Lifelines: A SC4 Storybook by RHF

[RadioheadFan 1]

sirgeoj2: Hey, thanks! Glad you like everything!

     Update? Well, I guess so! Only one pic this time, sorry about that, more next update. Also, I previously mistakenly posted this was Chapter 6, and that's wrong. It's Chapter 5 of 8. Anyways, let's get started!

 

---

 

Chapter 5: Tuesday at Starbucks

 

     As one might have expected, Max raced through the school day as fast as possible. To him, nothing mattered more that his 6:00 meeting with Emily at Starbucks. The whole day was spent nervously thinking of what might happen, and pacing around his bedroom worrying about his clothes.

 

     Finally, 5:30 came, and it was time to leave. With a spray of his new Axe Unlimited body spray, he hopped on his Element skateboard and headed to Starbucks, the visible lump in his throat throbbing with a fury.

 

     The famous coffee house was right downtown, and endured huge traffic. On top was a rotating Grande Cappucino donated by the art class at Belanger High, and the outdoor tables and lamps made for a cozy atmosphere. Max sat down and waited for Emily to show up.

 

     After 15 minutes, the beautiful skin and big brown eyes came into view. The lump in Max's throat grew ever larger until breaking point, when it seemed to be coming out his mouth and into his now empty Mocha Frappucino.

 

     Hey Max! Listen, I kind of forgot my study materials, I guess I can read along with you?

 

     This of course only worsened Max's already frayed nerves. For over an hour, they sat shoulder-to-shoulder, her skin meeting his in the most tension-filled moment of both their young lives. The sparks flying like birds heading south for the winter, the hour passed until Emily stood up.

 

     Wow, we sure got a lot done! I had a really great time, and so did the cash register, judging by the $20 we've poured into it. She said this with a flirty giggle.

 

     Yeah, I had a great time too. We should do this again some time. But inside Max's head, a totally different discussion was occurring.

 

     Alright buddy, it's now or never. Ask her out!

 

     I don't know...maybe you should get to know her a little better. His brain was about to erupt like a volcano. He finally got up, took a deep breath, and let go.

 

     Emily, I don't know you very well, but ever since I've met you, my life has been turned upside-down. At night, I think of you. During the day, I think of you. All the time, I think of you. You're beautiful, smart, funny, compassionate, and although I realize you probably don't feel the same way...do you want to go out with me?

 

     Max...I'm so relieved! All the time, I feel the same way about you. I'd be happy to go out with you. How does a walk Friday night sound? Along the tracks to the south?

 

     I'd love that. So I'll see you tomorrow?

 

     Yeah...see you tomorrow. With a peck on the cheek and a wink, she was gone. And Max, well Max had had enough emotion for one day. It was all he had to skate home and fall on his bed, sound asleep.

 

     Friday couldn't come soon enough.

 

---

 

     Well, there's Chapter 5! I hope you liked it, and please be sure to leave a comment! They're really appreciated! We're nearing the exciting conclusion of this first short story, and there's definitely a lot more to come, so stay tuned!

 

Jamie

[Darmok 34]

Jamie, it's really fun to read, short, action/romance packed, and above all, interesting.

Now back to your tablet PC and write!

Take care!

EDIT : Hey! welcome to page 3!

[RadioheadFan 1]

Darmok: Thanks! Yeah, this chapter was a bit shorter, didn't want to put too much strain on all your noggins...hehe. And welcome to page 3 everyone!!!

All: The next update is already ready! *excited murmurs* It should come Monday at the latest. Thanks for the support once again, I really appreciate it!

 

Jamie

[hyped_up_boy 15]

well, this last chapter made me laugh a little... this guy has all the luck!  good luck, and bad luck!  lol, can't wait for the next update like max cant wait for friday!

[Nardo69 51]

Can't wait for monday! Great update, so much Good Luck / Bad Lack or in German: Gl

[jacqulina 162]

yes good and bad,getting very interesting love the story,great work

[PhilsCafe 8]

I meant it in a positive way, of course. The story is quite extraordinary but you let it seem as if such things happen every day, which is funny and fascinating at the same time.

What your latest update is concerned: I enjoyed it and I'm looking forward to the conclusion.

- Phil

[dhoppeii 12]

Jamie, really great stuff here man.  Your talent as a writer always impresses.  You have captured that nervous anxiety, that I am sure most teenagers have felt, with vivid clarity.

