Lizandra Barillas ch 3--This is how it is.

Lizandra Barillas (23)

I had a call from my sister Audrina telling me that she was finally expelled from school. She wanted to move in with me but my place is so small. I think that it would be better for her to move in with our moms.

She also asked me about my love life. I told her it was non existant. I still hope for the day Orlando will come to his senses and realize that we can make our marriage work.

****

Orlando finally located me and asked me if he could come over. I said yes immediately. When he did come I was shocked to see how different he looked. He looked more mature and ready to take on the world. Gone was the shy Orlando I married before we went to college.

He asked me how I was and I thought we were going to try to fix things. I noticed he was still wearing his wedding ring and I was glad I did the same.

Things went from great to worse. Orlando had acutally come with paperwork for a divorce settlement. I told him that I would not sign until I was ready. He asked me to give him his freedom so he could travel the world. Gone was the person i fell in love with. Here was this egotistical man and he was getting on my last nerve.

I was so mad that I said, "Give me the damn paper because I want to be rid of you for good" and just like that our almost four years of marriage were dissolved. I told him that I never want to see him again and he agreed.

****

Even though I have been back for a while, it does not mean that my family has been over my small apartment. It actually surprised me that my quad sister Jacquelyn showed up. I thought something was wrong but she says she just came for a quick visit.

Opal came along too. I had not seen them in four years. Jac looked the same while Opal looked so much older.

Even my mom Consuelo came over to see if I was OK. Apparently Orlando went over and told them we were divorced.

Both my moms just stared at me and reminded me that they too had divorced and got back together. I somehow do not think that is the case.

***

Don't let anyone tell you that getting a job in viramontes is easy. I got the easiest job at my old high school putting the year book together. Why is it that I got fired? I guess I had too many ideas for them. I need to find a job and fast.

I did find a job as an executive assistant. My first paycheck I bought a little puppy and named her Gucci. I know I know...but still she is cute as a button. She will definitely relieve my stress.

Audrina Barillas-- College Years.-- Say its not true.

Audrina Barillas (23)

I could not believe my ears. After being together for over two years Ashley broke it off with me. I was devastated. He said he needed to focus on graduating with honors. I did not let him explain but before he left I told him, "you will regret this Ashley".

As soon as the word spread that I was single, the boys lined up to get to know me. I met Andrew Couderec ( they guy with the hat) and Clay Love. They both asked me out but I really did not feel anything that special.

Clay ended our date with a kiss but for me it was just some lips pressing on mine. I did not feel sparks and I just told him thanks but it would not go further. He was a little mad but he got over it soon enough.
4thYear--finally a Junior.

I called my moms to tell them I might fail last year but I did not. I am finally a Junior and I was going to work my butt off. I dont know what happened. I was doing good then all of a sudden everything was too hard to complete. I got so overwhelmed that I had to withdraw from a class. Because of that I ended up failing my Junior year and being explelled.

Ashley had heard about me being expelled. He rushed over to tell me he loved me and did not want to see me go. I guess it was better for him to graduate and leave me behind. I told him it was true, I was expelled and leaving on the first ticket back. He asked if I would see him again and I simply told him that it was up to him. I said, " I live in Viramontes, look me up sometime". and that was the end of that.

Sure people stare at you when your the expelled loser headed to the cab. My ex brother-in-law Orlando did not even say bye to me. Go figure he leaves my sister and now im enemy number one. I wish everyone the best but im outta here.

Orlando Bertino--New beginnings

Orlando Bertino (20) ex husband of Lizandra Barillas.

Lizandra and I split up last semester and it could not be for the better. I now stick to trying to finish college in a timely fashion. Im finally a Junior and proud of it. Our of all of us that started together: Lizandra, Audrina, Lauren, Alon and myself, only Audrina and I are left.

I have started to semi date around but its not really worth it to me. I only have one more year here and I really just want to get out and on my own. This girl finally took no for an answer. I never thought I would get asked out so much after I announced I was separated from Liz.

My term paper was done and I swear I developed carpel tunnel but im finally done. Yup I graduated with a 2.2 GPA. I did not take pictures because I just wanted to leave this college and call it a day.

Consuelo Barillas Chapter 13--Whats the next step.

Consuelo (46),her wife Maura (46) their daughter Jacquelyn and her wife Opal (both 23) their daughter Hellen (2)
Narrated by Maura

Jacquelyn has been living with u s for over four years. I never minded until she started to cop an attitude with Consuelo and helping her in the store. I finally told her that if she did not want to help in the store then she would have to get a job somewhere. I can not stand that everyone is working their butt off and she claims that she is too tired to help.

I see Opal with my granddaughter Hellen and it amazes me that she is still with my daughter. I know that is cruel to say about my own daughter but Jacquelyn needs to wake up and smell the coffee. What is the next step for both of them? Are they going to live with us forever without paying rent?

Consuelo gets tough about it but then backs down when she see Hellen. I love having my daughter here but I need her to help more. We are all taking care of Hellen but Jacquelyn claims to be tired all the time. To top it off Audrina called telling us she might get expelled and if so can she asked if she can move in.

Consuelo is tired of hearing it and I am tired of suffering it. We moved back to her childhood home. We went from a five bedroom house to a two bedroom. All of a sudden we are getting over crowded when really we should suffering from too much room.

I look at Hellen and I just pray that things get better here or else.

Amarilis Barillas Chapter 13- Busy busy Bees.

Amarilis (46), Meadow (46) Their kids living at home: Arthur (16), Triplets: Julieta, Ramon and Raquel (8)
Narrated by Meadow Thayer

Raquel has been asking a lot of questions about having two mommies versus a mom and a dad. Believe it or not I have never encountered this question until now. I guess with Isabel and Aaron there were more gay parents in their class. I explained to Raquel and she seemed satisfied with my answer.

