The Aurora Immortal Dynasty - Chapter 216: Alone at last

[saltpastillen]

Well, I bet you can guess what I'm going to write about in this chapter.

Here is the picture Agnes wanted me to show from Sylvesters birthday.

And here is the picture you can absolutely, never, ever, ever tell her I showed you. She'll kill me. I'm serious, I see chainsaws in my future. Aren't they a cute family though, everyone can have a bad pictureojdsifhwi0qeuev

Sorry about that. Agnes just walked in to get a book. She almost saw what I was doing.

Here he is as a toddler. Not as screamy as a nooboo and with slightly more movement possibilities. I think he'll look just like Chris when he grows up. Has his hair color and lips.

Breaking news! (or not) I have a new favorite MultiTab game. You see there are these  things flying around and you have to catch them, or shoot them or sometimes move them, and the some other things can just come hurling for you and you.... and I've lost you I see. Well, pardon me for trying to share  some new part of my life. I'll just go back to my writing then.

Confession time:
I confess to liking Sylvester a lot more now that he is a toddler. I also confess to sneaking in to his room on late nights or early mornings for a cuddle

and some playtime. As long as they're not nooboos kids are pretty ok. Maybe I can even get used to them by the time I'll get my own?

Chris took some time of work to care for Sylvester during some of his most formative days. Agnes was sprinting towards the finish line in the ice sculpture challenge and I was busy, busy, busy as usual writing my romance novels.

I'm really hoping to become a speed writer any day now. That'll make it possible for me to push out 2 till 3 fiction or non-fiction novels a day. Which will unlock the ability to write masterpieces. Masterpieces are imperative, imperative I say, in maxing the writing career. But enough about boring skill talk and on to cute toddler pictures.

As I mentioned earlier, Chris took teaching Sylvester his skills seriously.

Chris: And remember son, the most important part in a Immortal Dynasty concerns the catching of fish.
Sylvester: fishies?
Chris: I promise it's all about the fish. That's why I've been in so many. Because of my angler trait.

Chris: Of course, there is the finding and growing of seeds too. But I usually leave that up to the women
Sylvester: seeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeedsssssssssssssssssssssssssss

Chris: Then there is painting, your mom takes care of that.
Sylvester: painting, pretty, pretty picture
Chris: Yeah sure, but enough about that.

Chris: Remember what I said. Fish is the backbone of any successful Immortal Dynasty.
Sylvester: Fishies? fishies, fishies, FISHIES!
Chris: Yes, we'll call them fishies if that's what you want. Just repeat after me: catching fish is good.
Sylvester: fishies swimming, daddy swimming with the fishies!
Chris *thinks to self* what am I going to do with this boy?

Despite Chris lengthy attempt indoctrination teaching Sylvester to talk there was plenty of time to teach him other valuable life skills.

Like sitting down to pee.

Eating with your hands.

Walking instead of crawling.

After 3 weeks and 1 day I became a speed writer quickly followed by specialist writer (romance writer) 3 days later. I celebrated in style. With some downtime and HumanInteraction.

[Snufflesxx]

Klara is doing great 
Still no signs of a nooboo on the horizon but I'm glad you're not rushing things (like I usually do  )

[saltpastillen]

Yeah, most people seem to rush getting a nooboo in a dynasty,I however have other priorities. Since I choose writing as my SuperMax I felt I needed to focus a lot on that. The quickest I have ever SuperMaxed writing and the writing career in a test file was 36 days. Klara is not going to get there in such short time.

[saltpastillen]

On a quiet residential street.


Chris: I'm so glad you're home VJ.
VJ: Honestly I'm keeping out of the house most of the time these days.
Chris: Yes, it can't be easy living with two witches.

VJ: Well it's mostly all right. Mirja understands that we are different, but dad keeps muttering about "curing me of my foul ways once and for all". I have to admit it's been pretty tense.
Chris: It's clear you can't stay here, the decor alone should tell you that much.
VJ: Tell me about it! I keep wanting to spruce this place up but I get turned down each time. They won't even let me buy a larger mirror!
Chris: A snob like you really should have some pricey digs. Say what, you could come stay with us. We have a spare bedroom, and my boy Sylvester could really use someone to play with.
VJ: What a generous offer.
Chris: Really, I do insist.
VJ: Well, since you're begging so nicely.

