#the krazy crazy life of kassiopeia fullbright second edition

[livinasimminlife]

Dear David...

If you’ve kept up with The Krazy Crazy Life of Kassiopeia Fullbright, you’ll know about the appearance of the Bayless family from Twinbrook. If not, then, ***minor spoiler alert!***

Davis Lamar is related to them... a.k.a. David Bayless. Arc 34, Remembering, briefly features the Bayless family. I decided to share some stills from my gameplay for fun. 

Avery Bayless (14)  is rather angry that the soda machine ate her simoleons. She really hoped for a refreshing drink after school.

Dear David, I really hate this blasted machine! I wish you were here to reach up with your long arms and grab the cola. 

Frustrated, Avery gives up and comes home to play ball with her brother, Taye on their Bayuck swamp farm.

The days and nights kinda blend together, but every night, Taye and I play ball. It’s kinda nice. I know he wouldn’t admit it but he’s grown to be handsome while you’ve been gone... er... except for those ears! 

Taye Bayless (17) tosses a baseball with his sister, Avery near the swamp. He’s taking a break from studying for exams, and he adores his kid sister. 

At least I can wear my hair long to cover mine. The girls at school still make fun of me. I don’t know if I can ever show my face again there after falling flat on my pimply nose while trying to get that blasted cola!

Avery and Taye play ball in the yard near the water tower that provides fresh water for the Bayless family. Also Avery’s sporting her rainboots since the ground can be quite mushy in the swamps. Avery shares a special relationship with Taye as they both love the outdoors and are active. 

But here on the farm, I can just be goofy self and laugh and play in the yard. No one’s gonna see me with all this swamp grass ‘round. Don’t feel like you gotta write back. It’s just stupid stuff here, really. Don’t even know howta end so bye, I guess. ~ Aves

Skye Bayless (16) plays the bass much like their older half-brother, Davis. They also have a flamboyant style. In game, when Skye aged up from toddler to child, they had a feminine hairstyle, and when they aged up to teen, Skye was actually wearing a dress. I decided Skye is gender fluid as the game encouraged me, preferring they/their as pronouns. Look at the pure joy on their face! 

Evening hangs in sultry skies; the heat of sweetgrass swaying in the sweaty breeze. The scent of sun-soaked tea tickles my nose and tempts me away from practice. I ponder little and then I play the love song only Bayucks know and beat my foot upon the porch wood. I strum the notes you taught me b’fore and think of the soft twangs on a sweltering night that barely scratch the sky for which I’m named.

Skye shares a room with their older brother, Taye. Taye is a studious kid and is looking forward to university and getting out of the backwater swamp. Here he practicing writing his speech. 

How do I start? I miss you sounds trite. I love you sounds stupid. But I do, mmkay? Uni apps are due soon and M’as breathi’n down’em my neck, but ya know...what she dont’ realize is I really wanna go and be out there in the world. And somehow I know its tough for ya’s now, but you make it seem okay... that the world aint so scary if you can face everythin’g that’s you have and still come out okay. So hang on... oh and um... when you get home... I still need help with apos’trophes. - Love, Taye (and yeah, Im cool with mushyness but dont’cha tell Ma). 

Little River (5) Bayless is sad. She misses her big brother very much. She also lost her doll somewhere and fears the dog took off and buried it somewhere in the swamp. 

Dear David, I miss you. I love you. My dolly is gone. I think the dog took it. I think the dog put it in the yard in the ground. I wish you was here. We could dig it up to...to...too...(it’s a big word - Chase helped me). together. ~ River 

Shepherd Skeet Bayless may live in the Bayuck swamp, but he’s far from backward. True, he prefers the simple life, but he takes pride in his swamp farming skills. Here he tends to the sweetgrass his family has grown for generations and practices his sermons. After all, plants are very good listeners.

