30. SCHOOL LOVE

Sunday morning at the Drozd household starts off sweet—Filip is making cupcakes, and he doesn't even need a cupcake machine anymore. Anna is writing a column about the latest museum exhibit she visited. Meanwhile, Bea is suspicious… Could these sweet cupcakes for breakfast be a trap?

Maja finally gets up.

Maja: Oh, cupcakes! Awesome!

Anna: Do you have a tattoo on your back?

Maja: Come on, Mom, it's just a temporary one from last night's dance.

Anna: Speaking of which, how was it?

Maja: Simtastic!

Maja decides today is a "Invest in Myself" kind of day. First, some studying (because those last tests did not go well...). A nice message from Artur in between. Then, a little workout.

And, of course, a search for new outfits at ThriftTea.

Thrift store owner: No, no, no. That does not suit you at all. You need something that reflects your personality! Here, try this one, sweetheart, it came in yesterday. And if you need help, I'm always here!

Maja: Oh wow, it fits perfectly!

Owner: Remember, you create the style—it doesn’t create you!

Filip heads out to check the current frog population in Mua Pel'am. To his delight, he discovers a new species! On his way home, he drops off a specimen at the Institute. He also takes a moment to admire the rest of his collected treasures.

Luckily, he makes it home just in time for the Starlight Accolades.

Maja: Dad, you can sit down.

Filip: I know, but I’m just excited! Besides, there’s no way I’m winning a Plumbell Award. I mean, I’m not some great explorer or inventor.

Maja: Oh sure, totally, you only, you know, restored an entire ecosystem and wrote several books about it. You're right—absolute nothing.

Host: And this year’s Plumbell Award goes to… Filip Drozd! What's more, he also wins a Starlight Accolade for Best Documentary on Sulani’s Ecosystem!

In the following days, Maja keeps promoting her new outfits online. She's gathered quite a following already. She also publicly roasts Mateusz for his complete lack of fashion sense. Of course, she spends most of her free time making out with Artur, who is now officially her boyfriend. Unfortunately, this does lead to some serious daydreaming in class…

At practice, Maja is giving it her all—and even more. The whole team is training hard for Thursday’s game.

And another day at school means more hallway PDA. But hey, love isn’t everything—Maja does actually eat in the cafeteria sometimes.

Enue: Ugh, I can't deal with my sister. I don’t even know what her problem is.

Maja: I bet it’s me. She’s still salty that I didn’t boycott the dance with her.

Nothing like a date at the tea shop to get to know each other better.

Maja: So, why did your parents send you to Sulani, anyway?

Artur: If I told you, I’d have to kill you.

Maja: Haha, seriously though, why?

Artur: I don’t want to talk about it, okay?

Artur: It’s just… it’s not something I’m proud of.

Maja: Oh my Watcher! Don’t turn around, but someone behind you is literally wearing one of my promoted outfits!

Artur: No way! That’s simtastic! We need to celebrate after the game on Thursday. You’ll be cheering for me, right?

Test days are creeping closer. Maja is trying to pay attention in class… but it's not really working, and the new teacher definitely notices.

Ms. Garcia: I don’t care if you come from a legacy or not. If you want to pass, you have to work just like everyone else. I suggest focusing more on math and less on what to wear.

But Maja doesn’t dwell on Ms. Garcia’s words for long—she just got a notification that all her outfits on Trendi sold out instantly! Finally, she can buy that new Joliebean set with her hard-earned simoleons!

Maja: So, what’s up? Work going okay?

Anna: What do you want, daughter?

Maja: Well, you see, Mom, I was thinking… Can I throw a party at our place after school on Friday?

Anna: If you bring home straight A’s on your tests, then yes.

Maja: Uh… Straight A’s? Me? Deal!

After all, Maja is a veeery confident Sim.

One last evening training session with Marshmallow before bed.

Maja: Good girl.

Marshmallow: Woof woof! [You should be studying instead of playing with me, but I'll let it slide.]

The next morning, everyone at school is already buzzing about the big game that evening. Word has also spread about Maja’s upcoming party. Looks like Kaliya isn't planning on coming.

Artur: You really know how to lift a guy’s spirits. Wish me luck for the game!

And after the match, it’s time to celebrate.

Blond guy: Do I have the pleasure of speaking to the lovely Maja?

Maja: Do I know you?

Blond guy: Malcolm Landgraab. Artur’s cousin.

Maja: I didn’t know Artur had a cousin.

Artur: What are you doing here?!

Malcolm: I thought you’d be happy to see me, cousin. Hope you’re not still mad about… you know, the whole incident. It’s been ages, scout’s honor—I’ve changed!

Artur: You were never a scout. Heh, fine, whatever, I’ll let it go.

Maja: Well then, Malcolm, why don’t you come to my party tomorrow?

Maja: Okay, show me your famous move. Let’s go, Warriors!

Maja is clearly smitten with Artur. And while Artur definitely has feelings for her too, the Watcher can’t ignore how fundamentally incompatible they seem. It’s… concerning. 

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