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[ladytimedramon]

Life, the Universe, and Everything

(or... "What happens when the latest batch of Pleasantview teens goes to college")

---

Adam Goth

La Fiesta Tech.

My parents’ alma mater.

The Bella Goth Memorial Dorm. Endowed by my grandfather to give Mom and Dad a less than subtle hint about what he wanted happening in their relationship.

It feels really weird to be away from my family. Bella and Catherine are starting high school; Victor and Michael are in middle school; Jocasta and Dawson are in elementary school. My parents will be too busy to notice I’m gone. The oldest twins can help wrangle the younger sibs.

I’m not alone though. The most important person in my life that isn’t a relative is here with me. Stacy Burb, the love of my life. Being away from my family isn’t so bad with her here.

That’s not to say that I’m here without any relatives. My cousin Garrett Dawson is here as well. Why, I don’t know. He’s had this on/off/on/off thing with Maya Terrano since kindergarten, but neither will admit it. She’s at Academie Le Tour partially because it has the best pre-med program in Pleasantview, and partially because her aunt and uncle founded one of the Greek houses there. Garrett could have easily gotten in. Our grandmother, Tegan Dawson-Goth, donated funds that became the Dawson Dormitory. I think it’s just stubbornness on Garrett’s part. ALT and LFT both have equally good dance departments.

Mom and Dad said I could choose any university I wanted. I came here because Stacy did. They have the best teacher ed department. I’m still undecided. I might go for business, because there are a lot of foundations and businesses in the Goth family name that Dad manages from home when he’s not off doing a scientific study. He only does that one day a week. The rest of the time he’s home for the sibs. But I still have time to decide on a major. There’s four whole years ahead of me.

---

Angelica Landgraab

The next step in the career of a future superstar has begun! I have had to make the sacrifice of leaving my adoring parents, my darling younger sister Mariela, and my brothers Blair and Mal, who worship the land I walk on to make the trek to La Fiesta Tech, my mother’s alma mater. My father said that he had private tutors to school him in business and economics, but when one chooses a career path in something like theater, one needs a a supporting cast.

I have several advantages at LFT. Not only is my mother a graduate, but my Uncle Jamal is too. My mother is credited with putting the Tri Fruhm sorority on the map. Sadly, one of the disadvantages is that Uncle Jamal’s twin sister Rita died here before I was born. So tragic… but what can one expect when one decides to get involved with green trash?

My aunt was actually dating an alien. As disgusting as it sounds, my mother swears it’s true. My personal theory is that there must not have been a lot of guys at the school and she didn’t have any choice. Why else would she get involved with someone who is lower class with green skin and huge eyes?

I was SO glad when Daddy moved me and my siblings from Farnaby Private School to Pleasantview Prep. Not only was I far from any green trash, but the school knew what was important – money! Even the uniforms cost a lot. Best of all, I was the center of attention (with the added bonus that the work was nowhere near as hard as the old school).

Sadly, I was parted from the object of my affections: Garrett Dawson, the most desirable guy in the entire grade. None of the guys at Pleasantview Prep had that perfect blend of money, looks, and family fame that he did. I tried my best to convince him to transfer to Pleasantview Prep, but he had his excuses.

Fate, however, has brought us back together at university. He must have finally dumped that green trash he was obsessing over during middle and high school. He’s even cuter than he was back then. I love the way he’s grown his hair longer – it’s so sexy. Best of all, we’re in the same dorm!

Oh, and our dorm is amazing! Each room is like a little apartment! So luxurious… I have my own private bathroom AND there’s parking. Daddy said he’d send my car out so I don’t have to rely on public transportation like the common people. Right now, I have this fantasy of going out for a night on the town with Garrett, making out in the back of my car, then ending up in the double bed of my dorm room.

I’m a Landgraab. I always get what I want.

---

Garrett Dawson

What was I thinking? I must have been out of my mind choosing La Fiesta Tech. Never mind the fact that the person I care most about had her heart set on Academie Le Tour… but the bane of my existence has somehow followed me to La Fiesta Tech.

I chose LFT because… well… I don’t know why. All of the universities have equal quality dance programs. Maybe it’s a perverse way to show Maya she’s wrong about our relationship. That knowing someone since kindergarten doesn’t mean they can’t have an amazing long term relationship. Or maybe I’m trying to forget her, find someone new, and let her prove to herself that she’s right. I could have just as easily gone to SSU, where my parents and older sibs went. My parents’ relationship survived one of the cow mascots. Simone is engaged to Franklin Mercado, who she’s known since she’s a baby. The wedding is in a few weeks. Nicholas is living with Belinda Betteranu – they started dating in high school. Still if Maya wants to see if there is someone else out there, I can’t stop her. We both agreed to see other people.

Unfortunately, Angelica Landgraab is here. For some unknown reason, she has pegged me as the man of her dreams. I’ve begged her to leave me alone… told her I’d rather be dead than go anywhere with her. She just doesn’t get it. Worse yet, I’m stuck in the same dorm as her. I have to very carefully plan my schedule so I can avoid her. There’s a couple of other guys in our dorm (Ajay Ramaswami and Joel Ruben) who’ve been looking her over. Maybe I’ll be lucky and she’ll fall for one of them.

So why didn’t I go to Sim State University? Because that’s where my cousin Scott is, and the two of us have been at each others’ throats, especially after he and Chelsea Burb broke up. The whole thing was a mess and better left unmentioned. Scott was an ***, no two ways about it.

Hopefully Brian and Cody learn from their cousin’s mistakes. They’re in high school, and they’ve decided their purpose is to make sure that any boys that Tegan (now in middle school) and Naomi (in elementary school) bring home meet up to their “high standards” (they tried that with Maddie, Bella, and Catherine, but our cousins gave them a less than polite “MYOB”). Mom and Dad just shake their heads and smile.

Poor Bailey… my dog misses me. Yeah, since we adopted him, he became my dog. His bed is in my room. Was in my room I should say (it’s Brian’s room now). The boys old room has been remade from the kiddie stuff into a regular room. Simone is staying there until her wedding. But Bailey has been following everyone around, begging to be petted and played with.

I miss them. I miss my whole family, even my cousins. Most of all, though, I miss Maya.

[AugustTwilight]

Oi! I'm only running on a few hours of sleep, but I had to stay up to read this and post. You should feel special - not much gets between me and my sleep.

I'm already loving this. It's so interesting to see where all of your characters have wound up over the summer. I can see Maya breaking things off with Garrett...she's always been strong-willed. I'm loving how you're doing things from Angelica's POV, as well. It'll be interesting to get into her head.

:D ::yawn:: off to bed now. I'll be checking back for more.

