A new life...

[jupitershana]

Well I decided to try my hand at a story thread of mine own. I started a new neighborhood last night, I was getting sick of my old ones.

Melanie looked around the dorm room with her hands on her hips. “Well Ian, we’re here. We finally have moved out of that god forsaken orphanage and we’re on our own.”
Ian put his arm around his twin sister’s shoulders. “Yes, thank good for those scholarships we both got, come on, let’s claim our rooms before anyone else arrives, looks like we are the first ones here and the dorm isn’t very big! I’m only counting 5 rooms.”
Melanie and Ian DeFoy took rooms next to each other. It only took them each about 20 minutes to unpack everything as the only things they had with them were a few changes of clothing. Ian met Melanie back out in the main lobby as the other students started arriving. Melanie looked cautiously at the other students and then turned back to Ian. “What do you say we head to the student union and register for classes? I’m not quite ready to face our roommates yet.” Ian nodded, as he watched a girl in a blue sundress lug her suitcase across the floor to one of the rooms followed by a panicking mother and a bored father. “Yeah, I don’t want to get in everyone’s way.”
Ian and Melanie walked the two blocks to the student union where many different tables were set up representing all the majors that were available. Melanie made a bee-line to the art department’s table and stuck up a conversation with the professor about the program. Ian headed towards the economics table.

Even though they were twins, they were far from alike. Melanie was a little shyer and reserved, but very creative. Ian could barely draw a stick figure but he could solve almost any math problem thrown his way. Ian was also the more outgoing of the two, but much more serious than his day-dreaming sister. Together they were the perfect balance.
They were orphaned very young, much too young to even remember their parents. The nurses at the orphanage in couldn’t tell them a whole lot about their family, except that the mother and father died in a car accident several weeks after they were born. Their grandparents raised them until they were about two. Grandpa DeFoy passed away two months before their second birthday of a stroke, and Grandma DeFoy, who was never very strong on her own, followed several weeks later of a broken heart. Having no living relatives the DeFoy twins were then placed in an orphanage where they grew up into very independent teens who were too mature for their age. They had never been separated and had never been apart from each other for more than 48 hours when Melanie went on a school field trip overnight for the art club to visit one of the major art galleries several cities over.

Ian came up behind Melanie as she was finishing the paperwork for declaring an art major. “Hey” he said as he tapped her shoulder, “what do you think about seeing if we can get a job over there at Regina’s Coffee and Café. It looks pretty popular and I bet we could make some decent tips.”
Melanie looked up towards Regina’s as she finished signing the paperwork. She turned in the same direction as Ian and nodded. “Sounds good, maybe then by the time we’re sophomores we can afford to move out of the dorms and rent one of those cute houses we passed when we arrived. I really don’t think I want to spend my entire college career sharing one bathroom with other students. We’ve been doing that since we were two!”
Ian laughed and started walking towards Regina’s Café. “I agree, so let’s see what we can find and try to get out of the dorms.”
The twins entered the café and it was packed. The barista and the bar tender looked exhausted. Ian sought out the owner Regina and managed to score them both a job, Melanie took over for the barista who had already worked an 8 hour shift and Ian took over the bar. They worked hard for the next several hours and as they were walking home after close they counted that they had earned a good $150.00 including the tips between the two of them. Ian dug around in the dorm cafeteria and found a pickle jar that was empty. They put their tips in the jar and vowed to save all the money they could for moving out.
The first two semesters flew by and both the twins made it on the deans list with a 4.0 average. As they gathered together after their final at the end of freshman year they counted their money. They had earned $4,568.00! The house they wanted to rent came furnished and it was only $3,600.00 for the rest of the 3 years, all they had to pay was the utilities each semester. They made up their mind right away, they were moving.

[surprised_by_witches]

Very creative. I like how you add "real life" touches.

Keep writing! :)

[babewithbrains_14]

Wow, it's great! When will we hear some more?

[jupitershana]

Thank you. I write a little in my spare time, but this is my first try at a sims story thread, other than the ones in my head! lol. The twins are both family sims, Mel has the want of 6 grandchildren, and Ian to graduate 3 kids. Not to bad. The town they will be moving into is completely empty right now, I haven't even built a single house yet, and the college has one dorm, one house, and one community lot: Regina's Coffee and Cafe. Downtown is empty as well. I'm starting from scratch, so it should be fun. I'll try to post some pictures tonight once I get home and update. Unfortunately I'm going out of town Friday 10/14-10/23 with no access to my sims! That's going to be hard. I'll have to leave you all with a cliff hanger on Thursday! mwah ha ha ha ha...

[babewithbrains_14]

It's a custom neighborhood - so are you going to get Mel and Ian there by packaging the family? It's just I heard sometimes it ain't good for the game. :S

[jupitershana]

No, I made the neighborhood, but didn't add any buildings or anything, I designated a downtown and a university for the neighboorhood and just went strait to the university. I try not to mess with any of the games basics, I don't want to screw anything up. The only hack/object that I even have right now is the insiminator, and I don't use it often. The only downloads I have is just from sims I've downloaded from the official website. I'm not too adventurous. I'm scared I'll blow up my computer. I really do need to get the college clock though! That is one hack I'd be willing to attempt to download.

[Lynet]

I loaded the college clock after adding Nightlife and it's been working OK.

[jupitershana]

That's good to know, I'll have to go check it out. I'll be adding more pictures once I get them taken, but as of right now, here is the loading screen for Melanie and Ian DeFoy.

[jupitershana]

Here are a couple of pictures to go with the previous story post, more on the story tomorrow.

