The story of Audrey Houser

[Whirligig]

It was Clara after all!

I feel vindicated (on Bjorn's behalf?) Unless, of course, maybe the father is Cannon...

Ugh, the suspense!

(Also, congratulations to Ulrike and Hannah!)

[Peaches]

I came straight home from the hospital. Doctor Kennedy gave me details of my midwife, and offered me a scan. I didn't want to see the baby, not right now. So the scan was rescheduled to next week. Thankfully, none of my neighbours were out in the lobby, so they couldn't ask any questions.

I did try and get some work done, but I couldn't concentrate. The news had left me with a splitting headache, and I couldn't focus on anything.

I just gave up and went for a lie down. It didn't last long though, as I heard a knock on the door.
Bjorn: "Audrey, are you in? I have something to show you."
Little did he know, that I had something to show him too.

I let him in, and he had a massive smile on his face. He was also wearing some new clothes.
Bjorn: "What do you think? I grabbed these from HugoSims, trendy, huh?"
Audrey: "You look lovely, Bjorn."
Bjorn: "What's wrong? You look upset."

Audrey: "Bjorn...I don't know how to say this..."
Bjorn: "What's happened? Are you okay?"
Audrey: "I..."
Bjorn: "Aud?"
Tears started welling up in my eyes, I couldn't hold them back, and just started sobbing.

Audrey: "I'm so, so sorry!"
Bjorn: "What for?"
Audrey: "I'm pregnant."
Bjorn: "C-congratulations? You don't seem very happy."
Audrey: "Bjorn, it's yours you idiot."

Bjorn: "But, how? Isn't it Cannon's?"
Audrey: "I'm six weeks pregnant, I've not been with Cannon, in that way, since he left about 8 weeks ago."
Bjorn: "But the doctors said I'm..."
Audrey: "They must be wrong. Either that, or this is a miraculous conception like the baby Jesus."

Bjorn: "I just..."
Audrey: "I'm sorry."
Bjorn: "There's nothing to be sorry about, it takes two to tango, Audrey. We're in this together. I just...don't think this is all bad news."
Audrey: "What're you saying?"
Bjorn: "I just feel...like this isn't...bad."
Audrey: "But Bjorn, I'm not ready. I live in a tiny apartment, I don't have a stable job, I can barely look after myself!"

Bjorn: "Come here."
He pulled me into a hug, I just clinged to him for dear life.
Audrey: "What are we gonna do?"
Bjorn: "Listen. We can do this. I know you weren't expecting this, heck, I was the last person to expect this. But now it's happened, all we can do is our best. I always wanted another child before I hit 40, that's why Clara and I were trying so hard. There's going to be trouble and maybe even anger coming our way, but we need to face it head on, and do our best for this baby."
Audrey: "..."

Bjorn: "So what do you say?"

I gave a smile. Bjorn made me feel so safe and made me feel so loved. I thought back to what he said, about the L thing. I couldn't bring myself to say it back, considering the circumstances. Something inside me was preventing me from giving my heart to anyone else. However, I still found myself falling for Bjorn. He had such a big heart, and I adored him for it.
Audrey: "Are you sure we'll be okay?"
Bjorn: "We'll be fine. You'll be fine. I think you'll make a fabulous mother. Just imagine all the things you can teach them!"
Audrey: "I'm just scared."
Bjorn: "Don't be silly, everything will be okay."

Audrey: "I have a bit of an odd request though..."
Bjorn: "Yeah?"
Audrey: "Could you please...stay the night? I don't want to spend tonight alone."
Bjorn: "Of course! I'll just be alone at my house otherwise."

So as we got ready for bed, one of the neighbours decided to have a party. The mess in the lobby was disgusting!
Bjorn: "Who lives like this? Seriously? This is dangerous!"
Audrey: "Open up!"

Audrey: "I swear when they open up, I'm gonna slap them so hard, their plumbob will fall off!"
Bjorn: "Don't be ridicuous, you're not fighting in your condition!"

