Mod The Sims - Elaine's Story: Part 1 (In the Beginning...)

Montridge

30th Jul 2006, 12:41 AM

In the Beginning....

When ever I remember my early childhood, I can always smell the scent of the sand and surf. My parents Mary and Harold Beyer had a small sea side resort on Vacation Island.
I've been told by my mother many a time, that I was a very pleasant surprise. She had been told by her doctor, that she would never be able to carry a child.
My parents doted on their 'miracle baby' and I basked in the glow of their attention.
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As I grew older, my mother allowed me to help with the day to day operations of the resort.
I enjoyed helping Mommy clean the motel rooms after the guests had left. She made it a game so I would stay interested.
While we joked and laughed about silly things, we also bonded.
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We were a happy little family for the most part.
If anyone had told me, I would grow up to be a 'super model', I wouldn't have believed it.
I wasn't much of a looker in my early years. Far from it. I always thought I was a bit goofy looking. Besides, I had no desire to be a model. My dream was to be a school teacher.
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My parents were important people in the community. I credit them with teaching me that every person has a responsibility to help out those in need. My parents were always going off to some ball or social function to raise money for the many charitable institutions they were part off.
I'll never forget the night Mom and Dad went to the Bay Side Ball to help raise money for the Children's Mercy Hospital.
My mother was decked out in a Remington Mansfield gown, that had been made exclusively for her.
We were far from rich, but Remington Mansfield just happened to be my mother's younger brother. The two were very close.
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After the standard 'be good for the babysitter' lecture, Daddy took Mommy's hand and they left.
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The babysitter was a teenage girl named Candy.
We moved the coffee table back and played Barbies.
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I stayed up way past my bed time.
Candy agreed I could run for my bedroom and pretend to be sleeping when the folks got home.
It was well after midnight when I fell asleep on the couch.
I woke up with a start when I heard Candy scream.
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There were two policemen in the living room.
Candy was crying.
I added my sobs to hers, because even at the age of seven, I knew something really bad had happened......

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TO BE CONTINUED........

Bloopers: Looks like Lanie some how changed out of the P.J.'s while playing Barbies. Ooops! LOL!
Credits: Mom's swim wear was made my me. (You can see why I never upload any of my kindergarten creations. :) )
The Remington Mansfield was actually made by Open House Jack.

XsnowdropX

30th Jul 2006, 12:46 AM

me like story so far.

LizaLizBethy

30th Jul 2006, 03:24 AM

Elaine is GORGEOUS, and this is a phenomenal start; I can't wait to read more!

Alexandraite_SC

30th Jul 2006, 05:21 AM

Darn you, Montridge, for that cliffhanger!!! grrrrrrrrrr

Great start!! I'm loving this. Update soon!!

~Al

prettiammie2005

30th Jul 2006, 06:51 PM

You're very welcome, and I'm enjoying the story so far! Keep up the good work. ^_^

feistyredhead

30th Jul 2006, 07:48 PM

this is a great beginning.. I look forward to reading your updates

Pretty_in_Pink_14

31st Jul 2006, 03:48 PM

AHHH!!! Cliffy... Can't wait for the next. Great Story!!!

Sim Sagas

1st Aug 2006, 12:03 AM

Awh, her parents have been killed, haven't they? Poor kid...

Nice beginning, though! I hope to see updates soon!

angelkitten056

1st Aug 2006, 09:41 AM

Eee! I really like this story. Ill wait for updates

Montridge

2nd Aug 2006, 03:43 AM

Goodbye, Vacation Island

I couldn't believe my parents were gone.
The policemen explained that a truck driver had fallen asleep behind the wheel and crossed into my parent's lane. It was a head on collision. My mother and father were killed instantly.
Our next door neighbor agreed to go with the officers to identify my parent's bodies.
Candy told the officers that I would be more than welcome to stay at her house until my Uncle could be contacted. He was the only known relative I had.
Uncle Remington was at a fashion show far away in the Paris neighborhood. The authorities were having trouble getting in contact with him.
Candy and her mother did all they could to make my stay with them comfortable.
Two days went by before Francie (Candy's Mom) told me that Uncle Remington was on his way. She reassured me that he'd be here before dinner.
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'Lanie!' my Uncle exclaimed when he arrived, scooping me up in his arms. 'My poor little darling!.'
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I felt his tears wet my neck, as I sobbed into his shoulder.
Seeing my beloved Uncle caused my sense of loss and grief to wash back over me. He patted my back and spoke soothingly while I cried it out.
Candy and Francie kind of hung around looking helpless.
Uncle Remington managed to calm me down and made introductions.
It seemed he brought along a friend.
Francie and Candy had always been awestruck that Remington Mansfield was my Uncle. They seemed even more so when Uncle Remington introduced his friend as Trent Thornton.
I looked up at Mr. Thornton. He sure was handsome. He also had a nice smile and kind sympathetic eyes.
'I'm finally glad to meet you, Lanie. I only wish it were under better circumstances. Your Uncle Remington brags on you a lot.'
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After dinner Mr. Thornton and I were getting along like old friends. He insisted I call him Trent.
I also found out why Francie and Candy were so nervous. Trent used to be a male model and movie actor. He told us he'd given all that up ages ago. Trent was the head of his own modeling agency now. He claimed it was his job to discover the talent and faces of the next generation.
Though I felt I'd never smile again, Trent had managed to cox a small smile out of me quite a few times at dinner.
Uncle Remington was thrilled that Trent and I got on so well. He told me that Trent was his dearest friend in all the world and that he would be living with us.
Uncle Remington allowed me to stay one more night with Candy and Francie. He and Trent were going to stay at the resort. Uncle Remington told me that he'd have to find some one to manage the place until we decided what to do with it.
My Uncle bid me good night with hugs, kisses, and promises that I'd see him first thing in the morning.
I was still missing Mommy and Daddy, but I was glad my Uncle was willing to take me in.
********

The next day we held my parent's memorial service and funeral.
Uncle Remington and I made sure both caskets were decorated with my mother's favorite water lilies.
'I never thought I'd out live Mary.' Uncle Remington whispered sadly.
Trent did his best to comfort us both.
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Trent was a pillar of strength for all of us. He also had kind and soothing words for Francie and Candy.
They were grieving for my parents as well.
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I knew my mother would be happy that her younger brother had found such a good friend. She was always worrying over him.
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That night I slept in my bedroom at the resort for the very last time.
Uncle Remington came in to tuck me in and see if I needed anything.
'I'm going to try my best to be a good parent to you.' he vowed. 'Your mother always took such good care of me. I owe her so much.'
I could see that my mother's death grieved him as much as it did me.
Being an adult he was trying hard to keep his feelings in check and put on a brave front.
I decided that I would try to be strong as well. I think my parents would have wanted it that way.
********

Early the next morning found me on a plane headed toward Montridge.
My uncle explained that he and Trent had just recently bought a home there.
I had never been on a plane before and had butterflies in my stomach.
'You'll be just fine, darling.' Uncle Remington reassured me. 'The worst part is take off.'
He'd already explained that my ears would pop when we ascended and had given me some gum to chew to make it easier.
'Nothing to it.' Trent added. 'We fly all the time. It's great once your in the air. You can look out your window and see all of SimCity below. You'll love seeing all the tiny buildings and scenery. Cars will look like ants scurrying along the highways.'
Having no other choice, I tried to settle back into my seat and resigned myself to what ever fate had in store.
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angelkitten056

2nd Aug 2006, 07:59 AM

Thats so sad! Its good that she has her brother though, i am glad they can help eachother with the pain and all. Excited for updates!

nckw

2nd Aug 2006, 08:17 AM

great update
poor girl:(

Alexandraite_SC

3rd Aug 2006, 10:12 AM

Great update! I can't wait to see what happens to her. Keep up the great story telling! (And update soon!!)

~Al

xlisx

3rd Aug 2006, 11:53 AM

great update

Jasmin_SC

3rd Aug 2006, 05:15 PM

Oh this is a great story ^.^ Planes do make your ears pop, hehe, cant wait for another chapter :)

imsobored

3rd Aug 2006, 06:28 PM

i havent read it in a song time so i read it today good:)

imsobored

3rd Aug 2006, 06:31 PM

i meant good job lol

lulie_x

3rd Aug 2006, 06:38 PM

Poor little girl, its good shes got her uncle.
Cant wait for the next chapter!

Montridge

3rd Aug 2006, 06:44 PM

Uncle Remington

My Uncle and Trent were right. After my initial bout of nerves before take off and the uncomfortable popping in my ears, I started to enjoy myself.
Uncle Remington and I took the opportunity to talk, getting to know one another again. I hadn't seen him since last Christmas. Trent let us catch up and read the 'SimCity Times'.
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After awhile my eyes grew heavy. I was so exhausted. I suppose all the events of the last couple of days were beginning to take it's toll on me.
Uncle Remington noticed that I was tired. He suggested I close my eyes and rest a bit. It would still be a few hours before we touched down in Montridge.
While I dozed I tried to recall everything my mother ever told me about her younger brother. I would be living with him now. The thought was still kind of strange to me.
*******
I did remember that Uncle Remington had been very sick when he was a child. My mother said he had a bad heart.
My Uncle spent most of his childhood in the hospital. Even though Uncle Remington had surgery, he still had a dangerous heart condition. Mommy told me that he had to take dozens of pills and elixirs to keep his condition in check. He wasn't allowed to exert himself too much and got tired easily.
Mommy took good care of her little brother.
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Uncle Remington loved to draw and paint. His dream was to become a fashion designer.
Mommy wanted a family, but before she met my father she was a model. She and Remington lived together and followed their dreams. They encouraged each other.
Mommy admitted that she fussed too much over her brother, but alleged that he was really over protective of her. She laughed that he became part Doberman towards the men that flocked around her.
It was while on holiday on Vacation Island that she met my father.
Mommy and Remington had been having espresso in a coffee shop when my father asked to join them.
Daddy and Mommy always claimed they fell in love at first site.
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Mommy told me that Uncle Remington hated all the gentleman that expressed an interest in her. She took it as a good omen when he pronounced my father a 'keeper'.
It was Uncle Remington that walked my mother down the aisle on her wedding day.
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After the wedding Uncle Remington returned to his life in Studio Town. Mommy made her home on Vacation Island. The siblings kept in touch via the telephone and postcards.
Every year at Thanksgiving to after the New Year, Uncle Remington came to stay with us at the resort. He came loaded with gifts for everyone. There was scotch and cigars for my father, expensive perfume and dresses for my mother, and lots of toys for me. I had dolls from every neighborhood in SimCity.
Uncle Remington was always a welcome guest in our home. We all loved him and wouldn't have cared if he didn't come bearing gifts....though we always loved everything he brought.
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My mother would still fuss and make over Uncle Remington while he was visiting. Uncle Remington would laugh and call her a 'mother hen'.
I remembered my mother's last phone conversation with my Uncle.
Mommy had been thrilled that Uncle Remington had found someone nice to spend the rest of his life with. I was happy for him as well.
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Before I realised it, I had fallen asleep. I woke up disoriented. It took me a moment to remember where I was.
Uncle Remington wasn't beside me any more, but there was a pillow behind my head and I was covered up with a blanket.
'I can't believe Mary is gone.' I heard Uncle Remington sob. 'She's always been there for me. I loved her so much. This wasn't suppose to happen. What if I mess things up with Lanie?'
'You still have me.' I heard Trent say. 'You won't be doing this alone. We're in this together."
I took a peek between the seats and saw that Trent was doing his best to calm my poor Uncle. I wanted to jump up and hug him as well, but something told me that this was a personal moment.
I shut my eyes again and pretended to be sleeping.
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When Uncle Remington slipped back into his seat, I acted like I just woke up.
Trent told us that we should be landing soon.
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Uncle Remington and I spent the remainder of the trip talking about his new home. He told me he had his staff getting everything ship shape and that I could have the entire third floor for my very own.
I had to admit it sounded very exciting.
After the plane landed and more painful ear popping, (much worse going down I thought), Uncle Remington lead the way.
Trent stood aside like a gentleman, to allow me to follow my Uncle, but I stopped. I somehow knew Mommy would rest easy knowing my Uncle was being taken care of.
'I'm glad my Uncle has such a good friend.' I told him. 'I'm happy that you will be living with us.'
Trent seemed touched by my comment. He squeezed my hands gently in his.
'Thank you, Lanie, I think that's the sweetest thing anyone has said to me in a long time.'
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Taking my hand in his, we followed my Uncle off the plane.
Uncle Remington found his car in the parking lot.
'Let's go home, Lanie.' Trent winked at me, opening the car door.
The first chapter of my life drew to a close, while the next was just beginning.

Sim Sagas

3rd Aug 2006, 07:14 PM

I'm loving this story! I really like Remington and Trent; they make a cute couple. I'm looking forward to finding out what happens when Lanie begins the new chapter of her life. Good job setting up the plane scenes, as well. :)

IrishGrace

3rd Aug 2006, 07:53 PM

This is a great story! Can't wait to read more :)

Alexandraite_SC

4th Aug 2006, 12:17 AM

I love the flashbacks in black and white. That was a really neat touch. I love this story. I can't wait for the next chapter.

~Al

missinickib_SC

4th Aug 2006, 12:48 AM

This is a very nice read. Good job Montridge.

angelkitten056

4th Aug 2006, 09:52 AM

Poor Regminton...but, does he still have to take lots of pills now because of his heart condition? Is he going to be a good father?

This was a great update!

Montridge

7th Aug 2006, 04:16 AM

My New Home (Part One)

We didn't go straight to Uncle Remington's place.
Montridge was still a rural neighborhood that was for the most part undeveloped forest land. It would still be a long journey by car to Uncle Remington's house.
My Uncle suggested that while we were still in the small down town area,
that we stop and have a bite to eat first.
None of us had eaten the rubber sandwiches we were served on the plane.
I realised I was starving. I hadn't had much of an appetite since the accident.
"Do you like cheeseburgers and onion rings?" Trent asked me.
Did I?!
"I know just where we can get the best of both in all of SimCity."
I was sold. My stomach rumbled at the very thought.
Uncle Remington muttered something about Trent sabotaging his diet, but he was out voted two to one.
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The Happy Burger Shack really did have the best cheeseburgers and onion rings. We sat at the counter and had a really good time just talking.
I also managed to get ketchup on my good dress.
Luckily, I still had my carry-on and an extra outfit. I took the opportunity to freshen up a bit and change. I felt so much better after I washed my face and was back in my everyday clothes.
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Trent suggested we play games and sing songs on the way home to help pass the time away. He warned there wasn't much to look at once we left the down town area.
Uncle Remington remarked that he didn't know which one of us was the little kid. I could tell he was really pleased that Trent and I were getting along so well.
When we sang our way down to twenty bottles of beer on the wall, I noticed a few scattered houses.
'Thank Goodness.' Uncle Remington quipped when Trent and I suddenly stopped singing. 'I was getting quite hung over from all that damn beer.'
My Uncle took us down a twisty gravel road and then onto a paved street.
'We're home, Darling.' he announced cheerfully, as he took us up a long narrow driveway.
Wow! I was looking at the biggest and most beautiful home I ever saw.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel2/snapshot_71e077da_11e1c0c0.jpg

Credits:That big beautiful home was made by the talented SterlingDT.
I happened to find it again on the exchange. :)
Here's the link:
http://thesims2.ea.com/exchange/lot_detail.php?asset_id=102056&asset_type=lot&user_id=135946
P.S. I'll upload any of my characters if anyone wants them (stripped of cc, hacks, memories etc. so they don't muck up your game...just PM me.)

Montridge

7th Aug 2006, 06:06 AM

At last! I was standing in front of what was to be my new home.
Though I wished with all my heart that the events from the last couple of weeks had been a very bad dream, I was still excited about going inside and exploring my Uncle's house. It was so pretty and beautifully landscaped.
He seemed to want me to like it very much.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_71e077da_91e1c1ce.jpg

Uncle Remington looked really happy when I told him how nice I thought it was.
'You'll like it much better from the inside.' he told me leading the way up the front steps.
'Now who's the little kid?' Trent grumbled as my Uncle took the stairs two at a time. 'Come along, Lanie.'
I had gotten side tracked by the pool. We had a pool at the resort, but no matter what time of night or day it was, there was always at least five people in it. I couldn't wait for the day I'd get to take a swim in this pool.
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I was given a quick tour of the front rooms.
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In the mean while Uncle Remington's staff of servants were summoned into an office off the main entry way. I was introduced to Mrs. Hammond the cook, Giuseppe the butler, and Nan Sing the maid. They all welcomed me very nicely and sincerely.
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After a quick tour of the rest of the house, I was shown my room and bath.
I could barely breathe. It was like a little girl's bedroom from a glamour magazine.
'You like?' Uncle Remington asked hopefully.
'Very much.' I said when I could exhale.
'I'm so glad, Lanie.' he told me, stroking my cheek. 'I want you to feel at home here.'
Then in an aside to Trent while I looked around at all the perfectly pink prettiness. 'At least somebody will make use of this room.'
My childish ears detected an under current in his words.
'I'm happy that you like it, Lanie.' Trent flashed my uncle a look I couldn't quite decipher. 'I'll have Giuseppe bring up your things.'
He turned leaving my Uncle and I alone.
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'I'll leave you to get used to your new room.' my Uncle seemed in a hurry to go after Trent. 'I'll send Nan Sing up to help you unpack.'
'Is everything all right?'
'Just fine, darling. I just have a few things to attend too.'
End of part 2...this has not been my day...part 3 coming right up!

Montridge

7th Aug 2006, 06:25 AM

Left to my own devices I looked everything over. My Uncle (and/or Trent) thought of every little thing that would make a little girl feel right at home.
I really did like my new room. I had so much fun examining everything.
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http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_71e077da_11e1ebd4.jpg

There was even a balcony outside my new room. I couldn't resist jumping up on the patio furniture and looking out over the railing. I could see all sorts of interesting sights from three stories up. Never having a problem with high places, I quite enjoyed myself.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_71e077da_b1e1e089.jpg

After Giuseppe brought up my things and Nan Sing helped me decide where to put them, I was ready for another nap. I woke up to Nan Sing knocking discreetly at my door. It was dinner time. I let her smooth out my hair and lead me down to the dining room.
I was touched to see my Uncle remembered my favorite meal.
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Our dinner was a very pleasant one. The only thing I didn't like was talk of enrolling me into private school. If there was any tension between my Uncle and Trent it had passed.
After dinner, Trent retired to his home office to catch up on some phone calls he needed to make. My Uncle and I went into the parlor where Giuseppe had built a fire.
'I'm so glad you're here, Lanie. You're just what this place needed. I really hope you will think of this as your home.'
I suspected I would in time. I already adored my Uncle and was becoming very fond of Trent as well.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_71e077da_d1e1e653.jpg

That night after hearing my prayers and helping me undo my hair, Uncle Remington tucked me into bed. It didn't take long after the lights were shut off to fall asleep. My first night in my new home had been a happy one.
However; the next morning I was in tears!
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_71e077da_91e59e26.jpg

DannonTheDiva

7th Aug 2006, 06:47 AM

JUst found this and read what youv'e written so far. I'm really liking it and can't wait for the next update to find out why she was suprised/upset!

trivium

7th Aug 2006, 06:47 AM

I started reading your story a few days ago, and this is my first time commenting, and I'd like to say I really love what you've got here so far. The storyline is consistently interesting, and is pretty original.

Also, I'm really impressed with Remington's house. The landscaping in particular, because I know how much of a pain that can be to do.

angelkitten056

7th Aug 2006, 11:04 AM

I really like the house as well! Great updates...did someone die and the room was going to be for them?

sweet_alice

7th Aug 2006, 11:57 AM

The house is great, i really like it. Good story too.

tinyhayuk_SC

7th Aug 2006, 12:07 PM

wow i love the story! really excellent!

IrishGrace

7th Aug 2006, 04:21 PM

wow... such a great story!! And I love Lanie's dress... so cute :D

Alexandraite_SC

7th Aug 2006, 07:12 PM

Awesome update! I can't wait to find out what has Elaine freaked out!!

Montridge

9th Aug 2006, 11:04 PM

When I woke up the next morning in my Uncle's house, it took me a moment to remember where I was. I felt an aching sense of loss that my parents had died and this would be my home from now on.
I rolled out of the pretty pink bed and staggered to the bathroom. When I caught sight of myself in the mirror, I realised my hair was not in it's accustomed style of three ringlets caught up in a ponytail.
(Why was it so important I get my hair back in order? I've had years to analyze why I totally freaked out that morning. What it boiled down to was that this hairstyle created by my mother was a bond I still had with her.)
Before this morning my mother and then Candy had fixed my hair for me. I realised now I was on my own.
Pulling out a set of hot rollers and other implements provided for me in my new room, I set to work. All I succeeded in doing was becoming really frustrated.
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'Lanie, Darling.' my Uncle found me in a total snit. 'What's the matter?'
I'll never know if he'd just come up to see if I was awake or heard me bawling my head off.
Tearfully, I sobbed that I just couldn't get my hair to do what I wanted. At the time it seemed a life or death tragedy. The world would simply end if I couldn't get my normal hairstyle back.
My poor Uncle. He was really clueless about temperanmental little girls, hot rollers, and styling hair.
'Um...let's see what I can do.'
I have to give him credit. He really did try.
After much hair twisting, pulling, and a few curses he had accidently slipped out.
'There you go, Darling.'
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_71e077da_31e5a358.jpg

WRONG!!!
I wasn't at all diplomatic about telling him that his hairstyling skills really sucked. So we repeated the process a few more times until we were both really cross with each other.
WRONG AGAIN!!!
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_71e077da_51e4ecb7.jpg

When my uncle made the suggestion we just go out and have my hair cut, I threw myself to the ground and really howled. I also reminded him that if he hadn't taken my hair down in the first place, I might have just smoothed it back into place. I was truly being ridiculous, but at the time it was the end of the world as I knew it.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_71e077da_d1e5a415.jpg

'What on earth is going on up here?' Trent came up to see what all the commotion was about.
'Lanie's being quite impossible!' my Uncle spat out. He was now equally as vexed as I was. 'If you don't get up off that floor this very instant...I'll...I'll do something really drastic...you won't like it!'
'The apple doesn't fall far from the tree, I see.' Trent commented.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_71e077da_d1e5a514.jpg

'I can really use a hand here.' my Uncle sounded really desperate. 'Perhaps Mrs. Hammond can do something with her.'
Trent came over and knelt down to talk to me.
'Lanie, Honey.' he tried reasoning with me. 'What is it?'
In the deepest depths of despair I wailed out my hair style crisis.
Gently, but firmly Trent lifted me to my feet.
'Calm down, Lanie.' Trent spoke soothingly. I think that he knew deep down what was really bothering me. I'm sure my Uncle did as well, but he was reacting to the shabby way I had treated him. "It's not rocket science. I'm sure that between the three of us, we can get your hair back into the style you like.'
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_71e077da_d1e5a5d7.jpg

'Like you have any clue on how to twist hair into those ringlet things!' my Uncle took a seat. 'This ought to be interesting.'
I really didn't hold any hope that Trent would be any better at styling my hair, but I resigned myself to let him have his go at it.
'It seems I've seen the nanny do my daughter's hair up in those curly cues a few times.' Trent mused before holding out his hand to my Uncle.
'Hot roller.' he ordered in the manner of a surgeon requesting a scalpel.
My Uncle I have to admit, handed him the first one quite vigorously.
As we progressed I began to relax. It felt right.
My Uncle also seemed calmer as he continued to hand Trent the specified hair implements. He seemed interested in what Trent was doing to my hair.
'You have a daughter?'
'Yes,' Trent coiled a lock of my hair around one of rollers. 'She's a little bit older than you. She lives with her mother.'
'Will I get to meet her?'
'Perhaps.' Trent's tone was light, but I saw a fleeting look of hurt in his eyes.
'Hair spray.'
I didn't want to ask any more about it. Obviously he and his wife had divorced. It must still be painful. I was also starting to feel bad about my angry words at my Uncle. I didn't need to get in any more trouble with him.
It occurred to me that instead of private school he could very well send me to one of those schools that you had to live at.
'Now try to pay attention, Lanie to what I do. I'll see if I can get Nan Sing to come in early and assist you in future, but you really need to learn to do this yourself.'
After a few minutes, the rollers were removed, and my hair bound in place.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_71e077da_71e5a880.jpg

My hair was restored to normal. A great weight had been lifted from my shoulders only to be replaced by a few more. I had made my Uncle mad at me. Not a good idea since he had been kind enough to take me in. I also felt my mother would be appalled at my behavior.
'Captain Hero to the rescue.' my Uncle quipped sarcastically from his chair.
When I looked into his face, I saw that he wasn't mad anymore. He was laughing.
I quickly tried to make amends. I apologised to my Uncle with a hug. He returned it with a kiss on the cheek.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_71e077da_71e5a9bc.jpg

I also thanked Trent for all of his help and voiced my regrets to both gentlemen that I had behaved so atrociously. I knew my mother would be so ashamed of the way I had acted. She had this sorrowful way of looking down on me when I had been particularly naughty. I could actually feel her eyes burning down on me from Heaven.
'Dealing with temper tantrums are a part of my daily routine.' Trent grinned.
'Your little bout of tears is nothing compared to what the young ladies at my modeling agency put me through.'
'Not to mention,' my uncle added with a chuckle. 'I throw at least three daily myself. You and I are more alike than I ever suspected. I'm sorry too. '
'Let's just put this behind us and move on.' Trent motioned to my Uncle with a jerk of his head to follow him down the stairs. 'Wash your face and put on a nice dress. We have things to do today and breakfast is getting cold.'
***********
I dressed quickly eager to see what Uncle Remington and Trent had planned for today. I was also determined to show them how really good and agreeable
I could be. I even felt like I had my mother's forgiveness since I was truly sorry. When I came down stairs I couldn't help giving my Uncle another hug.
'Don't worry about it,' my Uncle chucked me playfully under the chin. 'you're not any where as bad as I was. I was a real little sh-er brat because I was sick and knew I could get away with murder if I wanted.'
Trent had taken the serving platter from Mrs. Hammond and was setting the table himself. He had moved us all closer together at the table.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_71e077da_11e5deba.jpg

Once at the table everything was right again. Uncle Remington and Trent had taken the day off from their normal schedule to get me settled in properly. They were going to show me their office in Montridge and introduce me to a couple good friends. I couldn't wait!
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_71e077da_31e5e0bc.jpg

My Note: Thanks again for the FB! I hope everyone continues to enjoy this. My hubby keeps bugging me about going to the store with him so if this chapter isn't as good blame him. :)
P.S. Any constructive criticism is always welcome.

IrishGrace

9th Aug 2006, 11:41 PM

This was a great chapter :D And now I'm really hungry from looking at the bacon and eggs in that last picture LOL

Alexandraite_SC

10th Aug 2006, 09:21 AM

Poor Elaine. Remington cracks me up, though!! I like the chapter. Tell the hubby he is very much allowed to go to the store without you. ;) Can't wait to meet the rest of the town. Update soon!!

~Al

gazania

10th Aug 2006, 06:22 PM

OK, this is probably really obvious, but is Remington THE Remington the maid? That is some great makeover!

I enjoy your story a lot, and wait for updates .... AFTER you get those groceries for your husband and cope with reality first, of course! :)

angelkitten056

11th Aug 2006, 05:11 PM

The two parents are really something! I love how they treat her. Nice update

Montridge

11th Aug 2006, 10:01 PM

Once again we were in my Uncle's car. This time we were headed toward Montridge. Uncle Remington took the wheel. I would soon learn that my Uncle loved to drive and had a bit of a lead foot. Being a car enthusiast he would trade his car in every couple of years for a newer faster model. Trent was content to allow my Uncle to do all the driving.
'I forbid any singing today.' Uncle Remington declared. 'If you two want to pass the time constructively we can chat about things we would like to do once we get down town.'
'We could go to Phelps.' Trent suggested. 'Lanie may need a few new things.'
'I'm sure it's just Lanie we're thinking about here.' Uncle Remington remarked.
'Of course.' Trent turned in his seat to wink at me. 'Phelps is the biggest department store in Montridge. You'll love it.'
I would also learn that Trent was a bit of a dandy. He could spend hours browsing the mens wear section at Phelp's. I'm sure he had more suits, ties, and other fashionable accessories than the famous Dagmar Valentine* had shoes.
The trip did not seem long at all. I had a good time contributing to the conversation and enjoying the playful banter between my Uncle and Trent. That was another thing I'd get used to.
We finally stopped in front of a big brick building on the town square.
'It used to be a candy factory.' Uncle Remington told me. 'We converted it into several offices....though every now and again you can still smell the chocolate.'
'I hope Inez remembered I took the day off. I intend to see only two people today and that's it. Trent commented as we went inside.
I was soon introduced to Inez. I reckoned because it was his secretary, Trent made the introductions.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_51e3eea8_d1e8769b.jpg

Uncle Remington was eager to show me his part of the building first. One of the highlights of this trip was when he caught his staff taking a coffee break. They had assumed he wasn't coming in at all.
'Counting the little disagreement you two had this morning, I believe this is going to be temper tantrum number two.' Trent whispered conspriratively.
Was he ever right about that!
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_51e3eea8_b1e86b27.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_51e3eea8_91e86b1a.jpg

(Editing out all the words I wasn't allowed to say...here's the gist of my Uncle's tirade.)
'I don't pay you people to lolligag about! We have movie stars and royalty waiting on my creations! I went through the difficulty of designing these gowns the very least you can do is SEW THEM UP AND GET THEM DELIVERED!!!! That's what I pay you for! I shouldn't have to stand over you every FREAKING moment to see that you do your jobs!!!'
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_51e3eea8_d1e86b30.jpg
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_51e3eea8_d1e86af6.jpg

I never saw three people scurry so fast to start sewing in my life. It was quite impressive.
I didn't hear any more than that because Trent and I quickly ducked out into the hallway until the storm blew over.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_51e3eea8_71e86c3d.jpg

*The legendary SimCity actress
My Note: I named my store Phelps in honor of one of my all time favorite movies 'The Big Store' starring the Marx Brothers.
angelkitten056: As always it's nice to get FB from you as well. You will find that Lanie's life is anything but conventional. ;)
Two more chapters will be up soon. I just cut a really long chapter into three parts.

