Curtains Up

[babewithbrains_14]

:) Well. This is it! My story thread.

Oooh, I don't know why I'm so nervous. I think It's okay. I'm just worried nobody will read it (even though I know you will, because you are all so nice). And I would like replies - don't want to sound demanding and it's been said before, but feedback does help. I will try my very best to keep going with this. I lose interest easily though, so I'm sorry if it doesn't happen. I'll let myself down if I don't. :(

Okay, now I know why I'm nervous. It's because I've had material published before, but it didn't really interest anybody - it wasn't that big. I win stuff all the time. (Okay, now I sound big-headed. It's just the nerves, I swear. ;)). And I perform on stage all the time. I never get worried about that. No, I'm worried because - you're my friends. My best mates! Yep, might never have met face to face, but you all support me. This is really big for me. Thanks to everyone!

Okay, I'm going to get it over and done with now. I might put up two installments. My stories are always slow -just thought I'd warn ya. :)

By the way, if I put 3 posts up now (this and the 2 installments), I won't get banned, will I? :eek:

So here goes!!! :praise: :scared: :praise:

[babewithbrains_14]

Installment: 1
Prologue.


Sophia Brooke ran in from school and leapt onto the bed, sobbing into the pillow. Why was life like this?
Her mother and sister had no problems with other people, but Sophia did not have one friend. Even moving schools hadn’t helped. There had to be something wrong with her. She wasn’t even friends with her big sister Coral - they were strangers who shared the same bedroom. She felt the bed dip slightly as her mother, Celia, sat next to her and stroked Sophia’s long red hair.

‘What did they do today, honey?’ Celia asked gently. She hated seeing her precious, beautiful baby girl like this. A muffled mumbling emerged from the pillow.

‘I mean, I hate that school!’ said Sophia, sitting up and wiping her eyes. ‘There’s always some snidey comment here, a catty remark there. They have to put me down in front of the entire class! And I can’t escape them. They’re in every class I have. It seems like the others are joining in as well now. Sarah and Suzy have the power of popularity – I don’t.’ And with that, Sophia collapsed crying on to the pillow again. Celia sighed. It seemed like they had tried everything and said everything she could to make Sophia feel better. It just wasn’t working anymore.

‘Do you want to hear some good news, pretty babe?’ Celia asked Sophia, who stopped crying straight away, and lay motionless on the bed. ‘I’m Captain Hero.’ Sophia squealed and jumped up to hug her mum.

‘That’s so great! You totally deserve it. You’re so clever! I have the coolest mum in the world…’ Celia smiled as Sophia continued to congratulate her, but inside she was miserable. It didn’t matter if she was the coolest mum in the world – she couldn’t make her daughter happy at school.

[Lynet]

Nice going, Babe! I like it already. (Apparently you and I had the same urge at the same time. :o )

[babewithbrains_14]

How strange is this?

I put 2 posts up, you put 2 posts up. They are both sims stories. And we're both the first to reply to each others'.

[person123]

Yay, I have been waiting for this! Time to get back to my story thread....:o

[babewithbrains_14]

Installment: 2
Sophia.

I smiled as Coral came in with her hair still wet from the shower.

‘Happy Birthday, Big Sis,’ I said, jumping up from my bed to hug her. ‘When do you age?’

‘I thought it would have been ages ago.’ replied Coral. ‘It’s already gone nine. I really don’t want to have to wake up in the middle of the night just to go up a dress size or two!’ I laughed. Coral hugged me tight, and there was a moments silence. ‘You know it upsets me to see you unhappy. I wish there was something we could – oh.’ Coral stepped back. ‘Thank God. It’s happening!’

‘Good luck!’ I said, before calling down the stairs. ‘MU-UM! Coral’s aging!’ Mum ran upstairs, just in time to see Coral lifted up by the lights that would make her into an adult. My big sister laughed as we watched in wonder.
And as quickly as it had started – it was over. Coral stood up and looked at her hands. Her black and rainbow polka-dotted mini-skirt and halterneck top had vanished, replaced by a navy blue long sleeved top and pink combats.

‘Eurgh. I have got to get some new clothes soon.’ said the adult Coral, breaking the silence. We laughed and hugged, as Mum sniffed and wiped a tear from her eye proudly. But still, I was upset. Coral would be leaving soon. And already there was nobody to look out for me at school. True, she hadn’t been able to do much during lessons – but she had always made sure there was room for me at the table with her friends at lunch, and stuck up for me outside.

We are friends, I realised. I just didn’t think I could survive without her at school. A thought hit me, and I said it aloud.

‘I’m going to college, then.’ Mum and Coral stared at me in silence.

‘Wha- ' started Coral – Mum threw out a hand to stop her and looked into my eyes. She understood. She knew why I had to go.

‘If that’s what you want, pretty babe. We have enough money for you to go. Coral and I will be fine here.’ I looked at Coral. She stared back at me. I was regretting mentioning college.

‘Mum – I’m leaving too. I have to get out. I need my own life now.’ Coral said quietly.

‘What?’ Mum turned around and looked at her. ‘So you’re just going to leave me on my own? Both of you?’ Her voice cracked with emotion.

‘I’ll stay if you want me to.’ Coral replied instantly, and I nodded.

‘Or me. I’ll stay.’ Neither of us wanted to upset Mum.

‘No. No – it was selfish of me to say that. To be honest, I’ve been expecting it. I just didn’t – wasn’t prepared for it then.’ Mum hugged us both. ‘My little chickadees, you’re both growing up.’

‘And this way we all get a new life.’ I said, hugging them both back.

