Caliente – 7.4: The other

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(Previous post: Late might meetings)

Nina stays late in the school working on a musical with Krystal Hoves. Afterwards she meets one of her lovers Aegon.

Nina’s morning started in a very unexpected way. She woke alone in an empty bed. Aegon seemed to have left before she woke up. Too bad. She thought as she stretched. They could have had more fun when her son Bran went to school. Last night was already a pleasant memory in her head. But then again she didn’t expect anything less from Aegon.

She picked up some of her discarded clothes and put them on before heading downstairs. It surprised her to hear voices coming from the floor bellow. The deeper one most definitely belonged to Aegon. Curious she hurried downstairs to spot him seated at her dinning table with her son. It was strange to see them together especially since Bran had been avoiding Aegon because of that incident that happened between him and Aegon’s son.

As soon as she landed downstairs Aegon’s gaze turned to her. It was the effect she always had on men. It made her smile to thing this one was most certainly not an exception.

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While those blue eyes followed her as she came closer Bran didn’t turn. He seemed pretty occupied with his contents of his coffee mug. She placed one hand on each of their shoulders.

“Morning boys.” She said in her sweetest voice.

“Oh morning mum.” Bran replied turning around flustered. “Here, take a seat.” He added jumping out of his chair.

“Don’t be silly Bran, there is enough empty chairs.” She said still smiling.

“I have to go to school anyway.” He said picking up his schoolbag and slinging it over one of his shoulders.

“The bus is not here yet.” Nina added.

“It is okay mum, I’ll walk.” He replied and rushed to the door.”Goodbye Mr. Targeryen.”

“Goodbye Branden. Have a nice day in school.” Aegon called after him. Nina sighed.

“I really have no idea what had gotten into him… ” She said still looking at the door while her teenage son left without even turning back. Then she turned to Aegon. “I thought we could have continued on last night’s fun but you are already dressed and all…” She stroked his leather jacket remembering it wasn’t what he was wearing last night when she undressed him going up the stairs.

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“Did you bring a change of clothes?” She asked.

“I had one in my car. I did have to get it wearing only my underwear. I hope your neighbors didn’t see me like that.” Nina smiled.

“My first door neighbor had had his share of tragedies recently. He deserved the nice view, or a good laugh.” Aegon didn’t smile but she caught a twinkle of amusement in his eyes.

“I should go too.” He said abruptly.

“Are you sure?” Nina asked in a soft and seductive voice. “You could very easily undress again…”

“I am.” He looked at his watch. “Urte is finishing with her shift soon, I promised I will pick her up.”

“Oh.” Nina said stepping away. “I won’t keep you from your fiancee.” Aegon just nodded before getting up to kiss her goodbye.

The rest of Nina’s schedule wasn’t exactly full. She soaked in her hot tub for a while until she got bored, then she came inside and picked up a book. Soon she got bored of it too.

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She then got to her computer and scrolled through her social networks when she got an email. She didn’t mean to look at it. It was a newsletter from the neighborhood chess tournament her sister got her to enter a while back. Yet she looked and as she scrolled through the names of the new participants one stood out. Dr. Urte Vivi.

It wasn’t like Nina was jealous or possessive, it wasn’t as if Aegon was the only man she was seeing, she had another ongoing relationship with the young man who used to clean her house until she finally got him to do more than that. He even claimed to love her. It was something she could easily believe even though she didn’t reciprocate.

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Yet there was something intriguing about this other woman, the one Aegon wanted to marry, the one he had apparently loved. Without sparing a moment Nina logged on her account on the tournament page and challenged Urte to a match. She smiled at the screen. Let’s see what you are made of… She thought happily.

It took Urte a few days to even respond to her challenge but they scheduled a match for Saturday evening. It was a perfect time for Nina since her son would surely be out of the house and she didn’t want him to see her snooping out what people might call competition but Nina knew she had no competition.

It was a little after nine, the scheduled time for their meeting that Urte showed up. Nina seized her up immediately through her glass doors. She was an inch taller than Nina was. Her hair was dark red, almost black in the nighttime, most of her face was hidden behind big, expensive glasses that told Nina she had a good and notably expensive taste. She expected her clothes to reflect this but she came in dark blue hospital scrubs with her white doctor’s coat over them.