Montridge

12th Aug 2006, 04:42 AM

While Trent and I waited in the hallway for Uncle Remington to finish yelling at his staff, a buzzer went off. Trent made a move to go back into my Uncle's production room, but we heard Remington snap.
'What is it Inez?'
'I er...wanted to let Mr. Thorton know that Miss Harper and Mrs. Deppiesse have just come in. I told them to go ahead and wait in Mr. Thortons office.'
'That's fine Inez, thank you.' my Uncles tone was calmer. 'I'll let Mr. Thorton know.'
'I heard.' Trent grinned when Uncle Remington poked his head out. 'Are you coming with us or do you need to berate your crew a bit more?'
Uncle Remington came all the way out then.
'I'm going with you.' he was suddenly all smiles and charm. He seized hold of my hand. 'Darling, your going to love these nice ladies we're going to introduce you to. They are much more than mere friends. Trent and I consider them family.'
My Uncle had a really short fuse, but he burned out quickly. I would get used to that as well.
I reached for Trent's hand with my free one. He gave mine a gentle squeeze in return. He seemed to appreciate being included.
Uncle Remington and I allowed him to lead the way.
Two pretty ladies were indeed waiting on us in Trents office.
'Allie, Helen.' Trent rushed forward to kiss the cheek of the older of the two women. He clasped the hands of the younger.
After voicing his hopes that they hadn't been kept waiting long. Trent once again made introductions.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_51e3eea8_31e6f260.jpg

I was instantly drawn to the older woman. She had a motherly aura about her I was hungry for. Her name was Allie Deppiesse. The younger of the two was introduced as Allie's daughter, Miss Helen Harper. I did not miss the pride in Trent's tone. I had a feeling I'd seen her somewhere before.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_51e3eea8_31e6f31b.jpg

While both women hugged Uncle Remington, Trent told me that Helen was his biggest success story. He had discovered her when she was not much older than me having a sandwich with her family at the Happy Burger Shack.
Helen had started out modeling and doing commericails. She was now shooting a major motion picture. Helen would be the sixth in a long line of actresses to play Midget the Surfer Girl. Wow! I was meeting a real live movie star!
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_51e3eea8_71e5c79d-1.jpg

'I'm not a movie star yet.' Helen quickly reminded Trent modestly. Her smile was really sweet. She was nothing like how I imagined a star would act. At seven years old I wasn't really up with who's who in Studio Town. The only actress that I knew by name was Dagmar Valentine. There was not a Sim alive that didn't hear of her antics. She supposedly had a closet full of shoes, had been married at least ten times, was always in trouble for slapping policemen, and was said to beat assistants with what ever she had close at hand. The picture of her snatching the last Sleep N' Snore Bob Newbie from a small child at a toy store graced the tabloids at the supermarket for months.
I had a jaded view of actresses because of Ms. Valentine.
I sincerely hoped that fame wouldn't spoil this nice girl in front of me.
Trent meanwhile had busied himself making drinks for everyone.
'So,' his tone suddenly became stern as he faced Helen. 'Your mother tells me you have some news to share with us.'
'Yes I do, Mr. Thorton. I'm engaged to be married.'
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_51e3eea8_f1e5bf82-1.jpg
********************
Be back in a jiff with Part II.

Montridge

12th Aug 2006, 06:23 AM

There was a brief pause.
I didn't miss the looks that passed quickly between the three older adults.
Helen however; looked radiant as she shared her good news.
'I suppose it's that what's his name you've been seeing...' Trent did not sound pleased at all. 'That Roland Harris.'
'Reginald Harris' Helen corrected firmly. She held out her hand for Trent and my Uncle to see her engaement diamond.
'What ever.' Trent grumbled.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_51e3eea8_31e5bdef-1.jpg

'Please be happy for me.' Helen turned on the charm. 'I can't stay a little girl forever.'
'What do you really know about this guy?'
'We've been dating a year.'
'You're simply too young to think about marriage.' my Uncle spoke up. 'Besides you always promised you'd marry me.'
Helen giggled while Allie took a chair. I followed.
'Helen's mind is made up.' Allie's tone was light, though her eyes were worried. 'They plan to marry in June.'
'That's months away!' my Uncle exclaimed gleefully. 'Plenty of time to put a big wrench in Roald's plans to steal you away.'
'It's Reginald ' I saw a spark of impatience in Helen's eyes. 'Can't everyone be happy for me. I know what I'm doing! I'm not a child anymore. I'm an adult!'
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_51e3eea8_31e5be75-1.jpg

'Oh darling!' Uncle Remington tried to soothe her. 'Of course we're happy for you...It's just that we haven't gotten the chance to really know this..er..Reginald fellow well...I'll tell you what let's pop over to my studio and talk about your plans. If you're really set on doing this I insist that I design your wedding dress...even though you're breaking my heart.'
Helen looked really excited then. Tears of joy welled in her eyes.
'Would you? Your the greatest Mr. Mansfield!'
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_51e3eea8_f1e5c23b-1.jpg

'What do you and Tony think about this?' Trent asked Allie after Remington led Helen into his studio. I had been asked to go along, but knew I might find out why it was that nobody seemed to like this Reginald guy if I stayed put.
'We don't like it at all.' Allie confided. 'It's nothing that Reginald has actually done. It's just a bad feeling we get...a vibe that's not right.'
'I get the same feeling.' Trent declared. 'Can't you and Tony lock her up in a room?'
'Trent we can't! Helen's right it is her decision to make. I'm just glad it's a long engagment. A lot can happen in several months time...hopefully!'
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_51e3eea8_31e5c3ac.jpg

'Enough about our problems.' Allie got up from her chair as Trent took a seat behind his desk. 'I want to get to know this little lady here.'
Allie and I chatted for a few moments while we waited for her daughter to return. I have to admit I was happy to be the center of her attention for the time being. Allie reminded me quite a bit of my own mother.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_51e3eea8_f1e5c4d8.jpg

Before Allie and Helen left they insisted we come to their house for dinner that evening. Allie was not going to take no for an answer.
My Uncle and Trent finally agreed they'd be delighted to accept their kind invitation. I was glad. I really liked Allie.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_51e3eea8_71e6f4c1.jpg

'So did you and Allie hatch a dastardly plan to get rid of that Richard while I kept Helen distracted?' Uncle Remington wanted to know. 'We can't allow her to marry that guy. He looks like two bit gangster to me. He's simply not good enough for our Helen!'
'Later.' Trent held up a hand changing the subject. 'It's not like we didn't see this coming. However; I don't want to think about it now. Let's just enjoy the rest of our day.'
I was all for that.
After we went to Phelps, we bought a picnic basket and had lunch in the park.
Forgetting all of our troubles for the time being we had a good time watching the clouds and just enjoying each others company.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_51e3eea8_11e87ba5.jpg

Alexandraite_SC

12th Aug 2006, 08:58 AM

Montridge!!! You are certainly not ending the chapter there are you!? Ooh, I loved this update! First, I love the use of Sim-isms (Studio Town!) and I love the richness of the characters and their interactions. This story is so great! Thanks for the update. May I have another.....VERY soon??

~Al :lovestruc

angelkitten056

12th Aug 2006, 12:49 PM

This is a really interesting story, it really shows that you know whats going on and that you have it all planned out. Trent and Regminton are really interesting, i am curious--each chapter, they seem to be upset about something that happened in the past.

I like the way the shots are put up, they are close enough to each other to have continution, but at the same time, things change in it, to make it interesting

msp_teen

12th Aug 2006, 12:55 PM

Great Story Montridge, I always new you would have a great story to post.

IrishGrace

12th Aug 2006, 07:02 PM

I don't know how it happened, but I apparently missed that you updated yesterday so I got to read two amazing chapters :D Can't wait for more!

prettiammie2005

12th Aug 2006, 08:13 PM

I'm really loving Trent and Remington. Love love love! :D

The story is really drawing me in now! I wasn't too sure at the beginning (I'm extremely picky about what I read) but I kept on reading and now it's sucked me right in! I can't wait for the next chapter!

:D

EDIT: Also, looking back on the first part, Elaine mentions her husband's name is Reginald... Is this the same one, or just two different guys? Just curious.

Montridge

13th Aug 2006, 07:18 PM

On our way to the Deppiesse home, Trent filled me in on what to expect.
'You'll feel right at home there, Lanie.' he was telling me enthusiastically. 'By the time the evening is over you'll feel like family.'
'I really like Allie.' I confided. Wistfully, I thought of my own mother. 'Helen was nice too.'
'You'll also like Tony.' Trent told me. 'He and Allie are the reason that Helen has been such a pleasure to work with. They are good decent people. They have raised all their children to be outstanding members of the community. Helen is my pride and joy. If only the mothers of all my models can be as kind, sensible, and genuine as Allie. I can certainly tell you that the other girls (just between us) don't hold a candle to Helen. Helen's one of a kind.'
'They are lovely people, Darling.' Uncle Remington agreed. 'You'll be quite disappointed to see the evening come to an end.'
I was certainly looking forward to the meeting the rest of Deppiesse family.
It had been a long day, so I took the opportunity to relax a bit and listen to my Uncle and Trent plot against that Reginald guy Helen had gotten engaged too.
'I so hope he's there.' my uncle's tone was maliously gleeful.
We finally pulled up into the drive of a pretty wood shingled two story house.
My Uncle took my hand as Trent gathered together a bouquet of red roses and a bottle of wine.
Allie was delighted by the thoughtful gifts.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_71d8bf5c_11e70ae3.jpg

The atmosphere in the Deppiesse household was comfortable and inviting. I could smell the delicious fragrance of meat cooking and the slight scent of pine. I was once again reminded of my childhood home. Had it only been a few weeks since I had left?
While Allie went to put the flowers in water, Helen quickly kissed and hugged both my Uncle and Trent.
'I'm so glad you agreed to come over.' she also had a pretty smile for me. 'Hi Lanie.'
'Am I glad to see you two!' the oft mentioned Tony Deppiesse had joined us.
He and Trent clasped hands warmly. 'Since the boys have gone off to college, I've been outnumbered and henpecked by females.'
'Sure Pop,' Helen winked at me. 'You have it so rough around here.'
'If the two women are Helen and Allie, I'd be in Heaven.' my Uncle commented.
'It's fine until you get the mile long 'Honey do list' or get sweet talked into going shopping or hosting tea parties on Friday nights.'
Instead of shaking my uncle's hand, Tony gripped his shoulder gently. 'How are you holding up?'
'I'm taking it one day at a time. I'm grateful that I still have Lanie. She certainly has given me reason to smile these days.'
'You know Allie and I are just a phone call away if you should ever need us. Anytime of day or night. That goes for all of you.'
'I know. Thanks Tony.'
Tony turned his warm brown eyes on me.
'Hi'ya peanut.'
I knew in an instant that I would adore Tony.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_71d8bf5c_91e70ddd.jpg

I have to confess, when I was around family and people I truly like, I loved being the center of attention. The Deppiesse's all made over me like I was their one of their own. In a mere matter of minutes I felt like I had truly known them all my life.
My Uncle and Trent were ushered into comfortable armchairs by the beautiful and charming Helen. Allie and Tony seated me in between them on the couch.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_71d8bf5c_b1e84fe1.jpg

Dinner was wonderful.
Allie told my Uncle that she and Helen had painstakingly removed every carb and calorie from the meal.
Trent muttered that he wished he'd never heard of someone named Atkins.
I was content to eat and listen to the conversation around me.
My Uncle of course couldn't resist bringing up Helen's fiance.
'I'm so disappointed that your young man isn't here.' he spoke angelicly. 'I was looking forward for the opportunity to get to know Roald better.'
'That's Roland.' Trent corrected with only the slightest twitching of his lips.
'It's Reginald ' Helen gave them both a stern look.
'Same difference.' Tony spoke up glumly.
'Pop don't start.' Helen was still smiling, but her tone firm.
'I'm sorry, Princess. You can't blame me for being sore at the guy that plans to steal my little girl away from me.'
I would learn that Tony was a big softie. He was easily put in place by his women folk.
'I feel the same way.' Trent put in his two cents. 'Helen we only have your best interests at heart. I know you've dated this fellow for a year, but what do you really know about him.'
Tony flashed Trent a grateful look.
Helen placed her napkin on the table and looked him right in the eye.
'I know that Reginald and I are getting married. He's the man I love and want to spend the rest of my life with. I appreciate everyone's concern, but I really do know what I'm doing. Now how about those Llamas? What did you think of Joe Ryan's homerun? '
Helen's calm resonable conviction did more than tears or an emotional outburst could ever do. I was truly impressed. I felt like I was the only one at the table on her side. Helen didn't look like a frivolus or flighty person to me. Even at seven I had a bit of a romantic nature. I wished Helen and her Reginald all the best.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_71d8bf5c_91e84c31.jpg

After dessert of cherry pie and vanilla ice cream, Allie and Helen ordered the men back into the living room while they cleared up the table. It didn't take Allie, Helen, and I but a few minutes to have everything spotless and put away.
It was easy to get lost in the good nature of the Deppiesse household.
We all ended up in a big loft room on the second story. It had once been a bedroom for Helen's three brother's, but while they were off at The Academie La Tour, it was turned into a game room.
Tony, Helen, Trent, and my Uncle got down to the serious business of playing cards. I kept Allie company while she served coffee.
I was offered a spot at the table, but to be honest I was never much for card games. Allie admitted she wasn't either. After we watched for awhile we went back down stairs and talked a little. I had a much better time looking at all Allie's photo albums.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_71d8bf5c_11e85aa4.jpg

A very pleasant evening finally drew to a close. Hugs, kisses and hearty hands shakes went round. Allie told me that she wanted me to come over often. Tony joked that he wanted to keep me. As much as I liked the Deppiesse's I realised I'd be miserable without my Uncle and Trent. In such a short time I had gotten really attached. Helen also gave me a sisterly hug on the way out.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_71d8bf5c_31e85f3f.jpg

'What did I tell you, Lanie?' Trent asked helping me get settled into the back seat. 'Did you have a good time?'
'Uh-Huh.' I yawned my agreement. My eyes were getting heavy.
'We need to get someone home and to bed.' my Uncle produced his keys. 'It really is getting late.'
I must have fallen asleep because the next thing I knew I was being carried toward to the front door of our house.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_71e077da_d1ea44a1.jpg

I woke up breifly and looked around.
'Do you know where you are, Darling?' my Uncle laughed, resting his hand on Trent's shoulder.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_71e077da_d1ea4630.jpg

'Home.' I said simply, laying my head back down.
I was carefully placed under the covers dress and all. I snuggled into the pillow eager to fall back into dreams.
My Uncle bent down and kissed the top of my head.
(I knew it was him because his glasses scraped my ear a little.)
'She's so much like Mary. I can never look into Lanie's eyes and not see my sister in them. God, I miss her.' My Uncle sounded so sad. I missed Mama too. I hoped she and Daddy really could watch me from Heaven.
'There's quite a bit of you in Lanie as well. I do believe your niece already has me wrapped around her little finger.'
'She did throw quite the fit this morning didn't she?' my Uncle sounded cheery again. 'I never knew she had it in her. I may make the proper diva of her yet!'

angelkitten056

13th Aug 2006, 08:13 PM

Eeks! I really do love your updates!

You said it in the chapter yourself, but its really amazing how quick Lanie adapted to Trent and Regminton-- i was looking at the pictures again, and i saw the dinner picture. My head started to hurt, thinking about all those sims running around and not eating! So, thank you for churing out the stories.

I am really looking forward to seeing Roland--Reginald--I do think that Trent, Regminton, Helen and Tony must have some well rounded reason why he looks like he could be bad.

I am glad that you started writing about the msyterious mary. I hear dark music!

Alexandraite_SC

13th Aug 2006, 09:46 PM

I loved the update, Montridge! Can't wait to me Robert..er, Reginald. I hope Helen is right about him...but she is outnumbered, so somothing has gotta be up! As always, can't wait for more!

~Al

IrishGrace

14th Aug 2006, 01:30 AM

very nice chapter!! Lanie is just so adorable :D I just loved the whole dinner party scene...

nerina

14th Aug 2006, 04:18 PM

I've just read the story, it's really good so far! I don't know... this Reginald guy, I tend to think Trent ant the others are right about him.

prettiammie2005

17th Aug 2006, 02:19 PM

Haha! I love Remington SO much! :D

I'm looking forward to seeing this Reginald guy... Everyone else seems to hate him, and I want to know why.

It must have been hard to do that dinner scene, where they're all eating... :D I can never get my sims to do what I want them to do without TONS of work, especially when most of them are just guests at the house.

Looking forward to the next chappie! :D

Montridge

20th Aug 2006, 09:01 AM

A week had gone by since our dinner at the Deppiesse household. My uncle had yet to enroll me in school. A few times I stayed home under the watchful eye of the servants, but most of the time my uncle just took me to work with him. I was allowed to bring what ever I needed from the house to keep myself entertained. I usually packed a few small dolls, paper, pencil, coloring books, and crayons.
Looking back I don't think my Uncle was really willing to part with me anymore than I wanted to go to a new school.
It was after lunch and there was a lull in business, so my uncle, Trent, and I just sat in Trent's office.
Trent once again broached the subject of my being sent to school and soon.
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'I'm surprised a social worker hasn't come pounding on our door by now.' Trent was saying. 'Lanie should really be in school.'
'I've been looking into all sorts of schools.' my uncle claimed. 'I just can't decide which one will be best for Lanie.'
'Back on Vacation Island I just went to the closest school to our house.' I had taken over Trent's desk with my pen and paper.
'Public school.' my uncle shuddered. 'There is no order in those places! Children are allowed to run harem scarem doing as they please. Public school teachers are so disgruntled and uncaring that they don't step in and do anything to discipline them. They certainly don't teach anymore than they have to. While your under my roof, public school is definitely out of the question! The great thing about private school is that you pay them good money to teach your child something. At least they'd better or else !'
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'I was reading in the paper about these new progressive type schools.' Trent commented, getting up to fix a drink. My Uncle frowned slightly, but didn't say anything. He declined when Trent quickly offered him one. ('Soda, Lanie? I also politely refused.) 'Anyway, instead of teaching in the traditional way, the classes are smaller and the children encouraged to learn at their own pace. I read of one where books were done away with all together. Instead of reading out of dusty old books and memorizing things the children actually learn by doing. Sometimes the teachers take the children outdoors and allow them to have class in the fresh air. These schools also don't use corporal punishment on a child. They elect more constructive forms of behavior modification. Perhaps we should look into finding a school like that for Lanie.'
It sounded good to me. I was all ears.
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'Nonsense!' my uncle quickly shot that idea down. 'I'm not sending Lanie to some weird new aged school run by a lot of tree hugging bongo drum beating hippies! I want Lanie to have a traditional education. I like the thought of a good fear instilling thrashing being available to pint sized delinquents that should need it! For the money I'm going to be shelling out they'd better have a damn torture chamber for the little @#$%!s!'
'I don't believe you!' Trent smile was incredulous. 'You would actually be okay with some old crone rapping Lanie's knuckles?'
'No!' my uncle exclaimed. 'I'd have the job of any teacher that manhandled Lanie! I'd just feel better knowing that the other children were being beaten on a regular basis.'
'Your one twisted individual, Mansfield.' Trent laughed shaking his head.
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I tuned them out for awhile and lost myself in my own thoughts. I really wasn't anxious to go to private school. It just sounded so ominous to me. The thought of my uncle shopping around for a school with it's own torture chamber was a bit unsettling to say the least. (Even though I was 99.9% sure he was only joking.)
The buzzer on Trent's desk went off. The cool efficient voice of Inez informed Trent that a Mr. Hastings was here to see him.
'What the devil...' Trent muttered to my uncle. 'I didn't have an appointment with Hastings today.'
To Inez.
"Tell him to come on in.'
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End of Part One....Part Two will be up soon.

Montridge

20th Aug 2006, 10:57 AM

Trent hurried over to greet Mr. Hastings when he came through the door.
It didn't take Hastings long to get to the point of his visit
'I was just in the neighborhood and thought I'd pop round. I wanted to discuss some of the new ad campaigns we have on the table at Phelps. Our buyers feel that the mod look is here to stay, so we wanted to run a series of ads for a new clothing line aimed at the younger set. I was hoping Helen would be available if we should need her.'
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Mr. Hastings gaze found mine.
'Why who is this lovely young lady? A new model?'
'Lanie meet Harlan Hastings, co owner of Phelps department store.' My Uncle made the introductions from his chair. 'Lanie is my niece.'
'Pleased to meet you Lanie.' Mr. Hastings beamed down on me.
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After a bit of polite small talk, I went back to my paper and pen. The three men quickly began discussing business which sounded like a lot of blah, blah, blah to me. My ears perked up however when I heard my name.
They were discussing my school dilemma. My uncle was complaining that he just could not find the right school.
'My daughters go to the FinchMeyer Academe of Refined Young Ladies.' Hastings was telling my uncle. 'It's a top notch school and very exclusive. I could put in a good word with Martha FinchMeyer herself. She and the wife are on all the same social committees.'
I was beginning to regret that this old busybody dropped in on us.
The FinchMeyer Academe of Refined Young Ladies sounded cold and forbidding to my tender young ears. That Miss FinchMeyer sounded just like one of those evil ruler welding old bats Trent mentioned earlier.
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Mr. Hastings caught me listening in and smiled at me. Though I wished he'd just go away with every fiber of my being and leave us in peace, I returned the smile.
'Does Lanie do any modeling? I would love to use her in our clothing catalogs. She could keep a few of the dresses in the bargain.'
Though I wanted to be a school teacher, doing a little modeling before I was old enough to teach sounded interesting. I'd never thought of it before. I began to thaw a little towards Hastings.
I was still glad to see him leave.
'So what do you think, Lanie.' my uncle asked. 'Would you like to model children's clothes in a catalog?'
How hard could it be?
I told him that I would like a shot at it, but that I did not like the sound of that school Hastings daughters went to.
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However; my uncle felt that this was just the type of school I should go to. There was no talking him out of it.

My note: I thought it would be funny to name the owner of my Phelps department store Hastings. (You'd get it if you saw the movie The Big Store. ;) )

chronicboredom

20th Aug 2006, 11:41 AM

I just read this all and I think it's fabulous! You write really well and I think the pictures are amazing, also you choose your surroundings really well with the help of custom objects that really bring your sets to life. Now you've got me depserate for an update so I command you to write one! Mwhahaha! :D (I'm nice really ;))

Alexandraite_SC

20th Aug 2006, 08:28 PM

I've got a baaaaaaad feeling about this new private school...Loved the chapter! Update soon, please!

~Al

BTW, I like the new avatar, Montridge. Is that Elaine??

nerina

20th Aug 2006, 10:51 PM

Great update, that school really sounds so cold! I like the pictures, they portray the scene really well.

gazania

21st Aug 2006, 03:41 AM

Well, I went to an all-girl high school, and it's definitely different from public school. And a couple of my teachers had a reputation of being hard-nosed tyrants. Once I was in their classes, though, I found they weren't bad at all. I remember how I would hope and hope I wouldn't get one particular English teacher ... and of course, I got her! It turned out she was funny, intelligent and competent, and most of us in her class actually got along very well with her. She just didn't take **** from ya, that's all. She just expected you to behave a certain way, and somehow, you did. :) Maybe that school Lanie is going to won't be nearly as bad as she thinks.

Oh, I'm glad you updated!

chronicboredom

21st Aug 2006, 01:33 PM

ARGHHH! Updateeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee :P hehe, no pressure Montridge!

chronicboredom

22nd Aug 2006, 09:23 PM

(@#$%! I was hoping the hubby would sleep longer. Note to self: increase doseage of sleep medcine in next bedtime hot cocoa. ;) )

:O Naughty girl! - LOL!

prettiammie2005

22nd Aug 2006, 10:06 PM

Still waiting to see this Reginald guy! :D

Heehee, I have to say that Remington is DEFINITELY my favorite character. He's... well... crazy! In a good way. :D I'm also curious to find out why, exactly, he keeps giving Trent those 'looks' you write about. I think he's done it four or five times... Like Trent is doing something wrong, and he should know it... Veeerrryyy curious. :D

Montridge

23rd Aug 2006, 01:56 AM

The weekend after Mr. Hastings called on us at the office was really stressful for the three servants.
Uncle Remington got a call from Miss FinchMeyer who told him she'd would be coming to our home to have an interveiw with him. Hastings tipped us off that it was standard proceedure for her to throughly inspect our home, be treated to a sumptious meal, and ask us lots of questions. He reassured Uncle Remington we'd pass with flying colors.
'She really just wants to be sure you can foot the bill.' Hastings had joked. 'You'll do fine. You and Trent have a beautiful home and everyone always has such a lovely time. Martha just looks like a bit of a stiff, but she's really a top notch old gal. You'll see.'
I was excited about the photo shoot for the catalog, but I have to admit I was still very cross with Mr. Hastings for telling my uncle about this horrid school.
Trent didn't seem to like the idea of the FinchMeyer School of Refined Young Ladies either. He had even acquired a brochure for one of the progressive schools he'd read about.
'I really don't know if I can endure some old dame snooping through our home and passing judgement on us. I went through this once before with my daughter and I don't relish the thought of doing it again.' Trent tried to hand my Uncle the flyer he'd recieved for the SunnyHill Progressive School. 'You really should consider all your options before you make up your mind.'
My uncle practically slapped it out of his hand.
'I won't have Lanie in a school where the headmaster has hair longer than hers! What's with the guitar anyway? What sort of school principal sings to his students instead of brandishing a weapon of some sort!'
He held up his own brouchure. The one Hastings had given him.
A stern prune faced woman glared out from it's cover.
'That's what a self respecting headmistress should look like.' my Uncle proclaimed. 'There won't be a lot of nonsense under her watch.'
'She looks like she needs a bit of Milk of Magnesia.' I commented darkly from my pen and paper.
'Look you two.' my uncle appealed to both of us. 'The FinchMeyer Academe of Refined Young Ladies ranked number two in all of SimCity. I only want the very best for you Lanie and The FinchMeyer School is the very best. I also like the idea that it's an exclusive school. Not just anyone can get in.'
'That's where we lost him.' Trent muttered. 'When Hastings said that E word.'
When ever anything was 'exclusive' my uncle would want in on it.
Trent and I spent the majority of the weekend hiding out, but Mrs. Hammond, Guiseppe, and NanSing were not as lucky.
My Uncle called them all into the study to tell them how very important that it was that the house be totally ship shape. I saw Guiseppe and NanSing exchange quick looks when my Uncle handed them a long list of stuff to be done.
It would have been all right if my Uncle had just left them to their work, but he felt he should supervise.
My uncle requested that Mrs. Hammond make up several of her vanilla fudge cheesecakes to serve for dessert. He couldn't resist popping into the kitchen to see how she was coming along.
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However; when he kept getting under foot and kept sneaking tastes of the batter, she ended up chasing him from the kitchen with a wooden spoon. (Mrs. Hammond was the only one of the three servants who could get away with telling my uncle off on the occassion.)
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Being banned from the kitchen left him time to follow the other two about.
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'I think we'll get my Ming Vase from the study and put it here. What do you think Guiseppe?' then running his finger along the mantel. 'When was the last time this mantel piece has been dusted properly?'
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My Uncle was driving everyone crazy by nitpicking over every detail. He would rearrange things after Guiseepe and NanSing had moved them. He saw dust bunnies everywhere.
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By the end of the day NanSing was near tears and Guiseppe was glowering.
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Trent finally decided to intervene before we lost our hired help.
'Remington, let's all go for a drive.' he thrust my Uncle's keys in his hands. 'You're making everybody crazy around here.'
'Me?' my uncle was geniunely surprised. 'I've been working my fingers to the bone helping get this place in shape. Of all the ungrateful....'
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He was distracted by the lamp again.
'Who moved this lamp? How many times am I going to have to keep moving this thing!'
'Remington, leave that infernal lamp alone and let's go. '
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My Uncle laughed.
'I supposed we have been cooped up all weekend. All right, lead the way.'
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Once behind the wheel of his beloved sports car my Uncle bid us both to fasten our seat belts.
'You wanted a ride you got one!'
Once the house disappeared from site it felt like everyone relaxed a great deal. We drove aimlessly for a bit just enjoying the trees whizzing by and listening to the radio.
We decided we'd just drive with no real plan and see where we ended up.
After a bit my Uncle even allowed Trent and I to sing if it didn't have anything to do with beer.
When there was a lull, my Uncle spoke up.
'All right, maybe I do get a little intense sometimes, but I just keep thinking Mary would be thrilled about this whole thing. We never had a lot growing up, so we always wanted what was best for you, Lanie. I just feel that this school will be a positive experience. Let's make a deal. You give it an honest try and if you really hate it so desperately after making an honest go of it, I'll let you choose the school.' he cast a side long look at Trent in the rear view mirror. 'Even if it's that Sunny Dale, Sunny Hill or what ever. Agreed?'
'Agreed.'
My love for my Uncle came flooding over me. He really was sincere in wanting only what was best for me. I promised myself I would give FinchMeyer Academe a resonable try.
It was getting dark outside.
'I don't know about the two of you, but I'm getting hungry.' Trent commented.
'We're almost to Studio Town.' my Uncle laughed.
'Hey!' Trent sat up suddenly. "Do you know where we're at. Take a left.'
My Uncle complied, suddenly he smiled.
'I know what you're thinking. Do you suppose it's still there?'
We drove into a small downtown area and made a few turns on an old fashioned cobble stone road.
'It's still here!' my Uncle sounded elated.
Our destination was a quaint old brick building that had been turned into an Itailian restaurant. I almost swooned from the delicious fragrances that wafted out when Trent held the door open for us.
'It hasn't changed a bit.' my Uncle looked around in delight.
We were seated quickly. Trent ordered a bottle of wine and a soda for me.
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'Remington and I used to come here a lot when we first met.' Trent explained to me. 'We had a lot of good food and fun conversation here.'
'We're even seated at the same table.' my Uncle looked really happy. I thought that would be what would make my mother glad.
There would never be a time when my Uncle and Trent would make a dramatic declaration that they were a couple. They were never overt in their affection for each other (that was just not their style), but they would never hide who they were from me either. I think it was this night that it clicked in my mind just how it was. They had the same chemistry between them as my mother and father had. The same chemistry Tony and Allie also shared.
I'd never heard of such an arrangement before. (For a little while I'd actually believe my Uncle was the only one who ever thought of it.) How ever after mulling it over in my brain for a bit, I just accepted. My Uncle and I loved Trent, that was all that really mattered. He really was nice to have around.
'Let's make this a sort of a new family tradition.' my Uncle declared, reaching for my hand with his free one. 'Let's go for a drive every other weekend at least and explore SimCity. This really has been fun.'
Then with a wicked gleam in his eye.
'I'm so glad I came up with the idea. So are we agreed?'
'Agreed.' Trent and I echoed before we settled down to the very best spaghetti and garlic bread I'd ever eaten in my life.
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nerina

23rd Aug 2006, 10:02 AM

Love this chapter! Great character, Remington especially, I like the part where he turns everyone mad, he reminds me of someone I know.

lulie_x

23rd Aug 2006, 12:30 PM

Love all the chapters i have just managed to catch up on. Trent and Remington seem really good for Lanie. Cant wait for updates!

chronicboredom

23rd Aug 2006, 12:47 PM

Yay!!!! That was such a good chapter it's great that you aren't rushing through it like I've seen people do around the community. You're taking it at a really easy pace that's showing how she's dealing with this new life in detail I doubt this could get much better. I had quite a good giggle over Lanie's Uncle this chapter, he just has to be my favourite character and those glasses look so good on him, I've never found anyone that they've suited before!

