"What happened? What can you remember? " Erin asked Declan , when they were having a walk in the village. "I remember I was in the deep water, holding a half empty lifebuoy , my head hurt and it was dark." he replied. "A Girl , Coraline, saw me, and helped me to that empty beach I stayed. She said there has been a storm, I may have been felt overboard or something. I had hit my head." "How did she even see you? If it was dark and you were at deep water?" she wondered. "And must of been heavy to drag unconscious man to shoreline." "Maybe she saw me from the cliff near by, I really don't know." he replied. "She was very strong swimmer, maybe she belongs to some swimming team, she really did not tell me much about herself..." Declan said and continued bit ashamed. "Truth is, I did most of the talking.. she did not had much opportunity to tell..." "That proves it." Erin smiled. "You really are my brother!" "Hmmmph!" "And feels to me you are quite fond of her.. going to see her again?" "I most certainly hope so."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
At lunch table they were having fun, pleasant conversation , mostly about the Finchwick Fair coming up at this weekend. Someone was on the door.
"But you found my brother already.. " Said Erin after the Detective introduced himself. "Yes , Mrs. Wilkes. " he replied."I would like to have a word with your husband, on another matter, Mrs." Sam, who heard it to the kitchen, had bad feeling about this.
Moonwood Mills
Laki was helping Emma to sort out all her foster mother's boxes.
But what they found was devastating. All the letters Emma had ever written to Milla in past. Also some sketches written by her foster mom.. as replies to those letters. It has been her own foster mother who had hidden all Emma's letters to Milla, and written those ugly responses. Emma did not understand how someone can be so cruel.
"Emmaaa!!!!" someone yelled outside. "Milla??" She muttered, still in tears.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
They went outside. It was indeed Milla. "I got your letter.. " Milla started. "Oh!About the letters! I know now you never got those." Emma interrupted her. She told Milla what her foster mother had done.
They shared a careful hug. It was a start. Little Minna was an ice-breaker , she insisted to be hold by aunt-Emma. Minna was instantly in love with her aunt. Emma asked Laki to meet her sister and niece too. Laki was asked right away to play peek-a-boo with Minna, by Minna herself! "Maybe me and Emma have girl like this one day" he thought. "Now when no need to worry about Keala anymore."
701 ZenView
Lewis had a Friday off. Someone he needed to visit.
"Laura" he greeted her. "Lewis... how did you?" She asked "Same way you found me, not a rocket science, really." He replied. "SimCity phone register."
"You still have our wedding picture here?" he smiled. "Hehe, I looked kind of handsome back then, don't you think?" "Is that why you are here?" she asked.
"No, I figured you want to know, Master got the results of the plasma-test." he said "It was what we were afraid of." "Oh no!!! That's horrible ! I feel so sorry for him!!" she exclaimed. "Yes, it is." Lewis said and continued. "My plan, what we discussed has got help from surprising direction... " "Oh.." "I'll tell you more when I know more, next week, perhaps."
"I have been thinking past a lot lately.." she told Lewis."I have been wondering why Mrs. Hoapili was so cruel to me back then. That friend of hers, Mrs.Mahi'ai , was even more." "Keala and Helena were always together, yes. In bad things too often." he agreed. "Lewis, I never even had a crush with the Chief, please believe me now. You did not believe me then..." Laura said tears in her eyes. "He adored the steps his wife took, until all started to go wrong. But that was all about Tony, not about me. It was never about me." "I do know it now, Laura. I'm so sorry I did not back then." Laura looked like she would of wanted to say more, but she did not.
"You were always close with the girls... " Lewis muttered and walked again to those pictures. "Maybe it is time you visit them?"
Bit later Lewis was leaving.
"Lewis.." Laura whispered loud. "Yes? " he was standing still, looking into hallway. "I missed you too.." "Laura.." he almost whispered. "I have missed you."
Phone rang, it was the Detective. "How can they make a mistake in things like that!!!!!??" Milla was yelling to the phone."Yeah yeah , even at that time!"
She called to Knox right after. "Hun, where is that letter from the hospital??? Open it now , please?? I don't think it's a bill after all!" "I'm opening... " she heard Knox's voice muttering... "What is it? " Milla asked with less and less patience. "Ehh.. this is not even about you.. why... . Knox continued in the line. "Holy plumbob, Batman! You are not gonna believe this!!!" "WHAT?? Stop joking and tell me!!" Milla yelled to phone.
After that short call with detective, she was prepared to hear her brother was maybe alive after all, and where to find him. But what she heard, was something else. Something she hoped was just a bad dream.
But it was not.
Last Edit: Aug 26, 2024 13:21:57 GMT by ellupelluellu
My love, my love, my fearless love, I will not say goodbye.. Sea may rise, sky may fall, My love will never die.. My heart, my heart, My drowning heart, Oh all the tears I've cried Oh I may weep forevermore, My love will never die..
"Looks like in confusion of the gang problems Willow Creek had , at that time they have mixed your brothers information, now it looks like he did not die all those years ago, after all..... " Detective told Milla and Knox. "....but robbed by a gang." He continued. "Later when gang member died,with your brothers wallet, looking awkwardly similar, and at that time, well things were different..." "They assumed it was your brother, and case was closed from that part. " Detective continued. "But this plasmatest.. it says..." Knox had the letter. "Yes, I am sorry, ma'am. " Detective said to Milla. " This is a bit awkward .. but looks like... " "Yes, i got that point!!! But I don't really give a plum about that now!!!" Milla shouted.. "Is he alive or not??? That's really all I want to know!!"
"Yes , ...." Detective started...but was interrupted. "Yes he is." said familiar voice from Milla's past.
"Hun, you have got a visitor." said Knox. "Nanna!" Milla exclaimed and got up. For a moment she remembered how she played with her loved nanny at home. "Milla" Laura said silently. "I have missed you , so much."
