Good News and Bad News

I have good news and bad news. The bad news is that we didn't get to go on our honeymoon. The good news is that it's because the twins arrived early! Nickolas Louis and Aaliyah Leslie were born yesterday afternoon at 3:26! Babies and mom are all doing exceptionally well especially considering they were born early. The doctor says we can take them home tomorrow!

I've got a few friends helping me move Leslie's things into the house so I can make sure all her things are there for her and the babies so that she won't have to worry about a thing.

They are absolutely beautiful and I love them already! I told Leslie I would like to officially adopt them so that's something we're going to look into when things settle down again.

They Said Yes!

My offer on the house was accepted! Leslie and I are both thrilled! It's right next to a playground so it'll be a perfect place to raise children. Leslie and I especially love the spacious rooms and big wrap-around porch and a beautiful sitting area in the back where we can have barbecues and look out over the water.

Our wedding is tomorrow then we leave immediately after the reception for our honeymoon in Granite Falls so I probably won't be writing for a while.

Plus Another One

We just found out that Leslie's having twins! One boy and one girl. I'm ecstatic and petrified at the same time and I'm pretty sure Leslie's feeling the same way, but she handles it extremely well.

Our wedding is in exactly one week! That's only a month before the babies are due, but I feel confident that we can be prepared by then. I asked Leslie to move in with me, but she wants to wait until we're married so I've been preparing for that. Now that we know we have two babies on the way instead of just one, I've decided to buy a bigger house. We're going to need the extra space and we definitely want at least one more child in the future, so we may as well plan for that now also. I put an offer in on a nice four bedroom house here in Willow Creek and should know within the next couple days if it's been accepted.

She Said Yes!

Leslie is nearing the end of her pregnancy and big changes are just on the horizon. What better time to propose? I took her to our favorite spot at our favorite park and proposed under the moonlight. She never looked more beautiful and I'd be lying if I said I didn't shed a tear or two when she said yes. I just may be the happiest man alive!

Regrets

Life comes with many choices and as I've grown older, I've learned the hard way that life waits for no one. I drove to my parents' house today and after a long and tedious chain of events, I learned that they were both in a car accident and had passed away. All those phone calls I ignored from my aunt were her trying to tell me about the accident and their passing. I obviously can't make amends with my parents now and apologize to them for being so awful as a teen and young man and now I can't do the same with my aunt because she has passed recently as well.

I wish I had done many things differently and now I have to live with all these regrets. I'm more determined than ever to do my best and continue to progress in my life, but now instead of doing it because of my parents, I'll be doing it in honor of them.

Plus One

Leslie and I have been spending more time together. Sometimes we go out for coffee, dinner, and a movie, but usually, we go to the park for picnics and enjoy the fresh air. Today while at the park, I noticed she seemed a little unusual, she just didn't seem to be herself. Finally, she told me that we had to talk. My heart dropped, nothing good ever starts that way.

It was pretty big news, alright. She told me that she had just found out that she's pregnant. I was immediately disheartened, I won't lie. However, we hadn't discussed our relationship status yet and we never said we'd be exclusive so I have no reason to be hurt or angry. I can't help the feeling of pain still burning in my gut, though. 

She's feeling scared, unsure, and alone. I don't know who the father is and I don't know their situation. I don't feel it's my place to ask. All I know is that he isn't in the picture and has no desire to be. Meanwhile, I'll be here for her. I'm developing strong feelings for her and considering how I feel for her, how could I not care for her child as well? 

We talked long into the night and decided to make it official and not see other people. She's going to keep the baby and I'm going to be here for her for as long as she lets me.

Soup's On!

I've been working on my cooking skills and while I'm no sous chef, I have managed to make some fairly tasty dishes, if I do say so myself. I especially enjoy making soups so I think that's what I'll make for when I have my parents over for dinner. I've been trying to reach them, but neither of them are answering their phones. I'm going to keep trying and if I can't get through in the next couple days, I'll call make the drive and just show up at their door. Won't they be surprised!