Well Done for another great chapter! Chronic x

angelkitten056

23rd Aug 2006, 02:03 PM

I loved this last chapter. I can't figure out why Regimton was so finkky, and running around, but it was funny. Also, I am not sure what i think of the Exclusive school, or the Sunnyhill.

Montridge

24th Aug 2006, 08:03 PM

The evening Miss FinchMeyer came to call arrived much to quickly for my liking. At least my Uncle was finally satisfied with the way the house looked.
(Though he did fiddle around with that lamp at least three more times after we got home from our drive that I know off.)
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Mrs. Hammond was in the kitchen busy preparing our dinner. My Uncle felt that salmon steaks would be a suitable meal for the headmistress of an exclusive school. That thought did cheer me a bit. Being raised near the sea I had developed a fondness for sea food of all sorts. Mrs. Hammond made the worlds best salmon steaks. My Uncle however; was still banned from the kitchen, but I was allowed in.
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NanSing helped me get ready and fixed my hair. My Uncle wanted me to wear the pretty lavender dress he'd bought for me at Phelps. At least I had an opportunity to wear it. I loved pretty dresses and girlish things designed to make you look and feel pretty. I was also starting to think of NanSing as a friend instead of a servant. Since NanSing had been asked to come in early to help me with my hair in the mornings I haven't had any more temper tantrums. I enjoyed our morning chat and I'm sure she liked the extra pay.
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Once I was ready I went down stairs and found my Uncle and Trent in the living area. My Uncle admired my dress and pulled me to him on the couch.
'You look so pretty, Lanie. You will be good won't you? You did promise you'd give the FinchMeyer Academe an honest try.'
I reassured my Uncle of my promise with a hug, though I hoped Miss FinchMeyer would reject me even if I was on my best behavior.
'You look lovely, Lanie.' Trent smiled at me. 'I'm sure you'll charm this FinchMeyer just by being your normal sweet self.'
I flashed Trent a grateful smile and thanked him.
Trent winked in return.
'You'll do just fine.'
My uncle gave me another squeeze and kissed my cheek.
'Of course you will, Darling.'
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The doorbell rang and Giuseppe went to answer it. I suddenly felt nervous.
Part II coming right up.

Montridge

25th Aug 2006, 01:17 AM

I hung back as my Uncle and Trent went to greet the two women Giuseppe ushered into the living area.
I knew which one was Miss FinchMeyer right off. She looked every bit like her picture in the brochure. There was another woman with her. A pretty younger lady with her hair done up loosely, wearing a white suit.
As big a bundle of nerves my Uncle was over this impending visit from the headmistress I would have thought he'd have been tripping all over himself to please this Miss FinchMeyer. Instead his whole demeanor had changed completely.
When Miss FinchMeyer introduced her companion as 'Miss Fonce' and mentioned she'd be my teacher, my Uncle interjected with.
'If I decide that Lanie will be going to the FinchMeyer Academe. There are two other schools I'm considering. I only decided on FinchMeyer because Harlan Hastings put in such a good word. I had been leaning toward that new progressive school, Sunny Hill.'
'Of course' Miss FinchMeyer quickly agreed. "It's a wise thing to explore all the options available to you. However; I'm positive that after this evening is over with I can convince you that FinchMeyer Academe is just the school for your niece.'
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Miss Fonce after being introduced to Trent seemed every bit as flustered as Francie and Candy had been.
'I told myself I wouldn't act like a star struck school girl, but I must tell you Mr. Thorton (just to get it out of the way,) that I consider myself a big fan of yours.'
'Thank you, Miss Fonce, however; I must say if teachers looked like you when I was in school, I'd have never dropped out.'
'None of the teachers I spoke to at Sunny Hill had half your charm and good manners.' my Uncle was playing up to Miss FinchMeyer. 'The headmaster certainly wasn't much to look at.'
(I couldn't believe my Uncle! Not only was I 99.9% sure he hadn't been to Sunny Hill, I knew he'd put the Sunny Hill brochure in the trash compactor.)
'Harlan warned me you two would be shameless flirts.' Miss FinchMeyer shook her finger while Miss Fonce blushed. 'Now where is this niece of yours?'
Reluctantly, I stepped forward to introduce myself.
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I knew I would like Miss Fonce immediately. She had a kind youthful face. Miss FinchMeyer I wasn't so sure about. She seemed good natured enough, but in spite of her cheerful manner there was a hard calculating look in her eyes. I couldn't read her at all.
'Well, aren't you a pretty well mannered little girl.' FinchMeyer cooed. 'I'm sure you will meet all my requirements for enrollment at FinchMeyer. Should your Uncle and I decide that would be the best choice for you after this evening is over.'
Miss Fonce quickly complimented my Uncle on the 'warm inviting atmosphere' of our home.
Miss FinchMeyer's eyes glittered and she became suddenly business like.
'I always like to get the inspection part over with first. I will need to see at least three rooms. I will be happy to count this room and the dining area as two, but I will need to see one more.'
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I watched as she slowly took a tour of the living dining area. She stopped to admire a few pieces like the Ming Vase.
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'Lanie, why don't you show these lovely ladies your bedroom.' my Uncle told me. 'I'll see how dinner is coming along.'
Obediantly I took our guests on a tour of my bedroom suite.
'What a beautiful room.' Miss Fonce seemed really impressed.
'Yes, it is quite nice.' Miss FinchMeyer commented, her eyes seeming to take in every detail. 'Quite a suitable room for a young lady.'
I was glad when Giuseppe announced dinner. I could almost hear a cash register ka-ching every time those glittering eyes of Miss FinchMeyer's fell on something expensive.
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At dinner my Uncle wanted to know what sort of disiplinary actions were taken at FinchMeyer.
'I ask because a lot of these schools now days have become lax in that department.'
'Well,' Miss FinchMeyer looked a little startled by the question. 'At FinchMeyer we really don't have many disiplinary problems. I not only select each girl very carefully, but I let it be known in no uncertain terms that I will simply not put up with any misbehavior of any sort. You don't think we will have a problem with your Lanie do you?'
'Of course not!' my uncle sounded a bit offended. 'I would just like to know that any girl who should vex Lanie will be punished to the fullest extent!'
'Erm...' Miss FinchMeyer seemed slightly taken back. 'The occassional rivalry will flare up among the girls, but it's never anything a quick session in my office won't cure.
She laughed then. 'I'm afraid Mr. Mansfield we did away with the rack and water torture long ago.'
'You don't even have a paddle hanging in your office with the school crest drilled into it?' my Uncle asked hopfully, looking very disappointed that the torture devices had been discontinued.
'Mr. Mansfiled you're having fun with me.' Miss FinchMeyer was once again wagging her finger. 'I can reassure you that at the FinchMeyer Academe we have never had to employ such harsh tactics to get our young ladies to mind the rules. If it really will make you feel better, I do keep a yard stick handy, but I've yet to actually use it. I truthfully don't condone corporal punishment of any sort at all.'
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'While we were at Sunny Hill.' Trent cut in quickly, 'I had to say I was quite impressed by some of their methods.'
'At FinchMeyer we are progressive in our teaching.' Miss Fonce spoke up eagerly. 'Our class sizes are small and we can instruct our girls individually.'
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'You will find we rank number two in all of SimCity by our test scores and acheivements.' Miss FinchMeyer trilled proudly. 'St. Francis seems to have us beat scholastically, but we also prepare our girls to become young ladies of society. We tend to be a bit more exclusive about who we enroll at FinchMeyer as well.'
'You'll like it at FinchMeyer.' Miss Fonce whispered to me when I looked doubtful. 'You haven't missed much of the school year and I'll help you catch up. Each grade level has group name. You'll be one of my butterflies.'
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As dinner progressed the conversation switched from school to Trent's movie career.
'My favorites were the Captain Hero pictures.' Miss Fonce told him looking star struck again.
'That was you ?' I blurted out. As I mentioned before, I didn't really pay attention to who's who in Studio Town. I just watched the shows I liked and never really cared about the credits. I'd seen quite a few Captain Hero movies and enjoyed them very much.
'It might have been.' Trent told me. 'There were three actors that also played the role. I think I only did five of the pictures.'
'You were the best Captain Hero.' Miss Fonce gushed. 'I had quite the crush on you when I was Lanie's age.'
'Make me feel old.' Trent laughed good naturedly.
I was determined then and there that I would watch all the Captain Hero movies over again and pay attention this time. In fact I wanted to see every movie that Trent had ever been in.
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Giuseppe all this time kept our plates and glasses filled while NanSing took any empty dishes away. I didn't miss that with a few subtle signals from my Uncle, that Giuseppe kept Miss FinchMeyer's wine glass full.
'I have to admit I liked the tights.' my Uncle quipped.
Miss FinchMeyer gave him a nudge.
'You and I both, Sweetie.'
I had noticed Miss FinchMeyer was becoming increasingly cheerful as the evening wore on.
Miss Fonce giggled.
'Enough about me.' Trent seemed desperate to change the subject. 'How about those Llamas? What did you ladies think of Joe Ryan's home run?'
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Luckily, both women turned out to be rabid Llamas fans. Everyone talked sports until after dessert. My Uncle and Miss FinchMeyer were chatting away like old friends.
Once the table was cleared the adults went out into the living area.
'Better bring some coffee.' Trent whispered to Giuseppe before he went to poke the fire back into life.
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My Uncle motioned for me to join him on the couch. Once again I cuddled up against him.
'I feel a lot of love in this house.' Miss FinchMeyer beamed on us. 'Let's just cut to the chase Mr. Mansfield. You want only the best for your niece and FinchMeyer Academe is the very best school for Lanie to attend. She will not only get every bit the progressive education that Sunny Hill has to offer, but she'll be better prepared to become a young lady of soceity.'
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'Well,' my Uncle demured. 'I have to admit I like FinchMeyer the best of all the schools I've looked into, but the price is a bit steep even for a school as exclusive as your's.'
Miss FinchMeyer's eyes once again got that hard glint in them. 'I like you Mr. Mansfield, but no amount of filling my wine glass will ever get a discount from me. My prices are firm. If you agree to my terms I will be pleased to see you and Lanie at 7:AM sharp the day after tomorrow in my office. Miss Fonce will leave a list of the school supplies you will need. You will also need your checkbook. I expect the tuition up front the start of every term. I will of course pro rate for the time Lanie has missed. Do we have a deal?'
'We'll be there.'
'Lanie, come forward please.' Miss FinchMeyer summoned me to her. I slipped from my Uncle's embrace and stood before her. I couldn't help but notice her smile was triumpant. 'I'm pleased to welcome you to FinchMeyer Academe.'
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My Note: I didn't make up St. Francis. I got that from another favorite movie 'The Trouble With Angels'. ;)

nerina

25th Aug 2006, 01:15 PM

I don't know what to expect from miss FinchMeyer, but miss Fonce seems really nice. Hopefully she will be an ally of Lanie at school? Because I think she will have a couple hard times.

chronicboredom

25th Aug 2006, 01:46 PM

Miss Fonce is like the teacher I had in primary (but she left quite soon) so I hope the same thing doesn't happen! Another great update, I just love how the evening fitted in with what generally happens in-game when getting children into Privite School. :D

Alexandraite_SC

26th Aug 2006, 02:02 AM

Great update, Montridge! (Can I call you Monty?? LOL!) Anyway, I love Trent and Remmington! Ms. FinchMeyer seemed too good to be true. She's probably really an ol' battleaxe at school. She and Miss Fonce remind me of the principal and the teacher in the "Matilda" movie. I can't wait to see Lanie at school! Keep up the great work!!

~Al

P.S. I loved 'The Trouble with Angels'!

Montridge

28th Aug 2006, 06:44 PM

The dreaded first day of school arrived much too quickly. I really did not enjoy having to wake up at five in the morning to be in Miss FinchMeyer's office at seven am sharp.
NanSing came in extra early to help me get ready. I was really trying to learn to do my own hair, but I was far from being able to do it by myself. This morning I was no help at all because I kept dozing off.
Finally dressed and ready, I sleepily joined my Uncle and Trent in the dining area.
They didn't notice me at first.
My Uncle not used to being up this hour was in a snit.
Trent looked as though he were trying to read the morning paper, but finally sat it down with a sigh to give my Uncle his full attention.
Trent was the only morning person in the family. He was normally up at this time. He liked to exercise, have a dip in the pool, and read his newspapers before my Uncle and I got up.
'The woman is nothing short of a two-bit con artist!' my uncle was fuming. 'A real racket she's got going. The old fraud knew she wanted Lanie from the very beginning. That whole pretense of touring our house is just her way of counting our valuables and mooching a free meal. I'm in the wrong business! I should start my own school!'
Was this the same man that went through our house like a maniac to have it perfect for the 'old fraud' in the first place?!
My Uncle was still intent that I go to FinchMeyer, but he was quite miffed that he hadn't set the terms of my enrollment. It also vexed him to no end that FinchMeyer had been on to him about trying to liquer her up. My Uncle absolutely hated paying full price for anything. Even my tuition.
Trent caught sight of me first.
'Good Morning, Miss Lanie.'
I yawned my greeting and took the place next to him.
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My Uncle stopped his early morning tirade long enough to get back to the task of taking all his medication. It had amazed me to see how many pills my Uncle had to take with his morning meal. He took more during the middle of the day and again before going to bed at night.
'Are all those pills for your heart, Uncle Remington?'
My Uncle seemed to give it some thought.
'Not all of them. I'm sure for every one true perscription, I have two bogus ones just to keep the pill makers in business. Not to mention my doctors all get their cut. You'll learn Lanie, that everything is is just one big @#$%! racket.'
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Giuseppe brought out some cereal and placed a bowl in front of me. My Uncle meanwhile popped a handful of pills in his mouth and washed them down with a sip of water. I had a hard time swallowing just one pill.
My Uncle waved Giuseppe away before he could be served his bowl.
'I'll skip breakfast this morning. I've been indulging far too much lately. I'll just have coffee.'
When Giuseppe went back into the kitchen for the coffee pot, my Uncle told Trent.
'I'm going back on that liquid protein diet until the holidays.'
'Remington,' Trent suddenly got very serious. 'You know how I feel of these ridiculous fad diets of your's. I put up with the Atkins thing because at least the man is a real doctor, not to mention a cardiologst. I'd feel much better if you'd check with your doctors first...'
'Don't start.' my Uncle cut him off. 'That's how Inez lost those thunder theighs of hers! She looks simply fantastic now. If she can do it. So can I!'
No one that knew my uncle could ever understand why he was so freaky about loosing weight when he never really had any to spare. He was convinced however that he was 'disgustingly fat and flabby.'
I wasn't going to be put off because I was really worried about him.
'We just don't want you to get sick again, Uncle Remington.'
I remembered my mother also worried about the constant dieting.
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'Look you two.' my Uncle's grumpy look softened when he realised we were just looking out for him. 'I'm fine. I've never felt better.'
He grinned then.
'Besides I have it on really good authority that I'm much too wicked to die young. One of the good sisters at the hospital I stayed in as a boy predicted that I'd live to be as old as Methusala if that saying were really true.'
'Was that the nun that tried to strangle you?' Trent wanted to know.
'No that was a different one.' my Uncle boasted. 'It took two other sisters, a doctor, the chaplin, my sister, and two bystanders to pull her off me.'
Much later my Uncle would tell me that he didn't bother with St. Francis because he gave the sisters at both his school and hospital so much grief as a boy, that there was probably a wanted type poster with his likeness on it in the Mother Superior's office.
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All too soon it was time to leave for our appointment with Miss FinchMeyer. I was quite enjoying my Uncle's childhood adventures. I also couldn't believe how naughty he'd been as a child. The doctors had told my grandparents that my Uncle was so ill that it was best not to say 'no' to anything he might want. He was not to cry or become upset. He certainly couldn't be spanked. My Uncle of course took full advantage of the situation.
'It's going to be weird driving my own car into town today.' Trent remarked before giving me a hug and kiss good-bye. 'I'm going to miss you, Lanie.'
He cast a quick look at my uncle. 'Have fun, be good, and please don't try any of the things your Uncle told us about at the table.'
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'As for you.' Trent also gave my Uncle a quick hug. 'No speeding tickets since I won't be with you to do any passenger side driving.'
'Why don't you just ride with us?'
'You forget I have my own early morning appointment.'
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'That's right.' my uncle was suddenly gleeful. 'I want every dirty detail once I get to the office!'
'Hopefully, I have something to tell you.'
What ever it was had an aura of mystery to it. I would ask my Uncle what that was all about once we were in his car.
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'We'd better get going, Lanie.' my Uncle remarked, as Trent ducked into his home office for his breifcase and some papers. 'No doubt that money grubbing old bat will charge us a fee if we're late for our appointment.'
Once again I was filled with dread.
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************************

Part 2 coming up soon....

obssessed-with-sims2

28th Aug 2006, 10:33 PM

ooh such a great story im hooked, please update soon lol, umm was lanies room originally lanies mums room as a child? or did remington have/had a child thats died.

Also whats remingtons obsession with corporal punishment, are we going to find out soon?

Again great story.

Alexandraite_SC

28th Aug 2006, 10:36 PM

:rofl: Remmington is a riot! What did Finchmeyer do to make him so mad?? When are you posting the second part?????!!

~Al

chronicboredom

28th Aug 2006, 11:30 PM

Brilliant as usual, don't know what else to say but UPDATE SOON! :D

obssessed-with-sims2

29th Aug 2006, 01:18 AM

Oh Ok thanks for answering my Q's :kami:

Montridge

30th Aug 2006, 04:39 PM

The butterflies in my stomach turned to bats when my Uncle and I went up the front walk of The FinchMeyer Academe. I wanted to turn right around and get back in the car. My Uncle seemed to sense I was thinking about bailing and gave me a quick pep talk. At least his mood had improved since this morning.
'Though I do think that FinchMeyer has a real racket going on here with this school of hers, it's still the most prestigious school in SimCity. You're the niece of Remington Mansfield top fashion designer on the planet. So hold you head up and be brave because that makes you more charming, smarter, prettier, and all around better than any of the other girls that will think they are anybody here.'
I still felt doubtful. I didn't know much about stuffy sounding private schools, but I had an idea my classmates might be horrible snobs.
'If anyone does give you trouble, Lanie, you just tell your old Uncle and I'll have a contract put out on the little nuisance.'
'Is that what you and Trent are doing about that Reginald guy?'
'That was my idea, but Trent feels that if we just do a little digging that we're going to find some dirt on him. We hired a man who specializes in finding out what people want kept secret....you won't tell that I told you, right?'
I promised my Uncle his secret was safe with me.
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I allowed my Uncle to lead me inside the building which really looked like it was once a mansion. We followed the brightly colored signs to the 'Headmistresses Office'.
'She runs the operation from her own home.' my Uncle muttered to me from the corner of his mouth. 'I bet that cuts down on some overhead costs.'
I couldn't tell if he admired that or was peeved.
'Mr. Mansfileld, Lanie.' Miss FinchMeyer greeted us in a friendly manner when we were ushered into her office. 'Good Morning. I wish everyone was as punctual in keeping appointments.'
'I didn't want to encounter some unexpected late fee.' my Uncle sounded a bit snippy. 'I'm curious FinchMeyer why seven a.m.?'
'Have a seat, Mr. Mansfield.' Miss FinchMeyer smiled. 'I called this meeting early so Lanie could have some time to bond with Miss Fonce before class started. I also have a ton of paper work for you to fill out.
As for a late charge, that's a really good idea. It might hinder those parents that like to keep me waiting.'
Then she directed her words to me.
'Lanie, I need you to go through that door there and change into the uniform I have hung up for you. I'm pretty good about guessing the right size, but if it doesn't fit right, you let me know. I also left a bag for your street clothes. Your Uncle can take that and your extra uniforms home with him.'
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I went into the little powder room and found the uniform on a hanger. There was a Phelps Department store shopping bag provided for the dress I was wearing. I dressed quickly and came back out.
'Is that you're idea of a school uniform?' my Uncle scoffed the moment I rejoined him. 'It's like every other drab, boring, school uniform.'
'What would you have?' Miss FinchMeyer didn't seem bothered by my Uncle's scathing attitude. 'Beads and sequins?'
'That would at least be an improvement. You'd think with the prices you charge you could at least come up with something more original.'
Miss FinchMeyer who had been laughing off most of my Uncle's barbs finally got an angry glimmer in her eye. He must have hit where it hurt. With any luck my Uncle's mouth might get me booted from the FinchMeyer Academe of Refined Young Ladies before I even started class.
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I didn't realise it at the time, but I was about to see the clash of two grand divas!
'If you think you can design better, than by all means you can do so at a discount !'
'Madame, Remington Mansfield is not a wholesaler! I don't do school uniforms. I use only the finest and most costly materials and notions to create my unique works of art. Only the rich and privileged can afford my prices!'
'My school, Mr. Mansfield is not just any run of the mill institution. The FinchMeyer Academe of Refined Young Ladies doesn't just turn out accomplished ladies of society, but the pillars of our community! Our First Lady was a student here at FinchMeyer. A proper education for only the best and the brightest does not come cheap! So don't expect a discount from me either!'
Her face softened a little as she caught my eye.
'I see something very specail in your Lanie, Mr. Mansfield. I think with a nuturing environment and classes custom built around Lanie's natuaral gifts and abilities, I will someday be bragging on her. With the positive strives in the women's liberation movement, instead of a senetors wife or first lady, Lanie could very well be my first Mayor of SimCity.'
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Before my Uncle could make any sort of reply, though by the looks of it, he was stunned into a rare state of speechlessness, Miss Fonce rapped on the door.
'Come in, Norma.' Miss FinchMeyer gave her permission to join us.
'Good Morning, Lanie.' Miss Fonce seemed genuinely glad to see me. She also had a polite greeting for my uncle.
'Nice to see you again, Mr. Mansfield. I want to tell you again what a wonderful time I had at dinner the other night.'
'You may take Lanie to class, Norma.' Miss FinchMeyer dismissed us with a queenly wave of her hand. 'Mr. Mansfield was just in the process of making me out a check.'
My uncle sat down in one of the chairs with a grin.
'To whom do I make this check out to?'
'Martha FinchMeyer.' Miss FinchMeyer's smile was once again triumphant. 'Oh, by the way, Norma, I'll be cutting out a bit early today. There's a sale going on at Phelps I do not want to miss.'
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End of Part 2....I have only one more section of Lanie's first day to go...sorry it's so long, but a lot happens. ;)

banana_SC

30th Aug 2006, 05:46 PM

hiya i have just read the whole story! wow it is grea! i love lanie she is well sweet! :)

Montridge

30th Aug 2006, 09:07 PM

Miss FinchMeyer may have had the last word with my Uncle, but she did not have it with me. I was not about to be dismissed before I hugged and kissed my Uncle goodbye.
There was a brief moment when I looked into my Uncle's eyes and realised he didn't want to let go of me anymore than I really wanted to be seperated from him.
I felt tears sting my eyes.
'Better go along with Miss Fonce, darling.' he gently carassed my shoulders.
Moisture also glittered in his eyes.
'Don't cry Lanie, because you'll have me crying.' he spoke in my ear. 'That old dragon would never let us live it down.'
I nodded and backed away. He gave me a smile then.
'Just remember all I told you this morning. Hold your head up and give them **** if you have too.'
Miss FinchMeyer merely arched an eyebrow. Miss Fonce however seized hold of my arm.
'Er...all right then. Come along Lanie. Good day Mr. Mansfield. Please don't worry we will take good care of her.'
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When we got to the class room, Miss Fonce bid me to sit down in a little reading area.
'I wanted you to come in a bit early so we can get to know one another better. I really think you will like it here, if you will just give it a try. Can you do that for me, Lanie?'
I promised I would.
'Good,' Miss Fonce looked pleased.
'There are eight other girls in this class. Though I try to promote unity among all my butterflies, there are some rivalrys. My class seems to have split up in two little groups. I love all my girls equally, but I'm curious as to with group you will join. I have my suspisions of course. It will be fun to see if I'm right.'
'I'll be nice to who ever is nice to me.' I told her. That had always been my policey.
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We talked then of the things I had learned at my school on Vacation Island. I also told her a bit about my life there. Miss Fonce squeezed my hand in hers when I had to tell of my parent's car accident. I told her how my Uncle and mother had been really close. When girls began coming through the door, we realised it was almost time for class to begin.
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'Girls,' Miss Fonce announced as soon as the school bell rang. 'I would like to introduce you to our newest butterfly, Miss Elaine Beyer. She prefers to be called Lanie. I want each of you to welcome, Lanie by introducing yourselves one at a time.'
She nodded to the girls at the table nearest her.
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A little girl with blonde curly ponytails and squinty aquamarine eyes spoke first. She had this annoying way of sticking her face up when she spoke.
'Tiffany...Tiffany VanSwearingen. My father is William VanSwearingen the fourth. He owns his own trucking company and he plays golf with the Mayor every Sunday.'
Snickers erupted from the other table.
'Yolanda Claythorne.' the next girl said. She was a very pretty girl with large dark eyes. 'My father is chief of staff at the SimCity General Hospital.'
'Um..I'm Beth Ann Thayer.' the girl with the long brown ponytail had a really sweet smile. She didn't bother to tell what her father did, but her eyes kept shifting toward her tables mates as if to see if she had their approval.
'Alexis Rothchild,' the girl with the curly black hair spoke up sullenly. I could already tell by her scowl that she was mean. 'I would tell you all the companies my father owns, but there is way too many to list.'
These were percisely the type of girls I was afraid would go to a school like this.
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'Wendy Koontz' the blonde girl at the next table spoke up with a grin. 'I would tell you what my father does, but I don't believe any one asked.'
More giggles from them. Scowls and icy glares from the others.
'I'm Teri Hartzog.' the girl with glasses and freckles went next. 'Welcome to FinchMeyer, Lanie.'
'I'm Carla Payne.' the mournful looking girl with short brown hair sighed out her introduction. She also sounded like she had a bit of a cold.
'I'm Emily Estrada.' the heavyset girl with long dark hair and chubby cheeks dimpled at me. 'I hope you like it here.'
'Since the custodian hasn't brought the extra chair I ordered.' Miss Fonce looked slightly irritated. 'You can stay in the fun seat until he does.'
I hoped when he did, it was placed at the second table.
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At least during our lessons the girls at table two would turn in their seats to acknowlege me. Beth Ann and Yolanda from the first table smiled at me a couple times before Miss Twisty Tails and Miss Frowny Face gave them a mean look.
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I was surprised when Miss Twisty Tails...er, Tiffany...Vander..something or other, grabbed me by the arm when Miss Fonce called recess.
Miss Frowny Face...I couldn't remember her name walked close at our heels.
'Go save our place by the swings.' Tiffany ordered Beth Ann and Yolanda.
They scurried to do as they were told.
I was lead to the swings. The other girls congregated over by the wall.
'You don't want to hang around with them.' Tiffany told me. 'You won't have to as long as I decide you're the right sort.'
She stopped to look me over.
'You're pretty enough to be in our club, but I have other rules too. Beyer...' she mused. 'What does your father do?'
'My father passed away.' just saying it made my throat ache. 'Both he and my mother were killed in a car accident.' (I willed myself not to cry in front of this ferret faced girl.)
'Well before they died what did they do?' I didn't get much sympathy.
I was going to snap that they owned a resort on Vacation Island, but changed it at the last minute to worked at. I got the desired response.
'They worked at this place?'
'Like a maid or bell hop?' the mean face girl sneered.
My mother and father did do their own maintance and maid service on the off season.
'Yeah,' I wrenched my arm back. 'My mother was the maid and my father did maintance! Sometimes I even helped!' Not being able to look into those hateful faces any longer, I stalked off.
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'Hey,' the girl named Wendy called out to me. I joined her and her friends at the wall.
'I had a feeling you'd wind up here.' she grinned. 'You just seemed too nice.'
I took that as a compliment.
'They call us the wall girls.'
I spent the rest of recess getting to know these 'wall girls'.
Wendy explained that though she was rich and had a famous actress for a mother, that she just couldn't see making any big deal of it.
Teri the girl with the glasses told me her mother worked as a waitress at The Happy Burger Shack. She had gotten in FinchMeyer because she had something called a really high I.Q. Miss FinchMeyer actually foot the bill for her to attend school here. (I wondered what my Uncle would do when he found out someone had actually gotten into FinchMeyer for free. I decided not to tell him.)
Carla the mournful girl, thought her parents must be well off, but wasn't sure what they did or really cared. She also listed all her ailments, sicknesses and allergies.
Emily laughed and said that Tiffany and her friends just hated her because she was chubby.
I think I might have even knew at the time, but I had just made four very dear life time friends.
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'Come along Butterflies.' Miss Fonce beckoned us after she blew her whistle. Her smile was cheerful.
'I just knew you you'd be one of my wall girls.' she remarked happily as she herded us all inside to our math lesson.
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Alexandraite_SC

30th Aug 2006, 10:02 PM

The last line of the second part was so sweet! I can tell there is going to be alot of tension between the wall girls and the 'swingers'! LOL! Great update! I could keep reading about just the school!!