Chris: *hums* Welcome to the Hotel California...
VJ: Where you talking to me?
Chris: Oh, sorry nothing..........*continues* You can check-out any time you like, but you can never leave....

[saltpastillen]

I'm so angry at Chris I could scream. Look what I saw when I walked out of my study this morning. Look! A half naked man on the floor. Seems his body wasn't the only thing being half naked, his head was too.

Anyway, my first thought was that I was having a hallucination (writing all night, pushing myself to the brink of exhaustion, you know, the regular). But it turns out this man (I use the definition of the word in the loosest sense possible) has moved in and set up here permanently. I wanted him out, but Agnes reminded me that's against the rules. So now I'm stuck with this overgrown child for the rest of his natural life. My only comfort right now is that he won't live forever.

After a few days of sulking, and writing progressively more violent fiction books (titles include: The the death of a man-child, No one mourns a man-child and Die, man-child die!), I was feeling a lot better and decided to get a grip on the situation. I called him into my study for a chat, deciding I might as well try to get along with him, or at the very least lay down the rules.

Turns out he has no job, didn't even graduate from High School (he was apparently to "busy" to attend) and thought he'd just spend the rest of his life lolling around in this house playing with toys! He was rude and showed an uncomfortable interest in my nice things. Apparently he's a kleptomaniac, that's what was keeping him to busy for school. I put down the law rather forcefully and told him that unless he got himself straightened out, and started helping around the house, I'd kick him out. Sure I was lying, but he seemed to believe me - so who's judging? It was for his own good after all. (Actually, I was desperate, he was really starting to get on my last nerve and I kept having visions of myself "borrowing" Agnes chainsaw and VJ suffering an "unfortunate" accident). I understand that sort of thing is frowned on, so good thing it all resolved itself right?

Klara: I'm so glad we "understand" each other. Here's a few things to get you started. MultiTab, change of clothes and a pamphlet on getting SWAPped titled Becoming a better you; Sims with Awful Personalities change their ways 5th Edition Published by the Schipperke Group.
VJ: Like I'm not already perfect?!
Klara: What was that?
VJ: Nothing, I'll just leave now.
Klara: And don't forget to do something about your hair too!
VJ: Yeah, yeah, whatever.

Luckily he took my advice and got a makeover. He's actually decent looking now. Him having hair is a huge improvement. And that mustache, hm, it's giving me ideas. Maybe I could write about an outlaw, someone who seems bad but is really nice on the inside (under many, many layers - kind of like an onion). I have it now! The amazing fantasy tale of Sorro. Inspiration calls, I'm of to my study.

A few days later Chris came and told me how happy he was to have his friend in the house. And would I know it he almost seemed like a different person. Oh, Chris! Sometimes I don't know what to do with you, you are really great with the big picture, but don't you know life is in the little details?

Maybe that's why his and Agnes marriage is working out so well. Agnes likes to micromanage and Chris just sails right past that on his big picture cloud. Hm, maybe that could be a lesson to me. Finding someone who's a lot different, maybe even the complete opposite of myself. That seems like a lot of work. I think I'll just settle for someone who is a bit more family oriented, someone to deal with the day to day chores of child care (I do like kids I promise, I just prefer the fun and easy parts - that's all).

VJ: ...and then I was like, I have to work to stay in this house? No one told me that! And she told me to get a hair cut, which turned out great if I say so myself, but all this studying and work stuff is really taking away from my me time. 
Chris: You like the mirrors though?
VJ: Yeah, the mirrors are great - you didn't lie about that.

After all that VJ drama it was nice to have a little celebration to ease the tension of the house. Of course, Agnes and I decided to hold it when Chris and VJ were out (Don't ask me what they are doing out and about every day, I haven't left the house since I wen't to the Landgraab mansion. I've completed my third and fourth BlackOp Correcting Past mistakes and A little Drama none of witch required me to get out of my chair. I've told you how much I love that chair haven't I? LOVE IT!)

