The Groves Legacy - 1.4

Last time with the Groves:

Akira's birthday was forgotten, Margo made a BFF, Akira and Celeste sang their hearts out, the triplets became toddlers, another bathroom was added because everyone kept walking in on each other, Nadine unnecessarily passed out outside, Akira and Celeste stole some alone time, Margo aged into a teen, and Akira toasted her for putting up with being the oldest of six in a legacy that's only on its second generation. Onwards we go!

Here are some nighttime shots of Newcrest because it's gorgeous.

Celeste: And so, they lived happily ever after!

Akira: That's not how it happened in the movie.

I'm so glad Margo's old enough to help out with the triplets. And lil' Kaye with that duck is adorable.

Still, the kids can play with the toddlers at the dollhouse.

Scarlett: No, Kaye. The mother can't watch TV, she has to go to see why her son got detention.

Margo: No, that's okay, Dad. I'll help her with her homework.

Akira: If you say so.

Margo helps to put the toddlers to bed, too.

Margo: Mom keeps complaining that the house doesn't have any windows, but I don't see what the big deal is.

Eileen: I didn't see what the big deal was when you complained about having five younger siblings. Maybe your parents just had you first so you could help take care of them!

Margo: !!!

Margo: You take that back!

Eileen: Aha, never!

Eileen: Ahh, you're a great friend, Margo.

Margo: Oh, friend. Right. Thanks, so are you.

Eileen ran into the boys' room for some reason.

Margo: That thing you said about us being friends.

Eileen: Well, we are friends, aren't we?

Margo: Um. We are, but . . .

Eileen: Oh!

Margo: Maybe we can be more?

Margo: You're amazing, Eileen. And my best friend. And I dunno, I just really, really like you, and -

Eileen: I like you, too. Really like you.

Eileen ran back out into the living room.

Margo: What do you think about being my girlfriend?

Eileen: Oh, I'd love to!

Margo: Goodness, I'm so relieved to hear that.

I finally got around to getting an activity table for the kids.

Are you two kidding me?

Melanie: :( :( :(

Scarlett: :( :( :(

Scarlett: Margo, help us!

Melanie:  There's a monster under Scarlett's bed!

Margo: It's like 4 AM. But here, I'll spray it.

Melanie: Make sure you get it good!

Melanie: Wow, did you see how it just disappeared after she did that?

Scarlett: Wild!

Scarlett: Thanks, Margo!

Margo: (snores)

A shot of all three toddlers (Nadine's playing with blocks in the corner). Thankfully, it's time to age them up!

That cake looks a lot better than the one Margo had for her birthday.

Celeste: Is that science? I can help you out with that!

Margo: Mom, it's . . . it's English. Not science.

I'm not sure why I write Celeste to be a terrible homework helper. She has the Genius trait. But anyways.

It's time for the triplets to age up!

Scarlett: Hooray! (fires confetti)

Celeste: You're cleaning that up, Miss.

Margo looks in pain as she helps Foster blow out his candles.

Don: And many mooooooooore!

Akira harshly judges Don's singing.

It's alright though, because Don judges Akira's toast because he isn't actually holding a drink. Don't mind Foster at the fridge, there. I haven't edited him yet.

Well, here's Kaye! His random trait is Loner, and his aspiration is Artistic Prodigy.

There's Foster after being edited. His random trait is Outgoing, and his random aspiration is Rambunctious Scamp.

And finally, Nadine. Her trait is Art Lover, and her aspiration is Artistic Prodigy. Hopefully her and Kaye can figure out how to share the activity table.

All three kids in their party wear. They look worried for some reason.

Celeste: You're being such a good helper, Nadine!

Nadine: This pile of dishes is almost as tall as me.

With another child comes more monsters under the bed.

Nadine: Gah!

Scarlett: She sees them, too!

Melanie: They're everywhere!

Nadine: (has stopped caring)

Margo: This monster thing happens every night.

The next morning, all six kids are going to school. Foster's not in this shot. Margo's still pretty peeved about the monster thing.

Ah, there's the little guy. Looking sharp!

The big dining table is coming in handy.

Akira earned another promotion and came home like this again.

Akira: What? We had another office party.

It doesn't look like you had much fun.

The table's also really useful for group homework sessions.

Scarlett would rather play with her toys, though.

It's Celeste's birthday! And Margo really needs to not work on her homework so close to open flames.

Akira takes the opportunity to sing.

Celeste: I wish for a window. Just one.

There's our girl, looking dignified.

Nadine: Pssst, Mom's old now!

Kaye: I know, right?

Akira: You look exquisite as ever, darling.

Seiji: Gross.

Seiji takes out his frustrations on Dino.

Seiji: Stupid adults kissing in front of me! (smack)

Nadine: Hurry up, Scarlett! I really have to go!

Scarlett: Nah, I think I'll just stand here a while.

It seems that even two bathrooms aren't enough.

Kaye: Foster? What are you eating? I took your plate 'cause you were done.

Foster: That's none of your business.

Moving right along, we have more birthdays! This time for Scarlett and Melanie.

Scarlett's random trait is Insider, and her random aspiration is Party Animal. Those two can go together quite nicely.

