Throughout the pregnancy, Leighton called me everyday to check up on me. They were never long conversations and I often found them a little awkward. I hoped it was mainly for the baby's sake and not mine, I didn't need him checking up on me! It was late one night when I went into labour, luckily at home.
It all happened so fast, I didn't have time to phone for help. One moment I was pushing with all my might and the next, I had a beautiful baby boy in my arms. It took a moment for me to realise what had just happened. When I finally came to my senses I was overjoyed. How could someone with so many imperfections create a new life, perfect in every way? From his perfect fingers to his perfect nose, he was amazing, and somehow, I'd created all of him. I named him Ben after my long lost brother.
I like to think I was an attentive mother, getting up at the slightest whimper. I loved Ben more than I ever thought possible. He had softened me, the hard criminal, softened by a baby. I still wanted to be The Emperor of Evil but that could be put on hold for now. I took a ton of unpaid time off to look after my pride and joy.
Of course, I phoned Leighton the next morning and introduced him to his son. It was impossible to be angry with him anymore after he'd given me such a wonderful gift. Besides I wanted to show my little boy off to anyone I could, I was so proud of him. Leighton came by nearly everyday before work and we got talking. It turns out his wife had died during labour with his first son. That explained the phone calls during pregnancy and I couldn't help feeling bad for turning Leighton away before I really understood why he was so happy. He was family orientated and had always dreamed of a big family with his wife. Over the year we became great friends, I can't help feeling that he thought there was a bit more to it than that though. Leighton was at work when Ben aged up but came round straight after work.
It was clear that Ben was going to have elements of both of us about him. He had his Dad's eyes, my mouth and a beautiful button nose that he thought of all by himself. I spent all my money upgrading the house, we have a separate bathroom now, and buying toys for Ben. I was down to just 7 simoleons after that and I couldn't afford a birthday cake. We'll get by for now, I'm sure something will come up soon. Recently I've been getting a few street art commissions that pay well, I'm hoping for one of those.