The Pennfield Follies The Ying Family – 3 First Avenue “You sure this is ok, babe?” Madeira French giggled anyway in spite of his worried frown. “Yes, now shush, and watch out for that—,” A loud rasping creak rent the silence. “Sorry,” he said through a poorly held-in snort of laughter. “Why is it that you’re the only one who always manages to step on the creaky stair?” Nene hissed as she pulled Madeira into the bedroom at the top of the stairs. “Huh? How many others have been up here, anyway?” “None of your business, you big ape … come here.” “Where? I couldn’t get any closer if—,” She shut him up with a kiss and he lifted her off her feet and twirled them across the moonlight-dappled floor in the general direction of the imposing four-poster. “Now he’s starting to get the idea …” “Shut up, you. Man at work here …” Sometime later, as they snuggled under the covers, Madeira raised his earlier concerns afresh. “So your folks aren’t going to go ape when I show up at breakfast, then?” “Why should they, you idiot? We’re both over 21 and they must’ve realized we were an item when we rented that house after we moved out the dorms” “Yeah but …” Nene’s left foot had been poking out from the covers for several minutes and her toes were feeling cold. Playfully she brought them back under the covers and sought out Madeira’s toasty legs. “Yowch! How the maxoids do you manage to get such cold feet?” “’S not my feet that’s cold, boy, it’s you who’s on fire … anyway, stop changing the subject. You’re the one with the cold feet, you were about to yeah but …” “Was I?” She answered him with a theatrical snore. “Oh yeah, wasn’t this your grandma’s room, I was going to ask before you started in on the patent Nene Ying Cold Foot Torture.” “Yeah but she’s not using it, now.” Nene rolled over to face him. “ Wossup wid momma’s ickle nooboo? Is ‘e scairt o’ ghosties?” She reached up and tousled his thick curly hair. “Can we get some sleep, now? Huh? I have to be up early. I start my new job tomorrow, don’t forget?” “I was so trying to.” “Sarcasm is a poor disguise for jealousy.” “I am not jealous.” “Ah, if you say so, dearest. You had any luck finding a job, yet?” He answered with a theatrical snore …. _________________________________________ That's epi one ... no idea where it's going or even if it has any legs. Just got a hankering to write a bit of a yarn. There'll be pics later after the first couple of scene-setting episodes __________________________________________
Oh, I hope so. Can't wait. Kinda hoping there's a ghost, too, but even without grandma I like Madeira and Nene already.
I love your dialogue, Mirelly...very natural, and yet witty too. Just letting you know I am ready to march all the way over the Atlantic and pound on your door if you don't continue.
I'll come along for the ride and help with the pounding. That's some really great dialogue, Mirelly. I don't care if there is a ghost or not, I just like the characters and can't wait for the family drama to unfold still further.
Chez French – 49 Fourth Avenue “So what’re you planning to do with your life, brother of mine?” “Oh, man! I don’t know.” Madeira heaved a sigh and regarded his twin. “I sure don’t want to get tied down like you.” “Don’t knock it, Maddy. Marriage is a good way to live … you don’t have to have kids.” “Huh! Like you, you mean! I don’t think Nene’s as keen on marriage now as she was before you and Mizzi dropped a pair of twins! I mean! What were you thinking, man?” “Hey don’t blame me,” Edam laughed. “We both know that twins can run in families.” “Yeah? Well so does Nene, now.” “Seriously, though, are you two thinking about getting married?” “Nah, not exactly.” “What’s that s’posed to mean? You’ve been together a long time now, you must have talked about the future, surely.” “My bruvver! Mentor to the mindless masses.” “That’s right, change the subject, let’s all have a laugh.” “Sorry, Ed, I’m not in the mood to talk about stuff like that.” “You never are.” “Touch.” “No sweat, man. Just remember that I’m always here for ya, ‘kay?” “Right … thanks, Ed.” “You stopping for dinner?” “Who’s cooking?” “Mizzi’s making her special pasta,” “Just so long as it isn’t you! You may be the fastest rising star in the Pennfield Fielders but your secret ability to burn all dishes, including corn flakes, will remain our little secret.” “What would I do without you?” “Maxoids! That’s a thought … you’d have to make your own disasters to clear up after. I guess I’m not such a waste of space after all. Thanks, mate, you’ve really cheered me up. Hey did I tell you that Nene keeps her granny under the bed …? ___________________________ Thanks for the kind comments, folks ___________________________
LOL! I like the way you sort of keep them as sims, it makes for interesting phrases (sp?). And so very funny, too. Thumbs up!
