Author’s Note: Prior to writing this chapter, I created a new save file because my game was so bulky. You may notice some differences here and there, mainly with the sims because everyone got a makeover. I’m sorry if this throws you off at all, but it needed to happen so I could trim down on the amount of custom content I use. Thank you for understanding.
Excerpts from the personal diary of Ellie Duberry Sprague
“$161,340
Single-family home
2 beds, 1 bath
Built in 1923
1,040 sq. ft.
Cozy living at its best and turn-key ready, this is a well-maintained home with longtime owner. Good sized living room and dining room, open floorplan. Original woodwork and hardwood parquet flooring throughout. Two nice sized bedrooms with large closets. Kitchen has all appliances and lots of lower cabinets for storage. Original tile bathroom with nice vanity. An extra room with a separate entrance in the back could be used as a tool room or hobby area. Attached 2-stall garage with laundry space. Hurry, this one won’t sit for long!”
As I drank my orange juice, I put the newspaper down on the table next to me. The ad was right about one thing, this little house would be snapped up within days and may already have offers pending. In Fortress Rock, real estate moved quickly, so if you didn’t pounce immediately, you would miss out. It wasn’t very close to the Capitol which was a drawback since I worked at the Off-White House with Rosetta.
If I wanted a new start, though, I would have to take what I could get even if it meant moving across the bridge to the Colony Hill neighborhood. If I moved here, I would also have to buy a car. Holden and I didn’t have any savings to speak of so you can imagine my surprise when Rosetta handed me the check for his half of the brownstone. I had no idea it was worth that much but I should have guessed since it was situated in the Historic District and was a short train ride to the Capitol.
Resting my hand on my swollen belly, I murmured more for myself than the unborn child, “We’ll be fine. I’ll make sure of it.”
This was something I could turn into a positive and, I needed a positive in my life right now more than ever. Staring down at my plate of toast, my stomach turned. Holding everything together hadn’t been easy in the least. I thought I was all cried out yet whenever I thought about how long it had been since I felt Holden’s strong arms around me, tears automatically sprang to my eyes.
Oh, Holden…
I could still remember that day in the hospital, every detail as if it was happening now. The waiting room was blindingly white, the intrusive smell of antiseptic and urine in the air, the faint noise from the television playing some kind of western. A man and woman were seated on one of the sofas, the woman wretching and vomiting into a plastic basin as the man complained loudly about how long they’d been left to wait.
As my stomach flip-flopped, I focused on what I remembered since Rosetta and the paramedics had shown up at the cottage.
I had ridden with Holden in the ambulance from the Christmas Cottage, Rosetta followed us in her car. During the treacherous ride across icy roads, I did as the paramedics said, staying out of the way, staring at him as he barely clung to life, my fingers and hands sticky with his blood. They poked him with needles in order to give him intravenous fluids, put some kind of oxygen mask over his nose and mouth, and examined the wounds to his head. I heard one of them say something about medications to reduce brain swelling and then my mind drifted elsewhere.
Memories of Holden courting and wooing me, our wedding, happy days on our honeymoon as we took long walks and built a snowman. These were the thoughts floating through my numbed brain. Had that really only been a day ago that we were still enjoying ourselves without a care?
After we arrived at the emergency department, Holden was whisked away on his gurney before I could even kiss him or tell him I was still here. I watched for as long as I could as the paramedics and medical staff, running alongside the stretcher, shouted at each other about what had been done. I didn’t understand any of it.
And then, they were gone. Two large metal doors closed behind them and it was clear I could not follow any further. I don’t know how long I stood there like that in the silent hallway before I realized Rosetta’s hands were on my shoulders and she was guiding me to the waiting room. She was talking to me, I could hear her voice, but I couldn’t understand anything she was saying.
A while later, a nurse came to us to let us know Holden had been rushed straight to surgery because of the brain swelling. Rosetta fired question after question at her but she didn’t have many answers. He was in critical condition, and no, she didn’t know how long the operation would take, she didn’t know when we’d be able to see him, she didn’t know what his prognosis was. Instead of answers, she encouraged us to go to a hotel so we could get cleaned up and then to come back.
I didn’t want to leave and I don’t think Rosetta really wanted to either but she reasoned we couldn’t sit around like that all night. If she was looking to me to make any decisions, she had looked in the wrong place. I was only partly aware that she was escorting me toward the exit the same way she had brought me to the waiting room.
