#sh:chapter2

[honeyjars-sims]

2.30 A Little Fun

Lexie: I have to say, I’m having a really great time!

Izzy: The straights just don’t do it like we do.

Kelsey: That’s for damn sure! So, how are you feeling about everything?

Lexie: I’m still not sure. Like, this is fun but I don’t know if a night out dancing is going to make it any easier to break Johnny’s heart.

Izzy: Do you see anybody you’re interested in?

Lexie: I’ve seen a couple of girls I’d like to talk to, but I feel weird about flirting with someone when I’m still in a relationship.

Kelsey: You don’t have to act on anything. It doesn’t hurt to flirt a bit. 

Lexie: I don’t know, I already feel like the worst person in the world for doing all of this behind his back. He doesn’t even know what’s going on.

Kelsey: Well, whatever you’re comfortable with. 

Lexie: I’ll be right back, I’m going to the bathroom.

Kelsey: Ok, don’t do anything we wouldn’t do!

Lexie: Ha! You wish.

[Lexie is washing her hands when someone in the bathroom recognizes her]

Liz: Hey, I know you from somewhere.

Lexie: Oh, you’re Chantal’s friend, right? I’m dating her brother.

Liz: Is that so? What are you doing here?

Lexie: My friends invited me out. 

Liz: Oh, that’s too bad. I thought maybe you were having a gay awakening or something. I was going to shoot my shot.

Lexie: Really? With me?

Liz: Duh, you’re, like, really hot.

Lexie: Well, uh, thanks. You’re pretty hot yourself.

Liz: Hmm, if I didn’t know any better, I’d think you were flirting with me. But…you have a boyfriend.

Lexie: Boyfriend. Right. I-I have one of those.

Liz: You know…what he doesn’t know won’t hurt him. We can have a little fun together if you want.

Lexie: I-I can’t. I wouldn’t do that to him.

Liz: [murmuring into Lexie's ear] But you want to, don’t you?

Lexie: I--[Lexie begins to protest but her voice trails off as Liz moves in closer]

[Liz kisses Lexie. Against her better judgment, Lexie finds herself kissing Liz back]

Liz: Still thinking about your boyfriend?

Lexie: I’m sorry, I can’t do this right now.

Liz: Too bad. You know where to find me when you change your mind.

[Lexie returns to Kelsey and Izzy]

Lexie: Hey, thanks for inviting me out but I think I’m gonna call it a night.

Kelsey: Is everything ok?

Lexie: Yeah, there’s just something I need to do.

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[honeyjars-sims]

2.26 Are You Satisfied?

[Lexie is outside studying by the pool. She’s staring at Cece, who is sunbathing. Johnny approaches her.]

Johnny: Hey, whatcha doing?

Lexie: Oh, nothing, I just zoned out. 

Johnny: What’s on your mind?

Lexie: Do you think we have a good sex life? Like are you satisfied?

Johnny: Wait, is this because of the conversation we had with our friends the other day?

Lexie: [nervously] Huh? What do you mean?

Johnny: Because I said I could see myself possibly being attracted to a guy. That doesn’t bother you or something, does it?

Lexie: Oh, no, I don’t care about that. It’s pretty obvious you’re attracted to me.

Johnny: Ok, so what made you bring up our sex life?

Lexie: Nothing, I was just feeling a little insecure. I think I’m going to walk over to Izzy and Kelsey’s. I told them I’d stop by today.

Johnny: Okay, I’m about to head over to my mom’s for her birthday party, so I guess I’ll see you later.

[Lexie walks to Izzy and Kelsey’s apartment]

Lexie: It’s just everything you were saying about compulsory heterosexuality aligned with how I’ve been feeling about Johnny. 

Kelsey: So you think you might be gay?

Lexie: I don’t know. Like, sex is okay, but I don’t feel what everyone else describes. I just feel empty, then I feel guilty for feeling empty because it seems to mean so much to him.

Izzy: Could you be asexual?

Lexie: I don’t think so. At first I thought maybe I could be. I’ve never really gotten butterflies around anyone...but then that changed.

Kelsey: I’m assuming it’s not Johnny you’re talking about.

Lexie: No. It’s so awful. I feel like the worst person in the world.

Izzy: Lexie, you can’t help the way you feel.

Kelsey: Yeah, you didn’t know. Who is it that you’re attracted to?

Lexie: That’s why it’s so horrible. It’s his sister, Cece.

Kelsey: Oh, Lexie. 

Lexie: I know. I couldn’t figure out why I hated her boyfriend or why I felt so hurt when she didn’t want to spend time with me. But I think it’s because I felt like she was choosing him over me. Which is silly because she’s straight, and I’m dating her brother.

Izzy: So what are you going to do?

Lexie: I feel like I should break up with him, but what if I’m wrong?

