#manu bell

[itmeansiris]

🪖: After confronting my past (completely unplanned), we hiked to the Bramble where Henford pond lies. We weren’t the only people enjoying the pre-summer weather in Henford. There was another small party set up across the water from us.

We swam to beat the heat. Antonio nearly torched himself trying to light the bonfire. Jaxon took on the role of head chef. Tasked with making 2 meals, one suited for the vegetarians in the group, Antonio and me, and steaks for the rest of the carnivores in our party.

We played more games of horseshoe than I can recall, and Jaxon got his revenge for having to cook by beating the boys at cards. Before we packed it up and headed for the pub, Manu gave a toast. The girls would have loved it, but I was certain it was the first of many for the night, and considering this was the last point at which we were sober, I knew it was going to get more interesting.

* So many hot guys with their shirts off 😏🤤🔥🥵… like I didn’t realize they were all so fit, besides Gideon 😬 sorry Gideon, until they started changing into their swimwear and boom washboard abs everywhere you look.

[itmeansiris]

🪖: Unlike what the ladies planned for Neddy, the guys were a little more laid back. Nu and I met the group at the Finichwick Hotel. Proper introductions happened between those who didn’t already know each other, then it was a free-for-all. Henford had recently installed soccer goals in Finichwick Square when there weren’t festivals to celebrate the World Cup. That was our first stop.

Seems they were getting lots of use. When we arrived, Henford’s mayor and a vaguely familiar face were kicking around some loose balls. The guys and I gathered at the sideline as I got a closer look at the tall, blonde-haired man. I could hardly believe my eyes when I recognized Harry Hought. It was hard to mistake him for anyone else, considering he still had a scar marked across his chin from our fight in Sulani. A moment I was not proud of.

I figured (the watcher figured) this was my full-circle moment. Harry had been the straw all those years ago. The night it all ended, I laid blame on Kennedy and Harry; hell, I even blamed Avery a little. But I knew better now, and if I learned anything, it was that I need to be responsible for my own decisions.

Jack: I’ll be right back, fellas. I just need to take care of something.

They waited and watched as I approached Harry. He didn’t seem to recognize me immediately until I mentioned Neddy. His attitude went from confused to agitated.

Harry: What the hell do you want?

His stance told me he would have preferred I were anyone else. But I wasn’t deterred.

Jack: A chance to explain myself and apologize.

His fist stayed clenched at his sides, but he let me speak uninterrupted as my friends sent soccer balls sailing through the air around us. When I finally finished my lengthy apology, Harry had dropped his guard. He no longer looked ready to attack me. Instead, he held his hand out and waited for me to take it.

Harry: You’re not a total Jack-ass. That’s good to know.

He didn’t say much after that, but I felt his demeanor shift again. It was more relaxed than when he first realized who I was. He released my hand, said goodbye, and left the area. It felt like everything that could have held me back was gone.

*Omg it's Harry, y'all, yes that Harry. I didn't plan for Harry, but sometimes the game just knows what needs to happen next. Thank you, Amy @matchalovertrait. Antonio and Dulce made it to Henford safely, and Antonio seems to be enjoying himself, and he's making plenty of friends. The owis men really like him, so thank you for letting them join.

[itmeansiris]

🪖: We showed. We ate. The Bistro owner was displeased. We paid. We left. He was probably pissed because we bought out the whole place for the night and then showed up to have fries and more drinks. But who cares? He got paid more than enough to not be concerned with what we actually ordered. Putting that behind us, someone drunkly suggested that we go see Sophie the snail. 🐌

[itmeansiris]

🪖: Neddy had to be at the gallery today, so I took a PTO day to stay home with Laney, love. She’s doing better but is still getting over the minor symptoms of the pneumonia. Neddy made a huge pot of her secret mushroom soup and left it in the fridge for her, and I squeezed her some fresh orange juice. She still seemed a little down, so I called in some backup.

Uncle Nu and Aunt Amy were over to cheer up Lane within the hour. Lane was happy to see them both, and I had to admit I missed my brother and sister. I didn’t get to see them often enough. They stayed until school ended, and Neddy came home with Liz and Paisley. They were happily surprised by our visitors.

I would have to make sure it didn’t take so long to get them over again. It wasn’t just me who seemed to have missed them. Neddy and Nu have been friends nearly as long as I’ve known her, and they were on the cheer squad together. They even won nationals. Paisley and Liz were no exception. Liz loved her Aunt and Uncle, and Paisley deserved the chance to know both sides of her family. And it was my job to make that happen.

* The mushroom soup Kennedy made is her second family recipe. It’s a vegetarian mushroom soup that helps slow down decaying needs, which is perfect for a sick sim.

[itmeansiris]

🪖: Antonio hated the pub. Too many people, too much noise or maybe he just didn’t like Simon the pub owners husband. So we agreed not to stay long. We had a reservation at the Henford Bistro anyhow. But we stayed long enough for a few rounds of scaab, flaming shots, some pub games, and a little dancing.

In our inebriated state, we shuffled out of the pub into the fresh night air and walked/dragged ourselves to the restaurant. It was rude to keep the whole staff waiting, and considering the guys reserved the entire place, we really didn’t have a choice but to show up.

[itmeansiris]

🎨: I got to pick up the girls every day now that I'm on maternity leave. Today, when we got home, I made dinner and waited for Jack to get in from work. We sat down for dinner when Nu called and said he was on the way. He wasn’t alone. Avery made the trip with him to Willow Creek to drop off her shower gift and joined us for dinner. It was perfect 🥰.

[itmeansiris]

🎨: Lane enjoyed cake, and Manu engaged in toddler banter. Nu must have run out of interesting things to say about cake and dragons (Lane’s favorite animal) because when I saw him next, he was sitting next to an empty cake plate, and Lane was with Capri. From that moment till we went home, it was like Lane and Capri were attached at the hip 🥰 if you saw Laney love, there was Capri-Sun.

Capri convinced her to open her presents. I’m not sure what the system was, but each gift was judged. The good ones got a nibble and a little test play, the others earned what I call her “are you kidding me” expression.

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[itmeansiris]

🪖: Manu came for a surprise visit. He showed up just as Sprig and I were pulled from our ping pong match by the scent of a blowout. I gathered Lane, the source of the smell, when the doorbell rang. His timing was impeccable; it was lunchtime. I bathed Lane while Uncle Nu fed Liz.

I’ve seen Manu with Lizbeth before, plus she was his blood-related niece, but I had no doubt he would love Lane just as much. He and Kennedy had been friends since we were in high school. They’ve always been close, even after I went to the military. Nu proved I was right and that he was more mature than Molly, as well as a loyal friend to Kennedy, taking Lane from me the moment she was finished with her bath. He showered her with the same love and attention he gave to Liz. I knew I could count on Manu and Amy, who promised to visit the first time she got a proper day off. It was only Molly who didn’t approve, and that was fine by me. The people I needed were here, and they accepted my decision.

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*Manu to the rescue. Just as Lane had a blowout and the bathroom sink broke, Manu ran the doorbell. He fixed the sink and the dollhouse (I think he might have broken it), fed and put Liz down for a nap while Jack gave Lane a bath.