The Spifftastic Legacy Chapter 6

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Chapter 6

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--of school. Yes. Blame it on school. I knew this would happen, you knew this would happen, but it still makes me cranky. Well I suppose we’d better get on with the story. *sigh* It’s just too bad Clare and Adam don’t look like that any more. Well, anyway, welcome to another chapter of the Spifftastic Legacy. Why am I talking, and not Clare, you ask? Well, it’s all because--

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I got University!

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I. Love. These drums. Sadly, I actually chose University over Nightlife mostly because of the mini fridge, but since it turns out that’s extremely lame, this is my new obsession. I play the drums in real life, and I’m pretty good at them (if I do say so myself), but my simself totally sucks at it.

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My own husband is better at it than me... A whooole lot better. Harumph. Looks like he’s conversing with the drumstick, hmm?

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Well... I can rap, now! Take that!

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Hehehe. I’m really quite enjoying myself, can you tell? Poor Dagmar.

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ANYWAY! I’m sure nobody wants to hear all about my extremely late realisation that University is a great EP. So we’ll begin with a birthday, a nice mundane way to get into the story. This is Boots if you’ve forgotten. “Clare, why are you standing that close to me? Personal bubble!” “The rest of the guests and I are not finished with our game of musical-birthday-watching-shuffles, if you please.”

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Several tedious minutes later, during which most party guests ended up in worse cake-viewing positions than those they had started in... Blow out candles, poof of confetti, “I ZEE WAHHH!” and we have a kid on our hands. Love Aerie’s expression in the second picture. She must be so honoured to be here.

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Well, here is freckle-faced, unruly-haired Boots. No more toddlers for Rowena and Clarence this generation!

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.................... “Coral! I haven’t seen you in an awfully long time! How’s things? Found that special someone yet?” Coral sighed. “Come inside, Mum, and we’ll catch up. It’s kind of a long story.”

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“Well, do tell me what’s happened since the last time we met,” Clare pressed after coffee had been served. “Well... I’ve been on a few dates...”

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“...but they’ve never really progressed past the first-date stage. I just never really connect with anyone.” Coral and Clare looked at each other grimly. “They seem to find my ambitions too overpowering. Or my humour too dry. Or something, I don’t know...”

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“One guy even told me he found my lack of hair off-putting,” Coral recalled, sighing and staring into space as she remembered. “What?” Clare was outraged. “Well forget him! If a guy judges you by your hair, he is not worth your time. And I happen to think your haircut looks fantastic on you.” “Thanks. But the thing is, I’m not sure there is someone out there for me. Not in Dyspaire, anyway.”

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“I’m sure there is, Coral. Don’t worry.” “It doesn’t matter, anyway. I’m okay being single. And... I do want kids, but I was thinking... I could always, you know.... adopt a child.” “Adoption?” Clare hadn’t ever thought of this. She frowned as she considered the possibility. “Bad idea?” Coral studied her mother. “No, a good one. It would be a tough decision, you know.” “I know, but I’m only considering it at this stage.”

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After all the coffee had been drunk, they said goodbye. “You’d better stay in touch,” Clare warned jokingly, “Let me know what’s on your mind.” “Oh, I definitely will.”

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But once the idea of adoption had made its way into Coral’s mind, she couldn’t get it out. Finally her need for company and a child to call her own got the most of her, and she called the nearest orphanage, which was in Riverblossom Hills. After answering lots of questions, Coral was told she was indeed eligible to adopt a child. Her heart leapt with joy and nervousness. This was definitely the start of something.

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The result of many visits to Riverblossom Hills and from many social workers was Lotus, a serious young girl, wise beyond her years, who liked to daydream and who often ended up being inadvertently funny.

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[I could take pictures of her all day] :)

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She and Coral liked to sit down at night and just talk. They didn’t quite have the close relationship that, for example, Rowena and her mother had, but they found each other interesting. Coral was sure they would become great friends. She was already proud to call Lotus her daughter.

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“So, how was school?” Coral asked Lotus as the latter came home from school one day. “Oh... It was fine,” Lotus said, looking at her feet in their pink ballet slippers, “but the teacher told me I was daydreaming too much. She said I ought to put that energy into achieving 110%. Coral, how can I give 110% when it only goes up to 100%?” Coral stifled a giggle. “It’s just a figure of speech.”

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Lotus still looked a bit sad as she replied, “Oh.” Coral felt annoyed at this teacher. “And I don’t think there’s anything wrong with a bit of daydreaming,” she continued, “You’re still doing great work in school. I’ve seen it.” “So I can daydream when I’m not working?” “If you want,” Coral smiled. She might have said, ‘as long as it doesn’t impact on your work,’ but that didn’t seem necessary. Lotus looked at her mother with big eyes and gave her a hug. The first hug she had given to her.