[Mirelly]

Don't knock yourself, Babe. You're doing great. I liked the integration of sim-life into the story. Sim's lives are somehow more realistic when we acknowledge some of the unlikely toony effects. (I've been watching closely for months now and I'm pretty sure that sim children keep their little hop-up steps in two halves in little pouches just below their knee-caps ....) ;)

[babewithbrains_14]

Lol! I know what you mean. Stories that are supposed to be about Sims should show more of the actual programming. Of course, we can use artictic licence, but to completely ignore the facts of the game throughout the whole story is sometimes too far fetched. Especially when stuff is completely made up, and things just seem like an ordinary story. I do think it's wise, however, to ignore hacks, mods, and custom objects that alter gameplay, such as JMPs College Clock.

I had used the college clock to skip a week and so my Final was in two hours.

You could reword that to use the College Clock, but I'd just put that the semester had seemed to fly by.

[surprised_by_witches]

I don't think there's a right or a wrong way to do it. I think your story is charming, but I don't like to include the behind the scenes stuff and often just make things up, though it still follows my game.

I just find the game details detract from my storyline, and I prefer my vampires darker than the game allows ... among other things.

[babewithbrains_14]

Installment: 3
Celia.

I drifted around the house. It didn’t seem right, me being here on my own. The atmosphere had already changed, even though my youngest was not yet gone. Coral had only just left, and Sophia was getting ready, on the phone to Sim State about scholarships. Suddenly she appeared in the doorway of the lounge, where I was sitting on the sofa staring into space.

‘Okay,’ she said. ‘that’s it. I’m off.’

‘Already?’ I stood up straight. ‘I mean, right this minute?’ Sophia nodded slowly.

‘Term’s about to begin, Mum. I’m… really, really going to miss you.’ Her eyes were filling up. I hugged her.

‘I know. I’ll miss you too. Call lots, okay? And visit whenever you can.’ I froze. Over her shoulder I could see a taxi pulling up. ‘Honey – your taxi’s here.’

And she left.

[babewithbrains_14]

Installment: 4
Sophia.

I needed to select my room. I needed to declare my major. I needed to get a haircut. I needed to go out shopping. I needed to meet some people.

I was only the second person to arrive, but the time taken to age had given other people the chance to start moving in. I was now officially a young adult, and I wanted to get some new clothes – even though I felt great, but a little stressed, I certainly didn’t look great. The aging process had given me a cheap-looking green dress, and now my forehead looked much too high for my straight hair to look okay.

I walked through the dorm. A few of the doors had other students’ photographs on them, and – oooh. Some of the guys here were cute! I had considered my requirements for my room, and knew what I wanted. I had had a tendency for being late for school in the past, so I thought it best to get a room on the first floor, so I didn’t fall when running down the stairs, and I wanted a room with lots of windows. There were only two rooms on the first floor left – the end rooms. The two centre rooms had been claimed by a couple of guys.

One room looked like it had already been furnished, and the last person to own this room had good taste. Since I didn’t have that much energy to redecorate myself, the furnished room it was. I just wanted to make a few adjustments. The double bed, carpet and wallpaper were recoloured into red, and I had saved up for my own computer. The previous owner had left a clear glass desk and chair, as well as a mini-refridgerator, so there was no need to get more furniture. I stuck a few posters up and stepped back, smiling. This was my home now.

This was going to be my fresh start. I didn’t have any friends, wasn’t that outgoing, and I grew up badly. I wanted to get away from being the kid whose name you couldn’t remember when you looked at old school photographs. The girl who had never had a boyfriend. The one who nobody cared about. I wanted to break some hearts, make some friends, and be happy at college.

I pinned my picture up on the door.

[horselovinmonkey]

WOW
babe you have talent, I really like your story!

[Lynet]

I'm commiserating with Sophia already. I love the way you're managing the different family members.

[babewithbrains_14]

Thanks! Both the above posts mean a lot to me!

Lynet: I am currently asking Jeeves what 'commiserating' means. :D

Edit: Oooh. Thanks. Sophia's quite optimistic, though. She's going to do well for herself.

[surprised_by_witches]

Very nice story so far. I like Sophia ... keep writing!

[babewithbrains_14]

Installment: 5
Stuart.

My dorm was – interesting. The people there were just normal, but there was always something going on. I wanted to get a house after a couple of semesters, but I wasn’t rushing. The room I had selected already had furniture in it, so I just recoloured it. Black and white. Very classy.

I was just glad I had some money. I had friends who’d come to college with hardly anything, and they didn’t last 5 minutes before they were ringing up their parents. I had worked solidly at my job until I had enough to make a decent start in life. Gran hadn’t really cared I was leaving. We weren’t that close.

I had yet to declare my major. I wanted to provide well for a future family I may have, and so I selected Economics. My first class was in an hour.
As I locked my room, I saw a red headed girl stood outside the room next to mine. Her picture was on the door.

‘Yes, Mum. I have enough money. I’ve even redecorated my room and still got enough cash to stay here.’ She rolled her eyes and smiled at me. I grinned back. She was cute! ‘No, Mum. I’m in a dorm. I’ll never be alone at home.’ She sighed. ‘Mum, have you spoken to Coral yet? Yes, I know she’s old enough to look after herself, but I am too. And I know she’d love to hear from you.’ She checked her watch. ‘Mum, I’m gonna have to go. I’ve got class in an hour. Okay. Uh-huh. I love you too, Mum. Bye!’

She closed her mobile and smiled at me again. ‘Nice to meet you, neighbour.’ She said, extending her hand. ‘I’m Sophia Brooke.’ I shook it and smiled back.

‘A pleasure. I’m Stuart, Stuart Bond.’ She giggled.

‘Just like the movies!’

I laughed as well. ‘Yeah. So, you what major are you?’

‘Drama. Well. Not yet. I haven’t actually declared it yet. I had just gotten out my phone when I had Mum down my ear. I had to tell her I had class because I knew she’d go on even longer. I’ve had it for an hour! God only knows how she’s going to be able to afford the bill. Still, that’s parents for you, isn’t it?’ She had a sunny laugh, one of those contagious ones that just made you want to join in. I couldn’t help grinning.

