Bertie's teenage son Albert is rebelling against his rock star father's unconventional values by dressing more conservatively and calling Bertie "Father" instead of "Dad". Meanwhile, Bertie's wife Corey remains frustrated with his polyamorous relationships but has reconciled with him by choosing to cuddle and talk rather than engage in other activities. Albert's rebellion and Corey's decision to work on her relationship with Bertie have helped improve the household dynamics compared to previous tensions.

1. To recap: This is my attempt at a Polyamory Project Challenge, created by princedeej28,
full rules available HERE. The point of the challenge is to romance more than one Sim
and earn enough points to make Hugh Hefner jealous.
Last time, there was exactly one romantic interaction (plus points), a breakdown (no
points), a trip to a club in a vain attempt to forget (no points), and an executive decision
involving strawberries (no points). My current total is 295, another whopping 5 point
increase over last time. At least I’m not going backwards...
All caught up? Good! Let’s get started.

2. The can-kicking cockroach invasion has not yet ended, unfortunately. Although Robert
does seem to have switched to kicking the can over at night.

3. If the culprit is even Robert. Vanessa has found a new hobby.
Since she lives with the neighborhood telescope slapper, nobody comes around to smack
her silly for spying on them. But that doesn’t necessarily mean that they like being spied
on.

4. And somebody set the kitchen on fire again. This is becoming old hat for Little Bertie.
EDGAR MILLER: Hey, did your mom just start a fire?
ALBERT: Maybe. She does that sometimes.
EDGAR: Should we go see if she’s okay?
ALBERT: She’s fine.
EDGAR: Well, do you want to go watch them put out the fire, then?
ALBERT: Nah, that’s boring. Let’s play tag instead.

5. Bertie has been working assiduously on growing those Tasty strawberries.

6. Although Vanessa and Corey seem to have worked things out on their own without help
from either me or strawberries.
VANESSA: …kung pao chicken with broccoli! Get it?
COREY: Vanessa, that is quite possibly the most racist and offensive dirty joke I have
ever heard in my life. (begins to laugh) And yet it’s freaking hilarious! “Kung pao
chicken with broccoli!” (snorts)

7. VANESSA: Friends again?
COREY: With you? Yes, friends again. With that boyfriend of yours? Not so much.

8. The improved atmosphere must have helped, because Little Bertie Grew Up Well.
Although I should stop calling him that, I suppose – he’s not so little anymore.

9. And like most teenagers, Little Bertie – Albert – is rebelling against his parents’ values.
This is made massively more difficult by the fact that Albert’s father is a huge rock star
who files societal norms under “interesting scenery” rather than under “the way to live.”
BERTIE: What’s up with the tie, Awbie? You wook wike an investment bankew.
ALBERT: Thank you, Father.
BERTIE: And why awe you weawing gwasses? You have 20/20 vision.
ALBERT: I know, Father. The lenses are clear glass.
BERTIE (getting frustrated): And why awe you cawing me “Fathew”? My name is
“Dad”.
ALBERT: Actually, your name is “Bertram.” But I don’t feel comfortable calling you by
your given name. “Father” is much more respectful, don’t you think?
BERTIE: Gaaaaaah! (stomps off)
VANESSA: It really ticks him off when you do that, you know.
ALBERT: Why do you think I do it?

10. Actually, it looks like the strawberries weren’t necessary after all. Surprisingly, keeping
Bertie out of the way cleared the Furious meter much faster than having him apologize
like crazy. I wonder if there’s a moral there…
COREY: Welcome home, sweetie! (kiss) Did you have a good day?
BERTIE: Yes, except fow the suit. It itches. You’we in a good mood…
COREY: You mean I’m not allowed to welcome my husband of fifteen years home?
Especially when his girlfriend’s still at work?
BERTIE: Ah. I’ww just change out of this suit, then, shaww I?
COREY: Meet you in your bedroom in ten minutes.

11. BERTIE: I’m gwad you’we not mad at me anymowe, Cowey.
COREY: Oh, I’m still mad. But I’ve really missed you.
BERTIE: Weally? The, uh, bed’s just ovew thewe…
COREY: Do you mind if we just…cuddle this time? And talk?
BERTIE: Cuddwe?
COREY: There’s more to life than woohoo, Bertie.
BERTIE: Thewe is? (ducking) Whatevew you want, Cowey. Anything fow you.

12. There’s an unpleasant phrase that could probably be applied to Corey at this point, but
quite frankly, he’s a lot more frustrated than Bertie is. If you know what I mean.
Bertie has… options.

13. So to speak.
No, Bertie’s biggest problem is his son.

14. BERTIE: I made tuwkey – don’t you want some?
ALBERT: Perhaps later, Father. I need to learn how to cook for myself.
BERTIE: Why? I’m wowth a kabajiwwion simoweans. You can have caviaw hand-
dewivewed evewy day fow the west of youw existence.
ALBERT: How many zeroes are there in a kabajillion, Father?
BERTIE: I don’t know. Why do you think I have an accountant? Is that a “no” on the
tuwkey?
ALBERT: That’s a “no” on the turkey.
BERTIE: Youw woss. (calls) DINNEW!

15. But I’m sure you can agree that rebellious teenagers are a much better problem to have
than the one we had at the end of the last couple of chapters.
Score for this round
Child Grew Up Well: 20
Assorted romantic interactions x 3: 15
Woohoo: 30
TOTAL: 65
Score as of last round: 295
GRAND TOTAL: 360

16. Relationship standings (Daily/Lifetime)
Albert > Bertie: 98/81. Best friends.
Albert > Corey: 86/86. Best friends.
Albert > Robert: 3/3
Albert > Vanessa: 96/96. Best friends.
Bertie > Albert: 98/98. Best friends.
Bertie > Corey: 98/98. Best friends. Married.
Bertie > Robert: 78/78. Love.
Bertie > Vanessa: 98/98. Love.
Corey > Albert: 98/98. Best friends.
Corey > Bertie: 100/100. Portrait is 1/8 red. Best friends. Married.
Corey > Robert: 3/3
Corey > Vanessa: 98/98. Best friends.
Vanessa > Albert: 85/85. Best friends.
Vanessa > Bertie: 98/98. Love.
Vanessa > Corey: 98/98. Best friends.
Vanessa > Robert: 0/0