The Jarvis Family – 4 First Avenue “Darling! You’re back … mwa mwa.” “Hi Momma.” “Where’s Marco?” “I left him sleeping. We didn’t get back until very late.” Hayleigh Keller stifled a yawn. “Sorry, Mom, maybe I should’ve stayed in bed a little longer, but I was too excited to sleep. I just had to get up and start unpacking.” “Oh you ought to have called me, darling. I’d love to help, you know.” “I know, but there wasn’t very much.” Lainey Keller consulted her watch. “Have you had breakfast yet?” “Nope but the unpacking is all done … er, are you offering?” “I don’t know why you had to get your own house in the first place. Daddy and I have loads of room here and you know how much little Tommy was looking forward to having his big sister back home.” “Yeah,” Hayleigh’s laugh was a pleasantly musical sound. “He’s already made a secret path through to our back yard. But, mom, it’s not as if I have moved far from home, I’m only on the next street.” “I don’t why everyone seems to dislike this house.” “They don’t, Mom!” Hayleigh reached out to squeeze her mother’s shoulder. “It’s a very, very lovely house. But it’s also so big. I mean, look at it! My eyes get tired just sweeping from one side to the other.” “Oh, that’s nons—” “OK, when was the last time you and Dad sat in the lounge and watched TV, then?” “It was only the other day, if you must know.” “Yes …?” “Oh, alright, then. It was last time you and Marco came home. Satisfied?” “Good lord. And we only went down there then because Marco wanted to shoot some pool. Mom, face it. The place is a mausoleum. Grandma and Grandpa have passed on and what suited them doesn’t necessarily suit us younger people.” “Now you sound like your Uncle Hillary.” “Well? He didn’t want to take over the family estate either, did he?” “No, dear. He left that burden to me and your poor father to bear.” “Daddy? Come of it, Mom. He loves this house … so do you for that matter.” “Well I had to try … it seems sort of traditional,” Lainey chuckled dryly. “Maybe I’ll have more luck with Tommy.” She winked at her eldest child and then reached out to stroke her. “The main thing is that you’re happy. You are, aren’t you?” “Of course. We couldn’t be happier.” “Any prospect of a wedding any time soon?” “Oh come off it, Mom. We only just graduated. We’re not in any tearing hurry and before you ask, we’re not in a rush to help fill up Mr. Jimasol’s academy either.” “How many eggs can you eat?” “I thought, you’d never mention it. Three should do, for now ….” “For now?” “I’m ringing Marco, I expect he’ll want something when he gets here.” “It’d be so much easier if we all just lived here.” “Mu—um!” “Just thinking aloud, dear.” __________________________________________ First batch of photos. 1) The Jarvis Family : Thomas, Lainey, Danuta, baby Ghana, Ethan 2) The Jarvis home 3) Lainey greets Hayleigh while Danuta looks on. __________________________________________
Had to take a looksee at the pictures . What a house! I'm enjoying the families and looking forward to further developments.
One or Two More Pics While I make sure I don't make any more mistakes ... last night I had the French family in the wrong house (... actually I changed the location of the conversation halfway thru ... smacks own wrists ... hard ... ) Anyway I produced an aerial view of Pennfield notated to name the streets and to identify the significant houses. It is most interesting to note that I didn't overplan things in that Hayleigh is living in the house that backs on to the parental home ... it was all she and Marco could afford (that was also vacant ... it was the Lister house where my avatar couple grew grey in ... they'll be cropping up sooner or later ... they now live out on the north end of 5th Avenue BTW. Just cos I got the pic anyway ... I give you the happy ghost of Teela Abelard, grandmother to Nene Oh and this is Nene ... possibly being more friendly with Hayleigh's SO, Marco, than may be prudent ... there are some crazy things afoot and not all that seems possible will be; and some things that would best not be might ...
