Welcome to Simville

[Sim Sagas]

Simville was founded in response to Pleasantview's massive population explosion, and today, is a bustling little oceanside community.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/welcometosimvillemessage.jpg

Or that's what the annual brochure the Tourism Board publishes claims, anyway.

In reality, Simville is a pretty quiet, ho-hum sort of place. There isn't a lot going on there, or so it seems. But, have you ever wondered what really goes on in those white picket fence, suburban communities?

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/snapshot_00000005_3155aca5.jpg

If the thought of immersing yourself in the lives of Simville's residents interests you, then please, continue reading.

Comments and suggestions are more than welcome. =)

[Sim Sagas]

(I quit updating this post toward the end...I think it probably makes more sense to just go through the thread and read everything in order. :))

Dorian Verucio
Update #1 (http://www.sims2community.com/showthread.php?p=406810#post406810)
Update #2 (http://www.sims2community.com/showthread.php?p=414140#post414140)
Update #3 (http://www.sims2community.com/showthread.php?p=422173#post422173)
Update #4 (http://www.sims2community.com/showthread.php?p=427143#post427143)
Update #5 (http://www.sims2community.com/showthread.php?p=440520#post440520)
Update #6 (http://www.sims2community.com/showthread.php?p=456244#post456244)


Ella Manson
Update #1 (http://www.sims2community.com/showthread.php?p=419004#post419004)
Update #2 (http://www.sims2community.com/showthread.php?p=423538#post423538)
Update #3 (http://www.sims2community.com/showthread.php?p=425403#post425403)
Update #4 (http://www.sims2community.com/showthread.php?p=432192#post432192)
Update #5 (http://www.sims2community.com/showthread.php?p=442309#post442309)
Update #6 (http://www.sims2community.com/showthread.php?p=449200#post449200)
Update #7 (http://www.sims2community.com/showthread.php?p=454376#post454376)
Update #8 (http://www.sims2community.com/showthread.php?p=462562#post462562)


Elizabeth Picard
Update #1 (http://www.sims2community.com/showthread.php?p=411684#post411684)
Update #2 (http://www.sims2community.com/showthread.php?p=423357#post423357)
Update #3 (http://www.sims2community.com/showthread.php?p=438397#post438397)
Update #4 (http://www.sims2community.com/showthread.php?p=444272#post444272)
Update #5 (http://www.sims2community.com/showthread.php?p=451513#post451513)
Update #6 (http://www.sims2community.com/showthread.php?p=454457#post454457)


Garret Thompson
Update #1 (http://www.sims2community.com/showthread.php?p=428804#post428804)
Update #2 (http://www.sims2community.com/showthread.php?p=448595#post448595)
Update #3 (http://www.sims2community.com/showthread.php?p=451340#post451340)


Mindy Manson
Update #1 (http://www.sims2community.com/showthread.php?p=424843#post424843)
Update #2 (http://www.sims2community.com/showthread.php?p=450863#post450863)


Vincent Verucio
Update #1 (http://www.sims2community.com/showthread.php?p=413002#post413002)



EXTRAS:
Who's Who (http://www.sims2community.com/showthread.php?p=426842#post426842) - Summary of Simville's residents & explanation of how they're related to one another

[DejAng3l]

oh i really like it........i can totally see that you have really grown a lot as a writer........i'm really looking forward to reading more...........

[Sim Sagas]

Thanks! =)

I've decided not to bother with the web site idea, as it seems like a lot of extra hassle. I'm just going to update in this thread from now on; hopefully it won't get confusing.

[Sim Sagas]

Dorian Verucio's life was pretty good.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/1simville/snapshot_d10e4431_11441d21.jpg

Nearly two years ago, he and his wife had moved into a fabulous apartment complex that he adored.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/1simville/snapshot_d10e4431_51441dab.jpg

Shortly after that, they'd discovered that they were going to be parents.

The birth of Dorian's daughter Adriana had without a doubt been the most exciting thing he'd ever experienced.

Six months later, he could still hardly believe that he was a father! The responsibility scared (well okay, terrified) him a bit, but at the same time, he was the happiest he'd ever been.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/1simville/snapshot_d10e4431_11441d55.jpg

He wouldn't trade his life for the world.

Though he might...edit parts of it, if possible.

Like his relationship with his wife, for example - or lack thereof.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/1simville/snapshot_d10e4431_b1442113.jpg

The baby was down for a nap, giving Dorian and Stacy the perfect opportunity to spend a little "quality time" together. But, even though Dorian sat perched upon the bed in a not-so-subtle manner, Stacy didn't seem to be picking up on the hint.

In fact, she seemed to be more interested in the book she was reading than in having anything to do with her husband. (Ouch!)

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/1simville/snapshot_d10e4431_51429e50.jpg

Was she so engrossed in her book that she didn't notice his suggestive winks and kissy faces, or was she deliberately ignoring him?

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/1simville/snapshot_d10e4431_7144213a.jpg

Dorian didn't know whether to be disappointed or insulted.

It wouldn't be so bad if Stacy's rejection was occassional, but the truth was, it was constant.

What was going on? Why did Stacy take more of an interest in folding laundry than in her own husband these days?

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/1simville/snapshot_d10e4431_91442146.jpg

His ego a little wounded, Dorian got busy (though not in the way he'd have liked), and began to devise a plan to get the old, insatiable Stacy back.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/1simville/snapshot_d10e4431_f1442168.jpg

All that remained to be seen was whether or not the plan would work...

[Sim Sagas]

Dorian's plan to get his wife into bed was a rather simple one: help out around the house more. He figured that if he lightened her load around the house, it would leave her with more energy for him at the end of the day.

So, he redecorated his daughter's room all by himself:

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/1simville/snapshot_d10e4431_f145808b.jpg

He also took on the majority of the caregiving responsibilities. He became the one who fed and bathed and clothed the baby. He even became the primary diaper-changer - it grossed him out, but he figured the payoff would be worth it.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/1simville/snapshot_d10e4431_714422d4.jpg

However, Stacy didn't seem to notice.

So, Dorian tried a different approach:

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/1simville/snapshot_d10e4431_9142e73a.jpg

Unfortunately, Stacy screamed when she saw him sitting at the breakfast table in the nude, and then demanded he get dressed at once.

Not quite the reaction he'd been hoping for.

Dorian was getting discouraged.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/1simville/snapshot_d10e4431_91442308.jpg

What more could he do?

It wasn't even about the woohoo anymore; it was becoming increasingly apparent that the lack of woohoo was just a symptom of a more serious underlying issue: their marriage.

Dorian missed the woman he'd married. These days, it felt more and more like he was living with a stranger, and he didn't like it at all. He hadn't counted on marriage being like this...

[Sim Sagas]

Dejected, Dorian decided to put his energy into other pursuits. He noticed that there were some huge, sturdy trees at the side of the property, and figured he'd build a tree house. Adriana was still far too young for that, but at the rate she was growing, he knew she'd soon be past the infant stage. Besides, he knew there were a couple other kids living in the apartment building who'd enjoy it.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/1simville/snapshot_d10e4431_9142e4d8.jpg

Dorian hoped that by the time he finished it, Stacy would be back to her old self.

Okay, so he went a little overboard. He was pleased with the final result, though:

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/1simville/snapshot_d10e4431_11441e23.jpg

When he finally finished, he loaded Adriana into her stroller and wheeled her down to show her his labor of love.

"I know it's probably not very exciting right now," he told his infant daughter, "but someday I bet you're going to love this."

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/1simville/snapshot_d10e4431_714428db.jpg

Adriana's response was to drift off to sleep as Dorian absently played on the swing he'd built.

Of course, when Stacy came back from running errands downtown, she was annoyed to find Dorian outside with the baby.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/1simville/snapshot_d10e4431_114428bd.jpg

"What are you doing?" Stacy demanded shrilly. "She's going to catch a cold out here!"

Dorian wearily replied that the fresh air and sunshine would be good for her, and reminded his irritated wife that it was an unseasonably warm day.

"Well then she's going to get heat stroke!" Stacy snapped, scooping the slumbering baby out of the stroller.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/1simville/snapshot_d10e4431_b14429af.jpg

Dorian sighed. He knew better than to argue. After all, this clearly wasn't about Adriana at all. It seemed that lately Stacy had been trying to find fault with everything Dorian did or didn't do, and he was getting tired of it.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/1simville/snapshot_d10e4431_d1442952.jpg

When Stacy was convinced that Adriana was unharmed - not that there had been any doubt about that in the first place - Dorian tried to change the subject. As he watched his wife tuck the sleeping baby back into her stroller, he asked "what do you think?" and gestured to the play area he'd constructed.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/1simville/snapshot_d10e4431_3144278d.jpg

He half-expected Stacy to find fault with what he'd done and criticize him, but apparently she wasn't able to. To his surprise, she replied that it looked great. He scanned her voice for sarcasm, but realized she was being sincere.

This was the Stacy he missed so much.

He spontaneously leaned over and kissed her, taking her by surprise.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/1simville/snapshot_d10e4431_71458a25.jpg

Dorian couldn't even remember how long it had been since they'd kissed. It felt different, somehow. But it was still nice. Stacy kissed him back, then abrubtly pulled away and turned her attention to the baby.

"We should get her inside," she told him apologetically.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/1simville/snapshot_d10e4431_f144282d.jpg

Dorian nodded robotically, though they both knew it was just an excuse.

[LouLou]

great job so far! please continue! :)

[Sim Sagas]

Dorian's relationship with his wife became increasingly strained over the following months. Though the tension was undeniable, neither one was eager to have a confrontation, so they ignored it as best they could.

Dorian tried to distract himself by throwing all of his energy into parenting.

On the 27th, he threw a birthday party for his daughter. All of his
relatives showed up, as well as a few neighbours.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/1simville/snapshot_d10e4431_d144ab90.jpg

For the most part, the day was a huge success. The party guests cooed over how cute Adriana was, and Adriana loved her birthday presents - and the chocolate cake.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/1simville/snapshot_d10e4431_f144ab2e.jpg

Dorian had trouble believing how quickly Adriana was growing up. It seemed that one second, she was a tiny baby...

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/1simville/snapshot_d10e4431_d144abec.jpg

...and the next, she was a charming, delightful little girl:

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/1simville/snapshot_d10e4431_d144ac60.jpg

Dorian realized that every one of his daughter's birthdays would likely be bittersweet. He was proud to see her growing up, but at the same time, wished she didn't have to grow up quite so fast.

Already, Adriana was determined to be one of The Big Kids. Even though she was still too small to swing by herself, she loved playing on the swing with her Aunt Delia.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/1simville/snapshot_d10e4431_f144aff6.jpg

Dorian loved watching his daughter clap and squeal as she and his sister soared through the air.

He was grateful that Delia took such an interest in her goddaughter, but at the same time, was disgusted that Stacy showed such little interest in the toddler.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/1simville/snapshot_d10e4431_b144b14d.jpg

Adriana was lucky to have her Aunt Delia in her life, but Dorian knew that what she really needed was a mother.

Dorian tried to get Stacy to play in the sandbox with Adriana, but she always had an excuse. (Dorian, however, didn't think that avoiding "sandy underpants" justified blowing off quality time with their daughter).

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/1simville/snapshot_d10e4431_b144b3c6.jpg

Dorian tried to compensate for his wife's absence by spending every minute of his spare time with Adriana.

She loved to build sandcastles, and he loved to watch her giggle as she squirmed in the soft, warm sand.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/1simville/snapshot_d10e4431_3144b2e8.jpg

He couldn't understand why Stacy was choosing to miss out on it.

More importantly, he worried about his daughter growing up. Every day, Adriana became more and more aware of her surroundings, and she was already entering the question-asking phase.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/1simville/snapshot_d10e4431_7144b393.jpg

What would he say to her if she asked him why her mommy never wanted to play with her?

[Sim Sagas]

great job so far! please continue! :)

Thanks LouLou, it's encouraging to know that someone's actually reading this! =)

[Sim Sagas]

Dorian almost felt like he was a single father. He was essentially Adriana's
sole caregiver. He bathed, clothed, and fed her.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/1simville/snapshot_d10e4431_f14585ed.jpg

He was the one who read her stories, and sang her lullabies, and tucked her in at night.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/1simville/snapshot_d10e4431_7145868d.jpg

And he was angry.

How could Stacy all but abandon their gorgeous, vibrant, playful little girl?
He'd held his tongue up until now because he'd worried that suggesting
marriage counselling or the like would only set Stacy off. But now, he was
too upset to stay quiet any longer.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/1simville/snapshot_d10e4431_91442308.jpg

What frightened him the most was that the other day, he'd caught himself checking out Cally Carter, the young woman who lived in the suite above theirs. Normally, that wouldn't be a big deal. He'd noticed that she was attractive the very first day he'd met her, sure.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/1simville/snapshot_d10e4431_b14423a7.jpg

But the other day, it had been different. He hadn't just admired her; he'd considered cheating with her. Or with anyone, really. It wasn't even about the sex anymore - it was about hurting Stacy like she'd hurt him. Like she was hurting their daughter.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/1simville/snapshot_d10e4431_51442a1e.jpg

Dorian didn't want to be that person. He hated what he was becoming, and he blamed Stacy for making him that way. Why couldn't he have a normal wife? Why couldn't she act like a real mother?

Something had to change, and soon.

As Stacy walked through the kitchen, Dorian stopped her. "I'm taking Adriana
swimming this afternoon," he informed her, "and I want you to be there."

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/1simville/snapshot_d10e4431_b14582c3.jpg

The colour drained from her face a bit. "Swimming?" she repeated hesitantly.
He could tell that she was trying to think up an excuse, but he wasn't going
to take "no" for an answer.

"This is important to me," he told her quietly. "And it should be important
to you, too."

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/1simville/snapshot_d10e4431_714580ec.jpg

As he turned around and finished cleaning the oven, he could hear his wife sigh in defeat, and then she nodded, telling him that she'd be there.

"You could try faking a little enthusiasm, you know," he commented tersely.

She looked sad. Moving closer to him, she reached out and touched his face tenderly. "I really am sorry," she said helplessly. "For everything."

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/1simville/snapshot_d10e4431_d1458188.jpg

Dorian pulled away. There was a time when he'd have given anything for her to caress his face, or look him in the eye, or even acknowledge him at all. But not anymore.

"Just be there," he repeated hollowly. "Please."

[Sim Sagas]

The swimming pool at the apartment complex was fantastic. Truth be told, it
was one of the main reasons Dorian had wanted to live there. But now, lovely
as it was, the calm, refreshing blue water only caused Dorian anxiety.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/1simville/snapshot_d10e4431_71441e5b.jpg

Dorian had insisted that his wife be there so they could take their daughter
swimming. Would she show up? She'd said she would, but as far as Dorian was
concerned, her word didn't mean much these days.

He felt like some awkward teenaged kid waiting to see if his date was going
to stand him up. It was ridiculous. But there was a reason that it was
important to him - Dorian had promised himself that if Stacy didn't show up,
he was going to leave her.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/1simville/snapshot_d10e4431_b145347a.jpg

He didn't want to give up on his marriage, but he had his daughter to think about. After lots of soul searching, he'd decided that Stacy's physical absence from her life would likely be less harmful than her current emotional detachment from the child.

Adriana deserved better.

And what about him? Surely he deserved better, too?

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/1simville/snapshot_d10e4431_31453457.jpg

As he supervised Adriana while she splashed around gleefully, he wondered
what he was hoping for. Did he want Stacy to show up? Did he want to try to
make the marriage work? Or was he secretly hoping that she'd stand him up
and help him to justify walking out on the commitment he'd made to her?

Despite their problems, he still loved his wife. But he hated the way she'd
been acting. Maybe it would be better for everyone if they didn't drag the
marriage out any longer than they already had..?

Just then, Dorian heard a splash behind him. He turned to see Stacy swim over to the inflatable pool chair and climb onto it. Dorian wasn't sure if he was relieved or disappointed.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/1simville/snapshot_d10e4431_71453993.jpg

"You came," he observed emotionlessly.

"I said I would," she replied carefully. "You said it was important to you."

He shrugged nonchalently and turned his attention back to their daughter, who'd just discovered the "trick" of floating on one's back to stay afloat. Keeping a watchful eye on her, he considered what he should say to Stacy. He had so much anger built up inside that he didn't even know where to begin.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/1simville/snapshot_d10e4431_b1453a3e.jpg

He swam with Adriana in silence for a few minutes, both he and Stacy afraid to break the ice.

Finally Dorian spoke. "What can I do to make you happy?" he asked, surprising himself. It had only really just occurred to him that Stacy must be desperately unhappy to have been behaving so strangely for so long.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/1simville/snapshot_d10e4431_514538d7.jpg

She seemed taken aback. "I..." she paused for a long moment, and carefully considered his question. "I'm disappointed," she tried to explain. "I know I should be happy, but I'm not. My life isn't what I'd expected it to be."

She thought for a minute. "If you really want to know," she began tentatively, "I want to leave. I want us to move far, far away from Simville. I want to have a career and meet new people and start a new life."

She stopped, and licked her lips nervously. "Are you angry?"

Dorian considered this for a moment, then shook his head. Though all he could think about was all that he'd have to give up, he told his wife, "if that's what you need, then that's what we'll do."

[Sim Sagas]

A month later, Dorian found himself separated from Simville, his family, the apartment he'd loved so much, and even his job.

He and Stacy had packed up and moved halfway across the country so that Stacy could have the fresh start she felt she needed.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/2thedesert/snapshot_d14d9788_114d978b.jpg

Dorian hated the desert, and secretly thought their house was pretty ugly. He kept his opinions to himself, however, and reminded himself that the important thing was getting Stacy back to normal so that she could be a good mother to their daughter.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/2thedesert/snapshot_d14d9788_514f0bad.jpg

Stacy immediately began job-hunting, and before long, she'd gotten the job of her dreams. She was an executive somethingorother...Dorian forgot the exact title, but knew his wife was well on her way to becoming the corporate bigshot she wanted to be.

He also knew that her knew job kept her away from home - and their daughter - a lot.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/2thedesert/workaholic.jpg

Dorian, meanwhile, worked from home as a telemarketer. Not exactly the job of his dreams, but there weren't a lot of job opportunities for financial analysts in the desert.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/2thedesert/snapshot_d14d9788_114d9b09.jpg

He just hoped that his sister Delia's business hadn't been hurt after he'd been forced to abruptly resign from his managerial position. He knew Delia wasn't very good at managing the books, and felt badly about leaving her in such a bind.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/2thedesert/snapshot_d14d9788_b14d9ae6.jpg

He also felt badly every time someone screamed at him for calling during supper!

Aside from his new, not-so-glamorous job, not much had changed for Dorian.

He was still Adriana's sole caregiver, and his disgust with his wife was growing.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/2thedesert/snapshot_d14d9788_f14f12ea.jpg

Adriana was going through what he called her "teddy bear stage." She only wanted to play with teddy bears, chanted "ted-dy! ted-dy!" constantly, and even liked to dress up and pretend to be one.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/2thedesert/snapshot_d14d9788_d14f1ad8.jpg

Maybe it was a somewhat strange stage, but it made Dorian chuckle.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/2thedesert/snapshot_d14d9788_114f1a4f.jpg

Sadly, he doubted that Stacy even knew about it. She rarely saw Adriana anymore. She left for work while Adriana was still sleeping, and arrived home so late most nights that Adriana was already in bed.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/2thedesert/snapshot_d14d9788_114d9be9.jpg

Stacy had missed Adriana's first words, first steps...everything.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/2thedesert/snapshot_d14d9788_514f1a0c.jpg

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/2thedesert/snapshot_d14d9788_914f175d.jpg

Once in a while, Stacy would tuck her sleeping daughter in after she got home from work, but that was pretty much all she had to do with the child.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/2thedesert/snapshot_d14d9788_914d9bad.jpg

It broke Dorian's heart.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/2thedesert/snapshot_d14d9788_114f120e.jpg

He started sleeping on the couch at night. He and Stacy pretended that it was so that she wouldn't wake him when she was coming from or going to work, but they both knew that wasn't the real reason.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/2thedesert/snapshot_d14d9788_114f123a.jpg

Dorian was devastated. He'd thought that by sacrificing everything for Stacy, their marriage would improve, and she'd become a better mother. But instead, things only seemed to be getting worse now that they'd moved. What was he going to do?

[leos_pride]

wonderful story Sim sagas..how sad though, hope they can work it out

[LadySwig]

Awww great story but it's so sad at the moment...it's the child I feel really sorry for

[chronicboredom]

Wow you are an excellent writer and I love all the items you use to make the story more relistic. I really like the swimming pool sence that was amazing...

[funkyfae214]

I love the story! good job.

[breena_SC]

Very nice story, I feel sorry for Dorian and Adriana. He should leave her and go back to simville, where the people love him and Adriana.

[LouLou]

can't wait for the next update!

[Sim Sagas]

Thanks so much for the comments, everyone! They're the reason I keep posting. =)

Lifa, I'm eager to keep going with this story, too! I'll have more time later in the week, so will hopefully get at it then. As for writing about the other Verucio kids: I'm not sure. I'll certainly mention them here and there, as they're residents of Simville, but at the moment, I don't have any ideas for stories about them. (Right now, I've been caught up with playing other families, so haven't paid much attention to any of them! That may change though, who knows?)

chronicboredom - I'm pretty addicted to downloading things for my game, and I LOVE decorating! ;) Believe it or not, I spend a lot of time taking pictures (though I'm still just learning, so have lots of improving to do). Thanks for noticing!

[Sim Sagas]

It didn't take Dr. Phil to conclude that Stacy and Dorian's relationship was in crisis. Dorian knew he was angry, but he didn't realize just how furious he was until the topic of Adriana's birthday came up.

Yes, another year had gone by already - hard to believe! Dorian was amazed (and a little saddened) to think that Adriana would be starting playschool before long.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/2thedesert/snapshot_d14d9788_b14d9976.jpg

He was pleased to learn that his mother, sister Delia, and brother Tim were planning to fly out to celebrate Adriana's birthday.

When he mentioned it to Stacy, however, she dropped her head, then apologetically told him that she had to be out of town on a business trip the week of Adriana's birthday.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/2thedesert/snapshot_d14d9788_714f1b06.jpg

Dorian was livid.

"You mean to tell me that your stupid job is more important than your own daughter?!" he snapped, glaring at her. "How can you possibly get on a plane knowing that you're going to miss your little girl's birthday?!"

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/2thedesert/snapshot_d14d9788_914f17e6.jpg

Dorian saw his wife's eyes ignite in anger.

Leaping up from the table, she snarled, "oh give it a rest, Dorian! I am so sick of your guilt trips. My entire identity isn't Adriana's Mother, you know!"

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/2thedesert/snapshot_d14d9788_714f0cdd.jpg

Something inside of Dorian snapped.

"Well that's good," he observed quietly, "because you sure aren't much of a mother."

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/2thedesert/snapshot_d14d9788_514f0cac.jpg

Stacy reacted as though she'd been punched in the face. Dorian immediately wished he could take his harsh - albeit true - words back, but it was too late. The damage was done.

"Get out of my sight," she demanded, suddenly sounding incredibly exhausted. "I can't do this right now."

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/2thedesert/snapshot_d14d9788_314f11b9.jpg

A year ago, Dorian thought his marriage couldn't get any worse. After this particular fight, however, he saw just how incorrect that presumption had been.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/2thedesert/snapshot_d14d9788_f14f11a0.jpg

[pickagun]

That's a weird face Dorian made in that last pic. Nice story. Well written and images add to the excitement.

[Sim Sagas]

Dorian hated to admit it, but he was relieved when Stacy left for her business trip. As she loaded her suitcase into the trunk and was driven off to the airport in a company vehicle, he felt a heavy weight lift. Suddenly he could breathe easier, knowing that she was out of the house for a while, and he wouldn't have to walk on eggshells for a few days.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/2thedesert/snapshot_d14d9788_314f150d.jpg

When his family arrived, he made some lame excuse on Stacy's behalf, but he could tell that Delia, for one, didn't buy it. His sister had always had a strong BS-ometer.

He didn't really care, though. He was tired of saving face for his unappreciative wife. Actually, he was just plain tired...

Speaking of tired, seeing his mother worried him some.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/2thedesert/snapshot_d14d9788_f14f204a.jpg

Hilary had aged since the last time he'd seen her, and seemed frail. It made him regret not being closer to home.

He felt even worse when Hilary and Delia exclaimed that Adriana had gotten so big. They loved her so much, yet rarely got to see her these days. It didn't seem right.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/2thedesert/snapshot_d14d9788_d14f20ac.jpg

Dorian tried to push those thoughts to the back of his mind and enjoy what little time they all had together. But, after they'd gone back home, those thoughts persisted.

When Stacy returned from her business trip, Dorian's mind was made up.

Late one night, after sleeplessly tossing and turning on the lumpy couch, he made his way to the bedroom. He couldn't even remember the last time he and Stacy had been in there simultaneously.

He was surprised to find her awake, just lying in bed staring at the ceiling listlessly.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/2thedesert/snapshot_f162c17c_3162c180.jpg

Hm. What now?

Running through this in his head had seemed a lot easier. Now that he actually had to put words into sentences and everything, confronting his wife seemed a lot more challenging!

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/2thedesert/snapshot_f162c17c_1162c1b0.jpg

Taking a deep breath, Dorian opened his mouth and let the words tumble out.

"I can't do this," he told her. "I hate living here; I don't want to raise Adriana in a place where there aren't any kids her age. And I hate my job. I didn't spend four years at college so I could become a telemarketer and spend eight hours a day having annoyed people hang up on me."

She stared at him wide-eyed, saying nothing.

"You wanted this," he reminded her. "So I went along with it. I tried things your way, and now I'm done."

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/2thedesert/snapshot_f162c17c_f162c220.jpg

He moved to sit on the end of the bed, but Stacy climbed to her feet.

"What are you saying?" she asked hesitantly.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/2thedesert/snapshot_f162c17c_7162c3ce.jpg

Dorian squared his shoulders and clenched his jaw in determination. "I'm saying that I've had it with this life. I want to go back to Simville."

Stacy's face crumbled. "Please reconsider," she begged, but he cut her off.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/2thedesert/snapshot_f162c17c_1162c541.jpg

"No," he told her firmly. "My mind is made up. This is something I have to do." His voice cracked a little. "Whether you choose to come with me or not, I have to go back home, where I belong. So what will it be?"

[richdude_SC]

Great Story!! I feel so sad for Adrianne

[Sim Sagas]

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/2thedesert/snapshot_f162c17c_1162c555.jpg


Stacy began to cry. "Don't make me..." she whimpered, then trailed off. "I can't go with you," she sniffled. "I need to do this; I need to focus on my career or I'll never be happy. You know it's true...if I come with you, I'll just resent you for making me give this up."

Dorian dropped his head and fought to keep from crying.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/2thedesert/snapshot_f162c17c_5162c510.jpg

"Are you sure this is what you want?" he asked sadly.

"No!" she retorted, laughing bitterly through her tears. "Of course this isn't what I want. It's the last thing I want! I never wanted any of this...I thought being married to you would be different. I thought being a parent would be different..."

She paused, and tried to mend her wounded pride by lashing out.

Her face contorting in anger, she hissed "I want a different life! This isn't supposed to be my life, Dorian!"

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/2thedesert/snapshot_f162c17c_d162c2d6.jpg

"If you need to go, then go," she told him. She squared her shoulders and put on her angriest face, but Dorian could see her hands shaking.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/2thedesert/snapshot_f162c17c_7162c441.jpg

So this was it.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/2thedesert/snapshot_f162c17c_b162c528.jpg

Neither person was at peace with the decision, but things had gotten so bad that it seemed like the best option.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/2thedesert/snapshot_f162c17c_1162c5ef.jpg

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/2thedesert/snapshot_f162c17c_5162c479.jpg

Dorian got dressed, woke Adriana, and packed up a few of their things as Stacy held her head in her hands, her shoulders heaving as she sobbed.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/2thedesert/snapshot_f162c17c_1162c5cd.jpg

A few minutes later, he knocked softly at the bedroom door.

"Adriana's in her car seat and ready to go," he told Stacy as kindly as he could. "I, uh...I'll send for the rest of my things in a few days, okay?"

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/2thedesert/snapshot_f162c17c_b162c924.jpg

She nodded silently, her bottom lip quivering.

He hated this.

"Stace, I'm sorry," he whispered sincerely. "I never wanted this."

"Me neither," she replied between hiccups and sniffles.

Wordlessly, they hugged goodbye. Maybe it was weird for a couple that was splitting up to hug goodbye, Dorian wasn't sure. He didn't really know the proper etiquette when ending one's marriage. All he knew was that that one last expression of tenderness just felt right.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/2thedesert/snapshot_f162c17c_5162c8a6.jpg

So did leaving.

[Sim Sagas]

That's all for now. More updates to come! =)

[Silvercry]

Great updates.

[LadySwig]

Aww Stacy drove him to it. I see it as 100% her fault

[Silvercry]

Aww Stacy drove him to it. I see it as 100% her fault


lol, so do I.

[Branwen_SC]

This story is the best! :anime:

[acelsey]

What a fabulous story!! I'm totally envious of your attention to detail, and the way you set your pics up so perfectly with all the right actions/expressions. Five star.

[Sim Sagas]

I'm glad you're enjoying the story. =)

I'm going to take a little break from the Dorian Verucio story in order to write some stories about other Simville residents. (While I'm tempted to play one family continuously, I try to alternate to keep everybody's age in sync).

You can check in post #2 of this thread for updates on any sim. ...Hopefully this will work out and the thread won't become confusing!

Thanks again to everyone who commented!

[Sim Sagas]

Most sims will tell you that, even after a lengthy absence from Simville, upon returning, they have found it to be exactly as it was when they left.

Every day is more or less the same in Simville. Schoolbuses and carpools arrive at the same time day after day. The town beautician, though well-intentioned, routinely gives horrendous makeovers, driving Simville's vainest residents to tears. Shop owners go about business as usual, hard-partying pleasure sims pass out on nightclub floors at sunrise, and romance sims awake in strange beds.

Though some might find it boring, others thrive on this predictability. The Picard siblings are an example of the latter.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/1intro/snapshot_917cb83a_f17cfe9e.jpg

Elizabeth and her brother Pierce inherited the family farm from their parents, who retired to the beach three years ago.

Everyone was pleased with this arrangement. Though they were farmers through and through, after forty years of hard work, Mrs. and Mr. Picard were more than content to take a well-deserved break and smustle on the beach. They trusted that their children were capable of running the farm on their own, so handing over the keys and walking away was an easy thing for them to do.

Pierce was grateful to his parents for doing so. He'd grown up on the farm, and was proud that his parents had enough confidence in him to leave their prized possession in his and his sister's care. Though farm life often involved long days and hard physical labor, his parents had instilled in him a strong work ethic, so he didn't mind. Farm life was all he'd ever known, and all he cared to know.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/1intro/snapshot_917cb83a_f17cff6f.jpg

His sister Elizabeth was content to stay on the family farm, too, but for different reasons. She was very shy and somewhat reclusive, so was relieved to be able to isolate herself on the family property, and be spared the terrifying ordeal of going off into "the real world" as most people do when they reach a certain age.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/1intro/snapshot_917cb83a_917cfef3.jpg

The old farmhouse was in excellent condition, considering its age, and was more than big enough for the siblings to share comfortably.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/1intro/snapshot_917cb83a_917cd1c2.jpg

The property was located near the old Simville windmill, right on the edge of town. The Picards lived close enough to town to allow Pierce to scoot over in his truck any time he liked, yet far enough away to placate Elizabeth's social anxiety.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/1intro/snapshot_917cb83a_517cd16f.jpg

Pierce did the vast majority of the hard physical labour. This was what he was good at, and what he enjoyed. He tended to the crops, cared for the animals, serviced the vehicles and machinery, and repaired anything and everything that required repairing.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/1intro/snapshot_917cb83a_517cca1d.jpg

It was time consuming and exhausting, but Pierce ate, slept, and breathed farm life, and wouldn't trade it for anything.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/1intro/snapshot_917cb83a_f17cd1e1.jpg

When he did manage to get a break, he liked to drive into town and hang out at the Simville Community Center. He was always up for a little poker, pool, or a chat at the sports bar. He wasn't the most refined person, nor the most intelligent, but he had a friendly, kind way about him that people embraced.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/1intro/snapshot_917cb83a_317cca94.jpg

Elizabeth, of course, never joined Pierce on his trips into town. Though he tried his best to bring her out of her shell, she always declined his invitations, opting instead to stay at home.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/1intro/snapshot_917cb83a_317cfecb.jpg

When her brother was out, it gave her ample opportunity to indulge in her two favourite secret passtimes...

[Sim Sagas]

Well, one of Elizabeth's favorite passtimes wasn't exactly a secret:

She was a compulsive overeater.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/1intro/snapshot_917cb83a_917ccc1d.jpg

She'd always been that way. She liked to cook, loved to eat, and had lots of free time on her hands. You or I might call up a friend or go out when bored, but not Elizabeth. She was so shy that those simply weren't options for her.

Since Elizabeth didn't go out or do much of...anything, she often found herself bored. To fill the time, she baked.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/1intro/snapshot_917cb83a_517ccca3.jpg

And when she finished baking, she sampled it...several times over.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/1intro/snapshot_917cb83a_517ccce9.jpg

Since Pierce was responsible for 99% of the outdoor activities, this left Elizabeth in charge of the house. She kept the house tidy, made sure the bills were paid on time, and always had a hot - and elaborate - meal ready for her brother when he came in from a hard day's work.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/1intro/snapshot_917cb83a_b17cca6c.jpg

(Pierce grew the tastiest fruits and vegetables in Simville, and his sister knew tons of delicious recipes that called for all of them, so together, they made a good team).

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/1intro/snapshot_917cb83a_917ccd99.jpg

He enjoyed her cooking and ate heartily, but always finished long before his sister. This is because she always went back for seconds...and usually thirds.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/1intro/snapshot_917cb83a_517ccef8.jpg

Pierce worried about her a little. She'd gained a lot of weight in recent years, and he hoped it wouldn't affect her health.

He tried to encourage her to help him outside, knowing that the fresh air and exercise would do her good...heck, just getting out of the house would be a good thing for her!

But, even if he was able to convince her to do anything physical, she wasn't in very good shape, so tired easily. Most of the time, she just ended up curling up on the hammock and having a nap.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/1intro/snapshot_917cb83a_b17d0c0b.jpg

Elizabeth knew that little by little, she was killing herself, but she wasn't sure how to break the cycle. She'd indulged in her bad habits for so long that it had become difficult to imagine living any other way.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/1intro/snapshot_917cb83a_317d0c74.jpg

[Sim Sagas]

Elizabeth's other favorite passtime was chatting on the Internet.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/1intro/snapshot_917cb83a_b17cd402.jpg

Initially, she'd started using the Internet so that she could bank online - it allowed her to avoid having to deal with anyone face-to-face, which appealed to her immensely.

Similarly, the Internet allowed Elizabeth to socialize without ever having to actually have any human contact. She felt more confident when she could hide behind the computer screen. One she discovered chat rooms, she was instantly addicted.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/1intro/snapshot_917cb83a_f17cd3e0.jpg

At first, she'd aimlessly wandered from chat room to chat room, enjoying the anonymity the Internet provided. After a while, though, she'd worked up her nerve and made herself known to the other chatters.

She was surprised by how easy it was for her to make friends online. On the computer, she felt like people didn't judge her. She could finally be herself. She finally felt like socializing was something pleasurable and rewarding rather than a dreaded - and terrifying - chore. As long as it took place online, that is.

She "met" one person in particular whose friendship she valued a lot.

His screen name was Craig25, and she couldn't believe how nice he was.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/1intro/snapshot_917cb83a_317d1170.jpg

He constantly told her how funny and clever she was, and said that he loved chatting with her. She loved chatting with him, too, and found herself thinking about him a lot.

His flattery helped her work up the nerve to finally send him some pictures of herself; something she normally wouldn't have been daring enough to do.

Maybe the Internet is to nerds what alcohol is to alcoholics, in a way? For Elizabeth, it was certainly a method of coping with her insecurities, and it made her bolder than she thought possible.

...Maybe a little too bold for her own good?

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/1intro/snapshot_917cb83a_d17cda19.jpg

It didn't help that her brother walked into the room as she was posing for a picture in her underpants. Talk about embarrassing.

"Ew, Lizzy...what are you doing?!" Pierce demanded, simultaneously disgusted at the sight of his sister in her underwear and amused at catching her making a fool of herself.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/1intro/snapshot_917cb83a_117cdac1.jpg

"Don't you ever knock anymore?!" she retorted, her cheeks reddening.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/1intro/snapshot_917cb83a_117cdbce.jpg

He smirked. "It's my room, genius. Now get out...and please put some clothes on, for the love of God!"

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/1intro/snapshot_917cb83a_d17cdbad.jpg

Elizabeth was mortified, but sent the silly picture of her dancing around in her underpants to Craig25 anyway.

Immediately, she regretted doing so. What would he think of the way she looked? Would he think she was ugly? Would he want to stop talking to her after he saw her picture? Why didn't she send him a fake picture of someone thinner and prettier?

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/1intro/snapshot_917cb83a_117cd482.jpg

She waited for his reply anxiously, her heart pounding.

Then the message field started blinking.

He'd replied.

Clenching the mouse tightly in her sweaty fist, she frantically clicked on the window to see what he'd written.

"U R PRETTY," it said.

OMG...

He thought she was pretty!

Shortly after that, he had to sign off. Normally, Elizabeth would have been sad to see him leave for the night, but this time she was too excited for that! He'd called her pretty!!!

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/1intro/snapshot_917cb83a_317d11a5.jpg

Fanning herself lightly as she climbed out of the computer chair, she began to plan the next email she was going to send to him...

[Sim Sagas]

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/1intro/snapshot_917cb83a_517d197d.jpg

It took all evening for Elizabeth to work up her nerve, but finally, she signed back on and wrote an email to Craig25:




Craig25,

I :valentine chatting 2 u & I bet we'd get along well in person. Want 2 meet 4 coffee?

~Elizabeth




Anxiously, Elizabeth hit "refresh" over and over in hopes that Craig25 had replied.

She waited...

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/1intro/snapshot_917cb83a_d17d1aa7.jpg

...and waited...

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/1intro/snapshot_917cb83a_f17d1a50.jpg

...and waited.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/1intro/snapshot_917cb83a_d17d1a77.jpg

Just as she was about to give up for the night and go back to sleep, Craig25 signed on.

"I'd love 2 meet u 4 coffee," he typed. "4 p.m. @ Java Hut tomorrow?"

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/1intro/snapshot_917cb83a_717d19f4.jpg

Elizabeth was thrilled!

In less than 15 hours, she was going to meet Craig25!

She just hoped she wouldn't get nervous and make a bad first impression...

[Sim Sagas]

:P I thought I'd try something a little different!

[Sim Sagas]

The next day, Elizabeth could hardly wait for 4 p.m. She was both looking forward to it and dreading it. What would Craig think of her? Would he hug her hello? Would he think she was pretty when he saw her in person? Would he want to date her?

She hurried downtown to the Java Hut, a small shack across from Sim Falls that served delicious expresso. Sitting down at an empty table, she looked around anxiously.

Was Craig25 that guy standing at the counter?

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/2coffeemeeting/snapshot_917cb83a_b17d2ec0.jpg

Or was he running late?

He wouldn't stand her up...would he?

As she sat, she began to worry.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/2coffeemeeting/snapshot_917cb83a_b17d2f66.jpg

What if he didn't recognize her, and thought she'd stood him up?

Or what if he'd been hit by a car as he was crossing the street to get to the Java Hut? Okay, so that would be pretty unlikely...but still, how tragic! And romantic! Sigh.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/2coffeemeeting/snapshot_917cb83a_b17d2f17.jpg

What were those girls at the next table so giggly about?

Elizabeth was uncomfortable. It almost felt like they were laughing at her. But she was probably just being paranoid...stupid social anxiety.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/2coffeemeeting/snapshot_917cb83a_317d2f06.jpg

Elizabeth felt pretty stupid sitting at a table all by herself - she didn't even have a cup of coffee!

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/2coffeemeeting/snapshot_917cb83a_517d2e84.jpg

Most people probably wouldn't be bothered by something as minute as that, but Elizabeth wasn't most people: she was Ms. Self Conscious.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/2coffeemeeting/snapshot_917cb83a_b17d2f43.jpg

That meant that she had the ability to be insecure about really stupid things. Lucky her!

Okay, she wasn't imaginging it after all.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/2coffeemeeting/snapshot_917cb83a_f17d309b.jpg

Those two teenaged girls really did seem to be laughing at her expense.

What on earth..? Elizabeth tried to discreetly study them out of the corner of her eye, and determined that she didn't know either one of them. So what was going on?

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/2coffeemeeting/snapshot_917cb83a_117d2ff6.jpg

Then she overheard the girl with the ponytail say the name "Craig25." Once again, the girls erupted in laughter.

"Oh my God Jossalyn, you are like, sooo funny!" her friend gasped through her laughter, banging her fist on the table. "I can't believe you went online and pretended to be a 25 year old guy, you geek!"

The Jossalyn girl smirked. "I think I made her fall for 'Craig' too," she announced loudly, and pointed right at Elizabeth.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/2coffeemeeting/snapshot_917cb83a_117d302b.jpg

Elizabeth was mortified. She was frozen to her seat. She couldn't get up. She wanted to; she wanted to leap up and run away from there as fast as she could, back to the safety of her isolated farm. But she may as well have superglued her behind to the chair, because try as she might, she couldn't seem to move.

Or she couldn't until she overheard Jossalyn say, "wait until I show you the picture she sent me, hahaha!"

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/2coffeemeeting/snapshot_917cb83a_717d3069.jpg

That got Elizabeth moving faster than she thought she was capable of moving!

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/2coffeemeeting/snapshot_917cb83a_b17d3152.jpg

She leapt out of her seat and tried to hide her face.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/2coffeemeeting/snapshot_917cb83a_517d30fa.jpg

She frantically hurried away from the coffee stand, and those cruel girls, who were still laughing hysterically.

[Sim Sagas]

After she'd walked a block or so, she had to stop to catch her breath.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/2coffeemeeting/snapshot_917cb83a_317d3295.jpg

Embarrassed and angry, Elizabeth tried to choke back her tears.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/2coffeemeeting/snapshot_917cb83a_117d31a6.jpg

How could she have been so naive? Why hadn't she been more careful? And why oh why had she sent that stupid picture?!

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/2coffeemeeting/snapshot_917cb83a_917d3189.jpg

Elizabeth found herself sad that 'Craig' didn't actually exist. Maybe that was pathetic, but she'd fallen hard for the imaginary 25 year old guy on the Internet. Probably because he was the first guy who'd ever paid any attention to her.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/2coffeemeeting/snapshot_917cb83a_f17d3194.jpg

Finally, Elizabeth spotted a pay phone, and called a taxi to take her home.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/2coffeemeeting/snapshot_917cb83a_d17d3201.jpg

She felt lower than low, and more than ever, wished she were invisible.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/2coffeemeeting/snapshot_917cb83a_517d3265.jpg

More than anything, she wished she hadn't left the protective bubble of the farm that afternoon.

[SofieAmalieN]

Good story! Please do continue it :D

[Vinhou]

I love your stories! Please update soon! :) :P

[gazania]

Those girls were so cruel!

I hope that Elizabeth DOES find a REAL love of her life. But I guess that might be for a future chapter ...

[auroraspirit]

Really good story, I'm enjoying it.

Auroraspirit :angel:

[Sim Sagas]

When Elizabeth finally arrived back at the farm, she immediately went on a three day cooking/eating spree. Since the Craig thing didn't work out, she figured she may as well have a love affair with food, instead.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/3rockbottom/snapshot_917cb83a_d17e5bf5.jpg

Elizabeth ate and ate until she literally passed out from exhaustion, landing face first in a fluffy, rich, two-tier cake.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/3rockbottom/snapshot_917cb83a_d17e5d52.jpg

When she awoke, she immediately began stuffing her face some more.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/3rockbottom/snapshot_917cb83a_717e5db8.jpg

Of course, no human being is capable of consuming that much sugar without getting sick. By the time Elizabeth finally stopped eating, however, it was too late. She ran to the bathroom clutching her rumbling tummy, moaning in agony.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/3rockbottom/snapshot_917cb83a_517e610c.jpg

Unfortunately, by the time she was finished emptying the contents of her stomach, she only felt worse.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/3rockbottom/snapshot_917cb83a_b17e60dd.jpg

She began to undress so she could take a bath, but partway though, decided she didn't have the energy to climb into the tub. Instead, she waddled outside in her underwear and collapsed on the front porch amidst the remnants of her cooking marathon.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/3rockbottom/snapshot_917cb83a_f17e634c.jpg

It certainly wasn't Elizabeth's most dignified moment, and she was well aware of it.

Miserable, she drifted in and out of a restless sleep, her slumber plagued by dreams of oven mits and spatulas.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/3rockbottom/snapshot_917cb83a_517e64af.jpg

Her substantial belly felt so full that she couldn't get comfortable, so awoke frequently. Everytime she regained consciousness, Elizabeth was reminded of the humiliating Internet incident.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/3rockbottom/snapshot_917cb83a_b17e6443.jpg

Then, all of a sudden, a shadow fell across her large frame, causing her to open her eyes in alarm.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/3rockbottom/snapshot_917cb83a_b17e652b.jpg

As she squinted up into the blazing mid-afternoon sun, she saw an older, distinguished looking man smiling down at her.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/3rockbottom/snapshot_917cb83a_f17e655e.jpg

Elizabeth immediately sat up, then groaned and clutched her bloated belly in discomfort.

"Who are you?" she demanded, startled.

[Sim Sagas]

The man informed Elizabeth that his name was Dominic, and that he'd been passing by the farm when he'd seen her lying motionless on the front porch. Concerned, he'd stopped to make sure she was all right.

Elizabeth flushed and mumbled that she was fine, then excused herself to go get dressed. She hoped he'd take a hint and go away, but no such luck. Instead, he followed her into the house, chatting away.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/3rockbottom/snapshot_917cb83a_717e6629.jpg

"Mmm, something in the kitchen smells exquisite!" he exclaimed, and poked his head into the cozy room.

"Wow, that's a lot of food!" he laughed upon seeing the platters of cakes, cookies, pies, cheesecakes, and tarts. "Did you make all of this yourself?"

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/3rockbottom/snapshot_917cb83a_517e66a6.jpg

Elizabeth nodded sheepishly, hoping he wouldn't guess that she'd also eaten most of it herself!

Fortunately, if he thought that, he kept it to himself. Instead, he grinned appreciatively and told her he was impressed. "These days, it seems like no one cooks anymore! Everything is fast food or TV dinners...it's refreshing to meet someone who knows her way around a kitchen!"

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/3rockbottom/snapshot_917cb83a_517e68af.jpg

Somehow, despite her debilitating shyness, Elizabeth found it easy to talk to Dominic. He was a little odd, but his quirkiness put her at ease. He talked a mile a minute, and seemed very charming.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/3rockbottom/snapshot_917cb83a_317e68bd.jpg

Normally, Elizabeth found it difficult to talk to people because she worried that she had nothing interesting to say. But, Dominic made it clear that she wasn't boring him, because he seemed to hang on her every word. He even seemed to enjoy hearing about all her favorite recipes!

Elizabeth decided to take a chance.

Steeling herself for yet another rejection, she courageously blurted out, "I could cook for you sometime...uh, if you want, that is."

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/3rockbottom/snapshot_917cb83a_517e67bb.jpg

She half expected Dominic to laugh in her face like those two snooty teenaged girls at the coffee shop had. She cringed and waited....

But instead, he said, "I was hoping you'd say that!" and chuckled. "I'm afraid I'll be out of the country all this week on business. But I'd very much like to keep in touch, and take you up on that offer when I get back to Simville."

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/3rockbottom/snapshot_917cb83a_517e6736.jpg

Elizabeth was ecstatic! She had a date...well, almost. At least she knew that this guy was really a guy! =P

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/3rockbottom/snapshot_917cb83a_517e6941.jpg

Elizabeth and Dominic exchanged email addresses, and then he vanished into the night as abruptly as he'd arrived. Elizabeth just couldn't stop smiling! ...She just hoped that meeting Dominic hadn't just been some wacky sugar-induced hallucination!

[Sim Sagas]

While Elizabeth Picard's weakness was food, Vincent Verucio's was drink.

The forty-something year old former poker world champion was now nothing more than a pathetic drunk. He'd lost everything; his house, his career, his dignity...

These days, he was living in Simville Park.

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h79/simsagasvince/snapshot_d17dfb55_117dfb5a.jpg

He owned a roll of toilet paper and a flimsy tent, and that was about it.

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h79/simsagasvince/snapshot_d17dfb55_317dfc2a.jpg

Well, except for what he hid around the campground...but he didn't like to acknowledge those things.

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h79/simsagasvince/snapshot_d17dfb55_b17dfc52.jpg

They were his shame, his passion, his reason for living. Yes, Vincent Verucio definitely had a love/hate relationship with alcohol.

Carefully hidden behind his tent was a small area where he made his own wine.

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h79/simsagasvince/snapshot_d17dfb55_117dfcdd.jpg

Why did Vince take such pains to hide his alcohol? Well, there were two reasons.

The first was as simple as not wanting to be fined. Alcohol wasn't allowed in Simville Park, and the penalties were harsh. Vince knew he couldn't afford a $100 fine, and certainly didn't want to end up in jail, so was cautious about keeping his booze a secret.

The second reason was his family.

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h79/simsagasvince/snapshot_d17dfb55_117dfe2f.jpg

Most people would have given up on Vince long ago, but not the Verucios. His sister-in-law, Hilary, was very devoted, and brought him a picnic lunch every day to make sure he didn't go hungry.

She and the rest of the family were so good to him that he hated to let them down by revealing to them the extent of his alcohol addiction.

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h79/simsagasvince/snapshot_d17dfb55_d17dfe7d.jpg

Besides, in recent months, Hilary had really started to age, and seemed haggard and frail. Vince had a feeling she wasn't well, and certainly didn't want to add to her condition by causing her any stress.

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h79/simsagasvince/snapshot_d17dfb55_d17dfeb9.jpg

It was a good thing that Hilary was so considerate and devoted, because truth be told, if she didn't go out of her way to feed him, Vince probably wouldn't eat most days. He was content to live on his homemade booze, blissfully oblivious to the fact that he was slowly wasting away.

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h79/simsagasvince/snapshot_d17dfb55_f17dfd91.jpg

Most days, he'd just lie in his tent, serenely listening to the sounds of the park: the wind rustling through the trees, birds happily chirping, and the faint rumblings of motor vehicles off in the distance.

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h79/simsagasvince/snapshot_d17dfb55_717dfbaa.jpg

But Vince wasn't unhappy. As long as he had a drink in his hand, that is.

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h79/simsagasvince/snapshot_d17dfb55_b17e00af.jpg

[Sim Sagas]

This particular afternoon, Vince Verucio was a very happy camper (!) indeed.

He'd made a little cash by selling the wildflowers he'd picked in the park at Simville Market. He'd earned just enough to be able to afford some booze.

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h79/simsagasvince/snapshot_d17dfb55_917e0169.jpg

As he sat on an old tree stump and enjoyed his alcohol, he started thinking about his life.

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h79/simsagasvince/snapshot_d17dfb55_317e0227.jpg

Sometimes he was really ashamed of himself for letting his addiction run his life. Sometimes he even thought about quitting cold turkey, and getting a regular job, and pulling his life back together.

Luckily, he was usually cured of those crazy thoughts by his third or fourth beer.

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h79/simsagasvince/snapshot_d17dfb55_717e01b5.jpg

He might be an alcoholic, but that didn't make him a bad person. Anyone who looked deep into his eyes would see that he was the same person he'd always been...just one who drinks a lot more.

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h79/simsagasvince/snapshot_d17dfb55_317e01df.jpg

He was still the same guy who'd helped out his brother and sister-in-law in times of crisis, opening his home and heart to their family. He'd helped to raise those kids, had put food on their table when his brother and sister-in-law couldn't afford to...

No, he wasn't a bad person.

He was just sick.

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h79/simsagasvince/snapshot_d17dfb55_517e0339.jpg

"Uncle Vince?" A familiar voice cut through his hazy train of thought.

As he blinked and tried to clear his head, Vince was surprised to find himself slumped on the ground. Funny, he couldn't remember slipping off the tree stump he'd been sitting on...

