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31  Simmers' Paradise / Sims Stories / The Inheritance: Chapter 5 - Part II (Updated 11/14) on: September 30, 2008, 02:19:34 pm
Cheesy Thanks Zorom, I'm honored that my little yarn has made it onto your list.
32  Simmers' Paradise / Sims Stories / The Inheritance: Chapter 5 - Part II (Updated 11/14) on: September 30, 2008, 09:41:05 am
I'm definitely going to update. Chapter 4 is coming our way, maybe as early as Sunday.
33  Simmers' Paradise / Sims Stories / The Inheritance: Chapter 5 - Part II (Updated 11/14) on: September 30, 2008, 12:23:56 am
:O

I had been wondering how people would take the terrible, terrible things I've done to my characters >_> Glad to see at least one person doesn't mind that some of them are getting busted.
34  Simmers' Paradise / Sims Stories / The Inheritance: Chapter 5 - Part II (Updated 11/14) on: September 30, 2008, 12:09:22 am
The Inheritance
Chapter 3 - Part XI
September 1964


The next week...


Lara, Andre and I gathered on the driveway to wait for Dante's arrival. He was coming the day before the fundraiser to make sure everything was ready. I wasn't sure how I felt about him being here, knowing as I did what he had done.

I felt sick to my stomach, but I couldn't let on that I was troubled. So we waited there, the children anxious to see their father and I nervous to face the man who had betrayed me.

Finally, his car pulled up.



He climbed out of the back seat and smiled at us. I folded my arms and tried to put on a happy face; a stab of pain went through my chest. Was it my heart breaking, or something more pedestrian?


Lara broke away, running to hug Dante...


...followed by Andre.


He approached, looking somewhat bewildered as to why I didn't come running. He put his hand on my shoulder and I leaned forward to peck his lips. "Welcome home," I said, my voice somewhat dull.

"Thank you."

"Come in, I'm making dinner."



I was wiping down the stove, waiting for the pot roast to finish baking, when Dante came in to see if he could help. "I've got everything under control," I told him.

"All right. Listen, where's Chiara?"

"What do you mean?"

"I thought she'd be here."



"Here?" I echoed. "Why here? And besides, we don't have any room."

"We could've made room--" Dante said quietly.

I cut him off. "Where? Did you want me to put her in--" I faltered, unable to bring myself to say 'our'. "--my bedroom? She's at the local bed and breakfast."



"I told her she could stay here, it's just easier," said Dante.

I didn't look up from my work. "Yes, well, I feel badly about that."



We sat down to dinner. I was happy to let the conversation revolve around Dante and the children. It was nice to see he was taking an interest in them. He got reports on how school was going and seemed satisfied with my answers about Josephine and Marco.


After the children cleared the table and went off to finish their homework, I sat back in my chair, deep in thought. The idea of divorcing Dante had occurred to be, of course, but as a Catholic I couldn't follow that course of action. And I didn't want to put the children through what would undoubtedly become a scandal and ruin the image of their father.

Dante finished his wine and walked over to the sink, stopping near my chair. "Are you all right?"

"Why?" I asked, more shortly than I had intended.

"Normally you do dishes right after dinner."



"I'm going to finish my wine first, if that's all right with you," I said, not looking up from my glass. Dante sighed and nodded.

"Okay. I'm heading out, sweetheart. I need to meet with the staff on my speech."

"'Bye," I said, finally looking up. Our eyes met and I offered a smile. "My best to Miss Castelli."

He returned my gaze for a beat, his eyes inscrutable, but then smiled back. "Of course."



He left the house and walked out to his car. I finished my wine and stood, going to the window to watch him.


He never looked back.

The next morning...


Dante didn't come to bed that night. I woke up early to help the children get ready for school, first waking up Andre...


...then Lara...


...and finally, Dante. He went up to brush his teeth while I helped get the children off to school.


I was watching them get on the school bus when Dante came back down the stairs. He leaned against the door frame and smiled at me. "Good morning."

"Good morning." I turned to look at him. "Is that the same shirt you were wearing yesterday?"

"Oh, yeah. I didn't want to wake you up, so I just slept on the couch."



"Do you want me to make you something for breakfast?" I asked.

"In a minute," Dante responded. "I wanted to ask...is everything all right? You seem upset."

"I don't feel well," I said. "But don't worry. I'll be ready for the fundraiser tonight. The ladies are all coming by to help out."

"You're sure?" He hesitated. "You're not angry with me?"



"No," I lied. "I'm just not feeling well. Now, what do you want for breakfast?"

That afternoon...


"Capricia," I said as she finished arranging the bouquet in the hall. "I can't thank you enough for all your help with the flowers."

