Dear Diary, I must have read and reread Theo’s letter one hundred times before finally folding it up and carefully putting it back into its envelope, then into the desk drawer. The more I gazed at Theo’s neat handwriting, the worse I felt.
He was excited for me and wanted to hear all about school. What could I possibly say to him? I definitely didn’t want to admit that I couldn’t even get into university. What would he think of me then? I’d been so full of talk about starting fresh and getting an education. I just didn’t think I could take the humiliation.
As for the rest of the letter, I was really happy that my Uncle Leo and Aunt Wilda were helping more children. It didn’t seem that long ago that my aunt found out she couldn’t have children of her own. Later, they adopted Theo whose parents had died. He was kind of staying at our house before they took him in but there were so many children Momma didn’t even notice at first.
My hand hesitated above the desk drawer handle and I fought the urge to pull the letter out yet again and hold it to my heart. Since leaving Winchester, I was beginning to realize Theo meant more to me than I’d ever admitted. I was always attracted to him, however, since he kind of jilted me that time on my birthday, I’d tried to only think of him as a friend. Fighting back tears of homesickness, I turned away from the desk at last and reminded myself that Theo liked girly-girls, not athletic tomboys. To him, I was just his buddy, his pal.
The problem was the last line of his letter. Why had he left off like that, saying there was something he wanted to tell me but couldn’t? Did I dare hope he missed me, too? Could he possibly be having feelings for me? I was already so disappointed with failing my school entrance exam, I didn’t want to get disappointed over this as well.
I was just drowning my sorrows in my second bowl of a cereal called Fudgo Wheats when Aunt Ruby came in and sat near me with a look on her face I couldn’t quite discern.
“This has gone on long enough,” she said. Couldn’t she even beat around the bush a little?
“You just don’t understand.”
“Well, put your spoon down and talk to me.”
“I feel heartbroken, Aunt Ruby.”
She seemed to take that simple statement in before saying, “It’s understandable that you’d be upset about not getting into school on your first try. Anyone would feel the same way.”
“I was so full of hope and excitement.”
“I know you were and that was wonderful. So, is this what you do then? I thought you were different.”
Raising an eyebrow, I said, “What do you mean?”
“I mean that an obstacle, granted a big one, has blocked your path and you’ve given up so easily, moping around this house in your pajamas for days on end and not even brushing your hair. I never thought in a million years you would be the Larochette that threw up their hands and quit. I’ll admit, I’m surprised and disappointed.”
She was disappointed? In me? I swallowed hard, trying to ignore the growing lump in my throat. These were difficult words to hear, especially from someone I loved and thought so highly of. Yet, she wasn’t lying. Why had I accepted defeat just like that?
“What should I do? I think I just don’t know what to do. I didn’t have another plan.”
Aunt Ruby smiled and I saw relief in her dark eyes. “I’m glad you asked!”
That made me smile, too. “Obviously, you have a plan.”
“Of course, and over time, when things don’t go your way, you’ll learn how to have backup plans, too.”
And what was Aunt Ruby’s backup plan for me? I was to get a job and work during the day and in the evenings, she would tutor me until I was ready to take the test again. Once again, I felt the beginning of excitement grabbing at my heart as I realized this wasn’t the end of the world. I would work hard and make sure Aunt Ruby was never disappointed in me again.
We both left the dining room smiling that morning.
“Hey, Marty!” Gloria shouted as she caught me at the top of the stairs. “Are you still sad?”
“I am feeling much happier today,” I assured her. “Your mom is going to tutor me to help me get ready to take my test again.”
“That’s terrific! Could we do something fun today? Like the beach? Or the park? We could play catch!”
“I’m sorry, Chipmunk, today I have to find a job.”
Crinkling up her nose, she said, “A job? What do you want one of those for when you could spend all your time with me?”
“You’re so right about that, but it’s about time I earned some money. Maybe we can do something later today or tomorrow.”
“Okay,” she sighed as she hopped down the stairs to get her breakfast.
All I needed was a job. A piece of cake, right? Not exactly. As soon as I was cleaned up and dressed, I began pounding the pavement. It seemed that restaurants didn’t want to hire an inexperienced waitress or hostess which had me wondering how a waitress or hostess gained experience in the first place.
Still, all the restaurants and diners in Longview couldn’t bum me out. Not today!
I tried the theater but they had all the help they needed since the high school kids were out of class for the summer.
No problem!
