1970s: The Worst Birthday Ever.
For Beth and Cathy, each at their own universities, it's time to move on in life. With graduation over, and two new careers started (in Mechanical Engineering and Romance Consultation respectively) it's time to find a place to live. They've already settled on the big city, and to afford it, to share an apartment. They have found one that is rented out already furnished.
Betty arrives first, and spends the first day settling in and working on preparing for her first day at the job.
Cathy has taken on herself to find them a third roommate as there are three bedrooms in the house and they need the extra money. When she said that, however, she had not counted on Brandon asking her to move in with him on their last day in Britechester.
Of course she readily agrees.
Beth and Brandon meet when they come to move into the flat, along with some of the other neighbors in the house.
What starts out as a small meeting in a hallway is soon a fully fledge party for all of the residents on the same floor as theirs. Cathy is the natural center of attention, and more than happy to play the role of hostess, even if she's just arrived.
Only after the guests have left, does Beth have time to get to know her new roommate, who might one day turn into her brother in law. He seems nice enough. A bit sceptical perhaps, but he, like her, likes being outdoors, and he's just starting out as a doctor. Her sister could have done worse, she supposes.
While Beth and Cathy are getting comfortable in their new home, time has come for Steven to move. Graduating with honors, he managed to get into the computer engineering program at Foxbury, and as the new term is about to start he's moving into Beth's old dorm. On his request, and against his dad's recommendation, they've paid extra to get him a room of his own. But he still spend most of that first evening getting to know all his new dormmates.
The next day, when the buss about the Camp David Accords are high among the students who study law or social sciences, Steven sets out to meet a few more of his roommates, though he doesn't get much further than the very beautiful physic's student Larissa. On learning she is not only a pretty face, but also a genius, Steven finds himself attracted to her. And here he was thinking he preferred brunettes.
The two of them hit it off quite well. She, like him, is a geek, a bit socially awkward and likes to do much of the things he likes. Such as playing chess.
Or studying.
But the thing that she cannot rival, is the one thing Steven is here for. Learning more about computers. The computer lab at Larry's Lagoon is a dream come true for him. He spends most of his afternoon on the computer, trying to soak up all the knowledge he can.
Meanwhile, in San Sequoia, Barbara is preparing for Abby's birthday party when Mrs Robbencorn comes by to talk about the Jonestown Massacre that exploded on the news just a few days ago. The headlines has been big and black, the news reports shown footage of bodies littering the ground. "Can you believe it? 900 dead, 300 children! Explain to me how someone kills their own child because some nutcase tells them to? No matter what your religion or ideals are. What a nightmare. Did you ever meet him when he was in San Fransisco?" she asks.
Barbs shakes her head. "No, luckily I never had the pleasure. I know the Kirklands went to one of his temples once, to see what the fuss was about, but they never went again. Felt he was too... intense somehow."
Betty arrives first, and spends the first day settling in and working on preparing for her first day at the job.
Cathy has taken on herself to find them a third roommate as there are three bedrooms in the house and they need the extra money. When she said that, however, she had not counted on Brandon asking her to move in with him on their last day in Britechester.
Of course she readily agrees.
Beth and Brandon meet when they come to move into the flat, along with some of the other neighbors in the house.
What starts out as a small meeting in a hallway is soon a fully fledge party for all of the residents on the same floor as theirs. Cathy is the natural center of attention, and more than happy to play the role of hostess, even if she's just arrived.
Only after the guests have left, does Beth have time to get to know her new roommate, who might one day turn into her brother in law. He seems nice enough. A bit sceptical perhaps, but he, like her, likes being outdoors, and he's just starting out as a doctor. Her sister could have done worse, she supposes.
While Beth and Cathy are getting comfortable in their new home, time has come for Steven to move. Graduating with honors, he managed to get into the computer engineering program at Foxbury, and as the new term is about to start he's moving into Beth's old dorm. On his request, and against his dad's recommendation, they've paid extra to get him a room of his own. But he still spend most of that first evening getting to know all his new dormmates.
