Romancing the Apocalypse Chapter 5 - Kate's Take (Kate and Corey welcome new Gen 3 arrivals, Haley grows up, and more simselves are revealed.)

Welcome back to Romancing the Apocalypse! Episode 4 ended with Kate finally beginning to accept her husband Corey as a vampire. But where did their daughter Haley fit in Kate's drive to top Adventure and her quest for some peace of mind? Let's find out what Kate's take is in all of this... You can find Pinstar's Apocalypse Challenge at http://apocalypsechallenge.boolprop.com. If you're interested in learning even more about the challenge, go to the forums at www.boolprop.com.

(03/15/2008)

The night I asked Corey for roses, we kissed for the first time since he became a vampire. It was one of the things I had been most nervous about, but he was so gentle. It wasn't long before I wanted to kiss him just like our very first kiss, and that was the moment I found out I still felt three bolts for my vampire husband.

For the first time ever, it was hard for me to keep focused on my skilling. I had never looked forward to one of our dates like I did this one.

I was settling back into the security and comfort of being with him, and it felt so good. Mom had started haunting on a nightly basis, but we decided to date outside on the lot anyway rather than go downtown where both of us had been on the wrong end of Mrs. C's disapproval.

I kept half an eye on Mom, not sure if we would get interrupted in a different way for our PDA. She watched us for a while, then wandered off. Finally I closed my eyes and forgot about everything but Corey.

I had no problem getting promoted after my first day as Hostage Negotiator.

"Just one promotion left, Corey. I can't believe I'm not getting any chance cards." "Sshhh! Don't jinx yourself." "Oops, yeah...forget I said anything."

"Hey, Dad. What's going on?"

"Just been thinking...how many days do you think before you get the elixir?"

"At least four, why?"

"That's what I thought."

"Why...oh no, it's not going to be soon enough, is it?"

"Afraid not."

"Oh, Dad! I can't bear to lose you like Mom..."

"That's why I wanted to talk to you. I could get vamped, but I wouldn't do it if you didn't want me to."

"Dad, please! I have no right to have your life in my hands like that. If it's the only way we can keep you with us, of course I'd rather have you become a vampire."

"Wow, Kate, I wasn't expecting this to be so easy. I made a promise to your mom, and this is the only way I can keep it."

"I know, and all I care about is that you get to stay with us. I'm going to talk to Corey."

"Dad and I talked earlier today. I'm not going to be able to bring back the elixir before he...oh, I can't even bring myself to say it! He told me he wants to become a vampire. Has he said anything to you?"

"No, but I'm not surprised."

"You had this in mind all along, didn't you?"

"Well, I knew it was a possibility."

"I can't bear to lose him and I know this is the only way, but I'd feel better if you answered some questions for me."

"Fire away."

"Can you tell me what it's like?"

"Hmm...well, it's different but not bad, although I do have a permanent want to be cured."

"So you don't like it?"

"I can't say that. There's really nothing wrong with it except I miss enjoying the daylight hours. Wanting to be cured has nothing to do with how being a vampire feels, it's just that my Fortune nature would rather not be one. But your Dad will like being one and won't necessarily want to be cured."

"Do you want to bite people?"

"Only you, my love, in a most definite non-vampire way." "Hehe! Corey, I'm being serious!"

"Sorry, I couldn't resist. Seriously though, I've never rolled the want to bite. But your dad might." "Will you talk to him? I'm getting better but I'm still not totally comfortable with the whole idea of vampires, and I just don't want to be surprised." "Never fear, Kate, I'll make sure he knows everything I know. Even with Knowledge sims, most of the high is becoming one in the first place." "That's a relief. Does that creepy Count have to be involved?" "No, I can do it myself.... Is that it?" "I think so." "Feel better?" "Yeah, actually I do."

"Good. Now how about that other kind of bite..."

"Are you ready?" "Definitely. You sure Kate's okay with it?" "Compared to the alternative? Yeah, she's okay with it." "Let's do it, then."

"Oh...that...feels...so...freaking *IRRK!* good!"

"Let's hear it." "BLEHH!!!" "Bleh! I think you're a natural."