~Al

IrishGrace

1st Sep 2006, 01:30 AM

wow those girls are mean... glad she ended up with the nice ones. Great chapter(s) (can't remember the last time I commented in here LOL)

nerina

1st Sep 2006, 01:40 AM

I like how you set up the school setting, and the characters of the girls. Great update!

chronicboredom

2nd Sep 2006, 01:30 PM

ooo Sorry I didn't comment sooner when I saw chapter 12 in the title I didnt think you added anymore! It's just great and everytime I read more I love it more! Keep updating as I won't be able to survive much longer not knowing whats going to happen!

Montridge

3rd Sep 2006, 04:31 PM

Slowly, I was adjusting to my new life. Before I knew it the holiday season was almost upon us.
On the weekends the servants (unless a headmistress was expected sometime soon) were given off. It was normally just my Uncle, Trent, and me.
On this particular weekend morning I happened to be outside on my balcony enjoying the cool crisp morning. I happened to notice Trent checking the mailbox.
He was most likely stuffing it full of the letters, gifts, and cards, he sent to his daughter every week. I felt bad for him as I saw him eagerly go through the mail he'd just taken out. He looked disappointed.
I decided I'd go downstairs and cheer him up.
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My Uncle was no where to be seen. I wasn't surprised. My Uncle adored sleeping in on weekends. We wouldn't see him until almost noon. As for Trent, he'd most likely been up since the crack of dawn. It was odd how different my Uncle and Trent were, but instead of clashing they seemed to enjoy each others company. (That's not to say they didn't get into it every once in awhile, but it was never any big deal.) I found Trent sitting on the couch. He beckened me to join him. I gave him a hug.
'Are you getting hungry, Sweetheart?' he asked me.
Come to think of it I was.
'Let's go out in the kitchen and see what we can whip up for brunch.' he said checking his watch with a grin. 'We'll see if we can't smoke that lazy bones uncle of your's out of bed.
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We went out into the kitchen. The thing I liked about Trent is that he always let me help him cook. During the short time I've known him I must have heard 'Watch what I'm doing Lanie and learn how to do it.' a million times.
He tired to make everything a lesson for me.
Trent was the only male adult I knew that was behind the whole women's liberation movement in SimCity. He was always telling me that I didn't have to settle for being someone's wife or mother. Like Miss FinchMeyer, he seemed to believe that I could be anything I set out to be, even Mayor.
He told me his fondest wish was that his daughter, Helen, and I become strong, independent women. He dispised the sterotypical helpless female.
I also liked these weekend cooking sessions because we got to know each other better.
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Since the Deppiesse family were coming over for dinner tomorrow night, (Not to mention my Uncle had been gleefully singing 'Roland's coming to dinner!' for the past week.) I asked something I'd been wondering about Helen.
'Trent how come Helen's last name is Harper? Was she ever married before?'
Trent laughed.
'She's hasn't been married and hopefully won't be anytime soon if I have any say about it. Harper is her professional name. When I first got Helen bit parts in motion pictures the studio wanted to change her name to something easier to prounounce.'
I thought about it for a minute. I had done the catolog shoot after school about a week ago. It had been fun and I had a few new dresses hanging in my closet. However; I didn't think a showbiz type career would be for me. I certainly wouldn't change my name.
'I wasn't always Trent Thorton.' Trent grinned as he expertly flipped his crepes. 'I was born Johnny McCullough, from the dogpatch neighborhood of Springer.' he affected a hillbilly accent.
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'You're name isn't really Trent?'
'It is now. I changed it legally a long time ago. I've been Trent longer than Johnny anyway. The first thing the studio did after changing my name to something more catchy was to help me get rid of my country bumpkin accent.'
Once he got all the finished crepe suzettes on the serving platter, he waved the smoke toward the stairs.
'I think I heard movement up there.' he winked at me.
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While Trent and I made small talk at the table, I wondered how his daughter could hold off speaking to him. Trent was such a wonderful person. (He was certainly full of surprises. I would learn something new about him almost daily!) The weekend that my Uncle went through the house trying to get things ship shape, I had taken refuge in Trent's home office. He told me all about his daughter Roberta. She was a teenager going to a posh boarding school that her mother had insisted upon. Trent told me that his daughter was still cross with him for divorcing her mother. She blamed him totally for everything though he didn't go into any detail. Her pictures adorned almost every square inch of his office walls.
I would have been mad too if my parents wanted to break up, not to mention heartbroken, but I couldn't see not talking to my father. I wished I could tell her there was much worse than divorce.
I had also gotten it out of him that the beautiful room upstairs was actually planned for her. He'd hoped she'd visit on weekends. I didn't feel bad since my Uncle and Trent couldn't have known I was going to be orphaned...but if Roberta did come around and forgive Trent, she could either share or get a new room.

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My Note: I got to go real quick. Sorry to break this into two parts. With the power outs we've been having I don't trust leaving this on my computer...Part 2 coming soon!

Montridge

3rd Sep 2006, 08:26 PM

Sliding down the stair railing my Uncle joined us at the table. I was getting used to his method of going downstairs. He also took the stairs two at a time to go back up.
'One of these days your going to break your fool neck.' Trent scolded him.
'What's this?' my Uncle demanded changing the subject. 'It smells devine and fattening.'
'Crepe Suzettes.' Trent was trying (and failing miserably at looking innocent.)
'I hate you!' my Uncle tossed some ice from his glass at him.
'I'll make you one of those horrible powdered shakes of yours if you'd rather.'
'Don't you dare!' My Uncle seized his fork and savagedly dug into his crepe.
My poor Uncle's love of sweets clashed violently with his dieting mania.
'Besides,' he grinned a little. 'Don't want your food to get cold on my account.'
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It didn't take long however; for those two to start plotting on that Roland...um...I mean Reginald guy again. Now they had me doing it.
'I really hate how he tries to give me advice on Helen's career.' Trent was saying. 'Like he has any clue. He's too controlling for my tastes. I just can't believe Helen doesn't see that she can do better. What does she have to even get married for anyway? Why doesn't our society wise up and tell our daughters that there is more for them then just getting married and having babies. Helen has too much talent to waste on a nobody like Reginald Harris!'
'Well,' my Uncle was grinning evily. 'Once Reginald knows that we're on to him about a few things, he might slink away like a whipped dog and leave Helen in peace. I can't wait to lure him up to the study and show him what we've got.'
'I'm looking forward to that too. I just hope it doesn't blow up in our faces. I mean he could make a big production. Helen might even take his side. Young girls do really foolish things when they fall in love.'
In my mind I was picturing a Snidely Whipflash type character complete with black cloack and mustache tying poor Helen to a train track.
'What's this guy look like?' I had to know.
'He's not even cute!' my Uncle snorted. 'He looks like someone slammed his face in a car door a couple times.'
'He's one of those that has just passing looks and got a few bit parts in a film and now he thinks he's all that.' Trent scoffed. 'He's got a real pronounced cleft chin and really sunken cheek bones.'
He sucked his cheeks in and pursed his face in such a funny manner that my Uncle and I both cracked up.
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After breakfast my Uncle motioned me to join him in the living room.
'Do you like living here, Lanie?'
I had to admit I did. I missed Mommy and Daddy so bad it ached. I missed Vacation Island, my old room, Candy, Francie, and my old school. However; I did enjoy getting to know my Uncle better. I adored Trent and the whole Deppiesse Family. I even enjoyed FinchMeyer Academe. Miss Fonce was the best teacher I ever had. I never would have guessed I'd look forward to each new school day. I enjoyed being one of the wall girls. My Uncle and Trent promised I could have my friends over after the holidays if I wanted. I was looking forward to it.
'I'm glad, Darling.' my Uncle gave me a hug. 'There's something I need to talk to you about. I just never knew when would be the right time. So I'll just get it over with now and you tell me what you think.'
I was all ears.
'According to your mother and father's will they wanted me to legally adopt you if anything should happen to them. I know I can never replace them in you heart and I certainly wouldn't want to. You know how I felt about my sister, but I loved your father as well. He was a damn good man and a brother to me. I still can't believe they're gone.'
'Will I have to change my name?'
'I was thinking we can hyphenate your name to Beyer-Mansfield. That way you have both your parents names. I won't start adoption proceedings unless that's what you would like. I couldn't love you more and I'll always be here for you no matter what you decide.'
I mulled it over in my mind. If my parents wanted this, then I'd do it. It didn't make them any less my parents. It would probably cement the already growing bond I was forming with my Uncle every day. (Wasn't I just thinking I would never change my name?) I knew my mother would be thrilled we were getting on so well.
'Yes, I would like that.' I told him.
'I'm not your normal parent I'm sure,' he laughed after giving me a quick hug and kiss. 'but I'm going to try.'
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Trent joined us then. He had insisted on cleaning up the kitchen. I guess he knew my Uncle and I needed to talk.
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'Hey, where are you going?' Trent wanted to know.
'I'm going to bring the television in here. There's a Captain Hero Marathon on this weekend. I thought Lanie might like to see it.'
'You know, Lanie.' Trent muttered to me. 'That is one role that uncle of yours is never going to let me live down.'
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However; I was on my uncle's side. I couldn't wait to see which Captain Hero movies Trent had starred in. We spent the rest of the afternoon watching those old films. (My uncle and Trent kept poking fun at the shows making them even that much funner) I don't think it's prejudice on my part, but I tend to agree with Miss Fonce. Trent truly was the best Captain Hero.
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My note: Sorry, sorry, sorry this had so many words! There was just a few bits of information I couldn't leave out. :D
The next chapter should be more action, pics, and less words and it has Reginald!

chronicboredom

3rd Sep 2006, 09:35 PM

I really really REALLY liked this chapter. And the last picture is just soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo funny! :D I can't wait to find out about this Reginald guy, first time we hear about him he's married to Lanie (prolouge) then we hear he was going to marry Helen a long time before. ARGH I'm so confused, this whole story is a mystery and you're such a good writer to keep this all up - WELL DONE! :D

Tixi

4th Sep 2006, 07:02 AM

I just started reading this story and im only up to chapter 8 but my eyes are burning from staring at the screen so i think ill tell you how great it is now...
this story is great :P

Alexandraite_SC

4th Sep 2006, 05:53 PM

I loved the Captain Hero pic, too!! And I can't wait for the next chapter and the opportunity to meet Reginald! Thanks for a great update. And nothing you write is ever too long!

~Al

Montridge

5th Sep 2006, 05:45 PM

I was really excited when the next evening finally arrived. I was looking forward to seeing the Deppiesse family and getting to meet the oft mentioned Reginald. I just hoped I could keep a straight face if Reginald really did look anything like my Uncle and Trent said he did.
Since our servants were off, Trent did all the preparations for dinner himself. Cooking and hosting elegant dinner parties were two of his hobbies. I helped make up the salads and relish trays. My Uncle set the table.
(Since NanSing wasn't there, Trent helped me fix my hair again. :))
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When the door bell rang we went to greet our guests.
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Allie brought a bouquet of roses for my Uncle. My mother loved water lillies, but my Uncle adored white roses. He was also touched that she and Helen were wearing dresses he'd created for them. They both looked so pretty.
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My Uncle introduced me to Helen's fiance. I suddenly felt as if I couldn't breathe. I thought he was very handsome. Helen gave me one of her sweet smiles and a quick hug.
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I couldn't have possibly have known back then...I was merely just smitten in my little girl way by his handsome looks. He also had a nice smile and these intense grey eyes. Even at seven I knew that looks could be decieving, but I really wanted him to be all right for Helen's sake. I'll also never forget how radiant she looked that night. She was a young woman very much in love.
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Trent, Tony, and Allie were making small talk, while my Uncle showed Helen and Reginald around. Reginald seemed really impressed with the lay out of our home.
'I'm so going to take inventory and make sure everything of value is still here.' my Uncle had managed to whisper in my ear.
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Trent got the fireplace going while my Uncle bid everyone to sit down and be comfortable. Of course my Uncle quickly took the place between Allie and Helen on the couch before Reginald could.
'Sorry Roland,' my Uncle told him. 'You can sit any where but here. Besides Helen was my girlfriend way before she was yours.'
'I told Mr. Mansfeild I'd marry him when I grew up.' Helen explained quickly with giggle. 'I was ten at the time.'
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'That's all right.' Reginald agreed cheerfully. He didn't look as if he really minded. 'I'll just sit by Eleanor here.'
'Elaine!' I was quite miffed for some reason.
(I would ask him years later if that was intentional.)
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The evening certainly started off pleasantly. Everyone was on there very best behavior. The adults all had champaign before dinner. Trent even toasted Helen's engagment.
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It was really sweet how Helen and Reggie couldn't tear there eyes away from each other. Again I hoped that my Uncle and Trent were wrong about him.
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It was at dinner however; that the atmosphere began to shift a little. My Uncle of course got the ball rolling.
'So Rene,' My Uncle decided to unleash his claws. 'What is it that you actually do for a living anyway. I know you don't do bit parts in films on a regular basis.'
'It's Reginald,' Reggie's tone was a bit sharp. He'd only corrected my Uncle ten times by now. I couldn't help giggling a little. 'Rene' was the funniest name yet.
'I'm so horrible with names, Roald..er Reginald. You have to forgive me. I never forget a face though. So don't let me interupt. You were telling us what exactly you did for a living, besides playing an extra in films. Though I will say I did quite enjoy your work in that gangster flick Helen dragged us too. You play the petty little thug quite convincingly. Of course if I'd have blinked my eyes I'd have missed it. I did think you died well though.'
Reginald was literaly growling at my Uncle. My Uncle was a fashion designer not much of an actor himself. It was painfully obviously my Uncle was goading him.
Things were just about to turn really ugly......
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chronicboredom

5th Sep 2006, 06:00 PM

Reginald Reginald Reginald! :D:D:D AT LAST! That was very interesting, I hope the next part is up soon.

IrishGrace

5th Sep 2006, 07:28 PM

LOL that was a great chapter (and the one before as well)... It was obvious they couldn't keep the peace through the whole visit... can't wait to see what happens next!

nerina

5th Sep 2006, 07:30 PM

Reginald doesn't seem bad. Well, I suppose we'll see more about him.
This update was very interesting!

Tusnelda7

5th Sep 2006, 07:33 PM

Wasn't her husband called Reginald at the beginning? lol
*sorry if i gave it away

Alexandraite_SC

8th Sep 2006, 02:04 AM

Hey!!! Get on with it, Monty! LOL! Great update. Can't wait for the next one...so write it soon...okay??

~Al

Montridge

13th Sep 2006, 06:30 AM

Reginald's hands shook slightly when my Uncle continued to grill him on what he did besides bit parts in films. Reginald claimed he delivered packages for a parcel delivery firm.
'I do several other odd jobs here and there. When I got my first bit part, I only did it as a favor for a friend of mine, but now I think I have what it takes to make a career of it. A full time job would only make me unavailable for work if it should come up.'
'It took years before I made it out of the bit roles. I also remember all the odd jobs I had to take to keep a roof over my head and the bills paid.' Trent told him. 'I did everything from waiting tables to selling shoes, but I didn't have a wife at the time either. What I can say about all those jobs of mine was that it was all good honest hard work. So many in the business tend to take the easy money jobs that pay well, but are illegal as Hell. I've seen a lot of aspiring actors and actresses ruin their chances before they ever got started because of it.'
Reginald was merely annoyed by my Uncle, but when he looked at Trent there was open hostility, resentment, and even a bit of jealousy in his eyes.
Some how we had all made it through dinner without a drink being splashed in a person's face, food being flung, or at the very least Joe Ryan's home run brought up.
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After dinner we went back into the living room. The atmosphere was tense. Reginald grabbed Helen in a very possessive manner and pulled her down with him onto the loveseat. Trent's eyes flashed when he saw that.
'You might think we're picking on you, Reginald. It's just that I've known Helen since she was a little girl. She's like a daughter to me. I also have an interest in her career. I don't want to see her hurt. We all want to be sure Helen knows exactly what she's getting into.'
'I appreciate your concern,' Helen told him in an icy tone. 'but you forget that I'm an adult now. I'm quite capable of making any decisions regarding my personal life.'
Her look softened then. "I know you're just trying to look out for me, but I think you need to realise that I've grown up.'
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'I'm well aware that you are an adult, but you're just starting out in this world and can still benefit from from the experiences of those just a bit older than you. Reginald I'm sure you understand where I'm coming from as you're quite a bit older than Helen.'
'You really love harping on that, don't you Thorton?' Reginald glowered at him. 'Five years is not a big deal between consenting adults. I feel like I've been under the microscope all night. Why don't we talk about you for awhile. To be quite frank I have every reason to believe that you're not really doing squat to further Helen's career. In fact you're trying to stifle her! Is Midget the Surfer Girl really the very best you could do? All night long you've been implying you have something on me, but I wonder what Helen will say when she finds out about all the really good adult roles you've been turning down. Are you aware Sweetheart, that you're even up for any of these big movie deals?'
Helen just looked stunned.
'That's right, Thorton.' Reginald was smug. 'I've been doing a little digging. I'm sorry you botched things so badly with your own daughter, but I'll be damned if I'm going to stand by and continue to watch you mold Helen into her replacement! You can't keep Helen from growing up and it's really pathetic how hard you try! '
It seemed everyone drew in a sharp gasp.
Trent jumped up in a white hot fury. He got right up in Reginald's face.
'Don't you ever talk about my daughter, you low life drug pimping scum! You don't know jack about me, my business practices, or my personal family life! What you actually know about anything could fit on the head of a pin with room to spare!'
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The rest coming tomorrow....

IrishGrace

13th Sep 2006, 08:26 AM

:jaw: wow! That was a great chapter! Can't wait for the rest :D

Montridge

13th Sep 2006, 10:43 PM

'Pop do something!' Helen screamed.
Allie was doing her best to hold my Uncle back.
Tony however; was glaring at Reginald as well.
Reginald's tanned face literally turned white.
'What did you call me?'
'I didn't stutter.' Trent told him,then to Helen. 'I was hoping to be able to handle this more descreetly, but let's get it out in the open now. This so called delivery service your Reginald works for, is a front for a drug ring.'
Reginald was visibly shaken to the core.
'You mean you've had me followed?'
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'That's right!' my uncle told him. 'The item I'm really curious about is this 'Kitty Kat Lounge' you spend so much time at. You normally go there right after dropping off Helen. Our man also notices that she has given you money first. In fact it appears you've made quite the career as a gigolo before you got you're big movie break!'
'You've given him money, Princess?' Tony asked Helen.
Helen looked mortified.
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Reginald reminded me a bit of a caged wild animal. His shifty eyes went from one to the other of his accusers.
'I don't know what he's been telling you, Princess,' Trent also adopted Tony's pet name for Helen. 'but I doubt any of it was the truth. He's not the man you think he is.'
'That's real rich coming from you Thorton!' Reginald growled. 'You've made a whole career of pretnding to be someone you're not!'
'Please,' Helen directed her words at Reginald, but I noticed she clung protectively to Trent. 'Don't say anymore both of you.'
'Let's just back away to seperate corners and try to talk this out calmly and rationaly.' Allie was still trying to block my Uncle's path to Reginald.
I'd actually seen my Uncle in a fight once. If it really came down to blows my Uncle would mop the floor with pretty boy Reginald. I was still scared out of my mind though. I didn't want anyone to be hurt in the cross fire.
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Reginald appealed desperately to both Tony and Helen then. 'I know whatever it is Thorton thinks he has on me looks bad. I'm not even going to lie. Some of it might be true. I do have things in my past I've done that I'm not proud of. However; I also know that for every grain of truth there is also going to be something fabricated like this whole drug ring thing just to make me look worse! I'm not a saint, but I not half the sinner Thorton is going to make me out to be either! You should be asking yourselves why Thorton would go to all this trouble. Why is he so desperate to be rid of me?
He still hasn't answered the question about all the movie roles Helen has been offered.'
'I will be happy to tell Helen and her parent's anything they want to know privately.' Trent flared. 'I'm not going to justify any decisions I've made to a common street thug. It's really none of your business.'
'You're really pathectic, Ronald.' my Uncle was finally able to get around Allie. 'Of all the things that I read and saw in your file (yes, there are pictures so you won't be able to lie about anything) the part that really gets me is you're taking money from Helen!'
'I don't have any gripe with you Mansfield.' Reginald was trembling a bit now. 'You've pretty much let it be known up front that you don't like me and I respect that. Your two faced boy toy on the other hand while smiling to my face has been busy stabbing me in the back! Someone has started a rumor I'm difficult to work with! I haven't been getting much work. As much as I hated it, I let Helen loan me some money. I'm starting to realise now just who might be behind all my recent bouts of hard luck. You want a piece of me Thorton let's go!'
He made a lunge at Trent.
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To be continued....
(Errrr...real life is bellowing for me, but this party is far from over. LOL!)

IrishGrace

13th Sep 2006, 11:20 PM

Again... wow... seriously I was gripping my seat as I was reading that LOL

Montridge

14th Sep 2006, 02:43 AM

'Enough!' Tony roared blocking Reginald's way to Trent. 'You're both forgetting there is a child in the room.'
'Fine!' Reginald stalked to the front door. 'I have nothing more to say. I can see I've been found guilty on all Thorton's trumped up charges!' He turned his hard gaze on Helen then. 'You have two minutes to decide if you're coming with me to at least hear my side of the story. If you're not in my car by that time, it's over!'
He slammed our front door so hard, I was surprised none of the little glass panes fell out.
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'You put Mr. Thorton up to this didn't you, Pop?' Helen pointed an acussing finger at her father.
'Princess,' Tony assured her. 'I had no idea. Everything I've heard tonight is news to me.'
'It was all my doing.' Trent told her. 'If you're going to yell at someone, yell at me. The last thing I ever wanted to do is upset you, but I had a really bad feeling about the guy.'
'We all did.' Tony agreed.
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'I don't know what I feel right now!' Helen exclaimed. 'Part of me is trying to understand and the other half is furious!'
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'Reginald is right about one thing Trent Thorton you do treat me like a child. You do need to realise I'm an adult now! If the things you found out about Reggie are true than I'll dump him, but I am going to hear what he has to say. He wasn't given much of a chance to defend himself.'
'Helen,' Trent tried to get in her way when he saw she was going to go after Reginald. 'You wouldn't listen when we tried to tell you that Harris was no good. I had to get proof!'
'Don't go after him, Princess.' Tony told her. 'Let it go. The man is thrash. He's not worthy of you. It may be hard for you to believe right now, but Trent was just looking out for you.'
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'I need to find that out for myself.' Helen asserted. 'Pop, you once told me that there is two sides to every story. I owe it to Reggie to at least hear his side.'
'You don't owe that filthy gigolo anything!' my uncle cut in. 'Helen don't be foolish. Think with your head instead of your heart. Once you read that file we have you won't want to speak to him ever again!'
We heard the roar of Reginald's engine at the front of the house. We were sure he could see Helen standing by the front door.
'I have to do this!'
She turned and left. She was angry, upset and probably humiliated, but she didn't slam the door like her boyfriend did.
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Reginald's car roared down the road. His tires squealing.
'I really made a mess of it didn't I?' Trent remarked ruefully.
'Your heart was in the right place.' Allie squeezed his hand. 'You could have tipped Tony and I off though. Between the four of us we could have kept the peace.' she shuddered then. 'I just heard everything tonight that my intuition has been telling me.'
'I planned to lure him up to the study after dinner and show him his file, but when he brought up my little girl, I just got this horrible image of him approaching her. It made my blood boil.'
'I should have had the file handy somewhere down here.' My Uncle lamented. I could see he still wanted a piece of Reginald. 'Those snap shots of him at the Kitty Kat Lounge alone would have had her convinced that Harris is a worthless piece of...' His eyes fell on me.
'You don't think he's going to hurt her do you?' I was worried. I didn't like the way he took off down the road. I also remembered how he had roughly pulled Helen down beside him on the couch.
'He won't hurt her.' Tony reassured us. 'I would like that file you mention or a copy if you don't mind. Once Helen gets home her mother and I will sit down with her with the proof in our hands and talk some sense into her.'
'Absolutely,' Trent agreed readily. 'I all ready made a copy.'
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Before they left both the Deppiesse's hugged Trent and my Uncle.
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'I don't know all that crap, Reginald was spouting earlier about you're turning down movie roles, but if you did I'm sure you had a really good reason.' Tony was telling him. 'The only reason I ever allowed Helen to get involved in modeling and show business in the first place because I had a gut feeling you would always put Helen's best interests first. I knew when I met you that you were a man of integrity and I still believe that. Thanks for looking after my little girl.'
'I can't help but feel I've only made a worse mess.' Trent admitted. 'I'm also realising that Harris might be right about a few things, as much as I really hate to admit it. I need to realise Helen is an adult and should be allowed to have a say in any offer I get for her talents. If she's still speaking to me have her give me a call tomorrow.'
Before we went to bed for the night, my uncle called the Deppiesse's to see if Helen had gotten home safely. He was assured by Allie that not only was Helen home, but she and Reginald were both seated at the kitchen table going over that file. Apparently, Reginald was getting his chance to tell his side of the story.
'Roland is history!' my uncle quipped gleefully after he'd hung up.
'He won't be able to lie, because a picture speaks a million words!'

Alexandraite_SC

15th Sep 2006, 10:12 PM

WOW!! Great update, Monty!! How did I miss this!? Very suspenseful! I thought Remmington was going to start throwing punches! "No one speaks that way to MY man!" LOL!! I'm super curious now about how Elaine gets into the mix. Great job!!! Thanks and I can't wait for the next one!!

