The ghosts are Zoe Patel of the Roomies household in Oasis Springs and my original creation Armeleia Bramble, who was the mother at the start of the story. So they were both active characters in my game, they then died and were added back into the family for easier storytelling.
Later in the evening after they got back home, Lisa told John everything that had happened.
"I was so worried", she said. "That social worker has her eye on us now!"
"Don't worry", John replied. "They'll probably just chalk it up to a childish prank."
"But aren't you worried? He broke into two houses and just...I don't know, it was as if he was just playing in the dollhouse."
"Well now, dollhouses", John said. "That reminds me of somebody."
"John! My mother was insane, she couldn't help it. Jonas isn't like that. He can't be. He mustn't."
They went upstairs and sat down in Jonas' room, trying to come up with a solution.
"He keeps talking about my mum and Zoe, as if they still exist. He says he has a secret club with them."
"Oh, that's just a child's wild fantasy", John said.
"He's heard us talk about her many times and the other boys say they miss her", John said. "Of course he's going to feel some sort of attachment to her, even if they never met."
"Yes", Lisa concurred. "I suppose you could be right."
"Don't worry about it. I'll talk to him", John said.
"Now we need to relax those shoulders of yours. Everything is going to be alright."
Later, downstairs in the kitchen, John brought up the day's debacle with Jonas.
"We're not angry at you", he said. "But it's important that you remember that lying isn't ok. And neither is...er, visiting strangers in their homes."
"You did what?" Lee perked up his ears.
"But dad", Jonas began.
"No, I'm serious now, Jonas. This has got to stop. You had your mum very worried and so was I."
Lee didn't know just what to think, but wondered if he should tell his parents about that other thing that happened...
The next morning at breakfast Jonas seemed to be his usual bubbly self, talking and making up stories to himself.
"Mum", Jonas announced. "Grandma says you should do more exercise."
"Grandma?" Lisa was confused.
"Yes, she's having breakfast with us", Jonas said as a matter of fact.
"She is?" Lisa asked, looking around the room.
"Can you see her too?" she asked Lee.
"What? See who?" Lee replied. He wasn't really a morning person.
When Parker came down, Lisa decided to ask him about Jonas' strange behaviour.
"He said she was sitting right here!"
"I mean, I'm beginning to think I'm the one going insane! Just like my mum!" Lisa exclaimed.
For a moment Parker considered telling his mother about Armeleia's visit to the house, but then he remembered he had promised not to say anything. Not yet.
"I'm sorry, mum", he said instead. "Maybe Jonas is just a little different to us. You know, a bit like grandma with all her funny little habits, talking to herself and...um, destroying the dollhouse."
Lisa decided to have a run on the old treadmill, hoping to clear her mind. She wondered if indeed people could come back from the dead, as ghosts or spirits or something. But if her mother really was in the house, why couldn't she see her?
It wasn't long before Parker and Lee's birthday was coming up.
Parker was feeling all kinds of conflicting emotions surging through his body.
But he lacked confidence in himself and tended to shy away from his peers.
Most of the time he liked going on excursions around the island by himself, just like when he was a child.
Nature was his best friend.
And he rarely got a like on his Simstagram photos of logfires.
Lee, however, was social and outgoing. Most of the time he would hang out with his childhood bff Marianne.
They were near legends at the Humour & Hijinks Festival by now.
"Are you ready to release the gerbils?"
"You bet ya!"
But sometimes they would catch themselves just staring into each others' eyes.
"What?" Marianne asked.
"What what?" Lee would reply.
"You've got a booger!" Lee laughed.
"I do not", Marianne scoffed.
Back home, Lee bragged about their victory at the festival.
"How many points, did you say?" Parker asked.
"152! It was a record", Lee replied. "You should come along next time."
"Yeah, maybe", Parker shrugged his shoulders.
Since both Armeleia and Zoe's passing, their part of the house had been standing empty collecting dust. The lack of income also meant it was eating into the family's finances. So, John and Lisa decided to take in a lodger.
His name was Alex, a young man who had just started university. He was the outdoorsy type and said he would help out in the garden whenever he had the time.
He was allowed to refurbish Zoe and Armeleia's old room, arranging for the things he had collected on his many travels.
Parker in particular found everything fascinating.
"Have you really been to all of these places?"
"Yes. Yes, I have", Alex replied.
"I like this colour", Parker said as he noticed the new paint on the walls. "Are you keeping it?"
"Not sure. I haven't decided yet. Maybe it needs something brighter."
"I noticed you like to go exploring on the island here", Alex said. "Would you mind very much if I joined you some time?"
"Yes. I mean, no", Parker didn't know just what to say. "You can come too."
"Great! Maybe tomorrow then?"
"Uh-huh", Parker replied.
Lee had invited Marianne over and was baking a cake. Maybe to impress her.
"This is my favourite recipe. Martha Simsart has nothing on me!" he exclaimed.
"Is it chocolate?" Marianne always asked the important questions.
Later, they decided to go down to the beach.
"I have a theory!" Marianne announced.
"About a brontosaurus?" Lee tried to joke.
"No, silly. About Parker. I think he likes Alex."
"So? I like him too."
"No, he LIKES him", Marianne winked at him.
"Bahaha, Mary! Parker only likes fossils and frogs and old stuff."
"Well then, he also likes old butts. Because he was defo checking out Alex' earlier today."
"Whoa! Get outta here!"
