Rowan 1: Round 15

Last round, Nemo and Athena were busy keeping up with their twins, Athena and Hermes. With Nemo progressing in the culinary career, he decided to throw a dinner party to celebrate their birthdays, but they were just a bit too late to get both twins to the cakes on time.

Hi there, Hermes!

Hermes: Oh...hi.

Catching up on some homework I see...

Hermes: Yeah...

Where's your sister?

Hermes: How should I know?

Oh, there you are...what are you up to today?

Athena: Well, I was going to draw a picture, but Hermes stole my favorite red crayon.

Are you sure? Maybe it's just lost.

Athena: No! Hermes took it. I know he did.

Adrianna: All right, you two. I have to go to work. Your father won't be home until late tonight. Promise me that you two will keep the fighting to a minimum?

Hermes: What are you talking about?

Athena: Yeah, we don't fight...except for that one time Hermes wrecked my drawing.

Hermes: Well that was only because you messed up my chessboard.

Athena: Well that was only because you...

Adrianna: Look, just...try to keep from sending each other to the emergency room, ok?

Adrianna: I had the best day!

Nemo: Wish I could say the same...I'm so tired of working the bar. I keep telling them my speciality is in food, not drinks...

Adrianna: Don't they have a bartender? I mean, someone must have been hired in after they promoted you from mixologist, right?

Nemo: Yeah, but he keeps calling out...anyway, enough about my stupid job. What happened to you?

Adrianna: They want me to contribute to this children's magazine...just short stories, but it gets circulated through a bunch of schools...

Nemo: Wow, that's great! Got any ideas?

Adrianna: Well, a few...but I've got to try them out on my test audience first.

Adrianna: And they all lived happily ever after. The end. So, what did you think?

Hermes: Well, it was pretty good...but I think it could have used a stronger climax. And maybe some more character development on the evil dragon...and maybe the knight should ride a rocket ship instead of a horse!

Adrianna: Um...sure, Hermes. I'll take that advice...alright, time for bed...

Oh, good...Marvin's back.

Hermes: Mom!

Adrianna: Hermes, there's no such thing as monsters. I promise, nothing's out there to get you...

You were saying?

Welcome back.

Adrianna: ....

Adrianna, you ok?

Adrianna: I...I don't know...

Nemo: Hey...you alright?

Adrianna: What? Yeah...yeah, I'm fine.

Nemo: You don't look fine. I saw the lights outside...I know what those mean.

Adrianna: It's nothing. Nemo. I promise. I'm just a little dizzy...I'm sure it will wear off. After all, this happens every day, right?

Nemo: Yeah...but not to you...

Adrianna: I told you, I'm fine...I'm sure I'll feel better in the morning.

Nemo: Ok, yeah...maybe sleep will help...

Nemo: Athena, what are you doing up?

Athena: I heard noises outside...is Mom OK?

Nemo: Yeah, Mom's ok, honey. Don't worry...

Athena: Are you sure?

Nemo: ... Yes, I'm sure. Now go on back to bed.

Nemo: Good morning. I brought you a little something...

Adrianna: Nemo, it's before noon...

Nemo: Just thought it might...you know...relax you...

Adrianna: I promise, I'm fine. Really. Look...working and everything.

Athena: I think something bad happened to Mom...I think she got taken by the aliens last night.

Hermes: So? Lots of people get taken by aliens. They always come back...

Athena: Yeah, but when Mom came back the noises woke me up...and I saw her out the window and she looked really scared. Maybe these were the bad aliens.

Hermes: There are bad aliens?

Athena: Well, there are bad people, aren't there? So why wouldn't there be bad aliens?

Athena: Amethyst, you ever wonder where the aliens come from?

Amethyst: Not really...but why does it matter? Aliens are just like us. They taught us that at school, remember?

Athena: Yeah, but...I think one of them hurt my mom.

Amethyst: Really?

Athena: Uh-huh. She got taken the other night, and ever since then she's been...weird. And not good weird. She's been all scared and sad...Dad says she's fine, but I know she's not. And I think the aliens hurt her.

Amethyst: But why would they hurt her if they're just like us?

