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Welcome to part 4 of The Makeover of Malina. We now return you to Haley at P.U.R.E. West.
The bartender thought about it. "Is that something like those college fruit barrel drinks?"
"Exactly, only with alcohol. Do you have the fruit juices for it."
"Yeah." "Hey! Aren't you the designated driver? What are you doing in here?" I asked.
"Boring the bartender. I bet she's glad you're here."
The bartender laughed. "That's not true. I'm enjoying your company...and your jokes.
I'll blend you one right up." "I'll have one too," I said.
"She like my jokes, Haley--one more reason to camp out here. I'm not worried about getting buzzy. Gimpy is the one having a great night. He gets to drive us home. It's only fair.
Benjamin became quiet as we watched the bartender prepare our drinks. It wasn't long before I had the chilled fruit-fragrant filled glass in my hand. I was about to take a sip when he asked, "Am I unattractive?" "No... Don't answer that. I know I'm not attractive. I'm nothing like that guy Malina was arguing with."
"Tyler? Thank God you're not like him. There doesn't seem to be much below the surface," I assured him.
"Well, given that, I don't understand why Malina is going 'ga-ga' over this Chester guy. I have always been close to her and she doesn't even want to slow dance with me." "So you're asking, why not you? You love her?" I asked.
"Well...yeah."
"Have you always loved her?"
"Of course! I've always been fond of Malina. She's a wonderful person and I've been there for her ups and downs." "Fondness, yes, but have you done anything to suggest that you wanted your relationship to be something more than friends--before her surgery. Would you have been proud to have her on your arm looking the way she did?"
I knew the question was a bit unfair to ask. But I was trying to make a point to Benjamin. Benjamin looked dumbstruck. "No. I'm a bit ashamed, but no, I never did. But...I look at her now and my heart aches. I know what she's like inside and now she's the most beautiful woman that I have ever had the pleasure of knowing."
"Beautiful packaging is powerful lure," I said. I found myself getting angry just thinking of Groovy Citrus upstairs, standing there curvaceous, smug, and gloating. Thinking about how happy I was moments ago and to lose that feeling so easily... All the emotions came back again and I choked up; I wanted to cry. I wanted to tell Benjamin what happened upstairs. "I'm such an idiot. I have been treating her like my little sister all this time and now I expect her to suddenly fall in love with me?"
I guess Benjamin was having an epiphany. Not a good time to bring up my problems. I didn't really feel like talking about it anyway, so I locked my emotions in a box, with the other dispirited emotions of my past. I should have labeled that box "contents under pressure". "Hey! Why so glum all of a sudden? For most of this evening, you've been down-right perky."
He made me smile, making it easier to summon perky Haley back. He became serious. "Thanks for taking care of Malina. She's always been wary of strangers and considering how open she is with you, it's obvious she trusts you very much."
"Well you're welcome." I said.
"Hey, let me treat you to a glass of Champagne?"
Bubbly? I was for that. Benjamin offered up a toast. "To friendship and love, old and new, may we have the wisdom to know the difference and the perception to recognize its transition."
"So true--cheers!" I said. I drank down my sparkly, knowing it would go to my head, but that was the point. "Hey, you." I said as Malina took a seat next to me. "What happened to Chester?"
"It's late and he had to leave. I'm ready to get out of here too. Are you guys?"
"Yeah, I think Benjamin and I have had all the fun we can take tonight." "That's great. So did I. Chester is the most interesting guy that I have ever met. Not only is he a roboticist, but he also worked as a gourmet chef to earn money during college. He's smart 'and' he can cook. He also has a DVD collection to rival my own." I glanced over at Gimpy who was about to try the ElectroDance Sphere. Marisa looked agitated as she watched him. "You get motion-sick from playing DOOM; I don't want to see what happens if you get on that thing," she said.
"DOOM: 3," Gimpy corrected her. "And that's simulator sickness--virtual, visual-and-aural environments. I only get sick because my brain thinks I'm moving, but knows I'm sitting still. I think I'll be alright on this." Malina waxed whimsical as she talked on about Chester. "I foresee delicious dinners and rare movies in my future. I've never had a man cook for me. A cozy candlelight dinner and then settling down for a good movie sounds so wonderful."
Benjamin got up from his seat, supposedly to watch Gimpy, but I knew he really didn't want to hear more about Chester, despite his understanding of why Malina only saw him as a friend. It wasn't long before we heard a panicked yelp come from the ElectroDance Sphere. We turned in time to see Gimpy loose his grip on the handle. He wasn't as lucky as I and tumbled around in the sphere. I felt his pain as he was dumped onto the floor.
"I think your record is safe for the time being," said Malina. "Are you ok?" asked Benjamin.