I look forward to more.

[Fairlane500 8]

RHF: Great to see you back, and I must say that this is one engrossing journal. Sometimes I wiish that I could fall into a situation such as Max, but every girl I like either seems to move, or get embroiled in someone elses relationship, oh well.

I can't wait to see where this journal leads next, and again, I must say, one amazing storyline.

[RadioheadFan 1]

Incoming apology for lack of updates...

I am so, so, sorry for no updates coming out recently. I had no idea Grade 10 offered up so much homework...also, being on the basketball and golf teams, Student Council, President of the Foreign Languages Society, heading up intramural dodgeball...the list goes on and on. Maybe an update this weekend? I'm not making promises anymore, too much going on. Once again, sorry...

 

Jamie

[RadioheadFan 1]

     Update time! But first, your comments!

---

 

hyped_up_boy: Yes indeed, Max's life is full of everything imaginable. It's pretty weird...but glad you like everything!

 

Nardo: Thanks! Sorry for the belatedness!

 

Jacky: Thanks for the comment!

 

Phil: *wipes forehead* Whew! Funny and fascinating are both words I love to hear when writing, so thanks for the great comment!

 

Dan: hehe...my life is the prototype for nervous anxiety, so good to know that people know I know what I'm talking about! Thanks for the comment!

 

Fairlane: Wow, thanks! You may have stumbled onto something there...stay tuned to find out what! And thanks for the comment!

 

---

 

Chapter 6: Friday Along the Railroad

 

     After what seemed like light-years of waiting, Friday finally came around, along with a pounding headache, a lump in the throat and a feeling of stomach sickness. No, Max wasn't sick, he was scared as hell, and wanted nothing more than to get the first date over and done with, because everyone knows it's the hardest.

 

     The school day seemed to drag on like pouring cold molasses onto waffles. The only highlight was Emily. She'd give passing glances, with a wink, or a smile, or the tiniest of waves, enough to send Max into near cardiac arrest.

 

     Last period finally ended, and Max arrived at his locker, only to find a Post-It note stuck on the door. 7:00 at the station. Love, Emily.

 

     Ohhhhhhhh... He slumped against the metal locker, with his head in his hands.

 

---

 

Won't you hold me now;

I will not bend, I will not break;

Won't you hold me now;

Into your arms, I will not fall...

 

Bend and Not Break

Dashboard Confessional

A Mark, A Mission, A Brand, A Scar

 

     The station came closer and closer into view, and Max's feet became heavier and heavier. Every step along the pavement seemed to find his whole body sinking deeper and deeper into the asphalt. Suddenly, when all hope was lost, the sparkling jewel that was Emily came into view. The sinking stopped, the feet lost their weight, the air seemed to contain more oxygen. Is this what true love meant?

 

     Hi, Max. Are you ready to get going?

 

     Yeah, I can't wait. This week couldn't have gone by any slower. And thus, they set off, along the tracks, behind the forested farms and picturesque houses, beside the crashing waves of Lake Kingston.

 

     The scenery was breaktaking; the navy water to the left, foaming and spraying the white sand beaches. The crops to the right, framed by towering oaks, producing plants of all kinds.

 

     Time passed quickly, as Emily and Max just enjoyed each other's company. Sense of what else was going on in the world seemed to fade away as he clasped her hand, treasured the texture of her skin, savouring her very presence.

 

     The tracks swerved away from the sea, and Max and Emily were nearing the end of the walk. Corn fields passed by, and the railroad was wearing away as trains passed through the boundaries of the county, past the darkness surrounding Kingston proper.

 

     The teenagers came to a forest, and Emily's adventurous side took over.

 

     Hey Max...want to head into the forest?

 

     I don't know...what if there are bears in there?

 

     I've been in there before. The biggest thing you'll see in there is a bunny. Come on!

 

     Well...I trust you, so let's go.

 

     They walked through the forest, chasing each other, and laughing. Collapsing at the trunk of a large elm, Max and Emily looked into each other's eyes for what seemed like forever. Whispers passed between ears, culminating in a kiss.

 

     This was no peck on the cheek. This was a full-blown, I-love-you-more-than-anything, 5-minute-lasting kiss, which both parties presumably enjoyed. When their lips finally parted, they fell asleep at the base of the tree, in each other's arms, the living impersonation of adolescent bliss in the small town of Kingston.

 

---

 

     Well, there you have it. What do you think? What are your comments? Feel free to post them, I always enjoy them, and thanks for the support, it is always thoroughly appreciated.

 

Jamie

 

 

 

    

[Nardo69 51]

Hmmmm ... complete desastrous day followed by cloud Nr. 9 ...

Really nice but as far as I know you I won't last for long ...

I like the pics. PEG's seasonal woods are my favourites, too, in ALL seasons. You just shoud add a second track for that small terminus as the engines have to change from end to the other end of tre train there. Also freight stations should have their own track ...
Yes, I confess, I love railways!

Anyway: waiting for your next update!

Nardo

[RadioheadFan 1]

Nardo: Hehehe... You really think I'll screw it up for Max, regardless of the title of the story? Thanks for the comment. I sure do love those Pegasus Seasonal Trees also, although the next setting for the next story only uses the Random Woods. As for the railways, there is a second track, but it starts and ends behind the stations, and as you might have guessed by now, it's hidden. I'll take that little tip at the end into consideration, and once again, thanks for the comment!

Jamie

[your_adress_here 11]

Looks great!

[RadioheadFan 1]

Dave: Thanks dude!

[RadioheadFan 1]

Hey all - just here to post some teaser shots of the setting for the next story. I've changed my mind a number of times concerning where to place this story, and using a combination of CD's terrain and tree mods, PEG's water mod, and one of Desz's compact regions, I think I've got something great. Take a look...

 

     The St. Jacques River winds through the forest, with Franklin Sound just out of sight to the west.

 

 

     Leonard Inlet is home to a large population of pickerel, and is a favourite spot for fisherman willing to go a little off the beaten path.

 

 

     McNamara County is home to the junction of the St. Jacques and Clarington Rivers, putting it on the list of prospective spots for a future downtown, if cities are ever developed on the terrain.

 

---

 

     Please offer up your opinions on these pictures. I've just wrote the story, and made it so that whatever you want me to do with the terrain can fit the storyline. What'll it be? There are 3 choices...

 

Option A: Leave the terrain unspoiled, with just roads and a population of under 1,000 for the entire region.

 

Option B: Create a small-sized city and satellite towns throughout the region, while leaving plenty of untouched land, with a population of around 50,000 for the entire region.

 

Option C: Create a large city, with moderate amounts of sprawl, but with untouched areas to the southeast, southwest, and mountains to the north. The population would be around 300,000.

 

     I won't count any votes after midnight tomorrow, so please pick your favourite and mention it, so I can give you all what you want!

 

Jamie

[Deathtoall 28]

I say the middle picture that looks beautiful! On the Leonards Inlet

 

I say  between option a and b

 

I say a main town with about 25,000 people(mainly houses if possible) with a few towns between 1000 to 5000 people dotted around, The rest should be left as a national park. That terrain is to be beautful to overcome to overdevelopment!

 

Just my ideas but it's your cj! Do what your hearts feel is right because it's yours!

[SC4 meister 7]

Sorry for the lack of comments on my part, but you know why.  Anyway, sounding and looking awesome dude, you've mastered the small town stuff.  Not that I couldn't do better if I wanted...  JK, actualy, I have yet to see somebody, (myself included) who can do small towns better than you.  The story is great, too great, and knowing you...  *waits for next update*  Keep it up dude!

[Darmok 34]

I think Nardo's opinion's right on the money, something is bound to happen!

Great pics and McNmara county is certainly beautiful!

Keep it up!

[RPGHOTGUY 0]

Edited: Please do not post a link to your own journal - this is very frowned upon. Mr. C.

[RadioheadFan 1]

Deathtoall: Thanks for the comment! I really like your idea, and it sounds like it's leaning a little towards Option B, so that's where I'll count your vote. Once again, thanks!

Meister: Yes, I do know why, so I won't pester you as much as normal Glad you like the small towns. I think that there are many others way better than me at the small town stuff: dhoppeii (LaPlaisance County), Darmok (Anduin Valley), lewellan (Digby), the list goes on and on. But thanks for the compliment. Hehehe...I think you know what's going to happen, seeing as you've followed my writing from Thistlewood on. I'll bring that next update ASAP!

Darmok: You'll just have to wait and see... Glad you liked the pics. McNamara County is my favourite part of the terrain, interesting to see that you liked it too. Thanks for the comment!

