From the Diary of Amy Noble:
Dear Diary, boys are so exhausting. Tom, one of my closest friends dropped by grandfather’s house to have a talk with me. As he droned on and on, I thought about more important things like the fact I was a queen where Grandfather and my parents were from.
It was strange, I know, because before, I cared very much about what Tom thought and felt. Now that things had changed so drastically and so quickly, I couldn’t muster up even an ounce of care for what he was going through now.
“I just don’t understand it,” he grumbled.
“Understand what?” I asked with a dull tone in my voice.
Harlow was out of my life now and that hurt worse than anything I’d ever been through. I talked to mom the other day about it, and she had some good advice, but it was my grandfather who really pulled through for me.
“Amelie,” he’d said, “in the bigger picture, these things are little. Right now, you must focus on your magic. Use the emotion you feel now-the hurt, the anger-and pull that into your magic. I guarantee it will do the trick.”
And he’d been right! Ever since I realized I could use my negative emotions to create and steer the magical power, I could control it. Now, I practiced night and day and it was easier and easier.
“She’s just so different. It’s like… it’s like she woke up one day and she was someone else.”
“Mmhm.”
I’d never been one to think I deserved anything special, like immense praise or anything like that. I swear it’s true.
But there was a part of me that couldn’t stop daydreaming about being a queen.
Harlow dumped me as a friend and clarified that she hates me. As queen, though, no one would refuse me anything. Grandfather told me it was my duty to go back with him to Midnight Hollow and take my throne.
Apparently, the small council had been promising the people of Midnight Hollow that someone powerful, more impressive than they could ever imagine, would return to them and take charge. That person was me.
Tom’s head hung low, but I hardly noticed. I had bigger thoughts to contend with.
For once in my life, I was important. I’d be exalted above all and have people tripping over themselves to make sure I was happy.
We stood up, and I walked him toward the door.
“Haven’t you noticed anything?”
I sighed and crossed my arms in front of me.
“About what?”
He smacked his face.
“You know, we used to be real good friends, and I knew we could count on each other. But you’ve changed, Amy! Do you know how many times we’ve ridden together in the mornings these past several weeks?” He paused for effect while my heart sank. “Zero! And you’re Harlow’s best friend, so I thought you might have insight into what’s changed in her. Problem is, you’ve changed, too! And not for the best!”
As he stormed out, slamming the door, I stood there frozen in guilt.
He’d come here to talk to me, and he obviously didn’t know Harlow and I had kissed. It was then that things changed. That was the catalyst. The problem was, I’d only been thinking about myself and how great I was now, instead of realizing that what happened between me and Harlow also had influenced other people.
Then I thought about Grandfather and how, since I was a child, he’d been spelling me to forget my powers and birthright. He’d been controlling me my whole life. Why was I still letting him?
I squared my shoulders and decided then and there I would not be traveling to Midnight Hollow. He wasn’t my real grandfather, and although I did have a place in my heart for him, it became quite clear I needed to distance myself.
From the Diary of Sophie Woodbury-Noble:
Dear Diary, when I came to Gerrard’s to see Amy, I was completely panicked she’d dressed in the type of garb you’d see in Midnight Hollow. More than ever, I realized I had to loosen Gerrard’s grip on her and get her home where she belonged.
“You look like you’ve just stepped out of Midnight Hollow,” I said in the least accusatory voice I could manage.
She looked down at herself in what looked like surprise and smoothed her bodice out.
“Oh! Tom left a few minutes ago, and I’d planned on changing, but then you came in.”
“Well, I was hoping to talk to you, and seeing your appearance, I know it’s not a moment too soon!”
I’d blown it already. My child faced me with one hand on her hip. Why couldn’t I ever hide my disapproval? I could’ve kicked myself.
“I’ve been under a lot of stress, Mom. There’s too much in my head that even my diary can’t sort out.”
Made sense to me, but the constant attitude was breaking me down bit by bit. I know I said the wrong thing, but couldn’t she see how much I loved her and that I was only afraid for her?