Kelsey: I know you care about Johnny, but do you think you could ever feel the same way about him that he does about you?

Lexie: Probably not. Ugh, this sucks! He’s going to be so heartbroken. The last thing I want to do is hurt him. He means so much to me.

Izzy: If he means so much, then I’m sure you want him to be with someone who can truly love him. He won’t get that chance if you keep stringing him along.

Lexie: [sighing] You’re right.

Kelsey: Look, I know this is a lot to process. You don’t have to do anything right now. Why don’t you come with us to a gay club this weekend? 

Izzy: Yeah, maybe being out in the community will help you feel less anxious about everything.

Lexie: I guess I can give it a try.

The next story post contains the following trigger warnings: C-PTSD, PTSD, child abuse. There is also a gif in the post. The post is tagged for the triggers and "gif warning." There is no graphic imaging in the post, but use your discretion if those topics are triggering to you.

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[honeyjars-sims]

2.35 Wallowing

Cece: How’s therapy been going?

Chantal: Good, I think. We’re just getting started but I really like my therapist so far. 

Johnny: Don’t bother with therapy, it’s a waste of time.

Cece: No, it’s not. Just because you’re wallowing in misery doesn’t mean everyone else has to.

Johnny: I’m not wallowing. And it’s true. If I never went to therapy I never would have asked Lexie out or started talking to my mom again. I’d be a lot happier.

Chantal: Therapy didn’t make your girlfriend gay or keep mom from making better choices. Sometimes bad things happen. If you were still going to therapy, maybe you’d start feeling better instead of rotting away on the couch.

Johnny: That’s easy for you to say. You haven’t been through what I have.

Chantal: Maybe I wasn’t physically abused, but I still grew up in the same bad environment where my needs weren’t met. You're not the only one with trauma, you know.

Johnny: Oh, you have trauma. Is that why you were sleeping with your boss?

Chantal: That really hurts. I know I could have made better decisions, but that’s why I’m in therapy. I want to work on my self-esteem.

Cece: Johnny, why would you even say that? Leave Chantal alone. At least she’s trying to do something with her life. You’ve been moping for weeks. Did you even go to your finals?

Johnny: No, but it doesn’t matter now.

Chantal: What do you mean it doesn’t matter? Can you even pass your classes if you don’t take the finals?

Johnny: No, I can’t. But I dropped out anyhow.

Cece: You dropped out of school?

Chantal: What were you thinking?

Johnny: Oh, come on. I just picked Drama as a major because it seemed fun. I don’t have any idea of what I want to do with my life. Going to college is just a big waste of my time.

Chantal: I guess if you don’t want to go to school, that’s your choice, but where are you going to live? You have to be a student to live in the apartments.

Johnny: Can’t you just pretend you live by yourself? They won’t know I’m here.

Cece: Um, and who’s going to pay for your part of the rent? Dad and Pops are helping you out because you’re supposed to be getting your degree. They’re not going to just give you rent money for nothing.

Chantal: Yeah, and I can’t afford this place by myself now that I lost my job.

Johnny: Fine. I guess I’ll ask Dad and Pops if I can stay there for a while.

Chantal: I’ll give you a couple of weeks to get your things together, but don’t take advantage.

Cece: Yeah, and our parents aren’t going to let you mooch off of them forever. At some point you’re going to have to act like an adult. 

Johnny: Yeah, whatever.

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[honeyjars-sims]

2.22 Painful Truths

Johnny: I missed you, baby.

Lexie: We just saw each other yesterday, silly!

Johnny: Well, I want to see you all the time.

Lexie: You’d get sick of me, I promise. And you’d see all the gross stuff I keep hidden. Bad breath, greasy hair, the works.

Johnny: None of that would bother me. I love you, bad breath and all.

Lexie: Johnny, there’s something I need to tell you. I just don’t want you to be upset or take it personally.

Johnny: What’s wrong?

Lexie: Nothing’s wrong exactly. I just might’ve jumped the gun a bit. When you told me you loved me, I said I love you too. But I’m not sure I’m ready for that yet. 

Johnny: Oh. Well, that’s ok.

Lexie: Are you sure? I mean, it’s a big thing to tell someone you love them for the first time. I know opening up like that wasn’t easy for you.

Johnny: I’m disappointed, sure, but I didn’t really mean to say it yet. it just kinda slipped out. 

Lexie: I’m really sorry. I know I shouldn't have said something that I wasn't feeling, but I didn’t want to hurt your feelings. Especially after everything that happened on our trip. You really didn’t do anything wrong. You’re a great boyfriend and one of the best people I know. I think I just need more time is all.

Johnny: You’re right, we are young. Like I said on our trip, I don’t want to rush anything if you’re not ready. I’m a patient guy.