[suzdez999]

:D Hey another story to brighten my days!! Looking good. I can see that Angelica will continue to be the Sim that we all love to hate.... :lol:

Sue :D

[gingersnap0101]

yay!! love the story so far :)

[Loriya]

That Angelica seems like a nasty piece. Real nasty. :eek: Splendid update, by the way.

[ladytimedramon]

Thanks guys :D

I'm not going to do everyone at every university right now. 3 sims at each school are the "voices" of the group. Most of them (like Garrett, Adam, and Angela) are familiar. There will be a couple of total newbies, and some you know from other stories of mine (though the last time you saw them, they were in elementary school).

I decided that, rather than just writing Maya at college, I wanted to get into some more of their heads. Like Angelica. Her thought process is rather twisted. She is self centered. The world revolves around her. And then, what's Garrett thinking, with Maya miles away and Angelica right there? I may change some POVs or add some later on (lately, despite what I want, Ajay is asking to be heard).

Of course, a few sims are trying to write the story themselves :p

---

Academie Le Tour

Maya Terrano

I knew leaving home would be hard. I didn’t quite realize how hard. As soon as I got to Academie Le Tour, I called my whole family (that took a good couple of hours – all my little cousins wanted to talk to me). Grandpa was concerned about Per’la. Her people say to call her “Imperatrina” (her title), but she said just to call her by her name since she’s not here to be a ruler. We’ve been hanging out a bit since we got her. I think she’s having a bit of culture shock.

Anyhow, yeah, my parents were glad I called. I’m the first of the grandchildren to go off to college. I’d say “my generation”, but with all the ages/adoptions/etc, generations really mean nothing. I mean, my one of my uncles is only about 5 years older than me. I’m in college, and I have cousins who are babies.

It feels kind of weird to be the only one of my family here though. I’ve been “in charge” of my younger relatives at school for the last four years (even though it got me into trouble… but Angelica Landgraab had it coming). Now it’s up to William and Carina to watch out for the sibs and cousins. William said the worst of it is the guys swarming around Carina, Di, and Athena (not so much around poor Megan). James laughs about it, then says that Sarin shouldn’t be a problem when she’s in middle school – she’s too much like me. When I asked my brother what he meant by that, he just stammered a lot.

My friend Stacy asked me to watch out for her sister Chelsea (we still don’t know how Chelsea, who barely passed all of her classes, managed to get an ALT scholarship). Their dad is a bit paranoid and Chelsea is getting over a bad breakup with Scott Phoenix (what a turd!). Andrew Pleasant is here too. Technically, he is Chelsea’s “adopted first cousin once removed”, but they’ve never thought of themselves as cousins. Jasper Diamante is also at ALT. He was seeing Desiree Dreamer, but he and Desiree decided to end it officially and see other people. I think what happened between Jasper’s sister Crystal and my Uncle Colin sort of scared Jas the way it scared me. They dated all the way through high school, went to different colleges, and bam. Crystal met someone else and dumped Uncle Colin. Now Crystal is back at home, her boyfriend is in an apartment, they’re not engaged, and Uncle Colin is getting married to Donika Ramaswami in a month. Weird how some things work out. Desiree is at Sim State University. Garrett is at La Fiesta Tech. And Jas and I are here at Academie Le Tour.

Thing is, I kind of miss Garrett. I miss all of my friends, but Garrett most of all. I’ve never really been that sure of how I felt about him. We liked to hang out together. We liked to do a lot of the same things together. We liked kissing each other. But we never really called each other “boyfriend” and “girlfriend”. It’s not like we went steady or anything, like Adam and Stacy. I’ve had too many family members get to college and wind up marrying someone other than their “long term love.” To be honest, I want the kind of relationship my parents have. Every time you turn around, they're flirting like teenagers.

Garrett and I agreed though. If we met someone else, there wouldn’t be any hard feelings. It’s not like there aren’t any guys here in the dorm. Stewart Cwik seems really nice. He’s here with his cousin Rebecca Ruben. Oddly enough, they’re both twins too. Rebecca’s twin brother Joel is at LFT while Stewart’s twin Christian is at SSU. Oh, and for weird coincidences… both of their dads know Uncle Krondor and Uncle Francis and knew Di and Athena’s mom too (Rebecca’s dad was the lawyer that defended my uncles in the custody battle over the girls). And if that wasn’t weird enough… Stewart and Rebecca’s moms (also twins) have a brother… who is married to Aunt Tabitha’s sister/Uncle Beau’s stepsister Amanda. One more for the “it’s a small world” category – their aunt Bianca is living with Garrett’s brother Nicholas.

I think Grandpa was the one who said “at the rate things are going, everyone in Pleasantview is going to be related in one way or another.”

[ladytimedramon]

---
Per’la Sh’Kaar

I am the last. By some strange twist of what they call “fate” on this world, I was spared from the massacre that killed my family. My parents were the Imperator and Imperatrix of the planet of Sh’Kaar. A faction unsatisfied with the monarchy that ruled our world for centuries gathered its forces over many years. I had been on a voyage to evaluate the universities my parents deemed acceptable when the rebels struck. My guard-bots hid me in a Ka’ne’se village during the worst of the fighting.

Rus’en Me’dor, one of the surviving imperial retainers, eventually located me. My parents… my elder siblings… their children… my younger sister and brother… all were executed. Even the baby of my sister, born only days before I departed, was not allowed to live. Rus’en told me to be strong. For the sake of the survivors, I needed to live. However rebel patrols continued to hunt for me. The Ka’ne’se who sheltered me would be in mortal danger if I stayed.

When Rus’en advised me to flee our planet, I looked at him in disbelief. Our world had only rudimentary orbital vehicles. Nothing could go beyond our atmosphere. Even if one had the ability to leave Sh’Kaar’s orbit, there was no knowing if life existed elsewhere. Rumors had always abounded of people getting abducted by unidentified flying objects. The legends of the Ka’ne’se told of men who were taken by strange lights, then returned and gave birth to strange children as women would, though these children possessed skin that was pale green and eyes black as night. According to Rus’en, a Sh’Kaaran scholar decided to test the legends. A strange light appeared, whisking the scholar away. He returned with news of what could be our salvation.

Behind the legends lay a race of alien beings who called themselves Celesians. They too were scholars, studying the lives of those on our planet and the effects of merging their genetic codes with ours. The Celesians observers were aware of our plight. Moved by the scholar’s words, they agreed to assist Sh’kaarans fleeing the uprising. Some had already escaped. All the Celesians wished in return was the chance to observe how those of our society interacted with and integrated into the population of an alien world. The only rule? We could bring nothing other than the clothing on our back. No metal, no jewels, nothing. I almost balked at this. The image crystals I carried with me were my last remaining memorials to my family.

