friends

English Tea

Tabitha keeps checking her phone, ignoring the frowns and judgmental looks clients give her. She just needs to keep an eye on the time today. Any other day she loves to spend time with customers, helping them to make the most of their photoshoot. It’s not just snapping pictures, as Chris used to sneer, to her it really is a work of art. She wants to make sure that the photos she takes are top quality picture, with the right lighting, the correct background, the best position for the customer.

Today is a little different, though. She still enjoys it of course, it’s just that today they are hosting a special party. She is the hostess, actually. The four of them had sat down a few nights ago, chatting, relaxing. Now that Chris is less obsessed about his Destiny, he is actually good fun to be with. She remembers him as the little boy, when he was like that too. Before the pressure and the tales and expectations turned him, and made him Mr Awkward. Now the pressure is gone, and Victoria is helping him to overcome his insecurities and social struggles, and she is doing a great job.

Tabitha actually smiles, causing the customer to audibly sigh, roll his eyes, and step back a little. Oh right, she is working…the guy must have worried she was trying it on… In fact, she was just remembering some of Chris’ jokes! He is using his wit on jokes, rather than on suspicious accusations and slipping into the victim role. She manages a little private giggle in the prop box, thinking about some stories Chris told them. Honestly, who knew Chris could be so funny? Poor Harry, his manager…not much love lost between those two, that’s for sure!

“I’m really sorry I can only finish off this last photo shoot, then I’ll have to dash,” she explains to a potential customer who just dropped in on the off chance. “I will be back at work tomorrow, so if you’d like to make an appointment, I can do that?” She helps the girl with the soft pink hair to fill out the form, starting to look forward to working with her. The hair colour will go very nicely with the standard background, she thinks, looking at the girl with half closed eyes, imagining her in different lights, from different angles. When the girl looks up, she finds Tabitha staring at her with half closed eyes, head tilted. The girl freezes a bit, and takes a careful shuffle back.

Tabitha smiles reassuringly at the girl, “Don’t worry, I was just thinking ahead, wondering which light setting would be best. It will be great, your hair colour is lovely, and will come out well against any background, really.” The girl looks relieved, and after setting a time she goes off. Tabitha hurriedly packs up the cameras and props, tidying things up, as she won’t be back till much later. She doesn’t want to come back exhausted, all partied out, just to have to hunt for her photography items.

The party! She is getting exciting now, as she locks the last box, and goes off home. She needs to get changed. “This is going to be tricking,” she mumbles to herself, making people look at her in a alarm, watching her march home, mumbling, frowning. “Whose idea was this, I wonder.” Then she grins, it was actually Chris who thought of it! “Imagine that,” she mutters, grinning, and doing nothing to alleviate people’s worries! “Imagine Mr Grouch coming up with a theme for a party, an English Tea Party! What on earth made him come up with a theme like that? I wonder what he’ll be like today… The wedding party was awful, with all of us worried about poor Richard. Then Victoria organised the party for us, after Eva was born. He was awful then, hardly speaking to anybody at all, glaring at guests, growling at Victoria… He really was the end, or rather, as Mum used to say, ‘the absolute terminus’, and he was.”

“I don’t know how Victoria managed all those years. Well, I do, of course, but she is one strong woman, and I’m glad that her prayers have been well and truly answered! Mind you, with that little rascal Samuel, I hope she hasn’t stopped praying just yet…!”

She is glad to be home, checking her phone for the time again. Good! Not much time, but enough, hopefully. She shakes her fist at Chris when she sees him, but he just laughs. She rolls her eyes, if only he knew how hard this is! What is she going to wear? She will probably need something new, which might be easier said than done. Just yesterday they all clubbed together, and managed to pay for another plot of land to be cleared, which doesn’t leave much money for new clothes!

Tabitha is relieved when she finds that the outfit which reminds her of the theme a lot, is actually quite reasonable. She finds a shade that doesn’t clash with her hair too much. She would have liked pink, but that really doesn’t suit her. It’s a shame, as the theme for her party will be an English Tea Party, and the colour that comes to mind is pink. Pink and flowers. She heard the stories of people who went to visit England, and everywhere they went were pink flowers. The curtains, carpets, upholstery of chairs were all decorated with pink flowers, often different shades and shapes of flowers in one room, clashing, and reminding you of wonderful gardens all at the same time. She looks round, if only there were pink flowery dresses available, Laura Ashley Style, with the huge hats to match, like English ladies wear to events like Royal Ascot! She twirls round in front of the mirror and sighs, if only…!

She quickly tidies up the house a bit, moves a few pieces of furniture around, and sets up a little tea corner. Stools here, tiny tables here, right…no, better over here. Tea tray on this one, biscuits on that one…Two jars I think, digestives, ugh, and ginger ones, that should do it. She stands back, and can’t think how to improve it, which means that it’s alright for now. She feels a bit worried, as she knows that some of her friends who will be here any minute now are amazing designers, with great taste and they might have done a much better job. Never mind, she sighs, and moves on, checking that there is enough food for everyone, the party signs are up…She is ready!

She spots Victoria in a lovely salmon pink dress, looking really pretty, matching earrings and bracelets, and she tugs at her blouse, hoping she doesn’t look too much out of place! The men look smart too, and then the first guests start to arrive! Tabitha is so excited, she wonders who will make it, as of course, the Sims Mobile Government doesn’t allow parties to grow too big, and even then they can shut down the party without a moment’s notice! The Renaldi family is actually the first to arrive. She is glad; she gets on very well with Bristol, and Victoria is very friendly with Kiera. She can’t believe Kiera has children, she still seems so young! Even Amara, hardly been promoted, and already had a baby. She gasps, Amara herself is here, at their Tea party! How amazing that is!

She chats with Bristol, gets to meet Amara, who looks stunning and congratulates her with her baby. The party is busy with so many friends, some of them Tabitha meets for the first time. She smiles, pours tea, chats, rubs aching jaws, keeps an eye on her adult daughters… She just hopes they accept her advice. Tabitha had sat them down the night before and had explained the whole thing again. “You need to make sure that you arrange things properly. If you don’t you’re heading for heartache. You can get married very easily, have a baby even easier, but to actually have a family, a strong steady family…well, that takes careful planning. You see, it’s almost impossible to get a Moving In Permit when you just meet a random person. For one thing, they might be married already, or have all their traits. You just don’t know, and can’t bank on it. So, if you hear of somebody that you like, meet the family, and try to make arrangements.”

The girls had both nodded and smiled, but Tabitha knows that with girls the nodding and smiling could mean anything! She is worried, she wants to prevent heartache and sadness, and on the other hand, she wants them to meet somebody they love or come to love. “Life can be so cruel,” she says softly, “and on the other hand, each day can be an amazing, precious gift, to be cherished and enjoyed. I pray both my daughters will find their days happy and full. Theodore as well of course, but somehow to me it feels different. I don’t know why, it just does.”