Changing gears, I swept my arm across a nearby table that was heavy-laden with books and old scrolls.
“What’s all this?”
A chill ran down my spine when I realized one book was in that secret language Gigi had shown me. It was the language of Laris’s clan in Midnight Hollow. This was more drastic than even I had realized.
She immediately put a hand on each of her hips now. I’d done it again.
Why couldn’t we simply communicate? This was going horribly!
“These are all things from Midnight Hollow Grandfather wanted me to look at.”
So the old bastard was trying to get her to go to Midnight Hollow! I knew it!
I did my best to proceed with caution.
“And did you? Look at them, I mean.”
“Yes… Are you worried I’ll go to Midnight Hollow and become queen?”
To say I gasped doesn’t go far enough. My chin was on the floor, and I had sucked in my breath so fast, I couldn’t speak or breathe.
“Because I’ve decided not to.”
“Oh, Amy,” was all I choked out before pulling her into a firm embrace, rubbing her back, and sobbing into her hair.
When she pulled away, and I let her, she said, “I was about to, but then, in a way, Tom helped me change my mind.”
“Well, bless Tom,” I said, finally letting go of that painful breath.
Then I noticed the floor. “Hey, what happened over here?”
Her cheeks blushed prettily, and she said, “Oh, that was me. It caught fire. Luckily, there was more than one fire extinguisher around.”
“Are you able to control your powers?”
She stared into the fire for a minute, as if completely assessing each skill she had, then she turned to face me once again.
“Yes, I’m able to control it all. And I want to use it the right way, if that’s possible.”
Relief poured over me that she had a handle on her powers. Still, there was a nagging feeling of dread. But I needed her home because it was almost her birthday when she would take over as the heir.
Smiling at her, hoping she couldn’t see my anxiety, I said, “It’s definitely possible.”
“Great! I’m gonna change and grab my stuff so I can come home with you.”
My smile widened even more, and my heart burst with relief and love. “I’d like that.”
From the Diary of Sophie Woodbury-Noble:
Dear Diary, I’d sent Amy home ahead of me because I wanted to speak with Gerrard. He wouldn’t be up for another half hour or so. I sat at his grand piano. Letting my fingers slide over the keys with the lightest of touches, I remember all the times I’d played for Gigi. It was her favorite thing to do. To listen to me at the piano.
Back then, I could play almost anything. Sight-reading came easily and this could have been my career. Instead, I took Gigi’s baby daughter and raised her as my own, allowing everyone who saw and knew me to believe I was a single teenage mother.
“Hello, Sophie.”
I finished that bar and the next, before I stopped playing.
Getting up, I stood before one of the great windows of the room, blindly seeing the ranches across the fields. One, I knew, belonged to Tom’s family.
The entire time I said nothing, Gerrard just stood there, waiting. Of course, time must go by differently for him, whereas a few minutes of waiting seemed much quicker to him. Still, he hadn’t moved a muscle.
Finally, I turned to face him. “Amy has come home and I want you to back off from all the Midnight Hollow queen stuff. She’s not interested.”
He glared at me as the corner of his upper lip twitched.
“You must be mistaken. Amelie told me only this morning she would take her place on the throne.”
“It is you who is mistaken,” I said, not breaking eye contact. I repeated myself, only using a firmer tone, “She has gone home and is not going to Midnight Hollow. Ever.”
That’s when he lost his shit. His eyes narrowed, and he stared at me. Vampires could usually control the mind of others. This is what he’d done with Amy, at my request, while she was a child.
I continued staring at him, unflinching.
“You will not take Amy from her duties! She is the sworn queen! It is her birthright!”
I peered right back at him, unblinking.
“You know you can’t pull that vampire mind control stuff on me, Gerrard. Amy has made her choice. Now back off!”
He gasped and fell two steps backward.
I had a smirk on my face when I left his mansion.
Bonus Picture!
Amy’s little brother, Gil, had a birthday and is a teen now!
Special thanks to Bee (Stories by Bee / Poses by Bee) for the poses used in this chapter: Convo/Emotion Poses – Set 2, Emotion – Male Adult Poses, Emotions – Adult.
