Winter in Riverview: File Lost (Failed)

[Tilia]

Hi all,

Something happened when I installed the latest patch to my game, and my Winter file (as well as all of my other saved Sims) were lost.  I started a new story over in the Legacy section which you can find here - http://www.carls-sims-3-guide.com/forum/index.php/topic,13045.0.html. 

I was incredibly saddened by the loss of this file and the loss of my Mia blueprint.  I had a pretty good idea of where things were going, so I may attempt to try this again sometime in the future.

Thanks for reading -

Tilia



Prologue:


I dreamed of Champs de Sims for the first time when I was only a child.  I dreamed of the spot where I met Him, low on the riverbank, and I woke up singing in French.  My mother found this particularly odd as not only had I never left our little hometown, but neither had anyone in our family for generations.  Not since Annabelle and the tragedy that was Annabelle.

Annabelle Winter died young.  To hear it told from my great-great-grandmother tell, she died of foolishness and the reckless ignorance of youth, but I know better.  I know because Annabelle is here inside me.  Sometimes I'm more Annabelle than I am myself.  Sometimes I can feel the gauzy curtains on the Egyptian bed between my fingers while I watch Him sleep.  Sometimes I can see just how great-grandmother Maurella looked at 20, and the gleam in her eyes when she walked through the doors with the police in tow, her triumph cutting through my heart as they dragged Him to his doom. 

Annabelle was an adventurer.  Annabelle was wronged.

Then, other times, I am simply Mia.  Silly, sentimental Mia who loves to paint and read about far off places. The Mia side of me wonders if I've made a horrible mistake coming here.  Mia wonders if I've vilified my great-great-grandmother for no reason.  Mia wonders if Annabelle is even real, and if she is, if she's a presence I even want inside me.

The Winters left Riverview nearly a century ago, after Annabelle blinked out of existence.  My mother says she is supposed to buried here, but I haven't been able to locate her grave.  I left everything behind.  All of them.  And now I'm here in this alien world trying to figure out the truth about Annabelle and the truth about myself.  I will send letters occasionally to my father, who thinks I should seek therapy but doesn't resent me digging up the history of my mother's family.

I have to know what happened to her.  I have to give her peace.

[Tilia]

The library was the first place I wanted to see after settling into my incredibly cheap new rental house.  I figured flipping through a cookbook or two would be a sensible precaution to take (I've never even boiled water).  I also wanted to get a look at some of the people in town that may eventually want my services.  I'd decided to work freelance as an interior designer/architect, as it seemed like a more sensible use of my artistic talents than simply painting for simoleans. 

I barely slept.  Annabelle had me, I think, and I dreamed in her memories.  When I woke up I rushed to the easel and painted what I saw as best I could from memory.  It was spooky.  Like Annabelle was showing me herself lost inside my body, sharing my soul.



The rest of the week was a flurry of activity.  I took 2-3 jobs per day, working dawn to dusk.  I met many of the townspeople and even got a glimpse into a house that the part of me that is Annabelle remembers.  Unfortunately the new owners don't seem very fond of me.  I suspect they have heard of my great-great-grandmother.  She was never a very friendly or popular woman



Either way, I made friends with a local named Hunter and got invited to a party in my first week!  I even managed to not burn almost two whole meals!

I made some calls about Annabelle, but the local archives didn't have anything useful about her. 



I tried the cemetery one more time.  No Annabelle, still.  But, oh God.  Oh, God, I saw Gloria.  I saw her and there was a flash of memory.  Not visions, I have no idea what she looked like, but I could hear her voice and smell her cooking.  I think Annabelle loved her very much.



I decided I should go to the party.  I was exhausted from Annabelle's thoughts and emotions.  I called Hunter to ask if he wanted to join me for the party.  Strangely, he showed up at my house and immediately disrobed and jumped into my shower.  All in all, it was pretty inappropriate.  I got annoyed and went ahead to the party alone.  Hunter needs to learn social etiquette!



I met a man named Daniel who was very, very cute.  This is a little embarrassing, but with my family being the ... way my family is, I've never dated a man.  Daniel probably won't get naked in my apartment without permission, so that's already a plus!  We went to a diner together after the party and got early breakfast.  I like him.  Maybe he will be my first romance!



The next night I went to a benefit at the local art gallery.  I can't believe I didn't come here first.  It's right up my alley.  Many of the people I've met so far in Riverview were there, including both Hunter and Daniel.



