1.5 Good girls don't cry

     Iva was finally done with the dreaded book, and to her big surprise it sold pretty well. It had ended up with the title of: Greywood 
     Her sleazy publisher claimed it would've sold better if she's taken his suggestion. That alone had been a battle of it's own. Besides, his suggestions just got grosser. Iva suspected he had some form of fetish for supernaturals. The idea sparked when he nearly drooled while taking about them.
     She had sent chapters in, and gotten them back to be rewritten. And she refused, and they argued. In the end she won though. And she hadn't even yelled to get it. The simplest comments made it all alright: If I add all those scenes, the book will end up in the adult section. And adults don't read books like that, they just watch videos online. We both want to make money, so let me write it for young teens. 
     It had taken a while, but eventually he had to admit she was right. Things like that didn't go into this type of book. Especially when the crime was so fresh.
     The words about Nora had been published in the newspaper, together with those from her classmates. Iva had even attended the public ceremony for the girl.
     Even better, the men that did the did had been found dead. According to the news, they had been ripped appart. But that happens in jail, to men who commit crimes against kids. The trial hadn't even started, but the girls family didn't seem to mind. Now the journalists were all over the police and prison system instead, leaving the girls family alone.
     In addition, the biography was coming along great. Even better, Marek hadn't asked for her to write it at all. But her publisher thought she needed it, so he got her the contract. He didn't even know they were related. He might be creepy, but no idiot. Seemed like the namechanged worked, and all was bliss.

     Iva had been a really good girl lately. So she deemed it okay to use one day for something a bit more common. After all, she was young and had her needs. She had already started a profile on Smooch.sim, and to her surprise the answeres rolled in. Maybe they hadn't looked at her picture properly.
     Most of the messages were nice, like: Hi, I like what I'm seeing. How about coffe one day? A few were a bit creepy: Iva, that's a lovely name. How about I practice it while me make out? But mostly they were just old, as in old men that is. Mens idea of their own attractiveness never stopped amazing her. Old, grey men thought she was actually interested. Eeew.     

     Some of them were normal guys, and one of them had just asked her to meet him at New Conlyn Beach. Usually Iva was shy, she just forgot it when she got angry. And she was really nervous about meeting him. But shy isn't the same as introverted, so she should be able to pull it off without making to big of an arse of herself.

     On the way out she noticed the tipped over trashcan. She would pick it up when she got home. 

     It was nothing to be nervous about, as Ingmar (her date) was chatty, fun and good looking. The date started quite well, but...

     they had different opinions on a few thing. ( How is mentioning someone couldn't possibly be a werewolf not a compliment?) Usually that wouldn't be a problem, but...

     when she got into the water and asked him to join.....

     he would rather play arcadegames. And that was the last she saw of him.( How could her skinny butt in swimwear scare a guy away? ) Iva didn't get mad, she was a good girl remember? So she told him goodbye, but wasn't sure he even heard it.

     The day was so beautiful, that she went to Landell Bamboo garden...

      and met a woman that clearly knew who Iva was. 

     Hey, you're that writer aren't you? Oh my lord, your writing sucks. You're the worst author ever published. It's a pain to read... just... just stop writing. Please. Some people still like good litterature you know. The woman had probably read Greywood.

     You're a good girl, Iva thought to herself, teeth clenched. Good girl. 

     The sound of the phone interrupted her goodness. 

     Uhm, hi Ingmar. No, I told you I left. You know, if you didn't notice I was gone until now, maybe you're a bit to fond of arcadegames. No, no, I'm not mad, she answered in response to his question. He was to handsome to be mad at. Yes, I'm sure we can meet another day, she lied before they hung up. 

     They weren't a good match anyway. To bad. But she hadn't yelled at him either. Damn, she really was a good girl. 

     Catching up with what was happening around town, Iva tried not to notice the woman in the bush staring at her.  

 

     And ignored the selfproclaimed litterature critic. She had been a good girl for so long now, she was not going to be tempted.

     The paper claimed Banetree Farm to be the hottest spot in town. The place was a dump. But Iva was a good girl, right? And a good Iva would give the dump a chance.

      It wasn't that bad inside, but completely empty of people. Maybe it was a bit early in the day yet.

      Or maybe the party was behind the rope. Politely she asked the bouncer if she could enter, because you catch more flies with honey right?
     The bouncer refused, but hinted his kid needs a new bike.

