Chapter 7: I'm How Old?
Jules and Yves would take time away to play chess, or just visit various hot spots in Sunset Valley a lot. It seems that Jules just wasn't happy working at the Landgraab Science Facility any longer. He had gotten an offer from the local hospital, and since he really wanted to top both logic and handiness, he finally caved in and took it.
He promised to keep up my Dad's garden, but he would now focus more on finding new stars or heavenly bodies.
When not searching the night sky, Jules spent most of his time playing chess too. Sometimes with Yves, one of the boys or by himself.
And true to his promise, he kept up the garden. This took up most of his time, but he didn't complain too much, after all he loved the outdoors. Now that I think about it, Jules hardly ever talked at all.
I think this is one of the only times I've ever seen my brother-in-law actually smile. He quickly asked me to delete the picture, but I refused. "You should smile more, it makes you handsome!"
He just grumped at me, and went back inside to play more chess.
This table actually became a little hot spot for all the men in my life. Jules needed it for work, Phillipe needed it for his Chess Master lifetime wish, and now Yves needed it for his work in the Orchestra. It seems his boss was demanding more complicated scores and somehow logic helped him with that kind of thing.
After Geraldo became a teen, him and Jean liked to fish all the time. It seems I was mistaken earlier, Jean didn't want to be a Chess Master after all, he wanted to own a Perfect Aquarium. So, when not working on homework, he was by the pond fishing.
One day Geraldo admitted to me that he had always admired Jules work stories (I never realized Jules talked about anything let alone work), so he decided he wanted to be a Robot Cross Breeder.
What fishing has to do with Robot Breeding is beyond me.
It seems somehow Phillipe got himself a girlfriend. No, that toddler isn't hers, that is her little brother. I can't remember her name, she doesn't talk much and usually leaves when I finally notice her.
Phillipe has been kind of distant lately I've noticed.
Even when he is spending time with his brothers, he usually is just talking about himself or his big plans. Seems he enjoys watching others suffer. Mostly me though.
I tried talking to him. Encourage him to pick up the guitar, he was a virtuoso after all. He didn't seem interested, and instead went out to visit his girlfriend.
Yves was such a great dad, he made sure to spend time with each child at least once a day, even if he was tired. He was close to all of them. It never interfered with us either. I was heartbroken when I had to tell him there would be no babies, though he kept pushing me to have another one.
"I want a little girl that looks as pretty as her Mommy."
Sweet, but it just wasn't going to happen. I was so much older then him, and it made me sad. I wouldn't mind having a little girl with my green hair running around too.
Then one day after work, it happened. I had forgotten how close to my birthday it was.
I was so concerned that Yves would hate me now that I was old. He didn't even seem to notice when I came home. He pulled out his guitar and quickly started to serenade me.
And then other things too.
Everyday he would get up in the morning to make breakfast for everyone. It really helped get the boys to school, and Jules to work with a full stomach. He was always the first up even though he was the last to bed. I could only hope that all the men in my life were as sweet, and caring as Yves.
When not painting, I would go the park to play for tips. It helped me get close to my fans because I wasn't working as much anymore. I was one level away from being a Rock Legend, but I only worked three days a week. I did try and perform concerts when I could, but the park was the best way to connect.
After one of my better fans upped and died on me, I noticed that maid booing me.
I quickly went over and told her how I felt about her.
"I'm a famous rock star, what are you? Nothing but a lazy maid!"
I'm not proud of myself, but you know what? She had it coming to her.
For some reason Yves decided he wanted to use the gym in the basement and bulk up. I worried for a bit because I was so much older, maybe he was looking for a younger woman or something. But, he later confided that he wanted to keep my attention, and be a good "boy toy".
Have I stated how much I love my husband?
Remember how I said that Phillippe loves to make people suffer, mostly me? Well, he really enjoyed telling me about how Jean liked going to a friends house after school to hang with his Mom. Seems Jean had a taste for older ladies. Phillippe hinted that it was because Yves had married someone 20 years older (me).
It seemed he also liked sneaking out at night to see that girlfriend of his. I was really beginning to not like her.
It was bound to catch up to him though. He got caught one night.
The police called us to let us know before he got home. Yves insisted he go talk to him, and I agreed. Phillippe just seemed to flaunt that I had no control over him.
Yves told Phillippe now that he would be expected to come home and stay in his room until he stopped acting like such an ass. (It was very cute to hear in his accent, just had to say)
Phillippe gave as much as he got though, and stormed into his room. This episode reminded me of the story that Daddy had told in his biography. Were we destined to lose Phillippe the same way my grandparents had lost Daddy?
I wish Daddy was here to talk to.
When I saw my cousins Hector and Winston as elders at the park the next day, I realized that I would make sure that Phillippe knew that no matter what, he didn't need to feel he had to leave. He would always be welcome no matter what happens.