Dear J, it’s really strange how time either drags incredibly slowly or whips by in such a frenzy, I feel like I’ve been swept up in a tornado. When you’re a kid, you think you’re never going to grow up. Once you’re there, you wonder where your childhood went.
These were the things I was mulling over as I stood outside the lot that housed Paradox Pictures. In the weeks following the blowup with Cricket and Bexley, I’d lost myself in my music. I’d written several songs and had presented them to the guys. They dug the new material and we jammed a lot, trying to figure out the new tunes.
But that’s where the easy going atmosphere ended. It really felt like a lot of the closeness we’d had as friends had waned. There was a lot of arguing in the studio and people refusing to play unless they got their way. As an artist, this was really stressing me out. All I’d ever wanted to do was play my guitar and write songs. Before now, I never really thought about what it would be like if we had any degree of success.
I know what you’re thinking, Jillybean. You’re saying that I sound ridiculous. I’ve been on tour, I’ve had hit songs….. and I’m now complaining about it all?
But I’m not really complaining. I’m trying to understand and adjust. The band took it surprisingly well when I fired Bexley and Cricket. But I could tell that my actions had made Curtis and Carl a little standoffish. At one point, Curtis even said something along the lines of, “Leo, you’ve turned into an egotistical jerk!”
I tried to explain my reasoning behind what I’d done, and everyone eventually said they understood. But I could tell that things had changed. While we weren’t exactly unfriendly with each other, I didn’t feel like we were as close. (On a side note, I remember a time Mom wrote in her diary, “Why do things always have to change? Why can’t things stay the way they are?” I finally know what she meant!)
When I got home, Blue decided to teach me how to play hopscotch. It’s a lot harder than it looks!
Oh, you want to know what happened at the movie studio? Why was I even there? More on that later. Be patient, Jillybean.
I’d been playing hopscotch for a few minutes before I noticed Blue just standing there, staring into space.
“It’s your turn!” I called out to her.
She just shrugged. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say she seemed kind of downcast. I hoped it wasn’t because of anything I’d done.
“What’s wrong, Twinkle Toes?” I asked, using a name I sometimes called her to make her laugh.
But her expression didn’t change. “Daddy, I don’t want to upset you.”
My heart sank as she spoke. What in the world could be wrong with her? “You won’t upset me. Just tell me what’s on your mind.”
She began slowly but as she continued, her words became rushed as if she’d been keeping it all pent up inside for a long time. “I’m thinking about how you’re going on tour. I don’t mind. Not really…. not this once. But I don’t want to be left behind. And, Daddy, I know this is your job, but are you going to do this forever? Don’t you want to have a house with just us living there? And then I could go to school and have friends and come home to my family. And nobody would stare at us or take pictures of you or bother you everywhere you go.”
My first instinct was to crack a joke about how she’d obviously been watching too many family sitcoms on TV. But luckily, I stopped myself. As much as I didn’t want to admit it because maybe it meant I hadn’t been doing a stellar job as a parent, her concerns were legitimate. There was no denying it. First, Mom and Aunt Keniesha had talked to me about this. Now, Blue herself was bringing it up. This needed to be addressed in a satisfying way.
“That sounds like it would be really nice, actually,” I said in the tenderest voice I could muster. I tried to imitate the way my dad had always spoken to me.
“So, what are we going to do about it?” she asked, her green eyes still very sober.
“Well, I have to do something, don’t I?” As she nodded, I gestured for her to come closer to me. “I’ll be honest. I don’t have all the answers right this minute. But there are some things happening that might bring us a little closer to what you want.”
“What’s happening?”
“I’d rather not say until I have a better idea. But I don’t want you to worry about things.”
As I pulled her into my arms, I added, “I won’t make promises I can’t keep, but I want you to know that you’re the most important thing to me in the whole world. And, Blue, more and more, I want the same things as you.”
Blue seemed to accept my answer but things would not happen as fast as she desired. All I could do was work on it. The more I thought about Blue’s dream of a stable life, the more I realized that I wanted that, too.
The thing that really convinced me the most that living in the limelight was not all it seemed was the night I attended my first Grammy Awards. Accidental Therapy was nominated for Best New Artist and Album of the Year.
The red carpet event was a nightmare with all of the camera flashes and people yelling to me. But not as much of a nightmare as deciding who my guest would be. My first thought was that my mother should be my date. I couldn’t imagine sharing this night with anyone but her.
But she and my dad had gone home to Storybrook. I offered to buy my parents tickets to come back to Bridgeport to attend the ceremony, but Mom said that now that Dad was older, he didn’t much care to make long trips.
