Sigh. MORE CHESS.
Tula wins their game. She asks for...an unusual prize.
"I told you how I feel about that," William becomes serious, "Why are you asking again?"
"I wanted to know how it feels. I read that it brings vampires closer to their human lovers..."
William sighs with frustration. "If we do this once, will you drop it?"
Tula smiles teasingly, "If I don't like it..."
"You won't like it."
William stands up, and gently caresses Tula's face. "You tell me if it hurts...alright?"
"Yeah, yeah."
William bites into her neck as delicately as he can. It pinches, and for a second Tula thinks the pain is unbearable.
But soon the sensation is replaced with lethargy and a general feeling of relaxation.
That's it? The analytical part of Tula's brain is still dimly at work, Hm... fascinating. I should research that more. Yup.
"Hey, William, what's wrong?" the fuzzy feelings begin to fade after a few moments. Tula notes that her limbs still feel heavier than normal.
"I don't like seeing you like that. All...weakened and frail. You're not some sort of prey."
Tula leans in and kisses William. She notes with faint distaste that he still tastes like her blood.
"Thanks for satisfying my curiosity." She doubts it'll be the last time they try it, but she doesn't tell William. It'll only make him upset.
Tula keeps in shape, exercising almost excessively. Her father can't help but wonder what the hell for. She's been a tutor for so long now. Is it just for herself? To keep up with William? He doesn't know.
During one of these workouts, she gets a call.
"Rocky? What is it?"
"I think it's time we found a place for you in the family," he says, a touch too friendly, "I've heard about your skills. I think you would fit in nicely."
Tula figures it's been long enough that...the Bridgeport incident...isn't being investigated anymore. The statute of limitations must have expired recently. "I see. Do you think there would be a place for my boyfriend as well?" It's really a waste to have someone with William's technical skills and his physical prowess just working as a fitness trainer.
"Of course, of course! We have lots of family packages. Don't worry. Just meet me at the spring festival in a few weeks, we'll need some time to iron out the details on our side. Bring your boyfriend. And your daughter."
"Yana? What for?"
"We like to meet everyone in the family."
Ah. Early recruitment. Even with Pablo long dead, it looks like the Parrots are still attached to family.
"Then until the festival. What time?"
"Seven PM. Wouldn't want your beau to get a sunburn."
Tula wanders downstairs, and sits down for another homework session. (AN: Goodness I will be happy when Haliya finishes school).
Tula eyes Sun warily. "So I see you keep coming and going whenever you have time," Tula says icily.
"Tula," Haliya whines, "Please...she's helping me."
Sun regards Tula with just as much iciness. "You try having split custody and tell me how easy it is to arrange a time to see your own kid."
Tula busies herself with a TV show after the cold exchange. She pretends not to notice when Yana asks Sun and Haliya for homework help. Serves Sun right.
"Nana...I...can't help you while I'm writing," this admission comes with great difficulty, "I'm sorry."
Yana bites her lip and looks at Sun nervously. She doesn't really know this strange, unhappy old lady that keeps coming over. She understands that she's Haliya's mom, but she doesn't really get why Tula doesn't call Sun "mom". Aren't they sisters? Wouldn't they share the same parents? They both call Paolo "dad"...very confusing.
She decides to do her homework on own. She doesn't need telepathic powers to see that Sun would rather not be here. Better to leave her alone.
"Why does she always come here?" she whispers as quietly as she can to her aunt. According to her parents, she's still too young to send her thoughts with telepathy. Too bad, it would help a lot right now. "Is she one of those people that don't have a house?"
Haliya's eyes become as wide as frisbees. "Nana! Goodness, no! My mom just lives in another house. Not too far away from Aunt Tulip and Aunt Xara, actually."
Yana looks confused. Don't parents usually live with their kids? Her parents live here. Her grandpa lives here... she wants to ask, but a stern look from Sun stops her in her tracks. She hates it when strangers look at her weirdly. It's like they steal her voice with just one look. Yana looks back down at her homework.
Her vampire speed in writing and reading reduces her homework to a task taking mere seconds. Yana eagerly busies herself with other tasks, willing Sun to go away with her thoughts. It's worth a shot.
Yana breathes a sigh of relief when she leaves.
In the days before her graduation, Paolo decides that it's time for Haliya to learn how to drive.