Back at the house, Parker and Alex had just finished their evening snack. Parker couldn't quite place that warm buzzing feeling he felt inside every time he was around Alex. Or talked with Alex. Or just looked at...Alex.
As he stood in the garden about to begin his evening yoga a thought suddenly rushed through his head: Is this what love feels like?
On the beach, it definitely was.
"I love you", Lee said as he hugged Marianne. "I think I always have."
"I know, silly", she mumbled. "I have too."
The couple that does homework together stays together.
"I still think he looked at Alex' butt", Marianne said under her breath.
"I know. I think so too", Lee giggled.
Alex and Parker decided to go camping in Granite Falls.
"I bet you I can beat you at this", Parker said as he spotted the horseshoe game.
"If you lose, you're making dinner", Alex laughed.
"Is this your first time throwing horseshoes?" Parker teased.
"You'd better lose, unless you want burnt hotdogs for dinner", Alex joked.
As it turned out, the game ended in a tie. So the tofu hotdogs were grilled equally.
"This is nice. Thank you for suggesting we come here", Parker said shyly.
"Yeah, this is one of my favourite places", Alex said. "I've been here a few times with my...friends."
The next morning they went out exploring the forest. Alex knew a place with a huge collection of frogs and insects.
"These are amazing!" Parker said. "I've never seen the Surfer Leaf Frog before."
Close to the house, Parker found an overgrown passage.
"Alex, come look what I found!" he shouted.
"Oh, wow! It's the secret passage to the hermit's cottage."
"Do you think he's home?" Parker said as he emerged from the passage.
"Get it off me!" Alex screamed as something wet and slimy landed on his arm.
The hermit was indeed home and he said the boys were welcome to walk around the area, as long as they were mindful of the wildlife.
There were incredibly beautiful butterflies there! Parker stared in fascination.
After a while, they both lay down on the grass and looked at the clouds.
"That one looks like a heart", Alex pointed to the sky.
Parker didn't know what to say to that, so he just hummed.
"I'm going to go see if I can catch some fish", Alex said as he got up. "Are you staying here?"
"Yeah, for a bit", Parker replied.
Alex managed to catch some really strange things!
Parker stayed in the grass, looking at the sky and the shapes of the clouds.
He remembered a poem that he had read not long ago that began: i carry your heart with me (i carry it in my heart)*
When Parker blew out the candles, Alex seemed to be singing louder than everyone else.
"I'm going to Marianne's later", Lee said. "She seemed upset. Her mum wasn't doing so well."
"Say hi to her from me", Parker said.
Parker sat down to play some chess and soon after Alex joined him on the terrace.
"You know, it's funny", Parker said. "Now that I'm older I'm allowed to do so much more, but I really just want to stay here on the island and tend the garden."
"Yes", Alex agreed. "It's lovely here. The fishing is great too."
Later in the garden, Lisa caught up with Parker.
"He likes you", she said with a wink.
"Alex? I mean, who?" Parker blushed. "Does he, do you think?"
Sadly, not everyone had had a happy birthday.
A few days earlier in San Myshuno, Marianne had blown out the candles on her own birthday cake.
But her mother had been too tired to celebrate and spent most of the time napping on the sofa.
"I'm going to have a glass of water, I think", Marianne's mother said, suddenly sitting up.
But as she began towards the kitchen, she felt faint.
"I'm sorry, darling", she whispered as she collapsed on the floor.
"Mum!" Marianne gasped just as there was a knock on the door.
Lee had come too late.
He hugged Marianne tightly.
"I am so sorry, my love", he said as she cried into his shoulder.
"Will you be alright on your own?" he asked her.
"I don't know."
"I can stay with you", he said. "If you want, I can move in with you. For a little while at least."
"You would?"
"Yes, of course!" he said.
"I think...I think I would like that", Marianne smiled through her tears.
"I'll just go back home and pick some things up", Lee said.
"Here, take the key and let yourself in when you come back", Marianne replied.
Back on the island, Parker had decided to go down to the beach where Aunt Zoe passed.
He had just heard from Lee about Marianne's mother and was remembering how Zoe would always bake the most amazing chocolate cake for his and Lee's birthday. It was strange not having her around anymore, but he hoped that she had found grandma Armeleia and that they were happy together now.
He walked with heavy steps back to the house, only to find Alex waiting on the porch.
Alex tried to comfort him.
"I've heard so much about Zoe and you grandma", he said. "They seemed like a beautiful souls. You must miss them very much."
"I do", Parker sighed. "Especially today."
"Listen", Alex continued. "This is a bit awkward, but I heard about this festival in the city. This weekend. Maybe we could go? You know, just to get away and do something different. Feel the city vibe."
"I suppose", Parker said, a little confused. "What is it?"
"It's a surprise. You'll see when we get there. I think you will like it."
"John", Lisa said one morning. "I've been thinking about something. What if we move? "
"Move?", John asked. "The house?"
"No, not the house! Us", Lisa laughed. "I mean, Lee has decided to stay with Marianne and he'll probably not come back. It's only a matter of time before Parker wants to get his own place. It's just you and me and Jonas now."
"Yes, I see", John said. "I suppose it is a rather big house for just three people."
Outside in the garden, Parker was watching Alex doing swan dives into the pool.
"Whoa!" Alex shouted. "That was a really bad one. I'm sorry!"
"I'm fine", Parker giggled. "But that's only getting 5.4 artistic points."
"No fair!" Alex laughed as he splashed some more water on Parker.
