Beyond Sunset Valley---A Town Jump Story

[deedee_828]

Before make-overs happen, I help our new family members feel a bit more comfortable by giving them each a birthday gift.

Tobias gets a laptop, so he can get started on writing for his lifetime wish, which is Illustrious Author.

So that means another write/painter in the family!

I will try to contain myself as the thought of it is not thrilling me, to say the least, as I've done this with at least three others, Agnes, Crewe, and Rory being the ones that come to mind.

And those were just the writer/painter sims, not the sims that were either writers, like Adam and Samuel, or just painters, like Sam, Cemre, and Odette!

Though there was also long hours of guitar playing and many, many, sessions in front of mirrors or chatting with others to gain charisma skill.

He settles right there on the kitchen island, to earn his first writing skill point as he's already earned several in painting.




Jonas on the other hand, my sweet, adorable, boy is such a mishmash of traits, with a career and lifetime wish that don't match, that I quickly latch on to two very specific traits, Avant Garde and Savvy Sculpture!

Emily Nest Frio, Eric's wife, is the only sim that I had in the main home with this trait, and she wasn't around long enough for me to explore it, so I grab the sculpting station back out of the family inventory and let Jonas have at it!

And he does so enthusiastically, pulling out a hammer and chisel, and eyeing the enormous block of clay in front of him excitedly.

I can only imagine what this crazy boy thinks this should become and hope I haven't made a dreadful mistake giving him free reign with a hammer and chisel.

As I look over the only lifetime wish that's related to sculpting, Descendant of Da Vinci, which requires mastering, not just sculpting, but painting, oh, dear another one?, and inventing too, I wonder if I'm as crazy as he is to even consider it!

And it strikes me that a hammer and chisel sound much safer than an electric torch in Jonas' hands!

Before I make any decision, I better make sure we have the fireproof homestead lifetime reward.

And plenty of bathrooms near the sculpting station and inventing table!




There was a reason I put the two newest family members straight to work.

Not just to have them start working on skills for lifetime wishes, though that will be a priority, as in order to complete four lifetime wishes, every one of them will need to stay focused and on task for that to happen.

But my more immediate concern is the twins make-overs, bios, and heart to heart chats, now that they are co-heirs.

I think it will make us all feel better if we get everything out in the open and settled between us.

Speaking of making someone feel better, I think I need to focus on having Marisol offer some comfort and solace to Kirk.

"I'm so sorry Kirk. Just let it out honey. There's not much I can say to help you to feel better, but I'll do what I can. Even if it's just holding you."

Kirk hold Marisol tightly and mumbles, "You're right, not much to say, but just having you near me does help. To know I'm not alone in this." Struck by the thought, he adds, " But my dad's all alone in that big empty house now!" And just thinking about that, he's wracked by sobs again.




With Kirk in Marisol's tender care, I go check on the first of my new young adults, Janette.

I find her watching her mother play bass, along with ghostly founder Claire, and though the both of them are focused totally on the music, I'm more concerned with that dreadful clothing combination that the game has chosen for Janette's outerwear!

True, it does include her favorite color in the two-toned green top, and Jonas' lilac in the frilled skirt, but that's about the only positive things I can say about it, because the combination is ridiculous and the short white gloves make it all the more unbearable!




So off to stylist it is for the first of the four!

I really do like Janette's flirty new hairstyle she chose as a teen, even if she hacked her hair off when she was in a teenage snit, so I keep it for a few of her outfits, though we change the flower color from a deep purple to a lighter lilac, Jonas' favorite color, and recolor the headband lime green.

I did like her age up everyday outfit too, but I exchange the black of the knee-length capris and cropped jacket for a pristine white, to not only contrast with her skin, but to be a bit lighter for warm Starlight Shores and it's west coast heat.




For a second everyday outfit, I choose lime green cotton pants and a print top that combines Janette's lime green with Jonas' lilac in the pattern.

And here's her YA bio:

Janette Frio---YA adult human
Parents: Odette Frio and Chase Marks Frio
Siblings: Marisol Frio, Chase's time machine daughter, and twin sister, Jemma Frio
LTW: Pervasive Private Eye (solve 35 cases as a private detective)
Career: Investigator
Traits: Disciplined, Perceptive, Party Animal, Perfectionist, and Insane at YA
Fav's: Rock, Chili, and Lime green
Skills: 3 points in all four musical instruments; Logic--5; Handiness--2; Painting--1; Athletic--2; Martial Arts--3; Fishing--2 and Writing--1
Boyfriend: Jonas Woodard

"I hope we can actually accomplish your Lifetime wish Janette! I have done it before, long ago when the profession first came out, but it's been bugged on and off since then. And I think the case at the police department still is!"

"Oh, I know you'll do your best to help me out Watcher! But my profession isn't even the hardest one!  Isn't Jonas' wish to be a Fashion Phenomenon a bit more difficult? Especially since he's not even in the career but working as a scientist?"

"Yes, I'm hoping he'll be on board with changing both his lifetime wish and his career. But I'll discuss it with him when I've got his complete attention, during his make-over."

Janette raises her eyebrows and her voice rises in alarm as she asks, "I hope you're not planning on changing him too much Watcher!?! I like Jonas just the way he is!"

"Not to worry, so do I! His make-over will consist mainly of wardrobe changes, outfits more in keeping with his own style and maybe a touch of his favorite color. I'll have to see how lilac looks against his green skin tone."




To appease Janette's fears, I show Jonas off next, giving him an everyday outfit consisting of classic mid-blue denims with a buttoned down white shirt, sleeves rolled to the elbows, and an artsy cardigan that matches the print of Janette's top, with it's lilac and lime shapes, casually thrown over his shoulders.

Introducing Jonas Woodard---YA human with the unique green skin tone found in Hidden Springs
Parents: Original Residents, Cassidy Earthsong Woodard and Ken Woodard, pizza delivery guy made permanent resident
Siblings: one sister, Octavia Woodard, and one brother, Nate Woodard
LTW: Fashion Phenomenon (changing)
Career: Scientist---level 1 (changing)
Traits: Insane, Avant Garde, Savvy Sculptor, Excitable, and Friendly
Fav's: Classical, Goopy Carbonara, and Lilac
Skills at move in: Logic--2; Guitar--2
Girlfriend: Janette Frio

"Well, not bad traits at all Jonas! I'm quite pleased that SP didn't deal you a much worse hand than that, though your Lifetime Wish is not one that's easy to accomplish, and it doesn't match with your current Science career at all."

"No, it doesn't. The Frio family has done a lot to help the greenie community to thrive and be accepted here, but I'm not quite sure residents of a new town, especially one like Starlight Shores, would appreciate any unknown stylist, let alone one from a backwater like Hidden Springs, and one who is green on top of that!

"I'm afraid I must agree with you on that point. Starlight Shores may have a greater share of performers and night life than most other towns in Sim Land, but I'm not sure they're ready for that, even if I felt we could accomplish it."

"So do you have an alternative plan for me? A better lifetime wish and career?"

"After seeing all of your traits, I thought you might focus on savvy sculptor, which would go along with your artsy Avant Garde personality as well. But it's going to mean some steady, focused skilling Jonas, as the only lifetime wish that focuses on sculpting is Descendant of Da Vinci, which includes mastering sculpting, plus painting and inventing! But if you're game, I'm willing to give it a go!"

Jonas smiles and nods, "That doesn't sound half bad, and I've really enjoyed sculpting with clay so far. I'm looking forward to trying other mediums as well. I could match my career to each skill as I try to master it too, bringing in a bit more income for the family along the way."

"You could, though the family has amassed such a great fortune throughout the journey that adding to it isn't as important as it was in the earlier days on our first few towns."




Jonas, nods again, and asks, "I know you're not sure of my favorite color against my green skin, Watcher, but do you think I could add a touch more of it to some of my other outfits?"

"Since you've been such a good sport about changing your lifetime wish and career, I don't see why not."

We go through his other outfits and, I must admit, I'm pleasantly surprised at how well the lilac looks on him, especially when paired with black.

Jonas is thrilled with our choices, and says, "I think those will do quite nicely, Watcher!"

Then with his eyes half-lidded he adds, "I can't wait to show off my new nighttime attire to Janette!"

My face flushing and going a bit warm, I decide it's time for me to move on to the next make-over.

As I rush away, I hear Jonas' pleased chuckle as he continues to admire himself in the mirror.

Not malicious, but friendly, and with a touch of eagerness, to be pleasing and show of his own unique style to the love of his life.




Not sure I can face another male make-over just yet, I turn to Jemma and we start with her new hairstyle.

I'd really liked the layered, angled, style of her teen make-over, and I find one similar for young adults, though with a bit more length and body to it.

I was a bit shocked at Jemma's ebony skin tone with her blonde hair when she aged to toddler, but I've become so used it over her childhood and teen years, that I really love her unique look now.

And since her love of purple mirrors my own, I indulge her freely, starting with this smashing two-piece bathing suit, that really shows off the deep richness of her skin tone!




Since we're not sure how much her outerwear will get used in Starlight Shores, I decide to show it off here, along with her bio.

Jemma Frio--YA human
Parents: Odette Frio and Chase Marks Frio
Siblings: Marisol Frio, Chase's time machine daughter, and twin sister, Janette Frio
LTW: Master of Mysticism (Reach Level 10 in Fortune Teller Career, Mystic Path)
Career: Fortune Teller
Traits: Perceptive, Light Sleeper, Supernatural Fan, Night Owl, and Dislikes Children at YA
Fav's: Spooky, Pumpkin Pie, and Purple
Skills: 3 points in guitar, bass, and drums; Piano--4; Logic--3, Painting--3

"Oh, it looks like I have sadly neglected your skilling compared to Janette's, though I'm not sure when she picked up the handiness skill!"

"No matter Watcher! I'll only need Alchemy for my career, though I'm sure a bit of charisma, for both of us, wouldn't go amiss, having to deal with clients in both of our lifetime wish and career choices."

"You're sure you don't mind not being a private eye, like Janette? I should have thought about the requirement for heirs to choose and complete unique lifetime wishes before mentioning it!"

Jemma tilts her head, considering my question, then shakes it, saying, "No, I rather like the idea of joining the Fortune Teller career and topping it. It would have helped me to learn Alchemy faster, being a witch, like Aunt Ella, but I'm confident I can still do that staying my human self!"




Jemma's confidence and perspective have settled me enough to move on to Tobias' make-over, starting with his outerwear, which I make similar to hers, but with his jacket dark, to compliment his green skin tone.

Just think, four co-heirs, and three of them share my love of purple shades!

Introducing Tobias Bellucci--YA human with the HS unique green skin tone
Parents: Original Resident, Emmaline Rhoen and Tomas Bellucci, repairman made permanent resident
Siblings: a brother, Kristian Bellucci, and a sister, Aurora Rhoen
LTW: Illustrious Author (Master Writing and Painting)
Career: Originally Military but changed to Writer (since he popped the wish)
Traits: Artistic, Bookworm, Couch Potato, Genius, and Family-Oriented
Fav's: Country, PBJ, Purple
Skills at move in:
Fishing--3; Logic--1; Painting--3

"Well, just look at how well your traits, lifetime wish, and skills match, Tobias! I think you are one of the few born in game sims that didn't get at least one awful trait! And I think your purple looks just as nice as Jonas' lilac. You and Jemma have that in common, at least."

"We do, though sharing a favorite color doesn't seem as big a deal as being at extremes over children."

"No, I'm afraid not. But you do realize that it's just a random trait, not one she got to choose? Not something we knew would clash terribly with your love of family?"

 "Yes. It was just so much to take in, when it first happened, I couldn't hold back my dismay. But with Kirk losing his mother so unexpectedly, it put things into perspective for me, just how much I'd lose, we'd both lose, if I chose to stay here in Hidden Springs. For me, that was a choice worse than dealing with the trait."




With his make-over complete, I let Tobias continue with his writing, but then he says, "I did have a question…"

"Please don't be afraid to ask…you're part of this family now Tobias, what is it?"

Keeping his eyes focused on his laptop, he asks, "How exactly will Jemma's dislike of children manifest itself? I mean, will she be violently opposed to the idea? Hate the child? Hate me for wanting it!?!"

"Oh, no, nothing like that Tobias! Not as far as I'm aware of, anyway. It's true she may not pop wishes to have a child, but mainly…you know…let me research that before I give you specifics, just so I'm not telling you something that's not accurate. I'll be right back!"

"Okay, I've looked it up on the Forum and this is what I found out."

The dislikes children trait: This will make Sims take a mood hit when they're around children.
Your Sim really doesn't like being around kids.
Your Sim will often reject Social interactions with Children.
Your Sim will always be able to 'Shoo' children.
From <https://www.carls-sims-3-guide.com/traits/dislikeschildren.php>

Tobias listens quietly while I recite the information I found and then says, "That's it!?! That's all it will do? Why that's not even as bad as hating the outdoors, or being a loner, or being grumpy, like my mother!"

Smiling, I say, "I totally agree with you! There are definitely worse traits out there. In fact, I think those sims that dislike children would rather just avoid being around them which is infinitely nicer than evil sims who prey on them, steal their candy, and make them cry, while all the while enjoying their suffering!"

Tobias, family man that he is, is outraged at the mere thought of it, his eyes flashing as he exclaims, "Why, why how perfectly dastardly, that makes Jemma's trait seem like nothing! I truly won't mind spending time with the child, especially if it will spare her the negative feelings."

"That may be the best plan, for a time anyway, and once the child is a bit older, she'll do just fine. But you two aren't even engaged yet, so we're getting ahead of ourselves, though I think it's a good thing to put your fears, and mine, to rest."




As I was chatting with Tobias, I noticed a ghostly figure coming down from upstairs, so I go check it out, but instead of a ghost, I find Marisol continuing to comfort Kirk.

She must have seen the ghostly figure too as she said, "I wouldn't be too frightened Kirk. I may not be a big fan of ghosts, like Jemma is, but we've got quite of few of our ancestors that visit us now and again, so I'd not mind accompanying you to the cemetery. In fact, I wouldn't dream of letting you go alone! But are you sure you ready for that so soon?"

Kirk took a deep breathe and said, "We don't have much time left here in Hidden Springs Marisol, so I'd like to visit her grave, to say…. goodbye. It happened so fast this afternoon, I didn't get to say a word before she was gone!"

"Then we'll go together. Come along, I'll drive, as you're in no fit state for it. I can't believe you drove home from town earlier."

"It wasn't so bad, not in a motive mobile, that really helped."

"Then we'll take one to the cemetery."




I follow Marisol and Kirk to make sure he really is okay with his decision, but he surprises me by pulling out his drums and playing a song, right there in the cemetery!

Marisol and I watch him, letting him express his grief and say his goodbye in his own way, through his music.




When he finishes playing the song, he walks to his mother's headstone, and through his tears, says, "I wish I could have played for you while you were still here, Mom. But I've dedicated that song to you, so every time I play it, I'll remember you. I'll carry your love with me for the rest of my life, wherever I go. Goodbye…"

Marisol turns to Kirk, caresses his arms and says, "Darling, that was beautiful, your song, your goodbye. I'm sure she was listening, and I'm sure she is very, very, proud of you. Are you ready for the next step?"

"Yes. I have to do it now. If I wait, that will just make it more painful, for both of us!"




As the sun comes up, I follow them again, as they drive through Hidden Springs, past City Hall, to Kirk's family home.

Once Kirk's father invites them inside, I see that Carl is taking Maya's death hard as well.

"I played a song for her dad, to say goodbye, before we move to Starlight Shores, to let her know I'll always think of her. Are you sure you don't want to join me? Get out of this house with all it's memories?"




Carl had been trying to stay strong, for Kirk's sake, but seeing the distress in his son's face, his words, he pulls Kirk into his arms, "My boy, my boy, I understand. I'm sure she found your song beautiful, she was always so proud of your talent." Carl hesitated, and then added, "As am I. I know I've been a stickler for perfection, perfect grades, perfect home, perfect everything, and grumpy along with it, when we all fell short! But I want you to know, before you leave town with that pretty girl of yours, I'm proud of you too son! Proud of your talent, proud of your dedication and determination to achieve your dreams. And especially proud that you've done your best to deal with your shortcomings, to focus on your music instead, to not let it control your life."

"But you won't come with us, join us in Starlight Shores?"

"I can't son, I cherish the memories that we made here, you, your mother, and I, and my place is here, with her. She was the one that wanted to move to this little town, to start our family, to get me away from all the stress of a big city life and my demanding job. And she was right! We hadn't been here long at all before you came along, even though the doctor's had told her it might never happen. I'll never forget the night she told me the news! I was the happiest man on earth, but never more happy than when the doctor placed you in my arms! A healthy son, perfect in every way! But that was our choice, to move here, to raise you here. You must go where your heart goes, and that's with Marisol and her family, to follow your heart and your dreams. But don't leave that girl on her own too much! Spend time together, enjoy each other, cherish her, and any children that come along!"

Kirk patted his father on the back, "Oh, I will dad! There's not many families that hear klepto and don't run to hide the silver! Marisol was telling me that the virtuoso and Hit Movie Composer, Rae Frio, yes, the one from Bridgeport!, was not only one of her families ancestors, but she also had a problem with sticky fingers! Imagine me, being like a musical genius like Rae Frio and having that same issue!"

"It doesn’t surprise me son! You always were special, your mother said it from the moment she laid eyes on you, that you were destined for special things. Now you take care of yourself and keep in touch."

"I will dad. I'll let you know all about the new town, our new place. Once we get settled, maybe you could come and visit at least?"

"Maybe. Once you all get settled in, give me a call, we'll chat, catch up, and I'll think about a visit."




But that wasn't the only goodbye I got to witness, though it was the most emotional one.

I found Jemma chatting with Cici at the Festival Park, while Jemma's phone was ringing, no less!

She ignored it as best she could as she said, "I know we all came by the house and said our goodbyes, Cici, and I'm sorry to have dragged you outside, but I wanted to ask you something in private."

"Yes, dear? What can I help you with?"

"Well, I'm sure you've heard I don't like children now!?!"

"It's been mentioned once or twice, in conversations around town."

"I'm sure it has, especially since Tobias loves kids! But what I'm more interested in is knowing the best way to overcome it, like you did your Loner and Hates the Outdoors traits?

Cici frowned, and said, "I'm sorry to burst your bubble Jemma, but you never really overcome traits like that, but you can learn to ignore them and do what you must for your family and the journey. And it's not like I never complained about them either, though my good trait did temper my meanness, well, as best it could. But it's not that I ever want to throw parties or spend time outside, I do it because, well, because I'm just not going to give in to it and live a solitary life behind closed doors!"

"I see. So there's no big secret to overcoming a trait like that, just endure it?"

"Pretty much, but there's one thing that your trait has over mine, the outdoors doesn't change and neither do crowds of sims, but children do grow up, so your negative mood being around them will change once they get older!"

"Oh, I never thought of it that way, though I guess if I'd pondered it a bit more, that solution would have come to me, before too long."

"And there's another bonus with you and Janette sharing co-heirship, that being you each only have to have one child, as there won't be room in the house for more!"

"Now that I did realize, even as I told Tobias I'd have a dozen children if it meant we'd be together! I didn't really mean to mislead him and if he wanted more kids, I'm sure the Watcher could arrange something, even if the thought fills me with dismay! But I'd do it if he had his heart set on it; I love him too much not to fulfill a wish like that!"

"Well, don't forget that whichever one of your children becomes heir, they will be moving to yet another town after Starlight Shores, with whomever their parents are, and with space being limited, that would mean only one set of heir parents, not both you and Janette and your partners."

"Yeah, that is one aspect of co-heirship we can't change, but it's so far into the future, when our children, who aren't even born yet, become young adults, that it's hard to wrap my mind around that!"

"Well, don't forget that going as an heir parent your primary duty is to help raise their children, something that you're not going to like any more than raising your own! But needs must and I know you'll do what's required of you, both you and Janette. Now you remember to call and keep in touch, dear. Your Grandpa Ro and I will want to hear all about engagements, weddings, and great-grandchildren!"




Back at the house, I find Janette wooing Jonas, first with a bouquet of purple flowers followed by an amorous hug, and a very romantic kiss!

Then she drops to one knee, opens that all important little black box with a snap, and says, "Jonas Woodard, I've loved you since we were children and I want to spend the rest of our days together! Will you marry me!?!"




And, though I was hoping it wouldn't happen, Jonas' closes the box and shakes his head, saying, "Oh, no. I'm afraid not, sweetheart!"

As Janette starts to cry, he takes her in his arms and comforts her saying, "Please, don't cry Janette, it's just that we don't have time for that right now! The limo's outside waiting for us!"




I'm not sure who was more surprised, me or Janette, but the words are barely out of Jonas' mouth when Jemma comes strolling by saying, "No time for that you two, can't you hear the limo out their honking away!?! We can't leave without the other half of the heirship couples in the car!"

Janette swallows the lump in her throat saying, "But Jonas isn't even my boyfriend anymore, since he refused my proposal, so I can't be co-heir anyway!"

Jonas squeezes Janette's hand and says, "Of course I'm still your boyfriend silly! Why wouldn't I be!?!"




At this point I'm sure Janette's head is spinning even more than mine, but the vagaries of sim insanity don't mean anything to limo drivers and their schedules, and the entryway quickly fills with family members as they all try to make their way out the front door at the same time.

As the others stand together a bit annoyed, hands on hips and toe-tapping in their impatience, Chase says, "Don't worry about forgetting anything, whatever you didn't pack, the Watcher or the movers will grab. Let's go everyone!"




And as they all head out to the waiting limo, I pause and take one last look at the family home here in Hidden Springs.

I listen to the night sounds, the lap of water along the shore in back of the house, and I'm hit with a pang of sadness as we leave one of my favorite Sim towns, and head to town #11 on our journey, Starlight Shores!




Here's the current family tree of the Frio family.

First, those staying in Hidden Springs:

Lucinda/Cici (Fairy), and Rory Frio, grandparents of the current heir couples.

Their son Eric and his wife, Emily (Nest) Frio along with their two children, Christina , and Elliott (fairy).

Their daughter, Ella (a potion witch) and her husband, Pierce Shawkti, with their three children, the eldest, Adrienne, and their twin sons, Payne (a witch), and Parker (a fairy/witch).

Last but not least, Merida (fairy)  and her husband, Scott Chesterfield, and their fairy triplets, a son, Riff, and two daughters, Lyric and Melody.

And those continuing the journey:

Odette and Chase (Marks) Frio---heir parents.

Marisol Frio and her boyfriend, Kirk Abbott.

Janette Frio and her boyfriend, Jonas Woodard--co-heir couple.

Jemma Frio and her boyfriend, Tobias Bellucci--co-heir couple.

Though we're all a bit sad to be leaving Hidden Springs, and saying goodbye to the fairy family line, we're also looking forward to more adventures in Chapter 263: Star Struck in Starlight Shores
Coming soon.

[deedee_828]

Since I've got quite a bit of work to do to in Starlight Shores to get the town set up for the Frio family's stay here, I look around carefully to find them their temporary home.

Since it doesn't cost anything, and they all deserve to see how the rich and famous live in this bustling burb reminiscent of Tinsel Town, I choose this empty mansion called The Castle, which is on a huge 64x64 lot in the hills, and has this amazing view of the town and the shore!




It doesn't take them long to feel comfortable in the place and soon most of the family is enjoying listening to Kirk play his bass.




Kirk really gets into the song, well as much as you can get into a bass solo!




But Odette soon persuades him to join her in a rocking guitar duet and the two of them lose themselves in their music, like all great musicians do.




After listening for a bit, Chase heads for the dining room and sits down at his laptop.

"You're in Starlight Shores five minutes and you're already working!?!"

"I told my old boss I'd let her know when we got in and if our temporary home was up to our standards."

Chase shoots a look around and whistles as he says, "This place sure is something isn't it!?!"

"Well, your permanent home here is nice, but it's not on the grand scale this place is, but I thought you all deserved to be spoiled your first day in the new town, while I get everything set up."

Chase frowns as he asks, "What's there to set up? Doesn't this town have every night club and performing venue that Sims have ever heard of!?!"

"Yes, it has more than enough of those places, but not a film studio for Marisol to pursue an acting career, and no gypsy wagon for Jemma's fortune teller career, either. And while you all were listening to music, I checked the lot I was planning on using for your new home, and it's too small! It would just fit but I wanted to add a pool, you can't live in Starlight Shores without a pool!"

"We really did enjoy the one you put in for Leisure Day back in Hidden Springs. And the temperatures here are definitely warmer with mostly a summer season, so I'm sure we would get a lot more use out of a pool here."

"I'm thinking so, because I just heard a distinct splash coming from the backyard!"




I check outside and sure enough, I find Janette swimming in the pool.

But not in her swimwear, oh no, she's in her pajamas!

Which must be why she's thinking of bedtime in the middle of the afternoon.

"Why on earth did I change into sleepwear to swim, Watcher!?!"

I guessing her new trait is so new it's puzzling her more than it does me.

"Sorry Janette, but that's a standard occurrence for insane sims, wearing inappropriate clothing."

"Well, how ridiculous! Now my pajamas are soaking wet! How does Jonas stand this all the time?"

"I think the younger the trait shows up, the more used to it you get. It entrenches itself in your overall personality more. If that makes sense."

"It does. But this is definitely going to take some getting used to!"




Not surprisingly, Tobias has found an empty desk and is continuing another novel, to gain another skill point.

I'd planned on just having him skill up in both painting and writing and not worry about a career, but he wanted to write novels and make some money at it, so I let him join the writer career.




Before I leave the room, I spot Janette who's now in her bathing suit, but instead of swimming in it, she's settled onto a nearby sofa and is reading a book.

"I see you changed into your swimsuit, but do you think it's a good idea to sit on that expensive sofa in a wet suit?"

