tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27677534075290037082023-11-16T05:17:11.918-08:00My Random Legacy: The KahekilisNirarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15253184399668018141noreply@blogger.comBlogger96125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2767753407529003708.post-31609778104978993472017-08-10T19:19:00.000-07:002017-08-10T19:19:58.519-07:00Chapter 95: Promise<br />
<br />
Warning: Language<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Julia sped through the corners at 130 mph, her mother would have said recklessly, but Julia knew every curve on this road, she had been down it many times, so, for her, it was controlled speed.<br />
<br />
Her mother feared that Julia had a death wish, but she didn't, Julia just loved the thrum of the engine beneath her, the wind in her hair, and the adrenaline surge from watching life pass by in mere seconds. <br />
<br />
It reminded her that she was still alive.<br />
<br />
The only thing better than riding her Ninja, was diving. Under the water was incredibly peaceful, not to mention beautiful, and Julia was always finding knick knacks of some kind to sell to Bentley, the local consignment shop owner. Why people bought the stuff was beyond her, but it gave her something to do besides sit at home and twiddle her thumbs.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifqaFax-HfxJGFd-SMu2jv73s7EStNWfWM62U97pJhFJI7v39h_0gCtiaygYxRy_grJaVnP2lodGL7rMK7JlEPqTi-9svgctIH3NP7MLL0AayXxwYdBjAq-T9yG7OvgN4eA512zhpogIM/s1600/Julia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifqaFax-HfxJGFd-SMu2jv73s7EStNWfWM62U97pJhFJI7v39h_0gCtiaygYxRy_grJaVnP2lodGL7rMK7JlEPqTi-9svgctIH3NP7MLL0AayXxwYdBjAq-T9yG7OvgN4eA512zhpogIM/s640/Julia.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
She hated sitting still, it gave her too much time to think, and that was not a good thing. She pulled up in front of a statue of Death, and shut her motorcycle off. She jumped off of it, and started walking towards the back of the cemetery. When she was younger, she would come out this way for some peace, and to smoke without getting any grief from her family.<br />
<br />
Now, she came out here every few months just to talk to him. She knew Rian wasn't there, there hadn't even been a body to recover, but it made her feel better to have a place to come to, so she'd had a headstone placed with his name on it.<br />
<br />
Sometimes she would sit and say nothing at all, but most times she came to tell him about their daughter Bella, and how she was growing up so quickly. She knew that he would have appreciated the irony that their daughter loved to shop, have tea parties, and read books.<br />
<br />
Books. Of-all-the-things. Julia was sure that must have come from Rian's side of the family. <br />
<br />
His space was well tended, she paid someone to keep it that way, keep the moss off it, branches, or anything else. Rian was a neat and orderly person, it just seemed wrong whenever things were messy or overgrown.<br />
<br />
"Hey Ri." She sighed, and placed her head in her hands. Her grumpa had been right, the pain did fade---in a way, but it had also changed her. Whether for the better or for the worse, she didn't know yet.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJGJx-zOlM1sea0-6CL6QHS3H5s2La48VjaFS3xaFLWmJyyuFjwbef29YYgtFPYMthxKvbIF40INl9yuH2TdjumyeBG11-BYN5uPiFDxsNsB3NC-wNR4Zj-pvfLuUkWnHWPT9lVTE1Gzk/s1600/Julia1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJGJx-zOlM1sea0-6CL6QHS3H5s2La48VjaFS3xaFLWmJyyuFjwbef29YYgtFPYMthxKvbIF40INl9yuH2TdjumyeBG11-BYN5uPiFDxsNsB3NC-wNR4Zj-pvfLuUkWnHWPT9lVTE1Gzk/s640/Julia1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
She ran her fingers over the roughened gravestone. The sad thing was, she came here less and less often. At first, shortly after Bella's birth, she had come nearly daily, and then weekly, and then monthly, and now? It had been over four months since she had last come.<br />
<br />
Not that he would know the difference, he was gone. She knew though.<br />
<br />
He had been gone almost three years now. Three years, such a short time, and such a long time. Three years was enough time for Julia to start to feel lonely, and that made her angry. She didn't want to feel lonely; she didn't want to feel anything. <br />
<br />
"I wish you were here." She sighed again. "You should see Bella now, I think my mother has created a shopping monster. In fact, I'm supposed to meet them at the boutique, can you even believe that word? I'd just about rather shove ice picks under my fingernails, you know how much I love shopping, but Bella looks at me with those blue eyes of hers...and...I see you in her and I cave." Julia chuckled sadly. "Probably makes me a terrible mother right? The fact that I can't tell my daughter no."<br />
<br />
There was no reply, other than the rustling of the leaves, of course there wasn't a reply, she didn't even know why part of her still listened for one. He was gone. Her phone buzzed, and she saw that her mother had texted her again. It was time to go.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwwqlL1Aqr35tPJnvdoPCdPpYPo7TqIDuWihLS9SQFotIgjq5qsCUsd5r79HiA5Fpo1zqG7TN6PiW3fDnLeiSaoDB6u5n_p4k4J_ogYP5N7WUSCFTfD4pqXZRT0HrzHDjZSPCRlzufvkU/s1600/Julia2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwwqlL1Aqr35tPJnvdoPCdPpYPo7TqIDuWihLS9SQFotIgjq5qsCUsd5r79HiA5Fpo1zqG7TN6PiW3fDnLeiSaoDB6u5n_p4k4J_ogYP5N7WUSCFTfD4pqXZRT0HrzHDjZSPCRlzufvkU/s640/Julia2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Julia was glad to see the rain, it would melt the small amount of frost and snow that the Island had unexpectedly received the night before. Snow wasn't so much of a bother, but the frost could make stopping dicey.<br />
<br />
It only took her fifteen minutes to get to the Children's Boutique. She stared at it. Maybe she should have ridden slower. With a sigh, she shut of her motorcycle again, and jumped off. It was time to put on her big girl panties and deal. Surely she could survive one little shopping trip?<br />
<br />
"Mama!" Bella came running to her as soon as she stepped in.<br />
<br />
Julia stooped down and picked her up. "Hey monkey, don't you look pretty. Did Grandma help you change your clothes?" She gave a pointed look at her mother. Left to her own devices, Bella would change her clothes twenty times in a day, Julia was trying to discourage that, but her mother was only too happy to play dress up with her granddaughter.<br />
<br />
Only granddaughter as her mother would say. Not as if that had been Julia's choice.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkwZNf_C2pQkoDHmbRtMRvnS-BDTXxlcYdZ_jjYCUz_o2Xc5v2xbPMaqC6mkUmvEu4z_ZipQXwL9FYp4FPfc4rkSl3ASCCDq-omiVt67ZO9XygKQy4FtiFJcs3P-x185XQ14HxNzMiJek/s1600/Julia3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkwZNf_C2pQkoDHmbRtMRvnS-BDTXxlcYdZ_jjYCUz_o2Xc5v2xbPMaqC6mkUmvEu4z_ZipQXwL9FYp4FPfc4rkSl3ASCCDq-omiVt67ZO9XygKQy4FtiFJcs3P-x185XQ14HxNzMiJek/s640/Julia3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Her mother shrugged. "She wanted to wear a dress."<br />