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................... It was a late night after work, and Beaux and Fern were both asleep. “Quartz... I’m a bit worried about Beaux,” Dagmar admitted quietly, “Yesterday, I caught him rifling through my makeup drawer.” “Our son, a thief?” Quartz asked jokingly, amused. “You know what I mean,” Dagmar did look awfully worried.

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“There’s nothing wrong with him, Dagmar,” Quartz urged. “He’s just... in touch with his feminine side.” “That’s not really normal,” Dagmar replied. “You can’t force him to be what he isn’t,” Quartz gave his wife a look. “If he’s happy with who he is, isn’t that enough for you?” “I don’t want him to be teased.” “We can deal with the teasing if it comes. As for now, can we just let Beaux be whoever he wants? He’s young. He needs to try things out.” “Mm, I suppose...”

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“...I...suppose...” With a sigh, Dagmar’s eyelids drooped and she was fast asleep. Quartz sighed and looked down at her. As if he could blame her. She was just tired; they were both tired. He would talk to Beaux in the morning.

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“Beaux,” Quartz stopped his son, who was about to go into the living room. “Your mothe– uh, I just wanted to ask you something.” Beaux nodded in earnest. Quartz did not know how to phrase his question. “Do you... like wearing flowers and playing with dolls houses?” “Yes, of course.” “Um... And do you ever get teased because of that?”

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“Sometimes, but I don’t care. The other boys in my class all like to play monster games and they get all dirty and yucky.” Beaux wrinkled his nose. “Sometimes I wish I could be...” he trailed off. Quartz thought it best not to press on. “Well, you can always talk to me or your mother if you need to. Now let’s get you back into that flower shirt, eh?”

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And that made Beaux happy.

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The next morning Quartz told Dagmar what had happened the night before. “Mmph... he said... om, nom... that he liked wearing flowers and...” “Quartz, don’t talk with your mouth full. I can’t understand a word you’re saying.” Quartz swallowed enormously. “He seems to be perfectly fine with who he is.”

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“But, all the same...” Dagmar sighed, knowing she was defeated. “Remember, this isn’t about you, Dagmar. It’s about our son. If he’s happy, what more do you want?” Dagmar grinned. “Ok. I just don’t want him to be teased. That’s all.” Quartz shot her a teasing look. “Yeah, sure. And who’s the policewoman in this family? You can deal with any bullying that comes our way.” They laughed.

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“So, since money’s a bit tight at the moment,” Aerie told her twin daughters, biting her lip, “One of you two is going to have to sleep on this couch for the time being—” “We’ll share!” Peridot and Flick shouted in unison. Sleeping on the couch! How exciting.

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Poor kid, Aerie thought, closing her eyes and sighing as she saw Flick that night, draped over the battered couch. If only I could afford that second bed. If only my life wasn’t such a wreck.

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“There, is that any better?” Aerie murmured, having carried Flick down the hall and into her own bed. Flick, of course, was fast asleep.

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The next morning, Aerie hauled out most of the expensive stuff onto the lawn, in the hopes that some wealthy townies would stop by and take a look. The fridge, couch, and counters were now cluttering up the sidewalk. The living room was now almost empty, but Aerie refused to sell any of her daughters’ belongings.

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The kids still had the pool. Lotus was over most afternoons, and they played Marco Polo and got to know each other.

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Meanwhile Egypt grew up. I decided to do it outdoors, since it it the desert and it’s not exactly going to be cold outside, is it? Anyway, here she is, yes very nice, and I was going to have an equally nice bonfire to show off my recent university-EP-ness, but...

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Dagmar and Adrian had to go and have this little tiff and become enemies, and I was so confused I forgot about the bonfire, which promptly burned out. So I didn’t get any pictures of that, and the party turned out sucky. Tess, sometimes I hate your husband.

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Oh well, take two on the birthdays. This is Fern here, ready for toddlerfication. And is Adrian invited to this party? ...No he is not.

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Adorable little kiddo, this one. But I’m a bit distracted by Quartz’s terrible glitching hands. Might want to put some ointment on that one.

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In’ she a cutie. <#O ( waffle cone!)

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Beaux liked Fern almost automatically. They both had great fun playing peek-a-boo. It made Dagmar and Quartz so pleased to hear her delighted squeals.

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In fact Fern was the most animated when she was around her big brother. He really brought out the best in her.