‘Erm… yeah. I guess so.’ I replied. ‘Anyway, I do have class to get to. Economics.’ She pulled a face and I laughed.

‘No offence – it’s just not my kinda thing. That’s for the smart ones.’

‘None taken,’ I said. ‘Anyway, see you around, Sophia.’

'Goodbye, Mr Bond.' She laughed and disappeared into her bedroom.

[Lynet]

Nice, Babe. :)

[babewithbrains_14]

Installment: 6
Sophia.

I opted for Drama as a major. When I was younger I had wanted to be an actress, and I figured I needed a confidence boost. Mum had prattled on for ages on the phone, and I was really tired. I decided to just switch it off.
When I got back from my first class – well. I was extremely worried. This semester was about some of the earliest professional productions, which all ended in death. The topic was interesting enough, but I hoped I would be able to cope with such a large amount of work.

‘This semester, your first, you will face fresh challenges in your new life as a young adult.’ My new teacher told us the first lesson.
‘This term you are expected to complete a daily assignment, and create a term paper. Also, you will have to be prepared to take the final exam at the end of the semester. The paper is difficult. It will take you a good few hours to do, and you will require a computer. I also advise you to cram in as much studying as possible. Any questions?’ The professor looked around the class. ‘No? Okay then. Now, I trust you are all mature enough to cope with such a workload and also make sufficient notes during class.’ There was a pause, which was filled by somebody taking the opportunity to break wind loudly. The class laughed and the corners of the teachers’ mouth twitched. ‘Mature? Evidently not.’

Remembering this brought a smile to my face. I could hardly suppress a giggle.

‘What’s so funny?’ Stuart asked, smiling. We were both sat in the cafeteria, working on our assignments. It seemed every topic had the same structure – assignments, a term paper, and a final exam.

I explained and he grinned too. We had the same sense of humour. Suddenly Stuart closed his book with a snap.

‘Well, I’m done. Do you want to hang out for a while?’ he asked.
‘Sure.’ I answered. ‘Just let me finish this sentence.’ I scribbled something down, and closed my book.

***

‘Well’ I said, stretching and yawning. ‘I’m exhausted. It’s been a long day today!’

‘You mean yesterday.’ Stuart corrected. ‘It’s gone one.’ I gasped.

‘It is? Oh my God, I want to go shopping tomorrow – I mean today – and I can’t be late for class. I had better go, Stuart.’ He nodded.

‘Me t-too,’ he said, yawning. ‘I have class first thing. It was nice talking to you.’

‘Yeah, we’ll have to do it again sometime.’ I said. ‘See you around!’

‘Bye.’ He called, as I left. I jumped into bed in my jammies, thinking. Could he be the first flush of uni romance? I shook my head softly. No.

Too bookish.

[surprised_by_witches]

Poor Stuart. :D

Nice writing, Babe! Keep it up.

[babewithbrains_14]

Installment: 7
Stuart.

I yawned for the third time. I am never going to stay up ‘til one talking again, I told myself. Yeah, right. Realistic prospects, Stuart!

A few people looked at me as I snorted to myself with laughter, then my head hit the desk as I fell asleep. I sat up straight.

‘Wha?’ I asked, looking around wildly. I heard the giggles of the students sat around me, and my face burned. ‘I wasn’t asleep!’ I hissed indignantly.

‘Mr Bond!’ the professor called sharply, and the entire class turned around to stare at me. ‘Might I ask why you are creating a disturbance in my class?’

‘Sorry, Professor.’ I replied sheepishly. She raised her eyebrows at me.

‘Late night, Stuart?’ she asked. I nodded. ‘Then I suggest you get a full nights sleep tonight. If you fall asleep in any more of my classes then I will not be happy.’ She returned to teaching. ‘Now, if you see chart 7…’ It wasn’t my fault I had stayed up late. There was something about her, about Sophia that just made me want to talk to her. It wasn’t sexual. No, it was more than that. We were friends.

When I got back to the dorm, I threw myself onto my bed. Sleep. That was what I needed. Sleeeeeeeeeeeep...

‘Stuart?’ I sat up with a jolt for the second time that day, and peered bleary-eyed at the red and orange lump in the doorway. I blinked, and my vision cleared.

‘Hello?’ I didn’t recognise the girl. She was dressed in an orange top with a short black skirt, and wore dramatic green eyeshadow - a brilliant contrast to her red hair. I only knew one person with red hair.

‘So – Sophia? Is that you?’

‘Yeah! So – you like it?’ she twirled. Wow. She was – amazing. I looked at her – and out of nowhere came the longing to kiss her, to smell her hair, to feel her hand in mine. She was looking at me expectantly. ‘Well? What do you think?’

‘Y-you look amazing.’ I said. ‘Really pretty.’ She smiled.

Why had my voice gone squeaky!?!

‘Great,’ she said, sitting down on the bed. ‘It’s for later. Straight after class, I’ve got a date!’ I felt sick.

‘A – date?’

‘Yes, Stuart – a date. Don't sound so surprised - I am capable of getting one! I’m going out with Stephan Platz, the guy who lives next door to you.’ She was really happy, but she frowned at me. ‘Stuart – are you okay? You don’t look too good.’ I cleared my throat.

‘Yep. Yes, I’m good. I’m great! I’m just really, really... erm... tired though.’ On cue, a yawn erupted from me. Her face softened.

‘Aw. Well, you get to sleep. I’ll see you later.’ she kissed me on the forehead and left.

I lay back down. Where had that come from?

[babewithbrains_14]

Installment: 8
Sophia.

