A Girl's Garden--A Farmacy Story (COMPLETED)

[deedee_828]

Thanks so much for the words of praise! Coming from the originator of the TJ challenge, they mean a lot! Rayne's name was brought about because I already had a Summer, and Spring just didn't cut it, but it rained for days before and during her birth, so it really seemed fitting and appealed to me. Of course, I then proceeded to misspell it all through my chapters as Ryane, and had to constantly keep correcting it. lol

Now on to another chapter!

[deedee_828]

My thoughts were filled with Kindle and her new 'friend', but I put that to the back of mind and focused on the rest of my family.

Bianca and Breeze were chatting about what they both considered a must in a new home.

While Wyatt went running off to find Anthony and discuss the after school activities he'd read about on the website. Being on the ocean, they even had a scuba diving class, and he wanted to have Anthony check it out with him.

Mom was eagerly chatting to Dean about being in a town with warm weather and sunshine more often than not, saying, "I read their winter is non existent, with a few brief days of spring and fall, rainy seasons, they call them. Otherwise, just nonstop sunshine, days filled with heat that are offset by the cool ocean breeze."

"Yes, very hot! Luckily we train in an indoor stadium or that heat could really be an issue for players coming from other towns. The team boasts some rather well-known athletes, so I'm honored they've accepted my application. I've enjoyed playing sports here in Aggie's Corners, don't get me wrong on that. But…Mom, this could be the big break I've been waiting for! My only regret is having to leave the family."

Mom placed a gentle hand on Dean's arm and said, "Don't worry about that Dean! We know this isn't just about furthering careers, but about making room for younger generations to prosper and live here in Aggie's Corner. Just think of that, we've built it up so much now, that those that want to can pursue lives and careers in other towns! It's so wonderful that Agnes Crumplebottom's dream of a living, breathing, vibrant town has come to pass, and only after three generations."




Dean hugged mom, saying "Thanks for being so understanding about this. I know family, all of us kids and your grandkids, are what's most important to you, having us be close by."

Mom squeezed him tightly and replied, "Being close by does not necessarily make families close. It's not proximity that does that but strong feelings and relationships. We can still chat and keep in touch, which I'm expecting by the way! And if I know you, we'll be seeing you on SimSports one day soon! I love you Dean. You, Danica, and Wyatt. Please take care of yourself and your family. I know your career is important, but don't forget about them, or us!"

"Never mom! No team or sport in the world could ever mean more to me than my family. But we'll have family from both sides with us in Starlight Shores as some of Danica's family is moving there too. Her parents and siblings, at least, along with their families. But her younger brother, Trevor, has decided to stay here. I'm thinking there's a girl behind that decision, but I didn't really think he was all that serious about his current girlfriend." With a shrug he added, "Trevor's never been one for long term commitments but I guess for the right person, anyone can change."




Brushing away a tear, mom turned to Breeze, and tried to bring herself under control.

"I know you feel the same way as your brother, happy about your career moving in a positive direction but knowing you will miss the family staying here, but keep my words in mind. Stay in touch with us and stay close to your family in Starlight Shores."

"I will mom. I've learned from the best examples! You and dad kept our family close, and that really helps through both good times and bad."




Kindle finally came out of the terrarium room, and  grabbed a plate of food, but I kept my mind focused on Mom and Breeze, and tried not to dwell on who she'd been talking to earlier.

"Well, I can see by your bright smile that this Snowflake Day is definitely one of the good times!" Mom chattered brightly.

"It sure is, mom! We had a wonderful celebration at home this morning. Bianca's all excited about her camera. Anthony and Bruce got surfboards and we've got Bruce tilting to our side with the thought of water sports. Barrett even mentioned a house close by the shore, and having a boat. And having this family gathering, it's the icing on the cake!"




"Speaking of cake, Rielle should be bringing out Diwan's cake soon. It'll be nice having a house full of family to celebrate his birthday."

Breeze's voice dropped apologetically, "About that, the snow's supposed to start back up soon, if it hasn't already, so I think we're going to head home while it's daylight and the roads are still clear."

Mom's face fell just a bit and she frowned and said, "I'm beginning to feel just as irritated with snow as Kindle has been!" But she rallied and gave Breeze a hug, adding, "But your safety is more important than a party. I'm just glad we got to have this Snowflake Day together."




I'd gotten Diwan's cake from the kitchen and placed it on the round table.

We'd let all the teens have one glass of a special light blend of nectar in celebration of Snowflake Day.

So I got in one last photo of Wyatt telling us what a great party it was as he finished up the last glass of nectar and then he added, "I'm going to see if Grandpa will give us a few bottles to take with us! That was great."

I just smiled and nodded as, even after trying several different samples of nectar, it all tasted the same to me.

Mom was giving Breeze some last minute advice about not letting her grandchildren turn rebel by getting in with the wrong crowd and throwing too many wild parties in Starlight Shores.

I was too far away to hear Breeze's reply but I did hear her laugh, and smiled again thinking about that wild party she threw when were teens.

Kindle was still seated eating her meal and though others had tried a couple of dishes, some of the teen boys even going back for thirds, I felt that was probably her first plate and didn't rush her.




With all of our extended family members on their way home, except for Breeze who'd agreed to take a few photos so I could be in the them, the immediate family gathered round as Mom brought Diwan to his cake.

Leonard and Kindle tooted loudly on party horns while Dad and I clapped and Karina kept her eyes on the cake.

I had to smile yet again as I saw her anticipation for the sweet treat showing plainly on her cute face.




Then Breeze got a close up of Diwan with his eyes closed taking a deep breathe to blow out his candles.

Karina then said, "I don't think I can eat any cake mommy, my tummy's not feeling so good."

My shocked exclamation of, "What?!" was lost, as the rest of the family clapped and cheered for Diwan.




But I quickly focused on Diwan, cheering wildly as I hoped Karina could make it a few more minutes without having to rush to the bathroom.

Diwan pursed his lips and blew as hard as he could, his candles flickering, and finally going out amidst more of our birthday wishes.




Then I took over the camera so Breeze could head home before the storm picked up again.

I was just in time to catch Diwan as he stood and began his birthday spin with sparkles surrounding him.




I got a close up as soon as his eyes uncrossed and he'd grabbed a piece of cake.

I'm not sure if he has any of Leonard's features yet, but he's definitely got the Swanson coloring with it's signature red hair.

And he, like Karina, wanted to learn to fish first thing, and even chose angler as his new trait.




After cake, which Karina did pass on, Kindle helpfully started picking up dirty plates and Leonard grabbed some too, to help out, saying, "Helping with regular chores is one thing Kindle, but cleaning up by yourself after a party just isn't right, especially on Snowflake Day with all the family we had here."

Kindle's eyes opened wide as she said, "Thanks dad! I was kind of hoping for some help but I wasn't expecting it."

Dad had quickly changed out of his suit and was working in the far nectary garden as some of his beloved life fruit plants had matured and were ready for harvesting.

Diwan, noticing his grandfather busy in the garden, asked, "Can I help grandpa?"

Dad said, "Sure thing Diwan. But why don't you work on those varieties in that bed over there. They are newer ones I've recently acquired, so not quite as valuable. Remember to pull the grapes firmly but gently and if it doesn't come off easily, move on as it's not ready yet."




As I focused on Diwan's first photo working in the garden, Karina ran straight through the bed saying, "Sorry grandpa, I'm going to be sick!"

Not one for being helpful around sickness, I tried to focus on Diwan and his first experience with gardening.




Having enough life fruit for another batch of nectar, dad started on that while Diwan moved on to another Renoir variety plant that was ready for harvesting.

He said, "This is fun mom. I like working with the plants. And Grandpa's advice helped too. If a grape doesn't come off easily, I know it needs to mature some more. But I wonder what helps them grow bigger and better like Grandpa's perfect ones?"

"I'm a horsewoman Diwan, not a gardener, but I think it's keeping them watered, weeded, and using the best fertilizers."

He grinned and asked, "So being a fisherman could help with the gardening too?"

"It could, I guess, though your dad mentioned that after life fruit, which your grandfather considers a waste for fertilizer, garlic works best, but I think fish can work too. Though you'd probably want to keep your best fish for selling as I've heard you can make a nice living from fishing. And avid fisherman like to keep a collection at home too, to show off their fishing skill."

Diwan nodded and said, "Good to know mom. I think a fishing pond here on the farm would be awesome! You could fish without even leaving the farm!"

As Diwan's words struck me, I realized that was a great idea for our next farm expansion, and with Diwan choosing angler as his new trait, and already fascinated by gardening and nectar making, I was probably looking at the next heir.

But Karina's moans from the nearby bathroom had me scurrying off to care for her, whether I was comfortable with that or not!




With Karina's tummy feeling a little better after getting rid of way too many muffins- I'd found out she'd had three after dinner!- I sent her upstairs for a bath and an early bed time.

Since she hardly protested I knew she was still feeling the effects of her over indulgence and both of those things should help.

I filled the water trough, and forked out some hay for the horses, and not seeing them outside, peeked into the barn.

They were staying warm by nuzzling each other and I knew that, once we had space in the house, a foal would be a natural step for them.




Then I checked on Kindle and Leonard to see if they needed help in the kitchen.

They had everything under control except for a stray carton of half-melted ice cream.

As I disposed of it, I wondered if Karina's muffins had be à la mode, and contributed to her tummy ache!?!

Leonard had been so impressed with Kindle's helpfulness along with her much better attitude that he allowed her to make a few phone calls to Charlie and her other friends.

"Just to say happy Snowflake Day , don't stay on too long with anyone. I'm trusting you on this Kindle."

Kindle was already dialing, saying, "I promise to keep it to just a few minutes with each one."

Leonard lifted an eyebrow at her and wondered if Kindle, being just like him when it came to friendships, even choosing the same LTW, Super Popular, could really keep that promise, so he relented and said, "No more than 10 minutes a piece."

Kindle smiled and said, "Wow! Thanks again dad! I'll consider that my Snowflake Day present!"




Then Leonard persuaded me to help him out in the garden, and under Leonard's supervision, dad even allowed us to finish harvesting his precious life fruit.

Mom even snapped a photo saying that we had to have one of me gardening for my journal.




I laughed and turned the tables a few minutes later when I snapped one of her and dad exercising together.

He'd finished his 2nd batch of nectar and couldn't resist a few more minutes of activity, though nectar-making is quite the strenuous activity with all that stomping to squish the fruit.

Maybe that's why dad enjoys it so much!




With the nectary gardens harvested and weeded, I had Diwan take a bath and, even though he protested, had him try on his new clothes.

His favorite color is red, a color I've never been able to wear with my purple streaked blonde locks, so I made sure their was plenty of it in his birthday outfits.

Dark blue denim overalls with a long-sleeved red shirt will see him comfortably through the end of winter and into spring.




I went all out for his formal, a dark retro suit paired with a red vest and a gray neckerchief.

He complained a bit, but subsided when I asked if he'd rather wear a tie.




I included a swimsuit with red, white and aqua blue stripes, but the weather probably won't get warm enough for him to wear it.

Although he may be like mom and try out a sprinkler as soon as it's not freezing!

I prefer riding to any other past time and as soon as the weather permits, I'll be training and racing the horses again.




Then a light weight track outfit for athletics with a red jacket and sneakers.

If I know Diwan, he'll be joining both mom and dad for some exercises until the ponds thaw so he can go fishing.




And though he won't need it long, as spring is right around the corner, a warm coat with a red sweater and matching red gloves.

With his child wardrobe complete, I set him free for his first submarine adventure in the bathtub, followed by bed time upstairs with the girls.

I know that's not ideal, but maybe the next generation home expansion could be adding another bedroom upstairs so we can have one for boys and one for girls in the future.




It had been a long and busy day for all of us, but one full of laughter, family love, and camaraderie, so the rest of us took to our beds too.

In the privacy of our room, with no one snapping photos, Leonard and I celebrated our anniversary with romance.

And for the parents of a teen and two children, it was still passionate!

For me and Leonard, I don't think that will ever change!

But once Leonard was asleep, my mind turned to other thoughts, mainly Kindle's new friend.

Though thoughts of Diwan and heirship filled my mind as well as Karina's over indulgence with sweet treats.

Honestly, I'm filled with eagerness and a little trepidation as to what the coming weeks will bring.

Follow along as I tell you all about it in Chapter 88: Spring Arrives
Coming soon.

[JudesSims]

Another wonderful chapter!

[deedee_828]

Thanks Jude! Here's the next chapter!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

To our shock and delight, the Saturday morning sun beamed down warmly and melted all of the snow!

Spring had happened overnight and we all took advantage of it.

I quickly curried Sunshine with plans to get to the Equestrian Center for the noon races.

But a quick phone call had me changing my plans as the Equestrian center was closed for racing today.




So I took Diwan into town and read a book while he took a fishing class.

He came out looking quite disappointed, so I asked, "Didn't you learn to fish?"

"Yes. But, it wasn't at all like I'd thought it would be. They kept talking about so many things instead of actually fishing! They finally gave us fishing poles and taught us how to cast, but it's a class inside, so there's no actually fish to catch."

I smiled and said, "Well, I have a few more errands to run in town, so why don't you check out the park? With this warm day, the ponds shouldn't be frozen and they have water with live fish! You could use that fishing pole that you got today and see how fishing works for real."

His face brightened up and he eagerly ran towards the park, his bright, smiling self.




The ponds weren't frozen and were teeming with life, with fish eagerly jumping, their splashes sounding throughout the park.

When I caught up with Diwan, he wasn't fishing but eagerly running towards some picnicker's on the grass, as they enjoyed the beautiful spring day.

With a shock I realized it was Charlie's family, the Westmoreland's, Brock, his daughter, Shawn, and Curtis, the paperboy that they'd fostered along with Charlie, who was a teen now.

And seeing brock's torn shirt and Shawn's sparkling eyes, I knew Charlie wasn't the only supernatural in that home.

No wonder they hadn't been concerned with Charlie's hybrid state!

It was actually Curtis, being human, who was the odd man out in that family.




Shawn was super friendly with Diwan when he introduced himself, and the two laughed, giggled and gossiped.

Diwan was so excited to be chatting with a supernatural sim, he almost forgot to mention he'd caught several fish before I'd arrived and was ready to head home.




As we arrived home, I spotted Leonard and Karina at the park across the road and joined them to take a few photos.

Karina was eagerly chatting with Leonard about all the fun things to do and asking what they should do first.

Leonard smiled and told her it was up to her, so she headed straight for the carousel.




Once they'd chosen their mounts, a lion for Leonard and a pony for Karina, the carousel started spinning and I got a shot of both of them as they came around again.




As Karina got closer, I zoomed in for a closeup and she smiled and shouted, "Hi Mom!  I'm glad your Grandma Brooke chose this for the park, this is so much fun!"

I was just happy that we'd found the time to let her enjoy it and made a promise to myself to encourage other generations to make time for fun family activities.




When the three of us got home, Leonard asked Diwan about his fishing lesson and fishing in the park.

"Was fishing as fun as you'd thought it would be Diwan?"




"It sure was dad! The lesson was kind of boring, but fishing in the park was great! I caught several goldfish and some toads but I really need to learn more about the bait for each type of fish. They told us at the fishing lesson that you could find those books at the bookstore, and it would help to catch different types of fish."

Well, I'm sure we could get you some fishing bait books so you could read up on those. It sure sounds like fishing is something you'd like to continue to do."

"It is dad! So much so that I've already decided that it will be my life goal, to catch thirteen perfect specimens of fish and keep them as a collection!"

Leonard whistled, saying, "No that's some goal! But if you keep fishing, I know you can do it son!"

"It'll help even more when I'm heir and I have a private pond right here on the farm! That way I can sell the fish I catch and add to the farm's funds! The fish I catch off lot I can use for food or fertilizer, just like mom explained to me."

My breathe caught at Diwan's lofty goals, and my heart swelled as he'd remembered my words and now expressed his heartfelt desire to be the farm's next heir, something I'd already dreamed about.




Then I noticed dad's frown as he heard Kindle on her phone.

Mom saw it too, and said, "It's okay Nolan. She's done plenty of chores and been let off her restriction and has her phone privilege's back. Though she still feels like she's being punished as her class prom has not been re-scheduled."

"I'm not so sure that's a bad thing! Kindle made some very poor decisions and such things lead to unpleasant consequences. It's a tough life lesson but one that she should learn from."

"I think she has Nolan. But only time will tell for sure."




Then mom noticed Karina standing alone by the road, and went over to see what was the matter.

"Are you okay Karina? Why are you just standing here?"

Karina replied, "I'm nop sure Grandma, I don't feel so good."

Karina's stuffy sounding, 'nop', had mom peering at her in the dim light and seeing her watering eyes, she exclaimed, "Oh, you must be allergic to something in the spring air! Let's get you over to the hospital and checked out."




