Life in Christophe Harbour

Jackie, I mean the mod actually makes the male sim get pregnant. As far as I know, the way Maxis made it, they can usually only get pregnant by aliens. I don't use the feature much though, so maybe I'm totally wrong. Can your male simmies have babies?

Hunter, I am so incredibly flattered by your generous words. I'm in awe of your talent, and am tickled pink that you like my decorating...oh! And I'm totally into a brick phase too. I'm always on the look out for interesting finishes of brick...not that my heaving DL folder can really take any more pressure!

Anyway my pretties. I actually have a Marco update. There were so many pix that today's installment will not include the teaser I posted a few posts back...it will be in the next one. Last time we followed the tale from Carolyn's perspective...now let's see what Marco has been up to...

---

In the fall, Marco's new agent called him in Ventimiglia (a town in northern Italy near the border with France) to tell him he had been offered a supporting role in yet another Star Wars sequel: Star Wars 15 (Ha haaaaa!)...

Lucas Films liked to use actors with theatre backgrounds, and someone had pegged Marco for a small role.

After Marco hung up the phone, he did a little victory dance. The film would begin shooting in England and Scotland in a matter of weeks!

But there was something he had to do first. He had to go back home.

First and foremost, Joey was getting married!

His older brother Joey had been devastated after his high school sweetheart Shoba rejected his marriage proposal.

But with the support of his buddies (Kyle, Marc and Max) he survived the heartbreak...


A few months later he met Stephanie Terrano (a nursing student). Both family sims, it didn't take them long to fall in love. She was in her final year of nursing school, and as soon as she graduated and got her first job they set a wedding date in the fall.


Marco's twin brother Vinnie, after spending the summer with him in Italy, had gone back home. He had a job waiting for him with a Public Relations Firm in Simmiewood.

What do you think of his new look? Too geeky?

Marco had worked on an independent film that summer in Italy...


...And now was teaching English as a Second Language while perfecting his Italian, and roaming the art galleries.


But now it was time to go home.

But there was more than his brother's wedding and Lucas Films on his mind. He was going to look for Carolyn. He hardly heard from her anymore and her emails while warm, were brief and he sensed almost hesitant.


He made a decision that he would go back home and look her in her eyes in her dark, dreamy eyes and ask her how she felt about him. He already knew how he felt about her. He was afraid to hope that she would say she loved him...but if...if...she did, he would ask her to come back with him to the UK.

I hope not well that was a misunderstanding well, well ... ok then I understand why you need a hack ...

Great pictures and a good story Toni, i like the way you make everything happen in your neighborhood, and like always love your surroundings and backgrounds to your pictures ... good work my Lady!

I really would want to se him look her in her eyes in her dark, dreamy eyes and ask her how she felt about him. I don´t think he dares to.....
I´m going to wait for that moment even if I have to


Like your pictures and that tennis court coooolll!!!

Your pictures are breathtaking! I especially love the one of Marco looking out the window, the one with his back to us. And I'm still really loving watching the happenings in everyone's lives. C'mon Marco! You can do it! Look that girl in the dark steamy eye and tell her how you feel - Good for you! But I have a feeling it's not going to be that easy. Now why should I feel that way? Oh yeah - because Toni is telling this story!

First, you piccies are gorgeous sweetie



AAAAUUUGGGHHHH!! Marco, please, please just tell the girl how you really feel about her or imma have to give you a giant push...hehehehehe

You are such a great story teller Toni and have got us all hanging by a thread here...
I am hoping things work out for those two but knowing you....hehehehehee

Star Wars 15!!!
(Though frightening enough, it's not an impossibility.)

Congrats to Joey on his pending marriage to Nurse Stephanie.
What a lovely couple they make!

I personally think Vinnie makes One Gorgeous Geek.
Wouldn't change a thing about him.
I love that office set up, btw. Looks perfect!

Most important query of the day:
Could Marco be ANY FREAKIN' SNACKIER???

Lady A wrote:

Your pictures are breathtaking! I especially love the one of Marco looking out the window, the one with his back to us.

Broken record that I am, I remain in awe of your beautiful, well thought out screenshots and amazing decorating skills, Toni.
Each and every scene you set up is SIMply fantabulous.