[jupitershana]

The new house was perfect. It had two bedrooms, both big enough for double beds instead of those crummy little twin beds the dorm provided them with. The kitchen had an out of date fridge and stove, but the landlord promised them that those were going to be updated by their second semester sophomore year. He also said he was planning on updating the bathroom, maybe putting in a tub/shower combination instead of the shower stall that was in there currently. Ian graciously gave his sister the bigger bedroom, besides; it was already painted a mauve/rose color that honestly he just didn’t think would work right for his room. He took the room that was a nice robin’s egg blue, which happened to be the same color as his bedspread. Melanie was standing in the living room, right after setting up her painting easel in the corner where the light was best. Besides the easel there was also a long plaid futon, a small TV, and a card table with two chairs.
Melanie turned and smiled at Ian. “Well, this is it! We finally have our own house! No more being woken up at 3am because that god-forsaken woman Kitty feels the need to start dancing in the lounge. No more sharing a bathroom with everyone else, thank God.”
Ian grinned, “Yeah, you’re right, now you just have to share it with me!” Ian looked down at his watch, “hey, aren’t you going to be late for class?” Melanie jumped up and grabbed her backpack. “Yes I am!” She paused at the door. “You know what we need to get? A bookcase!” And with that she ran down the street to class. Ian smiled and shook his head, going back to his room to finish unpacking.
The next day Melanie dragged Ian out shopping, where they bought an old bookcase, and a 50’s style table and chairs. They also purchased a new desk in the hopes that after the end of the semester with the money they earned they would be able to purchase a computer and a desk chair. Melanie also managed to convince Ian that they needed to buy a full length mirror. “It will help you practice those speeches for class” she said. So with packages in tow they took the taxi home and got everything set up. Melanie sat down on the old futon and looked around smiling. Ian came back in after dragging the old card table and folding chairs out to the curb, for the donation van to pick up tomorrow, and plopped down next to her. “Well, we’re all settled in, now what do you want to do?”
Melanie grinned at her brother. “I say we go down to Regina’s and see if we can find ourselves some dates!"

[jupitershana]

The twins continued to get good grades throughout their college career. Melanie and Ian both had several dates as well. Ian was the first to experience the dating world. He had just gotten off work at Regina’s and decided to relax out back where a local band was playing. Melanie still had another hour before she got off work and Ian always waited around for her. He was standing watching the band when this cute co-ed came up and starting dancing next to him. She had two dark braids and a big smile on her face as she danced shamelessly to the music. Ian couldn’t help but smile; this was a girl like him, not afraid of anyone else watching their every movement. He tapped her shoulder and extended his hand to her. “Hi, I’m Ian! I haven’t seen you around here before. I’m one of the bartenders here. What’s your name?”
“Kari, Kari Tsang. I just started school this year. I can’t make up my mind what major I want to study, what are you studying?”
“Economics, I hope to enter the business world once I’m done with school and maybe become a CEO one day! I know, big dreams, but who knows.” Ian smiled and put his hands in his pockets rocking back and forth to the music as he talked with Kari. Kari’s eyes seemed to light up when he talked of wanting to be a CEO…Ian wondered if she was a money sim. They continued to talk for the next half an hour, pausing only to clap between the songs. Ian looked at his watch and realized that Melanie was going to get off work in ten minutes. “Listen Kari, my sister Melanie is the Barista here and she gets off work soon, so I’ve got to get going….I was wondering if,” Ian nervously looked down at Kari’s toes, “if you maybe wanted to go out this Friday. I was thinking dinner here at Regina’s?” Kari grinned and nodded. “I’d like that; shall we say 5:30? I can just meet you here if you want.” Ian looked up from the ground, surprised that she said yes. “Okay! I’ll meet you here at 5:30 then! Have a good night!”

[jupitershana]

