The Callahan Life States Dynasty--Ch 61: Arrival in Sunset Valley 20 August

[RainBeau]

Marjorie just makes me laugh way too much--between her bemoaning the fact that all of her daughters aren't hormonal, calling her son a daughter, and trying to pass of her children to Branch, she cracks me up!

Well, good! Writing her makes me laugh. She always surprises me. And the benefit of being two generations plus ahead in game is that it gives me a lot of perspective to write with. I don't know what I had in mind when I took those screenshots, but now I come up with all this crazy stuff for her to say.

Finally, our beloved Callahans are back. I receive a stare from my family when I laugh at the Majorie interactions with Branch about her childrens:D. Lastly, good luck to Vervain on her job and LTW.

[P.S. Sometimes I become over-emotional and coward, so, never mind.]

I thought at first, 'Oh, come on, it hasn't been that long!' and then I looked at the date. You're right! It's been forever! Sorry about that, I'll try to keep up better in future. And it's always good to hear when my writing makes people's families think they're mad Vervain thanks you for your good wishes.

Oh, okay.

Happy birthday, Verv!

I'll just have to echo Azokka on Marjorie's hilarity. She's one of those characters that never stops being funny. I just lost it when she wanted to hand over her kids to Branch!

She says thank you!

A writer loves to hear things like that. I never know, but it's one reason I love the forum--getting all the instant feedback. I'm glad Marjorie is staying funny. And that definitely needed to be said! I think in game she was apologising because she's always offending people, but I like my version better and it looks like the readers do too!

Marjorie, you are awesome! hehehe  lol, Vervaine, that last part sounds like a threat... I used to tell that to my dad when he'd joke around about bootin' me out at 18.  I'd just grin at him and tell him that I was living there till I was 30.

Hahaha not to Zack it doesn't. Zack would be delighted to have his children stay until they're thirty. He's definitely not the kicking-out type. That threat might work better on Marjorie, however she is still pleased to let her children stay as long as they need, but make sure to get out and get her some grandchildren at some point!

Oh, Marjorie.  Love the part where she offered her kids to Branch.  That was great!
I always enjoy how you give us tidbits into what's happening in town outside of their household through the comments of the family or their visitors.  That's just good storytelling.

I like this feedback because writing Marjorie's character into dialogue really makes me understand her better. That line seemed like something my mum would have said in joking, but I honestly think Good, Commitment Issues and Inappropriate were teaming up there--she was serious! Fortunately (?), Branch would never take her up on the offer.
Awww, thanks. I didn't even realise I was doing it. But now that you've mentioned it, I'll try to do it on purpose. It is hard to remember that far back, though. I just remember the screenshot of Branch mourning her death with a broken heart. Do you readers remember? A nice writer would go find it and link it for you, but I am not so generous as Marjorie

[RainBeau]

Chapter 56: Hazel Too!

But what's this? It's not only Vervain's birthday--it's Hazel's as well!
And once again, so blatant it must be deliberate--Rose is far away from the group while everyone else clusters together.





Wow! Hazel really turned out beautiful! I love that dress.
Hazel: Thank you.



Little late to the party, there, Gator.



Oh, I see now.



Thinking about all the gems you could be collecting right now if your sisters weren't ageing up?
Ash: No. I was thinking, Hazel is a gem, and I have to protect her.
Well, that's--very sweet!



Zack: Here you go, Hazelnut. Just a little something for your birthday.
H: Thank you so much, Daddy. You know just what I like. (kisses him on the cheek)



Marjorie: Well, this is it, Vervain. The big one. Young Adult. Too bad you had to break up with that girl. But don't worry, I'm sure you'll find someone nice and age-appropriate.
Vervain: Thanks, Mom.



M: Oh, and when you do, you can use this.
V: Mom! Thank you! Wow!



M: So, any guesses on when that might be . . . ?
V: Mother, I've decided to put my gardening and fishing skills to use and become a scientist. It will take a long time to build up my career, but I think it will be worth it. I really think I can make a difference. There will be time for love and marriage later.
M: All right, Vervain. Follow your heart. 



And Vervain goes off to further hone those gardening skills.



Meanwhile, Hazel pops a wish to practise chess . . .



And another to get a part-time job.



What are you working on, Zack?
Z: Something to keep the boys away from my little girl.
Oooh, Marjorie would not be happy about that.
Z: And that's why I'm not going to tell her.



Makeover time!



Vervain's Everyday is a fairy-appropriate look in her favourite colour--black.
V: And Mom can't stop me showing a little skin anymore!



Her formal is perfect for anything she takes on, from a night out to a garden party.



Sleep wear--sweet, but sassy.



Athletic wear--or should I say, gardening wear, because that's what she'll use it for.



And last but not least, swim wear.
V: This is sooo much better than that frumpy nonsense of a bathing suit I aged up in!



Hazel's turn!

Hazel's everyday outfit exudes classy simplicity, from the top to the shoes.



Most unfortunately, that lovely dress she aged up in is for some reason available in everyday but not formal. Who does that make sense to?



Again, simplicity is the name of the game for Hazel's sleepwear in her favourite aqua.



Cute and classy athletic wear:



And a sporty-but-sweet swim outfit.

[Shewolf13]

Both girls look beautiful!  Hehehe, sneaky Zac!  Way to go!

[Tilia]

it drives me bonkers that the bow dress isn't available for formalwear to teens.  There's a lack of prom dress diversity in the first place!  In any sense, Hazel looks very cherubic and sweet.  And here's hoping Verv finds a nice dude.  I hear Branch Timbly is single through the one-post-ago grapevine.

[Trip]

Zack is going to need to make a lot of whatever his defensive elixir of choice is, since it will take a lot to ward off the boys of Moonlight Falls from such lovely girls. Happy birthday, Hazel!

[RainBeau]

Both girls look beautiful!  Hehehe, sneaky Zac!  Way to go!

Thank you. Yes, never underestimate an overprotective father, especially not one who can do alchemy!

it drives me bonkers that the bow dress isn't available for formalwear to teens.  There's a lack of prom dress diversity in the first place!  In any sense, Hazel looks very cherubic and sweet.  And here's hoping Verv finds a nice dude.  I hear Branch Timbly is single through the one-post-ago grapevine.

I know! Sigh. Hahaha, sadly (spoilers!) Vervain will not marry Branch. He is 'Mum's friend' and therefore 'ancient' and 'icky'. He's much older than their father, you know.

Zack is going to need to make a lot of whatever his defensive elixir of choice is, since it will take a lot to ward off the boys of Moonlight Falls from such lovely girls. Happy birthday, Hazel!

Hahaha, indeed! Hazel thanks you for your birthday wishes.

[PeregrineTook]

I love how the aqua outfits look against Hazel's complexion.  Just sayin'.

[azokka361]

Rose is hilarious! It's like Coralie Classic never smiling at a holiday/birthday party.

Both of the girls are lovely--I think Vervain is especially stunning.

[RainBeau]

I love how the aqua outfits look against Hazel's complexion.  Just sayin'.

I agree--aqua with her skin and hair looks amazing.

Rose is hilarious! It's like Coralie Classic never smiling at a holiday/birthday party.

Both of the girls are lovely--I think Vervain is especially stunning.

It is similar to that. I think she may stand with other people at some point, but it's much more often she stands alone.

Vervain is one of the prettiest Sims I've ever had born in game. I wish Story Progression still made Sims have babies because those genes deserve to be passed on.

[RainBeau]

It's been a really long time again, hasn't it? I just have not been writing much lately. Fear not, I intend to rectify this mistake.


Chapter 57: Driving Miss Hazel

Vervain keeps riding the train when she feels her magic wane. There is definitely a song in there somewhere.



Despite the lack of children in the house, we still have toys for some reason.
Oh, and Rose is painting. As usual.



Lucky patiently waits outside the fairy house while Vervain has a nap.



Then it's back to work! Those apples won't harvest themselves!



Marjorie is having her usual pleasant, cheerful dreams.



And gardening in her highly inappropriate sleep wear again. Why does no one in this family get dressed?
Rose: I do.
Ah, don't you have a book to write or something?



All right, Vervain, if you're so hungry, then why don't you eat something!



Vervain: Aaaahh, Dad! Not while I'm eating!



V: Sorry for being crabby, Dad. You were just trying to help.



And . . . back to the trenches. Good thing she likes gardening.



I like it! It's kind of steampunk, isn't it?
R: Oooh, yeah, I like steampunk!
Well, of course you do!



I got a TARDIS LLAMA and of course I had to paint it TARDIS blue, didn't I.



And that's Rose off to work then!



While Vervain . . . well, you get the idea.



Hazel: Hey, Mom, do you think you could teach me to drive? It's an important step in the life of a teenager.
Marjorie: You been reading those new-fangled psychology books again?
H: Well, psychology is a fascinating course of study I'm enjoying lately, yes.
M: Well, come on then.



M: No time for ice cream! Let's go!
H: I wasn't stopping for ice cream!
M: Well, fine, then get me one!
H: What? I--never mind.



M: Well, if you want cold so bad I'll give it to you. Here.



H: Why're we taking Dad's car?
M: It's safer.
H: Oh, because of the extra safety features, and the roof, and all.
M: Nah, because he won't notice if it's wrecked.



V: All my hard work is paying off, Lucky! I've just got another promotion in the self-employed gardener career I've been in since I was a teen, and as soon as I finish it I can go become a scientist!
Lucky: That's great, V!



M: Woo woo woo!
H: Mom . . . what are you doing?
M: I'm psyching up for round two!
H: (sigh) You are so strange.
M: Is that your professional psychological opinion?



Zack is studying up Charisma. Who knows why. Because he wants to, and I've got nothing interesting to do with him since he reached the top of Culinary.



Vervain takes comfort in the fruits of her labours--baked into a delicious flaming cake!



H: If the subject does not express concern about the problem, does that mean there is no problem? Discuss.



M: My Mycenas are blooming!
When did you develop a stutter?
M: Huh?
And what's a cena? Buahaha
R: You need sleep.
That I do, missy.



And I leave you with a strangely dressed man with bear feet (you read that right, and no it's not a typo) doing the Bee Sting.

[azokka361]

Vervain's magic starts to wane . . . so she goes and rides a train . . .: You're right, there is definitely a song there!

And the ice cream truck scene! Hilarious! That's going to be me someday, when I have kids.

[PeregrineTook]

Bear feet/bare feet.  Nicely played!  Lovely update!  The ice cream interaction was fantastic.  Marjorie manages to be outrageous yet completely realistic.  Bravo!

[chetanhaobijam]

Great update. It was great to see all the Callahans in action. It was funny to read Majorie words.

This screenshot and its related words were funny. Really she wanted to eat the icecream. The screenshot of bee sting was also funny. Maybe Zack wanted to socialise with others, that's why he was learning the charisma skill. Looking forward for next update.

[Shewolf13]

The ice cream bit was my favorite lol!  Great to see the Callahans once again ^^

[RainBeau]

Vervain's magic starts to wane . . . so she goes and rides a train . . .: You're right, there is definitely a song there!

And the ice cream truck scene! Hilarious! That's going to be me someday, when I have kids.

Hahaha yeah. Me too. Heck, that's me now.

Bear feet/bare feet.  Nicely played!  Lovely update!  The ice cream interaction was fantastic.  Marjorie manages to be outrageous yet completely realistic.  Bravo!

Thank you! Haha. I thought so. I'm glad you like Marjorie, I feel like I push her to the limits all the time but I'm glad she always manages to be realistic at the same time.

Great update. It was great to see all the Callahans in action. It was funny to read Majorie words.
This screenshot and its related words were funny. Really she wanted to eat the icecream. The screenshot of bee sting was also funny. Maybe Zack wanted to socialise with others, that's why he was learning the charisma skill. Looking forward for next update.

And now I want ice cream. Sigh. Sad day, because I think Mr Rosa ate the rest of the pineapple sherbet from the freezer. That probably is why Zack wanted to learn it. Perhaps I've been keeping him too isolated. Hmmm.

The ice cream bit was my favorite lol!  Great to see the Callahans once again ^^

It was very popular! I think it's pretty funny, an classic Marjorie.

Well, kiddies, I've got a special treat for you today!
(Marjorie raises a hand)
No, it's not ice cream!
(Marjorie lowers the hand, looking sad)
It's a visit--from a mysterious visitor! Enjoy!


Chapter Fifty-Eight: A Mysterious Visitor

The doorbell rings.
Hazel: I'll get it!



Hazel: Hmmm . . . who could that be?







Hazel: Uh . . . hello.
Mr Payne: Hello, my dear girl! So good to finally meet you in person!
Hazel: Um . . . I certainly don't mean any rudeness by this, but--who are you?
Mr Payne: Oh, yes of course, you wouldn't know! I'm Mr Payne. And you are Hazel Callahan!
Hazel: Ah, Mr Payne. Yes, my sister Rose has mentioned you. Please, come in.



Mr Payne: I must say, it's so exciting being in the Callahan home! I wasn't sure whether I'd ever have the pleasure.
Hazel: We don't often have cross-overs here. The idea of you being here is much more surprising than the alternative.



Mr Payne: You may rest assured I am here for no small reason! You are familiar, I think, with Sunset Valley?



Hazel: Sunset Valley? Yes, of course. Why do you ask?



Mr Payne: I think I should not say more until your parents are present, as you are still a Teen.
Hazel: I understand. I'll go and fetch them.





Zack (thinking): I was in the middle of Cooking with Christopher! I'm fairly certain Julienne Knack was going to make an appearance . . .



Zack (thinking): Is this the man who interrupted my TV viewing? What's he doing here?
Hazel: Mum, couldn't you have changed?
Marjorie: I was meditating!
Hazel: . . . I fail to understand the relevance of that assertion.



Peanut Bahl: Boooo! Marjorie! Booooo!
Mr Payne: Oh my!
Marjorie: Excuse me, Mr Grey Stranger. Let me just get rid of this ghost. Peanut! Go away! We're doing business here!
Peanut Bahl (sadly): Boooo . . .



Mr Payne: Well. I am Mr Payne. Thank you for welcoming me into your home. Let me see. Where to begin?



Mr Payne: Well, I could say it properly begins with Hazel herself. As you know, Hazel was born Good. This is rather unusual. Many Sims are Good, but most of them became Good through their experiences.



Mr Payne: In combination with her other traits--Genius, Brave, and Ambitious--this makes her perfect for the fight against Evil. It's almost as though she were designed for it.



Mr Payne: We've been watching her work, and we're pleased! Even at such a young age, she is extraordinary! She has the makings of a great agent for our side. I can see her quickly rising through the ranks--if she had the proper training!



Zack: So you want to train our girl to be some kind of soldier? She's a thinker, not a fighter!



Mr Payne: Have no fear, Mr Callahan, we are well aware of your daughter's strengths! We shall certainly put them to good use. There is need for all kinds of agents, not only soldiers.



Marjorie: So what are you proposing, then?