Entry 11:
It’s been an exciting time at the old Sturgess Capra house. Or should I say the Walker house as I’ve been told that Gramps’ name was Andrew Walker? And really, Gramps lived here longer than any Sturgess ever did.
Sorry, I digress… I know I didn’t tell you a whole lot about recent happenings in my last entry, but I really wanted to tape in all of the pictures of our progress on the remodel.
Well, and I guess I needed time to really process what I’d just found out.
I’ll just get the first thing out of the way off the bat. No sense beating around the bush. When Liev spoke with his mother on the phone on Friday, she said they had to delay their plans to visit for a while because her husband, Liev’s step-father, had some type of business he had to conduct. Liev didn’t really seem interested in explaining what exactly his step-father does; he only shrugged when I asked. So, at the top of my list is to find out more about his family.
Now that I think about it, all I really know is that Liev’s parents, Thom and Phyllis got divorced when he was still a toddler. He didn’t provide very many details about that either other than to say it was “mostly” amicable and that he never saw them arguing in front of him. I have a hard time believing that. Maybe he’s just blocking it out because it’s too unpleasant.
Anyway, when Liev was around the age of five, Phyllis married Val Lutz. Liev told me he gets along just fine with Val and that he had a good relationship with all of his parents. He even calls Val “dad.”
I wish I’d met Liev’s biological father, Thom. The way Liev tells it, he was an extraordinary person. Right up there with Gramps; who, by the way, I learned was Phyllis’ father. Confused yet? I kind of am.
Before I get into the nitty gritty of what’s going on around here, I’ll tell you some of the uninteresting things. Not boring to me, but not as cool as what I’m going to tell you in a minute.
Since we’d worked ourselves to death on the remodel of the inside of the house, it felt like high time I got outdoors to till the garden and start planting. One thing I’ve learned is they don’t call this farm country for nothing. The soil is really rich and dark. It feels absolutely velvety when I squeeze it between my fingers. I know it sounds weird, but I like the earthy smell of it. Every time it rains, I can smell that earthiness in the air.
The weather here is so different than what I’m accustomed to. Back in Sunlit Tides, it’s humid and warm all the time. There is very little change in the weather. Sometimes the sun even shines while it’s raining. The smell of salt clings to the air and the humidity hangs like a blanket over everything. Liev mentioned once that it was hard to breathe sometimes through that heaviness, but I liked it; it was home to me and all I ever knew until coming here.
In Storybrook, it gets hot but it’s a different kind of heat. There is humidity but it’s really mild compared to what I’m used to. One thing I really like is the breeze that rolls in every once in a while. The house is situated on a hilly spot and when the wind kicks up just right it blows through the entire house in refreshing waves.
All right, on to the awesome news. So, I came in from the garden and I decided to take a shower when I walked in on this… Yes, Keniesha was puking her guts out. I awkwardly tried to help her but she told me to get lost. I can’t say I blame her. I don’t like anyone around when I’m sick either.
Now, I’ll be the first to admit that sometimes I’m a few peas short of a casserole, so I honestly thought she had the flu.
What?
But she set me straight real fast.
“I’m going to have a baby!”
What? But…. but I’m the one that wants a baby! That’s why I nearly killed myself trying to fix up the house.
I’m so glad I don’t say everything I think out loud. I had to remind myself that this wasn’t about me. But it sure was hard.
“I’m so happy for you!”
Then it dawned on me for real. I’m going to be an aunt! This is beyond exciting!
“Have you told Mango?”
“Oh, yes. I told him last night.”
“How did he react?” I asked, settling in for a good story.
She was all too eager to oblige and I was not disappointed. “So, I told him… I said, ‘Mango, you’re gonna be a dad!’ And he was like, ‘Huh?'”
I giggled. That totally sounded like a Mango response.
“I swear,” she continued, “it took him a good five minutes to realize what I said.”
“Then he gave me the sweetest, goofiest smile I ever saw.”
That would have had to have been a doozy. Mango looked pretty goofy most of the time, in my opinion. “So is he happy?”
She grinned from ear to ear. “Yeah. He’s hoping to get promoted soon. Everything is kind of falling into place for once.”
“Just do me one favor.”
“Anything,” she said, still grinning.
“Don’t let him name this child! I don’t think I can bear a Harry Mango, Junior or anything else he might come up with.”
She laughed. “I don’t want to think about the possibilities.”
Suddenly, she got serious. “We appreciate so much that we’ve been able to stay here.”
I wasn’t liking the sound of this. “Of course.”
“I just wanted to give you a head’s up that if this promotion goes through, we’ll finally have enough cash saved up for our own place. On top of it, Mango will get a sizable bonus.”
I think my throat was beginning to close up… or maybe that was a lump I was trying to swallow around. You know, the kind of lump that decides to take residence in your esophagus when you’re trying really hard not to cry. Either way, I suddenly felt very miserable. I knew Mango and Keniesha would eventually move out; that had been the plan all along. But I guess I had been trying not to think about it.
