The Youngblood Legacy

22. Family Secret

2009-08-05T18:14:00.001-07:00

"Constance I want to tell you a story" he said over his oatmeal as we had breakfast together.
"A story?" I asked, my father was not a man who told many stories over the years.
"Well...it's a bit more than just a story" he said mysteriously. And before I could respond he began.

In 1567 a Hungarian servant girl slept on a makeshift bed of damp straw. Her mistress was a highly respected and popular Countess. The servant girl waited on the Countess day and night. On this particular night the servant girl and her mistress were not alone. A fire, the only source of heat and light in the room, created moving shadows on the stone walls. Moving among these shadows was a dark figure....

The figure moved closer and closer to the sleeping servant girl.
The servant girl felt a light touch on her shoulder and turned, expecting to see her mistress needing help with her chamber pot.

But when she turned her eyes met the cold stare of a stranger.

The servant girl opened her mouth to scream but as hard as she might no sound escaped her lips. The stranger took her face in his hands. She noticed that his hands were not just cold but icy. The strangers stare transfixed her. She felt her body go limp and was not able to defend herself as the stranger sunk long fangs into her small warm neck. She had heard stories of "bloodsuckers" and expected her life to drain away. But, instead she felt an icy chill run into her neck and down each arm. The sensation ran down past her stomach and through her legs until she could feel the last bit of warmth leave her toes.

The servant girl had been infected....infected by an ancient curse. A curse that would haunt her for the next 400 years. The servant girls name was Audra.....Audra Youngblood.

My head began to spin and I was sure that I would soon throw-up or pass-out. I didn't know why but I instantly knew deep in my heart that the story my father had just told was true. I also knew that the curse he spoke of was now my curse.

My father continued to speak but the words sounded miles away...

"My mother, your grandmother, was not a monster or a demon. She was an innocent girl who was cursed to live for eternity, she fled persecution by moving around the world before anyone could notice that she was different. Her last stop was Riverview. It was here that she met my father and fell in love."

"It was my birth that finally freed her from the curse. Unfortunately this meant passing it along to me. But, with her guidance I learned to control the dark forces within my soul and live a normal life...until...the death of your mother. I don't think her death was an accident. I think it's the curse. It's tired of being kept quiet, it wants out, it wants to create havoc on the world again."

"Constance, I am telling you this because you must control the darkness within you or "IT" will control you. I am sorry but this is your legacy."

That evening, in my room, I pondered the information I was given. Meanwhile, in another room, my father was greeted by death.

He had passed on the Youngblood legacy just in time. He had warned me of the darkness within. Now, would I be strong enough to heed his warning??

21. Keep your hands off my dad

2009-08-02T20:02:00.000-07:00

How am I supposed to make in the rock-n-roll world with this look?

How do you like the new do?
Different huh? Well that's exactly why I like it.

I was going for something edgy.
A cross between two of my favorite female rockers.
My dad seemed a little upset about it because he always went on and on about how much I looked like my mother, especially the blond hair.
Finally the comparisons to my mother can end.

And I rocked my new look at my 18th birthday party.
My dad went all out as usual and some of the hottest guys from school showed up so I was eager to show off my guitar skills and shake my booty a little.

So everything was going great....mainly because I was the focus of attention and....well honestly I LOVE attention. But....

Someone else at the party was getting some attention too...and I didn't LOVE that!
Especially when that person is my dad.

It seems he invited his OLD friend Kenya Caspian to MY party and she had her paws all over him. It really was quite a spectacle.
As I watched the two of them together my mind began to wander......

I envisioned her stealing my fathers' heart.
She would rip apart the memories he had for my mother, take the money he had worked so hard for, and......

UGH!!! I didn't even want to imagine what she would entice him do when she got him alone in the dark. OH NO! That's not happening, not if I have anything to say about it...and oh did I.

As the party crowd dwindled and my father had stepped out of the room I made my move.

"So, Kenya, looks like your having a lot of fun" I said rather sarcastically.
"Yes Christin" she smiled "I'm having a great time and I've really enjoyed your music, you really have talent."
"Thanks, I do have a special talent, and it seems you do too."
"Whatever do you mean?" She asked quizzically.
"Oh the talent you have of throwing yourself all over rich widowed men" I snarled.
"What?!" she actually seemed genuinely shocked.
"I know what you're up to and I just want to be honest with you. If you know what's good for you you'll get your gold-digging self out of my house and never look back!"

I didn't even recognize where the hostility and vile hatred was coming from. All I know was that there was a powerful energy running through my body and I was taking it out on this woman.
When my dad came back into the room Kenya was pale and shaking. She sobbed to my father that she wasn't feeling well and needed to go. Before he could even offer her a ride home she ran from the house.

