Chapter 3.12 | Rules for this challenge | Chapter 4.1

Generation Three: Red

Appearance: Red hair, scandalous clothing style
Traits: Romantic, Hot-headed, Art Lover
Aspiration: Serial Romantic
Occupation: Art Critic
House Goal: 30,000 worth

The Beginning of the End

My lovely daughter was growing up. And I couldn’t do anything about it. I tried to help her as much as I could by regaling her with stories of when I first started out, but she laughed, waved me off, and said she would figure it out when the time came. To myself, I muttered “And it’s coming!” and headed off to do some household chores.

I had become a real home-body these days. After reaching the top of my career, I had reduced my work hours, and I hardly ever even had to travel to the city anymore. So now, I spent most of my time home with my kids, husband, and Fish.

Chapter 3.11 | Rules for this challenge | Chapter 3.13

Generation Three: Red

Appearance: Red hair, scandalous clothing style
Traits: Romantic, Hot-headed, Art Lover
Aspiration: Serial Romantic
Occupation: Art Critic
House Goal: 30,000 worth

Fish Arrives

All this domestic bliss must be getting to me. Because I brought home a puppy. He was just so darn cute in the rescue’s ad, so alone and needing a home… I couldn’t help but bring him home. I had called from the shelter on my way home, telling Kado to prepare the kids for something new… and then I chickened out. I know… me. Chickening out. Really funny. But I did. So instead of telling him I was bringing home a new pet, I said I was bringing home fish. Kado was (understandably) confused, and said he’d get the grill ready.. and I just laughed.

Chapter 3.10 | Rules for this challenge | Chapter 3.12

Generation Three: Red

Appearance: Red hair, scandalous clothing style
Traits: Romantic, Hot-headed, Art Lover
Aspiration: Serial Romantic
Occupation: Art Critic
House Goal: 30,000 worth

First Steps

I tried very hard to make our life all about the new baby, and to that end, I even arranged a date night for New Year’s Eve. We went out to Sulani’s only restaurant, and Mom came over to watch the kids. We had a lovely meal, and I even got to surprise Kado with a kiss under the Mistletoe they still had up in the lobby.

Chapter 3.9 | Rules for this challenge | Chapter 3.11

Generation Three: Red

Appearance: Red hair, scandalous clothing style
Traits: Romantic, Hot-headed, Art Lover
Aspiration: Serial Romantic
Occupation: Art Critic
House Goal: 30,000 worth

A Chris for Christmas

We quickly settled into a new daily routine, this little family of mine. Charlie excelled at both school and scouts, and seemed to be the most at home when making friends and being as active as possible. I wondered what that would mean for her future.

Kado helped out around the house as much (or more?) than he ever had, which gave me the freedom to work on my art more. I quickly started to understand the value of having a real partner in life, and Kado went from being just a valuable helper to being completely irreplaceable.

Chapter 3.8 | Rules for this challenge | Chapter 3.10

Generation Three: Red

Appearance: Red hair, scandalous clothing style
Traits: Romantic, Hot-headed, Art Lover
Aspiration: Serial Romantic
Occupation: Art Critic
House Goal: 30,000 worth

All The Tomorrows

The next week passed by in a miserable blur. Kado never did come back. I picked myself up by my bootstraps, as they say, and decided I’d better start actually looking for a real partner. Charlie, however, was taking it the hardest. I finally had to sit down and explain that Kado has other kids, and a wife.. a real family, and that was probably where he had gone. She cried herself to sleep in my bed that night, and I felt even worse for having told her the truth. Perhaps I shouldn’t have?? …. But I’d sworn I’d raise her right, and lying to her had just seemed.. worse than breaking her heart, somehow.

Chapter 3.7 | Rules for this challenge | Chapter 3.9

Generation Three: Red

Appearance: Red hair, scandalous clothing style
Traits: Romantic, Hot-headed, Art Lover
Aspiration: Serial Romantic
Occupation: Art Critic
House Goal: 30,000 worth

Growing Up

I finally got around to buying a television. Granted, it was because work was requiring me to watch some for research, but still, I bought a TV.

