Abby meant well. She really did. All she wanted to do was explain to Sawyer ways he might behave that would make it less likely for his classmates to pick on him.
Sawyer didn’t take it that way.
He let loose a torrent of verbal abuse on Abby.
“Everyone keeps trying to change me! THERE’S NOTHING WRONG WITH ME! There’s something wrong with you. You and Mom and Mum and Dylan and everyone at school and everyone who thinks they can call themselves ‘normal.’ You’re all idiots!”
Abby was stunned. “I had no idea you felt this way,” she said. “I thought you wanted to learn how to fit in better.”
“I don’t need to fit in,” Sawyer said. “I’m smarter than all of you anyway.”
There was no use arguing with Sawyer that there were different kinds of intelligence. He had no way of visualizing social intelligence. And there was no denying that he was already showing a genius for the sciences that his artistic and musical family couldn’t comprehend. “Of course you’re smart,” Abby said. “Can you help me learn what you really want?”
This is how Sawyer roped Abby into his plans to build a snowman army.
Abby never did understand why Sawyer was fascinated by snowmen, but she realized that the only way to get to know her strange little brother was on his own terms.
He was right — even his family wasn’t very good about letting him call his own shots. For all that they worried about him, did any of them understand him? Was it even possible to understand Sawyer?
Building snowmen turned out to be a lot of fun. Sawyer tweaked their construction technique with each one and kept notes on something or other. Abby just rolled big snowballs and followed his directions. 
After a while, they were laughing together. Abby didn’t think she’d ever seen Sawyer look that comfortable with anyone. It made her feel good — special, even — to see this side of him.
It turned out that the lawyer route was, in fact, a much more effective way to get through to the Marmalades. The attorney Sky kept on retainer took Xia’s long, ranty complaint and turned it into a businesslike challenge. Xia demanded a parenthood test, with Sherman Marmalade, but in the end Plum ceded the parenthood issue without a fight. There wasn’t much point in denying it. Sherman’s conception was recorded in Dr. Sebastian Hodgins’s notes.
Xia was granted visitation rights. The first time she met with Sherman as his mum was at Tinkerbell’s Beautique and Spa. Xia had thought that maybe they’d go for a spa day together, but in the end, they spent most of their time outside talking.
To Xia’s disappointment, Sherman didn’t bear a lot of resemblance to her. His skin and eye color were Plum’s. His hair was black, which didn’t match either of their families. He’d have to grow up a little more before she had a chance to see her face in his.
But really, the most important thing was that Sherman wanted to know her. He’d always known he wasn’t really Leah’s kid. Finding Xia seemed to bring him an answer to a lifelong question.
Now they just had to get to know each other. No big deal, right?
Xia wasn’t done being angry at Plum, but she at least felt less helpless. When she returned from her visit with Sherman, she felt like partying.
Snowflake Day was coming, and what would be better than a gift exchange! Xia used to party all the time in her youth, but parenthood, life drama, and work stress had slowed her down. Suddenly, Xia realized how long she’d spent focusing on responsible goals. There needed to be more fun in the Sample/Wu household!
She got on the phone and called everyone she knew.
Sky was surprised but pleased when Xia told her they were going to be hosting a huge open house. “I’ll make hors d’oeuvres for everyone!” she cried. “Starting with sushi!”
The idea of Sky making sushi made Xia a little nervous. Sky had old master grilled cheese in the last week. But she decided not to rain on Sky’s parade. What was the worst that could happen? Food poisoning? Ermmm….
Instead, on the day of the party, she herded the kids outside for a massive snowball war.
It was a gloomy. cloudy morning, but it was bright with bonding and laughter.
Then, after he’d showed and cleaned up after the fun in the snow, Sawyer quietly dropped his bombshell.
He’d decided it was time to age up.
“Now?” Sky cried, rushing up to meet him on the landing. “But I was going to throw a party!”
“Mama, I don’t *want* a party,” Sawyer said. “I knew you wouldn’t believe me. It’s better this way.”
So, around lunch time on Snowflake Day, standing on the stairway landing, Sawyer Sample became a teenager.
Abby cheered when she saw him.
She, at least, thought the surprise was delightful. “High school will be better,” she confided. “You’ll see.”
There wasn’t much more time to talk about it because the guests were starting to arrive. Dion Callender-Doctor showed up early, hoping to get a little quality time with Abby.
That was not to be because Uncle Hunter as not far behind him.
“What is WITH you, Uncle Hunter?” Abby demanded.
Hunter cringed. “I told you, it’s unicorn stuff,” he said. “Um, could I use your shower?”
The Samples had some well-aged nectar that Great Grandpa Lancelot had gathered on his travels. Xia decided it was time to uncork one to lubricate the conversation.