"It was my pleasure, dear," said Capricia with her typical predatory smile. "This is all too much work to do on your own, I'm happy to help."



Paolo came over to set up the tables, which Lady Somerset helped to dress and set...


...while Adela and Silvio decorated a cake for the dessert table and Angela and Eleanor put the finishing touches on the canapes I'd spent all day making.

Finally, they all went home to change for the party.


Later...


As dusk settled over the hills of the Italian countryside, the guests started to arrive. When everyone had gathered, I stood to welcome them. "Thank you all for coming out to support my husband. The official toasts will come later, but I wanted to say welcome, enjoy yourselves, and again, thank you."


"Angela," said Paolo as he approached and sat in the adjacent chair. "How nice to see you again. How have you been?"

"Not well," said Angela. "My house was broken into and, today, I found out that my husband is missing."

"Wasn't he in the hospital?" asked Paolo. "How could he be missing?"

"That's what I asked!"



Dinner went off without a hitch. It was a little awkward for some of my friends to behave as if nothing was wrong between myself and my husband, but they knew that I wanted this night to be perfect, so they managed to keep a lid on their disapproval, even for his mistress.


After dinner, I excused myself. I was feeling sick again, and I wanted to have some seltzer to see if I would feel better.

While I was rummaging through my medicine cabinet, my husband was rising to give his speech.



"First I'd like to invite up two very special women, without whom I wouldn't be where I am. One is Chiara Castelli, my chief of staff. The other is my lovely wife, Elizabeth." Chiara stood, but I was nowhere to be found. Adela gave Dante a sign, and he continued on with his speech.

"In my short time in the Senate, I have worked hard for you, my neighbors and my friends, and all the other residents of this district. I have been faithful to your needs and I hope to continue to serve you in the Senate..."



"...and for that I need your support. The election is coming up and I need your support and your vote..."

As my laid out his plan of attack, little did anyone know that outside, far out of sight, someone else was planning an attack of an entirely different nature.



The first sound I heard was breaking glass, then gasps of surprise and shrieks of terror. Thinking that someone was ill, I climbed to my feet and hurried into the hall and down the stairs...


I stopped dead on the stairs, my heart faltering. "Dante!" I cried, my knees buckling. I managed to make it to the landing before I collapsed onto my knees at his side.


The room was in chaos, but I could think of nothing but Dante as his blood soaked into my skirt. I felt around for his neck, checking for a pulse. "Dante, Dante, please!" The pulse was weak against my fingers and I suddenly couldn't breathe. "Somebody help me!"

Someone rushed past me after somebody else shouted for an ambulance to be called. I couldn't move; I couldn't breathe; I couldn't think. All I could do was will my husband to live. But even as I hoped and prayed, forgetting his betrayal, his pulse weakened under my fingers.

I had always been taught that God answers answered prayers.



But what nobody had ever told me was that sometimes the answer is "No."

End of Chapter Three!
35  Simmers' Paradise / Sims Stories / The Inheritance: Chapter 5 - Part II (Updated 11/14) on: September 29, 2008, 01:23:08 pm
The Inheritance
Chapter 3 - Part VIII
August 1964



I was hungover by the time I woke up the following morning. I looked around for a clock, only to find Paolo sitting in the chair near where I was lying. "What time is it?" I blurted.

"Almost seven."

"In the morning?" He nodded. "I have to get home." I stood and headed for the door, feeling slightly dizzy from nausea and the leftover effects of alcohol.

"Let me help you." He reached for my arm, but I was already moving.



"The children must be worried sick," I said as I stalked up the sidewalk. Paolo hurried after me. "How could I be so stupid?"

"Elizabeth, come on, don't be so hard on yourself." He took my arm, but I shook him off.

"Don't touch me!" I shouted angrily, wrenching my arm away. "I'll never let another man touch me as long as I live." I quickened my pace, running back towards my home and leaving Paolo behind.



I let myself in to find Andre helping Lara get ready for school in the hall. He sent her into the kitchen for breakfast when he saw me come in and crossed his arms. "Mom, are you okay? Where have you been?"

"I wasn't feeling well last night. I couldn't come back, I'm so sorry," I said, feeling a little pang of guilt at my lie. But what could I do, tell my children that their father is an adulterer and that I was too drunk to come home? "Was everything all right last night?"

"Yes, I made eggs for dinner. Mom, you don't look so good."



"I don't feel so good, Andre." I heaved a sigh. "I'm sorry about last night. I hope you weren't too worried."

"No, we were fine. Oh, dad called last night."

"What?" My throat closed up and I had to cough to free it. "What did he say?"

