@ElleLaAmour Thank you very much! You are so sweet!❤️ I would definitely put myself in the simmer who loves to write category.🙂
Seriously, I have to concur with @ElleLaAmour. You show great talent at writing. Use this as the tool to hone your craft. It's said a writer must write about 10,000 pages in order to hone said craft. I'm so thankful for the invention of the word processor/computer. I got so good at bouncing the crumpled type-written garbage I was producing off of the wall and into the wastepaper basked.
The Caldwell's could be another good household for drama. It's so odd that as, dare I say, cute as pufferfish look they can be so deadly.🤔 Congrats to Simone and Michael for surviving dinner! I usually only get to type something like that after a big family get together, like at Thanksgiving.
Aww, Jacob is adorable!❤️ That contraption is scary. I would want my doctor to reassure me but the look on the doctor's isn't exactly what I would call reassuring.🙂 The look on your sim self's face says it all, 'Oh goody, this is just the first of many times I'm going to be wide awake at 3a.m.'🤣
That is so sad and remembering that could easily take all the fun out of playing even a new version of the family. On a positive note, I love your diner/bowling alley! That looks wonderful!🙂 I vote for 'The Spot'. I like names for venues that embrace the nicknames people that go there frequently might have for it. I could see the kids calling it that.
Thank you so much for the encouraging words! I try to have fun with the process of storytelling but at the same time push myself to get better. I've always loved creativity, I just didn't know that I had any in me until I started doing SimLit. Now I know I do and it's an absolute joy to see where it goes next.😁
I had planned to release Part Two in just a few hours from now. There's been a change of plans however...I'm releasing it tonight! It's ready to go and I would have released in about 8 hours anyway. In this one plans are made for the escape and Anna finds what she needs. Anna also gets her first small look at technology.
I had planned to release Part Two in just a few hours from now. There's been a change of plans however...I'm releasing it tonight! It's ready to go and I would have released in about 8 hours anyway. In this one plans are made for the escape and Anna finds what she needs. Anna also gets her first small look at technology.
I had planned to release Part Two in just a few hours from now. There's been a change of plans however...I'm releasing it tonight! It's ready to go and I would have released in about 8 hours anyway. In this one plans are made for the escape and Anna finds what she needs. Anna also gets her first small look at technology.
It's a bit long, so I apologize in advance.🙂
It's a very quick read though. Engrossing.
I love to hear that.❤️ I worry about chapter length and reading your comment allows me to breathe easier.
Charlie Strachan wanted to meet his other set of biological grandparents, so he and his mother Meg went over to Willow Creek late at night. Charlie kept an eye out for his estranged biological father Roderick.
His grandparents are deceased. Meg assures him this is only a small inconvenience.
@GalacticGal - Right?! They even have different skin tones and eye colours too (one is more on the redder side)....think they might be fraternal twins!
The most common twins are fraternal, even if they are the same gender. Normally, they don't look any more alike than any other siblings, in fact. I was blown away to discover that Mary Kate & Ashley Olsen are fraternal twins.
O_O Wow. I would have lost that bet. And to keep things on-topic, albiet without pics...
After finishing the Derrick-Becca story, I haven’t been able to back to some of my larger saves like the Royal Pleasants or even the Chloe-Rebecca legacy line. Last night I saw an updated Sims 2-in-Sims-4 save and decided to explore it. I began, as per tradition, with the Brokes.
We open on Brandi Broke, who is poor, widowed, and (little does she know) pregnant. Her son Dustin is failing in school, and now with her husband gone she’s going to have to go back to work. She goes back not out of resignation, though, but out of determination. She’s a great cook, and she knows if she works at it she can not only take care of her boys, but create a better life for them than they ever had. She’d never had to take her own potential seriously before, but now she must. The birth of little Skip Jr made that all the more important.
Dustin is at something of a crossroads. He’s always been a bit of a delinquent, acting out to get the attention of a father who was always working and a mother more focused on her little boy Beau. Now, with bills piling up, he has to step into his father’s workboots. He has a weekend job in construction, but a school project turned him onto programming, and he’s been exploring that and becoming quickly interested in IT in general. Of course, he still has his diversions during the week - -dating both Angela and Lilith without the other knowing, and fishing when he’s not being made to do homework by his mother.
