All the Flowers of Tomorrow are in the Seeds of Yesterday

Sunlight streamed in through my window, warming my skin.

 I did not waver, I did not stir. No, instead my eyes remained shut as I listened to the morning's melodic sounds. I taking note of a bird's tune when my roommates rushed into the cabin.

I heard Strawberry's high pitched voice first. “Its horrible, tragic! Maple you have to get up!”

With a groan I pulled the blankets up and over my head. “Can't this wait until later?”

Peach's voice was a dagger through the air. “No, it can't. Its about Gin.”

“Now as many of you already know Camper Snap was discovered to be missing this morning.” Grape Skittle had ordered an immediate meeting with the campers. Me, being the eager beaver that I am stood in the crowd wearing bunny slippers and a nightgown.

“We have already alerted the authorities and we have the camp counselors searching our grounds.”

I stood there, at the edge of camp after everyone had left.

“No!” I had told my roommates an hour ago. “I'm not leaving this spot until Gin comes back!” They offered to stay, but I shooed them away. Why should they be forced to wait around?

Now, I slid down to the ground, my legs tired from all the pacing I had done. I began to make myself comfortable, or as comfortable as one can be outdoors, seeing as I'd be here awhile.

I must have fallen asleep because my eyes flickered open as someone addressed me.

“You know you shouldn't waste your time waiting.” Blackberry extend his hand, helping me up off the ground.

“He is not a waste of time.”

“Well,” he started. “I just meant that I have a sister so I know how long it takes to get ready for this kinda thing.”

My eyebrows knitted together. “Eh, what?”

“Well shouldn't you be doing your makeup or something girly like that?”

“Huh?” I was still confused.

Blackberry's voice rang loud and clear. “For crying out loud! The farewell banquet Maple!”

“Oh, right! Yeah of course!” At the end of summer Grape Skittle threw her annual farewell banquet, to give us campers one last hoo-rah before we went our separate ways.

“Oh man.” I glanced at my wristwatch, I had little over an hour to prepare for the dance. “I should get going, thanks Blackberry!”

“He'll show up.” I murmured to no one in particular ten minutes later.

“Quit it you worry wart!” Peach relaxed atop her bed, waiting for her pedicure to dry. “Don't feel guilty about not waiting outside. Besides would you want him seeing you a mess at the banquet?”

“No...” my voice was inaudible. “I just hope he arrives safely.”

My prayers were answered then as a police car's siren filled the air. Throwing on a robe over my dress I ran outside, my heart racing. Had they found him?

He stepped out of the car and it seems they had.

“Gin!” I was the first to bring him into a hug. “Are you ok? Where have you been?”

He just wiggled out of my arms and cracked a smile. “I had some things to take care of in town.”

Things? What kind of things? All this time he'd been safe? There was no danger?

“You idiot!” I whacked him across the head. How could he have worried me like that?!

Dear River,

I got you're letter from last week. I would have replied sooner if we were allowed to. Now before I say anything, or write anything really, DO NOT let our parents see this letter. Especially Mom, I know she'd freak. You see, I did somethings I'm not very proud of. Well, actually I am pretty proud of myself, but I know they wouldn't be.

But before we get onto that, let me introduce you to everybody.

This is one of my roommates Peach Plain. Her dad is a scientist just like ours! I bet they'd be great friends.

This is my other roommate Strawberry Milkshake. She can be a wackjob sometimes, which made me loathe her at first, but I got to know her and can call her my friend.

And this is Gin Snap. Now I know what your thinking.

“Ooooh! Sis has got a boyfriend!”

Haha, very funny. Well he isn't my boyfriend. Although I'd be lying if I said I didn't have feelings for him. Our relationship started out a bit rocky but things have smoothed out between us then. I wonder what this will lead to?

Anyway, now that I've buttered you up with good news, lets get on to what I did shall we?

We have this girl at our camp, her name is Pink Spiceberry. Shes very dramatic, and ever since I've become friends with Strawberry she's been out to get me. Like that time she gave me a “makeover”. Thats what I get for trusting slime like her.

