Episode 6 (My New Normal)

So, our 'family' is a bit of a strained one at the moment. Needless to say - I like J, but he's a strange person to live with or love, and he keeps switching jobs every now and then 'for a change', which means our income keeps dipping and rising.

When it rose, we could afford to extend the house somewhat, so we're currently living in something of an apartment. Not much on the Zodiac family home, but then the company here is worth its weight in gold comparatively, despite my occasional anger at J.

Also, I do like having my own little bedroom and a bigger bed. J frequently ends up heading off to work before me, so I get a little time to relax in bed before sorting out Tempest for daycare, taking her there, and rushing to my own job.

J and I have our ups and downs as much as the household income. We can be smiling and flirting, and then all of a sudden one of us will remember the fact that last time this happened, we ended up as strange friends, or the whole Caliente debacle (which is also up and down) and the air goes from rosy to awkward.

Despite this, he's a great dad to Tempest, but he does complain it exhausts him looking after her. Even though, oh yes, I did it full-time before. Deep sigh.

Tempest's nearly old enough now that I have to start looking at elementary schools in the area. Landgraab Elementary seems to be the best, but its connections worry me slightly. I knew of the Landgraabs back in my days as a little rich girl, and I did not like them one bit. However, if it does have the best education, I'll be sending our little storm there.

The Caliente sisters are still a flaming pain in the backside. They've taken to turning up at the exact time J comes home from work, and sauntering past him. Nina's been batting her eyelashes at him, and Dina's been giving him the cold shoulder.

Honestly, you'd think they'd learn something by now, especially after the warning I gave Little Miss Pink Miniskirt. But no.

Maybe I'll lock the door the next time he tries to leave the washing up undone.

Episode 5 (Old Flame, New Ember)

J  had messaged me, asking to see Tempest, purportedly to give me a little break of about an hour. He probably wanted just to spend time with her, as he often did not, so I told him he could, but he decided to simply stay just outside of the house with her. He hugged her when he arrived, and told me to go inside and rest.

I still don't know how he knew how tired I was, but I handed him the key, and told him to lock the door when he brought Tempest inside. It felt absolutely heavenly to be able to just close my eyes and go to sleep.

When I awoke, he was washing a dish in the sink, and smiled awkwardly at me.

"She's gone to bed. We watched TV for a bit, and then she was tired out, so I read her a bedtime story. Something about bunnies and dragons."

He came to sit next to me on the bed. "So...I talked with Dina, recently."

I stiffened, waiting for him to say I'd been imagining it again, to tell me there was nothing going on.

"She made a move. Told me she knew about my past attachments. Said that I didn't need to worry about them, with her, that I could forget all about them with her."

I felt cold, before he shook his head.

"I told her she was barking up the wrong tree."

I looked at him, and he smiled guiltily.

"I know...this isn't the time, but I'm not ready to stop worrying about my attachments just yet. I..." He leaned closer. "I'm not...well, I didn't think I was ready for a family, but I have one. And I don't want to give up on my 'attachment' to you just yet. But if...you don't want me to, then..."

I smiled at him, feeling my cheeks flush. "Well..."

My old feelings were flickering back to life. I'd stamped  them down until they'd died down so I could focus on Tempest. Tempest. Tempest, she needed me to focus. I couldn't be...

J's arm slipped around me, and I leant closer.

"Astrid, I'm not...going to be a fly by father anymore. I mean, I understand that I might not exactly be the best father in the world, but I was wondering if we could just start with a clean slate. I want to...Well, I want to be with you."

He kissed me, softly, and then we heard Tempest stirring, and I edged away from him. He smiled at me, and we sat and softly talked of things until Tempest wandered through, by which time I had dressed again, feeling as shy as a debutante.

We have agreed that we are...dating, after a fashion, and he will move in soon, at which point, he says, we can be a proper family. He wants to get along with Tempest, and he absolutely wants to be together with me, strings attached and all. He's apparently been thinking about me, every time he's away.

