Family Frenemies XIII
Previously: After tending to their menagerie of sick cats, Aisha and Shawn tied the knot in a small ceremony at the Brindleton Bay pier. Afterward, Aisha had a close call with a pregnancy test before getting drunk and losing her clothes for the rest of the night.
Elliot and Madeline take advantage of a rare day when they're both off work to do some private canoodling at the Bluffs.
I don't really have a great caption for this. I just like watching Sims do dives. (Also, ignore Madeline's butt crack. I hate that all of the default bikini options are so skimpy. Where is the class, TS4?!?)
More diving fun. Okay, this is pretty tame canoodling, but Elliot and Madeline are more mature now. They've left the teenage versions of themselves who enjoyed getting all handsy inside of a shrub firmly in the past where they belong.
They're much happier these days simply to be beside one another and enjoy the beautiful scenery together.
Meanwhile, Nadia is also enjoying some swimming on the weekend before she has to return to the drudgery of schoolwork. Here she is showing off for her friends.
Aww, they're having so much fun! I guess the girl I've decided to name Chandra isn't such a bad influence after all.
Tayler, what's wrong? I know Nadia and Chandra are becoming BFFs, but there's plenty of room for one more!
Nadia: Come and hang out in the pool with us, damn it! We're trying to have fun, and you're ruining it!
Tayler: Please don't swear at me! I just can't handle the pressure! I thought you were only inviting me!
Maybe she's just very, very shy? I don't really know how to explain this sudden meltdown otherwise.
Ugh, here comes Mom, spoiling all the fun as usual!
Nadia: CURFEW SCHMERFEW! I'll stay out as late as I want, and there's nothing she can do about it!
Chandra: Preach it, sister! Parents and their boring curfews can suck it!
Okay, maybe Chandra really is the troublemaker I thought she was all along.
Madeline: You know, I didn't think you'd be late to your own birthday party of all things, considering how badly you seem to want to become an adult!
Nadia: My wish is to be out of my parents' control forever! *furiously blows out candles*
Okay, this look is definitely already reading rebellious teen to me, but we're just going to make a few tweaks because she's reminding me way too much of Phoebe.
The first thing Nadia decided to do upon becoming a teenager is dye her hair platinum blond, which I'm sure her mother just loves. Now, what other trouble can she get up to?
Throwing water balloons at her unsuspecting father? Sounds good!
Nadia: Let's see you try and get me now, loser! Too bad you can't cheat at this game like you have to cheat at chess!
Wow, either Elliot's much crueler than I thought or his aim is just really, really bad because he goes straight for the head.
Nadia: Oh, you are going to pay for that one, Dad. You know I just dyed my hair!
Elliot: Come on, kid, you've got to admit it was pretty funny!
Nadia: Take a look at this, Tay! I'm practically a full-fledged adult now!
Tayler: Wow, I can't wait to grow up and be exactly like you...
I think Nadia's been focusing on her scientific endeavors for so long that her chess skills have gotten rusty. She doesn't seem at all aware that Tayler's switching all the pieces around like nobody's business!
Nadia: Oh god, I really just let a little kid beat me at my own game, didn't I?
When Nadia tries to confront her about cheating, Tayler bursts into tears because that seems to be her thing, which actually works to her benefit this time.
Townie: I can't believe you made this poor innocent child cry! You should be ashamed of yourself!
Tayler has to go home early, since she's a much more obedient child than Nadia ever was, so Nadia spends the rest of the afternoon sketching out ideas for her next big science project. That is, when adult men who should definitely know better aren't trying to creepily strike up a conversation with her.
Nadia: Even if I were your own age, I would still be way too good for you, buddy.
Of course, she also can't pass up on the opportunity provided by the early evening lighting to take the perfect selfie for her new Simstagram profile.
Later that night, Aisha invites Nadia out to a "crazy" party at the Chalet Gardens. So far, she seems to be the only person in attendance, but let's hope it picks up slightly.
Aisha: Oh, hey, Mom! I should've known I'd run into you here!
Since she was so young when Phoebe died and Aahana died before she was even born, Nadia doesn't have any of her own memories of them. It looks like she's a little uncertain about meeting them for the first time as ghosts.
Nadia: Wait... Did you say you guys are my grandparents?!? I'm so confused right now!
