Flenderson 3: Round 14

Last round, Brock and Isla were still adjusting to having a toddler in the house. Little Viola seemed to be having more nightmares than usual, which wasn't helped by the family's new frequent houseguest, Vlad. (Even a trip to GeekCon with her dad didn't do much to alleviate them). By the end of the week, Viola had aged to a child and began to meet other kids around the neighborhood. Meanwhile, Brock and Isla progressed in their respective careers.

Hi, guys!

Brock: Hi, mysterious voice.

Anything on the agenda for today?

Brock: Not really. Just hanging out here at home.

Viola: Dad, can you show me how to play the guitar?

Brock: Maybe when you're a bit bigger, honey. But someday, I promise.

So...any signs of...you know who?

Brock: No, thankfully.

Isla: I hope he's alright, though. He really didn't look healthy... 

Isla: So, you all ready for school tomorrow?

Viola: I guess so...I'm kind of nervous, though.

Isla: You know, I think your dad still has some of his own homework lying around...

Viola: Do you think he'll let me see it?

Isla: Why don't you go and ask?

Viola: Wow! This is easy!

Brock: See? I told you. You're going to do great.

Oh, hey there Misty.

Misty: Hi...just dropping by to check in. How's everything?

Brock: Great. Viola's in school now...

Misty: Erica too, can you believe it?

Brock: How's work?

Misty: (sigh) Fine, I guess. Politics is a lot harder than I thought. Sometimes I think I should have stuck with music like you.

Brock: I'm glad you stopped by, it's been too long.

Misty: I know...we'll have to do this again...

Quite the change from when you two couldn't stand to be in the same room together.

Nice going, Brock.

Brock: Thanks!

Isla: So, honey...how's school been going?

Viola: Um...ok, I guess.

Isla: Did you make any friends yet?

Viola: Not really...they all think I'm a little strange. We had to get up in class and tell a story, and I told about the pointy man that I used to see when I was little...everybody laughed.

Isla: The...pointy man?

Viola: Yeah, you remember. He used to come at night...you and Dad would be asleep but I would always wake up and he'd be in the living room, and I'd talk to him...

Isla: Oh, right, the nightmare you used to have. Well, don't worry, honey. We'll find a way to make the other kids like you...hey, how about a party?

Viola: A...party?

Isla: Yeah. We'll invite some of them over, throw a really awesome party, and then everyone will want to be your friend. You'll see.

Viola: Um...ok, I guess...

A weenie roast?

Brock: Yeah. It seemed like a pretty simple party to throw. We'll set up a campfire in the backyard, the kids can roast marshmallows, it'll be fun...

Haiti: Help!

Hosnian: You're supposed to put something on the stick. I thought you said you'd been to the woods before.

Haiti: Well, yeah, but I was really little...

Ok, this looks like it's going relatively well...

...Or not. Looks like the party's over...

Brock: Yeah...so much for helping her make friends.

Yeah, almost lighting the guests on fire doesn't make for a great party.

Really? Brock too? Man, time is really flying around here...

Viola: Ahh! Monster!

Oh, great...Marvin's back...

Viola: Wait...what was that? I thought I heard something outside, too...

Oh, don't tell me...

Viola: What...what are you doing back here?

I was going to ask the same question.

Vlad: My, you are still quite an inquisitive child...I was merely keeping up my physical stamina by taking an evening stroll around the neighborhood. I'm sorry if I have disturbed you...

Viola: You didn't wake me up...the monster did...

Vlad: I'm afraid I don't understand, child.

Viola: Hey, can you make the monster go away? You're kind of scary too, maybe if it sees you it'll go away.

Vlad: (sigh) Very well...show me to your bed chamber...

Um, Viola? Do you really think it's a good idea...

Viola: See? It's right there! Under the bed!

Vlad: Perhaps your imagination has gotten out of hand, young one. I see nothing underneath the bed...now, if you'll excuse me, child, I don't think your parents will take kindly to my presence if they should awaken....

Isla: Huh? Who's out there...oh, Vlad...it's you.

Vlad: Good evening, madam. I hope you forgive me for intruding. I was just about to take my leave...

Isla: Why...wait, were you inside? Who let you in? I just got up and Brock's asleep.

Vlad: Rest assured that I did not enter your home uninvited. That would be terrible rude of me.

Isla: Um...ok, then...good seeing you...

Vlad: You as well, madam.

Brock: Viola, there's no such thing as a monster under your bed...

Viola: The pointy man said the same thing...but I know it's there.