“Imperatrina, you are the last surviving member of true imperial blood,” Rus’en implored me. “So long as you survive, even in exile on another planet, you will be a beacon of hope. If you remain here, you will be marked for death.”

Eventually I relinquished my belongings to Rus’en. All trace of my staying in the Ka’ne’se village was removed, taken by my guard-bots to create a false trail elsewhere. I flashed the pre-arranged signal beacon. A strange light enveloped me, pulling me upwards. Rus’en remained behind. He wished to aid others loyal to the Imperium in their escape.

I barely blinked when I found myself in a strange, metallic room. “Greetings Imperatrina,” said a strange being. It looked like a man, yet not like any I had seen. Instead of pale, lavender skin, he appeared a soft green color. His eyes were as black as night, not the pearlescent color of the Sh’Kaarans. His head seemed devoid of hair; his face, almost too narrow to be normal. “I am 5at0r1,” he introduced himself, before explaining how my escape would proceed.

In short, I would be placed in a form of sleep chamber these aliens used for long distance travel. I would not need food or water in the sustained sleep. Subliminal tapes would teach me the language and essential basics of my new home. When I awoke, I would be at an observation station orbiting my destination.

“There is one favor I ask of you, before I enter this extended period of sleep,” I said to the alien. “I have only just first discovered of the loss of my family. Please allow me the chance to mourn them properly so that I may arrive at my own home without the burden of my grief.”

5at0r1 stared at me for a few long moments. “It will take time for me to prepare the sleep chamber and subliminals. You may use this period of time for your mourning ritual.” He showed me to a small, empty room then closed the door behind him.

The Sh’kaaran mourning ritual is sacred. We learn it from the time we are able to understand. It is a very private thing to our people. While I did not have all things needed for the full ritual, the prayers were embedded in my heart. I visualized every detail of the ceremony as it had been performed for my mother’s mother at her passing. It would have to suffice. My outpouring of grief tinged with anger was very real. From my beloved parents to dear little Di’aman, I repeated the ceremony in my heart at least a dozen times. I suspect that the time needed for 5at0r1’s preparations were nowhere near as long as the time I was given. Whether the room was wired for sound and video, I do not know. He did not return until I was calm.

My trip was uneventful; I slept in the chamber most of the time. Periodically I was roused and given a chance to move around. Usually this was after I had been transferred to a different “station,” as the Celesians called them. While I was asleep, my mind was flooded with images and words – a lifetime’s vocabulary crammed into a few months. At last I reached my new home.

Upon my arrival I was relieved to find that at least two families I knew. The Dal’ar were very distantly related to the Imperial family from many generations back. The Sh’naar were closer relatives; their great-great grandmother was sister to my great-great grandfather.

I entered into another whirlwind of activity. My fellow Sh’Kaarans introduced me to Dr. Hillbilly, who acted as advocate for the aliens on this world. I was surprised to discover many Celesian half-breeds; Dr. Hillbilly was parent to three himself. Dal’ar-ka and Sh’naar-ka began to insist that I take up leadership of the small pockets of Sh’Kaarans scattered on this world. Thankfully Dr. Hillbilly intervened on my behalf. It is upon his advice and with his assistance that I am being allowed to attend Academie Le Tour. As the fourth of six children, I was not taught to become a leader. I would have been expected to marry one of the men of one of the great houses and help maintain political support for my parents. Actually, I do not know if I wish to become leader of my people on this world; it might not be acceptable to our hosts.

I am grateful to Dr. Hillbilly. Aside from his attempts to help me become settled into my new life, he has also introduced me to people my own age, such as his granddaughter Maya and her friends, who are with her at the university. He is right. I am in a totally unfamiliar situation. But then, at college, the entire class is newcomers.

At least I am lucky enough to know some people prior to my arrival.

---

[ladytimedramon]

Chelsea Burb

I’m scared. I’ve never been this far away from home before. And I’ve never been away from my sister Stacy for more than a couple of hours before. We always fought like crazy. Lucy said we might be twins, but we’re total opposites. She’s always been the one to keep me from getting into trouble. I feel lost without her around.

Rebecca and Stewart, two cousins who are in my dorm, said they understand. Their twins are far away at other universities too. At least I’ve got friends here. Maya’s been Stacy’s best friend since, like, first or second grade. Sometimes I think they understand each other better than my twin and I do. Maybe that’s because I was always trying to hang out with the “popular crowd” at school, and Maya and Stacy were in the “smart crowd”. But Maya promised she’d keep an eye on me.

I don’t think Daddy would’ve let me come to school away from Stacy if it wasn’t for the fact that I did some art that was good enough to get me a partial scholarship to ALT. Stacy got a full scholarship to LFT. And Daddy still has to consider sending my younger brothers Graham and Jeff to college. Mom helped convince him because our cousin Lillith’s adopted son Andrew was coming here too. Technically he’s family, but we’ve never really considered him a relative. Still, I think it makes Daddy feel better that there’s someone close to being a relative here.

Daddy’s a bit overprotective. I guess you can’t blame him, after how my sister Lucy was in high school and college (her reputation used to embarrass him like crazy – he thinks that she’s one of the reasons he hasn’t been able to get elected to anything over congressman). And after what happened with Scott Phoenix, he practically refused to let me out of his sight. Scott and I were dating for a while. Most of the time it was a double date with Stacy and Adam Goth (he’s Scott’s cousin). Sometimes it was a triple date with Garrett Dawson (Scott and Adam’s cousin) and Maya (but don’t call it a “date” around them – they went through high school saying they weren’t dating when it was obvious to everyone they were). Scott’s sort of the irresponsible one of the cousins. He wanted to become a rock star, which Daddy didn’t like. Scott used to tell me he hated trying to live up to his straight A cousins. I mean, I understand, because my sister was the model student too.

Anyhow, Scott called me one night to ask me if I wanted to go out. He told me his dad was letting him borrow his car. I guess a bit of it was my fault, because I knew that either Daddy would say no, or that he would make Stacy come along. So I snuck out of the house and Scott picked me up.

Thing is… Scott didn’t get permission from his dad. He also got a bit wild behind the wheel and the police pulled us over. One officer escorted Scott back to his house. The other drove me home. Daddy was furious… and mortified. His politics are everything, and me getting brought home at 2am when I was supposed to be in bed was embarrassing.

Both Scott and I were grounded. When I went to school, it was like everyone was staring at me… like everyone knew, even if they didn’t. I sort of understood how Maya felt when she got into a fight with Angelica Landgraab. Scott and I were both grounded for prom. For some stupid reason, Scott got mad at me, but the whole mess was his fault. He talked me into going when I knew better. We had a really, REALLY big argument. And that was it.