Ari wrote:

C'mon Marco! You can do it! Look that girl in the dark steamy eye and tell her how you feel - Good for you! But I have a feeling it's not going to be that easy. Now why should I feel that way? Oh yeah - because Toni is telling this story!

Jen wrote:

You are such a great story teller Toni and have got us all hanging by a thread here...
I am hoping things work out for those two but knowing you....hehehehehee

Let us hope it goes well for the gorgeous, talented, smitten Marco when he looks deeply into Carolyn's eyes with all the love he feels in his heart for her...

We, on Team Marco, are pullin' for ya, handsome!



Thank you for sharing with us, as always, Lady T.
It's always a pleasure.

I am so in awe of your pictures, Toni. Every single one is set up so gorgeously (is that a word? lol) For some reason the one with the ceiling projector and screen just struck me as really cool. I swear your rooms and buildings and scenery do not look like a sims game. I don't know how you do it! One thing that occurs to me is that you tend to use a lot of distance shots. For some reason when I take pictures, I think I have to get up really close to my sims, I don't know why. Maybe because my scenery is so pretty. It's a nice technique. I might have to try it sometime myself.

I don't think Vinnie is too geeky at all. But then again, I tend to like geeky guys.

Quote :

Good for you! But I have a feeling it's not going to be that easy. Now why should I feel that way? Oh yeah - because Toni is telling this story!

Do it, Marco, do it! Don't back down, no matter what! You can do it! We're all behind you! :muahaha:

Lady E wrote:

I am so in awe of your pictures, Toni. Every single one is set up so gorgeously (is that a word? lol) ... I swear your rooms and buildings and scenery do not look like a sims game. I don't know how you do it!

You guys are so kind, and great and very funny!

All the credit for the pretty pictures goes to the talented creators of all 7+ GB of my custom content: the meshers and the re-colourers and the modders that make those wicked pose boxes that I've totally become addicted to now that I'm sharing my stories. Oh...and having a good graphics card (got a new pc about a year ago) makes a biiiig difference! It's like a completely different game! When I was buying the new machine, I chose the specs strictly based on my TS2 gaming needs. There was no other consideration! lol! My boss was harassing me to get a laptop, which is much more practical for my job, but I wasn't buying it for the company...I was investing in it for MEEEEEE! I'm so mature!

I love that you guys notice (and appreciate) the little details. I do spend a lotta of time on the little things! I'm a bit weird that way!

Em...that projector is actually a TV. How cool is that?!

About the wide angle shots...I never really thought about it...but I guess capturing the space in a way kinda helps to tell the story.

I'm often so captivated by my sims or my landscaping (I spend tons of time on that too) or a piece of furniture, that I'll take random pictures. I'm so thrilled to have found somewhere and folks like you to share them with! Of course, now I'm taking pix in a whole new way. I use a combination of game play shots, and ones set up for the purpose of telling the story, like that one you like Ari!

And Sugah, about Marco's snackiness! I'm swear I've got a crush!

Though my sim self has her only little snacky coming her way! Andre, Sim Toni's future life partner (though she hasn't met him yet) graduated into a rather delicious-looking fellow!

Quote :

All the credit for the pretty pictures goes to the talented creators of all 7+ GB of my custom content: the meshers and the re-colourers and the modders that make those wicked pose boxes that I've totally become addicted to now that I'm sharing my stories.

I'm sure it makes a huge difference, but I wouldn't say all. Even if I had your downloads folder, I don't think I'd be able to put it all together as well as you do. You deserve the credit too.

Andre is looking good. He and Toni will make a gorgeous couple!

SimEm wrote:

Even if I had your downloads folder, I don't think I'd be able to put it all together as well as you do. You deserve the credit too.

Andre is looking good. He and Toni will make a gorgeous couple!

Oh he's yummy. Is it too early to hope for Andre/Toni spawn so I can see how those two sets of beautiful genes blend?

Astral Faery wrote:

Oh he's yummy. Is it too early to hope for Andre/Toni spawn so I can see how those two sets of beautiful genes blend?

Well, let's let them meet first, shall we?! Bless you Ari...I love your enthusiasm for procreation!