Lexie: I’m glad you’re not upset. And yeah, we should just enjoy our time together without putting too much pressure on ourselves. 

Johnny: Yeah, who knows…maybe your breath will scare me away after all.' “'What happened with you and Lexie?' 'Oh, you know, she’s so gross I couldn’t take it anymore!'

Lexie: [laughing and playfully hitting Johnny's arm] Shut up!

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[honeyjars-sims]

2.24 Compulsory

Izzy: Look Donovan, there goes your girlfriend! [laughs]

Lexie: Girlfriend? Is someone switching teams?

Donovan: Hardly. Just a girl with no gaydar, apparently.

Chase: What would it take for you to get with a girl? Like, what if she offered you a ton of money?

Donovan: Not for a million dollars!

Izzy: Shit, I think I could be persuaded if she offered me a cheeseburger at this point. It’s hard out here for a college student.

Donovan: Not that hard!

Johnny: Izzy, get some standards, man. At least hold out for something better than fast food.

Chase: Do you really think you could be with a girl, though? Even if someone offered me something I really wanted to be with a guy, at the end of the day I’m 100% straight.

Izzy: Well, silly hypothetical scenarios aside, I’m not sure that I’d say I’m 100% gay. I can’t picture myself being attracted to a girl, but things aren’t always so black and white.

Johnny: I think I’m with Izzy. I’ve never been attracted to a guy, but can’t I say for sure it couldn’t happen with the right person. Never say never, I guess.

Kelsey: Team pansexual!. I’m just attracted to whoever I’m attracted to.

Donovan: What about you, Lexie?

Lexie: Oh, I don’t know. I guess I’ve never really thought about it before.

Izzy: Hey, did you guys hear that Venessa Jeong came out as a lesbian?

Lexie: Really? She’s had so many boyfriends! She was in the closet that whole time?

Izzy: Not exactly. She didn’t realize she was gay until recently.

Lexie: Not to be rude, but how could someone not realize they’re gay?

Kelsey: That’s comphet for you.

Johnny: Comphet? Sounds like an exotic noodle dish.

Kelsey: It means compulsory heterosexuality. Basically, it’s the idea that being straight is so ingrained in our culture that a lot of queer people, especially women, don’t even consider being gay as an option.

Lexie: Yeah, but how did she have sex with guys for all those years if she’s not attracted to men?

Izzy: I think it goes back to what we were talking about earlier. Being gay doesn’t mean you’re disgusted by the opposite sex. I’m not going to burst into flames if a woman touches me.

Donovan: I might!

Kelsey: I think Venessa said it took her a while to realize some of her feelings about sex and relationships weren’t normal. She thought she was just nervous about it because she usually lost interest after guys starting like her back.

Lexie: Like she just wanted them to like her, even though she wasn’t sure she liked them the same way?

Kelsey: Yeah, pretty much. She tried to make herself like them, but she couldn’t ever match their feelings. Does it make more sense to you now?

Lexie: Yeah, it does.

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[honeyjars-sims]

2.32 Lou to the Rescue

Lou: Chantal, I just want to say I appreciate you helping out with this case. You could’ve just walked away and washed your hands of all of this, but what you’re doing is going to help a lot of people.

Chantal: I hope so. I feel bad enough that I’ve been working for a company that’s doing such horrible things.

Lou: The important thing is that you’re doing something about it now. I understand you have some reservations about this whole thing. I know lawyers don’t have the greatest reputations, but I promise you–and your dads– that you’re in good hands.

David: Father to father, we’re worried about what this company is capable of. How do we know that testifying against them won’t have consequences for Chantal?

Lou: Look, as a father, I wouldn’t put a young woman through this if I didn’t think we had a strong case. Thanks to your daughter, we do. The evidence speaks for itself, but with Chantal’s testimony, we have it in the bag.

Solomon: Well, it’s up to Chantal if she wants to proceed with testifying. What do you think, honey?

Chantal: I want to do what I can to make things right. If that means testifying against SNOOT and putting myself at risk for retaliation, then so be it. I just can’t walk away knowing I could’ve done something and didn’t.

Lou: You’re doing the right thing. I’ll work with you to prepare you for what kind of questions they might ask and how to answer them. I promise you, everything’s going to be fine. And if they try anything after the trial, let me know and I’ll help you however I can.

Chantal: Thanks so much! I feel better now. I can’t wait to see Ambrose get what she deserves.

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[honeyjars-sims]

2.27 Old Wounds

TRIGGER WARNING: This post contains C-PTSD flashbacks relating to child abuse. While not graphic, please use your own discretion in continuing with this post if those topics are triggering or upsetting to you.

Bonnie: I just wanted to say thanks to everyone for coming out to celebrate my birthday with me. We’ve been through a lot as a family, but I’m so glad that we’re all here together now.

Johnny: Happy birthday, Mom!

Chantal and Destiny: Happy birthday!

Trinity: Just cut the cake already!

[laughter]

Johnny: So you’re the kid who’s dating my little sister. What’s your deal? Got a job yet?

Demarcus: No, sir, I’m only 12.

Johnny: Hmm. Well, I hope you’re treating my sister right. I know how 12-year-old boys are. I was one, after all.

[Johnny starts to put his hand on Demarcus’ shoulder]

Demarcus: Ah! Don't hurt me!

[Johnny has a flashback of Jimmy: Don't be such a brat and I won't have to!]

Johnny: I won't, why would you think that?

Demarcus: I dunno. Isn’t that what big brothers do?

Johnny: No! I was just messing with you. I would never…I’ll be back.

[Johnny goes to the bathroom to compose himself] 

Bonnie: [holding Darien] And there’s your Auntie Chantal!

Chantal: Hey sweet boy!

Destiny: Sorry Mom, I’m gonna have to take him back so I can put him down for a nap. 

Bonnie: Aw, sweet dreams little guy! [to Chantal] Doesn’t he make you want one of your own?

Chantal: Nope! I’m done with men anyhow.

Bonnie: I can’t blame you for that one. They cause nothin’ but trouble.

[The front door opens]

Trinity: Dad!

Jimmy: Hey princess! I thought I’d stop by to say hello since I didn’t get to see you this weekend.

Chantal: Mom, what the fuck? Why is he here?

Bonnie: Jimmy, I told you not to come!

Jimmy: Relax, I’ll just be a second. Hey, Johnny! Listen, I've been wanting--

Chantal: Don’t you fucking get near him!

Destiny: Stay back, Jimmy!

Jimmy: I just want to apologize!

[Chantal and Destiny block Jimmy from getting near Johnny. Johnny runs out of the apartment]

Bonnie: Johnny! Wait!

[Everyone follows Johnny outside]

Chantal: Jimmy, get the fuck out of here before I fucking end you!

Destiny: Leave, Jimmy!

Jimmy: Fine, I’m leaving! This wouldn’t be a problem if he wasn’t such a pussy.

Destiny: [to Bonnie] We’ve got him.

Johnny: [to Chantal] Please take me home.

Bonnie: Johnny, I’m so sorry, I told him not to come. I–

Chantal: Stop! You’ve done enough. Let’s go, bubs.

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[honeyjars-sims]

2.34 Witness Part 2/2

Lilian: Chantal, there’s someone I’d like you to meet. This is my sister, Julianne.

Julianne: I just wanted to thank you for coming forward with all of the information you had. It really helped my case. Now that Ambrose is responsible for paying my medical bills, I’ll finally be able to continue my medical treatments. And the award for pain and suffering will make up for the income I lost after losing my job.

Chantal: It was the least I could do. I’m glad you and the other victims can finally move on and that Ambrose will be paying for what she’s done.

Lilian: If you need anything let me know. I hope I’ll see you around.

Chantal: Sure, see you!

[Ambrose and Nico approach Chantal. David starts to walk towards them, but Solomon stops him]

Solomon: She can handle this.

Ambrose: You! You sneaky little rat! You were supposed to be on my side. You’ll pay for this, Chantel!

Chantal: My name is Chantal! And from what I hear, I think you’re the one who’ll be paying. I do want to thank you, though. I did learn a lot from you about how not to run a business. 

Chantal: [turns to Nico] And Nico, I want to thank you for teaching me what kind of man I don’t want. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a lot of big plans I need to focus on, and I’m not letting either of you stand in my way.

Chantal: [continues] Oh, and if you contact me again, you’ll be hearing from my lawyer.

David: We’re so proud of you honey!

Solomon: You did the right thing, and it really paid off.

Chantal: Yeah, I’m just glad some good came from this whole situation. This whole thing made me realize that I do have some trauma from my upbringing that I need to address. I’ve always tried to ignore it, but I think it’s time I started therapy.

David: I think that’s a great idea.

Solomon: I hope you feel more comfortable coming to us with your problems. 

Chantal: I do! Thanks for being there for me today...and every day.

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[honeyjars-sims]

[honeyjars-sims]

2.29 Support System

David: How’s Johnny been?

Chantal: A lot better. He blocked Mom’s number and has been trying to focus on other things.

Solomon: I can’t believe Jimmy was out of prison and she didn’t even say anything.

Chantal: Yeah, I’m pretty pissed off about it myself. I’ve been so stressed worrying about Johnny on top of everything else.

David: Is work still giving you trouble?

Chantal: Yeah.

Solomon: Just talk to us about it, honey. You don’t have to go through this alone.

David: Yeah, we’re here for you. That’s how things work in this family.