It hurts to think about it. Maybe Maya is right about that whole romance thing. I kind of wanted that fairy tale thing where we’ve been in love forever and it goes on “till death do us part.” But maybe Scott and I weren’t meant to be. I’m jealous of Stacy. Sometimes I wonder, if she and Adam hadn’t tagged along on our dates, would they have fallen in love?

[AugustTwilight]

I'm so glad we get to hear from Maya...though, I love the dire3ction you're taking with this, giving us 9 different perspectives. Especially with the newer characters, and the old one who Maya never really talked to...this is going to be interesting.:D

[Loriya]

Maya is way to cynical for her own good, lovewise. :P Nice updates, Ladytimedramon. :)

[ladytimedramon]

Maya and Garrett are getting to be somewhat reminiscent of Edda and Amos from the 9 Chickweed Lane comic strip (great strip, if you haven't read it) with Angelica as Isabelle. Read it if you get the chance.

---

Sim State University

Adham Shaikh

College – a new adventure. And sure, SSU is supposed to be a “sports and party” school, but I’m not here to play. First of all, I don’t want to make my parents ashamed of me. Mom is next in line to become chief of staff at Pleasantview General Hospial after Dr. Eastwood retires. Dad is on a run for the Mayor’s office. And then, I have a sister and two brothers looking up to me.

Dad suggested I try being a school mascot like he was. Even though he IS running for mayor, once in a while he still likes to dress up in his old uniform and show up at friends’ houses. I still can’t convince him of how embarrassing that is, especially when you’re hanging out with friends and your dad shows up dressed as a llama doing college cheers. Some habits die hard. He thinks it’s great PR. We’ll see how things go election time.

I feel a bit like an outsider in my dorm. I am the only person in the dorm who went to Pleasantview West High School. Christian Cwik said he feels the same way. He attended Plesantview Prep, while Scott Phoenix, Desiree Dreamer, Vanity Scrooge, and David Ottomas went to Farnaby Private. Still, they seem like a nice group… except for the fact that Scott has been in a bad mood since he arrived. He said that, as a “farewell present,” his younger siblings used their dad’s electric razor to give him a buzz cut when he was sleeping. His friends said it was an improvement. In middle school, he had a mullet.

David seems to be a fish out of water here. I don’t think he’s the academics type, but he said it was his grandmother’s last wish that he and his siblings go to college. She set up small college funds for all of them. He hasn’t even been to class yet and he seems to be struggling. I keep hoping Vanity’s tough girl thing is just an act. She scares me a little. Desiree is the nicest of the bunch. I hope I get to know her better.

---

Vanity Scrooge

It feels SO good to be away from home at last! No more of Pop’s creepy friends around. Pop never talks about his work, but I’m pretty sure it’s against the law. Momma says that, so long as the simoleans keep coming and no one gets hurt, she doesn’t care.

Momma’s philosophy is “It’s just as easy to love a rich man as a poor man. But a rich man is going to get you what you want a lot sooner.” My sister Felicity called her out on it once and Momma let it slip that the reason she married Pop when she did (he was dirt poor) was because I was on the way. That set my little brother Eben into a laughing fit.

Still, that’s probably why Momma thought Andrew Pleasant was the perfect boyfriend for me. #1, he was rich. #2, he was from Pleasantview’s founding family. But as sweet as Andrew was, and as good a kisser as he was (we got a lot of practice), he was as exiting as watching a game of golf. Straight A student, class president, Mr. Rules and Regulations. Lord knows I tried to turn him into a “bad boy.” At least I got him to stop wearing sweaters and dress shirts all the time.

He’ll make some girl a good husband. Just not me. I don’t want a “sugar daddy.” I don’t want a guy that’s going to hold me back. Besides, why should I settle for a high school sweetheart?

Heck, why should I even settle now? Yeah, a guy is good for some things (things you don’t talk about in front of your parents or younger sibs). But I’d like to stand on my own two feet.

And now it’s time for me to do just that.

---

Christian Cwik

I thought college would be different than home. In some ways, it really isn’t. There’s still a mad dash for the bathrooms. There’s still a lack of privacy.

So how’s it different?

My twin brother Stewart isn’t here (he’s at AFT). Neither are any of my cousins or my younger sibs. I don’t have a single person I know here. The food stinks. But there are some nice people in my dorm.

Desiree Dreamer said her much older half brother was in the same fraternity as my dad, uncle, and aunt (to this day, no one seems to know how Aunt Bethany managed to apply for a fraternity – Uncle Joshua says it was a no brainer to let her join – for him it was love at first sight – Mom and Dad said it was more likely a case of raging male hormones that got her in). David Ottomas is a bit weird, but ok. Adham Shaikh seems to cringe every time he sees a mascot. Scott Phoenix is a wannabe rocker. Vanity Scrooge scares me a bit (I think she scares every guy in the dorm except Scott and David, who’ve known her for a while).

Mom and Dad told me to be sure to watch for the people in blue blazers with llama emblems. They wouldn’t say much more about it. Uncle Joshua and Aunt Bethany said for me to join Urele Oresha Cham. But I don’t know. I guess I’m still a bit dazed from the move.

I kind of need to get adjusted before I figure out what I’m doing.

---

For those who've read my other stories, yes, Christian is the son of Brandi and Samuel Cwik (from "The Journal of Samuel Cwik"). His twin Stewart is at Academie Le Tour with their cousin Rebecca Ruben (who is thankfully de-Vulcaned, while sadly the Vulcanism has hit Joshua). Rebecca's twin Joel is at La Fiesta Tech. Adham's dad Hayden Shaikh is one of the university mascots, while his mom is Tosha Go.

[ladytimedramon]

Adam Goth

We’ve only been here a couple of weeks and Stacy’s dad has been up here twice to check on her. Congressman Burb says he’s “in the area” on some political this-or-that. Neither of us believe him. The scary bit is that he almost seems to be inspecting Stacy’s room to make sure that only one person has been in there. He hates our dorm, especially the double beds in each room. Stacy told him that in some of the rooms, students are a bit “larger” and need the bigger bed. Her dad contends that double beds are only good for one thing and have no place in a college dorm. Mr. Burb seems to be doing the same thing to Chelsea at ALT (his gas bill must be enormous).

Of course, that’s exactly –why- my grandfather designed the dorm the way he did. He did everything except make the rooms adjoining. Grandpa Mortimer wanted to give Dad and Mom a push in what he thought was the “right direction.” I have to admit, it worked, otherwise the my sibs and I (all seven of us) wouldn’t be here in the first place (reportedly Catherine and Bella, Brian and Cody, and William and Carina can be blamed on Grandma Tegan’s cheesecake – Mom, Aunt Fancy, and Mrs. Terrano were all pregnant when they got together for coffee and playdates [me, Garrett, and Maya] one afternoon and Grandma Tegan served cheesecake – Dr. Hillbilly has done a lot of research on the effect of cheesecake on pregnancies since then… which has led to warnings about pregnancy and increased risk of twins being placed on all cheesecakes sold in Pleasantview).

