Hi Mum, It's Sammy (clone 69 - part 5)

Mum, why did this suddenly appear at my house?

There are some interesting things you can learn to brew, Sammy

Like what? Something that will help me make more friends?

That is a possibility. Or maybe put you in touch with your warm furry side.

Say what? Did you just say furry?

Never mind, just learn some potions. That's my Sammy.

So Sam, what's up?

Berjes wanted to explore this place. I'm hoping that I might just have convinced someone to come and chat with me.

Why look so glum then?

I'm beginning to think that she stood me up.

"Lovely Kalee, you came. I was beginning to get worried that you were still upset."

"Well, it did take me a few hours at home to get over the shock. You suddenly telling me you have a kid in school, that kind of put me off."

"So you good now?"

"I am, Sam. It must be tough being a single Dad."

"Yes, it's not been easy. And I'm self employed as a mime, which isn't exactly the best paying career in town."

"Then why stick with it? Get a different job."

"It was the only paying career I could find. I have to earn some money or we are going to have to sell our furniture to keep the roof over our heads."

"Poor Sam."

"Hi Sam. Thanks for bringing me, that was cool. Oh, ummm, hi?"

"Berjes, this is Kalee. Kalee, this is my son Berjes."

"Hi, Berjes, what was cool?"

"I kept hearing fairies in there. I couldn't find any but I heard them."

"Sam tells me that you do ballet? Isn't that a bit unusual?"

"Don't tell the other guys. The two of us guys doing ballet pretty much get our pick of parts. And we get to hang out with nearly all the girls in class."

"Hey, guys, it might be time to head toward the town centre. I'll need to set up the stage for today's performance soon."

Sammy! That doesn't look like setting up a stage.

I said soon, not immediately. I need to relax for a little.

Hey Sammy, look. You got a new paparazzi today.

Yet another idiot with a camera?

Is it just me or do they only send women to follow you around?

Doesn't matter. They are all idiots. Nearly time, I better check the stage and start the show.

"Well, now there's an interesting view. Isn't that a bit rude, Mr Grant?"

"What? Who said that?"

You are being paparazzi'd on stage again, Sammy. And that costume doesn't conceal much at close range, does it?

"Excuse me, but could you get off the stage? I'm trying to do a show here."

"Excellent. I could use some more pictures for my story. Could you do that pose again?"

"GET OFF MY STAGE!"

"Acrobat has hysterics on stage. Excellent headline, don't you think?"

"GET THE HELL OFF MY STAGE! NOW!"

"Acrobat shouts at reporter. Another good headline."

"Do you want to be onstage while I juggle knifes? Torches?"

"Acrobat threatens reporter with violence."

"ARRGGGHHHH, OFF!"

Another tiny audience, Sammy.

It's more than I've had some nights. Kalee even stayed.

Damn, not off to the best start.

I'll do the fire act. That's always impressive.

Be careful Sammy.

I got this, Mum. Seriously.

Ouch, ouch, ouch. Arse on fire. Arse on fire. Not good.

I thought you had this?

Must have been wrong.

"All part of the show folks. Wasn't that spectacular?"

"I do not know that guy on the stage. Never seen him before in my life."

I don't think you've fooled anyone, Sammy. Berjes can't even watch.

I was hoping that I might get a permanent gig this time.

You'll have to work harder and do it right, Sammy.

More fire? Sammy, are you mad?

Fire impresses people. I want to impress them.

I gotta admit, Sammy. You have some nice moves with the torches.

I have been practising. It's just those damned paparazzi on stage that keep putting me off my performance for awhile.

And the audience does seem to be warming up to you finally.

About time. I'm doing my very best out here.

Those are knives? They look more like swords.

All for show, Mum. They are actually plastic and have no edge. Very safe to juggle but they look good.

They do look good. And scary.

Sammy, good news and bad news.

What's the good news?

Your audience is enjoying the show.

The bad?

Down to two people. You'll never get famous at this rate.

I always feel that I should throw in some mime bits, but I'm not sure the audience appreciates how difficult they are.

