Dear Diary, I’m so stressed out but I will try to get this all down on paper before I go even crazier.
You may have noticed, but I’ve made a royal mess out of my life. It isn’t Jem’s fault but my own. I let myself get carried away by his excited nature and my impulsiveness. What’s worse is that I ignored every red flag that was waving at me on purpose.
Aunt Rosetta has left so many voicemails for me, my box is full. I stopped listening to them after the third one because she was growing more anxious with each.
Message 1: “Beatrice, please call me back tout de suite. I have cleared my schedule so we might speak.”
Message 2: “With each passing moment, I grow overwrought. I will not cease calling until you answer!”
Message 3: “I know you are there! What you have done is outrageous and we must speak forthwith!”
I’m not sure how, but she knew in her strange Aunt Rosetta way that I’d eloped with Jem. By calling me, she was giving me the opportunity to explain myself and to no doubt give me advice. If I didn’t call her soon, she would inevitably consult my parents on the matter.
A huge part of me wanted to call her and pour my heart out. I wanted her to figure this out for me and make it right. The other part of me, the stubborn, prideful side, wouldn’t allow that. If I admitted I’d made a mess this bad, I’d never be able to show my face to my family again.
The solution seemed obvious, then. I must make this work with Jem and once things were going well, tell my family we were madly in love and had gotten married.
There was one problem, though. Jem was still in the doghouse for going behind my back to buy our house. What I found out after days of arguing and standoffs was that my grandpa Xalen actually owned the house and we were to make monthly payments to him in order to buy it.
That was slightly less offensive than what I’d originally thought because at least Jem hadn’t outright asked my family for money. Even so, he’d arranged all of it without my knowledge and that stung my pride a lot.
After a few more months, we were living in the house permanently. I’d considered not moving in at all and telling Grandpa he could keep it. The look in Jem’s eyes stopped me from going that route. He was injured to the core, it seemed, that I didn’t “appreciate” what he’d done “for me.”
“Bea, we can’t go on like this,” he said this morning.
Despite my ruffled feathers, I knew he was right. If we were going to make this marriage work, I had to work on it, too. That meant putting aside my anger and dealing with what needed to be dealt with.
“I love you. I just want things to be good between us again.”
The gentle timbre of his voice and the frank words he used tugged at my heart, melting some of the ice that had accumulated.
“I love you, too,” I said.
Almost at once, I saw the relief in his eyes as if he’d been holding his breath for a long time and thought he might drown before he could breathe again.
“I know we have a lot of differences but I want this to work out.”
I barely got out a “Me, too,” before he pulled me into his arms and kissed me.
No matter what those differences were, when his lips touched mine, I felt tingly all over.
“Hurry home from work,” I said when we finally parted.
His smile lit up the room as he touched my hair, then left.
It was my day off, so I spent the next couple hours trying to make sense of the bills that were piling up. I never realized how expensive it could be to live in a huge house like this. It tied my stomach up in knots when I saw how much the utilities were, the chemicals for the pool, the cable TV, internet… I had to push it all aside again before I lost it. Some of the bills weren’t very high, but it all added up fast.
“Yoohoo!”
As soon as I heard Perla’s voice, I joined her in the foyer where she’d entered. Over her shoulder, I could see the mailman was most likely dropping off another round of bills for us.
“Darling, what’s wrong? Did I mix the dates up?”
“Oh! No, it’s really good to see you,” I said, ushering her further inside.
“Good,” she said, “I was certain it was today you had off.”
“That’s right. I’m sorry, I was just-well, I’m a bit spacey, I guess.”
“Aren’t we all, Darling?”
“And, I see you brought Sherman and Henrietta with you.” I bent down a little so I could pet Sherman on the head.
“Of course I didn’t bring them,” she said. “These angels go where they please. Do you know, I followed them here? They must have remembered it was your day off.”
I smiled at the thought and hoped the cats would stop by often.
Perla followed me into the kitchen where I put some coffee on. Then, she watched me without saying a word as I pulled some mugs from the cupboard and set them on the counter.
“What?”
“Something is obviously bothering you,” she said. “You know you can talk to me, Darling.”
A little sob escaped my throat even as I tried to hold it back.
“Oh, my dear.”
As if a dam had broken, words tumbled out of me.