 Son, I miss you. We can’t wait for you to be home. I think it would be good to spend time in the garden together. Plants have a healing nature to them. After all, the Good Lord gave us a garden to tend to give us purpose and a place. Enclosed are my notes from my latest sermon, some psalms, and a few of your favorite hymns. I’ve taken to preaching to the plants. I know it’s dumb, probably, but they listen. I hope you’ll listen and know that you just get well and get home soon, okay? 

At twilight, Chase Bayless (19), all grown up, and capturing the land she calls home on the canvas. It’s a cooler evening than most, the mists of the swamp rising up to provide some low haze. She’s home on break from uni, an Education major, and she took up painting to unwind.

Dear David, I don’t want you to worry about me. Shark Racket broke my heart all those years ago and I know how angry you were. But today he brought me a cake. He dropped it off on the porch and ran away like a sissy, but I saw him through the curtains. I think he heard about your situation somehow. Townsfolk talk. The parishoners whisper among themselves on Sundays and I don’t like it. But you don’t need to worry about it. I’ll bop any of ‘em on the nose if they speak badly about you. 

Ma Bayless... Gwayne, that is, has enchantress abilities. She hoped at least one of her children would inherit her supernatural genes, but alas! No matter how many kids she popped out, not one of them is “special.” She takes out her frustrations by crafting potions (legal and illegal) in the attic of the Bayless Manor. 

Ma’am’s spendin’ most nights in the attic. I don’t think she’d admit it, but she feels guilty. She’s working on the perfect stress potion. She says it’s for her, but I don’t think so. I hear her mumblin’ to herself, hissing at herself, and she says your name a lot and that she’s uh... failed you. Don’t tell her I said that. She’d probably wring my neck like a spring chicken. 

Avery, like her siblings, Davis and Skye, loves music. It brings a smile to her face every time she can tickle the ivories in the evenings. What southern home is complete without a family music room? 

The armless statue of the goddess Veni offends Pa Bayless, but Chase brought the beauty back from her studies abroad in Sim Union. After three days of arguing, Gwayne finally convinced her husband to keep the peace and allow the lady to be on display. 

Did I tell you I got to study abroad? You aren’t the only Bayless to travel now, big brother. I betcha can see my smile. I can still try and one up you, ya know? I spent some time in Championne, in the City of Lights. Oh it was beautiful! I wish you could’ve seen all the art and culture and that you could taste the scones. I’ll make you some when you return.You still like blueberries, right?

I’ve enclosed some of my silly scribblings from the trip. I hope you don’t mind. Tonight I’m painting on the porch. I can hear Skye and Avery both play different songs, and yet somehow they blend so beautifully. I think you’ve inspired them. 

When she isn’t enchanting, Gwayne likes to feel the earth between her fingers. After all, an enchantress has a special relationship with nature. It’s the only time she can be “free” and doesn’t feel the pressures of motherhood and her business management career. 

And Ma’am too. You know she loves you in her own way. She spends more time in the garden now than she ever did, in the section we used to call yours. She’s trying to cut back on her hours at city hall. I think she misses you. But yeah, don’t tell her I said it. This is our secret. 

Taye gets in a late night workout in a dark corner of the attic. He really wants to grow out of the “skinny boy” stereotype. Alas! I don’t think he’ll grow into those ears! 

Taye’s upstairs now fighting on the weight machine like you always did. He’s determined not to be so scrawny anymore. 

In the backyard, River plays pirate in the treehouse. Land Ho! 

And River... I caught her in the treehouse you built with her and Pa tonight. She sleeps out there most nights, playing pirate into the wee morning hours. She says she’s lookin’ out for you over the Gulf. You’ve got a guardian angel you know that? Well, I should sleep. I’ve got an online class in the morning and I need my beauty rest. I hope you’re hanging in there. Hurry home. ~ Yours, Chase 

Hope you enjoyed! 

(The arc itself is NSFW, but if you want to read the chapters featuring the Bayless family directly/indirectly, you can read Unyielding and Unexpected.) 

[livinasimminlife]

1.84 Proverbial Black Hat (KCLKF)

“You texting your boyfriend?” Gage inquired.

Kass nearly dropped the phone. “Uh no… what makes you say that?” she slid onto the chair and began scooping up her food.

Gage had already inhaled his food.

“Relax, Kass,” he laughed and stood up to toss out his paper plate. “I’m only teasing. But that Davis guy seems to be hanging around.”

“What? Oh?” she buried her gaze in her plate of nachos.

Read More on WordPress. 

[livinasimminlife]

1.83 Phony (KCLKF)

She pulled out her phone and realized the text was from Clark. What’s up? he asked.

Kass: Found something of interest. Need advice.

Clark replied momentarily.

Clark: What kind of advice?

Kass: About a stolen piece of property found with a mutual friend of ours.

Clark: Where are you? We should meet.

Kass typed ‘Agreed,’ and then noticed Gage walking through the double door entrance.

Kass: Can’t talk right now. I’ll check in later.

Read More on WordPress. 

[livinasimminlife]

1.81 Precious Stones (KCLKF)

“This piece… where did you get it?” Kass gasped.

“Where I get most of my stuff, lady…” the man replied, rolling his eyes, grey like incoming storm clouds. “…at legitimate auctions and the like.”

“What auction? Where?” Kass inquired, her heart pounding.

“For that piece?” he shrugged. “How should I know? The real question is how much are you willing to pay?”

“You do keep records of your purchases, right? And certificates of authenticity?” she inquired.

“Step off, girlie,” the man winced. “If you aren’t the paying customer, I don’t aim to serve ya.”

Read More on WordPress. 

[livinasimminlife]

1.79 No Harm Done (KCLKF)

Gage narrowed his eyes. “What are you doing here, Davis?”

“I could ask you the same thing,” Davis shrugged.

Uh oh, Kass thought. Time to intervene.

“All of us at Jade’s…” she piped up. “Are like family, you know.” Even if I don’t work at the Java Jolt.

“Did you come together?” Gage asked.

Davis opened his mouth to speak, and Kass interjected.

“You know he works for my grandparents. I got the news and we drove right over,” she said.

She could see an unrecognizable emotion register in Davis’ eyes. Confusion?  Sadness? Frustration? Kass decided she didn’t have time to explain their new relationship to Gage, and given the circumstances, this wasn’t the time or place for such a conversation.

“Riiight,” Gage seemed skeptical, but he moved on. “Looks like Abe is headed back this way.”

Read More on WordPress. 

[livinasimminlife]

1.78, Pt. 3: No Mistake (KCLKF)

Reporters began buzzing around the vehicle, snapping photographs, catching reel, chattering all at once. The media surrounded the mayoral candidate as she stepped from the car, not a loose hair in her signature blonde bun, dark sunglasses covering her eyes. Kass grimaced. What could Nancy Landgrabb possibly be doing here? The mayor incumbent lifted her hand and began to make a statement to the press. Kass shifted from the park bench, supporting her lower back with her hands as she could feel the pain from hitting the pavement.  The sunlight felt oppressive, and she removed her outer sweater and as she crossed the street to hear Nancy’s speech.

“In the wake of tragedy, we feel ripple effects,” the woman was saying. “This is what happens when sections of our city, once bustling with commerce, are allowed to crumble. No longer should these abandoned buildings,” she swept her arm, motioning to the motel. “…be hideouts for our disillusioned youth.”

Read More on WordPress. 

[livinasimminlife]

1.78, Pt. 2: No Mistake (KCLKF)

“She was a friend,” Kass shrugged, trying to hold her head up even though she felt the pounding like a hammer into her skull. “I was concerned about her. I tried to help her.”

“You ever stay over at her place?”

“Madison didn’t have a place. She was staying with someone at the university… uh… one of your officers I think. Um… uh… Blair something? And she stayed at mine once.”

