Utterly focused on her writing, Juliana practices her art and shares story drafts with Moira online. So far she's having great feedback, which boosts her confidence. Undaunted by the possibility of failure, Juliana begins her first book. Justice has a meeting with the new community gardener, Jody Champagne. 'Justice, listen, we in the neighborhood know your dedication to the garden and want you to return. We'll offer decent pay.' Justice shrugs, 'I really appreciate the offer, but you're doing fine, Jody. I'm enjoying working my own home garden, and I like being with Juliana. Best of luck finding someone though.' Jody doesn't like hearing 'no'. Justice arrives home just in time to see Juliana emerging victorious. 'Justice! I've done it! I've finished my first book. I'm mailing it to the publisher now.' Justice didn't try to hold back. 'We're...I mean you're...getting paid!! Way to go!' They snapped a selfie to commemorate the grand occasion. Then they snapped a few more, and sold them. More simoleons! 'I know, I made a yummy dinner from the garden. Let's celebrate,' Juliana and Justice smiled and chatted about how much money they've been saving, how great her writing is doing, and the lovely progress of the garden while they ate their salad. Having a bit of money in the bank is making life much easier. The celebrating didn't end there; Moira called and invited them both to the spice festival. They hurried over. The food is amazing compared to a simple salad! Juliana and Moira meet out front and hug. 'It's so good to see you!' 'You too! What should we do first?' Juliana surveys the area. 'I'd like to get some of the plants that are growing. I'm fairly sure these are ones I don't have yet.' 'Ooh! That's a good idea. I'm going to go grab some food. Meet me at the bench over there.' 'It's a plan!' Juliana harvested each plant, and couldn't wait to get home and start growing her own blackberries, dragon fruit, and grapes. Juliana tries to get Moira and Justice to enter the spicy food eating contest, but they're both too chicken. On Juliana's urging Justice takes a plate to the bench to sample the feisty food. It's surprisingly spicy! The flames burst from his mouth. Moira isn't into speed eating that hot food. 'Count me out! I already finished my plate.' It gives her indigestion. 'I still want to play basketball,' Juliana scoffs, 'Really? That's too bad! This contest is the main event of the festival after all.' Juliana smells her Pho, 'Does this smell funny to you, Moira?' Moira sniffs the food, 'It seems fine to me. Are you okay?' 'I don't know,' Juliana's tummy was doing somersaults. 'Maybe you should avoid that for now. If it smells bad, who knows, maybe it is.' 'Oh Moira, you worry too much. I'm fine.' Juliana pushes the food around on her plate. Maybe she'll only have a few tiny bites, or none. It really smells weird. 'I'm going to find someone to share the court with me. Should we head to the hoop?' Moira stands and starts towards the court. Justice turns to Moira, 'You go on ahead, we'll meet you over there.' Justice smiles at Juliana. 'Are you sure you're alright, hon? You don't look so good.' 'Well isn't that nice. Thanks a lot.' Juliana didn't understand why she was feeling so sensitive and cranky. 'Let's just go play.' Justice and Juliana played basketball with Moira until twilight set in. Moira walks off the court. 'Will you two do me one more favor?' Juliana smiles, 'Of course!' 'Will you come to my house for my birthday party tonight?' 'I had no idea it was your birthday today!' Justice grinned. 'You've been keeping that info close to your chest.' 'It's my 50th birthday, so it's a small affair. I wasn't sure I wanted anyone over aside from the family, but how could I celebrate without you two? Let's head over now.' Justice and Juliana stop at home to change clothes, and arrive at the Fyres home in no time flat. 'Thank you so much for having us,' Juliana hugs her dear friend. 'Aw, absolutely! The caterer is working on the birthday cake now, let's head inside!' Juliana follows Moira into the house but veers off to the kitchen; she loves the smell of cake baking. Morgan is there with Dominic, and the caterer has just finished baking the cake. Juliana excuses herself to use the bathroom; she still isn't feeling any better. Could it be the food from earlier? By the time she returns to the group the singing and celebrations are over, Moira's hair is gray, and everyone is watching a movie. With her tummy feeling unsettled, she can't tell if it's the spicy food or the birthday cake. She nudges Justice gently, 'Can we head home?' Justice and Juliana say their goodbyes. Juliana collapses into an uncomfortable sleep. The next morning, Juliana still isn't feeling any better. In the bathroom, she decides to take a pregnancy test. Could this be the cause of her symptoms? She doesn't dare get her hopes up. She reads the test and can't believe it. She happily whispers 'Holy cow!' under her breath. That confetti means one thing, a new baby! She finds Justice in their new bedroom. 'Justice, I have to talk to you.' 'What is it? Are you still feeling bad?' 'I feel happy, excited, overwhelmed...nauseous. We're going to have a baby!' Justice was momentarily stunned, 'I'm gonna be a dad.' He goes straight to the kitchen and starts cleaning the counters. 'Is there anything else I can do for you? Anything at all, you name it.' 'You're so sweet. I think for now I'm going to eat some scrambled eggs and rest, maybe I'll work on my book.' 'I'm so happy. A new baby. I can't stop thinking about how lucky we are after all that trying and waiting. I love you so much.' 'I love you too.' Please click 'Comments' to share your thoughts. Thank you!
4 Comments
Piazzagirl1015
3/4/2017 08:37:55 pm
I knew it the minute the food smelled funny to her! Congrats on the nooboo :)
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Amy
3/8/2017 01:03:43 pm
Exciting development!! :D Congratulations to them both. I'm always behind my with articles, so forgive the late comment.
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Bree
2/19/2022 09:26:27 am
Congrats on the new baby on board
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