Beyond Sunset Valley---A Town Jump Story

[deedee_828]

Janette diffidently begins the embarrassing job of having to apologize.

She can't even look her sister in the eye, and focuses on a spot on the floor, saying, "Thanks for inviting me inside your home Marisol."

Stumbling a bit she adds, "I, I wasn't sure if I'd be welcome. Not after my behavior the other night!"




Having got that part out, she rushes on with, "I'm so sorry I blamed you Marisol! After calming down and coming to my senses, and having a client's grandfather point out how we can be products of our traits, I realize now how foolish I was placing the blame on you! I'm sure Jonas lost his mind and was the root of it! He's had that insane trait since he was a child and….he's not learned to temper his behavior yet. And I love him so much that I just gave in to my crazy side, even though I should know better with my upbringing. Please forgive me, Marisol?"

Marisol and Kirk smile, both of them relieved that Janette has realized who the true culprit was, and has mended the breach with an apology.




Soon the sisters are smiling and hugging each other.

Kirk says, "Thank goodness that's over! I'm starving! What's for dinner?"

Marisol whispers into Janette's ear, "Just like a guy, get the emotional stuff out of the way so they can focus on what's important. Food!"

This has Janette's smile growing as she says, "I can help cook! Your kitchen is amazing, well, the whole house actually. You deserve it Marisol! I heard both you and Kirk got another promotion recently."

"We did….and I heard you got one too!"

As the sisters start chatting away, Kirk rolls his eyes and heads for the kitchen, knowing he's on his own for dinner now that the sisters are discussing their careers.




With dinner over, Janette finds little Van upstairs and can't resist getting in some tickles.

"The claw will get you Van…it's heading for your tummy!"

Van's laughter can be heard throughout the house and has others coming to investigate.




Phyllis checks her e-mail to see if there have been any responses to her job applications, sighs when there are none, and resorts to playing a video game.

While Marisol chats with Janette about Tobias' latest book.

"It's amazing how he's incorporated the Greenie community into each book Janette. It's really promoting acceptance and diversity for so many groups! It's definitely something I want to be on board with, even if my agent isn't as enthusiastic. But he's not really been all that big a help anyway, we still don't have any paparazzi in town! Though, since I've completed my lifetime wish, and after experiencing the paparazzi in France, I'm thinking that could be a good thing now. That one guy kept following Kirk and me everywhere, taking notes and snapping photos!"

Janette smiles and says, "You don't have to tell me, I was there! But being a PI, I do understand where they're coming from more than others. It's their job after all. We can't all be movie stars!"

Marisol laughs and says, "You could be a movie star in a heartbeat Janette! As far as unique looks, you and Jemma have me beat ten times over."

Janette meets her sister's eyes and says, "I can't believe I doubted your explanation for one moment! You've always put me and Jemma first, Marisol, from the moment you came home with Dad from Uni!"

"As it should be baby sister, as it should be!"

Oh, having these two united as sisters again makes me breathe a sigh of relief, as well as feel like I've missed out on something not having any sisters in real life.

But I can definitely live without the drama!




The next morning, I'm enjoying a peaceful moment watching Odette and Chase paint upstairs in the art gallery.




When suddenly I'm pulled to the basement to see Jemma patting a slightly rounded tummy!

Jemma and Tobias are going to be parents!

But even better than that, Jemma actually pops a wish to have a girl!

"Hey, I thought you disliked children?"

"I do. Well, that's what my trait says anyway. It sounds crazy, but maybe it's children specifically and not nooboos?"

"That does sound crazy but as long as you're happy with the idea of a baby, then I hope it's a girl!"




Jemma races upstairs to break the news to Tobias and, though he's thrilled, he doesn't have a preference for a girl or a boy, he just wants a baby!




And he showers the little one with attention.

First patting Jemma's tummy and chatting away to their unborn child.

Jemma smiles and tilts backward to give Tobias easier access to the almost non-existent bulge, saying, "It's way too soon to feel or hear anything Tobias. But since you've waited so long, I'll let you indulge in soon-to-be daddy actions to your heart's content."

Tobias doesn't respond because he's focusing intently to detect any sounds from inside the little one's safe harbor.




Then the two of them celebrate by spending some quiet time on the rooftop deck cuddling together and whispering endearments, their impending parenthood making the love they share even stronger.




After star gazing, they head for the basement, Tobias starting on another novel, while Jemma settles comfortably in a rocker and begins reading a baby book.



 
I hear ghostly music and follow it to find Rae happily rocking on the patio.

"I should have known it was you with a baby on the way!"

"Am I that predictable Watcher?"

"When it comes to impending nooboos, yes."

"Fair enough. Though I hope Dad is behaving and isn't causing the soon-to-be parents any distress."

"Jared's in the basement with Jemma and Tobias!?! I better go check to make sure he isn't up to any mischief!"




When I check on Jemma and Tobias, I find that Tobias has finished his book and is enjoying a late dinner.

While Jemma's almost done with her baby book and even seems to be enjoying Jared's ghostly company.

"There's a baby in the room, Watcher, so don't start on how unlikely that is! This needs to be a relaxing time for the mother-to-be!"

"I'm glad you feel that way Jared, I'll count on you being on your best behavior, even if that is unlikier still!"

"I don't think that's a real word Watcher!"

Jemma doesn't look up from her book, just calmly says, "I can see we don't even need children around with the both of you squabbling."

Jared and I both mumble, "Sorry, Jemma."




But then my attention turns to the other side of the room where Janette is breaking space rock blocks.

Which isn't a big deal, except she's in her wedding gown, but if I've learned anything about insane sims over the years, it's that they will always choose to wear the most inappropriate outfit for any given occasion or activity.

So I focus on the board breaking.

"Only a few more to go before you complete that wish!"

"Please don't break my concentration Watcher, I need to be in the best possible health in the coming days. A broken hand would be inconvenient."




Then I hear a welcome sound!

Jemma has mastered Alchemy!

"I did it Watcher, I did it!"

"Congratulations Jemma! But is it safe to be doing that in your condition?"

"I stuck to learning recipes as the fumes from elixirs might not be good for the baby. No sense taking chances and ending up with a toad head, either for me or the baby!"

"Good idea. We do like unique genetics, but not quite THAT unique!"




I wander around the house while most of the family sleeps, and just as the sun comes up, I find Lorelei on the roof top deck.

We chat for a bit, about Marisol and Kirk leaving, Janette making up with her sister, and about Jemma and Tobias' coming child.




When all of a sudden Lorelei leaps up from the rocker with a smile on her face!

"What!?! What's going on?"

"Shush, listen Watcher, before you miss it."

I do as she says and soon my smile is as big as hers, because what we both distinctly heard was a lullaby coming from Janette and Jonas' room!

Now both of our co-heir couples are expecting!




But impending motherhood doesn't stop Janette from taking on another case, again wearing her wedding gown.

I find her dusting an easy chair for fingerprints at Melanie Worthington's house, where a wedding ring has gone missing!




Janette races all over town, following the clues of this bizarre case, only to be led back to the Worthington home.

Where she finds the ring in the driveway!

Turns out Ms. Worthington has memory issues and didn't even remember taking it to the jewelers for repair, let alone dropping it in the driveway.

"I'm sorry for wasting your time my dear! I'm sure you have much more important cases to solve. Me and my forgetfulness. Here's a little something extra for tracking it down."

"Not a problem Ms. Worthington, I'm used to that. Both my Grandpa Ro and my Dad have the same problem. I'm just happy to know that your grandson, Girbits, is sticking around now that he's graduated. It's nice when family stays close."

"It is dear. And congratulations on your expected bundle of joy!"

"Thanks Ms. Worthington, but the news hasn't even been confirmed yet…"

"Oh, a mother can tell Detective! Now you don't work too hard once that little one makes itself known. Stay off your feet, get in a little pampering, take care of yourself Detective, and thank you so much for finding my wedding ring!"




Back at the house, I find Tobias and Jonas bonding over dinner and they're discussing babies too!

Well, Jonas is anyway.

"Can you believe we're both going to be fathers!?! We'll get to play with them and teach them their blocks, shapes, letters, and numbers. And when they get older, painting, writing, sculpting, all of our skills! This is so exciting Tobias! Hey, why aren't you more excited? You're the one that wanted a child before any of the rest of us!"

As he forks up another bite of spaghetti, Tobias says, "I am excited, but you're not letting me get a word in edgewise! Jemma wants a girl, what about you and Janette?"

"We both want a girl too! But we also have wishes for a baby, so we'll either get one or both. What about you?"

"I just want a healthy child. One that doesn’t have a toad head! I'm still a bit worried about all of Jemma's elixir making and hope it doesn't have any ill affects, on a boy or a girl!"

"Oh yeah, a kid with a toad head would be harder to raise. But look on the bright side, if he or she inherits your green skin, it's toad head would blend in perfectly with his or her body!"

I can't help but laugh at this remark, but save Tobias from any further distress by saying, "Congratulations you two! Let's make plans for the nursery! I want to surprise Odette and the twins with a remodel based on Odette's sketch back in HS."

Tobias, relief showing clearly in his voice now that we've moved on from the subject of toad headed babies, says, "Good idea, Watcher. The girls would love that!"




We head to the nursery and discuss how Odette's color scheme of yellow and green, with a monkey/jungle theme would work for either boys or girls and Jonas critiques the existing décor.

"Anything would be an improvement over what's here Watcher. Whoever decorated…oh, you again huh?"

"Yes, me again Jonas! As I was saying, the yellow would be a deeper one, and the pastel trim at the top could be changed out for either a brown woody tone or a green leafy one, to match Odette's sketch. The bedding on the cribs would be re-colored to match, or we could even get different ones. Just depends on what you guys want to do. I thought we could surprise the twins, a gift from me and the both of you."

Tobias reiterates, spelling it out clearly for Jonas, "A surprise Woodard! That means we only talk about it between us and the Watcher! Not with Odette, Jemma, or Janette. Got it?"

Jonas, still staring at my apparently hideous baby décor, says, "I know how a surprise works Bellucci!"

I diffuse what could be the start of yet another disagreement and say, "I'm glad you've mentioned family names! Since you've both given up your surnames to take the Frio name, maybe both of you could start thinking about names for your respective babies? Either using your last names or another family member's name as a special remembrance?"

This has both of our fathers-to-be going quiet as they mull over that idea.

"And though the nursery is a surprise, feel free to discuss baby names with your partner. I'm sure they'll want a say in it too!"




Very early the next morning, as the dawn casts beautiful pink rays over the beach below the Frio home, I find Janette on a stakeout, using two small bushes for camouflage.

Which don't hide her, or her crimson coat, in the least!

"Janette, the guy behind you can clearly see you! Your face is in his thought bubble!"




In a hissed whisper Janette responds with, "The chef isn't the one I'm spying on Watcher. He is of no matter. Oh, quiet, I need to hear what these two are saying!"

To my utter shock, Girbits Worthington is being approached by a girl, a woman really, one who is much older than he is!

And if his thought bubble is any indication, I'm guessing that now that's he's graduated and a young adult, he wants to take their relationship to the next level!

Who would have thought Janette's so obvious stakeout would pay off and unearth a juicy May/December romance between young Girbits and…Holly Robbins!

Yes, the same Holly Robbins who was inspired to be a magician after watching Steve Cupp perform here in town as a child, the girl who's best friends with Bryce Savage, sharing a home with him, his reluctant girlfriend, Courtney Foster, and her own internet love interest, Seth Monroe.

I guess Seth does have concrete reasons to be concerned about Holly's commitment to their relationship, though he's the one with commitment issues, not her!




But Janette's presence inhibits the two love birds, and as Girbits tries to hide his face in a beach towel, Holly jumps up and down excitedly saying, "Oh, it's the celebrity, Janette Frio! Hi there Ms. Frio! Could I get your autograph!?!"




Her cover blown, Janette gives her fan girl an autograph and heads for the road and home.

Only to be stopped in her tracks as she twirls into maternity wear!

"Congratulations, Janette, on the expectant nooboo and on having your maternity wear look perfect with your career outfit! I think the black coat and gray pants will help you blend in much better on your next stake out, too. Though I really wouldn't recommend the red heels, especially on the beach."

"Thanks Watcher for the congrats and the advice. Wow, I'm going to be a Mom! I feel….wonderful!!!"




All is well between Marisol and Janette once again so that's a big weight off my mind.

But with both our co-heirs now expecting, I'm even more excited for the family!

Both couples want a girl, well, Tobias doesn't have a preference, he just wants a healthy baby without a toad head!

Will all of their wishes come true?

Let's find out in Chapter 277: Our First Nooboo
Coming Soon.

[deedee_828]

Janette's pregnancy doesn't slow her down one bit and we join her as she interviews her next client, Ariella Chen.

"So you want me to find out if Matias Singh has a crush on you? Isn't he married to Priscilla? Didn't they just have a child together? And I thought you were in a relationship with Mithun Khan? Sorry for the third degree Ms. Chen, I'm just trying to get all my facts straight! I'm not making any judgements, even though I'm happily married and we're expecting our first child. But that's not for everyone, especially not here in this town."

"I understand Detective. And I still have feelings for Mithun but…he's still living with that mooch Ernesto, and I've had it with the two of them! I've really tried to be nice about the whole thing, but we've moved twice and Ernesto just can't take a hint and moves with us! So I've moved out on my own and I'm… checking out other prospects."

"I see…so is this more about making Mithun jealous than actually being interested in Mr. Singh?"

"Wow, you really get to the heart of the matter Detective! But…would it hurt to have Mithun think he has competition?"

"Not at all. I'm all for bringing lovers back together Ms. Chen, so I'll take your case! But instead of involving a married man, it might be better for me to just let it be known that you're on the market!"

"Oh, that works Detective! I want Mithun to focus on me, but not at the expense of another couples happiness!"




Back at the house, I find Odette eagerly listening to Jemma's tummy, "Oh, she's an active one Jemma, I felt that kick on my cheek!"

"I'll say Mom! I never realized just how active nooboos were before they were born. I think this one's going to be an acrobat when she grows up with all the flips she does in there!"




Odette steps back and lovingly presses her hand against Jemma's much larger tummy, and is rewarded with another strong kick!




Both of them are so excited about the coming baby that they each make a call to friends, to tell them the news.




But both their phone calls are cut short when Jemma goes into labor!

Chase immediately panics while Jemma clutches her stomach and Odette shouts into her phone, "Sorry Mom, no time to chat, Jemma's baby's on the way!"




Then Tobias rushes up from the basement and adds his own screams to the others, while Odette grabs her guitar to try and settle everyone down with a song.

Jemma clutches her stomach harder as another birth pang ripples through her abdomen.




Welcome to the family Bella Frio!

Tobias smiles softly looking more than relieved that his daughter is normal and healthy.

Jemma cuddles her close.

I'm not sure if the new little one is just a light gray or if she has a touch of green in her skin tone, but at this point that's the least of my worries because little Bella is evil and grumpy!!!




So far Jemma's dislikes children trait hasn't really been an issue at all.

She popped a wish for a girl, and look at her big smile as she holds her newborn daughter.




But Tobias lives up to his end of their bargain by quickly taking over baby care, and with Bella played with and fed, he brings her into the new nursery.

A loving cuddle fills up her social need and gives us our first glimpse of our surprise for the twins and Odette.




As Tobias does nosey-nosey with Bella, we can get a clearer picture of the new nursery with Odette's sketch having the place of honor over the changing table.

Odette's sketch shows a Koala bear bed, but Bella's not quite ready for that yet, so I've placed two little sister cribs in the room, with the gold/green color scheme working well for our current resident, and for the next one, even if it's a boy.




And look who our first ghostly visitor is to the nursery!

Rae smiles and settles into a rocker, which has Tobias giving me a very alarmed look as he realizes a ghost is now in the room.

So I reassure him saying, "The baby is fine with Rae in the room Tobias. She's too young to feel insecure around ghosts. And none of the family ghosts would ever hurt a child. Some of them have even been able to interact with them. "

"That's good to know Watcher, but my concern is more about her traits! How could a child born of the love Jemma and I share be evil and grumpy!?!"

"Oh, don't take it to heart Tobias! I was a bit shocked myself, but random traits are just that, random. It's one of the rules of a Town Jump game, but in this family we do our best to help each other overcome, um, less than desirable traits. I really don't like to call them bad as a trait is only what you make of it. And Bella's hardly the first Frio to be evil or grumpy as we've had our share of both. You didn't get to spend much time with her, but Jemma's grandmother, Cici, she was grumpy and hated the outdoors too, and she was a fairy. But she was an incredible heir. One of my favorites in fact, though I love them all, even Jared! But don't tell him that!"

"Oh, so not anything Jemma or I had any control over, I guess that makes it a little better. But isn't it going to be even harder for Jemma to want to be around her with those traits?"

"It could be harder for any of you to want to be around her Tobias, but we'll deal. Her baby and toddler days won't be so bad, but once she's a child and then becomes a teen, well, let's just take it one day at a time."




I decide to check on our new mother and find her chatting away to Sam about the baby!

"She's so sweet I could just scrunch her up, Grandpa Sam! We named her Bella in honor of Tobias' surname, Bellucci, though he came up with several choices for us to pick from. Others were Luci, or Lucca, for a girl, and Luc for a boy. But we went with Bella because she's absolutely beautiful!"




And Jemma continues in this mode for quite some time!

"You should have seen the way she sucked down her first bottle! We won't have any trouble with that little one eating. She even tried to hold her bottle first thing, and hasn't been the least bit grumpy or evil at all."

Sam just nods and smiles, as do I, because Bella is only a few hours old and really hasn't even had a chance to be grumpy, let alone evil.

But being a new mother, we give Jemma some leeway and don't point that out.




Sam even talks about what the upcoming days will bring teaching Bella her skills.

"Wait until she says her first word or takes her first steps Jemma! Your heart will just burst with pride! And seeing the delight on their little face when they do everything for the first time, well, it's a joy to behold!"




"Oh that sounds delightful Grandpa Sam, I can barely wait for her toddler years. And when she's older I can show off my Uni cheer as well. I'll give you a preview. Ready?"

As the sun's rays hit the back deck, Sam settles into a rocker, saying, "Sure child, go ahead!"

Jemma cheers for all she's worth, and ends by throwing her arms up in the air with a loud shout of "Girbits, Girbits, Go Girbits!!!"




But just as she finishes, Sam gets called back to his urn.




I'm thinking Jemma's going to be disappointed he left, but instead, she cries out in amazement, "Did you see that Watcher!?! First our beautiful Bella is born and now I've gotten to see Grandpa Sam dissipate! What a day!"




I find Janette taking a break after interviewing several sims at the festival park.

"You missed all the excitement back home! You now have a beautiful niece named Bella!"

"Oh, I'm glad Jemma got her girl and Bella was my favorite of the names they were thinking of. Since you're so calm, I'm assuming she's normal, no toad head?"

With a laugh I say, "Of course not! I seriously doubt it was even a possibility, but she's gotten the short end of the stick getting evil and grumpy as her traits."

"Ouch!" Topping of her snow cone, she adds, "I hope our little one does better."

"Me too, but whatever traits we get, we'll deal."

"We always do Watcher, no other choice really."




And with that pragmatic attitude, Janette closes case #10 with Ariella Chen.

"Well, I've put the word out there Ms. Chen, that you're considering yourself available, so the ball's in Mr. Khan's court now. I hope everything works out for the both of you."

"Thanks Detective! I appreciate all you've done and I'll let you know what happens."

