The Loveland Random Town Jump

[Trip]

The elderly dogs lying down to eat is so cute/sad (the latter for sure once my own childhood dog started getting old and doing that) If Diana actually dates a Pelly then the in-law drama will be wild. And thanks for the double-update again!

[Beks]

The elderly dogs lying down to eat is so cute/sad (the latter for sure once my own childhood dog started getting old and doing that) If Diana actually dates a Pelly then the in-law drama will be wild. And thanks for the double-update again!

I know my family's dog just turned 10 and this is all making me paranoid. I think he's got plenty of time left, but it makes having dogs in this game a little less fun in a way. Makes me worry.

I've actually got another chapter lined up for today...yay triple-update!

[Beks]

Chapter 12 - Hangman's Tree

Benjamin throws his first campaign fundraiser soon thereafter. This party isn't very notable, except for a few things:

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

1. Jay Schrenkengast is back, and he stands in the exact same spot as last time, and he does the smustle for hours on end, exactly like last time.

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

2. Sparkles Sanchez, one of the party dancers from Benjamin's bachelor party, comes back as an ordinary guest--and openly flirts with the man of the hour. Benjamin displays his maturity and shifted priorities by turning her down flat--but not before squeezing a hefty compaign donation out of her.

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

3. Gracie puts Diana to bed with a story in her adult-themed bedroom. I don't like that knowing look in Diana's eyes. It's like she's saying "I don't need you to explain, Mom. I understand everything that goes on in here."

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

4. The Bird sisters (including the redheaded Alouette, who both flirted with and slapped Benjamin the last time we saw her) stick around long after the party ends and do the smustle until approximately three in the morning.

Gracie (on the stairs): "I'm so tired of this party. I'm going to bed."

Benjamin: "Just think about the donations, love."

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

Benjamin's fundraising pays off. He's promoted to Mayor the very next day. Just a couple more promotions...just a couple more...

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

And now, it's time to get back to Felicity. After such a rough prom last chapter, she is long overdue for some success in the romance department. She does a little preening before arranging to meet Francisco out in town.

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

"Hey Francisco, will you meet me at the Hangman's Tree? Yeah, the place where spurned romantic interests get revenge on the boys who ignore them at school dances? Great, see you soon."

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

Francisco: "You wanted to hang me? I mean, hang out with me?"

Felicity: "Something like that. I just wanted to know why you didn't talk to me at prom. Or dance with me. Or anything."

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

Francisco: "Oh, I didn't realize you cared so much about prom. Besides, it's not like we're official or anything."

Felicity: "I'm a Snob! Of course I care about prom!"

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

"And no, we're not officially dating, because you keep running off before I get a chance to ask you!"

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

Francisco: "Whoa, I...I didn't know this meant so much to you."

Felicity: "What do you think I've been trying to say this whole time?! I want to be with you!"

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

Francisco: "Look, I'm...you know me, I'm not exactly a Hopeless Romantic! I'm not good at these things! I'm much better at breaking hearts than...um...whatever the opposite of that is."

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

Felicity: "Wow. You sound just like my parents. BEFORE they grew up and became decent people."

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

At that, Francisco takes off once again. I sort of don't blame him. Maybe I should stop having Felicity confront him when she's having a mood swing. I don't know if I've ever had so much trouble getting two sims to date--two sims who so clearly belong together. (Or is it just me? Am I delusional?)

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

Also, I'm starting to think that Hangman's Tree is actually not a good-omen-y place to have romantic conversations. This could partially be because there's been a cop car parked at the foot of the hill for the entire game thus far--lights flashing, nobody in the front seat, creepy as all heck. And this time around, there's an ice cream truck to boot. Did the ice cream truck pull over the cop car, or what?

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

Felicity stays on the hilltop for a while to cool off (and get some homework done).

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

After that failure of a confrontation, Felicity decides to take a new tack. She's going to lay low for a while and just focus on her music. (With much angst and turmoil.) Hopefully, Francisco will come around when he's ready. Maybe both of these kids need to grow up a little before plunging into romance.

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

To end this rather tense chapter (there've been a lot of those, haven't there? yikes), here's a picture of Benjamin playing chase with Ralston at the beach. *deeeeep breath*

[deedee_828]

I think Felicity and Francisco finally getting together is something to hope for, especially to get some of those wonderful Fox genes into the family.

Coincidentally, my Appaloosa Plains, which was the 7th town in my TJ game, features both Dakota Fox and the Pelly family, in chapters 113 to 120, though Imogen's daughter Miriam appears a bit before that.

Sparks flew between my Marcy and Imogen too, as she had Dakota break up with Imogen who was expecting Dakota's child but wouldn't commit to marrying him.

Dakota Fox and Miriam Pelly married family spares in my game, with Dakota's toddler daughter, Helena, inheriting his wonderful hair color!

[Beks]

I think Felicity and Francisco finally getting together is something to hope for, especially to get some of those wonderful Fox genes into the family.

Coincidentally, my Appaloosa Plains, which was the 7th town in my TJ game, features both Dakota Fox and the Pelly family, in chapters 113 to 120, though Imogen's daughter Miriam appears a bit before that.

