#anouk erickson

[tumblydove]

"Dear Lancelot Morris-Dupant,

On behalf of all of us in Del Sol Valley, we are happy to announce to you that your recent song, Ballad of a Bad Dad, has been nominated for Best New Record at the Starlight Accolades!

You are humbly invited to the next award ceremony, taking place Sunday at 7:00 PM. Bring a friend or two if you'd like- we hope to see you there!"

Sunday? That was TODAY!

As Lancelot got ready for the award ceremony, he was very proud. He had finally done it. He had gotten his big break. Now, Lancelot could get an award and become famous, a dream he never knew he wanted.

At the same time, it was Teo's birthday. One of Lancelot's best friends was becoming an elder.

It was scary to think about. They were all getting older now. Soon, Toni and Aurora would both be eligible for retirement. Everett and Camille were in college, and soon the twin girls would be too.

Life was moving too fast. Hopefully the release of the song helped to slow things down again.

"Wow." Toni said, taken aback by Lancelot's kiss. "What's got you in a good mood?"

"Remember that song I wrote the other day? It got nominated for a Starlight Accolade! I'm going to be famous!"

"Lance, that's amazing! Congratulations!" Toni grinned. "But..."

"But...?"

"But... what will Everett think? You now they road cast every Starlight Accolade on TV. He's gonna see it and be upset."

"Eh, he'll be fine." Lance shrugged it off. "If anything, I think he'd be happy that I got an award in honor of him. What's the worst that could happen?"

That afternoon, the whole family came over, and Teo blew out his birthday candles.

Later, gathered together at the table, Lance announced his news to the rest of the family: "I've been nominated for a Starlight Accolade for a song I wrote the other day!"

"Woah, congrats, dad." Everett tried his best to smile. Camille had forced him to come over. "You've always been a beast at the piano."

Something inside of Lance's heart stung. His little boy, going from a son to a subject.

"That's awesome, Uncle Lance!" said Zhuri. "What song was it? I can send it to my friends for them to listen to."

"Ohh... just a little ballad." Lancelot said, starting to have regrets. "I have to go." He stood up. "The drive to Del Sol Valley is pretty long!"

He stepped out of the house abruptly, much to everyone's confusion.

"Why is Uncle Lance acting so weird?" Camille frowned after Lancelot had left. "I thought he'd be more excited after being nominated for something so huge."

"I'm sure he's fine, Camille. It's just Lance being Lance." Aurora replied.

"I know, Mom, but..." She shook her head. :"I don't know. I think there's something he's not telling us."

...

"Welcome everyone to tonight's Starlight Accolades! It's a delight to be standing with some of the world's most renowned celebrities and creators. I hope you all are as proud of yourselves as I am of you."

"We'll start off our ceremony with Best Actor or Actress in a Television Show. The nominees are..."

Lancelot watched the show, bored out of his mind. He couldn't wait for the time that they'd announce HIS name, and HE'D go up to receive an award of his own.

"Congratulations once again to Judith Ward for her tenth consecutive Starlight Accolade!" The host announced. "And now, time for our final category of the night: Best New Original Record! The three nominees are..."

"'Stillness in Blue'" by Samantha Blackwood,

"'Dirk it Off'" by Dirk Dreamer

"And 'Ballad of a Bad Dad' by Lancelot Morris-Dupant!"

Lancelot's heart was pounding. It was finally time. He could envision Aurora, Camille, Toni, Everett, everyone watching him on the big screen. Almost as if he was a celebrity of his own.

"And the winner of the Starlight Accolade is...

Lancelot held his breath.

...

"'Dirk it Off' by Dirk Dreamer! Congratulations!"

"Since Dirk was sadly not able to stay for the whole show tonight, his friend will be accepting the Accolade on behalf of him."

Lancelot was in disbelief. His beautiful, heart-wrenching, soulful ballad had been rubbed over by a cheap Taylor Swift copy? That was so unfair.

He returned home in a bad mood. "I can't believe it, Rory. I LOST? Over freaking DIRK DREAMER?!"

"I'm sorry, Lance. We were all watching on the TV. We were rooting for you!"

"Wait." Lancelot's heart stopped. "You were ALL watching on the TV? Even Everett?"

"Yeah, about that..." Aurora winced "Lance, why would you write a song about him and not tell him?"

"I was GOING to tell him, but life-"

"That doesn't matter. Your kid's well-being needs to be your priority. Now random strangers all over the world could know about his struggles without his consent." Aurora shook her head. "He left when Toni told him the truth about the song. You owe him an apology."