Brock: Wait, the pointy man...you haven't had that dream in awhile. Since before you started school, actually...

Viola: He's not a dream, Dad. He's real. I asked him to make the monster go away but he couldn't see it either.

Huh? Oh, right, Brock's birthday...sorry, Brock. With all the late-night excitement I must have forgot.

Brock: Oh, it's alright I guess.... 

Looks like we've got a lot to celebrate...

Isla: I know...hey, mysterious voice...I've been meaning to ask you...have you ever been....what's it called...bowling?

Um...yes...why?

Isla: Oh, there was this story on the news last night about how they've converted an old nightclub down in the desert to have something called bowling...Viola was asking me about it and truthfully, I have no idea what it is. It looked like fun, though. I thought it might be a good way to get the kids back on her side after the campfire incident...

Huh, you know, that's not such a bad idea. Ok, everyone. We're going bowling!

Viola: So, what do we do?

Ok, see that big, heavy ball?

Viola: Yeah...

And see those white things down there?

Viola: Yeah...

Roll the ball towards the white things and try to knock them over.

Amethyst: Oops...

Viola: Isn't this kind of dangerous?

No, you guys will get the hang of it.

Amethyst: Hey, this is kind of fun...

See? And wait until it gets dark...

Haiti: What happens when it gets dark?

Haiti: Whoa! It's all glow-y!

Amethyst: Cool!

Hosnian: This is awesome!

Viola: So, I just roll the ball...

Yup.

Viola: I did it! I knocked them all down!

That's called a strike! Great job.

Viola: Hey, where's Mom and Dad?

Oh...yeah, I kind of lost track of them...

Looks like they found the grown-up part of the bowling alley...

Aldo: Hey, Brock! Good to see you!

Brock: You too, man! Where's Misty?

Aldo: At home with the kids. I managed to sneak out for a night on my own. You too?

Brock: No, we brought ours with us. And Isla's around here somewhere...

 Isla: Ha! You know, for two people who met in a music club you'd think we'd be better singers.

Brock: Well, one more thing we get to practice together, then...

So, who won?

Hosnian: Wait...someone was supposed to win?

Usually that is how it works.

Haiti: I don't know...

Viola: We kind of lost track...

Viola: Mom! This was so much fun! I even got a...what's it called...a strike!

Isla: You really liked it, huh?

Viola: Yeah! And so did the other kids! I don't even think they care about the you-know-what  anymore...

Haiti: This was really fun, Mrs. Flenderson! Can we come back again?

Viola: Yeah, do you think I can have my birthday party here?

Isla: I don't see why not...did you guys see the video games upstairs?

Haiti: There are video games here too?

Alright, well, as fun as this has been, it's almost 1AM...I think it's about time to head home.

Brock: 1AM...oh, I didn't even notice the time. Come on, I've got to get you kids home before your parents put out a search party.

So, are you back in good standing with the other kids now?

Viola: Yeah, I think so. I still like playing alone more, but I'm glad they don't call me weird anymore.

Brock: Oh, hi Misty. Well, I've got work this afternoon, but...actually, do you mind if I bring Viola over?

Brock: You don't mind keeping an eye on her, do you?

Misty: Not at all. It'll be good for her and Erica to get to know each other. We don't really get everybody together enough.

Brock: I know. We should have a dinner or something one of these days.

Viola: Um...hi, Erica.

Erica: Hi! Mom said you were coming over. Wanna play dolls?

Viola: Sure, but isn't this your little sister's room?

Erica: She won't mind. She still thinks it's cool when I'm in her room.

Viola: I wish I had a little sister.

Erica: Trust me, no you don't. She's always getting into my stuff...and she cries all the time when my mom's not home. Actually, we should probably get out of here...it's almost her nap time.

Erica: So, how did you make up such a cool story at school? 

Viola: I didn't...I mean, you thought it was cool?

Erica: Yeah.

Viola: Um...well, I just remembered a dream I used to have when I was little. At least, my mom and dad always said it was a dream...

Erica: Well, I liked it. You should write books or something when you get bigger.

Misty: Ok, girls...once you're done eating I have to take Viola home...

Viola: Aunt Misty? What was your favorite book as a kid?

Misty: Well, I wasn't really a big reader...why?

Viola: I want to try and make a book...but I don't know what the other kids will like.

Misty: Well, when I was your age I liked the ones that had fun pictures...

Viola: Hey, my mom makes pictures for her job!

Misty: Maybe she can help!