"I feel incredible, Kate. Got anything you want to say?" "Oh, I have no doubt I'll get used to it. But I'm just so glad you're not leaving us." "Thanks, honey."

"C'mon Haley, you ready for some payback for your cheatin' ways at chess?" "Bring it on, Vampa." "Hehe, Vampa."

"What the...?"

"Careful! You're supposed to be stronger, not slippin' and fallin'."

"Not bad, eh?" "Ha! It's been a looong time since I've seen you Bust a Move."

"I'm Haley." "I'm Randy." "You wanna come up?" "Sure." "I'm warnin' ya, it's a little different up there."

"Randy, I'd like you to meet Haley's Vampa." "Vampa? She wasn't kidding, it is different up here."

"I hate this part." "Me too."

"Sorry you missed your promotion, Kate." "Don't be...I just need a couple more friends and a dream date for tomorrow." "So you want to go downtown tonight?" "Can you and Dad go? I'd rather stay home with Haley, I haven't been spending any time with her." "All right. I'm sure your dad would like to get an Outing Group going again."

Dad's new Outing Group had the friends he'd made at LuLu's Blues all those years ago. Andrea, Kari, and Marylena were surprised to see how much he'd changed, but they were so glad to have their phones back, they became best friends with him all over again.

"Hey, you're Corey, right?"

"Yeah, and you're...?"

"Darby...I'm one of Lorin's simself friends. Coincidentally, one of your bros, Scott, was in my Disaster Apocalypse attempt. Looks like you've had a little excitement, too...you're vamped and Scott was abducted."

"Abducted? Wow, we really do get around. How's he doing?"

"Oh, he's great. I've got tons of pictures of him and his wife and kids. That's how Lorin and I met...she really liked my pictures."

"Nice. Tell me, Darby, do you like cats?"

"I love 'em!"

"Maybe one of these days...uh-oh, looks like I better go. I'd love to talk to you some more, but the sun's almost up."

"Yeah, I understand. I'll give you a call some time."

"Sounds good!"

"Just one thing before I go, Darby...did Scott ever tickle like this?"

"All right, Kate. Friends...check. Dream date..." "Check."

Our dream date was the only preparation I needed for my second day as an International Sim of Mystery.

"Hey kittykitty, you wanna be a star for our family?"

"Come on, pretty girl, I think you almost wanna move in with us now... Hey Gramma Ei, the bed's still there, but go ahead and check anyway."

It was like Christmas with a smidge of Halloween when I returned home as a Space Pirate. I brought the Jumbok statue, the ability to use career rewards, and of course I selected the Elixir of Life. Haley's friend Randy had somehow managed to drop off this humongous fountain, and I had my roses for Corey. "That's a snazzy hat, Haley. Ooh, a kitty! How's it going?" "Fine." "I see your gramma's out tonight...maybe we should go inside." "I'm fine. She's been out for a while and hasn't scared me yet." "Then I'll wait for you, but please hurry. I'll be a popsicle without a coat before too long." "I don't need you to wait for me, besides this'll probably take a while." "You've had enough to eat?" "Yes I've had enough to eat! Will you just go? You're distracting me." "Okay, I'll go, but call me if you need me." "Sure, right." "What was that?" "Nothing."

"AHHHH!!! Gramma-a! You're ruining it for me...I almost had the kitty!"

"Aww, you gotta go? I hope you come back real soon."

Man, I wish I could remember coming here now is just a waste of time.

"Geez, Eileen! Kate and I were hoping to make another grandkid for you tonight...and you're not exactly helping the mood, if you catch my drift."

"AHHHH!!! Gramma-a! Look, Grampa told me how cool you were before you became a...um, you know, a ghost? But this is so not cool...AHHHH!!! I'm outta here."

"Dad! Don't go down there...Gramma just freaked me out big time." "She just freaked me out upstairs, too. Maybe we should just hang here for a while." "Oookay...so what did you do today?" "Very funny. But your mom made this a very exciting day for all of us." "Yeah, it was real exciting for me...she actually spoke to me." "I know she hasn't had a chance to spend much time with you..." "Much time? That's funny, Dad...how 'bout no time." "Things aren't always as they should be in the Apocalypse, Haley. Getting to the top of your job is one of the things you pretty much have to do. And don't forget, she lost the mom she knew when she was very young herself." "And mine I hardly know at all except that she's good at her job." "I think in the next few of days you'll see a whole new side of her." "Whatever." "Haley, don't..." "*Yawn* I'm gonna see if the coast is clear, then I'm goin' to bed, all right? Love you, Dad." "Love you too, sweetheart."