"Please do Ms. Chen. I've got quite an invested interest in couples pairing up and having children, now that I'm an Aunt and expecting my own child any day now."

Completing case #10 has Janette earning a reward at city hall, which she quickly obtains, and then she heads home to kick off those heels!




In comfy maternity wear and flats, she grabs a baby book, and settles in for a relaxing afternoon on the side patio.




After dropping off more paintings and sculptures at the elixir store, Odette decides to visit the Abbot home.

One look at Phyllis has Odette congratulating her on her soon-to-be second child, "Oh, I'm so happy for you Phyllis! Our little Bella is so precious I've kicked into complete grandmother mode and now want five of them! Janette's due soon. What about you?"

"Just another day or two Mrs. Frio, then Van will be a big brother."

"That's the same day as Janette! When it rains it pours and I couldn't be happier with it raining nooboos!   But I actually came to catch up with Marisol, it feels like it's been forever since I've seen her."

"Oh, I'm sorry Mrs. Frio, but she's not here. She had an appointment in town, something her agent set up, I think. I don't remember where, but I'm sure she'd like to meet up and share all her own news too."




Odette does just that but when her eyes land on Marisol at the venue in town, she lets out a happy squeal as Marisol is expecting too!

"Hello there little one! Oh, we can't wait for you to get here and meet you. You've already got a cousin, Bella, and another little one due any day now, so you'll make baby number three, four with Phyllis' baby!"

"Isn't that just perfect Mom, Phyllis and I expecting at the same time!?! We've been best friends for so long that we're sister's of the heart, so we're going to have the kids call us 'Auntie', even though we're not blood related."




And it's not just Janette, Phyllis, and Marisol expecting, as the rumor about Danielle Platt and Steve Cupp expecting another baby is true as well!

When it rains it pours indeed!

My worries about a lack of babies in SS have all been for naught and it's even better that so many couples waited until our heirs were expecting to start their own families.




Case #11 for Janette involved eating at the bistro in town, so she headed over and grabbed some lunch, first inside, then outside, but neither option triggered the case to complete and move to the next step.

I had a feeling that might happen as the bistro here in SS is a combo building with the business office and combo buildings are well known for making ops impossible to complete.

So I canceled the case and added a separate bistro lot in hopes that the case would pop up again later.

But the trip wasn't a total waste as Janette found Phyllis and Van outside of the business office/bistro and Janette took the opportunity to grab Van for some quick tickles.

His delighted laughter made us both smile and I couldn't resist using this photo, he's just so cute!




Bella Frio has the honor of being the first gen 11 baby born in Starlight Shores!

But she won't be the only one, not by a long shot, as Janette, Phyllis, Marisol, and Danielle Platt, are all expecting too!

Other babies born in town previously are the Best's son Alan who is a child now, the Elson's daughters, Cecily and Carolyn, who are both toddlers with Cecily being the eldest, the Lee's son, Max who might be a child, the Wood's son, Forest, who's a toddler, Steve and Danielle's Janie, who's a toddler, and the little Singh boy, Leo, who's a toddler!

And toddler Van, of course, as there's no way I'm forgetting about that cutie. He won't be eligible to be an heir spouse and neither will his younger sibling, since their parents are from HS and not SS, but there's no rule saying they couldn't marry a spare!

With all those babies on the way, I'm aptly naming Chapter 278: Nooboos Galore!
Coming soon.

[deedee_828]

We rejoin the Frio family in the nursery, of course.

Grandpa Chase is getting in some play time with Bella.

As I watch, I notice that Bella's IF doll doesn't quite fit in the little sister crib, and the top crib rail goes straight through it's head.

I'll let you know if this has any detrimental affects on the poor thing, but after all the glitches they've caused in my games, well, having one of them be on the receiving end serves them right!




Once Chase is done, Odette finally gets her grandma fix and cuddles Bella.




And settles in for some serious bonding time in the rocker.




But it's not long before I get the first birth announcement and race over to the Platt home.

I find little Janie playing on the floor.

Just look at her big blue eyes!




And she's not the only Platt that's got blue eyes, as her baby brother Vincent has blue everything!

Vincent Cupp is the spitting image of Steve, being a watery grave, cobalt blue, ghost baby!

So now Danielle is the proud mother of two teens, Alora and Robbie Platt, a toddler, Janie Cupp, and newborn, Vincent Cupp!

But with Danielle being a family-oriented sim, who's also a hopeless romantic, moments later I get the news that she's expecting again!

Her teens better age up and move out quickly as there's not space in the small Platt house for another child.

I may have to add an addition, a second story, or just move them to a larger home.




Back at the house, Jonas' is working on another sculpture, stone again, as he keeps popping wishes for them.




I was hoping Janette was relaxing too, but I find her in town on yet another case.

This one requiring her to talk to three sims, so she went to the elixir store to see if anyone was there.

All she found was the shop girl, who totally panicked when Janette went into labor!

But our intrepid investigator was as cool as a cucumber.




Even so, I sent Janette home fast, and it wasn't long before Jonas and Odette noticed a baby on the way and started freaking out too.

Well, Odette freaked out, even though she's been through it herself and with Jemma.

Jonas, well, Jonas was focused rather intently on the floor, rather than on his wife in labor.

He's probably critiquing my choice of flooring!




But with one finally push, and wishes popping left and right….




We welcome Cassidy Frio to the family!

"I can't look Watcher! Is she okay?"

"She has Jonas' greenie skin and she's beautiful Janette!"

"And her traits? Are they good?"

I stare in shock and hesitate to say them aloud.

With Janette being a disciplined, perceptive sim, who's a perfectionist and a professional PI, I'm afraid she's going to be very disappointed having a daughter that's both clumsy and hates the outdoors!

Even without Cinda living in SS, both of her great-granddaughters got one of her least desirable traits, with Cassidy hating the outdoors and Bella being grumpy!

But my silence clues Janette in, more than my words ever could, and she sighs, saying, "If they were decent you would have shouted them out Watcher, so I guess we'll just have to deal with them and hope future birthdays bring better ones."




Opening her eyes, Janette cuddles her daughter close and says, "Oh, you are beautiful little one. We'll just love you and not think of those traits."

With Janette and Jonas being insane, I'm sure they will both be able to do just that.




Janette places Cassidy gently in her crib, and stares lovingly at her new daughter, while Chase gets in some Grandpa play time with Bella.

Against Chase's tanned skin tone, Bella's skin looks to be a blend of a light grayish green, similar to Janette's, but I'll have to compare them when they're together, to see if that's true.




I thought I might have the opportunity as soon as Chase was done doting on Bella, but Jonas had followed Janette into the nursery and offers her a massage, which she accepts gratefully.

Janette sighs in relief as Jonas gives her back and shoulders a soothing rub, the stress and tension of pregnancy and childbirth seeping away with his tender administrations.




Then Jonas gets in some daddy time with his new daughter, and the look on his face, with his bright eyes and happy grin, make him more adorable than ever!

And Cassidy's waving arms and newborn squeals of delight add even more charm to both the event and the photo.

Seeing father and daughter interact so happily is just so sweet!




With Cassidy in Jonas' more than capable hands, Janette decides to head into town to interview a couple more sims to complete the next step of her current case.

She decides to check out Holy Cow Memorial Hospital, which sounds like it would be more at home in Appaloosa Plains rather than up-scale Starlight Shores.

And though there are no sims here she can talk to, she manages to be Johnny-On-The-Spot when she sees Marisol and Kirk heading inside!

She excitedly shouts, "Oh, our babies will have the same birthday Marisol! I hope you get your daughter, just like Jemma and I did! They can call themselves the SS Trio, unless Phyllis has a girl this time, then they could be the SS Quads!"




A bit later, Marisol happily comes out carrying her daughter Kira May!

Her name is a blend of Kirk's and his mother, Maya's.

The fact that Kirk slow danced with the horrible Mercedes May and his daughter now has May in her name was just an awful coincidence and doesn't reflect on Kirk at all, as it was solely his unthinking Watcher's doing!




But the biggest surprise was that Kirk also came out carrying Kira May's twin, Markus!

And, believe it or not, I'd planned on using Mark or Marks for a boy, to honor Chase's family name, and the game named him Markus! I was really blown away when I saw that and decided to leave it as is as it was just such an amazing coincidence, serendipitous even!

But what was NOT amazing,  was that in all the confusion of twins, and Girbits Worthington trying to get a photo of Kirk, Kirk flipped to the edge of the walkway, and when he turned around to follow Marisol to the waiting cab, Markus was gone!

And so is Janette, but her departure was for professional reasons, so I'm not as concerned as to her whereabouts.




To find Markus, I send Odette and Chase over to the Abbot home straight away, but no one was there to greet them when they arrived!

But fear not, I checked the family tree and Markus is on it, safe and sound, even if I didn't get a photo of him at the hospital.

And Marisol and Kirk's twins got great traits, of course!

Kira May is a good, light sleeper, while Markus is friendly and excitable, though I'd be pretty excitable too, if I was suddenly snatched out of the safety of my father's arms and transported who knows where!

I'm just happy he wasn't scarred for life, which would have probably meant he was insane, neurotic, or unstable, though we've had all of those traits at one time or another during this journey, so not a big deal really.

And Van is now a big brother, as Phyllis and Jeffery have another son, Jace Riverhawk!

The reason the Abbot home was empty is because both couples were at the hospital welcoming their new bundles of joy!

But since I'm with Odette, I check her wishes and stare at her grandchildren wish, as it only shows she has two grandchildren and not four!

Then I realize why.

Since Marisol is technically her step-daughter, her twins don't count as grandchildren for Odette!

Something I totally forgot when I promised her the five grandchildren wish.

Now that's a bummer!




Once the two couples get home with their new infants, I manage to pop inside for some baby photos.

But having two couples and their children live in the same home brings it's own issues, especially since I don't control any of them.

Here's Phyllis holding Markus Abbot.




And Jeffery holding Kira May Abbot.




While Kirk picks up Jace Riverhawk.




With all our new infants safe and sound, I catch up with Janette, and find her at slobby Conrad Anderson's home, because placing a separate bistro lot did the trick, and she was able to complete that step of the case when it triggered the second time!

Leading her on to the Anderson home, where she begins snooping for clues to discern who the culprit is behind the spoiled food at the bistro.

The house, though filled with piles of trash, comes up clean?

That's odd.




Janette heads outside to check the plants and finds everything okay out there too.

So the next step of the case leads her back into town where she finds out there's a plot to discredit a well-known celebrity in town by sabotaging the food at the bistro that has been hired to cater the big-wig's Charity Ball!




The next morning, Janette tracks down the five-star celebrity, which wasn't too hard as it was her very own father, Chase Frio!

"The things some sims will do to make sure others don't succeed is appalling Dad! But I've got them dead to rights with all my evidence, so the Charity Ball can go on as scheduled, and the Bistro's even giving you a hefty discount on the catering, due to the culprit being one of their own chefs!"




Chase hugs Janette and says, "Thanks for solving the case Janette! If you hadn't, dozens of sims would have been hospitalized with food poisoning! Are you sure you're okay honey?"

"I'm fine Dad! It only took one bite for me to realize something was off with the food, so I was only slightly sick. And that wraps up case #12!"




So we now have five new babies in town!

Danielle Platt and Steve Cupp's son, ghostly blue Vincent Cupp.

Co-heir couple, Janette and Jonas', Cassidy Frio.

Chase's daughter Marisol's twins with husband Kirk, Kira May and Markus Abbot.

And last, but certainly not least, Phyllis and Jeffery's second son, Jace Riverhawk.

With Danielle and Steve expecting number three sometime soon.

And with Bella's impending toddler birthday, Jonas pops a wish for another child!

I'm not sure if that will happen or not as I'd only planned on one child for each couple and more children would definitely mean some family staying here in SS, but I haven't totally ruled that out.

I received two messages before I ended this game play, one was sad, being the notice that Madeline Buckshot had passed on.
Our first natural death of old age here in Starlight Shores.

The other notice was much happier as I found out Richter Steele has moved in with Sadie Mason, though I'm sure Sadie's former boyfriend, Rich, who still lives in the house, isn't going to be happy being the left out third wheel!

I hope wedding bells and babies won't be too far behind as I really want to see some Mason/Steele children before we leave town.

But before any of that happens we have a double birthday to celebrate as Chase becomes an elder and his granddaughter, Bella, ages up to toddler!

Find out in Chapter 279: A Range Of Ages
Coming soon.

[deedee_828]

As we rejoin the Frio family, I find both Jonas and Tobias playing with their daughters.

Seeing Bella with her father, you can definitely see she doesn't have Tobias' light greenie skin, but she's definitely much lighter than her mother, Jemma.

According to CAS, she's on the white/black slider like her mother, but at Tobias' intensity, which is on the lightest shade of the green slider.

I was hoping one of the nooboos would be on the green slider but at their mother's intensities, which would have given them either a mid or 3/4 dark green skin tone.

I'm definitely happier with their current skin tones than I am with their traits.

But I'll use a hold over from their recent vacation and say, "C'est la vie!"




And Jemma has surpassed all my expectations by autonomously feeding, playing, and rocking Bella!

"Can we join you Grandma Rae?"

"I'd be delighted dear! It's so nice having nooboos in the family again. But they don't stay little for long do they?"

Jemma pauses in thought and says, "No. In fact, if we keep to the normal lifespan schedule, we should celebrate her toddler birthday later today, along with Dad's elder birthday!"

"Well, won't that be a nice birthday gift for him, sharing it with his eldest granddaughter."




As the morning sun rises, casting it's rays over the Frio home, Chase is already enjoying the day as he jumps into the pool.

Odette is relaxing in a lounge chair on the other side of the pool bar deep in thought.

Maybe she's thinking about her next painting?




But when she joins Chase after he settles into a lounger near the parking spaces, her question makes it clear that she was NOT thinking about painting, "So, did you have any plans in mind for your birthday?"

Chase's startled look is a sure sign that he'd forgotten all about it!

But he tries to cover saying, "Um, nothing special."

Odette shakes her head and says with a smile, "I hope your elder years don't intensify your absent-mindedness!"

"You and me too! It's bad enough already, forgetting my own birthday! But, in my defense, not many sims are eager for their elder birthdays and it has been rather hectic with two nooboos in the house."

"True on both counts. Which brings up another matter. One that's been on my mind for some time, ever since I popped that 'have five grandchildren wish' in fact. Well, actually it was when Marisol's beautiful twins didn't count towards it that it really struck me."

"And that would be…?"

"The fact that even if Marisol and Kirk had more children, which they can't unless Phyllis and Jeffery and their two sons move out, they wouldn't count for me, even though I've never thought of Marisol as anything but my daughter. And with us here in the main home, there can't be anymore grandchildren here either!"

"Oh, I hadn't really thought of that. So are you thinking we need to start looking for our own place?"

"I think it would be best for all concerned. We've helped with our first grandchildren and with Janette and Jemma being co-heirs, I think they, along with Jonas and Tobias, could handle raising more children. So I think we need to give them that opportunity. Even if Janette and Jonas are content with having Cassidy, we know Tobias already wants another child, and being family-oriented, probably another one after that!"

"Then I guess we better start looking and break the news to everyone."

"Let's hold off on that, until we actually find a place. At least until after the birthday festivities, so we don't put a damper on the party mood."




Soon baby cries have Chase heading inside, where he finds Janette already tending to Cassidy, so he picks up a very distraught Bella.

With the move uppermost in his thoughts, he tends to her lovingly, a bit sad at the thought of leaving his granddaughters.




With Bella fed and in a better mood, well, at least not crying anymore, Chase playfully jiggles her up and down, smiling into her face.

But I'm not sure what on earth is going through Janette's mind here, and peeking into her crazy zone sounds scary, but this action just had to be documented for posterity.




I don't know if she's just realized Cassidy is her daughter or she's just completely amazed by the little person she and Jonas have managed to produce.

After watching her for a bit, I decide it's actually quite endearing to have her be so excited to see her daughter.

Her reactions are fast approaching Jonas' on the adorable scale or maybe on the crazy one!




And who's this arriving at the Frio home at the start of our third week in Starlight Shores?

It's our very first paparazzi!!!

I think her name is Kathryn, but I'll have to confirm that next time I'm in game because, as usual, even though I checked it, I don't remember her full name.

I guess Chase isn't the only one who's forgetful!

(I checked and she is Katheryn Paine.)




On the patio, I find Odette trying out the Teppanyaki Grill that finally works in game since I was able to find a working ccmerged package file after mine stopped working. (And I just had to download it and replace my original one with it, without having to copy all of my store content into it, which was a wonderful time-saver.)

"Learning to make some new meals?"

"I thought I'd give it a shot, since it works now, especially since my new social trait is natural cook! I can make up some tasty dishes for the party and for family to enjoy afterward. They could even replicate a few, if they turn out well."




Then it's party time and we decide to let Bella go first.

With so many guests invited, I decide an outdoor party would be perfect.

And everyone starts gathering as Odette bends down to blow out Bella's candle.




But instead of placing her down to age up, she carries her back into the house!

"Odette! Where are you going!?! The party is outside!"

But somehow she ignores me, like she's under zombie control with her eyes going all unfocused and crazy looking!




So I click on the cake again and she goes back outside and stands before it, with everyone clapping and cheering, the usual birthday fanfare.

But then I spot a family ghost out in broad daylight!




I zoom in closer to find out it's Samuel and that he's now chatting with Phyllis, who I almost didn't recognize without her hat.

But poor Alora Platt, that has that unfortunate mohawk, and who's obviously a coward, has fainted dead away on the patio!

Which has given Chase the opportunity to forget about the party and start playing a video game on his computer.

This party is not going as I'd planned at all!




But at least Odette places Bella on the ground this time.

With Jemma, front and center, tooting away on a party horn, while Marisol claps excitedly beside her.

Kirk has a party horn of his own and stands near Janette, who's watching the proceedings wide-eyed, with a loud birthday cheer.




After what seems like in game hours, Bella finally ages up to a toddler!

And I think she has her Grandpa Chase's and Aunt Marisol's hair color, a streaked light brown.

But that dark green outfit won't do at all as Irish green is Cassidy's favorite color, not Bella's.




I pop her into stylist and change her hairstyle to cute pigtails, since it's one of my favorites, and notice that her hair looks a bit darker than Chase's and Marisol's, so maybe it's a blend between her grandpa Chase's light brown hair color and her father, Tobias', darker brown?

But I leave it as is, as that's been my standard practice throughout the game, and just re-color the hairbows, and all of her outfits, to reflect her love of aqua.

And she's absolutely adorable in her aqua and white ruffled swimsuit!



 
Danielle Platt chats with Chase, while her daughter Alora, who's recovered from her faint, grabs a piece of birthday cake.

That's when her glaringly yellow flippers make me laugh out loud!

The poor thing, a mohawk, a coward who passed out at a party with half the town in attendance, and now flippers.

Good thing she ages up to young adult soon!

I will definitely have to make up for all her teenage indignities with a decent hairstyle and wardrobe.




But Tobias, being such a nice guy, takes pity on her and invites her to sit with him and chat over cake.




But it's getting late in the day, so Chase gets Bella to the potty to make her comfortable.




And the he gets her set up at the peg box.

In the light of the nursery, I see that Bella's hair is definitely lighter than Tobias', but whether it's as light as Chase's, I can't really tell.




Then  Chase takes his own place in front of his birthday cake and makes a wish.

But he's forgotten to wait for the guests to reassemble, so there's only a few in attendance.

At least Jonas and Tobias got to witness it, though Jonas is gazing in the wrong direction!




With a dizzying birthday twirl and a bright, sparkly flash…




Chase becomes an elder!

