Chapter 37

[simtopi]

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Chapter 37: Face To Face

Warnings: Death, bad words.

It had been far too long since Linden had made a proper visit back to his alma mater. He had to admit, the last time he was even near here didn't exactly count.


Much of campus was different, but some things stayed the same.




Linden: Nice to see that you're at least checking your e-mails.


Willow looked up and smiled warmly seeing her brother there.

Willow: Linden! Sorry, I only got it this morning.


Linden: It's okay, at least you came out. I'm also glad to see that you haven't turned into Gollum yet, hanging out in the wilderness. You really spooked us.


Linden: And would it kill you to get a phone hooked up at least?
Willow: It isn't exactly on my list of things to do. I'm still at campus enough.


Linden: Well I don't know how you do it. I'd freak out if I had no way of reaching the outside world.
Willow: I make do. I never really used the phone that much anyway.


Linden: Have you had lunch yet?
Willow: I wasn't sure when you'd get here. I had a quick bite just a little bit ago. I have an hour or so to kill before next class. Are you hungry?
Linden: I'm actually fine. How about we go for a walk. I still haven't seen campus in a while.


Willow really was happy to see Linden again. At least this time he wasn't unconscious or being threatened by her own magic. They didn't talk about that much. He was revelling in nostalgia about campus and she was just glad he was here.


Linden: Is that ice rink new?
Willow: I think so. I never had any real reason to come here before.



Willow: But it's weird... so much seems so different lately. I don't know exactly what it is.
Linden: You've been through a lot. I bet your perspective on a lot of things have been altered. You might not even know it.
Willow: Is that a good thing?


Linden: It can be. Maybe you're just coming out of your shell a bit.
Willow: I didn't realize I was so "contained".
Linden: Well, neither did I until I graduated and moved to Sunset Valley. Though I have to tell you, it's really good to be back here.


Willow: Does that mean you're staying?

He chuckled and looked away.
Linden: For a little while longer.


Linden: I came back to see everybody again, take a bit of a break and relax, but the last time we were all together you nearly got me killed.
Willow: I said I was sorry about that.
Linden: All I'm saying is that it's good to hang out without the threat of mortal danger looming over us.


Willow: Well, you never know with me, right?
Linden: Look, I'm just getting used to you having all these weird, heeby jeeby supernatural powers. Don't remind me.
Willow: You're beginning to sound like Rowan.
Linden: Heaven forbid.


Willow: And you're not the only one getting used to it. I think I've told just about everyone I know. Well... almost.
Linden: For some reason, I'm comforted knowing that I'm not the last one to know.


Willow: You've been away. Writing you an e-mail about all these details would have seemed so impersonal. Besides, I wasn't exactly allowed to tell anyone about me.
Linden: Like sworn to secrecy and stuff? Sounds very superhero of you.
Willow: I wish. I don't feel very hero like. And I can't fly though. At least not yet.


Linden: Well does Gabriel know?
Willow: Gabriel?
Linden: Yes. Your boyfriend. You're still together right?


Willow didn't answer right away. Her smile left her face. Hearing Gabriel's name only brought her back to her reality. It had only been a couple of days since her night with Adrian, but as she always had, she tried to stop thinking about it by focusing on other matters.

Linden: You're not saying anything. That's not exactly a good sign.
Willow: Things are different now, Linden.


Willow: I should get to class.


Linden walked Willow to class, but she was mostly quiet along the way. She smiled when he spoke, but she seemed more distant than she had been when he first met up with her.


Linden: You know if you need help, you can get in touch with me right? I'm not Rowan, I'm not going to freak out on you or anything like that. I just want to make sure you're doing okay.
Willow: Is that the real reason you came by? To check up on me?
Linden: I won't deny that. You're my little sister, I kind of just want to know you're safe. Not too much to ask for is it?
Willow: I'm fine. I can take care of myself.


Linden: Now you're just being defensive for no reason. I know weird things are going on, Willow and I know there's no way I could even deal with half the things you must be dealing with. But if you're in trouble, then I'm going to want to help. Even if it's just to talk about it.


Linden: Because pretending the problems aren't there isn't going to make them go away.
Willow: Well, I don't want you to help. There isn't anything you can do about my problems.


