Baby 32: Crossing the Line

I know this is selfish, but I wanted to see what the little girls looked like, so I aged them up right away.

Beautiful baby 30, Adrasteia, went first.  She had white glowing vampire eyes and dark brown hair.  Next up was the lovely Callidora, baby 31.  She had her father's purple glowing eyes and strange, long, dark black hair.  It was too bad that they didn't get their father's purple-white hair but at least they both got his cool skin tone.

The triplets were next in line.  Baby 27, Ambrogio.  He kept his hair in the same style as when he was a toddler - messy and long.  Baby 28, Erebus.  He also kept his same hairstyle.  Baby 29, Vladimir.  He also kept his same hairstyle and his eyes were as green as ever.  I loved the way they glowed.

Shortly after the twins' birth, rumors were spread that I had had not one, but two babies out of wedlock.  Truthfully, I didn't really care.  I knew this was going to happen a lot so I just ignored it and hoped that the commotion would die down.  Which, eventually it did especially because some celebrity with a higher status than me had gotten divorced.  Apollo chose not to grow up.  He still wanted time to be a teenager and do all those things that teenagers do.  "Like do the laundry," I joked but it was also a hint that he had to do it.  He rolled his eyes but he still did it anyway.

I taught Adrasteia to walk while Ambrogio taught little Callidora peek-a-boo.

Vladimir enjoyed painting.  This was a first.  Most of my male children preferred not to do a "girl's skill" as they had once called it.  I told Vladimir to do what his heart desired.  He was quite good too.

I had to get started on the baby making.  As I had said while I was pregnant with the girls, I had really wanted to have a child with Simon Simmons, the father of Apollo's girlfriend Ashley.  As if by magic, Simon had said he was planning on leaving his wife.  He called me one day, shortly after the birthdays had come and gone to come over to make baby 32.  We had a lot of fun and succeeded in conceiving baby 32.

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SIMON'S POINT OF VIEW (AKA: FATHER OF BABY 32)

Let's take us back to when Calista was pregnant with babies thirty and thirty-one.  After the day I had met her, I had gotten into some serious fights with my wife, Myra.  Let's face it, Myra was beautiful and I did love her once, but now things were not as they had once been.  We were high school sweethearts and gotten married too soon (almost 20 years ago) and I didn't feel the same way about her.  There was no spark.

Plus, everyday she got crankier and whinier.

We fought about many things from little everyday chores to deep things like our relationship.

"I can tell, ever since that Calista whatever woman came over you have done nothing but think about her.  And even before then, I knew you were drifting away from me!!!" she screamed one morning as I was getting ready for work.  I was quite annoyed with her and was in no mood for her shenanigans.  Want to know the truth?  I didn't love her.

"Sweetheart," I said sternly trying to use terms of endearment to assuage her.  "You know I still love you."

There was no passion in my voice, no lust for her.  In fact, I down right hated her at this point.  She was always picking at every little thing and she never said one nice thing to me.  At least I tried to be sympathetic.

"I would never leave you, stop talking like that," I lied annoyed.

As I looked closely in her once lively violet eyes I could see the deep crevices under her make-up that she was trying to conceal from me.  I knew she was jealous that I looked younger (and possibly better) than her, even though I was a few months older.  She stormed out of the room, probably fighting tears.

A few weeks went by, surprisingly without another big blow-up, until one morning in the kitchen.  She was annoyed by the way I dressed in the morning.  How I didn't wear a regular shirt and just wanted to "show off my muscles."  So not true.  Finally I couldn't stand it anymore.  I got so mad that I just started yelling back at her by picking out her flaws.  Like her snobbishness and her annoying antics.

"You are always yelling at me when I do nothing wrong.  What is with you?"

"I don't want to talk about it.  How dare you lash at me like this!" she whined.  "I'm your wife for Pete's sake!"

Oh, so now she was acting like the victim even though she was clearly the bully.

After throwing more insults back at each other that should not be written down, I decided to do something that I should have and wanted to do a long time ago.  It would have made her life and my life so much easier.

"Let's just called it quits, okay?" I growled, as calmly as I could.

"WHAT???" she said, taken back.  

"You heard me.  For a long time I have put up with your complaining and whining.  I've had ENOUGH.  I don't love you the way I used to, Myra.  I don't feel the same way about you anymore and I can tell you don't either.  So please, let's just stop.  Just leave."

I know this was mean but I was infuriated and sad.  She did it though and I set up an appointment with a lawyer to finalize the break up.

At the same time that our marriage was crumbling, Ashley's relationship with Apollo was blooming.  She trusted him more than anything and he helped her deal with Myra's and my divorce.