With a beleaguered sigh, Janette says, "It's not wet Watcher. I spun into it AFTER I got out of the pool! Which makes even less sense to me than swimming in my pj's." Shaking her head, she adds, "I expect I'll get used to that after awhile, but it's quite disconcerting at the moment."

"I'll help you out when I can Janette. If the occasion warrants it, like a formal event. But most of the time it really won't interfere with your life or activities, so it's just a matter of acceptance."




Then I hear an exasperated voice and follow it to find Marisol having a very loud phone conversation.

If her tone of voice hadn't given it away, her words certainly did, "But you're my agent! Why is everyone in my family, including both my younger twin sisters, getting celebrity ops but not me!?! I'm the one striving to become a five star celebrity! Do I need to check with other celebrities in town and find a new agent!?!"

As she listens to her agent's response, not only does her voice get louder, but she throws her hand expressively in the air, and rolls her eyes heavenward, saying, "Seriously, there are no other celebrities in this town!?! How am I going to gain my fifth star and complete my lifetime wish!?! Please, think of something or my life will be ruined!"




Hearing her raised voice, Chase comes to see what's the matter, and Marisol is quick to tell him.

"Dad, not only is there no film studio for me to start my acting career, my agent just told me there are no celebrities in this town! How could that be!?! Starlight Shores is the Hollywood of Sim Land and it doesn't make any sense not to have celebrities here with all the performers in town!"

"The Watcher was just telling me about having to add some things to the town, besides the new home she's built for us. I'm sure she has something in mind to fix the celebrity issue in town as well. Don't you, Watcher?"

"I do. I'd actually done some research to get some background on the residents here, and to find out who the town's celebrities were, and when I found out there weren't any, I was just as shocked as Marisol at such an oversight for a performing town! Especially since a place like Barnacle Bay is teeming with celebrities! That's what I've read at least, since we haven't actually been there yet, I don't know how true it is, but that's the word on Wiki! So my plan is to use NRaas MC to check the residents in town, as you meet them, and give them celebrity stars based on their career level. A level 10 performer would definitely be a five star celebrity, whereas a level 5 would probably have 2 or 3 stars."

"Is it that simple Watcher, just a few clicks and you're a celebrity?"

"Yes, it's that simple, for those that aren't active and don't have it as their lifetime wish anyway! Sims like you, Marisol, have to work for it!"

"Ah, I knew there had to be a catch somewhere!"

"Not a catch really, but honestly, would completing your lifetime wish mean as much if I just made you one?"

"The Watcher has a point Marisol. If she just made you a five star celebrity, it wouldn't mean nearly as much to you."

"I guess not. But if  you're going to help me out then I'd better get going!"

Chase frowns, not sure he's followed the conversation very well, and asks, "Going? Where are you going?"

"Well, since the Watcher still has some lots to get placed, I'll start working on meeting the locals so she can see who really should be a celebrity!"




Not wasting any time, Marisol grabs her sisters for a look around town.

Their first stop is Verde Park, a performance park in town that also hosts the seasonal festivals.

I spot these two residents chatting and since they're talking about the acrobat career, I check both of their career levels.

Turns out we're in luck on the first sims we've met, the Whitfield's, as Diane is a level 5 acrobat, and her husband, Jamar, is a music talent scout at the local theater, so they each get 3 stars.

I need to tell Marisol she can meet her first celebrities!




But she's already deep in conversation with another sim, I don't want to interrupt so I just listen in!

"Wow, you're a level 5 acrobat having a mid-life crises, and you need to reach level 5 of four careers, so you've quit the profession and have taken a job at the local hospital, that's quite the story Mr. Savage."

"Bryce please, Ms. Frio! I've never met a celebrity before. Now that I think of it, that's quite unusual for  a town like ours isn't it?"

I can't see her, but I know Marisol is rolling her eyes as she says, "Quite. In fact, I was hoping to increase my own celebrity level, and with no one here actually being one, our Watcher.."

Bryce gasps as he says, "Oh, your family has a Watcher! You mean you're not only a celebrity but an ACTIVE sim!?! My oh my, and to think I almost didn't come to the park today! Are you just visiting our fair city or are you here for a longer stay?"

"We just arrived today, so we're still here on vacation, but once our Watcher gets the town set up and our permanent house placed, we'll be filling out papers at City Hall to become residents. In fact, though for others in my family this won't be their final town, my boyfriend and I will be making this our permanent home. He's into music and wants to master four instruments, while I'm hoping to start my film career. Well, whenever our Watcher gets a film studio placed here in town."

"How wonderful! And I'm the first local resident you've met! I feel privileged and honored Ms. Frio."

Bryce pauses and then his voice rises as he says, "I can feel a bit of your celebrity status rubbing off on me already!"

Marisol doesn't let on that Mr. Savage's 'feeling' is my doing, a quick Nraas click, click, that makes Bryce a 2 star celebrity, so I leave her to her conversation and check on the twins.




Janette chatted with one of the locals and then sat down to work on her logic skill.

I'm guessing she's trying to focus more so her new trait doesn't take her by surprise next time, like it did in the pool.

Her companion is the park proprietor, who's relaxing with a book, and I should have written down the poor guys name, but my eye is caught by something across the pond.




I move closer until I can clearly see that a figurine decorates this particular spot!

Mermaid Barbie perhaps?




I look around until I find Jemma on the golf green practicing her swing.

"Oh, that one looked pretty good! I'll leave you to it. I don't know much about golf, but enough to know that a Chatty Kathy isn't someone you want nearby while you're playing!"




With Jemma needing silence more than my chatter, I check on her sisters to find that Marisol and Janette have been invited to share a picnic lunch with the Whitfield family.

Diane and Jamar introduce their teenage children, Barry, who takes after his father having a love and talent for music, and Lela, who, though not musical, loves a good party, or any party for that matter as is quickly known by her excited chatter.

"Oh, that was a text from my bestie back home asking if I've gone to any celebrity parties here in Starlight Shores yet! I can't wait to tell her we've finally met some residents in town that aren't just celebrities, but four star celebrities!" Giving her parents an irate teenage glare, she adds, "It would help even more if I'd actually made some friends here in town and been invited to a party, instead of being dragged to a new town and dumped at a new school in my last year, but it's better than nothing!"

With a hint of an apologetic note in Diane's voice, she says, "I'm sure you'll meet some new friends soon, honey. The timing wasn't the best for you and Barry, we know that, but the promotion for your father was too good to pass up."

Not at all appeased, Lela sneered, "And you finally got to revive your 'career'! Though why someone who can barely walk without tripping over her own feet would decide to become an acrobat is beyond me!"

Jamar, his voice pleasant but firm, gave his outspoken daughter a stern look, saying, "Lela! There's no excuse for rudeness, please apologize to your mother and hold your tongue.  Our guests don't need to be drawn into our family drama during their first outing in a new town."

Lela wasn't at all sorry for her outburst, but she did want to make a good impression on their guests, so she mumbled a quick, "Sorry."

Marisol smiled to break the tension and said, "Don't mind us, family drama is something we've lived with all our lives! Our grandmother is a grumpy fairy, and neither she or our grandpa liked crowds, which precipitated their moving to a home of their own once our house became party central!"

Janette gave Lela a conspiratorial look as she added, "I loves parties too and so does Marisol's boyfriend, Kirk, who's also loves music. And my twin and I are quite familiar with the difficulties of being a teen as we celebrated our young adult birthdays just before we left Hidden Springs. I would love to throw a party when we get settled in our new home, to introduce ourselves to the neighborhood, and all four of you would be at the top of our guest list!"

Lela's eyes flew open wide, her anger gone at the thought of not just a party but a celebrity party! She cast anxious glances at both her parents, waiting for their reply, but couldn't help herself as she said, "Please, say we can go!"

Jamar shared a look with Diane and then broke into a grin, "Are you kidding!?! Pass up a chance to listen to other music lovers perform, up close and personal?" Laughing, he added, "What kind of a music talent scout would I be if I did that!?!" Then realizing that he'd been a bit presumptuous, he asked, "If you think they'd want to play at a party for strangers?"

Marisol and Janette both laughed and said in unison, "Try and stop them!"




The girls head back to the vacation house so I zip over there ahead of them only to find Kirk skinny dipping in the pool!

"Kirk, I thought Janette swimming in her pajamas was bad, but this!!! I have no words!"

Kirk snorted, "That's a first!" But his overall friendliness softened his words, as he added, "I was taking advantage of the twins being out. I know they're young adults now, but swimming au natural with Marisol's baby sisters around just doesn't seem right."

"Well thanks for thinking of that at least, but I should warn you they're right behind me! In fact, I think Jemma's on the side lawn heading for the pool as we speak!"

"Stall her Watcher!"

"How?"

"I'm sure you can think of something!"




I'd planned on letting the family enjoy the vacation house a bit longer, but instead I have Janette call for a taxi and make arrangements to move to their permanent home here in Starlight Shores.

Which has all the family members, including a, thankfully, fully dressed Kirk, all piling into a limo to head to the shore.

The vacation home was beautiful, but far from the beach, being nestled against the hills, and I couldn't resist placing their new home on the bluffs overlooking the beach and ocean.

They arrived after dark, so you can't get the full affect of the location of their new home, but I'm pretty excited to be using this build.

It's a more modern home than I usually have them live in, but I felt a home in Starlight Shores should reflect a California-style.

And what home could do that more than a replica of a well know TV family home!?!

Of course, it's not exact, and I did take a lot of creative liberties adding rooms and extending the living space, but I love the end results.

Welcome all to my BB home!




And Chase seems even more excited to be here than I am as he claps wildly in the formal living area!

I didn't stay totally in keeping with the decade, as you can see with a more neutral color palette in the living and dining room, but since it's been 50 years since it aired, I think I'm justified in giving it a more up-to-date style.

But that little peek into the kitchen, with it's yellow and orange tones, does give it a more 70's feel.




And though Chase and most of the family are excited about living here, Kirk's grief over his mother's death strikes him viscously just as he crosses the threshold into the foyer.

Janette's thoughts are totally focused on being in the new house, while Tobias' are filled with trash!?!

The house is brand new and filled with all new furniture so I'm not sure what could be considered trash, but I'm more concerned about Kirk.




As is Marisol, who quickly decides to head to the Strip downtown with Kirk and take his mind off of sorrowful thoughts.

It works too, as he ends up totally engrossed in a table top video game.

His opponent being none other than Charlie Ray Buckshot, who's a level 10 singer, and should be a high caliber celebrity, or he would be in any town besides Starlight Shores!

Kirk excitedly chats about their shared love of music, saying, "You are truly an inspiration Mr. Buckshot! I hope my skill with musical instruments goes as well as your singing career!"

"My voice is certainly a gift that I learned to use well Kirk. Though any talent can only be enhanced through hard work and determination. But even for one like myself, aspiring to master four instruments is quite the ambition!"




With Charlie Ray's celebrity status brought up to five stars, I have Marisol introduce herself, and can quickly see that Mr. Buckshot's new fame is already being recognized by other residents as the soon-to-be mother, a sim who's name I've neglected to notate, claps in her excitement at seeing a real live celebrity!




As Charlie Ray chats at length about his music career, they become friends.

"I was giving your boyfriend some advice, my dear, but he'll need your love, support, and understanding, especially understanding, as the life of a performer is a tough one. I should know as I let the fame and fortune go to my head and it destroyed my marriage! Make sure the two of you spend quality time together or it can lead to heartbreak and loneliness!"

"That's the same advice Kirk's father gave me before we left Hidden Springs, Mr. Buckshot, and Kirk and I will definitely be taking it to heart. Kirk recently lost his mom, and I've been trying to be as comforting and supportive as I can, for both his loss and his musical career."

"Good for you my dear! It's nice to see a couple working together for a change. This town, with it's focus on fame and fortune, certainly makes it difficult for couples to maintain positive relationships. And there's always a gold digger waiting in the wings to ensnare them as soon as an opportunity present itself! Be very careful on that score. My ex-wife has been caught in that trap easily enough, living with our pool boy, Finnegan Sawyer, who thinks he has talent, the upstart!"




With such confidences exchanged, not only has their friendship level increased, but more importantly, to me and Marisol, she's earned a smidge of increased celebrity status for herself!

"I'll keep your warning example to the forefront, Mr. Buckshot. In fact, I better rejoin Kirk as spending time together and keeping him from dwelling on the loss of his mother was the main purpose of this outing."

"Then I won't keep you my dear, but please do me a favor and call me Charlie Ray, all my friends do!"

"It would be an honor and a privilege, Charlie Ray, to count you as a friend."




With another high-ranking celebrity as a friend, and an another small increase to her own celebrity status, Marisol joins Kirk at the gaming table.

Kirk is still grieving for the loss of his mother, but his sorrow lessens as each hour passes, as time truly does heal, especially in Sims.

And though I'm happy to see Kirk's grief lessen, seeing his increased nerd level has me shaking my head as he'll no doubt be joining the rest of the family in berating each other's ignorance every chance he gets!




The Frio family has moved into their new home in Starlight Shores, my own build that I call the BB house.

Marisol's met a few residents in town, some who are current, or previous, performers, and now possess celebrity status of their own, increasing hers!

I've changed the huge empty residential lot back in the 'Hollywood Hills' to a community lot, and placed the original Plumbob Pictures Backlot film studio there so Marisol can begin her film career.

But Marisol's not the only one of the sisters embarking on a new career, as Jemma will be studying alchemy to further her Fortune Teller career, while Janette will obtain her first case as a budding detective.

And Marisol and Kirk aren't the only couple spending some quality time together.

Up next we'll see one romance progress, as well as some daylight photos of their new home.

Check it out in Chapter 264: Romance and Residents
Coming soon.

[deedee_828]

Marisol and Kirk weren't the only couple enjoying a night on the town.

Odette and Chase dropped by Rodeo-Go-Go.




And though the place was pretty empty, Chase had a blast riding the bull!




Back at the house, Janette takes advantage of some alone time with Jonas, romancing him with a passionate kiss!




Feeling the moment is right, though with insane sims it's hard to tell, she again drops to one knee.

With an eager smile, she says, "Jonas Woodard, love of my life, will you marry me now?"




I hold my breathe as we both wait for Jonas' reaction.

And only breathe when he starts jumping up and down shouting, "Yes! Yes! Of course I'll marry you! Why would you ever doubt me?"

Apparently he's forgotten that he said no just a day or so ago back in Hidden Springs and had Janette bursting into tears!




After Janette places the ring firmly on his finger and they are happily chatting away about their wedding plans, Jared appears saying, "Well, well, I'd imagined that with both of you being out of your minds that that was going to take some doing! But you've surprised me, which isn't easy to do as long as I've been around this family!"

"Hi Founder Jared! I'm surprised to see you so soon after getting settled here. What do you think of the new place?"

Jared looks around and I'm just waiting for a snarky comment, but he simply says, "Not bad, not bad. I see plenty of rockers have been placed around for us to relax in, so that's a start. But what would really liven up the place is a party!"

Janette smiles and responds with,  "Well, I'm planning on throwing a bachelorette party, but not here. I'm not passing up the chance to use one of the hot spots on the Strip! But we'll have the wedding here I think. Does that suit you?"

"I'd rather attend the bachelorette party with all the pretty young girls, but I'll settle for the wedding party, if that's all I can get!"




Jonas headed for the basement to continue working on his latest sculpture while Janette continues to enthuse about her new fiancé.

"Jonas is so cute and funny, and so unpredictable! But now that I'm on the same page as he is, I guess we're both a bit unpredictable. The Watcher has our formal outfits for the wedding all set, but odds are that she'll have a time getting us to stay in them!"

"Well, I won't say that your actions, especially those that cause distress to others, won't bring me pleasure, because you know they will. Both Sasha and Dahlia managed to spice up the family dynamic a bit, so I'm looking forward to the drama you two may bring, my dear! Though with your twin disliking children and her boyfriend wanting a big family, well, they may prove to be just as entertaining! I'm looking forward to this new generation with more anticipation than most!"

Janette didn't bother to hide the wry look she gave Jared as she said, "And I'm sure that has more to do with the nightlife in this town than any of us!"

Jared sighed and his shoulders slumped as he said, "It would if I had the wherewithal to get off this lot and mix with the party crowd in some of those rocking venues!"

Janette nodded, saying, "Well, instead of just complaining about it, why don't you make it happen!?!"




Jared, a bit shocked at Janette's words and tone, pauses, but then he pats Janette on the shoulder, saying, "What a delightful idea! You know my dear, your perceptiveness along with your insanity is proving to be quite the combination!"

Before I can question Jared to find out what's going on in that ghostly mind of his, I hear a disturbing sound and head upstairs to check it out.




And I find Marisol and Adam greeting each other, not just with a wave of their hands, but with hearts floating above their heads!

"No, no, no!!! THAT is never happening! I don't care if you two aren't even related, just no!"

Adam laughs and says, "You know I wouldn't want anything to happen anyway, Watcher. I'll always be devoted to my Sophie, but that doesn't make me appreciate a lovely girl any less!"

Marisol agrees and says, "I feel the same way about Kirk. He's the center of my universe but that doesn't mean I can't enjoy the company of others."




Then they both smile even wider as they say, "Especially when we have such a wonderful trait in common!"

"That's right, you're both easily impressed! No wonder you became almost instant friends! But I think you're distressing Kirk."

Though instead of being concerned about an inappropriate attraction between his girlfriend and a ghostly second generation family ancestor, Kirk is actually upset because they are blocking the rockers!

But rockers makes me remember Jared, so I go to check some of them out.



 
And I find Jared ensconced in a rocker in the basement.

"There you are! What are you plotting!?!"

In the most innocent tone imaginable Jared replies, "Me!?! Why would I be plotting anything Watcher!?!"

"Don't act all innocent, butter-wouldn't-melt-in-my-mouth with me Jared Frio! I've been with this family, with you, right from the beginning, so I know just exactly how your mind works!"

Jared continues to rock back and forth and just when I think he's going to ignore me, he says slowly, "I don't think anyone can know EXACTLY how someone else's mind works. But you can go on deluding yourself if you like Watcher."

I know once Jared gets into a mood like that, I'm not going to get another word out of him, so instead of banging my head on that brick wall, I decide to see who else is checking out the new house.




I find Jemma rocking companionably with Adam on the upstairs balcony, just as the early morning sun hits it.

"You're up early Jemma. Or haven't you gone to bed yet?"

"The latter Watcher! It was just too hard to resist staying up late AND getting to spend time with Grandpa Adam! Not to mention getting my first glimpse of the wonderful view we have!"

"Oh, speaking of views, I guess I should share yours with everyone else, as well as some daytime photos of your new house."

Adam nods and says, "Share away Watcher, we're content to just enjoy the early morning sunshine."




I can't really get a good angle behind Jemma, so I pull back to the road  to get a better look at the BB house lot and it's ocean view.

I think it's pretty incredible.

I actually stole this lot from Yolanda Lemmon, Jimmy Lemmon's widow, the address being 456 Shoreline Point!

The reason being that the lot I'd planned on using, which had an empty home on it, was the same size as my original BB home lot, and I wanted one a little larger, so I could add a pool.

I mean, what's the point of living in Starlight Shores on the west coast, if you don't have a pool to enjoy all that gorgeous sunshine!?!

Besides, with as much fun as the family got out of the pool in Hidden Springs, one they'd only had for a few days, I can't resist indulging them.

I didn't just get rid of Yolanda or her house, that would have been beyond the pale, so she moved in with a fellow performer, Steve Cupp, and a copy of her home, which is called Prospect, I believe, was saved to the library, before I bulldozed the lot.




Here's a view of the lot from the bluff side, which shows off the backyard and gives you a glimpse of the upper balcony off Janette and Jonas' bedroom.




Map view shows just how close to the shore they are, with only one other family home on their right, and an empty lot  closer to the point of the bluff.

The family living in the home next door, 460 Shoreline Point, is actually made up of two couples, with the household called appropriately enough, A Couple Couples.

It consists of Marisol's new friend, Bryce Savage, along with Courtney Foster, Seth Monroe, and Holly Robbins.

This is what I found about them on Wiki:
These two couples are just as likely to make it as they are to the end in a bitter breakup. Bryce and Holly are longtime friends who have just moved in with their significant others. Holly only knows her boyfriend from the internet, and Bryce's girlfriend has a reluctance to enter a serious relationship. Will the pair of couples last, or will their relationships end before they've really started?
From <https://www.thesimswiki.com/wiki/Starlight_Shores>

Will they further their relationships and possibly have a child that continues the journey with the Frio family?

I guess we'll find out in the weeks to come what SP has in store for them as, unlike HS, I've got no plans to pair couples up in hopes of unique genetic offspring, especially since none of my research really pinpoints any families that stand out from the others.

So anything goes here in Starlight Shores, for whomever this generations children pair up with, the luck of the draw, or better yet, children born in town via SP that are around the next gens age and are the appropriate gender.

Who knows, maybe it will be the family living across the road from the shore, at 465 Shoreline Point, that consists of a young couple, Mithun Khan and Ariella Chen, and Mithun's long time friend, Ernesto Gonzalez, that add their genetics to the Frio family?

Though the Wiki doesn't give their relationship high hopes, maybe SP will take pity on them, move Ernesto out, and let the couple's romance blossom in peace.

Mithun and Ariella's relationship was great until they gained a permanent houseguest in the form of Mithun's friend Ernesto. The guys have been close their whole lives, but Ariella views Ernesto as a mooch and wants him out! With Mithun's reluctance to ask Ernesto to leave, will Ariella and Mithun continue their happy relationship?
From <https://www.thesimswiki.com/wiki/Starlight_Shores>




While I've been busy showing off the house, lot, and neighborhood, the rest of the family has been starting their day.

Janette giving whoever is listening a loud party "Woot! Woot!" as she jumps out of bed, fully clothed in one of her every day outfits!

"Wow! That's a very positive way to start the day. Excited about your engagement, or more likely your bachelorette party?"

"Oh they're both definitely on my 'can't wait' list, Watcher, but this particular cheer is because I got my first case! I'm heading into town soon to meet with my client!"




While Janette heads downstairs to grab some breakfast, I peek into the new gallery room, and watch as Odette puts the finishing touches on another painting.

In the original build, I'd left this room open to the floor below, but with all the painters in the house this generation, I decided they needed a gallery, and this space fit the bill perfectly, especially with all that gorgeous natural light.

I colored the walls and floor white, to reflect the light as well and make those stark white walls a perfect foil for all the paintings that will be hung up here.

Of course, Odette, Chase, Tobias, and Jonas will be selling most of their paintings, though I will keep a few special ones, and I've still got quite a few masterpieces on hand that I've kept from all the family painters over the journey.

"That is such a beautiful painting of a lighthouse Odette, I can almost feel the ocean breeze on my skin!"

"Thanks Watcher. It's hard not to be inspired by that view we have, though there's not a lighthouse to be seen here."

"Well, you've certainly become a master painter Odette! It's hard to believe you've only been artistic since your young adult birthday!"

"I'm thinking it's partly due to dad's influence, his support, and encouragement all those years. With the traits the twins got, I'm wondering if Chase and I really did all we could for them!?!"

"I don't think your parenting skills had much to do with their traits. It's nice to say that each gen inherited an existing family trait or received a unique one, but random is just that, random."

Odette thoughtfully adds another brush stroke to her painting and says, "You know Watcher, that actually does make me feel a little better."

We suddenly hear loud music coming from above us and Odette smiles, actually smiles with that clash overhead, and says, "Kirk's up! It's so nice to have another music lover in the house!"




I go upstairs to the third floor, which had originally been a pokey room in the attic all decked in 70's psychedelic style in the TV show the home is famous for.

But it certainly doesn't have that vibe now as I decorated it in a modern style with white walls that have gray trim border at the top, with bold black and gold carpets and bedding to give them room some pop.

Though I did give a nod to it's origins in the colorful movie poster on the wall.

I smile as I realize Kirk's drum set co-ordinates with the rooms' colors, and leave him to it.

Odette may appreciate any and all levels of playing, but I'll wait until he has a few more skill points under his belt before I call that banging and clashing music!




I find Jonas in the basement, chisel and hammer in hand, starting a new sculpture.

"What's this one going to be?"

Jonas doesn't stop chiseling bits away, but he cocks his head and stares intently at his work, before saying, "No idea! Whatever's in the clay that needs to come out!"

"That sounds pretty ominous. I hope it's just an Avant Garde, artsy thing to say!?!"

My heart beats a little faster as Jonas says, "Me too, Watcher, me too!"

It's at this point I decide to see how Janette's fairing with her first case.




I catch up with her in town and find her talking to Sadie Mason, a talented singer who is a local phenomenon.

(While I give Sadie three celebrity stars for since that's level five in her career.)

"I need you to dig up some dirt on the Best family. I've heard that someone in that house is spreading rumors about my boyfriend, Rich Richmond, and my friend, Mercedes May, and I want to know if it's true!"

"Well, I have to be honest, this is my first case, so how would I go about doing that?"

Sadie stares at Janette for a moment, shrugs, and replies, "Go through their mail, check their trash. You know, the usual detective stuff!"

"That's just it, I don't know really. So it's okay to riffle through their mail and dig through their trash?"

"I don't know how okay it is, but that's what I've heard detectives do. So are you going to take my case?"

"Are you sure you don't want to use someone with more experience?"

"That's just it, you're the only detective that's ever been in town! If you won't do it, I've got no one else to turn to and my life will be ruined! I thought I was doing Mercedes a favor, helping her out with her singing career, but now I'm wondering if she was ever really my friend all! "

Sadie suddenly stops talking and stares across the street, saying slowly, "Don't look now but I think those people are staring at us! I thought they were looking at you, but some of them are giving me the eye too! Maybe you should check them out instead?"

