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39: All That's Left
chapter 39



Warnings: Mild language. Violence. Ret-conning the legacy. Sort of.

You may want to get caught up with Chapter 19 for this chapter.





chapter 39
There were very few times, aside from performing, where Denise would venture out on her own. On most of those occasions, she would find herself back at the club anyway, before opening hours. The bar owners had given her plenty of leave to come in and practice whenever she wanted.

chapter 39
She felt comfortable here, up on stage, listening to her own music echo throughout the empty room. No constant murmering of the crowds, no catcalls, whistles. No other noise except her music.

It was funny, she thought, that she had once thrived on that "noise". But now it was just her songs that she preferred to hear. It was all that kept her from being too lonely.

chapter 39
Usually when she came in, it was just her and the bar staff either cleaning or setting up. The doors would open later, but she had no scheduled performance that evening. On a weeknight, in this part of town, there were seldom many customers. Tonight, something different was happening. The bar had visitors, but they were early and they weren't patrons.

chapter 39

chapter 39
Clara: Okay, I give up. Why are we here, Clive?
Clive: What I told you earlier. Business.

chapter 39
Clive: But we won't be long. We just need to finalize a few things.
Clara: On our way to dinner? This couldn't wait until the morning?

chapter 39
Clive: Some things are just better done on location.
Clara: I'm not an idiot, Clive, I know how this works. And you brought your lawyer with you, this isn't a small matter.

chapter 39
Clive: Just humour me for a little while longer.
Clara: Mm hmm.

She scowled as she watched Clive's attorney walk into the bar, briefcase in hand.

chapter 39
Denise had stepped into the dressing room, getting herself ready to leave. She had noticed the suits hovering around the bar. The bartender was setting the place up, but they didn't order any drinks for themselves. Whatever was going on, she didn't exactly want to be noticed.

chapter 39
But she was still curious. She knew the bar was in trouble after hearing that the property was being purchased by Landgraab Industries. It was unclear if the bar would be left as it is, or if it would become something entirely different. Either way, Denise had a feeling her job was on the line.

She decided to take one more look. She stopped, frozen at the top of the steps. But she felt as if she had slammed into a wall.

chapter 39
Clive.

chapter 39
She watched as her ex-husband leaned in close to a woman she had never seen before. Her breath staggered as she watched his hand rest intimately on the other woman's lower back.

chapter 39
The suits did their customary greeting of one another. Everyone seemed happy that Clive Baird was able to meet them here, tonight.

chapter 39
Clara ordered a glass of wine and took a seat, watching with displeasure as Clive and the attorneys talked.

chapter 39
Denise ducked quickly behind the stage curtains. She wasn't sure why she did. She should have left. None of this was her business.

chapter 39
She could hear them from here. They talked about having gone over the paperwork extensively. About how Clive's offer was comparable to Landgraab's, but how they'd prefer to be associated with a local businessman. To Denise's further surprise, Clive made it clear that this was a personal venture, and had nothing to do with his corporation. There was a lot of legal speak that she couldn't quite follow but she understood enough about contracts to know that one was being signed tonight.

chapter 39

chapter 39
Denise could see even from where she was hiding that Clive's "friend" did not seem happy with this.

chapter 39
His lawyer quickly leafed through the pages, pointing out clauses and conditions to note. Clive nodded through each explanation as he signed every page.

chapter 39
And in a while it was done. There were handshakes and congratulations all around. "It was definitely a pleasure doing business with you, Mr. Baird."

chapter 39
Clara: And what, pray tell, are you going to do with an ancient jazz club?
Clive: Sorry Clara. I know you work for Landgraab so I couldn't exactly tell you what was going on. I saw an opportunity and I took it.
Clara: Buying up property that he already had a bid for? You don't deal in entertainment venues. Malcolm already has successful projects lined up to occupy this measly space that will make a lot more money than you will if you keep this bar here.
Clive: Maybe I'll keep the bar here. We've done the research, the bar turns a decent profit. And I don't see anything wrong with expanding.

chapter 39
Clara: I don't believe for a second that you only bought this club for the business opportunity. I know who sings here.

chapter 39
Clive: You mean Denise?
Clara: You really must think I'm an idiot. Of course I mean Denise. Her poster is plastered all over the place for god's sake.
Clive: I don't suppose it'll help to tell you that she doesn't have anything to do with my decision.

chapter 39
Clara: Didn't you hear me the first time? I don't believe you.
Clive: Clara there's no point in being jealous...

chapter 39
Clara: Jealous?! Are you serious?