Linden: You don't think I'd at least try?


They hugged and said their goodbyes. As he started to walk away, Willow called out to him.

Willow: Linden, I really did like hanging out with you today. Thank you.
Linden: Me too, Willow.
Willow: I promise you, I'll be okay.


He didn't know if he believed her but there was no point ruining the rest of the day by getting into an argument about it.

Besides, he was saving all that energy for the other sibling.

---

He spent the rest of the day at campus and ran a few errands before he grabbed a bus back to the city. He had to make one more stop, but it was by the other end of town from where their parents lived.

As loudly as he banged on that door, no one answered from inside the apartment.


Linden swore, annoyed. This wasn't exactly one of his favourite neighbourhoods to be in after dark.


He walked out of the building, looking around cautiously as he stepped outside. The street was eerie in its silence.




He gasped, startled by a loud noise that sounded like breaking glass.


A stray cat stepped out from behind a parked car, staring back at Linden with the same amount of apprehension.


Linden exhaled. The cat must have knocked something over. Sensing no further threat, it scampered on its way.


Linden hated this neighbourhood. There would be only one reason he'd be out here. And even now, he wasn't sure it was worth it. He continued to walk away.


"For fuck's sake, look up, you moron."


Linden: Fuck Rowan, you scared the shit out of me.
Rowan: I was trying to get your attention. Was funny though.
Linden: Yeah, I'm all laughs. What are you doing up there?
Rowan: Admiring the landscape until you stepped in it.


Rowan: Well little bro'? What do you want?

---

It took a few cancellations, but this meeting was finally happening.


It also wasn't like Cecilia to be early, but she was a little anxious to meet the infamous Heather Huffington and learn what she could about her dead college friend.


While she had waited, Cecilia did a little more research on who Heather was. Heather Huffington had studied drama in college, acquiring the covetted title of Miss Sim State which opened up the opportunity to act in a few low budget movies soon after she had graduated, all of which was well before Cecilia's time. She didn't get too far in her acting career before she got into journalism, eventually owning her own publishing company. Somewhere along the way, that lead to Heather's community involvement, now moving into politics.


The woman wanted to be mayor. And though they've never met, Cecilia was already annoyed by her.


Despite getting there early, she was kept waiting. She looked up expectantly at the receptionist who was easily ignoring her. She sighed loudly in frustration. The receptionist glanced up nonchalantly and answered by casually flipping the page of the magazine he was reading.


She didn't even know why she was bothering... Cecilia never waited for anyone.


Tiffany: Cecilia Baird?


Tiffany: Sorry to keep you waiting.
Cecilia: Right. Campaigning gets busy and all that.


Tiffany: It can. I'm Tiffany Sampson. We spoke on the phone.


Tiffany: Heather will be a moment. In the meantime, you can wait in her office.
Cecilia: Wait, what? I've already been waiting for half an hour...
Tiffany: She'll be here soon. Again, I apologize for the wait.


Cecilia sighed. Of course, she'd have to leave people waiting so they can hang around an office she doubted anyone did any actual work in. In fact, it looked more like a place to show off all her awards and accolades.


Photos of Heather smiling with underprivileged children, doing community work, meeting VIPs, all surrounded her.




One of the pictures in particular caught Cecilia's attention.


Heather: Pretty picture ain't it? At least I think so, I just love what I'm wearing there. Funny thing, but I actually forget what party that was taken at.


Heather: So many parties, so little time, y'know. But I get the feeling you're not admiring me, are you sugar? I know that man accessory on my arm ain't too bad to look at


Cecilia: You mean Malcolm? Are you dating him?
Heather: No honey, that's an old picture. We had a fling. Not a biggie. I guess you know him then? And on a first name basis too, hm?


Heather: I figure. Where money an' fame are concerned that man is a dog. If you didn't know that by now, I'm sure you will soon.


Cecilia: Actually, I have no idea what you're talking about.
Heather: Let's just say that Malcolm has a type.


Heather: But you're not just here to talk about men, are you hon'?
Cecilia: Well no, I'm not...


Heather: Speakin' of, how is that old man of yours? I tell you I had such a thing for him when we were at SSU together. Sometimes I think it's too bad we never hooked up, but I guess our sim God has other plans for us all. I was so happy to hear when Clive and your momma got hitched... though he didn't invite me to the wedding.... But look what came out of that! Aren't you an adorable lil' thing, don't you think Tiff?


