Hermione's ABCs Chapter 37

Slide 1: 

Hermione’s ABCs Chapter 37 Bella Squared

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A Note From the Author This chapter diverts from normal Legacy living, but I didn’t want it to be all that long. My chapters have been growing exponentially longer, and it’s a pain to type everything up even when the chapter’s a regular, sane length. So I won’t be keeping your attention all that long! Now that I think about, I think Helena’s been on every cover page since I switched to PowerPoint. Why? Because she’s awesome like that. ^_^ Also, can anyone tell me how to get better-quality pictures on PowerPoint? Some people have really awesome quality which I can’t seem to achieve. Well, enjoy! ~June

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It was a lovely spring morning in Sahara Valley. The sun was shining, the birds were singing, and across town from the Granger house, newly designated spare Harry was welcoming his fiancée Belladonna to their new home. “I can’t wait for you to see it, Bella, it’s amazing,” he said eagerly. “Yeah, you’ve only told me like a bajillion times,” Bella laughed.

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He took her hand and led her through the house. It didn’t take long; the place wasn’t that big.

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“So, what have you been up to?” Bella asked casually. “Oh, I’ve been working for the preparations for the wedding and stuff.” Bella squirmed a bit at the mention of the wedding. “Who’s coming?” she said, trying to keep her voice even. “Uh, your mom and stepfather, my parents, my sisters Mimi and Helena and their husbands, your brother Andrew…basically everyone,” Harry said, counting on his fingers. “That’s a lot of people,” was all Bella could say.

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“I know. I wanted everyone here for our special day,” Harry said happily. “I like getting the whole family together to celebrate.” “Sounds like fun.”

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“So, do you like the house?” “Very much.” “I know it’s small now, but it’s expandable. I’m sure we’ll find space for another room somewhere.” Harry said. Bella almost didn’t want to know why they needed another room. “By the way,” he continued, “there’s a little wedding rehearsal thing tomorrow morning. I asked your mother to help us out.” “Oh, um, okay. What do I do?” “It’s nothing to worry about. Trust me.” “When is the wedding again?” “Day after tomorrow.” Bella felt complete anxiety overtake her, and morning came much too soon.

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“Alright, you two, let’s get this show on the road!” June said, assuming leadership. “Harry’s going to be standing under the arch and when Helena starts playing, Bella, you come in. Then I’ll say, ‘Do you, Harry James Granger, take Belladonna Clarice Bug, as--’” “I’m sorry, but ‘Bug’?” Harry wondered aloud. “It was my last name before I married Felix, shut up. Anyway, ‘--as your lawful wedded wife,’ yadda yadda blah.”

Slide 9: 

“And then Harry says ‘I do’ and then I read the same for you, Bella, only vice-versa, and then you say ‘I do.’ Then I say ‘Kiss the bride’ and you do so and everyone claps and all the girls will probably cry inexplicably. Got it?” “Yes,” they both said. “Good, because I’m not going over it again.”

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“So, Harry, me and Felix will definitely be here, and I’ll drag Andrew along by his ears if I have to. We’ll leave Viola and Rosaline with Beta, so don’t you worry about that. I’m sure everything will go fine.” “That’s great! So Viola and Rosaline will be my new sisters?” “Well, yes, and also your second cousins because they’re your great-uncle’s kids. Don’t think about it too much.” June advised. Upstairs the phone rang and Harry went to answer it quickly. “You’re thinking about it, aren’t you.” June called after him. “Uh, no…maybe…okay, I am, alright?”

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June turned to her daughter, laughing to herself. “Hi, Mom,” Bella said, “Thanks for coming.” “My pleasure. It’s not every day you see your lovely daughter married off.” Bella squirmed again. The wedding was tomorrow. The closer it got, the less sure of everything she was. Her mother somehow knew her unease, or perhaps had already guessed at it.

Slide 12: 

“How are you feeling?” June asked. “Mom…I don’t know if I can do this,” Bella said quietly. “What do you mean, Bella? You and Harry are happy together, aren’t you?”

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Bella scowled. “Yeah. But still! We’re different people, and we want different things. Half the time I don’t know why I let myself get involved with him! And I don’t want to end up like you.” “Like me? What are you talking about?”

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“Please, Mom, you’re a Fortune Sim. Somehow I’m not so sure you were ecstatic over being forced into having 20 kids or whatever. You’re just too nice and let it slide.” Her mother frowned. “I wasn’t forced into anything.” “It wasn’t your idea! It was Family Sim Felix’s. It’s unfair, and he’s too demanding.” “Don’t you talk about Felix that way. Harry’s not going to do that to you, he knows you and he’s not a total idiot.” “Sometimes I wonder. Maybe we’re both total idiots, thinking this could possibly work.”

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“Bella, you and Harry aren’t idiots, you’re in love.” She eyed her daughter worriedly for a minute. “You do love him, don’t you?” There was a long silence. “Yeah, but so what? We’re totally different people! It’ll never work!” “Well, they do say opposites attract. Plenty of Romance/Family couples have made it work here and all over the place. A pair had ten kids and they were very happy together and devoted to each other.”

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“The point is, if you’re in love, you’ll find a way. Somehow I think Harry would love you no matter what you did; a bit naïve, but--” “But that’s just him.” Bella gave a small smile.