Athena: Well, I know that the ones who were born here are nice. But...what if the ones who come take people are mean? What if they hurt people up there?

At least this seems to have helped Adrianna's writing...

Adrianna: Yeah, thankfully it's given me something else to focus on.

Are you sure you're ok?

Adrianna: Why does everybody keep asking me that? For the last time, yes! I'm fine! It's not like I was the first person to get abducted. You should know that more than anyone...

Yeah, it does happen more often than one might think...

Anyway, it looks like we've got other matters to attend to.

Hey, nice going, Athena...

Athena: Thanks.

And I guess Nemo's already got his first birthday present.

Nemo: It's about time! You know, when I first entered the "chef" career, I didn't think it would take this long to have the word chef in my job title.

Hermes: Happy birthday, Dad!

Nemo: Thanks, son.

Hermes: Is it time to go to the party yet?

Nemo: Not quite...we've still got to clean up from breakfast first.

So...banquet hall?

Nemo: Yeah...it seems a little excessive, though. It's really just going to be my mom and the triplets...maybe Jessie and Riley, too.

Eve: Nemo, what are you doing in here? It's your birthday, you shouldn't be in the kitchen.

Nemo: It's alright, I'm just whipping up some snacks...I'll be out in a minute.

Athena: Grandma? Can I ask you a question?

Madison: Of course, dear.

Athena: Dad says you and Great Aunt Blair are twins...but how come she looks like an alien and you don't?

Madison: (sigh) I'm afraid it's a pretty complicated story, honey...I'll tell you when you're older...

Athena: Please tell me now...I'm good at keeping secrets. I promise.

Madison: Well, the truth is, your great aunt and I actually look very much the same. But I wear special make-up...and she doesn't.

Athena: Make up? But...why?

Madison: I told you, honey, it's pretty complicated. It was...different being an alien when we were little.

Athena: Was that because of the bad aliens?

Madison: The what?

Athena: You know, the ones who take people away and hurt them and stuff. The ones who weren't born here.

Madison: Where did you ever get an idea like that?

Athena: Well, have you ever met an alien that wasn't born here?

Madison: Well, no, but...

Athena: Then how to you know they're not the bad ones?

Blair: Mind if we sit down, honey?

Adrianna: Oh...of...of course not. You're Nemo's mom and aunt...

Madison: The kids sure have gotten big...

Adrianna: Yeah...yeah, they have...

Blair: Adrianna...are you ok? You look a little...scared.

Adrianna: Scared? Me? Don't be silly...it's a birthday party, right? Why would I be scared? Um...I'm just going to go to the punch bowl for a minute...

Madison: There's a glass of punch in front of you...

Adrianna: Well, you know what they say about hydration...

Um, pardon the interruption, but I think it's about time for the cake?

Adrianna: Oh, right! The cake! (whispers) Thank you...

(whispers) Anytime...

Happy birthday, dear Nemo...

Nemo: So, I can't help but notice you've been hiding in the corner all night...

Adrianna: I'm not hiding...I'm just...sitting.

Nemo: Look, I know my family can be a bit overwhelming...

Adrianna: That's not it, Nemo...I...I thought I'd be fine tonight but...

Nemo: But what?

Adrianna: Your family...they're, well...aliens...

Nemo: Yeah...you knew that...oh...the abduction...

Adrianna: I'm trying so hard not to think about it...and most of the time it's working...but seeing them...they look just like them, Nemo! And I know they're your family, and I know they're not dangerous, but it's like this one part of my brain doesn't know that...

Nemo: Does...does that happen when you look at me? Or Hermes?

Adrianna: No...not anymore.

Nemo: Not anymore?

Adrianna: It did at first...but, I kind of taught myself to look at the human half, you know? Your eyes? And that helped.

Nemo: But my Aunt Blair...

Adrianna: I'm sorry...I know I'm being irrational. I mean, people get abducted all the time, right? If they didn't, you wouldn't be here.

Nemo: Well, yeah, I guess. But you know...I never really knew my grandfather's perspective on it. For all I know, he was just as freaked out as you...come to think of it, I've never really heard anyone talk about what it's like to be abducted....

Nemo: Listen, do you want to head home? I can stay for the rest of the party and meet you back there later.