@Armika74 Congatulations to Elliot and Holly. Welcome Adam @Vancanuckfan86 Seems the Caldwells are 2 peas in a pod. Must be interesting working together, I wonder if its possible if they can become work rivals. @GalacticGal I understand, though who knows how Jamison might’ve behaved with his sisters. @Brd709 Woah 10 kids? Congrats to your sims child 10th child. @SmellinCoffee Very cool idea of building the diner over a fallout shelter. I wish there was more mid century modern items, I think they’d fit well in your build. @GoddessByline Ooof avoid the outdoors. As least you can enjoy the winter in game. @DaniRose2143 Agreed, it wasn’t long
Princess Roddy Furystrykar headed over to Prescott Square in Copperdale. Once there, he had a leisurely bike ride to the old shack:
He arrived at the shack and looked for frogs in the nearby well:
Princess Roddy then rode into town:
Where he took a photo of one of the pieces of machinery left over from the town's mining days:
The princess headed back to Dianthus Hall.
Weeding and reading!
Princess Roddy got back from Copperdale. He tended to his mushrooms:
And Sophia read a book:
It was a riveting read!
Sims 4 Family: Benjamin, Shine, Princess Roddy, Sophia and Hamish Furystrykar and Shelly Heart. Princess Roddy is my avatar, and he's a boy!
Sometimes you have to make your own fun when a Sim has no connections or special goals so I gave her an acting career and went to find someone.
Gunner was one of the few game-created NPC townies that I didn't change. Though I gave him a different hairdo. Shame he wasn't attracted to Evie.
Then Evie got beamed up by a UFO, but didn't get pregnant.
It's not that she doesn't have other friends she's got Isabelle Baldwin (The Sims 2) and Lillian Hale (W.I.T.C.H.).
Ever heard of the song, "Isn't it sad to belong to someone else when you finally find true love?" Well, Evie found a boyfriend Gabriel Green (The Sims 2) just as her time limit was up and I have to rotate to someone else. When it's Gabriel and his roomie's turn, I'll continue the relationship.
Alien abductions only impregnant males. Aw hopefully Evie can continue her relationship with Gabriel once its his turn
An update on Local Color😁
All’s been going for well for Connie. She’s been performing well and was promoted. She’s patiently waiting for a nomination.
Ben moved in shortly after they started dating. It wasn’t long before he proposed to her. She said yes. 😁 Aeri was happy for her. Even her mother Senna appeared that night, she shared the news. Ben started working on his logic skill. He got a bit too comfortable standing outside during a thunderstorm, he was given a good reminder to stop pushing his luck. Lots of things were happening in the household. It was Aeri’s birthday. She’s becoming an elder It wasn't the only exciting thing happening that day. Connie and Ben found out they are expecting! Connie baked the cake, and Aeri was ready to blow the candles. Aeri waited no time in retiring from her job. Now she can enjoy her free times doing some puzzles with Connie.
Connie was still able to work, she was glad the directors had no issues with her character showing.
Didn’t realize that she had scenes where she would be dancing. Connie pushed through them. This was her “Ooh shouldn’t have done that” face Shortly after the performance, she felt the baby coming. Connie rushed to the hospital with Ben. She gave birth to a healthy baby girl😁 Welcome Natalie Aeri held her grand daughter Ben immediately doted on Natalie. Once she started napping, Aeri took a seat on the rocking chair. She reminisced of the time Connie was brought home when she a baby. Didn’t realize that Connie never got out of her smock. She did puzzles in it. She was even ready to get back to work. Hold your horses there Connie! You just had a baby
Teasers for the next chapter. Chapter 11: Damion's Revenge: Day 1
This should be both teasers in one post. I put the first half in the spoiler. Thought it would be worth sharing it here since all I need to do is write the next chapter.
I just had a Sim spend the day at GeekCon, entering both the Ultimate Gaming Test and the Hackathon. I didn't remember seeing any notification about the Hackathon results and was confused. Eventually I checked my notifications and something *had* popped up. Apparently Celeste Michaelson won with 72%... of course my Sim got 71% ugh. So much for mastering the programming skill... *sigh*
I was able to get a few of the really tricky screenshots done. I used T.O.O.L. to place a car off lot for a few shots of the escape. I was able to use the rotate function to angle it like it was turning, but when I tried to switch the axis to make it look like it was up on two wheels it wouldn't rotate. I guess rotating objects off the lot only works on the horizontal axis. There's always imagination.😁 This chapter will probably have fewer screenshots than normal. There are a lot of scenes and dialogue that happen inside the 'getaway car' that won't have shots to go along with it.😔 I have two fight scenes to shoot and I'll be done.