Sparks flew between my Marcy and Imogen too, as she had Dakota break up with Imogen who was expecting Dakota's child but wouldn't commit to marrying him.

Dakota Fox and Miriam Pelly married family spares in my game, with Dakota's toddler daughter, Helena, inheriting his wonderful hair color!

I'm glad you're a fan of Felicity and Francisco! And yes, I'm so excited to see how the Fox genes come out in future generations. Maybe Francisco carries his mother's hair color in his genetic back pocket...but I'm trying not to get my hopes up for that. They're just a beautiful family in general so I'll be happy regardless.

Sounds like the Pelly family just causes drama wherever they go!

[Beks]

Chapter 13 - Into the Fox Den

Remember when I said Felicity was going to lay low for a while and let things cool down between her and Francisco? Yeah, I lied. I mean, I was telling the truth at the time...but the game just keeps forcing things along, even when I try to halt them! A couple days after the hilltop fight, Felicity makes a new friend at school. Guess who it is? It's Monika Fox, Francisco's little sister!

Felicity wants to go hang out with Monika after school, because of course she does. Off she goes to the home of the Fox family, which is replete with animals of various species and...modesty levels.

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

Felicity: "Gross. Ignoring you..."

Monika is freshly teenagered and cute as a button, but not only that--she's also really, really sweet to Felicity. (Probably because she's Good.)

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

Monika: "Felicity, before we go inside, I wanted to tell you something. It's about Francisco."

Felicity: "What, is he mad at me or something?"

Monika: "Oh, no! Quite the opposite. He feels terrible about that fight you guys had. He's always been a bit weird--Evil and Insane, you know--but he's also always had a thing for you. I think he's just scared, more than anything else."

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

"How do you know this?"

"I'm his sister. I've kept an eye on him since I was little. Sometimes he goes on these evil-villain-type rants that are full of nonsense, but if you read between the lines, you can figure out what he's actually feeling. And I can tell, he's sad these days."

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

"Wow. I've heard some of those rants before, but I never thought to read between the lines. That's brilliant! Will you teach me sometime?"

"Oh, honey, there is SO MUCH I could teach you."

Felicity feels more confident in talking to Francisco after this, but first, she decides to get a second perspective from Dakota.

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

She doesn't manage to do it out of Francisco's vision, though. As we will see, the Foxes have a shared habit of spying on each other.

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

"Hey Dakota, long time no chat! How are things with you?"

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

"Oh, they're great! Thanks for asking! Actually, I have a new girlfriend--her name's Hayley Pelly. I think she's in your grade. Do you know her?"

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

Felicity: "......"

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

"I...I might have had a class with her once. And I actually really need to go to the bathroom all of a sudden. So uh, bye!"

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

All this time, Francisco is watching through the window. He certainly looks glum. A little jealous, perhaps?

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

After learning the disturbing news from Dakota (which I swear I am not making up), Felicity heads inside and finds Francisco waiting for her.

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

Felicity: "Well. This is awkward."
Francisco: "Indeed."

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

Felicity: "Look, Francisco...I'm sorry. About all the drama and about yelling at you so much. I just really care about you, and I want us to be together. But if you don't want that...well, all you have to do is tell me."

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

Francisco: "Hold it right there. I'm the one who should be sorry. As much as my entire nature goes against it...I apologize. I really care about you too, Lissy. You're pretty much the only thing in this world I care about. I've just been scared to let our relationship move forward. Hayley was Mean-Spirited, so we could just be jerks together, and it was easy and meaningless. But with you...you actually care about me. Which doesn't make any sense, by the way."

"I know."

(Detail of note: DAKOTA CREEPING THROUGH THE WINDOW)

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

Francisco: "In fact, this is all so overwhelming that I need to act like a puppy for a sec."

Felicity: "I'll wait."

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

And she does. Maybe I should have named her Patience instead of Felicity.

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

Once he gets his wiggles out, Francisco moves in and (autonomously) kisses Felicity for real. Dakota walks in just in time to see it happen. See?! Nothing in this house is private!

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

Afterwards, the rest of the family comes in and basically attacks Felicity with social interactions. It's like they all try really hard to welcome her to the family all at once. She makes goofy faces with Francisco's dad, exchanges pleasantries with his mom, and even gives their dog, Shep, a good scratch on the head.

Before she leaves, Felicity makes sure that she and Francisco are on the same page at last.

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

"So. Do you want to be my real, actual boyfriend, or what?"

"Yeah, I guess so."

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

Halle-freaking-lujah.

The drama isn't quite over, though.

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

Dakota: "Say, Felicity. Have I ever told you how becoming I find your face?"

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

Felicity: "Dude! I've been officially dating your brother for thirty seconds! And you're dating his ex! What's your problem?!"

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

Dakota: "Never mind, never mind. I was just...testing your loyalty. You have my blessing."

I don't know if Dakota caught the whole "you're dating your brother's ex" part. Maybe he's just in denial? Somehow I suspect Francisco failed to mention that tiny detail.

And with that, our feisty lovebirds are FINALLY TOGETHER. How long has it taken? Like five chapters?? Thanks for bearing with me. I knew it needed to happen. I'm glad we're finally there.

