Thursday 4 September 2014

Chapter 17: The Baby in the Attic

Image and video hosting by TinyPic
Teens have it easy these days don't they- what with all the hi-tops and jazz kittens and crunk going on, not like in my day when all we had was Pokemon cards and Yo-Yos... I'm getting off-topic here.

Paiden and Paloma are in the midst of their teenage years and they couldn't be happier, at least on the surface. But scratch a little deeper and you'll find that not everything is as sweet as it seems.


Image and video hosting by TinyPic
Paiden Heart has a dark secret, one that she can't possible share with anyone. Oh it crosses her mind of course- the urge to confess is ever present, but it remains forever under wraps; hidden, both physically and metaphorically.


Image and video hosting by TinyPic
In the empty attic above the house there lies a little boy, a boy born to parents who never planned for him but vowed to care for him nevertheless. However, things are always easier in theory aren't they?


Image and video hosting by TinyPic
After giving birth to baby Ehren the previous day, Paiden soon found taking care of a newborn wasn't all that easy. Torn between living her carefree teenage life and fulfilling her obligations as a mother, Paiden was reduced to scurrying back and forth from the attic at any given opportunity, just trying to keep her son alive, alone.


Image and video hosting by TinyPic
Paiden wondered how long she'd be able to keep it up.


Image and video hosting by TinyPic
In the world outside the attic, let's call it 'Normality', life for the other members of the Heart household was simple enough. Tristan and Juliet had themselves recently been blessed with the birth of a son also, and it was now time for him to age up.


Image and video hosting by TinyPic
...He reminds me a bit of a raccoon.


Image and video hosting by TinyPic
With Lake having reached his toddler years, his proud parents put all things aside in order to devote time to teaching him his life skills.


Image and video hosting by TinyPic
Paiden meanwhile was also trying to focus on skillage. As a Virtuoso, Paiden had a keen interest in the piano and used to spend the majority of her time practising. Since having Ehren she'd definitely fallen behind, but she still remained a gifted musician.


Image and video hosting by TinyPic
The following night it was time for Ehren to age up into a toddler also.


Image and video hosting by TinyPic
Paiden was of course there to see her son through his transition, and to care for him afterwards.


Image and video hosting by TinyPic
Well, for a little while anyways. Thing is, Paiden is of course only a teenager, so although she tried her best to care for Ehren, several hours of her day were taken up with schoolwork- leaving the boy all alone.


Image and video hosting by TinyPic
At the end of each school day Paiden would quickly make her way to the attic to see her son, but it was only inevitable that, in time, the stress of all her burdens would take its toll on Paiden.


Image and video hosting by TinyPic
Sometimes there was nothing left for the poor girl to do but collapse.


Image and video hosting by TinyPic
Pretty soon, Paiden realised that if she was going to get through this she was going to need help.


Image and video hosting by TinyPic
Late one night, whilst her sister Paloma was just getting into bed, Paiden interrupted her with the news that she had something to tell her.


Image and video hosting by TinyPic
Instantly Paloma could tell that Paiden was upset, and she'd definitely noticed her sister's withdrawal from the family in recent times. Reaching out with a comforting grasp, Paloma urged Paiden to tell her what was wrong.


Image and video hosting by TinyPic
And so she did.


Image and video hosting by TinyPic
It was a shock, of course it was. Paiden had been sullen and moody recently, that much was obvious, but Paloma had never dreamed it was because she'd secretly given birth, and now she knew the truth she wasn't sure whether to be angry or sympathetic.


Image and video hosting by TinyPic
In the end she just decided to be there for her sister in any way she could.


Image and video hosting by TinyPic
After confiding in Paloma and getting her advice, Paiden knew the next step was to come clean completely, and that meant telling her mother Juliet the truth.


Image and video hosting by TinyPic
That meant Confession Time, once again.


Image and video hosting by TinyPic
And another round of Shocked and Appauled Faces.


Image and video hosting by TinyPic
Juliet took the news better than Paloma, probably because she was a caring mother and she was prepared to be there for Paiden, no matter what messes she got herself into.

After the initial surprise was done with, Juliet immediately headed straight for the attic.


Image and video hosting by TinyPic
And that was when she first met her grandson.


Image and video hosting by TinyPic
With Ehren no longer on lockdown, Tristan and Juliet were able to care for him at the same time as looking after their son Lake.


Image and video hosting by TinyPic
This afforded Paiden much more free time once again, and the first item on her agenda was to go and see her boyfriend Raoul.


