Chapter 6: Love is in the Air

Derek and Dagmar's teens were well behaved for the most part and did well in school. Here Astrid and Anthony show off their good marks to their dad while Alexander plays the piano in the background.

Alexander continues to be a good older brother, spending time with both Astrid and Anthony.

All three teens got after school jobs to earn extra money and some work experience for when they graduate from high school.

Derek decided that the political career track wasn't where he wanted to be anymore and so he switched careers and went back to the police force.

At Pleasantview High Astrid met a guy she thought was really cute. His name was Hector Caliente and she was so excited when he accepted her invitation to hang out after school one day.

They really seemed to hit it off and Astrid was surprised and hurt when she leaned in to kiss him before he went home and he backed off and left in a hurry.

Astrid was crushed over being rejected for her first kiss and she spent the next week crying all the time. Her twin Anthony was there for her with a hug when she needed one.

Meanwhile life continued in the Bertino household. One day a girl that no one in the family had met before wandered into their house and started playing chess. Astrid really wanted to make some more friends so she went over and joined her.

Astrid ended up with a good friend but she never did figure out why Merissa wandered into their home.

A big promotion was coming up for Derek but he knew that in order to get it he needed to be in better shape. So out comes the track suit as he puffs away to the oldies.

Finally the time has come, Alexander's birthday and his transition into adulthood. He has been chosen as the heir for this generation.

The family cheers him on.

Alexander, knowledge sim that he is went straight for the telescope now that he didn't have to worry about school and homework the next day.

Alexander knew he had to find someone to marry and continue the legacy with and he had a particular sim in mind. He had met Ivy Copur when he was still a teen and thought that she was beautiful.

As soon as he could he invited her over to woo her. Here he uses the same technique his father used to get Dagmar. Back massages really seem to create a relaxed, loving atmosphere.

They danced a bit.

And discussed the possibility of a future together over a bowl of chili.

Alexander heads off to his job in the science career track.


Meanwhile. . . .

Over at the Caliente's Hector can't stop thinking about Astrid. He can't believe he just left her standing there when she tried to kiss him. At the time he was just scared (although he knew that was a lame excuse). He really liked Astrid but was afraid of making a mistake, how could he be sure that Astrid was the girl that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with?

Still, he couldn't get her out of his head and couldn't stop beating himself up over how he had treated her.

He decided to talk to his mom and see if she had any advice for him.

With thoughts of his future family in his head he decides his mom is right. He needs to talk to her in person. So he heads to the phone to invite her over, he just hopes she won't refuse to see him. Luckily she happens to be heading by his house on the way to the corner store and agrees to stop by and hear him out.

Once she was over Hector did his best to apologize for how he had treated her and asked whether she could possibly forgive him. Hearing his apology Astrid decides to forgive him. Then before anything else could happen Hector kissed her and they both felt that tingly falling in love sensation.

Hector knew his mom was one parent who wasn't going to interfere with his date. He was so happy that Astrid still felt the same about him and was willing to forgive him. He wasn't about to let her go again.

A full on teenage make-out session. Ah, young love!

Later they snuck out, Astrid picking him up in a fancy car (Not quite sure where she got that from). They managed to not get caught which was good because although Hector was sure he wouldn't get into trouble, Astrid wasn't so sure her parents would be as understanding.

Back at home Dagmar was making a lot of friends.

Astrid and Anthony worked hard at learning new skills. The podium being used for something besides amplifying burps!

Anthony reaches the top of his teen career working for a local businessman.

True to his early dreams Derek has a piano and makes sure to keep it in tune.

Derek's job is quite physically demanding and he continues to work out hoping for more promotions.

I had to include this photo of Anthony and Astrid looking totally embarrassed at their parents pda.

I love these two photos of the kids showing of their report cards while their dad contorts himself into various yoga positions.

Anthony tries very hard to get his dads attention.

Dagmar meets the grocery delivery guy in her undies, he certainly got an eye full.

Breakfast is a quiet time for the Bertino's.

The upstairs is remodeled with a new bedroom for Dagmar and Derek because the master bedroom/nursery is going to be for Alexander and his future wife.

Bedrooms for the kids.

Exterior views of the house, it certainly has grown from its meager beginnings. The small building at the back is a storage shed for unused items.

The rear view, Dagmar and Derek's room has access to the deck with the hot tub!