Chapter Five

So yesterday (the best day of my life) Carly introduced me to Jack Waters. A fireman. Eyes so dark I can't tell the color.

You know that feeling you get when you just know that the person you met is it? The one? I have that feeling. Wait, I've never had this feeling before. How do I know if I'm making a mistake? Am I making a mistake? I just met him! Why couldn't we have had a normal mother who would advise Carly and me on how to watch out for the wrong kind of men? Mother should have been there to teach us the ropes, talk to us about boys and makeup.

No, Carly’s right. We didn’t have that kind of mother. She passed away, left us with practically nothing, except for each other. And we survived. This is just a set back. I've never had a boyfriend, or a crush. So it's understandable that I don't know how to act around a guy I like. Am I doing it okay? Maybe I should check out some articles on the subject. I should check out some how to books at the library. They'll have some. The library always has books on everything.

It's almost time. Jack is coming at six instead. He needed to do a little overtime. Apparently he does that a lot. Its now five thirty. I wonder if he left yet. I hope my hair is okay. I should have picked a different outfit. Why did I choose clothes that are all the same? Am I crazy? I hope he likes our home. We spent all day cleaning up, making sure its nice and clean. Should I invite him to dinner? Oh dear llamas! I need to stop thinking before I drive myself insane!

The door opened, and in came Carly, leading Jack inside. I smiled. “Hi Jack!” Carly shook her head at me, smirking a little.

Was I a little too enthusiastic?

“Hi Cecily,” Oh how I loved how he said my name.

“So would you like the grand tour?” Mentally slapping my hand against forehead.

“Sure.”

“Well, this is the kitchen, dining room, and living room. The bathroom is right there, can't miss it,” I pointed behind me to the door next to the refrigerator. “Allen's room,” Allen waved. “is right there. Deck is out there-”

“I saw your sculpting station.”

“And the room there is where Carly makes her inventions. Its also where Allen paints. Its not a lot, but we make do.” I said in defense. Okay, why did I feel the need to defend myself? I am truly insane. Or paranoid, which ever is better.

Jack looked around. “So where do you sleep?”

Oh. Crap. “The couch,” I blurted out. “Sometimes the tent.”

Jack blinked. Neither one of us said anything for a minute. Allen came up to Jack, and looked up at him. “So your Jack?”

“I am,”

“What are your intentions towards Cici?” Carly snorted. I couldn’t help but smile.

Jack looked back at me, and gave me a quizzical look. I shrugged. “Uh, well I plan on asking her out sometime.”

Nice.

Allen sighed. “I mean do you plan on marrying her.”

Whoa okay, back up! I know I was wondering, but seriously.

Jack smiled, then kneeled down til he was about Allen's height. “Well, first I need to get to know her first. Then after awhile, if everything is going well, I may ask her to marry me.”

Allen pondered the statement for a moment. “Okay,” he held his hand out for Jack to shake. Then he went to watch TV.

“That’s new,” Carly laughed.

Jack stood up, still staring at Allen. “He doesn't normally do that?”

I shook my head. “Definitely not,” I burst out laughing. Carly joined me.

Jack looked at the sisters, then at Allen, and followed with the laughter.

That was the start of something complete new. I entered unfamiliar territory.

Jack came over every night after work. He even stayed for dinner. And he did the dishes! Honestly I've heard that men don't do the dishes, so it was new to see a man do the dishes.

We always had a blast. I could confide in him, tell him my deepest fears, my greatest desires. And he actually listened to what I had to say.

Eventually I worked up the courage to make the first move.

Carly was a little grumpy when she found out I kissed him. She really wanted to see me do it.
Jack invited us to have dinner at his place, which we really enjoyed.

One day after two months of dating Jack asked me to his place, where we promptly sat down to have a talk.
Was he finally going pop the question?

"Cecily, I'm just going to come out and say it."
"What is it?" I was practically jumping in my seat.
"I want you to move in with me."
Dumbstruck, I just stared at him, my mouth open. No proposal? Really? I know he knew that if we got married he would have to take my name, but seriously.
I finally found my voice. "But, Jack-" he cut me off.

