Baby Bumps, Dates, Snowmen and Merfolk, All in a Day's Work!

Sophie is really blooming there with her rapidly growing baby bump. She waddles around the house, feeling a little put out because she's been told she MUST have bed rest. But you know these Powers girls? They never listen.

Hespa gets a phone call from out of the blue. A Sim was so taken with her that he really wanted to go out on a date! Intrigued, she decided to go....

... only to discover that this was an ELDER Sim with a serious bladder problem.

Not only that, she was getting the hairy eyeball from a werewolf who was also smitten by her.

Eeps.

Bored with hanging around the house, Sophie took herself off to the park, where she met Aunt Teagan and promptly told her about having a baby. Teagan managed to raise a kinda/sorta smile. Babies just aren't her thing.

There was another reason why Sophie was in the park. Her sister was there, and doing a much better job of her singing career earning tips despite the plummeting temperatures.

Hannah was there too. But poor Sophie's pregnancy hormones went into overdrive and she suddenly took a shine to a blue skinned merman standing in front of her. Oh, hell, no. No way. You've earned the Eternally Faithful reward. You are not going to jeopardize that at all. Not on my watch sister.

Beating a hasty retreat from her admirers, Hespa headed for the park too, where she made friends with a stray dog. Getting it's trust, she fed it some treats.... to which it promptly threw back up!

Determined not to get these two - Sophie and the merman - romantically involved, I decided to make her talk to him and reminisce about university. It impressed him no end!

Then they changed topics. He was hoping to achieve the Scarlet Feather Book Awards .... when he could sit down long enough to write something .... whilst Sophie talked about all the educational toys that she and Drea had planned to buy for their baby. Hannah was happy that the moon was still out and energizing her.

It was then that Sophie decided that she wanted to build a snowman.

Are you sure you're supposed to do that? You are close to term you know.

Sophie: Oh, I'll be fine. It's just a bit of snow, that's all.

She completed the snowman without much drama, when that stray dog started hanging around her. Once again, she offered treats ... and once again, it puked them back up!

And that's when baby decided it would arrive....

Right.

Now!

Sophie: Bugger. I'll never see Paris now.

Doomed From The Start

Nessa had her first Sing a Gram. She had to travel quite a distance to deliver a cheery 'good luck on your promotion' song to a vampire sporting a rather questionable hairstyle.

 Was she nervous? You betcha. Although you wouldn't think it at the time. She'd listened to her sister practicing in the mirror on many occasions, so she knew what was expected.

As you can see, the Winter days are pretty short and the sun had hidden behind thick woolly clouds. But that still wasn't enough protection for vampires. Nope nope.

But bless him, he stood there quietly, listening as Nessa launched into a lively song, and applauded when she presented him with a stuffed Freezer Bunny toy!

Actually, he was thrilled! It was the first time anybody had approached him and handed a gift to him, without wanting to bolt for it for fear he'd try to take a sneak sip of plasma!

Whilst she was there, Nessa also had to complete an opportunity. This was to earn 50 Simoleans whilst playing for tips. So she whipped out her trusty futuristic guitar and blasted out a couple of songs she'd learned by heart.

And that was when the inevitable happened.

They both farted hearts for one another.....
.... or was he simply lusting after her plasma? After all, he WAS kinda hungry.

Whilst she was playing, another family member appeared from nowhere. None other than big sis Hannah.

I think she's trying to avoid her mom for some good reason, because Shannon has been trying to get a hold of her for days and she keeps fobbing her off by saying she's headed out to work. So I tried to get Shannon to call her, just to see if she'll pick up.

Nope. Same old excuse, but this time on her voicemail answering service.

Nessa: Tell her I was at a concert.
Sim: Tell her yourself, I'm tired out.

Um. Yeah.

Anyways, it was getting on, Nessa's fingers were hurting with the cold, so she was forced to stop. She managed to earn 17 Simoleans. It's a start. And got the phone number of that lovestruck vampire. Maybe perhaps she and he? Fairy and vampire? It's an interesting combination ..... We shall have to wait and see.

Back home, nervous that the stove was going to throw a fit again ... and the fact that that fire cost Hespa a day's work, she decided to fireproof it. So, trusty hammer in hand, she went to work on it.

Sophie had yet another Sing a Gram to complete, but he was so far away, it was getting late and Sophie desperately needed a hot shower, that she gave up and went home.

It was almost 1 am by the time she got in and anticipating that she was hungry, Drea tried his luck with making waffles.

Drea: Hungry dear?
Sophie: Starving.
Drea: It won't be long. Just putting it in the oven right now.
Sophie: That's ok, I'll make do with leftovers for now.