"But you were so mad at me, I didn't know how to go about saying it. And you had every reason to be, angel."

He's still calling me angel, but now, he's cuddling Tempest when he does. And that's the difference. It's not just about her, and not just about me. It's about the both of us.

I think I might have fallen for him properly, this time.

Episode 4 (Witches Abroad)

With my resolve strengthened to make sure that Tempest would not be alone, I set about making our biggest source of income a better earner - the garden. It was hard work, but eventually things started to grow.

I was extremely displeased to see Dina Caliente wandering around the back of our property, however, while I was out one morning searching for more plants. She quickly walked off when she caught sight of me (my hair makes me quite hard to miss, after all) and I decided to keep an eye out for her.

And it was lucky I did. Two women were wandering up and down the next day, and when I sent a message and a photo of each to J, asking who they were, he told me that they were Nina and Katrina, respectively Dina's sister and mother. He didn't message back after that, and I didn't message him again.

It was clear enough to me that these two were watching my house. Was this what Dina meant by things being difficult if I didn't keep out of her way?

I tried to ignore the situation, and focused on my garden. Eventually, I saved up enough money to buy us a proper oven. We nearly have a good kitchen now, but I'll need to save and save if I want it separate from the living area. Even so, it's a small step in the right direction.

 Tempest has been happy, recently, and I'd like to think that she's forgotten her nightmares, as she seems to be sleeping soundly of late. However, I can't help but worry that she might miss her father, and I don't like that he seems to have distanced himself from her as well as me. I am angry that he has done so, of course. How can he let this argument between us affect Tempest? You cannot put yourself first, when you are a parent, but he's clearly doing that.

How can he see her as optional? She is the sweetest child in the entire world.

 Soon after, a shady character began acting the same as the Caliente women - walking up and down, looking at the house, and sometimes standing outside for a while. I didn't like the look of him, and asked a passing PlantSim about him.

He is Katrina's lover. His name is Don Lothario.

This is taking a turn for a worse.

Katrina walked by while I was tending the garden, with a smirk on her face, but I gritted my teeth, and continued watering. I wouldn't let her see that they had got to me. I had a better plan in mind.

That evening, I made sure that Tempest was fed early, and settled her down a little earlier than usual, to make sure she would be fast asleep by the time my plan was underway. I knew that Nina had begun to walk past later than before, so all I had to do was wait.

Sure enough, almost on the hour, a flash car drew up and Nina stepped out, walking towards my house.

 In my dressing gown, I stepped outside, and walked right up to her, knowing I had to make this quick on the off chance that Tempest woke up.

"Nice night for a stroll, I'd say." I smiled at her. "I often see you walking past here."

"I'm just--"

"Waiting for your friend to pick you up?" I motioned to the car. "I wonder if your mother, sister, and step-father need a lift, too. They all walk by here as well. A lot, I've noticed. But maybe, if you give them a lift in your friend's car, they won't need to."

She opened her mouth to say something, and I held up my hand.

"I must be heading back. I'm sure you must, too. I mean, as you're surely aware, I have a little girl to take care of."

 I walked back, not allowing myself to shake until the door was closed. That...Oh, that scheming witch Dina would not be happy, but I was no doormat. I was the Aries of the Zodiac Legacy, and I was no fluffy little thing. I was a Ram. My family were linked with the stars. And a mere little rich girl wouldn't rule my actions, or my little girl's future.

Episode 3 (A Restless Night)

I've wanted for a while to find the courage to talk to my neighbours. Although I've been here for three years, none of them have really talked to me, and although I love Tempest, the only person I ever see is J, and he is, of course, an irregular visitor to my house.

I've sometimes wondered what they think of me.

Well, now I know! And I wish I didn't!

I was gardening outside in the evening, and I saw a young lady walking past, a pretty looking blonde. She stopped, staring at me, and then smiled prettily.

