HOLLAND FAMILY CHALLENGE STORY!
Hello there. :) Thank you for being here for my first ever Sims 3 story! 😃 (Circa 2015) ****PLEASE NOTE THAT I HAVE MOVED THIS STORY OVER TO MY BLOG WITH REVISIONS AND HAVE MADE IT TONS BETTER! �...
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Chapter 28
When Michael told Bailey they would be meeting at the Bistro, she of course put on her best dress not because it was custom for such a fancy place, but because she wanted to show her dad how much this meeting meant to her. She couldn't remember ever being more excited to see him. When she arrived there, she could see that her dad was seated outside. It was little hard not to notice him since he was the only one wearing scrubs. Michael saw her approaching out of the corner of his eye and closed the book he was reading with a smile. He stood up and greeted her, while pulling out a chair for her.
"Thanks dad," Bailey said as she sat down.
"You look beautiful," Michael said sitting himself down as well.
Grinning Bailey said, "And judging by your getup I imagine you just got off work?"
"Yup. They had me helping out at the hospital for a while today."
It was then that a waiter approached them and asked what they would like to order. Michael knew exactly what he wanted, but it took Bailey a few minutes to decide. Some of the dishes that usually looked good to her didn't seem to, so she ended up choosing something unexpected. The waiter took their menus and returned rather quickly with their drinks. Both took a sip and slowly placed their drinks down on the table.
"Well," Michael said, placing his elbows on the table and clasping his hands together. "How have you been?"
Taking in a deep breath Bailey replied, "Oh, I've been okay. Have had my good days and my bad." She paused and just had to add, "I'm not going to lie dad. While having Goodwin in my life has been wonderful, not being with my parents has not." She frowned.
Michael frowned too and said softly, "I know. I'm sorry."
"Don't be dad," Bailey surprised herself saying, "this is a very complicated situation and I completely understand you and Jenni needing time to accept it." She bowed her head. "In many ways I wish the situation were different."
"Oh?" Michael asked, leaning back into his chair.
"I just wish that I had met the man of my dreams without him being my mother-in-law's ex-boyfriend and father of her child who is now my step sister."
Michael cracked a smile. "Yeah," he said, "but you know...God sure works in mysterious ways."
Bailey glanced at him curiously.
[http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag50/emorrill19/Sims%203%20Single%20Dad%20Challenge/Bailey%20and%20Michael%20at%20dinner_zpseqeobpvq.jpg
Sensing her need to know what he meant by that, Michael continued, "What I mean is...I know you wouldn't be in this relationship if you didn't feel it was right."
Bailey nodded. "Well, yeah dad," she said, "That's what I was trying to tell you before."
http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag50/emorrill19/Sims%203%20Single%20Dad%20Challenge/Bailey%20and%20Michael%20dinner%20chat%204_zpsh1s5g3zx.jpg
"I know," Michael said in a calm tone, "but please let me continue."
Bailey rested her hands in her lap and allowed him to.
http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag50/emorrill19/Sims%203%20Single%20Dad%20Challenge/Bailey%20and%20Michael%20dinner%20chat_zpsa0pckmjj.jpg
"That right feeling," Michael continued, "is usually a feeling from God. It's a feeling that one can ever deny. You were willing to follow your heart and obviously God's will, even though you knew how hard it would be for us, your family, to accept." He paused. "As I got to really thinking about that, I realized that I needed to stop being upset. I needed to trust in God's will, but more importantly...I needed to trust you."
Bailey's eyes began to tear up. What a joy this was for her to hear.
"I've also been thinking lately, about Tay's parents."
Taken aback, Bailey thought, Okay...that's odd.
"About how they disowned him because of a decision he made that he knew was the right one."
http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag50/emorrill19/Sims%203%20Single%20Dad%20Challenge/Bailey%20and%20Michael%20dinner%20chat%203_zpscp9md6nm.jpg
All of the sudden Michael grew so emotional that he couldn't speak, nor look Bailey in the eye.
A tear rolled down Bailey's cheek as she held her hand out to him. He took it and squeezed it tightly.
"I am still upset with them for doing that," Michael managed to get out. "I couldn't understand why they would disown their own son over wanting to take responsibility to care for his girlfriend and child. I just...couldn't fathom it."
Bailey lowered her head with a sniff.
With even greater emotion Michael choked, "I found...that I was becoming like them...and it killed me to come to that realization."