Ian’s date with Kari went pretty good, it wasn’t a dream date by all means, but it was a great date. They ate dinner and then went back to the house where they watched a movie together and talked for several hours. The next day Kari had left a single rose on the porch and Ian smiled as he put it on his nightstand. Melanie looked up at him with one eyebrow up as he walked into the living room. “Well…do you ever planning on telling your sister about how your date went? It must have gone somewhat good to get a rose from her.” Ian sat down next to her, “Yeah, it was a great date, but well…I don’t know…all she seems to talk about is money and her dream house and car and everything she wants to buy in the future…I just don’t think we’re compatible enough. I’m thinking we should just be friends, but how am I supposed to tell her that?” Melanie leaned back and pondered for a couple of seconds. “Well, just tell her. It’s not like you two have entered into a relationship yet. Did you even kiss her at all?” Ian shook his head no. “Then just tell her that you didn’t feel a whole lot of chemistry between you two but that you’d like to be friends with her. She’ll understand, just don’t lead her on.”
Ian took Melanie’s advice and told Kari he wasn’t interested in her romantically. She took it amazingly well, which Ian found out later it was because she had met someone else in her own dorm that came from a very rich family, where Ian was only a poor orphan. He went on another date several weeks later with a very attractive girl named Laura Bar, and just like her last name, she liked to party. He had met her while bartending at Regina’s. She spent her money frivolously and even surprised Ian one day by leaving a huge potted fern on his doorstep. She had aspirations of becoming the life of every party she went to. She sure wasn’t the girl for Ian as he was hoping to start a family one day.
Then Ian met Lila. Lila Thayer, the name just rolled off his tongue. She was a beautiful blonde who was born and raised on a small farm just outside of Villa Heights, the town adjacent to Villa Springs State University. She even wore a cowboy hat all the time when Ian first met her. He ran into her one day when he was grocery shopping, and by ran into, I do mean literally. He turned the aisle and Lila ran right into him, knocking several apples out of her basket she was carrying and her hat right off her head.
“Oh! I’m so sorry Miss, here let me get those for you.” Ian looked up and stared right into the prettiest blue eyes he had ever seen. “Are you okay? I wasn’t watching where I was going.”
“Oh, I’m just fine, don’t worry about me, it was my fault anyway, I was rushing to get out of here, just not a fan of the grocery store. Name’s Lila Thayer.” She helped Ian pick up the apples as she spoke and then sat her hat back on her head before extending her free hand to Ian.
Ian shook her hand, putting the last apple back into her grocery basket. “I’m Ian DeFoy; I’m not a fan of grocery shopping either. I’m done shopping and was just about to check out, thank goodness. Are you a student here? I’ve never seen you around before.”
“Oh no, just visiting one of my old friends here in town. I volunteered to make her a good old fashioned apple pie since she doesn’t get any home cooking in the college cafeterias. You wouldn’t guess it, but I’m actually a Commander for the sim military. I know I don’t look like a commander, but I couldn’t afford to go to college as much as I wanted to. I just crave knowledge. I grew up on a farm and I wanted to explore the world before I settled down with a family, it was the only way I could do it. It’s been wonderful, but I’m starting to get sick of it. I’m thinking of switching careers and hopefully settling down in Villa Heights in the next few years…I’m sorry, I’m rambling; I tend to do that. I actually need to check out as well, why don’t we head up there together?”
Ian was almost speechless, here was this beautiful woman, she admitted she could cook, and she was hoping to settle down in the next few years! Ian was almost jumping out of his skin; Lila was exactly the type of woman he had been searching for. They walked to the checkout line together and Ian told Lila all about his studies, for once someone actually seemed interested in what he had to say about his classes as well. Even Melanie zoned out when he talked about his classes. Lila seemed to understand everything and even asked relative questions. By the time they were out of the store Ian felt like he had known Lila for awhile. “Lila, I just wanted to say that I’m happy that I ran into you, literally! I was wondering if you wanted to continue our conversation later. I think you’d like my twin sister as well, would you like to come over to our place for dinner tomorrow at say…6:00?”
Lila grinned and hoisted her shopping bag on her hip a little higher. “I’d love to Ian! How do I get to your place?”

[kuponutty]

Great stories Shana! It seems everyone's writing stories now.

[person123]

Only because we like to copy each other. But, yeah, great story, keep posting!

[jupitershana]

Ian smiled and gave her directions and they parted ways. Ian ran into the house where Melanie had fallen asleep on the couch. He put the groceries on the table and started jumping up and down on the couch. “Melanie! Wake up! I met the most wonderful girl!”
Melanie groaned in her sleep as she was roused by the couch moving up and down from Ian’s jumps. This was definitely not like Ian! She had never heard him so excited. She opened up one eye and looked up at him. She wasn’t really the happiest person when she was woken up, but obviously Ian wasn’t in the right state of mind! Melanie sat up and looked at Ian. “What? Who? Huh?” She shook her head a little trying to clear up the grogginess of sleep and glanced back up to Ian. “Now what’s going on?”
Ian laughed and let himself fall back into a sitting position on the couch. “Her name is Lila, and she’s coming over for dinner tomorrow night. You’re going to like her, I think you’ll both get along fabulously. Oh, and Mel, she is so beautiful, I can’t even describe her. Okay, I can…” Ian giggled like a young school boy and continued. “She has blonde hair, which she was wearing in two braids, and this cute white cowboy hat. Her eyes are a beautiful turquoise blue, and her smile is so perfect. She’s little like you, nice trim waist, probably because she’s a commander in the Sims military, crazy huh! She was raised on a farm just outside of Villa Heights, but she’s visiting a friend here in Villa Springs who is attending the U. She loves to cook and wants to settle down in the next two years or so. She’s just wonderful Mel! I can’t wait to see her tomorrow.”
Melanie smiled and stood up. “That’s wonderful Ian; I hope she’s better than that last girl you dated, Laura…what’s her name. God I didn’t like her. But I’m happy for you, I’m excited to meet her, I’ll even make my famous pork chops for tomorrow night…that is if I’m invited.”
Ian jumped up and swooped his sister into a hug. “Of course you are. That’s why I invited her over here instead of out, I want you to meet her. Anyway, enough about me, how was your meeting with Professor Johnson Landchild last night?”
Melanie groaned and sat back down exhaustedly. “Oh, you don’t even want to know. He thought we were going on a date, not meeting to discuss my term paper. I got along with it alright though, and it didn’t turn out too bad. He is the youngest and most definitely the most attractive professor we have on campus, but it doesn’t feel right to me…I mean, he’s my professor! This morning I woke up and he had left me a single rose outside, which was sweet. I just got off the phone with him before I took a nap and I told him I didn’t feel comfortable dating one of my superiors at school. He took it okay; I think he likes to date most of his students…kind of creepy if you ask me. And besides, I still have that date with Jihoon Phillips, from my art history class, on Saturday, so hopefully that will go okay. I’m not sure if I’m too interested in him either though.” Melanie sighed. “The dating game is getting kind of old. We’re almost juniors and I haven’t even kissed a guy yet!”
Ian sat back down by Melanie. “Don’t worry sis, one day it will happen. In the meantime while we wait, how about we go look at computers…we really need to purchase one. I’m sick of going down to the library just to write my papers, just let me put the groceries away quickly and then we can go.”