When they arrived, Mom put on her best persuasive voice saying, "The medical staff prefers performing without family in the room, so as not to add distress to patients, so I'll get you checked in and wait out here for you."

"Will it hurt Grandma?" Karina asked in a tiny, scared voice.

Mom tried to sound upbeat as she said, "The exam doesn't hurt, but sometimes they have to give you a shot if your allergies are severe. It might pinch a bit."




When Karina came out sniffling, Mom was apologetic, saying, "I'm sorry it hurt so much sweetheart. Can you forgive me? I didn't want to scare you with how unpleasant a shot could be, but I guess it would have been better to prepare you for the reality of the pain."

Through her tears, Karina said, 'It's…it's okay Grandma. It hurt more than I expected when the nurse gave it to me, but it's feeling better already."




To take her mind of the unpleasant experience, Mom changed the subject and said, "Why don't we go home and you can spend some time with Heidi? She always makes me feel better when I'm down."

"That's a great idea, Grandma! With school and Snowflake Day, and now warm spring weather, I haven't spent much time with her lately."




Karina found Heidi in the barn, and brushed her fur until it was soft and fluffy.

I wanted to tell her I was proud of her for being so brave about her allergy shot, but mom just shook her head, reminding me it was better to have Karina focus on something else.




Then Karina decided to try out the clown-in-a-box and we thought that would help even more to take her mind off recent events.

Watching Karina wind it up so eagerly, I couldn't help take another photo.




But none of us was prepared for her scream of terror as an evil clown popped out of the box!

Mom and I shared a look that expressed our feelings about whoever decided on that aspect of a children's toy!

How mean, to promise a fun surprise which ends up being terrifying.




Karina sat there in shocked stillness for a few minutes before saying, "I think I'll go to bed now. It's not been a great ending to a day that started out so well."

I was thinking the same thing, remembering her joy and happiness on the carousel, and hoping she didn't check for monsters under her bed before hopping in.

The way this evening was going, I'm sure she would have seen something and been even more frightened!




The next morning dawned warm and clear again, and Mom took Diwan over to meet the new neighbors in our old farmhouse.

With Rayne and Johnny's children grown and moved out with families of their own, they'd decided to find a smaller home, and let another family enjoy the large lot and farmhouse.




Mom was thrilled to discover that the property was still in the family, distant though it may be, as the new owners were Amanda and Torrey Westmoreland.

Amanda's mother was Nikki Dean and her father is Donte Gallo, so not Swanson family, but Dean.

And Amanda and Torrey have a son, Elias, who's close to Diwan's age.

The two boys eyed each other a little shyly, but soon introduced themselves and started chatting away.

Then Elias asked if Diwan wanted to see his new room.

Diwan nodded and the boys headed off to play.




Mom asked Amanda how they were all settling in to life on the farm.

"It's lovely having all this space for Elias to play in, he loves the outdoors. But with Torrey and I working full time, I don't see how we're going to keep up that huge garden. I don't know how Rayne and Johnny managed full time jobs plus all that!"

Mom laughed, and explained, "That's because they didn't. A garden that big is a full time job in itself. They were part of my neighborhood market fresh produce program. I watched over their garden, along with several others in town, harvesting and selling the produce along with my own. This allowed every one in town plenty of fresh vegetables and Nolan ended up with more life fruit for his nectar making. It worked out well for all parties involved."

"Well, I hope you can still keep us in the program! Fresh produce sounds great for making great meals, but I barely have time to cook let alone harvest!"

"Not a problem at all, Amanda, in fact, I was hoping you'd say that! Nolan noticed your life fruit was ready for harvesting as he was driving by the other day and he's been chomping at the bit for me to come and ask you about it!"

"Feel free to take all the life fruit you want! And anything else that's harvestable. I just want a few juicy tomatoes to make my famous spaghetti sauce!" Her eyes twinkling and showing off the mischievous fae side of her nature, Amanda added, "It's famous because it's all I know how to make!"




When the boys trooped into the bedroom, there weren't just toys there, but other sims too.

Elias chatted away with Kari, a new sim in town, who was staying with them while their foster child, Marley Frio, got settled in.

"Isn't it great being out here in the country Kari? You probably didn't get to see a lot of trees in the city where you lived before."

Before Kari can even answer, Elias, seeing, that Diwan and Marley were getting along, said excitedly, "Let's all go outside and play tag! It's too nice a day to stay inside!"




So mom got to watch the youngsters play tag while she harvested, smiling as she listened to the shouts of laughter as they ran all around the yard.




In fact, Diwan was having so much fun with his new friends, he asked to stay awhile longer when Mom was done harvesting in the garden.

As she headed for home, she glanced across the yard, thinking how strange fate was, she'd brought Diwan along to make a new friend, and he'd made not one, but two.

And one of them was the cutest little girl with striking braids!




And Mom's heart filled with happiness even more as she saw Kindle in the garden harvesting flame fruit.

Kindle! Harvesting in the garden when her restriction was over!

Dad, Leonard and I had all spotted her too, and we didn't make a big deal about it, as we knew it was Kindle's way of showing us she had learned her lesson about responsibility and making good decisions.

And maybe, just maybe, she wasn't finding gardening the onerous task she'd thought it was before?




Spring has not only brought warm weather, but also brought us closer as a family.

I'm hoping we can continue to take some time to spend it with each other and our friends.

As I grow older, I'll be an elder much sooner than I care to admit, I've come to one conclusion, that it's not wealth or fame that matters, as those can't get us through tough times.

It's only by keeping family and friends close that we can get through them, and even more, be filled with joy and happiness as we share special moments with each other, moments of the heart.

And we'll have more of both of those moments ahead of us.

Follow along in Chapter 89: More Family Moments
Coming soon.

[deedee_828]

One of those moments came sooner than I thought as I listened to Marley telling a ghost story to Diwan and Karina that evening.

She did a great job and the kids shivered and squealed at all the right times.

I even had a chill run down my spine at Marley's final words, "And the woman told us it couldn't have been her daughter that led us through the forest, as her daughter had been dead for twenty years!"




After ghost story time, the kids were hungry so I made them some plates of  spaghetti, the sauce made with some of our juicy ripe early tomatoes.

It was getting late, and the kids were tired after a day spent outside playing tag, so Diwan asked if Marley could stay over.

Marley's voice went up several notches in her excitement, "A sleepover!?! I'd love to stay over Diwan! Thanks so much for asking me!"




Marley was so tired she was asleep in Diwan's bed almost before her head hit the pillow!




Diwan had been planning a sleepover in the tree house, but after checking it out, he found a leak that had gotten his sleeping bag wet.

So we got the old bunkbeds out of storage and he settled for sleeping on the top bunk.

And if I had any doubts about Diwan's seriousness about choosing heirship at his young age, they were quieted by his mumblings of, 'water, weed, fertilize, garlic or fish, lots of fish'…., as he drifted off to sleep.




The next morning dawned gray and overcast as the rain had increased over night, and Diwan and Marley headed off to school for their first day, both looking quite serious.




The girls were used to the routine of school days, but Diwan had been hoping Marley could join him on the bus for their first day, as her stop was only the next house over.

But it was not to be as Marley hopped on her bike and headed off in the opposite direction from her new home.

Diwan's disappointment was clearly shown on his downcast face as he wistfully watched Marley ride off.

I hoped, for his sake, that the rest of his first day was better than this forlorn beginning.




While the kids were off at school, Mom did some more exercising.

She was so close to mastering her athletic that she focused on it whenever she had a free moment.

We were all so proud of her diligent effort as keeping fit and thin had really been a task for her since she'd actually inherited Grandpa Jared's larger build.

"I'm going to do it Rielle!" Mom panted between breaths, "It was hard when I first started, but since I've been exercising on a regular basis, it has gotten easier over the years."

"You go Mom! Your continued effort has really paid off. You look amazing!"




That evening at bedtime, Dad chatted with Diwan about his first day of school, and then asked if he'd like a bedtime story.

He hopped into our big double bed, but then surprised us when he asked, "Could you read about handiness to me Grandpa? I need to build up some of my skills before my birthday if I'm going to be a good heir."

Dad was only to happy to oblige and, after snapping a photo, I left them to it.




Then I caught a wonderful photo of Karina playing princess in the hall!

As she spotted my camera she waved her scepter and said, "All hail the glorious Princess Karina!"

Her imperial impersonation was spot on, spoiled only by the girlish giggles she couldn't contain once I'd snapped her photo.

I spotted Leonard on the living room couch and headed off to join him for some quiet cuddle time.




But before I got there, he'd gone outside with Kindle.

I was just in time to hear her ask, "Dad, since tomorrow's Love Day can I ask Charlie to go to the Spring Festival?"

"I don't see why not. You know that's really a great idea for all of us! Would you mind if we made it a family event and your mom and I brought your sister and brother along? You and Charlie wouldn't have to hang out with us if you wanted to spend time together."

"The festival park's pretty big Dad. I think it could manage two groups of Swansons! Besides, we haven't done anything like that as a family, and I think it would be fun to all hang out together."

Leonard's pleasure at her words showed in his own response as he said, "I'm glad you feel that way about it. We have focused on the farm a lot since you kids have been born. But now that all three of you are school age, your mother and I feel it's time to spend some quality time together as a family, off the farm. But we're both very proud of all the chores you've done around here lately, especially helping out in the garden. I know that's your least favorite part of living here on the farm."

Kindle's next words lifted some of the sadness from my heart when she said, "I don't mind it all that much anymore dad. Honestly, I really think those feelings came more from being in a bad mood as a new teen, rather than negative feelings about gardening. I'm sorry if I hurt everyone's feelings when I expressed that. And dad? As much as I hated it at the time, you were right to ground me about that party at The Grind. I really don't know what I was thinking!"

"That's a very mature attitude Kindle and I'm glad we got to clear the air between us and mend our relationship."

"You and me too Dad! Thanks for not giving up on me."

"That would never happen Kindle! You're our daughter, and we all make mistakes, but that doesn't change the fact we love you and always will!"




Love Day dawned clear and warm, another beautiful Spring Day, and we headed off early to make the most of our family day.

Leonard, the younger children, and I discussed what we wanted to do first.

Diwan was all for fishing, of course, and wanted me to join him, while Karina wanted to play horseshoes, preferably with Diwan.

Leonard smiled and said we had plenty of time to do all the things we wanted to do.




Leonard and I got the kids set up on a horseshoe court and then I spotted the Love Tester and grabbed his hand and headed straight for it!




Leonard seemed a bit nervous and I said, "Seriously, Mr. Irresistible? You of all people shouldn't be worried about this machine! And if you couple that with your Schmoozer trait and me being a Hopeless Romantic, there is no way we're going to get a bad score!"

I was right too, as bells went off when we got the reading 'Hot Stuff'!

I looked quickly around and seeing no children looking our way, I grabbed Leonard for a quick, but passionate, kiss, murmuring, "I certainly don't need a machine to tell me that!"

Leonard grinned and said, "I wasn't nervous about the reading! It was our getting arrested for acting on whatever the reading told us that had me worried! But whatever happens, it'll be worth it!"

And he held me tighter and kissed me soundly again!




Then Leonard headed over to the dance floor where Kindle and Charlie were dancing together.

Leonard laughed and shouted, "Hey, you kids watch me and I'll show you how it's done!"

Kindle shook her head and said, "Dad! Please don't embarrass me!" But she said it with a smile, so we knew she wasn't really mad about it.

I took a quick look across the dance floor and saw that Diwan and Karina were still playing horseshoes so I headed off for a more strenuous activity.




Once I had my skates on and got my balance, all of my athletic and equestrian training paid off, and I was soon zooming around the rink!




Skating soon became so effortless that I was able to look around the park instead of down at my feet.

And I smiled when I spotted Diwan happily fishing at a nearby pond.

His repeated shouts of joy let me, and everyone else at the festival, know he was having quite a bit of success catching fish.




Then I decided I wanted a family photo so I called everyone to meet up at the photo booth.

On my way over to the booth, I saw a girl with small blue wings standing near Charlie on the dance floor.

I'm not sure why but seeing the two of them next to each other, but not making eye contact, set off alarm bells in the pit of my stomach.

That's when I noticed a young man heading off the dance floor, and he looked like an older version of Charlie, without wings!

The alarms in my stomach became a raging 3-alarm fire!

But I shook off my uneasy feelings and hurried to the photo booth, not wanting to keep Leonard and the kids waiting on me.




If I'd waited just a moment longer, I would have seen Charlie' bemused smile when he finally darted a look in the cute pixie's direction.

Then I might have been a little more prepared for the events that were to be part of Kindle's future.




After our family photo, a bit of a let down as the photo booth had been so busy we couldn't see our photo right away, I saw Kindle congratulating Diwan on all those fish he'd caught earlier.

When she asked him if he was going to fish some more, he said he'd seen a friend and wanted to go and say hi.




My next photo was one of him and his new friend Marley.

And mom had been right, her hair was absolutely beautiful, even more stunning in person!

But it was getting late, so I gathered everyone up, including Kindle and Charlie, and we headed home for another family moment.




Karina's teen birthday!

She was so excited, this cherubic child of ours with hair just like mine, that I felt a pang of loss.

But I again pushed unwanted feelings aside, and loudly blew a party horn in honor of this momentous occasion.

Charlie joined me and was so exuberant in his birthday cheers that I dismissed my anxiety about seeing him with the fairy girl earlier that day.




When the sparkles disappeared, Karina stood before us a beautiful teen with the cutest hairstyle!

Though only negative aspect of her teen birthday was that, only having earned a 'B' in grade school, Karina didn't get to pick her teen trait, and ended up inheriting Leonard's Schmoozer trait, which wasn't bad, but I wished we'd pay closer attention and helped her with some tutoring so she could have chosen for herself.

Charlie was still yelling birthday wishes and clapping and that's when I noticed Leonard doing the same.

He was happily excited at having another beautiful teen daughter, which was quite a surprise.

After the struggles we'd had with Kindle, I thought another teen would have had him spiraling down into another mid-life crises!




Maybe it was having his own family close by that was buoying him up?

He invited not only his mother, Kari, Karina's namesake, but his twin sister's too.




I snapped a cute shot of Grace as Leonard grabbed a slice of birthday cake.

She'd stayed in the Kindle family home with Kari, now that Rhone was gone, and her boyfriend had moved in too.

I can't get over how sweet looking she is, one glance at her and the word adorable comes to mind!




His sister, Julia, tried to escape having her photo taken, protesting that she's nowhere near as photogenic as her twin.

I snuck through the sliders and caught her anyway, but it was so shadowed you really can't see her clearly.

She didn't get upset about the photo though, as she was more focused on Kindle and Charlie, saying how sweet a couple they made.

But honestly, seeing them so deep in conversation, I wondered if everything was as perfect between the two of them as we all thought.




The last few days have been full of special family moments, providing wonderful memories for us to look back on.

Diwan's gone to school for the first time, and I finally got a photo of him fishing.

And his friendship with Marley has grown even stronger.

I've captured some special moments of Karina's childhood as well as her first teen photos.

But I've also felt alarm bells going off about Kindle and Charlie's relationship.

And I have a strong feeling that the young man that looks like an older version of Charlie, as well as that cute fae teen, have something to do with it!

I hope I'm wrong on that, but as a hopeless romantic, my feelings about love and romance are usually spot on!

I guess we'll find out as the future unfolds in Chapter 90:The Plot Thickens
Coming soon.

[deedee_828]

I tried not to hover and I know how my tendency to eavesdrop only leads to me hearing awful things, but I couldn't help myself.

Kindle was pretty direct, asking, "Charlie, what's going on? You seem…distant."

Aahh, so it wasn't only me noticing that there was trouble in teen paradise!

Charlie shuffled his feet and didn't reply fast enough, so Kindle voiced her question again, a bit sharper this time, "Charlie! It's not that hard a question! What's going on with you? With us? Is it me? Something I've done?"

I saw Kindle's face blanche as she asked the last two questions, and I knew she must be thinking of the friend she'd met at The Grind, after Charlie and her classmates left.




Charlie shrugged, waved a hand, and said, "No, no. Nothing you've done Kindle. You know me, I get easily distracted. I don't mean to be distant, it's just the way I am."

With Charlie dismissing the idea that it was Kindle's fault, I could see her relax, but there was something in his voice that had me still worried.




Then he took her hands and said, "Besides, what could it be? We're perfect together! Meant for each other! Soulmates! We couldn't find anyone else that could be our better half, right?"

I saw them both stiffen at Charlie's last question!

But then Kindle gripped his hands even tighter, and said, "Right! Of course! I'm just being silly!"

I know I'm just asking for trouble, but I couldn't help thinking that both of them were rationalizing their relationship just a bit too much!




But I heard Karina calling me to help her out with her new teen wardrobe.

She looked so beautiful in the dress she chose for her formal, and the hairstyle was so sophisticated, it made her look quite grown up!