It was probably too soon, but right when I had heard that Calista had gone into labor, given birth to two healthy vampire babies, and was now celebrating their birthdays, I invited her over for a nice romantic night.  I had agreed to do the 100 Baby Challenge with her.

Myra had been right, I did love Calista and I had been thinking about her since we last met.  Ashley was with Apollo so she wasn't in the house.

Right as I laid my eyes on Calista for the second time, I felt quite turned on.  She looked great in that dress of hers.  I felt comfortable enough to be around her in my garb.  This time, I really was showing off my muscles.  They were impressive and I think she liked them too.

We chatted for a while and I hinted to her that I was now single and available.  Then I told her I loved her and that she was so beautiful. 

"Simon," she laughed politely.  "You shouldn't be doing this, you've just gotten divorce.  I believe you just think you love me because you're still heartbroken from Myra.  And remember, there is no commitment or anything in the challenge.  After this is over, we'll just see each other as two random strangers."

I shook my head.  I was definitely not heartbroken and her persistent persuasion just made me want her more.  I wasn't that easy to change.  I knew I wanted to spend the rest of the night with her if I couldn't have her for life.

"I really do love you," I whispered again, leaning over so I could get right next to her ear.

I hoped my breath didn't smell too bad, as Myra had always told me.  Who knew if she had been telling the truth.  I heard Calista sigh heavily.

"I know you do," she said, in that sweet, soft voice of hers.  "But you know I can't be with you while I am doing this challenge.  However, I will do whatever you want just for this night.  You know I want you just as much as you want me."

I couldn't understand why she would want an old guy like me.  I was nearly 40!  Maybe she was just saying that to make me feel better but truthfully, I was happier than I had been in a long time.

Before I knew what I was doing, I grabbed her waist and looked straight into those gorgeous blue eyes of hers.  The light shone through them in a way Myra's never did.  Even in her youth.

I realized it then, Calista actually cared about me.  She felt what it was to be human.  Myra never cared about me.  She just wanted money.  She was greedy and selfish.

Calista put her hands on my face as if to kiss me.  I gently and cautiously set my hands on Calista's hips hoping she wouldn't break away.  She didn't do anything so I closed my eyes and started humming so the silent music as I swayed her hips back and forth.  We both looked into each other's eyes and it wasn't uncomfortable at all.  She put her head on my shoulder.  It felt good.

We were close now, I felt her breath across my face.  My lips trembled and she opened hers to say something but then didn't.

Without thinking, I reached out and gave her a quick peck on the lips.  Fortunately, she kissed me back.  She was a great kisser.  Her lips were moist and warm.  She'd had tons of experience.  It was like a game, she'd kiss me, I'd kiss her [I realize that the poem is about the death of a loved one but I kind of think about it as not being able to be with someone because of the circumstances, not because of a death].

I had to have more, I hadn't felt like this in years.  It was a totally new sensation.  I hoped she was getting as much out of this as I was.  My body was tingling and shivering, yearning and calling out for hers as I carefully slipped my hand down her dress and onto the skin on the small of her back as her fingers explored the bands of muscles that rippled beneath my shirt.  I could feel her enjoying it as much as I was. We kissed a lot more. Then we smiled at each other; it was time.  We kept kissing as we made our way up to the bedroom and I kicked the door shut with my foot.

It was great.  Sorry to be so repetitive but, again, I hadn't done anything like this in years.  Afterwards, I grabbed Calista's hand and continued kissing her.  Her ears, her eyes, her nose, her neck, her arms, her legs, her stomach, everything again and again.

"Will you promise to make this a night to remember?" I asked her in between kisses.

After a few moments she finally gasped "Yes!"

I told her to meet me downstairs but what I didn't know was that Myra was there and she claimed to be "picking up some of her stuff."  Of course, I knew she just came to spy and cause trouble.  The scene wasn't pretty.

"I knew it!  She cackled, "I knew you were the reason my husband left me," she accused Calista.

Calista was too surprised or shocked to say anything.

"I'll leave," she stuttered though I knew she wouldn't.

Myra was quite a dramatic person.  She faked fainting on the floor.  It was a bit embarrassing to me how she was acting.  Then again, she had been great in the acting classes at school.

Then I yelled at her to get out! 

"Why didn't you ask to come in here.  I thought you said you'd call?  Please leave right now."

I felt like I was dealing with a two-year-old.  After a huff, she left.

"Don't worry, love," I assured Calista.  "Let's pretend that didn't happen.  Come out to the deck with me.  I want to..." I leaned in.  "...skinny dip!"

She gasped but then she smiled.  I don't know what made me think of that.  I was so mad and angry at Myra for nearly spoiling my evening that something inside of me cracked and made me feel rebellious like a young teenager.

We headed back to the pool.  I turned on some romantic music.

As I turned around to face the pool, Calista had already pulled off her clothes and jumped in.  She was so lovely in the moonlight.