What happened to make horror come into his eyes?
I shut my eyes, opened them, and nodded. "I'll move in with you."
"All of you?"
I laughed. "Yes, we'll all move in with you."
"Thank you,"Jack pulled me off the chair and onto his lap, squeezing me tight. His cell phone beeped, and he put me back on my feet. "I have to go to work," he kissed me. "Go home, and pack. I'll call a friend who can come get your stuff." He gave me a key to the house, and left.
I stood there in the kitchen, staring down at the key. I couldn't believe that we were going to move in with a man. With Jack.
I don't know how much time passed. It seemed like years. But I pulled myself out of it, and left to go to Carly and Allen we were moving.

Three hours later I was waiting for Jack in the office. I looked up just as he walked in. He hurried over and pulled me into his arms. "Is everything okay? Whats wrong?"
I shook my head. "Nothings wrong. Everything is fine."
"Then what is it?"
I looked down, unable to meet his eyes. "I need to ask you something. But I'm afraid."

 "Cecily, you can ask me anything. What is it?"

"W.will you marry me?"
Jack smiled gently. He raised his hands to my face, caressing my cheek. "You beat me to it," Then he kissed me.
And oh, was it heaven.

Chapter Four

Hey there. So last time we traveled to Egypt, and then France. We also celebrated my and Carly's eighteenth birthday. How time flies. After much consideration, I have finally decided that it might be time for me to find a husband. Someone who was kind, strong, independent, and loyal. I mean, its time I met someone right? Someday I want a big family. And I can only achieve that by having a husband. Besides, it would be nice if Allen had a father figure.

So today Carly went with me to the park, where we would show off my fabulous cooking skills.

To be honest, I don't think I'm even doing this right. What is this stuff anyway? I thought I was cooking hot dogs. I threw Carly a terrified look, begging her to help. But being the mean sister she was she shook her head. “Your doing great.” She encouraged.

“Right.” I think the food is turning into charcoal.

After a few hours of no available guy paying any special attention to me, except for a homeless guy asking for some change and a bite of whatever it was I was making. I gladly handed him the whole plate. I wasn’t going to be eating it. Carly disappeared an hour before, so I started to head home. And lo and behold, there she was. I noticed we had mail, so I went to check it out. Bills, of course. So I wrote the check out for it.

 

“Cecily, come inside! I need to talk to you."

“Sit down, sit down.” Carly smiled. She was practically bouncing in her chair. So I sat down.

“What has you so excited?”

“Well, I decided that there was rather slim pickings at the park, so I wandered around, knocked on some doors,” Carly grimaced. “and tried to find out who was available, and who would meet your qualifications.”

And those would be: Has a job, unmarried, fit, nice, loyal, etc.

“And?” I can't believe she actually went knocking on strangers doors! To find me a man too.

“There’s a few. Four. Andrew Ryan.”

“No!” Anyone else but Andrew. “Andrew used to always pull my hair. That guys a bully!”

“Yeah, well, Britney Johnson suggested him. Apparently he married a girl he met in Bridgeport, then they divorced last year.” Andrew graduated two years before us. “Then there’s two other guys. I cant remember their names, but I don't think you would want to date them. They're both involved in criminal activities. But I think you'll like this last one. And hes cute.”

“How do you know?”

“Because I went to where he works and met him.” Carly smirked, got up and went to the fridge.

“You did what? Why!”

“Because I wanted to know what he was like. Besides Britney was talking about heading over there tomorrow. And you know what shes like.” Carly rose her eyebrow.

Right. Britney, the opposite of a womanizer. So would that be manizer? That doesn't sound right. Man eater sounds better.

“He wants to meet you.”

“You told him about me?!” Carly winced, covering her ears.

“Ouch! Seriously, do you want to meet a guy or what?”

My face grew warm. “Sorry,” I muttered. “It's just that-I'm not used to guys. I've only been friends with guys. I've never had a boyfriend before. I've never even had a crush.”

“I know,” Carly reached for my hand, giving it a squeeze. “But you will. I think this guy is pretty nice. And hes new to town. He's also looking for a nice lady to spend time with, so as soon as I started talking about you he asked if he could meet you.”

