Slide 2:“Egypt, honey, your taxi’s here.” Egypt kept her eyes firmly closed. “Ok. I’ll be right out.” Rowena wondered if she was holding back tears.


Slide 3:Egypt got up and was immediately enveloped in a stifling hug. “I’m going to miss you, Egypt,” Rowena sniffled, holding back tears of her own. Clarence hugged her next. “Keep your senses about you,” was all he said, not one for words. Egypt nodded, turning to Boots.


Slide 4:“I’m going to miss you so much, Egypt,” Boots said mockingly in a fairly accurate imitation of Rowena. “Oh yeah right,” Egypt rolled her damp eyes. They grinned. “I suppose this is goodbye,” Boots continued, the grin drifting from his face. “Oh, well not really. You’ll be coming to university soon, right?” Boots hesitated. “I’m not sure if I’m going to, actually.”


Slide 5:“Oh, please,” Egypt laughed, “Don’t try to pull that one over me. The emo who didn’t go to college, huh? Come on, don’t be like that.” “But—” “You need an education, Boots. So you can get a good career,” Egypt told him seriously. “Well... I suppose you do have a point there.” “So, I will see you at college.” “Ok,” Boots’s face broke out into a reluctant smile.


Slide 6:“And I will miss you, Egypt.” “I’ll miss you, too. But it’s not for long.”


Slide 7:As Egypt’s taxi hurtled towards her new college, University D’Orreur, she thought about Caleb and how he’d be going to college all the way in Strangetown. How would she go without him for four years? Somehow the idea seemed more welcome to her than it probably should have.


Slide 8:.......


Slide 9:Meanwhile at another house across town, Aerie’s twin daughters were considering the idea of college too. Flick managed to get a scholarship for her bass-playing and good grades, but Peri was still undecided on the whole matter.


Slide 10:“You’re kidding, right? You can’t just not go, Peri.” “Yes, I can. Actually I plan on not going.” “But what about your education? You need to get a good education so you can get a good career, right?” Peri rolled her eyes. It was just like Flick to stress out over these things.


Slide 11:“Flick, I want to be an athlete, not a rocket scientist. It isn’t necessary for me to go to college,” she explained, using one of those big words Flick was fond of. “But– but I’ll be lonely!” Flick exclaimed. “You’ll be fine! It’s about time you branched out, anyway– make friends with people instead of books for a change,” Peri joked. Flick laughed in spite of herself.


Slide 12:So off Flick went, leaving Peridot and Aerie behind in Dyspaire. I was going to refer to them as ‘Peri and Aerie’, but I realised how ridiculous that sounded. Curse those rhyming nicknames!


Slide 13:Well. This was it. This was college. It looked old, battered, run-down, and cheap. Egypt looked up at it for several minutes, agape. “College!” “College!” “College!” “It’s only a model.” “Shh.” Random ‘Holy Grail’ references. :)


Slide 14:“I love it!” she cried.


Slide 15:One morning Egypt heard loud, laughing voices calling her name from outside. She knew those voices. Still in her pyjamas, she raced to the front door to find Beaux, Flick, and her beloved brother standing on the dry front lawn, looking up at the shabby dorms with some apprehension, but smiling nonetheless. She gave a small squeak of joy and rushed outside immediately.


Slide 16:She was excited to see Beaux and Flick, but it was Boots who she’d really missed. She rocketed straight into his arms for a huge hug. “I’ve missed you so much,” she said in a muffled voice. “Welcome to college, guys!”


Slide 17:Ah, college. It isn’t easy trying to keep all my legacy sims’ grades up at the same time. Especially when they have a great fondness for slacking off. “SSX, Beaux? You should be studying. You have that test tomorrow.” “Yes, mother...” *grumbles* “Now leave! It’s my turn to play.”


Slide 18:The girls had lots of fun flirting with any guys that crossed their path. Shy, sweet Flick became a natural guy magnet without even trying, and Egypt loved that she was finally popular with the boys, for once. Caleb crossed her mind only every now and then.


Slide 19:Boots was also hopeful about finding a girl he could actually connect with. He tried talking to some of the cheerleaders and short-skirted preppy girls who wandered around the place in large quantities, but nobody was even remotely right for him. All the rejection left Boots feeling a little forlorn.


Slide 20:Meanwhile, Clare and Adam had moved into a pretty blue house by themselves. Things were great. They no longer had to feel responsible and be in the middle of all the legacy action, but they could watch from afar and offer their assistance when needed.


