”
At the bottom of the stairs was a locked gate which the clerk opened. He stepped aside so I could pass through.
I’d never been to the bank safe before. The intimidating vault doors were straight ahead and the clerk smiled and left me.
After a few minutes, a guard came in and pushed the vault door open. I guess it wasn’t locked during business hours. He turned to me and motioned for me to go inside.
Where I was suddenly face to face with Xalen.
As I stared at him, my mind slowly began to register what was happening. I wanted to be angry for the ruse, yet I could have cried with how badly I missed him.
I think Xalen might have felt the same way. In a voice barely above a whisper, he said, “Hello, Marty.”
With great effort, I pulled my eyes away and cleared my throat. The safe was full of all kinds of artifacts.
“Are all of these yours?” I asked.
Slowly shaking his head, he said, “No, everything belongs to a museum. The Neptune Foundation is busy researching the items.” With tears welling in his eyes, he stepped forward. “Marty.”
As if he couldn’t help himself, he gently cupped my pregnant belly in his hands like he was witnessing the most amazing thing on the planet. I couldn’t help but smile a little at the wonder in his expression. If anything, it was the moment I knew for sure I’d misjudged everything about him.
“Why, Marty?”
Shaking my head, I asked, “Just a minute, how did you happen to be down here?”
“Your grandfather is a wonderful man.”
My jaw went slack and my eyes widened. “You talked to my grandpa?”
“I’d always wanted to meet him,” he softly said. “I was hoping, though, you would reach out to me yourself instead of Leo arranging this with the bank.”
“I’m going to murder him,” I said.
“Why did you push me away? Why didn’t you trust me?”
When he put it like that, I felt desperately ashamed of myself. “I did – I do trust you. It has nothing to do with trust. It has to do with the fact that this was unplanned and I don’t even know who the father is. It could be you or Beckett. Just the thought of Beckett being the father sickens me.”
He reached for me with his hand but stopped himself before he actually touched me. Thinking better, he let his hand fall to his side. It broke my heart to see him so hesitant to show me affection when all I wanted to do was fall into his arms now that we were face to face.
“You did not trust me to stay by your side. Something difficult happened and you pushed me away. I never said it in words but didn’t you know how I felt?”
Felt? I let the tears flow freely now, not even bothering to wipe them aside or try to hide them. “Love is the reason I pushed you away. I thought it was the right thing to do for you.”
His mouth was a thin, grim line. “I do not require you to make decisions for me.”
Isn’t that basically what Susan had said months ago? That Xalen deserved the choice rather than to be in the dark?
I absently rested my hand on my swollen stomach. It felt like a tight band had been wrapped around it and was squeezing. Then it let go.
“That day in the hotel garden, I didn’t think of it like that.”
“I learned that soon after we parted.”
“Because you’ve been following me!” I exclaimed as it all became clear.
“Did you think I would really walk away without understanding why? I couldn’t do it even if I wanted to.”
My stomach was tightening and letting go more and more but now it was beginning to hurt.
“What is the matter?” he asked, moving closer to me.
As if in answer, my water broke, splashing on the concrete floor and I was doubled over in agonizing pain. At the same time, ear-splitting alarms began going off in the building and I heard a loud click.
“Let’s get you to the hospital,” Xalen shouted over the noise, taking my elbow.
But the vault door was locked! We both pounded furiously on the door and shouted as loudly as we could for someone to let us out.
Another pain gripped me, nearly dropping me to the floor. Through gritted teeth, I said, “They can’t hear us above the alarms.”
With panicked eyes but steady hands, he said, “Do not worry! They will remember we are here and let us out.”
“Well, that’s terrific!” I gasped through another labor pain. “Because I’m not having my babies in here!”
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OMG, Leo totally melts my heart. <3 I wish I had a grandpa like Leo. BTW, did I ever tell you I have a Sim-crush on Leo? 😀
I had to smile when Susan figured out that it was Leo who had the swingsets installed. He doesn't miss a trick, does he?
And him orchestrating Marty and Xalen being in the vault together…priceless. Well, that was until the vault got locked and Marty went into labor. Xalen will come through though; he always does. 🙂 He's strong and steady.
As I was reading about them being locked in, I had a flashback to my own story, Forever in Time,and that scene in the Prologue. I"m sure you remember the one. It's funny what a locked room can accomplish.
He melts my heart, too. I think everyone needs a Leo in their life. lol 😀
He definitely does not miss a trick! haha
I thought Marty’s life should be unusual in every way, since that’s what she thought she always wanted. I could totally picture Leo arranging this vault thing, even though he didn’t know it was going to lock. lol
Oh, yes! YAY to locked rooms!
