1495 replies to this topic

[luws]

A/N: I've bent the rules a little, as I decided to begin with my ugly gene carrier as a CAS child, instead of an adult. It doesn't start on a typical legacy lot either. (What can I say, rules are meant to be broken, aren't they?);)

The young girl's name is Gaffe Gast, (the ugly gene carrier) (1) and her mother, the lovely Glenna Gast. (2).
Hope you enjoy.



******

"But Mama" Gaffe wailed. "Why am I so ugly?!" (3).

"Shush, Gaffe" Glenna consoled her daughter. "You're not ugly, you're beautiful... in here where it matters," she lightly tapped Gaffe's heart.

Gaffe sniffed and wiped at her eyes. "But mama, why don't I look like you? You're so pretty."

"Gaffe, you look like your Dad and he was the most handsome man in the world to me, because I loved him. Someday you're going to find someone to love you like that too. Don't worry so much Gaffe." Glenna sighed at her daughter's skeptical look, but she didn't know what more to say that might make things any better. She gathered her daughter to her on the couch, squeezing her tight. (4) "Cheer up Gaffe, tomorrow is your first day of school & I just know you'll make lots of friends. Wait & see, please. But just remember that regardless, I love you just as you are."

Attached Files

•  1. Gaffe Gast2.jpg   55.43K   1697 downloads
•  2. Glenna Gast.jpg   107.79K   1407 downloads
•  3. why Mama.jpg   113.6K   1200 downloads
•  4. Mom & Gaffe.jpg   168.21K   1182 downloads

[luws]

School was not all Glenna had promised it would be. Gaffe didn't make any friends, but instead spent day after day alone in her room studying. (5)

Hoping that smaller classrooms might make a difference, Glenna enrolled her in private school despite the strain on her budget. "Gaffe, be more outgoing," she advised. "You've got to be more approachable if you want people to like you."

One afternoon Glenna returned home from work to find Gaffe painted up like a Christmas tree. (6). Although her heart went out to the little girl, her voice rose in anger as she scanned her daughter's garish face. "Gaffe, haven't I told you a hundred times -- never get into my make-up! What on earth do you think you're doing!! I have a good mind to ground you!"

Unfazed, Gaffe shrugged. "I don't care Mama, it's not like I ever go anywhere. Besides, I was just trying to look pretty. Fat lot of good that did me, huh. So go ahead & ground me Mama, it makes no difference at all."


******

The day Gaffe turned into a teen, (7) she took one look in the mirror and spent the rest of the night locked in her room, sobbing. Not only was she ugly, she thought, she looked old enough to be her mother's mother. (8) In the morning she begged her mama to send her away to college.

"Mama, please. I have plenty of scholarships, I'm an A+ student. I've got to get out of here and go somewhere where maybe people will accept me." She added tartly "Where they'll recognize the pretty 'inner' me."

Glenna wiped the streaks of tears on Gaffe's cheeks. "Oh honey, you're too young to be going off to a big campus by yourself. I don't think it's wise. And what about me? I'll be all alone if you leave."

"You have friends Mama. Unlike me, you have friends."

So, despite Glenna's misgivings, Gaffe entered Sim State U with the distinction of being the youngest person ever to attend. Gradually she got to know some of the other kids in her dorm.

"Mama! You won't believe it, but I have a friend!" Gaffe's excited voice carried loudly over the phone line.

Glenna chuckled. "Of course I believe it Gaffe! I knew it would happen. Tell me about them, please."

Gaffe's voice reverberated with excitement. "Well my best friend is Heather. She's really pretty and she's teaching me all about make-up and stuff like that. We have soooo much fun!" (9)

"Gaffe, what is Heather like?" Glenna's voice grew stern. "I don't care about her appearance, and frankly I'm concerned that you're becoming much too shallow. How are your grades? Are you keeping up?" she continued in a gentler tone "I'm glad you're having fun, honey, but don't forget what I taught you." She paused. "How about coming home this weekend? I miss you."

"Oh mama I can't, I have important things to do. Maybe in a few weeks," Gaffe spoke in a rush. "And don't be such a worrier. I'm having fun Mama. Fun! I'm learning all about the latest styles, and how to fix my hair & stuff. It's important stuff Mama. Oh and, yeah, my grades are fine. But I gotta run Mama, because Heather's going to take me shopping for something slinky. Ha ha, Mama, I'm gonna be sexy!" Glenna heard her daughter giggle as she hung up the phone.

