Welcome back to the first episode of Generation 2. Our Torch Holder? A young teenage boy with a lot of pent-up anger stemming all the way back to his toddlerhood. In actuality, did he probably have some undiagnosed food allergy that led to Toddler Cole consistently tossing his food on the floor? Absolutely. Will we ever get those nightmarish hours back by speculating? Absolutely not.
Cole Stranger stepped back from his punching bag and screamed. Although he didn't grow up in the Divorce Years, Cole had always felt an insurmountable amount of pressure to bring the chaotic, broken family together as the youngest child. How did he, an emotionally stunted child, know how to do this? Well, he didn't. But if he made everyone miserable, then they all had something in common, right?
Somewhere in the house, his mother heard him yelling and sighed. It was going to be a long couple years.
But she coped by setting down her paint brush and stepping outside. "Well, my old friends," she muttered to the plants in her garden. "Looks like it's you and me now that all of the nice kids have moved out."
Unfortunately, half of the plants are dead, and there's little I can really do through Penny now that she's NTH to replace them.
After a childhood spent primarily at home in not the greatest family environment, Cole determines to spend as much time away from home and with people he's not related to as possible. What better way than to throw himself into a new adventure?
Cole: Oh, yeah. This is exactly what I was looking for.
Minerva: Great, another teenage runaway looking to take out his angst through magic. Just what we need.
It seems as though all of the sages knew exactly what was walking up their steps, much to Cole's disadvantage.
Morgyn: Yeah, kid, I'm not teaching you untamed magic. Come find me when you can control your emotions.
Cole: What makes you think I can't control my emotions?
Morgyn: We see kids like you all the time coming here to cast away their problems. You have to want magic for the right reasons.
Cole: Fine, I'll just ask someone else.
Ever a man of his word, Cole approaches someone else, who appears less skeptical.
Sage of Magic: Sorry, Morgyn needs to calm down.
Sage: Lucky for you, I don't really care!
Cole: Hey, dad. I'm a wizard, now.
Akira: Good for you son.
Cole: No, really.
Akira: Uh huh.
Akira thought to himself, "Thank God that's not possible. What a nightmare."
Cole: Heh heh.
Will we ever use any of his magical skills? Honestly, probably not.
Meanwhile, the second Cole leaves for school…
Guys, that's your teenager's closet! So weird.
…But also kind of sweet. It's nice to see them still madly in love.
Cole gets home from school and looks around his room. "Something feels off…"
Wondering what had gone terribly wrong in his room while away, Cole decides to channel some of his frustrated energy into going to a club. Really, he needed some friends. I underestimated how bored Cole would be, especially considering that his siblings all had each other while growing up.
So we hop over to Del Sol Valley to find a completely empty venue. At 2 AM after a Friday night. Really?
Cole: Just a gin and tonic, please. By the way, why is no one here?
Bartender: All the celebs go to a nicer bar across town. So everyone generally follows them.
Cole: But people will show up…right?
Bartender: Umm. Sureeee.
Cole glanced at his phone. "Well, this sucks. I really need some friends my age."
Luckily for him, some sims actually walk through the door. Finally. Only two hours later.
While Max is an adult, Cole approaches the girl.
Cole: Hey, you're a teen, right? My name is Cole.
The girl standing in front of him looked very taken aback.
Madison: …I'm in your algebra class.
Cole: Oh, err. Sorry. I've had a drink or two?
Madison: Uh huh. Sure. My name's Madison.
Cole: Well, Madison. You have great timing. I am in need of a friend.
Madison: You literally hit me in the face with your backpack yesterday and didn't even notice. Why would I be your friend?
Cole: …Yeah, that sounds like something I would do.
Cole walked over to sit at the bar, waiting for his drink.
Cole: Look. I'm not the nicest sim around, okay? But I'm lots of fun. And pretty wealthy, so I can buy you drinks.
Madison laughed. "I don't need you to buy me anything."
Cole snickered. "Suit yourself." He then muttered to himself, "She'll change her mind. They always do."
