2.2

Dad died the next morning. Mom was asleep. He was in the middle of writing a book, as always.

I guess Melody has some sort of sixth sense for this stuff, because all of a sudden she jumps up from sitting on the floor, mid-conversation with me and runs to my parent's room.

"Oh my grosh, Maddox! Hurry!"

I didn't know what was happening, I just ran as fast as I could. I saw a tall shadowing figure in the corner and my Dad... he was deathly white. I called for him, my voice sounded small and desperate over the roar of Death. Mom suddenly woke up, maybe she heard me. Her cries filled the room, she sounded so sad. I'll never forget her crying out for him. He didn't even seem to hear us.

Then it was all over. He was gone, the shadowy guy was gone. I felt like my world was closing in, everything was going black. Dad..he's never coming back. He was the only stable one in this family and now...he left me. He left me alone. Was this on purpose? Why did he leave me now? It was getting harder and harder to breathe. Then...

Everything was blank.

I don't know how long I was out. Melody woke me, she seemed worried. She told me it was okay, that he was in a better place. She said she was sorry, for calling me to witness my father's death. At least it was of natural causes, she said. I heard cries coming from the bathroom when she woke me up. They were my Mom's. Her crying made me angry.

"I lost consciousness and she didn't even help me?" I asked Melody.
"Oh, Maddox!" she sobbed, "your mom, she's really upset, please understand she probably didn't mean to leave you passed out!"
I didn't care. She's not the only one that lost someone she loved. I think she should try to be here and stable for my sisters and especially me, being the youngest. Also witnessing my Father's death is not ideal for someone my age. I've read that somewhere.

I couldn't resist the strong urge to walk in and yell at her. Melody tried to stop me, I don't care. My Dad just died and was whisked away by some shadowy man and Mom left me on the floor. What if I died, too? She didn't even think twice about me, I guess.

"You left me! You left me in there alone! What if that thing took me with him and Dad!?" I screamed at her. I waved my fists at her, like I was going to hit her. I wanted to I was so angry. "What if it took me away?" My eyes were becoming cloudy with hot tears and when I couldn't see her through them anymore, when I couldn't see the silent, sad look she was giving me, I broke. I started sobbing uncontrollably. She took me into her arms, she was so warm. "I know you're upset, baby," she whispered weakly, "I'm sorry.." And we both sat on the bathroom floor and cried for what seemed like forever.

Dad died the day before my birthday. I wasn't expecting a celebration at all, but Mom had arranged one anyway. She said Dad would want us to carry on like normal and that would mean having a birthday party just like my sisters had when they became teenagers. She invited one kid from my elementary school, but had my sisters invite their teenage friends. She said I needed to get to know the other teenagers in town, I don't really care for knowing any of them. I have Melody, she's the only friend I need.

Mandy ended up inviting all her friends, Mako didn't bring any of hers. She says they don't want to be at a party full of snobby preps and jocks. Mom was working, I'm not sure if she scheduled the party during her gig on purpose or not. She said she'd try to make it back before it ended. She was in high demand and so close to reaching her dream that she couldn't afford to miss the show. Mandy of course had to show off her and Daren's relationship, I guess they were going steady. Mako whispered to me that good girl Mandy wasn't really what she seemed and I would see at school. Mako called her names and claimed that her making out with Daren in front of everyone proved they were true. I didn't provide any opinions, it would just encourage Mako.

I tried to wait for Mom, but the kids started complaining about wanting to leave. It was getting pretty late so I decided to just do the cake thing. At least my sisters and Melody were there. Mako lit the candles, meanwhile Mandy grabbed me by the shoulders and hugged me. "Don't forget to make a wish, Little Brother." Mako kissed me on the cheek and pushed me towards the cake. My sisters rarely showed affection for me, especially in front of each other. They were always more concentrated on themselves. They started cheering for me, the kids I didn't know were celebrating with me. It was the first time I've seen my sisters not fighting each other within such a close vicinity. I think I wished that my family, my sisters and Melody, could stay that happy, or something.

Becoming a teenager is weird. I felt the same...but different. Like, that blonde girl was looking kind of cute.

