Chapter 24

[simtopi]

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24: Devotion

 

Warnings: Coarse/mature language, boring conversations.
Happy Valentine's Day!
 

"Oh for crying out loud, Samantha."


Wanda: How in heaven's name did this happen to you?

Wanda Tinker clicked her tongue and waved the wand again, whispering a spell softly to waken the sleeping witch.


Samantha Cordial last remembered being at the college library, being surprised by the young man who seemed to have suddenly appeared behind her. More likely, she had been too engrossed in the witch she was confronting to have noticed anything else.


It was amateur and Samantha paid for it.
Wanda: And how, pray tell, did you, a seasoned witch, fall victim to a simple sleep spell cast by a novice, Sam?
Samantha: Wanda...


Wanda: You sure as hell screwed this up. What happened?


Samantha: I found him. The vampire that killed my sister. And with that girl's help he managed to get away. Are you satisfied?
Wanda: Why do you think that I'd be satisfied hearing that? You think I wanted you to fail?


Samantha: I tried to kill him, Wanda.
Wanda opened her mouth to say something, but the words failed her. Instead she slowly shook her head and sighed. She couldn't even hide her disappointment


Wanda: Do you think this is what we're reduced to, Sam? Using our skills and resources to go on mad vigilante missions?
Samantha: I didn't plan to kill him. I intended to bring him before the Circle as the mission stated...


Wanda: Well clearly he isn't here now. And he definitely wouldn't have been helpful if he all you brought back was a pile of ashes.


Samantha: He as much admitted his guilt, Wanda.
Wanda: Oh I'm sorry, I didn't get the memo that mentioned you were appointed judge and jury here. Your mission wasn't to try him on the spot, he was to be brought to us for questioning.


Wanda: How can you be really sure of his guilt?
Samantha: He said he was bound by an oath. But that doesn't make him necessarily innocent. You know that.
Wanda: I know, but it may not make him completely guilty too. I'm going to be completely callous here, Sam, but the Circle isn't as interested in the death of a dark witch, rather why she was killed to begin with. Vampires don't prey on witches. No vampire is that stupid. We know Kimberly was on an important mission for the Coven which is what brought her to Simtopi to begin with and it's likely that it has something to do with why she's dead now.


Exhausted and unable to maintain her reserve any longer, Samantha suddenly began to weep.

Wanda's words struck her hard. She had known the Circle wasn't very sympathetic to the death of Kimberly Cordial. It had taken a lot for Samantha to convince the others that she was able to handle this investigation, even though she was tied closely to the victim. She had done her best to remain above it, to stay detached from the reasons why she wanted to to be involved, if only to keep her mind sharp enough to connect the various pieces together. But faced with that vampire and the memories she had of Kimberly, she had broken down at the last minute and betrayed not only herself, but the Circle too.


Samantha: That was all she was... just another dark witch. One of the Coven. I... I know Kim and I haven't always gotten along in the past, and we haven't really spoken in years. But she was my sister, Wanda. Coven or not, she was still my twin sister. You have to understand why I did what I did.
Wanda: We don't use our magic to kill out of vengeance, Sam. We're bound to the Light, and this is one of our sacred principles.


Wanda: Now pull yourself together. Somehow I doubt your sister was the innocent victim you'd hope she was. Let's be honest here. Even by your admission, Kimberly was ambitious and greedy and you know she had used her magic for less than admirable things in the past. She made a choice to follow her path a long time ago and this is how she ended up.
Samantha: Is that it then? She gets what she deserved?
Wanda: Deal with it, hon. We all get what we deserve in the end. This is why I don't want to see you follow a path of vengeance. That's a dark, dark road you're going down.


Wanda: Listen, it isn't that I don't understand. But your personal vendetta has set us back. The Circle just doesn't have the resources to continue this investigation particularly if our own agents screw it up for us. We don't have the outright numbers and the strength that the Coven does, but what we're supposed to have are more brains. I don't know if they know that we've taken an interest in Kimberly's mission. I doubt they'd even care, but I have a feeling they will if we get involved with Kimberly's student.


Wanda: Now I gotta admit, you were on a roll searching out that young woman. I don't even know how you managed to find the connection between her and the vampire. But I don't think you've given her the proper attention. If she were such an untrained novice, how did she get the better of you?
Samantha: If Kimberly taught her then she did it well. That girl knew a lot more than I had originally given her credit for. But her alignment... was all wrong. I don't understand why Kimberly was training a witch who is clearly aligned to the Light. She even had an aura.


Wanda: Maybe she was hoping that the girl will follow another path. That's an extra step that I'm not sure why the Coven would take. I'm still finding it hard to believe that someone like Kimberly would be content to simply be a single student's personal tutor.
Samantha: They must be getting really desperate for membership.


Wanda: Maybe. Or maybe this girl isn't just an ordinary student. Maybe she's connected to Kimberly's mission. In any case, I'm going to do what you should have done in the first place. I'm going to have a chat with her.

---

It was late and Gabriel was trying his best not to get too worried.


Willow was an adult. She could take care of herself. She had every right to be out until the late hours of the night doing whatever she wanted. He didn't have a say in how she should spend her time. He wasn't that type of guy.


