Chapter 1.15 | Rules for this challenge | Chapter 1.17

Generation One: Black

Appearance: Black hair, siren-like clothing style
Traits: Evil, Non Committal, Kleptomaniac
Aspiration: Renaissance Sim
Occupation: Collector/Random careers of choice
House Goal: 10,000 worth

Festival Blues

Kaleb and I took a relaxing swim in the ocean, then headed back home.

Kimber came home from school and was immediately aware that I was struggling to get through the day. Losing my parents in one horrible day has been incredibly rough. I was strong for everyone else the day before, but today I've just been miserable. I guess some days are like that.

Rangi helped Kimber with her electricity project since I wasn't really up for it.

He struggled a bit, but they got it done.

That night, there was another huge volcanic eruption (A/N: and I finally got a good shot of it coming down!!) Which woke everyone up early.

Luckily, however, there was no school or work the next day because it was Harvestfest. We all tried to appease a gnome, and I made a huge breakfast for everyone since we were up early.

Kimber's gnome apparently didn't like coffee, though. So she had to beg for forgiveness.

Just to keep things interesting, we had yet another volcanic attack - this one actually resulted in a fire. Rangi saved the day, however - and my garden.

Over the next few days, Kimber started learning to cook, claiming she was going to need to learn soon, anyway. And I agreed. Also, she's been losing weight and feels great with all the swimming she's been doing.

The volcano really has been letting us know that it's there lately, but that just means more gems to sell. Luckily, it hasn't started any more fires. That must have just been a fluke thing.

I've finally been feeling better about things, and so has the rest of the family. I really appreciate their support through this tough time. I fully expected to be able to spend Harvestfest with my parents.. but for the first time, they're not around. I stay in constant phone contact with my brothers, as well, and both of them have had their own struggles. It's nice to have close family at a time like this.

Speaking of learning new things, Austen has started taking over the repair duties from me to work on his aspiration, Nerd Brain. He wanted to get a head start on it before growing up.

It was vanilla cake for Austen when he blew his candles out with an "A" in school, and he earned the Ambitious trait, which didn't surprise me with as much as he's been looking forward to his career as a scientist. With his grades and skills, the local lab was more than happy to take him on with a promotion to start with.

Austen really is determined to succeed. He's been working on his handiness skill - and work starts the day after tomorrow. He can't wait.

Rangi gave me quite a scare today and decided he just couldn't wait to go for an ocean swim - in the middle of a monsoon. He came home struck by lightning and singed around the edges. As luck would have it, I had to fix the fridge today, too, which made me a little nervous as I looked at his singed hair.

As if to celebrate Austen's birthday, another big lava rock struck right behind the house. He thought it funny, as he was getting ready to head out for the evening to the restaurant. We had all offered to go along with him to help him celebrate his promotions, but he was insistent on going himself because he was "all grown up now". I had to laugh, as it seemed like such a silly thing to say, but off he went.

He was dressed to the nines, too. My "little boy", now a scientist. Hard to believe... but I knew that's what he would be long before he did, that's for sure.

When he came home, he had so much to report. Apparently Kaleb had been out at the restaurant with Rarahu, his old girlfriend, and they had news. They had a kid! Kaleb was apparently as surprised as we were, but they were determined to work things out.

On top of that, Austen couldn't stop talking about the chef. Apparently his meal was amazing, and when he went to compliment the chef, he ran into the prettiest girl he'd ever seen. He tried to talk to her a bit, but she was clearly busy with work, so all he managed to do was get her name - Meilani - and her number.

The next day was Winterfest - and we celebrated as a family, as usual. With Austen's constant talking about this new girl he liked, though, I insisted he invite her over to celebrate with us if she'd like.

Meilani agreed, and she showed up just in time to help finish the tree decorating.

Austen was right about one thing, though. She really was gorgeous. I watched him proudly as he flirted with her and was relieved to see that she was as interested in him as he was in her.

I had to laugh, however, as Father Winter showed up wanting a selfie after being hit by lightning on the way up to our front door. Never let it be said that he's not the cheerful sort, because it didn't faze him a bit, and he went on handing out presents as if nothing had happened.

While we were all talking to Father Winter, I managed to catch a photo of Austen and Meilani's first kiss. She had agreed to spend the night, and they were officially boyfriend and girlfriend.

Austen insisted on making a feast for everyone - a ham dinner - and amazingly (for his first time cooking) it turned out pretty well.

We pulled up the computer chair so that we'd have enough seating for Meilani, and I made a mental note to make some more chairs tomorrow.

I tried not to hear what was going on in the next room, but it was pretty obvious. Rangi and I grinned.. and fell asleep peacefully despite the storm raging outside.

The next morning, Austen had big news. Not only had they found out they were pregnant....

... but Meilani had agreed to be his wife, too! I was gaining a daughter-in-law and a grand-baby all at the same time! This was the best news ever, and I completely approved of Austen calling in to get the day off work for his wedding and honeymoon.

Chapter 1.15 | Rules for this challenge | Chapter 1.17