Gen 2 Chapter 2: All Grown Up

Well, I did it. After countless weekends of hard work, I finished my novel! I felt such a sense of accomplishment! It's entitled "My Dad Harley" and it's a fictional story about a boy named Mike, whose dad is a famous artist and they open their own art gallery together. Basically, I just daydreamed about what it would be like to have my dad around, and wrote a story about it. I hoped it was a hit!

Just a few days later, I graduated from high school and it was time for my birthday to become a Young Adult! I was super stoked about this party because we decided to have cake and coffee and make it a formal party, and almost all my friends were coming especially Jeanna.

I had only seen her once since our "date" the other night, but we had talked on the phone a couple of times. she was busy with graduation just like me. When she showed up at the party, I couldn't believe my eyes.

She had already aged to YA, and was looking stunning! (Can you spot her in the yellow shirt?)

I made the rounds talking with all my friends. They were super excited for me and my book success, and kept asking me what career I was gonna start. I told them I was keeping my options open. I still had my part-time job and had sold a painting or two, I just hadn't decided if I wanted a 'career' or not.

As I blew the candles out on my cake, I glanced over at Jeanna, and the look she was giving me made me feel warm all over. Happy Birthday to Me!

There were so many people at my party, I knew I wasn't going to get much of a chance to talk to Jeanna, so I asked her to stay after everyone left so I could chat with her.

When everyone else left, I went to my room to change, and when I peeked out my bedroom window I saw my mom playing chess and chatting with Jeanna. They were laughing and having a great time.

My mom must have saw me spying on them, because she came inside, announced that she was going to bed, and then whispered to me to me, " I really like her Mikie, she's a keeper!" 

Jeanna saw that and after she left the room came close to me, and asked, "What was that?"

I said, "Um she just likes you is all!"

"Oh Well, I like her a lot too. She's nice."

"So, I haven't had the chance to tell you how beautiful you look tonight."

"Thanks. You look pretty handsome yourself."

"Thanks I'm so glad you came. I've really missed you."

"Of course I would come, silly. I've missed you too."

"Really," I said, pulling her closer..."there's something I've been wanting to do since you've walked in the door tonight". "Really?" I pulled her in for a kiss, but this time, she kissed me back. I mean, really kissed me back.

I have no idea how long we stood in my living room kissing, time lost all meaning the second Jeanna put her arms around me. Eventually, we pulled away from each other, and Jeanna glanced at the clock... "Oh my, it's very late. I should get going..."

 "See you later?"She smiled and nodded and walked out the door. And I headed to bed, a pretty happy guy I might add.

The next day I was offered an amazing opportunity. The publishing company I worked with had a client who wanted a biography written about him, but they wanted it done in an edgy way to help boost sales. The catch for me? The client was my half-brother, who I've never met, Henry Michaels. They told me they knew he was my half brother, that's why they wanted me to write it. That was the edge they were looking for.

The publishing company hadn't told Henry he was my brother, they told me they thought they would reveal that when the book was finished. I knew this would be a risky opportunity to take on. I could either have a great friend and new brother in my life, or I could make an enemy when he found out where I came from. But, I didn't have anything else lined up, and could use the money, so I accepted. I really wanted to know about my father's family, and I think if I kept the story going in a positive direction, there would be no reason for Henry to not be proud of the book I write for him.

I was actually glad I had the opportunity to write another book, I still had no direction to go in a career, and to be honest, really enjoyed working part-time in the book store, and having time to spend painting and writing. Maybe I could make enough as a writer and painter, I wouldn't need a career!

We were doing ok on money. My mom was getting a retirement check, and every now and then when we needed a boost to the family funds, she would hold an autograph session. We most certainly weren't rich, but at least we had enough to pay our bills and buy things as we needed them.

My mom could care less if I had a career or not. She was more interested in me settling down and getting married and having kids. She would nonchalantly bring it up in conversations, but I usually just brushed it off, and told her, "when the time is right, mom." She would playfully say back, "Well, I'm not getting any younger!" Don't get me wrong, I'm a hopeless romantic at heart, and would love to have a wife and kids someday. But I didn't feel I needed to be rushed in that way. I was more excited about working on this book, and getting my name out there as an author.

I started to feel the desire to have more friends. Besides writing my book, that became my new priority. I decided to go to the local consignment shop to buy some new artwork for our house,  and mingle with some town folk. When I got there, I recognized the girl behind the counter as an younger classmate from school, Breanna Sekemoto.