Crying Bailey asked, still looking down, "You thought to disown me?"
"Never!" Michael cried, gripping her hand with both of his.
Bailey held out her other hand and they both held each other's hands tightly, looking into each others eyes.
"Never," Michael said to her again, "However, not seeing or contacting you because I'm upset with a decision you have made...isn't that basically the same thing? I don't ever want to be that parent Bailey!" Wiping a tear from her eye he said, "I love you SO much! I'm sorry I let my emotions get the best of me."
"Dad," Bailey sniffed, "I am sorry. I couldn't expect you to be completely okay with it. Like I said, I wish it were different." She lowered her head into her arms and sobbed. "But it's not."
"And that's okay," Michael said, lifting her chin up. "It's okay," he reassured. "Yes, this will take some adjusting for all of us, but one thing is for certain...your mother and I love you and we never want you to feel like you and Goodwin are not welcome in our company. You're family and you always will be."
"Oh daddy," Bailey cried with a smile. "Thank you!"
Hugging her over the table Michael said, "Please forgive me."
"I already have!"
The timing couldn't have been more perfect for the waiter to arrive with their food. After wiping a few tears and composing themselves they thanked the waiter and began to catch up on all sorts of life happenings while eating. Bailey mentioned feeling sick the past few days and asked her dad if anything was going around in town.
"Well, the flu season is over," he said, "it's probably just a bug or something you ate."
Bailey shook her head. "I know it isn't something I ate," she said, "perhaps it is just a bug."
Michael finished his last bite and wiped his mouth with the napkin. He could see Bailey looking thoughtful. "Is something bothering you?" he asked.
With a sigh Bailey answered, "Well, yes. I'm worried I might be pregnant."
Oh my gosh! Did I just SAY that!?
Michael froze, not moving an inch or changing his blank face expression. Bailey cringed and closed her eyes, waiting for him to lash out at her.
However, all Michael said was, "Well, take a test and let me know."
Opening her eyes in surprise Bailey stared at him in disbelief. "Wow," she said, "I wasn't expecting you to be so okay with the possibility."
Michael glanced at his watch and said, "I figured the two of you were woohooily active," he said, "it's to be expected."
Bailey just gaped.
"Well," Michael said, standing up from his chair, "I have to be at a meeting in a few minutes so I'd better go."
Bailey stood up with him and said, "Yeah, of course."
http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag50/emorrill19/Sims%203%20Single%20Dad%20Challenge/end%20of%20dinner%20conversation_zpsormtrjcs.jpg
Giving each other a hug, Michael said, "It was great to talk with you sweetheart. I look forward to hearing from you again."
"You too dad," Bailey said squeezing him. "I love you."
http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag50/emorrill19/Sims%203%20Single%20Dad%20Challenge/hug%20after%20dinner_zpsrg36b1aj.jpg
"Hey you two!" they heard a familiar voice call out. They turned to find Derek coming towards them. He was in his fireman outfit and wearing an unusual helmet.
"Hey," they both greeted in return, but Michael said, "Sorry I can't chat son, I've got to go to a meeting."
"It's all good," Derek said, "I'm just glad to see the two of you spending time together."
Bailey and Michael smiled at each other and then Michael waved goodbye and hurried to his car.
"So Bailey," Derek addressed, "are you and dad okay?"
"Yes," Bailey answered with a smile. "Yes."
"Wonderful!"
Bailey couldn't hold it back any longer. "Seriously, what is with the helmet?"
http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag50/emorrill19/Sims%203%20Single%20Dad%20Challenge/seriously%20what%20is%20with%20the%20hat_zpsjoqm9jsp.jpg
Chuckling Derek replied, "This is an official military officer's helmet from the Ming Dynasty! I got it in my travels to the past in my time machine! Doesn't it look awesome?"
Shaking her head Bailey said, "I guess. They actually let you wear that at work?"
"Yeah! I mean, of course I can't wear it when I'm fighting fires, but the guys have sure gotten a kick out of it."
I bet they have, Bailey thought. Her brother was such a goofball.
That evening at home, Bailey couldn't stop smiling as she prepared herself for bed.
http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag50/emorrill19/Sims%203%20Single%20Dad%20Challenge/Bailey%20jumping%20for%20joy_zps9fcavkwg.jpg
With such a huge burden lifted from her shoulders it felt like everything was normal again. She couldn't wait to tell Goodwin about her visit with her dad. As she slid into bed she drifted off into a peaceful sleep and slept better than she had in weeks.