And finally...the long-awaited, and I hope much-anticipated update on Carolyn and Marco. My apologies for the delay. My game kept crashing because I had waaay too many simmies on the lot, and a whole bunch of them made selectable to set up shots, and my game was just not happy. I went through six crashes over two or three days to get these photos, but - if I do say so myself - they were worth it!

And now.....to Christophe Harbor...

[Seriously dramatic music please]

---
Marco had to wrap up his classes at the little college and get rid of the stuff he had accumulated over the time he had been in Ventimiglia.

It was a mad dash to make it to Christophe Harbour for the wedding.

Flight delays caused him to arrive back home an hour before the nuptials. The house was empty except for Vinnie (he had come up from Simmiewood) and their sister Teresa (about to start her final year at Fiesta Tech) who had waited for him.


A quick shower and with his siblings helping him to get dressed, they were out the door half an hour later.


They slid into the side entrance of the Church and hustled up to the front to sit with the family...

...Just before Joey and Stephanie began taking their vows.

At the reception Marco was the center of attention with his family most of whom hadn't seem him for nearly two years.

He was showered with hugs and kisses and back slaps...and oh the cheek pinching! By time dinner was over Marco's cheeks were smarting and he was sure they were red! There were a lot of people there. Stephanie's Dad was a member of the Local City Council and was well connected, so the hall was filled with people Marco didn't even recognize. He didn't care. He and his smarting cheeks were thrilled to be with his family. He wondered with an ache in his heart how he could leave them for another year and a half to work abroad.

He slipped away to the corridor outside and called his agent Suelika Tyson.

He told her to put everything on hold. He needed a few days to think about what he wanted to do. She was not happy when he rang off.

Back inside, Marco was heading back to the far end of the room to rejoin his family when he heard a familiar voice.

"D'Angelo."

His heart stopped. He was sure it did! He turned his head, and there she was...Carolyn Garcia. Her hair was different. Lighter. Chocolaty with gold highlights, but it was still thick and luxurious. As ever, he found himself mesmerized by those beautiful, dark, sultry eyes and that beauty mark just below her full, sensual mouth that he dreamt so many times of kissing.

He caught his breath. "Garcia!"

They moved towards each other, and she flung her arms around him and hugged him tightly. His face was buried in her hair, and he could feel her heart beating rapidly against his chest.

Then she pulled away - too quickly he thought - and gazed at him with a warm smile, but he thought her eyes looked sad.

"I missed you," she said sounding a bit breathless.

"I missed you too," he croaked, grabbing her hand. "I wasn't expecting to see you here. I didn't think you and Joey were that close."

She cleared her throat and smiled softly, her eyes glistening.

I'm...I'm here with my boyfriend."

The words were like a knife through his heart. He dropped her hand.

She gestured over his shoulder apparently to indicate that the 'boyfriend' was coming their way, and he heard a not unfamiliar voice. "Marco D'Angelo! Future Oscar winner! It's good to see you man!"

Marco turned. Walking towards them, was one of the most recognized faces in the fashion industry. The most sought-after male fashion model in the business...

Kyle Harrelson....

Noo this can´t be true is she really back with Kyle?????



Noooooo it can´t be true is it????

Great update!! Thanks!! :dancinkitty1:

All I can say is, Noooooooooooo!

GASP!!! NO! Noooooooooo! No no no no no!

Your screenshots are just captivating! Breathtaking! The church, the dress, the hall, the shaving cream, the airport! Fantastic, beautiful work - you are a true professional.

Oh no, say it ain't so!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ha haaaaaaa! *wipes away tear* I gotta tell you...your responses to this installment are priceless! I'm lovin' the reactions! I waaaaaaaarned you! I did! :muahaha:

Ari thanks for your most generous words about my decorating. I must say, the Church was the piece d'resistance! I did it just for the wedding. I'd had all this religious paraphernalia in my DL folder and had never done my own Church before....I built mine on a home lot though. Because it's easier to teleport everyone in than try to get that kind of gathering on a community lot. I'm so glad you like it!

I have been following this thread and I must say the replies by the faithful, are priceless. I will be interesting to see the coming, twists and turns.