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h79/simsagasvince/snapshot_d17dfb55_b17e0307.jpg

He hoisted himself up unsteadily, cursing under his breath as he spilled some of his precious beer in the process.

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h79/simsagasvince/snapshot_d17dfb55_317e031f.jpg

His niece Darly stood in front of him, looking concerned.

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h79/simsagasvince/snapshot_d17dfb55_b17e041d.jpg

"Uncle Vince, are you okay?" she asked, her eyes wide.

He smiled reassuringly, and, with all the coordination he could muster, set his half-empty booze can down.

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h79/simsagasvince/snapshot_d17dfb55_717e03ab.jpg

"I'm fine, honey," he promised, trying his best not to slur his words. "But enough about me...how are you?! I haven't seen you in so long!"

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h79/simsagasvince/snapshot_d17dfb55_717e011d.jpg

Darly tried to smile, but found it hard. Now that she was finally seeing where her uncle lived firsthand, she wanted to cry.

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h79/simsagasvince/snapshot_d17dfb55_717e04c6.jpg

[Sim Sagas]

"I'm sorry I haven't been to see you until now, Uncle Vince," Darly apologized. "I've been away. I don't know if you, uh, know, but I'm a singer now. I was on tour..." Darly was pacing, obviously anxious. Vince doubted she was even aware that she was doing it.

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h79/simsagasvince/snapshot_d17dfb55_117e0587.jpg

"Awh honey, that's great," Vince said proudly. "I always knew you had talent, right from the time you started standing up in your crib at night and singing at the top of your lungs. You'd wake the others, and we'd have three screaming toddlers on our hands at 3 a.m..." he trailed off.

Somehow, talking about old times depressed him.

He couldn't believe how grown up Darly and the others were now. She wasn't the insecure little girl who stole her sister's friends anymore. These days, she was a confident, independent young lady who didn't need him anymore.

No one needed him anymore.

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h79/simsagasvince/snapshot_d17dfb55_717e049a.jpg

Darly quickly changed the subject. "I've met someone, Uncle Vince. He's a record producer, and we're...well, we're seeing each other. I can bring him by tomorrow, if you want, so you can meet him - "

Vince cut her off abruptly, though not unkindly. "No, no," he said quickly. "It means a lot to me that you came down here to see me, honey. Awh, you even ripped your dress on those thistles," he observed guiltily. "The last thing I want is to embarrass you in front of your boyfriend, too," he told her firmly.

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h79/simsagasvince/snapshot_d17dfb55_517e053c.jpg

Choking back tears, Darly nodded helplessly. "Okay, Uncle Vince," she said, her voice shaking a little. "If that's what you want."

Yikes. He was really upsetting the poor girl. Vince didn't know what was so horrible about his living conditions, but apparently it was driving his usually upbeat niece to tears.

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h79/simsagasvince/snapshot_d17dfb55_f17e040a.jpg

He loved seeing her, but he didn't want to put her through this kind of torment.

"Listen, honey," he began decidedly. "It was great of you to come see me. But it looks like rain...you'd better get home before it starts storming."

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h79/simsagasvince/snapshot_d17dfb55_f17e0798.jpg

Sure enough, the sky was darkening, and heavy black clouds loomed overhead threateningly.

Darly hesistated, then hugged her uncle goodbye. It was sweet of her, Vince thought, to pretend that he didn't smell like someone who hasn't had a proper shower in over two weeks.

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h79/simsagasvince/snapshot_d17dfb55_b17e0785.jpg

Vince saw her off to her car. It wasn't just any car, either; it was bright red, shiny, fancy sports car. Those didn't come cheap, Vince thought, as his fuzzy brain automatically began calculating how many beers that car could buy...

Darly turned around just before she reached her car, and hurried back.

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h79/simsagasvince/snapshot_d17dfb55_b17e1753.jpg

"Uncle Vince, why don't you come back to Mom's with me?" she suggested, her voice nearly drowned out by the roaring thunder overhead.

He thanked her, but declined. He also politely declined her offer of money, despite knowing that his beer supply had nearly run out. He didn't want to be a burden, and he certainly didn't want to throw away the money she'd earned.

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h79/simsagasvince/snapshot_d17dfb55_917e1872.jpg

Moments after Darly reluctantly drove away, the storm began.

[professional loser]

Aww, poor Vince...and those horrible girls at the cafe! I can't stand people like that.
Great updates though, I'm really enjoying this story.

[LadySwig]

Those girls were so horrible and Vince! in the first sereis he seemed so happy in the park but now he's ashamed and its so sad

[gazania]

I like how you collect a bunch of shorter stories and put them in one thread. It's great for people like me who are admittedly impatient. :)

I also like that, although the stories ARE short little vignettes, you put enough in them to actually flesh out your characters and make them real. You can imagine meeting people like these.

Oh, and I hope that that guy Elizabeth finally met is NOT a psycho and actually likes BBW's. More importantly, he likes HER. :)

[Sim Sagas]

Though sad to have left Stacy on such negative terms, Dorian was relieved to be back home in Simville. It was one thing to play in the sandbox with his daughter, but being surrounded by miles and miles of sand in that stupid desert had been more than he could take! And, obviously, it also felt great to be near his family again.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/3singleparent/snapshot_711d0d32_115ec40c.jpg

Unfortunately, his daughter Adriana wasn't as pleased about the move as he was. He tried his best to help her understand, telling her that they were moving back to Simville so she could be closer to Grandma, Aunt Delia, and the rest of the family.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/3singleparent/snapshot_116002ca_716019dd.jpg

All Adriana knew, however, was that Dorian had taken her away from her mother. Therefore, she had no reservations about telling her father exactly what she thought of him:

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/3singleparent/snapshot_116002ca_1160195c.jpg

It hurt to hear it, but Dorian figured that eventually, his daughter's anger would wear off and they could go back to being a family again. He just had to stick it out.

In the meantime, he took her over to his mother's house most days. His mother loved to see her one and only grandchild every chance she got, and Dorian looked forward to the visits because he was at the point where he needed to see a friendly face! (Adriana had been so scowly and cold lately that he couldn't help but think "like mother like daughter!")

One afternoon as Adriana was playing outside, Dorian pulled her into his lap and tried to get her to talk to him.

He didn't care if she yelled, screamed, called him names...he'd be happy with anything! He was just tired of getting the silent treatment.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/3singleparent/snapshot_b156c785_b156d634.jpg

Adriana, however, wouldn't have any of that.

She immediately jumped up and told him to stay away from her.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/3singleparent/snapshot_b156c785_5156d5a5.jpg

Luckily, Dorian's brother Tim was home from college for the weekend, and stepped in before the tension escalated.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/3singleparent/snapshot_b156c785_f156d6e4.jpg

Seeing that Adriana needed some time away from her father, he suggested they visit the Simville toy shop.

Of course, Adriana's face immediately brightened and she happily hopped into his car without another glance in her father's direction.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/3singleparent/snapshot_b156c785_d156d77c.jpg

By the time they arrived home - with a carload of new toys for the little girl - Adriana was chattering away happily. Dorian was relieved to finally see his little girl smiling again as she and her uncle discussed all the cool new things she'd gotten.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/3singleparent/snapshot_b156c785_7156d998.jpg

Of course, as soon as Adriana saw her father, she returned to her former moody, sullen self.

Well, at least that little girl was one tough cookie, if nothing else!

Dorian just prayed it wouldn't last much longer. He hated being the bad guy when all he was doing was trying to look out for his daughter.

[Sim Sagas]

Thanks for the comments! =)

Oh, and I hope that that guy Elizabeth finally met is NOT a psycho and actually likes BBW's. More importantly, he likes HER. :)

Oh, he'll like her, all right... ;)

I'll post an update on Elizabeth as soon as I get some pictures taken.

[Sim Sagas]

Dorian had been disappointed to learn that there were no vacancies in the apartment complex he and his family had previously lived in. He'd liked the location - and the pool - but apparently so had a lot of other people.

So, he'd bought a quaint little blue two storey house for he and his daughter. It was a little out of his price range, and perhaps a little bigger than what they needed, but Adriana had decidedly announced that that was the house she wanted to live in.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/3singleparent/snapshot_116002ca_316013fe.jpg

He bought the bare necessities for himself, then spent the remainder of the money decorating Adriana's room, converting a section of the living room into a play area for her, and buying her toys.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/3singleparent/snapshot_116002ca_31601769.jpg

Dorian figured that if he couldn't give her what she most wanted - a devoted mother - then at least he could buy her all the material things she could ever dream of. In that sense, Adriana was one very lucky little girl.

But alas, it still did nothing to improve their relationship:

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/3singleparent/snapshot_116002ca_b160187d.jpg

Dorian tried to be accommodating, promising his daughter that any weekend she wanted to see her mother, he'd be glad to take her.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/3singleparent/snapshot_116002ca_b1601a9a.jpg

But Adriana was still being very tight-lipped, refusing to speak to him unless it was to tell him what a "meanyhead" he was.

She stopped listening, too, which was not only frustrating, but also potentially dangerous. Even after her father asked her not to, she went ahead and jumped on the couch, stomped on the flowerbeds, and climbed on the railings of the front porch.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/3singleparent/snapshot_116002ca_11601c3a.jpg

Dorian didn't know what to do.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/3singleparent/snapshot_116002ca_316018b7.jpg

His sister Delia suggested he give his daughter some space - partly for Adriana's sake and partly for his; he was going crazy!

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/3singleparent/snapshot_116002ca_d1601c4c.jpg

Sending him inside to relax for the first time in a long time, Delia gave her goddaughter a hug and started telling her about the different kinds of flowers that grew in the garden.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/3singleparent/snapshot_116002ca_b1601d02.jpg

Adriana loved spending time with Delia, and vice versa. Anything Delia did, Adriana wanted to do:

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/3singleparent/snapshot_116002ca_31601db3.jpg

(Dorian just hoped his dear sister would refrain from teaching his daughter how to throw spitballs and beat other kids up; Delia had been an expert in both those departments as a child! :P)

The two played together every afternoon, because Adriana didn't know many kids her own age.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/3singleparent/snapshot_116002ca_f1601ef9.jpg

Dorian wasn't terribly concerned, though, because in a few weeks, she'd be starting school, where he was sure she'd meet a ton of new friends.

What he was concerned about, however, was what Delia told him she saw...

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/3singleparent/snapshot_116002ca_91601e0d.jpg

It hadn't been until Delia had overheard Adriana playing with her dollhouse that she'd started to see just how angry Adriana really was.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/3singleparent/snapshot_116002ca_d1601e75.jpg

As Adriana played with her "Mommy" and "Daddy" dolls, it became apparent that she placed 100% of the blame for her parents' failed relationship on Dorian.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/3singleparent/snapshot_116002ca_51601e4a.jpg

Dorian hated seeing his little girl unhappy - especially when it was him she was so displeased with! But what could he do about it?

[Tixi]

i just read all of this, and its so good.

i hate those girls, and im not too fond of Adriana either. Stupid pratt girl

[Sim Sagas]

Thankfully, once Adriana started anticipating her first day of school, she seemed to get distracted and forgot to be angry. Ah, to have the attention span of a five-year-old!

Adriana was excited about going to school and meeting other kids right up until Dorian pulled the car up in front of Simville Academy. Then, with the school looming in front of her, the intimidated little girl suggested they go home and she start school some other day.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/4school/snapshot_11616cc9_b1616ceb.jpg

She clung to her dad as they neared the entrance. Though he hated to see her afraid, a part of him was glad that she'd finally seemed to forgive him (or had at least forgotten that he was a "meanyhead!")

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/4school/snapshot_11616cc9_91616d34.jpg

"Do I have to go in?" she asked her dad hesitantly.

He smiled reassuringly. "Just try it, okay? I bet you'll like it!"

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/4school/snapshot_11616cc9_b1616ccd.jpg

He thought his daughter was about to start crying, but just then, a little boy who looked about Adriana's age ran up to them.

"Hi, I'm Georgie!" he chirped. "I like your backpack...wanna play?"

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/4school/snapshot_11616cc9_316178fe.jpg

And, just like that, Adriana's uncertainty faded away, and she eagerly ran off to play with Georgie and the other kids.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/4school/snapshot_11616cc9_31616f10.jpg

Dorian stood there watching proudly, simultaneously looking a little lost.

"Let me guess: first day of school, Dad?" someone behind Dorian asked. He turned to see a young woman looking at him inquisitively.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/4school/snapshot_11616cc9_11616f7a.jpg

He nodded. "How'd you know?"

"You just have that look to you."

"Which look is that?" he pressed.

She grinned impishly. "The look all parents get on their kid's first day of school: like you don't know whether to celebrate or cry!"

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/4school/snapshot_11616cc9_716170e0.jpg

Dorian chuckled. "I take it you've been there before?"

She shook her head. "Nope, I don't have any kids. But if I had a simoleon for every time I've seen that expression on a parent's face..." She stuck out her hand, "I'm Violet. I teach here."

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/4school/snapshot_11616cc9_91617171.jpg

"Which one is yours?" she questioned, gesturing to the children.

Dorian pointed his daughter out to Violet, who smiled. "Don't worry, I'll make sure she has a great first day." Winking at him, she continued, "speaking of first days, I guess I'd better get going - it's time for class!"

Feeling slightly less worried, Dorian made his way home all alone. The house seemed lonely already. He just hoped Adriana would have a good day...

[Sim Sagas]

Adriana, in fact, had an excellent first day of school.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/4school/snapshot_11616cc9_d1617347.jpg

The five-year-old loved having her very own desk!

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/4school/snapshot_11616cc9_7161737a.jpg

She loved her new teacher, too.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/4school/snapshot_11616cc9_d1617385.jpg

Adriana's favorite part of the day, though, was by far play time!

She and her new friends got to play with dolls, build forts, and even play dress up!

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/4school/snapshot_11616cc9_316175cd.jpg

Dressing up was definitely Adriana's favorite part of the day!

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/4school/snapshot_11616cc9_516176c1.jpg

In fact, Adriana had such a good day that she was sad when "home time" came!

Dorian had devotedly checked the clock all through the day, and made sure he was at the school in time to meet Adriana. (He hated the thought of her waiting all alone, wondering if he'd show up, so actually, he showed up about a half hour early!)

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/4school/snapshot_11616cc9_f1617867.jpg

To his relief, when Adriana walked out the doors, she was all smiles.

"Can I ride the bus home?!" Adriana asked eagerly.

Dorian barely had time to nod before she was barrelling down the sidewalk toward the big yellow schoolbus, giggling in excitement. Her new friend Georgie trailed behind her.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/4school/snapshot_11616cc9_916178c5.jpg

Dorian looked up at the schoolbus, hoping that the bus driver was a responsible motor vehicle operator. (Yes, there was no doubt about it: Dorian Verucio was an extremely overprotective dad!)

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/4school/snapshot_11616cc9_916177bf.jpg

"Remember not to stand up when the bus is moving!" Dorian called after them. "And sit near the front! Sit beside an emergency exit, okay kids? Kids...?"

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/4school/snapshot_11616cc9_516179c0.jpg

They paid little attention to Dorian, instead eagerly boarding the bus like Big Kids.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/4school/snapshot_11616cc9_116179d5.jpg

Sighing, Dorian meandered over to the empty swingset, and sat down.

So, this was what it would be like from now on. Adriana was going to ditch her dad in favor of playing with her friends. It was only natural, sure, but it was also only natural that Dorian be a little hurt, right? Slowly but surely, he was losing his little girl...

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/4school/snapshot_11616cc9_11617a39.jpg

"Tough first day?" a familiar voice behind him asked knowingly.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/4school/snapshot_11616cc9_d1616f8d.jpg

Standing up, he grinned sheepishly at Violet.

She promptly took his place on the swing.

"Push, please?"

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/4school/snapshot_11616cc9_f1617a9f.jpg

"Oh, okay. Sure. So what about you, how was your first day?"

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/4school/snapshot_11616cc9_11617c02.jpg

"Fun!" Violet laughed. "Sometimes I still can't believe they pay me for this! And this school is a lot nicer than the one I was teaching at last year. Say, that reminds me...do you know where I can buy office supplies around here? I hate being new in town and not knowing my way around!"

"Sure, I can give you directions," Dorian replied helpfully.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/4school/snapshot_11616cc9_91617b6c.jpg

"Great," Violet said. "But in a moment...first, give me another push!"

[auroraspirit]

Ooooo, do I get a hint of a relationship building between Violet and Dorian and I wonder if this relationship does blossom if this resolves the tension between Dorian and his daughter Adriana.....

The suspension....

Auroraspirit :angel:

[chronicboredom]

I'm loving this, it's such a good story - keep it up!

[Sim Sagas]

Thanks, I'll update as soon as I can!

auroraspirit, I tried to reply to your pm, but it said your inbox is full. The cork board you asked about can be found here: http://daydream.etowns.net/ It's part of the "School Bulletin Board Set," and is under the Paintings section. =)

[auroraspirit]

Thankyou very very very much Sim Sagas, I did forget to empty out my inbox the other day, oops.

Thankyou for replying your post here.

Auroraspirit :angel:

[Jacuzzi_SC]

Wow, it's such a great story! Poor Elizabeth :( I hate it when people laugh at you...

[starwyn]

I love these stories, keep up the good work !
I also love Elizabeth, i think she's beautiful and you've inspired me to create my own unique sims in body shop. All my sims untill now are basically perfect, pretty etc but now that i've seen elizabeth i want more realistic sims so Thankyou!

PS: I'd love to know how you got that treehouse

[starwyn]

This might seem like a stupid question but is that really a school? I'm just curious to how you've done that

[iampinkstar_SC]

Bring back Dorian Verucio!! I want to know what happens next!! This story is quite good im hooked!

[jenny]

wow, great job!!! I love this story:D

[Sim Sagas]

PS: I'd love to know how you got that treehouse

I just used the moveobjects cheat to place the stairs (ladder), which can be found on MTS2. Then I built a 2nd storey, and voila, a treehouse!

This might seem like a stupid question but is that really a school? I'm just curious to how you've done that

It's sort of a school...

It's a residential lot, with the two teachers living on it. I used the school items from Simlogical to call students to class and make them do assignments. Since I just built it for story purposes, the schoolbus still shows up in the morning if I've made any of the students selectable via InSim. I usually just don't save after I've taken my pictures, so that the students' grades won't plummet.

[Sim Sagas]

Ella Manson was a pretty girl, though terribly insecure. The curly-haired high school student was part of the popular clique at school, largely thanks to her outgoing best friend, Jossalyn Foreman.

Unlike Ella, Jossalyn oozed confidence, and bordered on being bossy. The fun-loving sixteen year old was used to getting her way, but Ella didn't mind most of the time. She knew that as long as she stuck with Jossalyn, she'd have lots of exciting adventures.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/1crush/snapshot_f1854b12_d1854b75.jpg

Today, Jossalyn was whining that she wanted to sneak into Heat, the wild dance club downtown.

"Come on!" Jossalyn pressured, her eyes twinkling mischieviously. "We have to go, so we can brag about it to everyone at school on Monday! We can take my car...it's only a half hour drive!"

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/1crush/snapshot_f1854b12_71854b15.jpg

"I can't Joss!" Ella protested. "If my dad found out, he'd ground me for life!"

"Oh live a little," Jossalyn retorted, pouting. Crossing her arms in defiance, she stared her best friend down until Ella felt herself giving in.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/1crush/snapshot_f1854b12_f1854ba8.jpg

"Well...maybe we could go for an hour?" Ella suggested meekly. "But no longer, Joss, and I mean it! JUST an hour!"

"Yessss!" Jossalyn pumped her fist in the air in triumph. "You're the bestest friend ever!" she announced happily. "I promise we're going to have a great time, El. Just wait and see!"

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/1crush/snapshot_f1854b12_d1854b39.jpg

"Uh. How are we going to get in, though?" Ella inquired, concerned. "We're underage...remember?"

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/1crush/snapshot_f1854b12_31854b60.jpg

Jossalyn smiled widely. "You just leave that to me, hun," she reassured her worried friend. Jossalyn sat down at her desk and pulled out a cigarette. She eyed her friend critically. "Is that what you're going to wear?"

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/1crush/snapshot_f1854b12_d1854c06.jpg

"Why, what's wrong with it?" Ella asked worriedly. "Does it make my butt look big?"

Jossalyn shrugged non-commitally. "At least put on some makeup," she ordered unapologetically. "I said I can get us in, but I'm not a miracle-worker, hun. Help me out, here! Try to make yourself look a few years older, k?"

Ella obediently helped herself to Jossalyn's extensive makeup collection, and tarted herself up in hopes of passing for a college student instead of a high schooler.

"Yeee-aaah!" Jossalyn chirped as she looked on. "Now that's what I'm talking about! Want a puff?"

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/1crush/snapshot_f1854b12_51854c1a.jpg

"Alright."

As Ella coughed and sputtered from the cigarette her best friend handed to her, she wondered what the night had in store...

[Sim Sagas]

"Joss," Ella asked as they pulled up outside Heat in Jossalyn's shiny red sports car, "are you sure we're not here too early? I mean...it's still light outside! I thought they were called nightclubs for a reason?"

Unfazed, Jossalyn hopped out of the car and strode confidently toward the front entrance. "Relax hun," she replied. "The earlier we get here, the more likely they are to let us in...when the club starts filling up, they start being more selective about who gets in!"

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/1crush/snapshot_f1854b12_b185505d.jpg

"Oh. Okay. Uh, Joss? Did you know Heat has a bouncer at the door?" Ella stammered, defeated. "Now we're never going to get in!"

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/1crush/snapshot_f1854b12_d18550fc.jpg

Jossalyn smirked. "Him? He's nothing, hun. Watch this."

"Ohmigod Joss, don't go over there! He's going to see you!" Ella hissed, panicked.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/1crush/snapshot_f1854b12_f185524d.jpg

But, her friend ignored her and purposefully sauntered over to the muscular security guard.

Ella followed reluctantly, and, holding her breath, watched in horror.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/1crush/snapshot_f1854b12_f18552bd.jpg

Without a shred of hesitation, Jossalyn walked right up to him and smiled seductively. "Hi there," she said in a breathy voice.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/1crush/snapshot_f1854b12_918552ed.jpg

To Ella's amazement, the tough looking bouncer responded immediately to Jossalyn's shameless flirting!

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/1crush/snapshot_f1854b12_b185533e.jpg

"Hey," he grunted, clearly interested.

Jossalyn leaned forward and whispered something in his ear, simultaneously giving him an eyeful of cleavage.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/1crush/snapshot_f1854b12_b185536d.jpg

He grinned. "Go on in," he told the fearless girl, giving her a subtle wink.

Ella was amazed. She knew she never could have pulled that off! Trust Jossalyn...

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/1crush/snapshot_f1854b12_d18553a6.jpg

Shoulder's back and head held high, the assertive teenager casually strolled into the club, with Ella trailing closely behind.

[Sim Sagas]

As soon as the girls reached the dance floor, they spotted a friend from school.

"Felix!" Jossalyn bellowed in mock disapproval. "What are you doing here? How did you get in??"

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/1crush/snapshot_f1854b12_9185551f.jpg

"Oh hey guys!" he shouted over the loud music. "I came here with Brian!"

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/1crush/snapshot_f1854b12_31855551.jpg

Ella spotted Brian behind Felix, hitting on an attractive bartender.

Say no more, she thought, understanding. Brian Short (whose name was rather ironic) was the tallest guy in Ella's grade. In fact, he was taller than all the teachers at school, and even her dad! So, it made sense that he'd be able to sneak into Heat, as no one would ever guess by looking at him that he was still in high school.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/1crush/snapshot_f1854b12_3185557c.jpg

When Brian spotted them, the friendly giant hurried over. He and Jossalyn immediately started to dance. Ella turned around to talk to Felix, but he'd already vanished into the ever-growing crowd.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/1crush/snapshot_f1854b12_1185568e.jpg

Great. Feeling incredibly awkward, Ella stood alone on the dance floor as everyone around her smustled.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/1crush/snapshot_f1854b12_b1855639.jpg

Sighing to herself, she reluctantly made her way over to the bar to wait for her friends to remember that she existed.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/1crush/snapshot_f1854b12_7185572e.jpg

A young bartender who looked to be in his early twenties was perched atop a barstool. He watched as Ella approached, making her feel a little self conscious.

"Hey there," he called out, a faint smile playing over his lips. "How ya doing?"

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/1crush/snapshot_f1854b12_f18557b2.jpg

Ella shrugged. "Okay, I guess."

Just then, one of the other bartenders strolled up behind the seated one. "Ash!" she yelled good-naturedly. "If you think you're going to sit there while we do all the work, you're crazy! Get up and get to work, mister!"

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/1crush/snapshot_f1854b12_f18557c1.jpg

He laughed. "Fine, fine," he relented, teasingly shooing his co-worker away. He stood, and faced Ella. "Looks like I've gotta get back to work," he informed her regretfully. "But hey, hang around if you've got a minute. I'd like the company."

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/1crush/snapshot_f1854b12_31855857.jpg

[Sim Sagas]

Since Ella didn't have anything else to do, she complied, and sat down at the bar.

"Can I get you a drink?" Ash asked as soon as he'd resumed his place behind the counter. "It's on the house."

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/1crush/snapshot_f1854b12_518558ef.jpg

"Uh, no...thanks." Ella was worried that if she had a drink in her hand, someone might come along and card her!

Ash shrugged. "Alright, suit yourself." His eyes twinkled. "Hey, wanna see something cool?"

Before Ella could reply, he grabbed a few glasses from the bar and began to juggle them.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/1crush/snapshot_f1854b12_31855901.jpg

Ella giggled. "You're pretty good," she told him appreciatively.

The bartender who'd been joking around with Ash earlier overheard, and replied, "sure he is! That's because he spends all his time goofing off instead of doing his job!"

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/1crush/snapshot_f1854b12_3185590f.jpg

"You're just jealous," Ash retorted, sticking his tongue out. He caught all of the glasses with ease, set them down, then took a bow. "Tada!"

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/1crush/snapshot_f1854b12_51855930.jpg

Ash's attention was diverted for a moment, as he turned and looked in the direction of the dance floor.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/1crush/snapshot_f1854b12_b1855ba1.jpg

"Yeesh," he commented, pointing at what had caught his eye. "I think your friends have had a bit too much to drink."