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Soon it was Fern’s birthday, meaning hopefully no more toddlers for this generation! Don’t get me wrong, they’re adorable (hence the large amount of picspam) but a lot of work. I had the party outside and never mind that it is raining. Having rain in the desert is a good thing, anyway. You have to celebrate it.

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This is how she turned out... And this is how she cleaned up. She’s different to most sim children, somehow. I feel like I know her.

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“Nice rabbit ears, Fern,” Beaux said, smiling. “Thanks!” Fern was thrilled at her big brother’s praise. “Hey... are you alright? You look a little strange.” Beaux sighed. “Well, I do feel a bit weird. It’s like I’m buzzing all over.” He bit his lip. “I... I...”

“I ZEE WAH!!!” : 

“I ZEE WAH!!!” The end.

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Ah... well it seems these are the only two photos I have of Beaux as a teen so far. Oops. Well at least they’re from unique angles! Nice lashes, Beaux. Whose mascara is it?“What makes you think I am wearing mascara?” ... “Ok, fine, I bought it myself.” Methinks you need more practice with the wand. Ok fine there is more to the story.

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“How’s that report card going, Flick?” “A+! Isn’t that exciting?” “You should be proud of that kid, ma’am. I never got A’s as a child.” “Yeah... that would be why you’re now a school bus driver.” “Hey!”

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With the money from her job as a photographer’s assistant, Aerie was finally able to afford a second bed for Flick and Peridot.

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She was also able to buy a microphone, mostly for the kids’ entertainment. Flick had a sweet voice, but she didn’t like singing in front of people. Peridot wasn’t shy at all, but she had a kind of... boisterous voice.

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And in the meantime, Aerie had been spending quite a bit of time with Donte, a man who worked in the workshop next to hers. He was a singer who painted in his spare time.

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He seemed infatuated by her, though Aerie told herself she must not fall for him. She didn’t need all the complications that went along with it. Still, she felt like she had known Donte for a long time– like she’d already met him. There was just one thing. Donte’s eyes were grey, not green like Peridot’s. Either way, things were looking up for Aerie.

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Soon the twin’s birthday came round. Aerie invited Donte to help celebrate, which he quite enthusiastically did. It was almost like they were a couple. Not that they were, of course.

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Peridot rolled Romance and Flick rolled Family. These are really bad pictures of them.

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That’s more like it. Aren’t they cute?

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Well, back to M.L.L now. (From now on this stands for Main Legacy Lot). Just wanted to let you know that Rowena is officially sort of Maxis Match. Long story shirt there was a mixup with a CC cleanout and hair meshes and all in all I decided she looked quite good in this AL hair! What do you think? “I hate it.” Oh, you’ll live.

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Egypt asked a boy named Kane to come to her house after school, and to her delight he agreed. He was quite popular, and Egypt was surprised he would pick her over those snooty popular girls.

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“High school’s not exactly as I expected,” she confided in him. She felt quite cool, up in the tower with this popular boy. “How come?” Kane gave a half-attempt at looking interested. He was quite hungry. Egypt fell for it. “I guess... I thought everyone would kind of like me. That I would be more popular. It’s a small town.” “It doesn’t work that way,” Kane was amused. “You know Chelsea thinks you’re a fat wannabe, right?”

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“She said that about me? To you?” Egypt was too shocked by this to feel much pain yet. She was simply curious. Kane nodded, one eyebrow raised. “Wow.” Egypt sighed, still not really comprehending. “And do you agree?” Kane shrugged. “You got any food? I’m starved.” Egypt instantly grinned. “We do have food! My grandma’s a great cook.” She hopped down the fireman’s pole. “Follow me!”

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As Kane slid down the pole, he became uneasy at the flirty grin playing around Egypt’s face. It would be really bad if he let himself fall for Egypt. He would never be accepted at school again. No, he thought defiantly, I would much rather have Chelsea, or Daniella. “Actually, Egypt, I think I’ll just go home instead. Lots of homework.” “Oh, that sucks.” Egypt’s smile fell a little. “Bye,” Kane said, trying not to feel bad for letting her down. “Bye,” Egypt whispered, letting her grin fall helplessly as Kane walked away.

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So Egypt officially became unpopular. She wasn’t sure how it happened, but she figured she may as well go with it for the time being, and asked out Caleb. Caleb was a geeky boy with well-brushed hair and the social skills of a gnat. He tucked in his shirt religiously and was slightly perverted.

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On top of all this, he was extremely overbearing in his romantic pursuits of Egypt-- not to mention extremely persistent.