Ohan'ali Town
Lotta had moved to Sulani, with her sister. She was supposed to start at Sand Bar this evening.
"It's so beautiful! Maybe moving was not bad idea at all!" Netta had change of mind. "Come on, why so cranky? " She asked Lotta, without really needing an answer. "You were the one saying we need to move. Nice from Mrs. Feng to get this job for you!" "I am so sad now I never visited this place!" She continued, ignoring her sister's face getting more annoyed after every second." You were so lucky to visit here before!!" "Lucky?? Mom and dad died here!" Lotta asked loudly. "Never mind! You understand nothing! Just leave me alone" she turned around. "I better get dressed for work."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Lotta was half running, not good to be late at her first night!! She had been too harsh to Netta, and she felt bad.. Netta had no memories of their parents,after all.
It was summer long time ago. Her first summer as teen. Lotta and her best friend Hanna were going to start High School that year. Her parents wanted to have a week vacation in Sulani. Netta was too small to travel, just a baby. But Lotta was happy to go. That day they were invited to early lunch over the Chief's Villa! Her dad had some business deals with the Chief earlier. When others were sitting at balcony upstairs, Lotta had sneaked out, downstairs, behind the kitchen and dining room, to food storage room, she had seen earlier. Nobody would notice if she eat one or two bites of those awesome delicious pineapples she got to taste earlier!! But she almost got caught! She heard loud footsteps, then nothing,, but someone had come to dining room. Lotta closed the door of the storage room fast. After some time what felt like forever she smelt smoke.. panicked and tried to get out! but the door was stuck! She heard screaming and running. Smoke was getting thinner at small room.
Door gave up eventually, she managed to run out. Only physical damage was,when running out, she stumbled to a pair of abandoned shoes, in the middle of the kitchen doorway. She had a nasty cut on he face from broken glass in the floor. Mental damage .. it was different story. Her parents weren't as lucky as she was.. "Oh plum, I am overdressed.."
"Hey! So happy you both could make it!" Lia was excited. "Grandma is away this weekend , we have the house all to ourselves!" "I am so, SO excited to be here!" Hanna exclaimed. "I have never seen these kind of palm trees before!! Or white beaches! Hey doggy doggy doggy.....!!!!!!" "Can we go to the beach now??? Or later? When?" Hanna started to get out of breath. "Calm down now! We will go to have something to eat at Sand Bar now, tomorrow is time for beaches!" Lia replied. "But you will need better clothing, you will melt in that sweater!!" She continued."What were you thinking?? But hey! You once borrowed your clothing to me, time to dress you as a local!!" "Oh no... I'm sure I look horrible in Island clothing.." Hanna tried to resist. "Shus! Come on now.. "
A moment later they came out from Keala's bedroom. "Stop squirming! Go to living room so Justine can see you too!" Lia said bit impatiently. "So little fabric... not for me.." Hanna still tried to resist. "You look great!" Justine smiled at Hanna who finally showed up to the doorstep with Lia. "Oh really???" Hanna smiled. "UGH! And her you do believe, but not me!" Lia exclaimed. "Come on, lets go!"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
They arrived to Sand Bar. "You look familiar..." Muttered Hanna to bartender. "You happen to be from Brindleton Bay?" After few moments of thinking Lotta started to smile. "I know that suspicious face... HANNA!!! It's me, Lotta!" "Oh PLUM! Oh Plum oh plum plum plum!!!!" yelled Hanna "Lia, this is Lotta, my friend from the picture in my room!!" Before Lia had time to react anyway, Hanna was already running to other side of the bar.
"Lewis.." Milla nodded. "You look different. Nice to see you." "Miss Milla... very nice to see you too... If only on happier occasion...oh well." Lewis replied. "Master is upstairs, playing the piano."
"Sul Sul, brother." she said. " You play great, as a dead man." He turned around in the chair.
"Camilla!!!!!" "Oh, being all official are we, huh?" She replied. "In that case, I know about the paternity test, Anthony."
"Please wait for me in here somewhere, Lucas." she said to her driver. "Madam Chief, you sure you find someone so fast, lots of locals and tourists here." Lucas asked. "Yes ,Lucas, person I am looking for is well known here, will not take long." she assured. "Madre, Im looking for your granddaughter.. " she whispered to the statue. "She is the only one who can help. Her words are taken very seriously in her family. She can make it happen! "" Few tourists did walk by, gave weird looks at the lady talking to statue. But Keala did not care
She went inside, maybe asking from the bar.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Keala" Elderly lady said. "Don't get me wrong, old friend, but I am NOT happy to see you." "Helena." Keala turned around. " I have a good reason to be in here. I need you to come back to Sulani with me." "NO! I have sworn to my grandmothers name, I never come back again." Helena Mahi'ai said. "Watching the grief and sorrow with Catarina's parents here, how that death of their only daughter made them to their graves too early, was horrible to see. " "We were mean, Keala. We were so mean to others, if served our interests. " She continued. "For Madre's sake , I have been given long age, and had time to think!" "Helena! Do I need to remind you I once saved your life!?? " Keala exclaimed before Helena turned away. "You are breathing and standing here today because of me. You owe me , help me now, please. It is about your grandson, Laki."
"About dad.." Milla started. "Now you know, he is not my father... and what is worse, I think him knowing it caused this all." Tony said, " He started to be so rude to mom and me, out of the sudden." "In the end he was rude to us girls too.. She mentioned. Do you know who your father is? " "No, and my first thought was I don't want to know either." he replied. "BUT... I have started a process to find that out, among something else.. I have even hired a detective." "Oh, I did too, to find you.. but it was Nanna who told me where you are. " Milla said and they both saw Lewis and Laura talking at the patio. "You think she and Lewis might sort their issues now?" "I really don't know. I have spent my whole adulthood with Lewis on my side, but he never talked about Laura." Tony answered. "But I have seen him digging those old police reports over and over again lately."
