#caiya pearson

[trumpets0ng]

235- “Girl Talk”

Beginning / Previously /Next

((Why Didn't You Call - Saint Harison))

For easier reading, please see transcript below the cut:

U: So??

W: So…

U: Tea. Now.

W: *chuckling* On what?

U: Everything! Sulani! The renovation! Premarital-married life!

W: We talked about Sulani!

U: We had a family friendly conversation, in which your brother pestered you about basketball players. I want deets! You really don’t call me enough.

W: *scoffs* Phones work both ways you know. *intense staring* *riotous laughter*

U: So??

W: Everything is amazing! Sulani was indescribable! The food! The land! The culture! The—

U: Sex?

W: *giggles* That too. *Uchechi squeals in delight* SHHHH!

U: Please, they couldn’t care less. They’re with their new favorite uncle; we don’t even exist.

W: *laughing* Well, let’s not tempt fate.

U: *sighs in mock frustration* Fine. *Walker laughs* The whole drive over was “Obie said…” and “I wonder if Obie will…?” Basically, your boyfriend brainwashed my kids.

W: You should see him with his sisters’ kids. *Uchechi laughs* I’m serious! We have to check for stowaways whenever we leave their houses!

U: *laughing* Do you get along with your in-laws?

W: Yeah, they’ve been pretty welcoming. We’re going to his baby sister’s for Winterfest.

U: Oh! Speaking of Winterfest, we’re visiting my folks in Sunset Valley this year!

W: Really?

U: Yup! My sister, Izogie, is due next month, so, they want to stay close.

W: So, what you’re really saying is, you’re coming to see our place?

U: I coulda kept it to myself and just shown up without so much as a word, but I figure it best to give warning so you two can hide your toys. * hysterical laughter*

[trumpets0ng]

168- “Winterfest Reflections”

Beginning / Previously / Next

((This Christmas- Donny Hathaway))

For easier reading. Please see transcript below:

W: It’s crazy how much of a difference a year makes. This time last year I was dodging questions from my family about my non-existent love life. Now I’m trying to protect my new love from their premature wedding planning. Although, let’s face it, Obie would be more than happy to have those discussions. I don’t know why I was surprised he seemed to fit in so seamlessly.

Daddy’s not the stereotypical father. He was never that over-protective, “stay away from my little girl” type. No, daddy was more about making sure you could stand on your own two feet. He trusted me and Julian to make the right decisions and stayed just close enough for us to grab hold should we ever need to.

Mama was the bear. She was the one who scrutinized and tore overstepping outsiders to shreds. She had a propensity to hover, but always meant well. She was never cold to our significant others, but if there was an issue, they’d never question where they stood.

Jules with his ticklish sense of humor, could be like a big a kid at times and has a knack for pushing my buttons. But he also had a protective and nurturing streak that would kick in whenever he went just a little too far. Much like Obie, he too had an uncanny ability to read a room. He was very subtle in his sizing up of the “new guy” this go around. The fact that I hadn’t heard anything yet said everything.

Yes, they all loved Obie. That much was clear. I don’t think it’s even possible not to love him. He instinctively knew just how to put them all at ease.

And so, the rest of the day was filled with food, laughter and family. It was a moment of respite in an otherwise tense trip. Xander seemed upbeat for a change. Supposing it had to do with his stolen moments with Coco last night, I tried to put it out of my mind.

I should have fought Uchechi on her song selection, but I was tipsy and oblivious, and there’s no way she could have known. No one here knew but me and Xander. However, I still felt like crap when I saw him steal from the room with Coco not far behind.

Though I know I should I be happy he found happiness in that moment, I’m honest enough to admit that I hate that it wasn’t with me. I’m honest enough to admit it, but it didn’t make me hate myself any less nor feel any less guilty.

Chi: So, young buck! You play poker?

P: *warning tone* Chi—

C: What? I’m just asking the boy! *Pamela rolls her eyes in mock exasperation*

O: Actually sir, I do. I have a running game most Thursdays with friends.

C: Do you now?

O: Yes sir.

C: Sounds like we have ourselves another player, gentlemen.

X: Great.

[trumpets0ng]

157- “The Farm”

Beginning / Previously / Next

(( Let This Go by Arlissa ))

For easier reading. Please see below:

I was at a loss and in the horrible position of not being able to do anything about or even process the predicament we all found ourselves in. What’s more, there was no one in the house that could advise me. I didn’t know what was going on in his mind, nor had I any time to even guess at it.

The tree farm was one of those beloved Pearson traditions that had lost its luster during our teen years, only to become a fave again when Olumide was born. Personally, I think it’s my dad’s favorite because it married his rural upbringing in the Twinbrook bayou, with the saddity cosmopolitan splendor of his adult life in Willow Creek.

Olu and Cai made the Winterfest season new again, with their boundless energy and excitement. As was the custom, they selected the tree and then Xan and I took them ice skating while the dads would chop & get it ready to go.

This was my favorite tradition. We’d watch the baby Pears skate, and Xan would talk about how he’d teach his kids one day. And I, in my heart of hearts always heard it as our kids.

This year was different though. This year there was Obie…

O: *laughing* So how often then?

