Sometimes life happens and things get put on hold for much longer than you intended it to I've missed my Sims, and I've missed the community, but I've had a rough go of it with my health in the past few years and Sims had to take a backseat. Still not great and it could be I vanish another 8 months after this post, but today I woke up with a strong Sims urge and something is telling me it's time to continue this story.
Following past pattern we would be visiting Sally-Mae and the Sawyers this time, but we're going to change things up this time as there's been a real tragedy in the hood and no one is talking of anything else at the moment...
Chapter 11 Part 1 - Stoffe & Vanessa Van Derbirth...
When we left them Stoffe had taken Vanessa out to a fancy dinner to take her mind off how rubbish the pregnancy was making her feel, but the night didn't go quite as planned and by the time they got home Vanessa was spent. She passed out on the floor after getting up to pee, which is where Stoffe found her. With the words of Andreas and Isabelle fresh in his mind this worried him immensely. He put her back in her bed, and settled in to keep watch over her.
He means well but one wonders why he left her all bare like that, you'd think he'd have covered her with the blanket at least Guessing he too realized that when he woke up feeling chilly because he soon covered her up, though apparently did not think to change into something warmer himself before he fell asleep again in his chair.
Towards the early hours of the morning, just before dawn, Vanessa finally awoke looking rather worn out.
I don't know whether it was Vanessa touching his leg or the light turning on that woke Stoffe, but he looked so relieved to see her able to stand on her own two legs.
First things first, gotta check on the baby and see it's doing alright.
At first glance it seems like rather a sweet scene, Stoffe absorbed looking at her belly feeling the baby, Vanessa for once focused on her husband with a happy look on her face. Until you see the thought-bubbles...
Doesn't get much clearer than that, does it? To Vanessa Stoffe is and always will be just the person that brings in the money she feels is vital to a secure life. I'm sure she is fond of him for it, but in the end it's all about the money, and that's what she sees when she looks at him, or thinks of him.
Luckily Stoffe can't see thought bubbles, and either way he's so focused on that baby bump I suspect he'd have missed it even if he could see it. He heads down to the kitchen to make her breakfast, while she gets ready. Too early for the butler.
But what's this? Could it be that Stoffe isn't the only one worried about the baby?
Quite the look of introspection on Stoffe's face.. I wonder what he's thinking.
It's strange really, but whenever I see the two of them together, they look lonely to me. As if they are each living in a separate universe and we're really seeing a split image of two people sitting alone at a table in two different universes.
After dinner Stoffe sent Vanessa up to take a nice long bubble bath, while he tended to some things. She looks rather happy and at ease, don't you think?
Quite the experience for the butler being met by Stoffe in his underwear at the door But I'm sure the rather large tip put that out of his mind. I wonder why Stoffe is off tipping the butler...
After getting dressed off to the office, clicking away at his computer... I wonder what he's up to.
Whatever it was it didn't take long, while Vanessa was getting dolled up for the day Stoffe went down to feed the fishes. I don't remember if I've shown you the fishes before, but Stoffe's quite fond of his little aquarium in the kitchens.
Nothing like a pretty dress and a beautiful necklace to get you ready to face the day.
Unfortunately someone, I won't say who, apparently did not take screenshots of when Stoffe revealed his plans to Vanessa But it's quite simple, what do rich folk do when they are indisposed? Travel of course! Go somewhere and get pampered and soak up air and sun in hopes that'll somehow magically cure them of their ailments. Stoffe thought that some time away from the pressures of university and social life would do Vanessa good, give her time to just rest and get through the pregnancy. So off they go!
Really quite gentlemanly of Stoffe to carry the bag for her, and of course Vanessa got the front seat.
So where did they set off to do you think? Twikki Islands of course! The sun, the sea, the tropical fruits, obvious choice But Stoffe had one more surprise in store. He didn't just order tickets while clicking away at his computer, he went and bought a house for them! After all hotels are full of noise and people and who knows what kind of germs Vanessa might pick up there. He thought a small but breezy cottage would be just the thing. (Lot in question is A Refreshing Spanish Retreat by lewjen, here on MTS).