Image and video hosting by TinyPic
But any hopes of a romantic reconciliation were soon dashed when Raoul went all frigid mistress on her. You may remember when Paiden was pregnant he would have nothing to do with her physically, at it seems he's still planning to keep it up even though the baby is out.

You made your bed Raoul, you should at least get it laid!


Image and video hosting by TinyPic
Whilst Paiden and Raoul were off doing the merry dance of Ring Around the Pricktease, back at home Lake was aging up.


Image and video hosting by TinyPic
Eesh! This boy just gets creepier and creepier doesn't he?


Image and video hosting by TinyPic
I was hopeful that the older kids wouldn't also turn out to be all creepish when they moved onto their next life stage, and there was only one way to find out.


Image and video hosting by TinyPic
My little sweetie Lane was the first to sparkle.


Image and video hosting by TinyPic
Hmm... Not so sweet anymore eh?


Image and video hosting by TinyPic
Next came Paloma.


Image and video hosting by TinyPic
Ahh, at least she looks cheery.


Image and video hosting by TinyPic
And finally there was Paiden.


Image and video hosting by TinyPic
Yey, another reasonably happy one.


Image and video hosting by TinyPic
After Paiden's birthday some of the family's savings were used to transform the attic into a habitable environment, with room for Ehren of course.


Image and video hosting by TinyPic
One of the first things Paiden did as a Young Adult was invite Raoul over, as I'll have you know she's been wanting to marry him since she was a teen.

Definitely no wedded bliss in sight for these two just yet though, cause apparently Raoul just isn't into being touched. Ever.


Image and video hosting by TinyPic
He does really love his son though, so that's a bonus.


Image and video hosting by TinyPic
Despite their differences, both parents were present for Ehren's birthday celebrations.


Image and video hosting by TinyPic



Image and video hosting by TinyPic
No, he's too happy, he's not from this family- he must be an alien.


Image and video hosting by TinyPic
With Ehren a child, Paiden tried her best to be a good mom and provide for him as usual- giving him all the food and shelter he needed and whatnot, there was just one thing missing...


Image and video hosting by TinyPic
Readers, we have a problem. Paiden doesn't like kids.

Yep, upon her transition into a Young Adult Paiden gained the Dislikes Children trait, and I can hardly blame her considering her first experiences of motherhood.


Image and video hosting by TinyPic
Raoul on the other hand loves kids. I mean, in that healthy perfectly-normal-as-allowed-by-law way. He's Family Oriented, so he's happiest when he's spending time with Ehren.


Image and video hosting by TinyPic
But this does of course pose problems for his future with Paiden, especially as Raoul's all about getting some more kids in the hizzle and Paiden wants nothing to do with any procreation plans.


Image and video hosting by TinyPic
The possibility of Paiden and Raoul having more children is definitely very up in the air, but regardless it's time for another member of the Heart household to get on with their life.

I loves Paloma, I do, and it's sad to see her go. Still, I'm sure she'll have a nice life out there in Story Progression land. Byeeeee!


Image and video hosting by TinyPic
Urgh, the sad and wrinkly side of moving on now. Tristan's had a nice, long, eventful, Simbot-tastic, betrayalish, ghostly, fatherly life and so he must become an Elder. Still, my face is not very happy about him becoming olde. I'm doing a frown and everyfink.


Image and video hosting by TinyPic
*FROWN*


Image and video hosting by TinyPic
I guess with Tristan relegated to the seniors bench my hopes of hotness lie firmly with Lane, for what is a legacy without a tasty Simmie to perv on?

He's a little quirky looking alright, but he's lovable.


Image and video hosting by TinyPic
The ladies of Bridgeport definitely all think so, especially the older ladies for some reason.


Image and video hosting by TinyPic
Even the maid felt compelled to push her boobs in his face.


Image and video hosting by TinyPic
Eventually I got Lane hooked up with someone nearer his own age and turned my attentions back to Paiden and Raoul. After weeks of distance I was determined to get them back on track, especially as they still kept rolling wants to marry each other. I can take a hint okay?


Image and video hosting by TinyPic
Wish granted.


Image and video hosting by TinyPic
Best grin ever...


Image and video hosting by TinyPic



Image and video hosting by TinyPic
Following the engagement, well, there's not much planning required for a wedding in The Sims, so instead Paiden and Raoul focused on their band- Red Hands.