Janette quickly says, "I'm sure it's nothing! Well, nothing that a terrific singer can't handle. Didn't you come to Starlight Shores to be famous!?! I think people in this town are finally recognizing the talent that's been here all along!"

Before Sadie can question her new found fame, Janette says, "I'll take your case! I'll head over to the Best home straight away. They actually live down the road from me. As soon as I have any information, I'll contact you."




I arrive at the Best house shortly before Janette and am happy to see that the birth announcement I received coincides with Janette's destination.

The Best family adds a baby boy, Alan, who's the first addition to the Starlight Shores residents!

Will he inherit that gorgeous red hair of his mother's? I hope so!

Will he be too old to pair up with one of this gen's children?

Since neither one of our co-heirship couples is even pregnant yet, or can even think about it with Marisol and Kirk still living in the main home, probably.

But a Watcher never gives up hope, or looking for potential heir spouse material, even before they're born!




Once Catherine Best brings her new son into the house, Janette dives into their trash can!

"For someone worried about whether doing that was okay, you sure got over your concerns fast enough!"

Janette's response is lost as she's deep inside the smelly trash can, but I'm pretty sure she mumbled something that wasn't fit to print!




And as she's going through the mail, right there in broad daylight, family members start streaming by her!

First an elder carrying a cute blonde toddler, then a police officer!!!

But none of them pay a lick of attention to Janette, and she keeps right on with her task.

I'm not sure she even noticed they walked by…

Until she hisses, "Of course I can see them, I'm not blind! But since I'm not bothering them, I guess they're not going to bother me! That's a good thing to know for my next case."

"Next case? Shouldn't you finish this one first?"

"I am finished. There's nothing in the Best's mail or trash to indicate they are the ones spreading these rumors or that they know who is. I just need to let Ms. Mason know and then it will be case closed!"

"Ms. Mason? Isn't that a little formal? You're both around the same age."

"Professional courtesy, Watcher. Even I know that!"




Minutes later, Janette is telling Sadie, excuse me, Ms. Mason, everything she knows, or rather everything the Best's don't know.

"So, Ms. Mason, it's not the Best family spreading the rumors, if they are indeed rumors, as though it may hurt you, rumors typically have some basis in truth. My advice to you is to keep a close eye on your boyfriend and your friend. Better yet, maybe help your friend to find her own place. I know for a fact that our Watcher has placed a few revamped homes in town, redesigned by none other than our friend and family architect, MrsFlynn!"

With her information and advice imparted, Janette pulls out her handy, dandy, notebook and, with a flourish, writes, 'case closed'!

I sigh as I think, one down, thirty-four more to go!

And though Janette didn't find out what Sadie Mason was looking for, it did help us out as now we have yet another celebrity in town for Marisol to meet.




Janette and Jonas' are engaged, which only took two tries, and much as I hate to admit it, I'm with Jared on thinking it's a small miracle since they're both insane.

But after Jared's comments, I know he's plotting something, but when it's going to happen or what it will be, remains to be seen, which does give me a bit of a sick feeling in my stomach, just waiting for whatever inappropriate scheme he's dreamed up to happen!

I've showed off my new build, though I'm sure there will be plenty more photos as we've just begun our stay here in Starlight Shores.

We've met a few more of the residents, helping me to assign appropriate celebrity status where's it's needed.

So Marisol has more opportunities to increase her own celebrity status and reach her goal, that elusive fifth star!

Now that she's engaged, our party animal, Janette, wants to throw a bachelorette party at one of the venues in town.

But first, Jemma has an unexpected result with her first dabblings into alchemy!

Join us in Chapter 265:  A Necessary Kiss
Coming soon.

[deedee_828]

With Janette's first case solved, and her client Sadie Mason being a celebrity, I don't waste the opportunity for Marisol to meet her.

With a casual wave, a big smile, and friendly, "Hi, Sadie, I'm Janette's sister, Marisol Frio. My Watcher was so pleased that Janette's case turned out to be a celebrity singer that she had me race into town to meet you. I hope you don't mind?"

"Mind? Not at all! In fact, I'm sure I speak for all of the performers here in Starlight Shores as we're all thankful that someone has finally recognized the oversight on the lack of our celebrity status!"

"Since you feel so positively about it, would you care to join me for a meal and a night on the town?"

"I'd love too! The one thing that performers like more than performing is seeing and being seen! Since my celebrity status has been recognized, I've had my own share of time in the spotlight, but more of that never hurts."
 



Sadie has barely finished speaking when a passing resident, Annabel Gooder, asks her for a photograph and Sadie happily grants one, striking a pose, to Annabel's delight.

From Sims Wiki I learned Annabel is a snob that prefers her entertainment to include the most expensive restaurants and attending the most exclusive parties.

Now that the Frio family has moved here, and there are actual celebrities in town, there's a chance for her to mix and mingle with others who are rich, and have the same impeccable pedigree that she believes her family alone possesses, not like the majority of the residents here in Starlight Shores, who are quite beneath her, and her husband, Edward's, notice, unless they are celebrities, of course!




With Sadie's fame being recognized and a photograph happily given, the two young women head over to Broad Street Business Tower and Grill, to grab a bite of food.

The weather had been fare enough when they went inside, but it had started to rain by the time they got outside with their food.

With as busy as the dining room was inside, the girls just endured the rain, but they ate quickly instead of relaxing over their meals.




A bit wet, they headed further down the Strip and ducked inside one of the venues.

They decided to check out the second floor, and spotting a photo booth, the two girls, already fast friends since they had so much in common, being around the same age, having boyfriends, performing careers, and a trait, both of them being good, giggle and duck inside.




Marisol smiles and giggles even more once she grabs the sheet of photos, seeing all the funny expressions the two of them made during their impromptu photo session.




"My copy is definitely going up on a wall in my room! What a wonderful keepsake of my first night out with a friend here in Starlight Shores! When is your next show Sadie? I can't wait to attend one of your performances!"

Sadie hesitates and says, "I'm not sure. I don't have a gig booked right at the moment. In fact, I'm waiting on some news before I book any more shows."

Marisol knows that something is weighing on her new friend's mind, but she doesn't get a peek into her friend's thoughts like we do!

If what Sadie suspects is true, no wonder she's concerned about the rumors about her boyfriend, Rich, and her roommate and thought-to-be friend, Mercedes!



 
But Sadie isn't the only friend Marisol finds out clubbing, as she runs into Charlie Ray, who's more than happy to chat with two pretty young girls, especially as Sadie is following in his footsteps to become a vocal legend.

Soon their conversation focuses on all the recognition each one of them is getting, being asked for autographs and photos, the typical response of fans when they come across a celebrity.

"I don't mind fans asking for a photo or an autograph, but the paparazzi can be very intrusive. Though they were a  bigger problem in Hidden Springs than they've been here. Apparently, they haven't discovered that Starlight Shores even has celebrities yet, but just give them a few days and I'm sure the town will be swarming with them!"

I know for a fact that Marisol is spot on with this assessment as I've been getting notices that the paparazzi roles for Starlight Shores haven't been filled yet, but I'm sure they will be hounding them all before too long.




But then Marisol gives them happier news, saying, "Our Watcher got Plumbob Pictures Backlot film studio placed and I've already gotten a job as an extra! I know it's not much, but it's a start!"

Sadie congratulates Marisol, and then turns to Charlie Ray with a big smile, and says, "We all started out at the bottom didn't we Mr. Buckshot!?!"

"We're not in the studio now Sadie, so there's no need to be so formal, please call me Charlie Ray. And you're quite right, there's no shame in starting at the bottom of a career. Congratulations, Marisol. If there's any way I can help you with your new career, please don't hesitate to ask."

Sadie chimes in with, "That goes for me too! Anything for a fellow performer!" Wryly she adds, "Especially one who's a true friend and not one who's trying to steal my jobs and my boyfriend!"

Charlie Ray sympathizes with Sadie, saying, "I've heard those rumors myself, and take my advice Sadie, get your conniving 'friend' out of your house, ASAP!"

Then Charlie Ray's eyes gleam as a plan takes hold in his mind and he says, "I think I may have way that will help the both of us out my girl!" He lowers his voice conspiratorially and whispers his plan to them as he darts anxious glances around to make sure no one else is listening, "First of all…."

Well, well, well, looks like Founder Jared isn't the only one plotting in this new town.

I'm not sure whether to be glad that my sims, ghostly, active, or otherwise, are taking matters into their own hands, or very, very, afraid!




With Marisol, Sadie, and Charlie, busy with secret plans of their own, I check on other family members, only to discover Jemma studiously learning alchemy in the basement, with a toad's head on her shoulders, instead of her own!

"Something you'd care to share with me!?!"

Though the toad head hides her embarrassment, her voice gives her away, "Not especially Watcher."

"Well, don't think this is the first time I've had a sim become a toad. It happened in my Farmacy game to my poor heiress Summer, when a witch cast a spell on her. Since there are no witches here in SS, I'm guessing an alchemy elixir backfired on you, yes?"

"Yes! Thank goodness you've had experience with this Watcher. So what do I do to get rid of it? Does the spell just wear off? Can I do anything to get back to my normal self?"

Trying to keep my voice neutral I say, "That's why I said poor Summer, she's a toad to this day…"

"What!?!" Then Jemma relaxes as she must have picked up on something in my tone as she adds, "Not funny Watcher! I can see Founder Jared's warped sense of humor is rubbing off on you a bit. Now tell me what really happened!"

"Can't get much past you and your sister so I spill the beans. Since there are no witches here to cast a sunlight charm, which is one of the cures, or so I've read, you could either try to find a cure elixir, or potent cure elixir, at the elixir shop, or in one of the family chests, though I don't know if we have any on hand, or skill up in alchemy to make one yourself."

"But any of those options could take some time and I can't be seen like this! I was looking through the alchemy book for the cure when you showed up and I still haven't found anything about it. Aren't there any other options?"

"There is one other option I know, the one Summer used, in fact. That one requires you to ask another sim for a 'toad kiss', and hope it works!"

"And if it doesn't? What happens?"

"Three possible things, nothing, it cures you and you return to normal or…"

"Or what!?!"

"The sim that kisses you becomes a toad too!"

"That's just great Watcher! So if I ask Tobias to kiss me and he does and gets turned into a toad too, does that mean the one child we can have this gen will also be a toad!?!"

I can't help but laugh at Jemma' question, the picture of a toad family now stuck in my head, and just how funny Jared would find that as it is kind of funny, in a warped way, which is just how Jared likes his humor.

Once I stop laughing, I say, "I don't know. Find Tobias and we'll hope for the best!"




Luckily Jemma finds Tobias on the main floor just as she comes upstairs, and though his eyes open wide at her appearance, he carefully listens to her explanation of what happened, and the possible cures.

He manages to understand what's happened, though her tongue swipes and croaks made it a bit difficult to focus, but he's not very enthused about the part he has to play in this, not at all!

"I have to kiss you!?! On your toad  lips!?!"

"I don't know if it has to be directly on the lips, just a kiss! Don't be squeamish Tobias! Don't you love me?"

"Of course I love you! But this….well, I thought you not liking children was going to be our biggest hurdle, not you becoming a toad and then having to kiss you, and possibly becoming a toad myself!"

Then the same thought that struck Jemma hits Tobias like lightening!

"If we both end up as toads, would our child be one too!?!"

"If you'd just kiss me and cure me, we won't have to worry about that Tobias! Now pucker up and lay one on me!"




With all the enthusiasm of a young boy told you kiss an aging aunt, Tobias asks, "Can I at least close my eyes?"

"If it will make you kiss me faster, then yes, close your eyes!"

With his scrunched up face clearly showing his complete distaste for what he's about to do, Tobias leans closer, barely brushes his lips on the side of Jemma's toad face, and quickly jumps back to see the results.




Jemma doesn't need to ask if it worked because if the look on Tobias' face didn't let her know she was still a toad, her sudden urge to catch flies left no doubt at all!

Hesitantly, Tobias asks, "Now what do we do?"

Jemma says firmly, "You have to kiss me again Tobias!"

Tobias stumbles backward, "Again!?! How many times do I have to kiss toad skin?"

With a sigh Jemma says, "As many times as it takes Tobias! Unless you'd like to wake up to this face every morning for the rest of your life! And catch me flies for breakfast, lunch, and dinner!"




Steeling himself once more, Tobias does his hideous duty and jerks away when a greenish yellow fog starts to envelop Jemma!

With a huge toady smile, Jemma croaks, "Somethings happening, I can feel it!"
 



And suddenly Jemma is once again her blonde, gorgeous self!

Tobias' face shows his own relief as he stares lovingly at Jemma's face, "Oh, it worked that time, thank the Watchers everywhere!"

"Really!?!" Patting her face, and stroking her restored hair, Jemma exclaims, "Oh, it did work! I'm so sorry I was so mean about it Tobias. How can I ever thank you for saving me!?!"




Tobias smiles and says huskily, "I'll show you how my love!"

And he pulls her into his arms for a passionate kiss!

Time for me to go elsewhere.




I see Marisol is home from her night on the town with Sadie, so I help her out by grabbing the sheet of photos out of her inventory and placing a framed copy on her bedroom wall.

With so much going on in my families each gen, I tend to forget about prom and festival booth photos, so I'm glad I remembered this time, as it's a cute collection of four poses, most of them cutting off one or the other of the girls' faces, but that they are having fun shines through without a doubt.




Then next morning I find Jonas in the nursery all dressed up and looking absolutely adorable.

"I don't mind seeing you looking like that, but why here in the empty nursery? Oh, is there news you want to share!?!

With an impish grin he says, "No Watcher, just checking it out. The incense in here makes it a very calming room."

"So are you dressed up for anything special or just because?"

"Janette's bachelorette party is tonight and it's a formal occasion, you know 'dress to impress'!

"Yes, I know, but one, she hasn't scheduled it yet; two, it's female family and guests only; and three, dress to impress clothes are not regular formal outfits."

"Oh, I see. Then I guess I'm wearing it just because I'm crazy and I have a sense of off-beat style!"

"Well, at least you're honest about it!"




I hear other family members up and about and find Chase and Odette outside checking out the patio.

Well, actually they're flirting a bit out there on their own if their body language is anything to go by, because they are both definitely…leaning!

"I'm not sure if I totally remember, but I've heard it's like riding a bicycle. Once you learn, you don't ever forget!"

Chase gives her a husky chuckle and says, "Prove it!"

They head inside and I'm not sure it's actually safe to do so, but I follow them.




And watch in total shock as they race for the living room, plop down on the couch, and start playing a video game!

Chase laughs and says, "Take a photo, it lasts longer Watcher!"

I snort and say, "I already did, smartie pants, but that was pretty misleading you two!"

But as is typically for nerds playing video games, I am now ignored as they focus totally on the game.

Then my attention is caught first by Janette standing stock still and staring at something across the room or maybe out one of the windows.

I hope that doesn't mean Kirk is outside swimming or soaking in the hot tub au natural again!

But before I check on that, I see someone else coming up from the basement.

Oh, it's just the new maid!




I hear chatting outside, so I check it out to find Kirk wearing his swimwear and chatting away to a couple of co-workers he invited over.

"Thanks for coming over, Isaac, Lindy! I thought it would be nice to get acquainted a bit, while were not dealing with work."

"Wow, what a great house Kirk! You can't tell me you can afford a place like this on your meager earnings!"

"You're right on that count Isaac! The house belongs to the Frio family, which includes my girlfriend Marisol's parents, her younger twin sisters and their boyfriends. Marisol and I are living with them until she fulfills her lifetime wish, then we'll get a place of our own. Nothing like this I'm sure!"

Lindy says, "Your girlfriend has twins sisters? Are they anything alike? I'm a twin too, though Lanya and I are complete opposites!"

Kirk smiles and replies, "They don't look alike, and they have very distinct personalities, though they are both perceptive, and tend to parrot each other from time to time. I myself am an only child, so being part of a big family has been quite the change. What about you Isaac, any siblings?"

Isaac nods, and says, "Oh yeah! I've got two older brothers, which was a pain growing up as I always got the short end of the stick. But our parents left us some money so we were able to stay here in Starlight Shores. In fact, my oldest brother Wylie just got back from overseas after finishing a training course for acrobats. I hope it helps as mom and dad were always rushing him off to the hospital with a bruise or sprain. He's lucky though, he's never actually broken a bone. I was hoping we'd get the chance to move to Bridgeport, with it's bigger music scene, but Chad's never going to leave this town, he doesn't have an ambitious bone in his body and has no plans to do anything but party and flirt with all the rising stars in town!"

"I like a good party myself, and so does the older one of the twins, Janette. And having a large family, they throw a lot of parties, mostly birthday, with some weddings thrown in, and the occasional Gift Giving one for Snowflake Day, or a Leisure Day pool party."

Lindy grinned at the guys and said, "Count me in! I'm not a big partier, but I love the social scene and meeting eligible bachelors."

Isaac snorted and said, "And by 'eligible', we can substitute rich of course!"

Lindy laughed and said, "Of course! What other kind of eligible is there!?!"

The rest of the day is spent lounging by the pool and then it's time to get the girls ready for Janette's bachelor party.




I head back inside and pop down to the basement to find Jonas working diligently on another clay sculpture.

He's still in his formalwear, tough it's not his clothes that catch my attention this time, as my eyes are drawn to the silhouette of a gorgeous woman taking shape under his talented hands.

This one definitely shows promise and I'd like to tell him so, but I know better than to disturb an artist at work, so I look around for our female family members, to make sure they all get to the party on time.




I find Jemma in her lingerie studying alchemy!

"Um, after your last experience, do you think it's wise to do that?"

"How else am I going to learn Watcher?"

"I thought it would be safer to study alchemy from books, purchase them at the bookstore and read them at the library, where's there no danger from mixing elixirs that change you into a toad, or something worse!"

"Now what would be the fun in that Watcher!?! Turning into a toad was a bit surprising but it was definitely quite the supernatural experience. I'm sure it's one very few sims can claim!"

"Have you been chatting with Janette or Jonas?"

"I'm going to just forget you said that Watcher! Now did you have some other reason for disturbing me or was it just to insult me!?!"

"I wasn't….never mind…it's your head! I was actually just going to remind you it's almost time to head into town for Janette's bachelorette party."

"Oh, is it that late already!?! I'll just read this last page and go and get ready."




I look around the basement and spot Jonas' finished sculpture, and the promise it held was fulfilled as this one is beautiful, even in drab brown clay!

But then I notice the background of the sculpting station and realize that I've put more than just a hammer in chisel in Jonas' hands.

Some of those missing tools look extremely deadly!

Hopefully they were missing prior to Jonas using the station, and they won't show up to cause havoc later on.

I pop the sculpture into inventory so Odette can place it on consignment for him next time she's at the shop.

But where is my adorable, talented sculptor?




Dancing happily with his wife nearby!

"Since we won't get to dance together at my bachelorette party hon, I wanted to get in a dance or two with you before we go!"

"I can live with that! I'm not one to pass up a chance to dance with my beautiful girl!"

These two are just too cute together and Janette is so in love with Jonas that she autonomously gravitates to him every chance she gets.




With their dance finished, both of them drift to their current favorite hobbies.

Jonas returns to the sculpting station and starts working with a new medium, a huge block of ice.

And whips out a chainsaw to discover what's inside!

Janette changes into outerwear to practice her martial arts.

"Shouldn't you be heading over to your party venue?"

"Right after I break this board Watcher. I don't want to be late, but in this town, fashionably late is right on time!"




Marisol's made a celebrity friend her own age, Sadie Mason, and they've had a great night on the town.

Five star celebrity Charlie Ray Buckshot is plotting with the girls to save Sadie's relationship with her boyfriend, Rich, from Sadie's supposed friend, scheming, gold-digger, Mercedes May!

Tobias has saved Jemma, and possibly himself and his child, from life as a toad-headed sim!

Which resulted in a passionate moment for the two of them.

Can their engagement be far behind?

Kirk has spent a warm afternoon with two of his co-workers, his boss, Isaac Luck, and newcomer to the music scene, Lindy Avilla, to start developing friendships in SS, and we've learned a little more about those two residents' households.

Next up is Janette's bachelorette party and Jared shocks me with his daring adventure!

Follow along to see what happens in Chapter 266: Party and a Promenade
Coming soon.

[deedee_828]

Janette shows up fashionable late at Mick's Master Karaoke, just like she wanted to, with quite a few guest already at the venue, and others joining her on the sidewalk outside the entrance.

I spot Annabel Gooder and another blonde sim who's hair is in braids.

A quick check and I find out that her name is Kirstin Law and she's anything but a law abiding citizen!

But no time to dwell on that now, as we have a party to get to.




The party crowd inside is joined by other residents as we didn't make it exclusive, and I spot a few familiar faces.

Some we've already met, but others I've only read about on Sims Wiki, a life-saver for resident details to be sure!

It looks like some of the guests are hungry and wondering where the food is.

Unfortunately, I forgot to check this venue for the appropriate bar to allow for a mixologist so food and drinks would be available, as you'd think that would be in place with all the clubs, bars, and lounges in this town.

I'll have to update them at a later date, as doing so now could ruin Janette's party, or at least make it very difficult to place any new items with a crowd this size getting in the way! And it would take awhile for the game to generate a mixologist anyway.

(Actually, even after the party it was hard to place items, which I suspect was due to the stair placement, or items on the 2nd floor, but I finally managed to get a professional bar in the back left corner, though it was a truly aggravating procedure.)




Marisol introduced Bryce to her sisters, explaining that she met him at the park their first day in town.

"I'm sorry we crashed your party Janette! We didn't realize the place was booked for a private event."

"Oh, it's not Bryce, we didn't make it exclusive, just no boyfriends or fiancé in Janette's case! Janette's in the white dress, by the way, I'm Jemma!"

"But I thought Marisol said she had twin younger sisters? You two certainly don't look like twins!"

Janette chimed in with "That's for sure! Except that we're both perceptive."

And in unison they parroted, "So we say the same thing at the same time a lot!"

Which broke the ice and had those around them relaxing and chuckling, happy to know the Frio sisters, despite their fame, were all friendly and not stuck up.




While the crowd gets into the party spirit, spraying each other with fizzy nectar, Janette asks her twin, Jemma, to make a toast.

"I'd be honored Janette! Let's see if we can get this crowd on board with that with all this nectar flowing!"




With the crowd all gathered around listening to the toast, it was a perfect time for the dancers to arrive!

"We heard that there was a party so hot going on that we decided we'd better be on hand in case it burst into flames!"

The dancers looked cute in their fireman's hat and boot outfits, but most of the crowd is still fighting hunger pangs!

Odette's definitely taking in the scenery, though I'm not sure she's very impressed.

And Odette herself has garnered the attention of a celebrity loving resident, Sonoko Lee, who's wearing a bright yellow belted shirt dress, which is a pretty conservative outfit for a 'dress to impress' party, but goes rather nicely with her long dark hair.




About halfway through their performance, one of the dancers, Hugh Kidding, shouts to the other, "What's not to love at a party like this with all these beautiful women. I'm thinking we need to stick around for a bit and have some fun of our own!"

His partner, Simon Steele, shouts, "That sounds like a plan to me! What say ladies? Care if we join in the fun!?!"

No one in the immediate vicinity responds but I think that's because they are already spoken for, but several voices can be heard yelling, "Sure!, The more the merrier", and "Party on fellows!"




Janette smiles as she catches Catherine Best enjoying the fizzy nectar that's being sprayed in her face, and that she's trying to gulp down like a champ, but Catherine's got money on her mind.

Maybe either the cost of such an extravagant party at a venue or the waste of good nectar with most of it ending up on the floor?

And is that Mercedes May with thoughts of Sadie going through her devious mind!?!

If so, I think she's caught the attention of party dancer, Hugh, who is definitely feeling attracted to her!

I hope so, and that his attention takes her focus of Sadie's boyfriend, Rich!




After her dousing with nectar, Catherine chats with Janette, "What a wonderful party my dear! Congratulations on your engagement. I don't mean to be too forward but are you planning on starting a family soon? Children are such a joy! My little Alan just joined our family and we couldn't be prouder!"

Since Janette had actually been skulking across the road when Catherine brought little Alan home, just waiting for an opportunity to check out their trash can and mail for her first case, she unthinkingly says, "You've got quite the family Mrs. Best, five children, from teens to a toddler, and now a nooboo. I think you're the one who deserves congratulations!"

Catherine cocks her head in puzzlement, asking, "You're already familiar with my family Ms. Frio? But I thought you'd just moved to town?"

To divert attention from just how she knows so much about the Best family, Janette quickly says the first thing that pops into her mind, "Oh, we have and our house is full at the moment, so no little ones on the horizon just yet. But what's your secret Mrs. Best? Five children and a figure like that, you look truly stunning in that outfit!?!"

Catherine is more than pleased at Janette's comment, beaming as she says, "Why thank you for noticing Ms. Frio, please call me Catherine! It's not often a stay-at-home mom gets to dress up and socialize and it's one of the things I really miss, the company and conversation of other adults. I was thrilled to be on your guest list and get this wonderful opportunity to meet you and your family."

"And I'm delighted you got to attend Catherine. Parties are one of the best ways to get acquainted with everyone in town and, being a party lover myself, I'm planning on throwing one every chance I get! My wedding's come up soon, and I'm sure my sisters will be following my example, getting engaged and married to their boyfriends soon too."

With a knowing smile, Catherine asked, "And then we can expect baby news?"

"Without a doubt Catherine! And who knows, maybe someone in your family will pair up with someone in ours and we'll end up related! Our Watcher is partial to turquoise hair, but red is another favorite, in fact, both our family founders had red hair!"

"You don't say! Well, maybe our little Alan will inherit mine, as our teens, Mandy and Calvin, both have brown hair, and Abigail and Maria are both blondes!"




