Fanon:A Sim's Tale: Book 2

Introduction
When I almost finishing the first story, I also already made a script for this second entry of my A Sim's Tale series. For this second story, it will feature some new characters to support the story. Older characters will also appear. The story set Seven years after the end of the first one.

Characters
Main & Supporting Characters:
 * Leona Redfield (protagonist)
 * Jean Redfield (protagonist)
 * Chris Redfield (protagonist)
 * Charlie Redfield (deuteragonist)
 * John Redfield
 * Lily Redfield
 * Alex Curtiz
 * Ana Curtiz
 * Bella Bachelor
 * Darlene Bunch
 * Mortimer Goth
 * Kaylynn Langerak
 * Nina Caliente (antagonist) (new character)
 * Dina Caliente (main antagonist) (new character)
 * Sam Sekemoto (new character)
 * Sandi French (new character)
 * Tamera Gerardo (new character)
 * Enrico Delgado (new character)

Minor Characters
 * Geoffrey Landgraab
 * Nancy Landgraab
 * Malcolm Landgraab
 * Simis Bachelor
 * Katrina Caliente (new character)
 * Holly Alto
 * Nick Alto (mentioned only)
 * Anita "Annie" Delgado (new character)
 * Robert "Bob" Delgado (new character)
 * Tina Delgado (new character)
 * Andrew Gerardo (new character)
 * Ayana Yuki
 * Jessica Manhattan
 * Eliza Manhattan
 * Molly French
 * Emma Hatch

notes: more characters will be revealed through the story progresses.

Chapter 1: Leona Redfield
The Old Pier Beach was so beautiful today. Leona Redfield was sitting alone when a handsome guy approached her. "Oh, you came..." Leona said. She smiled at the handsome guy. The handsome guy stroked her cheek, made her blush. The two then closed their eyes and were about to kiss when suddenly...

"Leona... Leonaaaaa!" A voice heard from nowhere, calling for Leona. Leona ignored it and continue to do her "business" with the handsome guy.

"LEONAAAAAA!". The voice was heard again, became louder and louder. Leona became scared. "Who's there!?" she asked.

"LEONA ANNE REDFIELD! WHAT TIME DO YOU THINK IT IS!?". Leona awakened from her sleep, the voice was came from her mother, Lily, who tried to wake her up. Leona confused, she then realized that it was just a dream.

"Quick, take a shower and eat your breakfast!" Lily ordered. Leona then looked at the clock, it was 08.25 A.M. "OH MY GOSH, I'M LATE!" Leona panicked, she jumped out from her bed and took her towel and rushed to the bathroom. Lily shook her head.

15 minutes later, Leona quickly returned to her room and changed her outfit. Lily entered her room and brought her a bread. Leona took it, eating it quickly. She then ran to her bike. "Bye Mom!"

Leona pedaling her bike very fast. She even almost hit a chipmunk, but she luckily could dodge it. "STUPID ANIMAL!" she yelled.

09.10 A.M Leona finally arrived in the school. After parked her bike, she rushed to her classroom, knowing she was already late. A hall monitor caught her running in the corridor, but Leona ignored him and continue her way to her class. She eventually arrived in her classroom. The first class was already begun, the teacher looked at Leona angrily.

"Redfield! This is the third time you are late! Get out now!" the teacher ordered. Leona stunned. Her classmates laughed... Except Bella and Darlene, they only shook their head.

"O-Okay ma'am" Leona said in embarrassment and went out from the classroom. "Oh man, what a bad day for me..." she thought.

Chapter 2: At the School
During lunch time, most students were gathered in the school cafeteria as usual. Leona, Bella, and Darlene were greeted by Kaylynn who was waiting for them. The four girls were always together. They lived just like other ordinary teenagers: shopping in the mall, hanging out in cafe, etc.

"So Bella, tell us about your date with Mortimer yesterday," Darlene teased Bella "I heard you kiss him!". Bella blushed, everyone laughed. Bella Bachelor and Mortimer Goth had became a couple and just went on a date. "Well... Yeah, it was really fun" Bella answered "Morty is really sweet, you'd never know that he's clumsy". The girls laughed.

"And how about you Leona?" Darlene asked. "Huh, about what?" Leona said in confusion. "When will you get a boyfriend Leona? I mean, we never seen you on a date with a guy. Do you even have a crush?", Darlene clarified her question. "Well I have no idea." Leona answered. "I heard few days ago there were three guys asking you for a date, but you rejected them. Is that true?" Bella asked.

"Yes it's true" Leona answered "They aren't really my type". "What kind of guy do you like anyway?" Kaylynn asked. "That's kind of my secret" Leona answered. "Oh, come on. Tell us pleaseeeeee!" they persuaded Leona to tell them, but Leona only smiled.

Leona, Darlene, and Bella departed to their next class. "Hey Leona..." Someone called. It was Alex Curtiz "Come here, I want to ask you something!". Leona told Bella and Darlene to go ahead while she approached Alex.

"What is it Al?" Leona asked. "Well, I know this is awkward but... do you know how Jean's doing in France right now?" Alex said. Leona chuckled hearing Alex's question. It had been three weeks since Jean Redfield was chosen to participate in the exchange student program in France for a month. She was chosen after beating other potential students in the selection.

"Oh, I see! You miss my sister." she said in a manner of thoughtfulness "Well I can understand that". Alex blushed "I was wondering since it's already been three days and she hasn't replied to any of my messages". "I see..." Leona said "...well, last night, she chatted with me in the Sim-Messenger, she said she's okay right now".

"Oh, thank goodness. I was worried about her!" Alex said.Leona stared at Alex and smiled "Well, do you really like her Alex?". "Huh what! I... I just..." Alex surprised. "Hahaha, don't worry Alex, it's okay if you have feelings toward her" Leona winked "Beside, it's already three weeks. Since the exchange student program is only for one month, she will return next week."

Alex nodded, and he was so glad to hear that.

Chapter 3: Mysterious Doll
Crystal Springs was one of many places that often was used for camping by the scouts. Among the scouts there was Chris Redfield. Chris and his friends, Sam Sekemoto and Sandi French just unloaded their tent. The scouts were prepared to return home after three days camping.

"Ah, its finally over!" Sam Said "Hey Chris, I just got a new game console in my home, do you want to play?". Chris didn't listen, his eyes gazed into another direction. "Hey Chris! Did you listen to me?" Sam patted Chris's shoulder.

"Huh! What? What?" Chris surprised "Sorry I didn't hear you". "Man, what are you looking at?" Sam wondered. "He's looking at the girl who sitting over there!" Sandi said. Sam then turned his attention to the girl who Sandi mentioned. A girl with medium-length hair and purple eyes.

"Oh, you mean her! I know her!" Sam exclaimed "She is my neighbor, a half-Asian just like me. Her name's Tamera Gerardo. Do you like her Chris?". "What? No... I... I just..." Chris was blushing. "Oh come on, it's okay! You can tell everything to me, I'm your best friend." Sam told Chris.

"Well, I.. I think she's cute" Chris said staring at the girl. "Well, why don't you be friends with her?" Sam suggested. "Well... I don't know" Chris said as he continue to put his belonging in his backpack. "Let me help you then!" Sam pulled and dragged Chris approaching the girl. "Wait Sam, please! No! Noooooo!" Chris yelled.

Sandi looked at the two curiously. "Why boys are always so stupid?" she thought.

"Hey, Tamera!" Sam greeted her.

"Oh hi Sam!" Tamera greet him "Is there anything I can do for you?"

"No, but my friend here said he want to talk with you" Sam claimed. "Okay Chris, this is up to you know, good luck!" Sam whispered before left Chris with the girl. Chris just stood there awkwardly. Tamera gazed at him.

"Hmm... are you Chris Redfield?" she asked. "Huh, H-How do you know my name?" Chris surprised. "Ha ha, of course I know you! You are famous in my class!" Tamera exclaimed. "Oh, really? I think it's because my antics, ha ha ha!" Chris said in awkward tone and then laughed.

"Ha ha ha" Tamera chuckled. "Uh... What's wrong?" Chris asked nervously. "You are cuter than I thought," Tamera said. "Oh, yeah, everybody said that. Ha ha ha ha ha!" Chris said. The two then laughed together and finally be acquainted.

"Everyone to the bus!" the teacher ordered the children to enter the bus.

"Finally the bus came! Come on Chris!" Sam said. "Go on without me, I need to tie my shoes," Chris replied. "Alright! See you in bus Chris!" Sam left Chris and enter the bus. When Chris finished tying his shoes, a voice was heard from the bushes.

"Hello?" Chris said "is anyone there?". There was no answer. Chris approached the bushes and he found something: a strange doll. Chris picked up the doll and thought it was very unusual. "Whose doll is this? It's... strange" he wondered.

"Redfield! How long are you gonna stand there?" the teacher called him. "Oh, sorry sir!" Chris said. He put the doll in his backpack and ran to the bus.