Slide 17: 

“Don’t worry, Bella, everything will go fine. I’ll be here early tomorrow to help you get ready for the ceremony.” Another wave of unease came over Bella, but she smiled back and said, “Okay, see you tomorrow.”

Slide 18: 

The next night came far too soon for Bella, and not soon enough for Harry. He stood in the middle of the room, smiling like a maniac and greeting everyone happily. “Hi, everybody, and thanks for coming! Just sit anywhere, we’ll be starting soon. Please make sure you sign the guestbook, okay?” Everyone was smiling and talking animatedly; it seemed Harry’s happiness was contagious. In a room near the front, though, the happiness wasn’t as obvious.

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Bella was all done up in her wedding finery, and June sat in a chair behind her, smiling almost as brightly as Harry was in the next room.

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“My, Bella, you look beautiful!” June gushed. Bella scowled at her reflection. “I feel stupid. Are the flowers really necessary?” “Yes, they look lovely. Don’t be silly, you’re a bride, this is supposed to be the happiest day of your life.” Bella scoffed dismissively.

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“This dress is really heavy and I hate it. Why do brides have to wear white anyway?” Bella complained. “It’s traditional. Pure white represents innocence and virtue. Happiness, too, I’d expect. And the flowers represent new life; you and Harry’s new life together, and, of course--” “Yeah, yeah, I get it,” Bella grumbled. “Speaking of flowers, let’s get that bouquet.”

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“Oh, you look so beautiful.” Bella stared blankly at her reflection. Beautiful, yes. Doomed as well. How could this marriage ever possibly work, and why wasn’t anyone on her side?

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“Of course, Harry thinks you’re beautiful in anything. You’re a lucky girl.” June continued. “Am I?” “I know you don’t think so, but you are.”

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“I still don’t think I’m the marrying type or that this could ever possibly work out.” “You have to have some confidence in yourself, you know. And change isn’t all bad.”

Slide 25: 

“You’re not the only Romance Sim who’s had to get married. Aberforth, Marion, Daisy, Seb; they all got married, and the world didn’t end. And Harry understands you.”

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“No he doesn’t! If he did he wouldn’t be getting us married!” Bella exploded. “You said yes. Maybe he understands you better than you do.” “That’s so dumb.” “Bella, it can’t always be about you and what you want. Harry wants things, too, you know.”

Slide 27: 

Bella sighed. “We’re just not compatible, and we want totally different things. This can’t work!” “It can’t, or you don’t want it to? I think you two are very good for each other myself.” “Of course you do. You’re on his side, just like everyone else,” Bella grumbled. “I’m on the side of true love.” June declared. Bella rolled her eyes.

Slide 28: 

“I should probably go inside, I think they’re starting soon.” “O-okay.” A fresh wave of anxiety swept over Bella. Soon, how soon was soon?

Slide 29: 

“What do I do?” Bella asked. “When Helena starts playing the music, just walk down the aisle to the arch. Simple as that.” And she left.

Slide 30: 

As June sat down, Andrew said, “So she’s going through with it?” “Of course she is. And what on earth are you wearing?” “I stole this from the drama department. I forgot to pick up a tux.” “Andrew! Honestly, you look like someone out of a Jane Austen book.” “How would you know? The closest thing to a Jane Austen book you’ve ever read is Pride and Prejudice and Zombies!” “So? It’s the exact same thing, only with bone-crunching zombie mayhem!”

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“Why wouldn’t she go through with it?” Felix asked, ignoring the literary discussion. “Ooh! I know!” Mimi said brightly. “I think he’s just in denial, Mimi,” Simon replied.

Slide 32: 

“He’s not in denial, Felix just tries to see the world through rose-colored glasses.” June said, quick to defend her husband. “Meh. They sound the same to me,” Simon said. “Denial’s a river in Egypt, right?” Felix added. “Ooh, I knew that too!” Mimi said excitedly.

Slide 33: 

Everyone quieted down when Harry took Helena up to the front and said, “Okay, everyone, we’re ready to begin! My sister Helena here will be playing the music for the ceremony.” Helena smiled shyly.

Slide 34: 

“She’s better than she gives herself credit for, so you won’t be disappointed.” “Cut it out,” Helena said, but she looked distinctly pleased.

Slide 35: 

“I’m happy to be here for my brother on his big day,” Helena said sweetly. “I wanted to pay her,” Harry admitted. The guests laughed. “No, really. I had to talk him out of it,” Helena assured them.

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Bella overheard and stepped out of her room into the hallway. She had her bouquet in a death grip, it was the only thing easing her nerves. And it wasn’t doing a particularly good job.

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In the hallway she spotted a poster marked “Guestbook.” Everyone at the wedding had signed wishing Harry and Bella the best. Bella looked at it sadly. How could anyone give good wishes to a couple so different and disaster-bound?

Slide 38: 

Another wave of anxiety, coupled by nausea, overcame Bella. She closed her eyes and moaned to herself. She needed some air and hurried out a side door.

Slide 39: 

She fell to earth near a tiny pond underneath two trees. They were so close their roots must have been intertwined. This reminded Bella of the wedding and she felt even more ill. After a moment she realized she probably should be getting back inside. But she lingered for a minute in the night air.

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Inside, there wasn’t a sound, save the rustle of a dress or a cough. Helena began to play.

