When Rebecca figured out she was pregnant, a sudden rush of misery washed over her. It wasn't the thought having a child that bothered her, but the fact she was going to have to inform the father and her family. She didn't know exactly what the father would think, other than it would be mighty inconvenient considering his occupation and lifestyle. As far as her family was concerned, it would just be another reason to retread their previous disapproval with a new subject.
Rebecca called the father with the news, and the call went a lot like she had expected. He struggled with the idea and had a hard time finding words, but Rebecca didn't fault him for that because she had just dropped a bomb on him. He assured her that he was a stand-up kind of guy, and she knew he was ... She just didn't think that was the appropriate way to handle their somewhat brief relationship.
After about an hour-long conversation that consisted more of excruciatingly long pauses, interrupted by bursts of ideas and healthy dose of moral aptitude ... They both started to understand that the issue was something that couldn't be fixed right then or over the phone. Hasty decisions were what got them in this mess and were most likely not the solution out of it. Rebecca assured him that things would be okay with the child and that she was more than prepared to handle whatever was necessary. She promised him she would keep in touch and let him know what was happening ... But that he would have to settle for some photos or a video until they had a better chance to figure things out.
The phone call with her parents didn't go much better, but to be honest she felt a lot easier during it than the previous one. Her parents, and her sister Marcy were going to think whatever they wanted to think and say whatever they felt the need to say, but none of it was their decision and she was only telling them as a courtesy.
Following all the fairly uncomfortable events of the evening, Rebecca went to the one thing that always helped her find her way. She went downstairs, adjusted the settings on the weight machine, and started pumping iron.
The cadence of the reps, her breathing ... They pushed back the anxiety as perspiration melted her frustrations. Rebecca started thinking about the child and what she wanted for it, as well as how she was preparing herself to 'Part the Red Sea' if necessary for the little one on the way. Everyone else could be whatever they felt the need to be ... But she was going to the rock that child's life would be built on ... No regrets and no turning back.
Rebecca had managed to wear herself out the previous evening, and to her surprise she didn't have any trouble sleeping. She woke up the next morning with a fresh set of eyes on her circumstances with some of the unpleasantries taken care for the time being.
Rebecca made it through her early morning tasks attending her basement garden and then set about ordering some new stuff for the expected arrival of her child. After rearranging some things, and selling or getting rid of some others, she noticed that her back was giving her fits. It wasn't uncommon as she was often sore after long workouts, but this seemed to be closely associated with her pregnancy. More comfortable with the whole idea, Rebecca decided to risk a trip out on the town and running into her friends in order to do something she had never done before and visit the Day Spa. She was thankful for it throughout the rest of the day because the message was wonderful and well worth the trouble getting there.
Still almost amazed at the fact she was actually pregnant, Rebecca made her second stop of the day at the bookstore. She had intended to pick up some books that may be appropriate for children, seeing as her specialty was Romance Novels and that probably wouldn't be a good place to start a child. She also thought it was good idea to get the books now when she still had time and wasn't pressed by other demands.
Speaking to her sister the night before, Marcy had suggested that Rebecca pick up a book on pregnancy and parenting. Rebecca searched the shelves and laughed to herself. She was pretty sure she was already pregnant and knew how that happened, as well as the fact she was healthy, a bit of a fitness nut, but didn't do anything that would jeopardize a child's health in the womb. Discarding any advice to search for books on pregnancy, she remembered what her sister had said about parenting. She quickly located a Best Seller in the Romance section titled Commitment Issues ... And figured that would probably be her best bet on parenting advice at the moment.
Rebecca giggled as the cashier noticed the title book and Rebecca's current condition, catching her by surprise momentarily. Rebecca had way with people though, and the cashier just smiled back at her. She spent the rest of the day fishing in order to stock what was necessary for sushi before that opportunity was locked out for a little while. She also finished moving stuff around and setting up the new baby things.
Rebecca was uncomfortable for most of the following day, and she knew it was getting closer to her delivery time. Around five that evening she was calling a cab to take her to the Hospital, and an hour later Hanna Keller took her first breath. About a half hour after that and the two were headed home on a chilly Winter evening.
Rebecca was both nervous and thrilled when they got home. It was crunch time now and time to make it all happen. She kept going through her mental checklists afraid she was forgetting something, until she noticed something else. Hanna didn't care; she just wanted to be held. Rebecca realized for the first time that there was more in those precious moments than could ever be written on a page. The warmth of her body, her sweet smell and soft touch ... Some things Rebecca knew she would never forget.
But ... Before we get too carried away with all the sweetness ... 🤣😂
That doesn't mean that Rebecca did not have a few choice words for Hanna's father, and the rest of the world for that matter, around 02:00 in the morning as the most horrific sound she had ever heard flooded her bedroom and jolted her from sleep.
Of course, Rebecca soon figured out that it was nothing a clean diaper and a little snuggling couldn't fix. She also was lucky enough to quickly surmise that the whole your schedule, my schedule thing was something that was probably going to require a bit more creative planning on her part.
As a precursor ... I don't do the 'baby cocoon' thing forever ... Heck, I rarely do children in my games. But ... We're going to do something a little different this time, although it won't include not letting Hanna age up after three Sim days of being a baby ... 🤣😂
For Background ... Hanna's birth went fine, and I was allowed to pick two traits. I picked two that both her mother and father share ... And traits that would most likely be influenced as much by the environment she will be raised in from birth, rather than any desires she may develop. Although children may rebel at some point in their life ,,, They don't get to pick their parents ... 👍
Hanna's two current traits are Athletic and Good ... Her favorites, which I didn't adjust at all, are currently Kids Music, Pumpkin Pie and the color Lime (which really won't make a difference until she goes to the store, buys the paint, and paints her own room ... At that point, if Hanna shows that kind of determination and commitment to afford her own desires, Rebecca will most likely let it slide).
Hanna was growing and maybe a bit faster than her mother would like. Rebecca's friends commented on how Hanna's father may be a mystery, but there was no doubt Rebecca was her mother. Hanna was turning out to be precious, a blast to be around, and probably one of the happiest toddlers Rebecca had ever met.
Some of that might have had something to with the fact that as a toddler ... Hanna never cried about anything. That was achievable because Rebecca had the liberty to do what was necessary, as well as she was a pro at managing their schedules and still accomplishing just about everything she wanted or needed to do. The day room Rebecca had set up on the top floor of her small house was fully capable of handling most of the day's activities when they were at home.
That's not to say that there were not times Rebecca's desk in the dayroom did not start to look a lot more like a kindergarten room than where a successful Author grinds away at their trade ... But you know, "Mr Baa-Baa the Lamb needs a little lovin' too". Hanna was also not against the idea of playing with every toy in the toybox.
Hanna did fine potty training, learning to walk and talk ... And even playing with the educational toys. However, things kind of changed one day when she was playing with her purple dinosaur and figured out she could make it disappear and reappear. Hanna decided that was just awesome ... And it suddenly became a pretty regular form of entertainment.
With their schedules in sync, they stayed busy and happy as larks. Managed properly, Rebecca could wake up earlier than Hanna, knock out the basement garden, and be finishing up about the time Hanna woke up and was ready for breakfast. They both went to bed at the same time every evening, everything taken care of, and ready to get some rest for the next awesome day.
Rebecca was also interested in showing Hanna there was a world to explore outside the boundaries of the day room. It was winter and the snow was deep, so there wasn't much Hanna could enjoy outdoors. Rebecca still took Hanna to the Festival, and Hanna also got to watch her mother talking to friends ... What they talked about and how Rebecca interacted with them ... Front row seat.