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/1crush/snapshot_f1854b12_91855968.jpg

Sure enough, Jossalyn and Brian were sitting on the dance floor looking quite woozy. Ella could see from across the club that Jossalyn had a violent case of the hiccups. Irritated smustlers were tripping over the drunken pair as they tried to dance around them.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/1crush/snapshot_f1854b12_f1855b22.jpg

Ella sighed and stood up. "I'd better go get them before someone gets hurt," she told the friendly bartender.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/1crush/snapshot_f1854b12_f185586e.jpg

But, Ella's friends weren't ready to leave. Instead, they stumbled over to a keg and continued their drinking binge.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/1crush/snapshot_f1854b12_11855c40.jpg

Just then, Felix reappeared at their side.

"Felix!" Jossalyn slurred, flipping her hair. "Where've ya been, buddy?"

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/1crush/snapshot_f1854b12_51855b64.jpg

"Shhh!" Felix hissed, trying to hush up Jossalyn. "Keep your voice down!" He pointed at a shabby looking guy with a long, unkept beard. "My uncle's here! I've been hiding out in the bathroom all night...if he sees me and tells my mom I was here, I'm dead!"

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/1crush/snapshot_f1854b12_d1855b32.jpg

Felix turned to Brian and announced, "we've gotta get out of here before he spots us!"

Jossalyn cackled loudly, enjoying their predicament. Then all of a sudden, she grew serious for a brief moment. "Hey buddy, take my car," she offered generously, handing him the keys.

Ella gulped. "Joss? You're forgetting that we need your car to get back home!"

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/1crush/snapshot_f1854b12_d1855f3b.jpg

But, it was too late. Felix and Brian were already hightailing it out of the club, eager to get outside under the cover of darkness.

Ella sighed. "Joss, do you have money for a cab?"

"Nope!" Jossalyn announced drunkenly. "But don't worry hun...you worry too much! It's gonna make your head hurt!"

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/1crush/snapshot_f1854b12_31855c6e.jpg

She belched loudly. Ugh. She was really wasted, Ella realized. What was she going to do?

Just then, Ash the bartender approached her. "You look worried," he told her. "Is there a problem?"

Ella explained to him that she and her friend were without a ride home. "And it's almost morning!" she finished anxiously, her voice wavering. "We need to get home!" She looked over at her friend, who was still guzzling beer. "I don't know what to do!"

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/1crush/snapshot_f1854b12_11855c5b.jpg

"I'm done work in fifteen minutes," Ash offered. "I can give you girls a lift."

"Really?!" Ella's relief was audible. "That'd be so great...thank you!"

So, fifteen minutes later, just as the sun was coming up, Ash helped Ella carry her drunken friend out to his car, and then he drove them both home.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/1crush/snapshot_f1854b12_31855eb1.jpg

Somehow, Ella was able to sneak in without her parents hearing. Though she'd worried so much that she'd given herself a tummyache, she realized that, just as Jossalyn had promised, she had had a fun night! ...And quite an adventure!

She was just thankful Ash had been there to bail her out of trouble!

[Sim Sagas]

Ella thought she'd seen the last of Ash, as she didn't expect to return to Heat any time soon. So, she was surprised when one afternoon a few weeks later, he turned up on her front doorstep.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/2love/snapshot_90dd3314_f1653ef2.jpg

"I hope my turning up unannounced like this is okay," he said as she invited him in. "I just happened to be in the neighbourhood..."

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/2love/snapshot_90dd3314_71657785.jpg

Somehow, they ended up upstairs, in Ella's parents' bedroom. It was a good thing she was home alone that day, she thought to herself, because her parents would have a fit if they knew she'd had a boy in there!

They talked about Ash's job for a while, and he offered to take her out for a drink sometime.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/2love/snapshot_90dd3314_f16540de.jpg

Ella flushed. "I, uh...I have something to tell you," she stuttered awkwardly. "I'm...I'm...I'm still in high school!"

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/2love/snapshot_90dd3314_31654061.jpg

Ash looked amused. "I'm not surprised," he replied calmly.

Hm. So he wasn't mad? Strange...but good!

Ash seemed too interested in Ella to care that she'd fibbed about her age. He eyed her parents' bed thoughtfully. "Are you comfortable there on the floor?" he asked casually. "My foot's starting to fall asleep!"

That was how they ended up in her parents' bed together.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/2love/snapshot_90dd3314_916544f7.jpg

Ella was beside herself. It was the first time any guy had paid any attention to her, other than the occassional shy smile she got from Felix Verucio. But Felix was just a boy. Ash was older and more sophisticated...ohmigod, this was so cool!

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/2love/snapshot_90dd3314_516546d4.jpg

As she cuddled in bed with the college-aged bartender, Ella couldn't help but think that Jossalyn would explode with envy when she found out about this!!

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/2love/snapshot_90dd3314_51654694.jpg

[Sim Sagas]

Though nothing happened that first day, Ella could tell that Ash wanted to move things along quickly. He asked when the next time her parents would be away was, and made his next appearance then.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/2love/snapshot_90dd3314_11657f21.jpg

They went back into her parents' bedroom, where Ella started to feel a bit uncomfortable. Just what did Ash expect from her, exactly?

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/2love/snapshot_90dd3314_51657f84.jpg

She soon found out...

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/2love/snapshot_90dd3314_d1654392.jpg

"You want me to do what?!" the teenager asked in shock. "Ew, no way!"

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/2love/snapshot_90dd3314_31654345.jpg

But Ash was very charming, and didn't want to take no for an answer. Eventually, Ella found herself giving in.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/2love/snapshot_90dd3314_b165430f.jpg

Besides, if she did what he asked, he'd stop pestering her about it, right?

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/2love/snapshot_90dd3314_716542c5.jpg

Yuck!

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/2love/snapshot_90dd3314_b165826f.jpg

At least Ash would like her better if she did whatever he wanted, right?

That became a recurring theme over the following months.

Ella and Ash fooled around in the hot tub...

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/2love/snapshot_90dd3314_f1654d1e.jpg

and in bed.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/2love/snapshot_90dd3314_f16547a9.jpg



Sometimes Ella felt like he was only interested in woohoo, and that made her a little sad.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/2love/snapshot_90dd3314_d1657d0d.jpg

But, a part of her liked the attention, and was thrilled to think that Ash could actually find her, Ella Manson, attractive!

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/2love/snapshot_90dd3314_f1657c83.jpg

So, on it went...

[funkyfae214]

I've been following this story from the start and I must say it's brilliant!

[fransica]

your stories are fantastic and well worded and brilliant I enjoy every morsel of them.

[jenny]

well done!

[LadySwig]

That guy sounds like trouble. She should steer well clear

[auroraspirit]

Great story, I agree with lady, I think Ash is going to be trouble.

I love the custom content so much, the top that the girl was wearing (the one with the red hair) with the purple flower top and necklace, its real beautiful. Where did you find it, if you don't mind me asking?

I'm looking forward to the continuation :)

Auroraspirit :angel:

[starwyn]

Thanks so much for your reply re: school and treehouse, very kind of you :o)
Can't wait for your next updates, i'm hooked

[Sim Sagas]

I'm glad people are enjoying the stories! I have to go into work for a few hours, but will hopefully get another update posted tonight. My plans for the next couple of days are to post updates on Dorian, Elizabeth, and, if there are no objections, Ella. I also plan to introduce a couple of new characters soon.

I love the custom content so much, the top that the girl was wearing (the one with the red hair) with the purple flower top and necklace, its real beautiful. Where did you find it, if you don't mind me asking?


I'm a custom content addict! :P There are so many talented, generous modders out there that I just can't help myself!

The necklace and earring set is here:
http://all-about-style.com/earrings.html

The outfit with the purple top is from http://serasims.de

[Sim Sagas]

Dorian heaved a huge sigh of relief when he realized that the situation with his daughter was improving. It had been pretty tough for a while there...

But, considering the fact that the bathtub had stopped "mysteriously" overflowing, Dorian figured he was finally back on Adriana's good side.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/3singleparent/snapshot_f17baf13_f17bb0b6.jpg

His top priority since returning to Simville had been to help the little girl settle in and lead a normal, happy life. He wanted to give her the best childhood he could, mother or no mother.

When she wasn't out of town touring with her band, he had his sister Darly take Adriana shopping.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/3singleparent/snapshot_f17baf13_b17baf17.jpg

He figured there were some things that he, as a guy, would always be clueless about, and shopping was one of them! Besides, Adriana thought it was pretty cool to get fashion tips from her glamourous "rock star" aunt.

Dorian's mother Hilary babysat Adriana on the weekends, so that Dorian could catch up on his work.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/3singleparent/snapshot_b156c785_b156d30a.jpg

Hilary had aged considerably in recent months, which worried Dorian. But he knew that having her granddaughter back in her life helped to keep her young at heart.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/3singleparent/snapshot_b156c785_9156d34f.jpg

Dorian had gone back to managing his sister Delia's business, which pleased them both. He was determined to do his best for her, because he was grateful to her for all she'd done for Adriana.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/3singleparent/snapshot_116002ca_f1601d34.jpg

Though most would agree that Delia didn't have a maternal bone in her body, under her tough exterior, she had a kind heart. And sadly, these days, she was the closest thing Adriana had to a mother.

Stacy had only come to visit once since the separation. Dorian had kept his distance to try to make it easier on them both, as well as to give her a chance to spend some time one-on-one with Adriana.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/3singleparent/snapshot_7176959f_31769636.jpg

The visit had been very brief, and a little strange. Adriana had been thrilled to see her mom, but Dorian was actually pretty glad to see her leave. Something just seemed "off" about her...he supposed some people just weren't cut out to be parents.

Since the visit, Stacy's letters to Adriana had become infrequent, which irritated Dorian to no end. Luckily, it didn't seem to be having a negative impact on the little girl. Adriana was a happy, healthy, well-adjusted child.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/5violet/snapshot_116002ca_f16181b5.jpg

She loved to play video games with her dad - and she usually managed to beat him, too!

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/5violet/snapshot_116002ca_11618150.jpg

He'd also recently started teaching her how to golf. She loved it so much that every day after school, she begged him to go outside and golf with her. (And, doting dad that he was, Dorian always obliged).

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/5violet/snapshot_116002ca_b16183bd.jpg

Dorian figured that as soon as Adriana caught on that a high score in golf is bad, she'd be well on her way to becoming the next Tiger Woods!

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/5violet/snapshot_116002ca_71618306.jpg

...But maybe he was a little biased. ;)

[Sim Sagas]

Apparently golfing five days a week wasn't good enough; when Saturday rolled around, Adriana begged her dad for another round of golf on the front lawn. So, Dorian grabbed the golf club, ball, and tin can, and out they went.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/5violet/snapshot_116002ca_b16182b9.jpg

Adriana concentrated intently, the tip of her tongue poking out of the corner of her mouth as she lined up her shot. Then she swung, giving it her all...and missed the ball by a good half a foot.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/5violet/snapshot_116002ca_51618288.jpg

She and Dorian both heard clapping. They turned to see Adriana's teacher, Violet.

"Great try!" Violet encouraged enthusiastically. Dorian could see why she'd decided to become a kindergarden teacher.

Adriana begged her teacher to stay and watch for a minute, so the good-natured young woman crossed the street and came to stand on the edge of the lawn.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/5violet/snapshot_116002ca_91618440.jpg

Violet giggled sheepishly. "I decided to go for a walk to try to get my bearings - and in hopes of finding a good place to eat! I'm famished. But," she sighed, "wouldn't you know it - I managed to get myself completely lost!"

"Daddy and I go out to eat every weekend," Adriana piped up, game forgotten. "I like smashed potatoes! You should come with us."

The two adults chuckled at the awkward position that put them in, then Dorian shrugged. "We were planning to go out in a few minutes," he admitted. "Care to join us?"

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/5violet/snapshot_116002ca_5161913f.jpg

The three made their way to the Simville Community Center, which was just a short walk up the street.

At first, Dorian was a little concerned that the whole thing would be awkward.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/5violet/snapshot_116002ca_116193f5.jpg

I mean...who goes out to eat with their kid's teacher?? What would the other parents think?

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/5violet/snapshot_116002ca_116193ea.jpg

But, Violet had a way of putting everyone she came into contact with at ease.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/5violet/snapshot_116002ca_51619452.jpg

Soon, he felt himself warm to her bubbly personality, and felt right at home.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/5violet/snapshot_116002ca_51619b93.jpg

She also mentioned that Adriana was doing extremely well in school, and was at the top of her class. Truth be told, Dorian probably glowed with pride at the praise more than Adriana did! (Adriana was too busy thinking about "smashed potatoes" to take much notice of anything else!)

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/5violet/snapshot_116002ca_5161926e.jpg

The three had a nice meal, and Dorian found himself genuinely enjoying Violet's company. He could tell Adriana was having a good time, too: for once, she seemed more interested in impressing her teacher than in messily devouring her dessert!

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/5violet/snapshot_116002ca_716193b1.jpg

That's why, when it came time to leave, he wasn't all that surprised that Adriana made a big fuss...

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/5violet/snapshot_116002ca_31619d11.jpg

[Sim Sagas]

"What do you mean you're not leaving?" Dorian demanded, trying to maintain his patience. "We've finished eating - it's time to go, sweetie!"

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/5violet/snapshot_116002ca_f1619d2e.jpg

"Noooo," Adriana begged, giving her dad what he thought of as her sad puppy dog eyes. "I want to play a song on the jukebox! Puh-leeeeese?!"

Hm. Well, there was no harm in that, right? Dorian hated to ruin a nice night by telling his daughter she couldn't play a song on the jukebox...

"Alright," he relented. "But just one," he added firmly, in his I'm-your-dad-and-I-mean-business tone. He turned to Violet and gave her an apologetic look. "Don't let us keep you," he began. "If you need to leave, we understand!"

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/5violet/snapshot_116002ca_d1619433.jpg

"Actually, I don't have anywhere I need to be," Violet admitted. "Since I'm new in town and haven't met many people yet, my weekends are pretty boring!"

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/5violet/snapshot_116002ca_91619445.jpg

Just then, Adriana started dancing around energetically, in time to the music she'd selected. Both adults laughed and cheered her on.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/5violet/snapshot_116002ca_516197ae.jpg

Then, to Dorian's surprise, Violet started to dance, too!

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/5violet/snapshot_116002ca_d1619b6b.jpg

"Come on!" they both prompted him as he clasped his hands uncertainly. "Dance!"

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/5violet/snapshot_116002ca_f1619aa2.jpg

Well...what the heck, right? He reluctantly joined in, halfheartedly mimicking their goofy dance steps.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/5violet/snapshot_116002ca_316196a3.jpg

It had been a long time since Dorian had let himself unwind like that, and it felt good!

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/5violet/snapshot_116002ca_91619bc9.jpg

Before long, he was completely into it, and trying his hardest to out-dance the other two!

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/5violet/snapshot_116002ca_d1619bef.jpg

Violet was so easy going, he thought between twirls and hops. Never in a million years would Stacy have gone along with any of this...

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/5violet/snapshot_116002ca_11619b87.jpg

Pushing those thoughts out of his head, he clapped along with the other two as the song ended. (If no one else was going to applaud for their spontaneous dance routine, then they may as well do it themselves!)

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/5violet/snapshot_116002ca_11619b3f.jpg

Dorian had laughed so hard that his sides ached - and it felt fantastic!

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/5violet/snapshot_116002ca_f1619614.jpg

"Thanks, that was fun!" Violet said in between giggles and gasps for breath.

Dorian smiled. "I had fun too."

Just then, Adriana climbed up onto his shoulders, announcing "okay, I'm ready to go now Daddy!"

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/5violet/snapshot_116002ca_b1619942.jpg

Later that night, as he was tucking Adriana in, Dorian thought to himself that it was the best day he'd had in a long time..

[epicetic]

I've been reading on, and I have to say that I am in love with this story. Especially this chapter, so cute. I like Violet, she's like Stacy's foil. =]

[LadySwig]

Aww him and Violet make a good couple

[starwyn]

My fave stories are Ella, and Elizabeth. I'm enjoying these stories so much i've subscribed to the thread lol

You have so much great unique items too would you be able to list a few of the websites you use?

[fransica]

your storytelling is riveting again another great update...I would love to see more about Elizabeth Picard, of course in your own time:D

[funkyfae214]

great update!

[*Jennifer*]

Great story, I love it! :D

[sims2addict01]

Great story Please update soon! Bravo Encore Encore!

[~Squash-buddy-ven~]

I just love this story.. And how you blend all the characters together in the different stories.. That Vince appeared in the Ella story... Really exciting...

[gazania]

I wonder what is wrong with Stacy? Something ISN'T quite right with her. IS is just because she's not maternal, or is it something else?

I do enjoy these stories. Hope you can update again soon, and thanks for the current update. :)

[Sim Sagas]

Thanks so much, I love hearing what everyone thinks! =)

You have so much great unique items too would you be able to list a few of the websites you use?

Sure! (I'll probably have to update this post 12 times because I'm sure I'll keep remembering more sites! :P)

Also, if anyone wants to know where I got something specific, just ask and I'll try to find out for you. (I don't mind people asking in this thread - I look at it more often than I check my private messages!)

Some of my favourite sites:

http://simmetrical.com - clothes
http://all-about-style.com - clothes (great elder clothes) and accessories
http://2-f0r-u.de - fabulous clothing!
http://misscutiepie.net - clothes
http://sims2sisters.sme.sk/ - clothes, hair
http://www.peggysims2.net/ - clothes, hair
http://simplyelau.it/ - clothes
http://www.xmsims.com - hair
http://www.besens-sims2.de - hair
http://www.simsconnection.com/ - hair, clothes
http://www.reflexsims.de/ - furniture
http://www.4eversimfantasy.net/ - furniture & garden items
http://www.sims2luxe.com/
http://sunairsims.enorth.com.cn/
http://www.vitasims2.com/sims2.htm
http://www.parsimonious.org/ - clothes & gorgeous houses!
http://bienchens-sims2world.de.vu - garden items
http://insimenator.net - hacks, as well as clothes, hair, etc.
http://moreawesomethanyou.com - hacks
http://helaene.com/ - makeup, skintones, eyes, clothes, hair
http://serasims.de.vu
http://eyecandy.tuuliaproductions.net/ec1.php
http://simsdivers.free.fr/english/cloth.htm - clothes
http://sims.enorth.com.cn/TS2/index_e.htm
http://www.worldsims.org/modules.php?name=Download - clothes and more!
http://www.sims2likeithot.de/downloads.html - fashion
http://www.rosesims2.net - clothing, hair, accessories
http://seomi.zzo.net/ - hair
http://boutiqueemilie.net/ - clothing

I also visit http://modthesims2.com TONS; there are all sorts of unique and interesting things there. =)

And finally, this is a great place to help you get started if you're looking for a particular theme: http://chukhin.brinkster.net/Lynne/sims/simgroups.html

Hope that helps!

[Sim Sagas]

As Dorian and Violet's friendship blossomed, across town, so did Elizabeth and Dominic's.

Elizabeth had been worried that Dominic wouldn't get in touch with her after returning from his business trip, and that she'd never hear from him again. But, much to her relief, that wasn't the case. He contacted her the day before he was due back in Simville, and made a date to see her the very next night.

Elizabeth spent all evening and most of the next morning baking up a storm in anticipation!

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/4dominic/snapshot_917cb83a_b188cf8f.jpg

Even after Dominic had assured her that he was looking forward to seeing her, Elizabeth was anxious. What if he changed his mind? What if he stood her up?

Thankfully, those questions didn't need to be answered, because Dominic rang the doorbell at 7 p.m. sharp.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/4dominic/snapshot_917cb83a_3188d3be.jpg

He even gave her a little squeeze hello, which made her night!

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/4dominic/snapshot_917cb83a_9188d416.jpg

As Elizabeth ushered him into the kitchen and invited him to take a seat, he oohed and aahed over the delicious aroma wafting in the air.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/4dominic/snapshot_917cb83a_9188d4ac.jpg

Elizabeth watched eagerly as Dominic took his first bite, praying that he'd like the meal she'd spent four hours preparing. She held her breath as he thoughtfully chewed, anxiously waiting for him to swallow the mouthful and give his verdict! Did he like it?

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/4dominic/snapshot_917cb83a_1188d4e2.jpg

She got her answer a moment later, when he reached for his glass of wine. Raising it, he said, "to the best meal I've ever had, and the prettiest lady I've ever had the pleasure of dining with."

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/4dominic/snapshot_917cb83a_5188d61a.jpg

Oh my.

Was he for real???

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/4dominic/snapshot_917cb83a_3188d63e.jpg

Grinning from ear to ear, Elizabeth giddily raised her own glass, and murmured "cheers."

[Sim Sagas]

Elizabeth continued to see Dominic night after night. They never went out anywhere, but that was the way Elizabeth liked it; she felt much more comfortable at home. Dominic never came empty-handed, always bringing flowers or wine...he was very charming indeed.

When the phone rang one evening, Elizabeth crossed her fingers, hoping that it was one of her brother's friends inviting him out for the evening. She was running out of excuses to keep him out of the house during her and Dominic's dinner dates...and who wanted to go on a date with her brother chaperoning?! :P

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/4dominic/snapshot_917cb83a_b188ce36.jpg

But, it wasn't one of her brother's friends. That was evident from the worried expression on his broad face.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/4dominic/snapshot_917cb83a_f188cf3f.jpg

He cleared his throat as he hung up the phone. "That was Mom. She called to say that Dad had a little accident while they were competing in that smustle competition last night. It's nothing serious," he reassured her quickly. "It's just that Dad hurt his back and needs to take it easy for a few weeks...and Mom said she's getting tired of him lying on the couch whining and calling her every five minutes!"

Elizabeth laughed. That sounded like her parents, alright.

"So," her brother continued apologetically, "Mom's asked me to go help out - just for a week or two, so she won't resort to strangling Dad! That means you'll have to do my chores around the farm for me while I'm gone..."

Elizabeth reluctantly reassured him that it was no problem, because what choice did she have? It was either that or go in his place to help out her parents. She loved her parents dearly...but she didn't want to spend two weeks listening to them affectionately bicker amongst themselves!

After her brother packed a bag, hopped in his truck, and left, Elizabeth's thoughts quickly turned to Dominic.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/4dominic/snapshot_917cb83a_f188e2f6.jpg

He was due to arrive any minute, and she'd planned something special for tonight's date: a candlelit dinner on the front porch.

When Dominic came, he gave Elizabeth a quick hug and told her everything looked gorgeous.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/4dominic/snapshot_917cb83a_b188deea.jpg

He couldn't even fit his arms around her anymore.

...Undoubtedly a result of overindulgence during their dinner dates!

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/4dominic/snapshot_917cb83a_7188d58c.jpg

(Now that Elizabeth had found someone who didn't seem to mind her extra pounds, she'd stopped worrying about them so much herself, and just enjoyed her food. Unfortunately, that resulted in her rapidly putting on even more weight!)

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/4dominic/snapshot_917cb83a_5188dd6f.jpg

The two had a nice dinner, complete with a huge, elaborately-designed pink frosted cake.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/4dominic/snapshot_917cb83a_1188de9c.jpg

Of course, something so delicious called for seconds!

Elizabeth may have gotten a little carried away...after a while, she developed indigestion. Fortunately, she managed to eat her way out of it.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/4dominic/snapshot_917cb83a_f188dd9f.jpg

The two had a nice visit, though Elizabeth thought it a bit strange that Dominic so strongly believed that aliens and vampires really do exist!

He was a little nutty, but hey, who isn't? Right?

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/4dominic/snapshot_917cb83a_f188df0e.jpg

All in all, it was a nice night.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/4dominic/snapshot_917cb83a_5188df58.jpg

Dominic even took his dishes into the kitchen and insisted Elizabeth let him clean up. What a gentleman!

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/4dominic/snapshot_917cb83a_1188dfb2.jpg

When he'd finished tidying the kitchen, Dominic took her hand and told her what a lovely evening he'd had. "I'm glad I met you," he murmured softly in her ear.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/4dominic/snapshot_917cb83a_5188e007.jpg

As he kissed her, Elizabeth thought to herself that Dominic was everything she'd ever wanted.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/4dominic/snapshot_917cb83a_3188e148.jpg

[epicetic]

Aww, such a cute update! Dominic is so sweet to Liz. I love it, because everyone deserves a bit of happiness right? =]

[Sim Sagas]

Warning: this story is a little more "PG-13" than the others!

Ella felt like the coolest girl in high school when she was with Ash. He made her feel special, important. Sure, her parents had always told her she was special and important ("but not too important to take out the trash"), but that was different! Parents were obligated to say those things, Ella figured, but when Ash told her she was pretty or fun to be with, she knew it must be true.

Sometimes he made her do things she didn't really want to, like sneak out at night to woohoo outside in the alley behind her parents' house.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/2love/snapshot_90dd3314_5165615d.jpg

Ella hated woohooing in the grass, because it itched!

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/2love/snapshot_90dd3314_91655e72.jpg

Plus she secretly thought Ash looked a little comical when the streetlight was illuminating his face out there. Kind of like a crazed bull or rabid dog? Let's just put it this way: the lighting didn't work in his favor!

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/2love/snapshot_90dd3314_91655b16.jpg

But, she figured if it made Ash like her more, then there was no point in causing an argument.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/2love/snapshot_90dd3314_f1655e24.jpg

Besides, she had a feeling she knew what would happen if she were to refuse to woohoo...

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/2love/snapshot_90dd3314_516555a0.jpg

...Ash wasn't one to take "no" for an answer.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/2love/snapshot_90dd3314_916555cc.jpg

But, despite all that, Ella loved him, and habitually counted the minutes until she'd see him again. She loved him because he made her feel good about herself.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/2love/snapshot_90dd3314_516585bc.jpg

[NCAngel76_SC]

I just have to say that I love these stories!!!! There's so much heart and soul in all of your characters! I just started reading it tonight, but I have to tell you, I can't wait until you post some more!!!!!! Now, I'm going off in search of some of the custom stuff I saw in the pictures ;)

[Sim Sagas]

It was because she loved Ash so much that Ella wasn't particularly upset when she began to suspect she was pregnant.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/2love/snapshot_90dd3314_d165847e.jpg

Sick, sure. And scared? Yeah, a little. But as panicked and horrified as one might expect? Not really.