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They greeted formally, shaking hands and Nina gladly motioned her inside knowing she would soak up all the expensive furniture and decorations inside as she led her up the stairs to the roof where their match would take place.

The first thing Nina noticed was the absence of a ring on the woman’s hand. It didn’t have to mean anything of course, she was a doctor after all, a ring could just be a nuisance and yet she was not at work now…

“Would you like anything to drink?” Nina asked her.

“I am fine. Thank you.” Urte replied politely. Nina caught her scanning her rooftop with something that could have been envy. It made her smile slightly. “I would like us to begin with the game.”

“Of course.” Nina replied showing her to the chess table. “Black or white?” Urte chose black without sparing it a single thought and they proceeded to take their places at the table.

“If I can say I am very surprised to see your challenge Mrs. Caliente.”

“Nina please. Mrs. Caliente makes me sound very old. And why is that?”

“I don’t know. I guess I didn’t expect you to be into this.” The other woman replied without lifting her eyes of the board.

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“It was mostly my sisters pastime to be honest.” Nina said. “She needed someone to play with it and that was me.”

“Oh. That I can see.”

“Truly?” Nina asked taking her hands of the figures. “You never met me yet you make assumptions about me like that?” Urte finally looked up and said.

“You are a public person after all Nina. And it is not like we didn’t run into each other before. Our children went to school together I believe.” It was true but Nina couldn’t remember this woman at all. It didn’t surprise her she knew her though.

“Well who I am in public isn’t who I am in private.”

“I disagree. We all show more than we want.” The woman replied with a malicious smile going back to the board. “Get back to the game Nina. Your bishop is in danger.”

Nina did so. And she won. And she liked it more then she thought she would.

Rosie’s Emails – 10

Hi mum,

Have I got a surprise for you… I am writing to you from… Shang Simla, Egypt! I know I should have told you earlier but it really was short notice, Lola had a concert there and she was ready to go so she called, asked if I would join and what could I say really? I just got that award and what better way to to treat myself?

Well anyway the concert is in a few hours, just wanted to check in and let you know I am fine. A more detailed report is coming tomorrow, for now here is a picture of me in front of the hotel.

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Looking at it now I am sure it would be by new SimBook profile picture! Send my love to Tricia and Bran!

Love you all,

Rosie


 

Hi mum,

There are downsides to Egypt I might confess. But first the good things, Lola concert was really good, I wouldn’t bore you with pictures, check my SimBook, as usual I went overboard…. I woke up early in the morning with a blasting hangover so I decided to go for a run, clear my head a bit… Yes, yes I know what you would say, running in such a hot place is not good for anyone, let alone someone with my condition, but it was just so early, the sun wasn’t up high yet and I brought along a book so once it got to hot I could take it out to read in the shade.

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I ran all the way to the market, it is in the center of the town. I felt so energized, I look around a bit, wondered if I should by a snake charming basket (I didn’t). And then I ran further, I ran up a hill where a graveyard was. I stood there a bit and looked in the distance, it was so beautiful, I could see the Sphinx from there. Immediately I made a mental note to visit it as soon as I get the time. And by then it was really hot already so I hurried to go back to the hotel and I ran and ran and there was no shade, just the dessert, it was scary, I was so thirsty, I was dying for a plasma juice. Of course I didn’t bring any and so I ran through the dessert with my throat parched and then I fainted.

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I don’t know how long I was lying there but some explorers found me and brought me to their small camp which was close by. There was plasma packs in their camps so I got energized quickly, and if that wasn’t enough they let me use the shower in the camp as well. The water was so cold and I am freezing right now, I am not kidding, it was the coldest water I ever showered with! 

And that is the story of my day… I will stay the night in this camp and go back to the hotel in the morning. I will sleep in a tent here, I hope I will have it all by myself till the morning, there are so many people here… That is it, talk to you tomorrow!

Love Rosie

Caliente – 7.3: Late might meetings

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(Previous post: Mother and son)

Nina decides to stay in and spend some time with her son. They have dinner and she even agrees to discuss her daughter’s impending wedding, one she is not so happy about…

It was already nighttime when Nina finished her conversation with Krystal Hoves. She could see the sky was dark outside the classroom window.

“I just can’t thank you enough, for all you did Mrs. Caliente….” The teacher started before Nina interrupted.

“Please, if you insist to be so formal than it is Miss Caliente. And as I said you are welcome… I had been excited for this project as well. And I have enjoyed working with you. I hope work with the kids would be as fulfilling.” She smiled in hopes to make the other woman relax. It seemed to work because she had responded with a smile of her own. Nina spoke the truth, she had been having fun working with the Similish teacher on this musical adoption of an old classic. The teacher was young but professional even though she had been a bit starstruck at first, but Nina had been used to it. She wrote all the music for the musical and the plan was to work with the high-school kids who would be performing the said music. But that was still ways down the road… Right now Nina’s thoughts strayed to the meeting she was having right after this. She checked the clock on the wall. She still had some time left.

Krystal was collecting her things scattered all around her desk, books and folders of notes from their meetings. Nina decided to give her a hand.

“Oh really, Miss you don’t have to bother…” She said flustered picking up the entire stack of books.

“Nonsense, I still have a bit of time…” Nina went on still attempting to help. A flyer fell off from between the books the young teacher held. Nina bent down and picked it up from the floor. The picture showed a young girl with a slightly familiar face.

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LAQUITA HOVES FOR MAYOR was printed on the top of the flyer. “Elections are still a way off.” Nina said handing the flyer over to the flustered teacher. “Your sister?” She asked looking at the name again. The woman nodded.

“Yes. She wanted me to look at a few samples…” Nina smiled.

“I remembered when my sister ran for mayor. It seems like a lifetime ago…” She said still looking the flyer over.

“Lucky looks up to your sister a lot…” Krystal said taking the flyer from her hand.

“Really? That is so interesting. I would surely mention her to Dina next time I see her.”

“Oh please no, you don’t have to bother… You have already done enough…” The teacher went on. It was at that moment that Nina’s phone rang.

“It is my date.” She told her companion. “I usually like to make my men wait a bit but this one really hates waiting.” She sighed. “I should get going. The two women said goodbye and Nina left the classroom making sure to stop by the bathroom to put on some perfume. For this next meeting she needed to smell just dazzling.

The neon lights in the hallways were dimmed and there was no sound but the clicking of her heels as she closed the distance to the school’s front door. Someone else might be scared but not Nina. She walked the school’s halls as if she owned them.

She saw him the moment she exited the door opened to her by the nigh guard, even more starstruck than the teacher had been. His back were turned to her and he was looking into the distance, to the park that was empty at this late hour, not a soul in sight.

“Odd choice for a meeting stop.” He spoke without turning. He must have smelled her coming. She smiled without a word. He had a sleeveless shirt on exposing his muscled arms. It was there that Nina’s gaze went. Of all the men she had dated none had a body like that. She was so entranced she didn’t even notice when he turned around to face her. “Did our sons get into a fight again?” He asked and Nina laughed.

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“Nothing like that this time. I had some business to attend.”

“At the school?”

“Yes, believe it or not. It is a secret.” She added with a wink. He almost smiled. Almost. That was the thing with Aegon. He always had that strict, serious face and those dark blue eyes that always seemed cold, almost dangerous. None of it diminished his attractiveness, quite the opposite Nina felt as she looked him over once more.

They had started seeing each other last summer, they actually met at the school, when their teenage sons had really gotten into a fight during the summer dance. It wasn’t like Bran to cause such problems so Nina had been deeply shocked when it happened. Aegon managed to calm her down. They had coffee and talked and as the saying goes, one thing lead to another…

He had been married once but was now divorced and yet still living with his ex in some bizarre agreement. His current fiancee was a doctor, another redhead, she worked long hours and was almost always busy which lead to the wedding being indefinitely postponed. None of it meant nothing to Nina. She didn’t want a husband, she just wanted those strong arms to hold her. She wanted it that first day they met and she wanted it now.

She stepped closer to him smiling all the way. He stepped closer as well. He placed those big hands on her hips and pulled her forward to him. She let him. His touch radiated warmth all through her body. She closed her eyes feeling his lips touch her own.

