Important Announcement!

Once again I have this crazy idea for a story in my head. I've been reading a Bring me Back to Life challenge and it's really got my attention. It looks like so much fun to play through. The problem is, I already have two legacies (one is on hold already...) and a one generation short story running. With my schedule the way it is now it'll be almost impossible to get timely updates for each story as I'd like to. I love A Graying World and I have this attachment to it because it's my first legacy story. Despite this though, I do recognize that the story doesn't flow 100% as I would like it to and sometimes I feel like certain characters are being ignored and all the other troubles legacy writers have. I have too much freedom in writing this that in some parts the story isn't linear. It isn't necessarily a bad thing, but A Graying World is my test legacy. It's where I'm trying new ideas and focuses to see what I'd like to write about and what people would like to read. The problem I've had with this legacy is finding time to play. When I log in to my sims account, I dedicate my time to this legacy. The way the storyline is set up is that I go in, take pictures and then write about it. After I take the pictures, I find myself at a loss of what to do next. I feel like it's a chore, and I'm no longer playing the Gray family but being their personal photographer. I want to share my stories because I love to write but I also want to play the game. I don't really want to give up writing this or my other stories. My solution is this, I will write a new story, this time I'll go into the game to play the family and take the occasional picture and follow the legacy challenge rules. (I find it much more fun if my sims have to work to get what they have, which was a plot hole in my first legacy). A Graying World WILL NOT BE CANCELED. I just felt like sharing my thoughts on how the legacy is going and shed some light on the behind the scenes of playing them. I love them, but sometimes its just a hassle. Until I get up to a certain point in the story, the updates will be slower. As for How to Be a Star, I went in knowing it would be a posed story. I basically write the story first and then take the pictures which is less fun but works out for the plot. I will not abandon this story either. I'm not really worried about getting this done because it'll probably only have like 10 chapters.  The Wild Flower Legacy is still going to be on hold, and I don't know for how long.


Please let me know how you guys feel about all of this. My new Bring Me Back to Life challenge/story/legacy will be a mystery headed by Edmund Flynn from Midnight Hollow. You can read more about him on the Sims Wiki or by googling it. EA set up a very intriguing back story for him and I'm excited to write about it. All of this being said, I have the pictures for the next chapter of A Graying World ready and the next chapter should be out soon.

Happy Simming!

2nd Gen Special!

This story has over 3,000 views! I'm so excited and grateful to all who have read it, commented, shared it and supported it! This also happens to be my 60th post, wooo! I decided that instead of doing behind the scenes like in Gen 1, this special would be a flashback from Leia's point of view, using the Sims 2. With Sims 4 around the corner, The Sims 2 Ultimate Collection was being offered on Origin for free. I had fun going back in and playing it, so I figured why not? Please excuse the pictures though, it was definitely not easy getting them! 

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"Leia, Lorie...we have some big news for you guys. We'd like to talk about it after meal time, alright?" 

"Yes, Mrs. Stein!" Lorie answered her social worker and caretaker. Leia only nodded her head shyly. 

"What do you think the news is?" Leia wondered out loud.

"It's obvious, isn't it? We're going to get adopted!" Lorie gushed.

"Do you really think so?" Leia's crystal eyes lit up. 

"Yes, I'm sure of it. This time it's for real, and they're going to take both of us."

Meal time wasn't for another forty minutes. The children wondered why Mrs. Stein would torture them with a cliffhanger like that. The way time was dragging on, they'd never know what the news was for sure. Usually big news did mean a family was interested in adoption. Thats the same message they gave Suzie last week and she was out the next day with a family of her own. 

"What's up with you two?" Dean, another kid on the compound, came towards them. He was the resident messenger, spreading news and gossip as fast as he heard it. 

Leia shrunk back, being her usual shy self. Lorie on the other hand bounced up and down. "We're going to get adopted!"

"You don't know that for sure..." Leia bit her lip.

"Of course I do! Mrs. Stein said she had big news!"

"Thats what she told Jimmy yesterday too and he got adopted!" Dean agreed.

