Never Mind The Legacy follows the

life of Carrie Havar, the sixth child of

Regina and Klaus Havar. To fully understand the

family ties in the legacy, I

recommend reading all Havar related

entries.

Hey everyone. You may recognize me. The name's Carrie

Havar, the fifth child of Klaus DeMarco and Regina Havar.

Okay, before you all freak out, I'm not

talking like a moron because that's not who

I really am. When you're one of so many

kids, you have to develop something to

make you stand out. Bennie has his good

looks, Rootie has her sweetness, Trix and

Brian are hilariously mean, Donna's

just...Donna. Being the crazy talking,

weird dressing idiot got me attention, but I'm 18 now, and it's

time for me to be me.

If you haven't read the other tales of my

family (Never Mind The Nooboos and Never Mind The

Degree) then it might help make sense of

my life if you do. They can also be

found on this blog, along with various

ramblings by the Goddess, Alice.

While my older siblings (Admes, Brian, Benjamin,

Beatrix and Bellatrix) have a Greek House on

campus, Alpha Beta Detonator, I decide to go my own way.

Ending up in a generic dorm isn't that bad. At least I

have my own room, unlike at home.

{Carrie is a Pleasure sim with a Romance

secondary aspiration. Her

LTW is to become a Rock God. Turn ons

are fitness/body points and turn off

is jewellery. She is a Pisces (6,2,9,3,10)

and her hobby is Tinkering. Carrie

maxed all her skills before arriving at

college.}

I may not really be a moron, but the

brightly coloured bit was totally me. I love

brightness and oddness and colour. It makes me happy.

Luckily I got enough scholarships to make

the room comfortable, and Daddy got me a

computer as a present. I miss him. I

was always close to my dad. Not Mum so

much, but no one really is.

Is it obvious that I decorated myself?

I may want to stop acting like an idiot, but I'm not ready to

totally grow up.

Not yet.

This is Applepop, my guitar. When I

graduate, I want to become a Rock God.

It's been my dream for years, since Alice made me take up the

violin.

I guess Alice should be explained. I call

her the Goddess, but she really isn't. She's this weird immortal being who watches

over my family. I'm not really sure why

she does this, but she's nice to have

around. She's more than a little insane, but she's nicer than she wants people to

know.

One more introduction. When I was shopping

at a car-boot sale to furnish my room on

such a limited budget, I came across this weird alien statue. It was too

good to ignore, so I brought him. Well, it turns out that he isn't

just a regular alien statue.

'Darn tooting I'm not!'

This is Francis. Hundreds of years ago

he was a powerful Warlock, but was

tricked by a Witch and his soul was

imprisoned within this little toy. For centuries

he's moved from owner to owner, and now he's

mine.

'I'm in no way yours.'

Fine. He now lives on my desk, making smart

comments and moaning.

'Warlocks do not moan.'

If you say so.

It is great to have my family so near.

Growing up in a full house made it hard to ajust to living alone. Luckily my sibling's Greek House is just

down the road, so they visit a lot.

While I do love my siblings, I actually get on better with

their partners. I guess that I've already spent

more than enough time with my sibs.

Alex is the sweetest guy. Admes is so

lucky to have him. He comes over most days to hang out. It

was weird at first, but he's nicer than my

actual brothers.

And he totally enjoys hearing stories about

Admes and the quads from when they were

kids. I like to think he makes fun of them, but I doubt it. He's

just too nice.

Classes are easy, and I began to get bored.

Alex had the idea that I start making over

the kids on campus. Brian had started, but

he has a poor attention span.

That was when I decided that maybe

becoming a world famous rock star was

a little out of my reach. I'd never give

up, but maybe I needed a fall back.

Cosmetology seemed like a good way to

go.

Always willing to help is one of Mum's

friends, Seth. He's pretty cool, and really nice. He even lets me

try out make up on him whenever he

comes to visit, and he comes to visit a lot.

'Hey, Carrie.'

Looking up I see that it's Seth again. 'You

spend more time here than at your own

house,' I joke, smiling.

'Well, there's nothing as beautiful as you at

my place.'

I feel my cheeks flush. 'What?'

'I really like you, Carrie. Why else would

I let you cover me in make up?'

Oh noes! This can't be happening. 'Seth, I like

you too, but I'm only eighteen.'

He laughs, which shocks me. 'I know. I

don't expect you to choose me, but I want you to know that you

have options.'

Then he leans in and softly kisses my cheek

before turning and leaving me utterly

confused.

