Service Sims Legacy, Generation 3: "Like a Thief in the Night"

[seidoo_ryuu]

For those who would like to catch up with previous generations, just follow this finely-crafted link.

In the last generation, Phoenix O'Toole is the child of Postage Due Temblor and Duey O'Toole, the Chinese delivery guy. Phoenix has set off on her own to seek her fortune, not knowing where it will take her...




Curiosity can be a dangerous thing.



It was curiosity that drove Phoenix to fly, taking her far away from her home in the Mushroom Kingdom. She didn't know exactly where she was going, or what she was looking for, but she was fairly certain that she would know what it was when she found it.

Eventually she found herself in Dream's End. It was a place, rumor had it, where people went to leave their pasts behind. As one resident had told her, the name was both a beginning and an end; the end of one dream, but the beginning of another, a way for new dreams to begin.

Phoenix certainly hoped so.



Well, she couldn't wander forever, and what if she missed what she was looking for while she was wandering around? Even if her dream was in the stars overhead, staying one place would give her a better chance of finding it.



Besides, Dream's End was still not terribly populated, although it had a healthy number of households. It was still mostly in the woods, which Phoenix appreciated.



It gave her plenty of time to indulge in treasure hunting, and simply being outside.



Some of her forays into nature were profitable.



Others...not so much.



Phoenix did not want to waste time with such frivolities as a 'job'...but it did not take long for the rude awakening that the fridge did not magically stay full, and if she wanted to eat, she needed to have some kind of income. She hadn't brought much with her when she'd moved; her parents had given her enough to get started, but after buying the house, there wasn't much left.

She also realized that she needed to learn how to clean house...pronto.



Quite by accident, Phoenix found that painting was something she enjoyed, and was quite good at it. Not only that, but she was able to sell her paintings, and that income was enough to keep her fed and comfortable.



After a while, Phoenix grew accustomed to her living situation. She might not have much money, but her paintings and treasure hunts brought in enough cash to keep her bills paid. It was lucrative enough, she didn't have to leave home every day to punch a timecard, and it gave her time to seek happiness.



She did have to admit that it got a little lonely, sometimes. Phoenix tried not to dwell on this, however. Things were going well enough; she was comfortable, she was making money, enough to buy a few nice things to spruce up her home...why worry about other things? Those details would work themselves out, in time.



Of course, since things were going so well, that was when things started to go very, very wrong.





By the time everything was said and done, the police had failed to stop the burglar, and he had escaped with several of Phoenix's possessions. Possessions that she had worked hard to acquire. Possessions that she did not have the money to replace.



The aftermath was the worst.



How dare he?! Stealing from her! She had so very little as it was! It was not fair. “I will never forget that burglar, never!”



It became an obsession.



No matter what she did, she couldn't stop thinking about the robbery...or the burglar. Her friends worried about her, and tried to convince her to move past the incident, that dwelling on it wasn't good. Secretly, Phoenix suspected that they worried it was her status as a single person that was making her obsess, and she had to admit they might be right. She started forcing herself to get out of the house, to meet new people, just to do something.



It worked...to an extent.



She met new people, made new friends.





But more often than not, she dined alone, and went home alone.





It reached the point where everywhere she went, she saw the burglar, even to the point of mistaking other people for him. She was well and truly fixated.



She needed closure, her friends said. She needed to move on.



But Phoenix had another plan.



She had been given a copy of the police report, as the victim of the crime, even though she knew nothing would come of it. Her friends and neighbors had had plenty to say about it, about how of the Dream's End police didn't apprehend and subdue the criminal at the scene of the crime, they didn't pursue it any farther. Still, they made a report, and the report gave Phoenix one crucial bit of information: his name. Her burglar's name was Russ Bear.



“And with a name,” she said to herself as she turned on her computer, “I can find anything!” Sure enough, fifteen minutes later, she had a phone number.



“I've got you now! Or, at least, I THINK I do.”