Cecilia could see how Heather could be so popular. She was talkative and way too perky. She was also gorgeous, and practically glowed platinum with positive energy. She could barely keep up as Heather reminisced about stuff Cecilia had no idea about.

Cecilia: I'm sorry, I'm not usually this weird around people...


Heather: Oh hon', aren't you a sweetie. Listen I'm flattered, but there isn't any reason to be shy around me.


Heather: I may have done a lot in my life, reached some of my life goals, but I'm just the same as you, Tiffany, that guy out there takin' my phone calls, any sim you know.


Heather: Your momma, Tiff and I were all Tri-Var. We were all friends, isn't that right, Tiff? Tri-Var for life!

Tiffany mumbled something and looked down at her clipboard.


Heather: And now look at us. Denise is a brilliant singer, and I just want to serve the public. I'm just happy I don't have to run against your Gramps, I don't mind sayin'...

Tiffany coughed, catching Heather's attention.


Heather: Well look at me, runnin' off my mouth again about politics. And I know diddly squat about why you're even here. Now believe me, I love your Gramps but I also know we don't exactly agree on a lot of key points. I suppose I can't expect any sort of endorsement out of you or your family now, could I?
Cecilia: Um... no... I mean I'm not here about the election, or my Grandfather, or my parents or anything like that.


Heather: Well hon'... floor's all yours. Why don't you tell us what I can help you with?


She gulped down and took a deep breath as Heather waited expectantly for Cecilia to speak.
Cecilia: I wanted to know... what you know about Brittany. Brittany Upsnott. She was Tri-Var too...


Heather's demeanor suddenly changed. The easy smile quickly left her face.
Heather: Brittany...? What makes you think I know anything about what happened to her?


Cecilia: "What happened to her...?" So you know something did happen to her. She died in college, right? At the Landgrabb Mansion...


Heather: Brittany was my best friend and she disappeared while we were in college. No one knows what happened to her. It really isn't nice to bring up bad memories. And if you're implyin' anything...
Cecilia: But I'm not...
Heather: I see what this is, I should have known. Old Mayor Baird did send you to dig up shit on me, didn't he? I can't believe I wasted time on you. Tiff...


Heather turned her back, and even before she called on Tiffany, the other woman was already practically in Cecilia's face.

Tiffany: This meeting is over, I think it's time to leave Miss Baird.


Cecilia: Meeting? I didn't even get a chance to say anything!
Tiffany: There really isn't anything more to say, is there. Now get out of here before I need to call security.


Cecilia: Are you kidding me? I have information about your "best friend" and you don't want to hear it? Come fucking on, I sat here listening to your bullshit, you could at least listen to mine... get your hands off me!


Cecilia pulled away from Tiffany.
Cecilia: I really don't know what happened between you and her. I don't give a shit if you were friends or enemies or whatever. All I know is that Brittany isn't resting in peace like you wish she was. And she's already screwing up my life.


Cecilia: I'm tired of dealing with it alone. Whatever happened, it's already coming back up.

She turned around and stormed out of the office.


The two women were silent long after Cecilia left. Even Heather had no words. Tiffany finally spoke, her voice low and shaking.

Tiffany: You knew it wouldn't be the end of it, did you Heather?



Cecilia stood outside waiting for the cab. She was furious. All this time she wasted only to have to be rudely kicked out. She thought briefly of phoning her father... even her Grandfather to tell them about what happened.


But she didn't know what she could tell them. It would sound juvenile. Brittany Upsnott is haunting my sorority house and Heather Huffington doesn't want to help me!


Angrily, she started to walk. She didn't even want to wait in front of this building anymore. She had only taken a few steps when a sedan drove up towards her.


It stopped with an abrupt halt.


Cecilia was a little surprised to see Tiffany get out of the car.
Tiffany: Cecilia wait...
Cecilia: I called a cab, I'm leaving!


Tiffany: I know. I called the cab company to cancel it. I'll drive you back to your place personally.
Cecilia: Right. Tell me all about it then make me "disappear" to shut me up. Like my mother always said, I'm not that blonde.


