Series 1; Episode 8: Simerican Beauty

'My name is Daniel Pleasant. This is my neighborhood; this is my street; this is my life. I am 49 days old; in less than a day I will be dead. Of course I don't know that yet, and in a way, I am dead already.'

Episode 8: Simerican Beauty

Chapter One:
Home, Sweet Battlefield

Daniel Pleasant's daughter, Lilith, had changed very much ever since she began to date bad boy Dustin Broke. She started beating up her sister, Angela, as revenge for a decade of being the favorite, and Lilith, the reject. Stealing her boyfriend wasn't enough. She wanted Angela to suffer.

Lilith wasn't going to let anyone else have Dustin. He had been flirting with a girl named Tosha Go from school, but Lilith decided she could solve the problem simply by beating her up, too.

Daniel grew concerned, so he had a talk with his troubled daughter.

'I didn't raise you to be a no-good punk!', he yelled, 'apologize to your sister.'

'I ain't!' she sang, 'I'm unapologetic! I'se be miss-behavin', watchaw gawna do?'

'That's it!' he bellowed, 'you are grounded, young lady!'

'You think you can hold me down? I do what I want!'

And so, later that night, Lilith snuck into Angela's bedroom to use her computer, and sent an e-mail to Dustin.

omg my family r such LOSERS lol1
can u pik me up @ lyk 12 lolz?
cyu then babe lolz

And so, at midnight, Lilith snuck out to meet Dustin, who was driving a hotwired car.

'Get in, babe,' Dustin said, 'let's blow this lame-ass joint.'

But before they made it even halfway across the street, Dustin was arrested for driving under the influence of nectar without a licence, and Lilith was brought back home by the Pleasantview Police.

'Pigs can't hold me down!' Lilith proclaimed, 'Ain't none of ya'll not got nuttin' on me. How long can ya last, pa? Too fast fo' ya? I'll outlast ya!'

'I don't know, Lilith,' Daniel said, and he walked off. He would give his soul for a glass of nectar himself, but he wasn't drinking anymore.

He went over to the kitchen and shoved some poptarts in the oven, but he forgot all about it, and let it burn. The kitchen caught on fire, but luckily, Angela was there to put it out.

Daniel really wanted that glass of nectar now.

Chapter Two:

The Burbs

Daniel needed to talk with his wife. He thought that she should spend a bit more time with Lilith, as she might be able to talk some sense into her. 

But Mary-Sue was most often preoccupied with the computer, talking with Daniel's brother in-law, John Burb over the simternet. She and John were working on a campaign opposing Mortimer's government, and John would be moving into Pleasantview with his family.

When John and Jennifer Burb arrived in Pleasantview, Mary-Sue and Daniel agreed to help them unpack. After all, Daniel was looking for any excuse to get out of the house. They also arranged a brunch at the Burb's new house on the day of their daughter Lucy's birthday party, so they could get together and catch up.

The occasion was all planned out, but at the last minute, Mary-Sue informed them she couldn't go, because she was "buried in paperwork", so Daniel had to go by himself.

The get together went reasonably well, although Daniel did feel a bit uncomfortable. There were a few strange things about the Burb household. First of all, Lucy's room had invisible walls, which was rather creepy. Secondly, there was a plate of toasted cheese sandwiches lying on the floor, which was a bit strange. Somebody could step on them. Thirdly, Jennifer was in her underpants at the dinner table, which may have been some weird Burb tradition, but he didn't ask. He thought his sister would at least have the decency to wear pants when inviting a guest around for brunch. Maybe she thought it didn't matter with family members.

John started takling about ways to make money, and Daniel had a hard time being interested in this conversation, because he had plenty of money, although he heard the Burbs were struggling financially.

Daniel decided to ask Burb what his campaign was all about: John and Mary-Sue were working together to strip Mortimer Goth of his mayoral power, because they believed Mortimer was trying to shut Pleasantview off from the rest of SimNation, and they needed to modernize quickly:

'Everyone else is playing Sims 3,' John said, 'and Sims 4 is coming up soon, and here we are, on Sims 2.'