The next day, when the buss about the Camp David Accords are high among the students who study law or social sciences, Steven sets out to meet a few more of his roommates, though he doesn't get much further than the very beautiful physic's student Larissa. On learning she is not only a pretty face, but also a genius, Steven finds himself attracted to her. And here he was thinking he preferred brunettes.
The two of them hit it off quite well. She, like him, is a geek, a bit socially awkward and likes to do much of the things he likes. Such as playing chess.
Or studying.
But the thing that she cannot rival, is the one thing Steven is here for. Learning more about computers. The computer lab at Larry's Lagoon is a dream come true for him. He spends most of his afternoon on the computer, trying to soak up all the knowledge he can.
Meanwhile, in San Sequoia, Barbara is preparing for Abby's birthday party when Mrs Robbencorn comes by to talk about the Jonestown Massacre that exploded on the news just a few days ago. The headlines has been big and black, the news reports shown footage of bodies littering the ground. "Can you believe it? 900 dead, 300 children! Explain to me how someone kills their own child because some nutcase tells them to? No matter what your religion or ideals are. What a nightmare. Did you ever meet him when he was in San Fransisco?" she asks.
Barbs shakes her head. "No, luckily I never had the pleasure. I know the Kirklands went to one of his temples once, to see what the fuss was about, but they never went again. Felt he was too... intense somehow."
As interesting as that conversation might be, however, Barbara does not have time. There is food to prepare, meat substitute to be made, ad a cake to bake. Soon the house is filled with people, both family and friends. There is talking in the kitchen, around the dinner table, in the sofa. The massacre is mentioned more than once, but Barbara tries to stay out of it. This is the day her little girl is turning into a young woman, and she does not want some wack-job in Mexico ruining the spirit of her aging up.
As they gather around for Abby to blow out her candles, Barbara is so utterly proud to see her little girl age up. She might have struggled in school at times, but she's creative, outgoing and has a gentle soul and in the end that's worth so much more than book smarts.
For Susan, the massacre isn't on the forefront of her mind. For her, there are only two things that matter at the moment. Her job, which she is really good at, and Tony, who still frustrates her to no end. Every time she brings up his leaving his wife he has an answer. "I told you I would not be the other woman, but what am I now?" she asks, but he assures her that it's over, that it's just for the girls sake. Somehow, every time, she is left feeling like the villain. Like she's trying to rob him of his daughters, or his daughters of their father, when nothing could be further from the truth.
So she focuses on her work, and that at least has it's rewards. The neighbourhood has truly developed. There are new sidings on the buildings, new art on the streets, more greenery around town... on every street in her area, Susan can see the impact she and her co-workers are having on this town.
The community garden is another success. The entire neighborhood, indeed the entire town, visits the gardens and café regularly. There are people playing basketball, cards or chess, or just chatting or caring for the garden or insect hotels or tending the beehive. Kids play here, cats roam free and have easy access to food. All in all it's a beautiful place to be and meet new people.
But it's also a place where Susan has to pretend not to be who she is, not to love who she loves. Tony and his family come here, and every time, Susan has to stand back and pretend not to know who they are. Mostly Tony comes here alone or with his kids, but then one day, as Susan enters the café, she sees something she was most likely not supposed to see.
It's Tony and his wife, and no matter what she tries to tell herself, Susan cannot unsee what she sees. This is not a couple who is discussing divorce, who is keeping up appearances for the sake of their young children. They're talking, joking... kissing. Like married couple do. Like she can't do.
As they gather around for Abby to blow out her candles, Barbara is so utterly proud to see her little girl age up. She might have struggled in school at times, but she's creative, outgoing and has a gentle soul and in the end that's worth so much more than book smarts.
For Susan, the massacre isn't on the forefront of her mind. For her, there are only two things that matter at the moment. Her job, which she is really good at, and Tony, who still frustrates her to no end. Every time she brings up his leaving his wife he has an answer. "I told you I would not be the other woman, but what am I now?" she asks, but he assures her that it's over, that it's just for the girls sake. Somehow, every time, she is left feeling like the villain. Like she's trying to rob him of his daughters, or his daughters of their father, when nothing could be further from the truth.