Back to the celebration. It was Sylvester's child birthday and I felt calm enough to allow them a cake (ok, I admit it - I've bought Fireproof Homestead. So I was confident no fire would break out).

He did his twirly thing. Wonder if those sparkles tickle or hurt?

Sylvester aged up well and got a photographers eye. He's traits are: brave, artistic and photographers eye.

Here he is in his new clothes, his formal wear picture is larger than the others. He tell's me that's so you can all see how dapper he looks. Really? He uses words like dapper? Despite appearances he's mostly his mothers child. Don't tell Chris I said that, or do - I doubt he'll grasp my point. (See, here I go clanking down on Chris again - must be something he did.)

Sylvester spent the rest of the day, and night, playing with his birthday present.

Since VJ started on his improvement project I've started to see some good sides in him. At least he's always game for some late night playing tag - when I need a quick pick me up between books.

Between Agnes sculpting and painting, Chris work at the Bistro and my book royalties we are starting to have some capital to invest. Since I'm not yet and adult the family meeting (me and Agnes if you want to know) decided to spend our money on fixing up the yard. There will be several photos. The main improvements include: a pool, a separate walled garden for VJ to work in, outdoor seating for parties and some nice trees (just to make the house look more imposing - keeping up with the neighbors you see). The flowerbeds were my idea, makes the whole house look more inviting, don't you think?

[Snufflesxx]

Wow that house is beautiful 
And I burst out laughing at the titles of her books 

[saltpastillen]

Agnes finally figured out how to make non-melting ice sculptures and called me in to her studio (really, it's the back hallway). I had been hesitant to disturb her while she was sculpting since the "incident" the night Sylvester was born. I wasn't feeling so confident standing so close to her weapon of choice, so I tried to look tough.

Unfortunately her first attempt was somewhat flawed.

And the second one just cracked into tiny little pieces. By the time she was starting over for the third time I was getting a bit light headed. Really, I'm not used to standing for extended periods of time.

The painting was a bit better , she just had me pose from different angles and then I got to go back to my computer and comfy chair. Just two more books now till I'm a prolific writer. (I completed that challenge on week 4 day 6 when I turned in my fifth BlackOp A history of one titled The life and times of River McIrish).

I'm really glad I insisted on putting in flowerbeds, they make a fantastic backdrop - if I say so myself (and I do).

If you were looking for proof of my claim that Sylvester takes after his mother, look no further. He's a surprisingly quiet child (surprising to me since he was screaming his head of as a nooboo) who seems to enjoy being by himself and focusing on his art. His biggest wish is for a camera. Chris hasn't been able to get one yet (but since we have a little more money now he makes some big purchases at the Consignment Shop)

This was Sylvester's first painting. It's titled Mom and me. I can so see that come back biting him when he grows up and wan't to be more cool. Which is why I'm showing this to you, so you'll always remember he's a big mama's boy. Agnes would not approve, but realistically I will have to live with him for the rest of his life, sometimes it can be good to have dirt in order to "persuade" someone to your way of thinking.

Sometimes Sylvester spends time with the guys though (usually when Agnes and I are occupying the couch with one of our gossip sessions).

Chris: I'm really impressed with how you're cleaning up your act. The wife commented on it the other day too.
VJ: It was slow in the beginning but I have been getting more and more into it as I go along. Gardening really has become a passion of mine.
Sylvester: Daddy didn't you say gardening was something better left to girls?
Chris: Sylvester, you are obviously mistaken. I would never say such a sexist thing. Why don't you clean up that plasma juice the maid left out on the floor before going to your room and painting some more?
VJ: So, gardening is just for girls?
Chris: *waits till Sylvester leaves* No, no - I just told him that to make him feel better. Painting is what really is for girls. Outdoorsy stuff like what you and me are doing? That's manly really, really manly. I wouldn't dream of believing anything else. Say, anything else you are working on before getting SWAPped?

