Chapter 2 Interlude 1 | Rules for this challenge | Chapter 2.12
Generation Two: Brown Appearance: Brown hair, unkempt clothing style Traits: Loves Outdoors, Loner, Child of the Island Aspiration: Beach Life Occupation: Conservationist House Goal: 20,000 worth
(A/N: This post marks my halfway point for posts goal for Simnano, and I'm way past halfway on words!)
The school week was over, the house (and the kids) were clean, and it was promising to be another gorgeous evening in Sulani. Unbeknownst to me, Aleki was making plans. You see, I had forgotten it was Love Day - but he hadn't. In the solitude of his office, he made a quiet call for a nanny for the evening. He then snuck upstairs and got changed.
He then approached me in Maricela's room - where I was playing with her at the dollhouse - and surprised me by asking me on a date. Of course I was immediately concerned about leaving the kids behind with Mari being so little still, but he had timed things perfectly. The doorbell rang and the nanny was here.
I hurried upstairs to get changed while Aleki squared away all the instructions with Ms. Ausage. Obviously, I had to double check that she had all of the details she might need to know, but she seemed to be on top of things. You can't blame me for being over-protective and worried, though - it was the first time Aleki and I had left the kids with a nanny.
I hadn't bothered to ask where we were going, because - quite frankly, my thoughts were still with the kids - so it was a pleasant surprise when we arrived at the local seafood restaurant. He presented me with a rose, and an obviously rehearsed little speech. Maybe even a little over-rehearsed, but it was still sweet. After all this time and all those kids - he still had a romantic side.
Aleki went inside and requested a table, while I said hello to my sister-in-law. Apparently Aleki hadn't been the only one to have thought about Love Day for his sweetest.
We ordered some white wine and the Trout, which sounded delicious, and made small talk while we waited for the food. Most of the chat was about the kids, of course, but I certainly didn't mind. Between the kids and the environment, I'm pretty well easy to please with favorite topics of conversation.
My nephew, Barry (in the pink) was also there, so I waved at him across the room. I didn't notice who he was with, though, because just then our food arrived.
The trout was delicious, and the wine a rare treat, which I heartily enjoyed.
It was fully dark by the time we finished our meal, and even later before we finished our conversation and paid the bill. The night breezes were sweet with the scent of tropical flowers, and the restaurant was still crowded.
We made our way outside near the archway where we'd gotten married, and lit the bonfire. We cuddled by the fire as we watched the embers die out, and just enjoyed the quiet of the evening.
With one last kiss, we admitted it was time to head back home to relieve the sitter, and wrapped up the evening with a boat ride home. It was one of the few times I'd actually used the boat I'd been given as a promotion bonus, so both of us were a little rusty on the sails, but we made it home safely. I hurried inside like a worried mother duck while Aleki agreed to furl the sails and anchor the boat.
Of course everything had been fine, and the kids had seemed to hardly even notice we were gone. Jayce and Kali had finished their homework, Mari had had her bath and gone to bed early. By now, even Jayce and Kali were asleep, and I tiptoed in to give both a kiss before retiring for the night.
Saturday was a lazy day spent at home for everyone, and I had time to go do some more photography dives. Jayce played on the dollhouse, Aleki worked on a commission, and Mari was busy with her blocks.
Kali - of course - was busy drawing more pictures for an already full refrigerator door. She definitely got her love of art from her Dad, and despite wanting to work on her Mental skills, she almost always defaulted to drawing or making crafts on the activity table.
Sunday - my birthday - dawned clear and bright and I took some personal time off work. We packed up a picnic basket and headed for the local beach in Ohan'ali Town, something we should have done more of in the past.
After arriving, almost everyone scattered to do their own thing. The children played on the swings together, Aleki went for a dip in the sea, Mari found a sandcastle to stomp on - and I went to check on the local wildlife. I guess I can take a day off work, but still never forget who I was.
The reef was healthy and vibrant, and a pod of dolphins (not Squirt's pod) were in the area hunting for lunch. The leader took some time out to chat, and allowed me to pet him, although his young ones kept their distance warily.
By the time I got back to the beach, Kali had corralled little Mari into actually building a sand castle, and Jayce was playing with a toy dinosaur he'd brought from home. My stomach reminded me that it was past time for mermaid lunches, too, so I headed to the picnic area and set about grilling the chicken we'd brought.
Meanwhile, Aleki had discovered a treasure trove of seashells around the beaches, and was refilling the basket we'd brought with the bounty. It would turn out to be worth a couple thousand dollars, not including the specimens we kept for our nick knack shelves at home.
Kali ate her lunch quickly, and excused herself to go take a swim. Somehow, despite the fact it was a weekend and a beautiful day, the beach was practically deserted, but I didn't have to worry about Kali's swimming skills. We are mermaids, after all.
Lunch turned out amazing, and I sat around chatting with some locals who were interested in Island Conservation. Or - rather - I got them interested in it.
The sun was setting by the time we packed up to head home, and I was officially an adult. I didn't even mind the fact that I hadn't gotten a cake and candles to blow out, because the day had been perfect just as it was.
The kids were practically asleep before little heads touched pillows, and they slept soundly through the night for a change - even little Mari. There's nothing quite like a busy weekend to wear one out - but I don't think any of us minded.
Chapter 2 Interlude 1 | Rules for this challenge | Chapter 2.12
