Hi Mum, It's Sammy (The Return of Clone 63 - Part 5)

It was the nightmare. I'd had the damned thing multiple times, a couple of times a year since the original event happened.

In the nightmare, I was going to be too late.

In the nightmare, I wasn't going to save Jer.

It was based on the worst moment of my life - when Jericho was being attacked. That scene, with Jer flat and motionless on the floor, still haunts me.

Usually, if Jer is in bed, some part of me realises that it's a nightmare. Or Jer, sensing my distress, holds me tightly which helps. The scene plays out as it really happened. Jericho is seriously hurt but alive.

Real Jericho wasn't in bed so in the dream I dive past Chuck and wrap my arms around Jericho.

I do know it's a nightmare. In the nightmare, I also know that he's dying, I hadn't been fast enough to save him.

"No!" I howl to the world as I hold Jericho close. He's about to breathe his last. He's going to die.

Hi Mum, It's Sammy (The Return of Clone 63 - Part 4)

Since Jericho had gone off with Monica and the toddlers were having a nap, it was a good time for me to spend time with Goby. I sat down next to him, already working away at his homework.

"Thanks for helping, Pop."

"Not a problem, Goby. What sort of assignment is it tonight?"

He shrugged his shoulders, "Just a bit of maths, Pop. I could just grab a calculator."

"No, Goby, don't." I told him. "Sure, when you are older, you'll use a calculator or computer for all of it. But you should know how to do basic maths without help."

He gave me a look of disgust. "But Pop! Why should I bother now?"

"Let's say you are in a shop. You can pick the bag with 100 mints for 1.50. Or a bag of 300 mints for $5.00. Now which do you buy?"

Goby didn't stop to think. "The bigger bag?"

Hi Mum, It's Sammy (The Return of Clone 63 - Part 3)

"Monica, can you talk to me now and tell me what's wrong?" I asked her as gently as I could. Monica had finally stopped hiccuping and I was hoping to get to the bottom of her troubles. "Who doesn't like you? Is your brother bothering you?"

Monica sniffed. "Pop, it's Dad. Ever since we've moved, it's like I don't even exist. After school, he and Goby swim off going deep in the water and he doesn't even notice me." She stopped to wipe another tear away.

My heart ached for Monica. "Sweetheart, you and I are going to have to make some allowances sometimes because your dad and siblings were born to live in water. Your dad spent a long time living too far away from the ocean. He missed it and right now, he wants to show Goby everything. He never neglected you back on the Plains, did he?"

Monica shook her head. "No, he spent lots of time with both of us."

"I'll talk to him, sweetheart. I'm sure that he loves you just as much as Goby." Goddess, I hope that's true or we are going to have words; serious and angry words.

"Will you Pop?" she sniffed a few more times. "I've been afraid to ask. What if he really says that I'm just not as important as Goby? I'll never swim nearly as well as he can. I'm not a strider, I'm just...me." The tears started flowing again.

I hugged her again. "Monica, you are always you. That's really all any of us can say. But if it makes you feel better, we can find something you can do really well. Drawing, music, science, dancing, there's a lot of things out that you can try." I crouched down so I could look her in the eyes. "Everyone in this family is very important. Don't forget that."

Hi Mum, It's Sammy (The Return of Clone 63 - Part 2)

"Pop? Could you help me with my homework?"

"Depends, honey. Whatcha got? I'm not much use on local history. I don't know any more than you do about that." I could never get either Monica or Goby to admit to being the one who started calling me "Pop the Cop." I'm pretty sure it was Monica who decided to get sillier and sometimes call me "Poppa the Coppa" though she won't admit to that either. Jericho gets to be just Dad.

"Logic problems, Pop. You know the kind. Randy, Sandy and Andy live on the same street. They live in a red house, a blue house and a green house. One owns a cat, one owns a dog and one owns a rat. Who lives in which house with which pet?" Logic has never been a strong point with me but this should be good practice.

"All right, Monica. Let's tackle it. What else do we know?"

Hi Mum, It's Sammy (The Return of Clone 63 - Part 1)

"Sammy?"

"Yes, love?"

"Thank you for arranging this holiday. It's been the best."

"Blue and beautiful, I thought you'd enjoy this." I had arranged a one week holiday at a small, very cheap and run down little resort on an island for my family. From the moment we stepped off the plane, I knew that this was the right place for Jericho and for our Strider children. For the first time since I've known him, Jer was completely relaxed, happy and content.