---

Angelica Landgraab

I can not believe this place. First of all, you have to get up early otherwise there is no food… as if you can call it “food”. Most of the time it’s more like some sort of goop the old person in the kitchen throws together. Once in a while, if you’re lucky, you get pancakes. Nothing like Mama’s gourmet, organic blueberry pancakes. Honestly, though, you would expect better with a place endowed by the Goth family. Maybe Daddy will hire a gourmet chef for the dorm – one that serves meals at REAONABLE times.

Oh, and then after breakfast, you’re expected to sit in classes all day! With homework and reports yet! I thought all of that was behind me at high school.

What good is college anyways?

The one nice thing is that one of the new guys in our dorm, Ajay Ramaswami, invited me to go to his sister’s wedding with him. I was tempted… until I discovered that his sister is marrying one of the Hillbilly family. Politely I declined and told him I had a prior engagement. Personally, even though the man his sister is marrying was a child adopted into that family, I couldn’t stand the thought of attending a party filled with green trash. Still, it was nice of him to ask.

Unlike _someone_ who wouldn’t invite me to his uncle’s wedding.

---

Per’la Sh’kaar

At last there is calm in the storm. I am settling into a daily routine that is somewhat comfortable. The food is taking some adjustment on my part; the flavors and textures are quite strange. Apparently the food known as “macaroni and cheese” is a staple of the college student’s diet. My dorm mates tell me the food is not of normal quality, but as soon as I am ready they will, as they put it, “take me out to eat,” as ominous as that sounds.

One difficulty I am still having is with the language. There are idioms and colloquialisms that confuse me. Nothing in the subliminals prepared me for this. Handwriting is also a problem. There are so many different styles that I am often confused. My fellow Sh’Kaarans are also having these issues. Ki and Vi’kar Sh’naar complain that their classmates are far behind in knowledge of math and science; their grasp of the Simlish language in reading and writing is behind that of the students in their age groups. Ki has been enrolled in “Simlish as a Second Language” classes at their school. Maya’s cousins Megan and Jaime are her tutors. Vi’kar is in an academic group where, by age, most students are still learning to read and write.

Students outside of my dorm appear uncomfortable around me. Maya experiences some of the same. She assures me that this is normal for people unused to those of alien ancestry. Her advice is to not let it bother me, and that once people get to know me it will no longer be a problem. Jasper thinks it is because people know I am what would be considered an “alien princess” (I have discovered the nearest equivalent for my birth rank would be “princess” on this world; Pleasantview, however, has a democracy not a monarchy, so my title is nothing more than a curiosity to my fellow students). He told me that when he moved to Pleasantview from another country, he and his family experienced some of the same. When he was younger, he had a more pronounced accent common to his native land. The adjustment was difficult. He says he will help me through.

---

Adham Shaikh

My sister Fatima called. She said things are berserk at home. Dad’s campaign for the mayor’s office is underway, and he still can’t seem to let up on the stupid llama costume. His campaign manager has been calling him constantly to get him to stop.

Mom is getting antsy. Dr. Eastwood keeps hinting at retirement, and she is most likely to become next chief of staff at Pleasantview General Hospital… unless they pass her over for someone else. Mom can be a bit abrasive at times. She’s not a favorite around the staff like Dr. Eastwood or Dr. Broke. She’s also not that happy that the hospital’s newest intern is the son of Dr. Hillbilly, the previous chief of staff (not to mention the fact that it causes a lot of confusion at the hospital – patients still ask for Dr. Hillbilly, even though he retired, and now they get his son instead). Mom’s contention is that if Dr. Broke becomes chief of staff, she’s going to complain about nepotism. Technically Dr. Hillbilly (the elder one) and Dr. Eastwood are stepbrothers (even though their parents didn’t marry each other until they were, like 70 or something) AND 2 of Dr. Eastwood’s children are married to 2 of Dr. Hillbilly’s children. AND Dr. Broke is married to another of Dr. Eastwood’s stepsons. Personally I don’t think that’s the problem.

I love my mom, but she rubs people the wrong way. She has a very abrasive personality. Mom admitted once that she didn’t have a lot of friends in school growing up. Unless you really know her, she tends to come off the wrong way. My brother Fadi and I suspect that might be the real reason she hasn’t become chief of staff yet. She’s scared off a couple of my potential girlfriends in high school, and Fadi says the same thing is happening for him and Fatima. Elijah is too young to understand.

Vanity reminds me a bit of my mom. She seems a bit abrasive at first, but she might be really nice.

Or maybe not.

---

Garrett Dawson

Darn it.

Mom keeps calling to bug me that I need to get a tuxedo for Simone’s wedding. Adam said he’s just planning to wear a good suit. As brother of the bride, my parents are insisting that I wear a tux. It apparently doesn’t matter what the bride’s cousin wears. My old one from Uncle Simon’s wedding doesn’t fit any more, and Nicholas never needed one in college.

The campus shop doesn’t have a good selection of formalwear. I’m going to have to go and find something on the weekend. I really hate trying on clothes - even for dance performances. I just don’t have the patience when I have to get things fitted. For me, clothes shopping is somewhere between having a root canal and spending time around Angelica.

This weekend I’ll have to run into Pleasantview or go to the Uptown shopping district to see if I can find a tux, if only to get the parents off of my back. At least it’ll be a day away from Angelica.

Nicholas is a bit uptight too. Bianca seems to be giving him subtle hints about getting a ring, but he says he’s not ready to pop the question yet. Oh yes… in the “it’s a small world in Pleasantview” department, I discovered that my dorm mate Joel Ruben is Bianca’s nephew (15 year age difference between his mom and Bianca). To make it an even smaller world, Bianca’s sister-in-law is the sister of one of Grandpa’s nephew’s wives (and is Maya’s aunt).

The way that bit came out is… well… sort of odd. I still have a copy of that magazine Maya was in (yeah, it got packed in with my stuff) and I accidentally left it out. Joel and Ajay saw it. We started talking about knowing aliens, and he said he’d met some aliens at his Uncle Benjamin’s wedding. It turns out he met Maya’s aunt Antara and uncle Zoltar (and a few of the cousins). To top it off… Ajay’s sister Donika is marrying Maya’s uncle Colin.

And now we know why Ms. Farnaby banned lessons creating family trees at Farnaby Private School (because between the combined Goth/Dawson/Phoenix tree and the extended Hillbilly tree, our teacher nearly had a nervous breakdown – in another few years, I can only imagine what family trees will look like in Pleasantview).