The neighbour eventually opened up and she didn't look too pleased. For some reason, she aimed her anger at Bjorn. Bad idea.
Neighbour: "What the hell you want, grandad? Listen we live here too, we're not turning the music down, so bog off!"
Bjorn, who wasn't good with confrontation, just huffed and walked away. I wasn't taking this lightly.

Audrey: "Bjorn, you get back here. How dare you let this woman speak to you in that way!"

Audrey: "And as for you, missy! Number one: your dress is awful. Number two: you will turn that music down. Number three: I've just found out I'm pregnant, so if you don't want me stuffing dirty diapers in your mailbox for the next five years, I suggest you apologise to Bjorn and turn the music down."
Neighbour: "Jeez lady!"
Audrey: "Excuse me?"
Neighbour: "Okay, okay I'm sorry Bjorn, and I'll turn the music down, okay? Okay?"

We went back into the apartment, the music was promptly turned down. Bjorn couldn't sleep so he made himself a coffee. I caught him playing that confrontation back to himself.
Bjorn: "You will turn that music down ma'am or I'll write a strongly worded letter to the council! I'm having a baby!"

I found him so weird sometimes, but it was cute. I couldn't help feeling out of place though. Although nothing drastic had changed, I'm still me, I'm still in this apartment, there aren't any cribs or baby clothes littered about...even though this baby is literally only millimetres in size, it had made such a big impact on me. My life will change, significantly. I'll have a little person to raise, to teach right from wrong, to keep safe from danger, and I was terrified. I know Bjorn was here to help, but I couldn't help feeling worried.

Safe to say, we both slept well that night. Perhaps it was because of the lack of blaring music outside. Or maybe, it was because for the first time in a while, we both had someone to sleep next to.

[oshizu]

Wow, she gets pregnant now of all times. I like how supportive Bjorn tries to be in the face of Audrey's anxieties.

Bjorn mentioned his house. Did he end up with The Lighthouse, after all?

[Peaches]

Wow, she gets pregnant now of all times. I like how supportive Bjorn tries to be in the face of Audrey's anxieties.

Bjorn mentioned his house. Did he end up with The Lighthouse, after all?

Ahh yes, I failed to mention that! Clara has gone back to Norway with the kids, leaving the house all to Bjorn. He doesn't particularly like staying there on his own since it's such a big house though. Which is why he jumped at the chance when Audrey asked him to stay the night.

[Whirligig]

Yep. Definitely feeling vindicated.

I'm so glad Bjorn has been so supportive of our heroine. Can't wait to see how the two of them continue to adapt to the idea of raising a child together. (Here's hoping Sofia and Elsa will be okay with it, too).

[Peaches]

In the week that followed, Bjorn hadn't left my side. He was only meant to stay that one night, but I had asked him again, and again. He never refused once, and it got to that point where I didn't even need to ask. He just stayed. Plus he was a really good cook, and I was constantly hungry!

Bjorn would only go back to his house to check his mail and do a bit of dusting, apart from that, he seemed pretty happy staying here. I would question him, asking why he'd rather stay here than his huge house. His response was always the same: "I get really lonely, plus I need to be here for you." He'd already offered me to come live with him, but I refused as I didn't want to leave San Myshuno. I was here for the long haul.

We also went for that scan, we heard the heartbeat which took our breath away. We were also given print outs of the scan, one of which Bjorn now keeps in his wallet.

His speciality dish was Mac n Cheese. I don't know what he adds to it (it's a secret!), but it tastes so darn delicious! I think he adds a slight hint of paprika and spice, so mouth watering! Saying that...everything to me tastes good at the moment!

Bjorn also said that I had an early case of "baby brain". Whenever I went to take the garbage out, I always did it incorrectly, causing Bjorn to always have to fix the jam!

One thing I did notice though, was back pain. I know I wasn't very far along in the pregnancy, but my supple yoga body had become stiff and sore all of a sudden. Even watering the plants was more of an effort! God help me when I'm in my third trimester! Most of my days recently included naps, Bjorn kept himself busy playing his MySims Racing and upping his programming skill.

