Against the Odds *COMPLETE*

[Ally3772]

"Are you feeling better?" Ethan asked.

"No, I threw up again." I said with my hand on my stomach.

"You want to try to eat something?"

"Yeah."

The night after our fight when I told him I was pregnant, we just sat on the couch and talked. We talked about everything under the moon trying to get to know each other better. He apologized for snapping and I did as well, my hormones were going crazy. I was looking forward to the day when I didn't spend my morning with the toilet.



Time passed and I was starting to show. The morning sickness ended and I was feeling energized.



"There is really a baby in there." Ethan said.

"Well what did you think it would be? An alien?" I giggled.

"Who knows."

I smacked him on the shoulder.

"Did you feel that?!" He gasped.

"It kicked!" I said my eyes lighting up.



"I can't believe it!" He gasped.

"I know!" I placed my hands on my stomach waiting for a kick.

Our happiness didn't last though, I dropped my phone and when I stood back up the room started to spin.

"Whoa." I said.

"Rachel?"



"RACHEL!" Ethan screamed as I started to fall forward.

Ethan's POV

"RACHEL!"

I saw her eyes roll to the back of her head and she fell forward, I caught her as her body went limp. I slowly brought her to the floor and searched for my phone.

"Rachel, it's going to be okay."

I finally found my phone and dialed 911, it took the ambulance twenty-two minutes to get here. Growing up they tell you that you will go though scary things growing up. However, nothing was scarier than pacing the waiting room of the hospital while your girlfriend and mother of your child lay unconscious in a hospital room. I ran my fingers through my hair and let out a deep breath, we were happy two seconds before this happened.

"Mr. Cruz?"

I whipped around.

"How is she?" I asked.

"My name is Dr. Lewis, I am on your wife's case."

"Girlfriend, but how is she? The baby?"

"We believe that she passed out due to a spike in her blood pressure, it sky rocketed for some reason."

"What does that mean?"

"Were you guys arguing?" She asked.

"No! We were actually happy because the baby kicked for the first time." I said my voice starting to shake.

"This sometimes happens for no apparent reason."

"Th-The baby, is the baby okay?"

"Yes, good strong heart beat and there is movement."

I let out a deep breath.

"Can I see her?" I asked.

"Of course."

I walked into the room where Rachel sat in a hospital gown, she had a tube thing on her face, something to help her breathe. I saw tears streaming down her face as I walked to the bed.

"I'm sorry." She cried.

"Honey, this isn't your fault! This could have happened to anyone." I told her.

I grabbed her hand and held it, she leaned forward and cried into her other hand. I scooted closer and hugged her tightly.

We were released a few hours later, but the doctor told her to take it easy for the next couple days.



Rachel's POV

I sighed.

"What's wrong?" A question that Ethan asked almost daily.

"These splotches keep coming back!"

I looked at her, and sure enough there were red splotches all over her face and arms.

"Well, I find them extremely sexy."



"You're lying."

"No, I'm not."

I just laughed at him.

He thought I was joking when I told him I've been pretty much downing bottles of medicine. These blotches kept returning, and the doctor told me to take this nasty tasting stuff to stop them.



The weeks went by and so far no other dizzy spells, and I was getting huge!



"I love you, you know that right?" Ethan asked.

"Well I hope you love me, but I love you too." I smiled.

"I cannot wait to meet the little one." He said.

"What do you think it is?"

"I don't care as long as it is healthy."

I smiled.




"Hey, how was work?" I asked.

"Good, what are you doing with the hot sauce?"

"Drinking it."

He looked at me strange.

"Don't give me that look, I want this kid out."

He busted out laughing.

"I'm being serious!"

"What is drinking hot sauce going to do?"

"I heard drinking spicy and hot stuff helps speed up labor."

He shook his head and walked out of the room.



I stood up to go get a bottle of water when a sharp pain hit me, I gasped as I felt a gush of water run down my legs.

"ETHAN!"

He ran in.

"What?!"

"It worked. My water just broke." I gasped.



It was go time, and Ethan was freaking out so I told him that it would help me if he got the bed ready. I was definitely going to want to lay down after all this was over.

"AHHH!" I screamed.

"Breathe."

