2. Welcome back to Familiar Faces! Chapter Thirty-Four: I'll Be
There For You, Part One Due to problems with the exchange this
episode is being hosted on Slideshare.As this is the first time
that I've attempted to utilize this method I hope that you will
forgive any oddities in the format.I'm learning as I go. I wanted
to take a moment to thank everyone that is reading this, if this is
your first time with us I would recommend reading the previous
chapters so that you'll have a better understanding of what's going
on. Even if it isn't your first time reading you may find the
number of sims involved in the extended Familiar family to be
confusing.In order to help with any potential confusion I want to
direct you a few reference items. There is aguide to the current
First Circleavailable on my Livejournal, these are the 'important'
folks. And as always there is afull family treeavailable at Tribal
Pages.There are a lot of names on the family tree at this point and
many of them will never be seen in the story.
3. "Who calls forth the genie of the lamp?Who claims mastery of
the wish?" "Whoa, you're purple!" The genie looked around trying to
see who had spoken, who his new master was.
4. "Where are you Master?" "I'm here" said a voice below
him.The genie looked down and blinked."A child?This is the most
unusual set of circumstances I have encountered since my release
from the Cave of Wonders."The genie scratched his head, before
shrugging and said to himself,"Go with the flow I guess. That's
what my teacher always told me."
5. "Hello, young Master I am The Genie of the Lamp, how may I
serve you?" Ferdie Familiar gazed at the creature with a mixture of
awe and fear on his face, "What are you?" "I am The Genie of the
Lamp" the Genie repeated, "You can call me Genie." Ferdie shook his
head, "Grandma says we gotta show proper respect, Mr. Lamp."
6. This wasn't going to be like his normal assignments.However
the first rule of Genie behavior was never argue with your
master."Very well, how may I serve you Master?" "Dinner is gonna be
soon and I better not spoil my appetite.If I don't clean my plate,
I don't get desert." "Of course Master."The Genie reconsidered his
approach."Is there anything I can help you with?" "I have to finish
putting away my toys.You can help if you want but you don't have
to.I have to do things for myself.Just cause we have a maid doesn't
mean I should be a slob."
7. The genie waved his arms and the toys and costumes were
immediately returned to the chest in an orderly fashion.Once they
were in place the lid to the chest snapped down. "How'd you do
that?" asked Ferdie. "It's Magic." said the Genie. Ferdie frowned
and shook his head."Magic doesn't work here, we're cut off." "Cut
off?" "That's what Frankie says, we're cut off and no one can use
magic.But he's supposed to fix it, or maybe he won't.Maybe I will,
maybe no one.We just don't know."
8. "Ahh yes I had heard that the mortal magic wielders had
destroyed their source of power through their own folly.I am
surprised to learn that they have not yet found a new source.I
would not have thought it difficult to replicate, but alas they
were merely mortals.But that is of no account; the magic of a Genie
is beyond the crude power that the mortals wielded." "It is?" "Of
course it is young Master; a Genie's power is of the most ancient
kind.As long as there are sims, Genies will have a source of
power.For a Genie's magic is based on the hopes, fears and dreams
of simkind.We deal in wishes, and wishes are the most powerful
magic of all."
9. "Wishes?Like when you blow out the candles on your
transition cake?That kind of wish?" "Almost exactly but better, a
transition cake only has one wish to offer.A Genie can grant
three." "Three wishes?" "Three wishes per Master, but only three,
so they must be chosen wisely.Would you like to make a wish now?"
"Me?"
10. "The one who rubs the lamp gets the wishes.That means you
young Master." "Any three wishes?" "There are limitations, the
wishes must come from within, you can only wish for something that
you want for yourself.Is there anything that you especially want?"
"A Puppy!" The genie laughed, "A puppy?"
11. "Uh-huh, we used to have three dogs, but Eddie and Effie
were old and Grim wanted them to live with him.So he came and took
them home with him.I don't think Grandpa should have let him take
em, they were our dogs not his," Ferdie frowned."Grandpa says that
when Grim wants something he gets it, and there's nothing you can
do to stop em.That wiley old fox is the ultimate Criminal
Mastermind, and we have to respect his wishes."
12. "Now we've only got Rowan but she's mostly Frankie's dog,
she listens to him best and sleeps on his bed." "And you want a dog
of your own?" "Uh huh Mom says every kid should have a dog.I was
going to ask to get one for my transition present but that's not
till next week."The way Ferdie said it was if a week would be
forever."And if you gave me one now, I could ask for a new bike
instead."
13. "And a puppy is what you want most of all?" "Well maybe,
but you said I had to wish for me right?I can't wish for something
for someone else huh?Even if I really want them to have it?"The
Genie shook his head, "They would have to wish for it for
themselves." "Okay, then I want a puppy," declared Ferdie while he
planned how to give the lamp away. "And what else would you
like?"
14. Ferdie shrugged, "Nothing really, do I have to choose now?"
The Genie nodded sagely "The power of the Lamp is fleeting, while I
have the ability to grant each petitioner up to three wishes, I can
only appear to each individual a single time." "What do people
usually wish for?" "Each person's desires are individual but they
generally fall upon standard themes.Sims are simple creatures with
basic desires: love, fame, fortune, happiness.Occasionally there
will be an unusual wish, the ability to cheat death for a time or
very rarely the desire to return a loved one to life.I don't like
messing with immortality though; very rarely does that type of wish
have the effect that one desires."
15. Ferdie was lost in thought.Love, fame, fortune or
happiness?Considering the options he guessed he knew what to wish
for. "Daddy always says that the most important thing in life is to
be happy.Nothing else matters, if you're not happy.Money is nice
too."Ferdie nodded while parroting what he'd repeatedly been
told."'It can't buy you happiness, but it is better to have too
much than too little'.That's what Grandma says, she also says that
all the money in the world does you no good if it's just handed to
you.Money only means something if you've earned it yourself.That's
why I gotta do chores for my allowance.It teaches me
responsibility.So I guess I want to earn a lot of money and be
happy."
