#Midnight Sun Challenge Generation 2 Chapter 1 Jin's Story Begins

Dear Journal?

Today was my birthday.  I turned five years old.  My parents gave me a laptop with a writing program installed, and told me to try writing.  My mom suggested I try a diary, but diary just sounds so girly, so I think I will call this a journal.  Maybe not.

My story should begin by saying something like "It all started with colourful sparkles and flashes of bright lights", but it won't.  

You see, I remember everything from before my birthday transition. My parents say it's just imaginary thoughts and there is no possible way I can remember.  But I do. 


Our trip to Paris was fairly uneventful really.  Mom worked a lot, so my dad and I did a lot of exploring around the land.  He found many things he needed for making art he was really excited about. Mom was always home at night, even if it was just in time to kiss me goodnight.  I always looked forward to seeing her at the end of the day.  It took me a while to accept that she wasn't going to leave me again.  Everyday before she left, she said "I will be back" and it became our routine.  I never fell asleep, till she was back in the house again.

My parents made a lot of friends while they were there.  I heard them once say "contacts", but I'm not sure what that means.  It must be a good thing, because they were really happy about it.  None of those friends had kids to play with, so basically it was just me and my dad.

Today my parents told me about life on the boat.  First thing I learned, was that I wouldn't be going to school and that my parents would be teaching me everything I needed to know.  I'm hoping that doesn't mean things like numbers, because I have seen my parents sitting at the table together going over papers with numbers, and it doesn't look fun at all!

The computer wasn't my only birthday gift.  My parents gave me Sophie!  I wasn't sure about her at first, because I've never really seen a dog before, just in picture books my dad read me.  

She was sure glad to see me though.  



I heard my parents whispering about now I would have a friend here.  I guess that was the point, but I don't care!  I love her already!


















Later that day, mom heard this noise at the door and found a cat standing on the deck.  It looked really cold and hungry so she brought it in.  Something I didn't know about my mom; she really really loves cats!  







She named her Aria. She was very weak but friendly, which meant she had been someone's cat at sometime, my parents said.  She had no collar or tags. Mom said her name meant lioness, which was the closest she could get for a Chinese name. 


She was in definite need of a bath, but a brushing was all I could do. 

Apparently cats don't like baths and this cat was really smart; for as soon as she heard the word bath, she ran and hid under the kitchen table.  So I coaxed her out with a piece of fish and cleaned her up best as I could. I'm glad we found her.  Some mean person in a boat must have dropped her off on our little island!  What kind of person would do such a thing?


Mom was so excited, that she immediately went online and ordered all kinds of cat items. This was going to be one spoiled cat!  Of course they all had to be specialty ordered in mom's signature colour purple! 

She really wanted this really big cat jungle, but dad reminded her that we really didn't have room for one.  Knowing mom, she will figure out a way.

They went upstairs to check and brought me with them to show me the playground equipment on the third floor.  That was cool!  My own personal park.  Of course the teeter totter really was kind of a waste with no one to ride it with me.






Actually I am kind of surprised that I am an only child.  I mean, I don't really know where babies come from, but mom and dad told me that when two people love each other as much as they do, babies sometimes come.  So that leaves me wondering then.  Mom and dad can't seem to stop kissing and hugging one another all day long.  

They do more hugging and kissing than they do anything else! 

ALL DAY LONG!!  

Get the picture?  Blech, yuck!  




He looks at her in all kinds 
of funny ways too!  

It's weird, and I can't figure out what is so interesting about the way mom looks.


So where are the babies? Maybe they are still trying or waiting. Or maybe they really don't know where babies come from either.   I dunno.  I really hope my parents don't read this.  How embarrassing would that be!

Oh, by the way....

this is me!  Jin Charles Bell and this is my story.