Yikes, the bullies are awful! I can totally understand why Tony would hate summer. And wow, Theo is advanced for a three-year-old! His eyes are such an amazing blue!
Actually, you may not remember my Masterson story. I originally got to generation 3 (i.e., the grandchildren of my original couple) but the HSY update messed up everyone's ages. So I restarted. It's been quite fun! A lot of it is the same, but some parts are different.
Thank you so much for the comment! Yeah, Kassie and Tristan are quite mean Theo is very smart, Tony should listen more to him, hehe.
I think I do remember your family! It was quite a while, of course, but I remember I loved reading your posts Since my story is also sort of a restart, I can agree, restarting stories is very fun!
Aww. I feel so bad for Tony, but you can see he has two very loving parents. He's been mistreated for so long he's built up his defenses and it's going to be so heartwarming to see him realize he can let them down. It's going to be so much fun to see him blossom!
Thank you so much for commenting on my story Yup, things have been quite rough for Tony in the past, which is why sometimes he acts very defensive. He always feels like he should be on guard, but in case. But as soon as he realises no one is planning on hurting him, he'll come around
P.1154 Wow those kids are horrible! Theo’s adorable and smart for a 3 yr old🥰 Oh no Tony, don’t yell at him 😓 Glad Tony was able to enjoy the day with the Mitchells.
Thank you for commenting on my story! Yup, Theo is a little smartie. Tony didn't mean it, he just felt hurt Maybe one day he'll apologise.
Hey everyone University exams are attacking me heavily and I don't have much time to play, but I got through the entire summer. The Mitchells are doing better than ever!
More under the cut:
Tony's relationship with Graham is not as close and his relationship with Allyson, but they're getting there.
Graham got Tony a bike - something Tony never even dreamed of having.
"W-woah... That's for me?"
"All yours!"
"Wanna try it out?"
"Oh I- I don't know how to ride a bike..."
Tony was veeery hesitant at first.
"This is a bad idea, this is a bad idea, this is a bad idea!"
"Relax, you'll do great!"
"But what if I fall?"
"That's alright, it's all part of the training!"
"Phew... okay, Tony, you can do this..."
Sure, it took a few falls.
But eventually, with Graham's exceptional golden retriever vibes support, Tony got the hang of things.
"I think I'm doing it!"
"Wooo, you're nearly a pro!"
"I knew you could do it, Tony!"
"Y-yeah..."
A much needed confidence boost for Tony.
With Allyson, everything is even more top notch.
They spend a lot of time in the backyard playing basketball and other sports.
"Okay, here goes nothing..."
Score! With just a little bit of confidence, Tony seems to be able to accomplish anything thrown his way.
He's still always looking for reassurance though.
"Was that good?"
"Ack- that tickles!"
"That wasn't good, that was a-ma-zing!"
"Ah- wait no-"
"I'm too old for that!"
Tony might say so, but secretly he hopes he'll never be too old to be hugged. Allyson hugs him every day.
"Oh look, Alicia, your mom is torturing your big brother again..."
"Naaah, you can't be too old for a hug!"
"If I get hugged every time I score I'll have to become a pro at this," Tony giggled, and Allyson gave him a puzzled look.
"I didn't hug you for the score, I hugged you because you're you."
"...Oh."
As for the youngest member of the family (besides Gordon, of course!), Tony got a bit braver around her too.
"Hey, Al..."
As soon as Tony realised there are no baby restrictions, he began getting closer to Alicia every day. They love giggling and playing together and Alicia especially loved chewing on his fingers.
Probably because those teeth finally came out! And a bit of hair.
Tony still won't call Alicia his sister and Allyson with Graham his mom and dad, but little does he know, he's already a brother and son to them.
"Alright, who's up for a water balloon fight!"
Every day, the Mitchells do something fun.
Tony went to places he never thought he'd be able to visit - the zoo (they all agreed that the animals should be freed and they will never visit this place again), the cinema (best place ever number two), even the theatre with Graham (best place ever number one).
But the days they spent having fun in the backyard - those were Tony's absolute favourites.