And this is what she got for leaving her cabin door unlocked.

The seconds ticked by like minutes as I tried to reach him. During this time I wished that I was a good swimmer, or better yet that Gin was.

By the time I got to him he was already down under, so with a big gulp of air I followed. It all went by so fast. Me lifting him up above me in a desperate attempt to keep him breathing, while I was under water, holding my breath. My frail arms guiding him towards land. And then finally yelling for someone to find Grape Skittle.

As shouts broke out around us I tried to catch my breath. But then I noticed he wasn't. That he wasn't breathing at all.

Now, what I did next was purely to save his life. I mean what other reason could there be for my lips to touch his?

“Oh fess up, you liked it!” After the whole ordeal with Gin was done and over with Strawberry immediately began teasing me.

“Its CPR Strawberry, there is nothing romantic about that.” I turned away from her and kept my attention on Grape Skittle. You see, all the campers were gathered in the mess hall for mail call. Coco Éclair had just been given her mail, so I should be next on the list.

“Maple Flower.”

Well thats my cue.

I waited as Strawberry sat back down, her mail in hand.

“Ok.” She'd made me wait until we both had our letters before I could read mine. “Now.”

I tore open the envelope, eager to learn what was going on outside of camp.

The letter read:

Dear Maple,

I know you were probably expecting Mom or Dad to write this letter, but they're too overcome with grief. Grandpa passed away last week. Aiden said it was of natural causes. I hope the fact that a prestigious doctor like him said that will reassure them a bit.

Luckily Mom is still in good enough shape to take care of the garden, although any of us would be happy to help her out.

Lets see...What else has happened? Oh yeah! Our lil' bro had his birthday, he is now officially a teenager.

Hes been acting stranger than ever, I figured its because of the hormones but I dunno. I found him yelling at the mounted alligator Dad caught one night. Last I recall none of us ever did that.

Speaking of birthdays, I'm glad you'll be home to celebrate yours!

Love,

River

I laid the letter on my lap and sighed. I'd saved a boy from death, but it came anyway. Just to another. I guess death is inevitable.

The following day Grape Skittle visited my cabin, informing me I'd been put on solitary confinement. What? Did you really expect me to get away without punishment after the way I treated Gin? You silly goose.

Solitary confinement wasn't all that bad. You see I was to stay in my cabin, never to step outside except to use the restroom or grab a bite to eat. I have to admit it though, eating lunch alone was a bit unsettling.

It really made my wonder what my roommates Peach and Strawberry were up to. I hadn't seen them in days, not since they were forced to temporarily move out of our cabin. I don't really see why I couldn't have just been moved to an empty cabin, if only to save them the trouble of packing their things. Luckily my punishment didn't last longer than a week. As much as I savored peace and quiet around the cabin I was glad to have my two chatterboxes rooming with me again.

The first activity I was to be at since my confinement was fishing. I had arrived at the lake late, but I was just in time to see Blackberry and Gin yelling like there was no tomorrow.

“Aw yuck!” A fish flopped about in Blackberry's hands. That is until he threw it at Gin.

Ginger tossed the fish from one hand to the other, as if he was playing hot potato with himself. “Dude, I don't want it!”

I didn't want to watch their child's play any longer so I promptly retrieved the fish from Gin's hands and placed it back into the water. I didn't appreciate having to touch the cold, slimy creature but I brushed it off as I went to claim a fishing rod from Grape Skittle.

I had just cast out my lure when a pink haired girl pranced over to me.

“You know,” she started. “It was pretty cool that you stood up to Gin like that during the bonfire.”

Stood up? Wasn't that something you did when threatened?

I shot her a look that read what-are-you-talking-to-me-for. I'm not sure if she understood.

“I'm Pink.”

My eyebrows knitted together as my mouth tugged into a confused frown. “Well yeah, I can see that you're pink.”