Slide 41: 

She struck every key and hit every note perfectly. Helena was still so unsure about this whole thing. But here she was at their wedding, a place she never thought she’d find herself. And Harry was happier than she’d ever seen him. She didn’t dwell on this any longer and focused on the piano keys. Everyone turned to the back of the room for the best view of the bride.

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A strong gust of wind blew through the doors, flinging them open and revealing that no one was waiting behind them.

Slide 43: 

The entire congregation gasped as if on cue. “Oh, no…this isn’t good at all.” June said, her face falling. “Great observation, Captain Obvious,” Andrew said, straining to see if his twin was hiding or something. “Andrew Quincy Bug, I do not have the patience for your sarcasm.” Andrew turned red at the mention of his middle name. “Sorry.”

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“Where’d Bella go? I thought you said she was going through with it,” Felix said. “She was! I tried my best, I don’t know what happened or where she went. I never thought she’d actually run away.”

Slide 45: 

Gabi and Almeric exchanged a worried glance. Behind them Abbey chimed in with, “I never much liked her anyway.” “None of us really did,” Gabi said softly.

Slide 46: 

Helena abandoned the piano and gasped as well. But in her heart of hearts, she wasn’t all that surprised. Even so, she thought of a number of nice names for Bella in her head.

Slide 47: 

She quickly redirected her attention to her brother. He had to be utterly crushed. And he was; she could tell from his expression. She couldn’t imagine how much he had to be hurting at the moment. She murmured to herself, “Oh, Harry…”

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Helena got up from her seat and gave Harry the biggest hug she could muster. She knew it wouldn’t help, but she had to do something. “Harry, I’m so sorry…I don’t even know what to say.” “I don’t either.” His voice was quiet and sad, and it broke Helena’s heart to hear it.

Slide 50: 

“I…you can call anytime, or come over, or anything. Okay?” He nodded. “I have to get back home…we left Imp with everyone, and…” Stupid! Why’d you mention the kids, you idiot? “…I’m sorry.” “It’s okay. Go.”

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Mimi went up to Harry next. Like Helena, she couldn’t think of much to say. “You’re welcome at my place, too, anytime. But Simon and I ought to be heading back, too, we left Knox with a nanny, but Simon doesn’t want her there all that long.”

Slide 52: 

“Could I baby-sit for you guys some time?” Harry asked, sounding downright pitiful. “Would you like that?” “A lot, yes.” “Okay, sure. I’ll let Helena know, too.” “Thanks,” Harry said softly.

Slide 53: 

“Andrew? I didn’t think you’d come.” Harry registered Andrew’s costume. “What are you wearing?” “Listen, I’m sorry that my sister was such a jerk,” Andrew said, ignoring Harry’s questions. “It’s not your fault.”

Slide 54: 

“I didn’t think Bella would do something like this. I mean, I never really knew her to run away from things. But I guess you never know.” “I guess not. Could you let me know if you see her?” “Sure I will.”

Slide 55: 

“You okay?” Felix asked, noticing how troubled his wife looked. “No. This is horrible. Harry’s totally destroyed, you can see it in his face, and now Bella’s missing in addition to being a runaway jerk of a bride.” There was a pause. “I’m going to go talk to him.” “Okay.”

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“Harry, I’m so, so sorry for my daughter’s behavior…” “It’s not your fault,” Harry said as he had to Andrew. “I…she was always so unsure about all this. I tried to convince her otherwise, and I thought I did…I’m sorry.”

Slide 57: 

The guests all filed out, talking quietly to each other. Harry was unhappy to overhear someone say, “Well, it’s horrible and all, but I can’t say I’m all that surprised, they were doomed from the start…” Was Harry himself all that surprised? Sad, sure. Surprised? Less so. How long had he known things would end this way and just been disenchanting himself?

Slide 58: 

Harry went outside and soon discovered Bella’s bouquet by the side of the pond. He sat by the water’s edge and considered what a fool he’d been.

Slide 59: 

The main branch of the family soon arrived home. “There you guys are!” Imperius said, glancing at the clock. “How’d it go?” Her mother seemed furious and her grandparents both looked sad. “Not well, I’m guessing,” Imperius answered herself.

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“What happened, Mom?” “Nothing, Imperius,” Helena replied with an edge in her voice. “It looks like something. Tell me.” “I won’t have your sass, Imperius--” “Just tell her, Helena, she’s old enough,” Seb said. A confrontation was the last thing they all needed.

Slide 61: 

“Fine,” Helena snapped. “Uncle Harry didn’t end up getting married because his fiancée is a pathetic, heartbreaking, skanky excuse for a person who ran away and utterly destroyed his entire life in doing so.” Her voice became steadily angrier with every word. Imperius’s eyes widened, afraid of her angry mother, but said, “Um, okay.” Being a Family Sim herself, she knew how devastated her uncle had to be.

Slide 62: 

“So, did everyone behave here?” “Yeah. The twins woke up a little while ago. I couldn’t figure out what they were upset about, but they went back to sleep soon enough.” “Thank you, Imperius. Go to bed.” “But--!” Gabrielle interrupted, sounding tired. “No, Imp, darling, we’re all going to bed. It’s been a long night.” Everyone but Helena and Seb trooped off upstairs, with the latter only staying for the sake of the former. Helena’s shoulders fell and she sat down sadly on the couch.