Chantal: Okay, I think I’m in over my head at this point anyway. So the CEO has gotten herself into some legal trouble. She was purchasing ingredients through third party sellers that don’t meet government standards. The ingredients caused some bad reactions and now people are taking legal action.

Solomon: Sounds like she’s gotten herself into quite the mess. Are you going to quit?

Chantal: Well, it’s not that simple. I’ve been helping gather evidence against her for the opposition that they couldn't get. They needed my help because I have connections at the company.

David: What kind of connections?

Chantal: I don’t want to say.

Solomon: Chan, you know you can tell us anything. We’re here to help.

Chantal: I…kind of had a relationship with my boss. But I found out he knows about the ingredients, and he’s just using me.

David: Oh, Chan, I wish you’d told us about all of this.

Chantal: I just feel so ashamed. I knew it was wrong, but he just kept telling me all of these good things and I just wanted to feel special.

Solomon: Honey, you are special. You don’t need a man to tell you that. 

Chantal: I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I started that job with the intention of working hard and proving myself, and I ended up almost ruining my life for a man.

David: No, this isn’t your fault. That man manipulated someone vulnerable for his own benefit.    

Solomon: People like that know how to seek out people’s insecurities and use them against them.

Chantal: I guess I didn’t realize I was so insecure. I’ve always thought I was strong and self-assured. I just don’t know how I got myself into this position.

David: You don’t have to be strong all of the time. 

Chantal: I know. I just hate feeling like I don’t have it together. I don’t want to have to rely on other people.

Solomon: That’s what we’re here for, to give you a safe place to come to when you need help.

David: We’re really proud of you for opening up about this. I know it’s hard to ask for help, but everyone needs other people sometimes. Is there anything we can do?

Chantal: Could you guys come with me to talk to the prosecutor? I’m supposed to be a witness for the prosecution, but my bosses think I’m going to help them out. I’m worried about what they’ll do when they realize what I’m doing. 

Solomon: Of course, honey. We’ll be there when you speak with the lawyer and we’ll come to the trial. What’s the lawyer’s name?

Chantal: It’s Lou DiMarco. From what I could find online, he seems like a decent guy.

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[honeyjars-sims]

2.23 Making a Switch

Trinity: Dad! Here, hold my bag.

Jimmy: What do I look like, a chauffeur?

Trinity: [grumbling] Fine, I’ll take it to your car myself.

Jimmy: What are we going to do with this girl?

Bonnie: [laughing] She’s a handful! Hey, there’s something I wanted to talk to you about.

Jimmy: Ok, shoot.

Bonnie: I know you’re supposed to have Trinity every other weekend, but my birthday’s coming up in a couple of weeks. I thought about having all of my kids over for a little party now that we’re all getting along better. Do you mind if she stays here that weekend?

Jimmy: Well, I guess that’s fine. But you owe me another switch if I have something come up in the future.

Bonnie: Deal! Thanks for not giving me a hard time about it.

Jimmy: Hey, I told you, Trinity comes first. And that means we need to get along for her sake. You know, next time you could just invite me and Trinity could spend time with both of her parents.

Bonnie: Don’t push it, Jimmy. Johnny’s going to be there, and I already told you that wouldn’t be a good idea.

Jimmy: Ok, ok, I got it. But this can’t go on forever. What happens at Trinity’s graduation or her wedding? I’m sure as hell not missing out on those.

Bonnie: [rolling her eyes] Neither of those things are happening anytime soon. How about we cross that bridge when we get to it, hmm?

Jimmy: I guess. Okay, Trin, are you ready to spend the weekend with your favorite guy?

Trinity: Demarcus is going to be there? Sweet!

Jimmy: Haha, you wish, ya little smartass!

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[honeyjars-sims]

2.4 Drama Lessons

Lexie: I couldn't believe he found another Snowflake for me. It was the sweetest gift anyone's ever given me.

Bonnie: That's such a cute story! Johnny had a little stuffed cat that he used to drag around everywhere when he was little. What was his name again? Jackie? Jerky?

Johnny: Jinkies. I was really into Scooby Doo at the time.

Bonnie: That's right! Well, it seems like you two are birds of a feather. I'm so glad Johnny found such a sweet girl. And so pretty, too.

Lexie: Thanks, Ms. Ayers!

Bonnie: It’s Messer, actually. I never bothered to change my last name after my divorce. I'm glad we finally got to meet. I was beginning to think Johnny was trying to keep us apart.

Johnny: Mom, I told you I’d introduce you to her. I just wanted to wait a little while.

Bonnie: I know, I know. But it all turned out fine. I swear sometimes you make things so much harder than they have to be. Everything’s always gotta be a big thing. Lexie, I’m sure you know what I mean.

Lexie: Um, actually, Johnny is pretty easy going most of the time.