Completely blown off course, I decide to go and get hammered

downtown.

Seth likes me? Like...likes me, likes me? That's so weird.

I've known him all my life.

Then again, Trixie just got engaged to a guy she was friends

with when she was a kid.

But I'm not like her. I've never even

considered getting married or even having a serious

boyfriend, and it's obvious that Seth

isn't looking for a one night stand.

Ooooh. I cannot deal with this sober.

Apparently when I'm drunk I suck at

makeovers.

Thank the Gods she didn't ask for a

haircut! I hate to think what would happen if I am let

loose with scissors.

It took a while, but I did eventually get

over the Seth thing. I think he's a bit

embarrassed, as he stopped coming

round. That hurt a bit, but at least it let me

avoid the issue.

No one helped me more than the

Vampyric Witch Helsing Pyre. I met

her at one of the bars I go to, and we hit it

off straight away. Other than Brian's fiancé Fay, I don't

really have any female friends that

aren't my sisters. Helsing is great.

She's nice but not too nice, and she always

speaks her mind to me, whether I ask her

to or not. And, despite being eight

months pregnant, she has an extraordinary

energy that makes her so amazing to be

around.

'Sound like a total non-issue.'

'I guess, but I don't want to hurt Seth.

He's...he's a friend. And I do like him. I

just don't want to settle down yet. Mum says that she's known

Seth for years, and she says that he's always wanted a

family and kids. That whole idyllic life. That's not me! I'm still living day by day, doing what I want, happy to be

free of obligation!'

She laughs. 'Hon, he said that he likes you.

He didn't get on one knee. If he likes you as much as it seems

like he does, then he'll be willing to

wait.'

I laugh with her. ‘I sound like a moron,

don’t I?’

‘Yes you do. Give him a chance. It can’t

hurt.’

When Helsing left to return to her family

and coffin, Bellatrix and Faydra turned up.

'You really should join the Greek

House,' Trix said. 'Your libary here is

awful.'

'There is a College Library just across campus,' I remind

her. Every time she comes round she tries

to convince me to join them.

Angrily she tuts before stalking off to

read.

'Ignore her. She and Jerry have been

fighting,' Fay stage whispers. 'Anyways,

we're here because Klaus called Brian who told me to tell

you that Seth called Regina and asked her

to tell us to tell you that he wants to meet

you tonight at The Hub for dinner.'

'What?'

'It's kinda weird, but whatever. I guess

he's trying to play it cool.'

'Yeah.'

Fay has always told me pretty much the

same thing as Helsing. She may

have agreed to marry Brian pretty

early into their relationship, but she

was never really happy about it. Like

me she feels that she's too young to

settle down. I would worry that she will break my brother's heart, but once Fay

commits to something, she sees

it to the end. And she does love Brian,

even if the whole house in the suburbs and kids thing isn’t

her dream.

I meet Seth outside the bar, and straight away he

wraps his arms around me. As much as I am at a loathe to admit it, it feels

really good to sink against his chest. Without

even thinking I cuddle closer to him.

'Hey. Sorry it took so long for me to...get in

touch with your Mum.' He laughs into my hair. 'I

freaked out.'

'Me too!' I scold. 'You got me all worked up and scared that you were

going to coerce me into becoming a child bride! It

took Helsing, Fay and a pitcher of margaritas to

calm me down!'

'Silly Carrie. I just wanted you to know how I felt. I

wasn't proposing anything.'

'I know...it's just...Mum said that you wanted a

family and all that.'

'And I do. And while I'd love for you to be that girl, I understand that

you're only eighteen and won't want that yet, if at

all. I'm willing to take things at your pace,

Carrie.'

Taking my hand he leads me into the

club. We're barely three feet in before I

spin and press my lips to his. I can’t

help my self!

It's all there. Butterflies,

fireworks...all that crap that is meant to

only be in songs.

After a few seconds we break apart, both

panting. 'If it's always like that,' I gasp,

breathlessly, 'then I may be able to play

the mother role.'

He chuckles hoarsely. 'Come on. Let's go

eat dinner before I'm no longer able to

resist carrying you back to my place.'

While that alternative doesn't sound too

unpleasant, I allow him to herd me

upstairs and to our table.

'A toast, to our maybe sort of sometimes

relationship!'

I giggle, already tipsy. 'That I can toast

to.'

Gently he reaches over and toys with a

strand of my hair. 'You're already drunk! I knew I

shouldn't have let you have any champagne.'

