chapter 40

[simtopi]

[ ch 37 ] [ ch 38 ] [ ch 39 ] « previous chapters || [ All ]

Chapter 40: Disconnected

Warnings: coarse language
 
And yay, 40 chapters! wow O_o

It was a good day to have off; no worries about classes or throwing in hours at the store downtown. Meadow opened the windows a touch, smiled at the sunshine and decided it was much too nice of a day to spend completely indoors.


Meadow: Hi Ben. Hope you don't mind us joining you.
Ben: Mind? Not at all.
Meadow: The winter's kept us in for too long. I thought Sage would enjoy being out for a little bit.


Ben: I'm guessing it looks like you might be enjoying it more than a little bit too.
Meadow: Can you tell? I'm glad all the mid-terms are done with. I felt like I was drowning in stuff to do for a while there.


Ben: How did you do?
Meadow: Well, I don't have a perfect GPA but I'm passing. Thanks to Willow.


Ben: Give yourself a bit of credit there. I'm sure all that determination of yours had something to do with it.
Meadow: It was difficult. I really don't know how anyone else in my position gets by. I guess I'm just not good at handling all of it yet.
Ben: Some sims manage, some don't. Some have it easy and some have to make sacrifices.


Ben: But you got by, and I'm proud that you did. I know it wasn't easy for you.
Meadow: I had help. Willow, of course, but you're a bit of a big deal around here too.


Ben: I'm just the babysitter. And you know, I'm happy to look after Sage any time.
Meadow: Thank you for that. Really.


Ben: Well, it's been hard getting back on my feet for a while... Sage has given me a good reason to enjoy interacting with people again.
Sage: vrrrrrrmmmm...


Meadow: I’m glad for that. I like that you’re in his life. He needs someone like you...
Ben: What, a “strong male role-model?”
Meadow: … well, yes. Not like I believe in those kinds of conservative gender-roles, but I like having someone like you around. Someone who's intelligent, reliable... mature. Someone that he could really look up to.


Ben: Flattery will get you everywhere, Miss Thayer. But you’re selling yourself short again. He has you.
Meadow: And I'm barely around lately. You know what I mean though. He needs...


Meadow: He needs a father-figure...

Ben smiled. There was a brief moment of awkward silence.


Meadow: Sage, don't play too far now. Stay close.
Sage: 'kay, Mommy!


Meadow: He likes you too, you know.
Ben: You think so? I could never tell with him. He seems to be in his own little world most of the time.


Meadow: Oh I know. Sometimes he’s shy. Sometimes he’s impossible. I know where he gets that part from.


Ben: You mean from his father.
Meadow: Yeah. His father.


Ben: Meadow...all this talk about father-figures.... have you ever thought of having him in Sage’s life?


Meadow: All the time. I don't know though. Being connected genetically doesn't necessarily make one a good parent.


Ben: True. But I know on my part... if I had a son, I’d want to know. And I’d want to be a part of his life.


Meadow: You’re not Rowan.


Ben: Look, I didn’t want to upset you. Whatever decision you make, I’m here to help. I just want you to be sure. And to be honest, I'd be okay if Rowan doesn't end up in your life. In fact... if it was up to me that is... I like it better this way.


Meadow: You’re right. We're family, Ben. It’s not perfect, but what is.




She didn't stop him when he leaned forward and kissed her gently. For a long moment, his lips pressed against hers, tenderly, almost innocently. She had always wondered what it would be like with him, being in a real relationship, but she had never made the first move.


Though in her mind, she knew this would be the easiest thing to do. Being with someone who was her friend, and who already cared for her child.

Someone who wasn't Rowan. So why was she still thinking of him?


She pulled herself away.


Ben: Meadow...
Meadow: We should get going.


Meadow: Sage?


Meadow: Sage, honey, time to go inside now!


There was no answer. She couldn't even hear the creaking of the tricycle he was riding.

She began to panic.
Ben: Meadow, calm down. He's probably just already went inside. I'll go look, okay?


