Party Games and Artist Gigs
Carlos had spent his high school years discovering just how much he loved art, in all forms. And with his birthday on the horizon, it was a good thing he'd found his passion- soon he would be out on his own.
Like his sister, he didn't want to go to college, instead wanting to jump straight into art as his career, whether through freelancing or starting a gallery.
Carlos had even started dabbling in tattoo designs, though he probably wouldn't ever actually give somebody one. The large needles and the idea of permanently altering someone's skin scared him- though he would happily work with an artist who wasn't afraid of that part, if it meant he got to design the tattoos.
Coming off the cusp of Liliana's wedding, Carlos just wanted a small party for his birthday. He'd invited a handful of his cousins and his closest friends to celebrate with him at the Bridgeview Arcade in Newcrest, where they could play games and enjoy some bowling. A more relaxed party after the busy week they'd just had.
Rose and Philip couldn't quite believe that their son was growing up and moving out already. Carlos had been looking at houses, and though he wanted to remain in Oasis Springs, he was moving across the kingdom to Skyward Palms.
Soon, their house would be empty, freeing them for travel and adventures... but they would certainly miss having their children around.
Mirabel, Carlos' closest friend from high school, was one of the first to arrive at the arcade. All dressed up in her party attire, Carlos was suddenly struck by just how pretty she looked. She was cute no matter what, but there was something special about the excitement on her face.
After all, they shared a birthday! This was her party as much as his.
Once everyone had arrived and gathered in the arcade, Carlos and Mirabel both took turns blowing out the candles on the birthday cake.
Carlos' final core trait was Family-Oriented. He wanted to raise a family the way he'd been raised someday, bring up strong and intelligent children who could change the world for the better. He wondered what Mirabel's was- he'd have to ask her, later.
Now, it was time for games! Carlos gathered his sister and a few of their cousins to go bowl a few frames, while the others enjoyed the cake and snacks and talked.
It was the first time Carlos had been bowling in quite a while, which was evidenced by him immediately dropping the ball on his first attempt at throwing it.
In between rounds, Carlos sat down to catch up with Eirwen. He hadn't seen her much at all since she moved to Nordhaven, except for the recent wedding events. She still hadn't opened her shop, claiming she was still waiting for the nectar to age properly before she sold it. It seemed a bit of an odd excuse to Carlos, but what did he know about running a business? Eirwen was quick to change the subject, turning the conversation back to him.
"I hear you're moving out pretty quick here, yeah?"
"I am." Carlos confirmed. "Probably tonight. I've already put down payment on the house."
"Are you staying in Oasis Springs?"
"I am. I'll be in Skyward Palms, now."
"What're you going to do?"
"Freelance art, to start with, and we'll see where things go from there."
Once they finished bowling, Carlos and Mirabel went upstairs to play the arcade games. Carlos had a sneaking suspicion this would be the last time he would be back here for a while, so he made sure to enjoy it while the party lasted.
It was over all too soon, though, and Carlos bid his friends and cousins goodbye.
That evening, Carlos packed up his things and bid his parents goodbye. It was time to go set down his own roots, but he promised he would be back to visit soon- or at least, have them over to see him.
Carlos's new home was a comfortable two story home with two bedrooms, one of which he foresaw eventually becoming a nursery. There was also a stable and a nice grassy area in the back, which he wasn't sure whether or not he would use yet- maybe he could get some mini sheep? Plenty of time to decide that, later. Most importantly, though, the whole plot captured the light beautifully. This would be a lovely place for painting.
On Monday morning, Carlos started his work as a freelance artist, joining the Electrified Artists Agency. The first gig he was given was for a substitute teacher at a Painting 101 class at Oasis Elementary. Though not quite the work he first accepted, Carlos jumped into the assignment, drawing up an illustrative sketch for demonstration before heading off to meet the class.
Carlos taught the painting class for every period that day, and was pleasantly surprised how much he enjoyed it. At the end of it, he even got paid a little extra for how well the class had gone.
When his agency representative reached out to see how his first day had went, Carlos told him that he wanted to do more teaching gigs, which the representative agreed had been arranged.
Hadn't his grandfather been a Professor? Maybe he was following in his footsteps in more ways than just being his namesake.
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