Not that Jer ever complained about our life in the plains. But he told me on our first date that he was a creature of the sea. And Appaloosa Plains didn't have salt water in any quantity, just one small salt water pond. The islands here were surrounded by salt water. More than enough to sooth the soul of my Seastrider husband.

Hi Mum, It's Sammy (clone 69 - part 7 - Finale)

So, Sammy, how are Mr and Mrs Grant?

Mum, Ashley was the best possible thing I could have gotten out of going to University. She's adorable and she adores me.

"Better catch this honey, I'm going to blow you a kiss."

"Ashley, I treasure every kiss you give me. Have I told you lately how much I adore you?"

"Not for at least 5 minutes, honey."

"I've been slack. I adore you, Ashley Grant. I wish I could give the love of my life a proper honeymoon. I'm sorry we haven't the money to travel."

"Honestly, Sam. It doesn't matter. We have a home. We have enough money to get the baby what it will need. And I have you. That's what I really want."

"Let's not forget Berjes. He's been a great son since I adopted him."

Wished for him from a wishing well, Sam.

Same difference really.

"I like Berjes. If he gets along with the baby, maybe he'll babysit if we go out for a night."

Sammy, a new venue.

Yes, a coffeehouse just opened up and I've got the very first gig here.

Well, good luck. You can certainly use the money.

I'm hitting this crowd up with everything I have. For once, there wasn't a freaking paparazzi on the stage when I was supposed to start. That's usually just so annoying that I'm off balance for the first hour.

I'd love to change the ice cream shop background but I haven't the cash to buy and set up my own stage props.

And let's not mention how lame the music gets. It drives me nuts but I can't turn it off.

I did the fire baton a few times and did not once set myself on fire.

That alone makes this a good performance for me.

Damn, Sammy, you have been working out. That has to take a lot of strength.

Not just strength, you have to develop enough flexibility. It's no been easy to get here.

A bit more patter, a lot more juggling, some more mime work.

Wow, Sammy, you still have an audience at nearly the end of the performance.

Plus they all seem very enthused. Cheers and hand waves at every table.

I'm glad. This is the best damned show I've ever given.

I can tell Sammy. It's been excellent.

"I'd like to thank you for being a fantastic audience. Good night everyone."

"Excuse me, Sammy the Spectacular, I'd like to offer you a weekly gig."

"Really?"

"Yes, Thursday nights starting at 6 pm are all yours."

"Thank you, I'll be here."

Congrats Sammy, you have a regular gig. That should make life a little easier.

Attack of the zombies? Looks a bit scary.

Are you kidding? All I have to do is walk away. He can't keep up at all.

Now might be a good time to prove that.

Okay, I walked inside. Zombie failed to stop me. Time for some food.

"Sammy, it's time."

"I'm eating, can't it wait?"

"Sammy, babies don't like to wait."

"Oh god, baby? You want the hospital?"

"Yes, honey. Now."

Awww, it's a boy. Are you happy, Sam?

Of course I'm happy. Meet our new son, Larry.

Sammy? Is that Berjes new room?

He wouldn't want to share with the baby now, would he?

Yeah, but the colour scheme. Isn't that colour and that pattern a bit ... feminine?

I got that for free. When Berjes gets home, we can find him something more suitable. Bedspread and wallpaper.

I'm sure he is pleased to not have to share with the new baby.

We didn't get much yet for the baby. I don't think it will need much beyond the crib and we are still a bit cash strapped.

It's a cute crib and the baby does have a room to itself. That would be something.

"Hey adorable."

"Hey handsome, what's up?"

"I was wondering if I could convince you to play a little. Go back to our Uni study breaks, so to speak."

"Oh Sammy, stop. Any time you want to play, you can just ask."

The local karaoke joint had a SimFest. I decided to go and check out the competition in town.

The magician was godawful. She only performed a handful of tricks after I arrived and failed about half of them. The Fest had been going on for some time, I don't know if the other performers were better or not.

"I'd like a try on stage, if there is room in the lineup."

"There's room. What's your act and stage name?"

"I'm an acrobat. Sammy the Spectacular."

"Just as soon as the magician is done, you're up. And at the rate she's going, it won't be long."

By the time I'd changed into my outfit, the magician was off the stage.

The audience didn't seem that thrilled by her. I was hoping she hadn't left them cold.

So I was pretty pleased to be greeted by a lot of applause. I launched straight into my usual array of tricks. Juggling, the fire baton.

Any accidents?

No, no, I did that on purpose.

Sammy!

All right, I do still have problem with the fire baton. Good thing it's a flame retardant costume.

Your backside must nearly be flame proof as well.

Sheesh, Mum.

At least the contortion stunts all went well.

Cami seemed quite impressed by the show, actually.

"Thank you all, you've been a wonderful audience."

"Let's all thank Sammy the Spectacular. Next up, Ronnie Rotgut with a few of your favourite songs."

Hey Mum, later that evening, I found that I'd won the SimFest.

Well done, Sammy.

Berjes really is growing up well, Sammy.

And he likes Ashley quite a lot. It's good for both of them, Ashley doesn't know many people in town. Berjes has always wanted a proper family so having a step-mom makes him much happier.

Well Mum, I guess it's time to say farewell. I have a lovely wife, 2 fine sons and my professional life is finally coming together well. You were right that I shouldn't have been pushing for luck, more work got me where I really wanted to be.


---
Note, under normal circumstances, I would have followed Sam to the top of the profession. Unfortunately, the save was corrupted by sending him to University with some mods not really ready. After he got home, the crashes were more and more frequent.

So this comes to an end since I do have an older save that I can get Sam to the top of the profession without it crashing so much. But since that's before University, Ashley won't be there so that's why this story ends now.

I think Sammy did hate being embarrassed on stage. I've never seen him stop and bellow at the world quite so regularly as this one did. Just about every performance, until the last couple after Ashley came into his life.

---

The look of shame because a trick failed. Poor Sammy.

Hadn't seen Sam try this stunt before. I have seen Shrimp try it a few times in a different game and he's still never done it. Always flat on the face.

Hi Mum, It's Sammy (clone 69 - part 6)

Sammy, what on earth is that thing?

I've had a visit from a University mascot. They are desperate for students. Everyone in town is getting one of these introduction packs.

It's doing a Stride of Pride, Sam. Why?

Must be a mascot thing. Cause I have no idea.

Oh, the pack the mascot left has got goodies. New t-shirt, little pennant banner.

And your local paparazzi stopped by for a visit.

She is telling me not to go to University. I'm the biggest scoop that she's found.

So, I bet you want to go.

You bet. You have been telling me that I need to work harder and stop expecting that Lady Luck will smile on me. So I took the aptitude test.

How did you do?

Not bad for business or physical. Got scholarship money to study either of those. Not good enough for anything else.

So?

I'm going to spend a term to get some physical education. I think it could be good for me. The scholarship covers the cost entirely.

Good choice, given your profession. Acrobats do get pretty physical. So, the first decision is where to stay. What did you decide?

Plain old dorm. Gives me a chance to meet a few new people, it's closer to my classes. I don't want to live in a frat house. I don't want to spend my scholarship money on a rental. So here are the other people assigned to this dorm.

Well, the roommates are different. A fairy and a vampire?

Couple of girls, a couple of guys. It should be fine, Mum.

You can see the outside is pretty plain. But the interior isn't nearly as bleak as what I thought a dorm would be.

Sammy, studying? Isn't this move in day?

I will work hard at this. No point in going to University if you won't study.

Some people think the whole point of University is partying and hanging out.

No, I don't think so. Besides, check out my study partner. Her name is Ashley.

She's one of your dormies?

She's one of the hottest chicks I've ever seen and she is one of the dormies.

Not bad, Sammy. Not bad at all.

Perhaps my luck is changing at long last.

Sam Grant, are you forcing yourself on that poor girl? She doesn't look happy about that kiss.

I swear Mum, it wasn't like that. She just needed a moment to recover. Next thing I know, she's pulling me in for another big smooch.

True, she does look happier about it now.

Still hanging out with that Ashley girl?

Not only is she very attractive, Mum, but she's one of the top jocks at University. I think I'll fit in well with the jocks, so getting to know her should be a real bonus.

In fact, I feel a real connection with Ashley. Our first day on campus and not only are we friends but we had a fantastic first date.

Weren't you supposed to go to a Meet and Greet? Like talk to your professor and stuff?

Ummm, well, I kind of got distracted.

I hope the Meet and Greet wasn't too important.

At this point, I don't care. Ashley is gorgeous and that's very important. Especially when she likes me too.

You've asked her to sleep with you?

Huh, what? I was sleeping. What are you talking about?

Ashley is in your bed, Sam.

I gave her the room key last night but I went to bed alone, Mum. If Ashley is here, she chose to sleep here.

I thought you were studying physical education, not medicine.

Anatomy is an important part of both. I was given this and a text book for study purposes.

Sammy, I'm proud of you. You really are taking this course seriously.

I want something I can be proud of. Making it through University would be good.

Study break, Sammy?

Ashley said she wanted to have some fun. I was curious as to what she wanted.

What did she want?

Oh, I see. Never mind. Her idea really?

Yes, and it was the best study break ever.

Just in case you were wondering, I have been to all my classes and done all the work. It's not all about Ashley.

You're even awake, unlike most of your classmates.

I did finally give up and attend a kegger. I've been invited to a party every night. This place is party crazy.

I stayed away from the keg, just got better acquainted with the hostess. I liked her but it didn't seem like a very exciting party.

So I decided to throw a kegger of my own and half the people who turned up decided it would be funny to come as zombies. Seriously? Zombies?

Is that Ashley holding you up for the keg stand? She must be a strong girl.

I swear, Mum, she's perfect. Everything I could ever want, all in the one cute package.

How did the party go?

The keg went dry. The guests all complained. I don't throw parties, I didn't know.

My last few days as a student were a bit rough. I came down with a bug two days before finals. It was hard to drag myself to class.

Especially when your professor ignores your existence. Dude, we have questions back here. Listen to us.

The worst part was that Ashley was staying her distance since she didn't want my germs. That was tough. No hugs, no kisses, no cuddles. And who wants to do hard work when you are sick?

I had two finals. The first one, I tanked. My head still hadn't cleared from the cold and I'd had a bad night of it.

The second one, I passed with flying colours. Got a C average for my first term. I wish I'd done better but maybe next term I will.

Ashley and I went out one last time, to go bowling.

You going to miss her?

I will, but not for long if I can help it.

So we finally reached the end of term and everyone said good bye. I haven't enough credits to get my degree so I will have to come back next term. But it will be good to go home.

The very first thing I did after getting home was invite Ashley to stay for a visit.

She managed to catch a red-eye flight and arrived at about 9 the next morning. I was very happy that she made it.

And I lost very little time telling her how much I wanted her to stay in my life. Preferably as Mrs Grant.

She said yes I assume?

Yes, she did. No hesitation at all.

While I was gone, summer festival had started. I took Ashley over to see what that was like.

I found they tore down Cornelius's stage to make way for the new stuff. Now I'll have to find a new place to work in town.

Ashley tried a few things at the summer fest. She won the eating contest and learnt to skate.

I actually tried to earn some cash but no one was paying attention to the acrobat.

Finally, the light was fading and I knew Berjes would be home from school.

"Berjes? I would like a word with you."

"Man, these pancakes were in the fridge too long. Yuck. What do you want, Sam?"

"I'd like you to meet Ashley. She's agreed to marry me. She's going to be your new Mum."

"I'm going to have a Mum? Like, we'll be a whole family?"

"Yes, Berjes. We will be. You might even have some younger siblings soon."

"That's great news. I've always wanted a proper family."

"I knew you were a bit disappointed that you only had me."

"Well, it has been better than being stuck forever in a fountain. But this is better yet. Thanks Sam."

Sammy, isn't that house a bit small for a baby?

What do you mean?

Trust me, Sammy. You need to spend your cash on expanding that place a bit.

Another day, another failed attempt at earning tips. I can't compete with the summer fest attractions. I'm going to have to find a new place to earn tips, not having any audience is ridiculous.

At least I have a gig tomorrow at a coffee shop. I hope that goes well.

Berjes used a friendship potion on Ashley. It worked well, they are best friends now.

Later that evening, Ashley and I exchanged wedding vows. Not a big fancy wedding but the poor girl has been sick the last few days.

Sammy, did I mention babies yet?

Surely women get sick from things other than babies?

At the rate you two head for bed, you will be seeing some soon.

Then I put a ring on Ashley's hand and sealed the deal.

Welcome home to the family, Mrs Grant.

It's not much but it's all ours.

Sammy, did I tell you?

All right Mum. We had better prepare for a baby.

Or two.

What?

Just saying, Sam. You never know.

I hope you're wrong. One I think we can cope with. Two? I don't think so.
---
Bonus pics

Sam, sweetheart, are you studying or looking for dirty pictures?

Sammy's dorm room was not picked for the nice double bed.

Or the lovely fireplace either.

It was the closest room to the gym equipment. Though Sam was too distracted by Ashley to work out much.

The animators do well with things like poses with pool cues.

Sammy was a bit angry from time to time. His dormies take a hit from that.

Poor Sammy - his new wife is evil, just like his wishing well child.

Ashley is feeling ill and in the background - a sleeping stray cat.

Berjes does get some of the stuff he wants. He was the one that wanted bees, now he can tend them.