They would also visit places like the Public Library. Rebecca showed Hanna everything that was available to her. They read books together, talked about the artwork and Hanna became comfortable with her surroundings. Rebecca recognized that she probably needed to do a little growing as well, since it would not be long before Hanna would have to go to school.
Rebecca needed to learn how to let go sometimes ... She could manage everything around the house and ensure things fell into place, but Hanna was going to have start learning how to manage the world, and when mama wasn't there to show her everything. It took everything Rebecca had in her to make sure Hanna felt comfortable in the children's section of the library ... Then leave her there, walking across the foyer to talk to some friends in the other room.
The only thing that made that possible was that Rebecca could still see the front door and only a higher power could save anyone that messed with her little girl. It's safe to say that Rebecca was taking the whole letting go idea with baby steps ... And Hanna didn't help any when Rebecca came back around the corner looking for her, and she was hiding in the toybox.
Everything might have had a few ups and downs, but those two had been doing it for a while. Although Rebecca always acted like a mom, her and Hanna were just as much partners or teammates ... Exploring the world and having as much fun as possible and the winter would allow.
One morning, Rebecca had just finished tending the basement garden and was trying to figure out what to do for the brief period of time before Hanna would wake up. She had weird feeling that there was going to be something different about that day ... Just something gnawing on her. Absolutely certain she was definitely not pregnant again, Rebecca was able to dismiss it and carry on as usual for a while.
As kids grow and learn, they often figure out few things on their own. Plus ... Once they learn to talk, sometimes it's hard to get them to shut up. That morning, after breakfast and while they were chatting and trying to plan the day ... Hanna blindsided her mama with a bunch of questions Rebecca didn't really want to answer.
"Where's my daddy?"
"I am not really sure where your daddy is, but if I know him, I am sure he is working hard and okay ... I just talked to him a few days ago and sent him some pictures.
"What's he doing?"
"Well sweetie ... He's probably saving the world or shooting bad guys in the face"
"Why does he want to shoot bad guys in the face?"
"Oh, I don't think your daddy really wants to shoot them ... There are just some bad guys that really don't want to go to prison."
"Is my daddy a bad guy?"
"Hanna ... Your father is a fine man, and one of the best men I have ever met ... Don't you ever think he is anything less."
"Why does he not come see me?"
"It's complicated sweetheart ... But it's not your fault at all."
"What's compotated?"
"You know what ... I'm not really sure what compotated is either."
Rebecca did the best she could and navigated the next 100 questions with a little more care as to what she was saying. They spent a good part of the morning chatting and ditched the idea of going anywhere else for the time being. After a short period of recovery, and trying to get her head straight with what was going on with Hanna ... Rebecca noticed she was also thinking about Kris. She knew this day had been coming ... She wasn't really thrilled it had arrived ... And it stirred something in her again for the second time that day.
After dinner that evening, she set Hanna up in the day room to do whatever she felt like before bedtime, and Rebecca skipped her normal workout to make a call that had been a long time coming.
"Hey Kris ... Hanna was asking about you today ... Wondering where you are and what you are up to. To tell you the truth, I was thinking about you too. Hope I didn't catch you at a bad time ... We need to talk."
.....
For anyone out there that may be torturing themselves trying to read this mess ... And want to know how that phone call worked out ... You're just going to have to be like Hanna and wait to find out ... Neenar-Neenar-Neenar ... 😝
The Phone Call ... Or Fork in the Road (The stars are all in line and there are satellites linking up for this one ... Let's go see what happens during this phone call)
When Kris' phone rang the ringtone told him that it was Rebecca. He froze in his tracks for a moment, before gazing off into the distance and rolling his eyes. He was almost certain that if she was sending him some pictures, or worse a video, he might just have to go find a bottle of nectar and a shade tree to keep from killing himself. He was doing the best he could, or at least the best she would allow him.
He took a moment to compose himself, trying to put on his 'best face' so to say before answering the call. When he heard Rebecca's voice, he immediately sensed something different ... She was nervous like she hadn't been before, and this call could be important. He just as quickly popped out of where his head had been and responded sincerely.
"Where am I and what am I doing ... At the market in Al Simhara and working ,,, Unfortunately, that is about all I can tell you about that. As to whether or not it is a good time ... There's nothing I cannot put on hold at the moment for my two favorite girls in the world.
What's bothering you Becca ... What can I do for you?"
In an almost juxtaposed sense, when Rebecca heard his voice, she almost lost all her composure. She suddenly realized she couldn't say everything she was thinking as fast as it was running through her head. All she knew was that he was being as sweet as he always was with her. Rebecca skipped right over the small talk and dove right in.
"I was talking with Hanna today, and she got to asking questions, and I got to feeling so bad about what I have done to the two of you. I thought I was right, and in some ways, I still do ... But I cannot imagine what you are going through. You must seriously hate me ... And we have to fix this."
She stopped for a second to breathe ... Didn't know if she was going to keep going or just start bawling which was something she just didn't normally do. There was a pause where Kris was trying to let Rebecca get it all out, but nothing was coming out.
Kris couldn't let it sit any longer and there were a few things he wanted say. He ever so slightly switched gears and took the opportunity to put his feelings on the table. That had been next to impossible before, because Rebecca was holding all the cards and bearing the responsibility for her decisions ... And that is a position he could respect and something he really liked about her.
"Nah Becca ... I don't hate you. I might not agree with everything the way it has played out, and I am certain I want more ... But you are Hanna's mother and the two of you are doing fine.
That's one of the things that bugs me ... Like I appreciate the photos and videos, but they only help to a certain degree. I look at them and I get excited, the two of you are just perfect. Then after a while when I look at them again ... I see Hanna and I see you ... And that starts to chew on me. Hanna has you and you have Hanna ... I've got a pile of sand in my underwear and not much else. It makes me jealous in a way I ought not be ... And that's not normal for me. It's not something I can confront or fight ... It's not something I can overcome with brute force.
It's killing me and there is nothing I can do short of ignoring your wishes and being someone else I don't want to be. We do need to fix this, before it drives both of us nuts."
The other end of the line was silent by now with the exception he could tell Rebecca was crying. Kris knew dang well she wasn't going to speak again until she could get a grip on that. He let is sit for a few second like they had done so many times before since this all started, then continued since he still had the floor so to say,
"Rebecca sweetheart .,, Not too long ago the two of us had what I consider to be an awesome weekend. I am pretty sure we both know there was way too much nectar involved, and I suspect we ended up in a situation that was very uncommon for the both of us ... I am certain it was for me. I liked you then ... And I have grown to like you a heck of a lot more since this all began.
I have dealt with my bosses and my colleagues regarding the situation we are in ... And I am sure you have dealt with your friends and family. If there is one thing I can say about it all ... I make sure the people I talk with about it know that in no way was Hanna a mistake, If anything, she very well may be what is truly the best thing that could happen to both of us."
The conversation went deadly silent again ... Rebecca was still crying, and Kris had managed to choke himself up a little. There were no tears on his part yet, but he was dang sure getting misty. They both just sat there listening to each other breathe and trying to suck it up. Two hardcore fighters, turned into piles of goo by a sweet little girl.
When it looked like neither one of them was actually going to need to call for a time out and regroup for a later date ... Kris was more interested in what Rebecca was thinking than the desire to keep piling it on. Rebecca obliged and it started to look they might just gain some ground.