Slide 63: 

“She means the world to him,” Helena said softly, silently acknowledging her husband. “He’d do anything for her. And now she’s left him and…and she’s never coming back.” The story sounded oddly familiar to Seb. He didn’t say anything. “I always knew it would end this way. Mimi did, too. She didn’t love him like he loved her.” She sighed. “You should have seen him talk about her. His whole face would light up.” Helena gasped as if she’d just realized something and stood up.

Slide 64: 

“Seb…Harry loves her so much. A-and she ran away. You don’t think he’d…?” She couldn’t bear to even think about it, let alone say it.

Slide 65: 

Suddenly Helena exploded. “I’ll kill her. I swear, if Harry thinks she’s worth his life, I’ll find her and I’ll kill her!”

Slide 66: 

A few moments later Helena crumbled into sobs. Seb got up and put an arm around her; he didn’t know what else to do. “I k-know what it’s l-like,” she sniffled, “to be in love, and to b-be rejected…” Seb felt a pang of guilt; he knew this story all too well.

Slide 67: 

“I t-tried to end everything…Harry and Mimi s-stopped me, and Harry’s always been watching out for us. He’s my big brother and I…I need him!”

Slide 68: 

She started a fresh round of sobs. “I told him she loved him! I t-told him she’d appreciate him! Me!” “Shh. It’s not your fault Bella ran off, it can’t be. Harry knows that. Andrew and June said they were sorry about it, but he said it wasn’t their fault. He knows.”

Slide 69: 

He rested his head on hers, trying to soothe her. “Look, I hardly know Harry. But I don’t think he’d…you know. He’s a sensible guy, and I bet he wouldn’t want to leave you and Mimi and everyone.” Helena took a deep breath. “Y-you’re probably right. But I’m scared…I can’t lose him.” “I know.”

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She dried her tears. “The worst part is, if she showed up again, he’d take her back…”

Slide 71: 

Across town, Harry sat in his living room, watching embers spark in the fireplace. It was just after midnight; the house was silent, save for crackling flames. He hadn’t bothered to change clothes. He hadn’t bothered to try and sleep, he knew he’d never be able to. He didn’t know what to feel, or even what to do. So he fell into numbness.

Slide 72: 

Out of the darkness came someone. The dress she wore was ripped and dirty, looking like it had been destroyed by someone or something, all torn up. She ran her fingers through matted, tangled hair, with a few hairs catching on a glimmering engagement ring.

Slide 73: 

Bella headed up the stairs dazedly, trying not to trip over her own feet. What time was it? What day? She fought to dispel the fog in her head. It was making everything difficult. She wondered how Harry was.

Slide 74: 

She peered through the doors and breathed a sigh of relief seeing Harry was still up. She then spotted the clock: five past twelve. Oh, no. Bella pushed the door open and walked in. “Harry?” she said softly. Harry heard her voice behind him, and wondered if it was really her. But he knew that voice anywhere. It had to be her.

Slide 75: 

He stood up slowly, with his back to her. “Well, look who decided to show up,” he said. Worried, Bella went over to him.

Slide 76: 

“I…Harry, I didn’t…I didn’t miss it, did I?” Bella said. Suddenly the numbness left Harry, replaced by fury. He folded his arms and scowled. What is she talking about? She ran away! Of course she missed the ceremony!

Slide 77: 

“Oh, God. I did,” she said, knowing he was angry. “No…really? No, I’m just sitting up at midnight, utterly miserable, for no reason at all! Nothing to do with our wedding or anything,” Harry said, his sarcasm cutting.

Slide 78: 

“I can’t believe you! You ran away!” Harry exploded. “Harry, I--” “Shut up!” he said with such venom it frightened her. “You left me standing under that arch like an idiot, and you know what’s worse? Everyone knew it would end up this way! Hell, I knew, who knows how long I was just lying to myself.”

Slide 79: 

“Harry, please, let me explain!” “NO! I’ve had it, I’m done. I’ve just been going along only seeing what I want to see for much too long.”

Slide 80: 

“No, please! You’ve got to let me explain!” Bella pleaded, clasping her hands together.

Slide 81: 

“Give me one good reason why I should believe a single word you say! You’ve been lying to me for years, and I won’t buy it anymore!”

Slide 82: 

Bella closed her eyes and sighed. “Look, I know you have no reason to believe me, and I know you’re mad, but I’m telling the truth this time.” “Sure you are.” “I didn’t want to leave! I never meant to run away!”

Slide 83: 

“What, evil elves whisked you away to their magical kingdom?” Harry scoffed. “Yeah, right.” “Please!” Bella cried, growing desperate. “I didn’t mean to leave! I love you!” “Liar.”

Slide 84: 

“I should have done this a long time ago. We’re through! I’m sick of your lies and all the heartache you’ve caused me. You’re manipulative, you don’t give a damn about anyone but yourself, and I want you out!”

Slide 85: 

“The door is that way, make yourself familiar with it. I never want to see you again!” Harry said with an air of finality. “No!” Bella gasped.

Slide 86: 

“Harry, please, don’t do this! It wasn’t my fault! I never meant to run away! I’m sorry!” Harry was a little shaken hearing Bella apologize, he could never recall her doing so before. But he stayed resolute and merely scowled.

