27. SECOND CHANCE

 Ollie is going to school for the very first time today. She’s so excited!

Meanwhile, Bastian met up with Laura at the café that morning. They had a lot to catch up on. Even though they last saw each other at New Year’s Eve, they didn't really have a proper chance to talk about everything that had happened recently. 

Bas: So yeah, here I am, a single dad. Not exactly how I pictured my adulthood.

Laura: I’m sorry. But, if I may say so, you don’t seem all that crushed about it.

Bas: I guess I’ve already processed it, you know? It’s been a while now.

Bas: At first, I wasn’t sure if it was the right decision, for a lot of reasons. But now I see that it doesn’t really bother Ollie, at least not for now. And the house is so peaceful now. Maybe I shouldn’t say it like this, but… it finally feels good to come home again.

Bas: But enough about me, how have you been?

Laura: Not much has changed. Although, there is some good news. My dads are trying to fix their relationship.

Bas: Wow, so they believe in second chances, huh?

Laura: Sometimes it’s worth having hope, even when everything once seemed lost.

Bas: Yeah. Some stories really do deserve a better ending.

Bas: So… are you seeing anyone right now?

Laura: Nope. I guess I’m still waiting for the right one.

Bas: Then I guess we’re at the same phase.

Laura: Looks like it.

After school, Olimpia decided to try out the skating rink near their house, it’s open year-round! Unfortunately, since she was just starting out, she soon took a tumble and chipped her tooth! Not that she was too upset about it. Well… maybe just a little.

Bas: What did you do?!

Ollie: It’s nothing, really.

Bas: Maybe not now, but Ollie! You have to be more careful! You could’ve broken your arm or leg!

Ollie: Oh, Dad, but I didn’t! So… will you help me with the tooth??

Of course, Bastian helped her, and soon the missing tooth was fixed.

Ollie: You’re the best, Dad! You’re the coolest grown-up ever!

Bas: Well, how about that! Just promise me you’ll be a bit more careful, alright?

Ollie: Okay, Dad. But only a bit, okay?

Naturally, Bastian, being a good dad, makes Ollie’s school lunches every day.

That day at work wasn’t great for Bastian. A coworker embarrassed him in front of everyone. Bastian’s been trying to patent his project, but there’s a risk that Mikolai might register his own first. The rivalry has begun…

To blow off some steam, he went to the gym. He was going there more often lately, especially after the breakup with Sofia. And even though he still didn’t think of himself as an active Sim, working out really helped him deal with things. Plus, he didn't look this fit in ages!

Ollie was active too. Right after school she headed to the new playground at Plaza Mariposa. She had so much fun!

It’s a shame there aren’t any kids in her neighborhood right now to play with. At school, everyone just sits and studies, and the breaks are too short. It’s hard to make friends that way.

Over in Chestnut Ridge, Sofia was getting back in the saddle, literally. Riding through those beautiful open landscapes was exactly what she needed. As a kid, she’d loved horses, even won a riding competition once. And now she could finally share that childhood passion with her daughter.

It was time for Ollie’s stay at the ranch. She couldn’t wait for Mom to let her ride her mare, Mo. But it turned out it wasn’t quite as easy as she thought!

Eventually, she managed. Well, well! It wasn’t so hard after all!

The next day, the weather began to change. A blizzard ensued for most of the day. By the time Olimpia was sent home from school, the entire world was already covered in snow, and it was still falling. 

The same day, Sofia got a call from the school, Olimpia was caught cheating on a test and sent to the principal’s office.

Sofia: Ollie, I told the principal it must’ve been a misunderstanding. Because it was, right? You wouldn’t cheat, you’ve always liked learning.

Olimpia: Of course, Mom. The teacher saw me looking at another girl’s paper and immediately thought I was cheating. But I’d just drifted off! I didn’t even realize where I was looking until she called me out.

Sofia: I see. Well, next time, try to keep your thoughts in one place. A test isn’t the best time for daydreaming.

Olimpia: Yeah, Mom. I’ll remember.

Sofia: I’ve got a little present for you. I thought, since the weather’s been like this, you might be a bit bored. And you left most of your toys at Dad’s. So? Do you like it?

Ollie: A Pegacorn? It’s awesome!

Olimpia: You’re simtastic! We’re going to have so much fun together. I’ll show you the ranch and all! And you know what? I’ll tell you a secret, but don’t tell anyone, ok? I WAS cheating. I was having so much fun yesterday, I totally forgot to study for the test!

Pegacorn: Did someone call me? Well hello there!

Pegacorn: So, you’re saying you cheated AND lied to your mom?

Olimpia: Um… yeah?

Pegacorn: Then I think… we’re going to be best friends! And just wait, I’ll teach you all kinds of amazing things your parents couldn’t even imagine! Oh, and by the way, my name’s Shriekeline. Call me Shreeky.

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