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CC Used In This Chapter

Contemporary Carpet 12  by PralineSims
(In Foyer)
http://www.thesimsresource.com/downloads/details/category/sims3-sets-objects-decorative/title/contemporary-carpets-12/id/1214756

PS Modern Flokati by PralineSims
(under kitchen table)
http://www.thesimsresource.com/downloads/details/category/sims3-objects-furnishing-decor-rugs/title/ps-modern-flokati/id/1111701


Wisteria Pattern by Marcorse
(In master bedroom on bed and walls)
http://www.thesimsresource.com/downloads/details/category/sims3-materials-fabrics/title/wisteria-pattern/id/1150723

Jin's Hair 


Ian's Hair 


Pose Packs Used In This Chapter

Beedge Couple Poses by Chibikinesis
http://modthesims.info/download.php?t=546584

Bring To The Window  (Royalty poses)

http://simsfans.forumfree.it/?t=69233595#entry560889663

http://urbanhypesims.tumblr.com/post/51888300567

Midnight Sun Challenge Chapter 1.44 To A Bright New Future

** To the readers and my friends.  Most of the pictures for the chapter were sadly lost.  I did my best to recreate what I could. Enjoy!

Chapter 1.44

To A Bright New Future

The rhythmic sound of tires on the pavement lulled Maya into a quiet half state of half awareness, as thoughts flew by in her mind. She had been driving for half an hour before she realized she had no memory of the drive beyond leaving the university.  Her mind was filled with memories both real and imagined, as she envisioned how the next few days would go.  She wanted to feel completely excited about her future, but doubt and fear kept creeping into her mind.  It was risky, this plan she had devised, but it was the only way.  She just hoped that it worked, her entire future as she desired, depended upon it.

Some time later she checked into a resort and happily climbed into bed.  Rest was what she needed, for tomorrow was going to be a busy day.

The next morning, the sounds of song birds invaded her dreams and she slowly rose from the depths of sleep, to a bright and sunny room.  It was later then she had hoped to get up, so she raced through a quick breakfast, but still lounged in the bath.  The last thing she needed was to be stressed, for today was going to be stressful enough.  She took time to do her make up and hair, then dressed before heading on her way.

Driving down the hill towards the water, Maya could see the beautifully decorated beach.  Butterflies danced in her stomach in both nervousness and excitement for what she was about to do.  Yet even though she felt this way, she knew she had made the right decision for her life.  Now to begin.

He was waiting for her at the gate.  
























Taking her hands, he said "I'm going to do this right." Getting down on bended knee he said "Maya, will you marry me?"
Maya was so overwhelmed with emotion that all she could do was nod.  Ian kissed her hand and together they walked down the aisle to the wedding arch.

Looking out at the guests, she saw Paris and Margaret, both with smiles on their faces.  Margaret gave a little wave, as acknowledgement to Maya's surprise to see them both there.  Next to them, stood Nancy Landgraab and her son Malcolm.  

Standing up for Ian, was Geoffrey Landgraab and Luke Hemmings. Turning to her right, and standing up for her, she saw three Meir sisters, dressed in beautiful light purple dressed and matching jewellry.  She was so glad to see them, her eyes began to tear.  

"None of that!" said Brenda Lee.  "Or I will give you something to cry about!"

Maria started walking Jin down the aisle, but when he saw his mother, he broke free from Maria's hand and raced towards her. Lunging at her, he wrapped his arms around her legs, saying "Mommy.  Mommy!"

Dressed in his little suit he looked so grown up for his age.  Maya placed her hand on his head and he raised his eyes to meet hers.  Maya began to laugh, so over joyed she was in everything she saw.

Ian took her hands and turned her to face him. 


 It wasn't a church full of people, but it didn't matter.  Standing there on the beach, with only their closest friends, was the perfect way to start their new life together.  Hands in his, Ian confessed his love to Maya, slipped a ring onto her finger.  Through moist eyelashes, Maya gazed at Ian, and began to tell him how lucky she was to have found him and that she would love him forever.  She sealed that promise by slipping a ring on his finger.  They leaned in to share a kiss, but Jin, who had been standing quietly between his parents, began demanding their attention and was picked up by his father.  Ian and Maya placed that kiss on the cheeks of Jin, adding him to their declaration for a long and happy family.