Blue had asked to go with me, but I didn’t think that was a good idea. I’d been pretty careful not to allow public pictures of her because I didn’t want her to be hassled. After all, she hadn’t chosen this life.
When it came down to it, the choice seemed obvious. Aunt Keniesha! She had been there during every pivotal moment of my life and she would absolutely love the attention from the adoring crowd and photographers.
As expected, she said yes right away.
She was so stunning, the photographers wanted to capture her alone, which was fine with me. She posed like a pro and took all of the attention in stride.
As expected, Josh brought Rachel. I about died when I saw her getup. She was beautiful, don’t get me wrong, but she was less covered than an older brother likes. (I was smart enough not to mention this to her.)
There was a buzz in the air, an excitement all around us as our group photos were taken.
The interviews were the hardest part of the evening for me but I managed to get through it without embarrassing myself… as far as I knew.
It was difficult getting through the night, not knowing if we would win anything or not. But the moment they announced that Accidental Therapy had won in both categories we were nominated in, I couldn’t help but produce the biggest grin I’d ever had.
I gave the main acceptance speech and thanked basically everyone I knew, then Carl, Curtis and Josh added their own thank yous.
The award was heavier than I thought it would be, but that didn’t stop me from lifting it over my head in triumph.
We decided to attend Samuel Serendipity’s after party…. To tell the truth, none of us could believe we were invited to it. Samuel was getting older… I remember my mom going on and on about this guy when I was a kid, but he was still as popular as ever.
As we danced, I felt really self-conscious. Lately, I’d been feeling that way no matter where I was.
To my disappointment, Aunt Keniesha excused herself, her eyes far away. I stood there awkwardly, trying to act like it was no big deal to be alone.
My eyes followed Aunt Keniesha as she crossed the room and, with an ease I wish I possessed, she introduced herself to the man himself, Samuel Serendipity.
They actually seemed to be getting along pretty well. My aunt never failed to impress me.
For a minute, I thought maybe I could find my sister. But as it turned out, she was … ahem…. busy with Josh…….
(They really need to get married right away, Jillybean.)
I stood there like a dork for a long time before I realized the other guys were kind of standing around awkwardly, too. So we decided to go home. By the time we got there and eased ourselves into the hot tub, morning was breaking across the sky.
Carl cleared his throat and bit his lower lip. That could only mean one thing coming from him. Bad news.
“Josh, Leo,” he slowly began, glancing at his brother next to him. “We have something we want to tell you and we hope you won’t be too bent out of shape about it.”
My throat constricted and I felt my stomach turn.
“This doesn’t sound good,” Josh said.
The brothers glanced at each again before Carl continued. “It’s just…. there’s no way to really say this, but we want to go solo.”
I raised an eyebrow. “But there’s two of you,” I dryly remarked.
“You know what he means,” Curtis said, smirking a little at the joke. “It’s nothing personal. We’ve been working on our music and in the industry since we were kids and we feel like there are….. there are, uh….”
“… Creative differences,” Carl said, nudging his brother in the arm.
“You’re breaking up the band,” Josh said in monotone.
“I guess we are. And we hope you aren’t too mad about it.”
I smiled a little at Josh. It was our turn to look at each other now. When he married Rachel, he was going to be my brother, so I felt a little bit like I had a partner in this situation.
To my surprise, Josh smiled, too. “Hey, I’m getting married and I’m not dragging my wife and family all over the world for a rock band. Some bands work it out and it’s fine for everyone, but I can figure this out. Anyway, as soon as the new album comes out, we’ve fulfilled our contract with Sound Pollution Records.”
I let out a sigh of relief. For a while, I was afraid I would have to be the “bad guy.” I shrugged now as if none of this mattered. “To tell you the truth, I was offered a job composing music for Paradox Pictures. I guess I’ll accept their offer.”
As soon as it was decided, the air felt lighter and we could all look at each other and laugh again. When it came down to it, the friendships we’d made with each other were more valuable to us than the thing that had brought us together in the first place. I couldn’t live if I couldn’t create music. But I also realized that I couldn’t raise my daughter the way that I felt best while living this lifestyle.
Just like that, everything had fallen into place. I knew my troubles were far from over, but I couldn’t help but feel that this was a new lease on life.
Author’s Note: The red carpet venue “You Have Arrived” was made especially for me by Lil from Lil’s Creative Corner. If you haven’t checked it out, she has two stories going at the moment, one from Sims 2 and one from Sims 4. She also has a lot of builds you might enjoy. Thanks for bringing Accidental Therapy to the red carpet, Lil!