No, it wasn't like her to be out so late. Sure she had been known to be studying at the library until closing time but it was long past that. Midnight had come and gone. Gabriel tried to keep himself from thinking about it. He tried to get to sleep, but failing that, he got up to do some work instead. Maybe she was just out with Jasmine...


Doing whatever it was that girls did.

He had no idea that Jasmine was just coming home from yet another unbelievable night with her best friend to find that her truck had been towed from the front of the library where she'd left it.
Jasmine: Fuck me! My truck!!!


Jasmine: They towed my truck! I just got it fixed!

At least if Willow were with Jasmine he'd feel better about it. If he knew for sure.


He looked back at his alarm clock again as if it could tell him exactly when she'd be home. At this point, he'd call her but remembered that Willow was probably the only sim in the entire state who didn't own a cell phone. And again he tried to convince himself: he wasn't that type of guy.

It was well past 1am when he finally heard the large front doors creak open downstairs.


Linden: Are you going to be alright. It was kind of a heavy night.
Willow: That's an understatement. But I'll be fine. I think.


Willow: I'm sorry your homecoming didn't turn out to be so terrific.


Linden: Not your fault. Though I'm hoping that if you'd have known I was coming back, that you maybe wouldn't have brought vampires to the party.
Willow: It's not like I knew...
Linden: Willow, it's okay. At this point, I'm writing the entire night off as some kind of bad dream. Just one too many hits off the bubble blower. None of this will have happened when I wake up in the morning.


Willow: I've been telling myself that for the past few weeks now. Well, except for the bubble blower part.
Linden: In all seriousness though, this is all still pretty unbelievable. I'm going to have to get used to it somehow.
Willow: You're taking it better than Rowan did, I'll give you that. He's known for years and he still overreacts.
Linden: Yeah well, that's big brother for you.


Linden: What about you? Are you going to be okay? You just found out that your councelor's been killed by the same vampire you gave a blood transfusion to just an hour ago. How insane does all that sound to you?
Willow: It's a lot more complicated than that... I think... I don't know.


Willow: ...I really don't know Linden. Did I make the right decision?
Linden: I think I'm the wrong person to ask. I kinda just got here and I'm kinda not all caught up on the supernatural scene you kids are apparently into.


Linden: Listen, I'll stay the night if you need me to. You probably shouldn't be alone anyhow.
Willow: I'll be fine. But thank you. I did miss you and I'm glad you're here.

"Stay the night..." Who was this? Gabriel thought, looking down at Willow and the guy he's never seen before holding her all too familiarly.


Gabriel didn't know if she noticed him, but he couldn't help feel a sharp twinge in the pit of his stomach when she hugged him.


Gabriel: I was all kinds of worried about you, though if I'd known you were out with other dudes, maybe I shouldn't have been.
That came out a little more bitterly than Gabriel thought it should have but he couldn't take it back now.


Linden raised his eyebrow turning back to Willow.
Linden: Who's the douche?


Willow: Linden... he's not a douche. At least I don't think he means to be.


Gabriel: Linden??? Wait, you're her...
Willow: Yes, Gabriel, this is my brother. Who did you think it was?


Gabriel: Okay then, I suppose that does make me a bit of a douche.
Linden: Don't worry about it. I guess it's nice to meet you...


Willow: This is Gabriel. My boyfriend.
Linden: Boyfriend?

Behind them the bathroom door slammed open.


Rowan: Boyfriend??


Gabriel: Oh good, there's the other one.
Willow: Why is this such a huge surprise?


Rowan: Maybe because you've never mentioned it before?
Willow: I haven't seen you in over a week since before tonight.


Rowan: And it looks like our boy here's been a little busy. Finally managed to hook up with my sister, did you. Proud of yourself?
Gabriel: Hey listen, there was no indication whatsoever that you'd have been upset about it.


Rowan: Do I look upset to you? On the contrary, after all the shit that's gone down tonight, I can deal with this. Mostly.


Rowan: A word with young Mr. Markelly here.
Willow: Really Rowan? You have to do this now?
Rowan: We'll only be a moment.
Willow: This is so embarassing.


Willow: I know, I know, that's big brother for me.
Linden: You're just full of surprises today, aren't you, Willow?


Gabriel: You know, for twins you and Linden don't look a thing alike.
Rowan: Genetics can be a tricky bastard.


Rowan: I can't say I'm too surprised you're seeing her. But don't think because we've hung out a few times that I'm going to make this easy for you.


Gabriel: What are you gonna make me fight for her honour or something? Seriously, I didn't think you'd get into the overprotective brother angle.


Rowan: I am being fucking serious right now. I don't know what you know about her, and I don't freaking care. But listen up. Willow's going through some shit at the moment. She doesn't need to be fucked with emotionally so if all this is just a way to get into her pants, I'm telling you to step off.

Gabriel dead panned quickly seeing Rowan's intense expression. He was being completely serious.