      The man smelled like a racoon, but Iva was nice today, remember? And she wanted to get behind the rope. She didn't really have any money to spend, but a little was okay. The bouncer took the money, counted it, put it in his pocket and.....

     That's it? the bouncer said. You better give a lot more than that, or be a hot blonde to get past me. Either pay up, or get that birdsnest on your head, out of my sight. He laughed loudly at his own joke.

     First you take my money, then you insult me?! Ivas voice was hard as she continued. How about I take that shitty music you play in this dump, and shove it down your throat?! And who the fuck are you anyway commenting others appearance? Do you even have a mirror fatass? How about taking that dead racoon on your head and give it an honorable burial? Or maybe you just like the smell of it? It sure smells better than you!

     The bouncer enjoyed the type of power he got from this position. He loved picking out people he felt was good enough. Especially the hot chicks. In his head, those women got a thing for him for that. It wasn't true ofcourse, but he was to dumb to get it. He was also a large man, so people rarely talked to him like that. 

     Then again, he'd never met Iva

     It's a well documented fact that if you kiss a frog, it turns into a prince. And if you chop the head of a talking fox, it also turns into a prince, or a king. Or if you spill wax from a candle on a white bear, it turns into a prince. A lesser known fact, is that if you rub a grey mouse the wrong way, it turns into a crocodile, or godzilla or worse.

     So when rubbed the wrong way, this little grey mouse turned into a dragon. Those thin knees kicked him in painful places, and the small firsts caused pain when they met his nose. 

     When she finally let him go, the large bouncer ran away and locked himself in the staff bathroom.

     Victorious and quite pleased with herself, Iva carefully moved behind the rope. And then the phone rang again.

     

     Hey Ingmar. If I ever want to marry? I don't know. Haven't really thought about it. She waited a bit. Oh, you want to get married someday. Good for you. She excused herself and hung up. 

     There weren't any people behind the rope either. Maybe it wasn't as trendy as the papers claimed. But she had beaten up someone to get there, and was definitely going to enjoy it. She could be a good girl another day. Starting tomorrow, she promised.

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So, Ingmar and Ingvar, if anyone wondered why I call the vampire Gard, you now know. The game thought it would be funny to have two similar names. So when I got popups from SP about Ingmar and Ingvar, my brain made Ingvar into his surname. Mainly because Ingmar has a long surname. (see how confusing that gets?) 

The fight with the bouncer was really just a try. I expected her to loose, as she doesn't have any points in athletics.
And I would love to say that this was her first date, but no. It's the one that lasted longest though. Ah well, atleast he keeps calling her. 

1.4 Infernal Intermezzo

     How can something so small and cute, make something so big and stinky? The little rascal standing behind Iva, look extremely proud and pleased with herself. As all cat's, Fatty tried using the litterbox while it was beeing cleaned. Not an easy task, with those short legs.

     Iva was glad the day was finally coming to an end. It had been long, and eventful. For once, she decided to make a real dinner.
     And it seemed that miracles also could happen. Quincys Quicktubs had kept their promise, and replaced the tub. All the pipes and draines were present after all, it was just the tub itself that was missing.

     The smell of food made her mouth water, she couldn't remember if she'd eaten at all day. 

     Never leave the stove 

     Seeing the flames brought her straight back to her last birthday, when the cake caught fire. Like most sims, she was terribly afraid of fire. Instead of doing something useful, she screamed and jumped around instead. Like any normal sim would. 

     Cowering in fear, she didn't notice the firefighter running past her. Thankefully someone had the brains to call the firedepartment.

     The sound of the firefighter made Iva turn around, and scream. Mainly because a stranger seemed to disappear in the flames.

     The tiny fire was quickly put out, without any damage to the property. Good thing, since Iva was broke. This firefighter knew what she was doing, unlike most of them. But she was getting tired of all the sims that started dumb fires like that.

     The firefighter lectured Iva on safety. Don't leave the stove while it's on. Be more careful next time, she said before leaving.
     Iva hadn't yelled at the woman. She was to busy eating, and beeing thankful the fire hadn't burned the cat, or house.

     Speaking of the cat, Fatty was finally an adult. Nothing like a little catloving to forget about fires and such.

     Finally Fatty could do what she wanted. Like sleeping in places sims didn't want her to. No one would throw her down anyway, because she was just so darn cute and knew it.

