Generation 2-Chapter 6

Since my first night at my new home, I've been practicing on my guitar and painting skills. I figure, if I can't go out during daylight hours to hold down a regular job, at least I could sell my paintings and maybe get some nightly gigs to make some money. Because, honestly, this shack is too small. You can barely move in any direction. Don't get me wrong though; it's cute, but it could be a lot better. Plus it would be nice to not go outside every time I need to use the bathroom.

I've also been doing some research on my phone to try and see if there's any known cure of vampirism. I couldn't find much . . . at least nothing realistically about vampires. It seems they still keep to the shadows. Heh, heh, get it?

That night, I went out searching for possible places to play. Finally, I come to a local club. I heard the owner arguing with one of the band members, who refused to play any more that night. "Alright, Frank, but if you leave, don't you ever think about coming back!" the owner screamed as the band filed out of the club.  

This is my chance, I thought. Cautiously, I approached the man and poked him on the shoulder. "Sir," I murmered.

"What do you want?" he huffed.

"I'm sorry, sir, but I couldn't help but overhear your band leave. If it's okay with you, I'd be willing to pick up the slack," I said.

The man took a deep breath, fully listening to my offer. "I'll tell you what; you play tonight, and at the end we will determine how much it's worth, alright?"

I nodded, and turned around, taking in the large crowd watching me. It's okay, Layla. You can do this. I took a deep breath, and took my place on the stage. After what seemed like a whole minute of awkward silence, my fingers found their way to the strings. I closed my eyes for a few moments, finding my rhythm. I poured my heart and soul into what I was playing. It started off soft, full of despair, and the crowd was silent. Then, in the middle of everything, I picked it up. I got faster, louder, imagining my life as it had been and what I hoped it would be. The shift in my chords got easier and easier until, finally, I opened my eyes and smiled at the sight in front of me. The crowd loved it! Some were dancing, others clapping, others just sitting almost awe-struck. They fueled my spirit even further, and to be honest I dragged the song out simply because I was having so much fun! When I finished I put my guitar down and walked to the bar. I know, technically I'm too young to drink, but who's going to refuse a vampire who just rocked the stage?

"What would you like?" the bar tender asked, not really noticing my true age.

"Something.... fruity, with a lot of kick. Surprise me," I told him. To be honest, I had no clue what I wanted. I've never really drunk a lot before. Maybe a sip here and there when I could find it.

Soon after, the bar tender slid me my first real, alcoholic drink. It had what looked like sugar or salt around the rim of the glass, and even had a small umbrella in the mix. I blinked and looked up at the bar tender, who looked at me curiously. I've never seen anything like this before. I almost wasn't sure where to start. Should I lick off the salt/sugar first and then drink, should I mix it somehow? Not wanting to draw any more attention to myself, I put the drink to my lips and just drank. The salt ended up in the mix somehow, dancing on my tongue as I drank. It surprised me how the salt seemed to make the drink even sweeter! The bar tender looked pleased with my reaction, and hurried away to help other customers waving to him at the end of the bar.

"Hi, what's your name?" a voice interrupted my thoughts. I turned to face the man beside me, his yellowish eyes seeming to stare into my soul.

"Layla Cliffe," I muttered. "What's yours?"

"Andrew." I blushed and looked away. Gosh, Layla. You act like you've never talked to a boy before. "So," the man paused, "do you play a lot?"

I looked at him, almost shocked. "I'm sorry. What?"

With a chuckle, the man answered, "Do you play your guitar often . . like this?"

I was suddenly very aware of the bulging vein on the man's neck, calling me. Out of everyone in the entire room, his attracted me the most. It smelled almost.. sweet, but not in the sense of the alcohol. I swallowed hard, trying to push my desire down. I haven't fed since the night I attacked that poor sim. I just haven't felt the need. In fact, I've felt better than ever. It seems vampires don't need to feed every single day. I tried to focus on the man's eyes; his beautiful, intense eyes. But I couldn't, not with his heartbeat echoing in my ears! "No, no, this is my first time--"

"Really, wow!" the man said.

"Yeah, thanks," I said, rising from my seat, "but I really must go."

"Hey, where are y-" the man said as he started to get up.

"Sorry! It was nice meeting you!" I shouted back over the music as I rushed to the door.

