Eliza: Empty Nest

Eliza believed she would have zero rejects. She spent her life achieving her goals. As a star athlete for the San Myshuno Warriors, Eliza had surpassed what she thought possible. Her aunt and mother succeeded as computer programmers. The ease of their ability failed to rub off on Eliza. She enjoyed the daily challenges, working out her mind rather than her body. Every morning she would awaken to a glorious red mane of the person she loved. It never crossed her mind Eliza was missing out on anything life had to offer. Scarlett had her dream of opening a restaurant in Sulani. They stayed for their honeymoon, a surprise Eliza relished. She agreed it seemed appropriate to investigate the retail on offer. Even with Eliza on board, adding her savings to the mix, the financial goal was a few years away. A heart-breaking realisation put a temporary dampener on their celebration.

So why the nagging feeling there was something more she needed?

The notion began as Milly packed her things, the growing emptiness of a space they once shared. She could no longer do her yoga and see Milly painting in the adjacent room. They had been together since Vicky died. Eliza took on the role of the surrogate mother, caring for Milly through her teens. Although, without the necessary parental discipline, they were more akin to sisters. Now Milly was living in Oasis Springs. It seemed so far removed from the family.

At the wedding, the feeling grew as it was her first time meeting the twins, James and Selena. She loved cuddling the infants. Eliza could play the naughty aunt and give them white chocolate frosting. Their eyes lit up at the sweet texture. She rested Selena over her chest, so she could look out across the sea as she relieved the built-up gas. Eliza bounced Selena, rubbing her back as she watched Scarlett. They lavished James with kisses that made her wonder. What if? The thought crossed her mind over the years. It was there in the back but never committed to. Patrick had Daciana and Luliana. They were not his biological children. But there was nothing anyone could offer to make him choose another life. Eliza wondered if this was the regret. Had she ignored calls from her body and mind? A yearning for someone precious? A child of her own.

Eliza tried to imagine herself with a baby, the life she, Scarlett, and them would have. Being over forty, she knew her age was against her. Besides, who would be the father? Would Scarlett donate their eggs? Would Patrick step in as Rylan did for Ziva and Vicky? The questions mounted a stressful attack.

She decided to face the question head-on. Eliza knew a biological child would be a long shot. Vicky and Ziva felt guilty for having Milly late in life. It influenced her decision further to consider adoption. A child would be a perfect fit. Old enough to connect with Dacina and Luliana and young enough to want to play with the infants. Placing dinner on the table, she waited for Scarlett to arrive home.

Scarlett loved the idea of a baby brother or sister for Dakota. They loved having a cat in the apartment. With Milly and Hunter gone, Dakota perhaps felt alone. The excitement evaporated from Scarlett as they realised the mistake. With a tight smile, they understood. They held her hand, drawing circles on the palm. Parents feel a sense of loss when a child leaves to make their lives elsewhere. What Eliza was feeling was natural. It would be easy with time, and they would settle into married life. She would soon feel relief, knowing Milly was safe and well, adjusting to her life as a mother. Of course, adopting a couple of cats might help fill the void.

Eliza and Scarlett https://www.patreon.com/posts/65304632

Milly: Inexperienced Mother

TW: Milly’s story contains Coercive Behaviour.

During the wedding festivities, Hunter remained beside Milly. She looked drained. Her usual bronze complexion seemed ashen. Jade eyes were dull, and the bags beneath accelerated her age. She yawned through the evening, separated from her babies for a dance or two. James wriggled, desperate for cuddles, then changed, eager to escape the captive arms. Neither infant could walk or crawl, but this did not stop James. Selena was happy no matter the situation. She fell asleep cradled by Patrick, her chubby fingers; nestled in his beard.

Milly remained on maternity leave despite Hunter asking her to quit. He continued working, picking up extra shifts to cover the bills and creating a nest egg for the children. Milly needed to pull her weight around the house. Hunter deserved a warm delicious meal when he came home. The house should be in a reasonable condition, as should she.