Then Janette excuses herself and makes a beeline for Jemma.

"Hey sis, I wanted to say a special thank you for that wonderful toast you made, and just for being my sister, and my bestie!"

Jemma smiles and says, "And?"




And though I knew Janette was going to spray Jemma with fizzy nectar, she throws in a shocking surprise as she twirls into skimpy underwear as she lets the spray fly!

But Jemma was prepared for it and laughed as she drank gulp after gulp!

I was still stunned by Janette's clothing change, as though I've seen a male guest or two strip down to boxers at bachelor parties, this is the first female I've ever seen do so.

And to have it be the guest of honor and my own sim, well, it was rather unexpected.

But she is an insane, party animal, so should I really have expected anything else!?!




But Janette's on a roll, and doesn't stop with Jemma, she finds Sadie, and despite Sadie's protest, sprays her too.

Except, it's NOT Sadie, but Karen Kerman, another young woman in town who just happens to have the same hair style, that cute side-swept ponytail that Sadie styles her own hair in!

Sadie, much to her delight, is safe and dry, and chatting with Bryce Savage, though it's not as comfortable as it could be as Bryce has changed into underwear too, and Sadie is doing her best to advert her eyes!

Sadie focuses on the bright lights of the star back drop on the stage, while I am helpless to avoid looking at Janette, Bryce, and the partially undressed female sim on the right of my screen!

I do believe it's time to end this party while most of the guests are still dressed!




And it seems like some of the guests and patrons of Micks' feel the same as they start heading for the exits.

Sadie and Mimi Olivia getting stopped by the line for the front door.

Though Mercedes May has finally managed to corner Odette and get a much coveted autograph.

And an embarrassed Janette is now apologizing profusely to Karen for mistaking her for Sadie!

"I'm so sorry Karen! I just get so caught up when I'm partying that I don't always stop and think before I act! Please forgive me?"

"Oh, don't worry about it Janette! It was all in good fun and I'm pretty much all about the party and having a good time, too! This one was a blast, so please feel free to include me on your guest list anytime! I'm sure my best friend and roommate, Kerry, feels the same way, we are identical in everything except looks."

"I'll keep that in mind Karen. I'm always on the look out for friends that love a good party. My fiancé, Jonas, wants to go all out and have a big blow out wedding party, so keep your calendar open! "




The house is quiet when Marisol gets back home and she's met by Kirk just inside the front door.

"Wow, you're a sight for sore eyes! What's the occasion?"

"I was hoping to stop in at the party, hence the suit, but after I changed, Jonas told me no boyfriends, and I hadn't bothered to change yet. Did you have a good time tonight sweetheart? Meet anyone knew?"

"It was fun, but I kept a pretty low profile,  since tonight was Janette's night! Bryce was there, the fellow I met at Verde Park, and even a few of my fellow cast members, so I think I may have earned a bit more celebrity status."

"Well, are you still set on completing your lifetime wish before we get engaged?"

"I think so. Once we get engaged, then it will be a whirlwind after that, bachelor and bachelorette parties, then planning the wedding. And I'm getting so close, it shouldn't be too much longer. Are you okay with that?"




Sweeping her into his arms, Kirk whispers, "I'm okay with whatever makes you happy Marisol! But you just say the word and I'll be ready to go from having a girlfriend to having a fiancée, and then a wife!"

Squeezing him back tightly, Marisol sighs and says, "Soon Kirk, soon."




With family members peacefully sleeping, I wander around the lot until I spot Rae on the 2nd floor deck rocking slowly back and forth.

"Oh, I was hoping to find your father. I know he's up to something, but he's been avoiding me."

"I'm afraid so Watcher! He's been researching something and avoiding the rest of us as well. But maybe mom can shed more light on whatever it is. I think she's on the patio."




Sure enough, I find Founder Claire on the patio, rocking, of course.

"Rae said I might find you down here. Can you shed any light on what Jared is up to?"

"Not really Watcher, though it must truly be something special because he's been quite full of himself. But you know, he was especially cheerful after spending some time chatting with ghosts from the cemetery. I know that must have something to do with it because you and I both know that cheerful is not one of Jared's usual states!"

"Hhhmm, that does sound pretty suspicious. Well, if you think of anything else please pop in and tell me. It's making me quite anxious knowing Jared's up to something, but not knowing exactly what! I like to be prepared for these things! Surprises not of my own making are not fun, especially surprises that Jared has instigated!"

"I'm with you there Watcher, you know he can make me spitting mad! We've both lived with the man for quite some time, alive and dead, and his sense of humor hasn't changed, not much anyway. Though maybe it's gotten worse since he doesn't get to blow of steam at a rocking party like he used to!" Shaking her head, Claire adds, "I'll never understand what he sees in parties, I much prefer the quiet of a riverbank and watching the sun come up or go down with no more company than the fish I'm catching, but to each his own."




Right before sunrise, I see Adam has taken over the other rocker on the patio, but his grandmother has moved on, either to another rocker, or back to her urn.

But Adam's words have me frozen, "I think whatever Grandpa's plotting is going to happen soon Watcher! He still hasn't let us in on whatever he's got planned, but he keeps rubbing his hands together and chuckling deviously whenever he thinks no one's looking."

"Oh, I'm sure he's quite aware of his audience, Adam. Your grandfather is a master of manipulation! He wants you all to know that he's up to something, and to pass it on to me, to keep us all in suspense! That's probably more than half the fun of it for him, making us wait for the other shoe to drop!"

"You may be right Watcher. But I think we're going to find out soon enough, so if you see him, be prepared!"




Early the next morning I watch the sun rise up over the horizon and cast it's warm glow over the Frio home, the dawn of another beautiful summer day.

But my enjoyment of the morning is disturbed when I spot a ghost hovering on the sidewalk, thinking it should be past time for ghosts to be safely back in their urns.

I'm not sure who it is from this distance, but the silhouette looks male.

Is that Jared!?!

To my horror, before I can get to street level and confirm my suspicions, the ghost has hopped into a cab and the cab has driven off!

I was so stunned that one of my family ghosts left the home lot, I didn't even get any photos of him jumping into the cab!!

I just sat there staring at my screen, mouth open, wondering how such a thing was possible!!!???!!!

The devious chuckle I heard as the cab drove off leaves no doubt as to the cab's occupant, that laugh belongs to Jared!!!

But what to do about it? Is there anything I CAN do?

It's at that moment that the thought strikes me: Follow that cab!!!

I shoot back to map view and see a cab speeding hell bent for leather into town.




Zooming down on it, I can clearly see that it is Jared in the driver's seat!

So he's not just hailed a cab, but stolen it, and is now driving it somewhere, in broad daylight, no less!

"Jared!!! What are you doing!?! Family ghosts can't leave the home lot!!!"

Jared chuckles again, "Obviously they can Watcher! Or at least I can!!!"

And he floors it, leaving me staring at an empty spot on the road…




I finally catch up with him in town and see the look of determination on his ghostly face.

Which prompts me to ask, "WHERE are you going!?!

"That's for me to know and you to find out Watcher, if you can!!!"

With that he puts on another burst of speed and leaves me staring at an empty street, again.

Luckily it's early enough that there are no pedestrians around, or they might not have survived Jared's erratic driving.

But though pedestrians are still safely in their homes, downtown Starlight Shores is full of yellow cabs, so I quickly lose track of Jerad amongst them.

Then, miracle of miracles, I get a message that there's a stuck sim, and since I have NRaas set NOT to auto reset stuck sims, I click on the message icon and am taken directly to the spot!




It's Jared of course!

"Watcher, I seem to be having a problem. I've escaped the confines of our lot, but this edifice seems to be blocking me!"

"It's a stone wall Jared, of course it's blocking you! You are NOT on the home lot and I'm not even sure it's safe for you to be out here. You're already causing issues with my game. That's how I found you, it told me you were stuck."

"I see. I wondered how you found me so quickly after I lost you back in town."

Jared stares at the wall for a moment longer and says, "Ah, I see the problem now", and  he drifts towards the entrance of the building.

"Jared that's the  wrong way! You need to go home before something dreadful happens!"

"I'm already dead Watcher, what could be more dreadful than that!?!"

Before I find the wherewithal to explain that he could be lost altogether, he again leaves me behind, staring at a wall, this time.




And as I pull back to see where he's heading, Jared blithely floats through the entrance of the hospital/science lab, and enters the lobby.

And two sim's follow him inside.

Jared disappears, and the male sim does as well, before I can see who he is, both of them going about whatever business they came here for in the first place.




But the scientist, Sonoko Lee, seems to be blocked by Jared's presence, though I don't see him anywhere.

Maybe he took the elevator she needed to?

"Hey, there! Yeah, you Mr. Ghost! What are you doing roaming around in my building. Ghosts don't belong here!"

Then she adds, "Oh, unless you're here to turn yourself in? Are you being followed by a ghost hunter? Or maybe you want to be brought back to life? Whatever reason you're here for, you're in my way and I'm going to be late for my shift!"




After waiting for what seems like forever, but at least he's not causing any more errors, the hapless employee goes inside and Jared comes out.

"Thank goodness, you made it out alive...well, not alive…but in one ghostly piece! Why are you looking at that bench? This is not the time to sit down and rest, you need to go home!"

As usual, Jared totally ignores me and pops inside the bench.




"JARED!!!! Stop fooling around and go home! I know you're going to break my game!"

"Stop fussing and take a video Watcher! This is my moment of freedom! I've broken the chains of our home lot!"

"A video? I only do that by mistake!"

"Well, do it on purpose this time!"




I hit the video button and continue to watch Jared possess the bench outside the hospital/science lab, hoping that if I comply, Jared will stop this foolishness and go home before my game explodes.

Check out what happened for yourself:
(The following short video is best viewed with Windows Media Player)

https://imgur.com/GdXrakp

From <https://imgur.com/a/KtvIqtC>

Well, that was definitely a unique experience, as though I've read about and seen ghosts from cemeteries hop into cabs and cars and drive off, I've never had a ghost from my home lot do so!

Leave it to Jared to be the one that figured out how to make that happen!

Hopefully that puff of yellow smoke means Jared is now safely back on the home lot and in his urn.

But I won't breathe easy until I actually see his ghostly self with my own eyes, whenever he deigns to appear and, most likely, gloat over his escapade!

Now that Jared's finally revealed his new trick, I can focus on my three young couples, their careers, and their relationships.

Let's see how things progress in Chapter 267: Promotions, Plotting, and Proposals
Coming soon.

[deedee_828]

Jonas's ice sculpture from last chapter is another amazing piece.

I think I popped this one into family inventory too, though I'm wavering on that belief as I'd thought ice sculptures melted unless the sculptor had mastered so many of them?

I'm not sure, so I'll check on that next time I'm in game.

Whether this one was included or not, the sale of his previous pieces nets him a few hundred simoleans, and moves him up to level 3 in his sculpting career.




Jemma's making slower progress in her fortune teller career, being just shy of hitting a promotion to level 2.

But her alchemy skill should really help her progress when she chooses the Mystic branch and alchemy becomes part of her job metric at level six.




Janette focuses on her work tasks as she starts a new case, and ignores her ringing phone.

But I'm a bit startled when I see whose house she's at, as it's the home Sadie shares with her boyfriend, Rich, and her back-stabbing so-called friend, Mercedes!

"Um, don't you think Sadie might get a little peeved with you going through her trash?"

Deep in the trash can, Janette makes a gagging noise instead of responding to my question.

I guess I can't really blame her, trash is not known for having a nice aroma.




Once she emerges from the smelly garbage receptacle, she starts looking through the mailbox, and says, "It's imperative I find out what's going on as another party is interested in Mercedes! If I can further that relationship, it will not only help out my current client, but help Sadie and her Rich out too, so a win-win, Watcher!"

"But I thought Marisol and Charlie Ray were planning something to help Sadie get Rich out of Mercedes greedy clutches?"

"They are, in fact Marisol invited both of them over to see how Charlie Ray's plan panned out. But since my client wanted to see if he stood a chance with Mercedes, I'm getting to help on this end too. But I'm afraid my client is going to be disappointed, as with the bills I'm seeing addressed to Ms. May, she's pretty high maintenance, and won't be settling for a nerdy sim, without many simoleans to his name!"




Janette heads off to find her client, and catches up with him at a venue, only to be stopped in her tracks as he's in a conversation with two others sims.

I click on the bar to have her finish up her case and she turns around, heads out the door, and starts running down the street!

"Janette! Your client was right there, now you're running away from him!"

"I know Watcher, but I can't reveal his case to others, client confidentiality, you know!"

"Right. So where are you going?"

"To the pre-arranged meeting place I set up with him at our initial meeting."

"Oh, good thinking."




Janette catches up with Addison Batez on a random sidewalk in town and I shake my head at how she arranged a meeting here, pretty much the middle of nowhere.

But she does have a point, as who would be eavesdropping here!?!

As I watch, Addison runs his hand under his nose and asks in a rather querulous tone, "So, what's the verdict Ms. Frio? Do I have a chance?", and my heart sinks as I know that Janette is right on the mark about her findings, as there is no way that Mercedes May is going to fall for this guy!

"I'm afraid not Mr. Batez. Everything I've seen points to Ms. May needing someone to keep her in the style she's accustomed to, which would mean moving up from where she is now, not down."

Addison doesn't seem all that disappointed, and his words have me and Janette pondering his motives, "So is something going on between her and her housemate, or with… anyone else?"

I'm thinking this guy is a glutton for punishment asking about his crush's possible loves, but Janette catches on quicker than I do as she pointedly says, "You didn't hire me to find out if she'd be interested in you at all! You're just interested in the rumors about her and Rich, wanted dirt to, to…"

Narrowing her eyes, Janette looks Addison up and down and continues with… "liven up your blog! You're just a sneaky, underhanded blog artist! Confess!"

"Okay, okay, you found me out! I'm just an honest guy…okay, maybe not totally above board, but a guy trying to make a living and these rumors about Mercedes May could just be my ticket to bigger things! Give a guy a break! Besides, you're the one sneaking around and checking sims' trash and mail, not me!"

"Why you dirty little rat! You've got some nerve! I'm going to count to three and if you're not gone, you'll get a break alright, maybe more than one when my hand connects with your nose!"




"Wait, wait….don't you want your simoleans for finishing the job!?!"

"Oh, yes, and since you remembered to pay me, I'll let you off the hook. But don't try something like this with me ever again!"

"No, no, absolutely not, Ms. Frio!"

With Addison's payment and her third case under her belt, I get a message that Janette has earned a trophy, so I send her off to City Hall to collect it, and head home to check on Marisol and her guests.




"So, did she take the bait?"

"Hook, line, and sinker! She couldn't pack fast enough when I told her that Charlie Ray was considering me for his new protégé, a position that came with exclusive singing lessons, introductions to the best venues, and a bedroom in his house, if I wanted it! She gave me some line about needing her own space, and even thanked me for all I've done for her, the two-timing, schemer!"




Hugging Marisol tightly, she added, "I can't thank you and Charlie Ray enough for getting her out of our house, and away from Rich! He's just been so dazzled by her blonde good looks, and has no idea what she's really all about. I didn't either until she moved in and then we were stuck with her!"

"I didn't have much to do with it, it was Charlie Ray's plan! I'm just happy it worked. You deserve a break Sadie, not giving up all of your gigs and losing Rich to someone like her!"




I pop across town to Charlie Ray's place to confirm Sadie's news and get there just in time to see Mercedes get out of a cab and survey the lot.

But she doesn't stand there long and makes a beeline for the front door, no doubt eager to introduce herself to Charlie Ray and 'steal' Sadie's place as his new protégé!




I get back to the Frio home to find Charlie Ray has finally arrived, and he grins as he tells the girls, "She's getting settled in! She thinks I fell for her batting her eyelashes and playing up to me! She even sang one of my songs as a 'demonstration of her talent'!"

Sadie looked a bit concerned as she asked, "But what if you get stuck with her Charlie Ray, she's pure evil!"

"I must admit the girl's looks do pack a wallop, but knowing what I know about her, I think I can resist her charms! Besides, once she starts spending time out in the backyard and she meets that young upstart next door, I have a feeling her interest in me will die fast enough. Especially when she learns that most of my money went to my ex, to keep up the main house. And when Madeline catches those two together, well, let's just say I really want to be there when that happens, to see the two of them get exactly what they deserve, nothing!"

Well, it looks like they're setting Mercedes May and Finnegan Sawyer up for a big fall.

I hope things work out the way Charlie Ray plans and he doesn't end up eating his words.




Then Charlie Ray tells Marisol about a Simfest coming up, one where both he and Sadie are performing.

"I can get you tickets Marisol, since you mentioned you wanted to hear Sadie sing, and they've asked me to perform as well, but I don't compete any more. I've never been lucky in competitions or in relationships, for that matter. But I like to give the new talent a chance now, well, when it's not performers like Mercedes and smarmy Sawyer, who are only out for what they can get, riding other's coattails instead of earning it themselves!"

Marisol asks, "When is it Charlie Ray?"

"This week, Friday afternoon. Sadie's scheduled to perform at 3 and I'm on last, but that depends on how many others they schedule."

"Oh, that's right in the middle of my work shift! But I'll see if I can go in early and take a late lunch. I really don't want to miss seeing Sadie sing! Can you have two tickets at the door for me and Kirk?"

"Sure! Two tickets won't be a problem at all!"

But I hear quite the concert going on in the basement, so I head downstairs to check it out who the performers are.




It turns out to be Odette jamming with Kirk and his co-workers, Lindy Avila on the drums, and Jamar Whitfield on the piano, and they really sound good together!

And as I think that, Odette pops a wish to form a band.

I really don't think that will go anywhere even if I let her, but I promise the wish anyway.

And with Jamar Whitfield not only being his co-worker, but his friend now, Kirk's another step closer to a promotion of his own.

But where are Jemma and Tobias?




I click on Tobias and find him and Jemma at a venue, super enthused by a night on the town.



But that doesn't last long as when Tobias confronts the proprietor, he's no longer happy.

"You touted this place as a 'hot spot' and it's deader than disco! I wanted this to be the perfect night, and now you've ruined it!"

"I'm so sorry Mr. Bellucci…our band cancelled, I couldn't book another one, or any performers at the last moment!"

Tobias might have been okay with her apology and explanation, but then she overstepped by flirting with him!

And Tobias let's her know of her grave error as he points a finger and says, "Lady, you've sealed your fate! I was here to propose to my girlfriend, and your establishment would have been mentioned in our engagement announcement, but now…we'll be going someplace where the owner has more reliable entertainment and knows how to conduct herself properly with her potential clientele!"




Alas for Tobias' plans, the next venue is just as empty, even of the proprietor, though maybe that's a good thing considering the improper behavior of the last one.

But Jemma's a little confused by Tobias' sudden change in mood and asks, "What's wrong Tobias? You were so happy went we left the house, but now, you've gone all quiet. Is it something I've done?"

"It's not you darling, I just wanted this to be a special night and some of my plans fell through." Glancing around he says, "One empty venue after another isn't my idea of a memorable night…"

Jemma smiles and says, "It doesn't matter where we are or who else we're with Tobias, as long as we're together!"




Tobias' heart swells as Jemma's words remind him of what's important and he gallantly presents her with a bouquet of purple flowers.




Then he sweeps her into his arms for a passionate kiss!




As Jemma tries to recover her breathe, it's swept away again when Tobias drops to one knee, and asks, "Jemma Frio, will you marry me!?!"

Jemma jumps up and down and shouts, "Yes, yes, I will definitely marry you Tobias!"

It wasn't the night Tobias had planned, but the outcome was wonderful enough to have him counting it as a most memorable night.




Back at the house, I find Marisol and Kirk all cuddled up in the hot tub, looking more than content just being in each other's arms.




But as the first rays of sun hit the back yard, Marisol pulls Kirk out of the steaming water, lovingly strokes his cheek, and says, "I've changed my mind."

Stroking her arm, Kirk huskily replies, "About what?"

"I don't want to wait any longer!"




And dropping to one knee, just like Tobias did earlier, she asks, "Kirk Abbott, marry me!?!"




Kirk flings his arms around Marisol and replies, "I'd thought you'd never ask, sweetheart!"




But then Marisol twirls into her career outfit, which is still just her everyday clothes, and says, "I hate to leave you right now, but I scheduled an early shift today, so I can catch Sadie's show.  Don't forget to meet me there this afternoon."

Kirk's thoughtful look tells me he's got something else on his mind, but he replies, "Oh, the Simfest this afternoon! I won't miss that!"




But once Marisol is on her way to work and Kirk is alone, I ask, "So, what has you looking so thoughtful? Not upset that Marisol had to leave so quickly are you?"

"Oh, no Watcher, nothing like that. I was just thinking that Marisol's been working so hard; on her film career, trying to complete her five star celebrity lifetime wish, helping out Sadie and being so supportive, that I'd like to do something special for her."

"Something special? Did you have something particular in mind?"

And before Kirk can answer me, he pops a wish to travel with Marisol!

"Oh, I see…well, I hadn't planned on letting anyone go on a vacation, since we've already gone to the three adventure worlds, and still have seven towns left on our journey, but…I guess I could indulge your wish, since you really don't ask for much."

And with the words barely out of my mouth, I click on Kirk's wish and promise it!

"Thank you Watcher! I'll start checking out flights and lodging on-line and see what's available! I hope Marisol doesn't want a long engagement, though I'm sure she'll want a bachelorette party!"

"She does, and so do Jemma and Tobias, though they may decide other wishes are more important. If not, we're going to be pretty busy getting everything planned for all those parties, then weddings. How do you feel about a joint wedding? I've already promised Jonas he could throw a wedding party, but with all of you engaged now, maybe we could just have one huge wedding bash!?!"

"That sounds fine to me Watcher, and I don't think Tobias or Jonas would mind, but would the girls want to share their day?"

"I'm sure the twins would be okay with it, they're used to doing stuff together, but I'll run it past Marisol to see what she says."




Charlie Ray's scheme has panned out, so far, as Mercedes May took the bait and moved out of Sadie and Rich's home, to take advantage of what she thinks is a huge stepping-stone in her career, being Charlie Ray's protégé.

Careers are moving along, for Kirk and Jemma, who are employed in rabbit-hole careers around town, Janette's investigator profession, as well as our newly self-employed family members, Jonas and Tobias.

Maybe not as quickly as I wanted them too, but we've not been in town long, and with the focus on romance right now, quite understandable.

And I'm happy enough as Janette's already popped a wish to marry Jonas, and after bachelor and bachelorette parties, I'm sure the other engaged sims will follow suit.

But before those, we've got a Simfest to attend!

Join me in Chapter 268: Conversations and Simfest Performances
Coming soon.

[deedee_828]

Chase is looking more dapper than ever in his Game Studio Head outfit here in SS.

But he's not letting all that fame, fortune, and attention go to his head.

Odette is still his romantic focus when he's not working or playing video games.

"How does it feel to be the mother of three engaged daughter's my love? Though I must say, you certainly don't look the part, more like their sister, and lovelier than ever!"

The rosy glow on Odette's cheeks shows that Chase's remark has warmed her face as well as her heart, but before she can reply, or act on being in his arms, they are interrupted by a phone call.




And a nuisance one at that, as it was some lonely SS resident looking for a date!

I had him refuse the offer of course, and I can see Odette's smiling appreciation as Chase unequivocally turns the offer down!

"No thanks! I'm happily married and I've already forgotten your name!"

But with Chase occupied on the phone, Odette strolled off to occupy herself with one of her hobbies.




Oh, my mistake, she was pulled across the room due to the mutual attraction between her and Tobias! Yikes!!!




But, to my relief, neither one of them says or acts on that attraction, keeping to safe topics.

"How's your writing going Tobias?"

"Oh, I've finished another novel and made enough money on it to move up another level in my writing career."




"Do you think you'll get to start another book before the whirlwind of engagement parties we have coming up?"

Tobias shrugs and says, "I'm not sure. I guess it depends on Jemma's work schedule, as I try to work on my novels when she's working, to keep to a regular schedule and have free time together."

"Well, I just wanted to tell you that I'm looking forward to reading your books, so be sure to grab some extra copies when you get the opportunity."

"Sure thing Mrs. Frio, I'm glad you're interested in my writing. It's nice to have support from others to keep you going."

"From that, I'm guessing your own family wasn't as supportive?"

"Well, they tried, but with my Dad being a military career man, and Mom being a doctor, a scientist, and a chef, well, they didn't quite think of writing as the best use of my time, or painting for that matter! Nice 'hobbies', but not something to devote my life too."

"Well, you won't get that argument from any of us, especially not me, Chase, Kirk, or Jonas, as being creative, whether it's through music, sculpting, painting, game design, or writing, we're all on board with doing what we love most, so you're in good company and family at that! Speaking of family, you do realize that we think of you, Jonas, and Kirk, as our sons, right? And as such, you're free to call us Mom and Dad, or whatever you feel comfortable with, even Chase and Odette."

"I'm honored that you think of me as a son, Mrs…um…Mom Frio…since Jemma and I haven't even married yet."

"Oh, Tobias, we considered you three boys our sons the moment you joined the family! And if we had any doubts at all about you and Jemma, with your opposite traits, well, those were banished when you gave her not one, but two toad kisses to release her from that spell!"




The reminder of that event, has Tobias answering rather sharply, "Oh, that was pretty horrible, Mom Frio! And I'm glad it worked! But I'm with the Watcher on thinking it would be safer for Jemma to stop trying to learn alchemy by making all those treacherous elixirs and stick with reading books on the subject!"

Odette nods sympathetically, but says softly, "I do understand the dangers Tobias and the fear you're enduring with Jemma's research into alchemy, especially after the toad incident, but, how would you feel only reading books about writing or painting? Would that satisfy you, being on the outside looking in and never experiencing it for yourself? Never stretching your own personal creative abilities to see what you can do?"