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His kisses always melted her fast. They barely made it to her car parked just a few feet away. It was always the greatest challenge when they had been together, keeping their hands away from each other long enough to get into a private place. Their kisses were even more passionate when they got inside her house. They kissed passionately, undressing each other as they climbed the stairs that lead to the second floor and her bedroom.

In the back of her mind she had an information that Bran was out this evening, with his girlfriend, or some of his friends, she couldn’t remember. She could only hope he wasn’t home yet…

Rosie’s Emails – 9

Dear brother,

Our mother tells me a lot about you, she brags about your promotions and your success at school, she is very proud and so am I!! Why didn’t you tell me any of it yourself?? I must admit I am a little mad at you right now 😛 I didn’t even know you have a girlfriend! I bet you told Tricia that but not me, so unfair! And there I am living in the big city, one long ride away… You can always come and visit bring Nan over if you want. It is going to be an adventure, I promise! There are clubs here, and bars, and partying… the big city is buzzing with life, perfect for young couples such as you two…

As for me… I have big news as well, ones I am going to share with you first! Like the sound of that? I was at home the other night, just minding my own business when out of the blue I get a call!

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And what do you know, I got some reward from the city of Bridgeport. It is called an “Investigator’s Trophy of Honor”. There would be a short ceremony at City Hall where they would put some pin on me or something like that. It isn’t as big of a deal as it seems otherwise I would have flown you all over but hey it is still something and you my dear Bran are the first to know! Now it is your turn, share something with your oldest sister!

Lots of love,

Rosie


 

Hi Bran,

So you are learning to cook? That is not exciting news I was hoping for. As someone who digs up dirt for a living I think I am qualified to determine what is juicy and what is not and that my friend is not… So try harder next time! Impress me 😛

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As for me I did pick up that reward, like I said it was nothing special, a day time ceremony in the public offices downtown. I dressed super private investigator like, in a my beige trench coat, with a hat and stylish sunglasses to top it. The mayor gave me the award, we chatted a bit and that is it. The city needs me, they urge me to continue the good work. I feel like a super hero already!

Rosie Caliente, Superhero

Caliente – 7.2: Mother and son

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(Previous post: Lunch with Dina)

Nina has lunch with her sister where they talk about love, their lives and trade in rumor and gossip. Nina is unhappy because of her daughter’s engagement. Dina offers to help when she hears rumors her sister might be without money.

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Nina Caliente rode everywhere in her recognizable pink limo. People would follow it and once she got out take out their phones or cameras and snap pictures, Nina pretended she didn’t see it, or didn’t care. Truth was she was enjoying her fame, every bit of it, she did so ever since her first single came out and topped the charts and she assumed she would continue to do so up until the day she died. She regretted only that she wouldn’t be present to see her own funeral, all those people she knew and didn’t know celebrating her life, shedding tears for the world’s great loss…

Yet Nina didn’t waste too much time thinking about death. Life was short but that made it only more valuable. That is why Nina was rarely still, there were always interesting projects to be realized, interesting people to be met, good songs to dance too, new cocktails to try out, good-looking men with lips to be kissed…

But then again there were nights when even Nina stopped and took a break. Tonight was such a night. She had gotten back from a meeting at a local school were she was helping a young teacher with a musical, changed into her sweatpants and was in her kitchen making dinner.

Not many people knew Nina Caliente was an excellent cook and how she loved cooking shows and making meals for her family. Everyone knew she loved expensive food, and good dining in famous restaurants all over the world but they figured she was a busy woman with no time to spend in the kitchen. In that they were all wrong.

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Tonight she had decided to make it simple with some spaghetti and vegetarian sauce to go with them. She had been experimenting with no-meat cooking lately. Nina’s life philosophy was give everything a try at least once so why not try being a vegetarian…

She had put on the sauce on the stove and was gently mixing it looking out to see where her son was. She knew he had gotten outside to telephone which might ring alarm bells to most mothers whose imagination could probably go much wilder than their teenage boys ever could but Nina didn’t worry. She knew what phone call would lure her Bran outside, the one to his sister.