Then the bus left...

Chapter 4: Caliente Sisters
School already ended, but some of the students were still there for after-school activities.

The Sport Club was the most popular among the after school activities. The club divided into six different kind of sports: soccer, football, basketball, athletics, baseball, tennis, and volleyball.

"Good afternoon captain!" everyone in the women's basketball team greet their captain who just arrived, Leona.

"Good afternoon everyone!" Leona greet them "Are you guys ready for training now?"

"YEEEEES!" everyone answered.

The training session started. The Sunset Valley community school's women basketball team had been the recurring champion of the national tournament. Leona also achieved the MVP title twice and crowned as the captain after the previous one graduated. Since then, Leona became one of the most popular girl in the community high school.



In the middle of training, Leona noticed one of her teammates was slacking off.

"Hey Dina! The training has already started and you are slacking off right now?" Leona approached the blonde, tan-skinned girl who just sitting in the field. Her name was Dina Caliente, the one who matched Leona's skill in sport. Everyone often saw them as rivals.

"Yeah I'm slacking off right now, you got a problem with that?" Dina answered. "Do you remember that we will have another tournament in three months!? Now stand up and continue your training!" Leona ordered her. Dina then stood up, she then gazed at Leona. "You have been our captain for not too long and you already dare to order me!?" Dina yelled,

Leona crossed her arm. Everyone felt uncomfortable seeing the gap between Leona and Dina. They knew that Dina always jealous with Leona, and Leona disliked Dina's attitude. They even once had a fight when they were still freshmen team and both suspended for two matches.

"I didn't ask you to obey me, but I only want to remind you that we will have an important game in three months!" Leona said. "Ugh, whatever, beside, I'm already skilled enough and there's no need for me to participate in this stupid training!" Dina said loftily, she then took her bag.

"Wait, where are you going? Practice isn't over yet!" Leona asked. "I already said I don't need this stupid training? I'm already skilled enough." Dina replied before left. "Wait Dina! Come back!" Leona yelled, but Dina didn't listen. In the tribune, Bella, Darlene, and Kaylynn also watched. "That Caliente girl... I never really liked her," Darlene commented". "I agree, she's so arrogant!" Kaylynn said in agreement.

Outside the sports hall, Dina was greeted by her twin sister, Nina Caliente who had been waiting for her.

"What you took so long?" Nina complained. "Sorry, I had problem with that stupid captain," Dina answered. "I see..." Nina said "Whatever, let's go to The Grind now!". "Alright then, let's go!" Dina exclaimed.

The two sisters entered the car and headed to "The Grind", the dance club in Sunset Valley. Dina was the one who drove the car.

The training session was over, everyone returned home. Arriving in her home, Leona was so tired.

"Welcome home sis!" Chris greet her. "Hey Chris, how was your camping?" Leona asked nicely. "It was so fun!" Chris answered. "Oh, mom and dad are out right now, but they left some dinner for you". "Oh really? Unfortunately, I'm not hungry yet, I need to rest before I have dinner" Leona said.

"Okay, I'll put the meal in the refrigerator for you," Chris said again. "Oh thanks, that's why I willl always love my little brother!" Leona rubbed Chris's head, making him smile. Leona then enter her room and laid her body in her bed. "Oh man, I'm so tired..." she thought. She then took her smartphone and browsed the photo album that contained photos of Jean and herself. She stopped at her selfie picture with Jean. "I really miss you Jean," she said.

Chapter 5: Delgado Family
It was a new day in Sunset Valley; the weekend was finally here. "So, are you sure you wanna keep the doll, Chris?" Leona asked "Well, it looks like this doll doesn't have an owner. I'll keep it" Chris answered. "Besides, I've heard this type is really rare". "Well, have fun with it!" Leona said before she left Chris' room.

Leona then walked down the stair and met her father, John. "Hey Leona, I'm about to go out right now. Wanna come?" John asked. "Well, I don't have any plans for today, so why not?" Leona answered. "I'll just change real quick and I'll be right down". "Okay, I'll wait in the car," John said.

About fifteen minutes later, Leona finally came out from her room and joined John in the car.

"You took a while," John laughed. "So, where are we going?" Leona asked, ignoring her father's comment. "We're visiting our old friends," John replied. "Old friends? Who?" Leona said, raising her right eyebrow in confusion. "Remember the Delgado family, our neighbors when we were in Twinbrook?" John answered. "They just moved here, to Sunset Valley!".

"Delgado? Oh I remember now, they only lived in Twinbrook for a year before they moved to another town!" Leona exclaimed. "Yes, last night Bob called me. Your mother and I went to their house and helped them unpack their belongings," John said. "I see...," Leona said. She laughed. "Now I'm curious about how Bob's son, that weirdo Enrico ended up. I wonder if he still as weird as when the last time I met him".

"Oh Leona, even though you always call that boy a weirdo, but I know that you secretly admire him, don't you?" John teased his daughter. "What!? No! I... I'll never like someone with kind of antics like him," Leona said defensively. John only laughed.

The car stopped in a house dubbed "Condor Museum Lofts" by the family — the nickname was emblazoned on a metal plate fixed underneath the house number on the wall. John and Leona disembarked from the car. Leona saw a short-black haired girl with blue dress came out from the house. Leona then approached her.

"Annie?" she asked. "Annie, is that you?" "Huh, who are you?" the girl said, confused. "It's me, Leona! We were neighbors and went to school together when we still in Twinbrook, do you remember?" Leona exclaimed.

"Oh my Gosh... Leona!?" Annie was surprised, "I can't believe it!". The two girls then hugged each other. "Oh gosh, it's already been ten years and... look at you, you've... changed!" Annie commented. "Not really" Leona laughed. "Oh, please, come in. You too Mr Redfield!" Annie invited them in. "Oh, and thanks for your help last night".

John and Leona greeted by Bob Delgado and his wife, Tina. They had a nice, nostalgic conversation, reminiscing the time when they still in Twinbrook. Bob also told then where he and his family had been after moving out from Twinbrook.

"I see, Jean is in France right now and will return next week," Bob said after John told him about Jean. He nodded his head in contemplation.

"And how's about you Leona?" Tina asked.

"Oh, I'm just like other ordinary teenager...," Leona said before trailing off and laughing at her own thoughts.



"By the way, you haven't met Enrico, have you? He's probably still asleep in his room in second floor right now," Tina said.

"Annie, wake him up!" Bob ordered. "Tell him we have guests and they want to meet him."

"Okay dad," Annie said before bounding up the stairs to the second floor. Few minutes later, footsteps were heard from the stairs. John and Leona saw a good-looking young man walk down the stairs, followed by his sister.

"Oh, hi Mr Redfield, sorry I'm still bit sleepy," Enrico greeted John. Leona stunned seeing him, she even had her jaw dropped. Enrico then looked at her. "Uh you're... Since you don't wear glasses... You must be Leona right?" Enrico asked. "Y-Yeah, long time no see Enrie!" Leona said awkwardly. "Ha ha ha, you've changed quite a bit! You're... Slightly more feminine than ten years ago!" Enrico exclaimed.

"What!? Oh please, I was always like this!" Leona grumbled, everyone laughed.

Back at home, Chris was left to occupy himself. His parents gave him strict instructions to stay inside and do his homework (or something to that effect). "Ugh, I'm so bored..." Chris grumbled, he laid his body on his bed "I want to go fishing but mom ask me to stay until she, dad, or Leona came home!".

"If you so bored, then why don't you just play with me?" a voice suddenly heard from nowhere.

"What!? Who's that!?" Chris surprised.

"Take a look at the doll on the cupboard" the voice said.

Chris then looked at the cupboard, there was only the doll that he found during the camping trip at Crystal Springs.

"Take the doll and place it in the ground" the voice said again.

Chris then tok the doll from the cupboard and place it in the ground. "Like this?" he asked. Something happened. The doll suddenly floated, its entire body shined. Chris was shocked. The doll's body suddenly enlarged. It grew into size of a child.

"Hi there Chris! I'm your new imaginary friend, let's have fun together!" The "doll" could even talk. It was introducing itself. Chris didn't said anything, he was stunned. "Uh, Chris? You okay?" the "doll" asked.

"AHHHHHHH, A GHOST! THERE'S A GHOST IN MY HOUSE!" Chris suddenly snapped, screamed and jumped to his bed as if he was a little girl who'd just seen a mouse.

Chapter 6: Imaginary Friend
"Relax Chris, I'm not a ghost, nor a monster" the doll tried to convince Chris to not be afraid. "If you're not a ghost or a monster, then w-w-what are you!?" Chris said haltingly. The doll sighed "I already told you that I am an imaginary friend!" the doll said "Chill out, I won't hurt you".

"Are you sure?" Chris asked. "I guarantee!" the doll exclaimed.

Chris then down from his bed, he approached the doll, he still couldn't believe his eyes. "S-So, what's your name?" Chris asked again. "I don't know. I don't have a name yet..." the doll answered. "Huh? h-how can we be friends if I even didn't know your name?" Chris said.

