The apartment above the National Leader Estate was more cramped than one might expect. The Fengs had intended to use it as a pied-a-terre, never a permanent residence. Certainly not a residence for three. And Victor had never ever thought he'd have to live apart from his wife. But he, little Stephen and nanny Tanvi were happy.
Tanvi looked after Stephen most of the day, but Victor took breaks when he could and enjoyed the toddler milestones
Tanvi and Mimsy took care of the cooking.
Sometimes they overdid it a little.
When Tanvi was off duty she enjoyed getting to hobnob with all the visitors at the Estate, from the staff to visiting dignitaries to tourists.
Victor did find it nice to relax with a friendly companion at the end of the day. Though he was smart enough never to try to make it more than friendly companionship.
He made two videos to introduce his son to the public. One was a speech entitled "Going Public About My Beautiful Sixa Son." The other was a simple drone recording of Victor putting Stephen to bed.
Victor spent the evenings with friends as much as he could
After they left, the loneliness got to him.
Victor asked Lily if he could visit at Winterfest.
"We've never celebrated Winterfest," Lily responded.
"Let's give it a chance," said Victor.
She agreed.
They talked for a long time. They didn't resolve anything, but sitting at the same table was a start.
In the meantime, Stephen brought a great deal of joy to Victor's life.
But Victor was thinking ahead to what if... He didn't want a divorce but if one happened it was going to be very expensive. He called in his least well-known investment manager.
"You owe me one," said Victor. "Don't forget I'm the reason you got connected with those Sixa doctors, and now you and your wife have your own beautiful biological baby. Now I've got to think of my family. What's going on with these investments?"
Trouble with secret investments is, there's no one to turn to if your investment manager doesn't come through in the way you hope...
Victor gave a series of speeches to build the strength of his party, now called Worlds United
Support for them was growing. But rumor had it there was a backlash brewing, too.
Victor hosted the first-ever Earthling-Sixa Winterfest Dinner.
And he and Tanvi tried to give Stephen as normal a holiday as possible.
Then the paramedics called, urging Victor to rush home immediately.
He arrived too late.
There was a formal funeral service at the National Leader Estate. It was the coldest winter night Victor could remember.
At the penthouse, Victor worked with Tanvi, Kayden and Kale to set up a formal trust for Stephen. Victor knew it was probably time to put his own affairs in order.
And they moved home.
Stephen now had a wonderful playroom and all the toys a child could wish for.
He hadn't really known Lily, but everyone around him was sad. He wondered what having a mother was like, and felt sad for reasons he didn't understand.
"Well, thank you for breakfast, Mr... ?" Miranda said.
"Volkov, Kristopher Volkov," the man replied. "You can call me Kristopher. I will also accept Creepy Old Guy... at least until you know me better."
"I'm Miranda," she said. "Thank you again. It's nice to have a hot meal."
One I didn't have to conjure out of thin air, anyway, she added to herself.
"Miranda," Kristopher said genially as they walked together, "Forgive me for saying so but you look like you could use a place to stay, at least for a little while, and I happen to have a spare room."
"Umm," Miranda eyed him suspiciously. "Thanks but..."
"No strings, no ill intent," Kristopher said. "At least come see the place."
"It was my daughter's before she moved out. As you can see, it's separate from the main house, has it's own bed and bath, and the door can be bolted from the inside for privacy."
"Well, Gwen," Miranda quietly asked her reflection. "Is this where you wanted me to be? Why do I think the answer is yes? You told me to trust my instincts... and keep my wand handy. Mr. Kristopher Creepy Old Guy seems OK... I think... and I can always set his beard on fire if he isn't."
"OK," Miranda said stepping outside. "Umm, about rent... oh, hi."
"Miranda, this is my son Jacob," Kristopher said, "Jake, this is Miranda."
"Yeah, we met yesterday at the library," Jake smiled. "You're a wicked chess player."
"... and this is Lily," Kristopher continued. "She is our other lodger. As for rent, I would just ask that you help out around the house in whatever way you can."
"Hello Miranda," Lily smiled. "Kris said he thought he'd might be bringing home a new stray. I was one of his strays too. It'll be nice to have another woman around... Jake, why don't you show Miranda the main house."
"A witch," Kristopher nodded. "On the run, from the looks of it... but I'm not sure from what, yet. Still, it's the Collective's job to take in those who need a place. You know that as well as anyone."
"Oh I know," Lily smiled, "but I didn't mean that. You might not have noticed but Jake did. She's a pretty girl."