And here's Melanie! Her random trait is Hot-Headed, and her aspiration is Angling Ace. Which is really interesting, considering her first trait is Vegetarian.

Melanie: See what you have to look forward to, Foster? High school homework.

Scarlett: High school homework is the worst.

Akira: I think you'll be able to make it through.

Foster goes out to work on his Rambunctious Scamp aspiration.

Foster: Land, ho!

Miko still asks to come over late at night. She usually just plays on the computer and cleans dishes.

Miko: Oh, I see you're sleeping, Melanie! I'll leave you alone, then.

It's like, 1 in the morning, Miko.

The house is such a mess.

Karim asked Nadine to play hooky.

Nadine: Aren't you worried our parents will find out?

Karim: What do you take me for, a coward? I'm no coward! How dare you!

Nadine: Wow, you're Hot-Headed! You're just like my sister!

Karim: And just what is that supposed to mean?

Caleb Vatore burns up in the sun while the kids argue.

You should go inside, friend.

Caleb: But then I wouldn't be burning up, and I wouldn't have a reason to brood.

Margo tries helping out with some cooking.

Margo: How difficult can it be to make mac and cheese?

While Celeste tries to clean up the wreck that is the bathroom.

Melanie: Are you letting me win, Scarlett? I don't want your pity! I can beat you on my own!

Scarlett: I just don't want to deal with your rage if you lose.

Karim: This music is exemplary, isn't it, eldest Groves sibling?

Margo: Please leave me alone.

Melanie: Yeah, I'm winning!

Scarlett: Mom, don't stand in front of her. Don't incur her wrath.

Scarlett: So, I've been thinking.

Scarlett: (after switching seats for some reason) I'm checking the calendar. What if we sent Mom and Dad out on a date on Friday?

Melanie: What for?

Scarlett: For us to throw a party, of course. What do you two say?

Melanie: I don't wanna get in trouble for your scheming.

Scarlett: It'll work. I know it.

Margo: (fiercely concentrates on homework instead of answering)

Scarlett: I'll start sending out texts to invite everyone.

Nadine: Ahh, Scarlett. I hear you're planning a party.

Scarlett: What about it?

Nadine: Let me, Foster, and Kaye stay around, and I won't tell Mom and Dad.

Scarlett: It's not like I could kick you out of the house anyways. I'm not ready to get into that much trouble.

Nadine: Scarlett's gonna let me and the boys hang out at the party!

Margo: You do realize Dad is right over there?

Akira: What's everyone talking about?

Scarlett: Ahahaha! That's hilarious, Kaye!

Kaye: I . . . didn't say anything?

Margo: Really smooth.

Scarlett: Say, Dad. Why don't you take Mom out on a date tonight? Margo, Melanie, and I can watch the three kids.

Akira: Say, that's an excellent idea!

Nadine: You seriously trust them to watch us?

Scarlett: Don't be silly. Of course we can watch you. Right, Margo?

Margo: Oh, uh. Sure.

Kaye: How reassuring.

Nadine: I'm sure you'll do a wonderful job watching us!

Scarlett: Um. Thanks?

While the kids are at school and Akira's at work, Celeste goes over to Willow Creek to see if she can find some different collectables.

And on her second try, she finds the elusive Heart Frog that she's been missing. She just needs two more frogs to complete her collection.

Melanie comes home from school in a rage.

Melanie: That teacher thinks she can fail my test! Argh!

Celeste: Was there any need for all of that?

Melanie: Yes.

Akira comes home from work and asks Celeste out as planned.

Akira: What do you say we go out on the town tonight? It's been a while since we've been out by ourselves.

Celeste: Oh, I'd love to!

They go out for some Italian food and look pretty snazzy.

Margo: Although I don't know why I'm helping you with this crazy party of yours, I just ordered the pizza.

Scarlett: Wonderful. I'll call up the guests.

While they wait, the teenagers change into their party clothes and do some dancing. The kids do their own thing.

Aaaand Eugi shows up just to kick over the trash can.

Have a picture of Kaye because he looks great in his suit.

Kaye: Thanks!

Margo: Look at these moves!

Melanie: Be careful. Your girlfriend just got here and she might see your "moves."

Melanie finds Eugi outside with the trash can.

Melanie: Did you knock this over?

Eugi: So what if I did?

Melanie: It's a perfectly reasonable response to being angry, isn't it? My entire family says no, but I know better!

And then she proceeds to play the violin with no violin skill.

Melanie: You're the one who told me to do it for the party.

Seiji doesn't show up with the guests and Scarlett has to re-invite him over.

Seiji: I think she said that this is the place.

It is. Now get in there and party.

The kids keep to themselves, mostly. Although Nadine looks like she's up to something.

Nadine: I'm trying to see how this party goes. Maybe I can use it to blackmail Scarlett later.

I'm glad you're not trying to blackmail you sister.

Kaye: I have no interest. And I don't wanna get in trouble.

Scarlett: Oh, Seiji's here!

For some reason, they're socializing with the door closed. Also, has he been standing out there this whole time?

Margo sneaks off to spend time with Eileen.