~Al

chronicboredom

16th Sep 2006, 12:05 AM

BRILLIANT! :d:d:d

prettiammie2005

18th Sep 2006, 03:28 AM

Can't wait to see the next bit. :D

prettiammie2005

19th Sep 2006, 09:07 PM

*crosses fingers as well* :D

Montridge

20th Sep 2006, 08:56 PM

The holiday season was soon upon us. This would be the first my Uncle and I spent away from Vacation Island. I found myself bitterly homesick at times. I missed Mommy and Daddy so bad it hurt. For my Uncle's benefit I kept my tears confined to my bedroom. I would sometimes catch him looking sad as well. Trent seemed to realise how the holidays may make us feel and did everything he could to keep us both busy. My Uncle and I in turn tried to cheer him up as well. Trent's daughter was shutting him out of her life completely. His last letters and cards to her came back 'Return to Sender'.
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The really cool thing about attending the FinchMeyer Academe is that Miss FinchMeyer took an extended holiday cruise every year. I had the Monday before Thanksgiving till after the New Year off. Today was Saturday so I still had that long stretch of winter break ahead of me.
My Uncle of course had to complain a bit about how Miss FinchMeyer could afford do this on all the money she made off him and the other parents that paid her outrageous tuition prices.
'Quit your complaining, Mansfield.' Trent told him. 'It was your idea to send Lanie to FinchMeyer in the first place. I do admit though, that in spite of the cost, you made the right choice. Lanie seems to be thriving there and I'm quite impressed with Miss Fonce.'
'You would be.' my Uncle's grin was wicked. He took on a high pitched girly voice. 'I told myself I wouldn't act like star struck teen, but oh Captain Hero I'm such a huge fan!'
'I admit,' Trent merely grinned. 'that was nice.'
'Ha!' my Uncle exclaimed triumphantly. 'I'm glad your not going to drone on about progressive teaching methods or anything like that.'
I would never see any display of jealousy between the two even though they both had many admirers. It was more their way to tease each other about it.
We were in the living area just hanging out enjoying each others comapny. My Uncle had started adoption proceedures and we were told that it should be offical in a few months time. We were all in a really good mood.
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'What else do we need?' I asked.
Trent had me making a list of items for our first Thanksgiving meal together.
Mrs. Hammond would be off Thanksgiving to spend time with her own family. My Uncle reminded Trent at the breakfast table that we should order our Thanksgiving meal. A caterer had left a brochure at his office.
'Why can't we cook our own?' Trent had asked him. 'I've only cooked one turkey in my life, ages ago, but it turned out all right. It's not rocket science, I'm sure between the three of us, we can do it.'
My uncle was less then enthused over this project. It was a well documented fact that he couldn't even boil water without burning down the kitchen.
'Olives. Both black and green.' My uncle answered. 'I can do the relish tray. I certainly can't mess that up.'
I smiled a little to myself as I wrote. My Uncle had been the first to show me on a Thanksgiving day long ago, that olives made very fine, not to mention tasty finger ornaments.
'Celery too.' Trent added. 'for both the relish tray and dressing.'
I was getting hungry.
'Are you really sure you want to do this?' my Uncle wailed. 'It just sounds like a lot of drudgery to me. If the good Lord had intended for people to cook their own meals He wouldn't have made catering services and deli departments in grocery stores!'
That's how my mother did it. She ordered our Thanksgiving feast from the local grocery and had my father pick it up when it was ready.
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'You'll survive.' Trent moved closer to my Uncle on the couch. He patted his knee reassuringly. 'You do realise this is our first holiday together. I want to make it special for all of us.'
'Well since you put it that way,' my Uncle gave in leaning his head on Trent's shoulder. 'Add cranberry sauce to that list, Lanie. I despise cranberries, but you always miss it if there isn't any.'
I wrote down cranberry sauce.
'Let's get the kind with the actual berries in it.' I told them. 'I like it better than the kind you slice up.' There was nothing yummier than mixing a bite of tart cranberry sauce with a juicy piece of turkey breast and savory dressing. I really was getting hungry.
'Me too.' Trent agreed. 'We'll also need some sort of bread to go with dinner. Any suggestions?'
'Yes, ready made rolls from the bakery. That will give us one less thing to wait on.'
Patience was never one of my Uncle's virtues.
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Once we'd finished our lengthy list, Trent suggested we go out right away to buy the ingredients required to make our Thanksgiving dinner.
'You mean we aren't going to just turn this list over to Hammond and make her do it?'
Of the three servants my Uncle enjoyed annoying Mrs. Hammond the most. She would fight back with him unlike NanSing who would cry and Giuseppe who'd sulk. It really wasn't uncommon to see my Uncle come sprinting out of the kitchen with Mrs. Hammond in hot pursuit welding a kitchen utinsel as a weapon. I'd been wrong when I assumed that getting the house ready for Miss FinchMeyer's visit was any sort of special occasion in that respect.
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'We don't pay that good woman nearly enough.' Trent chuckled. 'It won't kill you to actually step foot in a grocery store.'
Trent smiled at me then.
'When I used to visit Remington before we moved in together the only things in the ice box would be diet soda, a few condiments, a really old Tupperware type container I was to afraid to open, and a dish of baking soda.'
'I was sub letting the place.' my Uncle told him. 'The pop and baking soda were mine, but as for all that other stuff, it was already in there when I moved in.'
The look on Trent's face was priceless.
'You never thought of throwing that stuff away?'
'I wasn't going to touch it.' my Uncle looked at him like he was nuts. 'Besides why go to the store when you can call and have ready made food delivered to your door?
I had to admit he had a point. My mother had our groceries delivered as well. She didn't have the time to take away from the running of our little resort.
'Come to think of it, Hammond has our groceries delivered!' my Uncle must have read my thoughts.
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Trent held up his car keys.
'Let's go.'
My Uncle snatched them out of his hands.
'You always insist on doing things the hard way. If mankind were truly destined to shop for their own food, restaurants and delivery service wouldn't have been invented.'
I giggled. I really enjoyed my Uncle's logic.

Part II coming soon.....

Montridge

21st Sep 2006, 02:53 AM

Once we were in the car headed for the down town area, it did not take long for my Uncle and Trent to bring up Reginald.
'I still can't believe that Ronald turned on the water works when he was presented with the evidence.' my Uncle scoffed. 'I thought he'd have something more original up his sleeve than the 'I had such a hard life routine.'
'Tony says Harris admitted to everything in the file except that he claims he had no idea that he was working for a drug dealer and that he insists that he wasn't fooling around with anyone at the Kitty Kat Lounge. He's accusing me of having those photos tampered with.'
'Like we really needed them with everything else we had on him. Those pictures were merely the icing on the cake. Our boy isn't only a compulsive gambler, but a two bit womanizing, drug dealing crook. I'm glad Helen ditched him, though I feel like hell seeing her so miserable.'
'So do I,' Trent agreed ruefully. 'She hasn't smiled once since it all happened. She doesn't even speak to me unless she absolutely has too. As much as that hurts me, I'd still do it all over again. The man was just bad news and I had to prove it to her.'
I remembered how happy Helen had looked at our dinner party. I did feel bad for her, but she really deserved a nice boyfriend.
'He's still trying to talk to her. I've let it be known that he isn't to approach her on any of the locations she goes to. He's even tried talking to Allie. If he keeps it up I told them to file harassment charges on him.'
I was happy when we arrived at the super market. I didn't want to hear anymore about Reginald. I was kind of scared he might come after Trent or my Uncle next. I was still creeped out about how violent everything got.
'Let's dont go in there just yet.' my Uncle pleaded.
'Why not?' Trent wanted to know.
'I'm starving. My mother had a saying that you should never go grocery shopping when you're hungry.'
Once again my Uncle had a good point.
'Your mother was a wise woman, Mansfield.' Trent grinned. 'There's that coffee shop on the upper floor. Let's get a sandwhich first.'
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The small shop above the grocery was a dark cozy no frills place that absolutely reeked of coffee and other wonderful fragrances.
'I haven't had a Mocha Latte from this place in ages.' my Uncle sighed dreamily.
'I remember that they make a pretty mean Ruben sandwhich here.' Trent commented.
'Your right. That's what I'll have too.'
I was looking at a display case full of decadent desserts. The rich looking cheese cakes literaly made me swoon. My Uncle followed my gaze.
'Damn, I forgot about all the really good stuff they have here. That carrot cake is to die for.'
We decided on Ruben sandwhiches all around, coffee for them, and a soda for me. I was never a picky eater so saurkraut in a sandwhich didn't sound bad in the least. My father and I loved it on hotdogs.
While we waited for our food, a familiar voice startled us from our conversation. To my shock it was Helen. Her face looked pale and she wasn't dressed up, but she was smiling.
'When I saw that fancey black sports car, I thought maybe you three would be up here.'
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Without a word Trent got up from his chair and pulled her into his arms. Helen returned the hug. For some reason I felt tears sting my eyes.
'Have a seat, Princess and join us.' Trent pulled the extra chair out for her.
Helen sat, but she declined any food. She also turned down coffee.
'When I saw the car, I thought I'd just come in and tell you that I'm not mad about what happened.' She looked down at the linen table cloth. 'I just feel like a real idiot.'
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'Your not an idiot.' my Uncle interjected before Trent could say a word. 'Reginald was your first love. It was harder for you to see the danger signals he was giving off. Trust me, Darling, you learn to pick up on these things after awhile. We just couldn't allow you to marry that scoundrel without finding out if he were worthy of you.'
'Well, I have you and Mr. Thorton to thank for keeping me from making the biggest mistake of my life.' Helen's voice was husky with tears. 'I should be going now. That's all I wanted to say.'
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'I guess I have Reginald to thank for a few things as well.' Trent told her. 'It finally sank in that you really are an adult now. You should have some say over the offers I get for your talents.'
'That would be nice, but you've always looked out for me Mr. Thorton. I trust your judgment. It would still be nice to at least hear about these projects though.'
'Agreed. Now there's just one more thing we need to get straight between us. My name is Trent. Mr. Thorton always made me feel old.'
Helen grimaced slightly, but I could tell she was pleased.
'I don't know if I could get used to that.'
'You better.'
Helen stood up.
'I'll work on it.'
'Don't you dare leave without giving me a hug too.' My Uncle came around the table and embraced her. 'As far as I'm concerned we always could have been on a first name basis. We've never been just friends, we're family.'
He kissed her cheek then.
'You call me or drop in at my studio when ever you need someone to talk to. I don't care what time of day or night it is.'
'I will.' she promised.
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After Helen left the cashier called our number.
Trent went to go get our order.
My Uncle was talking more to himself then me.
'My poor Helen. No matter what she says, she isn't all right. She's better off without Reginald, but I can't stand seeing her so pale and miserable. It looks like she hasn't had a decent sleep in weeks.'

Sorry this has turned out to be a long winded chapter. LOL!
Part III tomorrow.....

IrishGrace

21st Sep 2006, 03:22 AM

great chapter so far! Can't wait for part 3 :)

Montridge

21st Sep 2006, 10:44 PM

'You could at the very least pre-heat the oven for me.' Trent told my Uncle.
Thanksgiving morning found my uncle and I in the kitchen watching Trent prepare the turkey.
My Uncle looked at the oven. He seemed reluctant to touch it.
'How do you start this thing? Come to think of it, I haven't even a clue where Hammond keeps the matches.'
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I wasn't allowed to touch the stove myself, but I did know how to do it.
I also couldn't resist teasing my Uncle.
'It's not rocket science, Uncle Remington. See that big dial that says oven? You turn it to on. That other dial next to it is for how hot you want the oven to be.'
'It has an electronic ignitor,' Trent told him with a grin. 'It will light itself.'
'What speed do you want it on?'
I giggled.
My Uncle could change an oil filter, but domestic appliances really had him stumped.
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'Three Fifty ought to do it.'
After my uncle set the oven temperature he looked over the process of stuffing the turkey with a critical eye.
'How many things are you going to put in that poor turkey? I'll absolutely put my foot down if you tell me to bring you the kitchen sink next!'
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'What I'd like to know,' Trent said as he finally placed the turkey in the oven. 'Is how you managed to con Mrs. Hammond into premaking almost everything on our menu. I thought the agreement was we would make everything ourselves.'
I was hoping Trent wouldn't be mad about that. After about an hour of pleading with her, Mrs. Hammond got her big black Bible from her purse and made my Uncle swear he'd stay out of her kitchen for a week.
'You know Darling, I would have loved chopping things for you and all that, but I've brought home tons of work from the studio. I'm working with some very delicate and expensive fabrics. I simply can not present our First Lady with a ball gown that reeks of onions and celery. I'd be ruined!'
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We could tell that Trent was really not all that disappointed that he'd simply be re heating all the goodies Mrs. Hammond left for us. (The only hard part was waiting for the turkey to cook.) I think he still grumbled a bit just to get my Uncle's promise that he'd clean the kitchen afterwards. My Uncle in turn volunteered me to help him.
Since we now had more free time on our hands, my Uncle went into his sewing room. He wanted to work on the creations he felt too important to trust to his staff of 'numbskulls'. Trent went to his study to call his daughter. He commented he might as well get being hung up on out of the way. I was left up to my own devices.
***********

I don't know what caused the sudden wave of homesickness to engulf me. I had gone down to the living room to retrieve a library book. I thought I was in a good mood. The delicious fragrance of turkey roasting, the steady hum of my Uncle's sewing machine and even the few stray swear words that he uttered when he made a mistake would normally cheer me up. It was just that it suddenly hit me hard that I'd never be able to share anymore of my life experiences with my mother and father. Another thing that frightened me was when I tried to picture them in my mind their faces were blurry and out of focus. I didn't want to forget them!
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I buried my face in my hands and let loose all the tears. I wanted my Mommy and Daddy. The thought of growing another year older without them near-by was just too much to bear.
I felt a pair of strong arms pull me into their embrace. I caught the scent of after shave and hair tonic.
'Just hold me, Sweetheart.' Trent whispered.
I tried to keep my sobs quiet because I didn't want my Uncle alarmed or reminded of our loss.
'It's all right, Lanie. I think we've all had our moments of missing loved ones that can't be with us today.'
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'You've been so brave, Lanie.' Trent told me after I'd had my cry out. 'I know it's hard not to miss your parents. I lost my own mother when I wasn't much older than you. I still miss her, especially on occasions like this. I've also met your parents. I really liked them both.'
'You've met my parents?'
'Several times. I'd fly down to Vacation Island to see your Uncle. The four of us would go out on the town for a bit. I was normally too pressed for time or we would have met sooner. I did look forward to meeting you. Your Uncle didn't think there was a child on this planet that was as pretty, sweet, and all around brilliant as you are. He and your parents bragged on you quite a bit.'
He gave my hands a squeeze. I was struck by how warm his hands were. My Uncle's were always ice cold to the touch. I also noticed Trent still wore his wedding ring, that kind of bothered me.
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He noticed my look.
'What's the matter, Sweetheart?'
I didn't know how to put my feelings into words and wasn't sure if I really wanted to.
'I was just looking at your wedding ring.'
An odd look crossed Trent's face.
'I never had a wedding ring. I didn't want one.' his look softened a bit. 'This is a commitment ring.'
'What's that?'
He lightly traced his finger along the necklace around my neck. When my mother died, my Uncle gave me her half of a charm necklace. The other half of the charm was on his. I wore it to feel closer to them both.
'It's sort of the same principle as your necklace. I've only loved one person my entire life. We couldn't get married so we bought these rings and recited our own vows.'
I suddenly felt like I couldn't breathe. Trent looked like he was trying to choose his words very carefully.
'That was a really long time ago. We broke up mostly from some stupid mistakes I made. Even after I got married I still kept this ring. I never will take it off.' he smiled a little then. 'If you ever see anyone with a ring just like this one, you'll be meeting the one and only person that's ever had my heart.'
I had been under the impression that my Uncle and Trent hadn't lived together very long before my parents were killed. I suddenly hoped I never did see the ring if it was on the hand of a stranger. Better yet hoped Trent didn't see it. I don't know when it started, but I feared Trent eventually leaving us. Though he never said so, I saw the same fear reflected in my Uncle's eyes every time we went into that home office of Trent's. It was a virtual shrine to a life he had before us.
'I know you miss your family.' I squeezed his hand. I did feel bad that his daughter wasn't speaking to him.
'I miss my daughter,' Trent quickly kissed the top of my head. 'As for my family, I'm finally where I'm supposed to be.'
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exactduckwoman

22nd Sep 2006, 12:09 AM

It'd better be coming soon! Ooh, I need to know about the committment ring, you evil person you! I have a feeling this is going to be one of those wonderfully long stories where nothing is entirely explained till the end. Those are awesome when you're reading them after they've finished, but I may die of suspense in the meantime. And THEN where will I be? I'll never get to read the end if I'm dead :(

nerina

22nd Sep 2006, 11:31 AM

Haven't commented in a long time, sorry, but finally I cought up with the story. I'm sure we'll hear more from Reginald, since there are all those hints. Maybe he'll turn up good but I'm glad Helen hasn't married him. The ring... does Remington have the other one? Maybe Lanie hasn't noticed it. But then, wouldn't Trent just told her straight away?
Great update and don't worry about the lenght, a good story is never too long, as long as the author has something interesting to say, and you do :)

nerina

22nd Sep 2006, 11:56 AM

Thanks, that's so sweet of you :)

exactduckwoman

22nd Sep 2006, 08:20 PM

As for the whole Reginald thing...I'm not talking. You just have to keep reading. :)

Oh fine, twist my arm. I guess I'll keep checking my subscribed threads page multiple times a day... but only because you said to. :umm:

Alexandraite_SC

23rd Sep 2006, 01:56 AM

Monty, you are downright EVIL. Who has the other ring!!!??? Is it Frodo? Just kidding! LOL! I can't wait to hear more. The more, the better. Don't worry about length, we want it all!!!

~Al

sadistmoi

23rd Sep 2006, 06:11 AM

Finally! I'm caught up on your story!

And may I say, I'm loving it. :anime:

Great job, as always! I'm looking forward to your next update.

The anticipation will be almost too much to bear. :lol:

Montridge

24th Sep 2006, 03:25 AM

It wasn't long before Trent had me laughing again. It was easy to see how he could charm just about anyone. That had to be why his daughter wouldn't see or speak to him. She wanted to stay mad and probably knew she couldn't if she had to face him. With my occasional bouts of homesickness and grief, I still on retrospect think I adjusted pretty well considering. My Uncle hadn't exactly been a stranger to me. He spent every winter with us on Vacation Island. He called us often. My uncle was also very easy to love. I thought of him as favorite playmate when he made his visits. He was the only adult that would sit down and play games with me. I was now equally attached to Trent. He had gone out of his way to make me feel wanted and welcome here. No one ever treated me like an intrusion. The two actually seemed to enjoy my company. Children love to feel wanted and I did.
I guess I worried that it was all too good to be true. I feared that another big upheaval was just around the corner. Being close to my Uncle, I picked up on his vibes when ever Trent spoke of his daughter or agrued with his ex wive over the phone. He felt threatened by them.
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'Your thinking way too much.' Trent teased me when I got quiet again.
'I don't hear the sewing machine.' I told him. It was true. The house had gotten quiet.
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'I think I just saw that Uncle of yours go into the kitchen. I have a feeling we better go look and see what he's up too.'
I had to agree.
We heard the oven door open and the bang of a couple lids being replaced on there pots.
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'Remington! Please tell me you just turned the oven up! You can not cook a turkey at five hundred degrees!' Quickly, Trent turned down the oven and lowered some of the flames on the stove. He also checked to make sure the turkey wasn't ruined.
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'What were you thinking?' Trent asked him.
'I just came out here to see how that blasted turkey was coming along. I figured if I just turned up the heat, we could eat sooner.'
'Sure if you like turkey burned on the outside and still raw in the middle.'
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I quickly looked at my Uncle's hands. It would be easy not to take note of a certain ring before now. He either laddered a bunch of baubles on his fingers at one time or wore none at all. It truly was feast or famine with him.
He wasn't wearing any ring at the moment.
'I was really only trying to help.'
'Well, you can help later when it comes time to wash dishes.'
'If I don't starve to death first. If I have to endure the scent of this turkey roasting much longer, I will.'
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I did have to agree with my Uncle. I was getting really hungry. I thought it would never get done.
'Is it turkey yet?' my Uncle asked Trent for the umpteenth time.
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Once we were gathered around the table there was a brief discussion on who should say the prayer of Thanksgiving.
'You do it, Trent.' my Uncle said. 'You played a priest once.'
(Oh! I'd seen that movie. It had been on the other night due to the holiday season. It was considered a classic.)
'I have much to be thankful for.' Trent squeezed both of our hands in his. 'The food will get cold before I'm done.'
'Let's just all say our own prayer today quietly.' I suggested.
'Good idea. Lanie.'
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_71e077da_d21c42ab.jpg

Our Thanksgiving meal turned out to be a whole lot fun. We laughed alot and had the occassional food fight. I was so comfortable in this atmosphere. I asked a few questions that had been on my mind for quite awhile.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_71e077da_d21c448e.jpg

My Uncle and Trent had not lived in this house for longer than a year. I'd been right. I felt a little disappointed.
'We've known each other for a very long time, Lanie.' Trent told me. "We met back while I was still acting, before I ever got married. Your Uncle was in charge of designing the costumes on the film I was working on at the time. We became really good friends right away. Things might have been different if I hadn't have done some really stupid things to loose your Uncle's trust in me...'
'Trent.' my Uncle tried to interrupt.
'I'm not letting you get away from me again.' Trent told him.
My Uncle was blinking back tears. I could see he was trying hard to come up with something funny or sarcastic to say to cover, but Trent had caught him off guard.
'I'm not going anywhere. You and Lanie are the only family I have left.'
Instead of a big speech or confession this was the way it was presented to me offically for the first time. I had it figured out on my own, but now there was no doubt.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_71e077da_121c42a0-1.jpg

Where was the other ring? When my uncle and I finished cleaning the kitchen I happened to notice his half of the charm necklace dangling from his shirt. Also on it was the match to Trent's ring. I didn't tell him at the time what Trent had told me. I was content just to look.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_71e077da_321c404d.jpg

My note: I had to do a quick rewrite on this last chapter. Sorry, if it shows.
I just needed to push back a certain event to a little later in the story. So I went ahead and told more about some of Trent/Remington's past.
Coming soon: Reginald returns!

IrishGrace

24th Sep 2006, 03:44 AM

eep! not Reginald! :p

Great chapter, as always... I'd write more but my dog is sitting on my lap making it impossible to type LOL

prettiammie2005

24th Sep 2006, 09:10 AM

*sniff* That last bit was beautiful. :D Seriously, I really enjoyed it. I like the little insights on those two.

Oh yeah! I think the longer the chapter the better. :D

nerina

24th Sep 2006, 03:51 PM

I'm so tempted to go and read about Trent's ring... but I can't! I don't want spoilers!
I'll try not to read that :D Great update.

Montridge

25th Sep 2006, 03:06 PM

Since I didn't have school in between Thanksgiving and Christmas, I went along to work with my Uncle and Trent. I once again packed up my favorite Barbies, books, and crayons for something to do while I was there. I still enjoyed going to work with them.
One morning found me hiding out in Trent's office. My Uncle had gotten really cross with one of his staff. While they were yelling at each other, I'd slipped out.
'You'll get used to it.' Trent chuckled when I told him about it. 'Remington's employees get fired or quit on a daily basis. Everyone's always back the next day to do it all over again. I think tensions are extra hot right now because Remington's crew aren't used to having him around this time of year. This is when they normally get their holiday from him.'
The buzzer went off on Trent's desk. Inez's voice rasped over the speaker.
'Mr. Deppiesse is hear to see you, Mr. Thorton.'
'Have him came right in.' was Trent's enthusiastic reply.
'Tony what brings you here?' Trent grasped Tony's hand in a warm handshake when he came in.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_51e3eea8_9222a127.jpg

'I was on my lunch hour and thought I'd bring Remington the parts catalog he wanted. I also threw in a couple of the designs we have on the drawing board for next year.'
Tony was the plant manager at the SimCity AutoWorks. It was a big factory that had it's own neighborhood. All the motor vehicles in SimCity were produced on one of the assembly lines there.
'I went to Remington's studio first, but it sounded like he was busy, so I had Inez buzz you instead.'
'Let's have a seat.' Trent ushered him into the room. 'Can I mix you a drink?'
'No thanks,' Tony laughed taking a chair. Trent took his place at his desk.
Tony grinned and winked at me.
'Hey, Peanut.'
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_51e3eea8_72236f8b.jpg

'So how's the rest of the family?' Trent asked after Tony and I exchanged quick pleasantries.
'Good. The boys are all doing well in college. Allie sends her love.'
'How's Helen? She puts on a smile for me here, but she doesn't look like she's really over Harris yet. I hate that I caused her so much pain, but I would have felt worse if she actually married the guy.'
'Me too.' Tony agreed. 'Once my Princess got all the facts she showed Reg the door. I'm proud of my little girl. I wish I could take away the pain, but that will just take time. She deserves so much better.'
'Is Harris still skulking around your place?'
'He came to the plant to speak to me this morning.'
'You're not serious! Please tell me you had him thrown out.'
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_51e3eea8_52236f5f.jpg

'Actually, I listened to what he had to say.'
'What did he have to say for himself?'
'He claims that he's a changed man. He tells me that his love for Helen makes him want to do things right. He also still insists that he had no idea he was working for a drug lord and that he wasn't fooling around with anyone at the Kitty Kat Lounge.'
'What do you think? I always found you to be an excellant judge of character.'
'I think he's sincere about his feelings for my daughter. I think he really wants to change...' he held up his hand before Trent could protest. 'However; I know his type. He will always try to take the easy way. He lacks any real character. I don't want him around my child. He tells me he quit the delivery business. I don't believe him when he says he has no idea he was transporting drugs. The only part I believe him on is about the pictures. At least he truly believes they were phonied. He tells me he realises the girls were only coming on to him because they knew he was being photographed. Someone probably tipped them well to be extra nice to him.'
'Do you think I did that?' Trent asked quietly.
'No, I can't see either you or Remington doing something like that. I know you were hoping that Reg would turn out to be all right. We all felt the bad vibes though. I'm glad you looked into his background. Allie and I had actually disscussed doing it ourselves. It's just a hunch on my part, but I think the man you hired asked those girls to come on to Reg. He probably wanted some good pictures to show you.'
'I have to disagree. Harris looks far from unhappy in those pictures.'
'What ever the case may be it doesn't matter. I told him in no uncertain terms to leave my little girl alone.'
'Good.'
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_51e3eea8_72236f56.jpg

'I guess I better get going. I have a meeting I have to attend today. Tell Remington I said hello and sorry I didn't get a chance to talk to him myself.'
Tony smiled at me again.
'Good-bye, Peanut. Tell your Uncle's to bring you by some night before Christmas.' then to Trent before he could stand up. 'Don't get up Trent, I know my way out. Take care.'
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_51e3eea8_12237047.jpg

Montridge

25th Sep 2006, 08:37 PM

'I don't know about you, Sweetheart.' Trent told me, 'but I'm getting hungry.'
It was way past lunch time. Trent had been busy all morning with people in and out of his office. Most of the time I sat in a little corner and tried to be inconspicuous. Trent however; introduced me to everyone that came in. He even included me in the conversations. No one seemed to mind at all, except the mother of his one of his models. She stated quite rudely that if Trent were babysitting that he wasn't working hard enough to get her daughter a job. The model quickly put her mother in her place.
'Can it, Mother! I'm already doing a catalog shoot, two fashion shows, and five different commerical spots, it would be nice if I got a holiday!'
'Stage mothers,' Trent had muttered when the old dragon had left. 'They are the bane of my existence.'
Happily, my Uncle came in a few minutes after they left. Helen was with him. She looked really mod in a form fitting dress, matching stockings, and high heeled boots. I couldn't wait to grow up and wear clothes like that.
My Uncle poured himself a diet soda on the rocks.
'Can I get you anything, Helen?'
'No thanks, Mr....er, Remington. I'm good.'
'What do you think of Helen's dress, Darlings?' My Uncle asked Trent and I. 'It's one of mine.'
'I think it's missing a few yards of material.' Trent commented.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_51e3eea8_3222a0cd.jpg

'Don't pay him any mind.' Remington told Helen. 'In his day women wore hoopskirts. I hate to break it to you, Love, but the mini-dress is the in thing now. Helen looks absolutely stunning in hers.'
'You do look lovely, dear.' Trent reassured her quickly. 'It's just in general I think the rise of the hem line isn't a sound trend. Nor do I approve of all these form fitting dresses and jeans. There isn't going to be anything left to the imagination.'
Helen and my Uncle took the seats in front of the desk.
My Uncle patted Helen's knee.
'It's a good thing he's not the fashion designer. Women would still be running around in floor length skirts and buckled hats.'
'It was the men that wore the buckled hats, Mansfield.' Trent took his place behind the desk. 'You do look very nice, Bobbi, but I just don't think that look is for everyone.'
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_51e3eea8_3223718c.jpg

'It's Helen.'
Trent looked at her puzzled.
'You called me, Bobbi.'
'Oh!' Trent laughed, before apologising. 'Sorry, Hon. I do that a lot don't I?'
Helen was also grinning.
'All the time.'
'Roberta used to get mad when I called her Helen.'
'Have you heard from her?' Helen asked softly, her eyes full of compassion.
'As a matter of fact I have.' Trent said cheerfully. 'When I called her on Thanksgiving, she told me that she hated me and wished I'd drop dead.'
My Uncle's jaw tightened, his eyes blazing, Helen's eyes filled with sudden horrified tears. I cringed all over again, like I did when he first told us on Thanksgiving what she'd said. Trent was the only one that looked elated.
'Don't you see she's speaking to me again. It's not what she said. It's that she said anything at all!'
'I think I'm getting just a little bit hungry.' I spoke up trying to change the subject. I really was starving.
'Lanie's right,' Trent smiled at me. 'I'm thinking of calling delivery. I'd take us all out to lunch, but I've got too much to do around here.'
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_51e3eea8_1223715b.jpg

'We haven't had Chinese take away in awhile.' my Uncle also seemed to want to talk about something else. 'I'd adore some Shrimp Lo Mien about now.'
Sweet and Sour Pork sounded good to me.
'Will you have lunch with us Helen?' Trent asked her. 'It won't take long to have the food delivered from around the corner.'
'I'll stay if you let Lanie and I go pick it up. I'm sure she wouldn't mind a bit of fresh air.'
My Uncle and Trent both agreed that getting out of the office for a bit would be good for me. Trent got up to pour my Uncle another diet soda and mix a drink for himself.
'Come on, Lanie.' Helen indicated the door with a slight jerk of the head, after she'd phoned in our order. 'They said it would be ready in ten minutes.'
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_51e3eea8_3222a201.jpg

'Cool! You drive a yellow slug bug!' I exclaimed once I saw her car.
'You like?' she seemed pleased I liked her car. 'Pop bought it for me on my eighteenth birthday. He stood over the workers on the assembly line to make sure they did everything right.'
While we drove to the Chinese restaurant we made small talk.
I asked her if she'd ever met Trent's daughter.
I saw a cloud pass Helen's pretty features.
'A few times.'
'Did you like her?'
'I didn't ever get to know her really well.' was Helen's diplomatic response. 'She's just a little younger than me, so we never hung out or anything like that.'
'I think she sounds kind of spoiled.' I confided. 'She looks so stuck up in some of her pictures.'
I didn't miss the quick smirk on Helen's face.
'She could be a bit of a brat at times.'
When we got to the restaurant, Helen parked, and had a confession of her own.
'We actually have more of a wait then I told Mr. Thorton. I just needed to get out of there for a little while. I love him to death, but he tends to forget I'm not ten years old anymore. I figured you needed a break as well. We'll have a soda while we wait.'
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_f2230b75_72230bd2.jpg

We had a good time and some fun girl talk while we sipped our drinks. I really liked Helen. It was exciting to think that perhaps someday she would be a big time movie star. She certainly got lots of appreciative looks from all the males in the restaurant. There was nothing stuck up about Helen at all. She was what my Uncle called 'down to earth'.
Once we had gotten our food, we headed back toward Helen's Volkswagon.
'I hope Mr. Thorton hasn't called the National Guard to come looking for us.' Helen giggled.
My heart leapt up in my throat and Helen nearly dropped the food when we saw a white car parked next to hers. Reginald was leaning against it.
'Hello, Helen.'
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_f2230b75_d2230da9.jpg

gazania

25th Sep 2006, 08:41 PM

Ah, two of my favorite stories updated on the same day! Life on Sims2Community is grand. :lol: While I thought that Remington was "the one", I can't help but be much more cruious about the past.