The house is humming, there are people everywhere, chatting, laughing, meeting and greeting each other. Then, suddenly, there is a gasp, followed by growing silence wherever the news is received. “Vivien Leigh has accepted retirement unexpectedly!” Tabitha stares at the girl in front of her, not believing her ears. Vivien? Retired? No, no way, that can’t be! Vivien, who has been such a help to so many people, and is so needed for her wise counsel. How can she retire, and so suddenly, with no warning, no preparation?

She rushes over to Vivien the moment she arrives. “Oh Vivien, is it true? Is it really true?” Tabitha struggles, she really mustn’t cry, what will Vivien think? She might actually be relieved to retire, and have some peace and quiet, and with everyone weeping all over her, well, she might be hurt! “I just heard the news,” Tabitha continues, looking at Vivien’s smooth face, trying to figure out if she is alright about it all, “the others told me. We will miss you, really truly miss you…” Her voice is starting to do things of its own accord, and Tabitha knows that’s the time to stop words from coming out. Words will misshape themselves, tumble and flow like a river over a rocky patch, and they will sound all disjointed. No, far better to just keep quiet, catch your breath, work up a smile, until you can feel your throat and tongue relaxing and ready to be controlled once again.

Vivien on the other hand looks very composed, calm and serene as usual, with her dark eyes and ready smile. She explains that yes, it had come rather suddenly, and she would miss everyone, especially Penny who had only just had her Coming Out party. Tabitha nods, she’d hoped to have gone, despite not owning a scrap of clothing that could be considered cowgirl style clothing, but by the time she got up, Sims Mobile Government had closed down the party. She wonders briefly if Vivien’s retirement was something to do with the party? Vivien explains that she’s at peace with it all, really. You have to accept certain things in life, she says, very philosophically Tabitha thinks, still struggling to breathe properly.

Tabitha is determined to spend as much time as possible with Vivien, and she begs the others to take as many pictures of them both as possible. She can’t believe it, but when she looks over at Vivien at some stage, she looks so happy, so at ease! As if nothing has happened, as if there is no monumental decision made, because there she is, chatting, drinking tea…looking stunningly beautiful as ever!

Tabitha and Victoria both say that the rest of the party passed in a bit of a blur after that. They meet some lovely people, one girl in particular they had never seen before. Her name is Alyssia, she has beautiful hair, and came with the rest of her family. There was the young Amara, very, very pretty, standing her ground it seemed, going round lots of people; Hank was new as well. “That’s the thing I love about these parties,” says Tabitha that evening, “meeting friends, making new friends, saying bye to amazing friends…” They all go quiet at that, feeling sad and missing Vivien, as if she’s gone already! “I loved meeting lots of new people today, having tea with them,” continues Tabitha after awhile, “saw some old friends as well, I also had some important chats! I’ve seen some of the pictures…it really was a wonderful time. I even saw Chris smiling!”

She laughs out loud at his scowl, and he just has to laugh with them all. “Yes, funny enough, I did enjoy myself. I’d never have believe it myself, but I actually had a great time, I don’t know how that happened? I have never been one for parties, so not sure why this one was so different. Maybe the tea got laced..?”

They chat a bit longer, feeling a little drowsy after the long day, content, blessed, at peace. Looking out the large lattice windows they can see the new patch being cleared. Night noises come in, cheeky Samuel can be heard softly snoring on the baby monitor. That Samuel, he had a great time too! Tabitha smiles over at Victoria, and giggles a little, probably the tea? “You better watch that irrepressible son of yours… He met a lot of people, and not once did he look shy…He was quite happy to go up to all sorts of guests, chatting away, telling them all sorts…”

Yes, she thinks, it really was a great party. She smiles, looking satisfied as a cat in Spring time, thinking back over her conversation with Kiera. “She’s a real character, she is! I just hope it will work out, I’m actually starting to feel quite excited now, but there we go, only time will tell. Who knows what will happen, but I have learned to have patience, and faith, and to trust that all things will work out the way they should. Just trust, although there is no ‘just’ about it, it is one of the hardest things I have learned in all this time. Looking back on all my traits, jobs, hobbies and friendships, there have been lots of difficult lessons, time consuming events, painful memories, but the hardest of all is still Trust. I wonder why…”

Samuel

Who knew that one little boy could make such a difference to a person. Victoria Mortina stands in the doorway to the blue bedroom, staring at the little bassinet. The same bassinet that has sheltered and housed every single Mortina baby; ever since Danielle and Ricardo Mortina started their family. In the bassinet, fast asleep, his ginger hair reflecting the light, tiny balled fists next to chubby cheeks, is the ninth generation of Mortinas. Her son, her precious little Gift, Samuel. Or rather, Samuel Vince Mortina, for he isn’t just any baby. He is the Mortina who will carry on the fight for Justice.

Victoria blushes a little. It’s not only every day life that has changed, with the feeding and changing and all the rest of the Bundle of Joy activities needed to make sure that Samuel will get a three star Good Upbringing trait. That is a priority at the moment, of course, and even though he is just a tiny baby, he has got one star already; Chris and Victoria have made sure of that! No, it’s not just the daily care for Samuel that has changed, she has changed too.

Chris used to bore her silly with his endless rants about Injustice, and Destiny, and all his self importance, and his victim stance, his constant fussing about being misunderstood by the whole of Sims Mobile, and how difficult his life was. Now she finds herself remembering more and more of his endless litanies. Looking at the tiny Samuel, she can feel some of the excitement that Guinevere must have felt, looking at Little Chris. “No wonder she always called him ‘Little Chris’ even though he is by no means the smallest Mortina,” Victoria smiles.

Yes, she actually smiles about it now, whereas only a year ago it used to make her cringe. In the end it got so bad that Victoria just had to leave the room whenever Guinevere started off on one of her ‘Little Chris’ stories. It just made her so mad, the endless stories about all Chris’ doings, and the way he was talked about, as if he was going to save the Mortina race, at least the race belonging to ancestor Chris… Now she finds herself daydreaming, seeing Chris and Samuel standing up for justice together. Maybe they will lead a petition at the Court..mmmm, not so heroic, you just fill in some forms. With Victoria actually working there they don’t even need to go to the civic centre, she can just take it in to work with her.

Well, maybe they can do a protest in the market square? Not very many important people passing through, she objects, and it would look a little silly, just standing there. On the other hand, both of them have just received their last trait. Little worry lines appear, whilst she carefully straightens Samuel’s blanket. Having all their traits will mean retirement soon after Samuel grows up, no doubt. Of course, they can delay their retirement for a while, but then that would prevent Samuel from fulfilling his…his destiny, I suppose, she realises with a shock.

“Oh dear,” she whispers, sitting down on top of the blue bedspread, “oh dear, I’m starting to sound like Chris…and his Mum! Am I going to be as obsessive as them? Will I be nagging my little Samuel with Destiny, Justice and Restoring the Line, like Guinevere did to Chris? Oh Lord, please protect me and him from doing that! How awful if I put the same kind of pressure on Samuel!”