Gabriel: Fuck you, Rowan. Not like I have to justify my relationship to you, and excuse me for being blunt, but I'm not you. I'm not using Willow the way you think I am. It's not like we even...
Rowan: I don't want to hear it. I don't give a fuck what you think about me and I don't care about your precious feelings either. You hurt her, you pay. Simple as that.
Gabriel: You know this tough guy act isn't gonna scare me off.
Rowan: Yeah that wouldn't impress me if it did.


Rowan: Another thing. I'm not gonna be around all the time and I doubt she'd appreciate it if I was. Someone needs to look out for her and it might as well be you.
Gabriel: I do that anyway, Rowan. I know we haven't been going out all that long, but it may surprise you that I genuinely do care about her.
Rowan: Good boy. She's going to need taking care of. Just don't keep her out of your sight for too long.
Gabriel: You know, I appreciate that you may be just a little over protective here, but what is this about exactly?
Rowan: Ask her yourself sometime.


The doors creaked loudly as Willow stepped outside.
Willow: Are you done being big brother now?


Rowan: Never. But for tonight I am. I'm fucking beat.


Willow: A lot's happened. And I'm sorry I... well you know. Pretty much all of it.
Rowan: Yeah I gotta say the whole thing just about sucked. Just take care of yourself.


Rowan: And believe me, I'm gonna be around a lot more now.
Willow: Rowan...
Rowan: You don't have a say in the matter.


Willow watched her brothers go, Gabriel at her side looking slightly confused. She was almost afraid to ask what Rowan and he had been talking about.


Gabriel: I'm just going to come out and say it. That was weird.
Willow: It's Rowan. He's like that. Weird.


Gabriel: Willow, what happened tonight?
Willow didn't answer him. She looked at him pensively, trying to forget everything that was going on in her mind right now. But not even Gabriel could make it all go away. Not this time.


She held him close instead. In the cool air he felt warm and solid and she wanted it to be that way forever. He didn't say anything, as if he just knew that this was all she needed right now.

Willow: I'm really tired, Gabriel.


She pulled away and walked back into the dorm.

---

Linden had been planning on staying at their parents' place for the duration of his visit here. But for tonight Rowan's apartment was much closer to campus and he was just as exhausted as Rowan was. It wasn't every day that your sister, the witch, unintentionally sucks the lifeforce out of you to supply her own magic. No, that wasn't fun at all.


As always, Rowan's place was a mess, and Linden had to resist the urge to pick stuff off the floor. It was like being kids again and Linden going nuts watching the trash piles grow on Rowan's side of the room.


He didn't even bother untying his boots before he simply crashed, sprawled all over his bed. He was completely out as soon as his head hit the pillow, and snoring already.


Linden sighed, looking down at the old couch he was supposed to be sleeping on tonight. Maybe the extra trip to their parents' condo would have been worth it. At least he'd get a bed. With pillows and possibly even a blanket.


The unfinished portrait had caught his attention almost immediately when he walked into the room. His brother was a good artist, but he never expected to see anything like this here. Familiar blue eyes looked back at him sadly from the canvas.


How long ago was this portrait done? Was Rowan still hung up on her after all this time?
"Meadow Thayer." Linden whispered. Of course. Why wouldn't he be hung up on her. Who wouldn't be?


They all lived at the same dorm. But oddly enough the last time he saw her wasn't the day that she left. He remembered that last conversation, though barely. He had a few drinks in him already. It was another college party, loud and raucous. He was bored. So was she. Rowan wasn't around.


He offered to get her a beer. She wasn't feeling well, she told him, and even the smell of alcohol was making her nauseous. But he knew she was more likely upset about something. It probably had to do with Rowan.


It was no secret, not even to her, that Rowan was screwing around. He didn't know why she tolerated it. She could do so much better than letting herself be mistreated like that. It wasn't like Linden hadn't told Rowan what he thought of the whole thing.


In typical Rowan fashion, he didn't care. Linden just couldn't understand why he was unwilling to let Meadow go.


Sure, Linden cared about her, though only as a friend. And as a friend, he didn't want to see her get hurt. Even if the one hurting her was his own brother.


How'd you get to be such a screw up? Linden thought, looking at Rowan as he grunted and rolled over in bed. He wondered briefly if Rowan was still seeing her, and what she was doing right now. But soon exhaustion took over. He fell asleep as soon as he hit the couch.

---

Linden was gone by morning, presumably to meet up with their parents and the rest of the family. Rowan wasn't sure why Linden didn't bother to wake him up. Or maybe he tried. He couldn't be sure. He had been dead asleep until noon and it took effort to roll over and get out of bed. Whatever Willow did to them last night, the effects was worse than a hangover.


But he dragged himself out of bed anyway. It was Saturday and he had plans. Plans he was already late for.










Meadow didn't look too angry at least.


Meadow: You know I only get one lunch break a day. And they don't let me go off schedule.
Rowan: Listen, I'm sorry I'm late.
Meadow: It's okay. You look awful, Ro. What have you been doing all night?


Meadow: Wait... don't answer that. I really don't want to know.
Rowan: Good, 'cause I couldn't tell you if you did. Not like it was anything particularly exciting. Linden got back in yesterday...


Meadow: Oh? How is he?
Rowan: He's good. I think. Last I left him he was pretty much in the same situation as I was.
Meadow: Oh you guys.


