40. RECONCILIATION

Jace: Nice night. Perfect sky for observation.

Bas: Yes, Sixam is clearly visible today.

Jace: I remember you playing here every day. Sometimes alone, sometimes with friends. But you climbed up here every day.

Bas: Yeah... Good old times. Dad, I'm sorry. I haven't been myself lately, and I've hit that mean phase. I know I exaggerated, like a lot, but I just couldn't control it. There's been a lot going on.

Jace: At school? You have some problems?

Bas: No... I don't. I mean, I do. Eh, I don't know. High school is different than I thought. All my friends are acting different. They have new friends and I feel like they've forgotten about me and our friendship. 

Jace: You used to always hang out together.

Bas: Exactly! I miss that.

Jace: Being a teenager isn't easy. You're all growing up, getting to know each other better. Sometimes you go your own way.

Bas: But I don't want that. I want things to be like they used to be.

Bas: Everyone's suddenly dating. You can't do anything as a group anymore because everyone has a boyfriend or girlfriend.

Jace: Yeah, that complicates things. But you know, you're still friends regardless. And I'm sure you'll all hang out together at the prom anyway, once you're there.

Bas: Laura said the same thing.

Jace: Ah, Laura. And Laura is going with someone too?

Bas: Yeah... With Atlas Michaelson. He's the best in school.

Jace: No way! I thought you were the best in school!

Bas: Not yet, but that's my goal.

Jace: And tomorrow's the big day, science fair, right? Show them your project and you'll definitely get the title of best student.

Bas: Thanks, Dad.

Jace: Aaahnn... Sorry, but your old man is really tired. The years are taking their toll. 

Jace: Oh, and one more thing. I talked to your mom, and despite your outburst last time, you can go to the fall prom. If you want to, of course. It's your first prom, we don't want you to miss out on anything. But you're grounded from video games for the rest of the weekend.

Bas: To be honest, I'd rather be grounded for the prom.

Jace: Yup, I thought so. It's perfect punishment then.

Bas: I guess so.

Jace: Have fun tomorrow. At the Fair and at the prom too. I think it'll be better than you think.

Bas: Thanks again, Dad. 

 

Next day, on the Spooky Day, Bas presented his electronic project at Science Fair. He impressed the judges, but only enough for 2nd place. First prize was of course won by Atlas Michaelson. But, although it was difficult, Bas tamed his anger this time, he was a proper Sim after all.

Atlas: Congrats on 2nd place! Laura said you were very smart and had interesting ideas. She was right. You'd like to join our science club?

Bas: Um... Thanks, I'll think about it.

Bas didn't know what was more unexpected, Atlas being nice or the fact Laura said such nice things about him to Atlas.

The Fall Prom wasn't bad. The food was okay. And the music was okay, too. And all his friends showed up. Although some haven't entered the proper party yet. It was almost like it used to be...

Orion: This is great party! And those decorations ate!

Barb: Thanks! I told you, Dance Macabre theme was spot on.

Pearl: It came out epic.

Mary: Rom, you won with that outfit.

Bas: And you didn't want to dress up as a Jedi with me! Now I know why, lol!

Rom: Hey, I think it's a great costume. Cheap and effective! It does its job.

Mary: That's for sure!

Laura and Karmina won Prom Royalty and Jester titles.

Rom: A spot for the Queen!

Bas: You look a bit green—crown weight, or something else?

Laura: What's your deal now?

Bas: Just kidding! Nice costume, L. Faba would be jealous.

Laura: You noticed! Your Jedi outfit's great too.

Laura: I heard you won second place at the Fair. Congratulations! I knew you'd do great.

Bas: Thanks. Why didn't you take part?

Laura: Ah, you know, science isn't really my thing. It turns out I'm more of an art lover. 

Rom: Hey, what do you say if we take souvenir photos?

Laura: That's a great idea.

Bas: I think so too.

Rom: Yeah! Let's go! Quick, the photo booth is empty.

The photos were truly a great idea, although not everyone was happy with the result. Rom covered his face, as if he didn't already have a sheet over his head. And Laura made funny face, not that she wanted to. It was nice to spend time together again, and Bas didn't regret showing up.

On the dance floor, the gang proved you can have fun even if the group dance animation gets stuck. Everything was going wonderful, and the party might've won a gold medal—if Bas hadn't just realized he was completely infatuated with Laura, who, unfortunately, already had a boyfriend. 

<<<Previous chapter: 39. WHAT HAPPENED TO US

>>>Next chapter: 41. PROJECT SIMSTYLE: FASHION CHILL