It was a busy time for Victoria. Many of her friends that she had grown up with were all taking retirement. She felt sad, and a bit lost, knowing that she wouldn’t see their familiar faces around anymore. Even some of her relatives are retiring, and she stand on the doorstep, watching them walk off, out of her life, and feels her stomach getting heaver and heavier. “Bye David, bye Alex,” she whispers, swallowing tears and with the tears the funny squashed feeling in her throat. “What will I do at parties without you guys there to have a chat? It will be so strange! Who do I talk to?”

Well, that is nonsense of course, she recovers herself, tugging at her bright green top, a reminder to be strong, to stand for what is right. “You have been to lots of parties,” she reminds herself in her sternest voice, “and you always find somebody to chat to. You have even been to parties where you didn’t really know anybody. Remember the last one you went to, Taylor Mason’s party! It was great, so many art lovers there…” It had been a great party, one that Victoria had never been to before, but Taylor was going to retire soon, and wanted to have one more party, so Victoria went, and had a great time. It did lead to words with Chris when she came back, and described the children’s bedroom at Taylor’s house. Chris was not amused, and felt that she was trying to make him feel bad for not having built a special room as big and bight as the one at her friend’s house!

David and Alex had told her about some of the others ready to retire; the one that stunned her the most being Sierra! Sierra Chisholm, retiring? Who had ever dreamt that would be possible! So when Sierra pops in for a moment, obviously on her way to something, she isn’t as shocked as Sierra was clearly hoping she was going to be.

“Well, you won’t be retiring yet, not with a baby,” says Sierra, lifting one eyebrow in her well known manner, “I can’t imagine Chris wanting anymore kids now he has got someone to carry on his world saving mission… Mind you, having an only child with such lofty ideals set before him is bound to turn it into a spoiled brat. You’ll probably be quite relieved you’ll only have the one child to deal with. Less damage…”

Victoria had gone very red and could feel herself starting to shake with anger and hurt, but Sierra had flounced off, waving over her shoulder, “Must be off, lots to do before I take life a bit easier…” Victoria was left standing on the doorstep, hot and bothered, too angry to speak. Of all the cheek…! She soon gets over her anger though, as holding tiny Samuel in her arms melts her heart, and makes her forget the whole of Sims World! She loves to sing to him, and watch his little face light up when she makes cooing noises. He is such a beautiful baby, so lively and has such bright eyes, that by the time the birthday cake appears, Victoria is convinced that Samuel is special.

“You see,” she explains to Chris, “I do worry about putting pressure on him, especially when he is so small, like your mum did to you. I’m not talking about that, but I do think that he is a very special child. The way he looks, and the speed with which he reacts to everything, I think that’s amazing. I am convinced that he is really going to make a difference in Sims Mobile.”

Chris couldn’t have been happier. All his life he had been prepped to make a difference, to Restore justice, to…to fix the Mortina Family Line. With his little son, it looked like he had done just that! He felt the sense of relief as well, relief that it wasn’t actually something he still had to accomplish, but rather, he had done it already! He felt happier than ever, and was beginning to feel that tiny spark of job satisfaction that comes from a task completed. He leaned back, watches Victoria hold his baby son, and a warm, tingling feeling starts at his feet, and works through his body, till it culminates in a beaming smile.

“I’ve done it, Mum, I’ve done it,” he whispers, “I’m not a failure, I haven’t let you down, nor Ancestor Chris for that matter… I have provided Sims Mobile with a son. My beautiful Vince, well, Samuel Vince, will Restore Justice. Not just for Ancestor Chris, but also for Ancestor Vincent, the one that…well, the tragic one…” Of course, Samuel was still tiny, but children grow up with the speed of lightning in Sims Mobile it seems, and birthday icons appear out of nowhere before you know it!

Samuel grows up, of course, Victoria knew it would happen sooner rather than later. He is a cute little boy, and she loves to watch him. “Don’t you think he really looks different in that top?” she asks Tabitha one day. Tabitha looks at her strangely and then averts her eyes quickly.

“No, I don’t,” she says softly, after a very awkward moment, “he looks just like any other Mortina boy I have seen in this family, whether it is this generation, our generation, or any generation. They all looked like little Samuel. I know to you he is special, you’re his mother, but don’t go down the line of worshipping him, and spoiling him.”

Victoria blushes violently at these words, and has to look away, horror written all over her face, shock widening her eyes. Spoiling him? She hears Sierra’s voice again, when she came to say goodbye, assuring her that her darling Samuel would grow up into a spoiled brat…! That mustn’t happen, and she is sure that it can’t happen. Samuel is such a smart little boy, and so handsome already…

It niggles away at Victoria though, and she decides to watch out for any signs that Samuel is being spoiled. She spends the rest of the day not just feeding and playing with Samuel, but also looking for any signs that he is becoming a spoiled little boy. That evening she talks about it with Chris, as she is starting to get a little concerned, now that she has observed Samuel a bit closer, but feels that as Samuel’s mother she might not be the best person to recognise the signs. She looks at Chris, a little unsure how to bring this up, without upsetting him.

“I watched Samuel today,” she begins, twisting her fingers, then realises she is wearing her favourite green top, which is showing signs of too much usage, and takes a deep breath, drawing in strength as well as air. “I watched him react to things he dislikes, and really, he went nuts! Do you think we should be concerned? He is really very demanding, you know, and he has such a temper….”

Victoria stops, as she can see Chris’ matching temper rising too. “Well, what did you expect?” he says, his voice already on edge, “He has a Destiny in life, you know, there is a Mission ahead. He’s not just any sort of kid, who can just wander through life, collecting his handful of traits, getting level ten in careers and hobbies, and then just pass into retirement, never to be heard of again! My son, our son, well, he is Special, he…he needs all the strength of character he can grow, and he will need sheer determination, stamina and will power to undo a Grave Injustice…” Chris stops, out of breath, glaring at Victoria, daring her to disagree, to belittle his son or his calling in life.

Victoria sighs to herself, but smiles at Chris, putting her hand on his arm, calming him, reassuring him, and says soothingly, “Of course I know all that, but you see, my family were heroes too, in fact, I helped out with various missions,” she plucks at her bright green top with her free hand, smiling at the distant memories now, “but we were always told that being strong is not the same thing as being pushy. It is easy to be forceful, to hit people over the head with a big stick, but it’s a different matter altogether to have strength of character. That is what makes a hero.”

“There is a Bible verse that says, ‘He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that rules his spirit is better than he takes a city’ so I know it’s important to have self control, and I do believe that it is important that Samuel learns that. I know he is a darling little boy, and I do agree that he is very, very special, but if he grows up without strength of character, he will bring heartache and harm to the Mortina Line, rather than restore the Line. I know he has the makings of a great man, a great warrior for justice, but if his temper is untamed, he will be a walking disaster.”

She looks straight at Chris, sees his frown, the blazing eyes, but her steady gaze, her calm face and sweet smile conquers, and in the end she can see his anger ebbing away. He takes a deep, shuddering breath, and nods. “Yes, yes, I know you are right, I just want him to do well…I love him, and I just know that he will be special, and I want him to succeed in whatever he does. I know he needs steering carefully, I don’t want his spirit squashed, but I can see he needs the right kind of upbringing.”

