Phoebe's World XXI
Previously: Immediately upon reaching teenhood, Elliot started flirting with every girl who caught his eye, to varying levels of success. Aahana introduced the kids to the Spicy Curry Challenge, and Aisha succeeded her throne as Curry Champion. Jane got pregnant, to everybody's surprise (especially mine).
(Also, if you notice anyone looking slightly different, it's because I finally decided to install default replacement skins and eyes. I was holding off on going too custom content crazy until I got used to the game and figured out what I liked and didn't like, but this is the point where I started slowly easing into it more. I'm still sticking with a Maxis match style, though, so I don't think it will be too jarring.)
Candy always seems to be inviting Phoebe to hang out at the Bluffs, and Phoebe's all "sure, this is going to be a blast" while also being all "are you trying to continually guilt-trip me about Melinda's death because, if so, that's totally uncool of you!" It's a complicated situation.
Last time, Jane was peeing in a bush. This time, she's throwing up in one. Could her dignity drop any lower?
Meanwhile, Sofia is just going all out, giving no fucks, and taking a straight-up shower in the rain. Respect.
Despite the continuous downpour - seriously, it's like the eternal snow just got replaced by eternal rain; will the precipitation never end?!? - Phoebe is determined that everyone have an amazing time.
God, even Siobhan is old now! Time is really ticking right by, isn't it?
Jane: Nope, don't wait up for me! It's totally cool if you guys run ahead while the pregnant lady trails behind.
Candy: Come on in, guys, and take everything off! Last one to strip is a rotten egg!
Uncharacteristically, Phoebe is the only lady not to immediately bare it all. What, is she getting soft in her old age?
Sofia: It's all good if you don't want to join in. Somebody has to be the chicken, after all!
Phoebe: *gasps in mock horror* Oh, you did not just call me a chicken, girl!
Phoebe: Who you calling chicken now, bitches?
Oh, Aahana is feeling her nudist oats today, and Phoebe is loving it.
Geez, Luna, you just had to go and drag the mood all the way down by daring to mourn for your dead friends.
Now that that's ruined, everyone decides to head out to dinner together. Skinny-dipping really works up an appetite, you know? Naturally, the only table big enough to seat them is outside, where the rain still refuses to let up.
Candy: Don't worry, guys! They wouldn't put us out here if it wasn't totally safe!
Luna: I don't know about this, guys...
Aahana: So we get a little wet. What's the big deal?
Siobhan: Jiminy Cricket, was that lightning?!?
Jane, back from an extended bathroom break: Where are you off to in such a hurry?
Aahana: ABORT! ABORT! EVERYONE INSIDE BEFORE WE ALL GET INCINERATED!
Anyway, it kept raining, and their table was full of dirty dishes, and their waitress started acting like she was going to put a hex on them, so they got the fuck out of there before things could get even weirder.
Jane: Fuck this baby! Mama is stressed out, and she needs a drink STAT!
Aahana: Drinks are great, but you know what's even better? Food.
Look at Elliot sneaking this drink out from under Phoebe's nose while she isn't paying attention! This kid thinks he's real slick, but you know Aisha is storming right over to tattle on him. Aahana is too preoccupied by the deliciousness of her prosciutto-wrapped asparagus to notice anything amiss.
Oh, he thinks if he just slyly smuggles it into the tub with him, no one will be the wiser.
Elliot: Mom, how strange. Somebody left this empty glass in the bathroom. I'll just go ahead and give it a quick wash, since I'm such a model son and all.
Phoebe: Get back over here right this instant, young man! I know you took that from the bar!
His punishment: scrubbing down the grimy bar while his mother enjoys her drink in peace.
Aisha: We're such good girls, Mallory, yes, we are! We would never do something so naughty!
Phoebe: You missed a spot.
Elliot: Goddamn it.
The ghost of Shirley Temple is still trying to scare Mallory off, but it looks like she just got her butt kicked in return.
Could Aisha be any more of a mommy's girl, honestly?
Aisha: Mom, I'm your favorite child, right?
Aahana: Well, I certainly love you more than words can describe.
Aisha: And you'll take off work so we can spend the whole day playing together?
Aahana: Sure, anything for my baby!
Aisha: And you promise you'll never leave my side, not even for one second?
Aahana: Okay...
Aisha: What do you think you're doing, talking to him? I'm the favorite around here. You said!
Look at this buff guy starting a protest in the name of Speak for the Trees. Miko's impact lives on!
Yes, people! Educate the public on global warming! Save your planet!
(Oh, and if you notice a disproportionate number of bald townies from this point forward, it's because of those previously-mentioned custom content changes. There's a bit of an adjustment period.)