“I’m so upset about our bills, we can’t afford to live here, I’m afraid I’m going to end up with the shortest marriage on
After it was over, I could no longer hold back the tears. They sprang from my eyes and made mascara trails down my cheeks. If I could afford to buy tissues, I would wipe my face and blow my nose, but I was down to my last penny.
Perla stepped toward me, her eyes full of compassion. “Well, that’s quite a lot, isn’t it?”
As I nodded and sobbed even harder, she embraced me. Her thin arms were strong, though, and made me feel safe at last.
I don’t know how long I cried it out in Perla’s arms, but it seemed a good while. The entire time, she patted my back and cooed loving sentiments into my ear. She stroked my hair and made me feel like somehow, it was going to be all right.
It was she who suggested we take a break in the pool. She said the cool water would refresh and relax me.
How had this woman who I’d only chanced meeting on a vacation when I was a teenager become so important to me? It was true, I wasn’t as close to my mother as I wanted to be. I’m sure some of that was my fault just as much as it was hers.
Perla had provided a mother’s love without the pushiness that often comes with motherhood. I needed her and even felt stupid I hadn’t already confided the entire mess to her.
“What am I going to do?”
“First, you are going to decide what you want. Once that is settled, you can work out the rest.”
I could have smacked myself in the forehead to hear her say it so plainly. It seemed so obvious the way she put it.
“So, what is it you want?” she asked. “Do you love Jem enough to forgive him? Or is this a deal breaker for you?”
Could I forgive Jem? I’d never thought of myself as someone who held grudges yet here I was, making Jem miserable because I couldn’t either forgive him or cut him loose. He deserved one or the other and so did I.
“I want to forgive him. He’s my best friend and I’m not treating him right. I should be able to forgive anything.”
“Hmm… if you say so, Darling. Sadly, forgiveness was never my strong suit. Perhaps I wouldn’t have married six times had it been.”
I smiled a little. I couldn’t imagine being married six times. I could barely imagine being married once!
“What now? What are we going to do about the bills? They’re strangling us. I don’t want to lose everything.”
“That’s not as difficult a situation as you might imagine. First, swallow your pride and ask your grandfather if he can give you a few months to catch up. I’m certain he won’t object. Then, speak with Jem about renting out the apartment above the sauna. If that works out well, you could even do the bed and breakfast thing you have so often told me about.”
Why did everything sound so easy when she said it?
“There’s one more thing,” I said with a frown.
“Two things, Darling. You must tell your husband you’re expecting.”
Grimacing at the thought, I said, “Every time I think about telling him, I feel like there’s a golf ball in my throat or I blurt out something really stupid instead.”
This made Perla laugh. “You do tend to say the funniest things when you’re nervous.” Then, she was serious again. “The last thing on the list… you must call your parents to tell them you’re married.”
I nodded a little. “Yeah. It’s going to be so hard. I’ve waited so long.”
She smiled at me, the wrinkles around her eyes crinkling. “It’s never too late to do the right thing, Darling.”
In the true spirit of forgiveness, I decided to make a special dinner. Jem would be so surprised. If I did this evening right, maybe he could forgive me, too, for being so difficult to live with. I couldn’t stand the hurt I’d been causing him. When we were finished eating, I would tell him I was pregnant. I was super anxious about it since we hadn’t even discussed children. But, Perla had given me a new found strength.
“Hey, is that the food processor I hear?” he asked as he came in.
“You know it,” I grinned as I dumped ingredients inside and closed the lid.
“What are you making?”
“Pasta alla Gricia!” I announced as I continued with the preparations.
“Wow, that’s great! What can I do?”
“Nothing at all. I did a lot of the prepping earlier, so now, I just have to throw it together. Easy peasy.”
“It already smells great,” he enthused.
I felt warm inside knowing I was doing something for him he appreciated. He was the chef, sure, and I only had a mere fraction of talent in the kitchen compared to him. But he’d been cooking all day, so it was nice being able to give him some respite when he got home.
“Is something going on?” he asked.
As a knee-jerk reaction, I snorted through my nose. Loud. Which sent him into a riotous fit of laughter as I stammered, “No, not at all. I did think it would be nice to talk tonight and make amends. That’s all.”
“Oh, that’s so sweet, honey,” he said, rubbing his belly which I guess must have been sore after cracking up the way he had.