Outside I was confronted by the owner. Oh, great. He hated it, I thought. "Hey, Kiddo, where ya goin'?" he asked.

"Oh, I was just heading home," I said, about to brush past him.

Suddenly the man reached for his wallet, handing me $1,000. "1,000?!" I squealed.

The man smiled. "Yeah, Kiddo, you've earned it. That's the most engaged I've seen my audience in a long time! I added a little extra. Kiddo, I want you in my club EVERY night. At least for a while. You think you can do that?"

"Oh, yes, sir! Thank you, sir!" I exclaimed.

"Alright, now. Off you go," he shooed me away.

Generation 2-Chapter 5

Note from author: I just wanted to say sorry to my readers in advance. I haven't posted any new chapters in FOREVER and the main reason to that is because I lost the save. I lost everything regarding The Cliffe Legacy; characters, houses, town, everything. But I don't want to start over because they have been my favorite family. (Sorry, Salline!) So the characters I use will look different. Please bare with me. Also if you have any tips or suggestions feel free to comment below!

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Things took an unexpected turn after the night with the Celestial Shadow pianist. The first night was okay, other than the constant tears and feeling utterly worthless. It seemed things always seemed to go wrong for me, and it only got worse. What was wrong with me? Why was I always the pawn in life's cruel game? My sister always seemed to have it easy; no struggles. She was pretty, and had boys worshiping the floor she walked on. Why couldn't I be like that?

But it doesn't matter. Since that night, I have never been the same. My life has changed, and no matter how much I'd like things to go back to normal---mommy and daddy's sweet, innocent, little girl---they can't.

A few days after the attack, I began feeling really weird. I felt sick, and had an aversion to food. All food. I felt I couldn't tell a soul about the attack, so I kept it to myself. I kept trying to convince myself that my body was just in shock, and I would be okay in a few more days.

I couldn't have been any more wrong.

Eventually, my body transitioned. I tried to refuse it, by only eating human food. But even smelling my normal favorite foods made me nauseous. My family worried about me, constantly asking if I felt okay and if there was anything they could do to help me feel better. I told them I had just caught some kind of stomach bug, and would feel better soon. However, there's only so many lies you can tell when you're standing next to someone you love and you can hear their heart---their beautiful, blood-pumping, healthy, heart---just begging you to take a bite. I realized I had to escape. I knew if I stayed, this thirst would completely take over and I would do something I regretted. Each day, my thirst was getting stronger, and stronger, so I hatched a plan of escape.

I would wait until nightfall. When my parents and my sister had fallen asleep, I would grab everything of value I needed, and simply vanish. Cliche, I know, a teenager running away in the middle of the night . . . but for one, I would get caught during the day, and two, I wasn't sure how long this new body of mine could handle the heat of direct sunlight.

I planted a note on the kitchen counter telling my family just how much I love them, that they are the most important thing to me, but that I just couldn't stay any longer, that I had to get out to live my life and hoped to see them soon. The truth was, I wasn't sure if I would ever see them again. I didn't want to frighten them by telling them my condition, or how I was "protecting" them by leaving. They had to believe that I just wanted to leave; maybe they wouldn't try to find me.

With tears falling silently down my cheeks, I took one more look at our small, family home, and closed the door---possibly forever.

My next task was to find somewhere far away from my family to stay, just in case they did come looking for me. I figured a couple towns over, at least. I found solace in the town of Isla Paradiso. I found a small, abandoned shack, and decided to call it home.

It certainly was... interesting. But it was completely secluded. Although I would need to fix it up a little bit and do something to cover those windows. I had a long day ahead of me. The place needed some definite scrubbing. I felt like I couldn't sit down until I got all the dirt and grime off everything. In the end, I decided it would be much easier to just paint. I had found a couple cans of paint in the back of the house near the outhouse (gross!).

I don't think it looks too bad. Still not exactly to my tastes, but I don't exactly have much choice right now. Maybe later on I can extend it and actually have an inside bathroom!

When I finished, I finally sat down. My mind started wondering what my family was up to, and whether they had discovered my note yet. The sun had risen once I arrived here, so it would be about time they discovered it. I was so sad, but I had to accept this as my fate. I never should have went to that stupid club. I should have listened when my mother said no. She always knew best. I sighed and looked at my new bed. I sure was exhausted. 