" Kris ... You have always been able to say the right things to me. Not right in the idea it is something we need to do ... But right in a sense of it being exactly what I need to hear when you say it.
I was thinking the same thing about Hanna ... But not necessarily the two of us and not in those words. When you say it ... It starts to make sense. Maybe I am just a coward and don't want to risk my heart. Hanna is easy to love, and I wouldn't trade that for anything ... But risking it all on you and Hanna ... It scares me to death. It's not what I intended ... And what happens if I make a mess of that?"
Kris didn't have a lot of self-doubt and that's not how he knew Rebecca to be either. It was clear to him that motherhood and Hanna were beginning to affect Rebecca in ways she probably had not planned for. She had been the tough one, making the decisions and calling the shots ... Kris respected that ... He just needed to reassure her and help her find herself again ... Let her know that she didn't have to do it all alone.
"Well Becca ... Ever since I left University, I have spent my entire adult life serving someone else. Serving the greater cause and risking a lot just to do my job. I am distracted now ... I'm going to get myself or someone else hurt. Maybe it's time for me to step back ... Reap some of the rewards that job is supposed to provide for and protect ... And what better cause would there be for that than the two of y'all?
I have no idea what I'll do, and I have no clue how things will work out between us ... But ... I am no coward, and I don't think you really are either. If you give me a shot ... If you let me in ... I cannot say I know everything will be fine. All I can promise you is that I will do my best, I will never hurt you intentionally and things will never get so ugly that we cannot work things out if we have to go our separate ways.
I am not begging you ... I am asking you ... I have showed you some respect up to this point ... And I can only pray I have earned some respect in return doing so. I am not demanding anything ... I am just telling you what I want. In any case, I am done with this line of work ... I need to see my little girl, and I want to see you."
The conversation went silent again, the ball was in Rebecca's court. Rebecca understood that Kris had just played his cards. He had the advantage because he had not insisted on playing any cards earlier in the situation ... And he was pretty much betting on a full house ace high. Through all her reservation and doubts, Rebecca knew she had called Kris for a reason that evening. She could try to be the best mother in the world, but she was never going to be Hanna's father.
She knew Kris would be good for Hanna ... Rebecca knew that under different circumstances she and Kris were a lot alike. Rebecca realized that she could either sit there ... Dead air on a useless phone call ... Or go ahead and take care of the business she had called him about in the first place ... Everyone kind of needs a 'duh moment' every once in a while.
Rebecca just let go and breathed easier when she spoke again ... Once she said it, there was no turning back ... And she had been there before.
"Sometimes I wonder if you are a serious, while other times I am certain that you are. I am going to have to let you know that is all me and has little to do with you. You have been the best partner I could have had during all this, and Lord knows you have earned more respect than a few of the others who have been here for me.
It would be extremely foolish of me to just try and think of all the ways things may not work out and all the reasons not to let you in. You have earned your chance ... I don't have a right nor a reason to deny you. I am not saying we might not have been a bit foolish that weekend ... But I also think you were correct when you said it was not a mistake.
You let me know when you get things worked out there in Al Simhara ... You don't worry about us, and we will be fine. Then you let me know when you are ready to come see your little girl ... I am not going to tell her anything, and it will be a surprise. I am willing to give it a shot ... And you just get here in one piece,"
Kris thanked Rebecca and they both felt better almost immediately. Everything wasn't solved but it was no longer stagnant and festering. They traded some small talk and even attempted to get sweet with each other, although that ended up being kind of awkward after the previous conversation ... It had been a productive call though.
.....
Now I get to go play for a while and find out what really happens to these nutcases ... 🤣
Wrapping Up ... Kris Finally Gets a DROS (Date of Return Overseas)
Kris Hammond was an operator for sure ... Deep cover in Al Simhara. He and Rebecca had spent their time together in Cairo when he was headed back in and she was headed back out of country. It might have had something to do with the encounter because he had been under a long time and almost didn't remember who had been before. His time with Rebecca in Cairo, the birth of Hanna, and the contact he had with them, although somewhat restricted, had put him back in touch with the Real World as they tended to call it in the Service. He was thinking about a home ... Something he hadn't known in a while.
He had to look different, act different and spend endless hours around the market ... Constantly with an ear to the ground and an eye on the crowd. He had to become a fixture, someone people recognized, but as the part he was playing and never as Kris Hammond. It was a risky endeavor, but Kris was good at it ... This wasn't his first rodeo,
There were late night contacts and drops in the middle of nowhere and the wee hours of the morning ... And Kris was constantly looking over his shoulder. The intel was sketchy at best, and his job was to help sort out what was actionable and what wasn't. There was a time when he had loved the desert, but now it left him exposed and as an outsider. He wasn't enjoying anything about the work anymore, and he was doing it now just because someone had to, and he could.
At that point prior to the operation, it had been a while since he had last spoken with Rebecca, but he thought about her and Hanna all the time. They were somewhere safe and having fun ... Hanna was growing and Kris was missing it. In the long hours waiting for the next move, he thought about them. Kris would try and imagine what he was going to say or do when he got a chance to see Rebecca again, and Hanna for the first time ... When he would get to meet his little girl.
To Kris it seemed like it would never end ... The days just dragged by. He would get the call to ready the mission objective, then it would get called off at the last moment. By the time the actual operation came to pass, Kris was so weary of it getting called off, he almost jumped for joy in the street when the 'go' was given.
The Resistance had a big operation in Al Simhara and gaining access to their headquarters was no easy task. Worse, it was a black bag operation, and he would have to get in, take care of business, and get out without anyone suspecting anything had happened. The operation went smoothly, and Kris was closer to shutting the door on that part of his life.
Once the mission and the briefings were completed and it was time for Kris to make the transition, he made a point to stop by Rebecca's place in Al Simhara. He just checked on things and briefly touched base with her ... Letting her know that he would be making plans to return to the States as soon as all the exit work was done. He told her it may be a while, but he hoped to make it to Hidden Springs by Spring. Once he was able to ditch his cover, he just stayed at Rebecca's camp.
A few weeks passed, and it took that long to get the sand out of his drawers. Staying at Rebecca's camp, while showering at the Base Camp was a step up from where he been staying. Finally, his DROS and Exit Service paperwork was finalized, and for the first time in years he was really a free man. Rebecca had told him to let her know when he was coming to Hidden Spring and that she would let it be a surprise for Hanna. Kris had spoken to her two days prior and knew they were not planning on going anywhere on a trip ... He just figured he would surprise them both.
Bags packed, a fresh cut, and back in his own clothes ... Kris is about to beat a hot trail to Hidden Springs ... I kind of wonder if Rebecca will recognize him all cleaned up, and back to being himself ... 🤣😂
Kris' travel went well and after a layover in Bridgeport, he caught a puddle jumper to Hidden Springs. He didn't have a lot of stuff with him, but that wasn't uncommon in his previous line of work ... Travel light because you don't know when you will need to bug out. It symbolized he current state in life ... He wasn't bringing a lot with him and hoped he could adapt to the conditions on the field he was walking into.
It was past dusk in the evening when he found himself approaching Rebecca's house. Kris saw she didn't have a garage door, so he just dropped his bag in there. He took a deep breath, and started wondering if Rebecca was going to be upset he had decided to surprise them both. He sucked up his emotions, a mixed bag of excitement and anxiety ... And turned the corner getting himself ready to ring the doorbell.