Nadine: So I'm thinking of making Scarlett do my homework if she doesn't want me to tell Mom and Dad about the party.

Foster: I guess that could work?

Nadine: You two should keep a lookout and see if you can get any dirt for me.

Kaye: Leave me out of this. I'm trying to watch TV.

Scarlett: Right? And then the teacher tried to tell me - What are you looking at? You look like my dad just showed up or something.

Akira: What's going on?

Akira: What's al lthis?

Akira: Why's there a pizza girl here?

Margo: Oho, Scarlett's in trouble.

Akira: Just what's going on here?

Seiji: Scarlett didn't tell you about her party?

Akira: No! Now get out of my house!

Seiji: Yeah, whatever.

Akira: there are too many hormones here how do I make them go away

Scarlett: Oh, shoot.

Celeste: "Oh, shoot" is right.

Melanie: Well, looks like the party's over.

Kaye: Now you can't hold this over Scarlett's head.

Nadine: Now, now. This is only a minor hiccup in my plan, Kaye.

Eugi: Dude, you're busted.

Scarlett: Haaaa. You guys should get out of here.

Kaye: We should leave, Nadine.

Nadine: Nah, I wanna see how this goes.

Celeste: Scarlett . . .

Scarlett: Oh, geez.

Celeste: Just what do you think you're doing, having a party without telling us?

Eugi: Totally busted!

Scarlett: Go home, Eugi!

Scarlett: Mom, I can -

Celeste: I don't care what you can do. You're grounded for this. No parties except birthdays.

Scarlett: Mom!

Foster: Are you gonna tell off Scarlett, too, Dad?

Akira: Your mother seems to be doing a fine job.

Foster: Wow, Mom's really yelling at her!

(computer error sound)

Akira: Was that what I think it was?

Pizza Girl: Worthless piece of junk!

Foster: Daaaad, the computer -

Akira: Oh, that's it.

Akira: You get the rest of these people out of the house. And that pizza girl better not touch my computer ever again.

Scarlett: Oh. Um. Yes, Dad.

Akira: (mumbles about how the pizza wasn't even that good, anyways)

The next morning, the kids are hyped up about how much trouble Scarlett's in.

Kaye: Did you hear Mom tell her off? I don't think I've seen here like that before!

Nadine: And the way Dad told Seiji to get out?

Melanie: Hush, Mom's coming.

Margo, Foster, and Nadine: (anxiously waiting for Celeste to say something)

Celeste: What a nice morning. And only the people who live in my house are in my house. How nice.

The aftermath of the party is relatively uneventful. Margo finally starts painting.

Margo: I'm gonna recreate Scarlett's face when she found out she was busted!

Foster and Kaye play while Nadine practices violin.

Nadine: Mom, look how much of an angel I am!

Celeste: Sure, honey.

And Melanie contradicts herself by fishing.

Melanie: See, I don't actually eat the fish.

But you sell them after you catch them.

Melanie: I figure someone else will do it. I'll take the responsibility.

Whatever you say.

And Scarlett is the last to rise. She doesn't look too happy.

Melanie: Oh, I got one!

Melanie, you make no sense to me.

Melanie: What?

Melanie: Don't you judge me. I do what I want.

Okay, okay.

Scarlett: Seiji? I uh. I think you left something at the party.

Just what are you up to?

Seiji shows up, but he doesn't seem entirely convinced that Scarlett's telling the truth.

Seiji: Okay, what did I leave, Scarlett?

Scarlett: Oh, I think it was actually Melanie's. Sorry about that. Funny how that goes, isn't it? Haha!

Seiji: Whatever. I'm leaving before your dad kicks me out again.

Celeste and Akira take the kids out to Windenburg for the day.

Melanie: Yuck, why are we here?

Celeste: Getting out of the house will do this family some good.

While Scarlett tries to introduce herself to 10 new people, her parents embarrass her.

Scarlett: Oh, them? No, I have no idea who they are.

Foster: Kaye! Kaye, look at me!

Kaye: Sure, you can do two legs, but can you do one hand?

Margo finds some easels around the neighborhood and uses them to recreate some of Windenburg's features.

And Melanie finds some spots to fish in.

Melanie: (mumbling about fishing and vegetarianism)

The kids find a spaceship to play on.

Foster: Lieutenant, keep those cannons ready. I see foes on the horizon.

Nadine: Yes, sir!

Kaye: Guys! Guys, look at this!

These two haven't stopped flirting since we got here.

Oh, good. They've stopped to be space monsters.

Margo's first painting of Windenburg.

She moves to another easel to create another.

Later, the family comes home and does one of their favorite past times.

Celeste: I swear, Scarlett. If you beat me, you're grounded for an extra week.

Scarlett: That's not fair!

Some things just don't change.

Scarlett's on official monster spraying duty. She'll be at this for a while, as the kids only aged up a few days ago.

And that ends this week in the Groves' lives. Margo is well on her way to becoming the first young adult of the second generation. As such, I'll have an heir poll with the next update. I was going to try and hold out a little because the triplets are still so young, but the house is really full, and I'm ready to do some moving around.

Thanks for reading!