Slide 21:They spent the bulk of their time doing a lot of the same things they’d done in those first few weeks, whiling away the time until the legacy began. Only now they were whiling away the time until something else.


Slide 22:“Adam, I’m just going over to Aerie’s house for a chat. I should be back later this afternoon.” “Ok, see you then. Have fun.” “Love you.” “Love you too.”


Slide 23:“Adam!” Clare called out, opening the door. “Adam, I’m home!” She listened for some kind of reply, but none came. “Are you there, Adam?” Perhaps he was just sleeping... A chilly wind blew in and Clare shut the door slowly. Something seemed... not right. All the windows had been left open and the radio was still on. The night sounds felt ominous to Clare. She walked slowly towards the bedroom.


Slide 24:She gave a shuddering gasp. “No– not Adam!” The marble urn was right next to the guitar. He must have been playing it right before he died.


Slide 25:.......


Slide 26:Come up to meet you, tell you I'm sorry,You don't know how lovely you are.I had to find you,Tell you I need you,Tell you I've set you apart... Tell me your secrets,And ask me your questions,Oh, let's go back to the start.Running in circles,Coming up tails,Heads on the science apart...


: Nobody said it was easy,It's such a shame for us to part.Nobody said it was easy,But no one ever said it would be this hard...Oh take me back to the start...


Slide 28:I was just guessingAt numbers and figures,Pulling the puzzles apart.Questions of science,Science and progress,Do not speak as loud as my heart. So tell me you love me,Come back and haunt me,Oh and I rush to the start,Running in circles,Chasing our tails,Coming back as we are...


Slide 29:Nobody said it was easy,Oh, it's such a shame for us to part. Nobody said it was easy,No one ever said it would be so hard.I’m going back to the start... --Coldplay- The Scientist


Slide 30:The whole family was distraught when they heard the news.


Slide 31:And when Clare finally calmed down enough to drag herself unfeelingly into the bedroom. She needed to sleep. But she was surprised to find there was somebody already in there. “...Clare!”


Slide 32:“Clare! You’ve left the door open again!” Tess called, rolling her eyes at her slightly feeble-minded sister. It was quite a lovely day, but apart from the birds’ songs it was very quiet, and Tess heard no reply. “Clare?” she called again, listening very hard. When again no answer came, she frowned and strode inside.


Slide 33:“Hmm– haven’t noticed this table here before...” Tess’s eyes fell upon a sheet of paper covered in a messy scrawl. She recognized that writing. “Tess- I hope you’re reading this, because it’s very important. I couldn’t live without Adam. I just couldn’t. I hope you understand. I promise you I will not be gone forever. Also, I have left something for you in your backyard. Please use it wisely. Take care. Love from, Cla a mysterious and anonymous person...” The note was decorated with a sad face and a shining sun.


Slide 34:“A mysterious and anonymous person, huh?” Tess scoffed. “Well, then it’s got to be Clare.”


Slide 35:“Oh my god... no... not Clare!”


Slide 36:“No, no, no, no...” “Excuse me... Are you ok?” The voice sounded achingly familiar. Tess spun around.


Slide 37:“AHHHHH!!”


Slide 38:“But... it’s you... but you... the note... you said... Clare, what’s happened to your skin?” Tess gibbered. “What is going on?” The blonde girl listened compassionately. “Well, actually, I was hoping you could explain that to me. I don’t remember a thing until about one o’ clock this morning,” she sighed. Tess only stared at her, agape. “Well, I suppose it’ll remain a mystery, then. What’s your name?”


Slide 39:“I’m... er... Tess,” Tess said very slowly and uneasily. “Your sister?” Even for Clare, this was not normal behavior. “You mean, you’re my sister?” Clare pointed at herself and then Tess, wide-eyed, “We’re sisters?” Tess nodded with a slight frown. “Well, then, would you happen to know who I am?” Tess looked her up and down. “I think perhaps you and I should have a little chat.”


Slide 40:The college students were very distressed about the death of their grandparents, and suitably bewildered over Clare’s new, zombie-like form. But they had to stress out over tests, grades, and relationships as well. Life had to go on.


Slide 41:Everyone was noticing Boots was even more gloomy than usual. The lack of interest from girls, the fact that he still couldn’t find anyone like him, was really hitting him hard. The death of his grandparents, who he’d been very close to, didn’t help. Now Boots spent most of his time in the library, away from his dorm and his family, trying to clear all thoughts from his mind.


Slide 42:Staring into space and trying not to break down again, he didn’t notice the girl sliding into the seat next to him. “Excuse me,” she had a slightly husky, attractive voice. “You don’t mind if I sit here, do you?”


Slide 43:The voice made him look up. The girl had shining purple hair, flawless, golden-toned skin, and sparkling black eyes. Boots’s lips curved into a smile at the sight of her. “No, not at all,” he exclaimed, slightly hoarsely. It seemed silly to go back to his moping now, so he fixed his eyes on her instead.


Slide 44:She grinned at him. “I’m Donatello.” Boot’s eyebrows shot high into his thick fringe. “Your name is seriously... Donatello?” She laughed mischievously. “No, but you looked like you could’ve used some cheering up. I’m Claudia.” Boots could not help but smile at this. “And I’m Boots.” She giggled. Why, oh why, had it taken him so long to find this girl?


Slide 45:“Why are you giggling at my name?” “Oh, don’t worry. I think it’s very cute,” she replied amiably. “Well.” Boots was bemused. “Are you in any of my classes?”


Slide 46:“I’m not sure. Are you in biology?” “No, psychology. Still, you’d think I would have seen you around. I think you’re the only one around here with purple hair.” “Well, I’ve seen you around.” Claudia cast her eyes downwards, shyly. Boots looked at her curiously.


Slide 47:“Well, we should definitely meet again. Go get a coffee together, or something,” Boots spoke up, emboldened by Claudia’s interest. Claudia looked up and smiled at him in a way that sent shivers down his spine. “I would like that.” “And...” Boots hesitated. “You could come back to my dorm right now?”


Slide 48:She agreed. It started out innocent enough. They both knew they had a connection. As it grew late, they couldn’t keep their hands off each other...


Slide 49:“...Boots?” But Boots was already smiling in his sleep. They were inseparable from then on.


Slide 50:Well, I didn’t want to do it, but I knew I did eventually need to grow Fern up. It was a terribly difficult sacrifice to make. She was my cutest child sim ever! *sits in corner and wails* Luckily, it turned out she is still adorable. Phew! Those ears were cute, but I thought it would be cruel if I’d made her keep them.


Slide 51:And suddenly, before anyone knew it, there they were at college– Fern and Lotus. They were always giggling and gossiping about guys or the latest professor scandals. Most guys couldn’t keep their eyes off them, but they remained highly oblivious. Neither of them were extremely academic, but they were there for the experience and loved it.


Slide 52:Nice. “It’s towards the greek house that you want so much. I suggest you shut up.” Permit me, before I shut up, to tell you that you’re the new heir? “...Oh?” Yes, it was quite a landslide. How do you like that? “Hmm, that’s unexpected. Now you can shut up.”


Slide 53:“So, Boots is heir, huh? I was so sure it was going to be a victory for the girls!” said Fern. “Yeah, but I don’t mind not being heir. I was thinking of moving to Pleasantview after I graduate, anyway.” Egypt assured them. “Really? But what about Caleb?” “Well, yeah,” Egypt was surprised, “I suppose he could come.” “If I were to be heir of something... I would marry Mark...” Flick piped up dreamily. “Who’s Mark? Mohawk dude?” “Yes it is, and she’s been going on about him for the past millennium or so.” Lotus said disgruntedly.


Slide 54:“I,” Fern said, “would marry that Llama mascot who’s always around here.” “The llama mascot?” “Yes, his name’s Brian, and we have a lot in common. And don’t worry, he’s cute under the mask.” “You’ve seen?” Fern smiled wickedly and they all giggled. She does have clothes on, here. I promise. :)


Slide 55:Flick’s wish was granted sooner than she’d thought. She and Mark were dancing, when suddenly he stopped. Flick noticed he was still smiling, in rather a nervous way, so she couldn’t imagine what was wrong.


Slide 56:Until he pulled out the box. “Flick, I know a lot of people would say we’re too young, but I know I love you more than anything and I will for the rest of my life. Will you marry me?” Flick gasped, taking it all in. It was that black velvet box she had dreamed of. That impossibly shiny diamond ring she had dreamed of.


Slide 57:“Yes!” she squeaked, plowing right into him with a surprisingly forceful hug. “Yes, I will!” Mark held her. “Wow, not a single scathing remark. That went better than expected,” he joked. “You know I’m a sucker for the cheesy lines,” Flick teased him.


