A Christmas Eve Story 03
December 22nd, 2006
Note: Although the characters (with the exception of the twin boys) are the same as those in Worlds Apart, all events in this story should be considered separate from the Worlds Apart storyline.
[Background Music: "I'll Be Home for Christmas" by Harry Connick, Jr.]
There was a sharp knock at the front door, but before anyone had a chance to answer it, the door swung open and Tahlvin breezed through. "The three wise men have finally arrived," he said.
"And we come bearing gifts," said his brother Hale pushing past him into the house.
"Although I think it might be more accurate to say, 'two dorks and one really cool woman'," said Samantha, following in the men's wake, and nudged her husband Tahlvin in the ribs.
"Yay!" yelled the twins as they swarmed around the adults peeking into the gift bags they carried.
Laughing, Brandee hugged Sam in welcome. "I think the only thing that matters to the boys is the fact that more presents have arrived."
Nathan grabbed Hale's bag from his hand. "I'll go put them under the tree."
"Me too," said Tory as he snatched the bag from Tahlvin. "Mom said we could arrange all the gifts this year."
"Far be it from me to contradict your mom," said Tahlvin as he flashed a grin at Brandee.
"You can help if you want, Hale," said Tory from where he sat cross-legged by the tree.
"Uh-oh," said Saena as she playfully punched Hale in the arm. "Now that you're here, I'm no longer the favorite guest," said Saena.
"No!" said Nathan, his eyes wide with worry. "You have to help too."
After relieving Sam of her bag, Hale said to Saena in an undertone as they walked over to the tree, "Aw, it looks like you have a boyfriend this Christmas."
"Shows what you know," said Saena, her voice tinged with self-satisfaction.
Hale halted in his tracks, stared at her, then burst out laughing. "You didn't…no, don't tell me…you did, didn't you. Somehow you managed to find a guy all the way out here in the boonies. He's a lumberjack, isn't he?"
Saena threw her head back and laughed. She loved Hale; he was like a little brother to her even though he was about forty years older than her—as he took every opportunity to mention. But, as she delighted in pointing out in return, elves matured at a glacial pace compared to humans.
"What can I say?" she said. "I love men who wear flannel."
"Saena," called Brandee.
21 Responses to “A Christmas Eve Story 03”
December 22nd, 2006 at 3:06 pm
Yeah, another update!…personally i like Tahlvin's first hairstyle, it just lays nicer on him……thanks again, I love your story…
December 22nd, 2006 at 4:30 pm
As I said on Mao's blog..Ah mi! 😀 There seems to be all sorts of tension brewing in the household. Saena seems to enjoy all male company it seems…even though she says that Hale is like her brother. But..that never stopped anyone before! Haha, not really. And Tahlvin and Brandee also have some tension going on there. Can't wait for this story to unfold in the last installment. Nathan is so cute…having a crush on Saena. And I hope Jason and Brandee are able to patch things up. I have a question, after the Christmas Story, are we not going to hear about this family anymore? I mean, I wouldn't mind either way, but I was just wondering.
December 22nd, 2006 at 4:32 pm
Oh! And I like Tahlvins old hairstyle better, but its probably because that's when I started to fall in love with him orignally :D.
December 22nd, 2006 at 5:42 pm
Jenny: Thank you! The cool thing about this not being the main Worlds Apart story is I can experiment with my main characters' hairstyles. The Tahlvin in this neighborhood has always had a different style than the main Tahlvin anyway.
Eva: You're right. I think Saena is a little in love with every guy she meets…she simply loves men. haha And, yes, I will probably revisit this family sometime in the future. I'm not sure when as I want to concentrate on Worlds Apart for awhile, but (I'm being purposefully vague here as I don't want to spoil anything) I would like to further explore how things are left after part 4 of this story. I'd also like to do something with Nathan and Tory as they get older—they are really hot when they grow up. 😈
December 22nd, 2006 at 6:08 pm
Oooh, another update–yay! I like both hairstyles, personally… but since one of my characters uses the second one, it's definitely a favorite of mine, and it really suits Tahlvin in this storyline. I'm not sure about World's Apart, though, I haven't seen enough of him to be able to tell… ((hinthint ;))) I love Hale's new 'do, too… another favorite of mine!
Now you've got me all anxious to see what's waiting in part three! Yay for tension! 😛
December 23rd, 2006 at 2:30 am
Yep, I prefer his first hairstyle. But maybe that's because I'm more used to it. Both suit him, of course! 😀
Nathan is my favourite of the twins. Have I already said that? But it's like he has a big crush on Saena! That is so adorable.
Geez, in this chapter you could cut the sexual tension with a knife! Can't wait to read more!
December 23rd, 2006 at 2:55 am
I definitely prefer his first hairstyle too… I think it is much sexier… the messy look… it suits him a bit better.