It's not beach property, but it's close enough to have a gorgeous view of the bay from the patio and garden.
Here they are entering their new vacation home. I wasn't sure how Vanessa would feel about such a simple house, but she looks quite pleased as they enter. Stoffe on the other hand... is that misery, or just worry? I can't quite tell.
Stoffe as per usual goes straight to the practical and get busy hiring a maid to come clean while they are there, and in the mean time Vanessa takes a look around the cottage. She seems quite taken with the place to me.
Stoffe suggested Vanessa have a lie down while he makes some food, I'm sure the journey there was quite exhausting.
Must be lovely having a patio to eat on, sitting there in the bright sun looking out over the pond, the palm trees and the sea in the distance.
Perhaps Vanessa is complimenting Stoffe on the delicious salad made with fresh local vegetables. Unusual seeing them interact with each other, even though she's seated at the table and he went and made himself a drink.
Perhaps Stoffe thought Vanessa could do with some more pampering, because after lunch he went and made a delicious berry pie.
Doesn't seem he had much difficulty convincing Vanessa to dig in and have a slice, though Stoffe himself was more concerned with keeping an eye on her to tuck into his own slice.
Of course Stoffe made sure the cottage had an easel by the window overlooking the pond, so Vanessa could catch the breeze and be creative.
Then off to bed for an early night. Vanessa fell asleep promptly, and Stoffe of course came as well to keep an eye on her. But once again with that look his face... there's something so sad over his silhouette in this picture.
Rather early for Stoffe, so he enjoyed a quiet evening reading a book while Vanessa caught up on some more sleep.
The next day they enjoyed some cereal for breakfast, once again opting to eat out on the patio. They must be hungry, cereal flying all over the place!
After that Stoffe suggested they go down to the beach for a little while. Vanessa sporting a brand new maternity dress.
Stoffe went straight in for a cool dip.I imagine it's quite hot walking around in a formal shirt, even if he leaves the tie loose.
Vanessa preferred to watch from one of the beach chairs.
No surprise she was soon fast asleep.
Stoffe figured he best let her rest and settled down to watch some local fire dancing. Unfortunately it seems the weather is not on their side, as it started raining.
I imagine it's quite humid when it rains in Twikki Islands, so no wonder Vanessa opted to change into a bikini. I'm sure Stoffe wanted to take her home, but good luck persuading her to do that before she's had a time to get some shopping done.
By the time they were done shopping the rain had passed so they decided to stay a little longer. Seems Vanessa quite enjoyed a snooze in the ocean breeze.
The next day Stoffe had to catch up on some business, though of course he first made share Vanessa ate a proper breakfast.
While Stoffe was busy doing that Vanessa went outside to have a go at the pottery table out in the garden. She seems to be enjoying it quite a bit.
Stoffe suggested they take the car and go over to check out the ruins, perhaps to persuade Vanessa to step away from the pottery table as I imagine he thought it might be too laborsome for her. Unusual seeing Vanessa looking at Stoffe with hearts...
Stoffe thought he'd go take a look at the fountain.
Meanwhile Vanessa headed for the hot spring.
I wonder what Stoffe is wishing for. I wonder if Stoffe himself knows the answer to that question...
I was a bit surprised that Vanessa decided to pour in soap rather than make an offering.
And we all know what happens when you give the Gods soap..
No surprise Stoffe whisked her away from there, looked quite dangerous. And what pregnant lady would say no to a quick back rub?
Instead they headed off to the best restaurant on the island, at the beautiful Beach Hotel.
I imagine Vanessa is telling the waitress all about how her darling husband bought her a vacation home and how they are here enjoying the beautiful island.
Vanessas favorite food is crepes suzette so of course they had to order a plate of that too as evening fell over the bay.
The next day they decided to stay home, take it easy. Stoffe thought he might test out the golf course he got from his new job.
Doesn't seem like mini golf is his thing though
Perhaps better to practice his fishing, on the off chance he get invited to a company retreat with the big fish.
And what do you know he caught himself a catfish! Guess what's for dinner tonight!
I rather wonder how Vanessa feels about Stoffe making drinks all the time. You may recall I had to make a whole slew of pregnant-women-stay-away mods to keep her from drinking non stop back home, so I imagine she feels Stoffe should give it up too
Tasty catfish it seems!
Quiet day, quiet evening. Vanessa painting, Stoffe watching the game.
The next day they decided to head for the local spa. Vanessa loves heat, which is one of the reasons Stoffe chose Twikki Islands. Hot bubble baths, nice long sweat in the sauna back home. She much enjoyed the hot spring at the ancient temple, and the whole idea was to rest and get pampered so a day at the spa really is a must Stoffe thought he'd try a hot stone massage, and Vanessa headed for the sauna.
Is it just me, or does she look like she's thinking of something and that something is making her happy? I wonder what it could.
Stoffe appears to be enjoying his massage.
But what's this? Appears Vanessa finished in the sauna and when she came out the Charlatan thought he'd say hi. She looks so terrified
I honestly don't know what it is about the thieves in my hood but they all seem to operate under some kind of rule that says all pregnant women must be subjected to theft. Though why Vanessa chose to keep money in the back of her bra I have no idea
I hadn't really noticed before now just how ominous and scary the Charlatan is when he mugs people. Poor Vanessa, look how she's covering her pregnant belly and cowering down in fear
Those wide eyes, fixed on her mugger... poor woman.
You may wonder, where is Stoffe in all of this? Having his massage... poor man. Imagine having your face shoved down a massage hole while hearing some shifty dude talking to your wife, and your gods being unable to release you until the interaction finished But as soon as it ended he headed straight there, fists a blazing.
Vanessa of course cheering him on, as he defends her honor.
The Charlatan got himself an ass-whooping! Looks like he chose the wrong person to steal from!
And of course they reported the incident to the authorities, though we all know how effective that is...
Afterwards Stoffe suggested they try to relax in the hot spring, let the tensions of this awful incident get drained by the hot steamy water, this time staying close by. One wonders why the other visitor thought this was a good time to talk negatively about babies. Vanessa looks quite shocked, and Stoffe none too pleased either.
No, better they head back home and try to put this day behind them. Unfortunately for them, it seems the evils of the world weren't quite done with them for the day... Perhaps the Charlatan tipped off a friend as revenge for tipping off the police.
Hm hm hm... what shall I steal?
This piece of artwork seems like a good choice! Honestly, the nerve of her continuing her steal while the police stands there like a fool patiently waiting for her to finish
I rather hoped they'd sleep through it but alas no, both woke up and rushed to watch the fight.
And apparently someone, once again nameless, forgot to document the rest of the night. But the thief was caught, Stoffe and Vanessa got a bit of compensation for the stolen painting. But needless to say it was a very harrowing day for them. First Vanessa gets mugged by the Charlatan, and then a thief breaks into their home and steals from them...
The next day while Vanessa was still asleep Stoffe went back to the spa to learn how to perform hot stone massage.
Then he bought a massage table, and once Vanessa woke up suggested he give her one.
Not sure how comfortable it is to lie down on a pregnant belly but at least she's only second trimester, and she does love heat so all in all I'm sure she appreciated it.
Over dinner Vanessa talked excitedly about the nursery. Look at that expression of excitement on her face. Seems like not even a mugging and a burglary was able to shift her thoughts much.
With Vanessa once again safely tucked up in bed Stoffe had a drink out of the patio. For once with a smile on his face, as he looks out over the ocean in the distance. I wonder what he's happy about?