Almost A Typical Family, 2010

Havar, fall, 2010
Tobi is 38; Aaron and Simora are 11; Matt is 7 (Li Yoo is 38)

They actually have had dates now.

All About, 2008

Patar, summer, 2008

Tobi is 36; Aaron and Simora are 9; Matt is 5 (Gavin Benson is 34; Cameron Smith is 31, Craig Smith is 3, Christopher Smith is 2)

Tobi struggled through his last repetition, trying not to think about his muscles straining against the weight. He was getting older, he was almost forty, yet he didn't feel as old.

With Benefits, 2007

Peacar, winter, 2007

Tobi is 35; Aaron and Simora are 8; Matt is 4

Once Cameron moved out, Tobi found it hard to maintain the townhouse on his salary so the family was forced to move. The good news is that shortly before the move, Tobi won the Officer of the Year Award at the department and a $7000 prize to go with it.

Painful Lack, 2006

Peacar, winter, 2006
Optional Soundtrack, Kelly Clarkson - Already Gone

Cameron washed her hands as she put the remains of dinner away. She could hear Tobi making his way downstairs after tucking the children into bed. The day had finally come, but it didn't make it any easier.

"Well?" she asked as he joined her on the couch.

"Why can't we just keep things like this?"

"You know I can't.I want more."

Tobi knew what she wanted from him, but he honestly couldn't give it to her. He tried to think of a reason why. Was he scarred from the divorce with Li? No, the divorce was amicable, some sims thought too amicable. Was it Ginger's rejection of his love? He knew that this wasn't it either. It had hurt, but he knew that they would have never worked. His parents still had a happy marriage that was an example to any young couple.

He opened his mouth as if to say something, but quickly closed it again. There were no words to say. Every time he tried to think of his future with Cameron...he drew a blank. Other days Cameron's face would melt away and he would see Li. He wasn't having romantic feelings for his ex-wife, quite the contrary. He only wanted to chat with her or tell her about the funny joke he heard in the department meeting.

Maybe that should have told him more than the lack of marriage wants for Cameron. He didn't come home wanting to share his day with her or tickle her until she cried. Instead he wanted to share his day with Li, hear her laugh at their inside jokes or see if she could still beat him in red hands now that he had been practicing with Aaron.

Cameron sighed. His silence said it all.

"So this is where the road ends,"

"I guess so."

Cameron tried not to cry. She wanted to get married and have a family, she thought that Tobi would be the one she could settle down with. It had been two simyears, two precious little boys and not even a hint of an engagement ring, but plenty of hints that he was still not over his ex-wife. Even after the pregnancy scare a few simlonic months ago didn't spur him to do the right thing and marry her.

"We'll have to set-up child support payments," she said putting on her strong face. She had to be strong, it was now her and her two boys. Thankfully her new job allowed her to work from home, but she would have to get an apartment and start paying bills alone.

"Of course, we can visit the lawyers to get everything worked out." He wanted to ask her to stay, to let things remain the way that they were. However, he knew that it wouldn't work, that he would make her cry and that she would slowly start to drive him insane with her begging for a proposal. He loved her, he would always love her. He honestly loved her more than he loved Li...so why wasn't that enough to make him want to marry her? To give her his last name and stop playing at marriage, as she called it. He wished that he had an answer, but he felt like a jerk.

He couldn't give her what she needed and he didn't even have a good reason. There wasn't another woman whom he wanted to spend the rest of his life with, there wasn't any scars from past relationships, and there wasn't a fear of marriage. The only thing was a clear and painful lack. A lack of desire in making her his wife, a lack of communication, just a simple lack.

Cameron swallowed and moved away from the couch. The pain in the room was thick and heavy like the snow falling outside. She could hear the uncried tears, she could taste the hidden pain. Cameron pushed all those feelings away and turned the computer on. She spent the rest of the evening searching for cheap apartments and filling out rental applications.

The next morning, she received a phone call informing her that there was an available apartment and that she could move in within the week. The couple silently packed the few boxes that belonged to Cameron and the boys. Simora and Aaron watched quietly, not quite understanding everything they saw, but understanding enough to know that they would be seeing a lot less of their brothers.

Child support papers were filled, it wasn't much considering that Tobi was also a single parent with a small salary. Who was she kidding, it wasn't even enough to pay electricity even though it was a quarter of his salary. No wonder why those songs talked about it being cheaper to stay together.

With the help of Tobi and his friends, Cameron was able to get all the furniture set up in the tiny apartment before nightfall.

She had just finished feeding Christopher,

and reading Craig his bedtime story, before giving the young boy a bath when she heard the knock on the door.

She looked in the peephole, but didn't recognize the man. "It's Devin, from apartment 3C." The man yelled towards the door. "I just wanted to introduce myself."

Cameron opened the door cautiously, still on guard.