[saltpastillen]

And I burst out laughing at the titles of her books 

Coming up with book titles is really one of the more challenging thing when you are writing 2-3 a day. So I decided to keep them in theme with the story.
I swear, sometimes I think Klara has the dramatic trait - or is that just me?

[saltpastillen]

At the Bunch house (really, you hadn't guessed?)

VJ: Listen, what we had was fun and all. But I'm a YA now, I can't be dating a teenager.
Lisa: You've never let things like that stop you before! What about love? Sticking it to the man? Being young and wild?
VJ: Lisa, honestly, we weren't that much in love. You didn't even let me kiss you.
Lisa: *wails* I can't believe you are breaking up with me! Me! I'm perfection incarnate! You'll never find someone as good as me.

VJ: I'm sorry if I hurt your feelings Lisa. But let's still be friends ok?
Lisa: Can't you see my heart is breaking?
VJ: Please Lisa, once your mood swing is over I'm sure you'll come to see this like I do.
Lisa: Mood sing? How dare you! I'll swing something all right! I'LL SWING FOR YOUR HEAD!
VJ: Oookay, I'll be leaving now. Talk to you later
Lisa: Come back here you imbecilic! I haven't even found a weapon yet.

VJ: *thinking to self* Who could have guessed, you really learn something every day. Note to self, don't talk to women about their mood swings no matter how accurate.

[saltpastillen]

I admit I could have been wrong about VJ. He's really working hard on his gardening skill and that's good for me too you know. So, he's in my good book now.

The garden is really massive. I mean, it takes him most of the day just to get through the weeding and harvesting. If we hadn't invested in sprinklers I don't know if he would have coped. He's still showing his inappropriate trait though, with insisting on gardening in his nightclothes. I hope he washes them before bed, otherwise poor Sylvester will have some issues.

All right! I admit it. I don't think there is anything wrong with him at all. We have had a lot of deep conversations in the evenings. (What else was there to do? Sylvester is sleeping and Agnes and Chris lock themselves in their room). He's told me some things about growing up in the Alvi house. His brother seems ok, but the dad? No sense of humor, it's no wonder VJ didn't learn right from wrong!

He even told me what his name is (you didn't really think VJ was his real name did you?) Turns out he has a good reason for just calling himself VJ. You would too if you were a boy christened Victoria Josephine (first he tried to convince me his name was Vic Joseph), but he later confessed he was named after his dead mother. Apparently his dad thought he was a girl when he was a nooboo. So, I think most of his issues probably stem from that misunderstanding. It's a good thing that a Sim can always reinvent her- or himself.

He had a good cry on my shoulder about that, I feel that it brought us closer together.

Ever since that night he has been very attentive and today he brought me some flowers. (Pink? Really? They clash with my hair). I didn't tell him that though, maybe he's color blind? I hear it affects guys more often. Regardless of poor color choices it was really a sweet gesture.

His next move wasn't sweet though, it was more unexpected. We were talking and suddenly he was kissing me. I know! HE KISSED ME! I didn't know what to think first - I was more stunned than anything else. Actually, I was speechless. Can you imagine me with nothing to say? Yeah, me neither. But it happened.

He told me he had started to develop feelings for me for some time now (that's not the exact way he put it but I was in sort of a daze so I can't remember the exact words).

Then he asked me out on a date. I really should have been going to bed, it was my adult birthday the next day you see and I wanted to throw a party. But he just looked at me with his puppy eyes. And I melted. Sometimes being a hopeless romantic means other people can persuade you to do things you probably should not.

We went to the bistro, luckily Chris had the night off, I don't know what I would have done if I met him. I was just stunned to be on a date at all. It was all very romantic (I predict a lot of candlelit dinners in my future books, especially now that I know how romantic they really are).

Then we spent some time just hanging out watching the stars. The Bistro had already closed down and we were the only people around.

When we got home. Yes, you guessed right. More kissing. But this time I was prepared.

[Snufflesxx]

I'm guessing that VJ might will be the father of Gen 2. I've always liked VJ (Victoria, Lol) and I've never seen him star in any Dynasty  (actually, I think the Alvis have been avoided altogether!) so I'm happy 

[saltpastillen]

Early morning of my adult birthday two interesting things happend.