Pouting I playfully slap his hand. 'I'm legally allowed to

drink now! I'm eighteen years old

and can do whatever I like!'

His eyes roll and under his breath his

mutters, 'thank Gods you haven't gotten a

car yet!'

Pretending not to have heard, I drain

my glass.

'You're already done?'

Seth snorts a laugh. 'It's not my fault you take forever to eat!'

Dinner was...great. I had kinda been

dreading it, thinking it would be mega awkward, but it's

been amazing. Seth is so sweet and it's

so...easy to be with him.

Leaving the rest of my pork chop, mumbling

about murdering pigs, I stand up. I drank more

than I assumed, and begin to wobble dangerously. In a flash Seth is at my side,

holding me up.

'Come on Carrie. Let's get you back to your dorm before you pass out. I

don't want to be responsible for you

failing out of college.'

Gratefully I squeeze his arms. 'It's an Art course,

Seth, not rocket science. I could pass with my eyes

closed.' Glancing over his shoulder I see a slutty

looking blonde approaching, hips

swaying, eyes on her prize. I suppress an

animal growl and lean into Seth.

'That tramp over there is interested in you,' I

murmur.

He doesn't even turn to look. 'So?' Fiercely he

kisses me, teeth cutting into my lip. It hurts, but

not enough to be painful, or even distract me from

the kiss. If anything, it adds to it.

I frown once he pulls away. 'You

would rather wait for me to grow up

than sow your wild oats with someone

as easy as her?'

His eyes crinkle. 'I'm not an oat

sowing kind of guy, Carrie. And even if I

was, no one likes the town bicycle.'

My chest hurts as I laugh again. 'I've never laughed as

much as I have tonight with you,

Seth.'

'I like to hear you laugh, Carrie. It

makes me happy.'

The romantic moment is ruined as

I stumble again, falling flat on my

arse.

'Come on, let's sit you down before

you knock someone out.'

'You have really nice hair,' I say when we're sat down.

'You're only saying that because you cut

it.'

'Of course.' My breath catches as his

fingers trace down to my hip.

His lips quirk and eyes sparkle. 'Well,

it's late and you have class tomorrow and I

have to get back to my wife.'

Pouting I whack him around the head. 'Just

take me home.'

I wake up early the next morning, head

reeling. Crap! That was some strong

champagne. After showering and

dressing, I chug half a gallon of coffee and a handful of painkillers, then grab Applepop.

'It was you, That showed me who I

am, And taught me how to

stand, For what I know is

real.

I was sick of all the pain,

Tired of all the shame that I felt,

But you showed me a way,

To never have a doubt, And always to believe

in myself, Now I see..'

I smile. Maybe, someday, I could see myself settling down

with Seth. Not yet, not even for a long time,

but one day.

{It Was You, 12 Stones}

I don't have long to muse. One of the other kids I share

the dorm with bangs on my door, saying that my Dad's at the

door.

'Daddy! Did you have to wear your

uniform?' I ask, throwing up a mock

salute.

'I just got off work and Donna

demanded that we visit.'

Glancing over at my little sister, I see her scowl. 'Did not. He

made me come!'

Laughing, Trix rushes over. 'I see I

came round at the right time.' Her arms wrap around Donna,

lifting her up over her shoulder. 'Come on squirt. Be nice to

Carrie.'

Trix and Mum start talking as Dad goes

off to see if he approves of the dorm.

'Hey Donna.'

She eyes me dispassionately. 'You left me alone with all

the smelly babies,' she accuses angrily. 'I hate being the oldest

one at home!'

I try to give her an apologetic hug, but

she pushes me away. 'Nu uh! You don't get

off that easy!'

'Well, soon you'll be old enough to come

to college.'

For a moment she considers that, then nods. 'I want you to

cut my hair. Just a trim. And no messing

with the streaks.'

Lorded over by my little sister. Well, it could be worse. At

least it's Donna, rather than Emmett.

The rest of their visit is uneventful. Dad, while not liking the

fact that I'm not staying with my

siblings, agrees that the dorm I got into is

okay. Mum just wanted to meet all

my friends and Donna demanded my

undivided attention, glad of a companion

who wasn't still in nappies.

For a little extra money I start to write restaurant reviews for

the local paper.

'This sucks. When is something big going

to happen?'

I sigh. 'Hopefully never, Francis. I'm guessing that your kind of interesting

involves more magick and sparks

than I am comfortable with.'