I was maybe a little shameless, but I drifted directly over to Daniel.  He's just so attractive.  However, somewhere in the middle of the conversation he (accidentally?) mentioned a wife.  He immediately fell silent and gave me the corniest smile known to man.  What an idiot.  I immediately exited that conversation.  Oh well. 



I tried to avoid Hunter, but he cornered me.  He apologized profusely for earlier.  He told me that sometimes he misjudges what's appropriate and to please forgive him.  I gave him a look but I know he didn't mean it, he was so bashful and apologetic, I couldn't help but forgive him.



Hunter offered to make it up to me.  He said he has a special place on the roof of the gallery that his grandpa used to take him.  He said he was going to show me the stars and suddenly I just felt spontaneous.  Maybe it was the failed attempt to flirt with Daniel or maybe I was charmed by Hunter's bashful apology, but I just threw caution to the wind, leaned in, and kissed him!



He seemed surprised.  After a moment of frozen shock, a smile spread across his face and he grabbed my hand and tugged me toward the stairs.  We giggled like kids running up the steps to the patio area he'd mentioned.  It was so unbelievably beautiful.



I whispered to him that I'd never had a boyfriend before.  He blushed and asked if I'd like to do something about that.  The stars stretched forever in front of us, twinkling and awe inspiring.  He kissed me again and asked if I'd go out with him another night soon. 

When I got home, I was drawn back to the canvas the way I am when Annabelle dreams for me.  But this time, I didn't paint Annabelle's heart.  I think I painted my own.

[Pam]

Welcome to our Forum, Tilia.

I just want to clarify something for you.  You've posted this story on the Project Stories board.  However, this board is for stories that are based on Projects, which are a set of rules that are written by our members and approved by Administrators.  It looks like your story is just one of your own creation and not based on a set of rules.  If this is the case, I'll be happy to move it to the correct board for you.

Good luck with your story!

[thesweetestpea]

Welcome to our Forum, Tilia.

I just want to clarify something for you.  You've posted this story on the Project Stories board.  However, this board is for stories that are based on Projects, which are a set of rules that are written by our members and approved by Administrators.  It looks like your story is just one of your own creation and not based on a set of rules.  If this is the case, I'll be happy to move it to the correct board for you.

Good luck with your story!

Pam, I think this project is using the Reincarnation Project Rules created by Thomas. I may be wrong, but it seems to me that it's those rules.

[Tilia]

Pam, I think this project is using the Reincarnation Project Rules created by Thomas. I may be wrong, but it seems to me that it's those rules.

Yes, that's correct. 

[Tilia]

While I fell asleep on a cloud of euphoria, my eyes snapped open in the dead of night, and I knew that, for the moment, the Mia part of me was no longer calling the emotional shots. 

Committing to Hunter panicked Annabelle.  She worried about betrayal and she worried that it was real and she worried me that I was making huge mistake.  When I finally fell back asleep, I dreamed of Egypt again.  Of the silky material between my fingers and the smell of Him next to me, breathing steadily. 

I had planned to budget more than this.  To make an informed decision about the travel, but I needed to go now.  I spent almost everything in my bank account, but somehow I knew that I'd be able to make it back if I could just get there, just set foot back in Egypt, back where I'd married Him, back where we'd built the first chapter of our life together.  I wish I could remember His name or His face or … really anything other than the feel of his skin and the smell of him.  I didn't even tell Hunter.  I simply got on a plane and went.



At first, I was crazed.  I bought a tent immediately and began asking everyone I could get to talk to me about what little I remembered from Annabelle's scattered dreams and recollections.  No one seemed to know much, but everyone was very friendly. 




No one remembered a story about the pale, American Simlish woman who married and honeymooned here.  Who defeated three mummies and discovered a secret entrance to the Sphinx tomb. 

I had booked six days here, but I was ready to go home after two.  I dreamed of Hunter and felt so horribly guilty.  What would he think with me running off immediately after becoming his girlfriend?  I felt Annabelle's confusion, her battles of guilt, betrayal, and ... yes, even desire.  Maybe she appreciated Hunter's beautifully muscular arms just as much as I do!

I tried to distract myself and stick out the trip.  I bought a camera and did a bit of exploring, but it was no good.  I missed him too much.  I booked an early flight and flew back home.  I called and asked him to meet me at my house as soon as I got back.