The call was supposed to be a confrontation. It was supposed to let her reach closure. She didn't even know if it would work; after all, what kind of burglar would make himself so easy to find? She didn't even care about the stolen property anymore, she told herself. If it's actually him, I just want to get this out of my system and move on.

She didn't think she'd enjoy talking to him.



Maybe he was a con artist as well as a burglar. Phoenix couldn't tell. All she knew is that after not too much time, their calls were a daily thing. He'd tell her things about the people living in the town that she would have never known, otherwise. She told him about her treasure hunts, her paintings, the things she found on her nature hikes. And pretty soon, she had to admit that she was looking forward to their daily calls. And she didn't hate him anymore, not really.



It seemed obvious that her next step would be to invite him over.

“I'm taking a real risk inviting you over, I hope you know,” she quipped, trying to hide her nervousness.

“Yeah, well, I can't say I'm not taking a real risk accepting that invite, so we're even.”



Phoenix wanted to hate him, even after all of their phone calls, but...she couldn't. He was not a bad guy, not really. Yet she was still skeptical. Something about him made her uneasy. And what was she doing, inviting him over, when he'd stolen the most expensive items from her home? Yet she couldn't deny that he was fun to be with, with a playful sense of humor.





What came next seemed only natural.



They spent the whole day sitting and talking, and really learning about each other. Phoenix was surprised by what she learned.



What he really wanted was to start a family and give them a good life, but he didn't have the best upbringing, himself. He'd done his best, even went to college, but fell on hard times when he couldn't find a job after graduating. He swore it was desperation that lead him to start breaking into houses, and even then, he only stole a small amount, just enough to pawn so h e could get by. He wasn't out to ruin anyone.

Phoenix was skeptical. Something about his story, and about him, made her uneasy. Her own experiences at his hands didn't match up with his claims. But he was so earnest, and so willing to open up about his past. And so warm and caring, and...She had to admit it; she was smitten. And so was he.



Russ moved in with Phoenix not long after that night, at her insistence. “If it gets you off the street...” she demurred, not wanting to be so -blatant- about just wanting to spend more time with him.

“I can start looking for a real job,” he agreed.



And he was true to his word, although he never told her where he was going or who he was working for. Phoenix dismissed her concerns about how Russ would slip out while she was busy, usually later in the evening. He promised her it was a good job; who was she to worry?



Phoenix had to admit that it was nice having Russ around. She hadn't realized how truly lonely she had been until he was there. In turn, she helped him by getting him some new clothes, helped him clean up, and she had to admit, he was kind of cute, once he was out of that striped shirt.



Of course, she soon learned that there were some downsides to living with Russ...



But the benefits far outweighed the negatives. Falling in love seemed the natural progression. Phoenix's home had a second bedroom, but Russ never slept there. From the start, he'd creep into her room, and she'd find him snuggled up to her side, as though worried she'd slip away during the night. She found it endearing.



He even returned the things he had stolen from her. He claimed that he'd never gotten a chance to pawn them. Phoenix was skeptical, but thought it was a sweet gesture, all the same.



It was all she'd ever wanted, even though it was an odd situation, overall. But he loved her! He loved her! She'd never been so happy. But it was clear that Russ had grander plans.

“Baby, your house is so small. You deserve better. The type of better that a guy with a college degree can provide.”

“But it's paid for, and it's enough,” she protested, not wanting to admit that more space meant possibly a bigger yard, with more plants, and maybe a pond.



He'd let the subject drop, but she could tell he was still thinking about it. It worried her; what was he planning? He was already so secretive about his work; every time she tried to ask questions, he'd change the subject. And then there were the phone calls. They came at all hours of the day and night, and some were downright odd.

“Listen, you know the routine. I'll expect the delivery tomorrow, as usual. You remember what happened the last time you were late with the delivery? You'll get it again, in double this time!”