"I'm fine. I want to try again. This thing isn't going to beat me."
Marisa wasn't having it. "No you're not, I think it beat you quite well. Come sit with me." As the group made their way to the lounge seating, I took the opportunity to tell Malina about Benjamin.
"'He's in love with me?'" she repeated. She seemed lost in thought for a moment before speaking again.
"Yeah, I sensed his change towards me. I've always liked Benjamin. He's been very kind and protective, but we've only been friends." "I know it was my disfigurement that prevented anything from happening between us. I mean let's be honest here. And, in a way, I really can't blame him, but my pride won't let anything else happen. If he didn't want me then, why should I take him now?"
"Plus you have a really good friendship. Why risk it?" I added.
"Yeah...I just dread having to set him straight," she said. I thought over the discussion I had with Ben and told her, "I don't think you have to worry about that."
"Really? Why not?" She asked. "We talked about his feelings for you. I think he now realizes that your friendship can't simply change to 'something more' over night."
"Thank you so much," Malina said with much relief. "It would tear me apart to hurt his feelings." She gave me a sly look and leaned forward. "ShiShie told me you met a cute guy. Of course we were surprised to see him dancing with some woman in an orange dress, what was wrong with him for you to send him packing?"
"Let's just say I found him too easily distracted," I said. We heard a loud giggle behind us. Marisa was in the process of sitting on Gimpy's lap.
"Those two are just having too much fun," I said. I really wanted to change the topic away from Beck. Malina got up from her stool. "I Think we better get them out of here before they sneak off to the storage room again."
They are a bit rambunctious. "Do you think we should get a bucket of water to cool them off a bit?" I asked.
Malina laughed. "I'm sure the bartender has ice water." We walked over. Malina smiled at the four of them and laughed as she turned to Gimpy and Marisa. "You two are so cute together. Thanks for joining us, Marisa. You really made my night."
"You're welcome," Marisa grinned. "I'm so glad I came down. I've had so much fun tonight."
"All of you, this has been the best evening I've had in a long time," Malina said. "Are we all set to go?"
The group all nodded. "We'll take Haley back to the mansion," Malina said to Benjamin.
Shishie got up and gave me a questioning look. I know she was referring to Beck. I just gave a negative shake of my head. She shrugged at me with body language that said, "Too bad." And with that, we were off. I'm glad everyone had such a great time--well, besides Benjamin and myself--but I was ready to go. The punch and champagne had me feeling floaty. It was a pleasant feeling, but it was making me sleepy. As we made our way out of the club, I was aware of a woman sitting on a couch, but I didn't pay her much attention. She called out to Benjamin. "Emmy?" That was two times tonight that Benjamin was dumbstruck.
'Hi," she said. She was obviously thrilled at the response she was receiving from Benjamin.
"I didn't even know you owned a dress, especially one like that."
"My neighbor let me borrow it," she said. We all looked at each other in shock.
Gimpy whispered loudly to Benjamin. "I don't know who that person is, but it's not Emmy. Be careful. It must be an alien wearing an Emmy suit"
Benjamin walked over to Emmy. "You look fantastic!"
"Thank you," said Emmy. I'd seen her smile several times this night, but this one was filled with affection.
"Why were you waiting out here? Why didn't you come in?" Benjamin asked.
"I haven't been here long, but I felt so naked in this piece of cloth that I couldn't get up the nerve to walk through those doors. I was about to jump in cab and go back home." Emmy folded herself into Benjamin's arms. "Can we talk?" she asked.
"Of course. Talking is what we do best. It usually takes the form of a debate, but..."
"No debates this time."
Benjamin breathed in deeply. "You smell so nice." Malina headed out the door and we followed. "Now that explains a lot. This is really great!" she said.
Explains a lot indeed; I thought Emmy was jealous of Malina's new look. I guess she was actually jealous of all the attention Benjamin was showering on Malina. Benjamin and Emmy 'talked'. I'm sure Gimpy and Marisa didn't mind the wait, for their night together was being extended. As we were heading to the car, I heard a woman shriek. I turned around. It came from the deck. Next I heard giggling and a lot of splashing. A male voice started laughing. Groovy now had Beck in the Jacuzzi--where she wanted him. I rolled my eyes and turned on my heels to follow Malina and Shishie. I wish I had ordered a second glass of champagne. I probably wouldn't have cared as much. We arrived back at Nouvelle mansion. Malina and Shishie were quite talkative on the way back. "P.U.R.E. West was great, but there are quite a few other places I want to try: The original P.U.R.E., the Lu Lu lounge, The Hub, Crypt O' Night, of course. Oh! There is also Gothika...
"Hold on thar Tex!" said Shishie. "Wow, you've really been thinking about this. Our weekends are going to be very busy. Or...are these plans for Chhhhhessster?"