Daniel hadn't the slightest idea what the hell John was talking about, and he was quite anxious to get away from the house without offending his sister.

City life sure had a way of turning people bonkers.

Chapter Three:
Home Alone

When Daniel got back, Mary-Sue had just arrived home, but was getting ready to leave again. Daniel wanted to talk to her.

'Can't talk,' she muttered 'too much to do.'

Daniel thought that was a bit ironic, considering that she was just standing still, gazing out the window. He didn't bother to ask what was going on, he just said 'good luck at the office today, honey,' before she headed towards the door.

'Daniel,' she said, stopping, 'I need you to do something for me.'

'What is that?' he responded.

'I need you to clean the house today. I won't have the time, myself.'

'Sure thing,' Daniel said. And he waved his wife goodbye.

*

Daniel didn't really feel like cleaning the house. He was no good at it, and he needed sleep after that strange get together with the Burbs. He decided to pick up the phone and dial the housekeeping service.

'Welcome to Sexy Sims Sanitation Service,' a smooth female voice answered, 'please select from our wide range of qualified cleaning professionals. Would you like a male, or a female?'

'Uhh... female' said Daniel, unsure he got the right number.

'Select preferred hair color - blonde, brunette, or redhead?'

'Ummm... Brunette?'

'Very well. Your personally chosen maid will be over to your house in 30 minutes.'

'Wait, you haven't got my addre-'

'Goodbye,' 

And the phone hung up. He started running a shower when the door knocked. He answered it, and a maid came in.

'My name's Kaylynn, at your service,' the lady said. 'What a big house you have, it's gonna take me ages to clean it all!'

And so, Kaylynn spent the rest of the day carefully cleaning the entire house, with Daniel lounging about. He had a huge list of things he had meant to do today, but with the arrival of Kaylynn they had all suddenly slipped his mind.

Days later, Daniel had work, and everyone else was out. Mary-Sue had asked him to clean the house, since he had done such a great job last time. Daniel picked up t he phone, and asked for Kaylynn again. But this time, Daniel was waiting for her, in his bedroom....

And so it became a habit, with the family none the wiser, because as far as the rest of the family were concerned, what happened at home was of nobody's concern...

But then something horrific happened that would change Daniel's life forever...

Chapter Four:
The Bald Truth

Daniel started going bald, and with it, his whole life had changed forever. When he looked into the mirror, all he saw was his father - his father who had never accomplished his dream of visiting mars... Was he and Jennifer responsible for that? Was it they who had held him back?

Would he end up just like Jeff, his life unfulfilled; his dreams floating away like the hair in his head?

His father had told him to accomplish his dreams. He was now assistant coach to the Sim State Llamas, but what was it all for? A house so big he needs an attractive maid to clean it, two girls who think he's an ogre because of the nasty boys they date; and a wife who never has any time for him. What would Dad have done, if he was in this position?

Daniel wasn't going to let his body fade away, old and useless, like his hair. If his family wasn't going to love him, he would find someone who would. 

He had the maid, and nobody knew about her. How many more girls could Daniel sneak in under his coat!? 

And so, Daniel had found a new lease on life. He would follow, and improve upon, the teachings of Don Lothario. No girl was safe now that Daniel was on the prowl.

Thus, the midlife crisis of Daniel Pleasant has prematurely begun. Driven by the guilt of his father's death, and the alienation from his divided family, Pleasantview is Daniel's oyster. Sure to cause even more friction in the family, what will become of its scattered fragments? Find out in future episodes of the History of Pleasantview!

Series 1; Episode 7: Dustin the Wind

"For dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return"

 - Genesis 3:19

Chapter One:

Dustin's Descent

After the death of her husband, Brandi realized that she would have to get a job. She looked through the papers, but she struggled to find one that she could manage.

There were opportunities at Sim State Hospital for nursing, but with two children to take care of, that seemed unlikely.

Was Dustin mature enough to take care of both himself, and young Beau?

To make matters worse, Brandi soon started experiencing pregnancy pains. Her third child was on the way, and she couldn't picture herself getting a job any time soon.

They had only 900 simoleons, and that wouldn't last forever.

Dustin had no choice. He would have to find work himself. His mother needed him now more than ever...

He began scouting around Pleasantview's seedy underbelly, and got into contact with a thug named Gordon King, who taught the young boy about hawking goods on the streets.

And soon enough, Dustin was out and about in town, looking for ways to acquire merchandise, meeting with Gordon and learning about the various arts - staying under the radar; spotting potential buyers, and learning how to make quick getaways.

Dustin didn't want to think what he was getting himself into. All he thought about was his sick mother, and their future.

Ask yourself. If you were in Dustin's position, would you do the same, given no other choice?

Chapter Two:

Dustin's Dilemma

Brandi soon found herself bed-ridden from her sickness for most of the day. This pregnancy was worse than the previous two, and she was relying in the support of her eldest son to take care of not only her, but Beau as well.

Beau managed by himself alright. He had taken a keen interest in music, prodding away at the Xylophone all day. This was a great help, because Dustin couldn't handle the thought of giving him endless attention, along with dealing with his sick mother, school, and working the streets.

As time went by, Dustin's life started closing in all around him. This was too much responsibility for a young teenager, and he couldn't handle it. He wanted a normal teen's life, partying; drinking; playing sports and enjoying nature.

Dustin wanted out. But his family needed him.

Chapter Three:

Dustin's Date

Dustin had begun dating a beautiful girl whom he had met at school - her name was Angela Pleasant, and they both shared a love of the outdoors. Angela was the sweetest, most well behaved girl Dustin had ever met, and she still didn't know about the dirty business he was involved in.

He was gussying himself up, because she would be coming over to his house. He was slightly nervous, but he was good at feigning confidence. Perhaps she liked boys involved in crime? Should he reveal this to her? Why hadn't he thought of this earlier? Now he was nervous.

And then Angela came over, and the first thing Dustin did was burst into tears; burying his face in her shoulder like a baby, admitting all of his struggles; the burden of his responsibilities; the hardship of his work, and his constant, haunting fear of what the future had set for him and his family. He sobbed and sobbed and sobbed, with Angela standing there, shocked, but patting him on his back.

Dustin was so incredibly embarrassed by what happened. He knew that you were never supposed to be direct with girls on a first date, and he supposed she would be so uncomfortable and uninterested in sharing his horrible life, she would look for the first opportunity to gap it.

But surprisingly, Angela stuck with Dustin.  She had never before met a boy so honest; so strong willed; yet so sensitive and humane. It was a refreshing change to find a boy who wasn't narcissistic and egotistical.

The two continued to date, with Angela coming around to his home. She was fascinated by Dustin, and all his experience in life. Dustin, in turn, was glad to have somebody who would listen, who would let him be just a kid.

Chapter Four:

Dustin's Distraction

As time went by, Angela had got to know Dustin's family, and she was determined that he learn about hers. Dustin once came to visit her grandparents, Herb and Coral Oldie, and they got along well.

But Angela realized she couldn't forever hold off the occasion when he should meet her own family, but she was afraid of what would happen if Dad learned that her boyfriend was involved in dealing illegal goods. But if she kept their relationship obscure, Dad would only become suspicious. Eventually, they decided to speak to each other over telephone.

Dustin and Daniel Pleasant didn't get along over the phone too well. Maybe Daniel was just overprotective, or perhaps he knew that he was involved in Gordon King.

However upset that Daniel didn't like him, this would not stop Dustin from seeing Angela. She was one of the only things that kept him going.

Concluding that her Dad was just being silly, Angela invited Dustin over to the household while Dad was out coaching the Llamas.

He dropped by the Pleasant household as soon as Angela told him it was safe. She said her sister, Lilith, would be there with her boyfriend, and maybe Dustin can get to know him, too. Dustin thought this would be nice, because he wanted more friends.