Well, when I got back from class, Stephan was waiting for me. We had decided that we were just going to stay at the dorm for the date. Neither of us could afford fancy restaurants yet. Stephan was sweet and cute. He was just a teensy bit boring. He seemed to like me a lot, but I guess that had a lot to do with the love potion I had taken. It was hilarious to see the guys reactions to me when I walked past them – whistles and double takes seemed to be delivered non-stop. Even Stuart had seemed different when
I’d dropped by his room earlier!

Stephen treated me like a lady all evening, and he kissed me goodbye when I said it was time for a great date to end. The effects of the potion were wearing off anyway. I popped into Stuarts’ room once more to say goodnight. He was sat at his computer, but turned it off when he saw me.

‘Hi! How was your date?’ he asked me.

‘Great.’ I said, sitting on his bed.

‘You don’t seem very enthusiastic.’ he noted.

‘I am. Well. I… I don’t think it’s going to last that long, that’s all.’

‘Oh, honey. Why not?’

‘He’s boring.’ I replied bluntly. Stuart looked at me in shock for a moment, then laughed.

‘What better reason do you need to chuck him then?’ he said, smiling. I thought about it.

‘I dunno. I’ll keep him for now. I need something to occupy my time.’ I winked, then stood up. ‘I’m going to bed now. Night babe!’

‘Night,’ he said as he hugged me. ‘Sweet dre-‘ Suddenly Stephen ran in, screamed at us in fury, and – slapped me. I stared at him in shock, holding my face. He stared back, looking equally as surprised at what he had just done.

‘Bas-‘ started Stuart, pushing past me to get to Stephen, but I held him back.

‘Don’t.’ I said gently.

‘But he jus-‘

‘Don’t.’ I repeated. He looked at me and nodded. I moved closer to Stephen. ‘It was a goodnight hug, that’s all. Between friends.’ He looked down at his feet in shame. ‘Stephen, I don’t want to date you again. Don’t come near me.’ I left, and cried on my bed like I had done so many times before.

[gyro_kisschasy]

Great story... leaving us on a cliff-hanger. :D

[Mirelly]

Good stuff!

[surprised_by_witches]

Sophia just needs to find a decent bloke, or maybe Stuart just needs to grow a backbone ... ;)

[babewithbrains_14]

Okay, I got some pictures. They're not very high quality, but I'm afriad they'll have to do. Soon they'll be more interesting. Well. I have interesting ones, but I haven't had time to write any more. I have one installment ready, but I always prefer to have one more installment in my 'archives'. Hehehe.

Pic 1: Celia taking out the rubbish before her daughters left.
Pic 2: A teen Sophia!
Pic 3: A student Sophia, after her makeover! (I'm not that skilled at taking the pics, so you can actually see Stuart's shoulder there).
Pic 4: Stuart studying!
Pic 5: Stuart and Sophia having a chat.

[Lynet]

Sophia is so very pretty. The story feels so real. I'm looking forward to more of it.

[babewithbrains_14]

I think I kinda selected the thumbnail by accident for pic 5. :o Sorry.

Hey, what's a first try if you don't mess it up? :rolleyes:

[babewithbrains_14]

Installment: 9
Stuart.

‘It was a goodnight hug, that’s all.’ Sophia had said. ‘Between friends.’
I didn’t know why that was sticking in my mind so much. I rolled over once again, sat up, punched my pillow, and slumped down once more.

‘It was a goodnight hug, that’s all. Between friends.’ That guy Stephan was too jealous. I’d had a fight with him later. Sophia didn’t know, and I wasn’t in any rush to tell her - hadn’t stopped her from beating him up as well though, a few hours after. She wasn’t strong but she was mad and upset, and she was unstoppable! I made a note not to mess with her.

‘You’ve made an enemy today, Bond.’ Mr BigIAm had said after I blacked his eye. It was funny – that had actually made me feel better, because for once I felt like the 007. And if I was the secret agent, I wasn’t scared of Stephan.

‘It was a goodnight hug, that’s all. Between friends.’ I turned over. Sighed irritably. Sat up. And punched my pillow. It was 4:30am! Why couldn’t I just get to sleep?

I sighed again.

‘You may as well do something useful now.’ I told myself out loud. This wasn’t unusual - for me to talk to myself. I had done it since I was 6, keeping myself company, since Gran only knew I existed basically from my presence at the dinner table. Ah, well. At least the old bat had taken me in.

A knock at the door startled me, and Sophia walked in wearing her pj’s. Hastily I grabbed the duvet and covered myself up – I was in my boxers, but still. A lovely flash of my skinny, pale legs and Sophia would run for the hills. In the moonlight, I saw her stifle a grin.

‘You don’t have to cover up on my account.’ She laughed, and sat on my bed. ‘I’m amazed you’re still awake.’ I smiled and shook my head.

‘I know. I just can’t sleep.’ I replied. ‘I’ve just… got stuff on my mind.’ Sophia studied my face.

‘Yeah. Me too.’ Suddenly her eyes filled up. ‘It’s just – you know – I mean, it wasn’t as though he hurt me or anything…’ Sophia burst into tears.

‘Hey, stop that.’ I held her and stroked her hair.’ He’s just a jerk. You don’t want to waste your time on idiots like that. The sort of guy who would pass up a pretty, intelligent, amazing girl like you needs to get his head sorted out.’ Sophia gave a muffled giggle.

‘I don’t know about intelligent.’ She stopped crying. I laughed and kissed her forehead. ‘Night, Stuart.’

‘Night, Sophia.’ I sighed happily as she closed the door, and had a dreamless, easy sleep.

[babewithbrains_14]

More pics. Once again, not high quality. They'll never be high quality, I'm sorry to report. And unluckily, when Stephan was attacked I didn't think to put the walls up, etc. I just took the pics.

Anyway. Now we get to the interesting stuff.

1) Stuart and Stephan.
2) Sophia and Stephan. Get in there Sophia!!! You bust his lip, the b******!

[surprised_by_witches]

Oh, Stuart, Stuart ... he's really gone on her, isn't he.

