#8400

Sierra marched past the lockers, dreading today’s lesson in class.  She never practiced her music over the weekend. 

She can do math and reading all day...figure out the toughest equations for a first grader, understand the major historical events of the world and put them in a timeline...but...put a sheet of music in front of her, and the notes jump off the page and fly away.  She just can’t get it.

And, today is music appreciation day at school..all the students will be tested on a solo they were given to learn by reading the sheet music.

Sierra just hopes she isn’t the first one called.

As soon as that thought clears her head, Mr. Acharaya calls her to the front.

Sierra whispers to the student sitting next to her:  Did he just say my name?

She screeches out the first bar, and then remembers how to turn the bow and relax her thumb and keep her elbow up...the rest of it sounded okay, a few missed notes, but it’s totally based on memory and how the music sounded in her ear when Mr. Acharaya played it again before they started. She didn’t play the entire solo, only half of it....she put the violin down and takes a dramatic curtsy as if she just played one of the greatest symphonies.

She waited for the kids to laugh, but they didn’t...each one of them was as petrified to go next, as she was.

Sergio:  Why you got us all dressed up, Dennis?

Dennis:  There’s a place I’d love to take you and Sierra..the Art Museum in Oasis Springs..has the most beautiful art pieces you’ve ever seen.

Sergio:  Oh yeah?

Dennis:  Yeah, let’s take our new little ‘B student’ down there as a celebration for making good grades.  Whaddya say, Princess?

Sierra:  Let’s go!

They head to the Art Block made by @jools-simming and Dennis sees Adrian and his family straight ahead...perfect timing.  I’ve still got it. *He thinks to himself*

Dennis:  Well...lookie here...my old high school buddies!  Come and meet my friends, ya’ll.

Sergio and Sierra follow him.

Sierra: Daddy, Daddy..this is my friend Oliver from school!

It was at this point that Sierra realized this is it! Her Grandpa planned this outing for her Daddy to meet someone.  And she and Oliver have been friends since the 1st week of school...It must be his Mom!

Sergio:  Oh, you have a friend here from school, aren’t you glad we came here, sweetie?  Hello there, young man.

Norma *whispers to Dennis*:  You old slickster..you didn’t tell us how handsome he is.

Dennis *whispers back*:  I could say the same thing about your beautiful daughter....

Dennis introduces Sergio and Sierra to the Galvins.

Dennis:  And..who do we have here, Norma and Adrian??

Oliver, feeling a little shy, goes over by his Mom.

Norma:  This is our daughter, Lola, and her son, Oliver. 

Sergio does a double-take.

Sergio keeps looking at Lola because she’s just so..beautiful.  The awkwardness between them is evident.  Neither one of them knows how to break the ice.

Sergio:  So...you’re into art work?

Lola: Oh yes, besides gardening..it’s my next favorite thing.  I’m a collector of art and all sorts of things. 

Sergio:  What a coincidence, Dennis loves art also...it’s not something I’ve ever dabbled into, but I could be taught a thing or two.

Lola smiles, as Sergio pulls out a chair for her to sit down.  The others have gone to tour the museum, but Lola’s Mom, Norma, hung around for support.

Norma:  Sergio, you know both of you have so much in common.  Lola loves to plant in the garden like you do.  

Sergio:  Yes, she was telling me that she loves to garden.

Lola:  I’m more into botany, though.  I love studying the growth and evolution of different plants.

Sergio’s eyes brighten.

Sergio:  *chuckles* I’ve finally met a lady who doesn’t mind getting in the dirt.  This could be fun.  

Lola:  Mmm.. yes it could. 

Lola’s expression turns just as flirty as Sergio’s does when he said that.

Sergio continues:  I was gonna try to go out tomorrow and look for more seeds.  I really need some variety at the farm. I’ve only got a few types of veggies and fruits.  

.....Would you like to go with me?

Lola:  I was just thinking about going out on a hike the other day!  But, Oliver keeps me so busy..cooking dinner, helping with homework.  That I totally put it on the back burner. I need to go out as well.  I wanna start a small garden at my new house.  Maybe you could help me set it up..?

Sergio looks at Norma smiling, then back at Lola:..That sounds like a yes to me!

Lola:  It beats going out in the hot sun alone! Plus, you could show me where all the good spots are.  

Norma smiles happily as they exchange numbers.

Meanwhile, upstairs in another room, Sierra and Dennis catch up...

Dennis:  So whaddya think, did Grandpa do a good job?

Sierra:  You’re the best!  I haven’t seen my Daddy smile like that in a long time.  I think he likes her!

Dennis:  We’ll have to wait and see!  Our work here is done, princess...the Love Project is in effect!  *they high five*  It’s all up to your Daddy and Miss Lola now.