“Really?” I frowned. “When am I supposed to meet him?”

“In twenty minutes.” Carly put away the juice, grabbed my hand and pulled me towards the door.

“T-twenty minutes? Carly, what-”

“Just shut up and come on.” Carly laughed at the look on my face.

We arrived at the Fire Station fifteen minutes later. It really doesn’t take long to get there. But why the fire station? Is he a firefighter? I asked Carly as she led me to the back of the building.

“Yup. Hey, wheres Jack Ryan at?” Carly asked an older gentleman wearing overalls.

“Waters is out back. Go through that door.” He pointed to the back of the building.

“Thank you,” Carly dragged me to the door, and outside. I saw two men jumping on a trampoline. I stared at them, certain one of the was this Jack. What was his last name? Crap, I don't have any make up on. Is my hair okay? What if he thinks I'm a weirdo?

Carly must have seen the scared look on my face, because she came to a stop and faced me. “It's okay Cecily.” She hugged me. “Just be yourself. I told him you never had a boyfriend, so you might be a little shy,”

Gee, thanks. Now he must think I'm lame or something.

“You'll do great, sis. He's the one right there, in the blue overalls.”

Wow. That’s him? I rubbed my neck, and tried to calm myself down.

“Deep, slow breaths. Hey Jack!”

“Hey Carly,” The guy in the blue overalls jumped off the trampoline and walked over. He looked over at me, and our eyes locked. Oh my. What color were his eyes? I can't even tell.

“This is my sister, Cecily.”

“H-hi,” I stammered. I mentally hit myself on the forehead. Why couldn’t I have said something clever?

“So, um, Carly tells me your new to town?” Wow, hes standing a bit close isn't he? Slow breaths.

 
"Yeah, a week now. Um, do you know anyone by the name of Britney Johnson?"
Oh crap, not already!"Yes I do know her." He's not going to ask for her number is he? Oh llamas, please don't let that happen!
"Great. If you see her, can you warn me? I've been hearing some stories, and apparently she wants to meet me. I'd rather avoid her."
I felt the relief crash into me. Thank the llamas. "Uh, yeah sure." Thanks to whoever spread those stories too.
"So what do you like to do for fun?" I asked the first thing that popped into my head. I hope he likes books. "Do you like to read at all?"
"I do a little reading. But mostly I like playing chess, exercise, and watch TV with the guys. What about you?"
"Oh, I like to make sculptures."
"For fun?" He asked, surprised.
"Oh yeah. Its my lifetime wish, along with having five kids." Oh crap.Why did I just say that? I'm insane!
Jack laughed. "Carly told me that part." Wow, and he still wanted to meet me? "But what else do you like to do?"
"I love to read," I sighed, and looked around me. "Its like a person who loves to be outside. They love it. They cant imagine life without the outdoors. The smell, the sites. The way nature feels. That's how I feel about books." I looked back at Jack, who gazed back at me. He has such amazing eyes. "I love the way books smell, the way a book feels in your hands. Books can be your best friend, and the best lover."

"So I have competition?"
I blinked at him. I didn't understand. I laughed. "No you don't. Your good."
Jack wiped away imaginary sweat from his forehead, and we laughed.
"Listen, I need to get back to work. Is there another time we can hang out?"
"Um, sure. Would you like to hang out at my place? At five?"
"Definitely," An alarm started ringing from the building. Jack suddenly started heading inside. "Tomorrow, five. See you!"
"Bye," I waved a limp hand, but it was useless. He was already gone. Carly ran up to me, took one look, and led me back home. I didn't even notice her leading me.

I was going to see Jack tomorrow.
"Carly?"
"Yeah?" Carly opened the door to our home.
"Whats Jacks last name?"
Carly shook her head. "You didn't ask?"
"Of course not."
"Yeah I should have figured that out. It's Waters. Jack Waters."
Jack Waters. I can't wait.

Chapter Three

Hello again! So we had a wonderful time in Egypt. I bought a bunch of books for a very good price. I just love sales. And I always find the best sales. I love the smell of books.

I was also able to do a little adventuring of my own.

