2.17 The End

MaKenzie thought it would be awkward between them. She wasn’t blind to his feelings, she just didn’t return them. And now she was sure of it.

This is what I cherish, MaKenzie thought, sitting across from Logan on the monkey bars. He was in the middle of discussing his idea for this year’s science fair, “You’re not listening to me are you?” MaKenzie looked at him blankly, “Hmm? Oh yes, great idea.”

“MaKenzie, we have to talk,” Logan said, closing up the space between them. “We can’t go one pretending nothing happened.” MaKenzie shook her head and knew there was no way out of this.

The two friends sat for hours on the monkey bars talking about their relationship, or lack thereof. The conversation was ended abruptly by Jace, who heard the two screaming at each other.

It wasn’t long before MaKenzie began making excuses to avoid Logan. Sometimes it was easy, after all graduation was quickly approaching and there was plenty to do. But at the end of the night, MaKenzie sat alone on the monkey bars.

Logan was always her number one friend. He was the only one she felt comfortable talking to and now she wanted nothing more than to talk to someone.

MaKenzie picked up her phone and dialed the familiar number.

The time came to walk the stage. MaKenzie turned around and met Logan’s eyes and smiled. “Where done!” She mouthed as the principal began his speech. With high school behind her, MaKenzie looked forward to the rest of her life.

2.16 Nothing

Logan pulled the car to a stop at exactly 7:29, just like any other day. MaKenzie walked out of the house at 7:30, just like any other day. But today wasn't like any other day. Today was the day after she kissed him. She kissed him. Logan's mind replayed the scene from the night before.

His sister told him he was crazy. He was wasting his time. But he knew. Logan knew deep down. MaKenzie was his everything. Today, he thought, I will tell her. He watched Makenzie walk around to the driver's door, "It's my turn today," her voice rang through the morning air. Logan slid over the truck's console and into the passanger seat. "Just be careful," Logan said as she backed out of the drive way.









The short ride was quiet. MaKenzie quickly exited the car and crossed over Main Street, with the school in view, Logan made his move. "MaKenzie last night," Logan began. "Yeah about that," MaKenzie cut him off, "it was nothing kay?" She said, running ahead of him.


Logan stopped walking in the road. MaKenzie continued walking quickly away from him. Logan closed his eyes and prayed that MaKenzie didn't hear his heartbreaking.

2.15 Young Love

Although MaKenzie spent countless hours with Logan, she never felt that she loved him. Maybe, she thought, maybe I’m not old enough to love. She was strangely comfortable, sitting with him in her living room, just listening to the radio. Logan wasn’t stupid. For being friends with MaKenzie since grade school, he knew her almost as well as he did his own family. He could tell that even though she looked as if she was into the song, she was really thinking. Her mind wandering through thoughts, from ideas to problems.

He couldn’t think of anything troubling her, after all, she had always spilled her heart to him. There currently wasn’t any boys to break her heart neither had she fought with her sister lately. “What are you thinking?” Logan asked, turning down the radio.

The truth was, MaKenzie wasn’t thinking anything she wanted to share with him. Instead she just smiled, “It’s getting late. Think you should be getting home?” Logan looked at her. He really wanted to stay. He did not desire to return home to his broken house but he knew he’d have to sooner or later. He stood up wanting to make it quick and easy.

MaKenzie trailed behind Logan as he walked through the Parke’s kitchen, bidding goodbye to Kaylynn and Heather. MaKenzie followed Logan outside; following routine, she closed the door behind them and stood to watch Logan walk to the hand-me-down, beat up truck. “Be here at 7:30 tomorrow?” MaKenzie said as Logan twirled around.

But before he could answer her question Logan felt MaKenzie’s lips on his. As though instinct kicked in Logan felt his lips react to hers. Logan pressed his lips to hers and held her close. Locked in each other’s arms, time stopped. Unfortunately for Logan, MaKenzie pulled away too quickly.

MaKenzie looked into Logan’s eyes and feelings flooded her, confusion blinded her. Logan returned the gaze, stunned. He longed to hold her but he knew better. “Yeah, 7:30,” he said weakly before turning towards his truck.