As we went outside, the chill in the air seemed to revive me a little and I was able to walk to the car with her. She agreed with me that we wouldn’t take long. And so, after we were showered and dressed, we returned. All we knew then was, he was still in surgery.
“You’re here!” Rosetta exclaimed, running into her parents’ arms as they joined us. “He’s in surgery but other than that, we do not know anything.”
Marty wiped her eyes with a ragged looking tissue she was carrying in her fist and nodded. “Oh, Ellie, are you and the baby all right?”
The tenderness in her voice reminded me of Holden so much that I began to cry.
Immediately, Marty hugged me, rubbing my back just as my own mother would have if she were here. “Oh, darling, you poor thing.”
Xalen stood by quietly, his eyes darting toward the door from time to time and I supposed it was the surgeon he was anxiously looking for.
As Marty and Xalen listened, Rosetta told them everything she knew about the events that had placed us here.
“Do you have any idea who would do this?” Xalen asked me point blank.
I shook my head. “I can’t imagine anyone we know doing this. Everyone loves Holden.”
Rosetta’s eyes narrowed. “Not everyone.”
“What are you thinking?” Marty asked her.
“This was no accident. Whoever is responsible for this is going to pay dearly. I know people.”
“Goodness sakes, Rosetta!” Marty gasped.
“Let’s not think of that now,” Xalen said. “I am sure the police will be questioning everyone soon. Right now, let’s focus on Holden.”
As I gazed at Rosetta, I could still see that determination in her and I knew whoever shot Holden would never escape from her. At the moment, however, I felt too shocked and numb to think of vengeance. My thoughts were solely on what my husband was going through in the operating room.
“You’re white as a sheet,” Marty murmured, standing next to me once more, her arm slung comfortingly around my shoulder. “I think it’s best if you sit down.”
Stubbornly, I shook my head. “I can’t just sit there, I’m too fidgety.”
Xalen squeezed my hand gently in his and then let go. “It is all right, we understand.”
“Excuse me,” came a friendly male voice. “Are you the Sprague family? I’m Doctor Bob Kline. I’m the neurosurgeon who performed the surgery.”
Xalen firmly shook his hand and introduced the rest of us. As a wave of nausea hit me, I was happy to allow him to take over.
“What is happening with my son?”
Dr. Kline, nodded slightly as he gazed directly into Xalen’s eyes. “He survived the operation but is still in critical condition. He is in recovery at the moment and will be taken to the Intensive Care Unit right after.”
“Can we see him?” Rosetta asked.
“We have very strict rules in the ICU. You may see him, one at a time, immediate family only. It will be another half hour or more before he is there and situated, though, so let me fill you in while you wait.” He paused, looking at each of us, I presume to see that we understood. “We had to do a craniectomy which means that his brain was swelling badly. In order to relieve the intracranial pressure, we had to remove a piece of the skull. The swelling is usually the worst about three days after the trauma occurs so a second surgery will have to be performed in order for the piece of skull to be replaced.”
“Is he going to live?” Marty asked in a gasped whisper.
Dr. Kline regarded her solemnly. “It’s too soon to tell, I’m sorry. I wish I had better news. If he does survive, there is also no way to tell at the moment what kind of damage we’re dealing with.”
“What do you mean?” I asked as tears once again formed in my eyes.
“There are risks involved in this type of surgery such as the possibility of infection, bleeding, blood clots, seizures… well, the list goes on. I’m not telling you this to squash your hope, but rather so that you know what we may be in for. His injury is very serious and so is this surgery, I’m afraid.”
Rosetta lifted her chin defiantly even though there were tears in her eyes. “My brother will get through this and recover.”
I put my hand over my mouth as if that would staunch the steady flow of tears now trailing down my cheeks. “If… if he makes it, will he be able to dance?”
It may have seemed an odd question to the doctor but I knew if Holden couldn’t dance, it might be enough to drag him down enough to hinder his recovery.
“Again, it’s too soon to tell what the specific damage is. The bullet traveled through his right frontal lobe which controls motor function, problem-solving, memory, language, judgment, impulse control, and some behaviors. All of these or none may be affected. I know everything I told you is the opposite of what you wanted to hear, and for that, I’m sorry. Due to the dire condition he is in, I feel I must be completely honest with you. We are far from being out of the woods just yet but his condition will be monitored very closely, I assure you.”