In a matter of minutes, the word had gotten out. Wonder who spilled the beans?  Children had gathered around the girls, asking so many questions. What are the parents like? Do they have any other kids? Any pets? Where do they live? Thats where their little imaginations got put to the test and even Leia was excitedly chatting about her prospective family. 

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Lorie and I put on our best outfits. 

Lorie wore her mermaid dress.

I wore my fairy costume. We were sure to impress our new family!

Lorie and I had stepped foot in front of the coolest house ever. It was painted with all sorts of polka dots! It was awesome!! These were definitely going to be the coolest parents EVER!

By the door stood a man with brown hair. He was waving excitedly at us. "Hey girls, my name is Mark and I'm going to be your new dad." 

"That lady over there is your mother, Stacy. Just call her mom." She was absolutely beautiful, like something out of a movie. She looked just like a princess. My mother was royalty!

"And that boy over there..." he pointed to the sidewalk. "Is your older brother Seth. He's super awesome."

"A big brother!?" I squealed happily. "I always wanted a brother!!"

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Living with our new family was so much fun.  My daddy taught me how to dance. He let me stand on his feet so I wouldn't fall down. He even sang to me while we danced!!

I watched movies with Seth and mommy. Mommy and I both hated scary movies but we watched them because Seth liked them. When I got scared he would read me a story to go to bed. Then, he would sit and watch fairy princess movies for hours the next day! It was awesome! He told me that I look just like a princess from the movies!

Lorie would sit in her room and play with the dolls that daddy bought for us. Her room was painted blue to match her mermaid dress and mine was pink to match my fairy dress. Our parents knew us so well! 

When we were all done playing, daddy would come upstairs and kiss us goodnight.

One day,  Seth called a taxi and told us to get in. He wouldn't tell us where we were going, it was supposed to be a surprise. Lorie and I kept trying to guess, but we never got the right answer.

 We would have never guessed he would have taken us to an arcade! We hung out for a bit, laughing and telling jokes. Seth told us a story about two princesses named Leia and Lorie who saved the whole town from the evil dragon!

Afterwards, Seth gave us each five dollars worth of quarters and let us play some arcade games. We couldn't beat him in any games, especially pinball! Lorie and I were tied against each other. She won four games and I won four. 

When we got home, Lorie and I weren't tired at all! Seth taught me how to play red hands. I beat him three times! 

Lorie jumped on her bed for hours. It looked like fun so I did it too and we had a great time. Then we had to go to sleep because we had our first day of school tomorrow.

I woke up early to show Seth and mom this cool new trick I learned. They told me it would impress all of my classmates!

Lorie and I sat together on the bus. We laughed and talked the entire way. Our teachers were mean but we had made a lot of friends so it was all okay.

When we got home our dad was holding a puppy. Her name was snow. She was so cute. I couldn't believe he bought us a puppy!

Snow sat and watched television with Lorie. I think she liked it more than my sister did! Our mom made us cookies to eat after we finished our homework. Snow got her own special peanut butter treats!

The next morning I woke up to the sound of emptiness. Where was everyone? I looked all around me. Where was mom, dad, Seth and Lorie?

"You're awake..." A small voice whispered. 

"Lorie? Whats going on?"

"Mrs. Stein's big news was that we're going to get separate rooms just like we asked for."

"What?" I frowned in disbelief. It couldn't have been just a dream. We had parents, a brother, even a puppy. We went to school, made friends, danced and had fun. We had a life, a family! 

"I'm sorry Leia..." Lorie said and hugged me tightly. I began to sob into her arms. I had been so wrapped up in my dream that I had slept through mealtime. 

"I don't want to switch rooms anymore!" I choked out. "You're the only family I have!"

2.21 Unsure

Leia put Apollo down in his playpen and went to answer the door. Noah had already gone to bed, Lorie was up in her room working on some fashion sketches and Daisy and Cyrus were upstairs doing who knows what. Leia patted her giggling child on the head before running to answer the door. Seriously, this was what being a mom felt like? She wished the others would help around more often in the house and besides...who was ringing their bell this late anyway? She had ushered the party guests out hours ago.