"YOU BREATHE!"

Ethan put his hands up in defense.

"I'm sorry, it just hurts!" I cried.

He rubbed my back.



Welcome to the world, Connor.



Welcome Connor! It wasn't the easiest pregnancy but they got through it! =] 

[hazysmith]

Well, that pregnancy wasn't without its drama! Hi, wee Connor.

[Ally3772]

Being a mother was a wonderful feeling. Waking up five times a night, not such a wonderful feeling.

"He's up again?" Ethan yawned.

"Yeah."

Ethan looked at the clock and groaned.

"We only got two hours this time."

I covered my face with my hands.

"I got him." I said.

"No, I'll get up."

"No, you have to work in four hours. Try to get some sleep."

It was really bright out for being seven in the morning.

"I'm here baby boy."

He wailed and wailed until I picked him up. He calmed down fast if I held him tightly and bounced lightly.

"We have to let daddy sleep, he works in a little bit." I whispered.



Sadly, Ethan was unable to get back to sleep so he got up for the day. I was able to go for my morning jog to help lose some of the baby weight.




I loved seeing Ethan with Connor, he loved him so much.



He walked out of the nursery that was attached to our room.

"Is he happy?"

Ethan sat down next to me, "He is."

I looked in Ethan's eyes, "Are you happy?"



"What?"

"This all happened so fast, and I'm sure you wanted it to go differently."

"Rach, I am the happiest man on the earth. We may have done things out of order but who cares?"

"Are you sure?"

He kissed my forehead lightly, "Of course I'm sure."



And when we went to sleep, it was time to start the cycle all over again.



We were able to sleep for four hours straight that night though, we were making progress.

"How was work?" I asked.

He sat down, "Good."

He kissed me.

"I missed you."

I rolled my eyes, "You were gone for six hours."

He shrugged.

"I wish I could go back to work."

"A few more days of getting back on your feet."

"I'm fine though!"

"I know."

I sighed.

"Patience my love."

I smiled.



In a few days, we would be celebrating this little one's birthday. It was a crazy thought that my baby wouldn't be a baby anymore.

Sorry for the short update!

[hazysmith]

It was short, but it was very sweet. Looks like Rachel and Ethan are shaping up to be great parents! Very cute. 

[Ally3772]

"Hey honey?" I asked.

"Yes dear."

"I was thinking we could take a trip."

"What kind of trip?"

"A camping trip."

"Ah, yeah we should be able to do that."

"...I was thinking of inviting my brother and cousins?" I said.

He walked over and rubbed my back.

"I think that is a great idea, I know you miss them."

Our little Connor wasn't so little anymore! He had my hair and his fathers piercing blue eyes!



So, the next week we were camping.



"Hey!" I gasped as the boys arrived.

"How are you doing baby brother?" I asked Steven as I hugged him.

"I'm good, I can't believe I'm a uncle! He's grown so fast since that last picture!"

I laughed, "I know!"

I sat down across from Ethan and Connor.

"Are you having a good time Connor?"

He shrugged.

"Everything okay son?" Ethan asked.

"I don't get along with them."

"Who?"

"Uncle Steven and the other guys."

"What do you mean?"

"We've been here for a day and all they have been doing is going on hikes together, playing horse shoes together, doing everything together."

I looked at Ethan.

"I know it's hard, but maybe telling them how you feel will help. Their older but that doesn't mean they can't include you."



"AH! AH! HOT!!" I looked over to find Ethan playing with a stick and fire.

I shook my head.

"If you burn yourself because of stupidity I will not nurse you back to health."

"Sure you will."

I shook my head, we have been dating for roughly a year and I couldn't be happier.



The trip was coming to an end, sadly we could only do two days because of work.

"I can't believe we are leaving." I pouted.

"I know, it went by fast." Ethan agreed.

"Well we should probably get packing."

I turned to leave when he grabbed my hand and stopped me.

"What are you doing?"

"I love you." He said.

"I love you too."

"I've been planning on doing this for a while now, but couldn't find the right words or the right time. I know we did things backwards when we had Connor and we barely knew each other. I want to do things the right way from now on, and to begin I need to ask you a very important question." Ethan stated.

"Ethan..."