"Hi," he said a little too brightly for the late hour. "Just wanted to say welcome to the complex."

"Thanks."

"My name's Devin."

"Cameron"

"Well Cameron," he said giving her a bright smile. "I live across the hall, so if you need anything, let me know."

"Anything?" she asked as Craig crawled into the living room and flashed a toothy grin.

"Anything," he grinned.

"Do you have soap? I need to give my oldest a bath and I just discovered that I didn't pack soap."

Devin laughed before darting across the hall. He returned with an unopened packaged. "Hopefully this will work. It's formulated for sensitive skin, so it should work for a toddler right?"

"It should, thank you."

"No worries. You have a good night and welcome to the complex."

"Thank you, Devin."

"Come on stinky one," Cameron said scooping Craig up in her arms. "Time for a bath."

Threatening Me, 2006

Resar, fall, 2006

Tobi is 34; Cameron Smith is 29, Aaron and Simora are 7; Matt is 3, Craig Smith is 1 and Christopher is 2 simlonic months

It had almost been a year since Ping's death, but time hadn't healed all the wounds in the household. Simora and Aaron were slowly becoming a little less withdrawn thanks to their simweekly counseling sessions with Pastor Humphrey.

Simora was making friends at school,

and Aaron was interested in his homework again...

most times...

when he wasn't distracted by his brothers.

Both siblings had taken to wanting to see and talk to their mother constantly. Sometimes they would talk about Ping and Li would patiently explain that ghosts wouldn't do your homework for you.

Other times Li would stop by the townhouse when the children were especially craving her touch.

They would stay outside in the chilly weather, playing game after game of red hands

or tickling each other

and sharing jokes.

Now that Matt was older, he was allowed to come outside as well to join the fun,

leaving a screaming Craig and crying Christopher inside to be tended by either Tobi or Cameron.

Maybe it was seeing Li interact with the children again that made Tobi want to reconnect with her. It was innocent enough, he convinced himself that he only wanted to talk to her...about the children of course. Unfortunately, their conversations never stayed on the topic of children very long. Most days it went to the woohoo they shared or the fun dates they had.

If Tobi thought that his late night telephone conversations were easily overlooked, he was wrong. Cameron was making note of everything and time had made her wiser and less tolerant.

Time also had an effect on the pipes of the townhouse as the family woke up one morning to the kitchen completely flooded. Thankfully the insurance money was enough to completely remodel the downstairs. There was a space for the children to do their homework

while the adults could supervise and work on dinner at the same time.

Time also had an effect on Cameron's body as she listened to Tobi ramble on about how he wanted to visit his family in Bottom Beach.

"I think I might be pregnant," she blurted.

Tobi stopped mid sentence. "O-okay."

"I'm tired of playing around with you, Tobi." she rambled on, letting the words slide from her lips with ease. This wasn't how she had practiced making this speech, but then again, she didn't envision herself in this situation.

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, either we're married by the end of the simyear, or I'm leaving. We've been together for two simyears, we have two sons together and we might be having a third child. I've come in and become a mother to your children, become a part of this family, but I don't want to play at being married. I want to be married."

Tobi couldn't say anything. It wasn't that he didn't want to marry Cameron, he didn't fear that at all, but then again, he didn't want to marry her either. Marriage hadn't crossed his mind in the last two simyears, except once, very briefly. He had wanted to remarry Li at one point, but never marriage with Cameron.

"Baby, why change all of this? We're great together, just like we are. We're a family, a true family and a piece of paper won't change that."

Cameron sighed. "No more excuses, Tobi. I want to be Mrs. Sweeny by the end of the simyear or you will find yourself without me. Maybe then you won't sneak to bed after those late night calls with Li." She spat out before leaving the table.

"Why are you threatening me!" Tobi yelled after her.

"I'm not threatening you," she remarked. "I know that I want marriage and either we get married, or I need to start looking for a sim who is willing to get married."
---
ROS: House flooded

Tobi has started rolling wants for Li again, this time they're platonic, while Cameron has rolled away the want to get married to Tobi, but rolled the generic "get married" want.

Bringing Home Baby Remar 2006

Remar, summer, 2006

Cameron was trying to enjoy the last few days of maternity leave before the baby arrived. She knew that once the youngest member of the family decided to make their debut, then things would be a lot more chaotic in the house.

Already Craig and Matt made enough noise for four children combined while Simora and Aaron have gotten a lot quieter since Ping's death.

Tobi was quieter as well, focusing on reading cold cases and persuing active cases as well. Cameron couldn't get him to talk to her much about Ping, but at least he and the children were seeing Pastor Humphrey for counseling sessions.

She grabbed a quick drink as the familar pangs of labor started and tried to concentrate on her career. She was begining to really hate algae and was seriously considering another career move. A friend of hers was starting a software company and was looking for a webmaster. The pay was similar to what she was making now but the hours would be more flexible and she could actually do a lot of her work from home. If she accepted, then she would also get a stipend to set up a home office.