<br />
"I thought we were going to the beach today? After this little shopping...expedition." That was the only part that Julia was looking forward to, she wanted her daughter to have the same love for the beach and the Ocean that Julia had. That Bella's father had had.<br />
<br />
"A little sand won't hurt anything." <br />
<br />
Julia turned to her grandmother, who had been silently watching. Her grandmother never seemed to settle very well indoors, she was always cagey, looking around, almost as if she expected the bogeyman to jump out and grab her. Bella started squirming, trying to get down. "Okay, I give up!" She set her daughter down on the floor. "Let's get this over with."<br />
<br />
Skye shook her head. "Some things never change."<br />
<br />
"I'm here, aren't I?"<br />
<br />
Bella tugged on Julia. "Pwetty dress Mama. Pwetty dress!"<br />
<br />
"Okay you little monkey, let's go look at the pretty dresses." Julia's phone started to ring, and she pulled it out of her pocket and looked at it.<br />
<br />
"You're not going to answer that, are you?" Her grandmother asked.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcf4BwocRQpFUPcjx4FaOZNNzhdyVf98Q3XgdOKLV3_Z0R9eFCV6xWq8U3YAcnELTowkuS86LcptJZ40tx6FCSaNhX1lfLqitTJPcnESVvaHf8zbO1PrDRJ1cmF-mrTtvmd7O0K2Rt2mU/s1600/Julia4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcf4BwocRQpFUPcjx4FaOZNNzhdyVf98Q3XgdOKLV3_Z0R9eFCV6xWq8U3YAcnELTowkuS86LcptJZ40tx6FCSaNhX1lfLqitTJPcnESVvaHf8zbO1PrDRJ1cmF-mrTtvmd7O0K2Rt2mU/s640/Julia4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Julia looked at her phone again. It was Bentley, the man who bought all the Ocean trinkets she could find. She had to answer it. "I'll just be a minute!" She promised, as she answered the phone and walked outside as quickly as she could.<br />
<br />
Ivory watched as her granddaughter beat a hasty retreat out the door. "Do you think she'll back?"<br />
<br />
"Doubt it." Skye answered. "Julia has never liked shopping, but I'm so glad that this little girl does." Skye smiled at her granddaughter who was happily going through the dresses on the rack. <br />
<br />
"I can't say I'm all that terribly fond of it myself. The walls are too close, it makes me...itchy."<br />
<br />
"I'm glad you're here Mom."<br />
<br />
Ivory sighed. "I'm glad I'm here too."<br />
<br />
Bella found a dress she liked and showed it to Skye. "This one Grama! This one!" Skye pulled the dress off the hanger and helped Bella change into it, and then led her to the three way mirror so she could see herself. "Pwetty!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqd9XHS5XgZWAqKr_bAZctXe24CReemDC3VjeWDjv3FnK5rtEK0MtIBswsxeOSSyW0MdszFdoDUEL5fF3sFMDDAXW2VW1hwOrBFbIZFeoLe4eZUkPXrQgfSCI5Ae5SLaQ6nl_knkoPYoU/s1600/Bella.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqd9XHS5XgZWAqKr_bAZctXe24CReemDC3VjeWDjv3FnK5rtEK0MtIBswsxeOSSyW0MdszFdoDUEL5fF3sFMDDAXW2VW1hwOrBFbIZFeoLe4eZUkPXrQgfSCI5Ae5SLaQ6nl_knkoPYoU/s640/Bella.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"Yes, you look very pretty Bella."<br />
<br />
Bella grinned and spun around, and around, and around, watching her dress twirl. She giggled, "I balleena! I dance!"<br />
<br />
"What a brilliant dancer." Ivory said with a smile.<br />
<br />
Bella giggled again when she lost her balance and plopped down onto the floor. She looked up, and suddenly noticed that her Mama wasn't there. She frowned. "Where's my Mama?"<br />
<br />
Skye said, "Talking on the phone Sweetie, she'll be right back."<br />
<br />
Bella crossed her arms and pouted. She wanted her Mama to see her pwetty dress too. <br />
<br />
"What? Is that a pouty face I see? You know what happens to little girls that get pouty faces?" Ivory asked Bella with a twinkle in her eye.<br />
<br />
"No! No tickle monsers!" Bella screeched, and tried to run away, but Ivory grabbed her before she could get away. "No! No tickle monsers!"<br />
<br />
"Ha ha! I've got you!" Ivory said playfully as Bella giggled some more.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0xk5Ouhc5MD1SeFfD-BdWIeGM0eDzTXnhQKvXeYYzXobakDHWo2LkLVB_6iVKxJXTH0apemOfUKULx-xJTRsoC3ha1m9grGnsDNAx8gMRKGhLKmgbekM_Jg8X_AY3NDdYijZz2sAAqdg/s1600/Bella1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0xk5Ouhc5MD1SeFfD-BdWIeGM0eDzTXnhQKvXeYYzXobakDHWo2LkLVB_6iVKxJXTH0apemOfUKULx-xJTRsoC3ha1m9grGnsDNAx8gMRKGhLKmgbekM_Jg8X_AY3NDdYijZz2sAAqdg/s640/Bella1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
"Well little girl, we'd better go buy your dress and find your Mama if we're going to make it to the Beach before your naptime."<br />
<br />
"No nap. I no seepy."<br />
<br />
Ivory chuckled. "We'll see." <br />
<br />
<br />
~<>~<br />
<br />
<br />
"I no seepy!" Bella wailed.<br />
<br />
Julia ignored her daughter's protests, and continued getting Bella ready for bed. "Some little monkey didn't take a nap today." She said as she brushed her daughter's hair out. "Who do you think that was? Hmm, Bella?"<br />
<br />
Bella rubbed her eyes. "No me."<br />
<br />
"Not you, huh?" Julia chuckled. Bella stuck her thumb in her mouth and shook her head no. Julia picked her up, and snuggled with her, before putting her into her "big girl" bed.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZiztlxvuWfyZLZUPDC0SsS-RTqv1sw6UErblyXeWc36bJooHrOqMVi1HgL23NyRHvC4Sd2-ElcFdWoX6ubKCYlX0AQkIuEiTaW2WlZyY8Qn69DVE4hubCD0LbJdJbForCWCpBna4QWaA/s1600/Bella2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZiztlxvuWfyZLZUPDC0SsS-RTqv1sw6UErblyXeWc36bJooHrOqMVi1HgL23NyRHvC4Sd2-ElcFdWoX6ubKCYlX0AQkIuEiTaW2WlZyY8Qn69DVE4hubCD0LbJdJbForCWCpBna4QWaA/s640/Bella2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
She stroked Bella's hair, and then kissed her forehead. "Love ya to the moon and back."<br />
<br />
"Moon and ack" was her daughter's sleepy response. <br />
<br />
Julia smiled down at her daughter. She treasured these moments with her, and wished that she could be a more normal mom for Bella. She would try, but the more she stuck around, trying to be the type of mom her mother had been to her, the louder her thoughts became, until she couldn't stand their deafening shrill any longer. She had to <i>do</i> something, <i>go</i> somewhere, or she would explode.<br />
<br />
At first she had tried to keep Bella with her, on all her travels, determined that her daughter would be raised solely by her. In practice though, it didn't work well. Bella cried for home, she got easily bored in the hotel rooms, and never liked any of the sitters that Julia had found for her. Soon, it just became easier to leave Bella at home. If only she didn't feel so guilty about it all... <br />
<br />
~<>~<br />
<br />