"I'm sorry."

"Don't apologize to me. Say sorry to HIM,"

As if the night couldn't get any worse. Just as things seemed to be getting better for Lance regarding his relationship with Everett, they were getting bad again just as fast.

[tumblydove]

Morris-Dupant Legacy Catch Up Post 2:

From left to right clockwise:

Camille Erickson (T; ~ 15 yrs)

Teo Erickson (A; ~ 42-44 yrs)

Anouk Erickson (C; ~ 11-12 yrs)

Toni Payton (A; ~ 39 yrs)

Lancelot Morris-Dupant (A; ~ 40 yrs)

Zhuri Erickson (C; ~ 11-12 yrs)

Aurora Erickson (née Morris-Dupant; A; ~ 40 yrs)

Everett Dupant (T; ~ 17-18 yrs)

With Camille about to head up to France, Emilie's memorial 5K taking place soon, and the rest of the kids' birthdays coming up, it's about time for another catch-up post (with new family photos to jazz things up)! This time, we'll solely be focusing on our main characters to really get in-depth on things.

Lancelot Morris-Dupant and Toni Payton:

Lancelot is the older twin brother of Aurora, a freelance digital artist and professional pianist. His fiancé and high school sweetheart, Toni, currently works in retail. Together, they are the parents of Everett, the oldest of the legacy's children and the product of a Love Day fling that ended with Toni pregnant and barely out of high school.

Lancelot has ADHD, a diagnosis that has impacted him for as long as he can remember. Toni, his wife, is equally as energetic and impulsive as he is, and the two scuffle a lot. However, not once has the thought of breaking up ever crossed their mind; both Lance and Toni come from homes of divorce/separation, and the last thing they want to do is to put Everett through their experiences.

Everett Duke Dupant: Everett's birth was unexpected- and unwelcome from people such as his grandmother Jodi and, initially, his grandpa Dante. Everett's life has been far from stable; he has moved houses three times- living with his aunt first as a baby, then in the city until he became a teen and his parents finally purchased a house in San Myshuno. Not to mention, he's dealt with his father literally not wanting to be a father, family members dying, a murder investigation, and his own exploration with his sexuality via the introduction of his-crush Emmett into his life.

Rett has learned to mask that underlying anxiety with confidence and skill in athletics. Just like his parents, Everett always speaks his mind and lacks a filter. He plays three sports- soccer, basketball, and baseball, and he keeps himself busy to avoid the family drama. Not because he doesn't love them, of course, but because he just needs to breathe.

Aurora and Teo Erickson: Aurora started off the legacy as Lancelot's quieter, more rational twin. Since then, however, she has evolved into an ambitious woman who wants nothing more than success for her family and herself. Now a charity organizer for the public health sector in San Myshuno, Aurora lives in Newcrest, and although the commute to the city every day is a lot, she never gets tired of it.

Teo is a painter and stay-at-home-dad. Like Aurora, Teo used to be shy, struggling with special interactions. That all changed after his parents' death and his autism diagnosis. He no longer feels restrained from truly thriving and is happier than ever.

Teo and Aurora have been lifelong friends, but after Teo's parents' death, they got closer and united with their shared grief. Not long after the funeral, Aurora got pregnant with their oldest daughter Camille, and they tied the knot soon after.

Camille Eleanor Erickson: Camille, the product of a post-funeral hookup between Aurora and Teo, is the 'Renaissance girl' of the legacy, obsessed with both ballet and animal care. Cammy has witnessed a lot this legacy, from the marriage of her parents to the death of her grandparents. She's sensible, smart, and maybe a tad bit spoiled from her loving parents, getting to go on a cruise AND on a trip to Paris. Regardless, Camille's genuine sweetness manages to win everyone over at the end of the day. She has two pets- a rat named Bluebell and a Whippet dog named Peaches.

Zhuri Brennan and Anouk Madeline Erickson: After Aurora gave birth to Camille, she realized that although her pregnancy was difficult, Teo and her still wanted to expand their family. So, they went the science baby route, and the twins were born. Zhuri is on the school's swim team (just like her mom was!) and the softball team in the spring, and Anouk does theater. Both of the twins are rambunctious little scamps and are always somehow getting themselves into trouble, but everyone loves them anyways.

[tumblydove]

Post-vacation photo dump! Camille got two new pets (a dog named Peaches and a rat named Bluebell), the twins aged up, Lancelot and Toni bought a small house in Willow Creek, and Everett went out to celebrate with his friend.