"He's sending out one of his staff to help coordinate the fundraiser next week."

"When?"

"This afternoon."

"Lovely," I said. "Can you help Lara get ready for school? I need to get the house cleaned up for our guest."


That Afternoon...


The car arrived just after one, and I (freshly cleaned up and feeling better) went out to meet it. For a moment, nothing happened, and then...


Chiara Castelli climbed out of the car. My husband's chief of staff and mistress gave me a smile and said, "Signora Moretti, thank you again for agreeing to help us out."

I was at a loss for words for a moment until I finally said, "Ah, yes, well. Anything I can do to help."

"Can I get a tour of the premises?"



I led her inside, seething at the irony of it all. Of course Dante would send her; she was his chief of staff and this was an important fundraiser. It made perfect sense.

"I thought I'd set up a bar in here and have this be the main room. We can dine in the sunroom or out on the patio." I mounted the stairs to the landing. "Dante can give his speech from up here."

"Yes, lovely," said Chiara. "And the kitchen?"



"What did you plan on serving?" she asked.

"I haven't fully fleshed out the menu yet, but I have a few of Dante's favorite dishes in mind."

"Signora Moretti, need I remind you how important this event is? We must know now what is to be done."



I paused, feeling my blood pound in my veins. I forced myself to be calm and offered a chilly smile. "Miss Castelli, I have no doubt that you do many, many things for my husband, and you do them well. But I have entertained before, and I'll thank you to trust me to do this. Now, I think you'd better head over to your hotel to work on Dante's speech."

Chiara seemed to recognize that she was being asked to leave and she nodded. "Of course, Signora. I apologize if I came on too strong. I'm sure it will be lovely." As I walked her out to the car, I could tell she was nervous and wondering; did I know?

I was happy to let her sweat it out.



That night, Capricia came early to the ladies social gathering. It was awkward to see her, and I had halfway hoped that she wouldn't show up after what had happened the time before. She offered me a beautiful bouquet of flowers and said, "Elizabeth, I'm so sorry for what I said last time. I absolutely meant nothing by it. Can you forgive me?"

I took the flowers, arranged them neatly on the table in the hall, thinking of what to reply. "No forgiveness is necessary, my dear. It turns out you did me a favor."



The ladies arrived and we all sat down to eat. It turned out that each of us had something big going on in their lives.


Eleanor said, "Grant is thinking of selling the house. Too many memories." She hesitated. "But I don't want to go. It's been in our family too long to just sell."


"We've been evicted," said Adela. "I can't believe it's really happening, but we're going to have to find another shop to keep the business going."


"Good luck with that," said Judith waspishly. "The real estate company that's buying everything up refuses to sell!"


Angela warned us to keep our doors and windows locked. "My house was broken into this morning. I haven't found anything that's been stolen, but I think we should all be more careful."


"My husband is about to publish a journal article," said Capricia proudly. "In one of the American science journals."


"My husband," I said, my voice strong and cold, "is sleeping with his chief of staff, and I don't know what to do about that."

That did it; the table fell quiet for a moment before the condolences came rushing in. I hadn't meant to tell them, hadn't meant to add to my humiliation. It had just come out of its own accord. But when all was said and done, it was nice to have friends to help me cope with my broken heart.
36  Simmers' Paradise / Sims Stories / The Inheritance: Chapter 5 - Part II (Updated 11/14) on: September 29, 2008, 01:22:40 am
The Inheritance
Chapter 3 - Part VII
August 1964


A week later, Adela came over to share some bad news...

"We've been evicted," she said, handing showing me the order. "We have thirty days to move out.

"What? Evicted?" I demanded, taking the paper from her. I gave it a glance. "REI has chosen not to offer a renewed lease of your premises."



"Who are these REI clowns?" Adela demanded angrily.

I hesitated. "My son works for them as a courier."

"Andre?" she asked.

I nodded. "He's at school right now, but when he gets home I'll ask him. I'm expecting him any time."



"I just can't believe it," Adela said. "After all this time, they want to kick us out?"

"Do you need somewhere to stay?" I asked. "Mother Moretti's visiting her sister in Venice, I'll call and ask if you can use her guest room."

"No, I'm sure we'll be fine," said Adela. She gave me a thankful smile. "But thank you very much."



The door opened and closed and I turned to see Andre walking into the living room. "Hi, mom, Mrs. de Luca."

"Andre--" I was interrupted by the ring of the telephone.

"I'll get it." He went over to the phone, picked it up. "Hello? Yes, just a second. Mom, it's Mr. Esposito."

"I'm sorry, Adela, I need to--Andre, watch your sister, I'm going out."

