Chapter 2: Triumph and TragedyThis second chapter has taken me a bit longer to prepare than the first. The second 2 weeks of this dynasty were significantly more eventful than the first, partly in ways that were out of my control.
Carmella decided that the easiest way to break the news to her family was to have a dinner party. She could invite a bunch of her new friends from San Myshuno and hopefully that would help take some of the scrutiny off of Zayn. Then once her father was in a good mood from all the food, she could pull him aside and break the news to him. She knew that starting with him was the way to go. She knew if she could get him on her side, the rest of the family would quickly follow. So Carmella put on a pretty new dress and called everyone up to invite them over. Zayn tried his best to make a good first impression in the living room while I cooked. Jade, Alice, and my father eventually came to join me and chatted while I cooked.
During dinner, everyone seemed to enjoy the food. However, I could tell my dad was tense and I was worried that he had caught on to the fact that Zayn was more than just a friend.
As everyone was finishing up, I decided now was the time. I asked my father to join me in the living room for a moment. At first I thought it might be going well, but then he noticed that Zayn was hovering near the doorway between the living room and the kitchen/dining area. He turned to him and said harshly, "This is between my daughter and I, your presence isn't required." Something sort of snapped inside me, I had been prepared to take whatever he had to dish out at me, but he wasn't going to treat Zayn badly in front of me, "No, Daddy, this involves him too. He is part of my life now and if you can't accept that, maybe it's best if you go." I wanted to take the words back as soon as they were out of my mouth. I wanted to stand up for my relationship with Zayn, but I didn't want to lose my father. But I didn't apologize, I knew that backing down was not an option. My father stalked into the other room to let the others know that they were leaving.
I sat in the living room, stunned. I couldn't believe that my father had actually left. I knew this was going to be difficult, but I never expected it to go this badly. I looked up when I heard Zayn walk back into the room. He could tell I needed space and had gone to clean up so I could have a moment alone. I smiled up at him, wanting him to know that while I was upset, I didn't regret choosing him. He returned the smile and then took my hand, pulling me off of the couch, "Carmella I know this might seem like a bad time, but after what you've done for me tonight, I can't wait any longer," Zayn said as he slid down onto one knee, "Would you please be my wife?" All of the negative emotions from earlier slid away as I looked down at his face and said, "I've never wanted anything more."
Shortly after that night, I got another surprise. We would have to wait a little longer than we planned to get married, because I wanted to look my best and not like a watermelon walking down the aisle. That's right, I'm pregnant. I told Zayn and thankfully he was thrilled.
The next day, I decided that I would spend my day off at the Spice Festival, since it was practically in my front yard.
Later that night, I got devastating news. My brother called to tell me that our father Vincenzo had passed away. I never imagined that the last time I saw him would actually be the last time I saw him. I felt guilty for my part in what happened, but I was also angry at him for not being more reasonable. I couldn't believe that we wouldn't have the chance to make amends.
After losing my father, I knew there was no way I could wait any longer before reaching out to my mother. When she came over I made it clear to her that my life choices were not up for debate, but I loved her and I wanted her to be a part of my life. I told her my big news and she was happy for me. We capped off the night with a nice dinner at Villa Bovine.
The next week was no less action-packed than the first. I went to Alice's birthday party.
Then it was time for my baby shower at Mama's house.
Very soon after, it was time for me to give birth. Zayn escorted me to the hospital and luckily everything went smoothly, even though he had a couple of freakouts along the way.
We welcomed Luca Amato into the world and he was perfect. It was love at first sight for Zayn when he met his little boy.
We decided that since we were now a family of 3, we had outgrown the tiny home I had first moved into and did a major renovation, inside and out. We couldn't quite afford to furnish everything, but we decided it was better to build bigger, furniture could always be added later.
And then tragedy struck again. It was Mama's time to go be with Daddy. It didn't surprise me. They were inseparable in life, why would death be any different? I decided to pay a visit to my brother, who had inherited the family home since he and his family had still been living there. I didn't mind, but I did make a request, I wanted to take their urns with me to San Myshuno. I knew it was a long shot, but I'd heard rumors of loved ones visiting and I hoped that maybe I would have one final chance to tell them how much I loved them. He agreed and I promised I would be in touch. Our parents may be gone, but that didn't mean we weren't still a family.
I decided that after all the loss I had suffered, I needed to add something to my life. I had always loved cats, but I hadn't been able to afford one before now. So I decided to adopt 2! A little black kitten named Splash and a Siamese kitten named Summer. Of course, I took tons of pictures of them for Simstagram.
It's shocking how fast the little ones grow up. Zayn wanted to be the one to age up Luca, so I agreed since I would probably be handling the next birthday. I am the cook in the family after all.
I finally got my wish. Mama and Daddy both came to visit me. I told them how much they meant to be and gave them one last hug before honoring their wishes. They knew they didn't belong here anymore, so I released their spirits after mourning one last time.
I spent the evening taking care of Luca, giving him a bath before reading him a bedtime story.
I looked at the calendar and realized that somehow the time had gotten away from me. How was it already time for me to become an adult? That couldn't be right. I may have a baby, but I certainly didn't
feel like an adult. But unfortunately, time doesn't listen to feelings. I knew it would happen whether I celebrated or not, so I decided I might as well enjoy the process. I threw a party and invited all my friends and the family I had left. I hired a caterer so I wouldn't have to bake my own cake and at the end of the night I blew out the candles.
The next day was the 4th of July and of course, we had to celebrate. We decorated the house in red, white, and blue, bought all kinds of outdoor stuff, and threw a weenie roast. We even brought little Luca out to enjoy the party in his own little pool. We invited everybody over and even in spite of a small fire, we all had a great time eating food, throwing water balloons and playing on the slip-n-slide. It was a great end to a bittersweet summer.
End of Chapter Stats:1. Unique Career (6/10): Writer
2. Unique Skill (10/10): Writing
3. Satisfaction Points (7,845/10,000)
4. Simoleans (10,000/10,000): Complete
5. Good Friends (0/10)
6. Odd Jobs/Freelance Gigs (10/10): Box Packing, Sand Sculpture, Moving Boxes, Needing Nom Noms, Looking for Gamer, TV Hookup Help, Hiking Buddy, Lawn Maintenance, Making Proof, Bonsai Artist Needed
7. Parties (4/10): Dinner Party, House Party, Birthday Party, Weenie Roast
8. Different Emotions Whims (3/10): Inspired - Buy an Easel, Confident - Tell Unbelievable Story, Sad - Call Someone on the Phone
9. Community Lots and Festivals for 2 Hours each (6/10): Geek Con, Stargazer's Lounge, 8 Bells, Salty Paws Saloon, Spice Festival, Villa Bovine
10. Collection Items (0/10)