16. "Lifelong happiness and financial adeptness?""And a
puppy!"Ferdie reminded him. "And of course a puppy.You are a very
astute young man.I have served many masters and most of them think
only of their current situations.Things that they want immediately
and they show no concern about the future.Their wishes are easy to
fulfill it is a simple matter to create a pile of coin or to turn
the attention of another towards them.But to direct a destiny is
another matter.I shall have to consider this."
17. Waving his hands the Genie temporarily stopped the passage
of time.Ferdie was frozen before him his mouth formed surely to ask
a question.Children were always asking questions.Inside the house
everything became quiet, those affected by the spell would have no
idea what had occurred; at most when the spell was reverted they
would blink, perhaps take an additional step.Once everything was
silent, the Genie pondered the boy's request. He looked deeply into
the child's mind and consciousness.He viewed Ferdie's past, his
present and visualized a variety of futures.As he watched he saw
certain themes return time and again, until finally the Genie felt
he knew the best path.Nodding to himself he set time moving once
again.
18. "Very well young Master," the Genie said to Ferdie."I
believe that I nowknow the key to your future happiness.I have set
things in motion so that you shall be able to find it.Once you find
the key though, it will be up to you to ensure that it is not
lost.You seem to be an intelligent being, so I am certain that you
will make the right choices.As for your financial future, you will
be very secure.One word to remember however, Plastics.'
19. 'And then there is the matter of a puppy."Pointing at the
ground beside where the child stood the Genie waved his hand.Ferdie
heard a yip, looked down and clapping his hands he laughed.
20. "What's its name?Is it a boy or a girl?"Ferdie asked as he
picked up the pup, "Is it really mine?" "It is a male dog.I believe
it is customary for the one that owns a dog to name it.If you would
like a suggestion the name Laddie comes to mind.And now young
Master it is time for us to part.I believe that your grandmother
will soon be calling you inside for dinner and it would not do for
her to see me.For remember that a wish will only come true if you
keep it a secret."
21. Ferdie sat the puppy on the ground, "Are you a secret too?"
"I do not have to be.However, I feel that if you tried to tell
anyone about me that they would not believe you.Perhaps it would be
best not to mention our encounter."Before Ferdie could ask him
anything else the Genie waved and returned to his lamp. Just as the
Genie had predicted Ferdie's Grandmother was soon calling to him to
change his clothes and get ready for dinner.
22. "Okay, Laddie you gotta stay in here with Rowan and be
good."Ferdie said as he sat the new puppy down in utility
room.Giving him one last pet he looked at the older dog that was
already sniffing the new arrival."Can you watch him for me Rowan?I
need to get that lamp and wash for dinner." Rowan looked at the
puppy and then up at Ferdie and wiggled in a manner that Ferdie
took as agreement.Running back outside Ferdie stood beneath the
tree and turned in circles.The lamp was no longer there, it had
disappeared along with its inhabitant.
23. While Ferdie bemoaned the loss of the lamp and the plans he
had made for its use, Rowan and Laddie got to know each other.Rowan
had been missing the company of other dogs and was ready for a new
companion.Laddie reveled in Rowan's attention and a tentative new
friendship was formed._____________________________
24. Dinner that evening was as normal as they come.Titania,
Emma and Aldric discussed their work day.Frankie and Ferdie
discussed their days with their individual friends.Frankie made an
attempt to get permission to attend a party that evening at the
Pleasants but his parents weren't yet ready to let him off his
punishment.
25. "You're going to have to let me off sometime Mom, it's not
like you can keep me grounded while I'm at Uni." "I'm pretty sure
we could pull in a favor from the Dean if we wanted you kept under
house arrest there as well."While she was teasing, Emma was tired
of the continual confrontations. "Frank, we've already told you
that we'll review your situation after the trip to the Lake next
weekend.The more you try to push it, the less likely that we're
going to be lenient before then," added Aldric.
26. "Just wait till next week Ferd; once you become a teen they
quit spoiling you, and start spoiling your plans instead."Frankie
mumbled but not so softly that his parents didn't hear. "Frankie,
that's enough." said his grandmother."I know that a few weeks
punishment seems like a lifetime now.But you'll think differently
in the future." Throughout dinner Emma had though she was hearing
something coming from the garage.Hearing it again she decided to
check it out rather than futilely talk at a teenage boy.These days
it seemed that the more she talked at Frankie the less he seemed to
listen.
27. Out in the garage Emma discovered the newest member of the
family."Well, well, where did you come from little one?"Emma asked
as she lofted the pup up to look at it.Knowing her family well,
Emma jumped to the obvious conclusion.Setting down the pup she
yelled, "Ferdinand Abraham Familiar, get in here now!"
28. She'd used his full name, that was never good, Ferdie
thought as he answered his mother's summons."Yeah, Mom?" Emma
pointed towards the floor at the puppy that was currently chewing
on her pants leg."What do you know about this little guy?" "He's
mine, his name's Laddie," said Ferdie as he scooped up the puppy.
"Where'd he come from Ferd?Puppies don't just materialize out of
thin air."
29. Ferdie gulped, this puppy had materialized out of thin
air.He was remembering the final warning from the genie "If you
were to tell anyone about me they would not believe you."He didn't
want to lie, but maybe he could get away with hedging a bit. "Mr.
Lamp gave him to me." "Who's Mr. Lamp?Where did you meet him?" "He
was in the backyard and I told him how I was gonna ask for a puppy
for my transition.How I wanted a dog more than anything else in the
world." "And he just happened to have one with him?" "Uh-huh I
guess so.He was really nice."
30. "What did this Mr. Lamp look like?" "I dunno he was big, he
had a beard, he was wearing funny clothes, and he had this thing on
his head like a hat." Emma considered what Ferdie was telling her,
the gardeners had been there that afternoon.Maybe this Mr. Lamp was
one of the yard crew."Was he a gardener?" "I don't know, maybe?He
said that I probably wouldn't ever see him again he was just here
special. You gotta let me keep Laddie Mom, he's really smart and
Rowan likes him, and I don't think we could give him back. " "Your
father and I will talk about it.Why don't you head on up to bed and
we'll discuss it again later."