Unfortunately, she couldn't give it much more thought as the pain increased wrapping around her belly in a fierce hug of torture.

"UGH!!! Isn't the second time supposed to be easier!" she screamed as Tobi rushed the children to the neighbors and Dr. McMillian entered the apartment.

Hours later, Cameron was a bit stronger from the delivery and was able to finally enjoy being a new mother again.

"He looks just like Craig," Tobi said in awe.

"He does," she agreed. "Hello little Christopher, welcome to the family."
---

Welcome Christopher Smith!

Cameron's new job-if she accepts-is technically in the gamer career, but I miss the old Hacker career from TS1 and it fits Cameron's quirky personality better than the TS2 careers.

Love Remaining, 2005

Peacar, winter, 2005
Lyndon is 51, Nicole is 49 (Susie MacAstral is 19, Anthony Wren is 24)

Nicole didn't remember entering her name in the raffle, but apparently she did. When they called to say that she had won a free trip for five sims to the grand opening of the vineyard Montalcino, she started laughing, thinking it was a joke. It was no joke and now she was browsing the market at Montalcino waiting on her table for lunch.

As she looked over the menu she hoped that Lyndon would stop and grab lunch on his way back from the airport. He had left earlier to meet Susie and Anthony who had agreed to the trip.

Nicole sighed, Faith was unable to come for obvious reasons. Her morning sickness was really bad and her recent appointment had revealed that her nutrition levels were not optimal for the baby's growth. She worried about her baby girl, she knew that she was no longer a baby but she couldn't help but worry. Would Faith be able to care for her child, especially given her job situation. Nicole wasn't a fan of Faith's choice of employment, but there wasn't a lot of options for a university dropout who refuses to wake up before noon. Nicole giggled, that would be ending soon as Faith's baby inducted her into the society of motherhood with middle of the night feedings.

Lyndon soon arrived with a very groggy Susie and hyper Anthony. After saying hello, the couple retired to their room while Nicole and Lyndon decided to enjoy a vintage sparkling nectar.

"Are you ready for tomorrow?"

Nicole nodded, "Are you?"

"I'm a bit nervous, I hope I don't get cold feet."

Nicole laughed. "You better not, besides you're still married to me anyhow."

"Thank goodness," Lyndon said kissing her.

The couple made sure to enjoy their quiet time with a soak in the hot tub,

relaxing as the sun's rays bathed the vineyard

and a spirited debate over glasses of an early TS2 era nectar.

They enjoyed dancing in their private balcony

and relaxing before

a light dinner.

The next day Nicole and Lyndon stood before Susie and Anthony and renewed their vows.

Promising to continue to love and cherish each other as they grew old together.

They sealed it with a kiss, naturally

to the happy claps of their foster daughter and hopeful future son-in-law.

After the short ceremony, Nicole kept one eye on Anthony as he whispered to Susie. She liked the young man, he had ambitions and was brillant. She loved watching him discuss philosphy with Lyndon or tickling Susie. Susie was bright as well, but not in the same way her brother, Harvis was. Susie's plans didn't involve finishing her degree.

"Have you made a desicion?" Nicole whispered to the young woman.

Susie nodded. "I'm going to finish this simyear. The university said that my studies would qualify me for an associate's degree."

"That's good."

"It is. I'm nervous though, I just hope I can line up some auditions."

"You'll be fine."

"Are you two going to whisper the entire day away," Lyndon said coming up behind them. "Our table is ready."

For their vow renewal meal, the group enjoyed fresh food from the market and the best vintage nectar the vineyard had to offer.

The nectar continued to flow, after all this was a vineyard, after the meal.

"May you continue to have many simyears of love remaining and may one day I have a love as strong as yours." Anthony toasted the happy couple.

---

The trip couldn't last forever, no matter how much they wanted it to. Eventually they had to return to the snowy county. Lyndon was excited to try his new recipe learned during one of the vineyard's cooking lessons

while the cat was entertained with something floating in the air.

"What's wrong with the cat?" Nicole asked after enjoying gooseberry crepes for dinner.

"Not sure, it's like he took a couple of puffs on the bubble machine."

Lyndon's work continued. He had some new clients, like Suzanna.

Suzanna was trying to deal with her unexpected pregnancy and the remorse over not finishing the vaccine in time to save the life of young Ping.

"You must not hold that over your head."

"I know..." she said. "but I can't help it. I feel like I failed."

His other client, Tobi, also had complex issues, but then again Lyndon would be hard pressed to find a resident that didn't have complex issues.

"I think I'm over her," he said, "but everything is so complex now. I was working on building my relationship with my girlfriend. She's pregnant again, can you believe that? I'm going to be a father again. I'll be a father of six...five...can you count a child who is..."

