Uncomplicated 4.1: The other side of crazy

Wren

      "Hey." I told Darin I'd meet him here. We're friends.

      "Mom is driving me insane."

      "What did she do this time?" A week ago, I went home with him on the bus. His mom is a bit of a nutjob.

     "She said she wants to curl my hair for graduation!"

     I start giggling. Then I laugh harder.

     "Thanks," he says sarcastically. I keep laughing. He'd told me earlier that he thinks that his mom never really got over the fact that he was a boy. She'd wanted a girl.

     "I can't help it!"

     He folds his arms and watches me, looking more upset by the second.

     I hug him. "No hard feelings, Darin. You were right. Your mom is crazy."

     He stiffens. "Wren, don't do that."

     "What are you talking about?"

     "I like that Michale doesn't have a problem with us being friends. So don't go and hug me."

     I take a surprised step backwards. It never even occurred to me that Michale would have a problem with me being friends with Darin. Darin is my friend. "What would me giving you a simple, friendly hug have to do with anything?"

     "Nothing. Not really. But I don't want anything to get misinterpreted. He is crazy about you, and I don't want to end up on the wrong side of crazy."

      I scowl. "He's fine."

      "Sure he is." He doesn't look convinced of his own words. "I'd just like to keep it that way."

      I change the topic back to his mom. We stand and discuss various options as to how to get her to stop treating him like she wished he was a girl.

       "I'm going to give myself a buzz cut."

       "Then you'll look like you've joined the military." I turn to him to see him shrug.

       "Maybe I will."

       My mouth drops. "No way! You told me you'd enter the movie biz with me! I need your script skills."

       He laughs quietly. "I'm sure you'll be fine."

       We stand up, saying we'll see each other at graduation.

     My birthday rolls around, and we just have a small party. I don't want anything huge.

     I wish for my life to have a happily ever after. 

      Oh no! No no no no no! I look like Darin's mom!

     Much, much better makeover. Cake is served!

       "So, still planning on being a big movie director?" Edward asks me. I don't call him Dad. He's always been Edward; that's how I've always known him.

       "Of course!" I take a bite as Edward sits down. "And I found the neatest house." Mom and Edward said they would buy me a house, which is awesome!

       "Where?" Aunt Bonnie asks as she walks over.

      I tell her, telling Mom too.

      Aunt Bonnie perks up like a cheerleader. "The house I'm buying is right next door! This is swell!"

      Mom gives Aunt Bonnie a look that I don't understand. Kind of annoyed.

      Aunt Bonnie looks at me. "Not that I'll be in your hair or anything, but that means you can come by and visit me any time you want!"

      Edward has his say. "She can come visit us any time she wants too."

      I turn to look at my step-dad. I've often felt that he's always wished he could be my dad. I don't remember my dad. I've seen pictures. I look nothing like him. But I will say that I might resemble Uncle Wilson, but really, I'm almost a carbon copy of Mom.

     "Anyway," I continue, "I really want this house. It's only 38k, and it comes furnished."

     "It's a great house," Aunt Bonnie adds.

     "And Michale likes it too." I like that he likes it.

     "So where's he going to live?"

     "Well, I figure we could share the master bedroom."

       Edward coughs. His cake tried to go down the wrong way.

       Mom looks at her plate. "That's not a good idea."

       "Oh, baloney, Mom. We're going to get married. Calm down before you start assuming the wrong thing."

       Edward can finally talk. "Has he asked you?"

       I turn my head. "Not yet. But he will."
       Mom continues, "And when you're married, then you live together."
       "Don't be such a square."
       Edward puts his fork down, and his voice grows stern. "It's not being 'square'! It's being mature and sensible."
       I stand up and throw my fork down on my plate. As I storm away to the water, I call out over my shoulder, "Just because you two fuddy-duddies waited, that doesn't mean I have to. Breaking news story: I'm an adult!"

     Aunt Bonnie later made me apologize, and Mom told me she disagreed with my decision but that she understood that I'm an adult. She told me I could always go back to them at a moment's notice. Then, we hugged.
      I'm ready to start my life.

     Tonight, it's just me. I'm calling Michale in the morning.