'Perhaps, but it's more fun than spending my

nights holed up on a computer box.'

'Whatever Francis. I like excitement, but

not dangerous excitement.'

With my extra income and a few

grants for good grades, I'm able to rent a little house

just off campus. It's not much, but it's

cute.

The first order of business is to invite

Seth over. Before he can even ring the

doorbell I leap and surprise him with a

deep kiss.

'I really should visit you more often.'

My tongue traces the shape of his bottom

lip as it smiles. 'You really should.'

Breaking away I bounce back into the

house, only now beginning to feel

nervous about the conversation to come.

'Hurry up. I made pancakes!'

'So, what's all this about?'

I gulp down my mouthful of pancake and frown.

'Huh?'

'Come on Carrie. You didn't just invite me over

for pancakes.'

'Well...Seth, I really like you. Like...a lot. But I'm

not ready to commit to one guy. I want to want what

you do, but I don't. Not yet, at least.'

He stays quiet, thoughtful, for a long moment, then

says, 'so, you're asking for my permission to date

other guys?'

I shake my head. 'No. I don't need your permission

for that. We're not dating or anything, are we? No, I'm saying that I am going to date other guys and that

you should date other girls. If there's one thing I

believe in, it's fate. If it's meant to be, it will be. In a

few years, maybe. But right now, I'm ready to just be

irresponsible.'

Slowly he nods. 'I understand.' That's all he

says. Then he gets up and just leaves.

Crap. I knew I would screw this all up.

I just sit there, staring at my half finished

breakfast, until the insistent crowing of the

phone breaks my bubble. For a moment I consider

leaving it, but it's probably Mum or Trix, so

I'd better answer before they mob the house.

'Hello?'

'Carrie?'

My heart skips. 'Seth?'

'Listen, I'm sorry for running out like that. I

guess I'm really no good at dealing with stuff like

that. Anyway, you're right. You are only

young, and you deserve to enjoy that.'

His voice still sounds strained and weird. 'Are

you okay?'

'Sure.'

Then it all comes crashing down. 'Seth darling, who

are you talking to?' a lilting feminine voice

asks.

'A friend.'

A friend? I slam the phone down, beyond

pissed. He left half an hour ago and already has some bimbo? Well, two

can play at that game. Pulling out my little black

book I dial the first number I come to and

arrange a little date of my own.

I met Geoff a while ago at a club. He'd been keen and less

than subtle in his means of getting my

attention. At the time I hadn't really been

looking, and had ignored and later shot

him down, but he never gave up until I escaped back to my

dorm. Later I had found his card in my

pocket.

'I'm glad you called, Carrie.'

I grin. 'Me too.'

Wasting no time on pleasantries, he hooks

a hand behind my neck and pulls me

into a kiss. My fingers twine into his hair, pulling his face

even closer. Carefully, trying not to trip and make an

utter arse of myself, I pull Geoff towards

the couch by the hem of his shirt.

It doesn't take long to make a pile of

clothing on the floor. The rest of night

passes in much the same way, and when I wake up I'm alone

and feeling more guilty than I have the

right to.

I end up spending more and more time

with Applepop, between crying jags and one night stands

that never have the desired effects.

When I told Seth I wanted to see other

people, I never imagined anything

like this happening.

Towards the end of my first year at

college, the family steps in.

'Carrie, you're falling apart,' Admes scolds, frowning. 'You were always so bright and

happy, and now you're...'

'Now you're not,' Brian concludes.

'Ever since that whole thing with Seth

you've been a mess. Maybe it's time to

reconsider your aversion to a

domestic life.'

My head shakes as I fight back tears. 'I

don't want to get married, Brian. I still

want what I said I did, to be a teenager,

to be free of responsibility for a

few more years. But I want Seth too. Even

if it's just as a friend.'

'Have you spoken to him?' Mum asks, settling down next to Dad. 'Since

you told him you didn't want to be exclusive?'

After shooting an accusing glare at Brian,

the only person I told about that day, I shake

my head. 'No. I...I ignored his calls until he

stopped bothering.'

She sighs. 'Well, then what did you expect?'

'Mum! Half an hour after he ran out of here he was

with another woman!'

'Honey, do you know nothing about men? They aren't women with knobs

on, you know.'

'Woah!' Brian, Admes and I all protest at the same time. Even Dad

looks a little embarrassed, even as Alex begins

chuckling.

'It's true. He'll just be playing it cool, trying to

ease his pain with meaningless relationships

just like you did.'