 

 

And some money to add to our funds. This trip did put us a little behind.

 

Carly spent most of her time visiting tombs, and getting creeped out from the noises in the tombs.

 

 

Allen stayed at the camp site most of the time reading. Occasionally he would visit the bookshop when I was there to chat with the book shop owner.

Two weeks after we returned home Allen found out where babies came from. Carly and I are still uncomfortable with the talk so I bought a ton of books on the subject. I keep researching topics on how to talk to kids about it but I just can't do it.

A month after that Carly told me that her teacher had asked her if she could travel to France to give her cousin one of her inventions. The teacher even offered to pay for all of us to go! Apparently her family was loaded. Carly said yes and later surprised us with the news, and so we traveled to France. Carly sold her invention, which she didnt show me so I do not know what it is, and she spent the rest of our stay chatting to a guy at the market.

 I think she fell in love, but she still hasnt told me. She even decided to try her hand at making juice!

We returned home, and time passed on by. We went to school, did our homework, and tried to make friends. Then the day came. Carly and I were turning eighteen!

First up was me. 

Next up was Carly.

After celebrating with cake we immediately decided to change the way we looked.

"You look wonderful Carly!"

"So do you. I definitely feel better in what I'm wearing!" Carly laughed.

We decided we wanted to go out and have some fun, so Allen went over to his friends house to spend the night, and Carly and I went in search of fun. But all we found was the Red Rendevous, which was a bit... Lets face it, the place was a dud. So we went on home, and had a little fun there instead.

Something is still missing though...

I've never been in love.

Chapter Two Continued

Allen discovered a new hobby!

I almost got robbed today!”Allen announced.
“what do you mean?” Carly shrieked.
“There was a robber at the park! He was carrying a bag full of money. I swear he almost grabbed the money out of my money jar!”
Kids and their stories. But just in case. I caught Carly’s eye. We need to keep a closer eye on him.
Carly nodded, sensing what I wasn’t going to say out loud.

The stove broke somehow, so I made Carly call a repairman instead of her trying to fix it herself. So we had leftovers. We have leftovers very often. Allen decided to work on his logic skill by using chess on the laptop.

I decided to interrupt his chess playing by announcing that we would be going to the pool to have a day of fun.

And Carly and I decided to see who could hold their breath the longest at the bottom of the pool.

And I won.
Some woman I have never met decided she wanted to have a little fun and started splashing water in my face. So I did the same to her. Carly even joined in, ignoring her fear of being in crowds. She even challenged the woman to a breath holding contest. But unfortunately she lost.

We spent most of the day at the pool. At eight we started getting tired, so we decided to head home. Allen crashed on the couch, and I decided to catch up on my reading.

 But Allen is so young. He's only in the fifth grade. And he's already trying to make money. I really don't want him to have to worry about money at such a young age. These are the years when he should be playing with friends! He should be having sleep overs. Birthday parties.
Are we doing a good job of raising him?
I know we have some good times. But sometimes there are days where we barely see each other. Allen sometimes paints for hours. And he only goes to bed when we remind him what time it is and that he has school in the morning. He doesn’t need to be told to do his homework, so that’s a good thing. And he doesn’t cause problems. Except for the occasional bad mouthing.

I made enough money from the last sale of one of my sculptures. So we might be able to take a trip. But where to? And we would have to take it easy on the souvenirs. And hopefully we wouldn’t have to spend much money on a place to sleep. I have heard about a camp where we wouldn’t have to pay much money to sleep. And they provide food.

So I talked to Carly about it, and she agreed that we should take a trip. But we needed to do a little research first. Thankfully I had already gotten the three of us to go get our passports a few months ago just in case. I checked on the internet to find cheap flights. And then I checked to see what the cost was if we were to use the camp. Ten simoleans each for who would be staying there. We can afford that. Unfortunately we would be paying 600 simoleans for the flight. Thankfully that included the flight back home.

Carly and I decided where we would go. We'd surprise Allen On Monday. We'd be leaving in two weeks. I grabbed my cell phone and made the flight plans, and put a reservation at the camp. I'd be paying a lot of money for that phone call.

Goodbye Riverview. Hello Egypt.