From Riches to Rags - Update 6/29/12

[Saltypaws]

Chapter 5 - "The Meeting"

One morning I decided to go to the training park to let Fiona let loose a little.  They had a great jumping course and she was really getting good at it.  I was in the kitchen when I saw a man ride by on a beautiful black horse.  I had not seen him before, but he still looked familiar for some strange reason.



I shook it off and Fiona and I were off for the day.  It was beautiful weather and nice and warm.  When we got to the training course, I saw the same man that rode by the house.  I had to laugh, because his horse did not want to jump the bars, so I gathered they had not done it alot.



After about the fifth time, looked like his horse had had enough and put him on the ground.  Again, I had to laugh to myself.



The look on his face was priceless, like he was scared to death.  I guess the show woman in me decided to show off a little.



After a couple of times around the track, Fiona was getting thirsty, so I decided to let her get a drink and besides, I wanted to find out who this man was, plus, he was handsome, which is a plus in my book, but, he could also be dumber than a box of rocks.  Won't know until I find out.



As I was getting closer, I realized just how good looking he was.  Not too often ANY man has an effect on me, but this one was already.  I introduced myself and found out his name was Dylan.  His horse's name was Jersey and I told him he was gorgeous.



After chatting awhile, looked like we were not the only ones getting to know each other.  Fiona and Jersey looked like they were in deep conversation too.



I excused myself and told Dylan we were entering the International Race this evening and left it at that.  Still not sure who this man is and until I get to know him better, it is better to start off slow.  I am terrible at any human relationship, I need to choose my words and actions slowly.

I am so excited.  Fiona and I came in 4th, which is not too bad, but the money was pretty good.  I now had money for a makeover and a new outfit.  The one I am wearing is really starting to wear.  I also found me a formal party dress, just in case, ya know.

As soon as Fiona and got home, my phone rang and it was Dylan.  Well, that was quick.  In a round about way, he ask me out for coffee.  I didn't answer right away and told him I needed to get some sleep, but that we would talk again soon.



The next day, there was a Simfest at the park and Fiona and I went for the fun of it.  It was pretty lame, but fun.



I had found my clothes, now it was time to get my hair and nails done.  I had them trim my hair and get rid of that braid.  Wow, I feel alot better now and hopefully ready for my first date, ever.





Just before bed, Honey called and said she wanted to hang out and asked how the next night sounded.  I told her great and would see her then.  Hmm, wonder what that was about.  Oh well, I couldn't get my mind off of Dylan, but something kept nagging at the back of my brain.  Somehow, somewhere, I felt like I had seen him before and it wasn't here in Apaloosa Plains, but where........

[Spork-tastic]

I wonder if she will trip to it???

[Saltypaws]

Chapter 6 - "A little date"

I don't know what possessed me to call her so soon, but I did.  She at least, sort of, agreed to meet me for coffee.  I wonder if she recognized me when she saw me at the training grounds before.  Why am I babbling, because I am an idiot, haha, a babbling idiot.  Get a grip Dylan, your losing it.  Gosh, she is so pretty.  I wonder if she could ever fall for a guy like me.  I am nice, good looking, easy to get along with and I am still talking to myself.  Okay, I need some sleep.  I think I will go to that pier tomorrow with Jersey and just hang out and see if I can clear my head.  "I don't believe Jersey threw me today, what a way to impress someone".  Go to sleep Dylan...

The next afternoon, I set out for that little pier.  It was so peaceful here.



Is that who I think it is, not this soon, not now.  I can't even think, my sweaty are all palms, I mean my palms are all sweaty.





She is coming this way, what do I do, what do I say.  I have never had any problems with women in the past.  What makes her so different.

What, she walked right up to me and gave me flowers.  Ok, what is the catch, is she on to me or does she really like me.

My mouth flew open and I know I must have looked like an idiot.  I wonder what brought this on.



She is flirting with me too.  I guess I need to say something, so my mouth won't attract insects.



We did manage to chat for a while and she was not at all like her dad said she was.  Maybe the country life had changed her or maybe this was a setup.  I threw caution to the wind and ask her to watch the stars and she said yes.