Attached Files

•  5. GG studies.jpg   100.47K   870 downloads
•  6. Gaffe in mu.jpg   221.43K   957 downloads
•  7. Gaffe teen.jpg   60.85K   1206 downloads
•  8. mom & gaffe teen.jpg   180.07K   999 downloads
•  9. GG & heather.jpg   171.05K   1074 downloads

[tacos4sims]

Awww, poor Gaffe. :(

She isn't terribly bad looking. She is rather monkeyish though! :o

-Taco

[luws]

Wow, not that ugly? Guess I could've gone more extreme. She sure feels like she's ugly though! ;) And thanks for the comment toacos4sims.

******

Glenna was so focused on the salad she was preparing, she didn't hear the front door open & close. She spun in surprise when she felt a presence hovering behind her. (10)

Gaffe laughed at the look on her mother's face. "Mama, it's me!"

"Gaffe? OMG, Gaffe!" She stared at her daughter in disbelief. "What on earth have you done?"

"I had plastic surgery Mama! (11) Aren't I pretty?" gaily she spun around, arms wide, then hugged her Mama tight.

"Whoa, Gaffe." Glenna drew back & studied her daughter's new face. (12) "Why Gaffe, why? Didn't I teach you to love who you are inside, that physical appearances are superficial?" Her shoulders sagged. "I feel like I've failed you Gaffe. If you can do this, then I've failed you."

Gaffe frowned. "What about me, Mama, huh? I'm happy, Mama. For the first time in my life I'm happy." Gaffe scoffed, "And anyway, I'm still me inside. Please be happy for me."

Glenna gazed at the joy on her daughter's face. Her very, very pretty face. A sad smile formed and she reached out and hugged Gaffe. "You're beautiful Gaffe, you really are. If you're happy, then of course I'm happy." But her heart felt heavy.

**********

Glenna spoke firmly into the phone. "I have every right to be concerned Heather, I am Gaffe's mother. All I want is for you to consider how impressionable she is. Don't fill her head up with grandiose ideas that she'll probably regret later."

"Mrs. Gast, if you're talking about Gaffe's plastic surgery, you should know it was totally her idea," Heather spoke evenly. Talk about a controlling mother, geez. "Gaffe was miserable, you know. Now she feels better about herself and it shows in everything she does." Heather paused for a moment, then went on. "And did you look at her Mrs. Gast? Really look at her? Because now she looks like you. Gaffe had plastic surgery so that she would look like you." (13)

Attached Files

•  10. who's there.jpg   118.93K   972 downloads
•  11. newgaffe.jpg   241.35K   1098 downloads
•  12. G&G2.jpg   150.93K   882 downloads
•  13. looks like .jpg   33.65K   980 downloads
•  14. gaffe's 1st kiss.jpg   58.45K   861 downloads

[luws]

The first time Manny kissed Gaffe she swooned. (14) Her heart went pitter-patter & her whole body tingled. She could hardly believe that a popular -- not to mention cute -- guy like Manny would be interested in someone like her. But then she caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror and realized that she was no longer a "someone like her." Quickly the two became inseparable. (15) Gaffe, happier than she'd ever been, found herself pinching herself in the mornings to make sure it wasn't a dream.

But her Mama wasn't so thrilled.

"Gaffe are you crazy? You're much too young to settle down with the first guy that comes along," her Mama got right to the point. "He is your first, right? Honey, you need to get out there, play the field... you know, enjoy life."

But Gaffe disagreed. She was certain that Manny was the guy for her, and was so happy when he proposed she thought she might burst. (16)

To her credit, Glenna tried to like Manny, she really did. But something about him rubbed her the wrong way, (17) and although for Gaffe's sake she kept her feelings to herself, inside she worried. At least she had convinced Gaffe to hold off on marriage until after graduation. One small victory, but better than none.


******


All too soon for Glenna's taste, Gaffe & Manny's wedding day arrived. Nonetheless, Glenna didn't want to put a damper on her daughter's special day, so she put her misgivings aside and was the first to toast the happy couple. (18) Glasses clinked and hugs were shared and Glenna even felt herself choking up with emotion. But at the first opportunity she pulled her new son-on-law aside. "You'd better treat my daughter right Manny. She's fragile you know."

"Fragile?" he started to laugh, then swallowed it and coughed instead when he saw that Glenna was serious. "Glenna, your daughter was the belle of Sim State U. She's not fragile. But, at any rate, I'm thankful that she chose me. I love her immensely and will always do right by her. Don't worry."

Gaffe noticed the two of them huddled together & approached. "Hey you two! Why the serious faces?" Glenna turned to Gaffe and tweaked her cheek, "Just laying down the law to my new son-in-law here." She smiled at both of them, then turned and watched as she heard the limo pull up.

The newlyweds thanked everyone for coming, then scooted off to the waiting limo. In the darkness of the back seat, Manny turned to his bride, where he gazed at her in awe.

"You are the most beautiful bride in the world Gaffe & I'm the luckiest sim alive."

Unseen in the shadows, Gaffe blushed, and whispered to her new husband as she grabbed his hand. "No Manny, I'm the lucky one." They kissed passionately, each sure that they were the luckiest. As the back seat steamed up, the limo driver discreetly raised the window so the couple could celebrate in private.

Attached Files

•  14. gaffe's 1st kiss.jpg   58.45K   522 downloads
•  15. Gaffe & Manny.jpg   113.56K   720 downloads
•  16. engaged.jpg   291.2K   638 downloads
•  17. Glenna meets Manny.jpg   122.6K   663 downloads
•  18. wedding toast.jpg   251.62K   705 downloads

[OrangeKitty]

Cool beans. I like this; keep updating.

[suzdez999]

:D Loving this luws!

Sue :D

[zvaella]

Oh, I love the dilute the ugly gene challenge!

I think Gaffe is ugly but not too much, just enough! (well, not now that she's been true surgery, now she looks beautiful)
Im curious to see her children! :lol:

[tacos4sims]

He is certainly in for a surprise once the kids are born! :lol:

-Taco

[luws]

Thanks so much for the comments everyone! They're very much appreciated. :)



Gaffe was concerned what Manny would say when she told him she was pregnant, because they hadn't ever discussed having a family. But she had worried needlessly because he was delighted. He pampered her throughout the entire pregnancy, doing most of the cooking and offering back rubs to ease her aches. She just knew that Manny was going to make a wonderful dad. He took every opportunity to talk to the baby and rub her ever growing belly. (19)

They had spent their entire savings decorating their new house because Manny liked — no, make that needed — to have the best of everything. Gaffe didn't feel right scolding him for his extravagances since he was the only one working and bringing in money. Yet it was her savings they had blown through. It was tough calling her Mama to ask for a loan.

"...Mama, Manny has a good job, really. It's just with the baby coming and all.... no, everything is fine. Just a little boost to get us to next payday is all we need. .... OK Mama, thanks, I appreciate the help." Gaffe hung up relieved that that was over with, but also sure that in her Mama's eyes, Manny's rating just went down a few more notches.


****

"Whew, it's humid in here." Glenna sat on the couch fanning herself. "Why is it that you have a swimming pool in your living room? I can't remember." Glenna surveyed the room, eyeing all the expensive furniture, lavish paintings and... the pool.

"Hmmmm," Gaffe distracted by the flies buzzing around her lunch, was not really listening. "This again Mama? I told you... Manny wants a home that makes a statement. He likes to surround himself with beautiful things."

"And are you one of those beautiful 'things'?" her mother looked at her keenly.

"Oh, Mama, don't be silly. He truly loves me, I know it."

"Yet you're afraid to tell him." It wasn't a question.

"Mama, didn't you came over to help me with things? Why are you just sitting there?"

"I did, honey, but at my age all this humidity saps my strength." Glenna rose. "It's probably best if I just leave. The money's on the table." (20)

******

Manny was an excellent father. He doted on his son, changing diapers, feeding, playing. (21) When it was time for Mack to grow up, Manny was the one who bought the cake and encouraged his son to blow out the candles.

When the transition was over he stood staring at his son in shock.

"Gaffe," his voice an urgent whisper, "Call a taxi now. We've got to get Mack to a doctor immediately."

Panicked by his tone, her eyes grew wide. "Why? What's wrong Manny? What is it?" She bent over and picked up her son.

"Look at him Gaffe, something's wrong with him. His eyes... his chin..." He pointed at his son. "He looks, well, deformed. Something is terribly wrong." Tears welled up in Manny's eyes as he gazed at his precious son.

Gaffe looked too. She didn't see anything... except that her son looked like her. (22) How she used to look that is. She shook her head, a prickle of fear growing in her belly. But she picked up the phone and dialed.

****

The doctor looked at them both with something akin to scorn. "There's nothing wrong with your son, he's healthy as can be." He shrugged. "There's no nice way to say this.... ummm, he's just.... well, no Brad Pitt."

Attached Files

•  19. belly.jpg   201.03K   709 downloads
•  20. pool.jpg   204.56K   717 downloads
•  21. manny & baby.jpg   215.1K   865 downloads
•  22. toddler.jpg   230.1K   1217 downloads

[luws]

*********

During the ride home from the doctor's office, Manny sat in stoney silence. Gaffe kept her head turned, staring out the window into the dark night. Her mind was racing, trying to think of something to say, but no words came.

When they got home she carried Mack upstairs and put him to bed. The little tyke was tired, and she gently tucked the covers around him before turninng out the light. As she descended the stairs, Manny spoke through clenched teeth.

"Who's is it?"

Gaffe didn't understand. "Who is what, Manny," she asked, avoiding his angry gaze. "What do you mean?"

"Who's the father, huh, Gaffe?" his voice rose in anger. "Who did you sleep with to produce such an ugly child?"

Stunned by the accusation, she blanched. "Mack is your son, I swear Manny. You're the only one I've ever been with, and that's the truth," her voice quavered as she fought back tears.

"Don't lie to me Gaffe!! There is no way that you and I would've produced a son that looks like THAT," Manny raged as his face turned a dangerous shade of red. "You BETRAYED me Gaffe!" Abruptly he brushed past her and stalked upstairs.

Gaffe sank wearily onto the couch. She could hear him up there slamming drawers and stomping around. When Manny came back down lugging suitcases, she gaped mutely in disbelief. As she watched, he yanked open the front door and stormed out without another word. As soon as the door slammed shut, Gaffe began to sob. (23)

As the sobs subsided, the hiccups began, and she climbed the stairs to her son's crib. She gazed down at him with a heavy heart, realizing that she loved him more than anything in the world.

"I hope someday you can forgive me," she whispered to her sleeping son. (24)

Attached Files

•  23.jpg   149.46K   751 downloads
•  24.jpg   161.3K   779 downloads

[Saoz]

It looks as though Gaffe made a huge gaffe. What else was Manny supposed to think? She should have prepared him and told him about her plastic surgery.

[tacos4sims]

Eep! It's Mr. NoEyes! :confused:

-Taco

[FaerieWings]

Great writing luws! And Mack isn't that bad... it looks like he'll have a nose after all, and that's a start! No? Well I tried... :P

[deagh]

I really can't blame him - as Saoz said, what was he supposed to think? She had a chance to tell him before he left, too...although I know why she didn't take it. Subconsciously she knows her mother was right.

[bailynsmommy]

Excellent writing! I look forward to reading more! :rah:

[loopywelshsimmer]

This is really good..I was just thinking..Gaffe's dad must have been one ugly dude, lol!

[Tarliachan]

I like this. :) Mack does have a nice nose at least. But those eyes... or lack thereof.

[luws]

Thanks everyone! :) Really appreciate the comments!

******

Maybe it's a guy thing, Gaffe wondered to herself. Mack grew into a child and didn't seem fazed in the slightest that he was less than attractive. (25) Extremely out-going, he had lots of friends and was active in many school activities. One of his favorite things to do was fishing, and he took a lot pride in being able to help bring food to the table. (26) All around he was quite the happy kid. (27)

Gaffe was proud of her son and marveled at the difference between her childhood and his. (28)

But she was concerned that that might change when Mack became a teen. (29) As soon as she noticed him examining his face in the bathroom mirror, she jumped to conclusions, and in a soft gentle voice she made him an offer.

"Mack, honey, I have a plastic surgery machine if you want to change how you look."

Mack gaped at her. "Change my face? Why would I want to do that?" His voice sounded hurt. "Mom, I know I'm not the handsomest guy on the block, but really." He continued, "Don't I look like Dad? I always I assumed I looked like Dad.... and if that was good enough for you, it was good enough for me." He stared at her expectantly. (30)

Gaffe's jaw dropped. They'd never once talked about his father, because Mack had never asked. Now he was asking and she was unprepared. She studied her son's face and realized that he really did look somewhat like Manny. Forcing a smile she answered, "You're so right Mack, you look a lot like your father. And a handsome man he was." She kissed Mack lightly on the cheek and left the bathroom quickly, before he could ask any more questions.

As she hurried out of the room, Mack gazed after her thoughtfully.

Attached Files

•  25. kid mack.jpg   116.18K   863 downloads
•  26. mack fishes.jpg   236.95K   666 downloads
•  27. mack plays.jpg   159.95K   626 downloads
•  28. mom & son.jpg   99.8K   764 downloads
•  29. teen.jpg   166.61K   910 downloads

[luws]

*****

Several years passed. At first it was a struggle raising Mack as a single mom, but she managed. She got a job in the science career, which was her passion, and all & all they were getting along alright. And Mack was a wonderful kid. He was popular and a decent student, but no genius. Gaffe was surprised though at his reaction when she brought up the subject of college. (31)

"Mom, I want to be an actor. I don't need college."

Her eyebrows raised. Oh, Mack, you're never going to be a leading man with that face. She didn't utter the thought aloud, but as if reading her mind Mack went on.

"Not as a leading man, Mom. I know that. But I could certainly be a character actor. And a good one at that. Look at the rave reviews I got for my performance in the school play last year." He shrugged. "College would only be a big waste of time."

Doubtful though she was, Gaffe gave in to her sons wishes. "OK, no college then Mack. But I sure hope you know what you're doing."

Attached Files

•  30. the talk.jpg   144.3K   702 downloads
•  31. college.jpg   124.39K   749 downloads