Beyond Sunset Valley---A Town Jump Story

[deedee_828]

I have never really done much with gem cutting so I pillaged the family chests for all the gemstones I could find, to help Jonas out.

Boy have we collected a lot of them, everything from simple quartz to three pink diamonds!

I put most of them in Jonas' back pack and he was soon depositing them into the gem cutter at the Elixir Consignment Store.

Jonas is skeptical as he drops the first few in, asking, "Are you sure this is going to work? Maybe I should send them off through the mail?"

"That costs money and time and I don't want to wait! I have no idea how long it will take you to discover the heart-shaped cut so I figure we better do this the fastest way possible. Besides, I haven't used the gem cutter much, so it will be a team effort, with both of us learning as we go!"

"Having you on my team for something like this is a welcome thought, Watcher."

"Something like this?"

"An op rather than something artistic, where I don't need your…talents."

"A back-handed compliment but I'll take it, now grab some of the lesser quality gems and let's get started!"

As the gem cutter processes Jonas' first gems, a screen pops up asking which cut he wants to use, and since Jonas has mastered sculpting, the Sculpture's Egg cut seems the obvious choice.

Especially since I have no idea which cuts are more valuable.




The machine whirs and grinds with a deafening noise and I'm glad the only one we're annoying is the consignment specialist, as the place is deserted this late at night.

Jonas is oblivious to the noise and stares in wonder as the machine does it's job.




And when it stops, a compartment opens displaying several sculptor's egg cut gems!

"Beautiful Watcher, just beautiful!" Jonas exclaims.

"I'm glad you think so because it may take quite some time to discover the heart-shaped cut, at least 10 different gem cuttings from my research."

"Only ten? That doesn't sound so bad."

"No. But if you actually have to be the one to collect them, it might take more time. But we'll worry about that after 10 cuts."

"So…you're saying this could be a waste of my time? That using the gems from the family chests might not work to discover the right cut?"

"Maybe. It was just something I read about finding 10 different gems, that's why I filled your inventory with so many different gemstones. If the heart-shape cut appears after the 10th cut, we'll know that finding them yourself isn't necessary. In the meantime, grab some more gems and get to cutting, use a different gemstone and cut just to make sure. I'll set you up with a few sessions while I check on other family members."

"Got it Watcher! I'm happy you actually trust me to do this on my own. It's a turn in our relationship I appreciate."

"Well, I don't think the gem cutter can lead to you catching on fire or getting singed, or any other untimely potential death-causing event…"

"Oh, so it's not ME you trust, but the machine!"

"Jonas, if I didn't trust you I wouldn't have left the time machine unattended in the basement. I'm just saying that this device isn't as potentially harmful as inventing or repairing electronics, so you should be safe on your own, without having to be extra cautious."




Back at the house, I send Bella, who's still in her swimsuit, outside to grab a bug she needs to complete her science project for school.

"Now I feel sore after all that exercise Watcher, basketball, jogging, and swimming…I'm not sure I'll be able to make it to school tomorrow…"

"Nice try Bella! You'll be fine for school. But maybe a hydrotherapy bath would help?"

Bella brightens and actually smiles as she says, "Now that's a great idea Watcher! I'll go fill up the tub!"




I follow Bella inside and find Luci finishing up her homework with Patches patiently waiting nearby.

"You've got just enough time to make some muffins for a snack and grab a shower Luci, before bedtime."

"That sounds good Watcher. Patches can help me!"

"I could get you a snack Luci, but I can't actually bake or eat."

"Oh, well, you could keep me company while I do those things, couldn't you?"

"Of course! I'm Team Luci all the way!"




I find that Cassidy's already gone to bed, but it looks like she's going to be starving by morning by the state of her hunger bar.

But she should be up in plenty of time to eat breakfast before school so that should be okay.

I head to the basement and find Bella in the hydrotherapy bath playing with the rubber ducky!

"Awww, just look at grumpy, evil you happily playing with a toy! Now that's something I didn't expect to see."

"You wouldn't be seeing it at all, if you weren't such a  voyeur! But you can't ruin my good mood this time, Watcher! This bath is amazing! The soreness is just soaking out of my muscles."

"Then I'll leave you to your bath and your ducky time!"




I take a quick peek upstairs and find Luci pulling up the covers in her bed.

"Night Luci! Sweet dreams."

"Night Watcher. See you tomorrow."

As Luci falls asleep, I relish the thought that someone in the family likes having me around.

That's probably because she's a child and not evil, but I'll take what I can get.




With all three girls safe and sound at home, I check on Janette to see if she's followed up with the grocery store owner for case # 27, The Case Of One Bad Apple.

Only to find her haring off down the street in her wedding dress, the grocery store in the background, with thoughts of her PI career uppermost in her mind.

"Got to catch up, Watcher," she pants, "complete 35 cases in this town, no time for talk or any other distractions."




I follow her down the street and across the road to the Singh family residence, where she meets up with the morning store clerk, Leo Singh, Galen's older brother.

As I watch the two of them together, Leo in his formal black suit and Janette in her wedding dress, I wonder again if Leo is insane, or maybe proper, as he's always dressed formally.

Huffing a bit Janette gasps, "Running in heels and a dress is not recommended…a moment of your time Mr. Singh?"

"Sure Detective, what's on your mind?"

"I've spoken with your employer and he tells me several crates of produce, mostly apples, have come up missing lately, so many of them, in fact, that he's not had any to sell in the store for some time. Can you shed any light on these missing deliveries?"

"I have seen a suspicious sim hanging around a few times, wearing a uniform commonly sported by some of the lesser elements in town. An older woman I believe. Does that help?"

"It gives me a place to start Mr. Singh. Thanks for the information."




As Janette turns to leave, she pops the earpiece to her multi tab in and starts listening to a logic tab cast!

"It always surprises me when you do that on your own Janette!"

"Why Watcher? One of my wishes is to master logic, this will speed up the process."

"If only all Sims held to the same belief it would make my job a lot easier Janette! Where to now?"

"I only know of one female in town that's involved in the local crime syndicate, Watcher."

"Besides Bella?"

"Oh, make that two! I was thinking of my old friend, Kirstin Law, who's anything but law-abiding!"




But instead of heading to Kirstin's home, which is coincidentally not far from the police department, Janette heads off in the opposite direction.

And I quickly realize her destination as she heads to the far end of the strip, where the C-Ment Shoe Factory is located.

"Of course! Kirstin will be getting off work at this time of night!"

And my pronouncement proves accurate as Janette's target appears in the shadows of the dark building.

Kirstin denies all knowledge of the thefts, which isn't surprising.

What is surprising are her angry words, "I was double-crossed, Detective! I was promised those fruit deliveries and then someone else muscled in on my job!"

Janette muses, "Wow, you know things are bad when the criminals are being had by other criminals!"

"This town used to have some class, Detective, but criminals these days just have no honor!"

"There's no honor among thieves Ms. Law!"

"Tell me about it! There's a young girl still in high school that's always sticking her nose in my business! She keeps saying she just admires my methods but if I find out it was her that stole this fruit…"

"Be careful Ms. Law, that's my niece you're talking about! If she's the culprit, I'll bring her to justice just like anyone else that's been involved in one of my cases. But don't take my case into your own hands, I'm quite capable of defending my family! And if I can't do it alone, I'll make sure my Grandmother and her colleagues are aware of your threat!"

"Your grandmother? You don't have a grandmother in this town!"

"No. She lives in Hidden Springs. And she's not like any grandmother you've ever seen. She's a martial arts expert, a high powered law officer with international connections, and a fairy with a mean-streak!"

Kirstin recoils as she whispers, "The one that captured the entire crime syndicate of Roaring Heights!?! She's your grandmother!?!"

Janette says proudly, "Yes. She is. Do I need to ask her to visit Starlight Shores and assist me with this case, Ms. Law?"

Kirstin gulps and says, "No. No. Detective. I believe you're perfectly capable of solving it on your own, without my help. Or your grandmother's!"




As a new day dawns, I decide I better see how Jonas is coming along with his gem cutting and I find him just finishing up with another stack of cut gems.

"How's it going Jonas?"

"Quite well, Watcher. The machine does most of the work, not like sculpting or inventing which requires my undivided attention to avoid costly errors. I now have 10 different gemstones in distinctive cuts safely in my inventory, though I did have to use a few cuts more than once."

"Have you discovered the heart-shaped cut yet?"

"Let's find out with this next stack of gems!"

I check Jonas' inventory and chooses a gem he hasn't used before and find out that the heart-shaped cut is now available!

"It's there Jonas, so it's not actually necessary for the sim doing the cutting to collect them, using previously collected gems worked just fine!"

I cancel the current gem cutting action and grab the pink diamonds from Jonas' back pack for him to cut, and within moments, Jonas and I are staring at three perfect heart-shaped pink diamonds!

And as soon as he picks them up, his Op triggers and he heads off to turn one of them in at the Science Lab.




Jonas comes out with a bemused expression on his face, saying, "The heart-shaped cut pink diamond was such a perfect quality they paid me $11,595 simoleans for donating it!"

"Well done Jonas! You head home and grab some scrap from one of the workstations for the next step of the Op. You've only got 23 pieces in your inventory, and that will be much easier than digging for it at the junk yard."

"Good idea. I'd end up looking for perfect pieces with my artist's eye and that can take much longer."




With Sims up and going about their daily activities, Janette continues her case to discover the true culprit behind the market's produce thefts and decides questioning a few sims is her next step towards solving this case.

She checks her map of the stars and finds some likely interviewees, family members who should be more than willing to assist her, at the cemetery, of all places.

But Janette's not phased by the location and heads over to find her young nephew, Kyle Abbot, inside the front gates.

"Hi Kyle, I was looking for your Mom and Dad."

"They're inside the chapel Aunt Janette, unlike Mr. Gooder that passed away surrounded by family, poor Mr. Batez didn't have anyone, so Mom's organizing a small memorial for his friends and co-workers. But I'm going to be late for school if I don't bike over there now!"

"Thanks for the information Kyle. Now that you're old enough, you'll have to come visit and get to know your cousins."




Inside the chapel, Janette chats with her sister, Marisol.

"Kyle told me I would find you in here! He's become such a little man! With me and Jemma having girls, we haven't got to experience raising any boys!"

"There's still time Janette, either one of you could have another little one! But I'm guessing that you're really not here to discuss family…"

"I'm too busy to even consider another child, as you're right, I am working on another case and I need some intel. How have you been providing produce  for all of you with the market so short?"

Frowning, Marisol says, "I didn't realize the market was short as I've been buying all our produce from Sharon Oberly at the Elixir Consignment Store. Her prices are a steal and the produce is the freshest we've ever had!"

"Sharon Oberly!?! I thought she was focusing on her music career and had given up her job at the consignment store?"

Shrugging, Marisol replies, "You'd have to talk to Kirk about that. I have enough trouble keeping up with all the drama and divas at the film studio, so I keep my nose out of the goings on at the theater!"




"So what's the deal with Sharon, Kirk? After the little talk I had with her recently, I thought she was going to put more effort into her music career."

Kirk hesitates a moment and then says, "With Sharon working back at the consignment store, everyone will know soon enough, but it just didn't work out. She had some basic talent, but not the drive needed to build a music career. And without Finn's backing, well, we had to let her go. The consignment store was more than willing to have her back on the register and it's doing more business than ever with the produce she's now selling."

"I guess I should have a talk with Sharon and find out what's going on…working at the consignment store and selling produce is fine, much better than her previous activities, but I want to make sure her new activities are above board as well!"




Sharon is eager enough to chat with Janette about the produce she's been offering for consignment.

"I've always had a fondness for homegrown fruits and vegetables, Detective, so with my music career not working out, I went back to my roots. I've started a small garden out back, but it won't be ready for harvesting for some time, so I've been buying it locally through the market. They've been giving me a real good discount, so I can offer it here for less than what they sell it for!"

"Didn't that seem too good to be true Sharon? You, of all people, should know a con when you see one! Unless you're in on the whole scheme!"




That accusation had the two of them stepping back and glaring at each other!

While Sharon hotly retorted, "I thought we were better friends than that…"




Then Sharon immediately changes her tactics and, giving Janette a flirty look, breathily says, "But I'm sure we could come to an arrangement that would be mutually satisfying…Janette."




Janette, totally creeped out by Sharon's flirtation makes a disgusted face, saying "How dare you try your pathetic wiles on me!?! Not only aren't we 'better friends than that', we're no longer friends at all, Ms. Oberly!"




With the interview with Sharon turning out so badly, Janette heads back to the market to see if there are any other customers she can interview.

The twins find they're teaming up on another one of Janette's cases when Janette finds Jemma doing a private reading for Emily Elson outside the market entry way.

"I see you being instrumental in helping to solve a local crime Ms. Elson. Something to do with produce…apples come to mind."

Janette quickly takes the opportunity to question Emily as soon as Jemma's reading is finished.

Finding out that yet another household is buying all their produce, especially large quantities of fresh apples from Sharon Oberly at the consignment store, at ridiculously low prices!




Janette heads back to confront Sharon, again!

But with their friendship a thing of the past, she's not getting anywhere at all as Sharon stubbornly refuses to answer any of her questions.

Finally, after what seems like a thousand friendly interactions, they are friends again!




And after Janette peppers her with questions, Sharon finally reveals the truth!

"Okay, okay, I'll admit to buying the produce off the local black market, but I did buy it Janette, not steal it!"

"But with the price so low you must have known it was stolen Sharon, especially since the market had no produce to sell these last few weeks!"

"I needed something that would sell fast here in the shop, to build up business…"

Shaking her head, Janette murmurs, "Another get rich quick scheme Sharon…I thought you'd learned your lesson the last time you got caught!"

"This is nothing like deceiving those men for money and gifts! It's such a little thing…"

"But still a crime Sharon! Though I'm sure your involvement could be looked upon with more leniency if you helped me find the true culprit."

"All I know is the guy I bought the produce from is young and has dark hair. It covers his face so I didn't get a real good look at him."

"Thanks Sharon! I think I know who to check out next! And a word of advice, not many of us here in Simland get a second chance to rectify mistakes, so try to stay out of trouble and don't get involved in any more shady deals."




Since Leo fits Sharon's description, Janette finds herself back at the Singh home.

As Leo discovers her digging deep into the trash can, thankfully wearing her career outfit instead of her wedding dress, he takes off running down the street!

Janette exclaims, "You can run, Leo, but you can't hide! I've found remnants of tattered fruit boxes along with a deposit slip for a fat check that far exceeds your salary! I'm afraid your job at the market is a thing of the past!"

Janette's words prove prophetic, though it wasn't hard to deduce, as the market owner pays her fee and remarks, "I'm sorry it was my own clerk stealing from me Detective. 'One bad apple can ruin the whole bunch,' was certainly true in this case!"

"Sad but true, sir. On the bright side, your produce is safe now and that closes my 27th case!"




With Janette's case solved, I do a quick check back at the house to find Bella and Cassidy chatting.

But they're not just talking about school or their boyfriends, Bella says, "Cassidy, I'm really sorry about trying to get you into trouble, accusing you of stealing my crown at prom, and trying to push me out of heirship. Evil sims like us, we need to stick together, especially since we're family!"

Cassidy is hopeful but hesitant, asking, "So…what exactly does that mean? We stop sabotaging each other?"

Bella nods and says, "Yes! But let's take it further than that and make a pact to be best friends forever, a united team protecting our family and interests from others!"

Cassidy says, "Does that mean that pranks on each other are off the table?"

Bella laughs and says, "Of course not! I doubt we can totally overcome our evil tendencies or that either one of us really wants to do that, so harmless pranks on each other will still be allowed."

"Then I'm in, BFF!!!"




With the help of the family chests, Jonas has completed the first three steps towards creating The Ultimate Invention, only needing to deliver 100 pieces of scrap before reaching the final step.

Mid-way through the 6th week of our journey here in SS, Janette now has 27 cases under her belt, so she's close to being back on track, with only three more cases to solve by Saturday.

And it's nice to see Bella and Cassidy getting along, but I'm not sure how safe this town, or the next one, will be with their evil tendencies combined!

I guess we'll find out in upcoming chapters, along with the rest of the family members, which will include a new one as Jonas creates a new life!

I'll tell you all about it in Chapter 305: Socializing and a Simbot
Coming soon.

[deedee_828]

Outside, I find Jemma joining her youngest daughter, Luci, for a refreshing late afternoon swim.

Jemma asks, "Do you have your homework done for school tomorrow?"

Playing near the waterfall, Luci answers, "I did it first thing after school! I didn't want to forget and lose my honor roll status for the last day of grade school!"

Jemma asks, surprised, "Is it your birthday already!?!"

Luci laughs and says, "Yes, I become a teen tomorrow night!"

Jemma hesitates, but then continues, "Then maybe you should invite some of your young classmates over before you age up."

"You wouldn't mind, Mom?"

"Of course I'll mind, but I'll manage."

"Thanks, Mom!"




Soon after that the Frio front walk is filled with grade school children that aren't quite as diligent as Luci.

There's Galen Singh on the left, and Darrick Riverhawk by the mailbox, with Shonda Steele sitting in front of him.




Flipping around, I get a front view photo of Kerry Kasmir and Isaac Luck's oldest daughter, Kaitlyn.

Sitting next to her is Marisol and Kirk's youngest son, Kyle, who Janette met at the cemetery recently.

Seeing Kaitlyn and Kyle's odd outfits, I debate on whether to pop them into stylist, but decide that with the child stage being only 7 days, it makes more sense to wait for makeovers when they're teens.

With all of Luci's visitors being busy with homework, I go check on Jonas as he's collected the scrap he needed from his inventing tables and headed off to deliver it to the Science Lab.




Jonas emerges from the Science Lab looking shocked as he says, "The palladium, life fruits, heart-shaped pink diamond, and all that scrap generated a life core, Watcher! I can now create the Ultimate Invention!"

"I'd thought you'd be happier about that, you just look stunned. Isn't that what you've been striving for since you had me accept the op?"

"It is. But now that the time has come, when it's my creative talents that will be put to the test…Well, it's just a bit overwhelming."

"Something as big as this would give anyone a moment of pause Jonas. Drive home and give yourself time to absorb it, center yourself, and begin the project when you're ready."




I check on Janette and find her still hanging around the supermarket.

I thought she was going to go check the case board at the police station for another case but listening in on her conversation I find out that she's actually interviewing her next client!

"I must be losing my touch, Detective! Someone's hacked my computer and now I've lost another job!"

"I told you there was no honor among thieves, Ms. Law. And if I wanted to keep the criminal element under control in this town I would have joined the force directly, instead of working as a lowly PI."

"Don't give me that, Detective! Everyone in town knows your name and, though you passed on a formal ceremony, I heard you were given the Investigator's Key to the City by the Mayor!"

"Nothing gets passed you Kirstin, though it seems your computer security could use some work. What do you want me to do about it?"

"Check the files and track down the perpetrator. I just need a name, I'll handle it from there!"

Janette raises and eyebrow and asks, "I thought we'd already discussed you taking matters into your own hands?"

"If the perpetrator is one of my colleagues, then it will be my business, Detective. But if I find out your niece is involved, then I'll let you handle it as a personal favor."

"Fair enough, Ms. Law. I'll be in touch."




As Janette heads back home, I check out the trio that had been eaves-dropping on her conversation.

From front to back, it's Max Lee, who's still a teen, but will be aging up later tonight.

Then Sebastian Gooder, who's almost an adult, since he was a child when we arrived in town.

Followed by Allan Best, who'll be an adult soon, and has the distinction of being the first baby born here in Starlight Shores.

Max's hair is the only one I like as I find the other two male hair styles ridiculous.

Apparently the females in town agree as, when I check their relationship status, I discover that neither Sebastian or Allan even have a romantic interest!

Maybe Sharon Oberly's scheme has put all of the males in town on high alert?

Whatever the reason, it's good to know there are still unattached males in town in case things don't work out between my heirship candidates and their current partners.




As Janette heads back to the house, I pop over myself, to find Darrick Riverhawk enjoying the buzzy bee rider immensely.

Just look him waving his arm in the air and sporting that great big smile.

I hope he gets along better with his parents, Phyllis and Jeffery, than his older brothers Van and Jace, as both of them moved out on their own right after aging to teen.

Jace is still going steady with Kira May but Van, who will soon become a young adult, is still single.

I'll definitely have to pair him up with someone before we leave town to keep the HS greenie genes alive here in SS.




Inside, I find Luci chatting with her cousin.

"I'm glad you could come over and play Kyle. Wanna' go outside and play catch?"

But before Kyle can answer, my attention is diverted by a commotion.




Bella's jumped out and is waving her arms wildly as she lets out a loud, "Rraaahhhh!!! Gotcha Dad!"

Tobias jumps and gasps at his daughter's unexpected attack.

Janette's arrived home just in time to witness the whole thing and she says dryly, "Aren't you and Cassidy done with that childish prank Bella?"

Bella smiles delightedly saying, "That's one thing that evil sims can do their whole lives Aunt Janette, not something you outgrow! Isn't that great!?!"

Janette stops in her tracks, horrified at the thought, and asks "So the two of you will do that for the rest of your lives!?! Then I vote for Luci as heir!"

Bella grins as she replies, "Luci's still got two chances to join Team Evil! I'm still pulling for this to be the quintessential evil gen! We could take over Simland!"

Janette and Tobias both murmur, "Watcher, forbid!"

I'm glad both of them show such confidence in me, but, unfortunately, random traits cannot be tampered with in our journey, no matter how unpleasant it is to live with them!




Janette heads off to the study to continue her case and I've barely joined her when she turns off the computer in disgust.

"What's wrong?"

"Two things. One, that was just too easy! Turns out the 'hacker' is Emily Elson, a novice who's firewall and password were child's play to by-pass. Two, contrary to Ms. Law's story, the computer evidence shows that Ms. Elson, who works at the science lab, was just stealing their own files back! It's Kirstin doing the double crossing here, but two can play that game. Since it doesn't involve one of Kirstin's colleagues, I'll be keeping the perpetrator's name to myself!"




Janette is so outraged that she rushes out to track Kirstin down and is soon confronting her in Kirstin's weed-strewn front lawn.

"You weren't exactly laying all your cards on the table about this case, Kirstin! You stole those files from the science lab first, and then tried to sucker me into finding out who turned the tables on you! And I did find out! In fact, it was a novice who can barely be called a hacker so you really need to step up your own PC security. But I'm not telling you who did it!"

"You agreed to take my case and give me the name!"

"I agreed to provide a name if it was one of your lowly colleagues, but it wasn't. Nor was it my niece. So I'm free to keep the name to myself!"

Kirstin is so furious that Janette won't disclose the perps name that she's barley civil as she pays Janette's fee saying, "You can see yourself off the premises, Detective, I'm going to bed!"

"You're welcome, Ms. Law! Case closed!"




Since Janette's so close to the police department she accepts another case, The Case of the Hacker Elite, which sounds familiar and one that will be very easy to solve as it only involves a few steps.

Then she heads straight over to the Kasmir/Luck home to interview her new client.

"It's a familiar story, Ms. Kasmir, cyber warfare isn't any prettier than other forms of battle…but if it's just a social issue…"

"It's more than that, Detective! This is big, data theft, piracy…there are forum rules and they are being blatantly ignored!"

"I'll head home and look into it first chance I get, Ms. Kasmir. I've solved several of this hacker-type cases and they're pretty routine."




Janette heads straight home and into the study and, finding the computer in need of repair, sits down and tinkers with it a bit.

Only to end up being zapped with a high voltage electric shock that leaves her singed and stunned!

The look on her face is priceless as she replies, "Now that was truly an epic fail!"




A quick shower in the study bathroom has her fixing the computer and, after a few minutes perusing the forum, sighing at the simplicity of the case.

Janette's eyes glaze as she looks at the flowers on the desk, "It's nothing to do with data theft or piracy, just another social dispute on a forum that's been taken way too seriously. Cecily Elson has been calling Ms. Kasmir names, which has my client losing status in that forum. But I've now called Ms. Elson a "Noopen Poopen" just like I did the last time I had a case like this. I know it's a strong word in computer circles, but really the whole thing is a ridiculous waste of my time! For a town with so few computer whizzes, sims sure spend a lot of their free time on them!"




I check on Jonas and find him focusing on another invention at one of his workstations, and seeing the length of the progress bar, and how slowly it's moving up, I figure he's taken the plunge and is working on The Ultimate Invention.

I leave him to it as this one definitely needs his undivided attention.




Luci's in the kitchen happily eating one of the muffins she's baked before she heads off for her last day of grade school.




But when she settles down in her seat in the bus, she looks a bit anxious as she asks, "Were either of you nervous before your teen birthday?"




Cassidy never looks happy on the bus, but her face goes even more solemn as she whispers, "I was, even more so after I got my new trait, with all those strange sims staring at me…"

Bella hesitates but then she admits, "I was too. But things have worked out okay for both of us. Cassidy and I both have boyfriends, despite Cassidy's shyness. And they'll work out for you too Luci. No matter what trait you get…we'll always be there for you! I may not be the easiest Sim to get along with, but nothing will stop me from protecting my little sister!"

With Bella's confidence boosting her own, Cassidy adds, "That goes for me too, little cuz! Bella and I are now a team and we'll do our best to protect you and help you through your teen years."

Luci sighs gratefully and says, "Knowing you both will help me does make me feel a little better."

"That goes for me too, Luci! As well as the rest of your family. Just try to enjoy your last day of grade school and look forward to whatever your teen years bring. We'll get through the difficult parts together and there should be plenty of fun along the way!"




Janette's already wrapped up her 29th case when I join her at the Kasmir/Luck home.

Kerry, holding her middle child, Kellie, offers, "If you've got a moment, Detective, you'd be more than welcome to come inside for a visit."