One morning though, Bjorn came and sat down opposite me with the most serious look on his face.
Bjorn: "Audrey, we need to talk."
My heart raced, that phrase was never good.
Audrey: "Um, okay?"
Bjorn: "It's very serious, 'kay?"

Bjorn: "Geek. Con."
Audrey: "What?!"
Bjorn: "Geek Con. It's tomorrow! And we're not very far away...it's only in the fashion district and..."
He sounded like a small child describing their favourite holiday destination or something.

Audrey: "Do you even have a costume?"
Bjorn: "Yes. I've been prepared for years. Clara never let me go to it, but the costume has always stayed in my closet for this very day!"
Audrey: "Well...I only have one costume I could possibly use..."

And surprise surprise! Both our costumes were Star Wars related! I was supposed to be Aayla Secura, and Bjorn was dressed as a Rebel Pilot.

Bjorn went to tinker on a rocket, and I decided to catch up with work. I had napped almost the entirety of the week, I needed to catch up with my followers for that next big promotion!

I then thought I'd do some kind of gaming challenge...which I failed miserably!

I found someone else dressed as Aayla Secura! She was very popular today!

...very, very popular!

Wearing that costume had gotten to Bjorn's head also.
Bjorn: "Fear not, t-shirt street vendor! I'm here to find my true love! She's feeling...blue today, haha!"
Vendor: "Go find them somewhere else please, you're blocking the way for other customers!"
Bjorn: "Farewell!"
Vendor: "That's not even how they speak in Star Wars. Please leave."

Bjorn: "Hey, hey! I need to show you this! It's a picture of a cat dressed as princess Leia!"

Bjorn: "Hey no, don't scoll. Hey! Oh jeez. Why do you look so surprised? It's not like you've never seen it before, Aud?"

Stranger: "Aud?"
Bjorn: "Um, is that not you, Audrey?"
Stranger: "No...I thought you were just flirting with me!"
Bjorn: "Ah, crap."

Bjorn: "Listen, the girl I'm with is dressed exactly the same. There's too many of you Aayla Securas."
Stranger: "So, you weren't flirting? I'm single, you know."

Bjorn: "Listen, I'm sorry. This is very embarrassing. I apologise that you had to see my plumbob."
Stranger: "Oh no, don't apologise, that's made my day!"
Bjorn: "Um, I gotta go."

The reason Bjorn couldn't find me? Take a guess...

[Whirligig]

Haha, wow. Never let anyone call Bjorn a dead-beat baby daddy. He is well and truly dedicated.

Geek Con looked like a lot of fun!

[oshizu]

lmao, now why would Bjorn be flashing a photo of his plumbob in the middle of Geekcon? *rolls on floor giggling

Awww, I totally agree with @Whirligig ...Bjorn is such a devoted baby daddy!
I loved how geeky they both were!  Thanks for showing us Bjorn's cute, nerdy side.

[Peaches]

Haha, wow. Never let anyone call Bjorn a dead-beat baby daddy. He is well and truly dedicated.

Geek Con looked like a lot of fun!

Far from a deadbeat! He's already a father so he pretty much knows the drill, whereas Audrey's doesn't know what to expect.
Geek Con is my favourite ever festival right after the spice festival I love seeing what other townies are dressed up as, and some of them are really creative!

[Peaches]

lmao, now why would Bjorn be flashing a photo of his plumbob in the middle of Geekcon? *rolls on floor giggling

Awww, I totally agree with @Whirligig ...Bjorn is such a devoted baby daddy!
I loved how geeky they both were!  Thanks for showing us Bjorn's cute, nerdy side.

Now, he wasn't supposed to show his Plumbob haha the random lady started scrolling on his pictures and it was accidental!
Bjorn is a big, old nerd he's never really been allowed to express his nerdy side before so he's letting it all out like an excited little kid I have a soft spot for Bjorn I think hes absolutely adorable!