Rebecca had just finished straightening things out, getting Hanna fed, and making a routine deposit from the training potty upstairs to the outside trashcan. She had finished a book a few days earlier but hadn't found the chance to check the mail since then. She turned to check the mailbox for her copy of the new book when she heard footsteps crunching the snow behind her.
Kris was caught by surprise as he was coming out of her garage. His heart leaped into his throat, and he had to swallow hard to get his next words out. He had been thinking about Rebecca, and he remembered the how she made him feel in Cairo and when hearing her voice on the phone, but it hit him again when he was looking dead at her and she was real, She was no longer a dream or something he had to piece together from his memories. He could see the condensation from her breath as it floated in the still winter air ... This was real.
Kris had thought about all the things he could say to her in this moment, but they were all escaping him just the same. Simply happy to see her, he said the first thing he could manage to get out ... "You know Becca ... You're gonna freeze to death standing out here in those shorts."
Rebecca had her back to him, but she knew who it was ... Kris had an unusually deep voice and there was no mistaking it. Not to mention that her family and some friends called her Becca ... But when he said it, it was music to her ears ... There was something special in it. When she turned it took her a moment to recognize him ... A different haircut and he looked a little different than when they had been in Cairo ... He looked comfortable instead of on the job. When her eyes met his, she remembered those shards of crystal ... That square jaw and straight back.
Still surprised, and completely unprepared, Rebecca blurted out ... "What are you doing here Kris ... You were supposed to call and let me know you were coming? I was ... "
Rebecca stopped the second she understood that what she was going to do, was no longer on the table. She had been waiting for this moment as long as he had and she had just barked at him.
That led to an awkward moment of silence, and they were both trying to find a way to recover. The answer was simple, and Kris just told the truth ... "I wanted to surprise you too ... I am so glad to see you."
It might have been simple and just the truth, but it worked. A chilly reception started heating up ... And the smile on Rebecca's face threatened to melt the snow. Things might not have gone as anyone had planned, but they were on the right track.
Kris started trying to explain himself and kickstart the conversation again when Rebecca surprised him ... "Oh no mister ... If you are just going to throw everything to the wind ... You better come here."
Although it startled him, Kris didn't mind ... And it's possible that was a reflection of the same thing that happened in Cairo and started all this. The two of them had a chemistry and they made each other silly crazy at times. Both of them had planned on being more cautious this time around, but they opted for enjoying that kiss instead.
The kiss wasn't too long or too short, and when they came up for air, Rebecca switched right back into her manager style ... "You know what ... There is someone upstairs that will probably be just as excited to see you as I am. Hanna is playing in the dayroom at the top of the stairs, you should be able to find your way, and I'll be right up behind you."
Rebecca's house was small, and he couldn't have gotten lost ... There was music coming from the dayroom, and Hanna didn't hear him coming up the stairs. He turned the corner into the dayroom and saw her playing. He wanted to run to her and snatch her up but thought that might be a bit scary with his size and the lack of her familiarity with him. Rebecca had let them speak to each other during the last two calls and his voice was different ... "I am betting you are my little girl Hanna."
Hanna did recognize Kris' voice, drooped the toy she was playing with and stretched her arms out towards him. Moments later he was holding her, and she was talking ninety to nothing. It was a little hard for Kris to follow and the best he could figure out she was switching between asking questions, and the idea that introducing him to all her toys was probably necessary. Hanna wasn't really waiting for answers, and Rebecca started trying to clear the minefield and trip hazards that were commonplace when Hanna had been playing.
When it became evident that mama was now 'old news' and that daddy was way more interesting ... Rebecca told them both that she would just be downstairs working out as usual ... And easy enough to find if they needed her. She told Kris to enjoy the moment, not to worry about her, and to have some fun with Hanna.
"I'll be back up to check on y'all in a little while, feed Hanna and get her ready for bed ... I'll even let you take care of emptying the potty this time."
Kris kind of laughed and looked at her, with Hanna on his hip ... "Gee, Thanks Becca ... Looks like I am about to get a crash course in parenting. You know I haven't done this before ... Is there a ripcord if it starts to look like I am going to crash and burn?"
Rebecca just giggled with her eyes sparkling ... "Oh ... Don't you start crying tough guy ... You've got some catching up to do"
It started looking like Kris and Rebecca were a lot alike. They might not be sure exactly how things were going to work out between them ... But there was also little question about how either one of them was going to go about it ... They were already having fun.
Kris and Hanna had a blast for about two hours before Rebecca came back up to get bedtime squared away for Hanna. Kris did his best to take cues from Rebecca, and tried to keep the dayroom from turning into an obstacle course ... Only to realize that he was sorely outmatched by a toddler in overdrive.
Hanna was completely wiped out by the time Rebecca had showered after her workout and come back to the dayroom to get her ready for bed. Kris wasn't much different after traveling for days and then 'herding cats' in his new world. There were some things he and Rebecca needed to discuss, he grabbed his bag from garage after depositing the contents of the potty, and met Rebecca back upstairs in her bedroom.
Being the gentleman he was, and not assuming anything or taking anything for granted ... "I have my stuff here ... It's not a lot, but that will change. If you have a blanket, I can sleep on the couch over there and we'll talk in the morning ,,, Hanna wore me out."
Rebecca brought a few words of wisdom, and hopefully a better offer ... "I know this is all kind of strange and we really don't know how all this is going to work out ... But I am going to tell you this right now. I have thought about you, and I remember Cairo like it was yesterday. One of the problems we have now is the distance we have put between us since then.
We don't have to jump back in all hot and heavy, but I like you being here now. There's a foot and half of snow on the ground outside and the bed is a heck of a lot warmer. We don't need to start trying to come together by putting space between us, and it is hard for me to believe you came all this way just to sleep on my couch."
Kris couldn't disagree and that issue evaporated.
The two of them spent a little time talking on the bed, just getting familiar with each other again. Kris stumbled around telling Rebecca that he really didn't know what he was going to do, but that it shouldn't be hard for him to find a job around Hidden Springs ... He had a Degree in Business if nothing else. He also commented that he really liked her house, but that it was too small to accommodate two adults and a child once Hanna grew a little more and started school. He knew Rebecca had land in Al Simhara, but he didn't know the extent of everything, and he wanted to do his part.
Rebecca listened, and took her time trying to think of how to respond, eventually settling on the truth as the best answer ... "There's probably a few things we might should have covered by now, but we can start with this ... I'm rich, and I make more in a week than you made in a year while in the Service ... You're a smart guy and should have figured that out. You need to spend time with Hanna ... I need your help and a partner to share the world and my life with. Don't worry about finding work yet ... We'll be okay, and you can do that whenever you are ready.
By the way ... I'm a witch and so is your daughter ... We'll talk about that at another time. It's not pressing now, and we do have time. You need some sleep because I am sure you and Hanna will be busy tomorrow."
Rebecca had been correct, and the bed was warmer than the couch. She had also been correct about not putting space between them. Fading in and out of sleep during the night, Kris felt Rebecca's warmth and the coziness gave him something that Cairo could have never given him. He had been at Rebecca's far less than a day ... And he was starting to understand that it felt like it could be a home.
Hope y'all find some use in it, because I am dang sure having fun ... Happy Simming ... 💖
Kris was thrilled with Hanna, and he didn't have a problem giving Rebecca some credit for getting her started with a good foundation. He was a bit uncomfortable at first with the whole idea of living off her efforts, but he didn't have a problem catching up on some lost time with Hanna either. Kris also took the opportunity to stay in shape and get to know a little more about Hidden Springs.