I launched out of the chair and was out the door before either could say another word.


Five minutes later...


I knocked on the door and Paolo called from inside that the door was open. I walked in to find him pouring drinks at the bar. "Come in, Elizabeth. Have yourself a drink."

"Is it...Paolo, is it bad?" I asked, my voice trembling.

"Have a drink," he insisted and handed a tumbler to me. He took a sip, watching me. I downed it in one long draw and set it down. "Fair enough. Let's sit down."



"Paolo," I said as I settled onto the sofa. "Please, I need to know."

"Are you sure about this?" Paolo said. "No matter what I say, that's it--it's out there and I can't take it back."

I closed my eyes and shook my head thoughtfully. For a few moments I sat in silence before finally saying, "Yes. Tell me."

"Your husband is sleeping with his chief of staff."



The tears came before I could stop them. I wiped my nose with the back of my hand as my life flashed before my eyes. Only it wasn't my past that I saw; it was a future that was cold and lonely, without Dante.

"You're sure?" I finally managed, my voice cracking.

"Yes," said Paolo. "I'm sorry."



Paolo stood to fix me another drink. I sat there, my shoulders heaving, the silence broken only by the strangled sobs that escaped my throat. He brought a tray of drinks; I took one, downed it at once, and found myself coughing even as I reached for another.

"Elizabeth, are you..."

"Don't. Just...don't say anything." I took another drink.



I was never a heavy drinker. To be honest, I seldom drank than more than a glass of wine or two with dinner. But the drink felt good, and the next, and the next.

Paolo hesitated, but relented to my requests for more. When I finally got a grip and realized how drunk I was, I sat slumped against the armrest of the sofa, sobbing for the loss of my marriage and my dignity. Paolo came to sit next to me and hugged me against his chest.



"There there," he said quietly. "I can't imagine how you must feel, but you have to hold it together. All right, Elizabeth?" He raised my chin so he was looking into my face.

"I'll try," I slurred, leaning forward to balance myself.



"Be strong," he said, pulling me closer. And even without thinking or deciding, our lips met. He pressed forward, kissing me, and for a moment I wanted to return the kiss, and then--

"No," I said. "No. I'm married!"

"I'm sorry," he said. "I'll...I'm sorry."



I didn't hear his apology; I had finally passed out. Paolo let me lay across the sofa and went to clean up all the glasses.

I slept fitfully, dreaming of the day I met Dante, pondering what it would have been like if I had known he would break my heart. I slept, knowing that someone was watching over me, but never thinking for a moment...



...that my guardian might have cruel intentions.
37  Simmers' Paradise / Sims Stories / The Inheritance: Chapter 5 - Part II (Updated 11/14) on: September 28, 2008, 06:23:17 pm
Hey all! I'm back from a short vacation with an update (or two) on the way.
38  Simmers' Paradise / Sims Stories / The Inheritance: Chapter 5 - Part II (Updated 11/14) on: September 22, 2008, 01:18:05 am
The Inheritance
Chapter 3 - Part VI
August 1964

It was the first week of August when we held our next ladies' social gathering.


I pulled Lady Somerset aside while the ladies were enjoying cocktails. I wasn't sure how to broach the subject of Capricia's predatory nature, so I finally decided to just say what I needed to say.


"Listen, I know it's none of my business," I said quietly. "But you should know that Capricia...you know, Mrs. Volante?...well, I've overheard her twice...er...propositioning your groom-to-be."


"Whatever can you mean? I've found Capricia to be just lovely," said Lady Somerset.

"She is. I'm just warning you that--" I broke off as Lady Somerset glanced up. I turned to see Capricia standing on the landing.

"I'm sorry," said Caprcia with a smile. "I didn't mean to intrude, Elizabeth, but I was wondering if you should show me where the powder room is?"



I stood and showed her to the powder room. Before Capricia went in, she put a hand on my forearm and said, "By the way, Elizabeth, if I were you I'd worry about my own marriage before butting my nose into other people's business. I'll pass on your respects to your husband--remember that he lives next door to my apartment in Rome."


As soon as Capricia disappeared into the powder room, I hurried up the stairs to my bedroom to call Dante. I didn't know what I would say, what there was to say. As it turns out, I didn't have to worry about that; Dante didn't pick up the phone.

I sat in the dark for a few, frustrated and suspicious. Guilt at my suspicions compounded the unsettling feeling in my stomach. But I had guests to consider. I straightened my dress and walked back down the stairs.



I put the food out on the buffet, and some of the ladies offered to help. I could tell by the way that Adela looked at me that she could tell I was upset, but when she opened her mouth to ask, I turned back to the ladies and said, "The buffet is now open. Please, help yourselves."

The next day...


It was my son André's first day on the job for Real Estate Italia, and he was given an unpleasant task that brought him to Judith O'Reilly's house. She invited him in for lemonade and cookies.


"I'm afraid I'm here on business, Mrs. O'Reilly. Your bid to buy the lot on Primo Street has been rejected by REI," he said between cookies. "The owners are looking for another type of business."


"What do you mean?" asked Judith. "That building has stood empty for over a year. Surely they'd rather have someone there, using it and paying rent, than letting it rot."


"I'm sorry, but the word is final. I have the file here for you." André slid the file across the table to her. "I've got to go, but thanks for the cookies, Mrs. O'Reilly, and the lemonade."

Later that week...


I needed to talk to someone about Capricia's accusation, but I needed someone who wouldn't go blabbing it around the neighborhood, so I went to Paolo. When I got there, Giorgia was playing on the piano.

"Can we talk?" I asked Paolo. He nodded and asked Giorgia to go upstairs.



"What's bothering you?" he asked as we sat at the table. "You look exhausted. Are you feeling okay?"

I told him about my predicament, about what Capricia had said, and how I didn't know what to do next.



After I finished my story, he took my hands in his and squeezed them. "Don't worry about a thing, Elizabeth. I'm going to get to the bottom of this for you, all right? Capricia is probably lying. So don't you worry."

I nodded, grateful for the strength Paolo was showing me. It helped me to feel grounded and more confident. "Thank you, Paolo. You're a good friend."



He hugged me and promised to call when he found anything. Part of me couldn't wait for the call. The rest of me hoped that Paolo wouldn't find anything.
39  Simmers' Paradise / General Sims 2 Discussion / Sims 2 (Mansion & Garden Stuff Pack) on: September 21, 2008, 07:21:36 pm
The eastern theme I could take or leave, but the other styles look like a nice addition. Also, did anyone else spy the new stairs in Screen 4?
40  Simmers' Paradise / Sims Stories / Firestorm - Prologue (9/15) on: September 16, 2008, 01:33:20 am
Firestorm
Prologue


For decades, the consolidation of political, military, and economic power in international organizations like the European Union, the Greater Asian Federation, and the South American Alliance has led to the concentration of power over billions in the hands of a few.

Nations that go it alone, by choice or necessity, find themselves increasingly threatened. In 2019, the United States and Canada formed a defensive pact as tensions and border disputes between the U.S. and the South American Alliance grew. Australia finds itself harassed by government-sanctioned pirates, sailing with the endorsement of the GAF.

Of all the nations and organizations, it is Europe that has grown the strongest. After the Russo-European War of 2026, much of Russia has been partitioned between the European Union and the GAF, leaving the once-great threat in shambles.

But all is not well in Europe. Reforms in the European Union's governance, led by the charismatic firebrand Lizaveta Stafford of the United Kingdom, have resulted in a virtual dictatorship. The bloodless coup vested control in the new office of the European Chancellor, to which Stafford was elected by the European Commission in 2028. Since then, the office has grown more powerful as Stafford uses any means necessary to solidify control.

A devastating terror attack on Brussels meant to break Stafford's grip on the Union resulted in a crackdown of proportions not seen since the Second World War. The presence of a mysterious genetic marker in some of the blood samples left by the terrorists leads to a series of bills stripping the rights of those afflicted by the same.

Those with the MYNDRM marker have been registered at birth since 2029. In some provinces of the European Union, local and provincial governments have enforced terrible restrictions against the so-called Myndrmen. Men, women and children who carry the marker show no outward signs, no behavioral or physical manifestations. It is not contagious.

Even so, the Chancellor, Commission, and Council continue to support or turn a blind eye to local measures of oppression, and soon Myndrmen become a scapegoat for many of the economic and social woes plaguing Europe.

But not all are willing to sit back and accept the descent of Europe to dictatorship and fascism. In the Eastern Province (which includes what was once Poland, Kaliningrad, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia), a young politician rises to the rank of Deputy Province Minister. Commanding the loyalty of the masses and the respect of the Provincial Army, D. P. M. Aleksy Markowitz has been watching with growing unease.

Once again Europe is a powder keg, but this time a silent one. The only question is whether the keg is sparked...

...and whether Europe can stand yet another bloody conflict.
41  Simmers' Paradise / Sims Stories / The Inheritance: Chapter 5 - Part II (Updated 11/14) on: September 14, 2008, 01:39:19 pm
The Inheritance
Chapter 3 - Part V
July 1964



The first week in July, Paolo Esposito called me. "Listen, I have to go to Rome to pick up a piano. Yes...a piano. It was my wife's and we didn't have room in the van the first time--I won't bore you with the details. But I wanted to ask if you wanted to come. I know your husband lives there and I thought you might like to visit since I'll be going that way."