I think I must have walked a hundred miles with no luck. Yet, as I turned a corner, there was one shop I hadn’t tried. It didn’t really appeal to me and I thought the uniforms were really awful and humiliating, but beggars couldn’t be choosers, right?
With sore feet, I strolled past the park where I usually took Gloria. No one was there and the swing was a place to sit, so I took immediate advantage of that. If a kid came by, I could look pretty mean to keep my seat, too, but I probably wouldn’t do that. This was a new me.
Contemplating my new place of employment, I wondered if it was a blessing or a curse that I’d been hired? That whole ‘beggars can’t be choosers’ thing went through my head again and then I wondered whoever came up with such a stupid saying?
But no! This was not going to get me down or defeat me! I would wear that ridiculous uniform, work hard and I’d have a flipping smile on my face the entire time, too! Even if it killed me.
Because the weekend was coming up, I didn’t have to start my job yet as they didn’t want to have to train someone new on a busy day. That meant that I could spend time with Gloria and also work on my newest favorite activity! My martial arts lessons!
I could kick the crap out of this guy here and take out any frustration I had! It was awesome!
Sensei worked long hours with me and taught me how to break boards, too. They aren’t very strong boards yet, but I’m learning.
Before I punch through it, I think of something in my life I need to break through and it makes me feel so much better about things. As my body grew stronger, I think my mind did, too.
Finally, my first day of work was here. I was really hoping the house would be empty when I had to leave, but apparently, Aunt Ruby wanted to wish me good luck.
“Aren’t you going to be late? That’s not the way to begin your first day!” she shouted up the stairs.
When I realized she wasn’t going to leave before me, I slowly came down, wishing I could sink right into the floorboards and disappear. As soon as she spotted me, her eyes great huge like saucers, then she squinted and put a hand to her mouth.
“Oh my,” she gasped.
Oh, my was right! Yes, you are looking at Candy Stripies newest employee.
Yay me.
I managed a disgraced smile as she said, “What have you done to your hair?”
As if that was my biggest problem. “It’s a wig.”
“Thank heavens,” she said, barely stifling a laugh. “Sorry. Um, have a great day.”
Actually, let’s not talk about how today was. Instead, here is the letter I wrote back to Theo:
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Btw I love her work outfit ! 😀
I’m pretty sure Theo wanted to tell her about his engagement…
This was so much fun to read! I was totally cracking up over Marty’s uniform. Good old Katy Perry’s Sweet Treats. LMAO!
I love the martial arts bits. I love having my Sims learn that skill and seeing what they do with it.
The letters make me wonder if Theo is starting to feel something for her, too. The way he left off his last letter has me wondering. Can’t wait to find out what happens.
OK, some more technical questions. LOL! Where did you get that upright piano in Ruby’s living room? That definitely has to be some cc. Also, how did you get the letters to work?
I’m so glad you thought this was a fun read. 😀 I never thought I’d be using that pack, but there you go! LOL
I love the martial arts, too. It’s so much fun to watch them.
Those are good questions about Theo! Stand by! lol
The upright piano is from MTS and you can find it here: Traditional Piano.
As for the letters, I used a free online program to do those, but it’s sadly not available anymore. I did find this one, but have never used it, so I don’t know what kind of results it will yield: Font Generator. Let me know how that one does if you use it. 😀
I know what you mean. That pack definitely isn’t one for every day use, is it? LOL!
Thank you so much for the answers to the questions. I just have the regular grand piano and the keyboard. Sometimes my Sims don’t have room for the grand piano, and then I have to resort to the keyboard. You would’ve thought that EA would’ve put a regular piano in the game, but at least someone made a cc one. I take it that it works pretty well. Also, thank you for the info about the letters. I know there were, and maybe still are, all kinds of little generators for different things. They are kind of neat to play with, and it’s fun to have little creative things to use for images in the stories. 😄 i’ll try that font generator and let you know how it works out.
That pack is so strange! lol I’ve used the dollhouse before when my little sim girl was such a princess. lol But this was the first time I’d used the outfits. haha
No problemo with the answers. I don’t mind questions at all. 😀 I totally agree about the piano and was so geeked when I saw this one because you can pretty much place it anywhere and it works just like a normal piano does in game. I would have thought EA would have made one, too.
I wish the letters link was still there. I actually used that quite a lot. It’s how I made the note Blue got about Winchester and the St. Cyrs, too.
Oh, how I’ve missed your writing! I completely agree with Marty about the restaurant thing wanting experienced waiters and waitresses. There’s a restaurant up the street from me that has a sign looking for experienced waitresses for a year now. I really like this theme you picked. I’m sure you didn’t have this theme before I took my break. It’s really fitting for the holiday season!
