View Single Post in: Evergreen - Formerly boring name, exciting place
#81
20th Nov 2023 at 1:24 PM
20th Nov 2023 at 1:24 PM
Quick next episode for once 
(EDIT: Well it was when I first started writing this post, then it took a week to finish 
) You've seen what Stoffe has been up to since the divorce, but what has Vanessa been up to? Ever since she came into view, it was as Stoffe's love interest. Now she has ended their marriage by her own choice, right before she's about to have a baby. What'll become of her now? We know the court's ruling regarding alimony, but what will Vanessa do? It's time to answer some of those questions
Chapter 18 - Vanessa van Derbirth
If anyone is reading and feels up to giving input, I'd be interested to know to what extent you want backstory/surrounding information of other households that we come across in the main story. For example, we have heard a brief excerpts about Moa Sernman's past, and in this episode we are introduced to her sister. I love talking about all my Sims, so I'd love to do a brief post sharing the main points of the stories of these side characters so the points where they overlap make sense to you as well, but I'm not sure how interesting it is to someone that is reading. Do you like the brief summaries I have done so far, is it too much, too little or just enough?
Continue reading in chapter 19
Creations can be found on my on tumblr.
(EDIT: Well it was when I first started writing this post, then it took a week to finish 
) You've seen what Stoffe has been up to since the divorce, but what has Vanessa been up to? Ever since she came into view, it was as Stoffe's love interest. Now she has ended their marriage by her own choice, right before she's about to have a baby. What'll become of her now? We know the court's ruling regarding alimony, but what will Vanessa do? It's time to answer some of those questions Chapter 18 - Vanessa van Derbirth
I thought we'd begin with a short recap of Vanessa. Her family is mostly unknown, they are not from Evergreen and live far away. Vanessa chose to come to university near Evergreen, not with the goal of getting a degree necessarily, but to find a wealthy husband who would keep her in comfort for all her days (can you tell I love Hamilton?). What we do know of her family is that they are an old one, a modern day nobility of sorts, the type of people who were prominent and their name carries weight in the fancier circles of town, but I don't believe they are wealthy now. They are the type that was, once, but they squandered their wealth and now only live off the influence associated with their name. Why else would Vanessa go somewhere far away, to find her future elsewhere? What she brought with her was her name, and her upbringing.
She was raised in the traditional way for a family of her type, taught the responsibilities of the wife of an influential rich man, how to dress and look the part, what sort of activities are appropriate for a woman of status. She was told it was her job to aid her husband's success from the shadow, befriending women of other famous men to help build those connections and support his ambitions, because at the end of the day, her success depends on her husband's success. This gave Vanessa a very business-minded view of relationships, everything is an exchange of services, you do something for me and I do something for you. Love isn't something that was really taught to her, her parents weren't in love, it was simply an exchange of benefits for two parties. She had no siblings, one heir is enough in those circles. Stoffe fit her criteria, and he was fit and conventionally attractive, which is what Vanessa was brought up to search for. And he seemed to share her view of marriage, happy for it to be fairly transactional, not needing to be in love before marrying. She gave him her family name, and he gave her the comfort she wanted.
Vanessa thought she was settled, ready to simply enjoy the rest of her life. And then her whole world got turned upside down, when her husband who seemed destined for greatness, suddenly failed his most basic duty towards her, of keeping her safe. She got mugged in public, their vacation home was burglarized, and then their home burned down to the ground. All if happening while Vanessa was unexpectedly pregnant, and trying to figure out how to view being with child at such a young age. She certainly had not planned to have children already, if anything she would have elected to have children late in life. For the first time, Vanessa found herself having to re-examine her values in regards to her marriage. Somewhat to her surprise, she found herself developing something of a bond with her coming child, and feeling an overwhelming need to protect it. She was frustrated by her husband's reaction to their circumstances, and the way he tried to just throw more jewelry at her. The jewelry hadn't saved her the first time around, what good would it do now? The more she thought about it, the more she dreaded raising a child alongside Stoffe. Doing it on her own wasn't appealing either, but the things she had been taught marriage provides she was not getting, so what was the point in continuing? Mostly Vanessa felt confused, and unsure, and as people often do in those situations, she lashed out at the person she felt was to blame for it all which was Stoffe. We rejoin Vanessa in the moments after she ended their marriage.
Having just told Stoffe to get lost, Vanessa calmly sits down to have breakfast with her friend. Through the window, we see Stoffe storming off in his underwear. Rakel is trying to pretend like nothing has happened, as the well born so often do, attempting to engage Vanessa in conversation about fresh produce. Nature has an almost religious standing to Evergreenians, they offer their prayers to the Gods of Nature, and the Great Light above that blesses plants with sunlight to grow and give energy to them. Anything grown by the sun and the gods of nature, is surely good for you. All pregnant ladies will be told repeatedly to eat locally grown greenery to stay strong and healthy. The women of the Ladies who Lunch (as I've dubbed Vanessa's group of wealthy female friends) often discuss food, what to serve guests at a party, the latest fad in appetizers, and they are currently eating, so trying to talk about food is an easy "lets ignore the situation"-topic for Rakel to reach for.
But as we saw in the episode of the divorce, Vanessa is finding it harder and harder to keep to her upbringing of shoving it all deep down inside and acting like everything is fine. The manners drilled in to her by her parents and childhood tutors make her inclined to try, but her thoughts are all on Stoffe.
Rakel moves on to another usual banger of a topic, clothing. The underwear of her latest cougar conquest, perhaps? But Vanessa's feelings boil over, and the tears come out. It can't be easy for her, going through this turbulent time with pregnancy hormones all over the place.