"Does Emmaline know??" Tony asked all the sudden. "No, not yet, she has a lot to deal with now.. with her foster mother's business, and she is engaged to someone too.." Milla said. "We have had big differences too.." She continued, "But hopefully now on more solid base in our relationship." "What reminds me, when the time is right, I need to ask about that boyfriend of hers.. only saw him once..but... he was somehow familiar.."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
When she was already leaving, she turned around. "You said you were hiring a detective to find out who your father is... and something else. What else?"
He could not get Coraline out of his mind. He could ask people where she is.. Declan arrived to his old camp. And waited.
Sun was setting already. Looks like she will not show up. He would roast one more marshmallow , then go to Village, the must be a motel of some kind. No way he was going to sleep in that old "tent" of his.
"I'm sorry for my clothing.." she muttered, while hugging him. "Just all I have is all these worn/ripped off things, old clothing of my foster sister. You should live in Moonwood, you would know it's a trend..." "It's fine, my dear, not like we here are in top of the fashion" Laki assured her when they walked in. "You had a stepsister there too? " "yes, but she move out before I got in, I saw her maybe twice." Emma answered. "Oh how beautiful it is here! " she said after they sat down . "I really don't remember much. "Only the flames..." "Flames? You are from family of Chief Keliʻi then. " Laki said. "I thought so. I was just a toddler myself when that fire happened at your parent's place." "Yes, I am his youngest daughter. But....can we talk about something else?" she asked, "I don't want to talk about sad things now" "Of course, my dear." said Laki and wrapped his hands around her.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Lakiiii!!!!" someone yelled from front of the villa. "We saw you were home and came to say hi!" Lia, Justine and Hanna were outside. Lia introduced the girls and Laki introduced Emma. They all went to lounge deck. "Emma, darling, you coming? " Laki asked. "Yes, sure, sorry" She said silently and turned around.
"It's so shame this weekend is almost over" said Hanna. "You can come again whenever you want." Lia promised. Later girls were curious about the wedding date. "Oh, we have not decided yet, but we are in no hurry, nothing can come between us anymore!! "
~~~~~~~~~~
It was late when girls left. "What was that!!" Hanna suddenly exclaimed. "What?" Lia asked. "I don't see it now. I'm not sure. " Hanna replied starting to panic. "Let's go! I am clearly too tired!!" "What was that about? She looks like she saw a ghost." Justine asked Lia. "No idea, maybe a chicken in the bushes, lots of those in wild here. There is one!" Lia replied looking to the bushes.
Keala was eagerly waiting outside, when Helena made last preparations before getting into the car.
Helena took one last look at her animals , she felt sad all the sudden.. Would she see them again? Keala had filled her in last night before sleep, and she did agree, marrying her grandson with Keala's granddaughter would be great result for all, at least to her and Keala. Absolutely no need to wake up old ghosts. "Helena..." "Coming, coming..."
~~~~~~~~~~
It was late evening at Sulani, sun was already set.
My love, my love, my fearless love, I will not say goodbye.. Sea may rise, sky may fall, My love will never die.. My heart, my heart, My drowning heart, Oh all the tears I've cried Oh I may weep forevermore, My love will never die..
"I was curious how did your weekend go?" Keala asked smiling. "You had those friend over and all.. Did you girls have fun?" "It was great!" Lia exclaimed. "We visited lots of my friends here too!" "Wonderful!" Keala smiled. ""Who did you visit?" "First we saw Nalani and couple of my friends from fitness club.. "Lia told her. "Then we saw Laki and his fiancee too.. " "Speaking about Laki.." Keala started, ignoring the word Lia used about Emma. "His grandmother, Helena, my close friend in past... wanted to come back from Selvadorada to Sulani with me." "Wanted to??? " Lia asked, suddenly feeling suspicious. "Didn't she left for never to return??" " She was loud about it to everyone. I remember you two arguing about her leaving at Sand Bar when I was a kid." Lia continued. "Something is not right." "HUSH now! We never argued! You remember wrong!" Keala got annoyed. "And all of this is for your future, young lady! You still show no gratitude!" Keala rised her voice. " Helena is here to tell Laki to marry you! Laki is like his father, and grandfather, and does what the Elders tell him, you know that!" Oh, Lia did know that. "Granma! You cannot do this!" Lia yelled. "You are not making happy future to us, you are making us miserable! We don't WANT to marry each others!" "I cannot believe you still are headstrong girl like this!!" Keala replied. "I was hoping that time away from here would make you see clearly what is best for you! And our families!" "Best to YOU , maybe!" Lia yelled and stormed out.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
She could not believe grandma went this low. Good old punching the bag would help now! What?? Someone had spent the night here!! [img src="i.imgur.com/GNyHvka.png"] Nobody ever visits here, only place she can be alone. So far!!!
"Granma??" Asked voice behind Helena. "Nalani, my dear!!" "I arrived today, from Keala's.. hmm.. invitation." Helena told her. "But.. I did not inform anyone. I don't want to march in when your brother has guests over." "Granma! You can stay in my hut for the night, or as many nights you wish!." Nalani suggested. "You sure it's no trouble? " Helena asked. "Of course no trouble, Grandma!" Nalani replied to her. "I'd love to hear what's up at Selvadorada! Goats and chickens alright?"