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“Why were you kissing that redheaded boy yesterday?” Boots asked over omelets the next morning. He wasn’t such a fan of Caleb. He was always patronising to him, and he did this weird snorting thing with his nose every few seconds that drove Boots mad. “Well, he is my boyfriend,” Egypt said dully, pushing egg into her mouth moodily. She didn’t feel like having this conversation in front of her grandparents, who’d both looked up, interested.

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“And, are you, ahh...” Clare asked cautiously, “Happy with him as a boyfriend?” “Sure,” Egypt sighed.

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“...I guess he’s better than nothing.”

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Soon was Boots’s birthday. (Do I really need that extra ‘s’ in the spelling?) Half the guests seemed to be in their pyjamas, but regardless of this Boots grew up nice and cute, and looking at that picture I feel a sudden urge to download those dimples from MTS2. And nice, Adam... If you need to go to the toilet, then go! Sheesh, why did I marry this man.

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And, yes, this time the bonfire was successful. I was glad because I would love a bonfire at my party and this is the next best thing. Here Quartz and I exhibit a display of the ‘bonfire dance’. ?! I suppose it’s the sort of thing I would do at a bonfire, once the marshmallows had run out. :)

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The next morning, while they were both waiting for the bus, Egypt filled Boots in on the facts of high school. “You have to make sure you have some group you belong to,” she said, “otherwise you’ll be a really easy target, you know?” Boots nodded. “Don’t make friends with the popular kids. They just pick on people because they have nothing better to do,” Egypt continued bitterly.

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“Well, what group are you a part of, then?” Egypt smiled sadly. “I guess I don’t have one. I hang out with Caleb a lot.” She sighed. “That’s why I’m telling you all this, so that at least you’re more popular than I am.” Boots nodded again, seriously. “I sure hope I will be,” he said without thinking. Egypt laughed at him, and he joined in. Egypt’s bus arrived soon, and she went off to private school with a final wave, leaving Boots waiting for his bus deep in thought.

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“So, did you find a group?” Egypt asked Boots after school was done for the day. “I was with Flick and Peri the whole day,” Boots replied, concentrating, “I don’t suppose they really count.” “At least you know they like you.” “Yeah, but they’re my cousins. And no-one else I met seemed like the sort of person I could be good friends with. Everyone’s very shallow.” Egypt enthusiastically agreed.

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A few days after this, when Boots had settled in to his new school a little better, he found himself sitting at the kitchen table surrounded by mother and grandmother. They’d mentioned something about ‘wanting to talk to him’. “Well, Boots, we still haven’t gotten around to putting you in private school with Egypt, and we feel like it’s about time.” “Who’s ‘we’?” Boots asked, eyebrows raised. “Your father and I, and Clare and Adam.” Rowena waited for a reaction.

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“Well, I don’t really want to,” Boots said finally. “I have friends at Dyspaire High.” “You’d be with Egypt if you went to Desert Academy.” “Mum,” Boots turned to Rowena, “Come on. You know I don’t really care if I see Egypt at school every day. Did you ever hang out with Aerie at school?” “No,” Rowena remembered with a smile, “She was much too cool for me.” Boots still looked unconvinced.

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“Boots, we’re only doing this for your own good. You know that, right?” “Yes.” “You’ll get a better education, and you’ll make some new friends.” “Plus, you won’t have that horrible science teacher any more!” Clare chipped in brightly. Boots half-smiled.

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“I suppose so,” he sighed stoically, the martyr. Rowena smiled at him, and he got up to leave, sighing again dramatically.

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“What on earth has gotten into that boy?” Clare asked loudly after Boots was out of earshot. “It’s like he thinks the whole world is against him or something.” “Perhaps he does.”

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“Honestly, sometimes I feel like the whole world’s against me or something,” Boots told his older cousin, Beaux. “That isn’t normal, is it?” Beaux laughed. “That depends. Why do you feel like the whole world’s against you?”

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“I don’t know... it’s a lot of things, really. I don’t feel like I really fit in anywhere, and Mum’s getting me to move to private school soon, and it’s unfair that Egypt’s being treated how she is... you know...” Boots rambled vaguely. “Besides, I couldn’t get my hair to do that flippy thing, like that guy from that band can do.”

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Beaux could not help but laugh again. “You, Boots, are emo,” he declared, grinning. “Emo?” “Yeah, you know, like wearing lots of black and skulking around brooding and that sort of thing. It’s very big city,” Beaux added helpfully. “Hmm...”

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“Nice playing, Boots.” “Thanks. Hey,” Boots continued, seeing an opportunity, “Can I dye my hair?”