It seemed like ages before I was allowed to see Holden when really, the doctor was right about it being about thirty or forty minutes.
I was led to the ICU where I was told each nurse was responsible for one to two patients each due to the complicated natures of their injuries or illnesses. When I entered the room, the nurse sitting at the desk gave me a little wave.
“Hi, I’m Ron, Holden’s nurse.”
“I’m his wife, Ellie.”
“Nice to meet you. You might want to bring a sweater next time since we keep it a bit cooler in here. But, go on in and if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask.”
“Thank you,” I mumbled as I stepped inside Holden’s part of the room.
Ron was right, I was shivering already as I stepped over to where Holden was lying in bed. It took all my effort not to focus on the IV’s and other machines in the room. With a shaking hand, I gripped the bedrail, still in disbelief my husband was so near death and may not survive.
“Holden?” When I said his name, my voice cracked and my eyes glistened with tears.
He didn’t stir at all even though I had the notion he would open his eyes, sit up and ask where he was like they do in the movies. As the tears continued to roll freely now down my cheeks to drip off my chin, I leaned over him, resting one of my palms against his chin. I knew if he were awake, he’d want a shower and a shave immediately. He never let stubble sit on his face like that.
Forcing my eyes upward, I saw the ugly, Frankenstein-ish staples that were holding the incision closed. And all that beautiful hair… gone. Turning away briefly, I thought I might vomit. Panting a little bit and trying to regain control, I swallowed hard and willed my stomach to settle down. From the speaker, I heard Ron speaking to me from the other room.
“Are you all right, Ellie?”
I nodded and waved to indicate I didn’t want assistance. Moving back toward the bed, I gave myself a mental talking to.
This will never do, I told myself. Holden needs you right now more than ever and you are not going to be some kind of fainting flake that can’t handle it. You’re his wife! The mother of his child! Buck up and be a woman!
Be strong, I repeated over again in my head.
I knew no matter what, Holden would be there for me. This was not going to break me. I would hold it together and show Holden how much I love him by being strong for him.
Slowly, as I began to calm down, I realized Ron was watching me, a doubtful expression on his face. He probably wondered what kind of mess he might have on his hands if I collapsed. Well, if I had my way, he wasn’t going to find out!
Leaning over Holden again, I forced myself to get used to the ugly incision. What if he woke up and saw me flinch every time I looked at him? That would be ghastly. The longer I gazed at it, the less frightening it seemed. I could do this.
Leaning over him further even though the bedrail felt like it was cutting me in half, I kissed his forehead, my lips lingering against his cold skin.
“Holden,” I whispered near his face, “I’m here and I love you so much. Please don’t leave me. Please…”
Holden spent five days in the ICU, then, he was moved to a private room which allowed the entire family and our friends to visit. While he showed a lot of improvement that gave us all hope, he was also demonstrating a lot of muscle weakness and lack of coordination, especially in his legs. This made him irritable as he was determined to get out of bed and back on his feet.
Dr. Kline had the annoying habit of repeatedly saying, “One step at a time.” That first step, he told Holden was standing on his own two feet again. In order to do that, he would need a lot of physical therapy. Holden didn’t accept this but continued to talk about how he would surprise that stupid doctor.
The other thing we all noticed was some memory loss. It wasn’t as if he didn’t remember who he was or who we were. What he couldn’t recall was the past year or so of his life. He was delighted when I told him that, yes, we had gotten married but he was frustrated about having to be told that instead of realizing it himself. Dr. Kline explained that gradually, his memory may return but again, it would take time.
Holden acted as if time was something he didn’t have. It was difficult for him to talk to me about his concerns so, from what I’ve gathered here and there, I think he’s worried about the baby arriving because he won’t be working yet. And if he isn’t working, he doesn’t feel like he’ll be a good stay at home dad because he’s unable to walk.
It didn’t help that his parents always gave him these pitiful looks either.
Marty and Xalen meant well and, of course, they love their son. So, it was very difficult when I had to have the talk with them. I was afraid, though, that if I didn’t speak to them, Holden would and he hadn’t been the most patient or even kind person lately.
Luckily, his parents didn’t take offense with our conversation. They tried very hard to understand what their son needed and, after a few weeks, they returned to their work with The Inheritance with the promise I would let them know immediately if he needed anything.