So she focuses on her work, and that at least has it's rewards. The neighbourhood has truly developed. There are new sidings on the buildings, new art on the streets, more greenery around town... on every street in her area, Susan can see the impact she and her co-workers are having on this town.
The community garden is another success. The entire neighborhood, indeed the entire town, visits the gardens and café regularly. There are people playing basketball, cards or chess, or just chatting or caring for the garden or insect hotels or tending the beehive. Kids play here, cats roam free and have easy access to food. All in all it's a beautiful place to be and meet new people.
But it's also a place where Susan has to pretend not to be who she is, not to love who she loves. Tony and his family come here, and every time, Susan has to stand back and pretend not to know who they are. Mostly Tony comes here alone or with his kids, but then one day, as Susan enters the café, she sees something she was most likely not supposed to see.
It's Tony and his wife, and no matter what she tries to tell herself, Susan cannot unsee what she sees. This is not a couple who is discussing divorce, who is keeping up appearances for the sake of their young children. They're talking, joking... kissing. Like married couple do. Like she can't do.
Susan runs home as fast as she can, not stopping until she's safely in her home, the door locked behind her. Not that it matters, Tony has the key. But after what she saw, she doubt tonight will be a night when he steps by. Tomorrow is thanksgiving, and Tony will be with his family. She's supposed to be with hers, but this time she doesn't know how to pretend. Feigning illness, just a cold, serious enough to keep her home, but nothing so serious that her father would drive up, she calls her mother and makes her excuses. She's not sure she's ever lied to her mother so blatantly before and it pains her to hear her mother's concern through the phone.
Having nothing to do, Susan changes into more comfortable clothing and spend the evening in the sofa, eating chips and watching dating programs that makes her feel even worse than she already did until she finally falls asleep on the sofa.
The next day is her birthday, but Susan doesn't feel like celebrating. What's the point of turning 25 when you're failing at life? But while her mother might accept her "illness" as a reason for her not to celebrate, Ken is not so easily swayed. He shows up at her home, at first worried, but then angry when he discovers that she's not ill at all. gives her a talking to that does nothing for her mood. "Doesn't he
The next day is her birthday, but Susan doesn't feel like celebrating. What's the point of turning 25 when you're failing at life? But while her mother might accept her "illness" as a reason for her not to celebrate, Ken is not so easily swayed. He shows up at her home, at first worried, but then angry when he discovers that she's not ill at all. gives her a talking to that does nothing for her mood. "Doesn't he
Susan tries to explain, but if she thought she'd make Ken comfort her, she was wrong. On the one hand, he has no issues with understanding her heart ache, on the other she is sleeping with a married man. "What did you think would happen?" he asks her. "I really thought more highly of you than that!"
As Ken leaves, Susan swears she's never telling another soul. No one will understand anyway.
Eventually, she pulls herself together enough to get dressed. Somewhere in the back of her mind is the thought that perhaps Tony could come by. She swears to herself that if he does, she'll tell him that it's over. That she will not wait any longer that it's her or his wife, not both.
She rehearses the conversation in her head again and again, at once terrified that he'll show up and equally terrified that he won't. But he does. At least he still remembers her birthday. But if Susan thought her resolve would hold, she was wrong, and rather than being regretful about lying to her, Tony gets angry. How dare she interfere in his way of handling thing? Of course they have to keep up appearances? Why is she always so difficult and moody? Why would he want to subject himself and his children to her mood swings?
She rehearses the conversation in her head again and again, at once terrified that he'll show up and equally terrified that he won't. But he does. At least he still remembers her birthday. But if Susan thought her resolve would hold, she was wrong, and rather than being regretful about lying to her, Tony gets angry. How dare she interfere in his way of handling thing? Of course they have to keep up appearances? Why is she always so difficult and moody? Why would he want to subject himself and his children to her mood swings?