“Thats not what I-”

The girl was cut off as Strawberry had interrupted her. “What are you doing talking to her Maple?”

That perplexed look remained on my face. “Why not?”

“Oh my berry!” The pink haired girl had spoken before Strawberry had a chance to. “Leave it to you to turn the new girl into a freak.”She then swiftly strode away.

“Whats her problem?” I was even more confused then before.

“The problem? Pink Spiceberry is the problem.” Pink Spiceberry? Her name is Pink, like the color? I pondered the thought for a while, but Strawberry went on with her ranting. “She always thinks shes so great and that the rest of us are nobodies. But she can't be trusted. See this?” Strawberry pointed at Peach's curled locks.

Then at Pink's.

"She steals more than just hairstyles.”

I glanced over to where Pink was now fishing.

 My eyes were met with the grin she had on while laughing with Blackberry. That face didn't look like one of a malicious person, much less a crook.

“So you can't be her friend. Besides your already my friend.”

“Wait, who said I was your friend?” I would not be friends with anyone as perky and cheerful as her.

“Well aren't you?”

I was saved from answering when Grape Skittle announced that she'd have to leave for a short while to fetch more bait.

This was all fine and dandy until Blackberry dropped his rod and shouted, “Time to party!” He then shed his shirt and jumped into the deep blue water.

“Come on in, the waters fine!”

Usually I wouldn't want to be anywhere near a lake, much less go swimming in it, but the sun's rays were just too hot and the water beckoned me. I plopped into the water shortly after Strawberry did.

However there were a few stragglers.

Pink was one of them. “Oh no, there is no way I'm going in there. Do you know how long it took me to do my hair? You don't just wake up beautiful ya know!” But this was solved when Blackberry grabbed her by the ankle and pulled her down into the water.

Then there was Peach. “You guys, Ms. Skittle isn't going to like this...” Like me Peach had always been very studious, always striving to reach her goal: to become a scientist.

It was only natural that she'd be worried to get into trouble. Nonetheless we all pulled her into the water.

And then there was Gin.

“Dude, whats the holdup?” Blackberry had climbed out of the water to join his friend on land.

“Nothing, I just don't like swimming.”

“Whaaat? Thats crazy talk, get in there!” Blackberry then pushed Gin into the water before diving in himself.

I think I was the first to notice. I think I was the first to see him splashing around in the water like that. I think I was the first to hear his gasps as he tried to keep his head above water.

I think I just acted on instinct then.

After our camp director Grape Skittle had given us “happy campers” a welcoming speech she began to assign us to cabins.

“Pink Spiceberry cabin 4A. Blackberry Kiwi cabin 2B”

During this time I was daydreaming. I had dreamt up a whole life for me. I'd be the youngest CEO yet and live in a big city. After all, thats where all the action is at. Yup, it was perfect. Well, perfect until I was dragged back to reality.

“Maple, Maple!” A pink hand waved in front of my face.

“Whaaat?” My voice was full of annoyance.

I was being pulled in the direction of a dainty pink cabin.

I nearly tripped over a pair of heels strewn across the cabin floor.

“Sorry about that.” I watched as a white haired girl pushed the shoes aside. “I'm Peach Plain by the way.”

The three of us talked for a while, actually it was them doing most of the talking. I was relieved when they finally left the cabin.

I was looking forward to this peace and quiet before tonight's bonfire.

I sat alone at the fire pit, the harsh winds cutting at my face. I found myself lost in the flames and I began to loose grip of reality.

My eyes drooped and sleep soon claimed me.

“Well you sure are loud.” A voice pulled me out of my slumber.

“Dwhat?” My eyes were still clouded from sleep so it took me a moment to realize who I was speaking to. “Oh Gin, its you. What were you talking about?”

The boy simple smiled and let his head slump down. This was followed by a snore, which by the way was clearly fake.

“What? I do NOT snore!”

“Do too.”

I rolled my eyes. “Oh whatever Ginger.” I made sure to emphasize his name.

“Phss, this coming from the green bean.”