Julia tapped her toe, impatiently. Bentley had sent her here, to the Landgraab Museum of Art and Culture, he claimed that the Curator there had a job for her. Julia was willing to do just about anything, the restlessness in her body was becoming an itch she couldn't ignore. She needed the distraction that this job could give her.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4htt-lKrMc9t4Ij3lXGcxbSboXvxYnxhDhwrplNr6ebqGR_Rn0re_RIW9GPu9ae9tTimLHxsjZTubpsostItSacFhIhjt_Vl-gx166iP52ZWO3IPheyBQny4TXrqgg4KOtxVgINK2sbQ/s1600/Julia+art.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="1152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4htt-lKrMc9t4Ij3lXGcxbSboXvxYnxhDhwrplNr6ebqGR_Rn0re_RIW9GPu9ae9tTimLHxsjZTubpsostItSacFhIhjt_Vl-gx166iP52ZWO3IPheyBQny4TXrqgg4KOtxVgINK2sbQ/s640/Julia+art.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Bentley had been rather mysterious on the whole of it. Julia had almost decided against going, but Bentley had assured her that he didn't have any upcoming jobs available for her. So it was this, or nothing. She couldn't stand the thought of nothing.<br />
<br />
She glanced around, all was quiet, like a tomb. She sighed, tapped her toe some more, and resisted the urge to leave. Patience was not her virtue. This Curator was taking too long.<br />
<br />
She spun around when she heard her name called.<br />
<br />
"Julia! You look fantastic."<br />
<br />
She resisted the urge to roll her eyes. Impulse control, she could manage for a few moments...she hoped. "Brennan. What a surprise."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1HlVKhPJ0FcXch9Wzs_bD4Tebb7R4vCIyFSdAoi4GtPlinVi5eLjPhuOS3Fpva-L6J1UcpyjWhBKLDpPYzi0PacX1-VQFNyRa6OtOcdvzmBmx8FEYr9Tj4qy9bXwopuMLDBCcXpo5AQA/s1600/Julia+art+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="1152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1HlVKhPJ0FcXch9Wzs_bD4Tebb7R4vCIyFSdAoi4GtPlinVi5eLjPhuOS3Fpva-L6J1UcpyjWhBKLDpPYzi0PacX1-VQFNyRa6OtOcdvzmBmx8FEYr9Tj4qy9bXwopuMLDBCcXpo5AQA/s640/Julia+art+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
He grinned at her. "It's nice to see you again Jules."<br />
<br />
"I hate that nickname." She said automatically.<br />
<br />
"It fits you so well though." He leisurely looked her up and down, and then whistled. "You aged well."<br />
<br />
She quirked a brow at him. "Is this where I'm supposed to say the same?" Her tone was sarcastic, but she couldn't help but notice him in return. He exuded confidence, and power, a lion-like grace that she found attractive. Too attractive. D*mn the man anyway, she didn't want to feel anything, especially for him. She tried to tamp down her inner restlessness, without much success.<br />
<br />
He chuckled. "You never change Jules, you never change."<br />
<br />
She crossed her arms and turned away from him. "As fun as this reunion is, I'm waiting for someone, so perhaps..."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQOIrPnYRFnoh2VpevWmMNcS_CO9HNf8GW5k6enAyuXBErhJ-2Q4Jjw6rImcX4aLZg5P7zdlcamz6GROfJE56te8-dxuOHKiQZqHBRYHC9s-iIe_iuwac8nAhRTmK2WhjuQSakBVnYoLA/s1600/Julia+art2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="1152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQOIrPnYRFnoh2VpevWmMNcS_CO9HNf8GW5k6enAyuXBErhJ-2Q4Jjw6rImcX4aLZg5P7zdlcamz6GROfJE56te8-dxuOHKiQZqHBRYHC9s-iIe_iuwac8nAhRTmK2WhjuQSakBVnYoLA/s640/Julia+art2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
"Ah yes, the Curator of this fine museum. That would be me."<br />
<br />
She slowly turned back towards him. "You? You're the Curator of this place?"<br />
<br />
He smiled at her. "Yes, is that so hard to believe?"<br />
<br />
"Art was never your thing, or history for that matter."<br />
<br />
He laughed, and the sound sent shivers down her body. She wanted to scream, why him? Why now? She had no reason to believe that he had changed his main character flaw, once a cheater, always a cheater. Maybe it had just been too long since she had been with a man. "Maybe so, but I have always appreciated beauty."<br />
<br />
She ignored the invitation in his eyes, or at least tried to. "If this is some joke..." She tried to interject some anger into her voice, but she wasn't sure how well it worked, her voice came out a bit too breathy. She wanted to slap herself. First thing she was going to do, was find a one nighter, her body was being ridiculous.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHCrHgiu87Qf7iNkZYlDz4tZi5lyMIuBn9OCKWwadZLmKp_0qYuGC7vG8WRYuM_b4SJsKE8T5x1a9sqaubjtf6blkh3hGy9VyJovIpSPvW5f9Xb3snTQIUjfmP_fzLz-refk8kDo5gZEU/s1600/Julia+art3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="1152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHCrHgiu87Qf7iNkZYlDz4tZi5lyMIuBn9OCKWwadZLmKp_0qYuGC7vG8WRYuM_b4SJsKE8T5x1a9sqaubjtf6blkh3hGy9VyJovIpSPvW5f9Xb3snTQIUjfmP_fzLz-refk8kDo5gZEU/s640/Julia+art3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
He raised his hands defensively. "No joke Jules, I swear, I'm on the up and up. You may have noticed that our little museum is more dead than alive, I have been charged with changing that." He shrugged his shoulders. "I have some great ideas," his eyes met hers, and the heat in them nearly singed her, "about how to liven...this museum up. And that is where you come in."<br />
<br />
"Doing what exactly?"<br />
<br />
A ghost of a smile graced his lips. "Why, doing what you do best Jules, finding rare treasure." He moved in closer to her, "My friend Bentley tells me you're the go to diver, willing to go anywhere in search of illusive valuables, that nothing scares you off, you are fearless. I have in my possession, some maps, you could say, but the dive is in perilous waters. So tell me Jules, are you interested?"<br />
<br />
Her breath quickened. There was nothing she loved better than a bit of danger. "Maybe." She made herself reply coolly. "If the terms are right." No sense in letting him think he had her, Brennan the boy had always been self-assured. Brennan the man took it to a whole other level.<br />
<br />
"Well, then, shall we discuss it further?"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUSWvss77I_EetL9B0q9Jc8X9jNfstUkzQxRGO2WLXA1ls67NZnVvZrfmEvTod8XvjTrRMFkzed8zgkzjuhyphenhypheniefGhH3kVbsyVW2LnzmuiyboXjDJR7NVwApoYhwJRuskJ1fVAgma6_JGY/s1600/Julia+art4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="1152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUSWvss77I_EetL9B0q9Jc8X9jNfstUkzQxRGO2WLXA1ls67NZnVvZrfmEvTod8XvjTrRMFkzed8zgkzjuhyphenhypheniefGhH3kVbsyVW2LnzmuiyboXjDJR7NVwApoYhwJRuskJ1fVAgma6_JGY/s640/Julia+art4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Julia inclined her head, and Brennan flashed a smile at her. "Excellent! Follow me, and I'll give you a tour of the place, and tell you my plans for it." She followed him up the stairs, while Brennan kept up a steady stream of words. "The previous Curator was a rather dull fellow, he was more into writings and books." He paused to wrinkle his nose at her. "Terribly boring! I have in mind for something far more exciting..."<br />
<br />