Isla: So did you have a good time at your aunt's house?

Viola: Yeah...say, Mom, do you think you could show me how to draw some good pictures? I want to make a book!

Isla: Oh, ok...come on, I'll go get some of my old supplies.

Well, as much as I'd like to stay and see Viola's first literary work, I've got to be on my way. See you guys next round!

A Message From the Mysterious Voice: And Tranquility Creek gets bowling! Overall I think Bowling Night is a pretty solid pack, other than the fact that a game of bowling takes forever...the kids never actually finished their game, I had to manually end it because it was almost midnight. They didn't get there that late, either. I actually think I'm going to keep Viola as an only child. It kind of works for them, plus I need to start really thinking about space for new houses. And I really didn't intend to miss Brock's birthday-I ended up walking away from the game for an afternoon, and I forgot it was his birthday when I got back to it. (Plus Vlad's visit kind of distracted me-I really wanted to get a picture of him spraying Viola's bed but he wouldn't.) 

Doe 1: Round 14

Last round, Mackerel and Christin continued to try and work their way up after a rough start to their married life. Their son, Garnet, aged from a baby to a toddler, and Christin soon found herself pregnant again with a daughter, Amethyst.

Hey, buddy...what are you doing up? It's the middle of the night?

Garnet: Bad dream!

Aww...ok, let's go find your mom and dad...

Mackerel: Oh, you have got to be kidding me...

Sorry, Mackerel. They were up when I got here.

Mackerel: Sure they were...

Christin: What is everybody doing up so early?

Mackerel: I don't know, ask her...

Christin: Her?

I think he means me...even though I already told you, it's not my fault...

Mackerel: Whatever. What are you doing up?

Christin: I wanted to get an early start for the flea market...

Time for some bargain hunting?

Christin: Oh, I'm not going to shop. I have to review the food from the food stands.

Well?

Christin: Wow...these are spicy...

Is that a bad thing?

Christin: I suppose not...if you like that sort of thing.

Kind of a noncommittal review for a food critic, isn't it?

Christin: I guess. This food review thing is harder than it looks. I thought that after I got past the initial levels, it would just click, you know? But it hasn't. Sometimes I wonder if I made the right choice.

Well, to be fair, it's not like you had much of a choice at the beginning. You guys were living in a tent.

Christin: Ugh, don't remind me. Besides, it's not all bad. I get to work from home a few days a week-that's been a lifesaver. 

Christin: Plus, you know, it wouldn't be the worst thing in the world if I did some shopping...as long as I'm here.

Are you in the market for a lamp?

Christin: We're in the market for just about everything.

Really?

Christin: What?

Are things really that bad that you have to rummage through the garbage?

Christin: Hey, you never know what you'll find...I'm not passing anything up.

What? Already?

Christin: Well, sure. Remember, he waited a bit before we moved out together.

That's true.

So, how are the little guys doing?

Faith: Oh, just wonderful, I suppose...considering.

Considering what?

Faith: Well, I'm just concerned about the lack of enrichment options for them around here...my other families...

...all have two or three generations' worth of money. These guys don't.

Faith: I guess. I just hope this doesn't lead to any serious developmental issues. This is a very critical age, you know.

How are you such an expert on this anyway? Toddlers have only been a thing for you guys for...well, not that long.

Faith: Yes, but I'm a professional. I'm expected to know these things.

Well, I guess all those reviews from the flea market paid off.

Christin: Yeah, they did. Although I don't know how...

You know, call me crazy but you don't look thrilled to be celebrating your birthday.

Mackerel: I don't know why we're even doing this. We're not ready to host a party yet. We barely have enough places for people to sit, we only have one tiny radio...

Wait, you're having the party here?

Mackerel: Well, yeah...where else would we have it? It's not like we can afford to rent out anywhere...

Christin: Oh, Mackerel, relax. It's just your family. It's not like we're hosting a state dinner.

Mackerel: You know how big my family is, right? We might as well be.

Mackerel: Hey, Trout...thanks for coming. Make yourself at home...just have a seat on the...oh, um...

Trout: I'll figure it out, don't worry...

Ok, seriously. What is with this family and hats? 

Tetra: What? I think it looks nice!

Well, at least Amethyst looks happy...for once.

Amethyst: New dress!

I can see that...very nice.

Happy birthday, dear Mackerel...

Mackerel: Great...well, at least that's over with...

Well, the night's not a total loss. The kids at least got to meet their cousins.

Trout: Well, I think it looks better...