It was only a small, dull pain at first. Clive wasn't sure when it started. But as Clara's voice grew louder, the pain seemed to throb outwards until it was a steady hammering behind his eyes. Clara's voice lowered to an even, dangerous tone, every word punctuated.

chapter 39
Clara: Your ex-wife has nothing on me. Do you understand?

chapter 39
"Do you understand?"The pain suddenly seemed to explode. Clive groaned, gritting his teeth as something that felt like a searing hot knife stab into his head. He was no longer hearing what Clara was saying.

chapter 39
The pain suddenly seemed to stop as she stood back, silent. His lawyer was at his side, holding him steady. He shrugged him away mildly.

chapter 39
Clara: Feeling better?
Clive: Yeah... yeah I do. I've just been having these migraines for a while... but it's gone now. What were you saying...?
Clara: It doesn't matter.

chapter 39
Clive: Okay. I don't want to get in a fight over this... I'm done with business for now, so I'll make it up to you with the rest of tonight.
Clara: It may take a bit of an effort.
Clive: Well... let me try.



Later that night...

chapter 39
Cecilia: Jasmine, this isn't Mom's.
Jasmine: I know. She told us to meet her here.
Cecilia: But this is Grandpa and Grandma Markelly's place. I thought they were spending the winter in Twikkii Island.
Jasmine: I know that too. But again, she said she'd be here.

chapter 39
Cecilia: You're not going to tell her what happened are you?

chapter 39
Jasmine: That you were possessed by a ghost who decided to cut your hair and make you try to kill people? You really think she'd want to know that?
Cecilia: Jasmine!
Jasmine: I'm not going to tell anyone, Cecilia. Unless you want me to. But come on, it's pretty messed up.
Cecilia: Don't you think I know that?
Jasmine: Well, hopefully you'll think twice next time you decide to piss off the spirits.

chapter 39
Denise was at the door as soon as Jasmine rang the bell. Their mother took one look at Jasmine, then at Cecilia. She could only try to stifle a laugh.

Denise: Cecilia! Oh... oh my.

chapter 39
Denise: Jasmine told me that you tried to cut your own hair, but I didn't think it would be this... oh Cecilia, come here sweetie...

chapter 39
She reached out and pulled Cecilia in to a big, reassuring hug.
Cecilia: Mom, what are you doing here? Are Grandpa and Grandma here too?
Denise: They're still having the time of their lives down in Twikkii.

chapter 39
Denise: But there's someone else who's very eager to see you again. And she can help you with your hair. She's the best person I know to do it.
Cecilia: What..? I thought you were going to do it... Aunt Tyler?
Tyler: You thought your mother was going to do your hair? Sweetie, believe me, let her at it and it'll come out looking worse.

chapter 39
Denise: Sorry kids. She just got back. We kind of wanted to surprise you.
Jasmine: Wow. Aunt Tyler. I hadn't seen you in forever.

chapter 39
Tyler: I know, I know, I'm kind of unimportant in the grand scheme of things. But it was time to settle down somewhere and figured my old hometown would be a good start. But look at you guys, all grown up! I sure missed so much!

chapter 39
Jasmine: Um... and you gained weight?
Cecilia: Jasmine!
Jasmine: What?!

chapter 39
Tyler: It's okay, Cecilia. I guess I did. Will be losing it in a little while though. And I know you want to ask. "He" was just a fling. Sometimes you bring back more than souvenirs when you're on vacation.

chapter 39
Tyler: But enough about me. What in the heck am I going to do with you?
Denise: I figured if anyone could repair a styling accident it would be you.
Tyler: Let's not be too hard on the girl, Sis'. It's college, everyone... experiments.

chapter 39
Cecilia: Is it really that bad?
Tyler: Honey. Yes it is. It looks really, really awful. And so does the rest of you. You look like you've seen a ghost to be honest.

chapter 39
Tyler: But your mother had the right idea bringing you here. Don't you even worry about it, kid. I'll take care of everything.

chapter 39
Jasmine: Mom, I can't even begin to tell you what was going on with Cecilia when she did that.
Denise: I don't even want to ask. Trust me, you both aren't the only ones to have had a bad night.
Jasmine: Well I'm glad Aunt Tyler could stay up this late to help.
Denise: She was happy to. And she kind of owes me anyway.
Jasmine: For what?

chapter 39
Denise: For her whole life.

Jasmine looked up at her mother and sighed. Denise only smiled.




chapter 39
Cecilia stared at herself for a long time.

chapter 39
The girl in the mirror that stared back at her didn't seem anything like her. It wasn't just the hair and someone else's sweater. There was something foreign about that that face. As if everything about her had been hollowed out and all that remained was something entirely different.

chapter 39
She didn't want to think that things have changed this much.

chapter 39
Tyler: Well, doll, you ready for this?
Cecilia: Yeah I guess...

chapter 39
Tyler: Oh hon, don't look so worried. We'll do the whole works... a little cut, a little colour, a little lip gloss. You'll look like yourself again.

Like myself, thought Cecilia. She could only wish it would be that easy.




chapter 39
Jasmine looked down at the sideboard covered in family photos. She smiled warmly as she went through each of them. There were fond memories captured in each of those pictures. It was nice thinking of a time when everyone was happy.

chapter 39
Denise: God, I've forgotten how many photos we had.
Jasmine: Is that Grandma and Gramps in Twikkii? They look good.
Denise: Well it isn't snowing and they're on a warm sunny beach. Why wouldn't they be.

chapter 39
Jasmine: Hmm. I look like a dork in this one.
Denise: I don't think so. You all were cute kids.
Jasmine: Of course you'd say that.

chapter 39
Jasmine: So... what is this about saving Aunt Tyler's life or something?
Denise: What?
Jasmine: You said Aunt Tyler owes you for saving her life.
Denise: Oh that's a silly joke we've had from when we were kids.
Jasmine: Speaking of... is this you and Aunt Lydia?

chapter 39
Jasmine could practically hear the smile coming off of her mother's face.

Denise: Yep. That's us. I'm the unhappy one.
Jasmine: I kind of figured. When was this taken? Was it at Grandpa's wedding?
Denise: Yes, actually it was. But not his wedding to your Grandmother Felicia.
Jasmine: How many times was this dude married?!


chapter 39
Denise chuckled.

Denise: I guess I am telling you a story. Your grandfather Brandon was married three times. The first was to my mother. But as you know, she passed away when we were very young. The third time was to Felicia, who is Tyler's mother and the Grandma Markelly you know and love today. It's the second marriage that everyone would rather forget about.

chapter 39
Jasmine: Was she that bad?
Denise: Honestly? It's been so long, I could barely remember. But yeah, I like to think she was that bad. Like Evil Witch Queen bad. Somehow Dad saw something in her.


chapter 39
"I couldn't fall for it though. Your Aunt Lydia... well she was just happy to have a mom again, even one as evil as Abigail. She was a kid. So was I. But I liked to think I had good reasons for hating her right off the bat. "

chapter 39
"One of the first things Abigail convinced Dad to do was move out of our house. It was our Dad's first home with our real mother. Where we grew up."

chapter 39
"Obviously some of us weren't happy with that decision."

chapter 39

chapter 39
"We moved to the city. According to Abigail, it allowed Dad to be closer to his businesses. And maybe she'd manage to convince him to open up a business for her. He didn't though, thank god."

chapter 39
"I guess it wasn't so bad. We started highschool. Met some interesting new friends. Your Aunt Lydia met Clive... your father. But we were just freshmen. He was a senior, and dating someone else at the time."

chapter 39
"I was just waiting for the day for Dad to realize he had married one of the most awful people ever."

chapter 39
"Unfortunately, I had to wait a while before he did."

chapter 39
"Abigail and I never got along. We tried to at first, but it just wasn't happening. She constantly kept criticizing me, trying to tell me how to dress and how to act. And of course, I never let her. "

chapter 39
"Lydia... well, Lydia had always been the mild mannered one. She'd talk me down from a lot of my tirades."

chapter 39
"I guess I would have gone nuts if it weren't for her. She always did listen to me."

chapter 39
"Lydia convinced me to talk to Dad about how I felt about Abigail. I think it helped a little bit. Dad was seeing the same things I was."

chapter 39
"But he wasn't going to leave her just because I wanted him to. I know it was stupid of me to expect it. At least he said he would talk to her."

chapter 39
"Things got a little interesting though. I guess Abigail got impatient waiting for Dad to pour his hard earned money into her stupid business projects. So she went behind his back and spoke to a friend of his. I'm sure you've heard of Malcolm Landgraab the IV."

Jasmine pursed her lips. His name was too familiar to her. She's heard about him enough from Cecilia.

chapter 39
"That 'business relationship' lead to other things. I'm certain Abigail was the one that started it."

chapter 39
"And that woman was obnoxiously bold about it too. I have no idea how many times she'd bring him over. But one day I came home from school and caught them myself."

chapter 39
"I finally had something I could tell Dad about Abigail. And I did."

chapter 39
"Your Grandfather took it like any sane, rational, warm-blooded sim would."

chapter 39
Jasmine: Holy shit... Grandpa Brandon? Got in fight with Malcolm Landgraab?!
Denise: I know. You wouldn't expect it coming from him. But he did. Flattened him out, too.
Jasmine: Way to go, Grandpa.

chapter 39
"I was in a bit of shock, I'll admit. I've never seen Dad this way. Lydia was hysterical."

chapter 39
"But I don't regret it. Dad kicked Abigail out that night and before long they were divorced."

chapter 39
Jasmine: Wow Mom. I had no clue that breaking people up was in your repertoire.
Denise: Well, that's where the joke about Tyler owing me for her life comes in.

chapter 39
Denise: I guess I can't really take that much responsibility. Who knows if Dad would have left Abigail anyway. But divorcing Abigail when he did freed Dad up to start seeing Felicia. And soon after they were married. And soon after that Tyler was born.

chapter 39
Jasmine: Honestly, I never thought your side of the family would have so much drama.
Denise: In the long run, it was nothing. And over time, details might have gotten mixed up or exaggerated. I think I like to remember us having better hair and clothes.

chapter 39
Denise: I also think that everything turned out for the best.

chapter 39
Denise: You, Cecilia, Gabriel... you grew up with the best set of grandparents the world could give you. And our family was happy. That's what was important.

chapter 39
Tyler: Okay ladies, your attention please! First of all I'd like to announce that I am awesome. Thank you.

chapter 39
Tyler: Second of all... the new and improved Cecilia Baird!  Ta-daa!




chapter 39
Jasmine and Denise were impressed. Cecilia of course wanted all the compliments, which was fair after the night she's had. She decided she didn't exactly want to go back to the Tri-Var house just yet, so they set up the guest bedroom for her.

Denise: It is really late. Are you sure you don't want to stay the night? There's plenty of room here.
Jasmine: It's okay. I really just want to be in my own bed tonight. Cecilia can grab a cab back to campus in the morning.

chapter 39
Jasmine: Mom... the story you told about your step-mother, Abigail... it kind of reminds me of something...

Jasmine tried to search for what she wanted to tell her mother. All the talk about evil step-mothers made Jasmine think of Clara. But she didn't know how to tell her. She switched gears at the last minute instead.

chapter 39
Jasmine: Um...What ever happened to her anyway? It's weird knowing Grandpa had a third wife.
Denise: Well these things happen, Jasmine. Relationships, they come and go right? Some are flawed from the beginning and some last forever. I thought I was one of the lucky ones, but I went ahead and screwed that up.

chapter 39
Denise: But Abigail... I hadn't had to think about her for a long time. I remember watching her leave. I was so happy that she was gone. But I felt a little guilty about it, knowing that she did make your Grandfather happy once.

chapter 39
Denise: I never did see or hear from her ever again.

chapter 39
Jasmine started heading towards her truck. But she hesitated and turned around to face Denise again.

Jasmine: Mom. Dad is seeing someone.

chapter 39
Denise returned a tired smile.

Denise: I know, honey. It's okay.

chapter 39
Jasmine nodded, unable to think of what else to do or say. Denise simply left it at that. Neither wanted to talk about it any further that night. Maybe after both have rested, but it was pretty clear in the silence between them. With a quick "goodbye", Jasmine jumped in her truck and left.

chapter 39
Earlier that night, Denise had watched Clive with that woman. Her mind skipped between disbelief, sadness and fury. But in the end, she just felt small and helpless. Like everything that she once had with him was now meaningless and insignificant.

chapter 39
After all this time, it still hurt her to see him and the pain nearly crippled her that night. If Jasmine hadn't called, she wasn't sure what she would have done.

chapter 39
It was an obvious lie that she had told her daughter. It was not okay.