'Alex!' I scream, cheeks crimson.

'What did you tell them?'

He leaps to his feet, running towards the door while gabbling excuses about term

papers.

'Admes, I'm sorry, but I will be killing

him later.'

He nods. 'I don't blame you. But

maybe just maim him and leave the vital

parts alone.'

That gets even Mum groaning. 'Gross

Admes! But I am feeling a little better.'

Luckily I am saved from further

questions by a ring at the bell. 'That'll be

Fay, looking for her wayward man,' I say,

jumping up.

'He told them what?'

'He told Mum about that morning with

Seth, when he...you know.'

'Shall I kill him for you?'

I smile at her offer, but politely decline. 'I

wouldn't want to leave you high and

dry.'

'So,' she asks, brow creasing in concern.

'How are you?'

'Fine,' I automatically lie.

'Don't bull me girl,' she scolds. 'You are my maid of honour and I can still pick

you out a fugly dress!'

'Fine! I'm dealing with it, okay? Day by day, I'm getting there.

By graduation I should be set.'

Her jaw sets. 'That's not good enough,

Carrie. You need to figure out what you

want and get it. None of us like seeing you do this to yourself.'

'That's mean!' I snarl playfully, pouting.

'Guilting me into pulling myself

together.'

Guiltlessly she shrugs. 'I do what I

do. So, the family is still here?'

'Yeah.'

'Then I guess it's my job as your loving

sister to distract them for you.'

Gratefully I hug her. 'Thanks Fay.'

'No worries.'

True to her word Fay distracts Mum and

Dad with an epic game of Drakan. I must thank Brian again for getting

together with her. Meanwhile I attack

Admes and Brian with my makeup

brushes.

'Are you sure about this?'

Flashing my best smile I continue to approach with my

scissors. 'Don't you trust me, big brother?'

'Not when you use that axe murderer

smile on me.'

'Suck it up or I'll tell Fay you're being

mean to me!'

'Wow. If I may say so myself, I am a

genius!'

'What did you do?'

Giggling I hide the mirror from him.

'Have I ever given you reason to not trust me, Brian?'

His green eyes narrow. 'No...'

'Fay! Come over here and show Brian how

much you like his new look.'

Her eyes do a critical once over, then she

cracks a smile. 'Yep, it's true. You can

improve on perfection!'

Brian's head cocks. 'Really?'

She kisses him. 'Hell yeah.'

Watching them made me feel...weird.

Despite their differences, they were meant to be

together, anyone can see that. It's the same

with the rest. Mum and Dad. Admes and

Alex. Rootie and Barbera....what about

me?

No answer about my great love story ever came, so I continued to date random guys

from around campus.

Cubone became a regular. I heard from

Fay, who used to live in his dorm, that he's

a great guy, real sweet. However, she also told me that he

had a thing going with Alice. She never

voiced any objections, so I took

that as a blessing.

{Both Cubone and my simself are

Romance sims. Even if we have been kinda

married for over a real life year, we're far from faithful}

I give Cubone a makeover, because I wanted too, then we

get to talking. This is a first for me. Usually

I just jump the guy then move on. But I actually have a real

conversation with Cubone, and he actually listens.

'Sounds like you're having a hard time.'

He pauses, thoughtful. 'Hmm.

Maybe I should talk to Alice about it.

She's been real busy lately, and not

watching you all as closely as she'd like.'

'I don't want to worry her-' I start, but he

shakes off my protest.

'Trust me, she won't mind.'

Later, after he leaves, Geoff calls, asking

me to join him downtown for dinner and bowling. I agree, not wanting to spend

the night alone.

After dinner we go to the bowling alley,

where Geoff promptly introduces

me to a startling tanned blonde who is

so gorgeous I feel like a troll.

'Carrie, this is Amber Rae, an old friend of

mine.'

I shake her hand politely, but

something about her sets me on edge. I

don't know what it is, but I do not trust this

woman.

Her honey coloured eyes feel like they're

penetrating under my skin, exposing me.

It's an almost predatory stare, like

being stalked by a wolf.

It freaks me out so much that I turn tail and run, jumping in

the first taxi I see and fleeing back to my

house.

'Helsing, something really freaky happened

earlier.'

The worst thing about having a Vampire best friend is that I have to wait until night to talk

to her.

'Is it to do with that new Lycan in town?'

I frown. 'So she is a Lycan. I thought there was something wolfie

about her.'

