Africa Dominguez Ch 6

Africa (34) , Laci Hourvitz (34) Their Children: Darius and Dominica twins (17), Sasha and Nicolas twins (8)
Narrated by : Africa


I still can not believe that im pregnant! I come home late from work trying to get everything in order. Ever since I announced that I was pregnant everyone started panicking. Laci says I have to take it slow but I just cant stop all this energy that I have lately. I remember Laci used to be tired but I am the opposite.

Lately Laci and I have been quite busy trying to figure out how to pay our bills. First we have to now pay taxes and we have to see how if Darius and Dominica are going to college. If they do decide to go then we literally have nothing set up for their tuition. I dont know how were going to do it but we have to. Laci says I should stop stressing out because it will all be fine. In the long run if in case they do go to college they can always apply for grants and loans. I just never planned correctly for this.

Lately I have been having so much nausea its ridiculous. I hate having the guile rise in my throat. I literally have to find the nearest bathroom within seconds.

Laci is working on her logic skill for her promotion. We have not even finished this room yet. This used to be Sasha and Nicolas' nursery but we decided to leave the room for our personal use. Laci needed to improve her skill so we decided to buy a chess set.
I want to teach Sasha and Nicolas how to play. Darius and Dominica just stare at me when I ask them if they want to learn. Darius is the first one that finds something else to do.

I woke up one morning with blood everywhere and I had the worst cramps. I woke Laci up and she rushed me to the ER. I knew something was wrong. All I kept thinking about was how to explain this to my kids. They saw me getting into the car and their faces were full of worry.

I ended up having a miscarriage. I didnt know what I did wrong but the doctor told me that I could have been under too much stress. He told me that if I wanted to try again to at least wait six months. Laci was sad and tried to pep me up. I felt like such a failure. It was my first time getting pregnant and I lost the baby so fast.

I pretty much stayed in bed and came down to eat while everyone was gone to school and work. The kids understood. Poor Nicolas just hugged me lightly and told me that he was sorry. Darius and Dominica came and told me that they both decided to go to college. They applied for grants and each received $1,000. I hate to think that they are going to get loans to start their young adult life.
Now that the kids are growing up I think about marriage a lot. I wonder if I did not or am not sending the wrong message by not marrying Laci. Trust me we are fine without the paper saying that were "married" but still. Now with my miscarriage im thinking about proposing.

Laci planned a party to wish the twins, Darius and Dominica, a farewell. She also told me that Asia said she needed to see me to make sure that everything was going well with me. I didnt want her to see me like this but I cant turn her away.

Asia came over and gave me a hug and I just started crying. I had all this pent up emotion that I did not know what to do with. She hugged me and told me that everything would be OK. It felt good to hug my twin. No matter how much I discuss this I feel that only she can get me. Laci doesn't understand it but with us having two sets of twins on our own she is starting to get the hang of it.

During dinner we discussed our lives and the news of all of our family. We ran down the list: Miguel was fine with little Victor and Kea. Atani was good with her twins, Suki was enjoying her baby and Ariel well she was the only one we havent seen. After her college graduation she choose to move downtown and live there. I still think that living that far away from Viramontes was not a good idea but how could we stop her from doing it?

My kids are great kids and I thank god everyday for them. the other day as I was reading a book I overheard Darius telling Sasha and Nicolas that they would have to take care of Laci and me while they were gone. I couldnt believe what I was hearing. I was proud that my son, Darius was so considerate. I looked at them and remembered like it was yesterday how I held each one of them in my arms.

The night of the graduation/college party for Darius and Dominica I felt so depressed. Laci came in and told me that I had to show up for the kids and the family. I did not really want to but then I knew she was right. What would my family say if I didnt even show up to their party.
Laci hugged me not caring that she would get wet with the bubbles, " You know I love you and everything is going to be OK. We can try to get pregnant again. Baby if you need someone to talk to...well we can"
"Laci..I know it will be OK. Your right, I will get ready and try to put one foot in front of the other. I will see the twins off. Ill be right down OK"

Even though Dominica does not tell us, I can see that she is holding a torch for a college freshman named, Kampol Do. Apparently they have been seeing each other as "friends" but I think its more than that. He goes to the college where they are accepted. Hopefully Dominica will concentrate on her books and not major in a PhD on Mr. Kampol.