He was there, of course, and he caught me when I threw myself at him, showering him with kisses.  I choked back guilty tears and asked if he'd stay the night.  He assured me all was well and climbed into bed with me.  I wrapped my arms around his strong body and fell asleep, my cheek nestled against his shoulders.



The next morning, I woke up singing a song I learned in Egypt.  I find myself with it in my head constantly.  We sat at the table and I took a deep breath.  It was time to explain myself to Hunter.  He listened patiently and nodded.  I fell silent and stared at my pancakes waiting for him to leave, to walk out.  I know I sounded crazy.



He took a deep breath and looked up at me, setting his fork down.  "Mia," he said.  "I have secrets like that too.  I grew up hard.  I am mean spirited sometimes, neurotic, and have even been called insane.  I'm not the partner you want.  You deserve someone so much better."

I was speechless.  He picked up the plates gently and walked into the kitchen to wash them.  I followed him quietly and slid around him, leaning in for a tender, passionate kiss.  I wanted him to know that I had fallen in love with him, bad traits and all.



"We crazy people should stick together," I whispered in his ear.  Then I slid down to one knee, just as unconventional as you please, and I asked him what I knew I had to ask.




That night, while we were cuddled up together, the house caught fire.  It was terrifying.



After we got it under control, Hunter and I decided life was too short and unpredictable.  We decided to have a quick ceremony right in the kitchen and make it official before any other craziness could happen.



"You're going back to Egypt," he whispered that night, while we held each other.  "You're going to look into Annabelle again without being distracted with guilt."

"But-" I said, panic fluttering in my chest.

"Hush," he grinned, rolling over and touching my hair lightly.  "This time I'm coming with you."

[Tilia]

My dad used to tease me about my incredibly pale green eyes.  Spooky Mia, he'd say.  When I sent him the postcard from Egypt, I made sure to mention that Hunter LOVES my unique eyes.  Hunter even added a little note to confirm this and to tell my dad he feels honored to be my husband. 



Sometimes I think Hunter's "bad traits" are all in his head, but he insists they're not.  He's saving up for a SWAP program.  "Before we have our first baby," he says with a wink, and then this happens ... always.



We're both anxious to have our first baby, but the part of me that is so much Annabelle knows I have to accomplish my life goal before I can give my full attention to a child.  As a result, I've been running around Egypt like a madwoman, photographing everything in sight.  I've gotten some pretty spectacular photos when I'm not stopping to admire my wedding ring and swoon a little, totally oblivious to my surroundings (is that hand behind me a vampire ghost?!)



I've nearly maxed out my painting skills back home, so I've had lots of time to go tomb raiding, which has been way more lucrative than I'd ever imagined, while Hunter reads up on gardening and finds the best fishing spots in town.  He's an old soul, and as much as he jokes that he's dreading his elder birthday next week, I know he secretly is ready to retire and spend all day with his hands in the dirt or wrapped around a fishing pole.



I finally hit paydirt on Annabelle.  I overheard some townspeople discussing a company called MarcuCorp and how they were involved in something called the "Simlish Conspiracy."  It struck a chord somewhere deep inside my consciousness and I knew I had to intervene.  They were hesitant to speak to me, but at least now I think I have a vague idea of what Annabelle and her beau may have been involved in.

I went to one of the great pyramids to explore and unwind a little.  It was so massive and gorgeous.  I was walking around, snapping photos, when suddenly the strongest of Annabelle's memories I've ever experienced knocked me so hard I almost fell over.



The grinding sound of a collapsing wall echoed in my ears.  I could hear water running.  I was alone and walking softly into the burial chamber.  I was holding the money.  Maurella was waiting for me.  She could see me.

I suddenly felt so spooked I took off running, flying back through the dessert, desperate to get back to my husband.  I loved Egypt, and Watcher knows, I loved Hunter, but it was time to go home.

[Tilia]

Well, we got back from the 14-hour flight on Simlish Air and fell so hard asleep that the burglar alarm didn't even wake us up until the thief who'd crept into our house was being handcuffed!



Once we knew, we were safe, Hunter (needlessly, I add) checked me for any signs of injury or upset.  He really is the sweetest man.  I think our young police officer was a twinge jealous!



As soon as he was satisfied that I was okay, he got on his cell phone and started speaking to someone about "moving up the timeline."

It turns out he'd sold his giant, fancy truck before our holiday to buy us a cottage in a nicer (read: safer) part of town!  What a sweetheart.  He hailed us a cab and before I knew it, I was on the doorstep to a real home that was mine all mine.  Isn't it darling?



We celebrated our first night there by revisiting our first date.  Hunter took me out to the Hydrangeas and we watched the stars.



Life sped up quite a lot after that.  I was working constantly, building up my painting mastery and photographing everything I could get my lens on.  Hunter started a garden in our new cottage space and split his time between the science facility and fishing tending to it like it was the most important thing on earth.

His elder birthday was coming up and the more he harassed me about having a baby, the more I pushed to finish my goals.  I asked him to pose for a portrait before he got all old and unsightly.  He gave me a hard kiss at my teasing before obliging.  It's a work in progress.



By the time Hunter's elder birthday rolled around, the portrait was done and so was my lifetime wish.  I felt so accomplished I could cry!  I bought him an emperor's cane for a gift and kept a second, more particular gift hidden until the right moment.



Well, the instant, and I mean the very instant that Hunter aged up, he wished to retire and wasted no time doing just that.  I gave him his swanky new cane and then I told him the news.  He grabbed me so tight I lost my breath! 



My pregnancy was a breeze.  Hunter read books, assembled the custom crib I had ordered, and help me set up the nursery.  (Hey, I'm not an architect for nothing).  We're still on a budget, but check out the final product!



Also, the strangest thing started happening.  As my tummy got bigger, my obsession with Annabelle and her voice in my head got weaker.  I took time to read pregnancy books while Hunter muttered about babies in his sleep.



Maybe the pregnancy is having more of a mental effect on me than I realized.  Even the style of my art has noticeably changed, though perhaps that's due to less Annabelle in my brain.



Hunter spent his first days of retirement making sure I was well fed and comfortable.  He cashed in on that lifetime SWAP just like he'd intended and tossed his mean spirit, insanity, and neuroses for family orientation, goodness, and a green thumb.  I'm so proud of him. 

He also was right on the money with his timing, because not a moment after he got back from his SWAP, this happened.



He was so calm!  He drove me to the hospital and there we waited.  "If it's a girl," he said, holding my hand while I pushed, "She'll be the most perfect flower I've ever grown."

I knew how much he wanted a girl (so much so that I never told him I wanted a boy!), but that was just the sweetest thing I've ever heard. 



Meet Rose.  The littlest Winter.

[Tilia]

Oh, boy ... or should I say girl.  Hunter has the nooboo fever something fierce!  He's already asking me for a second child.  Even when I turn down his wish, it rolls back up a few hours later.  Even in his disappointment, he's an incredibly good daddy to our little Rosie.



I've been enjoying taking her out on walks.  Nothing seems to scare our little tyke and she points out birds and people and giggles with enthusiasm anytime we go out in the walker.



Dad sent his congratulations and an odd little doll as a gift for Rosie.  He wishes he could visit, he says, but his health is declining.  I worry that I'll lose him soon.  He's never even met Hunter or his granddaughter.  Even so, I told him Rosie loves the doll.  She cuddles up to it in her sleep.  I bet he likes that.

Before you could blink, it was time for Rosie to become a toddler.  We bought her a cake and Hunter went completely bonkers with excitement.  He even bought a fistful of balloons to brighten up the room for the occasion.  Her child birthday will most likely involve a party if he has anything to say about it. 



My little nooboo is so amazingly beautiful in her toddler years!



She's got her daddy's eye shape and gorgeous auburn hair, but has inherited my Spooky eyes.  I'm more pleased about that than I let on.  I gloated about it to dad.

I've been working almost entirely from home so I can work on walking with Rosie.  She's a quick learner and may even share her mommy's IQ.  She doesn't even flinch when she falls down, she just jumps right back into the task at hand.  Rosie is going to be a very brave little girl one day.



Hunter begged for the talking responsibilities, since I got to teach her to walk.  As the giddy toddler days flew by, I turned into a full fledged adult.  I also started feeling a bit funny ...



If this is what I think it is, Hunter is going to be so pleased.  I'm keeping quiet until I know for sure, but watching Rosie chat up a storm with her daddy (and with her doll when Daddy is otherwise occupied) is just so adorable that I don't have it in me to be worried about another nooboo, even if I wasn't sure I wanted one.  I think another girl would just be so much fun!