It was dusk when I woke up. I decided to work on my painting on an old art easel I found outside. Halfway through the painting, however, I felt the full extent of my thirst hitting me. I couldn't take it anymore. I HAD to feed ... on something. My throat was burning with desire, and my sharp fangs throbbing. My first real meal since the transition, would be tonight. 

I felt this growing power inside of me. It was like it was almost completely consuming me, every single minute without drinking was dragging me further and further from humanity until ... I attacked the first sim I come to. She was helpless to stop me. I felt absolutely awful, and yet much better at the same time.

By the time I got back, it was much darker. I heard this loud yowling coming from the woods behind the house. Figuring I had nothing to lose, I followed the sound. Out crawled a cat! I must admit, I've always been a sucker for cats, and seeing as I had to leave mine at home ...er, my family's home, this company was much appreciated. "What's wrong, kitty cat? Where'd you come from?" I looked around the area, and found nothing. No collar, either. I looked down at the cat's sweet face. It was as though the cat was thanking me for rescuing it from the brambles.

I sat the cat down and began to brush it. Its fur was so matted and dirty, I hoped it would at least help that cat feel better. "It's okay, you can stay with me. It's okay if you don't want to, I would understand," I told the cat. The cat seemed to smile back up to me and began to purr as I brushed it. 

Great, Layla, now you're talking to cats. How crazy are you.

As dawn approached, I went to sleep again. It was time I changed my sleep schedule to fit this new vampiric life. But at least I felt a bit better, knowing a new friend was by my side. 

Generation 2-Chapter 4

"Please," I drew out the word to hopefully make more of an impact.

"No, I said," Mom muttered as she roamed throughout the cabin we were renting, gathering dirty clothes on the floor."

"Well why not?" I asked, crossing my arms.

"Because I said so!" she exclaimed, a glint of anger in her eyes. "Now, help me get these to the washer." I bent down to help her get the clothes, but I was determined. There was no way I was going to be defeated.

"Mom, please, everyone is going to be there," I pleaded. She let out a long sigh.

"Well you're not everyone," she shot back.

This called for drastic measures. . .

Getting in her line of sight, I made sure to give the most pitiful face, along with the "puppy pout." I could see her hard exterior begin to soften. She couldn't resist for too much longer.

"Fine," she mumbled.

"YES!"

"But don't stay out too late! And be careful!" she shouted as I bound to get dressed.

After about two hours I was finally ready. It was going to be one of the greatest nights of the year because tonight I was going to go to my first club. The good thing about being in Bridgeport is all the night clubs. Party people, my favorite kind.

We were in Bridgeport on a sort of vacation, to get a break from our normal agenda.We've been here nearly a week already, and I'm not exactly sure when we'll go back or even if  we will.

Bridgeport was much bigger than Sunset Valley. In some ways, I loved Bridgeport. It's party atmosphere was so very hard to resist, but in other ways I was scared by it. I knew Sunset Valley like the back of my hand; back roads, secret trails, everything. But with Bridgeport all I know is the big lights, and a few dark alleys.

What if I got lost?

What if I got ran over?

What if I was pushed off the bridge?

You never know what could happen to you in Bridgeport, especially when you're unaware of the famous terrain. Those things could very well happen in Sunset Valley, but there, at least, I have some sense of security.

I will just have to trust the people here. Trust the city. Besides, there's people all around. I suppose that if something were to happen, someone would see it. Right?

I really wasn't sure what to think upon first entrance. People were scattered in small cliques, doing anything from arm wrestling, to dancing wildly. The club was dark inside, dimly lit by torches lining the walls.

Tunes from a piano filled my ear drums, and eventually I began to get used to it.

Thick in the air was a sour-sweet smell of alcohol, and drunks hidden away in shadowy corners.

On stage was mysterious man, rapidly playing the piano. He had what looked like a "V" tattoo on his neck. He rocked with the music, allowing it to fill his veins, consume him, and letting it flow to him. He never looked down at his keys, and I could tell he was a pro.

Eventually he was joined by a woman, and another man. They were unusually pale, and her eyes seemed to glow a bright yellow. I shrugged it off; perhaps it was the light. However, they too played like pros.