Tobias' anger falls away quickly as he mulls over Odette's words, then he says, his embarrassment obvious, "Oh, I wasn't thinking of it that way, just of keeping Jemma safe, but it would be the same as my parents relegating my talents to hobbies! There are risks in undertaking any skill, a rejected novel, a mediocre painting, or an elixir going terribly wrong, but if you don't get to fully realize the experience, it takes something away from you."

"Exactly. And instead of becoming a supernatural she chose to remain her human self, so she could share in co-heirship. Choosing Master of Mysticism as her lifetime wish and having to learn alchemy, researching it, and making elixirs, is Jemma's way of expressing the supernatural fan part of her personality."

"So I really need to cut her some slack and let her explore her own creativity in her own way, supporting her as best I can, despite my feelings and misgivings of the danger, even if I have to kiss toad lips again!"

"Well, I wouldn't wish that experience on you ever again, and I hope it doesn't come to that, but it's nice to know that you're willing to go through it, if need be!"




Upstairs in the bedroom he shares with Janette, I find Jonas critiquing art, some lovely branches with cherry blossoms, in a simple glass vase.




But with his artsy Avant Garde taste, he finds them offensive!

"Jonas they are not awful! I find them quite tasteful and in keeping with the romantic décor of this room."

"No, no Watcher! I cannot agree with that assessment in the least, the decorator should be drug out into the street and shot, or at least fined, for such an atrocity!"

…….




"Watcher?"

"Yes, Jonas?"

"I'm assuming by your silence that YOU are the decorator in question?"

"It is my build Jonas, and though I could say someone else did the decorating, your assumption, this time, is correct."

"Oh. Well, then…umm…maybe a second viewing…"

"Don't bother Jonas! You're not the first Avant Garde sim I've had in this journey so I'm not going to take offense at every opinion you have, no matter how wrong it may be!"

Jonas clasps his hand to his heart saying, "Well, insults are not necessary Watcher!"

"And they won't need to be repeated if you keep your Avant Garde opinions to yourself!"

"You're the one that snuck up on me in my own bedroom…"

"True, Jonas. So I'll let it go…this time…but just remember your adorableness will only go so far! I can overlook a lot of things, wearing all the wrong outfits, flirting with Sadie…"

"You saw that! But I stopped before anything happened!"




"No Jonas, let's rewind that event. I was listening to Charlie Ray and Marisol discuss the upcoming Simfest when you were overcome by the incense, apparently, and decided to introduce yourself to Sadie in a totally improper way for an engaged sim! Luckily, I caught you, and cancelled the action before you acted upon it, and ruined things between you and Janette!"

"But Janette wasn't even home, she was out on a case!"

"But Marisol was right in the room, and Charlie Ray too, not to mention Sadie, and me! And before you make some remark about me sneaking around again, let me remind you that it's my job! And keeping track of eight sims, with two of them being insane, and two more being party animals who like to swim and go hot tubbing au natural, and so many of you attracted to each other, alive and ghosts, alike, well, it's not an easy job!"

"And now family ghosts can leave the lot, don't forget that!"

"Like I could! Hey, you're just trying to distract me from your shenanigans by focusing on ghostly Jared, aren't you?"

"That depends. Did it work!?!"

"Maybe, but that's only because I have a fondness for insane, green-skinned sims that have dashing dark good looks!"

"Good. I'm going to go work on another sculpture and let you get on with your job."

"My job?"

"Yes, your job. Have you forgotten about the Simfest that Sadie and Charlie Ray are performing at already? Hurry Watcher, before you miss it!"

I know Jonas is still just trying to take the heat off his behavior, but when I check map view I see the Simfest icon has already appeared, so I head over to catch the performances.




I get there just as one of the performers is finishing up his act, and hope I haven't missed seeing Sadie sing.

I see she's front and center in the audience and clapping politely for her competition.

Charlie Ray and Kirk are here too, but I don't see Marisol.

Since they're in between acts, I whisper, "Kirk! Have you heard from Marisol?"

"She's on her way Watcher, but she had to drop off some new movie flyers at the theater, so I hope she gets here soon. Sadie is up next!"



The we both hush as the proprietor, Carl McMurphy, who's also one of Marisol's cast members, introduces her, "And a warm welcome for Soulful Sadie, a rising star that shines brighter than the stars in the night sky!"




Sadie quickly takes the stage as her props appear and she twirls into a little black dress shot with flashes of silver, as sparkles of confetti float around her.

She grabs a microphone and her voice fills the room as she sings, and it doesn't take a talent scout to realize this girl is indeed a rising star with the voice of an angel!




And she's got the skill to know what the crowd wants too as she drops to one knee, casts her eyes heavenward, her voice drawing out as she puts all of her heart and soul into her song.




I quickly step back to see if Marisol has arrived yet, and am disappointed when I don't see her, but happy for Sadie as I hear the cheers from the crowd.

When Sadie sings the next verse, her attention focused on a young man, Willard Wright, he blushes, but his wild clapping proclaims his enjoyment of the moment, a highlight in his bookish life.




As Sadie finishes her performance, accompanying her last verse with adept strums on a guitar, Marisol steps towards the stage, shouting, "Bravo, bravo!"

"Oh, you missed most of Sadie's song Marisol!"

"No, I caught most of it from the back, but I didn't want to interrupt Sadie's performance so I didn't come closer until she finished. And my thoughtfulness paid off as I got an offer to be in the show!"

"Be in the show? But you're an actress, not a performer, how can you be in the show?"

Marisol's laugh carries as she says, "Hardly even that Watcher, I'm only a lowly key grip at the moment, still very much behind the scenes! But just wait a moment and you'll see how I'm to be included."




The next act is a magician, and not just a beginner in the field either, as he's the one and only Magnus the Flaming Minx!
 
A Master Magician, who's birth name is Steve Cupp, who's performed all over the world, and is back in his hometown to invest in a performance venue, if his Wiki bio can be believed.

When he takes the stage next to a box of mystery, I have a feeling I know what's coming, and I'm proved right as Marisol joins him!




Marisol steps into the box and Magnus inserts several sharp swords straight through both sides, with gasps coming from the watching crowd!




When the box is sprung open, the crowd roars again and almost brings the house down with their cheers and claps of approval, as Marisol is revealed, safe and sound, all in one healthy sim piece, though a mysterious green cloud of mist surrounds her.




And though a box of danger sits ominously nearby on the stage, and everyone in the audience is totally focused on it, Magnus bows and ends his performance.




Then Carl introduces the last performer, "Last, but definitely not least, we've got a superstar that's agreed to perform one of his many hit songs, though by his own request, he's not competing for today's award. Let's all give a warm welcome to Charlie Ray, who was known in his younger years as The Heartbreaker!"




Charlie Ray takes the stage and in moments he transforms from the friendly, laid back guy we know into the superstar he is!

His voice reaching his audience and stirring deep emotions as he belts out the words of one of his well-known cover songs.

His performance doesn't leave a dry eye in the house and the room explodes with claps and cheers as he sings the last notes, "I did it myyyyy way!!!"




The proprietor announces that though all the performances were amazing, it's Magnus the Flaming Minx that's won the show!

Steve takes the stage to receive his award with Sadie's cheer, "Way to go Magnus!", showing her professional spirit for a fellow performer, while Steve thanks all those in the audience with wide-open arms.




But when Charlie Ray turns to congratulate Steve as he's leaving the stage, something is very, very wrong, as Charlie's arm goes right though him!

Steve cries out, "Charlie Ray please help me. I've heard you're friends with the Frio family that's come to town, could you introduce me to one of them? My life is at stake my friend!"

Charlie Ray says, "Of course, Steve, but you've already met one of them, Marisol Frio was the young lady that helped you out with your box of mystery trick!"




Marisol, unaware of the drama nearby, hugs Sadie saying, "Oh, you were fantastic! If a magician hadn't been performing, you would have won for sure!"

Sadie says, "I'm not so sure about that! I hate to say it but Flash Finn is pretty dang good, even if he is a gold digger!"

"Oh, I didn't get to see his performance, isn't he…"

"Yes, Finnegan Sawyer, the pool boy that's under Charlie Ray's ex's wing!"

Before Marisol can comment on that news, a deep voice behind her interrupts saying, "Please, please Ms. Frio, I need your help again! Meet me at the Urbane Center for the Arts, where we can speak privately!"




What on earth is going on with Steve Cupp!?!

I've seen odd glitches in Sims before, as I'm sure many of you have too, but this seems a bit more than that if his life is at stake!

And why does he need the help of the Frio family, whom he doesn't even know?

I guess we'll find out in Chapter 269: The Danger of the Box of Danger!
Coming soon.

[deedee_828]

URBANE CENTER OF THE ARTS

"So you're telling me that you're supposed to be a dark blue ghost, even though you look alive!?!"

"I know it sounds crazy Ms. Frio, but you've got to believe me! I'm not insane, I swear!"

Marisol shrugs and says, "I live with two insane Sims Mr. Cupp, I'm not concerned about a touch of crazy. What I am concerned with is why you think you're a ghost! So maybe you should start at the beginning?"

Steve takes a deep breathe and says, "Right, the beginning."




And he tells Marisol his story…

"I've had my box of danger for quite some time, receiving it when I reached level 7 in my career, as all magicians do. At that time the buried alive trick is available. Then at level 9, the watery escape trick is a new option with the very same box.

I practiced the new trick at home, showing the empty box, of course."




"Then stepping inside and having the box filled with water."




"The first few hundred times, I ended up getting stuck in the box and having to kick my way out!"




"Landing on my posterior in a flood of water. Luckily for me, with no one watching such an embarrassing moment!"




"Then finally, finally, mastering the trick and projecting myself out of the full box of water in a dazzling flash of light!"




"I became so adept at it, that I began adding the trick to my performances on community lots, with the setting sun's rays adding a colorful highlight to the trick."




With his story told, Steve added, "After routinely performing the trick in many of my shows, the odds caught up with me, and I was unable to get out of the box and it became my watery grave! But for some reason, Grim never showed up to collect me so I never looked like a ghost, but I know I am one!"

"It seems plausible enough, so I don't doubt you Mr. Cupp. But what exactly do you expect me to do about it? I'm a wanna-be actress, not a miracle worker!"

Taking a deep breathe, Steve says, "Well, there's a story going around town of a family ghost of the Frio's escaping off his home lot, stealing a cab, driving through town all the way to the med science lab, and playing havoc with the staff! Rumor has it he also possessed a bench before disappearing in a puff of yellow smoke, but some say that's just an embellishment to the tale."

"You don't say. So you think that since we have family ghosts who do unpredictable things, that maybe we can help you? But what kind of help are you looking for, exactly? I mean, you look alive, and can do things alive Sims do, can't you?"

"I can, but my actions seem to be more and more limited, and I feel…insubstantial, not dead, but not alive either."

"So what is it you'd rather be, dead or alive?"

"Well, I'd rather be alive, of course! But if that's not possible, then I want to be the ghost I'm supposed to be, a dark blue watery grave ghost! I've actually seen one in the cemetery, so I'm not the first one to perish during that trick. And though I wouldn't call him lucky, at least he's not stuck in limbo like me!"




"I see. Well, I'll talk to my family about it, my sister Jemma, is a supernatural fan and she dabbles in alchemy, so maybe there's something she can tell us about your situation.  And the family ghosts may be able to help as well. I can even check with our Watcher, because she's dealt with ghosts before. The opposite issue actually as he looked ghostly but wasn't a real ghost, and she was able to complete his transition, so maybe she can do the same for you."

"I'd be grateful for whatever help your sister, your family ghosts, or your Watcher could provide. Either one way or the other, dead and a ghost, or alive, rather than being stuck in this limbo!"

"Okay, well, it could take some time before our family ghosts appear so I can ask them about this, or have Jemma ask, as she's much happier dealing with supernaturals than the rest of us. Now we'd better head back to Mick's and explain so our friends aren't worried."

"I'll accompany you back to Mick's as Charlie Ray knows something is wrong so I'll fill him in, but I'd rather not be the talk of the town Ms. Frio, if you don't mind."

"I understand Mr. Cupp, as a celebrity myself, it's no fun having rumors spread about you. Thankfully, the paparazzi  haven't discovered us in this town yet, so your secret is safe for now."

"Oh, by the way, Ms. Frio, please call me Steve, all my friends do!"

"I'm Marisol. And I'd be honored to be considered a friend, Steve."




Marisol and Steve head back to Mick's and, though they receive curious stares from a few patrons, no one questions them about their disappearance.

In fact, Marisol is surprised to have Finnegan Sawyer step up and introduce himself!

"Oh, I'm so glad you've rejoined us Ms. Frio, I was afraid I'd missed my chance to meet you! I'm Finnegan Sawyer." With a wink, he added, "But my close friends call me Finn!"

Marisol is a little stunned by the force of Finn's personality, and looks away to get a hold of herself.

He's not at all what she'd pictured, and is surprised at his blonde good looks and easy-going manner. 




But when his conversation focuses on music, and his knowledge of who's who on the music scene becomes obvious, his smooth and ingratiating manner quickly show her his true reason for becoming acquainted.

"I understand your boyfriend, Kirk Abbott, is quite the talented musician, Ms. Frio. If he ever needs a singer to promote one of his songs, please feel free to contact me. I'm always looking for good material to add to my shows."

"That's a wonderful offer… Mr. Sawyer, but Kirk's an instrumentalist, and doesn't bother with lyrics for his compositions."




"Oh, so he's planning on going into the symphonic branch when the opportunity arises?"

Marisol narrows her eyes, and replies, "No, he wants to pursue rock music but that isn't widely known, Mister Sawyer! You seem to be quite knowledgeable of the career paths of the theater employees."

"Oh, it's my business to know what's happening in the music world here in Starlight Shores, Miss Frio. Any singer worth his salt does his homework and with my talent, ambition, and a little luck, there's nothing stopping me from reaching the top!"

"Well, you know what they say Mr. Sawyer, 'The higher you climb, the harder you fall!', so I'd be a little more cautious as you never know when you might stumble, or get shoved off!"




But instead of putting Finn off, this show of spunk has him even more enthralled with Marisol!

He steps closer to her, flashes her a dazzling smile, and says, "Oh, for the right Sim, my dear, I'd be very willing to share!"

Marisol is in a quandary now, as she doesn't want to alienate a fellow celebrity, but neither does she want to encourage Finn.

After somewhat of a long pause, she replies, "That's good to know Mr. Sawyer, I'll make sure I mention to my, fiancé, that you wouldn't mind sharing the spotlight and the fame and fortune that comes along with it!"

Finn's eyes show a hint of alarm as Marisol's word sink in and he can't stop himself from blurting, "Fiancé!?!"

With a confident smile now that she's turned the tables on Finn's machinations, Marisol says, "Yes, we're planning our wedding soon! It's going to be the biggest social event of the year, since both my younger sisters are joining in, making it a triple wedding! Everyone who is anyone will be invited, well, those we consider friends anyway!"

And with those words ringing through the air, she adds, "Well, it was…interesting, making your acquaintance, Mr. Sawyer, but it's getting late and I need to say goodbye to my friends before I leave."

Then, with the fakest smile she's ever produced, she adds, "Ta-ta!"




But Marisol's not the only one having a late night, as I notice Kirk is still out and about, so I innocently click on his icon to not only find him outside the theater complex, but conversing with none other than Mercedes May!

Oh, boy! I hope Kirk hasn't fallen for her evil charms!

When I listen in, I find Kirk eagerly talking about his music and his career, "It's nice to meet a fellow music lover, Ms. May, as well as a celebrity in a performance career."

"Oh yes, Mr. Abbott, I feel the same way! Like should stick with like, though it's hard to find those that are of the same….quality, with so many mediocre performers around, having little or no talent really. That's why it's so important to me to make the right connec…friends."

"I'm looking to make friends in town too, I've not been with the Frio family long, and the friends I did have are back in Hidden Springs."




Thinking she's found an easy mark, a male all too susceptible to her looks and charm, Mercedes gives Kirk a flirty look from under her lashes, but she quickly realizes her mistake when Kirk steps back, shaking his finger in her face, "Um, now none of that Ms. May! I said I was looking for friends, nothing more than that!"




"I'm very much in love with Marisol Frio, who's been my best friend since we were children! And I'm not looking for a piece of fluff on the side to ruin our relationship!"




"In fact, Marisol is my fiancée, and we're to be married soon. Now, if you can behave, I'd like to count you as one of my friends, as I feel everyone deserves a second chance. The Frio's gave me one and I'd like to pay that forward, however I can."

Mercedes eagerly grasps this offer, not wanting to offend a member of the biggest celebrity family to live in Starlight Shores.

"Oh, please forgive me Mr. Abbott, I misunderstood the situation! I didn't realize you were so committed to another. I'd like to give friendship a shot, as I've made very few since coming to town."

Kirk thinks of all Marisol has told him about the conniving Mercedes May, and how she's repaid Sadie's friendship by playing up to Sadie's boyfriend, Rich. 

But he does want to make new friends, and he does feel that everyone deserves a second chance, including Mercedes, so he accepts her apology at face value, and they continue to chat.




I zip back to the house to find Lorelei just popping out from her urn.

"Oh, I'm so glad to have caught you! We've got quite the dilemma on our hands as there's a resident in town, a magician named Steve Cupp, who's stuck in limbo between life and death! He's appealed to Marisol, well, all of the Frio family, including the ghosts, and me, for help."

"Why would he think we could help? Oh, let me guess, he's heard of Founder Jared's ghostly excursion into town!"

"Apparently it's spreading like wildfire and because Steve feels like a ghost but doesn't look like one, he figured a family with a ghost who can accomplish something like that just might be able to help him with his own ghostly dilemma, to help him to either reverse his death or transition him to the ghost he should be."

"Unfortunately, my research and advise from NRaas doesn't give him an option for reversing his death. I know, I know, you made ambrosia for Kimberly's Antony in a test game, but I don't have anyone in the household currently that comes close to being able to make it. And Steve's fast losing the ability to interact with other Sims, so he's down to two ghostly options, going through the trauma of dying with me using NRaas Force Kill on him and completing his transition to the mausoleum or having me use add occult: ghost watery grave to make him an active ghost, like the Salas family in Midnight Hollow."

"Since I'm unable to make ambrosia for the poor unfortunate soul, how am I involved?"

"I just wanted to run the options by you and see which one you felt was right."

In consternation Lorelei gives me  piercing look, "Watcher, I know you have the power of life and death of all of the Sims in your game, but really, asking me my opinion on a decision you're waffling over just goes beyond the bounds of decency! The person you should be asking is Steve! It's his life, or death rather, and certainly not my choice, yours, or anyone else's to make! Now if you'll excuse me, there's a rocker with my name on it out on the balcony."

Well, that puts me in my place.




Early the next morning, I find Jemma discussing the issue with Lorelei and after her parting words last night, I don't dare interrupt their conversation.

"I'm sure she meant no disrespect Gramlei, you know the Watcher sometimes forgets the easiest solutions. She takes it upon herself to make these hard choices, not realizing that though we may be Sims, they should ultimately be our choices to make. Though I don't see that poor Mr. Cupp's getting much of a choice, either way he's a ghost. But I've done some research, and there is any alchemical way, potent cure elixir, to remove the supernatural and return a Sim to human status.  Whether it would remove an active ghost's ghostliness and make him alive and human again, I don't know."

Lorelei focuses on Jemma's last words and replies, "Oh, if Mr. Cupp truly wants to become human again, he may be willing to give that a shot! He doesn't really have much to lose, if it doesn't work, he'd still be an active ghost. But ultimately it should be his choice."

"I agree completely Gramlei and I'm sure the Watcher does too. Don't you Watcher?"

"Yes, of course. I'm sorry if I seemed to be taking to much upon myself Lorelei, it was highhanded of me to think the choice should be anyone's but Mr. Cupp's."

"Apology accepted Watcher."




Checking in on Kirk, I find that despite her previous words, Mercedes true colors come flying out as she accuses him of being the Diva that she herself is!

Kirk is stunned by this unprovoked attack, being the nice guy he is, and he protests saying, "But, but…I'm NOT a diva at all!"




Then she really hits him where he lives, as she insults his music!

"You're just a two-bit musician hanging on the coattails of the Frio families name, wealth, and celebrity status! It's not fair that someone like YOU, gets that opportunity when others, like me, are so much more deserving!"

Mercedes words and display of meanness only confirm all he's learned about her, through Marisol and Sadie, and the rumors floating around town.

And though Kirk wants to make friends, he realizes that Mercedes is not going to be one of them, as though insults about himself he can accept, someone attacking his music only makes him angry!




So much so that I'm not surprised when the acquaintanceship takes a big hit and the red minus signs start flying!

"I can see giving you a second chance was a big mistake Ms. May! You're not the type of person that would ever come through as a friend, no matter how many chances you were given! I'm a pretty easy-going guy, but a friend like you isn't something I need in my life, now or ever!"




With that bit of drama finished, I check on Marisol, at the film studio, as she finally got a celebrity op to star as an extra in a film!

"What's the matter? I thought you'd be happier than that earning some celebrity points from your first op."

"Oh, it's not that, that went fine. But now I can't go to work and get my promotion to level 4, and have my celebrity status be part of my work metric!"

"Why not? It's your work hours isn't it?"

"Yes. But the twins and Jonas and Tobias are all required to be at City Hall for graduation and now I have the day off to attend!"

"Oh, no! I guess that's my fault, I'm using a new setting in one of my mods that let's me choose the graduation day for new young adult sims, I didn't realize they were four of the five that were involved in it! Sorry about that."

"No matter Watcher, I'll get that promotion Monday, my next scheduled work day."

"Yes. I'm afraid there's nothing I can do to stop graduation now."




So Marisol hurries off to the motive mobile parked in the lot.

The film studio is the farthest lot from town, and even further from the Frio home on the bluff above the shore, so she's going to have to put the pedal to the metal to get there before the ceremony starts!




While I get to the house just in time to see four of the family members heading for City Hall in one of the family police cars!

I can see that Jemma is properly attired, but though Janette is in a graduation gown, her hat isn't a cap, but a beanie with ears!

I guess another wonderful perk of having an insane sim!




So Steve Cupp has revealed his life threatening dilemma, being dead, but not truly dead or a ghost.

He's prevailed upon the Frio family to help him resolve his undead issue, and help him to complete his transition, either reversing his death or making him the ghost he is supposed to be.

I've chatted with Lorelei about his options, and Jemma's discussed it with her as well, but I haven't discussed both the ghostly options with Steve yet, and we have no idea if either one of those options will take him completely out of the limbo he is in now.

Marisol's met Finnegan Sawyer, and isn't sure she wants him for a friend or not, with his ambitious one-track, make-it-to-the-top mindset.

And Kirk's had a run in with Mercedes May, and though he offered friendship, he soon realized the girl isn't capable of it, as the only one she likes is herself!

But we'll have to table Steve's dilemma for a moment, as well as put a hold on Marisol's promotion as I've inadvertently scheduled graduation and four of the graduates are in the Frio home!

So let's see what happens at a graduation in a town where four young adults have never attended a day of school!

Follow along in Chapter 270: Graduation and a Ghostly Choice
Coming soon.

[deedee_828]

The family gathers on the sidewalk outside City Hall, where we get a look at our four graduates, plus Chase, Odette, and Kirk, all dressed in formalwear.




When Marisol arrives, her father, Kirk, and Tobias, step aside and let her enter first, being the gentlemen they are.




Soon after Tobias enters the building, I hear the roll call begin and listen for a moment as the master of ceremonies reads name after name, though only five graduates are actually being honored today!

It's funny that, no matter how many students are in each class, the ceremony drones on and on for the same amount of time.




Since I'm bored with nothing to do since all the family's inside, I pull back to get a nice photo of City Hall.




Then I pop back to the home lot to see Steve Cupp standing on the sidewalk!

And he really does look alive, not a ghost at all, but a quick NRaas status check reveals that his story is true, as it tells me he's no longer aging, and shows death: watery grave!

"Oh, Steve, I'm afraid no one's home, the Frio's all had to go to City Hall to attend graduation today. But I'm glad you're here as I'd like to chat with you and discuss your options. Oh, I'm the Frio's Watcher, by the way! I'm so used to chatting with family members, and insane Sims, that I don't always remember to introduce myself. It's rather startling for some Sims, to hear a disembodied voice out of nowhere!"

"Well, Marisol did mention you, and being somewhat, disembodied, myself, though I don't look it, I'm actually not all that startled. So…is there a chance I can be brought back to life, real life, well, real Sim life?"

"Unfortunately, no, at least we don't think so. Sims that are active ghosts or ones that have truly died and been picked up by Grim and reside in the mausoleum, have an option to eat Ambrosia, a life-returning food that takes a master chef who knows the recipe, along with the hard to find ingredients to make it, which include a life fruit and a death fish. But we don't have anyone that can make it currently."

"What do you mean by active ghost? I've never heard of one of those. Do you mean like the Frio family ghost who left the home lot?"

"No. That was a trick discovered by our Founder, Jared Frio, who's truly a dead sim that pops out of his urn now again. I'm still not sure how he accomplished it as he hasn't appeared since his…excursion. And even when he does, he probably won't tell me! An active ghost is somewhat different, their tombstone doesn't reside in the mausoleum and they don't haunt the cemetery, they keep their tombstone in their inventory, and can live anywhere in town they want, work, and have relationships, just like a normal alive sim does, and on top of that, being dead, they don't age!"

"So I'd get to keep living in my house, keep performing as a magician, and even further my relationship with Danielle Platt, the only difference being I'd actually BE a dark blue watery grave ghost!?! Wow! That would be cool, a ghostly magician!"