"Don't be ridiculous," Kristopher shook his head. "Jake's Fated for Beth."
"Like I said, trouble. I like her already."
"Welcome to the family, Miranda."
Fate is a riddle and we choose our own answer.Wyrd Girls
Becca Clarke and Julia Wright both started their last semester in uni. They will probably keep their apartment in Evergreen Harbor after they graduate, at least for a little while. Recently they enjoyed a visit from their old roomie, Siobhan Fryes, who is now living in San Myshuno as an executive assistant to the Fengs.
Thank you @luciusstorm . They've gotten to me too.
I like your introduction to the Moonwood Collective. Miranda's on edge but open to connecting with them.
It had been an eventful day, Miranda thought. Despite her initial worries, this seemed to be nice, quiet place where she could rest for a while. She headed for her new room, looking forward to a good nights sleep in a real bed.
The Volkov's seemed like decent people. Maybe a bit "aging hippy" but that was OK...
...nothing to worry about.
The Moonwood Collective gathered once again...
...and howled together at the bright, full moon.
Miranda woke, startled by the noise. She didn't remember the Volkovs having dogs. More curious than anything, she stuck her head out to see what was going on.
"Hey guys wha.... ummm... Kris... toph...er?"
"Heh... Jake what's..."
"Yeah... No. Really... just no!"
"Miranda, wait!" Jake roared as the bolt slammed home, locking him out.
In the morning, Jake waited outside her door.
"Look, I'm sorry if we... umm... let me explain..."
Maybe it was her scent... so strange and intoxicating, like nothing he'd ever known before... or maybe it was just that she was in her underwear but suddenly Jake couldn't seem to remember how sentences worked.
Whatever the reason, his first serious attempt at werewolf diplomacy was a complete failure.
"Werewolves!" Miranda said. "I finally find 'where I need to be' and you're a bunch of werewolves! Like I don't have enough to deal with in my life!"
Later, and a bit calmer, Miranda sat down with Kristopher.
"I'm sorry we didn't give you more of a warning," he said. "We didn't want to overwhelm you... and I admit, in hindsight, that was a mistake."
"Everything we told you is true... the Moonwood Collective is dedicated to self-sufficiency and peace. We offer a place to those who are lost and displaced, like you. We also happen to be werewolves."
"OK... I'm sorry I freaked out," Miranda said to Jake later. "Werewolves... well, I guess that makes a kind of sense. Maybe this is really is where I need to be right now."
Fate is a riddle and we choose our own answer.Wyrd Girls
@luciusstorm "We just happen to be werewolves." Great line. LOL I feel for Miranda, poor thing. Caught between a rock and the proverbial hard place. My instincts are telling her to RUNNNNNNN. I'm hooked.
Thanks @GalacticGal and @Metior_Ice . I don't see Lily as a villain, just someone who was unable to adapt to a major change in her life (and in world affairs) and then they ran out of time.
I decided to pose all of the sims that I've created for each of the Scenario Challenges; however, there were so many sims that I had to divide them into two different groups.
Those group shots look great.
I would like to do the same when I get all my sims out of Uni.
Wyrd Girls - Life among Werewolves
(Yeah, I know I'm posting a lot but I have a lot of time to play right now, so lots of stuff to share. I hope people don't mind too much. -L)
Miranda soon discovered that life among werewolves was surprisingly normal, once you overlooked the scratched up furniture (and walls).
Jake, she learned, played guitar. The first time Miranda found him trying to pluck his way through a Cassie Goth tune, she couldn't help be smile.
"You like Cassie's music?" he asked.
"Ummm... it's OK," Miranda tried for nonchalant. She hadn't mentioned her last name, and no one had pressed on the point.
"Do you play?" Jake asked.
"Not guitar, but I was studying violin," she admitted.
The next day, Jake presented her with an old violin for her to practice on. He said he'd gotten from another member of the Collective.
Summer was here, so school wasn't a problem. Still spending time with Wolfgang, the town librarian, was educational (whether she wanted it to be or not). Miranda learned a bit about the history of Moonwood Mill and the werewolf community.
Better yet, Jake introduced her to his friends. It was great to spend time with people her own age again.
Nick was Jake's closest friend...
... and Miranda found that he was as funny and charming now as he had been the first day they met in the library.
Beth, Nick's twin sister, was almost as close to him as Nick. They were always horsing around...
...Miranda was just happy to have another girl to talk to.