“Yes, I thought it would be good.” As I stirred the simmering ingredients on the stove, my heart came up in my throat. Yep, there was that golf ball I’d mentioned to Perla earlier. In just a few minutes, Jem would know we were about to be parents. How would he react?
He tried to assist me as I plated the dish but I waved him away.
“All finished!”
“It smells so good. Let’s see your handiwork,” he said with a wide smile.
My nerves were a mess, my hands shaking and sweaty, as I turned, holding the dish so he could see. I gulped back the rising anxiety crashing into my chest. But, instead of saying the “bon appetit” I’d been practicing in my mind all day, I blurted,
“Bone apple tea! We’re having a baby!”
Author’s Note: I can’t believe I forgot to tell everyone Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and all that last week! I hope everyone had a lovely Christmas and that your Holiday is going well.
I’m wishing you a safe and happy New Year!
As always, thank you for reading, liking, lurking, and commenting,
Discover more from Kymber @booomcha.com
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I don’t know why, but every time Pearla would say ‘Darling’ in my head, I’d hear my grandma say ‘dolly’. She passed away two years ago yesterday. :'(
Saved as a favorite, I love your web site!
Thank you so much! 🙂 That’s awesome!
I wish I lived in NC so I could visit your restaurant! It looks so nice!
Oh man! Aunt Rosetta waiting in the wings – scary! I don’t blame Bea for not answering. If I were her, I’d be shaking in my boots.
She really is in a pickle though. She jumped in way over her head and now doesn’t know how to find a way to the surface. And a baby really complicates things. I have a feeling their marriage is sinking before it really even got started. There are definite issues here which aren’t just going to go away. Thank goodness she has Perla in her corner though.
“Bone apple fea. We’re having a baby.” Oh God, I thought I would die! My stomach hurts from laughing like a fool, and I did my own fair share of snorting here. LMAO! Girl, you slay me! LOLOL!
LOL Rosetta kills me! hahahaha Who could blame Bea for not wanting to bite that bullet?
You said that right; she is in a pickle. It feels very much like she’s on a sinking ship right now. Hopefully, she can jump before she drowns. Although, as you said, a baby complicates things.
I’m so glad you laughed. lol We snorters have to stick together! LOL
Hehehe!!! I did laugh, and yes, we snorters do need to stick together. 😀
That’s right! 😀 😀
Aww I don’t understand Béa she is safe and she messed up everything with her pride. That’s not pride it’s idiocy.
LOL Bea indeed does mess things up with her pride, so I’d agree it’s idiocy. haha 😀
Her problem is in my opinion she transfers the fear and the demands of her aunt to her own parents, a thing none of Ellie and Holden are uncompromising. I think she doesn’t trust her parents and her family.
You may be right about that. I think she’s the closest to Holden, of her parents. But I think she’s even closer to Rosetta. You bring up some interesting points.
héhé you can thank my psys as casual. Especially you recall me she was close to her father and to her aunt, and suddently when she’s moving on , she has to be alone and to cope with , she bounded with an other mother and she developped a no trust on her family. Rosetta can be rough, she is demanding , her and his brother lead them to a summit of their carreer (if Holden wasn’t shot) with a lot of endeavours (Rosetta thinks to be called baby is negative, submissive)
Or maybe Béa deep inside of her, doesn’t like her family or this part of her family and bounded with Perla who is more easy going with her? She’s an interesting case to study.
Thank you. 🙂 I like your perspective. Bea did have a difficult relationship with her mother, so I think Perla provides her with what she feels she was missing while growing up.
I didn’t feel this, thank you for telling her relashionship with her mother.
You’re welcome. Some things aren’t always clear in the writing. Growing up, Ellie wasn’t around as much as Holden. I think that’s where Bea began to feel less close to Ellie.
I just knew Ellie works a lot but I never imagined she was not closed to her daughter.
I think she tried, but she was also very ambitious, wanting to be Rosetta’s right hand “man.” lol
Indeed that’s true I noticed, hard to be the Rosetta right hand men lol
hahaha I know that’s right! 😀
Ooof, so now there’s a baby on the way… that’s not the best scenario if Bea was to seriously consider leaving her husband… I honestly have no clue where this is going (but I love it)!
Rosetta’s voicemail messages were hilarious! I adore that woman, lmao!!