Kenya Caspian didn't return my father's phone calls that evening and the next morning there was a note on his car window:

My Dearest Bishop:

I know this is sudden but I've gone to Sunset Valley to spend time with my children. I will always cherish the special friendship we shared. Good-bye.

Yours Truly, Kenya

P.S. This may sound troubling but I sense a dark shadow in your home be cautious and take care of yourself.

Good thing I got to the note first. Nice try Kenya. My dad will forget about you soon enough.

20. Meet Constance

2009-07-31T21:18:00.001-07:00

"Hi, my name is Constance Youngblood. Nice name huh, there isn't a normal name in the whole Youngblood clan...well...except my mothers'. Her name was Christin and she died when I was an infant. So I never knew her, but everyone says I look a lot like her."

"These two guys celebrating my transition to the teen years are the main men in my life. The one on the left is my dad, he's pretty cool but there were a few years that he missed my mom so much that he was barely able to get out of bed each day. The guy on the right is my big brother. He is a writer and an artist, he likes to spend most of his time alone in his room but he's always been there for me."

"Over the years I've become a bit of a wild child. My dad says that my aunt Beryl was wild too and it caused a lot of grief in the family. But then she settled down, got married, had kids (I'm not sure in that particular order). They think I'm wild but I have a plan...I want to be a star!"

Everyday after school I went to my cousins house. He's a bit of a nerd but I trust him with all my secrets.

"Hey Cyd I have an idea." I said one day while studying.
"Focus Constance" he said in his typical serious tone.

"Sorry Con" he apologized "I just need to focus on this weeks tests,
I've got a low A in biology and if I don't do well it will drop to a B."
"Fine..we'll focus on studying" I said but my mind wandered. One thing it wandered to was dreamy Chuck Roberts. He was a senior, tall, handsome, and...completely taken by Bethany Whitehouse.

I just imagine how wonderful
a study session with Chuck would be.

But....no....here I was in my cousins kitchen.
All I could think was that someday Chuck Roberts would be "begging" me to go out with him. When I'm a star I'll have to beat off the boys with a club.

"Ok Con were done studying what's the plan?" he said in an unenthusiastic manner. "There's something I wanna buy with my birthday money" I replied "Will you go with me?" "Do I have a choice?" he smiled "NO...come on" and I grabbed him by the jacket and we raced into town.

When we arrived at the store I knew exactly what I wanted. I have big dreams. Dreams that can only come true with this item.

My dream began with the purchase of a Takamine ESP93 steel-stringed acoustic guitar, made of cedar and painted pale pink. As I strummed out the tunes I knew that this guitar was going to be my best friend for years to come.

19. Reunited

2009-07-28T09:36:00.000-07:00

"CHRISTIN!"
I yelled, into the night as my true love appeared before me. She was just as beautiful as the day she left this world....the day the fire took her from me and our children.
But she was looking at me like a stranger... something was different......

It was her eyes. Replacing the soft violet pools of love and compassion was pain and hurt.
Her eyes were now filled with memories of the fire.
All I wanted to do was take her in my arms and take away all her pain.

"Sweety its me...its Boston...baby I brought you back so we could be together" I pleaded with her to trust me.
"Why" she finally spoke "why am I here?"

"Why? So we can be together again" I said.
"But I'm gone Boston, we can't take back what time has done" she softly smiled as she said this.

"I miss you Christin, I don't think I can go on another day without you." I said as tears of realization ran down my face.

"Boston!...you can...and you will go on...for me...for our children...and our grandchildren" as she said these words she took my face in her hands. "you are doing so well with our children, but they deserve more. You need to be there for them...emotionally. You need to move on my love"

"Move on? Are you serious?" I stammered.
"Boston Youngblood you are the most loving man I've ever met" she smiled again. "Yes, I'm serious. I'm in a good place. A place much kinder and more beautiful than I can even describe. And I will be there...waiting.....for you."

I couldn't resist any longer. I took her in my arms and placed a kiss on her lips that I hoped would last forever.

"I have to go" she squeezed me tightly "take good care of Carson and Constance, they are always in my heart."
The emotional lump in my throat was so large I couldn't speak. There was so much I wanted to say, I wanted to argue my side further but the words wouldn't come out.

She stepped away from me slowly and gave me one last smile. Her eyes were different now, they weren't full of pain anymore. They were full of peace and love. I wanted to be strong but I couldn't stop the flood of tears that continued to run down my face.
" I love you Christin" was all I could manage to get out.
"I love you too..." and as she said these words she floated away in the cool night breeze.
And suddenly I was filled with a warm feeling I hadn't felt since before Christin died.