Drea had something up his sleeve. But he waited until everyone was in bed before he put his plan into action.

Sadly, Nessa had some devastating news. Just as she walked through the door, her phone rang. She learned that the vampire with the questionable hair ... had died .... apparently from hunger. According to sources, he had particular tastes and he'd left it waay too late to eat.

Yep. Unfortunately, this relationship was doomed from the start.

No Love So Enduring

I know I'm skipping back and forth here, but I thought I'd show you this. As I explained earlier, I wanted to try and rotate each Sim within the household, just to make sure that they all have some of their wishes granted.

I'm such a good genie/sim goddess, aren't I?

This time it's the turn of Shannon.

She doesn't want much. She completed her LTW at a very early stage so she simply goes through the motions when it's time for work. She has had fleeting wishes to create a masterpiece of great value and those differ with each fleeting wish. She wants to be friends with Hannah - who by the way, is noticeably absent whenever Shannon tries to call her. She also wants to see William married off. But since both of those Sims are not in the household, they are not under my direct control. So I can see these wishes being completely fruitless.

However, an idea came to me. Since she doesn't really ask for much, and I'm only keeping her needs going, just because. Why not try another angle? And at that moment, I couldn't have timed it better myself, the one Sim that I'd hoped to appear .... did.

The ghost of Austin Powers himself.

He couldn't keep himself away. Something always pulled him to wander the house. And that something - or in this case .... some ONE - was Shannon.

Normally, she'd be fast asleep in bed when he made his nightly hauntings. But as luck would have it, she was wide awake. Insomnia and possible hunger, causing her to wander the house whilst everyone was fast asleep.

She stopped in her tracks as Austin's ghostly form hovered in front of her.

Shannon: Oh, hi there.
Austin: Hi babes, what's up?
Shannon: Can't sleep.
Austin: Aww, why's that? Miss me?

Shannon paused, and sighed, a single tear threatened to spill from one of her pale eyes.

Shannon: I ... I guess so. It's ... so lonely here.
Austin: I know. I've watched you all from afar. And throwing yourself into your work is not a good substitute for companionship.
Shannon: I know. But everyone's growing up so fast, moving out and doing their thing. It's just so quiet around here.
Austin: So, you haven't found anybody else yet?
Shannon: Nobody comes close to you.
Austin: Ah, that's because you picked the best!

She chuckled at his self confidence.

Shannon: You always helped me to smile.
Austin: That, I did. That ... I did.

She sighed again, then paused to look at him. REALLY look at him.

Shannon: I wonder.
Austin: Wonder .. what? What are you scheming ... woman?
Shannon: What it would be like to kiss you one more time?
Austin: I'd reckon it'd be as awesome as it always has been. Why? Want to try?
Shannon: I'd very much like to.

He rubbed his chin and eyed her playfully.

Austin: Well, you know ... we have to do this properly. You know, in the moonlight and stuff. That's how I got you in the first place.

She nodded her assent and followed him - to a degree, brick walls were a bit of a barrier for living Sims - outside, just under the tree where the playhouse was still standing.

Then without warning, she grabbed him, dipped him down and kissed him fully. She suddenly stopped, her cheeks all flushed.

Shannon: I'm .... I'm sorry. I don't know what came over me.
Austin: That's okay, hey, it wasn't just you. It take two to initiate a kiss!

And with that he returned the kiss with a really tender one. The sun was starting to rise over the horizon, and the townsfolk were stirring, getting ready for the day ahead. This meant that he didn't have much time left.

Austin: Don't forget me babes.
Shannon: I won't.
Austin: But don't keep your heart locked up just for me. I'm pretty sure there are many others out there who would appreciate you too. Just don't be too picky. Yeah?

And then, he was gone.

Ahhh  ... love. Eternal and enduring.

Generation Two - Chapter Twelve: Back Home

The portal was buzzing, and fizzing, reminding Shannon that eventually she'll have to return home and face life back in dreary old Dragon Valley. It was something she'd been putting off for ages now and she knew that her time was limited. The torch had officially been handed down to her daughter Sophie. But she wasn't prepared to let go quite so soon.

She's still a teen, I heard her grumble.

Yep, but the last time I looked, she and her twin Nessa, literally only had hours to go before they both transitioned.

I'm too young to get old.

Um, well, in Sim Fairy years, you still have a long way to go.

But I want to see William get married.

That'll be something I'll be looking forward to - IF it ever happens.

And be friends with Hannah.

That can be arranged once you get back home.

And get married myself, again.

That .... is a totally different matter. You do understand that any more children you have, have no say in the wishacy legacy?