And oooh, I got do excited at the thought of Bea operating a b&b <3 This was one of my ideas too back when I ws planning my next gen to take place in Sunlit Tides, so I'm super stoked to see that happening (if it's in your plans of course)! ^_^
Bonne apple tea!! <3 Haha, that was golden!! 😂😂
Thank you so much, sempreviva 😀 I’m glad you love it even though it’s all going downhill. hahaha I miss Rosetta quite a bit. LOL Don’t get too excited yet for the BnB. LOL We’ll see where that goes. lol Bone apple tea! 😀
Rosetta always knows. 😂 I hope Bea tells her parents before the word gets out. I wonder if Rosetta knows about the pregnancy too?
Hmm, before this I would have wanted her to kick Jem to the curb, but since she’s pregnant I’m not sure anymore.
Bone apple tea! 😂
Bone apple tea!! 😂😂
Rosetta does always know, it’s true. I think it would be neat having an aunt like her… well, maybe not. That’s a good question about whether she knows about the pregnancy or not. The answer to that is in the next chapter. 😀
Bea and Jem got off to a crazy, rocky start. Now that she’s pregnant, I think she’s more inclined than ever to try and make the marriage work.
That last line was killer, I can’t stop laughing my brains out! Oh dear, what a way to announce a pregnancy. Perla is right, a lot of this could be sorted out with some communication. Although don’t get me wrong, communicating is hard! I’m anxious to see how the talk with her parents goes…
LOL I’m so glad this chapter made you laugh. 😀 Communicating is hard, you’re right. And Jem and Bea are really lousy at it. LOL As for the parents, well, you will see very soon how that goes. 😀
Oh my gosh. That chapter was hilarious! Poor Bea and Jem, I knew they would struggle. But you know what, hopefully this will be the hardest part. If they make it through this they will be able to make it through there rest. Merry late Christmas!
I can’t tell you how glad I am that you thought the chapter was funny. 😂 I tried sooo hard. haha You never know, you may be right that they’re getting the worst stuff out of the way in the beginning of their relationship. 😀
Merry Late Christmas to you, too! I hope you had a lovely one and that the new year treats you right.
I adore how you took me through a roller coaster of angst and laughs. Truly, I was reading my own 20-something past word for word nearly. I wish I had read your blog before my first marriage. I’d probably still be married to my high school sweetheart and personal wrecking ball Irish bride. Don’t get me wrong, she was a hell of a gal and still is. It’s just, I surprised her once too often with major life changes and the last one was the deal breaker for her. I learned my lesson. Of course, in my defense, I had no idea I was an INFJ suffering from youthful doses of ultra-high testosterone. That really is the root of all evil, especially male bathroom humor and fart jokes. If we could learn to manage that, the world would be a better place. I snort laughed with Bea and Jem. I need to learn how to do that anytime someone asks me a question I don’t want to answer. Ah, and Bone Apple Tea, we’re having a baby. I tried my snort laugh again. I can see Jem’s face with that one. Truly masterful work, Kymber. Your stories are so relatable, it’s hard to back out of the diary into reality again.
Thank you so much for your lovely and thoughtful comment. I’m glad you snort laughed with Bea and Jem. lol I often do that at the most inopportune times. 😂 I’m so happy you’ve enjoyed the story and I hope you will continue to do so. I already think your writing is tops.
You are most welcome and well deserved Kymber. You are also a first rate writer and it is such a pleasure to share such a nice writerly bond.
You are so kind. Be careful, I might have tears springing into my eyes right now. 🙂
Joyful tears are the best. You are among the best. We are all sitting at the table with Bea as if she invited us to come along. The story line is captivating, your text is faultless, and the sim scenes are in total sync with the story. It’s amazing to me.
