23. YOU'VE GOT A FRIEND IN ME

Filip starts high school today. At the school, he meets his friend Kazik.

Filip: Hey dude, you’ve grown a lot.

Kazik: So have you, man. Do you know if we’re in the same class?

Filip: No idea.

Kazik: Knowing EA, we probably won’t know anyone here.

Before classes start, Filip has to talk to Principal Prescott.

Filip: Good morning, I’m the new student, Filip Drozd.

Principal Prescott: Welcome to Windenburg High School, Mr. Drozd. Classes are from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM every day. You can also sign up for extracurricular activities. Now hurry to class, or you’ll be late because of the game’s lag!

Filip: Of course, ma’am, I’m on my way!

The first class flew by so quickly that Filip felt like he barely sat down before it was over. Fortunately, lunch break is longer, giving Filip a chance to chat with his friend.

Filip: And that’s where I caught some great fish.

Kazik: That’s awesome!

Student: Didn’t you see the sign? Phones are banned in school—better put them away before Principal Prescott notices.

Kazik: Phone ban? Pfft, that sign seems fake, not an actual feature in the game.

Filip: Have you decided on any extracurriculars?

Kazik: Yeah, but none of the options appeal to me. So, I’ve decided to start my own club—the swim team. If you join, we’ll already have two members.

Filip: I’m in!

Akito grew a beautiful pumpkin! Unfortunately, it won’t go to the contest, as the Drozd family needs money more than a ribbon on the wall. Meanwhile, Klara got promoted to Lead Lecturer.

Klara: Can you believe I need to complete an extra degree to become an Adjunct Professor? Who designed this mod? It’ll take up most of my Sim-life!

Akito: I’ve been thinking about moving to a bigger house, but I don’t know where we’d get the funds. Most of it goes toward day-to-day expenses. But the boys need more space—maybe we’ll use a loan mod?

Piotr: Plumbob it! This lousy computer is broken again!

Akito: Well, karma comes back around. Also, for using that kind of language, you’re grounded from your phone.

Filip is starting to see the downsides of growing up—like skin problems.

Meanwhile, Piotr has taken his aspiration a bit too seriously, becoming quite mischievous and even getting punished by his teacher.

Klara: I’m worried about Piotr. He’s constantly causing trouble.

Akito: Probably just a phase.

Klara: A phase? This isn’t just a temporary trait in the game. He had a fight with a classmate today! Something’s wrong.

Akito: Maybe you should talk to him... you do have higher Parenting skills.

Klara: Fine, fine, I’ll handle it this time.

Klara: And that’s why your dad and I are worried. Is there something you’d like to tell us? Is someone bullying you at school?

Piotr: I thought this is what you expected from me...

Klara: Expected?

Piotr: Well, I have this aspiration. At school, they said if you’re from a legacy family, you’re supposed to act according to your traits and aspiration...

Klara: Sweetie, you can act however you want. You don’t even have to finish your aspiration, and it definitely doesn’t define your whole personality.

Piotr: Really? So I don’t have to constantly play pranks, joke around, or be mean?

Klara: No, you don’t. And you definitely don’t need to listen to your classmates. Come here, give me a hug.

Piotr: You know, Mom, I’ll finish this aspiration, but I won’t be mean to others anymore.

Meanwhile, Filip attended the first meeting of the swim team—consisting of a grand total of two people.

Kazik: Just remember not to stay in the water too long. The Watcher installed a mod for learning to swim, and you can actually drown.

After practice, it’s time for some splashing fun in the water.

Klara now spends a lot of time at university. She’s either attending economics classes (her new degree), preparing lectures, or delivering them. So far, she’s only had one casual attendee in her class, but she hopes that will change.

It’s Friday, and exams are happening at school. Filip is cramming quickly before class.

Kazik: I don’t think I’ll pass this.

Teacher: Alright, everyone, we’re starting.

The Scan-O-Tron 7 made quick work of grading, and it turns out Filip did (somehow) pretty well.

After class, the swim team meets again, now with four members. Janek and Ignacy recently joined. Today, it’s all about racing and learning dive techniques.

The weekend arrives, but no one in the Drozd household is slacking off. Klara works on her economics presentation, Akito cleans the house, and Piotr has been trolling forums all morning, completing his aspiration. Filip, meanwhile, is at a scout meeting.

Filip returns from the meeting with some exciting news.

Filip: Our scout troop is organizing a swim camp. Only Sims with a Level 3 Swimming skill or higher can attend, so I qualify!

Akito: Wow, you’re already at Level 3? If Mom agrees, you’re good to go.

Klara: Mom agrees, as long as you’re careful!

Filip: Thanks! You guys are the best!

Akito: Let’s check what you’ll need for the trip.

That evening, Klara and Akito attend the wedding of Zoe and Nicolas.

Mikołaj: Great that you could make it—it was kind of a spur-of-the-moment thing.

Klara: We wouldn’t miss it for the world!

Although the ceremony was short and the groom was too nervous to tie his tie, it was still a magical event for the couple.

Klara: So, how do you like the life of active Sims?

Zoe: It’s fun, but I don’t think I could handle it long-term.

Nicolas: It’s exhausting! The energy bar drains so fast!

Zoe: I think I prefer the quieter life of an unplayed Sim.

Akito: They say that now, but wait until Neighborhood Stories gives them six babies. Then they’ll change their tune.

Taking advantage of the lack of supervision, the boys head to a party.

Kazik: Can you believe we’ve barely started high school, and it’s already summer break?

Filip: And tomorrow, we’re off to camp! Glad you qualified too!

Kazik: It’s going to be simtastic!

The boys hit the dance floor.

Kazik: Isn’t that the same DJ who played at our school’s carnival dance? I’m going to try my luck!

Excuse me, are you a radio station? Because I think we’re on the same wavelength!

But the DJ didn’t even notice him.

Kazik: Hey, isn’t that Anna, your childhood crush?

Filip: Yeah, it is. But you know, I haven’t talked to her since my birthday, and she doesn’t even go to our school.

Kazik: You should go talk to her.

Filip: What would I even say? And besides, look, she’s already talking to someone...

Filip: Why am I so useless? I can’t even walk up and talk to a girl I already know!

Kazik: Dude, don’t beat yourself up. Look, the DJ didn’t even glance at me, and am I sulking? Nope! Tomorrow’s a new day, and we’re off to conquer the world. Friends forever?

Filip: Friends forever!

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