Spending time with Jake, Nick and Beth was fun. Miranda was happy to just hang out, enjoy herself and not worry about monsters for a little while.
A quick dip with everyone in the lake was a great way to spend the day.
Fate is a riddle and we choose our own answer.Wyrd Girls
Well, the biggest thing that happened in my game was I finally got brave and started experimenting with pose packs. It took me a little bit to start to get the hang of it, and I haven't tried any bigger groups yet, but I am super excited to have this new tool, especially because I play rotationally and generationally and I want to remember the snapshots in time that will fade away. I let my beloved Sims grow old and pass on, so having lots of photos around of them on their children's and grandchildren's walls is going to be awesome.
Jesse Broke (son of Dustin Broke and aspiring stand-up comedian) is a merman who lives on Sulani in a gorgeous underwater home. His wife is Emma Kealoha, and they are about to have their first child.
She was really not pleased with the guy at the desk checking her in. But everything went smoothly with the delivery.
This is young Makoa, named after Emma's father. Makoa will grow to be a merman like his father:
The original Makoa officiated their wedding, by the way. This is a flashback but it was adorable.
And my first experimentation with posing was eventually a success! (And Emma is pregnant with baby number two already!)
My username has been my internet handle for over 20 years since I was 16 and refers to when I had a crush on a very tall boy. I intend absolutely no violence toward beautiful giraffes.
Wyrd Girls - Life among Werewolves
(Yeah, I know I'm posting a lot but I have a lot of time to play right now, so lots of stuff to share. I hope people don't mind too much. -L)
Miranda soon discovered that life among werewolves was surprisingly normal, once you overlooked the scratched up furniture (and walls).
Enjoy it while you can.
I am on a simming roll too. I can finally make a dent in my major goal with TS4.
I completely forgot to mention that the latest episode of Under The Tartosan Sun is up. The finale of this one isn't as steamy as the previous episode, but it's still one I think many of you will enjoy. I'll just leave this little teaser...
@GirafHuntr I look forward to seeing another story with merfolk. I’ve been curious about how others will use them in their story.
—————
I’m going to probably take a short break from writing to give my creative energy a recharge, but when I get back, It’ll be another 28 sim days of Summer hopefully and a chance to age up Jade and Juniper.
@Metior_Ice Thank you! I have a few merfolk families or mixed families, but since I play on a long rotation with a lot of households it takes awhile to come back around to each household. I therefore don’t end up with the same kind of consistent storytelling that a lot of you do, but you will see some merfolk popping in and out of my shares here.
My username has been my internet handle for over 20 years since I was 16 and refers to when I had a crush on a very tall boy. I intend absolutely no violence toward beautiful giraffes.
I love it when my sims have a problem and I can rotate over to another sim to fix it for them.
Shanice is a sim I created to test Realm of Magic.
I liked her so much I brought her over to my main save.
I rotated over to her so she can fix a little problem I was having at my prep-school.
This is the school greenhouse where students that need the gardening skill for Uni can skill up.
The plants also help pay for the schools bills that are 46,000 per bill cycle.
Two trees died and I didn't feel like replanting them.
A little Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo (Floralorial) fixed that right up.
Thank you, Shanice.
If money trees ever die, I know who to call.
Oohh... I should get the school a money tree.
Looking back, Miranda was pretty sure everything started to get really complicated a few days after the full moon.
(Though, really, when your life involves hiding out with a pack of werewolves, in an effort to escape from the vampires who attacked your family of witches, "really complicated" is a matter of perspective. - L)
Despite Miranda's insistence that Kristopher had explained everything and Jake shouldn't worry about what happened on the night of the full moon, he was still acting really sulky about frightening her.
To be fair, she couldn't honestly bring herself to say that she hadn't been freaked out...
She was still a little freaked out about the whole werewolf thing but, really, she was dealing with it. He didn't need to feel guilty about being who he was.
"I just don't want you to think we're monsters," Jake said sadly. "I don't want you to be afraid of us... of me."
"Really," Miranda smiled. "It's OK. I like you, Jake."
Woah, Miranda thought. That was unexpected!
After that, things were a little awkward...
Yeah, really subtle Jake, Miranda thought. Not complaining though.
Yeah, really not complaining... except... maybe... Woah! Hands! Hands in new places!
Things were getting confusing for Jake too...
He really liked Miranda. She was beautiful and funny and there was something intoxicating about her scent that made it hard to think around her...
... but what about Beth. She was one of his best friends but lately he'd felt strangely drawn to her... almost pulled, like the pull of the moon.
But she was Beth! She was Nick's sister... and he and Nick were buds! Maybe he should talk to Nick... but he couldn't talk to him about Beth! And he couldn't talk about Miranda because he was afraid if he did, he'd end up talking about Beth too. No, better not to say anything.
Nick wasn't confused at all. He very clear on the fact that Miranda was hot and he wanted to get to know her better.
A lot better.
Miranda though Nick was funny and charming. When he suggested going down to the lake for a swim, she thought it would be fun.
... and it was. Laughing and splashing in the water.
Woah! Kissing! ... and Hands! Hands! That's my butt!
Maybe I need to find a swimsuit my size, the tiny rational part of Miranda's mind suggested, and stop swimming in my underwear.
"Oh Lily, what am I going to do?" Miranda sobbed. "I mean... Jake is a friend and he's nice... and I think he's cute, but we should just be friends... and then he's kissing me! And Nick is like, his best friend, and Beth's brother... but he's all funny and charming. We should all be friends... and then he's kissing me! ... and what is it about grabbing my butt? ... I don't want to lead them on... but I really like them both... and their werewolves! Let's not forget that! Oh, what am I going to do?"
Lily's response wasn't exactly what Miranda was expecting.
"Oh, deary, I do like you," Lily laughed. "but I'm afraid you kids are going to have to work this one out on your own... but think about this (if you can) - what's really important?"
Fate is a riddle and we choose our own answer.Wyrd Girls
Comments
The apartment above the National Leader Estate was more cramped than one might expect. The Fengs had intended to use it as a pied-a-terre, never a permanent residence. Certainly not a residence for three. And Victor had never ever thought he'd have to live apart from his wife. But he, little Stephen and nanny Tanvi were happy.
Tanvi looked after Stephen most of the day, but Victor took breaks when he could and enjoyed the toddler milestones
Tanvi and Mimsy took care of the cooking.
Sometimes they overdid it a little.
When Tanvi was off duty she enjoyed getting to hobnob with all the visitors at the Estate, from the staff to visiting dignitaries to tourists.
Victor did find it nice to relax with a friendly companion at the end of the day. Though he was smart enough never to try to make it more than friendly companionship.
He made two videos to introduce his son to the public. One was a speech entitled "Going Public About My Beautiful Sixa Son." The other was a simple drone recording of Victor putting Stephen to bed.
Victor spent the evenings with friends as much as he could
After they left, the loneliness got to him.
Victor asked Lily if he could visit at Winterfest.
"We've never celebrated Winterfest," Lily responded.
"Let's give it a chance," said Victor.
She agreed.
They talked for a long time. They didn't resolve anything, but sitting at the same table was a start.
In the meantime, Stephen brought a great deal of joy to Victor's life.
But Victor was thinking ahead to what if... He didn't want a divorce but if one happened it was going to be very expensive. He called in his least well-known investment manager.
"You owe me one," said Victor. "Don't forget I'm the reason you got connected with those Sixa doctors, and now you and your wife have your own beautiful biological baby. Now I've got to think of my family. What's going on with these investments?"
Trouble with secret investments is, there's no one to turn to if your investment manager doesn't come through in the way you hope...
Victor gave a series of speeches to build the strength of his party, now called Worlds United
Victor hosted the first-ever Earthling-Sixa Winterfest Dinner.
And he and Tanvi tried to give Stephen as normal a holiday as possible.
Then the paramedics called, urging Victor to rush home immediately.
There was a formal funeral service at the National Leader Estate. It was the coldest winter night Victor could remember.
At the penthouse, Victor worked with Tanvi, Kayden and Kale to set up a formal trust for Stephen. Victor knew it was probably time to put his own affairs in order.
And they moved home.
Stephen now had a wonderful playroom and all the toys a child could wish for.
He hadn't really known Lily, but everyone around him was sad. He wondered what having a mother was like, and felt sad for reasons he didn't understand.
Prince Endymion (Sailor Moon) is a frequent visitor and friend of Joseph and Nancy's. So much that he visits at least once a day.
These are the twins that actually are Dale's, Bug and Bunny. (Named after Dale's dad and Nancy's mom.)
And in case you're wondering, yes, Nancy has flirted with Endymion without Dale's knowledge.
Wyrd Girls - Safe Haven
"Well, thank you for breakfast, Mr... ?" Miranda said.