Doesn't look hard.

You should try it sometime.

What's the matter, Sammy?

Cornelius still won't give me a permanent gig. I have to audition, again.

Poor Sammy.

I HATE MY LIFE!

Sam is not entirely hopeless as a dad. He got me this cool jelly bean bush as a pre-birthday present.

He is the most disgusting person to live with though. I don't think he knows what a mop or sponge is!

Poor Berjes.

I think I'll try a jelly bean.

This feels a bit odd.

You're blue, Sammy.

Blue? Like that dude, Jericho?

Pretty much. I don't know how long you will stay that colour either.

"Merlot, is that you? What the hell happened to you?"

"Dude, I have no idea. I went to sleep last night and everything was normal. Woke up this morning and I'm purple with wings. Why are you suddenly blue?"

"Interesting side effect of eating a jelly bean from this plant over here. I think I'll go back to normal soon."

"I don't think I'm ever going back. Wings? And I can't fly."

"Give that one time, maybe you will in another day or two. At any rate, thanks for coming over. I appreciate a bit of company."

"I wish, I wish, I wish - I had a real family."

Not happy with Sam?

"Well, he's not that bad but I can hope for better."

And so it was that our evil fountain spawn managed to grow to teen. Go Berjes.

---
Bonus pics

Stray dog and bird interacting.

Lily Darkshore from Avanis

Jericho and Cami's simself jumped into marriage quickly.

But they do seem to be doing very nicely as a couple. Randomly flirting it up.

So I gave them an instant baby which they are both totally ignoring.

I have no idea why she was glowing while playing with Berjes dollhouse. Given I had recently installed Supernatural, I wasn't sure if I wanted to know.

Hi Mum, It's Sammy (clone 69 - part 4)

Sam, why are you still dressed in costume?

After that disaster of a show, I really needed a drink and to relax. [hic] Didn't want to go home and change first. [hic] Bar's good place to relax. [hic]

And drink quite a lot, apparently.

Only a couple, Mum. [hic] Bastard Merlot is a pool shark though. He's winning. [hic]

You might be a bit drunk to play, Sammy. How many have you had?

Nah. That can't be it. Only had 3, maybe 4. Mmm, maybe 5. Bastard Merlot. He got married the other day and didn't even invite me to the wedding.

Maybe because you hit on him once. Remember?

Oh, yeah, that's right.

Sammy! You brought Berjes to the bar?

What? What's wrong with that?

Well, if you are going to be drinking too much, you shouldn't be bringing the boy along. He'll learn bad habits.

He's not drinking!

True, he seems to be playing a game with Thea. Might be the most fun the poor kid has ever had.

Give me a break. I'm doing the best I can.

Hi Mum, It's Sammy (Clone 69 - Part 3)

One thing I have to admit about Lucky Palms, the desert is a beautiful place at both sunset,

and sunrise. It's almost overwhelming. The lighting is just about magic.

Sigh, I just wish I could say the same about my life.

Still not having luck, Sammy?

None, Mum, just no luck at all.

So, wha'cha up to Sammy? I don't think I recognise that place.

Eh, decided to pop into the library.  I'd heard they had some good self help books on making friends and meeting people. I looked at the bookstore first but, my god, those things are freaking expensive.

Actually, looks like you are doing well on the whole meeting people thing. Two Simselves in one day.

Hi Mum, It's Sammy (Clone 69 - Part 2)

Salad, Sam? That is so totally healthy.

It's not that it's healthy. It is that I can't afford anything better tonight. First thing in the morning, I'm going job hunting.

Good luck with that. I hear that times are tough.

I'm not picky, I just need cash.

"Hey, my name is Sam. I was wondering if you heard of any jobs going in town? I've been lots of places already and no luck."

"Hi Sam, I'm Cornelius. I have a gig for a mime as a warm up act at my stage in the park. You have to be in good condition though."

"I'm in pretty good shape but a mime? I'm not interested in that. I want a real job. Regular hours and regular pay."

"Well, good luck looking for other jobs. Just remember me if you don't find anything."

"Just curious, why does your mime have to be in good shape?"

"They need to dodge vegetables thrown on the stage. Hopefully there is nothing left for the audience to throw by the time the main act gets on stage."

Sounds like an exciting career, Sammy.

That sounds painful. I think I'd rather starve first.

Didn't you say just last night that you weren't picky, Sam?

Grrrrrr.

Sammy, are you doing what I think you're doing?

Mum, I tried everywhere. The fire station is volunteers only. The police have plenty of officers. The hospital has more staff than patients. The science lab said I could be a test subject but they seemed to think I'd do it for free. Every place that I tried had no paying jobs.

And so?

Being a mime was the only job offer I had. Even if dodging vegetables does not sound like my idea of fun. So I thought I'd better practice a bit.

I wonder, does this looks as stupid as I think it looks?

You are doing splendidly, Sammy.

I don't think I can count on you as unbiased, Mum. I'm sure that this looks really dumb.

I ... hate ... my ... life! HATE IT! Nothing is going right. I have a tiny hovel. I have a rotten job. I have a son who thinks I'm a loser.

I hate to say this Sam, but Berjes may have a point. Given why you hate your life, can you say you aren't?

Just a few set backs. That's all. I'll get it together soon, you'll see.

Oh, Sammy. [snicker] What on earth is that supposed to be?

Apparently, being a mime wasn't degrading enough. This is the official outfit and the makeup I'm supposed to wear. Cornelius said I'd have to practice a few days before I was ready for the stage.

Poor Sam.

Have I mentioned that I hate my life lately?

"Do you have any idea what that's supposed to be, dear?"

"Not sure. Do you think if we give him some money, he'll leave us alone?"

"Don't encourage it, dear. We'll never be rid of it if we put money in the jar."

I'm trying really hard. Why aren't they more appreciative?

Trying hard doesn't mean you're worth watching, Sammy.

"Watching that new mime is like watching a train wreck. You know it will end badly but you just can't look away."

"I'm glad you warned me. If he's on the bill for the next show, we'll have to find something else to do that day."

Sheesh, it can't be that bad, can it? And just because mimes don't talk, that doesn't mean we can't hear!

Sammy, the casino? Again? What are you thinking?

Mum, I have to get lucky sometime.

Casinos make their millions from people who believe exactly that, Sammy.

Grrr, give me some money back.

If you get money that way, the security guys are going to take it off you. Kicking the machine is definitely not allowed.

Maybe the tables will work better for me.

If you are looking for a quicker way to lose money, I'm sure that's true.

Then again, maybe not. That was a lot of money for our household.

Poor Sam. Going to give it up now?

My luck has to change sometime.

Not looking like a meal made by someone with tons of money.

You have something against mac and cheese. Very yummy this.

And cheap, Sammy. Very cheap.

"Well, Berjes, how was the first day of school?"

"It was ok, I guess. Some of the kids are all right. Teacher is a loser, like you."

"Berjes!"

"Well, at least mac and cheese is a better dinner than salad, Sam. Does this mean you have a good job?" he dug into his bowl with a will.

"I have a job, yes. Did the teacher give you homework?"

Berjes nodded. "Yes, and I've finished it."

"That's good."

He scowled at me. "Is there anything else to do here? You have no tv, a crappy radio that only gets an oldies station, no books, nothing. I had to do my homework or be bored out of my skull."

I have to agree with the kid, Sam. You really aren't prepared for a child of his age, there is nothing to do.

I know. Guess I'll have to do something about that.

Hi Mum, It's Sammy (Clone 69 - Part 1)

Well, Mum, I've moved into a new home in a place called Lucky Palms.

Congrats on the move. I'm sure you’ll be happy in your new home.

So far, it doesn't seem that lucky to me. This tiny shack was all I could afford and it barely has any furniture.

Oh Sam, maybe that's not what's lucky about Lucky Palms. You do have to give a new place a chance.

Well, I do live next to a public garden. So I had the chance to rummage around for food.

That seems pretty lucky.