Your neighborhood is so planned out, so organized! There are even telepphone poles running down the street (behind Marco,) And so full (a lot of plumbobs!) I have a bunch of neighborhoods and they're all completely haphazard, as whimsey takes me, with houses named silly things like, "Try Again," and "Second Attempt." Nene is pretty. Her granny looks like a happy ghost, or maybe she's just complaining about something. Anyway, I hope you write more.
Wow, she's pretty. And Marco's a handsome dude. I might be tempted to flirt, too. What a nice neighborhood, and as always I love your houses.
Author's note - a confession and a slight back story of no great importance First the confession. I got myself mixed up with Jarvis family. They derive from Winslow and India Jarvis. Their daughter Lainey married Ethan Keller buth they remain in the Jarvis ancestral pile. Eldest child Hillary Jarvis is married to a Reena French and may or may not figure in this tale though his children probably will. So Ethan, Lainey and Hayleigh are all Kellers of the "Jarvis" family Now for The Simmondses, the subject of this final introductaory episode .... There are two unrelated clans of the name, Simmonds in the small suburb of Pennfield. Both clans are quite large and diverse and, over the years, inter-marriage has complicated relationships somewhat. One clan derives from two daughters, one of whom married into a Llama mascot Ricky Andrews while the other married into the Abelard family and currently haunting Nene Yings bedroom as Grandma Teela. The other clan derives from two sons and two daughters. This episode features the family of the third child, Zager who is happily married to Elizabeth, ne Thom, a girl whose troubled and complicated childhood strengthens her appreciative grasp of stable family life. Zager and Elizabeth have three daughters. Callista, the eldest married a widower, Tebay Andrew after graduating. Taia graduated in the same class as the French twins and Hayleigh Keller . So ... if I haven't confused everyone (and I have taken trouble over the weekend to tidy up my concordance ... I'll begin ..... The Simmonds Family 17 North Street Whos that? Elizabeth asked with a frown. Itll be Cullen, I expect, Taias chair scraped the floor as she hurried to get the door. Elizabeths eyebrows shot up and she mouthed a question at her husband who shrugged noncommittally. As her daughter headed for the door, Elizabeth leaped into action, pushing a pile of laundry into a corner and slamming a stack of dirty dishes into the dishwasher with a carelessness that belied her normally careful manner. She finished in time to drag her apron off and stuff it inside a drawer before turning to meet the visitor. Zager pretended not to notice the sudden flurry of activity. He finished his last mouthful of breakfast and rose to join his youngest daughter who was waiting in the car for a ride to school. Cullen. How nice to see you, she breezed, as he entered the sun-filled kitchen. Lizzie! Cullen French growled, his generous mouth widening as he grinned with pleasure. Youre looking as young as ever. Whats your secret, eh? Flatterer oh, its so warm today, and me cooking as well! Taia, dear open the back door and let some air in. She flapped ineffectually at her reddening cheeks. We dont see you out here very often . Mum! Taias voice held barely concealed impatience. Cullen offered to help me work up my CV. Oh, thats nice of you. Yes it is, isnt it, Cullen roared with mirth at his joke. After a moment, Elizabeth joined in. Taia did not join in. With a flounce she whirled on her heels and left the kitchen to the old college buddies.