I do have couple of pictures to go along with this post that I will be adding tonight. I just can't wait to post the updates till I'm home!

[jupitershana]

The dinner the next night went wonderful. One could say that it truly was a dream date. Lila had spent the day getting ready with her friend and had a new hairdo to show off. She wasn’t wearing her normal cowboy hat for a date with a hot guy like Ian! Ian proposed a toast during the meal to both Melanie for her great cooking and to Lila for meeting new friends. Ian started to get a little worried about half-way through the dinner when Lila started talking about her co-worker Garrett. His worries quickly eased though when Lila started telling Melanie that she thought that Mel and Garrett would hit it off. Melanie seemed somewhat interested but brushed it out of her thoughts as she had a date with Jihoon coming up. Melanie and Lila sure seemed to be getting along fabulously though! Ian was pleased.
After dinner Melanie went to study in her room and Ian and Lila sat on the couch talking. Ian eventually worked up the nerve to make a move and cuddled on the couch with Lila for a little while. At the end of the night he gave her a kiss goodnight and dreamingly walked back into his room where he laid awake for several hours day-dreaming of his night with Lila and what the future might have in store for them.
He continued to see Lila almost daily and then when she had to leave to go back to base he talked on the phone with her several times a day. Luckily she had leave coming up and was planning on spending the entire week with Ian and Melanie. Even Melanie fell for Lila and they quickly became best friends.
Melanie also went on her date with Jihoon. It was a great date, Melanie and Jihoon hit it off, and he seemed to flatter her all night. He had surprised her with a single rose, so Melanie kept it on her nightstand as her relationship with Jihoon developed. She did like him, but Jihoon seemed like he was pressuring her to go farther than she really wanted to. Melanie hadn’t even kissed a guy yet, and it seemed as if Jihoon was trying to already pressure her into woohoo’ing. She couldn’t put her finger on it, but there was just something else other than the pressure that she didn’t like about Jihoon, the chemistry just didn’t seem to be there. She finally decided to call things off with him before she did something with him that she might regret later. The next day she was mopping around in her pajamas when Lila called.
“Hey Mel, what’s up?”
“Oh…not a whole lot, I finally broke up with Jihoon last night…it just wasn’t right.” Melanie sat down at the kitchen table as she talked to her best friend.
“I told you that from the beginning, right when you told me all about him. Listen, this could work out good. My friend Garrett; who I told you about; well he has leave the same time as I do. He is planning on going home to visit his family, but his plane doesn’t leave until Tuesday. I was wondering if it would be okay if he came for that first night? I’m serious when I say that you two would be perfect together, come on, what do you say?”
Melanie smiled, Lila had been talking about this Garrett Pederson for quite some time now, and she had to admit, he did sound like a good match. “Okay Lila, you win. I’ll trust you, but you better be right. I can’t really get mad at you if you’re not right since you’re dating Ian and all. What time do you two think you’ll be arriving?”
Melanie and Lila talked for a few more minutes and then Melanie passed the phone to her brother so the lovebirds could chat. She went back into her room and relaxed on the bed wondering what the next few days would bring.

[person123]

Great story, keep posting! We have characters with the same names! Your Laura...whatever her name is, and my Laura Bones! I got the inspiration from my RL classmate, Laura...whatever her name is, LOL.

[jupitershana]

That's funny, Laura Bar was the NPC's character's name, Ian went on a date with her, but she annoyed me. Then I matched him up with Lila and things are going great right away. 3 lightening bolts! Anyway, here are some pictures, one with Ian jumping on the couch when he told Mel about Lila, next, the two of them talking on the couch about Lila. Melanie hugging Ian, and then another with the three of them at dinner when Ian toasted to them. I also included a good picture of what Lila looks like, she's attractive for a NPC! I was happy.

[person123]

She is pretty for an NPC, like Dagmar, the newspaper girl. I think everyone immediately took advantage of her for their bachelor sims.

[jupitershana]