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Nalani's hut was after short walk. "Excuse me, madam!" Aman jogging on the deck exclaimed. "Yes?" "I am looking for someone." Man explained, stuttering a bit. "Her name is Coraline , she has dark long hair, looks very beautiful and.. eh.. If you may know her and tell me where to find her?" "Hmm, I may have a friend who fits into that, sort of short and biased description.. " She said strictly. "But I certainly not tell her location to someone I have never met." "I am so sorry, I must sound like a creep." He apologised. "I understand, I just keep looking for her. I was hoping her to show up where I used to camp." "However, I may mention to her that red haired , handsome man was looking for her, and tell her from where to find her." She smiled. "Thank you" the man said and blushed. "And you would not believe me if I'd told you where she lives anyway..." Nalani whispered to herself.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Your hut is surprisingly big , my dear." Helena praised. "You can take the big bed, grandma, I take the small one." Nalani said. "Laki's guest maybe leaves tomorrow" "Maybe?" Helena said and sit down on the bed. "There is his girlfriend over, I think.." Nalani smiled to Helena. "A Girlfriend?" Helena suddenly smiled widely. "So it's all set? Keala's granddaughter and Laki?? Why did she ask me to come then..." "Oh no, grandma, tell me you are not here for that reason... " "I am, dear." Helena replied strictly. "To secure the power of the tribe stays in our families, it must happen." "But Laki does not want to, grandma.. " Nalani tried. "It does not matter what he wants, not at this point." Helena said. "He is the heir." "If only my dearest husband and son would be here, they would agree with me!!" "But they are not, grandma."..
"Grandpa became the Chief , because Lakis grandfather and father both passed away in a plane crash at desert, near Strangerville." Lia continued. "Granma got to be the Chief only because she is good friends with Elementals."
"Poor, poor Emma" Nalani muttered. "She is so nice and so in love with him!"
~~~~~~~~~~~~
The next morning, Helena was standing on the deck, looking at what she could see of Villa Catarina. "Nalani?" "Yes, grandma?" "I need help, my dear" Helena said to her. "What can I do, grandma?" Nalani asked. "I need to meet someone in the City." Helena replied. "But I need you with me, big city and I get lost." "Of course!" Nalani exclaimed. "We go eat curry and sing karaoke!" "Do not plan anything too wild, my dear, I am an old lady." Helena laughed.
This had to be done. Old debts should be paid. She could help, to pay back at least some of the pain and misery she and Keala caused to some people.
Someone Knocked their door. "Again???" exclaimed Netta, "These locals are bit too interested of our business!!" "Don't be too harsh, this time they at least knock!" Lotta went to open the door.
The Detective introduced himself and said he was hired to investigate certain happenings in Sulani some years ago. "Oh we just moved here last week!" Lotta laughed. "You better go and ask someone who knows things around here." "I am here because of .. the accident... at Villa Catarina , about two decades ago." Detective said. "For my information, you were there with your parents... my deepest condolences, miss... " "Oh..." "May I come in?" "Sure, you may..." "I was just aged up to teen, I was not even at high school yet!" Lotta exclaimed , situation annoyed her. "I don't think stealing a few slices of pineapple really needs a detective???" She continued. Netta, who had been following the situation from the table was rather amused. "Oooh, detective? Where is your big mustache? Are you from Belgium?" she kept asking while giggling. " We have lots of fish left, want to eat?" "Oh well, fine. I go." Netta said when Detective did not join her joking. "I was ... like 3 months back then anyway! With my grandparents, not here."
San Myshuno / Henford-on-Bagley
Next day, the Detective arrived back at his office.
"All the information you asked are in the files on your desk, sir. " his secretary said. "Thank you , Sandra. I'll take a look soon." "Was it nice in Sulani? Sunny and all?" she asked. "Hmm, yes, very. Why do you ask?" he seemed surprised. "Just out of curiosity, sir", She replied. "You had a phone call this morning, a lady from Sulani, seems everyone are from Sulani these days, sir." "Oh, yes indeed, you can go now, thank you, Sandra." He got up from his chair to look the view from the window. "Yes indeed, very beautiful place, but sad.." he muttered to himself. "I am sorry I bother you again, madam" He started after introducing himself. "But I really need to talk with your husband." "Thank you, I will wait."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Phone was ringing. In very bad time! She was just getting the baby to sleep! She recognised the Detective right away.. why this man keeps calling them??? The Detective wanted to talk to Sam, Erin called Sam in from the window. "It's for you, that snoopy city-fellow again.. " Erin gave phone to Sam "Please go to kitchen, the boy just slept."
"But that's awesome news!" he exclaimed to phone. "Tartosa? Of course I can! When? " "Awesome! I'll get bus tickets right away!" he said while walking around in kitchen. But the more he listened what the Detective had to say, the more his mood changed. "I see... but I have done that..."
Call ended. He closed his eyes. He had hoped this all would be behind him by now. He had told everyone, including the Detective, all he could tell, all he remembered. What he could not tell them .. was something he thought nobody else knew about. At least nobody who was still alive.
The feeling he had, when standing inside the kitchen of the abandoned Villa Catarina, that the house was willing to tell it's story to anyone who wanted to listen.. came back to him stronger than ever.
Maybe the Detective had listened?
Now, for the first time, he was scared.
Piccola Luce
Couple of days later, Hanna arrived at Justine's place.
"Heyy, where are we going?" Hanna asked joyfully. "Villa up the hill, the man who invited me there was the butler of the Villa. His master has some kind of business offer to me.. job offering, maybe?" Justine replied. " I'm trying to find something about them in the internet... No luck. It's like they don't want to be found. Usually there is always something." "Oh, that building right up there?" Hanna asked. "Yes, why?" "Ohh, I hope that's not the same man I keep walking into.." Hanna said bit worried tone in her voice. "I haven't seen him, and no idea what this job offering is including." Justine replied. "But I update my CV just in case.. IF it is job offering." "I'm not worried, I cannot have that bad luck.... and maybe he was from next Villa, lots of those in the hill."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
While walking up to Villa Vigna, Justine asked Hanna if she was okay, she would understand if Hanna did not want to come. "Naaah, I'm alright.." Hanna assured her. "Most likely it's not the same man. I saw him at Windenburg and San Myshuno last, not here. " But when they were getting closer she started to worry. What if that mean man lived here? "Actually... I might go to the beach after all.. I think I saw a swan there, or two... I could take pictures... " "With what? You don't have a camera with you.. not even a phone!" Justine asked and smiled. "Calm down, I'm sure, whoever is in there cannot eat you... " "Yes, you are most likely right..." "....without chewing first, at least!" Justine chuckled. "Justine!!!" Turning back was too late anyway.