"Well, it's because I was just born from your imagination. So you're the one who should give me a name" the doll informed "You must determine my gender as well". "Are you serious?" Chris surprised, the doll nodded. "Well, let me see... Your name will be... Carlos... Charles.. No..." Chris tried to think what name he should give for the doll.

"Oh, I know." he then exclaimed "CHARLIE! Your name is Charlie, Charlie Redfield!". "Is that a boy or girl name?" the doll confused. "Uh, well, boy, I think" Chris answered. "Charlie Redfield huh? Well, I like it!" the doll said in excitement.

"Oh by the way, if my family is nearby, don't show up in this form. I afraid they'll get heart-attack if they see a large-talking-and-living doll roaming around the house" Chris requested. "Don't worry, it's not a problem since you are the only one who can see me," Charlie said "Everyone who are not my owner only see me as an ordinary doll, so..."

"Wait? So you mean that they can not see you?" Chris surprised. "That's right, it's because I born from your imagination. I'm your Imaginary friend after all." Charlie explained. "I see..." Chris said nodding his head, apparently understand what Charlie said.

Chapter 7: Caliente house
Mortimer Goth ride his bike to the house dubbed Capitola A. The house was big. The interior of this frame-A house flashed back to the 70s with flair. The backyard included a grove of pine trees and a massive deck. "This must be the place" Mortimer thought "Caliente house...".

As Mortimer parked his bike, in the same time, the sisters, Nina and Dina came out from the house. "Oh my gosh, look at here Nina, the handsome Mortimer Goth come to visit" Dina said. "Is there anything we can do for you sweetie?" Nina asked in flirty tone.

"I'm here to get a package your mother promised to my mom" Mortimer answered "Is your mother home right now?". "Unfortunately mom is out right now" Dina said "well, me and Nina just made something delicious, do you want to taste it?". "Well I..." Mortimer couldn't finish his sentence, and the two girls grabbed his hand.

"Come on, don't be shy" they said pulling Mortimer in.

In the living room, Dina and Nina gave Mortimer a slice of cake. Mortimer sat on a sofa, with Nina and Dina to his left and right. "How's the cake honey?" Dina asked, still in a flirty tone. "W-Well, it's... uh... delicious..." Mortimer answered awkwardly, he felt uncomfortable with how the girls stared at him.

After finished eating the cake, Dina offered him another slice, but Mortimer declined it. They then started a conversation. "So Morty, I heard you now dating with Bella, is that true?" Nina asked. "Oh, yeah, that's... that's right, we are dating now!" Mortimer answered.

"I was heartbroken when I heard that news" Dina said "Because I actually like you Mortimer". "Me too, I also like you Morty..." Nina claimed. "Uh... Okay, thanks..." Mortimer said "c-can you scoot that way? Your in my personal space". "Why? You afraid Bella will catch you here?" Dina asked, seducing him. "Don't worry sweetheart, it won't be happened" Nina seduced him too, stroking his cheek.

Mortimer began to sweat. Great holy llamas... I must get out from here!. he thought.

Suddenly, the front door was opened. A brown haired, middle-aged woman with black sunglasses entered the house and get in to the living room where she surprised with Mortimer's presence. The woman's name was Katrina Caliente, the mother of Nina and Dina.

"Oh, you're... Mortimer right?" Katrina asked "your mother just told me that you will come to take her package". Mortimer nodded.

"Oh, okay, I will get the package. It's in my room, stay here!" Katrina quickly went to her room and got the package, and then gave it to Mortimer. "Here it is..." she said.

"Oh, okay thanks mam, I think I should go right now, my mother probably is waiting" Mortimer said. "Okay, take care, say hello to your mom for me!" Katrina said.

Mortimer then left the Caliente house, he pedaled his bike and headed back to the Goth manor. The annoyed Dina and Nina were still sitting in the sofa and stared at their mother. "Uh, why are you staring at me like that?" Katrina asked, raising her right eyebrow in confusion.

"Why are you always ruining our fun?" the two yelled in unison.

Chapter 8: At the Plaza
The Mirabello Plaza was so crowded tonight, almost everyone in Sunset Valley were here, most of them went to watched a movie in the theater, some of them went shopping in the grocery store, while the rest decided to went to the bookstore.

Leona and Enrico were hanging out in the plaza. They just finished watching a movie in the theater. "Whoa! that was the most epic action film that I've ever see!" Enrico exclaimed, "what do you think about that film Leona?" he asked. However, Leona didn't answer. Enrico then looked at her and noticed that Leona was staring at the bookstore next to the theater.

"Leona? What's wrong?" Enrico asked "Do you want to buy something in the bookstore?". "Oh, no" Leona answered "I just, you know, every time I see or pass that bookstore, It make me remembered Jean. The bookstore is her favorite place".

"I see..." Enrico said "But I heard that she will return next week, right?". "Yeah..." Leona nodded "even though it's only for a month, I really miss her so much". "By the way, what time is it?" Leona asked. Enrico then looked at his watches. "It's 07.45 P.M" he said.

"Well, no wonder I really hungry right now, it's almost dinner time" Leona said holding her rumbling stomach. "You're right, I'm hungry too" Enrico said. "Hey, there's a restaurant in the cross of the grocery store right? What about we dine there?" He suggested.

"Do you mean the bistro? Well, I don't know, the foods there are so expensive, I prefer to eat in my mother's workplace in Hogan's deep" Leona said. "Well, if you insist, okay we go to Hogan's deep now. Let me treat you!" Enrico offered. "Really!? oh thanks Enrie, I really appreciate!" Leona said happily.

They then stopped the Taxi and went to the Hogan's deep to eat. At the same time, there were Bella and Darlene who just out from the bookstore. The two noticed Leona there.

"Hey Bella, isn't that Leona?" Darlene asked.

"Yeah, you right, and she's with... a guy!?" Bella said.

"Whoa, unbelievable..." Darlene said in awe "and that guy is handsome too, I so envious!"

Chapter 9: Jean Redfield
In the Next morning, Leona went jogging. While resting the Central Park, she was approached by Darlene.

"Hi Leona!" Darlene greeted her. "Oh hi Darlene!" Leona greeted her back. Darlene then took a seat next to Leona and staring at her with smirk on her face. Leona noticed it. "Why are you staring at me like that?" Leona asked "Is something wrong?". "Oh nothing..." Darlene answered "But you know... last night, Bella and I were hanging out in the plaza and we saw you there".

"So?" Leona raised her right eyebrow.

"Tell me this Leona... What's your new boyfriend's name?" Darlene asked teasing her. "What boyfriend?" Leona was suddenly confused. "Oh come on! We saw you with a handsome guy last night. Tell me! Don't be shy" Darlene teased her more. "Wait, what!? No no no, that guy isn't my boyfriend!" Leona declined "He's my old friend when I still in Twinbrook and just moved here!". "Oh, I see..." Darlene still staring at Leona, made her slightly annoyed.

"Okay Darlene, I know what you're thinking! I'm going to tell you again that Enrico and I are just friends! Nothing more and nothing less!" Leona said "and do not spread any rumors about me and Enrico in school, alright?". "So his name is Enrico? Ha ha ha! Don't worry, I won't do that, I promise!" Darlene laughed.

Suddenly, Leona's cellphone was ringing. Leona looked at the number. It was unknown. "Whose number is this?" Leona thought.

"Hello?" Leona answered the phone.

"Hi Leona, it's me!" the voice said.

Leona surprised, she knew the voice in the phone, it was her sister, Jean.

"Oh my gosh, Jean!" Leona excited exclaimed!

"What? Jean!?" Darlene gasped.

"I'm sorry I couldn't make a phone call before," Jean said in the phone, "You know, it's so expensive to make a call to other country from here. But luckily, my friend just let me to use her cell phone so I can contact you,"

"I see..." Leona said "At least we know that you're fine there... Oh gosh, I really miss you,"

"Me too," Jean said. "But don't worry, I'm coming home on Wednesday and I'm arriving in Sim-Nation on Thursday morning,"

"Really!? That's two days earlier than we expected!" Leona surprised.

Yeah, I was also surprised, now I need to manage everything I need to go home Jean said again.

"By the way Jean, I need to tell you that our friends from our old neighborhood, the Delgado family, are now living in Sunset Valley now!" Leona informed.

"Delgado family? Oh you mean Enrico and Annie, right? Are you serious? Oh, I can not wait to meet them again!" Jean excited.

"Oh, I need to go to the embassy right now! That's all everything I need to tell you, Jean said, "By the way, do you want to leave my word for Alex?"

"Sure what is it?" Leona asked.

"Tell me that I'm sorry I couldn't replied his message. I was so busy here and almost didn't had time to check my e-mail" Jean said.

"Okay, maybe I should ask him to make a Sim-Messenger account too?" Leona said

"Ha ha, you should!", the two sisters laughed.