[Beks]

Chapter 14 - Cat Burglar

[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

It won't be too long before the Lovelands make their first jump to the next town. But until then, everyone is doing their best to enjoy the peace and pleasures that Appaloosa Plains has to offer.

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

With her future spouse nabbed and the end of high school nearing, Felicity can finally relax a little bit. She gets herself a new outfit that accidentally matches the entire house and feels much better about life.

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

On the weekends, Felicity and her dad often hit the town together. Benjamin works on making friends towards his Lifetime Wish (and occasionally takes breaks to read) while Felicity practices guitar and hopefully earns a few tips from the locals.

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

Diana does her homework, practices baking, and plays with the dog every chance she gets.

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

Both Ralston's and Babycakes' age bars are filling up quickly. In these last days, the Lovelands hardly ever stop brushing and cuddling the pets. I don't even have to tell them to give the animals the attention they need. It's like everyone knows their days are numbered.

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

Diana and Felicity are good friends now that they're old enough to interact. Felicity spares no harsh reality about teen life when Diana asks for advice.

Diana: "Is high school hard, Felicity?"
Felicity: "Yep."
Diana: "Cool! I can't wait!"

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

One night, around two a.m., the Lovelands have a visitor. (The burglar music still scares me to this day, even more than the ghost music.)

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

But don't worry! Babycakes is here to save the day!

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

Babycakes: "I'm getting out of here before this turns into a whole thing."

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

Benjamin isn't far behind. His Brave trait carries him right down the stairs and into the path of the burglar.

Benjamin: "Greetings. Nice of you to show up at this watcher-forsaken hour."

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

The burglar takes him down without a second's hesitation.

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

And she soundly defeats him. Honestly, I expected better from the dashing Benjamin Schmidt!

The burglar attempts to make her exit, but she doesn't quite get there.

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

Benjamin: "Say, young lady! Excuse me! Now that we're acquainted, maybe we could become friends! I just need two more before I complete my Lifetime Wish, you see..."

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

The interactions these two can have are extremely limited, and the burglar shuts down Benjamin's attempts to show her funny videos. She warms right up to the cat videos, though. No wonder Babycakes wanted to get out of the way. This burglar has a soft spot for the cute and cuddly!

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

As soon as they're friends, Benjamin and the burglar part ways, never to meet again. This was purely a business transaction, and the Loveland side totally came out on top. (Aside from, you know, getting beaten up.)

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

The very next day, Benjamin gets another promotion. As Governor, he only has two more promotions to go before maxing the political career.

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

He also completes his LTW after work in the park, just by telling a couple jokes to this random townie lady. Congrats, Benjamin!

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

Gracie is still far from achieving her LTW (as in, we're still pretty poor), but she DOES max the gardening skill around the same time. She's a level seven or eight in the gardening career as well.

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

Goals before the move to the next town: (1) Get the family funds up to $50,000 or more; (2) See Benjamin max his career. Since career funds are trickling in so slowly, Benjamin and Gracie collect heavily on the side. On Benjamin's next day off, he spends most of the day out picking up gems and metals (aided by his shiny new Collection Helper).

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

Felicity is also doing her best to help pad the family bank account, but it's more difficult than expected. You'd think that following an ice cream truck around would help bring in extra tips, but actually, the ice cream truck just drives away whenever Felicity gets close. I'm not sure about Felicity, but I would feel deeply offended by this.

[Beks]

Chapter 15 - Sad & Spicy

[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

Diana celebrates her teen birthday just after achieving an A in school.

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

Not that that's any surprise. Nobody does their homework autonomously like Diana Loveland does her homework autonomously.

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

Ta-da! Both Loveland girls aged up into those pigtails. Diana's gone full country with a pair of overalls as well. (Which I let her keep, because they're adorable on her.)

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

This particular birthday is far and away the most civilized of Sim celebrations I have ever witnessed. Everyone takes a piece of cake, sits down in the living room, and chats amiably like an actual, functioning family. It's so incredible that I take about nineteen screenshots of it from various angles.

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

Here's the teenage Diana. She's so pretty! Diana gains the Perceptive trait. As she's also Friendly and a Daredevil, she's shaping up to be perfect law enforcement / private investigator material.

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

The joy of the birthday doesn't last long. That night, Grim comes for Babycakes.

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

Babycakes was a sweet and valued member of the Loveland family. She went from disliking everyone (especially Gracie) to loving everyone, and perhaps most importantly, she became Ralston's constant companion.

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

She will be missed by all. Rest in peace, Babycakes.

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

Gracie is, of course, absolutely torn up by the death of her cat. Before she had Benjamin, Gracie only had Babycakes to keep her company. She can hardly function over the next few days, constantly stopping to mourn.

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

But I don't know if anyone is more at a loss than Ralston. Even if the two animals weren't the best of friends, they interacted almost nonstop and kept each other company while the humans were at work and school. As the lone remaining pet, Ralston is...well...alone a lot now. She autonomously sleeps right next to Babycakes' urn on the first night. I like to think she's guarding the cat's journey to her next life.

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

Babycakes is buried in the backyard near Ralston's dog house. (Sort of behind it, though, so it's not actually in this picture.)

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

Benjamin spends all his spare time with his beloved dog. (And I spend all my spare time taking screenshots of them.)

