Bentley 2nd Generation: Part 14

Axel sat playing downstairs playing video games. He usually did this every morning while Reese got Cassidy ready for school.

Cassidy tried once again to get her dad's attention before going to school. She didn't know why he didn't want to spend time with her, or with mommy most of the time. Instead, he was either downstairs playing video games or out at the bar he worked at. She tugged at her sleeve nervously. "I'm going to school now." She announced, hoping for a reaction. Axel didn't even blink. "That's great, Cass." She sighed and walked out of the room. 

Li Li grew up into a teenager! She really is a good kid, who keeps her grades up and has been on the honor roll since childhood. 

Han, Li Li, and Grayson worked on homework in the main dining room. (love that there is a floating picture in the background totally didn't realize this until now ;) Grayson stared at his english homework and frowned. "Hey, Li, can you help me with number ten?" Li Li gave him an annoyed look. "I just became a teenager. You probably know more about it that I do." 

Han tightened the grip on his pencil. He had been beyond stressed out lately, not that he would tell anyone this, not even Grayson. He knew before too long he would age up and the legacy would become his. He felt so pressured by this. He didn't even have a girlfriend yet and was a misunderstood artist. Han felt he was the last person on the planet who should be trusted with the legacy. 

He was also concerned for Selah. She had been bullied in school lately and was starting to shut everyone out. He wondered of Jack and his mom would put her in a private school if he asked. He asked Selah how her day went and she shot him a weary look. "How do you think? Tina hates me and is always having her group be mean to me."

Grayson piped up. "Just tell Tina that you have a cousin and big brother who will not be happy if they don't stop."

 

Han rolled his eyes. "Great idea, Grayson! Threaten children...I don't see how that could backfire." Selah tried to disappear. She wished Han would just stop asking about school. She wished she wouldn't have to go anymore. 

Emerald and Jack had been discussing the kids starting to age into teenagers. "It feels like yesterday they had all just become children! Now your Cassidy is already a child, I can't believe she's eight already!"  Jack confided. "I worry about her constantly. I used to think when Reese grew up I would be done worrying about her, but then Cassidy came along." Emerald nodded. The whole family really worried about Reese. Axel wasn't exactly husband material, and they all were starting to see this more and more. Emerald tried to be positive, "Maybe things will get better."

Axel's friend Cannon had come over to hang out. They had been friends since first grade. Cannon had always been there for Axel, through all of elementary, middle school, and high school. They went to all the best parties, and dated all the prettiest girls. When Axel told Cannon that his girlfriend was pregnant back in high school, he stuck by him. They had always joked that they would be bachelors forever. Cannon was surprised Axel had actually married Reese. Cannon's own life and views had changed a lot and now he realized that maybe being a family man wasn't all bad. Axel seemed happy enough.

Reese entered the room, clearly annoyed. "I need to talk to you about the credit card payment." Axel virtually ignored Reese and kept playing his game. Cannon was take aback. He never seen Axel be so rude before. Even in middle school, Axel never flat out ignored a girlfriend. Reese didn't look a bit surprised. "Please, Axel, this is important."

Axel threw down his controller. "Seriously, Reese, do we have to do this right now? My friend's over for Sim's sake!" Now this was an Axel Cannon remembered. Axel always did have a bad temper. He decided to defuse the situation.

"Axel, let's go play fooseball at the bar." Axel looked like he didn't know what to do. He clearly wasn't done yelling at Reese, but he did want to hang out with Cannon. To motivate him, Cannon stood and headed toward the car. 

Selah aged into a teenager! She looks a lot like Jack. Hopefully, now that she is older she won't get picked on so much in school.

Xander's daughter Anne also aged into a teenager....she is a fae like her dad! She looks more like Xander than Emerald. Same long face and everything ;)

And surprise, surprise, Zane and Irena had another set of twin girls! They named them Elizabeth and Ella. The girls were precious, and a wonderful addition to the family! Sydnee now began to wonder if she and Jack should have another child. 

They did only have three at home, all teenagers and she wanted to feel needed again. But then Sydnee would argue with herself that there would be more grandbabies to love on as the last three grew older. 