Bonnie: Yeah, that’s because you’re a girl that he wants to impress. Give it a few months and you’ll see. I love him to death, but he can really be a drama queen when he wants to be.

Johnny: Gee, thanks Mom.

Bonnie: Oh, come, Johnny. I’m just teasing you. I thought you were all about the jokes.

Lexie: Ms. Messer, I don’t know if Johnny mentioned this, but we’re going to be involved in some theater productions with the Drama department this year. Right, Johnny?

Johnny: Yeah, I think it will be fun. Hopefully we’ll be able to get some onstage experience. It’ll probably be a lot of behind the scenes stuff.

Bonnie: Oh, that’s nice! Do you want to be an actress, Lexie?

Lexie: I do, but I’d like to do a little bit of everything. Writing, directing, producing…it all seems exciting to me.

Johnny: We’re friends with a lot of other drama students and we’ve been talking about creating some content together to post it online.

Bonnie: What kind of content?

Lexie: Right now there’s a lot of competing ideas. Everyone has something different they want to try. I guess that’s what happens when a bunch of creatives try to collaborate!

Bonnie: I’m sure you’ll figure something out. That sounds really cool. You know, you’ve been such a good influence on Johnny. He’s been doing so much better since he met you. 

Lexie: Well, I can’t really take credit for that. Johnny is really determined. Once he decides to do something, he’s going to see it through. I’m really proud of him.

Johnny: Thanks, Lex. That’s nice to hear.

Bonnie: I’m proud of you, too, son. I guess all your stubbornness is finally paying off!

Johnny: Yeah, sure.

Lexie: Well, it was really nice to meet you, but Johnny and I have an assignment we need to work on. I don’t want to fall behind so early in the semester.

Bonnie: Oh, I hate for you to leave so soon, but I guess schoolwork is important. It was nice meeting you, Lexie. Johnny, don’t be such a stranger.

Johnny: See you later, Mom. I love you.

Bonnie: Love you too! Bye!

Johnny and Lexie: Bye!

Johnny: [whispering as they walk away] Thank you.

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[honeyjars-sims]

2.19 Dolly Would

Cece: It was so awesome! I thought I was going to be too nervous to perform, but I just asked myself ‘What would Dolly do?’ and the nerves just melted away.

Ben: Yeah, I even convinced her to sing a solo! She absolutely killed it!

[Cece plays a video of her performance]

Cece: [singing] I’ve never hurt nobody, never buried a body, never killed no one, no no. I ain't afraid to get a little crazy, baby, when I'm in love. You say you've had your fun and that you're done and I'm the one. Just know that if you fuck around, boy, I'll hunt you down.

Lexie: Wow you sound amazing!

Johnny: I wish we could’ve been there to see it in person!

Lexie: Who is that I hear screaming?

David: Oh, that was me. I screamed so loud I lost my voice for 2 days.

Solomon: [off-screen] Ah, 2 days of bliss!

David: Oh, stop! So, how was Granite Falls?

Johnny: It was great! The weather was perfect. We rented a paddleboat. I even caught a couple of fish!

Cece: See, I knew you two would have a great time without us!

Solomon: Chantal, you’re awfully quiet. Is everything ok?

Chantal: Yeah, I’ve just been a little stressed about some work stuff.

David: Oh? What’s going on at work?

Chantal: Nothing I want to talk about. 

Solomon: That’s not like you. Normally you’re as chatty as your dad.

Chantal: I’m a big girl, I can figure it out for myself.

Solomon: If you say so. Anyway, not to take away from Cece’s big moment, but your Dad has some exciting news.

David: I got a call from the casting director at Drag Superstar and I made it on the show!

[Everyone reacts with excitement to the news and congratulates David]

Chantal: I'm so happy for you! When does filming start?

David: In a few weeks, so I have to scramble and get everything together by then. It's all so surreal.

Cece: I can't believe this is happening for real! If you need anything, we're here to help!

Johnny: Yeah, I don't know much about fashion, but I can work a hot glue gun like no one's business.

David: Thanks, I need all the help I can get! I have to admit, I'm a little nervous about being on TV. I hope people like me.

Johnny: Don't be so humble, Dad! The audience is going to love you!

Chantal: Yeah, they totally will!

Cece: I can't wait! When I finally see you on the screen, I’m going to scream as loud for you as you did for me!

Solomon: I doubt that’s possible!

[laughter]

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Bonus pics from Cece's show below!

Deco sims by @xldkx-cc, lazysimmies, and @softpine (I might be missing someone, sorry if I did). Rock Festival lot by VirtualFairytales (TSR) /gallery ID: mighty_isa. This was a bigger stage than what I intended to use, but I couldn't pass this one up!

[honeyjars-sims]

2.25 Do the Right Thing

Lilian: Thanks for getting those documents for me. The lawyer says it should be an open shut case. Have you talked to him yet?

Chantal: Yeah, I’m meeting with him next week. I’m a little nervous about it though. I’ve never dealt with the legal system before.

Lilian: Yeah, it’s stressful for sure. I hope you have a good support system to help you through all of this.

Chantal: My family is great, but I haven’t told them about everything yet. I wanted to handle it myself, but I’m just so overwhelmed.

Lilian: Well, maybe you should reach out to them. I’m sure they wouldn’t want you to go through this alone. I’d walk through fire for my family, I’m sure yours would do the same.

Chantal: They would. I’ll talk to my dads and see if they can come with me to the lawyer’s office.

Lilian: I think that’s a great idea! 

Nico: Hey, Chantal, can you come with me for a minute?

Chantal: Uh, sure.

[Nico leads Chantal to Ambrose’s office]

Ambrose: Good morning, Chantel. There’s something I'd like to discuss with you.

Chantal: Yes, of course. What do you need?

Ambrose: Well, I’m sure you’re aware of the nasty rumors a certain someone has been spreading about me.

Chantal: Oh, yeah, I’ve heard a little about it. I can’t believe someone would say such awful things.

Ambrose: It really is a shame. We used to be so close, but jealousy is an ugly monster. Anyway, it seems Kayla’s accusations have inspired some money grabbers to take advantage of the rumors and make some false accusations about the quality of my products.

Chantal: Oh, that’s terrible!

Ambrose: Indeed it is, and some of them have even brought lawyers to the matter. A shame for them since I can afford much better counsel, but you can understand I want to be prepared.

Chantal: Of course, do you need me to help in some way?

Ambrose: Oh, Chantel, you’re really such a doll! I actually could use some help. I’m very concerned about how all of this will affect my reputation, as you can imagine. I’m sure I’ll win the case, but the better I come off during the trial, the better chance I have of overcoming these vicious lies. I just need a few people to vouch for me on the stand and tell the jury that I’m not capable of such things. 

Chantal: Sure, whatever you need. I’ve learned a lot about you since working here, and I’m sure I know just what to say to sway public opinion in the right direction.

Ambrose: That’s great to hear Chantel! There are likely to be a lot of accusations thrown about, and you know how tricky those lawyers are. Sometimes you want to be honest, but they have a way of making the truth sound much more insidious than it is.

Nico: We need to know that no one’s revealing anything that could be misconstrued, whether it’s truthful or not. Some things are better left unsaid, you know? 

Chantal: Yeah, confirming something that makes the company look bad could really affect the outcome of the trial.

Nico: I’m glad you understand. It would be unfortunate if things at this company didn’t work out for you. It’s such a good opportunity. 

Ambrose: Yes, and especially after all the business about the review you wrote. It would be quite a task to get hired somewhere else after that. Not many people would be willing to overlook such an egregious mistake.

Chantal: I thought you said that the review would be forgotten about and everyone would move on?

Nico: That was before this became a legal issue. The stakes have certainly been raised now, wouldn’t you agree?

Ambrose: Yes, that sort of information could be advantageous in certain situations where blame needs to be placed on someone. Do you understand what I’m getting at?

Chantal: I think I do.

Ambrose: Then I can count on you to do the right thing here?

Chantal: Absolutely.

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[honeyjars-sims]

2.20 Making It Right

Farrah: Are you sure this is safe? What if you’re being ambushed?

Chantal: It’s fine. I think.

Farrah: [screaming] AHH! What was that???

Chantal: A squirrel. I think I would’ve felt safer if I came by myself.

Lilian: Hi Chantal, thanks so much for responding to my message. This is my friend Kayla.

Kayla: It’s nice to meet you, Chantal.

Chantal: Kayla Flemming? You two know each other? Wow, Ambrose was right, you really did have someone on the inside!

Lilian: Kayla and I have known each other since we were kids. Who’s this?

Chantal: This is my best friend, Farrah.

Farrah: Shh! Don’t use my real name! Uh, I’ll just wait over there and make sure no one’s coming.

Lilian: I’m sure you’re wondering what’s going on here, so I'll just cut to the chase. A few months ago, my sister Julianne used one of the SNOOT lubes and suffered some pretty bad chemical burns. She had some nerve damage and scarring that left her in a lot of pain.

Chantal: Oh my God, that’s awful! 

Lilian: Yeah, it really is. She wanted to contact a lawyer, but she couldn’t afford to. But she knew whatever was in that lube was too caustic to be safe. She wanted to warn others, so she left a review. Ambrose contacted her and asked her to take the review down. She even offered her hush money. But my sister refused.

Chantal: Good for her! I can’t believe Ambrose did that. Well, I guess I can.