I love the depth of your characters, and the humor in your story. I always look forward to your updates.

By the way, where did you get Remington's black outfit? (Hope it's a free site, hope it's a free site, hope ...)

P.S. And while I was writing this, I see you posted ANOTHER update. And my reaction to that one is, "uh oh".

IrishGrace

25th Sep 2006, 09:39 PM

I'm with gazania... "uh oh" is right...

great updates :D I love the fact that Helen drives a Bug :D

Montridge

26th Sep 2006, 02:55 AM

'Lanie, Honey.' Helen handed me the food. 'Take this and put it in the car for me. I'll be right behind you.'
'Go on, kid.' Reginald told me when I hesitated. 'Big bad Reginald will behave himself. Just sit in Helen's car and wait for her. I only need to talk to her for a minute.'
"It's all right, Honey.' Helen told me with a tremulous smile. 'I promise.'
I would put the food in the car, but I wasn't going away. I suddenly wished my Uncle had gone with us. He'd have taken care of old Reginald!
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_f2230b75_7223177f.jpg

'I have nothing to say to you, Reggie.' Helen raged at him. 'Get it through you thick skull that we're through!
'Please, baby. I just want to talk to you. I know everything in that damned file looked bad. I was honest about the things I did, but Thorton really did pay those girls at the lounge to come on to me. I don't cheat!'
'Yeah, you looked like you were really telling them to quit. Go to hell, Reggie.'
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_f2230b75_12231103.jpg

'Helen, please listen to me.' Reginald was whining now. 'I didn't cheat. I shouldn't have been gambling when I had to borrow money from you. That I will own up to. I wasn't flirting with those girls. They usually don't pay me any attention.'
I once again joined Helen. I was scared out of my mind, but I would do all I could do to stop him from hurting Helen. I was a Mansfield in that respect.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_f2230b75_9223114b.jpg

Reggie looked up then and tried to make a joke.
'I was thinking that perhaps it was my after shave. I swear I haven't fooled around on you, baby. I love you. I want to marry you. Your the only girl I ever wanted to be hitched to for the rest of my life. I know I'm probably not good enough for you now, but I can be. I will be! Give me half a chance!'
'Goodbye, Reggie.'
'I even quit the delivery service. They never told me what was in the packages. I never asked! I'll wait tables and sell shoes like Thorton claims he did if that will make you happy.'
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_f2230b75_b2231142.jpg

She tried to leave, but he stepped in her path.
An evil glimmer in his eye.
'How can you do this after everything we've been through?'
A shudder went through Helen's spine. I heard tears in her voice.
'The thought that you ever touched me makes me sick!'
For a split instant I thought he'd slap her. There was such a murderous look of rage on his face.
'Leave her alone you jerk!' I yelled at him.
They both jumped.
Reggie glared down at me.
'She's definately Mansfield's niece. They both have the same big mouth.'
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_f2230b75_92231066.jpg

....The rest coming soon.....

prettiammie2005

26th Sep 2006, 04:40 AM

EW! Reginald is a CREEP. I hope that Lanie's future Reginald isn't the same guy. How could he say something like that to Lanie, not only insulting her uncle but her too! He's obviously no good. I hope Helen hits HIM instead of him hitting her. :D That would make MY day. :P

Vicci

26th Sep 2006, 02:05 PM

Oooh, I wonder who. Great updates, I've just read like pageeees worth. I love this story, and I still want to know the links from the beginning >.<

exactduckwoman

26th Sep 2006, 03:06 PM

I hope that Lanie's future Reginald isn't the same guy.
He's got the same face, though, so unless Reggie has a not-so-evil twin with the same name...

Maybe he has disassociative personality disorder (multiple personalities). Or maybe he's being possessed by a Sketchy Demon. Maybe he's actually a hologram and the real Reginald is imprisoned inside some jello. Excuse me, I haven't really woken up properly this morning. Still loving the story!

I meant to mention how much I appreciate the fact that you have gay characters who aren't a gimmick, too. It seems like a lot of time characters in stories with 'alternative lifestyles' are just there to be edgy. I love that your characters are gay because they're gay, and not because you want them to 'queen it up' for comedy or because you're trying to make a point. Like in real life, they're just normal people. So thanks for doing a good job :)

Montridge

26th Sep 2006, 06:17 PM

'Come on Lanie, let's go!' Helen once again tried to walk away.
Reginald followed, I was now too mad to be afraid any more.
'Look I'm sorry.' he apologised. He tried to win me over with a smile. 'I know your just looking out for Helen, kid, but this is adult business. If it weren't for your Uncle poking his nose into mine, we wouldn't be here now.'
Like my father I was a slow burn, but once I reached the boiling point my temper would rival that of my mother or uncle's. I was literally seeing red.
'Baby,' he appealled to Helen then. 'I don't want to loose you. Your the best thing that's ever happened to me in my whole crummy life. I wasn't born with a silver spoon up my a$$ like you, Thorton, and all the others that judge me. I had to do what I did to survive. I never had anyone that made me want to do better before.'
'You really are clueless!' Helen scoffed. 'What you know about anything could fit on the head of a pin with room to spare! Come on, Lanie!'
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_f2230b75_122313e3.jpg

The look that came over Reginald's face to hear Trent's words thrown in his face was frightening to behold.
'Thorton's brain washing you Helen! Why are you babysitting his boyfriend's kid and playing gopher getting food? Everyone in this industry knows that hypocritical old has been is holding you back. His ideas about the entertainment business are antiquated. He's not the only one that can dig up dirt. I can get plenty on him. He's made a lot of enemies.....'
Helen finally snapped.
'If you don't get out of my face and let us go, your going to be singing soprano!'
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_f2230b75_122313ec.jpg

Before Helen could make good on her threat, we were joined in the parking lot by two girls.
'Hey! It's Reggie!' one of them exclaimed happily. 'Hey, Reggie, remember us?'
'Some of your Kitty Kat Ho's I presume.' Helen smiled darkly.
'Hey, what did that girl just call us?' one of the girls asked her companion puzzled. Even I could see that they shared one brain cell between them.
'Go away!' Reginald barked at them. 'I'm really busy here!'
Sick and tired of his shabby way of treating females and having my Uncle's firery blood running through my viens, I'd had just about enough.
I lifted my foot and kicked him just as hard as I could in the shin. The red patent leather of my shoes made a satisfiying connection with bone.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_f2230b75_d223155c.jpg

'OW!' Reggie's face contorted with pain.
'You're a big dumb idiot, Roland,' I taunted him. 'Your face looks like it got slammed in a car door a whole bunch of times!'
'Helen, get this kid OFF me!'
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_f2230b75_32231519.jpg

Helen put herself protectively in front of me.
'Lanie, come on!' she gave me a nudge toward the car.
Reginald made no more moves to stop us.
'Why did that little girl kick you, Reggie?' one of the bimbos asked him.
He ignored them and screamed after us.
'This isn't over! I'm not giving up Helen!'
He practically chased the car as Helen pulled out of the parking lot.
The dimbulbs followed along like sheep.
'Reggie!' one of them whined.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_f2230b75_b2231606.jpg

As we went down the road I turned and saw him shrug off the embrace of one his admirers.
Tears were falling fast and furious down Helen's cheeks.
'There's not enough soap on this planet.....'

chronicboredom

26th Sep 2006, 07:22 PM

This gets better each chapter, well done on this! At one point I thought those bimbos were been paid by Reggie to beat Helen up! :O

Alexandraite_SC

27th Sep 2006, 12:31 AM

OMG!!! Nice update! That Lanie is is brilliant!! LOL!!

~Al

Montridge

27th Sep 2006, 01:33 PM

'I'm so sorry about that, Lanie.' Helen apologised. 'I wouldn't have taken you out with me if I knew Reggie would turn up. I thought he was done following me around.'
We were now safely back in the parking lot of the modeling agency.
She grinned a little as she pulled out a compact and tissue, attempting to fix her tear streaked face.
'You sure told him off. You really shouldn't have though. He's much bigger than you. I would have protected you from Reggie, but in future you should think before taking on someone like that.'
'I thought he was going to try and hurt you.'
A scowl darkened Helen's face then.
'I'd have hurt him if he tried.'
This was such a different Helen than the lovestruck girl that came to our little dinner party. It really wasn't that long ago. That file must have been just the proof Trent needed to change her mind.
She looked in the rear view mirror to check both her face and to see if we were being followed.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_f2230b75_32230ba8.jpg

'Lanie,' she turned to face me. 'I'm trying to decide if I should tell Mr. Thorton about Reggie turning up. I don't like lying or keeping things from him, but I don't need him to worry. I also feel so stupid about the whole thing. I'd rather keep this private if you don't mind.'
I had really been looking forward to telling my Uncle how I'd kicked Reginald.
I also thought Helen should tell someone if Reggie were going to keep bugging her.
'I promise I'll tell Pop or one of my brothers if he makes too big of nussiance of himself. I'll know to look before I go anywhere. I just want to handle this myself.'
I didn't want Helen not to like me, so I reluctantly promised.
She smiled at me and lightly brushed my cheek with her hand.
'I'm not going to force you to do anything you feel is wrong. If you want to tell we will. I'll be your friend no matter what. I would just like to at least get through lunch without having to talk about Reggie, not that I have much of an appetite now.'
I once again reassured Helen I could keep a secret.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_f2230b75_72230b78.jpg

When we finally got back to Trent's office, I could see right away that it wasn't just Trent that wanted to launch a search and rescue mission.
'It's about time.' Trent commented looking relieved. 'Your Uncle was about dispatch the Army, Navy, and the Marines to look for you.'
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_51e3eea8_32237548.jpg

'Do you realise it's been a little over an hour?' My Uncle asked us. 'It should have taken you thirty minutes tops.'
'Sorry,' Helen said quickly. 'When we got there the food wasn't quite ready, so Lanie and I had a soda while we waited. We had such a fun time talking about nail polish and Barbie we lost track of the time.'
She cast a winning smile at my Uncle then.
'We feel really lucky to be two of the only girls in SimCity to have dolls that have Remington Mansfied dresses in their wardrobes.'
My Uncle's stern look melted.
'I'm sorry to be so overprotective, but I'm new at this parent thing. I just started to worry when the two of you didn't show up on time.'
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_51e3eea8_12237598.jpg

Helen once again apologised.
'It's okay, Darling.' my Uncle reassured her claiming his Shrimp Lo Mien and taking a seat. 'I suppose we let our imagination get the better of us when an hour went by and you two still hadn't shown up.'
I got my food and took the seat nearest him.
'It's cold.' my Uncle made a face.
'It's my fault,' Helen interjected quickly. 'They set the food up on the counter, but we were so busy giggling over girl things we didn't notice at first.' (That really did happen.)
'The important thing is you girls had a good time out and are safe.' Trent said.
I don't know about Helen. I did feel a little guilty lying.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_51e3eea8_d2237625.jpg

I was still hungry though, I had no problem putting away my Sweet and Sour Pork. It tasted just fine cold. My Uncle and Trent didn't seem to be having any problem consuming their lukewarm food. I figured they had to be as hungry as I was. Trent and I had cereal while my Uncle only had his usual coffee for breakfast. Looking back it was little wonder he was so cranky with his staff most of the time.
Helen was the only one picking at her food.
'Are you all right, Princess?' Trent asked her.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_51e3eea8_d2237662.jpg

Helen jumped up suddenly. She slammed her box back down on the desk.
Both Trent and my Uncle looked startled.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_51e3eea8_52237782.jpg

She clapped her hand over her mouth and rushed from the room.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_51e3eea8_522376c8.jpg

'Are you going to be all right, Hon?' Trent asked.
Both he and my Uncle were at Helen's side when she finally returned.
'I-I-think I must have some sort of flu.'
'You were sick this morning too.' my Uncle commented. He looked concerned.
'I'll drive you home, Darling.'
'I have my car.' Helen sounded shaky. To me she looked panic stricken. It was probably a bad case of delayed nerves.
'We can get it home for you.' Trent told her. 'It's little wonder your ill. You've been working much too hard lately. You're run down. You go home rest and take care of yourself. If you need some time of from the studio, call me, I'll arrange it.'
'I might just do that,' Helen told him. 'but I think I can drive myself.'
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_51e3eea8_122379b6.jpg

'I'm still walking you to your car.' my uncle insisted when Helen refused to be driven home.
'You call us the minute you get there.' Trent told her.
'I will.' she promised.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_51e3eea8_72237b4e.jpg

Vicci

27th Sep 2006, 02:41 PM

I hope it's just the flu, but I have other ideas.. Nice update =D I loved it when Lanie kicked Reggie. If only she was a bit taller ;P

prettiammie2005

27th Sep 2006, 07:15 PM

Uh-oh. That's all I have to say about Helen. People don't usually look panic-sticken about the flu. :D

gazania

27th Sep 2006, 08:48 PM

Geesh, how come recently, every time I finish reading one of your updates, my first thought is "uh-oh"? Not about your storywriting abilities, but about the characters and the messes they're about to get into!

It's the flu ... sure it is! :blink:

chronicboredom

27th Sep 2006, 09:44 PM

Ahhhh the flu... yeh we believe that! :D Brilliant again. Also I'm wondering when on earth Lanie is going to be in her teen years, I can see it beginning to get even more interesting when she gets invovled in boys - especially with her protective uncle! :D HAHA

sadistmoi

29th Sep 2006, 06:40 AM

:blink: Oooo~ Intriguing. Uh-oh pretty much sums up my feelings too, lol!

Great update! :anime: I loved it when Lanie kicked him. :nana: Serves him right.

Montridge

30th Sep 2006, 12:49 AM

My Note: I thought I'd take a break in the ‘uh-oh' department and bring you a chapter of pure fluff. :) Merry Christmas! LOL!

The rest of my winter holiday seemed to go by like a blur.
We kept ourselves busy.
Picking out our tree had been fun.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_31d8bb6d_3229272b.jpg

Decorating the house made it really feel like Christmas.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_71e077da_d2293544.jpg

We went to see all the latest Christmas films.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_11e3f3f4_32295167.jpg

I couldn't believe all the gifts that were under the tree on Christmas morning.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_71e077da_92293ec8.jpg

I didn't have any money so I made a book marker for Trent. He loved to read. I thought he could use it to keep his place. A bookmark for my uncle would have been a waste. He always claimed that anything worth reading would be made into a movie soon enough. It took me a awhile to come up with something, but I finally made him a card. I used every little notion and sparkle of glitter I could get my hands on to glue to it. The message was simple.
‘I love you, Uncle Remington and Merry Christmas....Free Inside!'
When he opened it.
1 hug
1 kiss
He wanted to claim his free prizes immediately.
I was happy to oblige.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_71e077da_12294657.jpg

.......Continued next thread......

Montridge

30th Sep 2006, 12:51 AM

Of the tons of gifts that were received on that Christmas morning, I will note only a few.
My Uncle had gotten Trent a telescope.
‘Now you can look at all those stars you read so much about. Not to mention we can also get to know the neighbors a little better.'
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_71e077da_52293e5a.jpg

Trent had given my Uncle two items that touched us both.
The first was a small white rose bush.
‘I figured we could use some rose bushes around this place. The others will arrive when it's time to plant them.'
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_71e077da_322940a5.jpg

The other was a camera.
‘I think it's time we cover these walls with memories of our own.'
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_71e077da_b229486b.jpg

My favorite gifts were the little bake oven and Barbie doll that reminded me quite a bit of Helen. She had a case full of clothes and tiny trinkets. It meant a lot to me that my Uncle had made quite a few of the outfits for me with his own hands. It wasn't a shabby thing at all to be the niece of one of the worlds most famous fashion designers. :)
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_71e077da_322943d4.jpg

‘Why don't we give that camera a try.' Trent suggested.
There was a timer on it so that the person taking the picture could also join the action.
This was the very first picture we ever took.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_71e077da_92294b33.jpg

Now back to our regularly scheduled drama.....

P.S. Thanks Sadismoi for your previous comments. :D

nerina

30th Sep 2006, 01:16 AM

nerina

30th Sep 2006, 01:36 AM

:D Thank you, just playing around with photoshop :) It's easier than it looks.

prettiammie2005

30th Sep 2006, 07:36 AM

Fluff is good. Too much drama gives people heart attacks... :D I hope they have fun with their new camera. :D

Vicci

30th Sep 2006, 03:38 PM

Aye fluff is good, and merry christmas to you too ;] I loved the poses for the camera ^_^ You decorated your christmas scenes really well and it looks nice and homely ^_^

gazania

1st Oct 2006, 04:27 AM

Gorgeous update(s). I love this story each moment more and I actually have no idea of what could happen next! Helen's pregnant with Reginald baby (I highly doubt it's flu), but Reginald will be Lanie's husband in the end... this is going to be complicated!
That kick was great :D

And now that I think of it, the story mentioned a boy in the beginning. Could it be .... ? But then .... ?

No uh-oh this time. This time, it's "awwww .... " What a sweet Christmas story. An early Christmas present to us, I guess. :)

Montridge

1st Oct 2006, 07:33 PM

My winter vacation was coming to a swift end.
The only major event to get past was New Years Eve.
My Uncle and Trent had been invited to a party they felt obliged to attend.
They had arranged for Mrs. Hammond to babysit while they were gone.
I spent a pleasant evening consuming the rest of our Christmas cookies and sipping hot cocoa.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_71e077da_d22b89f2.jpg

I had been allowed to stay up until midnight. After that Mrs. Hammond strictly enforced my bedtime. (Unlike my old baby sitter, Candy, that let me run for it when my parents got home.)
Having heard my prayers, Mrs. Hammond shut off the light and bid me good night.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_71e077da_722b8cf2.jpg
....Continued on next thread....

Montridge

1st Oct 2006, 07:52 PM

Nestling my head into my pretty pink pillows, I drifted off to sleep, dreaming of future parties I'd be allowed to attend.
Helen, on the other hand, feeling desperate and truly believing she had no other choice, made a decision that would set off the chain of events to come.....

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_f22af64b_d22af7e7.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_f22af64b_722afae6.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_f22af64b_b22afb5b.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_f22af64b_b22b11d8.jpg

Alexandraite_SC

1st Oct 2006, 11:22 PM

I totally shouted the 'S' word when I read this update!!! What is Helen up to?!! More, please!! Soon!

~Al

exactduckwoman

2nd Oct 2006, 12:27 AM

More please!

IrishGrace

2nd Oct 2006, 12:43 AM

The "fluff" was excellent :D And I totally said "uh oh" with this last update LOL

nerina

2nd Oct 2006, 01:19 AM

Why Helen, why? And why leaving us like this, Montridge? :D

prettiammie2005

2nd Oct 2006, 03:08 AM

Cliffhanger! :D

Vicci

2nd Oct 2006, 11:32 AM

Argh! I want to know what she's doing! I don't think she's happy about whatever she's doing, I have ideas but I don't want to post and spoil it. Great update!

Montridge

4th Oct 2006, 07:19 PM

I was glad when school began again. I liked the fun distraction of friends, learning new things, and even the rivalry between the Wall Girls and the Swingers. At home the only subject spoken of these days was Helen. We had all been stunned to hear that Helen took Reginald back.
Not only was the wedding back on, but instead of a June wedding, Helen and Reggie planned to exchange their vows on St. Valentine's Day.
Trent had taken the news really hard.
'I still can't believe it. Why would Helen take Harris back? He's trash! She claimed she was over him and now this! How could she have read that file and still want him? It makes my skin crawl just thinking of it.'
He was also unhappy that some of his shares in the stock market had dropped.
'This really has been one hell of a week, Mansfield.'
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_71e077da_122df0f6.jpg

‘I don't like Ricardo anymore than you do, Darling.' my Uncle told him, ‘but giving poor Helen the cold shoulder at work isn't helping matters. When she's not on the runway she's an emotional wreck.'
‘I'm not doing anything of the sort. It's just that I have other models that need my attention too.'
‘You know good and well what you're doing. I want it to stop. This is Helen we're talking about. I can't turn my back on a friend because they do something I disapprove of. If I dropped every friend that made a poor judgement where the heart is concerned, I wouldn't have many left. '
I saw Trent's jaw tighten as he turned the page.
I have to admit I felt a bit cross with Helen myself. I didn't see how she could want that creepo back either. She had even wanted to wash her mouth out with soap for kissing him. I was glad I kicked him.
'As much as I'd like to brick Helen up in a tower until she gets over Ronald, I know I can't. If there's still a chance to sabatoge her wedding plans, I'm going to find it being a friend.'
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_71e077da_b22df1b9.jpg

'Breakfast.' Mrs. Hammond sang out cheerfully. She had a large platter of bacon and eggs. I realised I was starving.
'There you go, Miss Lanie.' Mrs. Hammond served me first. 'Eggs sunny side up, just like you like them. I have a whole stack of honey wheat toast in the kitchen to go along with it.'
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_71e077da_b22df210.jpg

Both my Uncle and Trent declined breakfast at the same time.
Mrs. Hammond plopped a plate of eggs and bacon down in front of my Uncle next.
'I wasn't asking if you wanted breakfast. I'm telling you it's ready.'
My Uncle had an odd expression on his face. It looked like he wanted to laugh and pitch one of his fits at the same time.
'It's all protein, Mr. Mansfield. Enjoy.'
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_71e077da_522df244.jpg

'Madame,' my Uncle took on his frostiest tone. 'I pay you to do what I say. You do not tell me.'
'It's too cold this morning to start out with nothing more than a cup of black coffee and four small chocolate crackers.'
My Uncle was on yet another diet.
Trent was grinning from behind his paper.
'You tell him, Trudy.'
'You put down that paper, Mr. Trent.' Mrs. Hammond told him. She sat a plate down in front of him too. 'You can worry over that girl just as much on a full stomach.'
Mrs. Hammond was the only one of the three servants that never bothered to hide the fact that they eavesdropped on our conversations.
Trent would often joke that he was only able to keep his clothes and Mrs. Hammond in his divorce settlement.
He counted Mrs. Gertrude Hammond as one of his oldest and dearest friends.
It was no big deal for her to speak her mind on the occassion.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_71e077da_d22df277.jpg

It was my Uncle's turn to snicker.
I was grateful that she lightened the mood a bit.
Before she went into the kitchen she had this to say.
'As you know I have five daughters of my own, Mr. Trent. I've seen them through every conceivable situation. I've come up against many a Roland, Ronald, what ever, but trust me, if the young lady claims she's in love, there's little you can do, but be there to help pick up the pieces when it's over. We all want what's best for our children, but they don't always care to benefit from our experience. You did everything possible to keep her from making a mistake, but the decision is still hers to make. Miss Helen needs your support not your judgement of her.'
Before Trent could even respond to that Miss Hammond turned on her heel and went into the kitchen.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_71e077da_322df28b.jpg

'I never thought I'd say this, but Hammond's right for the most part. I also can't shake the feeling that something more is going on with Helen than just the whole Reginald thing. I haven't given up on breaking those two up, but I'd prefer to do it without all the tears and drama this time around.'
'You're not about to say that you weren't all for hiring that detective...'
'Of course not. I just wish we'd have done it sooner. We didn't take into account that she had been dating the guy for a year. She has feelings for the guy. I think we both know that you can't just shut emotional attachments off, like you can with a water faucet. I know you love her like she's your own, Darling, so do I. You're being cold and angry with her isn't going to change her mind. You may even lose her all together.'
Trent paused for a moment before replying.
'I'm not angry with Helen, I'm worried sick. I can't help feeling that Harris is just plain bad luck.' he sighed then. 'I'll make an extra effort to speak to her today. I'm not going to tell her I approve, but I'll let her know I'm still in her corner.'
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_71e077da_f22df295.jpg

After a few moments of silence, Trent actually smiled a little.
'I think I like that idea you had about locking Helen up in a tower. I'll buy the bricks, if you get the cement.'
'We already have an old witch in the kitchen to help guard her.' my uncle remarked loudly. He wanted to make sure if Mrs. Hammond's ear wasn't pressed to the door frame, that she'd still hear what he said.
'You mean like in Rapunzel?'
'Exactly like that.' Trent told me.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_71e077da_d22df3c0.jpg

'What are you two going to do when I get big and start dating?' I asked my Uncle. I wondered if every guy I dated was going to have a back ground check as well.
'You have nothing to worry about.' my Uncle reassured me. 'There's a good reason I sent you to an all girls school. No male will ever be able to come in contact with you without going through me first. FinchMeyer bless her, will never even hire a male teacher, so all my bases are covered. I will know everyone you know. There won't be a Roland Harris in your life. Now be a good girl and finish your breakfast.'
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_71e077da_122df4e5.jpg

My note: More action packed chapters coming up. I know this isn't the most exciting update.
Also is it just me or are these three always eating or talking about food. LOL!
I may tweak a pic here and there. Looks like my dubbing skills are a bit off. ;)

Vicci

4th Oct 2006, 09:34 PM

Oooh, nice update. I thought Helen was back with him but why..

I was playing my game today and guess who was my male cleaner? Remington Harris xD

nerina

4th Oct 2006, 10:30 PM

Poor Lanie, she's got though teenage years expecting her :D Lovely update.

sadistmoi

4th Oct 2006, 11:09 PM

Great updates! :D

Can't say I'm too happy with Helen's decision either, but oh well. Can't wait to see more.

Also, I *heart* Mrs. Hammond. :anime:

IrishGrace

4th Oct 2006, 11:42 PM

Also, I *heart* Mrs. Hammond. :anime:

LOL me too!

Great chapter... I have ideas about where this is going but I won't say...

SofieAmalieN

5th Oct 2006, 12:05 PM

Nice stories
Wonderful Picture
and
Georgeous sims! Very good work!

chronicboredom

7th Oct 2006, 10:26 AM

That was excellent, I actually really like Kaylynn though, I moved her into the Pleasant's and made her pregnant with Daniel. Shortly after she moved out and Daniel has never met his son (who is now one of my favourite sims.) She has four children, Kelvin (Daniel's son) Kaitlyn (Don's Daughter) and Kirsten and Kimberly (twin daughters of an NPC called Juan)

Tixi

7th Oct 2006, 10:43 PM

ah! i just read pretty much this whole story and now im here...and there are no more updates!!!!

awsomeawsomeawsome! story
update soon

exactduckwoman

8th Oct 2006, 03:49 PM

Montridge, you know we love you and all... But I might have to go to your house and tie you to your computer until you update again. Just sayin'.

(I wanna see Lanie as a teen!!!!!)

Re: Maids.
I also love Remington best of the maids. He married into one of my legacies... which was started by Kaylynn. Who, incidentally, has amazing genes. Breed her.

sweetbabyhnd

9th Oct 2006, 09:52 PM

i havent commented in awhile so i wanted to tell you that your story is amazing and i love it

msp_teen

9th Oct 2006, 10:31 PM

Gosh I love this story so much it makes me want to scream, but I have one question "WHY ISN"T THIS STORY FEATURED< IT SHOULD BE", but great story Montridge, you have gotten me hooked

prettiammie2005

10th Oct 2006, 11:45 AM

Hasn't the story been featured yet? I thought it had! If it hasn't... What a crime.... What a crime...