Julia tuned him out, and took her time studying him instead. She could see traces of the boy she had known in him, but the boy she had known was never interested in collecting art...or pieces of history. She wondered when that had changed, and why.<br />
<br />
The more he talked, the more she found herself admiring his obvious passion for his job. When was the last time she had felt such passion? The restlessness grew even stronger in her, it was a writhing living thing within her. A torrent of unwanted feelings and emotions crashed over her. It had been so long since she had felt anything, let alone passion for her job. She loved the adrenaline rush of finding treasure, she loved the peace of the Ocean's water, but passion? Passion had died with...<br />
<br />
"So what do you think Jules?" Brennan stared expectantly at her.<br />
<br />
She licked her lips. What had he been talking about? Why hadn't she at least paid a little attention to his words? Instead of thinking about...things that were better left unthought of. He had perfect lips, the thought came unbidden. Did he kiss the same? Julia closed her eyes. What the h*ll was her problem?<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigoJSFD9WBDauwTRahTv33pYXmCgPey9CxccYqXY490G_vZF4tRVGOQvLAxhpxXSVHU3Y8HbgOgjr36QcKqgZBX2V6y_Y8lfoBBxUbHCcDKVu4b9dJ3C6lfIR9u9-ZP83IgATf0rrJ9F0/s1600/Julia+art5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="1152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigoJSFD9WBDauwTRahTv33pYXmCgPey9CxccYqXY490G_vZF4tRVGOQvLAxhpxXSVHU3Y8HbgOgjr36QcKqgZBX2V6y_Y8lfoBBxUbHCcDKVu4b9dJ3C6lfIR9u9-ZP83IgATf0rrJ9F0/s640/Julia+art5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
She met his gaze squarely. "I'm not sure."<br />
<br />
"Indeed?" He sounded surprised. "That hardly seems like the Jules I know."<br />
<br />
"I've changed." She said abruptly. "I'm not the girl you used to know."<br />
<br />
There was frank admiration in his eyes. "Oh, I know that. We've both grown up since we last saw each other, surely you won't hold the past against me?"<br />
<br />
Julia started to walk away, Brennan trailed behind her. "I don't think this is a good idea Brennan."<br />
<br />
"Which part?" He put his hand on her shoulder to stop her. "The partners part? It might be awkward at first," he conceded, "but I'm sure we can get past that."<br />
<br />
Julia closed her eyes. She could feel the warmth of his hand burning through her clothes. She opened her eyes only to see a painting of lips, entitled "First Kiss." She and Brennan had already had their first kiss.<br />
<br />
Brennan dropped his hand. "Jules? Are you okay?" His voice was husky.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXopAsqPMTH13GJQzjO5dzibvcNJwOHzZRKjLh1cgbJQ8BgdKoqw1P_cYo9mEOOxcfYuBL0e-MGunxTMbzsS_JhRfUDPf6BRb6_S6_N3qUpSOm9m-EJk7HnljiwebXadkpXc0_VkJb2tw/s1600/Julia+art6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="1152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXopAsqPMTH13GJQzjO5dzibvcNJwOHzZRKjLh1cgbJQ8BgdKoqw1P_cYo9mEOOxcfYuBL0e-MGunxTMbzsS_JhRfUDPf6BRb6_S6_N3qUpSOm9m-EJk7HnljiwebXadkpXc0_VkJb2tw/s640/Julia+art6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
He gently turned her around to face him. "Jules?"<br />
<br />
Julia knew she should walk away, that would be the smart thing to do. She didn't know why all of sudden her emotions had to turn all sophomore-ish on her. It was ridiculous, the whole thing was ridiculous, yet a large part of her yearned to feel that maleness beside her again. It didn't matter that it was Brennan of all people, her cheating douche of a boyfriend from before. Before Rian, but Rian was gone, had been gone, and Julia was feeling needy. "I should go." She whispered, refusing to look into his eyes. Brennan could think what he willed, but she should go. Yet she didn't move.<br />
<br />
She didn't know who made the first move, only that her lips were pressed against his, and she could feel the hardness of him against her. One of them moaned, or was it both of them? She didn't know, but it was her hands clawing at his clothes, and his fingers tangled in her hair. He just felt so good...<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-dHRAjny4R9EFVrdZ_QHPcyEnEclmEEV1GDMiV7x_ydMVAdie77N1_FaNFY2PDPd07rTR1makUCuqcKRJ7HjQDH1tvIWMC64eLYVZonXNNWZipU33jLNlZvvPiqnUnvzZzyiNrSLlBGI/s1600/Julia+art7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="1152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-dHRAjny4R9EFVrdZ_QHPcyEnEclmEEV1GDMiV7x_ydMVAdie77N1_FaNFY2PDPd07rTR1makUCuqcKRJ7HjQDH1tvIWMC64eLYVZonXNNWZipU33jLNlZvvPiqnUnvzZzyiNrSLlBGI/s640/Julia+art7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"We have to stop." She muttered, as his lips found the sensitive part of her neck. She shuddered, and willed herself to move away from him.<br />
<br />
"I missed you Jules, more than I can say." He whispered against her. He kissed her collarbone, and moved lower, eliciting another moan from her.<br />
<br />
"Bren, no...we shouldn't..." Her voice protested, but her body had a mind of it's own, as she moved restlessly against him, seeking the promise of gratification. She was drowning in flames.<br />
<br />
"Look at me Jules." She tried to resist, but he brought her face up. His eyes were blazing. "Tell me you want me to stop, and I will."<br />
<br />
"Don't stop." Those words, were they hers? Surely she had meant to say the opposite. Her hands were busy unbuttoning his shirt, she wanted, no, needed, to feel his flesh. Now.<br />
<br />
He picked her up and brought her over to a nearby loveseat. He helped her pull her dress off, and tossed her bra to the floor. "You are perfect." He breathed. She pulled his head down to hers, and kissed him. Her fingers fumbled with his belt.<br />
<br />
"It's just sex." She muttered to him. "Just a quick f*ck, that's all it is." She said the words mainly to herself, she had to be realistic. Brennan was not the man for her, Rian was. Rian would always hold her heart, Brennan just her body.<br />
<br />
He ripped her panties off. "Sure Jules, whatever you say."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_DuYCSz6t7pRgj5IfclNRRLGMvZcvQwYhP-qfncVBMcKN_E94qicQXiS0iX_aKdMBqyrL9NYJsb1jD4O_wKUnkpzEk1mrtkvQXPi4YhEa7IS7LdEH6nwg1Zu8sMRL0FnScWjV9ICDuMs/s1600/Julia+art8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="1152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_DuYCSz6t7pRgj5IfclNRRLGMvZcvQwYhP-qfncVBMcKN_E94qicQXiS0iX_aKdMBqyrL9NYJsb1jD4O_wKUnkpzEk1mrtkvQXPi4YhEa7IS7LdEH6nwg1Zu8sMRL0FnScWjV9ICDuMs/s640/Julia+art8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
"And only once." She helped him pull his briefs off.<br />
<br />
"Mmm." He agreed. She screamed when her release came, but he wasn't finished making her scream. She cried out his name, over and over, and not once did she mistake him for Rian. When it was over, she lay motionless beneath him. She felt drowsy, peaceful almost, the edginess that was in her earlier long gone.<br />
<br />
He nuzzled her breasts. "Time for round two."<br />
<br />
She didn't protest.<br />
<br />
