English Legacy: Find The River (Chapter 26)

Hey now, little speedyhead,
the read on the speedmeter says
you have to go to task in the city
where people drown and people serve.
Don't be shy. Your just deserve
is only just light years to go.

From the Diary of Latricia English:

Well, Diary. Today is the day. All our bags are packed, and we're ready to go. We're just going over a few streets, so we won't be leaving on a jet plane.
Yep, Christopher, Danny, the new baby, and I are moving into our own house. It feels weird to leave this house after so many years, and so many memories; but Christopher is right - we're ready to make our own home.
I think we'd still be moving even if it hadn't been for the unexpected, yet welcome "Accident" that happened shortly after Grandma Laurel's passing. Chris and I had consoled each other very thoroughly, you could say, and Absent-Minded me forgot my cycle date and the ability to count to thirty.
He was startled, as was I, to find out I was pregnant again, with Danny in the middle of his junior year at high school. Being the doctor that I am though, I should have known that everything was still working.

Of course, being part of a rich household, with the support of my loving husband, my son, and even my brother-in-law's family, I had a very uneventful pregnancy, and it didn't seem like long before we were driving home from the hospital with Justin Laurence English.
We had hoped a little bit for a daughter, and I even went so far to eat two slices of watermelon during my pregnancy, forgetting the "Magic number" was three. We would have named her Laurel after her dearly departed grandmother, but that was not to be. Hence, Laurence for his middle name.

My husband's just lucky he's still alive to come with us. A week ago, he came home from work in an Astronaut's uniform! My husband had succeeded in his Lifetime Wish to be an astronaut, just like his big brother!
They'd even rewarded him with a little device called a Moodlet Manager - apparently it's some kind of test device to deal with the stresses of space flight.
Of course, my husband decided to try it out when I sat back down at the chess table to put the pieces away, Neatly, before we went to celebrate appropriately.
Needless to say, there appeared to be a bug or two remaining in it's programming. As for Chris, I informed him, that with my medical skills, if he ever tried it on me again without warning, I'd shove it somewhere in his body they MIGHT be able to retrieve it from.
It wasn't long after that that Chris had a discussion with his brother, Alex.

"Are you sure about this Chris? You guys don't need to leave, this house has plenty of room for everyone. I mean geez, Justin has Mom's old room all to himself."

"Yes, I know Alex, but, the kids' graduations are coming up fast. They're going to be adults themselves, looking to start families of their own. You guys need the room to prepare for the next generation - there's not enough room for the kids' future spouses and kids, regardless of who the Heir is."

"But Chris, while Dad specifically said the Heir didn't have to be male, the next Heir does have to live on this lot. If Danny moves from here, he won't be eligible to be Heir. Is he okay with that?"

"Yes, I asked him about it the other day, when he was tossing his brother in the air. I asked him if he was interested in being the Heir, and he said 'Dad, I may be a Daredevil, but I'm not crazy.' He laughed as he said it, but clarified that he didn't want that kind of responsibility. Like me, he thought it was something only Dee and 'Beth were eligible for, since they're your kids."

"Chris, I hadn't ruled out anyone - the rules only specify the next generation Heir must be of the family bloodline. But on another note... this house is technically part yours - your paychecks went into the family fund to build it, just like Trish's."
"I know, Alex, and I know you told Dad that you'd let me stay as long as I wanted..."

"Lucky for you you never broke any of my toys."

"True... but, it's okay, big brother. All our years flying jets together, this was a great house to come back to, but I think the Legacy will be better served by us moving out, so whichever of the girls becomes the Heiress, can have more room to tell their story. Plus, I'm not sure I want to be here when you get all old and gray."

"You realize, the only reason you're not in a headlock for that, is I don't want to wake Justin here? But seriously, feel free to spend what you need to buy a nice house. It's not like we won't see each other again."

"Oh, we'll see each other again, surely. Danny will want to be here for his joint birthday party with the girls."

"Don't call me Shirley."
So, there you have it, Diary. I felt a little weird leaving this house after so long, but like Chris said, it's for the good of the Legacy. Even still, my darling husband had to console me when I was standing in Danny's empty room. I'll do whatever I can to make our new house, a home.

Oh, the taxi's here. It's time to go. I think I'll make my boys sit in the back.

English Legacy: Red Head Walking (Chapter 25)

Out there are silver dressed darlings
And raven mane delights
When ginger hair gets all fired up
She beats them in the night
That redhead walking, uh

Elizabeth looked at her face in the mirror, for what must have been the thousandth time since she became a teenager. Even though all through her childhood, her family had told her what a pretty girl she was, she just didn't seem able to shake the feeling that they didn't really mean it. She was beginning to doubt if she'd ever find a boyfriend with her looks.
She didn't quite understand it. While her family's estate had a pool, and both exercise machines, she still liked to go down to the gym... hoping to find a guy interesting in an Athletic girl such as herself. So far, she hadn't had any luck.
Her twin sister, Deanna, didn't seem to have that problem. She had spoken on occasion of this one nice boy she was curious about... Elizabeth couldn't remember his name... Zeb-something.
Finally, the next night, while the two of them were doing their homework, she put down her pencil for a moment.