The party was successful. Everyone came out and had fun talking with each other. It had been a long time since the party was reunited this way. It was good having everyone here to wish Darius and Dominica farewell.

Before long everyone left including my first born. I hugged Dominica and Darius. I whispered in Darius' ear that everything would be OK. I made them promise to take care of each other.

Once everything was cleaned up and the kids put to sleep I went up to see Laci. She was concentrating on a game of chess and when she looked up she said, "im proud of you. I know it was hard socializing with everyone but thank you. It meant a lot to Dominica and Darius"
"Hmm it didnt mean a lot only to them. It meant a lot to me to show my family that im strong. Are you going to be long or y ou coming to bed?"
"Im going to play this for a little while? Why did you need something?"
"Just you"

I still had my old touch because Laci and I made love that night just like we did when we moved in together. It felt great being with her and realizing that I love her more now than ever.
Several months later......................................................

I guess I was so relaxed that I got pregnant without thinking about it. Now I am taking extra careful with this pregnancy. I am reading all the books and I am taking time off of work. Im still in my second trimester but I don't want to take any chances.

I am also napping a lot more. With this pregnancy I am much sleepier than I was with the last one. Laci says that this is a good sign but I am not sure. I am still scared of losing another baby. Hopefully all will go smoothly.


Authors note:
I did not plan on Africa losing her baby. She made love with Laci and I guess her hunger level went too low. Before I knew it she got up and miscarried. Her current pregnancy was a complete surprise. During the party I heard Chimes and I was surprised. I have ACR but never had an actual pregnancy occur with out me initiating it. Either way I am glad she is having this baby **fingers crossed**

Asia Dominguez- Ch 6

Asia (33) Naremi (6)

Alvin Kuta and I are still dating but it seems like things are going on a downward spiral. Him and I are both so busy with our careers that we find it difficult to find time for a date. I am also find that my juggling career is not giving me too much time for Naremi.

I made a new friend Joe Carr. At first we were feeling each other to see if maybe there was sparks there. Thankfully we did not go down that road and we are able to be friends. Naremi loves Joe but she knows he is just a friend. I have to admit its nice getting a guy's point of view. He also agrees that Alvin and I might be breaking up. Conveniently he has a friend named Vincent that he has been dying to set me up with. Who knows I am actually considering it.

Alvin and I finally made a dinner date at the house and to my dismay he called and cancelled. I asked him if just wanted to postpone the time and he said no. As soon as I hung up I called Joe and told him to give his friend my number.

Naremi has been missing Alvin a lot lately and it breaks my heart that she always asks for him. apparently he had promised to get her a fish but never came through. I told her that I would take her to get fish but via fishing. I got up and planned a quickie vacation for Naremi and I.

Naremi was amazed at Three Lakes Lodge. We had a blast trying to learn to catch fish. She actually caught one versus I only caught an old boot. Our guide was wonderful. The sad part for Naremi was actually having to sleep in a tent. She thought I was kidding when I pointed the the tent earlier and I said, "we will be sleeping there later". By the time our vacation was over we were dying to get back to our house and sleep in our comfy beds.
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Alvin finally made it over for dinner but I choose to send Naremi to her aunt Africa's house. We made small talk but there was nothing really to say between us. Alvin kept sighing throughout the whole dinner. I finally asked him, "so whats going on? Clearly we are not on the same page anymore"

"I know I have been distant. Asia it's not you, its actually me. I want to make things work with you but I am so busy at work right now. I hope I dont know maybe take a break?"
"You know Alvin, I have to be honest. I really have been feeling as though we are no longer each other's priority. I understand about your work. Trust me I understand. I myself and contemplating a career change. We can always remain friends and who knows.. maybe in the future we can pick up where we left off."
"Thats why I am going to miss you. You are the one girl I have met that is so drama free. Here I was expecting this big scene when its just a calm discussion between the two of us".
Asia looked at Alvin and smiled. In truth she was worried that her first real boyfriend and relationship was now over. At least she can add this to her book of experiences and call it a day.