"Thanks! Now that I'm back on track with my cases, I've got a few minutes for socializing, and please call me Janette, Kerry. No need for formality now that your case is closed."




Janette heads inside and can't resist the sound of music, and follows it to it's source.

Isaac playing his guitar and showing off his musical talent!




But when Janette hears crying she hustles off to the living room to cuddle Kerry and Isaac's youngest, a son, Isaiah.

Though quite a few of the residents have never paired up, some of them have, like Kerry and Isaac, brought together with a little help from me and Janette.




Then I get pulled unexpectedly back to the house and I'm fearing the worst.

But instead of someone leaving us, I find that Jonas has indeed created a new life, a female Simbot that we name Hedy, after the Austrian actress and producer, Hedy Lamarr, who was also an inventor!

Which seemed the most fitting for Starlight Shores.

Unfortunately, though Hedy is considered Jonas' daughter he reacts with disgust at his own creation.

Frowning and waving his hands to ward her off, much like so many sims response to ghosts.

Not only that, but poor Hedy's traits are not conducive to her staying with the family for long as she's a loner and dislikes children!

Luckily, I'd planned on moving Jonas' creation out soon as we'll need the space for the heir partner.

But with Hedy's traits, it could be even sooner than I expected.

For now, she'll share Luci's room, since there's a spare bed in there, and Simbot's require sleep, just like regular sims.




I catch back up with Janette as she interviews Mercedes May for her 30th case, The Case of the Rumor Mill.

Janette looks away trying not to laugh as she says, "Mimi Olivia called you a llama brained gnome herder!?! That doesn't seem all that bad, Ms. May…"

"I'm still delivering sing-a-grams, Detective, and I don't need anything else keeping me from climbing into the higher echelons of my career!"

Janette doubts that Mercedes lack of career progress is related to being called silly names as her personality is quite enough to put anyone off, but says, "If you really want to spend your money on my fee, Ms. May, I'll see what I can do to squash the rumor." 




I pull back to get a larger photo of Buckshot Park, named after Charlie Buckshot, of course, and discover it's quite the place!

A secluded park with two gazebos connected by a bridge spanning a sparkling blue lake full of fish.

I definitely haven't explored this town fully as I wasn't aware of just how beautiful it is.

I think the one and only time I sent Janette here on a case it was dark and I didn't join her.

But maybe I can arrange a family outing here or maybe a teen date as it seems a shame to waste such a beautiful location.




Janette's solved two more cases and is on her 30th case, so she's closing in on magic number 35, which will complete her lifetime wish.

And as behind as she was, I give a sigh of relief that we've still got at least two weeks in Starlight Shores to accomplish that goal.

Jemma's not far behind on her own lifetime wish as, with three work days coming up, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, I'm hoping she can top her career and complete hers as well.

But it's not careers that are up next but Luci's teen birthday!

Which gives us another unexpected trait to deal with.

Follow along and see what happens in Chapter 306: Teen Birthday Turmoil
Coming soon.

[deedee_828]

For Luci's teen party, we've kept it to family and close friends.

And since Janette helped Sonoko Lee out and considers them potential family, we invite them, as well as the Woods and Singh families, so no one's feelings are hurt.

But Luci extends a private invitation to Galen Singh as her luck had him aging to teen last night!

"My Aunt Janette invited family and friends from around town, but I wanted to make sure you didn't miss my teen birthday, Galen. We've been friends throughout my entire grade school years and I want to share the moment with you!"

"Sure Luci, I wouldn't miss it! But…I've changed since you last saw me and lost my hair again!"

"That's okay, Galen. The Watcher will fix it once you arrive. She's used to fixing hair and outfits."




But the horde of guests who've arrived take me completely by surprise.

Becky Lack, who wasn't even invited, brought along her toddler who promptly starts howling as the crowd presses closer.

This has the whole group feeling even more uncomfortable and some of them leave before the party has even started!




Having no hope that most of our guests will even make it inside, I send Luci off to blow out the candles on her cake.

Luckily, some of the family have managed to join her and are making their way towards the cake.

Bella's totally focused on her little sister, but both Jonas and Tobias seem to be distracted by the crowd trying to make it's way inside.

And to add to the ruckus, Jonas' phone has started to ring!




But Jemma manages to arrive just as her youngest daughter closes her eyes to make a wish.

While Jeffery Riverhawk blows loudly on a party horn and Bella cheers Luci on, "Make your wish a good one, Luci! Better yet, evil!!!"




Tobias adds, "Just be true to yourself Luci, don't worry about your trait."

But as the sparkles surround her, Luci's startled face seems to reflect the conflicting advice, her thoughts swirling as she thinks, good, evil, be true to herself…




So when the sparkles disappear, and teen Luci stands before us,  I stare in shock at her new trait.

Luci now has Commitment Issues!

Her eyes wide, as she holds her piece of cake, she exclaims, "Oh, dear, Watcher! That wasn't one I expected at all!"

"Me either, Luci. But just enjoy your cake and your party, we'll discuss your trait later."

Though I'm trying to be supportive, Cassidy and Bella's expressions reflect my own sinking heart.

And Tobias frowns right in the middle of clapping for his daughter, caught by surprise as much as the rest of us by that unfortunate trait.

As I scan the rest of the guests, I see that Chase and Forest have at least made it through the front doors and more and more guest are joining us inside.




Though a quick peek outside still shows a huge crowd, all of them still concerned as Becky's toddler is crying uncontrollable, now from his spot on the sidewalk.

That's when I spot a bald headed teen and go in for a closer look.




It's Galen Singh standing near his mother Priscilla, looking just as uncomfortable as everyone else hearing a toddler cry.

Though maybe it's also because he's embarrassed by his lack of hair and the totally too warm outfit he's wearing.

But like Luci told him earlier on the phone, I can fix both of those issues easily enough, so I pop him into stylist.




To find that Galen's bald head isn't his only issue as he's also got rather a large mouth with full lips though I do find the beauty spot near his right eye rather cute.

He's definitely not a vanilla sim, but I think we can help him out with some hair and new clothes.




I try quite a few hair styles before settling on this one and a simple white shirt and denim jacket paired with jeans and sneakers for his outerwear.




But when we join everyone on the lawn, with Galen now in his everyday outfit, we find his mother has now covered her ears and it looks like Galen's not at all happy with the distressed toddler!

Between Luci's new trait and Galen's actions, I'm not sure which depresses me more.

But the party, like the journey, must press on, so I go and track down Luci.




I find her on the back patio with Patches close by and realize we've got another birthday to celebrate.

But first I want to see how Luci and Galen react seeing each other as teens for the first time.

So Luci says, "I'll be right back to help celebrate your birthday, Patches. The Watcher wants me to say hi to Galen first. I won't be long, promise."




And as the two of them chat, it's hearts for both of them!

With Galen's mother, Priscilla, beaming just like I am witnessing first love.




"Thanks for coming to my birthday party, Galen. I see our Watcher has fixed your hair issue. It looks great!"

"I wouldn't have missed it for anything Luci. You're my best friend! Of course, I'd attend something as special as your teen birthday."

I'm not sure if it's just wishful thinking on my part, but maybe these two could work out together after all, despite Luci's new trait.

I know the trait specifies that sims with Commitment Issues don't really want to settle down into a long-term relationship or a lifelong career and that marriage is out of the question, but the Town Jump rules state that sims don't have to marry, just live with a partner from the town they grew up in and move with the next chosen heir as the heir parents.

So…it could still work for Luci to become heir.

The thought fills me with the joy, but I don't want Luci to break her promise to Patches.




So I do a quick Nraas 'trigger age transaction' on Patches and stand by for the sparkles.

Soon Patches is a teen and adds Daredevil to her loves animals, loves to swim, and perfectionist traits.

I'm kind of miffed that Patches may have better traits than Luci's, with heavy sleeper, disciplined, lucky, and now commitment issues!

Another odd combo to deal with, that's for sure.

But with Luci being best friends with Galen already maybe she won't be opposed to making it a more committed relationship, along with accepting heirship?




But as Luci walks over to offer Patches birthday congratulations, she makes this face!

Saying, "Galen's cute and all Watcher, and I have nothing against romance, but I have no desire to get tied down, have a long-term career, or anything else that requires a huge commitment! The very idea is appalling!"

And with those words, my heart sinks even further.




I'm so shocked by Luci's comment that I check on family members, trying to get my thoughts in order.

I find Cassidy giving Forest a shy kiss goodbye as it's getting late and she's getting sleepy.




In the kitchen, Bella and Dane have gotten even more romantic as Bella asks Dane to watch the stars.

In front of her father, Tobias, who is not happy to be a witness to his teen daughter and her boyfriend's flirtation.

But Bella is delighted by his reaction and laughs, saying, "It's not a big deal, Dad! We'll be young adults soon enough, living together and sharing a room soon after that!"




This is more than Tobias can handle and he leaves them alone in the kitchen, where soon their flirtation leads to a make-out session!

Seeing the differences between the three teen couples, I'm actually thinking that Bella and Dane's relationship is the strongest of them, possibly the best match.

In the beginning, I worried because Bella and Dane were both evil, and I wasn't sure they would get along, but that hasn't been the case at all.

The two of them have never argued and Dane is more than a match for Bella, being evil himself.

And Dane's evilness has been tempered by his other traits, especially as he's a musical genius.

While Bella's evil, grumpiness seems to be tempered by her hopeless romantic trait, at least where romantic relationships are concerned.




Then I find Cassidy giving Forest this flirty, melty look and my heart goes out to these two misfits who've found each other and connected despite all of the odds against them.

Their traits actually compliment one another, with Cassidy being evil but Forest being so absent-minded he'd probably forgot any evil actions she performed soon after they happen.

Cassidy's shy trait doesn't stop her from being loving and romantic with Forest, either, in fact, together the two of them make a very endearing couple.




But instead of spending the rest of her birthday with Galen, getting to know her best friend as a teen, Luci's opted to pillow fight with Patches instead!

Is this a sign that trying to force Luci to be with Galen, or anyone else, isn't the best option?

Before I can have Luci interact with Galen again, to see if she's actually interested in a relationship, the guests start saying goodbye.

There's Forest striding through the living room, most likely heading for the front door, if he hasn't forgotten where it is.

And I see Dane's already outside on his way home.




I watch Luci and Patches for awhile, wondering if Luci's new trait really makes it feasible to keep her in the running for heir.

Then my thoughts are interrupted by a now elderly Sonoko Lee musing, "This family may be nice, willing to give a helping hand to those in need, but they sure are strange! Who on earth is that girl pillow fighting with? There's no one there! I guess she's as crazy as her Aunt and Uncle!"

Then Sonoko spots Hedy and adds, "Is that a Simbot? EEEWWW!!! If that's the kind of things the Frio's are going to introduce to this town, I think we'd be better off if they all leave and take Dane with them!"

And though I'd pinned my hopes on Luci becoming heir, I'm afraid I may just agree with Mrs. Lee, though for different reasons.




Here I thought that having three evil teens would be the worst thing ever for this gen only to have Luci roll commitment issues on her teen birthday!

Even worse, the face and comment Luci made right after I speculated on if she'd really mind being in a long-term relationship have me re-thinking that, majorly.

It's true that her high best friend relationship with Galen would probably allow for a romantic relationship and could even produce a child, even if she didn't want to marry.

And with the riches the Frio family has, there's no need for Luci to commit to a long-term career, or any career really.

But what's more of a long-term commitment than being the 11th gen heir!?!

Over the next week, Bella and Cassidy will age up to young adults and we'll see if Luci still feels as strongly about NOT making any commitments as she does now.

If she does, then heirship will be between Bella and Cassidy, and we can continue the journey earlier than I expected.

My heart is heavy as I think about Luci removing herself from the heirship race so soon, but some traits just make that choice a foregone conclusion.

Up next, more cases for Janette, of course, and more teen shenanigans.

Find out the details in Chapter 307: Freaky Friday
Coming soon.

[deedee_828]

With the house free of all of the party guests, Janette settles down at the chess table to continue working on her logic skill.

She's determined to max it out to help her solve her remaining cases as quickly as possible.




As Friday morning arrives, Cassidy again wakes up in the midst of another mood swing.

She whines, "Do I have to go to school today!?! I'm just NOT in the mood!"

"You don't want to lose your 'A' do you? You've worked pretty hard for it. And you'll get to see Forest and your other teen friends."

"That's true…but.."

"Besides, in the mood you're in you'll relish all the uncomfortable situations that the other teens find themselves in even more!"

"Yeah, that is the upside of being in a crowd of strangers, there's always someone who's even more uncomfortable than I am!"




Bella's mood swing, along with her innate evil and grumpiness, has me catching her doing this!

But she makes no apology for her actions, gleefully saying, "Too late to stop me, Watcher!"

"I wondered why you were heading for a sink instead of taking a shower or getting breakfast. But it's a harmless prank that you won't get to do for much longer, so enjoy!"




Luci awakens and, seeing her new hairstyle and sleepwear, I decide it's time for her teen makeover.

I found this side-braided hairstyle for her formal look, but I liked it so much, I locked it in for all outfits.

Paired with coral pink make-up and clothes, I think she makes a stunning looking teen!

Though she reminds me more of Lucy Broke, Torre's wife, the other half of the gen 6th heir couple, rather than the dark-haired Belluci family she's named after.

So she's actually named after family on both sides.



 
Freeing her from stylist, she finds Patches eagerly waiting to chat and continue building their friendship.




Long after the girls have headed off to high school, Jemma starts playing basketball with a vengeance, determined to max her athletic skill.

I watch her for a while and, after making several baskets in a row, she pops an 'on fire' moodlet, which has the basketball flying through the air so fast it resembles a comet!




She follows that up with this amazing shot, leaping so far off the ground her head touches the net!




And though I enjoyed watching her and capturing those photos, my reason for sticking close to her was for more practical reasons.

Today is a work day for her, her first after reaching level 9 of her Fortune Teller career, and enduring four very long days off.

So to make it even more productive, I have her drink one of the job booster elixirs she's made.




Upstairs in the art gallery, Jonas is diligently painting, working on his last skill point, which will not only max his painting skill but complete his lifetime wish.




Tobias is focused on completing his 40th novel, another long-term wish that is nearing completion.




Even though she finds the case entirely ridiculous, Janette's now ventured to the Festival Park to start dispelling the rumor going around town that Mercedes May is a llama brained gnome herder.

Kacey O'Neil, now a food booth attendant, says, "Sure, I've heard the rumor Detective! But as for believing it, everyone knows that llama brained gnome herders only live in the Artic!"

Stunned by this news, Janette murmurs, "Not everyone…"




But the other food booth attendant, Buddy Bledsoe concurs saying, "Like Kacey said, it's a pretty lame rumor as they only exist in the Artic! So not even remotely believable, as far as rumors go."




Willard Wright's finally stopped heaving up hot dogs after entering a hot dog eating contest, so Janette gets his take on the rumors.

"Of course Mercedes isn't a llama brained gnome herder! Mercedes might be a lot of unpleasant things, but not that! Because every knows…"

"I know! I know! They only exist in the Artic!"




When Janette spots Mercedes partaking of the events at the festival, she quickly wraps up the case.

"So though the rumor is definitely spread around town, no one believes it Ms. May, herders such as those don't even exist, at least not in sunny Starlight Shores, if my intel can be trusted."

"That's a relief! I find gnomes vile creatures and would never want my name connected to them in any way!"

Janette feels sure that many sims in town would consider gnomes much better company than Mercedes, but she keeps that opinion to herself as she crumples her notes in a tight ball and says, "Case Closed!"




Though Janette has dispelled one llama rumor in town, there must be others as I find the Singh's little puppy is thinking about them too, and not finding them to his liking.

But Bella is having the opposite reaction as she sighs over a romantic movie on TV.

"I know you're a hopeless romantic Bella but I wouldn't have thought cheesy romance movies would appeal to your grumpy and evil nature."

"Oh, it's not just a romance, Watcher, the anti-hero is a vampire and there's a blood-thirsty mob keeping him from the human woman he's fallen in love with, so it's very satisfying on a number of levels!"

"But why are you watching alone? I thought you were spending the afternoon with Leo Singh?"

"He had to go to work. He's done his community service and the market owner is giving him a second chance."

"These teen part-time jobs sure are encroaching on your social life. First Allan best invites you over and then leaves and now Leo. And with Dane working after school M-F, and you working on weekends, you don't get to see much of him either!"

"It's okay, Watcher, I see Dane at school and Aunt Janette is planning a big birthday bash tomorrow night and she's letting me invite Dane. Of course, Forest and Galen are invited too, as well as all the rest of the family. I'll miss a little since I don't get off work 'til 8 and the party starts at 7, but I'll still get in plenty of socializing and romance with Dane!"

"Just try not to embarrass your father too much…he's family-oriented, but you're still a teen, and you know how much it bothers him."

"I do! It's just too easy to resist, Watcher! Sims like me delight in such things!"




Bella's right on that score as I find Cassidy delightedly setting a 'scary computer' prank on the PC in the study.

She laughs evilly as she does so and then says, "I'm in the mood for something different, Watcher! Can I cut or die my hair?"

"You can't dye it as it's part of your original genetics, but you can cut it."

"Great!"




I squeeze into the tiny bathroom off the study with Cassidy and nod as she checks out her new look in the mirror.

Cassidy doesn't smile, but she doesn't frown either, as she says, "It's definitely a big change, just look at how huge my eyes look."

"I really like it! Not everyone can pull off short hair but it looks great on you! I think it even makes you look older."

"Then I'm definitely keeping it! Forest's birthday is coming up soon, as he's closer to Bella's age than mine, and I want to minimize the age difference as much as possible, so we don't feel so awkward about it."

"You could also ask him out and get in one last teen date."

"Good idea Watcher! He's got to work tonight but I'll keep that in mind for the weekend."




But Cassidy's not the only one thinking about Forest, as Luci's actually popped a wish to kiss him for the first time!

She's not even evil, grumpy, or mean-spirited and she wants to kiss her cousin's boyfriend!

That is so NOT happening!

But Luci also pops wishes to be become friends with Rick Hamilton, another teen boy she met at school today, and she also wants to learn his sign!

I allow both of those wishes but they push my hopes for a commitment between her and Galen even further away.




I find Janette interviewing her latest client, Andy Snider, at the private club, Los Sueños, where he is the proprietor, as she begins case #31, The Case of the Tattooed Thief.

"You mentioned on the phone that your home was burgled last night, Mr. Snider. I'm hoping you at least caught a glimpse of the thief?"

"Unfortunately, I didn't Detective. I hadn't gotten around to installing a security system at my home, so I didn't even know anything was missing until I went to turn on my TV to check today's weather. Only to find a big empty spot where my TV had been! My stereo and computer are missing too! Given the lack of any description of the thief, the local police force told me the items were probably long gone and to just buy new ones, but I'm hoping you can track down the culprit Detective!"

"I'll do my best, Mr. Snider. For starters, I'll ask around the club to see if anyone noticed a suspicious sim in your neighborhood last night."




Unfortunately, the first sim Janette chats with is the absent-minded Matias Singh, who freezes at her question.

His face continues to look blank, though it's clear he's trying to remember something, anything, but it's no big surprise when he finally says, "I can't say I remember seeing anyone suspicious last night. I'm not sure I even remember seeing anyone at all."

"And you didn't see anyone skulking around after your performance last night?"

"Um… I performed last night?"

Janette just shakes her head and realizes it's no wonder Mr. Singh hasn't advanced in his singing career if he can't even remember to go to his own gigs!




She has better luck when she speaks with the Elson's middle daughter, Carolyn.

"Now that you mention it Detective, I was up getting a drink of water when I saw a sim go running by our house. I only got a quick glimpse of him, but I did see a large black mark on his right bicep, a tattoo! But it all happened so fast and I was so sleepy, I don't recall any more details."

"That's the first definite clue I've gotten, Ms. Elson, so it's a place to start!"




Then Janette finds Becky Lack in the restroom and says, "Congrats, Becky! You and Barry must be thrilled with three beautiful sons!"

"We are Detective, but I'm still hoping for a little girl to honor Barry's mom, you know with her passing and all. Barry's quite heart-broken, though having little Jaime, along with Bastian and Benjamin, has kept us both busy."

"I'm sure you and your boys are the best remedy for his loss, Becky. For Mr. Whitfield too. How's he holding up?"

"He breaks down even more than Barry, but that's to be expected when a couple's been together all that time. Frankly Detective, as much as he loves the boys, his heart is with Diane and I really think he'll be joining her soon. But he's helping Barry take care of the boys tonight since I'm resuming my gig here."

"Speaking of your career, have you ever noticed a sim with a large black tattoo on his right bicep in the audience?"

Becky thinks about that for a moment and shakes her head, saying, "Not in the audience no, but I seem to remember a DJ with a tattoo on his right arm! Though he's probably not a DJ anymore, he was really bad and could never remember the playlist and was always mooching things from the patrons, which generated a lot of complaints to the management."

"Thanks Becky! If you ever get in a bind and need a sitter, give me a call. I'd be happy to repay the favor."




As Janette heads over to the Tattoo and Stylist Salon, I check on Bella, who's still alone at the Singh house, and it looks like she's getting ready to prepare a meal.

But then she stops and shakes her head.

"What's wrong? I thought you were hungry."

"I am, Watcher. It's just that, well, it feels wrong to be cooking someone else's food…"

"Ah, so you're conscious has kicked in! It's about time! In fact, I never really thought it would happen!"

Bella laughs and says, "You are so deluded Watcher! I'm not feeling bad because I'm cooking someone else's food, I'm feeling bad because there's no one here to NOTICE me doing it! That's the best part, making others feel uncomfortable!"

"Well, I'm here!"

Smugly she adds, "You don't count!"




I follow Bella home and I'm just in time to find Jemma maxing her athletic skill.




Coming off that high, Jemma soaks for a bit in the hot tub, until Luci comes outside and says, "I was hoping Rick could come over and hang out but he's busy tonight, so maybe you could give me a driving lesson?"

Jemma had popped that wish as soon as Luci became a teen, so she was happy to agree.




Cassidy and Bella keep having teen mood swings, which has them setting more and more pranks around the house.

And even had Cassidy cutting her hair!

To my regret, Luci's popping wishes to kiss and befriend other boys, rather than spend time with Galen, definitely showing she wants to play the field and not make a serious commitment.

Next up Janette continues her 31st case, Bella and Cassidy have plans to spend Saturday with their boyfriends, while Luci is determined to get to know Rick Hamilton.

But Luci's best friend, Patches, inadvertently causes trouble!

I'll tell you all about it in Chapter 308: The Patches Problem
Coming soon.

[deedee_828]

Janette heads over to the Tattoo and Stylist Salon before it closes Friday evening and chats with the tattoo artist, an elderly sim named Phil Trice.

But her questions lead nowhere as Phil just shakes his head, saying, "You know I can't divulge client names, Detective, patient-client privilege and all!"

Janette raises a skeptical eyebrow and thanks Phil for his time, as she's doesn't believe tattoo artists have such rules.




So as soon as Phil heads inside, she smirks and starts snooping for clues on the premises.

And to my surprise, she quickly spots a receipt on the ground, a bulk order for temporary tattoos. The tattoo artist is selling fakes!




Striding inside, she exclaims, "Let's see if he's a bit more willing to talk now!"

But the place is dark and there's not a sim in sight.

Janette shakes her head and says, "That cagey old man pulled a fast one on me and left out the back!"

Pulling out her phone, Janette quickly calls Mr. Trice and using the receipt she found as leverage, he quickly caves saying, "I did remove a large black tattoo from one of my client's Detective."

"A name, Mr. Trice! I need a name!"

"Okay, okay, it was Seth Monroe! He tried to haggle with me over the price and then complained about it after I finished! And by the smell, he hangs out at the junkyard way too much!"




Which is exactly where Janette finds him!

After chatting with him for a few moments, she discovers Seth's not only a slob and a mooch, but pretty vague on remembering any details of his life or the crime.

"You actually find and follow clues, Detective? That's amazing! I can barely remember what I had for breakfast!"

"Thank you, Mr. Monroe, sometimes I even amaze myself when the clues and evidence are as slim as the ones in this case! But I believe in second chances, so if you'll agree to return my client's stolen items, I won't turn you in to the local police."

Janette isn't quite sure she should believe him, as though Seth nods in agreement, he says, "Sure, Detective! Whatever you say!"




With such a non-committal response, Janette decides to give Seth a few hours to return the items and decides to treat herself by accepting an unexpected party invitation.

"I was pleasantly surprised by your call, Lanya. You're not usually one to throw a party! And isn't this the Worthington place?"

"It is, Detective! And Girbits and I have you to thank for it! That first date led to another, a whirlwind engagement and wedding, and we're now expecting our first child! This pregnancy has certainly changed him!"

"Congratulations! I was just hoping for a cold drink and dancing to some tunes on the radio but that's even more of a reason to party!"




Janette watches the happy couple for a few moments and asks, "Watcher, what did you do!?! Girbits still looks the same, but he's not acting like himself at all!"

"I couldn't bear to see these two unhappy, Janette…so when I got the notice they were expecting, but that their relationship was a bit rocky, I 'tweaked' his personality a bit."

"A bit!?! Lanya's besotted with him and even across the room I can feel something pulling me towards him! Eewww!!!"

"Sorry, I just wanted to make them a bit more compatible; with Lanya being a hopeless romantic, I wanted Girbits to have at least one positive social trait, but I forgot just how strong the irresistible trait is."




After the party, Janette calls her client and discovers Seth actually followed through and the stolen items have been returned.

"Then I'll consider this case closed Mr. Snider!"




Back at the house, I find Hedy enjoying the solitude of the study as she works from home.

Between the full house and disliking children, Hedy's constantly combatting negative moodlets.

So when I get the message that an elderly sim in town has given up his cat due to his advanced age, I take pity on her and move her out into that home, Conrad Anderson's, I believe.

