whispering nervously Dad, I...I'm pregnant.
That's it!? Well then, it was only a matter of time before someone got knocked up! Life goes on... congrats!
whispers with trembling voice Dad, this is serious! I need your support and guidance right now. I don't know what to do... bites her lip
Easy, easy! We're going to have to get used to saying 'Congratulations!' a lot. So, congratulations! You too, dear daughter. You're growing a life here. A real life. Another mouth to feed, another butt to wipe. Nothing to take lightly. But hey, nothing to sneeze at either. Big responsibility, that's for sure. Not for the faint of heart. So, whatcha gonna do?
nervously wringing her hands Dad, I know it's a big responsibility, but I can't do this alone. I need your support, both emotionally and financially.
Ya know, congratulations don't just end with a pretty phrase. We're gonna have to start planning, Arina. Let's start with housing first. Will you stay with us, or are you set on having your own place?
takes a deep breath Thank you, Dad. I really appreciate your support. pauses for a moment, then continues speaking softly
Home sweet home for you then. That's my girl. See, no rush to go off the deep end here. We gotcha...uh, covered, front and back. Hey, ever consider this as a career move? Raising our grandkids? Might not be a bad gig, right? Speaking of which... Looks at Arina's belly What's it like? All this weirdness and wonder. How do ya feel inside? Ever wonder what that little peanut could be? Boy, girl, or... ehh... who cares? It's a story yet to be told. A shared journey...you and me. Think about it.
smiles gratefully, her voice still soft Dad, your words mean a lot to me. Thank you for being so understanding and supportive.
Sure thing, kiddo. What's next then? The three of us will make a great family, if you think that's what you want, of course.
exclaims with excitement Dad, you won't believe it! I saw a job opening at the local bakery today! They're hiring a pastry chef!
Baking bread and pastries for all those grandkids, eh? Sounds like a solid choice, Arina. I can already taste those fresh muffins. Blueberry, banana, or lemon poppy seed. What's your favorite?
leaning closer and grinning Dad, you're really embracing this whole baby thing, aren't you? But let's focus on my job search for now.
Sure, but what's the plan? School, work, marriage... kids... Poppy seed lemon muffins? Anything else on the horizon? Got any other job leads? We gotta start planning, Arina. We got a lot on our plate, and not a lot of room to cut corners. Our priority one is giving that little peanut a solid foundation. A housewarming party for the tiny human. What about grandma and grandpa? Are they in the picture? And baby mama?
nervously bites her lip Dad, slow down! We have plenty of time to plan. Let's take it one step at a time, okay? First, I'll interview at the bakery and see if I get the job. Then we can discuss the next steps. I want to involve baby mama and grandma and grandpa too, but let's focus on one thing at a time. Can we do that?
Yeah yeah... one step at a time. That's cool. So, when's the interview? Do you need help getting ready? A crash course in frosting cakes? Some resume review? We got this! You're not doing this alone, kiddo. Not while the old man is around!
<Arina gets the job at the bakery and starts working there shortly after>
Now that you're hired, the next big question is education. We can't neglect that, Arina. The baby needs a smart, educated mother. That means school for you. Any thoughts on where you'd like to study? Online, or somewhere local? We'll cover the books and any expenses. It's an investment in our kid's future, and yours. Anything else you think is important right now?
sighs, looking worried Dad, education is definitely important, but I don't think I can handle it right now. I'll be working full-time at the bakery, and taking care of the baby. It's already overwhelming enough. Can we focus on finding a stable and secure environment for our child first?
I hear ya, kiddo. Let's lock in a crib, bottles, diapers... anything we can buy ahead of time to reduce stress later. Once we get a nursery set up, we can sort out daycare. Is there anything else you think we should buy? Car seat? Stroller? Baby clothes? Or... maybe you're thinking... maternity clothes? That might also be a good call. You're gonna be growing at the same time as the baby... It's like... one plus one equals three or something like that.
grabs her phone Dad, I've been doing some research online, and I found a great deal on a baby bundle package!
Great find, Arina! I didn't expect the bundle to be such a steal. What's in the bundle? Let's get as much as we can buy, while we can. Gear up for the kiddo. Do you know if it's in stock? Should we swing by now or hold off until tomorrow? And while we're out, maybe we can get groceries for the week too. Feast before the storm, they say.
typing quickly on her phone Dad, I just checked and it's in stock! We should definitely swing by now to grab it.
Perfect. I'm heading out to the garage right now. Get your coat on, we're not wasting another minute. Let's make sure we're prepared. Mama Bear is gonna be just fine. Let's hit the store. You want me to drive?
grabs her coat and hurries towards the door No, no, I got it! I need to get some fresh air anyway. Plus, I know exactly where to park.