In case you were wondering what Willow's up to lately, she's still barging into the house unannounced to play with the kids' toys and watch Oscar bait Christian Bale movies on their TV. Girl, how sad must your home life be if this is your idea of fun? I almost feel bad for her.
Meanwhile, Jane is about to burst and hating every minute of it. She's extra pissed that she didn't get that promotion she was after and could've just taken a vacation day and chilled at home to the same end result.
Allie: Notice anything different?
Aisha: You got rid of your white girl dreads!
Oh, yeah, I guess it is the middle of summer. Might be a little too toasty to be wearing that scarf.
Okay, way too toasty. Aisha, get inside now! I can't afford to lose you!
Safely inside and in cooler clothes, it's time for a sibling school project face-off! Who will finish first?
Phoebe: My perfect children. So studious, so responsible. I raised you well.
I think you're forgetting they're only studious and responsible when they want to be, but I'll let you have your moment.
Elliot wins, but to be fair, he has the advantage of being several years older. But I guess it's also pretty impressive that he finished a working robot (albeit a pretty dinky one) in such record time.
Don't worry, Aisha, your castle diorama is lovely and just as deserving of praise!
Oh, boy, that look can only mean one thing... It's baby time!
Joaquin really wishes Jane hadn't shared this news with him while he was on the toilet, but babies aren't really known for coming at the most convenient time, my guy, so take a chill pill.
Jane is so annoyed with his reaction that she decides to just walk her damn self to the hospital, and Phoebe and I both know that the tone with which she announces this means Joaquin will be getting a stern talking to when she's feeling more like herself again.
She returns home with an entire baby, and Joaquin is still in the same place she left him, petrified with fear. Anyway, the baby's name is Jerome, and Jane totally knows what she's doing, thank you.
Honestly, my main objective with Jane was to get her to the top of her career before moving her out. I didn't really expect a baby to coincide with that, and it makes me feel a bit bad for kicking them out, but this just seems like a natural place to say a tentative goodbye. I'm sure they'll do fine on their own.
One last note: I've struggled with figuring out exactly when to bring Phoebe's World to a close. The kids are clearly taking over more and more, yet there are still moments focused on the adults that would feel awkward in a series devoted solely to the children. So I organized and reorganized the pictures before finally arriving upon a configuration that makes sense (I hope). All that is to say the next post will be the start of a new series centered on the continuing adventures of Elliot and Aisha as they come into their own, but there will also be a few more installments of Phoebe's World scattered throughout.
(Also, if you notice anyone looking slightly different, it's because I finally decided to install default replacement skins and eyes. I was holding off on going too custom content crazy until I got used to the game and figured out what I liked and didn't like, but this is the point where I started slowly easing into it more. I'm still sticking with a Maxis match style, though, so I don't think it will be too jarring.)
Candy always seems to be inviting Phoebe to hang out at the Bluffs, and Phoebe's all "sure, this is going to be a blast" while also being all "are you trying to continually guilt-trip me about Melinda's death because, if so, that's totally uncool of you!" It's a complicated situation.
Last time, Jane was peeing in a bush. This time, she's throwing up in one. Could her dignity drop any lower?
Meanwhile, Sofia is just going all out, giving no fucks, and taking a straight-up shower in the rain. Respect.
Despite the continuous downpour - seriously, it's like the eternal snow just got replaced by eternal rain; will the precipitation never end?!? - Phoebe is determined that everyone have an amazing time.
God, even Siobhan is old now! Time is really ticking right by, isn't it?
Jane: Nope, don't wait up for me! It's totally cool if you guys run ahead while the pregnant lady trails behind.
Candy: Come on in, guys, and take everything off! Last one to strip is a rotten egg!
Uncharacteristically, Phoebe is the only lady not to immediately bare it all. What, is she getting soft in her old age?
Sofia: It's all good if you don't want to join in. Somebody has to be the chicken, after all!
Phoebe: *gasps in mock horror* Oh, you did not just call me a chicken, girl!
Phoebe: Who you calling chicken now, bitches?
Oh, Aahana is feeling her nudist oats today, and Phoebe is loving it.
Geez, Luna, you just had to go and drag the mood all the way down by daring to mourn for your dead friends.
Now that that's ruined, everyone decides to head out to dinner together. Skinny-dipping really works up an appetite, you know? Naturally, the only table big enough to seat them is outside, where the rain still refuses to let up.
Candy: Don't worry, guys! They wouldn't put us out here if it wasn't totally safe!
Luna: I don't know about this, guys...
Aahana: So we get a little wet. What's the big deal?
Siobhan: Jiminy Cricket, was that lightning?!?