One morning while jogging through town, Kris ran into Jewel Song and her son Russ. They talked for a while and Jewel kind of gave Kris the lay of the land with some of the things happening around town. They also chatted about toddlers, Jewel asked about Hanna, and Kris set up a possible playdate in the near future.
There was a big difference between Downtown Hidden Springs and the Market in Al Simhara ... And it wasn't just the snow. People tended to be friendly and welcoming, but things moved a lot faster in the States. Everything also seemed to have its place ... And in a way Kris still felt like an outsider in Hidden Springs.
Kris had gotten a little chilly standing around in his shorts talking to Jewel, but that was nothing popping into the Greenwire and a cup of coffee wouldn't fix. To his surprise he ran into Rebecca's sister Marcy there. Rebecca had warned him that Marcy could be a handful, but he had figured that was just a sister thing and hadn't imagined the extent to which what Rebecca had said was true.
Marcy was extremely excited, although Kris could see right through her ... "Oh My God ... If it isn't the amazing Kris Hammond ... And I thought I was never going to get to meet you. Good Lord ... Is our Daddy going to love to get to finally talk to you."
Kris noted that Marcy was being flippant but wasn't sure she was ready for what was coming. Her comments had said all she want to express in words or not, but Kris had skills too ... "Yeah, Rebecca mentioned we should probably go by and see you and Cal, but we have been kind of busy. And your daddy is just going to have to wait ... I'm going catch up on some lost time with Hanna first."
Marcy was smart enough to get the message that Kris wasn't going to be a pushover or her punching bag. He immediately asked how Cal and their son Jarrod were doing and then went on a little about how awesome he thought Hanna was. The mood of the encounter quickly changed as Kris took control and steered it more towards the two of them just getting to know each other.
Kris and Rebecca had taken a few weeks to get in sync around the house and Spring finally chased Winter away long enough for a sunny day to take hold and stick. Rebecca had gotten up early to finish a book before Hanna woke up, and Kris was taking care of the morning duties with Hanna after tending the basement garden. In passing they had made plans to just spend the day at the City Park, and as soon as Rebecca was finished, the other two were dressed and ready to go.
When they first got to the park, Kris and Rebecca both wandered around just talking with others there enjoying the day. Kris met Hector and Jewel's husband Andrew. It was really a nice morning for everyone and there was no rain in the forecast.
Kris finally decided to go fishing, while Rebecca decided to take advantage of the sunshine after what had been a Winter of heavy snow and some long days inside taking care of Hanna. He was keeping an eye on Hanna, but he was having a hard time not letting them roam all the way to Rebecca.
"That woman is going to drive me nuts ... If she keeps that up, I'm going to have to stop by the store on the way home, so we don't end up with another one. Oh ... What I am thinking ... Slow and easy tiger, slow and easy ... Yeah right, who are you trying to fool?"
When Rebecca finally got up, Hanna was doing her thing making the purple dinosaur disappear and Rebecca seemed to be messing with some magic as well. Kris had remembered her saying something about them being witches but had not quite been sure whether or not he had just been tired and that was a dream. He was certain now that there was at least something to it. Kris scooped up Hanna and thought he should probably ask Rebecca for a better explanation.
Kris started ... "I am starting to understand that you really weren't kidding about the whole witch thing. Uh ... What's up with that ... And really, right here in the City Park? I am not sure what you are thinking, but that's not normal where I come from. And what about Hanna, she's got powers and I am not sure she even knows what she is doing?"
Rebecca just giggled then responded ..."Yeah, we're witches ... I turned myself into a witch about half a year ago, but it can still be passed on to offspring. What Hanna knows now is practically harmless and she won't grow in power until she is older. Unlike most circumstances, I have the knowledge and the ability to give it to her as well as the same to take it away if necessary. If for some reason you object ... It's going to take a longer conversation than this."
Kris was even more puzzled by Rebecca's laissez faire attitude towards it and continued ... "Uh, really ... We're talking about witchcraft here, and in the City Park. Have you lost your mind ... Am I missing something here?"
Rebecca noticed that Kris was obviously struggling with the whole concept and answered in a more serious tone ... "First off ... I kind of started a trend around town when I turned myself into a witch, and there are three others now. But ... I am an emphatically Good Witch and will not use witchcraft in a harmful manner ... Nor will Hanna if I ever see her losing her bearings.
We can discuss it more, but it is real and these are things I considered before ever becoming a witch myself. You are going to have to give me a little credit for not being evil or a loose cannon."
Listening to Rebecca and understanding, Kris had a question for her ... "So, when you say that you will never use magic in a harmful way ... Doesn't that mean you wouldn't do something like throw a love spell on me?"
To Kris' surprise, Rebecca's face just lit up when he asked her that and she answered in a kind of sing-song style ... "I didn't throw a Love Charm on you ... But what are you telling me? Do you want to Kiiiisss me ... Because you Loooovve me?"
Kris started laughing at her antics and immediately recognized how he had stepped into that one trying to be smart. But ... Being quick on his feet and just as playful ... "I have to admit that wasn't exactly what I was thinking when you were all laid out there in the sunshine, but there would probably be some kissing involved."
"How about you lean in here and give us both some sugar" ... Kris continued as he leaned in with Hanna riding shotgun for good measure.
The rest of the day at the park was wonderful and relaxing for both of them. Kris even played a few games of horseshoes with Andrew as Hanna played, and Rebecca found another way to find her inner peace that involved more clothing. The day had been perfect and that was starting to mirror how things were going around the house, and with their relationship in general.
Those two were sometimes as smooth as clockwork. They would split duties, almost never having to organize, and simply took care of daily activities in a way that suited everyone.
Kris may get his workout while Rebecca played with Hanna, then cooked dinner to feed them all. When dinner was made and served, they all ate ... Then Rebecca would get her workout after Kris showered, cleaned the kitchen if necessary and took care of Hanna.
By the time Kris had Hanna all taken care of ready for bed ... Rebecca would be through showering, and they might have a little family time in the dayroom ... Everybody just doing their own thing until the clock ran out on the day.
That was all wrapped up as the stereo went silent and Hanna went 'lights out' in the crib upstairs. She had been sleeping in that crib instead of the one in the bedroom since Kris had arrived ... Not that it would have mattered that much so far. But that might just change some as things were warming up between the two in a small house in the hills of Hidden Springs.
Kris and Rebecca weren't having problems working things out between them in regard to daily activities, but there were a few issues that still hung over their relationship. Rebecca had money, and from what Kris could understand, she probably had a lot. He never really asked her about it, but he did see a Royalties check stub for over 200 thousand on her desk in the bedroom. He hadn't been snooping, and it was just lying there in plain sight.
Kris' mother had never worked, and his father had taken care of the family financially. He had arrived at Rebecca's in the middle of Winter and now Spring was well under way. Rebecca had never hinted at the idea she wanted Kris to contribute more, but it was still gnawing on him. They would just go about their daily routines, Kris loved spending time with Hanna. He and Rebecca had each other's back and didn't step on each other's toes. For all intents and purposes, their love life wasn't in shambles either ... They were growing closer all the time.