Sleep eluded her making the mundane chores hard and relentless. Selena would sleep through the night if James allowed her. He hated his crib, growing restless. Milly found herself in the rocking chair, her back aching, woken by James screaming. Hunter scrutinized the care, the inability to comfort James and soothe his tears. Her clothes would carry an air of sick and nappy cream. A killer combination in the bedroom. Hunter refused to take advantage of the quiet and made her shower. In the time, Hunter would fall asleep or the twins would need attention. Either way, Hunter would offer silent discomfort at the breakfast table. A cold feeling on Milly’s cheek as he kisses her goodbye. 

Exhausted, Milly kept pushing herself to do better. She wanted Hunter to praise her for being a good mother. The children struggled to latch onto her breast, forcing her to pump the milk. Her nipples were raw, and her breasts were large, tender, and intrusive. There was no one to talk to. Hunter crossed his arms, his foot tapped. It irritated Milly, her desperation to show she could give her children the best start in life. He threw up his hands in exasperated, snatching James, and headed to the kitchen. When she did succeed, Hunter was not there to bear witness. Milly had sat on the chair, Selena resting in her arms, her breasts waiting for the moment. She encouraged Selena, humming a nursery rhyme and rocking. It happened, a calm presence, and Selena took her first suckle. It was a short, sweet and momentous occasion. Milly craved the little wins that told her she was doing ok.

Hunter had other thoughts, blaming her youth, a lack of parental care and inexperience. A bitter aftertaste underpinned her growth as a mother. Precious memories are corrupted with nonchalant, monotone responses. Hunter frowned, scowled and ground his teeth. All reminded Milly she needed to do more, to be better. A wife and mother kept the home and raised the children. Her role was to please her man, to present him with a loving family at the end of a hard day.

She wanted her family around her. To talk with Patrick and how he coped with the girls. She missed the city, hanging out with Eliza and Scarlett. The newlyweds would have enjoyed spending time with the twins. As for Hunter, he loved the nurturing playtime with his children. He favoured James over his sister. He doted on his son, tickling him, blowing raspberries on his stomach. When the need arose, Hunter changed his diaper. Milly loved her man. Seeing him with James, she doubted her worth. An unsatisfactory mother would never make a wife for Hunter. Milly held hope he would see past her flaws.

Hunter and James https://www.patreon.com/posts/putting-you-to-81066164?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

Milly and Selena https://www.patreon.com/posts/80855264

If you or anyone you know if affected by Milly’s story please reach out, there are people who can help. https://refuge.org.uk/?gad=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw-IWkBhBTEiwA2exyO38-2CQjA5YkjevmPmRSG0caL-ykT-HyiEetTBcp36w1bWZDrx4lNxoCqEMQAvD_BwE

Eliza: Beautiful Expectations

Beneath the rumble of a volcano, Eliza boarded the outrigger canoe. The palm trees were static, frozen in place and time. The crystal clear waters allow her to witness an array of colourful fish. Their scales shimmered in the sun, and gentle movements with the tide were hypnotic. Sulani was a collective of two large islands surrounded by several smaller ones. A few contained wooden homes with jetties leading them into the water. When Scarlett lived here as a child, the private island had no access to power. Eliza shuddered at the thought, isolated from the world with her computer. Scarlett found her reliance on technology amusing. They confiscated her phone during their Tartosa trip sealing it in the villa safe.

Despite the lack of breeze, her hair was held in place by an unusual amount of spray and gel. Around her neck, teardrop diamonds pointed down the v-neckline of her dress. The winter sun allowed for a full-length, silver chiffon gown with white lace detail. Eliza wished they had time to explore; getting time away for Scarlett at least was a challenge. The restaurant had lost its head chef, so the kitchen relied on Scarlett to bridge the gap. They would not have minded if the position came with consideration. The owners expected Scarlett to perform without recognition or offering them the position.

The canoe landed a few feet from the venue. As Eliza disembarked, she could hear the pianist, a sweet romantic melody. The dim conversation of their small gathering amongst the empty seat. An attendant signalled her arrival, marking the change in music. Along sand and petals, Eliza would take the walk of a lifetime. Stilted platforms served as the party areas on either side of the ceremony area. To her left, the pianist, their grand piano emphasising the importance. On the right, a buffet and dance area. Scarlett invited Azure; he looked handsome but uncomfortable in his blue suit. The remaining guests were family. Patrick, Leticia, their girls, Milly and Hunter, with the infant twins.