W: Most years. But every once-in-a-while something may come up. Last year, mom was taking depositions until the day before Winterfest Eve. One year, daddy was mentoring a few interns, and it just made more sense logistically to stay in the Creek than have them drive out here.

O: How long is the drive?

W: From home? Two and a half, three hours. But If they were coming from Crawdad Quarter or even San My, it’s at least another hour without traffic.

O: *low whistle* That’s definitely a trek.

W: *giggles* Yeah. We only come up if we have time to spend.

O: And your *hesitates briefly* extended family?

W: Um… The same. Typically, we’d all travel together. *feigning nonchalance* When I lived in San My, Xan and I would drive home together the night before and we’d all leave first thing in the morning. Uncle Chi & daddy like it to get an early start so we still have a full day when we arrive.

O: Makes sense… *uncomfortable silence*

W: *hesitant* Does it… does it bother you that they— he’s here?

O: Should it?

W: No…

O: I’m not gonna lie, it’s a little weird that you rarely mentioned him, seeing as he— they are such a large part of your life. I’m just trying to understand why this is the most info I’ve ever gotten on him.

W: I know. You’re right. I- I… I…

O: *seeing the discomfort on Walker’s face* It’s… cool. Forget it. Now’s probably not the best time anyway.

???: Xander?

[trumpets0ng]

159- “Not I”

Beginning / Previously / Next

For easier reading. Please see transcript below: 

X: No. I don’t care, no.

J: Xander! C’mon. I’m not about to let you squander this Winterfest miracle. We’re meeting them at Jackalope Jane’s tonight. Not taking no for an answer.

N: You’re planning to do what, now? With whom? On Winterfest Eve?...

J: It’s nothing crazy ma. Just meeting up with some of Xan’s friends for drinks.

P: *suspicious* What do you mean Xan’s friends?

X: It doesn’t really matter, because we’re not going anywhere. At least I’m not going—

J: *speaking loudly over Xander* We ran into his friend Coco at the farm earlier, with her cousin.

P: Coco? What kind of classless name is Coco? *concerned* Are you spending time with strip—

U: — Aunt Pam! *warning tone* Family time!

J: *placating tone* She’s Xander’s work wife!

O: *confused* Uncle Xan, you’re married?! *Xander shakes his head in frustration*

U: No, baby. Your dad is just being silly… *through gritted teeth* As per usual.

X: *looks at Julian who gives a mischievous wink* Don’t be so classist mom. Coco is just a friend from work. *Pamela arches her brow, dubious* And please stop looking at me like that.

P: Look at you like what? *shrugs* I can’t look at my own son? Jules’ talking about some sim—

X: Coco is a lighting designer in my studio. We’re cool. That’s it. Nothing more.

P: Well, you’re talking about going out on Winterfest Eve. So, it stands to—

X: Jules, mom. Jules is talking about going out on Winterfest Eve.

N: I say, go!

P&X: Excuse me??

N: I think you all should go. It sounds like it could be fun and I’m sure Jules and Chichi could use a night off.

C: *indignant* Why can’t we go?!

N: Because, it’s only for grown-ups. Sorry, sweets. It’ll be fun, guys! We’ll have a night time snowball fight. Boys vs girls! *Caiya and Olumide giggle*

J: It’s settled then! Finally get to see how our boy Obie, handles his libations!

N: Behave…

W: *now listening to the conversation* Wait, what?

J: You stay ignoring me—

W: *faux antagonism* Since I was born, what’s your point?

U: *laughing* We’re hitting Jackalope Jane’s after dinner. You in?

W: Why on earth would we go to Jack—

O: We’re in!

J: My man!

[trumpets0ng]

148- “SimTV Cribs”

Beginning / Previously / Next

[trumpets0ng]

151- “Wager”

Beginning / Previously / Meanwhile

PINEAPPLES 

[trumpets0ng]

150- “Pearson’s First Vampire”

Beginning / Previously / Next

If you’re wondering why Caiya & Olumide think Obie’s a vampire, click here. 

[trumpets0ng]

100- “The End of The Beginning”

Beginning / Previously / Next

((Music))

(For easier reading, the above is also captioned under the cut.)

*laughs to self* We sims are funny creature. We want so much, and at times work toward our goals and aspirations with a single mindedness that’s unmatched. Other times we meander on routes that make no sense to anyone but that sim.

When I started the year, I thought I just wanted a new place to live. I needed something to show that my life was moving forward when every other aspect seemed stagnant.

I didn’t realize that what I really wanted was a whole new life… I was in love with someone who, for better or worse, hadn’t yet seen me.

I had a job that wasn’t bad, but still made me feel trapped.

I had this crazy, but amazing family that kept me grounded and sane.

I had friends that I loved and loved me, yet I was still lonely and searching.

At this point, it looks like by year’s end, everything will change. I’m about to embark on a new life, that is in no way perfect, but still more incredible than I dared to dream in the beginning. This new chapter scares me, just as much as it’s thrilling.

So, I guess this is it for now. My plane will be landing any moment and I guess this where the real fun begins. I’ll try to keep you updated once I get settled.

P.S.: This may just be the best chapter yet…

Always, Walker