Tiffany: What? No! We're not going to make you disappear... Listen. We got off to a bad start I think. We can tell you what happened to Brittany. If you still want to know. But there are a few things you have to agree to.


Cecilia looked back at Tiffany and stood back cautiously. She knew this would be a bad idea, but she was also not looking forward to another night dealing with Brittany's ghost. If Tiffany and Heather had anything to tell her that could help her appease the ghost, she wanted to know.

Cecilia: Okay. But I'm calling my sister.
Tiffany: That's fine. Just get in the car.

---

Willow was tired by the time she came home from her classes. She tried to read a bit but finally decided she at least needed a nap. She hadn't been sleeping well lately.


Her nightmares had come back, more vivid than ever.


In this dream, she relived the death of that young man. He was murdered in front of her.


And she did nothing to stop it.


In her dream, she didn't run. As the old witch cackled behind her, Willow ran up to the corpse. It was already impossibly cold.


She gasped when she turned him over. A scream welled up inside of her. Nothing could stop her fear and her grief.


"Please no..."


Her cries echoed throughout the empty park...



.. and followed her as she forced herself awake.


She bolted out of bed and ran out of her room. She had to know if he was okay.


Willow: Gabriel! Show me Gabriel!!!


The mirror flashed brighter then it ever had in answer to her shouts. When the light began to dim, she could see Gabriel reflected there, clearer than ever. He was safe.


She exhaled, but her heartbeat wouldn't slow down.




Gabriel turned around quickly, though he wasn't sure why. He was alone up on the roof of his building.


But he still had that strange feeling that he was being watched. It was odd.


He'd come up here to explore. The building was old and had been occupied almost exclusively by college students. Apparently past residents had made the rooftop some kind of hang out joint. Right now, it was just quiet. Just how he preferred it.


It was enough to help him clear his head and think.




He jumped when Willow appeared suddenly before him.

Gabriel: What the...?! Willow!!!


Willow: I'm sorry! Did I scare you?


Gabriel: No shit you scared me!


Gabriel: You're not going to make a habit of just suddenly appearing out of thin air are you? 'Cause you know, most normal people just like, use the door. Knock. That kind of thing.


Willow: Most "normal" people? Come on, don't you think you're exaggerating a bit?
Gabriel: Well actually no I don't. Seriously most people don't beam up and all over the place to get around. How did you even know I was up here?


Willow: I... just knew. It doesn't matter. But I'm sorry I scared you. I really wanted to see you.
Gabriel: You could have called first.
Willow: I don't have a phone.
Gabriel: Are you serious? You live out in the woods now and you don't have a phone?


Willow: Why is that so weird? And it's not like you look like you're living much better. At least I have a roof.
Gabriel: I don't live up here... wait you're being funny. Nice, Willow.
Willow: Sorry.


Gabriel: Nah. Don't be. You trying to be funny is kinda cute.
Willow: So you're not mad at me anymore?


He sighed.
Gabriel: No I'm not. But it's not that simple, you know.
Willow: I know.


Gabriel: I've been thinking a lot about you... I guess I just wanted everything to be a lot less complicated than this. There's a lot I don't know.
Willow: Maybe... maybe that's for the best. Maybe you're right, I'm just not someone you want to know.
Gabriel: I never said that I didn't want to learn.



Gabriel: Willow, why are you here?
Willow: I wanted to make sure you were safe.
Gabriel: I'm safe. Look, all in one piece. But that's not entirely it, is it?

She looked away uncomfortably. Neither of them said anything until the silence between them was too much to bear.



Willow turned away from him finally.

Willow: I don't know if we should be together anymore. I thought I could... and I thought I wanted to ...
Gabriel: Are you going to at least face me and tell me this?


Gabriel reached out and gently turned her around. She still avoided looking at him.
Gabriel: Listen, I'm sorry too. I know some really weird stuff has happened and you're going through a lot. I shouldn't have gotten as mad as I did....
Willow: You were right to, though. Something could have gone wrong. Maybe I don't know what I'm doing.
Gabriel: And maybe that's the best reason why you shouldn't be alone.
Willow: What if it's what I need to do?


Willow: Gabriel, I don't want you to get hurt.


Gabriel: Then don't do this.