But Hedy's not his only new housemate because soon after she moves in he adopts a new kitten!

I guess I should have moved Hedy in before Conrad gave up his first cat.




But Hedy's not the only one that's still awake as I find Jemma, Luci, and Patches in the pool.

Since Patches loves to swim that's not really much of a surprise.

But seeing an imaginary friend challenging Luci to hold your breath contests, with both of them sinking under the water, is a bit alarming!




Later in the morning, I find Cassidy chatting with her father, Jonas.

And she's actually being quite nice.

"Sleep well, Dad?"

Jonas is a little wary, just as I am, as their relationship isn't very high due to Cassidy constantly berating her father's ignorance.

So I take advantage of this mood and continue with friendly actions until the option to teach Cassidy to drive pops up.




When Cassidy agrees and starts heading upstairs and outside to a vehicle, Jonas is beside himself with excitement, shouting, "Did you hear that Watcher? Cassidy actual agreed to go driving with me! She was so chatty with me as a child, but after becoming a teen she could barely say a civil word to me. This could be a turning point in our relationship."

I can't bear to ruin Jonas' good mood as I've never seen a teen turn down a request to teach them to drive, even when they don't have a wish to learn, so I simply say, "Hurry after her Jonas, before she changes her mind!"




None of Janette's clients have ever seemed to notice when she rifles their mailbox or searches through their trash, so it was a bit shocking to have Alora Platt, Janette's client for case #32, In the Name Of Love, throw a hissy fit when she catches Janette going through her mail in the hopes of discovering if Alora's boyfriend, Nigel Martin, has bought a ring recently.

So I have to agree with Janette's assessment that Alora is two nuts away from a squirrel farm, the expression making me laugh out loud as that's probably how most sims view Janette herself, especially when she wears her wedding dress during a case!




To save herself from the dramatics, Janette waits until Alora goes inside to tend her daughter, Liza,  before sifting through the trash can, where she not only discovers a receipt for a ring but a beautiful bouquet of flowers!

Janette muses, "It looks like Nigel was planning on proposing, flowers and that receipt for a ring…"

I ask, "Maybe he got cold feet and threw them away?"

Janette sighs and says, "I hope that's all it is! It'd be such a shame if he was still pining over a ghost girl when he's got Alora, crazy as she is, and a beautiful daughter!"

"Maybe Alora's intense personality is making him nervous?"

"That could be it, Watcher! I'll just put a little bug in her ear to back off a bit."




Janette does so, but as Alora heads back inside, her words are a bit lackluster as she says, "I was hoping for something a bit more definite than that, Detective. But if that's the best you can do…"

"Sometimes less is more, Ms. Platt, just give Nigel a little space and I think he'll come around. Case #32, closed!




Back at the house, I find Bella soaking in the hot tub looking unusually cheerful.

"What's in those bubbles that's put you in such a good mood?"

"If you must know, hot tub with bubbles before work and seeing Dane tonight is a combination that will always put a smile on my face!"

"Good to know!"




But Bella's not the only one in a good mood as Jemma downs another job booster elixir to make the most out of her work day.

I was thinking that with three straight days of work, it would be easy for Jemma to max her performance bar and reach level 10 of her career, but even using the elixir, the first day only has her about halfway up the bar, so I'm glad she wanted to make more and stashed three more bottles in her back pack!

And now that she's a teen, Luci's disciplined trait has kicked in and she's meditating near the martial arts equipment.

Well, at least she's committing to something, even if it's just sitting on the floor and finding inner peace.




Since Luci still has wishes for Rick Hamilton, I have her call him and see if he feels like coming over today.

Patches says, "If Rick's not available Luci, you know I'm always eager to spend time with you! We could  play video games!"

Luci says, "Sure Patches, if Rick's busy, we'll do that!"

But Rick surprises us all and says he'd love to come over and spend some time with Luci!




When Rick arrives, Luci asks him about school and keeps things friendly for a bit, but it's not long before she's asking Rick his sign, something she wished for right after meeting him at school yesterday.

She learns that Rick is a Capricorn and that he's single.




Then the two of them head outside, only to find Cassidy and Forest sharing a romantic moment.

Forest takes Cassidy's hands and says, "I'm not sure what's different about you Cassidy, but you look even more adorable!"

Cassidy blushes at the compliment as Rick Hamilton's presence makes her a bit uncomfortable.

But Luci's not shy at all as she flirts outrageously with Rick and he flirts right back!




But when Patches wanders outside and starts talking about animals, Luci unthinkingly responds.

Of course, Rick can't hear Patches, so when Luci starts talking to thin air, Rick decides watching TV would be better than being ignored and he heads inside the house!

Forest, seeing Rick walk away, asks, "Why would Luci invite Rick over just to break his heart?"

Cassidy says, "I don't think she did. She told me wants to get to know him better and count him as one of her friends. I'm not sure what's going on." Sliding her hands into his, she adds, "Let's just ignore them."




But that turns out to be impossible as when Luci realizes that Rick's gone inside, she shouts, ""I spend plenty of time with you, Patches! Rick is someone I'd like to make a friend and I don't appreciate you interrupting our time together!"

And it's not just Luci and Rick's time together that gets interrupted as though Forest isn't sure what's going on, or who Luci is talking to, he quickly says goodbye to Cassidy.




Inside, Cassidy has called Forest and is apologizing profusely for the scene.

"I'm sorry about what happened Forest! Luci's not insane, or even eccentric, she just hasn't outgrown this imaginary friend that she's had since she was a child. Please tell me you'll still come to the party tonight! I promise, nothing like that will happen at Mick's!"

Tobias, who overhears, starts freaking out about Patches too!

"Watcher, you know imaginary friends can cause trouble! Luci's spending way more time with it than she does her real friends. And now it's caused a problem between Cassidy and Forest! I'm not sure why you allowed Luci's doll to become one in the first place!"

"I was taken by surprise by the notice myself Tobias. I really never expected it since it didn't happen on Luci's birthday. And you can't blame the doll for wanting to spend time with her best friend, her only friend."

"Oh, I can! And you're setting us all up for even more unpredictable craziness by allowing it to continue!"

"Tobias, it's Luci's life…if she didn't want to spend time with Patches, she wouldn't. She'd just keep her in her backpack. I don't try to run your lives completely, I just try to guide you along this journey. You chose writing as a career over painting didn't you?"

But my question falls on deaf ears as Tobias storms out of the room.

He's usually one of the calmest sims in the house so I'm hoping this isn't a bad omen.




When Luci calms down and comes inside, she finds Patches watching TV on the couch with Cassidy, and Rick heading out the door.

Rick says, "I thought you invited me over to spend time together? I'm not sure what game you're playing here Luci, but I don't appreciate being ignored! Friends don't treat each other like that!"

Luci startles at Rick's words and, her thoughts focused on Patches, says, "You're right, Rick, friends don't treat each other badly! I need to keep that in mind when dealing with ALL of my friends. I'm sorry this visit didn't go as planned but if you'll give me another chance, I'll make sure that it doesn't happen again."

Whether it's the incense or Luci's sincere tone, maybe a bit of both, Rick softens and says, "Sure, give me a call sometime. Maybe we could see a movie or go to the Festival Park?"

"Those sound like terrific choices! Bye Rick. I'll call you soon."




With Rick's words foremost in her thoughts, Luci quickly apologizes to her best friend, "I'm so sorry Patches! I should have popped you back into my backpack when Rick was here instead of ignoring one of you to chat with the other! It was thoughtless of me, please forgive me!?!"

Patches hurt feelings are mollified with such kind words and soon the two of them are engaged in a rousing pillow fight!




Soon after Jemma comes home from work and after a listening for a few moments, her face sober, she says, "I hope Luci's not getting too attached to Patches, Watcher. Traveling in Luci's backpack, even though she's an imaginary friend now, will change her."

"I know, Jemma. I've been through this before with Lorelei's imaginary friend, Pat. For Patches to be her original self, she'd need to become real before we leave town."

"But we've only got one space left in the house now that Hedy's moved out and it's slotted for the heir's partner! How will that work for all of us to continue the journey!?!"

"I'm not sure Jemma. But it's been on my mind for awhile now since both Bella and Cassidy have boyfriends and Luci's got Patches. I'm sure I'll think of something!"

"Well, you'd better think fast, Watcher! If heirship's just between Bella and Cassidy now, we could be leaving town in as little as four days!"

"Believe me, I'm well aware of that! Bella becomes a young adult Monday night and Cassidy on Wednesday!"




I'd thought the biggest issue in Starlight Shores was going to be Janette and Jemma completing their career goal lifetime wishes here, but now that they're both so close, we're dealing with a new issue, one that Luci's imaginary best friend, Patches, has wrought!

With only one space in the house, and all three of our teens having best friends, two of them being boyfriends and heir partner candidates, it leaves us with a huge dilemma.

One I'll have to solve soon!

On a more positive note, Jemma's just a smidge away from maxing her career, Janette's solved her 32nd case and is in the home stretch of reaching her 35 case goal!

But cases are the last thing on her mind as tonight she has a huge party planned for her and Jemma's adult birthdays!

So put on your party clothes and join us in Chapter 309: Party Hearty
Coming soon.

[deedee_828]

Imaginary friend issues are put aside as it's time to head to Mick's for Janette and Jemma's adult birthday bash.

And the twins father, Chase is the first guest to arrive, heading inside as he says, "Your mother will be along later, once she gets Chastity put to bed."




Inside, I find a now teenaged Kyle Abbot working on his homework.

Kyle's expression looks so familiar I can't resist popping him into stylist for a closer look.




No wonder he looks familiar, Kyle is the spitting image of his father, Kirk, so the Abbot genes have survived!




Just seeing Kirk singing a karaoke duet with Alora Platt, the resemblance is unmistakable, especially since they having the same hairstyle!




But it was hard to ignore poor Shonda Steele's unfortunate genetics as she inherited her father's nose!

I had hoped that pairing Sadie Mason and Richter Steele would give me some nice looking kids, but I never even imagined just how Richter's large male nose would look on a girl! It made her face look disproportionate somehow.

So I took pity on her and tweaked it a bit in stylist as I couldn't bear the thought of her having to endure an existence, even a pixelated one, with it.

There that's better!




Shonda showed her own approval with a smile.




But when Alora changes into her dress to impress outfit, I realize the Frio party isn't the only one being held here tonight as Alora Platt's having her bachelorette party here too.

Turns out giving Nigel a bit of breathing room had him popping the question after all!

I'm not sure how a birthday party with teens invited is going to work with a bachelorette party, but Jace Riverhawk and Karl Abbot don't seem to mind.




By the time Bella arrives, Janette's  tipping back a drink while Jemma, Tobias, Jonas, and Cassidy have taken to the dance floor.

Jemma's dancing all out, using her maxed athletic skill to make moves that having her bending almost in half!

Cassidy is staying true to form and swaying slowly from side to side, trying not to draw attention to herself.




I'd hoped Luci would have found Galen and asked him to dance by now, but I didn't see him in the crowd.

But Luci's been busy chatting with family and it looks like she's going to continue as her cousin Karl Abbot approaches her on the stage.

Karl seems a more blended version of Marisol and Kirk's genetics, much more so than his siblings, as Kira Mae and Markus take after Marisol and their grandfather, Chase, while Kyle is the spitting image of his father.

I'm not sure who he inherited that ginger hair color from but since we haven't had a red-haired family member in such a long time, I'll take it!




Between karaoke, drinks and food orders, and all the chatting and dancing, time goes by quickly and suddenly I'm focused on Janette who's waving a noise maker as it's time for the big event!

Dane Lee seems a bit perturbed at the interruption, making his evil tendencies known for the first time, well, the first time I've ever seen anyway, though maybe it's just his eyebrows giving that impression.




Janette's surrounded by family and friends all cheering her on as she's engulfed in birthday sparkles.

And by the expression of surprise on Dane's face, his initial response was actually startlement rather than anger.

Jonas' face mirrors Dane's surprise, though for him it's probably just excitement.

Jemma seems to be watching her twin intently, though with no new trait being rolled, I'm not sure why.

Marisol cheers and twirls a noise maker, while Bella and Cassidy toot away on party horns.

Poor Chase is staring at a blank wall  and missing the whole thing, while his namesake, Markus, is focused on something or someone across the room.

Possible the starving sim who's making fun of the whole event, proclaiming himself an inappropriate sim, I'm sure.




And Janette's normal happy-go-lucky party smile turns solemn and her face takes on a leaner, more mature look as she enters adulthood.

She takes the change in stride and I've barely gotten to add my "happy birthday" shout to the others when I'm pulled to the middle of the room.




Luckily it's only so Jemma can be the focus of attention as she ages up!

Twirling a noise maker with a big smile, just as her twin did.




The crowd shouts even louder, getting into the birthday spirit, while Janette watches her twin, again with a rather anxious look on her face.




And it doesn't take me long to figure out what the look was all about as Jemma, though she doesn't really look older, spirals down into a mid-life crises!

Chase has finally figured out what all the ruckus was about and has joined the cheering crowd, blowing on his own party horn.

But with such a crowd, there's no way I'm going to get in a private chat, so I'll just let them all enjoy the party.




The dancing resumes in earnest with Bella pairing up with Dane and Cassidy relieved to find Forest not only in attendance but willing to dance as well.

And both the birthday girls and their spouses have joined them on the dance floor.

I'm sure Janette's plan is to spend the rest of the evening doing just that.

With the birthdays over, some of the guests have already said their goodbyes, even though some sims are still grabbing food and the floor is littered with full trays of drinks.

What a change from that first bachelorette party when we first arrived in SS, with no mixologist, everyone was thirsty and half starved before the party was over!




But after Forest says goodbye, Cassidy's at loose ends and you know what that means…

Scaring someone!

Her target is Luci, who had been chatting with their grandpa Chase, when Cassidy sneaks up behind her and screams, "Boo!"

Luci let out a shriek of her own while Chase froze, no doubt wondering what his granddaughter was up to since he's never seen this particular action before.




But when Luci turned around, finally able to speak, she narrowed her eyes at Cassidy and snapped, "Must you do that!?! Is it too much to ask for you to control yourself out in public!?!"

Cassidy returned as good as she got saying, "Oh, like you controlled yourself when Forest and Rick were visiting!?! At least I don't talk to an imaginary friend and have boyfriends fleeing the premises!"

This interchange left Chase more confused than ever witnessing such a negative event, and with both girls having such bad feelings, I decide a distraction is necessary.




Jemma and Tobias felt the same way and rushed over to the karaoke machine, grabbed the mics, and began singing a duet together.

They weren't half bad, but frankly, even though Jemma was the one that got turned into a toad all those weeks ago, it's Tobias who's voice has a distinctive croak to it!




As I'm listening to their rendition of the latest pop song, I find Bella sneaking across the dance floor in a familiar tip-toe creep.

Apparently, she's decided to follow Cassidy's example rather than watch and listen to her parents sing.

Is Bella really going to try and scare her mother during a public performance!?!




To my surprise, she sneaks past the small karaoke stage, and heads for the much larger performance stage.

Then she nonchalantly stands behind her Uncle Jonas, who just happens to be booing someone.

Odette's finally arrived and seems a bit puzzled as to what's going on.

As am I.

Jonas isn't even looking at Jemma and Tobias, his focus somewhere to the left of Odette, and Bella's just standing there.




I figure Bella's actions have been cancelled out due to Jonas' being busy, but just as I'm about to focus back on Jemma and Tobias, Bella strikes!

She crouches down, arms outstretched as Jonas again focuses on the singing couple, while Odette cheers them on.




Then screams, "Gotcha!!!!" so loud that Jonas presses his hand to his chest and Odette straightens, her eyes going wide.

Bella's now got a cat-that-ate-the-canary grin on her face!

But for how long?




About 2.4 seconds!

Because when Jonas covers his face and ignores her and Odette just resumes cheering, Bella loses it and shrieks again, uncontrollably!

Apparently, whenever Bella's chosen target Sim, or witnesses of the event, don't react with fear and disgust, their relationship deteriorating with red minus signs flying, she's missed the mark.

I'm guessing it's her evilness combined with being grumpy that elicits that reaction whenever she's ignored.

And I'm not sure I want to live with that rage in the next town, let alone two!

It certainly won't make for a pleasant journey…





Cassidy, on the other hand, is now playing a table top game in the loft above Mick's with Luci.

Determined to make amends for scaring Luci earlier?

Possibly.

But it's their conversation that has me listening closely as Cassidy asks, "So you really don't want to have a career, go to work, be productive?"

Luci waves her arms adamantly in the air punctuating her words saying, "Never! That's too stressful, too much of a commitment. I just want to live free and easy, practice martial arts, meditate, spend time with my friends. Nothing on a schedule! Just be spontaneous and live in the moment!"

"So you really aren't interested in heirship, in trying to overcome your trait?"

"I don't think having commitment issues is something you overcome Cassidy. It's like my other traits, ingrained and just…there. I'll always be disciplined, sleep like a rock, and be a luckier sim than most. And now I'll be able to do all that without feeling the need to be responsible for anything!"




Janette and Jemma are now full-fledged adults.

Janette is one of the first sims I've really noticed looking more mature as she reached adulthood, yet it was Jemma who ended up with a mid-life crises.

Cassidy and Bella were both up to their evil scare tactics, though Bella's rage afterward was in total contrast to Cassidy's calm demeanor.

With Luci making it clear as day that she doesn't want any part of heirship, maybe that's an indication of Cassidy being the better heir candidate?

Well, only if I want a more calm, though clumsy and evil, heir to watch over rather than one filled with evil rage!

What a choice!

There's still final traits and lifetime wishes to factor in when Bella ages up Monday evening and Cassidy on Wednesday.

 But the weekend's only half over with, so next up Chapter 310: Sunday Scares
Coming soon.

[deedee_828]

They took the motive mobile back home from the party early Sunday morning, so no one needed any sleep.

Which has Cassidy starting Sunday off with a bang as she performs her favorite trick.




She's so good at it now that she was able to scare Bella through the wall!

Bella is, of course, not appreciative of this talent.




Just raging mad as she howls, "How does she DO that!?! She's so clumsy I should hear her a mile away!"




Bella's still raging when Cassidy calmly walks outside to feel the full effects of Bella's tantrum, delighting in being the cause of it!

Saying sweetly, "Something the matter cuz? You seem…upset."

But Bella's too infuriated to answer and Cassidy just chuckles as she heads safely back inside.




Luci is excitedly chatting with her mother, Jemma, after they both have had an early morning dip in the pool.

"So it's okay to invite Rick over again today?"

"Sure. Do you have anything special planned?"

"I don't usually like to make plans. Rick mentioned seeing a movie or going to the Festival park, but I just need to make up for ignoring him yesterday. Ignoring first Patches, then Rick, really had some unpleasant consequences. I wish there was a way we could do things together as a group, but since Rick can't see or hear Patches there's no way for that to happen."

Jemma's supernatural fan nature comes to the for as she muses, "Unless she was real... We have some Imaginary Friend Metamorphium potion in one of the family chests…"

Then her better judgement rears it's head and she adds, "But with your father still upset over Forest and Rick leaving because of that incident, we'd need to have a family meeting before doing anything drastic like that!"




I track down Janette who's at the Festival Park, still dressed in her formal from last night's party.

I think she's still socializing, until I hear her say, "So do you think there's anything to worry about Dr. Sagar? I mean, they monitored me at the Science Lab while I ate the tomatoes I purchased at the market, but they couldn't find anything wrong and I feel great!"

Dr. Sagar was impressed but skeptical as he said, "Nothing works that well, Ms. Frio! Especially not vegetables. They're good for you, of course, but they do NOT cause euphoria! And remember, the higher you go up the farther the fall afterward! What possessed you to eat something like that?"

"Oh, I'm not dressed for the part, Dr. Sagar, but I'm actually on a case. The Case of the Price Gouged Produce. A sim in town, my client, is concerned because the market can barely keep the tomatoes on the shelf and the price has skyrocketed! So much so that her career is suffering since she can't obtain tomatoes at a fair price!"

"My advice is to check out that market more closely, Detective. Something is not right if everyone in town is suddenly buying tomatoes!"




With Janette off to check out the market, I find Bella's also gone into town and she's visiting the Lee home to spend some time with Dane before she goes to work.

But before she can chat with Dane she poses for a photo for Mitch Lee.




Then she holds the pose for Sonoko Lee as Mitch heads to the kitchen to take out the trash.

With Mitch being a perfectionist and Sonoko a social butterfly as well as a snob, it's no wonder that they'd be thrilled to have Dane continue the journey with the Frio family.

Especially as half of the heir couple!

But can I endure two evil sims in the house along with Bella's grumpiness?

Plus put Jemma in the uncomfortable position of having to help raise more children?

The ticks against Bella continue to grow as those for Cassidy go up another notch.




With celebrity photos out of the way, Bella finally gets the chance to chat with Dane.

And even standing next to the trash pile that Mitch dropped, she makes the most of it, saying with a flirty look, "How's it going handsome? It's only been a few hours since the party and I missed you like crazy!"

And with that admission, Bella pops a wish to travel with Dane, making her choice of partner clear as crystal!

Something that Cassidy did weeks ago, as after confessing her love to Forest, she not only popped a wish to  travel with Forest but to move in with him too!

I'm thinking Bella might have popped the wish sooner if her and Dane's part-time jobs hadn't interfered with their social lives.

Dane responds in kind, "I've missed you too! I can't wait to grow up, move in with you, and continue the journey with you and your family!"

Dane's mother, Sonoko, pauses mid-step at her son's words, breathing a sigh of relief that her son is being given this chance and hopeful that he'll end of being the heir spouse in such a powerful family.




My thoughts turn back to the teens before me when I see the loving smile on Bella's face when Dane pulls her in for an embrace.

Bella's romantic side is sweet to see and I've never seen her or Dane do or say anything evil to the other.

But that could be because they don't get to spend much time together.

Things could be totally different with Dane a permanent member of the household.




Cassidy's also spending time with her boyfriend, and she asks, "Our birthdays are coming up soon Forest. Have you given any thought to leaving town with us, with me?"

"I can't imagine living the rest of my life without you by my side Cassidy! But…"

Cringing a bit and keeping his eyes totally focused on the chess board, he adds, "All this art…"

"I've wanted us to travel and live together for some time now Forest. And if we are chosen as the heir couple we can definitely limit the art we display, just keep it all in one room so you're not so uncomfortable."

"But your Dad loves art, the more obscure the better, I'm sure he wouldn't be happy about that! And a unhappy, insane, father-in-law doesn't sound like a good thing!"

Cassidy shrugs, "Dad's just focusing on painting right now to complete his lifetime wish. Once that's done, I'm sure he'll go back to sculpting as he's still got some challenges he wants to complete. Does sculpting bother you too?"

"I don't think so. I still love watching documentaries about archaeology and ancient civilizations, but maybe  that's because all their stuff is in pieces! But if your dad's sculptures are all in one room, it would be pretty easy to avoid going there. Unless I forgot!"

"But what about your family?"

"Dad would have had a house full of kids if it'd worked out that way. They'd given up on having any of their own, which is why they adopted August. I was a complete surprise and my Dad was overjoyed. For Mom it meant time away from her garden and socializing with her friends. She forgot about us most of the time, so Dad pretty much raised us on his own, doing the best he could. He would love to have grandkids to spoil here in SS, but he wants me to be happy. And I'm happiest when I'm with you, so I have his blessing to leave!"

"Well, that's one thing settled then! But with the way you play this game, I'm thinking you should re-think your lifetime wish!"

Forest stares blankly at the chess pieces and agrees, "Me too! I can't even remember who's turn it is!"




Jemma's heading off to work totally focused as this is her last workday until Friday, her last chance to complete her lifetime wish before the girls young adult birthdays.

"Good luck! You probably don't need it as you're pretty close to maxing out your job performance, but I wanted you to know my thoughts are with you today!"

"Thanks, Watcher, I appreciate that. But I'm not leaving this to chance, I drank another job booster elixir before coming downstairs. I was hoping to reach level 10 after yesterday's work shift, before my adult birthday…"

"Is that why you had a mid-life crises!?!"

"Probably. My lifetime wish not being completed was weighing on my mind."

"But Janette and Jonas are still working on their lifetime wishes and neither one of them had a mid-life crises!"

Jemma rolls her eyes and says, "And they're both insane!"

"Point taken."




After Jemma catches her carpool, Luci calls Rick on her cell.

"I'm sorry you're not free to get together today Rick, but can you chat for a bit? I'd still like us to be friends."




When their conversation ends, Luci decides to head into town to see if she can meet some new sims.

And ends up happily singing a karaoke duet with a now very pregnant Lanya Worthington!

Luci's actions show she truly intends to live her life following her new motto of 'live for the moment'.



 
Janette completed her task of snooping for more clues and after having her sample analyzed and searching the scientific data base,  she's discovered an odd chemical agent in them---HydroSimoxoNooper! She's learned that HSN is a mutagen that provides a euphoric feeling of health but the crash is not worth it---something she found out from personal experience!

So she headed back to the market with her findings---and I catch her just as she leaves the store and before she gets caught up in the music a street performer is playing.

"So, what did they say?"

"The supermarket owner was shocked to learn they were selling mutant produce and has pulled the tomatoes from their shelves before anyone else gets sick and decides to sue! I'm heading off to give my client the good news now."




"The market owner not only pulled those 'specialty' tomatoes, Ms. Olivia, but he assured me his normal supplier will be delivering tomatoes without any additives, at their regular price!"

"Thank goodness, Detective! It's really hard to make so many of my recipes without tomatoes!"

"I was glad to be of assistance, case #33 is officially closed!"




That's when I get pulled to the gypsy wagon lot, just in time to catch Jemma completing her lifetime wish!

"Congratulations, Jemma! You did it!"

"Thanks Watcher. It feels amazing to be this fulfilled!"