As I said, mostly just sick.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/2love/snapshot_90dd3314_71658403.jpg

But agh! How was she going to tell her parents?!

Ella decided to break the news to Jossalyn first. That way Jossalyn could help her figure out what to say to everyone else.

Every day after school, Ella went to Jossalyn's house to watch TV, pig out on junk food, and catch up on the latest gossip.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/2pregnant/snapshot_f1854b12_318a46fc.jpg

Jossalyn's dad had some important government job (Ella couldn't remember what, exactly, as she'd only met the guy a handful of times) that paid a lot. It was also very demanding, so he was rarely home. A rich teenager plus a house with no parental supervision equals a fun time!

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/2pregnant/snapshot_f1854b12_118a4113.jpg

For some reason, Ella was nervous about telling Jossalyn her news. So, she made small talk about movie stars and boys and makeup for as long as she could stand.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/2pregnant/snapshot_f1854b12_118a41ac.jpg

Finally, she asked her friend, "Joss, can you keep a secret?"

"Not really," Jossalyn replied in her typical catty manner, "but tell me anyway!"

Ella whispered the news in her friend's ear. She wasn't sure why she was whispering, as the house was empty, but it just felt like the sort of thing that should be whispered.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/2pregnant/snapshot_f1854b12_518a4c94.jpg

"You're WHAT?!" Jossalyn shrieked in disbelief. "Oh my GOD!"

Jossalyn examined Ella's stomach. "You don't look fat," she observed tactlessly.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/2pregnant/snapshot_f1854b12_118a46b4.jpg

Ella shrugged. "I think I'm only a couple months...you know..." she lowered her voice again, "pregnant."

Jossalyn flopped down in a chair and idly examined a magazine that was lying on the floor. "I guess this means things are going to change, huh?"

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/2pregnant/snapshot_f1854b12_b18a45b8.jpg

Ella examined the living room carpet thoughtfully. "Yeah," she replied, only just beginning to realize the extent to which it would affect her life. "I guess so."

[LadySwig]

Yay more from Ella and Elizabeth but I dont think Ash will be as relaxed as Ella is

[Vaalyah]

I think Ash would be a coward and leave Ella... no doubt about this!

[chronicboredom]

I'm loving this, keep it up!

[fransica]

Ash is a real jerk I'd be surprised if he did the right thing he doesn't seem like the type, I love the Elizabeth Picard update her life is an oxymoron simple and complex at the same time keep them coming I love your stories!

[Sim Sagas]

After working up her nerve, Ella called Ash and asked him to meet her at one of the local parks. It was strange, but despite her initial lack of concern, she was worried now.

What would he say?

Would he be angry?

As she rode her bike to their designated meeting spot, she saw him already sitting waiting for her. She guessed she'd find out the answers to those questions shortly, whether she wanted to or not!

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/2pregnant/snapshot_f1854b12_718a4f0d.jpg

Jossalyn had even suggested that Ash might deny that the baby was his, and refuse to help out. But he wouldn't do that...would he?

Walking on legs that felt like jello, Ella made her way over to Ash, sat down, and blurted out the news with no warning.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/2pregnant/snapshot_f1854b12_718a4f37.jpg

News like that would be enough to make any guy go a little crazy, but remarkably, Ash kept his cool.

"Oops," he said calmly, a faint smile playing over his lips. "I guess we should have used protection, huh?"

Ella threw her hands up in frustration, interrupting him. "Is that it?" she asked, clearly unsatisfied with his response. "Ash, what are we going to do?"

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/2pregnant/snapshot_f1854b12_b18a4f40.jpg

Ash thought for a moment, then casually suggested, "we could get married."

Ella's head spun around. She definitely hadn't been expecting that reaction!

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/2pregnant/snapshot_f1854b12_918a4fa1.jpg

"Are you serious?" she asked, studying the jokester's face intently for signs of insincerity. There were none.

He grinned. "Sure, why not?" Putting an arm around her, Ash murmured in her ear, "everything'll work out babe. Just wait and see."

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/2pregnant/snapshot_f1854b12_d18a4fb9.jpg

The happy couple cuddled on the bench for a long time afterward. Both their minds were racing, trying to comprehend what this would mean, but neither one said a word.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/2pregnant/snapshot_f1854b12_d18a4fcd.jpg

Ella briefly wondered what was going through Ash's mind, but she was too thrilled to give it much thought. Imagine - married! She was still in high school, yeah, but she was going to be Ash's wife! How cool was that?! (Jossalyn would just die!!!)

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/2pregnant/snapshot_f1854b12_d18a5074.jpg

[gazania]

Ella and Ash ... something isn't right with this picture.

[simsgeneration]

Sim Saga, I started reading your stories today at work (we had a server crash so could do any work, YEES!!!:) All I needed was some :popcorn:.

Anywoo, I just wanted say that your stories are wonderful...really kept my attention! Your graphics are right on the money and you have some fantastic "downlands" and a realy nice decorating style. :baloons:

Keep up the good work!!!!

J.

[chronicboredom]

Another amazing chapter, well done. I agree with gazania, something just isn't right!

[fransica]

That was unexpected of Ash, but nice non the less...keep up the fantastic work!

[*~LadyWaterLilly~*]

I love your stories. Its amazing how you can pose sims so greatly. This is one of my favorite stories on here, I love it.

[Sim Sagas]

Sim Saga, I started reading your stories today at work (we had a server crash so could do any work, YEES!!!:) All I needed was some :popcorn:.

Anywoo, I just wanted say that your stories are wonderful...really kept my attention! Your graphics are right on the money and you have some fantastic "downlands" and a realy nice decorating style. :baloons:

Keep up the good work!!!!

J.

Sounds like a fun day at work! :D

Thanks for the nice comments!


I love your stories. Its amazing how you can pose sims so greatly. This is one of my favorite stories on here, I love it.

I've only recently started taking pictures, but I enjoy it. I especially like seeing what the move_objects on cheat will allow me to do. ...Sometimes I take the pictures first and decide on the dialogue/storyline after, because for me, it's easier that way! :P

I'm glad you're enjoying the story, and I'll try to post lots of updates over the next little while. =)

[Sim Sagas]

Re. Ash: you're both very perceptive to not be fooled by the "nice guy" act! ;) There will be more about him soon, as I've already gotten the pictures taken!

[NCAngel76_SC]

Oh I know he couldn't be that perfect...lol hmmmmm *thinkin about which man I know that would do that* oh yeah...my hubby would do it...lol...not that he did...but just because he's that kind of guy...can't wait to find out more!!!

Great addition to the story...just started reading it last nite and I'm hooked...is this like an addiction to a drug???? LOL

[LadySwig]

Wow I wasnt expecting that. I smell a rat

[auroraspirit]

I'm loving this story so much, the graphics are so terrific too, it really helps to give a clear picture of the sims involved.

Keep up the great work, looking forward to more.

Auroraspirit :angel:

[starwyn]

Thankyou very much for taking the time to put the links in to the sim sites you use, fantastic
Just like everyone else here , i'm addicted to your stories too lol, you're so creative, i'm tempted to do my own stories, what a wonderful way to put simmie pic's to good use

[Sim Sagas]

Mindy Manson had lived a charmed life.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzmindy1/snapshot_90dd3314_118b7c21.jpg

Sure, there had been some hard times in her younger days, but the sacrifices had been worthwhile in the end.

Mindy had always been a creative, driven person, right from the time she was a young girl. By the time she finished high school, she'd made up her mind that she wanted to be a fashion designer. And when Mindy Manson made up her mind, there was no stopping her!

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzmindy1/snapshot_90dd3314_f18b9199.jpg

Initially, she'd had to work from her tiny one room apartment. There was hardly room to breathe in those cramped quarters, and she was constantly tripping over boxes of fabric!

But, Mindy knew she was talented (as did anyone who had the priviledge of seeing her work), so she persevered.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzmindy1/snapshot_90dd3314_718b9236.jpg

When Mindy Manson got her hands on a sewing machine, she became unstoppable!

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzmindy1/snapshot_90dd3314_b18b91bd.jpg

As soon as word got out about her fabulous new clothing line, Mindy was swamped with orders. She worked around the clock trying to fill them, measuring and cutting and sewing until her hands cramped and fingertips bled.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzmindy1/snapshot_90dd3314_f18b9199.jpg

And that was all before the daunting task of making sure the right orders were sent to the right people in a timely *ahem* fashion!

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzmindy1/snapshot_90dd3314_b18b9112.jpg

It was exhausting, but at the same time, satisfying.

And when Mindy was "discovered," it became thrilling!

Seeing the top models of the day strut on the catwalk wearing her creations was unreal!

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzmindy1/snapshot_90dd3314_d18b9d7a.jpg

Mindy felt butterflies in her stomach every time she saw how popular her creations were!

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzmindy1/snapshot_90dd3314_518b9da8.jpg

It was the level of success she'd always dreamed of, magnified tenfold.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzmindy1/snapshot_90dd3314_f18b9de9.jpg

For years, she lived for those moments. Proving to herself and the world that she could thrive in the tricky, unreliable world of pop culture became the reason Mindy got up each morning. She knew the culture, the politics, the ins and outs of the fashion industry. She walked the walk and talked the talk. She lived for those shows, those magazine spreads, those interviews.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzmindy1/snapshot_90dd3314_d18b9bfc.jpg

Yes, Mindy Manson was a "career woman" through and through.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzmindy1/snapshot_90dd3314_718b9e2b.jpg

And for many years, that was all she needed in order to feel fulfilled.

[Sim Sagas]

Once Mindy made a name for herself as a top fashion designer, she was able to do great things. For example, instead of working out of her one room apartment, she was able to buy an entire skyscraper in downtown Simville to house her creations!

It was an incredibly exciting time in Mindy's life. She was young, vibrant, successful, and on top of the world. Every night when she came home from the office to her empty apartment, she was exhausted, but thoroughly content.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzmindy1/snapshot_90dd3314_f18bb6fa.jpg

However, there came a time when Mindy no longer felt that wonderful sense of satisfaction.

Oh, it was still there somewhere. Mindy was still very proud of the empire she'd created, and rightfully so. That hadn't changed; what had changed was Mindy's heart.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzmindy1/snapshot_90dd3314_b18bb771.jpg

Mindy's designs were a part of her. She poured her soul into every sketch, every stitch of fabric. Her fashion creations were her babies. But once Mindy got a bit older, her priorities shifted and she began to think that it would be nice to have a real baby, in the literal sense.

So, after a few months of tossing the idea around, Mindy made up her mind, and contacted the Simville adoption agency.

After going through the standard screening, dealing with heaps of paperwork, and jumping through every other hoop social services demanded she jump through, Mindy was assured that she'd soon be a parent.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzmindy1/snapshot_90dd3314_318bb5fa.jpg

All that was left was the waiting game.

A few weeks later when the social worker called and said he had some good news for Mindy, she nearly jumped through the roof! It was really happening!

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzmindy1/snapshot_90dd3314_518bb65b.jpg

Mindy was so ecstatic that she nearly missed hearing half of what the social worker went on to say!

"Sorry, could you repeat that last part?" Mindy asked, clutching the receiver so tightly that her fist was turning white. It was all she could do to keep from dancing around the living room!

"I said that the boy is thirteen," the social worker repeated. "He's been living in foster care, and needs the stability of a family - "

"Thirteen?!" Mindy interrupted, trying to wrap her brain around what she'd just heard. She'd been expecting a baby!

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzmindy1/snapshot_90dd3314_d18bb7c5.jpg

The thirteen year old boy's name was Gerard. Initially, Mindy was concerned. Would she be able to go from being a childless working woman to the mother of a (gasp) teenager? Maybe it would be wiser to start out with a baby, so she'd have time to adjust to parenthood before the kid reached the curfew-breaking, authority-defying, multiple-piercings stage! :P

But, it turned out that Mindy had nothing to worry about. Gerard was a polite, easily-pleased boy who caused her very little trouble. He was surprisingly well-adjusted, and settled into his new surroundings quickly. He even managed to find himself a girlfriend a couple months after switching schools!

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzmindy1/snapshot_90dd3314_f18bb9f3.jpg

Lara and Gerard were high school sweethearts. Mindy quite liked Lara, so didn't mind one bit that Gerard was so infatuated with the girl.

She thought their affection for one another was rather endearing, and wasn't at all surprised when, immediately after high school, they announced their plans to marry. (Mindy would have been surprised if they hadn't ended up together!)

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzmindy1/snapshot_90dd3314_f18bbbca.jpg

Mindy was happy that Gerard had found somebody he was so in love with, who loved him back.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzmindy1/snapshot_90dd3314_b18bbab0.jpg

In fact, it got her thinking...

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzmindy1/snapshot_90dd3314_918bb6c2.jpg

[Sim Sagas]

Mindy had never felt that she needed a man in her life to feel complete. She'd always been a secure, independent woman with plenty of ambition. Her strong work ethic and drive had kept her so busy over the years that she'd barely even had time to consider romance!

Mindy still didn't feel like she needed a man. But after seeing how happy and in love her son and daughter-in-law were, she began to think that it might be nice to try dating.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzmindy1/snapshot_90dd3314_318bbeef.jpg

So, she put herself out there, allowing her co-workers and friends to set her up on blind dates. Those would be a story all on their own...

But, the important part was that, after some time of casual dating, Mindy met someone who seemed different than all the other men she'd been seeing.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzmindy1/snapshot_90dd3314_d18bbe89.jpg

They were married exactly one year after their first date. It was the first marriage for both; Mindy was fifty-six years old, and her new husband fifty-two. (Mindy, of course, designed her wedding gown herself!)

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzmindy1/snapshot_90dd3314_918bbec0.jpg

Mindy finally felt like she had everything she could ever want...

[Sim Sagas]

But now, after having been married for a while, the honeymoon was over. Mindy realized there was something else she was lacking...a husband who was PUNCTUAL!

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzmindy1/snapshot_90dd3314_118b7c21.jpg

When he'd been late getting home from work, Mindy had thought nothing of it. Maybe the traffic was extra-heavy, or maybe he'd been delayed at the office. No big deal.

When an hour passed and he still hadn't returned, she began to worry.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzmindy1/snapshot_90dd3314_118b7df8.jpg

What if he'd been in an accident, or had a heart attack? What if a satellite had fallen out of the sky and landed on his head?! :blink:

But, Mindy could only tolerate so much anxiety.

When she glanced over at the clock and saw that another hour had passed, her concern turned to irritation.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzmindy1/snapshot_90dd3314_718b7e04.jpg

The rational part of her brain reassured her that he was more than likely just fine. He'd probably gone out for drinks with his buddies or gone bowling! That airheaded twit was probably just too inconsiderate to phone her to let her know he'd be late!

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzmindy1/snapshot_90dd3314_d18b7e47.jpg

After being married for some time, she knew the drill: he'd come home and say "oh gee, sorry honey, it didn't even occur to me to call you!" Typical husband.

Now supper was ruined (well, okay, it was ruined right from the start...Mindy was a designer, not a chef!) and Mindy's evening had been wasted worrying.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzmindy1/snapshot_90dd3314_518b7fac.jpg

Mindy sat down by the front door and peered outside. Still no sign of him.

Annoyed, she dropped a magazine on the floor under the coffee table, knowing it would drive her neat freak husband crazy! It was purely accidental, of course. Those darn butterfingers!


http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzmindy1/snapshot_90dd3314_b18b8646.jpg

Yawning, Mindy decided to build a fire.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzmindy1/snapshot_90dd3314_d18b8199.jpg

Maybe by the time she got finished, he'd be home...

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzmindy1/snapshot_90dd3314_918b833b.jpg

Or not.

As Mindy sat on the couch, the ticking of the clock on the mantle nearly drove her crazy. It wasn't that she had no life; she was perfectly capable of keeping herself occupied while her husband was away. It was just that Mindy Manson, though a nice person, was a demanding lady. She wasn't used to being kept waiting, and it drove her up the wall!

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzmindy1/snapshot_90dd3314_318b81f7.jpg

Mindy stood and idly examined one of her numerous houseplants, then wandered around the living room aimlessly.

She stopped in front of her husband's pet snake.

She hated that thing. She wasn't a fan of anything that slithered, to be honest. But her husband had insisted that it stay; he'd had it for years and he said it was a part of the family. She'd reluctantly given in, on the condition that she never have to touch it, ever!

That suited her husband just fine. After so many years of being a bachelor, he was set in his ways, and likely wouldn't want her to mess up his "system" anyway! (He was a bit quirky that way...he hated anything that disrupted the order he so strongly valued - like magazines lying on the floor, for instance!)

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzmindy1/snapshot_90dd3314_918b82a0.jpg

Mindy stopped and tapped on the glass. She knew it wouldn't bother the snake any, and also knew that her husband would have a fit if he saw her "tormenting" his precious baby snakey-poo! (Gag!)

Mindy chuckled out loud a little. I'm not an evil person, I swear! she thought to herself as she made her way out of the room. I'm just a disgruntled wife! That's what he gets for forgetting to call me!

Just then, Mindy heard the back door shut. Her husband was home. Finally!

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzmindy1/snapshot_90dd3314_b18b7c7c.jpg

"I'm in here!" she called over her shoulder as her annoyance faded. "It's about time you got home, Dominic!"

[gazania]

Oh, no! I was hoping there wouldn't be a catch with Elizabeth and Dominic! THAT bit of plot was certainly a twist.

[Morwen Laicoriel]

I just read through the entire thread...
This stuff is GREAT!! You're an excellent writer, and you do a great job of matching together the pictures with the written words.
I feel so bad for poor Liz. T_T I can't believe he's having an affair with her! And the poor thing doesn't even know it! And it seems like poor Dorian is the only guy currently that's not behaving like a scumbag...XD (oh, and Liz's brother, too, he's nice...and the alchoholic guy's not too bad...OK, I'm exaggerating!)
I can't wait to see how the stories continue!

[fransica]

I knew something was wrong with Dominic! beside the alien thing.....I like how your stories are so effective, that I actually felt a sense of uncomfortableness with Dominic, great story telling as always ( I feel bad for Elizabeth though).

[Sim Sagas]

Ella and Ash were married the following Wednesday afternoon.

Ella couldn't help but think that it wasn't exactly the wedding she'd always dreamed of. She didn't even bother to get a wedding gown, as she had little time to plan. Besides, she felt gross all the time and for the first time in her life, didn't feel like shopping. (Being pregnant sucked!) So, she wore an old white dress she found hanging in the back of her closet.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/2pregnant/snapshot_f1854b12_d18a5610.jpg

She was immensely relieved that Ash had taken the news of her pregnancy so well. Even so, she was still anxious about telling her parents.

Ash had a solution: don't tell them. He suggested they marry quickly, and when the baby was born, pretend that it was premature. That way, her parents would never have to know that she'd married Ash because she'd gotten knocked up.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/2pregnant/snapshot_f1854b12_518a5652.jpg

It seemed like a good idea, so Ella agreed to his plan.

She instead told her parents that she was in love and wanted to be with Ash. Which was technically still the truth...just with a few key bits of information conveniently omitted!

Her parents were surprised, to say the least.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/2pregnant/snapshot_f1854b12_718a5223.jpg

They went into the study to discuss the matter in private.

"Now hold up just one moment!" Ella's dad, Gerard, said as he shut the door behind he and his wife. "She's only sixteen! She's too young to get married!"

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/2pregnant/snapshot_f1854b12_318a5206.jpg

His wife looked thoughtful. (Well, thoughtful and tired. After three kids, Lara wasn't the energetic, youthful person she'd once been. Instead, she was rather haggard looking, and sighed a lot. But she was still beautiful in her husband's eyes).

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/2pregnant/snapshot_f1854b12_118a524e.jpg

"Do you remember when we were that age?" Lara asked her husband, a faraway look in her eyes.

Gerard smiled at the memory. "Of course I do," he replied, his voice gentler. "We were crazy about each other, and wanted to spend every minute together."

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/2pregnant/snapshot_f1854b12_518a52a4.jpg

Lara nodded. "And what do you suppose would have happened had our parents tried to keep us apart?"

Gerard's brow furrowed. He knew the answer. "We'd have run away together and eloped," he said with conviction. "We knew we were meant to be together, and nothing was going to interfere with that. Nothing."

The lightbulb went on. "Ohhhh," he murmured, finally seeing what his wife was getting at. "You think that if we tried to stop this wedding, it would only make Ella resent us...plus she'd probably do it anyway!"

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/2pregnant/snapshot_f1854b12_118a5279.jpg

"Well," he sighed, "I still don't know if I like the idea of our little girl getting married. But what can we do but give her our blessing? I don't want to lose her..."

His wife smiled softly. "Neither do I, honey. But hopefully Ella and Ash feel the same way about one another as we did. As we do."

She reached out to give her husband a hug. "If Ella has a chance at finding the same happiness I've found with you, I don't know how we can disapprove."

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/2pregnant/snapshot_f1854b12_f18a52b7.jpg

"They're young, but so were we," Gerard agreed, wrapping his arms around his wife. "I just hope Ella will be happy."

[gazania]

"His wife looked thoughtful. (Well, thoughtful and tired. ... Instead, she was rather haggard looking, and sighed a lot. But she was still beautiful in her husband's eyes)."

OK ... that part about how he thinks she's still beautiful is pretty sweet.:)

But speaking as a parent, the premature story may not hold up so well once Ella gives birth, depending on the baby's birth weight and size. This could get interesting. :)

[julz911]

cool story

[fransica]

I love how these story and characters intertwine with each other but in an understandable way, I can't wait for the next installment....wonderful

[epicetic]

I knew there had to be something iffy about Dominic. As for Ella...I can't wait to see what happens with her and Ash.

[chyrun]

I love those stories!!! I'm addicted. Can't wait for an update :D

Thank you so much for your hard work to bring us these stories. They're very cool and realistic as well!

[obssessed-with-sims2]

Ive been reading this story, I can say its my FAVORITE, but i dont know if ive missed a bit, are ELLA and MINDY Manson related? or is it coincedental that they have the same last name? :confused:

anyways great story and can't wait for updates :egg

[funkyfae214]

^^ ooo I missed that. Great update btw!

[fransica]

Ive been reading this story, I can say its my FAVORITE, but i dont know if ive missed a bit, are ELLA and MINDY Manson related? or is it coincedental that they have the same last name? :confused:

anyways great story and can't wait for updates :egg
No they're related because Ella's father is the boy Mindy adopted I went back in the stories because I saw the resemblance and wanted to make sure the characters are intertwined I love it!!!...wish I had this kind of writing skill.

[Sim Sagas]

Thanks so much for all the comments, I really appreciate them! =)

Great attention to detail, obsessed-with-sims2 and fransica! (And you're right obsessed, I never did actually state that Mindy and Ella Manson are related; I just like to throw in a few little details like that for anyone who cares to make the connections!)

Hopefully this...collection of stories isn't getting too complicated? To help clarify - and because I like taking pictures (!) - here's a summary of the characters and their relationships to one another:

Dorian Verucio

- Father of Adriana and estranged husband of Stacy:
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/snapshot_f18dcba4_118dcba8.jpg

- Son of Hilary (father Vonne is deceased), brother of Felix (left) and Tim (right):
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/snapshot_f18dcba4_b18dcd5a.jpg

- Quadruplet (:blink:!); brother of (from left to right) Daria, Delia, and Darly:
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/snapshot_f18dcba4_518dcde2.jpg

- Delia and her partner, Corey (they were featured in a previous thread):
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/snapshot_f18dcba4_d18dcedf.jpg

- Darly and her new boyfriend (only briefly mentioned):
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/snapshot_f18dcba4_f18dce9b.jpg

*Vince Verucio, the alcoholic who lives in the park, is the uncle of Dorian and his siblings. Vince is the younger brother of Vonne, Hilary's deceased husband.


Ella Manson

- Daughter of Gerard and Lara:
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/snapshot_f18dcba4_518dd26a.jpg

- Sister of Harrison (14) and Deirdre (almost 2):
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/snapshot_f18dcba4_118dd50c.jpg

- Grandchild of Mindy Manson (Mindy's new husband Dominic is next to her):
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/snapshot_f18dcba4_918dd167.jpg

- New wife of Ash the bartender:
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/snapshot_f18dcba4_f18dd57e.jpg



Elizabeth Picard

- Sister of Pierce:
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/snapshot_f18dcba4_f18dd649.jpg


I think that about covers it, but if there are any more questions, ask away! =)

[Sim Sagas]

Violet, the young, pretty teacher started walking past the Verucios' house on a fairly regular basis. And Dorian started finding excuses to go out into the front yard, secretly hoping to run into her.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/6restaurant/snapshot_f17baf13_118df107.jpg

Well, it wasn't much of a secret, to be honest. Adriana may have been young, but even she knew that Daddy was being silly when he checked the mailbox and watered the plants eight times a day!

Dorian looked forward to his little chats with Violet. She had such a perky demeanor and twinkle in her eye that she always brightened Dorian's day.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/6restaurant/snapshot_f17baf13_f18df05c.jpg

After a few weeks of chatting out on the front lawn every afternoon after school let out, Dorian started thinking he'd like to see more of Violet.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/6restaurant/snapshot_f17baf13_f18df046.jpg

So, one day he tentatively brought the subject up with Adriana. "Would it be okay with you if I took your teacher Violet out to dinner?" Dorian asked carefully. He'd already decided that if Adriana had any reservations about it, that would be the end of it.

But, Adriana didn't seem at all upset. She just hopped onto her father's bed and began bouncing around, still wearing her dressup clothes.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/6restaurant/snapshot_f17baf13_d18dee97.jpg

"Honey?" Dorian pressed gently. "It's okay if you don't want me to...you can tell me!"

Adriana giggled and rolled her eyes. "Daddy, go!" she replied, bouncing higher on the now-squeaky mattress. "And take her flowers! She likes daisies!"

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/6restaurant/snapshot_f17baf13_318deeaf.jpg

Well, that was that.

The very next day, Dorian asked Violet to go out to dinner with him.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/6restaurant/snapshot_f17baf13_f18df16a.jpg

Violet's face lit up. "I'd love to!" she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling brightly.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/6restaurant/snapshot_f17baf13_518df09c.jpg

So, that very same night, Dorian took Violet to a fancy restaurant for their very first grownups-only date.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/6restaurant/snapshot_f17baf13_f18e044a.jpg

And, of course, he took her flowers. Daisies, as a matter of fact.

[kelseyl]

Aww...I love your story!
I've read all of them. Keep up the good work!