Pretty bold for a kid that's never had a girlfriend, but sure.
Despite their bickering, Cole and Madison still couldn't help but glance back at each other when they thought no one was looking.
Bartender: Kids these days are so obvious.
Well, buddy. I think that has something to do with The Sims 4.
Penny gives her husband a knowing look. "He'll be fine. Being the TH was really hard, and I didn't even start until I was a young adult. Plus, he has teenage hormones working against him. The kid will be alright."
The kid, however, was not alright.
He stormed off, leaving the floor still on fire. "I should have just moved out with Penrith…"
Penny: Okay, so he may have left our house on fire and walked off, despite being the only TH, but that doesn't mean he won't be fine.
Akira: I think we've made a mistake.
However, it's new years eve and no measly laundry fire is going to keep Cole down. He heads out on the town to celebrate the holiday and runs into
Completely unaware that he was upsetting Madison by ignoring her profusely, he kept turning his back to her. Really, he wasn't in the mood. He just wanted to get drunk and hook up with someone in a closet. However, this bar lacked both eligible teenage sims and a closet. Things were not looking up.
Joseph: So, then I asked him if he had ever seen a llama––
Cole: Excise me, Joe. There's something I apparently need to go deal with.
Finally flustered by Madison's deeply sad staring the entire time, Cole was fed up. He approached her and yelled, "What the hell is wrong with you? Why are you watching me all night like that?"
Madison twiddled her fingers and avoided eye contact. "You're, uh…"
"…You're the only person I know here."
Cole: So?
He shook his head and walked away to watch the new years ball drop on the TV.
Random Sim: Dude, that was cold.
Madison: This is why I normally just stay at home and study.
She followed him over to the TV and Cole sighed.
Cole: You know what? Fine. Let's just go get a damned cup of coffee. I'm cold, annoyed, and tired, and obviously you aren't about to leave me alone.
The pair arrive at a Windenburg cafe at approximately 3 AM. Honestly, I was shocked they were still open.
Cole: I will have one mocha!
Sideburns Barista: Are you serious? We're closing. Ugh. Whatever. You better tip well.
Cole: I do not!
Cassandra Goth: Have you talked to Serafina recently? Apparently she and Alexander moved in together.
Cole: No way! She hasn't said anything.
Cassandra: Looks like we may be siblings-in-law one of these days.
Cole and Madison sat down at one of the bistro tables while they waited for their coffees.
Cole: Okay, what's wrong with you? You're in love with me, right?
Madison: What? No! My dad just keeps telling me that I need to make friends.
Cole: I'm sorry, your dad has to tell you to make friends?
Madison: He's been pretty uptight since our mom died. I would just really rather stay at home and read. We have a big house. Why bother go out?
Cole: Wow, your life sounds so hard.
Madison: Both of your parents are alive, right?
Cole: Yep. I'm also the lucky youngest who didn't live through my parents cheating on their respective spouses with each other.
Madison: I, uh, don't think I'm ready to unpack that…
Cole: Hey, you throw the fact that your mom is dead at me, I hit you with some tough personal stuff in response. It's only fair.
Madison: Well, you did ask why my dad wanted me to leave the house. I was only answering.
Cole: Okay, that's fair I suppose. It still doesn't make sense.
Madison: His new girlfriend has been trying really hard to be involved in our lives. He didn't used to care, but I think he doesn't want to look like a bad parent. They just moved in together, after all.
The two chat away the whole night with their childhood neuroses, and wind up friends by the end of it.
Cole attempts to sneak into the house at 5 AM, only to be startled by his mother who had fallen asleep on the couch.
Penny: Where have you been? I know it's new years, but still!
Penny: Why does this child always do this to me? My other kids were so well-behaved.
Your other kids literally had zero agency in their lives, but sure.
Just to spite Cole, Penny's bladder fails on the way to bed. If that isn't real payback, I don't know what is. -5.
Cole manages to get four hours of sleep before his alarm wakes him up for school.
…and it is this precise moment where both of us realize that it's Sunday!
…and this moment where Penny realizes she doesn't have a break from Cole while he's at school today.