"Astrid, right?" she asked.

I smiled back, glad for some friendly words.

"Yes, that's me! Nice to meet you...I'm sorry, I didn't catch your name."

"Dina. Dina Caliente. I live not five minutes from here." Her smile was a little too friendly, and I started to feel uncomfortable.

"Well, like I said, nice to meet you." I turned back to my garden, hoping that she'd go away. Little Miss Rich clearly didn't like that.

"Excuse me, but I don't think someone like you should turn your back on someone like me." She raised an eyebrow at me. "I mean, I'm curious, but I'm not a saint. You should be grateful I'm talking to you, given what they're all saying about you."

"Who are they, exactly?" I asked, archly, and she scowled at me.

"The people who say you're J Huntington's baby momma! " she snapped at me.

I felt anger course through me. This snobby little rich girl didn't have the right to throw a tantrum like this over my reputation!

Then it hit me. She was angry that J was Tempest's father. I let a sly smile creep onto my face.

"I'm sorry, were you two involved?" I asked, politely.

She looked shocked, and glanced around the street to see if anyone had heard, before stepping closer to me.

"We might have been, if it weren't for you. Stay out of my way, Red, and you might just reclaim your reputation before Huntington Jr gets to school." She stomped away, glaring at me over her shoulder, and I sighed, reaching for my phone.

There was no doubt that she'd been involved in those rumours about me somehow. No wonder my neighbours wouldn't talk to me.

Of course I called J. He was my only friend, and I had to talk to him about Dina. He came over as quickly as possible.

I kissed him on the cheek, grateful that he'd come over.

"J!"

He laughed. "Great to see you too, angel."

Alarm bells went off in my head. J only called me 'angel' when he was flirting with me, something I had never welcomed.

I stepped back. "J, now really isn't the time. There's other things to think about." Like Tempest. Dina was right - if rumours were still going around when Tempest went to school, that could affect her future.

I took him inside, and quickly explained what had happened. J wouldn't believe me.

"Come on, Astrid. Dina wouldn't do something like that. She's a bit abrupt. You probably misunderstood her. I mean, there's never been anything between us, for starters." He tried to take my hand, and I jerked it away. This wasn't going to turn flirtatious. It couldn't, and I didn't want it to.

"J, please." I kept my voice lowered. "I know what I heard."

"Astrid. Dina and I aren't involved."

That's not how she sees it, I thought, gritting my teeth. I turned away from him. "I think you should get going, J. I'm not going to argue, and it's too late for you to be here."

He left in a bad mood, and I sat on the bed, worrying about what had happened. Dina Caliente might be a delusional gold digger, but she wasn't exactly powerless. And J, my only friend, wouldn't help me. He'd rather be kissing me, and I knew it. All with no strings attached.

I wished, for a moment, that things were different, that he was the marrying kind. The sort of guy who wouldn't break your heart.

Luckily, I have two guys to go to who will never break my heart. Ben and Jerry.

I'd just polished off a bowl of Chunky Monkey when I heard a little voice call out plaintively from Tempest's room.

"Mama?"

Just as I'd feared, she'd woken up. It must have been three in the morning. Not. Good.

I went into her room, lifting her up for a cuddle. "It's okay, Temmie, Mama's here. Mama's right here. What's wrong, precious?"

She curled close, lip wobbling, and nuzzled my shoulder, not answering at first.

"Little storm, what's wrong?" I asked again, gently, worried.

"Where's Papa?" she asked, finally.

She had heard him. I could have throttled him for waking her up.

"Shhh, little storm. Just a dream. Papa's not here," I lied, feeling awful for deceiving her. Her little face crumpled, and I cuddled her closer. She looked up at me again.

"Noms?" she asked, hopefully.

One bowl of early morning yoghurt later, Tempest was full enough to be sleepy, and I took her back to bed, tucking her in. She yawned, snuggling under the sheets.