At this point I decided to shut up, because...well, to be honest I've always hated the fact that I was green. Its more my mother's fault than mine that I was lettuce green. Actually, my ancestors are to blame. They were farmers, lovers of the great outdoors. It started out with just green thumbs, but as time went on it spread. I guess they were such great gardeners their whole bodies turned green. This is just a legend of course, but it was enough explanation for me.

“Hey are you ok? I didn't mean it, I was just joking around.” I looked up at his distressed face, fully prepared to answer. But as usual, nothing went to plan. Other campers starting piling in around us and Gin's troubled expression was lost as laughter erupted around us.

Grape Skittle had all of us share our hobbies and tell a few stories about our lives.

Gin's were some of the most embarrassing. I really felt sorry for the guy. He sounded like a big dork.

And then it was my turn.

“Alrighty Maple, go ahead.”

“Oh no. I really don't...” I tried to refuse Grape in a polite manner, but Ginger had other ideas.

“Come on Maple.” He smiled at me for quite possibly the thousandth time that day. I began to wonder why he was acting so...nice. It was starting to annoy me to the point of anger.

“No, actually I don't Gin. Not like you.”

“What?”

This wasn't how I usually acted, I was surprised at myself. But not surprised enough to stop.

“Thats right. You better get your head out of the clouds if you ever want to be successful. Or your gonna be a loser for the rest of your life. Is that what you want Gin? To be a failure?”

The boy looked like he was on the verge of tears so I got up and headed to my cabin.

The mood was getting pretty thick, and I guess I wasn't the only one thinking so because next thing I hear is a voice attempting to lighten the atmosphere.

“Oooooh! Would you like some ice for that burn?”

Ginger created by miadarkdecider http://www.thesims3.com/mypage/miadarkdecider

“Oh my Plumbob...” I was still gawking at the situation before me when a girl in a jumpsuit skipped over to me.

“Hiya!” I could tell by her voice that she was one of those giddy, hyper kinda girls. Those sort of people, I just couldn't stand.

Glaring back at her with narrowed eyes I murmured back a hello.

Looking her up and down I wondered why she was bouncing around so much, as if she was actually excited to be at camp. Maybe she has ants in her pants? I remembered how much I'd jumped about when I'd gotten ants in my pants. Yet another reason why mother nature could not be trusted.

“I'm Strawberry. Strawberry Milkshake!”

What the....Who'd name their kid Strawberry? Actually, once I thought about it a bit, I realized that my own mother probably would have named a child after produce.

“Maple Flower.” I was going to shake Strawberry's hand, but before I knew it she was gone.

“Okay...” I turned around to leave but before I could I felt a hand on my shoulder.

“Now where do you think you're goin'?” Strawberry was back, but this time she wasn't alone. “You've gotta meet my bestest buddy!”

I wasn't sure, but I could have sworn she elbowed the guy in the ribs.

“I'm Gin Snap.”

“Maple Flower.”

We shook hands, but all the while Strawberry was looking upset.

“Whats you're problem?”

“Gin? Thats not your real name.”

He looked paniced. “Yes it is.”

That being said he turned on his heel and left.

“Why would he lie about his name?”

“Cause...” Strawberry pulled me in close so we were in a huddle. “His real name is Ginger.”

I couldn't help but laugh at this. You couldn't really blame me, I'd never heard of a guy having such a girly name.

I managed to sneak peeks at Ginger through my giggle fit. He didn't look the least bit happy.

Note: Airport from TSR. Unfortunately I don't recall who created it.

The day I turned sixteen I didn't have a big birthday bash like most kids. No, I didn't even receive any presents.

Well of course my parents got me something, it was they're present in a way, although I wouldn't consider it so.

They had gotten me plane tickets to fly to a town halfway across the world: Sugar Valley.

I didn't want to go there, the name itself creeped me out. It sounded like a place my parents would like, and there was no way I could ever like anything my parents did.

But my opinion didn't matter because next thing ya know I'm arriving at Sugar Rush Airport.