She shakes it off in no time and is soon out on the dance floor showing off some moves that must certainly be making them proud.
Aww, it's so great to see (most of) the family back together again! It truly brings a tear to my eye.
Naturally, the best way to commemorate the night forever is with another selfie!
Elliot: It is so far past curfew right now it's not even funny. Your mother is going to kill you!
Nadia: Hey, what Mom doesn't know won't hurt her. Let's say we keep this to ourselves, eh, Dad?
Elliot is such a pushover that all Nadia has to do is sneak past her mom napping on the sofa and she's in the clear!
Madeline: You really thought you were going to get away with it, didn't you? Straight to bed, young lady! We'll talk in the morning. As for you, husband dearest, we'll talk right now.
Elliot: *nervous laugh* Sure thing, honey! Whatever you think is best!
Aisha: Jesus, when did you guys become such squares?!?
Nadia: I know, tell me about it.
In other news, Elliot finally painted his first masterpiece! It's actually pretty good. I'm impressed.
And with that, another promotion rolls in!
Madeline's no slouch when it comes to bringing home the bacon either. In fact, she's actually making more!
Also, look at this totally bad-ass outfit she wears to work now. I have never seen a look that so clearly screams art critic. Such bold pattern mixing could easily become a nightmare, but Madeline pulls it off and she knows it.
Elliot is very into this new and improved version of Madeline.
He must have been so busy staring at her that he didn't hear her when she clearly told him to keep an eye on Nadia to make sure she stays out of trouble all day. Instead, he's just going to take a leisurely nap in this bush.
I don't know how that's possibly comfortable, but whatever floats your boat, dude.
Meanwhile, Nadia is busy getting into an argument with this complete stranger about his inexplicable fashion choices.
Nadia: A floppy fishing cap and yellow running shorts?!? Both are totally acceptable pieces on their own, but you can only choose one! The purpose of the statement piece is entirely defeated when your entire outfit is a statement piece!
Nadia: Take my look, for example. The cactus-patterned top paired with a solid-colored bottom is a perfect compromise between quirky and classic! What are you not getting?
Nadia: OH GOD! THE BAD FASHION IS JUST TOO MUCH TO BEAR! I AM LITERALLY BREAKING OUT IN HIVES RIGHT NOW!
Elliot: Oh, there you are, honey. I just had the weirdest dream in that bush. What have you been up to?
Nadia: Nothing much, except this guy's hideous outfit gave me a skin condition, and now I have no choice but to cancel my post-curfew plans!
Madeline: There you go, sweetie. That'll have your rash cleared up in no time!
Nadia: HOLY FUCK, MOM! WHAT DID YOU PUT IN HERE?!?
Madeline: Oh, just a few herbs and spices I had lying around. But, look, it burned the irritation right out of your skin!
Nadia: Sure, at the cost of MY ESOPHAGUS!
Phoebe invited Elliot to GeekCon again. He's really trying to get into the spirit of it all, but he's as confused by her sudden interest in rocket science as I am.
Phoebe: No offense, son, but you clearly have no idea what you're doing. Where's that daughter of yours? Doesn't she like science?
Nadia: Hmm, an unmanned spaceship just here for the taking. Well, well, well, don't mind if I do...
Listen, I'm not saying Nadia is a genius, but she's a teenage girl who just successfully navigated a rocket through space and casually ended an intergalactic war in the process. Let's see you do that.
Nadia: THANK YOU! THANK YOU! I'll be signing autographs at Seating Area B for the rest of the afternoon!
Unsurprisingly, the general public did not seem to care much about Nadia's valiant return from space. It looks like she might have picked up one adoring fan, though.
Nadia: Hey, you're really pretty! What do you say we find someplace to talk that's not in plain sight of a drunk shirtless man doing bad karaoke?
Her name is Erika, and look at that sly backwards glance! Could this be Nadia's first taste of love?!?
Oh my god, I think they're flirting! And it's so cute! I can hardly stand it!
Wait, now I'm just confused. Have they decided they're not actually into each other? Is staring into their phones instead of at each other just how courtship works these days? I can't keep up with all these advances in Sim dating rituals!
Well, it's a bit of an abrupt ending, but that was officially the final installment of Family Frenemies. Don't worry, we're not saying goodbye to these particular Sims any time soon. I just reached a point in my gameplay where things started to feel predictable and routine, so I decided to shake up my focus for a bit. If you can't wait until the next post to see what I mean, my new header image might just give you a pretty big hint about where we're headed!
Elliot and Madeline take advantage of a rare day when they're both off work to do some private canoodling at the Bluffs.
I don't really have a great caption for this. I just like watching Sims do dives. (Also, ignore Madeline's butt crack. I hate that all of the default bikini options are so skimpy. Where is the class, TS4?!?)
More diving fun. Okay, this is pretty tame canoodling, but Elliot and Madeline are more mature now. They've left the teenage versions of themselves who enjoyed getting all handsy inside of a shrub firmly in the past where they belong.
They're much happier these days simply to be beside one another and enjoy the beautiful scenery together.
Meanwhile, Nadia is also enjoying some swimming on the weekend before she has to return to the drudgery of schoolwork. Here she is showing off for her friends.
Aww, they're having so much fun! I guess the girl I've decided to name Chandra isn't such a bad influence after all.
Tayler, what's wrong? I know Nadia and Chandra are becoming BFFs, but there's plenty of room for one more!
Nadia: Come and hang out in the pool with us, damn it! We're trying to have fun, and you're ruining it!
Tayler: Please don't swear at me! I just can't handle the pressure! I thought you were only inviting me!
Maybe she's just very, very shy? I don't really know how to explain this sudden meltdown otherwise.
Ugh, here comes Mom, spoiling all the fun as usual!
Nadia: CURFEW SCHMERFEW! I'll stay out as late as I want, and there's nothing she can do about it!
Chandra: Preach it, sister! Parents and their boring curfews can suck it!
Okay, maybe Chandra really is the troublemaker I thought she was all along.
Madeline: You know, I didn't think you'd be late to your own birthday party of all things, considering how badly you seem to want to become an adult!
Nadia: My wish is to be out of my parents' control forever! *furiously blows out candles*
Okay, this look is definitely already reading rebellious teen to me, but we're just going to make a few tweaks because she's reminding me way too much of Phoebe.
The first thing Nadia decided to do upon becoming a teenager is dye her hair platinum blond, which I'm sure her mother just loves. Now, what other trouble can she get up to?
Throwing water balloons at her unsuspecting father? Sounds good!
Nadia: Let's see you try and get me now, loser! Too bad you can't cheat at this game like you have to cheat at chess!
Wow, either Elliot's much crueler than I thought or his aim is just really, really bad because he goes straight for the head.
Nadia: Oh, you are going to pay for that one, Dad. You know I just dyed my hair!
Elliot: Come on, kid, you've got to admit it was pretty funny!
Nadia: Take a look at this, Tay! I'm practically a full-fledged adult now!
Tayler: Wow, I can't wait to grow up and be exactly like you...
I think Nadia's been focusing on her scientific endeavors for so long that her chess skills have gotten rusty. She doesn't seem at all aware that Tayler's switching all the pieces around like nobody's business!
Nadia: Oh god, I really just let a little kid beat me at my own game, didn't I?
When Nadia tries to confront her about cheating, Tayler bursts into tears because that seems to be her thing, which actually works to her benefit this time.
Townie: I can't believe you made this poor innocent child cry! You should be ashamed of yourself!
Tayler has to go home early, since she's a much more obedient child than Nadia ever was, so Nadia spends the rest of the afternoon sketching out ideas for her next big science project. That is, when adult men who should definitely know better aren't trying to creepily strike up a conversation with her.
Nadia: Even if I were your own age, I would still be way too good for you, buddy.
Of course, she also can't pass up on the opportunity provided by the early evening lighting to take the perfect selfie for her new Simstagram profile.
Later that night, Aisha invites Nadia out to a "crazy" party at the Chalet Gardens. So far, she seems to be the only person in attendance, but let's hope it picks up slightly.
Aisha: Oh, hey, Mom! I should've known I'd run into you here!
Since she was so young when Phoebe died and Aahana died before she was even born, Nadia doesn't have any of her own memories of them. It looks like she's a little uncertain about meeting them for the first time as ghosts.
Nadia: Wait... Did you say you guys are my grandparents?!? I'm so confused right now!
She shakes it off in no time and is soon out on the dance floor showing off some moves that must certainly be making them proud.
Aww, it's so great to see (most of) the family back together again! It truly brings a tear to my eye.
Naturally, the best way to commemorate the night forever is with another selfie!
Elliot: It is so far past curfew right now it's not even funny. Your mother is going to kill you!
Nadia: Hey, what Mom doesn't know won't hurt her. Let's say we keep this to ourselves, eh, Dad?
Elliot is such a pushover that all Nadia has to do is sneak past her mom napping on the sofa and she's in the clear!
Madeline: You really thought you were going to get away with it, didn't you? Straight to bed, young lady! We'll talk in the morning. As for you, husband dearest, we'll talk right now.
Elliot: *nervous laugh* Sure thing, honey! Whatever you think is best!
Aisha: Jesus, when did you guys become such squares?!?
Nadia: I know, tell me about it.
In other news, Elliot finally painted his first masterpiece! It's actually pretty good. I'm impressed.
And with that, another promotion rolls in!
Madeline's no slouch when it comes to bringing home the bacon either. In fact, she's actually making more!
Also, look at this totally bad-ass outfit she wears to work now. I have never seen a look that so clearly screams art critic. Such bold pattern mixing could easily become a nightmare, but Madeline pulls it off and she knows it.
Elliot is very into this new and improved version of Madeline.
He must have been so busy staring at her that he didn't hear her when she clearly told him to keep an eye on Nadia to make sure she stays out of trouble all day. Instead, he's just going to take a leisurely nap in this bush.
I don't know how that's possibly comfortable, but whatever floats your boat, dude.
Meanwhile, Nadia is busy getting into an argument with this complete stranger about his inexplicable fashion choices.
Nadia: A floppy fishing cap and yellow running shorts?!? Both are totally acceptable pieces on their own, but you can only choose one! The purpose of the statement piece is entirely defeated when your entire outfit is a statement piece!
Nadia: Take my look, for example. The cactus-patterned top paired with a solid-colored bottom is a perfect compromise between quirky and classic! What are you not getting?
Nadia: OH GOD! THE BAD FASHION IS JUST TOO MUCH TO BEAR! I AM LITERALLY BREAKING OUT IN HIVES RIGHT NOW!
Elliot: Oh, there you are, honey. I just had the weirdest dream in that bush. What have you been up to?
Nadia: Nothing much, except this guy's hideous outfit gave me a skin condition, and now I have no choice but to cancel my post-curfew plans!
Madeline: There you go, sweetie. That'll have your rash cleared up in no time!
Nadia: HOLY FUCK, MOM! WHAT DID YOU PUT IN HERE?!?
Madeline: Oh, just a few herbs and spices I had lying around. But, look, it burned the irritation right out of your skin!
Nadia: Sure, at the cost of MY ESOPHAGUS!
Phoebe invited Elliot to GeekCon again. He's really trying to get into the spirit of it all, but he's as confused by her sudden interest in rocket science as I am.
Phoebe: No offense, son, but you clearly have no idea what you're doing. Where's that daughter of yours? Doesn't she like science?
Nadia: Hmm, an unmanned spaceship just here for the taking. Well, well, well, don't mind if I do...
Listen, I'm not saying Nadia is a genius, but she's a teenage girl who just successfully navigated a rocket through space and casually ended an intergalactic war in the process. Let's see you do that.
Nadia: THANK YOU! THANK YOU! I'll be signing autographs at Seating Area B for the rest of the afternoon!
Unsurprisingly, the general public did not seem to care much about Nadia's valiant return from space. It looks like she might have picked up one adoring fan, though.
Nadia: Hey, you're really pretty! What do you say we find someplace to talk that's not in plain sight of a drunk shirtless man doing bad karaoke?
Her name is Erika, and look at that sly backwards glance! Could this be Nadia's first taste of love?!?
Oh my god, I think they're flirting! And it's so cute! I can hardly stand it!
Wait, now I'm just confused. Have they decided they're not actually into each other? Is staring into their phones instead of at each other just how courtship works these days? I can't keep up with all these advances in Sim dating rituals!
Well, it's a bit of an abrupt ending, but that was officially the final installment of Family Frenemies. Don't worry, we're not saying goodbye to these particular Sims any time soon. I just reached a point in my gameplay where things started to feel predictable and routine, so I decided to shake up my focus for a bit. If you can't wait until the next post to see what I mean, my new header image might just give you a pretty big hint about where we're headed!