"I love you, every morning waking up with you next to me still takes my breath away. I look at our little boy and see so much of both of us in him and my heart swells with pride. We created that, we created something so amazing and beautiful. I want to spend each second of each day next to you creating more amazing and beautiful things. Whether that's more babies or just more memories, it doesn't matter."

The tears were spilling down my cheeks.



"So, Rachel, will you do me the amazing honor and become Mrs. Rachel Cruz?"

I covered my mouth when he revealed the ring.




"Of course!" I cried.

I slid the ring on my left ring finger.

"It's so beautiful!"

"Just like you." Ethan whispered.



Everyone was so excited to hear about the news!



But sadly it was time to wrap up and go home...



Congrats go out to Rachel and Ethan!!!

[Ally3772]

My wonderful fiance sent me to the spa for some relaxation. As soon as we got home I stressed myself out with trying to find the perfect wedding dress.



"So, you have a boyfriend?" Alice, one of the specialists, asked for small talk.

"Yes, he actually just asked me to marry him."

"Oh congratulations!"

"Thank you."

"Have you found a dress yet?"

"No. I'm having trouble picking on out."

"Well, I'm sure you will."



I spent a lot of money that day, and on top of that I got home and Ethan had bought me a new tub. He also bought me a yoga mat, meditation stool, and a new fish tank! I should call him Mr. Spenderson.




"Am I doing this right?"

"How should I know?" Ethan laughed.




"Ooo, but I do like the view."

I laughed, "Shut up."



"Eeee!" I gasped as I lost balance and fell.

"You okay?"

"Yeah."

I decided then it was time to try meditation before I really hurt myself.



"When do you want to get married?" Ethan asked.

"I have to find a dress first, but soon after that."

"And do we want to invite anyone?"

I sighed.

"I kind of just want it to be a private wedding."

He nodded.

"Is that okay?"

"It doesn't matter, as long as I'm married to you at the end of the night." He smiled.

I blushed.

I was getting married soon.

Blah, another short update!

[Ally3772]

The big day was here.

"Wow."

I smiled as Ethan walked up.

"You like it?"

"You look beautiful." He whispered giving me a kiss.




"I went with a short dress instead of a long one."

"It's beautiful."

"We're really getting married."

"We are."



"I love you, more than words can say. The day you told me you were pregnant was one of the scariest moments of my life. It was also one of the happiest moments because I knew that no matter what, I'd be with you for the rest of my life. I look at you and our son and I know that I am the luckiest man alive. I cannot wait to spend the rest of our lives with you and only you."

I smiled as tears filled my eyes.

"I was scared when I met you, you were my first love and I had no idea what I was doing. I was scared of screwing it up, and I was scared that you would run and leave when I told you I was expecting. You proved to be the most compassionate and most amazing person when you decided to stay and make it work. Now I think of how differently my life would've been if we hadn't met at the office. I am so glad that we became friends, and then girlfriend and boyfriend, to being engaged, and now- now to being married. I love you, forever and always."




"Here's to the rest of forever."



Since we didn't really have any friends we couldn't go on a honeymoon. So once we put Connor to bed we spent a romantic night on the couch with a bottle of wine and a movie.

...

A week passed since the wedding and I was loving being married.

"Babe?"

"In the kitchen!" I called.

Ethan walked into the kitchen.

"What are you doing?"

"Connor requested a special after school snack." I smiled.

"So, um. There isn't really an easy way to bring this up."

I stopped and looked at him.

"What?" I asked my stomach dropping.

He scratched the back of his head.

"There is a woman outside, she is claiming to be your mother."

I looked at him.

"What?"

"Yeah."

I wiped my hands off on a towel and headed outside.

"Can I help you?" I asked.

"Hello, my name is Sherry."



"I- I don't mean to be rude, but who are you and why are you here?"

"I know this is hard, but I am your mother. I just moved into town and I looked you up."

"You looked me up?!"

"Yeah, I was interested in how my daughter was doing."

"I'm not your daughter!"



"Look, please Rachel. I know this is difficult. I didn't want to give you up-"

"But you did, to my parents, my dads. So forgive me if I am not open to hearing your story. I loved my parents, and no one will replace them."



