VDSL: The (Ellen) Parsons Project: Gen 2.0 (part 1 of 2)
Previously: (potential heir) Pearl Parsons became a HIT (ho in training), (not eligible for heir) Robin Parsons searched the skies for his dead-beat alien father, Mandy (Feline Overlord) made it clear she really didn't care for any of the Parsons' clan (except Pearl), and matriarch Ellen (and hubby Thurston) finally got some peace and quiet as they waved their brood of children off to college.
I'll warn you right now, this update is going to be big (most likely a two parter, given that I already have over 100 pics and I haven't even completed playing week 8).
That said, we follow the Parsons brood off to college (which is Week 7: challenge DIY--a non-challenge if there ever was one).
Alan attends Academie Le Tour with his beloved Tamara.
*sighs* "Tamara. . ."
Shockingly, their transition clothes were decent so I didn't have to give any makeovers (yes, Alan cleaned up his hair do, trying to look more "adult" in college).
"Get a room, you two!"
Of course, Pearl joined her brother (sharing a dorm).
"Hey. . .where's. . ."
". . .there you are."
Another no-brainer.
"Natch my girl Buffs joined me."
Natch.
I'm convinced this happened because I didn't fire the cafeteria worker (can you even do that?). Yes, I realize it's DIY week but I technically didn't HIRE the cafeteria worker so does s/he really fall under the umbrella of the rule? Loopholes, I find them!
Alan found a different kind of hole.
With that, Alan and Tamara slide right into the Old Married Couple Rut.
See.
(I've already stated how I feel about couples being this casual with one another. Nasty!)
Tamara knows what she likes and she likes a man who will get down on his hands and knees and SCRUB.
Pearl likes someone a little more. . .
. . .yeah.
The Cow descended on the dorm and started (as he is want to do) being a jagoff. He didn't plan on Buffy. Buffy is the only sim who fights noxious gaseous emissions with noxious gaseous emissions.
Well played, Buffy Buffington.
Pearl is quick to reward her little gas bag.
But the cow is not deterred.
(and god help me, I totally envisioned him diddling his udder while he watched the hot lesbian co-ed action)
"Do you think the cow plays with his udder. . .you know. . .when he watches us and stuff?"
Seems I'm not the only one having that thought.
And the cow is not the only sim who's way too involved in Pearl and Buffy's love life.
Tonsil Hockey Coach
Honestly, the Academie Le Tour group was quite dull. So lets trot on over to La Fiesta Tech and see how the other two Parsons' kids are dong.
(yes, I added all three maxis colleges. A first for me.)
Now I bet you can see where this is going, right?
"Do you think your sister will be hanging out here a lot?"
Very subtle Frances.
Seems young Robin replied to a "Roommate Wanted" ad posted on a bulletin board.
"Roommate"?
Is *that* what the kids are calling it these days?
"I know a guy who owns a furniture store. He said I could get a discount anytime I want. How about I give him a call and let him know you're going to go over and pick some things out for yourself."
"Really? That's so nice. I can go right now?"
"Sure."
Oh, I see what's going on here.
"Going on? You say that like Frances is being sneaky or something. He's just NICE. *blushes* And cute."
*shakes head* Ruby, sweetie. . .uh, I think. . .
"Do you think Frances likes me, too?"
Uh. . .about that.
I think you should cast your boyfriend net a little wider, Ruby.
(for the record, I deliberately put Robin and Ruby here to see who Frances would choose. Frances proved--as if I really needed it proven yet again--that he's the Gayest Gay That Ever Gayed. He made a beeline right to Robin and never looked back.)
"Oh snap! I always knew that cheerleader would go off her meds."
"Make burger out of him, girl!"
While Guy cheers on the fight. . .
. . .Ruby does her part contributing with some jazzy music.
After the brawl, they all line up to tip her which was very generous of them (especially the cow, who lost).
Oh, Sir Bovine, you do not know who you are messing with.
I was really expecting Robin (he of the lone nice point) to Go Cheerleader on the cow's methane producing ass but it appears that's not Robin's style.