Andrea had just arrived back in town after living in Bridgeport for the last few years. She had gotten the keys to her apartment when her phone rang. She was delighted to hear Axel on the other end. "Of course I'd love to see you! Tomorrow would be better though, got to get settled in." She hung up the phone. She didn't plan on breaking up Reese's marriage. She just wanted to have a little fun and some excitement. Axel was fun and exciting . She didn't know if she was still attracted to him or not, but she definitely wanted to find out. 

Cannon and Axel played foosball in the dimly lit bar. It was past closing but being a mixologist, Axel had a key. Cannon had noted Axel's attitude since they left the house. Cannon scored the match point and Axel sighed disgusted. "I  just can't focus! Reese is driving me crazy these days!" Cannon asked. "How?" Axel snorted. "How? Just by being Reese. It's like she just won't ever leave me alone. Sometimes I think she got pregnant just so I would stay with her." Cannon bit his lip. His own sister had gotten pregnant in high school and it hadn't been on purpose. 

Axel clapped his hands together. "At least Andrea is back in town. That's something to look forward to anyways." Cannon remembered Andrea. She had been one of the most wild girls in their graduating class. He never really liked her and dodged her most of high school. Even then, he had a feeling she had a slightly insane side.

Axel pondered absently almost to himself. "I wonder if she really wants me to wait till tomorrow before coming over. Maybe I should go over tonight." 

Cannon felt slightly sick to his stomach. "Your being serious?" Axel nodded. "It's not like it's a big deal. As long as Reese doesn't find out it won't hurt her." Cannon felt conflicted. In high school they both had reputations as scumbags. They both cheated on girlfriends, ran around partying, and in general caused trouble. But this felt....wrong. Axel was married, had been married several years and had a daughter. For once Cannon didn't feel admiration for his best friend, he felt disgusted.

 Cannon spoke his mind. "What are you thinking, man? Andrea is psycho! And...your married. This isn't high school anymore. I mean, you could lose your family." Axel shrugged. "You say that like its a bad thing." He looked down at his energy drink and sighed. "I used to think I wanted the whole family life, but it was a stupid decision. I mean, I only did it so Reese wouldn't date anyone else." Cannon's eyebrows knit together. "You are unbelievable." Axel spit on the ground. "Forget you." Cannon squared his shoulders. "You know what, forget this, man! You want to screw up your life I'm not going to stand around and watch it happen!" Cannon left the bar. Eighteen years of friendship over. Whatever. 

 

Alissa held Elizabeth. She couldn't believe she had younger sisters! She was shocked when her parents announced their pregnancy and thrilled when her mom had twins. Alissa always felt lonely. Andrea was very self involved and they had never been close. Andrea didn't keep in close contact with the family, and didn't even know she had younger sisters!  Hopefully, these little sisters would be close to Alissa. Or at least need her in their life. Alissa wanted her own kids someday, but not till she met the right guy. And there were very few princes around these days.

Zane entered. "What are they still doing up? Its super late!" Irena sighed. "We went shopping in Roaring Heights and they slept in the car the whole way there. Their just not tired yet." She smiled at Zane. Alissa watched her parents exchange a loving look. She wanted a relationship like their's someday. "Can you believe we've had four girls?" Zane asked. Irena shook her head. "And two sets of twins! Where does the time go?"

At that moment, much to everyone's surprise Andrea burst through the door dramatically. "OH! Bridgeport is just so dull these days! I need to be home! Amongst family!" Alissa and her parents stared in shock. No call, no letters for years and Andrea just showed up! Well, that was  Andrea's style. 

Andrea stopped her dramatic pose and really looked at her family. Her parents had aged some. She suddenly saw the cute toddlers. "Oh, wow, Alissa congratulations on your girls. They are adorable!"

End of Part 14

Bentley 2nd Generation: Part 13

 Much time has passed in the Bentley household. Axel and Reese dated six months, then got engaged. After another six months of engagement they are finally ready to tie the knot! Did Reese make the right choice, by deciding to marry Axel? And will she be happy she did?

 

We stood out in the side yard of our house (apparently Jack and I weren't the only ones who thought it an ideal wedding spot) waiting for the rest of the family to arrive. Li Li and Selah skipped around excitedly. They had helped decorate the tables and couldn't wait for everyone to get there. Plus, I had promised them ice cream from the new ice cream maker if they were good. (bribery and parenting walk hand in hand for the most part)  I wasn't sure who all was actually going to arrive. 

