1.21 Heir McGinnis, Part 2
When Cameron woke early to get ready for work he found Collin sitting at the bar in the living room. It was odd to him because Collin always slept in until the last possible moment. It was a hallmark of his brother, one he rarely broke. Even stranger, he was sitting at the breakfast bar with nothing in front of him.
Frowning he scrounged around in the fridge and pulled out some of the leftover bacon wrapped asparagus. Nothing like a heaping helping of protein to start the day before he headed off to make coffee for the early rising business district men.
OK, well brewed the beans for the business men but it was making the money he wanted to put aside for... well time would tell what it would be for.
"Hey." he said simply as he slid onto the bar stool.
"Oh morning sleeping beauty. I thought you were the one with the early morning shift." Collin replied sarcastically.
Cameron took a bite. "I am. What are you doing up? Thought you would still be recovering from the late night burger flipping shift."
"Haha, very funny." Collin said sarcastically then his face sobered. "I guess I just have a lot on my mind."
But almost immediately his serious face changed into his usual impish one.
"Like... hmmm... I don't know. The presentations." he said sarcastically putting a finger over his mouth.
"It's only been two days since we submitted our presentations, Collin, plus I'm sure they have dozens of other applications to consider." Cameron said exasperated.
"Well, at least, I'm taking it seriously."
On the other side of the kitchen, Laurent was just pulling out his signature chocolate cake from the oven as the boys began to heatedly argue.
The secret had always been a steady hand and silence, he thought to himself as he pulled the cake from the oven. "Beautiful," he murmured. "Now I just needed to let the cake cool so I can frost it before I leave for work."
"WHAtT!?"
Cameron's explanation from the breakfast bar surprised him and Laurent dropped the cake to the floor. "Boys!" he said in frustration.
But the boys weren't listening.
Cameron dropped his fork. "Are you kidding? You wait until the last second and submit a half-baked idea about an arcade!"
"It was fully baked thank you. We need more fun things to do." Collin argued.
Laurent sighed in exasperation. "Boys!" Both Collin and Cameron turned sharply to look at their father. "You boys just made me drop your mother's birthday cake... And now I am all out of the ingredients for my signature chocolate cake."
"Sorry Dad." Cameron and Collin murmured together.
Laurent sighed. "I'm just going to have to make a vanilla cake." He glanced at the clock. "With any luck, and no more surprises, I can still get this cake made in time."
He looked from each of their sheepish faces. "Think you can leave me in peace?"
Cameron scowled at his brother but he didn't say anything more.
Finally, he set aside his fork. "Whatever, I've got to get to work anyway. I'll see you at Mom's birthday party this evening."
Picking up his dishes to wash, he walked away without even looking at his brother. Collin smiled sweetly and sliding off the chair he went back to his room to start getting ready for school.
The day went by uneventfully after that as the kids went to school and Adaleigh spent her last day as an adult puttering around the house. She couldn't believe she had come so far. Soon her children would be Young Adults, the same age she had been when she undertook the building of Newcrest Park & Gardens.
3 o'clock rolled around and before she knew it the kids were back and busy decorating the kitchen and living area. It all seemed so far away, the living off the land and building the greenhouse, which had been their home for so many life stages...
Ah well, no time to be melancholy. She told herself chipperly as she took out the trash.
At 5:30, the guest began to arrive, and Laurent just returned from his job was busy puttering in the kitchen and cooking up dinner.
Of course, the first to arrive was Summer with J and baby Christina in tow.
"Happy Birthday, Mayor McGinnis... or is it just Adaleigh now?"
Adaleigh smiled. "Soon. I'm just waiting on word from the Sim Council." she said docilely trying not to let out the secret she was keeping.
"Well, I guess, your Mayor for another day." Summer said, but her eyes were sharp as if she knew more than she said.
"Eliza, so glad you and the kids could make it."