2.14 Growing Girls

The teens grew quickly into hormonal teenagers and Jace immediately understood what he had put his father through.

His wife, Kaylynn was quickly aging and Jace decided it was time to take some time off work and help take care of his wife. Plus, as Leader of the Free World, Jace could do almost anything that he wanted. With that in mind, he cut his work week down to three days a week.

With the Twins in school, Jace and Kaylynn had hours to spend with each other. Jace liked to think that they were making up the “together time” that they lacked in the beginning of their marriage. Jace would take her to her, their, favorite spot on the beach.

MaKenzie and Logan were almost inseparable. Although polar opposites, you could always find them doing homework together or fishing. However, MaKenzie had a hard time making other friends. It didn’t really bother MaKenzie, she felt like Logan was the only friend she needed.

Heather on the other hand, hardly spent any time at home. On the rare occasion that Heather would show up at the house, she would always have a friend in tote. Between her part time job at the local day spa and soccer practice, Heather hardly had time for her social life, not to mention family.

2.13 The Twins excel

The girls entered school and started to show how different identical twins could really be. Heather enjoyed sports and jogging like her grandfather. MaKenzie, on the other hand, was like her mother and took pleasure in gardening and fishing.

But it was more than just interests that made the twins different their personalities were just as distant. MaKenzie was anti-social and loved to spend time alone. She would always shy away from her peers. Heather on the other hand was a social butterfly. She loved when her father would take her to the park or the pool. Her peers flocked to her.
Heather was a fitness nut and instead of doing homework, she would exercise until her mother stopped her. Homework was never a problem for MaKenzie, it was always the first thing she would do when she got home.

Even though she was slightly antisocial, MaKenzie made friends on the first day of school with Logan Rosen. He would soon become a regular at the Parkes' House.



Challenge Notes: So far everything achieved except homemade which will run until MaKenzie is an YA. So WOOT! I actually completed all 5 challenges associated with charisma!

2.12 Sad endings but new beginnings

It took awhile for the family to get over the sudden death of Haleigh but the twins, who were quickly growing, made sure everyone stayed busy.

The twins were hard on Kaylynn, who had just aged into a elder. But in order for Jace to excel in his career, Kaylynn knew the domestic duties were on her.

Kaylynn and her father in law worked dutiful in teaching the toddlers their necessary skills and other skills that could possibly help them in the future.

But even Jace would occasionally take time out from his campaigning to spend time with the growing toddlers.

Good thing he did because before they knew it, the twins were getting ready for their first day of school.









But before the twins could enter school, and only days after Haleigh's premature death, Dean accompanied his wife in the after life.


(Note: Down to 4)

2.11 Imperfect Balance

Kaylynn never had a problem running a house hold even though kids of her own seemed out of the picture. Kaylynn never felt like she loved the men she dated. She always pictured herself as a housemaid for the expensive houses she and her mother would visit during open house on Sundays. Then Seth came into her life and she raised him. This is what it feels like to be a parent, she thought.

After bringing the twins home, she quickly realized raising Seth as a teenager was way easier than managing a house of eight. Especially when the house of eight consisted of both of your in-laws and only two bathrooms.

Needless to say Kaylynn could manage. As a stay at home mom, the house stayed cleaned and food was always ready. There was a perfect balance when Kaylynn was on top of everything.

But it did not take long to upset that balance.



Isaiah and Seth came home from work early stressed out and yelling about their boss. Early, and in a poor mood, dinner was not off the stove yet. Dean and Haleigh were busy taking care of the twins, who were both ready to grow up. With Jace at work, Kaylynn had little help in cooking dinner and almost burned it.

Without any party favors, the grandparents celebrated a quiet birthday in the nursery. Kaylynn, tired of listening to the boys complain, ushered them to take showers or play video games. With a short quiet spell, Kaylynn sat the table as Jace walked in the door.

The boys swarmed the table like vultures. MaKenzie crawled into the kitchen followed behind Grandma. In the background, Heather's baby cries turned into toddler squeals.

Haleigh stopped in the middle of the kitchen, with all eyes on her, and fell to the floor. A cold breeze circulated through the closed up house and everyone knew, the grim was there.

(I really didn't think she would die first. )

2.10 Bundles of Joy

Even though Kaylynn left the hospital the next morning wore out and tired she still glowed. Behind her, Jace lugged a second baby towards the cab.

"Mom, we're home!" Kaylynn called from the door way. Haleigh and Dean came from separate room, their faces glowing.

"They're beautiful," Dean said, taking baby Heather from Jace.

Kaylynn handed McKenzie off to Haleigh, "We have a surprise for you."

In the short time the new couple spent at the hospital, the new grandparents were busy with their own side project. Ready and waiting to unveil it to the new parents.

Haleigh led Kaylynn into her room, her old room. Kaylynn walked in to see that all of her bedroom furniture was in her mother-in-laws furthermore, there was new door in the far wall.

"Walk through it," Haleigh prompted. Kaylynn walked hesitantly through the door to see a tiny little nursery complete with two baby cribs.
"It's beautiful," Kaylynn said, holding back tears.
"Well where did you think we were going to put the babies? The bathroom?"

Note: As if the house wasn't crowded enough, let's bring home twins!
Also, I have finally moved computers and I now have WA installed. So expect real WA stuff to come!!

2.9 You can't pick your family

Finally, after weeks of trying, Dean was able to get Kyra Lilly to stop by. Dean never really agreed with the way she had lived her life. She currently had two children without a father. Dean tried not to criticize her, but sometimes it happened. Like this time.
"I hate you father!" She screamed, carrying Heidi to the car.

Turns out that Seth was Kaylynn's stepfather's youngest son. Disowned by his father, his only relative, when he was caught making out with his friend Luke, he had no where to go but to Kaylynn's. Kaylynn willingly took him in and raised him. When Kaylynn married it was Seth's idea to try living with his father again. It was hard enough for her to start a relationship so late in life and Seth didn't want to over complicate it. Seth was a good kid, the house was just too small for six people. Especially when Kaylynn was expecting.

Isaiah was the least happiest about the unexpected visitor, he had to share his bedroom with him.


Later that night, as the family slept, Jace rushed Kaylynn to the hospital. The baby was on its way.

2.8 Midnight surprises

Jace walked in from work on night to find Kaylynn on the couch, rubbing her tummy. He sat down beside her, putting his arm around her.
"Everyone's asleep," she said, turning the TV station, "and I have something to tell you."
Their eyes met and Kaylynn smiled.

"You were always saying," Kaylynn started, but she wasn't about to finish her sentence because the door bell rang throughout the house.
"Shit," Jace said, jumping up to silence the bell before it woke the house.

Jace opened to door to find a teenager on his door step.
"Hello," he said confused, "can I help you?"
"I'm looking for Kaylynn Langerak. Rumor has it she's here."
"Umm, Come in," Jace said to the boy hesitantly.

"Kaylynn?" Jace called across the living room.
Kaylynn turned to see the boy and her face showed concern.
"Seth! What are you doing here?" She said, jumping from the couch.
"He kicked me out. I didn't know where else to go."

Kaylynn put her arms around him and held him. "You can stay with us."


After finding blankets for Seth to sleep on the couch, the couple found themselves in bed.
"What were you trying to tell me earlier?" Jace asked, pulling her closer.
"I'm pregnant Jace."
Jace smiled from ear to ear and kissed his love.

2.7 Wedding Bells and snags

Kaylynn and Jace were married shortly after. It was a private ceremony at Kaylynn's favorite spot on the ocean.

Once the honeymoon was over, the two love birds returned to the everyday grind. Today, Jace was asked to help check in people in for court. He sat, almost bored, wishing the senators were still campaigning. When someone caught his eye.

"Kaylynn! Hon! What are you doing here! My lunch isn't for another hour!" Jace yelled across the hall.
Kaylynn shh'ed him and bowed her head.
"Jace," she whispered as she approached, "I have an appointment. With the judge."
Jace looked at her, confused. "What?"
"Babe, we'll talk about it tonight. I love you."

Jace looked down and highlighted her name off the list.

At home that night Jace approached Kaylynn aggressively. "What was that all about."
"Jace, I didn't want to tell you. I planned on quitting as soon as we got serious."
Jace looked at her impatiently.
"I work as a bag handler. It was all I could find after getting laid off from here."
Jace's heart sunk deep in his chest. "You're a criminal?"
Kaylynn bowed her head in shame.
"I'm sorry. But the judge dropped all charges today."
Jace turned away from her. Hurt.
Why couldn't she trust him with this?

Behind him, Jace heard her dialing on her phone.
"Hey Gregory. It's me Kaylynn."
There was a short pause.
"No no. Everything's fine. All charges dropped"
Another short pause followed by loud laughter from the phone.
"Well, per our deal, I'm out. I'm done. "
Jace could hear someone talking on the other end of the line.
"Thank you Gregory," Haleigh said, hanging up the phone.

Jace felt Kaylynn's hand on his back, "It's all over. Okay love?"
"Okay."

2.6 Complete the Cycle

"I want to take you somewhere." Kaylynn said, pulling Jace out the door of the court house.

Kaylynn's Mazda pulled to a stop in front of the ocean. "Jace Mitchel Parkes, this is my favorite place," She said smiling. She pulled him from the car and down to the water side, kicking off her heels and stockings.

"My parents owned a house on the ocean. It was beautiful. But they fought a lot. So I would wander off," She said, gazing out to the horizon, "a lot." She spoke softly as if remembering the past.

Jace held her close and kissed her. He had lived in Sunset Valley all his life and not once had he came to the ocean.

"They're both gone. The minute I graduated they went their separate ways. Rumor has it my mom remarried in Champs Les Sims and my father high tailed it to Riverview."

Silence settled over them again. "Marry me," Jace said, looking her in the eye.
Kaylynn looked up at him surprised, "What?"
"Kaylynn Marie Langerak I want you to marry me."

Kaylynn smiled at him as he slipped the engagement ring onto her finger.

2.5 Little Passes

Jace and Kaylynn had made a habit of taking lunch across the street at the park. Even after his promotion.

Today was another day for a relaxing lunch in the park. They laughed at the people playing the fountains and the toddlers on their wobbly feet. What Jace liked the most was Kaylynn laughed at his jokes. And when she would smile, her eyes would light up.

After a moment of silence, Jace spoke up. "You know, this is my favorite place to be."
Kaylynn scrunched her face and looked at him, "Why? Look at the ants."
Jace laughed, "Not like this moment. Like the park!"
Kaylynn returned the laugh and fell backwards, looking in the sky.
"I've always hung out at the park."
Kaylynn thought back to when they first came to the park, when all the old men playing chess waved and Jace and yelled hello.
"Okay, well I want to take you to my favorite place. But next time. It's getting late."
"Let me get you a cab," Jace said, taking her arm and escorting her to the side walk.

Jace came home to find out he had missed Isaiah's birthday. Isaiah grew to be a very talented painter and filled the house with works of art that delighted everyone.

When Jace returned from home, he found Dean and Isaiah standing in Kyra Lilly's old room. "Dad, I really want my own space. I'm a teenager dad! Plus, Kyra's been gone for ages! Not to mention she has her own kids now!"

Dean looked at his youngest son then at his oldest through the door way. Jace and Isaiah had shared a room since Isaiah was born. He felt terrible for making Jace sleep with Isaiah all these years.

Jace met his fathers eyes and nodded in approval. Plus, he might need to invest in a bigger bed anyways.

2.4 No one will know

It was official, ballot counting sucked. Jace sat around a table sorting the pieces of paper into different boxes. The only great thing about his job was Kaylynn. She was possibly the only person in the room that wasn't stuck up. Most of the ballot counters were either college students that envied Jace's connections or dependents of a council member. Kaylynn, on the other hand, was a temp worker city council had hired just for this election.

Most of his ballot counting cohorts looked down on Jace, so Jace usually spent his lunch break in Tori's office. Today there was an assembly requiring her to be away. Instead of sitting in the breakroom and listening to his co-workers whisper things they thought he couldn't hear, Jace figured he would walk across the street to the park.

As he stepped out into the sunlight, Jace heard the fast pace click of heels running up the hall. "Hey," a woman's voice called out, "Jace!"

Jace turned to see Kaylynn behind him.
"Hey, where are you going?" She said, catching her breath.
"I was just walking to the park. Do you want to join me?"
Kaylynn looked relieved, "They said some horrible things about you. The ballot counters. I thought you were ditching out."

Jace let out a noise that sounded a bit like a snort. "Them? Ha. They're just jealous."
Kaylynn laughed at his self assured cockiness and followed him to the park. "But hey, you want to ditch out together?"

Kaylynn looked around uneasy. After all, she was easily replaceable by the other 50 applicants for her job. Jace could see her dilemma, "Look, don't worry about it. No one will know."

2.3 Generous offer

Jace leaned against the passage way wall. Above, senators and leaders discussed the future of Sunset valley. It was hard, getting all of the podiums polished in time. But Jace did it.

If only his father could see.

Out of the corner of his eye, Jace saw Tori walking towards him with a grin on her face.
"You did a great job. The City Council members are impressed. "
Jace beamed at her.
"Here's 150 simoleons for your hard work. I'll give it to you under one condition,"
"Tori!" Jace cried out laughing.
"I want you to accept a position with us as a ballot counter. It's peon work, but there's room for advancement."
Jace scrunched his face at her, "Peon. Really?"
"Look, people go to school for years to get into this kind of work. I'm giving it to you on a silver platter. I think you can do it."
Jace smiled at her, "I'll take it. And I'll enjoy it."
"I'll see you tomorrow, 9:00 am. Bright and early."

2.2 Brighter Futures

Finding a job wasn't exactly the number one priority on Jace's to do list.

And it irritated his father.

Dean was almost 80 days old, well past retiring age but really didn't know what he would do if he sat home all day. Plus the 2,000 simoleons he brought home didn't hurt.

What Dean couldn't figure out is why Jace lacked the initiative to find a job. He spent his days lounging at the park and hanging out with friends.
What Dean didn't know is that it would be Jace's charismatic, out going personality that would land him the career of his dreams.



Jace loved the outdoors and he loved people. So the park was the ideal place to hang out while his friend Lucy was at work.

Today was like any other day as he waited for Lucy. Jace sat around and chatted with pretty girls and watched the old men play chess. It was turning out to be a pretty lazy day when his old friend Tori Kimura came running out of the city hall building chasing an intern in heels.

Jace and everyone else in the park watched the scene unfold.

As the preppy looking intern slammed the taxi door closed, Tori looked up and her eyes meet Jace's. Hesitantly, Jace lifted his hand and waved. Tori waved back and turned to reenter city hall. She stopped at the top of the stairs and motioned Jace over.

Jace looked at her confused but walked over to her.


"Hey, Jace I have a really big favor. My intern just walked out and I need 100 podiums polished before tomorrows assembly! Could you help me? I could pay you."

Jace debated over her proposal.
And finally accepted it.

2.1 New Scare

Jace woke up the next morning slightly hung over. The birthday "after party" was everything he could have wished for in a coming of age party. However, he could have done without the morning after headache.

Glancing at the clock, Jace knew it was too late to find a real job. Truth was, he didn't know what he wanted in a new job.

Jace picked his himself up out of bed and continued with his daily routine. After dressing, there was a pit stop by the fridge for orange juice, straight from the carton. Then straight to the television, where he would watch cartoons until Isaiah was out of school.

Jace plopped down on the sofa next too the daily newspaper. The massive headline caught his attention, PESTICIDE CHEMICAL DEEMED UNSAFE, MILLIONS OF FOOD RECALLED. Jace looked in horror as he read through the article and was even more horrified to find most of the contents of the family refrigerator on the recalled list.

"Mom, have you seen this?" Jace said, holding the paper up.
"No hon. What is it?" She said sitting her guitar down and taking the paper in her hands. "That's not good. Good thing your father started that garden in the yard."

Jace hardly considered an apple tree and a tomato plant a garden. But it would definitely have to work he thought as he started cleaning out the refrigerator.