~<>~<br />
<br />
"What?" Her mother was giving her that look again. The look that said, "I know what you've been up to." Or maybe that was just Julia's conscience giving her grief.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjm3teDH2_ECOf2DIVJZdEUVotXXFroVYo-Oo0wNyuVbMIzx82gD_-PjUPbg9u_t4JohO80tshOwwbM8M7J79mxIxBoKmjFmXN42DURl39dw9CNCG64AgtGaA9IbzyMvXLsg0zToN6rHI/s1600/tea+party.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="1152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjm3teDH2_ECOf2DIVJZdEUVotXXFroVYo-Oo0wNyuVbMIzx82gD_-PjUPbg9u_t4JohO80tshOwwbM8M7J79mxIxBoKmjFmXN42DURl39dw9CNCG64AgtGaA9IbzyMvXLsg0zToN6rHI/s640/tea+party.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Skye took a sip of her tea. "You haven't told us about your new job, or boss or anything. You've already gone on what, three trips now?"<br />
<br />
"Four." Julia muttered. Each time she had intended to end things with Brennan, but she never quite got the words out. She was too busy stripping his clothes off of him, seeking a few hours of blissful forgetfulness. A small part of her felt bad, especially when she had learned that Brennan was married. To a Landgraab heiress of all things. He had told her theirs was not a love match, but a marriage of convenience, for business purposes.<br />
<br />
She should have cared. But if he didn't, why should she? She didn't want his heart, his money, or a proposal. She just wanted his body, and the few hours of pleasure he gave her. He was great in bed, she'd give him that. Or against a wall, or on a table, or anywhere really. Even an art museum with visitors wandering around that could see them at any time, and could definitely hear them. It was another thing she should care about, but didn't.<br />
<br />
Lately she found she really didn't care about a lot, only her family, her daughter. Maybe she had gone mad?<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMk34T9QDecQ4xelZ-2dK9WuGVYPKa8yWX1t_gdFJ8Cm_Q8fg7SM1-IUnEdahQ-zHBkjdIBEXRx1lJ3MwZijrZZ49oKEfMWZ5C7_cNHdRQeHAjKm6qeZHC4dOCRCy8p9tb83uRAi-1FcU/s1600/tea+party1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="1152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMk34T9QDecQ4xelZ-2dK9WuGVYPKa8yWX1t_gdFJ8Cm_Q8fg7SM1-IUnEdahQ-zHBkjdIBEXRx1lJ3MwZijrZZ49oKEfMWZ5C7_cNHdRQeHAjKm6qeZHC4dOCRCy8p9tb83uRAi-1FcU/s640/tea+party1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
"So?" Her mother inquired further. "Tell me about this new job."<br />
<br />
Julia shrugged. "Not much to say." I'm having an affair with my boss Mom, how's that for an answer? Her mother wouldn't approve, Julia knew. "We spend a few weeks out in the middle of the Ocean, diving for ancient artifacts. Brennan, uh, Mr. Landgraab, has a map that shows likely locations of where ships have wrecked."<br />
<br />
She hadn't intended to have an affair with him, just a one off blow some steam, but her mother wouldn't understand that either.<br />
<br />
"Mama? Can I have a cookie pease?"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIlvp19r4BbAHTqZOewu9QQOhtHdVQeuo_OAUWOUlDIwMJpvCKfuBBirqVMd-fyZM_i63vZ1P_pZMlGMm5sZmLSAxYyW3z6o87jSbtaK_XjLBd3a8xRHaH0AvDgaSpnSNO-SkQjUbY0wY/s1600/tea+party+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="1152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIlvp19r4BbAHTqZOewu9QQOhtHdVQeuo_OAUWOUlDIwMJpvCKfuBBirqVMd-fyZM_i63vZ1P_pZMlGMm5sZmLSAxYyW3z6o87jSbtaK_XjLBd3a8xRHaH0AvDgaSpnSNO-SkQjUbY0wY/s640/tea+party+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Julia smiled at her daughter. "Go ahead monkey."<br />
<br />
Skye sighed. "Julia, I hardly think that is an appropriate nickname for Bella."<br />
<br />
"But she's my little Sea Monkey, aren't you?"<br />
<br />
Bella nodded her head. "Monkey! I monkey!"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY4txmIYCOycJVe-vojqbkqv_uKP-63_unq2EorSAzSI9VVpsqq6plgoaQrRgxFRu1whycBqHVhpjHUrKmt2bkJp7a4QecyyLRUJpuqzY5xtq8hyrmfNJYloUeQ_ZBhWFsy3eduiSygus/s1600/tea+party3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="1152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY4txmIYCOycJVe-vojqbkqv_uKP-63_unq2EorSAzSI9VVpsqq6plgoaQrRgxFRu1whycBqHVhpjHUrKmt2bkJp7a4QecyyLRUJpuqzY5xtq8hyrmfNJYloUeQ_ZBhWFsy3eduiSygus/s640/tea+party3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"Monkey see, monkey do." Ivory said softly. "You should be careful, that little girl idolizes you, she'll want to do everything her Mama does."<br />
<br />
Julia eyed her grandmother. "What is this? Pick on Julia day?" She didn't care what her grandmother or mother knew or didn't, her life was her own, and Bella was her daughter.<br />
<br />
"Just trying to save you some heart ache Julia." Ivory responded. If she had taken offense at Julia's tone, she didn't show it.<br />
<br />
"Hmmf. Too late for that."<br />
<br />
"Julia!" Her mother reprimanded her. "What has gotten into you lately?"<br />
<br />
"Nothing, I'm just fine Mom. I just hate being treated like I was twelve years old." Her phone rang, saving her from any more comments from her mother. "I gotta take this." She talked for a few minutes, then hung up. Three sets of eyes were staring at her. "Sorry, as delightful as this tea party has been, I have to go. Mr. Landgraab needs me."<br />
<br />
"Julia, your daughter needs you." Skye said.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_3ZZ1FI3sQhX8fhXo-Ls4CjAQBhwfDhxCrQ1oC8W2d6vWLyr25Dz-bGnF7gXBlh7pR4i3-76paGLxnERL0SAtTNCHj4x41O0mIDlBLFfsNHq3FjT81wqHXjss2WFV6oJpQoFhg9qnSp4/s1600/tea+party4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="1152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_3ZZ1FI3sQhX8fhXo-Ls4CjAQBhwfDhxCrQ1oC8W2d6vWLyr25Dz-bGnF7gXBlh7pR4i3-76paGLxnERL0SAtTNCHj4x41O0mIDlBLFfsNHq3FjT81wqHXjss2WFV6oJpQoFhg9qnSp4/s640/tea+party4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Julia felt her temper flare up. "My daughter is fine, and I'm fine. If you don't want to watch her, just tell me and I'll find..."<br />
<br />
Skye interrupted her. "You know I don't mind spending time with my granddaughter Julia, I just think you're missing out on..."<br />
<br />
"Enough. I'm running late, and I still need to change clothes. I'll see you later." Julia stood up, and brushed a kiss on her daughter's soft cheek. "I love you monkey, to the moon and back."<br />
<br />
~<>~ <br />
<br />
Brennan was waiting for her. "I missed you."<br />
<br />
She pulled him into a kiss. "Too much talking."<br />
<br />
His hands tightened around her. "You drive me crazy Jules, you always have."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7TbP3UTg87JFUw05ShpB7iY1A7K8PY7RfUxx8Phdg687zQOXRxs9uwGIHEaYQW7jlrWm-3X9YtPnTEbIg3mE1eP3jMMF7Nn5KhAItbpCpYYSRrjT_KYW-B7y1NtbAQe7G_SNdg6bpqjI/s1600/Julia+and+Brennan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="1152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7TbP3UTg87JFUw05ShpB7iY1A7K8PY7RfUxx8Phdg687zQOXRxs9uwGIHEaYQW7jlrWm-3X9YtPnTEbIg3mE1eP3jMMF7Nn5KhAItbpCpYYSRrjT_KYW-B7y1NtbAQe7G_SNdg6bpqjI/s640/Julia+and+Brennan.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