Susan tries to argue, but Tony is not to interested. And why is she jealous? She at least know where he is when he isn't here, but the other day when he showed up she wasn't at home. Where were she? Who was she with? How can she make demands when she expects him to just wait outside the door like some...visitor? She's entirely unprepared when the first slap lands on her cheek, and doesn't know how to respond as he keeps telling her that all this is her fault.
How it happens, Susan isn't sure, but by the end of it she's the one apologising. For demanding too much. For not being there when he needs her. For not keeping her place clean enough. She'll do better, she won't disappoint him again. She gives him the key to the apartment so he will never need to wait outside again.
Tony takes the key, then lets her know that he needs to get home. "We'll celebrate your birthday another day, when you're calmer and less hysterical." And with that he leaves her to clean the apartment until it's spotless. Somehow she knows this isn't reasonable, and that she supposed to be stronger than this, better than this, but what if she isn't? What if he's right when he tells her she should be happy that he loves her at all, that no one else can? What if something is seriously wrong with her?
How it happens, Susan isn't sure, but by the end of it she's the one apologising. For demanding too much. For not being there when he needs her. For not keeping her place clean enough. She'll do better, she won't disappoint him again. She gives him the key to the apartment so he will never need to wait outside again.
Tony takes the key, then lets her know that he needs to get home. "We'll celebrate your birthday another day, when you're calmer and less hysterical." And with that he leaves her to clean the apartment until it's spotless. Somehow she knows this isn't reasonable, and that she supposed to be stronger than this, better than this, but what if she isn't? What if he's right when he tells her she should be happy that he loves her at all, that no one else can? What if something is seriously wrong with her?
By the time her apartment is finally up to Tony's standards, she takes out the trash, only to run into Jerry Lee - her old prom date - in the hallway. Apparently he and his wife and their two young children just moved into the neighborhood and he was in the building to visit a co-worker. But how has she been?
Before long the two friends are chatting in her living room. For a short while, Susan can forget her own worries, and talk about Jerry's life as he's more than willing to share. Until she mentions that it's her birthday. "But where is the party?"
"I don't need a party, I just- It's no big deal."
"No big deal? You're turning 25, right? Of course it's a big deal!"
He makes her promise to meet him up on the old railway tracks in an hour, then runs home to let his wife know what he's up to and why.
As she arrives, Jerry has arranged a picknick on the newly renovated tracks. "You've worked hard for this community, I thought you deserved the best view of it on your birthday," he says.
"For me? But why?"
"Someone has to help you mark your birthday, and as a friend, I'm more than happy to."
"But what does your wife-"
"Dahlia made the food," he says with a smile. "And request that you come for dinner sometime so she can meet you properly. She was quite upset that no one helped celebrate your birthday."
Before long the two friends are chatting in her living room. For a short while, Susan can forget her own worries, and talk about Jerry's life as he's more than willing to share. Until she mentions that it's her birthday. "But where is the party?"
"I don't need a party, I just- It's no big deal."
"No big deal? You're turning 25, right? Of course it's a big deal!"
He makes her promise to meet him up on the old railway tracks in an hour, then runs home to let his wife know what he's up to and why.
As she arrives, Jerry has arranged a picknick on the newly renovated tracks. "You've worked hard for this community, I thought you deserved the best view of it on your birthday," he says.
"For me? But why?"
"Someone has to help you mark your birthday, and as a friend, I'm more than happy to."
"But what does your wife-"
"Dahlia made the food," he says with a smile. "And request that you come for dinner sometime so she can meet you properly. She was quite upset that no one helped celebrate your birthday."
As she returns home that night Susan is absolutely confused. How can she be this despicable person who lies to her own mother, who inspires such anger in her cousin and the man she loves, and at the same time have friends such as Jerry who cares enough to take a night from a wife and children which he obviously loves very much just to make her feel better? But then maybe it's just that Jerry doesn't know her well enough to know what a truly horrible person she really is?
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