     But more importantly, she was now big enough to protect her sim from harm. Dangerous things like pink mice lurked everywhere. All animals knew sims was to dumb to protect themselves. It was now Fattys job. 

     Take that mouse!

     Somethings a cat can't protect their sims from. In the hours of the night, Iva noticed an icecream truck parked outside her house. It seemed empty and the engine wasn't running. Why was it there?

     As Iva went to bed it dawned on her. It had to be the police in the icecreamtruck. Keeping her under surveilance! They did that with familymembers of criminals, didn't they? Damn it, she thought angrily. Now the entire neighbourhood would think she was a criminal too. 

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Just a tiny fire, I just couldn't leave it out. She's so clumsy 

     

1.3 Bag of holding

     

     The light of the fullmoon suddenly woke Iva from the novel. Hours had passed by as she wrote, as it often did. She never payed any attention to the fullmoon, as her interest towards it was practically non- exsisting. To many people was superstitious about it. The moon had no supernatural properties, only natural and nothing unusual would happen under it's gaze. 

     Her head was full of the days happenings, not to mention the crappy book on her computer. She had already sent in one chapter, and waited for it to get refused and returned. The small room, that worked as an office and bedroom, and kittybathroom, was warm and damp. Maybe it was time for a break? Live a bit on the wild side? 

     She ventured into the night, her mind focused on few things. Remember to lock the door, empty your mind and just do something different. 

     Iva might have been born, and raised in Jericho, but most of her life had been spent in another part of town. Every day lead to a new discovery, like this beach. And when feeling like living on the wild side, and take a late night swim, why not take it on a newly discovered beach?

     Forgetting the dirty water, she let it cover her warm body. It was cool and relaxing. There are few things in life as satisfying as a late night swim. It's even better when the beach is all yours, and none of the random drunks keep you company. The lighthouse was lit to guide boats to safety, but for now it was content making Ivas swim a bit brighter. However pleasing it felt, she couldn't stay forever and eventually headed home to bed. She still wasn't wild enough to stay out all night.      

      Ah, Jericho, in all it's beauty, both the wealthy and the poor live in this glorious place.

     Apparently, some are poorer than other, and steal from those they deem rich. Wealth is a difficult term at times. 

     No matter how understanding one wants to be, it's obvious that the thief must have known. The person living in this house struggles like the rest of you. Why else would someone choose to steal a bathtub? It must be because there was nothing else of value. 

     The thief either had a bag of holding, or was really, really good at her job, because the bathtub fit perfectly into it. 

     

     The thief then ran into the night, thinking of the many flowers she will buy her mother on mothersday. Even leaving the victims door wide open. Couldn't she atleast have picked up the trashcan the owner always means to pick up? And then the thief could have stuffed herself into it. Wouldn't that be nice? 

     Waking up early, Iva realised she's been burgled. After two tempertantrums and hurting her feet while kicking the wall, she decided to throw random curses at the thief who stole the bathtub. (how did someone do that without her hearing it?) She had to have some witch- blood in her, so maybe it might work? She was convinced her bathtub was sold by her the terrible twosome at this very moment. She could confront them about it, but that would just make them happy. Just thinking about Adelas smug grin, nearly made the water around her boil out of anger.

     So Iva got out of the house, and jumped in the river. Far less dramatic than it sounded, she swam the fury off. The river was cold and polluted, and hopefully she wouldn't break out in a rash. Focusing on not getting any water in the nose, she slowly calmed down, very slowly. 

     Calm and rational, well, atleast not that angry anymore, Iva went to the public  pool next door to shower there. 

     The shower had been filthy and moldy and would definitively give her a rash, or illness. However, she was theoretically clean. She could have gone to her parents, but couldn't even think of hearing their lectures now. 

     Putting her bony butt on a worn out bench, which also smelled moldy, Iva realised other people were there. A family of three had an early hour swim with their toddler. Peoples habits never stopped amazing her, or maybe someone had stolen their bathtub too? 

    

     Staying at the pool forever wasn't an option, mainly because it was filthy. As the sun filled the horizon, she ventured home and contaced a plumber. The situation of someone walking out with a bathtub, without anyone hearing or seeing it was nothing. Nothing, compared to the biggest miracle any sim had seen; a plumber that came the day a sim contaced them. That's what they claimed atleast, but it was still time to be disappointed. A new bathtub was expensive, so thanks to the burglar, she was now broke. 

     As Iva picked up the newspaper, she noticed the tipped trashcan. She would pick it up afterwards. Reading the paper it was clear that they'd started the articles. The rumours any newspaper with respect for themselves spread, before the police released all the facts. And ofcourse the usual unnecessary propaganda to scare people: Possibly others involved, stay home to be safe. Copycatwarnings. The headlines was just the type to expect. And ofcourse intervjues with people who hadn't even been close to the place, telling how scary it could have been. No mention of robbers though. More bloody robbers than murderers in this damn town. Iva muttered it to herself.

     She just didn't feel safe in her own home today. After all, someone had been snoping around while she was asleep. A trip to the liquor store seemed to be in order, even if she was broke. Atleast they used to have free samples of nectar, and she planned to exploit that.

     As she entered the cool store, Iva noticed a familiar face. Actually, it was more of a familiar butt, the important thing is that it was recognised. Gard, the dead girls brother, was looking for nectar. The family lived in a brewery, so this was something he knew a lot about. Actually his name was Ingvar, but everyone called him by his familyname for some reason.
     She wasn't all to happy seeing him surveying the shelves though. She didn't like it when he drank. Not that he did anything wrong, she just wasn't comfortable knowing an alcohol- soaked vampire was running around town.
     Iva swallowed her awkwardness, and did the right thing for a change.

      He turned around as she put her hand on his shoulder. Gard, I'm so sorry for your loss. How are you holding up? He'd sounded better on the phone than he looked. And she didn't mean it in the "joking about vampires" way either. The guy was a complete mess. 

      She must have caught him completely of guard, as he didn't immediately pretend everything was okay. 

      Feels like I'm drowning, his voice pained and aching. Way more honest than Iva was expecting. Couldn't people just pretend they were feeling great instead? 

      He barely even noticed she was there, as he continued: I can't believe she.. I should have....

     Iva didn't let him finish: Gard, look at me. He didn't ofcourse. She said a little prayer to someone she didn't believe in, hoping she could say something right this time.
     Keeping her voice soft, but firm she continued: Nothing is going to change what happened. There's nothing you could have done. Knowing eachother since childhood, she understood him better than any of them knew. Yes, if you just did this or that, something might have been different. But you didn't know. She spoke to him like a child now. Your parents, brother and sister are all thinking the same thing. You don't blame them do you? He shock is head, eyes still closed. Then don't blame yourself either. They don't. 

     Without warning Iva felt his arms around her, his cheek againt hers. In all those years they had known eachother, they'd never hugged. She'd assumed he'd be as cold as a corpse, but got dissapointed there. 

     Iva caught herself wondering when he'd gotten so muscular, as he'd been one skinny teen. Must have been because Marek had dragged him to the gym all the time. Even bigger was the surprise at how strong he was. Nearly squeezing the breath out of her. It was nice to get a hug, but it was getting a bit to much. 

     Eh... Gard.... Gard.... I can't breath... He let her go with an apology.   

 

     They were saved from more awkwardness by Gards brother, Olger. His voice was low and respectful as he spoke.
     I'm really glad you accepted to write for the paper Iva. Nora always spoke so nicely of you. 
     She did? Iva held her thought to herself, and instead answered: Nora was lovely. She barely even knew the girl. Since he opened up the subject, they talked more closely about the details. The family decided it would be better taking it by mail, since they were grieving. And frankly they were busy with the funeral, police and trying to avoid the press. No doubting who was the collected one in the family. He even informed her of Noras official memorial.
     Iva gave them her mail adress and left, with a message to Gard to call her if he ever felt like talking. Or just doing something else. She doubted he would, he was Mareks close friend, not hers.

     After dealing with Noras family, she left the liquor store with unforfilled dreams. Mostly the ones of getting free samples. There were other places in Jericho, when avoiding thinking about your problems. The shop at the old fortress was one of them. Not that she could afford anything, but looking wasn't illegal. Not yeat atleast.      

     It seemed to be THE day for running into old friends. Lukas, another one of Mareks friends, entered the store shortly after. Iva had always wonderes what it was about her brother and the supernaturals. He worked like flypaper for those creatures. Fitting, since Lukas had wings. 

     She'd never really been as close to Lukas as Gard, as he was a bit older. But when they bumped into eachother, they talked as easy as always. Might have something to do with the crush she had on him as a teenager. 

     Hey, have you heard about Gards sister? Iva whispered into his ears, trying to avoid anyone hearing. Ofcourse he had, Marek had told him. A bit insulted that everyone knew before her, she kept her mouth shut about it. But Lukas knew something Marek didn't, the girl had died by torture. The family had been misinformed at first. According to Lukas, the body had been in terrible shape. 

     Iva felt sick to her stomach. How was she supposed to write nice things about the girl, with images of tortured corpses flew through her mind. 

   

     Maybe he noticed her discomfort, as he changed the subject. 

     So, what's new with you Iva? 

     She answered him immediately: I was robbed! You won't believe what they stole! 

     He wasn't waiting for an answer, as he just kept talking after the question. I got married, by the way. Newlyweds. Haven't even had our honeymoon yet. 

     Her name is Helga, and is a bit older than me. Well, maybe a bit older than a bit...

     Iva talked at the same time: The bathtub! The thief took my bathtub! Where the bloody hell are the police when someone steals that? 

     Lukas wasn't paying attention to Iva either, and continued to talk: Marriage Iva, it's a bit different than what I thought it would be. Just takes a bit getting used to. 

     Iva: How does anyone get away with a damn bathtub without me noticing? I'm not a heavy sleeper. Lukas: We had a really small wedding, jus the two of us, so don't be insulted that you weren't invited.... Iva: And then I had to order a new one, so I'm completely broke.... Lukas: Helga's been really understanding about our starterproblems. Says it's to be expected since I'm so much younger than her... Iva: I hope the crappy book I'm writing will sell well, so I won't have to beg mom and dad for help. I haven't reported it to the police yet.... 

     Lukas: So it's getting better even if..... Iva: I mead, sneaking out with a bathtub. Police will laught their...

     They stopped talking and looked at eachother for a long time. Then bursted into laughter. Lukas hadn't changed a bit.

     Congrats on the wedding, Iva said smiling. It was nice, wasn't it? 

     Someone stole your bathtub? That's the oddest thing I've ever heard. He tried so hard to keep that soft voice serious. 

     Said the fairy.... Iva jumped in. But really Lukas, grats on the wedding. The fairy gave a short thank you. 

     

     He was still trying not to laugh at her bathtub problems. 

     It's funny Lukas, I know. But I'm broke because of that damn burglar. My jobs not going well. I'm writing a shitty book for a sleazy publisher. It has more in common with porn than a real story. I hate it, but atleast it's done soon. 

     The weight of his hand on her bony shoulder was an attempt to comfort, but it didn't really help. 

     It won't flop. None of your books have, have they? So relax. Everything will work out fine. He was such a fey in times like that. No worries about anything, relaxing and taking life easy. They talked a bit more, but had to say goodbye in the end. Lukas was supposed to buy his wife a gift. 

     Strangely enough, Iva found herself thinking that this Helga was a lucky woman. Wings or not, Lukas was hot and fun to be around. She never knew he was into older women though. 

     On her way home, the phone rang again. She recognised the number, and took a deep breath to yell at the sleazy publisher. Fortunately, he was quicker than her.

     Iva, sweetie! I've got a new contract for you! I know, I know. You're already working on another one. But listen..... It's a biography....

      Magically all her anger was gone. Maybe he wasn't so bad after all. So instead of mouthing him off, she said: About who? She hoped for a professional athlete, they always sold well. In the background she heard the tapping of a computer. Shortly thereafter she got her answer.

     The guys name's Marek Ichiro. An astronaut wannabe, of some kind. Got some pretty famous parents too, a musician and an actor. Make sure to work in something about them too. 

     Marek, ofcourse. That bastard could afford it, and had no doubt been informed by Lukas about her bathtub problems. She would have a talk with him later. But for now, she accepted. She couldn't afford to say no. 

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Anyone recognised the evil prince and the hippie hero? Yeah, I don't know what happened to the vampire, but when I aged him up in that save he was really skinny. In this save he turned into a beefy one. Ah well, I'm sure my town will survive that. 

I've never felt guilty about killing a sim before, but really? That guy is heartbroken. It was never supposed to be a big deal, but it worked itself in nicely. Even if a bit long. 

Sorry for another long and informative chapter, but I hope this will be the last one for a while.