Which gives us a range of ages in the Frio house, from nooboo Cassidy, to new toddler Bella, four young adults, an adult, and our new elder, Chase.

The guests that watched all clap, and a few gush over what a wonderful party it was, while Jemma beams at her father's new look.

I'm glad Chase kept his hairstyle, as I've gotten used to seeing him in it, but seeing him without his buffed physique is a bit sad.




No one else seems to care though and as Chase grabs a piece of cake, Janette twirls a noise maker, while Odette claps and shouts birthday wishes.

Better late than never, I guess.




With the guests gone, Odette shows her feelings about her husband's new look as she pulls him in for a romantic interlude in the kitchen!

It's plain to see that these two are still very much in love!




So now we have a new toddler and a new elder in the main Frio home.

But not for too long as Odette and Chase have decided they need to find a place of their own.

Giving the co-heir couples an opportunity to have more children, if they so desire.

We already know that Tobias wants another child, but only time will tell if Janette or Jonas will want another one too.

But before that happens, the household will be busy teaching Bella her toddler skills.

So get ready for some toddler spam in Chapter 280: A Toddler In The House
Coming soon.

[deedee_828]

Jemma continues to automously interact with toddler Bella, tickling her.




Giving her lots of snuggles to let her know she's loved.

Bella stares into her mother's face, her eyes wide open, and I'm not sure if she's just imprinting it in her memory or if she's just shocked at being snuggled by someone who supposedly dislikes children.

Maybe her grumpy, evilness is just confused.

Let's hope so, and that we can keep it at bay for a good long time!




She even changes Bella's diaper with a happy smile on her face.




Janette gets in plenty of playtime and snuggles with little Cassidy too.




But I'm pulled to the basement to find Jonas running for his life to the shower because he's on fire!

"Don't just LOOK at the shower Jonas!!! Get inside and turn the water on and put yourself out!!!"

"Right!!! Put myself out!!! Got it!!!"




I'm thinking having Jonas master inventing may just be too much for us to handle, well, keeping him alive anyway.

But once he's safely put out the fire on his backside, he gets right back to it.

"Are you sure that's a good idea?"

"What?"

"Going right back to inventing right after you were on fire!"

"Oh, it's fine Watcher! A bad idea would be to continue while I was still singed. That could be fatal!"

"Well, I'm glad to know you're aware of the danger at least."

But when he continues with, "Besides, with Cassidy here, we've got an heir candidate. You know, worse case scenario…"

"Jonas!!! Please don't tempt fate just because you have a daughter! I haven't lost an heir spouse yet, well, not to anything besides old age, and I don't plan on starting with you!"

"Oh, do I mean that much to you Watcher!?! How nice of you to tell me so. In that case, I will endeavor to take the utmost precaution with the blowtorch from now on."

And with those words, he totally focuses on his next project and I reluctantly refrain from further comment so I don't distract him.




In happier events upstairs and outside, Jemma is finally getting to go back to work!

And she eagerly runs to catch her carpool.




Chase is heading off to work at the Game Studio, and though it takes me back a moment to see him as an elder, I think he still looks great in his career outfit.

Bella, sitting on the floor nearby, is totally focused on her father, hoping for some attention.




And Tobias doesn't disappoint her, going into complete daddy mode and teaching her how to talk.

Tobias must be a great teacher because Bella's first word is 'jellyfish!'



 
Which is quickly followed by, 'camera".




Then, the dangers of being exposed to radiation!?!

Maybe that's Tobias' fear of alchemy talking…we all know he's been a bit paranoid about it ever since Jemma's toad head incident.

But despite my confusion on teaching that to a toddler, Bella just babbles, "rad'dation bad!"




There are quite a few other words after that, 'promotion, 'jellyfish' again, 'newspaper', 'seeds', 'cooking', you name it, Tobias says it, and Bella repeats it!

And as we flash back to 'camera' again, Bella masters talking!

Wow! The family-oriented trait makes teaching a toddler to talk a breeze!




And look how fast she's being potty-trained!

With things on the home front under control and happening faster than scheduled, I turn my attention to Janette.




She's working on another case, with another Best child, this time their son, Alan, who was the first nooboo born here in SS.

"So you're telling me your sister Mandy stole your mouthwash because you took her ham sandwich!?! And you want me to get the mouthwash back? That's it?"

"Um, yes, Detective Frio! You figured it out perfectly! I can see why my sister Maria told me to come to you!"

Janette might be on the crazy side, but even she can't figure out why the Best parents aren't dealing with these family issues themselves!

But since she took his sisters' case, she can't very well deny little Alan the same satisfaction, so she accepts it.




But when she tracks down Mandy Best, things get murkier.

"He should be outside playing baseball Detective! Not stealing ham sandwiches. Besides, he's old enough to know better than to steal other peoples food! That was my lunch for work and I was late because I had to make another sandwich! And I don't know anything about mouthwash! We have several varieties in the bathroom cabinet and none of them have anyone's name on them!"




Back at the house, I find Jemma wildly cheering again.

"Still practicing to teach that to Bella when she's older?"

"Not exactly Watcher! This was a cheer for my promotion! I finally made it level 5! With hard work, I should reach level 6 by the end of the week!"




And though Jemma's thrilled about reaching the mid-point of her Fortune Teller career, Tobias is all about family.

Even his dreams are filled with feeding their next nooboo a bottle!

But that would mean putting Jemma's career on hold again for several more days…




And then I spot this stranger lurking around the front door and find out it's Madeline Rucker, paparazzi number two!!!

I guess with all the service roll sims and other roles needed here in Starlight Shores, paparazzi jobs were considered a low priority.

But with Marisol's lifetime wish completed when she married Kirk, and the both of them living in their own place across town, finally having paparazzi in town isn't that big a deal.

Though I relish the moment when it assigns the third one, and I stop getting that stupid message about the position needing to be filled, because it's just so annoying having it pop up every couple of minutes.




After mulling over her case a bit, Janette heads over to the Best home to see if she can put the case to rest.

She chats with Mandy about family and Mandy says, "Oh congratulations on your new daughter, Detective. I'm guessing you're here to discuss the 'mouthwash case' with Alan! Once you meet him, I think it'll clear up fast enough. And he's already apologized to me, so we're good."




And when a teen boy comes outside, instead of the child Janette was expecting, things get cleared up pretty quickly.

Because Alan asks for Janette's autograph first thing!

"I'm sorry for all the nonsense Detective Frio! I really just wanted your autograph, but then I was too embarrassed to ask for it and made up the stupid mouthwash case! Please forgive my actions and attribute them to the follies of youth!"

Janette just smiles and shakes her head, saying, "No need for forgiveness Alan. We all make some silly choices growing up. I'm just glad you worked things out with your sister, even if it was just over a ham sandwich and no mouthwash was harmed!"

Then she happily gives him his coveted autograph and heads back home, whistling as case #13 is wrapped up, even if it wasn't much of a case.




Back home, I find a very dressed up Chase in a clinch with Odette!

These two still only have eyes for each other.

But then a thought strikes me…in a home of their own with Odette still an adult, they could actually have another child!

I wonder if they've thought of that!?!

Well, I'm not going to ruin their romantic moment by bringing it up now, I'll just leave that up to them and SP!




Speaking of nooboos, early the next morning we get to meet Danielle and Steve's third child, little Cari Cupp!

Seems like their daughters together take after Danielle, while their son is the only ghostly one taking after Steve.

Unless they decide to have more children!

I'll definitely keep you posted on that.




Back at the house, I find Jonas cuddling Cassidy while Jemma plays with Bella, again.

I'm beginning to think Jemma was right when she decided her dislikes children trait might only apply to actual children.




Because as the tickles turn into an attack of claw and Bella lets out a belly laugh, Jemma pops a wish to teach Bella to walk!




Since I'm not one to stand in the way of wishes, especially ones I never expected to happen, I let them get started.




Tobias taught Bella how to talk and finished up her potty training, both at family-oriented super speed.

And now Jemma's popped a wish to teach Bella to walk, much to my surprise.

Our co-heirs are both progressing in their chosen careers, going along with their lifetime wishes, with Jemma now being a level five fortune teller, and Janette solving her 13th case as a private investigator.

Up next will be another case for Janette, along with Cassidy's toddler birthday, so the toddler spam has just begun!

Especially since she shares a birthday with Marisol and Kirk's twins, Kira May and Markus, and little Jace Riverhawk too.

Follow along as I continue in Chapter 281: Politics, Toddlers, and Ghosts
Coming soon.

[deedee_828]

The day starts off like any other, with Janette interviewing her client in her wedding gown as she starts working on her 14th case.

"Thanks for taking my case, Detective Frio," says Brandon Woods.

Despite his stomach growling he's observant enough to notice Janette's unusual outfit and asks, "I hope I haven't interrupted your big day!?!"

Janette stares at him a bit confused and asks, "My big day?"

When Brandon motions to her wedding gown she just shakes her head and says, "Oh, no, I've had this old thing since my wedding, but no sense letting a perfectly good dress go to waste in my closet!"

The look on Brandon's face let's both of us know he's not quite sure Janette is up to the task of solving his case, but Janette tries to calm his fears, "Don't worry Mr. Woods, my dress might be unconventional, but I assure you my detective skills are top notch. I haven't lost a case yet, though that bistro one was bugged until we got a separate bistro in town."

Janette's words have Brandon raving, "That was you that solved the case about the spoiled food at the bistro!?! Well, that gives me hope then. But my case may be a bit harder to solve. You see, I was up for a position at City Hall recently, and though all preliminary numbers showed I should win easily, I lost by a landslide! I know the election was rigged but I've never been able to prove it!"

"Oh, a political scandal! What a timely case Mr. Woods. There's been one all over our Watcher's news, in the highest echelons of her government. I know yours isn't on that big a scale, but rest assured, your case is just as important to me!"




Janette checks her celebrity map and sees a big concentration of sims at the café.

So she heads over to start asking Starlight Shore's residents their thoughts on the recent election.

But it was more difficult than she thought to have sims focus on her questions and not the Simfest that was in progress.

But she manages to chat a bit with Steve Cupp, asking, "Before you head inside for some lunch, can I get your thoughts on the recent election at City Hall?"

Steve hovers and then says, "Well, it was definitely a surprise that Brandon Woods didn't win it! I know I voted for him!"




And to her surprise, the next resident, Craig Elson, tells her the same thing, "I thought Brandon was a shoe in! He's done a lot for this town, keeping the big venues in check, making Starlight Shores safe for our families. It's a mystery how he lost!"

"A mystery I plan on solving Mr. Elson! Thanks for your information."



 
As Janette heads off the lot, twirling into her athleticwear, she notices some familiar faces down the street.

Marisol, Kirk, Phyllis, and Jeffery are taking a break from parenting to have lunch in town.

She doesn't want to delay their outing so she quickly asks Marisol, "I've got a case concerning the recent election at City Hall…"

And Marisol is only too glad to provide information, "Oh, the election! That was a shame that Brandon didn't win. One of my co-workers was on his campaign staff and after reading about his proposals, I contributed to his campaign fund and voted for him too! We still can't figure out how he lost!"




Janette thought she'd ask Phyllis and Jeffery too, so she followed them inside Mick's but they were pretty focused on each other and Janette spotted someone even better to ask.

Brandon's wife, Stardust!

"Oh, I hope you can prove that the election was rigged Detective Frio! Brandon had his heart set on winning and keeping this town from turning into a concrete jungle. His opponent has plans for venues going up over every park in town! And to tell you the truth, I didn't recognize half those names on the voting register, though some of them seemed familiar. But I haven't seen any members of some of those families in a long, long time."

Stardust's last words had an idea springing into Janette's mind and she quickly followed it up by going to City Hall and getting a copy of the  list of voters in the last election.




Then, wearing her traditional career outfit and bringing out her trusty magnifying glass, she checked out the local cemetery!

Comparing the voter's list to the names on the headstones, she hits pay dirt!

Brandon Wood's opponent had won because most of his votes had come from dead sims!




But no time to tell Mr. Woods the good news just yet as something even more important was happening back home.

Cassidy's toddler birthday!

For which the game chooses her Aunt Jemma as the one to bring her to the cake.

Nothing like confusing everyone even more about which child belongs to which couple…

With Tobias and Jonas blowing party horns, and Janette cheering wildly, I focus on the birthday baby and notice just how green she looks against Jemma's skin tone!

That's not Jonas' green at all!

For some reason, my game continually changes the skin tones of my family members, though in posting about this issue at the NRaas site, it's not supposed to do that!




Whatever color green Cassidy is, her birthday must go on and I'm anxious to see her toddler look.

And it looks like Odette is too as she steps closer to the baby after Jemma places her on the floor.




With Chase looking on from the other side of the room, we get our first look at toddler Cassidy.

Well the back of her anyway and she appears to be the same green color as her outfit!

And she has dark hair, either Jonas, Janette, or Odette's, it's hard to tell from here.




So I pop her into stylist so we can get a better look at her and in her favorite color, Irish Green, her green skin color looks a lot like her father, Jonas', skin tone.

But maybe that's because of the yellow in her outfit?




So I check her out in white and Irish green pajamas.

But she still looks a bit yellowish and more like Jonas' light green skin tone to me.




So back in game I'm a bit shocked to see her looking a much deeper green without the yellowish overtones!

But this little cutie poses for me, grabbing her new white patent leather shoes, rocking back and forth, and giving me the most adorable look!

She's definitely Janette and Jonas' daughter and seems to take after her Grandma Cassidy too!




But Cassidy becoming a toddler has me receiving several messages soon after, so I send Odette and Chase across town to the Abbot home.

And parents and children are again mixed up as I find Marisol carrying a very sleepy Jace Riverhawk.




I find Kira May happily playing with her xylophone, picking up the musical talent from her father already.




Since Kira May is playing by herself, I take the opportunity to pop her into stylist.

And she looks like Marisol's mini-me, the spitting image of her mother and grandfather, complete with their light brown hair!




And her twin, Markus, looks identical to her, though his face might be slightly leaner.




With three sleepy toddlers, it was hard to get Odette or Chase to interact with them, but I finally manage to have Chase pick up Markus.

I wish I'd held off on Chase's elder birthday just a bit so I could have seen him with Markus as an adult, but they look very much alike, even with Chase's gray hair and elder looks.

I'm still astonished that the game named Marisol's little boy Markus when I had Marks picked out to honor Chase's family name.

Coincidence? I think not! Having a child bear Chase's last name was truly meant to be!




When Marisol finishes tucking little Jace in to his crib, she gets Kira May ready for bed, and chats with Odette.

"It's been hectic Mom, but with four grown-ups in the house we've been managing okay. I'd hate to have to try it with just two of us though!"

"So no plans for Phyllis and Jeffery and their boys to find their own place?"

"Maybe when the kids' get a bit older, for now we'd like them to grow up together and be friends."

But Marisol senses something else behind her mother's words and asks, "Has one of the twins decided to give up heirship and find their own place!?!"

"Oh, no, no, nothing like that. But…Tobias does want another child, which is to be expected with him being family-oriented."

"Which means you and Dad would have to find your own place to open up a spot for another child! Have you found a place yet?"

"No, your father and I have talked about it, but we haven't discussed it with the twins yet."

"Well, I'll keep my eyes peeled for any homes on the market. I'm guessing you're not looking for a place as big as this one?"

"Oh, no. Definitely down-sizing! Two, three bedrooms, at the most, and I think an art alcove with a couple of easels would be sufficient."




With Cassidy's birthday duly celebrated, Janette's tracked down her client and filled him in on her findings.

"I've cross-checked the names of the voters for your opponent and most of them are here in Starlight Shores…"

"So all those sims actually did vote for him instead of me!?! I wouldn't have thought so many of those living here would choose more venues over keeping parks and playgrounds for their kids to play in!"

"Oh, most of those that 'voted' for your opponent aren't living here Mr. Woods, and they haven't lived here in a very long time, the majority of them reside in Lidview Cemetery! The election was definitely rigged and as soon as the Town Council gets my report, I'm sure they'll be calling you…Mr. Mayor!!!"

"Oh, Detective Frio, I can't thank you enough! I thought my political career was over, my plans to protect the town destroyed."

"I have a daughter myself Mr. Woods, and two nieces and a nephew, so I want what's best for them and having a conniving politician in power in our town, that's not in anyone's best interest. I'll be checking the paper for the official announcement Mr. Woods but I'll consider this case closed!




Janette sighs as she ponders her next chess move, content that she's concluded her 14th case.




But I hear ghostly music and find Claire outside…with a zombie attacking her!

I don't know about you but I'm more afraid for the zombie…




I'm a bit puzzled when Claire meekly crouches down, looking helpless and frightened…

Though the zombie is already shrinking away, confused by Claire's ghostly form…




And he was right to be scared too, because Claire jumps up, hovering over him, and screams as loud as she can!

The most terrifying scream I have ever heard her make, which has the poor fellow stopping dead in his tracks and doing his best to zombie lurch away!!!

I almost fell out of my chair laughing, and didn't even get a photo of that part…but trust me…it happened.

Never try to attack a hot-headed, loner ghost that's lived with a mean-spirited, inappropriate spouse!

Trust me, it's not worth it.

Just ask zombie guy.




And being a night with a full moon, other family ghosts are out in full force.

Of course, seeing other ghosts has poor Sam fainting dead away, even with one of them being his wife, Rae.




But Lorelei takes pity on him and finds another rocker to relax in.

Giving Sam and Rae the opportunity to chat on their own.

"How are you my dear?"

"Better, now that we're alone. I peeked into the nursery earlier, so nice having little ones in the house again."

"My favorite part of each town is welcoming the newest family members."

"Not listening to them discover music?"

"Oh, I like that part too! I wonder if any of this gen's children will be musical?"

"Or artistic! But frankly, with the traits they were born with, it would be hard for them to go anywhere but up!"

"Oh, don't tempt fate, Sam! She's a cruel woman! There are many other less than desirable traits out there, so let's hope their child and teen birthdays bring some better ones."

I second that, saying, "I'm with you Rae! Fingers crossed for both those birthdays giving us some more positive traits. But only time will tell on that score. Right now let's just enjoy their toddler years."




Janette's solved a major case, uncovering a rigged election, and having the new mayor in town forever grateful.

Cassidy has aged up into an adorable bright green toddler.

And her cousins, Kira May and Markus Abbot, look just like their mother and Grandpa Chase.

Family ghost Claire has given a zombie the fright of his life.

While family ghosts Rae and Sam are getting to spend time together cooing over toddlers, lamenting over their traits, and hoping for better ones on the next round of birthdays.

And Odette's let Marisol in on the house hunt for a new place for her and Chase.

So some big events coming up and I'll tell you all about them in Chapter 282: Exercise In Futility--Part 1
Coming soon.

[deedee_828]

I find Lorelei outside enjoying the full moon on the patio, where ghostly Sam won't be affected by her presence.

And though she has a smile on her face, I sense something amiss.

"Something on your mind?"

"Yes, Watcher. Is it true that Odette and Chase are planning on moving out and staying here in SS?"

"I'm afraid so. Even without Tobias wanting another child, they'd have to move out so an heir spouse could move in, so it's just a bit earlier than we planned on."

"That's not all it affects Watcher!"

"What do you mean?"

"Odette and Chase are both human, and Chase doesn't have a double life-span like the Frio family members who've all been gifted with it since JoAnna Frio's genie wish. He should have joined the family ghosts before we left this town! If they move out, he could die and we won't have his urn to take with us!"

