#bankgen5

[mysimsloveaffair]

Everything in me says I should just ignore this guy and head back to my mom’s place. But I need to know why my words don’t bother him. I open my mouth to question him, but he speaks up before I get the chance.

Marvel: My brother used to live on this lot.** In a tent. He ate, slept, and even showered outside, and it didn’t matter if it rained or snowed.

Okay, why is he saying this? I shouldn’t care, but I feel compelled to sit down and hear him out.

Marvel: People thought he was homeless. They called him the “wild man.” There were articles written about him and everything.** They looked down on him, but little did they know, my father was Vice President of one of the most profitable companies in San Myshuno.

Tambara: Was?

Marvel: Yeah, he’s gone now. My mother too.

Tambara: Sorry.

Marvel: Thanks.

Marvel smoothly changes the subject.

Marvel: These fish are named after me and my brothers. This one is Marvel, that one is Opus. *reaches out over the water* And that one way in the back by itself is named after my older brother. I’ve heard people calling it “wild man”, but my brother’s name is Ajay.

**Links keep you on Tumblr

[mysimsloveaffair]

Mom continues.

Maia: Do you love him?

Tambara: Not really. It just felt good being around him, even though I could already see it would not work out between us.

Maia: One day you’ll find a special guy, and it’ll work out. Despite what people say, a good relationship should be easy, like what your Pop‑Pop and Grandma Me‑Me had, not a constant battle.

Tambara: But is that possible nowadays?

Maia: I guess you will have to find out for yourself.

I think about it for a moment as we sit and stare out over the pond. After some time, Mom breaks the silence.

Maia: I think I’m going to sit here for a while, but I showed you everything I had planned. Feel free to explore on your own. I’ll meet you back at the house.

Exploring sounds good. I get up and leave Mom sitting with her thoughts and memories.

[mysimsloveaffair]

Anger fuels my steps. I find Finesse right where I left her, in the large paddock. I go over and try to distract myself by brushing her coat.

Not even twenty minutes later, Udom walks out the front door. His flight doesn’t leave for a few hours, but I guess he doesn’t see the point in staying.

Honestly, I don’t either. If it’s over, it’s better to rip the band-aid off now.

I pretend not to see him as he gets closer.

Udom: Thanks for the visit.

And with that, he walks out the gate without even waiting for his rideshare to pull up. Maybe he plans on walking to the airport.

As the gate slams shut, the sound ricochets deep within my belly. Hurt and rejection build, along with something completely unexpected. And for the first time, I wonder if I just dodged a bullet. Would a relationship with Udom have worked, or would we have just ended up like my parents?

[mysimsloveaffair]

My mom has her frogs, and Marvel’s family has the “wild man.” I want people to see me as the best barrel racer and ranch owner in Chestnut Ridge. This place will be my monument. I can even name it the Banks Dynasty Ranch.

I ride, using all the techniques and skills I’ve picked up over the years, until Finesse and I can get around every barrel fast and smooth. I’ll be ready to win gold during our next intermediate competition.

[mysimsloveaffair]

Juanita wakes up and starts her chores, replaying last night in her mind. She was a fool to think Tami’s invitation to the movie was anything more than that. They’ll never be true friends, and they’ll certainly never be a couple. She always knew that, but seeing it so clearly was still a firm slap in the face.

What hurt most was how happy Tami looked with Marvel. If he were a jerk, it would be easier to stomach, but he’s a genuinely nice guy. And even Juanita has to admit that the two of them are perfect for one another — good‑looking, well‑dressed, and privileged.

The reality settles her into her place. She’s a ranch hand, a servant. And that’s all she’ll ever be in Miss Tami’s eyes. Even when she’s dressed up and looking her best, she’ll never be glamorous enough to step into Tami’s social circle.

Her place is to serve, and she’ll do it wholeheartedly.

(Full post available to read on my website)

[mysimsloveaffair]

Unfazed by the excitement of the countdown, Udom keeps eating his popcorn, but I put my bowl away and join in.

Tambara: 5, 4, 3, 2, 1! Happy New Year!

I turn to Udom, who is still holding his bowl, and gently knock it out of his hands. We close the distance between us, and we bring in the New Year with a slow, lingering kiss that tastes like butter, salt, and the perfect end to an electrifying night.

[mysimsloveaffair]

Desi finds me in my closet trying on a few options when she returns from the greenhouse. She shakes her head vigorously at the first dress, but her eyes shine bright at the second option.

Desiree: That’s it right there!

Tambara: You really think so?

Desiree: Yeah. It’s flirty, but in a subtle way. And there’s no way he won’t notice it.

Tambara: This is the one then.

[mysimsloveaffair]

Desiree: Don’t let me stop you. I’ll just sit and take it in for a minute.

Juanita wordlessly walks to the opposite end of the greenhouse to check for weeds in the strawberries. She can only pretend to keep doing that for so long before moving over to the apple trees to do the same.

Desiree: Tami said that the two of you are producing apple and strawberry nectar.

Juanita perks up at Desi’s interested tone.

Juanita: Yeah, we’ll expand the offering once we master the basic fruits. Have you ever heard of potato nectar?

Desi wrinkles her nose.

Desiree: No. That sounds like it would taste awful.

Juanita: You’d be surprised. It’s very drinkable and is a popular variety around here.

Desiree: Really? Maybe I’ll give it a try one day.

Juanita: You should try ours first!