Two giant palm leaves crossed to form an arch in the gentle shallows. Scarlett stood in a simple white jumpsuit. Their hair spun into a messy bun, and their bare feet sank into the wet sand. Beautiful. Eliza held her breath, telling herself not to cry. How could she be this lucky? She stroked the fabric of her dress. The loving gaze from her future spouse made the vulnerability real. Naked, exposed and excited by vows and that ceremonial first kiss. Eliza steadied her breathing, taking Scarlett by the hand. For the first time since childhood, they were home and complete.

Wedding poses https://www.patreon.com/posts/i-do-wedding-szn-68070605

Charlotte: Enervated

There were cracks. The house fractured and creaked under the strain of their growing family. A bed should offer comfort with a thick quilt embroidered with silk. Satin sheets are pulled tight and scented with lavender to encourage sleep. The mattress would mould itself to the body and refuse to share the movement of another person’s restlessness beside. Charlotte lay there for days. The sensations against her body were those of concrete. Salt crystallised on her cheeks, her eyes too sore for tears, remained frozen. Thoughts were fleeting, abandoned in each interruption. Cornelius needed support with his science project; the twins demanded attention, food or a bath, and Damien needed her. Wasted plasma packs and unanswered calls filled her bedside table.

Caleb threatened to open the curtains, see if she would lay there, and let the house burn with her body. Her vacant expression hurt him worse than the confession. Charlotte loved nothing, him, their children, the life before, and her life since. An empty void existed within her. Caleb never forced her to become a vampire, to reject the world of the living and embrace the darkness. She controlled the destiny, the willingness to give herself to him. Except she hadn’t. Caleb seemed to have forgotten. Charlotte chose to be with him. How Charlotte transformed came from his overwhelming desire. Uncontrolled and insatiable.

Charlotte adapted to the lifestyle easier than he had. She came to know her power over humans and to control her hunger. The Ministry preyed on this placing her in a human environment to gather intel. When the twins were born, Caleb suggested that Charlotte resign and take time for herself. His concerns for her mental well-being were growing, and he thought it for the best. He changed his mind. The woman she became with each child was void of life. Ironic for a vampire whose existence is death. He was desperate to get her out of the house, hoping the missions would give her a focus. As she lay, Charlotte had neither the energy nor the motivation.

Caleb secured the deeds to a mansion close to Vlad. It was a dark stone building in desperate need of modernisation. There were ample rooms for their brood, space to hone their skill and a dungeon with a blood-red pool. He hoped the change of environment would pull Charlotte from her internal darkness. He needed her. Caleb wanted his wife back. The naive girl he met in the city blossomed into a powerful being. Her prowess in hunting deepened his desire. For years he ignored the signs. He wrestled with the fear Charlotte had outgrown him.

Autumn kicked Caleb’s shin bringing his thoughts back to the chaos. There were rooms filled with unwashed dishes and laundry. A bizarre normalisation of his once supernatural existence. Aurora, who often sang to Damien, had disappeared. He squirmed on his mat, fascinated by the space around him. From the bedroom at the end of the hall, Aurora screamed. Gifted with speed, Caleb arrived to see Aurora hitting Charlotte. She screamed again, demanding Charlottes wake up. Aurora had suffered terrible dreams of a doll house on fire. She needed her mommy to comfort her. Charlotte had not moved, her eyes closed, and fresh tears appeared. Caleb held Aurora; the toddler reached for Charlotte, her lower lip quivering. He hoped time and space would give Charlotte a chance to heal. The problem was he struggled to attend to their four children. They needed a mother, good or indifferent. Charlotte was the one person who could be that for them.