"Oh leave me alone!" Malina said laughing. I had spent most of the trip just looking out the window, not thinking about much of anything.
"Haley, I'll get my things later in the afternoon. I'm too tired and I want to sleep in my own bed," said Malina.
"OK," I said. "I'll pass that on to Cireking. I'm going to stay the night--the champagne and University Puncher are still with me. I might get a chance to see you off."
Malina laughed. "Still tipsy? I thought you were quiet for a reason." I got out of the car with a wave and started up the path to the mansion.
"Wait a moment, Haley," said Malina from the car. She approched me smiling.
"I just wanted to thank you for your support and companionship during all of this. I had so much fear and doubt about these surgeries. I don't think I would've made it past the first day without you."
I was flattered and wasn't sure to what to say. "I'm glad to have been there for you. You are happy with the change aren't you?" I asked. Malina gave a rueful smile. "For a moment there, at the restaurant, I thought I had made a big mistake. But, once I got to the club, everything felt right. This is me. This is how I've always seen myself in my mind's eye. It's weird in a way, because I also feel like the world forced me to make a change just to have a normal life.
Yet still, I can't say this is normal either. I said 'I'm thirsty' and a guy offered to get me a drink. I'm use to people saying 'me too' or 'there is a soda in the fridge', not 'what would you like?' then fall over themselves to get it. That's not normal and I could really do without it." "I don't think you'll become a diva, but be wary," I said.
Malina laughed. "I'll try to stay grounded. I'm glad to see Ben and Emmy, Gimpy and Marisa, hook up. We've always been a tight group. I guess it was only a matter of time."
My cynical side thought Malina's new outer beauty probably forced those girls to snatch up the guys before she did. I kept that thought to myself. "Hey, it just occurred to me that we could have a group outing now that everyone is hooked up. You are more than welcome to join us," said Malina.
"That would be great," I said, although I didn't feel that way. "I just have to find a guy...that's all." I imagined Beck and Groovy together at P.U.R.E. West. A guy like that, so much in common, so easy to converse with, so sweet in character, you just don't trip over everyday. I felt like an idiot for feeling such pain over someone I'd just met. It hurt so much.
"What's wrong?" Malina asked. I told her what really happed with Beck and Groovy back at the club. I couldn't hold back my tears, but it felt so good to release them. Malina embraced me.
"I know exactly how you feel right now. I've been there once myself--one of the rare times when someone had showed interest in me. Life throws you a curve ball now and then. You'll be stonger for it."
Her empathy made me feel better. "Get some sleep. Take a sleep aid if thoughts of Beck keep you awake, ok"
"I will," I promised. "See you later?"
"Yeah, I'll be here. I think I'll hang around after I get some sleep and take advantage of the pool," I said, waving good-bye.
They waved at me and then pulled out of the driveway. I stayed there and watched until the security gate shut. I turned and began my trek up to the mansion.
"$#&$!"
The foul word left my mouth like a fish escaping a net. Sabrina was back. I hadn't noticed her car. Doesn't she have a life? I also hadn't noticed her standing near the house...and I think she heard me. "My presence seems to disturb you," she said.
Yeah, she heard me. She gave me a sardonic smile. "Can't a woman show concern for a dear friend? Someone who doesn't realize that he is overworked and life is passing him by." I really wasn't in the mood for more talk and I wanted to go inside. There was a bed in there calling to me. Sabrina continued on.
"I brought him some food from a swanky party downtown. Did you know that he hadn't eaten anything at all tonight? "I called to check on him while I was at the party and told him about the delicious food that he was missing. 'Oh, I'm so hungry,' he says. 'I forgot to eat.' He was actually going to eat cheese and crackers. Well I grabbed a plate and set about getting him some proper food." What she did seemed so bold, I was curious.
"You were at a swanky party? Didn't people look at you oddly, like they thought you were being tacky or something?" I asked her. She examined her nails in a nonchalant manner.
"Oh, please! There are very few social situations that I can't turn to my advantage. I simply gave them a story of the poor architect so involved in his work that he was missing out on fine living. I had people offering me their favorite foods to take him. 'Oh, he should try the Cordon Bleu.' 'The Lobster Bisque is wonderful! You must take him a bowl of that.' Best of all, it was the truth."
She smiled, pleased with herself. Then she gave me that look. The look she gave me the first time we met. A look that seemed to say, 'why do you exist?'" "Good night, Sabrina," I said as I started toward the door. "What's wrong? You're being very rude tonight."
"I had a very bad night and I'm really tired," I said.
"Well don't take it out on me." "You're the one being rude. Why do you look at me that way? I feel like my abilities are always being doubted. You don't think I should be running the visual blog, do you?"
