Chapter 10 – The French ConnectionAbout two years later, give or take a month...
From: LadyM @sunsetvalley.sim.net
To: EMorel @champs.sim.fr
Subj: We’re coming!Dear Edith,
I hope that this e-mail finds you and your family well. It has been far too long since last we spoke, and for that I must apologize. Between juggling a toddler and a full-time job it seems that I hardly have time to myself anymore. Alexia is most definitely worth it, though.
Exciting news—Leighton and I will be visiting Champs les Sims! A few weeks ago he surprised me with a pair of airplane tickets, courtesy of a larger-than-expected bonus and a bit of careful saving. (I still don’t know how he does it.) Of all the anniversary gifts he could have given this was the very last thing that I expected! Have I mentioned how much I adore my husband?
Our flight leaves one week from tomorrow and we will be there for six days. I know that this is short notice, but if it is at all possible I would love to see you sometime while we are there.
With love,
Morgana
From: EMorel @champs.sim.fr
To: LadyM @sunsetvalley.sim.net
Subj: Re: We’re coming!My dearest cousin,
This
is exciting news indeed! Your timing could not have been more perfect, as Gerard and I are both off during that week. We would absolutely love to see you again. Just let me know your itinerary and we will see what we can plan. I imagine that the nectary is on your list of places to visit, and knowing you most
certainly the art museum.
Do not fret about the lack of communication. I had a toddler once too, so I completely understand.
Speaking of which, you wouldn’t happen to have any recent photos of your little one, would you?
Yours truly,
Edith
P.S. – Your husband sounds like a wonderful man. Gerard and I cannot wait to meet him.
From: LadyM @sunsetvalley.sim.net
To: EMorel @champs.sim.fr
Subj: Re: We’re coming!Edie, you know me too well. Of course I must visit the art museum, and I already have several requests from friends for bottles of nectar. Let's just say we already plan on bringing an extra suitcase to accommodate all of the souvenirs that we will be bringing back.
Ask and you shall receive.
Isn't she just precious?
I still can't believe that my baby girl is already two. Leighton and I have been talking about possibly having another child, but we've both been so busy lately that we haven't really had the chance to think about it too much. We shall see, I suppose...
Anyhow, we are mostly packed and ready to go. Only a few more days—and I can't wait!
See you soon,
Morgana
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From: Sekemoto49 @sunsetvalley.sim.net
To: yumis @sunsetvalley.sim.net
Subj: How are things?Just checking up on everything. How are Sam and Lexie?
The flight went pretty smoothly with only a bit of turbulence. Morgana and I both slept for a good half of the trip, so at least so far we're not experiencing much in the way of jet lag. Tomorrow morning we meet Morgana's cousin and her family at the nectary, which should be fun.
I forgot to mention that there is a list of babysitters on the fridge in case you need some time to yourself, and if either Kaylynn, Michael, or Malcolm are unavailable Marty said that he and Justine can look after Lexie for a while.
Call me if you need anything.
Take care,
Leighton
From: yumis @sunsetvalley.sim.net
To: Sekemoto49 @sunsetvalley.sim.net
Subj: Re: How are things?It's only been 20 hours since you left. Lexie and Sam are
fine. Sam is out at the park with Sandi and the Keaton boy, and Lexie is watching the shopping channel with me.
If they happen to have plum nectar I would greatly appreciate a bottle,
hint hint.
Stop worrying and have fun, will you?
Love,
Mom
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From: LadyM @sunsetvalley.sim.net
To: NerdDude @sunsetvalley.sim.net
Subj: NectarHey Gobi!
I got the nectar that you requested. Leighton and I sampled some at the nectary and it is quite amazing. I think that you and Zelda will quite enjoy it.
France has been simply amazing so far. It has been nice to reconnect with my cousin again. The last time we met in person her son was a toddler; Pascal is fourteen now, if
that tells you anything.
We spent most of the day at the nectary, getting the grand tour of the grounds and learning the art of nectar making. I even got the chance to try out my own skills...which are sadly lacking. I may be half-French, but I am all clumsy when it comes to stomping grapes.