31. "We were gonna get him one for his transition anyway, if he
likes this one we might as well keep it and get him something
else." "I'm more concerned about the guy that gave him the dog,
than about the dog itself.The pups cute enough, I just have a funny
feeling about this Mr. Lamp.Who is he and why did he just happen to
have a puppy to give Ferdie?" "We can call the yard service check
him out, but Ferdie said the guy wouldn't be back.If he's just
seasonal help the yard service might not know anything.Tell Ferd
that if he sees the guy again to get one of us, so we can talk to
him.Dave still has guys patrolling, if they'd seen anything odd
they would have let us know." "You're right, it's probably just
some guy with a litter of pups that was happy to find a kid that
wanted one.Probably end up being some kind of mongrel."
_____________________________
32. "No way I can make it this weekend.I'm still grounded
:("Harsh!" "Completely!I can't believe they're being so strict.No
one else even got grounded and I'm stuck in this house all the
time!Man, I'm so ready to escape this place.I can not wait for
college." "I know what you mean, Moms totally doesn't get that I'm
almost an adult.Sometimes it's like she still thinks I'm five.What
about next weekend, think they'll relent by then?"
33. "Maybe, but it's a no go; Ferd's transition is Friday and
then we're going to the Lake on Saturday.Long weekend, family
togetherness, bonding time, blah blah blah.Guy I know up there
needs to talk to Dad and we're finally gonna go see him.Maybe get
some answers about my Uncle." "The one that died?" "Yeah, I don't
know why Dad didn't go see Squatch before now.He should have, Uncle
Almeric was his brother.Sometimes I wonder if he even cares what
happened.Maybe he's just scared of finding out."
34. "When we came back from summer vacation and I told Dad that
Squatch wanted to see him, he got all weirded out.Wanted to know
why now?Grandpa had been trying to talk to him for years but
Squatch didn't want to talk.Now he wants to talk but not to
Grandpa, it has to be Dad. I figured we'd head up there immediately
and talk to Squatch but he said no, Squatch's invitation was for
the whole family, we'd go as a family..Dad said it was bad enough
that I'd been exposed to all that crap when I was a kid, that he
wasn't about to drag my brother into yet.We'd wait till he was a
teen and could handle it better then we'd all go."
35. "I'll tell ya, Grandpa was not happy with that decision.He
and Dad got into it, which was kinda weird ya know?I always thought
they got along pretty well." "Sometimes people that mostly get
along still disagree sometimes." "Yeah I know, it was just weird,
Dad normally just goes along with whatever Grandpa wants.Most
people do.But this time he stood up to him, said that he knew what
was best for us kids.That he wanted Ferdie to have a chance to grow
up so he could understand what was going on.He kept saying just
give him time."
36. "Grandpa blew up at that.Said something like 'Time isn't a
commodity I have much of anymore.'He said he needed to know
everything he could in order to protect the family while he still
could.I didn't hear much after that, Dad started talking real
soft.Dunno what they said but they ended up agreeing that we'd
leave as soon as Ferdie had his transition.I think Grandpa's
worried about what will happen when he dies." "How old is he?"
"Old." "Bummer." "Yeah."
37. So did you get your schedule yet?When do you have to report
on campus?" "Semester starts in two weeks but I have to be there
for cheer camp on Friday.What about you?" "No cheer camp, our
semester starts same time as yours.I really want to see you again,
Annie." "Same here maybe I can work something out.Are you allowed
visitors in prison?" "Not hardly."
____________________________________
38. Mornings at Familiar Academy seemed to follow a standard
routine.There was very little variance.Once off the bus the group
of teens tended to settle themselves into their own little
cliques.Some gathered on the front lawn, others swarmed the library
or the gym.The groups that most regularly conveyed near the
southwest corner were primarily the younger teens.There were a few
among the set that were soon to graduate.
39. Ewan London was one senior that was occasionally found
mixing with them.Evette Capp was certain that he joined them
because of her, or at least she hoped so.Evette had been trying to
get Ewan's attention for months and finally it almost seemed as if
she had been successful.Almost . . .
40. He talked to her before school and sometimes in the hall.He
always smiled when he saw her.But then again, Ewan was just about
the nicest guy Evette had ever met so he smiled at everyone.
41. Sometimes he'd join her for lunch in the cafe, after
biology lab.When he did join her, it was usually to talk about what
they'd done in lab.And yeah it was generally because she'd asked
him a question.Ewan was so smart!He might even be smarter than
she,nah probably not
42. In short he treated her like a friend.Evette wished she had
the nerve to just ask him out, but at the same time she didn't want
to lose him as a friend.If she asked him out and he said no then
that would make things weird.She'd tried to be subtle; she'd asked
him if he was going out with anyone.When he'd said no he'd blushed,
and Evette figured that he had someone in mind that he wanted to go
out with but hadn't gotten up the nerve to ask.She hoped it was
her.
43. Her sister said that if Ewan was interested in her, she'd
know by now.Vonny didn't think boys were capable of keeping their
attraction hidden.Why Vetty was still mooning over Ewan was beyond
her twin.Vonny kept telling her to move on find someone else. Easy
for Evonne to say, Vonny had Enrique. She hadn't spent a single
Saturday night home alone since they'd become teens.Not that Vonny
and Rique were going steady or anything, not Vonny.The whole I'm a
romancer and I won't limit myself to one guy.Evette wished she had
the option to limit herself to one guy or not.
44. Of course just because Evonne wasn't willing to go steady
with Enrique didn't give Edith any right to try and steal him
away.Good for the gander wasn't a possibility that Evonne was
willing to explore.
45. Not that Evonne was at all worried about Enrique's
loyalty.He had nothing to complain about.Evonne let Enrique get
away with things that most teenaged boys only fantasized
about.Rique was the only one that allowed that degree of freedom
and he knew it.He had no intention of losing his privileges by
messing things up with Evonne.
46. It was the principle that mattered.Enrique was hers,
everyone knew it.No one was going to get away with trying to change
facts.It was all about control.Evonne was big on control.