Joe did make on his promise and give his friend Vincent my phone number. We decided to meet in Downtown Viramontes for some nice friendly fun. I was walking around the shopping mall when I noticed this guy and boy oh boy did I notice him. You know one always hopes that he is the guy but then I thought I could not be that lucky.
"Excuse me...you wouldnt happen to be Asia would you?"
"Vincent? Wow Its so nice to meet you."

We sat down for dinner and we talked introduced ourselves. You have to love the first date. It's awkward for both of you. The questions always remain the same, "What are you looking for? What are you into? When was your last relationship? Any kids?" Vincent answered all of mine. He had no kids, he was into his master's program and he had graduated as a lawyer. He was unsure of the kid part since he is 37 years old and never thought that he would meet someone. He is an only child and he is currently trying to find someone to befriend and definitely be more. For a first date we had so much fun just talking and before we ended it he asked me out again.

Our second date was at the bowling alley. I had not been bowling in such a long time. I think the last time I was here was with my parents and you can imagine that was along time ago. Vincent was a good sport.

Honestly I did not want to laugh when he slipped but he told me I could so I did! It was great to be able to be with someone that could laugh at themselves too. We ended our date and it was great. Before he dropped me off he had me already booked for a third date.

Our third date was two weeks later. For a minute I thought that he was never going to call me. When he did he asked me out for coffee and some ice skating. As you can see we are not good at the ice skating portion of it.

This time after our date I invited him in for some coffee. Naremi was already gone to bed. I let the babysitter go home and it was just Vincent and I alone at home. I am loving the fact that Vincent is not pushy just because he knew that Naremi was asleep. We ended the night and we hugged and kissed very lightly. I was falling for this guy faster that I had ever imagined.

I know what your thinking. Alvin called and said he wanted no that he needed to talk to me as soon as possible. I told him to come over to talk. I asked him what was the urgency regarding and he asked me if it was true that I was dating someone else. He put his hand on mine and all I could think about was how I wish he were Vincent. Its funny how when you break up with someone, no matter how cordial you always see the person differently. Now that I looked at Alvin I wondered what I saw in him to begin with. I pulled my hand away and told him that I was seeing Vincent and that we were seriously dating. Alvin for some reason thought that we were on hiatus. I never agreed to that. I cleared our terms up again and this time he realized that his need for a "break" actually involved giving me freedom. Too late now I thought. He went home and promised that he would try his best to "win me back". I think it would be useless effort but to each his own.

When Vincent came over, I decided to give him this big hug. I had missed him so much and I could not believe that it had been two days since I had seen him last. Vincent whispered in my ear, "I have miss you so much."

I decided to tell Vincent about Alvin and he appreciated me being honest. He asked me if I felt or harbored any feelings for Alvin and my immediate response was no. He was told me, "Im glad to hear that. I dont want to compete, especially for someone who doesnt feel for me the way I feel for her."

Dont know how but we ended up in my bedroom. Don't get the wrong idea, im still a virgin. We did however have a strong make out session. When Vincent wanted to take a step further I stopped him and told him that I had never been with no one. That when he asked about Naremi and I told him that she was adopted. It will never stop amazing me how men get this gleam in their eye when they find out i'm a virgin.

At the end of the night we kissed and I felt so happy. Vincent officially asked me to be his girlfriend and I whispered, "of course". I am ecstatic and at the same time scared of what our future could bring.

Ariel Dominguez--Chapter 2

Ariel (20) Frances Worthington (23)
Narrated by Ariel

Frances and I moved into the smallest apartment possible in downtown. I didnt want to move here but Frances said he would be closer to his job. As of now he is working as a paramedic. I guess the crime in downtown will give way for his advancement.
Our house it literally small. I want us to get a loan to fix this place up but Frances insists that we can live likethis for a while.

A while did pass because before we knew it, I was giving birth. I didnt know what to do but Frances freaking out didnt help me any.