As tears began to fall, she kissed him one more time.



Next » [ Chapter 38: Sisterhood ]

.................................
Notes:

* brief appearance by shelbster93's Phineas

* even though it was a dream, and even though I've posed and mutilated corpses throughout this story, dead Gabriel still icked me out a little. Oh Willow, you and your dream sequences :p
* and sorry about this chapter. eeps.
* thank you for reading!

(P.S. <3 Rowan )

Comments

[infinitygoddess.livejournal.com]

A big AWWWWW at the end. :3 I gushed.


Here's hoping Cecilia finally finds the answers she's looking for. And lol Rowan and how he treats his brother. Hehe.

[simtopi]

The end was really hard for me to write. >_< And yeah Cecilia is moving closer to the answers. I also admit I love Rowan and Linden together. :)

[naughtydolphin.livejournal.com]

Nooooooooooooo they can't break up. Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooo.

[simtopi]

That scene was definitely hard to compose. There was almost a point this week where I wanted them to make it, but it would have kind of messed around with things after this point. :p

[naughtydolphin.livejournal.com]

It's just payback for killing of Xander, isn't it?

(why yes, I did make it all about me)

[simtopi]

Hmmm. Death trumps dumped. YOU WIN THIS ROUND DOLPHIN!

[simtopi]

Eeps, thank you I did mean Cecilia. This is what you get for trying to proofread and babysit at the same time. >.

[sweetdreams-25.livejournal.com]

Booo...my comp messed up and didnt send my comment. anyway.

D: D: D: D: did they really just break up?! C'mon Willow!!! Don't leave the man!!
that old lady witch has the craziest grin o.O.
and the plot thickens!!! I can't wait to learn what Cecilia finds out about Brittany!

[simtopi]

Yes, they really broke up (for now! Maybe. >_>) But there's more to tell. And that old witch is really kind of freaky. That screenshot was kind of an accident that really worked for the sequence. :)

I do appreciate you spending the time to read this and comment. Thank you!

[dinuriel.livejournal.com]

The interaction between the Marlen siblings is always so sweet--especially Rowan and Linden. Linden really is the yin to Rowan's yang.

Definitely curious about the whole Brittany thing--I'm guessing we'll get at least a few more pieces of that puzzle in the next chapter? And I'm not too worried about Willow and Gabe. Given their story so far, they have a sort of "meant to be" vibe about them; as soon as things settle down, I'm sure they'll be fine :)

[simtopi]

Well, now that I can comment (stupid LJ ... >_< ), thank *you* for commenting. :D

I admit I really enjoy the Marlens together. They all share a close bond, even despite Rowan and Linden's differences, and it's really interesting to try and portray that.

Brittany's story will be tied up sooner than later (and about time too). Though like most plot lines in this story, it will all tie in to the bigger picture. As for Willow and Gabe, we'll see what happens with them, though you're right, I personally think they're cute together. I know I've mentioned this before, but Gabriel wasn't really meant to take as important a role as this, so I actually haven't decided 100% how they'll end up. But you know, I believe in happy endings.. sort of. ;)

[bunheadsbuns.livejournal.com]

A Simtopi update and amaryll posting content, this is turning out to be one sweet sunday morning.

I'm super curious about what it is that Heather and Tiffany knows, and why they're so reluctant to tell anyone. Maybe they did something bad. I do hope we find out in the next update, I love this little side plot. It gives Cecilia some depth.

Also, WILLOW AND GABRIEL! Get back together now you two! I won't stand for this.

[simtopi]

I just went to check what she updated... WANT! O_O !!!

Ahem, anyway. The tell-all about Brittany will most likely happen in the next chapter. The resolution, I'm not exactly sure yet. I don't plan my chapters in advance. LOL, I make things difficult for me. And of course Tiffany and Heather have a secret. >_>

Willow and Gabriel... well be comforted to know that they still care about eachother.

[niloublue.livejournal.com]

Aw! I love the whole episode, but the last pictures are just so beautiful. Still, I can't help but think that really don't want Willow and Gabriel to break up, they are just perfect together.