"Our Antony felt the same way, that's why he decided to keep his ghostly yellow form and be a real ghost. He was stuck in his own sort of limbo, just like you, except he looked like a ghost but wasn't one. But it's a big decision Mr. Cupp, and not one I expect you to decide on right this minute. Take some time, think it over, at least sleep on it, and then let us know your decision."




I follow Steve home to make sure he arrives safely, though what could harm a ghost, I don't know.

But it's hard to think of him as a ghost when he looks so alive, and he furthers that assessment by changing into swim trunks and jumping into the gorgeous pool on his lot.

Now that I see where he lives, I can see why the idea of continuing to dwell here is appealing, as his home and lot are the height of the lap of luxury!




I get back to City Hall just in time to catch my graduates emerging from the building.

Janette and Tobias clutch their diplomas and get ready to launch them high into the air!




Jonas comes out and holds his diploma apparently astonished that he graduated.

While Tobias has his nose in a book already and Odette's grabbed a guitar.




Jemma follows suit, but instead of looking confused, she's cheering wildly.

As I get messages that they all graduated with merit, Janette being voted 'Most Likely to Offend Others'; Jonas receiving 'Most Popular'; and Tobias getting 'Most Likely to Take Over the World', though none of them has even been to school or met any classmates in town!

Knowing that, Jemma wasn't all that disappointed in not getting an award from classmates she's never met.

In fact, there was only one other student in SS that was part of their graduating class, Becky Lack, and she ran off so fast that I didn't even get a photo.

I was surprised she didn't hang around and get to the know the Frio family since Becky's dream is to make it big as a singer.




Since the whole family's in town, and it's such a beautiful day, I send them all to the Summer Festival.

Odette sure seems in a hurry to join in the activities, but what ghost is she thinking about now?

I hope there are no other ghostly issues cropping up, I'd like to get Steve's settled before embarking on another task involving a ghost.

Better yet, no more unexpected ghostly problems would suit me just fine, as though it's the ghostly time of year in real life, it's still summer in SS, since it's a southern California town, with an extended summer season.




I had everyone change into more appropriate clothing and watch as they scatter to participate in the activities.

Jemma and Tobias play soccer shootout together, while I spot Odette chatting with the proprietor in the background, and he's still nameless as though I've checked his name several times, I don't remember it.




But Jemma and Tobias don't play for long as they decided to engage in more romantic pursuits.




While Kirk and Marisol practice roller skating together and become quite good at it.




But then they decide to spend some romantic time together.




And Chase and Odette do the same!

You'd think it was spring with all the romance in the air today.




Then I decide to have each of the couples get a photo taken at the photo booth.

I send Kirk and Marisol over to it first, but Marisol gets interrupted by a fan wanting an autograph.

Though eventually I manage to get all four couples photos taken.

Now for me to remember to place them on the wall at home, to show them off!




But before we leave the festival, Jemma and Tobias discover that other activities are available in the small photo booth on the lot!

Let's give them some privacy.




Marisol runs into Steve Cupp outside the grocery store which is called The Market Basket here in Starlight Shores.

"Hi, Steve! You're still looking your very alive self. No more career mishaps, I hope!"

"Since I've already died in one, I'm not sure another would make a difference Marisol. But I do appreciate the sentiment. And all the help your family and Watcher are providing. I'm definitely leaning towards becoming an active blue ghost, but I haven't discussed the issue with my girlfriend, Danielle, yet. It's not something that pops up in everyday conversation!"

"No. Definitely not. How do you think she's going to take it?"

"Well, we've not been together very long, but I'm hoping for the best. Danielle's the single mother of two kids, and I'm not overly fond of children, to say the least, but she appreciates my forbearance on that issue."

"A magician that's not fond of kids?"

"Yes, I know, not quite what you expect, but I've felt that way most of my life. Frankly, I prefer older audiences, but I do my best to endure when I'm in the company of minors, as most of us have crosses to bear."

"And with your present situation still unresolved, I'm sure disliking children is the least of your worries!"

"That's for sure! But I'm hoping to discuss my current state with Danielle later this evening and give you my answer soon."

"Call me any time Steve! I like to think of myself as a Sim that's always their for a friend in need!"




Before heading home, Odette stops in at the Elixir Consignment Shop, and places completed paintings and sculptures with them.

And chats a bit with the attendant on duty.

"We've got several artists in the family this generation. The painters include me, my husband, and two of our soon to be sons-in-a-law! And one of them is also a sculptor, so you'll probably be seeing quite a bit of me over the next few weeks."

"With items of this high a caliber, I'll look forward to seeing you Mrs. Frio. You and your family are definitely a welcome addition to our town!"




To my relief, I follow Odette home to find Jared in the kitchen, grabbing food out of the refrigerator!

"Oh, you survived! Thank the Watchers everywhere!"

"It's good to see you too Watcher! I must admit, it took more out of me than I expected, my little…adventure!"

"Well, you're the talk of the town, but in a good way. It seems a magician who's stuck in limbo heard of your exploits and he's come to us for assistance with his problem."

With a raised eyebrow and a smirk, Jared said, "Lorelei was telling me about that Watcher. Seems like you were taking on a bit more of the decision making process than was best!"

"Yes, and Lorelei made it perfectly clear, so no need for you to add your two cents worth, or to gloat over it!"

"Me? Gloat? Why you wound me Watcher!" Then with a laugh he adds, "Of course I'm gloating, it's one of my favorite hobbies! But enough of this dribble drabble, my spaghetti awaits."




Since I'm not needed, or wanted, here in the kitchen, I take a moment to arrange the family Summer Festival photos on a wall in the garage.

I'd also taken one of the family as a group with the four new graduates in their caps and gowns, but somehow Odette was missing, Chase was front and center, and then I couldn't arrange the photos well with five of them, so I left that one out.

Marisol and Kirk are in the left photo, with Jemma and Tobias on the right, Janette and Jonas are in the top photo and Odette and Chase in the bottom one.




Then Marisol gets a call from Steve and I tag along.

I'm a bit surprised that Steve's in is sleepwear and entertaining Marisol in his bedroom, but his words explain it all.

"I'm so sorry for calling you so late Marisol, but I just couldn't sleep with this decision hanging over me!"

"It's not a problem Steve. I hadn't gone to bed yet and I drove over in a motive mobile so I'm good. So I take it from your words, you've decided?"

"Yes, I've discussed it with Danielle and she was startled of course, not quite believing my story since I look alive. But when she tried to hug me and her arms went right through me, well, she couldn't doubt it then! And she agrees with me, better continued life, of a sort, as an active blue ghost, than one she can only visit in the cemetery!"




"I think you've made the best choice Steve and I can't wait to see one of your performances with you as a ghost! I really think it will bring some supernatural magic to your shows!"

"I hope so Marisol. And since I really am a ghost, better to look like one than live a lie!"




Graduation for our four young adults was about what I expected in a town they didn't attend school in.

Followed by a relaxing time at the Summer Festival, where our couples engaged in activities with each other, many of them being quite romantic!

Jared's safe and sound back on the home lot, and I hope he stays there.

And Steve Cupp, otherwise known as Magnus the Flaming Minx, has chosen life as an active ghost!

But no time for that process yet, as Jemma's bachelorette party is scheduled for tonight, again at Mick's, but this time with a fully active bar and mixologist to provide food and drinks for the crowd!

You're all invited to attend in Chapter 271: Bachelorette Bash
Coming soon.

[deedee_828]

Jemma dons the traditional 'dress to impress' little white dress, with white heels and matching veiled hat, that is the de rigueur dress for brides-to-be, at least in Sims 3!

I sigh as I see Janette in the background in her athletic wear and hope that's not what she's wearing to the party.




But it's Marisol's outfit that has me whistling as she looks like the epitome of the rising young starlet!

"Wow! That's some outfit! You're going to turn some eyes with that one! Too bad the paparazzi haven't discovered Starlight Shores yet, they'd be snapping photos like crazy seeing you in that dress."

"Excuse me!?! Do I know you!?!"

Before I can respond, Marisol laughs and adds, "Sorry Watcher, I couldn't resist! I'm practicing my snobby, diva persona, since those qualities don't come to me naturally!"

Then her phone rings and I leave her to her conversation.




Janette did wear her athletic wear, but I barely notice when I spot Odette in the skimpiest formal dress I've ever seen her wear, happily dousing Joline Lusk with nectar!

I'm not sure who Joline is or even where she came from, as Sims Wiki doesn't list her in this town, unless I overlooked her name.

Maybe she's one of the many proprietors in town with all the bars, lounges, clubs, and venues here?




Inside the guests are already chatting, dancing, mingling, and grabbing food and drinks from the fully functioning bar, complete with mixologist!

No starving guests for this party, though Karen Kerman's already lost her dress to impress outfit and seems pre-occupied with her phone.

Maybe she's already posting Simstagram photos!?!




The redhead is new young adult and high school graduate, Becky Lack, and she's grabbing a photo of Jemma!

I guess she's finally realized she missed out on an earlier opportunity to get to know the family of celebrities and isn't passing up the chance a second time.

Seeing Marisol on her own, Karen's approached her, though it looks like she should have ordered some food from the bar instead of playing with her phone, priorities people!




With Jemma's photo safely in her phone, Becky grabs some food from the bar and joins another guest at a small table.

Neither the Frio females or I know half of the guests as I invite them willy nilly from the party guest list, mostly so we can meet as many sims as possible and get to know the residents of this town.

And, like in this instance, I forget to write down who the blonde woman is that's dining with Becky.

I don't believe she's an actual resident, but she could be a homeless townie, though I could be wrong.




Marisol, and maybe her outfit, are generating photographs too, and I couldn't resist taking one of my own, when she posed so perfectly for it!

Nearby, Jemma is chatting with Lindy Avilla, Kirk's co-worker at the theater.




Then it's Jemma's turn to give a guest a photo op, while Janette introduces herself to Madeline Buckshot, and I get Odette's seal of approval for Mick's as a party venue, now that the bar actually has a mixologist, who's kept hopping with all the food and drink orders.

I see Catherine Best is starving again, even though she should be able to grab a meal from the bar.

Apparently, she's so frugal she'd rather starve than give up the simoleans!

Or maybe she's too ill to eat with the zombie guest hovering nearby!?!




Jemma takes pity on her and pops a wish to serve a meal to someone.

But with even more guests wanting photos and autographs, it takes Jemma some time to accomplish this task.

In fact, when she finally manages to wade her way through bar and all the star-struck fans, orders a pizza, and grabs a plate for Catherine, she's nowhere to be found.

My search ends up finding her in the bathroom, and it's so small and crowded I can't get a photo, but the thought of having food in the bathroom almost makes me ill, so I decide not to watch.

But shouts and screams have me hurrying out to the dance floor to find the party dancers have arrived!

It's Hugh Kidding and Simon Steele again, but this time they're dressed in dark pants and sunglasses, and not much else, though it seems to cover them a lot more than those fireman outfits did!




After watching the dancers for a bit, Jemma finds Janette and asks her to make a toast.

Something Courtney Foster and our unknown zombie lady overhear and seem to approve of.




As Janette enthusiastically calls the guests to gather around her and listen to her toast, Ms. Zombie starts clapping when she spots Odette!

I know it's just past Halloween in real life, but she's quite out of place here in summery Starlight Shores, and at a bachelorette party, of all things, until I realize it's a night with a full moon.

I return to matters at hand to hear Janette say, "All of you please raise a glass and toast my 'baby' sister, who's all of two minutes, maybe less, younger than I am! The love of her life, Tobias Bellucci, proposed to her recently, which is why we honor her this evening. We wish you love and happiness, dear sister, and many, many years of wedded bliss!"

The crowd cheers and the party continues in earnest, though Mercedes May seems a bit put out.




Jemma listens eagerly as Sadie recounts one of her recent singing gigs, and it looks like Karen's waiting to introduce herself, but you'd think she would have done that before she showed off her butterfly embellished underclothes!

But since Karen's an excitable, flirty, social butterfly, who's also a party animal and absent-minded, I guess she we have to give her some leeway.




When Mercedes May follows suit, showing off her red and white checkered ensemble, I realize her annoyance was that Karen stole her thunder as first guest to undress!

As an Evil, Mean-spirited, Diva it doesn't take much to annoy Mercedes, so when the party dancers hit on two guests, with Hugh asking Priscilla Singh if she's married, while Simon gets to know Emily Elson, I'm sure that sticks in her craw even more!

Bryce Savage and his girlfriend, Courtney Foster, throw pointed looks at Priscilla knowing that she's married, and I guess they're waiting to see if she'll tell Simon the truth or accept his advances.

Priscilla adamantly declares that she is married and not interested in a relationship with anyone besides her husband.




Odette tries to focus the attention elsewhere, as well as stop Mercedes from any Evil Diva behavior, so she stands between our two undressed guests and sprays Mercedes with fuzzy nectar.

But with the look on Bryce's face and Courtney's adamant gestures, along with her raised voice, is seems that there is definitely trouble brewing between these two.




And their relationship goes from bad to worse as Courtney breaks Bryce's heart!

Though Courtney seems more concerned about eating before she starves, so maybe I need to add another bar before having a party with this size crowd again!?!

Simon gets into the party spirit, and hopes Emily will too, by spraying her with nectar.




Just went I thought things couldn't get any worse, Stardust Woods captures a photo of Mercedes May passed out on the floor in her underwear!

Wow, the paparazzi are certainly missing some juicy photos and headlines this time around.

Though I've got a feeling the photo will definitely be plastered all over town soon enough because
Stardust laughs and says, "Wait until Brandon sees this photo, those expansionists won't have a leg to stand on when we show the world what a bad influence these performers are! It should put a stop to anymore tree-killing venues being built in this town!"




Jemma tries her hand, literally, at changing the focus of this party, as she plants her palm on Emily's face!

I always though a private reading by a fortune teller meant reading their palm, not emulating Mr. Spock and performing a Vulcan mind meld!

But apparently I was wrong, as Jemma intones, "My mind to your mind. My thoughts to your thoughts."

And though we can clearly see where Emily's thoughts lie, Jemma doesn't have that information and has to rely solely on her prowess as a fortune teller.




Since she's just shy of being at level 2 in her career, the reading is a bust, as she lamely says, "You will be very busy in the weeks to come!"

Luckily for Jemma, Emily's got a newborn daughter at home, so Jemma's reading, basic as it is, is quite true, but not exactly earth-shaking news, so Emily just nods, rather than denouncing the parties star as a fraud!

And though Mercedes has managed to regain her feet, others are not so lucky.




As I find Janette passed out on the floor by the bar, with a grilled cheese sandwich nearby.

Odette and Annabel Gooder are both totally oblivious as they stare at something across the room.

Now what!?!




One of the party dancer's, Simon, is at it again, looking for love in all the wrong places, as he presents a very married Stardust with a bouquet of purple flowers!

She too crushes his hopes, though I saved his dignity by missing that photo as I was occupied elsewhere!




Because I spotted Madeline Buckshot on the stage, gulping down fizzy nectar.

Marisol seems to have noticed her at the same time I did and I'm a bit leery of what she might say to Charlie Ray's ex-wife and what affect that may have on the party!




But Madeline's dousing with fuzzy nectar had her twirling into her black and white skivvies as she joins the crowd around the karaoke singers, watching as Hugh and Rehman Sagar (I think) join in a duet.

Some of the listening guests applaud the duos singing but others boo rather loudly.




Then two couples show off their dancing moves, Marisol partnering with her friend Bryce, while Simon has finally found a partner that's single, Lanya Avilla.

Stardust grabs a drink and relaxes at the bar.




And a few minutes later Marisol find herself standing between two more guests taking impromptu naps, Catherine Best and Stardust, who seems to have fallen off her barstool!

I guess that last drink was one too many.

With that the mixologist kicks them all out saying it's dawn and way past time for this party to be over!




I head outside with the other guests and find Jemma reeling unsteadily on the sidewalk as Marisol honks the horn of the family police car.

"Wow, Watcher that was some party! I never expected it to last all night and into the morning, that's something you'd expect coming from Janette or Kirk!"

"You've certainly entertained half the town with this bash, I'll say that. I'm thinking it's a good thing there are no paparazzi around in town yet or all of your reputations would be trashed! Now hurry up and get to the car before you fall down!"

But my words are too late as, moments later, Jemma drops to the pavement!

Odette and Janette quickly come to her rescue, wake her up and get her to the waiting car, and home to bed.

I saved her the embarrassment of having that event recorded by being at the picture limit!




Wow, like Jemma said, that was some party!

I'm actually shocked that Jared didn't surprise us by popping in!

But I think we had more than enough surprises with inappropriate party dancers flirting and hitting on mostly married female guests, several guests donning underwear, stylish as all of them were, or passing out, or both, and poor Bryce getting his heart broken.

I've had several messages recently that reveal several couples in town are having relationship problems, with Ariella Chen actually moving out of The Castle and into a tiny one bedroom place of her own, leaving boyfriend, Mithrun Khan, to deal with his mooching bestie, Ernesto Gonzales, on his own!

My research on Sims Wiki has revealed quite a few residents with commitment issues, so I'm getting a bit concerned about having partners for this generations heirs.

I've only been in town about a week, and the Best's have a new son, Alan, the Elson's have a daughter, Cecily, and the Lee's are expecting.

So I'll let it go for now, let NRaas SP do it's thing, and just hope the Sims that are family-oriented start producing children when the twins are expecting!

Otherwise I'll have to step in and 'help' a few couples around town.

I don't know about you, but I'm prettied partied out and we've only had two bachelorette parties, so I think we'll just move on to a triple wedding!

You're all invited of course, so join me in Chapter 272: Triple Wedding
Coming soon.

[deedee_828]

"Well, you're definitely a blue ghost now Steve! How do you feel?"

"Floaty and wet Watcher. I'm guessing the floaty part is natural, for a ghost, and the wet part is because I died a watery grave death. So I guess normal, all things considered."

"Great! I'm heading back to the Frio home to get the wedding party set up, so I'll see you later."

"I wouldn't miss it Watcher! It'll be the first wedding party we've had here in Starlight Shores and with three couples getting married, quite the event!"

"I've never held a party this big or planned three couples' wedding vows before so I hope it lives up to everyone's expectations."

"What could go wrong Watcher?"

"Oh, I really wish you hadn't asked THAT question Steve! I'm afraid to think of what could happen with an insane couple, two party animals, and a house full of ghosts. But having it during daylight hours should eliminate the ghost issue, well, besides you, but with just one, it shouldn't cause too many problems."

"I wouldn't dream of causing any trouble Watcher!"

"It won't be anything you have control over Steve, I'm afraid just BEING a true ghost will have others feeling a bit uncomfortable in your presence. It's one of the drawbacks actually, and I probably should have mentioned that before you decided to go that route."

Steve pauses and then asks, "Oh, just how uncomfortable are we talking? Does this mean they won't come to my shows?"

"I don't think so, as plenty of sims watched Antony Salas perform magic tricks for tips back in Midnight Hollow. When Sims first become aware of a ghost, they tend to ward then off by waving their arms and shaking their heads to show their displeasure at being around them. And that happens at every encounter, even with the same ghost, though  ims that are Supernatural Fans tend to get over their disgust quicker than others, but Coward Sims will faint, even if they're ghosts!"

Steve can't help laughing at that picture, then he says, "Well, that doesn't sound too bad, especially since I feel better now, not in limbo anymore, but the ghost I was fated to be."

"I don't know if it was your true destiny, but in this Starlight Shores timeline, it's what happened, and I'm glad you're being such a good sport about it.  Well, I'm off!"




But my plans for a daytime wedding are squashed when I get the notice at 11 am that Jemma's carpool will arrive in a hour and she works from 1 until 6!

Not wanting her to miss out on a workday, I let her head off to work and check on everyone's formal outfits.

That's when I discover that Marisol doesn't have a wedding dress, so I pop her into Stylist.

Our final choice is this pretty gown and stylish hat, which makes her a truly lovely bride!




When Jemma's on her way home, the guests start arriving.

That's Wylie Luck in front facing us, looking quite put out as the crowd's so big he can't get to the door.

Kirstin Law, with the blonde braids, seems quite focused on him, but I'm not sure that's a good thing as she's not only a hot-headed klepto, but insane and evil as well, and her formal outfit is a trip!

In fact, quite a few of the guests are wearing rather casual clothes for a formal wedding, but at least all of the residents we invited are showing up, plus guests that have tagged along, and even some party crashers as I spot Mercedes May just inside the doorway!




With three ceremonies planned, I don't waste a moment and have Janette find Jonas, down in the basement sculpting, of course, to get things started.




Janette and Jonas stand together under the wedding arch just as the sun's golden rays strike the water, making the most picturesque wedding photo I've ever managed to capture!

And they're both thinking of their wedding day instead of having totally crazy thoughts, which is saying something for two insane sims!




It takes a moment for all the guests to settle themselves around the happy couple, so the sun's rays have deepened the water from gold to a lovely rose when Jonas places his ring on Janette's finger, intoning words that have been spoken from time immemorial, and adding his own vows to them.

"With this ring I thee wed, giving my love to you freely. I promise to love, honor, and cherish you, Janette Frio, putting forth every effort to ensure our future is filled with joy and happiness. To stand by your side in times of trouble and sadness, to truly be partners from this day forward, as I become your husband today, and take you for my wife."

Janette does the same, sliding her ring firmly on Jonas' finger, saying, "With this ring I thee wed, giving my love to you freely. I promise to love, honor, and cherish you, Jonas Woodard, doing my best to be the partner you deserve. Striving with all my heart and soul to help us both make our dreams a reality, as though we could reach them on our own, doing so together will bring a richness and love neither of us could find without the other, as I become your wife today and take you for my husband."




I quickly pan to the crowd as they all clap and shout their congratulations to Janette and Jonas Frio!

Odette, Tobias, and Marisol have all joined in, but poor Chase has broken down into sobs, overcome by the thought of one of his little girls now being married.

Though he's known this was going to happen for some time, I guess it's just hit him very hard now that it's a reality.

And this is the one shot where you can see that the chairs and wedding trappings have been re-colored to reflect all three brides favorites, purple for Jemma, green for Janette, and pink for Marisol.

I chose lighter shades of all three colors so they didn't clash quite so much, but forgot to take a shot of the wedding area in the daylight, before it was filled with guests, even though I have over 200 photos of the wedding!




But before I can pan back to catch a photo of their first kiss as husband and wife, Janette and Jonas have already stepped towards to their wedding cake!

"Hey, I wanted your first kiss photo!"

Perceptive as ever, Janette says, "No time Watcher, we've got two more ceremonies to get through!"

Jonas' doesn't speak, he just swoons with love being so close to his new bride, warming my heart even more at how adorable he is.

Chase has recovered and is leading the guests with more cheers and clapping as Janette's twin, Jemma, makes her way to the forefront of the crowd.




I give family and guests a moment to eat cake, then let Marisol and Kirk know it's their turn to tie the knot.

But Marisol suddenly frowns and says, "This doesn't feel right Watcher!"

"What!?! No! Don't do this to Kirk NOW Marisol! Being left at the alter in front of all these guests would be humiliating, and you're both staying in this town!"

"Leave Kirk at the alter!?! What are you talking about Watcher? I just meant being under this wedding arch doesn't feel right. We should be closer to family and friends."




With those words, and for the first time ever in one of my games, the bride and groom step out from under the arch and face each other in the throng of guests!

Just as they begin their vows, Kirk's phone starts ringing!

Though I'm not sure which is more distracting, the ringing phone or ghostly Steve floating directly behind them!

But Marisol and Kirk, both being four star celebrities now, don't skip a beat as Kirk gently takes Marisol's hand in his and slides the wedding band on her finger, saying, "I, Kirk Abbot, take thee, Marisol Frio, as my lawfully wedded wife, to be your loving husband from this day forward. I promise to love, honor, and cherish you, from the depths of my heart, forsaking all others, as you are my love, my life, my world."

Marisol does the same, saying, "I, Marisol Frio, take thee, Kirk Abbot, as my lawfully wedded husband, to be your loving wife from this day forward. I promise to love, honor, and cherish you, not letting careers or celebrity status interfere with our wedded partnership, but forsaking all others, as we bind our lives together in front of these witnesses, husband and wife, today and for all our tomorrows."




Time crunch or not, these two share their first kiss as Mr. and Mrs. Kirk Abbot!

And marrying a four star celebrity, Marisol gains enough points to reach her fifth celebrity star and completes her lifetime wish!

Now that was timely and it means that once they return from their honeymoon, they can find their own place!




Marisol, expediency uppermost as it's getting late, says, "We'll cut our cake after my sister's ceremony."

Family and guests clap even louder shouting their encouragement to the final couple to be wed.




Jemma and Tobias step to the wedding arch and Jemma places the ring on Tobias' finger as she says, "This gold ring is a unbroken circle, a symbol of the unending unity of two that have become one. As I, Jemma Frio, bestow this ring, on you, Tobias Bellucci, know that with it comes all the love I have in my mind, my heart, my soul. A love that, like this ring, is endless, and will only grow as we share our lives with each other over the coming years, passing on all the kindness, happiness, and most of all, love, that has brought us to this day, and will live on in the child born from our union as husband and wife."

At the mention of a child everyone hears Tobias' gasp, knowing just how much it means to him that Jemma's commitment to their marriage included the promise of a child.