Tetra: Certainly better than the last time I came. They didn't even have a table then...they were eating off the counter.

Marlin: Man, you think we should have helped him out more? I mean, it is our brother...

Salmon: Hey, it's not our fault he bought a house without realizing it didn't come furnished.

Tetra: Yeah, but...I still feel we should help out a bit, you know?

Trout: He'll never take money from us. You know that.

Tetra: Well, how about if we give him some things to brighten it up around here? You know, make it feel more like a home instead of...

Marlin: A warehouse?

Tetra: Yeah. Hey, Trout, you got any extra copies of the pictures from Luke's wedding?

Trout: Yeah, a bunch. We went overboard with getting them printed up.

Tetra: Great...I think I just thought of the perfect idea for a birthday gift.

Christin: What a lovely gift...I'm sure he'll love them...when he wakes up.

Wait, Mackerel's asleep already?

Christin: Yeah, he played along for the cake but then he went to bed.

Is he...ok? He's been a little...grumpy, lately.

Christin: What? Oh, sure. He's just been a little down lately. I think...

You think what?

Christin: Well, it's just...having his siblings around brings up a lot of stuff for him. They're all doing so much better than we are-even Salmon, and he changes jobs it seems like every week! 

Well, yeah...but Trout and Salmon are also older. And Tetra didn't move out on her own, so it doesn't make sense to compare...

Christin: Well, I know that. But Mackerel doesn't seem to. Maybe it's just part of growing up in a big family, I don't know....

Clam: Remember, I'm the cool cousin, ok? Not Shark!

Garnet: Cool cousin!

Clam: This is awesome, I wish I had a little brother...

No!

Besides, I don't think he'll be so easy to manipulate for much longer.

Christin: Are you tired yet?

Amethyst: Not tired! Fly!

Christin: Ok, one more game, then we have to go do something outside...

Christin: Ok, that's it...good job...

You're really trying to take a nice picture of two toddlers?

Christin: I just want one nice shot of the two of them before Garnet starts school. Besides, look how cute they are together....

Garnet: Me first!

Amethyst: He pushed me!

Doesn't really last for long, does it?

Christin: This is why I wanted the picture...

Looks like Mackerel had a better day today, at least.

Nice job...

Mackerel: Thanks...

Any plans for the bonus check?

Mackerel: I think a new fridge is next on the list...maybe a bigger dining table too. Thrilling, isn't it?

Hey, every bit helps.

Um...may I ask why you're painting your back wall?

Christin: They want me to paint a mural for work.

Ok, two questions there. One, why are you painting a mural if you're a food critic? And two, why are you painting it on your house?

Christin: I have no idea, and if you think I'm carting two toddlers to the city with me so I can paint a wall there you're nuts.

Wait, you're throwing a party for Garnet?

Christin: I know, it seems excessive....

Who are you even inviting? He's a toddler-he doesn't have any friends yet.

Christin: Oh, we're just having the family over...again.

Too bad you couldn't have just done it all on one night.

Trout: Hey, kids...long time no see! You two look ready for bed, not ready for a party! 

Um...where's everybody else?

Trout: Oh, Salmon's on his way...Marlin and Tetra were kind of partied out from last night.

Well, Garnet doesn't seem to mind the low turnout. Happy birthday, dear Garnet...

Huh...well, that's a new one.

And I think I'd better get you a new outfit, too.

Salmon: Congratulations, little man...

Garnet: Thanks, Uncle Salmon. 

You know, something tells me Uncle Salmon is the last person Garnet should be bonding with...

Salmon: Ahh, I remember when I first started school. We had show and tell the first day...

Garnet: Show and tell? So, like, the other kids brought their toys and stuff to school?

Salmon: Yeah, some of them brought some really neat things...

Garnet: Cool...

Hey, it actually looks like a kitchen!

Christin: I know...look, new counters and everything!

Mackerel: I'll admit, it makes a huge difference. This place is finally starting to feel like...

Christin: A home?

Mackerel: Yeah...

Hey, Garnet, how was the first day of school?

Amethyst: Garnet! 

Garnet: Shhh! Amethyst, I have to hide something in here...

Amethyst: Hide! Hide!

Um...you stole dirty dishes from the school?

Garnet: Promise you won't tell!

I'm more confused about why you would steal dirty dishes...

Garnet: Well, Uncle Salmon was wrong...we didn't have show and tell today!

So you chose dirty dishes...wait, why am I debating what you stole?

Nice job, Christin. I guess that mural helped...