He deserves a nice girl like her. I like both characters very much ... very nice job, Babe.

I wish the fight scenes let you see a little more. Criticism of the game, not your pictures. I know that's about all you can get because I've tried and tried to get more ... oh, well.

Still very entertaining stuff.

[Lynet]

I'm trying quick reply here because my computer is being difficult this morning. I was looking at movies once-upon-a-time over at the main game site where someone had a fight scene and no dust cloud. When the movie maker was asked how he/she did that the answer was that he/she used the move objects cheat to move the cloud while filming. I've never tried it --always wondered how it would work--and if it really does work.

[babewithbrains_14]

I found these pics. You can't see that much, but there's a little bit more.

I'm going to try that tip Lynet and see if it works. Sounds as though it could though.

[babewithbrains_14]

Installment: 10
Stuart.

For the next few months I didn’t see that much of Sophia. I often saw her wearing new outfits – a business suit, a cheerleader dress, even some punky stuff which I never imagined would suit her. I knew the outfits were a sign she was seeing new people, and only she could pull off so many different styles.

I was walking down the hall when I next got a chance to see her properly. Her latest suit was a Llamas kit, complete with cap. Sophia had cut her hair shorter, and now wore it in a ponytail, and she had toned down the green eyeshadow. Even though her feminine style wasn’t visible at first glance, it was still there. She still moved gracefully, still was the old Sophia.

She turned around quickly, keeping her head down, and walked past without registering I was there.

‘Sophia?’ I caught her arm and she looked up at me in alarm. Her eyes were red and full of tears. ‘Sophia?’ She pulled away.

‘Erm… I’m sorry Stuart. I have to go.’ She walked away from me quickly, and turned into her room. I stood dazed for a minute, then followed. Hit myself against her bedroom door in a fruitless attempt to open it.

‘Sophia.’ I sighed and rested against the wood, sliding down to the floor. I lifted an arm up and knocked on the door. ‘Let me in, honey. Please.’ There was silence. I waited. And waited.

I was sat there for over 15 minutes, just examining my hands.

Suddenly there was a click, and the door flew open. I fell backwards, sprawled out – half in the hallway, half in the bedroom. Sophia had removed her makeup, untied her hair, was now in her pj’s, and stared at me in shock.

‘Hello.’ I grinned foolishly and waved.

‘Hey.’ She replied, sat down next to me cross-legged, and offered me a spoon. ‘Want some ice cream?’

[babewithbrains_14]

Installment: 11
Sophia.

‘So, basically, you’re saying you want to give up all guys forever?’ Stuart raised an eyebrow at me. ‘You have no chance.’

‘Hey! I could so do it.’ I replied. ‘It’d be easy. Like a diet.’

‘Diets are not easy.’

‘It depends what diet you go on.’ She looked at the ice-cream. ‘Crap. I’m supposed to be on a diet already. Ah, well. I’ll start tomorrow. Anyway, if you go on the diet where you’re good all week, but then get a treat on the Sunday, you’re in trouble. Well. I would be. I’d forget about the teeny-weeny bit of KFC I was supposed to be having, and think “Forget it. Hand me the bucket!”’

‘You’re a vegetarian!’ he gasped, half laughing.

‘Stuart, being a vegetarian is a lot like giving up men. Which, in turn, is like being on a diet…’ we both laughed.

‘I can’t believe I won’t see you with another guy. Ever. It doesn’t seem right.’ I considered it. I would never feel that rough stubble against my skin, or when I had something wrong there was someone to kiss it all away, or feel my heart jump when I caught even a glimpse of a guy I liked again.

‘Well. It doesn’t have to be forever. It could just be for…’ the light from the candles was reflected in Stuarts’ eyes as he listened. He was actually listening to me. All my exes had never listened. ‘…for…’

‘For?’ Stuart whispered.

‘For… the next 10 seconds?’ He stared at me. I wasn’t sure if it was the amount of wine we had drank, but something in me made want to kiss him, to taste his lips.

And in one easy movement he lay me down and kissed me. It was the most beautiful kiss – in that moment I forgot about everything apart from him, his lips gently parting mine. Then he pressed closer to me, kissed harder, as though he wanted me. The kiss seemed to last for hours, and when he finally pulled away there hadn’t been enough. I wanted to drag him back down. I wanted more.

‘I have to go,’ he whispered. ‘We both have our finals tomorrow.’ I nodded. ‘I’ll see you tomorrow, okay?’ Stuart gave me one last quick kiss and went over to the door. The candles blew out when he closed it.

I lay there in the darkness, unable to suppress a smile. It had always been him. From the moment I saw him, I knew. I might have been getting ahead of myself, but from that moment I knew it was love.

My mobile was vibrating on my desk. Not a call. A text. From Stuart.
My heart fluttered with delight as I read it.

so was it 10 seconds? x x x

[surprised_by_witches]

Awwwwww ... welcome to the title of world class hopeless romantic.

That was so sweet!

[Lynet]

I found these pics. You can't see that much, but there's a little bit more.

I'm going to try that tip Lynet and see if it works. Sounds as though it could though.You've probably found out already that it isn't possible to move the cloud. I tried. I had to move the fighters instead. The fighters look pretty funny without the cloud. Their arms and legs bend in impossible angles and sometimes they turn into little knots of clothes that make no sense. I took pictures of a fight in 'I,Sim' but I had to wait until they looked mostly 'normal,' pause the game quickly and shoot the picture. It wasn't easy. 'Normal' was rare. :rolleyes:

I love the story, BTW, and the clever way you move from one character to another. I was really hoping that Stuart and Sophia would discover each other.

[Mirelly]

I tried mving the fighters, too. The odd positions are caused by the moving one fighter at a time ... mine ended up looking like they were "swimming" in the floor as well as fighting :o

[surprised_by_witches]

I've managed to get a couple of good pictures, even without moving the fighters, but it does take a lot of patience and sometimes it just doesn't work due to walls in the way, weirdly crumpled limbs, etc.