Thank you so much. <3 I didn't figure Marty was really experienced at anything since leaving the confines of Winchester. lol Our restaurants around here want experience, too.
As for the theme, I've switched a couple times since you were last here, but this theme I've had for a little while and just changed my header and colors, then tweaked it with some CSS. 😀 I'm glad you like it.
Aunt Ruby doesn’t hold back does she? I mean she didn’t have to tell the poor girl she was disappointed in her. That was kind of mean considering this was the first time Marty had been away from her family and basically everything she knows. Of course she was going to hit this bump in the road and be kind of lost and directionless. It was nice of Ruby to offer to help her but I think she could have accomplished it without the blunt I’m really disappointed in you. I mean if it had gone for six months than yeah I’d agree but it takes time for people to right themselves after having their plans dashed.
Katy Perry’s SP is really hard to use in a creative way and that uniform is very creatively ugly lol I don’t blame Marty for being embarrassed to be seen in it.
I wonder what Theo has to tell her and I fear she’s going to be crushed by whatever it is. I hope she meets someone that helps her get her mind off of Theo. Who knows what might happen? I mean she has so many options opening up to her to hang all her hopes on Theo.
Thank you so much, dandylion 🙂 I see what you mean about Aunt Ruby and you make a good point that it wasn’t as if Marty was moping about for months on end. Perhaps her expectations of Marty (and maybe even Gloria) are, at times, too high? It’s something to ponder.
That outfit was killing me! hahaha Poor Marty. 😛
I fear you may be right about what Theo has to tell her. Maybe this job will provide her with some new acquaintances. That would be nice and I think she needs it. You’re definitely right that she shouldn’t pin all her hopes on Theo. In a way, he is part of her past, but may not be a part of her future.
Ooooh, life with Aunt Ruby! Nice to see what she’s been up to.
I knew she was kidding herself about Theo. Silly kids lol.
That is sooooome uniform! At first I was like “Katy Perry??” LOL
Oh! Duh, I totally forgot there was a Katy Perry pack lol. I never got that one.
Hahahaha! You weren’t missing much. I’ve barely had a reason to use anything in that pack.
I was so looking forward to getting Aunt Ruby back into the story. 😀 LOLOL about Katy Perry!
Don’t know if I read too fast but I missed Marty’sjob interview. Anyhow so glad she got a job. Things are looking up.. But I think her buddy Theo will propose to her soon.
Thank you so much! 🙂 You are right that it’s good she got a job. She really needed one and everyone has to start somewhere. lol As for Theo, you just never know 😀
Everyone should do time in a shit job. That way you don’t treat people serving you badly, because you’ve been there! Besides, I’ve learned that it’s not always as bad as you think. So long as you have a good team around you, the work doesn’t look so bad. Hopefully she has some good coworkers!
Good thing Ruby was there to pick her up though. Sometimes you need a good mope, so long as you can take yourself out of the cycle before long. There’s no harm in taking time to go to uni. In fact, sometimes it’s better that way, and she’ll maybe have some savings to help when she’s there too!
Thank you so much! Your comment is so positive and I love it. I agree with everything you said. 😀
Marty…you look…nice *splutters* Bwahahahahahaha! XD
That was an ingenious use of Katy Perry’s Sweet Treats! I usually only use it for sims with both the Excitable & Snob trait. It’s happened, and it was glorious >:)
Here’s to Marty’s first sucky job! It’s okay kiddo, we’ve all been there. But you’ve taken that first step, so there’s an achievement! 😀
LOLOL I love your first sentence there. hahaha
Oh, I would like to see your snobby, excitable sims wearing the Sweet Treats outfits! LOL
You’re so right – it’s a right of passage to have a sucky job. lol But it is a step forward.
I love the candy outfit. 😂 Sign me up! 🍭
Hahaha! 😀 I love it 😀
poor Marty and the job uniform. Hey at least you found a good use for the Katy Perry pack that most of us just ignore. LOL I am sure more heart break from Theo is coming as I am sure he is going to tell her he is getting married crushing her dream of him forever. I am sure with Aunt Ruby’s help she will be in uni in no time and be able to leave the candy store behind her.
You know, I’ve never talked to anyone who actually likes the Katy Perry pack. lol What were they thinking when they made that?
Oh, you just might be right about Theo, but who knows? Perhaps he has realized how much he misses her now that she’s gone.