47. There were some things that you just couldn't control,
however.Like when your parents went and decided that four kids just
weren't enough.They didn't ask you if you thought it was a good
idea to have more kids, or if you even wanted a squalling infant
around.It was bad enough that they'd gone and gotten knocked up at
their ages, but to expect you to be excited about it was a bit
much.Embarrassed maybe, but not excited.
48. Of course considering their previous track record no one
could reallyclaim to be surprised when there were two babies added
to the household.One would have been bad enough but two?The very
narrow bright side of things was that Evonne was no longer the
youngest of the Capp brood.She had now been relegated to the status
of middle child.Surely she could get some mileage out of that.
49. She was sure to get some mileage out of the baby care
duties that the births of Ethan and Ethel Capp had brought
about.Built in baby sitters, that's what Evonne and Evette had been
relegated to.___________________
50. Eagle Langarek lived in a state of nervousness.Noises that
no one else noticed made him jump, the creak of a door, a car
backfiring down the street.And laughter, laughter was the
worst.When someone laughed he never knew if it was a good sign or a
bad sign.His brother's laughed all the time.
51. Eagle's father had sat him down numerous times and tried to
explain that he shouldn't worry about the twins, yes they were
rowdy, and they were loud.But they weren't dangerous; at least Ted
didn't think they were.Eagle wasn't to believe everything that his
brother's told him.If he was concerned about something they said
Eagle should talk to his Mom or Dad about it.But that was the same
as tattling wasn't it?Whenever he asked his Dad a question about
something Elan or Elm told him, Dad would straighten him out.When
they were done talking it out though, most times one of the twins
would get a lecture.They weren't to torment their brother, they
were to stop telling him stories that they knew would scare him.Ted
could talk till he was blue in the face and the older boys would
nod seriously and make promises to behave.
52. And the next day they'd take turns tickling Eagle until he
cried.He couldn't complain about being tickled could he?As Grandpa
would say, 'Toughen up kid."
53. It wasn't that either Elan or Elm disliked their little
brother; he was okayas far as little brothers go.He was just so
gullible, and it was way too easy.The look of awe combined with
dread, which crossed Eagle's face when they told him about a
monster that lived in the guest bathroom.It was priceless and well
worth the lecture.
54. Long after the fact, the twins would never agree on whose
idea it had originally been.Elan claimed that it had to have been
Elm; Elm was the planner after all, the one that thought things
through.But Elm would never admit to that level of deviousness,
only Elan would have thought of it.Why then would have Elm gone
along with it?Why not?It wasn't as if Eagle was going to be hurt,
they were just going to help him make the same decision that he'd
make all on his own.If they got a few laughs out of it so much the
better right? ________________________________________
55. I can't believe you all are taking off this weekend; you're
going to miss a ton of parties." Graduation was looming and the
current senior class was in full celebration mode.For the next week
there would be house parties everywhere.In addition to the private
parties the school was sponsoring a picnic at the Lake for the
senior class and their guests.But that wasn't until the middle of
the week right before close of term.Frankie would be back in time
for the picnic."Not like Mom and Dad would let me go to them
anyway."
56. "You're being too hard on them.It's not like they're
keeping you under lock and key.You've been to all the senior stuff,
and you've only missed a couple of parties." "Five, do you
understand what it's like for a popularity sim to be forced to miss
a party?" "They were mostly boring." "The cops showed up at
Ernest's." "That doesn't mean anything and you know it.The music
wasn't even all that loud.The most excitement there's been lately
is Vonny getting into fights."
57. "What about you smooching on Elvis?" "What about it?" "You
don't consider that exciting?" Elisha blushed. "Well sure, for me.I
didn't know you were voyeuristic though.Want me to call him over
here so we can put on a show for you?" Frankie laughed."Probably be
the closest I'd get to smooching anytime soon.Thank but no
thanks."
58. "So that's what your problem is, it has nothing to do with
the parties or your friends it has to do with her.Get over it
Frank, you're putting way too much weight on a summer fling that
you knew wasn't going to go anywhere when you started it." "It
might have, but theywon't let me go see her so I'll never know will
I?" "No it wouldn't have.Even if you weren't grounded your parents
wouldn't let you go running off to the city to see some girl.You
might as well forget about her Frankie, there's no future
there.Your future is at FSU, and it's going to be here sooner than
you think. ____________________________
59. "You promise?" "I promise, I'll be home Tuesday, we'll go
to the park." Tina shook her head and stood up. "No we won't,
you'll forget."As Ferdie stood up to protest, Tina said "Happy
TransitiondayFerd, maybe I'll see ya sometime."As Tina ran home she
heard Ferdie calling her name from behind her, but she didn't stop
or look back at him.It was like pulling off a bandage, better to do
it fast and get the pain over with.
60. "Ferdie your guests are here, why don't you come down and
say hello." "Tell them to go home I've decided not to grow up."
"It's not something you can decide to do or not do.It will happen
whether you have a party or not.But if you come down for your party
you'll get cake."
61. "Doyouwant to tell me what happened?I thought you were
pretty excited about becoming a teen, what changed your mind?""Tina
doesn't think that we'll still be friends once I'm a teenager.I
promised we would, we even pinky-sweared.But she says I'll
forget.She says everyone always forgets.I don't want to forget, a
promise is a promise.""I don't think you'll forget, but Ferdie
sometimes even when you have the best intentions things don't work
out the way you planned.Tina understands that you're going to be
changing, and that when you are a teenager your interests are going
shift.You'll still be friends with Tina but you and your other
friends will do things that she can't join in on and she knows
it."
62. "It's not fair." "Maybe not but it's the way things are.Are
you ready for some cake? I guess so. Do you know what you're going
to wish for? Wishes don't come true.He'd wished for happiness
hadn't he?If wishes came true he wouldn't be miserable.
63. You have to believe if you want the wish to have a
chance.Not all wishes can come true, but you never know unless you
make the wish. I wish, Don't tell me!If you tell it really won't
come true.
