Bagels ... Dating Websites ... And Hespa's Dark Side

Excited ... and nervous ... Hespa was dropped off at campus and headed straight for the dorm that Nessa and the rest of the family had used when they went to university.

At least the weather was a lot better than back home.

But then ... something really strange happens to Hespa. Something I'd never witnessed before. She immediately went into the dorm's computer and started putting her details into a dating website!

... and instantly has a crush on another dormie at the same time!!!

Hespa! What about your bestie back home? What's Nessa going to say about this?

Hespa: It's none of her business. Besides, I want to broaden my horizons a little, that's all. Isn't that what college is all about?

It seems that our shy little IF doll, is determined to lead a double life here!

Reluctantly, she attends the 'Meet and Greet' and runs straight to another computer to check on her profile.

Nothing ... so far.

But unfortunately, whilst she was typing away, suddenly the computer goes on the fritz, smoke billowing out of the monitor.

Hespa: DAMNED STUPID BLOODY THING!

Cursing, and feeling guilty at the same time, she decides to fix it there and then. Because she didn't want to go through the whole cost process.

Not on the first day.

It was thirsty work, and she hadn't eaten all day thanks to the long journey, so she decided to order something from the barista...

... and picked out a bagel ... for a change.

It sufficed for now, but the day was closing in ... and she needed to get to bed for class the next day. So she headed back to the dorm.

Hespa Ventures Out On Her Own

First of all, here's a gratuitous picture of the deceased Austin Powers, making himself at home in the lovely little turret room on the third floor. He had an obsession with that rocking chair, and it spooked practically everyone else in the house, so I decided to build him this little nook.

 
Anyways, going back to the present (and catching up on 6 months' absence from Simplay), I decided to check in on our little group.

Despite Hespa being painfully shy and feeling awkward around strangers, she wished longingly to go to university. After all, her LTW was to have 5 degrees under her belt. Now that was a challenge I was happy to explore (besides, who said that the Wishacy was heir/heiress exclusive?)

Sophie caught her checking her phone, looking at some courses that she fancied.

Sophie: Hope you're going to tell Nessa
Hespa: Oh, she'll be fine with it.
Sophie: I hope so.

Dragon Valley was in the throes of one of its worst winters on record ... ever since record-keeping began the last couple of hundred years ago. And despite the new technology of keeping homes warmer, Hespa couldn't help feeling that she needed to be somewhere a lot warmer. Many times spent in doll form, soggy wet and damp for weeks taught her that one.

Besides, apart from Nessa - who was constantly busy with her singing career now - nothing was keeping Hespa at home any more.

She submitted her application and kept checking the mail on a daily basis, half hoping half wishing she hadn't done this.

Until finally, she was accepted. There had been a bit of a disaster in the university administration concerning the applications. Some students had duplicated their applications and had ended up with two sets of courses, which confused the poor administrators. They mistakenly thought that all classes had been filled.

After a little juggling around, they managed to find a place in Business Studies for Hespa. It wasn't her first choice, but at least she was on her way there!

Nessa was surprised to see a familiar moving van pulling up outside their home. In all the excitement, Hespa had clearly forgotten to tell her bestest friend.

Until now.

With suitcase in hand, she sheepishly told Nessa of her plans. Nessa wasn't too pleased about this, but she couldn't be angry with Hespa. She'd been there through some of the roughest times, when nobody else could be.

Nessa: Um, well ... good luck ... and try not to party too hard.

Hespa threw her a withering glare.

Hespa: Really? You think I'd be out there partying?

She gave a low chuckle before hopping into the van. She turns to see everyone waving her off. Only Nessa stood there, her hands limply at her sides. A small frown on her face.

Nessa: *whispers* Bye ... missing you already ... don't forget to call me.

Even their mother picked up on Nessa's mood.

Shannon: Nessa, she'll be fine.
Nessa: I hope so.

The Last Of You

Finals day approached and because of recent tragic events, both Sophie and Nessa were worried that they hadn't prepared themselves fully towards their final exams. Nessa spent her time on the phone to J1NX1E, trying to glean vital information from that Plumbot. It proved fruitless though, as she soon found out.