Interesting. Keeping me glued to my seat.
Thank you so much 🙂
Pleasure
I was pretty sure Susan had met Xalen when she and Marty were at odds over the old boyfriend… Anyhow, I am spellbound by the many twists and turns of events. Exciting!
thank you 🙂 Yes, you are right. Susan met Xalen briefly when she first came to Longview years ago. 😀 I’m so glad you’re enjoying the story! Thank you again!
Wait, is the bank being robbed or something? Imagine forcing someone to open the vault door and seeing a woman giving birth. Lmao, now I’ve got that picture in my mind I can’t stop laughing.
I’m glad Xalen has finally confronted her, though I find it strange he waited so long. I get that he was trying to give Marty the choice but following her for months (or off and on even) is a bit creepy xD I hope that they can forgive each other and move on…
You will find out in about 10 hours if the bank was being robbed. LOLOL I wish I could tell you now. It’s so hard to keep myself contained! The picture you just painted of the vault and them opening it cracked me up so bad! I’m rolling! LOLOL
Xalen has been a bit creepy, I’ll admit. I wonder what made him follow her instead of just confronting her? Hmmm…. I’ll address that sooner or later. LOL
Hmmm…I’m not sure I’m satisfied with Susan’s story, but if Marty believes it I guess I will too lol. Is it because she was humiliated at home she felt the need to run away?
HA! Yes Xalen!! I love this guy. He never gives up. Marty better wake up!
LOL! Thank you, Jes2G! 😀 I don’t think Xalen will ever give up! Marty is stuck with him. 😛 But deep down, I think she want to be.
We’ll learn more about what’s happening with Susan and I think it will be interesting to get Blue’s take on the situation when they all get together for their Christmas with Leo. Cross your fingers as I set that up! LOLOL
Oooh! Yes! Blue! I’d love to hear from her again! And, yes, Marty TOTALLY wants to be stuck with him. She always has!
You know it! lol 😀
I’m caught up!!! That was a ride and a half. I have really enjoyed all the different generations; I love that each of your heirs are different from each other and have their own story to tell.
I don’t know if the guy Susan was dating was right or wrong. She needs to work through her issue more, and learn more about the different kinds of disorders to see if there is something she needs to deal with.
Personally I find it worrying that Xalen started stalking Marty before he even knew she was pregnant. I really wish he went about that in some other way. It’s just uber creepy to be watched without your knowledge.
YAY! Thank you so much! I’m so glad you’ve enjoyed the story. <3
You're right about Susan; she definitely needs to figure this out. I think with Marty on her side, she can do it.
Xalen was stalkerish, that's for sure. Marty will most likely address this at some point. 😀
I was cajoling with Susan .. I am so happy they got face to face .. but hokey smokes in the vault!! oh my!
hahaha! Yes, it’s good they’re face to face, but now we have this craziness! lol
but I am still happy .. he is amazing
<3 <3
Hahahahaha, I’m crazy anxious to see if she actually does give birth in the vault-the two of them alone watching the babies come into the world! Please let them be his!! No more Beckett! Xalen is such a stand up guy he will love them no matter what I’m sure!
Totally hopping (and hoping) back on the Xalty ship *pfffttt as if I ever really got off* *insert eyeroll here*
I’m kinda bummed that she hadn’t contacted him herself, but, yay for Grandpa Leo!!! The (previously labelled above) vault babies are really getting born into a really loving family. I’m totally shortening it to “vbs” though cuz we all know I’m a lazy-ass typer lol
I kinda hope X does act as the vbs midwife. An experience like that would bond him to the vbs that much more on the chance he’s not the vbs daddy…
Interview suggestion: on Carl’s forum, there is the most amazing guy who goes by the name PeregrineTook. Pippin is just about the most dedicated Simmer I have ever known. He tries so many challenges and starts the most hilarious stories. His one drawback is he doesn’t always remember the smaller details. As such, he has failed so many different Legacy and Dynasty challenges. But, every time, he picks himself up. Dusts himself off. And jumps straight back into the fray. There are many brilliant story starts in the Forum Graveyard by Pippin. His characters are so unique and quirky and different. His current Immortal Dynasty Challenge for TS4 is just the funniest thing ever. I suggest you take a look. Oh, and just in case you didn’t notice, I’m a total Pippin fangirl! If I knew what he looked like, I would wear a T-shirt with his face on it and the words “The most tenacious Simmer” emblazoned on it for all the World to see.