Bran and Latrica had always been inseparable. Nina and her own sister were close growing up  but even they would fight, she couldn’t remember her two children ever getting in a fight. She thought their relationship might strain and probably change as they grew, Bran entered the awkward teenage years and Latricia moved out going first to college and then into a home of her own but seemingly nothing changed. They talked over the phone every day and they remained as close if not closer.

As to why Bran didn’t want her to hear the conversation it must have meant they are talking about the wedding. Nina really wanted to be the kind of mother that helps her daughter plan the big day, picks out the dress and all that bullshit but she just couldn’t bring herself to do it. Nina never believed in marriage and she especially didn’t approve of her daughter marrying, so young and naive and inexperienced with life…. It made her so angry but she knew there was nothing she could to, even though she tried….

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Bran came inside just in  time to set the table. Nina opened a bottle of wine and offered a glass to her son but he refused instead eating quietly, his mind elsewhere.

“How is Tricia doing?” She asked breaking the silence.

“Fine.” He wanted to say something more than stopped himself and just took another bite. Nina sighed.

“You guys can talk to me about it you know… About the wedding.” Bran just looked at her.

“Latricia says you keep urging her to postpone it as much as possible.”

“Well if she won’t cancel it….” Noticing Bran’s expression Nina stopped. “You know I want what is best for both you and your sisters. I just think this wedding is not the best idea in the world….”

“They really love each other…”

“That is exactly what I am saying! You both are so young, still believing in fairy-tales…” Nina was about to launch in a rant when she saw her son’s tired face and realized this was the hundredth time they were having this conversation. “I am sorry Branden, we don’t have to talk about this, again. How are you? You look tired.”

“I am fine.” Bran replied. “School is good, work too.” Nina knew that it was more than that. Bran got on a honor roll in the winter semester, he got as far as he possibly could at his job at the supermarket. Those weren’t things she would mention to her sister at one of their weekly lunches because there were no words to express how proud she was of her youngest son, of all her children who were growing in such good people. And imagine I did it all alone, without ever getting married…. She thought with a smirk.

“You have been working extra hard Bran, what do you say we go relax a bit after dinner, out in the tub. I didn’t see any paparazzi tonight.”

“I am too tired mum, I’ll load up the dishwasher and head straight to bed.” Nina sighed.

“Oh come on Bran. Please. I promise I will even wear a swimsuit.” This got a little smile from her son and he finally agreed to her proposal.


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She did as she promised and wore a one-piece striped bathing suit when she came outside and seated herself in the warm water of the hot tub. As she noted earlier there were no paparazzi outside tonight. She debated playing some music but she decided to wait for Bran and let him pick something. When he came out he was wearing long shorts and a dark blue T-shirt.

“Why didn’t you take the shirt off?” She asked him when he submerged himself in the water only his head sticking out of the bubbles.

“I forgot!” He replied looking down at himself miserably. “It is wet now…”

“It doesn’t matter.” Nina said. She was used to her son forgetting things. He was like that ever since he was small. “Maybe you can play us some music? And we can talk, about you. Tell me all about school, and your friends!” Bran took a deep breath and then started talking.

“Well Kerry and Persephone are officially dating now. I already suspected something was going on back when we were on that camping trip last summer… When I told Tricia she laughed she said if even I noticed it than it must really be something there. And now Waylon is seeing Nan’s sister Maja so she is now in our gang. She is cool, she plays the guitar too. I hope we will be good friends, I like her a lot. Nan is freaking out about it, she always speaks ill of her sisters you know and know she is about to get another one, her father’s new girlfriend is carrying a girl apparently…” Bran talked and Nina listened thinking once again how happy she was she had her children. Turns out there were things more important than fame.

Rosie’s Emails – 8

Hi Sara,

Dearest friend it had truly been a while. I hope you are all fine, both you and aunt Dina and her new wife I have yet to meet. Should I call her aunt Justine? I am a bit confused I must admit, I hope you are feeling better about it. Well then again you must haha.

I know you are very busy these days with the big promotion and all but I hoped you could drop me a line, check in so to speak, I miss you. And I miss talking to you and there are a few things I don’t think I could share with anyone but you, my oldest and dearest friend…

So my little sister is engaged… Isn’t that weird? I mean I am happy for her, I really am, you know that, you know me but it is weird don’t you think? My little sister getting married before I am even remotely close to that…. I mean you understand what I mean don’t you? Summer got married before you as well, she has a big kid doesn’t she? It must have been weird to you too, at least at some point….