I barely think of Annabelle anymore.  I think she's gone.  Maybe becoming a mother was just too much for her, as she never had children herself.  I miss her sometimes, but mostly I don't.  I think even Hunter is a bit relieved that she's no longer with me.

In any case, I was right!



Nooboo two is on the way!  I decided to take Hunter out for a nice dinner to give him the news.  He was fretting up a storm about leaving Rosie with a babysitter, but the boy seemed perfectly nice and did a good job getting her fed and put to sleep.



As predicted, Hunter is beside himself with excitement.  He can't keep his hands off my baby bump.  "It's a boy this time!" he insists.



I think neither of us realized how cooped up we'd been with Rosie until it came time for her child birthday.  Hunter called a few people to have them around, we served nectar and cake, and played some classical music.  However, it became apparent an hour after starting time that not a single Sim was going to show up.  (It's true.  None of the invited Sims came to Rose's party).



Rosie was too little and too cheery to care, though.  She just wanted to blow out the candles and turn into a big girl.  We held our breath while she went through her Sparkles, wondering if she'd like the princess themed bed we picked out for her and set up in the nursery today. 




Our beautiful girl went to bed immediately, so excited for her first day at school.  In all honesty, I was pretty excited for her too.  I woke up early and made breakfast, hobbling around like a giant penguin.  I don't think my belly was this huge last time!



She looked so smart in her school clothes!  I tried to keep it together, but I know she was slightly irritated by the time she got on the bus.  Is it so wrong to find that even cuter still?



Almost the instant Rosie pulled out of the driveway on her way to school, it happened.  Oh, man, did it ever happen.  I made the most ridiculous face.



Hunter wasn't as quick this time.  I had to catch a cab ahead of him to get to the hospital.  It occurred to me then that he's getting older.  He won't be around as long as me.  I should've been bursting with joy to bring my son into the world, but even as I snuggled little Fisher close, walking him into our home for the first time, I just thought that his daddy might not get to see him become a man.



I tried to put it out of my mind.  Rosie would be home soon and I had to introduce her to her brother.  We worked through her homework together.  She seemed really excited to learn about prisms.  "Mom, mom," she squeaked.  "Did you KNOW that white is actually all the colors and black is none of them?"

"I did.  It seems like it'd be the opposite, doesn't it?" 

"White is my favorite color," she announced, then immediately buried her face back in her assignment.  I think my Rosebud likes to study.



I tucked her in that night after letting her look at Fisher.  I suspect she finds him a little boring.  She fell asleep hard and fast, still mumbling about light and prisms.  My children.  Aren't they amazing?

[Tilia]

Today was a really good day!  First of all, it was career day again at school.  Career day is my FAVORITE day because I get to hear all about the things I might get to grow up to be.  A famous surgeon came in today and talked all about what it's like to be a doctor.  I was ready to make it my lifetime wish there and then, but mom says I should wait! 

Gloria says there's still a lot to see and learn before I make that decision.  This is Gloria:



I know she looks a little funny, but she is the best.  We used to be grown ups together, once upon a time, and she was my best friend then too!  She says she can't look like she used to because that life is already over, but then she pinches my nose and says I look really different too.  I don't really remember being a grown up much, but sometimes I can't wait to be one again.

Today was also my stinky little brother, Fisher's, toddler birthday.  We had a party and a bunch of boring grown ups came who'd never even met Fisher before.  I think they just wanted cake.



Mom blew out the candles for him and he aged up looking almost just like Mom, but with darker hair.  I think he's too pretty for a boy, but Dad just laughs and says that one day, other girls will disagree with me there.



I thought now that he's a little older, he'd stop being so loud and annoying, but if anything, he's just louder!  He's so strong and shakes the crib so hard I think it's going to break, EVEN if it's 2 in the morning and EVEN if I have a big logic test tomorrow.  Ugh.  Fisher is the worst.



I don't think he's as smart as me either.  What kind of silly boy cries so hard about being sleepy when he's ALREADY IN HIS CRIB?  Gloria seems pretty fascinated with him, for some stupid reason.  She says I didn't have a brother last time.