Ian ran to the door and swooped Lila up into his arms, causing her to drop her bags while she laughed with glee. He then bent her down and kissed her while Melanie made a face in the background from where she was lounging on the couch. Lila was wearing that silly cowboy hat again.
“Oh come on you two, it’s only been 3 weeks since you last saw each other…get a room already!”
Ian grinned evilly, “We just might do that!” He grabbed Lila’s hand as tried to bring her towards his bedroom. Lila laughed and stopped him, going to give Melanie a hug.
“Let me at least say hello first, and introduce Garrett!” She stepped aside and introduced Garrett to Ian and then Melanie. Melanie could have sworn that her heart stopped when they shook hands. He was the most gorgeous man she had ever seen. He also had blue eyes like Lila, but his were a deep ocean blue behind the sunglasses he was wearing, and he had short dark hair as well. He was built very nice, obviously he took those workouts at the base seriously. Melanie suddenly felt her shyness overcome her and managed to mumble out a soft hello.
Garrett smiled at her and looked back at Ian and Lila who obviously were craving some alone time.
“Well Melanie, how about we leave these two alone for a while and let them get…ahem…reacquainted with each other. Would you mind showing me around campus for the next hour?”
Ian piped up, “make that three hours at least, will you?” He grinned and goosed Lila who immediately turned a bright shade of pink. Melanie slapped her forehead in embarrassment.
“Umm, yeah, lets get out of here Garrett, I’ll take you down to Regina’s and we can catch dinner there. Ian…take it easy on the girl.” Melanie winked at her brother and walked out of the house with Garrett.
Garrett luckily was very talkative and quickly put Melanie at ease. As she showed him around the small but growing campus, they talked about her classes and major, and his job. He had grown up in the downtown area of Pleasantville but was happy to get out of the city life. He talked about how he really enjoyed being in smaller towns more than the city. Mel smiled at this as it was exactly how she felt. She told him of the small town nearby, Villa Heights. It was mostly undeveloped land so far. Ian and Melanie had decided that they were going to move there once they were done with college in Villa Springs. Garrett sounded very intrigued with the town and declared that he was going to have to check out that area. He had a little bit of money put away and was hoping to build a small house off base.
Melanie and Garrett ate dinner at Regina’s, both having the special of the night; fried chicken. After they were done with dinner they walked over the park across the street and played chess for a while, listening to the band in the square play country music.
Garrett looked up at Melanie through his sunglasses. Lila was right, this woman was amazing. They had clicked immediately, and it seemed like the chemistry between the two of them were causing sparks between them. A slow country song started and Garrett suddenly spoke up, interrupting Melanie as she was talking about her most recent art project.
“Melanie, would you like to dance with me?”
Melanie was speechless for a minute and then smiled as her cheeks flushed a little. “Yes, I’d love to.”
Garrett stood up and extended his hand to her. She took his and as he led her towards the bandstand she noticed that no-one else was dancing. “Oh…Garrett, no one else is dancing…we’ll look silly.”
“Don’t worry about it, I don’t think you look silly. In fact, I think you look beautiful.”
Melanie flushed again as Ian pulled her close to her and started a slow dance. She looked up into his eyes and forgot about everyone else at the park; now this was something special.
It was soon dark out and Melanie and Garrett walked home holding hands. On the porch Garrett stopped Melanie and turned her towards him, holding both her hands. “Before we go inside Melanie, I just wanted to tell you that I’ve had a wonderful night with you. I meant it when I said that you were beautiful, and I really hope that we can spend much more time together, other than just my trip here for this weekend. I hope I can be honest when I say that I’ve never met anyone as sweet and wonderful as you.”
Melanie thought she was going to faint. This was the kind of stuff movies were made of! She smiled and was going to say something back to him when Garrett leaned in and silenced her with a kiss, her first kiss. After the initial shock, Melanie closed her eyes and enjoyed every little second of it, letting out a big sigh of contentment when he pulled back. She had never been happier than she was right now.
Little did Melanie know, but Jihoon had just walked onto her block and stood back watching it all…with one thought racing through his mind…no one would take his Melanie away from him…no one.

And there is my cliffhanger that I promised I would leave you all with before I left...10 days before I get back to update! Mwah hahahaha....I know, evil...

[DuzzyGirl]

10 days!! It'll be like waiting for the season premier for a favorite show on TV! :D

[jupitershana]

I'm back, I promise to have an update tomorrow afternoon/evening. I have to unpack first and take care of other things that came up tonight. Glad to be back though, can't wait to get back to my sims!

[person123]

Did Lila's hairstyle come with Uni or Nightlife, or did you download it? It's REALLY pretty.

Wow, whenever I get back from a trip I always just leave my bag sitting in my room, and eventually I wear all of the clothes that were in there again, thereby taking it out. :rolleyes:

[jupitershana]

I downloaded it from the official sims 2 website a while back from the exchange, sorry, I cannot remember the user name off hand.

My boyfriend is a compulsive neat freak, and if I hadn't unpacked I think he might have had a heart attack by this morning! Plus after being away for a week all the clothes very much so needed to be washed. Especially the ones that I went out clubbing and to the bars in...whew! Smokey smelling! I can't stand that smell...arg, anyway. I'll probably be playing later this evening, for now it's off to the funeral for my great aunt. I'll update the story later this evening.

[jupitershana]