"Of course no one can replace them, I just thought that you'd like to know who your parents were."

"I know who my parents are. Their names were Ryan and Liam! Dad, who was Liam, tucked me in every night with my favorite teddy bear. Papa, who was Ryan, read me a story every night. Every morning I had breakfast with them. Every day after school who ever was home first helped me with my homework. When I was injured Papa gave me flower band aids while dad sang me a song. They were there for every stage of my life, and quite frankly they loved me more than any 'biological' parent could."

"It sounds like they gave you a good life."

"They did, so I would appreciate it if you would leave."



She gave me her number in case I 'changed my mind' but I wouldn't. I couldn't tell you why I felt insulted that she was here, because I didn't know. I had parents, it wasn't my fault she gave me up. I walked back inside where Ethan was standing against the wall. I looked at him with tears filling my eyes, he held out his arms and I walked into them.

"I miss them." I cried.

"I know." He said kissing the top of my head.

Are you guys still interested in this story? I haven't gotten much feedback recently... So I am just wondering!

[hazysmith]

Don't worry I'm still here, I've been busy over the weekend but wow 3 updates! I'm sure you get silent readers too. 

Gorgeous wedding, Connor is cute and dun dun dun! Rachel's birth mother. I love where you're going with this. Also, well done to Rachel for looking glamorous as ever on a camping trip. So jealous ha ha ha!

[Tigerskin]

I'm reading, just more of a silent lurker 

[Rikki8528]

Silent reader over here too!

[Ally3772]

Well a thank you to all my silent readers!!!

Is there anything you guys would like to see happen? I like hearing peoples ideas and trying to incorporate them into the story! =]

[Magz from Oz]

I, too, am still reading but not always commenting.  I'm really enjoying your story. 

[TheGoat]

Well a thank you to all my silent readers!!!

Is there anything you guys would like to see happen? I like hearing peoples ideas and trying to incorporate them into the story! =]

I'm still a loyal reader, too! I've had recent internet connectivity problems due to a group of trees landing on my house, but I still check in.

I like the twist with Rachel's birth mother. Is that going to turn into a longer storyline? That could be fun.

I couldn't possibly suggest a specific event, since I like seeing what you come up with, but I'll happily offer some generic advice: your characters, who are wonderful anyway, are at their most interesting when they have to deal with things. The reason I don't follow a lot of Dynasties and the like is that, even if they are well-written, they often come across as not much more than a game log. This is who married whom, and this is their kid, and so on. But your characters often have to deal with real-world problems, and that makes them much more compelling. After all, the title of your story is "Against the Odds!"

Keep up the good work. Whatever you decide to throw at your sims next, I'm sure it will be wonderful.

[Ally3772]

"Coming!"

I rushed over to the door and opened it.

"Steven!"

"Hey sis."

I smiled and hugged him.



"What brings you here?"

"I wanted to talk to you about something."

We headed into the kitchen and I made tea.

"So tell me what's on your mind little brother."

He sighed.

"The guys have been giving me a hard time."

I looked at him while I brought cups of tea over.

"How?"

"It's stupid really, but maybe it's not. I don't know!"

"Steven, tell me whats going on."

"I like this girl-"

"A girl?"

"Yes a girl! Her name is Amber and she's great but I'm not sure if she's the one. The guys are giving me crap because I'm taking it slow and they think I should just dive in and "be a man" about it."

"Steven, first of all you don't always find "the one" right away."

"You did!"

"That was luck, and secondly there is nothing bad about wanting to go slow. You don't want to go to fast and make Amber uncomfortable."

"So you don't think I'm being stupid."

"No!"

We finished our tea and conversation and Steven headed out, and I made a note in my head to speak with my cousins about harassing my brother.

A Few Weeks Later...

"What's this?" Ethan asked.

I turned around as he held up a white stick, my blood drained from my face.

"It's a... a pregnancy test."

"Yeah, I see that. You thought you were pregnant?"

"Yes?"

"And you felt the need to hide it from me?"

"I- I wasn't necessarily hiding it..."

"Why didn't you tell me about it?"

"I didn't want to upset you."

He walked over when he saw me get upset.

"Were you hoping you were pregnant?"