Then she kind of giggled and whispered something in my ear, but I couldn't hear what she said, because my heart was beating out of my chest.



We sat there for a few more minutes and then all of a sudden, she got up and ran off, no warning, no good bye, no nothing.  Did I say something, do something, not do something. 



I just stood there, not sure what to do.  I ended up going home and trying to sort this out, but when your confused, your brain doesn't function well.  After returning home, I put Jersey to bed and took a shower.  Just as I was about to go to bed, I saw the outline of a truck parked in front of the house.  I realized it was Tricia, but a few moments later, she took off.  Well, that was strange.  Maybe her dad was right, maybe she can't make friends.  I will give her a few days and maybe call her or not.  It is going to have to be her call this time.......

[Spork-tastic]

Hmmm... I wonder...

[Saltypaws]

Chapter 7 - "A Plan in Motion"

What was I thinking when I gave Dylan flowers, where was my head.  I can't get involved with him right now and besides, it hit me, he was the one watching me here at this very pier and I know now, he was at the training grounds that day.  I walked right past him when he was talking on the phone.  My head was so far in the clouds, I didn't even connect anything.  But why is he following me?  What is he up to?  I wonder, hmm.  Could my dad have anything to do with this or know anything about this.

I guess Honey couldn't wait for me to come over there, because she showed up at my house.



We talked for a long time.
Honey, "did you by any chance meet someone lately?"
Me, "well, sort of."
Honey, "what do you mean, sort of?  Either you did or you didn't."
Me, "ok, yes, I did meet a young man."
Honey, "was he good looking, brown sort of wavy hair?"
Me, "yes, that sounds about right, why?"
Honey, "just before we met, you were sitting under the umbrella at the training grounds.  He was there, ya know."
Me, "actually, I just realized that.  Did he say something to you?"
Honey, "I just asked him if he was watching you.  He told me he thought he had known you before, but realized he had been mistaken."
Me, "well, I think he has been following me and watching me for quite sometime.  I am not quite sure why, but I am going to get to the bottom of this."

Honey and I talked for a while longer, mainly about tv shows and food.  I didn't really want to talk about Dylan anymore.  Besides, I had an idea.



Honey said she needed to go and I told her I had a race anyways.  She gave me a hug and told me to be careful.



I went out and got Fiona and headed to the track.  I couldn't believe I saw Dylan and did my best to avoid him, but he reminds me of that toy monkey in a box that always pops out anytime.



Looks like he is scared to death of me or something.  That look was priceless.  Wonder if I had said BOO, if he would have fallen off of his horse.



I won the advanced race and made more money than I ever had.  I was overjoyed, but when I came out, there he was again.  I have got to get out of here.




How creepy.  Ok Tricia, take a deep breath and call your dad.  I know I can't come right out and ask, so I have to come up with something, I know....

"Hi daddy, it is me, Tricia."
"Hi Tricia, what did I do to warrant a phone call?"
"Can't a daughter call her father?"



"I suppose.  How are things going? I have read you are getting quite the reputation riding that horse of yours."
"I am doing very well and Fiona is a wonderful horse."
"Anything new?"
"Well, daddy, now that you mention it.  Not only am I doing well in races, I met a very nice man.  His name is Dylan." *silence*
"Daddy, are you still there?"
"Um, yes dear, um, I am still here."
"Don't you think that is really great news daddy."
"Um, yes I do.  Where did you meet him?  What does he do? Where is he from?"
"I really haven't gotten into asking him all of that yet.  But I am sure I will find out more."



"Well, you be careful, you hear.  Maybe you shouldn't get too involved with anyone right now."
"Why is that daddy?"
"Well, umm, you know, umm, you being by yourself.  You never know who you can trust."  *good grief, your one to talk*
"Ok daddy, if you say so, but everything is just fine.  I have a date with him this weekend, will ask him then all of those questions. Gotta run daddy, bye." *click*

Well, I know something is going on and I intend on finding out, one way or another.  Someone is going to answer to me......

[11Snoopy16]

I love your story! Your pictures are so good, too! Can't wait for more. 

[Saltypaws]

Thanks.  Sometimes doing these stories brings you out of rut from the norm of playing.

