42. AFTER THE PROM

The days after the autumn prom passed quite quickly. Before they knew it, it was the Day of Remembrance, and Maja eagerly told Bastian stories about Grandma Klara and Grandpa Akito.

Eventually, Maja and Jace also did a photoshoot for the Slumber Party Collection by @trillyke.bsky.social. Jace is getting closer to completing his aspiration. 

After the last Science Fair, Bas received an offer for a paid internship at the Laboratory. Of course, he accepted it, especially since the scholarship was quite generous for a high school student.

But not all was going well. Eg, seeing his crush in someone else’s arms was definitely not part of his plan. So, entering a distant child phase turned out to be quite convenient. It gave Bastian a solid excuse to quietly focus on pursuing his own aspirations, away from everyone. 

Unfortunately, no matter how hard he tried, he could never fully avoid seeing certain Sims. Sometimes you need to grab a book (or rather an apple) from your locker. Sometimes you have to leave the classroom. Sometimes you need to look at your best friend, Rom, photos. 

Since the prom, everyone seemed even more "social" - or maybe it just felt that way to Bastian because of his introverted trait? No, it definitely wasn’t just in his head. But that’s all the Watcher’s fault because otherwise, nothing interesting would ever happen in high school. 

Oreo spent the whole night running outside to weird places and caught some illness. Bas had to take her to the vet. But first - a bath. At the vet, Oreo was clearly terrified. Well, that’s what happens when you wander around suspicious places, doggy.

The vet seemed nice but had some strange equipment that scared Oreo even more. Luckily, it wasn’t anything serious, and with a brand-new cone of shame (and 150 simoleons lighter), Bas and Oreo could finally leave the vet’s office. 

Harvestfest this year was held in San Sequoia. All the invited guests have already gathered.

Maja: Dad, we’re not eating yet. Not everyone’s seated at the table.

Filip: Then I might as well starve to death. 

Yuki: What do you have here, child?! Who let you get your ear pierced?!

Mary: Oh, Grandma, you already had blue hair at my age.

Filip: This camera is broken. I can’t fit everyone in the frame.

Maja: Selfies don't work well from phone, dad. 

Anna: Weren’t you hungry? Leave camera and sit down already. 

The adults sat in the living room, chatting lively. Jace was playing the piano (seems like his new hobby). The gnomes also appeared - clearly just to watch TV. 

The kids climbed up into the treehouse.

Mary: Just tell her you like her.

Bas: But I don’t like Laura!

Mary: Sure you don’t...

Barb: Bas, everyone can see it.

Bas: So what am I supposed to do? She’s dating Atlas.

Euzebia: Maybe they’ll break up.

Bas: Ooor I should just forget about her! And so should you - drop this topic!

Maja brewed some tea, and everyone continued chatting happily. What a lovely Harvestfest!

Meanwhile, Jace decided to gift a toy to the naked gnome, cause he loves that tradition! Looks like he doesn’t need much to be happy. After receiving the gnome’s blessing, the whole holiday was a success :P

For Maja and Bastian, the holiday was also a big success, even though they didn’t try to gift the gnomes anything. Probably why the gnomes themselves showed up at night to "gift themselves" the leftover tea... I can’t think of any other explanation. Neither can Maja. 

And a family photo from Harvestfest 😁

Sunday match between son and mom. And mom won!

There were some changes at school. Some were pretty neutral for Bastian, but others... not so much. ;)

Yeah, yeah, the Watcher was again messing up with poor teenagers life to add some spice😁

I think this was the reason, why Bas finally gathered the courage to talk to Laura, on his own!!! They talked, and it felt like old times. And suddenly THIS happened. Romantic satisfaction?!👀 The Watcher isn’t entirely sure how - it must’ve been one of their autonomous interaction!  

I would’ve checked how this sudden spark might develop furtherly, but Bas had to rush off to his new computer club meeting (he signed up recently), and the next day was GeekCon. He was allowed to skip school for it!

A few new photos and souvenirs from the festival surely wouldn’t hurt.

Both competitions completed! Ultimate Gaming Test at 70% and Hackathon at 77%! That must be thanks to joining the computer club. And with that, he earned a gold medal! And a new computer 😎

And for dessert, a simulated rocket flight. Although at times, Bas felt like he was part of a real space launch! But that’s impossible, right? I mean, who'd allow a space launch in the middle of the city?!

Maybe same people who allowed putting objects in the sky and then their fall 🤔😜 

At home, Bas immediately tested out the graphics on his new computer. :)

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