Uncomplicated 3.24: This is happening

Anastasia

     The morning of my wedding, I can't help but laugh at the Saturday Morning Edition's headline. Edward's sister Helen and Goneril Capp Marks have been violently fighting over the town cassanova, even though both women are married to other men. At least this takes the heat off Edward and me. No pun intended. The story of our wedding only made it to the third page. I guess we're just not that newsworthy anymore. About time.  

     I take a relieved breath and fold up the paper before setting it on the counter. Then, I think about what I have to do next. Well, I don't have to, but I feel like I should.

     I'm going to visit Luke's grave. I feel I owe it to him, especially today.

     After trying to keep it together, I break down. I'm so sad that he died, even though I always loved Edward. Luke said he loved me, and I had had his child. I understand Edward's reasoning behind pushing the two of us together. But... my heart belongs to Edward, and it always will. Still, knowing that this would really hurt Luke if he were alive today casts a small cloud over what should be the happiest day of my life.

     The long day drags on before it's finally time for the wedding. Edward and I booked the venue to have the wedding party start at 7pm.

     I chose a modest wedding dress. I'm not going to wear white, not even going to pretend at any kind of purity. Still, I love my dress.

      Edward makes a beeline for me when I get to the lot. "You look so beautiful," he says quietly.

      I want to tell him he's not supposed to see me until the ceremony, that it's bad luck. But then, other than the bathrooms, this is a completely open lot. I suppose he could've stayed in his house all day since it's right next door, but I can't blame him for wanting to see me. I've missed him all day.

     I can't speak, so I just hug him. I can't believe this day is finally happening.

     Mom arrives, hugs me, and goes to have a seat. Even after all these years, it's still strange to think that she's my mom. She was dead most of my childhood. In a very big way, I'm jealous of my sister Natasha.

     This lot was created for Mom and Dad's wedding, the first time I really acknowledged Edward's existence. Everyone has come a long way since then.

     The sun sets, and the moon rises. And Edward lightly holds my arm and tells me it's time.

     Serenity shows up in maternity attire.

     Helen shows up looking no different than last night when her apartment was set on fire. Edward is happy she came, seeing she's his only living relative. She brought her son by Joseph, who is around here somewhere. The son not Joseph.

    For most of the wedding and reception, people heckle Helen. I almost feel sorry for her. I know how it feels to be the butt of everyone's jokes, even though I know some of it was her fault. But that doesn't mean I wished this upon her.

     The wedding begins, and the Maker finds another thing yet that S3 has over S4: wedding guests actually sit in the seats provided.

     For some reason, Wren chooses to sit over in the reception area, sitting with her boyfriend. Edward tells me he doesn't trust the boy. I don't know whether to believe him or think he's nuts. He seems like a nice boy to me, and Wren really likes him. Yeah, he really beat up a boy a while ago for being lewd to her, but that might've done some good because I've heard nothing about anyone teasing her for anything again. But I do still agree to let Edward chaperone their dates.

Prepare for wedding pic spam:

     This man is finally my husband.

     And tonight is our night.

     We cut the cake, and the Maker finally gets a good picture of my sister Natasha. Looks like Dad's genetics win again.

     Edward and I have our first dance where it all began.

     Edward's nephew Gordon.

     Mom and Dad are still so very much in love.

     After many of the other guests have left, Mom and Dad still hang around. "I'm so proud of you, honey," Mom tells me as she gives me a hug.

     The paparazzi man behind her laughs. "Yeah. Finally, your child is no longer a bastard." He laughs again and walks away to leave.

     Edward stops him. "You watch your tongue! I'm sick you all writing whatever you please. If I see one negative word written about my wife, I'll have your job!"

     "Your wife had another man's child. Or have you forgotten that?" 

     "As far as I'm concerned, Wren is my daughter."

     "Don't kid yourself, Jones. You're nothing but a joke, a puffed-up peacock with a promiscuous sister and now a promiscuous wife. You're less than nothing."

     "You act as though I care what you have to say. But you'd do well to leave my family alone, and I'd better not read one. word." Edward looks dangerous.

     The paparazzi man doesn't agree with me, though, and he laughs in his face.

      The wedding reception lasts until dawn, and Edward happily takes us to what is now our room.