In fact, she liked the hairstyle so much that she chose it for all of her outfits, though I miss the cute pigtails already.

When I mentioned that, which I shouldn't have done, Karina smirked and said, "Well, that comment tells me I made the right choice! I want to look more grown up, not like a little kid, Mom!"




And she certainly got her wish, as even in her outerwear she looks much older than a newly aged up teen.

But I also thought she still looked super cute, and I knew Leonard would approve her being almost totally covered up!

This time keeping that thought to myself rather than have her choose a more 'grown up' outfit!




Then, hearing shouted cries from dad, I raced downstairs to the basement.

With the commotion Heidi was making, I thought for sure Grim was coming for Dad!

But it was a false alarm.

Well, not totally false as Dad and Heidi were focused on the death of one of the terrarium pets.

Thankfully Grim doesn't handle such minor deaths or we'd have seen him much more often, as we've lost quite a few of them over the last few weeks.

With that particular family moment avoided for now, we all headed off to bed, tired from the busy day.




Early the next morning, which was even warmer, I caught Diwan in the garden getting ready for some sprinkler fun.

"Hey, Mom! Come and join me, the water's really refreshing!"

I laughed and said, "Refreshing is not quite the word I'd use, as I find it downright cold! But I'll see if your grandmother would like to join you, she's quite fond of it herself."




I stepped back into the house just in time to catch Mom in her moment of glory!

"I did it Rielle! I've maxed the athletic skill! Imagine me, full-figured Summer Swanson, doing such a thing! You can really accomplish wonders if you set your mind to it!"

"Congratulations, Mom! It certainly takes a lot of hard work and perseverance to master any skill. And no-one would ever consider you full-figured now! You're slim and trim, though beautiful both ways! Why don't you treat yourself and take a break? Diwan's looking for someone to join him in the sprinkler."

"Oh, that does sound wonderfully refreshing, especially after sweaty exercises! Diwan is a child after my own heart!"

As Mom ran off to join him, I couldn't help but agree that Diwan was like Mom, loving the farm and finding joy in the simplest of farm activities.

No wonder he'd already decided on heirship, it was in his heart, just like mine and Mom's!




After sprinkler time with Diwan, Mom and Karina played chess, while Dad helped Diwan with homework before school.

With Diwan's birthday falling on Snowflake Day, the beginning of a three day weekend, and yesterday being Love Day, he'd only had one day of school and really needed to work on his grades.

By the time the bus came, he was up to a 'B' and feeling much more confident about earning an 'A' by Friday.




But other big family events were in store for us as well.

Dad was receiving a trophy for his gardening prowess and stood proudly outside City Hall, while I snapped his photo.




The rest of us attended Kindle's Drama class play and dad caught up with us just as we were coming out of the high school auditorium.

Kindle received her own trophy for outstanding best actress and we were all so proud of her!




I took photos of Kindle doing her last high school homework with Karina and had to hide my smile as Karina grumbled, "You are soooo lucky Kindle! No more homework after tonight! Our new English teacher's assistant, Mr. Gallo, keeps assigning us classic novels and then has us tear them apart with all these questions! It kind of ruins Romeo and Juliet when I have to figure out motivation instead of just enjoying the tragic romance of it all! But, it really helps that Mr. Gallo is sooo cute! Half the girls in my class are in love with him already!"

I saw Kindle freeze when Karina mentioned her new teacher and almost yelled in triumph that I now had at least a last name to work with!

I was so lost in that thought, I almost missed Kindle's reply as she mumbled, "I 've heard he's cute, but you know, much too old for high school girls."

Karina smirked and said, "For girls in my class maybe, but he's not all that much older than you really, maybe a week or so, and you know, now that I think about it, probably just your type!"

Kindle's nonchalant, "Why would you say that?", had me perking my ears once again.

"Because he looks so much like Charlie, except for not having wings! And big puppy dog brown eyes, instead of Charlie's piercing blue ones."

Kindle's response was said half jokingly, "It seems to me that you've spent more time in English class staring at the assistant teacher instead of paying attention if you're already comparing him to Charlie and noticing his eyes! Do you have a crush on him Karina!?!" But I detected an underlying note of something else, jealousy maybe?

Karina laughed, but the heightened pink color on her cheeks made me wonder.

The plot had certainly thickened!




I wandered outside and found Mom helping Diwan with his homework this time.

He had a high 'B' right now, but she really wanted to contribute to him getting that 'A' he was striving for.




Then I noticed Kindle out harvesting in the garden!

I had to get a photo of her as she might not be sticking around the farm long after her birthday, which was fast approaching, this weekend actually!

"Don't mind me honey, you know I'm always taking photos for my journal. And it really makes me happy to see you working in the garden."

"I know Mom! You, dad, and grandma and grandpa, too. It's not my favorite thing to do in my free time, but out here in the moonlight, on a warm night, it really can help you get some perspective on your life."

"I feel the same way about spending time with the horses, it's calming and allows for deep thoughts. Any you're having that you'd care to share?"

Kindle hesitated and then asked, "Mom, how did you know dad was the ONE!?! I mean, really the ONE?"

"I never doubted it Kindle! Your father and I became close friends soon after we met and it went on from there. But it's not that way for every couple, some don't meet until their teens, or as young adults, or even adults or elders. Love strikes when you least expect it sometimes. Sometimes it's just attraction, or a crush, that you get over, other times, it just gets deeper and stronger."

"Wow, mom, for knowing dad was the one early, you sure know a lot about other loves!"

"That's because I've been a hopeless romantic since I was a teen! Something that your father is glad you are not! Kindle, I don't mean to pry, but are you having second thoughts about Charlie?"

Kindle stayed focused on the plant and softly said, "Not second thoughts exactly, but maybe feelings for someone else. Oh, I feel so badly about it Mom! I can't hurt Charlie! But, I get the feeling he's got something else on is mind too."

"Something else or someone else?"

"That's just it Mom, I don't really know! He's so easily distracted, like dad, but….something feels off, for both of us."

"Kindle, as forgetful as your father can be, he has never once had me questioning his love for me, or mine for him! If you are having feelings for someone else and you think Charlie may be too, don't ruin both your lives by staying together because you feel obligated to each other in some way. That will only lead to a very unhappy life and future."




After the intense conversation with Kindle, I was relieved to find Diwan focusing on childhood moments.

He'd just finished baking muffins with the toy oven, and they smelled delicious.

When I asked if I could join him for a snack, he said, "Maybe later Mom, I have other plans for these muffins."




And few moments later, he came out looking dapper in his formalwear, and bowing to his teddy bear said, "I am honored by your acceptance of my tea party invitation, Mr. Bear. Fresh baked muffins are cooling in the kitchen. Can I offer you some wonderfully refreshing juice to go with them?"

I wasn't privy to Mr. Bear's response, but the occasion was one I will note for a long time to come.

And it was a very pleasant note to go to sleep on, rather than fretting over Kindle's romantic entanglements.




The next morning, Leonard and Mom spend the day working in the garden as plants were ripening almost as fast as they could harvest them!




Today was a big day really, as it was Diwan's last day of grade school and Kindle's last day of high school!

But when the kids got home from school, I only found Karina and Diwan in the kitchen doing homework.

Diwan was all excited because he'd earned his 'A' finally, just in time, as his birthday was tonight!

I didn't have the heart to tell him that it wasn't necessary for him to do his grade school homework as it wouldn't help his high school grade at all.

Besides, my biggest concern was where Kindle was, and when Karina told me that she'd gone straight from school to the library to meet Charlie, I raced off to town!




Sure enough, the two of them had met at the library and seemed as friendly as usual, so I was pretty sure Kindle hadn't said anything about her feelings yet.




And when Charlie dip kissed her right there on the Library sidewalk, that was definitely confirmed.

No way she'd given him the 'It's not you, it's me' speech, or even worse, the 'Let's just be friends' line!

Not with a kiss like that being the result any way!

For an unflirty guy, Charlie does have his moments.




I followed them inside at a discreet distance, and then Kindle brought up Charlie's Lycan heritage, asking, "I've noticed that you're really handling your Lycan transformations better Charlie. What about the mood swings and stuff? Is that getting any better?"

"Not a problem Kindle. Mr. Westmoreland and Shawn have been helping me deal with them, and it's getting easier."

"Oh, that's good. And there's nothing else on your mind? Something you'd like to talk about? Maybe someone…"




Before Kindle can even finish that line of inquiry, Charlie's wrapped her in his arms and is hugging her tight.

I can't hear his words, but they must have made Kindle change her mind about bringing up any feelings she had for someone else, as with that hug, she leaves the library.

But this time I stuck around to see Charlie's reaction after she was gone.




And my patience was rewarded as he frowned horribly, pounded himself on the chest and mumbled, "She gave you the perfect opening! Why on earth didn't you tell her!?! For a wolf, you are such a coward! Those fae genes again!"

Oh wow! I have again heard something not meant for my eavesdropping ears, and even knowing something is definitely going on, it really doesn't change the fact that it's not my place to fix it.

This is something that Kindle and Charlie will have to work out on their own, though at least I'm more prepared for what's coming, if you can ever be prepared for relationship drama.

With that thought uppermost in my mind, I hurry home for something I can actually accomplish.

Setting up Diwan's birthday party!




We've spent quite a bit of time together as a family over the last week, and have grown closer than ever.

Kindle's even shared with me that she has feelings for someone else and she thinks Charlie may too.

I know for a fact Charlie's not telling her something, but as much as it hurts me, I need to let the two of them figure it out on their own.

And I need to focus on my own family responsibilities.

Next up is Diwan's teen birthday, something I want to make really special for him.

It ends up being memorable but for the wrong reason!

Join me as I recall a very painful memory in Chapter 91: Unexpected Birthday Guests
Coming soon.

[deedee_828]

I returned home just in time to find Mom and Diwan sobbing as they stared at Dad's ghostly form!

Leonard was watching too, his grief clearly showing on his contorted face.




Mom, of course, being the most heartbroken of us all, though she's more hardened to loss than the rest of us.

But no one is immune to the loss of a loved one, especially a dear spouse you've known since childhood.




Then Grim arrives, saying, "Nolan Dean Swanson, I have come for you! You've lived a long and fruitful life and your time has come to leave this earthly plane."

Kindle has joined us and just stares at Grim and her beloved grandfather.

Karina ignores Grim and totally focuses on her grandmother, trying to soothe her in this moment of loss.




But Dad isn't quite ready to leave us and falls to his knees, his hands pressed together in supplication, begging Grim for more time.




Grim pauses and motions for my father to rise, saying, in a voice that sounds regretful, "There is no more time I can give you Nolan. You've lived longer than most sims in this town and accomplished much in your 112 sims days. You mastered not three but four skills, athletic, gardening, handiness, and nectar-making, exceeding your lifetime wish. And the legacy you leave behind for your five children and ten grandchildren is one filled with perfect produce and the finest nectars, a cellar filled with over 500 bottles. You've contributed much to this family, and will become a patriarch to live up to."

As Dad listens to Grim's words, he straightens and nods, saying, "Thank you for reminding me of what I've accomplished. I knew my time was coming, but I was hoping not on one of my grandchildren's birthdays, so the occasion wouldn't be marred. But it is as you say, I've lived a wonderful life filled with accomplishments, more than that, it was filled with love. Love from my parents and siblings, my dear wife and best friend, Summer, and our children and grandchildren."




And with a final parting look at Mom, Dad disappears!

Karina is now sobbing, and Kindle just rubs her neck looking lost and forlorn.




The rest of us are struck anew by raw grief.

Leonard still stoic, but his brows drawn and his face working to hold back his sobs.




Diwan, so young that he sobs freely, and Kindle finally breaking down as she realizes that her grandfather is truly gone!




Karina and mom sobbing and wiping tears away, time and time again.

But it's Grim's reaction that surprises us all, as he flings a bony hand towards his mouth, stifling a cry as he says, "On a grandchild's birthday!?! I didn't think to check that! When will I ever get pick ups right in this household!?! I thought I'd checked everything….bah!"




Mom is so struck by Grim's words that she stops crying and turns to confront him.

While I try to comfort Diwan as the youngest of the children and the least prepared for such a great loss, especially on his birthday.




But instead of confronting him with anger in her grief, Mom says, "We forget that you have quite the thankless job, Mr. Grim. When I was younger I took your visits to heart and built up an anger that, over time, has been replaced by a respect for the job you've had thrust upon you. We feel the loss of those close to us, but you and your brethren feel every loss in your given towns. Thank you for giving us all this time with my dear Nolan. And for giving me all this time with my children and grandchildren, as I know I will be joining my Nolan soon enough."

"Your words mean a lot to me Summer Swanson. Not many look upon my job that way, but it's understandable given the sorrow they endure during and after my visits. I do wish my timing had been better. Who's birthday is it?"

"Our youngest grandchild in this home, Diwan, becomes a teen tonight, the heir apparent actually."

'Oh, it just gets worse and worse! Is there some way I can make it up to you?"

"Well, maybe allow my granddaughter her YA birthday tomorrow without another visit to this house? It was pretty devastating to lose both our cats back to back, so I'd rather she have only one grandparent to mourn on her birthday."

Grim just nods without commenting, so we're not sure if he's agreeing to Mom's request or just nodding  in acknowledgement.




Despite our loss, Diwan's birthday must go on, as we don't want to ignore him becoming a teen, it's such an important milestone in a young life.

And we get another shock as Grim joins us for the party, clapping and cheering along with the rest of us!

I guess Grim does feel bad about his timing and this is his way of showing it, though having him attend feels a bit morbid.




Mom takes a moment to snap a photo of me and Leonard as our youngest child leaves childhood behind.

Leonard's eagerly waving a noise maker and looks his usual irresistible self, especially in his athletic gear and showing off those great muscles.

I , on the other hand, am not thrilled with the expression on my face as I watch with my eyes bugging out.

I still am not fond of how I look in photos, and this one is particularly bad!

But this night isn't about me, so back to the birthday boy.




Diwan makes a wish as mom twirls a noise maker and Grim joins Kindle in blowing party horns.

I'm glad the bad feelings between Grim and me, as well as the rest of the family, are a thing of the past, but it still feels a bit creepy to have the Guardian of the Netherworld attending a birthday party!




And as Diwan's birthday sparkles dissipate and he stands before us a teenager, to my relief, Grim leaves us to finish the party as a family.

Diwan again shows his heartfelt desire to be heir as he picks Green Thumb for his teen trait.

But the second cake reminds us that another child was supposed to join him in celebrating her birthday.

The plan had been to have Marley Frio age up with Diwan, but with Dad's visit from Grim happening it didn't pan out that way.




In fact, we all spent the rest of the evening swinging between extreme cheerfulness for Diwan's birthday and breaking down in sobs of grief.

Karina and Kindle were perfect examples of our manic mood swings that evening.




The next evening, Kindle wasn't really in the mood for a party, still grieving for her grandfather, but the guests had all been invited, so we couldn't cancel it, especially since we had two birthday teens, as Charlie was celebrating his right after Kindle.

They'd chosen a formal party and Charlie showed up looking quite handsome, though freaked out about something as his face clearly showed.

When I asked what was wrong, he hurriedly gulped and said, "Just more sims here than I expected Mrs. S, that's all."

But I had a feeling it wasn't just how many sims were here, but who they were that had Charlie concerned.




When the guests had gathered, Kindle stood before her cake looking happy and excited.

That's when I noticed, right before closing my eyes, that Charlie and the teen fae girl, who I'd learned was our cousin, Sofia Westmoreland, were standing stiffly, their eyes staring at neither Kindle or each other!

Then a laugh behind me was quickly followed by the words, "Come on girl! Age up already! I'm…we're all waiting!"

Kindle's reply was a quick, "Give me a minute Trev! It's important to make the right wish here."

Trev!?!

My hopeless romantic heart did a flip flop as the diminutive expressed way more than Kindle's innocent words.




As Kindle gave the moment the thought it deserved, Charlie and Sofia, along with Curtis, joined in the cheering with a noise maker and party horns.

But I couldn't help wondering what thoughts, 'Trev' was having as he'd suddenly sobered, and was watching Kindle as intently as I was.




As the birthday sparkles surrounded Kindle, Karina and I joined in with party favors, adding to the noise.

And I could hear Trevor laughing again as he said, "Almost there girl!"

It seemed Kindle's new friend just wasn't sure whether to be elated or concerned about Kindle's becoming a young adult.




When Kindle  stood before us a new young adult, with that same teen Indian princess hairstyle, Trevor was close by.

And none of the guests, including myself, could disguise the fact that we could feel the tension between Trevor and Kindle!

Everyone but Charlie, who was, as usual, oblivious.

Even struck with a fresh wave of grief for her grandfather, Kindle's side-long glance swept unerringly toward her new friend!