RPGHOTGUY: Go away. If you're going to plug your CJ here, I want nothing to do with you and don't want to see any more of your comments. Unless, of course, you revoke the plug and apologize...then I'd be happy to see you around. Otherwise, stay away from Lifelines.

All: Sorry about that...get those votes in! Option B is currently ahead by 1 vote, and I'd like to see some more, so vote ASAP! Thanks for the support, mucho appreciated!

Jamie

Edit: Thanks for editing the plug Mr.C! It's one of the top things that can make me not like a member...

 

[cammo2003 20]

Great storyline. That was something I could never quite get down. I started on one, but one of the maps in that region got corrupted... Haven't tried one since.

BTW, did I say you're a really good writer?

CJ's like this make for great inspiration. Thanks for taking the time and effort to craft such an excellent experience.

[Nardo69 51]

Nice work with cycledog's mode!

I vote B!

Nardo

[RadioheadFan 1]

cammo: Thanks! I work especially hard on each and every one of the over 125 stories I've written, glad to see my writing's appreciated. That last line especially made me feel good. Hope to see you back here!

Nardo: Thanks! I really like the results as well! As for the voting, I think I'm going to go with B regardless of what happens, because I've realized it's going to look best in the region. Thanks for the comment and the vote once again!

All: Might be a bit of time before an update comes...say Tuesday at the earliest? Thanks for all the support. I'll get to work on that region!

Jamie

[PhilsCafe 8]

Wow. great landscape. I vote for option B.

The title of the story somehow made me think that this has to end happy... no it didn't. Max had all the luck so far and this can't last too much longer, IMO.

- Phil

[dhoppeii 12]

First, the story....Brilliant!  It really reminds me of a more innocent time in my own life.....many....many.....many....moons ago.  The pics look great and I would have chosen option A had I made it in here in time(the weekend was a little busy), but I think that option B will work nicely as well.  I also saw what you wrote about LPC and want to tell you that I appreciate those kind words.  Just don't sell youself short here pal.  It is amazing to see the development you have gone through (as far as city building goes) since Thistlewood.

BTW, nice touch with the Bend and Not Break lyrics.

[Fairlane500 8]

I'm going to be waiting for that next update like a gambler waits for that one good pull.

You defineately have something great going on here, and trust me, the waits between posts are nothing compared to my journals, I mean I just updated my largest for the first time in I don't know how long.

 

BTW, I like the way you make your farming areas, a very realistic feel, they remind me of what I saw this summer in east-central Ohio.

[MasterPlanMan 1]

I don't have much time to read story based CJs so I can't comment on your story.

I do like your gaming skills though and look forward to seeing things develop! Nice work so far!

[RadioheadFan 1]

     Just posting a few replies before I finally update tonight! Sorry for the long wait...but you guys will be loving the new region! It's looking pretty good, if I do say so myself...and I do.

Phil: Hehe...I admit, the title made it a bit too obvious what was going to happen, but oh well. Glad you like those landscape shots!

Dan: Ooh, I love these love comments! Firstly, glad you like the story. I always love it when readers can relate to what's going on in the world of Max, or Emily, or any other character. Secondly, don't worry about not having any farmland, I'll be sure to incorporate some...how can I not? Thirdly, despite having 34 pages, I think that LPC is still getting more and more fans, and it deserves that. That work with the tram line: brilliance! I'm experimenting with subway in the new region, but it doesn't look near as nice as your GLR system. Thanks for the mention of my improved skills, mucho appreciated. As for the Bend and Not Break lyrics...best song ever. Period.

Fairlane: I love that first line! And you think I'm a good writer... Thanks for all the compliments, and I saw that recent update on the Concord Islands, pretty awesome! Any chance of going back and doing the San Juan Islands again? Also, thanks for the farming areas comment.

MPM: That's OK. I totally understand time constraints, I have plenty of them. Glad you like my style of play, and thanks for the comment!

All: Tonight: The climax of our love affair between Max and Emily! I think you all know what is going to happen, but anyways, I'll try to make it interesting. Ever seen the movie A Walk to Remember? You have my inspiration.

Jamie

[Fairlane500 8]

I'm planning on getting back to the San Juans when I have time. I did some improvements to Anacortes, but the game crashed on me. I'd be more tempted to update more, but the cities take a while to load (all large regions + slow computer = you get the picture). For now I'm getting some done in the concord Islands (responses please).

 

I'll be looking forward to the climax, and to see what kind of details you can squeeze in there.