Why should he get his hands dirty when he can get someone else to do it for him?
Yes, the fights became such a regular happening the household soon lost interest entirely.
"I heard about your pathetic attempt at night swimming, missy. Now get down and give me twenty. STAT!"
(and right after Ruby changed into her workout wear, Coach harassed Frances then blatantly lusted for Ruby--PERV)
"Mmm, look at Frances. His bum is so firm and when he squats down. . ."
I'm starting to worry about Ruby.
She's carved out a little niche for herself but she seems a little lonely.
"Say goodnight to Frances, Ling-Ling." *makes squeaky mouse-like voice* "Night night Frances!"
"Good night, Ruby. Good night, Ling-Ling."
*whispering* "I really wish you wouldn't encourage her, Frank."
"She's fine. Lot's of folks really love their pets. It's *yawns* totally normal."
"It's not Ling-Ling. . .I mean, not really. She just seems kind of. . .I don't know, lonely or something. She's never had a boyfriend or girlfriend or anything. I just worry that she's not happy. . .you know?"
"And earlier I could swear she was getting turned on by that damn cow. You know, he FARTED on me. RIGHT ON ME!"
*light snoring*
"Frank, are you listening to me?"
*snorts* "Ruby farted on you?"
"No. The cow farted on me. And I think Ruby has the hots for him. She's so confused and. . .she needs someone who doesn't fart on people."
"Ok, I know some guys. . ."
"You mean hook my sister up with one of those degenerate frat boys?"
"Huh? What's wrong with. . .I don't want to argue. Can you just lay down so we can sleep? Please?"
Robin does as Frances asks but sleep evades him. Instead he listens to the sound of his sister clacking away at the computer keyboard.
Ruby, sweetie, you do know you can't adopt a CHILD while still in college, right? And children aren't like guinea panda womrats. They take a lot of work and. . .
"Silly. I'm not trying to adopt a CHILD. I mean, a SIM child. . .ooh, wait, I want to read up on this but I need to get more comfortable. . ."
Eventually, sleep takes hold of Robin. But Ruby continues with her computer research long into the night.
(and for the record, Frances is the one dreaming about handcuffs. I'll let you fill in your own dirty remarks)
"You know, you have Robin all worked up, little fuzz ball. Oh, I tell him not to worry but Ruby's his sister so I suppose I can understand it. I mean, if I had a sibling I'd probably be the same way. So, Ling-Ling. Who do you think would be a good match for Ruby?"
Frances is a man of his word. And while he's polling the pet for his input on who would be a good match for Ruby. . .
. . .Robin is trying to get the opinion of the more wild creatures.
"What? Bees are supposed to know all about mating and. . .OUCH. Damn freaking. . ."
Good luck with that, Robin.
*snickering" "Stop it. She's not that bad." *snickers* "Really, she's NOT. STOP!"
Despite his history with Guy (one that has left Frances nearly convinced the lad is deeper in the closet than an outdated prom dress) he convinces his friend to give Ruby a chance.
When Robin catches wind of the situation. . .
"My sister isn't some. . .some exotic conquest."
For someone who's so worried about their sister, you aren't giving Guy much of a chance there, Robin.
Robin scowls at Guy's back as he enters the house. Through gritted teeth, he replies.
"Why did Frank have to. . .ooh, I just can't stand that. . .that. . .Guy!"
I'm getting the feeling this has very little to do with Ruby. Am I right?
"There's something there, I just KNOW it!"
Robin storms into the house, eager to keep an eye on Guy.
"What crawled up your butt?"
"I don't want to talk about it. I'm just in a bad mood. OKAY?!"
Guy catches Frances' eye and shrugs. He hasn't made any headway with Ruby, who's lost in her piano playing. Carefully, Frances shrugs back, hoping Robin doesn't notice the subtle movement.
"For fuck's sake. . ."
Robin abandons his half eaten meal and, growling, stomps from the room and out of the house, where he waits for Guy.
Robin! What did you say to him? He's CRYING!
"Good. I said STOP TRYING TO USE MY SISTER TO GET TO FRANK YOU WEASELY DOUCHE BAG!"