Thankfully Mom didn't scare me that night, but it took a lot of back rubs to get Corey to relax. "How do you like my bite, Corey?" "Ooooh...ow! Upstairs now, Kate!"

"Be sure to thank the powers that be at your job for me...that is one hot little number you're wearing." "But after tonight, I probably won't be going back to work." "I've decided...you can only quit your job if they let you keep the dress." "Corey..." "You do get to keep it, right?" "Yes, yes, I get to keep it! Now will you shut up? I want a baby!" "I guess you'll just have to shut me up..."

"Happy now?" "Happy now."

The days passed so fast in the Apocalypse, and I was six days from elderfying when I brought back the elixir. It came too late for the two men in my life, but it would be there for the rest of us. A vat-and-a-half later, and I was ready to live another lifetime with Corey.

"Hi, Haley." "Mom." "I thought we could start to get to know each other again. Maybe go on an outing?"

"An outing? Real convenient, Mom! Now that you're home all day and Dad and Vampa are sleeping, you wanna spend time with me on an outing. I can see how tired and hungry you get...you just wanna use me to keep your needs up." "I'm so sorry, Haley. I didn't mean it like that, honest." "How did you mean it then?" "Well, outings will help us get to know each other better...you know, find out which things we like to do best, our favorite things to talk about..." "Don't forget the motive boosts." "No, I didn't forget."

"What do you think I did all day when Dad and Vampa were sleeping and you were working? There wasn't anyone around then to keep my needs up. And what about the evenings? After you and Dad made up, you were always hugging on him and joking and tickling. You never did any of that with me. Tell you what, as soon as you have the baby, go back to work. Then you can use me to babysit, too." "Haley, you're breaking my heart. I'm so sorry you feel this way. I would rather die than have you think I'd use you like that." "You're so dramatic, Mother."

"Can I tell you a little of what was going on in my mind while you were growing up after your dad became a vampire?" "What's the big deal about Dad being a vampire anyway?" "I know I'm weird that way. I know most sims don't seem to react at all around vampires. My best friend Nemo swears by them in his Apocalypse. But they used to make me really nervous. And the night your dad came home as one, I kind of had a breakdown." "You did?" "Yeah, I did."

"You see, the world that I knew crashed around me the night your dad became a vampire. He was the person who was always there for me, the person I could always count on, and he had always been so generous and kind and honest and fun and sweet to me and my parents. One night your dad and I went downtown, and I got very scared when the Count kept staring at me. I told your dad how creeped out I felt, and he had promised me he wasn't interested in them. The night he became a vampire, I felt everything I had believed in was an illusion, and I lost faith in him and myself, in my judgment. I was being pulled down by self-doubt and hurt and fear... I had to find something that would help me take my mind off the unbearable sense of insecurity and betrayal I felt. And that thing turned out to be a goal to reach the top of Adventure. It was something that took all of my time and energy, which was just what I needed to avoid thinking about your dad and what he had done to me."

"That's pretty heavy." "I wasn't in my right mind then, Haley. Turns out it worked great for my career, but I was having nightmares, snapping at my best friend, being ridiculous about avoiding your dad, and worst of all, ignoring you. *sniff*" "You're not gonna cry are ya? It's okay." "*sniff* No it isn't. You're the one who paid most dearly. I didn't bother giving you the time of day, and you must have been thinking that you weren't important to me, that I didn't love you. And I am so, so sorry for that." "Mom, I mean it, it's...well, at least it's a little more okay than it was before...but I think this is all the mush I can stand for one day." "Just a little more mush...I do love you, Haley, and I'm sorry I missed out on so much of your..." "Mo-om!" "Okay, no more mush. I'm going to go grill some hot dogs if you want one."

"Maybe later."

After our little talk, Haley hung around on our outings, but she preferred the mirror again to her old mom.

"I broke the ice a little with Haley." "How did it go?" "It was heartbreaking at first...beneath the flip and tough was so much hurt, hurt that I had caused." "How did you do it then?" "She's tough, Corey, but she's not too stubborn to listen, unlike someone I know." "Well, that's in the past, right?" "Right. I'm so excited to see what our next one will be like." "Don't take this as a slight against you because I know you and I were a totally different situation. Haley may be tough, but she's a family girl through and through, and believe me, I found that out first hand when she accepted me without one bit of fear or hesitation. The only thing that mattered to her was that I was her daddy. And did you notice she was the exact same way with your dad? Just unconditional love and acceptance for her Vampa. I can't wait to see her with the baby." "Corey, I love you so much and..." "Yes, yes, there's more?" My eyes filled with tears as Dad's word 'godsend' came to me. "I am so glad you're in our corner."

"Nemo! I had the most awful nightmare about you..." ... "No, you didn't go bankrupt. You were one of your vampires, and you scared the you-know-what out of me." ... "No, no, don't be sorry, you actually helped me face my fears. And you were right about talking to Corey. We're better than ever now, and we're having another baby!" ... "Thanks, we're happy about it, too. Where have you been lately, anyway?" ... "Subplots? It's that serious? Oh Nemo, don't let them get you down. I'm sure if you have anything to do with them, they're wonderful." ... "Okay, I'll let you go. Call me if you need anything...hope I see you soon."

"Hello-o-o dream baby. She's got your Dad's eyes, Kate." "I know, aren't they beautiful?" "I love them. We should name her Ciel." "Ciel?" "Yes. Because now I can look at the sky again as long as I want."

Haley all but lost interest in the mirror after her baby sister was born.

When Haley wasn't holding and playing with her, Corey was.

Corey was absolutely right about Haley with the baby. Ciel brought out a tenderness in her none of us had ever seen before.

"I'm ready for another baby, Corey. What do you think?"

"It's awfully soon...I think I'd feel guilty about it. You and Haley get stuck with all the work during the day, and it won't be long before she'll be out working, then you'll have to do it all on your own. Two little ones at once would be way too difficult."

"Oh really."

"You asked. I'm just telling you it's how I feel, Kate."

"And I feel like I really want to woo-hoo, but if you don't think I can handle it..."

"I'm only thinking of you."

"I know what I'm doing. Now I just need to convince you."

"Convince me? Sounds like fun, I'd like to hear you try."

"Sounds like too much talking to me. Or maybe not. Maybe..."

"Like this..."

"You bewitched me the other night, Kate." "I did?" "Yeah you did, and now I'm feeling guilty about the extra work you'll be taking on. I've been coasting, getting into the coffin before I really need to. I can stay out longer during the day to help you." "I'm sure I'll be fine. Besides, I'd feel bad making you come out." "That's the whole point, you don't need to feel bad. Promise you'll come get me if you need me?" "Okay, I promise."

"You're such a big girl, Ciel! Your stinky big sis loves you!" "Tinky!"

With the Jumbok statue around, our motives stayed high while we slept, giving us a break from constant outings.

Haley's birthday finally arrived. I could only hope hers wouldn't be a repeat of my disasterous one. "Dad, you and I hugging looks real funky in the mirror. Lorin thinks I look like Baby practicing in 'Dirty Dancing', whatever that means."

Thank goodness Haley grew up well. I asked her how she did it, and this was how...

"Vampires? No! Your dad and grampa both?" "Vampa, and yeah, they're both pretty cool. If you stay for a while, you'll get to see 'em later." "They won't bite me will they? My mom would kill me." " 'Course not, silly. So you wanna stay?" "Nothin' like this has ever happened to me before. Oh yeah, I wanna stay."

"Sierra. That's a pretty name." "I like Haley, too." "That's a nice school uniform. Sometimes I wish I could go to school." "You're so lucky. Sometimes I wish I didn't have to go to school. And I like your outfit better." "Yeah, it's a real good one, 'specially since I didn't get to pick it out. It took me hours to pick out the hat though." "Your hat's the best."