Ian stood outside in his bathrobe impatiently tapping his foot, leaning on the mailbox with his arms crossed. He was mad…no, furious. Finally the newspaper girl Amy Jones showed up.
“Amy! What is the deal with this? Why haven’t you delivered our newspaper the past week? If you were on vacation, why didn‘t they send a replacement in your place? This is ridiculous…if I pay for a paper to be delivered, it better be delivered!”
Amy Jones stood there with her mouth wide open and the newspaper in her hand. “But Mr. DeFoy…I have delivered it, every day this week, just like last week and this morning. I swear. I always sit it right next to your steps.”
“Yeah, whatever Amy…” Ian took the paper from her hands and frowned, going back inside grumbling. Melanie looked up from her cup of coffee from where she was standing by the sink. “Well…what did she say?”
“She claimed that she has been delivering the paper. I don’t know, she seems like a good kid, I can’t really see her lying to me, but it’s ridiculous. Why else would the paper disappear?”
They both looked up startled as they heard the sound of the trash can crashing to the ground. Ian groaned and ran to the window, Melanie quickly followed. “Did you see who it was Ian?”
“AHH! No! I don’t know what’s going on. Whatever, I’m going to class, I can’t deal with this right now, our finals are coming up tomorrow and I’m so stressed out! Now some neighborhood kids are messing with our trashcan every day!” Ian stormed into his bedroom and changed clothes before rushing out the door for class.
Melanie went outside and picked up the trashcan and swept up the garbage and put it back in the trash can. She sighed walked to the bathroom to take a shower. She wrapped a towel around her when she was done and walked to her bedroom to change. Sitting on her bed was a note. Melanie glanced around but didn’t see anyone in the house. She picked up the note and opened it up, reading the scrawled handwriting. Melanie’s face turned ashen and she sat down very slowly on the bed. Who would write such things! She screamed and jumped up; putting her hand over her heart when she realized that it was only the phone that was ringing that scared her. She stared at it for three rings before answering on the fourth ring.
“Umm…hello?”
“Melanie? It’s Garrett, are you okay?”
Melanie sobbed into the phone. “No! I’m not okay, someone came into the house when I was in the shower and left a note on my bed, and Ian isn’t here…I’m scared Garrett, the note is so mean. I wish you were here right now.”
“Whoa…back up, what does the note say?”
Melanie sat down against the wall, bringing her knees to her chest, holding the note in one hand. “It says… My Dearest Melanie, you have disappointed me. You were supposed to save that first kiss for me. Now you are tainted, but I am willing to overlook that…but there will be punishment for it. You and your brother have already noticed a few of the little things I’ve been doing…don’t worry…it’s nothing compared to what I have in store for you. Do you like roaches? I hear they can carry some nasty virus with them…be careful so you don’t get sick. Of course if you do I’ll be there to take care of you. When you least expect it I will come for you Melanie…and you will come. That’s not an option. That man you were kissing…he’s nothing compared to me. I’ll show you what a real man can do. I promise you that you will forget about him…you will me mine shortly. Yours truly… There is no name Garrett, I’m so scared…the other things he’s talking about is that our garbage can keeps getting kicked over, and our newspapers are always missing…I think this person is stealing them.”
“Melanie, honey, I want you to call the police. Show them the note. I’m on my way over there as well. Until this creep is caught, I’m staying with you.”
She nodded and voiced her goodbyes, hung up and quickly called the campus police. Within a minute they were over at her house and they took her statement and the note as evidence. Ian came back as they were wrapping everything up and Melanie filled him in. Ian took his sister in his arms and hugged her tight.
“Don’t worry Melanie, everything will be okay, like you said, Garrett is coming over, and I’m almost always with you as well.”
Later that evening, Garrett tucked an exhausted Melanie into bed and then walked out into the living room where Ian was sitting. They discussed different things they could do to safeguard Melanie.
Jihoon watched from behind the trashcan outside the driveway, staring through the window at the two men talking. “Discuss how to protect her all you want gentlemen…but Melanie will be with me again one day.” With that he kicked the garbage can as hard as he could and ran as fast as he could down the block, disappearing into the night fog.

[jupitershana]

(Sorry it took so long to update, I've been crazy busy. Let me know what you all think! :) )

Melanie handed the cup of coffee to her customer absentmindedly, giving her automatic ‘have a nice day’ response. In the corner someone dropped their spoon and Melanie jumped, quickly searching where the sound was coming from. Luckily her replacement came right at that moment and Melanie took off her apron and hung it up just inside the kitchen. Ian was waiting for her.
“Hey Melanie, I noticed you jump there, you doing okay?”
Melanie just nodded and sighed.
“Hey, cheer up kid, nothing is going to happen. Between me and military man Garrett you’re more than safe. Plus the police are making more rounds by the house to make sure everything is okay. Did you notice today that our newspaper was still there? Whoever was doing this is getting scared off.”
Melanie gave Ian a half smile and hugged him. “It’s still scary though Ian, I mean someone came into the house that night while I was in the shower, can you imagine what else they could have done? Oh no…” She stopped talking as Jihoon came up towards them.
“Hi Melanie, Ian, how are you two…Melanie, you okay? You look really tired.”
“Yeah, I’m fine Jihoon…” Melanie tried to walk around him.
“Hey, come on now…don’t be like that. No hard feelings, I promise; even though you haven’t returned my phone calls, don’t worry. I hope you’re happy with that other guy you’re seeing. I’ve even got myself a date for this Friday night. I think you know her Ian, her name is Laura Bar? In fact, didn’t you used to date her; I believe you might have even broke her heart. Imagine that, two individuals who were shunned by the DeFoy twins are going on a date, we’ll have lots to talk about I’m sure…”
Ian growled under his breath and Melanie grabbed his arm, directing him around Jihoon. “Come on Ian, just ignore him, he’s a jerk. I knew there was a good reason why I dumped him.”
Jihoon laughed and walked into Regina’s. He pulled out his cell phone and called Laura.
“Hey girl, what’s up? Want to go out Friday…yeah, I’ll pick you up at 7 then…okay, see you then, I’ve got a major favor to ask of you.” Jihoon sat down, staring down the road after Ian and Melanie. With Laura on his side he’d be able to get her to distract Garrett just long enough to get to Melanie.

[jupitershana]

