I'm just going to reply to the majority of the comments and say: I was very sad at Bianca's passing, but at least she got to spend most of her adulthood and elderhood dating and married to Kara.
@doxxielover: It doesn't appear in the inventory, but you can click "Pick up grave" on the tombstone to reclaim it.
Chapter 74 - The Elysi Version of a Soap Opera Life is pretty quiet around here, especially since Mother is usually locked up in her room painting. Grandmother Serena and Cleo watch the news and The Bachelorette in the evenings, and are sometimes joined by my other grandparents, but otherwise everyone sticks to their own activities, and Bubba and I engage in romantic activities in our area.
Grandmother Bree has embraced her adventurous nature and spends much of her time exploring and mapping the vast network of tunnels beneath Sunset Valley.
One evening, my husband and I were playing around in the photobooth. While he went to grab us dinner, I stayed behind to rip up the evidence. Peeking through the photobooth's curtain, I could see Aunt Rosa trying to cheer up Mother.
I was about to leave the booth when Rosalia stepped forward and
embraced Mother, kissing her. In a way that wasn't cousinly or unromantic.
Mother froze for a moment, and I waited for her to pull away and yell at Rosa. But then she leaned forward and wrapped her arms around my great-aunt, pulling her into a deeper, more heartfelt kiss.
At last, Mother and Rosalia separated, and Mother shook her head. "
I'm sorry, but I just can't do this. It would change everything--ruin everything--and I don't want to have to choose, in the end."
Rosa drew back and put her hands on her hips, with tears welling up in her golden eyes. "
Kara, I've had a crush on you since I was a little kid, but you never even noticed! We've been best friends all these years, and I thought you might start liking me when we were both young adults, but then you met Bianca and she was so much smarter and prettier that I didn't stand a chance."
"
Please, Rosalia, you're beautiful and talented--anyone would be lucky to date you. I love you, I would love to be with you. In another universe, we would be so happy together."
"
It's just that I love Bianca so much, and I miss her, and it wouldn't be right if I was with someone just a few days after she left . . ."
I remained silent until Mother had calmed down and she and Aunt Rosa were chattering about obscure music again, then made a few thumping noises in the booth and nonchalantly walked out.
I related the events to Bubba as we cuddled a few minutes later, and--to my surprise--he became rather thoughtful and quiet for an hour or two, at least until our Woohoo before bed. He had that look in his eyes, the one Grandmother Bree said meant that he was plotting.
The next day, Grandfather Nicholas was visiting his son (and Aunt Rosa's old flame), Donte Clemons, at the pond. He happened to have accidentally taken Rosa's SimPod, so she stopped by to pick it up and ran straight into Donte.
They're back together and, to be honest, I've never seen Rosa happier. Love suits her.
Check. And. Mate.
Grandfather Nicholas, between visits with his children, spends all of his time with his new love: Cleo. She's officially claimed him as her best friend, and they go on outings to the beach or park nearly every day.
Donte and Rosa sometimes tag along, but they usually pay little attention to the dog.
Bubba and I pursue
extracurricular activities just about everywhere. It's killing my reputation as the sensible, careful doctor, but I'm quite enjoying the wild side of life. Bubba is excellent at helping me embrace aspects of my personality that I didn't know existed!
Of course, I am advancing quickly in the medical career, and was recently promoted to the paramedic squad! With such promotions come emergencies nearly every night, and they really are beginning to take a toll on my energy.
Even to the point where I'm irritated at my own husband waiting up to greet me at three A.M. "
Can't you see that I'm tired? Why don't you just let me sleep so I can go to work in five hours!"
Instead of backing off, Bubba dragged me out of bed and put both hands on my shoulders. "
Babe, I know something's wrong, and I need you to tell me what it is so I can fix it. Please?"
I rolled my eyes sarcastically. "
You're being ridiculous. The only thing wrong is that my husband won't give me any space, and I'm stressed out and tired and--"
"
And?"
"
And I miss Bianca! She was my stepmother, and I used to be so mean to her, and now I'll never have the chance to make it up to her!"
"
Of course you miss her. It's normal, and hiding your pain will only multiply it. No one will think any less of you for being sad because your stepmom died."
He wrapped his arms around me, and I leaned my head on his shoulder. "
Do you think she knew? That I really liked having her as a stepmother?"
"
Of course she did."
This has been, The Elysi Version of a Soap Opera.