Quickly, I slipped off my shirt and pants in two swift moves and joined her.  We had the best night of my life.  And hopefully hers too.  I'm not going to write down what we did, it's just a bunch of mushy romantic stuff people don't like to hear about and don't need to know.  Soon, she hopped out and slipped on her night gown.  She had to go take care of her kids.

"Bye, I had fun," was all she said.  Then she knelt down and pressed her lips firmly to mine one last time.  I was love struck. 

It was getting early in the morning and I didn't notice Myra lurking behind the fence.  She snuck past my field of view and stole my clothes.

I was so surprised and even more mad than ever.  What a great way to ruin my great evening.  I quickly grabbed a towel and wrapped it around my waist.  I went over to talk to Myra.   I didn't ask for my clothes if that's what you're thinking. 

"What is with you?  I thought our relationship was over?" I asked.

"It's not over Simon, I'm know you still love me, deep down inside of you," she replied.

"Well I don't.  And please, when I'm with someone else I would like a little privacy." I tried to stay as calm as I could.  

It wasn't easy.  I really hoped she hadn't seen us.  Not that I cared.  It was more for Calista's sake than mine.  In fact, I wanted Myra to see how much I loved Calista and how much more loving and caring Calista was than her.  I just didn't want Myra going after Calista for something that I had caused.

"I saw what you did," she cried out.

I cringed, Please, don't blame it on Calista.  She went on.

"Why didn't you ever do that with me?  Was I not good enough for you?  Was there ever anything between us or were those just lies?"

She started unbottoning her shirt as I stood there in horror.  No, no, this can't be happening.

"I did love you!  You were the one who didn't love me.  I tried to be affectionate but you rejected it.  Now it's too late," I warned.  "And please, don't take off your clothes, you know it won't change my mind."

She reached out her hand to me and slapped me.  Hard.

Before I could even think about what to do next, she jumped on me and tackled me.  Immediately, I started fighting back, I didn't want to hurt her but I would if I had to.

I won that fight and she rubbed herself, embarrassed.  I did pretty well for being in a towel.

Then she took one look at my enraged face.  I thought she was coming for more but she surprised me by attempting to kiss me.  She had me in her grasp, her lips on mine, before I could react.  Fortunately, she wasn't very strong and I was able to recoil.  I jerked myself away. 

"What was THAT?!?" I shouted wiping my mouth.  Her lips were soft like Calista's but they didn't feel the same.  It felt as unatural if not uncomfortable like Myra's make-up and dyed hair.

"You still love me, I know you do!" she said, in a sad, childish tone. 

"I already told you, I DON'T LOVE YOU ANYMORE!" I said, slowly and loudly so she could get it through her mind.  What would the neighbors think?  I walked toward the house, put my hand on the door handle, and turned around to face her.

"I don't like this anymore than you do, but I truly have no feelings for you and after what you did today, I don't think I ever will.  Maybe we can be friends, but there is nothing for us now."  I was fighting back tears.  She started getting angry again.

"You are such a selfish, immature, stupid...!!" she started to say but I shut the door before she could finish. 

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CALISTA'S POINT OF VIEW

"Ahhhh!!!" I groaned.  My body was giving me sure signs that I was pregnant.  It made me remember that wonderful and amazing night I had with Simon.  I perked up a little bit with that thought.  He made me feel so good and so happy.  Thinking back on it now makes it seem like a dream.

After taking some medicine, I taught Adrasteia to talk.

While I did that, Callidora maxed out on her xylophone skill.  Her brothers had taught her how to play Mary had a Little Lamb and Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star

Apollo brought Ashley home from school, with permission from Simon of course.  *Sigh* Simon, I thought dreamily. Ashley was sleeping over.  I don't usually like the teens having sleepovers with the opposite sex but Ashley was an exception.  She wasn't like other girls.

She and Apollo slept in late, like most teens.  Later, he was going to bring her to a bar.  I'll let him tell the story. 

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APOLLO'S POINT OF VIEW

I hadn't told Ashley where we were going.  I wanted to surprise her.  She would be so excited.  She chatted about it all the way as I drove.  She was usually shy but not with me.  It made me feel really good that I was someone she was comfortable with.  We passed City Hall where some protesters were protesting against clowns or something.  I spotted grandma there.  She was standing close to that yellow hair man and that green lady.

"Eugi's!" Ashley exclaimed.

I knew she'd like it.  She kissed me on the cheek.  I couldn't help myself and I grabbed her and held her to me.  I kissed her back and we embraced for a while and then broke apart and walked into the bar.  She was really good at that kissing stuff.  I wondered who she had gotten it from.

"Come on Ash, let's play shuffle boarding.  I'll teach ya' how."  I beckoned her over.