Charlotte pose https://www.thesimsresource.com/downloads/details/category/sims4-mods/title/goodnight-animation-pack/id/1391230/

Charlotte: Fracturing

Winterfest cried upon its eve. A fine layer of white blonde hair adorned the blue-eyed boy. Charlotte felt the cold as the baby was born. His heartbeat had been the first she felt at peace listening to. The blood it pumped through their bodies gave her strength and warmth. The infant wriggled in the crib, yearning for comfort, but she watched, unable to touch him. Damien. It was the name she dreamed of the nights before his birth. There was something different about him, not unique or prophecy special. Damien connected to her inside the womb. She had not rejected him from the start like her others. Charlotte feared losing what she experienced in their time together. It would be a fake memory, a lie to tell herself each dawn. She would learn to forget ever loving the boy inside. Believing he had shared his emotions as he shared his heart.

The disconnect expanded to her human family. An agreement made with Patrick to stay out of the twin’s life hit her hard. He held her accountable for Daciana’s health. He had been dishonest regarding the numerous hospital trips and tests. Patrick claimed it was none of her concern. He refused permission to allow the Vampire elders to consult, even for peace of mind. Caleb thought it would have assured Patrick it was nothing more than human aliment. Documents showed they were Patrick’s daughters and he needed them not. Charlotte and Caleb surrendered their right to care. It was not those words per se. Patrick accused her of pretending, a weird guilt for walking out on them to spawn vampires. As children, they had bickered, but she had never seen Patrick so angry. Vampires had created children with humans for centuries. Caleb had never heard of one becoming sick. That was another thing. Bitterness dripped from Patrick as he called them undead. Vampires were a work of fiction. A bedtime story Charlotte used to tell him. Caleb accepted Patrick wanting to shun them, which was for the best. How could it be? Charlotte could not shake the bad feeling in the pit of her stomach.

She perched on Aurora’s bed, moving a stray hair from the infant’s face. Her chilled hand smoothed the warm pink cheek and pulled the covers beneath the chin. Charlotte wanted to love her children. To feel excited by the little achievements they gained each day. She looked over at Caleb, who spent hours watching his children sleep. Charlotte would need to bring his plasma packs so he would not forget to drink. There were stories of vampire parents drinking from their young. Although most were human, fear deterred vampires. Prevent them from remaining too long in the human world.

There would be no more children. Charlotte searched Caleb’s face for panic, fear or alarm, but he remained neutral. She knew he wanted a large brood. The four children had come in a short space of time. From what she understood, this series of pregnancies was unusual. It had raised red flags with the elders. Caleb stroked her face. In her distant speech, she had not noticed the approach. Caleb needed to accept she would never be a good mother. Charlotte cut him off amid his objections. She struggled to feed Damien, and Cornelius preferred to spend time with his father. As for the twins, they were a reminder she abandoned her humanity. All children, human and vampire, deserved a mother who loved them. Charlotte was no longer interested in being what they needed. She broke free of his grasp, sickened by herself and his love for her.

If you are affected by Charlotte’s story, you can reach out for help using any of the links associated with her story so far. https://maternalmentalhealthalliance.org/resources/mums-and-families/

Daciana: Break Point

Patrick would give anything to swap places with Daciana. The pain in her body and the waves of fever were a lot for a child to cope with. He made the situation worse after Daciana overheard his harsh words with Charlotte. It was a conversation unmeant for young ears. Patrick believed Daciana’s condition was punishment for his sister mating with the undead. The existence of all their children disrupted the natural order of life. Caleb intervened, but the final note they took was to remain a part. Daciana wondered what Patrick meant by the undead. Were they not all alive?

The few years her parents tried to bond with her and Luliana were nothing. They were happy to wash their hand of the mistake. She read the situation, believing Patrick was an unwilling father figure. Charlotte had vanished, and Patrick had to step into a role. Daciana knew Patrick cared. He loved her and Luliana. At least, it is what she needed to believe as Charlotte and Caleb hurried out of their lives.

The sensation began as a churning, a familiar sensation and often followed by the urge to vomit. A rapid heartbeat accompanied the pounding in her head. Her tightened chest forced out a scream. Her feet stomped, fists clenched at her side thrashed against her legs. When enraged, knowledge gets ripped apart, questioned, and truths altered to fit. Daciana was a burden to those around her. Unwanted by her parents. A body damaged by an unknown entity seeking to punish the one who gave birth to her. Patrick lumbered with her and Luliana, sacrificed everything. Daciana no longer wondered if he resented it, she knew he did. How could Patrick want her? He had planned to travel. Life for everyone would improve if she never existed.