Penny: Remember that time before he was born…
Penny: …Because I don't. My will to live has been slowly dwindled away with each bell pepper smattered onto the floor.
The next morning is flea market day, and Cole heads out into town with his siblings.
Cole: I can't believe you moved in with Alexander and didn't tell us!
Serafina: When is the last time you called?
Cole: Okay, well you have a point there.
Serafina: Why don't you guys come over after the flea market?
Penrith: Yeah, whatever, sure.
Penrith is really only here for the sports.
Cole, however, buys a voodoo doll (really, Cole?) and some pho.
Gunner Huntington III (aka that married guy who hits on Serafina constantly while simultaneously rejecting her) sees Serafina from across the park. He shakes his head and turns to his friend, Antonio.
Gunner: See that girl over there? We've been flirting on and off for years. I almost had an affair with her. Pretty sure she's still in love with me.
Antonio: Dude. Does your wife know?
Gunner: Nah. I'll probably leave her eventually, though.
Unfortunately for poor Alexander, here, Gunner had no idea that he was standing next to Serafina's current boyfriend.
Alexander: Is…Is Serafina really in love with someone else? I know I'm old, but still…
Penrith: Hey, kiddo. How's legacy life treating you?
Cole: Can I move in with you?
Penrith: That bad?
Cole: Imagine being the only TH…and a teenager.
Penrith: Damn, that's bad.
Cole: I know! I have all the responsibilities of an adult, have to hope our parents actually make it into work, and yet get none of the fun. The other night Mom stayed up and yelled at me for getting home late on new year's! Can you believe it?
Penrith: Well, she is used to being in control of literally everything. Cut her some slack.
Cole: Oh my god. You're one of them now.
Penrith: I know. I miss my rebellious, sarcastic youth.
Later, the three head over to see Serafina's new house.
Cole: Screw it, I should've moved in with Serafina, not you.
Penrith: I––I don't…How?…Where?…
Penrith: I'm sorry, but are we on the biggest lot in town?
Serafina: Oh, yeah, I guess we are. I don't really notice anymore.
Penrith: …Fina, is your boyfriend hiring?
Alexander: There you are. We got separated at the market. I wanted to talk to you about something.
Serafina: Everything okay?
Penrith, under his breath: How does one actually become this rich? Are the Goths into crime?
Cole, not under his breath: Our house could look like this one day!
(Why do I feel like Arie's kids are the only well-adjusted ones in this family?)
Alexander leans in and kisses Serafina tenderly on the cheek. "Everything's fine, darling. Tell me, do you love me?"
Serafina: Of course I love you. More than anything.
Penrith: They're rich. They have a huge house. And they're actually in love.
Penrith deadpans into the camera. "I never knew how truly unsatisfied I was with my life until this moment."
Alexander knelt down and took a deep breath. "I know this might still be a little early, but, Fina, I don't want anyone else. And I don't want you to want anyone else."
"Please, marry me? I will never be satisfied with my life until you're in it forever."
Serafina: It's not too early. I feel the same way. Let's do it!"
Alexander: Today?
Serafina: That's absolutely insane. I love it!
Right then and there we start the festivities with a big family wedding at Alexander and Serafina's gigantic home. Honestly, Serafina put up with so much as a kid. If any of the spares deserve a real wedding, it's her.
The whole gang arrives, which somehow includes a very angry Gunner? Why do I feel like Alexander had something to do with this…
Cole, under his breath: How is this girl everywhere?
Madison: Hey Cole! I didn't expect to see you here.
Cole: Yeah, right back atcha.
Madison: Do you want to hang out for a bit until the festivities get started? I know Serafina isn't even dressed yet.
Cole: I guess. Not much else to do, is there?
Madison: I know where they stash the booze.
Cole: Say no more!
Gunner: What the hell is wrong with this one?
Britt: Broomstick malfunction. Someone help.
Gunner: …I should leave.
Penrith: Did you know she was living like this?
Theodore: We do high tea here twice a week.
Penrith: Seriously? What even is this man's job?
Theodore: Dude, I'm kidding.
Aleksander: Serafina, you look gorgeous. Just like Mom.
Serafina: Kinda creepy, but thanks, bro.
Meanwhile, Alexander attempts to get ready with his daughter Nikita. However, Penny has other plans.
Penny: Listen up, I need your wifi password, stat!
Alexander: You know we have a perfectly good study downstairs.
Penny: Serafina just now finished getting ready. I'm bored. Let me be involved!
Katelyn: …Glad she's not my mother-in-law.
Cole: Can you believe this house? I know mine is only one and a half stories right now, but I'd really like to get it to this level, you know?
Madison: It's pretty great. A bit lonely, though.
Cole: Lonely? I doubt it. So, where's the booze?
Madison's face turned red. "Um, well…it's…uh…"
Cole: …There is no booze. Is there?
There was, in fact, no booze.
Only a plethora of wild, ravenous teenage hormones.
Cole: Oh shit! Go on without me!
Madison shuts the door behind her. "Uh…hi there, Sir."
Aleksander: For God's sake. Get out here, Cole!
Cole: Hey man!
Aleksander: Don't hey man me! Serafina is not going to be happy about this.
Madison backs away uncomfortably. "I'm going to…go find my sister."
Cole: Relax. Serafina's not going to find out.
Aleksander: You seriously don't see a problem with this?
Cole: Everyone messes around at weddings! It's not a big deal.
Aleksander: Yeah, but it's––"
Cole: It's my life, porn star. You're one to talk.
Aleksander shakes his head and turns away, walking towards the door. "You know what, Cole? One of these days you're really going to screw up and you're not going to be able to just talk and insult your way out of it. Grow up."
Cole: Sure, Aleks. Sure. *Chuckles*
Madison: So, do you remember that guy I was telling you about?
Nikita: The one you were with at that coffee shop until like four AM?
Madison: Yeah, well, he's here! Isn't that crazy?
Nikita: That is statistically quite strange.
Madison: Well, it gets better! We just made out!
Nikita and Katelyn: WHAT? Last week you didn't have any friends, and today you made out with someone? Who are you?
In that moment, Serafina and Cole walk in.
Serafina: Hi, girls! Just a few more minutes and then the gazebo will be all set. In the meantime, there's someone I want you to meet!
Serafina: This is my little brother, Cole!
Serafina: Cole, this is Alex's step daughter from his first marriage, Katelyn, and his two daughters from his second marriage, Nikita and Madison. Well, I guess you can say they're all all my step-daughters now!
Cole: Nikita and Mad…What.
The realization sets in. He just made out with Serafina's step-daughter.
Cole: Holy. Cats.
"What. Have. I. Done?"
Ultimately he resigns to pretend like it never happened.
"It's, uh, nice to meet you, ladies."
Smooth, Cole. Smooth.
Madison: H–hi, Cole. I, uh, I'm not feeling so well. I'm going to lie down.
Serafina: Is it another stress stomachache? Did you forget your meds today?
Madison: Something like that…
"What have I done? What have I done? What have I done?"
Finally, things move into the gazebo and the lovely couple is ready to say their vows.
They are certifiably adorable. To hell with age gaps. Who cares if Alexander is going to age into an elder in four days?
(Also, yes, I paused aging so we could hop over to Serafina and Alex's household to perform the wedding. Sue me.)
Because there totally wasn't enough room up there for everyone to actually stand and watch in the gazebo, right?
And finally, the kids are married! No runaway bride or groom today, folks.
Penny: Well, at least one of my kids is likely to have a successful marriage.
That's the spirit, Penny. We'll just pretend that Penrith and Carlee, and Theodore and Serenity never happened.
Penny: Oh, I know they happened.
Aaand that makes this even worse.
We'll leave you with Porter striking out, per usual.
Porter: Hey, girl––
Katelyn: Oh, hell no. You followed me into the bathroom and now you're hitting on me? Get out.
Porter: It's a good thing I'm great at leaving.
Katelyn: NOW!