Joyful tears are the best, you’re so right. Your words are so kind and encouraging. I really appreciate your enthusiasm. 🙂
I so much appreciate the excellent literary art that people produce here on WP. It has enriched my life to read and encouraged me to try my own hand at it. If not for the friendships and encouragment, I would have stopped long ago and missed out on so much of this journey. I definitely want people to know how much I appreciate the art and especially the artist. I think sharing our rare personalities is awesome fun too. 😁
I feel the same way only you said it all very eloquently. 🙂
I still feel that Bea has mixed up her feelings of BFF love with romantic love. She needs to take time to focus on the main topic Perla and she discussed … what does she want. It shouldn’t be whatever makes Jem happy which is what she keeps falling back into. Bea has really lost her sense of self and self-worth and this is sad to see. I wish she wasn’t pregnant because those hormones are going to further cloud her mind when it comes to him. I don’t like him and definitely don’t think he’s her Mr Right. His continual kiss her senseless so the serious topics get glossed over burns my buttons. He isn’t mature and it’s probably one reason why she isn’t telling him about the bills but she really needs to. This house is too big for them and their budget. He’s also still hiding things from her and when whatever it is comes to light, her world is going to crumble even more than it already is. Rosetta needs to visit tout de suite and knock sense into the two kids playing house.
I still feel you’re right, Addy! 😂 Bea has definitely confused her feelings and she hasn’t even given herself a chance to figure that out. I believe you’re right that she should go back to the main thing Perla said about figuring out what it is you want. She sort of quickly decided and then moved on before really thinking about it. I’m thinking you’re onto the crux of the matter with Bea losing site of herself. It’s as if Jem whirled back into her life and she hasn’t thought right since. lol It would be easier if she weren’t pregnant because that just adds a super heavy layer on top of the problems that are already there. I don’t think Jem is Mr. Right either. He’s just Mr. Right Now. lol He really isn’t taking any of her feelings into consideration and has bulldozed her with his excitement. I think Perla should have added, as another comment mentioned, that Bea should hash the bills out with Jem since he caused this disaster. I love your last sentence especially about Rosetta needing to visit tout de suite! Right on! 😂
Oh my! “Oh, what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive.” I hope she can get herself out of this tangle. Something Perla didn’t suggest is her talking to Jem about the bills which have overwhelmed her. Going to her grandparents is not a solution. He needs to know. Then again, I know how that can be, but in this case he caused the problem. I guess that’s why Perla had six marriages. Of course if she tells him and he’s blase about it, that could finish them. Oh my, oh my, oh my!
Bone apple tea! Priceless.
Oh, yes, that tangled web. Good reminder there! She has some ‘splaining to do where her parents are concerned and I think Rosetta will be wanting answers first! lol I totally agree that Perla should have suggested talking to Jem about the bills. I think you’re right about Perla and her six marriages! hahaha 😂
I’m glad you liked bone apple tea! 😂
Ball’s in his court now. And he better react nice. I still wonder why he wanted to get married so fast and out of the blue.
Also, Perla and her cats are precious.
I know that’s right! Jem better react well to the news since he is half to blame. lol We’ll be reading really soon about Jem’s motivations and what his deal is.
Thank you about Perla and her cats. I love them. 😀
LOL OHH what an ending .. <3 <3
😂 Thank you, Lisa! Bea sure knows how to stick her foot in her mouth. 😀
I was dying .. it is soooo what she would do! Congrats BTW on your win .. I had NO doubt what so ever you would take that nod (and you know you had my vote)
Congrats on your two wins, chickie! 😀 I knew you’d do it! Thank you for your kind words and vote. That is so sweet. I honestly had no expectation to win. lol I’m so pleased and honored, though. 😀
Bea! Perla was right, she’s says funny things when she’s stressed! So….let me predict. She’s gonna rent the room and fall for the hot guy that rents it! Lol…..I highly doubt it but…anxious to see if this works out. She cares for him and knows she’s not trying. But they have to talk! She. Has to be honest about what she needs from him or it’s gonna cars and burn. 😱😱😱
LOL Thank you, Audrey! Bea was definitely stressed! 😂 That’s a good prediction and hold that thought! But… it might not be exactly how you’re thinking. 😀 You’ll see. 😀
You are right that they have to talk. I totally agree!
Oh no, Bea, sweet darling 🙁 I’m just not sure how wise it is to stick in a marriage that already has troubles so soon after the wedding. They’re supposed to be in the honeymoon stage by now… actually, they’re only supposed to be dating – marriage is way too soon!!!
Gotta laugh at Rosetta’s messages, though. Forthwith made med lol! 😀
And Bone Apple Tea, of course! Oh, sweet, sweet darling Bea <3 Pregnancy isn't good though. Yikes! Ah, can someone please swoop in and get her out of this marriage please?!