Yes...as a matter of fact it
is as messy as it looks and both of us were in desperate need of a wash. We're back at the hotel now, and as soon as Leighton is out of the shower we're going to grab a bite to eat at the café and head back to the nectary for their nightly tasting.
I hope that everything is well back at home. Tell Zelda I said hello!
All the best,
Morgana
From: NerdDude @sunsetvalley.sim.net
To: LadyM @sunsetvalley.sim.net
Subj: Re: NectarHey there little sis!
Thank you so much! Dad was very fond of cranerlet nectar and I've always wanted to give it a try.
Things are going pretty well. There was a bit of an explosion at the lab yesterday and a few of the cowplants got loose, but we managed to get things back under control fairly quickly. No serious injuries, thankfully, though Judy needed stitches...and Gage has a minor concussion...and the rats decided to gang up on me again and chew on my fingers. But all in all, not a
bad day.
I have a bit of news. You know how Zelda was sick with the simflu earlier this week? Well, it wasn't the
simflu...
She's pregnant!
We were going to wait until you came back to say anything, but I just couldn't hold it in any longer. I can't believe it! I'm going to be a daddy!
Aaand I'm scared out of my mind. I know
nothing about babies or being a father. Maybe you and Leighton can give me a few pointers...? I could use all the help I could get.
Best wishes,
Gobias
From: LadyM @sunsetvalley.sim.net
To: NerdDude @sunsetvalley.sim.net
Subj: Re: NectarGobi, only
you would say that a day filled with lab explosions and rampaging cowplants “went pretty well.”
I'm glad that no one was seriously hurt.
Oh my goodness! Congratulations to both of you!
Don't sell yourself short, Gobi. You'll do just fine—and besides, you and Zelda have a good six months or so to read and prepare. We can chat more when I get back. Until then, take care, give Zelda a few backrubs, and I will see you in a week or so.
Hugs,
Morgana
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From: LadyM @sunsetvalley.sim.net
To: DocGeoff @sunsetvalley.sim.net
Subj: Plasma fruitHi Geoffrey,
We had a bit of a mishap at the nectary this evening. There were several bottles of nectar up for tasting, and it wasn’t until after we had sampled several vintages that we discovered that one of the bottles contained plasma fruit nectar. Fortunately I hadn't yet gotten around to sampling that particular one, but
Leighton on the other hand...
I seem to recall plasma fruit from my toxicology labs, though I can’t quite remember whether or not it has any long-term ill effects. Right now Leighton is resting and it seems that the worst is over, but I wanted to double-check to make sure that we don’t have anything else to worry about.
Thanks,
Morgana
From: DocGeoff @sunsetvalley.sim.net
To: LadyM @sunsetvalley.sim.net
Subj: Re: Plasma fruitMorgana,
I am a little surprised that the nectary would have such a nectar out for sampling, but I suppose one cannot disregard vampire tastes. No, Leighton should be fine once the plasma fruit is completely out of his system. Just treat it as you would a case of food poisoning and keep him hydrated, if you can.
Tell your husband that I wish him well, and I certainly hope that the rest of your vacation goes along a bit more smoothly. From what I hear Champs les Sims is quite an amazing place. My wife’s great-uncle lived there for most of his life and I believe that the family still owns a chateau in town. One of these centuries I would love to visit—provided I can tear Nancy away from her job for a week.
Enjoy the rest of your time off, and I will see you when you return.
Best regards,
Geoffrey
From: LadyM @sunsetvalley.sim.net
To: DocGeoff @sunsetvalley.sim.net
Subj: Re: Plasma fruitHi Geoffrey,
Thanks for responding so quickly. Leighton is starting to feel better and managed a bit of breakfast this morning, so hopefully by later today we will be able to resume our adventures to some degree. We plan to visit the art museum this afternoon if Leighton is up to it, then tomorrow we were thinking about venturing over to an ancient Celtic ruin to see what we can find.
By the way, Yumi called last night and told me that your son is a fantastic babysitter. Coming from my mother-in-law that is quite the compliment.
All the best,
Morgana
P.S. – I heard from Jamie that we will be getting a new intern soon. Any idea when he/she will start?
From: DocGeoff @sunsetvalley.sim.net
To: LadyM @sunsetvalley.sim.net
Subj: Re: Plasma fruitHello Morgana,
Malcolm was pleased to hear the compliment. Heaven knows he has plenty of practice with his little brother.