64. Ferdinand "Ferdie" Familiar Taurus 4/7/5/8/4
Fortune/Knowledge LTW - City PlannerFerdie is the son of Aldric and
Emma Familiar _________________________
65. How'd it go with Ezra last night?Good right?I knew you two
would hit it off.Are you going out again?Elani Familiar accosted
her step cousin Elsie Pleasant first thing Saturday morning.She'd
set Elsie up with Ezra Capp and was dieing to hear the details of
what had surely been an awesome date. Worst first date ever, I
don't think we'll be going out again.Elsie replied, she looked like
she'd had a rough night. What'd he do? Elani asked.
66. About the same time on the other side of campus Euclid Goth
was asking Ezra the same questions. I thought everything was going
pretty good but then I dunno what happened.I don't think she likes
me. Elsie likes everyone, what'd you do? I wish I knew.
67. We went to the diner for dinner Wait, you ate in front of
her?Ez, you're a slob, don't eat in front of a girl until the third
or fourth date.You got to wait till the girls got some investment
in the relationship before you let her in on your bad habits. She
was hungry, what was I supposed to do?Let her starve?'Sides I've
known Elsie forever, she knows I'm a slob. There is knowing, and
then there is knowing.First dates like that are kinda like a team
try out.She's already seen your game tapes, so it's time to BS your
way past the weak spots in order to get a call back.You gotta
dazzle her enough to get her interested, but not raise the
expectations so high that your future performance is seen as
lacking.
68. When did you ever have a first date Euc?You and Emily have
been dating since you were in diapers.You aren't really the person
to give advice. My brother has been on more first dates than the
combined total population of a small town.'Ras loves passing on
tidbits of knowledge regarding the shark pool that is the dating
scene.Why do you think I've stuck with Emily all this time? Because
you love her and she's the only girl you want? There's that, but
there's also the good old fashioned fear of sharks.
69. Yeah well, I ate in front of her and we survived.I don't
think that was the issue, cause she didn't run off in the middle of
the main course and she let me take her to the pub after we were
done eating. Well, that sounds encouraging. I thought so, we played
some darts.Got some drinks and were just hanging out having a good
time talking.Then we weren't, I don't remember what we were talking
about it was just chatter.I wish I knew what happened.
70. It wasn't him, it was me.I blew it. Oh come on, it's not
like Ezra is all that refined.You'd have to do something really bad
to blow it with him.I can't see how you'd be able to mess it up
with him.Unless you raved about another guy, wait, you didn't talk
about Blade did you?I thought you were over him. No, I didn't talk
about Blade.Blade's ancient history, I'm so past that we're in
different time zones.It was worse.
71. We were at the pub having a drink and just talking.It was
nice, he's a nice guy.He was telling me about his family and raving
about the twins his Mom just had.He felt bad that he hadn't seen
them yet.He's such a family sim, but it suits him, he's sweet.So we
talked about family and he was telling me a story about how he when
he was a kid he wanted to be bird.It was hilarious. And? And so I
told him a joke. What?
72. Yeah I know, bad move. Elsie sweetie, we've talked about
this.You know I adore you, but your jokes.They just aren't funny. I
know, I know the family joke is that Elsie can't tell a joke.The
worst thing was that he laughed, not in the haha that was funny
way, but in the haha I have no clue what I'm supposed to say now
way.I was so embarrassed.I didn't know what to do.
73. So, I went to the bar and ordered another drink.
74. And after I'd slammed that one down I got another one. Oh
oh. Yeah.It was stupid.I thought, well maybe if I just relaxed a
bit everything would be okay.If I had enough to drink, maybe I
could be funny and interesting and maybe everything would work
out.
75. She seemed to be having a good time.I wondered if she was
drinking a bit too fast, but I don't know what she's used to or
what she can handle, so I wasn't really worried.For all I knew she
could drink me under the table and still be raring to go. Sure, and
you had no ulterior thoughts on the matter at all. Okay, so maybe I
thought that if she had a few drinks she'd be more amiable later
on.But, really I didn't think there was an issue.We kept talking
and she seemed to be loosing up a bit.
76. Apparently she's a pretty easy drunk.When she struck up a
conversation with the person on the other side of her I got
worried. So she was being friendly, that's not a bad thing. There
wasn't anyone there.She was talking to the wall. Oh.
77. Yeah, I decided maybe it was time we got out of there.I had
an image of her getting up to do karaoke with her imaginary
friend.Got her out on the porch into the fresh air, thought that
might help.Going down to the phone she was hanging all over me.Kept
telling me how pretty I am.For a little while I was anticipating a
pleasant turn of events. No pun intended. Of course not.
78. Then I puked on his shoes. Aw hon. I think he could have
forgiven me everything up till then.But how can you forget the
horror of an evening when you have the lingering odor as evidence
to remind you? Shoes are washable. Memories aren't, a guy isn't
gonna forget it if you toss your cookies on him.
79. He's such a sweetheart though.Even after all that he still
brought me home, got me to my room and tucked me into bed. Well
that's promising.He cared enough not to just dump you on the
sidewalk. It's not promising, it's embarrassing.It only goes to
prove what an idiot I am. You're not an idiot; you just had a
momentary lapse of judgment.Lapses of judgment are
forgivable.___________________
80. "Don't worry I'm going to feed you."Sarrie told her
visitor. "Not fish?" "No, not fish.You know if you'd come to town
more often you wouldn't be reliant on eating what you catch.Any
time you want a meal you can come to the range and I'll feed you."
"Flapjacks, thank you no.Fish is more palatable than browned glue
covered with sugar." "Well, if you don't like my cooking."
81. "No you are a wonderful chef; your talents are wasted,
cooking for tourists." If Squatch was hoping for a meal it would do
to compliment the chef. "Of course they are, each of us is over
qualified for what we do here.If the menial tasks were difficult
they would take away from our true purpose.We're here to observe
and to report back.To assist when the time comes, if it ever does;
though what type of assistance we can offer, I don't know.As far as
I can see, there should be no assistance necessary.The one will
come, they will see, they will know. "
82. "You are still skeptical?" "Of course I'm skeptical, that's
part of my duties.Generations have passed; the collective would do
better to look elsewhere.While it seems we are on the right track
we've been disappointed in the past.Years of work, momentary
windows of opportunity that must be utilized precisely.Only to find
that the specimen was flawed from the beginning and that we had
chosen incorrectly."