Meadow nodded dumbly but mostly ignored Ben as he rushed inside the building. She swore at herself, angry at letting Sage out of her sight, even if it was for a moment. She called his name one more time...






Sage: Vrrrrrmmmm vrrroooom...!










They looked at one another for a moment.

Rowan: Where do you think you're going, kid? Nothing back there but a busy street.

That should have been enough. Most kids were scared of him. He wasn't expecting the reply.


Sage: Move!!!


Rowan: What the...?


Meadow: Sage?!

Her heart leapt into her throat as she turned the corner to see who was standing there. With her son.


Sage: 'm here, Mommy!




Meadow: Hi, Rowan.
Rowan: Meadow?


Meadow: Sage, come here, sweetie.


He couldn't say anything as he watched the little boy walk over to Meadow's waiting arms.


"It's important." Gabriel had told him.


She didn't have to say a word.

---

Linden: Jesus, Rowan.
Rowan: I know.


Linden: If Gabriel told you to go over there, you know that means. Willow knows too. I just saw her today, and she didn't say anything at all...
Rowan: You've probably noticed Willow doesn't really like to mention these important little details.
Linden: I'm beginning to see that.
Rowan: But I don't really give two shits about that right now.


Linden: I hate to sound insensitive, but how... I mean... how do you know if the kid’s yours? What did she say?
Rowan: She didn’t say anything.


Linden: What do you mean? Did she even talk to you?
Rowan: Didn’t give her the chance.


Linden: Wait. You didn’t talk to her?
Rowan: No. I just walked.
Linden: Rowan. Come on.


Rowan: What was there to say? What the fuck was I supposed to do?
Linden: I don’t know, Rowan. Thankfully I’ve never been in a situation like this.
Rowan: Hey you know you’re a whole lot of fucking help.


Linden: Help? Fuck that, Rowan. This is all you. You’re the one who’s going to have to deal with it. And if that kid is yours... well...


Linden: Rowan, you might be a Dad. And if you are, you're going to have to be a real one for him. You don’t walk away from this.
Rowan: Meadow hasn’t told me shit in all this time. What makes you even think I have a choice in what I can do?
Linden: Well you’re going to have to start by talking to her. If Willow already knows she could probably help...
Rowan: No.


Rowan: I'm done with it all. Willow especially. This bar is about the furthest I’m going for a while, because if it isn’t fucking zombies, vampires and witches, it’s ex-girlfriends and surprise babies.
Linden: You sound more scared of this little boy than you are of the zombies, vampires and witches.
Rowan: Goddam right.


Linden: And you don’t think that with all this weird supernatural shit going on around us, that this isn’t a good reason you should stay in his life? You know... to protect him?


Rowan: Or maybe he'd be safer if we all just stay away.

He threw down what he owed for the drinks, stood up and began to leave. Linden sighed and followed him out.






Linden: What’s his name anyway?
Rowan: Sage.
Linden: “Sage”? Jeez... he really is a Marlen isn’t he?

---

It was the end of the night. Everything that had to be done, was done.


There was nothing left to say or do except let the hours run it's course.






As soon as she felt her feet touch the ground, she bolted forward toward the house.


What she tried to hold back in front of Gabriel burst through, and even before she was in the door, she was crying uncontrollably. He had been nothing but perfect towards her. She'd made her mistakes and he was willing to forgive her. How did she easily let it all go?


After minutes had passed, she caught her breath. She almost couldn't stand the dark and the silence. She managed to get back on her feet, taking a few steps through the unlit hallway.


Almost blind, and without thinking, she walked to the cellar. The Mirror hung on the wall before her. She knew it could tell her something important, maybe even help her understand... but she didn't know what she could learn from it.


Jasmine was getting home. She wanted this night to be done. It was nearly 4 in the morning and she wanted rest. Even if every single one of her problems reappeared with daylight, she didn't care, as long as she got some sleep.



Gabriel hadn't been able to get to sleep. Giving up, he simply got dressed and started walking. He wasn't sure how long he'd been walking out in the cold, but he ended up here.


Seeing her cousin there, she sighed. Everyone else, it seemed, was having a worse night than she was.