 Nessa: Hi J1NX1E, what's doing?
J1NX1E: Hello there Miss Vanessa
Nessa: I'd prefer to be called Nessa thanks
J1NX1E: Ah right, okay Miss Vanessa.
Nessa: *sigh*, so, have you got any new information to share with me?
J1NX1E: We hatched some chickens today and I harvested some honey
Nessa: That's not exactly what I wanted
J1NX1E: Oh, that's a shame, that's all I know for now. Living in the human world is indeed an experience
Nessa: I wouldn't say that for now, but ... since you're pretty new to all of this, go knock yourself out
J1NX1E: I am afraid I cannot do that
Nessa: Do what?
J1NX1E: 'Knock myself out'. The only thing I can do is to wait until my batteries fail, or I neglect my regular maintenance routine. Then I short out quite easily. What an odd thing to say Miss Vanessa.
Nessa: It was a figure of ... oh never mind, I'd better go, class starts in an hour, better grab a bite to eat and cram like there's no tomorrow.
J1NX1E: It was nice chatting to you. We hope to see you and your sister very soon. Yes?
Nessa: I guess so.
J1NX1E: I had better go myself, I can hear Sonny Em fighting with that evil chicken again.

She hung up then attempted to strum her fancy new guitar. Because of her excessive use of the xylophone when she was a toddler (and the advantage of having Artisric as a trait), she was instantly boosted up to Skill Level 3!

Sophie had a bigger advantage, being a fairy, and used her 'Creative Aura' to try and help her out. It was a risky move, not because it was a kind of cheating, but because she was still learning her fairy skills and projecting any kind of aura was still draining on her powers.

But, grabbing her latest purchase, a pretty pink and white umbrella, she made her way to class.

Because the dorm was closer to Nessa's exam venue, she didn't have far to go. It was exhausting. They'd barely had time to rest from one exam, before they had to go to the other one. Both girls were certain that they'd crashed and burned big time. But it was all over now, time to kick back and relax.

Many students threw parties, and Nessa HAD wished to throw a bonfire party, but she was too exhausted, so she and Sophie crashed out in their shared bed.

A student thought it was bizarre, seeing two sisters sleeping together. But Nessa and Sophie didn't care. They felt safer that way.

Neither of them managed to drag their bones out of bed until just after noon, and it was Nessa who was first. She read through the results letter cringing at the thoughts of bombing it. And was pleasantly surprised. She'd gotten a C.

Nessa: Not bad, not bad at all. Hey Sophie, your results are here, want to check them out?
Sophie: You read it, I don't wanna.
Nessa: Aww come on lazy bum, I'm sure it's a good score.

Sophie growled as she dragged her butt from the bed.

Sophie: I'd rather have something to eat, I'm hungry here
Nessa: Just open your letter, that's all. We can eat afterwards
Sophie: Do I HAVE to? I know it's going to be bad.

Reluctantly she ripped open the letter and read it.

Sophie: I got a B!
Nessa: You sound surprised.
Sophie: I am, actually. Much better than last term. I crashed out with a C. I'm halfway through getting my degree now.
Nessa: That's excellent news and I hope you get it, you've worked hard.

Suddenly there was a crash and a scream from downstairs. When they went to investigate, yet another student had died at the doorway and Grimmy was there in a flash to collect the soul.

Sophie groaned.

Sophie: Not you again. Thought we'd seen the last of you.

Nessa, in the meantime, dialled a number and got through to the university administration building.

Nessa: Yeah, we've got another one. Grim Reaper's been here already. Someone had better come and clean up the mess.

Yep, term was over, it was time to head back home with the promise that at least one of them will return to university. It was just a matter of which one.

Editor's Notes: 
Yes, there's a continuity error in this update. I had Nessa in her underwear in one shot, then in her day to day clothing in another. Ooopsies, my bad.

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.

Back Home - Nothing's Changed

It was pitch dark when Sophie finally arrived home, tired, and hungry. She was surprised that Nessa was using the tent as sleeping quarters. She claimed it was because she 'wanted to get in touch with nature'. Okay.
Boney took to the hopscotch game and has been stuck ever since, the dirty plates and laundry piling up indoors, the newspapers outside.

Waiting for her was her beloved Pat. She could tell, not by the stitched up face - ALL IF dolls had that same expression - but by the hostile aura Pat was giving out, that he disapproved of her leaving him behind. She did not want to face him. Not just yet. So she went to bed. It felt strange, sleeping in a room that she used to share with her sister. Now, since she'd spent time at college - away from her family - she realised that she's grown up. Maybe not a great deal, but enough to know that she didn't perhaps need to be physically and emotionally attached to Nessa. After all, she was part fairy - by how much, she wasn't sure - Nessa was fully human.