With the soft glow of spotlights clearly showing the loving smiles on both their faces, Tobias places a matching gold ring on his bride's finger and clasping her hands in his own, his words ringing out clear and true, filled with love, he says, "My dearest Jemma, Tennyson's famous words, 'tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all'*, were written after the loss of a close friend, but the thought of choosing to live my life without you was more than I could bear! So it is with a heart filled with love, joy, and happiness, that I recite these words of another poet, Pam Brown, as her words in The Gift reflect the feelings of my heart each and every time we are together, 'In you are flowers and firelight, stars and songbirds, the scent of summer, the stillness just before dawn. I love you today, dressed in glory. I will love you always---dancing, singing, reading, making, planning, arguing. I will love you cantankerous, and tired, courageous and in terror, joyful, fearful and triumphant. I will love you through all weathers and all change. For all you are is precious to me. And every day I live with you and share your love is a gift to me.' So with this ring, I receive the greatest gift of all, making you my wife and becoming your husband, always and forever, in keeping with the unbroken circle of the bands we both wear."




Stepping closer, Jemma and Tobias Frio, abandon themselves to their first kiss as husband and wife.




I turn to the crowd and see that Tobias' romantic, loving, words touched both family and guests, with Odette wiping away a tear, Steve swooning with a hand to his heart, and many clasped hands, soft smiles, and gestures clearly showing their feelings.

Though Marisol's attention has been caught by something in the opposite direction.




Founder Jared has actually joined us to witness the momentous occasion of our triple wedding!

"Hey Jared! I'm glad you kept your presence low-key and didn't interrupt any of the ceremonies, glad but surprised."

"Don't push it Watcher! My good behavior can only go so far!"

"Thanks for the warning…"

"Besides, I'm not the only ghostly presence here…"

"But Steve is Marisol's friend and he was invited!"

"I'm not referring to the shockingly blue ghost that's dripping water, but to another one of the family ghosts. Didn't you hear the manifestation music?"

"I did, but I was focused on the wedding ceremonies and just hoped more ghosts wouldn't upset the guests."

"I don't think it's just my ghostly state that upsets those in my vicinity Watcher! You know how much I enjoy a good laugh at other sims expense!"

"Well, at least you're man…ermm..ghost enough to admit it."

"I'm still a man Watcher, a ghostly man true, but…", his eyes scan the crowd, "one that appreciates a good party, and this looks like it's shaping up to be a great one…"

"How nice of you to say so Jared, I did my…"

"I was going to say, 'now that I'm here', Watcher!"

"Of course you were. But since you've missed out on so many parties, I'll let that pass. Enjoy the party Jared!"




I spot ghostly Samuel just as he's heading back inside, and he says, "Oh, I was trying to stay hidden Watcher, you know how uncomfortable others can be around our kind. But now that you've caught me, I just wanted to say what a wonderful job you did on the wedding, especially with three ceremonies and such a late start."

"Thanks Samuel. At least you appreciate all my hard work. I'd actually planned a daytime ceremony, but Jemma had to work."

"Well, the view at sunset was lovely! What a beautiful painting that would make…" Samuel drifts into an artistic daze, then notices the crowd heading for the patio and says, "I'd better get inside. I think two ghosts is more than enough even with a crowd this size!"

"I'm sure one more wouldn't hurt Samuel. Please stay and enjoy the party."




As Samuel drifts off to help himself to a slice of wedding cake, our three newlywedded couples share their first dance.

With Jared smack in the middle of the festivities, and Odette and Chase getting ready to join in as well.




The dancing went on into the wee hours, with guests laughing, chatting, and enjoying themselves.

And though I'm not sure which ghost it is, Jared or Samuel, one of the guests has overcome her initial reaction to ask for an autograph.

I even managed to get photos of each couple dancing, and, as usual, Jonas is just being too adorable as he gazes into Janette's face, his own reflecting his love.




Jemma and Tobias are totally wrapped up in each other too, as Jared looks on, a smile gracing his face.

Whether it's because of seeing how in love all his progeny are, or just being able to attend the party, I can't tell.

But with the wedding ceremonies completed and all three couples finally married, I'm happy enough to give him the benefit of the doubt and just let him enjoy himself, safely on the home lot.




As the sun rises and casts it's glow over the Frio home, Marisol and Kirk are still dancing with eyes only for each other.

Most of the guests have gone home, but a few diehards, like party animal Chad Luck, are still hanging around, not wanting the party to end.




Chase and Odette share a last dance before heading inside, both looking far too young to be the parents of three married daughters, but elder years are fast approaching, at least for Chase with his normal lifespan.

But it's Odette that surprises me by popping a wish for a grandchild!

Although I'm not the only one surprised as Richter Steele seems to be star struck when he spots another celebrity.

Mr. Steele, though not related to SV's most eligible bachelor, is quite the catch himself, being a friendly, social butterfly who loves the outdoors, with his everyday outfit showing off his passion for athletics, as well as his amazing physique!

But what celebrity has caught his attention?




Oh, it's Sadie Mason!

Who looks a bit nostalgic when she notices former boyfriend, Rich Richmond.

But with a few clicks, I help to establish a relationship between her and Richter, and hope the two of them, along with SP, will take it from there as I have a feeling they would make beautiful babies together!

Besides, Sadie deserves someone who can give her all his love and attention, not someone like Rich, who unfortunately, was destined to be part of a heartbreaking love triangle.




I don't interfere with these two couples that have taken the opportunity to get to know each other, but hope SP will further some other relationships around town soon.

Front and center we have Karen Kerman, another flirty, social butterfly, party animal, which totally explains her presence hours after most other guests have gone home.

Karen's dance partner is a bit of surprise though, as Willard Wright's typical pastimes include either reading or writing his latest novel, not partying all through the night and into the wee hours of the morning.

But instead of looking at Karen, Willard's actually made eye contact with Karen's roommate and bestie, Kerry Kasmir, who's definitely sharing the look!

Or maybe Kerry and Chad are gossiping about Willard and his chances with Karen!?!

It's much to early in our stay here to know, as, believe it or not, we've just started week two here in Starlight Shores, but I'm quite interested to see who ends up with whom over the upcoming weeks.




So that ends my first ever triple wedding party, with all three couples getting married, despite stepping away from the wedding arch, ringing phones, and ghostly guests.

Of course, all of our newlyweds spent some romantic alone time together in their respective bedrooms, but no need to invade their privacy, well I've spared them that this time, anyway!

Besides there will plenty of opportunities for that on their honeymoon trip.

Several of the partners have popped wishes to travel, but none of them to the same place, so for the sake of time, I've chosen France as the honeymoon destination for all three couples.

I'll tell you all about the trip in Chapter 273: Romantic Rendezvous
Coming soon.
____________________________________________________________________________
*From <https://www.bing.com/search?q=it%27s+better+to+have+loved+and+lost&form=ANSPH1&refig=ac7c4991422a4f1ebd31a13dc5f1f632&pc=U531&sp=1&qs=AS&pq=it%27s+better+to+have+loved+and+lost&sc=8-34&cvid=ac7c4991422a4f1ebd31a13dc5f1f632>

**From <https://www.brides.com/wedding-poems-4844289>

[deedee_828]

First thing the next day, sleeping in a bit after such a late night, Kirk ducked into the bathroom to make the final arrangements for the honeymoon.

With a slight frown he says, "Yes, three couples, three rooms with double beds, preferably with connecting doors…"

A throaty laugh over the phone, says, "I know this is France, monsieur, but even for us that's a bit risqué!"

Kirk's skin is tanned enough so I can't see him blush, but his embarrassment is clear as he says, "Connecting doors to private bathrooms, not between the rooms! This honeymoon is for myself and my bride, and her younger twin sisters and their new husbands. I know it's unusual for triple honeymoon couples, especially from the same family, but it's definitely not THAT unusual! My name is Abbot, but the other two couples are Frio family members, and I would think that, being a member of such a wealthy, renowned family, I could make a simple reservation without it being construed as improper!"

"Frios you say!?! Oh, pardon moi, monsieur, I meant no disrespect, please accept my deepest apologies! We would be honored to have you and your traveling party grace our humble establishment! In fact, I do believe all of our private suites on the top floor are currently available, and you would have your pick of any of them."

Mollified a bit at the conciliatory tone, Kirk accepts the offer and the apology, quickly ending the call so he can round up the rest of the travelers.




Soon everyone but Marisol has gathered outside the front entrance to depart on their trip.

Then they realize Marisol's already in the car and is waiting on them!




Their flight and ride to the hotel pass without incident and we join our intrepid travelers in Champs Les Sims, France!

Oops, that's not their arrival photo!

Though it is the first thing Marisol and Kirk did, so I guess what they say about France and romance is true!

Let's give these two some privacy before some French reporter accuses us of being peeping toms!




With Marisol and Kirk otherwise occupied, the other two couples decide to visit The Nectary as it's on everyone's wish list.

Janette meets a local and starts chatting away like she's known him her whole life, but, since she's on her honeymoon, the image of this almost complete stranger against a crescent moon is a bit disturbing.

Since I'm not sure I WANT to know what that's all about, or worse, give Janette any crazy ideas, I move on.




Thankfully, Jonas missed the whole thing as he was down in the basement pouring out nectar from one of the sample bottles in a tasting rack.




But soon my worries dissipate as he joins Janette upstairs in a quiet corner, and with hearts swirling above them, I realize they're on a date.

As they relax and sip on their first glasses of nectar, Janette asks, "How's your latest sculpture coming along?"

Jonas thinks before replying, "Well, it's still very much a work in progress, just a block so far, but I'm sure when we return home inspiration will strike and it will tell me what it wants to be."

Now any other sim may have frowned or hastily overlooked such a crazy remark, but Janette is more in tune with Jonas than ever and simply says, "I'm sure with your sculpting ability you'll be able to tease out it's true form soon enough, my love. We may come at things from different perspectives than most Sims, but we usually end up hitting the mark more often than not. Ready to taste another blend?"

"Sure. I love the sugar rush this one provided, but maybe we can find one that's a more complex blend? I've heard that there are some blends that can boost your mood with several moodlets!"

"Well, what are we waiting for!?! Mood boosters here we come!"




I find Jemma still in the lobby admiring her wedding ring and rhapsodizing over her marriage, instead of meeting locals or drinking nectar samples.

But since she's not even been married a whole day, I think we can forgive her for being distracted.




I find Tobias leaving the intimate corner table where Janette and Jonas are as he says, "I know we all came on this trip together, but I'd rather give them some alone time."

"Especially since there are only two chairs at that table, right?"

"That is a big part of my decision, yes, but we all don't need to be attached at the hip, do we?"

"Not at all. Having you all go on your honeymoon together was just a time-saver for me, especially since no couple popped wishes to go to the same place."

"I was hoping for Shang Simla, China, for some relaxing meditation and book writing time!"

"And Jemma wanted to go adventuring in Al Simhara, Egypt, to find different gems and metals for alchemy elixirs, so what kind of honeymoon would that have been with you in different places!?!"

"You've got a point there Watcher! I guess France was the best choice, it's definitely the most romantic of the three."

"I think so, but at the moment it's not romance you need!"

"It's not!?! But…"

Laughing I say, "I was referring to a chair to sit in and there are plenty of them downstairs."

"Oh, thanks Watcher! For a minute I thought you meant…"

"Don't worry Tobias there will be plenty of time for romance over the next three days."

With a warm smile Tobias answers, "Good to know Watcher! Good to know!"




As Tobias heads downstairs I find Marisol and Kirk have arrived.

"Oh, I'm glad you two made it over here, the nectary is amazing! It has sample bottles for tasting, plenty of blends for sale, and even a couple of nectar making machines, if you want to try making some yourself."

Marisol looks away but she can't hide her blush, while Kirk totally focuses on nectar, saying, "I think I'll stick to sampling, and maybe even buy a few bottles, and leave making it to the experts. Is it is as good as they say it is?"

"Now that's something I can't verify as I'm not quite sure how nectar compares in our worlds, and I'm not much of a nectar drinker anyway. But in my Farmacy, I've had two exceptional nectar makers and they've sold some of their blends for hundreds of simoleans! Janette and Jonas have taken over the corner table in the nectar making room, but Tobias just headed downstairs where there are plenty of tables and chairs and lots of sample racks for tasting."

Kirk nods and says, "Sounds like the place for me!"




I follow him down to find that Tobias did indeed find a seat and is not only drinking nectar samples, but chatting with some local residents about computers.

"I do most of my writing from my laptop, it's just easier having it with me wherever inspiration strikes, and being able to save everything to SimCloud makes for easier safeguards and retrieval. No "lost manuscripts' for me please!"




Marisol, having reached the pinnacle of celebrity fame, is recognized by the shop girl, who eagerly chats with her.

"Welcome to The Nectary, Ms. Frio! We are honored to have our establishment visited by you and your friends."

With a smile, Marisol says, "Thank you. But it's actually Mrs. Abbot now, I got married yesterday! And though we're all friends, I'm here with my sisters and their husbands. We had a triple wedding and…."

"Oh, oh, all of you are here on your honeymoon! Fantastique! Congratulations to all of you! Please feel free to browse our nectar racks. We have many blends as samples in the other room, with more downstairs in the large tasting room. The racks in this room are all of the blends we currently have on sale. I am sure you will discover something for even the most refined palate!"

"Well, none of us have had nectar before, so I wouldn't describe any of our palates as refined, but I know I'm eager to taste a sample or two!"




And soon enough Marisol is relaxing at the corner table, nectar glass in hand.

"Do you like it?"

"This one's not bad, fruity, and sugary, but I think I need to try some more to get a better idea of the differences."




Apparently the whole group feels that way as I find members of our party sampling tray after tray of nectar during their visit!

Tobias eagerly pouring out a new tray of nectar.




Janette happily serving  a different blend.




And Jemma following her example with yet another tray of nectar!




I decide I better send them out to the nectary garden for some fresh air, to work off the effects of all that nectar!

Soon Tobias, Jemma, and Jonas, are all busy harvesting the special nectar grapes found only in France.




I have Kirk harvest some of the local apple trees.




While Janette picks ripe limes.




But it's not long before Kirk has joined the crew in the garden and, with nothing more to harvest, all the males in our party eagerly head back inside for more nectar samples!

Jemma's the only one thinking of something besides nectar!

Maybe coming to France wasn't such a good idea after all!




Inside, I find Janette has settled down for some meditation, and by the woozy look on her face, none too soon!

At least she's focused on something other than sampling nectar!

But I think it's time to move on and see some other sites in France!



 
Since so many of them have popped wishes to visit the Art Museum, called La Gallerie d'Art, we head there next.




And when Jonas greets a local, he's welcomed in the French style, with a kiss on both cheeks!

"Ah, a fellow artiste from across the pond! Bonjour, monsieur, bonjour!"

I've never actually seen this in my travels to France before, and it makes me smile, but Jonas accepts the greeting without batting an eye.




Then Jonas finds something to critique, of course, and what better place than a French art museum!

"Well, it looks like you finally found something that speaks to your artistic sensibilities, even if it is a large, ugly, green creature that's about to crush a tiny green one!"

"But Watcher! The colors, the composition, the juxtaposition, the way the sunlight shines upon it through the windows---each aspect unique but contributing to the whole-- and the larger one is protecting the smaller one, it's young, don't you see it!?!"

"I see you being adorably excited about it, so that's good enough for me!"




But when I hear drumming I track it down to find Kirk has set up a drum set in the museum, and a local paparazzi is trying to persuade Marisol and Janette to pose for photos, so I decide we'd better cut this visit short.




Since Kirk has popped multiple wishes to play music for tips, I send them all back towards their hotel, to the square in town.

Kirk sets up immediately and the others watch and listen to him play, tapping their toes to the beat.

Though it looks like the males of our party have gone from having nectar on the brain, both figuratively and literally, to thinking of their recent weddings.

Well, they are in France, the land of love and romance, so it's quite fitting.




The first day of their honeymoon trip included visits to The Nectary and La Gallerie d'Art, as well as Kirk putting on a couple of impromptu performances.

But now that the guys have gone from focusing on nectar to thinking about their recent weddings, I think it's time to let them all indulge in a little love and romance, that's why we came to France, after all!

So be prepared for lots of couple time in Chapter 274: Love Is In The Air
Coming soon.

[deedee_828]

Kirk continues drumming, though his audience has dwindled down to just Jemma and Tobias.

Janette and Jonas still listen nearby as they play chess and Jonas talks about art.

But Marisol makes a long distance phone call.

Who on earth is she calling?




Oh, it's Phyllis and Marisol is telling her all about France!

"Oh, it's so beautiful and romantic here Phyllis! The perfect place for a honeymoon! Kirk and I've already chosen our room at the hotel, but I won't go into details about THAT! Suffice it to say that just knowing you're in a different country adds so much to the experience!"




"Then we joined the others at The Nectary and tasted so many different blends that the Watcher made us go outside for some fresh air. The rest of the group spent that time harvesting apples, limes, and special French grapes, but I was busy chatting with fans. Yes! I was actually recognized all the way over here in France! It was quite the flattering experience and built up my ego immensely."

I hear murmuring from the other end of the line but can't quite make out Phyllis words, but Marisol clues me in when she responds with, "No, not so big I've forgotten my friends, especially you Phyllis! I know this is the first time I've gotten in touch since we left Hidden Springs, but I've been busy with my film career as well as working on my lifetime wish---and my hard work paid off Phyllis! Right after Kirk and I said our vows and were officially husband and wife, I became a five star celebrity!"

This time Phyllis' shout is clearly heard over the phone, "Oh, that's wonderful Marisol! I know it's what you've dreamed of more than anything. Congratulations my friend, on your marriage, on completing your lifetime wish…"

As Phyllis' voice trails off, Marisol knows her childhood friend is comparing her own life to Marisol's and finding her own lacking, being back in limbo, so Marisol doesn't give her bestie a chance to brood on that, saying, "But here's the best part Phyllis, since I've completed my lifetime wish, Kirk and I will be looking for our own place when we get back to Starlight Shores. A place big enough for you, Jeffery, and little Van to join us!"

"Really Marisol!?! You still want us to move to Starlight Shores and live with you!?!"

"More than ever Phyllis! I've missed you so much and I want my bestie here with me. I have a feeling Kirk and I will be starting our family soon after we move, and I'm hoping for a girl. Wouldn't it be wonderful if your son and my daughter…"

"Oh, Marisol! You're getting as bad as your Watcher, pairing up my newborn son with a daughter who isn't even born yet!"

Marisol laughs and says, "That is pretty bad! But please say you'll come Phyllis! If you start making the arrangements today you'll be all set as soon as we get back in town.

"Of course we'll come! I didn't give up the opportunity to move to Hidden Springs to have a real life back in Uni and I'm not passing up this one either!"




With the sun setting and the sky filling with twinkling stars, Janette and Jonas give in to the romance of their first night in France to cuddle up on the pavement.

As Janette points out a shooting star, Jonas looks up in wonder, and my heart melts seeing just how perfectly matched these two are together, not only with their matching outfits, but their looks and personalities as well.




It's so late when they all head back to their hotel that Janette cooks up some waffles for a very early breakfast!




Jonas eats his at one table.




While Jemma chooses another!




And instead of sitting with Jemma, Tobias grabs a plate, and heads for the table that Jonas just left!

I should have removed one of the tables so sims would eat together but I forgot to do that prior to the trip and it was too late for this meal with them all using different tables already!




Marisol and Kirk headed straight for their bedroom for some intimate alone time.




Janette and Jonas did the same, cuddling up on the bed in their room.

Which was much more comfortable than the pavement in the square!

And though I'm at a loss trying to figure out why they've changed into athletic wear, at least they both have chosen outfits from the same category.

I'm sure it makes sense to the both of them!




Jemma and Tobias did the same, cuddling together on their own bed.

But they actually stayed in their everyday clothes.

Does that just make them sane or perhaps a little boring?

I think it just makes them…them…one insane couple is plenty anyway!

But I think these two are waiting for me to leave the room, so I'm off.




The next morning, I find Kirk devouring leftover waffles while Tobias works on his newest novel.

The two of them stay silent, focused on their respective tasks, and when I check their relationship status, I see that they barely know each other, so the silence is understandable.




With Tobias busy working on his novel, Jemma explores the square, first stopping in at The Circle of Knowledge bookstore to buy the French recipe books, Crepes, Frog Legs, Cheese Plate, and Bouillabaisse.




But Jemma's biggest wish is to earn another Alchemy skill point, so with the top floor of the bookstore empty, I add an Alchemy station.

And it doesn't take Jemma long to earn that coveted skill point!




Which opens up a wish spot that can be completed in France specifically, buying an incense holder.

So Jemma heads off to the General Store, Alexis' Relics, and buys the Little Boy Blue incense holder, which will definitely ensure that love is in the air, even when they get back home!

Logan and Sasha bought one many generations back and we still have it in the home in Starlight Shores, but I'm sure all the couples would appreciate having one in their bedroom.




I check back at the hotel and find Janette and Jonas pillow fighting in their bedroom.




But soon their activity turns to something more romantic as Jonas pulls Janette in for a dip kiss!




Downstairs in the kitchen, I find Jemma has returned and she's chatting with Tobias.

Their thoughts are clear as day with Tobias being the first of the couples to pop a wish for a child, with him being Family-Oriented, not really a surprise, but I quickly lock it in anyway!

And whether it's due to her perceptiveness or just that she knows her new husband so well, Jemma smiles and says, "I know that look Tobias! You don't have to hide your feelings about wanting a child, about anything really. We're married now, partners, and even though the house is too full to actually try for a baby right now…"




"It would be fun to get in some practice!"

Jemma follows up her words with a flirty tickle to her new husbands midriff, and being a newlywed…




Tobias doesn't pass up her offer, quickly turning to the stairs and the privacy of their room!




I hadn't planned on doing any adventuring, but I let Jonas grab a simple one and he takes off on a Kenspa to do so.




Since it's their last night in France, Jemma's thoughts are filled with returning home soon.

But Tobias doesn't waste the beautiful evening and asks her to watch the stars, reciting from Andrea Dietrich's  A Tribute to a Star,

"I too am stricken by your sight.
 I'd love to be with you all night
 to star-gaze."

From <http://www.lovepoemsandpoets.com/poems/stars>




With such a romantic invitation Jemma can't help but accept, and they choose a dark, secluded corner, as Tobias points out stars and constellations.

Then he recites another poem, this time Natures Gift by Charlie Smith,

 "It's how the stars are lit at night
  and how the dew drops glisten
  How evening shadows mock the light
  and it's how the silence listens

 From the gentle sway of trees
 that bid such fond adieu
 Songs in a summer breeze
 a voice so clear, so true

 The glory of such symmetry
 so more than fills the eye
 To the beauty of such poetry
 this hopeful heart draws nigh

 In natural peace all love is born
 To live and thrive each blessed morn"

Both From <http://www.lovepoemsandpoets.com/poems/stars>




Marisol and Kirk sit close by the warm glow of the firepit, but their special moment is interrupted by Janette's friend from The Nectary reading nearby, a paparazzi showing up, and Kirk's ringing phone!

It's one of the prices they pay for being such high profile celebrities, a definite lack of privacy, so they ignore it all as best they can, and share a loving look as they clasp their hands together.

When the ringing continues, Kirk asks ruefully, "Who do you think it is this time? Someone wanting me to turn their lyrics into a hit or someone trying to get to you through me?"

Marisol smiles, clasps his hand tighter and says, "Let's leave it a mystery! I'd much rather focus on us than find out!"

"Great idea! And remind me to silence my phone next time, the paparazzi here in France are quite enough!"

"You can say that again! The one behind us hasn't given us a moments peace since he found us at La Gallerie d'Art! Makes me even more thankful that there aren't any of his kind back home! But enough about that…I think I heard Tobias reciting poetry to Jemma…"

Taking the hint Kirk's says, "I'm not into poetry but here's a Zeppelin* classic for you,

'There's a lady who's sure
All that glitters is gold
And she's buying a stairway
To heaven

When she gets there she knows
If the stores are all closed
With a word she can get
What she came for

And she's buying a stairway to heaven'

…how's that?"

Marisol's smile grows as she responds with, "Impressive, even more so when you're playing guitar. But, just for the record, I don't need to buy a stairway to heaven."

Looking deeply into his eyes she adds, "Heaven is wherever you and I are together!"

*From <https://www.bing.com/search?q=stairway+to+heaven+lyrics&qs=LS&pq=stairway&sk=LS1&sc=8-8&cvid=540C57E1EF8F4BB29DE9327FC7EB1DAC&FORM=QBRE&sp=2&ghc=1>




Janette cuddles close to Jonas and asks, "Well, my love, Tobias is reciting poetry to Jemma, Kirk's showing off his knowledge of classic songs, so what are you going to try and impress me with?"

Jonas ponders her question for a moment and then says, "My medium isn't words, but when we get back home I will immortalize you in ice, a piece that will never be for sale but will grace the family home for all time!"

Janette sighs, snuggles closer, and whispers, "Immortalized in ice…now that would be impressive, my love!"




And so ends the triple honeymoon in France, with all three of our couples enjoying plenty of love and romance.

But big events are coming up as, once they return home, Marisol and Kirk will be finding a place of their own.

A place they'll be sharing with Phyllis, Jeffery, and their infant son, Van!

Will Marisol's dreams of a daughter come true?

Only time will answer that question, but with open space in both homes, and Tobias already wanting a child, gen 11 is just around the corner!

I can barely wait!

Join me as I disclose all the details in Chapter 275: Unexpected Events
Coming soon.

[deedee_828]

Our honeymoon travelers are all back home, safe and sound, but before Chase can welcome them home, his phone rings!

I'm beginning to detest those cell phones!




Jonas doesn't waste any time and heads straight to the basement and starts working on a stone sculpture.

"What's your hurry, Jonas? You just barely walked in the door!"

"I know Watcher, but I've got my reasons. One, I've been itching to sculpt something after seeing all those glorious statues at La Gallerie d'Art. Two, I promised Janette to immortalize her in ice, and I can't even start that project until I finish this one! Three, I want to increase my sculpting skill so Janette's replica is perfect, a masterpiece!"