Forcing a smile, I took her hands in mine to try to prove to her that I was sincere. “I’m really so happy for you guys. And I’ll help you with your new house, just like you helped me with mine.”
After my shower, I decided to try my hand at canning. I didn’t have freshly grown vegetables yet, but tomatoes were on sale at the grocery this week. Who doesn’t love ketchup? Homemade ketchup at that. I was determined that using the canning station would be the first step on the road to becoming a domestic goddess.
On my way to the kitchen, I heard Liev playing his guitar. I swear that man should have been a professional musician. I entered the back parlor and watched him play. Whenever he played guitar or piano, he looked so happy. Maybe his mood would rub off on me if I stuck around for a few minutes.
It didn’t take him long to realize I was there. He put the instrument down and took my hand. “What’s wrong, honey?”
“I’m sorry I disturbed you. I really like listening to you play.”
“Well, you may like hearing me play, but you look like you just lost your last friend.”
I smiled despite my sorrowful demeanor. He always did that to me.
“I’m all right. There’s good news, actually. Keniesha’s pregnant.”
“That’s great!” He enthused. Then he regarded my gloominess more cautiously and added, “Isn’t it?”
“Yes, of course, it’s great. I’m just being dumb. Now that they’re starting a family, they’re talking about moving out.”
He shrugged a little, clearly not understanding the problem. “Well, I just don’t get it. Normal people don’t get married, have kids and start their own lives. What could they be thinking?”
“Okay, okay. I always knew they were going to move out eventually. I was just trying not to think about it.”
“Look, Memphis, what you’re feeling seems pretty normal to me. You and Keniesha experienced a huge loss when your parents died and it’s bound to be a little nerve-wracking to think of her moving on with her life and going in a different direction than you. You two have really stuck together like good sisters. That doesn’t mean you’ll never see her.”
“I know. It sounds really logical when you say it. And I am really happy for her.”
“I know you are.”
He rewarded me with one of his great kisses and I really did feel better. I’m so glad he’s in my life. I left him to his music, praying I wasn’t too nerved up to do the tomatoes justice.
And guess what? After a few hours of work (or should I say trial and error?), I made my first three jars of homemade ketchup! I tasted it so often that it got the point where I couldn’t tell if it was too sweet or too sour. I reckon my family will tell me when they have some!
I can’t believe I got some decent looking results! Check it out!
My first contributions to our pantry. I’m going to fill these shelves until there isn’t any room to put anything more! This girl is going to get down to business and run this house the way it should be!
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I think it’s very normal what she’s going through, that’s a life long friend that is moving away and a massive change. I think things will be alright though, at least I hope!
Yes!! Nooboo!! Not the sister I thought it would be but still exciting! I wish they had canning stations in sims 4, I would totally use them all the time haha. It’s sad that Keneisha is moving out but at least they won’t be far from each other.
LOL Thank you, Annie! YAY to nooboos! 😀 Oh my goodness, even now, I use that canning station all the time. I love playing farms, too. lol
I agree about Keniesha and how at least they won’t be far from one another.
Yay! Congrats to Keniesha and Mango! Some mixed emotions for Memphis though. At least she has Liev to help her through them, and she has her new house and life to throw herself into. Full steam ahead!
Indeed to full steam ahead! 😀 I agree with you that there is plenty for Memphis to focus on right now. 😀
It must be very hard for Memphis to be separated from her sister, who she has been sticking with for almost her entire life.
I’m very excited to see Keniesha’s children! I bet they will be super adorable!
I can’t wait for Memphis to have her children and grow her collection of sauces ❤️
Thank you! 😀 I really love Keniesha and Mango’s kids. They are beautiful. Well, I guess maybe I shouldn’t say that except they were born in game and I’m not big on changing features.
I was really excited to see them having children, too. <3
I really enjoyed this chapter. I laughed at the sight of Memphis’s three lonely bottles of homemade ketchup on what looked like a half dozen shelves in the pantry!
Looking forward to seeing what changes children will bring to the lives of both couples. 🙂
haha Thank you so much! Those three lonely bottles… 😛 She’s got a ways to go, that’s for sure.
“a few peas short of a casserole” that line made me laugh, that’s the first time I’ve seen that particular analogy, haha. Aww, it’s sad Keniesha and Mango will be moving out, but yay~ they shall be expanding their family 🙂 I’ve never seen a sim make their own canned food before, that seems pretty fun.
Thank you so much, Amy! 😀 As for the pea and casserole thing, I could fill a book with those. 😛
I love the canning station and baking station in sims 3. They are so much fun.
Ah poor Memphis. 🙁 she will have her day!
LOL Yes, she needn’t worry. 🙂
I didn’t even know you can do that… Can vegetables in sims 3 I mean. The things I learn reading stories. Never had a sim who gardens. But yay for a nooboo coming!