Slide 87: 

He turned his back on her. “I was abducted! It wasn’t my fault!” “Yeah, yeah, but were kidnapped by an international crime ring or some nonsense. I don’t care. Get out!”

Slide 88: 

“No, Harry, seriously! I went outside because I was nervous before the wedding, and I looked through a telescope and I got abducted by aliens, and they scratched me up and tore my dress and--” She stopped talking, meeting Harry’s skeptical gaze.

Slide 89: 

“You expect me to believe this garbage?! It’s bad enough that you ran away!” “It’s not garbage!” Bella insisted. “Get out! Now!” And she knew he wouldn’t believe a single word she said, so she went.

Slide 90: 

“And don’t come back! Ever!” Harry yelled, slamming the door behind her.

Slide 91: 

Bella looked back as subtly as she could, hoping, praying that the door would open again and Harry would stop being mad and believe her. It didn’t, and neither did he. She noticed dully he hadn’t taken her engagement ring. She wouldn’t have given it back anyway. And it didn’t mean anything anymore. She walked back down the stairs and into the night.

Slide 92: 

Once she reached the sidewalk, she broke down into tears. It’s all messed up, everything, and it’s all my fault! I’ve been so awful, and now that I know it, it’s too late to do anything about it!

Slide 93: 

What am I going to do? Where am I going to go? No one will believe me; everyone hates me, and for good reason, too!

Slide 94: 

She dried her eyes, smearing he already-smeared make-up. Some of it rubbed into the cut of her cheek, and it started to sting. She felt another wave of tears come on, but she fought them back.

Slide 95: 

She headed down the long, empty road. It was a long way, but she had to go. It was her only hope; she could think of no one else who even might possibly believe her.

Slide 96: 

Harry watched Bella walk and keep walking until she faded from view. He sighed. This was it. The end. It was all over. “I never wanted it to be this way,” he said sadly.

Slide 97: 

Across town at Granger Estate, the whole house was dark and asleep. It was very late at night, or perhaps very early in the morning.

Slide 98: 

Bella rapped on the glass, hoping she wouldn’t break it and wondering what she was even doing there. She’d never really gotten to know Harry’s two younger sisters very well. But she did know the youngest, Helena, was a Knowledge Sim. If anyone was going to believe in aliens it was a Knowledge Sim.

Slide 99: 

Upstairs, the sleeping couple heard the knocking. “Someone’s at th’door,” Seb mumbled. “So?” Helena replied sleepily. “Go ‘n get it. You’re th’heiress.” “Heiress doesn’t mean door-answerer.” “’S not my house.” “Fine,” Helena sighed.

Slide 100: 

Helena sat up and rubbed her eyes. “You totally owe me for this, you know.” “I let you have the pajamas…what more do you want?” “It’s my choice what pajamas I wear,” Helena laughed. “Come down if I’m not back in five minutes, okay?” “’Kay.”

Slide 101: 

She went downstairs to find… “Belladonna?!” Helena gasped. The miserable girl on the other side of the door nodded. She looked a wreck.

Slide 102: 

Once the initial shock wore off, its space was filled with anger. She folded her arms and turned her back on Bella. “What are you doing here?! You jilted my brother and left him miserable! Go away.” “Helena, I can’t. Please let me in, I have to talk to you.

Slide 103: 

“No!” Helena said indignantly. “I hate you, do you have any idea what you put my brother through? Go the hell away!” “Helena, I need help!”

Slide 104: 

“I really don’t care. See the shirt? I’m in the business of revenge, you’re lucky I’m not beating the crap out of you like I’ve wanted to for years! Wanna know why? Because Harry told me not to, and unlike you, I actually care about him.”

Slide 105: 

“And anyway,” Helena said, hands on hips, “what are you even doing here in the middle of the night? What, did Harry kick you out or something?”

Slide 106: 

And with that, Helena got a reaction she didn’t expect; Bella burst into tears. “Y-yes! He hates me, and he kicked me out! I messed up and I know it, but I…I didn’t mean to run away! But he won’t b-believe me, and now I see why!”

Slide 107: 

“What do you mean, you didn’t mean to run away?” But Bella had utterly succumbed to sobs. Helena was confused. She’d never known Bella to cry, and somehow this made her want to believe her. Also, Helena was curious.

Slide 108: 

Seb came down to the strange scene. “Um, who’s that?” he asked. “This is Belladonna, the girl who was supposed to be my sister-in-law,” Helena said. “Harry kicked her out, and she says she was kidnapped or something. I don’t know, she started crying hysterically.” “Are you going to let her in?” “I was thinking about it.”

Slide 109: 

A bit reluctantly, Helena opened the door and Bella stepped in. “Um, sit down, okay?” Helena said, gesturing to the odd collection of mismatched chairs in the living room.

Slide 110: 

Once Helena, Seb, and Bella were all comfortable, Helena said, “So, what happened to you? You look a wreck and you said you were kidnapped, right?”

Slide 111: 

“Not kidnapped; abducted. I was abducted by aliens from another planet.” She looked between the two of them; Seb looked skeptical but she couldn’t read Helena’s thoughtful expression. “I swear! They said they abducted people all the time, and the inside of their ship was all silver and metallic, and they had a bunch of posters and they studied us and…you don’t believe me, do you,” she finished dejectedly

Slide 112: 

“Somehow, I do believe you,” Helena said. “What?!” Seb exclaimed. “Well, there have been various reports of alien abductions. And to be quite honest I don’t think you could make up something like that.” “Oh, I’m so glad you--wait, was that a thinly veiled insult?” “Sorry, force of habit. Tell us exactly what happened on the aliens’ ship, and I mean exactly,” Helena said.