[tumblydove]

"So... Dad's gone."

As soon as he had told Toni the news, Lancelot had dropped Everett back home and raced to Aurora's house. The twins needed each other now more than ever.

"I can't believe it." Aurora rubbed her temples and sighed. "He was... he was so happy beforehand when we saw him yesterday. And now, he's... dead?"

"Just like that..." Lancelot wiped away a tear.

"What are we doing about the cruise I booked a few days from now? We can't just leave- we have a funeral to plan."

"Why don't we go on it anyways?"

Aurora looked at her brother flatly. "Lancelot. You've got to be kidding me."

"I'm serious! Dad wouldn't have wanted us to be so miserable just because of him. Everything he's done in his life was to make us happy. The least we can do is keep that happiness."

"Lance, our dad is dead- we have to pay tribute to him somehow!"

"Hear me out- Ev's birthday is tomorrow and Toni's is on Tuesday. I don't want either of them to be burdened by another death in the family."

Aurora frowned. "Are you sure about this?"

"I'm sure this cruise will be amazing, Rory, and if it isn't, I'll give you $500 Simoleons and a day at the spa."

And so, with the promise of money and a little bet, the decision was settled: The Dupants and the Ericksons were going to Sulani for the winter.

Lancelot stopped by the house one last time. Everything was gone. The furniture was still there, but the essence that Dante had that made the place feel like home had disappeared with his soul.

Lance felt something he hadn't felt for a long time standing there: he felt lonely. He felt empty. And he wished he was young again, dancing by his dad, learning to swim with his mom, going to watch his favorite movie with his friends.

He was an adult now- life was moving on too fast.

But there wasn't enough time to mope around for long. It was Everett's birthday, and he was a teenager now. The celebration didn't last long; everyone needed to be well-rested and ready to board the cruise ship.

"Lance- wake UP! We're going to be late!"

Day 1 of vacation on the SimFamous Cruise Ship was spent exploring the ship and the island, taking plenty of photos, and spending more time in the ocean than anyone had ever in the family.

"Mom, this is the best birthday present ever. Thank you."

"You can thank your dad and Aunt Aurora- they were the ones who planned it on the first place!"

"Camille! You've grown up SO much!"

Camille rolled her eyes playfully. "I'm not THAT big, Ev! You're like, UNC level big."

Everett ignored that comment. "So, what'cha looking forward to during vacation?"

"I want to talk to a dolphin like Aunt Toni did! I LOVE animals!" Camille grinned. "Do you think I can convince Mommy to get me a fish or a rat for Winterfest?"

But, despite the joy everyone else felt, there was still one member of the family who didn't seem to be having much fun at all.

"Teo?" Aurora sat down next to her husband as he ate dinner. "Are you okay?" It was just them for now- the others had already called it a night.

Teo nodded forcefully. "I'm fine. Just... overwhelmed, I guess."

"That's okay. Cruise ships are a lot." Aurora's face was decorated with empathy. "Do you need to take a break? We all deserve some extra rest because of Toni's birthday and the Winterfest party tomorrow." Lancelot was throwing a birthday party for Toni in the lounge of the cruise ship. All of the adults in the ship were invited; Everett would be babysitting the girls while they celebrated.

Teo shook his head. "I'll be fine, Rory. I don't want to ruin this trip for the girls. They don't deserve to waste their time dealing with my autism."

Day 2 of vacation was marked by Toni celebrating her birthday, the twins having the time of their lives, and Lancelot teaching Camille how to swim! (after all, if he could teach his OWN son, he could definitely teach his niece to do the same). It was clear that Lance's idea was succeeding- the change of scenery was making almost everyone happier.

"I didn't get to play with a dolphin," Camille recounted to Everett as he began his babysitting gig with her and the twins. "But I DID get to see one swimming next to me and Uncle Lance! I think it wanted to give me dolphin kissies!"

"One second, Cam." Everett checked on Zhuri, who was throwing a fit over nothing. "This is going to be harder than it seemed before."

Meanwhile, while their kids were being watched over, Aurora and Teo chatted while getting ready to head downstairs: "Teo, if you don't want to go to the party, you don't have to. Toni will understand."

"I'll be fine, Aurora, I swear." Teo insisted, tapping his hands together and then flapping his hands.

"You're doing it again."

"Doing what?"

"Stimming. You stim more when you're nervous."