This boy at school told me that one time, his Aunt made her imaginary friend real!  She used chemistry, so I immediately ran home and asked Mom and Dad for a chemistry set.  Dad was really excited for me and thinks I'm the smartest girl to ever live.  He set up a chemistry set for me that day in the backyard so I could work on potions while Mom painted.



It could be that boy was lying to me.  I'm not the most popular kid at Riverview Elementary.  But even so, I really love science and learning and Gloria seems pretty interested in what I cook up too!  I even discovered this awesome game called Chess.  I went down to the Gazebo and lost hours playing it, and then a grown up sat down and I beat him at the game!  Maybe I am the smartest girl that ever was!




Sometimes I'm really jealous of all the attention Stinky Fisher gets.  Dad was in the living room when I came home telling him that one day he was going to be "a heartbreaker."  Sure.  I always thought that if there was "a pretty one" in our family, it'd be a sister.  Little did I know!



Mom works lots.  She loves being an architect and has been at the top of her career since she was just a young adult!  I really want to go with her to work sometime, but I already said how much I love Career Day, so that shouldn't be a surprise!



Sometimes I sneak up to her table while she's not looking and look at what she draws.  She makes crazy good pictures.  Look at this one:



Dad says I inherited her "artistic temper mint" and that I could draw like that too if I wanted.  I don't think so.  I'd rather stick to logic.  Plus, mom has never given me any mints at all.

Oh well.  Dad's so busy doing fun stuff with Fisher that he gets confused sometimes.  I guess he is pretty old.



Mom finally listened to all my complaining about noisy, annoying Fisher and moved us to a bigger house.  I have my own bedroom now with a chemistry set inside.  Mom says she needs to do "some serious redecorating," but I think it's great how it is.

I love doing my homework while mom lights a fire in our brand new fireplace.




Sometimes it feels like it's girls versus boys in this family.  Don't get me wrong, I love Dad, but he spends most of his time with Stinky Fisher.  Mom and I do homework together sometimes and one day I even felt brave enough to tell her about Gloria.

She got so weird after that.  She asked me to repeat the name a few times and then she just hugged me and hugged me so tight. 



That night, when she tucked me in with my story, she said, "good night, Annabelle," and I realized that my Mom is way smarter than I ever will be.

[Tilia]

Fisher had his child birthday a few days ago.  We didn't throw a party this time, and just family was a lot more fun.  Dad carried him to the cake -



And Mom finally allowed herself to be silly with the cheering and celebrating!



He got his Sparkles and finally got big enough to stop being so loud and irritating!



He's still too pretty for a boy, but at least now we can play tag and stuff.  He never wants to, though.  Maybe he is just a bigger version of the same ol' Stinky Fisher.



The next day, while I was out with Mom doing girl stuff, the new fireplace went kaboom!  It set the whole living area on fire.  It also set Dad on fire because he tried to put it out!  Thank goodness he called the fire department first, because the flames swallowed him up.




After it was over, he hobbled all burnt and stressed out to the bathroom to wash himself up and then immediately upgraded our fireplace to make it fireproof.  My Dad is a pretty awesome guy.



After everyone calmed down from the excitement, it was time for my ballet recital.  Mom and Dad had to FORCE Fisher to go see stupid dancing, but I think he had an okay time.  Right afterward, my teen birthday just happened!  I aged up right in the school parking lot.  No more stupid elementary school for me!



Dad took me to get glasses.  I read so much that he's worried about my vision deteriorating.  So now I'm a teen, which is practically like being an adult.  I'm going to have a slumber party tomorrow to make up for not having people over for my birthday.  How exciting!

[Tilia]

So, I've decided that I'm never celebrating my birthday again.  Fisher found out (somehow!) that no one came to my child birthday, even though Mom invited half the town, and he never lets up on it.  Somehow, this one turned out even worse.

Now, first of all, I was super responsible ahead of time.  I did all my homework and even made Fisher a salad (he loves salad.  I think he's a little health nut) while Dad worked in his garden.





At first, it was all fun and games!  We ordered a pizza and I told this awesome ghost story in the living room.  It really seemed to freak mom out, but basically it was about a conspiracy to freeze time and it all went down in Egypt.  There were mummies and tombs and an evil sister and everything.  Mom needs to lighten up.




I mean, look how freaked out she is!



Anyway, it was super fun.  Even Fisher seemed to like it.  But, while we were all bunking down and I was basking in the glow of being a little less nerdy for once and throwing a real, actual party, the worst thing in the world happened.