But before they could speak to each other, Charlie stepped towards his own cake, clapping and thanking everyone for helping him celebrate such a special occasion.

My nephew, Wyatt, and Charlie's foster brother, Curtis, were especially exuberant with yells and cheers, and had the rest of us shouting and blowing party horns in turn.




Charlie didn't waste any time, quickly blew out his candles, and was soon standing before us, hands on hips, a young adult!

Kindle was still clapping and shouting birthday congratulations, but my thoughts were filled with just how similar the two guys now looked, both being young adults.

If Charlie's wings hadn't been directly in my face, he could have passed for Trevor's twin, they looked that much alike!




Charlie quickly told everyone to grab a piece of cake and then I saw his glance towards the teen on the floor doing homework!

Sofia!

I knew I hadn't mistaken that look this time, one of longing, regret…..

But…. it wasn't Charlie and Sofia that filled my thoughts as I noticed Leonard's stricken look.




As when I turned to see what had him so concerned, my own thoughts were confirmed.

Trevor and Kindle finally found themselves face to face, and I swear there was no one else in the room for either of them when their eyes met, both of them young adults now.

Trevor's simple words, "Happy Birthday, Kindle," didn't do anything to disguise the look of longing on his face!

As Kindle stared straight into his eyes, her look gave away much more than her soft reply, "Thank you, Trev."

And her cousin and best friend, Star, looked on knowingly, seeing love, just as I did!




First Grim visits to collect dad and then stays to attend Diwan's teen birthday party, which I couldn't imagine anyone topping as a guest.

But when Trevor and Sofia both showed up at Kindle and Charlie's double young adult birthday bash, the looks and tension in our kitchen were almost unbearable.

Why on earth didn't Charlie come clean with Kindle at the library?

He clearly has feelings for Sofia and it was pretty obvious, to me and Star, at least, that Trevor and Kindle want to be together.

It's funny how those not directly involved in a relationship know exactly what those in it should do.

But the ones involved seem baffled and can't figure it out for anything!

Though I was soon to find out that those that meddle can get more than they bargained for!

And that some will fight for true love, any way they can!

You'll find out too in Chapter 92: Birthday Drama
Coming soon.

[deedee_828]

After eating his cake in the living room, I found Charlie dancing alone in the entry, totally oblivious to what just happened in the kitchen.

Either that, or he was just in denial.

But he sure looked happy for someone who's one and only relationship could be off the table.

And it wasn't like he could act on his feelings for Sofia now, not with her still being a teen.




As I headed back into the kitchen, where Kindle and Trevor were still deep in conversation, I heard Star say, "So there's no one else that wants to celebrate their birthday? I'm sure the Swanson's wouldn't mind springing for another cake!"

Catching Star's nod at Sofia, I added, "We wouldn't mind at all. Even if it wasn't anyone's real birthday. Cake is a great equalizer!"

At my words, I saw Sofia's pencil jerk across her homework as she asked, "My birthday's not for another week, but could I go ahead and age up now? I've already moved out of my parents' house and in with my aunt, and I know she'd find it easier if I was old enough to be out on my own."

Realizing that Sofia's got more going on than liking Charlie, I'm wondering if I've stepped in it again!




But before I can protest, or voice my concerns, Leonard's already grabbed another cake out of the fridge and Sofia is standing before it, though looking a bit nervous.

Which she tries to dispel with a grin that really doesn't help, and makes her look so very, very, young.

I'm really having second thoughts about this now, meddling usually doesn't go well.

And this is meddling to the nth degree!




But before she can change her mind, Sofia, like Charlie, quickly makes a wish and blows out her candles as the guests gather around once more.

Birthday cheers, congratulations, and party horns sound as Star giggles and says, "Ready or not, it's time for young adulthood Sofia!"

The look of confusion on Sofia's young face still has me worried.




But when the sparkles disappear and a young adult woman stands before us, looking confident and proud, my fears abate.

Sofia kept her teen hairstyle, that cute pixie cut, and she looks just beautiful in it, and her new YA formal really lets you know she's grown up now!




While others had grabbed cake, Kindle had taken a moment to fix her hair and don a formal outfit more to her liking.

But what's not to her liking is what she just witnessed when Charlie comes into the room just in time to see a very grown up Sofia!




My heart plummets as, what had been up to now, a mostly fun-filled and happy party, turns into drama central!

Kindle rushes over and says, "That look! That look Charlie, it said it all! Why haven't you been honest with me about Sofia!?!"

Charlie protests saying, "I was just surprised Kindle. I wasn't expecting Sofia to celebrate her birthday too. I promise you, despite whatever you think you saw in that look, nothing has ever happened between me and Sofia. And it never will! I love you Kindle and I don't go back on my promises!"




Despite Charlie's reassuring words, Kindle bursts into tears!

And Sofia's face contorts into a look of pure shock, anger mixed with hurt.

Charlie just stands there frozen between the two girls, not having a clue what to say or do!

My heart plummets further as letting Sofia age up has not helped the situation at all.

It's just made it worse, much, much, worse!

And it's all my fault.

Again!




Most of our party guests quickly departed, making half-hearted attempts to tell us what a great party it was, but we all knew better.

And it didn't take a genius to know who Kindle would go to for consolation, though I did stay close by in case she needed me.

Though as usual, eavesdropping did me little good as her words struck me like a blow, "Oh, Trevor, first Grim taking Grandpa on Diwan's birthday and now this! I can't believe Mom let Sofia have her birthday, especially knowing something was going on between them!"

"She probably thought she was helping Kindle, most parents do. Though they usually muck it up!"

"But Trevor, what about that look Charlie gave Sofia?!? Charlie and I have been friends since grade school, and best friends after that, then steadies, and he deceived me, or maybe he's just deceiving himself! He has feelings for Sofia, I know he does. That look I saw was full of shock but it was mixed with something else! Why can't he come clean with me and acknowledge it!?!"

"Maybe because you haven't been honest with him either Kindle? Have you even mentioned me to him? The night at the Grind? Us staying friends? "




Kindle pulls away from Trevor and the hurt in her voice is plain as she says, "What?!? You bring that up NOW!?!"

"I'm just saying, Kindle, that maybe if you'd been honest about us, especially after we became friends, maybe Charlie could be honest now. You've both made promises and neither one of you wanted to go back on them. No matter how either of you may feel about someone else. A first love is hard to give up. Believe me, I know, Doreen and I have been together for awhile but ever since I met you, it's not been the same. I just couldn't seem to break it off. But now…"




Trevor tried to put his arms around Kindle, but she pushed him away!

"No! I see what you're all about Trevor! You didn't want to break up with Doreen until you found out if there really could be something between us! You just kept stringing her along, until my birthday, hedging your bets! How could I ever trust you!?!"




"Kindle! Please don't be this way! I…lo.."

"Don't even think of saying that word, Trevor! You don't know the meaning of it! In fact, our friendship, or whatever it was, is over! I never want to see you again!"

With those words, she storms into the house and slams the door in Trevor's face.

Trevor dejectedly walked to the road and went home.




Well, this evening sure went from bad to worse, to even worse!

Then I hear a giggle and shout from the garden and realize at least two sims weren't affected by tonight's drama.

Diwan and Marley are playing in the sprinkler and having a blast.

I hope Diwan can keep that same spirit of childish delight in simple pleasures for a bit longer, instead of getting swept up in teenage angst and adult responsibilities.

Plenty of time for that in the future.




But the night's drama isn't over as Charlie shows up, and as soon as Kindle steps outside, he pulls her in for a tight hug.

"Kindle, I meant it earlier, NOTHING ever happened between me and Sofia. I'm sorry I made you cry on our birthday. Please forgive me?"

"There's nothing to forgive Charlie! I've been so foolish. A little girl playing at love, but I know better now. I'm sorry I yelled at you, too. Looking at someone isn't a crime!"




The two of them talk together for a long time on the front porch, discussing their plans for the future.

"So, wherever you want to live Kindle is fine with me. Starlight Shores, Bridgeport, I'd even go to Lunar Lakes! What I'm trying to say is that wherever you are, I'll be by your side, the two of us together forever! Like we were meant to be."

"With Grandpa passing I haven't really thought about moving away Charlie. I'd thought I'd stick around a bit, spend some time with my Grandma and my family."

Seeing Charlie's confused face, she adds, "I know, I know, quite the about face for me, since I've wanted to leave this town soon after my teen birthday. But….family is important and…Oh, I'm sorry Charlie that came out wrong, I didn't mean to say that you're not important, or bring up family when you didn't have one for so long….aaggghhh, I'm making this worse!"

"I get what you're saying Kindle, and I'm not offended or anything. Family is important, I feel that way about the Westmoreland's but especially about you! You are my family Kindle. The first person I ever loved. Will always love. I made that promise and I won't go back on it!"

Again, hearing these two struggle so much makes me feel that love shouldn't be that hard.

But if it's what they want, who am I to feel that it's wrong somehow?

After all, it's their life.




But the next day, I get the shock of my life when I see Trevor whacking Kindle with a pillow in our garden!

He'd apparently surprised her as I was startled by hearing her laugh at his onslaught, as she said, "Trev! Stop! What on earth are you doing!?!"

"I wanted to hear you say my name, hear your laugh, one last time before I left. Wanted to know I could still make you laugh. Hearing it will be something for me to remember when I'm all alone and far away."




"You're LEAVING!?!"

Realizing her feelings are obvious in her words as well as her tone, especially her tone, Kindle straightens and says, "Wait! Is this just some trashy trick you're trying to pull? Because I told you I never wanted to see you again?"

"No trick Kindle! I am leaving, but I didn't want to leave with such bad feelings between us. I wanted to see you, hear you laugh and say goodbye, part as friends, at least."

"And the alone part? What about your family and Doreen?"

"Some of my family might join me, but Doreen and I have parted ways," with a shrug he added, "she got fed up with my distance and started seeing a guy she met at work. Something I tried to tell you last night."

"Oh, so you didn't break up over us then?"

"No. Since there is no 'us', that would have been pretty hard to do! But speaking of us, I did want to give you something to think about!"




And he grabbed Kindle and kissed her passionately!

I certainly didn't need a love tester to determine their compatibility level, if they'd been closer to any plants, the plants would have spontaneously combusted!




As Trevor pulled back, still holding Kindle, who looked pretty shaky to me, I guess she was still reeling from that kiss, he said, "Don't say a word! You just think about how that made you feel! Think about how much you're giving up by not exploring what's between us, what's been between us since the day we met. And if you decide you'd rather stick with Charlie, with safe and unflirty, instead of a life full of love and passion, then so be it!"




"Oh, blast it! I can't live on just one kiss!"

As I stood watching a scene better than I'd ever witnessed on a romance channel, Trevor twirled Kindle back into his arms and dip kissed her right there in the garden!

Boy, our garden was certainly seeing some action today!




As Trevor left, Kindle stood staring after him, then she made a quick phone call and walked, still a little shaky, into the house.

When the doorbell rang, I was expecting to see Kindle invite either Charlie or Trevor in, but to my surprise it was neither young man.

It was Sofia!

Seeing her close up, I noticed that she not only has the same soft blue color wings that Charlie has, she also has the same electric blue eyes, when his aren't glowing golden due to his Lycan heritage.

I gave the girls a modicum of privacy by ducking into the living room, where I could relax, okay eavesdrop, without appearing to do so.

This is my daughter's future we're talking about, a mother's got to do what a mother's got to do!

I wasn't even sure what Kindle was going to say, but I wasn't expecting her first words to be, "Okay, 'fess up Sofia, you like Charlie right? More than like him if I read your face right last night!"

I think I was almost as shocked as Sofia was as she spluttered, "Umm, Charlie wasn't lying Kindle! He's never so much as hugged me let alone anything else!  I swear!"

"Relax, Sofia! I don't want to hear about what Charlie has or has not done, I asked how you feel about him. Woman to woman, since we both became young adults last night."

"I'm not sure, at first I thought it was just a crush, but then it felt like I was truly falling in love with him, even though he barely acknowledged my existence and tried to avoid eye contact with me, whenever I glanced his way. But, I felt….something…even if he never said anything. It was like a connection…a link…Oh, I can't explain it!"

Then Sofia's lower lip trembled as she added, "Why are you making me confess all this when he's professed his love for you in front of half the town and swept me aside without a moments hesitation!?!"




"Because I have a confession of my own to make. I love Charlie, I always will, as a best friend and as my first love."

"Really Kindle!?! You asked me over here just to tell me that and break my heart all over again!?!"

"You're not listening…I said, 'as my first love', I'm trying to tell you that it was just that, a first love, not a forever love."

"I'm kinda new at this love thing Kindle, it was confusing just being a new teen, but now as a new young adult and all that drama last night, I'm even more confused. What exactly are you trying to say?"




"I'm trying to tell you that I don't love Charlie that way any more. I'm in love with Trevor Gallo, have been for quite some time actually, but refused to admit it!"

"To Charlie?"

"To Charlie and myself, truth be told. Why the look?"

"Well, isn't Trevor Gallo like waaaay older than you, a teacher at our school!?!"

I heard Kindle laugh as she said, "No more older than me than Charlie was older than you, before you shared our birthday!"

"Oh, right. So…you love Trevor, I'm assuming Trevor loves you, and Charlie loves you too! So where does that leave me!?!"




The two girls began whispering frantically, so I knew they must be plotting something, but they kept their voices so low, I couldn't hear a thing.

Then I heard giggles, as well as Sofia's, "You think it will really work?"

I popped out of the living room just in time to see them share a friendly hug, the relief on Kindle's face showing clearly, as she said, "With two women working together, poor Charlie doesn't stand a chance, cuz! Besides, he'll never be able to resist my new charismatic trait."




"So when do you want to do this?" Sofia asked anxiously.

Kindle shrugged and said, "No time like the present! Besides I have to hurry before Trevor leaves town without me!"

With that pronouncement, Kindle grabbed her phone and made two very fast phone calls!




My meddling had really brought some drama to Kindle's and Charlie's young adult birthday party with Sofia aging up as well.

Kindle's now broken up and made up with Trevor so fast, my head's still spinning.

But with Kindle becoming friends with Sofia and the two plotting against Charlie, I'm with them on thinking the poor guy doesn't stand a chance.

Besides they both have his best interests in mind, so now they just need to convince him that allowing himself to like Sofia is for his own good!

I am waiting so impatiently for the guys to show up, you'd think it was my love life that was on the line here instead of Kindle's odd love quadrangle!

I'll write every romantic moment down in Chapter 93: Lookalike Loves
Coming soon.

[deedee_828]

While I'm impatiently waiting for Trevor and Charlie to show up and get this whole mess settled, I glance over and see Karina messing with the computer!




I'm so tense from the situation going on with the four new young adults, I totally over react.

Throwing my hands up I shout, "Really Karina!?! You try to play a prank sabotaging the computer at a time like this!?!"

"But mom…it was just…"

"I don't want to hear it! I'll be expecting plenty of chores and co-operation from you to make up for this!"




Then Karina bursts into tears, sobbing out, "Grandpa's gone….and now you hate me! I hate my life. Being a teenager is awful! I don't know why I'm so mad about everything today."

I take a step back and a deep breathe realizing that she's not the only one being dramatic.

Karina's experiencing her first mood swing, whereas I have no excuse really, as Kindle's sorting out her own love life and I'm just wondering where all the pieces will fall.




Before I can apologize, my phone starts ringing just as Karina is begging me for forgiveness, "Please, Mom, I really don't know why I'm in such a bad mood today."




I ignore my phone and pull Karina in for a motherly hug, saying, "Oh, sweetheart, I'm so sorry. It's not your fault, the teen years can be so stressful and I should have taken that into consideration, especially with Grandpa's passing and all the drama at Kindle's birthday, and things so unsettled with her and Charlie and Trevor. I'm really not upset with you and I don't want you to think for a minute that I hate you. Please forgive me for yelling at you?"

Karina's reply, "Of course mom," was muffled against my shoulder as she squeezed me tighter and I realized that though she was a teen, she still needed my love, attention and support.

I'd been so caught up in Kindle's life that I'd been neglecting her!

"You just stay right here and hug me for as long as you need to baby! I'm here for you."

The doorbell rang but I never took my arms from around Karina, if Kindle needed my assistance, I was close by, but Karina needed me more right now.




I heard Kindle say, "That's either Trevor or Charlie. If it's Charlie, I'll talk to him outside and pave the way for you. Whatever you do Sofia, DON'T flirt with him. He hates flirty girls!"

"So what should I do?!?"

"Just be yourself and be his friend. Once you've accomplished that, if you too really have a connection, the rest will follow."

Hearing those words, Karina had stepped forward, her distress forgotten, just as eager as I was to see how this was going to play out!




It was Trevor at the door, but Charlie was right behind him!

At Kindle's request, I ushered Trevor down to the nectary basement as fast as I could so she could talk with Charlie privately, on the front porch.