First Agnes found out she's having another nooboo.

And then VJ told me he had something for me by the pool. As a fool I just thought he meant a present, like perhaps a car or a bubblebar.

Turns out he had something different in mind.

VJ: Come on honey, you know you can't say no to this.

Of course I couldn't. I could barely breath. Let alone speak.

And once I accepted and put that ring on my finger I could almost hear a voice in my head going. "One husband, check. Next up is a nooboo". And I almost freaked out and went to my happy place.

But I quickly figured out the best thing about getting engaged. Now I have a new happy place - in VJ's arms. And that's no cold comfort I'm talking about here. Besides all that work in the garden has really payed of. He's got some muscles to hold on to.

Chris and Agnes were happy for us of course. They didn't seem surprised, but with me keeping to my study most of the day, each and every day, can I really be surprised? Honestly, they could probably adopt a heard of elephants or ask a pack or wear wolves to move in to the back yard and I'd still be oblivious.

Agnes told me they had a wedding party already set up. And she promised me a white dress, cake and dancing, dancing, dancing! I'm going to get the most awesome wedding slash birthday party a girl could ever dream of. And as a bonus I get to get married while I'm still a young adult so no wrinkles on my wedding pictures! Sorry, that sounded so vain. Can't write any more I'm of planning a wedding outfit. *happy dance, happy dance*

Can you guess I'm excited?!

So, as you maybe have guessed the engagement and the wedding party are the two presents. I can't really count Agnes being pregnant as one, considering how dangerous she became last time.

[saltpastillen]

...cry if I want to, cry if I want to...

Happy tears, happy tears - you get it?

I thought I told you already, I always cry on weddings. Why should my own be any different?

Over fifteen people showed up to the party. VJ's old girlfriend Lisa was one of them. She later told me we were such a cute couple and that she'd had such a great time. The reason she's in her swimsuit is that she took a dip in the pool She was probably the first one to try it out. We aren't really much for outdoor activities in this house.

Anyway, back to the romantic part.

We exchanged rings.

Kissed

And kissed some more. VJ is really good at kissing. He doesn't need the good kisser trait to make me swoon. If he get's it, you'll probably have to scrape me of the floor with a spoon. By this time over half of the guests had already gone inside (I swear we weren't kissing that long - maybe an hour tops!)

I was the first to cut the cake and VJ was playing up to the audience. Most people ate a slice.

Except for Connor Frio who for some unknown reason stood trowing confetti at the wedding arch until late in the night. Chris told me he was still there when he went to bed at three thirty, but luckily he was gone the next morning.

In the midst of all the excitement (and some glasses of nectar) I completely forgot it was my birthday until this happened.

And where was my husband while I was developing a midlife crisis? Hiding in the bushes laughing at me! I almost divorced him on the spot - but then he looked at me with his puppy eyes and I let it slide.

I can't say that my birthday made me feel so very different. I still looked fierce and now I had a younger man to keep me on my toes. You can you tell that Agnes is my biggest inspiration, can't you? Even though I think I snagged the better man. (Well, I guess I'm partial).

We had a pretty wild night.

And sweet dreams.

But the photos were almost the best part. (Yes, Chris finally managed to score a camera and since Sylvester had leveled up on photography on the MultiTab we let him be our wedding photographer.)

Here is one of me as a blushing bride in my YA museum together with my sculpture and painting.

And here is the one he framed and gave me as a wedding present. Honestly, I need to stop looking at it and going back to work. It's great to have though, it will help me remember VJ when he is no longer with me.

[Snufflesxx]

Bring on the nooboos!
Its going to be a bit of a squash in the house with Klara, Agnes, Chris, their two children and the nooboo to come. That's (counts on fingers)... six people!
I feel like a stalker because I'm posting after almost every post on this story but I just love it 

[RaiaDraconis]

I just love this! Klara is a fun character, and I love the way you've fleshed out VJs personality. I can't wait to see the new nooboos!