Justin Barillas--Chapter 3

Justin Barillas, age 23, Wife: Lashaun age 32

Justin had heard the rumors but didnt want to face the truth. He had a job as an intern for the city planning department of Viramontes. He had heard there were going to be some major lay offs and he crossed his fingers and hoped he was not one of them. As the saying goes, "last one hired is the first one fired." He opened his email and saw the email from his boss marked urgent. He told himself that it was just an announcement on who lost their job. It wouldnt matter now how much he and Lashuan wished it because it wouldnt work. There was his name, the fourth one on the list. It read, "Sadly we have to make some budget cuts in all of our departments. The following people will have the opportunity for an exit interview plus severance pay depending on their seniority. Please see your manager tomorrow at 8am. It pains me to let any of you go. I want to take this opportunity and thank you for your service and wish all of you much success in your future endeavors. Signed, Kevin Bingley CEO". There it was he was now unemployed.
Things could be worse but he looked on the bright side. He could now dedicate his time to his business which hopefully turn around. Now he just had to let Lashaun know.

"Alright so your unemployed. Baby we have a business. As long as we have that then were fine. Im still employed as a university lecturer so were good." said Lashaun.
"I know but still. Lashaun business is not doing so well."
"But now that your off it will turn around. We will have ups and downs. Trust me were fine."

"Im here for you Justin. We are going to make it. How many 23 year olds do you know have a booming business running?"
"I dont know but I do know that im one 23 year old lucky man to have such a good woman by his side. Thank you for your support."
"your welcome. Now I have to run upstairs and prepare some lectures."
"Ill be in the shop. Lashaun...I love you."
"And I love you Justin".


Justin gave his all to the shop and a year later he was still trying to get things together. He had to lay off one of his workers and decided to start selling . At first he would only supervise while his workers sold and checked people out. Now with no additional income he just couldnt afford the employees.
As much as he wanted to let both go he just couldnt. So he kept one employee and managed to get himself a little more sales experience.
Lashaun tried to help the best she could but needing to make the extra cash therefore stayed at work longer.

Justin did make some improvements on the shop. He added some wall paper to give the place a warmer feel. He also managed to sew a quilt. He still remembered the first one he did. It came out terrible. This is the reason why he hangs it u p there. Who knows maybe some day some one will want to buy it out of pity.

Instead of just having home made items they decided to purchase some items from a local warehouse. Justin was happy that he could restock shelves quicker without having to sit and sew numerous things.

Lashaun was worried that they were neglecting their friends. Its bad enough that Justin's family hardly ever came around. Now they were both too busy to socialize with their friends. They agreed to have a party to invite their friends over. Some were her collegues and others were friends from the past.

Gratefully their friends understood their busy schedule. Joe carr (with the brown shirt) was amazed when he receive the phone call to stop by for dinner. Lashaun was greatful to have an army of support by her side.
Justin on the other hand, kept thinking about the shop. When dinner was over he excused himself and headed straight to the shop to reorder supplies.

When the party had ended, Lashaun cleaned everything up. She hoped that her husband would be OK. It almost seemed that the shop had grown so little the past two years. No matter what she hoped his business would succeed. If not then she wouldnt know what to do.

Justin sat there by the bad quilt that he made. He tried to give himself a pep talk. He needed to chase these demons of failure away. What if he didnt make it? What if Lashaun became disappointed and left him? He needed to make this business work but with people around him losing their jobs it was too difficult. He needed to get out of the shop.

He went into the kitchen and poured himself a drink. He thought back at the recent years and was amazed at how much he had grown. Lashaun and he were now married four years. Before his lay off he was thinking of starting a family. Now his main concern was being able to provide for them. He gulped down his cold drink and went upstairs to show his wife how much he truly loved her.
****Authors note*****
I was a little bored with Justin's story this round. They were just so busy with their business that the five sim day rotation passed before I knew it. I almost got rid of their business but being that I only have one sim owned one , I decided to keep it. I just have to invest more time on Justin and his lovely wife. The good thing is that despite their age difference they are so attracted to each other. I promise the next update on this family will have more spice...hopefully.