P.s. there are so many good writers on that Forum (not sure if they on any other’s because I haven’t had much time on the official Forum) like Playalot, sdhoey (aka Shannon), FrancescaFiori, oshiku, wfgodit, and many other’s who I will “nominate” later lol
P.p.s. I adored this chapter and I hope the next one is here soon 😁
Thank you so much, Mags! 🙂 Go Xalty! LOL I do believe you’re right about the connection Xalen would feel for the vbs ( 😀 ) if he delivered them. I cringe when I think about having to give birth in a vault. LOL
Thank you for the nom! Pippn sounds amazing and I can see why you’d fangirl. 😀
Oh yeah, I forgot to address the Susan thing. When my ex, wanted to remarry his soon to be wife dropped him because he would not get help for his drinking problem. It took her taking a stand that drove him to get help. Perhaps that is all this guy wants. He cares enough to want her to seek help. It hurts but maybe it was humiliating because he had the balls to say something and enlist her family to support this. Interesting development in that corner as well. Tata and Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas! I hope you had a good one! 🙂
That is a very good point about tough love and taking a stand. You just might be right about that having happened to Susan.
I hope so, because I get the sense that behind her anxiety she’s truly a sweetie. When you have a great many siblings to compare yourself to, it’s an easy thing to have happen.
I definitely see what you mean. I think once the anxiety is gone you’ll see a sweetie for sure. 😀
I’m wondering what is going on in the bank that caused the lock down. Is there a robbery in progress and maybe they’ll be safer in there? Very weird. Banks don’t usually do that for no reason. As for the children looking like their father… Xalen and Beckett being related and looking very much alike as it is, could make it hard to know anyway, not to mention their DNA will be similar as it is, soooo…
As my grandson once said when he found out my husband was not my first andlearning his momma had a different birth dad…. his reaction was priceless and said, “Grandma, you were naughty!” I wasn’t but in a child’s mind I guess it seemed so. So, I’m saying it to you now for leaving us all hanging, “you are soooo naughty!” Saying that, I can hardly wait to find out what happens.
Thank you, Jolie! 🙂 You’re right about the bank alarm. As for the DNA, I think they will still be able to tell using that. Let me know if I’m wrong, though.
LOL! I think it’s totally fair to classify me as naughty! LOL 😛 I’m so glad you’re looking forward to answers, though.
I tried to answer this earlier, but my internet went out. lol
Thank you, Jolie! 🙂 You’re right about the bank alarm. As for the DNA, I think they will still be able to tell using that. Let me know if I’m wrong, though.
LOL! I think it’s totally fair to classify me as naughty! LOL 😛 I’m so glad you’re looking forward to answers, though.
I know nothing about DNA, but perhaps since they had different mothers, that would be differentiation enough, but again, I have no clue. I do know that my new niece who is almost as old as my oldest appeared out of nowhere a couple of years ago and she looks nothing like my brother, but the DNA matched. I was 20 when I had my daughter and he’s 3 years younger, which would have made him about 17 when she was born. He knew the mother had put her up for adoption though, he’d just never shared it with us.
Wow! That must have been something! You have so many great stories. 🙂
I have studied DNA a little bit when I took a class as a prereq for nursing (so outdated now! LOL) but I’m definitely not an expert. From what I understand, the possibility of Xalen and Beckett’s relationship causing issues with the results of a paternity test is higher than if they weren’t related, but not by a lot. Two people who are even full brothers (Xalen and Beckett are uncle and nephew, so I think their DNA profiles would be even more unique from each other) still have very unique DNA profiles. So, I am counting on DNA results right now. lol
🙂
🙂
That wasn’t what I expected for the Marty/Xalen reunion, but props to the awesome Grandpa Leo for helping out! It was about time for them to finally talk about the babies. And oh my! Giving birth locked in a vault sounds terrifying, so I agree with Marty and hope that they will be let out 😯
I do worry about Susan. She’s such a sweetheart but she does seem to be hiding some sort of problem. Still, I can’t believe that guy was so rude about it, she deserves much better.
Great chapter as always, and Merry Christmas <3
Thank you, Lila! 🙂 Grandpa Leo to the rescue! lol Although his timing could have been better. 😛
I love Susan and hope she is able to cope with her problems in a good way. I think Marty will be good for her in that regard.
What a surprise! Xalen in the bank vault, well played Leo… I’m so excited to see what the twins are like! Giving birth in the vault sounds very uncomfortable, although I have to wonder what set the alarms off in the first place
Thank you so much 🙂 I’m excited to see what the twins are like, too. As for giving birth in a bank vault, that would be the worst. lol
What do we know, what experiences “the guy” had with Susan ?