Patrick reached for her, arms stretched, begging her to stop. Daciana backed herself against the wall, screaming with each step he took. He could tell her anything he wanted; Daciana knew the truth. Whatever she was, nobody could love her. She glared over at her sister, resenting her healthy appearance and appetite. Luliana loved her life here; she wanted to believe the lies. She lived in a fantasy world where things were roses and peaches. It will come as a crushing blow when she realises nothing in this world is the way it should be.

Leticia was next on Daciana’s verbal hit list. Motherhood thrust upon her, Daciana needed no such pretence. Daciana had too many adults thinking they knew what was best for her. Sure, when Leticia marries Patrick, she will be family by marriage, and then what? What happens when they have children? She and Luliana would become underpaid babysitters. Parents will shun them once again in favour of someone else.

Her legs trembled as she fought to stay upright by pressing her back against the wall. The breathing grew erratic, a desperate need for oxygen. Her head spun, and her vision blurred. Patrick wrapped his arms around her, breaking the fall. She lay limp in his arms. Leticia placed a hand on Luliana, who paused before accepting the hug. Patrick sobbed, kissing Daciana’s head. She was his little girl, and nothing said in anger would change this.

Daciana solo pose https://www.patreon.com/posts/70729664?pr=true

Parent/Child poses https://joannebernice.tumblr.com/post/157355089214/i-need-my-mummy-pose-pack/amp

Luliana: Picky

The focus on Daciana, her declining health, took valuable attention away from Luliana. She wanted to spend time with her parents, the four of them together. Instead, Patrick took Daciana to the hospital for tests, without results. Luliana kept Leticia company, fussing over the details and the best part, what they would wear. Luliana would whirl and dance in each one she tried. She would walk down the aisle, scattering petals, leading the way for Leticia to marry Patrick. The few time Daciana joined them, she was too ill for the energy Luliana projected. She would sit, smiling, offering weak applause for the performance.

A few hours at school exhausted Daciana, her eyes growing more sensitive to the light. Her diet consisted of high-calorie smoothies. All washed down with anti-sickness pills. She would cry in pain, angry no one could help her. The worse symptoms would come in waves. Fever, coughing, sore throat, sweating and a rapid heart rate. The doctors had written her off as an attention seeker. years before were falling over themselves to help. Luliana hoped she would have a good day when their parents wed. She kept imagining the photos of them in the beautiful dresses. Luliana kept sneaking into the closet to try them on.

Luliana wanted to help, aside from cuddling Daciana when she cried at night. The school understood Daciana was ill. They believed school projects and extra homework would stop her from falling behind. It was not much fun when holding a pen caused her arm muscles to cramp. Luliana imitated her writing, asking questions, tapping her pen, and awaiting the answer. She sniggered as Daciana struggled to perform sums in her head. Projects were easier. Luliana would rush them. Leticia disapproved, but neither wanted to make things worse for the girls. They resigned themselves to helping Luliana complete the projects.

The good aspects of Luliana needed balancing as she picked at food. Luliana described herself as having a refined palette. Gone was the bland food Patrick had made for Daciana. He focused on being experimental and expanding his culinary skills. Luliana pushed the seasoned chicken around the plate, screwing up her nose at the sauce. It smelled funny. Luliana wondered if the cream was off. Patrick rolled his eyes as she asked what dessert he had prepared. There was no sweet treat for a child who refused to eat their main meal. Luliana sat, arms folded and bottom lip pushed out. Leticia teased, hoping Luliana did not trip over the lip.