Image and video hosting by TinyPic
Well, I say that, but they get like one gig a week- it's ridonkulous. Their musical skill level is super high so there's not much work to do there, so without performances on the horizon Paiden just likes to go out boozing instead, with her protege Lane by her side.


Image and video hosting by TinyPic
Soon Lane, soon you will be a Party Master.


Image and video hosting by TinyPic
Aside from the nights spent out revelling with Lane, Paiden also kept family ties strong by continuing to see Paloma often.


Image and video hosting by TinyPic
She also buddied up with Paloma's new boyfriend Zach, and he became the drummer for Red Hands.


Image and video hosting by TinyPic
Considering she was spending so much time in bars and clubs anyways I figured Paiden might as well earn some cash whilst she was there, so she began to learn the Mixology skill.


Image and video hosting by TinyPic
In time she was skilled enough to be able to moonlight.


Image and video hosting by TinyPic
Well, I say that, but some of Paiden's drinks came out downright rotten, as I discovered when Tristan vommed one back up all over Juliet's chest...


Image and video hosting by TinyPic
*neglected child interlude*

I kind of, erm, forgot all about Lake, so he celebrated his birthday alone in the park.


Image and video hosting by TinyPic
You know he actually aged up looking like this? Lake has been effectively dressing himself his whole life, which is probably why he always looks so freakish.


Image and video hosting by TinyPic
But who said freaks can't find happiness? Immediately after aging up, Lake went over and introduced himself to this fine specimen. I think they're a good fit.


Image and video hosting by TinyPic
Ehren's birthday followed a couple of days later.


Image and video hosting by TinyPic
I say it again, he's not right for this family- first it was the happy thing and now it's just because he scares me.


Image and video hosting by TinyPic
'Sadly', Paiden missed her son's birthday as she was off out trying to buy her way into clubs.


Image and video hosting by TinyPic
Oh, and lookie who we found in one of the hotspots- it's Luca's kiddies all growed up.


Image and video hosting by TinyPic
This fine piece of fitness is my son Lysander.


Image and video hosting by TinyPic
This is Clairezy's son Lazarus.


Image and video hosting by TinyPic
Kimmeh's son Logan.


Image and video hosting by TinyPic
And Kitty's daughter Luna.


Image and video hosting by TinyPic
But more importantly, it's meeeeeeee!

I have a secret confession to make- I like totally love Paiden, in a similar way to the way I loved Eden in The Mars Family Legacy, if you get me... When she started pulling this face at Sim Me I about melted, and was thrilled even more so when she took me to the dancefloor.


Image and video hosting by TinyPic
I consider this moment the pinnacle of greatness in my legacy.


Image and video hosting by TinyPic
As time went on, Paiden and Sim Fury became firm friends, and with my awesome modelesque Simmie Paige in tow the trio went on to party their way across Bridgeport.


Image and video hosting by TinyPic
Proceedings were often halted though when Sim Fury would 'occasionally' have a few too many drinks and try to hit up Paiden.


Image and video hosting by TinyPic
Aww, it breaks your heart don't it?


Image and video hosting by TinyPic
But don't feel too bad for Sim Me, because Paiden, being the good friend that she is, decided to use her influence to encourage Sim Fury to seek alternate comfort...


Image and video hosting by TinyPic
Mm, getting to snog Leonardo Heart isn't the worst consolation prize is it?

After this Story Progression went and made us a couple, and we have Paiden to thank for that.


Image and video hosting by TinyPic
Ah that's a frowny looking face, what could possibly be the matter Paiden?


Image and video hosting by TinyPic
Oh, it's your wedding day? How... terrible?

No, I don't get it either. I'm guessing pre-wedding nerves or summat, though that doesn't explain why Paloma is protesting so much. Maybe she's worried her wedding dress won't be as nice or summat.


Image and video hosting by TinyPic
But whatever was bugging Paiden she soon forgot about it and put on her happy face as she and Raoul were married.


Image and video hosting by TinyPic
After the wedding Raoul decided to entertain the masses with some music, though I don't know if anyone really enjoyed it because they were all stuck in wedding celebration mode. I hate glitches.


Image and video hosting by TinyPic
In the end I sent Paiden away from it all so she could get some food and earn a little money moonlighting.


Image and video hosting by TinyPic
And I leave you now with a picture of me and Paiden, for I am a sentimental sucker. Will Sim Fury ever get the girl? Well, no actually. Nevermind eh! See youse guise next time.


You can find the storyboard version here if you'd like to rec.

0 comments:

Post a Comment