I myself went back to my own bed, but couldn't sleep. It was very early morning, for one, and I couldn't help but worry over Dina Caliente's words, and how Tempest had somehow heard her father. I could only hope she wouldn't remember it.

I was just dropping off to sleep when I heard sobs coming from Tempest's room. Sighing, I got up again, pushing back the weariness, just in time to see Tempest open the door between her room and the main room. Tears were rolling down her plump little cheeks.

"What's wrong?" I gathered her in my arms, and she sniffled. Probably a nightmare, if I was any judge, given the way she clung to me. Tempest loves me, but she never clings.

"Mama..." She hugged me close.

"It's okay, little storm. Mama will always be here. Don't fret."

Once I'd calmed her down, I managed to find out what she'd dreamt about. She'd been on her own, and I was gone. My heart ached for her as I tucked her back into bed, reassuring her that I would be here for her.

There are only the two of us, after all. If I was gone, Tempest has no one to rely on. Her father was hardly a parent to her. My mind was made up. She must, as soon as possible, know about the legacy. She would inherit when she was an adult, after all. And the sooner she found herself with a big family, the better. She mustn't feel so alone.

Episode 2 (Tempest)

It's been almost two years since I moved here. I've not had much time for anything other than my darling girl.

She was such a quiet baby, but now, she's a talkative little girl! Her favourite words are 'Mama', 'Bunny', and 'Noms'. She absolutely loves rabbits!

I still haven't told Mother about Tempest - I haven't spoken to the woman since saying goodbye. I've taught Tempest to call J 'Papa', as I called my father at her age, but she rarely sees him in person. Thankfully, I can use my phone to Skype him from time to time, and Tempest is always delighted to see him.

She's my world.

Recently, she babbles away to herself, and has been playing with the cat her father brought her back from some Parisian toy shop. It's beautiful, and she loves it. I'm happy to say that she loves him, too.

It's hard not to smile at her all the time. Even when she throws tantrums, which is rare. She's such a good natured little girl.

I wish that Mother knew, but I know she doesn't know about my social media, and I know that I'm estranged from my family. Tempest and J are all I have, and Tempest and I are definitely closer, even if J and I are friends.

I've been working hard to make sure Tempest is happy, and her things are everywhere. A recent addition is the potty - she doesn't quite like it, but if I can get her used to it at home, it won't be as big an issue at day care.

I love her so much. Even when she throws crackers about, she'll smile at me, and she knows she's the apple of my eye.

But I can't help seeing this house through the eyes of my family. They wouldn't see it as a fit house for Tempest. They'd definitely think I was slacking in some way if they knew. Tempest herself, a child who did not come from a marriage, would be a source of shame. One day, I'll tell her about the Legacy, and all about her family. About Aunty Pru, for sure.

One thing that has been sweet is how often she needs to sleep. "Nap, Mama! Nap!" She'll hold her arms up, and I'll change her into her pyjamas, and tuck her into bed. I know toddlers need to sleep more, but it's strange to me even now, this routine.

And of course, the bedtime story. 'The Dragon and the Bunnies' Picnic' is her favourite, about a dragon who wants to join in the bunnies' picnic. I might have forgotten the poetry I learnt from tutors, but I could recite this from memory, because every time she settles down, I read this to her. She joins in with the last words, recently.

And every single time, she'll fall asleep not five minutes later. She's so precious.

I look at Tempest, and I look back at the girl I used to be, spoiled and angry at being dumped here. It might not be the best, but I wouldn't have Tempest if I hadn't come here. She's worth everything I've been through, and she is the reason I will strive to make things better. I will do everything within my power to ensure she is happy and comfortable.

Is this what Aunty Pru wanted? For me to feel like this, to become this sort of person? It's certainly a better situation than before, in many ways. And it's taught me a lot about the sort of people my family are. My mother doesn't want to work hard, she just wanted me out of the house. My father didn't take up the legacy - he just rested on my grandfather's laurels.