"No, I don't." Teo's hands continued to flutter on his sides.

"I'm going to head down earlier. Drink some water or go for a walk." Aurora got up, and she decided to give her husband some space to calm down; the last thing she wanted was to push him to the point of breaking.

But when he finally came down for the party, Teo seemed more broken than ever.

"Teo, you made it!" Toni was oblivious to Teo's pain. "Come dance with us- there's a cookie bar to the side and coffee on the other one."

Teo grinned awkwardly. "Yay... cookies. Love those."

"HEY, DJ!" Lance cheered, running onto the stage. "TURN UP THAT MUSIC! LET'S CELEBRATE MY WIFEY!"

The music got louder. The chatter exploded into singing, dancing, and celebration. The lights flashed. The sounds morphed together into one big blur that Teo couldn't decipher. He felt like he was going to faint. It was all... too much.

Aurora saw Teo's sickened face and mouthed to him, 'You OK?"

But Teo didn't answer.

He walked backwards, trying to escape this nightmare. He bumped into Toni, and before he knew it, a gut-wrenching bellow had escaped his mouth.

"MAKE IT STOP!"

He was on the floor, rocking back and forth.

He was hitting the back of his head and knocking his temples with his fists.

He didn't remember much about what happened around him, except Lancelot gasped, Toni stepped back in fear, and Aurora knelt by his side immediately, grabbing him and holding his hands, preventing him from making any contact with his head again.

Teo was having a meltdown. He needed to get out. Now.

[tumblydove]

Following the post after this one, the Morris-Dupant legacy challenge will go on a brief hiatus while the mods I utilize for this legacy challenge are updated as a result of the recent Sims 4 patch. Thanks to everyone who has supported this series thus far- hopefully the new stuff doesn't break it!

In the meantime, here are photos of Teo's first day as a 'single' parent of 3 while Aurora goes back to work- and Camille's first gymnastics class too! (not pictured: Camille's first day of preschool- photos were not taken because the twins were fussing lol)

[tumblydove]

"Checkmate."

"Ugh- lost again." Teo put his piece down and groaned. Aurora would forever be better at chess than he was. "Okay, now that we've finished our game, we have to have that conversation you've been putting off."

"The one about my promotion?" Aurora had recently been promoted up to a charity organizor. She was working for the Public Health sector of San Myshuno now.

"No, the one about your mom committing-" Teo sighed. "Don't play stupid, Rory. We all know what happened."

"I just..." Aurora held back tears. sniffling. She didn't look at Teo. "I just feel... so... lost. I knew Dad was struggling, but I never knew she was. If I had done something- reached out- tried harder to connect with her after the divorce, then maybe she wouldn't have kille-"

"Aurora. Stop."

Aurora was sobbing now, head in hands. "I'm- I'm sorry."

"Don't be. You need to take care of yourself." Teo smiled compassionately. "How about this: I'll handle all of Camille's ballet stuff and her birthday party, and you take this week for yourself. You need to relax."

"Are you sure? Those kids are a lot."

"I'm sure. It's the least I can do. You were there when my parents died, and I'll be there for yours."

The conversation he had with his wife allowed for Teo to focus on drawing a painting- his first completed after vacation. He called the abstract, 'Help.' He hoped that the painting would raise awareness for mental health. For so long he had hidden himself in fear of the retaliation he would receive because of his autism diagnosis, but now he had observed the consequences of staying low for so long. He needed to grow more comfortable being vulnerable, and this was his first step.

"Xavier, are you coming to my house tomorrow for my birthday party?"

"The royal slumber party?" Xavier grinned. "Yeah, of course! My mom told me all about it!"

"My dad's even going to get me a costume like Sofia the First wears!" Camille was bursting with excitement. "It's gonna be so much fun!"

After Camille's ballet practice, the following day, Teo got to work decorating the house for Camille's birthday slumber party:

Camille gasped, walking in to see the set-up: "WOW, Daddy, it's AMAZING!"

"Come on in and put your dress on, birthday girl!" Teo was already preparing the birthday cake for tomorrow. "We've got a party to put on!"

Camille's slumber party was a success, full of games like charades (which Teo was forced to participate in), Sofia the First binges, dance parties, and ghost stories. Cousin Kaitlin, the boys Benjamin and Xavier from the house next door, and her friends Catalina and Ashlyn all showed up to celebrate.

Even Aurora and Teo had some fun of their own!

And when Camille aged up into a teen, she was more grateful to her parents for making this day special for her than she had ever felt before.