This chapter was great, Kym, and so funny! 😀 <3
You couldn’t be more right about sticking in a marriage where it’s troubled already. I don’t know if Bea ever hit the honeymoon stage – perhaps, for just a minute or two on the actual honeymoon! lol
I’m so glad Rosetta had you laughing with forthwith! 😀 She kills me.
I think someone does need to swoop in and save this girl from herself. LOL
BONE APPLE TEA! That’s how I want to break big news from now on. With a meme 😛
Good on her for trying to make it work. Who knows, maybe she’ll convince herself for real before long… Can’t help but think though that she’ll stick to it for appearances (and the baby) and pride. It’s what I’d probably do, and I have as much pride as Bea seems to. It’s a sin, ya know girl, if you believe in those things that is… ho hum. Good luck to her!
LOL Right? 😂😂
You’re right about her pride and how she might hold it all together just for that alone. lol She should definitely listen to you! 😀
Bone apple tea! This was great! Now I want tea… and apples. Skip the bone!
😂😂😂 hahahaha Yes, please skip the bone! 😀
Force does not equal good and good can not be forced! She can not expect to force things to be good, they must come naturally and from the heart. It simply isn’t there. Perla is right in that she should take charge. Tears will not solve this. Figure out what you can do, what you need and make good sound decisions from there. I know what I am talking about since my family are now going through this. No extra months from grandpa is going to get them all caught up, Perla. What they need is to get out!
I love your sense of humor Kymber! That last line was hilarious. But so disappointing for Bea as well, since babies are expensive and things are only going to get worse from here, emotionally, mentally and definitely, definitely financially.
Oh, yes, you’re so right. You can’t force things to be good, it just has to be there. And right now, it doesn’t seem to be. I think you’re right about needing to get out instead of trying to catch up. Perla doesn’t know everything. 😂😂😂
I’m so glad you enjoy my sense of humor. But you’re right about more expenses coming, plus a strain emotionally and mentally.
Forthwith LOL. I love the way Rosetta talks. She makes me chuckle every time.
If I could afford to buy tissues, I would wipe my face and blow my nose…
I enjoyed that. So much emotion in such a brief, sarcastic statement.
LOL now Perla’s been married six times?! She probably can’t keep count LOL.
“It’s never too late to do the right thing, Darling.”
Soooooooo truuuuue!
Bone apple tea! That is so cute LOL.
Forthwith! LOL Rosetta kills me and it’s why I like writing her. 😀 I’m glad she made you laugh.
I like what you said about the tissue sentence. You’ve really picked up on Bea’s emotions and thoughts.
Yes! Perla was married six times. Or perhaps you’re right in that she can’t keep track. hahaha
Bone apple tea, Jes! 😀 😀 😀
Bone apple tea, Kymber! LOL Mmmm, apple tea sounds like it would be delicious… Don’t make me go searching for some! 😛
LOL As long as you keep the “bone” out of it. 😂😂😂 Of course, the “bone” could be referring to the china it’s served in, right?
Ah haaaaa! Nice thinking!
LOL I do that sometimes. 😂😂😂
HA! It’s dangerous!
It is! haha
Firstly, I love Rosetta’s messages in her formal tone. No wonder Bea doesn’t want to talk to her. I’d be scared!
Then, there are even more problems with the constant problems in Bea’s life. And now a baby? My god, how is she going to work that out? It sure looks like you decided that you’d have some more time for working on family and babies, this gen, with Bea jumping at it practically asap!
Also, I have to say I love how you style everyone with the recolored EA clothes. They look great with how you style them!
And finally the last line. Hilarious! Honestly, bone apple tea should have been this chapter’s title! No one would know what was going to happen. 😛
And happy New Year to you, too!
I love writing Rosetta but you’re right that it’s no wonder Bea doesn’t want to talk to her. lol Yes, it’s true, we’re getting into babies right away this generation. None of this waiting until the last minute and then you never get to know the children thing. 😛
Thank you so much regarding the clothing. I’m so glad you like the styling. EA clothes are so boring but I have tons and tons of patterns in my game. lol The ability to change patterns is one of my favorite things about Sims 3. Anyway, having too many cc clothes in my game really slowed it down and I hate waiting in CAS for it to all load. When you told me you were using EA clothes and changing how they look, I decided that was the way to go.
I’m glad you thought the last line was hilarious. Now I wish I had named the chapter Bone Apple Tea. Gah! What a missed opportunity! 😀