"You must be really good at this." Alex swam up to Parker.
"No, I never really liked heights", Parker confessed. "Lee's the swimmer in the family. And Zoe was."
Later that week, Lisa and John went to see an apartment in San Myshuno.
"It's spacious!" John said. "But where's the estate agent hiding?"
"Mr and Mrs Park!" the agent seemed to appear out of nowhere.
"It's actually Ms Bramble. We're not-" John began.
"Never mind, Mrs Park is fine", Lisa said.
"Looking for a little love nest, eh?" the agent winked at John.
"What? No!" John looked confused.
"We're not married yet", Lisa explained. "I'm Lisa Bramble and this is my partner John Park."
"Oh!" the agent laughed. "Yes, easy mistake to make."
"Is it?" John was still confused.
"Yes, I bet you get all sorts here in the city", Lisa tried to joke. "Us country folk are so simple."
"Ah!" John finally understood the wink. "She thought we-"
"Please show us around", Lisa interrupted. "I'd love to the see the children's room."
"Of course. This way, please", the estate agent said.
"This is lovely-" Lisa began when she heard a hiss behind her back.
"I'm sorry, what was that you said?" Lisa asked as she turned around.
"It's a s-s-s-super modern apartment complex with everything you need", the agent said in a strangely gravelling voice.
"Right", Lisa replied. "That's good to know. Thank you."
In another part of the apartment John had found the studio. A whole room to myself! I could even paint a mural on the wall!
The tour continued.
"I like this walk-through kitchen", Lisa said. "It adds space and light. What a wonderful idea!"
"Uh-huh", the agent said behind her, all manners seemingly gone.
In the master bedroom Lisa found the make-up table.
"I've never had one of these", she said. "John, can you see me sitting here in my nightgown powdering my nose?"
"You never wear make-up, honey", John said as-a-matter-of-factly.
"Well, I'll leave you to it. Call me when you've made a decision", the estate agent said abruptly as she left the room.
"She was strange", Lisa whispered.
"A little bit, yes", John said. "But do you like the place?"
"Yes, I do. It's spacious, but still cosy. There's a great school nearby."
"Let's move here. And I will make a city girl out of you."
"Said the man who grew up by the Windenburg village square!" Lisa giggled.
Alex and Parker had gone to San Myshuno.
They had stopped by an arts exhibition before the surprise festival.
"It's...pretty", Parker said hesitantly.
"Is this the festival thing you were talking about?" Parker inquired. "Does it have to do with art?"
"No, no", Alex replied. "This was just a pit stop. I wasn't sure...if...well."
He trailed off and Parker looked at him, waiting for the rest.
"Oh, let's just go!" Alex finally said.
"Is this it?" Parker asked. "It's very pink."
"Yeah, I...um", Alex began. "If you don't want to stay it's fine."
"No, it looks beautiful. Let's go see what the stalls offer."
But before they could venture further, an older man dressed in strange clothes approached them.
"I see great things in your future!" he exclaimed. "In your very near future."
"Oh?" Parker said. "Am I getting a promotion?"
"No, young man. You will meet the love of your life."
There was an awkward silence as Alex and Parker looked at each other.
"I'll go and see if there's anything good to eat here", Parker said.
"Sounds like a plan", Alex replied.
What's this delicious-smelling drink? Parker wondered as he found the sakura fountains. Alex had already bought a fancy festival t-shirt.
"So, yeah", Alex said. "How are you liking the Romance Festival so far?"
"It's nice!" Parker said, feeling a tinge of jealousy. "Have you been here many times before?"
"No, not really", Alex replied. "I've only read about it and sort of walked past it a few times, but never really had anyone to take here."
Parker felt his cheeks turn red.
What's in this drink? he wondered. I'm feeling all tingly.
"Maybe we can go sit somewhere else, more private?" Alex asked.
They found a bench a little bit away from the crowd.
"Ok", Alex said, taking a deep breath and grabbing Parker's hand. "I'm just going to come right out and say it."
"Say what?" Parker asked, feeling his heart speed up at the touch.
"I think I'm in love with you."
"You are?" Parker asked, dumfounded.
"Yes. Is that ok? I completely understand if it makes you uncomfortable and you want me to leave."
"Did you bribe the old guy?", Parker asked.
"Did I what?" Alex felt his spirit sink.
"Bribe him into being so cute", Parker whispered, a little giddy with excitement and high on sakura tea.
"Oh, you!" Alex launched a tickle attack on Parker.
"No, no, stop!"
Alex suddenly got up, throwing some rose petals around.
"Parker Bramble, I don't want to hide my feelings for you anymore."
"Let's not hide anything from each other", Parker said and planted a kiss on Alex' lips.
Lisa, John and Jonas had moved into their new apartment in San Myshuno.
The first thing Lisa wanted to do was hang the pretty cat painting her friend Alma had painted.
They also kept one of the paintings John had done of the bird feeder in the garden.
"I hope Jonas likes his new room", Lisa said.
"He seemed to really enjoy the view", John said.
"We should go to that Comedy festival thing", John said. "Lee said it was a lot of fun."
Meanwhile, Jonas was investigating the new make-up table.
Ouf!
"Am I pretty, mum?" Jonas asked later at lunch.
"Why, yes, you're very pretty", Lisa replied. "It's good the make-up comes to good use. I really never use it myself anyway."
"Mum, please can I have it for my own?"
"You want the make-up table in your room? Well, ok. Why not."