"Dee? Can I ask you something?" she asked her sister.

"What is it?" Deanna replied absently, not looking up from her homework.

"Tell me the truth, Dee.... am I.... ugly?"

Deanna stopped short and put down her notebook. "What? Are you crazy, Liz? No, you're not ugly.... why would you say such a thing?"

Elizabeth's hands moved to her jaw self-consciously. "I just don't feel very... attractive... with this."

Deanna looked to where her sister's hands were indicating, "What, your jaw? Liz, that's Mom's jaw."

"I know," Elizabeth replied. "You didn't get it, and you've had boys follow you around in school."

"Ah yes," Deanna snorted. "Of the three so far, one is Insane, and another is a Slob." She then stopped short, seeing the look on Elizabeth's face. "Liz, I really think you should talk to Dad about this. I have a feeling he can help you with this better than any one else."

Elizabeth almost replied in confusion, but recalled her sister was usually right about such things.
It wasn't until the next night (and a change of wallpaper and flooring) that she was able to get a few moments of her father's time. He saw the way she walked into the dining room, with her head down, and immediately got up and went over to her.

"Pretty girl, what's wrong?"

"Daddy...." she said with a sniffle. "I just don't... I just don't feel very pretty. None of the boys seem interested in me, and I feel like I'm going to die a lonely old woman." With that, she dissolved into tears, but her father was there to take hold of her.
He let her sob for a few moments, then gently took her by the shoulders so he could look her in the eye.
"Baby girl, don't talk like that. You are a beautiful young woman, and you're not going to have any trouble finding the man of your dreams. Why would you feel ugly?"

Elizabeth sniffled, then replied to her father; her voice quivering. "It's my jaw, Daddy. It just... it just looks like it sticks out too much. I feel like everyone stares at it. I feel like it's keeping boys away from me."

"Elizabeth," Alex said, consolingly. "You've inherited your mother's jaw. There's nothing wrong with that. It's just different, but it's not bad."

"I don't know Daddy.... it's just how I feel. and I feel worse for feeling it, because I do love Mom, and..."

"Pretty girl, I fell in love with your mother. I married your mother, we had you two girls, and I wouldn't change anything about either one of you. The three of you are the most beautiful women I know."
Elizabeth looked up, slightly smiling. "You mean it, Daddy?"

"Of course I do, baby girl. You and your sister are going to be beautiful brides someday, and your mother and I just get prouder of you every day."

"Thanks, Daddy," she said, a true smile coming to her face.

"You're welcome. Now, dry those tears and hit the sack. It's a school night."
The next morning, after a good night's sleep, Elizabeth felt much better. She'd had time to reflect on what her father said. He'd been right - her mother, even with her stout jaw, had done pretty well, and the only time Elizabeth could remember her ever frowning was when she lost a chess game.

She went into her grandmother's old room, and looked in her cherished mirror. This time, there was no dread in her reflection. Instead, she smiled at herself, and knew, that true love would find her, just like it had her mother.
And now for something completely different. A woman throwing up in a toilet.

* SHAMELESS TEASER IMAGE*

English Legacy: The Great Beyond (Chapter 24)

And all this talk of time
Talk is fine
And I don´t want to stay around
Why can´t we pantomime, just close our eyes
And sleep sweet dreams
Me and you with wings on our feet

Hello, my love. It's been a long time.

Brian?.... Is it really you?

Yes, my dearest. Are you surprised?
I suppose I shouldn't be. I guess I should have seen it coming after the other night. I thought I was just really tired, and should have been in bed that late. Speaking of which, I'm really, really sorry, sweetheart.

For what, my love?
For accidentally destroying our bed with my ray gun. That bed was the first and only bed we ever shared. Our boys were conceived in that bed.

* chuckle * Oh, don't worry about it, my love. Consider it the equivalent of tossing a goblet into a fire after a toast, so that it may never be used for a lesser toast.

Interesting way of looking at it there... though I can't decide if I'm glad or not that... it happened when everyone was home.
I think, that in your heart, you know the answer.

You're right again, my husband. I got to see them all gathered at once; our children, and their children. Though I imagine Shante and Latricia would have changed out of those bathing suits if they'd had a chance...
Well, like the old saying goes, you never know the day or the hour. Besides, that pool wasn't cheap. I'm glad it was being put to good use.
I will say this, my love. That Grim fellow wasn't nearly as imposing as I thought. Here, at the end of my long life, I know why you shook his hand when you met him. But still, it was hard on the family.
It was indeed, but, like you said all those years ago, it's part of the circle of life, Laurel.

