Craig Silverstein

As a video game creator, my fellow nerds send me copies of their games in advance to try them out and give feedback and such. My brother and I were in the living room playing and he told me he proposed to Claire. I think they're moving a little fast, but it's not my business.

He jokingly said, "Now it's your turn."

I should have told him the truth right then and there, but I couldn't. What if he freaks out, what if he hates me? That probably wouldn't happen, but what if it made him uncomfortable around me?

It's hard to be gay in such a small town.

Ryen Crow

I'm going to reserve judgement on this small town until I spend more time here. It's certainly nothing like SimCity, but that's not necessarily bad. The cost of living here is so cheap, too, I'm saving like sixty grand a year on the house alone.

Eve doesn't like it. Not enough clothing stores for her to visit I guess.

I'm really resenting her. I know it's so bad to say, so I have to say it here. She's dying to try for a baby, but I'm not sure how I feel about that. I like kids enough, I just don't know if I'm ready to make that commitment. Especially with her.

I don't want to be one of those guys who hate their wives, but she and I have nothing in common, especially after I found her cheating. She says she wants to work on our relationship, but I don't think that I do.

It's gotten so bad, I can't sleep with her without needing to shower afterward. I'm trapped in my life.

Elena Meridian

It's hard getting used to seeing by brother as a dad.

After dad was killed, I thought Asher was going to be an easy guardian. Letting me stay up late, eat junk food, play video games all day. And for a while, it was like that. Then we had to move out of the city because he couldn't handle the way everyone looked at us. 

I thought this tiny town was going to be a dead-end for me. Until I met Keiran Point. He's from Orchard Valley, Lemon Creek's newly incorporated downtown-ish place. (I say downtown-ish because it's not really like a big city. At all.) He's the cutest boy I have ever seen.

So now Asher is putting his foot down. "You're only fourteen, too young to be going steady." Blah, blah, blah. 

At least it is summer, and school is suspended for the whole season in Lemon Creek. While Asher is working I can have Keiran come over and I can sneak out at night, right?

And I've heard a famous band is coming to town next month. Maybe this place isn't so backwoods afterall. 

Claire Abbott

Things are finally making sense. I adopted a baby girl, her name is Krista, and she's everything I ever wanted. She's learning so fast and she's always smiling. I love waking up and taking care of her every morning, and teaching her things never gets old.

And now I'm even DATING. I can't believe it! Shy, serious, bookworm me is going on dates. Sheesh! Xavier Silverstein has been taking me out every night this week. We ate at his restaurant for free. 

Things are getting pretty serious. He's still working things out with Abbey, his sort-of girlfriend, but I trust him. My mom grilled him over this, and she said she thinks he's trustworthy.

I hope this doesn't destroy my friendship with Abbey. I know if I were losing him, I'd be pretty torn up.

Abbey Grimm

I am overrun with CATS. GAHH!

I'm a total cat lover, but this is getting gross. Nadine's cats had kittens and this tiny trailer has become a giant litter box. I'm so disgusted. I'm doing the majority of my writing outside to get away from it. 

Two of Nadine's children have been adopted. One is about to be sent out of Lemon Creek. It breaks my heart. Maybe the family who gets Mia will let me come visit her. I'm her auntie, after all.

And on top of this, Nadine brought home a boyfriend. I was like, "is this really a good idea?" the woman has had four children, for heaven's sake. But I guess I can't tell a thirty year old woman what to do. His name is Cain, and he is as loony as Nad.

He told me all about how he and Nadine are going to get married and live in the trailer with me. I can't tell if they're serious or not. Nadine has demanded that we switch bedrooms because the one I'm in is the only one big enough for a double bed. 

Yech. I don't want to even think about it.

Xavier Silverstein

I don't think I knew what I was getting into when I came here. Of every place I've visited, this is the one I've learned the most from. It also happens to be the most uncomfortable. There is no air conditioning to speak of. No soda, no electricity, no indoor plumbing. These people sleep on rugs on the floor.

I'm sure it makes them stronger and more resilient, but I'm just not cut out for it. I'm cutting it short and coming home early. I've gathered enough interviews and pictures to make a four page spread. I hear I'm missing the Lemon Festival. I'm leaving first thing in the morning.

Abbey Grimm

I made a phone call today. It was probably one of the hardest things I've ever done in my life. Harder than staying home every night of my life to take care of Nadine. Harder than saying goodbye to my parents when I was seven. Harder than not punching in the face patrons who don't tip.

I called social services. Nadine had an episode today. In public no less, and everyone saw. I'm bone tired from staying up all night, and I just can't keep up with four crying babies. I'll get them all fed, then I have to change them, then I have to bathe them and put them to bed. There are so many cribs in here, I can hardly walk. 

I asked to remain anonymous. If Nadine found out I called them, I don't know what would happen. I had to choose between the lesser of two evils, I guess. It was either feel guilty because I broke my sister's heart, or feel guilty for not rescuing babies who needed someone.

I thought about calling their father, but I know he wouldn't do anything. He won't even let anyone know they are his. 

I hope I did the right thing.