Going Solo: Grace Gen 4.2

Two years after graduation and I was still living at home. I kept Carter for Mom and Dad when they had to work or if they wanted a night out.

That little boy and I were growing close. He was sweet and fun to hang around. He'd play outside with me while I worked in my garden. Hope was having a blast at college and when she was home for visits she tried to talk me into coming.

To just try out a semester. Mom and Dad told me they'd support whatever decision I made. I didn't want to go, the thought of being that far from home scared me. I had only recently started leaving the house alone. Mostly I'd take Carter to the park or I'd go the community garden. I loved that place. There was never many people there and the view was amazing. I liked it, especially now in the winter.

The crops were dormant so not many people came. I could sit and read and just enjoy the solitude. I loved living with my parents and I really loved spending time with Carter, but being alone was calming. Not to mention that my parents still hadn't grown out of the 'honeymoon' phase of marriage after all these years. I guess living forever has that affect on them, or they just really REALLY liked each other.

My money was on the latter, so when the public displays of affection become too much to bear I'd go for a walk or come here for a few moments of alone time. I was nearly finished with my degree in Botany. It took me a while to decide on what I wanted to study, but Mom said with my love of plants, that would be the best way to go and she wasn't wrong.

I still didn't have friends outside of the family. When Hope would come home on breaks she and our parents would try to get me to go out and have fun. Most times I declined, but sometimes I would agree only because I saw the worried look in Mom's eyes. Neither she nor Dad would say anything, but sometimes I got the sense they hoped I'd 'move on'.

Another year went by and Mom was pregnant again. I'd completed my degree and Hope had graduated college, barely. She'd moved back home for a few months, but stayed with Grams and Sha since I now shared a room with Carter. The day Hope told us she'd gotten a job in Roaring Heights was a sad one. I was used to her being gone to college, but for some reason I expected her to come back and live closer to home. I missed having my sister close, but she was doing what adults were supposed to do. Grow up, move on and leave the nest. That announcement was another one of those moments in life. Seeing my sister be so independent made me realize it was time for me to do the same.

"So I think I need to move out," I said quickly.

Both of them were silent for a moment and I couldn't tell if that was because they were relieved they didn't have to kick me out (not that they would) or if they were shocked by my words.

"Honey, are you sure? You know we love having you here," Mom said.

"I know Mom, but I'm taking up space. Space you will need soon when the baby is born."

"Nonsense, we can do some renovations. Your mom and I had already been discussing that option."

"You shouldn't have to renovate because your adult child still lives at home."

"That's not the only reason. The new baby is going to be another girl, we will have to anyway. It is either that or move, we haven't decided yet," Mom replied.

"Exactly, so it's not because of you. This is your home and you are welcomed to stay here always," Dad added.

"I know, but...I think I'm ready."

Neither of them looked convinced by that statement considering I had less of a social life than anyone in the family, but they accepted my decision. That is until I took Dad to see the house I wanted to buy. It was an old farmhouse on the outskirts of town. It needed some work, but had plenty of land for my plants. It was perfect.

**A/N**

Yes...that pregnancy is another UNEXPECTED one! Those two...I swear. It's like the moment I have Grace leave the house to do shots elsewhere they are running off to make babies.

Both the girls graduated.

Hope, I couldn't get a shot of her in her cap and gown. She just didn't want to cooperate, too busy wanting to pick up Carter. At least she likes her baby brother I guess. LOL She graduated, MOST LIKELY TO BE A MILLIONAIRE and rolled the want to be in the business career. I got her set up and moved her in with Kerri and Sha. She is now at the mercy of SP. Her final traits: GOOD SENSE OF HUMOR, FLIRTY, ECCENTRIC, HEAVY SLEEPER, and  DIVA. I will upload her next time I'm in game. I will post links to both mediafire and the exchange (if it works).

Grace

She graduated as Valedictorian and voted most likely to burn down the house. LOL Her final traits: LONER, SHY, CLUMSY, GOOD and GREEN THUMB.  After doing uni 3 times for Kerri and again for Davis, I opted not to send either twin there this time (a little over Uni at the moment). Grace's online 'botany' degree is totally made up LOL.