Work seems to take up so much of my time. I try to do as much from home as possible, but trips to the city on the bus were time-consuming and necessary. I hated leaving poor Charlie in daycare, but progressing in my career was definitely a priority for me. Things were going really well on that front, at least. Promotions were coming regularly, and so were the raises – which really helped, because I knew I was going to need to upgrade the house eventually. Charlie wasn’t going to remain tiny forever.

Chapter 3.6 | Rules for this challenge | Chapter 3.8

Generation Three: Red

Appearance: Red hair, scandalous clothing style
Traits: Romantic, Hot-headed, Art Lover
Aspiration: Serial Romantic
Occupation: Art Critic
House Goal: 30,000 worth

The Terrible Twos

My day started with a phone call from work. I had stuff I needed to get to, but my time was so filled with toddler care and training, it was hard to find spare moments to get work things done, too. I disliked calling babysitters .. and there was no way I was going to rely on a nanny, so I was coping as well as I could.

I was working on other things, too, like my aspiration … and there was nothing wrong with supplementing my income with selling any treasure or shells I find while beach combing. The sand mural .. is for working at home. Sometimes I just can’t get to the city to do the required graffiti spraying, so I decided to do it at home.

Little Charlie continues to grow by leaps and bounds, both in what she can do, and size. She’s walking easily now, and has finally started talking. We’re still dealing with middle of the night nightmares, but they’re getting further and further apart.

My cousin, Grayson, came by to to chat – and announce his new baby on the way. I congratulated him, and we chatted for a long while before Charlie woke up from her nap and needed some dinner. I excused myself and went back into “mom mode”.

I was so busy, that even cleaning sometimes has to take a back seat. It didn’t really help my appetite, however, so I made sure to do a cleaning pass every night before bed.

Poor Charlie. She spent so much time with me today, learning skills, that her little body just gave out. I picked her up and carried her exhausted little self straight to bed.

Tucking her into bed, and reading her a story, she finally fell into a deep sleep, one I hoped would last the entire night. Crawling into bed myself, I reminded myself that the toddler stage couldn’t last forever. I just had to survive it.

When I had time, I also worked on my painting and writing skills for work. Both were really nice, and helped in the income department, because raising a kid is not cheap. Other parents never warn you about that part of parenting!

Day by day, little Charlie learned more about her world. She loved getting baths – and splashing me, so I knew she was going to make a wonderful mermaid. I specifically neglected to tell my parents and family that Charlie had been born human, because I figured that was personal info. If Charlie wanted to tell them someday, that was her choice. Plus, nobody would ever notice, because fins don’t show up until you’re a teenager, anyway, so as long as she eats the kelp on her birthday and changes right away, nobody will be the wiser.

Potty training has been a struggle, but I think we’re finally making headway on it. At least – she’s started letting me know when she has to go, so *most* of the time, we’re able to make it to the potty in time.

Rohan and I have made up after his little jealous fit on Love Day at the restaurant, and he still comes over from time to time to check up on Charlie and I. He’s a sweet guy, but certainly not “keeper” material. I’m still wary of his weird “spell-casting” and strange hand motions.

Finally, my day ended, and this time it was me who barely made it into bed. I prayed Charlie would let me sleep through the whole night. I certainly needed the break!

Chapter 3.6 | Rules for this challenge | Chapter 3.8

Chapter 3.5 | Rules for this challenge | Chapter 3.7

Generation Three: Red

Appearance: Red hair, scandalous clothing style
Traits: Romantic, Hot-headed, Art Lover
Aspiration: Serial Romantic
Occupation: Art Critic
House Goal: 30,000 worth

Messing Around

Charlie wasn’t tiny forever, and I felt she was going to need a Dad.. eventually, and I had no prospects on that… so I needed to meet more men. On yet another trip to the city, I met Kado. He was married with kids, but didn’t seem concerned about leaving them behind to spend time with me. For a moment, I felt guilty, but then, I decided to just let that slide. If he felt guilty, that was his business, but I didn’t think I really needed to.

Therefore, when Love Day hit, he was first on my list to invite out to dinner. Kado was smart, and caring, and really seemed to put all his attention on me whenever we were together… which was music to my ears. I invited him out to Sand Simoleon Seafood, and he readily agreed to meet me there. We ordered our food, and were deep into conversation, when a nagging feeling hit me. Something was wrong.