The man was just as pale as the woman, though from where I was standing it looked like he had red contacts in, probably to match the red-black theme. He didn't seem as focused as the other two, but he played flawlessly. He'd smirk each time the crowd chanted, "Celestial Shadow!"

I found it to be an odd band name. What did it mean? How did they come up with it? What was its significance?

"You're not from around here, are you?" the pianist asked on his break.

"How did you guess?" I laughed.

"Just a sense, I guess," he smiled.

"Do you want to go some where else and talk?" he suggested.

"Well, I don't know.."

I wasn't so sure going some where with this stranger was such a good idea, even though he was in a cool band. I was curious, but that didn't mean I was willing to go off somewhere to find out.

"Oh, come on," he persisted.

"N-" I started, but didn't finish.

Suddenly I felt something. Now I had the urge to follow him, where ever he went. At this point I could have probably follow him to the moon and back. "Okay," I mumbled, still baffled by my sudden decision, but I seemed unable to resist.

When we finally found a place to sit, he had led me to the VIP section, which at this time was completely empty except for us. He didn't talk much. He seemed to be lost in his thoughts. Or bored to death, I couldn't tell which. He just listened to me ramble on about music, my life, and my family.

That was until he suddenly planted a kiss on me.

I was taken off guard, but one look from his bright-glowing blue eyes and I couldn't stop myself.

I wasn't sure what had happened to me. One minute I was being an innocent little girl, and the next I was making out with the pianist from Celestial Shadow.

I melted each time he kissed my neck. It sent a shock through me, a spark, and left me wanting more. I kissed him back, lustfully, begging for more.. But I couldn't stop. I wanted to. But it was as if my body were my enemy, with a mind of its own. 

Suddenly he stopped, his lips hovering above my neck.

"What's wrong?" I asked.

Next thing I knew, I was feeling a pain unlike any other. All I could see was the shine of fangs, glowing eyes, and blood hitting his shirt. My blood. He held me frozen in place by thick arms, strength not human. What was he?

"Wha-" I mumbled.

"Oh, and welcome to Bridgeport," he said as he stormed out.

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A special thanks to Calista for letting me use her screenshot of Bridgeport! 

I love it.

It's amazing. ♥

Generation 2-Chapter 3

My eyes opened slowly, resistant to obey the morning light as it shone in through the bedroom window. I was so exhausted. All I ever wanted to do was sleep, and it seemed as though my body never could recover the emotional stress that Zack gave me all that time ago. Mom and Dad never knew, and Julie hadn't told them.

I sat up on my bedside, listening to the bustle of my family, so loud that I knew there was no way that I could go back to sleep. I let out a long sigh, and began to wander through the halls.

"Hurry! Hurry!" I heard Mom exclaim as I heard something crash on the floor. I rounded the corner just in time to see my sister kneeling over a broken plate.

"Mom! Please," she pleased aggravatedly. I knelt down beside her and began gathering the broken fragments. After throwing them away, I crept over to my mother's side, planting a small peck on her cheek.

"Merry Christmas, Mom!" I told her. She flashed me a hurried smile before continuing her Christmas Cooking Rage. Over her shoulder stood a bright-eyed Dad, attempting to "tell" her how to cook. She bit her lip, I assume to stop herself from saying the wrong thing, or perhaps to keep herself from hitting him. I chuckled, and the couple moved their gaze to me.

"What?" Mom snapped. I shrugged my shoulders. She took a deep breath, and a much softer voice flowed from her mouth. "I'm sorry, hunny, I'm just a little frustrated. Your grandparents are going to be here any moment, and I still don't have dinner completely made."

As it turned out, Grandma and Grandpa were a little late. It allowed Mom and Dad more time to get everything situated, though. It truly was a nice Christmas. Everyone showed up. Julie's boyfriend also joined the party . . .

It got harder and harder each time to see Danny with my sister after what Zack did. We have never talked about it, though. I'm sure he knows. Julie and him are getting pretty serious, it seemed.We've hardly made eye contact since the incident with Zack.

~~

After dinner, when everyone was completely stuffed and couldn't possibly eat another bite, Mom called out, "Okay! Present time!" Her face was nearly blood red with all the laughing that had gone on where the adults were sitting.