Even from where he was, Adrian could see the look on Gabriel's face; the way his shoulders slouched, how Jasmine was trying to comfort him. He instantly sympathized.  Another time and place, Adrian had been there before. He didn't have to hear what they were talking about to understand what was going on.


The night stretched on slowly, yet there was little rest.


Some had the privilege of being comforted... having someone close, with soothing words and a gentle lullaby.


Some were happy to stay awake, just to make sure the ones they loved were safe.




She had pulled rugs down from upstairs so she wouldn't have to step on the cold floor. She found more candles to brighten the place with. After a while, she didn't even notice the discomfort. She had tried to make the Mirror work for her all night. All she could get was random glimpses of things that made no sense to her. Sometimes the images were familiar. She tried to write it all down anyway.


By dawn, she must have seen everything that had happened this night. From the inconsequential to the significant parts. She wasn't aware of how much time had passed.


Willow hadn't slept at all.


"You're quite determined, child," the Sorceress said, though she did not allow the girl to hear her. "What is it that you're trying to find?"


"The Mirror will only show you what you need to know, not give you the wisdom to solve anyone's problems. Least of all your own."


The girl was very intelligent, that was true. And the magic came to her naturally. Her spells bonded to her subconscious mind easily. Yet the Sorceress was still uncertain. Willow was still very naive despite all that has happened to her. If this girl was her Heir, she still was not ready.


But she was closer than Helene had first believed.



Next » [ Chapter 41: Trouble ]

----------------------------------------------------
Notes!
* about time, no? :D
* special guest appearances by smustleparty 's Chuck October as Ben, and naughtydolphin 's Yolanda Qwerty as Amara (evil witch in the bar :O )
* this feels more like a prologue of the next story arc, which is why it might be slow. I wasn't sure how to tell this chapter, but I think complaining about it in my last blog entry was kind of therapeutic and helped me sort it out.
* Ben and Meadow really weren't meant to happen. But apparently Ben's been crushing on Meadow hard, so I just went with it. And it also gave me an excuse to write him in. :D
* thank you guys so much for reading. And just generally being there and being awesome. *group hug*

Comments

[robertcarney.livejournal.com]

Long time no (real) update! (;
I love your 'prologue' chapters, they set the following ones up perfectly and manage to keep it interesting.

Enough schmoozing, let's get down to business.
I want Meadow and Rowan to get together again and raise little Sage SO BAD, so I'm going to root for that to happen.
Willow looks quite stunning when she decides to let her hair down! Her relationship with Helene seems like it's going to get pretty intense, and we're all excited for that to happen.
I also felt something strange was up with Amara as soon as I saw the back of her, which is strange for me because I almost never get that 'sixth sense' feeling.

Overall, great job! (;

[simtopi]

Oh it hadn't been that long, has it? ;) I'm glad you like this though! I do like Meadow and Rowan together. Here's hoping that they manage to make it work for Sage's sake. Of course, I wouldn't tell you if it's going there yet. Of course there has to be a little bit of drama in the way. :)

[simsforaranya.livejournal.com]

OOHHHHHHH YES. I've been waiting for you to revisit Rowan/Meadow! I love Rowan so much. XD

[simtopi]

:D I love him too! I honestly couldn't wait to get back to them.

[pnkpnthr334.livejournal.com]

Aww, little Sage needs his daddy! *team Rowan*

Have we met that witch at the bar before? I wonder what she's up to...

[simtopi]

Sage *might* be okay without Rowan. He has a lot of people caring for him, but yes it would be nice if Rowan were around too.

Amara's first appearance was in Chapter 34. Whether she's up to something or not, we'll see. :)

[kkkayleighh.livejournal.com]

NEEDS MOAR WERDS.

[simtopi]

It does? O_o

[starling-1.livejournal.com]

oh wow...I love this. I love how you moved from one to another, keeping the emotion quiet but intense, and how you finished with Willow attempting to make sense of what never makes sense: love and regret and fear.