[loveSims]

I wonder what will happen if she find out who he really is. Awesome updates!

[Saltypaws]

Chapter 7 - "Let's Start Over"

Somehow, I had to fix this, but I wasn't sure how to go about doing it.  I was deep in thought when the phone rang and I can give you two guesses who it was.  I was right, it was Tricia's father. 

Tinsdale, "I know your dating Tricia and it had better stop.  Her mother wants her home, back where she belongs and that is what is going to happen."
Me, "I don't think so.  Tricia has made a life for herself and one day, it will include me and lots of babies."
Tinsdale, "We shall see about that.  She knows I hired you to follow her, ya know."
Me, "I never even excepted and I have never wanted any of your money.  I never told you I would do that and when Tricia finds out about your little plan, she will not want to come home."
Tinsdale, "Don't mess with me, you will not win."
Me,"I guess we will find out, won't we old man." *click*

Ok, better work fast.  I know some people wonder why I even bother, but when I am around Tricia, nothing else seems to matter.  I love her and her father is not going to win.

I called and called Tricia, but she wouldn't answer my calls.  I did happen to know where she might be, but it could get ugly.  Tricia was friends with a woman that had a crush on me and I had to tell her I just wanted to be friends, so she might not be to receptive to even let me in her yard.  It was worth a try though. 

I was right, she is here, ok, here goes...



Tricia, wait.  I really need to talk to you, please!!



About that time, my phone rang and I saw Tricia walking away.  I hung up and pleaded with her to talk to me.



Before I could get to Tricia, this woman, I had even forgotten her name, came over and started arguing with me, good grief lady, give me a break.



She said I didn't deserve Tricia or any woman for that matter.  I said, excuse me, your are the pysho here, move!!!



Tricia finally let me explain.

Dylan "I admit, your father did approach me about following you when we went to boarding school, but I was already in love with you, even at the young age we were.  I never told your father I would do it."
Tricia "Then why were watching and following me, if he didn't ask you to"
Dylan "Because I wanted to be with you and I have admired you since we were in grade school, but you never knew I existed or anyone else, for that matter.  Tricia, please look at me, I want us to start over, like none of this has happened.  At least think about it."



I took her hands and I could tell she was actually listening to me.



We looked so deeply into each others eye's, it was almost scary.  I asked her out on a date and start this whole thing over again, fresh and new.  I stroked her cheek and asked her again, to please give me a chance to prove how much I cared for her.



She told me to give her a couple of days to think about it.  That is more than I actually hoped for anyway.  She gave me a hug and we left it at that.



I went home with a different stride in my step than before.  I decided to take Jersey for a ride, but, she was not in her pen........

[11Snoopy16]

I have an idea where Jersey might have gone... Great update!

[Saltypaws]

Chapter 8 - "Decisions, Decisions"

This is a fine mess.  I really have feelings for Dylan, but I have never been in any type of relationship with a man.  He is so handsome and funny and caring.  I could really shoot my dad for trying to do this to me and he is suppose to be a grown man.  Maybe this is what is suppose to happen, maybe when my parents kicked me out, it was just meant to be.

I need to talk to Honey.  She just had a new baby and I really need to go see them.



Awww, how precious.  He was so cute and tiny.  I had never been around babies and I didn't want to break him.




I did not want to put him down and what is this feeling that has come over me?  I am so confused.



Honey finally pulled me away from the little one and we sat at the kitchen counter and talked.  I asked her what it was like to have a baby.



She told me it was the most special feeling in the world, especially when you are with your soul mate.  I am not quite sure what she meant, but I had such strange feelings in the pit of my stomach.  Honey said, "Dylan cares for you, you should know that.  Stop being so stubborn and follow your heart.  He is a good man and would probably make a wonderful husband and father, just saying."

I had some thinking to do and went home.  I went around back to spread some hay and noticed, Fiona was gone.......

[Saltypaws]

Chapter 9 - "Is there patter of little hooves"

I called Dylan, "I was just going to call you and tell you that Fiona was across the street, so I brought her here.  Apparently our horses went for jog together.  Jersey just got home too."