"You didn't eat any of Janette's mutant tomatoes did you!?!"

"No, Watcher. I do not eat anything that Janette recommends. I love my sister but…"

"I know! She's crazy! Has it been difficult for you Jemma, living with two insane sims?"

"Not anymore than living with three children in the house. Thankfully, my negative moodlets ended when Luci became a teen."

"That brings up my next question. If Bella and Dane become the heir couple, and both of them work outside the home fulltime…"

"Tobias and I would be the main caregivers, especially since I only work a few days a week. I'm fully aware, Watcher. And I will do my duty for whatever is required."

"But you wouldn't enjoy it."

"Enjoy it, no. Endure it? Absolutely! I knew the consequences of accepting co-heirship."

"So you're okay with the fact that Luci's already given up that option?"

"I know you'd pinned your hopes on Luci, Watcher. But…I think she's made a wise decision…she may be young but she knows what works for her…and what doesn't."

"Is that your professional opinion or your maternal one."

"I can honestly say, 'both' for that one Watcher!"




With the sun setting, I find Cassidy and Forest enjoying one last date as teens.

They've just come out of the theater after attending a wonderful concert, a least Cassidy thought it was amazing.

Seeing the puzzled look on Forest's face, she asks, "Didn't you enjoy the concert, Forest?"

"Oh, yeah, the music was great! It's just that…I forgot to eat dinner and I'm starving!"

Cassidy smiles and says, "That's easy enough to fix! Come on, I'll treat you to dinner at the bistro across town!"




I make sure Cassidy and Forest get to the bistro lot and then catch up with Janette who's started case #34, The Case of the Unsure Heart.

Her client this time is none other than Van Riverhawk, who's not quite sure that his girlfriend is as serious about him as he is about her.

"I'll do some checking and get back to you soon, Van."

"Thanks Aunt Janette or should I call you Detective?"

"Since I'm not in my uniform and we're friends, Van, we can keep it informal."




I get a notice that with it being Sunday, curfew is in effect, so I quickly check the bistro and find Janette there, interviewing Van's father, Jeffery Riverhawk.

"So what do you think of Van's relationship with this girl?"

"It'll never work out---I don't know what he sees in her! She's the flighty type, not one for settling down!"




Then I spot Cassidy as she's exiting the Bistro.

I heave a sigh of relief as with her mother here, she should be safe.

But my relief is short-lived…




Cassidy's picked up by the police and driven home in a squad car!

As the officer calls in the pick-up of a teen breaking curfew, I say, "I'm so sorry Cassidy! I forgot all about curfew! It's all my fault!"

"No need to apologize, Watcher. If I decide on a criminal career, it's something I'll need to get used to!"

"Well, at least you're looking on the bright side."




And things get even brighter for Cassidy as, when she gets home, no one even seems to notice she was brought home by the police.

I guess having crazy parents does have some perks after all.

But instead of lying low after her embarrassing return home, Cassidy ends her day just as she started it.

Engaged in her favorite social activity with family, a jump scare!

And she chooses her Uncle Tobias as her victim, probably payback for Bella scaring Jonas at Mick's during the party.

Though, to be honest, I think Cassidy's got several more of them in than Bella, her inherit clumsiness seeming not to affect this action adversely at all.




Though it does affect her relationship with her uncle as red minus signs fly through the air.

Tobias clenches his fists and yells, "I could have ruined this painting Cassidy! I'm trying to paint another masterpiece before we leave town! I hope the Watcher knows what she's doing, allowing you girls to terrorize the rest of us! As much as I love family, it makes me hope that Bella's NOT the heir, so I don't have to keep putting up with this nonsense!"

I find Tobias' accusation outrageous so, before Cassidy can respond, I shout, "Allow!?! I'm trying to get all of you safely through this town in one piece. Between unexpected trait rolls, Jonas' inventing and catching himself on fire, all of Janette's cases, and trying to keep you all focused to complete four lifetime wishes, not to mention an unexpected house fire with a toddler and two children nearby, all of our potential heirs, you think I have time to monitor two evil teens 24/7!?!"

My outburst has Cassidy standing stock still as her thoughts fill with her Uncle's wrath and she quietly says, "You can't really blame the Watcher for those, Uncle Tobias, they're all on me. And you know I'm not sorry. Bella wouldn't be either. It's just our nature. That's why the Watcher was really hoping Luci wouldn't roll evil and she could choose her for heir. But now it looks like you're all going to be stuck between a rock and a hard place, having to choose between me or Bella!"




Cassidy's words have me filled with shame as I hadn't realized my preference for Luci had made Bella and Cassidy feel like lesser candidates.

So I follow her to the basement, where she uses the sauna to destress from this evenings events.

"I'm so sorry Cassidy! I never meant to make you and Bella feel like second choices! It's just that heirship means putting others before yourself a lot of the time and…well, frankly, evil sims don't like to do that much. And with Bella being grumpy on top of evil and you being evil and shy, it felt wrong to put either of you in that position."

"Added to the fact that I'm not only clumsy but I hate being outside…the family is right where I said we were, between a rock and a hard place!"

"Well, maybe not…when I was talking to Ghostly Samuel he told me not to worry about your evil traits, that things happen for a reason and… I think I know what the big picture finally is!"

"What?!"

"I need to do a little more digging first, before I let everyone in on it. But if what I suspect is true, then you and Bella being evil will be this families salvation!"

"You mean the one who ends up being chosen for heir?"

"No. I mean both of you, heir and spare, because I think we're going to need all the evilness we can get!"





Jemma's completed her lifetime wish and is now a Master of Mysticism, fulfilling her supernatural fan potential!

Both of our heir candidates want to travel with their boyfriends, solidifying their chosen partners and Forest and Dane have agreed to leave town and continue the journey.

But with a full house, I'll need to be a little creative helping Cassidy to fulfill her wish to move in with Forest, though I think I have a plan that could work to allow her to complete that wish.

A plan that will require not only a bit of creative maneuvering on my part, but will also require the cooperation of the entire family.

That should be simple enough right?

Getting two insane sims, two evil sims, a couch potato that's gone ballistic on me twice now, a teen that doesn't like to commit, and a new adult in the midst of a mid-life crises to all agree to my plan!

Easy peasy!!!

I guess we'll find out just how easy that turns out to be.

But up next we have Luci actually committing to a decision, while another family member completes their lifetime wish.

Follow along in Chapter 311: Potions and Painting
Coming soon.

[deedee_828]

But Cassidy's not the only one engaged in conversation as I find Bella and her father, Tobias, in the study, both with rather serious expressions on their faces.

Tobias thoughtfully strokes his chin saying, "I'm glad you decided to talk to me about wanting to travel with Dane, Bella. Of course, that can't happen until after both of your young adult birthdays, but it shows that you're becoming more mature. Willing to discuss things with family before rushing headlong into a decision. That's definitely a point in your favor as far as heirship goes. I'm afraid my own behavior earlier this evening was far from mature. I not only yelled at Cassidy but blamed the Watcher for allowing you both to scare the daylights out of all of us, even going so far as to say I'd prefer it if you weren't heir!"

Bella stiffens as she asks, "Do you really feel that way, Dad, that you don't want me to be chosen heir!?!"

"I spoke in anger, Bella, without thinking. It was not one of my better moments. After the Watcher responded, justifiably hurt at my accusation after all her hard work, Cassidy made us both feel like heels with her take on the situation."

"Which was?"

"That both of you enjoy those actions, they're just part of your evil natures, and neither of you will ever feel sorry about doing that. The delight it brings is just too hard to resist. But her parting words were that, with Luci out of the heirship race, the family is now between a rock and hard place, having to choose an heir between the two of you, both of you being evil, and NOT the Watcher's first choice!"




"Cassidy actually said that to the Watcher, admitted that we felt that way!?!"

"Yes, she did. And now than I've had time to calm down, I realize that it wasn't just the Watcher that made you two feel that way, all the rest of us contributed to that too! If you look at our family history, your jump scares are rather harmless, much like Founder Jared's mocking everyone at birthdays, your Fae ancestors indulging in minor fairy pranks, or insane members of the family doing crazy things. But what we've done to both of you is far more harmful, and deserves an apology. So, for what's it's worth, Bella, I'm sorry."

"And so am I! I've already apologized to Cassidy for making you both feel like my second choice. That was never my intention! Unfortunately, the road to the Underworld is paved with good intentions, and I'm guilty as charged! I could make excuses all night, but the fact is, what I did was wrong. Even though I kept touting that you all had an equal chance at heirship, I did pin my hopes on Luci, hoping she'd avoid getting the evil trait. But fate, if you believe in such things, had the last laugh, giving Luci a trait that didn't just question her fitness for heirship, but removed all doubt. Luci saw that within moments of gaining the trait and I'm not sure that it wasn't my blatant preference for her that pushed her into rolling it! But now I've been made aware of something that makes it clear just how wrong I was! All has not been revealed to me yet, but one thing has been made very clear. You and Cassidy were never relegated to second place, both of you being evil is not just necessary but crucial to the continued success of this journey!"
 
"So Cassidy and I were meant to be a team, a protection for this family, not just the products of bad trait rolls!?! You've definitely gotten my attention Watcher!"

"Like I told Cassidy, it's too soon to reveal everything. Final traits and lifetime wishes will determine if it's you or Cassidy that should be heir, with the spare playing a crucial part. And I'm sure your chosen partners will factor into that too."

"So Dad was right. It all comes down to maturity and making the decision based on what's best for the family. I may not have liked some of your choices in the past Watcher, based so much on favoritism, but I think this one is fair. Don't get me wrong, heir or spare, I'll probably treat you with disdain and disrespect, but…it's nothing personal…just my nature."




I follow the two of them upstairs, thinking they're heading off to bed, when they go into Luci's room and start pillow fighting!

With a laugh, Bella wields a pillow and says, "Let's see what you've got Dad!"

Tobias grabs one for himself, takes up a fighting stance, and soon feathers are flying.

It's good to see Bella interacting with family in a positive way, even if she does smack her father rather harder than necessary!

With my new knowledge, I can now see that it's Bella's and Cassidy's evil inner strength and force of will that makes them heir material, their evilness a positive factor rather than a negative one.




I check in with Janette to see how her case is coming along, and find her chatting with Jace Riverhawk in his small bachelor pad.

His father Jeffery's evilness had both him and Van moving out soon after they became teens, leaving only his younger brother Derrick at home with his parents.

"Frankly, Aunt Janette, it would never last between Van and his so-called girlfriend. At least I hope it wouldn't!"

Janette says, "I was skeptical when you father said something similar, as he doesn't like anyone, but I know you have Van's best interest at heart, Jace. Care to shed any more light on the situation?"

"Don't just take my word for it Aunt Janette, check out her social media pages, that will give you a true picture of the type of girl she is!"




Janette heads home and does just that and the news isn't good.

"She doesn't even mention Van at all, Watcher! And her status is listed as 'looking for fun'! The poor guy. I hate breaking such bad news to him. I'll definitely wait until morning for that! But on a happier note, Alora and Nigel eloped! Van deserves the same. A girl who thinks only of him!"




As the house awakens on Bella's last day as a teen, I find Luci and Patches deep in conversation.

I guess that's to be expected with us so deep in the final days of our time here in SS.

"It's our final week here in Starlight Shores, Patches, so we need to make a decision. Mom said it was one the family should decide on but I don't agree. I think it needs to be your choice, since it's your existence that's at stake!"

"I was hoping it would be your choice too, Luci! With Hedy out of the house and space for one more family member, I thought for sure you'd pop a wish to make Patches real, if you really wanted that."

Luci laughs and says, "You expected ME to make that kind of commitment, Watcher? Like I just told Patches, it needs to be her choice, not mine or anyone else's."




With those words, Luci hands over the sparkling amber potion and Patches doesn't hesitate, downing the liquid in one gulp!




And once the sparkles disappear, Patches is a real girl, with dark brown skin and deep blue hair!




I pop her into stylist for a close-up look at our new family member.

We choose a longer hairstyle, some light blue eyeshadow to bring out her dark eyes, and a pretty coral shade of lipstick.

Her outerwear, as well as her other outfits, are all in shades of light and dark blue to make her hair pop.




When I release Patches from stylist, Luci excitedly says, "Your everyday outfit is perfect for the warm weather here! I can't wait to introduce you to all my family and friends at school! They're going to eat all those looks and gossip about me having an imaginary friend, now that you're real!"

Patches latches on to one word, "School? I'll get to go to school with you?"

"Sure! All the children and teens in town attend school, well, except for paper delivery kids and teen babysitters. I think they're home-schooled as they have jobs during regular school hours."

I interrupt with, "Patches will get to attend school too, but not today. She'll actually start tomorrow so she's got today to get acquainted with the family and start getting a feel for her new life."




Luci turns and asks, "Can I stay home too?"

"Of course not! You have to attend so you can improve your grade. I'd like you to at least have a 'B' before we leave town."

"But when we move it'll just revert to a 'C' again."

"I'll make sure your school records are transferred so you don't lose all your hard work. You'll only have a few school days in the new town, depending on when we move, so you'll need to work hard to get that 'B' up to an 'A'!

"Getting an 'A' in school just means you get to pick your next trait, and we don't get that privilege so I don't see why I need to bother with that!"

"Because it strengthens your character…"

Luci snorts, "That's almost as bad as saying, 'Because I said so!' and you know it Watcher!"

"Okay, I'll give you that one. But rather than having her listen to us argue, why don't you do something fun with Patches before school?"




Luci gives up the argument, knowing she's not going to win, and soon the two teens are engaged in a rousing pillow fight, feathers flying around the room!




I didn't want Patches to feel at a loss with Luci heading off to school, so I popped both a multi-tab and a guitar into her back pack.

She takes advantage of the guitar by practicing with it in the art gallery, where Jonas, Janette, and Tobias gather to watch.

No one interrupts her playing, but I'm sure they're all wondering who this unknown teen is.




But soon Jonas heads across the room and looks at his latest painting, one depicting a surfer right on top off a massive wave!

It's a pretty stunning photo and one I don't remember seeing before.




But I'm even more stunned when Jonas begins another one, and with just a few strokes, masters painting, and completes his lifetime wish!

"Congratulations, Jonas! You're a true Descendant of Da Vinci, now!"

"That's three lifetime wishes down and only one more to go, Watcher. Well done! Though I'm actually a bit surprised that you've managed to accomplish such a feat."

"I probably should be a tad offended by that backhanded comment, Jonas, but I'm just as surprised with all the extra maternity time that delayed Jemma's promotions. And with you catching fire all those times, frankly, I'm even more surprised that you're still with us!"

"Touché, Watcher!"




With only one lifetime wish left to complete, I check on Janette to find her wrapping up case #34!

"I'm so sorry, Van, my evidence shows that she doesn't really feel the same way about you. Maybe you should find another girl, someone that's more interested in settling down?"

"I had a feeling that's what you find Aunt Janette, but I'm not giving up on her, or us, just yet! It just means I need to put more effort into showing her how much she means to me, let her feelings for me grow, so we can have a meaningful relationship. One with a future."

"I hope all your dreams come true, Van, you really deserve it! I'll consider this case closed, but keep in touch and let me know how things turn out."

"I will Aunt Janette, we've been friends since I was a toddler, and that means a lot to me!"

"Me too, Van! I know the old saying is 'keep your friends close, but your enemies closer,' but I've always preferred friends!"




I'd refrained from giving Van a make-over ever since he aged up with his hair cut so short that he looks bald, but I can't stand it any longer and pop him into stylist.

With a little more hair, and a formal outfit that gives him a fun and funky style, he's even more attractive!

At least I think so.

Maybe that will help him out with his girlfriend and secure future generations of greenie genes here in Starlight Shores!




When I catch up with Janette, she's gone all professional again as she whispers behind a raised hand, "This is it, Watcher, my 35th case!"

I whisper back, "I hope it's not a long one or one we end up canceling, but why are we whispering?"

"I don't want to jinx it! If I just go about my business like this is not my crucial case, then maybe it will happen without messing up."

"Sounds like a good plan to me. What case is it?"

With a relieved smile, Janette says, "It's one I've solved easily before called Hacked!"

"Easy sounds good to me! Lead on!"




As Janette parks the motive mobile in front of Rodeo-Go-Go, I smile when I see Barry Whitfield and Becky Lack together.




Though my smile fades when Barry rejects the flowers that Becky offers him, their newborn son, Jaime, lying on the floor nearby!

Thankfully, he's too young to understand his parents aren't getting along.

Getting the couples together in this town has been tough enough, but keeping them together has been almost impossible!

So I sigh and move on.




Janette's with her new client, Isaac Luck, and when she's finished getting the details of the case, she says, "Same old, same old, Watcher, another case of computer hacking. But this time a song has been stolen so my client may lose out on a big promotion! All I have to do is backtrack the hacker and come up with a name. I certainly won't miss the deadly dull routine of cases like this one! But at least Isaac and Kerry still seem to have a decent relationship. At least we've managed one of those during our stay here."

But then Janette's attention is drawn to the other room as she exclaims, "Look at Kerry ride that thing!"




I turn to see Kerry riding the mechanical bull and am amazed at her ability to keep her seat.

Look at that thing move!

First pitching her to the left, then the right, backwards, forwards…

And just as I think she's going to master the beast…




It flips her off into a heap on the floor, proving it's still untamable, and gives us a malignant stare from across the room!




Kerry picks herself off the floor, the only thing damaged her pride, as she looks away in embarrassment at Janette being a witness to her ignominious defeat.

Janette eases Kerry's mind as she says, "Your secret's safe with me Kerry! I give you marks for even getting on that thing, I'm crazy, but I wouldn't even consider doing it!"




Luci gave Patches a potion and made her real!

Jonas finally gained his last painting skill and completed his lifetime wish, so that's three down and only one to go!

And Janette's embarked on her last case, #35!

Well, the last case needed to complete her lifetime wish.

I don't know about Janette, but I wouldn't mind if it was her last case, ever! Hands-on careers are very intense, especially with a house full of other sims to watch over.

So we're now in the final stretch of our time here in Starlight Shores.

One more lifetime wish to complete, two teens becoming young adults, final traits to roll, lifetime wishes to choose, and partners to move in.

Well, as soon as I get the family to agree to my plan for that issue.

But let's not quibble about little details like that when we've got another birthday to celebrate!

Join me in Chapter 312: Bella's Birthday
Coming soon.

[deedee_828]

I get back to the main home to find Jemma heading toward the pool, then I notice the nasty green water in the hot tub, with puddles forming on the grass.

"You broke the hot tub?"

"I was in the hot tub when it broke, Watcher, which is not the same thing!"

"But the girls will be home from school soon and we need to get ready for Bella's birthday! We don't have time to mess with a leaking, nasty hot tub!"

"I'm afraid you are incorrect, Watcher. Bella has drama class after school, Patches starts her job at the Spa, and Luci called to let us know she's going to be working after school for some extra credit. So we have plenty of time."

"Speaking of Patches, how is everyone taking Luci giving her that potion and making her real?"

"You mean YOU allowing Luci to do that, don't you?"

"Um…"

With a laugh Jemma adds, "I'm fine with it Watcher! You know me, the more supernaturals around the better, well, except for creepy zombies. It's Tobias that's not happy with you! In fact, he's called a family meeting as soon as everyone gets home."




Janette had come home early thinking, as I did, that Bella's birthday was going to be celebrated right after school.

With time to kill, she settles in at the chess table to get in some practice.

"Don't you have a computer to hack to complete the next step of your case?"

"There's no rush, Watcher, there's just that step and then reporting back in to my client. Nothing strenuous about this case. I'm going to enjoy the afternoon, then the party, and work on the case later."

"How are you feeling about having a new family member?"

"We have a new family member!?! Since when?"

"Since Luci woke up and made Patches real this morning! You were watching her play guitar in the art gallery upstairs!"

"Oh, her. I thought she was just one of the girl's teen friends who'd stayed over."

"No, she's part of the family now, not blood related, of course, but family just the same."

"So not quite like Marisol being Dad's daughter and being our half-sister. That was so cool! I didn't understand just how cool at the time, I was just thrilled to have an older sister to play with me. I'm sure Luci feels the same way about Patches, having her special friend become part of the family."

"So you're okay with it? Not mad at Luci? Or me for allowing it, totally filling up the house?"

"Why should I be mad? We only had one space before, so you were going to have do something creative anyway, now you'll just have to be even more creative to make two spaces. Ooops, make that three!"

"Three?"

"Yes, three, Watcher, I just popped a wish to have a child with Jonas!"

"Janette!?! I waited weeks and weeks for you or Jonas to pop another baby wish! And NOW you decide it's a good idea, just before Bella and Cassidy have their young adult birthdays and we're getting ready to move towns!?!"

"Looks like it, Watcher. And since you promised it, I get the feeling you're going to try and fulfill it!"

"I'm not promising anything Janette. I was just so shocked, it was a reflex action to click on it! Sanity, I need sanity!"




Only to go outside and find Jemma playing hoops with Cassidy, of all sims!

"Has this entire house gone bonkers!?!" First Tobias calls a family meeting without mentioning it to me, then Janette pops a wish to have a child with Jonas, and now I find hates-the-outdoors Cassidy playing basketball outside!"

My words have both of them standing still in shock, then Cassidy asks with horror, "Mom wants another baby? At her age?"

Jemma just gulps, flashing back to bottles, changing diapers, and the sound of infant cries pulling her to the nursery.

Again.

"Well, I had a plan that allowed for both Dane and Forest to move in, a baby wasn't part of that plan, but with a minor adjustment, I think it'll still work…of course, it'll mean staying here in SS much longer…."

At that, both Jemma and Cassidy shout, "Don't even consider it, Watcher! You'll be doing your best to talk her out of it, right!?!"




Unknowingly, Forest saves me from answering by showing up for Bella's birthday.

Cassidy puts on a smile and says, "Hey, Forest. I'm glad you could make it. How was work today?"

"It was okay. Dad's showing me the ropes and I'm not only getting the hang of politics, I'm actually enjoying it. He and mom have been so eco-conscious all these years that I've developed a love for the outdoors myself, which gives me a wonderful platform for my political career."

Cassidy tries not to cringe as she asks, "You love the outdoors now?"

"Ever since my birthday! Up until then I didn't pay much attention to where I was, but now I get a wonderful sense of peace when I'm outside."

"But…I hate the outdoors, Forest! How is that going to work?"

"Cassidy, I might be absent-minded, but I haven't forgotten that. You've endured nature to spend time with me at the Festival Park and even now were chatting outside, but I know it's hard for you. With me loving the outdoors, I can be the one that takes our kids to school, to the park, fishing, all those outdoor things, and you can be the 'inside' parent, teaching them skills when they're little, helping with homework when they go to school. All the things I'm not very good at!"

With a smile Cassidy says, "You really have thought about it haven't you!?! You know, I don't think you're as absent-minded as you think Forest."

"Not when it's something I care about. Or someone. You're the most important person in my life Cassidy and I'm not forgetting that, ever!"




Soon we get called inside for Tobias' family meeting as both Bella and Patches are home.

Luci wasn't expected for another hour or so, but Tobias decided to go ahead without her, though I'm not sure it was the best decision with Patches being Luci's best friend.

Jemma was the first to speak saying, "Welcome to our home, Patches! I'm delighted to have another supernatural in the house, especially one who'll hang around longer than the family ghosts. I'm looking forward to getting to know you."

Tobias just stares at Jemma, while Bella and Cassidy share a concerned look.

I say, "Don't worry you two, Patches will be bunking in with Luci, neither of you will be required to give up your room or your bed!"

While Jonas added sternly, "And though Patches is not a guest, you two need to be on your best behavior."

The two teens squirm in their seats but don't object.




But when Janette strolls in, Tobias makes his displeasure with me known, "Allowing Patches into the family without consulting the rest of us is bad enough Watcher, but what's this I hear about you promising Janette she can have another child with Jonas!?! The house is already full and Bella and Cassidy still need their partners to move in."

Janette freezes as Tobias' words fill the room.

"I haven't even discussed this with Jonas yet, and you've told everyone else, Watcher!?!"

"Not intentionally. I didn't even mention it to Tobias!"

Jemma says, "I'm sorry Janette, I'm the one who told Tobias." Shooting a look at her husband, she adds, "But I had no idea he was going to blurt it out during this meeting."




As he's just joined us, Jonas seems oblivious to all the undercurrents in the room and says, "Cassidy tells me you've decided to join us on our journey, Forest! A fine decision. I'm sure your parents will be sad at losing a son, though their loss is our gain."

"Thank you, sir. But they'll end up with a son after all. My sister August just moved into the former Cupp mansion with her boyfriend, Robbie Platt. And their expecting their first child soon. My Dad's sad I'll be leaving town, especially since I've joined him at City Hall, but he's over the moon about welcoming his first grandchild. And he has the consolation that I plan to continue my career in the next town, make others aware of how important our parks and woodlands are."

"Political aspirations, heh? I've never been so inclined myself, being totally focused on my passions, painting, inventing, and sculpting. Has Cassidy given you a tour of the art gallery yet? There are paintings in progress on several easels, and the walls are covered with the best works of the Frio family members. They've definitely added to our status over the years though Tobias and I are the only two using the room currently, with Bella and Cassidy dabbling a bit here and there. I know Dane prefers music, but what's your passion Forest? I'd be happy to give you some creative tips and share my knowledge with you."

Forest gulps and goes completely blank and I feel his pain.

How do you tell an Avant Garde sim, a true Descendant of Da Vinci, that you can't stand art!?!




But Forest is spared having to answer when the doorbell rings and Bella quickly jumps up saying, "That must be Dane, he had to work but he promised to come over and celebrate my birthday!"

She can't get out of the room fast enough and quickly whispers in Dane's ear, "Your timing is perfect! We were having a family meeting and it wasn't going well at all. Cassidy and I were enjoying it immensely, you would have too, but everyone else is tense, not in a party mood at all. And Luci's still not home yet!"

