Generation 02, Chapter 02: So, what's your boss like?

THE NEXT WEEK

"How is dinner?"  I ask Farran.  He smiles and nods, his mouth tense as he checks his phone.  I take the opportunity to check mine as well (Oh, and if you're wondering, I did, in fact, attend my birthday party.  Unlike last year, I actually remembered to attend it this time).

"It's been good," he murmurs.  "Listen, I have to take this call... it might be a while."

I perk up.  "Oh!  No problem.  I'll just wait here."

Farran walks out of the hallway, and I can hear excitement in his voice as he chats to whoever is on the phone.  After about twenty minutes by myself, I finally hear his voice disappear and the sound of the elevator shaft fills my eardrums.  He left me.  Did he forget where he was?

Suddenly, my phone rings.  I hit speaker and Farran's voice fills the small apartment.  "I'm so sorry for leaving like that.  My job... they gave me an offer in Starlight Shores.  I couldn't not take it.  They said I had to leave right away and I didn't have a chance to say goodbye."

Goodbye?  Wait, what's happening?

"Farran?"

"I'm sorry Calla, things won't work out with us."

Why am I not surprised? I think.  I stand up and begin to clear up the plates as he continues to speak.

"I'm going to have to break us up.  I'm really sorry.  Please forgive me."

"No, it's fine.  I understand," I say like a broken robot.  My voice is steady and monotone.

"Thank Calla, you know you mean the world to me."

I don't say anything.  I realize that I wasn't really interested in him.  And the only thing that we had in common was our love of work, which is obviously not something that should connect to people.  Oh well, I suppose he was pretty decent, for a first boyfriend.

"So, um, I'll see you," I finally say.

"Yeah, see you.  And I'm sorry."

I mumble something like, "Yeah, it's okay."

Then we hang up.  I brush my teeth, throw on some sweats, and crawl into bed.  Tomorrow is my first day at work.  I hope it's better than today was.

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I wake up at 5:30, eat breakfast, brush my teeth, slip on my new black suit, tie my hair up, and walk out the door.  It's my first day at Gainsboro and I don't want to start out my career by being late.  I've always been known for my punctuality and I'm not going to ruin that.

The Gainsboro building is tall.  And extremely intimidating.  But I'm excited as adrenaline and excitement rushes through my veins.

I make my way up to the floor as directed by the receptionist.  It's white.  And black.  Just like my apartment.  People are walking around in suits.  A woman sits at a desk.  I squint my eyes and see that her name is Griselda Gris.  Well, that's an unfortunate name.

"Calla Cohen?"

I turn my head to the left and see a man in a bright blue jacket greet me.

"I'm Rusty Turkessa.  And you must be Mrs. Cohen. Nice to meet you, and welcome to Gainsboro.  You're our new associate, correct?"

"Yes," I say confidently.

"Good!  I'll show you around and then you can get straight to work."

"Yay," I exclaim, genuinely enthused.

I get home that night at 10.  It has been an exhausting day at work, yet I loved it.  It was almost better than law school.  I met a ton of new people, as well as my freaky boss, a woman named Krystal Kar (she was the downside of today).  I swear, she must be related to some evil person....

I was just sitting in the breakout room, taking a break (of course), when she yelled at me for wasting money.  She went into this lengthy explanation that here at Gainsboro, everyone's lives are segmented into six-minute intervals.  Every interval is worth money so if I were to waste six minutes staring out a window or doing some other menial task, I'd lose the company about §50, twelve minutes would lose §100, and so on.

Her scary nose was practically poking me by the time the conversation was over so after that I made sure that I was occupied at all times, especially when I knew I was in her line of view.  Anyway, after that talk, she dumped a bunch of files for me to begin working on.  Griselda, a woman who I've made friends with, told me that all of the senior partners, like Kar (as everyone calls her) and Rusty do it.  With my work ethic, I know I will get it done.  And hopefully before she expects it.  That will surely prove to her that I am no wimpy new girl.  And I will force myself to get used to measuring my time by sixes.  I don't want to have that talk again.