My new video card helps a lot.

[babewithbrains_14]

Yeas, I found out on - was it 'I, Sim'? I think so. When there was the fight before they escaped.

[babewithbrains_14]

Installment: 12
Stuart.

I wanted to be with her every minute of the day. If we passed each other on the halls, our eyes would connect and a little smile would bounce between us that hung around my lips all day. I fell asleep at night smiling. When I kissed her I was smiling. When I heard her voice, I was smiling.

My life was suddenly in colour. Birds sang, the sun shone, I was happy. And we continued our lives in this happy little bubble of happiness, always smiling.

[surprised_by_witches]

Awwww ... how very sweet.

[babewithbrains_14]

Installment: 13
Sophia.

I lay my head on his chest, smiling. We were watching a film in his room. Suddenly the DVD stopped – after a second I looked up at Stuart in bewilderment. He was pointing the remote at the TV set.

‘Stuart?’

‘How long have we been dating, Soph?’ he asked me.

‘Three months, two weeks and four days,’ I replied instantly. ‘Why?’

‘I’ve been thinking.’

I waited.

‘Yes…?’

‘I’ve been thinking, Sophia, I’ve been – just – wondering, really…’

‘Yes…’ My heart was thumping. Was this it? Was I dumped?

‘Whether we should move in together.’

I pounced on him, kissed him, pushed him down, pulled off his shirt.

‘That’s a yes, then?’ he gasped, ran his fingers through my hair, kissed me back.

[babewithbrains_14]

Quite a low and long post, but I loved writing it. I just went on and on!
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Installment: 14
Michelle.

I was always top of the class. People told me that if I studied hard at school I’d get good grades and get a good job when I was older. But Daddy hadn’t gone to college, and scoffed whenever somebody said it.

‘I never went to college,’ he’d say, in that big booming voice that you couldn’t tune out no matter what. ‘and look at me. A beautiful daughter, a gorgeous wife, an enormous house – no, college is just an excuse to get into debt partying.’

By then the person who told me to study hard would get embarrassed, make excuses and leave. Daddy was right though. That’s why I never went to college. As soon as I became a legal adult I took out my savings and bought a house, and a small place in the local business district – I say small, but it still cost almost £100,000. My savings were gone in a poof of smoke – I even had to borrow money from my parents. Daddy was wary at first – the first 3 times I went round he slammed the door in my face – but I got round him in the end. It took a lot of cab journeys though.

He was very set in his ways. That’s why it was such a shock when he told us he was leaving. At first I thought he was joking, even though my Daddy never did that – he never played tricks, hated it when Mum or I tried to play one on him. No, he sat Mum and I both down at the big table in the dining room and told us both together. That’s another thing about him. He hated keeping secrets from the rest of the family. Looking back on that now, it’s a little ironic - maybe even a reason - why he told us everything.

He looked into Mums’ eyes and simply said, ‘Mary-Jo, I’m leaving you.’ Mum went pale, stayed silent and nodded. I felt like slapping her. He was always treating her badly, like a trophy wife. For once, wasn’t she going to stand up for herself? And what about me? Didn’t she care her only daughter was going to grow up without a Daddy? No. Didn’t seem that way. She just shook her head, tossing her caramel curls when he tried to peck her on the cheek to say goodbye. I thought Daddy would come back – he was my big, strong Daddy, with a booming voice and an expensive smell. I waited months for him – and in the end, I got a phone call.

‘Michelle, I want you to come and meet your step-mum. And your 2 sisters.’ I almost dropped the phone. Daddy hadn’t even been gone 4 months yet. How could he have this new family? Did he just forget about me?

So I went round. Met Suzy, my step-mum. She was blonde, and curvy, and wore tight clothes and a lot of lipstick. She called my Daddy ‘Lou’ like a toilet. Every time she called him that, I felt like screaming. ‘He’s Louis, not Lou!!!’ And she used to just perch on his knee when he was sat in an armchair and drape herself all over him. My sisters weren’t up to much either – Carol and Lynnette. They were like twins – both blonde with big blue eyes, always singing or dancing. They tried to teach me a dance with them, to show Daddy and Suzy, but I didn’t do it right. Carol and Lynnette always referred to Daddy as ‘theirs’ or 'our' He was mine first.

Daddy was disappointed. He’d wanted to see if I could stay with him, I could tell. But I didn’t want to leave Mum. And I wasn’t stupid. Daddy had obviously been with Suzy for years and years – Lynnette was 13, Carol 8.

After that first visit I didn’t go back. And I only heard from Daddy once or twice afterwards – but the real shocker was when the postman came. The last contact with Daddy had been 3 years ago, so when this invite came to his wedding, I tore it apart. It didn’t even say he was marrying Suzy – this was someone called Ricki. On the back of the invite was a picture of them both together. My Daddy - slightly wrinklier and a bit fatter around the waistline – with his arm around Ricki. She had bright red hair.

With my Mum things had gotten rough. She had sunk into a deep depression after Daddy left, and eventually she killed herself. She was only 36. I don’t like talking about her that much.

And so I buried myself in my studies, concentrating on saving up so I could get a life and move out of this huge, empty, house.

[Lynet]

Now I want to reach into the computer and give Michelle a hug. I didn't think the post was too long. I was interested all the way through. :)

[surprised_by_witches]

I agree. She feels like a real person already.

[babewithbrains_14]

Installment: 15
Sophia.

This house was amazing. It wasn’t that big, or fancy, but I loved it. It was just so amazing to be sharing everything with Stuart.

Work was piling up though – I was neglecting assignments. There just didn’t seem to be enough time in the day! Most of it was taken up spending time with Stuart. We were now at the ‘up close and personal’ stage, and I felt like a part of this couple. For the first time in my life, I was a half of someone.