One morning Kris was reading recipes in Rebecca's tiny kitchen ... He wanted to make sure he could do his part and handle a bit more of the cooking. She had been cleaning up after Hanna, and Kris almost stopped her to talk about the way he felt. He second guessed the idea when she came back in humming to the song playing on the stereo upstairs. He just didn't want to approach the issue even though it was bothering him. He didn't want to anything to go wrong and cause a problem with Rebecca.
A few more days passed, Kris wasn't getting past it ... And he finally had to say something. After tending the garden, he was able to catch Rebecca in the day room before Hanna woke up. If things went sideways, he didn't want Hanna to get the wrong idea.
"Becca ... I am loving it here ... Love the time I get to spend with Hanna and you ... But I'm uncomfortable not doing more. I know you said not to worry about things, but ... But ... But i don't know what to think and I need you to tell me what you want. What do I need to do to help out."
Kris didn't know that Rebecca hadn't given what he was or wasn't doing the slightest thought other than the fact she was extremely thankful she wasn't doing everything alone anymore. She was amazed they worked so well together covering the daily household duties and taking care of Hanna. In fact, she was wondering whether Hanna would end up just as spoiled as she had been growing up, and was trying to figure out how to mitigate some of that as Hanna grew older.
"What are you talking about Kris ... What more do you need to do? Why does it bother you ... And how could I help you? I'm not going to tell you what to do, and I am glad you have figured out how to help me around here."
Kris couldn't believe Rebecca didn't understand what he was talking about ... It was the way he had been raised. It wasn't uncommon either ... And he wondered if she was playing some kind of game to spare his feelings. He just came right out and said it.
"The way I was raised, the man of the house was responsible for taking care of and providing for his family. I know things are a little different now and I don't have a problem with that. I just feel like crud not handling up on what I was raised as being my responsibility.
You said it doesn't bother you, but it is bothering me ... I don't know what to do with it. I love your house, but we are going to need a new house. I love spending time with you and Hanna, but I want to do my part. I am not asking you if it is okay ... I am asking you to help me figure this out, so I am more comfortable."
"Kris, sweetie ... My father worked his rear end off and took very good care of our family financially ... But I hardly ever saw him, and my mother, my sister and I spent his money like drunken sailors. My mother is a great lady and socialite; my sister is a bit warped at times but doing okay ... It took me close to a decade to find my self-worth, embrace it, and do something worthwhile.
I don't want to do all that with Hanna ... And I don't want you to feel bad about anything. We are raising her together every day. I understand that may make you feel certain ways ... I understand it is not the way some people think things should be ... But I care about you and Hanna more than I care what anyone else thinks."
Kris was listening and understanding what Rebecca was saying ... He really couldn't disagree, and it was next to impossible for him to start poking holes in any of it. She had always made it clear that she appreciated everything he was doing ... No matter what he thought about it. It was just that thing ... He couldn't explain it ... Maybe it was a man thing. He was trying to figure out a way to put it so maybe she would entertain the idea and try to see things his way ... When she spoke again.
"We are not in competition with each other ... We are partners in this.
I cannot carry a toddler on my hip and run off exploring tombs, so I am stuck around here until Hanna gets older, or I could leave her with you ... Which I will not do because you are not my glorified babysitter. If you want to know the whole truth ... I like writing more than I like painting. Among what I have written, I currently have 20 Hits and 19 Best Seller ... And I will probably finish another book by the end of the week to add to that. I am good at what I do.
I have over 2 million invested in real estate and businesses. If I never wrote another book, the two of us could live without having to work another day in our lives off of those investments. If you want money to be an issue, and you absolutely need to challenge me in that ... You need to find about 9 million simoleons laying around somewhere, and we can bet it all against each other in a hand of five card stud."
Kris was starting to understand that Rebecca might be smarter than he had figured. She was also a bit of a rebel when it came to respecting traditional roles at the cost of common sense.
She continued ... "That's not what I want ... That's not what I am asking you for or trying to figure out. When you find something, you want to do, and still have the time we can spend together enjoying whatever you earn ... Just go for it. What do I expect from you ... You put Hanna and me ahead of everything and everyone else. Don't spoil us ... Just love us and give us what we really need. It doesn't have to be complicated."
Kris was still a bit uncomfortable with the situation, but he was certain Rebecca wasn't ... And he really didn't see where fighting about it would ever make a difference to her. He started thinking about what he wanted, and what he could do, and paying attention to what Rebecca had said.
A few days later it looked like the rain was going to hold off, and Rebecca suggested they visit the Spring Festival. There wouldn't be a lot for Hanna to do, but they all needed to get out of the house and Kris agreed.
Kris and Rebecca often had fun when they were not stuck in their own worlds and took the time to enjoy each other. Arriving at the Festival Grounds, the first things they did was check out the Love Inspector. They scored high and it produced a message for them.
"Every second between the two of you is like a poem; every kiss is like a song"
Rebecca made a joke about it being a kind of cheesy fortune cookie message ... Right up until Kris told her to strike up the band and start singing.
Although they didn't stay that long, they watched folks running around searching for eggs a little while. Then they enjoyed a few games of horseshoes and Hanna kept herself occupied with that lovely purple dinosaur. Kris even had the opportunity to meet a few new folks and everything was pleasant.
Rebecca had mostly jogged everywhere she went before having Hanna, and she had convinced Kris it was an easy way to keep up with their exercise. But ... On outings with Hanna, that gave way to a cab service. They loaded up and Kris suspected they were headed home, but Rebecca told the driver to head out towards the park at Meadow Beach. He commented to Rebecca that the beach would possibly allow him a chance to get some fresh fish for dinner and she just grinned.
Rebecca told the driver to stop just around the corner from the park on the outskirts of town. Kris noticed a construction site although there weren't any workers present at the moment. They got out of the cab and Rebecca just nodded as if to suggest they should investigate. Kris took the lead, kicking loose dirt clods out of the way as Rebecca followed with Hanna.
Rebecca didn't say anything at first ... She wanted Kris to just let it soak in. He looked all around, but she wasn't sure what he thought yet. Kris moved back and forth, getting the lay of the land, and started shaking his head in approval. There were some large Redwoods anchoring the corners of the property, and some firs here and there ... A nice pond and he could see fish swimming around.
He finally asked ... "Is this yours ... Is this where you're going to build a new house?"
Rebecca responded in typical Rebecca fashion ... "No Kris ... It's ours, and where our new house will be.
I picked out a floor plan I saw somewhere else and really liked. I was going to build the house in France before Hanna came a long, but it looks like the three of us are going to need it sooner here than there. I was going to surprise you with it, but after we talked the other day, I thought it would be important to include you in the whole project. I am going to get a kick out watching try to pick drapes and flooring.
Now go be a man and see if you can catch us some dinner."
Rebecca had made it clear to Kris that she wasn't pressing him for more, but that still wasn't cutting it for Kris. In the Service he had been the 'go to guy' when things needed to be done, and he was having a hard time adjusting to the differences in the Real World. Any job associated with his previous work would undoubtedly take him away from his family more than Rebecca had indicated she was comfortable with. That meant he would be starting fresh at whatever he chose to do.
It was becoming distracting again ... The constant gnawing in his gut. He couldn't express how much he enjoyed being there with the two of them ... But the thoughts just kept creeping in. Rebecca wasn't making it any easier ... She was working and doing just as much as him at the same time. Sure ... it was understood that Kris would try to keep them in fish and food is kind of a necessity ... But Rebecca was earning, and Kris was fishing.