They quickly posed for pictures, cut the cake and shared a meal together.  

When the music began, Ian led Maya to the dance floor, for their first dance as husband and wife....again.

They were all having the best of time at the party, when Maya remembered the time.

"Ian.  Can you take a walk with me? I have something I need to show you."

Holding out her hand, she waited till Ian scooped up Jin into his arms, then take her hand.  Together they walked down the beach and onto the dock, where Maya turned to Ian.

"Ian.  We have something we need to discuss.  Rather, I have something I need to say."

Ian placed Jin down onto the dock with his doll, and turned to give Maya his attention.

"I want you to know that leaving you and Jin to go to university was a mistake.  I know that now.  But at the same time, it was a good thing.  In some ways if I had stayed, I would have remained that obedient wife who only thought of her family and gave no thought to what I wanted or needed.  It was what I was raised to do. It was how I was raised to be."

"Being away from you and Jin, has taught me just how important family is to me, but I know now that I would never have been happy only being that meek loving wife for the rest of my life.  My art is very important to me.  It always has been."

"I know that Maya.  I never would have stopped you from pursuing that or anything else for that matter," said Ian.

"Yes I know that too.  But I would have stopped myself.  Do you understand?"

"Yes.  I do understand."

"I received this amazing opportunity.  It was presented to me on the same day you proposed.  Megan Lightell, who is a famous landscape artist, offered me a one year apprenticeship studying under her in Paris as her assistant.  It's one of those once in a lifetime opportunities." 

She paused to give Ian time to absorb this information.  "I'm so happy to be your wife again and I am very much looking forward to a life together with you.  But I really really want to do this.  I've been going crazy trying to work this out in my mind. I've spent this whole time trying to decide between marrying you and coming home, to leaving for Paris for a year.  Then it occurred to me, that it didn't need to be a choice between one or another."

"I know how much you love the island.  So here is what I propose.  I talked Megan into eight months instead of a full year.  If we leave now, we would have the summer together, then I could start my apprenticeship in the fall. What do you think?"

"So you are asking me to spend eight months away from you?  For Jin to go another eight months without his mother?"  replied Ian.

"No.  See that is the best part.  Look!"  Maya pointed off into the distance.  Ian turned to look in the direction she was pointing.

"I bought us a boat.  A new home!  We can spend the summer sailing and make our way to Paris.  We will live on the boat during the apprentice ship, Megan agreed to that, then in May we can take our time sailing home.  By the time we returned to the island, we would still have time to get ready for winter to set in."

Ian's eyes had grown wide at the site of the very large boat off in a distance.  He liked what he saw.  He stayed quiet while he considered the offer.  Eight months really wasn't anything in the big scale of things.  All that mattered was that they were together and that Jin had his mother.

"I say yes," he said.

"Really?"  Maya was so excited that she jumped into his arms. 

 They shared the kiss they should have experienced under the wedding arch as a newly married couple.

"It's starting to get dark.  Perhaps we should say our goodbyes and see our new home?"  she asked him.

Back at the beach, they said their goodbyes, and made their way by boat to their new home.  Ian charted the route into the open sea while Maya got Jin ready to bed.

Once everything was settled, they came together in their new master bedroom.   

"Well Mrs Bell.  Shall we begin our new life together?"

"Yes. Mr. Bell.  I believe we shall."

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Other Photos

Creations Used In This Chapter

ThanX to the following creators!

The New Houseboat Created by BMIT04

To be uploaded at a later date when story is over.