“Did you talk regularly on the phone?”

“No.”

“Did Madison ask you for help?”

“Well… no… but…”

The detectives glanced at one another.

“Just how did you try and help her?” Detective Hunter asked, sounding annoyed.

“I… asked her… to um…” Kass winced, wishing she wore sunglasses. “I got her an appointment at the Free Clinic and I encouraged her to seek legal help… I asked for advice myself.”

“Who did you speak with?” Detective Hunter probed.

“You mean with whom did I speak?” Kass exhaled sharply. “Uh… my boss… um…” her eyes drifted toward the street as she noticed Davis blocked behind the police line, and she couldn’t hear what the firefighter said to him. “…Jennifer Martinez at Legal Aid.”

“You talked to your boss about your friend?” Detective Goddard  quirked a brow.

“Yes,” Kass said, exasperated. “Why is that so weird? I’m interning and Jennifer is a family friend.”

Read More on WordPress. 

[livinasimminlife]

Interlude: Most Foul (KCLKF)

Leaning back in her chair, she decided to close the file herself. Kass had suffered enough. She didn’t need to be the one to complete the final paperwork on her deceased friend. Jennifer reached into the filing cabinets and pulled out the open case file. Three-zero-one-two-five-alpha-charlie-tango. It seemed so impersonal now. The case file number. Madison was a person. A person with thoughts and emotions, ideas and hopes and dreams, fears and worries, and problems like anyone else. She deserved better than a stamp on her file saying ‘Incomplete- Closed.’

Jennifer’s hand froze in mid-air, hovering above the paperwork.

Read More on WordPress. 

[livinasimminlife]

1.80 Old Friends (KCLKF)

“A simoleon for your thoughts, Kass Fullbright.”

She smiled. “Only if I can toss it in the fountain and make a wish.”

Gage stood up, plucking a simoleon from his pocket.

“Here, I’m going to get a refill on our drinks,” he said, right as a young man clipped the edge of their picnic table.

“Sorry,” the guy mumbled, adjusting his baseball cap.

“Isn’t that the Bachelor kid?” Gage asked.

“Yeah,” Kass swung her legs over the edge of the seat, rubbing her coin for good luck before she tossed.

A playful ‘plop’ told her the simoleon had found its destination.

“What did you wish for?” Gage asked.

“Uh, if I tell you, it won’t come true,” she giggled.

“I’d tell you what I’d wish for,” Gage said, as he closed his eyes and tossed another coin over his shoulder.

“What did you wish for?” she teased. “True love’s kiss? World peace?”

“Mock me if you will, but those are respectable things,” Gage said, sarcastically. “And now…” he grinned wickedly. “I could tell you… but…” he narrowed his eyes playfully. “I’d have to kill you.”

“Riiight,” Kass laughed.

Read More on WordPress.

[livinasimminlife]

1.70, Pt. 1: Kerosene

“A concussion?” Kass repeated and tried to make light of the situation by laughing. “Is that why I have this awful pounding inside my skull?”

“Don’t joke!” Amy cried. “I was so afraid…” she whispered, biting her lower lip. “…we’d lose you.”

“Can’t get rid of me that easily,” Kass quipped, wrapping her mother in a hug as she stood up.

“Stop it, Kassiopeia!” Amy dropped her arms at her sides in exasperation.

“Okay…” Kass winced, and continued to remove the needle. “Sorry. How long was I out?”

“Three hours,” Amy replied.

“Oh,” Kass said, rubbing her hair, searching for evidence of surgery, but finding no stitches. “I’m okay, then?”

“I’ll go get the doctor,” Amy stood up and started across the room.

Kass nodded her thanks, slipping down against the cool pillow, closing her eyes for a momentary peace. Amy stopped, turned around, pressing her hands to her lips.

“How serious are you?”

“What?” Kass frowned, instantly realizing her mother was talking about Davis.

“Things between you and that young man?”

Read More on WordPress. 

[livinasimminlife]

1.68, Pt 2: Irresponsibly Mad (KCLKF)

“Call me irresponsible,” Davis began singing as his fingers moved over the cello. “Call me unreliable. Throw in undependable too,” he nodded to Beau, who joined him on double bass.

It was as though everyone else faded away, and it was just Kass and the music.

“Girl, I’m not too clever I…” Davis smiled, looking right at Kass. “I just adore you.”

This brought a well-deserved whoop from the audience.

“Call me unpredictable. Tell me I’m impractical,” his sweet baritone wavered as Kass lifted her hands to her face, toying at her lip with her fingers.

“Oh gawd!” Ayesha joined her, grabbing Kass’ arm. “He’s so dreamy!” she swooned.

“It’s undeniably true… That I’m irresponsibly mad for you,” Davis warbled.

Read More on WordPress. 

[livinasimminlife]

1.78, Pt. 1: No Mistake (KCLKF)

“Your granny didn’t need to make me a full breakfast,” Kass wrinkled her nose.

“Are you kidding? Biscuits and gravy is her specialty. You’re in for a real treat,” Davis replied.

“Then why aren’t you eating some?” Kass asked.

“Oatmeal’s just fine,” Davis shrugged. “Have it every morning.”

“I didn’t know biscuits and gravy was on the menu here,” Kass said, picking up her fork.

“It’s on the secret menu,” Davis nudged her playfully.

Gravy dripped from her fork and into her hair.

“Hey!” she protested, just as she heard her name.

Read More on WordPress. 

[livinasimminlife]

1.77 Nice Day (KCLKF)

“Hey!” Davis interrupted her thoughts, jerking his head back up. “Have you ever been to Evansdale?”

“What? Evansdale?” she wrinkled her nose.

“Yeah, there’s this great little roadside market,” Davis rushed the words excitedly. “…where Granny gets pumpkins every Halloween and in the summers, there’s this place where you can pay to pick your own produce and stay in the cabins the same night.”

“That’s cool,” Kass shrugged as she stood.

“We could pick up some strawberries and fresh tomatoes and our own herbs for homemade spaghetti sauce, and oh! Avocados for homemade guacamole, and then we could cook in the little kitchen in the cabins,” Davis said, his cheeks turning pink. “That is…” he brushed his hands as if shaking something loose. “…if you’re free for dinner.”

“Davis, isn’t Evansdale like three hours away?” Kass frowned.

Read More on WordPress.

[livinasimminlife]

1.76, Pt. 3: Life and Love and Why (KCLKF)

“Can I ask you a question? Switching subjects if that’s okay…”

“Sure.”

“How do you know if it’s worth it? Love that is… I mean… falling in love… like with you and Pablo?”

Read More on WordPress. 

[livinasimminlife]

1.62 Ice Cream Surprise (KCLKF)

“Haven’t you been here before?”

She shook her head and swallowed hard. A truck stop? Mamma would have a cowplant!

“I’ve lived in the Valley my whole life and I’ve never been out here,” she replied, eyeing a woman dressed in all pink staring off into space, muttering one word over and over again.

“You’re in for a treat,” he grinned.

She shook the cobwebs of judgment from her head and offered a weak smile. “Okay.”

“You’re safe,” he squeezed her hand. “They won’t bite.”

Read More on WordPress. 

[livinasimminlife]

1.72 Love, Dad (KCLKF)

“What the heck?”

Howard answered. Kass gulped, spinning away from the mirror.

“Uh hi,” she said, raising her hand to her face and biting her thumbnail.

“Kass? Are you okay? Do you know what time it is?”

She glanced about for a clock, noting the time – eighteen minutes after three a.m.

“Sorry,” she murmured, and then chuckled awkwardly, “That’s a weird way to answer the phone.”

Read More on WordPress.