This is easier said than done. Samuel is a very strong willed little boy, with a flaming temper to match his fiery hair, sparkling green eyes full of zest for life, and a cheeky grin. His ideas are as wild as his hair, and his parents look at each other in despair several times each day… What will become of their sweet little darling, when he isn’t little anymore? Victoria doesn’t know, but she is determined to be the best mother she can be for this vibrant little boy! How grateful she is every day for this little bundle of joy, this wriggling mass of chubby arms and sturdy legs, this wonderful boy with a zest for life that infects the most dour person around him! Samuel, a fitting name for the daily reminder that God had heard her prayers!

Advice

It is still early, the day hardly started. Victoria yawns, pads over to the post box, collecting the Special Events money on her sway. Such hard work, those special events, especially as most of them are done overnight. They can be six hours long, so to do them in the day is hard. She feels tired and wonders if she’ll have to smile a lot today, or whether she can just hide out somewhere and rest.

When she passes the lounge she can see little Esther staggering round already. She looks the spitting image of Eva at that age, in fact, it’s almost impossible to tell them apart at that age! She sighs, sadness crawling in past her defences. The fact Esther is up and about means that the bassinet is empty, waiting for a baby. Our baby, whispers her heart, our baby should be in there!

The post does nothing to improve her mood. In it is an information card from Sims Mobile Government that she and Chris both have started on their last trait, which means that in just a day or so they’ll be able to choose the last trait, work a bit longer, and the dreaded retirement notice will pop up! She sits down on the richly upholstered chair in the foyer, her legs jellified, heart beating wildly. She wanted a baby, wanted it so badly! Now it looks like it will never happen, she’ll be old and grey and retired, without ever carried a child, without having anyone call her Mummy.

She feels the resentment and anger against Chris growing, feels angrier with herself still. Surely she could have found a way to talk to him, how could she have let it happen? She knows it is because of his rages and tears that she has left it. She hates how he dissolves in tears, blaming the whole world, drowning in self pity. She hates the scenes, so she has avoided any issues that might cause a meltdown. She knows it’s the way of least resistance, and is disappointed in herself. “You know how he shouts though, and what with the others in the house… I can’t let it happen, what would his Mum say or think if I upset her son that way? What kind of a wife drives her husband that mad? They will all think I’m a bad influence on Chris, that I’m no good and incapable of handling him. What else could I do?”

She looks at the notices again, knowing their time will be up quite soon, and as they have no young children or other dependants, they have no reason to delay retirement, which means that they will be made to retire well before anyone else. Well before Richard and Tabitha for example, who have still got very young children, and can therefore delay their retirement without any problems. What to do? She feel stuck, stuck in a position she got herself into, but then, what else could she have done? Have endless shouting matches? Drive Chris over the edge, seeing how fragile his mental health is anyway? Go to the Court, and get a lawyer to draw up papers, but then, would Chris listen to papers any more than he would to a person?

She stares at the dark red wallpaper, thinking back over the years that she has been married to Chris. Victoria remembers the good times, for Chris can be great fun, but the gaps between good times are getting longer it seems. She breathes out, trying to release some of the stress that she can feel growing inside her. Sleeping is getting harder and harder, anger, resentment, frustration and yes, and hate, growing inside her at night, when she lies down next to Chris. A peacefully sleeping Chris, snoring away, unless somebody has upset him… Then he moans and complains, and keeps repeating how misunderstood he is, and how nobody loves him. He will constantly tell her that he has a task to fulfil, and that not a single person in Sims Mobile is supporting him. After a few hours of that, she can’t she can blame people!

When he does doze off after a bit, she has been tempted to put a pillow over his face, but stopped herself, as she knows it will go wrong, apart from any ethical questions. Nothing seems to stop or change Chris! “Lord, I don’t know what to do, I fear I’m starting to hate him, and I’m desperate to have a child. I know the anger towards Chris is mostly anger against my own weakness, Lord, but what else can I do? What should I do now? I have nobody to talk to, the house is full of people, and I have never been so lonely in my life! Please help!”

That morning Victoria learns a very valuable lesson: be careful what you pray for…!

The first thing that happens is that straight after breakfast both sets of grandparents announce quite calmly that they’re moving out! Of course, the move had been planned for ages, but it still comes as a shock. Secretly, Victoria is relieved to see Guinevere and Sebastian go. They were very friendly, and Guinevere has been very helpful, but they also have an unhealthy influence on their Little Chris, as they still call him.

Guinevere in particular is always concerned that Chris has everything he needs. “Make sure you don’t cook his beans to long, he doesn’t like them too dark green.” Once she even said, “I hope you’re not thinking of cutting your hair? Chris really doesn’t like women with short hair.” Victoria had smiled, of course, and only rolled her eyes and pulled a nasty face once she knew she was all by herself in the bathroom…

Now Guinevere is going, and although they might still visit, this is highly unlikely, and Chris will have no way of contacting his mum. Sims Mobile Government don’t approve of children contacting their parents once they have moved into the retirement homes, so unless they bump into her in the market, it’s very unlikely that he will see Guinevere again! Chris is very upset, hugging his Mum, crying on her shoulder, repeating over and over, “What do I do to fulfil my destiny now? Who will help me now? Can’t you just stay? Just don’t accept the birthday cake letter?”

Fortunately, even Guinevere can see how impractical that would be, so, before the day is over, Victoria is living in a much calmer house. It’s incredible how different it feels! Sebastian was very quiet, and kind, Guinevere was friendly, but it feels as if the air in the house has lifted. Victoria even senses a change in Chris. He doesn’t seem such a victim that lunchtime, and actually discusses some things in a very rational manner! Victoria doesn’t want to count her chickens yet, but it looks as if Chris has finally grown up just a tiny bit…long may it last!

The next answer to her prayer comes in the form of two of her friends. Afterwards she chuckles to herself, yes, beware of what you pray for, you might not like the answer…! It started soon after lunch. Friends often pop in for a chat, or a cup of tea, and they all enjoy it. Apart from Chris, of course, who says it cramps his style. After lunch Tabitha spots Victoria McDonnell standing just outside, checking her phone. Tabitha is busy, so she sends Eva to call Victoria in. Eva dutifully goes outside and says to Victoria, “My Mum and Auntie are inside, doing their hobbies. Mummy asks if you would like to come in for a bit?” She shows Victoria to the hobby room, where the yoga mat is, and the hatch to the kitchen. In that way, Victoria McDonnell can visit with Tabitha as well as Victoria, her aunt…

Tabitha’s hobby is cooking, which takes her all round the kitchen, using the red mixer, nuking things in the blue microwave. Then there are the three children, Eva, Theodore and toddler Esther, who keep popping in and out of the kitchen, asking for this, wanting that, needing all sorts of things, mostly attention… That leaves Victoria, who is confined to her little pink yoga mat. She can pretend to be bending, stretching, leaning, but there is only so much you can do that, and of course, it’s all very slow moving. There is plenty of time to listen to Victoria McDonnell of course, and no excuse or way to avoid her.