"Like this?" she asked gazing up at me.

I nodded.  She was quite good for a beginner.  Most girls didn't like games like these.  She looked like one of those girls but she wasn't.  She was perfect.

She couldn't keep her eyes off of me while she played.

I couldn't either.

My turn.  I won, but not by much.  She was really good.  Even better than I was when I had first learned.

After the game, I pulled her onto the dance floor. 

"Come on!" I begged.

She reluctantly agreed.  We were very good dancers.  I didn't ever care that the paparazzi was taking pictures of us.  I believe his name was Blake Sumner.  He was always trying to talk to my mom. 

After we  had gotten all sweaty from dancing, I spotted a bass and started plucking.  I had no idea how to play but Ash and I had a great laugh out of it.

Ashley was hungry so I ordered her some food and drinks.  The mixologist was one of the fathers of mom's challenge.  That was a bit awkward.  I couldn't help but think that he and my mom have done "you know what."  In fact, she's done "you know what" with a lot of guys, including Ashley's dad.  I try not to think about that too much.

Wow, that Nathaniel guy was really good at his job.  Look at those drinks fly.  It looked like something I really wanted to try someday.

We had to wait a while for our drink.  When it was ready, I brought a glass out to Ashley.

It was a skill gaining juice.  It didn't have any alcohol, which was good. Mom would approve.  It was so tasty that I ordered another type of drink.

It was called party popper.  Mmmm.  Ashley liked this one too.

It was getting late and Ashley's dad wanted her home by 10 so I drove her home.  After a quick embrace, a peck on thel lips, and a "bye," she hopped out of the car and practically leaped into her house.  Her dad thanked me and gave me a wink.  At home, I told mom about my night.  She was reading a book and only said a few "Hmmms" and "Uh-huhs" which was fine with me.

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CALISTA'S POINT OF VIEW

Vladimir was getting to be a great artist.  Sometimes I felt like his paintings were a little advanced for his age but what could I say?  At least he didn't draw nude people.  He was a great artist.  This was one of his finest.  The detail in the dress was phenomenal!  I wondered what his inspiration was. 

"It's you mom!" he squeaked in his high voice.  I was touched.

Ambrogio and Erebus were also making great strides in their development.  Ambrogio caught a big goldfish.   Blake Sumner, from the paparazzi, had snuck his way in and taken a photos of the boys even though I strictly told him not to.

He also interviewed them.  The next week, I saw in the newspaper:

Their eyes glow in the dark.  They have fanged teeth.  What are they?  Who are they?  They are hybrids!  Half-vampire, half human children.  "It's great being a vampire," twelve-year old Erebus Smith said, "I can bite people and drink their blood."  He and all his siblings are the product of a 100 Baby Challenge currently being pursued by the gorgeous Calista Smith.  Her children are quite unique bacause they all have different fathers.  Some people say this is wrong.  Some support it.  Call in today to say your opinion and you may win a free tote! 

Jeez, he really out did himself this time. 

"I didn't even say that!" Erebus said reading over my shoulder.  "They make me sound so bloodthirsty."  Everyone laughed.  We really liked to make fun of the media.

I went to work on upgrading the other stereo upstairs.  Before that, I checked up on the little girls.  They were cooperating quite well.  It was the cutest scene.

"Can I play too, Calli?" Adrasteia asked in the most adorable voice. 

"You can play with me," Callidora said, patting the ground beside her.  It was all too polite.

Adrasteia smiled and sat down and immediately they went into regular toddler mode - chewing the dolls and yelling really loudly.  This is kind of random, but look how long and beautiful their hair is.  It's a miracle it stays combed and smooth.  I was so releived that it was straight and not curly because that would be a nightmare.

I was getting myself ready for the night when I felt the labor pains!

I went into the girl's nursery for a comfortable birth and soon enough baby 32 came out.  I named him Simon Reed after his wonderful father.  I couldn't wait to tell Simon and Ashley  (I probably shouldn't tell Myra) they had a new family member!

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NOTE

I know this is random but would you please tell me what size picture you like because whenever I look on my blog the pictures look too small to me.  Lately, I have been debating on what size works best.  Sometimes I read peoples' blogs and the picture are too big for the words.  On others, the pictures are so small I can't really see them very clearly.  I want my blog to be just right so please tell me if you prefer small, medium, or large (I have been using medium on my previous posts).  If it matters on my computer, at pretty much any zoom level, large looks the best.  But please, choose what looks best to you (and if no one votes, I will automatically choose large).  Thanks so much!

Also, I hope this post was good, I spent a lot of time on it and had a lot of fun creating the story between Myra, Simon, and Calista, as well as developing the relationship between Apollo and Ashley.  Please comment on what you think, I'd love to know!