I stomped home one day, stressed as hell. I felt like killing my teacher – she was constantly critical of me! It just felt like she was never off my back!

I flew through the front door, slamming it behind me. ‘Stuart!!!’ I yelled, I threw my bag on the floor, collapsed onto the sofa holding my head in my hands, and kicked off my shoes. There was no reply, but he’d have told me if he was going out. ‘Stuart?’ I began to tiptoe through the house, calling him. I looked through the kitchen window into the back garden, and stopped dead.

[babewithbrains_14]

Installment: 16
Stuart.

‘Where is she?’ I whispered to myself. My watch read 19:55. Sophia didn’t finish class until 20:00. I grabbed the bottle, and poured out two glasses.

Was I actually going to do this? Was I prepared? What would she say?

The front door slammed, and I gulped my drink.

Too late now.

[babewithbrains_14]

Installment: 17
Sophia.

‘Stuart, what’s going on?’ I asked as I walked down the steps into the back garden. It looked amazing. There was a top-of-the-range hot-tub installed, surrounded by candles on tables. Stuart was stood holding two glasses of champagne, dressed in his most expensive suit.

‘Sophia,’ he said, handing me a glass. ‘I wanted to surprise you.’ I smiled.

‘Well, you did.’ I took a sip of champagne and looked around. ‘But why?’ Stuart looked at the ground, and placed his glass on one of the tables. And then he kneeled down, pulling a small box out of his pocket.

‘Sophia.’ I gasped, and my eyes began to well up. ‘From the moment I set eyes on you, I knew you were the one I would be with. Please, please, make me sure that it will be for the rest of my life – because I don’t know what I would do without you. Will you be my wife?’

‘Ye-‘ I paused for a split second. Was I sure I was ready for this? And for that split second, I could see he knew I was hesitating, and his face was just – pure depression. I couldn’t do it.’-s. Yes! Of course!’ He jumped up, and I flung my arms around him. His arms felt so strong around me, he was keeping me safe – any doubts I had instantly vanished. Obviously this was right! This couldn’t be wrong – we were a perfect couple. We were going to last for ever.

[babewithbrains_14]

Pictures!

1) Champagne!
2) A kiss.

I have more, but they aren't very good. I didn't get any of the actual proposal :(.

[babewithbrains_14]

Installment: 18
Michelle.

Everything was so hectic! This new house was tiny compared to my old one. I had a bedroom, a bathroom, kitchen with small dining area, and a living room. I wasn’t really bothered about the size though. I was going to spend more time at the salon I had bought. I hadn’t been able to think of a good name, and so I juts kept it the way it was. I had redecorated though! There was pink, black and white everywhere now. It looked fantastic. I also had a couple of employees. They weren’t up to much, but they would do for
now.

Business was a little slow, to be honest. I hadn’t even unpacked properly when I had a bad review, which didn’t help. But I’ll work on it, and show that reporter.

So far, I’d had two customers for a makeover. One was a local guy who came in with red hair down to his shoulders.

‘I want it all off.’ He said, looking in the mirror opposite. I looked at him appraisingly.

‘You want a skinhead?’

‘Well, no. I don’t mean that I mean…’ he clicked his fingers as he struggled for the word.

‘Something different?’ I suggested.

‘Yes! That’s it exactly! I want something different.’

‘Hmmm.’ I circled him and studied his features carefully. He had the most amazing blue eyes, hidden by this greasy hair. ‘How about a colour?’
He left a happy man. Blue hair went fantastically with his eyes, and the short cut gave his face a most amazing… well. He looked all… rough and manly.

Then there was a young dark skinned girl, a petite little thing with a waist smaller than stepmother number twos’.

‘Hi, I’m Jamie. I’m going to a party tonight,’ she said confidently. ‘And my ex boyfriend is going to be there, so I-‘

‘Want to show him what he’s missing.’ I finished for her with a smile.

‘Yaha. I want shorter hair, but I’d hate to cut it.’

‘Don’t worry – I’ll sort you out.’ I gave the most fantastic swizzled hair design ever.

‘So when did you break up?’ I asked as I finished trimming.

‘About a year ago now. It’s just, he’s with a new girl, and I thought it might have turned into something special – he didn’t even give us a chance.’

‘Did it not last long then?’

‘Two weeks.’ I winced.

‘I really, really, liked him. But he was doing her behind my back all along.’

‘So are you seeing anyone now?’ I scooped the hair up and twizzled.

‘No. All men are ****s.’ I laughed and she smiled. ‘How about you? Currently involved?’

‘No, not me - I haven’t really got time for a relationship right now. What with the business to run, and all.’ I clipped the last section of hair into place and squirted some spray on. ‘You’re done!’

‘Wow! It’s fantastic! You are so creative!’ I laughed as Jamie admired herself in the mirror. ‘Thank you so much!’

She was standing by the register sighing later on.

‘Luc, what are you doing?’ I said sharply, nudging him out of the way and taking control of the register. ‘You’re trying to bill her £3,500 for a lolly?’

‘I know, I know,’ he mumbled moving quickly away red faced. ‘I’m… erm – just gonna be…’

‘Sorry,’ I smiled sympathetically. ‘New guy, you know…’

‘I know.’ She grinned back. ‘Thanks again for the hair.’

‘Oh, it’s no problem. Okay, that’s 35p please.’

‘Great,’ she said, handing the money over. ‘See you around.’ As she turned to go, she paused and turned back. ‘Listen, if your staff aren’t up to much, I could come in and show them the ropes if you wanted. I used to work in my uncles’ toy shop.’ She paused. ‘You wouldn’t have to pay me.’

‘Jamie, that's a very generous offer, but I'd feel bad about not paying you. How about if I hire you instead?’ She grinned.

‘I’ll see you Monday.’