Slide 113: 

“Well, it was a couple minutes before the wedding. I felt really nervous and sick, so I went outside for some air. I noticed a telescope, so I decided to look through it, just for a minute, you know? And then this bright light surrounded me and the next thing I knew I was in their ship…” *Flashback*

Slide 114: 

Bella slowly, slowly came to her senses. She was lying on something long and cold…like a table? A harsh light buzzed above her. Where am I? She felt a stinging on her cheek. And she heard two arguing voices.

Slide 115: 

“Now, really, did you have to be so rough?!” said a familiar woman’s voice. “Like she doesn’t deserve it! You have been watching her, correct?” replied another familiar voice, only a man’s this time. “Yes, but even so, we never hurt our test subjects! The harsh abduction ray is for emergencies or warfare only, and you know it!” “She was being difficult…” “All humans are difficult! And you claim I’ve observed nothing!”

Slide 116: 

Behind them, Bella sat up and rubbed her sore head. Her dress was in tatters, and she was very confused. “Huh? Mom? Andrew?” she said, catching sight of the two figures. She blinked in the unforgiving lamp light.

Slide 117: 

They seemed not to hear her. “Oh, stuff it, PT14.” Andrew said. Was it Andrew? He was dressed like a ninja. This all seemed very strange. “Picked up the foul Earth insults, have we, PT73? I tire of this absurdity…we have more important things to do.” June replied. Again, Bella questioned if it was really her mother. Her mother didn’t dress like that, and certainly didn’t talk like that. And what was with the weird code names? “Agreed,” Andrew (was it?) said, but he didn’t sound happy about it.

Slide 118: 

Bella got off the table and stood up shakily. “She’s awake, PT14.” “Oh, good. The less time wasted the better.”

Slide 119: 

“Uh, Mom, what’s going on here? Why is Andrew dressed like a ninja? Where are we?” Bella said. She got no reply. “Um, hello?! Mom!” Still her mother didn’t turn.

Slide 120: 

“I think she means you, PT14,” Ninja-Andrew said. “Oh, really? That’s odd. I don’t feel old.” She gave Ninja-Andrew a scrutinizing look. “Your shape-shifting gear is malfunctioning again. You resemble a ninja from the awful karate movies.” “Again? No matter. Go talk to the girl.”

Slide 121: 

“Hello there, Belladonna.” “Mom, what is going on here? Where are we? Why does Andrew look like a freaking ninja?”

Slide 122: 

“Well, we should get a few things straight. Firstly, I am not your maternal parent; my name is PT14, and I am an alien from the far reaches of the galaxy. I’ve merely taken the form of someone familiar to you, so as not to frighten you too much.” Bella gasped. “A-aliens?! No…no, this can’t be real! Aliens aren’t real!”

Slide 123: 

“I beg to differ,” said the other alien. PT14 rolled her eyes and said, “This is my partner, PT73. You called him Andrew?” “Yeah, he looks like my twin brother, only in a stupid ninja costume. Listen, I want to go home now. My wedding is sort of in five minutes, so I have to go.” Bella scowled.

Slide 124: 

“Wait, your human wedding ritual is occurring now?!” PT14 gave her partner a glare. “We were not aware that we took you at such a critical point in your life.” “Like she cares,” PT73 muttered, garnering another glare.

Slide 125: 

“You are taking me back, right?” Bella said, gripped by a sudden coldness. PT14 laughed June’s laugh. “Oh, yes, of course! We’re careful now. We won’t keep you like we kept Bella.” “Bella?! Bella who? I’m Bella!” said she, starting to panic. “No, I meant Bella Goth, not you.” “Who’s Bella Goth?”

Slide 126: 

PT73 laughed as Andrew would have; this was starting to get creepy. “Hear her? She’s funny, this one!” “She may not be, PT73, we are not over Pleasantview. I might as well show her,” PT14 said.

Slide 127: 

“The three largest portraits are Bella Goth. She was a woman we abducted from Pleasantview, far away from here, and she was our favorite abductee. We enjoyed her company so much we, er, lost track of time and accidentally kept her here for 25 Earth years. We didn’t realize; we travel all across the galaxy at high speeds, and time moves differently for us, it only seemed she was here for a few days.” PT14 gave Belladonna a thoughtful glance. “You remind me of her, in a way. Both very beautiful, both aspiring to similar things, both with similar characters and reputations.” PT14 sighed sadly. “After we realized how long we’d kept Bella, she became very angry with us. Her whole life was gone. Her daughter was married and divorced, her son grown up and gone for college, her grandchildren grown. Even her husband remarried and had children again. She was utterly alone. It was a sad business.” The story chilled Bella to the bone. Who was to say she wouldn’t come home and find years and years had passed, and no one knew who she was anymore?

Slide 128: 

Bella crossed to the other side of the room to a mismatched plethora of paintings, pennants, and posters on the wall. “What’s all this?” she asked.

Slide 129: 

“We’ve collected these from all our travels. It’s a study of your human culture,” PT73 explained. “Your peoples’ obsession with llamas and grilled cheese humors us.”

Slide 130: 

“It is indeed very funny!” PT73 laughed, apparently overcome by mirth. “Uh, okay. That’s nice and all, but I want to go home,” Bella said to PT14, who had joined them at the wall. “I’m afraid we can’t return you yet,” PT14 said.

Slide 131: 

“What?! Why not??” Bella cried, scowling. Oh, God, I’m never seeing home again! “Typically we abduct humans who we can teach something to, sometimes in the form of a child, but in other ways as well. We taught Bella of higher knowledge, which she’d repressed within herself.” “So what’s mine? If it’s higher knowledge or whatever, you’ve got the wrong girl.” PT14 said nothing, but led Bella to the middle of the room.

Slide 132: 

They stopped in front of a small TV, which PT14 switched on to reveal… “I take it you remember this occasion?” PT14 said. “Yeah. That was the day Harry and I first met.” Bella said softly, watching the image flicker across the screen. She felt a wave of nostalgia; it seemed like so long ago.

Slide 133: 

PT73 joined them for the next image. “Do you remember this?” “Yeah, of course I do. Harry told me he liked me, and--” “And you proceeded to use him for shameless, how you say, “aspiration fodder,” yes?” PT73 interrupted.

Slide 134: 

“Well…yeah. I never meant for there to be an ‘us’, it just sort of…happened.” Bella said slowly. “But the relationship continued, did it not?” PT14 said. “Yeah.” “And you only continued to use him?” Bella squirmed a little inside. “Yes.”

Slide 135: 

“But you had him completely feet-over-head, and he put up with everything you did,” PT73 said. “It’s “head over heels,” PT73,” PT14 corrected. PT73 rolled his eyes. “What do you mean, put up with me?” Bella asked. “Well, Harry often had to defend your honor, quite unduly, really.” PT73 replied. “Huh? Harry’s not the type to fight, not at all. Right?” Bella said, the last word hesitant. “Watch the screen.”

Slide 136: 

“This was after Harry informed his sister Helena of your tendency to play the harlot.” Bella watched. “You’re just going to accept this?!” “Don’t tell me how to live my life, baby sister.” “Don’t call me a baby!” “I know what I’m doing!” “Yeah, me too! You’re marrying a whore!”

Slide 137: 

“Don’t you dare call her that!” “Make me!” “I’m warning you right now, Helena, shut your mouth!” Bella merely stared. She couldn’t believe it. Harry had fought with his sister over her? She couldn’t believe Harry would fight with anyone, much less his sister. “You didn’t give a thought as to how Harry felt after this incident with you?” “I…no…I didn’t.” Bella said. “You upset him,” PT14 said simply.

Slide 138: 

“Here, take a listen to his thoughts.” “Wait, you can listen to people’s thoughts?!” “It’s not all it’s cracked up to be,” PT73 warned her with a shudder. “Sometimes you don’t want to know what people are thinking.” “Oh,” Bella said. “But anyway. Yes, we can listen to thoughts, so listen.” Harry’s thoughts sounded echoey and distant, but Bella heard loud and clear. I guess I’m more upset than I thought…oh, Bella, why’d you have to do that…I thought you loved me, didn’t you think how much that would hurt me? And she watched him cry, cry over her and things she did. It made her heart ache.

Slide 139: 

The TV shut off. Bella, sounding dazed, said, “He was feeling like that…and he didn’t even say anything? He didn’t tell me off or yell? I thought he didn’t care.” “I do not believe anyone could not care over such a matter,” PT14 said.

Slide 140: 

She felt weak; some odd combination of alien abduction, sudden realization, and remorse. She fell to her knees, trying to steady herself and failing. Oh, Harry. I’m so sorry. I’ve been so selfish. I never realized how much you really cared…I’ve only been thinking of me. My mother was right, you want things just like I do. And now I realize I owe you that at least.

Slide 141: 

I promise I’ll make up for all these years of me being awful to you. No more cheating, no more lying, hell, I’ll even have a kid or two. My mother’s right again: I am lucky to have you…no one else would put up with me! Her strength returned, she stood up.

Slide 142: 

“I need to go home. Now.” she said bluntly to PT73. “Well, you have learned your lesson. It is indeed time for you to return.” “Oh. You heard all that?” “I found it uncharacteristically sweet.” “Ugh. You aliens sure are nosy.”

Slide 143: 

“Are you sure it hasn’t been 25 years or whatever?” Bella asked. “Positive. Depending on where we are and factoring in traffic, you only should have been gone an hour or two. Probably.” “And I won’t get lost in the infinite void of space?” “Not if you let me send you back,” PT14 said. “He’s lost two already.” “It was a technical malfunction! And we got them back!” PT73 said indignantly. “Yes, what was left of them. Just lie down on the table, Belladonna, I will get you back to Earth.”

Slide 144: 

“Are you absolutely sure it hasn’t been 25 years?” Bella asked again, nervous. “My, you fret so. Don’t panic.” “I sort of have to be at my own wedding.” “You have a valid point, human. So long, we enjoyed talking to you.” “Hey, you know what? Thanks.” “You’re very welcome.” *End flashback*

Slide 145: 

“…And then everything went dark and I was back home…but I was too late and now Harry hates me…so I came here because you’re the only Knowledge Sim I know and only a Knowledge Sim could possibly believe me.” Bella finished. She’d broken down into tears several more times during the story, and now sadly stared down at the floor.