Melody didn't seem to like it when I told her that. She was so weird sometimes.

Mom came home about an hour after the party ended. I was already in her room waiting for her, talking with Melody, when she came in asking if she could talk to me. Apparently while in the park warming up for her show there was a group of people watching her do some tricks. A heckler came along to the front of the group and started booing her right away.

He was saying nasty things to her and she just tried to ignore him. She started thinking about Dad and how he would always encourage her to do her best. Then something weird happened. The man just died. Right there in front of everyone, in the middle of the park.

"I think your father sent the Grim Reaper to collect him!"
"Mom, that's crazy. Dad didn't send the Grim Reaper, um, is that the shadowy man Dad went with?"
"Yes! Except, your father, Will, his ghost willingly went with the Grim Reaper. He shook his hand, he knew it was his time!" She looked crazed. "This man, he begged Death not to take him!"

"Your dad was protecting me, but I realized he can't protect us or take care of us anymore." She paused, I was afraid of what she might say next. She wasn't making very much sense. Dad protecting her from beyond the grave? But now he can't? "Mom, Dad isn't just going to kill everyone that treats you badly." She thought about what she was saying, I think, and took a deep breath. "I'm just trying to say, Maddox, that your father isn't there for you anymore and I'm not going to be around much longer either. I need you to finish what your father and I started. Bring honor to my name."

I didn't know what she meant by honor. She said she would leave me everything. I'm not sure if she was going crazy or what. I was in charge of the house and I wasn't allowed to leave, she worked hard for this house and I had to complete it. I had the decide whether or not my sisters were allowed to stay and if something should happen to me before I have children I should choose one to take over. She was definitely going crazy, Dad's death was not going well for her. I ultimately agreed to continue her crazy legacy. I guess it's not a bad thing if I get all the inheritance.

We didn't know Makoto was listening next door. I was making my way to the bathroom in the morning when Makoto pushed me back into my room. "I heard what Mom was saying to you last night, Maddox. I think it's great and all, but don't you think it's a little unfair to me?" Her expression was sincere, I think. She looked worried and sad, like Mom forgot about her again.

"You know they've always like Mandarin better! They've given her opportunities to use her talents and build her skills. She's probably going to become some famous musician while I'm stuck in the shadows, like I've been forever! Please Maddox, don't let Mom leave me with nothing. You're my only brother!" I'm not sure why she was so worried about not receiving an inheritance. I guess she was tired of not being the favorite. I just told her I didn't understand exactly what was going on and that she will always be my sister.

That night Mandy was doing her homework in my room and I told her about Mako cornering me. She just told me she was jealous that Mandy and I were going to be successful in life and just to ignore her.

I was reading during one of Mako's workouts later on in the week. "Remember what we talked about?" She asked, for some unknown reason. "Yeah?" I was confused, Dad's death really took a toll on this family. She asked if she could talk to me outside, so I followed her. "That slore Mandy told me you told her what I said." Her eyes bored into me. "Look, Mandy, I love you guys, both of you, and I'm willing to share my inheritance with you both. I just can't take all the fighting you guys do and I'll kick one of you, if not both of you, out if you continue with this crazy stuff!"

Then she blew up at me. "You're such an ungrateful brat!" she screamed. "I'm the one that played with you when you were little while Mandy, Mom, and Dad were caught up in their own worlds! I can't believe you, Maddox! I thought you were my brother! How could you tell Mandy!"
"Lay off, Mako!"

She slapped me. "Don't speak to me like that!" Her face was red. "After all I've done for you!" She was really making me feel bad. She was so emotional. I know Mom and Dad would always pay more attention to Mandy and I felt guilty for that. "You can't give anything to her!" I rubbed my cheek while I thought about it, it stung a little. She looked desperate, I'm not sure what for.

"You know I need your help, Maddox," she pleaded.
"Fine, Mako. Whatever you say."

Bonus Pics!

Pap creepin' on Mandarin.

See? He ended up following her home.

And talking to her. He was super creepy.

This guy was creeping on Makoto at the gym, she told him what she thought about it.

She's serious about her workouts.

Floating? And to where?