Dear Diary, today I had a long discussion with Holden. He is in his third month of rehab where they are working intensely with him. He has had to relearn so much. His coordination is showing some slight improvement but he still doesn’t have the strength needed in his legs to walk. He’s due to come home very soon where he will continue with a physical therapist.
I’m so happy he’s going to be home, yet I’m burdened with the task of finding somewhere to live that is one story. Even though he didn’t complain too much about it, I could see the disappointment in his eyes. Everything had changed and he had no control at all over any of it. It was up to me to find a house and to arrange things with Rosetta so we could afford it. Most of all, he was sad, I think because he was still in a wheelchair.
She was able to get the money to us fairly quickly. In turn, I was able to get a realtor, tour the house in the ad and make an offer. Rosetta was with me throughout the buying process and even went to the closing with me.
I present to you now, our new house.
Before coming home from rehab, I showed Holden pictures of the house and he seemed to like it. He never came right out and said that but I could see in his eyes that at least he wasn’t finding fault with it.
There was plenty of room for him to use the wheelchair inside although outside might be a bit difficult as the terrain was kind of rough.
Holden’s irritability came and went and I chalked it up to frustration. In PT, he learned how to get on and off the wheelchair, into bed or out and so forth. He told me the last thing he wanted was for me to have to lift him at all.
During those long months when he was busy in rehab, I was setting up PT appointments for him for when he was released and furnishing our home. I got a lot of things resale and refinished the items or painted them. In the end, I was very happy with the results. And, it felt like home.
It was the day before Holden was to be released to come home and I was beside myself to make sure everything was ready for him. I was both excited and fearful. What if he hated the house once he was settled in? This worried me the most because he’d had no input in the selection at all.
Holding my stomach, I groaned. I hadn’t been feeling especially well all the night before and this morning, I didn’t think the toast was going to go down and stay down. Carefully, I pushed it away. Soon after this failed breakfast, I felt the first labor pains…
It wasn’t until my tiny daughter was in my arms that I realized the responsibility and overwhelming love one could hold in their heart. She was the most precious, darling little thing and the delivery had gone without a hitch. I was a little frightened and alone at first because Rosetta had gone to pick up Holden a day early so he could be with me.
I’m not sure how long I’d been laboring before he got there. All that really mattered to me was that he was. He sat in his wheelchair next to me, holding my hand and encouraging me when he could. He winced at my pain and stroked my arm.
When Beatrice was born, tears streamed down his face and for the first time since the shooting, he said he was glad he was alive and well enough to be there in that moment.
It was a memory we’d hold onto for the rest of our lives.
The hospital only kept me and Beatrice for twenty-four hours. Can you believe that?
Anyway, it was so much fun to dress her in cute clothes and snuggle with her. Our family and friends visited in a steady stream and provided a lot of help.
The most endearing member of the family was Rosetta. Sure, I can see where people think she might be cold or self-absorbed. But to me, she is gold.
Author’s Note: Well, it looks like Holden is going to pull through but only time will tell what kind of life he can expect to have.
I wanted to point out a few things medically… first of all, they wouldn’t have shaved his entire head but only the part where the actual incision was. I couldn’t find any hairs that helped me show this. lol Also, after brain surgery, they are probably going to have him sitting up in bed to also help with the swelling, but yeah, I did what I could. The bed wasn’t working right and I also wanted him to be under a blanket, so I OMSP’d the heck out of all of that. If there are any other medical flaws, I apologize. 😀 😛
As always, thank you for reading, liking, lurking, and commenting,
Life isn’t going to be easy for Holden yet again. As soon as he finds something good happening, something comes along to wreck it. This is going to be the hardest and worst thing he’s ever been through and I hope he can find his way back. He has a great support system, so that definitely helps.
I really like their new house. I think it will suit them well.
It was nice to see Rose said it in a different light. She comes across as brash, cold, and selfish, but she really comes through when she is needed. Of course, when we find out who actually shot Holden, there is going to be hell to pay. She is not going to let them get away with it, and I definitely wouldn’t want to be one to mess with her.
Holden’s life never seems to be a flower garden, unfortunately. Hopefully, he can find his way back. It helps he has a great family.
I. LOVE. THIS. HOUSE. Also on my list of fave builds. 😀
You’re right about hell to pay. And, Rosetta is just the one to make it happen. Heaven help the soul on her bad side.