I had triplets! I could not believe that I am a mom to triplets. We paid the $9,000 birthing fee and now were ever more squashed in this house. We gave up our bedroom for the triplets. We now sleep in the living room. We named them Alexa, Benjamin and Estelle (for my mom).

My older sister Africa and Asia came by with gifts to see us. They had never seen our house and were shocked to see how small it was. Africa wanted me to move in with her and Laci but I said no. I wanted to start my life just like they did.

Asia was supportive but also asked if I needed help. Why cant they understand that I need to do these things on my own? I know im the baby of the family but geesh! Asia said that Miguel would make the trip as soon as he could. I could wait for that...if they wanted to move me out Miguel would be worse.

Frances survived the visit but asked if my sisters were always so over protective. I told him that yes they were. Frances just looked at me and told me that everything would be iine in due time. I just hope so.

Ch 5--Suki Dominguez-brueg

Suki (27) her husband Toby (30)

Toby is so excited about his new office. He has several interesting cases in Viramontes. Who ever knew that being a lawyer would be exciting. With our recent drama here, Toby has decided that its best that we move and make a nice and fresh start. I agreed. We have been looking to buy a house. Can you imagine me a home owner? I am still working at the architectural firm and it looks like I might be promoted soon.

We found a house and we decided to throw one last party at our apartment to celebrate the move. My whole family came out to support us. I know I shouldnt feel this way but I am glad to leave this apartment behind and the horrible memories that it brought me.

I still venture to do hair at home. I tried to this this poor guy but I have no idea how he ended up like this. At this rate I doubt that I will improve my clientele list. Toby tells me to relax and it will come naturally. I on the other hand might look into some stylist classes.

Finally the big move was here! Toby made sure that we cleared everything out. He told me that he would give me a few minutes alone to say go9od bye to the place. I looked around and was amazed at how big and empty it looked.
I started my adulthood here and even started my first marriage to Hayden here. That ended in disastrous events but either way I finally met my new husband. I am glad to be leaving here. I need to heal especially since Toby and I just found out that im expecting.

Outside our new house we were nervous. The house was bigger than I had remembered it but it was ours. Toby wanted to carry me in but I refused. It seemed the more I refused the more adamant he was about it. So I gave it.

Atani has been a great support to me in my pregnancy. I am having a difficult pregnancy to the point that I almost miscarried my baby not once but twice. I was finally put on bed rest so I never got to show off my big belly to my family.
Now that I am so near my due date, I am just happy to finally see the end of my pregnancy.

A few weeks later I gave birth to a healthy baby boy which we named Madison. I am so happy that my baby is healthy. Unfortunately the birthing process was not easy and due to complications ... I am now unable to have another child. Toby says he is fine with just having his son. Who knows maybe I was not meant to be a mother to another baby. The good news for Madison is that im going to spoil him silly.

Ch5-- Atani Dominguez-Rainer

Atani (27) her husband Alec (32) and their children: (twins) Hitoshi and Kanji (1)
Narrated by Alec

My wife and I are so delighted to be parents. Don't get me wrong when I say that I am tired. It is not because I have a family and a hectic job, its because I feel so old! Atani laughs when I tell her that the twins are taking my energy. Look at them so cute and innocent. I love my boys. This is the greatest gift that I could have ever received. I still can not believe that our boys are here and they are safe. I guess the Dominguez clan is full of twins and triplets. It is a rarity to have a single birth in this family. Now that I think of it only Miguel had one baby, my nephew Victor.

We celebrated the twins second year calmly than we anticipated. As much as we wanted to celebrate it, well we just didnt have the energy. Now that the boys are learning to walk it is going to be a bigger challenge. I know I may complain but in reality I would not have it any other way.

The moments that we wake up and we hear silence is pure pleasure. Before pleasure for us would be making love in the morning or anytime we wanted. Now it consists of having a few moments of silence. When I say moments I mean moments because before you know it we hear the boys beginning to stir in their bedroom.

We get up and make them breakfast and get ready for the brand new day. The boys love their oatmeal but I cant help but look at their eyes and see them searching for something ...to destroy.