Romancing the Apocalypse Chapter 12 - For Corey (Jake and Mel leave for vacation, and Corey gets cured.)

Welcome back to Romancing the Apocalypse! Episode 11 ended with Gen 4 heir Mark planning a vacation for his parents in an attempt to help them out of the funk their marriage has become. And with Medical now lifted by Shannon (unbeknownst to her parents), Business lifted by Jane, and Christmas right around the corner, Lorin couldn't pass up the chance to give a gift to Corey that has been a long time coming. But first, let's see if Jake and Mel can make their getaway to Twikkii Island...

(12/24/2008)

"So I've got you lined up to join Mom and Dad on Twikkii later this week. You and Shannon can fly out together."

"Whoa whoa whoa. It sounds like fun, but there's no way I can go."

"Why not?"

"Like I got your old Locker Room Attendant job?"

"I didn't know that. Bummer, that puts a definite kink in the plans."

"I didn't know you were planning a vacation, it's not my fault."

"I'm not blaming you, it's just...Mom was expecting you to be there with them. Now I don't know if she'll even go."

"I wish I could go, but this is my only chance to be a Hall of Famer."

"It's all right, Sar. Well, I guess I'll give her the bad news..."

"No, let me...she knows this is the career I want. That's a big thing with her, right? I'm pretty sure she'll understand."

"You'll never guess what, Shan, it turns out Sara is a legitimate no-go. Did you know she had a job?"

"No way."

"Way."

"I thought she was too busy hanging with her friends after school?"

"That's what I thought too, but she's got my old locker room job. Even Lorin forgot she had it."

"Well, that sucks...at least where the vacation is concerned..."

"But it is one less fib we have to tell."

"So what now?" "Go ahead with your demotion story. And I can lay a pretty good guilt trip on Mom if I have to." "I hope I'm convincing, I'm not a very good liar." "Look at it this way...we're just giving them a little push. We can only do so much, the rest they will have to work out on their own. If they don't go...well, we all will go there eventually, so it's not like it'll be a total waste." .....

"Dad, I'm so bummed...I really thought I would be Chief of Staff by now, but I got a chance card *sniff* and I got demoted."

"Demoted? What lousy timing."

"The worst. I could, ah, join you guys after I get promoted again, but I don't know how long that's going to take."

"I don't know, Shan. I do know your mom is not gonna be happy about this."

"Should I tell her?"

"No... I'll do it."

All right, Team Mascot! But Mom... oh well, time to get this over with...

"Hey Dad. So, uh, have you seen Mom?"

"She's at work, remember?"

"Oh...I guess I forgot."

"What's on your mind?"

"Well...did I ever tell you I got Mark's old job in Athletics?"

".....You never said anything to me about it."

"I didn't know about the vacation when I got it. So anyway...I can't go with you and Mom."

"Nice, more bad timing..."

"I'm really sorry, Dad. I would like to go with you guys, but I'd have to quit, and I really don't wanna miss my only chance to be a Hall of Famer."

"No, you shouldn't have to give that up. And don't worry, I'm sure your mom will understand."

"That's what I thought, too. Should I tell her or do you want to?"

"I already have to tell her about Shannon..."

"Shannon can't go either?"

"Bad timing is the story of the day. I'll tell her about both of you. Then we'll have to see what she says."

"I hope you guys still go."

"If it's meant to be, we'll go. If not... *shrug* Just don't go blaming yourself, okay?"

"Thanks, Dad, I feel better now."

"Mel, I sorry but...there's some bad news about the vacation."

"Oh no, I was really looking forward to it."

"I'm looking forward to it, too."

"I thought Mark already made all the arrangements."

"The arrangements are fine. It's...the girls."

"The girls?"

"I know you're not gonna like hearing this, but..."

"What about the girls?"

".....They can't go."

“What? That can't be, they have to go. What's going on...why can't they go?!” “It's just bad luck, bad timing...” Oh no, not again...this house definitely has it in for me! “What happened?” “Shannon got demoted and now she doesn't know how long it'll take to become Chief of Staff.” “That's terrible!” “It is, but it could've been worse. She could've been fired.” “I...well yes, that's true.” “Did Sara tell you she got Mark's old job in Athletics? She only just told me.” “.....No, she didn't tell me.” “She got the job before she knew about the vacation.” “And she wants to be a Hall of Famer.” “She wants to go with us, but...” “No. Having that job is very important to her, she should stay.” “I told her that's what you would probably say. She felt bad, Mel.” “That's okay *sniff*, we'll just cancel the vacation.”

“We don't have to cancel the trip, Mel.” “We do...or at least I do. I can't go...not without the girls.” “Maybe...you can?” “No, it's impossible...” “Why is it impossible?” “Because we...just can't go.” “We could.” “.......” “Are you afraid to go away alone with me?” “.......” “Will you ever forgive me for making you quit your job?”