I made a new friend today. Her name is Leslie Holland. I met her through a chat room, but she and I hit it off really well right from the start and have even met up for coffee a few times. She has a fun and wonderful sense of humor and always seems to have a smile. I'm enjoying spending time with her and getting to know her and I'm looking forward to seeing where things go with her.

I've gotten another promotion and everything is going very well with my career. I've been working hard and getting out to meet new people hoping to get my name out there more for when I start campaigning. I still have my eye set on the big goal of becoming president one day.

Home Sweet Home

My first two main goals have been met! I'm doing well in my career and have met a lot of people. More than one of my superiors has told me that I'm on the fast track and when I run for president I will have their votes! I've also purchased a new home! It's just a small two-bedroom and still in Willow Creek, but it's mine and I'm happy to have it!  

I thought about calling my parents today after I got the keys to the house, but I think I'll wait until I'm all moved in and then invite them for dinner. I suppose I had better learn to cook, too!

Move-In Day

It's Been A Long Time!

It's been a long time since my last journal entry. School has kept me much busier than I had expected. I'm done now though and officially a college graduate! My parents will be so proud! I thought of calling them when I was accepted, but I wanted to accomplish more first. Each time I accomplished something new I thought of calling them, but I wanted to do even more first. Part of me still holds a grudge, but I mostly understand now where they were coming from. They were just trying to teach me to better myself and to do better. Had I listened to them, my life would have been much easier. I suppose I just had to learn the hard way.

I graduated near the top of my class and learned a lot while I was in school. My diploma is now my most prized possession. I'm tempted to call my parents now, but I think I'll wait until I start my career and buy a house. I majored in politics and still plan to be president one day!

Graduation Day

It wouldn't be complete without a selfie with the mascot!

University Bound!

I did it! I've been accepted with a full scholarship to university! I even qualified for student housing! I'll admit to being more than a little nervous, but I'm excited too and happy to have an actual place to stay with a bed and running water! No more bathing in the creek or showering in the rain! I start next week! 

Making it on My Own

I've been living off the land and "borrowing" from my neighbor's gardens and cookouts in Willow Creek and surrounding neighborhoods, but I've been doing okay. Honestly, not great, but okay. I'm keeping myself fed and learning to garden and even managed to start a little garden of my own on an empty lot that seems to have been abandoned. By collecting items I've dug up and "found" in the area, as well as selling portions of my harvest at the farmers market, I was able to save up enough money to get a test and a few necessities. 

I won't lie, even though my parent could be a real pain sometimes, I do miss them. Maybe I'll call them after I get more settled. I want to be able to tell them that I'm doing well and show them that I'm able to do this on my own. I'm even considering applying for college. A friend told me that I should qualify for at least one scholarship that they offer. It couldn't hurt to look into it when I have time. Who knows, maybe I'll do really well and be mayor one day or even president!

I Don't Need Them!

My parents kicked me out of the family home right after my high school graduation. I don't even think they believed that I graduated on my own just because I didn't study. I never needed to though, it just seemed to come easy for me. I'd read something once and it'd stick in my brain like peanut butter sticks to the roof of your mouth. They seemed skeptical when I denied cheating my way through. That's okay though, I don't need them to believe me. My childhood is behind me and I'm a man now.

They seem to have a problem with the use of my five-finger discount. They act so high and mighty as if they've never gotten in trouble. I never even got caught a lot! Just a few times! Anyway, Dad says he's done bailing me out and Mom says she's embarrassed around her friends. Her friends are all old, snobby hags so I couldn't care less what they think.

They did offer to put me up in an apartment until I get on my feet, but I refused. I know they think I can't do anything right and they think I'm so terrible, why should I accept their help? Especially after all the mess it made when they helped before? I don't need them or their help. I can do it on my own and I can do it better than they ever did! I packed up a few outfits, shoved my phone in my pocket, grabbed this journal, and a box of pencils, and left while they were at work. Let them wonder where I am. It will do them some good!