Montridge

10th Oct 2006, 02:35 PM

Helen's wedding was only weeks away. My Uncle found a design he was happy with and started to make the actual dress. He kept hoping that Helen wouldn't really get married, but if she did, she would be dressed in one of his creations. From conversations I'd overheard between my Uncle and Trent, the Deppiesse family was far from thrilled that Reginald was back in their lives.
We'd been invited to a barbeque at the Deppiesse home this weekend. I suspected this was a thinly disguised attempt by the four adults to try and talk Helen out of her wedding plans.
I was just happy I was going to go visit Allie. My Uncle was the greatest and most important person in my life, but I still felt the occasional craving for a mother's touch. I loved being made over by both Tony and Allie when ever I was over there. I think every child needs to feel special. As for Helen, I was still very fond of her. I only wished I knew what she could possibly be thinking to still want to date that creepo freako Reginald.
I didn't know much at seven, but what I had heard of this mysterious file, I knew Reginald had been very bad. I remembered the mention of drugs most of all. I also was put off by his whole attitude the day I kicked him. I didn't think it was a bit nice that he wouldn't allow Helen just to walk away. The icing on the cake was his insulting my Uncle. That had been like waving a red flag in front of an angry bull.
Trent and I were waiting on the couch for my Uncle to finish getting ready. He'd been making a mock up of the wedding dress to see how his pattern would turn out. Trent had reminded him that we had agreed to be at the Deppiesse place at a certain time. We had been told that dress was casual, so we were all in our comfy weekend clothes.
'You were hurrying me along,' my Uncle exclaimed at Trent when he joined us. 'but you're not ready yet!'
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_71e077da_f235c7c7.jpg

'What do you mean?' Trent asked him looking puzzled. 'I've been ready for hours.'
'You are not wearing that!'
'What?'
Trent was a very sharp dresser. The public rarely saw him in anything less then a suit and tie. He was quite the clotheshorse and always made some guy named Blackwell's list. However; on weekends he favored this blue sweater. He liked to wear it around the house with his faded blue jeans. The sleeves were a bit long, but Trent didn't seem to mind. I think he was quite attached to that old sweater.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_71e077da_323662eb.jpg

'What's wrong with what I'm wearing?'
'Nothing if we're just kicking about the house, but I simply can't allow you to go to the Deppiesses like that.'
'Allie stressed that dress was casual.'
'Casual yes, but tatty old sweater no. Go change.'
Instead of being insulted, Trent laughed.
'What would you have me wear?'
'Anything, but that damned sweater. I'm not going to the Deppiesse's with Mr. Rodgers.'
I giggled.
Trent in his familiar blue sweater was an endearing sight, but now that my Uncle mentioned it, he did remind me a bit of that mild mannered childrens show host.
'Et tu Brute?' Trent asked me with a grin.
I had no idea what he just said, but if he was asking if he did favor Mr. Rodgers in his sweater, then the answer was yes.
'We're running out of time.' my Uncle urged him on. 'Go change.'
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_71e077da_32366307.jpg

'Very well,' Trent got up with a sigh. 'I'll go change if it will please you.'
'It will.' my Uncle swiftly stole his spot next to me on the couch. 'Just be quick about it.'
'You do realise, Mansfield, that I'm not of your younger generation.' Trent paused a moment on the stairwell. 'Those flared jeans and bright colors that are all the rage these days, are fine for you, Helen, and Lanie, but would only look ridiculous on me. You have to remember I'm an old man.'
'You're not old!' my Uncle replied vehemently. 'You are in the very prime of you're life! I'm not asking for anything radical here. I would simply like to see you in something other than a stiff suit or that tired old sweater. A little color certainly won't kill you.'
'I don't think I own anything that isn't a neutral color.' Trent chuckled. 'Bright colors look becoming on you, but silly on me. You forget there is at least a decade between us.'
'Wear that red sweater I bought you at Phelps.' my Uncle finally decided for him. 'That color and style is very flattering on you. It's bright enough to get you a little notice, but safe enough to keep you feeling comfortable.'
'We're only going to a family barbeque.'
'Go change. The clock's ticking.'
'Trent's older than you?' I asked. I'd assumed they were around the same age.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_71e077da_123663a8.jpg

'A bit.' my Uncle gave me a half smile. 'Not quite ten years. I was in my early twenties and he had just turned thirty when we first met.'
I recalled Trent making an issue of Reginald being five years older than Helen. I wondered if it really was the age difference that bothered him or if he just didn't like Reginald.
'How old are you now?' I realised I really didn't know for sure.
'I decided I wasn't going to age anymore. I stopped at thirty.'
'Your real age.' I demanded though thirty sounded right.
I tried to recall how old my mother was. I remember her saying she was forty. Daddy had turned fifty the year before he died. That made him at least fifty one. I remember at his birthday party my Uncle saying he was over the hill. Thinking back I recollect Mommy saying Remington was five years younger than her.
'You're thirty-five.'
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_71e077da_d23663e3.jpg

My Uncle was saved from replying, when Trent rejoined us.
'Do I meet with your approval now?' Trent wanted to know, imitating the strut of a fashion model. It cracked both my Uncle and me up.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_71e077da_b236649a.jpg

'I'd say it's a definite improvement.' my Uncle told him. He was really smiling now.
A real genuine smile was a rare thing from my Uncle. Trent and I were two of the lucky ones to receive it every once in awhile. (Getting his way normally brought it out.) The common masses had to do with my Uncle's smirks, wry half-grins, or any of his repertoire of scowls.
Trent would tell me later that my Uncle's smile was a beautiful thing to behold. He admitted that if my Uncle had a desire for a piece of the moon, he'd grab a ladder and try to cut it down for him, if his reward would be that smile.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_71e077da_523665ea.jpg

'We'd better get this show on the road.' my Uncle told Trent. 'You really do look good in that sweater.'
They went over the list of things they needed to bring along. The Deppiesse's were always adamant that we bring only ourselves. My Uncle and Trent still always brought some little token gift to show their appreciation for the invite.
Today we were bringing two of Mrs. Hammond's wonderful chocolate fudge cheesecakes, some wine Trent brought up from the cellar, my Uncle's sketch pad and pencils (should he be hit with a sudden inspiration), his medicine, and a few of my favorite Barbie dolls in the rare case I'd be bored over there.
I wondered if Trent had removed that silver flask he'd hidden in his old sweater while my Uncle was upstairs. My Uncle nagged a bit at Trent for spiking his drinks, but I never saw Trent behave in a disorderly or drunken manner ever. He was always poised, polished, and polite at all times. I hoped he'd forgotten about it. If it caused my Uncle concern then I didn't like it either. My Uncle except for the occasional glass of wine or champaign didn't care much for alcoholic beverages. He told me once that he wasn't allowed due to his medication.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_71e077da_b2366556.jpg

'Come on you two.' I was getting impatient to see Allie. 'We got everything, let's go.'
'She's right we should get going,' Trent agreed. 'that is if you're sure you're happy with my ensemble. I can change again if you insist.'
'We're good to go.' my Uncle told him. 'Don't change a thing.'
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_71e077da_32366750.jpg

'Lead the way, Darling.' my Uncle said as I headed determinedly toward the garage. 'We're right behind you.'
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_71e077da_9236667e.jpg
.....End of part one.......

Vicci

10th Oct 2006, 03:08 PM

Oooh, nice update. Bless, I those two! And I look forward to part 2 if there is one? =D

prettiammie2005

11th Oct 2006, 12:25 PM

I definitely know what you mean by 'chibi'. XD That's the kind of reaction I have when I see a new update! :D

nerina

11th Oct 2006, 12:31 PM

Now we want part two! :D

Alexandraite_SC

12th Oct 2006, 10:54 PM

*taps foot impatiently*

Um...Part two??

LOL! Can't wait for the next one, Monty. :) This part was great! I can't wait to see what the four of them have in store for Helen this time. Certainly someone is gonna guess whats up and talk Helen out of it!! Update soon!

~Al

prettiammie2005

13th Oct 2006, 05:57 PM

Well Helen can't hide it forever! Sooner or later, someone is going to notice that she looks pregnant and then I'm sure everyone else will find out too. Too bad for her, what a stroke of bad luck.

Montridge

14th Oct 2006, 08:34 PM

‘Helen's car is in the drive.' my Uncle remarked as he pulled in right behind Helen's yellow slug bug. ‘I was half afraid she'd find some where else to be. She has to know we are going to gang up on her at some point in the evening. Oh well, she won't be going anywhere now.'
‘I only hope we can talk sense into that girl.' Trent grumbled.
I didn't hear any more because I had gotten out of the car and was headed toward the front door.
It was Helen who answered the bell. I was the first one she hugged and kissed.
‘Hey Peanut.' she used her father's endearment for me. ‘I'm so glad you'all could come over this weekend.'
Any bad feelings I had toward Helen taking Reginald back dissolved when I returned her hug.
I had no idea what she could possibly be thinking but, my Uncle and Mrs. Hammond had been right. You don't turn your back on friends because they make decisions you don't agree with. I only hoped someone was able to talk her out of it. She was much too nice for a jerk like Reginald.
I wanted to wash my mind out with soap for even once thinking he was handsome. At least I never said it out loud.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_71d8bf5c_722ff3a4.jpg

Next she hugged my Uncle.
At that moment Tony and Allie joined us from the sun porch.
I drank in the heavenly aroma of meat roasting on the grill. It was still too cold to eat outside so we were going to have our barbeque indoors.
Hesitantly, Helen approached Trent.
‘I really like that red sweater, Mr. Thorton.'
‘I think this is the first time I've ever seen you in anything other than a suit and tie.' Tony teased Trent from the doorway.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_71d8bf5c_d22ff51b.jpg

'So I've reverted to Mr. Thorton, have I?' Trent gave Helen a quick hug.
'I know you're angry with me.' Helen lowered her eyes.
'You really love this guy? After everything you've learned about him?'
'Yes.' Helen's reply was barely a whisper.
Trent reached up to tilt her face, making her eyes level to his.
'When I used to ask you that, your eyes were here. I'm not angry, but worried. You haven't been yourself at all. '
'I'm fine.' Helen forced a smile. 'I guess with all the highs and lows my life has taken lately, I'm entitled to a few bouts of emotion instability.'
Helen's film had wrapped and she had been offered the lead in the sequel. There were other roles she was up for. Helen had also become synonymous with both Phelps department store and Remington Mansfield creations. She was the top model for both.
'I know everyone in this room disapproves of my wedding plans. I'm sure you even have it in your heads to try some last ditch effort to change my mind. I respect how you feel, but I've made my decision. Let's just enjoy today and not even bring up the matter.'
'I agree we shouldn't talk about Renaldo before eating,' my Uncle remarked 'but you have to understand that we're entitled to at least try and talk you out of it. Darling, the man is so unworthy of you.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_71d8bf5c_f22ff765.jpg

Helen turned from Trent to face my uncle.
'You can all say and do what you will to talk me out of it, but I'm asking that it not be today. Let's just enjoy each others company like we used to before I even got engaged in the first place.'
She narrowed her pretty dark eyes on him then.
'I'm declaring the subject of Renaldo, Roland, or what ever else you can think of to call him, closed.'
*******Continued on next thread******

Montridge

14th Oct 2006, 11:35 PM

Looking back I really did follow Allie around like a shadow when ever I visited the Deppiesse's home. She was so much like my mother in personality. I think that was why my Uncle was attached to her as well.
I was really happy when Allie suggested I help her set the table. Trent offered his assistance, but Allie shooed him off to the sun porch.
My Uncle was all ready out there chatting with Tony. I was sure they were talking about cars. They could spend hours discussing engines, horsepower, and other topics having to do with the automotive world. I suspect that poor Trent was as easily bored with car talk as I was. As far as we were concerned, a car was a convieniant way to get from point A to B. We could care less about what make and model we were riding around in.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_71d8bf5c_723bc008.jpg

While Allie had been talking to Trent, I'd set the table myself.
'Wow, Lanie.' Allie seemed impressed. 'I didn't mean for you to do it all yourself.'
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_71d8bf5c_323bbe85.jpg

'You're such a big help to me.' she bent down to kiss my cheek. 'If Remington isn't careful I may steal you.'
Her praise and motherly touch had me 'over the moon' as Trent would say when ever something made him really happy.
I wouldn't really abandon my Uncle, but it felt nice that the Deppiesse's at least made like they wanted to keep me every time I came over.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_71d8bf5c_923bbee1.jpg

Next Allie allowed me to 'help' her make up a salad. While we worked side by side in the kitchen, she asked me about school. She seemed to be genuinely interested in my little soap opera 'Wall Girls vs. the Swingers' last time I was over.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_71d8bf5c_d238cd37.jpg

When she and Helen were getting the cold items wrapped up and put in the fridge, Allie asked if I would go check on the men. She wanted to know if she needed to refill any drinks. Her wish was my command. Helen reached out and playfully tweaked a curl when I walked by.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_71d8bf5c_d238ce31.jpg

The three men were so engrossed in their conversation they didn't notice me standing there for a moment.
'My bosses at the auto plant called me into their office. They said that they heard I was having a little bit of 'son-in-law' trouble. Anyway, they offered to make my problems disappear permantly and without a trace. I have to be honest as stunned as I was, I was half tempted to take them up on it.'
'I'd always heard the automotive industry was run by the mob.' Trent sounded slightly nervous. 'You don't think you made them mad by refusing, do you?'
'They stressed they had only been joking when I did turn down the offer. However; as much as I want Reg out of the picture, I really couldn't have someone hurt him. I wouldn't be able to live with the guilt if I had agreed to it.'
'I wouldn't have went along with it either.' Trent admitted. 'I'd much rather strangle Harris with my own bare hands.'
'Tony, if you didn't know exactly what became of Ronald and he did just disappear....well, how are you guilty?'
'Remington!' both Tony and Trent exclaimed at once.
'If a piece of filth like Harris ever tried to prey on my Lanie, I'd be grateful to whom ever wanted to dispose of him for me.'
'Our Lanie and you wouldn't either.' Trent told him with a frosty glare.
'You might think you would,' Tony smiled gently at him. 'but you don't really have it in you to harm anyone, any more than I do.'
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_71d8bf5c_32350256.jpg

Tony noticed me first.
'Lanie! How long have you been standing there?'
I think he was more than relieved that Helen wasn't standing right there with me.
I really didn't understand anything they said. It wasn't until years later when I replayed the conversation in my memory that I realised what they had even been talking about.
'Sheesh!' I exclaimed when I got scolded by both Uncle Remington and Trent for not announcing my presence. 'I only came out here because Allie wanted to know if you needed refills on your drinks. I didn't even hear anything!'
******Continued on next thread******

Montridge

15th Oct 2006, 05:17 AM

When Allie went to go join the men on the sun porch, I followed right behind her. Helen was busy talking on the phone to a friend, so of course it's not hard to imagine what the subject of conversation was.
'I have to be honest.' Allie was saying. 'I felt really bad for Reginald when I read about the abusive situation he grew up in. I can see how he became a juvenille delinquent without anyone around to guide him on the right path. I just don't condone anything he's done since he's become an adult and should know better. I can't believe my daughter actually wants to marry someone with so much baggage. He claims that he's changed. He quit the job at that delivery service and has gotten a job at the men's department at Phelps. He's also taken a part time job busting tables at some resturant down town, but I can't help but wonder how long that will last. I'm so frustrated with Helen I could shake her!'
'I believe Reg really thinks he loves Helen.' Tony said. 'I feel sorry about some of the stuff I read in that file too. I just don't want him near my little girl. He's damaged goods. He's like an old stray dog you kind of feel sorry for, but you don't let it in the house or near your family. We thought Helen was glad to be rid of him, but now she insists she still loves him. She even admitted that she all ready knew about some of the things that were mentioned in the file.'
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_71d8bf5c_9238c2d5.jpg

Since I had been able to sneak up on them earlier, some one was always watching the door now. They got quiet when Helen joined us.
She cast a glance at the four older adults before addressing me. I noticed a big brightly colored book in her hands.
'I happened to find my old book of fairy tales and thought you might like to hear a story before we eat.'
Would I?
Some of what they said about Reginald was kind of interesting, but I'd much rather have the attention focused back on me for a little while.
'We'll read in the living room.'
Happily, I follwed her away from the sun porch.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_71d8bf5c_1238c618.jpg

We sat down cross legged in front of each other on the rug in front of the couch.
'I suppose they're talking about me out there. I'm betting they corner me sometime after dinner. I was thinking of sneaking out later, but I see your Uncle pulled in right behind me, so I'd have to ask him to move his car first. I wish they would just give it a rest.'
I couldn't help giving my two cents worth.
'I don't like Reginald either. Your too nice to marry such a jerk.'
'I wish you were just a little bit older.' Helen sighed wistfully. 'If you were you might understand.'
'I could try.'
Helen's smile was so sad.
'Just do me a favor, when the adults in your life give you any advice, about anything at all, it's best just to realise that they really do know what they are talking about. Just listen to them when they tell you some thing the first time. Don't be like me and wait till it's too late.'
I wasn't sure I quite understood.
'How about The Frog Prince?' Helen snapped open the book, changing the subject.
I nodded still feeling a bit confused.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_71d8bf5c_3238c50a.jpg

We were sitting in front of the huge picture windows in the living room so I could see what was going on outside while Helen read to me. A white car pulled up in front of the house. I felt my blood run cold when I saw Reginald step out of it. Helen quit reading to follow my gaze.
'Damn it! ' she exclaimed. 'I told him not to come over today!'

****TO BE CONTINUED*****

sadistmoi

15th Oct 2006, 05:25 AM

Dun dun duuuuu~n!! :anime:

...And that's all I have to say about that. ¡Excelente! :hat:

jennywren

15th Oct 2006, 10:47 AM

no no u did it wrong! it's bum bum buuuuuuuuuuuuuuhhhhhh!
very big cliff, whens the next update?

leighthesim_SC

15th Oct 2006, 12:03 PM

wow i have only read to chapter 8 so far but i am amazed

nerina

15th Oct 2006, 12:31 PM

There's abortion. She can put the kid up for adoption. She can be a single mother, she's rich so she won't have money problem. She doesn't have to stay with him for the baby's sake! Wake up, Helen!

prettiammie2005

15th Oct 2006, 05:54 PM

Well, some people don't believe in abortion... I think Helen would be that type... As for Reginald coming over when uninvited: That just proves what a jerk he is. Obviously Helen told him that everyone would be there (including Trent, who we've already seen really hates Reginald) and he decided to show up anyhow, KNOWING that there would be trouble. He's a sh*t disturber.
Heehee, Montridge, I am unnaturally attached to your characters! I keep talking about them like they're real, and Reginald is REALLY making me mad. He's like that guy in the horror or action movies who you always root for to get killed early on so you don't have to see them again. :D
Man, I REALLY hope this isn't the guy Lanie ends up with! She should know better than that, handsome or not!

leighthesim_SC

15th Oct 2006, 07:22 PM

wow i am so happy i can't wait to here the rest

nerina

15th Oct 2006, 07:26 PM

Even is she does keep the baby, it doesn't mean she has to marry him! How good could he be for the baby? She has loving parents who would care for her and the baby without that idiot being around, she doesn't need him. She's putting herself into a life of sufferings, like many women do because many have this wrong idea that you need a man to be happy.

Vicci

15th Oct 2006, 09:05 PM

Nice update. and yeah, for Reggie to come over, he obviously is a jerk because he didn't do like Helen told/asked him. Beat up Reggie!

Alexandraite_SC

17th Oct 2006, 12:55 AM

Ooo, Monty, are you trying to start a mob?? I cannot wait for the next installment! Great job!!

nerina

17th Oct 2006, 01:03 AM

I've let my feminist side speak out loud ;) I do feel a lot for this kind of situation, like in those movies Bridget Jones like where she absolutely needs to have a man (I don't have many crititics on this particular movie, though, as seeing Hugh Grant and Colin Firth is always a pleasure for the eyes). Can't wait for next chapter, maybe you'll read mine soon ;)

Montridge

20th Oct 2006, 12:28 AM

Reg, I told you I couldn't see you today.'
I stood at the front window, watching the exchange between Helen and her creepy boyfriend. The front door was ajar, so I could hear as well.
'I don't see why not?' Reginald was looking sulky. 'Who's car is that in your drive way? Nice set of wheels who ever it is.'
'Reg, my folks and I have company.'
'Oh, so I'm not good enough to meet your company.' Reginald looked like he may loose his temper. 'Look Helen, if you really want me back, I have a right to see you when ever I want to. I also have a right to know anyone that you do.'
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_71d8bf5c_12435b16.jpg

I thought maybe Helen might need some assistance getting rid of Reginald. My foot itched to kick him again.
'Oh, now I know who's car it is.' Reginald scowled when he saw me.
'That's why I didn't tell you. I didn't want you coming over here starting something.'
Reginald's jaw set stubbornly.
'I don't understand why you want to hang out with them over me. You see Thorton and Mansfield every freaking day. I'm working two jobs, Helen. When am I suppose to see you?'
'We've had this get together planned for ages, Reg. Please just leave. I'll call you.'
'No.'
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_71d8bf5c_b2435d5c.jpg

'She said leave.' I yelled at him.
The thing I hated most about Reginald the creepo, was that he just didn't listen.
'Oooh! You're not going to kick me again are you.' Reginald made a show that he was nervous. 'I'm sooo scared.'
'Come on Reggie, just leave.' Helen pleaded. 'I'll make it up to you later.'
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_71d8bf5c_f2435d2e.jpg

'No.' Reginald once again had that hard look on his face. 'I'm not leaving.'
'Reg, you're not going to earn any brownie points with Pop, if you crash this party. Just go.'
Helen was glancing nervously toward the sun porch. I was sure the adults could see Reginald. The storm windows were up, so they probably couldn't hear.
'Then you ditch this place and come with me.'
'I can't.'
'Why not?'
I couldn't take this.
'Leave, Idiot.'
‘Kid, you're really getting on my nerves. Run along and mind your own business.'
‘I'm not leaving and you're going.' Helen told him. ‘I told you I had plans today.'
‘Unacceptable, when your plans don't include me.' Reginald looked like he was going to blow. ‘I've worked hard all day and I have a right to see you. Are we together again or not?'
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_71d8bf5c_b2436134.jpg

'Reg, I don't want another incident like the one that happened at Mr. Thorton's house. You two just don't get along...'
'That wasn't my fault!' Reginald was yelling now. 'The man was trying to break us up! He invaded my privacey! He totally humiliated me in front of your parents!'
'Keep your voice down.'
'No! I can't believe you, Helen. Most guys wouldn't even put up with the crap I've been taking lately. Any other guy would have said 'See ya!' I'm not just any other guy, Helen! I got a second job didn't I? When you finally told me the truth about why you took me back, I've stood by you haven't I? Most guys wouldn't! Now your telling me I can't see you because they're here! Do you really think either one of those two self-righteous b******* will stand by you when they find out what's up? Face it, Sweetheart, your days of Midget the Surfer Girl and fashions shows are over. You'd better start caring more what I think.'
I didn't know what he was on about, but I was really getting angry.
Helen once again glanced fearfully toward the sun porch.
'Just one day was all I asked of you.' she hissed at him. 'I just wanted one last time to enjoy a family get together before everything had to change.'
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_71d8bf5c_52436025.jpg

'I'm your family now, Sweetheart. If you really want me to stick around, you'd better start being nicer to me.'
'If you don't leave.' I told him. 'I'm going to go tell on you!'
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_71d8bf5c_324360e1.jpg

'You don't have to go tell on me,' Reginald whirled around on me. 'because I've got a few things I want to say to that Uncle of yours. I have quite a few things to say to Thorton as well.'
'If you want my parents to ever accept you, you'll just let it go.'
'I'm not going to fight with them, I just want to tell them what I think of that whole lousey frame up job they tried to pull. They had no right to interfere in our lives like that. I want your father to see me stand up to them. I didn't cheat on you, Helen!'
I stood in front of the door when I thought he was going to come up the front steps.
'Your not getting past me.'
'Reg, let it go. Not with Lanie here!'
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_71d8bf5c_924361f4.jpg

Reginald just cast me a withering look like I was mere dirt under his nails, before he turned in the direction of the sun porch.
'I don't plan on yelling. I just want to tell them that their little plan didn't work and to kindly stay out of our business from here on out. I can't just stand by and let the opportunity slip away. Unlike you Helen I'm not afraid of either one of them. I won't be pushed around by them or anyone else.'
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_71d8bf5c_b243621f.jpg

****TO BE CONTINUED******

I'll try to get the rest up tonight. I also have a contest entry due.
Thanks Al for the feedback. :)
Nerina: I did read your story and IWANTMORE!!!!
Edit: *hugs* nerina for below comment.

nerina

20th Oct 2006, 12:36 AM

I love Lanie, she's got a great attitude! And Reginald is the kind of guy who should be sterilized to avoid his idiotic sexist genes around. Great update!

Vicci

20th Oct 2006, 10:52 PM

Rofl. Oh this guy is just too much. If he really wants him to like them he's going the wrong way about it (and personally, I don't think he's the type of guy who wants to get on with the family.) GO LANIE!!

exactduckwoman

21st Oct 2006, 04:06 PM

Geez, even if the evidence against him was fabricated, he's sure being a jerk now. He has no right to act like he owns her. Dump him again, Helen!

prettiammie2005

21st Oct 2006, 05:40 PM

I really, REALLY hope someone puts 'Reg' in his place. With their fist. :D Heehee. I also hope that Reginald doesn't hurt anyone! Now I'm worried. Update soon! :D

Montridge

22nd Oct 2006, 02:28 PM

‘Damn it!' Helen swore when Reginald marched around to the sun porch.
Not knowing what else to do we went after him.
He stopped to let us catch up.
‘Please don't do this.' Helen whispered. ‘Not today.'
The four adults were all glaring at Reginald through the windows.
For an answer, Reginald grabbed her hand possessively, pulling her along with him.
Helen made sure the door didn't swing shut on me.
By the looks on everyone's faces, they were ready for him.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_71d8bf5c_124362ae.jpg

Tony was the first to speak and to take the offensive.
‘I'm telling you right now, I don't want any trouble.' he got right up in Reginald's face. ‘You make one move toward any of my guests and that will be the last thing you ever do. Just give me a reason.'
Tony might let women folk walk all over him, but he wasn't scared of other men at all.
‘Tony,' Reginald suddenly sounded nervous. ‘I didn't come in here looking for a fight. I didn't even know that Thorton and Mansfield were coming over today, but since we are all here, I have some things I really need to say to them.' A bit of the stubborn hard headed Reginald crept back into his voice. ‘I have a right.'
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_71d8bf5c_d24363ba.jpg

‘I have a better idea.' Tony roared. ‘Why don't you just leave.'
‘It's all right, Tony.' my Uncle cut in. ‘I'd like to hear what Renaldo has to say.'
Trent said nothing, but glowered at Reginald, pure loathing in his hard gaze.
I didn't think it would take much for him to make a move on Reginald. I was starting to feel scared again. I hated dumb old Reginald for ruining what had been a really fun day.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_71d8bf5c_b2436340.jpg

‘You know something, Mansfield.' Reginald started first on my Uncle. ‘That whole forgetting my name routine is getting really old. Eventually, you're going to run out of R names to call me. After that you'll either have to pick a new letter or just call me by my real name.'
‘I really do forget your name.' my Uncle sneered. ‘Remington Mansfield knows many people. I'm sorry if you just don't stand out in my mind as anyone of importance.'
‘There's quite a few reasons why I can't totally hate you, Mansfield. You've made it quite plain from the beginning that you hate my guts. I never appreciated the insults or jokes at my expense, nor do I think I ever did anything to you to deserve it, but at least you're not a phoney. I'm also grateful that you are still making Helen's wedding gown, though you despise me so much. It really means a lot to her. You're also the only one in this room that seems to realise that Helen is an adult. It still didn't give you any right to do what you did. My past is my business.'
‘It was the present I was more interested in. You literally reek of bad news. No amount of the cheap cologne you pour all over yourself can hide it. I think Helen had every right to know you were squandering her hard earned money on cards and kitty kats.'
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_71d8bf5c_f2321b11-1.jpg

‘I wasn't cheating on her! I couldn't even tell you any of those bimbos names at the club. I only go there to play cards!
‘I'm sure you'll tell me that you only read Playboy for the articles as well.'
‘I know you and Thorton set me up. You paid those skanks to come on to me.'
‘What really concerns me Ronald, is your lack of respect for females. I find those terms you're using very offensive. As for setting you up, even if we had, you certainly didn't have to play along. I think it's quite bal- (my Uncle happened to notice me standing right behind Helen and Reg.) er...I think it shows some real nerve on you're part to deny the thing we had picture proof of. I mean come on, were you or were you not nibbling that brunettes neck?'
‘I wasn't nibbling!' Reginald exclaimed. ‘I was having a winning streak that night. I may have hugged a few of the girls and some of them may have kissed me, but that was it!'
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_71d8bf5c_f2321bc2-1.jpg

‘I believe our host told you to leave.' Trent cut in. His tone was so cold you could feel the chill in the air. ‘I'll be glad to assist you to your car.'
‘No.' Reginald's voice shook slightly, I noticed a tremor in his legs. ‘I have a few things I need to say to you as well.'
‘Nothing you have to say interests me in the slightest.'
‘Reginald,' Allie cut in. ‘Please just leave. I don't see how this is solving anything.'
‘I think I've heard enough too.' Tony declared. ‘Leave.'
‘The last thing I want to do is upset you and Allie, but Thorton has to answer to the lies he's been telling about me. Not only did he fabricate that whole thing about my knowingly distributing drugs and those pics at the Kitty Kat Lounge, he's had me blacklisted. I'm not getting any work now in the motion picture business. I can't even get a job waiting tables in Studio Town.'
Trent's expression remained impassive. All you could see was his disgust with Reginald.
‘Did it ever occur to you genius, that it might be your sunny personality that's gotten you blacklisted?' my Uncle was cracking his knuckles. That was never a good sign.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_71d8bf5c_32436662.jpg

‘The reason you hate me so much Thorton is because I've pointed out a few things you could be doing to advance Helen's career. You're purposely trying to keep her in those wholesome rated G roles, so she can't grow up. Helen has too much talent to waste in those lame a$$ beach pictures.
We both know good and well, she's been offered better roles, but you've turned them all down.'
Before Trent or anyone else could respond to that statement, Helen cut in.
‘You've had your say, Reggie, and my mother is right, it isn't solving anything. Now I have quite a few things I'd like to say, and every last one of you are going to listen.'
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_71d8bf5c_323216db-1.jpg

*****TO BE CONTINUED*****
P.S. Thanks Vicci, exactduckwoman, and prettiammie2005 for your feedback. *hugs* I'm not getting as much computer time as I'd like, but I'm going to try hard to make every installment count. Also good news I finally got Open For Buisness and the Glamour Pack!!!! New clothes, meshes, and props, for Rem, Trent, and Lanie!!!! Yeah!