“I...can't talk about that.” “Please, Mel, it was so long ago. You have to let me say my piece, then I promise I'll never bring it up again. Will you let me do that?” “......” “I was wrong, Mel. I went to work that day and it never occurred to me I was making the biggest mistake of my life, a mistake I could never make right for you. I know it sounds really bad, but I saw our argument that morning as nothing more than a contest I had to win. I was selfish and immature, I had to win at any cost, just like when Ciel and I used to fight. I know that's no excuse...” “......” “It wasn't your fault. You had told me many times before, but that day I never made the connection how important your job was to you.” *sniff* “It was pure luck that I won, but the truth is we both lost...because I lost you, Mel, only I was too stupid to realize it. And when I did finally realize it, it was too late, and now I don't know how to find a way back to you, or if you even want me to try.” “I don't know either...”

“It's all right, Mel. C'mon, let's go on this vacation...no pressure, no expectations, okay? Just get away and relax and have fun. And if you want time alone to think, you can have that too.” “I don't know...” “Are you worried about leaving the kids?” “I don't think so...” “You know they want us to go, right?” “They're not exactly subtle...” “So what do you think, Mel? Can you do it?” “...Do you really mean no pressure?” “Yeah, I really mean it.” “I... You know what? Screw the house, I'm going.” “The house?” “Yeah, screw it. I'm going.” “With me?” “...With you.” “I'm glad, Mel.” “I think I'll take the girls shopping with me...” “That’s the spirit.”

"Guess what? Mom wants us to go shopping with her... they're going on the vacation!"

"They bough... I mean that's...wow...that's great news. Whew, I'm so relieved!"

"Dad told me you can't go either. Cheer up, sis, I know you'll be Chief of Staff in no time."

"Oh. Well...thanks, Sara. We'll have a nice heart-to-heart after Mom and Dad leave and I'll, um, tell you all about it. You can tell me about your job, too, Miss I Can Keep a Secret."

"I didn't mean it to be a secret..."

"I'm teasing. It would've been nice to go with them, but...you and I could still go together some day."

"It'll be fun with no parents, huh?"

"We'll make sure of it. C'mon, let's go find Mom. She so has to find something different to wear."

"You look really pretty in that dress, Mel."

"The girls helped me pick it out. Oh, I got us cell phones too."

"Good thinking. Are you ready?"

"......."

"Mel?"

"Yeah, let's go..."

We'll join Mel and Jake on their vacation in the next chapter.

"I almost can't believe they went through with it. After Sara, I had serious doubts."

"Hopefully it won't backfire. So...are you ready to give her a call?"

"I still can't believe it's that easy."

"Trust me, a lot of things are easy now...you guys just need to get used to it."

"So, who can I get fer ya, sonny?"

"Not who, what. I need Vamprocillin-D."

"Why didn't ya say that when ya called?"

"I tried. You need to change your message."

"Got a point."

"Yer in luck, just got this in a couple a' days ago. How'd ya know anyway? No one else seems ta."

"Well, my sister had to keep it secret until...never mind. We'll make sure the word gets out."

"That's all ya want, the Vamp-D? Hardly worth the trip."

"To be honest, I can't believe how cheap it is. How 'bout I buy three? And I think business'll pick up for you real soon."

"How's that?"

"My aunt was at one of her favorite hangouts a few nights ago, and the Contessa vamped Armando Cox in the middle of a crowd right next to her. She said she didn't really think much about it at the time..."

"...but her husband knows all about vampires running amok. He backed her away and tried to make her as inconspicuous as possible, but the Contessa already had my aunt in her sights, and she came this close to getting bitten. Luckily they were on a date, so Lorin was keeping a close eye on them and saw just in time what the Contessa had in mind. She was pretty shaken up, though." "Who, your aunt or Lorin?" "Actually, they both were."

"And my mom's friend Christy got vamped too."

"Ah, so it wasn't just a fluke, the vampires are gettin' bolder."

"It's not gonna be nearly so bad now that they can call you."

"I foresee...business pickin' up."

"Thanks for the Vamp-D...best sixty simoleons I ever spent."

"What's up, Mark? They got pushed off today, didn't they?"

"Yeah, it's all good. Wow, you didn't waste any time... just got off work, huh?"

"You did say it was important."

"Yes, I did. Shannon has something to tell you."

"Hey, Grandpa."

"Shannon...wow. You kids just grow up too fast."

"You know, I think tonight you should call me Doc."

"Doc..."

"Chief of Staff to be exact. I found the cure for your vampirism."

"You found it?"

"Actually, it's better than that. We have it here with us, right now."

"Bleh! Oop...sorry that slipped out. I...that's wonderful. I'm speechless..."

"Here you go."

"Thank you, both of you. I've lost count of the days, even years, I have been waiting for this."

"I'm gonna miss the all-nighters."

"Heh, yeah. I love you guys. I hope you don't mind, but I really want to go home now."

"We love you too! Hurry, don't keep Grammy waiting..."