"Welcome , miss." Tony said when Justine got inside. "Please have something to eat..Only tea and little something, not much, I'm afraid." "Thank you, that pie looks delicious." Justine smiled. "Here is my photographer, Hanna..." "YOU! Who invited you here??" Tony exclaimed when he saw Hanna. "You are that walking and TALKING catastrophe!" "Master has always had bad temper, even as a child. He is just like his father!" Lewis said, mostly to himself, after hearing what happened from open door, and suddenly noticed what he just said. "Oh my!!! I forgot!!" "This did not start well.." Justine wondered should they stay or not.
Helena always had goosebumps when looking at the Nanny's eyes in past. After all she and Keala said to her, those eyes never changed. They were not sad, they were not angry. There were no emotion seen. Those were the most greyest eyes she had ever seen. They were cold, like ice. Like dead.
Here she was standing in front of her, she was not as young anymore, but the eyes were all the same. ... Still without any emotions. ... Still cold. ... Still like ice. ... Like dead.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Mrs Mahi'ai..." Laura said. She did let them in. They had a talk, mostly Nalani did the talking at first, but Helena managed to get her point said. "I am terribly sorry how I and Keala made you look back then.. " Helena said. "I see all pictures of you and your husband here, well, how lovely that you two are still married!" She continued. "We are not, we got divorce.. back then." Laura replied silently. "Oh my!" Nalani exclaimed softly."Were you married for long?" "Not for long, people might say.." Laura said strange tone in her voice. "To me, it felt like eternity." "I am so sorry that has to happen, but maybe it was better that way.. " Helena silently muttered , clearly more to herself than to Laura. "Granma? You okay? " Nalani asked. "Oh yes, my dear, that was nothing..." Helena replied, smiling to her granddaughter. "I'm old, I sometimes talk to myself."
"Who has hired that detective? " Helena then asked from Laura, changing the subject. "I heard he had asked lot's of questions. I would like to meet him.. REALLY be helpful this time." "I don't know who hired him. " Laura lied, but still gave them the information of the detective.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Have you been there yet? What's left from Villa Catarina?" Laura suddenly asked her, when they were leaving. Helena jumped a little. "NO." she exclaimed fast. "They say she is there still, haunting, restlessly." "Oh c'mon , you don't believe those things, do you now?" Laura said. "Yes, in matter of fact I do." Helena replied, and turned around to get out of the apartment with her granddaughter.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"So do I.. So do I.." whispered Laura to herself while looking out from the window. She could hardly see Helena and Nalani walking down there.
"I hope this is okay to you, if you still are here somewhere..?" she whispered to the empty room.
"Thank you for finding some of your sister's clothes for me." Emma smiled. " I am surprised these fit, as she looked so much smaller than I. Are you sure she don't mind when she is back home?" "I'm sure of that. " Laki convinced her. " We have agreed to go in an out at each others places when needed. And I know she would of happily given you some of her clothing." "I don't know where she is, but looked like my Grandmother visiting Sulani, and staying with her." Laki continued. "I would like you to meet her, If you'd like to? I know she will love you!" "Oh I would love to meet her!" Emma exclaimed happily. "Maybe I have met her when I was a toddler? I know now we met all those years ago." "Totally possible , my dear!" Laki smiled. " Hey , let's make a sandcastle! Or are you too old to do that?" "Never too old!!" "Looks great!" Laki cheered. "Oh I am good at this!!" Emma said laughing.
This was something she DID remember from her early childhood.
San Myshuno
Helena and Nalani were going to visit the detective.
"That was sad, grandma," Nalani said silently. "I had no idea about these past events." "Old debts need to be paid.. You weren't born yet, my dear." Helena replied. "I try to make amends as much as I can , maybe I can sleep a little better." "Now im worried.." "Oh, no need, my child, you are young, don't let the mistakes of older generation to be on your future's way.." "But doesn't that go with Laki too, grandma..." "Yes... I wish there would be another way..." she said tear in her eye. "But there IS NOT she continued." collecting herself.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Secretary of the Detective told them to get in, the Detective was soon leaving to see a client in Tartosa, but had a little time.
"You have something to tell me, Mrs. Mahi'ai?" the Detective asked. Helena started telling. "I was there, not in the house, I never had any business to go inside, see, I was not so good friends with mistress of the house, Catarina.... " "Yes, and?"The Detective did not keep it as a secret that he was not expecting much from this visit. "I was walking at the beach, killing time, waiting for my friend, current Chief of Sulani to arrive." Helena said and added sadly "It was pretty much around the time when the fire started." "Some time before Keala , I mean Mrs. Hoapili, arrived, I saw someone climbing from dining room window to second door balcony." Helena told him. "It was weird because that person had all the reasons to be in that house, but NOT then, or not like that." "Person in question told all, including Island Police, that they were NOT even near the Villa in that morning and afternoon." she continued. "They said they were at mainland, getting something important to Chief himself."
"Who was it , madam?" asked Detective, now clearly more interested. "It was the Chief's butler, Lewis Reyes." Helena said.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
After they left, he opened a file from his computer. "Sir, train is leaving soon.." said his secretary who had entered to the room.
"Sandra.. I have here another statement.. someone is lying, either this one here, or the elderly Lady who just left..." Detective said to her secretary, who was used to these comments from him, and did not said anything. "What is weird, is that neither of them should have absolutely no reason to lie."
"But I get going to Tartosa now." he said and got up. "Oh and I need to ask about Climbing Butlers, while there." "Excuse me, sir?" she asked. "Nothing, just thinking out loud." he said and left.