After breakfast Rakel suggests that Vanessa relax by painting for a bit. Vanessa was taught an appreciation of the arts from an early age, both art in the form of paintings or sculptures and the art of classical music. Those are the hobbies she has focused on as suitable activities for her to fill the hours of her life. In Vanessa's own mansion she had a music room, and easels to paint. Rakel has a painting room in her mansion too, though she has no interest, her sport of choice is men. But she is a good friend, and although she does not wish to speak of the topic, she will sit there quietly to keep her friend company as she paints.
The divorce continues to weigh heavy on Vanessa's mind, alternating between that and Stoffe himself, and tearing up here and there.
Towards the afternoon Rakel suggest they go get some sun and fresh air in the backyard, another thing lauded for its health benefits in Evergreen. The Great Light above will bless you with its rays, if you let it soak you properly. They hang out in the lounge chairs in the back patio, giving the sun a chance to work its magic as they chat. Vanessa talks about the upcoming birth, and what she wants to do for a nursery.
Rakel doesn't really know anything about babies, having never had any and certainly not wishing to have any. She snipped her fallopian tubes decades ago! But she tries to be supportive, telling Vanessa that she's sure she'll be able to grow something good out of all this.
It's summer, and after a while all that soaking up the sun gets you heated up, so they decide to have a refreshing swim in the pool. I can't help but think that Rakel is stunting on Vanessa a little bit, getting all fancy with her jump and showing off her slender perfectly poised body. Whereas Vanessa had to settle for getting in by the ladder.
But the water is refreshing, and floating on her back and closing her eyes Vanessa can almost forget she's pregnant and alone.
It takes its toll though, all that worrying and lack of sleep the night before. By dinner, Vanessa falls asleep in her bowl right there at the dinner table.
Rakel looks rather dismayed, good well-bred women don't pass out in their plates while a guest in someone else's home. If you need to collapse, you do it in the privacy of your own home, says Rakel.
After waking up Vanessa excuses herself from the table, saying she needs an early night she retreats to her guest room to sleep.
Until her pregnancy bladder rudely awakens her to inform her that it is fit to burst, only giving her time to get up out of bed before she wets herself on the floor. Embarrassing!
It's a good thing that Rakel has a butler to take care of messes, though I don't imagine a pee puddle was on his list of things he expected to clean this day.
Vanessa isn't too keen to face the butler, so she sneaked off to get clean again in a nice soothing bubble bath.
It was probably wise to get away as the butler doesn't seem to think too highly of this house guest of his mistress'.
But you can't sweat it too much. After all butlers see all kinds of private matters in the families they serve, and being employed by Rakel I am sure it's not the first body fluid he has cleaned up So after some more sleep Vanessa gets up for the day, and gets dressed.
The mission for today is shopping, shopping and shopping. Stoffe has already sent the first payment of Vanessa's alimony, and it's time to make a serious start at rebuilding her wardrobe. She needs both maternity wear for the rest of the pregnancy, and pretty clothes for when she's back to her normal size.
A nice comfortable cute summer dress for today, to replace the unstylish sweats.
Some new jewelry, since all she had left is what she brought with her to Twikki which wasn't much.
They have a bite to eat at the restaurant at Sunnyside mall, to replenish their energy for further shopping. While munching down a lunch of shrimp and filet mignon Vanessa tells Rakel all about the horrors of her trip to the tropical paradise.
Hours later a fruitful day of shopping is complete, and Vanessa looks quite pleased with herself as she gets in the car to return back to Rakel's mansion.
For once, Rakel decides to cook dinner for the two of them instead of letting the butler handle it. She doesn't cook often, but she can, as she knows most men are impressed by a home cooked meal every now and then. If her body alone won't convince a man to sleep with her, a well cooked meal might just do the trick.
The things she can cook are typical dude food though, so pork chops is what's on the menu. Vanessa doesn't seem to mind, chowing down with gusto. Over dinner, Rakel tries to show interest and talks about baby toys and such. She actually has a nursery in her home despite her self-induced sterility. The guest room she put Vanessa up in is next to the nursery, and she tells her friend she is welcome to stay and have her baby there if she'd like to. Say what you will about Rakel, but she is a good friend when she decides to accept the role. You can tell Vanessa isn't sold on the idea though.
She is not inclined to stay with Rakel until Stoffe has sent her enough to buy a new mansion. She loves her friend, but in these circles accepting hospitality, even from a friend, means you owe them something down the line and Vanessa does not care to keep adding to that social debt. Now that she has a starting amount of funds, it's time for her to look for her own space. So the next morning she gets dressed comfortably.
Then she goes down to tell Rakel what she's decided, thanking her for her hospitality and for her support. Rakel accepts her decision, after all it's easier to prowl on men without a screaming baby in the house to scare them off. A hug, and a wave later, Vanessa is waddling off to the taxi that is waiting to take her where she wants to go.
And where might she be headed? She can't afford a mansion, and a small house or cottage holds no appeal to her. After her recent experiences of being mugged and burglarized in the same day, Vanessa would feel unsafe living in a house by herself. She wants to be somewhere where there's always people around, so that hopefully thieves don't dare strike. And she thinks she found just the spot! During yesterday's excursion to Sunnyside she happened to notice a sign across the street about a vacant apartment, in the City Apartments complex. With the mall right on the other side of the road, and some shops in the front of the Apartment building itself, she'll never really be alone. The proximity to shops will also be great once she's had the baby and is managing life as a single mother. Anything she needs can be found right outside her door, she'll be able to nip out while the baby sleeps to get food or clothes, and still be within hearing distance of the baby monitor. Score! (The lot is my expanded version of MogHughson's British style High Street)
The wallpaper is hideous, in her opinion, but any true housewife knows that with a little money and effort any space can be greatly improved.