Meadow: Well, why did you come by anyway?
Rowan: What I'm supposed to completely stand you up?
Meadow: It's not like you haven't stood me up before. I'm over it already.
Rowan: I don't know, Meadow. I just thought I'd come see you anyway.


Meadow: You're under no obligation to feel bad about it. It's not like you're my boyfriend or anything.
Rowan: Now see, I can't tell with you chicks. I don't know if I'm stepping in it or whatever.


Meadow: Things just can't be casual? I thought you were all about the easy thing.
Rowan: Meadow, it was never like that with you.
Meadow: Please, give it up, Ro. I'm not holding you to anything this time. Feel free to fuck half the city, I'm okay with it.


Meadow: But you know, this isn't a great time to talk about whatever relationship we have. I'm really busy.
Rowan: It doesn't look that busy in here. But we can talk later then..
Meadow: Tonight's not a good night. I have a study date with Willow.
Rowan: Willow?
Meadow: Yes, Willow, your sister. She's been helping me with my term paper.


Joanne: Meadow? I didn't think you were taking your break so soon.
Meadow sighed as the store manager walked up to them. She didn't need her on her back, not now.
Meadow: I'm not on a break, Joanne.
Joanne: Funny, because from what I'm seeing you don't seem to be occupied with much else except for bringing... unwanted elements... into the store.
Rowan: Hey how do you know I'm not a customer? Those glittery stretch pants don't sell themselves.


Meadow ignored him.
Meadow: He'll be out of here in a minute, Joanne.
Joanne: Fine. Make sure you get the new inventory up on the racks as soon as possible and get the new line on those mannequins.
Rowan: You know, it sometimes help to say "Please" and be fucking polite about it.
Meadow: Rowan!


The manager glared at him indignantly.
Joanne: Excuse me?
Rowan: There you go. That wasn't so hard was it.


Joanne: Meadow, get back to work and say goodbye to your friend.


Rowan: Damn, someone needs to pull that stick out of her ass.
Meadow: Rowan, you're so not helping right now.


Rowan: Fine. I'm out of here. I've decided I hate this place anyway.
Meadow: I'll see you later on, but I'm really busy lately.
Rowan: You didn't seem that busy the other day.
Meadow: ...


Before she could protest, he pulled her close and kissed her. She didn't stop him, even though she knew all her coworkers were watching them.


Rowan: I'm out.

She watched him leave, and sighed. She certainly didn't expect things to become so complicated with him, so soon. But Rowan has always managed to surprise her in some ways.
Lana: So that's the guy?
She glanced over at her co-worker, who was grinning at her mischievously from behind the rack. The girls always loved gossip as much as anyone.
Meadow: Yeah. That's him.
Lana: I never figured you'd be all over that outcast type.
Meadow: Well... it's complicated.


It was complicated. Did she really want to do all this again? She had spent years heartbroken over Rowan and once she'd thought she could let him go, here he was again. And hearing that Linden was back in town reminded her as well of the last talk she had with him. That college party three years ago was fresh in her mind.


She sat there on that couch with Linden for what seemed like all night. She barely moved, hoping that Rowan would see her being bored and come over and talk to her. That's all she wanted from him at this point. She didn't miss him moving all over the place socializing with various other people. And when he was out of sight, it was no doubt that he was probably elsewhere in the house with another girl. Things had gotten that out of hand for her. It was almost a joke.


Linden: You don't look happy.
Meadow: I'm not happy, Linden.
Linden: You know you're perfectly free to tell Rowan to fuck right off.
Meadow: How do you know it's about Rowan?
Linden: Isn't it always about him?


Meadow: I don't know. Maybe for once it could be about someone else?
She leaned in close to him. She couldn't deny that she felt comfortable with Linden. He was always there for her to listen to her complain about her pathetic love life. And he was here for her now. Unlike his brother.
Linden: Meadow...


He was the one who broke away first, tilting his head slightly enough to avoid her kiss. He leaned his forehead against hers and spoke to her gently.
Linden: This isn't gonna happen.


Linden: Look I know what you're doing. But I'm not going to fall into that cliched trap of getting involved with my brother's girlfriend.


Linden: You want to get back at him, the best way to do that isn't to do the same shitty thing he's been doing to you. The best way is to just walk away, Meadow.




Just walk away, Meadow.
She wished so much that it were that easy.
Lana: Earth to Meadow.
Meadow broke out of her reverie.
Lana: Your phone is ringing, hon. Don't let Joanne catch you with your cell phone on you.


Meadow: Hi Ben... tonight?


Meadow: Crap, I made plans with Willow tonight... no, no, I think it should be fine. I don't know, I guess I hadn't thought this far ahead...


Meadow: But it's fine. It's just small change of plans, I don't think she'll mind... no, sweetie, it's completely fine, honest. I'll be home by six.

---

Willow had all day to herself but she couldn't bring herself to do anything more with it. She had enough studying to do, but right now she couldn't concentrate. She knew it was unlike her. Usually if she was stressed out, studying or just reading was able to take her mind off of everything. Things were different now. Someone close to her was dead. And she just allowed her murderer to walk free.