"Thanks for reminding me about that Lorelei. I hadn't taken that into consideration. I'll have to check Chase's lifetime happiness points and see if he can buy some age freeze potion to keep him safe!"




After discussing housing needs with the family architect MrsFlynn, I place a build, Angelic, that she's made for me specifically for Starlight Shores, onto the empty lot at 464 Shoreline Point.

It's a 3 bedroom, 3 bath home with a full empty basement, and it's beautiful, perfect for our house-hunting couple.




I tweak it just a bit, adding instruments in the empty loft room for Odette.




A dining area next to the bar counter, which I changed from an L-shape to seating for three, so she can host bigger family gatherings.

The only thing the living room lacked was a TV, so I add a small one as Odette prefers to paint and play music.




This home has plenty of space without the basement so, with MrsFlynn's permission, I remove that too.

A stereo, a computer desk, and two easels where the basement stairs had been, gives Odette her art alcove and Chase a place to play video games to his heart's content.




A large L-shaped pool out back, complete with hot tub, two lounge chairs, and a bit of landscaping, and the home is complete!




That's when I notice that Villa De Grande at 460 Shoreline Point, the home between the Frio home and Angelic, is empty!




And so is the one across the road from Angelic, Neonuevo, at 465 Shoreline Point!

A wonderful thought enters my mind, how perfect would it be to have all the Frio family living on the bluff above the beach on Shoreline Point!?!




So I spend a ridiculous amount of time making each home perfect for the three couples.

Deciding that, since Neonuevo is the smallest home with only two bedrooms, it will be the home for Odette and Chase.

So I renovate the garage from an exercise room with a pool table, to a music studio for Odette, but leave a treadmill for Chase, to help keep his elder self in shape.

I replace the double bed in the main floor bedroom with two twin beds, perfect for visiting grandchildren.




The upstairs master is amazing, so I don't have to do anything with that, but the attached bath was open to the bedroom, which I don't care for, so I enclosed it so it was more private and added an upscale shower.

The siting area upstairs already has a bookcase and a computer, so I only have to add a couple of easels   and it's perfect for Odette and Chase.




Neonuevo might be the smallest home, bedroom and bathroom wise, but it's got the biggest price tag, almost $190,000!

Probably because all of it's high dollar furnishings, including this amazing pool area in the very private backyard, which only needed a hot tub and a teppanyaki grill, since Odette started using the one at the main Frio home.




When I open up Villa De Grande, it's layout is a bit more difficult to play with, especially since it's on a sloped lot.

But I think I can make it work for Phyllis, Jeffery, and their two sons.




The kitchen had the cheapest refrigerator, so I replace it with a much better model and added more  counter space as well as a food processor.




Then I added a stereo where the bookcase was and moved the bookcase between the two chairs, making it into a library alcove.

A stroller and some toddler toys and the main floor is set.




I only have to add a blue little sister crib for Jace, another twin bed, and some toys to the smaller bedroom on the 2nd floor, as the master bedroom and baths were already nicely done.




The attic is a teen paradise complete with bed, computer, pinball, a guitar, and a TV and video gaming system, so I just add a rockin' rider, and I know that Van will love it, even more so when he becomes a teen!




And the backyard, with it's large garage and beautiful pool, was already amazing, though I did add a spring rider, a turtle sandbox, and a water slide, so the kids could have some fun.

Looking at the photo, I probably should have added a fence, but I've not had a sim fall of a cliff yet, so they're probably safe enough.




And the view is amazing, just look at the beautiful ocean!

I can almost hear the water lapping against the shore and feel the cool breeze on my face.




Angelic already has a nursery and a kids' room, so I decide it would work best for Marisol and Kirk, and their twins, especially since I've already turned the small room upstairs into a music studio, something that Kirk will definitely enjoy!

I add a 2nd crib to the nursery, the larger water slide over by the pool and a playground for the twins, complete with spring riders, swings, and turtle sandbox.

And I'm finally done!




But Chase and Odette have a few more things to accomplish before they actually move out, so I head back to the house to get things in motion.

And I find Janette encouraging Cassidy to take a few steps.




Then she teaches her a few words.

But Cassidy isn't much interested in learning to talk, she passes on 'toothbrush', 'bench', 'bug', and 'suitcase'.

Just as Janette's ready to give up and ask Tobias for some help, since Cassidy looks beyond bored, she surprises Janette by repeating 'cooking'!




Janette is so excited by that small breakthrough, that she says, "Mommy finds clues in the trash!"

Cassidy repeats 'trash', but she still looks preoccupied, staring off and squirming a bit.




That's when Janette finally realizes that another important toddler skill must be addressed immediately.

Potty training!!!




With Cassidy much more comfortable, even though she's sitting in front of a nasty potty now, Janette says, 'clouds', and is rewarded by Cassidy repeating it!




That's when I get the message that Alora Platt is stuck, so I click on her icon in the message and zoom into town.

She doesn't seem to be stuck as she's just standing on the street corner holding her baby sister, Janie.

But she had aged up to a young adult and still had that awful mohawk.

So I make good on my promise and pop her into stylist and this is the result.

Alora definitely has interesting genetics with very large eyes and a rather pointy nose, along with a narrow jawline.

But I think she looks infinitely better with some make-up, a cc hairstyle that I found and didn't even know I had, and some cute clothes.




And what's my reward for her make-over?

I get a message saying that Danielle Platt and her brood of five, new young adult Alora, teen Robbie, toddler Janie, toddler Vincent, and nooboo Cari, have bought a new home after coming into some money.

And their new home?

None other than my Angelic, the home that was meant for Marisol, Kirk, and their twins!

I just stare at the screen in shock with my mind racing, thinking, *NOW WHAT DO I DO!?!*

But I don't give up easily, which is typical of most Watcher's, and I decide there's only one solution.

I'll tell you all about it in Chapter 282: Exercise In Futility--Part 2
Coming soon.

[deedee_828]

I race across town and use testing cheats to buy/build on Steve Cupp's fabulous lot.

He dislikes children so I've let Danielle raise their kids alone in her small house all this time, but he's going to have to man (ghost?) up, take some responsibility for his family now and share his home!

Especially since his girlfriend has ruined all my carefully laid plans, not to mention all the time it took to renovate those homes!

With the main floor being open concept and huge, I enclose what was the 'library' wing, turning it into a fabulous nursery for three, complete with cribs, napping mats, potty chairs, toddler toys, and three adorable single beds.




Upstairs on the 2nd floor, I put flooring down to make the nursery private and revamp the railings since it's no longer open to the floor below.

Then I remove the double bed from the larger master bedroom, dividing the room into two, and placing two upscale single beds in each one, to accommodate Alora, Robbie, and Yolanda Lemon, who's been living here with Steve since I stole the lot her house was on for my Frio family's home. (Sorry, not sorry.)




The house has so much to offer that it doesn't need anything else from me, and the backyard is already gorgeous.

The three-car garage even has a bar and a bathroom with two showers!




Then I cross my fingers and use edit town to move Danielle and her family in with Steve.

I'm worried because little Vincent is a ghost, and ghosts sometimes disappear from the neighborhood completely, if you move them to a different home!

And when I go back to live mode, I get a NRaas error message about a dematerialization!

I zoom over to the Cupp home to find everyone there safe and sound, even ghostly nooboo Vincent!

I watch for a bit and Danielle even picks him up and heads into the house.

Whew, everything's okay!

Except for poor cowardly Alora dropping to the sidewalk in a faint when she sees ghostly Steve!

Sorry girl, you'll just have to deal or move into your own place.

Of course, I was so freaked by then that I didn't take any photos of that, but I've managed to open up Angelic for Kirk and Marisol, so mission accomplished!

I head back to the house and find Jonas busy working on an ice sculpture.




When he's finished, I'm in awe because it's Odette and she looks gorgeous in ice!

Unfortunately she's only #4, so we have to sell it quick before it melts, which nets Jonas about $1100 simoleans.

I make myself a promise that once Jonas can sculpt in ice and not have it melt, we will make another statue of Odette, maybe ones of the whole family!

If he can do that before we leave Starlight Shores, since he still has to master painting and inventing and he's only at level 6 in both of those areas.




I hear toddler laughter upstairs, and find Tobias tickling Bella.

Tobias' wide-eyed enjoyment and big smile make me smile too, as being family-oriented, it's obvious he's having just as much fun as she is.




But someone who's not having fun is Odette, because Janette is NOT happy to learn that her parents are looking for their own place.

"What do you mean you've found the perfect house for Mom and Dad!?! Our house is perfect the way it is, with all of the family that's currently in it! No one is moving!"

Marisol looks frantically from her enraged sister's face to her step-mother's resigned one and finally says, "But there's no more room for another child and you know Tobias wants one. Mom and Dad were just trying to give him the space to make that possible. And I've found not one, but three places, all on the end of the point, so all of our families can be together! I know I said Phyllis and I wanted to let our kids grow up together, Mom, but…well, I'm expecting again and Phyllis and Jeffery want to have another child too, so it's time we established separate homes."

Odette is quick to offer congratulations to Marisol, thrilled that another grandchild is on the way, even if, technically, they don't count as her own.




But Odette knows it's not Marisol that needs to explain about the house hunt, so she takes Janette aside and quickly apologizes, "I'm so sorry you found out this way honey. Your father and I should have told all of you that we were looking for our own place and that Marisol was helping us out. She had no idea we hadn't mentioned it to you, or your sister, yet. Please don't blame her for our mistake!"




This time Janette doesn't let emotion overcome her common sense and even before Odette's finished with her apology, Janette is waving it aside, saying, "Oh, I'm sorry for exploding like that Mom! It was just such a shock to hear you and Dad were moving out. I understand really, especially about Tobias wanting another child. It's just…I'm really going to miss having you both living with us. But I guess it's time for Jemma and me to grow up and take over our responsibilities as co-heirs. And…I'll be apologizing to Marisol…again. Here she is expecting, all thrilled about the coming nooboo, finding three houses for all of you and I lose it again! Boy, I can see why Jonas keeps getting into trouble, that trait is so difficult to keep under control!"

"But you were quicker to pick up on that this time, Janette, so that's progress."

"Which doesn't excuse me from having to apologize, but I guess it's better than the last time."




Marisol is having a heart-to-heart with Chase saying, "I'm sorry I let the cat out of the bag, Dad! And ruffled Janette all up again too!"

But Chase pulls her into a hug, saying, "Oh, that's not your fault sweetheart. I'm just thrilled to hear about all of us being able to live near by one another again! I've missed having you around and now another grandbaby! Tell me all about the  three properties you've found!"

"The Watcher was a big help there Dad, as it looked like we might lose out on one of them, but the Watcher fixed that too. I think you and Mom will be quite pleased with the one we've chosen for your new place."




Leaving Janette to apologize to Marisol privately, Odette and Chase head back to the main home and break the news to Jemma.

This time Chase does the apologizing, "We're really sorry we didn't tell you all when we first decided Jemma! It's caused a bit of a ruffle between Marisol and Janette again, but your Mother smoothed it over and Janette was quick to see the truth of it this time."

"Oh, Dad, no need for an apology. I'm going to miss having you and Mom here, ready to help out, give advice, but I understand the reasoning behind it. Tobias hasn't said anything to me about having another child, because he knows how I feel about kids, but I know he wants one, especially with Bella getting older. And it's time you and Mom had some time on your own without everything so hectic."




But a ringing phone behind them has everyone turning to Odette, and when she gets off the phone, her words are startling, "That was Marisol. The house that she and Kirk were looking at is already off the market! She got a call from Steve Cupp who was overjoyed to tell her that he and Danielle just moved into Angelic, the home on the point that she'd lived in briefly before moving in with Steve. Turns out that she fell in love with it and finds it much homier than Steve's modern mansion! But he's leaving that property to Yolanda, and the older Platt children, Alora and Robbie, have decided to keep living there too."

I'm just stunned and, as Odette's words ring in my ears, a message pops up telling me that what she's just said is true!

Steve and Danielle and their three children, Janie, Vincent, and Cari, are now next door neighbors living in Angelic, again!

And though little Vincent managed to survive the first move, with Steve being a ghost, there's no way I'm trying that again, and taking the chance I could lose either or both of them!




So, with all their spirits dampened, mine most of all, after renovating four houses to make them perfect for specific families, I decide we better get Odette and Chase moved into Neonuevo before someone else in town comes into money and buys it!

Odette rushes over to the computer and quickly fills in the required information and Neonuevo is their new home!




Seeing their icons blip off my household list fills me with a touch of sadness, but grandparents moving out has become part of the routine in our journey, and better that than the alternative of having them meet Grim!

Jemma quickly hugs her father goodbye, and Chase laughs and says, "We'll be just down the road, close enough for you to berate my ignorance any time you feel like it!"

"Oh, I  know dad! But it just won't be the same, I'm going to miss you so much! I promise to come visit soon."

But seeing that look in Tobias' eyes, I know what's on his mind!




Tobias doesn't waste a minute of the opportunity he's been granted, and he tracks down Jemma helping Bella with her music skill.

Despite popping negative moodlets being around the toddlers, (we were wrong that it might actually only refer to children), Jemma's mood is so high that the -10 hit doesn’t faze her in the least, and I find her autonomously parenting both her daughter, Bella, and her niece, Cassidy.




Tobias doesn't want to interrupt the music lesson between mother and daughter but he's overjoyed when Cassidy wakes up from her nap and heads straight for the peg box.

Seeing the two toddlers playing happily together, he grabs Jemma's hand and gives it a loving squeeze, one she recognizes immediately, as he tugs her out of the nursery.




And he whisks her off to their bedroom for some romantic couple time!




Tobias isn't the only one with babies on his mind as I find Jonas dreaming of blocks nearby in his own bed!

But, does that mean he wants another child too, or just that he wants to spend some time with Cassidy?

I check Jonas' wishes and, though he does have one to chat with Cassidy, there isn't one about wanting another child, so for now, I guess it's just the latter.




Our current residents are all safe and sound at home, except for Janette, who's trying to solve, A Spook Story, her 15th case.

According to the mausoleum director, urns and gravestones have come up missing at an alarming rate.

A perusal of the premises had Janette finding goo all over the place.

Goo that, once she had it analyzed at the science lab, was determined to be ghostly ectoplasm, pointing to a restless spirit as the culprit!

But Janette's not convinced based on such superficial evidence, so it's time for another stake out, this time at Lidview Cemetery in the pouring rain!




And despite overhearing a multitude of conversations in four or five different stake-out spots, the only things she sees of interest is the third paparazzi, Jeannine Wilbur, who can spot a celebrity even if they're hiding behind two bushes!

This makes me sigh in relief as those messages about lacking a paparazzi will finally stop!




But my relief is short-lived as the sun rises and a crowd appears along with some mutated creature!

This has Janette tossing her bushes aside and leaping up, though I think that was because she was startled by the sounds of a school bus rather than knowing about the horrific thing behind her.




But moments later, the poor little dog resumes it's natural shape and runs off.

As does Janette, runs off I mean.

I guess she got tired of crouching down behind bushes in the rain being as cold as her case is.




I head back to the house to hear that my two love birds are still being romantic, and pop in to see I've entered at a most inopportune time, but so has someone else.

I stare at Samuel in disbelief hoping I can mind meld with him so he'll leave the room, but he just smiles and watches the heart petals fall across the bed!




Once Jemma becomes aware of his presence, being so in tune with ghosts, she is not interested in mind-melding at all as she shouts, "For goodness sake Samuel, you could at least give us a moment of privacy!!!"

But Samuel's already drifting carelessly past Tobias, who has leaped out of the bed.

That's when Jemma looks right at me and says, "You too Watcher!!! You, of all people, should know better!!!"

"Oh, right. Excuse me for the invasion of privacy. But…did you guys hear a lullaby? I was so shocked to find Samuel here that I didn't notice."

"Watcher!!!"

"Okay, okay, I'm going."




Since my presence is neither needed nor wanted upstairs, and the toddlers are still happily playing in the original nursery, I take the time to move their cribs and other nursery paraphernalia into Odette and Chase's former bedroom.

It's not a lot larger but I'm pulling my hair out watching my four parents walk all the way out to the living room whenever I ask one of them to feed a toddler on the floor in the current nursery!

So I'm hoping this room will be large enough to do that right within it's four walls.




Well, it's been quite the adventure the last two chapters, all that renovating, all those plans…Marisol expecting, Phyllis and Jeffery talking about having a third child, and now no kid-friendly home to move them into.

I mean, without Marisol living in Angelic, there's really no point in moving Phyllis and Jeffery across town into Villa De Grande.

And with more kids, that home just won't do for either family.

So I'll have to come up with a new plan.

Hopefully one I'll implement a little faster so no one steals it!

And since Jemma's being so hush-hush about the recent happenings in her bedroom, I don't know if that plan came to fruition either.

Follow along and we'll find out soon enough in Chapter 283: Better Plans and a Stubborn Case
Coming soon.

[deedee_828]

While I mull over better plans for the housing situation, the males in the family focus on skilling.

Jonas takes advantage of having another sim nearby and asks the current maid, who's name I've not paid any attention to, Kasey maybe, to pose for an ice sculpture.




It turns out quite nicely, and is sold before it melts.




Upstairs in the art gallery, Tobias starts working on another painting, one that begins with his final skill point, so I choose a large canvas to give him plenty to work with.

"This is it, Tobias! This one last point and you will complete your lifetime wish!"

"Yes…and that would happen much faster if I wasn't being distracted…"




Taking the hint, and trying to make up for being a peeping tom, I find Janette in the new nursery, playing with her niece, Bella, while Cassidy snuggles down on the napping mat.

Seeing these two together, their skin tones are a very close match, with Bella's being just a tad lighter, I think.

Which makes sense since Bella's is on the lighter end being Tobias' intensity, and Janette's is mid-way down being Chase's intensity.

It's nice we've gotten to keep the white/black slider skin tone for another generation, a nice remembrance for Rory's Winchester/Hyde Midnight Hollow roots.




But once Cassidy wakes from her nap, Janette doesn't waste any time helping Cassidy to master talking.

Seeing Jemma on the stairs, I'm trying to discern if she has a baby bump but seeing her normal summer every day outfit, that's not likely.

But what is Tobias doing with his laptop?

"Hey, I thought you were painting? You know, working on your last skill point to master painting and complete your lifetime wish?"

"I'm aware of the significance Watcher. But if you'll notice I still need to work on completing my 'write 25 novels wish' and I'm only on 22!"

"Well, seeing as you're the closest one to completing your lifetime wish, I guess you can spare a few moments to write another novel. Especially since you write them so fast now!"

"My thoughts exactly. I'm glad we're in agreement Watcher."




When I turn my attention back to Janette and Cassidy, I find Janette holding out her hands and encouraging Cassidy to walk towards her.

"Shouldn't you finish teaching her to talk before working on walking?"

"I did. With all the work we did previously, it only took one word and she was done!"

"And I missed it!?!"

"Apparently so Watcher."

"Well, since all of you are busy here, I'll scout around town and see if I can find an appropriate lot and home for Marisol's family."




After an extensive perusal of my library, I find another beautiful MrsFlynn build that was actually a collaboration, with me doing the furnishing and decorating, for a home for a simming friend of ours, meant specifically for Starlight Shores!

It's called Larkies and, with said friend's permission, I'm using it here in my Starlight Shores, though it's so amazing that I'm regretting not using it for my main family.

Here's the main floor that opens to a formal entry, then expands to a great room that has the kitchen, dining area, and living area, all within site lines of each other.

The small area to the back of the main floor has a small master bedroom with attached bath, and a 2nd half bath/laundry across from a small nursery.