I forgot if you posted a link to their house. It’s such a pretty, cozy place to live. 🙂
Yes, it’s on my CC credits page, but here it is: Red Oak Lane
. There is also a 2-story edition here: Red Oak Lane a 2-story lot. 😀 😀
This was one of my all-time favorite builds. It was so sweet and cozy, yet still easy to get pics in.
As horrible as this change is for Holden, I’m very interested in his recovery. As someone so independent and so used to physical work I wonder how he’s going to cope. I think he’ll be alright in the long run – he is rather no nonsense after all – but I can already imagine his frustration!
I love that Ellie told herself to woman up! You can do it, us girls are strong as hell 😀
Have we seen Rosetta interact with children before? I can’t remember if she spent much time with Julie’s child, and I have to say, it kind of surprised me that she’s making that gooey face at the baby!
Thank you so much, 🙂 I’m glad you’re interested in his recovery. I agree that he’ll probably adjust and be all right in the long run, but in the meantime, frustration is the key word.
Girls are strong as hell, as you said! 😀 Go, Ellie!
I can’t remember seeing Rosetta interacting with children although Paisley lived with them for a time. She probably doesn’t realize she’s making gooey faces at the baby and would deny it if you said so. lol
My dear.
Rosetta finds a best friend on Ellie and I am glad the whole family stays gathered for Holden, for Ellie and for the born of Béatrice. Despite their work at the Inheritance and the busy time soon to catch the murderer . Rosetta is determined and seems to have an idea of who shot on him. Probably she’ll ask the assistance of Chris the policeman.
Thank you so much 🙂 I really love the relationship Ellie and Rosetta have. I think they both could have used a sister growing up. I was thinking at first that Rosetta would turn to Chris, but then, he would not have agreed to go to the extremes she is willing to go to.
If I were Rosetta, I would want those jerks to pay, too. Whoever shot Holden needs to realize why that was a very stupid decision on their part.
On the bright side, he’s alive. And he doesn’t seem to need extensive life support. Already a win.
He was very lucky considering the injury he had. It definitely could have been much worse. Rosetta is on this! The shooter should be very afraid. lol
OH MY GOSH I missed this one .. 🙁 will be a long road for Holden but happy dances with the (SINGLE) birth of Beatrice!
Thank you so much, Lisa. I’m sorry I’m responding so late but there is some crazy stuff happening here at home.
I’m so glad you saw this. 😀 Believe me, I happydanced, too, regarding the single birth! haha
Ha ha had my fingers crossed for you
Thanks! I need that. 😛 😀
LOL .. I was worried you would get triplets
Oh my goodness, that would have been frightening! LOLOL
Yay Holden pulled through! But the recovery will be tough. I hope he learns to walk again.
I love that Rosetta supported Ellie through this and helped her get the new house all settled. I think this experience must have changed Rosetta, too. Or maybe she’s just never been given an opportunity to show this side of herself.
I love how the house is decorated, it looks great!
Thank you, Heather 🙂 I hope he learns to walk again, too.
Rosetta really held them all together, I think, and helped Ellie a lot. Perhaps this experience did change Rosetta but I think it’s a combination because I also believe she’s never had this opportunity before.
I’m so glad you like the house! As soon as I saw it, I knew it was the one! 😀
Poor Holden..! He’s alive, but at what cost? I really hope he’ll get better… If I were Rosetta, I’d make sure I’d find whoever did it and make them pay (which I hope she does… “I know people” – lmaoo, you show them girl!!)! And I loved her expression with the baby! <3 She’s such a sap deep down, hehe! XD I love her!
And welcome to the world baby Bea (I love her name btw)! <3
Great chapter! <3
Thank you so much. 🙂 Oh, believe me, Rosetta is on this! lol There will be a bonus post on Wednesday all about her and what she’s doing. LOL @ her expression with the baby. You’re so right about how she is a sap deep down! haha
I’m so glad you like Bea’s name. I can’t wait to see her grow up. 😀
Oh really?! I can’t wait to read what she’s up to! 😀
Oh, my goodness, I can’t wait until you see! lol 😀
Oh. My. Goddess! Bloody Hell, Kymber! My heart almost stopped when Rosetta gave Ellie money for Holden’s half of the house! I thought for sure he had died!