Lapsing into a French accent he adds, "As they say in France, my pièce de résistance!"

"Oh, Jonas, you keep talking like that and you'll have half the women in town swooning and wanting their own statutes!"

"Janette is my only love and my only muse Watcher."

"And I'm holding you to that, so remember, no losing your mind and flirting with anyone but your wife!"

Jonas says, "I'll do my best Watcher, I promise."




When noxious fumes start filling the basement, I know Jemma's joined us and more elixirs are in the making.

"You guys could have taken a breather and started skilling tomorrow."

"We just had a three day vacation Watcher and I want another promotion before I have to go on maternity leave. With Marisol and Kirk still here, I'm taking advantage of the extra time!"




I find Tobias upstairs painting in the gallery, so that's three of them that are working on skills for their lifetime wishes.

"You too? What's your big hurry? Since you're self-employed, you have plenty of time for skilling."

"But I don't have a double lifespan, and I'll need to focus on the baby once it arrives, and rear him or her through their toddler and childhood days, so I'd rather strike while the iron is hot."

"Well, I can't ding you for diligence. I was a little fearful of taking on a double heirship and having four lifetime wishes to complete before the move, but with all of you being so productive, I think we might have a shot."

"Why that shortened timetable? Couldn't we continue in the next town?"

"Some of you could. But there's a chance Janette would lose all the cases she's completed if she doesn't solve 35 cases before we leave town. And with no Gypsy Wagon in that town when we get there, Jemma would lose all the progress in her career too. But you and Jonas would be fine as your lifetime wishes focus solely on skills and moving wouldn't impede your progress. So I guess it's Janette and Jemma's lifetime wishes that need to be completed here."

"And there are several options for who'll be continuing the journey. A lot depends on the wishes you have and the choices you make, not you specifically, but all of you, heirs and spares, alike. But I'm getting ahead of myself as those decisions are weeks and weeks away."

"You're right Watcher, no sense counting our chicks when we don't have any yet."

Tobias tries to keep the regret out of his voice, but I hear it anyway, and reassure him saying, "It won't be much longer now Tobias. Marisol called Phyllis from France and told her that she and Kirk will be moving soon."

Those words are barely out of my mouth when I hear a commotion downstairs and rush down to see what's going on.




The glaring red minus signs between Marisol and Janette fill me with dread, as do the frowns on both Kirk's and Chase's faces!

And Marisol's words confirm my worst fears as she says, "I swear Janette, we were only talking about my upcoming promotion. Nothing happened!"

But Janette refuses to listen to Marisol's apology and just glares at her sister!

I quickly check Marisol's stats and see that she has a hideous green hand, a 'creeped out' moodlet, so I'm assuming she's covering for Jonas, who totally forgot his promise to me earlier this evening!

But when I check Jonas' stats, he has one too, so I have no idea what happened between them or who was at fault.




Which means there's only one solution.

Marisol and Kirk need to find there own place right now!

Who would have guessed that, when I told Tobias 'soon', it would mean within minutes!?!

Marisol rushes into her father's arms saying, "I didn't want to have to leave like this Dad, but I think it's for the best!"

Kirk tries in vain to calm Janette down, but Janette's not having it and shouts, "Just go! Take her and go!"




So on the very eve of getting back home, Marisol and Kirk move to their own house.

It's a beautiful place called House of the Future, very modern and posh, perfect for our celebrity power couple.

It boasts 3 bedrooms and 3 1/2 baths, has a home gym large enough to double as Kirk's music studio, a huge pool in the back, and a rooftop deck off the third floor!

But with the tension between the sisters, the move isn't as happy as it should have been.




Hopefully the arrival of their houseguests will cheer Marisol up.

"Welcome to Starlight Shores, Phyllis, Jeffery, and…" I break off as I look closer at the infant, wondering if the darkness is playing tricks with my eyes.

Jeffery gives me a tight smile and says, "Yes, this is Van and he is green!  Apparently Granny Shue had Phyllis on one of her tonics to help with her morning sickness and though it didn't have any effect on Phyllis' skin tone it did affect the baby's, as you can clearly see. But he's perfectly healthy otherwise, though you wouldn't think so the way my grandmother carried on the first time she saw him! It was fantastic watching her reaction!"

Phyllis doesn't even try to hide her laugh at that and I can't help smiling myself as I say, "I can just imagine it. Catarina has come a long way towards accepting the greenie community, but to actually be connected to it through her first great grandchild---wow!"

"Well, she got over it fast enough the first time he smiled at her. She's really an old softie when you get to know her."

Phyllis says ruefully, "She still blames me for it, since I drank the tonic, but since I'm Van's mother, she tolerates me, even though I've no family connections to speak of, or not ones she wants to recognize anyway."

Jeffery nods and says, "That will  be one of the great things about living here! No one knows either one of my families and I can make my own way! You have no idea what a relief it is to finally be out from under the burden of having a family name to live up to."

Phyllis sobers and says, "You wouldn't feel that way if you didn't grow up with a loving family Jeffery."

Jeffery actually scowls and says, "Loving? More like smothering, controlling, and manipulating!"

Phyllis retorts sharply, "Those are your actions, not theirs!"

I frown and do a quick Nraas check of Jeffery's traits and simply stare in horror.

Just like I hadn't known Van was green, I hadn't realized that Jeffery's last trait was evil!

That does not bode well for the new arrivals staying long in the Abbot abode, but at least we have empty homes in town for them to move into.

It also explains Phyllis' reluctance to marry Jeffery, even after having a child with him.

Well, I do believe that's enough excitement for one evening!

After Phyllis' comment the silence stretches and I lamely say, "Well, have a good night. I already popped a crib in for the baby, but I'll be back to see what else you all might need."




Early the next morning, Janette snags another case, but is a bit surprised when her new client is young Maria Best.

"So let me get this straight, you want me to confront your grandfather because you think he took away your toy unfairly?"

"Yes, it was my favorite toy Detective Frio, some might not think it's a big deal, but it's very precious to me and I know he stole it!"

"That's a pretty serious accusation, Ms. Best! I don't usually interfere in family disputes, but I'll make an exception in your case, since it means so much to you. Is your grandfather home?"

"Yes, he's inside, acting like he's done nothing wrong!"

"You head off to school and I'll see if I can resolve this issue for you."

"Okay, Detective. I'm counting on you!"

Others might have just thought it, but Janette blurts out, "No pressure there! Now scoot young lady, the bus driver's already tooted his horn twice!"

"Can't I watch you cuff him and drag him off to jail!?!"

"No! I'm not that kind of detective! Besides, I think I can resolve this without resorting to corporal punishment."

 Maria's eyes flash and she retorts, "Where's the fun in that!?!"

Janette steps back in shock at the wicked gleam in Maria's eyes,  and despite the child's young age, a shiver flows down her spine.




Janette finds Maria's grandfather waiting for her by the pool, right off the front entrance to the house.

But before she can say anything, Mandy shoots them both a look and says, "Oh, you're in trouble now Grandpa Paul! Maria's got the local P. I. on your trail! Better 'fess up before she roughs you up, unless she's your latest married floozie!"

Janette doesn't take kindly to jokes about her profession or about being unfaithful, especially after the incident between Marisol and Jonas last night, whatever it was, so she says rather harshly, "I'd hate to have to bring you downtown for truancy Ms. Best, it wouldn't look good on your school transcript!"

"I'm heading for the bus now, and I was just joking---geesh, no one over 18 can take a joke!"




Paul Best shakes his head saying, "I apologize for both my granddaughters Detective Frio. Mandy's a teenager and prone to saying outrageous things as often as she can and Maria, well, I'm really sorry she's wasted your time. Did she really send you an e-mail about her toy being stolen?"

"She did Mr. Best, though she didn't mention her age or that it was a toy, just that it was 'an item of great value to it's owner', and since I've taken the case, I need to ask if you do in fact have it in your possession?"

Before Paul can answer, Evan Best, Paul's son and Mandy and Maria's father, exits the house, and, glancing over, Janette remarks, "Wow, your house is as busy as ours is with everyone coming and going!"

Nodding happily Paul says, "And I wouldn't have it any other way! When my wife left me, I couldn't stand the quiet
and asked Evan and Catherine to move in with their family! I just love getting to spend every day with my grandchildren. Little Paul is growing like a weed, though Catherine regrets that he doesn't have her red hair. Do you have children Detective?"

"Not yet Mr. Best, but now that we have room in the house, I'm sure the subject will come up soon."

Janette does her best to forget why there's room in the house and can't help feeling  just a tad remorseful about last night's episode, wondering if it truly was all Marisol's fault.

Shaking her head, she tries to focus on the task at hand, as Paul says, "Well, I've raised a son and am now helping raise my grandchildren. I do have Maria's toy Detective, but there's no mystery to solve! She left it outside on the steps and you see just how busy they are. We've warned her, again and again, that someone could trip and have a bad fall, but the thought that someone could be hurt just seems to encourage her! So I followed through on my promise when I found it on the steps last night and tucked it away in my room. I was hoping that experiencing a negative consequence for her actions might teach her a lesson and keep her from doing it again."

Unable to keep a touch of pride out of his voice, Paul says, "I never dreamed she'd actually hire a detective to get it back! She's always been an exceptionally bright child, and even tested into school early…" Then, shaking his head, he added, "But she leaves them out on the steps deliberately and to actually accuse me of stealing it…"

"Not only that, before she left for school she wanted to watch me cuff you and drag you off to jail! That's a bit worrisome Mr. Best, especially at her tender age!"

"Yes, we've all been worried, as ever since her last birthday she's enjoyed causing trouble, and with her brains, is quite good at manipulating those around her.  In fact, her older brother, Calvin, actually declared himself an emancipated minor and moved out to get away from her! Each child is so different Detective Frio, what works with one doesn't always work with another. So many of us are products of our traits, aren't we?"

At Paul's words Janette's eyes fly open and two very distinct traits shoot through her mind, Good and Insane!
And now that remorse she had been feeling turns into outright disgust, at herself!
Instead of using her perceptiveness, she let jealousy rear it's ugly head, and gave in to her crazy side, unfairly blaming Marisol when, looking at the facts, it was more than likely Jonas' fault!  Something Marisol was too good to admit, doing her best to cover for him!

With all of these thoughts whirling around in her head, Janette says, "I'll wrap up this case with Maria after school Mr. Best, and I can't thank you enough for reminding me about some very important things. In fact, if you ever need a detective, I'll take your case for free! I owe you one!"

Not quite sure what he's said or done to deserve such a generous offer, Paul just smiles and says, "Thank you, Detective, I'll keep that in mind. Good day."




I had planned on having Odette visit Marisol and Kirk and their new houseguests to see how everyone was settling in, and get some interior photos of the place, but since no one is home, I have her go to the consignment shop to drop off a few more paintings and some sculptures that Jonas had completed.

With that done, I check the neighborhood and the Abbot home is still empty, but I see that there's a Simfest at Verde Park, so we head there to check it out.




No wonder the Abbot home was empty, they are all here!

There's Marisol standing next to Charlie Ray and Kirk is watching the show, with Jemma chatting with Jeffery Riverhawk.

But who's the performer?

I can't tell from this far away.




Zooming in closer I see that it's Diane Whitfield and she's expertly twirling a fire baton!

But then I hear a disturbing sound.

Oh no, not again!




This time it's Jemma and Jeffery that have hearts for each other, along with fading minus signs!

Okay, I'll admit it, I'm confused.

Maybe they're attracted to each other but Jemma's picked up on his evilness?

Or maybe they just know it's wrong with both of them in committed relationships?




Whatever is going on between them, I breathe a sigh of relief when their conversation turns to family instead of romance and turn my attention back to the show.




As Flash Finn takes the stage, I pull back and spot ghostly Steve in the audience, which isn't difficult since he's such a bright cobalt blue!!

Sadie and Mercedes are both avidly watching the show too, but as singers, they could be scheduled to perform.

And Phyllis is here too, but more interested in the soccer ball court than the performance, judging by her attire.




I was hoping that Steve would actually perform his magic act as a ghost, but the Simfest ended with Finn's performance.

And Diane was thrilled to be the winner of the event!

She rushed on stage, threw out her arms, thanked the audience, and accepted their accolades.




And the crowd did her justice!

Odette, Marisol, and Jemma all smiling, shouting, and clapping after watching such a fantastic show.




Charlie Rae's thrilled as well, though probably because she beat Finnegan Sawyer out of the prize!

And look at Jeffery Riverhawk dancing with that big grin on his face.

Wow, if I hadn't checked his traits, I would never have guess that such a blonde cutie was evil!

But where is Kirk going? Back to the soccer court?




I follow him and can only say one word, "No!"

Seriously Kirk?

Marisol and Janette are on the outs because of inappropriate behavior and now you slow dance with Mercedes!?!

In full view of your wife, her mother and sister, family friends, and all the other local residents here at the park!

And I can't do anything about it, now that you're in your own home….or can I?




I send Jemma over to do a reading on Kirk, but he is not pleased with the interruption, refuses her offer, and scowls at her!

I've deliberately kept the girls relationships with their sisters' boyfriends, now husbands, on the low end, specifically to prevent any unfortunate incidents, so Kirk's reaction isn't as bad as it sounds, as those who aren't friends don't always take kindly to fortune teller's being so bold.

But Jemma's a trooper and doesn't mind taking one for the team with her brother-in-law, especially since it means saving her eldest sister from heart-break!

"I was enjoying that dance Jemma! I'm trying to help Mercedes reform and now you've ruined it!"

"Oh, my bad Kirk! I'm just trying to build up my psychic reading skills for work. Besides didn't you already have a bad experience trying to befriend Mercedes? Do you really think she'll change her ways?"

Kirk shrugs and says, "Probably not. I guess I should thank you for stopping me before I did something stupid!"

"No problem Kirk! Janette and I have an uncanny knack for discerning perilous situations, so I was just following my instincts."

"You and the Watcher both, I'm sure! Lesson learned Jemma. I'll try to keep my distance from Mercedes from now on. But Janette needs to work on her instincts, accusing Marisol for that incident with Jonas! You know she would never do anything like that!"

"I do. And I'm sure that Janette will figure that out soon enough. Jealousy can make even the most disciplined of us go crazy Kirk, so don't criticize Janette too harshly."




But when things start going south between Jemma and Phyllis, our alchemy artist decides to put her skill into action.




And Jemma is pleasantly surprised that her elixir worked!

"Hey, Watcher, I not only make a new friend but now I know how these elixirs perform, and just look at that beautiful blue smoke!"

Phyllis seems more startled than thrilled with Jemma's discovery, but now that they're friends, she doesn't complain.




I check on Janette who's gone looking for young Maria Best to finish her current case.

It looks like Janette has tracked her down at the salon in town.

"Well, that wraps up your case Ms. Best. Your grandfather does have your toy in his possession, but rather than having stolen it, he explained that he removed it from the front steps before it caused any harm to a family member or a visitor. Something you left out of our initial discussion."

Maria's face falls and she accuses, "So you're taking his side against mine!?! But I hired you…"

Janette makes another notation in her notebook and says, "You hired me under false pretenses young lady, saying your toy was stolen when you knew your grandfather had taken it and why! I may be a private investigator but that doesn’t mean I'm above the law or willing to break it by falsely arresting someone who's acting for the safety of others." Pausing she adds, "I don't take kindly to being used Ms. Best, and I'm advising you to change your ways before someone gets hurt. Just because you might have a trait that enjoys watching others suffer doesn't mean you need to give in to it at every opportunity. I believe an apology to your grandfather for your actions would be the best place to start!"

"Apologize? How come kids have to do that but never grown ups!?! It's not fair!"

"Life's not fair Maria, even Sim life. And you may be a genius but you're wrong, you know!"

"Wrong? About what?"

"Grown ups do have to apologize. In fact, it was your grandfather that helped me see that I owe my sister a big one! And I'm not looking forward to the experience anymore than you are, because I was in the wrong."

"So don't do it then!"

"But it's something that must be done and I'm not going to shirk my duty. If I did, it could ruin my relationship with her and I don't want that. I've loved her since I was a toddler…and I let jealousy and one of my traits get the best of me and I said some nasty things! Drove her away! So now I need to make it right!"

"I've known my grandpa since I was little too….he used to play with me all the time. So did my big brother Calvin…but I was mean and he went away…do you think it would help if I said I was sorry?"

"It couldn't hurt Maria. Taking that first step is always the hardest but if they know you're trying, well, that can make all the difference."




Well, the incident between Marisol and Jonas has caused a rift between Marisol and Janette, which led to Marisol and Kirk moving out a bit precipitously, their first evening home from France!

Even though it wasn't under the best of circumstances, the Abbot's were planning on leaving soon and this has given me the opportunity to allow Phyllis Spitzig-Shue, her fiancé, Jeffery Riverhawk, and their infant son, Van, to move to SS.

Kirk and Marisol eagerly invite their houseguests to a show at Verde Park where they all enjoy watching acrobat, Diane Whitfield, and singer, Finnegan Sawyer.

Jemma and I manage to stop Kirk from doing something foolish with Mercedes May and Jemma makes a new friend when she uses a friendship elixir on Phyllis.

Janette has wrapped up another case for young Maria Best, not only completing it, bringing her total up to six, but also taking Paul Best's words to heart about sims being a product of their traits.

This has Janette resolving to apologize to her sister, Marisol, and make amends before their rift gets even wider.

And hopefully, Janette sharing this life lesson with young Maria will have a positive effect on her life going forward.

Only time will tell on that score!

But let's see what happens next in Chapter 276: Back to Business-- Part 1
Coming soon.

[deedee_828]

As Janette mulls over how she's going to apologize to Marisol, she accepts another case.

As she eagerly gets the details from her new client, he's totally focused on minty breathe!

Maybe he finds Janette attractive and wishes he had brushed his teeth first?

Um, nope, no more inappropriate flirting unless it's with your designated partner!

But my concerns don’t come to fruition as Janette keeps a professional demeanor throughout the interview.




Since it's too late to follow up with any sims in regards to the case, Janette works on her logic skill to gain experience.

And she's rewarded for her diligence by reaching level 5 in her career!




Jemma continues to work on her alchemy skill, reading and learning more recipes, and making more elixirs.

We've got oodles of elixir ingredients in the chests from past gardeners so she's never lacking for ingredients.

She's so proficient at it now that she sometimes makes two or three elixirs all in one go and she's on her last skill point to max the skill!




The ghosts are out in full force tonight, so Sam does his usual cowardly routine of passing out when Adam shows up.

With a sigh, Adam apologizes, "Sorry Dad! I didn't realize you were out here! I'll go find another place to rock."




Once Adam leaves, Sam recovers and happily sits in a rocker.

But Jared's arrival and laughter don't bode well for Sam getting to relax long!




To my surprise though, Jared doesn't stay on the upper balcony, but drifts off downstairs.

Oh, I guess he wanted to chat with Lorelei!




But Lorelei's on a mission of her own, and heads down to the basement.

Where I find Adam chatting with Jemma, who's taken a break from alchemy and elixirs to get in her supernatural fix with the family ghosts.




And I find Jonas working on a topiary sculpture!

"Hey, I thought you were going to work with ice? You know, to get proficient enough to immortalize Janette!"

"I will, Watcher, but I had an uncontrollably urge to work with greenery and you know a true artist can't fight his urges!"

With a frown I say, "As long as you keep your 'urges' contained within the realm of art and sculpting, I'll be happy! I don't know what happened between you and Marisol, but it obviously wasn't anything appropriate, to have Janette going off on her sister like that!"

"Sorry Watcher, but I'm pretty busy with this chainsaw…"

"Right! Keep focused! I'll chat with you when you're done!"

Good grief! What on earth was I thinking, distracting a crazy sim with a chainsaw in his hands!?!




I check on Janette and find her making notes after talking with a barely awake, and barely dressed, Chad Luck.

"I see Mr. Luck, so you think there's a good chance that your brother Isaac would be interested in finding out if he and Ms. Kasmir were compatible! Ms. Kasmir will be delighted, I'm sure."




But Janette is a perfectionist, even if she crazily wears her wedding gown on the next step of her case, so she decides she wants to confirm Chad's information with Isaac himself.

With a big smile, Isaac says, "Sure Detective, I'd be happy to take Kerry out for a night on the town! She's an attractive girl, and I'm sure we'd have a great time together. It could lead to something, but no promises on that score, though I'm  a better bet than Chad when it comes to a long-term relationship!"

"Duly noted, Mr. Luck!"




Janette wastes no time in imparting the good news to Kerry, though Kerry doesn't exactly seem thrilled with the news.

Maybe she's too preoccupied trying to figure out why Janette's wearing her wedding dress?

But despite Janette's unorthodox clothing choice, Kerry pays Janette's fee as Janette notates the completion of  her eighth case!




Back at the house, Jonas has completed his topiary and it's a cute panda munching on some bamboo!

"Oh, nice job! I'm glad I let you focus, that should bring in a pretty penny!"

It did!

After Odette dropped off that last batch of paintings and sculptures at the consignment store, Jonas reached level 6 in his sculpting career, with sales totaling $8,783 simoleans and being called, strangely enough, Ice Guy!

You'd think that'd mean he was already proficient in the medium, but it actually means he can sculpt with ice now.

I guess he was right to focus on that topiary as ice wasn't actually available previously.

I've seldom played a sculptor and I'm really not familiar with the skill, so this is a learning curve for both Jonas and me!




But when Janette joins us in the basement, sculpting is no longer in Jonas' thoughts as he totally focuses on his wife.

Just look at Janette's expression as Jonas' tells her he can now begin sculpting with ice and he can't wait to capture her beauty and immortalize her forever!

He continues with, "The perfection of your countenance will be my ultimate masterpiece, my love!"

"Watcher! Are you listening!?! Could a husband profess his love in any way greater than that!?!"

"No, Janette. Jonas is one of a kind and completely adorable! In fact, the two of you together may just be too much!"

"Oh, no Watcher, we are absolutely perfect together!"




To demonstrate just how perfect, she pulls him in for a romantic embrace.




And she follows it up with a steamy dip kiss!

Time for me to give these two some privacy.




Heading upstairs, I find Jemma and Tobias similarly involved, sharing a passionate kiss!




But which couple ended up following through in Marisol and Kirk's empty bedroom?

With a telltale lullaby resounding through the house, no less!

I guess only time will give us the answer to that question, as I'm certainly not giving it away!




But I will show everyone Danielle Platt and Steve Cupp's newborn daughter, Janie Cupp!

I got over to the Platt home so quickly that I caught Danielle and Janie with birth sparkles twinkling around them.

Janie doesn’t take after Steve, but both Danielle and Steve were so smitten with her that they announced they were expecting another one soon after this little one was settled into her crib!

Fingers crossed that Steve passes on his ghostly genetics to baby number two!




With romance reaching it's inevitable conclusion, Jonas begins his first ice sculpture.

But the sober look on Janette's face is anything but cheerful!

"Why the look Janette? You can smile you know."

But Janette doesn't answer me, her look going even stonier, and it's Jonas that replies, "This is my first one and I have to make 25 of them to complete the Ice Personality Challenge so they don't melt! Janette's not real happy as that means quite a bit of time away from her career."

"Oh, maybe this information will help. Just like painting portraits, once she poses and you start on the sculpture, she's free to leave and do whatever she wants to. It's not necessary for her to pose for the entire sculpture."




I see Janette's face relax just a bit, but her pose doesn't change, as says, "I'm grateful for the information Watcher. But my look wasn't just about that. I'm still composing my apology to Marisol and since I aim for perfection in every aspect of my life, it's not putting me in a very good mood. My actions fell far short of perfection, my apology seems lame, and having to pose for 25 sculptures before Jonas' reaches perfection and his ice sculptures don't melt, well it's better than standing here the entire time, but…"

Shaking my head over two crazy sims that overlook the obvious, even though Janette shouldn't, being both perceptive and a perfectionist, I say, "There are four other sims in this house! Two of whom are self-employed with plenty of time to pose long enough for Jonas to start an ice sculpture, all 25 of them don't have to be of Janette!"

The pause following my words is broken only by the sound of Jonas' chainsaw as he gets to work on the first of many ice sculptures.




And being set free, Janette heads over to the Abbot home, and is invited inside by Marisol.

I'm hoping that bodes well for a reconciliation between the sisters.




As Marisol leads Janette inside, it seems like I'm not the only one wondering why Janette's decided to wear her swimsuit for the occasion.

Maybe she's hoping things will go well enough for her to take a dip in the Abbot's huge pool in the backyard?




It's dark, but I'll show off Marisol and Kirk's new home anyway.

Here's the main floor with that glorious pool in the backyard spanning almost the entire width of the house.

It has a huge kitchen, a modern raised dining area, with two living areas, a workout room, and a full bath.




The second floor has two master bedrooms, each with their own private baths, and a bedroom with a single bed, along with a sitting room up here as well.

I did add three small cc 'little sister' cribs to each bedroom, one for Van, of course, and the other two in expectation of more nooboos!




The third floor is half recreation room, with a pool table and couches, and it's own small bath.

And the other half a roof top deck, complete with bar, patio tables with umbrellas, and a firepit with chairs for four for socializing.

The perfect home for a party animal rock star and his starlet-to-be wife!




With space in the house, both of our co-heirship couples have decided it's time to get started on the next generation!

But which couple was successful?

Both Janette and Jemma are building up their skills to advance their careers, but with Janette only completing case # 8 and being at level five of her career and Jemma almost mastering alchemy, but still being at lowly level 3 in her Fortune Teller career, thanks to some extended vacation time, they both still have a long way to go to complete their lifetime wishes.

And Janette has taken matters into her own hands and gone to the Abbot home to make amends with her sister, Marisol.

But how will that turn out?

These questions and others will be answered in Chapter 276: Back to Business-- Part 2
Coming soon.