"Oh I think I should go now, bye Leona! Say hello to everyone for me!" Jean said.

"Okay, take care!" Leona said ending their conversation.

"Leona, is that really Jean!?" Darlene asked. "Yup" Leona answered "she told me that she will return home two days earlier than we thought" "Really!? That's great!" Darlene excited "I think we should tell the others about this!". "Well, you right" Leona agreed "I'll tell Alex and you can tell Bella and Kaylynn". "Aye aye captain!" Darlene said. "Can you just stop calling me captain?" Leona said

Chapter 10
Nancy and Geoffrey Landgraab were relaxing in the front yard of their house. Suddenly, their son, Malcolm appeared, wearing a formal suit.

"Where are you going son?" Geoffrey asked. "Well, I-I want to go to the my... uhh... my friend's house" Malcolm answered. "I see, just take care!" Nancy said. Malcolm then rode his bike and pedaled it so quickly, the Landgraabs could see that their son was so happy.

"First date huh? No wonder he's really enthusiastic" Geoffrey smiled. "But still I disliked the girl, that... who's that girl's name again?" Nancy asked. "Nina, Nina Caliente" Geoffrey answered. "Yes! That Caliente girl, I already disliked her attitude when first time Malcolm introduced her to us!" Nancy claimed.

"Oh come on, don't be so harsh, they are still teenagers after all" Geoffrey laughed, "By the way, is that Holly in the cover of your magazine?" Geoffrey pointed at Nancy's magazine.

"Yes, after three years moved to Bridgeport, Holly finally become a successful businesswoman there" Nancy replied looking at Holly's picture at the magazine "she not only run her own company, she also become a motivator and book writer, her name now be known by everyone in this country".

"That's good for her" Geoffrey said "Nick must be proud, it's so unfortunate he passed before he could see his daughter become this successful". Nancy nodded in agreement. "Since her father died, Holly really become a hard worker, I also proud of her" she said.

At the Bistro, Malcolm brought Nina for lunch.

"Malcolm honey, I really happy you bring me here" Nina grabbed Malcolm's arm tenderly "can I have an Italian food? or a steak maybe?". "Everything for you my cupcake" Malcolm said in flirt tone. The two entered the Bistro and took a seat, the waiter came and gave them the menu.

"Honey, I want this!" Nina pointed at one of the food in the menu, it was a Trip-Ti steak. Malcolm looked at the price. "My gosh... It's so expensive..." he thought "but it's okay, it's for her after all...".

After ordering the food, Nina's cellphone was ringing. It was from Dina.

"Oh, looks like I got a phone call from my sister" Nina said "mind if I go to outside for a moment? this phone call is so important". "Sure, just relax!" Malcolm answered. "Thanks honey" Nina said winking at Malcolm, she then went outside and answered her phone. "Jeez, what is it Dina? Do you know I'm really busy right now?" Nina complained.

"Are you sure that you are serious on dating Malcolm right now?" Dina asked in the phone. "What, me!? With that four-eyed-fatso? Ha Ha Ha Ha!" Nina laughed "Oh come on, what makes you think I'm really serious with him? Beside there are many still handsome men roaming in this world!"

Unknown to Nina, her conversation heard by Alex and Mortimer who just passing there. They shook their head.

"Poor Malcolm, What a #%!@*!" Alex whispered swearing.

"Shh! Watch your language!" Mortimer scolding Alex about his language.

Chapter 11: Homecoming (part 1)
Thursday, 06.30 A.M, SimCity International Airport

An airplane from France was just landing. Everyone disembarked from the airplane. At one of the passenger seats, Jean Redfield was still asleep. Her teacher tried to wake her up.

"Ms. Redfield, wake up, we just landed!" she said.

Jean opened her eyes, "Huh, what? Oh..." she said putting her glasses and hat on.

She and her teacher then disembarked from the airplane, joining their group. The group consisted of four students who participated in the student exchange programs and their respective teachers. The first was Jean, the next one was from from Hidden Springs, one from Riverview, while another one was a local from SimCity itself. "Ah finally... SimNation..." Jean said excitedly, she already home.

After gathered in the immigration office, the group finally disbanded and everyone bid farewell to each other, returning to their respective hometowns.

"So Jean, are you sure you didn't want to stay here for a couple of days?" said one of the fellow students, Ayana Yuki, who lived in SimCity. "I appreciate your offer Ayana, but I really want to return to my family right now." Jean smiled. "I see..." Ayana said "...I hope we will meet again. Say hello to your family for me!"

Jean nodded, they then hugged each other. Jean joined her teacher in a car they rented to bring them back to Sunset Valley. "It will take about four to five hours to get in Sunset Valley, According to the traffic." the teacher said. "By the way Ms. Redfield, I'm really proud of you. You impressed everyone there, it's lucky for our school to have you!" the teacher praised. "Oh, thanks ma'am!" Jean said. "Did you call your family?" the teacher asked. "Yes, I have contacted them, they said they will waiting for us in City Hall," Jean answered. "Do you miss them?" the teacher asked again. "Yes ma'am. I do miss them..." Jean answered holding her family picture.

Sunset Valley

Alex was sitting alone in front of Grocery Store. He stared at pictures of Jean and himself in his cellphone. "Finally she's coming home..." he thought, a smile seen on his face.

"Hello! You're Alex Curtiz, right?" someone called him, it was Enrico, who just out from the store with some stuff. "Yes I am. You're... Enrico Delgado, correct?" Alex greeted him. "Yeah," he answered. "What are you doing here?" Alex asked. "Leona asked me to buy some stuff for Jean's homecoming party," Enrico answered "What are you doing here? You don't want to miss the party, do you?".

"Oh, tell them I will be there as soon as I can!" Alex said. "Okay, see you again in the party!" Enrico said before entering a cab. Alex then looked at the picture again. "Oh man, I'm so nervous to see her again..." Alex thought.

Chapter 12: Homecoming (Part 2)
After a five-hour drive, the Jean and her teacher finally arrived in Sunset Valley. "Home sweet home!" Jean said with smile on her face. The car stopped at the City Hall. Jean and her teacher disembarked from the cab. "Ah, one month really feels like one year" she said.

"SIS!" a voice heard calling for Jean, Jean turned her head and found it was her little brother, Chris.

Chris ran approaching Jean and hug her. "Aw my lovely little Chris" Jean said hugging her brother "Wait, aren't you supposed to be in school right now?". "No, today is leisure day!" Chris answered. "Oh really? No wonder Central Park is so crowded today" Jean said looking at the Central Park. Later, Leona, John, and Lily also appeared. Leona ran and hug her sister.

"Oh my gosh Jeanie, I really missed you..." Leona said. "Me too Leona" Jean said. "Hey, did you grow your hair longer? " Leona asked commenting at Jean's lengthened hair. "Yeah, I was so busy and don't have time to cut it, ha ha ha!" Jean said "I plan to cut it again soon". "Ms. Redfield, can you come with me for a moment?" the teacher called her.

"Yes ma'am!" Jean said "Well, I have something to do right now, is it okay if you wait a little longer?". "No problem dear, we will wait in the car" Lily said "Just leave your bag with us". "Okay, thanks" Jean said before joining her teacher, entering the City Hall.

15 minutes later

After she bid farewell to her teacher, Jean joined her family in the car. John started the car and rode home. "So, how's France?" John asked.

"Well, it's so beautiful place!" Jean answered "People there are also nice, I also made many friends" she said. "So you are having fun there?" John asked again, Jean nodded.

It only took fifteen minutes to arrived in home.

"Ah, home sweet home" Jean said after disembarked from the car.

"Come on Jeanie, they probably are still waiting for us in the backyard!" Leona said pulling Jean's arm entering the house, followed by Chris.

"Wait, what?" Jean became confused.

Leona and Chris brought Jean to the backyard, and...

"SURPRISE!"

Jean gasped seeing her friends, Bella, Darlene, Kaylynn, Mortimer, Malcolm, Enrico, and Annie were there, cheering her. "Oh my gosh!" Jean said in excitement. "Jean! We really missed you!" Bella, Darlene, and Kaylynn said in unison, hugging her. "I missed you too!" Jean answered.

"Hey Jean, do you remember them?" Leona pointed at Enrico and Annie.

"Oh my gosh, you must be Enrico and Annie!" Jean said hugging them "Leona already told me that you guys now lived here!". "Nice to seeyou again Jean" Annie said.

"Thank you guys!" Jean said shedding her tears "I'm really happy to see you again!".

Suddenly, the door was opened.

"Am I late?" A guy appeared from behind the door, it was Alex.

"OMG, the prince finally came!" Darlene whispered to Bella and Kaylynn.

Leona then approached Alex "Don't be shy Alex, give it to her" Leona whispered.