Since the nursery is so small, I made the covered porch into a playroom, complete with a rocking chair for adult supervision and relaxation.

The backyard boasts a kid's playground, along with a private hot tub area for adults, and a fire pit, for all to enjoy.




The second floor has 4 bedrooms, a large en suite master with it's own sitting area, done in greens, at the back.

A smaller master bedroom done in lilac on the right side.

And two kids' room, one for boys done in bright blues with bunk beds, and one for girls done in mint green, with two single beds.

A second bath, and a sitting area, with computer desks, completes this floor.




The basement, though, wow, the basement is incredible as MrsFlynn had put in this amazing indoor pool area!

I added the pool floats, and seating, and found the perfect place for that huge wall fish tank!

Off the pool area, there's a community bathroom with two separate showers for convenience and privacy.




And I know that Kirk will just flip over the music studio down here!

It has all the instruments a music lover could want, plus posters giving their tribute to past stars, as well as a bar, and seating for an appreciative audience.




It even has an exercise room with a sauna nearby!

Nothing but the best for our starlet and up and coming rock star!




There's only one bedroom down here, but it's also a music lover's dream being made up of items from the Store sets, Front Row Center and Loud, Fast, Clash.

I really had fun making this as I'd never really looked at either of those sets before.

It has it's own attached bath as well, though you can't see it from this photo.




Here's a view of the entire basement.

Truly an extravagant area that makes this home worthy of Starlight Shores and it's Hollywood-like atmosphere.




I place it on a large empty lot that's much closer to the film studio lot, as well as the main Frio home and Chase and Odette's new place, making it even more perfect as Kirk and Marisol's new home!




And though this home boasts that amazing pool in the basement, I used the extra space of the larger lot to add a pool near the hot tub, though it's now fall and the weather has turned a bit colder.

I'm even more thrilled with this home for Marisol, Kirk, and their growing family!

So I didn't waste a moment getting them moved in via edit town, and leaving their former home for Phyllis, Jeffery, their two boys, and baby number three that's due soon, to call their own!

I'll make sure and have the main family visit sometime soon.




I take a deep breathe, glad that the renovating and decorating is finished, and that Marisol and her family are moved in without any further home stealing.

That's when I get the notice that the Elson family may have to move as their home is too small!

Seriously!?!

I quickly locate said home and do yet another renovation, one that was really past due as the Elson's have three daughters now, Cecily, Carolyn, and Caitlyn!

I extended the home on the right side, made a proper living room, with a library and computer area, and a dedicated nursery behind it, with two little sister cribs, in a rather startling shade of yellow.

The lone bathroom down here got a nice shower/tub combo.

I enlarged the kitchen and gave them upgraded appliances and a nicer dining set, as well as a highchair.




I also added a 2nd floor with two bedrooms, complete with two twin beds in each one, and another bath.

The community area up here has a dominoes table and an easel, while the small front balcony has a chess set.

The balcony on the back has a telescope, so plenty of items to learn logic and have a bit of fun at the same time.




For pure fun, I add a hopscotch court to the driveway, a sandbox, a busy bee spring rider, and a climbing tower in the small side yard.

Hopefully, this will keep them happy, but I've done extensive renovations on homes before, and like Danielle Platt, had them move anyway!




When I return to the main Frio home, I find Jonas busy working on another topiary.

He really enjoys making sculptures, and most of his wishes focus on that skill, even though he's mastered it and should be working on his painting and inventing.

But I'm really enjoying seeing his progress in the different mediums, as well as helping him to master some of the challenges.

He's already a Chiselmaster, having made 20 sculptures, which means it takes about 25% less time for him to make sculptures now.

And he only needs a few more topiaries and wood sculptures, plus five metal ones, to make 5 of each medium and become a Master Sculptor, which will make all sculptures after that 25% more valuable.

Prolific Sculptor is achieved by making 35 sculptures and after that all sculpting materials, even scrap, are free.

And of course, Ice Personality, where once you've made 25 ice sculptures, they no longer melt.

Thanks to Carl's sculpting guide for all of that information.




But once he's finished with Anna the Panda, Jonas starts sneezing uncontrollably.

I read in Carl's guide that topiaries are actually the best money maker, but it looks like Jonas may be allergic, so after those five needed for the Master Sculptor challenge, he may not be making them anymore!




Jemma's been wanting to hang out with her father, but they don't seem to be home whenever Jemma's available.

So I try to track them down with Nraas>MC>Focus and it tells me Odette is here at the bistro lot.

But it's not Odette that stands out against the gloomy darkness, it's Steve Cupp and his toddler son, Vincent, their bright blue ghostly forms lighting up the darkness like cobalt beacons!

I'm thrilled to see them alive…well, ghostly, and enjoying some father/son bonding time!




But seeing my active ghosts reminds me of Janette's case at Lidview Cemetery, so I pop over there to see if anything is going on.

And find another ghostly specter, poor JoAnn Norman, this one clearly not active, but a vibrant lilac/lavender that's glowing amid the darkened cemetery!




I don't waste any time in sending Janette here to try another stake out and, hopefully, move this case along.

But despite seeing the ghostly JoAnn Norman eyeing two suspicious residents whispering, Isaac Luck and Mitch Lee, nothing comes of it.




And Janette does stake-out after stake-out, staying until dawn, where she sees a clandestine meeting taking place between Brandon Woods, the town's new mayor, and Willard Wright.

They whisper back and forth, with Janette listening avidly, and she even witnesses the passing of a sheaf of papers.

But the case still doesn't progress!




I'm probably just as disappointed as Janette, though at least I'm warm and dry, whereas she's been spending way too much time in a dark, cold, and wet, cemetery.

So we call it a night and she heads home to warm up and get some much needed sleep as she forgot the motive mobile and used one of the police cars.

Hopefully, we'll figure out what we've missed and get this case solved, as it's really holding up her progress.

And with the change in the weather, the Fall Festival comes to town, but fall, winter, and spring are short seasons here in Starlight Shores, so if we want to check out any of the Festivals, we'll need to act fast.

Follow along as we head into Chapter 284: Family Fun
Coming soon.

[deedee_828]

Since I couldn't find Odette and Chase in town last time, I try again, and this time, manage to send them home.

Once they arrive, I send Jemma over to visit, as she's wanted to hang out with her father since he left the main home.

And Odette greets Jemma quickly after she rings the bell.




What I don't expect to find is Forest Woods scampering across the lawn and hiding behind a bush to spy on the them!

I may have to seriously reconsider his viability as a spouse for Bella!

He's only thee days older than she is, and just recently became a child, but hiding out in a bush and spying on the Frio family?

Either he's insane or he wants to be a private investigator, and neither one actually appeals to me at the moment, as I've already got my hands full with one crazy co-heir couple, and a case that seems to be stuck.

But maybe he's just in awe of their celebrity status?

Since I really don't know why he's hiding behind the bush, I guess I can cut him some slack and keep him on the list for now, especially since we don't have a very long list at this point.




Odette and Jemma don't pay any attention to Forest, heading inside and eagerly catching up on family news.

Chase, hearing Jemma's voice, hurries out to greet her.

And if you notice that small gray ball of fur on the floor?

That's the newest Frio family member, a kitten adopted by Odette, who's name is Coal.




"Wow! This place sure is nice Dad! And I'm real glad you and Mom picked a place so close to our home, so much easier to visit. Marisol's closer too, and from what she tells us, the Watcher provided a truly amazing home for her, Kirk, and the twins. We'll definitely have to visit soon and check it out."

"Your mother and I are planning a visit soon too, to spend time with the twins, and of course, the new little one once it arrives."

Seeing her father shoot a quick glance at her bare midriff, Jemma shakes her head and says, "No news for me on that score yet Dad!"

"I know it's Tobias that wants another child Jemma, but…is that what you really want?"

"No, I'm not wishing for another child, but we all know with my trait that won't ever happen. But I find myself gravitating to the nursery to help care for Bella and Cassidy, even if it's just to play with them. So I'm dealing Dad, better than I ever expected to really, and surprising myself, as much as the Watcher, with some of my wishes!"

Since these two are deep in conversation, and Coal's content to watch and listen, I go track Odette down.




I find her upstairs in the alcove painting and pop in two large windows, so in the daytime, she'll have more natural light.

"Thank you Watcher! That's very much appreciated. I must say, for an EA home, this one is quite well appointed, but I'm guessing I have you to thank for the easels and the Teppanyaki grill outside?"

"You're welcome Odette! It was my pleasure tweaking this place with you and Chase in mind. It didn't need much at all to make it perfect for both of you. Though I was surprised when you adopted a kitten right after moving in! I'll make sure I add some cat items before we leave, so Coal feels like this is his home too."

Odette mumbles, "Thanks, Watcher."

But I can tell she's totally focused on her painting so I leave her to it and go back downstairs.




Laughter has me following the source to the kids' room on the main floor, where I find Jemma and Chase in a furious pillow fight.

Breathless Jemma pants, "Oh, Dad, I'd forgotten just how much fun this is! I will definitely have to do this with Bella after her child birthday!"

Hearing his daughter speak of playing with her own daughter so easily relieves Chase of his worries that Jemma is thinking of another child solely to please Tobias.

He realizes that her unfortunate trait is just one she works to overcome, not one that's overwhelmed her.




And once Jemma gets home, what's the first thing she does?

Goes to the nursery to make sure Bella is covered with the blanket on the napping mat!

"You really are strong aren't you Jemma? Just pushing that trait aside, time and time again!"

"If I've learned nothing else on this journey Watcher, I've at least learned that you can give in, or give up your life, to a trait, letting it control you, or you can take charge and show it who's boss! I prefer to do the latter!"




And with that thought uppermost in her mind, she tracks down Janette, and starts talking about their toddlers!

"I never realized just how easy it would be to focus on Bella and Cassidy and ignore that trait! I'm so glad I didn't give up on being an heir, getting married, and having a family! I wouldn't have wanted to miss this for the world! Are you and Jonas planning on having another baby?"




Janette scratches her head thoughtfully, "Not yet. We really haven't talked about it, but with me still having so many cases to solve to complete my lifetime wish, I'm not sure I could take the time off."

"Being self-employed, you aren't forced to take maternity leave, you barely took any time off when you were carrying Cassidy! And if you remember to use the motive mobile, all your needs stay maxed!"

"That's true. But then that would mean leaving the childcare to Jonas once the baby was born, and he still has a lot of inventing and painting to do. But maybe I should give another child some thought, discuss it with Jonas and see what he thinks about a bigger family? Though, are you sure you want to live in a home with four kids?"

"I'll deal with it! And you know Tobias will gladly take up any slack if I get too bummed out or if you and Jonas are busy. He only needs that one painting skill point to fulfill his lifetime wish, so he'll have more than enough spare time to spend with the babies, toddlers, and children!"

"And he'll actually enjoy it more than any of us! But…more kids will mean we can't all continue the journey. How is Tobias going to feel about that?"

"He hasn't mentioned it, so I'm guessing he's not thinking about that right now. Plenty of time after an heir is determined to figure that part out. After all, Bella and Cassidy are still toddlers, so we've got 4-6 weeks, at least, before it comes down to thinking about moving to the next town."




Inside, Jonas is snuggling a just awakened Bella, while Jemma picks up a very sleep Cassidy.

The girls have gotten on two very different sleep schedules, but the nice thing about the napping mats is that the toddlers can use them themselves, taking a nap whenever they want to, and not be trapped in a crib when they wake up.




But with the girls settled, Bella with a toy, and Cassidy already asleep on the napping mat, Jemma and Tobias flirt a bit.

With Jemma asking, "Care to watch the stars with me handsome? There's only a sliver of moon, so we should be able to pick out some bright ones."

Tobias laughs and says, "Cuddled up on the lawn with you in the dark, I won't be thinking about stars! Let's go!"

Since I'm still trying to make up for intruding into their bedroom, I hang back and just chill in the kitchen, until I hear a toddler giggle coming from the family room.




I find the giggler, Bella, peeking out of the toybox that I've placed in the family room, along with the musical toys, to expand the girls play area.




She pops down and quickly back up with a toy boat and a big grin!

Watching toddlers play in the toy box  is one of my favorite parts of the game, so I've been here awhile when I get pulled outside…




To not only find the sun casting pink rays of dawn over the house, but over Jemma and Tobias too.

With Jemma wearing oddly mismatched clothes!

And my grin is almost as big as Bella's when I hear her say, "Oh, I guess we all missed that lullaby!"

"Lullaby?" Tobias repeats, his mind focused on the latest book he wants to read.

"Tobias! I'm pregnant! That baby you want is on the way!"




Tobias immediately focuses on Jemma, his face lighting up with joy at her words, but even more so as he sees her happy smile!

He does all the normal expectant daddy actions, talking, listening, and rubbing her barely rounded tummy.

As the sun rises higher and lights up the morning, he pulls her in for a warm embrace, whispering, "Seeing you so happy as you give me that welcome news makes me even happier! I love you so much Jemma!"

"I love you too Tobias, and Bella, and our expected child! No trait is ever going to prevent me from doing that!"

And with those words, Jemma pops a wish for another daughter and so does Tobias!




To celebrate their joyous news, and fulfill wishes, Jemma, Tobias, and Bella, all go to the Fall Festival.

Jemma lets Bella ride on the black cat spring rider, with Bella's big smile showing how much she enjoys the ride.

Jemma claps and returns Bella's smile, happy that her young daughter wasn't scared of the hissing noises or the cats bared teeth.




Tobias bravely enters the haunted house, but comes out shivering as he swears he felt the touch of a ghost!

The very thought sending a cold chill up and down his spine.




But their family isn't the only one out enjoying the festival, as I spot Craig Elson happily scanning the grounds, his love of the fresh air as plain as the smile on his face.

Though that loving look was firmly directed at…




His wife Emily and their two older daughters, Cecily and Carolyn.

Caitlyn was too young to attend, still being a nooboo, but they taken the opportunity to enjoy the festival and brisk fall air with their older girls.




Then we spot more familiar faces as we find Marisol and Kira May at the festival too,  both sporting pink colored outfits!

Though they both look rather concerned, a bit alarmed even, at the spooky Fall Festival decorations and atmosphere.




But Jemma enjoys being there, letting Bella play with her doll, and just thinking about her pregnancy.




The trio conclude their day with a commemorative family photo.

Notice how both Jemma and Bella are both shades of brown instead of gray?

That's how they look in their icons in my portrait panel as well.

I've never been able to figure that out, how sims in my games can have such different skin tones between CAS/Stylist, their portrait panel icons, and their look in game.

If anyone has a theory, or more concrete evidence, about that, please feel free to share it with me!




Tobias immediately heads upstairs to the art gallery and starts painting.

"Shouldn't you finish the large painting you started previously? It drives me crazy having unfinished canvases and having to click on them to figure out who it belongs to! Granted, that's easier with Odette and Chase in their own place, but still…"

Tobias sighs and says, "I did finish it Watcher! And I started this one as I haven't even reached the halfway point of my last painting skill point yet."




I spin around so I can still see Tobias and the easel in the corner, and that painting is indeed completed, but it's Tobias' clown face that startles me!

"When did you get your face painted!?!"

"At the festival, of course! Right before we left, after our family portrait."

"Well, that's certainly a different look for you! Scary even!"

Tobias sighs again, saying, "I asked for something tasteful but evocative of the season. The attendant's choice did leave me somewhat…underwhelmed. That's why I headed straight up here, to paint without giving Jonas a chance to see me like this. I know I'd never hear the end of it."

"You could just wash it off…"

"It cost $50 simoleans, so I'm going to wear it, and get something out of it! I'm hoping it will at least provide me with inspiration for this painting."




Luckily, I find Jonas downstairs snuggling Cassidy, so I think Tobias' secret is safe enough.

Though Jonas isn't as their maid snaps a candid photo of Jonas and Cassidy, though he's in back of them, so I'm not really sure how much it's worth.

Then I notice Jonas is all dressed up, "Wow, you look great! What's the occasion?"

"Oh, nothing special, just in the mood for my formal look. You know how it is with sims like me and Janette, always dressing to our inner self."

"I do indeed. Janette wearing her swimsuit is bad enough when she's interviewing a client, but her wedding dress…that really has them questioning hiring her! Though she's solved all her cases so far, except that glitched one with the combo business office/bistro, and the current one. Now that I think of that, maybe this case is glitched somehow too?"

"Maybe. How did you figure out the first case was glitched?"

"I read about it on the web, Carl's Forum, and other places."

"Then maybe you should do some research on the current case?"

"Now that's probably the best advice you've given me yet! Thanks Jonas!"

"No problem Watcher." Turning his attention back to his daughter he asks, "Would you like daddy to read you to sleep sweetie?'

Cassidy doesn't speak, just nods her head sleepily, snuggling deeper into her father's arms.




Jemma spent some time visiting Odette and Chase at their new home, with her comments about her family relieving Chase's worry about her having children just because Tobias wants them.

Which is a good thing to know since she's now expecting their second child!

Tobias' worries on the subject being relieved as well when Jemma adamantly told him that no trait would stop her from loving him or their children.

To prove that, the trio happily went on a family outing to the Fall Festival, where we saw other families enjoying the day, strangely enough, all with daughters!

Which makes me wonder if Jemma and Tobias will get their wishes, with the town being so full of girls.

Tobias has made progress on his last painting skill point, being almost half way through it, so completing his lifetime wish is drawing ever closer.

And I'm going to follow Jonas' suggestion to research Janette's case, to see what's going on with it or if it is known to be glitched.

I'll tell you all about my findings in Chapter 285: Parties, Traits, and Findings
Coming soon.

[deedee_828]

We rejoin the Frio family as Jonas' critiques his latest ice sculpture of the maid.

"You know, I think this one's even better than the last one! Thanks for helping me out Kasey!"

"Anytime Mr. Frio. You know I love posing for you, not only does it add to my hourly wages, but it's really given me an edge with the ladies, if you know what I mean! I was already popular being the maid to your family, but being one of your models, well, I've had dates every night this week!"

"Glad I could help you out. Have you picked any special lady as the one?"

"Oh no. I'm just having a good time right now, enjoying my time in the spotlight!"




Janette is having a good time too, as she attends her first costume party, coincidentally, dressed like a maid!

"How does it feel having this huge place all to yourselves, Jeffery?"

To my surprise, Jeffery answers pleasantly enough, "It's definitely taken some getting used to, going from eight of us to just four, but it'll be five soon enough. Though that will mean the kids will outnumber the adults, so that will definitely be another change. How are Marisol and Kirk settling in to their new home?"

"Oh, they've both been busy working, trying to reach their next promotions, before the new baby arrives, so they haven't been home much. But we'll visit as soon as we can after that happens."




Then Van joins them and starts chatting away to Janette, since they've been friends since his toddler years.

"Hi Ms. Frio, or should I call you Detective?"

"I'm not working at the moment Van, so Ms. Frio is fine, or you could go with something a bit more informal and call me Aunt Janette, since I've known your parents from back in our Hidden Springs days."

"I like the sound of Aunt Janette, but calling you Detective in front of my friends would be great, if you don't mind? I'm thinking about following in your footsteps and becoming a private eye like you!"

"I wouldn't mind at all Van, in fact, that's very flattering."

And though Janette and Van are happy about Van's aspirations, it's hard to tell if his father is.
 
Though I find it quite interesting that Jeffery's chosen a police officer costume when he's evil!




Then Janette spends some time with little Jace, which is the start of another budding friendship.

I was hoping interacting with Van and Jace would clue me in on if Janette's thinking about having another child, but no wishes appear.




Then Janette gets an invitation to yet another costume party, so she heads over to Kristin Laws home, in a much poorer section of town.

But despite the weeds in the yard, and mostly inexpensive furnishings in the humble home, Janette realizes that Kristin is actually rich!

But Janette's perceptive qualities don't stop there, as she gasps when she passes Sadie Steele on the porch.

"What's wrong Janette!?!"

"Not so loud Watcher, Sadie and Richter haven't announced it yet but I think Sadie's expecting!"

Since Sadie's wearing her normal everyday clothes, I frown, saying, "Are you sure?"

"It's just a feeling Watcher, but my feelings are usually spot on!"




But soon pregnancies are the last thing on Janette's mind as she chats with her hostess, just enjoying an adult party with no birthday cake in sight.




Then, as the lyrics from her favorite song start playing, she grins, and starts dancing!

Totally getting into the party mood as she shows off moves she's been practicing since she was a kid.

Seeing that big smile on her face, after not getting to attend one party, but two, I realize our resident party animal hasn't got to party much at all lately, except for birthday parties, not since her and Jemma's bachelorette parties.

I'm thinking we may need to rectify that oversight, especially with all the hot clubs here in town!

Over the music, Janette yells, "You can definitely count me in on that Watcher!"




With Janette having the time of her life, I pop back home to check on family and find Tobias contemplating his finished painting.

"It's very good! But not funny or anything, not like I thought it would be with you in clown make-up."

"It's not what I expected either Watcher, but it pretty much painted itself. I've never lived anywhere there were canals, just in the mountains in Hidden Springs, and now here, on the sunny West Coast, so I'm not sure what inspired it. Maybe it's a place I'll visit some day?"

"Stranger things have happened Tobias, so I wouldn't rule that out!"




On the main floor, I find Cassidy ready for bed, playing with the toy drum.

Well, trying to play with the toy drum, but, since it's in back of her, she's not having much success.

I'm guessing the toy drum is glitched or something, so I have her move to the xylophone while I reset it.




But when I check on her, she's not having any better luck with that toy, since she's sitting on it!

"No music, Watcher!" she pouts.

"Um, sweetie, it won't make music if you're sitting on it. It has to be in front of you."

Cassidy struggles and struggles but just can't seem to grasp the mechanics of it, though she does have a skill bar and seems to be making some progress.

I wonder if this is how her clumsy trait will manifest, make it just that little bit harder to do tasks that others do with ease?




In the basement, I find Jonas finishing up a clay sculpture, one that's quite beautiful.

He's really been focused on making five of each medium, since he focused so much on stone in the beginning, and were finally making headway towards that goal, with clay and wood being the furthest behind, with only two or three made in those mediums, so far.

But we're getting there.




And Jemma's rocking with Bella nearly asleep on her shoulder.

I whisper, "Don't you look like the perfect mother, rocking one to sleep while you're expecting her sibling. It's not something I ever expected to see."

"Me either Watcher. But I meant what I said to Tobias. I'm not going to let some old trait rule me. I'm stronger than that."

"You definitely are Jemma, something I think you inherited from some very strong ancestors, from your grandmother Cici and going all the way back to Founder Claire!"

"Well, I'm proud to call all of them family, and to be part of it. But…"

"Yes?"

"Something Janette mentioned has been on my mind lately, about more kids meaning some of us staying behind…"

"Well, currently, all of you could go, including the expected little one, but only the heir would have a spouse from SS, as that would be eight of you. Though I did allow Phyllis, Jeffery, and Van to tag along to SS, so I could make a few exceptions, for spare spouses possibly. But then that would also mean leaving your mother here with neither of her natural daughters or grandchildren."

"Oh, I hadn't thought of that! And if Tobias wants another child….that would mean…"

"Yes, whether it's you and Tobias or Janette and Jonas having another child, that would definitely mean one couple or the other would remain here in SS, depending on who becomes heir. But that's still a long way off Jemma. Let's try to take this one step at a time and enjoy each week."

"You're probably right Watcher. No sense worrying about the future, we need to live in the present. And that means bed for this little one."




Joining Tobias again, I find him finishing up a small painting as he finally reaches the halfway point of this final skill point, which feels like it's taking an unusually long time.

But his current work is actually a very cute rendition of a nursery rhyme, with a cow jumping over the moon, a painting I don't remember ever seeing before.

"For the nursery Tobias?"

"I know it doesn't match Odette's jungle theme, but I thought we might put one of the cribs back in the original nursery so the children don't disturb each other so much."

"That's actually a very good idea! Bella and Cassidy have such different sleep schedules, they're always waking each other up, so separate nurseries could alleviate that problem for Cassidy and this next little one."




With his painting completed, Tobias reads a pregnancy book in the nursery rocker, though I've never seen that help any of my expectant fathers.

Jemma picks up Cassidy for a diaper change and some snuggles.




Then she places Cassidy on the floor and gives her a bottle.

Seeing Bella sitting up in her crib despite how tired she is, has me deciding that Tobias is right about having two nurseries.

Bella won't be in the nursery much longer, but Cassidy still has a few toddler days ahead of her, and a crying baby or toddler won't help the other one a bit.




With both toddlers safely in the nursery, Tobias pats Jemma's tummy, his love for family and fatherhood showing clearly on his face.

"I hope this one looks even more like you Jemma, I can't think of anyone more beautiful than you! Glowing with a new life that will soon be joining our family!"




His loving pat for the coming baby turns into a romantic embrace that ends with a passionate kiss!

No need for my presence here!




I check on the toddlers one last time and find that Cassidy has fallen asleep on the napping mat.

But the poor little tyke has totally missed the pillow!

Was she just too tired to crawl that far?

Or is this another instance of her inherit clumsiness?

I just don't remember toddlers having such issues.

The napping mat is new cc for me, but the xylophone is a basic toddler toy and we've had the toy drum since Midnight Hollow, and I've never noticed a toddler having so much trouble with them.

But have we ever had a clumsy Frio family member before?

I can't remember, so I check my notebook and find that Adam and Sophie's Logan was clumsy!

And he ended up being the heir of generation 3, as well as completing his lifetime wish of becoming a renowned surgeon!

So…there's definitely hope for little Cassidy to achieve great things, despite that trait!




With both toddlers asleep, Jonas sculpting, and Jemma and Tobias engrossed in each other, I check the clock and realize it's about midnight.

My PI case research has provided a clue for stake-outs, timing is everything!

Since we've done stake-outs at the cemetery in the afternoon, early evening, very early morning, and at dawn, with no progress, maybe one at midnight will work?

And that's when Kristin Law thanks Janette for coming to her party, so the timing is perfect!

I send Janette to Lidview Cemetery and though she's barely had time to crouch down behind her two bushes, two sims walk towards her and, the case progresses!

Seems like one of the sims dropped a shopping list that had corn starch and food coloring on it!

It's so dark we can't really see them, but one of them recognizes Janette, as well she should, as it's her own sister, Marisol, a very pregnant Marisol, in fact, but it's the other sim that Janette follows home!




A quick search of the Martin's trash can reveals empty boxes of corn starch and bottles of food coloring, and the case breaks wide open---those are the ingredients for synthetic ectoplasm, so it's all fake, it's not ghosts that are stealing urns and headstones at the cemetery at all!




Time to confront the culprit!

Being exhausted from all his nocturnal shenanigans, Nigel Martin, who's just a teen, quickly breaks down and confesses.

He's been looking for love in all the wrong places, specifically the cemetery, stealing urns and gravestones hoping to find a ghostly love. But the trail of fake ectoplasm he left behind wasn't to pin the thefts on a ghost, but so the ghost could find him!

Since Nigel hasn't had any more luck in finding a ghostly love than he has a living one, he's promised Janette to return all the stolen property first thing in the morning.




Janette's not sure what the boy was thinking, but when she glances back and sees his parents in a lover's embrace, her only thought is, *No wonder the poor kid's so hung up on love! He just wants some for himself!*




Janette heads back to the cemetery, to chat with the mausoleum director and wrap up the case.

She comes out shaking her head saying, "He didn't even bat an eye when I told him who the culprit was and what was going on! He just said he's seen worse in his job. I shudder to think what that means!"

With no regrets, she tosses case #15 over her shoulder, where it's fiery death finalizes it's completion!




Back at the house, I find Cassidy playing at the blocks table after her nap.

And she seems to be doing this task without a problem at all, so I'm going to stop worrying about that trait, just ignore it, like Jannette and Jonas do.




Speaking of Jonas, I find him working on a project at the inventing table, using a blowtorch again.

"Is that safe?"

"Safe as it can be working with highly compressed gas that's flammable."

"That's not reassuring."

"Well, I can't help that but I do have a more pressing issue."

"What's that?'

"I'm almost out of scrap."

"We can just buy more, right there at the table, funds aren't an issue."

"I want to dig for my own scrap. I need very specific pieces."

"Well, I did place a junkyard in town, over by the lot where the gypsy wagon is on this end of the strip."

"Great! I'll head over there in the morning."

"Sounds like a plan. But, Jonas?"

"Yes, Watcher?"

"Please stick to digging for scrap and don't blow anything up, especially yourself!"

I realize my mistake as soon as I see the gleam in Jonas' eyes, as he asks, "I can blow things up!?!"

"No, absolutely not! That's what I'm telling you. Got it?"

He quickly looks back at his project, mumbling a noncommittal, "Hhmhhmm, got it Watcher."

"Why do I get the feeling you're going to ignore that part?"

"Um, I'm still working with flames here Watcher, you better let me focus!"




Janette got to attend two costume parties in one night, and finally solve her 15th case!

Tobias is coming ever closer to completing his lifetime wish with only half a painting skill point to go, with his and Jemma's baby due any day now!

Jonas has me worried a bit, will he stick to hunting for scrap or will he trying making some of is own!?!

And we've also got Bella's child birthday to celebrate!

I'll tell you all about it in Chapter 286: Big Events
Coming soon.

[deedee_828]

We join Tobias painting again, but there's nothing new in that.

Though while I was turning Odette and Chase's bedroom into the new nursery, I did come across this portrait of Odette, which I've hung here in a place of honor in the art gallery.

Her portrait is one I'm hoping to bring along throughout the rest of the journey, adding it to my collection of family portraits and favorite paintings of all our family artists.




Jemma's going a bit stir crazy being on maternity leave and just waiting for the baby to arrive.

I notice her private reading metric is a bit low, and family members do not accept readings well, so I send her across the road to offer readings to the Whitfield family.

Diane is eager to give it a try but she's a bit startled when Jemma plants her hand over her face, intoning, "My mind to your mind, your thoughts to my thoughts!"

But surprisingly, the reading goes well and Jemma increases her friendship with Diane as they catch up on each others news.




Her next client is Barry Whitfield, and he's grown into quite the handsome young man.

Barry accepts a reading too and only jerks a bit when Jemma slaps her hand across his face.

Jemma's the one smiling though when she says, "I think you should pop that question, you and Becky are a match made in heaven!"

Barry laughs and says, "My Mom told you I was thinking of proposing didn't she!?!"

Jemma just deepens her voice, intoning, "A metaphysical fabricator never reveals her secrets!"

Barry laughs even harder, asking, "Is that really even a thing?"

But he paid her and said he was going to take her advice, so we'll count that as another win.




And though the third time is supposed to be the charm, that doesn't happen when Jemma asks Jamar Whitfield if he'd like a reading!

As Jemma is explaining how it works, Diane tries to help by saying, "Stop acting like a llama and let the girl do her job!"

But that had Jamar setting his face into a deeper frown and his answer was a flat out, "No!"

Jemma apologized as Jamar thought she was being rude, and decided she'd outstayed her welcome in the Whitfield home and headed to Verde Park to see if anyone there would be interested in a reading.




Lanya Avilla is willing, and thankfully she's wearing sturdy boots when Jemma's hand has her rocking back on her heels.

But this reading goes well and earns Jemma a new friend!




Her last client ends up being Chad Luck, who assumes Jemma's actions are flirtatious and he asks her out on a date!

"If I wasn't a professional I would be very offended by that Mr. Luck. I'm married and expecting my husband's child! But I see strife for you in the near future, especially if you keep asking married women out on dates! There are plenty of single girls in town, I suggest you stick with them!"

Chad mumbles behind Jemma's palm, his tone a bit worried as he asks, "Your husband's not the crazy one, is he?"

"No, Mr. Luck, but both my brother-in-law and sister are! Jonas likes to play with blow torches for fun and my sister can break a space rock block with one hand! And she can track down anyone in town!"

Chad pales a bit but tries to bluff with, "Oh, that sister!!! I'm well acquainted with her, she likes to dance…"

"Dance fighting is a thing Mr. Luck, haven't you seen those movies?"

"Point taken. I'll take your advice under serious consideration!"

I laugh with Jemma as Chad Luck quickly pays Jemma and finds somewhere else to be!




At the junkyard, which is much quieter than I expected it to be, I find Jonas silently staring at a huge pile of junk.

"It's all scrap, Jonas, just dig through it until you have enough."

"Really, Watcher! As if that's the method an Avant Garde Inventor, Painter, and Sculptor would use! I would think you'd know me better than that by now! This is art we're talking about, not paint by numbers!"

"I see. So what are you doing exactly? What is this artistic method you speak of?"

But instead of answering me, Jonas stares even more intently at the junk pile, finally saying, "I'm waiting for it to speak to me, to tell me what it desires to be. Only then can I choose the correct pieces to form a true work of art!"

"Alrighty then… I'll leave you to commune… with your scrap…"

"Not scrap Watcher, my muse!"

"I thought Janette was your muse?"

Shaking his head at my apparent denseness when it comes to true art, Jonas' focuses on the junk pile once more.

I'm beginning to think that poor little Cassidy has bigger issues in her life than being clumsy.

Crazy parents for starters!!!




Then Jonas shouts, "I've found them Watcher, the perfect pieces!" as he starts digging furiously at the bottom of the towering pile.

I'd have been concerned by that, wondering if the whole pile would collapse on him, if I hadn't already experienced so many episodes of digging for scrap with Clarisse Frio, Adam's sister, back in Bridgeport.

In fact, it was Clarisse's fascination with blowing things up that had me cautioning Jonas, but now that I'm recalling that time, Clarisse was Eccentric, and not Avant Garde like Jonas, so maybe we're safe from explosions.

Maybe.




After finding all the scrap, excuse me, muse pieces, that he needs, Jonas makes a stop at City Hall to collect his Successful Sculptor's Medal for earning over $25,000 from his sold sculptures!

From the disappointed look on Jonas' face, you can tell he was hoping the medal was one he could wear, but it's mounted on a plaque, and meant only for display.

I try to cheer him up saying, "We'll find a special spot to display it Jonas, somewhere everyone can see it and you can be proud of the achievement."

"Thanks Watcher, but that won't quite be the same as wearing it, where I can feel it's presence and be inspired to even greater achievements."

"I'll find a spot in the basement, near the sculpting station, so you can see it while you work!"

Jonas says, "That might be sufficient…," but his hesitation let's me know he's not so sure about that.

To take his mind off it, I say, "It's almost time for Bella's birthday party to start, so you best head on home!"

"Right. You better check on Janette because she was heading out on another case when I left for the junk yard."

"Will do, Jonas. Thanks for letting me know."




 I find Janette on yet another stake-out and frown when she says, "Don't blow my cover Watcher. I'm waiting for a client."

That's when I check her case op and realize where she is, "I don't think stalking a child outside the school is going to look good Janette! And your party for Bella is starting soon, so you need to head home anyway. Better yet, you should have invited the boy to the party!"

"Oh, I did that Watcher."

"Then why are you staking out the school?"

"Um, to get a feel for the boys environment, see him interact with his peers, make sure he's a worthwhile client?"

"Nice try, but he's a kid. Would checking him out to make sure he's a worthwhile friend for Bella be closer to the mark?"

"Maybe…."

"Whatever your reasons, Bella's party is starting soon and you don't want to miss a party!"




I leave Janette to make her own way home and get there to find Jemma talking to ghostly Adam, their conversation all about kids.

"Congratulations on the expected new arrival Jemma! Bella's growing up just in time to help out with her new sibling."

"She is. Though I'm  a bit worried about how she's actually going to handle having a younger sibling. Her current traits aren't the best for getting along with others, so we're all a bit nervous about what her next trait will be!"

"A concern to be sure, but not one you can do anything about. You'll just have to be alert and try to stop any trouble she may try to cause. But you're strong and we all know you're more than capable of the tasks and trials ahead."

"I hope so Grandpa Adam, I really hope so!"




Guests start arriving and Jemma and Marisol chat about their coming nooboos.

Marisol exclaims, "I think you and I are due right about the same time! The new babies will be the same ages just like Cassidy, our twins, and Jace!"

"I'm sure they'll all be close friends, just like we are. Are you settling into your new home? Enjoying all that space?"

"You bet! Kirk spends most of his time in the basement, either in the music studio or the exercise room, and he enjoys the sauna and the pool down there too, since it's a bit cold to use the one outside. Once the baby arrives, we'll have to have you all over to visit, Mom and Dad too. It's just been so hectic with the twins, and just me and Kirk to take care of them…that's been a real big change!"

"I don't doubt it in the least! Even with four of us, it's been a bit of a juggle caring for Bella and Cassidy, their different sleep schedules and our own work schedules. Though with me on maternity leave, mine's just as fluid as Tobias' and Jonas', and even Janette's, though she's worried about falling behind on her cases."

Darting a look into the family room, she whispers, "That last one took some time, but what on earth were you doing at the cemetery at midnight with Nigel!?!"

"That was just a coincidence, I needed a bathroom, you know how that is, and the cemetery was the closest place. When I came out, Nigel asked if I'd seen his shopping list as he'd dropped it and couldn't find it in the dark. I spotted Janette on the way to my car…does she really think those two small bushes actually hide her scarlet coat? Never mind, it's Janette. Of course, she thinks no one can see her! But at least she's helping Nigel come out of his shell and interact with others, besides ghosts in the cemetery."

Jemma smirks and says, "What's wrong with spending time with ghosts? Some of my best friends are ghosts!"

Marisol, thinking of Steve, says, "Mine too. But he's young and needs friends his own age and species, not just ghost friends."

"Which he's not going to find sitting in the family room watching TV all by himself! Come on, let's introduce him around, maybe someone has a teenage daughter he can meet!"




Janette's actually working as her sisters chat, and she's getting the specifics of her next case from young Max Lee.

He's a real cutie, though being the oldest of Mitch and Sonoko's sons, he's a bit older than Bella.

"Another missing bathroom item, Max? Let's cut to the chase and not waste my precious time! What's really going on?"
 
Max's eyes fly open as he says, "Wow! You are good Detective Frio! You figured that out right away!"

"Well, it didn't strain my detective reasoning much, as I figured you know Alan Best, since he became a teen recently. Do you want an autograph too?"

Max shakes his head and confesses, "No. I figured if you accepted my case, you'd come by my house or the school and everyone would be focused on me! Having a real detective track me down would really make my Dad notice me! But inviting me to Bella's birthday party with a parent, that was genius Detective! My Dad jumped at the chance to meet Odette Frio and Kirk Abbot! Since it was all because of me, he's even talking about taking me to a concert or a Simfest so we can spend some time together. So you actually solved my real problem without even knowing what is was!"

Though any other sim would have been hard pressed to follow Max's explanation, Janette nods and with a flip of her hand, says, "Then we'll just consider case #16 closed! Enjoy the party Max!"




With Janette's words, I realize it's definitely time to get the party started, so I check on the birthday girl.

Only to find Tobias looking devastated about his daughter aging out of toddlerhood, while Bella actually looks scared to death!

I try to help, saying, "It'll be okay sweetie, don't be scared."




Which is when Tobias realizes he needs to help alleviate his young daughter's fears and tickles them right out of her!




But it only helps for a moment and then they both lose their happy grins, looking sad and scared once more.

Best to get this over with before they both start crying!




Jemma does the honors and helps Bella blow out her candles, with her Uncle Jonas cheering for her wildly.




And with family and friends gathered around her, Bella becomes a child and gains the Light Sleeper trait!

I'm actually okay with that trait, as I was expecting something much worse, to add to the Evil and Grumpy traits she got at birth.




But let's get a look at our birthday girl where we can actually see her face.

Well, the typical age up crossed-eyes of course, but otherwise her hair and clothes aren't awful, though pink isn't her favorite color.

Though young Van Riverhawk is giving her quite the once over!




Bella grabs a slice of her birthday cake and sits down at the dining room table next to Forest Woods.

Yes, he's the one that was spying on Odette and Jemma from behind a bush in an earlier chapter.

And Nigel Martin has joined the crowd as he chats away with Janette, hopefully this will make it easier for him to make friends his own age.




But it was getting late and all the children headed home before Bella got a chance to meet them, which was disappointing.

Then the rest of the guests said their thank you's and left.

With Tobias asking me to follow him upstairs.

Where he does this!

"What was that!?! I thought you didn't trust elixirs!?!"

Tobias says, "Follow me Watcher and find out," as he confidently strides into the art gallery.




Jemma's already in there, relaxing in a rocker, so I know it's a set up for something big.

Tobias adds a few brush strokes and completes his lifetime wish, earning 60,000 LHP, and another 15,000 as he masters painting!

"I drank a wish enhancing serum Watcher, to double down on my lifetime happiness points!"




But before Tobias can bask in the glory of my praise at such accomplishments, before Jemma can even offer her own congratulations, she goes into labor!

Which has Janette and Jonas come running upstairs to join Tobias in the panic dance.




Jemma quickly changes into outerwear for a trip to the hospital, but another contraction has her rooted to the spot.

All the commotion wakes new light sleeper, Bella, who screams the house down as she finds her mother in labor!

Which Tobias ignores as he blithely continues his painting.




And just before 2 am, we welcome Luci Frio!

Who again takes after her great-grandmother Lucinda, along with her Aunt Janette, being Disciplined, and is just the opposite of her older sister, Bella, being a Heavy Sleeper.

Though it has been brought to my attention that I was mistaken about Bella inheriting her grumpy trait from Lucinda, because her Cici was actually mean-spirited, not grumpy.

It's a technicality but, as Jared so eagerly pointed out, they are not the same, as grumpy sims just can't seem to be happy, ever, where mean spirited sims delight in making others unhappy! (Thanks for clarifying that Jared! Being the greatest mean spirited sim ever to be created, you should know!)

Also, my game has been playing havoc with skin tones, but the brighter green was Luci's original birth color from her portrait panel icon when it first popped onto my screen, rather than the normal human skin tone she had when she finally showed up in Jemma's arms, so I restored her original skin tone.

Tobias is a light-skinned greenie with both his parents being greenies from HS, and Jemma has an ebony skin tone being on the darker end of the white/black slider from MH.  And since I have advanced genetics enabled via Nraas, Luci's maternal grandparents should contribute more too, but Odette has the pale white skin tone of MH, being on the white end of the white/black slider, while Chase has a warm brown skin tone that comes from his mother, Janet, back in RH.

So it just doesn't make any sense to me that Luci would have a normal peachy skin tone when no one in her family does!

Besides, I wanted a more intensely colored greenie child and I am not giving her up!




Jonas' trip to the junk yard was rather quieter than expected, but Jemma's private readings added some excitement to the day.

Then it ended with three big events, Bella's child birthday, Tobias completing his lifetime wish of Illustrious Author, and last but certainly not least, the birth of Jemma and Tobias' second child, the girl they both wanted, Luci!

And later that day, we got a call from Marisol informing us that we had two new nephews, Kyle and Karl, another set of twins for her and Kirk! And they both have great traits, of course, with Kyle being Easily Impressed and Loving the Outdoors, and Karl being an Athletic, Light Sleeper.

But there's more to come here in Starlight Shores, more skilling, more make-overs, and more birthdays.

And it all starts off with Bella's first day of school.

So join me in Chapter 287: A Disturbing Revelation
Coming soon.

[deedee_828]

The first rays of morning find our new mother fast asleep, in the black and gold master suite on the third floor.

Why is she sleeping up here?




Because now that Bella's a child, I've converted Jemma and Tobias' previous bedroom back into the girls room it was originally.

And though I really like the peachy and bright color scheme of the room, it doesn't match either Bella's or Cassidy's favorite colors.




So I experiment, leaving the peach, but changing out the yellow and white for aqua and Irish green.

And it actually didn't look as bad as I thought it would!

I can live with it at least, and I think the girls will love it when they both share this room.




I check the time and realize the school bus should be here and hurry to check on Bella so she doesn't miss it.

I find her sitting quietly in the front seat, looking a bit nervous, like most kids on their first day of school.

"You doing okay?"

"Fine."

"Really? You don't look fine. But don't worry, you'll meet kids your age, make friends, and soon you'll look forward to seeing them at school."

"Who says I want friends?"

"You don't?"

"Maybe. Maybe not. I haven't decided yet." Glancing at the bus driver she adds, "You're holding up the bus Watcher."

Well, that could have gone better.




I head back inside and find Janette dressed in her swimsuit muttering, "So every book you write is about greenie's?"

"Yes. I'm trying to make others aware of our existence, help them to understand how we feel. You know, how it isn't easy being green?"

Janette scratches her temple, and says, "That reminds me of something…with a yellow bird, maybe?" With a shrug she says, "Nope, I've lost the connection."

I smile as I know Tobias is thinking that both Jonas and Janette are usually lost and rarely connected!

But he keeps the thought to himself and just keeps on typing.




Janette goes outside and I follow, where we find not only Jonas, but Phyllis, with Chase in the rocker, and Layna Avilla by the grill.

"These three have been hanging around out here on the patio since the party. Yet people call me and Janette crazy!"

"It's not about being crazy Jonas, it's a game glitch."

I take pity on Phyllis, who's expecting, and Layna too, as she seems to be stuck just staring intently at the stone siding, and send them both home via NRaas.




But Jonas needs more ice sculptures, so I fill Chase's motives and let Jonas get started on another one.

Though Chase is not very comfortable as a model and strikes a rather sheepish pose.




But when it's finished, Chase smiles, showing his approval, while Jonas gains happiness points for making it, as well as another $1176 simoleans when he sells it.




With Luci safely arrived and tucked into her crib, Jemma takes some well-deserved personal time, heading to the consignment store to list an elixir.




With Jemma out of the house, Janette watches over Luci and when Luci awakens, cuddles her new niece.

Again I was hoping spending time with a little one might help pop a baby wish, but Janette seems nervous holding the baby, her eyes going a bit wild.

"You've held a baby before Janette, why the freaked out look?"

"I'm not sure Watcher, just feeling overwhelmed I guess, Cassidy's birthday is coming up soon and she'll be going to school, time is going by so fast!"

"So fast? We've got weeks yet here in Starlight Shores…"

"But Jonas has a long way to go to max inventing and painting and I'm not even half-way through the cases I need for my lifetime wish!"

"I know you got a little behind with that case at the cemetery, but you're still doing okay. Five cases per week would get you your 35 cases completed by the end of our 7th week here. Luci was born early this morning and it's only our 4th week, so you've still got five days to get in at least a few more cases this week, if not all four of them, to stay on track. And we've hung around in some towns for 8 or 9 weeks so others could finish specific tasks, so you've got extra time if you need it. And with double lifespans, that gives you all a little wiggle room."

"That doesn’t sound so bad…but Tobias and Jonas don't have double lifespans…"

"No, they don't…but I could always tweak a day here or there. I've done it for Fairy heirs and spares with human spouses, and some have even used young again or age freeze potions, to have more time with their spouse."

"That makes me feel even better, knowing you've got a back up plan Watcher!"

I frown and keep my thoughts to myself as I recall that I've just had some of my plans blow up in my face…big time! But no need to remind Janette of that now!




With Janette's fears abated, but mine increased, I realize Bella should be home from school.

And I find her diligently working on homework while her father continues his latest novel.




With Bella's homework finished, I pop her into Stylist to check out different hairstyles and some new clothes.

We decide on braids with bands that match her outfits in her favorite color aqua and she shows off her athletic wear.




When we finish choosing all her new outfits, Bella grabs a book and settles into one of the boat beds in the boys' bedroom that has never been used before.

"What's wrong with your room? I just redid the whole thing and added your favorite color to the color scheme."

Bella doesn't even stop reading as she answers, "Nothing's wrong with it Watcher, I just felt like reading in here. The boats and water are calming and the bed is comfy. And it WAS quiet."

"Well, I can take a hint Ms. Grumpy-pants! I just thought that after all my hard work…"

Disdainfully she says, "Not everything's about YOU Watcher. In fact, it's supposed to be about US! Our journey, our family, and the current generation, which is ME."

"Not just you! Cassidy and Luci, too!"

"But I'm the eldest and best suited for heir."

"Well, if you want to get down and dirty about it, Cassidy and Luci are both greenies, like their fathers, something that gives them both a distinct advantage when it comes to choosing an heir!"

But my raised voice doesn't faze Bella in the least, in fact, she doesn't even raise her eyes from the page as she adds, "Cassidy hates the outdoors and is clumsy, not exactly heir material. And Luci's just a baby who prefers sleep to anything else. Her disciplined trait won't even kick in until she's a teen. More than enough time for me to firmly establish my reign over this household."

Bella's words are all the more startling as she never even raised her voice, just said them so calmly, like everything was already under her control!




I'm so thrown, I have to leave the house and I find Janette working on The Case of Fisherman's Local 105, which has her checking out Delmar Beach, as local fisherman, Barry Whitfield, thinks something's amiss with the lack of fish lately.

Janette pops a line in but only manages to catch a lone jelly fish, even fishing in a spot noted for some prime catches.

She decides a stake out might shed some light on the matter, as maybe someone is dumping something toxic to the fish in the water.

But stake-outs here at the beach and at La Laguna Park, a popular fishing hole near the hills, both yield nothing, and case #17 stalls, to both Janette's and my consternation.

And I can't help but think that it's another indication of my control slipping away…




The following morning, as the first rays of sun shine through the living room windows, Bella actually greets the day with a smile and doesn't say anything alarming as she heads off to school in her new everyday outfit, one that's a little more dressy than usual being paired with a skirt.

I guess the incense holder actually put her in a great mood, a mood I don't want to ruin, so I just watch her leave for school and then go check on other family members.




I start with the basement, where I find Jonas working on another invention.

He's using the torch again, so I watch quietly for a few minutes, then leave him to continue.




On the main floor, I peek into Luci's nursery and smile along with Tobias as his newest daughter waves her arms and coos at him, and I know she's already captured his heart.

Behind him, his niece, Cassidy, happily plays with her doll.




I can't resist a close-up of her as she lovingly pats her doll and sings a nursery rhyme to it.




With the girls settled, Tobias heads upstairs to chat with Chase, who's still hanging around at the main Frio home.

I'm beginning to wonder if moving him and Odette out was a mistake as he seems totally content here at the main family home!

But Tobias needed a listening ear and Chase was happy to oblige.

"I know so many sims here in SS are striving to gain fame, Dad Frio, but now that the paparazzi  have finally showed up in town, I'm wondering how healthy all that attention will be for the girls. With you, Odette, Marisol, Janette, and Jemma all having four or five celebrity stars, the girls will all have celebrity status of their own just because their related to you! Bella's already mentioned that several of her classmates were eager to meet her and become friends and she was even invited to a party on her first day of school! Granted it's Steve and Danielle's daughter, Janie, who invited her, and they know us and are next door neighbors now, so not totally unexpected, but I don't want celebrity status to go to her head! We've already got enough to worry about where she's concerned."

"I can see why you're concerned Tobias, and I think it's a good thing that you're aware of the issue, but I don't think there's anything to worry about at this point. Bella's just a child! I know her traits are less than desirable currently, but she hasn't shown any disrespect or a belligerent attitude to any one, so I don't think her traits are anything to worry about."

Tobias heaves a sigh of relief, saying, "That's true. Thanks for listening Dad!" and he heads to the third floor for a shower.




When Chase is alone, calmly rocking, I say, "I didn't want to worry Tobias, and maybe I'm making too much of it, but I did have a conversation with Bella last night and her comments were…concerning, especially for one so young."

After I divulge Bella's thoughts on how she should be the focus of this journey, is the one that should be heir, and most worrying of all, has plenty of time to gain control of the family before Luci grows up, Chase is no longer rocking, but has stood up abruptly, and has a worried frown on his face.

That's when I remember that he's brooding and probably not the one I should have confided in!

But his words confirm my own fears, "But, but…to be so disrespectful to you, she's JUST become a child! I mean, it's one thing for the ghostly Founders to trade barbs with you, you've all known each other for a long time now, and it's mostly done in fun, nothing really harmful in it. But Bella's words Watcher, they show forethought and…intent! And to say them so calmly, while she's reading a book, not in a moment of upset or distress, I find that most disturbing of all!"

I sigh and agree, "So do I Chase, so do I."




But when Bella gets home from school, she doesn't say or do anything concerning, just does her homework, and then eats a piece of cake.




After that she goes upstairs and presides over the royal court at the kitchen table, and her words are typical, "Bow before your Queen my subjects! My rule is law!"

But somehow I get the feeling that it's more than pretend as Bella says the words so firmly.

I really hope I'm wrong, so I don't ask, and she probably wouldn't be happy to have me interrupt her anyway.

I just try and focus on the fact that we've had other generations with less than desirable traits, I mean her great-grandmother Lucinda/Cinda/Cici rolled mean spirited as a child, to go along with her disciplined and hates the outdoors traits she received at birth and she was a great heir despite those traits.

Then I remember that her mean spirited trait was also tempered by the good trait she got as a teen, followed by loner as a young adult, which had her keeping to herself and breaking space rock blocks for hours on end, and not causing trouble.

And though Lucinda's elder sister, Kimberly, was born evil, she also received friendly with it, which helped her keep it under control.

I cross my fingers that Bella's next two traits will help to keep her current traits in check as well.




Well, Jonas is continuing to work on his skills as Janette gets another case that requires a successful stake-out to complete.

Something that has me worried that the modicum of control I have is slipping away.

Especially in view of Bella's recent words about becoming heir and reigning over the household!

But Janie Cupp has invited Bella to a party, so maybe things are looking up.

Let's find out in Chapter 288: Party Time
Coming soon.

[deedee_828]

Janette was mulling over the Fisherman Case when she got a call from Danielle Cupp that her party was staring soon.

And our party animal didn't even hang around the locale long enough for the lot to render!




I follow Janette home and find her chatting with Bella.

"Is it true you got invited to the Cupp's party too Auntie Janette?"

"Yes, Danielle just texted me about the party starting soon, so I came home to get ready. Is that why you're all dressed up?"

With a huff of indignation, Bella said, "Yes! Daddy was going to take me, but Luci's being fussy so now I'll probably miss it! All because of a smelly, fussy, baby! It's just not fair!"

"Hold on there Bella, you had plenty of fussy, smelly days when you were a baby, so no need to go getting all mad at your baby sister. If you can calm down, you can come with me. I don't want any grumpy-gus ruining a good party!"

"Oh, I wouldn't dream of ruining the party Auntie Janette! Do you really mean you'd let me come with you?"

"Of course! I'd be delighted to have the company of such a well-dressed young lady!"




But with the cooler temperatures, both of them change into outerwear to head over to the Cupp's house.

Even though it's right next door!




Inside the Cupp's new home, Angelic, I find Robbie Platt, Danielle's oldest son, who's still a teen, playing with his half-brother, ghostly blue Vincent Cupp.

It warms my heart to see the two of them interacting together so lovingly, despite the fact that Robbie chose to stay in Steve's mansion with his elder sister, Alora.

Maybe being so much older than his younger siblings it just seemed more appealing, after all, Steve's place is stunning.

But seeing these two together here, I can see it wasn't because he didn't have affection for his baby brother!




When Janette and Bella say hello to their hostess, Danielle, who's busy at the stove, she welcomes them and tells them to make themselves at home.

With a special message for Bella that Janie went with her father to pick up some last minute snacks and should be home soon, but to feel free to play with the toys in Janie's room or the nursery.




To my surprise, Bella follows these directions and is soon happily playing at the blocks table in the nursery.




And Janette's discovered the stereo, where she happily joins Robbie and Wylie Luck who are also grooving to the beat.




It's not long before Vincent and Janie return home and Bella asks Janie to pillow fight.

With feathers flying and shouts of laughter, the two girls further the friendship they began in school earlier that week.

And seeing Bella doing something so childlike has my concerns dwindling.

She's just a child, after all.




And even more so when she starts telling a ghost story, which Janie and her Aunt Janette listen to with bated breath, gasping in all the right places.




But her final words strike fear in my heart again, when she says, "And those who were strong overcame the weak, the powerless, and took control for themselves! The only thing left of them was their bleached bones! Beware those of you that deny the true ruler control, for she is merciless!!! Bbbwaaahahhhhaaa!!!"




I'm still shaken when we get back to the main Frio house and try to calm myself as Jonas puts the finishing touches on a metal sculpture.

Though calm isn't an easy state to achieve after Bella's words and seeing Jonas play with a lit torch!

But he completes it without incident, and it's his first metal sculpture, so he's definitely making progress.




And then I'm thrown right back into a panic as Janette whispers, "Did you hear that Watcher!?! Bella deliberately had Cassidy watch her when she knew that jack-in-the box would be the evil clown! And she laughed, even when Cassidy cried!"

"That is typical of evil sims Janette…"

"But that's not the worst of it! After that she told Cassidy that the evil clown wasn't bad, as long as he was obeyed, no one would come to harm! It's like she's trying to persuade Cassidy that being evil is okay…"

My heart plummets but I try to reassure her, "I'm sure it was nothing. Just a childish prank. After all, she's just a child, what evil could she really do?"

"Oh, oh, I wish you hadn't said that Watcher! A chill just went up and down my spine! Worse than after that ghost story she told at the Cupp's party. I'm worried, Watcher, very worried!"




But Janette and I push our worries aside as the guests start arriving for Cassidy's birthday party.

We've invited Janie Cupp, Max Lee, and other children, in the hopes that the girls can develop some new friendships.




Inside, Jonas, Janette, Bella and Tobias are all dancing, and Cassidy does her best to mimic them!

Do we have another dancing, party animal on our hands?




Aunt Jemma does the honors and helps Cassidy blow out her candles.

While Uncle Tobias and her cousin Bella toot loudly away on party horns.




And as the sparkles fade, Cassidy stands before us, a child!

With the typical age up crossed-eyes, that seem to be trying to focus on the pink flower of her hat!

But my focus is her new trait.




The cake is cut and pieces eagerly taken, but as Bella finishes without picking up her empty plate immediately, Janette snaps, "Have you forgotten your manners young lady!?!"

The room goes quiet at Janette's harsh words, but I know exactly where they are coming from, as the words I spoke earlier, "What evil could she possibly do?" come back to haunt me, because I'm sure Janette is convinced it's Bella's influence that has turned her sweet daughter, evil!!!

And I can't discount her belief!

I mean, what are the odds that the two eldest children born in this generation would both get the evil trait?

Granted, one at birth, and the other at her child birthday, but still…those have to be unbelievable odds!

Odds that send that same chill up and down my spine and make my blood run cold.




I'm not the only one affected either as Janette continues to show her displeasure with a severe frown.

Odette echoes my own thoughts, asking, "Watcher, what are the odds…?"

Jonas and Tobias stayed solemnly focused on cake.




Odette's words have Jonas jumping up, and saying, "She's right Watcher! What are the odds? It was the influence of that evil child that did this. That turned our darling girl just like her!"

But hearing Cassidy's sleepy query from behind him, "Daddy, will you read me a bedtime story?", Jonas' quickly turns to his daughter and says, "Of course sweetie. You go on up and get ready for bed while I pick out a book."




Luckily, Tobias had left the room to check on Luci and didn't hear Jonas' ugly accusation!

And when Luci reaches out and pats her father's cheek with her sweet little hand, it's such an '''aww'' moment, that it gives me hope.

Hope that we can get through this and that it won't tear the family apart.

Hope that Luci will be spared and won't get the same trait too!




And it's not only living family members that are up in arms about this new development, as I find Adam floating in the upstairs hall.

"This is very disturbing Watcher, both potential heirs getting this trait! And here is sunny Starlight Shores. I mean, you'd expect something like this in Moonlight Falls or Midnight Hollow, where Kimberly was born. Those towns make sense with all the supernatural elements and a mad scientist running loose! But here…"

"Don't forget Adam that your Uncle Heath was born evil and that was the first gen in Sunset Valley, one of the most innocuous towns in Simland. And your Ronan was born evil in Bridgeport! Random is exactly that…random. Just because Bella was evil first, doesn't mean she influenced Cassidy to become evil!"

Adam glances down, not meeting my eyes, as he quietly asks, "Are you sure about that Watcher?"

"No, Adam, I'm not sure of anything any more! I renovate houses only to have people in town move into them, ruining all my plans. I move Odette and Chase out into their own place only to have Chase hang around here more than he does at his new home. Janette's cases keep getting stalled. And then Bella informs me she's the best candidate for heir and has plenty of time to reign over this house, and in the next instant our next potential heir gets the same evil trait, which has her parents blaming their niece! The niece who is still just a child! Everything is falling apart!"




And when I find Odette talking with ghostly Founder Claire in the basement, my concerns are not alleviated.

Because Claire says, "We need to talk!"  Glancing over Odette's shoulder and spotting Bella, she whispers, "Somewhere where big ears can't hear us."

But Tobias was close enough to hear and with a sharp glance at Claire and Odette, he says, "Time for bed Bella."




I give Odette and Claire a moment and then follow then outside, and find Samuel has joined the conclave too.

And Samuel's comments on the situation have both Claire and Odette looking a bit ashamed.

"Heath, Ronan, and my Kimberly, all focused their evil tendencies into their careers, not hurting anyone in the towns they lived in. Well, not physically anyway, though I'm sure the monetary losses were considerable. But I'm sure that was the same for you Claire, as well as Eric, with both of you being Master Thieves! Ronan and Eric were both grumpy too, like young Bella, and besides making their spouses and children unhappy with their behavior, they did have families that loved them. Can you honestly say, Claire, that you and Jared didn't let loose with a hot-headed or mean-spirited comment from time to time? Of course you can't! Jared can't even stop mocking Sam when he faints at seeing us, even after all these years! You simply cannot blame Bella, young child that she is, for what's happened, when none of us have completely overcome our less desirable traits! The family will endure, we always have, despite our traits!"

Claire stops rocking and says gruffly, "Considering you married into it, you're quite up to speed on all the family members Samuel!"

Samuel grins, trying to reduce the censure of his previous words, and says, "Once a journalist, always a journalist. Digging up scandal is in my blood! What better way to protect the family than to be fully armed against it? Always know your own weakness so others can't exploit them!"

"Much like you exploited Torre and Ian against that mad scientist, heh?" Claire asked with a laugh.

"And I paid for that dearly Founder Claire, with aching muscles for weeks!"

"Well, then let's hope you're right about this and that we don't all pay a much higher price!"

Odette glances down, again voicing my thoughts, quietly saying, "Yes, let's hope."




Well, Samuel has added a voice of reason to our fears.

But the upcoming weeks will tell if he's right or not.

One thing is for sure, he's given us hope and right now that's something we all need.

Hope for Bella and Cassidy's teen birthdays and hope for some better traits, or at least maybe some less concerning traits, or traits that could help temper the current ones.

If nothing else, hope that the family will endure, as it always has!

So, with our hearts a little lighter, we look forward to the girls' grade school days.

Join me in Chapter 289: Be Careful What You Wish For!
Coming soon.

[deedee_828]

But the next morning on the bus, my newly found hope is quickly dashed when I overhear another disturbing conversation.

"Stop worrying about it! I never dreamed my wish would come true, but now that it has, it's all for the best."

"For the best? But now I'm evil too! How can that be good?"

"Trust me it is!"

Cassidy shoots Bella a slide long look and exclaims, "Trust you!?! When I was a toddler, you stole my candy and tortured me with that evil clown-in-a-box! I think that's what made ME evil, all your grumpy, evil nastiness! My parents were right about your bad influence!"

"I'd like to claim the credit dear cuz, but there's no way to influence random traits. Believe me, if I could I would have made sure Luci was born evil, just like I was! But, you never know, she could become evil at her child birthday like you did, or when she becomes a teen. It's too much to hope for, but just imagine it, an entire gen of evil heirs! There wouldn't be anything we couldn't accomplish!!! Just wait until you get a taste of how it makes you feel when others suffer, it's a feeling you'll soon be addicted to."

I'd wanted to interrupt, but having Bella put into words my deepest fears kept me silent as the bus whisked the girls off to school.




But little Luci, unaware of her sister's wishes, was reveling in attention from her daddy, with her mom impatiently waiting her turn for playtime and cuddles.

Jemma is still quick to head to the nursery to take care of her youngest daughter's needs as she seems to tolerate babies and toddlers much easier than she does children, not getting negative moodlets nearly as often with younger ones.




Janette is still plugging away at the Fisherman's Local case, when she gets a tip that Craig Elson, who's a journalist for the local paper, has been seen at the beach a lot lately, so she confronts him.

Craig admits, "I have been spending a lot of my free time at Delmar Beach and La Laguna Park, Detective, but I've always preferred being outdoors. And coming from a small town on the plains, I just love getting to explore the beach and mountains as they are both new experiences for me."

"And yet you've not noticed anything unusual about the lack of fish in those locations? Or seen anyone lurking around suspiciously? I mean, as a reporter, your powers of observation must be above average!" 

Craig's friendly demeanor doesn't change but he adamantly denies any knowledge of what could be happening to the local fish, but reiterates his love for being outdoors, "I'm not really much of a fisherman, I just love the fresh air and sunshine."

Janette gets the feeling that Craig is protesting too much and takes that as a sure sign that he's the culprit, as guilty folks never speak up first thing!

So she decides she needs to question a few sims around town and see if her suspicion of Craig has any basis in fact.




She heads to Performance Park and spots Kerry Kasmir, who's thrilled to be asked for insight into Janette's case.

"No need to get all excited Kerry, it's not good to get too excited in your condition, just give me the facts. Have you heard anything about Craig Elson that might have him hanging around the fishing holes, especially Delmar Beach?"




Kerry calms herself and ponders the question, saying, " Now that you mention it, I've heard him talking about seeing sharks in the area! No one I know has seen any but he seems to think there's an infestation and he's written several articles about it for the paper!"




Then Max Lee, who was spending some time with his little brother Dane, spoke up and said, "The shark sightings are all that the kids at the high school have been talking about, Detective Frio! We'd been planning on having a bonfire party down at the beach and with that reporter making such a big deal about sharks, our parents want us to cancel it! It would have been my first big teen party, so that's really a bummer. I'm not sure who to be mad at, the sharks or that blasted reporter for harping about them so much!"

"Thanks for the information Max! And don't cancel that party just yet. I'm not convinced there really is a shark infestation. If you ask me, something's fishy about this whole case!"




Janette has a few words with Edward Gooder and his information clinches her theory.

"So you're saying that Craig's articles have been responsible for some unfortunate reverses among businessmen in the area, Mr. Gooder?"

"Yes! It's hurting the communities economic growth having such sensationalized articles published! As Chairman of the Board of the local businessmen, I've made it perfectly clear that without definitive proof of shark activity off the coast, the local paper should reign Mr. Elson in, before the damage becomes irreversible!"

The light dawns in Janette's eyes as she says, "So Craig Elson's articles have boosted his journalistic success but having to retract the articles would definitely hurt Mr. Elson's journalism career, especially if they are bogus and not based on facts of any kind! But why would a promising reporter like Mr. Elson resort to such tactics!?!"

"That's simple Detective, HIS kind of people don't have the same standards as those of us with proper pedigrees, families and fortunes that go back for generations! I've been fighting with the town council for years to not allow such riffraff to settle in our illustrious town, but it's been a losing battle. One I blame on the Best family… "

Janette's hear enough around town to know of the long-standing feud between the Gooder and Best families and knows she's in for a long-winded diatribe, so she quickly terminates the conversation, "I don't want to take up any more of your valuable time Mr. Gooder! I'm sure you have places to be and more important people to see, but I do appreciate your taking the time to speak with me."

"Oh, yes, yes, of course Detective. Places to be and all that…good day!"




Janette tracks down Craig Elson and when she confronts him with her evidence, the poor sap immediately folds like a flan in a cupboard!

Not only had Craig made up the shark stories, he'd actually been dressing up like a shark and swimming in the ocean at Delmar Beach, to not only scare off the fish feeding there, but in the hopes that locals would spot the 'sharks' and give credence to his articles.

But seeing Craig's dejection at the thought of losing his job on the paper, along with his credibility as a journalist, Janette makes a deal with him.

"So we're agreed Mr. Elson? There won't be any more sharks swimming in the cove and you'll wrap up your article on a positive note, mentioning that the 'sharks' will be migrating away soon and fisherman should expect their catches to return to normal."

"Yes, but when my article ends, so will my journalism career! I'm afraid I'll have to pack up my family and go back home, a failure! No one here wants to talk to a nobody reporter without family connections or a five figure fortune in the bank!"

"Well, I may be able to help with that Mr. Elson. The cases that I've solved have been generating more and more positive attention, and would do so even more if they were published. If I gave you exclusive rights to do so, the names being kept confidential, of course, it would not only boost my career, but yours as well!"

"But why would you help me like that? Like I said, I'm a nobody and you're famous, belonging to one of the most well-known families in Sim Land, as well as in your own right!"

"Fame is not all it's cracked up to be Mr. Elson. And everyone needs to start somewhere. I only ask that, if you ever get the chance, you pay it forward, and give someone else a helping hand."

"That's a deal Detective! And please call me Craig! All my friends do and I'd like to number you among them!"




Since it's around 3 pm when Janette finishes talking with Craig Elson, I stop by the school to check on Bella and Cassidy, and catch them both outside the front doors.

Bella's heading for the bus, but Cassidy's heading back inside, "Aren't you going home cuz?"

Cassidy says, "I promised my teacher to clean out the bug cage after school, so I was going to call home and let my parents know. But now that you know, you can tell them for me and I can get started on cleaning sooner."

Bella responds with, "You get a better grade sucking up to your teacher, but what's in for me?"

Cassidy tosses her head and says, "I don't tell our parents that you hope Luci grows up evil too so you can take over the world with us as your minions!"

With a chuckle Bella says, "You're learning, cuz! And spitting that out at me felt good didn't it!?!"

Cassidy pauses and says, "Yes, yes, it did! I'm starting to see why you like this feeling!"




But Bella doesn't head straight home either, as now that she's missed the bus, she's missing out on the chance to further her friendship with Janie Cupp.

A friendship that could help her own grade, as her teacher has requested that the kids in her class pair up with a buddy and Bella's chosen buddy is none other than Janie!

So Bella calls home and explains that she and Cassidy will both be late as they are staying after school to work on extra credit projects.

Then she calls Janie, and since she'd already laid the groundwork, within a few moments, they become friends!




Back at the house, Tobias starts his 29th novel, with a wish to write 40 of them, and to write 25 best-sellers!

He's already got 23 best-sellers, so he's getting close to completing that wish.

He's also got the wish to write a masterpiece, as well as have another child, so all of his promised wishes slots are full.




Jonas is busy at the inventing bench in the basement, where he's almost reached level 7 of the skill.




While, upstairs, Bella and Cassidy have come home.

Cassidy is relieving the stress of her first day at school, compounded with staying late to clean the bug cage, by playing a video game.

And Jemma eagerly chats with Bella about her day, "So are you making friends at school?"

"Yes, mom! In fact, our teacher is offering extra credit for those of us having a buddy, and I made friends with Janie Cupp, so that should boost my grade to an 'A' when I report that at school tomorrow!"

"That's great honey! Well, best get your homework done before it gets too late!"

Bella crabs, "But I wanted to play video games with Cassidy! How come she gets to play and I have to do homework!?!"

Whether it was because of Bella's tone or just because a child dared to question her, Jemma says, "Because I'm YOUR mother and I said so!"




Surprisingly, this has Bella following he mother's order immediately.

Even more surprisingly, it has Cassidy chuckling evilly behind Bella, "Haha, haha, you got in trouble! This is such a delicious feeling!!!"

Bella grumpily says, "Don't push it, cuz!"

Watching this makes me smirk, big time!

Bella might be in for more than she bargained for with Cassidy being evil like her and not so easy to push around!

I'm beginning to think that Bella was right, this could be for the best, just not the way Bella expected, with her being on the receiving end.

I guess what they say is true, be careful what you wish for!




Once Bella's homework is completed, Jemma tries to make up for her harsh words by pillow fighting with her young daughter.

Though the way Jemma spun around after that last ferocious hit, has me thinking that Bella is getting back at her mother in her own way, under the guise of a friendly pillow fight!

"Ooooff!!! Not so hard Bella, that hurt!"

"Sorry, mommy, I guess I don't know my own strength."

But the delighted moodlet Bella gets after that hit, belie her words of apology, and reinforce my own thoughts.




After Tobias' completes his 29th book, he happily tells Jemma it's another best-seller!

Jemma smiles and congratulates him on his continued success, but leaves rather suddenly to check on Luci.




Tobias opens his laptop again, but watches Jemma as she heads to the nursery, whispering, "Watcher, I think you need to get rid of that wish."

"Which one Tobias? They're all important to you!"

"Yes, but additional maternity leave will interfere with Jemma's lifetime wish. This last one has kept her from work for quite some time. And none of her wishes ever interfered with my career or lifetime wish, so it just doesn't seem fair."

"So you're okay giving up having another child?"

"Jemma's done more than her duty going through two pregnancies, and it would be selfish of me to keep that wish. If things change, maybe we can have another child later on, but it's just not something I want her to feel pressured into doing right now. Besides, there hasn't been any open spots for any of my other family oriented wishes and I want to spend more time with the girls. Luci will be a toddler soon and Bella's almost a teen, I can write when the girls don't need me so much."




I follow Jemma into the nursery, to find her happily playing with Luci, so I'm thinking she was out of hearing when Tobias and I were discussing his wishes.




Until I see Jemma's sober face once she's gotten Luci settled and back in her crib.

"Oh, Watcher, I feel terrible, to have Tobias give up on his wish for another child because of my career, my lifetime wish…"

"Well, if you heard you could have spoken up before I did as he asked!"

"That's why I feel so terrible! I heard and didn't say anything to stop you, because…because…I'm just an awful person! And I think…my feelings toward the children…Bella and Cassidy…I think it's because of me that they both are …the way they are! I know you say it's random, but what if they sensed my feelings…Bella all through my pregnancy and Cassidy when I cared for her!?! They say nooboos, both in the womb and after birth, are very perceptive to the feelings of their birth mothers and those who care for them."

"Well, babies and small children do seem to know when someone holding them is nervous about it and that can make them fretful and fussy. I can't say without a doubt that your feelings about them didn't affect them in some way. But if it was totally your dislike of children that caused that evil trait, why wouldn't Luci have been born with it too? Or at least have other not as desirable traits, with you spending all that time with Bella and Cassidy while you were carrying her? Disciplined and Heavy Sleeper aren't negative traits at all."

"Oh, that's true, being around both of them and pregnant should have increased my negative feelings and passed them on even more strongly! So…then…it's not just because of me…but if that's the case, why did I just let you dismiss Tobias' baby wish? If I was a good wife…"

"Jemma, you ARE a good wife! And a good mother! If you hadn't been, you wouldn't have even considered becoming heir and having a child, let alone two. But Tobias is showing his love and consideration for you with this choice. Don't negate it, just do all you can to complete your lifetime wish, with the opportunity Tobias has given you."

"Right. Since I get to go back to work finally, I need to focus on getting my promotions as quickly as possible, not dwell on things I can't change!"




I check on Janette and she's finally tracked down Barry Whitfield to complete her case.

He's been leading her a merry chase all over town as he's the newest handyman and keeps ducking into buildings just before she can catch up with him.

"The fishing should return to normal Mr. Whitfield, I've had it from an authority on the subject that the sharks will be migrating away soon."

Janette's words weren't exactly a lie, and if Barry Whitfield believed the authority was the local marine scientists, so be it. Besides no one would have believed the truth, a grown man dressing up like a shark! It was just too bizarre!

Case # 17, closed.

Janette not only makes another $1300 simoleans for solving the case, but is promoted to level 9 in her career, her new title being, Flatfooted Investigation Specialist, but she earns happiness points for the promotion!




The next day after school, Cassidy eagerly shares her news with her Dad, "I cleaned the bug cage at school to help my teacher out so I already have a "B', and today she said that if I participated in the buddy program, and made friends with Forest Woods, that could help my grade even more!"

Jonas is so proud of Cassidy that he commends her for all her hard work.




Scooping up his daughter in a warm hug he says, "Good work sweetheart! I'm sure the Woods boy will be your friend in no time. In fact, why don't you let your mother know who you'd like to invite to your cousin's birthday party?"

"That's a great idea Dad! Coming to a party and getting to eat birthday cake is a sure fire way to build up our friendships."




But when Cassidy joins Bella to do homework, Bella isn't as thrilled with her cousin's success.

"So cleaning out the bug cage increased your grade to a "B' and now you get to be part of the buddy program to increase your grade even more!?! Quite the suck up aren't you cuz?"

Cassidy just smirks and says, "If you want something you have to go after it, I learned that from you, CUZ! Besides, being a first born myself, I qualify for heirship as much as you do, maybe more since I have the HS greenie skin tone, and it's looking more and more appealing to me!"

Well, by the expression on Bella's face, that was quite an unexpected revelation!

But one that fills me with even more hope as Cassidy seems up to the task of giving her cousin a run for her money in the heirship race.




Janette's finally completed case #17, so she's almost half-way through her required case count of 35 cases.

Tobias has given up on his wish to have another child and Jemma's going to focus on leveling up in her career to make the most of Tobias' sacrifice.

Bella and Cassidy are doing well in grade school, having an 'A', and a 'B', respectively.

And Cassidy's stepped up to the task of giving Bella a run for her money, now that her evilness matches her cousin's!

Next up is Janette's 18th case and again we have issues, ones I try to circumvent, but not yet successfully.

I'll tell you all about it in Chapter 290: Double Trouble
Coming soon.