"Ugh, Graham!"
Graham is a pro at water balloon fights.
"Ohh, why did I ever wear my favourite top to this, I keep forgetting you're actually good at this..."
"Look out!"
Tony shielded Allyson from another balloon without a second thought.
"Gotcha again! That's two in a row!"
"You get him from the front, I get him from the back?"
"Oh yeah."
They decided to get a rematch in scrabble.
Graham was always pretty bad at it.
Except Allyson wasn't much better at it as well.
"Well this is confusing..."
"This is sooo easy."
Tony beat them both easily.
When summer was nearly over, the Mitchells decided to build a treehouse fort.
"Okay, boys, don't forget, measuring is key here, we don't want this whole thing to fall apart..."
"Do those steps look comfortable enough? We could bring them closer together if you want."
"They look good!"
"Alrighty, lets screw-drive 'em up then... What's next on the list, Tony?"
"Oh, this thing... Whatever it is..."
Alicia was also there, lying on her little playmat.
"Ehhh..."
For Tony, the treehouse was the best thing he did with the Mitchells.
Not only Graham and Allyson put aside their work to build a super cool fort for him, they also involved him in the project.
They asked him what he wants. They listened.
Tony got tired eventually and headed to the swings, and that was okay too.
He loved that he could join in and leave whenever he wanted. Do what he wants, not what he's told.
"Hey Tony! Wanna test out the sliding pole?"
"No, no, Allyson, dear, you are not using our child as a test subject..."
"Coming!"
"How is it?"
"Awesomeee!"
Checking out the bell...
By night time, the treehouse was finally done.
Tony loved it. He loved watching the starts on warm summer nights.
He loved staring down on Del Sol Valley and imagining his little hideout isn't a part of it.
He felt safe here. And free.
Eventually, summer came to an end.
They celebrated the last day with a treehouse picnic.
"Look, there's my school! I can see my school from up here!"
"Ready for long boring months of studying?" Graham chuckled.
"Readier than ever," Tony laughed, suddenly realising he has never felt happier in his life.
He's been living with the Mitchells for over a month now.
Made his way into their life, on their family pictures - even on those "special" ones that Graham kept on his desk.
Tony stopped questioning when will the Mitchells give him away. He was still afraid to say it out loud, he felt that it he would, he'd find out he was wrong, but deep inside Tony knew: he's home.
And this is his family.
"Okay, children, lets see how much you forgot during your summer break through a nice small test!"
"Unnngh..."
"This is torture!"
Summer passed, autumn came. The first day of school began quite fine. Tony didn't mind tests - learning always came naturally to him.
Suddenly, a quiet knock on the classroom door was heard. Mr. Wilson smiled.
"Oh, forgot to tell you! We have a new student this year!"
"Come in, Lucas!"
Kassie, Tristan and the rest of the class quickly shoved their tests away, but Tony didn't pay attention: he could care less about another classmate. Whoever it was, he'd either start teasing Tony with the rest of the kids, either would ignore him like another nerdy loser, so why even care?
"Everyone, this is Lucas," mr. Wilson smiled at the new kid.
"Hey," the new kid smiled at the class. Hey.
Hey.
Just a chill, very confident "hey". Nothing more. But something made Tony immediately look up.
"Huh. He looks cool."
"He looks... cute..."
The children muttered and whispered to each other, eagerly looking at the new boy. Tony stared. Just stared.
And his fingers began running up and down on his knees like they always did when he got nervous. But this... This was a special kind of nervous.
The one that made him all tingly on the inside and hot on the outside.
"Oh no," Tony whispered. "Oh no, no, no..."
Maybe he's getting it all wrong. Maybe this - this is the okay kind of nervous. The normal kind. Maybe he's just shy. He's just shy, that's all...
"So what are your interests, Lucas? C'mon, tell a bit about yourself!"
"Well uh... I like acting?"
He. Liked. Acting. Just like Tony did. Another ticklish swirl of butterflies raised in his stomach and he slowly sank into his seat, feeling his face as red as that ketchup Allyson put on his grilled sandwiches every day. And just like that, Tony knew - he's done for. He is absolutely done for. This is the end.