In the new apartment there was a separate closet, where Jonas loved to play.
John was making good use of the large empty wall in his new studio.
And Lisa was developing a real gaming addiction.
Back at the old house, Alex and Parker now had the whole place to themselves for a few days before it would be sold.
"It's such a strange feeling", Parker sighed. "I've lived here all my life."
"Well, we're not moving that far", Alex said.
"I went past our new house yesterday", he said.
"There's a lovely beach just outside."
"And a great fishing spot!"
"It still feels strange", Parker said. "But also exciting. This thing."
"You mean, you and me?" Alex said and Parker nodded.
"Come", Alex suddenly said. "We have to do this before we leave."
"Do what?"
"This", Alex said as he shoved Parker into the closet.
Thank you! I'm feeling a lot better now, but the weekend was rather miserable. Got to love not being able to sleep because your nose is so clogged up you can't breathe properly.
Jonas was really coming into his own with the move to the city.
He learnt that you could find toys while rummaging through trash left in the street by strangers.
And he made new friends!
"Hi! Are you a real talking raccoon?"
"Why, yes I am."
"I think you lost something."
"Huh, what's that, little boy?"
"Your momentum!" Jonas laughed.
"That is not funny", the lady stomped off.
"What a strange boy", the raccoon said as it walked away.
At dinner, Jonas recounted what happened.
"Did you teach him that joke?" John said.
"No, sounds like a typical dad joke to me", Lisa mused.
"Jonas", Lisa said in a more serious tone. "I think it's best if you don't talk so much with strangers here. Not everyone is a kind person."
"It was ok, because grandma was with me", Jonas said.
"Grandma?" Lisa asked.
"Yes, grandma was playing guitar."
"We talked about how tall I will be when I grow up. Tall as a tree, she said."
Later, Lisa sat for a portrait, lost in thought.
"John", she finally said. "When Jonas talks about Mum, do you think... I mean, do you remember that time he just went missing on the island?"
"You mean, when he went to the beach on his own as a toddler?"
"I ran around half the island trying to find him", Lisa said.
"And then I heard him and I thought the worst thing had happened and he was out in the water and..."
"He was there on the beach. Alone."
"When I picked him up he was laughing and kept saying 'Nana, Nana', but I didn't understand what he meant."
"You know, for a moment I thought I saw something. I felt her...presence."
"But when I looked she wasn't there. Jonas kept saying 'Nana, Nana', but I just took him back home."
"What if she was there?" Lisa said. "In spirit, somehow. And Jonas saying he keeps meeting her is her way of -"
"Saying hi from the other side?" John continued her sentence. "I wouldn't put it past her, to be honest. She was always a bit of a prankster."
"No, but really. What if she isn't actually gone?" Lisa insisted.
"You need to sit still so I can finish this portrait", John replied.
Meanwhile, Jonas was busy in the closet, finding the perfect outfit and make-up for his upcoming birthday party.
"Dearly beloved, we have gathered here today to celebrate this thing called life...!"
John finished his portrait later that evening.
"I'm calling it 'Lisa, Queen of The Many Unanswerable Questions'", he said.
"Queen of Cakes, if I may!" Lisa laughed. "Speaking of which, do you think Jonas wants a hamburger cake for his birthday?"
(Just a little heads-up that I'm having terrible lagging issues with the apartment that Lisa is living in at the moment. But I will try and persevere, so that I can tell her story. If it becomes too bad I might have to move the family again, though. Strangely, Lee and Marianne lives in the apartment next door and there's very little lag there.)
It was Jonas' birthday and he had dressed up in his best outfit.
Lisa had invited the whole family. Even Alma was there! Well, she's practically family.
"Did you watch someone get eaten by a Cow Plant?" Jonas asked.
"Well, I didn't watch per se", Alma said. "But when your mum and me were young, our landlady-"
"My mummy met the Grim Reaper!" Jonas declared to Alma.
"Is that so?" she said.
"Yes, but I've only met Grandma's ghost."
"Jonas is a great storyteller, isn't he?" John said.
"Oh, I see", Alma giggled. "Yes, he is indeed."
"I would have asked Grandma to come, but I don't have her phone number", Jonas said.
(At this point the game was horribly laggy, so I never managed to catch the actual candle blowing.)
Jonas blew out the candles and turned into a teenager. True to all teenagers, the first thing he did was check his phone.
Everyone grabbed a bite to eat and sit down.
"What are your plans for school?" Alma asked.
"Jonas always talked about going into the theatre", Lisa said.
"I don't know, I might just want to have a karaoke place", Jonas mused. "A really glamorous one!"
He really is a little different to the rest of us, Parker thought to himself. Is he wearing make-up also?
A little later, Jonas went back to his room to play with his favourite toy robot.
"You are my bestest friend", it said.
"I know. And you're mine", Jonas replied.
Then he asked the magic cube what his future would hold.
"Not today, buddy", it replied.
Oh, well, who cares! I look fabulous, Jonas thought and sat down by the make-up table.
He took a picture...
...and sent it to his best friend Moon.
"See you soon. Xx J", he signed it.
"I'm so glad you came", Lisa said as she hugged Alma.
"Me too! We should go out on the town now that you've moved to the city. Like in the old days."
Comments
Gallery ID: MarleyTheWizard
The ghosts are Zoe Patel of the Roomies household in Oasis Springs and my original creation Armeleia Bramble, who was the mother at the start of the story. So they were both active characters in my game, they then died and were added back into the family for easier storytelling.
"I was so worried", she said. "That social worker has her eye on us now!"
"Don't worry", John replied. "They'll probably just chalk it up to a childish prank."
"But aren't you worried? He broke into two houses and just...I don't know, it was as if he was just playing in the dollhouse."
"Well now, dollhouses", John said. "That reminds me of somebody."
"John! My mother was insane, she couldn't help it. Jonas isn't like that. He can't be. He mustn't."
They went upstairs and sat down in Jonas' room, trying to come up with a solution.
"He keeps talking about my mum and Zoe, as if they still exist. He says he has a secret club with them."
"Oh, that's just a child's wild fantasy", John said.
"He's heard us talk about her many times and the other boys say they miss her", John said. "Of course he's going to feel some sort of attachment to her, even if they never met."
"Yes", Lisa concurred. "I suppose you could be right."
"Don't worry about it. I'll talk to him", John said.
"Now we need to relax those shoulders of yours. Everything is going to be alright."
Later, downstairs in the kitchen, John brought up the day's debacle with Jonas.
"We're not angry at you", he said. "But it's important that you remember that lying isn't ok. And neither is...er, visiting strangers in their homes."
"You did what?" Lee perked up his ears.
"But dad", Jonas began.
"No, I'm serious now, Jonas. This has got to stop. You had your mum very worried and so was I."
Lee didn't know just what to think, but wondered if he should tell his parents about that other thing that happened...
"Mum", Jonas announced. "Grandma says you should do more exercise."
"Grandma?" Lisa was confused.
"Yes, she's having breakfast with us", Jonas said as a matter of fact.
"She is?" Lisa asked, looking around the room.
"Can you see her too?" she asked Lee.
"What? See who?" Lee replied. He wasn't really a morning person.
When Parker came down, Lisa decided to ask him about Jonas' strange behaviour.
"He said she was sitting right here!"
"I mean, I'm beginning to think I'm the one going insane! Just like my mum!" Lisa exclaimed.
For a moment Parker considered telling his mother about Armeleia's visit to the house, but then he remembered he had promised not to say anything. Not yet.
"I'm sorry, mum", he said instead. "Maybe Jonas is just a little different to us. You know, a bit like grandma with all her funny little habits, talking to herself and...um, destroying the dollhouse."
Lisa decided to have a run on the old treadmill, hoping to clear her mind. She wondered if indeed people could come back from the dead, as ghosts or spirits or something. But if her mother really was in the house, why couldn't she see her?
Downstairs, Jonas was telling a dramatic story.
To himself.
Parker was feeling all kinds of conflicting emotions surging through his body.
But he lacked confidence in himself and tended to shy away from his peers.
Most of the time he liked going on excursions around the island by himself, just like when he was a child.
Nature was his best friend.
And he rarely got a like on his Simstagram photos of logfires.
Lee, however, was social and outgoing. Most of the time he would hang out with his childhood bff Marianne.
They were near legends at the Humour & Hijinks Festival by now.
"Are you ready to release the gerbils?"
"You bet ya!"
But sometimes they would catch themselves just staring into each others' eyes.
"What?" Marianne asked.
"What what?" Lee would reply.
"You've got a booger!" Lee laughed.
"I do not", Marianne scoffed.
Back home, Lee bragged about their victory at the festival.
"How many points, did you say?" Parker asked.
"152! It was a record", Lee replied. "You should come along next time."
"Yeah, maybe", Parker shrugged his shoulders.
His name was Alex, a young man who had just started university. He was the outdoorsy type and said he would help out in the garden whenever he had the time.
He was allowed to refurbish Zoe and Armeleia's old room, arranging for the things he had collected on his many travels.
Parker in particular found everything fascinating.
"Have you really been to all of these places?"
"Yes. Yes, I have", Alex replied.
"I like this colour", Parker said as he noticed the new paint on the walls. "Are you keeping it?"
"Not sure. I haven't decided yet. Maybe it needs something brighter."
"I noticed you like to go exploring on the island here", Alex said. "Would you mind very much if I joined you some time?"
"Yes. I mean, no", Parker didn't know just what to say. "You can come too."
"Great! Maybe tomorrow then?"
"Uh-huh", Parker replied.
Lee had invited Marianne over and was baking a cake. Maybe to impress her.
"This is my favourite recipe. Martha Simsart has nothing on me!" he exclaimed.
"Is it chocolate?" Marianne always asked the important questions.
Later, they decided to go down to the beach.
"I have a theory!" Marianne announced.
"About a brontosaurus?" Lee tried to joke.
"No, silly. About Parker. I think he likes Alex."
"So? I like him too."
"No, he LIKES him", Marianne winked at him.
"Bahaha, Mary! Parker only likes fossils and frogs and old stuff."
"Well then, he also likes old butts. Because he was defo checking out Alex' earlier today."
"Whoa! Get outta here!"
Back at the house, Parker and Alex had just finished their evening snack. Parker couldn't quite place that warm buzzing feeling he felt inside every time he was around Alex. Or talked with Alex. Or just looked at...Alex.
As he stood in the garden about to begin his evening yoga a thought suddenly rushed through his head:
Is this what love feels like?
On the beach, it definitely was.
"I love you", Lee said as he hugged Marianne. "I think I always have."
"I know, silly", she mumbled. "I have too."
The couple that does homework together stays together.
"I still think he looked at Alex' butt", Marianne said under her breath.
"I know. I think so too", Lee giggled.
I hope I'm not moving too fast now!
Origin ID: Sims4Girl202
"I bet you I can beat you at this", Parker said as he spotted the horseshoe game.
"If you lose, you're making dinner", Alex laughed.
"Is this your first time throwing horseshoes?" Parker teased.
"You'd better lose, unless you want burnt hotdogs for dinner", Alex joked.
As it turned out, the game ended in a tie. So the tofu hotdogs were grilled equally.
"This is nice. Thank you for suggesting we come here", Parker said shyly.
"Yeah, this is one of my favourite places", Alex said. "I've been here a few times with my...friends."
The next morning they went out exploring the forest. Alex knew a place with a huge collection of frogs and insects.
"These are amazing!" Parker said. "I've never seen the Surfer Leaf Frog before."
Close to the house, Parker found an overgrown passage.
"Alex, come look what I found!" he shouted.
"Oh, wow! It's the secret passage to the hermit's cottage."
"Do you think he's home?" Parker said as he emerged from the passage.
"Get it off me!" Alex screamed as something wet and slimy landed on his arm.
The hermit was indeed home and he said the boys were welcome to walk around the area, as long as they were mindful of the wildlife.
There were incredibly beautiful butterflies there! Parker stared in fascination.
After a while, they both lay down on the grass and looked at the clouds.
"That one looks like a heart", Alex pointed to the sky.
Parker didn't know what to say to that, so he just hummed.
"I'm going to go see if I can catch some fish", Alex said as he got up. "Are you staying here?"
"Yeah, for a bit", Parker replied.
Alex managed to catch some really strange things!
Parker stayed in the grass, looking at the sky and the shapes of the clouds.
He remembered a poem that he had read not long ago that began:
i carry your heart with me (i carry it in my heart)*
*e.e. cummings
When Parker blew out the candles, Alex seemed to be singing louder than everyone else.
"I'm going to Marianne's later", Lee said. "She seemed upset. Her mum wasn't doing so well."
"Say hi to her from me", Parker said.
Parker sat down to play some chess and soon after Alex joined him on the terrace.
"You know, it's funny", Parker said. "Now that I'm older I'm allowed to do so much more, but I really just want to stay here on the island and tend the garden."
"Yes", Alex agreed. "It's lovely here. The fishing is great too."
Later in the garden, Lisa caught up with Parker.
"He likes you", she said with a wink.
"Alex? I mean, who?" Parker blushed. "Does he, do you think?"
Sadly, not everyone had had a happy birthday.
A few days earlier in San Myshuno, Marianne had blown out the candles on her own birthday cake.
But her mother had been too tired to celebrate and spent most of the time napping on the sofa.
"I'm going to have a glass of water, I think", Marianne's mother said, suddenly sitting up.
But as she began towards the kitchen, she felt faint.
"I'm sorry, darling", she whispered as she collapsed on the floor.
"Mum!" Marianne gasped just as there was a knock on the door.
Lee had come too late.
He hugged Marianne tightly.
"I am so sorry, my love", he said as she cried into his shoulder.
"Will you be alright on your own?" he asked her.
"I don't know."
"I can stay with you", he said. "If you want, I can move in with you. For a little while at least."
"You would?"
"Yes, of course!" he said.
"I think...I think I would like that", Marianne smiled through her tears.
"I'll just go back home and pick some things up", Lee said.
"Here, take the key and let yourself in when you come back", Marianne replied.
Back on the island, Parker had decided to go down to the beach where Aunt Zoe passed.
He had just heard from Lee about Marianne's mother and was remembering how Zoe would always bake the most amazing chocolate cake for his and Lee's birthday. It was strange not having her around anymore, but he hoped that she had found grandma Armeleia and that they were happy together now.
He walked with heavy steps back to the house, only to find Alex waiting on the porch.
Alex tried to comfort him.
"I've heard so much about Zoe and you grandma", he said. "They seemed like a beautiful souls. You must miss them very much."
"I do", Parker sighed. "Especially today."
"Listen", Alex continued. "This is a bit awkward, but I heard about this festival in the city. This weekend. Maybe we could go? You know, just to get away and do something different. Feel the city vibe."
"I suppose", Parker said, a little confused. "What is it?"
"It's a surprise. You'll see when we get there. I think you will like it."
"Move?", John asked. "The house?"
"No, not the house! Us", Lisa laughed. "I mean, Lee has decided to stay with Marianne and he'll probably not come back. It's only a matter of time before Parker wants to get his own place. It's just you and me and Jonas now."
"Yes, I see", John said. "I suppose it is a rather big house for just three people."
Outside in the garden, Parker was watching Alex doing swan dives into the pool.
"Whoa!" Alex shouted. "That was a really bad one. I'm sorry!"
"I'm fine", Parker giggled. "But that's only getting 5.4 artistic points."
"No fair!" Alex laughed as he splashed some more water on Parker.
"You must be really good at this." Alex swam up to Parker.
"No, I never really liked heights", Parker confessed. "Lee's the swimmer in the family. And Zoe was."
Later that week, Lisa and John went to see an apartment in San Myshuno.
"It's spacious!" John said. "But where's the estate agent hiding?"
"Mr and Mrs Park!" the agent seemed to appear out of nowhere.
"It's actually Ms Bramble. We're not-" John began.
"Never mind, Mrs Park is fine", Lisa said.
"Looking for a little love nest, eh?" the agent winked at John.
"What? No!" John looked confused.
"We're not married yet", Lisa explained. "I'm Lisa Bramble and this is my partner John Park."
"Oh!" the agent laughed. "Yes, easy mistake to make."
"Is it?" John was still confused.
"Yes, I bet you get all sorts here in the city", Lisa tried to joke. "Us country folk are so simple."
"Ah!" John finally understood the wink. "She thought we-"
"Please show us around", Lisa interrupted. "I'd love to the see the children's room."
"Of course. This way, please", the estate agent said.
"This is lovely-" Lisa began when she heard a hiss behind her back.
"I'm sorry, what was that you said?" Lisa asked as she turned around.
"It's a s-s-s-super modern apartment complex with everything you need", the agent said in a strangely gravelling voice.
"Right", Lisa replied. "That's good to know. Thank you."
In another part of the apartment John had found the studio.
A whole room to myself! I could even paint a mural on the wall!
The tour continued.
"I like this walk-through kitchen", Lisa said. "It adds space and light. What a wonderful idea!"
"Uh-huh", the agent said behind her, all manners seemingly gone.
In the master bedroom Lisa found the make-up table.
"I've never had one of these", she said. "John, can you see me sitting here in my nightgown powdering my nose?"
"You never wear make-up, honey", John said as-a-matter-of-factly.
"Well, I'll leave you to it. Call me when you've made a decision", the estate agent said abruptly as she left the room.
"She was strange", Lisa whispered.
"A little bit, yes", John said. "But do you like the place?"
"Yes, I do. It's spacious, but still cosy. There's a great school nearby."
"Let's move here. And I will make a city girl out of you."
"Said the man who grew up by the Windenburg village square!" Lisa giggled.
And Alex just had to find a book in the bookshelf.
In that particular bookshelf.
It was a truly fascinating book.
"Still on for that festival thing?" Parker asked as he finished meditating.
"Yup", Alex replied. "It starts around 8."
He seemed to have forgotten about the book all of a sudden.
In the city, Lee and Marianne's life was full of new discoveries.
"That is such a fascinating mosaic, don't you think?" Lee giggled.
"I feel a little sick", Marianne gasped.
But mostly it was about experiencing new food and meeting new people.
Lee was taking his first tentative steps in politics, debating topics with anybody who was willing to lend an ear.
Both he and Marianne loved bargain hunting at the flee market.
"I am so buying this lamp!" Lee exclaimed.
"You are so not", Marianne said.
In the evenings they would throw ball.
Or take a stroll on the quay.
Not seldom it would end in a little kiss, away from prying eyes.
They were beginning to make their own life in Marianne's old apartment.
They had stopped by an arts exhibition before the surprise festival.
"It's...pretty", Parker said hesitantly.
"Is this the festival thing you were talking about?" Parker inquired. "Does it have to do with art?"
"No, no", Alex replied. "This was just a pit stop. I wasn't sure...if...well."
He trailed off and Parker looked at him, waiting for the rest.
"Oh, let's just go!" Alex finally said.
"Is this it?" Parker asked. "It's very pink."
"Yeah, I...um", Alex began. "If you don't want to stay it's fine."
"No, it looks beautiful. Let's go see what the stalls offer."
But before they could venture further, an older man dressed in strange clothes approached them.
"I see great things in your future!" he exclaimed. "In your very near future."
"Oh?" Parker said. "Am I getting a promotion?"
"No, young man. You will meet the love of your life."
There was an awkward silence as Alex and Parker looked at each other.
"I'll go and see if there's anything good to eat here", Parker said.
"Sounds like a plan", Alex replied.
What's this delicious-smelling drink? Parker wondered as he found the sakura fountains. Alex had already bought a fancy festival t-shirt.
"So, yeah", Alex said. "How are you liking the Romance Festival so far?"
"It's nice!" Parker said, feeling a tinge of jealousy. "Have you been here many times before?"
"No, not really", Alex replied. "I've only read about it and sort of walked past it a few times, but never really had anyone to take here."
Parker felt his cheeks turn red.
What's in this drink? he wondered. I'm feeling all tingly.
"Maybe we can go sit somewhere else, more private?" Alex asked.
They found a bench a little bit away from the crowd.
"Ok", Alex said, taking a deep breath and grabbing Parker's hand. "I'm just going to come right out and say it."
"Say what?" Parker asked, feeling his heart speed up at the touch.
"I think I'm in love with you."
"You are?" Parker asked, dumfounded.
"Yes. Is that ok? I completely understand if it makes you uncomfortable and you want me to leave."
"Did you bribe the old guy?", Parker asked.
"Did I what?" Alex felt his spirit sink.
"Bribe him into being so cute", Parker whispered, a little giddy with excitement and high on sakura tea.
"Oh, you!" Alex launched a tickle attack on Parker.
"No, no, stop!"
Alex suddenly got up, throwing some rose petals around.
"Parker Bramble, I don't want to hide my feelings for you anymore."
"Let's not hide anything from each other", Parker said and planted a kiss on Alex' lips.
HAPPY VALENTINE'S!
Origin ID: Sims4Girl202
The first thing Lisa wanted to do was hang the pretty cat painting her friend Alma had painted.
They also kept one of the paintings John had done of the bird feeder in the garden.
"I hope Jonas likes his new room", Lisa said.
"He seemed to really enjoy the view", John said.
"We should go to that Comedy festival thing", John said. "Lee said it was a lot of fun."
Meanwhile, Jonas was investigating the new make-up table.
Ouf!
"Am I pretty, mum?" Jonas asked later at lunch.
"Why, yes, you're very pretty", Lisa replied. "It's good the make-up comes to good use. I really never use it myself anyway."
"Mum, please can I have it for my own?"
"You want the make-up table in your room? Well, ok. Why not."
In the new apartment there was a separate closet, where Jonas loved to play.
John was making good use of the large empty wall in his new studio.
And Lisa was developing a real gaming addiction.
Back at the old house, Alex and Parker now had the whole place to themselves for a few days before it would be sold.
"It's such a strange feeling", Parker sighed. "I've lived here all my life."
"Well, we're not moving that far", Alex said.
"I went past our new house yesterday", he said.
"There's a lovely beach just outside."
"And a great fishing spot!"
"It still feels strange", Parker said. "But also exciting. This thing."
"You mean, you and me?" Alex said and Parker nodded.
"Come", Alex suddenly said. "We have to do this before we leave."
"Do what?"
"This", Alex said as he shoved Parker into the closet.
"Oh, why didn't I think of that!"
Bloodlines: Gustav & Ishka's Legacy | Family Tree: Echo + Plum | ID: Jalooloo
Thank you! I'm feeling a lot better now, but the weekend was rather miserable. Got to love not being able to sleep because your nose is so clogged up you can't breathe properly.
He learnt that you could find toys while rummaging through trash left in the street by strangers.
And he made new friends!
"Hi! Are you a real talking raccoon?"
"Why, yes I am."
"I think you lost something."
"Huh, what's that, little boy?"
"Your momentum!" Jonas laughed.
"That is not funny", the lady stomped off.
"What a strange boy", the raccoon said as it walked away.
At dinner, Jonas recounted what happened.
"Did you teach him that joke?" John said.
"No, sounds like a typical dad joke to me", Lisa mused.
"Jonas", Lisa said in a more serious tone. "I think it's best if you don't talk so much with strangers here. Not everyone is a kind person."
"It was ok, because grandma was with me", Jonas said.
"Grandma?" Lisa asked.
"Yes, grandma was playing guitar."
"We talked about how tall I will be when I grow up. Tall as a tree, she said."
Later, Lisa sat for a portrait, lost in thought.
"John", she finally said. "When Jonas talks about Mum, do you think... I mean, do you remember that time he just went missing on the island?"
"You mean, when he went to the beach on his own as a toddler?"
"I ran around half the island trying to find him", Lisa said.
"And then I heard him and I thought the worst thing had happened and he was out in the water and..."
"He was there on the beach. Alone."
"When I picked him up he was laughing and kept saying 'Nana, Nana', but I didn't understand what he meant."
"You know, for a moment I thought I saw something. I felt her...presence."
"But when I looked she wasn't there. Jonas kept saying 'Nana, Nana', but I just took him back home."
"What if she was there?" Lisa said. "In spirit, somehow. And Jonas saying he keeps meeting her is her way of -"
"Saying hi from the other side?" John continued her sentence. "I wouldn't put it past her, to be honest. She was always a bit of a prankster."
"No, but really. What if she isn't actually gone?" Lisa insisted.
"You need to sit still so I can finish this portrait", John replied.
Meanwhile, Jonas was busy in the closet, finding the perfect outfit and make-up for his upcoming birthday party.
"Dearly beloved, we have gathered here today to celebrate this thing called life...!"
John finished his portrait later that evening.
"I'm calling it 'Lisa, Queen of The Many Unanswerable Questions'", he said.
"Queen of Cakes, if I may!" Lisa laughed. "Speaking of which, do you think Jonas wants a hamburger cake for his birthday?"
It was Jonas' birthday and he had dressed up in his best outfit.
Lisa had invited the whole family. Even Alma was there! Well, she's practically family.
"Did you watch someone get eaten by a Cow Plant?" Jonas asked.
"Well, I didn't watch per se", Alma said. "But when your mum and me were young, our landlady-"
"My mummy met the Grim Reaper!" Jonas declared to Alma.
"Is that so?" she said.
"Yes, but I've only met Grandma's ghost."
"Jonas is a great storyteller, isn't he?" John said.
"Oh, I see", Alma giggled. "Yes, he is indeed."
"I would have asked Grandma to come, but I don't have her phone number", Jonas said.
(At this point the game was horribly laggy, so I never managed to catch the actual candle blowing.)
Jonas blew out the candles and turned into a teenager. True to all teenagers, the first thing he did was check his phone.
Everyone grabbed a bite to eat and sit down.
"What are your plans for school?" Alma asked.
"Jonas always talked about going into the theatre", Lisa said.
"I don't know, I might just want to have a karaoke place", Jonas mused. "A really glamorous one!"
He really is a little different to the rest of us, Parker thought to himself. Is he wearing make-up also?
A little later, Jonas went back to his room to play with his favourite toy robot.
"You are my bestest friend", it said.
"I know. And you're mine", Jonas replied.
Then he asked the magic cube what his future would hold.
"Not today, buddy", it replied.
Oh, well, who cares! I look fabulous, Jonas thought and sat down by the make-up table.
He took a picture...
...and sent it to his best friend Moon.
"See you soon. Xx J", he signed it.
"I'm so glad you came", Lisa said as she hugged Alma.
"Me too! We should go out on the town now that you've moved to the city. Like in the old days."