Alex slowly approached Jean with a gift. "Uh... This is for you" he said giving the gift. "Oh Alex, thank you very much" Jean said receiving the gift. "Open it, sis!" Leona said. Jean then opened the gift, and became more surprised. The gift was a handmade chocolate cake with a writing on it.

WELCOME HOME, FROM ALEX CURTIZ. That was what written in the cake.

"Believe it or not, I made this cake myself..." Alex said shyly.

"Taught by me" Bella said to herself.

"Oh my gosh Alex, you are so sweet, thank you very much" Jean said hugging Alex, everyone cheered.

Meanwhile, Chris was trying to find his welcome gift, Charlie then appeared. "Hey Chris, is there anything I can do for you?" Charlie asked. "Well, what about helping me to find my gift for my sister Jean" Chris said. "Oh you mean that yellow-colored box?" Charlie said. "Yes, do you know where it is?" Chris asked. "Well, if I recall, it's in..."

"Chris?" Lily suddenly entered Chris' room and Charlie didn't get to finish his sentence. "Uh... Who are you talking with? It sounds like you were talking with someone..." Lily wondered. "Oh, I'm talking to... Uh..." Chris became confused, he suddenly remembered that only he who could see Charlie. "Oh, I was talking with my friend on phone, ha ha ha!" Chris answered.

"Uh... Okay..." Lily said raising her left eyebrow.

"By the way mom, do you know where's my gift for Jean?" Chris asked "I think I forget where I keep it". "Well, let me help you find it." Lily said helping her son. During their search on the gift, Lily secretly watched Chris and felt curious as she saw Chris was apparently talking to himself.

"I wonder why is Chris always talking to himself?" she thought.

Chapter 13
Another weekend was here. Leona accompanied Jean to cut her hair at Barney's Saloon and Tattoo.

After 30 minutes, the stylist finished Jean's haircut. "How is it?" the stylist asked. "Nice, I like it!" Jean answered. "Okay, that will be 15 Simoleons" the stylist said about the price. Jean then tied her hair in a pony-tail. The twins then went out from the saloon.

"Hey Leona, can I ask you something" Jean said. "What is it?" Leona answered. "Yesterday Alex confessed me, and..."

"Really!? That's great Jeanie!" Leona exclaimed, but Jean didn't get to finish her sentence. "I always believed you two will be a great couple, Ha Ha Ha!". "Leona, I didn't give him my answer yet!" Jean said. "Huh? Why?" Leona confused.

"Because I'm afraid I will hurt his feelings..." Jean claimed and became saddened. "What happened Jean?" Leona became more confused "I thought you liked him!"

"Yes, I do like him! But, I only see him as a friend" Jean said "Beside, I... I already fell in love with someone else". "Are you serious?" Leona surprised. "I met him when I was in France... He's also an exchange student, from Riverview." Jean said.

"And you two already..." Leona said again, Jean nodded.

"What should I do now Leona? If I tell Alex the truth I'm afraid that I will hurt his feelings, and he could hate me!" Jean said. Leona could see that her sister was confused. "Should I lie to him?".

"Well, maybe you must tell him whatever it costs." Leona answered. "Are you sure?" Jean said. "Uh-huh" Leona nodded "It's better than lying. Lying will break his heart more". "If you say so. I will go and try to tell him the truth" Jean said. "Good..." Leona smiled "You made the right choice! I'm sure Alex will understand."

Meanwhile in the Curtiz household

Alex was in his room listening to his favorite song. Suddenly, his mother, Ana entered his room.

"Son, can we talk?" she said. "What is it mom?" Alex turned off his Mp3.

Ana then sit next on his left. "Listen..." she said "...Next month your father and I will be transferred to the branch office in Roaring Heights. That means we have to move there."

Alex was shocked "A-Are you serious?" he asked. Ana only nodded. "But, it's so sudden!" Alex asked "Why must we go to Roaring Heights!?".

"I know this is hard sweetheart, but you must understand. This is because of our job" Ana said convincing her son. Alex didn't said anything, he felt saddened that he must moved to Roaring Heights, leaving his friends, and the girl he loved since he was child.

"Mom, can you leave me alone? I think, I need time to process this." Alex said.

"Well, if you say so." Ana said, then left Alex's room.

Alex laid his body on his bed. He remembered the great times he had with his friends. Especially with Jean. "Oh man, this is so hard" he thought.

Chapter 14
Monday, 2.30 P.M

Jean was made a visit to Bella's house. The two had a chat in Bella's Tv-room. "So that's how Mortimer confessed me" Bella told Jean about how she and Mortimer finally became a couple. "I glad to hear that," Jean said "I always knew that Mortimer is a perfect guy for you". The two then laughed.

"And what about you Jean?" Bella asked. Jean then became confused, "about what?" Jean asked back. "You, when will you give Alex your answer?" Bella clarified her question. "I have no idea..." Jean answered in small tone. Bella then stared at Jean. "Listen Jean, I knew that you afraid, Alex might will hurt, but at least he knew the truth" Bella convinced, Jean only nodded.

Suddenly, Jean's cellphone ringing, she got a new message and it was from Alex. "It's from Alex" Jean said reading the message.

"CAN YOU MEET ME IN THE FLYING V'S COFFEEHOUSE TONIGHT?" the message said.

"Oh my gosh, it looks like he really want your answer right now!" Bella said "I think you should meet him tonight Jean!". "I don't know, I think I'm still not ready to tell him" Jean said. Bella then held Jean's shoulders and smiled "I will accompany you Jean, don't worry" Bella convinced her again. "Thanks Bella" Jean said "But I think, I will go alone". "Well, if you say so, just good luck!" Bella winked and gave her a thumb up.

Meanwhile in school

The women basketball team just finished their daily training. Everyone were already went home. Leona was about to took her bike when she saw Dina and Nina bullied a nerd-looking girl. She could see them laughing at the girl who only crying. "WHAT A CRYBABY, YOU DON'T DESERVE TO BECOME SKIP'S GIRLFRIEND YOU NERDY PIG!" Dina insulted her in harsh language. "YEAH! LOOK AT YOU, YOU JUST A BOOKWORM, YOU DIDN'T MATCH WITH POPULAR GUY LIKE HIM! HA HA HA!" Nina said.

Angered, Leona approached the Caliente sisters, "Hey you two! Knock it off!" she said. She then tried to comfort the bullied girl with Dina and Nina looking. "Whoa, look at here Nina, the captain of women basketball team tried to become a hero saving an innocent girl who just bullied by two meanie girls, it makes me scared!" Dina said sarcastically.

Leona stared at the two sisters with anger. "Oh look, the captain is angry, I'm scared... Ha Ha Ha!" Dina said again. Leona then approached Dina who still laughing and then...

Leona slapped Dina right in her face, surprising her and Nina. "I'm really sick with your nonsense!" Leona said. "Oh, so the captain wants a fight, eh?" Dina said "Then let's!". Triggered, Leona rushed to Dina and the two fight. "GET HER SIS!" Nina cheered her sister.

Leona and Dina landed their fist on each other, Dina even lost her one of her teeth due to Leona's punch. Fortunately, a teacher was there and stopped the fight "KNOCK IT OFF!" she said. The two girls stopped their fight and horrified when they saw the teacher who also their coach. The teacher looked at her subordinates with angry look.

The teacher then dragged Leona and Dina to her room.

"Leona Redfield and Dina Caliente, this is the second I caught you fighting!" the teacher scolded them. "Caliente, you sure have a serious attitude, and you Redfield, you are the captain of this team, you should be a good figure to your teammates!" she said in disappointment.

"I-I'm sorry ma'am, I just..." Leona tried to reasoned, "I didn't want to hear your excuse!" the teacher yelled. "Leona Redfield and Dina Caliente, from now on, you are SUSPENDED from the team and will not signed for the tournament!" the teacher said again.

"What!? Again!" Dina shocked. "Yes! This is the second time I caught you fight, if you two still like this I'm surely will expelled both of you, DO YOU UNDERSTAND!?" the teacher affirmed. "Y-Yes, ma'am, we understand" Leona and Dina answered.

After 40 minutes scolded by the teacher, the two girls allowed to home. "Thanks for the problem you brought to me!" Leona said angrily. Dina didn't said anything, she only rolled her eyes and approached her sister who waiting and leave.

Flying V's Coffeehouse

Jean was waiting for Alex who still didn't come yet. "Oh gosh, where is he?" she thought. Alex was already late for 15 minutes.

After five more minutes, a cab arrived and Alex disembarked from it. "Jean" he called Jean. "Where have you been?" Jean asked. "I'm sorry, there was something I need to do at home" Alex said as he took a seat next to Jean. "I see" Jean said in manner of thoughtfulness.

"Jean, listen I, about yesterday, I...", "I know Alex" Jean said cutting Alex's word, "I think it's time for me to give you my answer".