December 23rd, 2006 at 4:20 am
I absolutely love your stories! I check for updates as often as I can, especially now you're working on the Christmas Eve Story. Keep up the great work! 😀 Oh, and personally, I think Tahlvin's previous hairstyle suits him better. Bit more sexy. 😉
December 23rd, 2006 at 2:01 pm
This is getting so good. I can't wait for more. I love when the piggy randomly flies by in my neighborhood. It makes me laugh every time.
As for Tahlvin's hair, I like them both (even though I'm partial to the hair he has on in this chapter…I just love that hair).
December 23rd, 2006 at 4:39 pm
Poor Brandy! But I also feel bad for Jason, it's not like he was doing that to be mean to Brandy. He just wanted to give something to his boys for Christmas. Part of me wants them to patch things up and be a happy family again, but another part of me says, "Tahlvin! Tahlvin! Tahlvin!"
And I like his older hair-style best.. the second one looks a tiny bit too flat on his face. It doesn't look bad, but it's not the best in my opinion. 😀
December 23rd, 2006 at 6:08 pm
I'm so glad everyone is enjoying the story so far and that you're looking forward to part four. I also really appreciate everyone letting me know their opinions on Tahlvin's hair. I still don't know which hairstyle he'll end up with though. haha
I guess the reason I'm a little hesitant about having him wear the first (older) hairstyle is the last time we saw Tahlvin in the story it was twenty years ago. I'm not sure someone would keep a hairstyle that long. Or perhaps, he's just come back to the hairstyle again after twenty years…hmmm…
December 23rd, 2006 at 6:31 pm
I missed your last update so I got to read parts 2 and 3 today today, no waiting. Yeah!
This is again really good in my non-writter but big-reader opinion. We get a good idea of the characters personalities and relationship with each other. The plot thickens. But will a 4-parter be enought to untangle everything? 😉
As for hair styles, I liked how they reflected the brothers' state of mind in the prologue: messy/untammed vs smooth/in-control. I kind of identify Tahlvin with the wild hair style now. But I wouldn't mind if he changed it.
It's understandable that you have better things to do and think about when you just burried your wife than run a comb through your hair…
December 24th, 2006 at 3:53 am
Girl, you just made my morning, my Christmas Eve morning, with this!!!
Alec and Tahlvin!!! *dies* A-a-and, I hope my eyes are not deceiving me, but Tahlvin's wearing the recolored wristband, right? Speaking of the sexy Tahlvin, I love his old hair, always will, imo.
And yay for the piggy! 😀
December 24th, 2006 at 9:37 am
Dektora: Yes, you got it exactly right when you said "it's understandable that you have better things to do and think about when you just buried your wife than run a comb through your hair." That was the initial reasoning behind his messy-do. I'm glad you caught that little detail. 🙂
As for the question: "will a 4-parter be enough to untangle everything?" Oh, definitely not! hehe But, I will have accomplished everything I wanted to accomplish in this little story arc.
Eph: That is indeed your recolored wristband that Tahlvin is wearing! He wanted something a little more Christmas-y than his usual black wristband. 😉
December 24th, 2006 at 10:15 am
This is so griping. I actually wish there was more Christmas left so I could see more of how the story plays out. But cliffhangers are just as good. Well done. I'm curious how part 4 is going to turn out myself.
Just recently, my sister and I saw the piggy. Something about that is a bit exciting, isn't it? =P
December 25th, 2006 at 10:02 am
Happy Christmas, Kara!
December 25th, 2006 at 8:48 pm
fantastic story so far!
i love the characters, plotline, everything!
i look forward to reading more and i must say, holy crap, you have amazing graphics.
i drool at them, honestly.
practically PINE for them.
what is your graphics card?
December 26th, 2006 at 9:08 am
Choco: hehe I never get sick of seeing that flying piggy. He actually made another appearance in the neighborhood just the other day and, once again, he flew over the Ramsey's cabin. I didn't get a shot of it this time, but still, it made me smile.
Alicia: Thank you so much! And Happy Holidays to you as well!
Alyssa: Thank you! Here are my computer specs if you're interested in seeing what graphics card I use.
December 26th, 2006 at 4:34 pm
The first hairstyle! He looks more… rugged (?) in it. Great story! I've been putting off visiting this site as I couldn't bear seeing you not update. And when I came by, it wasn't the choker post, but -surprise!- a couple of chapters from you! Yay!
P.S. Piggies are cute (ugly; adorable).
January 1st, 2007 at 9:56 pm
Gahhhh! I should've checked your site on Christmas. I missed out on so much! My Christmas would've been sooo much happier with the arrival of the lovely Hale. I am a little sad that his hair is shorter and that Tahlvin now sports the 'do he had in "Boys of Summer"… But hey! Hale is Hale and I'll take any bit of him I can get my little paws on!
This story is hot, hot, hot. Ya got me squealin' over here! I'm off to give myself a fever with Chapter 03… ;D
January 13th, 2007 at 10:33 am
Hey! I love your story. You're a great writer. And the images are fantastic. If I didn't know that you could download custom content for the sims I would never have thought it was from the game.
I have a question: Where did you get Hale's pants from? They are really cool. And all the christmasy stuff?
Great story, keep it up ^^