Sold! It's small, and not very flashy, but the location is perfect and after all it's only temporary. This is the first time that Vanessa is handling paperwork herself, her parents helped her get into college and after that Stoffe handled everything. But there's no time like now to start learning to be your own independent grown up lady.
The wallpaper had to go right quick! Already the space is feeling more like home. She puts up some curtains, and a desk so she can access her bank to withdraw more money to get started on the rest.
She of course has to have a piano, to keep practicing her musical pursuits. I'm not so sure about the placement, but it was the only place a piano might fit without blocking a window, and who knows, perhaps when they are greeted by a great white piano as soon as they enter it'll manage to convince some guests that this is a fancy establishment after all
She makes immediate use of the proximity to shops. She finds the clothing store in the apartment complex quite agreeable, much fancier and nicer than the H&M across the street at the Sunnyside Mall. She's got a lot of work to do, restoring her wardrobe to its former pre-house fire glory.
An easel also a prioritized item. Art is one of Vanessa's passions in life, she would love to be able to produce something half-decent herself one day. Plus it's a very suitable hobby for a highborn lady like herself so it's something she can participate in without fear of judgement from her peers.
Cooking however is not something Vanessa enjoys, and it is not something she has ever had to learn either. Stoffe would buy food or cook for her in their first home, and once they moved to the mansion the butler was always there to cook for her. She has no butler now, so takeout it is. Everything is strangely exhilarating to Vanessa, this whole taking care of yourself thing feels quite empowering. Even something as simply and mundane as going out to greet the delivery girl is a new exciting experience for her.
The next day she continues her efforts to turn her small apartment to a home fit for a woman of importance, and a place she enjoys being in. And for her, that requires fine artwork. She does not have many walls, but those walls must impress! And in Evergreen, that means you head to Galleri de Arte. This tasteful establishment is run by Moa Sernman herself, the renowned and much admired artist that has been making big waves in the art world over the past decade. Her taste is well respected, so anyone that needs art for their home heads to her gallery where you can buy more commercialized artwork, or arrange a private session to buy some of Moa's own exquisite work.
This is the first time Vanessa visits the art gallery, so she leaps at the chance to make her introductions to the artist herself. They hit it off immediately, over their love of fine art and the joys of painting.
As they chat they realize they have more things in common than just a love of art. They have both gone through difficult divorces. You may have recognized the name Moa Sernman, from the last chapter on Stoffe. Moa is the daughter of Daniel whose messy divorce lead to his career change and legislative agenda. In fact, Vanessa can in part thank Moa for the very generous alimony she is set to receive. In her case it was Moa that had to pay up, but they still bond over finding themselves pregnant earlier than they wanted to be, and deciding to parent alone rather than deal with a partner you don't feel is helpful to the situation.
Vanessa gets quite carried away in their conversation. Moa has a way of getting people to open up to her, people feel comfortable talking to her. She comes across very genuine, and somehow Vanessa finds herself telling Moa about her recent thoughts on how she was raised, and how she sometimes feels like a marionette doll being moved and manipulated by the expectations well bred society has on her.
Moa had already heard a little about the situation from her father, he was quite excited to get to show her some of the changes he's managed to implement to protect others going through divorces with one innocent party and one, as Daniel would put it, "useless untrustworthy piece of shit" party. Though as she listened to Vanessa talk Moa got the impression that Vanessa is, for lack of a kinder phrase, a little spoiled. Which isn't all that strange considering the environment in which she was raised.
The Sernman kids could have easily ended up the same way, but thanks to their mother's down to earth nature and her father's left-leaning views and interest in equality, the family avoided becoming snobbish despite their growing wealth and influence. They have managed to avoid getting ensnared in that empty world and the ridiculous ideals of the lofty side of town that Vanessa describes. They mingle professionally, but outside of work they enjoy normal lives without the obsession with money and appearances.
Moa could guess that Vanessa is rather short on true friends. The type of friend she can actually talk to about how she's truly feeling as she figures out being divorced and becoming a single parent. Moa would not have gotten through her divorce without her family by her side, and Vanessa doesn't have a family around to help her. So when she learns that Vanessa now resides in City Apartments, she encourages her to introduce herself to her upstairs neighbours, which just so happens to be Moa's twin sister Elna. Moa figures it might do Vanessa a world of good to befriend someone outside of her usual circle of snooty upnosed people on the north side of town.
Elna would be perfect, because she mingles a great deal professionally due to her position as head of the newspaper emporium their father started, but outside of work she lives a very relaxed life of parties and friends. She's always down to get to know new people, and would probably be happy to take Vanessa under her wings. Moa hopes her sisters influence can combat some of that bratty spoiled energy she senses in Vanessa.
Vanessa is not sure about it, but she decides to introduce herself at least. So when she returns back after her art shopping spree she stops by the apartment next to hers to knock on the door. Elna resides in the biggest apartment available, it has an entrance and a garage on the ground floor, but then stairs lead to the apartment itself on the floor above.
Elna received a call from her sister after Vanessa left, so she was expecting the visit. She lets Vanessa in and they chat for a bit. Elna was a drama major at university, it seems Vanessa is trying to make a good impression by talking about things Elna enjoys.
Eventually Elna invites her upstairs to meet the rest of the household. Vanessa seems to hit it off with Max, Elna's long time boyfriend and the athletic soccer star of the Evergreen soccer team. Vanessa seems to have university on her mind, as she's talking to Max about the undeclared major they all start off with. It makes sense that it would be, as she will be required to resume her degree or drop out after the birth.
Vanessa is invited to make herself at home, sitting down to watch the game with Max, and Elna's and Max's roommate Pernilla. Max compliments Vanessa on her violin playing, which they've heard through the floor. They get pretty rowdy too so they don't mind Vanessa's practice sessions.
After hanging out for a bit Vanessa heads back down to her own home. There's something about the set of her shoulders that looks a little sad as she's leaving the hustle and bustle of their apartment to go back to her own quiet one.
Vanessa's life soon settles into a new routine, in her new home. Bit by bit she adds to the furniture, getting ready for the baby. Here she is talking on the phone with one of the members of her ladies who lunch group. She's not comfortable letting them visit her yet, but she stays in touch.
She's not quite used to this whole being the adult of the house though, her first set of bills she forgot to pay promptly. Stoffe always took care of those things, she's never had to be the one to keep on top of the finances.
Her apartment is small, but she made sure to get an exercise bike so she can keep in shape. Pregnant yes, out of shape no! Can't say I share her enthusiasm, lucky for me I don't have to care what people think
The whole cooking thing is still beyond her. She did give the kitchen a makeover so it's more in her style, but so far it's all show. She might not need to work out as much if she ate something other than takeout, but at least fruit juice is healthy
She kept visiting her upstairs neighbours, knocking on the door once a day to hang out and chat.
Eventually they told her to just come on up if the door is unlocked, she's welcome anytime she wants. I think they could all tell that she doesn't have many people in her life, and they are a friendly bunch that always have friends over anyway. Whenever she'd come by, she'd find them there enjoying themselves in some way.
Rather to her surprise, Vanessa finds she really enjoys their company. The apartment has zero style, but there's an atmosphere to it that she's never really known before. It's a home, that someone lives in, not a declaration of wealth. They have pictures of family and each other on the walls, and the furniture is about comfort and having a good time together, not about looking some type of way. They don't conduct themselves in a dignified manner standing around being important, they lounge and joke and just have fun. Even though she's only known them a short while, she finds herself able to relax and drop her guard while she's there. She can let herself just be.
University kept being a topic that Vanessa would talk about, in a way I think she envies Elna her university experience. Vanessa went to find a husband, Elna went to have a good time. She spent her years on campus socializing, making friends, throwing parties, having flings. Perhaps Vanessa is wondering what that would have been like, and going to visit Elna has become a sort of surrogate campus life for her.
After a while, Elna started to rub off a little on Vanessa. She was taught that having picture frames on the walls is tacky and low class, but she found herself wishing she had something to put on her walls like her new friend. Elna has pictures of her as a kid with her siblings, of her parents wedding, of her out on the town with Max. Vanessa is going to be a mother any day now, and she's been thinking a lot about her own upbringing. The more she hears about Elna's childhood, the more she feels she wants her kid to get to grow up happier than she did. After all, it's not like anyone that matters is seeing her apartment anyway, so perhaps it would not be too tacky to have a few pictures on the walls, especially if she puts them up in the bedroom. So as summer rolls over to autumn, the delivery man shows up with an order of framed pictures for her.
You might have been surprised to see she chose a picture of her and Stoffe cuddling on the sofa, amongst other things. A lot has happened on the legal side of things, more rules have been issued in the on-going legal proceedings between the two of them. Because Stoffe is considered responsible for the fire, he is deemed an irresponsible party that would be unfit to parent at this time. He could have fought it with a home inspection, but he declined. Furthermore, due to situations once again relating back to Moa Sernman and her divorce, Daniel pushed for legislation that protects mothers from having to meet with ex partners that they have reasonable cause to be uncomfortable being around.
Which is how Stoffe found himself with no custody, and a no contact ban issued against him on account of Vanessa alleging she would be triggered by seeing him, which you will learn more about in chapter 20. Stoffe's only contact with his child, will be through a state-elected representative that will visit Vanessa's home on his behalf, and report back to him how his child is getting on. Vanessa is relieved that she won't have to see him, but as she spends time with Elna and learns more about her family, she finds herself wanting her child to at least know what their father looks like. Which is why she decided to have some pictures of her and Stoffe together, that she can show to the baby and say "See, this is your daddy!".
As the birth draws nearer, Vanessa even decided it might be time to learn to cook. The apartment is far too small for a butler to make sense, paying for one would just delay getting back to a proper house, and who knows how long it'll take for Stoffe to pay her the full amount. She can live on takeout, her child cannot, so it's time to learn.
To her surprise, she finds there's a degree of satisfaction in cooking and cleaning up after. She does have a maid, but she does not yet want the maid to see her sloppy first attempts at cooking, so she cleans up herself. Who knew taking care of yourself could feel so satisfying?
It's lucky for Vanessa that she did make friends with her upstairs neighbours, as singing at the top of your voice while playing the piano is usually not a good move in apartments, but Elna and Max do not mind so Vanessa pass many an hour by the piano, playing and singing.
Playing the piano is where she is, when one afternoon labour finally kicks in. All alone, nobody there to comfort her or cheer her on as she wails out her pain.
But not alone for much longer! Soon she greets her new baby girl with slightly disbelieving but dewy eyes. Meet Lily Rose van Derbirth!
Vanessa looks so happy, as she gives baby girl her first ever bath to wash off some of the birth gunk.
Labour wore out Vanessa completely, so after the bath she tucks baby in on a cosleeper pad, and gets ready to go to bed herself. She could not seem to take her eyes off her new baby daughter, whatever she was doing her eyes remained glued on on Lily Rose.