She nipped at his shoulder. "Are you going to just stand there and talk big? Or..." She trailed her hand down to his pants.<br />
<br />
"Vixen. I'm addicted to you." He groaned as he pushed himself closer into her. "Marry me Jules, I'll be your sex slave forever."<br />
<br />
Julia put her hand out and stopped him. "What the h*ll? That better be a joke, a poor taste of one, but a joke."<br />
<br />
He looked at her. "I'm serious Jules, we'd make a great couple."<br />
<br />
"Done that, been there, don't need a repeat. Plus, you're already married jacka*s."<br />
<br />
Brennan snorted. "I don't give a f*ck about my wife. I could change, for you. I've never really gotten over you Jules, I...Julia, I lo..."<br />
<br />
"Don't say it, Brennan. For f*ck's sake, don't say it. It's just sex, that's all there is between us."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcHE3CX52jLFtLSLpGbVWM3ql-3oGySsCIaCqLPgeLoQLQDd80oOZBW9KY_1smh7k4lsV9nIkKR2s3FMS5rtdRnF2Q_mPpX_rP3RRZ9RM7ulNfkH6M2da4hlgbrgCUoMyfo39qXYd-il8/s1600/Julia+and+Brennan1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="1152" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcHE3CX52jLFtLSLpGbVWM3ql-3oGySsCIaCqLPgeLoQLQDd80oOZBW9KY_1smh7k4lsV9nIkKR2s3FMS5rtdRnF2Q_mPpX_rP3RRZ9RM7ulNfkH6M2da4hlgbrgCUoMyfo39qXYd-il8/s640/Julia+and+Brennan1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
"Maybe we should end this." Julia said panicky as she pushed his hands away.<br />
<br />
"Jules, wait." He grabbed her before she could slip away from him. "It was just an idea, a bone headed one, okay? Just...relax."<br />
<br />
She stared at him, indecisive. "I don't know Bren, this is just getting out of hand..."<br />
<br />
He pulled his shirt off, and then tugged on hers. "Enough talking, let's just get back to f*cking okay?"<br />
<br />
Julia allowed herself to be persuaded, because she really didn't want to end things. Not just yet. <br />
<br />
<br />
_________________________________________________________________________ <br />
<br />
Notes: Wow! Well then---it's been way over a year since I last posted a chapter. Been a rough one for me, I've been embroiled in my own horrible soap opera. Still in the midst of it, but then lately I've been dreaming about Julia's story, lol So I'm kind of/sorta back but not really??<br />
<br />
Thankfully I have tons of pics already taken, so it was just a matter of writing this one up. I still have some pics for maybe another chapter before I'll need to go in game again. That'll be the tricky part. Locating my Kahekili saved game, and then all the corresponding CC...but that's for another day, lol<br />
<br />
So the last time I opened this particular save up--it was March of 2016. So I really don't remember where my sims all are in terms of the generational goals. I should probably track down the goals and update them...<br />
<br />
Aaaaand...Julia. She's a mess, and not really dealing very well with anything, lol I had hopes of actually slowing the story down and showing Bella grow up---but I am an impatient writer, lol So we'll see if I actually can make the last generation a little slower, usually I think I average about 5 chapters or so before moving on to the next generation.<br />
<br />
I've also played around a little bit with another Random Legacy Story--okay--fine--two of them, ha! Some days I'm just not in the mood for plot heavy writing--which is why I started <a href="http://thetitanssims4.blogspot.com/2014/09/the-titans-sims4-pinstar-legacy.html" target="_blank">The Titans</a>. It's just a play style sort of story, if you can even call it a story. I did it deliberately that way to keep myself from complicating it with plots.<br />
<br />
Because I actually started this one a while ago: <a href="http://veronavillesims.blogspot.com/2016/11/prologue-what-if.html" target="_blank">A Rose By Any Other Name</a>. And then promptly started complicating it to where poses were required. Bah--I am hopeless!!<br />
<br />
Anyway--thanks y'all for reading!! =) <br />
<br />
<div class="itanywhere-activator" style="display: none; left: 83px; top: 12192px;" title="Google Translator Anywhere">
</div>
Nirarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15253184399668018141noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2767753407529003708.post-83497880972822996592015-12-05T21:21:00.000-08:002015-12-05T21:21:25.661-08:00Chapter 94: New Dawn<br />
<br />
<br />
Warning: Language<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I give you this one thought to keep--</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> I am with you still--I do not sleep</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> I am a thousand winds that blow,</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> I am the diamond glints on snow,</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> I am the sunlight</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> on ripened grain, I am the gentle </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Autumn rain. When you awaken in the</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> morning hush, I am the swift, uplifting</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> rush of quiet birds in circled flight.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> I am the soft stars that shine</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> at night.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> Do not think of me as gone--I am with</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> you still in each new dawn.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> ~unknown </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6K3TT-6i7YM34r125FFm1tX_5c6jvISn2bVz0_P6KYQXcJPqQhjYfvAVKtag9ZTN0FkTJsFPhPUc9ZHjSPinHAGZzb60BYyfFnxJ2vcf9BzENqXMnOJir1zuua1bU_l5nfXz2SJQcNv4/s1600/New+Dawn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6K3TT-6i7YM34r125FFm1tX_5c6jvISn2bVz0_P6KYQXcJPqQhjYfvAVKtag9ZTN0FkTJsFPhPUc9ZHjSPinHAGZzb60BYyfFnxJ2vcf9BzENqXMnOJir1zuua1bU_l5nfXz2SJQcNv4/s640/New+Dawn.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Sometimes, life could be a real b*tch. Colin leaned back against the headboard of his bed, deep in thought. He felt so many f*cking things all at once, he was almost numb; the events from three weeks ago were really taking their toll on him and the family. Julia remained in her room all day, she wouldn't f*cking eat or talk to anyone, but her non-stop sobbing could be heard through her door. Hawk had lived through his f*cking ordeal, barely, and earned some extra wrinkles for his troubles. Neither he nor Skye f*cking talked very much to anyone, let alone each other. Sh*t, Rhys was the only one who had emerged virtually unscathed, he was just a little f*cking sore.<br />
<br />