I paused for a moment to consider. It was a few hours' drive, but if I left a meatloaf in the oven for Andre and Lara with instructions, they could manage. "Yes," I said. "I think I'd like that."



"I'll pick you up at seven in the morning," said Paolo, and he disconnected.


The next day, Paolo was as good as his word. He arrived after I had got the children up for school and we set off for Rome before the oddly out-of-season frost had managed to melt.

On the way, he told me the story of the piano. It had belonged to his wife, a concert-quality pianist, but he had been unable to find room for it in the van with his other furniture.

It was a pleasant ride, I'll admit. We talked and joked, laughing along the way. I knew that his company was a welcome change from helping my son with his homework and reading to my daughter--a realization that hit me with a pang of guilt. But I told myself that I was going to visit Dante, so my justification was sound.

And I could tell that Paolo was happy to have adult company, as well. It was a win-win situation. That is, until we arrived at Dante's apartment.



I knocked on Dante's door. It was the first time I had been to the apartment, so I wasn't sure I had the right number until the door finally opened and a very shocked Dante let me in.


Despite the happiness I felt at seeing my husband, I could tell that my surprise visit had annoyed him somewhat--whether it was because I had surprised him, or because I was even there I didn't know.


We talked about the new neighbors, Judith's burgeoning business plan, and the children's accomplishments in school.


By the time our visit ended, Dante was physically relieved, I could tell, to see me go. I tried to understand his position, but I couldn't deny that my feelings were hurt by his brusqueness. He kissed my cheek and saw me out.

But little did I know that it wasn't my presence that had him on edge, but the presence of someone else...



...who was up the stairs...


...and through the bedroom...


...but most of all he was nervous that I would discover his extramarital secrets.

Later that month...

As it turned out, Lady Somerset worked a lot more quickly than even she could have imagined and within two months of moving in had caught and captivated her old childhood friend Lord Grant Thornycroft. The last week of August the neighborhood was invited to their engagement party.


I came in from the backyard where I had been visiting the plaque that was dedicated to Esther. But as I silently shut the door behind me, I found that I had walked into another secretive conversation between Capricia Volante and Grant Thornycroft.


"Do you imagine that this changes anything?" asked Capricia quietly, her voice like silk against the phonograph music wafting from the living room. "Your engagement doesn't change how I feel or what I want, Grant."

"I'm engaged to be married, Cap--Signora Volante. I can't do this, I have to think of my new family," said Grant, tugging the collar of his uniform. "Please, this has to stop."



"I get what I want," said Capricia as she reached out to smooth the sash on Grant's uniform. "You should know that by now."

"I should get back to my fiance," Grant said sternly, and he walked away.



Meanwhile, Paolo was introducing himself to Angela.

"A pleasure to meet you, Miss Giorelli."



"Actually, it's Mrs. Giorelli. Unfortunately," said Angela with a smirk.

"Sorry?" asked Paolo, confused.

Angela explained, "My husband, Giovanni, is in a coma. It's a shame because I can't divorce him until he wakes up."

"Giovanni Giorelli? Did he happen to serve in the War?"



"Why yes," said Angela. "Do you know him?"

"Was he a sniper?" asked Paolo.

"Yes he was."

"I knew him. We served together. He's in a coma? That's too bad."

"Don't feel too bad," said Angela with a chuckle. "He did try to kill me."

"Oh..."



As the party was winding down, we gathered in the living room. As we continued to chat, I was lost in thought, wondering if I should discuss what I overheard between Grant and Capricia. Finally, after conferring with Adela, I said, "Lady Somerset, I'd like to invite you to our ladies' social gathering the day after tomorrow. We'd so love to have you."


"Thank you," said Lady Somerset graciously. "I would very much like that."

Little did I know that that by inviting Lady Somerset to the gathering with the intentions I had, I was just asking for trouble.
42  Simmers' Paradise / Sims 2 Apartment Life Chat / Finally Playing AL (I think) on: September 13, 2008, 05:35:12 pm
They aren't supposed to be furnished. Except, if you're building one, make sure to furnish the apartments that your sim won't be living in because the sims who come and move in won't have furniture. But playable sims (EA families and custom families) move into unfurnished apartments.
43  Simmers' Paradise / Sims Stories / The Inheritance: Chapter 5 - Part II (Updated 11/14) on: September 13, 2008, 02:59:36 am
The Inheritance
Chapter 3 - Part IV
May - June 1964



After visiting the Esposito family later in the week they moved in, I knew that I had to do what I could to provide the family with what motherly attentions I could, for Giorgia's sake. The death of her mother had left them without a decent cook. So I had resolved to have them over for dinner.

And, of course, I could use the company, too.



"Why Giorgia," I said happily as I opened the door to them. "How lovely you look. Do come in, please. Both of you."

It was Friday and, given the Catholicism of all parties present, I served fish.



Over dinner and over the weekly Friday dinners, our families learned things about the other.

For instance, on the first Friday I learned that Giorgia was expected to be Giorgio. But the surprise of her gender did not overrule the plans that her mother and father had for her. So she had gone to a strict military-style boarding school, played sports--in short, she had been the son her father always wanted.



The next week, I had the chance to talk about the work I had done writing, and my hopes to have a book published.


The week after that, Paolo revealed that his late wife was tied to our neighborhood--a sister of Capricia Volante.


And the next week Andre shared his desire to find a job, and Paolo promised to get him an interview with the downtown real estate company.

As much as I liked to pretend that I was reaching out to the community around me as part of my Christian duty, I was driven by selfish means. Without Josephine, Marco, or Dante to keep me company, I was lonely.


Meanwhile...


Damiano Volante was a man who enjoyed his work. He was a botanist of the finest order and was credited in half a dozen new species of flowers. He was hard at work in his laboratory creating yet another new species.

But unlike for his last projects, this was one that his wife Capricia had taken an active interest. For the third time this week, he heard Capricia's high-heeled footsteps coming up the stairs to his lab. A moment later she arrived and asked, "Is it ready yet?"



"No, dear," said Dr. Volante. "I'm afraid I've hit a metaphorical wall. My crossbreeding isn't working as well as I thought--"

Capricia waved his words away impatiently. "Spare me the bio-babble, Damiano. I'm not interested in your excuses, only your results!"

"I'm well aware," Dr. Volante replied apologetically. "I'm working as fast as I can."

"As I said: results, Doctor."


Later that week...


Once again a new family had moved into the neighborhood although this family could hardly be considered 'new'. Indeed, thirty-six years ago (twenty-one years before I came to the neighborhood), one of the people moving in had been born at this very house.


Amelia Somerset (née Waldorf) was widowed again. Her first husband had died in World War II. Her second, a London stock-broker, had had an unfortunate accident in the lift of their flat just weeks after the birth of their daughter, Andrea. Her third husband had been a loud-mouthed Irish rugby player who was killed on the field when tackled by the entire defensive line. Her fourth husband had been to the wealthy, aged Lord Sebastien Somerset, from whose death she retained a title and wealth.


Andrea had been a sickly child, unable to travel much and a constant burden to her mother's attempts to enjoy life as a young woman. But now Andrea was recognized as the asset that she was, for Lady Somerset was now a member of the nobility. Sons were good for carrying out the family name. Daughters were useful for marrying off.


But as they settled down for their first meal in a half-unpacked home, Lady Somerset thought that perhaps she would like to marry again. After all, there was something to be said about the lucky number five. But given the fate of her past husbands, just how lucky would that number be for her next husband?

Meanwhile...


While the Somersets were unpacking their belongings, Judith O'Reilly was doing what she had been doing for sustenance since her husband had fled the authorities. She cut and dyed hair in her home for a moderate fee, and so when Angela Giorelli came in deciding that it was time for a chance, Judith helped her pick out a bold choice.


But Angela's decision on a new hairstyle was nothing compared to the decision that Judith herself was contemplating.


After the haircut, Angela and Judith had a cup of coffee and Judith shared her idea with Angela: "I want to open my own salon. The area is growing quite fast and we don't really have a reliable hair-care service in town. What do you think?"


Angela, somewhat shocked but deeply impressed by her new hairstyle, offered Judith friendly encouragement. "You have a real talent, Judith, and I think you could be very successful."

And so Judith's ambitions to become an entrepreneur blossomed. What Judith didn't know, in that thrilling moment of affirmation, was that this choice was to put her and others on a collision course with a deadly foe.
44  Simmers' Paradise / Anecdote Assistance / Help!!! on: September 12, 2008, 11:34:37 pm
For me (I'm using firefox) simply double-clicking on the box in the forum view where your title is (but not ON the title) will open up the title-edit thing.
45  Simmers' Paradise / Sims Stories / The Inheritance: Chapter 5 - Part II (Updated 11/14) on: September 11, 2008, 12:03:55 am
The Inheritance
Chapter 3 - Part III
March 1964


While I was meeting a new neighbor, my friend Angela Giorelli was waiting for a surprise from her niece, Eva. And what a surprise it was...