Even in her sleep, she seemed to instinctively lean towards her new companion. Lily Rose was not sleepy at all, she remained awake studying her mommy with her big grey eyes, but she remained calm letting her get some well-earned rest. Very thoughtful baby! Stoffe and Vanessa both have the same eyes, so I can't say whose gene got used there, but she has her mother's hair and skin. It'll be interesting to see if she perhaps displays more of Stoffe as she grows older
That is where we'll leave Vanessa and the new baby Lily Rose for now. I hope you have enjoyed seeing this glimpse into the new life of Vanessa, post-divorce, trying to find her way on her own for the first time in her life. Stoffe's circumstances are different, but in a way, they are living through the exact same struggle. They are both young adults (in the non-game meaning of the term), that have had their entire world view put into question, and are now trying to figure out what to believe in when what they held firm proved to perhaps not be as solid as they thought. Both of them put a great deal of belief in the appearance of things, of money and influence being the only thing that matters. They both thought that the main thing that matters in life is to be wealthy and to be admired by certain people, but then even though they seemingly had reached that, their life still managed to crumble around them. So clearly it was not all that mattered, which begs the question, what does? Stay tuned for future updates on how they both get on, as they try to figure out the answer to that question
She was raised in the traditional way for a family of her type, taught the responsibilities of the wife of an influential rich man, how to dress and look the part, what sort of activities are appropriate for a woman of status. She was told it was her job to aid her husband's success from the shadow, befriending women of other famous men to help build those connections and support his ambitions, because at the end of the day, her success depends on her husband's success. This gave Vanessa a very business-minded view of relationships, everything is an exchange of services, you do something for me and I do something for you. Love isn't something that was really taught to her, her parents weren't in love, it was simply an exchange of benefits for two parties. She had no siblings, one heir is enough in those circles. Stoffe fit her criteria, and he was fit and conventionally attractive, which is what Vanessa was brought up to search for. And he seemed to share her view of marriage, happy for it to be fairly transactional, not needing to be in love before marrying. She gave him her family name, and he gave her the comfort she wanted.
Vanessa thought she was settled, ready to simply enjoy the rest of her life. And then her whole world got turned upside down, when her husband who seemed destined for greatness, suddenly failed his most basic duty towards her, of keeping her safe. She got mugged in public, their vacation home was burglarized, and then their home burned down to the ground. All if happening while Vanessa was unexpectedly pregnant, and trying to figure out how to view being with child at such a young age. She certainly had not planned to have children already, if anything she would have elected to have children late in life. For the first time, Vanessa found herself having to re-examine her values in regards to her marriage. Somewhat to her surprise, she found herself developing something of a bond with her coming child, and feeling an overwhelming need to protect it. She was frustrated by her husband's reaction to their circumstances, and the way he tried to just throw more jewelry at her. The jewelry hadn't saved her the first time around, what good would it do now? The more she thought about it, the more she dreaded raising a child alongside Stoffe. Doing it on her own wasn't appealing either, but the things she had been taught marriage provides she was not getting, so what was the point in continuing? Mostly Vanessa felt confused, and unsure, and as people often do in those situations, she lashed out at the person she felt was to blame for it all which was Stoffe. We rejoin Vanessa in the moments after she ended their marriage.
Having just told Stoffe to get lost, Vanessa calmly sits down to have breakfast with her friend. Through the window, we see Stoffe storming off in his underwear. Rakel is trying to pretend like nothing has happened, as the well born so often do, attempting to engage Vanessa in conversation about fresh produce. Nature has an almost religious standing to Evergreenians, they offer their prayers to the Gods of Nature, and the Great Light above that blesses plants with sunlight to grow and give energy to them. Anything grown by the sun and the gods of nature, is surely good for you. All pregnant ladies will be told repeatedly to eat locally grown greenery to stay strong and healthy. The women of the Ladies who Lunch (as I've dubbed Vanessa's group of wealthy female friends) often discuss food, what to serve guests at a party, the latest fad in appetizers, and they are currently eating, so trying to talk about food is an easy "lets ignore the situation"-topic for Rakel to reach for.
But as we saw in the episode of the divorce, Vanessa is finding it harder and harder to keep to her upbringing of shoving it all deep down inside and acting like everything is fine. The manners drilled in to her by her parents and childhood tutors make her inclined to try, but her thoughts are all on Stoffe.
Rakel moves on to another usual banger of a topic, clothing. The underwear of her latest cougar conquest, perhaps? But Vanessa's feelings boil over, and the tears come out. It can't be easy for her, going through this turbulent time with pregnancy hormones all over the place.
After breakfast Rakel suggests that Vanessa relax by painting for a bit. Vanessa was taught an appreciation of the arts from an early age, both art in the form of paintings or sculptures and the art of classical music. Those are the hobbies she has focused on as suitable activities for her to fill the hours of her life. In Vanessa's own mansion she had a music room, and easels to paint. Rakel has a painting room in her mansion too, though she has no interest, her sport of choice is men. But she is a good friend, and although she does not wish to speak of the topic, she will sit there quietly to keep her friend company as she paints.
The divorce continues to weigh heavy on Vanessa's mind, alternating between that and Stoffe himself, and tearing up here and there.
Towards the afternoon Rakel suggest they go get some sun and fresh air in the backyard, another thing lauded for its health benefits in Evergreen. The Great Light above will bless you with its rays, if you let it soak you properly. They hang out in the lounge chairs in the back patio, giving the sun a chance to work its magic as they chat. Vanessa talks about the upcoming birth, and what she wants to do for a nursery.
Rakel doesn't really know anything about babies, having never had any and certainly not wishing to have any. She snipped her fallopian tubes decades ago! But she tries to be supportive, telling Vanessa that she's sure she'll be able to grow something good out of all this.
It's summer, and after a while all that soaking up the sun gets you heated up, so they decide to have a refreshing swim in the pool. I can't help but think that Rakel is stunting on Vanessa a little bit, getting all fancy with her jump and showing off her slender perfectly poised body. Whereas Vanessa had to settle for getting in by the ladder.
But the water is refreshing, and floating on her back and closing her eyes Vanessa can almost forget she's pregnant and alone.
It takes its toll though, all that worrying and lack of sleep the night before. By dinner, Vanessa falls asleep in her bowl right there at the dinner table.
Rakel looks rather dismayed, good well-bred women don't pass out in their plates while a guest in someone else's home. If you need to collapse, you do it in the privacy of your own home, says Rakel.
After waking up Vanessa excuses herself from the table, saying she needs an early night she retreats to her guest room to sleep.
Until her pregnancy bladder rudely awakens her to inform her that it is fit to burst, only giving her time to get up out of bed before she wets herself on the floor. Embarrassing!
It's a good thing that Rakel has a butler to take care of messes, though I don't imagine a pee puddle was on his list of things he expected to clean this day.
Vanessa isn't too keen to face the butler, so she sneaked off to get clean again in a nice soothing bubble bath.
It was probably wise to get away as the butler doesn't seem to think too highly of this house guest of his mistress'.
But you can't sweat it too much. After all butlers see all kinds of private matters in the families they serve, and being employed by Rakel I am sure it's not the first body fluid he has cleaned up
So after some more sleep Vanessa gets up for the day, and gets dressed. The mission for today is shopping, shopping and shopping. Stoffe has already sent the first payment of Vanessa's alimony, and it's time to make a serious start at rebuilding her wardrobe. She needs both maternity wear for the rest of the pregnancy, and pretty clothes for when she's back to her normal size.
A nice comfortable cute summer dress for today, to replace the unstylish sweats.
Some new jewelry, since all she had left is what she brought with her to Twikki which wasn't much.
They have a bite to eat at the restaurant at Sunnyside mall, to replenish their energy for further shopping. While munching down a lunch of shrimp and filet mignon Vanessa tells Rakel all about the horrors of her trip to the tropical paradise.
Hours later a fruitful day of shopping is complete, and Vanessa looks quite pleased with herself as she gets in the car to return back to Rakel's mansion.
For once, Rakel decides to cook dinner for the two of them instead of letting the butler handle it. She doesn't cook often, but she can, as she knows most men are impressed by a home cooked meal every now and then. If her body alone won't convince a man to sleep with her, a well cooked meal might just do the trick.
The things she can cook are typical dude food though, so pork chops is what's on the menu. Vanessa doesn't seem to mind, chowing down with gusto. Over dinner, Rakel tries to show interest and talks about baby toys and such. She actually has a nursery in her home despite her self-induced sterility. The guest room she put Vanessa up in is next to the nursery, and she tells her friend she is welcome to stay and have her baby there if she'd like to. Say what you will about Rakel, but she is a good friend when she decides to accept the role. You can tell Vanessa isn't sold on the idea though.
She is not inclined to stay with Rakel until Stoffe has sent her enough to buy a new mansion. She loves her friend, but in these circles accepting hospitality, even from a friend, means you owe them something down the line and Vanessa does not care to keep adding to that social debt. Now that she has a starting amount of funds, it's time for her to look for her own space. So the next morning she gets dressed comfortably.
Then she goes down to tell Rakel what she's decided, thanking her for her hospitality and for her support. Rakel accepts her decision, after all it's easier to prowl on men without a screaming baby in the house to scare them off. A hug, and a wave later, Vanessa is waddling off to the taxi that is waiting to take her where she wants to go.
And where might she be headed? She can't afford a mansion, and a small house or cottage holds no appeal to her. After her recent experiences of being mugged and burglarized in the same day, Vanessa would feel unsafe living in a house by herself. She wants to be somewhere where there's always people around, so that hopefully thieves don't dare strike. And she thinks she found just the spot! During yesterday's excursion to Sunnyside she happened to notice a sign across the street about a vacant apartment, in the City Apartments complex. With the mall right on the other side of the road, and some shops in the front of the Apartment building itself, she'll never really be alone. The proximity to shops will also be great once she's had the baby and is managing life as a single mother. Anything she needs can be found right outside her door, she'll be able to nip out while the baby sleeps to get food or clothes, and still be within hearing distance of the baby monitor. Score! (The lot is my expanded version of MogHughson's British style High Street)
The wallpaper is hideous, in her opinion, but any true housewife knows that with a little money and effort any space can be greatly improved.
Sold! It's small, and not very flashy, but the location is perfect and after all it's only temporary. This is the first time that Vanessa is handling paperwork herself, her parents helped her get into college and after that Stoffe handled everything. But there's no time like now to start learning to be your own independent grown up lady.
The wallpaper had to go right quick! Already the space is feeling more like home. She puts up some curtains, and a desk so she can access her bank to withdraw more money to get started on the rest.
She of course has to have a piano, to keep practicing her musical pursuits. I'm not so sure about the placement, but it was the only place a piano might fit without blocking a window, and who knows, perhaps when they are greeted by a great white piano as soon as they enter it'll manage to convince some guests that this is a fancy establishment after all
She makes immediate use of the proximity to shops. She finds the clothing store in the apartment complex quite agreeable, much fancier and nicer than the H&M across the street at the Sunnyside Mall. She's got a lot of work to do, restoring her wardrobe to its former pre-house fire glory.
An easel also a prioritized item. Art is one of Vanessa's passions in life, she would love to be able to produce something half-decent herself one day. Plus it's a very suitable hobby for a highborn lady like herself so it's something she can participate in without fear of judgement from her peers.
Cooking however is not something Vanessa enjoys, and it is not something she has ever had to learn either. Stoffe would buy food or cook for her in their first home, and once they moved to the mansion the butler was always there to cook for her. She has no butler now, so takeout it is. Everything is strangely exhilarating to Vanessa, this whole taking care of yourself thing feels quite empowering. Even something as simply and mundane as going out to greet the delivery girl is a new exciting experience for her.
The next day she continues her efforts to turn her small apartment to a home fit for a woman of importance, and a place she enjoys being in. And for her, that requires fine artwork. She does not have many walls, but those walls must impress! And in Evergreen, that means you head to Galleri de Arte. This tasteful establishment is run by Moa Sernman herself, the renowned and much admired artist that has been making big waves in the art world over the past decade. Her taste is well respected, so anyone that needs art for their home heads to her gallery where you can buy more commercialized artwork, or arrange a private session to buy some of Moa's own exquisite work.
This is the first time Vanessa visits the art gallery, so she leaps at the chance to make her introductions to the artist herself. They hit it off immediately, over their love of fine art and the joys of painting.
As they chat they realize they have more things in common than just a love of art. They have both gone through difficult divorces. You may have recognized the name Moa Sernman, from the last chapter on Stoffe. Moa is the daughter of Daniel whose messy divorce lead to his career change and legislative agenda. In fact, Vanessa can in part thank Moa for the very generous alimony she is set to receive. In her case it was Moa that had to pay up, but they still bond over finding themselves pregnant earlier than they wanted to be, and deciding to parent alone rather than deal with a partner you don't feel is helpful to the situation.
Vanessa gets quite carried away in their conversation. Moa has a way of getting people to open up to her, people feel comfortable talking to her. She comes across very genuine, and somehow Vanessa finds herself telling Moa about her recent thoughts on how she was raised, and how she sometimes feels like a marionette doll being moved and manipulated by the expectations well bred society has on her.
Moa had already heard a little about the situation from her father, he was quite excited to get to show her some of the changes he's managed to implement to protect others going through divorces with one innocent party and one, as Daniel would put it, "useless untrustworthy piece of shit" party. Though as she listened to Vanessa talk Moa got the impression that Vanessa is, for lack of a kinder phrase, a little spoiled. Which isn't all that strange considering the environment in which she was raised.
The Sernman kids could have easily ended up the same way, but thanks to their mother's down to earth nature and her father's left-leaning views and interest in equality, the family avoided becoming snobbish despite their growing wealth and influence. They have managed to avoid getting ensnared in that empty world and the ridiculous ideals of the lofty side of town that Vanessa describes. They mingle professionally, but outside of work they enjoy normal lives without the obsession with money and appearances.
Moa could guess that Vanessa is rather short on true friends. The type of friend she can actually talk to about how she's truly feeling as she figures out being divorced and becoming a single parent. Moa would not have gotten through her divorce without her family by her side, and Vanessa doesn't have a family around to help her. So when she learns that Vanessa now resides in City Apartments, she encourages her to introduce herself to her upstairs neighbours, which just so happens to be Moa's twin sister Elna. Moa figures it might do Vanessa a world of good to befriend someone outside of her usual circle of snooty upnosed people on the north side of town.
Elna would be perfect, because she mingles a great deal professionally due to her position as head of the newspaper emporium their father started, but outside of work she lives a very relaxed life of parties and friends. She's always down to get to know new people, and would probably be happy to take Vanessa under her wings. Moa hopes her sisters influence can combat some of that bratty spoiled energy she senses in Vanessa.
Vanessa is not sure about it, but she decides to introduce herself at least. So when she returns back after her art shopping spree she stops by the apartment next to hers to knock on the door. Elna resides in the biggest apartment available, it has an entrance and a garage on the ground floor, but then stairs lead to the apartment itself on the floor above.
Elna received a call from her sister after Vanessa left, so she was expecting the visit. She lets Vanessa in and they chat for a bit. Elna was a drama major at university, it seems Vanessa is trying to make a good impression by talking about things Elna enjoys.
Eventually Elna invites her upstairs to meet the rest of the household. Vanessa seems to hit it off with Max, Elna's long time boyfriend and the athletic soccer star of the Evergreen soccer team. Vanessa seems to have university on her mind, as she's talking to Max about the undeclared major they all start off with. It makes sense that it would be, as she will be required to resume her degree or drop out after the birth.
Vanessa is invited to make herself at home, sitting down to watch the game with Max, and Elna's and Max's roommate Pernilla. Max compliments Vanessa on her violin playing, which they've heard through the floor. They get pretty rowdy too so they don't mind Vanessa's practice sessions.
After hanging out for a bit Vanessa heads back down to her own home. There's something about the set of her shoulders that looks a little sad as she's leaving the hustle and bustle of their apartment to go back to her own quiet one.
Vanessa's life soon settles into a new routine, in her new home. Bit by bit she adds to the furniture, getting ready for the baby. Here she is talking on the phone with one of the members of her ladies who lunch group. She's not comfortable letting them visit her yet, but she stays in touch.
She's not quite used to this whole being the adult of the house though, her first set of bills she forgot to pay promptly. Stoffe always took care of those things, she's never had to be the one to keep on top of the finances.
Her apartment is small, but she made sure to get an exercise bike so she can keep in shape. Pregnant yes, out of shape no! Can't say I share her enthusiasm, lucky for me I don't have to care what people think
The whole cooking thing is still beyond her. She did give the kitchen a makeover so it's more in her style, but so far it's all show. She might not need to work out as much if she ate something other than takeout, but at least fruit juice is healthy
She kept visiting her upstairs neighbours, knocking on the door once a day to hang out and chat.
Eventually they told her to just come on up if the door is unlocked, she's welcome anytime she wants. I think they could all tell that she doesn't have many people in her life, and they are a friendly bunch that always have friends over anyway. Whenever she'd come by, she'd find them there enjoying themselves in some way.