So glad I was wrong though! He’s in for a very long road to recovery, but, with his wife and child near, and the rest of his family also supporting him, I’m sure he’ll be fine. Not dancing fine, but, “I’m alive and with the people I love” fine…
I hope you share the shooter with those of us who still play TS3 (not me, I moved over to TS4) Because I’m pretty sure there are many who would love to torture that person in their own games! I would probably have used the detonation ability from the Inventing skill 😁 fill a room with flammable items, have the perp set the charge, remove the door, et voila! One order of crispy murderer wannabe! Revive him(or her) and move on to the next. Maybe a good old removal of the pool ladder and walls built around it for good measure! Or even the old chestnut of placing the Sim in a room and starving them… How can I kill thee? Let me count the ways… 😂
Anyhoo, long story short: great chapter. I’m stoked that Holden is alive. Welcome to the family Bea! And I love their new house!
Thank you so much, Mags! 🙂 LOL! I knew with the way I started the chapter, you would think he died. :O
You’re right about the long recovery and how Ellie and Bea will factor in. As well as the rest of the family.
Oh, your veangeful ideas are magnificent! LOL I would love to share him or her with the TS3 players! haha I might need to borrow some ideas sometime. 😛 LOL
Thank you again! It means a lot!
I’ve actually done the fire one before… In my 1st Legacy. The Gen 4 kids were triplets (I really want to say quads but it’s been so long that I don’t know whether my brain is being faulty – especially since I can only remember Destiny [the Heir] and Faith [for reasons you’ll learn now] and I know for definite there was a 3rd sister, it’s the possible 4th that’s stumping me), and on their YA birthday, Faith kinda killed herself. She blew the candles and her butt set alight. I directed her to the nearest shower but she thought it would make more sense to walk into the house, put her piece of cake on the kitchen counter and THEN only walk to the shower. She literally turned to ash in front of it. I got such a shock that I exited without saving. When I realised and got back into the game to do their birthday again, she didn’t repeat it (it was such a rare thing in my games anyway). I was going to let her live and just not pick her as heir since I hadn’t chosen Destiny at this point. Truth be told Faith was my actual heir choice before the fire. But, I decided that wasn’t exactly in the nature of a Legacy since you’re supposed to go with whatever the game gives you. I decided to kill her and how better than death by fire/explosion since that was the original death. So yeah… The inventing skill is pretty handy lol
Oh my goodness! I’ve never had a sim die from blowing their candles out! LOL I have had them die from the inventing skill, though! haha I love learning about what you’ve played in the past. So much fun.
Oh this was such a good chapter, Kymber! I felt really bad for Ellie, but I also like her even more because she’s such a champ. She just completely pulled through. Of course that’s also because of Rosetta, who’s just a total hero 🙂 I’m glad Holden pulled through, though it looked really dire there. If it wasn’t for Rosetta, he definitely wouldn’t have made it, I think. Hopefully, he’ll come to live a life that makes him happy, even if he won’t be dancing – I do fear that he won’t. But with Ellie and little Beatrice, I think he will find something to live for, definitely 🙂
This was wonderful, as always <3
Thank you so much, Louise. 🙂 I’m really glad you like Ellie even more now that you’ve seen what makes her tick. Rosetta the hero! I think she’d like hearing herself called that but she would probably be very matter of fact about her involvemet here. lol
You’re right, that if Rosetta hadn’t gone to them, Holden would have died. I’m sure of it.
The fear is real about whether he’ll be able to dance again or not. Hopefully, as you said, he will find happiness regardless and do something that will be fulfilling.
At least Holden is alive and able to communicate. He’s lucky to have such a supportive and helpful family, and such a strong wife to keep their family together. Ellie is doing her best! And I agree with Rosetta… Whoever shot Holden better pay for this.
Thank you so much, Raymond. 🙂 This is true, he could be a lot worse off right now. I think Ellie and Bea might be what helps him overcome some of the challenges he’s facing. Rosetta will definitely be on the trail of the shooter!
Oh my, is it strange for me to say this is a beautiful chapter? The emotions are written so clearly and strongly, I can just feel Ellie’s despair and worry through the page. I am very glad that Holden has pulled through, but it is truly heartbreaking to see his lively spirit snatched away. I really hope he can dance again but I fear not…
This must be such an enormous struggle for Ellie, on top of being pregnant (I hope Holden recovers enough to be the loving father he set out to be) but I am proud of her. She is so strong, as well as Rosetta. I like how her family side was shown in this chapter — that’s what I love about her, that she is fiercely protective plus ambitious, it’s just she can be so insensitive and mean sometimes. So it was great seeing this side of her. I hope she can smack down whoever shot Holden!