She did try to ask, how could she not? But Russ always said the same thing. “Don't sweat it, Baby. I'm gonna be a provider. You and me, we're tight, and I'm gonna make sure you never want for anything, ever again. Don't worry about the 'how', just trust me when I say it'll happen. Just stick with me, Baby, give me some time. I got plans, and they're coming along. Just give me a little more time.”



She trusted him when he said it; she didn't think he'd lie to her. He would tell her when the time was right. Plus, his methods of persuasion were very...compelling.



But then something happened that changed everything.



Russ came home late one evening to find Phoenix crying. “Baby, what's wrong?” he asked.



“Y-you're gonna be so mad at me...” she sobbed. “I know we tried to be careful and took precautions, and stuff, but I...I'm pregnant!”



Much to her surprise, Russ was excited to hear about her pregnancy. “Baby, that's great news!”

“It...you're not mad at me?”



“Mad? Baby, you know I always wanted to have a family. This is like Christmas!” He sobered, looking at her, then reached for her hands. “Marry me.”

“What?!”



“Marry me,” he repeated. “I'm serious. You're everything I've ever wanted. I swear, Baby, anything you want? It's yours. Nothing is out of reach. I'll give you the stars, if you want 'em. Just be my wife, have my children...” He paused, resting a hand on her stomach, a giddy smile on his face. “Yeah, children. Raise a family with me, grow old with me, that's all I need. You're all I need.”



It was all happening so fast, but... “Oh Russ, yes! Yes, I'll marry you!” She paused, then frowned. “But you've gotta stop the criminal stuff, okay? No more sneaking around, no more weird phone calls. No more robbing and stealing.”



“Already behind me,” he agreed...maybe a bit too eagerly, as he slipped the ring onto her finger. Phoenix tried to overlook that, however. “Everything is on the level from here on out,” he promised. “And I'm moving us to a bigger place.”



“Oh, Russ, can we really afford it? We don't have that much...”

“Don't you worry about that, Baby. Just leave it up to me. I've got a plan. Just give me a few more days.”



Phoenix couldn't help herself; she was swept up in the thrill of the moment. “It sounds wonderful!”

Russ pulled her into his arms, kissing her deeply. “A few more days, Baby, just you wait. You'll see. I'll make this house look like a particleboard shack, in comparison!”



Of course, it took more than a few days for Russ to put his plans into action. In the meantime, Phoenix's pregnancy progressed. Once she realized that Russ wasn't angry with her, she looked forward to motherhood.



Russ doted on her, treating her like a queen. “Baby, do you like trees?” he asked one day, out of the blue. “Beechwood trees or pine trees?”



“That's a funny question. Why do you ask?”

“I got plans, Baby, plans that are all coming together. It's a surprise; you'll see!”



And every week, it was a similar question. Did she like marble, or did she like granite? Would she prefer a big pond with a fountain, or without? What about a swimming pool? A sun room for her painting studio? It was all so overwhelming-how would he afford all of this stuff?--but adorably cute, all the same, since he was so excited about every question he asked.



She had to admit, everything was perfect. ...Well, almost everything.



Phoenix became wrapped up in her pregnancy, trying to prepare everything, and admittedly she forgot about Russ' promise for a big, new house. It was okay if it didn't happen, after all. So it came as a huge shock when one day, when she was eight months pregnant, he surprised her. “Pack your bags, Baby; the new house is ready!”



“What?! Russ, I'm eight months into this pregnancy, I can't move homes now! Can't it wait until after the baby is born?”



“Baby, I know. But this is the best time to do it. We get moved, we get settled in, then you can have that baby in the comfort of our new home, with a nice, new nursery, and everything you could possibly need. It's better to do it now than in a few weeks, when you're REALLY close to popping.”



“Russ, I don't know...And furthermore, how am I going to get around, lugging heavy boxes? That can't be good for me.”



“Don't you worry about that, Baby. I've got it all figured out. You just sit back and watch, you won't have to lift a finger.” He rested a hand on her belly. “You got the most precious cargo in the house, right here. You worry about carrying that. We'll take care of the rest.”



“Well, when you put it like that...!” she laughed, but secretly, she was relieved. Her house had never felt cramped until she knew there would be another household member joining soon.



* * *

Phoenix could only stand and stare, shocked. Surely, we are at the wrong place.



The house was huge. The trees, the pond...all of it. Even her parents' house had not been like this. Her head was swimming. The fixtures, the furnishings, the huge kitchen...the solarium with musical instruments and a special corner for her easel and painting supplies...it was nearly overwhelming. Phoenix did not know what to think.



How could he afford all of this? Despite her determination to trust him, Phoenix couldn't help but think that this home could not have been purchased by legal means.



She would have to ask him about that soon, and get the truth out of him, one way or another.



“So what do you think of your new castle?” Russ asked her the next morning, sweeping her into his arms for a kiss.



“It's amazing,” she said as she walked upstairs to their bedroom, Russ close behind her. “But...how...?”

“Don't you worry about that,” Russ assured her as she got dressed. “Remember what I said? Don't sweat the details; I got it all covered. Like I said, nothing is too good for Mrs. Bear.”



And that was the way it went, every time she tried to talk to him. Every time she asked, he brushed it off. “Don't you worry, Baby. I said I'd take care of you and that's what I'm gonna do. I've got a family to look after now!”

Eventually, she stopped asking. She had no reason to doubt him, right? Although despite her request, the strange phone calls did continue.



She didn't have much time to worry about that, however. A few weeks after the move, Phoenix was awakened early one morning by labor pains.

“Baby! Baby, what's wrong?”

“Argh...it's time!!”



Their firstborn child was a boy. Russ was overjoyed. “A son! I always wanted a son! He'll need a good, powerful name...”



Phoenix had been thinking about names throughout her pregnancy. She had thought that if the baby were a boy, she'd name him after her father, or perhaps her grandfather. But Russ had other plans.

“I know! Einbrecher! See, I was reading this book...”

“Russ, I don't think...”

“It's okay, you don't have to say a word. Einbrecher is perfect!”



Phoenix threw herself into motherhood. She loved it. Einbrecher was a good baby, not fussing or crying very much, easy to care for. She had been worried about parenting being difficult, but so far, her worries were being slowly washed away.



Of course, she did not forget to make time for Russ.

“Russ, why are you dressed like that?”

“Costume contest at work. I figured, hey, I've already got the outfit, why not? Now c'mere...”



“...Look, I told you, you have one more week. … No, I think I'm being more than fair here. How long have you dragged your feet on this already? … Don't give me that crap. You know what you get if you don't do as I say. … Got it? … Yes, yes, that's good. Right.”



“Honey, who was that?”

“Huh? Oh, don't worry about it, Baby; a co-worker borrowed something from me and keeps forgetting to return it.”



Phoenix couldn't believe how fast time flew, and before long, it was time for Einbrecher's birthday. She wasn't sure if she was really ready to let her baby boy grow up, but knew it was not something she had any control over.



Phoenix became wrapped up in his care, and thoughts about Russ' job, and his strange behavior, took a backseat as she focused on raising their son. She had to admit that for all of her concerns, things were going rather well, and she felt good about their future, and herself.



Which is why it came as something of an unpleasant shock to discover she was pregnant again, not long after Einbrecher's birthday.



Russ was, of course, thrilled by the news.



“Are you sure you don't think this is too soon? I mean, a baby, when Einbrecher is barely a toddler...”

“Baby, are you kidding? This is great! Another baby, that's awesome!”



Of course, there was the nagging matter of the phone calls, which kept coming, and even though Russ tried to keep his voice down, or take the phone into another room, Phoenix could still hear them.

“You think you can just ski past things without us noticing? Think again, pal. We know what you're doing and it's gonna stop now, or there'll be the devil to pay...”



Phoenix always tried asking, when she overheard a call, but Russ always told her not to worry, because all of that worrying couldn't be good for the baby. Perhaps he was right.

She had almost convinced herself to let the matter slide, when the phone rang one day while Russ was at work.

“Hello?”



“Get me Ursa Major. Put him on. I need to talk to him. Now.” The voice was low and gravelly, and not one Phoenix recognized.

“What? I'm sorry, there's no one here by that name...”



The voice cut her off. “Listen here, you dumb broad, don't play cute little games with me. Now be a good girl and go get Ursa Major.”

“Excuse me, I'm trying to tell you, there is no one here named--”



“Shut up, you stupid broad! Now you listen to me. When I want to talk to Ursa Major, that means I want to talk to him, and that means you're gonna put him on the phone. If you don't, then trust me, I'm gonna find you, and I'm gonna--”

Phoenix hung up the phone, shocked. She didn't answer the phone when it started ringing again. What had that been about?



The question troubled her all afternoon. The call forced her to think about all of the strange things she'd witnessed from Russ: the coming and going at all hours, the strange phone calls, and now this.

Was he up to something criminal?



She didn't want to believe it. He'd made a promise to her, after all. Maybe it was just a wrong number. Yes, that must have been it. Russ loved her, and he would never do anything that would put his family in danger.



Still, she decided to talk to him that evening, after she'd put Einbrecher down for the night.

“Russ, you're not doing anything...illegal, are you?”

“Baby, of course not. What gave you that idea?”



“Well, do you know someone named Ursa Major?”

Russ nearly dropped the book he'd been reading. “Baby, where did you hear that name?!”



“The phone rang when you were at work, and this guy kept asking for Ursa Major, and it was really scary, Russ! If you're wrapped up in something, you need to stop! He sounded dangerous!” Phoenix realized she was shaking. “He started threatening me, and--”



“Baby, Baby, c'mere,” Russ crooned, pulling her onto his lap. “Just pay that no mind. I've...geez, I gotta talk to him. I got this crazy co-worker, thinks he's like a James Bond villain or something. Likes to play pranks on people. He must've decided to get at me by pestering you. Don't you pay it any mind, got me? I'll give him an earful about this tomorrow. You won't get any more calls like that, promise.”



Despite Russ' reassurances, Phoenix worried. What could it all mean? What was he up to? But then again, Russ had always been true to his word. He bought her a huge house, was starting a family with her, and let her stay home to work on whatever she pleased while she raised the babies. All in all, it wasn't a bad life. So what if he had a crazy co-worker who liked to make prank calls? That wasn't much to worry about.



Later that night, after Phoenix was in bed...

“Listen, you asshole, she almost figured it out! … I don't wanna hear it, dumbass. What have I told you about calling when you know I'm not home?! … Look, I'll give you one more chance. You leave my baby out of this. You keep it under wraps or I'll put you under wraps, you get me?! … Good.” *click*



In time, the phone call was forgotten. Phoenix's pregnancy progressed with no complications, and she had other things demanding her attention. It was a sunny morning when she went into labor, in the bathroom.



Russ was there, helping out as best he could, and she was grateful for his moral support. However...



“Twins!”

“Russ, I'm so sorry! Honestly, I wasn't expecting this!”



“Are you kidding?! Baby, this is amazing! You're amazing! I've always wanted to have twins; this is like a dream come true! Hey, you know they'll be thick as thieves, that's what twins are like. We should name them Cloak and Dagger!”

“Russ, I don't know...” Russ' enthusiasm was catching. Despite her reservations, she agreed to his suggestion.



Time passed. Phoenix found that caring for the twins was a great deal more work than caring for Einbrecher. It seemed like the two of them could communicate telepathically, always sleeping at the same time, squalling for food at the same time, and messing their diapers at the same time. It was exhausting. She didn't have a moment to spare for idle thoughts, much less concerns about the strange phone call, or her suspicions about Russ' job.

She was almost relieved when it came time for their birthdays.



Russ was there; Phoenix didn't know how he did it, but he always seemed to find the time to be there for the milestones in his children's lives. It was part of him that Phoenix appreciated.



Despite her worries, she had to admit that she was happy. Raising a family with Russ seemed like the thing she had always been searching for, and it gave her peace.





It made her even happier that Russ was not afraid to take an active role in caring and raising the children. Phoenix had heard horror stories of men who thought their job as fathers ended at conception.



Phoenix had never asked Russ if he wanted her to get a job of her own and contribute to the family finances, and he never said anything. Secretly, she was kind of glad for that. She would have not hesitated to help, had he asked, but she treasured the luxury of being able to stay home and guide her babies through milestones.



It was a luxury, to be certain...a very welcome luxury.



All three of her children were still toddlers when Phoenix found out that she was pregnant again.



By this point, she didn't really think that Russ would be upset...but she still worried. After all, this would mean four, possibly even five babies to care for, all at once.

“Russ, are you sure that you're okay with this? It's not like you have control of Fort Knox, after all.”

He looked up at his book and gave her an odd look. “Funny you should say that...”

“What?”



“Baby, it was a joke. A joke! Ha ha, you should see the look on your face!” He pulled her onto his lap, chuckling. “Baby, you know what I want. You, a bunch of kids, a nice house-I'm one lucky man. Have five babies, have ten, it'll just make me happier. Get me? As long as you're happy with this, we're golden.”



Phoenix had to agree.



“Davey. Yeah, it's me. Say...call the boys. Tell 'em to put a hold on that vault heist. … What? Nah, no, it's just that the timing's not right. Heard rumor that someone's wise to the plan who shouldn't be. What? Nah. … Nah, just sit tight, it's not an emergency. No, it'll happen, just need more time, maybe call in a few more friends, just to be on the safe side. We'll see. Yeah. … I'll keep you posted. Yeah.”



Time passed, and birthdays happened in quick succession. First came Einbrecher, finally out of his toddler years.



She'd never admit it out loud, but she favored her firstborn, and looked forward to seeing his little personality develop more, past the beginning signs of it that he'd shown as a toddler.



Perhaps it was because he favored her so strongly, that Phoenix loved him so much. Or perhaps it was just part of being a mother? She chose not to worry at it, and just enjoy the moment.



And there were so many moments to enjoy...

“Baby, I think we're gonna need to get more fire extinguishers in the house. Why? 'Cause you're smokin' hot!”



Phoenix fell into a comfortable routine. She enrolled Einbrecher in school, she cared for the twins, and she tried to ignore the building signs around her that Russ was up to something. The thought made her stomach churn, so she threw herself into caring for her children, and her pregnancy. The twins were a handful together; it wasn't difficult to distract herself.

As with Einbrecher, she went into labor late at night.



“Baby! This one's worse than your last two! Hang on, I'll call an ambulance!”

“No...arggh...time, Russ...the baby's...coming!”



“It's a girl! Russ, we have another daughter!”

“Baby, that's great! Say, so, the other day, me and the boys went to this little French bakery, right? And it was really great, so pretty and delicate. And our daughter is pretty and delicate, so how about a French name...like...Voleur!”

“Russ, I don't...”

“Hiii, Voleur! Goo goo, say hi to Daddy! Say hi!”



Phoenix loved her children, but found that with four, she had no time for anything other than caring for her children. Even her nature hikes and treasure hunts were a thing of the past. Her days were a never-ending parade of diapers, baths and feedings.

She was almost relieved when it was the twins' turn for a birthday milestone.



Not having to care for the twins so intensely would make things a lot easier on her, as well as Russ, although she would miss that phase of their lives.



“Einbrecher! Hey!!! Ein! Look, look! I got cake!”