I do think you’re right about Ruby helping her get into University. I don’t think the candy store job is going to be very satisfying for her. haha
HA HA HA HA HA that last shot in that horrendous costume .. LOVE it! WTG Aunt Ruby .. kick her back in the game!
LOL! Thank you, Lisa! I think “horrendous” is a pretty good word to describe it. LMBO
For a second I thought it was going to be a prelude to burlesque act, especially since she walked by a theater marquee.
It will be interesting to see how the Theo thing turns out. My first thought was an engagement announcement, but we’ll see. Someone said something about the “Uni”… now that’s a thought. Well, only time will tell.
Thank you, Jolie! A burlesque act! Now why didn’t I think of that? LOL
With Theo, you just never know. I hope Marty hasn’t set herself up for more disappointment.
I love Marty. She’s so bright and lovely and unpredictable. I’m excited to find out how she rises over the disappointment. Good talk with Aunt Ruby! We all go through the rough patches. That’s just adulthood and life in general. We go on… We keep on keeping on.
Thank you so much, Em! I’m glad you love Marty. She is a different kind of character for me to write, and I’m enjoying it.
You are so right about the rough patches in life and how we must respond. 😀
I see someone managed to get the special Katy Perry pack! Oh my, it sure is a delight! Anyway, part of me is very worried about Theo’s letter. I fear Marty is being too optimistic. I fear he may have found a girl and thinks Marty will be happy for him. I really hope that’s not the case. On top of everything else, I don’t know if Marty will be able to smile through that pain!
Oh yes, I just looooove the Katy Perry pack! haha
As for Theo’s letter, you just might be on to something. Marty is really hoping, I think, that absence will make the heart grow fonder as that seems to be what is happening to her. Let’s hope that whatever happens, she will take it gracefully.
Oh my… I wonder what Theo has to say. I would love if he confessed feelings but I think that he probably doesn’t like Marty back that way. She’s in a new town! Maybe she can find a new guy.
I really like Ruby’s attitude and how she got Marty into the right sense of mind. I had to laugh when I saw that uniform… but at least she’s got a job! And perhaps she can get free candy?
Great chapter 🙂
Thank you, Lila. Hey, free candy! More sugar to make Gloria bounce off the walls! LOLOLOL
I would love, too, if Theo confessed feelings for Marty, just not sure it can work out since I have something going on for him at the moment. You will find out what that is in the future. Hopefully, the near future. lol
And right! She’s got a new life in a new town! I’m sure there have to be some available guys somewhere! lol
I think I was channeling a little bit of Keniesha through Ruby; but Ruby really was an optimistic sort with a backup plan before her falling out with Blue.
And, oh, that uniform! I’d suggest she change into that at work so she doesn’t have to walk the streets of Longview in that thing! hahaha
Candy for Gloria! Woot! 😛
Welcome to the working world! We all have to start somewhere. I used to work at Hot Dog on a Stick. If you don’t know what that is I suggest you google their uniform. It is a bright, polyester blend of color.
OMG Hot Dog on a Stick sounds so dreadful. Blech. I’m going to look up the uniform. hahaha But you’re right! We do what we have to do and we have to start somewhere.
I think working at a shop in town will really help her get used to things outside of Winchester. Who knows, maybe one of these days, Theo will come visit?
Thank you, Violincat 🙂 I think you’re definitely right about that. It certainly won’t hurt (except maybe her pride at wearing that outfit!) lol. You never know about Theo 😀
Oh dear that uniform XD Good thing this job is only temporary. I hope Theo keeps in touch with her! Wouldn’t it be nice if they became a couple… I doubt it’ll be that easy though. It never is. Oh well, I love Marty so far and I can’t wait to see where her karate skills come in use 😀
Thank you so much! I agree with what you said about her new job – thank goodness it’s temporary! LOL
I think Theo will keep in touch for the time being, but there’s a little something something in the works for the future. You are right that it’s never that easy, especially with me in charge. haha
I’m so glad you love Marty. I think I do, too. She’s a lot of fun to write, that’s for sure.
lol, love that you’ve managed to make *that* particular dress look tasteful, lol
Not surprised that she’s learning Karate, and why do I suspect that Theo will end up writing her from Uni wondering where she’s at, hmmm? 😉
Thank you, Mama Dragon 🙂 Isn’t that dress awful? LOLOL You’re very kind to say I’ve made it look tasteful. 😛
Hmmm…. that’s a really good thought about Theo. You just never know.
I love this a lot ! She’s really going to grow!
Haha! Thank you! I think you’re right about that.