"Darn right, it's present time," Dad laughed. Everyone laughed and Mom gently slapped his shoulder. 

"Let's go then," she grinned.

They disappeared down the hall, and when they came back I couldn't believe my eyes. "Layla, you're first. We got you this cat because we know how much you love cats, and how alone you feel stuck up in your room all the time. We love you, and we want you to be happy."

 "Mom, Dad," I mumbled as I examined the feline. "I love you too. Thank you so much! She is adorable!"

"Next," they continued their gift-giving, "we have Julie." Suddenly Dad let out a high whistle, and a dog rounded the corner, running at full speed into the room. Julie bent down and intercepted the ball of fur.

"Thanks, Mom and Dad! He's the best!" Julie exclaimed, roughing up her pup's fur with a big smile. It has always been our dream to have pets. Now we have them.. 

After that, we took pictures. . .

Merry Christmas, everyone! I made the post so early because I was sure I wouldn't have time to finish it during Christmas day . . . So, you get it early! Feel free to leave a comment.

Also; I changed the blog layout, as you can see. What do you think about it?

OH. By the way. Did anyone notice the slideshow at the bottom? Betcha didn't. ;)

Generation 2-Chapter 2

It has been nearly a year since my relationship with Zack has taken off. He’s the sweetest, cutest, and coolest person I know. He’s amazing, and I seriously believe that I might just have fallen for him. Of course we have our ups and downs, but I know it’s all worth it.

One day I will be his wife. I just know it. I can’t wait until I can get out of this house and be with him 24/7. My family just doesn’t understand us. They think he’s a waste of time, and they don’t like him. But they’re wrong. Dead wrong.

~~~

I was watching a ridiculous cartoon that night. I heard the door open, causing me to look over to that direction.

 “Hey!” I exclaimed as I stood up and rushed over to him. “What are you doing here?”

“Well I wanted to take you somewhere special for our anniversary,” he said.

“OMG. Zack, that is so sweet!” I hugged him. “So where are we going?” I asked.

“That‘s for me to know, and you to find out,” he said with a grin.

“So let‘s go!” I took his hand and led him outside.

“So, which way?” I asked.

“This way,” he pointed, “but stay in the shadows.”

“Why?”

“Hello!” he said, “It‘s like two a.m. and the police are out. Duh.”

~~~

We sat down at the fire pit, roasting a few marshmallows. It wasn’t exactly a fancy dinner, but it was good enough for me. After having a few of them, I turned my attention to Zack. “So you brought me out here to the lake, at 2 a.m., to have marshmallows?” I asked, laughing. He laughed.

“Not exactly.” He stood up and came over to me.

“Then what were you thinking?” I asked.

“I‘ll show you,” he grinned and gently pulled me up from my chair.

He pinned me against the wall, forcing his lips on mine once again. He seemed to grow hungrier, and hungrier, and his weight against mine was suffocating. But I said nothing, because I didn’t want to lose him. He was the best thing to ever happen to me.

But then he started fumbling with the latch of my bra. I pulled back from him, stunned. This is what he had planned? His jaw clenched in anger. “Zack, please, no. I‘m not ready for this,” I pleaded.

“Yeah? And when will you be ready? Two years from now? Hell no. I‘ve waited long enough. What? You thought all those nice things I did, you thought they were all for you? Our love?” He laughed.

“I-” I mumbled. Tears were streaming down my cheeks now. It was all a lie. All of it. He only wanted me for one thing, like most guys his age. Was I going to just let him have it? No, I couldn’t.

I built up my courage and pushed him back, attempting to get away from his grasp. I had to run.. Had to get away from him.

“Let me go!” I screamed, and kicked.

“F*ck you, b**ch. You wanted this. I know you did.”

It was too late.
 

He left me there. Battered, bruised, violated, exploited, humiliated . . .
I was unsure of how to go on. Was is supposed to go home and act as if nothing had happened? Just lie here until I died? Tell someone?

“Layla! What happened? Are you alright?” I could hear my sister screaming as she ran over to me as the sun rose.

“Layla,” she said, “you‘re my sister, and I love you to death. I hate seeing you like this. That monster will not get away with this.”