I knew that my Christin was in a wonderful place and I knew that someday we would be together again.

18. Midnight Outing

2009-07-25T20:10:00.000-07:00

Life...even without Christin did go on.
The years passed and as hard as I tried to put on a happy face for the kids I just couldn't crawl out of the shadow of grief that followed me everywhere. I know its effecting the kids, I know I need to do something.

Constance had her grandfather's artistic nature and filled her spare time at her easel. As she gets older she looks more and more like her mother. I think she has noticed the pain in my eyes when I look at her and I fear that she is blaming herself, she has distanced herself from me...I can't say I don't blame her.

Carson remains in his room when he's at home. He types away at his novels and has stated that he enjoys the escape that writing brings him. The only person he seems close to is his sister.

One lonely night I walked to the cemetery. I'm not sure what I was looking for or what I expected to find but it all began with a story my mother used to tell me when I was a very small boy......

She used to tell me about a dark land. A land ruled by darkness. The story was always very vivid, as if it wasn't a story at all but an actual part of her history.

In this land death was not an end but a beginning and the ghost from the land of darkness were called upon they would reveal the secret of bringing back those who we've lost.

My mother was my only connection to these dark world myths so I followed my instinct and went to the Youngblood family plot. I felt no fear but was a little uncomfortable as I called out my mothers name into the quiet darkness.

What happened next was nothing short of miraculous. The ground trembled slightly and bright starry lights began to appear before me.

In a few short seconds my mother, Audra Youngblood, appeared before me.

I'm not sure how I kept my composure. Here was my mother, my dead mother standing before me. She began speaking and a warm calm filled my soul.
"My dear Bishop, I know why you're here, I'm just surprised it took you this long."
I replied, "I'm glad you know because I'm still not sure."
"You will" she said, "just speak to the three ghost of lost love"
Before I could respond the graveyard was buzzing with life....well...not exactly life.

The first ghost who approached me was a beautiful woman. She told me a story of her first love and how it ended on their honeymoon. She and her new husband were on a dinner cruise off the coast of Greece when a rouge wave capsized their ship. The two clung to a piece of floating debris but it could not support the weight of two. The last thing she remembered was the feeling of blood trickling down her forehead as her "first love" floated away to safety and she sunk to the dark ocean depths.

As she floated away another ghost appeared...this time it was a large intimidating man. His wife of 35 years had created a lot of debt around town with her habitual shopping. But he loved her and assured her that he would work his fingers to the bone to pay off the growing stack of bills. Then one day after a long day she asked him to help her with the toaster, little did he know that he was the one to be "toasted". In the end he did pay off her bills...with the million dollar life insurance policy she collected from his little "accident".

The final ghost was a strange character. He was bubbly and animated as he told me how he had lived in a mansion in the Hollywood hills with his beautiful girlfriend. One morning he pulled out of his driveway and headed down the steep winding road that lead to heart of the city. As the car sped up he noticed a photograph on the seat next to him. It was his girlfriend...laughing in the arms of another man. He would would have stopped right there and gone back to give her a piece of his mind but strangely the brakes didn't work and the car dropped to a fiery end at the next turn. She always said she'd have the last laugh.

The stories the three ghost told me were obviously not of "true love" so I was a bit confused. But I didn't question the reasoning any longer as a book appeared on the ground in front of me.

The pages of the book were fragile and aged. The words described a ritual. The ritual of lost love. Not sure what to expect I continued to read. I read the book through to the end which happened to be just as the sun began to rise in the distance.

Feeling a rush of adrenaline I ran home. I needed to prepare. That evening at dusk I lit the candles and the urn.

I shouted the words from the book, called out her name, and waited.

Nothing.....nothing , I could feel my heart breaking again. And then .....

17. Speechless

2009-07-16T22:39:00.000-07:00

It's amazing how just when you think you have it all and that you're the luckiest sim in the world and then it all crashes down around you. That's what happened the other day, what was supposed to be a joyous occasion was destroyed by the......

It was the morning of Constance's birthday and we had decided to have a quiet celebration rather than having the normal big bash. Christin said she would grab the baby and meet me in the kitchen because I was in the other room trying to find the camera. The next thing I heard were the screams of my sweet Christin. "Fire, the cakes on fire!".
As I ran into the room the kitchen was engulfed in flames and Christin and the baby were on the other sides of the flames.

I couldn't believe what I was seeing. I tried everything I could the estinguish the flames. The fire department finally arrived (I knew living this far out in the country was a risk) and they managed to contain the fire long enough for me to grab the baby and take her to safety.

But.....we weren't able to get to Christen in time. Before I had a chance to figure out what to do next I witnessed her body fall to the ground into the ashes of the fire.
What just happened? How could this be?