Garrett came over to the house as soon as he got off work. Melanie couldn’t believe how incredibly sweet he was. Just two weeks ago she only knew him by name, now he was her knight in shinning armor…and he looked amazing in his uniform! Melanie smiled and cuddled up next to him on the couch.
“Hey Garrett, I just really wanted to thank you for coming over here every night. It really means a lot to me. Even if all this craziness with a stalker wasn’t going on it is still sweet. I hope it’s not a burden at all though, I mean...I don’t want to take up all of your time.”
Garrett kissed her forehead and squeezed her a little tighter. “Oh Mel, you know it’s not a burden. I’ve never enjoyed anyone’s company as much as I enjoy yours. I feel like I can talk to you about anything, and I’m glad I’m here to protect you. Oh, and by the way I’m planning on sticking around for a long long time.”
Melanie glanced up at Garrett, with one eyebrow raised and a smile on her face. “What do you mean by that?”
Garrett just winked back, “Nothing Hun, nothing at all. You know, it is getting pretty late…you should be getting to bed soon.”
Melanie yawned and looked at the time, which was just hitting ten after midnight. “Yeah, I suppose so.” She gave Garrett a kiss and got up to walk to the bedroom door. She paused in the doorway and looked back at Garrett as he was arranging the pillows and blankets he had been using for the past few nights.
“Garrett…umm…would you sleep in my room with me tonight…I’d really like it.” She leaned back against the door jam as Garrett got up from the couch and walked towards her. He put his arm around her to the small of her back and pulled her close, kissing her. He then stopped and looked down into her arms.
“Oh Melanie, as much as I’d love to, I want to keep your honor pure. I’m still sleeping on the couch.” He kissed her again and gently guided her into her bedroom door, closing the door behind her.
Melanie smiled and leaned against the door, her palms pressed against the wood of the door as well. She was so lucky to have him…she then came to the realization that she was in love.

[DuzzyGirl]

**sigh** How sweet of him!

[jupitershana]

*grins* yeah, he is super sweet in the game actually. He is always holding her hands, giving her a backrub, hugging or kissing her when I'm not paying attention to them. A true sim gentleman. He was one of the new downtownies that came with Nightlife.

[babewithbrains_14]

Hehe, downtownies.

He sounds so nice! I'd love to have a boyfriend like that, even though I want to stay single. Boys my age are just too immature. I fell out with my friend today about one actually. Terrible thing to say, but she's constantly telling this guy that I like him when I don't. And now he believes her, and about 1 person believes me. So, thats great. She's been doing it for months now. I tell her to stop, but she won't. Some friend!

[person123]

Ugh, I hate those kind of girls that think it's so much fun to be "matchmakers". I'm only 12 and it happens to me! My friend Cindy is the worst--she always waggles her eyebrows whenever one of us talks to a boy. -_-

[babewithbrains_14]

She's not even trying to matchmake - she's just doing it to annoy me. And to impress him, 'cos she likes him anyway. Since she did tell him she liked him, she's really changed. She's gone all *****y. I know for a fact that she fell out with three people today.

(Sorry about the language, btw.) (I don't use French that often on here.)

[person123]

Well, Cindy also does it to annoy me--last year she kept saying all the time that I liked Kevin, a boy we both hated, and he liked me. :mad: She's changed since I first met her.

[jupitershana]

He sounds so nice! I'd love to have a boyfriend like that, even though I want to stay single.

I have a boyfriend and I love him to death (and just waiting...on the edge of my seat...for a proposal) but I also wish he was like that. Unfortunatly it's not reality to always get along and be lovey dovey like that, it's natural to have arguments every once in a while...plus Brandon just has absolutely no romantic bone in his body! So if you really want to stay single, all the power to you girl. Although there is something to be said about finding that special someone...no matter how unromantic they are! *frusterated sigh*

Boys my age are just too immature.

If you're waiting for them to mature...hmm...Brandon will be 30 in Febuary and I'm still waiting...hehe...as women we will always feel more mature than the guys our age...and I'm 5 years younger than my boyfriend!


Third comment: Here's a picture of Garrett and Melanie to go along with that last story post to keep us on topic!

[babewithbrains_14]

I don't actually have that many romantic options at the moment - I like 2 guys, one a lot more than the other. I've given up on the one I like less - he's just someone for me to admire from afar. The other guy - well, lets say I'm working on him. ;)
I suppose I would like a boyfriend if the guys my age were actually mature. I'm a very serious girl. Expensive, too. :)

I really like this thread.

[Lynet]

*grins* yeah, he is super sweet in the game actually. He is always holding her hands, giving her a backrub, hugging or kissing her when I'm not paying attention to them. A true sim gentleman. He was one of the new downtownies that came with Nightlife.If he's the downtown guy with the black and white jacket I'm going to have to check him out, see if he's got the same nice personality in my game that he has in yours. ;)

[surprised_by_witches]

Yeah, I thought that guy was a Romeo. Of course, I like Romeos ... :rolleyes:

I'm kinda fond of Romance sims, though I try to go for some variety in my game.

[jupitershana]

Jihoon strode into his humble apartment and called out “Laura…darling…I’m home…where are you?”
Laura appeared in the doorway of their bedroom, one arm reaching up to prop herself against the doorframe, the other on her hip. Jihoon whistled as Laura was wearing a simply clad nighty. “Wow…what are we celebrating?”
Laura sauntered toward Jihoon and wrapped her arms around his waist, looking up into his eyes. “Well my love, it seems like we might make some progress coming up and I’d like to share my…excitement…with you. Besides, the countess said that everything seems to be going as planned, besides our little setback that is.”
Jihoon kissed Laura’s neck and then purred into her ear. “Well if that’s what the countess says, then you’re right…there can be no harm in celebrating a little early tonight eh?” With that he picked Laura up into his arms and carried her into the bedroom, pouncing on top of her.

[DuzzyGirl]

Long time no read! Glad to see you back at it. I'm enjoying the devious little plans of Jihoon.

[jupitershana]

Melanie walked in the living room catching Ian and Garrett whispering about something in the corner. They both quickly stopped their current conversation and starting discussing the most recent football game on campus. Melanie could have swore she saw Ian shove something in his pocket quickly as well. “What are you two up to? I saw you two whispering like little school girls over there…what’s going on?”
Ian put on his best innocent face and smiled at his sister. “Why I don’t know what you are talking about sis…we’re just talking about how the llamas won the game last night by a touchdown in overtime. It was a good game; Lila even enjoyed it…so much so she’s still sleeping!” Garrett nodded in agreement.
“Whatever…I know you’re up to something, and that’s all that matters. I will find out, I always do.” She continued on to the bathroom where she showered and got ready for the day. Garrett greeted her outside on the front porch.
“Hey babe, guess what?”
“Hmm…purple dinosaurs are taking over the campus?”
“No…what?…anyway…uhh…Ian and I decided that we’re taking you and Lila on a double date tonight. Get your mind off this stuff. We’ll go after you and Ian finish your finals this afternoon. How does that sound? Dinner and dancing at Regina’s?”
“I’d love that Garrett, oh, and hey…about last night, thanks.”
“For what babe?”
“For being such a gentleman and for showing you respect me that much. I hope the couch isn’t too uncomfortable.”
Garrett smiles and put his hands on Melanie’s waist, looking into her eyes. “It feels like heaven just knowing I’m sleeping in the same house as you and that I know you’re safe. That’s all I need.” He leaned down and kissed her.
Melanie let her eyelids flutter down and felt her knees go weak as Garrett’s lips brushed hers. She let out a soft moan and whispered, “oh Garrett…I think I love you.”
“I love you too Melanie…I love you too.”

[jupitershana]

Ian pulled out Lila’s chair for her as she sat down at dinner. Melanie was about to join them when Garrett directed her to another table. She looked up at him with a confused look on her face. Garrett just smiled at her explaining he was hoping for a little more privacy with just her at dinner.
Ian winked at Garrett when they exchanged glances and turned back to Lila. When the waitress came he put in an order for them both, lobster for him and filet mignon for Lila.
“Wow big spender tonight? Finals must have gone well again then?”
“Yes finals went well, another A and another mark on the deans list! Melanie did just as well. But we’re here to celebrate us tonight honey. Happy anniversary! It’s been exactly 11 months now since we ran into each other at the grocery store!”
Lila grinned and caressed Ian’s hand on the table. “You’re such a romantic. I’m impressed honey.”
Ian waived the waitress back over and ordered a bottle of champagne. Once the champagne came, Ian proposed a toast to Lila.
“Darling, you’ve made my life so happy these past few months. I hope that we can spend many many more together.” They clinked glasses and while Lila took a sip Ian pulled something out of his pocket and faced Lila. When she looked back at him she gasped.
“Lila Thayer, will you marry me?”
Lila squealed and put the ring on her finger. “Of course I will Ian DeFoy! I love you so much!”

[jupitershana]

Melanie watched her brother propose at the other table and her mouth was hanging wide open. “Garrett…did you just see that! Ian just proposed…and he never even talked to me about it! I mean, I’m happy for him, but he always talks to me about this stuff! I have to go and congratulate them!”
Garrett laughed and pulled Melanie back down as she stood up to go over to their table. “Let them have a few minutes first Mel. Besides, here comes our food.”
The waitress put the plates down in front of them and then also produced a bottle of champagne for the two of them. Garrett raised his glass to Melanie.
“Melanie DeFoy, I haven’t known you much more than a month yet, but I know I’m in love with you. Now normally I’m a very steady kind of a guy who doesn’t get all rushed up in romance and emotion, but you do something to me. I told you earlier today that I loved you for the first time, but I’ve been in love with you since that first day you took me around campus. You are the most beautiful wonderful woman I’ve ever met, inside and out…”
“Oh Garrett, I love you to.” Melanie was turning bright red as Garrett was toasting to her. She shyly looked down at her glass of champagne and then back up as Garrett pulled out a small black box. Her mouth fell open and she looked over at her brother and his new fiancée to see Ian grinning at her, Lila still beaming from her proposal. She looked back at Garrett as he took her hand in his.
“Melanie, please do me the honor of becoming my wife.”
Melanie felt the tears well up in her eyes and she could barely speak. “Yes Garrett…yes…this just feels…right.”
Garrett put the ring on her finger and kissed her. He then whispered in her ear softly. “I love you my beautiful bride to be.”

[jupitershana]

More pictures!

Ian proposing to Lila (I love his expression here!) Notice Garrett and Melanie in the background!

Lila admiring the ring!

Garrett proposing to Melanie!

Melanie admiring her ring!

Melanie's reaction to Garrett's proposal (again something in the background, Ian and Lila making out!)

[Lynet]

Wow, you were managing two couples at the same time! They're so cute, too. :D

[DuzzyGirl]

Wow, you were managing two couples at the same time! They're so cute, too. :D
My thoughts exactly!

I loved the last shot of both couples kissing and hugging.

[jupitershana]

Wow, you were managing two couples at the same time! They're so cute, too. :D

It wasn't easy! I took both Ian and Melanie to the campus, then used their cell phones to call Lila and Garrett. Since I have the insiminator downloaded I can select other sims not in my control and control them. So I did that with both of them. Garrett asked Melanie on the date, and Ian asked Lila. Both dates ended up being dream dates as everyone involved had the want to get engaged to their significant other. That made it a little easier!

[surprised_by_witches]

Very sweet. Great photos.

I love how they react. My current favorite was when Ariel proposed to Raj. He bounced up and down like a little girl. Very very very disturbing, since he's a scary looking vampire dude with tats and dreads. :p

[Ruthie_Faye]

That's so sweet and romantic! I hardly ever take pictures because I guess I just don't have the timing ingame. In RL though I love taking pictures.

Ruthie