Next week is the last post for Generation 9! Thank you so much for hanging in with me during this generation as it has not been the easiest to write. I hope you will join me for Generation 10 which I might have an announcement for soon.
Thank you so much for reading, liking, lurking, and commenting!
Other Credits:
World: Winchester Farming Community
Lot: Hill House
Discover more from Kymber@booomcha.com
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Another story to get narrative hooked into!
Thank you, Jonathan!
😀
So proud of Amy for coming to her senses and seeing that she was losing her true self! Gerrard needs to realize that he wasn’t helping. If she will become the Midnight Hollow queen, she’ll do it when she’s ready and in the right way.
Hopefully, without an elder vampire “guiding” her.
Also, Gil’s a cutie.
LOL Thank you, I love Gil. 😀
I think Amy is made of stronger stuff than anyone knew. She didn’t even know. lol I think she should become the queen only if she chooses to do it, and hopefully, as you said, without the influence of Gerrard.
Sorry I, again, couldn’t find my thoughts after reading it. Seems to be a pattern now, I’m just not as accustomed to writing comments as I was when WP was more active. But I can’t wait for the end of gen 9 tomorrow so I finally pulled my socks together.
I can relate to Amy’s feelings of feelings like there is a difference to your priorities when compared to your peers’ (although for sure, I am not queen or anywhere near magical). This feels so alienating. What surprised me is how Tom never said anything about the gown or the crown. Is it like with vampires that he can’t see it or what? How did it not surprise him in the least? Poor Tom must be so confused and neither her nor Harlow filled him in on what’s going on. Poor guy lost both his best friend and girlfriend!
I loved the reunion between mom (or aunt – actually, the confusing situation reminds me a bit of how Frank was actually Clint’s brother and not dad, haha) and daughter. I think it’s a cool detail how their eyes remain similar with both the shape and how big they are and the make-up with winged liner. I love how Sophie didn’t give in to Gerrard, but I’m anxious to see how Gerrard reacts to Amy when she says herself that she doesn’t want to collaborate anymore. Although actually, I feel like Amy with her powers – when she can control them – can probably learn to be even more powerful than him, so that he couldn’t oppose her. That will be an interesting confrontation.
Hi, Jowita, and thank you! I can understand not having your thoughts organized right when you read a chapter. I’m that way too, honestly, a lot of the time.
I’m so glad you’re looking forward to tomorrow’s chapter. Finally, we’re at the end of Gen 9. lol
Amy truly does feel alone like no one can relate to her, as you mentioned. As for Tom, I thought of having him say something, but then I thought he should be a one-track mind kind of guy. For instance, if Mr. Hawke is preoccupied, he won’t notice a thing about what I’m wearing. LOL And this is Tom.
I feel sorry for Tom, too. He can’t figure any of the girls in his life out, and they’re not taking the time to explain anything because it’s too painful. lol
This situation reminds me of Frank and Clint, too. I’m glad you mentioned that here.
Sophie and Amy are really quite a bit alike in many areas. I figured Amy would do her eyes how Sophie does, for sure. I like doing that because when I look very closely at Amy’s eyes, I tend to see Laris. Maybe it’s just me, though.
You’ll definitely be seeing Gerrard in tomorrow’s chapter. I can’t wait to hear what you think about it all.
I like the idea you brought up about Amy potentially being more powerful than Gerrard. 😀
I’m just in general not very used to giving opinions. I’m more of a quiet time so I have to really try just because I know it’s pleasant for friends to get feedback! But it doesn’t come very naturally for me.
Finally, the end! It’s been a long time coming.
That’s funny how you thought that about Tom. He must have been like, “Girls and their fashion! I can’t keep up anyway, let’s just not mention it”, lmao.
Poor Tom, indeed!
Aw, does it remind you of a Frank-Clint dynamic? I thought that was just me thinking of my story all the time, lol.
It’s hard to see Laris for me, as I mostly think about red eyes, haha.
