Another New Look



‘Here she comes Miss SimCity.’ Trent sang as I came down the stairs.
He really did have such a handsome singing voice.
For the second time today, I truly felt pretty.
I tried to imitate the cool strut of a fashion model.
My Uncle stood up and cheered when he saw me.
‘Darling, you look so mature and sophisticated.’
Two words any ten year old girl loved to hear.


‘You did a smashing job on the hair and make up.’ my Uncle grinned wickedly at Trent. ‘I guess having a couple queer old uncles around can be a good thing. Lanie never has to worry about a bad hair or make up day under your watch and I’ll always see that’s she well dressed.’
Trent fixed my Uncle with a frosty look, but his expression relaxed and he laughed instead.
‘I guess we do make a good team. Maybe we could take our combined talents on the road and show the rest of the world what a difference a good haircut, proper make up technics, and a custom wardrobe can make.’
My Uncle’s grin widened as he gave it some thought.
‘There’s several Townies I see walking about that I’d love to grab and make over. I could certainly tell them what not to wear. I think it’s a fabulous concept, Darling, but I don’t think SimCity is quite ready to accept us into their homes and listen to us tell them how to dress.’


Uncle Remington gripped Trent’s hands in his.
They were normally careful not to show too much affection around me.
When I was a kid, I hated to see two adults of any gender acting mushy, now I thought it was kind of nice.
These little incidents of sentiment between my two uncles now reaffirmed for me that they were committed and made me even more reassured that they intended to grow old together.
‘Besides,’ my Uncle smiled at Trent. ‘We have the proper balance in our lives now. If I had to be with you twenty-four seven at both work and home, I’d probably strangle you.


Trent laughed again a bit ruefully.
‘I’m lucky that you even have me around at all.’
Being more of an artist, my Uncle required more personal alone time than Trent did.
I think it hurt Trent’s feelings a little that Uncle Remington also cherished their time apart.
My Uncle’s only reply was a smile, as he lightly brushed a hand across Trent’s cheek.
Trent took that hand in his and gave it a loving squeeze.
‘Are you sure you feel up to going out tonight?’


When Trent and I had come downstairs my Uncle had been lounging on the couch.
Uncle Remington had been fighting a really bad cold for the last couple of weeks. It seemed to have drained him of all energy. He’d only picked at the salad, Mrs. Hammond made for dinner.
‘I’ve been wanting to see this movie for weeks. Nothing is going to keep me home tonight.’
‘Remington, I’m worried...’
My Uncle cut him off.
‘I’m fine, Darling. It’s just that everything’s really crazy right now. I always get exhausted with every new season. I’ve got shows all over SimCity to organize, Phelps is launching my new office to evening wear line, the first lady needs her gown for the Annual Charity Ball, and Helen needs to be outfitted for the Simmie awards next week.’
My Uncle was still Helen’s clothing designer.
‘You’re spreading yourself too thin. I also wish you’d see a doctor about that cold.’


Uncle Remington changed the subject by bringing me into the spotlight instead.
‘I can’t get over how stunning you look.’ he told me. ‘You have my eye for fashion.’
I’d selected this dress out of the many Harlan Hastings, the owner of Phelps department store, had me chose from to keep for my own. I modeled children’s wear in his catalogs.
Neither Trent nor I were distracted.
‘Uncle Remington, I’ve been worried about you too.’
My Uncle had a severe heart condition. He took lots of medicine to keep it in check.
‘For the last time, I’m fine. I’m feeling better already.’


As we were on the way out to the garage, my Uncle was chattering gleefully. He truly did seem to be feeling much better.
‘I wonder how Ronald will die in this one.’
Trent scowled at the mention of Helen’s husband.
While Uncle Remington placed the blame for what happened on Newman, Trent thought that Reginald was the true mastermind behind the situation.
‘I’m looking forward to seeing that myself.’