"Volkov, Kristopher Volkov," the man replied. "You can call me Kristopher. I will also accept Creepy Old Guy... at least until you know me better."
"I'm Miranda," she said. "Thank you again. It's nice to have a hot meal."
One I didn't have to conjure out of thin air, anyway, she added to herself.
"Umm," Miranda eyed him suspiciously. "Thanks but..."
"No strings, no ill intent," Kristopher said. "At least come see the place."
"It was my daughter's before she moved out. As you can see, it's separate from the main house, has it's own bed and bath, and the door can be bolted from the inside for privacy."
"Well, Gwen," Miranda quietly asked her reflection. "Is this where you wanted me to be? Why do I think the answer is yes? You told me to trust my instincts... and keep my wand handy. Mr. Kristopher Creepy Old Guy seems OK... I think... and I can always set his beard on fire if he isn't."
"OK," Miranda said stepping outside. "Umm, about rent... oh, hi."
"Miranda, this is my son Jacob," Kristopher said, "Jake, this is Miranda."
"Yeah, we met yesterday at the library," Jake smiled. "You're a wicked chess player."
"... and this is Lily," Kristopher continued. "She is our other lodger. As for rent, I would just ask that you help out around the house in whatever way you can."
"Hello Miranda," Lily smiled. "Kris said he thought he'd might be bringing home a new stray. I was one of his strays too. It'll be nice to have another woman around... Jake, why don't you show Miranda the main house."
"Nice girl," Lily said. "You know she's trouble, right?"
"A witch," Kristopher nodded. "On the run, from the looks of it... but I'm not sure from what, yet. Still, it's the Collective's job to take in those who need a place. You know that as well as anyone."
"Oh I know," Lily smiled, "but I didn't mean that. You might not have noticed but Jake did. She's a pretty girl."
"Don't be ridiculous," Kristopher shook his head. "Jake's Fated for Beth."
"Like I said, trouble. I like her already."
"Welcome to the family, Miranda."
I like your introduction to the Moonwood Collective. Miranda's on edge but open to connecting with them.
Wyrd Girls - The Full Moon
It had been an eventful day, Miranda thought. Despite her initial worries, this seemed to be nice, quiet place where she could rest for a while. She headed for her new room, looking forward to a good nights sleep in a real bed.
The Volkov's seemed like decent people. Maybe a bit "aging hippy" but that was OK...
...nothing to worry about.
...and howled together at the bright, full moon.
Miranda woke, startled by the noise. She didn't remember the Volkovs having dogs. More curious than anything, she stuck her head out to see what was going on.
"Heh... Jake what's..."
"Yeah... No. Really... just no!"
"Miranda, wait!" Jake roared as the bolt slammed home, locking him out.
In the morning, Jake waited outside her door.
"Look, I'm sorry if we... umm... let me explain..."
Whatever the reason, his first serious attempt at werewolf diplomacy was a complete failure.
"Werewolves!" Miranda said. "I finally find 'where I need to be' and you're a bunch of werewolves! Like I don't have enough to deal with in my life!"
Later, and a bit calmer, Miranda sat down with Kristopher.
"Everything we told you is true... the Moonwood Collective is dedicated to self-sufficiency and peace. We offer a place to those who are lost and displaced, like you. We also happen to be werewolves."
"OK... I'm sorry I freaked out," Miranda said to Jake later. "Werewolves... well, I guess that makes a kind of sense. Maybe this is really is where I need to be right now."
http://www.getfreeebooks.com/star-trek-original-series-fan-fiction-trilogy/
Ditto this.
http://www.getfreeebooks.com/star-trek-original-series-fan-fiction-trilogy/
@luciusstorm - plot thickens.... I am looking forward to the next development!
Those group shots look great.
I would like to do the same when I get all my sims out of Uni.
Wyrd Girls - Life among Werewolves
(Yeah, I know I'm posting a lot but I have a lot of time to play right now, so lots of stuff to share. I hope people don't mind too much. -L)
Miranda soon discovered that life among werewolves was surprisingly normal, once you overlooked the scratched up furniture (and walls).
"You like Cassie's music?" he asked.
"Ummm... it's OK," Miranda tried for nonchalant. She hadn't mentioned her last name, and no one had pressed on the point.
"Do you play?" Jake asked.
"Not guitar, but I was studying violin," she admitted.
The next day, Jake presented her with an old violin for her to practice on. He said he'd gotten from another member of the Collective.