Victoria McDonnell is a straight talker, as Victoria knows, and her heart sank when she came into the hobby room. It starts soon after their guest arrived, whilst Vitoria K was trying to do an awkward stretch. Victoria watches her for a bit, looks at the kitchen where Tabitha is sorting out a snack for Theo, and says, “Well, the family bassinet is empty, isn’t it? So when are you and Chris starting a family? I mean, you’ll be getting your last trait soon, won’t you? For as long as I remember you’ve wanted a family, so when is it going to be?”

Victoria K plops down on the yoga mat, her breath leaving in one big whoosh. Really Lord, this is Your idea of getting someone to advise me? She groans, why did I even ask? She looks at Victoria, nope, the girl isn’t going anywhere, she sighs. She sits up, looks over to where Chris sits writing, and shrugs her shoulders. “I don’t know,” she says, and suddenly her eyes fill with tears! Victoria McDonnell is there straight away, hugging her, helping Victoria to her feet.

Over a cup of proper English Breakfast tea, Victoria K explains how sad she is, how desperate for a child, and how Chris tends to lose it when she mentions it. Victoria McDonnell listens intently, and agrees that it can look like the easiest option is to go for peace. “Girl, you need to make up your mind though. Now his parents are gone, things might be easier, I mean, you need to do what is right, and you’re his wife, not his doormat, you know!”

Yes, Victoria knows, but even so, she hates confrontations, always believes stuff will solve itself, which it often does, Chris being the exception, it turns out… Victoria McDonnell stays a little longer, hugs Vitoria goodbye, and encourages her to really follow her heart in these matters, to push through, and to trust that everything will work out in the end. “You’re a very strong woman, I know you can do this. Chris does love you, I’m sure, and with his parents gone he will need you a lot more as well. Give it a shot, woman, give it a shot, I’m sure it will be ok! After all, what are a few broken plates, or a hole punched wall if you can get him to see sense?” She laughs, and goes off, beautiful, glamorous, wearing skimpy clothes and still looking stunning…how does she do it, wonders Victoria K, I would just look a tart dressed like that, and she manages to look amazing…!

The next one coming up to the house actually makes Victoria look up to the sky and say, “Really? This is NOT what I had in mind when asking for help…!” It’s Vivien, Vivien Leigh in all her splendour, striding along the pavement, making you look behind her to find her courtiers, or maids, or anyone waiting on her. She is so beautiful and stunning, yet so kind and understanding, with an amazing grasp of life, you just want her to be your friend. Just to feel supported, and seen as a person, and accepted.

She goes out to meet Vivien, and Vivien comes to the point straight away. She tells Victoria that she heard about her wish for a family, and the moods that Chris gets himself into, and that she decided to come and see her. After all, that is what friends are for, aren’t they? This is true, and Victoria feels helpless at this, as she did ask for a friend, but so soon… Not today, though, Victoria groans, not today, I don’t think I can take it if she asks me why I haven’t taken Chris to the cleaners yet… What will she think of me? She would never be that weak and mouse like, and she will despise me, and probably laugh her beautiful laugh, and I will feel a frump and…and… Oh Lord, really?

Vivien doesn’t laugh at all, and she certainly doesn’t look like she despises Victoria either. She smiles, and puts her fine, gloved hand on her shoulder and says, “Victoria, dear, you are a beautiful woman, and you have been a very good wife to Chris. You have been kind to him, shown understanding and acceptance where many women would have run a mile already. Don’t you think it’s time to use up the credit you have built with him, and talk to him? Yes, he might go off the deep end, but that is his choice, his responsibility. You are his wife, not his mother, and he is an adult. You are not responsible for his actions, he is. You need to point that out to him, if necessary. Now, he needs to grow up. All this talk about destiny and Restoring Justice, well, it’s just that: talk. I’m sure you will know how to deal with it all. You see, Greta and I were talking about it the other day with Clara, and she said, ‘She needs to remember what she was created for’ so you see, I’m sure you can do this!”

Vivien glides away majestically, leaving Victoria staring after her, deep in thought. “Yes,” she says to herself, “yes, they are right. I have actually forgotten. I have forgotten that people are created in the image of God, and nobody therefore has a right to look down on me, to treat me like I’m worthless! I know I’m precious, and yes, I need to speak to Chris, we need to solve this!”

Victoria wears a green top when she goes to speak to Chris. Somehow it helps her, as it reminds her of her superhero suit that she used to wear before she got married, before she somehow gave up her identity! They have a very long talk, Chris in tears at first, and angry, but when Victoria stands strong, the amazing thing happens! Chris draws from her strength, and starts to listen to her, and to actually think about his life, his choices, his real destiny as husband, and his need to be a father as well, unless he wants the Mortina Line to end on another Chris Mortina?

Victoria smiles to herself, nuzzling the red downy head, rocking gently, holding the most precious gift she could ever have, a gift she thought she had missed out on for ever. Her son, her precious, special sweet little son, Samuel Vince Mortina. Samuel, because she had asked him from the Lord, Vince because he is named after one of the ancestors who met a tragic end, which is another story in itself. Her dream has come true, her hopes are fulfilled, her heart overflows, “Sleep, my baby, sleep! You are my little treasure, I love you more than I thought possible!”

Slowly sounds and smells creep into Tabitha’s consciousness. She feels warm, cocooned, safe and protected. The smell becomes stronger and stronger, a good smell, a good quality smell, a smell powerful enough to make you open one eye, and peek. She looks at the wallpaper, the yellow stripy bedspread… Tabitha opens both eyes, closes them again as the light is way too bright. Squinting, she looks round to locate the wonderful smell…ah! Her coffee. Lovingly provided by her sweet husband.

She drags herself into a sitting position, slowly, her pulse banging a arrhythmic rhythm in her head, like a third rate nightclub gone bad. She groans quietly, shuffles and snuggles until she is comfortable, and reaches for her coffee. “Mmmm, bliss! Just what I needed!” she sighs, contentedly. “I know this headache is mainly self-inflicted, but even so…nothing like a good, strong coffee to cure everything.” She pulls a face at that, when her words register with her half sleeping brain. A cure for everything that is but Llama Flu.

She sniffs the coffee, hugging the mug, looking round at the wallpaper of the Granny Annexe, where she and Richard are now living. Seeing that they will probably just meander through life, no children, no traits in Richard’s case, just plain boring old couple, so why not put the in the Granny Annexe already? She can feel the tears, but manages to swallow them down with some more coffee. Looking at the coffee she remember the little Dutch tile on her friend’s house: “A man must be as coffee, Good, Strong and Warm” it said. She smiles, too true!

Thinking of friends makes her think of the previous night. What a night it was! She had dreaded it, worried about it, fretted over it, until she was exhausted before the party even started! The worst thing was, she and Richard were expecting a message from the Hospital Specialist at moment, which made it very hard to concentrate. She did enjoy her gorgeous dress though, with beautiful necklace complementing her eyes. She had fussed, and kept looking at herself, until she thought of her friend quoting that beautiful song by Eric Clapton, called Beautiful Tonight.

It was so true, she smiles at the memory, they were like that last night, wondering if she looked alright. Richard smiling, saying it was fine… Knowing it could be one of the last parties to go to ever made it extra special. Knowing that the handsome husband at her side might never be at her side again made her fuss, she admits. She was so worried, not just about how she looked, but that she would do him proud. Richard was feeling terribly unwell, but was determined to make it to the party. He was wearing a tux, looking as strong and handsome as ever. She wanted him to be proud of her, to feel that he could show her off a bit, to have a grand party, just in case it was his last!

How she struggled though! People arrived soon after everything was set up, the cake and huge flowers in the foyer. They took some pictures of the two of them, as well as of Chris and Victoria. She loved Victoria’s gown, white with bits of pink. Victoria looked stunning, and well put together. She sighed, and remembered how hard it had been even then in the foyer, before the party had even started, to not cry. She had felt so jealous! Grumpy Chris, married to stunning Victoria, both healthy young people, probably ready to have a honeymoon baby. Standing next to her and Richard, who might not live long enough to see the end of the honeymoon, and who would never be able to give her a honeymoon baby. Any baby for that matter, not even an adopted one. Tears come then, in spite of the comfort of her soft bed and hot coffee.

She remembers her brave smile, and Richard’s strong arm round her. That helped, and by the time the first guests arrived she was ready for them. She blushes a little then, thinking of how wild she had been at the chess set. What had she been thinking, explaining a game in such a ridiculous way! How embarrassing, what with some very distinguished guests, like Greta Garbo around! Never mind, better than hiding in the bathroom, like she did later that evening… She just needed the break, the music and happy chatter getting to her. She had looked into the gold star mirror, and cried and cried…

Her mum, Adrianna had found her there, and she had poured out her heart to her mum, which really helped. They chatted a while, and she had rejoiced the party. She feels herself relaxing as she remembers one of the guests. Very beautify, and wearing lovely clothes, she was also named Victoria, very confusing that was, Victoria McDonnell. She had been so sweet and kind to her! She had found her in the main bedroom, having a secret peek at the bassinet, and of course, Victoria knew about Richard, about the Llama Flu. Rather than brush it off, or trying to cheer her up with well meaning platitudes, she had really listened to her. She had comforted her, just by being there, and by looking her straight in the eye, listening, nodding, Victoria’s face mirroring hers.

“Wow, she was so kind and amazing,” breathes Tabitha, “I wonder when I will see her next…” for one awful moment the word ‘funeral’ trails through her brain. No, she won’t allow that thought! No, she has to keep hold of hope, grasping it with both hands, cherishing it like this hot mug of coffee. That is one of the things Victoria counselled her to do, to not give up hope, rather than live her life grieving something that may not even happen!

The party had actually been pretty good fun, she smiles, breathing in the smell of coffee; great fun in fact. Many details seem a bit fuzzy, probably to do with the drinks fountain, but she remembers the overall atmosphere. Every now and then she caught sight of Richard, smiling, chatting to people. Only she could tell that he really wasn’t feeling well. Once she saw him sitting on one of the little round cushions they had won, and oh dear, he looked so very, very sad. She thought her heart might break! Her sweet darling husband, looking like a broken man, a drowning man, a man without any hope.

She had quickly left the room, gone to chat outside the kitchen wall, to…well, she can’t even remember now! Kiera, I think her name was, she mumbles, Kiera something. I probably remember her, blue hair, short top, bit of a live wire… Glad I’m married to Richard, and even gladder that he has no interest in females at this time! In fact, scanning in her mind’s eye through the guests that were there last night, she can actually think of some blessings to count on that score…! Mind you, they were amazing friends though! Bristol had chatted with her a lot, in fact, they became quite good friends in just one evening! Vivien Leigh came to mid, she was so kind! “I can’t believe it,” she says to herself, with awe in her voice, “she is an amazing looking woman, yet she spent a lot of time with Mum that evening! She really cheered her up, Mum said she had been so kind and understanding, haha, even Mum couldn’t believe it!”

She giggles to herself as she thinks back to the time when she’d come out of the Granny Annexe, eyes still a bit tender from all the tears, to find Richard dancing with some girls! Hilarious! She actually laughs out loud, nearly spilling her coffee, as she tries to imitate some of the dance moves used…Honestly, there should be a proper dace academy in Sims Mobile! Any self respecting town, with so many parties as well, should have some top notch dance teachers! That dancefloor is great, but the dancing…!

Her hilarity ebbs away though, as another memory from the dancefloor comes to mind… The microphone had been placed on the dancefloor, to help any impromptu DJs, or singers or whatever. This time the memory is one of herself, holding the microphone, singing, her voice sounding hoarse and choked up, rasping out, ‘Who Wants to Live Forever?’, desperately trying to not break down. Truth is, she does! Or rather, she and Richard do. Maybe not forever, but just to live a normal life, just them two together, to love, to hold, to cherish…to have a family, and to live a full and rich life!

“Heaven will be forever,” she sighs, “I know that, but this life? I wanted to make this life count too, Lord. Is that so wrong? Is it wrong to be sad when life is slipping away from my sweetheart? Is it wrong to want to hold onto him just that bit longer, and to live, not forever of course, but to live to a good, ripe old age?” She knows it’s not wrong, of course it’s not. Her desperation and fierceness and demanding health and life and strength? Mmm, that might be different matter…

She pulls a face, yes, I know I’m a desperate woman, who is ambitious and probably demanding as well. I know I take things to heart. She feels her face grow warm as she remembered how a good part of the Wedding Reception she had been standing in the kitchen, staring at the highchair, working herself up into a state! Oh dear, I am a bit silly, she grimaces, I do need to practise a bit more self control I think.

Mind you, one of the guests, Ginamarie could do with some as well, the way she and some of the other girls behave…or Tyler for that matter… She pushes all guilty feelings away, “I know I’m being judgmental, but seriously, some of them go too far,” she says defensively. “They play with lives of others, and they play hard, I have never seen people more competitive than that lot last night!” she says, remembering them playing a game together. Richard was there, laughing, and seemingly totally relaxed. Actually, it had been quite funny, she thinks, softening, memories marching past her one by one.

The party had finished very late, but all of the Mortinas had managed to make it till the end, even Richard. She laughs, as she remembers the end of the party: they were all standing in the foyer together, waving and yawning rudely at the same time! Good grief, what would their friends think! Especially as some were so well to do…

The party had been better than she had expected, really. Having her friends round, all dressed in wonderful style, was such a comfort. It had helped to divert them a bit as well, although she knew that Richard kept checking his phone, hoping, praying the specialist would contact him, and give him some hope. By the time they crawled into bed in the Annexe there was still no message, nothing. She wondered if that was a good sign or a bad sign?

Her friends had all assured her they were thinking of them, that they were empathising with them, and all of them said how sad they were, and how they hoped some help could be found. Tabitha stares at the divider at the end of her bed, and wonders where Richard is. He obviously made the coffee, so he must be around somewhere. She goes quiet, and then she can hear him. He is on the phone! Is it the doctor, what’s his name, Dr Dean? Will there be hope? Is the man just bringing more bad news, even though she can’t imagine what else could go wrong. Apart from the very worst that is, but she just cannot bring herself to go there, praying fervently that it will not come to that. When will they know? Come on, Richard, how long can a phone call take?!

