48. STARLIGHT ACCOLADES

February 18, 2025

We're leaving San Sequoia for some time, because Maja had to move to Del Sol Valley for the last 3 episodes of Project SimStyle. Well... Three episodes, of course, only if Maja survives to the finale!

Bastian has already left for Foxbury to start his college life, and Maja is slowly starting to miss him. Before he left, he seemed off, packing all day and not wanting to talk to anyone. Maja was a bit worried, but Jace said it was probably just pre-trip stress and that she should give him space.

So, Maja let it go. Besides, she had her own big, stressful event ahead. Her time in Del Sol Valley would begin with the Starlight Accolades! Will she win an award for her last nomination?

It’s a shame Jace couldn’t come with her. He got some important contract from Estella Laandgrab elsewhere. Well, no time for panic. The sun is setting, the ceremony is about to start, time to find a good spot in the audience.

A good spot was good, until Artur Zest took the empty seat next to her. Maja’s high school ex. Maja tried to keep a neutral expression and a stone face.

Artur: How long are you going to pretend you don’t even know me?

Maja: Excuse me?

Artur: A simple ‘hi’ would be fine. Or a nod.

Maja: Ah, it’s you. Sorry, I didn’t recognize you.

Artur: Sure.

Maja: It’s been a long time.

Artur: You didn't change at all.

Maja: Well, time wasn't so kind to you. Now excuse me, I’m going back to watching the ceremony.

Artur: I’d like to talk to you.

Maja: Listen, I’m not in the mood to talk to you right now. This is an important evening for me, and I won’t let you ruin it.

Artur: I’m not trying to ruin anything! I want to apologize!

Maja: Now? It’s been years. Do you really think I care?

Artur: I care. Listen, I’ve changed. I’m a husband now, a father. I have a daughter, she’s about to become a teenager. That changes… one's perspective. I wanted to work through some things... for myself. For her. For you, too, for how I behaved back then. Please.

Host: Host: And now, the award for Best Video. Let’s remind the nominees list…

Artur: So, will you join me for dinner after the ceremony?

Host: …And the winner is…

Maja: Alright, but only dinner, and then we're done.

Artur: Okay.

Host: MAJA DROZD for Winterfest Fever!!! Congratulations!!!

Maja: When I was offered social media job in my 3rd semester, even though it was my passion, I didn’t think it'd lead to such fame. It is with passion, courage of conviction, and strong sense of self that we take our next steps into the world, remembering that first impressions are not always correct.

Maja: You must always have faith in people. And most importantly, you must always have faith in yourself. Now I can tell it to myself - Maja Drozd - you did it! Thank you so much!

At the restaurant Chez Llama Maja is still wondering why she agreed to come here with this pompous guy. The truth is, Artur doesn’t look as bad as she said… the attraction system doesn’t lie…

Artur: Thanks for agreeing to talk.

Maja: I hope I won’t regret it.

Artur: Listen, I know what you think of me. I acted like an idiot back then. But I never wanted to hurt you. We were teenagers. Malcolm always had a bad influence on me, and I was easy to manipulate. I’m not trying to make excuses, I just want to say that I regret it and that I’m a different Sim now.

Maja: You know, it’s not like I’m still dwelling on what happened back then. I was hurt, you were my first boyfriend. I guess that’s it. But it’s all in the past. I’m a happy wife and mom. From what I understand, you’re a happy husband and father too.

Artur: Yeah, Melissa is amazing. We met on a film set.

Maja: So, you followed in your mom’s footsteps. Judith must be proud in the Afterlife.

Artur: I’m not sure, I didn't go that far, I only have 3 stars. But sitcoms are pretty profitable. And I mix acting with comedy, so my dad’s legacy didn’t go to waste.

Maja: And you have a little girl.

Artur: Diana is a sweetheart. Although I’m a bit worried about her. Since her last birthday, she’s been showing some… macabre traits. But I hope she’ll grow out of it, she’ll be a teenager soon.

Maja: Teenagers can be even more macabre! Just saying...

Maja: But I'm sure you'll be fine, just make sure she doesn’t have bad influences around her.

Artur: Don’t worry, I haven’t been in touch with Malcolm for ages! Plus, Diana has no cousins on that side of the family. But I’ll keep an eye on it, thanks for the advice!