Summer was here, so school wasn't a problem. Still spending time with Wolfgang, the town librarian, was educational (whether she wanted it to be or not). Miranda learned a bit about the history of Moonwood Mill and the werewolf community.
Better yet, Jake introduced her to his friends. It was great to spend time with people her own age again.
... and Miranda found that he was as funny and charming now as he had been the first day they met in the library.
Beth, Nick's twin sister, was almost as close to him as Nick. They were always horsing around...
...Miranda was just happy to have another girl to talk to.
Spending time with Jake, Nick and Beth was fun. Miranda was happy to just hang out, enjoy herself and not worry about monsters for a little while.
A quick dip with everyone in the lake was a great way to spend the day.
Jesse Broke (son of Dustin Broke and aspiring stand-up comedian) is a merman who lives on Sulani in a gorgeous underwater home. His wife is Emma Kealoha, and they are about to have their first child.
She was really not pleased with the guy at the desk checking her in. But everything went smoothly with the delivery.
This is young Makoa, named after Emma's father. Makoa will grow to be a merman like his father:
The original Makoa officiated their wedding, by the way. This is a flashback but it was adorable.
And my first experimentation with posing was eventually a success! (And Emma is pregnant with baby number two already!)
Enjoy it while you can.
I am on a simming roll too. I can finally make a dent in my major goal with TS4.
HillyPlays
P.A.C.E- Positive Attitude Changes Everything
—————
I’m going to probably take a short break from writing to give my creative energy a recharge, but when I get back, It’ll be another 28 sim days of Summer hopefully and a chance to age up Jade and Juniper.
Does Sora look anything like Asher to you? I just changed his hairstyle and hair color.
Edit: This has been nagging at the back of my mind for some time.
Shanice is a sim I created to test Realm of Magic.
I liked her so much I brought her over to my main save.
I rotated over to her so she can fix a little problem I was having at my prep-school.
This is the school greenhouse where students that need the gardening skill for Uni can skill up.
The plants also help pay for the schools bills that are 46,000 per bill cycle.
Two trees died and I didn't feel like replanting them.
A little Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo (Floralorial) fixed that right up.
Thank you, Shanice.
If money trees ever die, I know who to call.
Oohh... I should get the school a money tree.
Wyrd Girls - Trouble
Looking back, Miranda was pretty sure everything started to get really complicated a few days after the full moon.
(Though, really, when your life involves hiding out with a pack of werewolves, in an effort to escape from the vampires who attacked your family of witches, "really complicated" is a matter of perspective. - L)
Despite Miranda's insistence that Kristopher had explained everything and Jake shouldn't worry about what happened on the night of the full moon, he was still acting really sulky about frightening her.
To be fair, she couldn't honestly bring herself to say that she hadn't been freaked out...
"I just don't want you to think we're monsters," Jake said sadly. "I don't want you to be afraid of us... of me."
"Really," Miranda smiled. "It's OK. I like you, Jake."
Woah, Miranda thought. That was unexpected!
After that, things were a little awkward...
Yeah, really not complaining... except... maybe... Woah! Hands! Hands in new places!
Things were getting confusing for Jake too...
... but what about Beth. She was one of his best friends but lately he'd felt strangely drawn to her... almost pulled, like the pull of the moon.
But she was Beth! She was Nick's sister... and he and Nick were buds! Maybe he should talk to Nick... but he couldn't talk to him about Beth! And he couldn't talk about Miranda because he was afraid if he did, he'd end up talking about Beth too. No, better not to say anything.
Nick wasn't confused at all. He very clear on the fact that Miranda was hot and he wanted to get to know her better.
Miranda though Nick was funny and charming. When he suggested going down to the lake for a swim, she thought it would be fun.
... and it was. Laughing and splashing in the water.
Woah! Kissing! ... and Hands! Hands! That's my butt!
Maybe I need to find a swimsuit my size, the tiny rational part of Miranda's mind suggested, and stop swimming in my underwear.
"Oh Lily, what am I going to do?" Miranda sobbed. "I mean... Jake is a friend and he's nice... and I think he's cute, but we should just be friends... and then he's kissing me! And Nick is like, his best friend, and Beth's brother... but he's all funny and charming. We should all be friends... and then he's kissing me! ... and what is it about grabbing my butt? ... I don't want to lead them on... but I really like them both... and their werewolves! Let's not forget that! Oh, what am I going to do?"
"Oh, deary, I do like you," Lily laughed. "but I'm afraid you kids are going to have to work this one out on your own... but think about this (if you can) - what's really important?"