'Amber Rae. She's got Alice shaken up, that's no mistake. Not many

supernaturals are stupid enough to come onto

council territory without an invite, but

Amber has.'

'Council territory?'

She shrugs. 'Nothing for you to worry about.

Supernatural stuff. You're human, so

you're fine. Anyway, stay away from Amber.

She's trouble.'

'And you have more pressing troubles.'

I freeze. 'Like?'

'Seth. Darling, you cannot keep ignoring

the issue until it makes itself better, because it won't. If

you want something to happen in life, you

have to do it yourself.'

Quietly I growl. 'You sound like my

mother.'

'Then she's a very smart woman.'

Coerced by a pregnant Vampire

Witch, I go and call Seth. It rings until the

machine picks up. I don't bother leaving a

message.

'He's out,' I say.

'Answering machine?'

I shake my head. 'No. I'm not leaving a

message.'

She sighs, but drops it. 'I'll make us

something to eat. You've lost weight.'

'Helsing, I told Seth that I believe in fate,

and I do. I don't want to end up in a

relationship that wasn't meant to be.'

Rudely she snorts into her salmon.

'Darling, fate is for fairytales.'

'So are Witches.'

An eyebrow rises. 'Touché.'

I'm grateful when she lets the topic die.

Silently we finish our meal, and then she

leaves, back home to her family.

{Helsing Pyre was the founder of one of

my failed legacies. She married one of the head vampires,

Count Jim Jayapalan and together they

have three sons, Angel, Armand and

Admes. It was a vampire themed

alphabetacy}

The next morning things slip back into

the usual routine. Cubone shows up and

we engage in a little romantic fun.

'Cubone, thanks for being here for me. It's nice to have someone

to just chill out with and have fun. My

family spends most of their time telling me how to live my

life, and my friends are just as bad!'

He laughs and smiles, holding my hand up

to his cheek. 'It's a pleasure, Carrie, I can

assure you.'

Then with gleaming eyes, he scoops me

up and carries my to my bedroom.

When a family member stops by, I

now regard them with suspicion. Someone

comes everyday to check on me,

seemingly forgetting that I'm a grown

woman of nineteen.

Bennie is the worst liar, always cracking when I ask who sent

him. It's always Brian. Busybody Brian.

'He was the same with me,' Bennie assures

me. 'After that whole fiasco with the

cheerleader, he tried everything to get me out of my slump. It's

his way. He may seem mean, but he loves his

family deeply.'

'You should listen to your family.'

I start, halfway though fixing my piece of junk PC.

Since moving into the house, Francis has

been awfully quiet. It's been nice.

'What woke you up?' I ask.

'They're good people. It wouldn't kill you to

pay attention. They just want to best for

you.'

Irritated I slam the computer back

against the wall. 'What are you, a

figurine or a fortune cookie?'

'I'm just so sick and tired of everyone

telling me what to do, Francis.'

If he had lips, I'm sure he'd smirk. 'You

sound like every other teenage girl out

there. Sometimes listening to other

people helps us figure out what needs to be

done. Why reject help when it's offered?'

I scowl at the screen, the words I just typed

a blur. 'Whatever.'

'Good argument.'

Hissing through my teeth I slam away, stalking out of the

room.

I had a lot of lovers. None of them

serious, few of them for longer than a

night. It was a kind of release for me. For a

few hours I could pretend to be

someone else, the person they all saw and wanted, and it

was enough to keep me from thinking

about just how bad my life had gotten.

Then I got tired of it. Tired of the games and of pretending.

Everyone was right; I was wasting my time

waiting for something to happen.

It's up to me.

So I make a choice.

Again I tease the lipgloss on my lips.

'What do you think, Francis?'

'Have I mentioned lately that I haven't

had my own body for three hundred and

seventy two years?'

'Yes, you have,' I sigh. 'What about

me? Is it too much of a change?'

'You look perfect, Carrie. Why are you asking me, anyway? I'm just a figurine.'

Rolling my eyes I move away from the

mirror, afraid to keep looking at it, afraid

I'll loose my nerve.

Picking up the phone I dial...

Okay, I chicken out and call Helsing

instead.

'Kid, why did you call me out here? I know for sure that

you didn't go through this intense makeover for me. Unless you're

on the turn.'

I smirk. 'I've always been bisexual, silly.

No need to turn. And no, I didn't do it for

you. I got this far then choked at the

final hurdle.'

Sympathetically she squeezes my arm.

'You just got to do it.'