Tucked up in bed, Luliana felt her stomach grumble. Their room opened out to the family area and Kitchen. She knew which floorboards would creak as she slipped past the open arch. Through it, she could see Patrick, his arm around Leticia, lips pressed to her. Luliana smiled, taking advantage she slipped to the fridge. The heavy door rattled as she pulled. Clinking bottles brought Patrick’s attention. Luliana closed it, ducking behind the counter. He loomed over her as she peered around the side of the island toward the fridge. Shaking his head, Patrick pointed to the table. Luliana watched as Patrick retrieved a ham sandwich from the top shelf. She peeled back the top slice checking the contents. A tentative mouse-sized bite became a desperate devouring. The delicious thick white bloomer bread, its fine layer of unsalted butter, hugged the ham. She leaned against the cushioned seat. A sleepy haze washed over her, and her stomach gave one final gurgle of joy.

Luliana poses https://www.patreon.com/posts/70729664?pr=true

Reflected Daciana and Leticia pose https://joannebernice.tumblr.com/post/157355089214/i-need-my-mummy-pose-pack/amp

Milly: The Greener Shade

TW: Milly’s story contains Coercive Behaviour.

Hunter insisted Milly quit her job after discovering she was carrying twins. He expressed concerns she would struggle to manage her condition. The chemicals used in art were too potent, in his opinion. Milly preferred the focus as painting was her passion. Things in her career were slow but hopeful. Milly would remain patient as she knew art appreciation took time. Her mother, Vicky, found painting a way to express her feelings. She created beautiful pieces for their home. Milly intended to do the same. Hunter refused to listen as she needed to prioritise their children. Other changes felt beyond Milly’s control. The money Eliza held in trust for her would be the payment required to buy the house in Oasis Springs. Hunter discovered this large two-bedroom with a pool. There was ample space to extend the house upstairs. The open-plan living area was perfect, allowing the children to play and be together as a family. Large windows brought light into the house. The surroundings gave them privacy, trees, and a covered porch. Hunter found the home of their dreams.

Work offered Milly an escape from Hunter’s good intentions. He brought nutritional lunches and healthier alternatives to the chocolate she craved. Milly felt relieved her work colleagues took pity on her. Symptoms were extreme; the weight of two babies pulled her back. They played football with her kidneys and used her bladder as a trampoline. If her stomach grew another inch, Milly wondered if she would explode. The sensitivity of her body meant living with a chef was unbearable. What tastes and smells repulsed her one day were mouth-watering the next.

Relief was temporary when the deeds for the house came through. The four of them living together made cosy appear uncomfortable. Hunter’s presence ended the cousin’s alone time. Hunter knew when Eliza and Milly planned a spa day or sneaked to the café for hot chocolates. He grumbled about taking time out of sorting their future to focus on her and their babies needs. Milly felt guilty for wanting to tell him no, but in equal measure, she needed to spend time with Eliza. Hunter would pout. In the evenings, sometimes for days, he would ignore her. A lack of sympathy for the effects pregnancy took on her body. Eliza would be on the receiving end of his temper or snide comments. Hunter asserted Milly was the mother of his children, and he knew how best to care for them.

Her final months were alone in the new house. It appeared Oasis Springs had not heard it was winter. The region’s warmer temperature made the increased weight unbearable. She would love to sit on the patio and dip her feet in the water, but Hunter deemed it too dangerous. The kitchen was lower than the main living area with a tiled floor. Here she could sit with tall glasses of water, fanning herself.

When Milly imagined the birth, it had not been so alone. Hunter abandoned her with the doctors. Her waters broke during dinner, a meal cold on the kitchen table. Reassurances that he would return to her side evaporated as the urge to push took over. She felt a red-hot poker sear through her body. The ante-natal classes were a waste of time, as Milly forgot to breathe. She stiffened, voice strained, grabbing the nurse’s hand. Silence fell as the first baby arrived in the world. Milly heard her heartbeat pounding. The doctor, midwife and attendant, their movements slowed, paused in a precious moment. With a cry, the world rushed back in. Milly reached for the child, but another was on the way, and there was no time to process.