I’m adding this after the publication because there was some admiration of Keniesha’s dress. Below are the links to both Keniesha’s and Rachel’s dresses.
Keniesha’s dress can be found HERE.
Rachel’s dress can be found HERE.
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Ah…the end of an era but hopefully the beginning of something better for Leo and Blue. So glad they won the Grammys before the end.
Thanks for putting the links to the dress is in the venue. I was going to ask about them myself so I’m so glad you put them in here. I think I will need that venue sooner than later and the dresses will be a nice addition to my custom content collection. LOL.
I’m so glad you have the dress link! 😀 I had so many people ask for that. The venue was a lot of fun to play, too.
Beautiful screenshots and perfect conclusion to this part of Leo and Blue’s lives!
Keneisha was owning the red carpet!
Thank you so much. Keniesha rules! 😀
Such a satisfying conclusion to this part of Leo’s life!
Keneisha was absolutely owning the red carpet!
I’m glad things have worked out so that Blue can be happy, too.
Thank you so much! 🙂 <3
What a great job on the venue! I really love how the band broke up. No drama. It was a good break from all the Covington drama! 🙂
Thank you! 🙂 I thought it would be best if they all remained friends. It seemed as if everyone was ready to move on to their next stages in life.
I was living for Keniesha this chapter! She was owning that red carpet! Memphis would be so jealous of her for meeting and talking to Samuel Serendipity. I can’t wait to see what Leo’s more chilled out life has in store!
I love Keniesha so much and you described how I felt as this all played out. 😀
Oh Keniesha, I love her so much. It’ll be a shame when she stops appearing. After all, this whole diary is her fault! Also, it’s so nice that they all split on good terms. You hardly hear about bands ending it and still being close. It’s nice to see they have a bond that’ll last for a long time!
Thank you, Rosie. 😀 I think Keniesha is my favorite sim ever. I may have mentioned that once or twice before. 😛
I think it’s good that the band split up on good terms, too. 🙂
I have a cousin who we call twinkle toes! Yeah…she’s in her mid 40s and some people still call her that lol. I’m glad things worked out and stability will soon be a reality for these guys and everyone wins!
I need to start taking notes when I read your chapters lol. I forget what I want to say midway down the page! 😀
Thank you, Jes2G! 🙂 I call my daughter Twinkle Toes, too. I love that your cousin is a grown woman and she’s still called that. haha 😀
Once you get a good nickname, you can’t outgrow it!
I’m glad to see the band achieve success…and now everyone can move in new directions. I don’t see it as negative in any way. I see this as a positive step for everyone. Loved the “Red Carpet” venue!
Thank you, Judith. 🙂 I don’t see this as a negative either for the same reasons you mentioned. I’m so glad you enjoyed the red carpet. It was so much fun to put together. 😀
Aw such a bittersweet moment! The band breaking up is for the best, and now Blue can have the life she wants with Leo. I can’t wait to see how everything will turn out. 🙂
Thank you, Simsered. 🙂 It definitely felt bittersweet to me, too. But I agree that it’s for the best. I can’t wait for you to see what’s ahead! 🙂
The whole chapter seemed to be building up to the band breaking up. On one hand I’m sad but on the other it’s probably for the best. Blue seemed really sad living like that and I can understand the desire to be just a normal kid. It’s a good thing that Leo kept her out of the limelight. I’m excited to see what happens next for Leo.
Thank you so much, dandylion. 🙂 I think you’re right about Blue. Hopefully, the changes Leo is making will make her feel more stable. We shall see on that count.
Whoa … Shocker. I was kind of sad that blue was feeling pensive about the future.
Thank you, lisabee! 🙂 I know what you mean about Blue. She has some vague ideas that she is not growing up in a normal environment, but her ideal may not be attainable either. Leo thinks he’s on the right track to do what’s best for her, but only time will tell how it works out. 🙂
I did like the band but it does not lend itself to normal family life. But what is normal family life?
That’s an excellent question, imo. Perhaps Leo and Blue are going to find that very thing out – there just isn’t a normal.
Kenisha’s a goddess! Amazingly beautiful!
Sad about the band breaking up, but new starts! Here’s to hoping all Blue’s dreams come true! <3
Thank you so much! 🙂 I love Keniesha. I couldn’t imagine him going with anyone else since she is the one who helped him get his start. I think Blue will like this change…. for the most part. haha
Great resolution! I thought I’d be so upset at them breaking up the band, especially when I saw how cute they were in their photos, but this feels like such a great thing for everyone! Time brings change !
Thank you, cathytea! 🙂 Time does bring change. And, fortunately, I think it will be good for all of them.