The next sound I hear put a cold chill down my spine, it was the sound of Carson's school bus dropping him off. The fire department was still on the scene, I couldn't let my son see his mother like this, I ran to meet him at the door and held him tight, but not before he saw a clean white sheet being draped over his mothers charred remains.

We celebrated Constance's birthday the next day.
It was impossible to even bring myself to smile. Carson was brave and tried as hard as he could to be happy for his baby sister.

In the months that followed our pain didn't go away but was softened by watching Constance grow and florish, I well up with tears and my throat tightens when I think of how she will never have memories of her mother. I am now a single dad and I know that I will never be able to give my heart to another woman, there is only enough love left for my wonderful children.

NOTE TO ANY READERS:
Christin was a clumsy sim and I totally forgot that clumsy sims can accidently cause fires from birthday cakes, she had taken Carson to his cake with no issues. So when this happened I was in complete SHOCK!
Also, since she caught on fire with the baby in her arms there was a glitch or something that she wouldn't put the baby down so she couldn't go to the shower to put herself out. I finally had to use ctrl+c "resetsim to get the baby out of her arms and as soon as the baby was on the floor Christin turned to ash. MORE SHOCK!!
This was not planned and really saddened me because I really like Christin, but...the story must go on.

Jules B

extra: The Youngblood Home Floorplan

2009-07-15T22:39:00.001-07:00

I took this to give any readers and idea of how my legacy has progressed.
For anyone not familiar with Legacy rules by Pinstar1161 ( http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/list/39862.page ) my sim started life in Riverview on the biggest empty lot which left only 1300 simoleons to live off of.
My sims have come a long way from the lone bed in the middle of a field.
I personally like to play on a single floor, I always feel like I'm missing something if I have sims on two different floors.

Click on this image to get a bigger picture.

16. The Family Gets Bigger

2009-07-14T22:57:00.000-07:00

I didn't think it was possible but Christin was even more beautiful when she was pregnant.

We were both so excited but she spent much of her pregnancy alone since I was working both day and night at the hospital. But this paid off as I sailed through my residency and became an infectious disease researcher, with the extra money Christin was able to do some redecorating around the house.

Christen went into labor in the wee hours of the night and it was late when we brought home our precious baby boy...

Carson Youngblood

Carson grew up well, Christin stayed home with him and wrote novels during naps. It wasn't long until the family was together again for his birthday.

He inherited much of his looks from his father, with the exception of his mother's sunny blonde hair and the mysterious eyes of his Grandmother, Audra.

Speaking of his Grandmother.
I sensed her presence in the house and knew in my heart that she was with us and looking down on her Grandson with pride and love.

As Carson was learning to walk and talk we began to notice that Christin was packing on the pounds.

She was pregnant again and even though I was a respected doctor I fell into one of my neurotic panic attacks when she went into labor.
She remained level headed and off to the hospital we went.

A few days later we returned with our baby girl and 3rd generation heir to the Youngblood legacy....

Constance Youngblood

Maybe he still lived with the regret of how the relationship with his daughter Beryl had turned out but whatever the reason George checked in on Constance on a nightly basis.

Daddy's Little Girl
Already, she's got me wrapped around her little finger.

Daddy's Little Man
So pleasant and happy to just be alone, I am a very lucky man.

15. L.O.V.E.

2009-07-13T19:27:00.000-07:00

I'm a man of few words, but when it comes to describing the feelings I have for Christin I could go on forever and ever. We have been dating since high school, through my time in medical school, and now I was ready to take it to another level.

Sitting in the living room of her parents house I was in full panic mode knowing that I had come here this evening to ask her mother and father for her hand in marriage and surprise her with a proposal.

I asked Christin's mom if she could let Mr. Fletcher know that I needed to speak to him. She had a concerned look on her face as she left to get her husband from the other room.

Mr Fletcher and I shook hands. He was an ex-military man and a little rough around the edges but we had known each other for some time and got along pretty good. I told him that I loved his daughter, was confident I could take care of her, and I wanted his blessing to marry his daughter. He seemed to be really upset and this scared me to death, but then he couldn't stifle the laughter and told me that he would be proud to have me as his son-in-law.

I almost ran to Christin.
I got down on one knee, and prayed that she would say yes. And......

She did!
Mrs Fletcher was so elated and we spent the rest of the night laughing while Christin and her mother went about planning the wedding.

The wedding party was EPIC!
My sister and brother both made it along with Christin's entire family, plus many of my friends from the hospital.
This is one of Christin's favorite photo's. She was the most beautiful bride.

This is my favorite photo because the guests were gone and I was finally alone with my one and only love, now forever known as Christin Youngblood.