:)
To be continued...
When Michael told Bailey they would be meeting at the Bistro, she of course put on her best dress not because it was custom for such a fancy place, but because she wanted to show her dad how much this meeting meant to her. She couldn't remember ever being more excited to see him. When she arrived there, she could see that her dad was seated outside. It was little hard not to notice him since he was the only one wearing scrubs. Michael saw her approaching out of the corner of his eye and closed the book he was reading with a smile. He stood up and greeted her, while pulling out a chair for her.
"Thanks dad," Bailey said as she sat down.
"You look beautiful," Michael said sitting himself down as well.
Grinning Bailey said, "And judging by your getup I imagine you just got off work?"
"Yup. They had me helping out at the hospital for a while today."
It was then that a waiter approached them and asked what they would like to order. Michael knew exactly what he wanted, but it took Bailey a few minutes to decide. Some of the dishes that usually looked good to her didn't seem to, so she ended up choosing something unexpected. The waiter took their menus and returned rather quickly with their drinks. Both took a sip and slowly placed their drinks down on the table.
"Well," Michael said, placing his elbows on the table and clasping his hands together. "How have you been?"
Taking in a deep breath Bailey replied, "Oh, I've been okay. Have had my good days and my bad." She paused and just had to add, "I'm not going to lie dad. While having Goodwin in my life has been wonderful, not being with my parents has not." She frowned.
Michael frowned too and said softly, "I know. I'm sorry."
"Don't be dad," Bailey surprised herself saying, "this is a very complicated situation and I completely understand you and Jenni needing time to accept it." She bowed her head. "In many ways I wish the situation were different."
"Oh?" Michael asked, leaning back into his chair.
"I just wish that I had met the man of my dreams without him being my mother-in-law's ex-boyfriend and father of her child who is now my step sister."
Michael cracked a smile. "Yeah," he said, "but you know...God sure works in mysterious ways."
Bailey glanced at him curiously.
[http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag50/emorrill19/Sims%203%20Single%20Dad%20Challenge/Bailey%20and%20Michael%20at%20dinner_zpseqeobpvq.jpg
Sensing her need to know what he meant by that, Michael continued, "What I mean is...I know you wouldn't be in this relationship if you didn't feel it was right."
Bailey nodded. "Well, yeah dad," she said, "That's what I was trying to tell you before."
http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag50/emorrill19/Sims%203%20Single%20Dad%20Challenge/Bailey%20and%20Michael%20dinner%20chat%204_zpsh1s5g3zx.jpg
"I know," Michael said in a calm tone, "but please let me continue."
Bailey rested her hands in her lap and allowed him to.
http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag50/emorrill19/Sims%203%20Single%20Dad%20Challenge/Bailey%20and%20Michael%20dinner%20chat_zpsa0pckmjj.jpg
"That right feeling," Michael continued, "is usually a feeling from God. It's a feeling that one can ever deny. You were willing to follow your heart and obviously God's will, even though you knew how hard it would be for us, your family, to accept." He paused. "As I got to really thinking about that, I realized that I needed to stop being upset. I needed to trust in God's will, but more importantly...I needed to trust you."
Bailey's eyes began to tear up. What a joy this was for her to hear.
"I've also been thinking lately, about Tay's parents."
Taken aback, Bailey thought, Okay...that's odd.
"About how they disowned him because of a decision he made that he knew was the right one."
http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag50/emorrill19/Sims%203%20Single%20Dad%20Challenge/Bailey%20and%20Michael%20dinner%20chat%203_zpscp9md6nm.jpg
All of the sudden Michael grew so emotional that he couldn't speak, nor look Bailey in the eye.
A tear rolled down Bailey's cheek as she held her hand out to him. He took it and squeezed it tightly.
"I am still upset with them for doing that," Michael managed to get out. "I couldn't understand why they would disown their own son over wanting to take responsibility to care for his girlfriend and child. I just...couldn't fathom it."
Bailey lowered her head with a sniff.
With even greater emotion Michael choked, "I found...that I was becoming like them...and it killed me to come to that realization."
Crying Bailey asked, still looking down, "You thought to disown me?"
"Never!" Michael cried, gripping her hand with both of his.
Bailey held out her other hand and they both held each other's hands tightly, looking into each others eyes.