And Rowan is amazing. I love to see him and Linden together, they are just so funny!
Also, I really can't wait to know more about what happened to Brittany. I never really liked Cecilia that much, but she is definitely growing on me. She is not 'that blonde'! X)

[simtopi]

I don't know if a lot of people want Willow and Gabriel to break up. But there's still a lot of chances for them, Willow will need to go through things first.

Rowan , I still love. And we'll find out what happened to Brittany soon. I'm glad Cecilia is growing on. She is important to the story.

Thank you for the comment! :D

[budgie-budgie.livejournal.com]

GREAT episode! and aaaaaw, Gabriel and Willow are kissing again!
You have also made some cool signs for this chapter, great job with those!

[simtopi]

Well yes, at least they are kissing again. :)

I also learned how to use Homecrafter properly for this chapter. :D I'll probably make the "results" downloadable" in a bit. They were fun! Thank you!

[simtopi]

I don't know if Willow knows exactly what she's doing but she does need a clearer head. Cecilia will find the answers soon, though I don't know if it will necessarily solve her problems.

I also do love Rowan and his attitude. Thank you about the characters, it is a challenge, and I try. :)

[illandrya.livejournal.com]

Willow, I know you are going through a tough transition, but c'mon girl, pushing everyone away isn't necessarily going to protect them. You don't necessarily stop loving someone just because you don't see them anymore. If someone wants to get to you through them, they will. Sorry, momentary lapse there :) I agree with Dinuriel, there is a definite "meant to be" vibe about Willow and Gabe and there's a quirky bond between the Marlen siblings that geography can't break.

Strangely, I think this whole Brittany business might be good for Cecilia. She may have started out to help herself, but I think she is also hoping to find peace for Brittany and have my fingers crossed she will come out a less self-centred person at the end.

[simtopi]

Willow is pushing those closest to her away, though I don't mind saying that she may not be doing it consciously. She does have a few things to deal with, and worrying about protecting them is one aspect. She's always been in some kind of minor conflict with herself about being in a relationship with Gabriel and an attraction to Adrian. There could also be "external" forces trying to make sure that she's isolated too... >_>

I do think you're right about Cecilia and how dealing with Brittany might help her in the end. She's also coming to grips with her sixth sense too, and it may prove helpful if she decides to get along with everyone else. :)

[raquelaroden.livejournal.com]

It's pretty difficult to believe Willow when she claims she "can take care of herself". She's a mess right now--even she doesn't feel completely at peace with everything that is happening to her. I hope she's able to let her friends and family back in.

Heather Huffington is hilarious. Just rambling on and on at first and dropping all these little blunt bombs! I loved it when Cecilia finally shocked her into silence. I can't wait to hear what they have to say about the Brittany Upsnott incident...

Linden is so nice, and so different from Rowan. I wonder what he'll have to say to him, as well....

This chapter was great (even though it had very little Rowan and *no Jasmine*!). Definitely looking forward to the next!

[simtopi]

Yes, I agree, I don't even think Willow believes it herself. She could probably benefit from having her loved ones close to her but that probably isn't what the powers that be wants. :p I'm glad you like Heather. I needed her to be similar in looks and personality to Cecilia, but all the while just a little more different. :)

I'm glad you liked this chapter despite very little Rowan and no Jasmine. :) Both of them will feature a little more in upcoming chapters, for sure though.

[starling-1.livejournal.com]

Willow dreams about dead Gabe for a reason. Yes she's strong. And yes she should reach beyond it and take Gabe's strength into her equation.

And I know Heather. Met her, worked with her, did the admiration and gagged behind her back. OK not your Heather but OMFG yes. And there is always a Tiffany right behind her. Adored every single minute of Cecilia's insane 'meeting' with Perky Queen, and yeah no doubt both Heather and Tiff will smash out there doing damage control.

I loved, just loved the last scene. Flight and snow and recognition.

Always completely written, and always lit with the most beautiful visuals down to the last small detail.

[simtopi]

You're right, Willow should try to find strength from those she loves. She is going through some things right now, not all of it in her control. It's great that you can appreciate who Heather is. :) Ever since I started playing her in my game, to me she always comes off as the "Perky Queen" who just gets everything she wants.

Thank you so very much for all your nice words. :)

[simsinthecity.livejournal.com]

Aww, I'm glad Gabe's not mad. But he does have every right to be ... frustrated? Is that what I'm thinking of? Hmm. I know I'd be frustrated in his position.