Adrianna: Are you sure your family won't mind?

Nemo: I'll just tell them you needed to get the kids to bed. It is getting pretty late, anyway.

Adrianna: Thanks, Nemo.

Well, I guess this is as good a time as any for me to head out too. I'll see you guys next round!

A Message From the Mysterious Voice: Wow, that one took a long time to write. I've been trying to hold off on playing ahead until the Parenthood game pack comes out. (Seriously, how awesome does that pack look?) I think Adrianna has finally gotten over the "townie spouse" hurdle in terms of me writing for her; she's really starting to come into her own. I'm also going to have to invest in some exercise equipment for Nemo going forward-let's just say he's been bringing the office home with him a bit too much.

Also, I want to end this one with a bit of a PSA for the newly opened Sims Stories and Legacies Index. This is a massive collection of SimLit stories that was originally compiled by Mastresalita over at the official Sims forums; however, some forum reorganization left it without an appropriate home there and it recently moved to it's own site on Wordpress. The new site is even searchable! If you are looking for other SimLit to read, or if you have your own story you would like to see included, please click either the link above or the link that will be in the sidebar to check it out.

Flenderson 3: Round 15

Last round, Isla and Brock were desperately trying to help their daughter Viola make friends at school. However, their attempts at hosting a weenie roast for the neighborhood kids went up in smoke-literally-when the surrounding furniture caught fire. By the end of the week, though, they had redeemed themselves when they introduced the kids to a new activity-bowling. Meanwhile, Viola received another late-night visit from "Vlad the Pointy Man" when the monster under her bed woke her up.

Hi, Brock!

Brock: Hi there, mysterious voice.

Another lazy Sunday around here?

Brock: Yup. Viola's out back in the pool.

Viola: Look! I can do a backflip now!

Careful, Viola...are you sure you know what you're doing?

I guess you do...

Viola: Dad? Can I go play with Lorelei?

Brock: Sure, honey. Hey, bring your swimsuit along. They've got a pool too.

Viola: Cool! I can show off my new trick!

Lorelei: That backflip was so cool! You should try to do one off the monkey bars or something...you know, if we ever get to go to recess again.

Viola: Um...I think it might hurt if there isn't water.

Lorelei: Oh, yeah...

Lorelei: I don't know why we're even having show and tell still. I mean, everything anyone brings in keeps getting stolen...except for yours. You were smart to make up a story...no one can steal a story from your head.

Viola: Yeah, and mom said she'd help me turn it into a book...I wanted to make the pictures myself but I'm still too short to use the grown-up easel.

Lorelei: You should ask your Mom and Dad for an art table like we have. Then you could make your own pictures.

Viola: Dad...can I have an art table?

Brock: An art table? But...I thought you were into sports and all that.

Viola: Well, I finished that...now I want an art table. Please?

Brock: Um...ok, sure...

Brock: You'll never believe this, but our daughter just asked me for an art table.

Isla: Really? That's great.

Brock: But she's never shown much interest in it before...is it normal for her interests to shift like that?

Isla: Honey, she's just growing up, that's all. Besides, it's probably time for us to redecorate her room anyway.  All we really did when she started school was switch out the bed-it still looks like a nursery in there.

Brock: Maybe you're right...but still, it seems a little abrupt, doesn't it?

Isla: Not really. You're a musician. I'm an artist. She was bound to pick this stuff up sooner or later.

Speaking of growing up...

Oh, hey Misty. What are you doing here?

Misty: Brock's at work, so I dropped by for Isla's birthday.

Oh, so no big party this time?

Viola: Mommy didn't want one.

I still wish you hadn't put the stupid cake behind the half wall, though...Happy birthday, dear Isla...

Viola: Mom, come see what I drew!

Isla: Very nice, honey! Are these all for your book?

Viola: Uh-huh! Can you show them to Dad when he gets home?

Isla: Of course. I'm sure he'll love them. But right now, it's almost bedtime.

Viola: Aw, Mom...

Isla: Maybe you'll have another dream that will give you some new ideas.

Viola: Oh, yeah...

Nice going, Brock!

Brock: Thanks.

Did Isla show you your daughter's drawings?