It's a nerve wracking experience for Haliya, who's easily distracted. She never realised how many things drivers have to keep track of while on the road. She gets her license without any major incidents, but she vows to use the car as infrequently as possible. The town is small enough for her to cycle around.
After her last lesson, Haliya pulls over on the side of the road. They've passed by this butterfly swarm several times today and she just had to catch one.
She'll name this one Robin.
When Haliya comes home for her birthday party, she finds Tula in the middle of a violent sneeze.
Stupid spring allergies.
It takes a while to get the birthday cake out and get everyone's attention, but Haliya is finally (FINALLY) going to be an adult!
She flashes a quick smile to her aunt before locking eyes with Uriah. His birthday was a few days before hers. She can't wait to experience a real relationship... travelling together, sleep overs, double dates... she has so many ideas of what they can do together.
Haliya is now officially a young adult.
She aged up in this dress which I thought was too pretty to change. I gave her different hair, makeup, and shoes.
Ah, the long line for cake. Paolo's least favourite part of every birthday party.
Yana sees the sea of strangers in front of her and quickly decides that she doesn't need any cake.
The guests trickle away, leaving Haliya with the chance she's been waiting for to get Uriah alone.
"You look great," he compliments her.
"You too," she replies enthusiastically, "Very handsome!"
She leans in close. "Do you want to spend the night? We could go to the graduation ceremony together tomorrow."
Uriah blushes, making his cheeks close to purple, and nods.
Haliya pecks him affectionately on the lips. "Follow me."
The overt romance makes Gregory cry. His girlfriend just passed away.
Haliya has moved into her mother's old room and redecorated extensively. She and Uriah don't really have a chance to inspect the changes.
In the living room, Tula sits contemplatively among plates of uneaten cake, thinking about Rocky's phone call.
A position with the family business, huh? Beggars can't be choosers... but she'll definitely have to make changes. She doesn't want the disaster that happened with Pablo's arrest bringing down her hard work. Relying on family is just...too messy.
Speaking of family. Tula goes to find her sister, only to walk in on them moments after they've pulled their clothes back on.
Tula turns around, feigning embarrassment. She didn't realise Uriah was sleeping over.
"Sorry about that, I thought you were alone. We'll...talk later," Tula says, walking quickly out of the room.
"Plumbob, that was so embarrassing," Uriah starts worrying, "What if she tells my parents? What if she tells your dad? What if-"
Haliya takes his hand and kisses it. "Uriah... we're adults. It's fine."
He smiles apologetically at her. "I'm sorry...it's just...so easy to worry."
She squeezes his hand. "Let's get some rest. You'll feel better once you sleep."
Tula comes back after they've fallen asleep.
Her sister with the son of a cop? That could be... problematic.
Outside Haliya's room, Xara corners Yana. "Hey, kiddo, how about a bed time story, huh?" she's surprised no one has told Yana to go to bed yet. Sure it's friday, but kids need sleep!
"I..." she can't think of a good reason to object. "...Ok."
She waits patiently in her room while Xara picks out a book.
She wishes there weren't so many people here. She wishes she could just spend all day in here, by herself, with some games. A book. Playing with her parents, her aunt, her grandpa is all fun. But for some reason, with strangers... she doesn't know what to say. Or what to do. What they want from her.
Like Xara. What if she doesn't like the story she picks? What if she doesn't fall asleep right away? Do they talk? The thought horrifies young Yana.
----
AN: A shorter chapter. I'm just relieved that I finally made it to generation 3. Rules are now in effect:
- Idle career (the heir cannot accept work opportunities or skill career relevant skills, doesn't apply to other sims in the family).
Note about this (minor spoilers): Haliya's going to be in the political career. Haliya already had some charisma skill points (about three) from her teen years, and charisma is a skill that increases passively. Given that she doesn't actually have to do anything for the skill, I decided to just let it slide. I later realised I already broke the idle career rule by having Haliya accept one career relevant opportunity. Whoops. As a punishment for all of my cheating, I forced myself to try to make Yana (and any future offspring this generation) into perfect children. I hate this roll so it was a punishment. I got very close with Yana, she was 1 book away and the pegbox skill points away from being a perfect toddler. She's in the scouts after school program as a child.
- It's so YOU! (decorate all rooms to the tastes of their occupants). Yana's favourite colour is hot pink, hence all the hearts. I initially decided not to redecorate the common areas, but later on I decided to go through with it.
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