164 replies to this topic

[DianeHanna]

Good update! Tell Tina that this happened to my mayor of Pleasantview. It didn't seem to harm his career at all!

[wordlesswriter]

thanks for commenting DianaHanna. I have a feeling she'll figure that out.
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Tina was patient while Beryl got past her initial reaction.

“I did my best to keep it together while I talked to my mom.  snapshot_9a81937e_dbb876ff.jpg   14K   18 downloads Leah however, well, she got mad.  snapshot_9a81937e_7bb876e9.jpg   12.42K   22 downloads She argued with dad about his reckless behavior.  snapshot_9a81937e_dbb876d9.jpg   11.07K   20 downloads How he should have waited till your dad knew it was safe to contact the UFO.” Tina gave a weak smile but Beryl still winched when Tina mentioned her dad. “Dad agreed that she was right and he only has himself to blame for his ‘situation’.

“Dad’s taking responsibility for things helped diffuse the tension between them.  snapshot_9a81937e_dbb876ff.jpg   14K   17 downloads But Leah asked dad how he plans to raise an alien child and if he really thought this would be the kind of kid one could just toss a baseball with.  snapshot_9a81937e_fbb876e0.jpg   12.38K   17 downloads

“Dad admitted that he was at a loss but he wasn’t going to do anything different for this child then he’d done for us girls. Michael took Leah outside for a little bit to give her a chance to clear her head. She is so lucky that he’s being very sapportive about all this.”  snapshot_9a81937e_9bb8753d.jpg   20.75K   20 downloads

“How’s your mom doing with all this?” Beryl asked, partically wondering how her own mom would have handled it. Memories of the time her parents didn’t speak to each other came back to her.

“I think the worst problem they’re having through this is picking out a name.”  snapshot_9a81937e_bbb87270.jpg   9.91K   21 downloads Tina laughed, “Mom thinks he should give it a name that would help the child feel connected to his alien heritage but dad wants to give it a common name so as not to make the child stand out any more. But beyond that, they seem just as happy now as they’ve always been.  snapshot_9a81937e_fbb872c3.jpg   8.82K   21 downloads Mom seemed to think it was funny that someone had seen the UFO over our house  snapshot_9a81937e_7bb86772.jpg   10.44K   20 downloads and dad was questioned by the police about it.  snapshot_9a81937e_7bb8966e.jpg   14.41K   15 downloads She said the officer actually thought my dad was planning to start some sorta intergalactic crime ring.”

Beryl called Brandon and canceled their plans so that she could spend the rest of the day with Tina. They joked about what they thought the baby would look like coming up with the most off the wall things they could think of. Tina cried a few more times, but when it came time for Tina to return to her dorm she was in better sprites. Beryl helped Tina come up with ways to put a positive spin on how to handle the media attention.

[wordlesswriter]

Classes seemed longer then usual to Beryl. She couldn’t concentrate on anything. Her thoughts were on her dad and sorting out all her own feelings. She felt guilty for blaming her dad for Mr. Gieke’s unfortunate predicament. She was also worried about how disappointed, not to mention jealous, he might be feeling. All the years the man had invested in staring at the sky looking for this and his friend on a whim made contact before him.

On her way back to the dorm she glimped Michael and Leah.  snapshot_7b1d456c_7bb35364.jpg   15.17K   12 downloads Seeing the two of them together made her wonder for a brief moment if she would have a love like theirs with Brandon someday.

With a heavy sigh, she called home. She hadn’t talk to either of her parents since she’d last been home for Balas’ party and all the others.

“We saw Andrea and Chester the other day,” her mom sounded her normal cheery self, “they invited us to dinner, at first it seemed odd as your father had told me Chester had been ill and not at work. We were very surprised to see Chester had gained so much weight and I thought he seemed to be glowing with health.  snapshot_9a81937e_fbb8937f.jpg   15.45K   16 downloads Dinner conversation was light and relaxed.  snapshot_9a81937e_bbb893d4.jpg   14.57K   17 downloads It was when we had finished eating that Chester told us.  snapshot_9a81937e_dbb89483.jpg   14.95K   19 downloads I nearly fell out of my chair when he told me.”

“How did dad take it?” Beryl asked.

“You would have to ask him, dear, but I imagine he took it well enough since the two of them spent the rest of the evening discussing it.”  snapshot_9a81937e_9bb89363.jpg   16.89K   17 downloads As her mother said the words Beryl realized that her mom hadn’t thought about what her dad was going through. Beryl wondered why she had thought her mom would have even known what her dad was going through.

After some small talk about how her sisters were Beryl got off the phone and tried to get some studing done. The words in her text book just blured as she found herself thinking of everything else other then HTML or processing speeds. She gathered her stuff, intending to work on some coding for a game demo for class but once in her room she dropped her book in a pile and started getting ready for bed. She pulled back the covers of her bed and sat on the edge.  snapshot_7b1d456c_dbd596f5.jpg   9.51K   15 downloads She listened for sounds that might indicate that Michael had come back to the dorm. After a while she assumed she knew where he would be staying the night.  snapshot_bb2b8d49_bbb0c5b6.jpg   8.68K   11 downloads She sighed as she layed down, planning to go see Jennifer in the morning since she had no classes the next day.

[wordlesswriter]

Jennifer was excited that Beryl had come by and she seemed to know exactly why Beryl had stopped by.

“My Michael is making some sandwiches, I don’t think Leah is going to come down though.” Jennifer smiled.  snapshot_bb2b8d49_bbd2f61f.jpg   11.91K   12 downloads

“How is she?” Beryl asked.