[simtopi]

lol yes, frustrated, mad, upset... Gabe's probably going through it all right now. :P

[simtopi]

You don't have to apologize, honestly. Don't get me wrong, its great that you're reading and I always love your feedback, but I understand if other stuff is going on too. ;) Thank you, though!

Rowan... well yes, he's due up for an appearance or three or four, I agree. :)

And yeah Willow is pushing people away and probably needs a cell phone but who needs that when you have a magic mirror and can teleport around. :D

[simtarts.livejournal.com]

Willow's pulling a Harry Potter I see... "I can't be with you because it's too dangerous." Oh, Willow. I can't help but feel that someone or something is trying to make sure she stays isolated and vulnerable. :(

HI ROWAN! HI LINDEN! Seriously, is there anyone who doesn't love the bejeebs outta those two?

Great chapter, as always! Sorry I was late with the commenting, but better late than never, right?

[simtopi]

Unlike Harry Potter, Willow isn't quite aware exactly of what's going on yet and all this might not be entirely of her own accord. But you're right, there are others out there that have stuff to gain by Willow being isolated.

I do love Rowan and Linden together. Linden was supposed to make a brief appearance and then go (just to establish that Willow has a close knit family), but he was so popular I figure he'd stick around a while longer. He was supposed to actually leave this chapter and he had gone to visit Willow and Rowan to say goodbye, but for some reason I don't know yet (it's probably in my subconcious somewhere), I wrote "Maybe a little longer" instead. ;)

And it's never late around here! Thank you for commenting!

[smjoshsims.livejournal.com]

Heather Huffington is so gorgeous1 I love Willow's new hair, and seriously, your pictures are looking better than ever. did you change the format?

[simtopi]

I'll be honest, I've always loved Heather Huffington. And she does get so silly, that it's hard to take her too seriously. :D Thank you about Willow's hair, she did need a change for sure.

As for my pics, I was actually worried they were looking just a tiny bit worse. I lost Photoshop so now I'm using GIMP and I changed the aspect ratio to wide screen format, that's all.

[dashinglyy.livejournal.com]

I just started reading your story yesterday, and I couldn't stop. Now that I've gotten to this chapter I'm sad I don't have more to read!

This is a fantastic story, and I love your characters to bits. Gabriel and Willow are the most squee-inducing couple I've read in forever, and I'm so glad they got over their distance. (:

[dashinglyy.livejournal.com]

Haha WOW, I interpreted that wrong D: now I am TERRIBLY sad. I do hope they get back together. That look on Gabe's face before they kissed is a ton more heartbreaking now that I understand it. :/

[simtopi]

;)

Well thank you for taking the time to read this! I'm happy you enjoyed reading it and hopefully I'll have more chapters out in decent time. Don't worry too much, there's definitely more in store for Willow and Gabriel.

[happyberrypink.livejournal.com]

Hello~ *waves shyly*

Long time reader but this is my first time working up the courage to comment. I've been meaning to thank you for your story for so long and yet then I'd chicken out. *laughs*

But now that I realize it's been a little over a year that I've been reading this...I really should say something.

So first thank you~ your story is wonderful. It keeps me always coming back for more. I love how dynamic and complex your characters are and your screenshots always make me marvel. You spin a great narrative. :) Not just with words but with the pictures you choose.

One of the many things that keeps me coming back is the pacing. I really enjoy the flow of the story. The rises and falls, the excitement & action versus the comical and the calm.

And of course...Rowan. <3

I'm a little heartbroken for Gabriel...but I would say perhaps this was inevitable. At least for awhile. Until Willow is ready to let someone in fully without fear. But even though I liked them as a couple...I liked that you wrote this. It's sad yes, but these things happen. Sometimes even people who care for each other deeply part ways. Sometimes love isn't enough because of circumstance or timing.

All that being said, I eagerly await the next chapter. Thank you again~

[simtopi]

Hello right back. And I feel like I should quote Heather here "Listen I'm flattered, but there isn't any reason to be shy around me." LOL, but I hope I don't sound as conceited. In all seriousness though, it is really cool that you've been reading and I'm happy to read that you liked it. Thank you very much! It's completely my pleasure writing this.