Brock: Yeah...they're actually pretty good...

But...

Brock: Well, it's just...what she's drawing that concerns me. Isla says they're for a book she's making about the dreams she used to have as a toddler...these were her dreams?

Dreams...right...well, you know, dreams can be like that.

Brock: I guess...and it's not like she's still having them now.

Yeah, about that...

Viola: Pointy Man! You're back...what happened to you?

Yeah, I have the same question.

Vlad: I see you're once again awake in the night, child. I hope my presence has not disturbed you.

Viola: How did you know the monster was back? Come on...

Vlad: (sigh) Very well...

Viola: Can you please spray it so it will go away?

Or, you know, he could just look at it...that might work too.

Vlad: I will comply with your request, child, but only if you promise me you will retire after I do so.

Viola: Huh?

He wants you to go to sleep.

Viola: Oh...ok!

Viola: Why do you look so different now?

Vlad: I'm not sure I know what you mean.

Viola: You don't have hair anymore...and your ears are more pointy...and your eyes are glowing.

Vlad: Merely the effects of aging, my dear...

Viola: Wow! You mean your eyes glow when you get old? Cool!

Vlad: Yes, very.

Viola: Pointy Man? Where do you live?

Vlad: First of all, child, my name is not Pointy Man. I answer to Vlad. And to answer your question, I live in a grand estate down by the marshlands.

Viola: Cool! Can I come to your house? I mean, you keep coming to mine...

Vlad: Perhaps when you are older, child. I'm afraid it is not a suitable environment for children.

Viola: Done! Mom, I finished my book!

I guess last night gave you some inspiration?

Viola: Yup! It's called "The Pointy Man and the Bed Monster!"

I'm sure the other kids will love it.

Viola: I wish I could send it to the grown-up publisher. I asked Mom, but she said they don't take books from kids.

Well, there's always hope for the sequel...

So where are we going?

Viola: The bowling alley!

You guys are a little dressed up for bowling, aren't you?

Lorelei: Viola, that book you wrote for show and tell was so cool!

Viola: Thanks! The teacher even said she wants to keep it in the classroom after I go to high school so other kids can read it. It's like a real book!

Lorelei: I know! Hey, if you become like a famous author, that means our school will be famous too because it has the first book you ever wrote...how'd you think up that Pointy Man, anyway?

Viola: Oh, um...I just used my imagination, I guess.

Happy birthday, dear Viola...

(sigh) Another mixologist? Really? She lucked out with the trait, though.

Not bad...but many a trip to the mirror is in order.

Sadness: Hey, looking good!

Viola: Thanks...you're Hope's older sister, right?

Sadness: Yup. Just wanted to welcome you to high school...by the way, you've seriously got to sign up for creative writing when you register. Hope can't stop talking about the story you told the class for show and tell.

Viola: Really?

Sadness: Really. She keep looking out her window at night looking for that pointy guy...you've got some imagination on you.

Viola: Thanks...

Viola: I don't think this is working, Dad...

Brock: No, no...you're doing fine, honey...but, maybe we should take a break...

Viola: I knew it...I'm terrible...

Brock: You're not terrible. You know, I sounded a lot like you when I first started, too. You can't pick it up in one day.

Isla: Maybe you should go out for the afternoon...clear your head a bit.

Viola: Huh...yeah, you know, there is someplace I've been meaning to go...

Isla: That's the spirit. Just be home by midnight. Your father and I are both working late tonight...

So I guess that means I get to go with her...and I think I have an idea where we're going.

Viola, are you sure about this? This place gives me the creeps...

Viola: You're a disembodied voice...

And yet I'm still creeped out. That should tell you something.

Viola: Will you relax? He's not going to hurt me...I'm sure of it.

Viola: Whoa...this place is huge...

Vlad: Oh, it's you...

Vlad: Why have you come here, child?

Viola: Well, you said that I should come by once I was older...

Vlad: I see...I must say I'm quite surprised. You are the first to visit my manor in many, many years.

You don't say...

Vlad: I see your disembodied narrator has followed you here as well...

Yeah, I did...and I'm not taking my eyes off the two of you.