Milly’s hair was stuck down with sweat. She begged for the newborn twins as Hunter arrived. He intervened, taking the first hold of his son, James. Milly let tears flow, desperate to hold both her children. The nurse felt uncomfortable as she gave Selena, the younger twin, to the sobbing mother. His smile changed, lips parted, thin and narrow, bearing teeth. The nose crinkled. Eyes darkened under a heavy brow. Milly had disgraced herself. It angered him she would want to deny him the chance to hold his son. James cried in his arms, an objection to his sister’s separation. Hunter surrendered the child to Milly. Hunter’s harsh words forever tainted her memories.

Eliza and Milly https://www.patreon.com/posts/tv-makeup-55999427

Milly and Medical Personnel https://conceptdesign97sims.tumblr.com/post/148405216038/ts4delivery-pose-set-1-2-trio-pose-1-pose

If you or anyone you know is affected by the issues raised in Milly’s Story help is available.

(UK) https://www.womensaid.org.uk/information-support/

Eliza: The Proposal

Eliza breathed the salty air filling her lungs, and for a moment, she believed herself deaf. Gone were the traffic and revving engines. Horns blaring, loud and intruding on thoughts. Voices from the street and apartments were a distant memory. She could feel the years of city life weighing her down, affecting her posture. Her neck held stiff, her shoulder muscles were tight. There were deep knots the team’s massage therapist failed to soothe. Eliza opened her eyes to the endless diamond sky kissing the rippling waters. Cicadas chirped, their song accompanied by the gentle lapping of the southern sea. Tartosa offered warmth and comfort to weary city travellers in winter. Snow fell in the city; large flakes threatened to end the weekend escape. Eliza leaned back, wondering if pirates frequented these shores. Where treasures, hidden on the beaches below awaited discovery.

Scarlett approached, their elegant frame feminine and beautiful. Eliza wondered if Scarlett would ever wear a dress. She found herself jealous of their curves. By contrast, Eliza was straight, a firm pencil with two bumps for breasts. Her figure was perfect for sprinting, tackling and manoeuvring on the field. There were no complaints from Scarlett. She leaned back on the table, the salty air mixed with the scent of Scarlett. A mix of mandarin, bergamot and vanilla, there was a reason they call this fragrance ‘obsession’. Eliza’s head filled with a dreamy haze. The logical thoughts of exposure to the world, lost as Scarlett’s tongue swept across hers. Their fingers chilled the skin beneath Eliza’s top. Her back pressed against the cold wood table. Both surrender to this kiss and the wonders night brings.

Tartosa invoked the romance in Scarlett. They were awkward with public affection; holding hands in the city was a rarity. Eliza loved them regardless. She put aside her desire to embrace Scarlett whenever they were out. Scarlett laced their fingers with Eliza’s, making a beeline for the cake shop. It was true anything sweet was a way to Eliza’s heart. Years of training gave her ample opportunity to indulge in her favourite delights. They selected a variety of cakes, savouring each one. The flavours popped, and the buttery icing melted in their mouths. The sponge was delicate, light and fluffy. A cloud carrying an explosion. A tall cake with a Toffee sponge and drizzled with a sweet sticky sauce. Three layers of a vanilla sponge filled with raspberries and white chocolate cream. A final indulgence of Orange and Poppyseed. A cream cheese frosting completed this decadence. The second slice, Eliza needed to resist the temptation of asking for the recipe. Instead, she hoped they could return for another before going home.

Scarlett seemed quieter, freeing their hand as their feet touched the sand. They were born in Sulani, a true Island Native who fled to the city to discover their true passion. When questioned about their life before San Myshuno, Scarlett answered in brief. They remained guard over their past. Scarlett trusted Eliza. It was enough to share how their parents died in a volcanic explosion. Details were sparse, along with their life after. Scarlett believed in looking ahead. They planned to live in Sulani and open a restaurant named Serenity after their mother.

Eliza knew she needed a flexible career, a role which allowed her to work anywhere in the world. She had relied upon her wits as a teen, taking her first job in manual labour. Tryouts gave her a dream career in sports. Scarlett needed to be a part of any decision she made going forward. Although Sulani seemed a world away from her family, Eliza knew Scarlett was the future. Both her mother and Aunt Ziva made a career in computer programming. Eliza invested in private classes at the community centre. Her results were impressive. Despite her lack of computer experience, the tutor offered to fast-track her. As a Project Manager, Eliza would take a massive pay cut, a quarter of her current earnings. The role included extensive training, and working from Sulani would be an option.

Eliza slipped off her shoes, dipping her toe to check the chill factor. It was warmer than expected as she let the wave cleanse her feet, ankles and shins. Scarlett wrote in the sand, drawing Eliza’s curiosity, wiping the damp grains on their jeans. Eliza admired the work, a heart containing their initials. At the centre, Scarlett placed a petite diamond ring. Scarlett stood and leaned closer, taking her hand. Wherever life took them, Scarlett hoped they would do so together.

Eliza and Scarlett https://www.patreon.com/posts/78622558

Milly: Jealousy

TW: Milly’s story contains Coercive Behaviour.

The waistline expansion and her new look were the least of her worries. Milly locked the bathroom door running the shower as she peed onto the tiny white stick. A friend at work mentioned the changes in her body. Milly had irregular cycles, so it never occurred to her to check. Besides, Hunter had assured her the ‘pull out’ method worked just fine. She never considered the use of extra precautions. Milly discussed taking a contraceptive pill with her doctor. Eliza encouraged this, going with her to appointments, but Milly tended to forget. Half-taken packets, tossed into her bedside table. Months of ignoring the reminders from her phone. Two minutes is an eternity. The relief at the appearance of one line within the first minute evaporated. As her phone chimed for the second, a faint line crossed. The tears she held back from seeing the dramatic changes to her look flooded her eyes. Hunter spoke of their dreams, buying a house, getting married and raising a family. He agreed to a year, maybe two, and they would have mini-versions of themselves. She splashed cold water on her face, unprepared for motherhood.

She stepped out to laughter. Scarlett relaxed with a coffee, sharing comedic references with Azure. Their neighbour thrived on fitness. He qualified as a personal trainer in his twenties. Ten years later Azure secured the position of trainer for the San Myshuno Warriors. Milly helped herself to sandwiches, joining them at the table. Azure had striking blue eyes which held hers for a few seconds. His lip maintained a soft rising curl in a moment, which Hunter shattered. Azure dropped his head before resuming his conversation with Scarlett.

Hunter, his body tensed, had caught the perceived connection Milly and Azure shared. He stomped, dropping himself into the chair next to Azure, eyes burning into Milly. Inserting himself into the conversation was to draw the attention away from Azure. Milly’s focus changed depending on who spoke. Hunter believed if Milly looked at Azure, her attention and love were being drawn by another. As Scarlett said goodbye to Azure, they could hear a change in tone. Hunter grabbed Milly, leading her to the bedroom. Scarlett felt their chest tighten, making them question if they should intervene.

The words tightened, straining in the throat, with narrowed eyes and lips snarling. Hunter reminded her of a rabid animal salivating at its prey. She betrayed him, making eyes at another man. He demanded to know how long Milly had led them both on. Did she not realise men were creatures of habit? Her curves, breasts, those baby doll green eyes, the effect she had on a man and his desires. Their emotions were not a toy. Hunter held open his hand, demanding her phone. He flung it across the room, dismissing her claims Azure had never texted or called her. The phone lay broken, the cracked fuzzy screen and a dent in the wall where it hit.

Milly felt her heart pounding in her chest, and the blood rushing to her ears made the world sound muffled. Hands trembled, fiddling with her clothes. The bed beneath offered limited comfort as a whispered voice pleaded forgiveness. Hunter was silent. She followed his gaze to the bedside table where the positive stick lay. Time slowed; he picked it up, considering the weight of its promise. Milly felt obliged to reassure him the baby was theirs. Hunter stumbled, taking a seated position beside her, his arms embracing. Hunter kissed her, apologising for his jealous outburst. He understood pregnancy hormones make women do crazy things. They needed to stay strong together. Hunter could protect her from unwanted advances. When Azure or any other man was on the receiving end of her look, he would show the world Milly belonged to him.

Milly and Hunter https://www.patreon.com/posts/78846140

If you are affected by the issues raised in Milly’s story https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/abuse/