     I don't think I need to explain what's happening here.

      It's the day before her birthday, and Wren gets the drama club participation trophy.

      On the way back home, I have to stop by the side of the road. No. This can't be happening! I couldn't be preggers.

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Gossip:
-Just before the wedding, Ana got the eternally faithful moodlet. Yay to end on a happy note like that.
-Luke. Yes, Luke... sent them a wedding present in the mail. I guess you can send mail from the other side.
-Wren got the schmoozer trait. Distinguished director LTW.


I'm really going to miss this generation. I loved their tiny house. I loved the garden and how since Ana was a gardener, she had time to work in it. I also loved the story of this generation.

I'd told myself that I wouldn't move Wren out until Bonnie and Edward completed their lifetime wants. I changed Edward's to culinary librarian, taking advantage of his fast reader trait. He completed it in a matter of days. So, that's done. Bonnie also completed hers around the same time. So, it looks like we'll be moving when Wren ages up.

I can't remember if I rolled farmer on any of the other rolls. I did the rolls years ago and have them stored on my iPad.

At any rate, get ready for glitz and glam for Wren's roll! :)

Click here to go to 4.1

Uncomplicated 3.23: Set the stage

A/N: backing up a bit in order to move forward more logically.
A lot of action happens without pictures that go exactly with it, but it's not difficult to tell what happens.
And just a warning: Generation 4 will have some questionable moments, a little more than hinted at in this chapter. It "sets the stage" for Wren's story.
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Wren

     I join the drama club. Michale is in it, but also, it just feels right.
     Speaking of Michale, we went on our date. It was fantastic. We went to a restaurant down by the pier, and then we went dancing afterwards. Then, he asked me out again! We went and saw a movie.
     But today, he was acting weird, like he was afraid to talk to me. I can't make sense as to why.

     My phone rings while I'm talking to someone at the museum. It's Michale on the phone.
     "Hey."
     "Hey." He sounds distracted again. I don't say anything, wondering if he's going to talk about why he was weird today. "I, uh, I didn't even know if I wanted to go. It's kind of tired. But I know it means a lot to dames. But I didn't know if you wanted to go. And I didn't know if you expected me to ask you. And I didn't want you to go with someone else."
     I'm so lost. "What are you talking about?"
     "Prom. So, do you wanna go?"
     "You're asking me to prom?" My voice sounds hopeful. The fella standing here talking to me runs his fingers through his hair before silently waving bye. I wave back.
     "Yeah. Why wouldn't I?"
     "Yes! That'd be swell!"
     "Awesome." He talks about something else for a while, but I hardly listen. I'm already picturing prom in my head. Then, he says he's gotta go.

     Before we go shopping for my dress, my mom starts going on about prom and especially prom night.
     "Oh, geez, Mom! Don't you think I know all that already? You're making me lose my appetite."
     "Well, I don't want you to be pressured into anything. Michale is older than you, and he might expect it. I don't know. Just know you don't have to do anything you don't want to do."
     "Got it. Now, can we change the topic?" I start talking about what kind of dress I want.

     Before I know it, prom night arrives. Michale shows up in shorts and button-down shirt. I get mad when he acts more interested in congratulating Serenity on her recent engagement to Sharpo Marks.

     I mean, I did not get all dolled up like this for him to play it casual.
     Then, he misses the limo and has to catch a cab behind us.

     He has to chase me into the school because I storm off without him. However, I forgive him quickly for everything. He's so sweet when he wants to be, and he's such a good dancer. We get a lot of attention when we're together.
     "You know," he says as the spotlights move around the gym floor, "I read in the paper that a meteorite is doomed to crash into the planet. Wouldn't it be a shame if we were to never have kissed?"
     I have to work to keep from laughing. That was so pathetic it was cute! I go for it and kiss him.
     Wow.
     He asks me to officially be his girlfriend! What a happy night! Of course I say yes.
     They crown us king and queen, and to celebrate after the ceremony, he pulls me into a side hallway.