"Mikie, is that you? Wow, I haven't seen you in ages!"

"Hey Breanna! Wow, you are all grown up too now, huh? Working at the shop here?"

"Yep. It's not much, but it's a living. I like it ok. Besides, I get to check out all the cool stuff people bring in. What are you looking for?"

"Well, I've been wanting some cool artwork to hang up around the house, you know, for some inspiration."

"Cool... we have a ton of awesome artwork here, let me show you what we have."

After spending time laughing and catching up, and Breanna showing me all the artwork in the store, I chose a large painting that I thought would look good in the living room. I had no idea Breanna knew so much about art, we had a great time.

"Well, anytime you wanna talk local art, hit me up! I love this type of stuff. You ever wanna sell stuff in the shop, you come down and see me!"

"Really, I could sell stuff in the consignment store?"

"Yes! Of course! I'd love to tell you all about it, but I'm getting ready to close the store so.."

"Oh, right. Well, I'm actually not doing anything right now, you wanna go down to the Bistro and have some drinks after you close up here? I really would like to find a way to make it selling artwork and books.."

"Sure! that would be great! let's go!"

So, Breanna and I headed over to the Bistro, and I made sure I was in dress code before we went in. Of course, she wasn't wearing anything fancy, and she said, "Eh... I'm a rebel. I dare them to say something to me about it!!"

Breanna was always a rebel in school, if I remember right. She wasn't much for societal norms. I mean, just look at her hair!

Breanna and I had a great time catching up on all the old gossip from people in high school, and her telling me that I could make a lot more money selling my works in the shop instead of selling them on my own. I told her as soon as I had my next artwork finished, I'd come bring it down to the shop and give it a try.

We were having such a great time, I just kept drinking, and well, I stopped just before I knew I shouldn't be driving home, and somehow, I asked if she wanted to come and see my house and hang out, and she said sure...

So we ended up staying up way too late playing video games, and when we were both tired, I knew it was too late for her to be going home by herself, so I offered for her to stay at our house.

We were both so tired and still feeling the effects of our drinks, that we both collapsed on my bed and fell asleep. Nothing happened between us, of course, she was just a good friend, nothing more.

Breanna woke up early in the morning, and left before anyone else was awake. I slept through most of the day, recovering for my long night. I don't know if I'll stay up all night playing video games again!

It felt good to branch out and make new friends. It seemed the more friends I made, the more I wished to have. We had some new neighbors move in next door, and feeling quite confident in my friendly abilities, I went over to meet them and maybe make a couple of friends as well.

I rang the doorbell, and a girl with brightly colored hair answered the door. "Hi! I'm Sierra and you must be our new neighbor, Mikie Song!"

"Wow, yes, that's me! How did you know who I was?" 

"Well, another neighbor told us we lived next to the "famous" Honeybee Song, and her son Mikie."

"It's really nice to meet you! Come on in! Meet my twin sister!" I came inside, and saw another girl who looked exactly like Sierra but her hair was more purple than pink.

"Hello! I'm Alayna. Nice to meet you!"

"I'm Mikie." She giggled, "Yes, I know silly! It's an honor to meet you! I read your book, My Dad Harley and I really loved it! Are you gonna write anymore?"

"Well as a matter of fact, I am writing one right now!"

"Wow, that's so cool that we live next to a famous rock star and her author son! sweet! You wanna hang out a while?"

I was taken aback. All these years my mom had been somewhat famous, I had never really received any attention from it. But now, well, I guess the combo of me writing a decent book and living with a rock star was staring to have a positive effect on me! Well, it's about time something good came from having a famous, busy, single mom! I told the girls I'd love to hang out, and stayed until I had to go to work. They were great girls, and we were good friends by the time I left.

Yep, I was feeling pretty good about myself, and felt a renewed passion to finish my book, since now it seems I have a following of people waiting for it! Life is Good!

Whew, another chapter done! Some crazy stuff is coming up! Oh, and pay attention to the rules, there shall be 2 new changes coming, one involving being asked to move in by other sims, and one involving a REWARD coming to the challenge! If you've been following on the forum, you'll know what I'm talking about!
Oh, and interesting tidbit... the birthday party was 'accidentally' a formal party. I didn't mean for it to be, and it seems I accidentally clicked 'formal' for the dress wear... oh well! It was a great party anyways. :) As always, thanks for reading!