 "One second!" She called out before racing to the door. "I'm so sorry-"

She was cut off by one of the biggest hugs of her life. "Princess Leia!" Caleb grinned.

"Ok, Caleb...you're crushing me.." She choked out.

"Oh! Sorry!" He rubbed the back of his neck.

"What are you doing here?! It's been so long! How's tour?"

"I'm actually in town for a television interview. I'll be in Sunlit Tides for the next few days. Crazy me, turned down a five star hotel to stay with you guys. If thats okay? I mean, I know I wasn't here for your wedding, the birth of your child or his birthday party, but I got all of the invites."

"Caleb, honestly. Shut up. You're always welcome in this house. You're part of this family. Noah and I, even Daisy and Lorie, we all understand that your schedule is crazy busy, and yeah we haven't seen you in over a year but it's not like you haven't been here for us. We love you Caleb. Just keep the cameras away."

"My manager is keeping quiet about my family, so nobody really knows you guys exist. So, you're safe."

"Gee, thanks."

Leia contemplated waking everyone up with the news of an unexpected visitor, but she figured it'd be much more exciting for them to wake up, come down for breakfast and see Caleb there. Unfortunately, the plan didn't really work out. Caleb, despite Leia's sincerest apologies, had no problem camping in Apollo's room. Apollo was asleep already, and Caleb was slowly falling asleep to the sound of his even breathing. He was the cutest child he'd seen, reminding him of when Kayden was a baby and how he helped his mother take care of the children. Anyway, Lorie had been up sketching. She had to impress her boss. She desperately wanted that promotion that was up for grabs. She was hoping her ambitions would outweigh her inexperience. Before she went to sleep every night, she would slip into Apollo's room and give him a kiss on his forehead. It was her kind of closure for the past that she and Leia had. She yearned for that kind of love as a child. When she peered into the room, she was shocked to see Caleb on the floor in a sleeping bag.

"Leia couldn't give you a bed to sleep in? I'll switch with you if you want." 

"This is perfect actually. I don't want you guys treating me differently because I'm a star. it's not like I'm that famous and besides, I wanted to meet the little one."

"He's precious isn't he? Apparently he looks like your little brother, Kayden I think? Anyway, he's quite the charmer, even though he can't speak yet."

"The resemblance to Kayden is remarkable actually."

"It's really late, I'd love to chat but Apollo is such a light sleeper and if Leia wakes up, she's going to be upset. The poor girl is just adjusting to motherhood. Oh and, I won't tell the others you're here."

"Too late!" Daisy called, coming up the stairs. "I can just tell when my family is around. We'll catch up later. I'm exhausted from work. Nobody tell Noah, this is going to be the best." 

"Guys...shut up. My wife is trying to sleep." 

"Gee, you're ruining the surprise!" Daisy frowned.

"How can I be surprised if you guys are so loud?" He rubbed his eyes.

"Alright, alright. We're going to wake up Apollo. Every go to sleep. We'll talk in the morning."

Apollo giggled as Caleb tossed him in the air. How he missed his family on the road. Yes, he loved singing. He had come a long way to get passed his fear of people judging him. In fact, he was still terrified of what other's thought of him, but he was enjoying what he was doing. He loved getting up on stage in front of the crowd and belting out the songs that he wrote. He loved meeting his fans, signing autographs and seeing his face on magazines. It was a huge confidence booster and he was deeply grateful for all of the opportunities he had been giving. But there was nothing like arguing with your siblings at 3 in the morning. He missed pulling all nighters with Kayden playing video games, going to movies with Daisy and just messing with Noah on the phone while he was in boarding school. His birthday was coming up and he'd be an adult. With Noah losing his memory, being on tour all the time, his parents unable to leave Lunar Lakes and his other siblings living in Sunit Tides he felt more and more distant. He was missing weddings and birthdays. What was next? He hadn't even been able to come here on his own, he was here chiefly for an interview. He wanted to live a normal life where he could watch his nephew grow up. A life where he wasn't always skeptic of a girl's intention, where he could settle down and have a family of his own. For crying out loud, his younger brother was married, his even younger sister was married and his other brother had a committed girlfriend. Where did that leave him?