"Sierra. I like you so much better than that silly old Randy." "You do?" "Oh yeah. Do you wanna...?"

And on the day before her birthday, Haley made herself platinum.

"It's not fair. I'll never get into school and Sierra will never get out." "Haley?"

"Mom! You surprised me." "Speaking of surprises...I'm not quite sure about that dress. I mean, you do have the bod for it, and compared to the one I grew up in it's a dream, but...maybe if there was just a little more of it in the front?"

"So you think it's a little too risque?" "Just a little." "Thanks, Mom, you just convinced me...I like it."

"You look beautiful, honey. Very grown up." "Thanks, Vampa."

"You look um, well, I guess I'm just speechless." "Da-ad!" "Don't worry, I'll get used to it. You be sure to let me know if anyone gives you any trouble." "Oh please! I can take care of myself." "I'm just saying." "I'll be fine, Dad."

"Aw you came back...I love you too, Kobe girl."

"Come on, Show Biz...shoot, Service again."

"Athletics? Durn, I know it's a good one, but we really need Science. Oh well, at least it'll get me outta the house."

"Owwwww, the babyyyy! Corey, I need youuuu..." "Owww, the sun!" "Mine hurts more. You made me promise, so get over here already! OWWWWWW!!!!!" "Mom, don't talk to Dad like that! If it's so bad, just adopt next time." "Believe...me wish I...could right...now...OWWWW!!!"

And that's how baby Jake arrived...the first boy born into our family, and he had his dad's green eyes (which you can't see here because Lorin slacked off on taking his baby pictures).

*fffssssssssst*

Even kitties like Kobe went on the defensive when Pinstar showed up.

"We're honored to have you visit our humble little Apocalypse abode, oh Challenging One. Uh, why are you here?"

"Sometimes I like to stop by and see how you sims are coping with all the restrictions." "Aww, that's so thoughtful of you!"

"Actually, Pinstar, we're doing pretty well, thanks mainly to Show Business. Who would've thunk, huh? I grew up into the most horrid H&M sack and ridiculous Converse sneakers that came with it, and I've been itching to go shopping for a decent outfit and some shoes. But we're taking the most conservative view and not going clothes shopping before we top Business. What do you think?"

"You're holding off on the shoe shopping for now? I haven't made an official ruling about clothes shopping other than in Show Biz and Military. Still, you're opting to keep things ugly for a while longer, huh?...I like it!" "Thank you so much!"

"I've noticed you guys are sometimes slack in paying your protection money on Monday."

"You got us there...sometimes we lose track of time, what with outings keeping us so busy. Sometimes we pay a day or two late, especially since we don't use the fridge too much so we don't have that to remind us..."

"Criminal has little enough bite left as it is without you blowing it off. I'm going to have to insist that you make your payments on time." "Okay okay!"

"What we're really excited about is taking a vacation someday."

"Ahhh, a vacation, yes...I'm about ready for one myself..." "Would you like to come upstairs and see the inside?" "Sure, why not?"

"I'm still having a hard time figuring out how to make the Criminal restriction have more of a financial bite while avoiding complicated formulas." "Yes, please avoid complicated formulas...I don't know much math, thanks to you."

"I'm really glad there aren't rats around here, or I'm sure some of us would have the plague by now." "You think I would do that to you?" "Hello, no bug spray for cockroaches? Yes, I do." "You're probably right."

"Oooh, it's getting a little ripe in here, isn't it, Pinstar?" "*cough* *gag* Why no, what makes you say that?"

Time to have some fun...

"The more stinkier the merrier, that's what we say." Lorin here. I just noticed that Haley, exhausted and stinky from work, autonomously took care of both Ciel and Jake at Pinstar's little soire. One nice point, hah!

"It'd smell a lot better in here if you weren't dragging the outing score down."

"How rude! Now it's even lower."

"Ooh, Corey baby, all this stink really turns me on...more more more!"

"I just remembered...I really do have a plane to catch..."

"Aww, leaving so soon? We're not even friends yet...was it something we said?" "I think I'll just check in over the phone from now on." "Come back anytime..."

Would you believe it? Kobe was a genius just like Sake. It only took Haley three days to find her a job in Show Biz, and she got promoted on her first day with a chance card. I was about to get another surprise visitor, at least part of him was a surprise...