Rather to her surprise, Vanessa finds she really enjoys their company. The apartment has zero style, but there's an atmosphere to it that she's never really known before. It's a home, that someone lives in, not a declaration of wealth. They have pictures of family and each other on the walls, and the furniture is about comfort and having a good time together, not about looking some type of way. They don't conduct themselves in a dignified manner standing around being important, they lounge and joke and just have fun. Even though she's only known them a short while, she finds herself able to relax and drop her guard while she's there. She can let herself just be.
University kept being a topic that Vanessa would talk about, in a way I think she envies Elna her university experience. Vanessa went to find a husband, Elna went to have a good time. She spent her years on campus socializing, making friends, throwing parties, having flings. Perhaps Vanessa is wondering what that would have been like, and going to visit Elna has become a sort of surrogate campus life for her.
After a while, Elna started to rub off a little on Vanessa. She was taught that having picture frames on the walls is tacky and low class, but she found herself wishing she had something to put on her walls like her new friend. Elna has pictures of her as a kid with her siblings, of her parents wedding, of her out on the town with Max. Vanessa is going to be a mother any day now, and she's been thinking a lot about her own upbringing. The more she hears about Elna's childhood, the more she feels she wants her kid to get to grow up happier than she did. After all, it's not like anyone that matters is seeing her apartment anyway, so perhaps it would not be too tacky to have a few pictures on the walls, especially if she puts them up in the bedroom. So as summer rolls over to autumn, the delivery man shows up with an order of framed pictures for her.
You might have been surprised to see she chose a picture of her and Stoffe cuddling on the sofa, amongst other things. A lot has happened on the legal side of things, more rules have been issued in the on-going legal proceedings between the two of them. Because Stoffe is considered responsible for the fire, he is deemed an irresponsible party that would be unfit to parent at this time. He could have fought it with a home inspection, but he declined. Furthermore, due to situations once again relating back to Moa Sernman and her divorce, Daniel pushed for legislation that protects mothers from having to meet with ex partners that they have reasonable cause to be uncomfortable being around.
Which is how Stoffe found himself with no custody, and a no contact ban issued against him on account of Vanessa alleging she would be triggered by seeing him, which you will learn more about in chapter 20. Stoffe's only contact with his child, will be through a state-elected representative that will visit Vanessa's home on his behalf, and report back to him how his child is getting on. Vanessa is relieved that she won't have to see him, but as she spends time with Elna and learns more about her family, she finds herself wanting her child to at least know what their father looks like. Which is why she decided to have some pictures of her and Stoffe together, that she can show to the baby and say "See, this is your daddy!".
As the birth draws nearer, Vanessa even decided it might be time to learn to cook. The apartment is far too small for a butler to make sense, paying for one would just delay getting back to a proper house, and who knows how long it'll take for Stoffe to pay her the full amount. She can live on takeout, her child cannot, so it's time to learn.
To her surprise, she finds there's a degree of satisfaction in cooking and cleaning up after. She does have a maid, but she does not yet want the maid to see her sloppy first attempts at cooking, so she cleans up herself. Who knew taking care of yourself could feel so satisfying?
It's lucky for Vanessa that she did make friends with her upstairs neighbours, as singing at the top of your voice while playing the piano is usually not a good move in apartments, but Elna and Max do not mind so Vanessa pass many an hour by the piano, playing and singing.
Playing the piano is where she is, when one afternoon labour finally kicks in. All alone, nobody there to comfort her or cheer her on as she wails out her pain.
But not alone for much longer! Soon she greets her new baby girl with slightly disbelieving but dewy eyes. Meet Lily Rose van Derbirth!
Vanessa looks so happy, as she gives baby girl her first ever bath to wash off some of the birth gunk.
Labour wore out Vanessa completely, so after the bath she tucks baby in on a cosleeper pad, and gets ready to go to bed herself. She could not seem to take her eyes off her new baby daughter, whatever she was doing her eyes remained glued on on Lily Rose.
Even in her sleep, she seemed to instinctively lean towards her new companion. Lily Rose was not sleepy at all, she remained awake studying her mommy with her big grey eyes, but she remained calm letting her get some well-earned rest. Very thoughtful baby! Stoffe and Vanessa both have the same eyes, so I can't say whose gene got used there, but she has her mother's hair and skin. It'll be interesting to see if she perhaps displays more of Stoffe as she grows older
That is where we'll leave Vanessa and the new baby Lily Rose for now. I hope you have enjoyed seeing this glimpse into the new life of Vanessa, post-divorce, trying to find her way on her own for the first time in her life. Stoffe's circumstances are different, but in a way, they are living through the exact same struggle. They are both young adults (in the non-game meaning of the term), that have had their entire world view put into question, and are now trying to figure out what to believe in when what they held firm proved to perhaps not be as solid as they thought. Both of them put a great deal of belief in the appearance of things, of money and influence being the only thing that matters. They both thought that the main thing that matters in life is to be wealthy and to be admired by certain people, but then even though they seemingly had reached that, their life still managed to crumble around them. So clearly it was not all that mattered, which begs the question, what does? Stay tuned for future updates on how they both get on, as they try to figure out the answer to that question
If anyone is reading and feels up to giving input, I'd be interested to know to what extent you want backstory/surrounding information of other households that we come across in the main story. For example, we have heard a brief excerpts about Moa Sernman's past, and in this episode we are introduced to her sister. I love talking about all my Sims, so I'd love to do a brief post sharing the main points of the stories of these side characters so the points where they overlap make sense to you as well, but I'm not sure how interesting it is to someone that is reading. Do you like the brief summaries I have done so far, is it too much, too little or just enough?
Continue reading in chapter 19
Creations can be found on my on tumblr.