[gazania]

FINALLY, they're going out. Geesh, Adriana seems a bit more perceptive than her father. :)

[Sim Sagas]

As they walked in the front entrance of the upscale restaurant Dorian had chosen, he couldn't help but think that Violet looked absolutely stunning.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/6restaurant/snapshot_f17baf13_518e0d59.jpg

He told her so, and she blushed a little, which he thought was adorable.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/6restaurant/snapshot_f17baf13_b18e0de8.jpg

Then, regaining her composure, Violet grinned and replied "you look pretty good yourself, mister."

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/6restaurant/snapshot_f17baf13_918e0e49.jpg

The restaurant was busy, but luckily, Dorian had thought to call ahead and make a reservation. He may have been rusty at the dating game, but even he knew enough to plan ahead! :P

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/6restaurant/snapshot_f17baf13_d18e096e.jpg

Dorian couldn't even really remember the last time he'd gone out somewhere on his own, without Adriana. He enjoyed his daughter's company, but it felt good to be out doing "grownup" things instead of going to Simburger, for a change.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/6restaurant/snapshot_f17baf13_718e09db.jpg

"Mmm, everything on the menu sounds delicious," Violet commented as she studied it. "And it smells tasty too!" she added, alluding to the rich aromas wafting out from the kitchen.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/6restaurant/snapshot_f17baf13_f18e0a1c.jpg

Dorian nodded. "I hope it tastes as good as it smells!" he agreed. "So how's the new apartment?" he asked, remembering she'd told him that she'd just moved. "Are you getting settled in alright?"

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/6restaurant/snapshot_f17baf13_318e0ac2.jpg

He waited expectantly, but got no reply.

"Violet?"

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/6restaurant/snapshot_f17baf13_b18e0b2e.jpg

"Oh, sorry!" she laughed sheepishly as her attention turned back to him. She lowered her voice. "I was just noticing that guy at the table next to ours. He lives in my apartment..." she trailed off, then apologetically said "but I shouldn't gossip."

Dorian raised an eyebrow as he glanced over at the couple sitting next to them. "Come on, tell me!" he urged, his curiousity getting the best of him.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/6restaurant/snapshot_f17baf13_b18e0c2c.jpg

"Well...he's kind of a creep," Violet confided in him. "From what I've seen, he hits on every woman in the building! The lady who lives above me told me she won't even get on the elevator with him because he makes her so uncomfortable!"

"Ugh, that sucks," Dorian replied, sneaking a second look at the guy.

"Yeah, but that's not the worst part," Violet replied. "He's married!"

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/6restaurant/snapshot_f17baf13_b18e0bf6.jpg

"Poor woman," Dorian murmured, watching as the lady at the next table stroked the man's hand affectionately. "She looks like she doesn't suspect a thing."

Violet nodded. "Except that's not his wife!"

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/6restaurant/snapshot_f17baf13_d18e0c77.jpg

After a moment of silence, Violet opened her mouth and began to say something, then seemed to think better of it and was quiet once again.

"What is it?" Dorian wanted to know. "Whatever it is, you can say it."

Violet smiled sheepishly. "I know I have no right to ask this but...is that why you and your wife split up? Did she cheat on you?"

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/6restaurant/snapshot_f17baf13_f18e0b1a.jpg

Dorian considered the question for a minute, then with absolute certainty replied, "No, Stacy didn't cheat." He knew he owed Violet more of an explanation than that, especially if they were going to be dating. But where to begin? Why had he and Stacy called it quits? If he couldn't yet comprehend it himself, how could he begin to explain it to somebody else?

He paused to collect his thoughts, then told his date, "I found out the hard way that it takes two people to save a marriage. Stacy's heart just wasn't in it. She...she's a complicated woman."

[Sim Sagas]

As Dorian took a long sip of water, he wondered how Adriana was making out with her new sitter. (Hopefully she wasn't terrorizing the poor unsuspecting high school student too much!)

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/6restaurant/snapshot_f17baf13_518e0db7.jpg

When they'd finished their meal and were getting ready to leave, Violet turned to Dorian. "I'm sorry," she told him sincerely. "I shouldn't have been so nosy."

Dorian shook his head. "Don't be sorry. You have every right to know," he reassured her. "It's just complicated." He chuckled sadly, "I suppose all breakups are."

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/6restaurant/snapshot_f17baf13_918e0da7.jpg

Changing the subject, Dorian stepped closer to Violet and said, "Thanks for coming tonight. I enjoyed myself - I hope you did, too."

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/6restaurant/snapshot_f17baf13_318e0ddd.jpg

"I did." Violet hesitated, then offered, "I was thinking maybe you'd like to come back to my place for drinks..?"

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/6restaurant/snapshot_f17baf13_718e0e88.jpg

"Oh...uh, I'd love to, but the sitter has to be home by ten," Dorian replied apologetically. "And it's already 9:30..."

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/6restaurant/snapshot_f17baf13_b18e0ce8.jpg

"Oh, right," Violet replied, slapping her forehead lightly. "Silly me; you've got Adriana to think about, of course."

"Another night?" Dorian suggested hopefully, stifling a yawn. (Not even ten and he was already sleepy? Yeesh, when did he get so old?!)

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/6restaurant/snapshot_f17baf13_318e0e9c.jpg

"You bet," Violet told him, and leaned forward to give him a kiss. "Thanks for tonight, it was nice."

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/6restaurant/snapshot_f17baf13_518e0ec2.jpg

Violet and Dorian parted ways, and Dorian headed home. He was glad to have gotten out of the house for the evening, and had enjoyed Violet's company. He was equally happy to be getting back home to his little girl.

[Sim Sagas]

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/6restaurant/snapshot_f17baf13_118e1318.jpg


Dorian arrived home to find the sitter watching television.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/6restaurant/snapshot_f17baf13_318e1329.jpg

She assured him that she and Adriana had had a fun, uneventful evening, and that she'd sent Adriana upstairs to get ready for bed.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/6restaurant/snapshot_f17baf13_d18e134d.jpg

After Dorian had thanked her and paid her, he headed upstairs to check on Adriana.

Of course, she wasn't in bed. Typical kid!

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/6restaurant/snapshot_f17baf13_318e1425.jpg

"Honey, you have school tomorrow," Dorian reminded Adriana. "You have to go to bed now so you don't fall asleep in class, okay?"

Adriana turned away and studied her doll intently, avoiding eye contact with her father. "I'm not sleepy," she mumbled, stifling a yawn.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/6restaurant/snapshot_f17baf13_b18e147c.jpg

Then, suddenly, she turned to her dad and asked, "Are you going to marry my teacher?"

Dorian was surprised. "Well...no, honey. This was only our first date."

Adriana crossed her arms defiantly, but not before Dorian saw the hurt and disappointment flash across her face.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/6restaurant/snapshot_f17baf13_b18e152f.jpg

"Why do you always have to wreck everything?!" Adriana shouted, her voice wavering. "First Mommy and now my teacher - "

Dorian was losing patience. "Adriana Isabelle Verucio, you do not raise your voice with me, understand? If you have something to say to me, you say it, but do so respectfully, got it? I've had enough of your attitude, young lady!"

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/6restaurant/snapshot_f17baf13_d18e14f5.jpg

Adriana's facade crumbled, her angry scowl giving way to a scared, lonely little girl.

"Why'd we have to move away from Mommy?" she asked in a tiny voice.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/6restaurant/snapshot_f17baf13_d18e149b.jpg

"And why doesn't Mommy come visit like you said she would?" Sniffling, Adriana whimpered, "I miss her."

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/6restaurant/snapshot_f17baf13_718e14d5.jpg

The little girl began to cry, and Dorian's heart melted. Forgetting his frustration, he leaned down and gave his daughter a hug.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/6restaurant/snapshot_f17baf13_318e1582.jpg

"I don't know, sweetie," he whispered as he stroked her hair, wishing he could take away her pain. "I don't know."

[Morwen Laicoriel]

Man, Dominic is SUCH a scumbag. >> I wouldn't totally be surprised if he has something to do with Stacy's appearant anxiety with Simville. (Although that's a bit far-fetched)

[Sim Sagas]

Haha, in my game, Dominic really is a creepy sim! He's a townie who I kept around because I liked the way he looked, but he acts WEIRD!

He ALWAYS shows up to sims' houses and invites himself in (which I don't think is supposed to happen without hacks?) He usually just goes and sits on the couch for a while, then picks fights with the sims...unless they're female. He seems to be attracted to every female he sees, and keeps hitting on them and being rejected! It probably doesn't help that he tends to walk around in his underwear a lot... :blink:

So, the Dominic character in my story is really just based on the Dominic sim in my game! :P (Sometimes I don't write the stories; they write themselves!)

[gazania]

When you first introduced Dominic, he seemed a bit of a nutty-professor type to me. Well, I think he's still nutty, but he definitely is not a professor ... more like a sleazeball.

Thanks for so many updates! I like Adriana's reaction ... that IS a kid-like response. Hey. Daddy went out with the teacher, so they should get married right away, right? ;)

[fransica]

That was great I am so hooked can't wait for more updates!!!!

[niqua230]

i LOVE your stories!

[GummiBears]

I just read this story now start to finish, and it is wonderful. You really have a excellent talent and style of writing. I can't wait to see what happens next :)

[simsrock123]

Great story. Your a great writer

[Sim Sagas]

Officer Garret Thompson pulled his police cruiser up in front of his house after a long day's work, and climbed out. After his twelve hour shift, he was ready for a long hot shower and a nap. (Luckily, nothing much ever happened in Simville, which made his job a whole lot easier!)

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzgarret1/snapshot_918e4b9b_918e4b9d.jpg

As he glanced down the driveway toward the front walk, he spotted a familiar face.

"Hey stranger!" he called, hurrying over.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzgarret1/snapshot_918e4b9b_d18e4c3f.jpg

Lara Manson smiled wearily. "Hi yourself," she replied, stifling a yawn. "Long time no see."

Garret grinned. "Tell me about it! Hey...gimme a hug!"

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzgarret1/snapshot_918e4b9b_d18e4c80.jpg

Garret gave the worn out woman a big bear hug, then asked, "What brings you here?"

His older sister sighed heavily. "Well, to see you of course...but I also came to deliver some news you might not like: Mom's coming to visit!"

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzgarret1/snapshot_918e4b9b_d18e4ca3.jpg

"Oh."

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzgarret1/snapshot_918e4b9b_518e67f2.jpg

Garret's enthusiasm was underwhelming. Exactly the reaction his sister had been expecting from him.

"It's just for a week," Lara informed him, trying to make the pill easier to swallow. "It'll probably be the longest week of your life," she admitted dryly, "but hey, at least you have a little warning this time!"

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzgarret1/snapshot_918e4b9b_518e68b4.jpg

Garret chuckled. "Yeah, that surprise visit she sprung on us last time was like something straight out of a horror movie! She nagged me for three days straight after she saw the month's worth of dirty dishes piled up in my kitchen sink!"

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzgarret1/snapshot_918e4b9b_318e6953.jpg

"It was the same thing over at my place," Lara sympathized. "Hey, mind if we sit down? My back's killing me!"

Garret gave his sister a concerned look. "You okay?" he asked. "You look pretty tired - you need to learn to take it easy!"

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzgarret1/snapshot_918e4b9b_d18e69f4.jpg

Lara gave him an I-don't-want-to-talk-about-it look, and promptly changed the subject. "How was work today?"

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzgarret1/snapshot_918e4b9b_718e4cf0.jpg

Garret shrugged. "The usual. That Crumplebottom woman filed another complaint about the hobo who lives in the park. I think she just doesn't have much to do, because there's no way that that guy did anything to bother her. I know that technically, he's breaking the law, but I don't have the heart to throw him in jail. He's not a bad person, he just has a drinking problem..."

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzgarret1/snapshot_918e4b9b_118e4d4e.jpg

"But hey, quit trying to change the subject!" Garret demanded, making a face at his sister. "What's up with you? Why do you look like you've just run a marathon?"

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzgarret1/snapshot_918e4b9b_718e6939.jpg

Lara shrugged. "I have three kids. You figure it out." She smiled wryly, "I suppose you don't have any idea just how demanding being a parent is, though!"

Her brother smirked. "I'll take my twelve hour shifts at the police station over that any day - it sounds safer!"

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzgarret1/snapshot_918e4b9b_b18e4d01.jpg

[Sim Sagas]

"But seriously, Lara, why don't you take a break?" Garret suggested. "Go shopping or something...buy some new dresses..."

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzgarret1/snapshot_918e4b9b_718e6857.jpg

Lara looked a little irritated. "You think getting a new wardrobe will solve all my problems?" she asked him incredulously. "With Deirdre about to enter 'The Terrible Twos' and the Ella situation, some days I think what I need is a long stay at a mental institution!"

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzgarret1/snapshot_918e4b9b_f18e6869.jpg

"What Ella situation?" Garret interrupted. "Is she okay?"

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzgarret1/snapshot_918e4b9b_d18e6912.jpg

Lara sighed again. "I don't know," she replied, looking much older than her thirty-five years. "I just can't understand her rush to get married..."

Garret raised an eyebrow. "Seriously? If I remember correctly, you and Gerard were exactly the same way!"

"Mhm. But I wonder if she knows what she's getting herself into," his sister fretted.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzgarret1/snapshot_918e4b9b_f18e67ae.jpg

Garret looked at her with interest. "Why? Do you regret getting married?"

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzgarret1/snapshot_918e4b9b_918e690a.jpg

Lara hesitated. "I regret settling down at such a young age," she admitted, looking a little sad. "There were a lot of experiences I missed out on because I got married and had kids so young."

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzgarret1/snapshot_918e4b9b_b18e688b.jpg

"But maybe it will be different for Ella," she said quickly, looking hopeful. "Maybe she'll still do the college thing and live a little..."

Garret raised an eyebrow. "Maybe you should talk to her about it?" he suggested helplessly.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzgarret1/snapshot_918e4b9b_518e6967.jpg

Lara gave her brother a bemused smile. "Sometimes it's really obvious you've never had kids - especially a teenaged daughter. Ella's at the age now where the last thing she wants is to listen to what her mother has to say!"

"Oh." Garret hated being wrong. "Well, I'll check up on that Ash guy she married, anyway," he offered. "I'll take a look at police records and stuff to see if he's ever been in any trouble..."

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzgarret1/snapshot_918e4b9b_918e69de.jpg

Lara grinned. "I was hoping you'd say that. But hey, I've got to go - Gerard's mom is going to be bringing Deirdre home soon!" She groaned theatrically. "Sometimes I wish Mindy would babysit Deirdre for longer than just one afternoon! I could really use a break!"

Giving her brother a quick kiss on the cheek, Lara hurried off.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzgarret1/snapshot_918e4b9b_718e69e4.jpg

Garret called out "Lar - don't be a stranger!" as he watched his sister rush home, but he wasn't sure if she even heard him.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzgarret1/snapshot_918e4b9b_118e68e3.jpg

[gazania]

Checking Ash's records, eh?

Hmmm ....

[chyrun]

I'm very interested in what he'll find...

Like Sim Sagas said, Ella is the NEW wife of Ash. How many has he had then? :P

[gazania]

Well, "new wife" could either mean that Ella is a newlywed,

or ...

Something more sinister. Which could it be?

You'd better not keep us waiting too long, Sim Sagas! :) :) :)

(Just kidding on the last bit ... you are one of the most consistent updaters here!)

[fransica]

with Ash former behavior towards Ella...the not taking no for an answer thing, the not being worried to find out that Ella was 16, and still pursuing a sexual relationship with her, the list goes on, Ash is bad news, I can't wait for the rest of the saga.

[epicetic]

Ash seems really sketchy.

[Sim Sagas]

The following day was cool and overcast, and Garret was glad to get to work before the threatening dark clouds overhead decided to pour rain.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzgarret1/garret2/snapshot_b190f7eb_3190f7f2.jpg

When he entered the police station, he saw his colleagues going about business as usual.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzgarret1/garret2/snapshot_b190f7eb_5190fb2f.jpg

Julia was hovering near the door doing what she did best: worry. Garret had to chuckle...despite the young woman's desk being littered with yoga magazines containing various tidbits about relaxation techniques, aromatherapy candles, and a "bonsai garden," Julia was still the most stressed out person he knew.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzgarret1/garret2/snapshot_b190f7eb_3190f8c5.jpg

Sometimes he wondered why she'd chosen to become a police officer. Surely a career in a less intense field would better complement her personality? He could definitely picture the soft spoken, jumpy woman being a librarian, but a cop?

Well, at least she had a desk job and spent her days mostly just dealing with paperwork - Garret didn't even want to think about "Jumpy Julia" patrolling the streets of Simville with a gun tightly clenched in her sweaty little fist!

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzgarret1/garret2/snapshot_b190f7eb_5190f8d6.jpg

The next person he saw was Terrance. Ah, yes, good old Terrance.

What did Terrance do at the police station, you ask? Well, he mostly spent his days scarfing down Wonka bars (luckily, he was blessed with a fast metabolism!) and playing computer games.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzgarret1/garret2/snapshot_b190f7eb_b190f90b.jpg

It wasn't really Terrance's fault, though. He didn't do much at the station because there wasn't a whole lot to do. Oh, Simville had its occassional robberies and bar brawls, sure, but there wasn't a whole lot of "real" crime to speak of.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzgarret1/garret2/snapshot_b190f7eb_1190fbb5.jpg

Garret took a seat at his desk and logged onto the computer to check the police files for his sister.

Ash had a clean record.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzgarret1/garret2/snapshot_b190f7eb_5190fc24.jpg

Excellent. That news would put Lara's mind at ease - and God knew his sister sure needed to relax, unless she wanted to compete with Julia for the World's Biggest Ball of Stress award!

With that out of the way, Garret wandered around the station in search of something to do.

He helped Anita, the newest addition to the police force, out with the lie detector machine for a while.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzgarret1/garret2/snapshot_b190f7eb_5190fd96.jpg

It felt good to make himself useful. (Terrance didn't mind sitting around doing nothing all day long, but Garret preferred to keep busy).

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After he'd made sure Anita understood how to use the tempermental machine, Garret made his way back to the interrogation room.

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Sasha was seated there with an attractive young woman who'd been caught trying to break into the Foreman residence.

The charismatic young lady seemed to be charming her way out of the bind she'd gotten herself into!

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzgarret1/garret2/snapshot_b190f7eb_d190f9db.jpg

Ugh, trust Sasha to fall victim to the first pretty girl to be brought into the station in handcuffs! That guy only had one thing on his mind...

What?! Sasha had even removed her handcuffs?! Grrr.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzgarret1/garret2/snapshot_b190f7eb_d190fe98.jpg

It looked like this situation called for some Good Cop/Bad Cop.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzgarret1/garret2/snapshot_b190f7eb_1190ff24.jpg

Garret got the fun role: "Bad Cop!"

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzgarret1/garret2/snapshot_b190f7eb_7190ff97.jpg

[Sim Sagas]

After that amusing little game, Garret went to check on the prison's one and only occupant: a college kid who'd partied a little too hard the night before and had gotten into a fistfight.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzgarret1/garret2/snapshot_b190f7eb_3190faff.jpg

Satisfied that the kid was still breathing, and merely "sleeping it off," Garret turned to head back to his desk. But, the prisoner pay phone caught his eye.

"Oh!" Garret muttered to himself, remembering that he still hadn't called his sister.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzgarret1/garret2/snapshot_b190f7eb_7190fcaf.jpg

He pulled out his cell phone and left a message on Lara's machine reassuring her that her new son-in-law had no criminal record; he didn't even have any unpaid parking tickets!

Garret thought to himself that the visit with his sister last night had been nice. They'd always been close, but in recent years, they didn't see as much of one another as he'd like.

Lara had always been - OH CRAP!

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzgarret1/garret2/snapshot_b190f7eb_b190fce5.jpg

Garret hissed the words out loud, causing Terrance to take a break from his gaming to give Garret a curious look, whilst simultaneously chomping on his sixth Wonka bar of the day.

"What's wrong?" he asked through his mouthful of chocolatey goodness.

Garret scowled. "I just remembered that my mother's coming to visit tomorrow!"

* * * * * * * * * * *

Garret rushed home from work and hurried upstairs. Maybe he could just clean a little...

Okay, no.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzgarret1/garret2/snapshot_318f8a82_d18f8b91.jpg

Garret groaned as the filthiness that was his bathroom hit him. This job definitely called for a professional!

Hustling back into the bedroom, Garret called up the cleaning service and requested that a maid come over immediately! He decided he'd better hire a landscaper, too, just for good measure. (If he didn't, he was sure his mom would find a zillion things wrong with his yard - heck, she'd probably find that much wrong after the landscaping!)

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzgarret1/garret2/snapshot_318f8a82_718f8a86.jpg

It wasn't too long before the doorbell rang. After Garret had let the maid in and instructed her to "clean everything, no matter what it'll cost," he decided to squeeze a quick workout in.

He needed to keep in shape for his job, plus "Jumpy Julia" had informed him about a dozen times that exercise is an excellent de-stresser. And if he'd ever needed de-stressing, it was the day before his mother's visit!

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzgarret1/garret2/snapshot_318f8a82_f18f8f8a.jpg

Oof! Garret made a mental note to start working out more often. This was tougher than he remembered!

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzgarret1/garret2/snapshot_318f8a82_f18f9018.jpg

"Urmph!" Garret grunted, sweat beginning to form on his brow.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzgarret1/garret2/snapshot_318f8a82_f18f902e.jpg

Just then, a bemused female voice inquired, "are you sure that's not too heavy for you? You look like you're having a hard time lifting it!"

Startled, he sat up quickly to find a deeply tanned, attractive blonde woman standing over him.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzgarret1/garret2/snapshot_318f8a82_f18f90dd.jpg

"I knocked, but you mustn't have heard me," she explained in response to the unasked question. "I actually found some wildflowers out there amidst all the weeds!" she joked. "But I had to pull them up so I could plant the roses you wanted." She held out the fistful of pretty pink flowers, offering them to Garret. "Maybe you'd like them for your dining table or something?"

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzgarret1/garret2/snapshot_318f8a82_f18f910a.jpg

"Uh, no, that's okay," he grunted as he began to catch his breath. "You keep them."

After the woman went back outside, Garret grabbed a towel, wiped the sweat from his brow, then went downstairs himself.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzgarret1/garret2/snapshot_318f8a82_d18f9140.jpg

He peeked out the window and saw her still hard at work, beautifying his neglected yard.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzgarret1/garret2/snapshot_318f8a82_d18f9281.jpg

Garret took a step closer to the window for a better look.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzgarret1/garret2/snapshot_318f8a82_b18f9290.jpg

Wow. She was really pretty!

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzgarret1/garret2/snapshot_318f8a82_d18f917e.jpg

Instead of getting anything accomplished, Garret spent the rest of the afternoon trying to think of excuses to stand near the window.

Yep, she was definitely easy on the eyes, he thought to himself as he "supervised" her branch-cutting.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzgarret1/garret2/snapshot_318f8a82_518f9374.jpg

But enough of that!

Tearing himself away from the window, Garret reminded himself that he had tons of things to do. After all, he only had nineteen hours left until his mother was due to arrive!

[sweetbabyhnd]

This story is getting really interesting!!!!!!!!!

[~Squash-buddy-ven~]

Wauw.. I love this story more and more...! :)

[gazania]

Why do I have the funny feeling that Garret will suddenly get the urge to have a certain landscaper work on his yard ... repeatedly? That yard is going to look like something out of Better Homes and Gardens by the time he's done! :)

And Ash has NO record? Ah ... a twist!

[chronicboredom]

Loving it! xD

[hockeystatqueen_SC]

This series is great! :)

[Sim Sagas]

The next afternoon when Garret came home, it felt almost as though he was at the wrong house. Thanks to Kristi the landscaper's hard work, his front yard was no longer a mess of dead grass and weeds.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzgarret1/garretmom/snapshot_1191a7d1_b191a7d9.jpg

"It looks great!" he called to Kristi as he climbed out of the police cruiser, his eyes travelling over the new greenery in awe.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzgarret1/garretmom/snapshot_1191a7d1_3191a813.jpg

"How'd you do it?" he joked as he circled the vehicle and made his way over to the pretty blonde professional gardener. "I'd have managed to kill the flowers before I even got them planted!"

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzgarret1/garretmom/snapshot_1191a7d1_b191a89a.jpg

Kristi laughed. "It was a big job, but it wasn't so bad. I love gardening," she admitted, the enthusiasm in her voice evident.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzgarret1/garretmom/snapshot_1191a7d1_f191a91c.jpg

"So hey, what's this all for, anyway?" Kristi asked curiously. "I've never had a client before who was so set on having the landscaping done so quickly. Are you having a wedding here or something?"

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzgarret1/garretmom/snapshot_1191a7d1_1191a97f.jpg

"Psh, me, married?" Garret retorted, snorting a little. "Highly unlikely! Actually," he told her sheepishly, "I was in such a rush to get it done because my mother's coming to visit today."

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzgarret1/garretmom/snapshot_1191a7d1_9191ab4e.jpg

"Uh. I'm not sure I follow..?" Kristi replied, puzzled.

Garret nodded understandingly. "Yep, most people wouldn't," he agreed. "But then again, most people don't have a mother like mine!"

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzgarret1/garretmom/snapshot_1191a7d1_9191aa4f.jpg

Kristi giggled, unsure if Garret was serious or not. "Why, what's she like?"

Garret considered this for a moment, then announced with certainty, "she's like a grizzly bear!" as he lifted his arms above his head and made a silly face.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzgarret1/garretmom/snapshot_1191a7d1_1191aa7c.jpg

Seeing Kristi's expression of confusion, he elaborated. "She likes to tear you apart, limb from limb, with no mercy!" He playfully roared at the amused gardener.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzgarret1/garretmom/snapshot_1191a7d1_5191aab4.jpg

"She wasn't very...involved in my or my sister's life when we were kids," he explained matter-of-factly. "She was too busy chasing her dream, trying to become a famous performer. Now that she's older and has accepted that the closest she's ever going to get to that dream is performing at Karaoke Night, she's trying to make up for lost time."

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzgarret1/garretmom/snapshot_1191a7d1_b191ab39.jpg

"Except," he chuckled, "she hates it that my sister and I managed to 'raise ourselves' and turned out not so bad. She wants to think that we need her, so she manages to find fault with everything we do! And I do mean everything! ...Apparently if I can't keep my front lawn alive, I fail at life!"