He accompanied her to her parents, tells them that he thinks she is ill and left her behind. Why did he even go there?
He could have gone right away, if he could not cope with the supposed eating disorder.
I understand Susan’s grief, but I’m in doubt, especially about dissapointed women (or men).
I also understand Xalen, that he has to approach Marty unexpectedly.
At least she refused his previous appeal.
Nevertheless, I have a feeling that even with him not all cards are on the table.
And I’m curious to see if anyone hears them down there in time. 🙂
Thank you so much. 🙂 That’s a good question about Susan’s boyfriend. You’re right that Xalen may still have things Marty doesn’t know about. Hopefully, they get out of the vault soon! lol
I think maybe the fact he told her folks actually shows that he cares (or cared). If I had an eating disorder, I would like to think that my friends or loved ones who discovered it, would give my folks a head’s up. Someone needs to be able to monitor the situation. I also can’t blame him for not wanting to stick around, since we don’t know whether he has maybe gone through something like this before or not. It takes a sharp or experienced eye to see things like that. So, maybe he lost someone to an eating disorder before and just can’t go through it again. Shit like that cab break you!
Thank you so much. 🙂 I agree with you one hundred percent! Great point you’ve made. 🙂
That would definitely be an unusual place to give birth!
Leo is such a good guy. It’s great that he survived back then.
Marty is right – Susan needs someone better than that jerk.
And I’m just glad Xalen is back in Marty’s life.
Thank you so much. 🙂 Unusual seems to be Marty’s real middle name. hahaha
I miss Leo terribly so wanted to include him in this gen before grimmie comes for him. I don’t want to see him go. 🙂
Marty isn’t right often, I don’t think, but I agree that she is right in Susan’s case. lol
I’m glad Xalen is back, too. 🙂
Oh my, that’s quite a cliffhanger! Now I want to know what happens next.
Thank you so much! 😀 I’m glad you are looking forward to the next installment! 😀
Oh my gosh, what an exciting update! I do worry about Susan and I hope she doesn’t have any disorders. I understand that all too well. There definitely is the opposite to being super skinny and I don’t think many people think that fat people have problems. They just assume they’re lazy, but they’re all too wrong! Anyway, I’m so glad Xalen and Marty finally got to get their feelings out. Just wish it didn’t end with him possibly becoming a midwife!! Oh my gosh, I can’t wait for the next installment. <3
Thank you, Rosie! 😀 I’m sorry you know all too well about what Susan is going through. And you’re right with what you said about the different kinds.
Xalen the midwife!! LOLOL So funny. Well, probably not for him OR Marty. LOL I’m so glad you enjoyed the chapter.
The babies are coming, the babies are coming!! Leave it to Leo to come up with the idea of Marty and Xalen to meet up in a bank vault!!
And I’m glad that Susan opened up to Marty about what was going on with her. And good for Marty to not brush off these small cries for help. Just because Susan doesn’t throw up everything she eats, or doesn’t eat at all doesn’t mean there that she is not suffering from an eating disorder.
Last but not least; I hope you have a very Merry Christmas & Happy Holiday!!
Yes, Leo couldn’t help himself! hahaha He was thinking he’d had enough of Xalen and Marty’s nonsense. 😛
I think it’s good Susan opened up, too. I agree with everything you said about the eating disorder. It will be interesting to hear what Blue and Matt thought about the entire thing. We’ll find out soon! 😀
Thank you so much. I hope your holiday is lovely. Merry Christmas! <3
I can’t imagine that Blue & Matt would be nothing but 100% supportive of Susan. But it is up to her to realize that she has a problem and that she has to accept the help.
Yes, you are so right on this! <3 They can support her one hundred percent, but she is the only one who can save herself.
How could you :O interrupting a romantic moment and then leaving us on a cliffhanger! Oh well, guess we wouldn’t care if it wasn’t such a good story 🙂 It was amazing as always, and I can’t wait until the next.
Merry Christmas to you and yours – hope you have a wonderful time 🙂
Oh, Louise, you know I’m just rotten that way. 😛 Thank you so much for the kind words.
Merry Christmas! I hope you have a good’un, too! 😀
Oh my, so many things happening here, it’s crazy!!
First of all, the babies are coming!!! <3 <3 I can't wait! Until I read their names, I'm gonna be calling them the vault babies! 😁
Grandpa Leo <3 Respect, although his timing could not be any worse, lol! But he was right, Marty should not have taken this decision alone! I really hope they'll make up after the vault birth! They're so in love, it's ridiculous to stay away from each other any longer!