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It got me thinking about many things like my own life and the path I am heading…. And that is how I ended up reading pregnancy books. (I can hear you laughing right now :P) I think I am loosing my mind but I feel like I am stuck and something needs to change… I don’t know… I just wanted to share it with you. Sorry for all the rambling. Let me know what you think and what is new in your life. I miss you. Send my love to your mother and AUNT JUSTINE. You all should come and visit some time.

Love Rosie


 Dear Sara,

Thanks for writing back. I am glad you comforted me. You are right, there is nothing to worry about, I still am young and life has different paths for all of us. It is terrible to hear all of that happening to your Jared. His home getting destroyed, his mother dying and he himself being hurt… I can’t imagine what you both had to go trough…  I wish you both a speedy recovery! 

It feels stupid to write about my life now, and I feel stupid for even complaining… But you know me, I am always like that…. Selfish to the bone…

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Well what is new… My friend Big Hartley had a birthday party last night, it was a big bash, a lot of celebrities were there, and me of course. He liked my present and I think at last we can be friends again after that failed attempt at dating… 

As for finding Mr. Right, he might be just around the corner 😉 ;)… But more on that some other time!

Love Rosie


/* You can read all about Rosie’s cousin Sara here. The tragedy that befall her fiancee Jared is the same meteor hit that killed Rita Pretniss and her daughter.  */

 

Calinte – 7.1: Lunch with Dina

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Nina Caliente is a retired musician, living alone with her youngest son Brandon Caliente. She has two daughters, the oldest Rosie lives in Bridgeport while Latrica had just moved out. Nina bough her a house and plans for her to have a music career just like she did but recently Latricia had taken her future in her own hands doing something her mother did not expect…

“Latricia is engaged.” Nina Caliente said watching one of her older sister’s perfectly trimmed eyebrows shoot upwards. The two of them were seated at the bistro downtown on of their weekly lunches. It was a tradition for them ever since they both retired and settled down a bit from their previous busy schedules.

“Engaged to whom?” Her sister asked.

“That Kerry boy, the one she had been dating in school.” Nina answered taking a sip of wine.

“Oh? He works for Sarah you know.” Her sister said in reply and Nina just nodded. The truth was both Dina’s oldest daughter and Nina’s daughter’s fiancee worked for the SVPD. They were both public servants but she didn’t want to make that distinction at the moment. She knew her sister wouldn’t appreciate being reminded of the fact. When she said nothing more her sister asked: “And how do you feel about it?”

Before replying Nina took another sip of wine, a more generous one this time. Truth was she didn’t approve. And not because the boy was a policeman or anything like that. Nina didn’t approve of marriage in general, and her daughter was so young… What did she really know about life? Nina planned for her to have a music career, she was talented and pretty. Marriage and kids could ruin all that… Nina herself had never been married and she had a great life. She came close once, with her oldest daughter’s father Dave, they even lived together for a time, big mistake. Yet back then she was young and stupid too… And she could not share any of this with her older sister who had just tied the knot, for the second time with a young waitress or whatever it was Justine did….

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“I wish her all the best.” She said once she had lowered her glass. Dina smiled in amusement. Her older sister could always read people well, you learn that in politics Nina guessed.

“Engagements don’t have to mean anything….” She said dismissively. “You were engaged yourself once…. And my Sara and that boy of hers haven’t gotten married yet and you know how long it had been since he proposed….”

“I guess marriage is not for everyone.” Nina said hoping to switch the ball in her sister’s court. “How is your lovely bride doing?” Dina smiled a bright smile people usually do when they talk about the ones they love, or at the very least enjoy sharing a bed with. Nina herself wasn’t sure if she even believed in what people passed on as love….

“Justine is fine. I bought her a bar to keep her busy once we got from honeymoon… She had been very grateful. What about you sister, are you seeing anyone?”