You earned your epitaph, my dear - "Here lies Laurel English; always loved." Our children, their children... they will heal, and they will continue our Legacy. Hey, at least you got to finish your last painting.
I did, didn't I? I just wish I'd gotten around to naming it. It's name could only have been... "Home Sweet Home."

That would have been a perfect name. I think Alex hung it right in the lower foyer.

He'll do a great job. Well, now that we're together again, my love, reunited forever, there's one thing I must ask you.

What's that, my love? You can ask me anything.

Is it supposed to be this dark in here?

English Legacy: Imitation Of Life (Chapter 23)

you want the greatest thing
the greatest thing since bread came sliced.
you've got it all, you've got it sized.
like a friday fashion show teenager
freezing in the corner
trying to look like you dont try

In Sunset Valley, there are many families that live and work, making better lives for themselves, as time passes. 345 Riverblossom Drive is no different in that respect. It is the home of the English Family, who in recent years, has become quite a notable part of the community.
The current head of the family, Alexander English, is a world-renowned fighter pilot and Top Gun, who can usually be found on the highway to the danger zone, some say. Despite his Military prominence, he stays as busy as he can in the lives of his family.
His extended family includes his two daughters, Elizabeth and Deanna, here shown with their cousin Danny English, who also lives in the family estate with his parents - esteemed Gene Splicer Latricia English, and his father Christopher English, a promising Flight Officer who is Alexander's subordinate, and younger brother.
Carrying in the English family tradition of service to Sim Nation, started by family Founder Brian English, is Alex's wife Shante, who is following in her late father-in-law's footsteps, by recently getting promoted to Sketch Artist, as she uses her Forensic skills to bring criminals to justice.

The only slightly worrisome factor is the family matriarch, Laurel English, widow of Brian... and currently reigning Mad Scientist after defeating the now-only-slightly-angry scientist, Dr. Iniquitous. She is still a very active grandmother despite her advanced age, reputed to be over 105.
According to family sources, she spends her day painting, gardening, and blasting household objects with ray guns.Other than that, the family lives a rather tranquil existence on their impressive tract of land.
Young Danny takes after his grandmother and enjoys painting, having expressed a Wish to be Master of the Arts. He can be often found at his easel, when he's not busy being a Whiz at the Computer, which sources tell us is a Trait that all blood members of the family seem to share.

The years of childhood seem to end before they really get started, some say, and it was just recently that the next generation of Englishes became teenagers.
Danny English, seen here after his transition gives up some of his father's facial features in favor of his mothers. He has been rumored to be engaging in extreme activities since his birthday, but this is unconfirmed. What is confirmed, is that he has no fashion sense.
Seen here as the joint birthday party raged on, is the "older" of Alexander's twin daughters, Deanna. It is not quite clear which of the three will be the next Heir, but this beauty has apparently developed the family affinity for Computers, even though she is Brave like her father, though she prefers to stay Indoors. It's easier to work on being a Prolific Writer indoors.
Her twin sister Elizabeth does not share her sister's dislike of the outdoors. While also loving Computers, her intellectual prowess is reported to be at Genius level, and she frequently can be heard having Deep Conversations with her parents.

The other residents of Sunset Valley tend to respect the privacy of the affluent English clan, but they have been heard to wonder, "Who will be the next Heir?"

Dead Letter Office: Happy Phantom

Being a ghost in the Sims 3 isn't really much of an "Eternal Rest", as it turns out.. It has serious (and not-so-serious) ramifications. In this installment of Dead Letter Office, we take a look at how Brian has been keeping busy in his new career as Daisy Supporter.
It has some unpleasant moments, like when your son removes the gate and surrounds the graveyard with a ghost-proof fence to keep you from leaving. Just because he wants everyone to get as much sleep as they can while raising three kids.
But that's okay. At least people don't freak out when you do play video games on your son's computer. I mean, hey, you bought it for him! Heck, in the new house, there's two computers on the ground floor, so you rarely are in danger of waking anyone up.

Three words. Creepiest. Chatroom. Ever.

At least a ghost can still enjoy the food from the leftovers of a double wedding party that didn't clean up the buffet... though it is a little late to be eating healthy.
And sometimes, in the dark night, while you stand looking at your home while standing near your cold grave, your son and heir will walk out, give you a hug, and tell you how much he loves you, and how much he misses you. It's at that point a ghost realizes... Death isn't so bad.

English Legacy: It's A Free World, Baby (Chapter 22)

I was hungry when I said
I never got to sleep
You go ahead
You can get whatever you want
There's a feeling in my belly
It's the new tomorrow scene
It's an interesting job
It's the fireworks

From the Diary of Shante English:

Dear Diary,
I'm sorry I haven't written in you for a while, but I think I've got a good excuse. Or rather, several of them.

As you know, I'm now a mom! Deanna and Elizabeth were born healthy and happy, and with them, the new house, and my job, it's been a very busy few months. It was just now that I have a few minutes to write in you.

Actually, it's been so crazy here, sometimes I have to remind myself which children are mine - My sister-in-law 'Trish is a new mom too, and little Danny is a beautiful little boy. He looks so much like Christopher, I think.

One thing we learned right off, with three babies combined with five adults with jobs is that, there's no such things as "my child" and "your child".... there's only "babies who need food/changing/whatnot", "Babies that are sleeping", and "free adults." I can't count how many times I went to change Danny's diaper and walked past Trish or Chris feeding Deanna or Elizabeth.
Trish and I have been getting along fine. We've even had the occasional spots of free time to play chess against each other, though I think the stress of caring for three babies causes her to be even more Absent-Minded at times. Times when she forgets to get dressed. Oh well, given my own Neurotic tendencies, I shouldn't talk. It does annoy me when she beats me at chess, though... considering I'm a Genius.
Still, like my dear Alex likes to say, "Even the craziest RPGs have end credits." Computer Whizzes say strange things. It didn't seem like long at all before it was time for a triple birthday!

Creator's Note: Note to self; no more triple babies at once, even with five adults. The peanut gallery can rest assured that I got what I deserved, even before they became toddlers...

Hey! Get out of here! This is MY diary, not yours, Creator-type person! Get your own diary!

Wait, what? Uh, Shante, this *is* ... uh, never mind. Skip it.
Here's my darling Deanna. For some reason, everyone kept studying her and her sister very closely after they grew. If I didn't know better, I'd have sworn they were staring at their jaws for some reason...
Here's my other little girl, Elizabeth. She looks a lot like her sister, but I don't think they're identical twins. I was kind of disappointed neither of them inherited their father's hair color - it's no secret that I despise my natural hair color. Grandma Laurel said not to worry - she had just the thing to change their hair colors to what ever we want.
Oh, I almost forgot it was Danny's birthday, too! I'm a bad aunt! Here's the little charmer... in a shirt matching his cousin's. Don't worry, we changed their outfits... and Grandma whipped up a few solutions to allow Alex and I to relieve the girls of my unfortunate hair color.
Here's the "D-E-D crew", as we call them, in one of their few joint sittings, for want of a better term - for three babies born literally within minutes of each other, their schedules quickly diverged. Elizabeth is the redhead, matching her father, and Deanna received my new hair color.

Now that we had three toddlers, the "Fun" really started - three toddlers who all needed to learn to talk, use the potty, and walk, while five adults had to go back to work. Which meant, we needed a babysitter.
I' m really glad this girl only showed up once, though. I can't remember her name, but the look on her face made me wonder what nefarious plan she had for the kids... thankfully, she didn't get a chance to carry them out, since Grandma got home early from work.
She came home from work with great news! She'd been promoted to Mad Scientist, which meant the Soil and Water Research Center was her domain! "Now, I'm the one that brushes new chemicals on people to see what cool stuff happens," she said.

She makes me nervous sometimes when she looks at various things in the house and says to herself "I wonder if I could..." Oh yes... that list of "things" includes her grandchilden, and the rest of us. She hasn't actually Performed any Experiments yet, though.
My brave husband came home from work that day, having gotten a promotion, too! In fact, all five of us came home with promotions! Needless to say, the money helped reestablish the bank account after it had been nearly drained building the new house.
Once again, when it came to training the kids, it was more a matter of who was free to teach a child than what each of the four of use Wished, but sometimes we did get to train our "own" kids. Elizabeth took a little longer to learn to Walk, but I was happy to do it.
I'm pretty sure it was Chris who taught Danny to talk. I managed to overhear them one time. "No, Danny, the word is 'chain reaction', not 'cake'."
Grandma Laurel is an old hat at toddler training, though. She's had the experience teaching Alex and Chris, so she's been able to teach her grandchildren faster than the rest of us. We don't mind, she's so great with them. She seems to be in good shape, even though she's older than Grandpa English was when he passed on.

It's so cute watching the cousins play together, once they all learned to talk, it seems sometimes, a bit sadly, that they know each other better than they know their own parents.
Oh, I just heard my husband get out of the shower. I think it's time for me to end this entry, and make him feel appreciated - it seemed like with the kids, we'd go days without moments to ourselves. Bye for now! *spin noise** Slurp noises here.*

Creator's Note: Move on, you lookie-loos. No cliffhanger today.