I told him I would be right over.



I found Fiona and she was drinking and playing like she had done nothing wrong, silly horse, had me worried sick.



I looked over and Dylan was spreading hay and talking to Jersey and these feelings came over me again.  What is this and why do I feel this way?



I thanked Dylan for taking care of Fiona and went home.  I left him looking so forlorn, but I just had to think about things.

We didn't talk for the next few days and I felt so empty inside.  Fiona would cheer me up.  Hmmm, Fiona has gained some weight, probably because she hasn't raced in a few days.  While I was brushing her, I felt something move.................

[loveSims]

It looks like there is a foal on the way! Great updates.

[Saltypaws]

Chapter 10 - "The Big Question"

I almost couldn't stand it any longer, not seeing or talking to Dylan.  I didn't understand these feelings I was having.  The phone ringing jolted me out of my concentration and it was Dylan.

Dylan "Hey Tricia, it is me."
Me "I know who it is silly.  What's up?  You sound terrible"
Dylan, "Look, I have something important to talk to you about, can I come over?"
Me "Sure, there is something I need to tell you too."



There goes my stomach again, what is that?  I watched for Dylan out of my window, like a child watching for Santa Claus.  There he is.



Not sure why he came to the back door, but who cares.

We chatted for a bit and then he got all serious.  "Look Tricia, I know we just got our footing here, but I need to ask a favor.  My house is getting ready to be torn down for some kind of venue.  I was wondering, well, umm, if I could stay here.  Before you say anything, it would just be for a few days.  I need to get some loose ends tied up on a project I have been working on and then I will be out of your hair.  I will stay in the barn and out of your way, I promise."
I felt the wall creep back up again, but I really thought about it hard and told him that he could, but no funny stuff.



We went inside and I said, "now, I have something to tell you.  Fiona is going to have a foal.  Now we know what those two were up to."  Dylan had to go outside and see for himself.



He came back in with a big grin and his whole face was lit up.  He pulled me close and gave me a hug and said he was going to bed.  He was true to his word and had a small bed put in the barn.



I looked out of the window and Dylan had put Fiona in her stall and was saying goodnight.  Awww.



After I had fixed me a bowl of cereal and washed my face, I went out to check on Dylan and the horses.  Dylan was fast asleep and I really felt like waking him and telling him to come in the house.  But that will come in time.



It was late and I needed to get some sleep, after all, there was going to be a new addition around here and there were things to do.  I had just settled into bed when my phone rang.
Tricia "Mom, is something wrong?"
Mom "It is your father.  He is on his way there and will be there, probably tomorrow night."
Tricia "Why, what does he want?"
Mom "To bring you home with him.  Tricia, I am so sorry for how things worked out.  I never wanted you to leave, but your father, well, we won't get into that right now."
Tricia "Mom, it is ok, I can deal with daddy.  I am not going anywhere.  I am home now and I am seeing someone.  In fact, he is staying in my barn."
Mom "Tricia, no, he has to leave before your father gets there.  He is going to cut you out of the will and inheritance, if you don't come back with him."
Tricia "I don't care anymore mom, really.  I have all of the riches I need right now.  Anyway mom, don't worry.  I will take care of daddy when he gets here.  I love you."
Mom "I love you too my dear daughter." *click*

[Saltypaws]

Chapter 11

I didn't get much sleep after what my mom had said.  I really did feel pretty lucky.  I have lived here on my own now for almost three years.  I don't think I would trade that for anything. 

I heard the television and walked into the living room.  Dylan's eyes widened and he got this smirk on his face.  I am so use to being by myself, I forgot I had my nities on.



Oh well, he just had his PJ bottoms on, so I guess we are even.  I suppose now is as good a time as any to tell him about my father.  I sat on the couch and explained everything my mom had said.



Dylan looked a little worried and ask me if I wanted him to leave, to make things simpler.  I told him no, he was not leaving.  My dad would just have to get over it.  With that, he gave me a hug.  He said, "umm, Tricia, I think we need to change our clothes, ya know, just in case your dad shows up." *wink*



Mr. Michaels, are you flirting with me?  Remember, no funny stuff.



"Yes, I remember."