Pics always help. Taia with dad, Zager Elizabeth -- showing where Taia got that nose from Taia greets Cullen A teaser for the next episode [- posted the pics in the wrong order ... sorted now ... ]
“Your mother has left the building.” “I heard her car. She’ll be late for work ….” “Join you?” “What? Big guy like you needs an invitation?” She watched as he carelessly tore off his clothes. “Does Mom suspect anything, do you think?” “Why should she? You’re the vixen, madam. Your mother is a lady.” “Meaning that she never fell pray to your charms, I suppose.” “Mm-hm … something like that, now hotch over, my shoulders could do with your magic touch.” Taia’s chuckle was without innocence. “Anything else my lord Tom Cat desires?” “Back, first, wench.” We can discuss ‘else’, after you get the kinks out ….” — “Oh no!” Elizabeth’s face was a mixture of fear and concern. “I hope that’s just a bad burger you ate. Please tell me you ate something that was spoiled.” Taia couldn’t answer. Her stomach was clenched into a tight knot and was presently suspended halfway between her heart and throat resisting the temptation to come all the way up and refusing the option of going back down with equal stubbornness. “I should’ve known something was going on when Cullen showed up the other day,” Elizabeth said, seemingly talking to herself. Taia heard the words and her mind reacted with futile denials … luckily she remained incapable of speech. “It’s his boy, isn’t it? That Madeira lad. He always was a dark one that boy. Not all like his brother ….” Angry tears had filled her eyes and she choked off a sob leaving both women mute and puzzled. Taia had lived too long in the shade of her mother and elder sister’s perfection. Cut free from apron strings she had found freedom exhilarating, liberating and, most of all, fun. On the downside, hamstrung by an unworldliness wrought by a sheltered upbringing she was also a little too vulnerable. Her greatest fear was losing the respect of her mother and father. Caught, as she was, in the midst of an unmistakable bout of pregnancy nausea, Taia cast around in her mind for something hopeful and positive to say. At last she found her voice. “Please don’t start worrying over nothing, Mum,” she said. “Nothing!” “I mean, I was going to tell you—” “When? Eh? When? When the first diaper needed changing, perhaps?” “Don’t, Mum. That’s not fair. You’re not giving me a chance to explain.” “What’s to explain? I know the how and you’re not telling me the who, I notice.” “You’re not giving me the chance! For Hyrrh’s sake I can’t get a word in edgeways without you jumping to conclusions and judging me!” “Don’t you talk to me like that, young woman!” “Well! I’m sorry, Mum, but you’re not listening to me!” “Yes I am! But you’re not saying anything useful!” Taia felt trapped now by her own argument. She had to come up with something to stall the argument to give her time to work out what she was going to do. If only she could have hung on another half hour before she started puking …. “Look, we were going to tell you later … this weekend—” She cast her eyes downwards and hoped that mother would grasp the straw and miss the lie. “It was supposed to be a surprise.” She added with a touch of petulance. Elizabeth was already late for work, again. Now she was even later. “Oh, it’s a surprise alright. A real shocker. I don’t know what your father’s going to say—” It’ll kill him. Taia thought, predicting her mother’s words. “It’ll probably give him a nervous breakdown.” Elizabeth grabbed her bag. “I’m late for work, again, thanks to you. We’ll talk about this later. I think it’d be best if you looked for somewhere of you own to live, don’t you?” Taia was speechless. She watched her mother leave.
Jonquil raced to greet her mother. “Mom! Taia’s boyfriend is in the jack-suzie … with Taia and he’s not wearing anything at all. Not even ‘wimmin’ trunks!” “Well you shouldn’t have been peeking, then,” Elizabeth said trying to force a smile for her youngest daughter’s excitement. “Oh, I wasn’t peeking, I just happened to look askidentally and there he was.” She beckoned her mother closer and whispered. “He doesn’t look much different from Daddy … except Daddy has blonde hair.” “Really,” Elizabeth said, archly. All day she had been worrying over who the father might be. She strongly suspected Cullen. Cullen had made passes at her and several others as well back in their college days. He’d had something of a reputation as a womanizer. After graduating he had seemed to calm down somewhat, eventually marrying the eldest Abelard girl, Pansy. Though he had retained the charm and flirtatiousness that had made him all but irresistible to half the females that met him. There had been rumours of affairs, too. But Cullen was fair haired. Maybe it was the son. She hurried into the kitchen to spy on the spa-tub, which was out on the back patio, through a side window. —— I’ll probably come back as a zombie in my next life, for this,Taia thought as she climbed out of the tub. May Hyrrh forgive me. I like Maddy a lot, he’s fun to be with and he likes me lots too. He didn’t even need encouraging much to come over and visit and I certainly didn’t need to drop any hints. Like father, like son, I guess … I wonder what brother Ed is like …? The sheer wickedness of the thought pasted a big smile on her face. The smile was still there as she walked into the kitchen. She saw her mother furiously chopping an onion and the grin was gone. “Should you be using the hot tub?” Elizabeth said as she entered. “And hello to you, too, mother.” “Look, I’m sorry I shouted at you this morning. I was scared for you.” “Well I was scared, too. I still am, for that matter. I don’t know how Maddy’ll take it.” “You haven’t told him yet?” “Told me what?”