[Peaches]

More weeks went by and Bjorn became more comfortable in the apartment. Too comfortable!
Audrey: "Bjorn! Not at the dinner table! I'm eating, ew!"
Bjorn: "I'm so sorry!"
He had the slob trait, so he does it often! Very smelly.

I also found that the foods I absolutely loved (like ramen), I now found revolting. My tastes had changed since becoming pregnant, and I hated it! Not only that, but I wasn't allowed to eat sushi, coffee, or certain types of cheese!  This was becoming very different.

One good occurance recently is that Bjorn got promoted at work, so he was earning many more simoleons! However, his new position meant more responsibility, and in turn, more stress. This also meant he had to wear a suit a tie, which I thought made him look super handsome.

Bjorn: "Hey, red. How're you feeling today?"
Audrey: "I'm alright, just a bit drained."
Bjorn: "You should take a nap then."
Audrey: "I've had too many. I feel like I need to go outside and do something."

Bjorn: "Listen, if you're tired, don't feel guilty about resting. I'll get some pasta boiling for some mac n cheese."
Audrey: "You don't have to, Bjorn. You've just come in from work."
Bjorn: "I just want you to take it easy."
Audrey: "I'll cook. I may be pregnant, but I'm not disabled. I'm just...trying to adjust to this whole thing. I'm going to be a mother, I can't even imagine myself as one..."

Bjorn: "You'll be amazing. You have my support, you won't be doing this alone."
Audrey: "It's just taking a toll on me. I've always been doing whatever I like, having fun and being spontaneous...I can't be that person anymore."
Bjorn: "You can still be like that, just a little more careful."
Audrey: "But what about when the little one arrives?"
Bjorn went silent. I'm certain he was thinking the same as me. Once the baby is born, I'm no longer the carefree woman I once was. I'd have rules to follow, a routine, and a tiny human keep safe at all costs.
Bjorn: "Everything will work out. And remember, I love you."

I leaned over to kiss him. I still haven't said 'I love you' back to him, I'm not ready. However, we have kind of merged into a boyfriend/girlfriend relationship, without either of us stopping to ask what we were. We very much enjoyed each other's company, and it came with certain benefits too! He was very understanding about the whole situation, he knew that I was closed off when admitting my emotions. I was just worried of pushing him away, as I didn't want anyone else.

The next night was Game Night! Hannah and Bjorn had built a higher relationship with each other, and are now best gamer buds! To be perfectly honest, I couldn't tear them away from the game! I did the cooking that night, I was making Pho since I had built a tolerance to the spice now, and I was really craving it!
Audrey: "Are you guys wanting chillies in yours?"
I had no answer. As usual.

Audrey: "Do you guys want chillies? Last chance."
No answer.
Audrey: "Chillies it is!"

Audrey: "Mmm, this pho is perfect."
Bjorn: "That's nice, OMG HANNAH STOP HITTING ME!"
Audrey: "If you got off the game, you'd be able taste it yourself."

The game was eventually turned off, and Bjorn tried to eat some. Tried. He's terrible with the chopsticks, and has to stab the meal.

Audrey: "Hannah, mum and dad are having an anniversary dinner next week, they wanted to know if you could go?"
Hannah: "Yeah sounds good! Ulrike and I will be throwing an engagement party soon too, once we get the house sorted. Speaking of, whens your engagement party?"
Audrey: "What do you mean?"
Hannah: "Well, you're both practically living like a couple, I wouldn't be surprised if you told me you're engaged."

Bjorn: "Would you believe it if we said we're pregnant?"
Hannah: "Huh?"
Audrey: "BJORN! NO!"
Bjorn: "Stupid noodles..."
Hannah: "Au...Audrey?"

Hannah: "Are you actually serious?"
Audrey: "NO! Well..."
Hannah: "You're serious..."
Audrey: "Oh my gosh..."

Hannah: "I'm gonna be an aunt? That's so cool! What made you want a kid anyway? I thought you didn't want them!"
Audrey: "This was not planned. At all. It was completely out of the blue."
Hannah: "Oh wow, Aud. This is so cool!"

We said our goodbyes at the end of the night. Hannah wouldn't stop talking about what activities she had planned for the new baby, she'll apparently be taking them to the zoo, amusement parks and even swimming! I hope she'll wait until they're out of nappies first!

Audrey: "One thing though Hannah. Please, please don't tell mum and dad yet, okay? I'm not ready."

Hannah: "You have my word. I promise. I just don't know if I can contain my excitement!"
Audrey: "Well, please contain it for the next 7 months please...or at least until I can tell everyone!"
Hannah: "Righto, mummy!"
Audrey: "Hannah, please."
Hannah: "Sorry, Aud. See you later! Oh, and I know Bjorn wasn't supposed to let it slip tonight. I'm sure he's just as excited as me. Please Audrey, promise me you'll lighten up a little bit for him, he's a decent gentleman, they're hard to find."
Audrey: "I know...I'm sorry. I promise I will. I'm just a little deflated recently."
Hannah: "It'll get easier, Aud. Until the babys born, then...it's super difficult."
Audrey: "...thanks."
Hannah: "Only joking! But in all seriousness...I can always look after them for you!"
Audrey: "See you later Hannah, you'll be here all night otherwise."
Hannah: "Ciao!"

[Peaches]

It was the spice festival! I was able to wear my brightest and most colourful clothes. Bjorn...not so much. He wore a jumper with an elephant on, and that was as vibrant as his clothes got! He always preferred to be comfortable in his clothes. Also, this was the perfect event to lift my spirits, as it definitely put a smile on my face.

One thing which did catch my eye was the free samples table! There were various different dishes such as sweet and sour pork.

Safe to say. I was in heaven.

Bjorn: "I thought I'd find you here again. Stay away from the raw fish!"

Audrey: "Stop worrying, I won't eat any. This other stuff is much more tasty."
Bjorn: "Well, enjoy! I'm not too fond of these wacky foods."

Audrey: "You'll get used to it. Especially when I'll be learning the recipes and be cooking them more often!"
Bjorn: "Well I may have to start getting used to being hungry!"
Audrey: "Don't be ridiculous you goof, you love whatever I cook."
Bjorn: "I do! You know my palette isn't as experienced as yours!

Audrey: "I'm not scared of trying new things!"
Bjorn: "I'm not scared either!"
Audrey: "Will you try the curry challenge with me?"
Bjorn: "Go on then. I've already bought the t-shirt so I'm obliged to!"

Bjorn hesitantly went towards the curry table.
Bjorn: "I'll be fine. I'll be fine. I'll be fine."
I swore I could see him shaking. He's still recovering from the spice from the pho I made the other night with Hannah!

Bjorn: "Is the curry giving you a stomach ache?"
Audrey: "No, I've not touched it yet. The baby is giving me slight growing pains I think."

We rounded off the evening with watching some live music. It was all very relaxing, and Bjorn was helping me become more excited about this baby. I guess...when thinking about it...I did love him. Very much.

[Peaches]

Apologies for the lack of posting the past few days, Pokemon Sun has come out for us in the UK on Wednesday so that's literally all I've been doing in my spare time! I will get back on this asap

[Nindigo]

@Peaches

You're just an awesome writer...I get totally sucked in Audrey and her family are so well defined. I have a soft spot for Bjorn as well, and I'm excited about your take on him. My own is somewhat different, but his situation in my games are often quite different (he's still a good sort, though), so it's all good.

Thanks for sharing your story - looking forward to more pages of your "book"

[Peaches]

@Peaches

You're just an awesome writer...I get totally sucked in Audrey and her family are so well defined. I have a soft spot for Bjorn as well, and I'm excited about your take on him. My own is somewhat different, but his situation in my games are often quite different (he's still a good sort, though), so it's all good.

Thanks for sharing your story - looking forward to more pages of your "book"

Thank you SO much, I'm so glad you like my little story I do apologise for not posting anything yet this month, as I've been *cough* playing pokemon/working etc
The reader's enjoyment of the story motivates me to continue writing, and as a writer, your words of praise mean so much!
Again, thank you  xx