On the plus side, I met the most handsome man on the planet.  His name is Blake Nero and I've never had a crush harder than this one.  In fact, it makes me happy that Farran broke up with me.  I can still remember his grey eyes staring back at me.  I just hope that he hadn't seen me blush.  From what I've gathered from our brief conversation, he's intelligent and kind.  Not to mention, gorgeous.  He just transferred to Gainsboro as a partner from another firm so not only is he perfect, he's also of high status at the firm.

If I hated work (which I don't), he'd be the only reason for me to come back.

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NOTE

Happy Holidays!  

Seriously, I hope that you guys aren't reading this today.  I hope you're spending time (forced or voluntary) with your families, significant others, hobos... anyway *clears throat* I hope you guys have a Merry Christmas or whatever holiday you are or have been celebrating.  

And if you're spending the holidays alone (and I really hope you're not), just remember that I love you.  ^_^  See you guys in 2013 if I don't post before then!

Also, I hope you like my new banner.  I finally found time to work on it!

Generation 02, Chapter 01: Home Sweet Apartment

NOTE

Eeep!  Generation Two is about to begin!  :D  I hope you like it!  I consider this to be more of an introduction than an actual chapter but oh well.  

Also, if you didn't notice, I posted character bios of the generation two characters, which you can find above under the tab labeled "character bios" or here.  Thanks for Dessie Sims for the idea!

PS:  I do, in fact, know that I need to update my banner.  I will be attempting to take a fabulous picture tomorrow, when I'm allowed to play Sims so no worries!  Enjoy reading!

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My older twin sister, Zoe, has always been more of a looker than me.  If boys ever look at me, it's because they want me to help them with homework that they're rushing to get done before class starts.  She has already had at least five boyfriends and she had her first one in elementary school.  Of course, that only lasted a week, but that’s longer than any of mine (at least, it's longer than any of mine since before I met my current boyfriend, Farran).  

I've had more crushes than you might think.  But that's all they ever are. My philosophy has always been to wait for the boy to pursue me. Besides, if I asked out every boy I thought was cute, I'd never have time for my studies. 

I've always known that I was the brainy one in the family. I mean, I graduated college right as my sister was finishing the 12th grade. I've now graduated law school and I can tell you that it was awesome.  It was difficult but I learned so much.  My counselor even told me, before graduation, that my high testing scores and grades would assure me a very well-paid spot in the top lawyer firm of the country, Gainsboro.

"Wow, the building is nice.  I can't wait to see the interior."  That’s my best friend, Chartreuse Flavius.   Although everyone just calls her Char (pronounced like "Shar").

"We'll have to go and take a look inside.  But ugh, I cannot for the life of me remember which room I bought."

"I guess all of the knowledge packed up in your large brain is reaching its limit," Char quips.

We slip into the elevator and my stomach flip-flops as we head up to the tenth floor of the building.  Fortunately, the elevator doesn't ride up too quickly so I'm able to prevent my ears from popping. 

"Okay, this is easy.  It has to be that one.  ...Or that one."

"Seriously, Calla, how can you not remember?  There are only two choices.  And you just visited this place, what, like a month ago?"

"Yeah I know..." I grumble.  "Okay, I think it's this one," I say, pointing behind her.

"And I think it's this one," she retorts.  "But I'll go with your guess.  You're almost always correct about everything." 

I beam inside at the compliment as she rolls her eyes.  I may have the brains, but Char has the looks.  Her perfectly curled lashes, her clear skin, her wavy hair, full lips, and her healthy spatter of pale brown freckles make all the boys flock.  Just like my sister.  I've always envied her for her looks.  Sometimes I wonder how Char and I are even friends.  But never mind that.

I slip my key into the door of the apartment I've chosen and an old woman walks out of it.  I jump and nearly scream, but manage to compose myself.