Guy flees.
Come on, Robin. He can't be THAT bad.
"No. Just no. First off, he's been sniffing around Frank since. . .well forever. And second, my sister's better than "not that bad". I'm not going to let her settle for. . .*waves hand in direction Guy fled*. . .THAT!"
Ok, ok. Calm down. If it makes you feel any better, she doesn't like Guy that way, anyway. They're just friends. *laughing* She even said she thinks Guy might be gay but just won't admit it.
*Robin scowls*
Ok then. So too soon to joke about. . .why don't I see what I can do for Ruby, huh?
Oh, there you are, Ruby. Who's that?
"Stacey. Isn't she gorgeous?! I just adopted her and I love her so much. She's so perfect and. . ."
And that's what you were researching on the computer. . .
"Yeah, silly. Did you really think I was thinking about getting a sim baby? I'm not ready for that yet. I want pet children first. I know they're not the same as a child but it's kind of like good practice. Sort of. And Stacey really needed a good home. I really think she appreciates me saving her."
I bet she does. But, you know, some folks think you need saving too.
"Yeah? From what?"
Being lonely.
*giggles* "Lonely? I'm not lonely. I have my brother and Frances and Ling-Ling and now Stacey and. . ." Ruby strokes Stacey's feathers and swallows hard ". . .I do kind of want to kiss someone though. I'm the only one of my brothers and sisters who's never been kissed."
Aww, sweetie, don't be sad. We can fix that right up. Once it's a decent hour just pick up the phone and dial THIS number.
"Is it a dating service? I don't want to put an ad in the paper. People will think I'm a loser and . . ."
No. It's not like that. It's the campus directory. So you can meet other college students. I bet you'll hit it off with some boy and you'll get that first kiss.
"You think?"
I know.
"Frank, honestly. I told you they'd be ready in just a minute. You really can't wait one freaking minute?"
Robin and Frances have begun to settle into their own domestic rut. (and Frances raids the fridge like this all the damn time and I'm amused every time)
*Stacey thinking*: If you fart on me, I swear I'll go Alfred Hitchcock on your ass. I mean it. Don't FUCK with me. I've killed for less.
I really wanted Stacey to give Bovine Gas Bag a bite but it didn't happen. For all her mean thoughts, Stacey is a very nice bird.
And now, some Flaming Robin Spam:
"For god's sake, Robin. How many times are you going to try and kill us all. I'm never going to be able to get a decent resale price for this place once we graduate if you keep scorching everything."
Yes, Robin was the cause of both fires (the only two that happened). Bravo, Robin. Bravo.
Frances is, naturally since the lease is in his name, far less amused.
"Really? You're proud of THAT? *snorts* Daughter, you need to find a better way to spend your days. Now, if you don't mind I'm going to go get a shower. You're welcome to stay but please, for the love of all that is holy, don't sit on the furniture."
*whispering* "You can stop worrying about me. I met a really nice guy and he's coming over tomorrow. For a real date. I'm kind of nervous but kind of not. *leans in and kisses Robin's cheek* I love you. *giggles* And you, too, Frances."
"Uh. . .Ruby. . .uh, I don't mean to be rude but. . .uh are those your. . .uh pajamas?"
"Ohmygosh. I totally forgot! I was really excited that you were coming over and I was busy teaching Stacey to talk and I just. . .they're so comfortable I just totally forgot. I do that sometimes. Just stay in my pjs all day. Do you ever do that?"
*nods*
"You want to come inside. You can meet Stacey and Ling-Ling. . ." Ruby leads her date to the door as she continues to chatter ". . . and we could go swimming if you want. We have a pool with a diving board but I'm still kind of scared of diving. . ."
Ruby stops on the porch, suddenly quiet.
"Uh, Edwin, can I ask you to kind of. . .do me a favor? I mean, I really like you but. . .well, I'm really nervous and I thought maybe if we could just. . .well, kiss real fast before anything else. So that way I could just stop thinking about it and then I wouldn't be so. . ."
Edwin nods.
*wipes away a happy tear* They grow up so fast!
It's safe to say we were all relieved that this went as smoothly as it did. If Ruby had been shot down for her first kiss (especially by Edwin, who she really does like and did meet by calling him via the college directory AND he was the first sim she tried and just LOOK AT HIM. He's freaking adorable.) I would have probably shed a wee tear myself. Like Robin said, Ruby deserves the best and flunking her first kiss is not the best.
That's not to say this was a perfect date.
Ruby did get a little full of herself and Edwin had to calm her down.
But that was the only negative for the entire date (which was a dream date and netted her a lovely flower bouquet).
Their next date led to. . .
"Gimmie an S. Gimmie an E. Gimmie an X. What are you going to have? SEX SEX SEX! GOOO SEX!"
*in unison* "GOOOO AWAY!"
And I love Edwin's smiley face boxers and Ruby's rather prim bathrobe (which I did not choose).
Ruby and Edwin are meant for one other (as their three bolt chemistry proves).
So I wasn't surprised when. . .
*gasping* "Ruby. . .is that what I think it is?"
"Uh-huh."
"Ohmygosh."
"Ruby. . .Ruby it's. . .it's. . .it's almost as pretty as you."
"Ooh, Edwin. . .don't tease me. You have to say it. . .you have to say. . ."
"But you have to ask first. . .right?"
"Oh. *giggles* I almost forgot. I'm so nervous. *giggles* Edwin Sharpe, will you please marry me?"
*nodding* "Yes. . .of course I'll marry you, Ruby."
What grilled cheese hath brought together, let no man tear asunder.
Amen.
"Edwin. . .do you believe there's a higher being. . .you know, like someone in the sky who looks out for us and gives us things we really want."
Edwin stares at Ruby, his only thought how completely happy he is.
"Yes."
While Ruby basks in the glow of her new found love, word spreads to Academie Le Tour that the youngest of the Parsons' children has become the first to make official her intents to wed.
This news sets a fire under the two eldest Parsons' children.
"I mean, who does that little after thought think she is?"
"Be nice, Pearl. She's our sister. We should be happy for her."
Yes, yes you should (even though neither of you have any type of relationship with Ruby--really, it's zero-ville between the two eldest and the youngest).
Alan is the next to make his move.
Of course, Tamara says yes (I mean, she's watched the man poop for crying out loud--like she was going to say no?)
"PP *giggles* is there a shiny in that fuzzy velvet box? A shiny for ME? A shiny that tells the whole damn world you want me to be Mrs. Parsons?"
"Only the shiniest."
*squeals* "PP you are the BEST. I so can't wait to be Mrs. Parsons. Or maybe Mrs. Buffington-Parsons. Miss-us Buffy Buffington-Parsons. Are hyphens over done? They're still cool, right?"
With rings on the fingers of all sims who wanted to put rings on fingers (Robin has yet to roll that want, hence no ring for Frances, who also has no desire to enter into such a binding contract), it's time to wrap up this college affair.
GRADUATION SPAM:
"I have to get back to Viking Shoals to hit my pops up for some "congrats on your engagement" cash. See ya later, guys!"
"Bye, Buffy."
*sighs* "I'm going to miss Tamara. . ."
Oh Alan, please. She'll be along in a minute.
"But we'll be in the bin. . ."
Just stop. You'll be re-united shortly. Now go get in your cab.
"I still don't see what Alan sees in her, you know?"
Are you still griping about Tamara, Pearl?
"I just don't SEE it is all."
Well, the same could be said for you and Buffy, you know.
"Pffft. Get out of here. Me and Buffs are so Tee Ell 4 Eee. I bet if we did the test, we'd score off the charts."
Test?
"Yeah, you know, that one you do when you're a kid. Where you count up how many letters from "True Love" are in your names, to see how much you're meant to be together. We'd blow that thing away."
Oh *laughs* THAT? Really? You sure about that?
"Are you saying we're going to break up or something? You know, I don't like cryptic shit or being used for some melodrama. . ."
I'm not saying any such thing. It's just neither of you have any "v"s in your name so that's one big zero. . .
"But we have all the other letters. Don't make me do the whole thing to prove to you. . ."
That won't be necessary.
(for those who don't know what I'm talking about, as little kids my classmates and I used to play a "game" where you wrote down the words TRUE LOVE and then you took your name and the name of the person you liked and you counted up how many of each letter--T-R-U-E and then separately L-O-V-E--were in both names. For "TRUE" you added up the total and then--if the number was double digits you added the two digits together, and that was the first number in your percentage. You did "LOVE" the same way and then put the two digits side by side to give you your percentage. This was one of many such games we used to play. This and games like Cootie Catcher and other pen and paper games were great pass times during class--as long as the teacher didn't catch you and then read them aloud, much to your horror)
"By Frances. I bet you're happy I'm not going to live with you and Robin anymore, huh?"
"Uh. .."
"It's ok. I'm ready to get my own place with Stacey and Ling-Ling and Edwin. Be nice to my brother, okay?"
"Sure thing, Ruby."
"Eeee, this outfit. . ."
Yeah, it's a pretty big dud.
"You think? I feel like I should be jumping into my mom's mini van and begging for a Capri Sun."
*snort* Well you can have a makeover once you and Frances get settled.
Looks like he'll be needing some fashion help, too.
But wait a tick. We skipped someone.
"Listen, me and Buffs are going to do one of those cliched backpack around Europe things while you get all the second stringers settled into their "also ran" housing, okay?"
You're pretty confident you're going to be heir, aren't you?
"Oh get off that horse already. We knew from the minute I got pegged to be the HIT. . .nice by the way, real nice. . .that I was in there like swimwear. Just stop trying to deny it."
But shouldn't we do an heir poll?
"WHAT? And let that after thought Ruby run away with it just because you had to go and give her some sweet as pie story? No effing way, man. Anyway, SHE already decided."
But. . .
"You said SHE was going to get to choose and SHE chose ME. Is it my fault the rest of the family didn't butter up to her? No. MANDY only likes ME, so I get to be heir. Simple."
It's true, folks. Once I realized Mandy had it in for the whole family I vowed she'd decide who would continue the Parsons' line. And I'll assure you right now that I didn't sway Mandy in any way. For the longest time she didn't like ANY one. But then all the sudden she decided Pearl was "mine" and Pearl shared the feeling and as of uni graduation none of the other potential heirs have won over Mandy.
So:
Pearl Parsons is the heir.
But that's not to say we won't see the non-heirs from time to time.
Like. . .NOW.
(see, before we launch into week 8 back at the Parsons' homestead we'll get a quick glimpse of the non-heirs--don't whine, this won't take long, I promise)
But first a glimpse of a yet unseen p_t sim, Reagan Ashford ( pixelcurious ). Work it, girl!
To save space (Viking Shoals isn't a very large community) all the non-heirs are sharing an apartment lot.
First things first, Ruby needs to get her boy Edwin over and move him in.
But where was the "propose. . .move in" option?
*Ruby sighs*
Don't fret, Ruby. I think I know what the issue is. Why don't you go inside and get your pets settled while I figure this out.
"Ok. I really hope it gets fixed. . ."
Oh, it will. I had a feeling the problem was Edwin Sharpe was a playable (since every time I invited him over I got the option to "invite household") so I just needed to go find him (in Academie Le Tour, living with his sister and her boyfriend--who aren't really that into each other, by the way). So a quick blitz through college for Edwin and. . .
"I like your new shirt, Edwin."
"Thanks. I like your clothes, too. You look really cute."
Edwin brings along some much needed furniture (all the blue stuff is "his").
Ling-Ling and Stacey are very happy in their new abode.
As is Edwin (who sets to making the couple a meal while Ruby tends the pets).
The lot is a set of four bungalows I made for pixel_trade. You can find them via the pixel_trade tag. (shameless self-promotion, I know, but you'll survive it)
"I told you to be careful. . ."
Uh-oh. Looks like there's trouble in paradise.
But not for long. I mean how can you stay mad at that FACE!
(and Edwin fixes the computer he broke, so no harm, no foul)
Speaking of foul/fowl.
I'd like to direct your attention to the right of the picture, where one Stacey Parsons (bird) has escaped Ruby's apartment (which is the one on the left of the pic) and is now loitering at the home of Robin and Frances. Despite my efforts, I could not just use moveobjecton to pick her up and put her back in the correct apartment.
(oh, yeah, there was a fire, too--but no damage was done so it's not that exciting)
Uh, guys, you do know Stacey's over at Robin and Frances' making a nuisance of herself, right?
"Yeah, but she'll come home later. I'm not worried."
It's nice to know someone wasn't worried. I was only finally relieved when I loaded Robin and Frances' apartment and Stacey was no longer on the porch. I assume she reappeared in her cage (in her own apartment) but I didn't check. Here's hoping, huh?
For the record, all non-heirs are dictating their own lives. So babies will only happen via ACR only and weddings (or engagement in the case of Robin and Frances) will only happen if BOTH sims roll the want. If someone has a career LTW then they can have that career (and work on it) and things like that.
So for now, Ruby and Edwin are engaged but have tried for a baby a few times (no jingle). Edwin is working his way up the science career track while Ruby stays at home, tending her pets and playing on the computer (her LTW is "golden anniversary" so if she constantly rolls a want for a job I might get her one, who knows).
"You like?"
"Hell yeah. You look good enough to eat!"
"Looks like you still have a bit of an old meal. . . just let me get that for you. . ."
"Stop it!"
"What's wrong, Boston Blackie? Can't the comedian take a joke?"
Per his LTW, Robin "Boston Blackie" Parsons is in the entertainment track. Frances Worthington III is in architecture (yeah, that outfit is kind of my go to "architect" outfit, weird I know).
Frances brought along his most prized possessions (t.v. and game system) and some nice cash which funded the Ikea themed furnishings (love the Ikea couch--so ugly and so wonderful--I need to get that slip cover for my own tattered Ikea couch).
"Damn, we went through all of those already?"
I'm not surprised. You two rut like wild animals. And you'd better make sure you're using that protection, mister, seeing as we're working with a "pregnancy for all" hack. Just a warning.
So far, there has been a lot of whoopie but no "try for baby".
"You know, I could have made you something if you'd just asked."
*talking around mouthful of cookies* "Nof need. Theshe are fine." *swallows hard* "There were only a few left. I didn't want them to get stale."
"You're going to get fat if you keep eating like that, Mister Worthington."
"Will you stop loving me if I get fat, Mister Parsons?"
For what it's worth, Ruby will always love you, Frances. Fat or no fat (I mean, look at Edwin, he's a Man of Size and Ruby can't get enough of him).
"So you'll be able to come then? GREAT!"
What are you up to, Alan?
"Oh, just planning a little get together with some of the family."
Uh-huh. Does Tamara share your enthusiasm for this "get together"?
"Go ask her yourself."
I hear Alan's planning a "get together" with some of his family. You cool with this?
"Definitely. I mean at first I was like why bother but then all the sudden I just realized I want it to be totally official. That way when the kids come along it will be very traditional, for them, you know."
Ok. Well as long as you want this then I guess we're having a party!
A WEDDING party!
It's a small get together.
"So when are you coming back?"
"Soon. Me and Buffs are just going to hit Sim Vegas real quick and then it's home to the mom and pop shop."
"Cool."
"Thurston, honestly. It's your son's WEDDING. Get up and dance with me."
Ellen is the only guest who gives the nuptials the attention they deserve.
And she is rewarded for it. (Alan's the only member of the family who I've ever seen initiate grilled cheese conversations with Ellen--he's a mama's boy).
Despite some complaints about noise (which Tamara thinks is just a ruse for butthurt folks who didn't get invited to the party to complain) the party was officially a "good time".
Now officially wed, Alan and Tamara get down to the getting down (alas, no chimes as of yet--maybe that ugly couch has something to do with it!).
SO, that's that for the non heirs.
Now if you'll follow me we'll head back to the Parson's homestead and roll up Week 8's mini-challenge.
MOOCHERS! (yeah, that's part two!)