I am purposely refusing to answer your question for two reasons: 1) I don’t conduct work-related business over my personal e-mail account, and 2) you are on vacation and work should be the last thing on your mind.
Best regards,
Geoffrey
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From: Sammy @sunsetvalley.sim.net
To: Sekemoto49 @sunsetvalley.sim.net
Subj: HI!Hi Daddy!
Guess what? I got an A on the spelling test! Miss Alto said I did good on my science project too! I’m being good. I am playing a lot with Lexie too.
How many more days til you and Mom come home? Did you see art? Miss Alto says that France has lots of art.
I’m going to go and play. Email me back!
Love,
Sam
From: Sekemoto49 @sunsetvalley.sim.net
To: Sammy @sunsetvalley.sim.net
Subj: Re: HI!Hey buddy!
Good job on your spelling test and your science project! I’m so proud of you!
Your teacher is right, there is a lot of art in France. Mom and I went to an art museum this afternoon, which was a lot of fun. I will show you the photos when we get home. Tomorrow we plan on visiting an ancient Celtic ruin. We might even find some treasure, you never know.
I will see you in three days. Keep being good for grandma, and give a big hug to Lexie for me.
Love,
Dad
From: Sammy @sunsetvalley.sim.net
To: Sekemoto49 @sunsetvalley.sim.net
Subj: Re: HI!Wow! You and Mom are going into a
real ruin? Just like
Simdiana Jones?! That’s awesome!
I hope you find lots of treasure! No snakes though. That wouldn’t be very fun.
Love,
Sam
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From: Sekemoto49 @sunsetvalley.sim.net
To: yumis @sunsetvalley.sim.net
Subj: SamMom—
Quick question:
when exactly did he get the chance to watch a
Simdiana Jones movie? Aren’t those a bit too scary for an eight-year-old?
Leighton
From: yumis @sunsetvalley.sim.net
To: Sekemoto49 @sunsetvalley.sim.net
Subj: Re: SamHe watched it over at Sandi’s place and wasn’t scared in the slightest. You really need to lighten up a bit.
Mom
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From: yumis @sunsetvalley.sim.net
To: Sekemoto49 @sunsetvalley.sim.net; LadyM @sunsetvalley.sim.net
Subj: You guys ok?!I haven’t heard from either of you in almost two days, no e-mails, and calls to either cell phone are going directly to voicemail. Sam tells me that you were planning on visiting an ancient ruin. I’m just hoping that neither of you were eaten alive.
Contact me ASAP!Mom
From: LadyM @sunsetvalley.sim.net
To: Sekemoto49 @sunsetvalley.sim.net; yumis @sunsetvalley.sim.net
Subj: Re: You guys ok?Hi Yumi,
We are perfectly all right. Yes, as Sam mentioned we were indeed exploring an ancient ruin—more specifically, an old Celtic burial site. The place was much larger than we expected and we wound up having to spend the night in one of the underground chambers. It was quite the adventure, and we definitely have stories to tell when we get back.
To give you a small taste of what we experienced...
Both of us are dead exhausted. We’re thinking of cutting our trip off by a day and just heading home this evening. Leighton is on the phone now with the airline to see if we can transfer our tickets. I will let you know our plans once we know for sure.
Sorry for worrying you. As you can imagine there really isn’t much in the way of cell phone signal fifty feet underground.
Hugs,
Morgana
From: yumis @sunsetvalley.sim.net
To: Sekemoto49 @sunsetvalley.sim.net; LadyM @sunsetvalley.sim.net
Subj: Re: You guys ok?For
that scare you two definitely owe me some nectar.
Glad you are well. See you soon.
Yumi
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From: EMorel @champs.sim.fr
To: LadyM @sunsetvalley.sim.net
Subj: Au RevoirMy dearest cousin,
I trust that this note will find you safely landed and at home. This has been a most enjoyable visit; it was a pleasure to be able to reconnect after all these years.
Please tell Leighton that he has our best wishes for the coming season. He is indeed a remarkable man, and I am glad that we were finally able to meet him. Gerard and I wish you and your family all the best.
With love,
Edie