Next » [ Chapter 40: Disconnected ]


--------------------------------------------
Notes!
* Bartender is Logan by [livejournal.com profile] katu_sims.
* Some of you by now might have an idea of where I'm going with this. But here, have a raging clue: Everyone in this list who is not a vampire was born in-game. >_>
* Abigail was mentioned in this story in Chapter 6
* I love Tyler. She isn't important to the story, but she is important to the family, so I needed to bring her back. I had meant to re-introduce her a while ago, actually but she just didn't fit in. She's still a romance sim and she had been the placeholder for the Jazz Club that Denise plays at. I wanted to bring her over to TS3 and recreate her there, but it was just too tempting to see what kind of sprogs she'd create here. So I added it to the story. I'll tell you about the genetic donor in a while. ;) She actually hasn't given birth yet in my game.
* The pictures from the first gen sucked so I decided to recreate them. And beyond recreating them, I just made over pretty much everything. The house the Markelly's used to live in was a Maxis lot, made over and redecorated as seen here.
* Clive's lawyer is Michael Salazar, a college sim I made (and Elf's former roommate). The "suits" were random townies I dressed up for the part. :p
* This might have been the longest between updates. I think. In any case, thank you for reading. :)


Date: 2011-03-17 07:28 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] antimaccassar.livejournal.com
Yay! I am not totally coherent at the moment, but I just want to say that I really enjoyed this update, and really want more! The plot thickens!

Date: 2011-03-17 08:45 pm (UTC)
ext_57208: (True Blood: Eric talk to the hand)
From: [identity profile] naughtydolphin.livejournal.com
Oh, I do get the feeling that Clara has been around this family for a while. I love the anticipation of waiting for the shit to hit the fan!

Your flashback pictures were adorable, too!

Date: 2011-03-17 09:45 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] koraliene.livejournal.com
I'm so excited to read a new update, and yet already can't wait for the next one. There's usually so much focus on major characters like Willow (understandably), that it's nice seeing this part that focuses in on Denise, who seemed relatively minor. I'm hoping Clive and Denise can work it out :)

Date: 2011-03-17 10:46 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] inferiarecoming.livejournal.com
Oh wow... Clara = Abigail?

And those two shots towards the end; of Denise staring out the window at Abigail leaving, and the very last shot with Clara - I love the symmetry between the two.

Poor Cecelia! Her new haircut is lovely though :P
(deleted comment)

Date: 2011-03-18 06:11 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] ndainye.livejournal.com
I was very excited to see this on my f-list tonight! Yay for updates and plot thickenings. Very curious as to where several things in this chapter will lead.

Besides wanting to know who's related to who (and really wanting to compare facial features properly), I'm curious as to Clive's motivation. I know that he's not as immune to Denise as he'd like her to believe but I'm wondering if the purchase of the bar is about her or Malcolm. Two birds one stone most likely.

I really liked what you did with the pictures in this one. The hiding of facial features (which you've used effectively in the past) and the mirroring of past and present .

Date: 2011-03-18 06:32 am (UTC)
ext_398324: (Default)
From: [identity profile] sullivansims.blogspot.com (from livejournal.com)
I'm pretty much about to fall asleep at the keyboard but I HAD to read this!

I loved all the flashbacks. It makes me wish I had a good excuse to do some for my Sims but I really don't! That's okay, I'll just enjoy yours.

Keeping in mind that I'm really tired at the moment, is it odd that Malcolm is still only an adult now and was around 30 or so years ago as well? Is that special warlock aging? Or should I just shut up and have a nap, lol?

Date: 2011-03-18 07:09 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] orikes13.livejournal.com
eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

I love seeing your updates show up in my flist. The story is so much fun and the pictures are always, always yummy. I feel like the cat asking for the cheeseburger. I can has SimTopi? :D

Poor Cecelia's hair. I was glad to see you picked up right with her spectral hair cut and got her a new look. That hair looks good on her. Where's it from? It reminds me of a hair I have that I like, but always looks too tall on the heads of my various sim ladies.

I kept waiting for a revelation that Abigal = Clara.. I still have a gut feeling that is related, but.. I don't know. :)

LOVED this. And, as always, looking forward to more.

Date: 2011-03-18 07:14 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] simprov.livejournal.com
DUN DUN DUN! I loved the similarities between Denise watching Abigail leave and the ending shots. I think I may just have an idea as to Clara's origin. Maybe... :)

Date: 2011-03-18 08:00 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] bunheadsbuns.livejournal.com
Loved it, of course!
I don't know why, but in movies, tv-shows, sim stories, I love flash backs, I really liked the part about Denise and Tyler growing up. And the fact that we didn't get to see Abigails face makes me a little curious of course ;)
And the family photos was so pretty and well done! Are they on the BV poster mesh?

Also, edgy new Cecilia! Awesome.

Date: 2011-03-18 05:11 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] simsinthecity.livejournal.com
I think I caught on, too! I love it when that happens with reading something. Keeps me even more interested. :)

Date: 2011-03-18 11:57 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] dinoshad2brains.livejournal.com
Yes, I love retcon. I thought I had an idea what was going on, then the clue totally threw me for a loop. Now I think I'm back on board again, but I love the anticipation.
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Date: 2011-03-21 11:03 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] the_mctavishams.livejournal.com
...!!!

DUN DUN DUNNNNN

Omg. I have so many theories. And I am hopping with anticipation. And I love Cecelia's hair style :b That's one of my favorite shortie styles (as seen on a certain someone in the teaser pic I posted the other day haha). Did you simgaroop-it? I've been lazy, but I need to maxis-match it with the texture and then recolor it to the certain hue I want.

Your pictures are always so well staged. I am constantly envious. And dude I never realized how closely Cecelia and Jasmine resemble their mom. They look just like her. It was pretty cool to see them all in that picture together. :)

Date: 2011-03-23 12:39 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] starling-1.livejournal.com
This has so much emotional impact, I'm not sure I can even describe it. Denise's pain at seeing Clive with Clara; her decency; the way she described Abigail (the quintessential evil stepmother), and there is Cecilia staring at her reflection and wondering where she lost some of herself. Wonderful and awesome and terribly, terribly sad.

The delicate emotion you capture is shots like the one where Denise is looking around the door at Abigail are fabulous. I love every single shot, absolutely love them.

This is a completely beautiful piece of writing.

Date: 2011-03-26 10:28 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] cmespy15.livejournal.com
Being uberly late is NOT a good thing....unless you're fashionably uberly late. :P Onto the actual commenting:

If I could, I'd kick Clara in the ka-hooky (another word for rear end :P). Argh! Don't like her. How dare she set them--wait, why would she do it in the first place? Obviously there's a reason behind it. *Hmm*

Oh, is Clive trying to break the spell that he doesn't even know is one him?

Hey it's Tyler!!! <3 And she's pregnant too!

I like Cecelia's new hairstyle. I'm pretty sure it suits her more than the ragged hairstyle does.

Oooo, bringing back the memory of what happened in the Markelly family. Nice. :) Love the pics by the way.

Can't wait for the next chapter! :)

Date: 2011-03-28 03:36 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] saccharineacid.livejournal.com
I don't have time to leave a longer response now, but I just wanted to say that I've read the entire SimTopi series over the past few weeks and it is just amazing! You're incredibly talented in, oh... just about everything! The sets, the Sims, the photos, the characterization... gorgeous. You could definitely charge for this and I'd still read it. ;)

Great job! I hope you update again soon... it's addicting!

Date: 2011-03-29 12:26 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] happyberrypink.livejournal.com
Thank you for another wonderful chapter!

I hope you don't mind...but I added this journal to my friend's list because it seems I'm constantly missing the updates! And I wanted to keep up to date with the story. *laughs* Yes, I'm that enthralled. Must know how this all will unravel! :)

I love the shots in this chapter, especially the ones of teenage Denise.

And even though I didn't think it was possible...this chapter made me hate Clara even more. Well perhaps hate is too strong a word but it definitely solidifies her in my mind as a real villain. In a good way. *laughs* You know it makes me think things like, "What's that evil woman gonna do next?!" and of course keeps me glued to the story.

Date: 2011-03-29 10:29 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] raquelaroden.livejournal.com
Ugh...Clive and Clara. At least he was able to do something that wasn't in line with what she wanted, though she might turn his brain to mush later or something.

Cecelia looks darling with the short hair--I'm glad her aunt was able to help her out. I'm thinking that Denise needs to take a closer look at Clara, given the similarities between her and her father's second wife. I just wonder if Clive will be able to get out of it safely.

Wonderful update!

Date: 2011-05-03 09:47 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] simlili.livejournal.com
I hope you're OK with late comments :S I was supposed to have time to reread from the start but it's not happening, so I'm catching up where I left. I guess everything has been said already in the 40 (!) comments above lol, but I just wanted to say it felt good to "read Simtopi" again! Another perfect chapter ♥
And because I just don't know how to keep it short, I'll add that Clara makes me so frustrated, she has to have her ass kicked like ASAP :D

Date: 2012-03-23 09:04 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] sims2snfkggh.livejournal.com
Hah, this was nice! Why do I feel like Abigail and Clara are the same Sims? Deaaaarnthis.
By the way, it's always funny to read the notes at the end of your updates. =)