The end of the party also signaled the start of our honeymoon.

The honeymoon proved to be very "productive" because a few weeks later Christin was showing all signs of being pregnant.
Another generation of Youngblood's was in the works.

14. Family Album

2009-07-08T19:36:00.000-07:00

Hello Reader. My name is Bishop Youngblood.
My life is simple but I am not a simple man....but more on that later.

This is my brother, Boston.
He's smart, kind, strong, and the girls love him.
He joined the military a few years ago and was sent overseas. I will miss our daily chess matches but know he'll always be a part of my life.

Here is a picture of my parents.
George and Audra Youngblood. They had a stormy marriage at times but loved each other more than anything, my mother passed away 48 hrs after he did, most would agree it was from a broken heart.

This is the love of my life.
Her name is Christin Fletcher and I would do absolutely anything for her, and I mean anything.

So follow along reader and I will share with you the story of my life
and the power of love.

13. Rest in Peace

2009-07-06T20:51:00.000-07:00

HERE LIES AUDRA YOUNGBLOOD
Yes reader, this is my gravestone.

It sits next to my George's gravestone.
You may be asking..."how did this happen?"....."when did this happen?"
Well let me explain.

George didn't make it from the hospital the evening after the boys birthday party.
The symptoms began slowly and the doctors at Riverview Memorial tried their best but the heart attack had done too much damage, he died while I held his hand.
The funeral was a few days later.

I was beside myself with grief but I had to be strong for my family.
They never knew their grandparents so this was their first experience with losing someone they loved.

I had experienced death....many times.
But this was different, this time I was losing someone I loved.
As the warm day chilled and the night drew near I finally left the fresh grave.
I knew I would be joining George soon enough.

Now all I could do was wait.
I was still in mourning when the time came.

While the boys slept I rose from bed and could feel myself enveloped in what felt like a warm fuzzy blanket. My feet were no longer touching the ground, I was weightless and floating.
I did not feel fear at all, only pure love and happiness.

My old friend was there.
I did not beg or plead for more time.
I was ready to go.

So, dear reader, this is the end of my story but the beginning of another.
My son Bishop has inherited more than just my looks. He has inherited a dark legacy, I can only hope he is strong enough to control it so that it doesn't control him......

12. The Last Supper

2009-07-06T10:19:00.000-07:00

All was peaceful in the Youngblood household.
My boys were growing up fast. Unlike their sister, they took school seriously, helped around the house, and didn't give me the worry I always held in my heart every time she stepped out of the house.

Yes, the lazy days of summer were over but Bishop still found time to hang out by the River after school. The rippling current relaxed his nerves and gave him time to contemplate his future.

George was at his easel Friday morning when I walked into the study.
"Are you ready for the party tomorrow?" I asked him
"I suppose...I set up the stereo and I just need to pick up the cakes first think in the morning"

"Good" I said. We were still having issues and not communicating like we used to, "Honey... how about a nice dinner...just the two of us...after the party?"
"That would be nice" he replied.
When he said this I swear I saw a sparkle in his eye that hadn't been there in a long long while.

The guests began arriving right on time.
Cory Lobos even brought her world famous peanut butter sandwiches.
I smiled gratefully as I placed them in the kitchen...as far away from my buffet table as I could...I hope she didn't notice..but then again, I don't really care.

The best part of the party was having my entire family there.
My grandson, Charlie, was already in elementary school and kept me laughing with all his jokes.

The dancing went well into the evening.
Bishop and Christin didn't leave each others side the entire time.

The guests cheered as Boston and Bishop took turns blowing out their candles.
As the party wrapped up and the guests trickled out I looked forward to leaving the mess behind and having a very quiet dinner with my husband.

Dinner was lovely.
We ate and talked...and talked...and talked some more.
Now that we were both retired and the boys were grown we had so many plans.
I'd been all over the world, but the idea of exploring the world with George thrilled me.

We were waiting for the bill when George slumped over in his seat.
"I don't feel well Audra, let's go home"
I took him home.. but by early morning I was taking him to Riverview Memorial Hospital.

Waiting there as we arrived was my old friend in black.
I was the only one who saw him.
My throat tightened and my legs got weak.
I did not summon him......this time he came on his own.

11. Revenge is so Sweet

2009-07-05T11:59:00.001-07:00

Little Charlie was such a joy to have around the house. He was growing up fast but the tension between George and Beryl was growing. One day she and Jarrod packed up their things and moved in with Jarrod's mother across town. My heart was broken.

I pleaded with George. I pointed out how hard Beryl was trying to be a good mother and how much she needed us to support her. He had to put his ego aside.
I picked up the phone and dialed the number...Beryl and her father began talking.