83. "You behave as if you were speaking of samples in a petri
dish.You speak of sentient beings not laboratory rats.They must be
allowed to have some say in their lives.You have lived among them
for years and yet you still do not understand them." "I understand
them too well.If they were asked they would agree, who would turn
down the ability to change the world?Power is seductive, but power
corrupts, and that is why it is not offered." "They need to know
what they face.They must have the choice to refuse."
84. "I know you feel responsible for the family Squatch, but
you should not interfere.You can't tell them about the
collective.Whatever you do tell them, will only burden them." "I
will not break our agreement.But I owe them an explanation, if this
time the collective is on the right path, they will need
protection." "Not from the collective, we will not harm them." "Do
you not believe that using them will harm them?However, it is not
the collective that worries me." _________________
85. "This place never seems to change; it's almost as if we
step back in time when we come here.Nothing changes.It's been years
since I first came here but it's exactly the same.The people change
but the place remains the same.""Do you remember the first time we
were here together?"
86. "I remember that we couldn't keep our hands off each
other." "Nothing changes." _____________
87. "Is your phone working?"Ferdie asked his brother. "I
haven't checked it why?" "I got a text message from Tina right
before we hit the mountain, I've been trying to answer ever since
but I can't get a signal.I was wondering if it was just my phone."
"Probably not, communication up here is pretty spotty.Between the
mountains and the clouds, you'll be lucky to get an hour a day.Send
her an email, it will route out eventually. "
88. "That sucks." "Yeah, last time we were up here I kept
trying to get in touch with people but never could.I wouldn't worry
about it, it's probably not important." "She sounded upset." "Yeah
well, it's probably just a test.She wants to see if you'll still
jump when she calls."
89. "So what if it's a test?I would have thought you of all
people would understand how it is with friends, Frankie." "She's
just a townie kid, it's not like she's someone important." "She's
important to me." "Hey look, don't get all defensive, it'll take
you awhile to wean her off dependency."
90. What did Frankie know about dependency?He had so many
friends; one more of less wouldn't matter.If he lost one, there
would always be another one.Who did Ferdie have?He had Eagle of
course, and Eustace.They were his buds.Then there was Erin, she'd
stand by him no matter what.But Tina was special, and unlike the
others she didn't have the assurance that he'd always be around.The
rest of the crew was moving on, they'd be in high school soon.In a
way he had been surprised to even get a message from her, the way
she'd run off he'd expected that he'd need to make the first
move.But there was the message on his phone.'WTF is going on?What
did you do Ferd!?!?Call me!!!!!111!!11!"He didn't know what he'd
done, but he'd been summoned.If it was a test then so be it, he
meant to pass the test.
91. Frankie knew plenty about dependency.Sometimes he felt that
if he turned on his computer and there wasn't a message from Annie
he'd die.He knew it was crazy, but that's the way he felt.Frankie
had other friends, plenty of friends, but none of them were like
Annie.She was special.And she was just a friend.Sure he'd kissed
her but it was just a kiss right?During his 'incarceration' Annie
had been his lifeline to the 'real world'.Maybe not to the world
that he was accustomed to but it was real.She told him about
everything; school, work, her Mom.In a way it was like his
friendship with Lisha, but there was something different.'Lisha
already knew everything about Frankie, and over the past few weeks
he hadn't felt as if he was contributing much to their
conversations.He listened to the gossip and passed on what little
he'd garnered at school and family gatherings, but mostly she
already knew what he knew.
92. With Annie, Frankie felt as if he had found a new and rapt
audience.Nothing they talked about was past history.He didn't feel
as if he was burdening Annie when he recounted events in his
childhood.When he tried to talk to 'Lisha about Cigam and
everything, she had a tendency to blank out.It wasn't that Elisha
didn't care; it was just that there were only so many times that
they could turn over the same pieces of information.With Annie
everything was new, she thought it was extremely fascinating and
exciting.He had to admit that she had some good ideas as well.He
had some new questions to ask when the family found Squatch again.
If the lines of communication were down he'd have to get by with
email and hope that his message would eventually get sent.
93. Frankie had been concentrating so much on the email he was
composing that he hadn't heard his father walk up.It wasn't until
Aldric had sat down and started talking that Frankie had become
aware of his presence."What's up with the laptop Frank?We're in the
middle of the great outdoors; can't you set it aside for a few
days?" "Why?You always talk about the wonders of the modern world,
how technology is changing things every time you turn around.How we
should keep up with what's going on so that we don't start to slack
behind."
94. "A day or two isn't going to matter, no matter how quickly
technology advances; you'll be able to take a weekend away from
it." "I was just sending an email.Is that okay or am I restricted
from email privileges now as well?" "Frank, I understand that being
grounded hasn't been fun, but I don't think your Mother and I have
been unreasonable in our restrictions.You have all day at school to
catch up with your friends.We let you visit with the family, and
don't try to tell me that while you're at Elisha's that no one else
is there.Elle has an open door policy and we both know it.If
there's anyone you want to see, I'm sure you could arrange it.You
act like you're in prison and that's just not true."
95. "Dad, it's just, it's your fault!" "What's my fault,
Frankie?Is it my fault you snuck out in the middle of the night,
put yourself and your cousins at risk?That you couldn't be bothered
to tell your Grandparents of your plans?You know better than that."
"You're the one that told me I couldn't date anyone back
home."
96. "You gave me this whole big spiel about not kissing any
cousins.How I should find someone that wasn't connected to the
family in any way.So I did what you told me to do.And now I'll
never see her again because you won't let me.I screwed up; we
shouldn't have done what we did.I said I was sorry.What more do you
want?" "So who's the girl?" "Her name's Annie."
97. Communication between teenagers and their parents is often
sporadic at best.Parents often feel shut out from their children's
lives.Kids seem to go from wanting to share everything to being
secretive and withholding crucial information.Getting information
from a teenager can be like pulling teeth, but an intuitive parent
will listen when the teen finally decides to give up even a few
dribbles.So when Frankie began talking about Annie, his father
listened.__________________
98. Evette couldn't believe what she had just heard.All this
time she'd been pining for Ewan, and he'd been mooning over her
sister, her sister.Not just her sister, her twin!What was wrong
with him, why couldn't he see what was right in front of his
face?
99. It wasn't as if he wasn't aware that Vonny and Enique were
an item, everyone knew they were.But when Evette had asked Ewan if
he was going with anyone to the senior picnic, he'd blushed and
said he was hoping Evonne would go with him."Evonne?But what about
Enrique?" "He's not a senior; you can only go to the picnic if
you're a senior or with a senior.They aren't going steady.The way I
heard it, he asked and she refused.She wants to keep her options
open, I'm an option."
100. "It's just, Ewan do you really think she's your type?"
"Well sure she is, why not?" Evette wanted to shake him.She wanted
to say that even if Evonne did go with him, it would only be
because she wanted to go to the picnic.Not because she was
interested in him.Ewan was way too clean cut for Vonny; Evonne
liked guys with an edge to them.But how could she do that?You can't
just tell a guy that he's not cool.Any way that she put it would
sound like an insult.Ewan was fine the way he was, he was awesome,
and truth was he was too good for her sister.Evette couldn't say
that either, sisterly loyalty held her back.She wasn't any better
than her sister, why did she think she was good enough for him if
Vonny wasn't? __________________
101. Ferdie couldn't believe it.There was a bigfoot sitting at
the table next to him eating a hot dog.A bigfoot!Even having heard
the stories about Squatch, Ferdie hadn't really believed he was
real.It was all like some kind of big joke and eventually, he'd
been sure, someone was going to let him in on the punch line.
They'd been getting ready to eat lunch when someone knocked on the
door.When his mother had answered she'd let out a small squawk but
that was the only indication of surprise that anyone had given.They
were all treating it as if everything was perfectly normal and that
there wasn't anything strange going on.
102. His Mom had even apologized that all they had was hot
dogs.She shouldn't have to apologize, the guy hadn't even been
invited, and he'd just shown up.Squatch had protested the hot dogs
were fine, he'd already had his meal but he'd join them for a
snack.How much did this guy normally eat if he considered three hot
dogs to be a snack?
103. Frankie wasn't hiding his excitement over Squatch being
there.He was treating this guy like a long lost relative, a
favorite Uncle.During the entire meal Frankie and Squatch had kept
up their dialog, with Frankie telling him everything that had been
going on in his life since they'd last seen each other.The oddest
thing though was the Squatch was listening intently and
interjecting questions about their cousins.'How was Miss Vetty
doing?' apparently he'd liked her spunk.Elm's curiosity was
commented on as well as Elan's audacity and Evonne's poise of all
things.Imagine Vonny appearing poised, she must have been terrified
by the guy in order to have given that type of impression.
104. "Frankie, why don't you clean up in here and give Squatch
and me a chance to talk a bit.Maybe you can rustle up some fish for
dinner.We'd like to serve something a little more substantial than
the salad we were planning if we're going to have a guest."Aldric's
back was turned so he didn't see Squath wince at the mention of
fish. Frankie looked at Squatch; he wanted to hear what they were
going to talk about.He wanted Squatch to insist that he be included
in the conversation.But Squatch just nodded."We will have plenty of
time to talk later Frankie; I look forward to our conversations,
but for now your father and I must talk."
105. Aldric and Squatch had moved into the living room, and
when Aldric saw him staring at the chess board he'd offered to play
a game.Squatch eagerly agreed.It was rare that he found himself in
the type of surroundings that the Familiar's vacation home
offered.It wasn't luxurious, but it was comfortable with all the
amenities that are taken for granted when money isn't a concern.It
was not a place that Squatch could be comfortable in for very long
but occasionally amenities were nice.
106. "I wish to apologize for dropping in on your family the
way that I did.I have been expecting your visit and when I heard
that you were here I thought that it would be easier if I came to
you.I realize that approaching in this way has put you ill at
ease.It is just that I feel I know you very well and yet in reality
we have never met.""Emma and I have heard a lot about you as
well.There's very little you could do to upset us.I don't want to
consider what might have happened to our son if it wasn't for
you.We owe you for his life.You are always welcome in our home.We
were planning to come to you this afternoon.It's a long drive and
we wanted a chance to unwind before starting the hike."
107. "It's probably better that you went ahead and came
here.It's unfortunate but we don't have much time to spend in Three
Lakes at the moment.The boys have school on Monday, and since the
semester is coming to an end it's important that they be there.Not
that there's ever a convenient time to take a vacation.Not when you
are trying to juggle a family's schedule." "You sound as if you do
not wish to be here.I should have realized when you did not attempt
to see me yourself after, after your brother's death." "I don't
know what I wish.It's upsetting to realize that I know nothing
about myself.Everything that I once thought I was is no longer
relevant.And knowing that a stranger knows more about me than I
know about myself is even worse."
108. Squatch shook his head."Who you are has not changed.What I
can offer you is pieces of history.I had hoped that I could provide
you with answers, I do not wish to upset you." "I think it's
unavoidable.I have to know, how can I help my sons to understand if
I don't understand myself?I'm not really sure what to ask you, I'm
not sure of your place in the puzzle.If you only want to tell me
about my brother then why did you want my kids here as well?I have
to believe that there's more to it than that.David seems to believe
that everything and everyone on this mountain is connected in some
manner.But he sees conspiracies in everything."
109. "He is mostly correct, but there is no conspiracy
involved.It is just that those that belong here gravitate
here.Many, like your wife's family, never know why they are
attracted to the area.They find it peaceful and relaxing, and so
they return time and again seeking that peace.Others, like your
father, know that they belong here.Many of those get frustrated
that they can't effect the changes necessary, their frustration
drives them away, but they always return." "Always?" "Always.Once
one of your kind finds this place they have difficulty staying
away.I'm sure you've felt it.Your brother, once he understood, told
me it was like a suggestion had been planted.When he was under
stress he would feel that a trip to the mountain was in order.He
should have listened to that suggestion more often."