Yeah, it really feels like it will be such a good change for everyone! That scene in the hot tub is so great, like a passage to a new stage…
I’m so glad you mentioned the hot tub scene. I tried to kind of end this phase around the same place it began. 🙂
Ah, yes! That’s why it felt so perfect! 🙂
Well, I have to say I am a little disappointed the band won’t continue but at the same time I know that was going to be a heck of a lot of work for you to pull off. I know when I did Eddy’s band in my blog it certainly was. Perhaps Leo can settle down some and Blue can become a big sister? Just want to say, the pics are awesome-I love that shot of Rachel kissing Josh. It makes you feel like you are really right there. I will just be sitting on my hands, hopefully patiently waiting for the next chapter! This is going to be good!
Thank you, Bee. 😀 I remember Eddy’s band! Good times, good times. I was so worried for Maya during all of that, though. lol I think Leo will settle down to a degree. You just never know what will happen.
Well, the story is progressing as it should. There’s not much else to say except if that’s water flowing across your banner, it looks like the River Styx!
Thank you, Michele! 🙂 The banner is actually clouds floating across a moonlit sky, but I can see why it looks like the River Styx. lol
It looks like everything is working out for the guys, after all. And Blue and Leo will be getting their wish after all.
I wonder if Keniesha is going to find someone for herself 😉
Thank you so much. 🙂 Wouldn’t it be nice if Keniesha found someone? I think so. 🙂
Obviously Blue is highly intelligent and very mature. She has her priorities right, and seems capable of encouraging her dad in the right direction. Good chapter, good ending to a big chapter in Leo’s life! ♥
Thank you, Marj. 🙂 I’m glad Leo was listening to Blue. Hopefully, he will find this transition rewarding. 😀
Congrats Leo! I love how aunt Keniesha was his date, that was so perfect! She’s still killing it after all these years. Is it bad that I’m happy the band is breaking up? I think it’s for the best, and now Leo can spend more time with Blue!
Thank you so much! No, it’s definitely not wrong to be happy about that. I think he’s growing up and realizing what is important. I’m really looking forward to spending more time with Leo and Blue. 😀
Don’t get me wrong, but it’s good to see the band breaking up. I think the big music career was never something Leo felt confident about. Blue is a really smart kid and it’s nice that she brought the topic up. I hope they can make a more stable life for themselves soon. Keniesha was certainly the brightest star of the evening, she looked flawless and nailed it! When she firstly came to Samuel, I thought she would see Mango in the crowd, lol. Great chapter 😀
Thank you, Jowita. 🙂 I have to agree with what you say about Leo and the band. It seems to me that he was happy to create the music and lyrics and so maybe what he is going to do now will be a better fit for him and for Blue. I love Keniesha! lol About Mango….. this will be addressed…. eventually. 😀
I agree that breaking up the band is a good idea. The trouble that has come with it eclipsed the benefits of fame, by a lot. This new life is sure to be much better for Blue! 🙂
Keneisha totally rocked her dress, by the way! <3
Thank you, Lila! 😀 Keniesha is my favorite sim I’ve ever created. I love dressing her up. I agree that this is the best move for Leo and especially Blue.
I’m actually okay with Accidental Therapy breaking up. I think it’s best for all four members of the group. Leo can have a more stable life with Blue. It is sort of poetic that we first saw the group in the hot tub in the first chapter, and now we see the end of the group also in the hot tub.
It is so sweet that Keniesha was Leo’s date. She really has been there for him, and was the one to encourage Leo with his music career.
Thank you so much! 🙂 I think it’s best for all of them if they break up, too. I’m so pleased you noticed that they kind of began in the hot tub and they’re ending there as well. And I love that Keniesha was Leo’s date, too. It just seemed right since, as you said, she was the one to really get him going in his music career. I can’t wait to show you what is yet to come for Leo and Blue. 😀
Wow, that was a really fast reply LOL.
🙂
Keniesha’s dress was beautiful, too. And I can’t for you to show me (and all of your other readers) what is next!
Thank you again. I’ll put an author’s note in the chapter with the link to Keniesha’s dress in case anyone would like to use it. 🙂
<3
Thank you! <3
I think the band breaking up is the best thing for Leo and Blue. He will do much better and have greater success writing songs then being a band member anyway. Can’t wait to see how thing progress for them. Also can’t wait for Rachel’s wedding!
Thank you, Lil! 😀 The wedding is in the next chapter. I think you’re right about it being the best thing that the band breaks up. It just didn’t seem to be working too well for Leo and Blue.