Oh dear, I am afraid Marty is setting herself up for a big disappointment with Theo! I guess time will tell, but I don’t think the big news is that he likes Marty the way she hopes. And I do think that Ruby has been taking lessons from her great step-aunt Keniesha, who wouldn’t let Leo get away with moping, either! I think Marty looks cute in her Katy Perry outfit, poor kid!! Maybe she will meet a nice guy at work, who knows? I am glad she has found a physical outlet with martial arts, and I think she will be really good at them. Love this chapter except for one thing – too short!!! (but they all feel that way!) =D
Thank you, Marj! You just might be on the right track with Marty and Theo. I don’t know that they’re meant to be, especially when she has barely explored the new world she’s in. As for Ruby, you could probably say I was channeling Keisha a little bit. haha I do miss her terribly.
Oh that Katy Perry outfit! Gah! I was laughing as I put that getup together. Good thing she is wearing a wig, right? lol I’m not sure how long she’ll be able to put up with this job, but you’re right, she just may meet someone while working. You just never know. 😀
This chapter was a bit shorter than normal, that is true. I try to keep them around 2400 words, give or take. But I guess this is all we needed to see this time. <3 Thank you again.
Funny how she said finding a job would be a piece of cake and then ended up working with…….
I’m happy to see that Marty is learning about herself and working towards bettering herself as well. I was very worried about how she would do in the big city. Even though she seemed fairly self assured on the farm, the city is a whole different culture. I do however believe pinning all her hopes on Theo, shows a bit of that farm girl. Miles apart, never seeing one another, it would be best if she looked around to see what the world offered in that respect.
Thank you, Bee. You are so right about pinning her hopes on Theo and showing the farmgirl she really is at heart. It could be she is really homesick as she adjusts to her new situation. We’ll definitely find out in the near future. 🙂
I love what you said about Marty thinking finding the job would be a piece of cake and now she’s working in sweets. haha
Oh wow, that uniform was really something!! It really made me laugh so hard to see her like this! (I don’t own that particular SP because I didn’t think I’d ever use it, but this is a perfect way of using it)!!
And go Aunt Ruby!! I love her so much, she’s a no nonsense type of woman, just like her mom and just like *sigh* Keniesha!
I wonder what Theo wants to tell Marty… I hope he wants to admit his feelings for her, but I fear it will be something else, like meeting the love of his life or something..? Can’t wait to find out what is going to happen!
Thank you so much! 🙂 I guess I had to justify spending the money on that SP! LOL I just wrote to Jowita that I’ve only ever used the dollhouse in that pack. But now, I realize, I’ve also used the bikini top and one of the t-shirts, too. But, yeah, it’s such a bad pack.
Aunt Ruby did a good job, didn’t she? Marty has a lot of spirit and I think she would have straightened this out herself in time, but Ruby really doesn’t have time for that. hahaha No moping! Oh, gosh, I miss Keniesha so much. My fav sim ever. Maybe I channeled her into Ruby in this chapter. lol
Ah, yes, Theo… it could really be anything. Marty is homesick and getting her hopes up in a way. I think we’ll find out in the near future what he wanted to say.
Oh goodness! I am about the same taken aback as I was when I saw Leo with pink hair and tattoos for the first time!
I have to say I love the creative way, in which you used Katy Perry’s Sweet Treats. I decided to make something of it with Grace. I love Marty’s new uniform, though! It honestly cracked me up.
Hmm, martial arts? Seems that she and Sam would get along if they ever met. He loves them, too!
Those letters with Theo makes me wonder whether he also feels something for her. Oh, guess we will find out soon enough.
Very, very, creative, Kym! You never fail to amaze me with your ideas.
Thank you, Jowita! At first, I didn’t know what I was going to do with her job-wise, but I knew it should be outrageous. And I have always really disliked the Sweet Treats pack because it just never seemed like something I use. But aha! Now it is time. 😛 LOLOLOL
I think that’s cool that both Marty and Sam are doing Martial Arts. Would they get along or fight constantly about who is in charge and better, though? LOL
I actually won the trip in some competition and was offered that I could get what I wanted instead and I was to pick between two SP’s and somehow I chose Sweet Treats and I still regret it, lol. I can’t seem to fit in anything from this like ever!
Haha, if they ever met, I bet Sam would want to prove that he’s the best. That sounds a lot like him, LOL.
LOLOL And Marty is super competitive, so this might be funny. :O
I regret Sweet Treats, too. Or at least, I did, until now. lol I think I’ve used the dollhouse before and that is about it.