Villa Vigna
Justine and Hanna took a seat , after rough beginning.
"I asked you to come here, Miss.." Tony started. "Just call me Justine." "Thank you, as I sai.." "And I am Hanna." Hanna said, still looking cranky. "Hmmmph.. As I said, I asked you to come here because you are a writer, yes? Reporter or books?" "Both, but at very small scale, Still waiting the big opportunity."
"I think I can help you with that.. I want to hire you to write a full biography of my family. It's not a small book,miss.. Justine." Tony said. "Are you interested?" "Oh! Wow, very interested! " Justine replied. "But why me? I mean I am nobody.. I assume it is not about the money. There must be someone with more experience about this.." "Everyone start from somewhere" he smiled. "And.., because, you are also a reporter, reporters are nosy in general....." "Ooooh, Not me!" Justine laughed, half kidding. "She is NOT nosy!" Hanna eclaimed. "Please let me finish .." Tony asked. "And because you are young writer and could use big boost in your career, I figured you might take the job, and..."
"While doing it, digging all that information from the past.. also help me find out who killed my mother."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"What??? " Justine broke the silence. She must of had heard him wrong. " That sounds dangerous!" Muttered Hanna. "My family was once most powerful family in Sulani." Tony started with telling them most details. "Very unfortunate accident caused a fire in my family's Villa. Resulting many sims to be hospitalized, few later died, including a man who I thought was my father. My mother was only one who died in flames." "But you said... an accident?" asked confused Justine. "What is there to find out about?" And then she realised she had heard this before, from Lia. No need to mention that now. "The thing is, I don't believe it was an accident. " Tony continued his story. "Local police was clueless, and under pressure of certain direction, soon filed it as accident. Case closed and buried. For almost 20 years. I have hired a private investigator now. He is soon here too." "Oh but surely you don't need me for that then, I am no detective" Justine smiled "Oh but this was his idea!" Tony said, and continued after seeing Justine's face full of doubt. "Mostly, anyway. He said if you, researching writer, asks questions around, it's more natural and maybe opens up some sims a bit, than when Detective from the city is doing it." "The Detective seems to be here now, I'll go to greet him." Tony said. "Where in plum did Lewis go?" "What do you think?" Justine asked Hanna. "This is very interesting, and imagine! A whole book!" Hanna muttered something even Justine did not hear.
Last Edit: Sept 6, 2024 9:15:24 GMT by ellupelluellu
My love, my love, my fearless love, I will not say goodbye.. Sea may rise, sky may fall, My love will never die.. My heart, my heart, My drowning heart, Oh all the tears I've cried Oh I may weep forevermore, My love will never die..
Another great update! Loved the "I don't give a plum" line! 😃
Thank you Plum was my favorite censor bot word in old-old days in Vanilla, before all emojis
I remember when I was a newbie I thought Sims community sure loves plums
My love, my love, my fearless love, I will not say goodbye.. Sea may rise, sky may fall, My love will never die.. My heart, my heart, My drowning heart, Oh all the tears I've cried Oh I may weep forevermore, My love will never die..
Post by monasolstraale on Sept 6, 2024 10:02:19 GMT
A really exciting plot that could go either way. I have no idea or maybe a little too many 😅 Your pictures are wow 🤩 (But I guess I mentioned that before 😉)
"I contacted Mr Wilkes , and asked him to come here with me today. " Detective explained when they got in. "Sam! So good to see you bro!" "Tony! Same!!!" Sam exclaimed."Though hard to see if its really you behind all that hair and beard.. what are you, a caveman??" "Hehe, pretty close, actually." Tony laughed. Tony introduced Justine to Sam and the Detective. "Have we met before, Miss?" the Detective asked "Oh I don't think so. But I am almost daily down at square doing my painting." "Must be that then." he smiled. They walked to livingroom.
"And my name is Hanna... if anyone cares.... "
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Lewis was at town square, having his lunch. There was something he needed to do. Needed to get.
After eating he got back to Villa Vigna to change clothes. Everyone were at living room, there were more sims he had expected. Nobody would notice his absence..He had made sure there was enough drinks and something to bite. He got out from backdoor. He knew nobody saw him, they were too busy talking.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sam tells his story to everyone. From the moment he arrived to the hospital. When he got to the point he saw Keala, arriving and later in house panicking, Detective interrupted him. The Detective mentioned that Mrs.Hoapili had most likely been in the Villa earlier in that day too. "There was a girl, whose family was visiting the Chief." the Detective told them. "Who was sneaking around to have something extra to eat. She recognised Keala from a photograph." "She also works currently at Sand Bar, in Ohan'ali Town. And told me she still is sure it was Mrs.Hoapili." he continued. "She also heard something else, something I have not yet quite understood... " Justine, who was taking notes, had deep breath. She just remembered that she had seen this Detective before. He was that annoying man in Sand Bar, asking lots of questions!
"I do wonder what Chief Hoapili is hiding. " Justine said and turned to Tony "Oh and looks like everyone were there that day! Was your house some common meeting place or something?" "No." he answered with slight laugh. "It was very private residence of the Chief. But you are right, seems like whole island was there that day."
Justine and Hanna were leaving. Tony said goodbyes to Justine at front stairs. "And I hope to see some pictures soon too, Hanna , I heard you are great photographer. ." He turned to Hanna and smiled. "I will send all the old picture material as reference, I leave it to you judgement to decide what to use." "I.... umm... yes.... I mean... um... right..... " Hanna was puzzled and confused, by this sudden change in his behaviour.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
He found Sam from upstairs balcony. "You were there before, Sam. In my parent's house that day." he said. "Why didn't you tell it to the Detective?" Sam had tense look in his eyes when he replied.. "But I was not there, Tony. " he said "I told you, I arrived when the fire had already started.. to pick up you to the gym." "But I saw you." Tony claimed. "I was playing the piano, as always. But was searching some notes at the moment, why you did not hear me.."