"He is still your child."

"Yes, well, I'll be a father of six...five...six..."

Ginger was finishing up her sessions.

"I ran into her at the store," she said touching the fabric of her dress.

"How did you feel?"

Ginger thought about that day. She had been minding her own business, wondering why she always looked so huge so quickly when she almost bumped into the woman.

Jolie was there with Ilila and it was strange how they didn't even notice her standing there, mere inches from them.

"I miss her friendship sometimes. I know that we won't be able to be friends again. She said that her marriage is more important and that she can't be near him..."

"How did that make you feel?"

"I respect that. I'm doing the same thing with Tobi, I don't want Grex to doubt my love for him."

---

Anthony nervously fiddled with the menu. He thought of the simian visitor's center because Susie often said that she felt a connection to the mysterious stone statue.

Susie glanced at her boyfriend and wondered if today would be the day. She had been wondering that every simday since finding the ring box in his drawer. She didn't mean to find it, but she was slipping a note in there when she saw the black box. She didn't open it, but she knew what it was. It was the reason behind his questions concerning marriage and their future. She didn't fear it, she just hadn't thought about it.

"To quitting school," Anthony said bringing the glass of nectar to the air.

Susie giggled as Li gave the couple a strange stare. "I still have next semester to finish."

"To quitting school next semester and following your dreams. May they lead you to happiness."

The path to happiness. Susie grinned as the thought popped in her head. Unlike the first time she thought it, she allowed herself to enjoy the sensations that came along with Anthony's path to happiness.

"Are you happy?" Anthony asked as they cuddled on the cold bench.

Susie nodded. "Very happy."

"Are you happy with us?"

"What do you mean?"

"Am I enough? Is this enough for you?"

Was it enough? Susie still had thoughts of others. Thoughts that belonged in a porno even though she sometimes desires to fulfill those fantasies so bad. The thoughts won't leave her alone, they chase her into her dreams and follow her as she walks around campus, bumping into willing partners. Something always holds her back from grabbing a random stranger, or strangers, to fulfill her desires. Some simdays, it's the face of her foster sister Faith, pregnant and alone. Other simdays it's the face of Bill and the pain that he caused her...she doesn't want Anthony to feel that kind of pain ever, especially not because of something she did.

"It is enough." She said truthfully. She knew that the thoughts would never leave her and that she would always desire to be passionately wild with others, but she wanted the simple things in life as well. She wanted to grow old with one sim and perhaps have a kid or two. She wanted to dance more than anything and continue her training.

"It's not enough for me," Anthony said getting up.

Susie's tongue went dry. A break-up she wasn't expecting. She watched as the man paced back in forth in front of her. How do you respond to something like that?

"I want more, I want you to be my wife." He knelt to the ground. "Will you marry me?"

Susie's breath caught in her throat. She knew that he had the ring and she knew that he would eventually ask the question, but she hadn't thought about her response.

She was too young, much too young. Not quite twenty. She was supposed to be enjoying her youth, her singlehood, not planning weddings or thinking about the number of children she would have.

She still had her dancing dreams ahead of her. She didn't want to be teaching children the basics of dance all her life. She wanted to be on stage performing for crowds. She wanted the hear the thunder of applause and see new sights. She wanted to see herself in the music videos, popping and locking with the best of them.

How could she do that as a married woman? Anthony's new job wouldn't allow him to travel with her and she didn't want to ask him to give up his dream that he had worked so hard for...but she didn't want to give up her dream either.

"Susie? Susie, say something...anything." Anthony pleaded, his eyes watering as he watched the love of his life struggle with her answer. His heart was aching as each second of silence slipped by. He couldn't move from his spot on the ground and his body started to shake as the thought of being without her shot through his veins.

"Anthony...I...I don't know. I'm scared."

"Baby, please..." he pleaded, blinking back tears. "You don't have to be afraid, I won't hurt you. I could never hurt you."

"I know...I just don't think-"

"Don't think, Susie." Anthony demanded, not willing to allow her to run away because of something as insignificant as fear. "Tell me what your heart says."

Susie closed her eyes and listened to the steady beating in her chest. She breathed in, thinking of all her fears and worries and what-ifs and then she slowly released her breath. The answer was crystal clear.

"Yes...my heart says yes. I will marry you, Anthony."

---

• I needed a family to play-test my new lot, Montalcino, a vineyard resort. The Humphrey's were the lucky ones. I wish I were a sim so I could visit Montalcino, it's so pretty.
• Susie hasn't been rolling school related wants, she's makes the necessary grades based on her going to class, but her heart isn't into the university. After next semester she will drop out.
• Lyndon has been getting a lot of new clients, which is good for his business, but not for the general mental health of the hood.
• Lyndon and Nicole's conversation on the SUN Boards and the start of their relationship.