"I'm so excited you finally showed up without the helmet, Nemo, but what made you do it?" "I felt pretty bad about your nightmare, and I thought the big mystery of what I looked like wasn't helping, so why not? But I gotta warn ya, Kate, I'm kinda self conscious without it, so don't be surprised if you still see me around with it." "I like how you look either way, helmet or no helmet. *Yawn* You know, taking care of a baby and a toddler with only one crib is exhausting. Haley's at work and your wonderful vampires are dead to the world right now. Would you mind if I took a little nap?" "Sure, I'll get going..." "Wait! There's someone I want you to meet first."

"Aw man, no wonder I can't finish my story...it's not just the subplots, it's all these freaking nice points. Could I just say no? Of course not. *grmbl* " burp "Good one, Jake."

"Whew! Haley, right? I can't believe you're grown up already, I hardly recognize you."

"Who are...? Wait, you're Mom's friend."

"Nemo."

"Yeah, Nemo. I hardly recognize you either. What happened to the helmet?"

"It's a long story, but you probably haven't seen the last of it."

"How'd you get stuck babysitting?"

"Your mom got tired and decided to take a little nap, and before I knew it I was holding your little brother and, well, here I am, still holding your little brother."

"Aw, you really are very nice."

"Tell me about it."

"Hi, Jakey! You want me to take him?" "I thought you'd never ask." "Thanks for taking care of him. There's something upstairs you might like if you wanna go take a look."

*kaching kaching kaching* "Hmmm, I babysit for free, but get paid to play pinball. Absurdities everywhere..."

"I might as well carry on the tradition, Nemo." "So your mom and dad are at it again, huh?" "Oh yeah, but they're done having kids for a while, at least until we can start moving people out."

"I probably better get back home to Sake. My subplots aren't writing themselves, you know." "Mom's sure right about one thing, Nemo...you are fun to hang out with." "You too, Haley. See ya, Kate." "See ya, Nemo. Better pass on the hug...I wouldn't dream of letting you near me tonight without your helmet."

On that same night, without any of us knowing, poor Ciel grew up alone and very, very stinky. "Heyyyyy! Where is everyone? Oooh, don't even think of asking me on an outing, cuz I DON'T WANNA!"

"Sorry, sky girl. I promise we'll make it up to you."

And later that night, Haley (surprise!) was there to help Jake have a little more fun on his birthday. We're running out of room, so we'll end this chapter right here...

Wait a minute, wait a minute... Maxi! Hey, stop! What are you...oh no, no, no.

"Maxi." "Lorin." "I just saw something very disturbing on my Apoca-lot." "What'd you see?"

"I hate to bring it up because I just didn't think you were capable of something like this, but...you're the one who's been kicking Eileen's tombstone, aren't you?"

"Lighten up, Lor, it was just a little harmless fun."

"But why would you do that? When I asked you to come out and play a few weeks ago, I meant walk by the lot and be friendly like Nemo, or show up at a community lot like Darby or Kathi. Do you know the other two Nemos from Kate's dream have come by and made friends with her?"

"Oh sure, let's all give Nemo a pat on the back. It's easy for him when he has all those nice points." "You're the one who wanted your simself to be mean. But that's nothing like how you've been to me on Sims2 and Boolprop for going on a year now." "You made my simself personality the way I wanted, so I guess you're stuck with it." "Well, kicking tombstones is going too far, Maxi. I wanted my simself friends to add a little fun to my story, not prank my family in sick ways. Couldn't you just go downtown or something?"

"Yeah, Maxi, you should go downtown some time instead. I'm already best friends with Corey."

"Et tu, Darby?"

"....."

"Darby?"

"....."

*snap snap* "DARBY!!"

"Huh, wha? Where was I?...Oh yeah, it was fun! And I think Corey's going to give me a cat one of these days."

"I like cats, too."

"There's only one way to get a cat around here, Maxi, and kicking tombstones ain't it."

"See ya, Maxi...I hope next time will be under better circumstances." Will my talk with Maxi do any good? We'll just have to wait and see. See you all in Chapter 6, and thanks for reading!