The family's very loud breakfast was cut short because fo Daisy. Everyone had been joking andd laughing. Caleb was telling them funny tour stories and Cyrus was asking so many questions about the guitar. Lorie was shocked to find out that Cyrus had been the most interested in learning how to play classical music on the guitar rather than some pop acoustic songs. He just didn't seem the type, according to her.

"I feel like I'm going to hurl." Daisy held her mouth and quickly ran to the nearest bathroom.

"Is she alright?" Caleb asked, worried.

"She's still vomiting?" Noah frowned. "Thats not a good sign."

"Maybe it's just something she ate." Lorie offered.

Caleb shook his head. "She only eats food she cooks or five star chefs cook. We all know that."

"I'm going to check on her." Leia got up from her seat and went towards the bathroom.

"Daisy, are you, maybe...you know, pregnant?"

"No! Don't say that word! Cyrus isn't ready for this! It's just something I ate!" Daisy said nervously.

"I was doing the exact same thing when I was pregnant. I would have never thought that I was pregnant but things happen. I know our bodies are different but..."

"I took the test!" Daisy cried out, clutching her stomach. "Please don't tell Cyrus. Please. he hasn't noticed anything yet. I've just been blaming this all on stress."

"I promise I won't tell him, or anyone for that matter. It isn't my place. But, I want you to know that he won't leave you, and if he does...he has, me, Lorie, Caleb and Noah to deal with."

"You're so nice to me.." Daisy breathed.

"You're going to be a great mother." Leia smiled and patted her back affectionately.

"He'll be on in five minutes." Lorie said excitedly. Having her sister marry the brother of  a famous singer? That was every girl's dream. She just had to find her own prince charming. One that wasn't only famous, but hot. She really had to get her head out of the clouds.

"What channel is it again?" Noah asked.

"145, the music channel," Cyrus said.

The group was seated around the TV. It was a live interview, a first for Caleb. He swore he wasn't nervous, but who wouldn't be? That was a lot of pressure! Daisy had left to work right after her talk with Leia and Caleb left shortly after. Noah, only being an assistant, called in late. His "car broke down." Even Apollo was watching from his mother's arms.

"Oh! Tasha Ledford is interviewing him? I love her!" Lorie gushed. Leia rolled her eyes. "What? She's only one of the most fashionable people in all of Sunlit Tides!"

"Caleb Gray everyone!" Tasha cheered into the mic. "For those of you who don't know him, I mean you probably all do, he's so cute and talented. the girls love him. Anyway, he's the next heartthrob. His album Second Star is coming out soon. I will definitely be getting it as soon as it releases!"

"Thank you," Caleb nodded humbly.

"Now, tell me. Are you seeing anyone special?" Tasha flipped her hair and batted her eyes.

"I'm not saying that I am, but if I was, I wouldn't want her to be out n the public eye like that. I want her to be able to live her life without paparazzi following her around." The crowd erupted into cheers of "Awww!!" 

"Do you see why the ladies love this guy? He's so sweet! I have heard some rumors, and I'm sure that they're just that but maybe you can lay them to rest."

"Sure, rumors are bound to arise when you're in the public eye." Caleb admitted.

"You can't really avoid them." Tasha agreed. "Everyone in Sunlit Tides is abuzz. It's no secret that your family lives here in Sunlit Tides. Your brother and sister, right?"

Caleb nodded nervously. He wasn't liking where this was going. His brain couldn't process answers fast enough.

"For those of you at home, there's this rumor going around that Caleb's brother is wanted for burning down a local community building. Sources say, Noah, Caleb's little brother was so drunk before his wedding that he couldn't even remember he did something like that. Now he's on probation or something. I don't know." The crowd oohed and ahhed. "Scandalous right?"  She leaned towards Caleb. "So, is this true?"

Caleb was angry more than anything. he didn't know if it was true. He had in fact heard these rumors but he decided not to tell Noah about it. He didn't want to involve his brother in any of the fame game. He was certain that his brother wouldn't be so reckless and if he was, he'd at least let his own brother know. Caleb's answer was straightforward but followed a pause. He was unsure of his answer. "Really? Is that what they're saying now? My brother has never gone on any drunken rampages and burned down any buildings. He doesn't even drink."

"Ooh, he sounds like the perfect guy too. He doesn't drink or go on drunken rampages. Ladies, theres two sweeties in the Gray family. Is he single?"

Caleb shook his head. "He's married actually."

"Aww, now thats too bad. There you have it ladies and gentleman, Caleb Gray! I wish you the best of luck on your next album and I hope you come back to talk with me!"

"Thank you, it was my pleasure." He shook her hand and that was it. The interview was over.

"That was like two minutes!" Lorie complained.

"We made the news." Noah frowned.

"You made the news buddy. For once I'm glad not to be involved in something," Cyrus said. Lorie shot him a glare. "What? I was just joking."

"You know what? It's alright. Its just a silly rumor and Caleb dispelled it. You guys didn't burn down any buildings."

"It's not only that..." Noah muttered. "She didn't even ask him about his music. It was straight to the gossip. If he was single, who his family was, our personal lives...it wasn't even about the music. Caleb has so much talent, it isn't fair that he's objectified like that."

"Noah..." Leia placed her hand on his shoulder. Apollo began to cry. He was getting tired. he wasn't used to this much going on in the house.

"I've got it. Don't worry about it..." He whispered before walking away with already faltering Apollo in his arms.

2.20 What it Means to Be a Family

Hey everyone! I'm up to 3,000 views! I know it may not seem like a lot, but it is! I'm really grateful for all of those who are reading this story, so thank you! I'm thinking about doing a special chapter to commemorate the moment, but I haven't thought of anything yet! I  might do a chapter of the Gray family back in Lunar Lakes. We'll see. Thanks again for reading! Also, if you haven't, check out Not So Ordinary Life written by DandyLion! Thank you for all of the support and comments, it means a lot to me! 

Despite Noah's wish to live in the moment with his new baby boy and Daisy's feelings towards her crumbling marriage, life moved on. The two Gray siblings couldn't be feeling any different. On one hand there was Noah. The longing feeling in his heart after not being with his parents and the stress he felt from the arson case all melted away when he held Apollo for the first time. The only thing that would make his life better would be to get the Gray family all together once again and he knew it would happen eventually.

On the other hand there was Daisy. She couldn't be feeling worse. Watching Noah and Leia's relationship bloom, made her feel worse and worse about herself. She looked to Lorie as a source of comfort but couldn't find any. Lorie was in love with her nephew. She couldn't stop talking about him. Not once did she look at Leia and feel jealousy. It made Daisy sick to her stomach. She was jealous of her own brother's relationship and there was Lorie, being nothing but the best sister. Daisy spent most of her free time swimming, and away from everyone else. She was becoming less and less sociable, not knowing how she was supposed to feel. It wasn't that she hated Cyrus. She loved him immensely, but they didn't have what Noah and Leia had and it wasn't fair.

It was on a rainy tuesday that Cyrus approached Daisy. He knew the stress of case details was piling up on her as well as her job and being away from her family. He wanted nothing more than to hold her and tell her that everything would be alright, but she was so distant. If something was bothering her about him, he wished she would come out and say it rather than just write him off. They swore until death do them part and he meant every word.

"Hey babe, how are you feeling?" Cyrus asked.

"I'm okay," Daisy answered coolly.

"Thats good." Awkward silence. "You can tell me if something is bothering you."

"Nothing is bothering me," Daisy sighed, not looking her husband in the eyes.

"We're not dating anymore, Dais. We're married. I know that something is bothering you. You're not that happy cheerful girl that I met in Lucky Palms. Whats going on? If I did anything to you, I'm so sorry. Just tell me and I'll fix it. I'll make it better!"

"You can't fix me." She leaned back and closed her eyes in reflection. "I'm the problem. Not you."

"Daisy please..." Cyrus begged. "Tell me whats wrong. We can work this out together."

"I'm a jealous, bitter woman. I'm sitting here making a list of everything thats wrong with Leia in my head. I'm writing her off for the stupidest things, like the way she walks and talks. I'm trying to convince myself that she's no good for my brother because I want to see them both be miserable. I want to know that I'm happier than them. But, everytime I get the courage to tell Leia about my list of lies, I chicken out. I can't find anything really wrong with their relationship and it's killing me. What kind of a person wishes unhappiness on their brother's marriage?"

"You're a human being." Cyrus breathed. He was suddenly nervous. He swore that everything would be different in his marriage. He would be Daisy's knight in shining armor. He promised he would never see her like this, and yet here he was. He knew where the hatred for Leia was sprouting from. It was from their failure of a marriage. He wasn't that guy that Daisy wanted. She had changed her mind. "What you're feeling is natural. It isn't your fault. All of this stress with the arson case and...."

"There you go blaming the case again!" Daisy cried out. "I'm not stressed about that stupid case. I'm not happy in our marriage okay? I want what Noah and Leia have! I want to see my family in Lunar Lakes without you complaining all the time about how you can't stay and relax in Sunlit Tides! I want to go for romantic walks after work, not just lay in bed and watch the same stupid shows over and over again. I want to have a child! You're so immature. You want to live the single life forever. Whats the point of being married if we're both just going to live the single life!?" Daisy shouted.

"Babe, please calm down!" Cyrus coaxed. He wanted to make everything better, he really did, but she was playing unfair. Sunlit Tides was his paradise. Sunny beaches, salt water and tanning oil. It was everything he wanted. After a long day of work he could sit by the pool and sip drinks. He completely felt at ease for once in his life and Daisy was having a problem with it.

"Calm down!? You asked me what was wrong and you said you could help fix it!" Tears fell from her face.

"What do you want me to do? Spend every waking moment with you?"

"I want you to step up and be more mature about our relationship. We're sharing a last name, a bed and an income. So theres no need for you to ct like you're single. I want a family one day. Not now, but some day and it looks like you don't even care."

"Daisy, I do want a family. But, we just got married! We're technically still newlyweds, it hasn't been that long! I want to enjoy my time spent with you now and then think about children later."

"Fine, whatever." Daisy sniffled and went upstairs.

Meanwhile, upstairs Leia was holding Apollo. She couldn't stop thinking about how lucky she was. She had an amazing husband and the sweetest baby. In a couple of days it would be Apollo's birthday. It was bittersweet for Leia. She was of course excited but she wished he could stay that small forever! Leia was broken from her thoughts by the sound of heavy footsteps and low sniffles.

"Who's crying?" Leia asked aloud. She peered outside to see that it was Daisy. "Daisy, are you alright?"

"I'm fine." Was her muffled response.

"No you aren't. If you were fine you wouldn't be crying. Come in here."

"Listen, I appreciate what you're trying to do but I'm fine, really."

"Daisy, you and Cyrus are fighting aren't you? I can sense the distance. Your brother is oblivious and I haven't mentioned anything because then he'd kick Cyrus' ass. Please tell me it isn't that serious." Leia pleaded.

"It's really none of your business." Daisy said coldly. "Why would you care about my broken relationship when you're living every girl's dream?"

"Here, will you hold Apollo for me?" Leia smiled. She understood where Daisy was coming from and it wouldn't help for Leia to get snippy with her.

"What?" Daisy was taken aback. She held the tiny baby in her arms. She had been so worried about her family with Cyrus that she was ignoring the family right in front of her. Apollo snuggled into Daisy's arm and began to fall asleep. "Oh, he's so precious...." Daisy cooed.

"I want you to be his godmother," Leia decided. "Apollo has been blessed with an incredible family and I want you to be n active part in his life."

"Really?" Daisy frowned, remembering all of the things she thought about Leia before. "I'll do it. I'll spoil my nephew rotten!" Cyrus wanted a family, just not now. Until he was ready, Daisy would spend her time with her nephew.