I like Ben with Meadow but he's no Rowan. The shot of Rowan with his boot on Sage's trike is priceless! I love every single shot from the opening with the elevated train tracks to the final pic of the empty mirror.

This is a wonderful, beautifully written and bittersweet piece of writing. Completely perfect.

[simtopi]

You know I love replying to comments, Beth. I like the interaction, honestly. :)

Thank you for this, I'm really glad you like it. I do struggle with chapters like this, you know where not much goes on, and I have to rely on telling what's going on in my characters' heads before I move on to the action-y bits.

[niloublue.livejournal.com]

I really loved this chapter and I really, really hope that Rowan and Meadow get together again. I am sure Rowan would be such a good Dad, if he had the chance.
And I'd love to know more about Helene. I am really worried for Willow, tough. I hope she will find a way to deal to what is happening to her!

[simtopi]

Thank you Nilou! Rowan would probably be a good father, but we'll see if he allows himself to be and if Meadow lets it too. You're right, he does need the chance.

We'll be seeing more of Helene and other "villains" in upcoming chapters.

[chickadeelee.livejournal.com]

Beautiful pictures and writing. I love how Sage told Rowan to "Move!". Lol, that is definitely something that a toddler would do/say. I also really liked the pictures of Meadow and Sage in bed. They look so cute, and Meadow looks so in love with that little boy. I hope Rowan steps up and becomes the father figure that Sage needs.

[simtopi]

Yay, I'm so happy to see you're reading this! Thank you, I'm glad you like this. :)

Writing Sage was cute and fun. I definitely tried to give him a little attitude. And I liked that pic of them too. Meadow is a family sim so of course she'd completely dote on her children. :)

[scribal-goddess.livejournal.com]

Yeah, high time that Rowan got that particular kick to the head. Willow... well, I've been kind of mad at her for the last few chapters, just because of the fact that anyone besides the main character would know that secluding themselves isn't going to protect their friends. Nope. Once the zombies know where you live, assume their leader has your life story hidden away somewhere too.
I'm of two minds about Helena. ON the one hand, SCARY! But... evil overlord characters that have this much depth and backstory aren't always as evil as they're cracked up to be. And her sisters... I really want to know if the third sister is alive still.
Yeah, this was a transition, but it was a transition that made me grin when I woke up this morning.

[simtopi]

Nice, you're caught up! :D

You're right it was about time that Rowan and Sage meet, at least it was for me. Just had to find a good moment that didn't interrupt the flow of other stuff. I need to plan better for sure. ;)

Willow is going through something, and it might not be completely an act of altruism that she's shutting herself off from the people that care about her. She is confused about it though. The "bad guys" definitely know where she lives, but as you know, the bad guys are the ones that are trying to keep her hidden away.

We'll learn more about Helene and her sisters in a while. Sibyll may make an appearance or two in a flashback as well. The third sister's story will definitely be told.

I'm glad I can make you smile. Thank you for reading. :)

[wisteria-sims.livejournal.com]

Aww, loved this chapter, and Sage! I love that kid ;)

[simtopi]

Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed it. Sage <3!

[dinuriel.livejournal.com]

Awww, Sage is so cute. "Move!!" :D

I think the paternity be obvious to anyone who knew Rowan and got a good look at Sage :P But I can't really blame Rowan for freaking out here. I hope he can get over it, though. Ben seems nice, but Rowan and Meadow seem to have just a little bit of DESTINY in the sparks. Maybe they can be together once all the other drama wraps up. I think Sage needs a sibling ;)

Wonder who that other witch is. Also, it was nice to get another glimpse of Helene.

Great chapter! :)

[simtopi]

Well you know, Sage is his father's son, I had to give him a bit of that attitude. ;)

You're right Rowan isn't dealing with it very well right now. He has other stuff on his mind too, having a baby was something he was definitely not prepared for. Whether it's destiny for him and Meadow, we'll have to see. LOL @ Sage needing a sibling. :D

The other witch did appear in the coven scene of Chapter 34. She may or may not be up to no good.