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

But it's not all doom and gloom around here. Diana pops a wish to learn the drums, and like her sister, she's a natural. (Ralston doesn't seem to think so. She's a very easygoing dog, but Diana's drumming is the one thing that makes her uncomfortable.)

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

And when the girls both pop wishes to jam with each other, a Loveland band is born. They actually sound really good together, even if I can't get them to set up their instruments in a visually appealing formation to save my life.

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

While they're at it, Felicity and Diana become BFFs. Here's to many years of jamming yet to come!

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

Felicity and Francisco are legitimately dating now. Things are still a bit tense between them at times--autonomous arguments do happen, but the flirting is always close behind. Francisco is definitely trying to be a gentleman and slowly learning to treat his partner with respect. Slowly. But surely. I think.

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

Benjamin's elder birthday comes around all too soon. He enjoys one final dinner with his two lookalike daughters before he loses the Schmidt hair color forever.

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

*sigh* Take one last look at that beautiful face...

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

"Benny...? What are you doing?"
"Getting old, sweetheart."
"Right. I'll be in the garden."

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

AGGHHH! Okay, some Sims age well, and Benjamin is not one of them. Sorry, buddy. The loss of the muscle mass is bad enough, but the loss of the BEARD is pretty much a crime. (Side note: I have no memory of Cheyenne Fox being on the front porch for this photo. What did I tell you? The Foxes love to spy!)

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

I need a distraction from that terrifying transformation. Gracie planted some rare seeds a few days ago that turned out to be ghost chilis. What happens when a Sim eats a raw ghost chili? Do they turn into a ghost? I save the game just in case, and then I give it a try.

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

Woooow.

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

Poor Gracie. She's just been traumatized by the death of her cat and the elder-ification of her husband, and now I've gone and traumatized her a third time with the hottest pepper in Sim land. Sorry, girl. I am glad you're not dead.

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

It's almost time for the picturesque, perfectly coordinated Felicity (look at her with her key lime pie!) to take over as heir. Will she remain so coordinated as a young adult? You'll find out very soon!

[Beks]

Chapter 16 - A Big Day

[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

It's a big day today. Benjamin get his second-to-last promotion after a long, hard week.

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

The Loveland sisters go off to their last shared day of high school. It's Felicity's birthday, and big plans are stewing in her mind for the evening. (Specifically, she pops a wish to "throw a formal party". I've never seen that wish before. I'm not even sure what counts as a formal party. But hey, we'll give it a shot!)

After her last day of school, Felicity calls her friends and acquaintances and invites them to her birthday bash.

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

"And make sure you dress up. I won't let you in the house if you show up in anything less than couture."

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

While Felicity gets ready for the party and Gracie whips up some of her famous key lime pie for the guests, Benjamin plays with Ralston in the backyard.

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

Ralston is due for a visit from Grim any day now, and in all my fear of losing her, I take about a million screenshots of her playing and enjoying life.

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

*restrained sob*

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

The party guests arrive, surprisingly, before Felicity gets into her formal dress. And who is THAT redheaded fellow?!

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

"You're Felicity, I presume? Nice to meet you. I'm the newest eligible teen bachelor of Appaloosa Plains. If it's not too late, I'd like to submit my application for Second Generation Spouse."

Yeah, wow. I've never seen this kid before, but it's clear who his mama is. Only Alouette Bird has that flaming orangey-red hair. Upon further research, I discover that this guy's father is a member of a certain pudding-faced invasive species, so he's not really eligible after all. Not that it matters. We've got Francisco Fox and we are NOT turning back now!

Diana, of course, is free to flirt with whomever she likes.

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

"Wade Marshall! So great to see you! Come eat key lime pie with me!"

Our smiley Diana is as smiley as ever. And I don't know if it's her Friendly trait or what, but somehow she's best friends with most of the teens in this town right now.

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

Francisco: *YAWN* "I can't believe I came all the way up the street just for my girlfriend's birthday party. I'd rather be in bed."

What a Couch Potato. Also, he'd better watch out--that t-shirt doesn't look very formal to me.

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

Before everyone's attention gets diverted by dancing or food, Felicity opts to blow out her candles as early as possible. (That's Cyriaque Bedlington next to Gracie. He turned out okay-looking, didn't he?)

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

Vice President Benjamin joins the fray in his dashing suit.

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

We can imagine that she's disco-ing. *sigh* I'll never forget that moment from her toddlerhood...

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

Wow, what a glow-up! Felicity has always been pretty, but something really comes together about her appearance as a young adult. Into CAS she goes.

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

Yep, she's gorgeous. I don't know what it was, but she had a continual look of angst or something on her face as a teen. Now she looks calmer, more mature, and just...better. I also think she resembles her mother more than I previously thought. Anyway, Felicity rolls the Schmoozer trait--not my favorite, but not the worst. Maybe it'll come in handy. Her other traits, as a reminder, are Virtuoso, Clumsy, Green Thumb, and Snob. She chooses her career and Lifetime Wish together, deciding she wants to become a Hit Movie Composer.

With a new rockin' bod and a new formal gown to show off, Felicity gets back to the party.

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

Francisco: "Huh. My girlfriend has blossomed into a true woman in the last five minutes, and is probably coming over to Schmooze me. BORING." *yawn*

I'm just going to assume he's really tired.

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

This is when the party starts to get a little weird. As Francisco leaves (I presume to go home and take a nap), a wild palomino comes barging through the front yard. I mean, it's not THAT weird--this is Appaloosa Plains, after all. And if Francisco was a horse, he'd probably look like that. Except he wouldn't be running if he could help it.

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

Francisco leaves the door open, and a cat wanders in--specifically, Mozart Miller. I don't even know where the Millers live. Nearby, I presume? Anyway, Mozart strolls right in, fleas bouncing off his fur, and starts tearing apart one of the decorative tables in the foyer.

Benjamin: "Do you think we should do something? Maybe shut this party down early?"

Gracie: "It's only a cat...this party has been going fine otherwise, right?"

Wrong.

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

Shawnee Fox: "Ahh, Felicity! The young girl my son has fallen for has become a woman. Now, I see what he sees in you. My, my."

End the party! End the party right now!

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

After the guests leave, one last visitor makes an appearance.

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

Babycakes tiptoes inside and goes right to sleep in her favorite napping spot--the bathroom counter. <3

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

The next day is graduation day. *sniff* Look at our girl, all grown up!

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

The ceremony lasts absolutely forever, as usual. Felicity wins Valedictorian and is voted Most Likely to Become a Rock Star. You know, on second thought, maybe she SHOULD be a rock star. She's got the arrogance down pat.

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

Gracie: "So many people...small space...such germs..."

Felicity: "Don't worry, Mom. Your body has probably built up immunity to all the Appaloosa Plains germs by now. Just wait till we get to a new town!"

Real encouraging, Felicity.

[Beks]

Chapter 17 - Everything Is Not Fine

[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

Francisco happens to have the same birthday as Felicity, so the next time we see him, he's a tall, glorious man. In tight pants. Hel-lo!

Felicity: "I didn't expect you to be taller than me."
Francisco: "I'm sad to say, it's just the ground."

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

As soon as they meet at the probably-not-good-luck-so-why-did-I-bring-them-here landmark Hangman's Tree, Francisco and Felicity start making out. Like, within three seconds. They just can't keep their hands off each other. Okay, guys, hold up! Take a breath!

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

Felicity: "But first, a picture!" *snap*

Yes, document this moment, Felicity...it's going to be a memorable one.

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

"So, Francisco...I asked you to come here because--"
"Keep talking, babe. Just don't turn around."
"Why?"
"Cause...the light is hitting you so nicely?"
"Awwww. Thanks!"

Yes, that is Hayley Pelly over there. No, I did not plan this. Yes, we are going to pretend she doesn't exist.

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

Felicity: "Anyway, Francisco, I wanted to ask you--"
Francisco: "What are you doing down there in the dirt?! Your poor dirty knees!"

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

"Let me just--oops."

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

"You okay there?"
"Got it."

I do love Clumsy sims.

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

"Francisco Fox, I've loved you for as long as I've known you. Will you marry me?"

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

"Oh, Felicity."
"Wh-What?"

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

"You're so cute. Askin' me to marry you! Haha, what a thought!"
"But--"

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

"Hey, don't stress about it, babe. I'm not really feeling it right now. Because I'm craaaazy! Ha ha!"

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

Francisco! How could you! Poor Felicity is heartbroken, and thus, she pours out her sadness onto Francisco's shoulder. And comes up with the only possible solution.

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

"Well...if you won't marry me...will you at least move in with me?"
"Oh, like be your roommate? Totally!"

So...that happens. When Francisco turns Felicity down, I get a notification: "Felicity has learned that Francisco is Insane." I mean, yeah? I'm aware? I just wasn't aware of Insane sims being unable to accept proposals. As difficult as Francisco has been about the whole commitment thing, I did NOT expect this!

But anyway, he's part of the family now, at least in some way. Francisco moves into the household and gets a bit of a makeover. He's had this new hairstyle in-game for a while now, and I think it suits him fine, but looking back, I'm starting to wonder if I should have kept the old lion's mane. Maybe I'll bring it back in the future.

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

Francisco's traits: Insane, Evil, Couch Potato, Easily Impressed, and Adventurous. He likes Roots music, Grilled Salmon, and Lime (like Felicity). His Lifetime Wish is an unusual one--Alchemy Artisan, for which he will need to make and use 50 elixirs. And for right now, he's in the...political career?!

We'll deal with that at some point. Another fun fact: Francisco has a pickup truck in his inventory upon moving in, identical to Benjamin's. I have to check to make sure he didn't steal it somehow. Don't worry. He didn't. (And later I realize that it's a different color anyway.)

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

For right now, Felicity needs to recover from her (hopefully temporary) heartbreak. So she does what her mother taught her--she goes upstairs to make a drink.

"This is fine. I am fine. Everything is fine."

The Lovelands just don't have the best luck when it comes to getting engaged, do they? At least this time, a meteor didn't come hurtling out of the sky and smite anyone.

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

In any case, Francisco settles into the household just fine. The other family members seem to like him well enough.

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

The question is, is Francisco fine? It really is hard to get a read on this guy. Where's his sister Monika when you need her? (She has all the secrets for understanding him. I do not.)

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

We've still got a few days left here in Appaloosa Plains--I want these two to get married, somehow, in some way, sometime, and Benjamin needs to max his career. In the meantime, Felicity goes ahead and gets her first job as a musician. Hopefully she can move up a level or two before the move, and have a head start in the next town.

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

I'm not entirely sure what to do with Francisco career-wise for now, but it's clear he's going to have to do some alchemy at some point. He gets started by reading up on alchemy at the library (wearing his rather sexy scuba-like workout gear).

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

Felicity gets some guitar practice in--and collects a lot of tips after an elderly townie passes away in front of the theatre. Grim himself drops a few coins in her guitar case. Those had better be worth something in life, Grim, not just in death!

Everybody in the family is out and about, for the most part--it's a sunny Saturday, and there's skilling to be done, money to be made, appliances to upgrade.

Which I guess is why I completely miss Grim's visit to the Loveland house.

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

Grim was literally downtown two seconds ago, dropping coins in Felicity's guitar case. Now he's here. In our house. And there's an urn on the floor. Oh, no. Oh no no no no no.

It's Ralston. She passed away of old age and I didn't even see it happen. Apparently, the game doesn't think that a pet death is worthy of a camera jump, at least not this time. And since I'm off lot at the time of death, I don't even hear the music.

DEAR EA, I THINK THE DEATH OF A BELOVED DOG IS WORTHY OF A CAMERA JUMP. SINCERELY, ME.

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

Even Benjamin, the only one home, doesn't witness it, because he's been locked in upgrading appliances all day. When he finally finishes improving the meal quality of the stove, the death of his dog hits him like a truck.

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

RIP, Ralston. I'm so sorry you died alone. Please know that you were so, so loved.

[Beks]

Chapter 18 - Going Back For Seconds

[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

"So, Francisco, my young lad. A little bird told me that a certain someone turned down a proposal from a certain someone else recently."
"What?"
"I'm talking about you and Felicity. Is it true that she proposed and you said no?"

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

"I don't want to talk about this. I have to go...um...Search for Evil Doings."

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

That's exactly what he does. Yes, he walks away from an important conversation with his supposed-to-be father-in-law in order to stargaze. In the middle of the day. My avoidance sensors are tingling like crazy.

Francisco won't get away this time, though. The slightly superstitious part of me still thinks Hangman's Tree is buggy and causes relationship struggles. A logical belief? Not at all! A tempting one? You betcha!

So, what's the solution? To try again in a new location, of course!

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

Felicity and Francisco go next door to the beautiful pasture where Felicity's parents got married years ago. It has to be good luck to try there. It has to be!

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

"Why on earth are you getting down on the ground AGAIN? I can't imagine why you would do such a thing!"
"Let's try this again, babe. Clearly you weren't feeling well the other day. For the second time--will you marry me?"

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

GAH! Francisco, come on!

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

"Seriously, Francisco??"

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

"You know what, that's it. I'm done trying with you. I love you, but you're the worst. I've bared my heart to you too many times! It's YOUR turn to put some effort in for once!"

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

"If you ever decide you want to take this relationship seriously, it's up to you. Until then, consider us CASUALLY DATING."

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

"I thought that's what this was all along."

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

Part of me wonders if I'm trying to make something happen that just isn't meant to be. But then I turn around and THIS is happening, so clearly, Francisco has some sort of attachment, even if Felicity is too fed up to let him show it.

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

But then he goes for the heat-of-the-moment kiss, and she's like, "Oh, okay!" and kisses him right back.

This goes on for a few minutes before Francisco decides to head home.

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

"WHAT JUST HAPPENED?"

I'm asking the same thing, girl. I am asking the same thing.

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

Thankfully, Felicity's first shift at the theatre starts in an hour, so she has a distraction from her frustratingly noncommittal boyfriend.

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

I spend some time mulling this all over while Felicity is at work. Francisco does a lot of mulling, too. As in, he sits in this chair for hours on end and does nothing but stare at the wall.

In the end, I realize that what's happening here is very simple. It's clear that Felicity and Francisco have strong feelings for each other--even though they argue and disagree, they're passionate lovers, and they're still best friends as well. Felicity has shown since early teenhood that she's only interested in Francisco. The problem lies with Francisco himself--namely, that he's Evil. He revels in the suffering of others. Apparently, that includes the love of his life, at times.

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

A solution doesn't fall out of the sky for Francisco. But he does see an ad in the paper for a kitten up for adoption.

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

How do you heal your girlfriend's broken heart? You give her a kitten. It's a proven method.

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

This is Obi. (I've been watching a lot of Star Wars lately. Don't @ me.) See his teeny weeny mustache??

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

"Hey Lissy...it's me. I know you're at work, but--please make sure to come right home when you're done. I have something to show you."

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

Felicity gets home fairly late. In the meantime, Francisco has tidied up and rearranged Babycakes's old things and filled the food dish and cleaned the litterbox.

"Francisco, what--what is that?!"

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

"This is my apology. I know I've been really weird about things lately, and I'm sorry. So...I got you a kitten. His name's Obi. It...it seemed like a good idea at the time. I know you weren't very close to Babycakes, but--"

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

"That's actually really sweet of you, babe. Apology accepted...for now. Does my mom know you got us a new cat?"

I'm not sure she does. Gracie looks on the verge of tears over there.

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

Obi is a rather sheepish little thing, but he starts to find his way around and get comfortable over the next few days. Felicity does seem to adore him.

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

And look! He's only a third of the size of his food bowl!

[deedee_828]

Poor Felicity! The relationship between her and Francisco has been a definite uphill struggle. I had the same issues with my TJ game Insane Sims, both of them refused their live-in partners marriage proposal. But...having the Insane sim propose worked out fine! Even minutes later! Go figure! I guess Insane sims want to be the dominant partner! I did have to change a few last names though, as my Insane sims were both family spares and took their husband's last names. Good luck to Felicity, if she decides to persevere with Francisco who's both Insane and Evil! Honestly, I find those types of sims the most fun to play! But I don't know if I've had a sim be both.

[Beks]

Poor Felicity! The relationship between her and Francisco has been a definite uphill struggle. I had the same issues with my TJ game Insane Sims, both of them refused their live-in partners marriage proposal. But...having the Insane sim propose worked out fine! Even minutes later! Go figure! I guess Insane sims want to be the dominant partner! I did have to change a few last names though, as my Insane sims were both family spares and took their husband's last names. Good luck to Felicity, if she decides to persevere with Francisco who's both Insane and Evil! Honestly, I find those types of sims the most fun to play! But I don't know if I've had a sim be both.

It's good to know I'm not the only one experiencing this issue with Insane sims. Yeah, Francisco is a piece of work--he might be the first Insane, Evil Sim I've played, actually. I've played plenty of Insane sims and a few memorable Evil ones, but never one that's both. It's a challenge, but at least I'm never bored!

[Beks]

Chapter 19 - Love in the Cretaceous

[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

I feel like I've been saying this for the past several chapters, but...it's almost time to move to the next town. Like, really almost this time.

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

Francisco doesn't have a career yet and won't until after the move, but he's already progressing quickly in the alchemy skill.

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

He's also starting to stockpile elixirs to use on people. He has to use 50 of them. I have a feeling I'm going to forget about this until he's an old man, and then he'll have to go on an elixir-throwing spree before he dies or something. Just a hunch. In any case, we should probably get started.

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

So we're starting early. This is Jasmine Parrott, one of Francisco's leftover romantic interests from high school. (I wasn't aware he had any until he moved in. The little player.)

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

"What was that for?!"
"I'm a grown man now, with an adult girlfriend. You are a child. Also, I think you're ugly."
"Gah! I hate you so much all of a sudden!"
"Likewise. Now please leave."

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

The pets of the past show up pretty often. Ralston has her first haunting and spends the night snoozing in her old dog house.

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

And the NEW pet is settling in nicely. Obi really, really likes the TV. I wonder what goes on in his brain as he's hearing that maniacal Sims 2 laughter.

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

Gracie, in case you were wondering, is in love with the new kitty. She still misses Babycakes, but Obi has brought her a lot of comfort and joy.

It's been a couple days since the disaster in the pasture (missed chapter title opportunity right there). Francisco has continued to mull, and Felicity has continued to recover. Things are still a little tense between them, but that's nothing new.

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

"Lissy, would you like to go on a date this afternoon? I really want things to go back to normal between us."

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

"That sounds nice, Francisco. Thank you."

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

"THIS is normal?!"
"Not exactly, no."

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

"And why are you kneeling down? What does this mean?? I cannot imagine what could possibly be happening here!"

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

"...And what's that in your pocket?!"
"Calm down, Lissy. I have a speech all prepared and you're distracting me!"

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

"Felicity Loveland, I'm a bad guy. I'm Evil, I'm Insane, and I have a thing for making your life difficult. But underneath it all, I love you, and I do want to spend the rest of my life with you. If only to watch you suffer on a daily basis. Wait, that wasn't part of the speech. Anyway, will you marry me?"

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

"Oh, Francisco! I thought you'd never ask! Like truly, I assumed you never would, which is why I asked! But yes! Of course, I'll marry you!"

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

"See, that wasn't so hard, was it?"
"Actually it was the hardest thing I've ever had to do. You haven't suffered in almost ten minutes. It's killing me."
"Now we just have to do the wedding part."
"Yeah, and I was thinking..."

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

"You want to get married right now, in front of this gigantic T-Rex? Okay!"

For a Snob, Felicity is surprisingly chill sometimes. And for an Adventurous Sim, Francisco is...well, pretty darn predictable.

Francisco and Felicity say their vows right there, having brought their formal clothes along in Francisco's truck (Felicity had to put her foot down SOMEhow).

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

"Felicity, I vow to be as kind to you as my nature will allow, and to love you more than anything, because I do not love anything else."

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

"Francisco, I vow to love you for a thousand years, and forgive your wrongdoings a thousand times a day, because that is how often you will need forgiving."

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

Awww. How romantic!

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

Honestly, this might be my favorite wedding location ever. The abandoned tourist attraction vibe is real and awesome. Like, can I get married here, please?

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

Since Francisco had to do the proposing (Felicity and I are both still bitter about that), their last name is Fox upon marrying. As much as I love the sound of Felicity Fox (I might steal it if I ever need a secret identity), I send them both to City Hall that night to change their names back to Loveland.