“It changes from moment to moment.” Jennifer leaned forward and whispered,  snapshot_bb2b8d49_bbd2f65f.jpg   12.02K   16 downloads “yesterday she had me out front jumping rope with her,  snapshot_bb2b8d49_dbb0c37a.jpg   13.88K   17 downloads then she went to class and had my brother take her to the library where she got a book on aliens and read the thing all day.  snapshot_bb2b8d49_3bd41573.jpg   9.89K   16 downloads Then when it got dark she just stood out in the yard next to my Michael’s telescope just staring at the sky.”  snapshot_bb2b8d49_bbd4160d.jpg   8.15K   16 downloads

Jennifer paused for a moment, a serious look crossed her face, “Do you think something like this will happen to my Michael? He spends almost as much time at his telescope as your dad.”

Beryl gasped, she hadn’t thought of the possablity that there was a chance that it might still happen to her dad, “I don’t know, do you think the aliens would do that more then once?”

Jennifer shrugged, “I don’t see why they wouldn’t.”

“I guess then it could happen to anyone.” Beryl said.

“I bet lunch is ready, let’s go eat.” Jennifer smiled, “oh, you can call my Michael Mike, my brother always hated the nickname but my Michael seems to prefer it to being called Michael.”

Lunch was tuna and cheese sandwiches on white bread. Everyone seemed to be careful to keep the conversation on anything other then aliens.  snapshot_bb2b8d49_bbd2f70d.jpg   10K   17 downloads Beryl enjoyed getting to know Jennifer’s boyfriend a little better and the conversation helped to take her mind off of her own feelings. Jennifer excused herself to take a sandwich to Leah. Beryl noticed Michael Picaso give his sister a grateful look when she got up. Mike simply nodded at Jennifer and kept right on talking.  snapshot_bb2b8d49_bbd2f7c2.jpg   11.14K   19 downloads Beryl wasn’t sure how long she had been talking to Mike when she noticed Michael had at some point left the table. She later found him in the living room.

“She doesn’t blame you or your family,” Michael said smiling,  snapshot_bb2b8d49_dbd2f930.jpg   11.19K   15 downloads “she’s just, well, she’s always been a bit temperamental. She’s a daddy’s girl, like you. Tina was always closer to their mom so Leah had Chester to herself. I think she sees this baby as competition for her father’s affection.”

Beryl took a deep breath and realized as she let it out how tense she had been.

Michael laughed, “she’s got to redefine herself, she honestly is at a complete loss as to who she’ll be if she’s not her daddy’s favorite. I’m sure Tina or Jennifer told you about the prenuptial agreement they expect me to sign if she and I get engaged.”

Beryl shook her head.

“Basically, if I don’t take her last name she will be disowned. Talk about strong arming.” Michael frowned, “I love her, have for as long as I can remember, but they act like the only reason I want to marry her is so I can take over the family business, which they said can only happen if I take her last name. Her dad said he’s not gonna even give me a job until I purpose.”

[wordlesswriter]

With everything that had been going on, Beryl’s grades had started to drop. She had to spend more time hitting the books then going out. Brandon seemed annoyed when he’d call her up and she would have to say no.

One night he stopped by her dorm and tapped on her window when she had been sleeping. When she saw who it was she ran out to see him.

“I’ve missed you so much,” she pratically screamed in his face.  snapshot_7b1d456c_fc0a6236.jpg   8.16K   10 downloads He seemed a bit stunned by her reaction and started to take a step back. He didn’t get very far when she planted hard kiss on him.  snapshot_7b1d456c_dc0a623a.jpg   7.83K   10 downloads

When she finally released him he looked somewhat amused.

“So then your not hiding from me after all.” He laughed.

“I told you, my grades were slipping.” Beryl said casually as she stared adoringly at him.

“So what’s the difference if you get a 2.5 or a 4.0 you still pass right?” he asked with a charming smile.

“Less tuition money.” Beryl laughed, her heart racing from the excitement of seeing him.

“The daughter of mobster Andrjez Jym needs money?” Brandon laughed, “why not have your dad go out and steal you some.”

Beryl felt her jaw drop, “what is that suppose to mean? How do you know all that about my dad?”

“Seriously, how would you think I wouldn’t know?” Brandon laughed, “You don’t watch a lot of Sim City News do you?”

Beryl just looked stunned at him, “I live in Eldron Vally, why would I care about the news in Sim City. So how long have you known about my dad?”

“Um, since you told me your name.” Brandon laughed harder.

“Is that why you’re dating me?” She asked accusingly.

Brandon laughed harder, “well, it seems to me we haven’t been doing a lot of dating recently, but no, that’s not why I ask you out, it’s cause your cute and a lot of fun.”

“Well, that’s a good thing,” Beryl smiled.

“Honestly though, I though dating a mobster’s daughter would be a lot more exciting,” He said with a frown, he gave her a quick hug and whispered, “call me when I don’t have to compete with those grades of yours.”

Without a kiss good bye, he walked off, leaving her standing infront of her dorm in her Pajamas feeling stupid.

[wordlesswriter]

As the semester drew to an end with final exams and students prepping for graduation, Beryl gave little thought to the last time she’d seen Brandon, or what he’d said. She assumed he would get over what ever jeleousy he had over her grades or what ever it was and eventully call. With all the craming she had to do she didn’t think about the amount of time that went by till Tina called with the news.

“My dad went into labor yesterday,”  snapshot_9a81937e_3bb89969.jpg   10.2K   9 downloads she giggled.

Beryl laughed, “not something anyone ever expects to hear.”

Tina laughed, “or say.”

“Every thing OK? Did he have his baby?” Beryl asked trying to be serious.