Axel wasn't a huge hit with my family, and for good reason. When Reese became pregnant in their teen years, he really wasn't there for her and made out with her cousin Andrea at a family dinner. Most everyone in my family hadn't forgotten that. Although Axel had changed into a responsible adult, Jack and I were both nervous for Reese. Cassidy was our only granddaughter and they would be moving to the house next door after the wedding. Though we knew they were responsible, it would be hard to see our grandbaby move out and not get to see her everyday. 

Xander and Grayson arrived first. (Anne was already at our house and doing homework in the kitchen) Emerald couldn't make it because she was the only sim on duty at the firehouse that night. I was relieved that most of their family could make it, as I was hoping most my family would be at Reese's wedding. 

Parker showed up next and declared Phoenix was running late but on his way. I asked him where my mom, Kassie, was and he shrugged. He thought she was out getting groceries with Kyle. I felt nervous, but hoped she would be here in time.

Paris showed up next, inappropriately dressed as usually. Unfortunately, there would be a juice bar at the party and all I could do was hope she wouldn't make a complete fool of herself. Our last family picnic she had shown up, totally wasted on energy drink and went streaking. Let me tell you, I couldn't cover all my kids' eyes fast enough and no one can forget that family outing though we all try.

Presley showed up with Charlaine, both in werewolf form. They had gotten married about six months ago. Mom had confided in me that Presley's behavior had been atrocious lately and she blamed it on being around other werewolves twenty four seven. I had teased her at the time that she was blowing things out of proportion. Looking at Presley now though, he did make me feel uneasy. There was something more...wolfish (no pun intended) about him. He seemed more dangerous and I tried to smile as I politely seated them.

 

Kyle was the next to arrive. He still was about as fashion forward as leg warmers. Mom wasn't with him. I immediately questioned him about her whereabouts, he just shrugged and said he thought she was with Phoenix. Phoenix arrived at that moment. I sighed. Sometimes things just don't go as planned. I tried to call her cellphone but couldn't reach her. 

 

Alissa was the last guest to arrive. Andrea, Zane, and Irena were absent. I couldn't blame them really. After the whole incident with Axel making out with Andrea, Zane had formed a poor opinion of him that hadn't changed. Irena had already said she couldn't make the wedding, her mom was sick and she was visiting her. Andrea, always a wild teenager, had moved out the moment she became a young adult. Zane and Irena received postcards occasionally, but other than that, were pretty much out of contact with her. 

The wedding ceremony began. Reese looked nervous but completely happy. Axel also shared her enthusiasm and I thought again how lucky we were that things had turned around for them. I was so sure that Reese was going to be a single mom, and Axel a dead beat dad. Seemed they both just needed a little time to grow up to become the family they were meant to be. 

As they kissed, everyone clasped their hands and sighed. Li Li looked slightly disgusted. Cassidy, oblivious walked around the aisle singing a song about a puppy I think. 

Jack was finally accepting that he wasn't the only man in Reese's life. He wasn't thrilled the man was Axel, but accepted it because he knew Reese loved Axel. Jack just wanted Reese to be happy. 

...And my mom finally showed up. "Did I miss anything?" She asked loudly and then noticed Reese and Axel kissing and shushed. She sat down next to Li Li and began snapping pictures. Yep. That's my mom. 

Everyone threw rice? Paper? Idk....we all decided to throw stuff at them. Seems like the thing to do. Clap while people get married and then throw things at their head. Wonderful tradition. 

Axel cut the cake. Everyone clapped and Cassidy held out her hands, demanding cake. Reese ducked under the table and gave her a little piece.

Charlaine headed straight for the ice cream maker and made some ice cream. She growled looking around as if someone would challenge her. It was her ice cream and no one would get near it or her.

Reese helped pass out cake to all the guests. I couldn't help carrying Cassidy around. She would be moving soon and the thought was saddening. Reese couldn't stop smiling and was thrilled to be married and kept staring at the ring and giggling. Even though she was a young adult, she still seemed so young in some ways.

Axel meanwhile was talking to Alissa. He joked and chatted and then leaned in and whispered something in her ear. Alissa didn't even respond but walked off, shocked that Axel would suggest something so inappropriate, and on his wedding day!

Axel was shocked by something else. Presley had decided to eat at the table like a wolf! Axel looked around expecting someone to correct him. Li Li exclaimed, "Neat!" And Xander cracked up laughing so hard he cried.