Cousins

Tabitha is standing in the large bedroom, trying to decide where to pack her personal belongings. How strange to be standing here, she thinks, looking at the blue bedspread, the large white wardrobe, this just feels strange. Only a short while ago she was counted as a child, sleeping in the nursery, the children’s’ room. Now she is an adult, counted as an adult, and given an adult’s position. She looks at the double bed again, and something shivers inside her. She gets nervous, looking at that bed…

She resolutely turns her back on the bed, and starts to put her clothes into the wardrobe. She is humming to herself, she is so excited about it all. She really thought the Promoting would never happen, and she is quite sure that if it had been up to Aunt Guinevere, it probably never would have happened. She feels guilty straightaway, even looks over her shoulder, as if anyone in the room could read her thoughts! They were a bit unfair, she admits, after all, Aunt Guinevere is perfectly at peace with the whole thing now. The grey actually becomes her, and the autumnal colours of her outfit suit her.

Soon Tabitha is installed, as she calls it. She looks round once more, checking things, looking at things, but not so much at the bed. She knows she is being silly, but she is feeling a little wobbly mass in her stomach when she thinks of her betrothed, the man promised to her in marriage, her beloved Richard. Well, beloved, she doesn’t really know him, but his name does make her heart speed up a notch! Whenever she gets ne of his regular letters, her heart does overtime! She is very, very excited about the whole arrangement.

Tabitha knows it will be a little while though, first they need to receive their shared party invite, then at the party they need to actually meet up and connect. Then there is the long and complex courtship, after which follows the proposal Event. That is something she is really looking forward to it just sounds so romantic! It makes her feel special just thinking about Richard Knight, proposing to her, Tabitha. She knows he is a very kind, charming young man, very considerate, which makes her look forward to the proposal even more!

After that, there is the very long and rather tedious wedding ceremony. Tedious, because you are limited in what you can wear, and what you can say and do. All that is regulated and ordained by Sims Mobile Government , who clearly don’t take a girl’s feelings into consideration! Tabitha is standing in front of the tall mirror now, twirling this way and that. “Will this dress suit Madam?” she askes, in a very affectatious voice. “I’m afraid we only have white this week, and blue tux for the young man,” continues the posh voice. Tabitha stops and sighs, feeling a bit down all of a sudden.

“What if they really gave us awful clothes, and we’d be stuck with them for the entire ceremony!” she groans out loud. A brusque voice answers her question from behind her back.

“Well, then you’d just have to get married with your eyes shut, I suppose.” Chris, her cousin, is standing behind her, his usual scowl firmly in place. “Who cares about the wedding ceremony or dress code or flowers? It’s the deed that matters, just a tick box exercise, dearest cousin!” he sneers, and stalks off again.

Tabitha slumps down on the bed with a sigh of relief. Chris unnerves her, the way he suddenly pops up, and always pokes his nose into things, answering rhetorical questions with his dour outlook on life. They should get him a job as undertaker, she mutters, her scowl matching his, and maybe even outscowling him! Really, the way he suddenly appears, it’s going to drive me mad! What if he comes in…her thoughts trail off, Tabitha bites her lip, and runs her hand absentmindedly over the bedspread.

Then she shakes her head, and laughs at her own worries. “Even Chris wouldn’t do that! He will probably hover nearby, but even Chris won’t be in this room on my wedding night!” She is worried about that night, nervous, excited!

Tabitha walks out of the room, passes Chris who is still nearby, of course, and gets the post in. Both of them have a letter from the Job Office, so she hands Chris his letter, and opens hers. She applied for Photographer, preferably the ASOS one, and really hopes she’ll get it. It will be so interesting and, she smiles secretly, also very convenient with Dr Knight just across the Square…

She quickly scan the letter…mmm…accepted…mmm…start on receipt of letter…oh. Not the ASOS Photographer after all, well, that is disappointing! At least she will still be a photographer. Tabitha is over the slight twitch of disappointment before the letter is back in the envelope. She can’t wait to begin her career! It will be so exciting, and the Luxury Event is almost finished, so very soon she will be able to just concentrate on her career. Brilliant!

She meets Chris, again, on her way to get ready for work. He looks just a little less grumpy, which means that he must have gotten the position he wanted as well! She asks him, not wanting to be cold towards him all the time. “Did you get your position? You applied for the office job, didn’t you? Working Downtown is quite cool, and I suppose it will make it convenient for you and Victoria to share transport!”

He grunts a bit and answers quite civil for a change, “Yes, I got the position. Of course, they could always change it I suppose. Also, that office is quite dark, and I’m sure they have lighting that can cause migraines, so I might have to apply somewhere else anyway. It said in the letter that Harry Something is still the overall manager, and he is absolutely ancient. I can’t stand most elderly co-workers, they just nag you all day, and he’ll probably pick on me because of my eyebrows.”

Tabitha just stops herself from rolling her eyes. Seriously, her cousin is worse than Eeyore, honestly, a manager picking on you just because you have slightly bushy eyebrows? As they have only just received shared responsibility of the house she decides to be extra nice to him. “I’m sure he won’t even notice your eyebrows, so you’ll be fine on that score,” she says as lightly and as upbeat as possible in front of a sourpuss like Chris.

He looks worried straight away, “What do you mean, he won’t notice my eyebrows? Why ever would he not notice them? I dislike the way you wind me up whenever you can. I makes me feel very undermined and insecure!”

This time Tabitha does roll her eyes and sigh. “That isn’t what I meant, Chris. I meant that your eyebrows are absolutely fine, and I am quite sure that the manager will not pick on you on account of your eyebrows…or for any other reason,” she adds hurriedly, seeing Chris’ frown deepening with each word. “Anyway, I have to go, my first shift starts, and I want to be on time.”

That brings the conversation to a very hurried end, as Chris most definitely doesn’t want to be late! Tabitha wonders what life with her cousin will be like, hoping they both will get married very soon. At least that will give them separate lives, and she won’t feel like Chris is watching her every move…

Posh Parties

Posh parties

Guinevere is looking at the invites, turning the cards round and round, thinking. Should she go? Wear something special? What about some makeup? Will the others be there, she has been desperate to meet Audrey Hepburn and the other girls, and as for Alex…well, should she go? On the other hand, the invite is there, with their names on it!

Parties are a great part of life in Sims Mobile. For such a small town, their parties are phenomenal. Guinevere has been to parties before, of course, but that just felt different. These two parties feel much more ‘by special invitation only’, even if they aren’t. Meeting Alex is always a bit exciting, you never know with him…and then a party at Audrey’s place, well, how about it?