Christin: Yeah, but I have no idea how. I don't even know what these people want from me anymore. 

Mackerel: Um, we need to talk...

Christin: About what?

Mackerel: Well, I was going through our son's backpack...and he's got some very...interesting stuff in there.

Christin: Interesting...how?

Mackerel: Well, I found a stack of dirty plates, a book I do not remember buying...

Christin: You think he's taking things from school?

Mackerel: Well, it sure seems like it...

Christin: But wait...dirty dishes?

That's what I said...

Mackerel: Wait...

Christin: You knew about this? Why didn't you tell us?

In my defense, I only found out today...

So, did you notice Garnet bringing home anything unusual from school, did you?

Faith: Well, to be honest, I was a bit preoccupied...by the time I was able to check in on him he'd already stashed his backpack in his room and was in the living room doing his homework. I didn't think anything of it...but you know, it does make sense, in a way. He didn't exactly have the ideal environment, you know...

Um...you know, Faith...

Never mind, it looks like you won't be around here for much longer anyway.

Christin: Amethyst, we have to change you out of your jammies, honey. It's almost time for your party...

Don't tell me we're throwing her a party too...

Christin: No...I feel sort of bad, but...Garnet's didn't go so well. I think the big parties will have to wait until they're older. We're just going to do cake in the kitchen.

Christin: You're ok with that, aren't you honey?

Amethyst: Cake! 

Christin: That's my girl. Come on, let's get you dressed and then we'll have the pretty pink cake I made you...

Amethyst: Pink cake!

Happy birthday, dear Amethyst...

Well, it's better than kleptomaniac I guess...

Not bad, but maybe we can do something else with your hair...

Much better. And I love your new room.

Amethyst: Thanks. We made Garnet's room nicer too, but I'm not allowed in there anymore. He started locking his door and everything. He won't even let Mom and Dad in.

Well, big brothers can be like that. Where is he now?

Amethyst: He invited Clam over...they're playing chess in the living room.

You guys got a chess set?

Amethyst: Yeah, Dad said something about keeping Garnet busy...

Clam: Did you hear about all the stuff that went missing from the cafeteria?

Garnet: Yeah...

Clam: They said it was like, 50 plates or something...

Garnet: It wasn't 50, it was like 2...

Clam: ...How do you know?

Garnet: Um...I just know, ok? 

Aww, little cousin shot...when did Shark and Betta get here?

Betta: Mom sent us to get Clam to come home for dinner.

Both of you?

Shark: I think she wanted to be alone with Daddy...

Oh, that makes more sense.

Amethyst: Mom, do I have to go to school tomorrow?

Christin: What's wrong, honey? Why don't you want to go?

Amethyst: Betta said that somebody at school keeps taking all the other kids' stuff...

Betta: It's true, Aunt Christin. A kid in our class brought a book in and when he came in from recess it was gone from his desk.

Christin: Oh...well, I'm sure the teachers will put a stop to that soon. But maybe don't bring your favorite toys with you for now, ok?

Christin: So, Garnet...how's school going?

Garnet: Oh, it's fine...

Christin: Betta said that someone's been stealing stuff...do you know anything about that?

Garnet: No! Why would I know anything about that?

Christin: I was just wondering if you'd heard anything...

Amethyst: Nobody better try and steal my stuff...

Garnet: Oh, relax, will you? Nobody's gonna steal your junky stuff...

Amethyst: Hey!

Christin: You know, Garnet...if the school catches...whoever is taking this stuff they're going to get in a lot of trouble...

Garnet: Yeah, I know...but only if they get caught. And the teachers have no idea who it is. I heard them talking in the hallway. I'm going outside to play...

Christin: Wait, Garnet...

At least we get to end the week on a good note. Congratulations, Mackerel.

Mackerel: Thanks. I'm almost caught up to Trout now.

Well, as much as I'd like to stick around I have to be moving on. I'll see you guys next round and...keep an eye on Garnet, ok?

Mackerel: Way ahead of you...

A Message From the Mysterious Voice: So yeah...kleptomaniac. This house just got more interesting. Ever since I started using the "create a random Sim" website to roll traits and aspirations instead of the long list and a dice I'm getting ones I never had before. I had no idea that Sims with this trait would actually swipe items at school or work-or that those items could be dirty dishes. (Garnet did also swipe a book on his second day of school.) And these guys are actually doing a little better; most of the money they accumulate goes right into their house. Christin's been able to publish some books on the side, so that helps too. At least now the kids have decent bedrooms.