As I walk outside and hail a taxi I recall what my parents had said.

“Now dear, this place will be good for you.” Dad spoke as he showed me the brochures for Camp Smore, the place I'd be staying at for five weeks. More like Camp Snore!

Mother looked at me with pity, like I was horribly disfigured because I didn't want to be a farmer. “Sweetpea, here you'll learn to love the outdoors.”

I snapped to when the cab dropped me off at my destination: Camp Smore.

I gasped in horror. Either I was in some kind of alternate dimension or I'd just landed in a box of Crayola crayons!

Mother and I were able to settle our dispute.

I was so happy that we weren't fighting anymore, especially since the kids' birthdays were coming up.

We decided against throwing a party since Ash was rather uncomfortable in large groups.

I delivered one cake after another to the dining room. As each of my children made birthday wishes I couldn't help but notice how much they grew.

Clover was a beautiful young lady. With her looks I could tell she'd break some hearts.

River and Ash turned out to be very handsome. I'm sure they'll both be ladies' men.

Although with the way Ash is snuggling up to Miranda he won't be on the market for long.

Lastly there was my youngest child Maple. Despite her odd personality she'd grown into quite an adorable little girl.

Although, Maple wouldn't be the youngest for long.

And one warm spring night, while I was planting in the garden he was born. Cliff, my newest bundle of joy.

The years flew by uneventful from then on.

We celebrated Cliff's first birthday. To my surprise he had hair just like Ash's. It was a darker green with hints of brown in it.

River made a new friend, who he'd been teaching to about gardening. I suspected he had a crush on her.

When Ash wasn't wrapped up in farming he was wrapped around Miranda's arms.

Clover and Maple were the best of friends. I assumed it was because they were the only girls in the household besides myself.

I usually caught them chatting away inside, huddled over the morning's paper. The two usually talked about politics and funding and things like that. The girls must have been geniuses because to me it sounded like they were speaking a foreign language.

It wasn't long before Maple started getting crazy thoughts in her head.

One day I found her lounging around in the front yard, as far away from the garden as possible.

When I asked her what she was doing she directed me to a stand.

“I'm having a bake sale mother. That garden barely provides enough for us to scrape by, this is a far more efficient way of earning income.”

Never before had I gotten so upset at one of my children, although I didn't act on it. I remember stomping away, fuming inside my mind. How dare she talk like that about our garden? What does she think puts a roof over her head?! Certainly not those vanilla muffins of hers!

Soon it was time for the children to have yet another birthday.

I let a few tears slip me by when I realized that my babies were growing up.

The twins were as fetching as ever.

Clover was radiant and a picture of beauty.

Maple was now a lovely teenager. Quite darling indeed.

Cliff was growing up fast and now it was time to kiss his toddler years goodbye. He was a delightful little boy.

Charlie and I weren't too far behind on the birthday parade. This time both of us blew out our birthday candles with a smile. I wasn't afraid of growing old anymore. There was nothing to fear when I was growing old with Charlie.

It was all too soon when Ash declared he'd be moving out to start his life with Miranda. However I was quite happy I was able to attend the wedding.

While I was there I noticed Mike wasn't. I was baffled that the man wouldn't even come to his own daughter's wedding.

Pretty soon River had fallen head over heels in love too. Another wedding came and went.

My eldest child Clover remained single. I worried for her, she claimed she just hadn't found the right person yet.

Maple was very studious and always had her nose in a book. All kinds of books. Whether it be the tallest tale you've ever heard or the most boring autobiography, she'd have her nose stuck in it.

Meanwhile Cliff was the opposite of Maple. He was always cheery and jumped at the idea of spending the day outdoors.

I was rather concerned about Maple's detestation of the outdoors, so picking up the phone I made a decision that would change her destiny forever.

I had been ignoring my mother ever since the tattoo incident. We were both so stubborn and convinced that we were right.

But one day after dinner Charlie set me straight.