“Just two guys.” Nina replied. “Abdul is young, he used to be my maid before I sacked him for not doing any cleaning on account of spending all day in my bed. Aegon is close to sealing the deal with wife number two so it is just a fling between us… I call him up whenever I am feeling bored or in want of a deeper conversation…”

“That doesn’t get boring? Even in your life stage?” Dina asked couriously.

“Why would it?” Nina asked defensivily. “They are both fun, easy on the eyes, and the sex is good.”

“Well surely you want something more, at times at least?” Nina snorted.

“What more is there? Life is too short to chase after imagined things… ” She didn’t want to say it. She didn’t want to offend her recently married, love-sick sister… Yet she couldn’t help it. “You would sooner see a unicorn then find ‘true love’.” When her sister said nothing Nina just went on. “You just married for the second time. Your first marriage fell apart because you slept with someone else. Please don’t tell me you believe in ‘the one’…” Her sister just looked away and when she turned back there was something in her eyes, something Nina didn’t see there ever before, a kind of sorrow and vulnerability so disconnected from how she perceived her older sister.

“I am not sure what I believe in. ” She said quietly. “Feeling are tricky I guess… And as we grow old our memories play tricks on us… ” She sighed looking out in the distance again. Once she turned back her face had resumed its usual coldness.

“Enough on that, there is something I wanted to ask you. How is money? If you are having any troubles surely you know you can always ask for a loan…”

“A loan? Where is that coming from?” Nina asked surprised.

“I hear rumors that you are in debt… You are working on something with the school and I also saw your nudes in a magazine….” At this Nina actually laughed.

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“Come on sister, you actually believe in rumors in this city? I am working with the school, I am helping the Simlish teacher with a musical, she wrote a story adaptation and I am helping with the music, it is called giving back to the community… As for the nudes anyone could get a hold of those, they don’t even have to try very hard. Once I stop stripping it would mean my body had gone too saggy, now that would be a disaster.”

“Well I needed to check.” Dina replied in defense. “What kind of a sister would I be if I didn’t?”

“Not a fine older sister I suppose.” Nina said gladly accenting the ‘older’. “The royalty check still keep coming, I did spend a lot on Latricia’s new house but  I’ll have it covered in less than a year.”

“Fine then, I guess you wouldn’t mind taking the check?” Dina said pushing it towards her sister. Their eyes met and they both smiled.

 

 

 

Round 6 – Bonus chapter: Fresh blood

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(Previous post: Raid and recovery)

When Sara was finally back to work in full force after the shooting she also received a promotion. It didn’t really come as a surprise, the Sunset Valley Police Department was more understaffed than ever, her mentor Jesse had been killed and both his niece, lieutenant Gradle and Sara’s fiancé’s mum, Alyssa Prentiss had retired. And so now she was lieutenant Caliente.

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It was exciting to think that once, not so long ago, she was just a desk jockey down in the forensics department and now she was up here, in her own office… A strong knock on the door interrupted her running thoughts.

“Come in.” She said trying to sound authoritative and commanding. She even straightened a bit in her, not so comfortable desk chair. The door of her very own office opened and a familiar face and strong frame of the chief of the station’s forensics department, the country’s leading forensics specialist, Frédéric Jr. Hoves appeared-

Sara stood up quickly out of respect for the older man and remained standing until he sat himself in a chair opposite her desk. He didn’t waste any time looking around but focused his light green eyes on her before speaking.

“Morning lieutenant. Are you busy?” He asked. It felt odd hearing him use the title and Sara shifted nervously in her seat.

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“Not particularly.” Sara said honestly. Sunset Valley was void of crime in the most part, there was an occasional burglary,like the recent one in Phoibe Santoro’s house. It wasn’t the first time she was targeted, it probably had to do with her living alone in a big house all in glass, giving everyone a good look of her lavish belongings. At least now she had enough good sense to get an alarm like everyone else in town and the perpetrator was successfully apprehended.

Of course there were always speculations of a crime organization existing and operating out of their small town but weather those speculations were true or not remained to be proved, and after recent event there weren’t much people at the stations disposal to launch any official investigation into such matters.

“There are two new employees coming in on Monday.” Mr Hoves said leaning closer over Sara’s desk.

“Locals?” She asked and the man nodded.