Lorie had heard about an opening at Barney's salon and she went down to talk to the manager. He wasn't too keen on hiring an inexperienced worker but with some pleading, he agreed to have her work a 90 day trial period.

So far, the clients loved her! Lorie loved the praise she got after giving a successful makeover. If she knew it was this much fun, she'd have looked for a job sooner.

Cyrus took to playing guitar to keep his mind off of everything. Daisy had been the moneymaker in the house. She was a line chef at the Midnight Moon Bistro. Her prior work experience in Lunar Lakes had secured her a job. He figured he'd make a career out of his music and make enough money eventually to move back to Lunar Lakes with Daisy. He had thought long and hard about it and if it meant keeping Daisy, he'd give up anything.

Noah had finally used his degree from Sims University and joined the medical profession. Leia quit her job as a school teacher. She loved children but she now had one of her own to deal with. She wouldn't be leaving her child with a babysitter everyday. Noah, having had a rough day at work, went straight to the nursery. He had accidentally left the anesthesia on and knocked out him and the rest of the surgeons preparing to operate. Luckily, there were other doctors on hand to go into surgery. If it wasn't for such an impressive degree, Noah would be out of a job. He had to get back into the work mindset. He hadn't had a steady job since he was in Oasis Landing.

"Rough day at work?" Leia asked.

"You don't even want to know."

"I kind of do." Leia grinned. She listened intently to Noah's story before bursting out into laughter. "You knocked the whole team out!?"

"Hey, it's not that funny!" Noah protested.

"Of course it is!" Leia grinned.

"What were you doing in here anyway?" Noah said, changing the subject.

"I was...uhm...changing the baby?"

"That's not what it looked like." Noah smirked.

"Fine, fine. I was just playing in front of the mirror. I don't really look like a mom, do I?" Leia pulled at her Katy Perry concert Tee.

"It doesn't matter what you look like." Noah smiled, remembering their first date and what he told her. He loved her t-shirts and jeans.

"Yes it does. I want to be taken seriously by Apollo's future teachers and classmate's mothers. I used to work at a school, remember? I know what people think of unprofessional mothers."

Noah sighed, "You don't really have to impress anyone. You're perfect."

"I won't do anything drastic, I just want to look a little more mature and I know just the person who can help me."

A few days later it was Apollo's birthday party. Daisy had offered to clean the house and cook the meal while Leia went out and got a makeover. With Apollo aging up, it was a perfect time for Leia to become more "mature." Daisy had insisted on helping out, it was her godson after all!

"Hmm...let's see. Are you going for mature and sophisticated or sexy mom?" Lorie smirked.

"I don't know. I just want to be taken seriously."

"You're still a young adult. So, we're not going to make you look older than you are. We have to keep Noah interested too you know." Lorie winked.

Despite the lack of party guests (a year in Sunlit Tides didn't amount to many friendships. A lot of people strayed from Noah and Cyrus because of arson rumors. The only people who showed up were the maid and Lorie's co-worker.)  Leia was feeling better than ever. She loved her sunny new look. She felt like she fit in perfectly with the natives and it was all thanks to her sister. "Happy Birthday Apollo!" 

Apollo had black hair just like his uncle Kayden. Noah couldn't wait for the two to meet.

"Wow, it's like having a mini Kayden here." Daisy grinned, poking his cheeks. Apollo laughed in response.

"He does look like him a little from the pictures you've shown me," Cyrus agreed. "More reason for us to go to Lunar Lakes then." 

"What? Really?" Daisy's eyes lit up. "But, you know, much later. I want to spend as much time with my nephew as possible."

Cyrus groaned, "I can't win with you, can I?"

"You love me."

"More than anything." Cyrus grinned and kissed her forehead.

"Finally, a happy family moment!" Lorie cheered.
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Hopefully I'll address the arson case in the next chapter (or the one after that!).  I was really hoping Apollo would have blue hair! Guess Leia is going to keep having kids until one has blue hair! LOL. If you like this story, check out: How To Be a Star, written also by me.