Chapter 1.17 | Rules for this challenge | Chapter 2.2

Generation Two: Brown

Appearance: Brown hair, unkempt clothing style
Traits: Loves Outdoors, Loner, Child of the Island
Aspiration: Beach Life
Occupation: Conservationist
House Goal: 20,000 worth

Starting Over

So, here I stand, on my very own land. And with nothing but some kelp I have no current use for. Oh, and a conch horn that’s been passed down the generations. Mom mentioned how daunting starting out on your own was, but I didn’t really appreciate it until now. I rack my brain for what to do to start with… and decide that going out to the local bar sounded like a good idea. I invite my friend Leinani to join me, and head across town.

While there, it occurs to me I will need a job.. and I contact the local conservationist society. They are immediately welcoming and want me on board. Apparently our family has become fairly well-known, and they can’t wait to get me started.

Lienani and I chat for a while, and she is quick to commend me on my bravery at starting out on my own with nothing.

Then we cloudgazed for a while, which was relaxing. Something I definitely needed. She then had to go.. so I decided to explore and look for seashells and beach treasures. I ended up spending the rest of the day doing it.

By the end of the day, I was utterly exhausted. And there were more shells to pick up! But I had netted an amazing amount of shells that sold to the local tourist shop for a lot of money. And I really mean a lot. I ended up with about 5,000 simoleons.

Which was enough to build a small hut with just the bare necessities. By the next morning, I was missing home and the comfort of the place mom had built for all of us. But that was the past. .. And the future was here. So I was on my own. I resisted the urge to run home… and headed towards the ocean.

I set out some fish traps I had bought, and hoped they would catch something. Then I went for a relaxing swim.

Feeling much better, I laid out on a beach towel and enjoyed the late evening sun.

I ended up bronzed and beautiful. Which was one point towards my aspiration. Since work hadn’t started yet, I figured I should get started on something productive. Now I had to eat a coconut.

So I went to the local “grocery” stand and bought some produce. I intended to plant a garden with it, so I bought a few extra of each island fruit.

.. Then I ate a coconut. Not sure I liked it raw. So, in the interest of washing the coconut down, I returned to the bar. Only to find out it was bear night. I met quite a few men my age, but I couldn’t tell you what they looked like, due to the bear costumes. I did find out some of their traits, though, and one guy was particularly nice. I ended up chatting to him most of the evening. (A/N: I have no idea why I never took pictures of this event.. LOL)

By the time I got home, I was miserably tired, and went straight to bed.

After work, I went for a swim and cleaned up some trash floating on the ocean. Gotta keep my little lagoon pretty, you know?

Then, I was bored, so I invited over Aleki, the man from the bear suit the other night. To my surprise, he was gorgeous! .. He was also sad. So the first thing I did was cheer him up.

Then, we stood around and chatted. About everything. Since I had started out with nothing, the fact that I already had a home built astounded him, and he clearly approved of my working to keep the island clean and pristine in my career. He was a lover of the outdoors, after all.

I couldn’t resist. I had to know if he was as into me as I was into him. And he was!

… Definitely.

The fish traps were ready by morning, and I made a good haul. Both in the catch and in the money I made from selling it. I re-baited the traps with some of the fish I had just caught.

That night, I invited the family over, and had my first Kava Party. It went well, and seeing everyone was amazing. Meilani is apparently expecting my second niece or nephew, so huge congratulations to her and Austen.

Austen and I chatted about growing up and our new jobs. We’ve both gotten promotions, and are enjoying our chosen careers.

My tiny house was left a mess, but I definitely didn’t regret getting to see my family again.

The next day, I invited Akiri out to dinner at Sand Simoleon Seafood. Austen and Meilani were there again, and boy, is Meilani looking huge! She must be due any day!

The salmon was excellent, and the conversation was even better. Aleki and I really make a great couple.

I invited him to spend the night, and stayed up wondering if I could ever go through life without him. I came to some conclusions.

So, the next morning, I took a deep breath.. and let Aleki know how I was feeling.

Getting on one knee was humbling, but he was definitely all smiles. With a huge yes, my life was changing…. for the better! I know things seem to be going by quickly, but I’m 100% sure this was the right move.

Chapter 1.17 | Rules for this challenge | Chapter 2.2