Rebecca's sister Marcy and her husband Cal had a decent business building bots at the Carlisle Research Center. Kris hated to ask, but he had to find something that would be flexible in hours, and something he could work on at his own pace coming up to speed. To his surprise, Cal was kind of excited about the offer and agreed to give Kris a tour of the facility and get him started.
Kris was smart in business and international affairs, but he wasn't as fond of science. It didn't hold him back through and he was soon advancing through the basics in bot building. Trying to use his time wisely and pushing for results, he brought some nanites home with him to Reverse Engineer. Rebecca was typing away in the corner, and Kris was working on a nanite while waiting for Hanna to wake up.
Yeah ... It didn't go well. Rebecca checked to make sure he was okay, and she didn't want to frustrate Kris any more.
"Sweetie ... These things happen, and it's happened to me before. If it's what you want to do, then just get right back to it and try again. Maybe in the basement though ... You don't need to wake Hanna up or scare her to death."
Kris was okay with the working part ... Not so okay with the getting shocked part. He called it quits with the nanites and figured there had to be something else. If nothing else, he could get some thinking done while catching dinner. Kris thought out loud at times ...
"Looks like we're having lobster tonight, dang this water is cold. It's getting late too, and I should probably start heading home if we are going to eat these at the regular time. Maybe I should be a Commercial Fisherman ... Although I don't see that not taking up a lot of time and we would be eating about half the catch."
That evening after dinner, it was his turn to watch Hanna as Rebecca did her workout in the basement. He admired her talent at writing and didn't think he could even come close. Still ... He had time ... He could play games, chat with someone or try to write something. Hanna was having a blast with the doll house and didn't care daddy was talking to himself.
"Well let's see ... See spot run is obviously taken so I'm going to need something a bit more original ... Hmmm.
What am I writing about ... Where does Rebecca get her ideas from? Life ... She writes about her life experiences but not in a direct or autobiographical way. If you write about something you know, there is less research involved. What do I know ... I know her ... I remember Cairo ... Maybe there is something in that. What did she say ... Just open up, feel your emotions and let it flow."
Kris started a few times and backspaced shaking his head ... Then something clicked and he took off on the keyboard. He glanced over at Hanna from time to time ... But time became irrelevant. The minutes passed, and soon he was a hour into his work ... Hanna was giggling like her mother and didn't mind playing by herself at the moment. Kris just went with it ... Taking himself back to Cairo.
Rebecca finished her workout and showered before heading upstairs to the day room. Kris was typing away when she turned the corner. Normally he would have had Hanna dressed for bed by now, but Rebecca didn't mind. She crept behind him and scooped up Hanna trying her best not to disturb him. He glanced back ... "Sorry Becca ... I'll get that, just let me finish this thought."
Rebecca had been there before, and it might take more than a second ... "I got this, just keep going and I'll put Hanna to bed in a few ... No problem."
Rebecca took care of Hanna's nightly duties and finally got her down and resting if not asleep yet. That little monster would talk until she just fell over and passed out. Hanna's head started weaving and Rebecca knew it wouldn't be long ... She walked up behind Kris and read over his shoulder.
"Mmmm ... Dang Woman ... You smell good, all fresh out of the shower and everything. Here I am thinking about Cairo, and if you don't back off there might be sparks."
Rebecca did back up, and Kris had lost his train of thought ... Soon they were just standing there, both wondering what was coming next. They had been taking it slow ... And staying just out of the range of the fireworks that had brought them together, and Kris to Hidden Springs. It was Kris that finally broke that ice ... "My mind is already halfway to Cairo ... But my memory might need a little refreshing ... You know, for the story"
Rebecca just smiled ... "Uh-huh ... Just for the story huh? Come on mister man ... Hanna is down for the count ... Let's go mess up the bed."
Rebecca and Kris, worked hard together to get the new house up and running. They had a few disagreements on this or that but were surprisingly copacetic and agreeable in many other ways. Rebecca had lived in a big house before, and their new house was big. There was a stark difference though ... Rebecca and Kris' new house wasn't meant to be pristine or fancy ... It was meant to be a home.
Everything about their new house was different than the mansion Rebecca had grown up in. Fancy tile and marble gave way to rough uncut stone and natural wood. There wasn't a single drop of paint anywhere on the house, unless it was fingerpaint Hanna had gotten careless with. Their house wasn't supposed to be some gilded cage putting on austere airs of sophistication ... It was well proportioned and luxurious but relaxing and inviting. Even the lightbulbs they chose cast a warm glow throughout the house.
Often the three would pile up in the new vehicle and head off to town. Their favorite places were the big City Park and the Grocery Store. It's hard to say if Kris or Rebecca ever went into the Grocery Store. but it didn't take them long to figure out it was the center of town. They could run into plenty of people elsewhere, like the park, gym or diner ... But everyone went to the Grocery Store, and it was busy from dawn to dusk.
Most days were simpler though, and just life on the outskirts of town. Kris had been in the Service for a while and took pride in the way he could make a bed. He handled that task every morning and Rebecca soon learned to just get out of his way. They got up early, between 05:00 and 06:00, Kris would get to piddling around and straightening things up before heading down to the basement garden to tend what little they had growing there. Rebecca would get dressed, have a cup of coffee, and giggle while Kris picked up toys that would soon be right back out on the floor.
When Hanna would finally wake up around 08:30, and Kris would go into daddy mode. There would be some hugging, some kissing, some tickling ... And a whole lot of carrying on with that little motor mouth, To Kris it was precious ... Hanna looked a lot like her mother, they also had the same giggle and propensity to enjoy it. Kris would feed Hanna in the highchair and play video games until she was done. Then he would get Hanna dressed for the day while Rebecca would finish up whatever she was working on ... And they would just tag-team the toddler pass off.
Rebecca would then spend some time with Hanna ... Either inside or walking out back around the pond. Hanna loved to watch the fish, and the days were starting to warm up a bit more. Living out near the end of the road, and with only Meadow Beach between them and the township limits ... There wasn't a lot of traffic, and the place was peaceful.
They would piddle around, play with Hanna or try to get some work done if that was called for or desirable. In the early afternoon, Kris would break off what he was doing and try to get his exercise in for the day. He liked staying in shape ... Which was a good thing because Rebecca did too. They made sure they both got to enjoy some time by themselves and a chance to sweat off some of the minutia.
Oddly enough, Hanna didn't take naps ... She was in full overdrive from 08:30 to just short of midnight every day. It was worse when they went out on the town because that just seemed to energize her more, and she wouldn't be ready for bed until well after midnight. That little girl was going to be interesting to watch growing up.
Late in the afternoon and well into Kris' workout, Rebecca was usually back to work writing. Hanna loved her doll house and that often occupied her for long periods, but the purple dinosaur or whatever she could dig out of toy box also made it to "her space'. Hanna pretty much owned a sizable plot of floorspace comprised of a hallway and parts of the living and dining area.
Kris and Rebecca had thought about making other arrangements and possibly adjusting their behavior to make Hanna's spot more centralized around her room. Then they decided that it wasn't a bad idea to encourage activity in a common area of the house ... And they might be able to train Hanna to do more than lock herself in her room when she grew older. They both understood that they had been taught a lot of things, when no one realized they were teaching anyone anything.
Hanna also tended to use the potty not long before Kris would finish his workout. Rebecca was often busy and didn't mind ignoring the immediate need to handle it because she knew Kris would be down shortly.