I couldn't miss this opportunity to find out exactly what was on Trevor's mind and was pretty shocked when he started dancing!

"With that smile, you seem pretty confident about everything. What if Charlie changes Kindle's mind? She's been bouncing back and forth between the two of you so much my heads still spinning!"

Trevor just smiled more broadly and kept dancing, saying, "Charlie doesn't know his own mind, let alone have the confidence to change Kindle's! Besides, Kindle and I have something between us, something I tried to fight myself, but it wasn't until she said she never wanted to see me again that I realized I couldn't let her go without a fight. Some things are worth fighting for, and I needed to show that to her."

"Well, you certainly did! That scene in the garden was enough to scorch the plants for miles around!"

"And that is why I'm feeling so confident Mrs. Swanson! A love like ours cannot be contained, nor easily dismissed, and it should never be thrown away!"

"Nicely said Trevor! But please treat our girl right. Sometimes love means setting someone free."

"Which is what I'm hoping she does with Charlie!"




I'm not proud of it, but I snuck back outside and listened by the porch as Kindle explained everything to Charlie; her meeting Trevor, her determination, just like Charlie's, to keep the promises they'd made to each other, despite her growing feelings for Trevor, which she deluded herself into thinking were just feelings of friendship and how that look on Charlie's face belied his own feelings for Sofia.

The anguish on Charlie's face was plain to see, as he squeezed his eyes shut and said, "But, I promise Kindle, nothing has ever happened with Sofia!"

Kindle, her voice gentle, said, "But that's only because you wouldn't let it Charlie! I saw the pain and hurt on Sofia's face last night when you told me, the whole room actually, you would never let anything happen between you. But you really need to LET yourself feel those feelings. Letting ourselves experience the friendships and loves that come into our lives is part of growing up."

Charlie opened his eyes and said, "I'm scared Kindle! What if, what if, it DOESN"T work out with Sofia!?! Or with anyone else!?!"

Kindle's voice softened further as she said, "Charlie, if we stayed together just because we're scared, because we find each other safe, then we could grow to hate each other in the end. If both of us can be attracted to other Sims, it's not a bad thing, but it tells us that we've both outgrown the love we share. It's better to part as friends now, and keep the memories of our childhood friendship and teen love as something precious. Our first love. A love that opened our hearts, that allowed us to know what love feels like, to blossom in it's it glow. And to take that wonderful experience and grow even more, loving other partners. Do you think you can try? For me?"

"I guess so. Maybe."

"Good, because Trevor and Sofia are both inside!"




"What!?! Now!?! I have to do this now!?!"

"Yes. We've both played it safe for way too long. You've turned away from Sofia's looks long enough. Remember, Charlie, she's had feelings for you for quite some time. And even though she's our age now, she's really not experienced in love at all. She had her birthday so she'd still be your age Charlie!"

"And I dismissed her in front of everyone! She must hate me!"

"Not at all! She's very confused about how she feels right now. But she knows you both felt something as teens, even if you would never admit it. And she's willing to take a chance on those feelings."

"So just meet her? Just talk?"

"Meet her, chat, get to know each other. That's all. Until you both feel like taking your relationship to another level. Like we did Charlie. Baby steps. Get to know each other, become friends, if more is what you both want, you'll figure it out! I'm sure of it Charlie!"

As a small smile played around his lips, Charlie asked, "And you really think she has feelings for me?"

Kindle smirked and said, "That, Charlie Yeager, is something you need to find out for yourself! I think I've played matchmaker long enough!"

I started to smile, but when Kindle shouted, "Mom, can you grab Trevor and bring him inside?" that smile flew off my face!

I guess my reputation for eavesdropping isn't much of a secret any more!




As the two guys met they gave each other a very direct look and nodded curtly at each other as Kindle quickly introduced them.

Charlie looked shocked at how much he and Trevor looked alike, seriously, if Charlie didn't have those beautiful blue wings, I don't think it would be easy to tell them apart.

Though Charlie's face is also conveying something else loud and clear, *He better make Kindle happy!*

But these two are more alike than just in looks!




Right after meeting Trevor, Charlie started dancing too!

And smiling, just like Trevor!

I guess a lot of sims find dancing soothing, though I always went for a strenuous workout or horseback ride myself.




Kindle was deeply involved with Trevor, when I noticed Charlie had stopped dancing and had looked over at them questioningly.

Even though Charlie had agreed it was for the best for them to move on to other partners, it couldn't have been easy for him to have the two of them all over each other right in front of him!

I spoke gently from behind Charlie and said, "Sofia's over here Charlie. Why don't you chat with her a bit?"

Charlie went willingly enough and then I realized why he'd been staring, not because Trevor was hugging Kindle so intimately, well, maybe it was that mostly, but also because Trevor had changed his clothes!

With the way they were holding each other, Kindle totally approved of Trevor's new look!




Shaking my head, I turned away to give both couples some privacy, but was shocked further when I saw unflirty Charlie look at Sofia with this smoldering look!

I knew I had to get out of there fast, but I'd backed myself into a corner, literally, and there was really nowhere to go except the bathroom!




As I tried to make myself invisible, to no avail, I saw Sofia look nervously away from Charlie, but Charlie was now focused completely on Sofia!

Kindle was right, Charlie had it bad for this girl!

Charlie was such a loyal guy that he had been determined to go through with the promises he and Kindle had made to each other rather than be with the girl he truly loved!




Hiding out in the bathroom for an extended period of time wasn't an option, so I did an about face and watched the two of them dance as I tried to skirt around them.




Thankfully, mom came down the hall and gave me the perfect excuse to get the heck out of there!

I mean eavesdropping is one thing, but playing gooseberry between two lovebirds getting to know each other is very uncomfortable.

I could see the same deer in the headlights look on mom's face as she quickly averted her eyes from the dancing couple.

"Mom, let's look at what's ready for harvest in the garden and pick something fresh for dinner!"

"Um, sure, Rielle. That sounds like a great idea. Nothing like fresh air and sunshine to clear your head."

Mom blanched at her own words and we quickly headed for the front entry way before we embarrassed ourselves any further.




That's when I caught this flirty glance of Trevor's and could see why Kindle was completely smitten!

What was even more disturbing is that it was the same look Charlie has just given Sofia, though I could tell Trevor had had a lot more practice using it.

A look that I was used to seeing from Leonard, one that made me go weak in the knees, when we were teens, and still today!

I'm not sure what's going on in Aggie's Corner but the young men, even the unflirty ones, seem to have become irresistible.




So it wasn't much of a surprise when Kindle whispered words of love and asked Trevor to be her boyfriend!




What was a bit surprising was that not only did Trevor enthusiastically say yes, he jumped into her arms!

My romantic heart did a flip flop, because Trevor's blissful face expressed so much more than his glib words ever could about how he felt about Kindle!

It wasn't just Charlie that was head over heels, that's for sure!

Then I spotted blue wings through the kitchen windows.

Where was Charlie going?




I couldn't resist checking on Charlie and making sure he was okay.

He'd sure been through a lot since he'd arrived on the farm!

We all had!

I did a double take at my watch and confirmed it had only been an hour!

Wow---the drama and tension of relationships, old and new, sure do make time fly.

As I raced by the garden, I saw that mom had already beaten me to harvesting, and Diwan was eagerly helping her.

"I'll join you two soon Mom, just one more thing I have to check on."




Charlie and I were both pretty uncomfortable when he realized I'd followed him downstairs.

But I simply had to make sure he was okay, after all, him being fostered in our town was all my doing!

"Charlie, relationships can be difficult with a lot of ups and downs, I just wanted you to know that I'm proud of the way you handled it with Kindle when she told you about her feelings for Trevor. You were very mature about it and I appreciate you sparing Kindle's feelings, not making her feel badly about her change of heart, agreeing to stay friends."

"Well, it probably would have been easier if I'd admitted my own feelings for Sofia instead of denying them so much! I just felt like if I did that I'd be betraying Kindle, betraying what we had together. But Kindle helped me see that it's because we shared that first love that let us open ourselves up to other loves. Though it does feel a little strange seeing her with him and having him look so much like me!"

"Yes, that is a little disconcerting."




Then Charlie alleviated all my misgivings about how this had all turned out when he said, "Don't worry about me Mrs. Swanson. Kindle is a real gem and I'm glad we stayed friends. I don't make them easily, so I'd rather not lose the ones I have. And after chatting and dancing with Sofia, and seeing Kindle with Trevor, I really think everything turned out for the best."

"Well, just remember one more thing Charlie."

"What's that Mrs. Swanson?"

"Kindle's not the only Swanson that considers you a friend! You've been a part of our family for a long time now, so please stay in touch."

"I will Mrs. Swanson. And thanks! For setting up my foster family, letting me be part of your family. It really means a lot to me to have family."

"Then we share that in common, Charlie. Everything I've done has been for the sake of family, even all my meddling in Kindle's love life! And I'm glad to see that, despite my involvement, you all came through this with your hearts intact, opening yourselves up for new relationships. Kindle's become quite adept at having things turn out well, for her and everyone she loves."




My oldest daughter has grown into a very charismatic young woman and she's managed to solve her own relationship issues as well as Charlie's!

And she did it despite my meddling---though without me and Star encouraging Sofia to celebrate her birthday early, things may have turned out very differently.

Thankfully, we won't ever know how that choice would have affected the four parties concerned, as there's no do-over with life!

Not that I'd want to as I think Kindle worked it out so everyone was happy.

And now that relationship drama is over, well, until Karina and Diwan decide to choose partners, it's time for me to buckle down and finish my racing career and complete my LTW.

Before we know it, Kindle, Karina, and Diwan, will be married, and then I'll be focusing on grandchildren!

Imagine me, Rielle Swanson, a grandmother!

Time sure does fly!

But before that happens I get an unusual request from Mom.

Well, since she's family-oriented, maybe not so unusual, but it's something I never expected to do!

I'll recount our next family events in Chapter 94: Family Reunion in Starlight Shores
Coming soon.

[Nella]

I'm started reading this a couple of days ago, I have a lot to catch up yet. Just wanted to tell I love the poem in the intro and Brooke looks.

[deedee_828]

Thanks Nella! I was thrilled I found that poem as it was so perfect for my story. Hope you enjoy the rest as much as I'm enjoying playing the game and writing about it.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Mom had been unusually quiet since Kindle's YA birthday party, but I'd chalked that up to Dad's meeting Grim, and all the drama surrounding Kindle's relationships.

But it turns out mom had something else on her mind; something that gave me the opportunity to do something I never thought I would get to do!

"I know they've called and told us they're all settling in well, but I'd feel better if I could see it for myself. But at my age, it's just not possible for me to leave the farm and travel, so I was thinking….maybe you could go?"

"Me, go to Starlight Shores!?! Actually leave the farm and Aggie's Corner and travel there? Is it allowed? I thought we had to remain on the farm?"




"The whole point of NOT traveling is to make sure you don't earn any money OFF the farm lot, but since your grandfather won the lottery all those years ago, we've already played fast and loose with some of the Farm rules that my grandfather set up with my mother. Besides, we'll probably be spending a lot more money in Starlight Shores than we could ever earn!"

"Is it that expensive to travel?"

"Oh, it's not the travel expense I'm thinking about, it's the expense of helping out any of the families that have moved to get their homes habitable for their families and pets! After all, a lot of them are moving to free up homes here in Aggie's Corner for our younger generations that want to continue living in a small farming town. And I think it's our responsibility to help them out in their new town. So will you go there? For me?"




I pulled mom in for a tight hug, and said, "If it will set your mind at rest, of course I'll go, Mom! I wouldn't mind seeing Breeze, Dean, Ward and their families! Plus all of our other family and friends that decided to make the move there."

"Thank you so much Rielle! I'm glad you're so willing to do this for me. I wasn't sure how you'd feel about leaving the farm, your horses and family, the only life you've ever known."

"Are you kidding Mom!?! This is the chance of a lifetime! Seeing our family plus getting to see a warm tropical coast and swim in the ocean, that makes the idea even more irresistible!"




But then Leonard stopped harvesting nearby and quickly squelched our plans saying, "I don't think so Rielle! There's no way I'm letting you go to Starlight Shores!"

When he saw the shocked looks on both our faces, he smiled and added, "Not without me!"




Then he pulled me close and said, "We've not spent the night apart since we've been married, and I'm not starting that now! There's no way I'm letting you go off anywhere, especially not to a wild place like Starlight Shores, by yourself. But together, we could check on your family, and my sister Julia and her family too." His eyes darkening with passion, he added, "And get that honeymoon we never had!"

My hopeless romantic heart flip-flopped at his words, and I cupped his head lovingly, and said, "Like we've ever needed to go someplace to add romance and passion to our lives! But going together sounds even more amazing!"




We went upstairs and broke the news to everyone, about me and Leonard traveling to Starlight Shores to check on family.

Some of them were really excited about it, as I overheard Kindle and Trevor discussing it in the hallway.

"What do you think Trev? Isn't it exciting that Mom and Dad are going to Starlight Shores for Grandma?"

"It sure is! But it'd be even more exciting if the two of us got to tag along! Just think, maybe I could see a live acrobat and learn some special tricks for my career!"

Hearing the excitement in Kindle's voice and the longing in Trevor's, I booked four tickets instead of two for an early morning flight!




All four of us were almost too excited to sleep, but we managed a few hours before we had to leave for the airport.

Mom even gave me permission to take the motive mobile, which we only try to use for special occasions, but as she pointed out, what could be more special than the first trip away from Aggie's Corner!




The two bedroom rental house was beautiful!

It was located on a bluff above Delmar Beach, with a magnificent view of the ocean.

The temperature was already warmer than we were used to but the breeze coming off the shore brought a wonderful coolness, along with the tang of salt water, making us realize just how far we were from home.

Of course, Aggie's Corner has a beach studded with palm trees too, and our other seasons are short compared to summer, but we do experience all four of them, whereas Starlight Shores is a sun-drenched oasis with only occasional rainy days or nights.

An outdoor lovers' dream!




With Monday being a work and school day, most of our relatives and friends were out, but we found my cousin Stephanie Swanson, one of Uncle Carter's daughters and her partner, Tyrone Crumplebottom, along with their five daughters, just moving in to their new home.

It was a large, beautiful home, with plenty of bedrooms, but all of them were furnished with double beds, so not quite what they needed with three teen daughters, Kori, Rae, and Tessa, a grade school one, Shemika, and their youngest, Stella, who was just a toddler!

And their furnishings from home had gotten delayed, so, while they all started unpacking the clothes they'd traveled with, we went and did some shopping for them and bought all the necessary items, including a crib.




And some fun things too!

Little Shameka was thrilled with the water slide, with the weather being so warm, and got permission to  try it out right away.

As we left, she was happily heading for it,  as Tessa played with her baby sister, Stella, and Stephanie just raved about the beautiful flowers at their new home.




Aunt Rayne, Uncle Johnny, cousin Lamar, and Leonard's sister, Julia, along with their newborn son, Wesley, and Gregory Rios, were one of the next families we found moving in, and we helped them out with appropriate furnishings as well.

In fact, we spent most of that first morning, checking on those on our list who were home, to get them needed furnishings.

There were even two families that needed some additions added to their homes before they would be able to live in them, so we got them set up in local hotels, made the required calls to set up renovations, and have appropriate furnishings delivered when the renovations were complete.

A nd boy was Mom right about it being expensive, as it sure wasn't cheaper to live on the west coast!

Before the day was half over we'd spent between 75,000 to 80,000 simoleans of the Swanson family funds!




They say that money can't buy happiness, but with everyone, friends and family alike, thanking us over and over again for coming to their rescue, it really made my heart full to see Mom's request helping out in such a wonderful way, and bringing happiness to so many of them!

Look at Tenisha Rios, Aunt Autumn's granddaughter with the signature Swanson red hair, playing on this spring toy, just hearing her laugh with glee, as the horse snorted and galloped, made it worth every penny!




With our family and friends' new homes taken care of, and children enjoying their new toys, we decided to check out a local park nearby, to relax and enjoy the town for a bit.

Leonard and I played golf.

Well, practiced our golf swings anyway, and our athletic skill sure paid off here as both of us blasted that little ball straight down the fairway!




Then, I got the surprise of my life when my brother Ben showed up in the park!

"What are YOU doing here!?!"

Ben laughed and said, "Mom was worried after you left, so she called me in a panic, and asked me to check on you! So here I am! I can't refuse mom anything!"

"But she sent me here to check on everyone else! Didn't she think I could handle it?"

"Oh, that wasn't it at all, Rielle! She knows you're more than capable, but she started thinking about Leonard's forgetfulness, and just how irresistible he can be….and how Kindle and Trevor are so focused on each other…."

"Aww, I see now! So then she called you in a panic to check on all of us! So like Mom to be worried about her family, no matter how old we get! But it's nice to see you little brother, how long are you staying?"

"Just long enough to attend a big fortune teller convention here is Starlight Shores, which is why Mom asked me to check on you, as she knew I was already coming here!"

"But if she knew that, why did she ask me to come? You could have checked on everyone just as well as I could."

"Possibly. But Mom didn't want to have to give me funds and go through all of that, when you could do it directly. Besides, she knows who the best sneaky photographer is in this family as I would never feel comfortable hiding behind a bench, listening in on private conversations, or snooping around for family photos!"

I wanted to deny such an accusation, but anyone reading my journals would know he was spot on with that remark!




I'd planned on going around town and checking on each of my siblings, other family members, and friends directly, but after our busy morning, I decided it would be easier to invite them to our vacation home!

And wow, what a turn out we got!

The house was packed, with many of them bringing plates of food to share.




My brother Dean was one of the first family members I got to chat with and I eagerly asked him about his caeer.

"Dean, Mom will be thrilled when she's sees how well everyone has settled in here. How's your new team coming along?"

"Can't complain as they've got some fantastic players! And we seem to be meshing as a team really well.  Our first big game is Sunday, I could get tickets for all of you to come!"

"Oh, we leave on Friday! I should have called first and found out your schedule., I never even thought about getting to attend a game!"

"That's because your world is full of horse racing and raising children, big sister! But don't let me monopolize you, Breeze is chomping at the bit to talk with you!"

Breeze and I hugged and chatted but my fingers were itching to get some photos of more of the family, so we made plans to meet at Delmar Beach tomorrow as she had the day off.




Aunt Rayne had grabbed a bowl of mac 'n' cheese and was explaining her new look, "I know it looks different for me, but the hairstyle, make-up, and dress are for a commercial I was hired to do. But it ran late and I didn't have time to change and I wasn't missing this party for anything! It's so nice to see so many of us together in one place. I really wish Summer had been able to come."

"Mom really wanted to Aunt Rayne, but with dad's passing and her being so close to his age, she didn't dare take the chance."

"That's understandable! But please pass on my heartfelt gratitude for all she's done for us, sending you to us like this and helping everyone to get their homes furnished and comfortable."

"It was our pleasure Aunt Rayne. Seeing the families so appreciative and the children so happy with the toys we provided, made us all happy too, and mom will be thrilled at how well her idea worked out!"




I popped outside to see how the mixologist we hired was doing and found several sims out there.

Kindle was trying out a passion drink, and encouraging the others, Danica and Barrett, to feel free to order whatever they liked as the mixologist knew how to make a wide variety of drinks.




I found young Noah, Ward and Diana's son, eating at a table outside that I hadn't even known was out there.

He looked pretty solemn, so I asked, "Everything okay Noah? Grandma wanted a photo so she could see how well everyone's doing here, especially her grandchildren, but you look pretty sober. Not enjoying the party?"

Noah quickly reassured me, saying, "Oh, it's not that Aunt Rielle, the party's great. I'm just a bit overwhelmed with the move and all. Today was the first day of classes for me at the high school here and it was going pretty good until some of the kids mentioned that my dad worked for local law enforcement. Then a lot of them avoided me like the plague, like they thought I couldn't be trusted not to snitch on them since my dad's on the force!"

"Oh, I'm sorry to hear about that, high school's tough enough without being a new kid from a small town. Did you tell your parents about what happened at school day?"

"No! You know how protective they are Aunt Rielle, with me being their only child. Dad would insist on coming to the school and do his bullying presentation. And Mom? She wouldn't hesitate to use her vampiric or fae abilities to intimidate anyone, which would just make it worse! You know, 'poor fairy boy needs his mommy to fight his battles'!"

"There is that unfortunate side affect. I've stuck my nose in Kindle's business enough to know that having a parent get involved isn't always the best idea! On the plus side, you're not the only new teen in town, there are quite a few teenagers from Aggie's Corner here now, so your numbers will get evened out. And with your artistic ability, maybe you could join an Art Club, and find kids who will accept you for you, not just the son of a police officer?"

"That's a great idea Aunt Rielle! I was contemplating spending all my non-school hours hiding out in a fairy house and that wasn't a very appealing choice. But, art club? That might just be what I need to fit in  here on my own merit."




Feeling hopeful about helping Noah out with his dilemma, I headed back inside and found the guests milling around, chatting, grabbing last plates of food and having a wonderful time.

But it was getting later and a few of them started thanking us for the party and saying their goodbyes, we might have been on vacation, but many of them had jobs and school the next day.




The crowd was thinning out now, but I wasn't the only one taking photos, as someone snapped this one of Leonard and me chatting.

While my cousin Kirby Gallo and his wife, Noemi, were sharing one last dance together.

By the happy look on Kirby's face, he's already enjoying his new life here in SS immensely!

Mom will love seeing this photo with that big, happy smile.




Another unexpected photo I ended up in was this one, where my blush of embarrassment is mostly hidden, thankfully, by my dark skin, as Uncle Michael, Aunt Winter's husband, asked me for my autograph!

He was so excited, explaining that my racing fame has gone beyond little Aggie's Corner, and that my autograph will be something to share with his new students here in Starlight Shores.

Though my pen trembled as I wrote my name on the paper he gave me, it wasn't just nervous embarrassment causing it, but pride in my accomplishments.

It gave me a small inkling of what those wanting to be in the limelight experience and why the draw of the crowd can be so alluring, as it was quite the rush to think I was famous and sims knew my name in a town full of celebrities!




After that experience, I caught Aunt Winter nearby with such a satisfied look on her face, as she watched Kirby and Noemi dance, that I knew she was very happy they were still so much in love.

Her face reflected so much more than her words, as she told me she had to leave soon too, and thanked me for a wonderful family reunion.

I, too, feel that family and love are much more important than fame and fortune, though both of those do have their perks!




But Aunt Winter's fae wings, in her favorite color, green, of course, are so new that she forgets about them sometimes.

The young boy in this photo is Aunt Winter's grandson, Noel Gallo, who takes after his mother, Noemi, being a vampire, rather than a fairy like his father, Kirby.

Noel politely thanked me for the party, and Aunt Winter's smile showed just how proud she was of her only grandchild, as she extricated her wings from the door so they could all go home.




With all the guests gone and the kitchen back in order, I stepped outside to feel the cool ocean breeze one last time before retiring for the night.

And captured one last photo of Kindle and Trevor watching the stars!

I don't know if it had anything to do with it as these two are a passionate couple, but I wondered if that passion drink Kindle had drank earlier had contributed to her romantic mood!?!




It's been such an amazing trip so far!

Mom was right and our family and friends really needed some help getting settled into their new town.

They were all so appreciative of our efforts that it made breaking the travel rule seem of no consequence, especially since we spent a lot of money rather than earned any, which is the reason for the rule in the first place, so no harm done.

Our first day was filled with helping out family and friends, and our first night was filled with good food, drinks, music, and catching up on everyone's lives, a wonderful family reunion!

But that leaves us four days to enjoy the beautiful sunny weather and see the sights in show biz filled tinsel town!

I'll take lots of photos, of course, and capture all of our favorite parts to share with you.

As I recount it all in Chapter 95: Unexpected Request
Coming soon.

[deedee_828]

In the morning, Kindle and Trevor enjoyed a very early breakfast together, and I heard more than I bargained for!

"Now that we checked on everyone and had that great party, what did you want to do today Kindle?"

Kindle paused a moment and said, "I know mom's planning on spending some time with Aunt Breeze today, but we've got hours before we need to get ready for that. I was thinking….maybe head back to bed for some alone time, make sure we're well rested for the day!"

Trevor laughed and said, "I knew your adventurous nature matched mine my sweet flame, I will eat fast and meet you upstairs!"




You'd think I'd have learned my lesson but I couldn't resist one last peek into their room and got the shock of my life when Trevor said, "So…what are your thoughts on starting a family Kindle? Have them while we're young or wait until we're more established in our careers and financially? I was the baby of my family so no hearing the patter of little feet for me. I'm kind of wondering how that will be!"



 
I waited, with my heart beating wildly in my chest, until Kindle's words stopped my panic.

Sort of.

"As the oldest, I was there when both Karina and Diwan were born and Mom tells me I screamed bloody murder when she went into labor with Karina. But it's not just the pitter patter of little feet Trevor. Once they become children, it's fitting your life around school schedules and holidays, not to mention after school activities, play dates, and slumber parties. Once children are part of the equation, your life isn't the same. So I think it's something we should think about very carefully. Especially if we want to travel. And I'm sure my parents would prefer we were married, or at least engaged!"

"I didn't think of all that! I guess nooboos are so cute and cuddly that it slips your mind that they grow up and your responsibilities increase and your schedule focuses on them even more. I was just thinking about having a sweet little girl that looked like you!"

"Well, after you mentioned it, I was thinking of a boy that's your little clone, so I guess that means at least two children! When we decide the time is right. But that doesn't mean we can't…..practice!"

I fled the hall at that point as there are just some things a mother doesn't want to see or hear!




Later that morning, there was something I was overjoyed to be a part of, and it really showed Trevor's good intentions, but it also meant that he'd really taken Kindle's words to heart.

He called both of us into the room while Kindle was showering, and then he turned to Leonard and pleaded, "Mr. Swanson, I love Kindle with all my heart and soul, and I want to do things the right way this time, so please allow me the privilege of your daughter's hand in marriage!?!"




I was happy for the both of them, but I wasn't sure how Leonard was going to react since Kindle had just become a young adult.

Leonard's first words didn't come as a surprise to me, or to Trevor, I'm sure, as he replied, "Trevor, I'll be honest with you, I was very concerned after learning that your 'friendship' with Kindle started when she was still a young teen. But after learning that you weren't much older than that yourself, and that you rightly kept the relationship on a friendly level, respecting Kindle's wishes to remain loyal to her commitment to Charlie, I've had a little bit of time to get used to the idea of you two as a couple. But, your relationship as a couple is very new, are you sure this isn't too soon to make this kind of commitment?"




Trevor placed a reassuring hand on Leonard's shoulder, and responded quickly, saying, "Mr. Swanson, I was devastated when Kindle told me she never wanted to see me again! The idea of not being part of her world, of us not even being friends, made me realize just how much I care about her. That's why I couldn't just walk away, I needed to show her what we would be missing if we didn't give our feelings a chance to grow, to become the once in a lifetime love that it had the potential to be! When Kindle decided to give our love a chance, I was the happiest guy in the world and I want that feeling, for the both of us, for the rest of our lives! I know there will be sad times, hard times too, but I promise to do my best to whether those times and give Kindle a future filled with love, passion, and happiness!"




"Well, I can't refuse my daughter's hand with such heartfelt words being spoken, Trevor, so yes, I give you my blessing to marry Kindle!" Then Leonard's face sobered as he added, "But I'll expect you to keep those promises Trevor, to me and especially to Kindle! I don't want her heart broken, now or in the future!"

"You've got my word on that, Mr. Swanson! Thank you so much, sir, for accepting my request, you won't regret!"

Leonard searched Trevor's face and then said, "Oh, if we're going to be family, you'd better call me Leonard, 'Mr. Swanson' and 'sir', aren't very conducive to being family or friends!"

At that request, Trevor's demeanor went from pleading to resolute as he said, "It would be an honor, sir, I mean Leonard, to not only call you family, but a friend!"




Leonard showers and dresses and then seeing Kindle for the first time since he gave Trevor his blessing to marry her, can't resist hugging his not-so-young-anymore daughter!

"I love you so much sweetheart! My only wish for you and your future is to have a life filled with love, passion, and happiness!"

Kindle, a bit surprised at this unexpected sentiment from her father as she has no idea where he's coming from, hugs him back and says, "I love you too dad! What's going on?"

Leonard, for once remembering he's not the one that needs to be revealing Trevor's request, responds with, "Um, nothing! Can't your dad just hug you without anything going on?"

"Of course, dad. I just thought there might be something special behind your words…."

Leonard protests so much at this point that I can see Kindle's eyes narrow and the wheels start turning as she thinks about her father's words even more.




I give Leonard a look so he doesn't give anything else away, and then start complaining about being too hot.

It was a distraction, but also true, as though the breeze off the ocean is wonderfully cool, it's not quite cool enough for either of my riding outfits, so I decided to splurge on a new outfit.

I made the mistake of letting Leonard choose it though and it's pretty skimpy compared to the everyday clothes I usually wear!

Pretty much a bathing suit with a fancy cover up!

Leonard also persuaded me to leave my hair down long and loose, showing off the purple tips by having sections across my shoulders, instead of hanging straight down my back.




I'm not so sure it's appropriate for a woman my age, but after seeing the look in Leonard's eyes when I tried it on, I couldn't resist keeping it to wear in Starlight Shores, at least.

And his comment, "Well, well, well, if it isn't the hottest lady in town! And it's even better that she's my wife!", though it had me blushing fiercely, made me sure of my choice!




Then it was time to head down to Delmar Beach and meet my sister, Breeze.

Upon arrival, Kindle took over my camera and snapped a photo of Leonard and I on the beautiful sandy beach with the waves lapping gently on the shore.

Luckily Kindle was too far away to hear Leonard's comment of, "Trevor is full of surprises isn't he? When do you think…"

I turned towards him and murmured, "Stop talking about Trevor or we'll give his plans away. I've messed up enough in Kindle's life without adding that to the list!"




I found Breeze getting her feet wet on the shore and we caught each other up on all our news.

"I'm so sorry we didn't get to catch up last night at the party, but it was such a crush. I'm glad you had some free time to spend with us today. This beach is incredible! Just miles and miles of lovely warm sand! And with your house up their on the bluff, opposite the end our vacation house is on, you'll get to have this beautiful ocean view every day!"

Breeze grinned happily and said, "That was the plan and I'm really glad it worked out! Our house was the last one on the beach shore that was still on the market." Giving me a knowing look Breeze added, "And somehow it seems a down payment had been put down in mine and Barrett's name!"




"I hope you don't mind Mom and I taking that liberty Breeze? After you mentioned moving here and how you and Bianca raved about living on the shore, seeing the ocean every day, Mom and I did some checking and homes overlooking the beach were quite rare, so when we saw this one, we couldn't pass it up!"

"Mind? It was a wonderfully thoughtful gesture and my whole family is thrilled that you managed to hold it for us!"




Breeze and I chatted for awhile after that, then she had to head home and make some calls

Though they loved the beach house, especially it's location, it definitely needed some updating.

"You sure you don't want some help with that Breeze? Mom gave me carte blanche to help everyone that moved here out, and we still have plenty of funds left."

Breeze pulled me in and hugged me tight saying, "You and Mom have already done more than enough for all the families here. I'm going to miss all of you so much little sister!"

"We're going to miss you too! But I promise to call and keep in touch. And we'll stop in to see your house and say goodbye before we go!"

"You better! I know Dean and Ward and their families are here, but brothers aren't quite the same as a sister!"




After Breeze left, I brushed away some tears, thanked Kindle for her photography session and told her she was free to enjoy the beach while I captured more of our memories on film.

I got a nice photo of Trevor snorkeling, though it looked like he was getting a touch too much sun on his fair skin.




And from the boat we rented, I was able to get a really wonderful shot of Leonard windsurfing.




It looked like so much fun that Kindle tried it too and was a natural at it, surfing around with ease.




But the sun was getting hot, and that, combined with all of our swimming and water sports, had us heading for shore in the boat.

We all showered and took afternoon naps before having a quick dinner and getting ready for our first night on the town.

I already had a new outfit, and Leonard insisted it was perfectly acceptable for clubbing, so the other three focused on a new look for our evening out.

I persuaded Leonard to adopt a more traditional look, a pair of light gray slacks paired with a short-sleeve light blue button down shirt.

A look I approved of, though he would have picked something a bit sloppier.

But since I went along with his choice for me, he thought turnabout was fair play.




Trevor opted for a more hip look with a white button down, with the sleeves rolled up, his sunglasses tucked in the vee of his shirt which was left more open.

His jeans, though a heavier material than Leonard's slacks, had so many fashionable tears and rips, that it's a wonder there was enough material to hold them together!

But it suited Trevor's style to a tee and he looked as handsome as some of our greatest TV and movie stars!




Kindle chose this blue wrap with palm trees blowing in the ocean breeze, and she looked stunning in it!

Hard to believe I was the mother of such a gorgeous grown up daughter.




With our new outfits donned, we all headed for Los Sueños Strip, the main street in downtown Starlight Shores.

Wow, the number of clubs was amazing, and the bright lights and music blaring from all of them was quite the contrast to sleepy Aggie's Corner!

I even found several postcards with aerial views for sale around town.




We decided to start with the right side of the street and headed into our first club.

But it was pretty dead with an empty stage and a lone patron, the proprietor, I guess, sitting in a chair reading a book!

Nothing going on there, so we decided to move on.



 
But not before Kindle found a sight that was new to all of us.

A sim spinning around in a metal ball!

Just watching made me feel slightly nauseous, so we moved on to Mick's Master Karaoke.




Where I stepped onto the stage to join a total stranger in a duet!

How did I sound?

Let's just say I won't be quitting my horse racing career any time soon!




The Leonard followed my example and sang a karaoke duet with another local, or maybe he was a wanna-be vocalist.

As the two of them got a much better reaction from the crowd than me and my partner did.

Kindle even cheered Leonard on saying, "Way to go dad! Why have you been hiding that talent all these years!?!"

I smiled at that as Leonard did have a great voice, especially for harmony, but with his memory, he was only getting the lyrics right because they were on the screen!

But on that high note, we ended our evening and headed home for some needed sleep.

We might be in Starlight Shores but we still weren't used to clubbing half the night, especially after a day spent at the beach!




Leonard and I are so pleased that Trevor formally asked us for Kindle's hand in marriage, but we're keeping his request to ourselves.

I might stick my nose in where it doesn't belong most times, but there's no way I'm messing up Trevor's big moment, whenever he chooses to make it.

Though I hope it's sooner rather than later as I'm  just about ready to burst with the secret.

We've been keeping quite busy with our day on the golden sands of Delmar Beach and our night of clubbing.

But next up we'll be checking out the shows in a town filled with aspiring singers, magicians, acrobats, and film stars.

I'll be keeping a close record and noting all the highlights in Chapter 96: Lifetime Wishes and Sightseeing
Coming soon.

[deedee_828]

The morning hours brought a surprising sight.

Trevor working out!

He looked adorable in his new athletic clothes, but I just had to ask, "Why the sudden interest in athletics?"

Through his jumping jacks, he said, "Oh, it's not really sudden, Mrs. Swanson. I'm not really keen on working out but I will need to be limber and controlled for my Acrobatic career."

"Well you're doing good so far." And with a sly grin, I added, "And I'm sure your audience, along with Kindle, will appreciate all the muscles you'll be showing off in that shirt!"

"Oh, I won't be wearing this to perform. It requires the appropriate costume. I picked one out, along with my make-up, earlier this morning. I'm done here, so I'll give you a preview!"




Trevor was right, no way you could see any of his form in that body covering costume, and his make-up covered his entire face too!

He actually looked like a true mime, which is exactly what level 1 of the career was, well, aspiring mime, but he still had the look down pat!




Later that day, Breeze called and told us that there was a Simfest at Verde Park, the first place we'd checked out the day we'd arrived.

She wouldn't explain what it was, just saying it was definitely not something we'd want to miss.

So we all got ready and headed over to see what it was all about.

Turns out a Simfest is a performance showcasing up and coming performers, singers, acrobats, and musicians.

Trevor wasn't a high enough level to enter the show, seeing as he'd became a performer that very morning, but we all watched with bated breathe as the first performer, an acrobat, put on a show filled with dazzling affects.




Even one where he twirled batons sparking with fire, totally living up to his stage name, Flaming Fandino!

It made me nervous for Trevor just watching this as I had no idea being a performer could be dangerous.

But as the batons burned brighter, the crowd just kept cheering the acrobat on!




The next act was a magician who called herself Mindi the Mysterious.

She did a few routine magic tricks with flying doves and the like, which went over well.

Then a mysterious box was rolled out onto the stage…




And she asked for a volunteer from the audience to help her out with her next trick.

But when the volunteer was up on stage, she froze, looking out at the audience like a deer caught in headlights!

This apparently had been the moment Trevor was waiting for to get started on his Lifetime Wish and he went into action, donning his costume and performing for tips right on the spot, acting like he was being carried away by a strong wind!




Needless to say, most of the crowd near Trevor lost interest in the frozen magician's act and had gathered to watch Trevor, as he moved on to the 'mime stuck in an invisible box' performance.

Kindle, noticing the attention was now focused on Trevor, proudly said, "He's my boyfriend! Isn't he cute?"




Whether they thought he was cute or not, some of them were showing their enjoyment for his performance by actually popping tips into his jar!

Something that seemed to stop Trevor in his tracks, though I think he might have just been trying a different tactic to get out of his invisible box!




With Trevor taking a break to regain his energy, Kindle decided to work on her own Lifetime Wish and started chatting with the locals to make more friends.




With her advanced charisma skill, and her friendly attitude, it wasn't long before she'd added several new friends towards her goal.

And then she was down to only needing one!

She stepped towards a newcomer and eagerly began chatting away.




In the meantime, Trevor had regained his energy and started performing for tips again.

This time, he drew an even bigger crowd, though it was harder to see him with darkness descending over the park.

But the crowd was eager for his performance as the stage lights showed that the poor magician and her volunteer were still stuck on the stage, preventing any other acts from showing off their stuff, which made for a pretty lame Simfest, but helped Trevor out tremendously.

He performed as long as he could, and earned over $500 simoleans in tips this time and attained level 2 in his career!

I hadn't realized just how lucrative performing could be, but I guess that's what keeps the entertainment field so full, all those aspiring performers hoping to make it big.

Trevor was pretty tired by then and the rest of us decided to call it a night too.




I headed for Kindle, to tell her we were leaving, and got close enough to hear her conversation.

She was talking about children again, specifically babies!

"My boyfriend, the mime that's been performing for tips here in the park, has already brought up us having children, so I'm guessing he's pretty serious. I'd thought it best to wait until we were more settled in our careers, but now that he's brought it up, the idea of nooboos of our own is quite appealing."

I stood there stunned, wondering if I was ready to have Kindle become a mother, which would make me a grandmother!

Then realized I'd barely gotten used to the idea of her being engaged, well, almost engaged, as Trevor hadn't asked her yet, and now the two of them were already thinking of children!

Slow down please!




But then raised voices brought me out of my reverie as Kindle and her potential friend found out they had an incompatible trait, friendly and mean-spirited being polar opposites.




As I followed Kindle along the park path towards the road, I started to commiserate with her on not making that last friend she needed, but she interrupted me saying, "Oh, that last little disagreement didn't hurt anything Mom, she still became my friend and I'm Super Popular now with 20 friends!"

Before I could congratulate her, she added, "With that accomplished, I can really focus on the next stage of my life!"

I didn't dare ask what that was, as I was afraid I already knew---becoming a mother!




And back at the house, seeing Trevor blow a kiss towards Kindle, my fears solidified.

I know just how irresistible that can be after living with Leonard all these years, so how could I expect Kindle to be immune to that same charm?




Her actions showed that she wasn't immune in the least as she embraced Trevor lovingly.




And then she caressed his cheek, showing that she was totally focused on Trevor, and no one else.




And I found them outside the next morning, watching the sun come up over the beach.

They'd spent the night together out here, under the stars!

Though my motherly concerns had been on high alert, this struck my hopeless romantic heart so poignantly that I knew I had to let them make their own choices about their lives.

Even if it involved me becoming a grandmother before I became an elder!

If becoming parents was what they both wanted, expressing their love for each other by having a child together, there was no way I was voicing any objections to that.




And as I turned and saw Trevor whisper in Kindle's ear, both of them so focused on the moment and each other, I had a feeling my objections would have gone ignored anyway.

These two had connected from the moment they met, and though there had been a few bumps along the way, they'd gotten past that.

Kindle had shown her maturity by making sure other's hearts hadn't become hurt in the process.

Trevor making his feelings clear by asking us for Kindle's hand, and old-fashioned gesture, but one that touched mine and Leonard's hearts, reassuring us that his intentions were honorable.




With my mind more settled than it had been in days, I was really excited when Leonard told me he had a surprised planned that day, one that just included the two of us.

He settled into the cab next to me and said, "Today is just for us! You've worked so hard Rielle, and I want you to relax and just enjoy yourself."




Boy was I surprised when we pulled up to Plumbob Pictures Backlot*** and Leonard told me we had back stage passes!

But the bigger surprise was that he'd also hired a photographer so I could be in our 'date' photos and be free of that worry for the day!

I was so touched by Leonard's thoughtfulness, I pulled him in for a thank you kiss.

And the photographer starting earning his pay by catching a perfect photo of it!




After our inside tour, which was amazing, we were allowed to check out the outdoor sets on the lot, and the photographer explained each one as he snapped photo after photo.

First, the sci-fi rocket into-the-future set, with the medieval castle on the right side.




Then a sweet photo of Leonard and I holding hands at the base of the rocket.




A wide-screen stock photo of the set lined 'street' showed off a variety of homes, ones that could be used over and over again, with a little modification, in many different movies.




And then the photographer said he'd do a photo showing off our romantic natures, if we were willing to participate.

He laughed as he added, "Though you two seem plenty romantic if that kiss I got first thing is anything to go by!"

I was blushing a bit by this time, but wanted to end our time here on a special note, so Leonard and I posed in the yard of a set enclosed by a white picket fence.

Then Leonard showed off his irresistible self by blowing me a kiss and I reacted as I always do, fanning myself and going weak in the knees!

The photographer said Leonard and I had so much chemistry that our 'performance' was better than some actors he knew!

I didn't have the heart to tell him there was no acting involved, it was all about the love Leonard and I had shared since we were teens!




Trevor's just started working on his Lifetime Wish, giving his first performances as a professional acrobat, even if it was just performing for tips at a local park.

He said he's just a beginner, so can hardly be called professional yet, but I reminded him that since he's already earned over $500 simoleans in tips, that makes him a professional!

He just nodded, but I knew by his grin that he was pleased with my logic.

Kindle took advantage of the huge audience at Verde Park and made enough new friends to complete her Lifetime Wish! Such an accomplishment for a new young adult.

And Leonard and I spent the day sightseeing at Plumbob Pictures Backlot, where the photographer Leonard hired took some very nice photos of us.

But with Trevor starting on his Lifetime Wish and Kindle completing hers, I think these two may be serious about starting their own family!

I hope that doesn't happen until after their married, but if it does, we'll deal.

But hopefully their relationship turns out better than the infamous Charlie Ray Buckshot!

Read all about it in Chapter 97: Sordid vs. Romantic
Coming soon.
____________________________________________________________________________________
***Author's note: I changed the lot type for 684 Vista Blvd. from residential to commercial to place the Plumbob Pictures Backlot, as I'd forgotten it originally came with the Late Night EP and the town of Bridgeport. But I felt it also belonged here in 'Tinsel Town' with the performance careers, as Hollywood was all about movies.

[deedee_828]

On our way back to town, after our studio tour and photo ops, we saw the most lavish home we'd ever seen in our lives!

They don't allow photos to be taken, but they do sell postcards of it, professional aerial shots that show off the extensive home and it's grounds.

I eagerly read all the articles I could find on the web after we passed the estate on the road, as this Starlight Shores love triangle made Kindle's relationships look positively pristine by comparison.

Here's what I read on the web!

The Charlie Ray Buckshot estate!

Well, it was! 

Before his wife of 25 years divorced him and got the main house and most of his fortune!

Madeline Buckshot may be a blonde heartbreaker, but she's also one smart cookie, as she also managed to snag the dashing young pool boy with the voice of a star, or so the tabloids shout to all that will buy them!

With Madeline's fortune and connections, there's no stopping Finnegan Sawyer from becoming the star he knows he can be!




And poor Charlie Ray was only left with the pool house and his guitar!

But the 'pool house' is more elaborate than most sims' homes, it even has it's own pool!

Will Charlie Ray every win his Madeline back?

Will Madeline realize that young Finnegan is just a gold digger only using her to further his career and end up young, single, and rich, when Madeline passes on?

My romantic heart held out for Madeline to come to her senses and go back to the man she loved in her youth.

But happy endings are for romance novels or Simmark movies, and it turns out that all the hype was just that, hype!

Because Charlie Ray's not the forgiving type, and he's not only been openly hostile with young Finnegan, but has been caught in many a public argument with Madeline, no love lost there!

But the estate is still beautiful, even if the story behind it is more sordid than romantic.




Leonard ushered me out of the car and told me to forget the Buckshot's as we had more of our day to enjoy.

Breeze had snagged us tickets to a special early premier at the Hoi Poloi Event Center!

Kindle and Trevor were supposed to meet us here for the show but just as we got to the main doors, Leonard got a call.

After a few quick words, Leonard hung up and said, "That was Trevor. He got delayed but he's meeting Kindle just down the street at the Broad Street Tower & Grill. They're planning on grabbing a bite to eat
and he said they'd catch up with as soon as they can!"

"Oh, do you think he's going to ask her tonight!?! Oh, Leonard, how romantic, here in Starlight Shores, a place with bright lights, and night life, just what Kindle's always longed for!"

"I'm not the best judge of feelings, but Trevor sounded really nervous, so I'm guessing tonight's the night!"




I wasn't  there for any of the next part, but Trevor and the reporters helped me out so I had photos and information for my journal.

This is what Trevor told me happened!

Trevor was nervous but not quite as much as he had been before Bruce showed up.

"Thanks for helping me out with this Bruce! I owe you one pal! Now I better get over to the restaurant before Kindle thinks I've bailed on her!"

"Glad I could help you out Trevor. But this town is full of reporters, like the one watching us from across the street, so if you're planning this as an outside event, be prepared for making tabloid headlines!"

"Headlines don't bother me Bruce, in fact, some publicity might just help my career!"




When Trevor found Kindle waiting for him anxiously on the sidewalk outside the restaurant, he quickly apologized and said, "Sorry, I'm late, sweetheart! I ran into your cousin Bruce and I lost track of the time."

"That's okay, but did they say yes?"

Startled at Kindle's question with the question on his own mind, Trevor jumped and said, 'What!?! Did who say yes?"

Kindle laughed and said, "I think you've been spending too much time around my dad, Trev! Did the proprietor of the club say yes to letting you perform?"

"Oh, that. Right. Um, no, turns out that you actually have to live here to perform at a club or participate in a Simfest, it's not allowed for vacationers, not without a special permit and I don't have time to apply for one of those. Aren't you hungry? I'm starving!"

"I could eat, but we're supposed to meet up with my parents."

"Since I was running late, I called your dad and told him we'd catch up with them after we ate."

"Good thinking. It's such a beautiful day, let's eat out here."

"That sounds perfect, darling."




Soon the two of them were munching away on delicious food, and Trevor was surprised to realize he really was hungry!

Kindle chatted away about talking to the town council back in Aggie's Corner to allow a park and additional clubs for performers, so he could actually get some gigs and advance his career.

Trevor ate and nodded to show his agreement with everything she was saying, but his mind wasn't really focused on his career, though he was thinking about his future, their future.




Trevor hadn't expected to be able to eat a bite, let alone a whole bowl of mac 'n' cheese, but soon both of them had finished their delicious meals.

And as soon as the busboy had cleared their table and they were alone, accept, lucky for me, a nosy paparazzi, Trevor caressed Kindle's cheek and said, "I love you so much Kindle! You mean more to me than anything else in my life! I wanted to wait, make this more special, but I just can't!"

Kindle stroked his hand and said, "That's so sweet, Trev, I love you too! But can't wait for what?"




But her eyes flew open wide and she let out a gasp as, instead of answering her, Trevor dropped to one knee and, staring adoringly into her eyes, asked, "Will you marry me Kindle!?!"




Kindle made Trevor the happiest man in Starlight Shores or any other town, when she jumped up and down shouting, "Yes! Yes! Of course, I'll marry you Trev!"

She held out her hand for the ring and Trevor slid it firmly onto her finger, the fit perfect!

"It's so beautiful Trev, how on earth did you find the time to get a ring!?!"

"I had help, that's how! My running into your cousin Bruce wasn't an accident. With all the celebrity weddings in this town there are quite a few jewelers, and Bruce was the one that helped me find the perfect ring. Though nothing compares to your beauty!"




Flinging her arms around Trevor, Kindle said, "I know you're exaggerating, but I'm not complaining! Oh, Trev, I can't believe you proposed! And here in Starlight Shores, so romantic."

Trevor hugged Kindle tightly and said, "I was thinking maybe at sunset down on the shore of Delmar Beach, but I just couldn't wait!"

"This was perfect Trev! A beach could be anywhere, we have one in Aggie's Corner, but here on The Strip, with the bright lights, and hustle and bustle of tinsel town, it reminds me of The Grind, with all the flashing lights, the first time we met, so the perfect place!"

Trevor sighed, and repeated, "Now that you've said 'yes', it is perfect!" 

Then, noticing  a reporter watching them with avid interest, he directed his next words to her, saying, "That's Acrobat Trevor Gallo, G.A.L.L.O. and fiancée,  Kindle Swanson, S.W.A.N.S.O.N. and we're vacationing here from Aggie's Corner. Please send duplicates of all your photos c/o Swanson Farms, as her mother will definitely pay you for them!"

And Trevor was right, I did pay her well for them!

How could I not when it gave me something so special to showcase in my journal?

It's not every day that your eldest daughter gets proposed to and you know I can't resist anything romantic.