There was something about this book that Kimberly had given her. And now, this key that Wesley had placed in her hand. They were both hers, she knew it. And both objects were special, both Kimberly and Wesley had made it clear. But she didn't know what it meant.

Sometime through the course of the day, Willow had made the decision. She needed to speak to the Circle of the Nine. But she didn't know how to find them.


One of her dormmates knocked on her door. There was a phone call for her, she said before walking off.


Willow: Oh... hi Meadow.
Willow felt herself blushing with embarassment. Meadow's voice just reminded her that she had promised to help her with her paper that night after she got off work.


Meadow: I feel really bad for asking, but is it okay if we meet up at my place tonight instead of the library? I know it's a little bit more out of the way but I can't get away tonight.


It was on the tip of her tongue to just tell Meadow that she wasn't feeling well and she couldn't meet up. But she didn't have the heart to not help her. She knew Meadow needed it. And maybe Willow needed the distraction too.
Willow: It's okay, Meadow. I can meet up with you at your place.
Meadow: Thank you so much. You have no idea how much this means to me. And Willow...
There was a brief moment of silence on the other end as Willow waited to hear what Meadow had to say.
Willow: What is it?
Meadow: I guess I'll tell you when you get here.
Willow: Okay. I'll see you at your place then.


Gabriel: Well someone's popular. Making plans again?
Willow: Yeah, just helping someone out.


Gabriel: Don't you think you have enough to do for yourself without having to worry about running off to save the world?
Willow: I know. But I don't mind. I can't sit around here all day.
Gabriel: Sure you can. What do you think I've been doing? But if you insist on going, how about I join you?
Willow: You want to go with me on a study date? I think there'd be a lot more interesting things to do for you tonight.


Gabriel: You'd think but oddly enough my calendar's completely free. I know I'm probably imposing, but let me have the honour of taking you to your study date.
Willow: Rowan put you up to this, didn't he.
Gabriel: I'm not gonna lie, yes he did. I've been tasked to keep an eye on you for a while. Maybe until something happens. I'm not exactly sure what that is yet
Willow: Really Gabe?


Gabriel: Really.
Willow sighed.
Willow: Well it isn't going to be fun.


Gabriel: I can probably make it fun.
Willow: It isn't supposed to be fun.
Gabriel: Just humour me. It's either me or Rowan.
He was always able to make her smile. She smiled back and finally nodded.
Willow: Okay, but I'm not going to coddle you if you get bored.
Gabriel: I'll find a way to entertain myself I'm sure.

---

It wasn't like she could have stopped him. She didn't want to. Willow enjoyed his company and she really did want him to be part of her life just as much as he wanted her to be part of his.


The building was fairly quiet as the families that lived there settled down for their respective dinners. The area was a little on the low end, but someone was obviously taking care of this particular building.
Gabriel: For government housing this place is actually pretty nice.
Willow: Yeah I wonder how she managed to get a place like this.
Gabriel: Must be sweet. This housing is usually reserved for single income families and such. She must have roommates.


Meadow was at her door talking to an older man when Willow stepped into the hallway.
Ben: Are you sure you'll be okay tonight? Again, I'm sorry I had to leave on short notice and change your plans but I completely forgot I'd made a date.
Meadow: For the last time, Ben, don't even worry about it. Now get going, you're going to be late.


Meadow: Hi Willow, this is Ben. He lives upstairs.


Willow: Hi, it's nice to meet you.
Ben: Nice meeting you too. Meadow's told me about you and it's great that you're helping her out with her school stuff. I know she works really hard.
Willow: It's not a problem. Meadow is like family. I hope you don't mind if I brought Gabriel over.
Meadow: Of course I don't. The more the merrier. I ordered a pizza, it should be here any minute.


Ben: Anyway, I gotta run. Have fun tonight and don't study too hard.
Meadow: I'll try. You have fun on your date too, sweetie.


Willow: You've got a nice place.
Meadow: Thanks. It's small, but I'm okay with it. The neighbours are friendly and the building is clean. That's important.
Willow: Do you live here by yourself?
Meadow: Um... I'm just going to bring out some snacks. Go on and make yourself at home.



Gabriel: Hey no wonder you look familiar. You were playing at the Warehouse last week, weren't you?
Meadow: Yeah I was. Were you there?
Gabriel: You're Rowan's friend aren't you...


Willow began to look around the rest of the apartment, leaving Gabriel and Meadow to their conversation. Meadow was right, the place was small and there was barely enough to fit her desk and the fold out sofa bed that was covered with books. Meadow looked like she had made an effort to make this place home as much as possible.


Willow couldn't help but feel slightly envious about how comfortable this apartment was. And Meadow probably didn't have to deal with dormmates or anything like that either.
Willow: You have your own little patio too.
Meadow: Yeah, it's a little cold to enjoy it now. But it is nice when the weather's warmer.


She was too impressed by everything about the place.


She didn't notice as the door behind her began to open.






Willow: Meadow???


"Mommmy....?"


Meadow: Oh hey little monkey. Managed to crawl out of your crib again?