"You are lying Sam.." Tony said silently. "Why Sam? what were you doing sneaking around there that day, before the fire?"
"I am sorry Tony, bro." Sam said. "But I never tell you that. Or to anyone." And he walked out of the house "I just want to know the truth.. that's all." Tony whispered to himself.
Sulani
Sun was already setting when they were getting close to Villa of Chief Hoapili.
Laki was suddenly looking serious. "What's wrong?" Emma asked. "Nothing, it's just that house over the hill belongs to Chief Keala." Laki replied. "She is not hoping you to marry her daughter anymore, right?" Emma continued. "Granddaughter, Lia is her granddaughter. But yeah, I sure hope she has forgotten those plans!" Laki said. "Why would she not? It's clear both of you are against, so I am sure she understands. " Emma said smiling "Oh look how beautiful it is in here! So good to be back!" "Do you wish to visit your old home? Or.. well what is left of it." Laki asked. "It's not far from my house." "Oh, I rather not, Im not ready yet" she replied.
When they were leaving the place, Emma suddenly turned around. "Something wrong?" Laki asked. "Shhh! Did I hear someone crying???" Emma asked.
They saw Laki and Emma having a walk on the pathway behind the house. "She looks very sweet.. who is she? " Lucas asked. "I saw them earlier at the beach too." "Ugh, I don't know, some city-girl most likely." Keala answered silently, getting at bad mood. " Who thinks it's exotic to be here and be with tribe future chief.. with no ties to these islands, whatsoever. Some social climber." "I don't know.. there is something familiar in her.. those eyes. I may be old, but I do remember seeing similar eyes before "
Lucas had been driving families between coast of Sulani to mainland of Selvadorada with his van all his life, he had good memory when it got to faces. Names, not so much.
"Nonsense!" Keala smiled. "I have never seen her, I am sure of that! She is not from here."
"Keala.. I remember young girl, not much over 16 , who was madly in love with a young man without a penny." Lucas said serious tone in his voice. "Her parents were against them, but she fought her way to pursuit her dream." "They had a beautiful wedding... The bride had eyes in tears of happiness.." "I am looking into those same eyes now. Just that tears aren't from happiness. "
"I thought that all this digging the past would of stopped if they get married." Keala said. "Or to prevent it to happen at first place. Those things have been buried so deep for so many years..." "Keala, what makes you, or your friend think, that whoever wants the truth about the happenings in that Villa come out, would then stop to that?" Lucas asked. "Most likely they do not even know your granddaughter, or Laki, and are doing this for entirely different reasons." "If so, who could it be?!! I thought they were almost all dead!" Keala was frustrated. "Those who are not should have no reason to open old wounds. There is that private detective from city who is putting his nose at everyone's business when he was here." "I do not have an answer to that , Keala." Lucas replied sadly. "Death itself is not always so simple as you think it is.."
"Why you brought Helena back?" he asked. "You think old friendship you had is strong enough for her to cause pain to her grandchild, who she clearly loves?" "No,nothing like that! You make it sound horrible! Keala exclaimed. "She owns me a big favor, life sized favor.. and she always pays her debts, well, almost, anyway.." Keala continued silently, almost whispering. "Keala, I am worried, deeply so." Lucas said. "I consider myself as one of your, and your late husband's, oldest and closest friends..." "Keala, can you tell me why you just cannot let this go? What are you hiding from me?" "I cannot!" said keala and started crying desperately. "I'm truly sorry..I wish I could."
"My guestroom is not big, but Lia has not complained about the bed." Justine said while she was making waffles. "Oh nooo... this is not going to work.." Hanna exclaimed. "I will mess up things, I didn't even say "thank you".... he gets mad, fires you in worse case!!" "Nonsense! It was going fine after rough start!" Justine said." And he did even remember your name!" "You really think it's going to be okay?" "Yes!" Justine smiled,"Now, of to sleep, let's talk more about this tomorrow."
Hanna felt she was too tired to actually sleep. Then she heard it. It was coming from Villa Vigna It was so beautiful piano music, moonlight somehow made it more beautiful.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Same moon was casting light over Selvadorada. Lewis could not believe the hut was still there. What he had expected, based what he was told at, was more like huge pile of bricks. Took hours to even find the hut, the pathway was not where it was supposed to be. He did not mind the darkness though, it gave him cover from curious locals.. if they were curious. He had clear instructions where to look. But the place had been taken over who knows how many homeless during past two decades, even if he finds the right tile to look under it, the small compartment , what was supposed to be there, might be empty by now. He had to find what he was looking for. Just in case things went terribly wrong.
Lewis knew Helena lived here, but what he had heard, she was back at Sulani. That was good, he really did not want to explain to anyone why he was here. He hardly believed it himself! He could not miss the irony of all this, he was the one who most desperately wanted to open all old wounds , and now, he was as desperately trying close them.
Chapter 23 , This is a bit like "Holiday special" , as it was around christmastime If not counted the last part
Few calm weeks passed by. Fall had turned to the winter. In Sulani, of course that could only be noticed from many , many rainy days. It was one of those mornings. Helena had been living with Laki a little over 2 weeks now, but to her surprise, Nalani moved in too, only few hours after her, saying her plumbing broke. And after repairs were done, what Nalani insisted needed an expert from the city, what took a while, she informed she had rented her hut to some lady from Tartosa for the holidays. Laki was happy to have her over.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Helena did not had real opportunity to be alone with Laki, until this morning. "I would like to have serious talk, my dear. " she said to him. "Sure Grandma.. is all okay?" Laki asked. "I was just going to see the holiday decorations in the village, now when the rain is going to stop.." "Dad used to get us kids there , you remember?" he continued. "Nalani is waiting outside, but I can tell her to go ahead without me." "Nonono, you go." Helena replied. "It IS important, but can wait after holidays, better that way." "Okay, grandma, as you wish!"