In time old wounds mended and after he retired he began going over to their place and spent more and more time with Charlie. He was being a true grandfather and it felt great.

One day after babysitting for Charlie, George came home to find Elaina Cooper at our front door. She had blossomed into a young woman much faster than the other girls. I didn't like her spending time with Boston and Bishop. I could tell she was playing both of them.

When I glanced out the window and saw her working on my George I'd had enough.

I didn't hold back, and I was only slightly concerned that it would come to blows. I told her to leave my property and not to bother coming back.
George was stunned, I'm sure that he didn't even realize what she was trying to do.

She glared at me with her squinty eyes and said "look old lady, you can't keep me from you boys, any of them, if they want me, I'll give them what they want, just try and stop me."
With those words she tossed her pathetic braids, gave George a wink, and sauntered away like she was the Queen of England.

I might be an "old lady" and try my best to keep my self out of trouble but nobody, and I mean nobody threatens me like that and gets away with it.
I picked up the phone and spoke to my "friend" about my little "problem".

"Can you do it now?"
I didn't get a verbal response, I never do, but I could sense that all would be better by morning.

And it was:

....the untimely death of Elaine Cooper came as a surprise to residents of Riverview. The coroner is not releasing details but a source close to the victim said, "the scene was horrific, unlike anything I've ever seen". The police are searching for clues ..blah..blah...blah....a service will be help Sunday at 10am.

Bishop took the news really hard.

But it didn't take long before a violet eyed girl with sunny locks took his breath away and the name Elaina Cooper was never mentioned again.

10. Ray of Sunshine

2009-07-03T23:38:00.000-07:00

I knew I had to remain level headed.
The father of my future grandchild sat before me.
"Are you ready to man up? There's no going back now, a new life is on its way, and you're going to know what it's like to grow up real fast."
He looked me in the eye and promised to always be there for Beryl and the baby.

The kids went to Jarrod's mother next.
She was young and single when she got pregnant with Jarrod and she had struggled all her life to make ends meet.

"What are you two going to do? Where are you going to live?
Jarrod you don't even have a job!"

Beryl told Jarrod's mother about the novels she had published, 3 in all, they were bringing in about $400 a week and that she was going to continue living with her family until they could save up for their own place.
Jarrod's mother reluctantly gave her blessing, this was her only son and she had been in their shoes at one time.

That evening he and Beryl made it official.
It wasn't the big wedding I always thought she would have. It was on the steps of City Hall with a small group of friends and myself as witnesses, my George did not attend. Even so, I had never seen my daughter as happy as she was that night.

As the months went along Beryl took good care of herself and reading everything she could about babies. George agreed that the couple could stay at the house but he avoided Jarrod like the plague and kept his distance from Beryl as well.

The boys were full of curious questions and were pretty excited about being uncles.

"Hey there little baby, did you know your mama is crazy, did you know that?" Boston cooed at Beryls growing tummy.
"Shut-up and stop joking" Beryl said as she smacked his shoulder "the baby can really hear you, I read it in a book!"

The boys, George, and I had gone out for dinner and a movie the night Beryl went into labor. From what I hear Jarrod really freaked out. He was so out of it that he jumped in the car and headed to the hospital...and forgot Beryl!
She called a cab and got there just in time.
Oh heaven help them!

It's a Boy!
Charlie Cosby-Youngblood

Things were not quite the same with George and I. He was depressed and avoided conversation. I'm not sure if he really blames me for Beryl's unruly childhood or if he truly puts the blame on himself.

Boston and Bishop brought a new friend home after school.
I'm not exactly sure what they see in her....

But I know what I see.
I see trouble.
Trouble with a capital "T"

9. The Secret Comes Out

2009-07-03T09:33:00.000-07:00

All was well again.
My boys, Bishop and Boston were growing fast and it pleased me that they got along with each other so well.

I was up to some of my old tricks.
Those repair folks make such tasty treats.

Even my lovely Beryl was doing well. She graduated, not with honors, but she had her diploma and that was what mattered.
She was spending a lot more time around the house which was nice, but she wouldn't look me in the eye when I was in the room.
What was going on? What did she know?

As it turned out it wasn't my secret that was bothering her but one of her own.

She finally came to me one evening, in obvious distress.
"Mom, I know I've been so much trouble.....and... well...and now I've gone and...." she stammered for the right words. "Mom, I'm just going to say it....I'm pregnant."

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Sh grabbed me around the neck before I had time to think.
"Mom, I know I'm young and this wasn't really planned but I'm so happy!"
I don't really know which shocked me more, her news or her embrace. It had been years since we had shared this kind of closeness.

I did the only thing I could do.
I hugged her back.
I was scared for her, but deep down I knew she would be OK.
I just wondered if her father would be OK

"George, I need to tell you something." I think I was more nervous than Beryl had been when she told me. "Remember that I love you and we're a strong family."
"You're scaring me, what's wrong?" he replied.
Fast, like pulling off a bandage, that's how I have to do it "George, Beryl is pregnant."

He stood there in silence, I could feel his anger building.
"This is your influence!" he yelled. " Your evil influence!"
I was taken aback. George had never made such accusations before. I was hurt and I was angry.

I walked from the room, shaking with every emotion, how could he say such a vile thing to me?
George, you may just be one step closer to your grave.

8. True Colors

2009-07-01T20:41:00.000-07:00

OK, by this time Beryl was out of control.

Visits by the police became a common occurrence and was a huge embarrassment to George. A man of the law who can't control his own daughter.

I wasn't at all happy with the new look she was sporting either.
I was losing control and and the more George and I came down on her the further away she got.

She is spending every waking moment with her boyfriend and has started skipping school.

Club hopping, dancing, and even drinking has become a way of life and she doesn't see how this is going to effect her future. I'm full of guilt and
want to help her but I think I've lost her for good.

I mistakenly thought this was the biggest issue I would have to deal with.

I was wrong.

Possibly dead wrong.

Bishop was growing quickly, aging progresses normally for "our kind" until we reach adulthood. He was doing well in school and making friends. I didn't see the threat on the horizon.

The threat came in the form of Roxie Lin.
Local gossip to some. Local menace to me.
Roxie always looked me over with disdain when our paths crossed in town and I was beginning to notice her looking at Bishop the same way.

This morning while running errands she approached me.
"I know about you and your boy!" she spitted out.
"You are evil and so is your boy! I will see you both exposed for what you are and the good people of Riverview will run you from this town!"

I'd had ENOUGH!
I exposed my long sharp teeth.
"Get back woman! Shut your mouth of this forever or I will chew out your vocal cords myself!"

"I knew it, I knew it! You are the devil himself!" She screamed at the top of her lungs and I feared that she would draw the attention of passers-by.

I had to do something to stop this hysterical woman.

I looked directly into her black eyes with mine and transfixed her with my powerful stare.
How dare she threaten my family!
As much as I wanted her blood to spill I knew that this would only create more problems.
For now I would not use violence to deal with Roxie.

When it was over she stood there limp, like a worn out rag.
She had no memory of the last few minutes but I could not erase ALL her memories.
I knew this would not be the last encounter with Roxie as I quickly walked away before she could wake up and confront me again.

I drove home in a cold sweat.
I needed a relaxing bath and George's kind arms around me. I needed to feel safe, but not for myself but for my son.
George was painting, he had been working on a surprise and it turned out to be exactly that.
On the canvas, staring back at me were my eyes.
Not the eyes that the rest of the world saw but the eyes I saw every day in the mirror.
He was painting a portrait and it was of my true self.
George knew!

7. Touble Brews

2009-07-01T12:11:00.000-07:00

Well it was just a matter of time.
George and Beryl have had a strained relationship for a few years now, not sure why but I think it has to do with her grumpy attitude, she's never happy.
Last night George and her got into it pretty good, they argued on the front lawn so loudly that I worried the neighbors would hear them.

Beryl ran from the house and was gone well into the night. George and I were so scared, we called the police and the search was on.
We later learned that she was seen in the park.

The cops found her and brought her home. We were both relieved and angry.
We had reached are limits with her rebellion and I think I know where it's all coming from....

She is in love.
"He is what makes her happy!" she screams the next morning.

They've been good friends since grade school. He's a nice enough boy but George thinks his upbringing on the other side of the river makes him unsuitable for our daughter.

As we deal with this latest drama we are also blessed with our two boys.
They are growing up well so far.
P.S. Did you notice my hair. It's gray. This is a first for me and I like it, I'm slower than I used to be and a bit more fragile but it means I'm aging and I am not afraid of death.

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6. My Legacy Child is Born!

2009-06-30T11:45:00.000-07:00

It was the ultimate power trip!
I had it all and it felt great!
I had Family, Friends, and lots and lots of money.
Can it possibly stay this way?

George was at the top of his game too!
I can't give too many details because I don't want to jeopardize National security but let's just say that James Bond and my George have a lot in common.

Young Beryl was successful too. She had just finished her first novel "My Life Stinks".
Yes, we were a bit surprised by the title but we figure it must be a phase that all teens go through.

Unfortunately the phase turned into out right rebellion and one day we got a call from George's buddies that they had picked up our daughter. She was blocking traffic and seemed to be disoriented. We will be keeping a very close eye on our dear daughter.

Something even more serious was beginning to happen.
While George and I are the same age, only he seemed to be showing the signs of growing older. How long could I keep my secret?
How much longer till I would have to run?
I couldn't imagine my life without my dear loving George.

I had been on the run before, over hundreds of years in this body. Watching others around me enjoy the life I desperately wanted.
There was only ONE way!
I must pass my "soul" onto another, to an unborn child.
But while I would be freeing myself I would be cursing another.

It is done!
I am with child. I am with twins.
George is so happy he can't stop smiling.
If he only knew that one of these dear sweet angels I was carrying would be very very different.

The babies arrive!
On the drive home I hold little Boston. So much like his father and big sister. So warm in my arms. I can only hope that George is too distracted to notice that the baby he hold is not warm at all, but cold, as cold as the night air.

Little Bishop Youngblood!
Heir to the Youngblood Legacy and my savior!

5. Adjustment

2009-06-27T22:13:00.000-07:00

Yes, I was feeling like one of
"The Housewives of Riverview"

Gone were the carefree days spent stealing candy from little
children while their mothers had their backs turned.

Now, George and I were building our dream home. I not only met my lifetime wish of becoming CEO but surpassed it. I was now running the company myself. The only drawback was having to take meetings on my days off, but other than that, it's great!
George is working on his dream too. Working hard to reach the upper echelon of the
Police Department.

And Beryl was great too!
Some said she was "grumpy" but I haven't seen a bit of that.

Even though George spent a lot of time working out to get fit for the job
(and believe me he is very fit)
He loved spending time with Beryl and never missed a milestone.

I did my best to be a good mother.
Now, rather than looking up at the moon of the night sky I keep a "normal" schedule and the only moon I gaze upon is the one hanging above my daughters crib.

Beryl's Birthday
I hope I raised her well enough to see her become successful.

Bookwork indeed.
She has inherited the family bookworm trait and enjoys reading and writing.
Can life continue to go so well?
Already George is pressuring me to have another child.
But maybe Beryl is all I need or want.

4. Whirlwind of Happiness

2009-06-25T19:13:00.000-07:00

"Baby I can't help myself", those are the words he spoke to me that changed the direction my life was going. He was a cop and while his mind was telling him to run from me....his heart was taking control and he couldn't get enough of me. He is wonderful and my hope was that a little of his goodness might just rub off on me.

"Marry Me" As I spoke the words I couldn't help but wait for disappointment and pain. But, he looked me in the eyes and said he couldn't imagine not spending the rest of his life with me. That evening, under the moon was the new beginning I'd been dreaming of.

Baby On Board! We were both eager to start a family. George was so loving, he massaged my aching muscles and bought out the local Babies-R-Us.
What will this little darlings future hold?
Will she me mortal like her father or will she have a hidden thirst for blood?

Baby Girl Beryl is born!
When I saw her fathers chocolate skin and hazel eyes I cried. George only saw tears of joy. What he didn't know was that these were tears of relief. She would be all that I could never be. I choose an Edwardian name from the 1880's for her....this was, after all, when I was made.

Now I only had to somehow convince George that we should only have one child. I worried that if I tempted fate my next child might not be so fortunate.

3. It's a manhunt

2009-06-24T16:14:00.000-07:00

My career was going very well, I was now the Dept Head, holding important meetings, and I even surpassed my old supervisor (this pleased me greatly).

But love still eluded me.
This little town seemed to be so full of men and the local watering hole looked like a good place to start.
But....
They were either married... Too "rich".....
or just too "GOOD" for a girl like me...

Or....... well.....just didn't like girls at all.

With only a few days left until my birthday and the natural transition to adulthood ahead I was more determined than ever to hunt down Mr Right. I just hoped he was out there and I wouldn't have to settle for Mr. Have-To-Do.

2. Dawn on a New Day

2009-06-24T14:06:00.000-07:00

As the moon sets on a glorious night and dawn is about to break I dream of becoming a high powered CEO, finding Mr. Right, and having a child.

But my sleep is fitful. I am currently as close to homeless as a girl can get. Sleeping under a full moon is only romantic when you have someone you love next to you.

This morning I start a new job as a lowly coffee courier. Will love come next?

1. A new town for Audra

2009-06-23T19:33:00.000-07:00

Audra Youngblood is on the run. On the run from her past. On the run from herself. Why? Because she has many positive traits, she is ambitious, charismatic, loves book and flirting. She has another side to her. An EVIL side. The "normal" sim can't see her dark side. They don't see her pale blue skin and blood red eyes. They see only what she wants them to see.

Yes....she's ready for a place like Riverview....but is Riverview ready for her?