Apparently all Kado and me flirting had not gone unnoticed. Rohan was sitting at the next table with a date, and, by the frown on his face, it was clear he had spotted Kado and I. Resolutely, I turned away and focused on Kado. What Rohan did was his business, and if he was going to get jealous.. well then, poo on him. I had never told him we were exclusive, so there was no reason for him to be jealous, in my opinion. Consequently, Kado and I had a lovely meal. He continued to be a great companion, and someone I could really have a full conversation with. I had SUCH a good night with him, that I was loathe to end the night. So… I invited him home with me. He agreed without hesitation, and we headed back to my cozy little red cabin on the beach.

I really only had one thing on my mind (ok, well two.. I made sure Charlie was well cared for before going to bed with Kado…) and Kado was quick to agree. Turns out: he was as attentive and skilled in bed as he was at conversation.

The next morning, Mom called to check up on how Charlie was doing, and I answered her questions, neglecting to mention there was a married man still sleeping in my bed behind me. I knew she wouldn’t approve, and since I was an adult now, her approval didn’t really matter to me, anyway. (At least, that’s what I was trying to tell myself…) So, instead of waking up Kado, I went for a swim. Charlie wasn’t up yet, and my scales were feeling awfully itchy.

Unbeknownst to me, while I was out for my swim, Charlie woke up, and Kado happily took care of her for me. He found a bottle in the fridge, changed her diaper, and gave her a cuddle. By the time I got back, he was still baby-talking to her and seemed to be having a great time getting to know her… which was … well, surprising to me.

Once he noticed me watching him, Kado confessed to having to go home for the afternoon, but he promised to come back later. I reserved judgement on whether that was going to happen or not.

While he was gone, Charlie had her first birthday. With very little fanfare, all of a sudden I had a toddler to take care of. I mean, I had some experience with toddlers because of my siblings.. but it was still a bit of a shock. I ended up calling into work and taking the rest of the day “off”, because I needed to concentrate on keeping Charlie busy and out of trouble.

That afternoon, the doorbell rang, and I yelled that the door was open, wondering who it was. Kado walked in shortly after my yell, with a rose in his hand, and a smile and a kiss on the forehead for Charlie.

A sudden urgent call from work a bit later, and Kado immediately stepped in to take Charlie outside to play so the two of them would be out of the way while I worked.

The next time I had a chance to look out the window, they were happily building a sand castle together, acting for all the world like they’d known each other forever. I wrapped up my work as fast as I could, and called them back inside as the sun started going down.

My way of thanking Kado may not have been the best example for Charlie, but I wasn’t going to change myself just because I had a child now. She would have to decide what was right for her as she grew up. Finally, she decided to head outside to play in the sand again, leaving Kado and I some time to .. well.. you can figure out the rest.

At bedtime, I went out to find her playing with a local toddler outside (in fact, he was a relative of hers.. but neither of them knew it, which I found hilarious. I located my cousin to make sure Charlie’s playmate would be cared for, and gathered Charlie up to take her to bed.

The next morning, I took Charlie out to play in the new kiddie pool after breakfast and Kado heading back to Mt. Komorebi for work and family duties. I noticed Charlie seemed a little unfamiliar with the water, and a sinking feeling hit my chest. She wasn’t a born mermaid. Luckily, I still had a supply of mermadic kelp that Mom had passed down to me, so – once Charlie was a teenager – she could change. I was still determined she would be my heir, whether she was a mermaid born or not. It wasn’t her fault her father was human!

Later, the contractors showed up for some work on the house. I knew that, since I had a toddler, I was going to need a bathtub, so I had ordered a full bathroom installed, and the start of a real kitchen.

After all, I couldn’t expect Charlie to grow up healthy and strong if I was only feeding her from the cooler of cereal, granola, and yogurt. Finally, my house was turning into a real home.

Chapter 3.5 | Rules for this challenge | Chapter 3.7

Chapter 3.4 | Rules for this challenge | Chapter 3.6

Generation Three: Red

Appearance: Red hair, scandalous clothing style
Traits: Romantic, Hot-headed, Art Lover
Aspiration: Serial Romantic
Occupation: Art Critic
House Goal: 30,000 worth

Expansions

I had big plans. But with my fundage, I needed to start slowly. So here’s the new home. Charlie and I both have our own rooms now!