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“Egypt, why do you spend so much time on your makeup when no-one talks to you?” Boots asked jokingly. “We aren’t you a rude little– OH MY GOD!”

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“A surprise, huh?” “When did this happen? Why didn’t you tell me? How come—” “I am telling you, Egypt. I only dyed it last night.” “—And is that my eyeliner?” “Uh... yes. Sorry. I’ll go and buy my own as soon as I get the chance.”

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“Nah, it’s ok. Keep it. You’ve probably used half the stick anyway,” Egypt said. “Thanks,” Boots replied. They looked at each other a little shyly. Egypt was silent a while. “I think you look awesome,” she admitted quietly, as the beeping of the school bus summoned her outside. I might finally fit in, Boots thought.

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“Well, now that Boots is a dashing young man, I think it’s about time Adam and I moved out and found a place of our own. You don’t need our help any more. You’re quite a competent mother.” “You’re moving out?” Rowena asked. “Is that alright? I just feel like we’re beginning to be more of a hindrance than a help around here.” “Oh, no, Mum! Not at all. But will you need any help?” “Of course not! I may be old, but I’m not incapable of everyday household tasks,” Clare scolded.

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“Well, then... you and Adam go and have your fun,” Rowena grinned wickedly. She would miss her batty old mum.

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And so Adam and Clare moved out of the Main Legacy Lot.

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...Sorry about that. I just thought more Fern spammage was necessary. Carry on. :)

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A little while later, Boots and Beaux were chatting again. Beaux was quite delighted by Boots’s new look, but Boots wasn’t so delighted. “The thing is, Beaux, I can’t get any girls to like me,” he confided. “Maybe they’re intimidated by my appearance or something.” Beaux nodded. “No-one else in Dyspaire looks quite like you,” he agreed. “And there’s more to it,” Boots continued, “I can’t find a single person in this town I could envision myself in a relationship with.”

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“I have the same problem,” Beaux said quietly. “Boots,” he said after several moments, “have you ever considered that maybe you... er... like guys?” He looked at his cousin shyly.

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“Well, no,” Boots answered, surprised. “...Beaux, are you trying to tell me something here?” he asked, cottoning on.

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Beaux blushed. “I guess I am.” “Wow.” Boots took this in. “You okay?” “Of course! I can’t say I’m surprised, exactly. Guess I’ve always sort of guessed that about you. Have you told the rest of the family yet?” “No. I... I don’t really want to know what they’ll say.” “They’ll be fine. They’ll support you. Coral’s bi, remember?” Boots was glad he could help his cousin.

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Meanwhile Lotus held a great big party to celebrate her transition to teenhood. All her older cousins were there, and Lotus couldn’t wait to see what all the fuss was about. I love Lo’s face in this picture. :)

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I think she turned out very nice. I have to use this opportunity to say that Lotus was made by monoblue... not me. All I did was change her genetics and age. Anyway. Lotus talked to Egypt for a while, having never really done so before. She seemed slightly distracted.

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“Have you heard about what happened between Rowena and that Joe character?” “I had! It was really quite brave of Clarence to stand up to him, wasn’t it?” “It was, it was... Have you heard Joe was looking for you?” “Yes, I had. Spooky, huh?” They both laughed.

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“Seriously, though... we laugh about it, but this whole business is terrible. It gives me the creeps. That Joe could be dangerous, you know. Promise me that if he ever finds you, you’ll tell us straight away.” “’That Joe’ is in prison, you know. And I’m not that stupid. I recognize a maniac when I see one.” “I know, but– hey, who’s that man outside the window?” Coral asked, peering over Aerie’s shoulder suspiciously.

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Aerie got up and looked down. There was a dark-skinned, black haired man standing outside her house, wearing quite a peculiar orange suit. “I don’t know...”

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“...Just another weirdo, I suppose.”

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Random picture = End of chapter! Wait, but before I go, remember there is an HEIR POLL!!! It’ll be really easy. There’s two choices so it’s one or the other, folks. I have plots for both of them, and I’m really excited to see who wins because I adore them both. Anyway, here’s your choices.

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First is Boots, the youngest. He’s cynical and somewhat emo and has problems with fitting in, since no-one else in Dyspaire looks like him. He’s very close to his cousin Beaux and to his sister. And he’s cute.

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Next is Egypt, the older sibling. She also has problems fitting in, purely because others find her an easy target. She can tend towards being quite materialistic and is often bitter. She’s close to her brother, and doesn’t have any strong feelings for her dorky boyfriend. There’s your choices... Head on over to the heir poll on boolprop and VOTE VOTE VOTE! See you next time for my first-ever college chapter!