Fisher made it into the room first.  He and Dad were super close.  I had to grab his arm and yank him over to me because I could see Grim standing right behind him outside the window.  I will never forget that.  It was the most terrifying thing I've ever seen.



Dad begged Grim for more time with his family.  He begged and even cried a little.  I don't think he knew he was already a ghost.



And then it was over.  Mom froze, her hands clutching her heart and her world crashing down around her in a thousand pieces.



I put her to bed and got Fisher to go to sleep too before finally making a bunk for myself in the kitchen nook.  I didn't want to see anyone from the party.  I wanted to be totally alone. 

When I woke up the next morning, Gloria was there.  Of course, she had seen the whole thing.



She did the best thing that she could've done.  I'm sure if anyone saw us, it looked like I was hunched over thin air, but I didn't care.  I needed her love.



Mom tried to function, but she burned breakfast and couldn't stop crying.  She said maybe we needed a vacation, but not to Egypt.  She wasn't ready for Egypt again.

After a bit of a family meeting, we agreed it was a good time to get away, to heal over the loss of Dad.  Mom booked three tickets to China.  We left that night.

[saltpastillen]

I really enjoy your story, and I'm very curious about what happened in Egypt in the past.

[Tilia]

Well, none of us have gotten over it, obviously.  Losing your father isn't something you just shake off.  It's weird though, Mom is pretty much MIA.  I guess she's getting over it in her own way.  Fisher and I talked about it over breakfast this morning.  We're both pretty sad about it, but it does help to talk.



Fish had asked around the base camp to find out what there was to do here, and he found out that you could study Sim Fu at the Pheonix Academy.  We headed out there together first thing the second morning, but unfortunately Fish is too little to use their equipment.  Boy, he didn't take that well. 

It's not a big problem, though.  He's reading books on technique in the library while I learn the ropes.  When he ages up, I can train him.




We see Mom running back and forth trying to build up our Chinese visa.  I think she wants to lose herself in her work, and that's fine.  Fish and I have each other for support.



I'm improving pretty quickly and have started breaking boards.  Fisher is super athletic and when he's not reading about Sim Fu, he's working out in the academy rec room.




Mom apologized pretty hard for how absent she'd been once we got home.  She said she was doing some research, but I think we can all accept that she was trying to work herself silly so she wouldn't cry over Dad. 

She found a diamond for me in one of the tombs.  She said she knew it was meant for me, because she found it behind an old bookcase.  She held it up to the light and it scattered colors all over the place.  She says it's the perfect prism and Fish and I are the perfect kids.

[Tilia]

So, two things happened this week.  Fish aged up to a teen (finally!) and Mom's dad died.  We've never met grandpa, so we're not too broken up about it, but she packed up to fly home for the funeral.  He left us a pretty big inheritance.

Here's Teen Fisher:



It's weird how close Fish and I have gotten since Dad died.  I used to think of him as this alien creature, taking up my space and making as much trouble as possible.  Well, I guess he still makes plenty of trouble.  On the bus this morning, as Mom was heading back to her hometown, he suggested we throw a teen party.  "She'll never know, Rosie," he said.  I'm not sure it's a good idea ...



Anyway, he could talk anyone into anything, so we did it!  All the popular kids from school came, which was nuts.  Fish aged up into a terrible flirt, so he spent most of the evening talking to every girl in the house.




I met a really nice boy and he was really flirty.  He even said I was being irresistible, but when I moved in to kiss him, he pushed me back.  It was awful.  I insisted we break up the party shortly after that because I was so embarrassed. 



It's a good thing, too, because the neighbors had called the cops!  Most of the people were pretty happy with the party, except for Hannah, who was passed out on the floor.



Fish and I fell asleep right after everyone cleared out.  I skipped prom because I felt so depressed about that rejection.  I just didn't want to go.  I've been brushing up on my painting (I joined art club!) and Fish has been learning guitar




Ladies do love guitar. 

I'm still very close with Gloria, and still working at my chemistry to try to figure out a way to make her real.  Sometimes she gets so sad that no one can see her and she can't do any of the things she loved ... you know, before.



When Mom got back from the funeral, she got really freaked out by that painting I made.  She said we had some things to talk about.  She said it was nothing ominous though.  We were finally going to go to Egypt!