About Susan… I guess there *is* something wrong with her, but that guy sounded rude. Although we haven't heard his side of the story… maybe Susan didn't share everything?
I can't wait for the next chapter!! Vault babies!!! <3 <3
OMG, vault babies, this is priceless!
I’m still laughing! LOLOL
LMAO @ “vault babies!!” You know Marty needs to say that now, right? Of course, the credit will go to you. haha
Wasn’t that always true about Leo? His heart was in the right place, but nothing worked out the way he planned? Hahaha
I think it’s ridiculous, too, since they are so obviously in love.
You bring up good points about Susan and that boyfriend.
I’m glad you can’t wait! Neither can I! lol
Hahaha, by all means!! 😂
Leo is a treasure, so I’ll forgive his bad timing, lol! <3 <3
LOL! 😀 <3
You are such a brat!! But you know that, leaving us with a cliffhanger like you did!! I sure hope they get found before she delivers, but at this point, I don’t think it will make much difference. Of course, if Xalen delivers the babies, he will forever be attached to them. I guess he already is a relative, either way since Beckett is his nephew. (and Marty thinks her family is confusing!!) Poor Susan, I do hope she isn’t plagued with an eating disorder, but I am glad she found out just how shallow her ‘boyfriend’ was before it was too late! I just had a crazy thought – what if each twin has a different father – has been known to happen!! =D Well heck, now the wait begins for another week. =( I am putting purple in my hair to cover the new gray!!! =) Merry Christmas!♥
I am. I’m such a brat. LOL Wouldn’t that be wild if Xalen delivered the babies? lol You’re so right that he would be hopelessly attached if that happened.
Perish the thought of both Beckett and Xalen being the fathers! LoL
I must see the purple hair! I think it would look great! 😀 Merry Christmas!
Ho, ho, ho! This is so great ! What a fun cliffhanger ! I’m also really interested in following Susan through her journey to acceptance and recovery . I’m glad she’s got Marty’s support .
Thank you, Cathy! 🙂 Ho, ho, ho! LOL I’m so glad you enjoyed this chapter. I’m looking forward to seeing how this goes with Susan. I agree with the acceptance and recovery, for sure. Marty will be good for her, I think.
I think Marty will be good for her, too. I see her honesty as one of her greatest strengths. She also is very strong, and she understands some of the challenges of recovery–she’ll be great for her sister!
A huge cliffhanger! I hope she doesn’t give birth in the vault. But if she does I hope Xalen is prepared to deliver twins. Usually newborns resemble their fathers so maybe it will be evident whose they are. Regardless, Xalen would not have cared.
And even if it was a bit stalkerish, I’m glad they are finally talking.
Poor Susan. She probably does have a disorder but doesn’t want to admit it.
As usual, can’t wait for the mext chapter!
Thank you, Audrey! 😀 Wouldn’t that be the worst? Giving birth in a bank vault! Yikes! Lol
You’re right that Xalen wouldn’t have cared. I’m glad they’re talking now, too.
You might be right about Susan, too.
I’m so glad you’re looking forward to reading on! 😀
Oh my goodness, another cliffhanger, Kym? How dare you do that to us again?
Poor Susan, I know she’s mad at the guy, but I can’t help but wonder what’s up with her and why her weight stays the way it is. That must be something wrong about it, she doesn’t seem healthy. I hope she goes to the doctor to figure out what the case is.
My, Xalen, I know he followed her because of the affection, but it is so creepy, at the thought of the guy I left following me, I shivered. What if Marty didn’t want him anymore, though? She’d have been creeped out, too. I hope they can work things out and that Marty won’t have to give birth in the vault!
Leo is such a sweet grandpa to take care of everything 🙂
Thank you, Jowita. LOL Yes, a cliffhanger. I do apologize for that. 😛
Regarding Susan, the guy might have been right, but you will find out in the future all about it. I think since the guy spoke to Matt and Blue, it might be a very interesting Christmas celebration when they all get together at Leo and Leela’s.
I admit Xalen is acting borderline creepy. I think his following her was more about his wanting to find out why she dumped him, but also in hopes she would contact him. There will be more on this, for sure.
I love Leo and figured he wouldn’t be able to stay out of this situation. haha
Oh boy! The babies are coming! I hope she really doesn’t have to give birth inside of that vault. 😀
Thank you so much. 😀 Honestly, I hope she doesn’t, too. haha