"I think that's her in the cab coming home now."

"Great! Let's get inside and get this party started."




Bella's all smiles as she stands before her cake, the other family members grabbing party horns and tooting as loudly as they could.




Bella joins in on the fun twirling a party horn like her mother, Jemma, while Dane toots on a horn of his own.




Janette, now wearing athletic clothes, has flipped from her outraged how-dare-you-tell-my-secret persona to fully embrace her party animal self!




Patches claps and cheers, thrilled to be experiencing her first birthday party since she became real.




When the sparkles are gone, Bella stands before us a young adult who is now flirty!

Forest seems puzzled by this trait, Cassidy pretty happy about it, and Dane rather angry, though his anger seems to be directed at Luci rather than Bella's new trait.

I guess because Luci decided she was too hungry to wait for cake and had headed to the kitchen for some dinner.

But with her final trait gained, now being an evil, grumpy, light sleeper, who's a flirty hopeless romantic, Bella can now choose her lifetime wish.

Emperor of Evil, of course.

"That's Empress of Evil, Watcher!"

"I thought it would be too but, male or female, it's still Emperor."

"That is just WRONG! That's one of the first things I'll change when I gain the title."




Bella quickly grabs a piece of cake but puts it down just as quickly to join in celebrating Dane's birthday.

She toots a party horn as Janette and Luci twirl noise makers.

Poor Patches seems stunned going from one party to another so quickly.

For those of us in the Frio household, it's pretty much the norm.




Dane makes his wish and twirls a noise maker of his own.




The sparkles engulf Dane and he's caught by surprise, experiencing his birthday for the first time as part of a family.




And Dane becomes quite the stylish young adult, keeping the same hairstyle and those intense evil eyebrows, and gaining the heavy sleeper trait.

Of course his last trait, like Forest's, is the opposite of his partner's, though I feel the sleeper traits, light or heavy, are more neutral traits than others.




Bella finally gets to eat a piece of her own birthday cake, though she too is focused on Luci, and I still haven't figured out why.

Cassidy, of course, joins her at the dining room table, staying safely inside.




The rest of the family, and their two guests, take their cake outside to enjoy the warm summer evening.

Jonas puts poor Forest on the spot again, asking, "Care for a tour of the art gallery after we finish our cake?"

Forest quickly says, "Maybe some other time, sir. I've finished my cake and want to chat with Cassidy before I head home. I've got work tomorrow so I can't make it a late night."




With Jemma left alone with Jonas, she says, "You know how I feel about children, Jonas. I couldn't keep the Watcher's news to myself, but I'm sorry you learned of Janette's wish because Tobias blurted it out like that. Don't try to deny it! I know you were close enough to hear him. People down the street probably heard him! He's always been so calm, it's taken me off guard to see him reacting so negatively lately, especially where family is concerned."

"You're right, I did hear him Jemma. But we had a conversation while we were painting in the gallery a while back and we were both looking forward to this time, one of the girls taking over heirship, leaving us free to pursue our creative endeavors and enjoy grandchildren, when they came along in the next town. So I think I understand where he's coming from, first with Patches joining the family and then hearing that Janette wants another child. Having the Watcher allow the first one, leaving no space in the house, then promise the second, just as Bella and Cassidy are becoming young adults with heirship and moving to the next town right around the corner…it's all too much for his laid back couch potato self to handle!"

"And they say Janette and I are the perceptive ones!"

"Well, it helps being on the crazy side, Jemma! Janette and I can always see straight to the heart of things, her even more than me with being perceptive too."

"So that's why Janette didn't pursue the subject and you just started chatting to Forest, about art of all things! You do realize…"

"That he can't stand art? Of course! I just wanted to see if he had the backbone to admit it straight to my face! He's going to need it living with Cassidy, whether as the heir or spare couple. Not to mention living with Bella and Dane before we move and for a bit after in the next town. As crazy as I am, I do not relish the idea of adding another evil sim to the mix along with Bella and Cassidy!"




Luci overhears Jonas' last remark and says, "That goes for me and Patches too Dad! It's bad enough having Bella and Cassidy jumping out and scaring the daylights out of anyone not paying attention, but adding Dane to that…I don't think we'll hang around long after we have our young adult birthdays! Besides, Patches is an animal lover and wants to adopt at least one cat, dog, and horse! Staying in the main house that can't happen."

Tobias's fork stops just as he's about to take a bite of his cake, saying, "You'd actually leave with that…girl…and adopt a bunch of pets, instead of hanging around and supporting your sister, if she becomes heir!?!"

Luci says quietly, "Dad, that 'girl' is my best friend, and has been since I was a toddler, one of the only commitments I've made and that happened before I became a teen. Now, the very idea of forming attachments, committing to a relationship, a career, or anything…it gives me the shivers and a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach! I'm sorry you can't understand that and just let me live my life in a way that makes me happy. I guess it's because you're family-oriented and family means so much to you that you can't imagine anyone feeling any other way. But Dad, I'm family, and so is Patches, in name if not by blood, just like you. Can't you at least try to support us?"

Tobias puts his fork down and says, "I don't know what's got into me, the way I've been acting lately, it's like I'm the one with the mid-life crises and not your mother! I'm sorry, Luci, for not being more supportive, more accepting of Patches arrival. But, though I hate to admit it, Jonas is right, all of this upheaval coupled with heirship and moving in a few days, it's got me wound up. The Watcher allowing Patches to become real so now we don't even have room to allow one partner to move in, let alone two, has me going crazy trying to come up with a plan that will make it work for all of us to continue the journey!"

"But why is it your responsibility to come up with a plan Dad? Isn't that something the heir does? Or the Watcher herself? Once Cassidy becomes a young adult, and heirship is decided, it won't be your problem anymore! See? My motto works! Live for the day and things will work out, without any kind of commitment!

"I wish it was that easy, Luci. My couch potato side definitely agrees with you but my genius side wants the issue of partners to be solved, the sooner the better! And that doesn't even cover the Watcher promising Janette that wish to have another child with Jonas!"

Letting out a loud whistle, Luci asks, "Aunt Janette wants to have another child, NOW!?! But wouldn't that mean staying around until the baby grew up to be considered for heirship?"

Tobias' eyes fly open as he says, "I never even considered that possibility! Seven additional weeks in this town being terrorized by Bella, Cassidy, and Dane? My lazy days in front of the TV, reading books, and painting masterpieces will become a thing of the past!"

As Tobias' words fill my mind, I realize that Janette's baby wish is not one that I can allow her to complete.

I see her in the living room chatting with Dane and head inside for a very difficult conversation.




But inside, instead of Janette and Dane, I find Cassidy and Forest chatting at the dining room table, as Luci heads to the basement.

With their current age difference chatting is about all they can do but seeing Forest's pained face, I stop to listen it.

At least it will put off that conversation with Janette for a few more minutes.

"Dad seemed impressed with your political ambitions Forest! I'm so glad the two of you are getting along so well! Not everyone enjoys the way he critique's everything."

Forest grimaces even more as he says, "It's not his Avant Garde personality that bother me Cassidy. When he finds out that I not only have no interest in art, but can't stand it…he'll never give me permission to marry you!"

Cassidy laughs and says, "Permission? Forest this is not the dark ages! Several of my ancestors couldn't stand art, our Mémé Sophie, for one, way back in Moonlight Falls. Grandpa Sam didn't tell my Grandpa Adam they couldn't marry."

"But isn't your Grandpa Sam the cowardly one who faints all the time? I can't imagine him standing up to anyone, let alone a fairy!"

"That's true…but he's not the only one. My Grandpa Torre couldn't stand art either and he let Gramlei Lorelei marry her Samuel who was artistic and became a journalist."

"That’s definitely a better example. But I'm still not looking forward to him finding out. Maybe I'll just forget I don't like art!?!"

"Forest!!! You know that's not going to happen! You cringe being in almost any room of this house, and though that makes me feel wonderful, you should make dad and Uncle Tobias aware of how it's going to all be relegated to one room once we move. And the sooner the better, so they have time to get used to the idea. But make sure you do it when I'm in the room, all that tension will be delightful!"

"Yes, dear."

After hearing that, I know that Jonas is right, even though Cassidy is trying to be supportive, in her own evil way, Forest needs to grow some backbone if he's going to survive as Cassidy's partner.




I hear voices further inside the house and follow them to the nursery, where I find Bella and Dane in conversation.

And a much more enjoyable one than the last few I've listened in on.

"Going to prom, asking you to be my girlfriend Bella, it was the best decision I ever made in my life!"




Bella, with both her and Dane being new young adults, places a shy kiss on Dane's lips, murmuring, "That's so sweet of you to say, Dane."

Dane caught a bit caught off guard, continues, "It wasn't as sweet as you think. I mean, after your Uncle's warning, I almost didn't show!"

Bella steps back, narrowing her eyes and asks, "What warning?"

Dane, feeling an evil glee at revealing what was apparently a secret, says, "Telling me all about what I was getting into if I pursued a relationship with you, about all the different traits and personalities in your family. Then saying the family may be willing to overlook my evil tendencies, overall, but wouldn't tolerate and bad behavior towards either you or Cassidy."

Bella thoughtfully says, "Thanks for telling me Dane. Now where were we…"

And she pulls him in for another kiss, and another, and another one after that!




Then I watch as she grins evilly and creeps upstairs, sneaks up behind Jonas, flings her arms up in the air screaming, "RRRAAAAHHHHH!!!!"

Jonas' eyes fly open wide at the unexpected attack and he asks, "What'd you do that for!?!"

Bella smiles and says, "That was for warning Dane when we were teens! Thanks, Uncle Jonas. It's nice to know you've got my best interests at heart. Even if Dane and I will always be on our worst behavior!"

"That's how you thank me? By scaring me to death?"

"It's one of the perks of being evil! And since I've been evil since birth, and scaring people since I was a child, I'm getting pretty good at it. Just imagine how good I'll be by the time I'm an elder!"

Jonas shouts, "I'd rather not! I'm thinking your father was right and being heir grandparents of evil heirs, one of you an evil heir couple, is not going to be smooth sailing! Maybe Janette has the right idea and we should start over with a new potential heir!?!"

Bella's fiendishly delighted mood drops as she says, "You can't be serious!?! Dismiss Cassidy and me as heirs, kick us out,  and start over?"

Jonas nods and holds up his fingers, ticking off his points, saying, "One, we've got a teen who's already abdicated; two, both you and Cassidy are evil; three, you have an evil partner; four, Cassidy's partner can't remember much except that he can't stand art! It's usually three strikes and you're out and this gen's got four! So adding that all up, it sounds like a great idea!"




Bella's actual birthday went well, and having her roll flirty goes really well with her romantic side and will probably be a big help when it comes to manipulating other sims in her criminal career.

But that family meeting before her birthday?

All those uncomfortable conversations afterward?

And is Jonas serious about kicking the current heir candidates out and starting over by having that baby Janette wants?

Or was that an idle threat?

Maybe the half-baked idea of a crazy, Avant Garde sim?

I'm almost afraid to see what'd going to happen next!

But the journey must continue, no matter how painful, so join me in Chapter 313: Decisions and a Final Case
Coming soon.

[deedee_828]

But things between Jemma and Tobias have gotten better, as Jemma apologizes, "I'm so sorry Tobias, for mentioning Janette's baby wish, making you feel even more pressured on top of having Patches here. I'm so used to you being the calm, sensible one in the household, I never even picked up that you were worried about partners moving in, or how that worry was keeping you from relaxing."




"It's not your fault, Jemma. You've been pretty swept up in your own problems lately, though why you're so pre-occupied about wrinkles or being fat, I have no idea! You are still the gorgeous girl I married and nothing will ever change that! I love you!"

"I love you too, Tobias! More than ever! We’re a team! And now that I've completed my lifetime wish, I'm going to focus on us , instead of just me…I should have been doing that with all my days off these past couple of weeks instead of swimming by myself in the pool."

And with those words the two of them embrace, grateful that at least their relationship is back on track.




I hear an odd noise and head to the basement, just in time to see Jonas dodging an array of arrows!

"Quick! Close the doors, Janette, the natives are right behind us!"

Janette, facing the other way, doesn't even see the arrows or realize the danger they're in!




Thankfully, the door closes on it's own without either one of them being pierced by an arrow.

Once the machine powers down, I ask, "So what did you mean by 'us', Jonas? Were you and Janette in the time machine together?"

"We were Watcher! I wanted to test something out…and it worked, sort of."

"What does that mean?"

Jonas looks at Janette and says, "The reason Janette hadn't popped a baby wish earlier is that she was so far behind on her cases she didn't dare slow down for fear of not completing her lifetime wish before we left town. But now she's done that and you let Jemma and Tobias have two kids, so it's only fair that we get the same opportunity!"

"But it's almost time to move to the next town. Cassidy becomes a young adult in two days! And another seven weeks here in SS…it's just not feasible."

Janette chimes in, "But it is Watcher! And not in seven weeks either. Right now we can only woohoo, but Jonas told me that with just one space in the house, we could try for a baby in the past! And time machine babies return as either children, teens, or young adults, so it would be three weeks at the most. Maybe even just a week for a young adult, to give them time to find a partner here in town, to be eligible for heirship. My Great-Great Aunt Marcy came out as a young adult and she was born in the town after her siblings, yet she was considered for heirship! It was only because she fell in love with that devastatingly handsome, Dakota Fox, that she abdicated to Great Gramlei Lorelei!"

"And that entire incident caused a tremendous upheaval in your family! Your Great Gramlei aged up with no sense of humor and a grudge towards time machine usurpers! You weren't old enough to realize that in Hidden Springs, Janette, but she had a hard time accepting Marisol at first and she wasn't even eligible to become heir!"

Janette smiles and says, "But she did come around, accepted Marisol, and her Aunt Marcy back in Appaloosa Plains."

"That was because she realized Marisol only wanted a family and wasn't interested in heirship.  As for her Aunt Marcy, it was only because Marcy abdicated. Marcy had three of Bella's traits, hopeless romantic, flirty and grumpy, and even one of Cassidy's being frugal, but she wasn't evil. How do you think two evil young adults that have been vying for heirship since they were children are going to feel about another heirship candidate?"

Jonas pleads with me, "That's just it Watcher, they've already had to deal with it! It was only because Luci aged up with commitment issues that you let her give up heirship. You know if there had been even the slimmest chance that she would have accepted, you would have chosen her as heir, so we'd still be here for another 10 days, at least! And if you weren't partial to Luci, you wouldn't have extended our stay until the weekend, so she could attend prom, now that Galen's asked her. I think you're still secretly hoping she'll commit to Galen and change her mind about heirship and if you feel that way, then you can give our unborn child the same chance! Let Janette fulfill her baby wish, especially since she worked so hard to complete all those cases."

"Alright, alright, I won't cancel Janette's wish just yet. I'm not making any promises, but I'll think about it. You know, this will have Tobias all worked up again and he and Jemma just made up."




But with my agreement to at least think about their request, Janette and Jonas only have eyes for each other.

They embrace as Jonas says, "I'll do whatever I can to make your wish come true Janette. Everyone else may think we're too old to raise another child, that we've gone completely off the deep end, but we've never let others interfere with our dreams and I don't plan on starting now."

Janette murmurs, "Age is just a number. There's nothing I want more than to have another child with you, Jonas."




I hear a noise coming from the sauna and peek inside to find Luci soaking in a mud bath, cucumber slices on her eyes, the picture of relaxation.

But the sauna's definitely not soundproof as Luci says, "You know they're right, Watcher, don't you?"

"About which part?"

"All of it. That it's fair to allow them this chance for another child, that Bella and Cassidy have already had to deal with me being the preferred heir candidate, and that you accepted Galen's invitation to prom for me because you DO want me to change my mind. But you can get that last one out of your head because it's not going to happen. Going to prom with Galen is just that, a prom date, nothing more. I don't want to go steady or anything else."

Luci says this firmly and without moving a muscle, just sinking deeper into the mud, so I sigh and ask, "Any other words of wisdom, O Non-Committal One?"

At her new title, Luci can't help the smile that curves her lips as she says, "Just that you were right too. Bella and Cassidy will NOT be happy if you allow Aunt Janette and Jonas to go through with this truly insane plan and neither will Dad!"

"Great. I get to be right about the bad part!"

"Right is right. Take what you can get. But I do have a question for you, Watcher."

"What's that?"

"How do you plan on freeing up space in the house for this child, along with Dane and Forest?"

"I'd tell you Luci, but you'd never relax afterward, so that will have to wait until morning."

"So it does have something to do with me, then? That's all I really wanted to know, Watcher! And I'll make you a deal. I'll go along with whatever your plan is, commit to something just this once, if you'll give up on the idea of me being heir, once and for all!"

"I had a feeling you'd say something like that. Like I told Janette and Jonas, I'll think about it."




Out on the patio I find Bella relaxing in a rocker.

"Is that Dane just leaving? Why is he in sleepwear? What have you been up to Bella!?! I didn't see any woohoo wishes!"

"Calm down, Watcher! I might be a hopeless romantic and flirty to boot, but I'm not quite that brave! Dane just took a nap in a sleeping bag, nothing happened."

I heave a sigh of relief and say, "Good, I don't need any more surprises before this day is over! But I better break the news to you before you hear it from someone else. I'm not sure where to start exactly…"

"With the fact that Uncle Jonas wasn't kidding about passing me and Cassidy over as heirs probably. He was pretty mad! Everyone kept telling me that those jump scares would backfire on us one day, but I never dreamt it would backfire quite so badly. Can I at least sleep here tonight and wait until morning before moving out?"

"Oh, it's not quite that bad…you and Cassidy aren't out of the running for heirship. But there's a chance that you could have another contender in the heirship race."

"So you've either talked Luci into staying in the heirship race or you're allowing Uncle Jonas and Aunt Janette to have that baby she wants and we have to stay here for another seven weeks! Which is it, Watcher?"

"Luci has committed to my plan, though she doesn't know what it is yet, but her condition on doing so is that I take her out of the heirship race, permanently. The baby idea is still on the table, but with a twist, a pretty insane one, but considering it's Jonas and Janette's plan, that's to be expected. Instead of going through the process of conception, pregnancy, labor, welcoming the nooboo, and the fun of toddlerhood, they want to skip straight to having either a child, a teen, or a young adult."

Bella stops rocking and says, "I may be a new young adult, but I don't think it works that way…you can't adopt a young adult anyway, and an adopted child wouldn't be eligible for heir…so what on earth are you talking about!?!

"I'm talking about a time machine child, like your Aunt Marisol, but one that would have both Jonas and Janette as parents, so he or she would be eligible for heirship."

I wait for Bella to explode but it doesn't happen.

She just resumes rocking as she asks, "So Uncle Jonas really invented a time machine? It wasn't just some crazy story he made up?"

"He did and no, it's not just some crazy story. You have a many greats Aunt Marcy back in Appaloosa Plains that was a time machine child. Well, young adult when she came out of it, actually. So there is a chance that it could work."

"If it means Cassidy and I are still in the race then I'm up for the challenge, Watcher! When is all this happening?"

"Nothing has been decided yet. I just agreed to think about it. I'm getting some family feedback first. But it's getting late, early actually, shouldn't you head off to bed?"

"There's something I need to do first."




I follow Bella into the study where she sits down at the computer and applies for a full time job at the C-Ment Shoe Factory.

I check her new career level and am totally disappointed as it has her at level 1, Decoy.

"I thought for sure your part-time teen job in the delinquent field would have at least some effect on your fulltime employment, especially since you reached level 3."

"Me too, Watcher. But I'm confident I'll move up the ladder quickly. Oh, I don't even start for three days! Now that is disappointing. Well, I guess I'll make the best of it and consider it a mini vacation."




I hear an odd rumbling noise coming from the basement and find the time machine is being used again.

"If you two can hear me, 'practicing' for the real event isn't really going to accomplish much!"

"Are you talking to me Watcher?"

I follow the voice to the other side of the basement.




And find Janette trying to discover a potion at the logic table.

Sheepishly I say, "Oh, I thought you and Jonas were in there together…"

"Not this time. He found it totally fascinating to be chased by Indians but me, not so much. I came flying out the door so fast I landed on my backside! I'll chance if it means having another child, but not for anything else."

"Well, it doesn't always work that fast. Carly and Desmond had to try multiple times, then when they came out they were alone, and Marcy was lost for quite some time. It's not a foolproof method of reproduction, that's for sure! I'm not even sure we should be taking such a chance. What if it changes other things? The last time Jonas went to the past on his own I had to fix Jemma's career!"

"No one mentioned that, Watcher."

"That's because I never told anyone, not even Jemma. She was on a day off and didn't even notice that she was no longer a master of mysticism but a coffee courier at the business office. And even with Luci willing to go along with my plan so Dane and Forest can be asked to move in, another family member will mean adding someone to the household with one of my mods."

"I'm sure no one will mind Watcher, as long as we all get to move to the next town."

"That's just it. I've never actually had extra family members before. Originally, my plan was for you and Jemma to each have one child. Then when Tobias popped another baby wish…I  just couldn't disappoint him, so I promised it for him."

"Just like you did for me!"

"I'm a sucker when it comes to baby wishes Janette. And though it sometimes brings other issues, I hate denying that wish."

"It'll work out, Watcher. You just wait and see. Jonas and I will give it a shot and if it doesn't happen by the time Bella and Cassidy graduate, then we'll know it wasn't meant to be."

"Oh, I forgot all about graduation! But since I'm letting Luci go to prom Friday night, then Bella and Cassidy shouldn't miss out on graduation either. Dane and Forest too, if they get to move in before then. But that's not a very big window Janette, I've set graduation notices to occur either Friday, Saturday, or Sunday. Are you sure?"

"Yes, Watcher. If you let it drag on longer than that, I'm afraid it could strain family relationships past the breaking point."

"Things have been pretty rocky around here lately, so a limited time might be best."




With that decision made, I pan over to the time machine again to see Jonas dressed in medieval clothing and sporting an odd-looking haircut.

"Looks like you had an interesting time, at least."

"You could say that. I got to bring home this cool outfit anyway! But a child would have been better…"

"No need to wheedle…I've already made a deal with Janette. We'll be staying in town until Bella and Cassidy's graduation ceremonies, so after Luci attends prom and I free up space in the house, you and Janette can try for a time machine child."




As morning arrives, I find Patches and Luci in the basement with Luci asking, "Okay, Watcher, fill me in on what I've already agreed to!"

"The plan is that you and Patches will spend a little time with your grandparents. A temporary change of residence."

"Really? That sounds awesome. Mom says Grandma and Grandpa's house is fabulous and they have an awesome pool!"

 "It is a pretty nice place. And you missed out on having them around when you were little, so I thought this would be the perfect opportunity for you to get to know them better. And they could meet Patches too."

"If you emphasize that I really should get to spend some time with them and meet my Aunt Chastity before we leave town, that'll sway Dad for sure! Oh, now I can't wait to go see them. When do we leave?"

"I was planning on right after Cassidy's birthday so she and Bella could invite Forest and Dane to move in, but now with prom on Friday, well, it'll have to be after that."

"But it's only Tuesday! Friday is like, forever, away! Watcher, I do want to go to prom, but this is sooo much more important!"

"But you wouldn't want to disappoint Galen would you?"

"Watcher, Galen is going to be disappointed when we leave town, prom or no prom, and I think he's hoping, like you did, that I might change my mind. It's setting him up for a bigger disappointment actually. If we have a good time a prom, he could ask me to go steady, couldn't he?"

"It's pretty typical for that to happen at prom."

"And you'd want me to agree and I wouldn't be able to, so then all of us would be miserable! I really think it's best if I pass on prom and Patches and I move to my grandparents house sooner rather than later."

"Well, Thursday is Leisure Day, and you wanted to have a pool party, so we could do it after that. But you'd not only miss prom but your sister's and cousin's graduation too, if I can't get you moved back in before then. I'm not sure how long this time machine child is going to take, though Janette's decided that if it hasn't worked by the time Bella and Cassidy graduate, then we'll continue on to the next town with the family the way it is."

"Let it take whatever time it needs to take, Watcher. It means a lot to Aunt Janette!"

"You just don't want to be here for the fallout if it actually works!"

"That's definitely a perk!"




And Tuesday is another mood swing day for Cassidy.

"Great, just great!' she grumps, adding, "Bella's done with high school and mood swings but I still have to endure them!"

"As well as the rest of us, young lady. But since you're already in a bad mood I won't mention any of the decisions that were made while you were sleeping."

"Thanks, Watcher! High school, a mood swing, AND left out of the loop! Way to go to make my day even worse!"

"Well, I can't really tell you Luci's part because I haven't mentioned it to her parents yet. But if things go the way your parents are planning, you could have a sibling soon. Happy now?"

"You're letting Mom and Dad have another baby? You were supposed to talk her out of that ridiculous idea, Watcher, not support it!"

"I tried. Sort of. But they posed some good arguments and have come up with a plan that's quite creative. Your sibling might not even be all that much younger than you!"

"But he or she could be just as evil! Here's hoping, Watcher! Then all your non-evil heir plans will go out the window!"

"Well, it's already happened once with Luci, since she wants nothing to do with heirship, so I'm getting used to it. Just like your mood swings!"




After the teens head off to school, Bella wanders downstairs and her outfit makes me realize that she hasn't had her make-over.

"Ready to pick a new hairstyle and some new clothes or do you want to wait?"

"Since you asked so nicely, Watcher, I think now is a good time."




