#savanna fields

[sinclair-enterprises]

Never thought a made for TV 2004 sequel to B-movies made in the 90s would nearly make me cry, and yet here we are.

[verdantsims]

There was much mingling after the ceremony. The drinks began to flow as the chairs were rearranged and the tables brought in.

[verdantsims]

“Ah, not a friend of mine,” Madeline finally said. “I’d say you have the wrong ‘Madeline Carpenter’ fella.”

“But how many could there be?” Savanna asked. Madeline knew she meant well, but she was hoping to be rid of the strange man.

“I’m sure there’s plenty,” Madeline said. “Anyway sir, like I said-”

“There’s not mistake,” the man said. “You have your mother’s ears and your grandmother’s spirit. There’s a fair amount of your grandfather’s influence in there, too. You may not have known them but they are important all the same.” The man cleared his throat. “My name is Null Gravekeeper. I am the cemetery caretaker. I’m sure I’m interrupting something but I’d hope to speak with you about something important related to your family.”

“Well I-”

“I can step away for a moment,” Savanna said, cutting of Madeline in the process. She was already standing up. “I was thinking that I’d like to get a drink anyway.”

“Um, well, make it two then,” Madeline said. “This won’t be long.” She glared at Null. “I swear.”

[verdantsims]

It was time for another of Colten’s birthdays and the number this time put him in the “old man” bracket, as Atticus put it. With such a big number to celebrate everyone wanted to be in on the singing. At Colten’s request, however, Madeline sang a little further away.

[verdantsims]

[verdantsims]

Once Charleen had gone to start dinner Madeline approached her aunt. “Aunt Maddy!” she whined. “Will you and take me to the park to play?”

Madeline had, of course, heard the entire conversation behind her and was sympathetic to her niece. “I think we can squeeze in some time at the park after dinner,” she said. “What do you say, Savanna?”

“I think that sounds like a great idea,” Savanna said. “It sounds like a great way to end a special girl’s birthday.”

“Thank goodness!” Alessandra said. “It’s not fair that I have to be treated like a vampire, too! It’s not my fault mom and Atticus can’t go out in the sun! They shouldn’t have become vampires!”

[verdantsims]

“It’s copper,” Alessandra said.

“What’s that, sweetie?” Savanna asked.

“The pan is copper,” the tot said again. “Copper is a metal. It said so in the book.”

“That’s very good!” Savanna praised. She looked down from her tofu stir-fry. She’d been babysitting for the night, her first time having Alessandra all alone. The little girl had been staying in her orbit the entire time, pointing out random things that she’d been learning. She made Savanna tear up at how fast she was growing up.

“Do you need pan?” Alessandra asked.

“Oh no, sweetie, but thank you!” Savanna said. “I have one already. My dinner is almost done; What would  you like to eat?” Alessandra stared at her reflection in the bottom of the pan, thinking, then-

“Cake!” Savanna sighed. Maybe she wasn’t growing up that fast.

[verdantsims]

Ariel eventually emerged from outside and went straight for her big sister. “I am so glad to see you,” she said as they hugged. “I can’t wait for you to meet Maricela and Annabelle.” They sat on the couch together where Ariel caught sight of Savanna watching Alessandra play with the bunny. “And Savanna!” she exclaimed. “I’ve been so looking forward to meeting you, too!”

“I’m very glad to be here,” Savanna said. “I’ll admit, I’m a bit nervous.”

“Aw, don’t be,” Ariel said. “You’ll fit in just fine with our well-rounded family. You’ll see- Ah, hear Maricela now.”