I'm going to try to publish a chapter a week, with perhaps some bonus pictures in between. I'm pretty busy with work and other daily activities to play and update a chapter. I will be writing the chapters when I can (perhaps in clusters) and scheduling the posts to keep once a week updates. It's hard to play, write, and read everyone's blogs in one sitting! Anyway, hope you enjoyed chapter 1 of generation 2. I'm excited for Maddox's story. :)

2.1

My favorite game is chess, but I don't really like playing with people. They aren't very good at playing chess, well, most people aren't, I assume. My sisters certainly aren't. The computer can come up with every possible move and choose the best one. Perhaps it's by chance it chooses the best move, because sometimes I wonder what it's thinking when it makes a terrible one. One day I would figure out how it decides, but for now I'm immersed in the current game.

My best friend, Melody, usually watched me play in silence, sometimes pointing out a possible move, usually the most obvious one, but tonight something was exciting her. "Your sister has a boy over," she said. I could tell she wanted to continue, but hesitated. "I don't care what my sisters are doing, Melody." "He's sort of cute, maybe you should introduce yourself." Why would I care if he was cute? I don't like boys! She was so weird sometimes. Melody always tries to get me to be more social, but Melody is all I need in a friend, why do I need anyone else? "He could play chess with you. Or maybe catch! He could chase us around in a game of tag!" She annoyed me when she included herself in activities with other people. She knows no one can see her. I tried talking to my parents about her and they just laughed. I think Makoto kind of believed me, but I don't want her using Melody in any of her diabolical schemes. "No one can see you, Melody!" I reminded her, kind of rudely, I'll admit.

"Geez, someone's attitude stinks!" I guess she noticed how mean I was being. "Fine," I agreed, "I'll go look at this guy, make sure he's not a creep." She clapped her hands in delight and lead the way to the window closest to Mandy, who was outside. She shushed me when I did my dinosaur walk to the door. I wonder why she is so excited about my sister seeing a boy, Melody is usually too cool to care about that stuff.

"Oh my grosh!" Melody squealed, "They just kissed!" I laughed, "That's disgusting! That's what you wanted to see?" "They're coming!" She shoved me away from the window before I could even see what the guy looked like. "It's the boy from the party," she told me, seemingly reading my mind, "Hide!" There was nowhere for me to hide in my red dinosaur costume so I ran into the bathroom, leaving the door open a crack. Melody followed, tripping over the lumpy tail of my costume.

It was Daren Henly, from the party Mandy threw a couple weeks ago while Mom and Dad were on vacation. "He's so dreamy," Melody whispered to me. I rolled my eyes, she knows she doesn't have to whisper, no one can hear her. She was such a girl sometimes, she must have learned it from watching Mandy and Mako. "Mandy, I came here to ask you something I didn't think I should ask you at school. You always have your friends around..." Daren started, but as usual Mandy has to interrupt. "Daren! Don't be scared of those girls, you can talk to me about anything in front of them! They would be so jealous!" She likes making herself look important. Right before Daren could continue Mom came bursting out of her room like a maniac.,"If it isn't little Daren Henly! I remember when you babysat Maddox that one time Will was working on his last book and I had a show! I bet Maddox would be thrilled to see you!" I don't remember this guy. Isn't babysitting a girls job anyway? "What are you doing here? Your face is so red-OH MY GLOB!" Mom gasped. "Are you here to ask my baby girl out!?" Daren looked thoroughly embarrassed.

"Yay! She snagged herself a cute one!"
"Um, well-" Daren stuttered. I felt kind of bad for him, he didn't even get to ask Mandy anything yet.
"Oh! Stay right here, Daren. Willard has to talk with you if you're going to be dating our baby." With a quickness, Mom was back in her bedroom, I guess telling Dad of the situation. Not a moment later, before Mandy or Daren could even give each other an awkward glance, Dad was interrogating the guy. He was asking him questions about his age, grades, where he wanted to go to school, what his parents did for work and other strange things. I was getting cramped sitting behind the bathroom door, but whenever I stood to walk out Melody silently begged me not to.