Rain had ended and they had fun with water balloons before going to village. Suddenly Nalani saw something.. ... what made her smile. Her friend had no family here, maybe this could lead to somewhere?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Declan was staying his last day , before getting back to Henford. He had bought proper tent with all the goods, no more sleeping at sand. Coraline was swimming near shore. She had received Nalani's message. She was not sure should her go and see him... She wanted to, very much.. but things were so difficult. It was too late to back down, he had already seen her.
They joked and talked a lot. Finally Declan had the courage to tell he was leaving now, but would like to invite her to spend the holidays with him and his sister's family, in Henford. Coraline did not know what to say.. She would like to.. but she had no clothing to stay in that kind of place, she was afraid she would freeze.. Declan assured they could buy something on the way, and his sister would be more than happy to loan some warmer wear. Coraline was so excited. She had never travelled that far! She had never seen snow!! They left to Sand Bar, to get something to eat, before travelling.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Lotta told them they aren't fully open now, because all decorating. "But the fruit-stall next to the road got lovely fresh ingredients this morning, " She mentioned. "Grab a fruit salad and some to go too, it's delicious!" "Coraline" Nalani asked, "Are you going somewhere too?" "Yes, to Henford! For holidays." Coraline replied."I'm just bit worried, I have no warm clothing,," Nalani was so excited for her friend, she said she had rented her hut to someone from Tartosa , and was just clearing her closet. She will give something to wear to her. Coraline tried to resist, but Nalani refused to listen. "Let's get to the hut behind the bar, Lucas owns it and he let me store my things there!" Nalani exclaimed. "I really doubt those ornaments stay up there.." Coraline muttered on her way out. "I tried to tell that to our new bartender, but I don't think she listened. " Nalani replied to her.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Driver had just left Justine and Hanna in front of the Sand Bar. "We look silly.." Justine said. "Nooo, this is fun!" Hanna smiled. "For you , I did leave my camera to the hut!" She continued laughing. "Let's go inside, chickens are laughing to us!" Justine replied , trying to look serious, but started chuckling too.
Lia was happy to see the arrivals! So was Lotta.
Nalani returned with Coraline. "She only needs better shoes, those I did not have." Nalani said. "You look.. beautiful." Declan said and suddenly felt shy. "We better not miss the ferry." Declan left with Coraline. Nalani was telling Justine and Hanna where to find what , and welcomed them to her hut.
"Hey, Lotta.. some decorations just dropped from the ceiling.. maybe put these lighter garlands there instead?" "DUH! I was so sure those ornaments would be great there!"
Christmas carols were silently playing from the hallway speakers. Laura opened the door. Sun was setting,Lewis hoped she would go for a walk , to view all christmas decorations in the city.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Sir, please remember you need to catch the train to airport..." "Sandra, you go, have a great holiday.." he replied absent-minded ."What did you say? Train? Oh yes, of course, thank you Sandra!" "Hmm, alright Sir, you remember to relax on your holiday. " She replied. "I'll be going now." "....."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
She wondered did the Detective really got to the train in time. Oh well, was not her worry. She worried more about the surprise snowing. It was going to be pretty cold. Gladly her boyfriend was in time.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
They were walking to the park. It was snowing slowly. "We should go, they were here first..." Laura said when another couple were hugging close. "No, I have another idea.." Lewis replied smiling. "Oh..."
It was very late when Declan finally arrived with Coraline. Erin was already going to sleep, but welcomed both warmly. "Of course I give you jacket and boots , you cannot walk around here like that, you will freeze." She said to Coraline.
They had something to eat at kitchen, where they met Elli, who had now grown to a child. "Mom is tired because of the twins." Elli told them. "But dad promised me I can stay up, to decorate the tree. Will you help me?" They did have fun.
Much later, Coraline had courage enough to use the bathroom.
The Detective was trying to have a vacation. He knew it is where Mrs. Mahiai lives... cute goats... "Vacation, vacation.." He muttered to himself.
He knew it was the place from where the lady of the old Chief's Villa, Catarina, herself was from. "Stop thinking of that! " he silently told to himself. "You are on vacation!"
He could not get rid of the feeling this all started because of Catarina. Somehow, he felt she will end this too. The Villa was scary, he had been there only once. But he was not so eager to go again. "Ugh, now you are just ruining your VACATION!!!!" he exclaimed to himself, but could not hear it over the waterfalls.
From the bar he asked is there something else he should see while in here. "Yes, our famous museum of course!!"
After admiring all the museum had to offer, he passed a wall with old photographs. Suddenly he stopped. "Excuse me, who are all these people?" "Sir, they are founders or patrons of the museum. " guide replied. " My great grandfather was a young boy back then, he told his son, who told his son, and who told me, there was this big fancy new photographic device in the village."
"All of these pictures are very old then?" "Oh yes Sir, All these pictures have been taken around 200 years ago." "I wouldn't be so sure about that..." Said Detective silently to himself, while looking one of the pictures very carefully. "I am pretty sure this one is fake. How else could this be possible?" He thought. "And what are you doing in it??"
One thing was certain, holidays or not, his vacation was over. And he was not so sorry about it.
My love, my love, my fearless love, I will not say goodbye.. Sea may rise, sky may fall, My love will never die.. My heart, my heart, My drowning heart, Oh all the tears I've cried Oh I may weep forevermore, My love will never die..
Post by monasolstraale on Sept 14, 2024 18:09:21 GMT
How I miss playing with seasons. I enjoyed seeing the difference in Christmas decorations in the different parts of the country. Sand-snowmen and colorful Santas with surfboards make so much sense at a bar in Sulani. Fun and colorful and still full of unanswered questions. I'm trapped.
" Hanna suddenly exclaimed.