It's here...it's finally here... If I close my eyes, will it still be here when I open them? ....... Yes, it's still here... "Kate, come here."

"What's is it?"

"Our granddaughter...she's a doctor now, she's the doctor now."

"Ooh, that's wonderful! They will be so much happier with showers."

"Right...showers... They gave me something tonight."

"That's nice, what is it?"

"It's the cure..."

"That's right! Oh my God, Corey..."

"This is it, Kate, this is the moment, and now that it's here...everything will change again..."

"Don't drink it yet, I...I want to tell you something first."

"Whether you are vampire or mortal, you are the love of my life, and I will always want you no matter what. You mean everything to me, Corey."

"Kate, you're killing me. It was just a split-second hesitation. Really, I'm ready..."

"Sshhh...let me give the vampire in you the goodbye he deserves..."

"Let me have one more night with him..."

"Good, there's still time before the sun comes up."

"You know what you made me realize? Being a vampire is living only half a life. I am so ready to live a whole one again with you."

"I can't wait either, Corey."

"Okay, here we go... you don't have to watch this..."

"I want to be here with you. If I get too freaked I can always close my eyes, right?"

"Just prepare yourself... are you ready?"

"Ready."

"Oh honey, I had no idea! Was it this bad when you got vamped?"

"....Almost...not quite...whoever...made these...counters...should be...shot!...ohhh..."

Ditto this stupid dress.

"I think I'll close my eyes now..."

"Corey! How are you doing that?!"

" *!KRI* "

"Say what?"

**Credit for vampiric *IRK!* goes to BlueBerryPie360. Lorin here. I have one thing to say to Corey: you were one effinghawt vampire. *swoon*

"Woo, and it's over! Well, Kate, did it work?"

"I...honey, I'm so sorry..."

"Wait... EEEEYes, it worked!"

"Corey!!!!"

"Kate!!!!" Hehe, free will.

"Sorry, Kate, I just had to see for myself. *Sigh* I really am me again."

"I told you, silly. Now get back out here!"

Oh mirror, we have so much catching up to do!

"Heheh, be right there."

"Awww, you were saving our first twirl just for this occasion."

"Well, I couldn't think of a better one to save it for, could you?"

"The sun's almost up. What do you want to do on your first day back?"

"Oh, I have the whole day planned out."

"First we'll have a morning ...nap... with the sun beating right down on us..."

"Then we'll have a nice lunch. I haven't had lunch in ages, and I can feel my appetite is starting to return..."

"Then we'll go outside and play..."

"But first, I just want to hold you and feel the sun. This is heaven, Kate."

"I know, me too."

"I don't regret a single day being a vampire, but you know my biggest fear right now?"

"Oh Corey, please don't... *sniff* Try not to think about it. It's all behind us now."

"It only gets better from here."

"That's right, only better..."

"You know, Corey, at first I was disappointed that it's still winter at our house, but now I'm glad. This just feels right somehow."

"Almost like starting over right where I left off."

"Yeah *sniff* ."

"Aww, don't cry. This is supposed to be fun, right?"

"It is fun, but it makes me a little sad, too. You know, just what we've missed."

"No looking back, remember?"

"There...how's that?"

"He's been perfect for ages. Y'now, I never thought I could envy a snowman. Can't you come pat me instead?"

"I don't know about pat... how's this?"

"Hehe!"

"Playtime over, yes?"

"I love when you read my mind..."

'Love will remain a mystery But give me your hand and you will see Your heart is keeping time with me What a feeling in my soul Love burns brighter than sunshine Brighter than sunshine Let the rain fall, I don't care I'm yours and suddenly you're mine Suddenly you're mine And it's brighter than sunshine' ** Just a little piece from the gorgeous "Brighter Than Sunshine" by Aqualung (2005)

What's this, a gratuitous shower shot? That can only mean...

*gasp* LucyPeppeR is in the neighborhood! Author of the delightful alphabet legacy "The Obsession Legacy" (her obsessions are Star Trek, Harry Potter, and 24), currently on the "V" generation, 54(!) chapters so far, including Uni chapters for each generation O_O, and going strong...

So ends my little chapter to honor my favorite Sim and former vamp Corey. It really was more of a Christmas gift to myself to do this for him and Kate. A huge thanks and happy holiday wishes to all who have read and commented on my story this past year: Jendra, Granada!, Felicia1066, smoothiequeen87, DocGirlP, DrSupremeNerd, Blaqhawk, Squishy03026, AgentClank, KittyCarey, thefireeternal, ladylarkrune (just made the cut!), simcrazy1013, and katsrool. And hugs and more wishes to MaxiBuckle, Little Nemo (get better soon, guy!), Rozee, Darby, BlueBerryPie360, Angela/thepiepers5, hooptytrib, LucyPeppeR, willowdanin, Kathi/dellyo, dwhalen213, PetTech, tiffanyk, and vllygirls26. Stay tuned for Jake and Mel's vacation, and thanks for reading!