"What are your intentions with my daughter, young man?" Dad finally asked him.
"I-I just wanted to ask her to prom!" Daren exclaimed.
"Well, what are your intentions after the dance? Boys your age only have one thing on their minds.."
"No, sir! Definitely not, sir! I will bring her straight home after the dance! Promise!" No doubt this kid was nervous, I don't blame him. My family is crazy.
"Well, get to it then, son!"
Mandarin was standing off to the side, pretending not to hear any of the conversation, I guess. When he got down on one knee and asked her to the prom she screamed as if she didn't just hear him tell Dad. "And FLOWERS!? Thankyouthankyouthankyou, Daren!!! They're almost my favorite color!"

"So, is that a yes?" He mumbled.
"Of course it's a yes, silly! Oh my grosh! The girls at school are going to be so jealous I'm going to prom with the hottest guy at school!"
They proceeded to talk about the prom and what colors they were going to wear and more boring stuff. When Mandy said goodnight to Daren and went off to her room is when Melody finally let me escape the bathroom. I swear she held me hostage in there for like an hour. I went to the kitchen to grab a snack, I should have sent Melody to do it for me because Mom was in there and decided to talk to me about girls.

"One day you'll meet a nice girl and want to ask her to prom." Melody nudged me, something she did when she wanted more information about something. I sighed because we both already knew what prom was, but I asked Mom anyway, since Melody wanted a deeper explanation. "Prom is like a dance, a big, significant dance that every teenager wants to go to. It's really fun, but sometimes the fun can go wrong." I hated when she explained stuff like this, everything goes wrong with her. I noticed that Daren was being dragged into the other room by Mako while Mom was going off about prom. I stepped on Melody's foot, somehow she knew that meant to follow Makoto and Daren. I would tell her what Mom said later, if I could remember.

We met back in my room and Melody, the best spy ever, gave a full report.

Makoto had taken Daren in Mom's room to tell him she didn't approve of him taking Mandy to the prom. "I know I should have told you this earlier," she explained softly, with a longing look in her eyes, "but I really care about you, Daren. I don't think Mandy cares about you the way you deserve. You're so kind and she's so not. I just wish I could have told you, at the party, how much I liked you. You were so preoccupied with Mandarin, I didn't want to ruin your night."
"Makoto, I don't kno-"
"Daren, just please tell me you like me! I think I love you! I love you and I was wondering if..

..you liked me, too."

"She had a weird look on her face, Maddox! Like she was trying to seduce him or something, but it wasn't very cute." Melody seemed worried about Mako's intentions. I asked her what he said.

"I'm sorry, Mako, but I don't like you like that. I didn't know you had these feelings for me, you never talk to me."

"But, Daren!"

"I like your sister, not you. I don't even know you."

"And then he left!" Melody shouted, "He just walked out of the room and left!"

I saw him leave, he didn't even say bye to Mom, that's kind of rude. Oh well. Melody suggests that we should continue spying on Mako, I'm sure she would like the entertainment, but I'm tired. "Let's just go to bed."

For some reason I dreamed about taking Melody to prom. Too bad that's impossible, everyone would think I'm crazy dancing with an invisible person. I don't even want to go to prom.

Of course, in the morning Mandy has to wake everyone with her keyboard. Mom and Dad don't seem to mind it, but Mako and I hate it. I just hate it because I got all my homework and showers done last night so I could sleep in a little before the bus came and picked us up, but with her playing that can't happen. Come to find out, she was purposely playing this morning to irk Makoto. Apparently she talked to Daren on the phone this morning and he told her what Mako said to him last night so she was ready for when Mako came to give her a piece. "Glob, how can anyone get any sleep with that horrible noise in the house!" Makoto complained as she made her way to the fridge. Mandy slammed all ten fingers on random notes, abruptly stopping in mid-song, and stood up.

She asserted herself in front of Mako, who was ignoring her at first, until Mandy put her fist up, as if ready to fight. "I know what you said to Daren. You're so fake, Mako! You never liked him! You and your friends make fun of us! I don't care how strong you are, Makoto, I will punch you in the mouth! I will kill you if you ever touch my man!" She was really angry. Mako was caught off guard. She wasn't expecting Mandy to find out, I bet. "What's going on, Makoto?" Mom asked calmly. Makoto scoffed, "Forget it! You don't know anything, Mandy! Don't worry about it, Mom!" Her face was bright pink and she stormed off to her room, slamming the door. 