He was amazed by the Pleasant's home. It was like a palace to him. He had never before seen such a luxurious looking house.

The door had been open, but there seemed to be nobody there. He wondered where everybody was.

But little did he know, somebody was watching him....

He walked into the lounge, where the big screen television was turned on.

'Surprise.' said a familiar voice.

'Angela!' Dustin replied. 'You're dressed so... different'

'I'm not Angela, I'm Lilith.'

'Lilith?'

'Hasn't Angela told you about her twin sister? I guess I must not be worth mentioning. Nobody ever thinks I'm worth mentioning, not next to Angela, the angel.'

And before he knew it, he was learning all about the tragic life of Lilith; the way she had been mistreated and cast aside in favor of her sister; the way nobody ever took notice of her...

The two entered a heated conversation about the various troubles of life, and soon enough, she was making confessions - confessions to how she skipped school; snuck out; had even been arrested, and Dustin started to boast about his illegal businesses with Gordon King. Dustin felt a huge attraction building up in him that he had never felt with Angela, who seemed boring and lifeless by comparison.

And when Angela arrived back home, it was to the site of Dustin and Lilith making out.

She ran away, up into her own room and shut the door. She didn't know what to think. She had never been heartbroken before...

But something seemed to make sense; as if she should have expected this. Dad had been right all along... Dustin was a petty, criminal two-timer...

Dustin and Lilith sat down and started watching T.V, unaware that Angela was anywhere around. But Lilith had forgotten entirely about Dirk, her boyfriend, who came in, looking confused at the sight of Dustin.

'Sorry Dirk,' she said, 'I've finally found someone who understands me! Unlike you, Dustin is cool, and interesting. Go somewhere else.'

And so, Dirk Dreamer turned away. also heartbroken, but not expecting much else.

And so, the anger and frustration that had built up inside Lilith ever since she was a child had been unleashed that night; and it caused two broken hearted victims. The feelings she had for her sister and boyfriend were overridden by a desire to finally be the one who had attention, and she had seduced that out of Dustin.

And as for Dustin, his feelings towards Angela were all forgotten after meeting Lilith, who had used all her cunning to bring out his worst. What the future held for this couple; and for Dirk and Angela; they neither knew, nor cared.

Chapter 5: 
Dustin's Duty

Dustin began spending more time out of the house, going all the way over to SimCity to crunch numbers at the SimCity racetrack. 

When he wasn't getting himself involved with SimCity gangs, he was sneaking out with Lilith, partying and selling street goods. His grades began to slip even further; and Brandi became worried. She would call up homes; especially the Pleasants, in order to find out where his precious son was, but she didn't know most the time. Her sickness was getting worse, and Dustin didn't seem to be there for her anymore. She couldn't cope on her own. Why had he abandoned her?

One day, Dustin finally came home.

'Where have you been all this time, Dustin?'

'Working, so you can cope with the bills.'

'If that means you can't be here for me, then I don't want you to work! this job has consumed you!'

'Don't you understand, Mum? Pleasantview doesn't have welfare! I have no other choice!'

But Dustin wasn't doing this all for her. He wanted to live his own, teenage life; forgetting he had a bedridden mother and a baby brother. He wanted to forget all that, and escape into paradise.

But then Brandi went into labor pains, and was rushed off to Sim State Hospital.






 She never made it back. She died during childbirth, and the third Broke baby didn't make it. The factors that caused the death was lack of support, and perhaps a broken heart...

The Sim Reaper had decided that, for Dustin and Beau, losing one parent wasn't enough. But Dustin saw it differently. He was racked with guilt over the loss of his Mum, as he was too absorbed with his own foolish lifestyle to forget what was truly important.

There was no escaping it now. He was all that Beau had in the world. He would have to become his protector; his father; and his brother. It was Dustin's duty from now on.

And so, we begin a new era of the Broke family. Will Dustin rise above the vices that lay ahead in his path, and or fall victim to them? Only time will tell. After all, he won't be alone...