"Never," Michael said to her again, "However, not seeing or contacting you because I'm upset with a decision you have made...isn't that basically the same thing? I don't ever want to be that parent Bailey!" Wiping a tear from her eye he said, "I love you SO much! I'm sorry I let my emotions get the best of me."
"Dad," Bailey sniffed, "I am sorry. I couldn't expect you to be completely okay with it. Like I said, I wish it were different." She lowered her head into her arms and sobbed. "But it's not."
"And that's okay," Michael said, lifting her chin up. "It's okay," he reassured. "Yes, this will take some adjusting for all of us, but one thing is for certain...your mother and I love you and we never want you to feel like you and Goodwin are not welcome in our company. You're family and you always will be."
"Oh daddy," Bailey cried with a smile. "Thank you!"
Hugging her over the table Michael said, "Please forgive me."
"I already have!"
The timing couldn't have been more perfect for the waiter to arrive with their food. After wiping a few tears and composing themselves they thanked the waiter and began to catch up on all sorts of life happenings while eating. Bailey mentioned feeling sick the past few days and asked her dad if anything was going around in town.
"Well, the flu season is over," he said, "it's probably just a bug or something you ate."
Bailey shook her head. "I know it isn't something I ate," she said, "perhaps it is just a bug."
Michael finished his last bite and wiped his mouth with the napkin. He could see Bailey looking thoughtful. "Is something bothering you?" he asked.
With a sigh Bailey answered, "Well, yes. I'm worried I might be pregnant."
Oh my gosh! Did I just SAY that!?
Michael froze, not moving an inch or changing his blank face expression. Bailey cringed and closed her eyes, waiting for him to lash out at her.
However, all Michael said was, "Well, take a test and let me know."
Opening her eyes in surprise Bailey stared at him in disbelief. "Wow," she said, "I wasn't expecting you to be so okay with the possibility."
Michael glanced at his watch and said, "I figured the two of you were woohooily active," he said, "it's to be expected."
Bailey just gaped.
"Well," Michael said, standing up from his chair, "I have to be at a meeting in a few minutes so I'd better go."
Bailey stood up with him and said, "Yeah, of course."
http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag50/emorrill19/Sims%203%20Single%20Dad%20Challenge/end%20of%20dinner%20conversation_zpsormtrjcs.jpg
Giving each other a hug, Michael said, "It was great to talk with you sweetheart. I look forward to hearing from you again."
"You too dad," Bailey said squeezing him. "I love you."
http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag50/emorrill19/Sims%203%20Single%20Dad%20Challenge/hug%20after%20dinner_zpsrg36b1aj.jpg
"Hey you two!" they heard a familiar voice call out. They turned to find Derek coming towards them. He was in his fireman outfit and wearing an unusual helmet.
"Hey," they both greeted in return, but Michael said, "Sorry I can't chat son, I've got to go to a meeting."
"It's all good," Derek said, "I'm just glad to see the two of you spending time together."
Bailey and Michael smiled at each other and then Michael waved goodbye and hurried to his car.
"So Bailey," Derek addressed, "are you and dad okay?"
"Yes," Bailey answered with a smile. "Yes."
"Wonderful!"
Bailey couldn't hold it back any longer. "Seriously, what is with the helmet?"
http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag50/emorrill19/Sims%203%20Single%20Dad%20Challenge/seriously%20what%20is%20with%20the%20hat_zpsjoqm9jsp.jpg
Chuckling Derek replied, "This is an official military officer's helmet from the Ming Dynasty! I got it in my travels to the past in my time machine! Doesn't it look awesome?"
Shaking her head Bailey said, "I guess. They actually let you wear that at work?"
"Yeah! I mean, of course I can't wear it when I'm fighting fires, but the guys have sure gotten a kick out of it."
I bet they have, Bailey thought. Her brother was such a goofball.
That evening at home, Bailey couldn't stop smiling as she prepared herself for bed.
http://i1298.photobucket.com/albums/ag50/emorrill19/Sims%203%20Single%20Dad%20Challenge/Bailey%20jumping%20for%20joy_zps9fcavkwg.jpg
With such a huge burden lifted from her shoulders it felt like everything was normal again. She couldn't wait to tell Goodwin about her visit with her dad. As she slid into bed she drifted off into a peaceful sleep and slept better than she had in weeks.
:)
To be continued...
