Since I hardly paid attention to Wren on her own dang birthday, let's check in on her.
She got a new Voidcritter Battle Station for her birthday, which Lulu so kindly decided to help her test out.
Lulu: How's this thing work anyway?
Wren: Just mash on the buttons until something cool happens.
Lulu: That's stupid.
Wren: If it works for the Watcher, it'll work for this.
Hey! It's true but she shouldn't say it!
Whatever Lulu did clearly worked.
Lulu: Best Voidcritter Master ever!
Wren: When I asked you to play with me this morning, you said Voidcritters were for babies.
Lulu: That's before I knew I was good at it!
Despite Lulu coming in strong at the beginning, Wren is ultimately the victor.
Wren: AHAHA! Kneel before me, mortal!
Lulu: Are you sure you didn't get the Evil trait?
After changing out of their pajamas and heading down to lunch, Lulu has a proposition for her young minion- I mean sister.
Lulu: You're gonna be way more fun to go to school with than Gemma and Jaden. They're such goody goodies, but you've got potential.
Wren: Potential for what?
Lulu: Being my partner in crime, of course!
There's all kinds of pranks they'll be able to pull now that Wren's old enough. Lulu may be about that zen life, but you need to balance all that zen with a little chaos now and then!
Lulu: We're gonna wreak havoc! We can release the gerbils, sell test answers-
Wren: You had me at havoc. I'm in!
The two new partners in crime shake on it, followed by their best evil laughs. Lulu's is a little too convincing.
While her sisters are planning their own hijinks, Gemma brings Jaden along for a ride to the Sato Boarding Stable to check in on Maple Stirrup.
Hopefully she runs into Mr. Ben, because he's her only shot at a certain mission of hers.
Gemma skids to a halt in front of her hoofed bestie.
Gemma: Hey, girl! Miss me?
Maple very much did but horses have a hard time conveying that so she just neighs.
Gemma: I brought you a treat from Mom's garden. Jaden, do you wanna feed her?
Jaden: No, I'd like to keep all my fingers.
Gemma: Suit yourself!
As Maple munches down on her apple, Gemma spots Mr. Ben approaching from the corner of her eye.
Jaden: Hi, Mr. Ben!
Ben: Well hey there, kiddo. You taggin' along with your sister?
Jaden: Yeah, I need more screentime.
He's actually there for moral support but two things can be true at once.
Gemma: Mr. Ben, I have a very important question.
With a chuckle, Benjiro nods.
Ben: I'll try to give you a very important answer.
Gemma: You talk to lots of people who buy horses, right? Have you heard about anyone buying the Esposito family's horse?
The Espositos' former luxe ranch house wasn't too far, so he had definitely heard all about the goings ons there.
Ben: Ah, yeah. They auctioned that gal off not too long ago. The missus put in a bid on her but my buddy got her to keep his other horses company.
Gemma: Remember my friend Claudia? That was her horse.
Ben: Oh, I'm sorry to hear that.
Gemma: Me too. I was hoping I could buy her back. Is there any chance this friend would be willing to sell her to me?
Ben: I don't know, darlin'. He's a nice fella but he's probably not willing to part with her without breaking even.
Gemma: I've got a ton of birthday money saved up!
He sighs. Maybe Ben's too much of a softie but he can at least say he tried.
Ben: I'll give my buddy a call.
Gemma: Oh, thank you thank you!
Ben: I can't promise anything but I'll at least see if he's willing to hear y'all out.
As he pulls out his phone and turns to leave, Gemma squeals at Jaden.
Gemma: We're getting Dahlia back!
Jaden: Uh, we?
Jaden: You don't know how much it's gonna cost to get her back, and that's if this guy's even gonna want to sell her at all.
Gemma: Dahlia belongs with her family, Jay! We're helping our friends, and Mom and Dad say you always gotta do whatever it takes for the Sims you love.
Whatever it takes? Jaden's starting to get worried.
Jaden: You're not gonna, like, POISON this guy, are you?
Gemma: What, no! Don't worry, this is my greatest idea ever!