Colin didn't have the first f*cking idea on where to start to fix things, he was way the f*ck out of his comfort zone. He'd had the great f*cking idea to get in touch with his father, to get his advice on how the h*ll to pull the family back together, only to discover that when he had f*cking destroyed Jack's machine, he had managed to f*cking destroy all of the d*mn modern devices that allowed travel between f*cking worlds, between whens. A plane or a ship could f*cking take him to Moonlight Falls or any other d*mn town in this world, but a f*cking trip to where the Fae lived was no longer a f*cking option. He was so f*cked. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
A fail safe, Jack had f*cking called it, built into his machine, as a just-in-case; it was meant to destroy travel between other f*cking worlds, it would not have stopped the as*hole Medraut, but it would have slowed him down.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Colin snorted. Just in case. That would have been f*cking helpful to know.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It effectively meant that Colin's father and grandfather were f*cking stuck where they were, and Colin couldn't f*cking talk to either of them. Which was f*cked up. He keenly felt the loss of his dad's wisdom, his dad had always known what the h*ll to do; while Colin was f*cking stuck with his thumb up his a*s and the family was f*cking falling apart around him. <br />
<br />
<i> Love conquers all.</i> He could almost hear his dad's voice, how many f*cking times had he heard his father say that? Not only say it, but f*cking live it; and despite the f*cking miles between them, it was almost like his Dad was f*cking standing right there, beside him. Emotion clogged his throat, but he f*cking willed it away. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Ivory stepped out of the bathroom, a shell of herself; it wasn't the f*cking visible scars that had him concerned, it was the f*cking invisible ones. She rarely spoke, her eyes remained haunted, and most times she f*cking trailed after him like a d*mn lost little puppy. She had lost so much f*cking weight the bed barely dipped when she crawled onto it. She laid her head on his chest, and he could feel her sigh. He ran his fingers through her hair, it didn't f*cking matter what she was like now, he had her back, and somehow they would f*cking work through the sh*t.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJqq2VfR1M0XcGSvrFOokVsedupzouerb19q-ZCdwu-w7EpdedueGpmb2-qyYvj7nnMJcyK7SmHA17wMFTV3qJDWVHFJmiitalBqjbw5qINwa6A-Wdd-5ADz8OvAVBSnbCUpgu3WmTBM4/s1600/Colin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJqq2VfR1M0XcGSvrFOokVsedupzouerb19q-ZCdwu-w7EpdedueGpmb2-qyYvj7nnMJcyK7SmHA17wMFTV3qJDWVHFJmiitalBqjbw5qINwa6A-Wdd-5ADz8OvAVBSnbCUpgu3WmTBM4/s640/Colin.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
"I'm old now." she whispered. "Really old."<br />
<br />
"Yes you are." Colin agreed, without thinking about it.<br />
<br />
She hit him, hard. "What the h*ll Romeo?"<br />
<br />
"Ow, what the f*ck?" Then he smiled, a real smile. That was the first f*cking time she had sounded more like his Angel, he didn't know how the f*ck to deal with the shadow Ivory, but this one, his Ivory, he f*cking understood. He shrugged. "Hey, I was just agreeing with you, don't get f*cking p*ssed off at me."<br />
<br />
She glared at him. "You're such an a*shole." <br />
<br />
"F*ck Angel, I thought that would make you happy, me agreeing with you."<br />
<br />
She huffed, and laid her head back on his chest. "You haven't changed a bit."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJrlw_ucxFyiwS0CWI-iVuMtreZ2F5VwFNGUu-9bu-Iq8_A3cf2KBLTqmbQTw9c6F1uz2Uas0H_g70bPKVVRRP88_VEUWecrhN9Pe6DHuP1haLj9MNWzYCuZHqdfa2UWimXrE2D46_WKc/s1600/Colin1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJrlw_ucxFyiwS0CWI-iVuMtreZ2F5VwFNGUu-9bu-Iq8_A3cf2KBLTqmbQTw9c6F1uz2Uas0H_g70bPKVVRRP88_VEUWecrhN9Pe6DHuP1haLj9MNWzYCuZHqdfa2UWimXrE2D46_WKc/s640/Colin1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
If needling her was what it took to bring her more back to herself, then he could do that, sh*t, some even called him a f*cking expert in the art of irritation. "Why mess with perfection?" he asked with a straight face.<br />
<br />
"Why mess with...you...pompous...b*stard." She sputtered. Colin started laughing, he couldn't f*cking help himself. Her fingers fisted up and she thumped him hard a few times on his chest. "A*s. You're just messing with me." She looked away from him, and sighed again. "It's just, all these years I have lived in a nightmare I could never wake up from, Raven..." Ivory shuddered. <br />
<br />
She tried again to tell him about it, "I just..."her voice broke, "I'm sorry I..." She shook her head, she just couldn't speak of the horrors she had endured, at least, not yet. She changed the topic. "And then there's you, you haven't aged a single day, you deserve someone younger and prettier and not as screwed up as I am...and then there's the kids..." Her voice trailed off for a moment, "Babies when I saw them last. Now they're all grown up, with babies of their own, that are all grown up, and I missed all of it!"<br />
<br />
He turned her face to his. "What sort of f*cking bullsh*t nonsense is that?" He asked fiercely. "From the f*cking first moment I f*cking laid eyes on you, I have f*cking belonged to you, and only you. You're like," he paused, searching for a word, "gangrene in my f*cking heart! The only f*cking way to get you the f*ck out, is to f*cking cut my heart out!"<br />
<br />
Ivory was silent for a moment. "Did you just compare me to gangrene?"<br />
<br />
Colin thought about it. "H*ll, yes, yes I f*cking did."<br />
<br />
"You're so sweet, I think that is the nicest thing you've ever said to me." She reached up, and kissed him.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib2RsEOSnEqu2DB1GMZLXKpNiQVqAtIDG_nthDzxzaCK8Dynj_4JTqGNhkLpDbXvKyIGC7xDhkYuuI5aVry77I0bYy5dfPIgNwPynyBsRvaDxcc8fdfhpnm3yP7-w_uTmh8Q-AL8ViMQg/s1600/Colin2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib2RsEOSnEqu2DB1GMZLXKpNiQVqAtIDG_nthDzxzaCK8Dynj_4JTqGNhkLpDbXvKyIGC7xDhkYuuI5aVry77I0bYy5dfPIgNwPynyBsRvaDxcc8fdfhpnm3yP7-w_uTmh8Q-AL8ViMQg/s640/Colin2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
"I'm not sweet." He grumbled after the kiss ended. "I have a f*cking image to uphold here. I could compare you to fungus though, if you liked my f*cking gangrene comment so much..."<br />
<br />
"Don't push your luck Romeo." She smiled at him as she said it, but then frowned slightly. "I'm messed up."<br />
<br />
"F*ck, aren't we all." Colin responded. "This whole family is f*cked up, it's silent as a f*cking graveyard around here, even Bob is f*cking moping, and I didn't even f*cking know robots could mope."<br />
<br />
"Then we need to do something about it."<br />
<br />
"We?"<br />
<br />
Ivory nodded her head. "Yes, we. I didn't go through h*ll just to have everything fall apart once I got my family back. Now, you start with our granddaughter, once she's doing better, I think everyone else will start doing better." <br />