Slide 146: 

“You know what, Bella? I believe you. I mean, firstly, why would you run away only to come back? And why make up such an outlandish story no one will believe? No, if you were faking you would have come up with a more believable story. Also, I do believe in aliens, and they’re often depicted as you described; intelligent, a bit nosy, and with very advanced technology.” Helena said. Bella gave a tiny smile.

Slide 147: 

“But my brother is not a Knowledge Sim, and besides, he’s incredibly angry at you. He chooses a great time to wise up to you, doesn’t he? It’s quite ironic.” Bella’s face fell and she started crying again. “Oh, for the love of popsicles, not the waterworks again,” Helena muttered to herself. The constant crying sealed the deal for Helena. Bella didn’t strike her as one to cry over anything ever, let alone every five seconds.

Slide 148: 

“I’m…so…stupid! I f-finally realize what a jerk I am, only for H-Harry to realize it, too!” she sobbed. “Uh, I could try calling him in the morning?” Helena suggested.

Slide 149: 

“I mean, maybe if I back you up he’ll believe you. You can stay here and clean up, okay?” “O-okay,” she sniffled. “It’s just…my brother’s always been happy with you. I want him to be happy.” She glanced at Seb. “And people can change.”

Slide 150: 

“Thank you so much.” “I haven’t done anything yet.” “You listened. You didn’t have any reason to, but you did.”

Slide 151: 

Bella rifled through generations of old clothes to find an outfit much like her own, only smelling of age and with slight differences. She washed up her still-sore cut and rinsed off her wrecked make-up. She felt a bit better getting clean.

Slide 152: 

The scratch looked to be healing, but the area around it looked weird. Great, just what I need, an infected face, she thought dully. She needed some sleep.

Slide 153: 

The next morning Helena called Harry as she said she would. “Hello?” Harry said, tired after a sleepless night. “Morning, Harry. Um…how are you?” said Helena. “Helena? Why are you calling so early?” Harry asked, bewildered. “Uh, well, your--” Helena stopped. Fiancée? Girlfriend? Neither? “…um, Bella showed up at my house last night--” “I don’t care. I don’t want to see her anymore.” “I know. She told me and Seb something about aliens, and that she never meant to run away.”

Slide 154: 

“And you believed that?!” Harry said incredulously. “Well, yes.” “She tried to tell me the same thing, it’s just another lie!” “Harry, she bursts into tears every five seconds, don’t you find that odd? No one can fake crying at such a frequency. And she couldn’t have made that story up, it’s way too complex. And why would she run away only to come back a few hours later?” Helena said logically. “I don’t know! And I don’t care either,” he replied, but part of him wasn’t so sure anymore.

Slide 155: 

“Besides, I have other things to worry about, like this stupid prophecy,” Harry said without thinking. “Prophecy?! What prophecy? You never told me there was a prophecy!”Helena exclaimed, startled.

Slide 156: 

Dammit. “That crazy blind fortune teller gave me a prophecy when we were at LFT. I never told anyone because it never made sense and I didn’t want it to spiral out of control like Mom’s did.” “You do realize these things have a way of sneaking up on you, right? How’d the prophecy go?” Helena asked, a sneaking suspicion coming to her. Harry sighed. “Fine. It never made sense to me, anyway. It goes like this: The poison flower tags its name on hearts and lets them bleed, caring not if they survive, save for one. It blooms in love, surrounded by clouds of doubt. It is uprooted against its will. Far away from here lives the poison flower’s twin, beauty concealed by mystery. The poisons flower sheds its venom, but none are left to believe. It needs a hero. The hero shall banish the poison flower, having taken in the venom for too long. Clouds of doubt obscure his view. Faith will intertwine them forevermore.” There was a long silence.

Slide 157: 

Finally, Helena said, “Harry, Bella’s telling the truth.” “Again with this? I’m telling you--” “No, I’m telling you! The prophecy proves it!” “How?” Helena made an exasperated noise. “Harry, the poison flower is Bella. Belladonna, it’s a venomous plant, get it? The crazy prophecy lady called you ‘the hero’ in the last prophecy, so that’s you. Uprooted against her will is the abduction, and the aliens compared her to this woman Bella Goth who disappeared, but everyone thought she ran away, too! You kicked her out because you thought she was lying, because she always lies, but she wasn’t! Sheds its venom means she won’t lie anymore! Don’t you see?”

Slide 158: 

“…Oh my God.” Harry said, his eyes wide. “I know! What are you going to do?” Helena asked. Suddenly she heard a loud thump on the other line.

Slide 159: 

“Harry? Are you still there?” Helena said. “Hello? Harry?” She heard footsteps and a door opening, and understood.

Slide 160: 

Bella was sitting in the room and had been listening to Helena’s end of the conversation anxiously. Helena lowered the phone and said, “Uh, I think he’s coming over…” “What?!”

Slide 161: 

And that’s where Chapter 37 ends! Yes, I know, I’m awful and I suck for leaving such a cliffhanger. Tune in next time to resolve this whole darn subplot! Bye! “What? No, I’m not interested! Where’d you get this number? Stop calling me!” Geez, telemarketers never rest, do they?

Slide 162: 

…Don’t ask. >.>