Pacing is really really challenging for me, and I never know when I'm doing it right, so I do appreciate your feedback. I feel like there's always so much going on and there's so much to tell, the best I can hope for is that I don't confuse anyone along the way.

I also appreciate you caring about Gabriel. You're right about relationships, though I won't say too much about where their's is heading.

Anyway, thank you again for leaving this note here.

[selenaq13.livejournal.com]

Great update and I can't wait to see what happens with Cecilia!

[simtopi]

Thank you! :D What happens with Cecilia will be told soon. :)

[collidingwithme.livejournal.com]

Did she think that breaking up with Gabriel meant that he would be safe and not find her or help her in times of need? :( That's dumb, Willow! You know he loves you and would protect you to the best he could, probably even if he dies doing so!

I LOVED the exchange between Heather and Cecilia, by the way. Omgosh, Heather is so... Heather! Man, I just love your dialogues! And I'm dying to know what they have to say about Brittany! I was actually expecting Cecilia to hit another dead end, haha. :P Looks like her sixth sense is working great.

[simtopi]

You're right, it is silly of Willow to think that Gabriel wouldn't want to be by her side while she's going through all of these things. She does want to keep him away from her and safe, that's true, but she also has other issues she needs to work through as well, such as her conflicting feelings about Adrian for one.

I'm glad you liked Heather, I really had to go somewhere completely different to write her but it was really fun to do. Thank you about my dialogues, you know I stress too much about how I write LOL. :D

We'll definitely be resolving the Brittany story soon.

[cmespy15.livejournal.com]

Hi! I'm a big time stalker (since chapter 16 of this story) and I LOVE how it's going so far. :D

I understand Willow's want of not wanting Gabriel to get hurt, but I think she's making a mistake if she breaks up with him. I really like those two together, and besides, even if she breaks up with him, he might still be targeted for knowing who she is and her secret (which is not so much of a secret anymore).

I also like how you portray the maxis characters. You still keep it to where they're like they were set up as with their personalities and stuff, but you make them your characters by giving them a more depth of a personality than what maxis gave them.

I will be honest, the last picture of Gabriel's face (the one where he says "Then don't do this.") definitely made me cry. I told myself not to cry, but I ended up bawling my eyes out because the picture was so great and definitely emitted the emotion that Gabriel was feeling (or it could be just me).

This is an awesome story, and I can't to see what'll happen.

[cmespy15.livejournal.com]

*I can't wait to see what'll happen.

[simtopi]

Hey! Thank you so much! This is awesome to hear. :D

I've said a lot already about Willow's reasonings for breaking up with Gabriel. There is a bit more going on and I will get to it eventually, but keeping him safe is only a part of it.

I'm glad you like my take on the maxis characters. I try to keep them true to their original personalities and they are really fun to work with. I've always loved Heather Huffington, as an example, she was fun to play and I love the challenge of adding her to the story in a way that will make her fit.

And aww, it was sweet how you reacted to Gabriel. Like I mentioned, that scene was a big challenge, to get the right poses and expressions so I am glad that those emotions came across. Thank you for this. :)

[simtopi]

Cecilia's questions will be answered sooner than later. Heather also reminds me of a few people too, but yes sugary and fluffy is a good way to describe her, IMO. :D

[sims2snfkggh.livejournal.com]

Aww, that end is so sad! It really made me pout. Dad kept asking what was wrong, ghèhè. But I don't feel like explaining because I know he'll start talking about that promise I kept... (Doing the dishes with him, but he doesn't preperate for it neither, lol.) The last centense makes me think it's over between Willow and Gabe. I really think they'll be back together, because there still is chemistry between the two of them. Hmm, it's all so cute. Why is it always so that people - actualy, it even counts for Sims in case of this story, lol (and yes that's a good, read GREAT! thing) - ehrm... that people seem to love each other more and more when their relationships are dangerous or seem to get difficult? Love that kind of love, though I can't help but wonder if that kind of Sims/people would still be together if they didn't feel that need to protect each other because they care so much about having each other safe... Hermm, the psychologist talking. Fuu, it's way too early for this filosofic shizzle (right here, it's still 09:11 PM; not that late in the eve)...

As in a matter of fact, I'll still go on reading. =D