“yeah, everything is fine.” Tina sounded relieved, “Mom said it was really weird to watch as she had no idea how anything was going to happen, but she said it seemed magical or something.”  snapshot_9a81937e_3bb8997e.jpg   10.02K   10 downloads

“Um. Can they tell what it is?” Beryl asked wishing there was a more tactful way to ask.

“Mom said apart from being green with strange eyes, it’s a normal health little boy,”  snapshot_9a81937e_dbb89a22.jpg   11.75K   9 downloads Tina laughed. “Mom sounds like one would expect a new dad to sound. She sounds really taken with the little guy.”  snapshot_9a81937e_5bb8a05e.jpg   13.56K   12 downloads

“What did they name him?” Beryl asked.

“Charles,” Tina laughed, “Dad thinks it sounds manly and normal. Dad seems to think everyone can trust a sim named Charles, even if he’s a little odd looking, you know by his name he’s a good solid guy.”

“I guess, I don’t think I’d be uncomfortable around some one with that name.” Beryl laughed.

Tina laughed as she agreed, “Leah and I are going home for the weekend to see our little brother but we’ll be back in time for Sunshine and Seth’s graduation parties. Are you planning to do summer classes?”

“Yeah,” Beryl sighed, “this past semester I didn’t take as many class as I should have so I need to get the extra credits to stay on schedule for graduation.”

“Oh, good,” Tina laughed, “I don’t think anyone is planning to go home for the summer. Maybe it’ll be an easy semester and we’ll all get to hang out more often.”

“I hope so. Tell your parents I said congrads.” Beryl said before hanging up.

Tina and Leah weren’t entirely alone when they returned, Zell and Zue-Zue also came along planning to start classes over the summer.

Zell was assigned to the same dorm as Tina. Tina enjoyed having someone she knew at the dorm with her. He joined her for meals  snapshot_1b097228_5bd46064.jpg   7.94K   17 downloads and they spent hours playing chess.  snapshot_1b097228_5bd41ea2.jpg   13.15K   19 downloads

Zue-Zue was assigned a room at Jennifer and Leah’s old dorm. At first she felt alone  snapshot_fbd1aa74_5bd1aa7b.jpg   8.79K   19 downloads but after a few visit from her Uncle Rodger  snapshot_fbd1aa74_9bd2e214.jpg   14.37K   19 downloads she started trying to fit in more with her dorm mates.  snapshot_fbd1aa74_fbd2cc3b.jpg   10.49K   20 downloads She also found she enjoyed learning how to paint.  snapshot_fbd1aa74_5bd2dc4e.jpg   7.89K   21 downloads Beryl did her best to make sometime to visit with Zue-Zue and gossip.  snapshot_fbd1aa74_5bd2e684.jpg   10.41K   16 downloads

[wordlesswriter]

Sunshine’s graduation party was small  snapshot_1b097228_fbd4558c.jpg   13.46K   19 downloads but Beryl had a good time dancing with Roximarie.  snapshot_1b097228_3bd45602.jpg   14.42K   25 downloads Leah spent the majority of the party telling anyone who would listen about her odd little brother.  snapshot_1b097228_dbd45644.jpg   8.81K   25 downloads When Sunshine finally left to return to Eldron Valley she asked Tina to wait for the cab with her.

"She told me she was sorry for not spending more time with me and to stay true to myself, and never change for anyone unless it's myself." Tina told Beryl afterwards, "then she got in the cab, waved and said,'remember, your perfect the way you are'."  snapshot_1b097228_1bd457f3.jpg   9.31K   25 downloads

Seth had his party the next day. According to Camero, he’d spent hours scrubbing down the bathroom.  snapshot_7afebf25_7bd051c1.jpg   9.01K   25 downloads Camero thought it was funny considering how dirty the bathroom had gotten.  snapshot_7afebf25_fbaf3bf8.jpg   11.82K   25 downloads

The small house Camero and Seth shared was packed.  snapshot_7afebf25_bbd057cc.jpg   13.36K   25 downloads Beryl noticed Cadalak seemed to be enjoying herself.  snapshot_7afebf25_fbd058f2.jpg   15.15K   25 downloads

“You wouldn’t have guessed that two days ago they had a long talk about their relationship,”  snapshot_7afebf25_dbaf41aa.jpg   9.94K   25 downloadsCamero whispered to Beryl as they watched the couple dance together.  snapshot_7afebf25_fbd058f0.jpg   15.73K   25 downloads

Seth's graduation party had gone late into the evening and with so many people, Camero had been left with quit a mess to clean the next day.  snapshot_7afebf25_9bd05a0f.jpg   13.26K   25 downloads

Despite the uncertainty of their relationship, Seth moved in with Cadalak in Eldron Valley rather then moving back to what ever town he originally came from.  snapshot_5bae291e_9bd06443.jpg   8.84K   19 downloads

[DianeHanna]

I love the part about Mom acting like a new dad!