Chapter 15: Jean's answer
"Alex, listen..." Jean started the conversation "...first, I need to thank you for your feeling to me, it makes me feel special". "Jean, I...", "But, I'm really sorry, I can't accept your feeling. Yes, I do like you too, but, I only saw you as friend, nothing more" Jean continued, cutting Alex's word again. Alex became quiet. "Beside, I... I already with someone else" Jean finally revealed.

Alex didn't said anything, but he then smiled. "You... You're not angry?" Jean asked. "Jean, listen, I called you here to ask you to forget my confession yesterday" Alex said, "because, I... I think, whatever your answer is, it won't affect me anymore". "Huh, what are you talking about? Why you suddenly want me to forget your confession?" Jean asked raising her left eyebrow, "and what do you mean by my answer won't affect you anymore?".

Alex then sighed before continuing his sentence. "Next month, I have to move to Roaring Heights, Jean" Alex revealed. "Huh!? A-are you serious? But it's so sudden!" Jean shocked and couldn't believe what she heard. "I'm serious..." Alex said "My parents are transferred to the Branch Office there, so that means our family have to move there".

The two then became quiet for a moment. "D-do you think it's coincidence?" Jean suddenly said. "What do you mean?" Alex asked. "Yeah, you know, I was about to reject you confession and in the same time, you said that you will move away, funny isn't it?" Jean said. Alex then chuckled, "Yeah, I think you right..." he said.

After an hour, the two left the coffeehouse and returned home. Alex decided to accompanied Jean. "Alex..." Jean called stopping Alex. "What is it?" Alex asked. "When you move next month, you... you won't forget me... oh... I mean, you won't forget us here, right?" Jean asked. Alex then approached Jean and held her shoulders, he then smiled. "No, I will never forget my friends here... Especially you" Alex said "Because whatever happened, you always be a special girl for me, Jean". Jean smiled, her cheek blushed, "T-thank you Alex" she said.

The two then separated and returned to their respective homes. Jean was about to enter her house when she felt something wrong. Her heart pounding, her entire body trembled, and tears suddenly dripped from her eyes. "W-What's this?" Jean wondered "W-why I suddenly feel so sad?".

Chapter 16: Whatever happened to Jean Redfield
In the next day in the school.

"Roaring Heights!?" Darlene, Bella, Kaylynn said in unison. "A-are you serious that Alex will move to Roaring Heights?" Bella asked. "Yes, he told me last night" Jean answered "I also surprised with that news". "Man, why he didn't tell us about this?" Darlene wondered. "I think, it because he needs time to process it" Jean said.

The bell then ringing, Leona, Jean, Bella, and Darlene split up with Kaylynn and went to their class. In the class, Leona stared at Jean. "What are you looking at?" Jean asked. "Jean, are you sure you alright?" Leona asked back looking at her sister. "Off course I am alright!" Jean answered in high tone. "Jean, listen, I...", "How many times I told you I am alright, Leona? you've suspended from your team for the second time and you should worry about yourself!" Jean said cutting Leona's sentence, Leona only became quiet.

The first class started. In the middle of the class, Jean suddenly interrupted. "Sir, can I go to the bathroom?" she asked. "Well, just quick!" the teacher said giving his permission. As Jean leaved, Bella noticed that she had a change for a bit. "Leona, what's happened to her?" Bella asked whispering "is she...". "Maybe..." Leona answered. "Ms. Redfield and Ms. Bachelor, don't talk during my class!" the teacher said warning Leona and Bella.

After finishing her "business" in the bathroom, Jean was about to return to her class when she received a message from her long-distance boyfriend. "HI BEAUTIFUL, HOW'RE YOU TODAY IN SUNSET VALLEY? I HAVE A COLD RIGHT NOW, SO I MUST SKIPPING MY SCHOOL TODAY" the message said. Jean then replied the message, "SORRY TRIGGER, I'M BUSY IN SCHOOL RIGHT NOW, CALL ME BACK IN 5 HOURS".

"Hey Jeanie!" Someone suddenly greeted her, it was Alex, surprising her. "Gasp!, A-Alex, I-I...!" Jean said haltingly. "Jean? What's wrong? Are you okay?" Alex wondered. "What, oh, y-yeah, I'm okay, Ha Haa Ha!" Jean said. "Uhhh, okay..." Alex said. "Well, I-I think it's time for me to return to my class, see you later Al!" Jean said running to her class. Alex could see something was wrong with Jean's behavior today, "I wonder what happened to her" Alex thought.

Chapter 17: News from Appaloosa Plain
The school was ended, a teenager named Andrew Gerardo was waiting for his sister, Tamera in the parking lot. Tamera then appeared approaching him. "Bro!" she called. "Jeez, Tamera, what you took so long?" Andrew asked. "I'm sorry, I was helping my math teacher" Tamera explained, "and by the way, I will go to fishing with my friend Chris right now".

"I see, do you need a ride?" Andrew asked. "Nah..." Tamera answered "are you supposed to be have a date with that Delgado girl today?". Andrew then blushed "Wait, what? N-no, I, I just accompany her to watch a movie" he said. Tamera smiled, "Well, I think I should go now, bye bro, good luck with your date, ha ha ha!" she said leaving Andrew. "I TOLD YOU THIS IS NOT A DATE!" Andrew yelled.

In the Bachelor house

John and Simis were seen playing chess in the backyard. "Checkmate!" John said. "Awww come on!" Simis yelled as he know that he lose in the game... again. "Don't forget your promise to treat me some drinks in the Sunset Valley Bar tonight! Ha Ha Ha" John said laughing, Simis only rolled his eyes.

A moment later, John's cellphone ringing, it was from his sister, Jessica Manhattan. John then answered the phone. "Hi sis!" John greeted his sister. "Hello John, how are you? it's been a while..." Jessica said in the phone "...How are you and your family right now?". "We're fine thanks, and how about you and Peter and... Eliza right?" John asked back."We are fine too" Jessica said.

"By the way what make you call me today?" John asked. "Well, if you don't mind, would yo go to watch the sport channel right now?" Jessica said. "Sport Channel?" John said, "Hey Simis, what is in Sport Channel right now?" John asked to Simis. "They aired a horse race tournament right now" Simis answered.

"Hey Jesse, don't tell me that Peter returned to the race! Is he already healed from his injury" John said. "Nah, it's not Peter" Jessica said. "Huh, if it's not Peter, then who?" John wondered. "Well, just turn your Tv on and you will know, by the way I must hang up the phone since the race is about to start, see ya again John!" Jessica said ending the conversation.

"Hey Simis, mind if I...", "Off course, I also want to watch the race" Simis said cutting John's word. The two then went to the Tv room upstairs. The Sport Channel aired the Horse race in Appaloosa Plains, the race was about to start.

John observed the participants, and he realized that one of the participants was so familiar. A teen, blonde-haired girl, the commentator stated that it was her debut in the race. "Oh my gosh" John said. "What happened John?" Simis asked. "That teen girl, it's my niece, Eliza Manhattan!" John exclaimed. "Really? Which one?" Simis wondered. "There, number 45, the blonde-haired girl" John pointed. Simis could see, "whoa, she's probably the youngest participant in the tournament" he commented, John only nodded.

Appaloosa Plains

Eliza Manhattan felt a little nervous since this race was her debut. "I can do it... I will prove that I can become the champion" she thought. She then looking at the tribune where her parents, Jessica and Peter watched. "Mom, dad, watch me".

After few minutes, the race then started.

Chapter 18: Chris and Tamera
Summerhill Springs, one of many fishing spots in Sunset Valley. Chris pedaled his bike quickly and parked it before rushed to the bridge where Tamera already waiting. "Hey Tamera, sorry I'm late!" Chris said. "It's okay" Tamera said smiling.

"Hey, nice rod you have there" Tamera said pointing at the rod in Chris' backpack. "Oh, yeah, thanks, this is my...uh...lucky rod!" Chris claimed. "I see... By the way I bought some apples and lettuces in grocery store, we can use them as bait" Tamera said. "That's great, I really want to catch a Goldfish" Chris claimed. "I thought you said you already had one" Tamera said. "It died" Chris answered.

After choosing the bait, the two started to fishing. "An half-Asian girl eh, she's more beautiful than I thought. Good job man!" a voice suddenly heard, it was Charlie who talking through Chris' head, he stored inside Chris' backpack. "Can you shut up? I must concentrate" Chris said in small tone "Beside I need to impress her with my magnificent fishing skills". Tamera then looking at Chris. "Uh Chris, did you say something?" Tamera asked. "What? Oh no, you must be mishearing he he".

Twenty minutes later, both Chris and Tamera still didn't catch any fish yet. "Oh man, are there really any fishes live in this pond?" Chris thought. "Hey Chris, it's so hot inside here, can you get me out of here?" Charlie said, "Beside, what is this? Is this your underwear? How long this stuff stored here, it stinks!". "If you still complaining I will use you as a bait!" Chris became annoyed "And yes, it's my underwear and it's already there since I found you in Crystal Spring because I forgot it was there". "Ew, disgusting!" Charlie commented. "What underwear?" Tamera said looking at Chris curiously.

"Huh what? No no, I said UNDERWATER, Yes, I think the fishes are in underwater.. Ha ha ha!" Chris said haltingly. "Chris, are you sure you are okay?" Tamera asked. "Uh me? Yeah, I'm okay, don't worry" Chris said winking at her.

A moment later.

"Hey Chris, I think my bait is bitten!" Tamera exclaimed "I think the fish is huge!". "Let me help you then!" Chris approached her. "On three, one.. two... three. PULL!" Chris commanded. They tried to pull the rod from the water. It seems that the fish resisted. "Man you right, it's huge!" Chris said. After few minutes struggling, suddenly...

Chris and Tamera unexpectedly pulled by the fish and they fall to the pond. "AAAAAAHHHHH!" they screamed in unison. Fortunately, the pond was not too deep and the two could swim. "Whoa, that was... that was awesome!" Tamera exclaimed. "Yeah you're right!" Chris agreed, the two then laughed.

Chapter 19
Library.

Jean was sitting alone reading some books. Few moments later, Alex arrived in the library to returned some books he borrowed. He saw Jean there and approached her. "Uh, hi Jean..." Alex greeted her. "Oh, hi..." Jean greeted him back putting down the book. Alex then took a seat next to her. "Are you alone?" Alex asked, Jean only nodded.

"How's your uh... boyfriend in Riverview?" Alex asked awkwardly. "We break up" Jean answered. "What? Why?" Alex surprised. "*sigh* Nothing, I just... I just feel that this long-distance relationship won't be make it" Jean answered. "Is that what bother you for these several days?" Alex asked again/ "What do you mean?" Jean confused with his question. "Well, I've notice you for these several days..." Alex claimed "...I feel that you've changed a little bit".

"So?" Jean asked. "Well, I just wonder what happened to you..." Alex said "...I just worry about you". Jean only sighed. They became quiet for a moment. "I think I should goo home right now" Jean said looking the the clock "Bye Al, see you tomorrow!". "Wait Jean!" Alex said holding Jean's arm, Jean gasped. "Uh, oh sorry, I don't mean to.." Alex said releasing her arm. "Oh, I-it's okay" Jean said as her cheek slightly blushed.

Back to Redfield house, Leona was just returned from the gym, Enrico also there with her. "Thanks for accompanying me in gym today, Enrie" Leona said. "Ah, not a problem, I also bored in home after all" Enrico claimed. "I see, by the way, do you want to come in? My mom left some cookies for meals" Leona offered. "Nah, thanks, I need to go home right now" Enrico answered."Well, if that so, take care!" Leona said smiling. "Yeah, see you again tomorrow!" Enrico said get on to his bike.

Enrico pedaled his bike. Unknown to him, something dropped from his pocket. Leona noticed it. "Hey Enrie wait! You drop something!" she yelled, but Enrico didn't heard. "Geez, he's still careless" Leona thought. She took the thing Enrico dropped, a handkerchief.

Leona took the handkerchief and gasped. "Oh gosh, I remember this, this is the handkerchief I made and gave to him as a keepsake ten years ago" Leona reminisced "he still save it for these whole time".

Chapter 20
Dina Caliente was depressed, she couldn't believe that she suspended from the team and blame Leona for it. "DARN IT! I REALLY HATE THAT @#$&! IT'S ALL HER FAULT! IT'S ALL HER FAULT!" she yelled in anger. "Calm down Dina!" Nina tried to calm her sister down. "Ugh, I SWEAR that I WILL choke her neck with my own hands and make her SUFFER!" Dina exclaimed.

As Nina continued to calm Dina down, someone rang the bell. Nina quickly headed to the front door and found it was Malcolm. She opened the door. "What do you want!?" Nina asked "Have I already told you to not come again!?". "B-but honey, I... I don't understand, we only dating for a month" Malcolm asked "Please honey, I don't want to break up with you".

"We? Dating? Since when? Ha ha ha ha!" Nina said laughing "Sorry Malcolm, but there are so many guys who hundred times better than you". Malcolm snapped, he couldn't believe what Nina said. "B-but, Nina, I...", Nina slammed the door and Malcolm couldn't finish his sentence. He then walked leaving the house. He felt hurt, humiliated, and sad. Someone watched him not far from there, it was Kaylynn. "Poor... Poor Malcolm, I hope I can do something for him" Kaylynn thought.

In Hogan's-Deep Friend Dinner, John parked his car, waiting for Lily. Few minutes later, Lily appeared with Molly French and Emma Hatch. "Oh that's my husband, see you tomorrow!" Lily said. "Okay, take care!" Molly and Emma said in unison.

Lily entered the car. "How's my favorite chef doing?" John said in flirty tone. "Well, we've got many customers today and I feel so tired" Lily said putting her glasses off and rubbed her eyes. "By the way John, I have something to tell you" Lily said "It's about Chris".

"Chris? What's wrong with him? Is there anything wrong?" John answered. "Well, yeah... I mean... You know, it seems Chris always talking to himself for these several weeks, I really afraid" Lily revealed. "Huh? Really? Are you sure?" John surprised. "Yeah, it look like he was talking or playing with someone in his room, and even laughing, and you may know that there always only him in his room" Lily said again "Do you think we should bring him to psychiatrist?"

"Uh, well, let me talk to him tomorrow..." John said "we don't need to bring him to psychiatrist, I think there's a reason why he start to acting like that".

Chapter 21: Enrico Delgado
Leona was hanging out with Darlene in the school cafeteria when Bella approached them. "Hi girls, I've news for you!" Bella exclaimed. Bella then took something from inside of her bag. "TA-DAAAA!" Bella showed a brochure to them.

SUNSET VALLEY'S COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL PRESENT: SCHOOL'S ANNIVERSARY PROM NIGHT JOIN US IN THE MOST MEMORABLE EVENING * DRESS CODE: FORMAL * TIME     : SATURDAY, WEEK 4, 5.00-22.30 P.M FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: * MORTIMER GOTH (SPRING PROM KING): 433-XXX-XXX * BELLA BACHELOR (SPRING PROM QUEEN): 433-XXX-XXX

"What!? but the last prom was three months ago! Isn't it supposed to be an annual event!?" Darlene asked. "Yeah, but this event is special since it will held as celebration of our school's anniversary!" Bella explained. "Oh my gosh! I need to find a date as soon as possible!" Darlene said in panic. "Relax Darlene, the prom will be held in two weeks, you still have time" Leona said, everyone laughed.

"Oh you can say that since it seems that you finally will have one to be your date" Darlene said sarcastically to Leona. "What are you talking about?" Leona asked. "I talk about that Enrico-guy" Darlene said "I always think you two will be a perfect couple since you always seen together, ha ha ha!". "Ugh, that's ridiculous" Leona grumbled.

Leona then stood up and walked out from the cafeteria. "Where are you going?" Bella asked. "Bathroom" Leona simply replied.

After finishing her business in the bathroom. Leona then remembered something. "Oh, speaking about Enrico, I need to give this handkerchief back to him" she thought. Just after Leona walked out from the bathroom, she intercepted by three school bullies. "Oh my, look at here, the captain of our women basketball team" the bully leader said "I never know that she's really cute".

"Hi cutie, do you want to accompany us?" the bully said in flirty tone, embracing her. "DON'T YOU DARE TO TOUCH ME!" Leona yelled. "Oh look boss, she's mad, she looks prettier when she's mad!" the other bully exclaimed. "Come on baby, don't be shy, ha ha ha!" the leader said pulling Leona's arm. "NO! LET ME GO!" Leona yelled trying to

resist. "DON'T MAKE ME ANGRY!" the bully leader yelled, pulling her harder.



Leona managed to release herself, but it made her fell to ground. "Please! Leave me alone!" Leona said as she started crying. The bully leader then pulled Leona's hair. "Ha ha ha! Look at her guys! What a beautiful face she has when she crying!" he said.

"Hey you" a voice heard from the bully leader's back. Her turned his face, and a fist landed straight on it.

"AAAAARRRRRRGGGHHH!" he screamed in pain. "Huh! Who are you!?" the other bullies asked. "E-Enrie?" Leona said, it was Enrico. "HOW DARE YOU PUNCH ME LIKE THAT!?" the bully leader yelled and trying to punch Enrico back. But Enrico easily repelled and grabbed his wrist... very hard.

A cracking sound then heard, "ARGH! STOP! YOU BROKE MY WRIST!" the bully leader exclaimed. Enrico released him, but the bully leader ordered his subordinates to deal with him. "Get him boys!".

The other two bullies attacked Enrico simultaneously, but Enrico surprisingly could repel their attack. In less than five minutes, Enrico managed to beat them. One bully had his arm twisted while the other one got slammed. "P-please! Forgive us!" the leader said begging for forgiveness. Enrico then approached the three. "Listen, if I you guys hurt her again, I will make you suffer the consequences!" Enrico warned threatening them.

"Y-yes, we promise! we won't do it again!" they exclaimed. "Good... leave us... NOW!". After the bullies leaved, Enrico approached Leona. "Are you okay Leona?". Leona was still in shock, she couldn't said anything first, but then, she hugged Enrico tightly."Oh Enrie... *sob* I'm so scared!" Leona said sobbing. "Shh, don't worry Leona, I won't let anyone hurt you anymore, I promise" Enrico said wiped Leona's tears, made Leona smiled.



"Uh, b-by the way, you dropped this yesterday" Leona said giving Enrico his handkerchief. "Oh thank God, I thought it was missing!" Enrico said taking the handkerchief. A moment later, the bell was ringing. "Oops, I think it's time to go to the next class, see ya later Leona!" Enrico said. "Uh, Enrie wait!" Leona said stopping Enrico. "Huh, what's wrong?" Enrico asked. Leona approached Enrico slowly, and then gave him a kiss. "Thank you, my hero" she said with smile before leaving Enrico who became stunned for a moment.

Chapter 22: Tale of Caliente Family
Katrina Caliente was just returned home. She felt tired after working hard in the Grocery Store. "Huft, I can't rest yet, I need to prepare food for dinner" she said walking to the kithen. An hour later, Katrina finished cooking for dinner and put the food in the refrigerator. "Ah, finally I can rest" she said excitedly.

Katrina then headed to her room and layed her body on her bed. In the wall of her room, there waas a photograph of a man. It was her late husband, Flamenco Caliente. Katrina then walked approaching the photo. She started to reminisced her family's good old days. The time when Flamenco was still with them.

''It was twenty years ago in Hidden Springs. Flamenco Caliente was a doctor in a local hospital in the town. One day, Flamenco met a shy, young woman who worked as a coffee courier. The woman's name was Katrina Al-Mahmoud. The two were falling in love each other and eventually married in a small ceremony.''

''The Caliente family wasn't a wealthy family, but they could live happily. Three years into marriage, the couple finally got twin daughters, Dina and Nina Caliente. The twins really close to their parents, especially their father, Flamenco.''

''Unfortunately several years later, the family lost their house by fire. Dina and Nina were trapped in their room. Flamenco and some firefighters rushed into their room to save them. When they almost reached the exit door, the ceiling was started to collapsed, Dina was right below it. ''

''Flamenco pushed Dina away, and getting crushed by the collapsed ceiling in front of his daughters' eyes.The trauma from death of Flamenco changed the twins forever, especially Dina. The news about the tragedy reached Katrina's old friend, Cornelia Goth, who came to the town and offer Katrina and her children to lived in Sunset Valley.''

Back to the school

"S-sorry ma'am, we failed, we never expected that Delgado guy would help her" the bully leader said talking to someone. It was Dina. "Tch, you guys are so useless!" she said scolding the bullies. "Dina, I think this is too excessive" Nina commented. "Shut up Nina! I don't have time to listen on your oppinion!" Dina said yelling.

"Fine! looks like I must do it myself..." Dina said, "Just wait, Leona Redfield!".

Chapter 23
In his room, Chris was reading a story book with Charlie who, according to Chris' vision, standing next to his left. "Cool, the main character also has an Imaginary friend... like me!" Charlie exclaimed "But off course, I'm much cooler than the one in that book, ha ha ha!". Chris didn't listen, he continued reading the book until the last part which showed the character's Imaginary Friend turned into real human, living hapily with the main character and his family and even adopted. "Oh, what a good ending, I almost shed tears" Charlie commented.

"Hey Charlie, can I ask you something?" Chris said. "Sure, what is it?" Charlie answered. "Is it possible I can make you become real?" Chris asked "I mean, can you yourself into a real human and visible to people who aren't your owner?". Charlie became quiet for a moment. "Well... Uh... I dunno" Charlie said.

"What will happen to you when I grew up into teenager?" Chris asked again. "Then I will grow up too" Charlie answered "We, Imaginary Friends have same lifespan with their owners". "So you mean, if one day I died, you will..." Chris said. "Yes, you all right" Chralie said clarifying "I will... Uh.. you can say, vanished... Since death word is too frightening". Chris only nodded. He then looked at his clock, it was time to sleep. "Well I think this is time to sleep, good night Charlie" he said turning off the lamp and begun to sleep.

Outside Chris' room, John and Lily were heard Chris' conversation. "Did you hear that John? He's really talking to himself" Lily said whispering. John then chuckled "Oh Lily, don't worry, I think our son is only has... an Imaginary Friend" he said "It's normal for kids to have Imaginary friend". "I know but, this is too strange, it seems his imagination is going wild" Lily said again. "Well, if you still afraid, I will talk to him tomorrow" John said.

Meanwhile in Jean and Leona's room

Leona was just returned from the bathroom. In their bed, Jean were seen reading a novel. "Jean? you still awake?", she called. Jean didn't answered as she continued reading her novel. "Hey, Leona, can I ask you something?" Jean suddenly said. "Sure, What is it Jean?" Leona said. "Do you know what True Love really means?" Jean asked "Do you believe in True Love?". "Huh? What are you talking about?" Leona confused. "Nah, forget it" Jean said.

Leona then approached Jean. "You DO love him, don't you" Leona suddenly said. "W-what do you mean?" Jean asked. Leona then sighed, "Listen Jean, I'm surely can see it. You DO love Alex Curtiz" Leona said "Even though you didn't realize it". "I just see him as a friend" Jean claimed. "But deep in your heart, you have more feelings to him, NOT just as a friend, not just as a good friend, and even not just as a best friend, it's more than that" Leona said.

"I can see it Jean, the reason why you act like this for these several days is because you don't want him to leave". Jean didn't said anything. "Jean, listen, I'm your sister, and I didn't wanna to see you sad" Leona said. "Thank you, Leona" Jean said. "You're right... I now realize that I... I really DO love him" Jean said shedding her tears "And I really don't want him to go!". "You can't do anything Jean, it's all his family's decision" Leona said tried to console her twin "You still several weeks to be with him". Jean then became a quiet for a moment. "Yeah... you right, I still have time to be with him" Jean said with a little smile.

Chapter 24: Chris' secret
In the next day, John brought Chris and his friends, Sandi and Sam to went to the recreation playground. "Why do you always bring that doll Chris?" Sam wondered. "Oh, uh, well, this is my lucky doll, so that's why I always bring it wherever I go, ha ha ha!" Chris said. "I see..." Sam said. "Hey, they've got a new tree house there!" Sam exclaimed running to the tree house. "Well, I think now I will...", "Hey Chris, can I borrow some quarters?" Sandi said approaching Chris suddenly "I need to buy Ice Cream there". "Sure" Chris said giving Sandi some quarters. "Thanks" Sandi said before ran to the Ice Cream stand.

"Oh man, your friend Sandi is so beautiful..." Charlie said through Chris' mind. "Huh? Don't tell me you're falling in love?" Chris said whispering. "Look at her, her sandy brown-hair, pretty face, all perfect! Now, I wish I can become...uh... real so I can play with her" Charlie said ignoring Chris' comment, made him curious. "What's wrong son? did you say something" John said approaching Chris from behind. "Uh, no, nothing dad" Chris said.

"Son, can I ask you something?" John asked. "Sure, what is it?" Chris answered. "Listen, I've already heard from your mom that since several days ago, she saw you talking to yourself... several times" John revealed "Your mother is really worried about you". "She did?" Chris asked. John only nodded.

"Son, can you tell what's going on? Why you always talking to yourself?" John asked. "Uh, well, it's because..." Chris said haltingly, "Uh, you can said I've an imaginary friend, ha ha ha! It's only that". "I see... Well, it's normal for some kids like you to have imaginary friend" John said smiling "So, who's your friend's name?" and what is he... or she look like?". "His name is...".

"Hey Chris! We will build sand castle right now, wanna join?" Sam called. "Sure!" Chris said, "Hey dad, can you hold Charlie for a moment? I will join them building sand castle". "Well... Off course" John said. Chris then ran to join his friends playing on the sand. "Did he call this doll Charlie?" John said looking at the doll, "Oh, I understand now, this doll is the one what he called his imaginary friend".

Meanwhile in bookstore, Lily was there to bought some recipe books. She then took her attention to a thick book which fell on the ground. Lily took the book, "100 myths surrounding the SimNation?" she said reading the book's title. She opened and read it. The book contained articles about some legends and myths surrounded the SimNation.

"Haha, I always heard that Moonlight Falls is full of vampires, werewolves, and fairies, and hey, there's an article about Sunset Valley too!" she said. "Let's take a look what is in the next page" she said opened the next page, "What's this? Imaginary friend?". Lily read the page solemnly and later, she seemed surprised. "Oh my gosh" Lily said looking at a page contained a picture the book claimed to be an Imaginary friend: a large doll with similar appearance with the doll Chris founded in Crystal Springs.

-To Be Continued-