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzgarret1/garretmom/snapshot_1191a7d1_3191aaeb.jpg

Kristi laughed politely. "It's too bad your mother's that way," she told him. "But you don't fail at life if you can't garden," she continued, winking subtlely. "You only fail at life if you don't call me to come and salvage your poor neglected front lawn!" :P

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzgarret1/garretmom/snapshot_1191a7d1_f191a9bf.jpg

"Haha...you've got yourself a deal!" he announced. Then he cringed and looked in the direction of some birds that were noisily chirping. "Ugh, I can't stand that racket!"

"Then why'd you have me put in a birdbath and birdhouse?"

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzgarret1/garretmom/snapshot_1191a7d1_3191ab6f.jpg

Garret groaned. "Why else? For my mother's benefit! I just hope those birds' squawking will drown out hers!"

[Sim Sagas]

All too soon, a taxi pulled up in front of Garret's place, and out climbed his leopard-print-clad mother.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzgarret1/garretmom/snapshot_1191a7d1_3191ae0d.jpg

"Garrypoo!" she called out when she spotted him. "Yoohoo!" Waving frantically at him, she trilled, "aren't you going to come kiss your mother hello?!"

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzgarret1/garretmom/snapshot_1191a7d1_5191af6c.jpg

Garrypoo? Agh. Garret just hoped the neighbours hadn't heard.

"Hi Mom, how was your flight?" he asked as he gave her a hug, secretly praying she wouldn't pinch his cheeks and tell him how cute he was.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzgarret1/garretmom/snapshot_1191a7d1_3191ae87.jpg

"Horrible!" she exclaimed, and proceeded to yap about it for the next three minutes. Garret wasn't really listening. It was nothing new, anyhow; nothing ever satisfied his mother!

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzgarret1/garretmom/snapshot_1191a7d1_d191ae44.jpg

Then she spotted his birdbath and hurried over to investigate, leaving Garret standing alone at the side of the road.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzgarret1/garretmom/snapshot_1191a7d1_9191aec3.jpg

As Garret reluctantly followed her, he was surprised to see that she seemed to like the birdbath! Well, that was a first!

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzgarret1/garretmom/snapshot_1191a7d1_b191aefe.jpg

But of course, she only liked it until she spotted the birds that were in it!

"Ugh, that's a horrible species!" she announced, wrinkling her nose in disdain. "They make such a mess! You should get rid of them, Garrypoo. And you might want to think about hiring a gardener while you're at it."

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzgarret1/garretmom/snapshot_1191a7d1_d191af37.jpg

She couldn't figure out why Garret found that last remark so humorous.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzgarret1/garretmom/snapshot_1191a7d1_7191af4e.jpg

"Are you going to leave your poor mother standing out here all day?" she demanded, guilt-tripping him. "Hurry up and take my suitcases in before those evil, evil birds plop on them!"

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Sighing, Garret replied, "yes Mother," and obediently began to gather up her zillion suitcases as she marched on into the house ahead of him.

Garret tried to sneak into the other room when he came in the front door, but his mother spotted him. He cynically thought to himself that he was being held hostage in his own house...by his own mother, no less!

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzgarret1/garretmom/snapshot_1191a7d1_319222d4.jpg

"Where's all your furniture?" she demanded, looking around with disdain. "Were you robbed?"

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzgarret1/garretmom/snapshot_1191a7d1_119222b6.jpg

"Uh...no. I'm the only one who lives here Mom; I don't need a whole lot of furniture!"

His mother clucked with disdain, her eyes all the while scanning the room, searching for the next target of her disapproval.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzgarret1/garretmom/snapshot_1191a7d1_11922511.jpg

"What do you need a telescope for?" she wanted to know. "Do you use it to look in girls' windows? You'd better not be, Garrypoo!"

Garret could do little more than shake his head in disbelief.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzgarret1/garretmom/snapshot_1191a7d1_51922658.jpg

[Sim Sagas]

Next, Garret's mother marched over to the refridgerator.

"Are you hungry, Ma?" he asked, trying to be accommodating. "I picked up some rolls and cakes and stuff at the bakery today...they're on the counter."

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzgarret1/garretmom/snapshot_1191a7d1_b19223bc.jpg

Ignoring him, she snooped through his fridge, then shut it and announced, "that's pathetic! You need to buy more nutritious foods, Garrypoo; the fridge is full of junk!"

Then she was off again...

"You have a hottub!" his mother announced, as if he didn't know about it.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzgarret1/garretmom/snapshot_1191a7d1_31922585.jpg

"Yeah...did you pack a bathing suit?" (Garret almost added "in one of your ten thousand suitcases," but thought better of it.) "Go ahead and try it out, Ma!"

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzgarret1/garretmom/snapshot_1191a7d1_71922647.jpg

"Oh heavens, no!" she retorted, alarmed. "I watched a special report on the evening news the other night and they said that hottubs contain all kinds of fungus!"

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzgarret1/garretmom/snapshot_1191a7d1_f19225e8.jpg

"In fact," she continued, "I don't like the idea of you having one, Garrypoo!"

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzgarret1/garretmom/snapshot_1191a7d1_519225d4.jpg

Biteyourtongue biteyourtongue biteyourtongue Garret chanted silently to himself.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzgarret1/garretmom/snapshot_1191a7d1_3192266f.jpg

He finally did convince his mother to try it out.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzgarret1/garretmom/snapshot_1191a7d1_f19226ac.jpg

Of course, once she did, she only complained about the temperature.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzgarret1/garretmom/snapshot_1191a7d1_f192260c.jpg

It took every ounce of willpower Garret had to refrain from snapping at his mother. But what good would provoking her do? After all, she was only being her usual self!

"My stories are on," she announced a moment later. "Let's watch." She made her way over to the television, and almost sat down...

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzgarret1/garretmom/snapshot_1191a7d1_91922703.jpg

"Ew, Garret!" she exclaimed urgently.

"What, what is it Ma?" he asked, concerned. Then he saw: she'd reached down to "inspect" the crevice in his couch, and had discovered a handful of loose change. "Oh...sorry Ma."

She sat down reluctantly, still looking upset.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzgarret1/garretmom/snapshot_1191a7d1_d1922755.jpg

"I'm sorry Garrypoo, but I don't think I can stay here," his mother announced. "I think I'll go stay at your sister's house; it's cleaner there!"

Oh. My. God.

It was evil to joke about that!

Or was she...

Oh...

OH!!!

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/zzgarret1/garretmom/snapshot_1191a7d1_51922743.jpg

Garret smiled so hard it hurt when he realized that his mother was serious!

SCORE!

Funny, he didn't mind carrying her bags outside one bit!

[richdude_SC]

Great Update! I love the mom's expression in that last picture.:)

[dib072776_SC]

Hahahahahaha... Nice update!
I can not wait for more.

[Vinhou]

Loving the update! I reeeally love the story. Can't wait for more!!! :D

[chyrun]

LMAO! Yoohooo!

poor Garret though :(

I'm so in love with these stories :D

[sweetbabyhnd]

I love this story

[DejAng3l]

i so love this story.......but i have a small question simsagas.....isn't vince vonne's older brother instead of his younger brother......i seem to recall from hiliary's stoy that vince was older than vonne....yet in the extras on the character it said that vince was vonne's younger brother.....

[Sim Sagas]

I went back and checked, and you're right, DejAng3l. When I wrote the Hilary story, I wasn't planning on continuing writing about those same characters, so there will be a few indiscrepancies (sp?) I also noticed that I mentioned Garret in the Hilary story, so technically, he should be an elder by now. (Let's just pretend it was Garret Sr. :P)

I'm impressed; you pay more attention to detail than I do! For the record, I've changed the first story now to introduce Vince as Vonne's younger brother, because I'm not ready for Vince to become an elder just yet. Thanks for bringing the mistake to my attention!

[Sim Sagas]

While Garret was enjoying the peace and quiet following his pesky mother's brief visit, across town, his neice Ella was missing her mother.

Following her and Ash's impromtu wedding, Ella had been eager to move into Ash's house with him. Then they'd be like a real, sophisticated, grown-up married couple! Ella was as excited as a kid on Christmas morning!

...Until she saw the house.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/3house/snapshot_b18629dd_718629df.jpg

It was...not what she'd expected, to say the least. The structure that stood (albeit unsteadily) on the tiny lot just outside of the city limits was more like a shack than a house.

The crudely constructed "No Trespassing" sign was particularly...quaint?

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/3house/snapshot_b18629dd_51862a11.jpg

Well, sometimes appearances can be deceiving, right? Ella made up her mind not to "judge the book by its cover," and reserved her judgment for after she'd seen the inside. Maybe Ash had decided to forego landscaping in favor of fixing up the inside?

...Or not.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/3house/snapshot_b18629dd_d1862a87.jpg

Oh, this was a distaster!

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/3house/snapshot_b18629dd_d1923a4e.jpg

Ash saw the expression of disappointment on her face and took her hand. "I know it's not as posh as the Foreman residence or anything," he observed, referring to one of the richest families in town. "I'm saving up, though. I'll fix it up for you and the baby, just you wait!"

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/3house/snapshot_b18629dd_71863cc9.jpg

Ella smiled despite herself. Though merely being in the house made her feel like taking an hour-long shower, she could see that Ash was really trying. So, she made the best of it.

At least the bed was pretty comfy, if you shifted around until the springs stopped poking you.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/3house/snapshot_b18629dd_f1862f10.jpg

And it was nice to be alone with Ash in their house!

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/3house/snapshot_b18629dd_31862f37.jpg

Maybe, Ella decided, it wouldn't be so bad after all.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/3house/snapshot_b18629dd_71862f91.jpg

[Sim Sagas]

Life for Ella was stressful over the following weeks. She still felt gross all the time, and vowed that this would be her first and last pregnancy!

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/3house/snapshot_b18629dd_b18631d7.jpg

Sometimes her symptoms made her pretty whiny.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/3house/snapshot_b18629dd_918631f3.jpg

A little sympathy from the guy who'd knocked her up would have been nice, but he seemed disinterested most of the time, preferring to spend his time sprawled out on the couch or watching TV.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/3house/snapshot_b18629dd_918631ca.jpg

Sometimes it irritated Ella.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/3house/snapshot_b18629dd_b19238a8.jpg

Truth be told, there was a lot of tension in the tiny, run-down house at times. It was probably due to the cramped living quarters; when you're holed up in that small of a space with someone else all the time, disagreements are bound to break out.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/3house/snapshot_b18629dd_31863311.jpg

When Ella nagged Ash about not helping out around the house more, he'd angrily remind her that he spent all evening bartending five nights a week, while she sat at home all day.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/3house/snapshot_b18629dd_31863323.jpg

After that, she'd always feel horrible and apologize.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/3house/snapshot_b18629dd_91863a07.jpg

It was easier that way; appeasing Ash was so much less hassle than proving a point or winning an argument. Ella had quickly come to learn that Ash had an out-of-control temper when provoked.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/3house/snapshot_b18629dd_91863a5e.jpg

Sometimes it frightened her.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/3house/snapshot_b18629dd_318639c7.jpg

The worst was when he got violent.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/3house/snapshot_b18629dd_91863b73.jpg

It didn't happen very often, and she knew he didn't mean it. Sometimes he just wasn't able to control his rage, and before either one had a chance to process what was happening, he'd have slapped her or shoved her.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/3house/snapshot_b18629dd_91863b95.jpg

Of course, he always felt terrible afterward, and apologized profusely. And Ella always forgave him. After all, she knew that it couldn't be easy living with her; her mother had always affectionately referred to her as "The Princess," and Ella figured she was probably twice as demanding and difficult to please now that she was all hormonal and stuff. (Like, ew!)

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/3house/snapshot_b18629dd_11863a93.jpg

Besides, Ash also had a tender, loving side. When he stroked her hair and whispered in her ear, her heart skipped a beat and her breath caught in her throat.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/3house/snapshot_b18629dd_91862cdd.jpg

Yes, Ella was madly in love with her new husband. Or as in love as an inexperienced, immature teenaged girl can be, anyway.

She just wished the stupid baby would hurry up and be born already! She was tired of feeling sick and bloaty all the time!

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/3house/snapshot_b18629dd_11863a3b.jpg

[Sim Sagas]

Unfortunately, Ella's symptoms worsened before they got better.

She became incredibly b*tchy. Even she recognized that she was difficult to live with.

That's why she could hardly be angry at Ash for losing his patience with her from time to time.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/3house/snapshot_b18629dd_f18639d8.jpg

Besides, he never really hurt her...much.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/3house/snapshot_b18629dd_f186322a.jpg

Ella also had intense cravings for milk at all hours of the day and night.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/3house/snapshot_b18629dd_d186304e.jpg

One evening after she'd polished off an entire carton, she bellowed, "Ash!!! Will you run to the store and buy me some more milk?"

He was irritated.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/3house/snapshot_b18629dd_9186347e.jpg

Storming over to her, he growled, "Do you ever stop whining?! I was TRYING to watch TV!"

"Just go quick and you won't miss much of your show," Ella insisted. "Hurryyyy," she whined, clutching her stomach. "I'm THIRSTY, and I WANT MILK!"

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/3house/snapshot_b18629dd_f18634e4.jpg

"Just shut up!" Ash yelled, her childlike behaviour getting under his skin.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/3house/snapshot_b18629dd_7186382a.jpg

Ella immediately started to cry.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/3house/snapshot_b18629dd_518634d4.jpg

Ash threw his hands up in annoyance. "FINE!" he relented, still looking displeased. "I'll go buy your stupid milk, just stop crying!"

"Forget it!"

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/3house/snapshot_b18629dd_518633bf.jpg

"Fine," Ash replied, unconcerned. He turned his attention back to the television as Ella blew her nose and climbed into bed.

The next morning, Ella awoke to find three cartons of milk waiting for her in the fridge.

[Sim Sagas]

To be honest, neither Ash nor Ella was mature enough to be married. So, there were bound to be a few rough patches along the way as they struggled to find a way to live together peacefully.

Oddly enough, things were usually pretty good after one of their big nasty arguments.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/3house/snapshot_b18629dd_b1863989.jpg

When Ash got that mean look in his eyes, Ella sometimes wished for the big blowup to just hurry up and be done with, so that they could go back to being happy.

And he really was trying.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/3house/snapshot_b18629dd_31923c9f.jpg

Sometimes he'd surprise her by bringing home nice little gifts for her, like a pretty new nightgown or tasty piece of cheesecake from the town bakery. Once he even brought home a toy horse he'd picked up for the baby - that right there made her want to leap into his arms!

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/3house/snapshot_b18629dd_d1923d78.jpg

He knew how much she liked those thoughtful little gestures.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/3house/snapshot_b18629dd_91923db6.jpg

And he knew that it was worth his while to keep her happy.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/3house/snapshot_b18629dd_31923c9f.jpg

She was the best thing that had ever happened to him.

"Please don't give up on me," he begged, stroking her hair in his usual way. "I know I need to treat you better," he admitted, his voice breaking. "And I will, I promise. Just give me a chance..."

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/3house/snapshot_b18629dd_11923ddf.jpg

Kissing him tenderly, Ella assured him that she'd never give up on him. Never.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/3house/snapshot_b18629dd_11923e12.jpg

And so, time marched on. As time passed, sure enough, things got better. Ash started surprising her with flowers, which Ella loved.

Of course, it would have been nice had he paid a little more attention to her, rather than just dump the bouquet on the table and then switch the TV onto the station that showed scantily clad woman working out.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/3house/snapshot_b18629dd_71923987.jpg

But still...flowers!

Even though they'd been married for nearly a month, Ash still knew how to make Ella swoon.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/3house/snapshot_b18629dd_b19239a9.jpg

As she stood behind him one night, admiring him as he watched television, Ella thought to herself "this is going to work after all."

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/3house/snapshot_b18629dd_b19238a8.jpg

[nbj4vr]

I just started reading your Simville Sagas and think they are wonderful. Keep them coming. I will definitely be following. Thanks

[Morwen Laicoriel]

NO, ASH!! Not cheesecake!!! XD
Ash does seem to be trying, although maybe it's just to keep her quiet. X.x Boy, he needs to get his act together, though. But even if he didn't, Ella wouldn't tell him off.

[Sim Sagas]

Ella kept getting bigger and bigger, and soon she found out why: she was pregnant with twins.

She was elated! Instead of having one living doll to dress up and show off, she'd have two! (Paris Hilton's dog Tinkerbell would become the fashion accessory of yesterday as soon as Ella's twins were born!) Ella couldn't wait!

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/3house/snapshot_b18629dd_f1924177.jpg

Ash, however, didn't share her enthusiasm.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/3house/snapshot_b18629dd_b1924181.jpg

"You're having what?!" he exclaimed, hoping he'd heard wrong. "We're practically broke as it is - we can't afford twins!"

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/3house/snapshot_b18629dd_f1923edf.jpg

While he moped on the couch, staring listlessly at the crack in the ceiling, Ella tried to clean the tiny shack.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/3house/snapshot_b18629dd_b1923ffb.jpg

She worked until she was exhausted, but it didn't make a whole lot of difference. Some of the furniture and appliances were so old and worn out that there wasn't much that could be done.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/3house/snapshot_b18629dd_f1923ea5.jpg

And, of course, it didn't help that Ella kept having to re-clean the toilet several times a day! Stupid morning sickness!

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/3house/snapshot_b18629dd_d19240c1.jpg

At least she had lots of milk on hand - even chocolate milk! Ash had made sure to keep the fridge stocked ever since their big argument about it.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/3house/snapshot_b18629dd_d1924027.jpg

Things had been going pretty well lately, actually.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/3house/snapshot_b18629dd_91923fa7.jpg

They hadn't argued in over three weeks, which was probably a new record for them!

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/3house/snapshot_b18629dd_71923fcf.jpg

And when things were good, they were very good.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/3house/snapshot_b18629dd_71923f65.jpg

But, Ella was never sure what would set Ash off...

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/3house/snapshot_b18629dd_51923e71.jpg

[nckw]

this is the best story series that I have ever read
keep goin *kiss*
I feel that ash and dominic going to be trouble in future episodes

nc

[*~LadyWaterLilly~*]

You are such an Amazing Writer. I don't know whether to hate or Like ash. Great Update.

[fransica]

I don't like him he's like a mothers worst nightmare, he is teetering on being an abuser...can't wait for more updates I can't say it enough how hooked I am on all your stories.

[Mahenveau]

RRRR!!! I fliipin' hate Ash! He's such a fugly sleezebag! A prego woman is a prego woman, and you CANNOT boss them around! DIVORCE! DIVORCE!

Lovley story, by the way.

P.S. STUPID ASH!! CAN'T HE LOOK ON THE WARNING ON THE LABEL OF THE FLIPPIN' CHEESE CAKE AND READ: Warning- WILL-ASH< I"M TALKIN' TO YOU!!! Get you prego with TWINS!!!!! Ash is SOOO stupid... :einstein

[princessfairybread]

I love all your stories. You are such a talented writer. I can't wait for the next update :D

[Vinhou]

Ooooh, I can't wait for another update!! It's so exciting - you are an amazing writer! Hurry up with an update, sweety. :P

[Panique]

Read whole thing just then.

LOVE IT.

[Vaalyah]

RRRR!!! I fliipin' hate Ash! He's such a fugly sleezebag! A prego woman is a prego woman, and you CANNOT boss them around!
small correction: even if she would not have been pregnant is dreadful for a man to beat a woman. This kind of thing drives me crazy. I think she should give him a good kick in his... well, you have understood :D
but why that girl is so stupid? Open your eyes, Ella!!!

[kawaiimeg_SC]

Love these stories! Keep it up!

[epicetic]

small correction: even if she would not have been pregnant is dreadful for a man to beat a woman. This kind of thing drives me crazy. I think she should give him a good kick in his... well, you have understood :D
but why that girl is so stupid? Open your eyes, Ella!!!

I agree with you. Ella's responsibility is to the baby. She should get away from Ash before she gets hurt. Anyway, can't wait for the update. =]

[starwyn]

wow there's so many different stories now i can't keep up with who's who lol but i'd really like to hear what's happening with Elizabeth and also that seamstress lady. I want to know what happens when her cheating hubby gets home!!

[Panique]

No, keep going with Ella! I must know what happens! :D

[anGeLa_sama]

I love these stories, can't wait to read some more! ^_^

[Vaalyah]

Oooooooooooooooooooh! Sims Sagas has not updated yet??? I've opnened my internet connection only to see what's happening! I am sad :cry:

[richdude_SC]

The suspense is killing me. Update.!!!:(

[Morwen Laicoriel]

Guys! I'm sure (s)he's going as (s)he can....^^;

[Mahenveau]

Whoah, that scene, with Garrett amd Lar- OMG IS ELLA MANSON'S MOM CHEATIING ON HER HUBBY?!!?!! I just now realized that... Oooh, I am so on the edge of my seat. I wanna hear more about Idiotic Ella and Sleezebag Ash-hole... HAHHEHEH!! Sim Sagas, you are a pure genius! I love your stories!

[Sim Sagas]

Hi guys!

Don't worry, I am going to update! Life's just temporarily gotten in the way.

Mahenveau, if you reread that section, you'll see that Lara isn't cheating with Garret; he's her brother! (Which is why they were hugging). But, before I added the bit about them being siblings, I purposefully made it SEEM like she might be cheating, just to keep you all on your toes. :P

[richdude_SC]

Bravo Sim Sagas, I didn't catch that.

[Sim Sagas]

Elizabeth was determined to keep the farm running smoothly while her brother was away. But, she'd never realized just how much work that required!

"The farm's a lot bigger than I remember it!" Elizabeth grunted to herself as she diligently began to tend to the various crops.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/4dominic/snapshot_917cb83a_7188e3a5.jpg

Ugh. What a stupid, boring, exhausting way to spend one's life! She didn't know why her brother didn't just sell the family farm.

Her back was starting to hurt, her feet ached, and she was sweating like a pig in a sauna!

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/4dominic/snapshot_917cb83a_5188e419.jpg

And this was only Day One! How was she going to manage without her brother there to do all the tough stuff?!

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/4dominic/snapshot_917cb83a_9188e50c.jpg

By the time Elizabeth finished, she was so tired that she barely had enough energy left to change her clothes! She was sore all over!

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/4dominic/snapshot_917cb83a_91984e6c.jpg

She collapsed on the couch, still panting a little. Her heart was beating a mile a minute...that probably wasn't very healthy, was it?

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/4dominic/snapshot_917cb83a_b1984e22.jpg

When the obese young woman was finally able to hoist herself up off the couch - albeit with great difficulty, she meandered through the house aimlessly on unsteady feet.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/4dominic/snapshot_917cb83a_71984eb0.jpg

Peering into the kitchen, she considered cooking, but for the first time in her life, felt too tired even for that!

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/4dominic/snapshot_917cb83a_d1984f4a.jpg

But don't think that the chunky chronic overeater suddenly began to fast, or even diet. Oh no, not at all.

She simply discovered the greasy, fat-laden convenience of fast food!

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/4dominic/snapshot_917cb83a_b1985068.jpg

So, that became Elizabeth's new routine. Despite having traded in her life of lethargy for one of reluctant physical activity, Elizabeth lost no weight.

In fact, she gained some more unwanted pounds!

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/4dominic/snapshot_917cb83a_b1985087.jpg

Despite being well-aware that she was overeating, Elizabeth just couldn't help herself...that pizza smelled too good!

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/4dominic/snapshot_917cb83a_d19850a7.jpg

She rewarded herself for her hard work out in the field with extra goodies, which, of course, resulted in extra inches around her middlesection!

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/4dominic/snapshot_917cb83a_11985e3f.jpg

In the words of Homer Simpson...

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/4dominic/snapshot_917cb83a_91985e9c.jpg

Mmm, pizza.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/4dominic/snapshot_917cb83a_11985eb7.jpg

Every evening when she'd finished her usual XL pizza, family-sized case of Wonka bars, etc, Elizabeth felt disgusted with herself.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/4dominic/snapshot_917cb83a_d1985f32.jpg

She felt hidious. She knew she was morbidly obese, was putting her health in severe jeopardy, and felt sluggish and irritable all the time. And for what? A third helping of pizza? Some chocolate?

Elizabeth knew it wasn't worth it.

It had to stop.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/4dominic/snapshot_917cb83a_f1985f3f.jpg

But, despite knowing this, Elizabeth still made that forbidden phone call every night, and counted down the minutes until the pizza delivery woman arrived on her front porch.

She just couldn't stop.

[Mahenveau]

Oooh, so he's her brother. Thanks. I didn't catch that either. Mkay, I know now. Great update! I wonder if she's gonna lose weight or not. OOOH!

[richdude_SC]

I feel a Weight Watchers meeting coming on........

[xgrrlx]

I really love these stories. I can't wait to see what happens with Ella.

[DejAng3l]

can't wait for more updates.......i love these stories on this thread......

[Sim Sagas]

One evening when Elizabeth went to make her usual order at the local pizza delivery joint, she got a nasty surprise. The voicemail came on and said that, due to illness, the pizzeria was closed for the evening!

Elizabeth checked the fridge, but it was nearly empty. It was nearly 7; too late to order groceries. So, what it came down to was that Elizabeth had to choose between staying home in her nice, safe, familiar surroundings and going hungry, or going out into the big scary world to get food.

Elizabeth's stomach always won out.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/5cafe/snapshot_b198a132_3198a135.jpg

So, that's how she found herself standing in front of "Mom & Pop's Home Cooking."

The shy woman hesitated at the door...what if she didn't fit in the seat? What if people laughed at her?

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/5cafe/snapshot_b198a132_f198a1f8.jpg

But, Elizabeth's oversized stomach was growling demandingly, so she had no choice. In she went, praying that nothing bad would happen.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/5cafe/snapshot_b198a132_3198a515.jpg

Eep, so many people! If it didn't smell so delicious, Elizabeth would have been out of there the second she saw how many patrons were dining there.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/5cafe/snapshot_b198a132_f198a34c.jpg

But, before she could even consider leaving, the host smiled politely at her.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/5cafe/snapshot_b198a132_9198a463.jpg

"Table for one?" he asked pleasantly.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/5cafe/snapshot_b198a132_7198a435.jpg

"Uhh..." Oh great. As Elizabeth's wide eyes darted around nervously, she noted that no one else was dining alone. Everyone had someone but her! She suddenly felt more self-conscious than ever.

The host seemed to sense her anxiety, and squeezed her hand reassuringly.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/5cafe/snapshot_b198a132_5198a61f.jpg

"How about we seat you at the counter?" he suggested kindly. "Right this way, please."

Still feeling incredibly insecure, Elizabeth reluctantly followed him to the counter.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/5cafe/snapshot_b198a132_b198a5c0.jpg

A short distance away, an attractive older woman was expertly stirring a pot on the stove.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/5cafe/snapshot_b198a132_b198a54a.jpg

"That's my wife," the host informed Elizabeth talkatively. "I'm sure she'll be over to chat with you in a second; she loves getting to know our customers!"

Sure enough, a few moments later, the woman made a beeline for Elizabeth.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/5cafe/snapshot_b198a132_7198a661.jpg

Elizabeth felt her heart racing. She was no good in social situations! What if she couldn't think of anything to say? What if she said something stupid? Oh no...

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/5cafe/snapshot_b198a132_5198a6e1.jpg

But, the lady was very nice, and made Elizabeth feel right at home.

"I...uh, I don't get out much," Elizabeth finally admitted shyly, blushing a little.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/5cafe/snapshot_b198a132_1198a76c.jpg

The older woman patted her hand and smiled kindly. "Well hopefully that will change, dear. You're always welcome here."

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/5cafe/snapshot_b198a132_9198a89a.jpg

Elizabeth immediately took a liking to the pleasant couple, who went out of their way to make her feel like she was wanted.

She especially liked watching the way they interacted with one another; it was evident that they were still very much in love.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/5cafe/snapshot_b198a132_3198a915.jpg

As she drove home that evening, her belly full - but not bloated - Elizabeth decided that she'd go back the following night. Partly for the good food, and partly for the good company.

[richdude_SC]

Another great update. I thought that something was gonna happen between Elizabeth and the host until I saw that it said he was married.

[gazania]

Too bad Elizabeth WON'T have that kind of relationship with Dominic. :(

[starwyn]

awesome thanks for updating on Elizabeth

sorry to be a pain in the butt but how do you change your sky and backgrounds, ie; different weather??

[richdude_SC]

I think you have to download a weather machine. I saw one somewhere on here:

www.simslice.com

[richdude_SC]

Forgot to mention that it's a paysite.:)

[Sim Sagas]

I use this http://www.modthesims2.com/showthread.php?t=44693&highlight=holoprojector

You can get some of the weather effects (rain, lightning, and power outages) for free...Carrigon has a weather object here http://www.sims2workshop.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=248

[starwyn]

thanks sim sagas
and you too rich dude, but i'm going for the freebie lol

[gazania]

There are also some rain interactions in this collection. I believe they are in folder #7:

http://www.modthesims2.com/showthread.php?t=131127

I did have a slight problem when I used the rain, though ... for some reason, none of my storms would stop unless I quit out without saving ... not even the light rainshower! I don't see where anyone else had the same problem, though, so maybe it was just a glitch on my end.

[Panique]

There's also rain with the Tesla Coil on MTS2 :)

[starwyn]

looks like a lot of people have probs with them and game crashes..i'm too scared to use it :s
anyway i don't want to interrupt sim sagas stories anymore so thanks everyone for the links i miiiight try them :) i just want them for my own stories

nb: sim saga..put life on hold please...more updates...feed my addiction LOL

[richdude_SC]

good luck!!

[*Jennifer*]

Hey, I love you stories! You're so great at mixing all the characters together some way or another, I'd be soo confused by now if I played all these sims. Great last post, keep them coming! :D

[chyrun]

I thought that something was gonna happen between Elizabeth and the host until I saw that it said he was married.

yeah, me too :P

Cool update. Can't wait to read more :)

[funkyfae214]

I have a feeling the next time she goes she'll bump into Dominic

[Sim Sagas]

The next time Elizabeth went to the Jenkins' restaurant, she wasn't as apprehensive.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/6friends/snapshot_b198a132_3198bc69.jpg

She knew that the friendly couple would welcome her with open arms, and not just because they wanted her money!

They were genuinely nice, caring peo -

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/6friends/snapshot_b198a132_1198bc95.jpg

WAIT A SECOND! What was HER boyfriend doing at the restaurant, and who was that woman he was with?!

Elizabeth must have uttered those thoughts out loud, for Mr. Jenkins replied, "I didn't know you had a boyfriend!"

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/6friends/snapshot_b198a132_3198bd33.jpg

Dominic spotted Elizabeth from across the restaurant, excused himself from the table, and hustled over.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/6friends/snapshot_b198a132_5198bce7.jpg

"Liz!" he called cheerfully as he approached her. "What are you doing here, sweetheart? I thought you didn't like to go out!"

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/6friends/snapshot_b198a132_7198bee7.jpg

Elizabeth reached out to kiss him hello, but he crossed his arms and took a step back. "Sorry, hun," he told her apologetically, "but I've got a cold. You'd better not get too close." He coughed for emphasis.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/6friends/snapshot_b198a132_f198bdb0.jpg

"Who's that woman you're with?" Elizabeth asked hesitantly.

"My neice," Dominic replied smoothly.

Elizabeth breathed a sigh of relief.

"I'd introduce you," Dominic continued, "but she's having a pretty rough day - boyfriend dumped her. I don't think she's really up for company right now..."

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/6friends/snapshot_b198a132_f198bf78.jpg

"That's fine!" Elizabeth replied quickly. She was secretly glad to not be put in the awkward situation of meeting somebody new. "I'll let you get back to your supper before it gets cold! Have a good night!"

As Dominic returned to his table (and promptly paid the bill and hightailed it out of there), Elizabeth made her way over to Mrs. Jenkins, who was cooking up an order at the stove.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/6friends/snapshot_b198a132_5198c002.jpg

"How are you tonight, doll?" the kind woman asked as she examined her delicious-smelling concoction.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/6friends/snapshot_b198a132_7198bfc4.jpg

"A whole lot better now than I was a few minutes ago!" Elizabeth laughed sheepishly. "For a moment there, I just wanted to die; I had the ridiculous thought that Dominic might be cheating on me!"

[Sim Sagas]

I have a feeling the next time she goes she'll bump into Dominic

I'm that predictable, huh? :P

You're so great at mixing all the characters together some way or another, I'd be soo confused by now if I played all these sims.

Hopefully I'm not confusing the readers with all the different characters..? Having this many sims all in one story is new for me!

[*~LadyWaterLilly~*]

Yay Update. Dominic is a pretty smooth Talker. Sneaky Little guy

[gazania]

Hmmm ... Maybe Elizabeth should get a job at that restaurant. She IS a good cook, and the place does seem a bit busy. She could be a sous chef-type position ... she's a mean cook herself! And perhaps the Jenkins couple can coax her out of her shell. As for being overweight ... that usually isn't a career hazard with a good chef.

Oh, the possibilities!

[Mahenveau]

Oooh, I don't know about that backstabbing Domonic dude. He seems a little bit, off. I don't think that he was telling the truth.
Poor girl. I hope she doesn't find out he's married.
BAHH! I can't help it. I so want her to find out what a little runt he is. Dominic, such a smooth, unsensitive player. Something is not right.

[Sim Sagas]

"Cheating on you?" Mrs. Jenkins repeated, concerned. "Now what would make you think something like that? Is everything alright?"

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/6friends/snapshot_b198a132_7198c073.jpg

Before Elizabeth could utter a word, the friendly lady ushered her toward the counter. "Come, sit. Let's talk - the sauce can wait!" Still carring the big wooden spoon with her, the energetic woman regarded Elizabeth with genuine compassion. "Now, what's going on?"

Elizabeth hung her head, embarrassed. "Well...nothing, really," she replied softly. "Dominic's great. He treats me well. I just...sometimes I feel like I don't deserve him. He should be with someone thinner and prettier and more outgoing. Not a big fat reclusive cow like me."

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/6friends/snapshot_b198a132_7198c1a7.jpg

Mrs. Jenkins clucked disapprovingly. "Sweetheart, we all have days when we feel like that, but I don't want you talking about yourself like that, okay?"

Elizabeth flushed. "You don't understand," she insisted, feeling the tears begin to well up behind her sad eyes. "I feel disgusting...I hate it when I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror. I feel like I'm trapped in this horrible body!"

The older woman squeezed her hand gently and handed her a tissue. "I think I understand," she replied. "Though I haven't been in your particular situation myself, when I was your age, I had problems of my own..." With a faraway look in her eyes, Mrs. Jenkins explained...

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/6friends/snapshot_91999e59_b1999ecb.jpg

"I had a loving family, friends I cared about, good health. I had my whole life to look forward to. But I was never able to really see or appreciate any of that, because I was so obsessed with getting the 'perfect' body."

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/6friends/snapshot_91999e59_d1999eb7.jpg

"I thought I was repulsive," she continued, looking pained. "I thought I was fat and ugly and it seemed like my whole life was out of control because of that. So I starved myself for days at a time..."

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/6friends/snapshot_91999e59_f1999e8e.jpg

"...and anytime I did eat, I'd be sure to bring it back up again. It took me years to emotionally recover from my eating disorders, and I never did fully recover physically." She sighed. "I wasted so much time...and probably shortened my life by several years, too."

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/6friends/snapshot_91999e59_d1999e5d.jpg

Elizabeth couldn't contain her surprise. "How did you stop?" she asked curiously.

Mrs. Jenkins smiled. "There is no quick fix, honey. I was able to regain control of my life little by little, with a lot of determination and heartache. Sometimes I lost my way and wasn't able to resist the temptation to make myself sick, but I tried not to let those setbacks discourage me."

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/6friends/snapshot_b198a132_1198c1db.jpg

"What are you ladies talking about?" Mr. Jenkins inquired, joining them at the counter. "Tawni," he asked his wife good-naturedly, "is that sauce ready yet?"

"Davin!" Tawni Jenkins shushed her husband playfully. "We're talking! Be quiet!"

Elizabeth smiled, her tears forgotten. Changing the subject, she wondered out loud, "how do you know when you're in love with someone? When did you two know?"

"For me, it was love at first stir!" Davin Jenkins joked, imitating his wife at the stove. "But had I known she'd take this long to make her special chocolate sauce after we were married? Well let me tell you - "

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/6friends/snapshot_b198a132_f198c21e.jpg

"Davin!" the easy-going woman scolded her husband as if he were a child. "Stop! You're going to make me spill - "

"Ohhh, now you've gone and done it!" Davin chuckled as chocolate sauce oozed down the front of his shirt. He playfully raised his fists and pretended to attack the wooden spoon.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/6friends/snapshot_b198a132_5198c2b2.jpg

Tawni Jenkins laughed. "You'd better go change before that stain sets," she advised her husband. "And then maybe you could make some more chocolate sauce...please? I think mine burnt!"

Then, turning her attention back to Elizabeth, she replied thoughtfully, "I don't remember how I knew that Davin was The One. I just could picture us having a future together. We both had the same dreams, the same goals. I could see us together thirty years down the road, me burning chocolate sauce and Davin wearing it on his shirt..." she playfully jabbed at her husband with the spoon. "Get going, mister!" she commanded, amused.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/6friends/snapshot_b198a132_5198c285.jpg

"Do you have that feeling with Dominic?" she asked Elizabeth. "The one where you just know you'll be great together?"

Elizabeth shrugged. "I don't know," she replied shyly. "Maybe."

Tawni Jenkins grinned. "That's nice." Then, shooting an affectionate look over at her newly-changed husband, who was dancing around with the spoon, she added, "just make sure you two won't drive each other insane!" :P "Davin!!!"

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j294/simsagasfarm/6friends/snapshot_91999e59_71999f00.jpg

[Mahenveau]

Aww, that girl is soo sweet!
And correction for Eliz-
DOMINIC IS SOOOOOO NOT SWEET!!!
There.

[beeps]

Im sooooo not liking Dominic if he is really cheating on her :grrr: Nice update tho!

boolPropped

[Sim Sagas]

Dorian Verucio's little girl was growing up. Not only did she look older after her recent growth spurt, but she was also acting older.

Instead of liking dolls and colouring books, she was now into trendy clothes and makeup.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/7stacyshouse/snapshot_f17baf13_71977141.jpg

She'd even pestered her dad until he'd agreed to let her redecorate her room; she'd complained that it was too "babyish." Dorian hadn't let her get rid of all of her stuffed animals - he was clinging to the hope that his little girl was still in there, somewhere. But, besides that, his daughter's room was looking more and more like a (gasp!) teenager's.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/7stacyshouse/snapshot_f17baf13_91977524.jpg

Adriana no longer wanted to hang out with her dad every single moment of every single day.

She was no longer interested in golfing with Dorian, insisting that golf was a "silly sport."

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/7stacyshouse/snapshot_f17baf13_3197766c.jpg

Whenever he offered to read to her, she'd politely reply, "no thanks; I can read to myself."

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/7stacyshouse/snapshot_f17baf13_919770f8.jpg

He was proud of her, but a little worried, too. She was growing up too quickly...could he handle this?

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/7stacyshouse/snapshot_f17baf13_5197715f.jpg

Dorian was also a little sad. He wanted those days when she thought he was the coolest dad in the world back. Now she was more interested watching music videos on TV than in playing games with him.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/7stacyshouse/snapshot_f17baf13_9197757b.jpg

Dorian knew, though, that no matter how unprepared he felt, he had to tough these challenging years out. He was her dad...her sole caregiver...what choice did he have?

He just prayed that it would be at least a few more years before she got interested in boys!!

[Sim Sagas]

Dorian was absolutely shocked one afternoon when, completely out of the blue, he received a phone call from his estranged wife. "Adriana's at school right now," he told her, his tone guarded. "Where are you? If you leave your number, I can have her call you when she gets home."

There was hesitation. "Actually," came the reply, "I'm in Simville. And as much as I'd like to talk to Adriana, I was calling you. Can we talk?" Dorian reluctantly agreed to meet her, and, a while later, he found himself standing in front of a tiny house on the outskirts of Simville.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/7stacyshouse/snapshot_7176959f_b1977a1c.jpg

Stacy must have been watching from the window, because as he neared the quaint little abode, she came to the front door.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/7stacyshouse/snapshot_7176959f_51977aa3.jpg

She looked good, he thought to himself. She hadn't changed, yet she wasn't the same. What was different? Ah yes, though ever-so-slightly, she was smiling. That was a first!

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/7stacyshouse/snapshot_7176959f_31977d4a.jpg

"Thanks for coming," she greeted him nervously. She looked as though she was going to hug him hello, but thought better of it when she saw his crossed arms and hostile demeanor.

"This isn't a social call," he retorted, his voice flat and cold. "I'm only here because, like it or not, you're my daughter's mother. So what is it, what do you want?"

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/7stacyshouse/snapshot_7176959f_91977cd0.jpg

Stacy sighed heavily, looking disappointed. "I half expected this," she admitted in a small voice. "But it's still hard to see you so angry with me."

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/7stacyshouse/snapshot_7176959f_51977c92.jpg

Dorian clenched his jaw, willing himself to keep his cool. "Well what else am I supposed to do?" he asked through gritted teeth. "DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA HOW BADLY YOU HURT OUR DAUGHTER?" Regaining a bit of his composure, he lowered his voice and continued, "I'm here, so say whatever it is you wanted to say. Let's get this over with."

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/7stacyshouse/snapshot_7176959f_d1977ce0.jpg

Stacy chewed her bottom lip anxiously. "Okay." She took a deep breath, then told him, "The reason I called you was because I felt I owed you an explanation." She hung her head guiltily. "I know that nothing I say can justify what I've done to you and Adriana," she assurred her former husband, her voice wavering a little as she spoke her daughter's name aloud. "But I was hoping I might make you understand why I acted so unforgivably," she stated simply. "Please, will you come inside?"

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h14/simsagasdorian/7stacyshouse/snapshot_7176959f_31977bf8.jpg

[*~LadyWaterLilly~*]

OOooh, I wonder what Stacy has to say.

I have a question, where did y ou get Stacy's eye make up?

[beeps]

Psht! Im GLAD that Dorian wasnt friendly to his ex wife... She was a major biotch to him and their daughter! Good update but what a way to leave us hangin' ;)

boolPropped

[Sim Sagas]

Stacy's eyelashes are from http://sussissogoodsims2.com

It doesn't say who did the eyeshadow, but if I remember correctly, it's a revision of one of Helaene's eyeshadow sets, and is on http://modthesims2.com

[jenny]

wow, excellent stories, you are very good at this! I love all the little stories and how you have intertwined everything, you must have time to play alot!:lol..anyway, thanks so much for the awesome reading:D

[richdude_SC]

The suspense is killing me.!!!!!!!

[nckw]

omg stacey was pregnant when they broke up and now they had a baby
thats what inside house isnt it?

[niqua230]

How much you wanna bet that she is getting remarried
or like nckw said had his baby after he left better yet both

[DejAng3l]

awwww.......the suspense is killing me.....can't wait for more updates....and by the wait....is it jenkins or jensons (the couple with the resturant).........it was one way in one chapter and another in the other chapter.......

[Sim Sagas]

Alright, I think I've fixed all of the "Jensons" to Jenkins" now. I just randomly name my characters, and since I rarely actually play (I spend all my time taking pictures) I have trouble remembering some sims' names!

[Sim Sagas]

Ella discovered shortly after her wedding that her new husband had a volatile temper. Most of the time, he was same easy-going prankster she'd met at the bar. But other times, he got angry over the strangest things.

For example, one night, he lectured Ella for going to the mailbox in her underwear.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/3house/snapshot_b18629dd_b192415b.jpg

"But it's hot out!" Ella insisted. "Besides, I was only out there for two seconds!"

But Ash was adamant. "It only takes two seconds for someone to drive by and see you! What will the neighbours think?! I don't want people saying that my wife is a slut!"

Oh.

She hadn't thought of it that way.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/3house/snapshot_b18629dd_519241aa.jpg

"I'm sorry sweetie," Ella replied, looking apologetic. "I won't do it again."

Ash smiled and wrapped his arms around her. "You know I'm just looking out for you, baby, right?"

Ella murmured "mhm" as Ash kissed her gently. He really did love her.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/3house/snapshot_b18629dd_71924209.jpg


* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


What Ash didn't love, however, was her spending habits!

As her due date drew closer, Ella insisted that they go shopping to pick up essential items for the twins. Things like designer baby clothes, glow-in-the dark sparkly pacifiers...you know, the basics!

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/5babies/snapshot_b18629dd_9198d74e.jpg

"Ash!!" Ella called as she scurried - well, waddled - across the store. "Hurry up!" Seeing the large display full of cute toys, strollers, swings, and toddler potties, Ella squealed. "Ooh, we have to get two of these...and two of these...oh, and these!"

Ash shook his head disapprovingly as he reluctantly joined his wife. "No way," he replied, the corner of his mouth twitching a bit. "We can't afford all that stuff! We're just here to get the basics," he reminded his young wife in a firm tone.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/5babies/snapshot_b18629dd_b198d675.jpg

"Ohhh, but look how cute all this stuff is!" Ella responded, not really hearing him. "How can we not buy it?!"

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/5babies/snapshot_b18629dd_3198d6b4.jpg

Ash scowled. "You really have no concept of money, do you? Besides, maybe we'd be able to afford all this junk if you hadn't spent so much on maternity clothes!"

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/5babies/snapshot_b18629dd_b198d7ce.jpg

He wasn't even sure his wife had heard him, to be honest. The die-hard shopper just scurried over to the next display, still oohing and aahing at all the overpriced merchandise.

Without warning, Ash walked over to a display of toy sailboats, and with calculated, emotionless movements, raised his foot.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/5babies/snapshot_b18629dd_1198d866.jpg

He brought it down hard on top of the flimsy toy, smashing it beyond repair. Ella could only look on in shock, her eyes wide and her mouth gaping open.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/5babies/snapshot_b18629dd_1198d8be.jpg

After Ash had kicked the toy sailboat several times, he turned around and calmly rejoined his wife.

"Ready to go?" he asked pleasantly as he rubbed his hands together idlely.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/5babies/snapshot_b18629dd_5198d9c3.jpg

"What?" he said, amused, as he saw his wife's expression of disbelief.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/5babies/snapshot_b18629dd_7198d9e2.jpg

He laughed, took her by the waist, and spun her around. "Relax, baby," he cooed in her ear. "It's just some dumb toy. It's no big deal."

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/5babies/snapshot_b18629dd_5198da1f.jpg

He smiled and cupped her big belly affectionately. "You worry too much, babe."

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/5babies/snapshot_b18629dd_9198dad0.jpg

[beeps]

Ooh, I dont think I like Ash very much... What a meanie to stomp that little sail boat!

boolPropped

[richdude_SC]

Great Update. I think Ash has anger issues. ;):p

[NCAngel76_SC]

OMG...I actually did live with someone with a temper that bad once...but he still didn't act like that out in public!! *wondering if the store owner in this story has the 'u break it, u buy it' philosophy*

Anger issues??? LOL *sending him to Jack Nicholson's school of Anger Management*

Love it Love it Love it!!! MORE MORE MORE!! Ok...I'll wait patiently for the next update!!!

[beeps]

I have a toy store that I absolutely ADORE, and I would seriously kick some you-know-what if some lame-o sim came in and smashed a boat. :grrr: *giggles* Just kidding... Im not that angry...

boolPropped

[Sim Sagas]

This update is a little more "PG-13" than some, as it contains mild language and...sim violence? Haha, I don't know - just consider yourselves warned! =)



As her pregnancy progressed, Ash didn't like her going out of the house. He said it was too risky. So, Ella was pretty much housebound. She spent her time watching television and reading baby books in anticipation of the big change her life was about to undergo.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/4lifewithash/snapshot_b18629dd_b19324ae.jpg

She'd stopped going to school as soon as she'd begun to show; she figured the gossip and snide remarks weren't worth it. Besides, it wasn't like she'd learn much anyway, considering she had to pee practically every fifteen minutes!

After one such emergency trip to the bathroom, Ella returned to find Ash hanging up the phone.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/4lifewithash/snapshot_b18629dd_119324f5.jpg

"Whatcha doing?" she asked, startling him a bit as she came up behind him. "Who called?"

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/4lifewithash/snapshot_b18629dd_51932585.jpg

He grunted noncommitally. "No one important."

"Who was it?" Ella pressed, refusing to let him off the hook so easily.

Ash shrugged unapologetically. "That dumb friend of yours. I get sick of her always calling here, pestering us - "

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/4lifewithash/snapshot_b18629dd_519325f5.jpg

As soon as he'd uttered the words, he caught his mistake. Ella did too.

"What?!" she demanded, instantly becoming angry. "Jossalyn's been calling for me and you didn't tell me??"

Ash raised an eyebrow. "So what?" he replied. "She's a bad influence anyway."

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/4lifewithash/snapshot_b18629dd_519327da.jpg

Ella's eyes narrowed. "Well she's my friend, so that's for me to decide! Not you!!!"

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/4lifewithash/snapshot_b18629dd_b19325c7.jpg

Her husband chuckled. "Sometimes I forget I married an effing teenager. You think you're so smart - well it's up to me to point out your stupidity! Jossalyn. Is. No. Good."

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/4lifewithash/snapshot_b18629dd_919327aa.jpg

"What the h*ll? You think this is FUNNY?!" Losing her temper, the immature teenager spit on her husband furiously.

He looked mildly surprised for a moment, then quickly recovered and made a big show of wiping the saliva from his chin as he examined her thoughtfully.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/4lifewithash/snapshot_b18629dd_b1932602.jpg

"Did you seriously think I'd stand for that?" he demanded, his voice chillingly calm. "Because if you did, you're wrong, b*tch. Dead wrong."

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/4lifewithash/snapshot_b18629dd_319325ac.jpg

Ella barely had time to comprehend what was happening. All she could do was helplessly watch as her husband's fist, seemingly in slow motion, collided with her face.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/4lifewithash/snapshot_b18629dd_f1932809.jpg

"STOP! PLEASE STOP!" she begged, her tears mixing with the blood gushing from her nose.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/4lifewithash/snapshot_b18629dd_71932e43.jpg

Ash didn't look particularly sorry. "Now see what you made me do?" he asked quietly, pointing a finger at his wife.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/4lifewithash/snapshot_b18629dd_b1932e91.jpg

She turned away and wept quietly, still in shock.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/4lifewithash/snapshot_b18629dd_f1932ec7.jpg

"Are you going to keep doing that all night?" Ash asked, annoyed, as he prepared for bed. "Because some people are trying to sleep, yanno."

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/4lifewithash/snapshot_b18629dd_119323e8.jpg

As her husband rolled over and easily drifted off to sleep, Ella struggled to stifle her sobs.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j172/simsagasella/4lifewithash/snapshot_b18629dd_91932f05.jpg

[richdude_SC]

That *******!! I hope he dies slowly and painfully.

[beeps]

*clenches teeth* What a... Hes just... :grrr: I agree with richdude.

boolPropped

[jenny]

she needs to leave big time!! great story, just don't have him hit her belly, k?

[*~LadyWaterLilly~*]

Ash is evil....Ergh Send him to the torture chamber!!

[professional loser]

Chloe - cheesecake in means a pregnancy automatically turns into twins :)

Argh, Ash is such a...a...GRRR. Let her go home to her parents. :(

[Panique]

she needs to leave big time!! great story, just don't have him hit her belly, k?I once read a Sims story on the exchange where that happened :( It was sad.

Do you mean in real life? Is that like an old wives tale? Or is that a cheat in the game or something.

Sorry if I sound stupid you guys, but Ive never heard that before :)When you get OFB you can bake cheesecake, the game programmers programmed it so cheesecake will make a pregnant Sim have twins if they eat it. It was originally going to increase the chance of twins but I think there was a mistake in programming or something?

Anyway, good update ^^ :)

[chyrun]

I'm afraid that now that Dorian has found a new love, Stacy will want him back :(

[Vinhou]

Oh, that scumbag Ash! He should just... just... you know. :taekwondo

I still love your story - I can't wait for another update! :P

[starwyn]

wow you really know how to wind up your audience.
Another fantastic update!
I'd like to see Ella's parents turn up for a visit with her face all bruised like that

ps: I love the name Ella, i alsmost named my daughter that but went with Paige instead

[Vengeance_SC]

AGRH Ash is gonna die, make a character of me I want to kill him!