Introducing our first heir candidate in her new hairstyle and outerwear:

Bella Frio--young adult human
Parents: Jemma and Tobias (Bellucci) Frio
Sibling: Luci Frio
LTW: Empress of Evil (since it's so close to her birthday, I'll indulge her)
Career: Criminal
Traits: Grumpy, Evil, Light Sleeper, Hopeless Romantic, and Flirty
Fav's: Soul music, French Toast, Aqua
Skills: Athletic- 5, Logic- 4, Cooking- 4, Charisma- 5 , Guitar- 3 , Bass- 3, Drums- 3 , Piano- 4 , Writing- 3 , Painting- 2, Fishing- 1




We choose the rest of her wardrobe and inadvertently pop back into live mode with Bella standing in front of her father in her new, much more grown-up, lingerie!

Bella's mouth quirks as she tries not to smile, "Sorry, Dad, you weren't here when the Watcher asked me to choose my new wardrobe. I'm sure it's a shock seeing me looking so adult, but I know Dane's going to love it!"

Tobias says, "I'm sure he will. Since I'm family-oriented, I guess it'll come as no surprise that my first wish after you became a young adult was to see you get married! With you being a flirty, hopeless romantic, and wearing stuff like that, the sooner the better!"

That's one conversation I'm not touching with a ten-foot pole!




I pop down to the basement to find Jonas back at his sculpting.

He needs one more wood sculpture to bring his total to five, then 4 more metal ones, and 2 more topiaries to have 5 in each of those categories.

So still some work to be done, but once those are finished, he'll have completed both the Prolific Sculptor and Master Sculptor challenges.




Back upstairs, Janette has finally hacked into Isaac's files and is busy tracking down the culprit that stole his song.

"Any luck?"

"Funny, Watcher. Like I suspected, the culprit was a complete amateur! He didn't even try to hide his tracks…I've traced it right back to the perpetrator's IP address!  Now to check the data base….and there's a match! Well, well, well, what do you know, Seth Monroe is up to his old tricks. First it was stealing high-dollar electronics and now it's using technology to steal files! But stealing is stealing and I won't let him off the hook this time. Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me! This little virus will put a damper on Mr. Monroe's latest activity and I'll be sending my full report for both cases to the department. Time to go update my client."




But when I follow her, Janette heads straight for the elixir shop.

"Hey Sharon, you been keeping out of trouble?"

Sharon asks warily, "Are you asking me that from a professional standpoint?"

Janette smiles and says, "Nope. Just as a friend. I'm on my last official case and you're not involved in any way!"

"In that case, I can honestly say, I am. So what can I do for you Janette? There's a rumor going around that your family may be adding another member soon! Are you looking for a procreation elixir? I just received a shipment and have one on hand! For you, I could make a great deal!"

Janette says, "News sure travels fast in this town! I can't complain, it was a big help in solving a lot of my cases! But I was actually hoping you had a bottle of Wish Enhancing Serum since I'm on my way to wrap up my last case!"

Sharon checks her inventory list and says, "Aww, none of that in today's shipment. If one comes in Janette, I'll put it to the side. It won't help you out today, but it could help a family member in the future."

"Thanks, Sharon. I appreciate that."




With the elixir shop a bust, Janette tracks down her client, Isaac Luck.

"I don't know how you did it so fast, Detective, but I found my song back in my files this morning and I've already made copies and sent one off to my agent. He's already gotten some response from some really big names in the business! My career is back on track, thanks to you!"

"It was my pleasure, Mr. Luck! I only did my duty and made sure the culprit's misdeeds were accurately reported to the police. As important as this case was to you, it was even more important to me!"

As she tears off her notes, crushes them into a ball, she says triumphantly, "Case #35, closed!"




"More importantly, my lifetime wish is complete!"

"Congratulations, Detective, that's quite the accomplishment, especially for a sim who's part of a legacy family on a journey such as your own."

"Thanks for the accolades, Isaac, but now that I've solved your case, we don't have to stand on formalities, please call me Janette."

Isaac fans himself a bit and says huskily, "It would be my pleasure…Janette."




Janette smiles and I'm tempted to whisk her away, before she does something crazy that she'll regret, but she just says, "In another time, in other circumstances, Isaac, I'd be happy to follow up on that…suggestion. But with both our current lives and responsibilities, I think we should stick to friendship."

Isaac's own smile is one that harbors a tinge of regret, but he says, "Perceptive as usual, Detective. I'm grateful that you reminded me of what's at stake! I'd better be heading home, give Kerry some help with our brood of kids!"




As Isaac runs off home, I say, "Janette, I just realized you weren't dressed in your career outfit when you completed your lifetime wish. I was so excited about it being your last case, I forgot all about that!"

Janette obediently twirls into her career outfit and gives me her best professional stare as she says, "It's never too late for a photo op, Watcher. And frankly, this might be the last time I ever put this outfit on!"

As I snap the photo, I declare, "Janette Frio, Level 10, Private Eye Extraordinaire, with 35 cases solved!"




Her mood off the charts with the completion of her lifetime wish, Janette goes home and celebrates by  getting in some martial arts practice with the board breaker.




Then she heads back to the chemistry station to continue discovering those 10 potions she popped a wish for after maxing logic.

Jonas has completed his final wood sculpture and, though he should be working on metal ones or topiaries, he's taken advantage of the presence of their maid, Desmond Goodman, and asked him to pose for an ice sculpture.

The poses make me smile and, since Jonas is so far behind on his ice sculptures for that challenge, I'm not going to waste all the hard work he's put into it, and I let him continue.




Janette's completed her lifetime wish, so now all four family members, the co-heir twins and their spouses, have completed their lifetime wishes!

Finally.

That's definitely a relief, as with all the set backs and delays, I wasn't sure it was even possible at one point.

I've discussed the current heirship issue with several family members, letting them know that I've given Janette and Jonas the chance to try for a baby in the time machine.

And that this new family member will be eligible for heirship, if he or she so desires.

Luci's agreed to spend some time with her grandparents, with Patches tagging along, to free up space for said time machine child, teen, or young adult, if Janette and Jonas are successful.

On the condition that I remove her as an heirship candidate permanently, which I have agreed to.

The move is scheduled for after Luci's teen pool party on Leisure Day, which is Thursday, a day before I'd originally planned, since Luci's given up on attending prom with Galen Friday evening.

Mostly because it was my idea and she feels freeing up space is more crucial and attending with him will only encourage him, and me, to further their relationship.

Moving Luci and Patches has also allowed a space for either Dane or Forest to move in, but one of them will have to be moved in using a mod, as my house is definitely going to be overstuffed!

I'm a little leery of that, since I've never done that in the main household, so fingers crossed it works!

But before any of that happens, we've got another birthday to celebrate.

Follow along to discover Cassidy's young adult trait in Chapter 314: Cassidy's Birthday
Coming soon.

[deedee_828]

Janette managed to blow herself up discovering a potion and then added insult to injury as she ended up on the receiving end of a teen prank.

With turquoise hair no less!

But, luckily, it's not permanent and another shower washes it all out.




Jonas finished his 7th ice sculpture and sold it for $1622 simoleans.

He immediately started working with metal, choosing to keep making iron horse sculptures for all four of the ones he needs to bring his total to five.

He's also got an op which requires him to bring a masterpiece sculpture to City Hall.

"Jonas, you've made several brilliant sculptures, but you've never managed a masterpiece before…is it possible that Forest…"

"I was thinking the same thing Watcher! That it's a subtle way of dissing art, requesting a piece of such high quality, one he knows I haven't managed yet! If that's his true purpose…there may be hope for the boy yet! Both in politics and with Cassidy!"

"So…you're okay with his request?"

"It's the first sign of any backbone I've seen! And quite the challenge. Of course I'm okay with it! Why wouldn't I be?"

"Why indeed."




School's out and with the afternoon off from work, Patches gets a call from Nathaniel Biddle, a cute blonde boy she met in class today, asking her to meet him at the Festival Park.

Unfortunately, as Patches works on homework while waiting for him, he calls and tells her he got called in to work and won't be able to make it.

I'm disappointed but Patches takes in it stride saying, "It's not a big deal, Watcher, I just met him so it's not like I have a crush on him or my heart's involved. I'll just finish up my homework and enjoy the beautiful day."




Jemma's also in town, chatting with Mitch Lee.

"I'm so glad you and Sonoko are happy about Dane choosing to leave with us, Mitch! Not all parents are as willing to give up a child."

"Actually Jemma, Sonoko and I are thrilled that Dane has this opportunity! Proud that he's going to be part of such an influential family on such an ambitious journey. A family that's willing to accept him as he is."

"With both my daughter Bella, and my niece Cassidy, being just like Dane, it's no wonder they gravitated towards each other as children. But I'm of the opinion that it was fated to be as our Watcher has indicated that our family may need all the evil strength we can muster to continue our journey!"

"So Dane's being evil is a good thing!?! I never even dreamed such a thing would be possible, his evilness being the factor that gave him this opportunity. Thanks for sharing that information with me, Jemma. It will certainly ease both his mother's, and my own, conscience for the boy having that trait! Fated to be…rather than showing a lack on our part. The sim world sure works in mysterious ways!"

"Believe me, Mitch, in my business, that's a given!"




I get back to the house to find Bella practicing hoops again.

"I've only got three days to build up my athletic skill to level 9, Watcher, and not being athletically inclined, it's going to take a lot of effort. Playing basketball builds it up pretty fast though, I've already gained another skill point, bringing my total up to 6!"

"Why does a decoy need level 9 athletic skill? That makes no sense at all!"

"No, it wouldn't, if I was actually a decoy! My application wasn't actually fully processed last night, but after a proper review, they did give me credit for my teen part-time employment. And promoted me to level 6, so I'm already a Con Artist!"

"Level 6!?! I never dreamed a part-time job could prove to be so beneficial, going to Uni only gives a chance to start at level 4, and that's only if you complete a degree with an 'A'!"

"Lucrative too, I'll be making $63 an hour, a hefty jump from the measly $17 per hour decoys make!"

"That is amazing news Bella. But try not to make Cassidy feel bad as, being shy, she didn't pursue part-time employment as a teen, so she will be starting at the bottom of the career. Unless she chooses a different one…"

"Don't even think it, Watcher! Cassidy and I are Team Evil and it'll be much easier to control our underlings with the two of us working together, whichever one of us is heir."

"If my research is anything to go by, it will certainly help! But there's always a chance that the time machine child will become heir, Bella."

Her voice dripping with hope, Bella says, "Or a chance he or she will end up with commitment issues, like Luci. Or my ultimate dream could still come true, both the time machine child AND Luci could roll the evil the trait and join Team Evil!"




After a shower, Bella changes into her everyday outfit, which I realize is dark blue and not aqua.

But it looks amazing with her coloring as she animatedly chats with Patches.

"Since you did your homework at the park, Patches, want to join me, Cassidy, and Luci for a party at the Wood's house?"

"I'd love to Bella! I've experienced so many things for the first time. Eating food, sleeping in a bed, using the bathroom, a family birthday party. And now my first official party in town! It's all so exciting, I just love it, the more daring the better!"

"Well, feel free to join the criminal career, Patches. We're always looking for sims that like dangerous thrills and those come with the job!"

"But I'm not even a klepto or evil…"

"Don't let a little thing like that stop you! There's always a chance to roll the trait at your young adult birthday!"

"She wouldn't even have to roll a random trait, Bella. That rule is only for potential heir candidates, ones with Frio blood."

Bella frowns, "That doesn't seem fair at all, Watcher! I'd move up in my career so much faster if I was a genius, like dad and Dane. Or even athletic."

"But if we didn't roll random traits, what do you think the chances are that I would have chosen grumpy and evil when you were born!?!"

"Point taken, Watcher."

Then dismissing me with a nod she shouts, "Let's go girls, it's time to party!"




The girls arrive at the Wood's home and Forest comes outside in a swimsuit to welcome them.

But it's one of the strange pool parties where there's no pool.

Luci and Patches don't seem to mind as they giggle and chatter away like only teenage girls can, so it's no surprise when Patches pops a wish to be BFF with Luci.




After they both change into swimwear, Patches chats with Luci about her new job at the spa.

After a few more friendly socials, the option pops up and Patches says, "I can't imagine my life without you in it Luci. In fact, I wouldn't have a real life at all if it wasn't for your friendship. Will you be my best friend forever!?!"

Luci smiles and squirms with excitement as she agrees, saying, "Of course, Patches! It'd be an honor to have you as my one and only BFF!"

Imagine that? Another commitment from the non-committal one!"




But it's Cassidy who makes me laugh when she goes all evil, though I'm not sure what's caused this reaction.

Cassidy looks so sweet and, not being grumpy like Bella, I forget sometimes that she's evil, just like her cousin.

Though with all the jump scares she's performed, you'd think I'd remember that by now.




While the girls were chatting and being evil, I took the opportunity to place a small pool in the Woods' back yard.

The girls quickly took advantage of my generosity and went for a swim!

Unfortunately, none of the family, or other party guests, joined them.

Silly sims!




Back home, I find that Tobias has painted another masterpiece, bringing his count up to two for his current wish.

This is a familiar scene as quite a few of the artists in the family have painted it before.

In fact, it's the same one that I place above Rae and Sam's urns as Sam was the first one to paint it.

But my next task is a bit more difficult, confessing to Jemma what I'm planning for her daughter!




I find Jemma in the sauna sitting on the bench enjoying the steam, while Luci relaxes in a mud bath, something she does every chance she gets.

I know this isn't going to be easy, or pleasant, so I quickly say, "I know I should have discussed it with you and Tobias first, Jemma, before mentioning it to Luci, that I'd like her and Patches to spend some time with her grandparents, get to know them before we leave town, but I decided to run it by her first, to see how she felt about. Especially since it's the only way I can think of to open up space in the house for…"

Jemma doesn't raise her voice but her words contain censure all the same, "Yes, you should have talked it over with me and Tobias first, Watcher. That's a given. And we're aware that you've agreed to allow Janette and Jonas to have another child. It's all they can talk about! Too bad you hadn't thought of letting me and Tobias use the time machine weeks ago. It would have saved me from a lot of maternity leave and the nooboo and toddler years. Maybe even skipped childhood too."

Luci adds, "I'm actually surprised you're even willing to consider it Mom, the way you feel about kids!"

Jemma frowns and says pointedly, "It's not like I was consulted or anything, so what choice do I have?  But I really hope, if they're successful, that he or she is at least a teen. At that point I can actually tolerate being around them! Your father, on the other hand, loves kids, so he's okay with another child in the house, though not the circumstances surrounding it, and NOT happy about you moving out at all, even temporarily."

I ask, "But he's going to allow it? For the sake of the family?"

"He can't very well object to Luci getting to visit her grandparents, but he's still on edge with everything so up in the air. All the choices you've made without discussing them fully with all of us, so if I were you Watcher, I'd avoid him for awhile!"




I hear music and follow it to find Bella playing piano while Janette's discovered another potion.

"It's nice to hear music in the house again, but why the sudden interest on your part?"

Bella continues playing, her face going unusually soft, as she says, "Dane loves music, and I love him, and doing things that make him happy makes me happy."

"It's better than doing grumpy and evil things, so whatever floats your boat!"

"Not a very romantic sentiment, Watcher. Haven't you ever been in love…"

"Of course. I love cheesy, corny, romance novels and movies, with all their meet cutes. It brings a tear to my eye and a smile to my lips when they finally get their happily every after. It's just surprising to hear YOU being so sappy…"

"Go bother someone else Watcher!"

With a laugh, I say, "Now that's the Bella I know and love!"




But I do as she asks, and check out Jonas' latest sculpture.

It's another metal one, A Steely Stallion, in the hopes that if we make the same ones enough, one of them will be a masterpiece.

But just as Jonas pulls out his torch, he pauses and gives a side-long glance across the room.

"What's that look for Jonas!?!"

"Pan back and check it out Watcher. Ms. Lovey-Dovey is back to her old tricks!"




Sure enough, Bella has taken advantage of her mother's relaxed state to sneak up behind her and scare the delights out of her!

"RRRaaaaawwwwHHHHHH!!!!"

Jemma sucks in a startled breath and says, "Really Bella? Haven't you learned your lesson yet? Jonas has jumped on the 'let's have another child' bandwagon as a direct result of you doing that!"

Bella laughs at her mother's distress, but counters by saying grumpily, "And the decisions already been made to allow that, so why spoil my fun when it won't make a bit of difference, now?"

Before this turns into a full-blown argument, I force a cheerful note into my voice and say, "Birthday time! Everybody upstairs so we can help Cassidy celebrate!"




The family gathers around, cheering and tooting party horns as Cassidy stands before her cake, happy to be with family and friends, not a stranger in sight.

Jemma's so excited that she emits a glowy soft purple aura, a feature of her attaining the title of Master of Mysticism.




Cassidy bends over her candles to make her wish and blow them out as I pan to the left to see the rest of the family's and Forest's reactions on this momentous occasion.

Forest seems leery, while Janette pulls out a party horn but looks anxiously at her daughter, while Luci cheers loudly.

Patches doesn't react at all, as she's trying to find an open spot amongst the others.




And when the sparkles disappear, Cassidy proudly stands before us, hands on her hips, saying, "Frugal, I'm frugal! That's good, isn't it Watcher!?!"

"It is. Way better than what I expected, actually. You could have gotten diva, mean-spirited, unstable…"

Luci adds, "Or even commitment issues, like me!"

Cassidy says in relief, "But I didn't! No offense, Luci."

"None taken, cuz! It wouldn't have been much of a race if you had! It would have just gone to Bella by default. But now you're both still in the race, unless we get that other family member that Aunt Janette wants and they become heir. That could push both of you out of it!"

Janette stops blowing her party horn and seems a bit startled by Luci's comment.

But Forest seems thrilled at Cassidy's transformation to young adult, even though she's wearing odd clothes and has a much older looking hairstyle.

I can't really blame him, the age difference really put a damper on their relationship.




And my guess is accurate, because as soon as Forest and Cassidy finish their cake, the two of them start flirting with each other!

"I haven't won the heirship race yet Forest, but at least I'm still in the running and with you by my side, heir or spare, I feel like the sky's the limit!"

"As long as we can be together, sweetling, that's all that matters to me."

At Cassidy's words, Janette and Jonas share a look, one I'm not sure how to take.




But with Cassidy being shy, even among her family when it comes to being romantic with her partner, she tugs Forest into the family room, so they can get to know each other as young adults.

I decide to give them a little private time, and check on other family, but manage to catch Bella and Dane embracing.

I'm not sure what the draw is, but these two love making out in the kitchen, of all places, and don't care if they have an audience or not as they block Jemma's way to the dishwasher.

"You could take Dane outside Bella, or upstairs, or even to the basement, someplace a little more private, or at least convenient."

But Jemma's words fall on deaf ears as Bella and Dane are totally caught up in whispering sweet nothings to each other!




I make my way to the family room to find Cassidy and Forest embracing as well, and Forest has the sappiest look on his face, as he looks into Cassidy's eyes, that I can't help but smile.

"I hate to interrupt, but wouldn't you like your make-over so Forest can see your new young adult look?"

Cassidy sighs and says, "Okay, Watcher. But make it quick! I want to spend more time with Forest before he has to leave!"




I find the cutest hairstyle, one that's a bit longer than her last choice, and can't help but say, "I love your new look! You look absolutely amazing!"

Cassidy's mouth actually curves into a smile and her eyes glow as she says, "I would never have believed it was possible Watcher, but I think I even look as pretty as Bella, in my own way!

"You both certainly have unique genetics. You inheriting your father's Hidden Spring greenie skin tone and both your parents' and grandmother's dark hair. And Bella carrying the Midnight Hollow white/black slider skin tones from both her mother and your grandmother and having your grandfather's lighter brown hair."

"So that gives us both genetic points." But then she adds, "Of course with Mom and Aunt Jemma being on the MH white/black slider, we've already had heirs with it, so I think I have a bit of an edge that way!"

"I agree and that's no secret, even from Bella. I've been telling her that since she was a child and she told me she was the one best suited for heir."

But Cassidy doesn't stay hopeful for long as she says, "But that was before I added shy to my traits, Watcher. Frugal isn't bad, but not truly helpful like ambitious or workaholic would have been."

"True. But as much as Bella was happy to have you be evil like her, you sure gave her a surprise when you stood up to her from that point forward!"

Cassidy perks up and says, "I did, didn’t I!?! But we need to wrap this up, Watcher, it's eating into my Forest time!"

So without further ado, we have our second heirship candidate, introducing,

Cassidy Frio--young adult human
Parents: Janette and Jonas (Woodard) Frio
Siblings: none, but possibly soon
LTW: Empress of Evil (was there any doubt?)
Career: Criminal (as soon as she applies)
Traits: Hates the Outdoors, Clumsy, Evil, Shy, and Frugal
Fav's: Latin music, Shawarma, Irish Green
Skills: Athletic- 3, Charisma- 5, Cooking- 3, Guitar- 3, Logic- 4, Painting- 2, Writing- 1, Piano- 3, Bass-3, Drums- 3




As soon as Cassidy is out of stylist, she's back in Forest's fall arms and kissing him desperately!

She's definitely not shy with Forest.

But I'm sure she'd prefer not to have any audience, so I say, "Meet me in the study when you're done saying goodbye."

The two of them pretty much ignore me, but when they come up for heir, Cassidy mumbles, "In a bit, Watcher. Making up for lost time here!"




Later, quite a bit later, in fact, after more kissing, hugging, and Cassidy offering Forest a massage, which he accepted enthusiastically, (yes, I peeked), Cassidy joins me in the study.

She sits down at the computer and says, "Well, here goes nothing, Watcher. I know I'll be starting at level 1, and Bella really has the jump on me there, already being at level 6 with her teen part-time work in the field."

"Yeah, I'm sorry about that. I don't usually let my teens in the heir household have part-time jobs as it really cuts into school work and socializing. Even with you being shy, if I had realized the huge benefit…"

Cassidy interrupts with, "Too late for regrets now, Watcher. And if I'd had to leave prom early like Bella did, Forest may never have asked me to go steady! And that could have meant spending time with a different guy, a stranger!"

"I'm glad you're looking on the bright side, at least. Happy Birthday, Cassidy, and sweet dreams, um, well, evil ones in your case!"

"Thanks, Watcher. Though with Forest filling my thoughts, I think they'll be sweet and romantic tonight!"




And sudden noise from the basement has me heading down there to see what's going on.

I find Jonas standing there almost in shock as he says, "I did it, Watcher, I finally did it! This Anna the Panda is #35, the last sculpture I needed to complete the Prolific Sculptor Challenge, so now I can sculpt for free! And it's also the last sculpture I needed to complete the Master Sculpture challenge, making all my sculptures even more valuable!"

I check Jonas' sculpting journal and he has indeed mastered both those challenges, having made 35 sculptures in all, five in wood, metal, and topiaries, six in clay, and seven in both stone and ice!

"Congratulations, Jonas! Now the only challenge you have left is Ice Personality!"

"Yes, but that requires 25 ice sculptures and I've only got 7 completed. And even with 35 sculptures, the highest quality I've managed is brilliant, not one masterpiece! So I've still got quite a bit of work ahead of me!"

"I feel confident you can do Jonas!"




Jonas has completed two more sculpting challenges so there's only one more before he supermaxes the skill!

Though one of masterpiece quality still eludes him.

Our two oldest heir candidates have both become beautiful young adults.

But there's still a chance that Jonas and Janette could be successful and have a time machine child enter the race and provide a bit more competition.

Before that happens, we've got Luci's Leisure Day pool party to enjoy with all the teens in SS invited!

Will anyone swim in the pool?

That's a good question.

Join me and find out in Chapter 315: Teen Pool Party
Coming soon.

[deedee_828]

Luci enjoys the already warm rays of the morning sun on Thursday morning as she strums a guitar on the lawn near the pool.

"Why are you outside so early, your party doesn't start until 1:00?"

"I didn't want to waste a minute of this day, it's my last one here for, well, for who knows how long. Besides if I get in some practice on this guitar, I could entertain my friends during the party."

"That sounds like you're having second thoughts about leaving today."

"Having second thoughts, and probably third and fourth ones too, but that's going to be my life Watcher. Any time I make a commitment to something, I'll be questioning if it's the right choice!"

"Even friends?"

"Friends are okay, in fact, I wouldn't mind choosing Super Popular for my lifetime wish."

"Is that what you really want?"

Luci laughs and says, "Watcher, you've been seeing me pop wish after lifetime wish! Magician, International Super Spy, Renaissance Sim, and now Super Popular…give me a minute or two to think about it and I'll change my mind!"

"Right. No commitments. But you'll have to pick one at your young adult birthday, no getting around it, so I'll keep that in mind and try and choose one that fits you best."




I've been following Jemma's advice and keeping out of Tobias' way but I finally get up enough nerve to face him.

"Here to apologize, Watcher? No need. I've finally realized that as just an heir spouse, a co-heir spouse at that, that what I want really doesn't matter!"

"Tobias, that's not true! And it's unfair as well! I try to consider all my family member's wishes. Haven't I let you read to your heart's content, or just lounge around watching tv? All those paintings you've done, along with all the books you've written, that was so you could complete your lifetime wish. The first one of the group to do so, which is quite an accomplishment in itself. But you kept popping wishes to do both of those things. Write more and more books, paint better quality paintings. Even now you have a wish to complete 3 masterpieces."

Tobias relents, but just a little, "Okay, so you've kept me focused and on track, helped me balance both writing and painting and given me time to just relax, watching tv or reading a book, once the majority of our child-rearing was complete."

But then his face goes stony and he continues, "But those aren't major decisions in the scheme of things! Without consulting any of us, you let Luci give Patches that potion and let her become real, filling up the house. Then you promise Janette that baby wish, which wouldn't have been ridiculous had it not been so close to leaving town, and compound that by agreeing to Jonas' mad idea of using the time machine to acquire the child. Then you ask Luci to visit her grandparents without asking me and Jemma first, just so you can fix the mess you've made! Can you deny any of that!?! Can you, Watcher!?!"

"No, it's all true. But this 'mess' I've made was all in an effort to keep ALL of you together. In fact, if I hadn't allowed you to have another child we wouldn't be having this discussion."

"So now you're saying all of this is MY fault!?!"

I calm down and almost whisper so Tobias has to strain his ears, "No. Don't you see? There is no fault, Tobias. My original plan was to allow only one child for each co-heir couple, which left space in the house for both of them, heir or spare, to have a partner move to the next town with them, if they so chose. But when you became family-oriented at young adult, with Jemma disliking children, that complicated things. She had to have at least one child and you were destined to want more children. So Jemma and I allowed you that second child Tobias, because we knew how much it meant to you. That choice, and so many of the ones after it, was made out of love. Your love for children, Jemma's love for you, Luci's love for Patches…"

Tobias blows out a breath, "Janette's love making her want another child, Jonas' love for her making him want to do anything he can to make her wish come true. No matter how insane it is…a time machine child…"

"Yes. But even though that's a crazy idea, they're making that choice to minimize the additional time here in SS. Not wanting to add the strain of another seven weeks here. And there's no guarantee it will work. Not within the time limit Janette as agreed to, which is by the time Bella and Cassidy graduate, Sunday, at the latest."

"You gave her a time limit!?! That's not very romantic!"

"I didn't put a time limit on it, Tobias, Janette decided that on her own, knowing just how much upheaval this idea was causing."

"With me, the family-oriented one, being the worst offender! You'd think that, as a genius, I would have figured all of this out instead of lashing out, feeling sorry for myself, blaming you, and everyone else, for what's essentially my own doing. I know, I know, it's no one's fault, and I wouldn't give up Luci for anything, but if I'd stopped pointing fingers for just a minute, maybe I could have helped, been part of the solution instead of just adding to the problem. But I'm on board now Watcher. Maybe if we all work together we can come through all of this, a little stronger, a little wiser, and a  little closer as a family!"

"Fingers crossed, Tobias. Fingers crossed."




In his desire to be more of a team player, Tobias helps Jonas out posing for an ice sculpture.

I would have thought he'd have at least changed out of his sleepwear, but since it's in ice and will be sold soon after it's completed, it really doesn't matter.

Janette's still busy at the chemistry table discovering potions.




Outside, Luci's chatting with Bella, "I know it's a teen pool party for my friends Bella, but I had the Watcher invite Dane and Forest too, so you and Cassidy would have someone to hang out with."




I thought this was a nice gesture on Luci's part, but Bella wasn't of the same mind as she went off on her sister!

"It would have been nice if you'd asked me first, Luci! I was planning on inviting Dane to the movies, or the Festival, anywhere but to your stupid teen party! Why would we want to hang around with a bunch of hormonal teens!?!"

Luci jumps at the rage in her sister's tone, raising her hands saying, "Whoa, whoa! I was just trying to be nice. Ms. Grumpy-pants! It was only three days ago that you were a hormonal teen yourself, so get off your high horse!"

I check Bella's moodlets and, sure enough, she's woken up on the wrong side of the bed and will be grumpy for the whole day! Wonderful!

Before this situation gets anymore out of hand, I say, "Calm down, Bella, and stop letting your grumpiness control you! Someone with no self-control certainly won't be on the heirship list!"

With that threat resounding through the air, Bella stalks away and into the house.




With Bella in such a foul mood, Luci invites all her teen family and friends inside, while Cassidy greets Dane.

Cassidy shakes Dane's hand, saying, "Hey, Dane. Glad at least you could make it today. Forest had to work on some project at City Hall, even though he's supposed to be off for Leisure Day! But I'm hoping he'll be free to come over later. Make yourself at home and grab something to eat. Looks like a lot of Luci's friends brought a dish to share."

"Thanks, Cassidy. I won't keep you. I know you don't like being outside. Where's Bella?"

Cassidy shrugs, "She was outside earlier, but I heard raised voices, so I'm sure she got into it with someone. I'm sure she'll find you when she can be civil."

"Gotcha. I'll just hang out with the crowd then."




I check the basement to find that Jonas has completed his ice sculpture of Tobias and it turned out rather well.

I really wish Jonas had 25 of them sculpted so we could keep it, but this is only #8, so I'll have to sell it before it melts.

Besides, even though Tobias has relented and promised to be more cooperative with all of my plans, he looks rather stern and uncompromising in the pose he used for his sculpture.




In the backyard, quite a few teens have already started digging into the food.

Jace Riverhawk, dressed in a suit, is sitting with Kyle Abbot and Patches at one table, while Markus shares the picnic table with several other teens.

But seeing Kyle and Patches in swimwear, I guess that means some of the teens have been using the pool.




But as I start to pan across to the pool, I spot a boy giving Luci flowers!

And to my surprise, Luci seems to like the idea of romance with this boy!




But that idea is quickly dispelled when Luci turns the boys' romantic gesture down flat!

Not concerned in the least as the poor boy slumps at her rejection, as her attention wanders towards the pool.




Moments later, Luci and her rejected beau join half a dozen teens swimming in the pool.

While Jemma relaxes in a lounge chair on the other side of the pool bar.




The afternoon is whiled away with teens swimming, eating, and chatting, so I go inside, to find Cassidy being productive, doing laundry, though she is wearing her swimsuit.

With the smile on her face, my guess is she's actually been in the sauna rather than outside in the pool.




But with chores completed, Cassidy takes advantage of a teen guest by scaring the daylights out of him!

Since jump scares are an inherit part of Cassidy's and Bella's personalities, I don't bother censuring her and check on other family members.




Downstairs, I find Janette and Jonas indulging in a romantic kiss.

"I hate to interrupt, but with you two being so lovey dovey, I'm guessing you're eager to give that time machine child a try?"




Janette pulls away from Jonas and says, "Do you want to tell her or should I?"

Jonas looks searchingly into Janette's face and says, "Are you sure this is what you want?"

"Tell me what? What is it Janette wants now? Isn't trying for a time machine child enough upheaval for this family!?!"




Jonas looks at me, his face expressing a sadness I'm not sure how to take.

Until he says, "That's the problem in a nutshell, Watcher. Janette's decided, and I have to agree, that even shortening the time frame by having a time machine child, it's just not fair to Bella or Cassidy to introduce another potential heir candidate! Not this late in the journey!"

With a sigh tinged with regret, he adds, "So we've decided not to even attempt it, leaving heirship between Bella and Cassidy."

I stare at the two of them in shock and finally manage to say, "Seriously!?! After everyone finally gets their mind wrapped around you two adding to the family with a time machine child, you decide against it, just like that!?!"

His eyes going even sadder, Jonas says, "It wasn't a quick decision, Watcher. In fact, we're both a little disappointed about it, we might have even gotten a son…"

Trying to dismiss the thought, he adds, "But if what you've discovered is true, it's their evilness that will be necessary for the next town, so having a non-evil heir, if we could even manage to get one, really isn't in the best interests of the family."

Janette says, "We're just going to have to live with those jump scares, just like we live with Jonas and I wearing odd clothes and Jemma not liking children. In the grand scheme of things, jump scares aren't even all that bad."

"Well, since your arguments are actually ones that we've all been thinking about, and even Luci's having doubts about moving out today, though she doubts every commit, so that's not really a surprise, I'm thinking you're right. It's probably for the best to leave the family the way it is, and heirship between Bella and Cassidy. At least they're a known quantity."

Janette quips, "Our thoughts exactly, Watcher, better the evil you know than one you don't!"




Then Jonas jumps into Janette's arms, saying, "I promise to make it up to you sweetie! Instead of focusing all our energies on raising another child, I'll lavish you with love! Until grandchildren arrive and we focus on them!"

Janette squeals and says, "Oh, grandchildren will be much more fun! We can spoil them rotten and then let their parents deal with them!"

"In the meantime, we can focus on our hobbies. Don't you still have potions to discover? I'm way behind on my ice sculptures! Come check out my latest one, Watcher!"

I just shake my head and wonder why I even bothered listening to an idea from two insane sims who flip from one crazy idea to the next, even more so than non-committal Luci!




Jonas says in his best Avant Garde voice, "Behold, my latest inspiration! I call it 'Sweet Sixteen'!"

I turn around and find a sweet, bashful pose of a teen girl.

"Jonas, is that…Kira Mae!?! It's wonderful!"

"I think so too, Watcher! I'm actually sad that we can't keep it yet. I really need to step up my game in the ice medium!"




Janette, who's just managed to discover another potion while I was chatting with Jonas, says, "I'm finished here for now. I'll pose for you, darling!"




Janette quickly changes into formal wear and strikes a pose as Jonas whips out a chainsaw and starts chipping away at the huge block of ice.

It looks like these two really have given up on the idea of another child, throwing all their energy into their chosen hobbies.




And in what seems like no time at all, Janette's ice sculpture is complete, and Jonas' now has 10 of them to his credit!




By the time I get back outside, darkness has descended and most of the teen guests have gone home.

And I find Luci looking anxious in that same lounge chair Jemma used earlier.

"It's time, isn't it Watcher? For me and Patches to leave for Grandma and Grandpa's place so Aunt Janette and Uncle Jonas can try for a time machine child?"

"Actually, plans have changed again! Your Aunt and Uncle have decided that, at this late stage of the journey, a time machine child just isn't fair to Bella or Cassidy. That it was indeed a crazy idea! So you've got a reprieve on moving out! You and Patches will still have to visit your grandparents so Forest and Dane can move in, but instead of it being days, it'll only be for a few hours."




Luci leaps to her feet, the relief on her face as plain as the smile hovering on her lips.

"So I can still go to Prom with Galen tomorrow night!?!"

"Yes. But with you two being best friends, and prom being what it is, he'll probably ask you to go steady."

"He probably will, but it's a chance I'll have to take! Seeing my friends all dressed up, the lights, the dancing, I hadn't realized how much it actually meant to me to attend until after I gave it up!"

"Well, now you'll get to go! So go get a good night's sleep so you'll be all rested for school and prom. It'll be a long day!"




Hearing cheering nearby, I find Bella in the hot tub, and seeing her self-satisfied smile, I realize she's definitely overheard the conversation Luci and I were having.

Her words confirm it as she says, "So they finally came to their senses! It's about time! Looks like Team Evil is back on top, where we belong!"




The news has Bella in such a good mood that she invites Dane to join her in the hot tub.

I couldn't believe the poor guy was still here, but he hung around until Bella's bad mood wore off, just waiting for her to spend time with him.

As Dane relaxes, Bella smirks at me and says, "This day started off pretty badly, but things are definitely looking up!"




It was definitely a day that ended differently than I expected, but I can't say I'm not relieved.

The idea of a time machine child was intriguing, but did have me feeling badly for Bella and Cassidy possibly being pushed out of heirship in what seems a bit of a cheaty way.

Not to mention the extra time it would have taken to find a partner if said child had actually become heir!

Of course, Bella's happy with the results, though I'm wondering if I should be even more worried with the evil, grumpy, first born suddenly all smiles!?!

I'm going to chalk it up to the wonders of the hot tub and being with Dane and not worry about it.

Try not to anyway…

Besides, we've got prom and graduation right around the corner, along with one more birthday, before we leave town.

So join me in Chapter 316: Graduation, Prom, and Goodbyes
Coming soon.

[deedee_828]

Before the sun has even risen Friday morning, Cassidy and Bella are chatting at the counter in the kitchen.

But instead of just being idle chatter, the two are having a much more serious discussion.

"We've got so many simoleans that making more doesn't seem like much of a challenge, so what's our ultimate goal?"

Bella gives Cassidy an appraising look and says, "You're right, cuz, money isn't our focus, but having it will go a long way in some circles. It would help even more if we knew which town, so we could make better plans, but the Watcher's still keeping that information under wraps. But to answer your question, our goal is the same as all evil sims with our lifetime wish, to reach the top of the criminal career."

Cassidy, a disbelieving note in her voice says, "That's it? Seriously? Just get to the top? Somehow I thought you'd aim for something bigger…"

Bella gives Cassidy another look and says, "For a shy sim you have an uncanny ability to read others. Are you sure you didn't inherit your mothers' perceptive abilities?"

"Being shy makes me uncomfortable around strangers, it doesn't stop me from knowing what my family and friends really want. If you watch and listen carefully, instead of raging at everyone, it's easier to learn what really drives them, to figure out their ultimate goals and motives." Shrugging, she added, "I was just wondering if you'd let me in on your REAL plans, since you claim we're a team!"

"Well, well, little cuz, seems like you will continue to surprise me. For your efforts, and to prove my commitment to our partnership, I'll 'fess up. My lifetime wish is to become the Empress of Evil, just like you, dividing up the spoils of whatever town we end up in, but I'd like us to wield even more power than that, to ultimately take over the world!"

"Now THAT seems like a worthy goal for Team Evil! Count me in!"




With such a lofty goal before them, Cassidy works out to the stereo, building up her athletic skill to endure the rigors of her chosen career.

"I admire your dedication, Cassidy, but don't forget I scheduled graduation for today!"

"I won't, Watcher! Just going to work out for a bit, then shower and get dressed for the big event."




I hear ghostly music and I'm surprised to see Samuel materializing out of his urn upstairs in the Art Gallery.

"It's a bit late, or rather early, to show up isn't it?"

"The confines of ghosts seem to work differently in SS, Watcher. Jared proved that quite clearly soon after we arrived with his jaunt off the home lot and into town."

"Please don't remind me. So to what do we owe the honor of your visit today?"

"Nothing special, just one last visit before the family leaves this town. To check on everyone and make sure things are moving along as they should."

"Things have calmed down considerably amongst the family since Janette and Jonas decided NOT to have a time machine child. We're in the home stretch actually, graduation for Bella and Cassidy, Luci and Patches prom, then having their chosen partners move in, and then adding Luci and Patches back into the household after their visit with Odette and Chase."

"No goodbyes? You usually give family a chance to say goodbye, don't you?"

"Luci will say her goodbyes when she's visiting with her grandparents. And I was thinking that when Luci and Patches go to prom tonight it would be a good time to have Janette and Jemma visit their parents and baby sister and say goodbye."

"Sounds like you have everything under control now, despite having to complete four co-heirs lifetime wishes and deal with two evil heir candidates."

"Don't jinx it! I had so many doubts along the way, I wondered if this would be the end of the journey!"

"Not a chance, Watcher! We're all in this for the long haul! In fact, there are a few other family ghosts visiting. Maybe you'd like to catch up with them before you pack us all safely away in someone's back pack?"

"Good idea!"

"See you in the next town, Watcher!"




A quick search of the rockers and I find ghostly Adam in the one on the patio, as the sun's rays start peeking over the horizon.

"Good morning, Adam. I just finished chatting with Samuel and he mentioned others were around. Are you enjoying the view here in SS once last time?"

"Yes, Watcher. It's been such a pleasure to visit a world that's so warm and sunny, most of the time. Will the next town be as hospitable?"

I lower my voice and say, "Not quite as temperate as SS, as it does have four definite seasons, but more rain than snow where we'll be living. But summers there are definitely warm so I'm planning on a place with a pool. And rockers, of course. Probably a few inside for when the weather cools off."

"Did you have a particular place in mind? One of MrsFlynn's builds perhaps?"

"I do! But it's not just her build, it's one she collaborated on with another player/builder! I've been wanting to use it ever since I came across it in my library. But it was built specifically for that town, so I've had to wait quite some time."

"So it's a specific style of architecture?"

I laugh and said, "Why, Adam Frio, I do believe you're trying to get me to reveal the next town! That will happen soon enough! But I will tell you that the new place is not typical of the predominant architectural style but a modified version more suited to my play style, especially for a large family!"

Chuckling Adam says, "You caught me out, Watcher! I guess I'll know what town when we get there!"




Popping down to the basement, I find Jonas working on another ice sculpture.

This one of ghostly Sam!

"Ghosts can model for sculptures!?!"

"Apparently so, Watcher! I was a bit surprised myself."

"I have to watch this!"




And with Jonas' sculpting skill being mastered and with so many challenges completed, he's done faster than ever.

The ice sculpture of Sam looking just as awesome as all the others and making me want to keep them even more!

But the real ghostly Sam returned to his urn before I had a chance to chat with him.

That's probably for the best as traveling isn't without it's dangers and knowing how Sam is when it comes to dangerous things, it's better if he remains unaware of just how close we are to leaving town.




Hearing voices nearby, I find Jemma has joined Patches in the sauna.

"So, despite disliking children, you had two of them, Bella and Luci!?! But why?"

Jemma looks at Patches and says, "I had Bella because I made a commitment as a co-heir to provide a child for the next generation."

"But why Luci? You'd already done your duty!"

Jemma doesn't even hesitate as she answers, "Luci was born out of my love for my husband, Tobias! It was a shock to both of us to have our final traits be at the opposite end of the spectrum, and I decided if he could overlook my distaste for children and the supernatural, I could show my love for him and provide him with another child to love."

"Well, I'm glad you did! If it wasn't for Luci, I wouldn't have been given this chance at life! It's odd how things work out!"

Jemma nods in agreement, "I've always believed in forces controlling the world around us. And in my career, without belief, you're just a scam artist, preying on the feelings and emotions of others!"

"It's nice to see you two getting to know each other. But it's time to start getting ready for graduation. Where is Luci?"

"She's outside playing basketball, Watcher, taking advantage of our day off from school to honor the graduates in our family."




"Thanks for scheduling Bella and Cassidy's graduation today, Watcher! It gave me and Patches an opportunity to sleep in after the pool party yesterday and not have to rush to prom after school. "

"Since you and Patches both got an 'A' doing extra credit work, I think you both deserve the extra day off. But since graduations at City Hall can be lengthy, you'll probably have even less time afterward to get ready for prom."

"Then it's a good thing we'll already be dressed in formalwear!"

"Good point. But you'll need to get ready for graduation now as it's almost time to leave!"




Luci quickly showered and dressed in her best waiting for the rest of the family on the sidewalk in front of the house.

Cassidy came out next, looking so grown up in her graduation cap and gown, I just had to snap a photo.




Bella wasn't far behind and even flashed me a smile as she joined her sister and cousin.

"Don't we look amazing, Watcher!?! I don't know what it is about graduation robes and caps, but I feel older, wiser, already!"

"And just a little bit nervous?"

"Not me! I am confident that my classmates, my peers, know my full potential and will vote for me accordingly!"

I don't want to ruin Bella's good mood so I don't mention that her expectations at prom weren't realized when Cassidy got voted Prom Queen.




Not long afterward, most of the household is gathered on the sidewalk before City Hall, but is that a diploma in Bella's hands!?!




I go in for a close-up and, sure enough, Bella already has her diploma and I get a message that she's graduated with highest honors without even walking into the building!

"Lucky me, getting to give that tedious ceremony a pass!"

"And just how did you manage that Bella!?!"

"That's for me to know and you to never find out, Watcher! Unlike others of the evil persuasion, I don't intend to reveal my secrets!"

But when she learns that her class voted her 'Most Likely To Get Married', her exuberance wanes as she frowns and says, "I do want to get married, but that's not the be all and end all of my existence!"

Narrowing her eyes, she grumpily asks, "I wonder what rat got the award I was hoping for!?!"

Before Bella can continue on in that vein, I say, "Don't stand out here wondering, let's get inside so we can find out!"




I spot Marisol in her hot pink formal looking beautiful, doing justice to the film star she is!

And looking much too young to be the mother of graduates, just like her younger sisters.

Though with the sober expression on her face, I'm afraid she's very much aware of her age and that of her oldest children.




Kira Mae must have already gone inside, but I see Markus in the crowd, looking quite the handsome young man.

He looks so much like his grandfather, Chase, as a young man!




The ceremony goes on for what seems like hours, but finally Tobias, Patches, and a thrilled Cassidy, finally emerge.

Cassidy even throws her diploma high up in the air, overcoming her shyness in a crowd of strangers, for once.

"No reason for me to feel shy or intimidated today, Watcher! I not only graduated with highest honors, valedictorian of my class, but I was also voted, 'Most Likely To Take Over the World'! You should have seen Bella's face! If looks could kill! But I reminded her that we're a Team, and I'd always have her back, take care of her as my favorite underling!"

"Oh! I'm sure that made her feel a lot happier about the situation!"

"As much as you would expect it to, but I enjoyed it immensely! You'd think by now she'd learned not to underestimate me!"




As the family got home from graduation, they found Galen already there in his prom tux.

I was right, graduation took so long we did cut it very close, because the limo showed up moments later.




I was hoping for a photo of Galen and Luci in the limo, but Luci sat by herself on one side in the back.

"I didn't want Patches to feel like she was playing gooseberry, Watcher, so Galen's going to meet us there."




Patches, sitting across from Luci on the other bench, smiles, soaking up all the luxury of their first limo ride.

"I can't believe we're actually going in such style to the prom! The others teens will be so jealous when they see this ride! It's the perfect start to a magical evening!"

Both teens looked happy enough, so I hope prom will meet all their expectations.




While the girls attend prom, Jemma, Janette, Bella and Cassidy, head over to Odette and Chase's home to attend little Chastity's birthday party!

Odette proudly carries her daughter to the cake and laughs in delight when Chastity blows out her candles all by herself!




And little Chastity looks even more like her Aunt Ella as a child, even down to the yellow bows in her hair!

The heavy sweater isn't really appropriate for the warm weather here, but with our imminent departure from SS, no need to change it.




As Odette and Chase finish their birthday cake, Janette says, "I'll miss you both, Chastity too. It'll be so different not having you live in the house just down the road. I don't plan on taking on any more cases in the next town, so I'll have plenty of free time to call, chat, keep in touch."

Chase pauses at Janette's words and says, "Please do. This is the hardest part, letting you girls go off on your own. It was one thing to move out of the main house, but like you said, just the down the road. It's quite another to actually have you and your girls all moving to the next town! But your mother and your baby… I mean, little sister, will keep me from brooding."

Odette pauses as she forks up her last bite of cake, saying, "And we all know what a full time job that is! I'm glad Chastity is old enough to help with that now. And having Luci and Patches visiting before you leave is a wonderful surprise! Though I'm not sure how you talked Tobias into that!"

Janette laughs and says, "We played the 'she should get to know her grandparents better before we leave' card and since Tobias is all about family, he couldn't very well deny Luci, or you two, the opportunity to do so."




Jemma gets in one last hug with her mother.

"You've done a great job, Mom, made us both responsible sims, and our girls were raised the same way. Bella and Cassidy might be evil, but that just makes them strong, able to handle anything that comes their way. I truly believe the Watcher is right and fate has stepped in to guide us on the next step of our journey."

Odette squeezes her daughter and says, "I don't doubt it, Jemma. A lot of things have happened along the way, and each generation steps up to the task. Things always work out in the end."




And then Jemma says goodbye to her father.

"We'll all be fine Dad! Try not to worry too much. Keep mom's spirits up and take good care of our little sister! Where is Chastity anyway? I wanted to say goodbye."

"She talked your sister into reading her a bedtime story. Chastity's not big on crowds and it's past her bed time."




Sure enough, I find Janette reading Chastity a story up in her parents' bedroom.

The smile on Chastity's face leaving no doubt that she's truly enjoying getting to spend this time with her big sister.




But soon the late night catches up with her and Chastity curls up on the pillow, fast asleep.

Janette puts the book away, gently places a kiss on her sisters' brow, and whispers, "Sweet dreams little sister. Saying goodbye to you is the hardest goodbye of all."




Both Bella and Cassidy graduated with honors, with Cassidy trumping Bella once again by being named Valedictorian of their class, along with being voted 'Most Likely To Take Over The World'!

Most sims would think of that as a dubious honor, but to an evil sim, it's one they attain to above all others!

In fact, both Bella and Cassidy have made it their ultimate goal!

But with graduation and prom both completed, it's time for our final chapter here in SS.

Join me in Chapter 317: Final Family Meeting
Coming soon.

[deedee_828]

"Is that painting that fascinating?"

"No, Watcher, I was just wandering around the house, taking in everything one last time. We've had some good memories here."

"Yes. And you have some good memories of prom too, don't you?"

"We do!"

"Oh, does that mean you and Galen…"

"No, Watcher! By 'we', I meant Patches and I! The band played both our favorite songs; we got to see all our friends dressed up and looking amazing. I even won the Queen's crown and Patches' crush, Darrick Riverhawk, asked her to dance! Quite the pleasant evening!"

"So nothing happened between you and Galen at all?"

"I wouldn't say that, Watcher. He did sneak up behind me and steal a kiss, my first, so that was pretty special! But after that he did ask me to go steady and I had to say, 'no'."

"Did he take it badly?"

"No. I let him down easy, told him we'd stay best friends and keep in touch but that a long-distance relationship wouldn't be fair to either of us."

"Sounds  like you handled it very diplomatically. Not like that poor boy you shot down at your pool party when he offered you flowers!"

Luci grimaced and said, "That 'poor' boy flirts with every girl he meets and I barely know him. Galen is one of my best friends and I didn't want to hurt him."

"I'm glad to hear it. Your sister and cousin hurt enough sims' feelings without you doing it too! But I'm actually glad you're still awake as I think it'd be best for you and Patches to go visit your grandparents now."

"I just got into my pajamas, Watcher!"

"That works, that way you'll already be dressed for bed when you get there! I fixed up Chastity's room with a set of bunk beds so all three of you will be comfortable. Even if it's just for tonight and a few hours tomorrow."

"Thoughtful of you, Watcher. See you soon!"




With Luci and Patches safely at her grandparents house, I gather the rest of the family together for a meeting and, after touting all of Bella’s and Dane’s traits, say, "So there's no doubt who the power couple is this gen…"

Janette says, "And with Bella starting out at level 6, she'll be raking in the cash!"
 
Bella says, “I will, won't I, Aunt Janette!?! I'm glad someone's finally noticed my effort." To me she adds, "Took you long enough to figure out what I've been saying all along, Watcher! Both of us being evil makes me and Dane the best choice! But…that’s pretty harsh.. pointing out our differences that way!”