Excellent chapter <3
Thank you so much, Lila. 🙂 I don’t find that strange but that’s because you saying that put me on cloud 9! lol I really enjoyed writing Ellie; her personality seems so clear to me.
As for Holden, hopefully, that lively spirit will find its way back. If he can’t dance again, maybe he will find something else that satisfies him, although it will be hard.
I’m glad you’re proud of Ellie. Rosetta does have this side to her that cares deeply for her family, especially Holden. She can be mean at times, but when the time comes, this side stands out. I think maybe Ellie saw that in her all along.
There will be a bonus post on Wednesday dealing with Rosetta and her quest to find the shooter. Expect a smackdown in the near future even if it doesn’t come in this bonus post.
You had me very very very worried there for a moment. I was so worried for Holden as well as for the baby. I know from personal experience that Holden has a very long and tough road to recovery. But with such a strong support system, he will make it back.
I do have to say how very happy I am that this chapter showed Rosetta in a different light. I have a sister who is very much like Rosetta. I am not diagnosing Rosetta with anything, but my cousin is on a Autism spectrum. She doesn’t always say the right things, but always at the wrong times. And I can see how many characters in your story can Find Rosetta as rude, mean, or selfish. But in fact, Rosetta (as well as my cousin) is kind, loving and the most selfless person I know. I have been a huge fan of Rosetta since day 1, and I am so happy that this chapter shows her in a newer softer light!! <3 <3 <3
Thank you so much, Stephanie. 🙂 I can see why you were worried. You are so right about what a long road Holden has in front of him. Like you said last chapter, he’ll be rehabbing hard. I also think you’re right that he can come back from this because he also has a strong family to support him.
I’m glad you liked how Rosetta was portrayed. (I love hearing about your cousin, btw. <3 ) I’m so glad you’ve been a fan of hers and I think you understand who she is deep down. On Wednesday, there is going to be a bonus post which is focused on her and her quest to find the shooter. Parts may be a bit shocking as she is willing to go to extreme lengths for vengeance, but deep down, she keeps her twin first.
I can’t wait. As I have no doubt that Rosetta will stop at nothing to find the killer and make them pay!!!
I can’t wait, too. And, you are definitely right about that! Wait until you see. lol
Gosh I love this ! Such strong women , and love really fuels that strength , doesn’t it ? Plus, I feel curious about what will come of Holden’s sense of self. Sometimes , when all that we believe ourselves and feel ourselves to be is stripped away , we discover the truth of our spiritual being . I wonder if something like that is in store for Holden . ..
Thank you so much, CT 🙂 I love portraying strong women and, yes, I believe it’s fueled by love, for sure. I find what you said to be very interesting and I am curious, too, to see what truth Holden arrives at.
I am so glad he survived. 😊. I really hope he’s able to overcome and be a loving husband to Ellie again. I know he’s trying but depression could take hold very quickly. Maybe the new baby will indeed give him the strength to overcome all of the obstacles still facing him and he will learn to walk again. Dance seems like a no. But maybe he can still help with choreography or something.
Thank you so much, Audrey 🙂 You’re so right about how easily depression could get the best of Holden. Hopefully, it won’t take too hard a strain on their marriage either. I do think you’re right about having a new baby and how that could help him overcome the obstacles ahead. I think perhaps if he can’t dance again, he might be able to find something else that satisfies him such as choreography or teaching.
With Ellie’s help I think he will overcome. ❤️
Thank you, I think you’re right 🙂 <3
What a chapter! I love the house, by the way. =D I certainly hope Holden can find another passion to replace dancing. I doubt he will ever be able to reach his former expertise, but he could be a great dance teacher!? I was really pleased to see Rosetta coming to the rescue, and delighted that Ellie truly likes her. If anyone can find the shooter, I would put my money on Rosetta, and God help him/her when she does!! (I still think it could be Ellie’s ex boyfriend) Can’t wait to see what Bea looks like as she grows up, and what her personality will be. Lots to look forward to!! ♥
Thank you, Marj. 🙂 I’m so glad you like the house. As soon as I saw it, I knew it had to be theirs.