Ooh, Gerrard tomorrow! Can’t wait!
I’m so glad you make the effort to give feedback. I understand about being a quiet person who does not often put their opinion out there. I’m what you might call and extroverted introvert. LOLOL
It has definitely been a long time coming. For sure. I’m relieved, tbh. But Gen 10 should (hopefully) be exciting.
That’s pretty close to what I was thinking about Tom. LMAO You know, when I’m playing the game and getting pics, I can hear the characters thoughts and dialogue in my head. And poor Tom sounded just like that. haha
I’m often reminded of your story. I guess that just goes to show how invested I was in your characters. It’s a good story. 🙂
Oh yeah, the red eyes! LOLOL He was so creepy.
Gerrard’s appearance is brief, but he will be in Gen 10. 😀 Not everyone is making the cut. hahaha
I think this is one of the best episodes I’ve read so far. I like how Amy at the beginning was only thinking of herself, but realized – before it was too late – that there were things more important than being, well, important 😉
Is Gerard here the grandfather? I think I remember him as a boy still…. oh my, time does fly!
Thank you so much, Jina. 🙂 I’m so glad you enjoyed this episode. I like what you said about Amy and I agree 100%!
Gerrard is the grandfather… sort of. He is the vampire that turned Sebastian when Sebastian was maybe 19 or so. I’m wondering if you’re thinking of Sebastian and not Gerrard? 🙂
Could be. I need to go back a few chapters to get up to date with things.
I hope you enjoy. 🙂
Amy was being very haughty there at the beginning. I’m glad she came to her senses and realized what she was doing. Good for Sophie for standing up to Gerrard. You ended on a good note, but… I’m not sure this is resolved. Great episode, Kymber.
Thank you so much, Diana. Amy was definitely haughty, and I think Gerrard is partially to blame. He really built up what being queen could mean for her. Sophie’s had about all she can take of Gerrard. lol You’re probably right, though, that this isn’t over. I’m so glad you liked this episode. 🙂
Great fun.
❤️❤️
Happy birthday, Gil! Gee, time flies here as much as real life, lol.
I’m glad Amy saw the light and made a wise decision. So much for thinking Gerrard had a change of heart and became a nice vampire 🙂
Thank you, Jacquie. Sims time is crazy! lol You can adjust how quickly or slowly time goes but if you forget to turn off aging, they’re adults before you realize. lol For instance, babies in sims are only infants for 3 sim days. It’s nuts. LOLOL
I’m glad you’re glad. Gerrard is so fickle. You can’t trust vampires, I guess. LOL
I think the fact that Amy made the decision to leave this all behind and do the right thing, is real testament to Amy and Seb’s upbringing. Had Kai not died, and Jade had remained the strong person she always was, Gigi would not have fallen for Laris in the first place. Thank goodness for the diaries and the accounting of all that went on. I’m hopeful that she is as strong as she needs to be, in order to stay away from Gerrard. How that will happen I do not know. Sounds like the party on the other end of the phone, has been planning this her whole life. They will not just give up.
Another point of Amy’s strength is her coming to realize the world of high school and teenagers is more drama than it’s worth. She has taken a step up on the grown up ladder above the cloud of the world of teenage life below that rung. Keep climbing Amy.
Thank you, Bee. I like what you said about what Gigi would have been like had Kai not died. That is really where her downfall stemmed from, it’s true.
You’re probably right that the party on the other end of the line is not just going to give up.
Yes, keep climbing, Amy. Beautifully written, Bee.
What a relief! This probably isn’t over, though.
Thank you, Jess. You are most likely right about that. 🙂
I really hope Amy does go home, and not to Midnight Hollow. Please, do the right thing, girl! Also, happy birthday Gil!
Thank you, Hilly! Here’s hoping Amy does the right thing. ❤️ Gil sure looks a lot like Seb to me.
Such a great chapter! I was worried for Amy for a second, but she’s made the right decision.
Thank you, Cathy. Hopefully, Amy will maintain her resolve not to go to Midnight Hollow. ❤️