Like clockwork, Kris would finish up and shower, play for a bit with Hanna ... Then make some remark to Rebecca about conveniently forgetting to handle the potty as he headed for the kitchen with a little bag in tow. Rebecca was usually busy trying to wrap up whatever she was working on for the day, and probably never noticed if he was talking to her or Hanna.
That's because Kris had started doing all the cooking. Rebecca had complained at first, but Kris had made it clear. He knew Rebecca was an excellent cook, and he wanted to work on his cooking. By the time Kris got busy in the kitchen, Rebecca would have Hanna again, and they would be in the vicinity of daddy but not under his feet. Preparing dinner, and dinner time ... That was family time ... And it came around the same time every day.
After Kris had made their sushi ... And whatever he felt like letting Hanna experiment with ... Rebecca would deposit Hanna in the highchair and Kris would scraping whatever he had just turned into baby food out of the food processor. Likewise ... Hanna was not becoming a picky eater ... She had learned that staying up all hours of the night and driving your parent nuts takes fuel ... And she liked eating more than starving.
Immediately following her dinner, Rebecca would take her turn in the small gym off the Master Suite upstairs. She might change the stereo station from Geek Rock or Roots to Darkwave or Pop ... But the grind was on when she hit the iron. The small gym was at the top of the stairs and separated from the Master Suite by a wall and some double doors ... And with its own bathroom as well as showers.
At the end of the day, when Hanna was all cozy in her crib plotting the overthrow of Dinosaur Kingdom, Rebecca and Kris did take a little time for each other. At the other house, they had finally stopped walking on eggshells about their relationship and flirted with the fireworks they had found in Cairo. In the new house, they left those problems behind, and decided a new house meant a fresh start for both of them. About the only thing left would be the two them stumbling over the question of marriage ... And daring each other to be the fool that had to ask.
Things were just moving along on the outskirts of town with Rebecca and Kris. They were settling in nicely for what certainly looked like the long haul. Kris was finally comfortable and had started thinking more about the big picture.
Rebecca had found some special seeds and neither one of them had a clue what they would produce. Chris didn't mind tending the small eight plant garden in the basement and was planting the seeds just to figure out what they were. He and Rebecca had agreed not to plant a massive garden in Hidden Springs although they had a nectar maker in the new house. They had settled more on the idea Rebecca had come up with regarding producing nectars specific to each of the foreign properties, and only experimenting with the leftover produce when at home. It was going to be a while until they made it back overseas, and there was no rush to be managing more at the moment.
Kris had actually finished his first novel There She Was and sent it off to the publishers. It was a romance novel loosely associated with the encounter he had with Rebecca in Cairo, only about a couple that met each other in Paris and then fell in love. The novel wasn't a hit or a blockbuster best seller, but it wasn't a flop either.
Undiscouraged by his first attempt, Kris had started work on a sequel to the first novel. Carrying on the storyline similar to his own, it was titled Little Feet, Big Dreams ... And where the same couple ends up in a situation that he and Rebecca had been through. All the while Rebecca had been working on a masterpiece titled Crossing the Threshold, which was about couples and their struggles coming to terms with their individuality and arriving at a common peaceful existence.
One morning Rebecca was ready to go to town, and Kris was dragging his feet trying to get just one more thought into words. Rebecca was doing to her best to hurry him up and entertain Hanna ... "What do you say Hanna ... Let's get a pocketknife and go find a bear."
Hanna's mouth dropped open in surprise at the opportunity and then gave her honest opinion ... "Big bear goes RAWRRRR ... That bear betta wrun away."
They both just started giggling and snorting ... Wrinkling their noses up, showing their teeth and roaring at each other.
Kris finally got the message that they weren't stopping, and it was probably time to change the scenery if not just the subject. He did take a moment to comment to Rebecca about what they may end up with ... "You know chances are ... We're going to find our kid looking for monsters under her bed and trying to figure out how to start the chainsaw."
They did manage to make it to town for the day, without any unfortunate bear encounters. They had started in the park, but the pond out back made it so fishing every chance Kris could get wasn't really an issue anymore. Eventually they ended up across the street at the Grocery Store.
It was busy as usual, and everyone had something to talk about. Hanna rode on Rebecca's hip for a while, meeting new folks and watching her mother ... But that eventually gave way to the most awesome purple dinosaur ever made. Hanna did make every attempt to introduce her dinosaur to anyone who might be interested ... And proved to be as socially adept as her mother at gaining attention.
The family hung out there for a remarkably long time as people just kept piling up and enjoying the company. They would break off into groups then mix and mingle ... Almost like a cocktail party without the drinks and piano music. Alisha Cho did grace the crowd with a tune at one point ... The toe tapping and dancing indicated it didn't hurt her chances at promoting her next concert. It was well past their normal dinner time and into the evening when the family headed home.
Player Note: For some reason when they are out on the town and not at home, Hanna's needs don't deteriorate at the same rate. She doesn't suffer from Bladder or Hunger as quickly as she would otherwise. I don't know if that is a game function or not, but it comes in handy ... 🤣
Making it back home. through dinner and their nightly routines, although a bit shorter after staying longer in town ... Rebecca ran into Kris getting Hanna ready for bed after her workout ... "Uh, yeah mister popular ... I saw you around the grocery store today ... Sucking up to everyone and acting like I was minced meat ... I better not start hearing excuses about how we need a jug o milk every day so you can go running off to town."
Kris was well aware of the fact that Rebecca was just being goofy and picking at him and threw it right back ... "Seriously Becca .. I might be crazy, but I am not stupid. If I was ever going to go stepping out on you, I would just go ahead and leave town ... You scare me, you old witch."
They started laughing and Hanna chimed in ... "Ooooh ... Daddy called mama a witch ... And she is."
Beat form the long day ... They went ahead and put Hanna to bed ... Still giggling and running her mouth when they headed upstairs. They didn't flirt with the full-blown fireworks that evening, but they did take a bit to relax and spend some time together before going to bed. Their bedroom was a pleasant place ... And would probably become a refuge as any kids grew older and started to take over the house with their slumber parties or whatnot.
They woke up early the next morning. After tending the garden, Kris started working on his novel again. Rebecca played a few games of chess before checking her real estate investments. Rebecca wasn't really thrilled about working and offered to handle everything with Hanna when she woke up.
A little later Hanna was dressed and fed, then they walked by Kris on the way out the back door ... "Hanna and I are going to go enjoy this lovely day out by the pond ... Oh look, there's a sexy woman in a bathing suit out there ... I wonder who that could be."
Kris stopped and thought about what she had said for a moment ... Then kept typing long enough to stand up and finish the sentence bending over the laptop.
It was a beautiful day, and they enjoyed the tranquility of their backyard. They had plenty of fish but they both found the practice relaxing. Kris was impressed with the quality of fish in the pond, and that offered the opportunity for some friendly competition between the two of them. Hanna was cheerful and asking hundreds of questions, eager to entertain herself and her parents. The conversations were playful, and they really enjoyed the day as Kris thought to himself ... "I finally get what Rebecca was saying about not chasing the grind of a steady hourly job working for someone else ... This right here is paradise, and I am still going to get done what I need to do."
As the afternoon fading into the evening, they moved around to the other side of the house. It had a patio and outdoor area perfect for a barbecue or entertaining guest. Rebecca opted for a soak in the hot tub, while Hanna kept a close eye on Kris grilling some of the day's catch. Dinner was a little later than usual for the second night in a row, but they all went to bed fat and happy after the dirty dishes and bedtime stories were taken care of.