“Huh? So what, dummy, we both got cake!”



Cloak was not far behind her brother, Dagger.



“At last, I am older and smarter, taller and faster! I can do anything! And my first order of business: steal Dagger's cake!”

“Mom!!!”



“...Aww, Rocko, what have I told you about doing that?! What does the boss say about unnecessary shootings? …that's right! And who is the boss? ...Me! That is also right! So let me tell you this. I'm gonna give you one more chance to straighten up and fly right, or I'll--”

“Russ, who are you talking to?”

“...Gotta go.”



“Russ, who was that? What are these phone calls all about?! Are you doing something...illegal? Please tell me you're not! You promised that you'd stop! You-mmph!”



“Baby, it was nothing. You gotta trust me. I promised, right? See, we've got this company basketball team, and that guy, Rocko? He's a real asshole when it comes to freethrows. Always shooting hoops when it's not his turn. That's all.”

“But...”

“No buts. It's all on the level, I swear. Say, how about this: You go get some fishing in, and I'll make dinner, yeah? I know how much you like fishing.”

“Well...”



She had to admit that he was right; the quiet buzz of the cast and the slow, patient process of fishing calmed her down. Still...it gave her time to think. What is he up to? Is it really just about basketball? I wonder what he's thinking.



Man oh man, I'm one lucky bastard. My wife is hotter than this grill!



All too soon, it was Einbrecher's birthday again. Russ was excited for his son to reach his next phase in life. Phoenix wasn't quite so sure about it.



Still, she put on a brave face. It was a happy occasion, not time for her to be sad.



“I wish for...money! I wanna be rich, just like Mom and Dad!”



Was it Phoenix's imagination, or did Russ cheer extra-hard at Einbrecher's birthday wish? She didn't have time to contemplate it. Her firstborn, her baby, was a young man now.



The birthdays continued. Soon it was Voleur's turn.



Phoenix was partially sad to see her babies growing up, but partially very glad to see the infant stage pass for her youngest child. She had had enough of nursing babies and changing diapers.



Of course, there was much to teach a toddler, but now Einbrecher was old enough to help out with his baby sister.



“Yeah? Yeah, this is he… What? No, I don't want a subscription to Llamas Monthly! For the last time, stop calling!”



Phoenix had heard horror stories about raising teenagers, but much to her relief, Einbrecher was a smart, studious young man, never getting into trouble. He was constantly thinking of ways to get rich quick, nearly all of which were impractical, at best, but he did not let himself get discouraged.

His appetite, however...

“Einbrecher, stay out of the fridge! We're going to be eating dinner soon!”

“But Mom, I'm hungry now...”



Time passed. To Phoenix, it seemed to fly by; she was so busy caring for the children and making sure the house was clean that she hardly had time to stop and just admire her family. It seemed like no time at all had passed when Voleur grew from a toddler to a child...though Phoenix had to admit, a lot of the shine had begun to wear off, where the birthday parties were concerned.

“Baby, far be it from me to complain, but maybe you wanna put on some pants or something, first? I'm not gonna complain about the view, though...yow!”



Secretly, Phoenix heaved a sigh of relief. She would not miss the constant cycle of diaper changes and potty training.



Much to Phoenix's relief, Cloak to a shine to her younger sister.



The girls were similar in age that they often kept themselves entertained, and that gave Phoenix more time to do other things, most of them things she'd had to give up while her children were babies.



She was quick to take advantage of this freedom...and Russ didn't seem to mind it at all, himself, as it gave him more free time, himself, and more time to spend with his wife.



She certainly didn't hear him complaining about it.



So it was more than a slight shock when Phoenix realized that she was pregnant yet again.



By this point, she was not excited at all about yet another baby. She'd just finished raising all of her children past toddler age, and now she had to start over with a new baby? She wasn't young anymore; what was she thinking?!

But Russ, who was as excited about the new baby as if it were his first, eased many of her fears.



Continued here...