” Fresh from the academy.” He added. “Both are very young, the girl graduated from college, she studied psychology I think. Vanessa Mayor.” He read from a piece of paper that he procured from his pocket. “The boy is a college dropout but he had graduated the academy the top of his class. Everyone there agrees he has what it takes. He is also the son of our State Representative, Mikhail Kerry’s his name. I’ll email you their files I just wanted you to know they’ll both be placed here, in your department.” Sara nodded. She did need new manpower and she had to hope those kids would fit in quickly because their new job was dangerous and unforgiving she thought remembering a flash of pain as a bullet struck her leg.

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“And how are you?” Sara felt awkward under a warm but observant gaze of the man in front of her. He reminded her so much of his uncle, Sara’s mentor who died the same day she got shot. She touched her leg absently.

“I am fine.” She said and smiled. “Keeping myself busy.”

“Good, I am glad to hear it. It is never easy loosing a partner, especially the way it happened to you… ” Sara’s smile disappeared as he remembered that forsaken warehouse.  Not a day went by that she didn’t think about it… “Well anyway, I have to go back to work, I won’t forget those files…” He added quickly probably noticing the change in her face. Sara nodded before walking him out.Lieutenant Caliente…. It still sounded so odd.

/* This short little chapter happens between Caliente (Dina) and Caliente-Frail story lines from last round. So when Mikha’il appears in Trying to get back to normal he is already a police employee, as Shannon Simsfan correctly guessed. 🙂 I planned to do this as a flashback next round but I think it will fit better here. Thanks for reading. 🙂 */

 

 

Rosie’s Emails – 3

Dear Donnie,

Sooooo my new job… Not so hot I must admit. I made my own webpScreenshot_31age Rosie’s investigations (feel free to check it out) and the offers started coming in. I bought a trench coat and a hat, trying to get into it for real you know but most of the offers I get are well… Questionably legal to put it mildly (don’t tell on me to officer Sara :P), I mostly gather intel that is used to blackmail people, which means a lot of online stalking, rummaging trough trashcans and intercepting people’s mail. Not cool.

But every once in a while a good one comes my way, my last case I helped a small time local politician, Jeffrey Cook (you probably never heard of him) discover a local business woman is into some criminal activities, I hope this would be put to good use and I believe it will, I do like this Jeffrey Cook, I’ll be voting for him that’s for sure!

That’s about it from the glorious life or Rosie Calinte, PI! Stay tuned 😛

Love

Rosie Caliente, Private investigator

http://www.rosiesinvestigations.sims


 

Dear sis!

Glad you listened to Lil’ Bling but we aren’t close anymore, life here moves fast, people don’t stay close, it’s kinda sad but it is how it is…

How is everything little one? When are you getting up here? You know city life is more then big boring buildings 😛 I have even learned fishing here, true, you don’t really catch edible fish in this murky water but it’s fun! Sara would love that I’m a fisherman now 😛 (fisher woman ???). I work hard at the gym, my weight is still going up and down, you are so lucky to have mum’s skinny build! I have even taken up jogging. I love my little midnight runs. This city is so pretty at night!

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People have noticed me running and gave me some deodorant to endorse, crazy huh? That’s being famous in Bridgeport, well semi-famous as a daughter of a renowned music composer but it’s something. A girl actually took my picture on the street the other day! I don’t really mind the exposure if it makes my business grow. Pass my love on to mum and Bran.

Love

Rosie Caliente, Private investigator

http://www.rosiesinvestigations.sims

/*That’s it for Rosie this round, I hope you enjoyed her stories and let me know if you want to see more of her adventures in Bridgeport, also if you want me to keep this format or switch to regular story mode. */

Caliente – Round 6.3: Back to school

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(Previous post: Where it went wrong, Characters page: People of Sunset Valley)

When it was time to go back to school Bran had mixed feeling about the whole ordeal. In one hand he was glad he would see get to see Nan every day again. He was hoping that would force them to talk again and talking might help repair things between them. In the other hand he dreaded seeing everyone else again. He still remembered the bad rep his best friend Kerry got after he was seen flirting with a girl that wasn’t his girlfriend at his party. And what Bran did at the dance was much, much worse…

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