Vicci

22nd Oct 2006, 02:36 PM

More more more ^_^ Whenever Reggie gets called another R name it always makes me smile, is there more coming up now? nice update.

And oooh, you got OFB? Nice one! There's lots of new clothes meshes in that. Maybe you can dress Reggie up in a pink gorilla suit?

Argh, I had to edit that 3 times with spelling mistakes and such, rofl.

Vicci

22nd Oct 2006, 03:18 PM

Yay! I look forward to it. Not I've tested all the mods I had for Pets, hopefully once I've played it the next updated will be up. What a nice combination ^_^

chronicboredom

22nd Oct 2006, 03:20 PM

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH I hate you! (joke! :D) But how could you leave it like that, this is killing me! :(:(:(

Chronicboredom (Loving the story as usual!)

jennywren

22nd Oct 2006, 07:15 PM

OoOoOoOoOoOoO i wonder what helen wants to say

gazania

22nd Oct 2006, 07:58 PM

Hey, at least you update, even if it's a mini-update and even if you take a couple of weeks. Sometimes, life DOES have a funny way of interfering with the Sims 2. :)

It always makes me smile when you update. :)

Alexandraite_SC

22nd Oct 2006, 08:07 PM

Things are really getting complicated, it seems! Is Reg possibly right about Trent?? Trent doesn't seem to be denying it...

Can't wait to hear what Helen has to say. Update soon! Mini or otherwise, it's all good!

~Al

prettiammie2005

22nd Oct 2006, 09:21 PM

Hmmm.... Interesting.... So possibly Reginald isn't as bad as he seems... It would be horrible if Trent just set him up because he doesn't want Helen to grow up. :( I mean, obviously the guy has a pretty bad temper.... But I know I would be angry too if someone was framing me!

Noooo! Must....hate....Reginald...!

I'm waiting for the next update anxiously!

leighthesim_SC

23rd Oct 2006, 12:48 PM

oohh now thats what i call a cliff hanger i can't wait for the next update

i'm loving the whole remington forgeting reginalds name thing i think in the next part he should call him ron Lol

leigh

nerina

23rd Oct 2006, 04:50 PM

I'm still on Trent's side, maybe Reginald is not the devil, but I still think he's a jerk. Well, we'll see, won't we? Great update :)

IrishGrace

23rd Oct 2006, 05:08 PM

excellent updates as usual... and I agree, I'm still on Trent's side 'cuz Reginald is a jerk.

leighthesim_SC

23rd Oct 2006, 09:39 PM

yer reg is a jerk i'm on trent's side too

gazania

24th Oct 2006, 03:10 PM

An update soon? I hope so!

Reginald is a bit of a complicated character to me. As we see here, he is indeed a jerk. But Lanie does wind up with him in the end, and he seems a kinder, gentler person. What happened in-between? I guess that's for us to find out later. :)

Montridge

25th Oct 2006, 04:34 AM

'There's one thing we really need to get straight between us.' Helen told Reginald. 'Trent Thorton is my agent and that's the way it's going to stay. I never have had and never will have complaints about the way my career has been handled. If it weren't for Trent, I wouldn't be Midget the Surfer Girl, much less even landed my very first modeling job.'
I saw some strong emotion pass through Trent's eyes, but I couldn't quite identify it. His face just as quickly became it's hard mask again.
'Sweetheart,' Reginald's tone was calmer. 'Listen to me, you are capable of so much more. If you don't believe me ask around. You're star material and you don't even realise it. I might not have ever been anything but a bit player, but almost everyone in this business believes you have something special. It's common knowledge that Thorton is holding you back.'
'What you fail to understand Reggie, is that I never wanted to be a star. That's not what it's been about for me. I just like what I do. I enjoy modeling the latest fashions and playing any role that does comes along. I have fun doing the things I enjoy most. Why would I complain?'
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_71d8bf5c_b2474712.jpg

‘It doesn't bother you that Thorton doesn't consult you when he gets offers for your talents? That might have been fine when you were a child, but you're an adult now. You have a right to be in on any decision made on your behalf.'
‘I am in on every offer made.' Helen assured him. ‘Trent and I have all ready worked that out between us.'
‘You think?' Reginald's smirk was knowing. ‘I happen to know otherwise.'
‘I don't think, I know.' Helen retorted. ‘Wether I continue to have a career in show business or not, what I do with my professional life is my business. If you still want to marry me, you have to learn to respect that.'
‘Helen,' Reginald's tone became gentler. ‘You're so blind....'
‘I don't think so. I think I see things pretty clearly where my career is concerned. It's you who try to control me and tell me what to do. Remington brought up an interesting point, you do have a disturbing way of looking down on women. The main reason I left you after I read that file is for the shabby way you've treated women in the past. I also felt it was pretty crummy for you to go to that Kitty Kat Lounge and flirt with those floozies the minute you left me.'
‘It wasn't like that!' Reginald exclaimed. ‘I never paid those girls any attention. I really did only go there to play cards. I've explained that night to you and your parents over and over again. Think about it, I've had to own up to some pretty painful truths, so why would I even bother to deny Thorton's so called picture proof, if it were also true!'
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_71d8bf5c_32474731.jpg

‘I guess we have been over this, Reggie.' Helen sighed. ‘We did put it behind us, so from this point on, lets both let it go.'
‘It's hard when I can see deep down you still doubt me.'
‘What I want for you to realise is that if we get married, we will be equal partners. As much as you claim my parents and Trent treat me like a child, you're just as guilty. I'll be you're wife not your property.'
Reginald looked truly stunned.
‘Helen, I love you. You're the best thing that's ever happened to me in my whole miserable life.' he cast a glance at the four glowering adults. ‘They're probably right, you could do better, but you've been the only one that's made me want to change. I want to be the husband you deserve. I also want to be a good father to any children we have in the future. I can change anything you want me too, but you have to help me.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_71d8bf5c_124823bc.jpg

Trent snorted contemptuously, the other adults looked doubtful as well.
‘You!' Reginald was once again back to his normally angry self. ‘It's people like you, who have kept me down all my life. You think because you've had everything easy, you have a right to look down on anyone that's had to struggle to survive!'
For the first time since Reginald burst in on us, Trent actually laughed.
‘Struggle? Seems to me you've taken the easy route all you're life. I didn't read of any struggle in that whole damn file of yours. Oh, but I forget you claim it's all a pack of lies.'
‘I never denied anything I did!' Reginald was yelling again. ‘You and I both know which parts were true and which were totally fabricated!'
‘No one falsified anything.' my Uncle's tone was cool. ‘Grow up, Renfield and quit making your lame excuses. Life is what you make it. No ones looking down on you're past, it's your present that stinks. You're nothing but a womanizing punk with a gambling problem and serious anger management issues. Not the first choice I'd make for my daughter. You may also think that Trent and I hadn't any right to dig into your past, but you need to realise we've known Helen since she was a small child. Our interest in her well being goes beyond professional. We consider her family. I would give my life to save Helen's. I also know that Tony and Allie would do everything in their power to protect our Lanie.'
‘You know it.' Tony agreed readily.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/RemSpk.jpg

‘That's another issue I'd like to address.' Helen whirled around on the other four adults in the room. ‘That damned file.'
She directed her words at Remington. I didn't know if it was just my impression, but though she included Trent in her lecture as well, she didn't seem to want to look directly at him.
‘I'm very grateful for the fact that the two of you tried to save me from making a very big mistake..um..I mean what you thought was a big mistake. You wanted me to be informed and I can never be angry about that. Now I have to confess there was a lot in that file, I already did know. I all ready mentioned what upset me and I'm not going back over it. What everyone needs to realise is that Reggie and I are back together. I never want to hear about that file again! If we are going to move forward, we all need to let it go.'
Then turning back to Reginald. ‘You need to realise that Trent and Remington are not only connected to me on a professional level, but are part of my family. I don't want to hear you criticize Trent about my career again. I don't expect everyone to be friends, but I am asking that we all put the past behind us and move on.'
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/HelenSpk.jpg

The room was deadly quiet for a moment before Tony spoke.
‘All right, Princess, you've had your say, but why the rush? You weren't going to marry Reg until June.'
‘We just realised that after being apart, we didn't want to wait anymore. Besides, we thought a wedding on Valentines Day would be more romantic.'
‘Tony, Allie' Reginald appealed to Helen's parents. ‘I don't blame you for being concerned about your daughter after reading that file. I did a lot of stupid things I regret. I always wished that I'd had the benefit of parents who even cared what I did. I promise you that I do love Helen. I want to change and I will change.'
‘You know if you take milk from the fridge and it's spoiled, even if you put it back in the fridge, it's still bad. It doesn't magically change.' Trent told Helen.
‘You!' Reginald was back in a rage. ‘Shut up! I don't have to prove a damn thing to you! All that matters to me is that Helen still loves me! The only opinions I care about are Helen, Allie, and Tony's! '
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_71d8bf5c_324a7581.jpg

Reginald turned back to Tony then. ‘I know you're were having some sort of party here and I'm sorry I crashed it. Helen didn't tell me that Thorton and Mansfield would be here. I still had to tell them what I thought of their interference in my business. That file paints a really bad picture of me even without Thorton's added embellishments. I also have my good points as well, but anything positive wasn't mentioned. I only hope that someday you and Allie will see the whole picture. I love your daughter and I will be a good husband to her.'
He turned abruptly toward the porch door. His eyes caught Helen's.
‘I'll leave so you can get back to your guests. I know things aren't one hundred percent all right between us, Helen. That file changed everything. Just know that I will do anything and everything in my power to make things like they were before. I love you.'
‘Reg,' Helen started to take a step toward him.
‘Stay where you are. Enjoy your party. I can see myself out.'
I think everyone sighed with relief as he stalked back to his car.
I know I was glad to see him gone.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_71d8bf5c_724a7a4c.jpg

‘Princess,' Tony gently pulled Helen into his fatherly embrace. ‘Why do I get the feeling there's something you're not telling us.'
‘Your right, Pop.' Helen admitted ruefully. ‘I have something else I need to tell you. Since everyone's here I might as well get it over and done with. I just didn't want Reggie to be here when I did.'
She gave him another quick hug.
‘Please, let's have dinner first and then we'll talk.'
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_71d8bf5c_b24a7e08.jpg

....TO BE CONTINUED.......
This conversation chapter was really hard to both write and shoot.
Getting the Sims to stop smiling at each other was a real challenge.
Just one more BBQ scene and we can move on. ;)

IrishGrace

25th Oct 2006, 05:03 AM

Great chapter!!

I know what ya mean about the Sims keep smiling at each other... it really is hard to take a serious picture sometimes LOL

chronicboredom

25th Oct 2006, 11:50 AM

No! Don't leave it like that!
To be honest I'm really starting to like Reggie, he doesn't seem like such a bad character. Truesay, he's had his fair share of bad experiences but I do feel he does really care about Helen, I guess the only way is to see though seems as he ends up with Lanie...

Vicci

25th Oct 2006, 12:14 PM

Haha at the smiling thing, I guess all Sims are just too kind! You did really well with the pictures and dialogue, but I want to finally see what Helen tells them, and without Reggie there? Ooooh..

nerina

25th Oct 2006, 12:20 PM

I still don't like him, it's not what he has done, it's his character. He's just wrong.
Can't wait to read more :)

prettiammie2005

25th Oct 2006, 04:34 PM

As a reader, I'm starting to come around to Reg's side. I'm also starting to get very suspicious of Trent. Trent, whom I've loved since the story started (though not as much as Remington), is starting to seem kind of shady in my eyes. I'm thinking that maybe he's interfering in Helen's life a little too much, to make up for the daughter who refuses to speak with him anymore. If he DID fabricate some of the file against Reg, I'm so disappointed in him. I can't stand people who twist the truth until it fits their needs. I've been around people like that for a long time, and it's not a good experience... Especially when it's turned towards me!
However, if I put myself in the story... If I were Helen... I wouldn't take him back. There's just too much riding on the future to throw your life away hoping to change a man... Whether you're pregnant or not, or whether or not the file might be lies... It's a lot to risk your own future on such a person... But the future of your child as well?

Can't wait for the next update! Has this story been featured yet? How does a story get featured? I need to tell someone to spread the word about this story!!!

Applekissis

25th Oct 2006, 10:43 PM

Loving this story..Its fasinating...lol..Hope to read more soon

Alexandraite_SC

26th Oct 2006, 12:42 AM

Monty, you make me swear out loud EVERY TIME!!! I cannot wait to see the next update!! No sleep for you tonight, young lady!! LOL!

~Al~

Montridge

27th Oct 2006, 04:32 AM

Before dinner, Trent caught Helen's hands in his.
‘You have to believe me. I didn't falsify any of those documents or pictures in that file. I merely passed along the information as it was given to me. The very last thing I ever wanted to do was cause you any pain, but I wanted you to know what you were getting yourself into. You may even find this hard to believe, but I really hoped I was wrong about him. Harris will say or do anything to discredit me. I often suspect that he intends to manage your career himself, once you are married.'
‘Princess, has Trent ever lied to you in the past? You've known each other for over ten years. Do you really think Trent would make up anything in that file, just to break you and Reg up?' Tony asked.
This time Helen had no problem meeting Trent's eyes.
‘I know without any doubt, that you would never lie to me or make something up about anyone that wasn't true.'
‘Then how can you still want to marry him?'
‘I have to admit,' Remington remarked. ‘I give Ron brownie points for pure nerve. It makes sense now that he'd deny those pictures for all he was worth. If that was the main reason you dumped him.'
‘Helen,' Allie looked thoughtful. ‘Wasn't that friend of Reggie's, the one that got him into show business in the first place, wasn't his father or stepfather, some sort of talent agent? It seems he's been trying to turn you against Trent from the very beginning. Too many people have a bad feeling about Reggie for you to take it lightly. Honey, all I'm asking is that you don't dismiss anything in that file too quickly. Try to think things out from every angle.'
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_71d8bf5c_523bc3e1.jpg

I was only seven years old, so there was quite a bit about the drama going on around me, I didn't quite grasp. All I knew was that Reginald Harris was a black hearted villain of the worst kind. His constant temper tantrums and his general demeanor had turned me against him.
Everything I'd heard mentioned in that file sounded really sinister to my young ears. It also had me riled that he accused my Uncle and Trent of lying about him. I thought it was quite heroic of both the men in my life, to try and save Helen from making such a big mistake.
I was also angry that his very presence at our barbeque ruined the good time we were all having.
Tony had wanted to hold off dinner to hear what Helen had to say, but she was adamant that he didn't cook all day, not serve the food at it's best. She claimed she was starving. Tony of course gave in.
For someone that insisted that she was hungry, Helen didn't eat much. I normally had a healthy appetite, but I couldn't eat if everyone else was picking at their meal. No one brought up Reginald, but the forced small talk was just as bad.
This was not the normally comfortable cheerful environment I had come to count on when visiting the Deppiesses.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_71d8bf5c_1235089f.jpg

I was quite miffed when Helen suggested that I might read her book of fairy tales or play Barbies in the living room while they held their meeting out on the sun porch. I had been included all along in the conversations and didn't see why I couldn't listen in now.
Noticing I was unhappy with being left out, my Uncle told me to be a good girl and play quietly by myself. I could tell by his expression (so like my mother's) that the matter wasn't open for discussion.
Once the adults closed the sun porch door behind them, I waited a few minutes before I heard them settle in and start talking. Sneaking up to the door, I pressed my ear against it, so I could listen.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_71d8bf5c_f24821e2.jpg

‘We're here for you, Princess.' Tony was saying. ‘What ever it is you have to say, just know that we really are on your side.'
‘This isn't easy for me to say, because I know you are all going to be so disappointed in me.' Helen began. Her voice broke then. ‘I'm just going to say it and get it over with....I'm pregnant.'
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_71d8bf5c_b247a0d7.jpg

Huh? I couldn't have heard right. Helen was going to have a baby?

****TO BE CONTINUED*****

prettiammie2005

27th Oct 2006, 07:15 AM

AAAAUUUGGGGGGHHHHHHHHH!!!!!

Ok, I feel much better now that I let off some steam. :D Nice cliffhanger, Montridge. You bum. XD

Waiting (impatiently LOL) for the next part. I'll be checking everyday!

IrishGrace

27th Oct 2006, 08:44 AM

:D Thank you sooo much Montridge for confirming what most (or all) of us had been thinking from the moment Helen got back with that scumbag.

exactduckwoman

27th Oct 2006, 12:20 PM

I hope they're supportive, though I don't really doubt them. And hey, stars get pregnant when they're not married yet all the time, so maybe it won't ruin her career.

In other news, where did you get Allie's outfit/top?

Applekissis

27th Oct 2006, 02:18 PM

I knew it..I just didnt wanna believe it that she was taking him back all because she was pregnant..Well,anyway I cant wait for the next installment..

prettiammie2005

27th Oct 2006, 04:46 PM

And hey, stars get pregnant when they're not married yet all the time, so maybe it won't ruin her career.

But keep in mind, this story is set in a time when people weren't very supportive or kind to a woman who get pregnant before she got married. You know, the whole religion thing. :D I have a feeling that's why Helen is rushing the date... So none of her fans can find out that she got pregnant out of wedlock.
I feel kind of bad for her. That kind of thing is generally accepted now. In fact, my cousin is pregnant and not married. She's not even rushing into her marriage either. Her daughter, Gracie (not born yet), will be 2 before she gets married. My OWN preference, if I DO decide to have kids, will be to have them out of wedlock because I don't agree with marriage (I'm not religious, and marriage is a religious ceremony)...
But yeah. Poor Helen. It really DOES have the possibility to ruin her career.

:D You can just ignore me if you want. I'm gossiping about Helen like she's my new best friend. XD

exactduckwoman

27th Oct 2006, 06:41 PM

But keep in mind, this story is set in a time when people weren't very supportive or kind to a woman who get pregnant before she got married.

Whoops! I forgot. I kind of decided it was set right now... because I'm set right now. Uh, yeah. I guess it is a different situation for Helen, then.

Alexandraite_SC

28th Oct 2006, 01:46 AM

Guess what....I swore! Oh yeah! Great, GREAT cliffhanger, you &@#$%!!!
LOL!! Update soon.

~Al

BTW: The siggie is just to share the Montridge love. We shouldn't be the only ones addicted!!

Vicci

28th Oct 2006, 04:49 PM

Hehe. This last chapter was great, as someone said, confirmed what we all thought from the "flu" phase. Can't wait for more!

Vicci

1st Nov 2006, 07:34 PM

Oooh, are you going to be a postwoman? Please make sure you deliver the post in the morning and not two o'clock in the afternoon? Ours comes then and it's not good =P Good luck with the new job though! ^^

leighthesim_SC

4th Nov 2006, 10:16 PM

yay you used ron i can't wait for the next update it's just getting so good i had a feeeling that there was an update up here

jennywren

7th Nov 2006, 05:55 PM

you know, I've just remembered, helen won't marry reggie, cause if you go to the beginnning you'll see that laine called reggie her HUSBAND

Vicci

7th Nov 2006, 09:16 PM

What about divorce? I know it may not have been approved then, but it depends how old Lanie was when she married him, and when he could have possibly got divorced.

leighthesim_SC

9th Nov 2006, 06:04 PM

i hate guessing storys but there is ontoher 2 posibilitys
1 helen dies
2. the is reggies and helens daughter (reggie jr)

chronicboredom

9th Nov 2006, 06:50 PM

I doubt he's Reggie and Helen's son as Reginald was an elder at the start, older than Lanie. Maybe Helen changes and screws Reggie over or something? And then Lanie could see a different side to him and end up falling in love... its a long shot, but you know? :D:D:D

xsamsx29

10th Nov 2006, 12:51 AM

I'm new to your story and i'm definately hooked! Helen is one of prettiest sims i've seen in a sim story... way too pretty and sweet to marry a scumbag like Reggie.

I feel really bad for Helen. Whenever her and Reggie's baby was conceived, Helen thought she loved him and planned on spending the rest of her life with him, she didn't know what a womanizing scumbag he is. My answer to this whole dilemma:

DEATH TO REGGIE! DEATH TO REGGIE! DEATH TO REGGIE! ...Alright... i'm good :D

gazania

10th Nov 2006, 12:58 AM

... Nah, I don't want Reggie dead. He's not a 100% hopeless case. He might be only a 90% hopeless case. ;)

Vicci

10th Nov 2006, 05:16 PM

2. the is reggies and helens daughter (reggie jr)

My mouth dropped open at this. I would love it! It could be true? Lanie is still a child, but she could be an elder in the first picture, and being older than their son they could both be in their elder years.

Anyhow, I said already, I would so love it!!

Alexandraite_SC

11th Nov 2006, 01:09 AM

I'm becoming an elder waiting for an update, Monty! LOL! The speculation has my brain going into overdrive! I can't wait to find out what you have in store for us next!

~Al

Vicci

12th Nov 2006, 02:15 PM

Ah! That souns much better than delivering post, in the cold mornings (or afternoon if you're my postman). And yeah, I (well my mum, hehe) knows the feeling of going to wrok then having to catch up on everything.

I'll look forward to an update ^-^

Montridge

13th Nov 2006, 12:58 PM

I remember I'd asked my mother once where babies came from. A friend of hers was expecting and I wondered how the baby happened to be growing in the woman's stomach.
My mother had explained that sometimes God sent babies to happy couples that wanted them. She laughed and said her doctors told her she would never have a baby, but God had his own ideas. She also told me that my father had been thrilled when she gave him the good news.
I just couldn't understand how Helen was going to have a baby when she didn't even have a husband yet. It seemed to me, God was rushing things a bit. I couldn't even picture Helen with a big pregnant belly and maternity clothes. I pressed even closer to hear more.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_71d8bf5c_f24821e2.jpg

‘Oh Helen,' I heard tears in Allie's voice. ‘Everything makes sense now.'
Helen burst into sobs.
‘I must be a really bad father.' I heard Tony say.
‘I'm sorry, Pop, I know you and Mama always told me to wait...'
‘Not because of anything you've done, but because it's obvious you were afraid to come to your mother and I. Princess, did you really think we'd be angry and judgmental? We love you. You will always have unconditional love and support from us. I assumed you knew that.'
Allie however was more concerned with Helen's health.
‘How far along are you? When was the last time you've been to a doctor?' were some of the questions she fired at her daughter.
Helen's answers were muffled, I thought I caught something about her first something or other and that she'd seen some doctor in Veronaville.
‘I'm making you an appointment to see our doctor tomorrow. Oh Sweetie, come here.'
So far I hadn't heard a word from either my Uncle or Trent.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_71d8bf5c_b247a19d.jpg

I shifted my position so I could hear better. The conversation had gotten muffled again.
From what I can tell Helen was once again in tears. Allie and Tony voices sounded soothing and reassuring.
Finally, I could hear.
‘Does Reg know?'
‘Yes, I told him.'
‘What were his feelings?'
‘When I told him he was as freaked out as I was. We both tried to be careful that something like this wouldn't happen. Reggie always stressed he wasn't ready for kids and I wanted a career first. Once he accepted the idea he went out and got that second job.'
More muffled conversation. Damn it! I carefully changed my position. The floor board underneath me groaned loudly. I was afraid to move for a moment. More talking so I knew no one heard. At least I hoped!
‘Is that the only reason you took him back?.'
‘I just couldn't bring shame down on this family. It was the only solution I could come up with.'
‘Wrong!' Tony interjected. ‘For one thing you can never cause your mother and I shame. You are a good, decent person. I always have been and always will be proud to call you my daughter. Second, if you don't love Reg, and to be honest, I hope to God you don't, than getting married just to give your baby a father and to save your reputation will be a disaster. You don't need him, Princess. Your mother and I will take care of you.'
‘That's just it. I don't want to be taken care of. I don't want to be like the girls that went to my school that had babies out of wedlock......'
I was having trouble hearing again. I crept even closer.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_71d8bf5c_f247a40b.jpg

‘I can only imagine what you're thinking of me.' Helen's voice again. ‘I suppose my career is over. That's one of the reasons I decided to just come out with it. You're getting all sorts of offers for me to play nice girls...that's going to be hard once I start showing.'
‘You don't even have a clue what I'm thinking.' Trent's tone was cold.
Someone got up. I pressed myself flat against the wall. I missed a few pieces of conversation.
‘You know how hypocritical this business can be.' Helen exclaimed. ‘Look what they tried to do to you!'
I could hear again.
‘That's why I decided to work on the other side of the lens. I wanted to change things for the better if I could. Did you really think I'd drop you because of this? Haven't we had more than just a business relationship over the years? This does put a crimp in some of the immediate projects we have lined up, but we haven't signed anything yet. How could you not know that I'd call in every favor to see that you got work.'
‘My poor Darling,' I heard my Uncle's voice finally. It sounded like he was near tears himself. ‘The very thought of you feeling you had no one to turn to other than Raymond has me heartsick. We all love you so much. You will always have a job with Remington Mansfield.'
‘When I first saw you at the Happy Burger Shack, I had no idea I was going to find the family I never had.' Trent again. ‘ If I over step my boundaries sometimes, I'm sorry. It's just that I really have come to think of you as one of my own. The last thing I'd ever do is judge you. Trust me Hon, I don't have any right to be judgmental of anyone, not with all the mistakes I've made in life. The important thing now is to make sure you and the baby are in good health.'
I shifted around to get comfortable. I wasn't going to be able to keep listening too much longer. I could feel my mother's disapproval glaring down on me from Heaven above. If she'd have caught me listening in on a conversation when I was told to find something else to do, I'd have gotten a hairbrush to my backside. I still had no idea what my Uncle and Trent would do. They were cross enough at me for stumbling in on their previous private discussion with Tony.
It was hard to tear myself away knowing Helen was going to have a baby. The very idea mystified me.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f163/Montridge/Regel/snapshot_71d8bf5c_1247a24a.jpg

‘Everything has been happening so fast for you.' Allie was saying once I could hear properly again. ‘Don't make any hasty decisions now. Nothing says you have to get married right away. If Reginald loves you he will understand.'
‘Your mother's right, Princess. I can see for myself you wished you'd never told Reg now. Don't marry him if your not in love with him anymore. That would be unfair to everyone involved. He can still be a part of this baby's life if he wants to, but you do not have to marry him.'
‘If you've never believed anything I've ever said,' Trent told her. ‘At least listen to this. Don't ever get married for the sake of a child. I can tell you from bitter experience it will never work out. If there isn't a mutual bond of love and trust between the two parents, no amount of the attention you lavish on the baby will save the marriage. Everyone suffers when there is a divorce and trust me, there will be one if there isn't love in the first place. You don't need Harris. You can do this on your own. I promise you, I will continue to find work for you. You will make enough to support yourself and the baby.'
‘You don't even have to speak to Ronald ever again. You get yourself a good lawyer and tell that bum you're going to sue for child support. I guarantee you that old Ron will slink back into the wood work and leave you alone. Trent's right, you can do this on your own, but you also have your wonderful family behind you for back up. You also have Trent and I in your corner. Don't ever doubt that for a minute.'
‘I didn't know what to expect when I finally told everyone and I'm sorry that I've made such a mess of things. It seems like every decision I make is the wrong one.'
‘Darling, It's little wonder you feel so lost and confused after all that's happened in the last few months. I wish that you had come to any one of us sooner. It's part of life to make mistakes. Everyone in this room has made them. We're only asking that you think everything through before you rush to get married. You have options.'
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Yipes! They sounded really close to the door. Holding my breath and walking on tiptoe (damn squeaky floorboards!) I crept back into the living room and settled onto the couch with Helen's book. When the adults finally came out of their meeting place, I hoped to be looking as if I were really engrossed in the collection of fairy tales. However; it was hard to concentrate on a story when I had so many questions I wanted to ask, but knew I couldn't. I just hoped that Helen was going to be all right.