110. "Do you mean that if he had listened to the suggestion
that he wouldn't, he wouldn't have been the way he was?"Aldric
didn't want to come right out and call his brother crazy. "That is
difficult to judge, Almeric fought a difficult battle most of his
life."Squatch looked Aldric in the eye, "His mother." Aldric
nodded, "Tell me about her, and about my brother.It's hard to
admit, but I realize that you knew the man I thought was my twin
better than I do." And so Squatch started talking.
________________________________
111. "Aren't you ever going to put that thing down?It's not
like any messages you write will get sent on this pile of rocks.You
aren't getting a signal are you?"Ferdie still hadn't been able to
reach Tina and he was getting more and more anxious."Nah, but if I
send it now then it will be in holding till a connection opens.The
smallest window of time will let the email through.I'm more likely
to get the message out this way than by constantly pounding the
buttons on a cell phone."Frankie smirked, "want to borrow it?"
112. "Nah, that's okay.If I knew what she was upset about I
would, but I have no clue what I've done." "Did you take her baby
doll?" "You know, even though she's just a kid Tina's way more
mature than you are."
113. "Well lookie there, my baby brother's lecturing me about
maturity.Don't get your panties in a bunch Ferd; I'm just trying to
help you face facts.You let a townie kid grab hold of you and when
you're fifty you'll still be expected at tea parties in the park."
"So what?" "So nothing, you'll figure it out yourself.Hopefully
sooner than later, just remember that Tina understands the way
things are.You're only hurting yourself staying attached at this
point."
114. "Who were you emailing frantically?We're only gonna be
here two days, what's so important to you that it can't wait." "Dad
said I could go to the city on Thursday to see Annie, I was just
letting her know." "But Thursday's the senior picnic; you're a
senior you gotta be there." "No I don't, it's optional.It's not
like I won't see everyone on campus next semester anyway.Annie's
going to Sim State, so it's my only chance to see her, maybe
forever." ____________________________
115. "Remember Zeke, tux fittings on Tuesday.We can all go in
my car but you gotta be ready by three, the place closes at
five.You, Ezra and Elijah all need to be fitted."Eureka Familiar
told his soon to be nephew by marriage. "We gotta wear monkey
suits?" "Of course!I want my groomsmen looking spiffy.'Sides your
Grandma insisted, Juliet and Robert are going all out on this
thing.Nothing too good for their baby.Isn't that right baby?"Eureka
said as he winked at his fianc.
116. Zeke's Aunt Diana* swallowed, "It's gonna be crazy, I
don't even want to think about the number guests she keeps adding
to the list.The place is gonna be packed, I'm afraid I'll get stage
fright." *Diana McAuley is the only child of Juliet Capp and her
husband Robert.She is the stepsister ofElliot Capp and therefore an
Aunt to the six Capp children.Diana was not born until Elliot was
in University and is much younger than her brother.She's more a
contemporary to her nephews than to their father.
117. "We'll be fine; everyone says that once you're under the
arch you forget about everyone else but each other.The guests are
only important for the presents they bring." "It's our wedding;
you'd think that it would be about us.I told Mom I wanted to be
married in the backyard and she threw a conniption.She says once
was enough, 'I didn't get to have any say in Elliot's wedding, that
girl wouldn't listen to a word of advice, but I'm not going to be
cheated out of seeing at least one of my children do it
properly'.Sorry 'Zeke but you know how Mom is when she's on a
tear." "Grandma never has anything good to say about Mom."
118. "Now that's not true, she always says that at least Deanna
makes pretty babies." "I think she failed to provide in my case."
"Aww don't say that, you were a very pretty baby Zeke.I
remember."Diana didn't add that she also remembered changing his
diapers.The boys always seemed to be embarrassed about that
fact.
119. "And remember if you're going to bring a date, you need to
let Mom know before the first.That's our closing date with the
caterer." "A date?I didn't know I was expected to bring a date."A
date?"You don't have to but you can.There will be plenty of girls
to dance with, but if you want to bring someone special you
can.""More bridesmaids than groomsmen at this point, even a few
that aren't related to you," added Eureka."Then again those that
aren't related to you are related to me, and I'll be forced to ask
your intentions towards them." ______________
120. Stupid cell phones not working when they should.Ferdie
guessed he could walk down the road and try the pay phone.He wasn't
sure how much that would cost, and he didn't have any change
anyway.How did the people that lived up here all the time
communicate with each other?Did they only talk on land lines?That
was so antiquated. Come on, come on.Hey it's connecting, well what
do you know about that?
121. "Hi Mrs. Traveller can I talk Tina please?This is Ferdie."
"Ferd you idiot this is Tina, it's about time you called me, I
thought maybe you were hiding from me." "No, nah Tina it's this
place, cell connections are horrible up here sometimes.This was the
first time I could get a signal.Connection must still be bad.You
sound weird; I thought you were your Mom.What's up with the hate
mail Tina?What did I supposedly do?"
122. "You know what you did, I want to know how you managed
it?It's not supposed to happen Ferd, townie kids don't grow up.It's
a fact of life.Everyone's looking at me like I'm some freak now."
"Wait, wait, it worked?Well that's awesome!That's great; I didn't
think it would work." "What worked Ferdie?What did you do?Why
didn't you at least give me some warning?" "I made a wish, on my
cake.I couldn't tell you before hand cause if you tell what you're
wishing for it won't come true.Besides it wasn't supposed to work,
everyone said that there was no way."
123. "It isn't supposed to work Ferdie; don't you think it
hasn't been tried before?If it was that easy there'd be townie kids
growing up regularly.It takes more than a simple wish." "Does it
really matter how it happened?Aren't you happy about growing up?I
thought it's what you wanted." "I did, but I never thought it would
happen.I don't know how I feel yet, is it better to be an eternal
teen rather than an eternal child?"
124. Ferdie hadn't thought about that."I don't know.Maybe it'll
work again.We'll figure it out.Let me think about it I'll be home
tomorrow can we talk then?" "Sure okay." ___________________
Continued in Part Two Shortly