'In a bit. I need to work up the courage

again.' To distract myself, I run a hand over her huge belly.

'How much longer? It feels like you've been

pregnant forever.'

'I know what you mean. This little

bugger's due to pop in a few weeks, thank god. And it had better

be a girl. I already have three boys. I

need some feminine energy around the

house.'

I smile up at her. 'Sounds like it.'

'Okay,' she exclaims, pushing me back up

to the house. 'Enough stalling.'

After five minutes hiding behind a tree, I bite the bullet and go

and talk to him.

'Hey.'

Cold eyes turn on me, scowling. 'I'm not

interested. And I'm waiting for someone.'

I laugh. 'Damn, Seth. Are you like this to

everyone?'

Suddenly his eyes pop. 'Carrie?'

I nod. 'Who else would it be? Unless

you have another date tonight?' It's said as a joke, but even I hear

the uncertainty in my voice.

His eyes go cold again. 'What

happened to you?'

'I grew up. I realized that I couldn't be a

little kid forever, waiting for

everything to happen for me. I had to take

control of my own life.'

'By chopping off your pretty hair?'

I shrug. 'It'll grow back, but I kinda like it short.' Nervously I look at him through my lashes. 'So, still want dinner? It has

been a while.'

He smiles that stunning smile that

made me feel all warm and happy on

our first date. 'Of course, but only if

you let me pay.'

It's amazing how easy it is just to slip back into the old routine with Seth. I haven't

seen him or even spoken to him in over a year, and yet it feels

more like we last dated yesterday. It

just clicks.

I definitely made the right choice.

'Ha! You'll have to keep a closer look on

your shrimp if you wanna keep it!'

His eyes crinkle. 'I'm having a hard time watching my food

when there's a goddess opposite me.'

My face flushes. 'Fine, you can keep

the shrimp.'

He chuckles. 'Point one to Seth!'

Pouting I stuff the stolen fork of his

food into his mouth. 'How's it taste?'

'Okay. Though I can see something at this table I'd rather have

in my mouth.'

Snorting I pull my fork back. 'What kind of girl do you think I

am?'

'I know exactly what kind of girl you are,

and plan on exploiting that later.'

'I look forward to it,' I huskily reply, leaning

towards him.

'I knew you would.'

'Seth,' I start, gulping, 'there's a reason I

asked you here tonight, despite

everything.' Taking a deep breath I

continue, voice scratchy. 'When we

first met, I really wasn't ready to settle

down, to even consider planning a future. And because of that I threw away

so many good things, including you. I lost out on a whole year of you, and I regret that. I'm not willing

to let it happen again, so I decided what I

wanted...'

'...and I want you.' With shaking hands I pull the ring box out of my pocket. 'Seth,

will you marry me?'

His jaw goes slack for a second, then the brightest smile lights

his face and he snatches up the ring.

'You're sure?'

His reaction makes me grin like a kid

with ice cream. 'Hell yeah!'

'Then of course I'll marry you!'

I'm flying and I never want to come down.

'I love you,' I whisper after dinner, stroking

my fingertips along his jaw line.

'And I love you too,' he replies, face still alight with victory.

'So, back to my place or yours?'

A little smile pulls at my lips. 'I just had a

new hot tub installed.'

'Your place it is then!'

'My car's out front.'

We spend quite a while in the hot tub. I

loose the top of my favourite bikini in the

ensuing ruckus, but it's hard to regret

anything.

The entire night is magical, and when he

leaves in the morning, part of my

follows.

Unfortunately that part of me is the part that apparently keeps

me faithful.

'I talked so much, I'm sure

I didn't realize I'd gone crazy

Didn't catch my bloody nose

Or that my heart tried to explode

I still live with my High School friends

Some people never change at all

We're still the same compulsive drunks

We were when we were small

(Someone get this man to a hospital!)

Ohh, maybe, we were made

We were made for each other

Ahh, is it possible for the

World to look this way forever?

Ahhh, Ahhh...'

I play my favourite Jack's Mannequin

song with a smile, but part of me itches. The

engagement ring on my finger feels

heavier than it did last night when we

picked it up from a jewellers on our way

back here.

Did I make the right choice?

As ever when I have to make a hard

choice, the doorbell goes. Glancing out

the window I see an old friend, Caroline.

A devious though creeps in and I know

I have no chance.

What Seth doesn't know can't hurt him.

'You really think I'm beautiful?'

'With eyes like that, how could I lie to

you?' I reply, smiling seductively.