I got a chance to talk to Phoenix for a few minutes, and asked why mom had been late. Phoenix placed an old wrinkled hand on my arm and patted it. "Sydnee, your mom's memory isn't what it used to be." He winked. "At least she remembered the wedding was today and showed up!" He walked off. I stood there stunned. I knew mom was getting older, but I guess I just took for granted that she was there. Phoenix words worried me and I went off to find mom.

Alissa got ice cream and felt someone's eyes on her. She turned around.

Ugh. Axel was staring at her. Alissa was always the quiet good sibling growing up. She never rocked the boat, did her homework, and went to bed on time. As an adult, she hated confrontation. Alissa knew she should tell someone she looked around for me desperately, but couldn't find me. (I had run off looking for mom) She saw Jack and gathered her courage. 

Jack smiled at Alissa. "Hey niece, how are things? I heard you were thinking about accepting a job as a stylist." Alissa smiled and nodded. "Um, yeah, I am Uncle Jack. Actually, I came to tell you something else." Jack noted she looked embarrassed and grew concerned. "Go on." Alissa stammered. "Well, its just..um. Axel asked me......" She grew red as she repeated what was said. Jack couldn't hardly see straight he was so mad. "Thank you for telling me Alissa." She nodded. "I'm going to go now. Um, thank you for inviting me." She left feeling awkward and out of place. 

 

Less than twenty minutes later I found Jack at the juice bar, muttering  to himself. I had never seen Jack so undone. He always was so in control of his emotions and kept himself in check. He kept repeating, "I'm going to kill him!"He stared at Axel, as Axel danced uneasily on the dance floor. I poured myself a drink and cleared my throat, "Jack what's going on here?"

 

"That arrogant, little punk thinks he can treat my daughter like crap and get away with it!" He took another swig of juice, clearly way passed the legal juice limit. "Do you want to know what he said to Alissa? Do you?!" He took another swig. "No you really don't want to know. He hasn't changed and I can't believe we ever thought he would."

 I spoke, clearly needing to intervene. "Jack, Reese is an adult! We can't make her decisions for her." Jack gave me a challenging look. "You want to bet? I am going to make some decisions right now for her!" I grabbed Jack's arm. "And what do you think that will do at this point? Jack, I'm sorry, but Reese LOVES him." Jack threw his drink down. "I'm her father! She loves me too!" I finally said something I really would regret but knew must be said before Jack started a fist fight with Axel. "Jack, who do you think she will pick right now if she has to? If you make her choose, she will go off with him and we may never see her or Cassidy again!" I felt tears in my eyes. "You don't want to lose her again do you?" 

Jack seemed to sober up, hearing those words. "I can't lose her again, not again. And not Cassidy either." I nodded hugging Jack. 

Jack pulled me close and kissed me. "Thank you, Syd." He turned himself away from the dance floor. "Do you think she will leave him?" I shrugged. "We can only hope so." We got through the evening without Jack killing Axel.

Charlaine had completely killed our ice cream maker. She licked up what remained of the ice cream, howling at nothing in particular. Presley growled at her and they left. Werewolves. Sheesh.

The next morning Axel, Reese, and Cassidy moved next door. Axel's dad Jeff had bought the house for them. It was the perfect size for their small family. Because of their proximity, we would be able to keep a close eye on Axel.

The next day I stood in the office staring at pictures I had taken, or been in. Pictures of the kids, of me and Jack, of my parents. I couldn't believe how old my parents were. If felt like yesterday they were young and vibrant, the life of every party. And now my parents were stooped over with age and my mom couldn't remember things. Now Reese was an adult, moved out, and I had a grandbaby! I looked at a picture of Li Li and Selah and lost it. They would be grown way too soon and be married. And Jack and I would be old and alone and forgetful! It was too sad to think about and I started to cry.

Jack came in and hugged me. "What's wrong? Sydnee, talk to me!" I couldn't help crying. "We're getting OLDER! The kids are growing up and soon we will be all ALONE!" Jack laughed. "Syd, we are both still pretty young, thank you. And who says they'll all be grown up?" He kissed my forehead. "I for one, would love a dozen more children." I laughed. Us, with more children? That was funny. Jack and I had both completed our lifetime wants and were pretty settled into our routine with the kids we had. "Yeah, more kids, so funny, honey." I said as I left the room.

And yet...More children would be nice.

End of Part 13

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