Amarilis told me that she too had to explain to Julieta why she has two mommies. Julieta seemed to understand. Both girls are doing great in school and I am hoping that no one is bothering them about their moms being gay.

Things have been needed repair around the house. Thank goodness that Amarilis loves being hands on about everything. I almost called in a repair man to retune our piano and she would not hear of it.

She almost gave up on the broken shower but in the end she managed to fix that too.

When the kids are at school I tell her how much I appreciate all of her handiness. She appreciates that I appreciate her.

As always the girls wanted to do a lemonade stand. They were there for no more than an hour and were going to call it quits. I told them I would go out there and help them out. Now tell me why two hours later Amarilis comes out and out of pity buys a glass.

Amarilis told the girls they had to be more responsible. Julieta said it was Ramon that was the problem. Amarilis gently reminded Julieta that Ramon never once said he wanted to put up a lemonade stand.

Our eldest in the house is Arthur and he is currently dating. Arthur is 16 and this boyfriend of his is almost 19 and a freshman in college. I was so against this but Amarilis said to give this relationship a chance.

They see each other quite often but I still can not believe he has a boyfriend. He is getting ready for college in about three years and I just hope this relationship does not affect him.

I managed to stay in the kitchen looking over them. I want to make sure there are no unwanted pregnancies. I had enough with my oldest Aaron springing me up on this. I do not need another surprise.

Debbie King Chapter 3--Life is full of surprises.

Debbie King (47) Formerly married to Ian Barillas, Marcel Go (59), Ronan Parmelly (39)
Narrated by Debbie King.

Marcel and I have been dating over two years. I like him a lot but it seems that he feels more for me than I for him.

Sex is very seldom for us. He used to be embarrassed when I pushed for us to be intimate. Now I have given up and wait for his "signal" to proceed forward.

Besides all that he gives me stability. He loves my cat so that is a plus for him. Did I ewven mention that I adopted not one but two cats. Their names are Goliath and Brewski. I cant wait to see what type of kittens they will have.

Marcel told me that he wanted to go back to college and finish his college degree. It seemed ridiculous to me but at the same time I saw it as a way out. I told him that I needed space and he needed to focus on school. For the most part he understood....for the other he thought I meant a break versus a break up. Who am I to correct him?

*****

We have new staff at work and I am to train him on everthing in the office. He is our newest acquired lawyer and his name is Ronan Parmelly. He is intelligent and quite the looker. I invited him over for dinner since he lives alone and has no family here in Viramontes.

We really hit it off and before long he managed to ask me on a date. Why is it that I always get men that are younger than me? Ronan is only 37!

Our first and several dates after that were excellent. Conversation flowed between us and we are never at a loss for words.

We even took the next step and had sex. I felt like he made me purr. I did not mean to compare but Ronan is way better than Marcel. I had almost forgotten what good sex was.

I almost died when the carpool picked us up the next day. Our driver said she went to Ronan's place first and just figured he had called in sick. She never imagined he would be at home with me. This was so embarrassing but Ronan loved that everyone at work knew we were together.

****

Things with Ronan go so smoothly with out an effort on my part. It has been a long time that I felt so good about being with someone.

We go out to dinner a lot and Ronan is always paying. He can not believe that I am a legal secretary after all these years. I told him about Ian and my children and he said that I did not look like a mother of three. He even called me a milf! What in the world could that possibly mean?

*****

On a cruel joke Ronan told me to meet him at the mall...he even specified the bridal shop. I was a little surprised. I did not know what he was intending on doing.

I guess I am clueless because before you know it he proposed to me. I still can not believe that he actually proposed to me.

I hugged him and asked him if he was sure. He told me that he was never sure of anything like he was about us. I told him that I would be honored to be his wife.

I could not wait so I called my kids in college to tell them. Julio thought I was lying. I do not know if Darcy accepted it or not. He was so quiet when I told him and did not say a word. Ian grabbed the phone and asked what I had said. I told Ian and he congratulated me. I am so happy.

Linda Chalmers Chapter 7-- Getting used to this

Linda (32) her husband Payton (39), their kids; Clive and Xochil (4)
Linda's kids with her ex Marcos Barillas: Quads: David, Eugenio, Pearla and Mateo (11)
Narrated by Payton:

Linda and I are doing better than ever. Finally the kids have turned 5 and they are giong to be off to school.

The mornings are usually quiet now. Gone are the days when we have to potty train or warm bottles for the kids.

I really love being a real estate agent. My business is booming with all the new developments in Viramontes.

Clive was ecstatic to learn that he was going to school. He is much more outgoing than his sister Xochil.

Xochil is our little shy red head. She does not want to go to school because she loves being at home with us. She has to go to school so that she can accomplish a career that she likes.

At the end of the day we are all tired and ready to call it a day. I get used to the quietness and then Linda reminds me that her Quads are coming the next day. I just brace myself because those pre-teens can really leave you drained.

David was too busy getting breakfast while the rest of the clan sat down to watch some TV. I sometimes wish Pearla and Xochil would bond more. For now they are just civil to each other. I know its hard to bond when you are only here for a few days and then you have to move back with your dad. I think they like spending more time with their dad and with his new babies than here. I know this hurts Linda but what more can you say?

We still keep in shape but trust you me its getting harder for me than it is for Linda. I think she put her singing career on the back burner for now. Sometimes people recognize her but she just signs the autograph and walks away. I just hope that she is really happy as she says she is.

Author's note~~
I always debate on whether or not to let "divorced" sims have an update. I always start saying no then I get sad and dont want them to sit in limbo. I do not know if I should update them every round or every other round. Who knows...for now I guess I will enjoy the sim extras.