Lady Charlotte Meir -Sim created by Metens called Spencer
http://www.thesimsresource.com/downloads/details/category/sims3-sims-female-youngadult/title/spencer/id/1214770

Lady Charlotte Meirs Hair by NewSea
http://www.newseasims.com/inside-page.php?cid=1&id=580


Lady Brenda Lee- Sim created by PSTll0
http://www.thesims3.com/assetDetail.html?assetId=8445231

Maya's Hair is an EA hair

Bridesmaid Dresses by Pizazz at TSR
http://www.thesimsresource.com/downloads/details/category/sims3-clothing-female/title/evening-gown-ya--a/id/1243238

Maya's Wedding Dress by BEO
Bride Dress 14
http://www.thesimsresource.com/downloads/details/category/sims3-clothing-female/title/bride-14-%282-variant%29/id/1209421

Nancy Landgraab's Hair
http://www.thesimsresource.com/downloads/details/category/sims3-sets-hair/title/skysims-hair-241-set/id/1259207

Poses Used In This Creation

The Break Up Couple
http://modthesims.info/download.php?t=526878

Mysterious Hood Man
http://modthesims.info/download.php?t=498737

Little Man-Toddler/Adult Pose Pack
http://modthesims.info/download.php?t=526653

*More pose packs to be added to the list

Midnight Sun Challenge Chapter 1.43 Live In The Moment

Live in the moment.

That was Maya's new motto for her life, at least for the remaining days at university.  She figured it was either that, or spend her days living in fear and that wasn't how she wanted to remember her final days at school.

Once she secured all the details for her trip to Paris with Megan, she focused on just enjoying every moment she could and everything else be damned.  Suddenly, schoolwork and grades no  longer held any importance to her.  In turn she spent as much time with all her friends enjoying the moment and partying as much as she could.

She was greatly looking forward to the end of school party, which she had planned down to the smallest detail.  Word from the grapevine, told her that a good portion of the university students planned on being there and she was hoping it would turn out to be the party of the decade for the Sorority House!  Saturday morning her big gift for the house and the highlight of the upcoming party, finally arrived and workers took over the back yard installing it into place.  Maya paced the yard supervising while she watched them work, but more to the point, working off the nervous excitement until it could be unveiled.  Everyone was intrigued as to what it could be and she kept shooing her room mates from the yard and random people who kept wandering up the the fence to take a peek.

Once the workers had left, Maya decided to go for a jog, and work off the rest of her nervous energy.  The party wasn't until Sunday afternoon and with nothing else going on until then, she was at a loss as to what to do with herself.  Her dorm mates were spending the rest of the day and evening packing up their rooms to be ready to spend all their time at the party.  

When she returned, she noticed someone had slipped her an envelope under her door.   She knew it had to be her report card for the semester, so she eagerly ripped it open, then shouted and jumped for joy.  Even with all the missed time, she still graduated with a perfect score! 

She wanted to celebrate, but all her room mates turned her down. Some with solemn looks on their faces, which meant she knew, they would be returning in the fall to do the semester again.  She felt bad for them, but she didn't want their failure to put a damper on her success.  She headed out onto the town to see if anyone was around to celebrate with her.

Unfortunately, there seemed to hardly be anyone around, or at least anyone she knew.  She ate her last supper at the local diner and headed home to crawl into bed early.

The following morning, her last morning she would spend at university, she stood in her room and took it all in. 

She remembered the times she had spent in the room; her time with Eddy, the days she spent crying, the laughter with friends and all the hard work she put into all her projects due for school.  Much had happened to her this year, some good and some bad, yet she felt it  had all been worth it.  Every last little bit.  Maya thought about the person she was the day she met Ian for the first time, and she realized she didn't recognize that person in her anymore.  She had grown so much and truly become her own person.  She was proud for all she had accomplished.  There was nothing left for her here anymore.  It was time to move on and experience new people and new things.  She was really looking forward to the rest of her life.  

Maya changed into her swim suit, grabbed her suitcases and walked out the door.  It was party time!

The rumors through the grapevine turned out to be very true.  By the time the party started, the inside of the Sorority House and the back yard were packed with people!  She had never seen so many people gathered in one place at one given time.  It was absolutely amazing!  

Everyone was excited about the unveiling of the surf and wave station that had been installed in the back yard pool.  Maya was the first one to try it out and she had fun showing off for the press that had gathered to record the event.

As luck would have it, her success at mastering the surf board wasn't the only thing the press reported on.  Maya had her fair share of falls too.