[AugustTwilight]

love, love, love.

Per'la is sooo pretty, and I'm glad that she's in contact with Jasper, so we get to hear what's going on in his life - he was one of my favorite characters, and I'll admit I was a little dissappointed to see he wasn't one of the POVs you were doing. But Per'la is pretty fascinating anyway.:D

[ladytimedramon]

Thanks. Initially I'd tried planning a whole "rise of the Sh'kaar empire" challenge, but it keeps falling by the wayside. I'd planned on bringing in some Sh'kaarans into Pleasantview. I wanted a totally new perspective into life, and Per'la was able to provide it.

Initially, I wanted to post something for each Sim, but some sims just didn't want to "speak up". Jasper was one of them. So was Stacy. I settled on having 3 sims per university. The only thing is Chelsea is being a bit shy about "speaking up". Jas didn't want to speak up either. He wouldn't let me get into his head, so to speak, which is why he'll have to be heard

Oddly enough, one sim I hadn't planned on including is starting to demand to be heard (he's starting to get into MY head), so I'm going to have to add him in.

Funny thing though - I'd planned something for certain Sims, but they took matters into their own hands and went their own way, making me change my plans. Sometimes they are _too_ real :p

[ladytimedramon]

Ajay Ramaswami

College is a chance to get away from the double-standard imposed on me by my family. Both sets of my grandparents came from Simdia with my parents in tow. They were only children; they were the only people from Simdia in Pleasantview. The marriage was arranged, and that was it.

My parents tried too much. They wished to be modern, yet make us adhere to Simdian traditions. They wanted us to act like proper Simdian offspring, yet our environment is not one that lends itself to that situation.

Our dating life was restricted. Of course, we are the only Simdian family in Pleasantview. There are more people of alien heritage than of Simdian. Eventually our parents had to give in. My siblings and I would not go back to Simdia to find spouses; most Simdians would not come back to live in Pleasantview. The Simdians scattered around this continent are happy where they are; second and third generations do not wish to move to other cities simply to maintain their culture.

Donika, my elder sister, is marrying a man with an extremely unusual background. Colin is half Takemizan, half Twikkian. His adoptive parents are an older man and the servo he married. He has three half-alien step siblings and his one human step-sibling is married to an alien. Only two facts made him an acceptable husband for my sister. First of all, his family is very prominent (including doctors, celebrity chefs, writers, and well-known businesspeople). Second, Donika is so in love with him that if our parents tried to interfere, it would be disastrous.

Now it is my turn at college. I am lucky enough to be in the nicest dorm on campus. It helps that my mother is publisher of Simdia Out of Simdia, a magazine about Simdian culture and information for those living outside of Simdia. LFT was only too happy to give some concessions in return for favorable press. I admit, it is nice to be surrounded by so many beautiful women without my parents trying to divert my attention elsewhere. The dorm is mixed gender. Sadly, there are only two women living in this dorm at the moment.

Stacy Burb is the kind of woman my parents would like to see me bring home. Sweet, demure, interested in nature, likely to be a good mother, daughter of a congressman, and incredibly boring and predictable. She wouldn’t be much of a challenge. Besides, it appears that Adam Goth is about to propose to her any time now. Adam is too nice a guy to try to interfere with his relationship. Not to mention he appears willing to put up with Congressman Burb’s “surprise visits.”

No, it’s Angelica Landgraab that will be a bigger challenge. And I don’t back down from challenges.

Meanwhile, both my brother Madhu and I are looking forward to Donika’s wedding. I invited Angelica Landgraab to be my date, but she claimed to have a prior engagement. It probably was not the best move – we’ve only known each other about a month. Donika’s fiancée reportedly has several nieces. One my age, one Madhu’s age, and three a bit younger. At least there will someone for us to hang out with (and maybe more).

---

Maya Terrano

GAH!

Carina called and told me that she went dress shopping with my cousins. They all bought saris for Uncle Colin’s wedding. I went to try on the dress I had with me and it doesn’t fit! Chelsea and Rebecca said I could borrow their formal gowns, but their dresses didn’t fit either.

I really hate to have to spend the money on a dress. Books and stuff are eating up most of my funds. That’s one of the reasons I started letting my hair grow out; keeping hair short means more frequent haircuts, which means extra expenses. It’s not like I’m going to need a gown for a while after Uncle Colin gets married. I know none of my old stuff at home fits.

Maybe Mom, Aunt Antara, or Aunt Tabitha will have something that fits me that I can borrow for the wedding.

---

Vanity Scrooge

I’ll tell you one thing – this dorm is way too crowded for my taste. I was hoping the days of sharing a bathroom were long gone. I’d love to see about renting a house, but they cost too much for right now, and Pop’s being stingy again. To be able to afford a house, I’d have to get a roommate, which means sharing bathrooms… etc, etc, etc.

My other choice might be a sorority, but the campus sorority (Tri Var) is a bunch of stuck-up Ms. Prissys. You’d’ve thought it was founded by Angelica Landgraab and her crew.

I heard the local frat sometimes lets in women (Christian Cwik said his aunt was the first woman allowed in a frat at SSU). That might be a better option. Too bad the rules don’t let you go Greek until sophomore year.

Guess it all depends on how many bathrooms there are in the frat house.

---

Chelsea Burb

I wish Daddy wasn’t so nervous about me being away from home. He calls me every night to make sure I’m in my dorm room. One late night I was in the dorm library with a study group (Maya, Andrew, Stewart, and Per’la) and he threw a fit. He’s been up here just about every week or so.

Stacy came up to visit me one evening – her campus bookstore was out of some book she really needed and to get it on line would take longer than a ride here to ALT. It was so good to see her. When we were little I hated being a twin; now I miss her so much it hurts sometimes.

She said Daddy’s been up to see her the last few Sundays. She thinks he’s worried about what she and Adam “might be up to”. I called Lucy. My older sister apologized for the way she was in college and said that’s probably why Daddy is the way he is with me and Stacy. Lucy said she thinks that Daddy might let up on Stacy if Adam proposed. Me, I think that’s a long ways off. Not a “never”, but maybe a “senior year” thing. But I don’t think it’d get Daddy to stop.

When I asked Mom about it, she just shook her head and shrugged. Graham said that he and Jeff are hoping Daddy gets elected to a higher office, or that Lucy has a baby soon, because that might get his attention on other things. Maya says that’s what happens with her grandfather. He gets uptight when someone goes away to college, but when there’s a new grandchild, he has something to distract him. Her aunt is going to have a baby any time now. Lucy said she and Dominic are trying, but haven’t been lucky yet (a couple of their classmates already have babies).