Turning to Cassidy she says, “Don’t worry, cuz, we’re still a team, and I’ll make sure to look after you and keep you safe, since the Watcher’s throwing you to the wolves!”
 
That’s when I jump in and say, “Bella, you’re jumping the gun! What I was saying was that with you and Dane being so strong, and Cassidy and Forest needing a bit more looking after, I think they should stay in the main home under my watchful eye…”
 
As the light dawn’s in her eyes, Bella says, “So you’re choosing HER over ME…”
 
“You can’t have it both ways Bella! If I choose you, I’m throwing Cassidy to the wolves, but if I choose Cassidy you’re insulted!”
 
Bella says, “Well, we're supposed to be a team! With your obvious preference for Luci as heir, I thought Cassidy and I would both be spares, taking over the criminal element in whatever town we're going to, protecting the family that way. But now that Luci's out of the running and it's just between the two of us, I'm torn! I see your point about Cassidy and Forest needing more help though…”




As Bella’s words trail off, Cassidy jumps into the silence with a resounding, “No.”
 
“No!?!” Bella and I ask together, astonished at the determination of the simple word.
 
Cassidy repeats herself, putting even more emphasis on the word, “No!"

She adds firmly, "I will not accept heirship because me and my chosen partner need ‘more looking after’, that IS truly insulting!”

Janette stands up, quickly defending her daughter, "It IS rather insulting, Watcher!"
 
“But it wasn’t meant to be that way…I’m looking out for Cassidy and Forest’s best interests.”
 
Cassidy interjects, “But not the best interests of the family! Which is what heirship is all about. And I'm NOT talking about making money, we've got plenty of that already!”
 
“If you’ve got a better solution, I’m all ears.”
 
Bella sits back, frowns, and narrows her eyes, saying, “Me too!”



 
That’s when Cassidy says, “I read over your research for the next town Watcher and you’re absolutely right, Bella and I are evil for a reason! But let’s use ALL of our resources, not just one or two. Bella, Dane, and I have the criminal and law enforcement fields covered and Forest is in politics. That’s the ultimate power trifecta for any town! So let’s stay together, show a strong united family after the move! After we’re firmly established in all of our careers, and have the town fully under our control, we can re-visit the heirship question. Maybe go with whoever pops the first baby wish?”
 
I’m stunned with this solution, as is the rest of the family, except for Cassidy, who looks more than pleased that she's managed to surprise all of us.

"I never even thought of that, Cassidy! It makes sense to protect the family with three power careers, using all the evilness this family possesses to make it through the next town. That's a very perceptive argument!"
 
Bella sneaks a look at Janette and voices what we’re all thinking, “Snuck a look at the Watcher’s research for the next town… well done, cuz! I’m beginning to think that you're more like your mother than we all thought. Maybe you being shy is a typo---more like sly!”



 
But it’s Tobias, sitting tensely with his hands on his knees, his voice rising as he speaks, that says, “A town that will require the evilness of three family members AND a career trifecta just so we can survive!!!”

Jemma looks concerned as well as she asks, "That does sound a bit ominous, Watcher. Where in Sim Land are we going!?!"
 
“Tobias has painted a couple of canvases that fore-shadowed our next destination. If everyone will follow me to the basement, I'll show you what I've dug out of the family chests and explain."




I head for a basement wall I've displayed several paintings on and continue, "Sam painted one way back at the beginning of our journey, men rowing gondolas filled with grapes. Crewe painted one of a gentleman in front of a canal spanned by a bridge with several arched openings. Back in Hidden Springs, Odette did a portrait of a dashing young man in clothing from a bygone era. And Tobias painted two here in SS, a small and a large painting of rolling hills and mesas. The hills of Tuscany. So we’re going to need all the evil we can muster living in the heart of mafioso country in Monte Vista!”




With the new town revealed, the girls don't waste anytime, and invite Forest and Dane over first thing in the morning.

Dane looks like his confident self, but Forest looks like he's expecting bad news.

Just seeing how differently these two dress starts me thinking about their varied personalities and wondering how such a diverse group is going to mesh into one cohesive family unit.

Can I really handle 10 sims in one household, three of them evil, two insane, a teen afraid of commitment, a teen who's a daredevil, and one who can't stand art living with an Avant Garde sculptor!?!

Maybe I'm the crazy one!




To make my point, Bella and Dane revel in the fact that they share the evil trait!

But I guess it's better than Bella being grumpy with Dane like she is with everyone else.




Bella, her face hopeful, asks, "Would you move in with me, Dane? Be my partner and help me rule all of Sim Land!?!"

Dane, his arms open wide, answers, "Was there any doubt of it my love? You and I were fated to be. And who am I to question destiny!?!"

That's one couple down!

But how is Cassidy faring with Forest?




Well, that looks pretty positive!

I listen in to hear Forest say, "I can't believe you asked me to move in with you! I thought something would happen at the last minute and you'd change your mind!"

"Never, Forest! We've been friends since we were children and I'm comfortable with friends. I'm just hoping you don't regret deciding to live with all of us!"

"With you by my side, life takes on an excitement I never dreamed was possible."




With the guys settled in, I'm just getting ready to do make-overs when Bella rushes up behind Cassidy and yells, "AAAAAAAgggghhhhhhh!!!!"

Cassidy freaks, making a face that I'm trying hard not to laugh at, as her heart settles back down into her chest.




"What'd you do that for!?! You're going to scare Forest away before he even gets settled in!"

Bella laughs, "Gotta keep you on your toes, cuz! Besides, your carpool's here. They've been honking out front for five minutes!"

"Well, why didn't you just say so!?!"

Cassidy says goodbye to Forest, gives Bella a withering glance, and heads off to her first work shift.




With that momentary interruption concluded, I get back to my make-overs.

Introducing Bella's boyfriend.

Dane Lee---young adult human
Parents: Mitch and Sonoko Lee, original residents
Siblings: Older brother Max, and younger sister, Suzi
LTW: Forensic Specialist
Career: Law Enforcement, level one
Traits: Evil, Virtuoso, Heavy Sleeper, Over-Emotional, and Genius
Fav's: Soul music, Goopy Carbonara, Red
Skills at move-in: Athletic-2, Fishing-2, Guitar-1, Piano-2

"Welcome to the family, Dane! With your exotic slanted eyes, dark good looks, and heavy eyebrows giving away your inherit evilness, you are definitely not a vanilla sim!"

"Why, thank you Watcher! It's nice to be appreciated! I really think I'm going to like living here!"

"I wouldn't bet on that just yet, Dane. The quirky personalities in this house can take some getting used to."

"By 'quirky' do you mean crazy?"

"Crazy's just a small part of it, there's also opposite traits causing conflict, and Bella and Cassidy jump scaring everyone as often as they can! Though that's something you'll probably enjoy doing too, which will cause even more havoc! Could you stick to music in your spare time?"

"I've not gotten to give in to my evil side much in a non-active household, so no promises, Watcher!"

"Fair enough. At least you're honest about it."




And then it's Forest's turn.

Introducing Cassidy's boyfriend.

Forest Woods---young adult human
Parents: Brandon and Stardust Woods, original residents
Siblings: Adopted older sister, August
LTW: currently Chess Legend
Career: Politics, level 2
Traits: Can't Stand Art, Excitable, Good Sense of Humor, Absent-Minded, and Loves The Outdoors
Fav's: French music, French Toast, and Red
Skills at move-in: Charisma-6, Cooking-4, Fishing-3, Guitar-1, Painting-2

"Welcome to the family, Forest. You've got some pretty impressive skills there! Most inactives join the family with much less."

"Thanks, Watcher. You are the Watcher, right? Not just some voice in my head?"

"You're not insane Forest, just forgetful, and we've managed to survive several generations with absent-minded heir partners."

"Really?"

"Yes. In fact, Cassidy's grandfather, Chase and her great-grandfather, Rory, are both absent-minded. And they did just fine supporting their wives and raising their families. Rory's an author and illustrator of children's books and Chase went to Uni, graduated at the top of his class, and earned a Technology degree!"

"So me being-absent-minded doesn't eliminate Cassidy from the heirship race?"

"Not at all. In fact, Cassidy helped us all to appreciate just how much of a plus you being in Politics will help us survive the next town!"

Forest shouts, "Survive!?!"

I hurriedly say, "I'm sure Cassidy will explain it all to you during the trip to Monte Vista."

"Monte Vista!?! Isn't that the town controlled by the Mafioso!?!"

"We've got a plan, Forest. Don't worry."




But upon being released from Stylist, it's apparent that Forest is worried as he tracks down Dane and shouts, "Did you know we were going to Monte Vista, a town known for it's mafioso!?! Was I the only one kept in the dark!?!"

For an over-emotional sim, Dane remains pretty calm at the news, replying, "I wasn't aware when I moved in, but Bella explained it to me and I think it's a great opportunity. Just think, with the girls in the criminal career, working on it from the inside, me in law enforcement, in the lab manipulating evidence, and you at City Hall pushing our agendas, there's no way we can fail! I'm sure Cassidy could explain it to you in more detail, since it was her idea."

Forest's excitement deflates like a balloon as he mumbles, "Cassidy's at work, she left right before our make-overs."

"I'm sure she'll fill you in when she gets home."

With Dane's reasonable attitude talking Forest down from the ledge, I leave them to it and go check on Luci.




I check on Luci and find her in town at the gym with her grandparents.

"Thanks for training me a bit Grandpa. I would never have taken you for a jock but you certainly know your way around the gym!"

"I wasn't a typical nerd and did my share of workouts, both on campus and at home. But technology's been my passion, that's why I went into video game development, as it's the up-and-coming entertainment field. Have you discovered your particular talent  yet?"

Luci shrugs and says, "Well, I don't plan on making any big commitment to any one thing, but I like meditating, working out, playing basketball, swimming, hanging with my friends."

"Those are typical past times for most teens. You've got plenty of time to decide what you want to focus on. I never even dreamed I'd get to focus on anything being so forgetful, but I managed."

"You did more than manage, Grandpa! From what Mom and Aunt Janette tell me, you've had a pretty eventful life, meeting Grandma, raising twins, along with a time machine child! And wasn't it your gaming career that brought the family here, to Starlight Shores!?!"

"It was. But that was long ago, I'm an old man now."

Luci gives him a look and says, "Not that old! I've got a young Aunt to prove it!"

Chase blushes a bit and says, "Can't really hide my daughters, can I!?!"

Before I can comment on that, a message has me hurrying down the street.




Where I find Cassidy being arrested! Again.

This time for criminal activity!

On her first day on the job!

I was hoping we could leave town as soon as she got off work, but it looks like she's going to be in jail for a few hours.




I rejoin Luci and Chase and find them discussing Cassidy's arrest!

"Boy, news travels fast in this town!"

"We didn't hear about it, Watcher, we actually saw her in the police car being hauled off to jail! Didn't we Grandpa!?! Boy am I glad I don't have to go back to school here in SS! I'd never be able to show my face at the high school again!"




Chase says, "With the paths your sister and cousin have chosen, it's something you'll have to get used to Luci. You could show a little more compassion for your cousin, though. Her first day of work and she's thrown in jail!"

Luci squirms a bit and says, "I guess. But she chose that lifestyle, just like Bella. Neither of them HAD to become criminals!"

"And you didn't have to give up heirship the minute you became a teen with commitment issues, young lady."

This time it's Luci's turn to blush as she says, "I see your point, Grandpa. Traits are insidious aren't they? Some show up and you barely notice them, and others, they just take over your life from the moment they strike!"

"If you let them, Luci. You were born disciplined, but there wasn't much you could do with that trait, until now. So if you train yourself NOT to give into them, you've got the upper hand, instead of the trait controlling you. But…it all depends on how much you want to do that. Sometimes life's easier if you don't fight such things. But the benefits of putting up a good fight? Well, I wouldn't give up my family, my Uni degree, anything in my life!"




Luci's eyes fill as she steps into her grandfather's arms, hugging him tightly and being hugged just as tightly back.

"I'll remember that Grandpa! And everything you and Grandma shared with me, about my Mom, and her sisters, all those stories of their childhoods. I wouldn't give up the time I've got to spend with the two of you for anything!"

"Me either, child. It was a blessing in disguise to have too many in your house. We got to know you and meet your friend Patches. Memories we'll cherish for years to come. But don't be a stranger! No matter where you journey to, you can always pull out your phone and give us a call. Maybe we'll even come visit!"

"That would be wonderful, Grandpa!"

Before the two of them break down in tears, I say, "It's time to head home, Luci, get your personal stuff packed up. Hopefully, they'll release Cassidy soon so you can all catch the earlier flight."

With one last squeeze, Chase says, "Goodbye, Luci. I hope to hear from you soon."




But my hopes are in vain because they post a squad car right outside City Hall, where the local law enforcement has it's offices.

And they keep Cassidy there for hours!




The rest of the family finished their packing and then just waited for Cassidy to return home.

Some napped, some painted.

I'm sure Dane would have gone to the basement and played piano or guitar but I'd packed all of that away for the trip.

So he settled down on the couch in the family room and read a book.




They kept Cassidy so long that Bella ended up going in for her own work shift which didn't start until 9 pm!

Giving Janette and Jonas the opportunity to watch the stars together, one last time in Starlight Shores.




But as soon as Bella got home from work, after 3 a.m., she woke those napping, and urged them to get dressed and grab any last minute items.

Though Forest seems to have forgotten the part about getting dressed!

But Bella's no nonsense voice had everyone moving quickly as she said, "Between Cassidy's jail time and my work shift, we're already hours behind schedule! Get a move on people!"




The Frio family is on their way to Monte Vista!

Some of the family members are a little concerned about the town's reputation with it being in the heart of mafioso country.

But others, namely our intrepid three evil young adults, are thrilled to be given this once in a lifetime opportunity!

To pit their evil cunning against a town that's sure to be set against any newcomers.

Will the Frio family, with their plans for a career trifecta, criminal, law enforcement, and politics, gain control over the criminal brotherhood that has lasted for centuries or will they suffer defeat?

Is this generation evil enough to survive such a town and continue the journey!?!

Find out with me in upcoming chapters in town 12!

[deedee_828]

Sleepy from the red-eye flight, the Frio family members blinked at the bright sun illuminating the first view of their new town.




Outside their temporary residence, a large home right on the edge of the piazza on the plateau, they took in their surroundings.

Some taking note of the classic Italian architecture of the buildings, along with the contrasting brickwork of the sidewalks, driveways and paved streets.

Others focused on the pools they spotted around the town and hoped their home had one.

While three of our new young adults seem a bit infatuated with local residents, their co-workers in this town, including shy Cassidy!

Maybe Bella's right and shy is a typo!

Cassidy's words give us reason to believe that even more when she murmurs, "OOOhh, Dante Costa is even more attractive than in his photo! I won't mind getting to know him better at all! Why waste time with underlings when you can start at the top!?!"

Bella chuckles and says, "You are always full of surprises, cuz! I should be used to your devious ways by now. Since you've already set your sights on Mr. Big  himself, I'll begin with one of his good-looking underlings, Franco Bianchi!"

Janette queries, "How do you two already know so much about this town? We've only just arrived!"

Cassidy gives her mother a smile and says, "We took a page out of yours and the Watcher's book, Mom. Research and investigation! I did have a lot of time on my hands in that cell yesterday!"

Bella adds, "And I kept several of my underlings busy doing the same. No sense wasting time on the job even if my first day was in Starlight Shores."

Forest, a bit confused, asks, "So you want me to get to know Nicoletta Lombardi better? I didn't even see her listed as one of the criminals…."

Bella shakes her head and is just about to give Forest one of her snarky replies when Cassidy says gently, "She's in politics, Forest, one of your co-workers. You were supposed to read those files, not the criminal ones. Ms. Lombardi's agenda is similar to our own, her family lost their royal status and fortune in this town and she wants to restore it, so getting her on board to take down those currently in control of this town shouldn't be difficult. A few kind words and letting her into your inner circle should do the trick!"

Forest's blank look deepens despite Cassidy's explanation, as he says, "But you're my girlfriend…"

Jemma quickly says, "Just become friends with her Forest. No need to get closer than that!"

Forest nods as he glances across the piazza, trying to locate City Hall and says, "Friends. I think I can manage that."




I pull back to allow for a better view of their temporary home, and marvel at just how huge the place is!

It has plenty of space for the family to live in, more than comfortably, but I'm anxious to get them settled in their permanent home here in Monte Vista.




But I do let them get their bearings a bit and relax after the flight.

Bella eagerly chats with Dane.

"Thanks for getting me those files Dane! It was a big help figuring out which sims we should target here in Monte Vista."

"My pleasure, Bella. My boss was impressed that I wanted to look into such things, get a heads up on what I'd be dealing with in this town, so it helped me out too."




Cassidy chats with her father, Jonas, about the higher temperatures on the plateau as opposed to the cooling ocean breezes they're used to in Starlight Shores.

"Wow, this heat, Dad! It's going to take some getting used to! I'm glad I'll be staying inside most of the time."

"Makes me glad I'll be working with ice, that's for sure! And since we'll be setting up all the easels in one room in the basement, along with my sculpting station, feel free to come down, paint, and cool off any time!"

"I'm glad you don't have a problem with doing that, Dad. Forest was a little concerned that his dislike of art would annoy you!"

"I'm not thrilled as art is a huge part of my life, but Forest was brought up differently, and he did show he has a backbone asking for a masterpiece sculpture for City Hall! I wasn't able to make one of that quality in SS, but I'm determined to keep at it here in Monte Vista. Nothing like having a challenge, setting a lofty goal for yourself to push you beyond your current abilities!"




With Forest's dislike of art known to all in the family now, he doesn't hesitate to complain about the artwork in their vacation home.

"It's not plastered with it, like the home in Starlight Shores, Ms. Frio, but it still makes me very uncomfortable."

"I know what you mean, Forest. I don't dislike art, but all the mirrors in this house, showing every new wrinkle, every extra pound!"

I was hoping that of all the moodlets that my family would keep, Jemma's mid-life crises wouldn't be one of them, but no such luck as her thoughts and words show she's still obsessing about getting older, being an adult now!




Tobias relaxes and reads a book on one of the many couches.

And he's joined by Luci and Patches, who as typical teens, don't even try to hide their boredom!




I pop in a couple of easels and Cassidy immediately claims one and starts painting.

And though Jemma has joined Tobias and is sitting on the other couch in the room, I notice the teens have left.

"Where did Luci and Patches go? I was only in buy mode for a second!"

Jemma answers, "I told them they could go exploring. I'm sure they haven't gone far yet. You could probably catch up with them easily enough."




I check outside and Jemma is right as I see the girls out by the main street hailing a cab.




Until they take off in one of the family's police cars!

I hope that's not illegal her in MV!

We certainly don't need any family members ending up in jail within moments of our arrival.




But the girls don't get stopped by anyone and I see their destination some time before they arrive.

A huge public swimming pool behind a ruin that's been turned into a fountain!




The heat is such that the locals are all staying safely inside, but that doesn't stop the two teens from enjoying the huge pool.

They jump in and start paddling around, the cool water a relief from the unrelenting rays of the Tuscan sun.

"I can't believe we have this place all to ourselves! Why is no one else enjoying this amazing place!?!"

"It's a mystery to me! This pool is bigger than most houses back in SS!"




But the girls figure out what's going on soon enough as their skin starts to tingle and the top of their heads burn.

"It's way too hot to be outside, we better find some shelter."

The girls spot a community park that has fountains, shrubs, and some trees but not enough to provide the shade they need, though the river and the bridge nearby have them promising to return here when the sun's not high overhead and beating down on them.




They spot a public building and duck inside, the relief from the heat almost instant.

No longer in danger of being cooked, they start chatting about their new town.

"I can't believe we're going to get to live some place this amazing, Luci! Starlight Shores was beautiful but this place, no wonder your dad kept painting it again and again."

"Starlight Shores was pretty in that overblown Hollywood way, but Monte Vista, it's got time behind it. In the buildings, in the brick laid streets. You can close your eyes and see the sims from bygone eras shopping in the market and paddling by in gondolas." With a sigh Luci added, "I can even imagine that tall, dark, and handsome man that Grandma Odette painted just walking through the front door, bowing low, and kissing my hand in greeting!"




Patches takes a deep breath and says, "I want to live that fantasy, too! Just imagine him dropping to one knee, asking for your hand in marriage…I see why Bella likes being a hopeless romantic…the feelings such thoughts engender are amazing! They make me feel all warm and mushy inside!"

Luci frowns and says, "The romance of it, yes, but not the commitment of marriage. I doubt that will ever appeal to me!'

"But what if you meet someone irresistible… fall in love? Some of those security guys at the airport were cute!"

Luci says, "I'm not opposed to dating them."

"Which one?"

With a laugh, Luci says, "All of them! I'll let them wine me, dine me, and have a great time. No strings attached."




Both girls turn when a tall, dark, stranger enters the room, his gaze drawn to Luci, due to her celebrity status.




But it's Patches who steps forward and introduces herself, saying, "Hi, I'm Patches Frio. My family's just moved to town. Do you know where we could find fun things to do?"

"Benvenuto, Ms. Frio! I am Pepe Moretti and I know all the best places to have a good time! Are you actually related to THE Frio family, the family of Superstar Athlete, Torre Frio!?!"

Patches smiles and says, "His name is on the Frio family tree, but I never met him. He was heir way back in Appaloosa Plains, before he moved to Midnight Hollow. I was…adopted…recently, the blonde girl behind me…."




Patches turns to introduce Luci only to find an empty room!

"Your friend pulled out a multi-tab and went to one of the other rooms. Is she shy around adults?"

Turning back towards the friendly stranger, Patches says, "Not usually. I guess she decided to check on-line for places of interest. We just got here this morning and we're exploring!"

Stepping closer her new acquaintance says, "I'm always eager to meet new families moving into town and show them around. Especially one with such an illustrious reputation as yours! Imagine me meeting someone from the Sports Legend Torre Frio's family here in our quaint little town. This is truly my lucky day!"




But Luci and Patches aren't the only ones exploring as I find our two heirship candidate couples checking out another property in town.

Well, three out of four of them, with Bella and Dane playing catch in the beautiful back yard and Forest swimming in the nearby pool.

"Isn't this lot incredible, Watcher? We looked at a few others earlier, but this place looked so intriguing we came around back to check it out!"
 
"It is nice and I'm glad you all like it as it's the one I was hoping would be your permanent home in this town! It's a collaborative build by MrsFlynn and Judesims and it's perfect for your large family!"

Bella seems a bit disappointed as she says, "So, we didn't just discover this awesome place on our own!?!"

"You found it before I could show it to you so you did discover it on your own."

"That is not the same thing at all, Watcher! You set us up!"

"Like you're always telling me, Bella, it's what I do, it's part of my nature as your Watcher!"




Then Cassidy surprises us all by stepping onto the diving board, saying, "I, for one, don't care how we found this place as long as we can buy it! I don't even like the outdoors but I can't resist trying out this pool."

Forest, using the pool ladder so Cassidy can safely dive in, adds, "I have to agree, this place is amazing, especially for an outdoor lover like me! I could live in this backyard! Just look at that outdoor kitchen and dining area, the playground, the firepit, all of that, plus this pool and a hot tub!"

"The inside matches it too, being airy and comfortable, something the summer's in this town make a necessity, with an expansive main floor that includes an eat-in kitchen, a large living room, and several bedrooms and bathrooms, along with an open-aired patio in the center, covered by a wooden pergola. The basement is completely open and just waiting for me to renovate it into exactly what you need!"

Bella says, "Then what are we waiting for!?! Let's get back to the vacation home and make this a done deal!"




But before they make that all-important phone call, Cassidy joins Jonas in completing the paintings they started earlier.

Bella grumbles at the wait, but Jonas says, "I'm not leaving my work unfinished. This one could be a masterpiece!"

Cassidy adds, "Mine won't be anywhere near that quality, but it would be such a waste of materials after all the work we've already done!"




As soon as our two artists have finished, and I've popped the paintings and easels into the family inventory, Cassidy pulls out her phone and puts an offer in that's immediately accepted!

She doesn't even haggle over the price, knowing that it's a bargain on such a large lot.




The drive over in the motive mobile through rolling hills gives them incredible views of the new town as well as a peek at some of the large mansions no doubt housing the wealthy families in Monte Vista.

Or those hoping to achieve and flaunt that kind of success.




Everyone looks excitedly through the van windows at the first view of their new home.

Exclamations of surprise and delight coming from every direction at once.

Even seeing a stranger on the lawn doesn't dampen their joy as they take in the arched ironwork spanning the entry columns, the beautifully landscaped yard with greenery everywhere and flowers adding a colorful touch.

The matching fountains not only balance the front courtyard but add to the ambiance with their splashing streams of water adding a cool, inviting invitation that's hard to resist!

After all the initial exclamations, a hush descends over the family, until the paparazzi, Alrigo Columbo, spots them and shouts, "Benvenuto! Benvenuto! Welcome to your new home in Monte Vista! Our readers can't wait to see what you think of your new home!"
(MV A 508)



I'm glad the family likes their first taste of their new town and their new home as I'm as eager as they are to explore it, to delve deeply into the backstory of it's residents and add one or two lucky family's genetics to their own!

It looks like Bella and Cassidy, with Dane's help, have certainly done their homework, knowing exactly who to start focusing on to reach their lofty goals.

But will Nicoletta Lombardi, Franco Bianchi, and the king pin himself, Dante Costa, as well as other locals in the political, law enforcement, and criminal careers be as easy to befriend, and possibly betray, as they think?

Only time will tell as the rest of their journey unfolds and their exploration and lives continue in the rolling hills and brick-laid mesa of Monte Vista!

Join me in Chapter 319: Settling Into a New Town
Coming soon.