[wordlesswriter]

Thanks DianeHanna, It gave me a giggle too.
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Sometimes Balas felt invisible.  snapshot_9a815ac6_7bd9881c.jpg   13.4K   22 downloads Basanite was at times a very attentive big sister,  snapshot_9a815ac6_fbd97d42.jpg   11.79K   29 downloads but she spent a lot of time showing off her sports skills to the neighborhood boys.  snapshot_9a815ac6_dbd98a52.jpg   16.23K   28 downloads

Mom was often busy. When she wasn’t at work she was off visiting with her friend with the little green baby.  snapshot_9a81937e_5bb8a0bb.jpg   12.05K   26 downloads Recently she’s been off helping the sunshine shop for its new home.  snapshot_5bd47179_5bd9aaa5.jpg   12.36K   25 downloads Balas liked the sunshine being outside and coming through the windows but she guessed it had to go somewhere when it got tired and made it night time.  snapshot_5bd47179_5bd471b4.jpg   6.67K   24 downloads

Dad spent a lot of time at his telie-socope thing.  snapshot_9a815ac6_1bb5eb46.jpg   6.33K   24 downloads She over heard him telling mommy and Basanite  snapshot_9a815ac6_3bd97e1c.jpg   11.56K   18 downloads that he’d noticed some odd weather patterns forming out over the ocean. Balas didn’t understand what it meant, just that they needed to let everyone know and it was good that Beryl was going to stay at college.

Balas was sure who Beryl was other then she was also her sister but she didn’t come home everyday like Basanite. All Balas knew was mommy kept telling her that Beryl would be home for Balas’ birthday.

[wordlesswriter]

Just as Balas’ mommy had promised, Beryl did come home for her birthday. Balas didn’t know why her mommy was so ingrossed in her conversation with Beryl about some Brandon person not coming, but she was worried if they didn’t stop talking her mommy would be in her PJ’s at the party.  snapshot_9a815ac6_dbd96b60.jpg   11.52K   15 downloads

As sims started showing up, her mommy did get changed, however she put her work cloths on. Balas frowned at the thought that her mom still planned to go to work on such a special day. She frowned even more as Beryl got most of the attention.

When her daddy finally took her to her cake, she started to get excited as everyone stopped what they were doing to gather round.  snapshot_9a815ac6_dbd98be9.jpg   12.49K   20 downloads She smiled as they all sang  snapshot_9a815ac6_5bd98c06.jpg   13.24K   19 downloads and her daddy helped her with the candles. Balas thought that once she grew up everyone would pay more attention to her.  snapshot_9a815ac6_dbd98c3a.jpg   12.77K   20 downloads She realized no one seemed to notice and she found her self stareing at a cake feeling all alone in a house full of people.  snapshot_9a815ac6_dbd98c62.jpg   10.94K   15 downloads

[wordlesswriter]

Some of you may be aware that a few months ago I had a problem with my game requiring me to reinstall everything and something went wrong (user stupidity most likely, knowing me) causing me to lose the houses in the main hood and everyone living there became townies for a brief period. I was able to get everyone safely moved back in. I figured instead of trying to recreate everyones home, which would have been rather diffacult due to not everyone having the value of there homes as funds I would just make it a part of the story line. so I hope you enjoy what I come up with. as I used some of the photo's from before the change for this up date, then took spicific photo's for the following update as I was restoring everyone. I hope you enjoy. thank you to everyone who is faithfully reading even if you aren't commenting. <3

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Balas did her best to keep from feeling lonely. She pretended to teach the painted brick how to do tricks for her mom’s amusement.  snapshot_9a815ac6_fbd9a191.jpg   11.88K   19 downloads Her mom just smiled and asked her if she was hungry for dinner. Didn’t matter that Balas said no as her mom went about preparing the meal.  snapshot_9a815ac6_dbd9a195.jpg   12.33K   25 downloads

Balas was able at least to get her mom to talk to her why her friend’s baby was green.  snapshot_9a815ac6_bbd9a20a.jpg   11.61K   24 downloads Her mom told her that he was an alien  snapshot_9a815ac6_bbd9a215.jpg   10.4K   24 downloadsand that one of his parents came from a different planet.  snapshot_9a815ac6_3bd9a218.jpg   10.44K   23 downloads Balas wondered where the other planet was  snapshot_9a815ac6_5bd9a223.jpg   9.58K   22 downloads but her mom simply said she didn’t know.

Her older sister was harder to get attention from. Balas would play in Basanite’s room being as noisy as possible but her sister kept on writing what ever it was that she so diligently wrote twice a week.  snapshot_9a815ac6_7bd9939c.jpg   11.32K   23 downloads She tried reading out loud while they studied together but Basanite didn’t seem to notice.  snapshot_9a815ac6_9bd99685.jpg   11.77K   26 downloads

Her dad spent his time either sleeping, working or gazing though his telescope. He was worried about storm patterns and the timeing with the phases of the moon. Balas didn’t understand a lot of what her father was talking about when she listened in on his conversations. Then one day while Balas and Basanite were having lunch he came and sat with them.  snapshot_9a815ac6_bbd9977d.jpg   10.94K   28 downloads

“When you girls are finished eating, I need you each to pack a bag.” He said, “there is a hurricane out in the ocean, it’s heading this way and with the full moon tonight, I don’t think it will be safe to stay home and ride it out.”

“How bad do you think it will be dad?” Basanite asked.

“Eldron Valley will be evacuated, we still have a few hours before the first of the outer rain bands will hit, but we all need to leave,” their dad smiled and then went back upstairs.

“Will Beryl be coming with us?” Balas asked Basanite.

“Don’t be silly, it’s safer for her to stay at college then to risk coming home to go with us,” Basanite scoffed.

Balas looked at her now empty plate.  snapshot_9a815ac6_5bd9971b.jpg   11.25K   22 downloads She didn’t understand why she wanted Beryl with them, she just did.

[wordlesswriter]

Someone was knocking on something and woke Beryl up. She groaned and rolled over. The knock came again. She realized it was someone at her door. She couldn’t imagine who would be knocking on her door or what they could possibly want.

“Go away,” She groweled.

The knocking grew louder.

“I’m sleeping, go away,” She said louder.

“Beryl” someone called her name.