Slide 58:Well, Once everybody had made it to Junior year, it was time for a change from the dingy old dorms they’d been living in for the first two years of college. A new house was in order– one with brightly colored bricks and clashing colors! Well, I suppose it wasn’t strictly necessary, but that’s what they got. And Lotus left for a while on a secret mission and came back with a nice new, sparkly white simlish letter, which was placed with pride on the front of their house. Say hello to: A VERY SPIFFY GREEK HOUSE! I swear I me and my sister thought she brought back a fish. It was exceedingly strange.


Slide 59:What do you think, boys? “Nice kitchen. I have farted upon it.” And you, Boots? “Worthy of my shirtlessness!” “I’ll say.”


Slide 60:Indeed Boots did spend a lot of time shirtless. He hardly ever went to class fully dressed. Because he’s emo like that. This picture is here because I feel many will appreciate it. :)


Slide 61:One of the best parts of having a greek house, in my opinion, is the fabulous toga parties. They’re so easy and it makes me happy to see my sims socialising. Plus, I have now learned the moves to the school cheer!


Slide 62:It was a one of their parties that Lotus met Willow. Their names strangely coincided, and it turned out so did everything else. I do like that second picture. :)


Slide 63:Okay okay okay, ohmygod ohmygod. I know what you’re thinking. Isn’t this the most awesome, amazing thing you’ve ever seen? I KNOW! Alright, so it’s stupid and pointless and has no use in-game except to clutter up the place, but you see, I just couldn’t leave it. I had to have it. And if you want one for yourself... Er, I have no idea where I found it.


Slide 64:The college years were drawing to a close. I was very pleased to witness my first cheerleader-cow fight! And Boots made things more official with Claudia, since he was heir. “You are you going to move in with me, right? After college?” “Of course. I wouldn’t dream of anything else.”


Slide 65:Stella Torano was chosen as placeholder. I couldn’t resist the blue skin, see. :) And then, they started graduating.


Slide 66:Now, here’s a quick fact for you. I may like toga parties, but I have absolutely no patience for graduation parties– no idea why. So here’s some quick before-and-after shots of the sims for you. With names, in case you’ve forgotten. (I would have.) Flick...


Slide 67:And Beaux... And that’s it. My game crashed on me. Pretend the rest graduated. Continue.


Slide 68:As for Egypt, she wasn’t sure what she was going to do next. She hadn’t changed her plans to move to Pleasantview, but she couldn’t ignore the fact that she was beginning to dread going back to Caleb.


Slide 69:Ugh, Caleb. She wrinkled her nose. She had called her the day before; “Hey, babe!” was how he had greeted her. The very thought of him referring to her as ‘babe’ made her feel slightly sick.


Slide 70:So after she grew up, she left. Not to go back to Dyspaire and to Caleb, but to Pleasantview. Alone. I don’t need him, anyway.


Slide 71:Peri... what are you doing? “Reps. For my job. I’m going to be a famous soccer player soon, just you see!” But... hang on, it seems you’re an adult now! “Yes, I know! And I don’t regret not going to college one bit.” Although you do miss Flick, right? “Of course.”


Slide 72:Aerie lay on her bed, just thinking about life. Or, more specifically, thinking about Donte. For some reason she felt better when she was with him than anyone else. She wondered if she should make their relationship more official. She wondered if she could handle it. And she wished her mother could be around to see it.


Slide 73:She was so lost in her thoughts she didn’t see the man who was suddenly lying there, next to her. “Hello, Aerie.”


Slide 74:And before she had time to voice her shock and demand to know who he was, he was on top of her. Aerie didn’t know what to do. So she went along with it. After all, why not? She didn’t have a boyfriend, really. She’d kissed lots of guys before without really knowing them. What was the worst that could happen?


Slide 75:And suddenly, he was gone. Aerie didn’t know how much time had passed since she’d been alone. It could have been minutes, or hours... she leant on her hands, feeling slightly dizzy. Her mind was a blur; she didn’t know what to think. But she couldn’t think any more. She was tired, so very tired.


Slide 76:She collapsed on the floor in a heap, her brain going dead.


Slide 77:Well, that’s it folks. I’m awfully sorry this took me so long to do. It’s just school, plus playing all those sims through college... You know how it goes. Here’s a picture in memory of me. I’m kind of going to miss me. :(