20. NEW REALITY

Time flew by, and Olimpia was growing like a weed. She filled the house with joy and laughter.

Bas: Looks like she’s up to something.

Sofia: She already knows so much. It feels like just yesterday I had to support her head!

Rob: I think she’s looking at me! Do you think she likes me?

Sofia is overjoyed. That tiny little miracle looks up at her with such awe and trust. Everything that happened before feels unimportant now, because this moment, this bond with her daughter, is all that matters. Can a heart be more full of love?

She had her doubts about telling Bastian anything. "A relationship built on lies is unstable and destructive" —that’s what she always tells her clients.

But in this case… wouldn’t the truth be even more destructive?

Would confessing help anyone? She loved Bastian. She truly wanted to be with him. That thing from before… it was just a dumb, thoughtless infatuation. She still couldn’t believe she let it happen. So foolish and naïve. She could have ruined everything.

Luckily, fate gave her a second chance. And she wasn’t going to waste it. That wonderful little person needed her. Needed the warmth and safety of a real family.

And they were a family. That was all that mattered.

But not every day was sunshine and lollipops... Small child, small problem. Bigger child, bigger problem.

Olimpia had far more needs now than she did as a newborn.

With all the baby care, Sofia had no time to take care of herself. Dirty and ill, she took a quick shower. She was exhausted, got shampoo in her eyes, and the bathroom decor was a total mood killer. But she powered through with meds and coffee. The fridge was empty, except for chips... another disappointment.

Just as she got herself somewhat together, Ollie woke up again.

Sofia: And what should I do with you and your disarming smile? Come on, I’ll read you the story about the little frog.

Rob: Or maybe we’ll read about the little horse. What do you say, pup?

Suddenly, the lights went out.

Sofia: You didn’t pay the power bill??!!

Bas: Watcher, I forgot!

Sofia: Bas, this was the worst day of my life! I was sticky, I got a fever, the soap dispenser broke again, I splashed myself, my eyes are stinging, and all I’ve had to eat today is chips!

Sofia: And to top it, the power went out!

Bas: Hey, I’m allowed to forget. Things aren’t easy for me either. We’re both taking care of Olimpia, 50/50. I’m doing my best. I get tired too. Work’s been relentless. You’re not the only one having rough days. You don’t have to come at me like that.

Sofia: You’re right, I overreacted. But I need a break, Bas. I don’t know… maybe go to the spa every now and then to breathe. Get a massage. I love Ollie, but sometimes I just need a breath.

The next morning, Sofia headed out for a relaxing spa day, while Bas took care of the bathroom and fixed the broken soap dispenser. And, of course, took care of Olimpia.

Bas: We’ll be okay, right, little one?

Olimpia: A goo.

Bas: What did you say?

Olimpia: Goo ga goo.

Bas: You know, I’ll make you something. Something to help you fall asleep better.

That night, someone snuck into their house. But luckily, someone was watching...

Rob: Do you see what I see?! That’s a real burglar!!! What would Bastian do?!

Burglar: And what exactly are you?

Rob: Doesn’t matter what I am. What matters is that you will not rob from Rob!

Rob managed to chase the burglar away!

Burglar: What is wrong with this crazy place?! I’m never coming back here again!

Sofia: What’s all that noise in the middle of the night?

Sofia: You’re awake too, huh? How about a different kind of milk today? Why are you looking at that bottle like it’s haunted? Come on, little miss, it’s time to start weaning. Mama’s getting tired of breastfeeding. Ugh, those cute little faces of yours could melt the hardest heart.

Over the weekend, they went on a little family trip.

Bas: What a nice scene. You see this, Ollie? Heh, right, you're asleep.

Sofia: Uuuh! Oreo’s splashing in puddles again! I can’t take this dog anymore. Now I’m soaked too!

When they got to the park, Ollie burst into tears. She didn’t like new places. She preferred her familiar, safe surroundings, especially in her mama’s arms.

Oreo, on the other hand, was having a blast.

Thankfully, cuddles and airplane rides with daddy were her second-favorite thing, just after cuddles with mommy, so she cheered up quickly.

All in all, their park photoshoot turned out great. Now they had plenty of pictures to hang up at home. Maybe even too many! :D

On Monday, Bas worked from the office. He was heading out for a quick lunch when suddenly...

Bas: Laura?

Laura: Well, would you look at that. We run into each other again.

They both ordered pambazo, meat version, of course :P

Bas: Looks like you’re enjoying it.

Laura: Hey, don’t laugh at me. I’ve been renovating the house since morning, I was starving.

Bas: Ok! I'm not saying anything.

Laura: But I can see your mouth is watering too. Bet you can’t eat this at home, huh?

Bas: Sofia says she doesn’t like keeping dead animals in the fridge.

Laura: So, how are things with you two? Everything okay?

Bas: Yeah, why do you ask?

Laura: Oh, it’s nothing. When I was doing renos for the guys, I sometimes heard you two arguing through the walls.

Laura: But that’s probably normal. Baby, work, house, it’s a lot to handle.

Bas: Yeah, sometimes it’s tough. And Sofia… she can be demanding. Sometimes I feel like…

Laura: Like what?

Bas: Never mind. Forget it. Like you said, little kid, stress, exhaustion. It’ll pass. We’ll find our rhythm again. I’m an optimist. What about you?

Laura: My dads are getting a divorce.

Bas: What?! What happened?

Laura: They wouldn’t tell me, but I think I know. I once saw Dad with another man. Back then I convinced myself it was nothing. But now I think he was having an affair.

Bas: I’m really sorry.

Bas: Watcher, what’s going on with all these Sims? Everyone’s getting divorced lately. Has the Watcher abandoned us? Even my parents had issues recently, but they pulled through, luckily.

Laura: That’s probably why I’m so romantically reserved. I don’t trust people easily. I don’t like rushing things. I haven’t been in a relationship for ages. I just… don’t know how anymore.

Bas: I didn’t know that…

Laura: It just happened. I had a few bad experiences.

Laura: And you know, Bas… I never apologized. For the way we broke up. It was so impulsive and childish. I think I hurt you. I’m sorry.

Bas: Come on, we were teenagers. Teenagers do all sorts of dumb things.

Laura: That’s true… Do you remember when your parents caught us? Your mom totally lost it!

Bas: Haha, I remember! And my dad kept giving me “talks” about relationships and safe woo-hoo. But they still "let us" go to prom.

Laura: They definitely knew we snuck out that night.

Bas: I don’t know how I’ll survive when Ollie starts dating. She’s still so little and sweet. Look, she’s grabbing her toes here.

Laura: She really is adorable. I’m glad you’re happy. Um, I have to go now. So... see you at Mary and Orion’s wedding?

Bas: Definitely. See you then.

Bas couldn’t wait to see Laura again. It felt nice to reminisce about school and all.

And Laura, well...

You've been my golden best friend

Now with post-demise at hand

I can't go to you for consolation

'Cause we're off limits during this transition

This grief overwhelms me

It burns in my stomach

And I can't stop bumping into things

I thought we'd be simple together

I thought we'd be happy together

Thought we'd be limitless together

I thought we'd be precious together

But I was sadly mistaken

Simple Together - Alanis Morissette https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38hkEHDkL1s

                   

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