For Tempest, I will build a legacy that will become a dynasty of honesty and wealth, of love and glory. I will make sure that every single thing they have pales in comparison to what will be.

Episode 1 (New Beginnings!)

I can't believe this! This is the sort of thing that happens to other people, not to me! I'm a member of the Zodiac family! Not some gutter girl!

It all started when Great-Aunt Prudence died. I'd heard rumours that she had some sort of notion about legacies, and how things should be with our family, but all I knew was that she was Aunty Pru. I was devastated by her death. I loved the woman.

And then the will was read.

Apparently, our family is bound by a strict tradition passed from heir to heir, which is why we are so rich. We're the descendants of hard-working people, and we are also, according to legend, closely linked to the zodiac that gives us our name. The sign you are born under will affect your life. And Aunty Pru somehow thought that I should renew this, before the tradition dies out.

"I won't do it!" That's what I said.


But Aunty Pru had the deed to a new plot of land in a place called Newcrest, a neighbourhood that is far away from here. Not even in the same state, can you believe? And my parents, who I think don't like the fact that I'm a stay-at-home daughter (why get a job, if you have a lot of money?) told me that unless I do it, they're disowning me altogether. I think they want the glory of a renewed legacy again, and I'm the scapegoat!

"It was your great-aunt's dying wish." That's what my mother said as she drove me there. "You'll find all the money you need on this card - and don't bother checking your other card. We've taken the money out and cancelled it. This is a great opportunity, Astrid."

The §1,800 seemed like an alright amount, until we drew up to the plot of land. It was completely empty! There wasn't a house there, and my mother smiled.

"We're meeting with the local builders. You'll stay at a hotel until the construction is finished."

How could I argue? I was backed into a corner.

In town, we met with the builders, and I found out exactly what sort of house my money would buy me. Not much of one, is what! But big enough for a bed, apparently. After I'd handed the money over, I didn't have much left at all.

So, while I sit in the hotel room, which is horrible, but will probably seem like luxury to me after a while, let me introduce myself. My name is Astrid Zodiac, and according to the traditions of this unwanted legacy, I'm the Aries of its first cycle.

I'm quite elegant, too, but I don't know how long that will last!

***

Oh, no! It's worse than I thought! I don't have enough money to install a shower!

My mother told me to get a job, but the only one I could find was at an art gallery, and it doesn't pay much. I don't start for a couple of days, but I'm in a desperate way!

I can see the toilet from my bed, and the bed is next to the refrigerator! There's no room or money for a shower, so I need to extend the house! It's ghastly!

However, it's easy enough to sell things here, and I noticed people selling food they'd grown and frogs that they'd bred while walking through my new neighbourhood. This really is a weird town! But I decided that if it's a way to make money, I'll try it. Gardening wasn't my thing before, but now, it may have to be!

While waiting for my house to be finished, I read up on how a legacy works. There's a whole community out there of people tied into legacies! Apparently, one day, my descendants will be rich, but I also need to make sure I have a partner. I can't say that I ever saw myself getting married, but I decided to start by going to the library.

I met the nicest man, but while we initially had a good time together, and I felt myself beginning to warm up to him, he didn't feel the same when I tried to flirt with him. My behaviour, when I remembered it, was shocking, especially for someone of my status. I'm still embarrassed! Throwing myself at him like that! We haven't spoken since, and ... I don't think we ever will.

But a partner is important. My legacy - and thanks to dear old Aunty Pru, it is mine now - needs to be carried on. I may be The Ram, but...I definitely feel sheepish that I went about it in such a way. I need to be clear about my intentions.

While out wandering around the woody area at the back of ... what I guess is now my home... I found some flowers. I took them home to plant the seeds, as I know that they will sell. It might be a while before they grow, though.