This one was particularily amusing. Finally, the members of the press never let things be!!

They couldn't resist reporting on how thin Maya was or her choice of meal.  It was the only thing they saw her eat all afternoon, they reported and concerns about anorexia linked to emotional disorders were also discussed.  Some things never change.




Before long, day turned to night and guests began to leave in preparation for their own trip home.  Maya received many thanks, from all the guests for all the hard work she had put into all the party plans.  "Best party ever!", many of them shouted to her on their way out of the gate.  The backyard was a disaster but her dorm mates wouldn't let her help in the clean up.

"Don't you have somewhere to be?" asked Margaret.  Then she was promptly escorted to the front sidewalk where the moving van had already been loaded for her.

"I shall miss you all!"  she told them after sharing a hug with everyone.  Smiling, she hopped into the moving van and with a wave, she drove off into the night headed on her next exciting adventure.  

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Midnight Sun Challenge Chapter 1.42 All Things Come To An End

Maya gripped the steering wheel while the impending conversation with Eddy ran through her head.  The file she had been given by Luke was lying on the passenger seat, and every time she glanced at it, a new version of the conversation would start over again.  So he thought she was stupid, gullible and easy to con?  

What he didn't count on, was the support system she had behind her.  She should feel blessed to know she had such a group of people looking out for her, but right now all she felt was pissed. It was not a good feeling to know that you had been the topic of discussion and manipulation by your closest friends, even if they had your best interest at heart.  It was pure deception on both sides of her, no matter what the motivation.  At this moment, she didn't know how she felt about anyone for sure.  All she did know was that she felt like screaming bloody murder at someone, and lucky Eddy, he won the draw.  He wouldn't be getting a penny from her now.

An hour later she pulled into University Town and parked her car in front of The Grotto, thinking that to be as good a place as any to start looking.  She walked down the strip checking in all the local hangouts but Eddy was no where to be found.  Disappointed she got into her car and tried to think of anywhere else he could be hanging out, but she felt that she had already covered it all. The only place she hadn't tried was the dorm, and the reason she hadn't, was that Eddy was barely there.  The dorm sat empty most days as the guys were usually out trolling the town.  But in a last ditch effort she drove over to the guys dorm hopeful to find him there. No one there seemed to know where he had gone for the evening. She was told she could wait, but as the night wore on, sleep was beginning to take over the anger and she thought perhaps it was time to give up the search.  It was one in the morning and she wondered if he had found the warm bed of female company.  She quietly slipped out of the dorm and in behind the wheel of her car.  

As sleepy as she was, she took a moment to consider whether she should be driving this late at night, and decided a coffee from the diner would be the thing to perk her up.  She pulled in to park on the side of the lot and there standing with a group of guys outside the diner, was Eddy. A renewed sense of anger immediately replaced any sleepiness, and she emerged from her car ready to do battle.  

His face perked up when he noticed her over his buddy's shoulder, coming down the sidewalk towards him.

"Maya! Are those papers for me?"

"This?  I don't think you want to really know what this is!"

Eddy's face just dropped.  "What do you mean?"

"Let's just say Eddy, that in this folder is information on your whole life.  Did you really think I was that big a fool?  That easy a con?  Tell me this-did you ever care for me at all or did you just see a walking/talking bank account when you looked at me?"

"Maya how could you say that?  Of course I care-"

"Shut up Eddy.  Just shut up.  I won't believe anything that comes out of your mouth anymore.  Plus, you can cool it with that act.  It won't work on me now.  How many Eddy?  How many girls were you sleeping with while you were dating me?"

"You tell me then Maya," replied Eddy in a nasty tone.  "Since you apparently have my whole life in your hand there."

Maya laughed.  "So now we are finally going to see the real Eddy.  Must have been quite the strain acting the loving, giving boyfriend as you did with me.  Don't you ever get tired of the act?  Perhaps you should try getting a real job and a real life!"