Because when he looked at Lucas, it wasn't the word "cool" that came to mind. It wasn't "chill". It was "cute". And that, Tony knew for a fact, was the reason why every single family left him behind. No matter how hard he tried, he slipped. He messed up. Boys shouldn't like boys - he knew that very well, but he just couldn't help it. He was wrong. He tried to hide it, he really did, but the grownups always found out. They always did, always got rid of him - this family won't be any different. Tony knew: his happy days were over.
To be continued...
@Koteyka I kept wondering about what was different about Tony and why families got rid of him. Now I’m angry at the families that got rid of him.
I also still get the feeling that something is about to happen with Tony and his new family, but I know it’s not going to be what be what Tony thinks. The other 2 kids… there might be something more dramatic that is yet to happen.
Comments
Seriously, I have to concur with @ElleLaAmour. You show great talent at writing. Use this as the tool to hone your craft. It's said a writer must write about 10,000 pages in order to hone said craft. I'm so thankful for the invention of the word processor/computer. I got so good at bouncing the crumpled type-written garbage I was producing off of the wall and into the wastepaper basked.
http://www.getfreeebooks.com/star-trek-original-series-fan-fiction-trilogy/
@Armika74
@vancanuckfan86
@Brd709
@Smellincoffee
@GalacticGal
It's a bit long, so I apologize in advance.🙂
Scheme & Dreams: Chapter Six, Pt.2
It's a very quick read though. Engrossing.
I love to hear that.❤️ I worry about chapter length and reading your comment allows me to breathe easier.
His grandparents are deceased. Meg assures him this is only a small inconvenience.
What could possibly go wrong?
More here
O_O Wow. I would have lost that bet. And to keep things on-topic, albiet without pics...
After finishing the Derrick-Becca story, I haven’t been able to back to some of my larger saves like the Royal Pleasants or even the Chloe-Rebecca legacy line. Last night I saw an updated Sims 2-in-Sims-4 save and decided to explore it. I began, as per tradition, with the Brokes.
We open on Brandi Broke, who is poor, widowed, and (little does she know) pregnant. Her son Dustin is failing in school, and now with her husband gone she’s going to have to go back to work. She goes back not out of resignation, though, but out of determination. She’s a great cook, and she knows if she works at it she can not only take care of her boys, but create a better life for them than they ever had. She’d never had to take her own potential seriously before, but now she must. The birth of little Skip Jr made that all the more important.
Dustin is at something of a crossroads. He’s always been a bit of a delinquent, acting out to get the attention of a father who was always working and a mother more focused on her little boy Beau. Now, with bills piling up, he has to step into his father’s workboots. He has a weekend job in construction, but a school project turned him onto programming, and he’s been exploring that and becoming quickly interested in IT in general. Of course, he still has his diversions during the week - -dating both Angela and Lilith without the other knowing, and fishing when he’s not being made to do homework by his mother.
@Vancanuckfan86 Seems the Caldwells are 2 peas in a pod. Must be interesting working together, I wonder if its possible if they can become work rivals.
@GalacticGal I understand, though who knows how Jamison might’ve behaved with his sisters.
@Brd709 Woah 10 kids? Congrats to your sims child 10th child.
@SmellinCoffee Very cool idea of building the diner over a fallout shelter. I wish there was more mid century modern items, I think they’d fit well in your build.
@GoddessByline Ooof avoid the outdoors. As least you can enjoy the winter in game.
@DaniRose2143 Agreed, it wasn’t long
He arrived at the shack and looked for frogs in the nearby well:
Princess Roddy then rode into town:
Where he took a photo of one of the pieces of machinery left over from the town's mining days:
The princess headed back to Dianthus Hall.
And Sophia read a book:
It was a riveting read!
Sometimes you have to make your own fun when a Sim has no connections or special goals so I gave her an acting career and went to find someone.
Gunner was one of the few game-created NPC townies that I didn't change. Though I gave him a different hairdo. Shame he wasn't attracted to Evie.
Then Evie got beamed up by a UFO, but didn't get pregnant.
It's not that she doesn't have other friends she's got Isabelle Baldwin (The Sims 2) and Lillian Hale (W.I.T.C.H.).
Ever heard of the song, "Isn't it sad to belong to someone else when you finally find true love?" Well, Evie found a boyfriend Gabriel Green (The Sims 2) just as her time limit was up and I have to rotate to someone else. When it's Gabriel and his roomie's turn, I'll continue the relationship.