She sighed. "In truth, I do find your being chosen to run it a curiosity, but please don't mistake it for doubt of your abilities."
"That sounds like doubt to me." "I'm just considering it pragmatically. A media personality, especially a visual one, has to be a complete package," she said.
I could see where this was going. Even the Chinese lion statue could see where this was going. Unlike him, I wasn't smiling about it.
"You are an attractive girl, but in an ordinary way. Most visual media people are extraordinary when it comes to looks. I have to struggle with that myself." "So now I'm not pretty enough for the job?"
"It's not that you're not pretty, you just need..." "Good night, Sabrina!"
"Don't take it like that. I just want to help you." "Haley!"
I'd heard enough; enough to make me slam the door on her.
Why give her a chance to turn this "social situation" to her advantage? She was probably just mad about not getting that tour movie role. I would deal with it later.
And yes, Simmers, this is the end of this episode. Please check back.
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38 Comment(s) posted so far
On Dec 2, 2006 wrote:
YES! I'M THE FIRST ONE! Awesome story!!! I love how you write!! It makes people want to read more and more!
On Dec 2, 2006 wrote:
I like the story!
On Dec 2, 2006 lia2223 wrote:
On Dec 2, 2006 cireking213 wrote:
Yikes!!
This one went up faster than I thought. I still have a lot of writing to go on the final chapter.
For those who haven't read this in awhile, be sure you didn't miss the previous chapter part 3 and part 4 were posted on the same day.
Thanks for staying with me everyone.
On Dec 2, 2006 Mystrelia wrote:
Okay--should've posted in this one since it was last, but bleary-eyed me posted in the wrong one. Thanks again!
On Dec 2, 2006 sara_87 wrote:
Great story!
On Dec 2, 2006 SimsBarbie wrote:
Ah very entertaining indeed. Your characters always seem to come to life. Each with their own unique personalities and gifts. Emmy and Ben...love it.
On Dec 2, 2006 JeanneElizabeth wrote:
Keep those chapters coming
On Dec 2, 2006 wrote:
WOw! Great story!
On Dec 2, 2006 n8eulchen wrote:
Great Story - great Pictures
On Dec 2, 2006 dawny1234 wrote:
vgd
On Dec 2, 2006 floydine wrote:
Great story!
On Dec 2, 2006 Tiger Lily 1963 wrote:
The story's going very well!! Great job, cireking!
On Dec 3, 2006 wrote:
Great story. I think your my favorite storie writer on TSR.
On Dec 3, 2006 Kismyname wrote:
This is great! I just love it!
On Dec 3, 2006 Jubilant wrote:
Very addicting. I really enjoy all the characters.
On Dec 3, 2006 kaytaa wrote:
They're never long enough!! I can't wait for more!
On Dec 3, 2006 AshleyBlack wrote:
Interesting story.
On Dec 4, 2006 JuLaYa-K wrote:
Interesting story,but I never get ur visual blogs.
On Dec 4, 2006 cireking213 wrote:
It was supposed to allow me to show the simmers (who are interested) what I'm currently working on and what I was doing with my game. This story series grew out of a simple makeover requested by another simmer. I doubt I'll put anymore stories in this format.
On Dec 4, 2006 vkd wrote:
Aw great chapter, poor haley! Hope she finds happiness soon. That woman is mean! Can't wait for more hope you don't leave us hanging too long! Thanks
On Dec 4, 2006 rebelxgirl wrote:
Great screenshots and story!
On Dec 4, 2006 wrote:
A lot of cool sims and surroundings. Great!
On Dec 5, 2006 gilysse wrote:
Wow, long story!! This is inspiring, I want to make my own as well!!
On Dec 5, 2006 missmandalynn wrote:
Great story!!
On Dec 6, 2006 MoriaG wrote:
Good job, i just know Malina was going to get stuck up!! now that she is beautiful, love the whole story
On Dec 6, 2006 MoriaG wrote:
forgot to rate, 5/5 from me, and cant wait till the next chapter
On Dec 6, 2006 kessoccerstar wrote:
awesome job!!
On Dec 8, 2006 doraboots wrote:
Great work, pictures and story are well done
On Dec 8, 2006 greeksim wrote:
On Dec 10, 2006 Nekfansims1 wrote:
On Dec 17, 2006 elmazzz wrote:
Cute
On Dec 20, 2006 white_sands wrote:
enjoying the story so far!
On Jan 3, 2007 manuela55 wrote:
On Jan 7, 2007 Pete789 wrote:
On Jan 20, 2007 Mistress Useless wrote:
Great Character development!
On Feb 2, 2007 civetinja wrote:
Very great story ! Thanks !
On Feb 11, 2007 shady411 wrote: