This is the Romara Dorm of the esteemed Academie le Tour University. This is also the September morning new students arrive for Fall Quarter. While most of the students who will live here come from normal, if affluent families..

One doesn’t.

So this is it then…Amarante thought to herself as she stepped up to the door of her new home.

It’s not so bad. Nicer than I would have thought. Probably nicer than I deserve, given the circumstances.

Unlike her classmates, Amarante Gestalt had not seen her family for 6 years. Moving from foster home to her friends’ couches and back to foster homes, Romara Dorm would, hopefully, be her home for longer than anywhere else since she left.

While most of the kids she met in the system left their homes due to abuse, neglect, or were simply kicked out, Amarante’s situation was a bit unique.

She had no idea why she left.

She remembered growing up, her parent’s faces, the school she went to, her first kiss. But when it came to the event that prompted her flight…nothing. Just a vague notion of unease and a surety that she would never go back.

Amarante had barely managed to do well enough in school to be accepted to Le Tour, and that showed in a…necessity for an increased focus in her class work.

Remind me why I decided to take sociology? It’s not nothing to do with my major, and do I really need to know the difference between the structural-functional and social-conflict approaches to sociological research?

At least the TA is hot…

Difficulties in sociological exploration notwithstanding, Amarante enjoyed most of her classes. One of the few constants in her life was music, and from the minute she arrived Amarante declared the Performing Arts major. Though her main goal in life was to ensure her future children had it better than she did, she hoped to someday make a living doing what she loved best: singing.

Despite her implausible and very dramatic background, Amarante spent her college days like most do.

She worked at her crappy part-time job,

made friends,

met some shady characters,

And encountered mysterious deities…

Shut up! No simselves in this story, got it???!!!

Yes ma’am….

But as much as she tried to enjoy her stable, normal college experience, the mistrust, doubt, and confusion that surrounded her past was inescapable. No matter how much she tried to lose herself in her new life, Amarante often found herself alone and dejected.

I don’t get it…what am I doing wrong? Why can’t I just move on from whatever it is that happened to me? I’m weird, I get it…but that going to haunt me forever?

In spite of her angst, Amarante managed to graduate Summa Cum Laude with a degree in Performing Arts. But with that success came an even greater challenge…

She had no idea where to go next.

Now what? It’s not like I’ve got anywhere to go home to…and Sim City County’s a big place.

The sirens of a passing ambulance momentarily interrupted her musings, but Amarante’s thoughts quickly turned back to the situation at hand.

After all, it’s not like this was a problem she could run away from.

A dog? At the bus terminal? Because my life wasn’t weird enough, right?

Maybe I could follow you home?

At least one aspect of Amarante’s decision was easy. There was no point in staying outside, in any case.

Not that the decision was any easier there.

“Amarante? What are you doing here?”

“Mr. Barnes?” Amarante was shocked to see her sociology TA standing in front of her. Though they had got along well enough at university, she still didn’t feel comfortable calling him by his first name.

“C’mon, it’s Jeremy. I was only your TA, not your professor. And I’m definitely not old enough for a pretty girl like you to call me Mister.”

“I’m sorry, hello Jeremy. I didn’t expect to see you here.”

“Likewise. What’s up?”

“I’m…transitioning.”

“Transitioning…I like the sound of that. I guess you could say I’m ‘transitioning myself. Spring Quarter was my last one at Le Tour, so I’m headed back to civilization.”

“Which part of civilization, if you don’t mind me asking.”

“To be honest, I have no idea. I’m thinking…to wherever the next bus ends up.”

“That sounds dangerous.”

“ Ha, I bet! Then again, it’s not like I have anywhere else to be. I better get going. See ya around kid.”

“Good luck.”

“What’ll it be, honey?”

“Surprise me.”

“…the next bus for Pleasantview leaves in 5 minutes.”

“Why not…Pleasantview it is.”

Hmmm…

“You ready to go, or are you going to sit around for another two hours looking pretty?”

“I’ll take the next bus to Pleasantview.”

2 Days Later…

“Thanks for meeting me here Ms. Leive.”

“Of course Ms. Gestalt. This product has been on the market for some time now, so you can imagine the owners are eager to sell. Even to someone with less than stellar references.”

“As you can see, the property is in decent shape. The large windows increase the heating costs of course, and the floors need refinishing. The wallpaper…”

Amarante’s thoughts drifted away from the real estate agent’s assessment of 95 Woodland Drive and towards the place she might be calling home. By carefully saving her grant money from college, and what little she managed to save from her previous life, Amarante had scraped up enough to purchase a starter home, albeit a cheaply priced one.

The house was fairly middle of the road compared to others homes in the area. Woodland Drive was considered by many to be the dividing line between Pleasantview’s rich and not-so-rich residents. Though this property was significantly smaller than those surrounding it, the grey stones and large windows that dominated the exterior were certainly charming. As Amarante surveyed it’s exterior, a small of part of her dared to hope her long days of restlessness could be over.

“The place comes with the basic furniture provided by the owners. It‘s not much, but it should get you through the first few weeks, at least.”

“It’s a bit…” Amarante paused, trying not to offend the woman standing next to her. “Grey, isn’t it?”

“You’re wearing grey, aren’t you?”

“…what?”

Ms. Leive sighed. “Look, like I said, it’s a fixer upper. But the price is right, and given the price range you’ve told me, there’s not much else I can do for you.”

“Is the neighborhood safe?” Though she had no reason to believe otherwise, years of a certain lack of security in her life had left Amarante with a slightly nervous temperament.

“Are you joking? Pleasantview is about the sleepiest area in the county.”

After touring the rest of the home, the women found themselves back where they started.

“So, Ms. Gestalt. Do we have a deal?”

Glowing with a peace she hadn’t felt in years, Amarante answered. “Yes, I think we do.”

With the young woman carefully out of earshot, Clementine Leive took out her phone, dialing a number she used so often she could do it blindfolded.

“Yes sir, she bought the house…no, I couldn’t tell, but there’s…something. I can’t say for sure, but she may be one of them…No, I can’t imagine she is. Something’s missing, maybe a disconnect of some kind.”

“…I’m sorry! I didn’t…yes, I understand. If nothing else, I doubt she poses any type of threat at the moment…yes, I put a tracer on her just in case. If something comes up, you’ll be the first to know.

So…this is it, huh?

Amarante began her life in Pleasantview in earnest by finding a job as a music teacher. While it wasn’t exactly performing per se, she hoped the connections she formed in the business would help her land a gig at a local club.

In between refining her creative expression…

Amarante managed to make friends with her neighbors. Cassandra Goth in particular proved to be a kindred spirit of sorts, and the two women got along famously.

It wasn’t long before Amarante’s skill at performing was noticed by an appreciative (and connected) fan.

“It’s Amarante Gestalt, right? I don’t know if you’d be interested, but I noticed you up in the booth and I think you’d be a great act at my family’s club.”

Amarante hesitated. After all, how much pull could a teenage boy have at a nightclub? “That’s sweet, but aren’t you a little young for a talent scout?”

The boy paused for a second, and though she wasn’t sure, Amarante thought she saw a malevolent look briefly cross over the teenage boy’s face. “Look, I’m guessing you’re new in town, so I won’t hold that against you. I’m Brent Renfield, and my family owns about third of Sim City—and we’re talking the good third here. So,” Brent continued in an exaggeratedly patient voice, “if you’re interested in singing at Pale September this weekend, send me an email and we’ll set things up.”

Though she had her misgivings, perhaps rightfully so in this case, Amarante knew she didn’t want to stay a music teacher forever. So later that night, she confirmed the date with Brent.

Oh God…what am I doing here?

There’s so many people here…why do I feel like I have no idea what I’m doing?

As she climbed on stage, the rolling sensation of fear refused to leave her body, preventing her from opening her mouth, much less singing. As she gazed out into the crowd, each face looking less and less forgiving, she found herself settling on the final table to the left.

And the smiling face of her friend gave her the courage to go on…

Give me a reason to believe that you're gone...I see your shadow so I know they're all wrong.

Moonlight on the soft brown earth,It leads me to where you lay.They took you away from me but now I'm taking you home...

I will stay forever here with you,My love.The softly spoken words you gave me...Even in death our love goes on.

Some say I'm crazy for my love, Oh my love...But no bonds can hold me from your side, Oh my love...They don't know you can't leave meThey don't hear you singing to me

I will stay forever here with you,My loveThe softly spoken words you gave me...Even in death our love goes on

And I can't love you, anymore than I do...

I will stay forever here with you,My loveThe softly spoken words you gave me...Even in death our love goes on

And I can't love you, anymore than I do...

People die, but real love is forever.

“Even in Death” -Evanescence

It’s over. I did it…

“Thank You, everyone!”

As she ended the song, Amarante blushed to the applause that filled the club. Though she enjoyed herself, she was just as quick to leave the stage.

Before she could make it over to Jeremy, Amarante was accosted by an older, obviously refined woman who seemed completely out of place in a Sim City nightclub.

“Wonderful performance dear. As we watched, my group couldn’t help but notice that you look dreadfully familiar. I’m Marissa Cleveland…does the name ring any bells?”

Though the woman hadn’t done anything wrong, as soon as she started talking Amarante felt a sick…something…crawl into the bottom of her stomach and stay there. “Um, no. I don’t know you. Sorry…”

“There’s no need to be sorry, dear. Again, a wonderful performance.”

As soon as the woman turned away from Amarante, whatever it was that took hold of her senses disappeared immediately. She stood still for a moment, unsure if she even wanted to know why Marissa Cleveland terrified her.

But a moment later, comfort ruled out over self-knowledge, and Amarante found herself in front of the two closest (and in many ways, only) friends she had in Pleasantview.

Before Amarante could speak, Cassandra interrupted her.”I’m so sorry I wasn’t here when you started, I had family problems you would not believe. You were absolutely great up there though!”

Jeremy seemed at a loss for words. “…You must be thirsty, how bout a drink?”

“I’m glad to see you made it out of the bus station,” Jeremy commented with a smile. “Where did you end up?”

Afraid she would sound like she moved to Pleasantview just because Jeremy did, Amarante briefly considered lying. But the thought passed, and after taking a (hopefully) inconspicuous deep breath, she answered truthfully.

Jeremy laughed. “No kidding? You know, I was kinda hoping you’d head there.”

Amarante’s breath caught in her throat. “Really? I mean, you don’t, um..”

“Well, yeah. It’s always nice to see a friendly face, isn’t it.”

“Oh, yeah. Of course, I agree.”

“Pardon me for interrupting, but your song was absolutely divine.”

Amarante quickly stood up at a melodic voice behind her. As she turned, she was taken aback by the pale woman in front of her. Unlike the feeling of dread the older woman at the stage caused however, Amarante immediately took a shine to the interrupter.

“Thanks so much! It sort of came to me one night, I can’t really explain it.”

“In my experience, the best parts of life just appear to us in the night.” The woman spoke slowly and deliberately, thought a hint of joie de vivre shone through her carefully considered words. “I hope we’ll see more of your songs around town, the scene’s become so dull lately, and I always appreciate a hint of new blood. But I’ll let you get back to your date,” as she ended with a sensuous grin.

“Oh, we’re not…uh, thanks again,” and before she could say anything, Jeremy whisked Amarante off in the other direction.

As soon as Amarante was out of earshot, a similarly pale teenage boy snarled, “What the hell do you think you’re doing Jennail? You know she’s off-limits!”

“Calm down Fricorith, it was just a bit of harmless fun. Honestly, with your constant grumbling and going on, one would think you’re an old man” Jennail laughed.

“Grow up.”

A momentary distraction notwithstanding, as she and Jeremy danced, Amarante was surprised at how irrationally happy she was when Jeremy admitted he was happy to see her.

Of course he was, he doesn’t know anyone in Pleasantview either. Stop reading too much into this. Besides, you don’t even really know him that well…

As much as Amarante told herself to stop thinking too much, she was far too interested in her dance partner to notice the trouble brewing near the club’s entrance.

“Well, well, well,” Kvornan Tricous’ smooth voice uttered. “Looks like the beasts are out in form tonight! But this is a people club, not a pet store. Did you get lost, boy? I don’t see your owner around.”

“You’re not a person, you Goddamned parasite,” Max Were growled. “You might be able to hide your perversion a little better than we can, but we’re still a hell of a lot more human than you’ll ever be.”

“Aww…what brave words for a little doggie. Look around sweetheart, you’re obviously outnumbered. Run along home.”

“You think we need numbers to slaughter you?” Max’s brother Henry chimed in. “What are you going to do, bite us? We’d rip your face off before you got near our throats.”

“Dear boy, you aren’t picking on animals again, are you?” Nylissit Tricou replied in a syrupy tone of voice.

The male vampire next to her continued. “Honestly, Kvornan I can’t see why you would waste your time on these mongrels when there are so many pretty young things around to entertain us. Then again,” Kiernan Tricou continued menacingly, “I suppose a good tussle now and then is good for the soul.”

Before either party could turn their threats into reality, an eminently dangerous presence in the form of Jon Tricou appeared behind the Were brothers and their sister Elisha.

“While I have no doubt you three would put up a nasty fight, neither your alpha nor your other acquaintances are here to back you up. I think it’s time you left, no?”

The werewolves growled as they passed Tricou, but they weren’t stupid. Though individually a were could beat a vampire blindfolded, three of their pack versus the six of them, in a crowded area no less, was a pointless fight. Still, Max couldn’t help but include a passing word to the Head Vampire of Sim City as he left.

“I don’t give a damn who you and your little pets think you are, but this isn’t over,” he snarled under his breath.

“Of course not,” Jon replied in patronizingly.

Once the pests had left, Jon turned angrily to his “family.”

“I’ve told you before, and this will be the last time I do so. Do not pick fights in public again, or you won’t be allowed in public. Am I understood?”

“Of course, father.”

Oblivious to the supernatural goings-on around them, Amarante, Cassandra, and Jeremy headed outside.

“I’ve got to get going, if I’m not home before light out Daddy gets nervous,” Cassandra sighed. “But call me, ok?”

“Sure thing,” Amarante grinned. Thanks again for coming!”

As Cassandra walked away, the rest of the group found themselves alone.

“So, have I mentioned you look fantastic?” Moving closer to his friend, Jeremy cleared his throat before continuing. “You know, I could give you a ride home, if you need it. PV isn’t too big, I’m sure your place is on the way home.”

Though she wasn’t particularly experienced with men, and she certainly found Jeremy attractive, Amarante didn’t want to seem too easy-to-get, as it were.

“Thanks, but a big girl like me can find her way home on my own. I’ll be seeing you around.”

Slightly dejected, but still hopeful, Jeremy replied. “Definitely.”

In the coming weeks, Amarante continued to work on her career, making sure to spend time with friends. Yet, like any red-blooded family sim, there was only so much a successful career could do before she felt something lacking.

I’m doing great, right? So why do I feel empty? Then again, what good is a great job and a nice home without anyone to share it with? Ugh, get a hold of yourself. You don’t have anyone, remember?

As much as she wanted to deny it, there was someone she had come to rely on. At least, as much as she allowed herself to rely on anyone. A quick call and a few minutes later, that someone made his way to the park.

“What are you doing?” Amarante laughed.

“Damn, I was trying to sneak up on you…there’s only so much fun I can have subbing for high school history teachers.”

“That sounds…awful actually. Have you found a place to stay yet?”

Jeremy sighed. “Nope, I’m still at the Simaday Inn. There’s practically nothing out here in my price range—you probably got the only place I could afford.”

“Awww, poor baby,” Amarante teased.

“So,” Jeremy continued. “I don’t often get the pleasure of late night phone calls from nice girls, if you know what I mean.”

“I, uh…” she didn’t know how quite to continue. “I guess I just, I don’t know, I needed someone to talk to.”

“To talk to, huh? Isn’t that what phones are for?” he replied with a sly grin.

Amarante blushed. “Oh my God, you’re right. I don’t even know why…”

“That figures,” Jeremy muttered.

“You know…” Amarante shyly smiled. “If you want to get out of the rain, I live across the street.”

“Definitely”

The Next Morning…

“Darn, I was hoping to have this done before you woke up. I hope you like scrambled eggs and ham,” Amarante confessed, still a bit giddy about the night before.

I love scrambled eggs!” Jeremy too eagerly replied.

For a while, both ate their breakfast in silence. Desperately searching for a topic of conversation, Amarante blurted out the first thing she could think of. “You know, since you still can’t find a place, you’re welcome to stay here if you like. I have a spare bedroom and all, so it wouldn’t be a problem.” By the time she was finished, Amarante was beyond embarrassed. Ugh, I must sound so desperate, please don’t think I’m weird, please don’t think I’m weird!

“Wow, I’m so glad you asked first.” Jeremy breathed in a sigh of relief. “I didn’t want to seem like some creepy stalker type, but I noticed your spare bedroom last night, and I wanted to ask but then I thought, of course, you know, she’d think I was crazy and everything, so I did—”

Relieved, Amarante cut Jeremy off with a squeeze of her hand. “It’s settled then,” she smiled.

Soon after he moved in, Jeremy quit his job teaching and signed up at the local police academy. Though his degree was in sociology, Jeremy had focused in criminal justice theory. Now that he finally found a place to (maybe) settle down, he felt it was time to take whatever it was he gained from his long years in school and put it to good use.

Most of the time he didn’t spend at work or with Amarante was spent painting. Like his roommate (or was it girlfriend at this point?), Jeremy was committed to culture and the arts. While Amarante expressed her interest in performing music, Jeremy preferred more personal reflection, and sought to create something that would last.

Neither Amarante nor Jeremy were quite sure what their relationship was to one another, but let’s just say the spare bedroom didn’t get much use.

Though the exact definition of their relationship was uncertain, one thing was for sure. Jeremy was certainly devoted to his new love.

“Jeremy?” Amarante called, just after arriving home from work. “What are you doing out in the dirt? Isn’t your patrol soon?”

“Just in time! I’ve gotta go, but I wanted this finished by the time you got home,” he replied, slightly out of breath.

“Flowers? But, why?” Amarante asked.

“I thought the place could use a bit of color, and last week you said the sunflowers at the park were pretty, so I picked some up this morning,” Jeremy replied cheerfully.

For a moment, Amarante didn’t know what to say. When Jeremy saw the tears in her eyes, he scooped her up in his arms, ignoring the fact that he was now late for work.

When she found her voice, Amarante could only say “I love you.”

“I love you too babe.”

Though neither were aware, this was the first time either of them had said those words.

For all intents and purposes, life was going great for the new couple. Until, one morning, a surprise woke Amarante out of bed…

To Be Continued

So that’s it for the first chapter of the Gestalt Legacy. I know I’m a bit late getting into the game, but I’m feeling inspired at the moment

Thank you all so much for reading this, even though I’m an English Lit major I have next to no experience with creative writing, so this is definitely a scary challenge for me! If you liked this enough to comment, or even hated it enough to comment, you can do so on my boolprop.com thread or my Livejournal (SunshinePacific).

Thanks Again!!!!