“I’m sleeping go away,” She snapped.

“Beryl, it’s me, get up, it’s important.” Beryl realized it was Michael at her door.  snapshot_7b1d456c_fc0a6305.jpg   7.55K   16 downloads

She sat up, rubbed the sleep from her eyes. Michael had never knocked on her door before and she couldn’t imagine why he’d start in the middle of the night unless it really was an emergency.

She opened the door to her dorm room and stepped into the common’s area.  snapshot_7b1d456c_7c0a63e5.jpg   10.28K   22 downloads

“I was listening to the radio; a Category 4 hurricane just hit Eldron Valley.” He blurted out.  snapshot_7b1d456c_5c0a63f0.jpg   9.86K   24 downloads

“What?” Beryl yelled, “Oh no, our families.”  snapshot_7b1d456c_7c0a63eb.jpg   9.64K   25 downloads

Beryl thought about her sisters, Balas came to mind and she felt a deep sorrow for not spending more time with her and showing her how much she loved her. How scary all this must be or been for the little girl.

“I don’t know much,” Michael frowned, “I was gonna look on the internet to see what I could find out but I thought I should tell you first.”  snapshot_7b1d456c_fc0a63ef.jpg   9.59K   25 downloads

“Come in my room, we’ll look it up on my computer,” Beryl sat down at her computer and started tapping away looking for anything that mentioned Eldron Valley. Michael was getting upset over the lack of information.  snapshot_7b1d456c_3c0a635e.jpg   9.68K   25 downloads

All she could find about a hurricane in Eldron Valley was one that had happened close to 30 years ago. Beryl read the old news paper clip. She was shocked to learn that not only had nearly the whole town had perished, but her grandparents who names she learned had been Precious and Synthetic Jym had been among them. She only realized that they were in fact her mom’s parents because the article mention they had originally thought the vacationing couple had their new born daughter, Amathyst with them but it was later discovered she had been left in the care of Precious’ father, Heavy Metal.

“OK, I gotta stay calm,” Michael said drawing her attention.  snapshot_7b1d456c_5c0a638a.jpg   10.05K   22 downloads

“maybe it’s a no news is good news situation,” Beryl said feeling helpless glancing at her computer screen.

“Yeah, maybe,” Michael said with a heavy sigh.  snapshot_7b1d456c_9c0a63b3.jpg   9.87K   17 downloads

He started walking around in her small dorm room, he kept talking about all the what if possibilities.

Beryl stood up, watching him, she started to shake.  snapshot_7b1d456c_9c0a642f.jpg   10.03K   18 downloads

“My house is on the beach, it would be washed away,” Beryl started crying.

Michael stopped talking and wrapped his arms around her. They both cried as they held each other.  snapshot_7b1d456c_9c0a6441.jpg   9.6K   17 downloads

[wordlesswriter]

The phone started ringing.

“I’ll get that, hopefully its good news,” Michael said as they released each other.

Beryl wiped her nose with her pajama sleeve, “I’ll get dressed, I don’t think I could fall back asleep.”

It had been Jennifer on the phone. Michael told Beryl that Leah had gotten a call to write an article on the storm and it had been Leah who had told Jennifer what had happened.

“She’s on her way over,” Michael told her through her door.

Jennifer wasn’t alone when she arrived, Tina and Zell had met up with her on her way over.  snapshot_7b1d456c_5c0a72ad.jpg   7.64K   15 downloads Jennifer gave Beryl a big hug first  snapshot_7b1d456c_7c0a72f8.jpg   8.89K   20 downloads followed by Tina.  snapshot_7b1d456c_bc0a72c9.jpg   8.88K   20 downloads

Michael gave his sister a big hug  snapshot_7b1d456c_bc0a7339.jpg   8.12K   19 downloads as Beryl talked to Zell.  snapshot_7b1d456c_9c0a7357.jpg   10.6K   19 downloads Zell had only come over to make sure Tina got there safely, he was worried about his twin being on her own and was going there.

“She hasn’t been the same since she saw our mom struck by lightning,” Zell explained,  snapshot_7b1d456c_9c0a7369.jpg   11.29K   20 downloads “when I called her, she already knew and yelled at me for tying up the line, incase Uncle Rodger was trying to call.”

“From what Leah got told by the paper she’s interning for, the winds kicked up sooner then anyone expected knocking out the phone lines,” Jennifer gave a hopeful smile, “but the town had been ordered to evacuate based on your dad’s advice.”

Zell said his good byes and everyone went inside.

Michael rambled on to Tina about his thoughts, fears and speculations.  snapshot_7b1d456c_7c0a73e7.jpg   8.03K   21 downloads When he mentioned the possibility of the Aliens causing the storm Tina got very upset with him.  snapshot_7b1d456c_7c0a74b0.jpg   7.93K   21 downloads He had to explain that he had not meant they had done it deliberately but that their ship might have caused atmospheric disturbances. Tina still didn’t want to think about it.

Jennifer and Beryl went to another room and chatted.  snapshot_7b1d456c_5c0a7427.jpg   9.72K   16 downloads They tried to talk about anything other then what could possibly happening with their families.

[DianeHanna]

Nice save! Nothing like a good catastrophe.