"Sorry, I thought this was my room.  I'm terribly sorry Miss.  Uh, my name is Calla Cohen.  I think I'll be your neighbor," I bumble.

"It's okay.  I thought there was a burglar or something," the old woman chuckles.  "Calla, did you say?  I'm Violet Rosado, but you can just call me Ms. Rosado.  I'm assuming that's your apartment over there?"  She nods towards the other direction.

"Yeah, it is," I purse my lips and try to hide my embarrassment.  Char was actually right about something.  I knew she'd give me crap about it later.

"So we'll be neighbors.  That's good.  You seem like a nice young woman.  Very... pretty."

"Why thank you-"

"I suppose you want to get unpacked?  I'll leave you to it.  You can find my name in the directory, so just call me if you'd like to chat.  I'd love to get to know you a little better, Calla."

"Alright, sorry again for disturbing you.  Have a nice afternoon, Ms. Rosado."

I wait for her to walk back into her apartment before turning the key ferociously in the lock of my apartment and heading inside with Char close behind me.  I put my hands on my hips and inspect the small, no-more-than-800-square-foot-apartment.  

"I was actually right about something.  Wow, that happens, what?  Once a year?  Oh my God, you should have seen your face when that woman walked out.  Ah, how I wish I had taken a photo.  That would have gone up on Plumbook immediately," Char rattles on about my failure.

"Whatever you say," is the only thing I can think of as a reply.  Fortunately, Char isn't one to hang onto a conversation and she's already walking into the master bedroom, also known as the only bedroom in the apartment.

"Ooh, and look at the king sized bed in here.  You're going to have a lot of fun times with Farran here, aren't you," she winks at me.

I roll my eyes.  "Trust me, I think I'd rather not have him see this place until… well, until never.  It's not going to get any TLC from me.  You know the workers at Gainsboro, they're constantly on the clock.  I'm going to have to get a maid," I tell her.  I can tell she's not listening because she left to inspect the bathroom halfway through my little spiel, but I'm used to it.  Plus, I was mostly telling that to myself so I'd make a mental note and not forget.

Char pops her head out of the bathroom.  "The shower is also a decent size.  I'm sure it could fit two people.  Especially because you're so skinny.  Wait, did you say something?"

I sigh.  "Nope.  And why is your mind always on sex?  I mean, you really should find a boyfriend.  Hey," I suddenly remember.  "Wanna help me unpack?"

"Of course I would.   But you really should get some more clothes other than black and dark blue.  Light blue would so bring out your eyes!"

"I know.  But at-"

"I know.  'But at Gainsboro they don't wear anything but black.'  Blah blah blah," she mimicks.

"I don't sound anything like that."

"So… any new lingerie for your boyfriend?"  She asks, ignoring my complaint.

"No!"  My cheeks flame.  "Of course not.  We're not like that.  It's a new relationship, I've hardly done more than kiss him."  Char opens her mouth to speak.  "And no, tongue has not been involved in the kissing.  Just lips," I add.   

She pouts but continues to put away my few possessions.  In just ten minutes, my clothes are put away, my suitcase is stored under my bed, and a picture of Farran and I is set on the nightstand.

"Thank so much for you help," I hug Char.

"No problem, Call.  And before I forget, good luck with your first day next week.  Let's just hope that it's only the day that you have to work," she grimaces. 

"Probably not," I mutter.

Char laughs.  "Well, good luck anyway."

Char walks out of the apartment but comes back.  "Hey, Cohen, your birthday party is Saturday, remember?  Don't forget to go like you did last year."

I roll my eyes and shake my head at her.  "Of course not.  I've entered it into my phone and I've programmed it so that it'll alert me a day ahead as well as the day of."

"Are you sure?  That’s what you said last year and you remember what happened."

"Yes, I'm very sure.  I promise that I will not miss it for the world.  I mean seriously, why would I miss my twenty-first birthday party?"