Why thank you Russ! So have we sucked you into the abyss of trauma and angst? I hope I can keep your attention

As I'd already uploaded all the wedding-related photos, I thought I'd do a quick update again today and toy with your emotions a bit more :muahaha:

---

"Marco!' Kyle said, his arms outstretched.

His older brother Joey's long-time friend, Marco had known Kyle for years.

"Kyle," Marco said. His voice sounded sharp even to his own ears. Kyle smiling warmly shook Marco's hand, and then stepped over to Carolyn slipping his arm around her waist.


Marco's blood felt like ice in his veins. [I love this shot, where they're both lovin' her!]

"I'm going to the bar, babe. Can I get you a glass of Merlot?" Kyle asked Carolyn.

"Yes...yes, thank you" Carolyn stammered.

Marco glanced at her realizing she was shaken. Her face was pale.


"Marco, can I get you a drink?" Kyle asked.

"I'm good. Thanks," Marco said, forcing a smile. All eyes were on Kyle as he disappeared into the crowd, stopping to say hello to a few people as he crossed the floor.

Marco turned to look at Carolyn.


"How long have you been together?" he asked, his voice sounding hard.

"About five months," she said softly, looking up at him. Her eyes were shining brightly. She seemed to be searching his face.

He looked away. Five months, Marco thought. Right after he had decided to stay on in Europe after school. His heart was screaming. He took a deep breath to steady himself, and looked her directly in the eyes.

He wanted to ask her if she was crazy. If she didn't know that he would probably hurt her again. If she didn't realize that he could make her much happier than Kyle every could.


But he didn't say any of that.

"I hope you are happy," he said.

She crossed her arms almost defensively.

"You think I'm crazy," she said smiling tentatively. It was not a question.

"I've got to get back to the family," he said with a tight smile.

"Of course. It was good was to see Marco. You look well."

"You look good too Garcia. I like the hair."

"Thank you," she said, blushing. He touched her arm lightly as he moved to walk past her. He felt a tingle of electricity in his fingertips. He sensed her jump slightly. She felt it too.

He walked away without looking back.

His throat was dry and his face felt like it was burning up. By time he had walked across the room to the family's tables he felt like he was coming down with a fever.

Half an hour later he excused himself from the gathering. "I must have picked up something on the flight," he said apologetically.

He reassured everyone that he would be fine, he just needed to take some Tylenol and lie down.

He grabbed a cab back to his parents home on the edges of town.


He called his agent from the taxi to tell her to book him on the next flight to London.

He slipped into the dark house, and headed straight for his old bedroom.

Closing the door behind him, Marco laid across the bed in his custom tailored suit....

...And did something he hadn't done since he was a child and saw his father kissing another woman....

He cried...

He cried until there were no tears left...

Awww poor Marco....*sniff, sniff*

My heart is breaking for him and Carolyn...well I just wanna smack the crap outta her....

omg seriously of all flipping people she had to pick that ho dog Kyle

If you take her, Jen i take him, Kyle and smak the crap outta him. Just walk in and take her like that!!

I could show you some karate moves but noo I´m to lazy tonight.....


MARCO!! Rise and shine man!!

Oh....Oh my.

This chapter is heart wrenching. Poor Marco! Beautiful job on the flashback and tying it in so well - it fits.

She was obviously hoping Marco would say something of his affection for her. I mean, I know she doesn't realize his feelings, but she is hoping for him to have some for her. That's why she was searching him - but if she really knows him as well as she thinks she does, she would have been able to see his pain. Though I adore her, I'm disappointed in her choice. I understand in giving people a second chance and all that, but Marco hasn't even had a first chance yet.

Now, because Marco is in too much pain to stay, the rest of his family has to suffer because he's leaving so soon. See what you've caused Carolyn? Jeez, girl.

I think my last reply also needed . . . Kyle?

Well, Carolyn, whether you intended it or not, you've made your choice. I can't say I'll feel too sorry for you if history repeats itself.

When it comes to storytelling, especially with big groups . . . but even with small, residential lots are the only way to go.

You guys are the best!

Fear not, we will get a chance to see how Carolyn ended up making that decision...and time will tell if a leopard can change his spots. All I'm prepared to say at this point is....believe me, there's a whole lotta story to tell! :muahaha: