Bad news...

Hey everyone. I'm here with some bad news... I have decided to stop the legacy. This has been a very hard decision for me, but one that I have to make, otherwise you will all be waiting for an update that is never going to happen.
Life is just getting too busy for me. This school year for me is the most important of my entire life so far. I have lessons and exams that will determine what happens in the rest of my life and so I can't risk slipping behind in school. And it's not like the year after is going to be any easier - in fact it is going to be harder.
Moreover this legacy became to be a chore, which it really shouldn't be.
I can't just abandon it without telling you guys - I mean, you supported me throughout the legacy, made me smile with your comments and were just generally amazing to me. I really, really, really do appriciate that, so thank you times a billion.

So... I will not be updating this legacy any further. I will of course leave this blog open as an archive (not just for you, but for me too!) but if you try to contact me through it, it is more than likely that I won't answer you.

This is why I am making a new blog (under this same account) that is basically me talking about life, or sims or posting pictures and stuff. You will be able to contact me through it so I won't be totally gone forever :D
If you want to follow it, go ahead. I would be more than honoured if you did. The new blog is here: http://starlingssensationalblog.blogspot.com/.

Maybe I will start a new legacy in the future? Or maybe not?
But again thanks to all of you, and I hope to see some of you over at my new blog.

Much love,
Steph xo

Sorry times a million.

I feel like I owe an apology to you all. I haven't updated for a long while, and I don't want to disappear off the face of the earth and not let you know where I have been.

I haven't disappeared off the face of the earth exactly... but I can literally not open my game up. It's almost seeming like it's too much effort to do this anymore. It is actually causing me some stress right now, and this legacy hasn't become fun anymore... more like a chore.

I AM NOT stopping this legacy, no matter how this post sounds. I just think I need a long break, and maybe that can reinvest my interest in this legacy again.

It is going to be especially hard, considering I have tons of exams coming up and that is what I should be focusing on right now.

So you may not see me updating for a while, but I am still here - you can contact me at this blog if you want to -  and the legacy WILL be back.

Maybe in a couple of months or so.

I hope you can understand. Thank you xx

Gen 3, Chapter 3 - Loss

Sometimes life works in mysterious ways. Sometimes it can be cruel.

Sometimes it rewards those who don't deserve it, and punish those who do.

And sometimes it does things you don't expect, things that come out of the blue.

Mum experienced this first-hand, and now is Grandma, because Grandpa Romeo has passed away.

We got the call early in the morning from Grandma, who was in sobs of tears. Instantly Mum broke down too, and soon we were all crying.

After a while though it began to sink in. And it didn't seem so bad when you put it into perspective. Grandpa had a long life, doing what he loved with the most he loved. And he died happily and peacefully, and that was what mattered.

Grandma still couldn't accept the fact that her lifelong love had died though, and Mum and Dad made the decision to move her into our house, so she wouldn't be alone anymore.

We quickly arranged Grandpa's funeral, full of beautiful tributes and the sound of his music (which set us all off again) but at least he was at rest now.

Meanwhile not much was going on my life. It was basically class after class, exam after exam. Fawning after someone I couldn't have, then expressing my sadness through my dance afterwards.

Life had gotten boring to put it frankly. I was stuck in a rut. I willed for something to happen, to make me feel more alive.

Then something happened a couple of months later that definately made me feel more alive, albeit in a bad way.

I was with Grandma after school one day, just sitting and watching our favourite soap Twinbrook Heights.

 However I had drifted away from the programme, as I started to think about Luke and the mess I was in.

Grandma must have noticed this sadness for she said to me,

"What's up chuck?"

I was surprised she had noticed anything because I am very good at hiding my feelings most of the time. But then again, Grandma was always so empathic.

"Nothing Grandma." I replied in a monotone voice, hoping it would mask my feelings.

"No, it isn't nothing sweetie. I can read you like a book. What's the matter, you know you can tell me."

I let out a huge sigh. What did I have to lose?

I started to explain everything, from the first moment I saw Luke to when I saw him with his girlfriend.

Everything just came flowing out like a volcano. Once I had started I found it hard to stop.

Grandma just sat there patiently and listened to every word I said, nodding at my statements at just the right times.

(That's what I love about Grandma - she will actually listen to things I say, unlike Mum who is too busy running around, phone on her ear, trying to arrange a meeting about something boring, like shares!)

Grandma then wrapped me into a hug. "Aw darling. If I've learnt something in my entire life, it would be that, although at times it may seem impossible, love ALWAYS finds a way. Sometimes you may not think it, but it WILL.

And you know what? If you really want this Luke boy, go and get him! Nothing will happen if you just sit and wait for it to. Okay?"

"But..." my voice faltered.

"You may not think you are strong enough to do this, but you are. Underneath that vulnerable exterior there is a strong girl, who can do anything she wants to if she tries hard enough."

By then she had reduced me to tears, and I just sat there in her arms. "Thank you Grandma. I love you." I whispered.

"Anytime darling. And I love you more." She whispered into my hair.

I then went off to the bathroom to tidy myself up, but when I came back I saw the worst thing. Grandma had passed away, right there.

I broke down uncontrollably, before I saw sense and called an ambulance. 

The worst moments of my entire life.

Although I hate to admit it, Grandma's death affected me much more than Grandpa's did. To have that heart to heart just before Grandma died was... bittersweet.

Her words were going to stick with me forever.

They made me realise that life was way too short to sit around waiting for something to happen. I had to make it happen.

I was going to go out and GET Luke, no matter what was standing in my way.

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No joke, I was actually crying when I wrote that heart to heart between Issy and Violet.

I'm going to miss Vi so much! :'(

Gen 3, Chapter 2 - Realisation

I went to take my seat beside Luke, butterflies going crazy in my stomach.

He turned to me as I sat down. "Hi, my name's Luke. What's yours?" He whispered, as the teacher started to talk.

You know sometimes when your mouth won't connect with your brain? You know exactly what you want to say but you just can't say it?

Yeah, that happened to me.

"Your name?" He asked again gently, after I sat there with my mouth open for a few moments.

Finally my brain jolted into action. "My name! Of course, my name. Sorry about that, sometimes my mouth doesn't work with my brain." I replied, blushing. Luckily he laughed.

"Anyway, my name is Isabella."

"Isabella. What a beautiful name."

If I was blushing before it was nothing compared to how I was blushing now. "Thank you."

So we went through the lesson and did some work, chatting along the way. Luke was ultra-nice, funny and sweet, and as the lesson went on I could feel myself coming out of my shell with him. Then sadly the bell rang and it was time for break.

I gathered my stuff and started to head towards the door with Emily.

She nudged me. "Is something going on between you and Luke? You two seemed like you were having fun."

I just giggled.

But as I got out the door something stopped me in my tracks.

Luke kissing another girl.

I don't know why I was surprised - of course HE had a girlfriend. He was Mr Popular, Mr Nice, Mr everybody-fawns-over-me.

My heart dropped.

Now this may have been a bit over-dramatic for some, but hey - I'm sensitive!

Tears started to roll down my cheeks. I started to run towards the bathroom, just so Luke wouldn't see me.

I heard the thudding of Emily's converses as she ran after me.

"I'm so stupid! How the hell could I think that anything would happen between Luke and I? He's popular, and I'm not. He's outgoing, and I'm not. That's what I hate about me - I always get my hopes up too high, too quickly, just to get them pushed down again. UGH I'm so stupid!"

Emily came up and gave me a tissue, and then started to comfort me.

"Don't put yourself down Issy. Who knows what might happen in the future?

Listen, I'm only known you for a couple of hours yet you're the most loving person I know, and the most sweet-natured too. And if Luke doesn't realise that he is an idiot. Okay?"

I thought about it then laughed.

"Why on Earth am I crying? I'm so over-emotional sometimes."

I continued laughing, which got Emily laughing and soon we were in stitches of laughter.

This is what high school is about.

Nevertheless the rest of my day went quickly, yet Luke was still on my mind like crazy. Maybe what Emily said was true, but that didn't stop me from thinking about him.

I guess it didn't help that wherever I looked I saw romance.

Like when Florence and I came home from school that day, to find Cameron kissing his girlfriend Lola on the front porch.

"Ugh. Get off the porch and get a room." Flo mumbled, a disguisted look on her face.

I couldn't help but giggle.

And then there was Mum and Dad... they were still in love as much as they were when they were younger.

And even Grandma and Grandpa were still gazing intently into each others eyes, after 50-odd years together!

But now I longed for a romance of my own, and I knew who I wanted it with...

I had fallen for him, but no-one was there to catch me.

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Remember Laura, Marcus's sister and Gracie's best friend?

Of course you do ;)

Anyway she got married to her long-term boyfriend Jason, and is now expecting a baby!
(I love my new story progression mod! <3 hehe)
The baby isn't going to be related in Isabella in anyway lol, but I like to think of them as half-cousins :)

Just thought I'd let you know!

It's my birthday! :D

I know this has nothing to do with my legacy, but yes it is my birthday today! =]
I'm really excited lol, but that's to be expected ;)

Just to let you know, I apologise for the lack of updates. The past week has been one of the busiest in my entire life because of exams and other stuff, and then I have work experience for the next two weeks and my birthday is sandwiched inbetween!
I will try to get an update out here and there, but just bear with me! (I know you will though)

Steph x

Gen 3, Chapter 1 - My only love

Ballet is my only love.

Something about it transfixes me, amazes me. It captures my mind, and at times it's all I can think about.

When I'm performing nothing else enters my mind except for perfecting the next move. 

And surprisingly, even if someone is watching me, I don't notice. 

 I guess it's the only way I can express myself.

"Great work Isabella!" Ms Fisher, my ballet teacher, praised me one day, when I was getting ready to leave the studio and go home.

"Thanks Miss!" I exclaimed, smiling but blushing also.

So I left the studio and started to walk home. After all I had to get ready for a big day tomorrow - my first day of high school.

I was very nervous - I mean, high school is percieved like a big bad place, and I am the complete opposite, but I was hoping for the best. Maybe, just maybe I would surprise myself!

And so I got home, did some reading, had my favourite soup for dinner (lentil if you are interested), watched some vampire programme with Cameron and Florence, before getting everything ready for tomorrow and going to bed myself.

I woke up 8 hours later to a gorgeous, sunny day (but hey, I live in Sunset Valley - it's sunny every day!)

I couldn't eat any breakfast, for my stomach was doing flipflops and if I ate anything it would surely come back up.

But I got ready and soon Flo and I were ready to go.

Mum came to say goodbye to us and give me a few encouraging words.

"Don't be scared Issy, you will have so much fun I promise.

Whoever said 'school days are the best days of your life' hit the nail on the head! Okay?"

"Yes Mum!" 

"Good luck girls, you'll do fine!" She said with a smile.

 We gave Mum a big hug and she waved us off onto the school bus.

And so that was the start of my first day of high school.
I headed off in one direction to my tutor room for registration, while Flo went in another, as she was in a different class to me again.
I found my room easily enough and sat down at a desk. We were all introduced to our tutor, Ms. Merch, who was really nice. She just went through all those boring procedures like health and safety and what not, and then it was time for our first class.

I headed out the classroom when I heard a voice behind me say
"Hey, I love your top!"

I turned to see a girl who I noticed from my homeroom.
"Thanks." I said with a smile. "I love your top - well, actually I love your whole style!"

The girl laughed. "Thanks, it's not that often people say that to me! My name's Emily."
She held her hand out to shake, and I took it and shook back.

"I'm Isabella, although you can call me Issy - everyone else does!"

I was relieved. I had managed to create some small talk without stuttering, blushing or even fainting!

"Sure thing Issy! So what's your first class?"

"Chemistry." I said, looking at my timetable.

"Me too! Come on, let's go! Don't wanna be late for our first lesson!" And with that she linked her arm through mine, and we walked off down the corridor.

We arrived at our chemistry lesson dead on time, and our teacher Mr Morrison started to put everyone into a seating plan. I was hoping to sit next to Emily of course, but I was directed to sit next to a guy named Luke.

And then I turned to look to see who I was sitting with...

Remember when I said ballet was my only love?
I think I just changed my mind.


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SQUEEEEE! <3
Sorry about that, but I think this is my favourite chapter so far in this legacy, and I have gotten so attached to Issy and her adorable nature. :)

I just wanted to show you some CAS pics of the three kids,
CAMERON -

FLORENCE -

ISABELLA -

I'm very happy with how they turned out!

Also I forgot to mention:
1) The school featured in this chapter and in a couple more future chapters is by AlyssumCandy (I de-berryfied it though) and you can download it here.

2) The sim Emily Johnson featured in this chapter and probably in the rest of Gen 3 is by abbydoodle96 and you can download her here.

 

Gen 2, Chapter 13 - Oh how fast they grow!

My beautiful girls soon turned six years old.

On their first day at school I was really emotional, but also really nervous. Not nervous for Florence - heck, she was relishing the idea of making new friends - but for Isabella.  She hadn't yet grown out of her shy phase. She was perfectly fine with family (and Laura!) but with anyone she would just close up that little shell of hers.

However, I asked Flo to look out for her sister and she promised she would.

Finally 3pm came that day and the girls arrived home.

"How was your first day girls?" I asked as soon as they walked through the front door.

"I met two really nice girls today, Beth and Olivia. I ate with them at lunch and played with them at break and I had so much fun!" Florence exclaimed, a huge grin on her face.

"That's great honey!"

I turned to Isabella. "What about you sweetie?"

She looked at me for a moment, before tears started to well in her eyes. Then she ran off up the stairs, crying her eyes out. I was concerned to say the least.

"Florence! I thought you said you were going to look out for her!"

"I tried Mum, I really did, but we're in different classes. I didn't see her at all the whole day!"

I went upstairs to talk to Isabella. I knocked gently on her door. "Issy? Issy babe? Are you alright?"

I opened her door and saw her sitting on her bed, tears streaming down her face.

"What's the matter?" I asked her softly. I pulled up a chair beside her bed.

"M-m-mum I couldn't t-talk to anyone t-today. It was too scary-y. I didn't know a-a-anyone." She replied in between sobs.

"Aw Is. It was only your first day, don't beat yourself up about it hun. Lots of people get nervous on their first day of school. On my first day of high school I was so nervous. But you know what? It turned out alright!

I promise that you will make friends tomorrow, because you are the sweetest, nicest girl and everyone will see that. Okay?"

She looked over at me. "Y-you promise?"

"I promise. Mummy's always right." I told her with a wink.

She came over and gave me the biggest hug.

When she came home the next day she seemed a lot better. She wasn't quite so subdued, and had a smile on her face, albeit a small one.

Seems like things were getting better.

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A couple of weeks later Florence came up to me, clutching the days newspaper.

"Look Mummy." She pointed to an advert.

"Ballet classes? You want to do ballet classes?"

She nodded. "It looks really fun. Pleeeeeeeeeeease?"

"Okay hun, if you really want to go."

Issy ended up joining the classes too, because she didn't want to feel left out (although she said she "really wanted to go too.")

We bought their leotards and ballet shoes and headed off to the studio where the lessons took place. They looked so cute.

I went to pick them up an hour later.

"What did you think? Do you want to continue or not?"

Florence shook her head. "I didn't like it Mum. I don't think I want to go again, but thank you for letting me try it."

"That's okay. You never know until you try." I winked at her. "And Issy?"

I don't know why I asked her, because I fully expected her to agree with her sister. However she burst out with "I love it!"

I was slightly taken aback, but I was pleased. When we got home all she could talk about was ballet.

So Issy started to go to lessons every Thursday and she looked forward to it every week. Florence didn't mind though, because she had found something to occupy herself - track and field.

I was so proud of my talented girls, and of course Cameron too! He was super smart and SO unbelievably athletic.

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As Cameron's birthday approached he made it very clear that he wanted a pool party to celebrate it. As he had always been such an angel to me I couldn't say no.

Cameron was having a great time with his friends, and I was having fun catching up with all the adults. (Although I may have got in the pool for a little bit!)

And then it was the main event.

My eldest had grown into such a lovely young man.

Despite looking nothing like Marcus when he was younger, you could see parts of him in Cameron. And of course his personality, which was a carbon copy of his fathers.

It made me quite emotional, because it seemed like yesterday I was holding onto a little blue bundle. Soon enough my girls would be getting older too...

But for now, I was enjoying every single moment with my family.

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Stay tuned for the next chapter, where we will have our Gen 3 heir!

I'm not going to tell you who it is, you'll just have to wait and see! ;)

Gen 2, Chapter 12 - The wedding

When you love someone you'd do anything for them

You'd die for them,

and even if you did die it wouldn't matter

because you have the honour to have them in your life.

And when you love someone,

all you want to do is hold them, and never let go.