An update on Local Color😁
All’s been going for well for Connie. She’s been performing well and was promoted. She’s patiently waiting for a nomination.
Connie was still able to work, she was glad the directors had no issues with her character showing.
And welcome Natalie!
http://www.getfreeebooks.com/star-trek-original-series-fan-fiction-trilogy/
This should be both teasers in one post. I put the first half in the spoiler. Thought it would be worth sharing it here since all I need to do is write the next chapter.
That happened! Also, have you loaded a new save and seen the new Caliente family? Dina might be ok but Nina and Katrina are just weird looking
A little teaser of what's to come...
I’ve only seen photos/screenshots of their new looks, not in-game yet. But Katrina looks kinda ugly now NGL.
Thank you so much for the comment!
I think I do remember your family! It was quite a while, of course, but I remember I loved reading your posts
@DaniRose2143
Thank you so much for commenting on my story
@Ellupelluellu
Thank you for commenting
@BlueSeaWaves
Thank you for commenting on my story!
Hey everyone
More under the cut:
Graham got Tony a bike - something Tony never even dreamed of having.
"W-woah... That's for me?"
"All yours!"
"Wanna try it out?"
"Oh I- I don't know how to ride a bike..."
Tony was veeery hesitant at first.
"This is a bad idea, this is a bad idea, this is a bad idea!"
"Relax, you'll do great!"
"But what if I fall?"
"That's alright, it's all part of the training!"
"Phew... okay, Tony, you can do this..."
Sure, it took a few falls.
But eventually, with Graham's exceptional golden retriever vibes support, Tony got the hang of things.
"I think I'm doing it!"
"Wooo, you're nearly a pro!"
"I knew you could do it, Tony!"
"Y-yeah..."
A much needed confidence boost for Tony.
With Allyson, everything is even more top notch.
They spend a lot of time in the backyard playing basketball and other sports.
"Okay, here goes nothing..."
Score! With just a little bit of confidence, Tony seems to be able to accomplish anything thrown his way.
He's still always looking for reassurance though.
"Was that good?"
"Ack- that tickles!"
"That wasn't good, that was a-ma-zing!"
"Ah- wait no-"
"I'm too old for that!"
Tony might say so, but secretly he hopes he'll never be too old to be hugged. Allyson hugs him every day.
"Oh look, Alicia, your mom is torturing your big brother again..."
"Naaah, you can't be too old for a hug!"
"If I get hugged every time I score I'll have to become a pro at this," Tony giggled, and Allyson gave him a puzzled look.
"I didn't hug you for the score, I hugged you because you're you."
"...Oh."
As for the youngest member of the family (besides Gordon, of course!), Tony got a bit braver around her too.
"Hey, Al..."
As soon as Tony realised there are no baby restrictions, he began getting closer to Alicia every day. They love giggling and playing together and Alicia especially loved chewing on his fingers.
Probably because those teeth finally came out! And a bit of hair.
Tony still won't call Alicia his sister and Allyson with Graham his mom and dad, but little does he know, he's already a brother and son to them.
"Alright, who's up for a water balloon fight!"
Every day, the Mitchells do something fun.
Tony went to places he never thought he'd be able to visit - the zoo (they all agreed that the animals should be freed and they will never visit this place again), the cinema (best place ever number two), even the theatre with Graham (best place ever number one).
But the days they spent having fun in the backyard - those were Tony's absolute favourites.
"Ugh, Graham!"
Graham is a pro at water balloon fights.
"Ohh, why did I ever wear my favourite top to this, I keep forgetting you're actually good at this..."
"Look out!"
Tony shielded Allyson from another balloon without a second thought.
"Gotcha again! That's two in a row!"
"You get him from the front, I get him from the back?"
"Oh yeah."
They decided to get a rematch in scrabble.
Graham was always pretty bad at it.
Except Allyson wasn't much better at it as well.
"Well this is confusing..."
"This is sooo easy."
Tony beat them both easily.
When summer was nearly over, the Mitchells decided to build a treehouse fort.
"Okay, boys, don't forget, measuring is key here, we don't want this whole thing to fall apart..."
"Do those steps look comfortable enough? We could bring them closer together if you want."
"They look good!"
"Alrighty, lets screw-drive 'em up then... What's next on the list, Tony?"
"Oh, this thing... Whatever it is..."
Alicia was also there, lying on her little playmat.
"Ehhh..."
For Tony, the treehouse was the best thing he did with the Mitchells.
Not only Graham and Allyson put aside their work to build a super cool fort for him, they also involved him in the project.
They asked him what he wants. They listened.
Tony got tired eventually and headed to the swings, and that was okay too.
He loved that he could join in and leave whenever he wanted. Do what he wants, not what he's told.
"Hey Tony! Wanna test out the sliding pole?"
"No, no, Allyson, dear, you are not using our child as a test subject..."
"Coming!"
"How is it?"
"Awesomeee!"
Checking out the bell...
By night time, the treehouse was finally done.
Tony loved it. He loved watching the starts on warm summer nights.
He loved staring down on Del Sol Valley and imagining his little hideout isn't a part of it.
He felt safe here. And free.
Eventually, summer came to an end.
They celebrated the last day with a treehouse picnic.
"Look, there's my school! I can see my school from up here!"
"Ready for long boring months of studying?" Graham chuckled.
"Readier than ever," Tony laughed, suddenly realising he has never felt happier in his life.
He's been living with the Mitchells for over a month now.
Made his way into their life, on their family pictures - even on those "special" ones that Graham kept on his desk.
Tony stopped questioning when will the Mitchells give him away. He was still afraid to say it out loud, he felt that it he would, he'd find out he was wrong, but deep inside Tony knew: he's home.
And this is his family.
"Okay, children, lets see how much you forgot during your summer break through a nice small test!"
"Unnngh..."
"This is torture!"
Summer passed, autumn came. The first day of school began quite fine. Tony didn't mind tests - learning always came naturally to him.
Suddenly, a quiet knock on the classroom door was heard. Mr. Wilson smiled.
"Oh, forgot to tell you! We have a new student this year!"
"Come in, Lucas!"
Kassie, Tristan and the rest of the class quickly shoved their tests away, but Tony didn't pay attention: he could care less about another classmate. Whoever it was, he'd either start teasing Tony with the rest of the kids, either would ignore him like another nerdy loser, so why even care?
"Everyone, this is Lucas," mr. Wilson smiled at the new kid.
"Hey," the new kid smiled at the class. Hey.
Hey.
Just a chill, very confident "hey". Nothing more. But something made Tony immediately look up.
"Huh. He looks cool."
"He looks... cute..."
The children muttered and whispered to each other, eagerly looking at the new boy. Tony stared. Just stared.
And his fingers began running up and down on his knees like they always did when he got nervous. But this... This was a special kind of nervous.
The one that made him all tingly on the inside and hot on the outside.
"Oh no," Tony whispered. "Oh no, no, no..."
Maybe he's getting it all wrong. Maybe this - this is the okay kind of nervous. The normal kind. Maybe he's just shy. He's just shy, that's all...
"So what are your interests, Lucas? C'mon, tell a bit about yourself!"
"Well uh... I like acting?"
He. Liked. Acting. Just like Tony did. Another ticklish swirl of butterflies raised in his stomach and he slowly sank into his seat, feeling his face as red as that ketchup Allyson put on his grilled sandwiches every day. And just like that, Tony knew - he's done for. He is absolutely done for. This is the end.
Because when he looked at Lucas, it wasn't the word "cool" that came to mind. It wasn't "chill". It was "cute". And that, Tony knew for a fact, was the reason why every single family left him behind. No matter how hard he tried, he slipped. He messed up. Boys shouldn't like boys - he knew that very well, but he just couldn't help it. He was wrong. He tried to hide it, he really did, but the grownups always found out. They always did, always got rid of him - this family won't be any different. Tony knew: his happy days were over.
To be continued...
@GalacticGal I am making progress with Erik’s updates. I’m still a little bit behind.
@mightysprite I have your local color legacy challenge starred to follow the updates. I started catching up on those updates too.
@luciusstorm I’ve absolutely been loving your updates so far!
@BlueSeaWaves I’m going to be catching up on your updates around the same time I’m catching up on GalacticGal’s story.
@Koteyka I’m a bit short on time to read the update while writing the responses to updates, but I’m looking forward to reading the next update!
I also still get the feeling that something is about to happen with Tony and his new family, but I know it’s not going to be what be what Tony thinks. The other 2 kids… there might be something more dramatic that is yet to happen.
@Koteyka It's okay Tony!! Being yourself is a good thing to be!