[wordlesswriter]

Thanks DianeHanna, I thought so too. XD

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Michael stayed near the phone all the next day. Beryl tried to nap but every time the phone rang she was up and standing by Michael.  snapshot_7b1d456c_3c0a45d0.jpg   6.68K   12 downloads At first it was just Leah, she told him that as far as she knew everyone had been evacuated, but where to she did not know and because of the high winds as the storm moved inland phone lines were being knocked out. One of Michael’s class mates called for a recipe, and Beryl just had to walk away.  snapshot_7b1d456c_7c0a45d8.jpg   6.98K   16 downloads . Beryl tried to get some of her school work done but she found her self surfing the internet for any information she could find.  snapshot_7b1d456c_3c0a4763.jpg   8.85K   16 downloads

Finally towards the end of the day, Matthew called.Beryl stood behind him scared as she listened and waited.  snapshot_7b1d456c_9c0a4615.jpg   9.06K   17 downloads

“Everyone is safe and staying at various place downtown,” Michael said with a reassuring smile, “they thought it was just a tropical depression but it stopped and sat out over the water for nearly a week. Your dad kept an eye on it, and though there was no way to predict which way the storm would go, your dad had the town evacuated.”

Beryl let out a sigh of relief, “I’m surprised there was no official warning.”

“I think because Eldron Valley is so small, they had no idea who to contact.” Michael shrugged. “There’s your family, Mine, Leah’s, Jodie and BJ Larson, Ms. DeVille ,Ms. Lush and the Nasha’s. Jason is what Carlson now. With Cadalak and Sunshine both having there own homes, the town grew slightly.”

Beryl nodded, Eldron Valley didn’t drawl lot’s of new families, “So now what.”

Michael laughed, “contact the homeowners insurance, and rebuild, I imagine.”

Brandon stopped by that evening to see how she was.  snapshot_7b1d456c_bc0a4869.jpg   9.95K   13 downloads He’d heard about the storm and it had passed over Sim City as well, but it had been much weaker by then. He did get annoyed that she didn’t want to go out. She did agree to spend the next day with him.

[wordlesswriter]

The next morning Matthew stopped by to see Michael.  snapshot_7b1d456c_5c0a4fe0.jpg   14.85K   15 downloads He had Jackson with him.  snapshot_7b1d456c_9c0a5016.jpg   14.89K   20 downloads

“I left Jessica with your family, Beryl,” Matthew smiled, “they’re safe and planning to come visit you tomorrow.”

“We’re gonna go see Jennifer, I don’t see any reason we need to stay near the phone today,” Michael informed her, “go see Brandon, I think it would be good for you to get out for a bit.”

Beryl met Brandon at the park Downtown late that afternoon.

“You know I enjoy hanging out with you,” Brandon said when she arrived.  snapshot_7b1d456c_3c0a578e.jpg   11.46K   19 downloads

“I love being with you,” Beryl smiled.

“Then what’s with you lately? It seems every time I want to spend time with you, there’s some drama going on that you have to be in the middle of.” Brandon frowned.

“Well, I’d hardly say my home being lost to a hurricane is a drama.” Beryl said defensively.  snapshot_7b1d456c_1c0a57a1.jpg   12.25K   17 downloads

“What about your friend’s problem? Or the excuse about your grades?” Brandon frowned.

“My friend need me and I was there for her and we did talk about why I need to keep my grades up.” Beryl found herself getting upset.

“I just feel like you’ve been just giving me the run around.” Brandon snapped, “I’m not into playing games if that’s what your up too.”

Beryl folded her arms across her chest and gave him a hard look, “is that what you think I’m doing?”

“look, I don’t care if your seeing someone else, it’s not like we agreed to be exclusive or anything.” Brandon laughed. “just don’t act all innocent about it, that’s all.”

“I’m not dating anyone but you,” Beryl said suddenly wondering about the turn of the conversation, “Are you going out with someone else?”

“it’s not like I haven’t had some free time on my hands that needed filling.” Brandon laughed.

“So, if you can’t go out with me you go out with someone else?” Beryl asked shocked.

“we never agreed to be exclusive,” Brandon smiled gently, “but you’re always my first choice.”

“What if I want us to be exclusive?” she asked.

“Then spend more time with me so I don’t get side tracked,” Brandon teased.

Beryl didn’t know if he was serious or not. She wasn’t sure how to intrepid his answer.
The spent the rest of the day playing catch to well past dark.  snapshot_7b1d456c_9c0a5b9e.jpg   9.63K   17 downloads They went for some coffee and while they were waiting in line Beryl spotted Sunshine.

Beryl spent a few minutes talking with Sunshine about what was going on with Eldron Valley.  snapshot_7b1d456c_bc0a5c9c.jpg   8.79K   17 downloads Brandon stood by with a distasteful look on his face. Beryl was glad to find out that the clean up was going quickly now that the rains were long gone.

“Look, I meant what I said, I’d rather be spending time with you, so I hope you’ll make time for me,” Brandon said as she was getting ready to leave.  snapshot_7b1d456c_1c0a5b1e.jpg   8.25K   13 downloads

“Tell, are we exclusive now?” Beryl asked.

“I don’t know,” Brandon smiled, “it depends on you.”

[wordlesswriter]

It was early afternoon when her family arrived.

“I’m so glad you all are safe,” Beryl said as she released her mom from a big hug.

“Of course we’re alright honey,” Her mom said with a gently warm smile.  snapshot_7b1d456c_dc0a4c2e.jpg   16.65K   13 downloads

“Why didn’t you call?” Beryl asked.

“Well, honestly, I think everyone thought someone else would have gotten word to you kids.” Amathyst shrugged.

“I think we were all focused on getting out of town no one thought to call anyone,” Beryl’s dad said coming up behind her.

Beryl turned to give her dad a hug.

“Balas, come give your sister a hug, she was worried about you.” Her mom called out behind her.  snapshot_7b1d456c_dc0a4c52.jpg   16.28K   18 downloads

“it’s ok, mom, I can hug her later.” Beryl laughed, then spotting her other sister called out, “Brat-night, I’m so happy to see you.”