"Wouldn't miss Mayor McGinnis' Elder Celebration." Eliza replied as if it was the most important event of the century. Adaleigh supposed it was. With Newcrest being the new up-and-coming area to live in the McGinnis' were beginning to have the same impact as much more prestigious families, such as the Goths or even the Landgraabs. For Eliza that meant a lot, Adaleigh knew.
Her husband was an utter delight and he quickly made himself useful serving drinks to everyone while Laurent fussed in the kitchen.
Adaleigh was pleasantly surprised by the turnout. With the opening of the park and word spreading about the new heir being selected to take over the mayoral duties it was clear that the McGinnis family was beginning to make a name for itself.
Aspen and Myla Landgraab, younger sisters to the now heir apparent Malcolm Landgraab had even deigned to make an appearance.
Though from the looks of things, Myla Landgraab was interested in a particular McGinnis boy more than the celebration itself. Collin had been spending a lot of his free time before work chatting with her on the computer Adaleigh knew. Still Landgraab or no, she wondered if she was right for Collin.
Still, she also knew that the heart wanted what it wanted and Collin was halfway to being a Young Adult. He could hold his own she knew.
Cameron, on the other hand, her quiet and responsible boy was busy fixing the sink in the guest bathroom. She knew that she could always rely on Cameron in a fix.
She decided to let her boys be boys and just to enjoy the party. After all, she would only become an elder once. And once the party was over, she had a letter that had arrived yesterday burning a hole in her pocket.
Before long it was time to blow out the candles. Laurent presented the cake the a flourish, a beautiful redintion of "Happy Birthday." He apologised for it not being his signature chocolate cake saying he had planned to serve that but that it was "unexpectedly" destroyed this morning.
Adaleigh smiled at her husband as he set the white cake in front of her.
"Laurent any cake you make is going to be delicious." she said smiling.
"I know, but I'm baking you a Signature Laurent double chocolate cake to have later." he said conspiratorily. "Because I know it will always be your favorite."
She smiled. "Well... I never say no to chocolate cake." she said.
Turning her attention back to the delicious looking vanilla birthday cake Adaleigh thought deeply. With her pet project complete, Adaleigh was very stumped at what to wish for.
More than anything.... I want my children to find lives where they are happy, she thought to herself and closing her eyes...
She blew out the candles.
Only they didn't go out.
"Getting a little old there Miss Mayor?" Summer said teasingly.
"She's not old, Aunt Summer. Mom just needed to make sure she had the perfect wish." Laura said defending her good-naturedly.
Adaleigh smiled at her daughter. "An excellent point, my dear." she said and glared benevolently at her best friend.
"An excellent excuse." Summer replied smiling cheekily.
Scrunching up her forehead at her best friend, Adaleigh frowned and blew again. This time the candles went out.
This time, the entire room broke into celebration as Adaleigh spun into her elder years.
Collin sang, like his father.
Confetti and streamers and noisemakers blared.
"So...?" Laura said looking at her mother expectantly.
Adaleigh rubbed her low back. "So.... I feel old now."
Everyone laughed and the party went on. Food served and everyone had a great time. It was another successful McGinnis dinner party. Once all the guests had left, Adaleigh and Laurent gathered the kids in the kitchen all together.
Laurent couldn't sit still and busied himself and Adaleigh set down the envelope she had gotten out of her room.
"What's that Mom?" Collin asked obviously still quite pleased at having spent a bulk of the party chatting up with Myla.
She didn't know quite how to start so she just did. "The Sims Council mailed their determination about your presentations." she said simply.
She slipped into the chair and looked seriously at Collin. "In this envelope is their answer. I haven't opened it yet because I wanted to be with you all when I did."
"What? So soon." Collin looked shocked, though both Laura (who had no stake and thus no concern) and Cameron seemed serene.
Finally Cameron spoke. "So, can you read it to us?"
"I will now." Adaleigh took a deep breath.
Collin grinned. "Well, it only decides the rest of our life. So now would be a good time I think."
Adaleigh laughed nervously under her breath and then turning away from the table. Ripped open the letter.
"Hey, Collin, no hard feelings over anything the council decides." Cameron said genially as she skimmed through the letter.
"Brothers always." Collin agreed.
The letter told her what she had known all along. Turning back to the boys, she read it aloud.
"Dear McGinnis Brothers,
The presentations submitted to the Simsville Council were admirable in their quality and their zeal for Newcrest. We expected nothing less from the legacy that is becoming your family lineage. Alongside your presentations, we did accept presentations from other willing candidates but are glad to select one of you as the next Mayor of Newcrest.
As the area has expanded vastly since its founded under your mother's leadership, we in the council are seeking a candidate who is seeking to enhance to area for future citizens. We examined both presentations with their goals, time lines and budgets and have determined from these our candidate select."
Adaleigh hesitated and sat between her boys looking worriedly at Collin who had bent his head as she had read.
Collin smiled weakly. "It's OK, Mom. You can continue." he said calmly.
She nodded and continued.
"As such, the Simsville Council formally names Cameron McGinnis the new Mayor of Newcrest." she said and she looked sadly at Collin.
Collin sighed and then he smiled. In a way, he seemed as if a huge burden had been lifted from his shoulders.
"In a way.... I always knew." he said to his mother.
Cameron couldn't believe the words as she had said. He was the new Mayor?!?!?
"Cameron, this means a long road ahead." Adaleigh said turning to her middle child and striking a confident pose. "The Council has agreed to your project on the stipulation you fund the three houses of your proposed low-income neighborhood. You have to find funding to pay for the structural components of each house and then submit a proposal for the cost of furnishings that the Simville Council will approve. They've approved the construction of three houses to start. Two houses must be worth no more than 20,000 Simoleons and the third has a max budget of 55,000 Simoleons."
Laura yawned and dragging herself from the chair she smiled at her middle brother. "Congrats, Cam. Sorry, Collin, but like you said, we all knew. "
"Hey, just cause I said I knew--" Collin objected but Laura was too tired to even react.
"Now that all this excitement is settled, I'm going to drag myself off to bed."
"Brat."
"I'm the baby, deal with it, Big Brother." She stuck out her tongue. "Good night all. Good night, Mayor Cameron."
Saluting cheekily she tiredly dragged herself out of the room.
"I-I can't believe its real." Cam said more to himself than anyone else.
Collin yawned. "I think I'm going to call it a night as well." he said standing. As he did Cameron stood up.
"Collin, I really hope that now that this is over we can put aside our differences and just be brothers again." he said politically.
Collin walked up to his brother and held open his arms. "You're more politic than I brother, they picked the right brother."
And the two hugged fondly. "Just do me proud, little brother."
"To Newcrest!" Collin said holding up his arm for a high five.
Cameron grinned and slapped a high five. As he did, Collin looked over Cameron's shoulder and his eyes went wide.
Confused, Cameron looked expecting to see something horrible but there was nothing there.
"Boo!"
"Collin! What in the world was that for?"
"Hey Somebodies got to keep you on your toes, Mayor McGinnis."
Adaleigh just shook her head. Her boys, her wonderful boys.
Collin left his brother, father, and mother excitedly discussing building cost and blueprints. He really had intended to go to bed, but with his almost entire family talking about futures he realized he had a lot to think about.
Being Mayor of Newcrest, it hadn't really been what he wanted but it had felt like something he needed to try for because it was his mother's legacy. Cameron had always wanted it more, but he knew how much it meant and how much it would hurt his mother if he hadn't really wanted to be a part of it.
Laura's denouncement of the title had shown how much it had meant the Adaleigh that he and Cam had wanted the title. Even if he had been acting out the part more than living it. Now that the Council had selected the right heir he could move forward.
Sitting at the chair, Collin wasn't sure what to do at first so he took a deep calming breath. Right now he just wanted to talk to someone.
So he booted up the chat feature and started to write.
Frowning he scrounged around in the fridge and pulled out some of the leftover bacon wrapped asparagus. Nothing like a heaping helping of protein to start the day before he headed off to make coffee for the early rising business district men.
OK, well brewed the beans for the business men but it was making the money he wanted to put aside for... well time would tell what it would be for.
"Hey." he said simply as he slid onto the bar stool.
"Oh morning sleeping beauty. I thought you were the one with the early morning shift." Collin replied sarcastically.
Cameron took a bite. "I am. What are you doing up? Thought you would still be recovering from the late night burger flipping shift."
"Haha, very funny." Collin said sarcastically then his face sobered. "I guess I just have a lot on my mind."
But almost immediately his serious face changed into his usual impish one.
"Like... hmmm... I don't know. The presentations." he said sarcastically putting a finger over his mouth.
"It's only been two days since we submitted our presentations, Collin, plus I'm sure they have dozens of other applications to consider." Cameron said exasperated.
"Well, at least, I'm taking it seriously."
On the other side of the kitchen, Laurent was just pulling out his signature chocolate cake from the oven as the boys began to heatedly argue.
The secret had always been a steady hand and silence, he thought to himself as he pulled the cake from the oven. "Beautiful," he murmured. "Now I just needed to let the cake cool so I can frost it before I leave for work."
"WHAtT!?"
Cameron's explanation from the breakfast bar surprised him and Laurent dropped the cake to the floor. "Boys!" he said in frustration.
But the boys weren't listening.
Cameron dropped his fork. "Are you kidding? You wait until the last second and submit a half-baked idea about an arcade!"
"It was fully baked thank you. We need more fun things to do." Collin argued.
Laurent sighed in exasperation. "Boys!" Both Collin and Cameron turned sharply to look at their father. "You boys just made me drop your mother's birthday cake... And now I am all out of the ingredients for my signature chocolate cake."
"Sorry Dad." Cameron and Collin murmured together.
Laurent sighed. "I'm just going to have to make a vanilla cake." He glanced at the clock. "With any luck, and no more surprises, I can still get this cake made in time."
He looked from each of their sheepish faces. "Think you can leave me in peace?"
Cameron scowled at his brother but he didn't say anything more.
Finally, he set aside his fork. "Whatever, I've got to get to work anyway. I'll see you at Mom's birthday party this evening."
Picking up his dishes to wash, he walked away without even looking at his brother. Collin smiled sweetly and sliding off the chair he went back to his room to start getting ready for school.
The day went by uneventfully after that as the kids went to school and Adaleigh spent her last day as an adult puttering around the house. She couldn't believe she had come so far. Soon her children would be Young Adults, the same age she had been when she undertook the building of Newcrest Park & Gardens.
3 o'clock rolled around and before she knew it the kids were back and busy decorating the kitchen and living area. It all seemed so far away, the living off the land and building the greenhouse, which had been their home for so many life stages...
Ah well, no time to be melancholy. She told herself chipperly as she took out the trash.
At 5:30, the guest began to arrive, and Laurent just returned from his job was busy puttering in the kitchen and cooking up dinner.
Of course, the first to arrive was Summer with J and baby Christina in tow.
"Happy Birthday, Mayor McGinnis... or is it just Adaleigh now?"
Adaleigh smiled. "Soon. I'm just waiting on word from the Sim Council." she said docilely trying not to let out the secret she was keeping.
"Well, I guess, your Mayor for another day." Summer said, but her eyes were sharp as if she knew more than she said.
Not to be outdone, Eliza soon showed up with her two children and her reclusive husband Bob. Adaleigh had seen Bob around Newcrest from time to time but this party was the first time she had ever gotten to meet him face to face.
"Eliza, so glad you and the kids could make it."
"Wouldn't miss Mayor McGinnis' Elder Celebration." Eliza replied as if it was the most important event of the century. Adaleigh supposed it was. With Newcrest being the new up-and-coming area to live in the McGinnis' were beginning to have the same impact as much more prestigious families, such as the Goths or even the Landgraabs. For Eliza that meant a lot, Adaleigh knew.
Her husband was an utter delight and he quickly made himself useful serving drinks to everyone while Laurent fussed in the kitchen.
Adaleigh was pleasantly surprised by the turnout. With the opening of the park and word spreading about the new heir being selected to take over the mayoral duties it was clear that the McGinnis family was beginning to make a name for itself.
Aspen and Myla Landgraab, younger sisters to the now heir apparent Malcolm Landgraab had even deigned to make an appearance.
Though from the looks of things, Myla Landgraab was interested in a particular McGinnis boy more than the celebration itself. Collin had been spending a lot of his free time before work chatting with her on the computer Adaleigh knew. Still Landgraab or no, she wondered if she was right for Collin.
Still, she also knew that the heart wanted what it wanted and Collin was halfway to being a Young Adult. He could hold his own she knew.
Cameron, on the other hand, her quiet and responsible boy was busy fixing the sink in the guest bathroom. She knew that she could always rely on Cameron in a fix.
She decided to let her boys be boys and just to enjoy the party. After all, she would only become an elder once. And once the party was over, she had a letter that had arrived yesterday burning a hole in her pocket.
Before long it was time to blow out the candles. Laurent presented the cake the a flourish, a beautiful redintion of "Happy Birthday." He apologised for it not being his signature chocolate cake saying he had planned to serve that but that it was "unexpectedly" destroyed this morning.
Adaleigh smiled at her husband as he set the white cake in front of her.
"Laurent any cake you make is going to be delicious." she said smiling.
"I know, but I'm baking you a Signature Laurent double chocolate cake to have later." he said conspiratorily. "Because I know it will always be your favorite."
She smiled. "Well... I never say no to chocolate cake." she said.
Turning her attention back to the delicious looking vanilla birthday cake Adaleigh thought deeply. With her pet project complete, Adaleigh was very stumped at what to wish for.
More than anything.... I want my children to find lives where they are happy, she thought to herself and closing her eyes...
She blew out the candles.
Only they didn't go out.
"Getting a little old there Miss Mayor?" Summer said teasingly.
"She's not old, Aunt Summer. Mom just needed to make sure she had the perfect wish." Laura said defending her good-naturedly.
Adaleigh smiled at her daughter. "An excellent point, my dear." she said and glared benevolently at her best friend.
"An excellent excuse." Summer replied smiling cheekily.
Scrunching up her forehead at her best friend, Adaleigh frowned and blew again. This time the candles went out.
This time, the entire room broke into celebration as Adaleigh spun into her elder years.
Collin sang, like his father.
Confetti and streamers and noisemakers blared.
"So...?" Laura said looking at her mother expectantly.
Adaleigh rubbed her low back. "So.... I feel old now."
Everyone laughed and the party went on. Food served and everyone had a great time. It was another successful McGinnis dinner party. Once all the guests had left, Adaleigh and Laurent gathered the kids in the kitchen all together.
Laurent couldn't sit still and busied himself and Adaleigh set down the envelope she had gotten out of her room.
"What's that Mom?" Collin asked obviously still quite pleased at having spent a bulk of the party chatting up with Myla.
She didn't know quite how to start so she just did. "The Sims Council mailed their determination about your presentations." she said simply.
She slipped into the chair and looked seriously at Collin. "In this envelope is their answer. I haven't opened it yet because I wanted to be with you all when I did."
"What? So soon." Collin looked shocked, though both Laura (who had no stake and thus no concern) and Cameron seemed serene.
Finally Cameron spoke. "So, can you read it to us?"
"I will now." Adaleigh took a deep breath.
Collin grinned. "Well, it only decides the rest of our life. So now would be a good time I think."
Adaleigh laughed nervously under her breath and then turning away from the table. Ripped open the letter.
"Hey, Collin, no hard feelings over anything the council decides." Cameron said genially as she skimmed through the letter.
"Brothers always." Collin agreed.
The letter told her what she had known all along. Turning back to the boys, she read it aloud.
"Dear McGinnis Brothers,
The presentations submitted to the Simsville Council were admirable in their quality and their zeal for Newcrest. We expected nothing less from the legacy that is becoming your family lineage. Alongside your presentations, we did accept presentations from other willing candidates but are glad to select one of you as the next Mayor of Newcrest.
As the area has expanded vastly since its founded under your mother's leadership, we in the council are seeking a candidate who is seeking to enhance to area for future citizens. We examined both presentations with their goals, time lines and budgets and have determined from these our candidate select."
Adaleigh hesitated and sat between her boys looking worriedly at Collin who had bent his head as she had read.
Collin smiled weakly. "It's OK, Mom. You can continue." he said calmly.
She nodded and continued.
"As such, the Simsville Council formally names Cameron McGinnis the new Mayor of Newcrest." she said and she looked sadly at Collin.
Collin sighed and then he smiled. In a way, he seemed as if a huge burden had been lifted from his shoulders.
"In a way.... I always knew." he said to his mother.
Cameron couldn't believe the words as she had said. He was the new Mayor?!?!?
"Cameron, this means a long road ahead." Adaleigh said turning to her middle child and striking a confident pose. "The Council has agreed to your project on the stipulation you fund the three houses of your proposed low-income neighborhood. You have to find funding to pay for the structural components of each house and then submit a proposal for the cost of furnishings that the Simville Council will approve. They've approved the construction of three houses to start. Two houses must be worth no more than 20,000 Simoleons and the third has a max budget of 55,000 Simoleons."
Laura yawned and dragging herself from the chair she smiled at her middle brother. "Congrats, Cam. Sorry, Collin, but like you said, we all knew. "
"Hey, just cause I said I knew--" Collin objected but Laura was too tired to even react.
"Now that all this excitement is settled, I'm going to drag myself off to bed."
"Brat."
"I'm the baby, deal with it, Big Brother." She stuck out her tongue. "Good night all. Good night, Mayor Cameron."
Saluting cheekily she tiredly dragged herself out of the room.
"I-I can't believe its real." Cam said more to himself than anyone else.
Collin yawned. "I think I'm going to call it a night as well." he said standing. As he did Cameron stood up.
"Collin, I really hope that now that this is over we can put aside our differences and just be brothers again." he said politically.
Collin walked up to his brother and held open his arms. "You're more politic than I brother, they picked the right brother."
And the two hugged fondly. "Just do me proud, little brother."
"To Newcrest!" Collin said holding up his arm for a high five.
Cameron grinned and slapped a high five. As he did, Collin looked over Cameron's shoulder and his eyes went wide.
Confused, Cameron looked expecting to see something horrible but there was nothing there.
"Boo!"
"Collin! What in the world was that for?"
"Hey Somebodies got to keep you on your toes, Mayor McGinnis."
Adaleigh just shook her head. Her boys, her wonderful boys.
Collin left his brother, father, and mother excitedly discussing building cost and blueprints. He really had intended to go to bed, but with his almost entire family talking about futures he realized he had a lot to think about.
Being Mayor of Newcrest, it hadn't really been what he wanted but it had felt like something he needed to try for because it was his mother's legacy. Cameron had always wanted it more, but he knew how much it meant and how much it would hurt his mother if he hadn't really wanted to be a part of it.
Laura's denouncement of the title had shown how much it had meant the Adaleigh that he and Cam had wanted the title. Even if he had been acting out the part more than living it. Now that the Council had selected the right heir he could move forward.
Sitting at the chair, Collin wasn't sure what to do at first so he took a deep calming breath. Right now he just wanted to talk to someone.
So he booted up the chat feature and started to write.
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