"Mandy?" Dad addressed. She silently, but aggressively folded up her keyboard and also went to her room. 

Mom and Dad looked slightly worried, I just shoved my homework into my backpack and waited outside for the bus. I bet there was going to be a lot of drama at their prom tonight. I'm glad Melody and I aren't old enough to go.

Generation 2 Heir is...

Maddox!

Oh, Maddox, you are so frightening.

Votes combined from this blog and a thread on The Sims 3 forums led to this result.

Mandarin-4 I think? Maybe 3.
Makoto- 1
Maddox-8

Maddox is still a child and inexperienced in life, I wonder how his story will turn out. I'm excited to be starting the next part of my first legacy.

Generation 2 Heir Vote!

After fifteen chapters it is finally that time, ladies and gentlemen! Time to vote for an heir so I can continue the story. Midori's POV is getting quite boring as she is getting older and the focus has now become her children. I absolutely can't decide myself as I have plenty of ideas and I love them all in their own unique way, I just can't choose a favorite! So, that's where you, dear reader, come in. My opinions on each will be written in RED, not that they should sway your decisions in any direction. ;)

FIRST! 

Mandarin Minune

Mandarin is the most confident of the bunch, being a Capricorn only aids that. Despite being labeled somewhat of a couch potato as a child she used her knowledge of pop culture to gain popularity at school and an ear for good music. She discovered as a teenager, when her parents bought her first instrument, she had quite the talent for music when she put on a virtuoso performance the first night she owned her keyboard. She is quite frugal, in order to save money for the latest fashions. Watch your words, she is prone to angry outbursts, as she is hot-headed. Twin sister to Makoto Minune.

Favorites
Stu Surprise
Soul Music
The color Purple

Lifetime Wish
She has not yet decided what her calling in life is.

Mandarin seems like she would be the easiest to play with as an heir. Many sims are instantly attracted to her and want to initiate conversations with her for reasons unknown. The paparazzi also like following her around and often choose to photograph her over the rest of the family. I'm pretty sure her LTW will roll as part of the music career or singer, but nothing has popped up in her wants yet.


NEXT!

Makoto Minune

Makoto is the most forward of the three, being a Taurus makes her a bit hard headed. She spends her time working out and being a part of the sports club at school, she's very athletic. She acts somewhat like a diva, not your traditional kind, but like an evil, anti-preppy, leader of the goth clique diva. As a child she left her dirty plates and trash everywhere, but she's become less of a slob as a teenager, if only she'd take more showers after her workouts. Twin sister of Mandarin Minune.

Favorites
Veggie Rolls
Egyptian Music
The color Lime


Lifetime Wish
The Emperor of Evil

Makoto would probably be the most difficult to start the next generation with, but she already has a lifetime wish, so I could start working on that now in her teenage years. Sims don't seem to want to hold conversations with her when she does talk to other sims. She's also the ugliest in my opinion, so I would have to find an attractive sim (hopefully!) for her. I've also had the most fun playing with her, her personality is so fiery!


And NOW!


Maddox Minune
(aged in CAS)

Little Maddox has the calm exterior of a Scorpio, but you never know what's going on behind those eyes. He spends his time outside of school in his bedroom with his only friend, Melody, which is how he prefers it being a loner. It's not that he's a coward, he's just not yet brave enough to face the challenges of the real world. His genius qualities come out while doing homework and he enjoys playing chess against the computer. Younger brother to twins Mandarin and Makoto Minune.


Favorites
Veggie Rolls
Soul Music
The color Spiceberry


Lifetime Wish
Maddox has not yet found his calling in life.

Maddox is the least exciting of the three, but he's also the sweetest. He pretty much minds his own in the game, autonomously does his homework and spends most of his time with his IF Melody. I haven't had much playing time with him, given all the drama with the twins, so I'd like to see where I could go with his story.


Now VOTE!

Who should be the 2nd Generation heir?

Mandarin Minune

Makoto Minune

Maddox Minune

Create your own poll