The Witch's Tale

Growing Pains

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."

And that he did ... 🏆

Happy Simming ... 💖