     I laugh. No one can hear me because the music in the gym is so loud. I like sneaking around in the dark hallway.
     "In here," he says, pulling me into the boys' locker room.
     Even better. The forbidden boys' locker room.
     Michale pulls me roughly to him and starts kissing me hard. I can't keep up. Then, his hands go under my skirt, shocking me breathless.
     "What are you doing?" I squeak.
     "Shh," he replies and rips my stockings. "Let's just do this." He puts me on my back on the cold, hard floor. His hands keep pressing, pushing and pulling at my clothes as well, keeping me pushed down.
     "Michale, I don't think I want to do this."
     "Why not? Don't you like me? I think you're gorgeous, and I've been dreaming about this since the moment I met you. You made my night saying you'd be my girlfriend. Please, let's do this while we have a moment." He says more sweet things into my ear, undoing his shorts.
      I mean, he obviously wouldn't want this if he didn't find me attractive. Right? This is our night together. We're going steady. We were crowned king and queen. Shouldn't this be a perfect time to do this?
      I finally agree to give him what he wants. And it hurts.

     Afterwards, I fix myself back as closely as possible to how I looked before, but I can't get it just right. Michale acts really happy. If nothing else, that makes it worth it. He treats me like a goddess the rest of the night.
     Mom waits up for me when I get home. "Wow, you must've had quite a night!" she says and smiles.
     I smile lopsidedly back at her. "Yeah. I'm really tired." I claim I'm going to just change in the bathroom because I have to 'go' anyway. When I stand in the tiny room, I look down at myself, and I'm glad I chose to take my dress off in here. Everywhere my dress covered, my skin is bruised.
    I sleep in the entire next day. Like I said: I'm tired. Michale doesn't know his own strength, and he just really got into it last night. I'm so sore. Everywhere.

    Edward finally asks Mom to marry him, and of course she says yes. I'm glad.

     I am the envy of every girl in school. I have Michale McGinnis as my boyfriend. He is the sweetest, most loving fella around, and he treats me like his princess. He hasn't pushed me to do anything like what happened in the boys' locker room again, saying that was a special moment with a special girl. Me, of course.
     But... I think he told some of the fellas what happened. They start making lewd gestures at me and doing cat calls in the hallway. It never happens when Michale is around. When I tell him about it, he gets really mad.
     "They WHAT?!" He storms off.
     Then, he gets suspended for pounding a fella's head into the cement wall. The poor boy has to go to the hospital. I'd hate to say he deserved it, and even Michale knows he went overboard. One thing does change, though: Nobody does anything lewd to me again.

     He graduates, and he says he'll wait for me. We go on some dates, but Edward always makes sure he's nearby. Ugh! A chaperone? This day and age? Really. Ugh. Mom says it's because Michale is a young adult while I'm still a teen. Michale doesn't act bothered by Edward being around. He even acts like he appreciates it.

     Edward adds on to the house. This means that Aunt Bonnie and I have single beds in our bedroom, and Mom and Edward will have a bedroom upstairs. I think it's very romantic, like a castle in the clouds.

     Mom likes the view. We don't get a view of the surf since we're somewhat inland, but we have plenty of water view.

     Edward is an architect! I never knew that!
     He comes over almost every day, from sunup to sundown. I like him. I always have. He and Mom are getting married in a few weeks. It's strange to think that they've never been married yet. I hope I don't have to wait that long to get married.
     In my dreams, I'm married to Michale. "Wren McGinnis." That sounds nice.

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Gossip time!
-I fixed the age span back to normal.
-Joseph Morgan and Francis Picard have a baby: Eli
-Serenity and Sharpo Marks get engaged. Then married. Then Bonnie convinces Serenity to get a divorce. Then I move her into a new place and take over enough to hook her up with Everett Arthur, her boyfriend from before. Then I make sure she gets preggers. I feel I can get away with this because I never did the "24 hours and then out" rule with her. I just moved her out and hoped for the best with SP. yeah. fixed that.
-Bonnie achieved her LTW.
-Helen (Edward's sister) gets engaged to Johnnie Spiotto-Souze
-Wren got detention for sleeping in class.
-Apparently Helen was preggers with Johnnie's baby. She has a boy named Chadwick.
-Helen begins an all-out war with Goneril. More to follow.

Click here to go to 3.24 --the last chapter for gen 3!