Nobody could remember inviting February Callender.
Dion really wanted to get some time alone with Abby, but Abby wouldn’t hear of leaving the party. There were too many wonderful conversations to be had and fun people to charm.
Forest made an appearance. His reputation preceded him.
For some more than others. Cousin Ash in particular spent the entire party as far from Forest as he could get.
Dylan arrived late. To everyone’s surprise, especially Xia’s, he brought Sherman.
“He called me and asked if he could come?” Dylan admitted.
Sherman didn’t have much to say, but he was never far from Xia.
Corrina Shepherd actually made it to the party!
Dylan’s heart squeezed, somewhere between delight and guilt. He’d also invited Adria, and she was also there.
“Let’s get this party rollin’!” Xia declared. “Don’t be shy! There are gifts for everyone!”
Sky’s sushi didn’t turn out half bad, and some of the guests had also brought treats.
Adria chattered with Dylan about an artistic layout she had in mind for a special edition of the paper.
It was a totally chaste conversation, right? Why was he so nervous?
Dylan was relieved when Adria decided to sit down to eat. Until she sat down and started chatting with Corinna.
Sky and Forest caught up. Forest spoke about his life almost entirely in vague euphemisms, but Sky was used to it.
The crowd got to be too much for Sawyer, though. He escaped to the back yard for some peace and quiet.
Unfortunately, Cousin Gina saw him go.
She had other plans entirely.
“I’ve had enough of all you crazy people,” Sawyer declared. He headed up to his room to set up some science experiments, and he stayed there until the party was over.
“Come, sit down with me!” Corrina pleaded with Dylan. “I know we’ve barely seen each other since prom, but my work schedule is changing. I’m really hoping that will change.”
She and Dylan sat down with some sushi. Dylan wondered what romantic couples were supposed to talk about. It was so much easier in letters.
He settled on he thoughts about the class president elections, which were coming up fast. Some of his friends on the paper had suggested that he run, but he couldn’t imagine anything less appealing than a campaign. He thought Abby should run.
Corrina laughed and agreed with him.
But then Dylan’s words trailed off as he watched the mess she made as she ate.
She was just like his mom.
“Um, I’ll be right back,” Dylan said. He had to get away from the crowd for a minute to think.
———-
Sawyer’s a teen at last!! I don’t know why he aged up on the stairway. I triggered age-up a couple of days early, but I didn’t want a cake because the Snowflake Day party was about to start.
I had Xia buy the jukebox so there could be dancing. Then I forgot to turn it on. Whoops!
GINA GOT CHARLES’S HAIR! Now I feel kind of guilty for giving it to Sawyer. Maybe I should have given him his mum Amy Winter’s hair. It was cool purple and indigo, which you didn’t get to see because all my surviving shots of her were elder.
I was pleased that we finally got Corrina to show up for something. She’s a really interesting/bizarre looking sim. I think I know who her genetic father is, and he’s an MTS sim with Commitment Issues who never had any actual kids. So this makes his genes worthwhile :).
I have one more post before we finally make it to the heir poll. One more!! And I even have the pics laid out for it.
I need to log into the game and get some CAS shots for the poll.
Wow. Sawyer has a bit of a nose. Great eyes though (and adorable frowny eyebrows). Am I right in guessing those eyes aren't EA defaults?
He could always decide to 'dye' his hair now that he's a teenager? Not that I don't love Charles's, but his mum's hair sounds pretty amazing too.
I'm glad to see that Xia and Sherman are starting to bond. And Abby and Sawyer as well. It's cool to see someone making the effort and trying to get to know him, as you said, on his own terms.
Dylan just needs to break it off with Corrina, I think. She's rather pretty, but she clearly doesn't appreciate him properly.
Bwahaha, Hunter cracked me up – "unicorn stuff" xD
And I can totally see why Sawyer left the party early. People acting all weird around him, on a day he didn't want to celebrate either, must be difficult for him. Poor guy. You have made him into such a lovable character!
I'm not sure what I think of Sawyer's face. He may be the most interesting character with the least interesting genetics.
His eyes are Amy's, both in color and shape. Most of the Avalon elves have jewel tone eyes as large as I can make them.
Corrina probably doesn't value Dylan as much as she should. But she's a Slob, which he just couldn't live with.
I'm glad you guys appreciate Sawyer in all his prickly glory.
You weren't kidding about Socially Awkward. Abby has been rolling steady wishes to be Sawyer's friend and do things with him, and I've been trying, but they're still not friends. Abby even has several points In Charisma.
I find it hilarious that Hunter always shows up exploded. I have no idea why, but the unicorn seems like the best guess. :#
Damn you Susan for making the heir poll really tricky. I honestly don't know who I'm going to pick. I love each of them in very different ways. Abby has grown on me this chapter because of the way she handled Sawyer. I feel sorry for the poor little guy 🙁
I'm glad that Xia has gotten visitation rights to little Sherman. What Plum did to Xia is far worse than what Xia did to Plum.
Hunter and Forest always crack me up 🙂
I really have no clear favorite amongst the kids. Each one has a story hook, and they all have interesting personalities. I think Dylan might have the most interesting genetics, but I'm not sure how much that should weigh, considering that it isn't a genetic legacy.
Have you seen Frozen? I haven't but I'm sort of familiar with the snowman song….which immediately popped into my head when Sawyer started building an army with Abby.
I love Sawyer; every update makes me love him more….but I have to agree that he's genetically the least interesting. He makes me think of a cross between Charles (I died a little when he aged up in adventure wear type stuff) and Edward Scissorhands. And maybe someone else too. I'm still rooting for him, though.
Yay February, crashing all yo parties!! I like how she's still got her blue tights.
I like Dylan, too…he was my least favorite but now he isn't. Maybe I'll vote for all three…
"Have you seen Frozen?" she asks. Yes, twice in the theater. YouTubes of various musical numbers many times. The second time, we took the rugrat, which was of mixed success. She was riveted by the story, but it was too intense for her to sit still, so we moved from the middle of the theater to the front, then to watch by the exit doors. Then hubby held her for the climax. Fortunately, there were four other people in the theater with us :).
The more I look at Sawyer, the more I think he has Charles's nose. Charles had a fairly broad nose himself. Neither Sky nor the elfified Amy Winehouse sim seem to.
Hmmm, somehow I knew you'd seen Frozen. I want to, SO bad, but the kidlet is too young to sit through a movie still, so I'm waiting for my library to get it. In the meantime, I've been trying desperately to avoid hearing any if the actual songs until seeing the movie first; I have, however, heard Demi Lovato singing "Let it Go" on the radio, which is…interesting. Kind of like all the allegations that Frozen is merely a thinly veiled but of propaganda in support of the homosexual agenda. O_O
Hurry up with this poll already! I'm dying to see who carries on the Sample legacy! (No pressure! :-p)
So, I am truly perplexed about this homosexual agenda in Frozen thing. Is it just put forth by that psycho pastor whose sermon is floating around Facebook, or do real humans believe this? Do they cite any supporting evidence whatsoever? I cannot fathom where even a homo-paranoid would get this idea.
The movie has four primary human characters. There are two protagonists, who are female and SISTERS, and two supporting male characters, who are traditional heterosexual love interests. Where on earth is all the same-sex love going on here?
I'm in an apparent minority of feminist parents who thinks Disney does OK with most of its female protagonists. I'd say that Frozen wins double gold stars in my grade card for female empowerment themes in G-rated movies, but I don't think it's the ONLY Disney flick that gets a high score. So even if you think empowered female == lesbian, I STILL don't get what the ruckus is about.
(Oh, hey, Fandango says it's rated PG. That's probably more appropriate anyway.)
BTW: I've never heard Demi Lovato cover "Let it Go," but I highly recommend the original Idina Menzel :).
Good God. Demi Lovato "Let it Go" is terrible. It says "Official" on Youtube — is that on the soundtrack? Why on earth would the tune need to be MORE popified than the Idina Menzel version?
I've only read one account of the "homosexual propaganda" and it was this Mormon woman who claimed that Elsa stands for gays; her being in isolation is them being in the closet, and her coming out is…well, you get the idea. I quit reading halfway through bc spoilers, and the whole thing is pure malarkey anyway. I had thought it was just an isolated incident, but I keep seeing it around.
Here's the thing I'm talking about: http://wellbehavedmormonwoman.blogspot.com/2014/02/movie-frozen-gay-homosexual-agenda.html?m=1
Basically, people will make a fuss over anything, ANYTHING.
And I am SO GLAD to hear you say that about the Disney princesses; it's a long standing argument I've had with the standard feminists for a while now. I've never understood why they enjoy bashing them so much when most of the princesses spend an exorbitant amount of time bucking tradition and standing up for what they believe in…not prancing about, simpering and trying to get a man, as they're so often accused of.
Bahahahaha, the first time I heard Demi's version, I didn't know what it was. I was half listening and thought, "hmm, I bet this was inspired by Frozen…wonder if it was on the soundtrack….wait…is this 'Let it Go?' Oh me gee WHY?!" They are now playing the Idina version on the radio as well, and what I heard of it is MUCH better. (Of course)
Huh. If you put it that way, I can see how Elsa would be an especially inspirational character to people living in the closet.
Of course, the hubby and I felt a connection to her story of self-acceptance and liberation from impossible conformity just because we had garden-variety ostracized-geek childhoods. OMG, the horror that sexual orientation isn't the only thing people need to accept about themselves! I have other thoughts on this I won't go into because spoilers.