One by one, people were starting to crowd the sidewalk and watch the interaction between Eddy and Maya.  Paparazzi began snapping pictures as fast as their fingers could move.  

"I have a job thank you and I like it just fine.  But I am guessing you already know that."

"Being a male prostitute is not a job Eddy.  Its a demeaning way of life. One that has gotten you in some big trouble and had a hit put out on your life!  Did you know that?" 

Eddy just remained silent and stared at her.

"So you're an ass.  Someone puts a hit on your life and that in effect puts a hit on mine.  Well here it is in plain english and with plenty of witnesses.  You will never, ever, get a penny of my money!  Not now!  Not ever!  For this moment on, I never want to see or hear from you again.!"

Maya went to turn and walk away but couldn't move for the paparazzi squeezing up trying to get a closer look at her while she screamed.

"Get out of my way," she screamed at them.  "Move!"

Climbing back into her car and still surrounded by paparazzi, Maya drove off screeching tires and into the night.  She had no idea where she was going, but she knew she couldn't go back to Sunset Valley to the Landgraabs. For she had a few choice words for Nancy too.  So she drove around until she couldn't drive anymore.  She finally landed back in University town and collapsed onto her dorm room bed. Before falling asleep she pulled out her phone, looked for the number in her list and pushed dial.  She had no idea what time it was there, but she had to get this said.

"Hello."

"Hey.  It's Maya.  I'm in. But I have a few conditions of my own first."

"That's great Maya.  Call me in the morning and we will work out the details."

Maya hung up the phone, threw it down onto her bed, rolled over and fell asleep.

Before she knew it, she was being woken by the bright sun shining into her eyes.  Even though she felt like she had only been asleep for five minutes, she jumped out of bed and checked her phone for messages.  None so far, which meant that the Landgraabs didn't know she was gone, or they knew, and they were letting the dust settle first. Either way, they were two people she didn't want to talk to right now.

There was so much to get done before the end of the school year and she set to work making a list so nothing would get forgotten. She thought perhaps staying in today might be the wisest thing to do, especially if Luke was right and her life may be in danger.  She hoped that her little display last night had changed all that, but she wasn't going to take any chances.

She spent most of the day on the computer and the phone making arrangements for her new life.  She made a big purchase, something she had been toying with and couldn't wait to till it arrived. It was set to be delivered on the last day of school.

She also made a big purchase for the Sorority House, which she planned to unveil during the end of year summer party.  After getting permission from Paris to plan the party she set to the task of getting all the details planned. Paris was all for handing over the reigns.  It was going to be the party of the year!

With all the boxes sitting around her room, she barely had any room to move, so she was grateful when the charity house arrived to pick them up. Inside one of the boxes, she slipped an envelope with a cheque as an extra donation to help those less fortunate than her.  She was happy to do it, for her money which once seemed like a blessing, now seemed a burden and she was determined to rid herself of it as much as possible.

When all that was done, she settled into her room and focused on finishing her end of the year projects for school.  They were simple sketching and painting projects, that helped to settle her mind and give her focus away from the current problems at hand.  

The few times she had gone downstairs to prepare herself some food, the conversation in the room between her fellow dorm mates stopped.  The silence was deafening and she could imagine what they were all thinking. As she walked out of the room, the conversations resumed in low whispers.  She didn't know what they were saying exactly and she simply didn't care, but she knew the topic. With the amount of reporters and paparazzi on the sidewalk last night, she was sure the story stretched far and wide. She was tempted just to peek at one of the papers to make sure her exact words were printed, but it was the rest of it she didn't want to see. She had to have faith that her little planned spectacle last night was enough to save her life, if her life indeed was in any great danger at all.  Soon it wouldn't matter, for the distance between University town and where she was headed was great and she doubted anyone would be following her there.  Especially not for someone as insignificant, as Eddy Mullins.  At least, that is what she hoped.

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My apologies to my fans for the lack of pictures in this chapter!  Unfortunately, and to my dismay, the file with these pictures was deleted.  I shall make it up to you all in the next chapter!