Willow was dumb struck. She looked back at Gabriel in shock.


And for once, Gabriel couldn't think of anything to say either. Except she knew that the same thing was going through his mind.


Meadow: Willow, I want you to meet Sage. Sage, this is Willow. Can you say hello Auntie Willow?


Sage: Wi...wwwow!
Meadow: This is the love of my life. He's the reason why I dropped out of college. He's the reason why I'm back.

Willow's heart just about jumped out of her chest. She couldn't think of anything to say.
Willow: Meadow? Is that...? I mean... is his father...???


There seemed to be a long pause as Meadow smiled down at Sage before looking back up at Willow.
Meadow: Yeah Willow. This is Rowan's son.



next » [ Chapter 25: regrets ]

-------------------------------------------------------------------
Notes:

* Meadow's apartment was made by treejen
* "Ben" is a slightly tweaked version of smustleparty 's Chuck October from the Pixel_trade October founders collection.
* And now you guys know why I was excited about this chapter. I know it was pretty heavy on the screenshots, but I hope it wasn't too overwhelming.
* In any case, welcome Gen 4 everyone! ^_^

Comments

[teckno102.livejournal.com]

I don't have much to say other than:

OMGBABYYYYYYYYY! n________n!!!!

Another great chapter, I can't wait to see how this all plays out!

[simtopi]

Yes! Baby! :D

I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter. :D

[harlowstories.livejournal.com]

You know I have to scold you for having Rowan have an illegitimate child, right? Because it is only the most cliche choice EVER! I was on the edge of my seat during the conversation between Linden and Meadow waiting to see if you would do the "affair with the twin brother" and I was so glad you dodged that trap. But you still took the "illegitimate child with my high school boyfriend" route.

That said, pssh! I'm a romance writer, so I'll be doing the same thing and scolding myself. Sometimes you just have to. I was sure it was coming, but life is pretty predictable, so there you go. You probably knew when you were writing that there would be some backlash.

Now, the goods! You fit a lot into this chapter and there were a lot of scene breaks, so I'm still wrapping my head around it. I'm loving the new information we've received at the beginning of the chapter. I admit, when I started reading, I wasn't convinced that the witch meets vampire story would be that compelling, but it seems like you've put a lot of thought into it.

YAY GABRIEL! You can not keep that boy away for so long. I loved his reaction to seeing Linden and I loved his reaction to Linden's identity even more! But I'm still waiting for more drama between him and Willow. Or at least more intimacy. They currently have the status of a boring, old married couple.

And I love, love, love your sets in this chapter. I love Rowan's apartment and I love the store where Meadow works. All around beautiful!

[simtopi]

Haha, feel free to scold me all you want, it was still fun. I always get excited when my sims have kids and because I've been working on this story so long, I haven't gotten a chance to actually play the 'legacy' aspect, which is how this whole thing sort of started anyway. So yes, cliched but I had to do it. Wooo! :D

And Linden, yeah, I've always thought he wasn't going to have much of a role but people seemed to like him. He originally wasn't supposed to be in this chapter when I originally envisioned it a while ago, but he seems to fit now. No, I didn't want there to be a love triangle here with the brothers. I agree, that would have been too much.

I think there will definitely be more going on with Gabriel and Willow later on. But you're right, currently they are the boring couple just as intended. :D

[orikes13.livejournal.com]

I KNEW IT!

During the first flashback with Linden and Meadow, I remembered thinking in a previous update, "Oh yeah. Meadow dropped out of school. I thought she was pregnant." And then WHAMMO at the end. LOVE IT.

This also made me love Linden. The scene between him and Meadow where she almost tried to kiss him was the perfect pitch and tone. Absolutely beautiful, brilliant and gave me both of their characters in just a heartbeat. It made me love Linden very much. :)

Not to mention the beautiful Big Brother Meeting Little Sis' Boyfriend scene. <3 Rowan. :)

[simtopi]

I knew that Sage wouldn't surprise a lot of people. I think I've left some clues along the way, but holy heck was it hard for me to not just outright gush about it and post even more clues and teasers. I think for the most part the end of this chapter worked out pretty much as I envisioned it in my head, so I'm happy.

And yes, Linden is a little bit of a nerd but he's not an idiot. I wanted to show Meadow's vulnerability, and it worked out that I was able to show Linden's strength in the same scene as well. I'm glad you (and others) like Linden.

[spyroeldragon.livejournal.com]

W-W-W-HOOOOMYGOD

I feel like I'm the only one shocked about this. xD

I cannot wait until Rowan finds out. But squeeee Sage is so cute! The resemblance is so there. C:

[simtopi]

Well I'm glad I was able to surprise someone, even though I knew that some people might have seen it coming. :D

Sage is adorable. I always worry because the Marlen kids are just often so odd looking, even though they turn out great (in my opinion) as adults. But he totally has his mother's eyes and nose but his face structure is all Rowan's.

[amochan8878.livejournal.com]

I absolutely love the way you introduced Sage. When I saw his feet, I just sort of heard the Jaws theme in my head.
But, that's the song I associate with my own kids so it could just be me...

[simtopi]

LOL, that's cute that you associate that song with your kids. :D They do tend to sneak up on you, hehe. :D Sage really is the first Gen 4 in my game, so naturally I love him already. :D

[dgjamie.livejournal.com]

You know I actually woke up this morning wondering if you'd updated and behold I am psychic apparently!

And on that note MUHAHAHAHA! BABY! I Totally knew it, as soon as she talked about dropping out of college chapters back, but I was still on the edge of my seat waiting for the reveal. I cannot wait to see Rowan's reaction to this! I liked how you kind of went and showed his, good almost fatherly side with pulling the big brother act on Gabriel before setting up that he actually IS a father and all.

Speaking of Gabriel, I can never get enough of that boy. He and Willow are very much my OTP, and I love any scenes with them together in it.

Can't wait for more as usual :)

[simtopi]

:D

I'm glad you liked the reveal, even if you were expecting it. It was really difficult for me to put it off for so long. You know, I actually never thought of Rowan's scene with Gabe to be a set up for his parental abilities. Nice observation on your part!

[budgie-budgie.livejournal.com]

I LOVED this update! My eyes were nailed to the story all through. It's so great.
I also love how you involve the premades and other stuff that's already in the game. I find lines like; "-it's not like I'm moving to Takemizu, or anything" (or something like that :P) so funny.
Can't wait for next episode, bring it up now! (Hehe)

[simtopi]

Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed it. :)

Yeah, this story for me is in part a tribute to the Sims games so I do enjoy using Maxis elements when I can.

I will definitely try to get the next chapter up in a timely manner. :D

[starling-1.livejournal.com]

I think it must be hard to come up with new and different romantic twists when you're dealing with human beings. They do the same things over and over again, including getting knocked up by high school boyfriend LOL! I wasn't particularly surprised but I thought you handled it well, very sweet scene.

Gabriel is a living doll! Sage is a charmer!

And I adore your shots and your sets. The sequence with Meadow in the store window, hauling the mannequin into place (WONDERFUL shot!), looking out the window at Linden (and I really like him), just a beautiful, perfect sequence!

Wonderful update! You're pulling so many different threads together!

[simtopi]

I'm really glad that you thought I handled the scene well. Like I said, I knew some people wouldn't be surprised but it was still really fun to plan, write and stage. :)

Did you mean the scene with Meadow and Rowan (you wrote Linden)? ;) I personally liked that sequences as well. It's one of those sequences where I thought the pictures told the story better than my writing could so I left it at that.

Thank you!

[starling-1.livejournal.com]

sorry yes I meant Rowan. (I get names mixed up and please PLEASE do not think it is your fault it's not, I can't remember anything including my own anniversary) The emotion between the two of them, even through the window, the smile, the shared emotion, it was totally wonderful.

[simtopi]

You know what's funny about this; no one knows how many times I've caught myself switching character's names arounds in several chapters without me realizing. In particular for this chapter I kept writing "Meadow" instead of "Willow" and I know there were other instances too where I'm just not thinking. It's a good thing I re-read my stuff at least a few times before hitting "post" otherwise those type of errors would just seem really creepy. O_o

[mimiwiggles.livejournal.com]

I'm pretty sure the only thing i can say is OMIGOD! Rowan has a son... I know this sounds weird but I think if Rowan pulled his act together, he'd make a great daddy. Just judging by the overprotective brother thing. But I can still see why Meadow hasn't told him yet! I CAN'T WAIT FOR THE NEXR ENTREE! :)

[simtopi]

Yes Rowan has a kid. We'll see how he does as a dad, but yes first he's gotta find out. And as I said to dgjamie I didn't really connect Rowan's overprotective brother routine with him being a dad, so it is interesting that people had caught up on it.

[kayleigh83.livejournal.com]

my jaw was actually hanging open at the end of this! whatwhatwhatwhaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat?!?!?

now i really can't wait for the next chapter OMG!

[simtopi]

I'm glad you enjoyed it! I honestly couldn't wait to show Sage off, to be honest. BTW I gotta thank you for your wallpapers, I really think they work great in Meadow's room here. :D

[kayleigh83.livejournal.com]

Hahah wow I'm glad you mentioned it too because I actually hadn't noticed they were there!! I was too distracted by Sage!! Yay!!

[dicaprioangel.livejournal.com]

OH.MY.GOD! THIS IS BRILLIANT! ROWAN HAS A SON!!!! AHHHHH! WOW! KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK! This was an amazing read!

[simtopi]

Muahahaha! ;)

[simsinthecity.livejournal.com]

O.O

...

*blinkblink*

This is the reason why I always give people links to your story. You always manage to impress, and you've really outdone yourself this time.

That's about all I can say :'D (and not just because it's 1 A.M. and I'm tired)

[simtopi]

Thank you very much. I have to admit, this is probably one of my favourite chapters, though it may not be "technically" or "artistically" great. Everything was really fun to compose.

And thank you again for linking, I do appreciate it. :D

[selenaq13.livejournal.com]

I can't wait to see what happens when Ro finds out. OMG!