She leaves and I begin to look up a suitable housekeeper for my apartment.  I know what you're thinking.  My apartment is small enough for me to clean it myself.  Well, if you've seen my cleaning… it's not great.  I do know how to pick up things and I can fold up my clothes and heat things in the microwave, but that's about it.  My mom was just so… motherly that I never really had to help out with chores.  She was much more interested in my studying and doing well in school than she was in my help around the house and… well, you know me… I didn't complain.  

But now it's coming around to bite me in the backside.  Well, sort of.  Actually, because I'm going to be working at Gainboro, I'll be making four times as much as the average college graduate.  So in reality, I don't have to worry about finances or anything.  In fact, I'll probably have to worry about having too much money, and really, no one does that, do they?

A buzzing interrupts my thoughts and I immediately remember that my boyfriend, Farran Merle, was going to come over and see the new apartment.  Okay, I know I said I didn't want him to see it but this is going to be the first and absolute last time.  He was going to visit the building with me when I was first looking at it but his job got in the way and he had to pull an all-nighter so he wasn't able to come with me.  

That's the problem with dating a lawyer.  They're always so frickin' busy.  Especially because he's a partner (which is a pretty high position, compared to mine... I'll be starting out as a puny associate) at another firm (not Gainsboro).  But the hard work is totally worth it.  I'll be able to retire early and then have the rest of my life to do the things I enjoy most.  So it really is worth it now to work as hard as I can.  

I buzz Farran up and when I open the door and see his beautiful dark eyes and his permanent frown etched into his pale face, I wonder how I could have landed such a hottie.  And for a lawyer… goodness.  

"So… since it's almost our two month anniversary, I thought that we should do something.  Like go to dinner or something," I suggest.

"Dinner might be nice.  But we should stay here.  I was thinking of doing something else tonight."

"Really?  Because I saw this Italian restaurant on the way here that looked-"

"I want to congratulate you on your new apartment.  I suppose you could call it an apartment-warming present."

He pulls me towards my new bedroom and onto the bed.  The bedroom is small and there isn't even enough space to walk in front of the bed to get to the other side.  But that doesn't bother either of us.  He kisses my face and pushes me down.  

Ah… Char was right, this is nice….  

Yes, this is one thing my sister always talked to me about when we were teens.  I never quite understood what was so great about it but now I know.

Goodness, I was missing out on a lot.

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NOTE

So, as you guys probably know, Generation Two is going to be the first generation to be based off of a book.  Now, I'm trying not to make it exactly like the book because I don't want to copy it completely, so some posts will be a little more exaggerated and some will be more accurate to the book (Though I'd prefer to have all of the chapters not copy the book.  Let's hope that I'm successful at retaining that goal).  

Also, if you didn't notice, I shall be incorporating colorful sims (Sort of like Berry Sims but also sort of not.  Some of their names aren't obvious "berry" names, so it's more like I'm using colorful sims with color-related names.  Not sure if there's a term for that...).  The reason I am doing this is because all of the books that I am basing the generations on are going to be from the realistic fiction genre.  So, as not to copy the books anymore than I am, having the colored sims sort of adds a more unrealistic twist to the whole story.  Plus, Calista has blue hair and that's definitely not realistic so... it's okay that I'm adding this one unrealistic feature.

Anywho... I should probably tell you which book it is.  It is The Undomestic Goddess by Sophie Kinsella.  She is one of my favorite authors and I really love her books (in fact, I'd totally love to base all of the generations on all of her books, but they get very similar after a while (which would be boring) so I'm not going to) but I particularly like the idea of this one.  So I just hope that this whole base-the-story-off-of-books-idea really works.  And I also hope that my telling you doesn't ruin the whole generation.  But if you'd like to know what the generation is going to be about, just read the book!  Unless you're one of those people who likes surprises.  And if you've already read the book, I hope this story doesn't bother you or anything.  This is my "sim-ified" interpretation of the book so I hope that you like it!  If not, that's okay too.

As always, thanks for reading!  Feedback is appreciated.  I'd love to know what you think of the whole idea  :D