***

As if things couldn't get worse! I had just got my first paycheck, so I decided to celebrate by going to one of the local nightclubs. Mother never let me go to one of them, so I was happy enough to express my freedom by going and drinking - letting myself stop worry about money.

I was sat alone at the bar, having danced for an hour or two, when a handsome young man came up and sat next to me.

"Hey, beautiful. I'd say red's your colour, but I'm pretty sure you know that already."

I giggled. The alcohol inside of me told me he was funny and cute. I learned that his name was J, he loved going to the gym, and that like me, he had rich parents. I told him how mine had cut me off, and ended up kissing him later that night.

A few days later, he rang me, asking if he could come hang out at my new place. I knew! I knew it was no strings attached, and I should have thought about things! I'm the founder of the new Zodiac Legacy!

But I didn't. J and me spent the night together, and two weeks later, I felt queasy. Fearing the worst, I brought a pregnancy test...

Which was positive.

I should have been more careful! Being a single parent is hard enough under normal conditions! But... What was done was done. I tried to get hold of J, but he wasn't picking up his phone. A quick Snapchat check revealed that he was on his way to New Zealand to stay with his cousin.

Fantastic. I really was all alone.

I debated ringing my mother, or my father, but I couldn't bring myself to do that. My mistake, my legacy, my...child.

I didn't even need to check my due date to know what star sign the child would be. We Zodiacs never do.

It's not the end of the world, though. Now I don't have to worry about finding a husband. I can pass on the legacy, and...

I'm looking forward to meeting my child.

***

I worked so hard at work that I was promoted, and my garden, as well as my belly, grew. I made enough money to add to the house - a nursery for my child.

Thankfully, nothing like the horror stories I'd found on the internet happened. The only thing I noticed that was odd was how tired I was all of the time. I slept and slept!

I'd tried my best to reach J, but he'd gone AWOL. However, one day, around the 7-month mark, I opened the door to find him standing there.

He stared at my stomach for a few minutes and then smiled, leaning to put his hands carefully on there. Like I had done before, he felt a kick, and looked up at me.

We talked, finally. He didn't want to be in a relationship with me, and I didn't love him. I would have married him, for the baby's sake, but we agreed we'd stay friends, and for that, I'm glad. J is one of my only friends here, after all, and he promised to be around for the baby when he can. Given that he jets off at a moment's notice to other countries, I'm not convinced, but the intention is definitely there.

He promised to be back in touch when he could, seeing as - you guessed it - he was headed off again. Turns out his dad is an international businessman, and J's got friends all over the world. (I also learned that his real name is Jameson. I'm definitely teaching the baby to call him that.)

***

Two months later, I was gardening carefully (it seemed to soothe the baby from treating my ribs as a kicking target) when I felt decidedly odd.

I didn't think anything of it until my water broke as I was about to rinse off in the shower.

It happened so quickly. There was no time to get to the hospital. No time to even ring J without screaming down the phone at him. Luckily, I'd read up on home births (I really, really don't like hospitals, usually, but it did occur to me during labour that they have useful things like painkillers), and I was able to manage completely by myself.

A few hours later, I was holding my precious baby girl. I've never felt such strong love as this.

She's so beautiful. Her tiny hands clutch at the cloth of my tops, and her eyes look into mine, searching for me. Her fingernails are so tiny, too! She's beautiful, tiny, and perfect.

I was right about her star sign, too. She's a Taurus.

A few days later, while she was sleeping, I rang J.

"You've got a daughter, Mr Huntington." I was tired out, and he could tell, I think.

"When?"

"Few days ago. She's so beautiful, J. You should come by sometime. See her. She's gorgeous."

"Don't you sound the new  mother?" He laughed. "I'm sure if she's beautiful then she looks just like her mother."

"I went through labour. Don't think you can flirt with me." I smiled, and yawned.

"What's her name, then? Don't keep me hanging, Astrid."

I looked at the door separating me and my daughter.

"Tempest. Tempest Zodiac."