Seeing as the current plot with the twins Lance and Aurora focuses on a very serious topic, I feel obliged to remind everyone that if you or someone you know is struggling, there ARE avenues for help. As a person who has struggled before, I know firsthand that reaching out to others and sharing your feelings is the most important thing you can do for your mental health during times like these. If you're in the USA, please call or text 988 for immediate services. You're never a burden.

[tumblydove]

"Lancelot, what a nice surprise! Are you finally feeling better after that nasty stomach bug?"

"MUCH better!" Lancelot grinned. It had even a while since he had seen his little sister in person- not since the day he got sick. "I heard you have two new additions to the house."

"Oh, yeah, come on in and meet the twins!

"So, how's life as a parent of three?"

"Exhausting." Aurora groaned. "I'm back at work and Teo has to juggle all three of the kids while I'm there. Camille's in preschool now si things are a little easier but I can tell he needs a break."

Lancelot insisted on helping Aurora with the chores while the twins rested. It went silent for a few moments.

"...but, enough about me." Rory quickly changed the subject once he was done. "How are things with you and Toni? Have you made up yet?"

"Well..." Lance grinned sheepishly.

"Lancelot."

"I'm getting to it!"

"You've been getting to it for a WEEK now!"

"We've NEVER argued like this before, Aurora- I'm just..." He blushed. "...I'm just worried, I guess."

Aurora sighed. "Listen- I get it. Relationships are hard but just promise me you and Toni will have a REAL conversation with each other when you go home tonight. If not for your sake, do it for Everett's."

"Fine." For as long as he had been with Toni, Lancelot had promised himself he would never make the same relationship mistakes his parents did, with the lack of communication and spite towards each other. Now, he felt like history was repeating itself.

"Toni, I just wanted you say that-"

"Lance, where WERE you? It's late! Everett was home alone for HOURS- you're supposed to be on bedtime duty for him!"

"I was just trying to help Aurora out with-"

"So ever since Aurora started a family, you care more about HERS than OURS?! Come ON!"

Lancelot could feel the anger swimming into his body again. "You know damn well I didn't mean it like that- Aurora has three kids and we have one. Everett will be fine for a few hours alone."

"That's not the POINT! The point is, you've been ignoring us for a WEEK. A WHOLE week, Lancelot."

"Because I've been SICK, Toni."

"And you're BETTER now and you've BARELY bothered to take Everett ANYWHERE since the ice cream store incident. When was the last time we REALLY talked, when we REALLY sat down and communicated? I helped you for so long when you were sick and THIS is how you thank me?"

Lancelot was silent.

"I'm going to bed, Lance. Maybe me being away will help you understand just how much of a prick you've been lately."

Lancelot knew deep down he was being petty, but he still couldn't shake off that stubborn feeling he had inside of him. He never wanted this- never wanted to start a family, and now all of the problems that came with that commitment (money, arguments, parenting) were stacking on top of each other.

It was too overwhelming for an ADHD Sim like him to handle.

The next day, after Toni got home from work and from picking Everett up from school, Lancelot met her on the couch.

"What do you want?" Toni snarked.

"I want to say sorry." Lancelot began. "Sorry for being such a jerk to you and to Everett. I was struggling but it wasn't justified for me to run away because of it."

Silent tears filled Toni's eyes.

"I don't want this relationship to end, Tones, because I love you and I know we can move past this. I'll try to listen more and be present the way I used to. Hell, I'll even go to therapy with you, just like you wanted us to. I'll do anything to make things the way they used to be."

"Oh, Lance..." Toni was crying- really crying now. She wrapped her arms around Lancelot in a tight squeeze, ignoring the fact that Everett was mocking both of them behind them. "Lancelot, I'm sorry too. I shouldn't have been so hostile. I love you, sweetheart."

"We both have things we need to work on." Lancelot broke from the hug, saying it as it was. Nobody was perfect in this situation. "But with each other by our side, we can do anything."

Upon hearing that Teo had been so stressed as of late, Lancelot decided to continue his 'nice streak' and take Teo on a 'Boys' Day Out' at the local park together away from the girls and catch some fresh air.

"Come on, Teo! Let's go ice skating!"

"Come on, Lance." Teo laughed nervously, tapping his fingers onto his legs. "You know I've never been before. And all of the lights and the sounds..."

"Wear your earbuds! The noise-cancelling ones! We don't have to skate for too long- only a few minutes."