Hook, line and sinker. Nice to know

I still have it.

However, things are ruined as the head

cheerleader comes to visit.

I've never met her before, but I know her because of the

fact that she messed up Bennie's life.

Brian wouldn't let me take her on before,

but he's not here now and that girl needs to

learn that no one messes with my

brothers but me!

'So, you're Lindsay?'

Her eyes narrow. 'And you are?'

'Carrie Havar, Benjamin's little

sister.'

Her lips curve in a cruel smile. 'Oh, I've heard about you. The

campus bicycle.'

'Is that meant to hurt?' I laugh in her

face, earning a scowl. 'Better than being a

psycho stalker. I know that Brian's

already had words with you, but to be honest, the boy's a

pushover when compared to the younger Havars.

Now, you don't want to mess with me, and

you do not want to mess with my sister

Donna. We make Trix and Brian look like Beetroot. Kay?

Mess with my brother and you are going to get your ass kicked.'

'You'll kick my ass? This I'd like to see.'

'Push me and you will.'

Worry flickers on her features. Clearly

I'm meant to back down. Well, she can keep wishing. I may

be one of the nicer Havars, but I still

don't take crap. Mum may have

been absent for most of my upbringing,

but she didn't let Dad turn me into a

total wuss.

'You can leave now,' I say.

Smartly she turns on her heel and stalks

off. And yet I sense that she won't back

down so easy.

Good. I like a challenge.

'Carrie, I don't need you and Brian

fighting my battles!' Bennie complains,

again, during a marathon Halo game.

'LEFT!' Admes screams, causing me

to crap myself and fall off the sofa.

'Crap Admes! Chill! And Bennie, I wanted

a good fight, and she's a total freak!

Come on. Can't I kick her ass a little bit?'

He tries to hide a smile, but I see his

cheek twitch. 'What kind of brother would

I be if I said no?'

Inspired by Trix and her constant demands that I join their Greek

House, I start my own. With all my

"friends" it quickly becomes a hotspot on

campus, despite it's size. Besides my

family, Cubone is another frequent

guest.

As is Caroline.

'Is there anyone on campus you haven't

dated?' Cubone jokes, winking on

his way to make more mac and

cheese.

'I hope so!' I crow, giggling. Caroline

joins in the laughter, but I don't think she

gets it.

She's not the brightest bulb.

'You still haven't chosen, have you?'

I ignore the imprisoned Warlock, continuing on

my essay.

'I see the ring on your finger, but you still

aren't sure about him, are you?'

'Great, now I'm being lectured by an alien toy

as well as everyone else!'

He's right, but I hate to admit it. I love Seth, I know that, but I don't

love the idea of no one but Seth for the rest of

my life. Luckily it's easy to avoid him, with

me at college and him working and looking for a house for us to

move into when I graduate. A house?

That's...huge! A house and kids and that hole

picket fence life?

I still have two more years of college.

Maybe by then I'll be ready.

Or dead.

Either is fine.

While my siblings are well aware of my

indiscretions, Mum and Dad are as

ignorant as Seth, and no one is stupid

enough to change that. So, when Seth

arranges a meal at my place with my

parents, I agree, clearing out the place

for the day and praying that no one

shows up unexpectedly.

'You're Carrie Havar!'

I start and mechanically shake the offered hand of

the elderly man. 'And you are?'

'Phil. I'm a Warlock and friend of Alice.'

'Oh.' That doesn't explain why he's

talking to me.

'You are just as lovely as she said.'

'She's been talking about me?'

He nods. 'Of course. She's very worried

about you.'

'Why?' I demand, scowling.

'Crap!' he exclaims, covering his mouth

with his hand. 'I fear I've said too much.'

'Spill it! Come on! If Alice is worried

about me-'

'I cannot tell!'

Knowing what I do of Warlocks, I can

see that it's a lost cause trying to glean

info from this guy.

I guess there's a trip to Alice's place in my

future.

The last weeks of my second year at college passed as

the rest of the year. Surprising

encounters in the hot tub...

...parties with all the campus faces...

...and makeovers for anyone who stepped

onto the lot.

But I'm still curious. Something's happening.

Something big. And I bet it has something

to do with Amber Rae invading Council

territory, whatever that means.

I am going to find out, because when

Carrie Havar wants something, she gets

it.

And that's the end of Chapter One. I hope that you enjoyed it.

Next time Carrie demands answers and

Amber begins to cause problems in the

town.