You want their smile, their laugh around you all the time,

and even if they were not with you all the time

it wouldn't matter, because you'd always have them in your heart.

To love someone is to devote your life to them,

and make them feel special

because they deserve it and so much more.

And that's how you know if you love someone.

I loved him. I couldn't stop staring at that giant rock on my finger, not only because it was beautiful, but because it symbolised something so precious and amazing.

Wedding preparations were underway. The date was set for a year away - a beautiful Spring wedding. I was so excited, but there was this feeling niggling in the back of my brain. The feeling was worry, I suppose, that what happened to Marcus was going to happen to Seb. If it did I would be destroyed.

Seb knew my worries. I didn't even say anything to him, but he knows me so well.

"Gracie I know you're worried." Seb said to me.

"Me? Worried?!" I replied, trying to cover up my feelings.

"I know that you're worried that something bad is going to happen to me. You're worried that if you let me out of your sight I'll just disappear. You're worried that you will be hurt again. But Gracie," he was saying before taking my hand, "I'm not going anywhere. I will stay with you on the night before our wedding, just so you feel safe, and you know that I will be right beside you. Okay?"

That year flew by. The girls were growing so well. Florence started walking and talking at a very young age. Whenever she fell over she just got back up again, a beam on her face. Nothing could ever make her cry.

Seb had even started to try and potty train her - and it was going pretty well!

And Isabella? Quite the opposite. She was very reluctant to start walking and talking. It took a lot of cooing and encouragement to get her up and about. I think it was her favourite teddy bear Sweetie "talking to her" that finally got her to walk and talk. I'm very proud of her - she's like a little flower that needs nurturing, which is really quite sweet!

Cameron had been doing so well at school. He was a straight A student, with the exception of a few Bs here and there. Seb and I went to his parents evening once, and the teacher couldn't stop singing his praises. My heart swelled.

However there was one sticky moment with Cameron, but luckily I had been bracing myself for it.

"Mummy, why don't I look like Daddy or Flo or Issy?" Cameron stared up at me.

I took a deep breath. "Well, Daddy isn't your real daddy. Your real daddy died when I was pregnant with you." I paused. Cameron seemed to be taking it well. "But that doesn't mean that Daddy Seb isn't your Daddy, or that he loves you any less. It doesn't change anything, okay?"

He nodded. "Okay. I love you Mummy."

"I love you too baby."

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The night of the wedding had arrived. My stomach was rolling around, and the butterflies were out in full force. Although Seb was right next to me, I couldn't help something bad was going to happen, like a fire or an abuction or something.

Maybe that was my insecurities taking over, because I woke up on my wedding day, and Sebastian was there, sleeping peacefully, like the angel he was.

'It's gonna be okay' I smiled to myself.

Laura (my maid of honour) came around and we dressed Cameron (my page boy) and the girls (my other bridesmaids) before Laura dressed herself and helped me with my hair and dress.

I looked in the mirror and I was glowing. Wearing the dress of my dreams, the one I never got to wear the first time around. And in that split second I felt truly truly happy, like nothing could crash my world down.

Seb had already left with my parents and Cameron, so it was me, Laura and the girls, off to the church.

Standing outside the church, it was time for Laura to take Florence and Issy down the aisle.

"Good luck," she whispered to me with a hug, "you'll be fine."

Then they went through the doors, meaning it was my cue. I took the steps into the church, slowly to ensure I did not trip on my trail or do something clumsy like I always did.

I saw Seb; our eyes connected. He gasped a little, a small smile spreading across his gorgeous face. I kept walking until I reached the pulpit.

"You look stunning." he whispered to me.

"I know." I said, giggling.

We went through the usual - the speeches, hymns, etc., until it came to the vows.

"Do you, Sebastian Lewis, take Gracie Hope, to be your lawful wife? Do you promise to be true in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do you part?"

"I do." He said, slipping the ring onto my finger.

"Do you, Gracie Hope, take Sebastian Lewis, to be your lawful husband? Do you promise to be true in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do you part?"

"I do." I replied, placing the ring on his finger.

"And now I may pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss your bride."

He wrapped me up in a long kiss, the first and most magical of our marriage.

Finally, I thought, I'm a married woman.

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The church featured in this chapter was made specially for me by Cabertha and can be downloaded here. I love how it's named Starling Church! :P