And The very best part – is that I have a deck to hang out on. I can paint out there for now – but eventually I’ll expand it and make it the place to be at in the home.

The other great thing? I finally have a table to eat at. It’s a small thing, but I’m really happy about it. To me, it’s a milestone. My house is finally becoming a home.

On my early morning swim, I met someone new. His name is Tamati, and his pink sunglasses really caught my eye. He didn’t get upset when I splashed him, and was intrigued by the fact I was friends with the local dolphins. He didn’t profess to know much about Mermaids, but I didn’t know much about being just a plain old Sim, either… so I figured we were “even”.

Eventually, I couldn’t resist, and I used some mermaid powers on him. Things were finally getting good… then I noticed the crying through the open window behind me. Apparently I was being paged. Sighing with disappointment, I made my excuses and went to take care of Charlie.

The annoying buzz of my broken computer annoyed me while I took care of Charlie, but since I don’t know much about computers, I was afraid I was going to have to take it into the local computer shop tomorrow. Snuggling close to Charlie while I absently wondered how much fixing my (very necessary) computer was going to cost me, I was surprised when I heard the front door open.

Clearly, Tamati had gotten tired of snorkeling, and had noticed where I had gone when I left him. He came in, and flirted some more…. which was music to my ears.

I could have done without the mask getting in the way, but as “real” first kisses go, it wasn’t bad. At least he wasn’t drooling on me. (And a Mermaid’s Kiss doesn’t really count as a first kiss – since they don’t really get a choice in the matter…) Then, I noticed Charlie fussing, and I impatiently excused myself to go check on her.

To my shock, I came back out to find Tamati fixing my computer. I stopped short.. and backed away silently, giving him time to finish fixing it. Charlie could always use extra cuddles, right?

When I came back out a bit later, my computer was up and running, and Tamati was terribly proud of himself. The flirting continued, and I wasted no time in inviting him to spend the rest of the night. He readily agreed, although he made it VERY clear I owed him nothing for fixing him computer. (The thought really hadn’t occurred to me.. or .. had it?) We spend a very cozy evening in, had some granola, and then turned in for the night. At least kissing wasn’t the only thing he was good at… !

(A/N: Sorry this post was a bit short… I had the hardest time figuring out what to say that wasn’t too snarky, because Kali can sorta be that way. It must be why I like her.)

Chapter 3.4 | Rules for this challenge | Chapter 3.6

Chapter 3.3 | Rules for this challenge | Chapter 3.5

Generation Three: Red

Appearance: Red hair, scandalous clothing style
Traits: Romantic, Hot-headed, Art Lover
Aspiration: Serial Romantic
Occupation: Art Critic
House Goal: 30,000 worth

Oops!

It was just another morning, working from home and enjoying my solitude. After checking in to work, I decided to go for a swim… only to be rudely interrupted by morning nausea. Now, that wouldn’t normally be too bad – I usually have a very strong stomach, so I figured it would pass soon – but this time, things were a bit more worrying. There was a definite pooch to my belly that really shouldn’t be there with how much I swim.

Unless… of course… there had been a little accident during one of my nightly romps under the covers. So, I took the day to go into the city, and stopped by a clinic to check for sure. One that wasn’t in my hometown and knew my entire family tree.

By the time I left their office, one thing was for sure. I was starting on the next generation way earlier than I had planned. I had NO idea who the father was, either.. so this should be interesting. On “the way” home I met up with a nice older man named Cameron, and we seemed to get along rather well… so I invited him home with me for the evening. At least there wouldn’t be any more accidents while I was already pregnant.. right?

While chatting with him by the beach, however.. I noticed a familiar figure at my front door. Dad. Sigh. And the way he was staring at my body in profile, I could tell he already knew. There was no hiding that belly in this swimsuit. Letting loose a huge sigh, I quickly changed clothes, and invited everyone in for some granola.

Dad bemoaned the fact that I didn’t have a life partner to share the raising of my “first baby” with. (And my first thought was.. first baby.. you mean only baby??) Cameron quickly excused himself.. and there went my idea of comfort for the night. I got out of the conversation with Dad as quickly as possible, told him to have Mom give me a call when she found out the news from him… because he certainly couldn’t be expected to keep a secret from her. And once she knew.. the whole town would know. She would be crowing about her first grandkid from the highest roof.