Guinevere really feels a bit stuck. She can’t really discuss it with Sebastian, even though their marriage is on a much better footing since the Roman outing. Sebastian hates parties, and kind man that he is, still struggles with small talk. He has absolutely impeccable bedside manners, is kind and thoughtful when it comes to staff and patients, but at a party he feels like a fish out of water. Guinevere giggles, then feels guilty, but she had a quick vision of Sebastian gasping and flapping around Audrey’s posh lounge…

In the end Guinevere decides to go. “I do love parties, I never know what to wear, everyone else seems to have such wonderful, posh frocks, but I’m sure to find some glad rags, and I’m just going to really enjoy myself!” she says a little vehemently to Genevieve when she asks about the invitation cards. Genevieve had popped in, and saw the cards on the Peacock kitchen table, and asked about them. She smiles at her little sister.

“Of course you must go! Just beware of Alex…” she says with a very mischievous smile. Guinevere spins round immediately, “Why? What have you heard? Tell me!”

“Well…” drawls Genevieve, “well, I heard that he had set himself a goal, that’s all! Oh, and take your swimsuit, they have a gorgeous hot tub in their garden!”

Guinevere arrives at the party, and can’t believe her eyes, she doesn’t know where to look first! The house is huge, and amazingly decorated. Some items are clearly in a totally different league than their own furniture. Everything in the house is sought out carefully, it seems. Yes, there is the hot tub, with Alex hovering nearby. She recognises Ginamarie, and suddenly feels relieved to see a face she knows! This place is enormous, and so very beautiful! She recognises some of the Luxury Event items, and would have loved to just wander round, drinking it all in. Manners matter though, she says sternly to herself, so she goes to meet the host and other guests.

Before Guinevere knows it, she is sitting in the hot tub. With Alex! As soon as he smiles at her over his snazzy sunglasses she realises his goal for the party: get everyone into the hot tub with him! She laughs, and splashes water at him. “Honestly Alex, you’re a card! If I’d know that was your goal…” He just laughs and dodges the drops. “You wouldn’t have joined me? That would have spoiled my party!” He smiles at her, and she has to smile back. She realises that really, he is actually very sweet. He can be such a charmer, though! She is quite determined to stay away from that hot tub for the rest of the party.

She gets changed in one of the charming bathrooms, and rejoins the party. To her utter delight Audrey, Julie and Ginamarie are standing together. Guinevere walks over to the little group, and Ginamarie introduces her. Fancy meeting Audrey here, I’m so glad I came, thinks Guinevere, as both she and Audrey join Alex and another bloke at the hookah. Blowing bubbles at each other, sitting on beautiful purple cushions, seeing all these famous people, wow, this is one cool party!

Guinevere feels more relaxed than she has done for a long time. She was very worried about her Roman dress, but a few people said something kind already. Audrey especially has been so kind and thoughtful, that Guinevere secretly thinks of her as a friend! Fancy telling people at home, “Oh yes, I was at this party with my friend Audrey Hepburn!” How fortunate I am, she sighs. The more relaxed she feels, the more she can feel joy bubbling up inside. Joye the vivre, she thinks, I’m full of joy at the moment. Soon Guinevere is sharing some of her music ideas with the other three ladies who lap it all up.

“I felt I was dreaming,” she explain to Genevieve later, “there was little me, dancing with Audrey, and some other definite divas…I could have floated away on one of those bubbles, you won’t believe how happy I felt!”

Guinevere smiles when she says this, an interesting incident playing though her mind. It was this new girl in town, Sierra. “She has a reputation already. Nobody wants her near their boyfriend, she gets and gives the cold shoulder everywhere. Se is quite tough, you know. I saw her being unkind and rude at the party, and people weren’t quite sure what to do. She makes a lot of the girls cry, you see. So in the end I thought, well, why not? I’m not scared off by people like that, we get them at the Club all the time. So I went over to Sierra, and actually wasn’t very nice to her. The thing that shocked me was that she backed down straight away, and turned away a bit sad. Of course, next thing you know, she was in the hot tub with Alex. There was some sort of incident with that, I’m not quite sure.

Well, we were all talking about Sierra, and how to watch out for her and her cattiness. Then I needed the bathroom, so I went indoors, and guess what? I found Sierra! By herself, in a bathroom, looking at the mirror, crying! Can you believe it? That tough as nails Sierra, crying! Of course, she straightened up as soon as she heard me, and pretended she was just touching up her makeup. I felt bad then. After all, everyone is on their guard with her, people all treat her abruptly, banter brusquely or whatever. So the next time I saw her, I went up to her, and just asked her genuinely how her day had been. And you know, we actually had a really nice chat, I was so amazed! I didn’t really tell the others, as I didn’t want them to feel I was trying to be different or something!”

Sadly, life calls, and Guinevere has to says goodbye to her new friends and acquaintances, to go to work for a very quick shift. Sebastian isn’t very happy, as she knew he would be. “Two parties in one day? Really? What about the garden extension, who is going to pay for that? You know it’s only about two days before the current one is done, and then we really need to do the next! It will cost something like 18,000 Simoleans, you know!”

Yes, Guinevere knows, and yes, she does want the garden extended, the Granny Annexe moved round to get more privacy. On the other hand, what sort of a girl says no to a party at Audrey Hepburn’s house if they can help it? Parties fall through for all sorts of reasons, the Sims Mobile Government keeps close tabs on things, and if the party gets too big they stop anyone else attending. Sometimes they arbitrarily close down a party midway.

“That is really the worse thing to happen,” Guinevere explained to her new friends, “when you’re having a great time, chatting and giving out stickers, and suddenly you get a notice, closing the party down. They say it’s no longer valid, and off you go! All the party decorations come down, everything. Mind you, you still get the money and what not, but it’s awful!”

That afternoon, Guinevere sets off for Audrey’s house. She knows Ginamarie will be there, and Alex…she has to smile to herself, at least there is no hot tub. I wonder if he has a goal for somebody else’s party as well? She has no idea what to expect, except that it is bound to be classy, judging by the way Audrey and the others dress…

When she arrives, she is so stunned, she actually just stands on the doorstep and stares. “Wow,” she whispers when she can’t hold her breath any longer without passing out. “Wow, this place…oh my…wow, I don’t even know what to say? It’s incredible, it’s so perfectly suited to you guys…” Guinevere knows that she must look like some country bumpkin, staring open mouthed around her, gasping for breath. The house truly is amazing, everything black and white, extremely tasteful, the effect mind blowing.

Guinevere has a great time, talking to so many different people and trying different food and just being herself. Guinevere finds that that is the things she appreciates most on this day, that people accept her for who she is. “They seemed genuinely glad to see me, they made me feel welcome and appreciated. You don’t know how important that is, and how much I needed that!” She and Sebastian are snuggled up on the sofa in the Annexe, reviewing this amazing day. Sebastian smiles, and gives his lovely wife a squeeze.

“I’m sure it did you good,” he says, “and I know you actually managed to work as well. I’m sorry I mentioned it, it’s just that I would love to see the Annexe all done before we both retire! You do look lovely today, though, not at all like a retire’s wife!”

Yes, retirement looms round the corner for them all. Lancelot and Adrianna have both had their papers as well. They would hate to go, though, especially as Jephta is just a child. How long can they hold off, and how long should they hold off, if at all…?