Nightshade: A SimLit | Chapter 47: Losing Patients

Amelia examined the half-finished painting in front of her as she put her paintbrush down. She had begun to make a reasonable amount of income for selling her paintings at the flea market when it came to town, as well as other events, though with Jeremy's job the family was hardly in need of the extra income. But it never hurt to have a little extra financial stability -- she learned that from being poor for most of her life. Besides, she enjoyed painting, even if she hardly had the time for it anymore since...

Her mind wandered to Onyx, who was upstairs taking care of Tiffany. She was growing fast and proved herself to be far more of a handful than they could have expected. 'I'd better go see if he needs help with her.'

Tiffany listened, seemingly a bit bored, as Onyx read out loud to her from the book he was holding. He seemed to enjoy any form of literature -- even books like this one, meant for ages three to five. But who would expect any different? He had always enjoyed books, even more now that he was working on writing his own. He had completed a first draft, and now he was refining it. He was so close, and a publisher was finally interested... but of course, with Tiffany, he rarely had the time to write.

He was so into it that he didn't hear Amelia's quiet footsteps entering the room.

"Onyx?" 

Onyx looked up from the book and stood, walking over to the bookshelf. He put the book back in it's proper place before turning to face Amelia, his smile widening. "Hey, honey."

"Hey," Amelia smiled. "Do you need any help with Tiffany?"

They both glanced over and noticed she had already fallen asleep.

"I guess not," Onyx laughed quietly. "She's pretty exhausted after all the playing we did."

"Good. That gives you some free time," Amelia said, but before she could continue further, he interrupted.

"No, it gives us some free time. Together," Onyx said, placing a hand on her cheek. 

Her hands instinctively moved toward him, reciprocating his soft touch. "But... what about your novel? This is the first time a publisher has been interested in working with you. You really should-" 

"We hardly ever get any time alone together, Amelia. The writing can wait," he sighed. "I want to spend my time with you, while we have some peace and quiet..."

Amelia smiled as she felt his thumb slowly stroking her cheek. "Alright... you win. So how do you want to spend this alone time?" 

Onyx smirked. "Well--"

Before he could finish, the sound of a slamming door and yelling startled them both. Of course, this was the time of day that Jeremy got home from work, and judging by the arguing voices they already knew what was happening.

Onyx's hand fell back to his side and he sighed heavily. "I knew it was too good to be true..."

"Did you really think we'd have peace and quiet?" Amelia rolled her eyes, clearly irritated. "I guess we should go make sure they don't kill each other." 

With that, she headed for the door and Onyx followed with a groan. "What is it this time?"

-----

"I can't believe you would do this to me! I'm a great wife! I stay at home all day with this dumb toddler and this is how you repay me!?" Claire yelled. "Not only do you get fired, but you get fired because you're sleeping with your patients!"

Jeremy sighed. "Claire, just listen-"

Claire clenched her fists. "No, you listen! We are over, Jeremy Johnson!"

"You can't just do that," he reasoned. "I'm your only source of income! Aside from Onyx and Amelia, as if their stupid hobbies make any money."

"You were my only source of income, but then you decided to get yourself fired! Why was I not good enough to you?" She snapped. 

"I did it because you drive me crazy! I can't stand you!" Jeremy retorted. "There. That's the truth. Are you happy now?"

Claire gasped. "I drive you crazy? If you don't shut up in the next five seconds, I'm going to shove my foot so far up--" 

Onyx and Amelia entered the living room to a long string of curses and intense arguing.

"What the heck is going on here?" Amelia asked loudly, crossing her arms. "All you two ever do is argue. I'm really starting to get tired of listening to it!"

Claire turned to Amelia with crossed arms, ignoring Jeremy's pleas behind her. "Are you trying to tell me that you and Onyx never argue?"

"Everyone argues every once in a while. But we almost always solve any disagreements we have calmly. Do you ever hear me cursing him out and insulting him like that?" Amelia raised an eyebrow. "If we're having an argument, you can't hear it all the way upstairs, Claire." 

Onyx nodded in agreement and tried to reason with them. "Amelia's right, this isn't healthy. You shouldn't be yelling at each other like this. Whatever you're upset about, I'm sure there's a civil way that you can handle--"

"He cheated on me with patients and got himself fired!" Claire yelled. "How am I supposed to handle this civilly!?" 

"Can you blame me for it?" Jeremy sighed. "She's terrible! I've lost my patience with her! And now I'm fired, so I lost my patients, too!"

Before Onyx and Amelia could get in another word, their bickering continued. 

"You know what? Get out!" Claire snapped. 

"You can't kick me out on the streets! I have nowhere to go!" Jeremy exclaimed. "And no one has a job! I'm sure I could get back into mine if I sweet talk my boss. Without me, you'll be as good as broke!"

"I said get out!" She shoved him toward the door as Onyx and Amelia could only watch in shocked silence. "I never want to see your ugly face again! I'm filing for divorce!"

"Claire, please!" Jeremy pleaded, but the door was slammed shut in his face.

"And don't you dare come back!" Claire crossed her arms and turned away from the door with a huff, marching upstairs.

Jeremy clenched his fists and turned away from the door, disappearing into the darkness of the night.

Onyx and Amelia exchanged worried glances.

"What are we going to do?" Amelia frowned.

Onyx sighed before taking her hand and leading her upstairs toward their bedroom. He knew they would need all the rest they could get. "I don't know. But everything will be fine. We'll figure something out..."

She could only hope he was right.