Angela was quite pleased with the way that Eva Giorelli had turned out. Her mother had never really recovered from the death of her father to the point where she could take over responsibility for her daughter. Just the same, Angela was happy to Eva now that her husband was indisposed. It was true that she despised the man even more, having been informed by Eva that it was indeed Giovanni who tried to kill her, but he had at least been someone to talk to.

Angela glanced at her watch, then called out, "Eva, come on. What's the big surprise?"



Eva came out of her bedroom and walked around the couch to sit adjacent to her aunt. Angela was extremely taken aback. "What's this?" she asked, gesturing at Eva's novice's habit. "Is this a joke?"

"No, Aunt Angela," said Eva quietly. She had been demure and sad, Angela had noticed, since her friend Marco Moretti had gone away to the priesthood. "I've decided to join a nunnery and I would not like to argue about it."

"But...are you sure?" asked Angela.

"Yes, I am. Only God can offer the peace I need," Eva said. Angela was somewhat shocked at the serious demeanor of her niece. It was a definite change from her care-free, fun-loving and (Eva thought) somewhat irresponsible predeliction to fool around with her sweetheart Marco.



Angela didn't argue. She simply told her niece as she walked her out to the waiting car that her home would always be open for her and to please write.

"Thank you, Aunt Angela. God be with you."

Eva ducked into the car.



"And with you also," said Angela.


That night, over dinner, I gave Dante the rundown on our family which, by now, was somewhat farflung. Josephine was away at college studying drama and making good grades.

Marco had decided to join the priesthood after all, though his resolve to do so had ebbed and flowed (with the continued presence of Eva Giorelli, though that was a detail I neglected to mention to Dante) up until the last minute.



Dante gave me a briefing on his activities in Rome (though I was to find out later that this list excluded certain extracurricular activities): he was serving on a few different committees, even being a Vice Chairman of one of them. "A few decades and I could be chairman," he said proudly.

"I have no doubt, darling," I told him, giving him a smile that I didn't quite feel. After all, he had only been in government for two years and already he was hardly home. But I refused to put the damper on his ambitions and earn his resentment. "But I bet you'll get on the cabinet before then."



After dinner, Dante cleared the table and helped me wash the dishes. "I wanted to ask you something," he murmured to me. "Chiara--Ms. Castelli, my Chief of Staff?--thinks it's time to start fundraising."


"Oh, really?" I asked absently, setting a dish in the dishrack. "What does Chiara suggest?"

"An event. I was hoping, to keep costs low, to host it here." He looked at me sidelong.

"Yes," I said. "Why not? I'll need some time to prepare, so...when is it?"

"September."

"That's certainly long enough to plan. I'll start planning the menu now."



Later that night, we were watching the television with Andre and Lara. During one of the commercial breaks, Andre turned to Dante and I and said, "I want a car."

"What?" asked Dante. "A car of your own?"

"Yes, why not?"



"I don't see any reason why not," Dante confessed. "Where are you going to get the money?"

"Well, I was hoping..."

I gave a chuckle. "No, sir. Your brother and sister never got a car. If you want one, you'll have to find a job."

"You'd be okay with that?" asked Andre.

"Why not?" asked Dante.

"I'll start looking tomorrow."



Halfway into the news broadcast, Dante stood and announced that he had to get going in order to be on time for his meeting. "You have a meeting?" I asked, lulled from my near dozing next to him.

"Yes, didn't I say? With Flavio and Modesto." He got his coat and walked to the door. I followed him, kissed him goodbye, and watched him walk off into the night.





That night I lay awake, unable to sleep. I watched the minutes tick to hours until I heard the door downstairs open and close, and footsteps on the stairs. A moment later Dante came in to find me with a book in my hands and the light on. It was just past ten.

"How was the meeting?" I asked conversationally, not looking up from the book.

"Productive," said Dante as he went into the bathroom. I heard the water running and a few moments later he came back to lay next to me.



"What time are you driving back to Rome tomorrow?" I asked as we settled in bed.

"Probably eight o'clock. Not later than nine." He kissed me on the cheek and turned on his side. "Good night, Betty."

"Good night, Dante."


The following morning...


After bundling the children off to school, Dante packed his small suitcase and loaded it into the car. I went out with him with a basket of cookies I got up early to bake for his road trip.

"Have a safe trip," I told Dante. "Call me when you get there?"



"I will," he promised and hugged me. He released me and I watched him get into the car. As he drove off, I found myself standing in the shadow of a big, empty villa, alone.

Alone again.
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