[simtopi]

Yes me too, lol. :D

[liviumdec.livejournal.com]

FINALLY had a chance to read this, and I have to say- wonderful!! Like many others, I've been picking up on this coming for a while now- and honestly, I couldn't wait! You pulled it off perfectly. I like how throughout the story Meadow's had the occasional phonecall here and there that would make you think that she's perhaps serious with some other fella, or somesuch- masking that there's a very different sort of situation with a very different sort of fella ;)

While I agree that this sort of story line would be considered cliche, I also feel that human beings, or in this case SIM beings, are subject to these sort of trappings. A compelling story still remains! Anyway, LOVE Sage. Absolutely adorable. Looks a lot like Linden, too!

With all that said... I love how full fleshed out your stories feel. Every little detail- from Willow's dorm room, to all the staff at H&M sporting H&M clothes like they would have to at a real store, to Meadow living in "government housing". Way to spin a golden thread, girl.

[simtopi]

:D

And like I've said to many others, I knew people wouldn't be too surprised :D. I knew when planning this particular arc out way back when that it was pretty typical but I was okay with it just for the fact that at it's heart, this is a Sim story, like you mentioned, and that this did start off as a legacy. The way I'm seeing my own story in my head, I don't foresee a lot of crazy new twists or anything too outrageous story-wise.... I know I've said it before but I never thought of this story as anything deeper than just another sim story. The challenge is in putting it all together and so far I am pretty happy that it's all working out and moreso that people seem to be enjoying it. :)

"Anyway, LOVE Sage. Absolutely adorable. Looks a lot like Linden, too!" ... ooh I hope you meant "Rowan" there. Sage is most definitely Rowan's son. ;)

[liviumdec.livejournal.com]

Actually I did mean Linden. I think the boy looks a bit like his dear uncle at the moment :)

[simtopi]

Fair enough. :D

I just didn't want to imply any relationship between Meadow and Linden beyond what we saw here at all. I didn't want to go that route at this moment. ;)

[liviumdec.livejournal.com]

Eep! I'm sorry, I didn't mean to imply anything other than uncle-nephew resemblance. Strictly!

[simtopi]

haha, lol. No need to apologize. :D

[aledstrange.livejournal.com]

I was catching up with the story last night. I probably read about 7 chapters non stop and enjoyed every second of it.

It usually takes me a lot to connect with other sims (you know, how obsessed I am with premades! ROFL), but you manage to make the whole story so compelling, I'm really loving them all (maybe Rowan, too much even!! <3 and btw-- awww! he has a baby now too! how cute!)

And your pictures are the best! I find myself stopping all the time just to see them more calmly, looking at all the details, and/or trying to figure how did you do that! XD

It's a pleasure to read!. :)

[simtopi]

I've always enjoyed creating my own neighbourhoods in any of the Sims games I've played, but essentially the story does take place in my somewhat diluted version of the Maxis world. I had all these ambitious plans to tie in more pre-made sims but I just don't have the time unfortunately so those plans are going to be shelved for now. I am happy you're liking my characters and the story too. Thank you!

As for my pictures, I don't know if there's anything different I'm doing other than gratuitious use of pose boxes and animation hacks. But if there's anything you want to know, feel free to just ask. :)

[collidingwithme.livejournal.com]

I am so shocked now that I've just about forgotten everything I wanted to say. *remembers to breath*

So Ben was just a babysitter? I totally thought Meadow was living with another guy. :( Oh man, I feel so bad for thinking that way about her now. Even though she's just a sim. 8| Oh Rowan!!!

And Linden's goodness just impresses me, lol! I'm liking him more and more. ;) His face made me laugh out loud. Who's the douche? XD

I AM SO EAGER FOR THE NEXT CHAPTER NOW!!

[simtopi]

Heheheh! I knew I wasn't going to surprise everyone but it is nice to surprise *some* people. :D Even though I was thinking the whole time that "Ben" was such a weak cover, LOL! (I'm okay with that, I'm having too much fun). Oh Rowan, indeed!

I'm really enjoying writing Linden into the story. You know, I wasn't sure about bringing him back after all this time but he seems to be working out so far. Next chapter soon-ish, I hope!

[niki1988.livejournal.com]

Two excellent Chapters! Can't wait for more.

Sorry I haven't commented in awhile, been really busy and a dear friend to my Mom and I recently passed away.

Keep up the awesome work.

[simtopi]

As much as I do appreciate your comments, there's no reason for you to apologize whatsoever and I completely understand if you can't catch up or leave a note on these chapters. I'm so very sorry about your loss. :(

[niki1988.livejournal.com]

Thank you. Your really nice.

[naughtydolphin.livejournal.com]

I knew it!! I thought that might be the reason she dropped out. YAY!!

[simtopi]

I can't believe you've gotten this far. xD

[naughtydolphin.livejournal.com]

I'm just about to start chapter 28 :) I've been devouring it over the last few days. It was a very enjoyable way to procrastinate instead of cleaning!

[pnkpnthr334.livejournal.com]

I KNEW IT! I thought Meadow was acting strange, and totally thought she had a child hidden away!

Ahh, I wish I wasn't so sleepy so I can keep reading, but I shall pick this back up later. :D