"Yes? Maybe? I don't know! Connor needs a lot of attention-"

"I'm not pressuring you into a decision, but just because we have another baby doesn't mean we will have less time for Connor."

I looked at the ground.

"Do you want another baby?" I asked.

"I would love to have as many babies as you'll allow."

I smiled and kissed him.

"Connor! Finish up your homework! The bus will be here in an hour!" I called out.

"Yes mom!"



I got Connor on the bus and Ethan off to work and I finally had time to do yoga.





"Austin!"

I hurried outside when I saw him walk passed.

"Hey! How are you?" He asked.

"Good, hey can I ask you something?"

"Sure!"



"I don't want to step on any toes or break "guy code" but Steven came over a while back and he was pretty upset."

"About what?"

I bit my lip, "Have you guys been giving him a hard time? About Amber?"

"Yeah, but hey we are just joking around with him."

"He doesn't take it as joking. He thinks he's a wuss because he is taking it slow."



"What? That's crazy!"

"Is it? Look, he's sensitive at times and he needs acceptance. Please ease up, I don't want him to feel like an outsider."

He nodded.

"I'll talk to Colten and we will straighten it up."

"Thank you."

Hmmm, so what do you think? Is Steven being silly? And an almost baby??? Thanks for reading! =]

[Ally3772]

"Finally, today is over!"

I climbed into the hot tub next to Ethan.



"Rough day?" He asked.

"Yes."

He gave me a kiss on the forehead.

"I love you." I whispered.

"I love you too."



"Mmmm."

"What do you think you are doing?" Ethan asked giving me an evil smile.

"About this baby makin' stuff..."



He gasped as I pulled him under the water.

A Few Weeks Later...

I grabbed the sides of the toilet and emptied my breakfast into the bowl.

"I brought you some water."

I looked up at Ethan and wiped my mouth.

"Is Connor doing his homework?"

"He finished it, he is using his hour of TV time now."

I nodded.

I took a sip of the water and spit it back out to rinse the nastiness from my mouth before taking an actual drink. Ethan walked over to me holding a purple box and handed it to me. I took it and looked up at him from the floor.

"You think I am?" I asked.

"It's the only reason you'd be throwing up all the time for the past days."

I looked at the test and nodded.

...

I found out five minutes later what the answer was.



"I'm pregnant!"



Ethan exploded... In happiness.

"Baby! That's awesome! I'm going to be a daddy again!"

He hugged me.

"Maybe it'll be a girl this time!"

He beamed.

"Are you okay mommy?"

I looked at Connor as I put a hand over my mouth.

"I'm okay."

"Are you sick?"



"Yes baby, but for a good reason."

I knelt down to his level.

"I have some news."

"What is it?"

"I'm going to have another baby."

"I'm going to be a brother?!"

"Yeah!"

"Awesome!"



It was almost like I grew over night! The weeks passed and I was bigger than I remembered being with Connor.



"Ethan! Are you ready?!"

"Coming!"

We had a doctor's appointment to make sure everything was okay, and I was definitely going to be asking about the weight gain. Once at the hospital I got changed into the gown and laid on the bed while we waited for the doctor. I grabbed Ethan's hand and he squeezed it while he kissed my fingers.

"Good evening, I am Dr. Sampson."

"Hello."

She started the ultrasound and squirted the cold gel stuff on my stomach. She had the computer screen facing away from us which was weird.

"Hmmm."

"Is something wrong?"

"Just a minute."

I looked at her with wide eyes as she left the room.

"Ethan." I said looking at him.

"It's okay, everything is okay."

My eyes filled with tears as a million and one question filled my head. Was the baby okay? Was he or she hurt? What could have caused the doctor to leave? Before I had time to come up with more questions and worries the doctor came back in with another doctor.

"Do you see what I see and hear?"

Both of them studied the monitor until the second doctor nodded and agreed with him.

"Please, what is going on?" Ethan asked.

"Well," the doctor said turning the monitor towards us, "I found something."

"A good something?" I asked.

"That depends." She said half smiling.

She began to point out three things on the monitor.

"Congratulations, you are having triplets."

My eyes went wide and I heard a thump. Ethan laid passed out on the ground.

What?!

Bum bum buuuummmmm...