Beryl squezzed Basanite in a tight hug, causing her sister to gasp for air.  snapshot_7b1d456c_1c0a4c8a.jpg   15.37K   17 downloads Beryl released her apologizing.

“So was the storm real scary?” Beryl asked.  snapshot_7b1d456c_3c0a4cc6.jpg   15.12K   16 downloads

“We were a little scared about its approach, Dad took us to some warehouse in Downtown Sim City, Mr. and Mrs. Geike had it set up real nice for everyone from home to stay at. Just seemed like a lot of wind and rain,” Basanite laughed.  snapshot_7b1d456c_7c0a4cc9.jpg   15.36K   17 downloads

Her family spent the afternoon with her at the dorm. Beryl was excited to have them there, it was the first time they had ever been there. Basanite wandered around, checking the place out  snapshot_7b1d456c_dc0a5079.jpg   8.24K   17 downloads and joined Michael for a late lunch in the cafeteria.  snapshot_7b1d456c_1c0a50f6.jpg   13.03K   15 downloads

“Beryl, that Brandon fella your seeing, what’s his last name?” Her dad asked pulling her aside.  snapshot_7b1d456c_fc0a4ec4.jpg   7.43K   14 downloads

“Lillard, why?” she asked worried why her dad would ask.

“How serious are you about him?” Andrjez ignored her question.

“I’d like to be more serious then I think we are right now,” Beryl stated.

“I don’t want to upset you, sweetheart but I advise against you falling in love with him,” her dad gave her a concerned look.

“Well, it’s a little too late for that, I already do love him.” Beryl snapped, “I don’t see why everyone is so against him.”  snapshot_7b1d456c_7c0a4e9c.jpg   10.7K   15 downloads

“Maybe you’re choosing not to see,” her dad said with a deeply worried tone of voice.

Beryl rolled her eyes and walked away.

It was early evening when her family was getting ready to go. Beryl walked them to the front door.

“Balas, can you give me a hug good bye?” Beryl asked reaching for the little girl.

“Don’t you touch me.” Balas snapped.  snapshot_7b1d456c_bc0a4d64.jpg   11.31K   15 downloads

“Balas, what’s wrong?” Beryl asked startled by her little sister’s reaction.

“Why do you live here? Don’t you want to be with us?” Balas blurted out with an angry voice.

“I’m in college, I have to live here so I can go to school.” Beryl smiled.  snapshot_7b1d456c_1c0a4d6e.jpg   10.75K   14 downloads

“I go to school and so does Basanite, and we live at home, why can’t you?” Balas started to cry.  snapshot_7b1d456c_dc0a4d8d.jpg   10.54K   10 downloads

“If I could do that, I would. You’ll understand someday.” Beryl said warmly.

“No I won’t, I will never understand why you hate us,” Balas ran to Basanite and grabbed her hand as the family got into a cab.

Beryl let out a deep sigh, she felt so ashamed of herself for her little sister’s anger at her. Beryl knew it wasn’t her fault her sister felt that way, but she still felt responsible for it.

[wordlesswriter]

Basanite walked along the beach.  snapshot_7c090b64_3c0a8908.jpg   8.67K   12 downloads It was good to be back home even though everything was so different now. When they had seen the lot after the storm it was shocking how barren it had looked. Mom and dad were hopeful and full of plans. Mom had laughed about finally getting the lot cleared.  snapshot_7c090b64_bc090b89.jpg   9.88K   14 downloads

The new house was much bigger then it had been before. On the day they moved in her and Balas just cheered.  snapshot_7c090b64_3c090b65.jpg   14.17K   13 downloads There was hardly any furniture and it made the downstairs seem so empty.  snapshot_7c090b64_fc09223c.jpg   6.28K   14 downloads The upstairs was much nicer, with four bedrooms and two full bathrooms.  snapshot_7c090b64_fc092241.jpg   7.68K   15 downloads Dad put what he called his “scientific” equipment in the spare bedroom that he kept locked. Basanite didn’t know what it was, but he got in trouble for it.  snapshot_7c090b64_3c091b84.jpg   6.17K   14 downloads

Her dad was sure the storm surge had washed some intresting stuff down and had Basanite helping him searched the yard for anything they could sell but the only thing they found was the main water pipe.  snapshot_7c090b64_3c091d25.jpg   11.88K   14 downloads

Everyone had returned to Eldron Valley who had lived there before. Some had their homes rebuilt almost identical to their previous homes, a few others built new homes in different spots. A few ambitious land developers put up some houses and an apartment building, most of which sat empty. Basanite figured most would stay empty til the few kids there were grew up and settled in their own home.

Basanite wondered if she would stay in Eldron Valley when she grew up. She thought about having to chance another storm coming and washing away everything she had again. She didn’t know if that was what she wanted for herself or her future children.

She spent the summer hanging with Bobbie Larson and Marshall Lush.  snapshot_fc0d237f_3c0e4884.jpg   13.03K   12 downloads They were both on the boys basket ball team at school and they spent most of the summer argueing about different plays  snapshot_fc0d237f_bc0e487f.jpg   13K   10 downloads when all she wanted to do was either practice or got out with Marshall. She’d hoped that with Zue-Zue away at college it meant that Marshall was a free agent, but she over heard him telling Bobbie he wanted to stay away from girls for a while.  snapshot_fc0d237f_9c0e4883.jpg   13.14K   7 downloads When Bobbie asked her out she simple shrugged and said, “sure, why not,” as if she didn’t care.