Giddy and bubbling over with happiness, the two of them walked down the street to the Hoi Poloi Event Center.

Bruce met them there with their tickets since we were already inside, and he'd told me he would be happy to do so.

Of course, he hadn't spilled the beans about having a hand in Trevor's plans, but he was eager to see if it had gone the way Trevor was hoping.

And seeing both of them so deliriously happy, he said, "We'd better get inside, but congrats you two! I know there's no chance we'll make it back to Aggie's Corner for the wedding, but I'm glad I could help while you were here in town."

"You really came through for us Bruce! And we won't forget it. Thanks for hanging around with our tickets too."

"I'm a sucker for a happy ending and I wanted to congratulate you in person before you head back to Aggie's Corner. I start my new job tomorrow, so this premier is the end of my vacation!"




The premier of the movie was fantastic and we had great seats and seeing Kindle and Trevor's faces was a dead giveaway that he'd asked her and she's said yes.

But our evening wasn't over as the manager came on stage and said, "I'm glad all of you enjoyed the movie, but we have another special show for all of you this evening! If everyone would file out of the theater and through the special event side doors, you'll be given a premier presentation of a star performer!"

Thrilled at being guests for such a special performance, we all hurried to follow the manager's directions and I was lucky enough to get a seat in the front row! Bruce gave me a wink as he walked by, so I knew Breeze had been totally aware of just how special these tickets were.




In the crush of the crowd relocating from the theater to the live performance center, I'd gotten separated from Leonard, Kindle and Trevor, but I held seats next to me for them.

But before they arrived, the performer was center stage and the crowd hushed as he said, "Ladies and gentleman, welcome to my show, I am Marvele The Great! For my first trick I needed a volunteer from the audience, so will everyone give a warm round of applause to the lovely young woman who has been chosen."

I started clapping politely, as did those around me, still frantically looking for the rest of my family.




Then my eyes were riveted on the stage as he added, "Thank you Kindle for agreeing to be my lovely assistant this evening!"

He'd picked Kindle, our Kindle, for his assistant!




And she was participating in the disappearing box trick!

My heart was in my throat as she stepped inside, turned, and faced the audience, as the magician, said, "Please affirm that there is nothing in the box besides yourself Kindle!"

Running her hand down the inside of the box, Kindle replied, "Just wood sides, Your Greatness!", which had laughter ringing out from the audience.

"Your Greatness indeed, lovely lady, I don't think I'd mind that at all! But now on with the show!", and he firmly closed the door, shutting Kindle inside!




With a flash of his hands, sparks and glitter bursting over the box, he shouted, "And our beautiful lady has…."




"Disappeared!"

The door flew open and we all gasped, and I think I heard Trevor and Leonard above the other exclamations around me, as Kindle had not disappeared, but her dress had, and she was standing there in her bathing suit!

Marvele the Great laughed and said, "Oh, seems like I made the wrong thing disappear! Let's try that one more time!"




And when he opened the box again, Kindle was in her normal everyday outfit, the one she wears in Aggie's Corner!

How on earth did he do that!?!

Marvele the Great said, "Looks like the lovely lady wanted to show off her wardrobe!" Kindle giggled as he added, "Thank you Kindle for your assistance, now on with the show!"




Marvele the Great performed trick after amazing trick, mystifying the crowd with his astonishing abilities.

One in particular had the crowd ooohhhing in appreciation!




The show ended with the audience begging for more and clapping and whistling loudly.

I finally spotted Trevor sitting in the front row a short way away from me, and then noticed both Leonard and Kindle as they were standing near the stage, part of those giving the magician a standing ovation!

Kindle was clapping and yelling, "Bravo, bravo!" and by the smile on her face, I knew she was proud to have participated in a show with such a well-known, and talented, celebrity.




The magician looked pretty happy with his own performance and took bow after bow as the audience started heading toward the lobby.

Kindle was the first one of these, maybe as she'd helped with the show they were giving her priority treatment!

But Leonard and Trevor were still mesmerized by the wonderful performance, totally focused on the magician.

Trevor had such a bemused expression on his face, I couldn't help but wonder if he was picturing himself on a stage as the star of the show!?!




But soon we were all back at the house, and Kindle and Trevor confirmed that they were engaged!

Leonard and I told them how happy we were for them and then I grabbed Leonard's hand and pulled him away as I could tell they wanted some alone time, to enjoy being an engaged couple.




I couldn't resist a few more photos, of course, and caught this one as Kindle said, "I thought being your girlfriend was special Trev, but being your fiancée…Oh, I'm so happy I could burst!"

Trevor laughed and said, "I think we've had enough magic shows for one night! Though I wouldn't mind seeing that swim suit again, or maybe some sexy lingerie!"




Kindle placed her hands around Trevor's waist as his cupped her neck and shoulder and they whispered
so softly I couldn't make out the words, but there really wasn't a reason to hear them.

They were lover's words, meant only for each others ears, so I turned away to join Leonard.




My last glimpse of them had my romantic heart doing it's typical flip flop as Kindle jumped into Trevor's arms and he held her tightly, the look on his face one of love and adoration.

Oh yes! No need to doubt that this was one relationship that would be filled with plenty of romance, just like my own!




This day was filled with so many exciting things, but Kindle and Trevor getting engaged topped off the list, it was so romantic!

The bad taste that I had after reading about the Buckshot couple was completely swept away seeing just how much in love Kindle and Trevor are.

A love that stems from a deeper friendship and respect than these tinsel town relationships.

Like the loving relationships my grandparents, my parents, and my dear Leonard and I have.

Love may not be the forever kind in Starlight Shores, but for those with Aggie's Corner roots, it's got a better chance than most.

We've only tonight and tomorrow morning left of our vacation here in Starlight Shores, just a few hours to pack up and say our goodbyes.

Well, that's what I thought anyway!

I'll tell you all about it in Chapter 98: Revealing Dreams and Another Day
Coming soon.

[deedee_828]

If I'd been able to see Kindle's and Trevor's dreams that night, it might have put my mind a little bit more at rest, as their dreams reflected not babies, but all the fun we'd had on our night of clubbing.




To the beautiful sunsets and sunrises we'd seen over Delmar Beach, picture perfect postcard views that were even more breathtaking in person.




With the rest of the night filled with thoughts of each other and being in love.




And of their upcoming wedding, such a special day for every couple, with wedding bells and rings, that would make their love obvious to all, as family and friends gathered to share in their happiness as they spoke their vows to each other.




As morning dawned warm and sunny, their dreams still totally focused on each other.




And of their wedding and becoming husband and wife!




But when I checked our tickets after breakfast, I discovered that our return flight, that I thought was scheduled for noon on Friday, was actually scheduled for midnight!

I wasn't happy with that, but upon checking with the airport, there was no way to schedule an earlier flight, even if we'd been okay with the extra charges, there just weren't any flights with four open seats.

But it did give us another full day for goodbyes and a last night to check out the clubs as the airport shuttle wasn't picking us up until 10 pm.

That's how we all ended up at Breeze's house, eager to see the Rios family's new home, and thank her for our special tickets the previous night.




I'd thought we'd spend most of the time chatting away about everything we'd seen and done that week, but turns out Bruce is almost as much of a romantic as I am, and he'd already spilled the beans about Kindle and Trevor's engagement!

But that didn't stop them from asking Trevor to recount the whole romantic tale, which he did eagerly, his voice giving away just how much in love he is with Kindle, and how scared he was that she might not say, 'yes'!

Though Kindle smiled and protested, saying, "Seriously? After everything we've been through, you thought I might say no?"




Trevor frowned, a pained looking coming over his face as he said, "Well, given that after your birthday you told me you never wanted to see me again, I didn't think it was a sure thing! Who knows what I may have done that would have you changing your mind about us again! But, it's too late now, you've already said, 'yes'!"

Kindle laughed openly and said, "Yes, and with this rock on my finger, no way I'm giving you a chance to back out now!"




Then our conversation turned to how things were going for Breeze, Barrett, their children, and pets, in their new town.

Barrett was thrilled as he told a story showing just how much money was floating around in this high living town, with agents abounding, ready to snatch up eager young talent to ride their coat tails to riches and fame!

And I chatted with Breeze wishing her well in her own career and thanking her for those spectacular premier tickets that had included a special performance in the live event center.

Breeze just grinned and told me that it pays to be on the inside whenever special events are happening in town, adding, "And with me at the Theater/Live Event Center, and Dean at the Stadium/Live Event Center, we've got our bases covered! I have a feeling that our family and friends here in Starlight Shores are going to be seeing a lot of special shows and games with all the promotional tickets they give us!"




Trevor and Kindle said their goodbyes and headed off for some time alone since we had the whole day before us.

As they left, Breeze's parting comment was that with Trevor's good looks, charm, and talent, she bet she'd be seeing his name in the headlines very soon!

Then one of their dogs piddled on the floor and Breeze laughed ruefully, saying, "I'm glad we haven't remodeled the house just yet, it gives us some more time to get that one trained to go outside! But they are loving the beach, so many smells to explore, but just thinking of all that sand they could drag in, I'm shooting for easy clean tile floors instead of the this ugly green linoleum!"

Shooting a glance around, I said, "Yeah, I can see what you mean about the house needing some updating. It's a lovely location and the house has good bones, but it does need some TLC to bring it into this century. I'd said a clean modern look, tile, cool blues…"

Breeze stared at me in shock, and then laughed as she said, "You've been checking out some of Grandma Brooke's home decorating sites haven't you!?!"

I smirked and said, "Of course! Put me in a stable and I'm perfectly at home with horse stalls and hay bales, but an ocean property on the beach, I would be clueless!"




Laughing, we hugged, rather more tightly than usual, as we knew this was probably the last time we'd ever see each other in person.

Of course, we'd call, text, and stay in touch on SimBook and such, but it wouldn't be quite the same as living in the same town.

I said, "You take care of yourself big sister, and keep in touch. Thank you for all you done for us, here, and in Aggie's Corner."

Breeze, a catch in her voice, said, "You take care of yourself too, little sister! I'm going to miss all of you so much, especially you and Mom! You've both done so much for me, for my family, and all of the other ones relocating here. But now we've both got different jobs to do! You need to take care of mom and the family farm, as well as Ben and his family."

"And you've got to watch over Dean and Ward and their families, and do us all proud here, we'll all be keeping our eyes and ears glued to the media, and we expect to hear the Swanson and Rios names a lot!"

On that note, Leonard rushed me out of the house, before I started bawling, and I could hear Breeze breaking down inside as well, with Barrett doing his best to be her rock.

Barrett may not be the nicest sim, but when it comes to his family, he's protected and loved them well.




Leonard brought me back to our vacation house, as I was in no state of mind for any sightseeing after that tearful parting with Breeze.

But Kindle and Trevor had found something to occupy them in town, and took photos for me, of course.

Marvele the Great was giving a special performance for fellow performers, with tips on how to become famous.

"Always keep your audience engaged, leave them on a high note, but wanting more! And build up their anticipation."




"The best tricks are the unexpected, like the disappearing Sim box trick, that's so routine, but you can change it up and make it fresh again by making what disappears different each time! Let me show you!"

He called up a volunteer, this time our cousin Kirby, his deep blue wings unmistakable!



 
Marvele confided, "In my last live performance, I did this same trick, and I do believe my lovely assistant is in the audience, but instead of making her disappear, I made her clothes disappear from what she was wearing to something totally different, twice! Now I could do that again with my new assistant, but a male isn't as stunning to see in a bathing suit!"

As the audience laughed at his words, he gave Kindle an appreciative nod and a grin and added, "So this time I mix it up and go for the more traditional routine."

He motioned for Kirby to step into the box, tell everyone it was just a regular wood box and with a wave of his wand…the door opened and Kirby was gone!




Of course, Marvele brought Kirby back, safe and sound, and though he was giving pointers on how to keep your act fresh, he wasn't actually giving away how is tricks were accomplished, simply saying when asked, "A performers tricks are his trade secrets and lively hood, giving those away, revealing the how, would take away the magic!"




After that, Marvele allowed performers to come forward with private questions, giving each one a few minutes of his precious time.

Trevor was one of the privileged ones to get that honor!

"I'm an aspiring Acrobat, sir, not a Magician, but I was at your show where you made my fiancées clothes change, which was quite a surprise! And I see what you mean about changing it up, making the fairy actually disappear this time, instead of his clothes. I just wanted to ask, "Is there one thing that you feel is a must for every show, no matter your talent or level of performance?"




Marvele called Kirby back over and had him and Trevor stand facing each other.

Then he said, "Don't ever have more than one assistant, as that can steal the show away from you, as all eyes have now focused on you and our fairy! Make yourself the focus, not the assistant or whatever trick your audience is expecting to see! Your lovely fiancée's comment almost had me losing control! When that happens, it's a must to take control back and have your audience focused on you!"

Trevor was awestruck with such sage advice, and said, "Now that's something I will never forget! Thank you so much Marvele, you are truly The Great!"




When Kindle and Trevor got back to the house, they persuaded Leonard and me to go out one last time, so we hit The Strip!

We found a few family members enjoying a night on the town too, so we got to chat and say a few more goodbyes.

Aunt Winter had asked about the highlight of my trip, and I told her all about Leonard getting us backstage passes to Plumbob Pictures Backlot, and how it had been such an incredible day the two of us had been able to spend together.




Kindle spotted a man in a ballcap and got the surprise of her life, when he said in a hushed whisper, "Please don't stare at me Kindle, you'll blow my cover!"

Kindle recognized the voice, if not his appearance and exclaimed, "Oh. My. Goodness. You're my Unc…" And then caught herself just in time before she did give him away!

I didn't blame Kindle as I hadn't recognized Ward either, turns out he'd gotten promoted to Vice and was undercover on a case, nothing he could discuss, then or later.

To us in Aggie's Corner, he'd just been our baby brother, a local officer keeping our town and school safe.

But here in Starlight Shores, he was getting the chance to realize his dream of becoming an International Super Spy!

Later on, safely on the phone, I teased him unmercifully about wearing those shades at night, saying that they'd be a dead give away he was trying to hide his identity!

But Ward laughed and told me that doesn't apply in Starlight Shores, saying, "In Aggie's Corner that would definitely be the case, but with so many actors and performers in this town, shades are pretty much the norm, day or night!"




The Trevor got the opportunity to do something he'd wanted to do since the first time he'd spotted the thing.

Twirl in that spinning metal ball that made me queasy just thinking about it!

Though we'd all learned that it was called a PlasmaPunch Gyroscopic Conductor!

Then I realized his objective, as just before he started to spin, he said, "If I can take this, anything I do as an acrobat should be a piece of cake!"




First it spun him sideways and the look on his face made me wonder if he really could handle it!




Then it held him upside down so all the blood rushed to his head, though sims were blocking my photos!

But he hung on and made it through, with the crowd urging him on!




And he did it! Not only surviving the entire experience without getting sick, but earning some celebrity status with the crowd too!




And lucky for Trevor, instead of having to try it again as many of the bystanders were urging, it was time to head back to our vacation home, grab our bags, and catch our flight home.

The flight was uneventful, and we were all tired after another long day, so we dozed through most of it.

Then there was the flurry of gathering our baggage and the ride across town, arriving home at the crack of dawn, just like we'd left!

Trevor jumped out of the van and was inside the house with most of our bags before the rest of us had barely gotten out of the vehicle.

He sure has the energy and stamina to be a performer, I'll give him that.

As the three of us stood there, Leonard's and Kindle's phones both rang, breaking the silence of the still morning.

I said, "It was fun, seeing everyone and vacationing in Starlight Shores, but it's so good to be home! We can get back into our old routines and relax."

Kindle laughed as she answered hers, and said, "Relax!?! Did you forget I've got a wedding for you to help me plan, mother-of-the bride!?!"

I headed for the house and said, "After all the families we helped get settled into their new homes in Starlight Shores, one little wedding will be a bre…cinch!"

Leonard caught my slip and knew I was already missing my sister something fierce, so he distracted Kindle with, "Let's get inside and you can share your big news with your grandmother, Karina, and Diwan! I'm sure everyone will want to help with your plans!"




We ended up getting to spend another full day in Starlight Shores, giving us more time for goodbyes.

As well as being able to participate in a few more activities, as Trevor got some excellent career advice from Marvele the Great and had a successful turn in the Sphere of Nauseousness, um, I mean the PlasmaPunch Gyroscopic Conductor!

But now we're back home in lovely, quiet, Aggie's Corner, though it won't be quiet for long as we're planning Kindle and Trevor's wedding!

Well, I thought that's what I'd be planning, but other events came first.

Karina and Diwan's prom and Trevor auditioning at the new venues in town, which were natural enough.

But other occurrences were not, which led to an even bigger decision.

I'll tell you all about it Chapter 99: Events: Natural and Unnatural!
Coming soon.