Downstairs, Sonny Em tried and failed - yet again - to woo poor rusty old Blaine (who hadn't changed one bit). By now, he was seriously creeped out by her unwanted advances and told her straight that he wasn't interested.

Ouch.

J1NX1E, in the meantime, pretended to play darts, but was listening to all that was going on. She just needed to bide her time, then when the moment was right, she'd POUNCE! Obviously, she calculated - correctly - that he felt a little intimidated by the two of them. Advanced Plumbots, from the future, with technology he couldn't comprehend. Whilst he simply got by with an oil can and some scrap metal. What was exceptionally galling though, was the fact that they could swim in water! In Blaine's case, he just needed to be caught in a downpour and he's conk out for a few hours.

Anyways, getting back to Sophie. She slept soundly, but before her head hit the pillow, she promised herself to ask her mother about Question 6 - whatever that was.

Sadly, she didn't get the opportunity. Feeling peckish, she headed for the kitchen and was instantly confronted by Pat

Pat: So? Did you miss me?
Sophie: Pat, not now
Pat: Didja? I bet you did. I hope you did. You'd better have.

He was relentless. He wouldn't stop until he got an answer out of her. Her head started aching, she was feeling light headed. She needed something in her stomach before she fainted. And with Pat bugging her consistently, wherever she went, there was no way she was going to have any peace. But then it struck her. The one place where he couldn't follow her.

The fairy castle.

He couldn't change into a sprite. All he could do was to change back into his toy form and sit sentinel style outside the miniature castle, whilst she lived it up and got drunk out of her skull on pollen punch.  Yeah, she was turning into a pollen addict - all thanks to her IF doll Pat. She could do one of two things, and neither one appealed to her.

Downstairs, Blaine was scratching, scraping and hammering away. He was a quarter of the way through achieving one of his wishes - to build a time machine! Yep you heard correctly. Only this one can travel back AND forward in time, unlike the time portal that was still fizzling outside. That one focused on the future and the present.

But then the alarm went off and he had to rush to put out a large house fire.

Outside, Sophie could hear Nessa giggling, and the sound of splashing, as she played water balloons ... with her IF friend Hespa.

Sophie sighed heavily and wished that she had the same happy relationship with Pat. But the minute she stepped out of the fairy castle, he was there, once again.

Pat: You didn't answer my questions.
Sophie: Pat, not now, I need to speak to mom.
Pat: She's busy.
Sophie: What?
Pat: As I said, she's busy, go look for yourself

Sure enough, here was Shannon, standing in her underwear, chatting to the local paparazzi. The woman looked eager and happy to be getting any attention. But her attitude changed when Shannon decided to turn the tables and start asking HER questions.

Paparazzi: I .... I gotta go
Shannon: But .... I need to file all my reports ..... *mutters* grrr, being a cop sucks sometimes.

Looking at her watch, Nessa suddenly squeaked.

Vanessa: Oh crap, I'm late for work!

Yep, she and Sophie still had their old part time jobs. Whilst Sophie mused about changing her career, her sister seemed quite content to stay as she was ... for now. It was late by the time Blaine got back from his emergency. He managed to save two people from the fire, but, whilst he was busy putting out the flames, one of them foolishly wandered back indoors and was overcome with smoke inhalation.

He didn't have time to send the guy back out and left him, so he wasn't sure if this idiot had recovered or not. He feared the worst.

Moping about, and pretending that Pat didn't exist, Sophie heard an almighty scuffle outside. Peering out of the window, she was faced with Sonny Em  having a fight with an evil chicken!

When the hell did they get a chicken coop, she wondered, as she watched the fighting. And decided it wasn't for her, she'd rather stay away. Besides, having those two Plumbots around was useful. At least bee stings and chicken pecks bounced off their metal armour.

And then Nessa suddenly announces that she wants to go to college.

Nessa: But I won't go unless you go
Sophie: Fair enough

It gave Sophie the opportunity to return and grill Professor Anthony once and for all.

Sophie: You'll need to fill in the aptitude test, see if you qualify for any extra funding.
Nessa: And what if I don't?
Sophie: Don't worry about that, I've been saving up too, we'll get you through this.

Sure enough, Nessa didn't qualify. But she still chose Phys Ed for her major, whilst Sophie went back to her Fine Arts degree.

If she couldn't get any answers at home, she sure would find some back in university! And she'd have some peace and quiet away from Pat!