Thank you!!! :)

[happyberrypink.livejournal.com]

Yay~ Rowan!! ^-^ I was wondering when he'd finally meet his son... I loved the shot of his boot stopping the wheel as they stare at each other.

I don't know if I've mentioned this before...but Willow's hair is really pretty when it's loose.

My heart is still broken for Gabriel...:/ *hugs him* Poor guy.

Thank you for another interesting chapter~

[simtopi]

Yep Rowan had to meet his son soon. I had this scene on my harddrive for at least two months now it was actually driving me nuts! :D

Thank you very much for your comment! :D

[(Anonymous)]

Great chapter! I'm so glad Rowan finally found out about sage! I've been waiting for this to happen.

[simtopi]

Like I said to happyberrypink above you, I've had most of this scene ready for two months, give or take some re-shoots. I was waiting eagerly to tell this part of the story too. Thank you! :)

[selenaq13.livejournal.com]

Yet, another fantastic chapter, I'm glad Rowan knows now and I look forward to finding out how this all plays out.

[simtopi]

I'm glad you liked it! It'll be a few more chapters, but it will play out one way or the other.

[brilliantcat.livejournal.com]

I've just read this entire thing over the course of a couple of days. I really like the story you've set up and the supernatural elements. You've made your characters human and flawed, and that can be hard to do. I feel so bad for Gabe. Looking forward to seeing what happens next :D

Also, feel free to use any of my sims (at my simming journal brilliantsims or at pixel_trade), I'd be so excited to see one of them pop up!

[simtopi]

OOh awesome! It's really cool to know you've read this, thank you! And yeah I'd totally love to use some of your sims. I know quite a few are running around in my Pixel_Trade hood already. ^_^

[mirroredfate.livejournal.com]

Yay a new update :D
When we first met Ben i was almost positive he was going to be gay I guess i was wrong ^^;
i love little sage he's adorable. But Rowan needs to step up!

[simtopi]

In all honesty I hadn't given Ben a gender preference. I moved him into the apartment really as the babysitter because if there are children on the lot, the social worker shows up the instant you use the freezer clock on the only adult in the household. Then I noticed Ben heartfarting over Meadow from there. ;)

[shebsimmin.livejournal.com]

Hello, I'm a late-in-the-game reader, and I have to say, I LOVE this series!!! I had seen your updates on different friends lists, but I'd always back out of catching up and reading all 30-some odd previous chapters. Well, I decided today I'd do it, and I'm such a big fan now!!! You are a great sims-story teller and keep up the great work! I'm eagerly waiting for chapter 41.

*Sorry for all the gushing, but I couldn't go on reading w/o saying something.

[simtopi]

Hi new reader! :D Seriously, it's cool to hear new people are reading the story, and I'm happy that you like it. Thank you very much for all the kind words! <3

[sullivansims.blogspot.com (from livejournal.com)]

Yay, new chapter!

I'm excited to see Rowan meet Sage, finally! I was expecting a somewhat awkward conversation there but what else was there to say, right? I imagine there's going to be some interesting talks between Meadow and Rowan from now on though.

I love the idea of Meadow and Rowan but Ben is a sweetheart. I can see why Meadow would be drawn to him, although he's so different from Rowan (or maybe *because* he's so different from Rowan).

[simtopi]

I'll be completely honest here, I had no idea how this scene was going to go down. I had a vague idea in my head that Rowan would go over to Meadow's place on Gabriel's prompting and from there, I just didn't know what would happen. Giving Ben a bigger role is a fairly new plot development and I wasn't sure if I should have Rowan stick around and talk, argue, or if he'd just leave. In the end, while I was posing Meadow and Rowan staring down eachother, it just seemed right for Rowan to say nothing and walk away.

You're right about Ben. He appeals to Meadow right now just because he's not Rowan and she wants a family. She can't imagine that with Rowan right now.

[simsinthecity.livejournal.com]

For a little bit, I was worried we'd have another incident like with Willow in the prologue, here with Sage. We almost did -- but with a neat twist! (Or not-so-neat, if you're Rowan.)

I *thought* that evil witch looked familiar! Naturally, my mind first went to its inner list of premades, but ... hi, Landy!

[simtopi]

Yep, those two incidences might have been meant to parallel eachother. You're the only one who's mentioned it so far, so have some internet cookies! :D

[bunheadsbuns.livejournal.com]

YAY! Finally getting into the whole Meadow/Rowan/Kid thing. I think the chapter turned out wonderfully, seeing everyone coping with the night and their problems. It was like a tv-show :D

Also, at first when I saw your april fools post, I thought you had switched to Sims 3 and I was like NOOOOOO!! When I saw it was mysims I got it was a joke though. Phew!

[simtopi]

Thank you! I always stress about chapters like this. I actually had more planned, but it would have turned out way too long. It was definitely good to get back to Meadow, Rowan and Sage, for sure.

LOL @ my April Fools post. I may one day start playing Sims 3 in earnest, but it won't be for a while. ;)

[naughtydolphin.livejournal.com]

Oh, Rowan. Don't be an ass now :( And yay for Landy!!

[simtopi]

Yeah, ideally Rowan will be responsible. I think he has that in him. :) <3 Landy! :D

[raquelaroden.livejournal.com]

I love Sage's response to Rowan--definitely his kid. :)

I'm not sure how I feel about Rowan's reaction. I have to admit that I'm a bit sympathetic. It would be hard to find out the way he did. He has to feel like Meadow didn't want him in Sage's life--that she kept it from him for a reason, and that part of it had to be that she didn't trust him to step up and actually do it. That has to be quite a blow to the ego, but by the same token he didn't exactly do anything to make her feel like he could be depended on. I am interested to see what he says to Willow--especially because he might worry that her being around Meadow and Sage will actually attract the supernatural crap.

[simtopi]

I think you summarized Rowan's reaction better than I ever could. :D It is true, it's a combination of utter surprise that he has a son (and he does believe its his), and an ego blow that Meadow kept him out of his life. You're right about Meadow too, she did have her reasons, but she's conflicted.

Rowan may not want to deal with Willow or anything else "out of the ordinary" right now, but all the supernatural stuff would be a big concern for him.

[simtopi]

It was about time! I was anxious about getting to this point. It would be nice if he stays in Sage's life for sure. Thank you!

[heredoncove.wordpress.com (from livejournal.com)]

You tell a kick ass story! I've been reading this forever and never managed to comment - I'm lazy - but had to break that streak.

[simtopi]

Aww thanks! You never have to worry about commenting, but it's good to know and I'm really happy you like it. :)

[saccharineacid.livejournal.com]

YES I freaking LOVE Rowan.

MORE MORE MORE MORE MORE!

me? addicted? wat?


ps. The Captcha box has a black background with black text. Why do you hate us so? ;)

[simtopi]

LOL! Glad you like it, and OKAY I'll have more! :D

I'll try to fix the captcha thing eventually. I didn't realize it was styled that way but thanks for telling me about it. I had no idea!

[maranazar.livejournal.com]

I'm finally caught up...but now I'm sad that there's no more for a bit. =(

Willow braided her hair again! I'm glad; she just didn't look like herself with her hair down (pretty, but not like herself).

OMG, Rowan! D: I love him, and I think he'd make a good dad, but it's really sad he had to find out this way. Ben would probably make an excellent father, but I think Meadow would get bored with him. That makes her character sound horrible, but you know what I mean.

I'll comfort Gabriel. :D :D :D

[simtopi]

Well it's cool that you got caught up. I'm hoping that I can keep some kind of schedule on my updates so it won't be too long a wait. :)

Willow did braid her hair again. She's still confused and insecure and you're right, she didn't look like herself... she hasn't been exactly feeling like herself either. So braiding her hair is a way to keep some kind of control, trying to hold on to who she was before if she could.

Rowan would probably make a good dad. Maybe not a very conventional one, like Ben would be, but he would care a lot about his son. Meadow *thinks* she wants stability and friendship, but you're right about her, she was, and still is, attracted to Rowan for a reason.

And it's sweet that Gabe would have people like you around in his time of need. Awww! <3