The next day was Spicefest in the city, and I excused myself from Sulani for the day. Of course, I found a handsome man nearly right away, and he was definitely amenable to my flirting, even though he could clearly see that I was pregnant.

We hung out for most of the day, and I tried the Curry Challenge – but of course I failed. Then, I ordered something that sounded good from the food stall – and that turned out to be spicy, too. Thanking my stars that my stomach could handle everything, and brushing off my new friend’s laughter at my predicament… I dug in anyways. I ended up staying the night at his place in the city… avoiding Sulani and the fact that Mom was probably keeping an eye on my front door from some local bushes or something. I’m sure she was more than ready to mother me while I was pregnant, but I was going to have no part of it.

The time passed much quicker than I expected – and I did manage to avoid most of Mom’s antics by going into the city a lot “for work” most days – but my “condition” was certainly noticed by everyone in town. Including my dolphin friends, who were unconcerned about me not having a partner, and joyous that I was bringing forth new life. I couldn’t stay away from home forever, though, because my scales were always desperate for the saltwater… so I had to bite the bullet and be at home at least a little bit each day.

Then… one morning, after breakfast and my usual swim, I was taking out the trash when the pains hit. Ugh. I was NOT ready for this. In fact, not even my HOUSE was ready for this. I was going to have to figure out what, exactly, I was going to do with a bassinet when I got home from the hospital.

And, yes, it was definitely time for that trip to the hospital. Fortunately, or unfortunately, I had the same doctor that Mom had when she gave birth.. only now he was a ghost. Rolling my eyes and gritting my teeth against the pain, I followed the nurse back to the operating room. … A place I hadn’t been to since I was born… and that I certainly didn’t remember.

They stuck me into this horrible machine, and proceeded to seemingly rip out half of my insides. I could have sworn I even saw my heart at one point.. but things were a bit hazy from the pain of labor.

By the time they announced my daughter.. DAUGHTER! .. I was exhausted, and more than ready to be done with this whole procedure. They requested a name for the birth certificate.. and I went with the first one I could think of. It was a boy’s name.. but I hadn’t exactly started planning out names. In deference to her being born a girl… I changed the spelling.. but she was forever going to be Charlie Naiades, now.

We got home from the hospital, and it was a beautiful afternoon. Which, I suppose, was a good thing, because there she was, in her bassinet.. outside the front door because there wasn’t much room inside the hut. Oof. This was going to be harder than I thought.

I called the local builders, and they approved an emergency afternoon build just to add a few feet to the dimensions of my house so poor Charlie could go inside. By the time the sun was falling, there was finally enough room for her. But neither of us got much sleep. I had called Mom and Dad to let them know the news, but adamantly refused to have either one come over tonight. I was sure I could handle things just fine. “Just fine” ended up being a long night of feeding, diaper changing, and cuddling, but the sun still came up the next morning.. and Sulani had her next heir.

I let her sleep in, and went out to relieve my itchy scales… glad for the smooth coolness of the water .. because I definitely needed that little “pick me up” this morning. With as close as my hut was to the beach, I was definitely in range to hear her cries should she wake up, so I enjoyed my time cavorting in the waves.

Nothing lasts forever, though, so she did wake up… and my computer was the cause. I was going to have to turn off the sounds from incoming mail while Charlie was tiny, apparently. Work was calling. But being a Mom now came first. I took care to get Charlie back to bed and rock her back into a blissful (although probably short) sleep, and logged into work on a now-quiet computer. Life goes on.. and I had work to do.

Author’s Note: Yeah. Risky Woohoo strikes again. I swear, I don’t have the percentage up very high, either! I was as surprised as Kali when the pregnancy notice popped up.. and for reference, the Dad is Rua. And he wants NOTHING to do with Kali anymore after seeing her with someone else. 0.o Oops. I guess she really is on her own now! On another front, Charley was the first name the game suggested, so I took it. … And while Kali was pregnant.. so was half the rest of the world. (See below for proof.) .. Hehe.

Chapter 3.3 | Rules for this challenge | Chapter 3.5