As a feminist mother of a preschool daughter, I've been watching the flap against Disney princesses with a lot of interest. I started out pretty open to the idea, but (shocker) I've had the opportunity to go back and watch a lot of Disney movies in the last couple of years, and I think most of the criticism against Disney's princess characters is completely unfounded.
The social mores of old Disney kind of jumps around to the modern viewer; it's hard to hold, say, Snow White to a modern standard of feminine identity. But Disney was way more experimental back then. You can criticize the character of Cinderella, but at least she GOT a character, which is more than you can say for the prince. Both prince and princess in Sleeping Beauty (first place award winner for WTF Disney plot) are just placeholders for the battle between the fairies; neither of them have much agency at all.
But once you get to post-reboot Disney princesses, every one of them I can think of is crafted to be a strong character taking control of her destiny. More recently, Disney has even gotten into racial identity and attempted to make sure that any girl can find a princess who looks like her.
And here, I think, is the REAL source of the flap. It's not the *movies* it's the *marketing*. Disney has created this ENORMOUS market for Disney princess merchandise targeting girls from babyhood on up. THIS is what freaks out feminist parents. Mothers of daughters face a deluge of Disney-licensed frilly stuff starting when their babies are in the womb. They have a real issue; it's just that taking aim at the movies is misdirected ire.
I've made my peace with Disney princess merch and the related upswell in super-frilly fashion for girls. It's not like any of us grew up WITHOUT bizarre fashion and brand fads. I think we bring too much of our own baggage to the craze for princess frills. Dressing frilly doesn't have to require any concession on gender roles unless we make it so. I wrote stories as a kid about Megan from My Little Ponies as a pink-and-white frilled princess who rode out on Sundance seeking adventure with a broadsword on her back. Another friend recently posted a pic of his elementary-aged daughter engaged in a plastic lightsaber battle dressed in her Disney finest. We do our kids the best service if we support them in exploring their identity as broadly as possible.
End soapbox :).
El oh els about other people relating to Elsa for reasons outside of sexual orientation. :-p
Snow White is the one Disney princess I have issues with…she is the only "oh, I need a man to come saaaaave me so I can live happily ever after, lawls" one I can think of, but, in all honesty, no matter how I personally feel about her motives and aspirations, she also represents a set of girls who do feel that way…and that is their right as well. The whole feminist fight is supposed to be so that women and girls have the freedom to be whoever they want to be…and that includes being the more submissive, demure type for some girls. I hear a lot of criticism towards Game of Thrones for the same reason bc of Sansa, but I think it's hypocritical and damaging to expect all women to aspire to be Arya when some feel more like Sansa. There is such a demand to accept boys playing with dolls; well, good, but girls can play with them, too. (I hope all that came out clear; I meant to respond to this days ago and then forgot exactly how I wanted to put it). Anyway. I get rankled by some brands of feminists. Obviously.
But you definitely have a point about the merch aspect. I read something that said Disney does intentionally market their stories in a more frilly way than necessary. But girls are AWESOME; I love when I see stuff like them wearing a pink dress and a star wars mask. I love that little girls seem to have an innate sense that they CAN be both.
El oh els about other people relating to Elsa for reasons outside of sexual orientation. :-p
Snow White is the one Disney princess I have issues with…she is the only "oh, I need a man to come saaaaave me so I can live happily ever after, lawls" one I can think of, but, in all honesty, no matter how I personally feel about her motives and aspirations, she also represents a set of girls who do feel that way…and that is their right as well. The whole feminist fight is supposed to be so that women and girls have the freedom to be whoever they want to be…and that includes being the more submissive, demure type for some girls. I hear a lot of criticism towards Game of Thrones for the same reason bc of Sansa, but I
(Oh ffs, accidentally just deleted EVERY FREAKING THING I said after this point. I hate technology.)
I'll try and finish after I've calmed down a little. -_-
…….so I just realized that somehow all my comment DID make it on there; I just managed to repeat the beginning before I finished. Sorry about that….sigh.
Anyway, the last thing I wanted to say is that your Megan stories sound awesome, and that the last sentence (before End soapbox 😉 is some of the wisest stuff I've read.
Now I will go before I manage to paste up my entire latest Callender post or some such nonsense….
…….so I just realized that somehow all my comment DID make it on there; I just managed to repeat the beginning before I finished. Sorry about that….sigh.
Anyway, the last thing I wanted to say is that your Megan stories sound awesome, and that the last sentence (before End soapbox 😉 is some of the wisest stuff I've read.
Now I will go before I manage to paste up my entire latest Callender post or some such nonsense….
Oh my God. -_-