Doesn't matter. I'm going to be an old maid for eternity.

Guess Shannon's on a bit of a downer here.

But what about J1NX1E and Sock Em?

Sock Em didn't like her name, she opted for Sonny Em.

O-kay. But what of them? Surely you are not taking back with you?

I am.

What will the neighbours think? And your family for that matter?

Don't care. Not leaving them behind that's for sure. Besides J1NX1E rolled a wish to visit the future. So this way, she visits the past then returns to the future and fulfils her wish.

Twisted logic, but I guess it could work.

And so they decided to return home, Shannon and the two Bots. But naturally, things didn't quite go as planned. Sonny Em was there, keen to go on more adventures.

J1NX1E however, arrived late and almost missed the launch deadline. She offered no explanation as to her tardiness, just said that there was a lot of traffic on the roads.

Um, riiiiiight.

Shannon checked with Emit to see if all metallic objects - including the Bots, would pass safely through the portal without pieces being missing, or a great rearranging of items, traits, personalities, nanites etc. He said it was ok, it had been tested on many many occasions and for her not to worry. His only concern, and it mirrored my own, was how the residents of medieval Dragon Valley would react to seeing all this futuristic technology suddenly thrust upon them.

In a nanosecond, they all arrived in Dragon Valley. Everybody was intact and happy - if a little bewildered - at the change in scenery. So used to seeing artificial plants and technically designed shrubbery, white and metal structures etc. it was a shock to the system to see natural greens and browns surrounding them.

Before we go any further, Shannon said quietly, there are a few things I have to point out, so please pay attention. Firstly, we have a Simbot called Blaine, although he is a little 'different' in more ways than one.

Before she had chance to explain, both J1NX1E and Sonny Em got all excited.

We want to meet him! they cried in unison.

Poor bugger didn't stand a chance as one, then the other accosted him as he tried to work on his invention skills quietly in the basement. His life up until then had been fairly quiet, with the occasional drama at work, but he wasn't prepared for this onslaught as both Bots regarded him with admiration. Virtually putting him on a pedestal!!!

Shannon entered the house to find the place littered with dirty plates and a rather sheepish looking Vanessa.

I'll do it, she promised, I was just a little ... um ... sidetracked, that's all.

Nothing new there.

Because of the portal's weird radio-wave system, it had made Shannon hungry. So she headed for the fridge. She wasn't expecting ready made meals in there - and wasn't disappointed when there weren't any - so she settled for a green salad.

Whilst she was eating, Sophie arrived home from work.

Crap, Mom's here, better sneak in before she sees me.
I can see you Sophie.

Damn.
Sophie, why do you still do that?

Do what Mom?
That sneaking action.
I dunno, habit I guess.
You do realise that you've been let off the hook.
Yeah, I know. I guess old habits die hard.

After their meal together Shannon retired to bed, time travel was exhausting. Sonny Em, however, discovered a whole new 'toy' to play with.

The water chute.

And then she found the TV and plonked her metal ass on the sofa, glued to the shopping channel of all things!

It was J1NX1E who was the one tidying up around the place. Laundry duties, entertaining her Holo Sprite and recycling the newspapers.

Vanessa conveniently forgot about doing the dishes as she suddenly decided she was really exhausted and went to bed. Poor Blaine retired too, but was awoken by Sonny Em trying to hack into the robot making machine. It was going to be a long night for him.

She also decided to be 'guard bot' to Shannon. Lurking around the bedroom making sure nobody was going to disturb her mistress!

Sophie, however, was having problems of her own. Pat, her IF doll suddenly started yelling accusations at her.

Why don't you play with me any more? We used to have so much fun.
You always got me into trouble Pat.

But it was fun, yes? Don't you like me any more?
Pat, I'm tired, cranky and I want to go to bed.
You are a mean spoilsport.

Look, will it make things better if I said sorry?
Meh, I guess so. You're still a meanie though.

And so life continues in Dragon Valley.

I kid you not about the Plumbots. The minute they arrived, they wanted to be friends with Blaine and tried all tactics to get his attention. It was so funny watching his reactions to J1NX1E though. And Sonny Em (formerly Sock Em) had a romantic option pop up in her pie chart!!

What took the biscuit here was the fact that out of the two Bots, J1NX1E, who was custom made and still pretty much a fragile Bot, was the one doing all the chores around the house, whilst Sonny Em, sat on her metal butt most of the time. And she was a mass produced ready made Bot!!!

Sophie STILL did that sneaking around stuff, as you all saw, and Pat DID have a bitching session with her, throwing accusations around.