"So, you only came out here to gloat about how good of a skater you are, huh?" Teo rolled his eyes.

"Actually, I came to give you an invitation to my place. Tonight at 3."

"ANOTHER social event?" Teo groaned playfully. "You know this drains me, Lance."

"Trust me- you're going to like this. Bring Aurora and the kids too- ESPECIALLY Aurora and the kids."

Teo left not long after ice skating to get the kids ready, but right as Lancelot was leaving, he came across a surprise person: "Dad!"

"Lancelot?" Dante turned around. "What are you doing here?"

"I was hanging out with Teo! What are YOU doing HERE? In the COLD, too!"

"Nothing much." Dante smiled a smile that quickly evolved into a frown. "Just... thinking. About life."

Lancelot's grin turned upside down. "Is everything okay, Dad?"

"I'm just getting old, Lancelot. I'm retired now. Emilie and I don't talk anymore, Brennan is dead, and now you and Aurora are living your own, amazing lives. I'm... alone. A lonely burden to everyone in this household."

Lancelot was appalled. "Dad, look at me: you're NEVER alone, and you're NEVER a burden. You have a whole FAMILY of Ericksons and Morrises and Dupants here for you."

"I'm sorry- I'm doing it again." Dante shook his head. "Spiraling into my feelings again. It's hard not to do that when you're old and have nothing else to occupy yourself with."

"Why don't you come over tonight? I'm throwing a surprise birthday party for Camille and Aurora- we'd love to have you, too."

"That would be wonderful, Lance." Dante smiled sadly. "Thank you."

"SURPRISE! Happy birthday, Camille! Happy birthday, Aurora! Cake for all- courtesy of your resident chef!"

"Grandpa?!" Everett grinned cheekily.

"No- only his best apprentice, his son!"

"Aww, Lancelot." Aurora hugged her older twin brother tightly. "You didn't have to do this."

"But I did. I had to cheer up my baby sister and help her, just like you helped me yesterday."

[tumblydove]

With Aurora away at work, AND the science baby due that day, AND the stress of the wedding getting to him, AND his autism to deal with on top of that, Teo's been feeling quite nervous lately.

Meanwhile, Camille, equally as sensitive, wants to spend plenty of time with her daddy on her last morning as an only child.

Add that up together, and you get a great day filled with plenty of fun in the snow for them both. "Whee, Dada! WHEEEE!"

"Daddy, when baby coming?"

"Mommy and I will go to pick up the baby when

"Is it a baby boy or a baby girl? Because I want a baby girl!"

"Me too, Camille. We'll just have to wait and see, and hope our wishes come true!"

"Hey there, gorgeo- WOAH!"

Aurora swept Teo into a passionate kiss. "Guess who just got a promotion? Perfect timing, too!"

"That's my girl." Teo mirrored the affection. "I got a call from Dr. Chen's office this morning- they're ready for us whenever!"

"Well, then, let's go pick up our baby, Ready for part 2 of parenting?"

"You bet I am."

"Camille!" Dante called from inside. "Come on in! Mommy and Daddy are calling from the hospital!"

"Baby here?" Camille toddled back inside the house, where Dante handed her the phone. "Hi, Mommy! Hi, Daddy!"

"Hi, Cammy, it's Daddy!" Teo's voice was tinged with anxiety. "We have some... big news to share with you."

"Baby HERE?!" Camille shrieked, bouncing on the balls of her feet. "SHE'S HERE, SHE'S HERE!"

"Well, yes, she is a girl, but actually..."

"But wha...?"

"Well..."

...

"TWINS?!" Aurora had screamed when she heard the news.

"No.. no... noo...." Teo smacked his forehead. "You're dreaming, big T. You're dreaming. This is all a BAD dream, and you're going to wake up tomorrow with ONE baby daughter and ONE toddler daughter and wish you were never born and, and..."

...

Zhuri Brennan Erickson and Anouk Madeline Erickson were both born to an ecstatic big sister and two shocked parents.

"Well..." Teo said, about to faint. "This... sure is a great birthday surprise. I wished for another girl, after all."

And now he had TWO. Be careful what you wish for.

When Camille and Teo had asked for a baby girl for their respective birthdays, they were expecting to get just one.

But... two babies? In retrospect, they should have known. Aurora was a twin- that was genetic. Science babies had a higher chance of coming out as multiples, too.

But, still. Two babies. TWO infants to take care of, on top of Camille. Right before the holidays, too.

This was going to be a wild ride.