“You know Daisy, it really isn't good to ignore your mom.”

I dumped a plate into the bubble filled sink. “She started it.” I was being incredibly immature.

Charlie's voice grew grim. “Trust me Daisy. I know how you feel but just talk to her.”

We continued talking. I shot “what ifs” and “buts” at him when finally he revealed something to me.

“I should know. Listen, when I was a kid I'd gotten into an argument with my parents. I left the house in a huff and spent the night at a friends."  

"One way or another a fire had started in my house overnight and my parents...” his voice trailed off. “The point is I never got to say I was sorry. I'm not saying that you should apologize to your mother, but just talk it out with her. Any day could be her last and you don't want to be left feeling guilty about your little tiff.”

I had always wondered about Charlie's parents. Why they weren't at the wedding or any of the birthday parties.

I nodded my head in agreement with him. I'd talk it out with my mother.

“Yeah, sure! I'll get one with you!” Ruby's words echoed in my mind as we walked through town. We stopped at our destination: the tattoo parlor.

“Ruby,” I got cold feet and started to make a run for it. “I don't think this is such a good idea.”

Ruby of course thought she knew best. She grabbed hold of my sleeve and dragged me inside the shop.

As I flipped through magazines worry consumed me. What kind of tattoo would I even get?

Ruby seemed to sense my nervousness and pointed to a picture in the magazine.

“How about that one?” She was directing me to a picture of a flower. It was simple and pretty, so I nodded my head at Ruby and the tattoo specialist.

Pretty soon I was in a rubbery chair waiting while the tattoo artist prepared the tools. For as nervous as I was you'd think I'd be drowning in a pool of sweat by now.

I closed my eyes and bit down on my lip as the tattoo was being made.

Suddenly the tattoo artist spoke up. “You can open your eyes now.”

What? Why would I open my eyes?

“Your tattoo is done.”

I slowly opened my eyes and glanced down at my arm. True to her word the tattoo was there. I marveled at how fast and painless the whole procedure was.

I returned home with a bounce in my step. I felt better already.

I eagerly showed Charlie my new tattoo. He approved of it, so I figured everyone else would too. Boy was I wrong.

Mother opened up the door of her farm house. Stepping in with a smile on my face I turned to show her my new tattoo.

At first she didn't believe me. “You can't pull the wool over my eyes. Thats one of those temporary tattoos right?”

When I finally set her straight she blew up in my face. “What?! Daisy how could you do this to yourself? I thought we raised you better than that!”

Her words stung and I left my parents' house feeling foolish and upset.

Since the boys were now children, we were able to rid of two cribs. We thought about putting up some new wallpaper, but Maple seems to love the pink color. River seems pretty happy with it too, unlike his brother.

I've been trying to get the kids outside and in the fresh air. The three eldest seem to thrive outside, while Maple doesn't even want to give it a try.

She'll scream and kick if I even try to get her near anything green and leafy. I wonder what could be wrong with that child. Perhaps shes just terrified of the great outdoors? After all she is very small.

School has just started for Clover, River, and Ash. Ever since Clover's principle suspended her for having the “unnatural” hair color of green I've worried for her and Ash. Sure I've explained that their hair isn't dyed, but I fear that other children will taunt them.

It was nearing my birthday when they added new shops to Riverview. Shops like a salon and tattoo parlor.

We threw a small party for Charlie and I's birthday. We didn't want anything big to celebrate our growing old.

First up to bat was Charlie. He blew out the candles with a grin, seemingly unfazed by the idea of growing old.

I now knew why. He was still as handsome and gorgeous as ever, even with laugh lines covering his face.

As I blew out my candles I worried I would face a different fate. I worried that my newly obtained wrinkles would change my relationship with Charlie. Of course I was wrong, because he reassured me by bringing me into a big hug.

A few days later I was still a bit gloomy, so I went to Ruby, after all she was older than I and had been through this before. She gave me advice on my “midlife crises”, as she calls it. I should have known better. I shouldn't have followed her advice.