[DuzzyGirl]

He looks great with blue hair!!

I've used the barber's chair a whole two times. Once was a freebie that I could change the looks, the other was a paying customer. I had no control, and by the time my sim was done, the customer looked like a clown. I thought it was pretty funny, though the customer did not.

[babewithbrains_14]

I think both times were freebies, actually. All sims in my game are cheap.

[babewithbrains_14]

Installment: 19
Michelle.

Jamie was natural. She had such a sunny personality, and new how to nudge customers towards making that purchase. And Luc was embarrassed when there were so many customers to serve but had no clue how to work the till – until Jamie stepped in. She taught him which buttons to press and his confidence bloomed – there was nobody yelling or giggling at him now, and he started to get a great rapport with customers. In fact, I think I saw a little spark between them, and that was another problem. I didn’t want to go all scary boss but I knew from high-school experience that relationships with someone from work wasn’t always the best of ideas. In fact, it had gotten me fired from the McDonalds around the corner. Oops.

I was going over stock on Thursday evening, as I do every weeknight. There were no customers or employees in, and I was all alone. Or so I thought.

Bang. It sounded like wood hitting something, and I tensed. Was this a break-in? I listened carefully. There were footsteps coming from out front, and I was in the back office. I took off my shoe – stiletto heels. Not always the most practical, but used in a situation like this and they could work in my favour.

I tiptoed – well, limped - along the hallway and put my ear against the door. I could hear humming. Oooh. This was no ordinary burglar.

I took a deep breath, and opened the door.

[babewithbrains_14]

Installment: 20
Jamie.

Ohmygod. I just can’t stop laughing!!!

Michelle didn’t know I was staying late after work – mainly because I forgot to tell her – and heard me drop the brush on the floor. She thought I was a burglar, and came in limping wielding a stiletto shoe as a weapon!

‘EEYAH!!!’ she screamed as she came in – I was so shocked, I dropped the brush again, and screamed one of the most girlish screams of my life, and then Michelle’s war cry joined my shriek. Then we both stopped and laughed.

‘Phew,’ Michelle gasped, putting her shoe back on. We were both breathing pretty heavily. ‘Hi, Jamie.’

‘Hey, Michelle.’ I replied, grinning weakly. I had the most painful stitch in my side, but somehow the shock of seeing Michelle burst in wasn't the thing making my heart race.

[babewithbrains_14]

Installment: 21
Stuart.

Sophia had been away for the weekend on a course trip, and I had a surprise for her. I had made our basement into our own little private love nest, with a love tub, a king-size bed, and flowers and candles galore. This was my fiancée, and I wanted to reassure her that I was going to spoil her. She dumped her bag in the hallway when she got back.

‘Hey sexy, I’ve missed you.’ She breathed down my ear as she threw her arms around me. ‘Eurgh, you’re all dusty! You need a shower.’ She raised an eyebrow. ‘Or rather, we need a shower. Lets go.’ Sophia grabbed my hand and began to lead me up the stairs.

‘Not yet,’ I said, and pulled her back sharply so she spun round and into me. I wrapped my arms around her and kissed her deeply. ‘I have a surprise for you.’ It was my turn to lead now. She giggled.

‘Shouldn’t I be blindfolded for this?’

‘No sugar, that’s for later.’ I winked, and continued to pull her round. We got outside and I stopped at the top of the stairs that went down to the basement. ‘Right baby, you wait here. No peeking.’ I gave her a quick kiss.

‘Make sure you stay right here – I won’t be long.’

I shut the basement doors behind me and gave a quick scan of the room. Wow. She was going to love it. Before it had just been an old storage room. Lighting the last candle, I smiled. I had finally found my soulmate.

‘Right Sophia, you can come now.’ I called, poking my head through, expecting an excited squeal or at least a reply, but there was nothing. I stepped outside. ‘Sophia?’

She was gone.

[Lynet]

Oh, no. Not good. :( Sophia missing, I mean, not the story which is always fun.

[surprised_by_witches]

OK, Missy no week-long cliffhangers here. Where is Sophia?

Very fun story. I loved the "burglar" incident. I could picture it so clearly.

Good stuff, Babe.

[babewithbrains_14]

Installment: 22
Sophia.

She couldn’t think for herself. She could barely feel. She was floating in nothingness, surrounded by beings that were not there. Whispers surrounded her, and there was a screaming in her head that she wanted to shut out but only a tiny part, deep inside her, was awake to try and fight it. She didn’t have the energy, and wanted let go of all consciousness. But that tiny part of her kept fighting and nagged her. She couldn’t sleep. She had to survive.

‘Let me sleep,’ she thought. ‘Let me let go. There’s no point in me fighting anymore.’

‘No.’ whispered a voice inside her defiantly, but she couldn’t fight it. She began to slip, drifting away…

Behind her, there was movement. Barely conscious, she could still sense it. She didn’t know who it was, but she knew something was going to happen. Something big.

Her surroundings flashed white, and Sophia jolted upright, eyes open wide. She had never experienced so much pain. Her body trembled but she was as stiff as a board.

‘Stop,’ she whispered. ‘Make it stop.’

It lasted a split second but felt like a lifetime. The light vanished and she plunged back into nothingness, her body drooping and curling up, her eyes closing.

That split second had just changed her life.

[Lynet]

This actually gave me chills, Babe. I think she's been kidnapped by aliens but I'm not sure. Someone's kidnapped her, anyway. I'm waiting to find out. :eek:

[surprised_by_witches]

Me, too! I've read that a few times and I still can't figure out what happened. I hope she's going to be OK!

[babewithbrains_14]

Hehehe!

Perhaps she's been kidnapped by a vampire. Or a freaky robot. Or as Lynet sis thinking, maybe ailiens. Who knows?

[Sacharissa]

C'mon Babe! Don't leave us hanging like this!!! :confused: