Crunch Time

Sophie went to bed early. There was nothing much happening, no fires or ghostly visitations and the last party invite she got ... the host wasn't even home! She'd checked his GPS coordinates on her phone (I went into Town Mode and checked there, but this sounded much more feasible) and discovered he was out somewhere in the outskirts of campus.

So she awoke, bright and - well - not quite so early, she finally rolled out of bed at just before lunchtime despite her early night (Heavy Sleeper trait in full swing) and swallowed hard. It was crunch time. The results had been posted and it was just a matter of hoping that she'd passed.

Slowly, and nervously, she opened the envelope. Her stomach rumbled mercilessly, letting her know that she needed to eat and soon. But that just had to wait. This ... was much more important.

The suspense was killing me at this point as she peered at the results at the bottom of the page....

... and gave out one hell of a yell!!

She'd PASSED!!!!!

A 'C'!

She was so happy that the first thing she did was to phone home and let them know the good news. It was Nessa who answered.

Sophie: They're having a graduation ceremony later, think you can get everyone together and bring them over?

There was a long, uncomfortable silence. Then Nessa sighed deeply.

Nessa: Not sure about everyone else, they all seem to be busy.

Sophie's happy bubble began to deflate rapidly.

Sophie: It would be nice ...
Nessa: Hespa and I can come, if that's any consolation?

Sophie couldn't keep the bitter resentment from dripping off her tongue.

Sophie: It would have been nice for everyone ... but ... oh well. I'll see you and Hespa at the stadium then.
Nessa: Wild horses couldn't stop us!

They hung up and Sophie had lunch. Something one of the other dormies had cobbled together, but she didn't even taste it. She was so nervous about this ceremony.

She arrived at the stadium, very early, along with many others. But they were all refused entrance because they weren't wearing their graduation robes. Nessa saved the day by dashing to the dorm and grabbing the robes for Sophie. Hespa loitered towards the back of the crowd, feeling more and more uncomfortable around the gathering crowds (her Loner Trait starting to kick in)

Hespa: Breathe, just breathe. There's nothing to worry about. They're only here for the ceremony. They're not going to laugh at me.

But her calming exercises just didn't work as suddenly and without warning, she went into full meltdown.

Thankfully, nobody noticed. (apart from one Sim)

Purple Haired Student: What bright spark brought THAT freak here?

Now, be nice.

They were far too nervous about forgetting lines and tripping over their gowns to think about the strange Sim standing there screaming and freaking out.

After waiting a long time, and the door attendant being extra fussy over the dress code, they were all allowed in.

Editor's Notes:

I didn't get the 'throwing of the degree scroll' because they'd taken that long in entering the stadium that the game simply switched to loading screen before that happened. But I am happy that her hard work paid off and she passed with flying colours! 

Edible Art, Workouts and Presentations

Nessa felt out of place with her mismatched, just-came-out-of-the-charity-box clothing. She'd been saving her pennies from her part time job and decided to go for a whole brand new look like her sister.

Gone was the light red hair with the purple highlights and the hairband. She'd darkened her hair to match her dark eyebrows and chose a more ... windswept look. With her long face, it was difficult trying to find a suitable style, but I think she chose well here.

And unlike her sister, she didn't go for all those fancy frills and pretty pinks (white is her favourite colour), she opted for a more casual look. After all, she wanted to blend in and not stand out.

She also wished for a guitar. So she picked out the most outlandish/futuristic one in the store and it stood pride of place in their shared room.

You've got it now Ness. Are you going to play it?

Nah, well, maybe later. I just want to stand there and admire it for now.

O-kay then.

Proof that Pat was behind the superglue prank. That night, as both sisters slept, he moved.

Just popped from one area to another (sorry about the warped, fish eye lens pic, only angle I could get). But strangely enough, he landed at the bottom of Nessa's bed and not Sophie's. He must be REALLY ticked off with her if he's choosing to stick with Nessa!

He's a strange little fellow/doll/whatever.

The next day was a free period, so, whilst Sophie tried to make some edible art for her latest project (she still had the bowl glued to her hand) ... a presentation no less. It was part of her forfeit for failing to attend the lecture.

.... Nessa spent time in the upstairs gym, working out, listening to Country music (her favourite) and falling off the treadmill a few times in the process.

Sophie finished her sketching and drawing in record time and feeling proud of herself, she wished to watch the Cooking Channel. Sadly, the TV they had in the common room, had a bad reception and she could only get the Children's Channel instead. She had to sit through Pink Bunnies, Cow Mascots and the like.

She glanced at her watch. It was time for her presentation. So, with portfolio tucked under her arm, she made her way to the Student Union to the lecture hall.

Only a couple of students turned up, since she hadn't advertised it very well. Nervously, she shuffled her notes, cleared her throat and began her unrehearsed speech. The lecture hall, from this angle, looked HUGE!

As she droned on about the merits of taking and appreciating a Fine Arts Degree, the only two students who had turned up ... had the audacity to fall asleep as she was speaking!

"Oh, come on now," she groaned, "surely it's not THAT boring? I'm trying my best here"

Maybe this will teach her a lesson on being late for class in the future?

Professors, Parties And The Powers Girls

Backtracking a little here, (I saved before they left the Meet and Greet). Just after Nessa managed to grab herself a freebie from the vending machine, she had the distinct feeling that she was being watched. And rightly so. By none other than Professor Anthony himself. Just the intensity of his stare was enough for her to feel just a little uncomfortable. So she approached him.

 "Did I do something wrong?" she asked innocently.

He smiled, a little. Only a little mind you. Then shook his head.

"If you're talking about stealing from the vending machine ..."

"Oh, no, it was just a little loose, I ... I shook it a little ...."

"There's no need to apologise. Not a day goes by when a student goes on a head to head battle with a vending machine."

"Ah ... erm ... good."

He studied her closely, frowning slightly.

"You look familiar, but I ... can't seem to place you."

"I'm Vanessa, Nessa to my friends. I'm with Sophie."

"Sophie ... Sophie.... OH! You mean Miss Powers?"

"Yep, that's my sister!"

"How is she?"

"She's good. She's come back to finish her degree."

"I am glad, she has potential. A lot of potential."

There was an awkward silence after that, as both parties tried to think of something, anything to say to one another. The small talk was getting them nowhere fast, and it was beginning to bore Nessa rigid. Besides, Professor Anthony looked as though he was trying to say something, but couldn't quite articulate. He stared at her.

"What?"

"I'm sorry, it's just that ... you look so familiar to me. Are you Fae?"

"Huh?"

Just then, Sophie arrived and interrupted them.

"Professor, hi. Nice to meet you. How are you?"

"Sophie! Glad to see you again. I hear you are continuing your Fine Arts degree."

"That I am."

At that moment, Nessa's phone beeped as a message came through. It was a kegger party invite from frat boy Miles Forthright. Nessa almost squealed with delight.

"A party? AWESOME! You betcha I'll be there!"

Sophie smiled at her sister's excited reaction, then turned back to the professor.

"Before you ask, no I didn't ask my mom, such a lot has been going on lately at home that I didn't get the chance."

"That's a pity."

"Why?"

"Well, it would have been so much better if it had come from your mother."

"Professor, you're not making much sense."

He glanced at his watch, scribbled on a slip of paper and handed it to her, then bowed ever so slightly.

"I've got to go, sorry. It's getting late and I've got to teach class in the morning, prepare a presentation etc. But if you do have the time, check this out in the library. You'll find it enlightening indeed. And it'll answer many of your questions."

"I'd better go too. Keep an eye on my sister for a while."

**********

During the study group, Sophie began to yawn. It had been a long day - travelling, settling in, keeping an eye on Nessa. Besides, her class was an early one at the arts academy.

"I'm turning in Ness, you'll be okay?"

"Yeah, of course. Besides, I've been invited to a kegger party."

"So you've been hinting at all evening. Just take care okay, and make sure you get back home in time for class."

"Pfft, it's not until noon. I'll be back by then."

"Okay, night then."

"Soph?"

"Yeah?"

"Never mind."

"Go on."

"I was just going to ask if I could borrow your kenspa."

"Not if you're going to be drunk. Besides, there are plenty of bikes on campus. Borrow one of those."

"Ah, okay. See you soon."

After a shower and a bite to eat, Sophie headed off to bed. The minute her head hit the pillow, she was out cold, snoring slightly. Nessa in the meantime, grabbed one of the bikes outside the dorm and pedalled to the frat house to join the party.

What she hadn't anticipated, was the fact that it was swimwear, and she was the only girl invited. For once, she felt a little self conscious and lurked outside whilst the party raved on indoors. 

She was joined by another student.

"Hey, can I help you?"

"Hey. No, I'm good, thanks. I got an invite to this kegger, by a Miles Forthright."

"That's erm ... me."

"Oh, then what are you doing out here?"

"I ... uh... was checking the kegs, see if they're full."

Nessa smirked. By the looks of things, this student had been put up with a dare to throw a party, expecting nobody to turn up. And now he was hiding outside because he couldn't handle the crowds indoors.

"You got any food? I'm starving."

"No, sorry, just drinks."

"Ah, crap. I'm starving."

"Sorry."

"Oh well, better join the throng then. See you around."

"Yeah, okay."

The party raved until the early hours, when Nessa checked the clock in the house and blanched.

"Ah crap. I've got to get back. My class is in four hours!"

In a desperate bid to get home, exhausted, smelly, bursting for the loo and hungry, she wobbled along the road on her bike, the chilly air whipping around her semi naked body. (yep, she was still in her swimwear, cycling home in the early hours of the morning)

She bolted up the stairs and headed for the bathroom. Time was ticking onwards and her hunger still gnawed at her. Whipping out the can of soda, she drank the whole lot down, hoping that the sugar rush would sustain her for a couple more hours.

It didn't.

It hit her bladder full force, and she peed herself!

Oh Nessa. You really need to balance partying with studying a little more.

Vanessa The Tornado And Her Overuse Of The Word ... 'Awesome'

Vanessa is all twitchy and excited at the prospects of being somewhere other than Dragon Valley. So much so that she bounced on Sophie's bed, yelling and laughing, before demanding that she meet her outside....
.... in the rain. Whilst she was out there waiting, she found J1NX1E lurking near to the time travel portal.

 Nessa: Oh, hi J1NX1E, going on a field trip somewhere?
J1NX1E: Hello miss Nessa. Actually, no. I've been sent out to keep an eye on Bonehilda. 
Nessa: Oh, my bad, I thought you were planning a trip to the future. You know, find out if any of us were successful singers or something!
J1NX1E: The thought HAD crossed my mind, but briefly. However, I've been told to watch what Boney is doing and report back to your mother.
Nessa: Yeah, she is acting odd lately.
J1NX1E: Sadly, yes, that seems to be the case. Changing topics, what are you doing out here? I heard you yelling at the top of your voice. Are you feeling ill?
Nessa: Nope, it's just that ... I'm going on an adventure of my own!
J1NX1E: That sounds wonderful. Any idea where?
Nessa: I'm going to university!

Just then, a sleepy-eyed Sophie appeared, half dressed and more than a little grouchy.

Sophie: Ness, what's going on? And why did you wake me up so rudely?
Nessa: Guess what?
Sophie: I have NO idea, enlighten me, and be quick about it, I'm getting wet here.
Nessa: We are off to .... why are you dressed like that?
Sophie: I was rudely awoken by a certain idiot I used to call my sister
Nessa: Oh there's a reason for that, but you'd better get changed and pretty quickly.
Sophie: Whatever for?
Nessa: The moving van will be here in about an hour.
Sophie: Say ... WHAT?!?!?!
Nessa: The moving van? For college? You know? I booked it.

Sophie rubbed her face with obvious annoyance.

Sophie: If I wasn't still sleepy, I'd slap you right now.
Nessa: Yeah yeah, whatever. Now get your stuff all packed, he'll be here soon.
Sophie: You've got your stuff ready already?
Nessa: Yep, been planning and packing for most of the day whilst you've been sleeping your lazy butt away.
Sophie: I was working, you know. And I was tired from it. You do realise there's a suitcase limit and you can't pack everything but the kitchen sink.
Nessa: Oh..... I know..... be right back.
Sophie: Does mom know?

Nessa screeched to a halt, broke out into a silly wide grin and nodded.

Nessa: Yup, told her this afternoon. She's happy for us. She said it was nice that I had you as my chaperone!

She bolted indoors to quickly sort out her non essential stuff, leaving Sophie shaking her head and getting wet at the same time. Dragging her kid sister around college, was NOT on Sophie's agenda. But since Nessa had already jumped in - boots first - there was very little Sophie could do. Thank goodness they both had different majors. Nessa drove Sophie nuts with her sunny attitude and permabright smile.

Sophie: Kids huh?

J1NX1E chose to ignore her and continued to fixate on Bonehilda, who STILL continued to play hopscotch - in the dark, and in the rain.

The moving van was a little late, due to flooding in the valley, but soon enough, they arrived at university, where the sun was shining and everything looked fresh and clean. Both girls aspired to be in the music industry, but had very different ideas.

Nessa: Awesome! I'm gonna be a singer!
Sophie: Hold up sis, you need to be able to sing first.
Nessa: Yeah, I know, so where do we start? Is there a karaoke bar on campus?
Sophie: You know, I'm not quite sure. Maybe you can check it out after the meet and greet.
Nessa: Awesome!
Sophie: You really need to tone down your enthusiasm sis.

Nessa blew a raspberry at her sister, then looked up at the imposing dorm.

Nessa: So this is where we are going to stay?
Sophie: Yep.
Nessa: Awesome!
Sophie: It's the same one that I was in the last time.
Nessa: How do you know? They all look the same to me.

She pointed to the front lawn and the sad little grave marker that was embedded in the grass.

Sophie: Because he's still there, the student who died out here.
Nessa: Awesome. Oh, sorry, meant to say . how sad.
Sophie: We've managed to get the same double room together
Nessa: Awesome! Oops, sorry. Can't help myself.
Sophie: Look, I'll take our cases upstairs, you take a seat and then I can show you around, okay?
Nessa: Can't wait!

There was a sound of shuffling as the other students started milling in. Some complained about the hot weather, others were more worried that they hadn't packed their umbrellas.

Student: Because yeah, ya know, it could, like, totally pour down and we'll all get drenched and stuff.

Nessa dropped down in a chair and looked around.

Nessa: Oh, wow! Holy ... wow! I'm actually here!

She was in complete awe. Sophie smiled at her tornado of a sister. Yes, she was a drop of sunlight, but she was also pretty much impulsive, charging through the house like - a tornado - actually. She was a bundle of nervous energy, far greater than the fairy magic that Sophie herself had in her. University was definitely going to be an interesting one with Nessa on the loose.

Sophie: Hey, want to go to the Meet and Greet?
Nessa: Sure!

Nessa practically bounced off the chair in her eagerness to please her sister.

Nessa: Just lead the way!

For a split second, Sophie forgot that she had fairy wings and the ability to fly, as the two of them charged out of the dorm at top speed.

Sophie: Sorry sis.
Nessa: Hey, that's okay, I'll race you, see who gets there first. Right?
Sophie: Gotcha.

They arrived at the Student Union building at around about the same time. Sophie was impressed at her sisters' endurance, and she nodded to herself, glad that Nessa had chosen Phys Ed as her degree. She was going to stonewall through it easily.

Sophie: After you.

Nessa stepped through the doors and grinned from ear to ear. One word escaped from her lips.

Nessa: Awesome.

Sophie just smiled and allowed her sister this little indulgence.

College - It's Not All Parties And Such

Sophie arrived at campus and was immediately blown away by the amount of progression that was going on. Never mind that her dormies were happily gathered around the table - family style - to chat about the weather and whatnot.

 There was one girl who was fiddling with a metal contraption and talking into a strange looking cone!

Sophie: Hi, sorry to stare ... but what's that?
Radio Hack: Hi, it's my radio. I'm a radio hack. I'm just trying to get a sig ... oh there it is! Sorry I'm a bit distracted, I like to broadcast events and whatnot when I've got the chance.
Sophie: You can do that?
Radio Hack: Sure I can.
Sophie: You don't need to post scrolls on the town hall walls for everyone to read?
Radio Hack: Er no.... where are you from, you sound positively medieval
Sophie: Yeah, you could say that.

There was a distinct squeal of feedback and the hack had to quickly adjust the frequency.

Radio Hack: Sorry, signal's a bit iffy around here. I'd better start broadcasting before I lose it completely. Nice to meet you, see you around campus maybe?
Sophie: Um, yeah, okay. See you.

And Sophie went a wandering, taking in everything that was going on. Never mind that her mother had travelled into the future and seen what could be. This? This is in the NOW. This could bring Dragon Valley slap bang up to date - provided the Elder Counsel would allow it. She was only too aware of their restrictive way of life. How they disapproved of practically everything new.

The only thing that Sophie did not approve of, was the fact that her fellow students/dormies, were a messy lot. But she guessed that this was the price she had to pay for living with a bunch of strangers for a year.