Right now, the only thing I want is for Daddy to leave me alone.

---

Garrett Dawson

Well, for a change something went my way. All students interested in joining the university dance program auditioned today. They apparently liked my dancing, because I’m officially in the program.

What does that mean?

It means I’m no longer on the “undeclared student” program. Which means I’m not in any more classes with Angelica. Talk about embarrassing! She would sit next to me, doze off during lecture, then wake up and ask me what happened. If she wasn’t sleeping, she was flirting with me, or some other guys in the room (was she thinking I’d get jealous or something?), or even making eyes at the professor.

Once, when I was leaving the room, she went up to the professor and started batting her eyes at him, going into how hard the work was, and how could she get some extra help. She’s totally shameless.

I’m half tempted to move dorms, but she’d probably follow me. Renting a house might be the answer, but I’d hate to do that alone. Adam is not about to leave Stacy and Stacy’s dad would probably scream bloody murder if she moved in with two guys. I don’t know Ajay or Joel well enough to consider asking them.

For now, I’ll suffer. Besides, rehearsal will keep me out of the dorm more than before.

[ladytimedramon]

---

Christian Cwik

I met my first person in a blazer today. Whenever I asked her what it meant, she just sort of gave me a “mysterious grin” and changed the subject. I told her my parents told me to find out more about it. She asked my parents names. “Samuel Cwik and Brandi Betteranu Cwik,” I told her. When she heard Dad’s name, he sort of blinked in surprise. I guess the people in llama blazers know who he is, but the girl refused to say any more. Stewart said he and Rebecca saw some of them at ALT too.

My brother said that his dorm is really nice, with private bathrooms in each room, a dorm library with computers, a tv room, and a music room. The only bad part is the food stinks. His dorm was a special endowment by the Dawson family (Mrs. Dawson-Goth was a TV chef and cookbook writer; her son is a media icon). My cousin Joel said his dorm is just as nice, but they have a workout room, game room, and library.

I wonder if Grandpa would consider donating funds to SSU for a luxury dorm in the name of the Betteranu family (since my parents and my aunt and uncle are all grads). Of course, it would be too late for me, but I have younger siblings and cousins. Denise, Allen, and Leah are going to college in 2 years.

But then, I have a feeling the dorm wouldn’t be ready until my cousin Burke would be ready to go to college (and he’s barely 1).

---

Maya Terrano

Got a panicked call from Sarin tonight. She was in tears. Carina came home and found Taco, our parrot, claws up in the bottom of his cage. Before she could call Dad, Sarin came into the living room and saw him. This is the first time we’ve had a pet die (not counting William’s ants from time to time), and it’s really hard for my little sister.

Carina took over the phone and said Dad is burying Taco in the yard under a rock (to keep Rascal and Blue Two from digging him up) and surrounding it with flowers (to throw them off the scent).

I’m kind of sad about that. Dad brought Taco home from school one day, and the bird just sort of fit in. I think Carina liked him the most (but then, she likes all animals and bugs).

Oh well. Rest in Peace Taco.

---

Yeah, gotta love those little "surprises" ;)

Anyhow, yeah, Ajay wouldn't leave me alone. He wanted to be heard, so he's going to be heard.

And guess what type of Sim he is :devil:

[Kochou1331]

Oooo BOY, Ajay...I am both elated to see he's a romance sim and slightly afraid of what that could mean for his involvement in the cast's lives. Either way, it's going to lead to interesting developments for the story. I hope to read more soon! :D

[ladytimedramon]

OK, now that we're on break, I have a bit of time to do some posting :D

---

Angelica Landgraab

The official invitation came for my cousin Franklin’s wedding. Naturally I’ll attend. His father, my uncle Kendrick, IS the mayor of Pleasantview. It will be the social event of the year. Franklin is marrying Simone Dawson, daughter of famed celebrity actor, director, and producer Eric Dawson… and older sister of one Garrett Dawson.

Mr. Dawson has rented the entire Ard Rig Cathedral for the ceremony. I’ve heard the décor is exquisite. The meal will most likely be catered by celebrity chef Iola Hillbilly, the bride’s grandmother. I can’t believe that Mrs. Dawson’s mother married into that green trash family (but then, her husband is the owner of the Hillbilly Hardware chain of do-it-yourself stores… not that I’d ever be caught dead in such a place… and her son married into the Worthington family… so there must be some sane people who aren’t alien-lovers in the family).

I’m going to have to make sure I’m absolutely perfect for the wedding. The right gown, the right hairstyle, the right jewelry. Then I’ll make sure that I catch the bouquet.

---

Garrett Dawson

Shoot me… shoot me now…

Adam and I received invitations for my sister Simone’s wedding this afternoon. I’m happy for my sister. She and Franklin have known each other forever. Franklin and his twin brother Mario used to hang around my house all the time when I was growing up. They’re really cool guys. Their sister Stormie is about Tegan’s age. I’ve always called their parents “Uncle Kendrick” and “Aunt Rose”. I never realized they were Angelica’s real life uncle and aunt.

Turns out that Angelica’s mom is the younger sister of Mayor Mercado. I do not see any resemblance. Worst part – Angelica will be at the wedding. She already stated she’s claiming a dance with me.

So now, instead of looking forward to my sister’s wedding, I’m dreading it. Just pray I get the flu… or food poisoning… or something happens that provides an adequate reason for me missing my sister’s wedding without me getting in trouble with my family.

---

Angelica Landgraab

I called home today and spoke to Mama. College is so hard… I wanted to find out how she managed to get through without working herself to death. All she said was to “get to know the professors really well,” “find a male tutor,” and “use protection.” She wouldn’t say anything else.

Then Mal wanted to get on the phone to speak to me. He’s so adorable… but sometimes I almost wonder if he’s really my brother. I mean, he was complaining that the school work was too easy and really boring.

Mariela was also complaining about the work. She told me that she’s the smartest girl in her grade, so she’s been chosen to be on Pleasantview Prep’s Academic Decathlon team. According to her, the stuff in the study guide is ten times harder than what they did in class. If it wasn’t for the prize and the prestige (apparently being the top Academic Decathlon team in the city means something) she said she’d drop out. But she said she wants the big trophy for her room. If she wants to bang her head against a wall (as Grandma Monique says), that’s her decision.

After I got off the phone, I managed to corner Garrett and ask him if he’d be my tutor. He apologized that his dance classes kept him so busy that he barely had time for anything else. I have to admit that the dance classes are doing amazing things to his body. He is all lean muscle and HOT! Still, if dancing is keeping him in that kind of shape, who am I to interfere? All the more sexiness for me. Meanwhile both Ajay and Joel have offered to help me study. Aren’t they sweet?