Jane, back from an extended bathroom break: Where are you off to in such a hurry?
Aahana: ABORT! ABORT! EVERYONE INSIDE BEFORE WE ALL GET INCINERATED!
Anyway, it kept raining, and their table was full of dirty dishes, and their waitress started acting like she was going to put a hex on them, so they got the fuck out of there before things could get even weirder.
Jane: Fuck this baby! Mama is stressed out, and she needs a drink STAT!
Aahana: Drinks are great, but you know what's even better? Food.
Look at Elliot sneaking this drink out from under Phoebe's nose while she isn't paying attention! This kid thinks he's real slick, but you know Aisha is storming right over to tattle on him. Aahana is too preoccupied by the deliciousness of her prosciutto-wrapped asparagus to notice anything amiss.
Oh, he thinks if he just slyly smuggles it into the tub with him, no one will be the wiser.
Elliot: Mom, how strange. Somebody left this empty glass in the bathroom. I'll just go ahead and give it a quick wash, since I'm such a model son and all.
Phoebe: Get back over here right this instant, young man! I know you took that from the bar!
His punishment: scrubbing down the grimy bar while his mother enjoys her drink in peace.
Aisha: We're such good girls, Mallory, yes, we are! We would never do something so naughty!
Phoebe: You missed a spot.
Elliot: Goddamn it.
The ghost of Shirley Temple is still trying to scare Mallory off, but it looks like she just got her butt kicked in return.
Could Aisha be any more of a mommy's girl, honestly?
Aisha: Mom, I'm your favorite child, right?
Aahana: Well, I certainly love you more than words can describe.
Aisha: And you'll take off work so we can spend the whole day playing together?
Aahana: Sure, anything for my baby!
Aisha: And you promise you'll never leave my side, not even for one second?
Aahana: Okay...
Aisha: What do you think you're doing, talking to him? I'm the favorite around here. You said!
Look at this buff guy starting a protest in the name of Speak for the Trees. Miko's impact lives on!
Yes, people! Educate the public on global warming! Save your planet!
(Oh, and if you notice a disproportionate number of bald townies from this point forward, it's because of those previously-mentioned custom content changes. There's a bit of an adjustment period.)
In case you were wondering what Willow's up to lately, she's still barging into the house unannounced to play with the kids' toys and watch Oscar bait Christian Bale movies on their TV. Girl, how sad must your home life be if this is your idea of fun? I almost feel bad for her.
Meanwhile, Jane is about to burst and hating every minute of it. She's extra pissed that she didn't get that promotion she was after and could've just taken a vacation day and chilled at home to the same end result.
Allie: Notice anything different?
Aisha: You got rid of your white girl dreads!
Oh, yeah, I guess it is the middle of summer. Might be a little too toasty to be wearing that scarf.
Okay, way too toasty. Aisha, get inside now! I can't afford to lose you!
Safely inside and in cooler clothes, it's time for a sibling school project face-off! Who will finish first?
Phoebe: My perfect children. So studious, so responsible. I raised you well.
I think you're forgetting they're only studious and responsible when they want to be, but I'll let you have your moment.
Elliot wins, but to be fair, he has the advantage of being several years older. But I guess it's also pretty impressive that he finished a working robot (albeit a pretty dinky one) in such record time.
Don't worry, Aisha, your castle diorama is lovely and just as deserving of praise!
Oh, boy, that look can only mean one thing... It's baby time!
Joaquin really wishes Jane hadn't shared this news with him while he was on the toilet, but babies aren't really known for coming at the most convenient time, my guy, so take a chill pill.
Jane is so annoyed with his reaction that she decides to just walk her damn self to the hospital, and Phoebe and I both know that the tone with which she announces this means Joaquin will be getting a stern talking to when she's feeling more like herself again.
She returns home with an entire baby, and Joaquin is still in the same place she left him, petrified with fear. Anyway, the baby's name is Jerome, and Jane totally knows what she's doing, thank you.
Honestly, my main objective with Jane was to get her to the top of her career before moving her out. I didn't really expect a baby to coincide with that, and it makes me feel a bit bad for kicking them out, but this just seems like a natural place to say a tentative goodbye. I'm sure they'll do fine on their own.
One last note: I've struggled with figuring out exactly when to bring Phoebe's World to a close. The kids are clearly taking over more and more, yet there are still moments focused on the adults that would feel awkward in a series devoted solely to the children. So I organized and reorganized the pictures before finally arriving upon a configuration that makes sense (I hope). All that is to say the next post will be the start of a new series centered on the continuing adventures of Elliot and Aisha as they come into their own, but there will also be a few more installments of Phoebe's World scattered throughout.