Plus, she also discovered that she was sharing her room with a vampire .... who SNORED! Yes, she herself was a Heavy Sleeper, but the rattling sound of that vampire fast asleep was enough to wake the whole neighbourhood!

Her own semester timetable was punishing. She'd fallen back so badly on her grades at school, that she really needed to slog hard to get that Fine Arts degree that she wanted - and prove that she's equal to .. or even better than ... her siblings. If she was to carry on this legacy, she REALLY needed to pull up her socks - figuratively speaking - and get cracking!

But first, she felt really out of place. Whilst everyone else ran around in loose casual clothing and what she herself called 'reckless hair'. Her 'schoolmarm' look was far too severe. And her purple fitted dress was far too old for her young figure.

So she went to the salon to have a complete restyle.

The severe bun went, and out came a really nice carefree hair, loosely tied into a plait at the back, but short enough so it wouldn't get into her eyes when she studied.

Make up was a little better, not too harsh and heavy, and it accentuated her eyes. She chose NOT to go down the contact lenses route. Maybe because she still had that medieval streak running through her and she believed that they'd roll to the back of her eyes and make her blind.

The outfit. She'd already purchased that in the store and had it tucked away in the chest of drawers. Now that was a little more risky. A short bolero jacket, cut off at the waist, revealing a rather sharp and toned midriff, with a strange leggings/shorts combo. Finished off with some rather dandy ankle boots. She was used to walking in heels anyways. These were just a little higher. Nothing she couldn't handle.

Now she felt ready for college, and what it had to offer.

Before class even started, she decided to sit quietly and sketch for a while. It was peaceful, the warm breeze tickled her hair as she concentrated on her work. It wasn't much, just a quick study sketch. She wasn't even sure if she wanted to keep it. But she did, she added it to her portfolio for future usage.

She went to class where she was also supplied with a textbook that she needed to study. So, after her sketching and drawing, she settled down to read. At least the weather was in her favour as the sun warmed the back of her neck, and the murmur of students passed to and fro as they went about their business.

But then her sweet tooth kicked in, and following the scent of the campus coffeeshop, she treated herself to a large slice of cake. Studying was making her feel hungry! But she really needed to watch those pennies, maybe get herself a part time job or something, just to keep her going through the semester. This slice of cake was her treat... for now.

Just as she was finishing off the last few bites and was ready to go, another student arrived at her table.

Student: Mind if I join you? I feel self conscious sitting on my own.
Sophie: Sure you can, but I'm just headed off to class. I'm sorry.
Student: Hey, that's okay. Maybe we could meet up at some point? Share study tips etc.?
Sophie: That sounds cool. But I'd better go, see you around.
Student: See you.

Sophie felt really guilty that she had to leave like that. But she wasn't kidding. Class was but an hour away and it was right across the other end of campus, so she had to do some serious travelling.

After class, Sophie decided to do the right thing ... and call home. After all, it had been a couple of days and she'd left with hardly a goodbye or even a note for that matter. She felt it was her duty to let her mom know that she was okay and unharmed. By this time, the heavens had opened and it was pouring down outside, at the same time, she was exhausted and needed some sleep. But her mom came first. Her hand shook as she dialled the number. She half expected - actually,  strike that - FULLY expected a right royal dressing down and her ear being chewed off.

Shannon: Hello?
Sophie: Mom?
Shannon: Sophie? Is that you?
Sophie: It is Mom, and I'm sorry.
Shannon: Where are you, we've been worried sick. No note, house empty. All I could get from Sonny Em was that you had gone.
Sophie: I'm at college. I ... I decided to go a little early, you know, get a feel for the place.
Shannon: Although that was a rather reckless and immature thing to do, at least you are safe. You have no idea how close I came to calling the police and reporting you as a missing person.

Sophie: I'm sorry Mom.

Shannon: Well, promise me you'll keep in touch.

Sophie: Yes Mom.
Shannon: So, what major did you pick?

Sophie: Fine Arts, do you approve?
Shannon: I't s a good one for you, and you don't need to ask for my approval here Sophie, you are of your own mind. You can do whatever you want and go wherever you wish to go.... which is college by the looks of things.

She finally hung up, feeling a great weight of guilt lifting from her shoulders. And strangely enough, not once did she even give Pat a second thought. She was here in college, and enjoying every minute of it!