[wordlesswriter]

Basanite’s first date with Bobbie seem a little awkward at first, but she could tell he was trying to be sweet and charming.  snapshot_fc0d237f_9c0d24ba.jpg   14.58K   8 downloads She couldn’t help but feel guilt when Marshall’s older sister Sunshine happened to pass by.  snapshot_fc0d237f_1c0d265e.jpg   10.8K   11 downloads Sunshine seemed unaware of Basanite’s feeling for Marshall and that seemed to make Basanite feel even worse.

Basanite wasn’t sure how Bobbie actually felt about her. She assumed he must like her if he asked her for a date. Despite the fact that she didn’t have a long standing crush on him, she had to admit that she did find him to be pleasant company and some what rather cute.

When Bobbie got brave enough to put his arms around her she thought for sure that he was going to kiss her.  snapshot_fc0d237f_7c0d24e4.jpg   12.97K   11 downloads She had very mixed feelings about the prospect of Bobbie being her first kiss. She’d always hoped it would have been Marshall who’d give her her first kiss. Yet she didn’t seem to mind the idea of kissing Bobbie.

Basanite tried to relax as Bobbie held her and they talked about silly stuff. He seemed just as nervous as she was feeling as she waited for him to try to kiss her. What happened next was far from anything she could imagine and something she hoped to forget.  snapshot_fc0d237f_dc0d2438.jpg   14.15K   12 downloads

“Bobbie,” she yelled, “why would you noogie me?”

“I..I don’t know, I um, oh geez, Basanite, I panicked, you look so pretty and smell so nice and, and I just wanted to kiss you but I, well, I just panicked.” Bobbie’s face grew redder as he stammered.

“I thought you were going to kiss me, but then you go and kill the mood like that,” Basanite sighed.

“You were going to let me kiss you?” Bobbie asked.

“I don’t know, I guess, it’s not like I was planning to stop you.” Basanite felt her face turning red now.

Bobbie walked over to her and gently lifted her chin so she was looking in his eyes.

“I’m so sorry,” he whispered as he leaned forward giving her a kiss. Basanite felt all fluttery and giddy.  snapshot_fc0d237f_1c0d2509.jpg   14.95K   12 downloads

When their lips parted she just giggled and he was grinning.  snapshot_fc0d237f_9c0d2442.jpg   14.97K   12 downloads

“wow,” he said, then he flung his arms around her and kissed her again. Only this time he kissed her so hard he almost knocked her over backwards.  snapshot_fc0d237f_bc0d25cf.jpg   14.83K   12 downloads

It was a struggle but she finally broke free of his grip. She didn’t mean to, but just couldn’t help yelling at him, “Bobbie what is with you?”

“I don’t know,” he laughed running his hands trough his hair. he gave her a look that was a mixture of excitement and confussion. “I don’t mean to do everything wrong, it’s just, well, I don’t know how to explain it.”

Basanite laughed, “well this has been a very intresting date, that’s for sure.”

“I should walk you home now,” Bobbie said getting all serious.

They started heading in the direction of her house. She stopped, grabbed his arm and spun him to face her as she wrapped her arms around him.  snapshot_fc0d237f_dc0d23a2.jpg   14.13K   9 downloads

“I really didn’t know what to expect Bobbie, so I don’t think you did everything wrong,” She whispered to him.

He didn’t say anything, he just smiled. He didn’t try to kiss her again, he walked her home and stood by the road as he watched her go in the house.

[wordlesswriter]

Over the next couple of days Basanite didn’t hear from Bobbie or Marshall. She didn’t try calling them either. She also refrained from writing to Marshall. She didn’t know what she would have written anyway. It’s not like she wanted to tell him she’d gone on a date with his best friend and despite receiving a very embarrassing noogie she had enjoyed being kissed by him.

Instead, Basanite tried to push both boys from her mind and focus on her basketball skills.  snapshot_7c090b64_1c0b9c26.jpg   16.02K   10 downloads She wanted to be ready for try outs and with the start of the next school year approaching she felt the pressure to be at peek performance strongly.

Copy cat Linda Nasha grew into a teen over the summer.  snapshot_1c150b6e_9c150ce5.jpg   8.28K   15 downloads Basanite tried hanging out with her a few times, but despite Linda finally getting her own hairstyle, Basanite still found the girl to be extremely odd.  snapshot_bc2898e6_1c2c982b.jpg   11.21K   16 downloads

When her mom had to spend the weekend away on one of her adventures, Basanite decided she should spend some bonding time with Balas. They watched sports on TV in their undies and declared themselves women free from the shackles of fashion.  snapshot_7c090b64_3c0b9a40.jpg   10.38K   16 downloads Their dad didn’t seem to care what they were up to as he spent most of his time at his telescope with a flash light.  snapshot_7c090b64_7c0a7d74.jpg   6.32K   16 downloads They had to make him come in the house long enough to eat.  snapshot_7c090b64_1c0b999c.jpg   6.98K   16 downloads

It turned out that all the time he’d been spending outside of the house was not the smartest thing Andrjez could have done as when he did come in the house he found himself with quite a mystery.  snapshot_7c090b64_9c0a8bf0.jpg   7.56K   16 downloads Basanite started to wonder about her dad’s sanity until he finally solved the puzzle of why every night the livingroom floor was soaked. Andrjez had quite the time cleaning up after one of Amathyst’s inventions.  snapshot_7c090b64_dc0b7ee8.jpg   8.91K   16 downloads No one knew how much water the thing held or how it got filled up but every night Andrjez would just have to do damage control until the thing would sputter to a stop.  snapshot_7c090b64_9c0b7ee6.jpg   8.17K   12 downloads