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

The newlyweds spend their wedding night in the bedroom they may or may not share with Diana. Fortunately, Diana is off at prom tonight, so there's no risk of interruption.

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

Yep, in spite of my doubts, these two are meant to be together. Felicity would never make this face for anybody else.

[Beks]

Chapter 20 - The Last Night

[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

While her sister is off getting engaged and then married in the presence of a dinosaur, Diana goes to prom.

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

She has a lovely time, is voted Prom Queen, and gets a romantic interest in the form of Teddy Bird-Pinkerton (son of Oriole Bird and Gavin Pinkerton). It's too bad she's leaving town soon and can't pursue a relationship, but she doesn't seem particularly interested in Teddy anyway. Maybe in the next town she'll find love for real.

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

Little Obi meets the ghost of his predecessor for the first time. Babycakes gives him a sniff and pretty much seems uninterested beyond that. The afterlife must be full of more enticing distractions. You know, catnip and such.

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

Felicity works on her cooking skill in preparation for the move. Gracie has cooked almost every meal for the family these past many years, and someone needs to be ready to take over for her one day. Felicity might have been the wrong choice. She burns just about everything she makes, even at level 5.

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

Francisco is preparing for the move by stocking up on alchemy ingredients. Look who's still running the elixir shop! It's Gussie Bell, the first heart that a young Gracie tried and failed to break.

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

I think we should get Francisco a bee box after the move, not only so we have honey on hand, but also to see him interact with bees in a bathing suit as often as possible. Thus far, he hasn't been stung, but it has to happen eventually, right?

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

Benjamin reaches the top of the political career and becomes Leader of the Free World. He was so close to not making that last promotion, I almost had a meltdown. But he made it! Just barely! He immediately wishes to retire. I don't blame ya, buddy.

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

Gracie finally achieves her Lifetime Wish of Swimming in Cash with one last harvest from her money tree. I wasn't sure if we'd get to 50,000 simoleons before moving. Maybe we'll be able to afford a decent house in the next town now!

And with that, we've made it. Everything I wanted to achieve is done, and it's finally time to move to a new town and start the second generation of the Loveland RTJ!

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

But first, we need to throw a bonfire party and say goodbye to all our friends.

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

Diana's upbeatness never fails to make me laugh. I think she's secretly Excitable, and also a closet Party Animal. Why else would she get so excited about hot dogs?

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

Lots of friends come out for the bonfire--most of the Foxes, the Marshalls, some of the girls' friends from school. And...who's that pregnant lady plotting to make the fire explode over there??

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

Ah, of course. It's Hayley Pelly.

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

"Glad you could make it, Pelly. I like your...pajamas? Is that what those are? Cuuute."

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

"Shut it, Felicity! I heard about you and Francisco getting married. In case you haven't noticed, I've been busy in the romance department myself. Dakota and I are going to have a baby, and you and I are going to be sisters-in-law. So you'd better get off your high horse and start treating me right!"

"Whoa. I am so glad I'm moving to a new town tomorrow."

I am too, although I really would have loved to see how Dakota and Hayley's baby turned out...in any case, I guess it's a good thing Hayley can't fight in her condition, because she and Felicity spend half the party yelling at each other.

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

Gracie's elder birthday hits her out of nowhere in the middle of the evening's events. I had no idea it was happening tonight, but I guess it's good she has lots of people to celebrate her.

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

Gracie: *dramatic sigh*

Aww, don't worry, sweetie. I can already tell you're going to be the cutest elder I ever did see.

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

All in all, it's a pretty fun party. The guests don't leave until daybreak, and they clog most of the toilets and break most of the sinks on their way out, but I'm glad we got to say goodbye to everyone. Our last night in Appaloosa Plains is a good, outdoorsy, truly country one.

In the morning, the family wraps up some odds and ends, packs the most important furniture (except the fully upgraded appliances, all of which I forget and leave behind...GAH), and says farewell to the house and garden.

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

*sniff* "I'm going to miss my little weeds and onions so much!"

Yeah, it's a shame we can't bring Gracie's plants along. She's got some perfect flame fruits just coming in. Fortunately, we do have one money tree seed that the tree so kindly dropped for us. One seed! I swear, in past games, they've dropped like four at a time for me.

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

I don't realize until I'm about to start the move that it's actually Diana's birthday today. Well...perfect! We get to have one more little celebration in this beautiful house.

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

Benjamin, can you, like, not stand so close to your daughter while she's trying to age up? Thanks.

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

Our beautiful Diana gets the Disciplined trait, to add on to her Friendly, Virtuoso, Daredevil, and Perceptive traits. This girl is born to be a Renaissance Sim and max multiple skills! She locks in that Lifetime Wish and designs some snazzy new outfits for herself.

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

One last thing: Felicity checks the mailbox. There's a postcard there with an invitation to start anew in a town far away.

"Please be Bridgeport, please be Bridgeport, please be Bridgeport..."

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

"Hmmm. Not what I expected, but...I think I see a bright future there for us."

A bright and sunny one, perhaps?

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

The Lovelands are off to the second town of the Random Town Jump. Where are they headed? You'll just have to wait and see!

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

Farewell, Appaloosa Plains.