Oh yes… tomorrow I’m driving into Bluewater (Daddy sent my car) to get fitted for my dress for the wedding. Daddy hired one of the top designers in town to make one-of-a-kind dresses for Mama, Mariela, and me. Mama and Mariela went to the designer today; they can’t go tomorrow because Mal has a basketball game.

Still, it will be nice to get away from the university for a day.

---

Ajay Ramaswami

Joel is an idiot. He’s a nice guy and everything, but he really doesn’t know how to approach women. It’s almost like he’s still a hormonal teenager.

I saw him trying to “impress” Angelica (at least that’s what he told me he was doing). She doesn’t seem to be the kind of woman that considers belching an art form. Of course she laughed. You can’t help laughing at clowns. If it wasn’t for the fact that he has a twin sister, two younger sisters, and a mom, I’d have thought he was raised in an all male household.

Oh, he showed me a picture of his twin. Man, she is HOT. Too bad she’s at another college with one of their cousins. Not that I blame her. From what I’ve seen of Joel, I wouldn’t want to admit I was related to him either (if I was).

Angelica was asking around the dorm for tutors. Garrett turned her down. Gallantly I stepped forward and offered to help her study. It’ll be a great way to “get to know her better.”

---

[ladytimedramon]

Maya Terrano

Today was… interesting.

I took a shuttle into town to see if anyone in my family had a dress that fits. First I checked with Mom, but her stuff was too short to be “full length” and too long to be “tea length”, and to fix it either way would cost money and take time. Aunt Antara had some really nice dresses. The tops were a little too snug and to get them adjusted would almost cost as much as a good dress. Aunt Tabitha had a dress I was in love with, but the top was too big AND it was too long. I gave up and went to have lunch at my grandparents’ house.

I didn’t mean to say anything about dress hunting, but it slipped out. Grandpa smiled at me, pulled out his wallet, and handed me some simoleans. “Grandpa, I can’t,” I protested.

Grandpa sighed. “When your pa, and your aunt and uncles were young, I didn’t always have the cash to buy them what they needed, let alone what they wanted. Antara sometimes wore hand-me-downs from Krondor and Zoltar. This whole house was full of furniture I bought at garage sales or second hand shops. Any toys they had were made by me or my brother, or Jimmy Joe when he was older. Many a day went by that I wanted to just buy something nice and couldn’t, because it was choosin’ between that and food. Now that I have the ability to buy things, I love doin’ it, whether or not it’s microscopes for Frankie and Warren, or helpin’ Colin get his first house. I want to see my family smilin’.” He chuckled and slipped the money into my pocket. “Besides, what good’s a grandpa if he can’t spoil his grandchildren from time to time?”

“Oh Grandpa…”

“I expect to see you there in the prettiest dress you can find. Besides, I hear Donika’s got a brother your age.”

I rolled my eyes. “Oh Grandpa…”

My grandfather laughed. “Bobby Tom’s all struttin’ about with some other weddin’, sayin’ he’s goin’ to have great-grandchildren before me after his stepdaughter’s daughter gets married. ‘Course, I don’t have the heart to tell him that he never legally adopted Iola’s daughter the way Jamison adopted Dustin, Beau, and Skip, so technically it don’t count. Soon you’ll be bringin’ home a boy to your pa, there’ll be wedding bells, and I’ll be a great-grandpappy.”

Sighing, I realized that there wasn’t much I could do about my grandfather’s one track mind. “Grandpa, right now the only things I’m thinking about are getting a dress for Uncle Colin’s wedding and passing my first semester of classes.”

“It’ll happen, sure ’nuff. What happened to that boy you were sweet on? One of Bobby Tom’s step-grandchildren… Garrett, wasn’t it?”

I felt like someone was grabbing and squeezing my heart from inside my chest when I said “We agreed to see other people.”

Grandpa nodded. “Well, that crazy ol’ mad scientist Diamonte’s grandson is out there with you. Some other of your school friends too.”

“We’re all concentrating on surviving the first semester of college,” I returned. “But I have school work I’ve been putting off. I better get this dress taken care of.” Before my grandfather could continue to try to influence my currently non-existent love life, I hugged and kissed him, thanking him again for the simoleans.

“When-An-ta-ra’s-baby-is-born-he-will-have-oth-er-things-to-occ-u-py-his-mind,” Grandma Trina said in a tinny whisper as I hugged her. “And-soon-he-will-be-ask-ing-when-Col-in-and-Don-i-ka-will-have-child-ren.” She’s right, of course.

I took a taxi to Uptown. Despite the prices, I always had luck at the boutique in the Luxury Spa. They always have gorgeous clothes. Thanks to Grandpa, I had a better budget to work with.

Anyhow, I had just walked into the spa when I heard someone say, “Oh my goodness, look at you, all grown up!” I found myself face to face with Kampol Barrett, the designer I’d modeled for in high school. “I always wondered what you’d be like in college, and now I know! You’re even more stunning than before!”

My face flushed as I greeted him. “So what brings you by Pleasantview?” I asked.

“Oh, just setting up for a fashion show here at the spa. But listen, I’ve been working on a new line that having a gorgeous alien lady as the photo model would just cap off.”

“I’m sure my sister Carina might be interested,” I returned.

“Your little sister is darling, but to be honest, other than her skin color, she really doesn’t look that ‘alien’ like her twin does, and this is a line for the ladies. The littlest one might be able to manage when she gets older, but I’ll wait and see. No, I need someone who is old enough to pull off some more mature fashion within the next two months.”

“Then I’d suggest my aunt. But you’d have to wait until after she gives birth.” I showed him a pic on my cell phone of Aunt Antara.

“She is GORGEOUS,” he agreed. “The problem is, I need to start shooting in less than two months, and if she’s pregnant, she might not be in physical condition to model.” Then he smiled at me. “You, on the other hand, did an amazing job last time around. I still have comments about that spread. Other designers asked where they could find you, but I keep telling them you’re my little secret.” He laughed. “They’re still trying to figure out where in Strangetown I found you.” I couldn’t help laughing as well. He became serious as he handed me his card. “I know college is expensive. If you decide you want to earn some spending money, give me a call. My photo shoot is in six weeks.”

After the designer left, I stared at his card, then put it in my pocket. It’s something I’ll think about after the wedding.

The Luxury Spa always has an amazing selection of dresses. I went right to the discount racks, hoping to find something that fits. Even though I had the extra simoleans from Grandpa, there were still things I needed for school. My family isn’t known for being at the forefront of fashion.

As I browsed through the racks, I heard a low voice practically whisper my name.

“Maya…”

Shivers went down my spine.

[YrS92]

A cliff-hanger! That's not very nice;)