Life for the Hess flowed as it always did. Joel kept up with his chores, though he probably would have rather liked to spend more time at the gym. He knew his place was at home, helping his mother with the young ones. He did find it odd he was the primary caregiver, though. He was beginning to realize how little his mother had a hand in raising Natasha, Nicholas and Wes.
Perhaps it was because she had other things on her mind. When the children were satisfied, his duties fell into cashier of the family shop. Standing behind the register, he got to see his mother work her magic on customers. Even the reclusive from the half-way house came by routinely, just to be entranced by her words. In just a few days, they had earned enough money to have two birthday bashes.
Yes. Two. The first was for Wes. He was Natasha's twin, it seemed. He looked exactly like her at first glance. But upon further inspection, he seemed to carry more of Sophia's facial traits than his sister. Still, his strange looks couldn't be overlooked. But he was special, Sophia said, as all her children.
The next birthday to come was for the young Nicholas. He looked more like a Hess than Natasha and Hess, with his light skintone and hair. Joel was exceptionally pleased with Nicholas' growth, as he really took extra care of him in his infant days. He supposed it was what a father would feel.
And he would feel it even more, with the new arrival. His mother was, once again, pregnant. Joel found it strange, that she seemed to have so many children yet not his, nor his brother or sisters, had ever seen their own fathers. This pattern was strange. But he didn't mind having another baby to take care of, despite his need to enjoy the free-reigns of teenagehood.
Natasha and Wes were also curious about their new sibling. They noticed they were the only two not to look at all like the rest. Looking at Nicholas each day as they all shared the play table confirmed it. Would this baby look like them or would they be the odd ones out, yet again?
They didn't entirely luck out. Mia, their new sister, had a darker skintone than the other children but one lighter than their's. Natasha was very pleased to have a little sister. Being surrounded by boys was no fun! Cooties were everywhere.
For Sophia, the coming of Mia signified the end of an era. She was getting along in years and her time as an active black widow was coming to a close. Knowing she'd never have to have any more children or marry again, she gave herself into the very core of who she was: a lover.
Of course, not everyone appreciates such raw truth. Sophia wasn't sure what he was more mad about: the fact she was cheating on him or the fact she did not invite him to join her lesbian affair. In any case, his anger rose to extreme heights. Sophia let it slide, knowing this was truly the final time a man would dare lay his hands on her in such a filthy manner.
That is to say, if Joel could find it in his heart to let her indiscretions go. He was the first child to become upset at discovering his mother's lifestyle. He had been in the nursery when he heard the argument, peeking out to see a woman fleeing his mother's bedroom as their voices grew louder. It made him wonder...was this how his life began as well? Was he just an infidelity love child? Was his father in this very position as well?
Nicholas' growth into a walking, talking child let him escape his questions. The boy was, more or less, adorable and won over many of Joel's school girl friends. He followed his mother around like a little duckling, clinging to her whenever she gave Joel a break from the nursery.
Just after his birthday came Mia's. Yes, she truly was different. She reminded her mother much of Vivian, at least in appearance. Mia was a bright girl, though and very sweet. T'was a shame her father wouldn't be around long enough to finish watching her grow.
Sophia spent the night before planning. What would be a lovely way to go? Electrocution had never failed her before! So, she spent the late hours "reprogramming" the television set. Once the sun rose, she sweetly asked Todd to repair the television so the children could watch their cartoons. Reluctantly, he tried his hand at it...then it slipped...and all fell into place.
Yes, it truly was a shame but he had to go. Sophia did feel bad. He should have at least gotten to see what a beautiful young woman Mia turned out to be. When she questioned about her father's disappearance, Sophia spoke the line as it had been for the years before. "They say the good die young...."
"And bitches live forever..." Smiling contently to herself as she rested on her large, empty bed, Sophia recounted her escapades. Yes, if she counted up all her deeds, it would seem Sophia was pretty much guaranteed to be around for a long time. She had everything she wanted: beautiful children, an tasteful home and enough lovers to put Don Lothario to shame. And of course, she had a beautiful fertile lawn, thanks to her dearly departed partners. Sophia had accomplished the life she had always wanted. The Black Widow could now rest, as her story would undoubtedly be retold in gossip and whispers. As long as she lived in infamy, Sophia knew she'd never truly die.