I think dance teacher or choreographer is a viable option, but we’ll see if that’s a go, soon.
Rosetta, I think, really showed what she’s made of here. And I think it’s something Ellie may have seen all along in her.
You better believe Rosetta can figure out who the shooter is and why they did it. You’re right that they should be hiding right now because they have no idea who they’ve crossed!
I can’t wait to see Bea grow up, too, and to see her personality. I’m looking forward to that, too.
Giiiiirl, I was totally drafting up your probation paperwork at the beginning of the story! LOL You had me going, and I was like no she didn’t! NO SHE DIDN’T!! 😂 Maybe I should implement a warning system with you lol. Three warnings equal an automatic probation? 😁 Anyway, excellent job!! I’m sitting at the car wash place hoping I wouldn’t have to cry lol. I’m glad Holden is alive, and I’m looking forward to seeing my theories come true!
Ooooohhhhh nooooooo, not probation! LOL Anything but that! 😀 I hear a warning system coming on. haha
I’m glad you liked the chapter and that you didn’t have to cry at the car wash! LOL
I can’t wait to see if your theories come true!
Ellie is so enterprising, painting and fixing things up herself? Good for her! Do we have any news or leads on the perp? I want to know who and why this happened! Congrats on the baby Bea and moving right along. At first with her leading in with her journal, you were going to tell us Holden didn’t make it. It will be interesting to see the nature of the “beast” evolves as he recovers and finds his recovery level. In his business, however, being away for any length of time at all can change the whole dynamic of his viability, but that’s show biz and probably more so in this art.
Where are you taking us?
Thank you so much, Jolie. 🙂 I patterned Ellie furnishing the house much like I myself would. lol
News on the perp will come on Wednesday in a bonus post with Rosetta. 😀 She is hot on the trail! When she said she “knows people,” we’ll see what that means. :O
I figured the way I wrote the beginning, you might figure he died. I think you’re definitely right that in his business, being away from it for any amount of time is not good. I think he’ll focus on wanting to dance again but we’ll see how that goes for him.
I’m taking us on a path my characters haven’t see before. LOL 😀
I can hardly wait.
Thank you. Me, too. 😀
Why would WP pop up an error at me? Now, do I really have to write it all for the second time? Ugh.
What beautiful descriptions of what Ellie was going through. I love how you incorporate your medical knowledge into the writing. It feels realistic. And I almost felt like we were back to Jilly/ Leo accident.
By the way, I think Rosetta and Marty look wonderful with this eyeliner.
I do hope that the worst is already behind Holden and that he’ll only get better from now on!
And how weird does it feel to have one child at a time? I think it helped that Ellie is Bee’s Sim and you didn’t make her. 😛
Thank you, Jowita 🙂 WP kills me sometimes. Thanks for rewriting it so I could see your wonderful thoughts on the matter.
I’m so glad you liked how this was written. I’m really happy it felt realistic. I felt like I was back with Leo and Jilly, too.
I’m glad the eyeliner works out. I thought it was nice, so I’m glad for the feedback on it.
I’m hoping the worst is behind Holden, too. He’ll have to figure his life out in a new way, so we’ll see how that goes.
Oh, my goodness! I was soooo happy Bea wasn’t a twin! lol
What a ride! For a while I was so worried that Holden wouldn’t make it. Then he did, but he couldn’t remember anyone… Then there was the baby, Beatrice, and now I believe everything’s going to be ok. The detail in this is incredible! Awesome chapter 🙂
Thank you 😀 I figured with the way I began the chapter, you might think he didn’t make it. Thank you so much for the lovely compliment. <3
“I know people” ….now why doesn’t that surprise me?
Sitting on the edge of my seat the whole time I read this, both times! I love the new house and I think it will suit them very well. Also good that they get to live alone now, especially since Bea has joined them and our story! I have some good ideas who shot him, but I’m keeping them to myself!
LOL! I reckon it shouldn’t surprise you too much that Rosetta knows people. 😛 We’re having a bonus post with her on Wednesday, and you’re going to find out just what she means by that. There’s a lot about Rosetta we don’t know.
I’m glad you love the house. Fredbrenny makes such good builds. As soon as I saw this one, it called to me. I, too, think it’s good that they have their own home now.
Hehe! I can’t wait to see who you think shot him. 😀