Vlad: I can assure you that I will not harm the child....but I do wonder if you realize the risks you've taken in coming here.

Viola: I just wanted to come and say thank you...

Vlad: Whatever for? I merely complied with your requests.

Viola: I know, but...

Viola: You know, this would be a whole lot easier if you'd stop doing that!

Yeah, I agree..could you just stay in one place so we can get out of here?

Vlad: Very well.

Vlad: I must say, it pleases me to see how you've grown, child. It's something I have not known for many years now...

Viola: But...your hair...your eyes...you said it was because you were getting older.

Vlad: Merely a ruse, dear child. I suppose now you have matured enough to know the truth. My appearance when we first met was but a charade, designed to let me pass among the mortals undetected. What you see before you is my true form.

Viola: Mortals? So...you're an alien? I thought aliens were blue...

Vlad: No, I am not an alien. But you are correct in that I am not merely human, either.

Viola: But...what else can you be?

Vlad: I am a vampire, dear child. A creature of the night. A member of the undead...

Viola: A...what?

Vlad: Surely you've heard the term vampire before.

Viola: Can't say that I have.

Vlad: But, we have been living alongside you for millennia. Although I suppose the ability for us to travel among you did come more recently...the point is, child, that I am not of your mortal world. And  now that you know the truth, I think it best that our nightly visits come to a close.

Viola: What? No!

Viola: I don't care what you are, Vlad. I...I still need you.w

Vlad: (Laughs) Oh, dear child...surely by now you've stopped finding monsters in your bedchamber.

Viola: Yeah, that's true. But...why does that mean we can't be friends?

Vlad: Friends? My dear, nobody has used that term to refer to me in over 100 years. And I'm afraid your youthful optimism, while charming, is misplaced.

Viola: No it isn't! Look, just...come over tomorrow. During the day, when my parents are up. You've met them before, right? I'm sure they won't mind...

Vlad: I'm afraid that would be quite impossible, child. You see, unlike the aliens you mentioned, my differences from the mortals are more than skin deep. Visiting during the day could prove to be quite dangerous-for both of us.

Viola: What, are you like, allergic to the sun?

Vlad: You could say that.

Viola: Oh...so that's why you only go for walks at night.

Vlad: Indeed. Although I fear that soon I will have to stop that as well. Your neighbors seem to be growing suspicious.

Viola: Well, then...how about I come visit you? After all, it's only fair, right?

Vlad: If that pleases you, child, I suppose a bit of company would not be unwelcome. Come...let me show you the rest of my manor.

Viola: I've never seen a piano like that...

Vlad: That's because it is an organ...most mortals now find it slightly unsettling.

Viola: No, I think it's beautiful. You're really good.

Vlad: Thank you. Music has been my most constant companion in my eternal existence. 

Viola: It's too bad you can't come over...my dad loves music too.

Vlad: I know. That is what drew me to your home to begin with. I heard your father's playing and simply had to meet the human behind it...have you become musical yourself, child?

Viola: Sort of. I'm getting pretty good at the violin...and my dad's started teaching me the guitar now that I'm big enough to hold one.

Vlad: I'm sure in time your talent will reveal itself. 

Ok, well, as "fun" as this has been, I think I see the sun starting to come up...

Vlad: I'm afraid your disembodied accomplice is right. I shall see you another night, child.

Nice going, Isla!

Isla: Thanks.

Isla: Oh, honey, you didn't have to wait up for me...

Viola: Oh, I wasn't...I mean, it's ok. I was up anyway.

Isla: How was your night out? Make any new friends?

Viola: Yeah...you could say that...

Well, as much as I want to hear the rest of this it looks like the week is just about up. I'll see all you guys next round!

A Message From the Mysterious Voice: Vlad's back! And just to make this clear, he and Viola will not be having a romance. Beyond the fact that Vlad seems to be permanently in his dark form now (I have no idea why), the fact that he met Viola as a toddler just makes it way too creepy for him to be a potential romantic interest. It is also highly unlikely that Viola will become a vampire herself...like I've said before, I don't tend to play much with the supernatural states. But having him as her secret friend and a source of inspiration for her writing still kind of works for now...we'll see where it goes when she's a young adult.