LOL Gardening is the first thing most of my sims learn unless they live in Bridgeport or something. I don’t know why but I like seeing them garden. haha And yes, yay for the nooboo! 😀
I really love Memphis! She’s so awkwardly cute at everything. I can’t wait to see how they plan to use all that space. Man, I couldn’t handle living in a house that huge. It’s a lovely place though, and I did enjoy the tour in the last chapter. 😉
Thank you, Rosie! I’m so glad you’re enjoying the story. 😀 I, too, prefer smaller houses actually. I like the coziness of them.
Loved it! Poor Memphis, but why must she want a baby already. She`s so young! But then, this is a legacy so I know it will have to happen soon! 🙂
I’m trying to read inside my reader and it worked fine, till yet. I hope it stays that way 🙂
Thank you, hafuhga! I hope it stays that way, too. 🙂
🙂
See I knew one of them would be pregnant so happy for Kenish and Mango
Thank you, Lil 🙂 You called it!
Sorry was on phone with my Dad so had to take a break. I am now bk and will finish Gen 1
No need to apologize. 🙂 🙂
So many changes! Congrats on the pregnancy Keniesha! Can’t wait to see where she and Mango end up living 🙂
Thank you! 🙂 Keniesha loves being a mom. 😀
Oh, Kenisha! I don’t want to see her leave. Her babies with Mango ought to have really fun genetics.
I really like the animations for the canning station. I have it but haven’t had a chance to use it yet.
I think you’ll like it! 🙂
I have no idea if I left a ton of comments or none on your last post. Argh. Technical difficulties.
I have the canning set, but I’ve never used it. The animations are really cool.
Poor Memphis. I thought it was pretty cool to have Kenisha in the house with Memphis. She’s a really fun character, and it’s great to see her and Memphis interact.
I love the canning set! I use it a lot when I’m playing in Roaring Heights. 🙂 Thank you so much for reading and commenting. 🙂
I can imagine how hard it must be for Memphis to think of her sister moving out and moving on with her life. At the same time, I think she’ll come to appreciate having more “private time” with Liev, and I think every young couple needs a chance to make their own home and to make it uniquely theirs. I’m so glad, too, that Memphis is working in the garden — and the kitchen. These new experiences will be good for her. 🙂
I think you’re right about all of that. Ah… but do things ever go as planned? lol 🙂 Thank you so much for stopping by and commenting! 🙂
Have you ever made ketchup? I did when my daughter was in elementary school–it was the best ketchup I have ever tasted! Haven’t made it since, though (too much trouble). I do have a recipe for refrigerator pickles that I intend to try some time!
I have always wanted to make ketchup, but sadly, I have not. Now, I do make refrigerator pickles. I use my Grandma’s recipe. Oh, they are so good! 🙂
Wow this story is addicting and you’re a great writer! This is the first post I’ve read of this story and I can’t wait to read more! And sorry for asking dumb questions but is this the sims 4? They all seem so real it’s amazing. Makes me want to get back into simming…
Hi, Keira! I’m so glad you stopped by to read! Thank you for the compliments! I’m so glad you enjoyed this chapter! 🙂 Your question isn’t dumb at all, btw. This is The Sims 3. I have The Sims 4, but I’m still so addicted to 3, that I still use it for my storytelling. I hope you’re able to sim again soon. Thank you again for reading and commenting! I hope you’ll continue to enjoy Memphis’ story.
Ohh nice! I never got the sims 4 because I didn’t hear the best reviews for it so I still play the sims 3 (well…when I can!)
We probably saw the same reviews. lolol 😀 I think TS4 is fun but after playing both games, I still prefer TS3 any day of the week. I just feel like there’s still so much for me to do in 3, if that makes any sense. 😛
Ooh, I want to find out more about Liev’s mysterious family drama! It’s bittersweet that Keneisha is moving out, but also babies yay!
Haha! Your enthusiasm is contagious! 😀 Thank you for stopping by, reading and commenting, Lila! It’s good to see you!
A mix of happy and sad. The girls have been through so much together, it will be strange for awhile, to live their own lives in separate homes. The baby is exciting news! No more fruity names, we hope!! It will be interesting to see Keniesha’s new home, when the time comes!
If Keniesha has her way, Mr. Mango will not be a part of the child naming process! lol Thanks so much for reading and commenting, babay!
I also want to find out more about Liev’s family, it seems there could be some interesting drama. And aww Keniesha’s pregnant! Sad that she’s moving out though, but I’m sure her and Memphis will still visit each other
We’ll see how it all plays out. There is some crazy stuff on the horizon! These simmies have a mind of their own, I tell ya’! 😀 Thanks for reading and commenting!
Awwww, that didn’t make me cry at all. Although I would feel the same way as she did about her sister moving out! Things are heating up now aren’t they?!
Oh yes, in big, big ways! 🙂 Thank you for reading and commenting, Jesse!