Lilian: It gets worse. Ambrose flew off the handle when she refused to remove the review. Unfortunately, my sister used her full name. A few days later, someone made an anonymous call to her job with some false accusations. She was fired and had to stop her medical treatments. We know it was someone associated with SNOOT, but we have no way to prove it. That’s when I contacted Kayla.

Kayla: I knew Ambrose was all about saving a few bucks wherever possible, so it didn’t surprise me that she was putting out harmful products. When I heard about what happened to Julianne, I had to do something to help. I offered to help her pay for a lawyer so she could get some justice. Unfortunately, we still had one other problem.

Lilian: We knew it was the lube that caused the burns, but we didn’t have any actual proof. Kayla suggested I do some recognizance by getting a job at SNOOT. She helped me craft the perfect resume, and I’ve been working on gathering evidence ever since.

Chantal: So why do you need me?

Lilian: It was the perfect plan on paper, but I’m not a detective. I was never able to get close enough to anyone important to gather the intel I needed. Then I saw you in Nico’s office late one night.

Chantal: [embarrassed] Oh. 

Lilian: Yeah. I figured I could use your...connections to my advantage. I know that sounds awful, but it was also an opportunity for me to warn you about everything that’s going on before it caused you any problems. Knowing what happened to Kayla, I had to let you know.

Chantal: Wait, what happened to you?

Kayla: I was in the same situation then as you are now. A few years back, Nico was my boss. He started flirting with me, and I was taken in by how special he made me feel. He introduced me to Ambrose and said she could help me build my career.

Kayla: [continued] But then he started putting me down and shutting me out. When I got pregnant, he sent me money for an abortion and stopped talking to me. Then Ambrose suddenly cut me out of the company we were starting. 

Chantal: I’m so sorry that happened to you. Trust me, I know now how stupid I was being by getting involved with him. 

Kayla: You’re not stupid, Chantal. You’re kind. People like Nico and Ambrose will take advantage of that kindness, but that’s their shortcoming, not yours. I know this all might sound like a personal grudge, but I also know you noticed all the red flags just like I did. We chose to ignore them, but it’s not too late now to make this right.

Lilian: I know it’s a lot to ask, but if you have any information that could help us, my sister and I would really appreciate it.

Kayla: I can give you the lawyer’s contact information if that makes you feel more comfortable. I know lawyers get a bad rep, but he’s a family man and he really fights for his clients.

Chantal: I did find some things out recently that could help your case. Nico has documents in his office that show they've been getting their ingredients from unreliable sources. And he asked me to create some receipts that show they bought them somewhere reputable. He said the originals got damaged, but I know now that was a lie. I’ll give the lawyer a call.

Lilian: Wow, that would help a lot! Do you think you'd be able to get a hold of them to make copies?

Chantal: Yeah, they're locked in his desk but I can pretend I need something from the supply closet and ask to borrow his keys. He's in a bunch of meetings during the day, so I can sneak in there during one of those if you can keep watch for me.

Lilian: Sure! Thanks so much! I know this isn’t easy for you either and you didn’t have to get involved. But I’m so grateful that you did.

Chantal: I just hope it works out…for all of us.

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[honeyjars-sims]

2.28 Stay With Me

Lexie: What happened?

Chantal: We were at my mom’s house and Jimmy just walked in. He tried to talk to Johnny but Destiny and I weren’t about to let that happen.

Cece: That son of a bitch!

Lexie: Oh my God. Is he ok?

Chantal: Mostly. He’s been sleeping, but he asked for you a couple of times.

[Lexie gets into Johnny's bed and gently shakes him awake]

Lexie: Johnny?

Johnny: Lexie! You’re here!

Lexie: What do you need?

Johnny: Please just hold me.

[Lexie wraps her arms around him]

Johnny: I just thought I was doing better and then I saw him, and I just…

Lexie: It’s ok to feel afraid after what you’ve been through. It doesn’t mean you haven’t made any progress.

Johnny: I guess. Standing there I felt just the same as I did when I was a kid. I felt so small and vulnerable. I wish I would’ve hit him or yelled at him or something. Anything other than running away like a coward.

Lexie: Hitting him wouldn’t have made you feel better, even if he deserves it. And you’re not a coward. He is. Otherwise he wouldn’t have targeted a little boy who couldn’t fight back.

Johnny: Well, I’m not a little boy anymore. I’m a man. Or at least I’m supposed to be.

Lexie: You’re more of a man than he’ll ever be. You have the biggest heart, Johnny. You do so much to make other people feel loved. You’re so understanding and empathetic…he’ll never know how it feels to love like you do. 

Johnny: I guess. Lexie?

Lexie: Yeah?

Johnny: Please just stay with me, ok? Don’t leave me.

Lexie: I won’t. I’ll stay right here.

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