<br />
Colin eyed her suspiciously. "We? That sounded like a command just for me, where's this we?"<br />
<br />
Ivory smiled. "Well, let me show you..."<br />
<br />
An hour later, Colin was standing in front of Julia's bedroom. He knocked, he could hear the faint sounds of puking, and then the toilet flushing. He waited a little bit, and then knocked again. "Go away!" Colin took that as his invitation to enter. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilOVQ0ljktNH_s7Yghadnwo8XfViirB3UXpn_VEzK3yp4qZ0YPBaT_2L5DAggwBY8g-Q5xLQAoN-fLegY2IVeG4SgBgANfO4fUqN_d-S2RCV76B6X3_639C2H6Aggy1koqOpBtgvxulnQ/s1600/Colin3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilOVQ0ljktNH_s7Yghadnwo8XfViirB3UXpn_VEzK3yp4qZ0YPBaT_2L5DAggwBY8g-Q5xLQAoN-fLegY2IVeG4SgBgANfO4fUqN_d-S2RCV76B6X3_639C2H6Aggy1koqOpBtgvxulnQ/s640/Colin3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
"I don't want to talk to you."<br />
<br />
Colin shrugged. "Good, that'll make this a lot f*cking easier. Get dressed, we're getting the f*ck out of here."<br />
<br />
"I'm not going anywhere either." Julia said sullenly.<br />
<br />
"Well, Squirt, you don't have a f*cking choice. Now get your a*s out of that bed."<br />
<br />
"Don't call me that." Julia said tiredly. "I don't want to see you, or talk to you, or anyone else. I just want to be left alone, just go away. I want everyone to just go the f*ck away."<br />
<br />
"I can't do that Squirt."<br />
<br />
"So what else is new?" Julia laughed bitterly. "My life is over, I just want to..." <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2giNr7uZDTAJc3CGrCvs5R65kb4Ps3I2yI4MNu8sJrVuTaS6BSOBCm7pD67j0iIu1j-rRGOstU-ievRcYwHTr6anDycTXpxD9KolwD5CPOiRmSIRbvlOCEAGOJiFAbMLY2PSAWbX_G8Y/s1600/Colin4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2giNr7uZDTAJc3CGrCvs5R65kb4Ps3I2yI4MNu8sJrVuTaS6BSOBCm7pD67j0iIu1j-rRGOstU-ievRcYwHTr6anDycTXpxD9KolwD5CPOiRmSIRbvlOCEAGOJiFAbMLY2PSAWbX_G8Y/s640/Colin4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
"...get your a*s up out of that bed, I agree." Colin said firmly. "This is the f*cking way it's going to work, either you get the f*ck up, and get your a*s dressed, or I'll haul you out of this f*cking bedroom in your pjs. Your choice."<br />
<br />
She turned and glared at him. "That isn't a choice. You're a d*mn bully, and..."<br />
<br />
Colin started counting, "10, 9, 8..."<br />
<br />
"And I'm not going anywhere with you! I'm never going to leave this room, I can still feel him in here, his scent is still on the sheets." Her voice cracked. "I'm staying right here, where he is."<br />
<br />
"Julia, Rian is gone, and he f*cking wouldn't want you f*cking withering away like a dumba*s. Last time, are you going willingly, or..."<br />
<br />
Julia turned away. "I'm not going anywhere with you."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXIKv5aHVz_gNAt8-ait_lHDDO6O6W_4d9c1swKn27ujhFSiN2UeHH_CrNlpu5IyQBX4-DLZUvdLacjIjPFnjt6f0Nerq11RcZfZhFpnV_7nHMY6MV6zaO4P6HO0vfiK7gD_AAUpXXgRY/s1600/Colin5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXIKv5aHVz_gNAt8-ait_lHDDO6O6W_4d9c1swKn27ujhFSiN2UeHH_CrNlpu5IyQBX4-DLZUvdLacjIjPFnjt6f0Nerq11RcZfZhFpnV_7nHMY6MV6zaO4P6HO0vfiK7gD_AAUpXXgRY/s640/Colin5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
"Suit yourself." Colin strode over to the bed, and lifted her up. She started screaming, and hitting him, he ignored her, and threw her over his shoulder. The commotion brought the rest of the household over.<br />
<br />
"Dad, what are you doing?" Skye asked in alarm.<br />
<br />
"We'll be back." Colin said, and he marched right on by the family, and out the front door. Ivory could f*cking fill them in, he had his arms full with Julia, who was still howling, kicking, and causing a scene. Not that Colin cared two f*cks about that, but Julia might, once she pulled her head out of her a*s.<br />
<br />
The beach was just a short walk from the house, maybe half a mile or so, he drew a few odd looks from nearby passersby as he made his way to the Beach with a howling cat slung over his shoulder. As he got closer to the Ocean, Julia started to settle down, so he plopped her down on a sand dune, and then sat down next to her.<br />
<br />
They sat silently for a long while, and Colin just let her be. The weather had turned slightly, and a light rain was falling, it suited his mood just fine. The Squirt could f*cking try the patience of a saint, and he wasn't one of those, but he knew she had f*cking less patience than he did. He was sure she would cave first and break the silence.<br />
<br />
"I hate you." She finally said, without any heat.<br />
<br />
"I know." <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSlXO7ljnysNOXj2b6zXdAi-4OQ55jr2lFgVVThRd-EC74B9n74tL1LHcgWn6v7y2uA3FYW89wAyz5up_vy5TZnc83Mb7qB9OqapEq88jm7k_EcxmEDp9k_ebOoIL0IsCQIj_B8I-VCPk/s1600/Colin6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSlXO7ljnysNOXj2b6zXdAi-4OQ55jr2lFgVVThRd-EC74B9n74tL1LHcgWn6v7y2uA3FYW89wAyz5up_vy5TZnc83Mb7qB9OqapEq88jm7k_EcxmEDp9k_ebOoIL0IsCQIj_B8I-VCPk/s640/Colin6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Julia swiped a tear from her eye. "The last time I was on the beach, it was with Rian." Her voice cracked. "I miss him so much Grumpa, the pain of it is unbearable!"<br />
<br />
Colin sighed sadly. "I know Squirt."<br />
<br />
She laughed bitterly. "How would you know? You have your love back, Grandma Ivory is alive, while, while, Rian is dead!" <br />
<br />
Colin scowled at her. "How would I know? How the f*ck would I know?" He sputtered,"Well, d*mn, what about all those f*cking years when I thought she was dead? Huh? Sure, she's f*cking alive today, but I don't know for how f*cking long, you may have noticed she f*cking aged a little.<br />
<br />
I've got her back, only to f*cking lose her to death again. It nearly f*cking killed me the first time!" Colin was silent for a moment after his outburst. He sighed heavily, and then said in a calmer tone of voice, "But Squirt, we can't f*cking bury ourselves just to try and f*cking protect us from pain, that's a sh*tty a*s way to live. Without the f*cking risk of pain, there isn't the joy of love. And I would f*cking do it all over again, even though it f*cking hurts like h*ll, just because I f*cking love her, and every f*cking day with her is a gift."<br />
<br />
Julia sniffed. "Grumpa, I'm sorry, I..." Seeking comfort from him like she had when she was a little girl, she scooted closer to him, and laid her head on his shoulder. "I don't think I can be as strong as you."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNoAsAE07gV9v3op1T35eJYbNMOrF1XrOunJ56fRq5X2OshPfR6d9iRRqQ3E821xzYSImarqbCRO4MzSuQ2Av5tFxuf_HNSNg47C8ROKoZd9H7Vyz2398ZxXPpZuq2mjuq5HYUdqJ4I2E/s1600/Colin7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNoAsAE07gV9v3op1T35eJYbNMOrF1XrOunJ56fRq5X2OshPfR6d9iRRqQ3E821xzYSImarqbCRO4MzSuQ2Av5tFxuf_HNSNg47C8ROKoZd9H7Vyz2398ZxXPpZuq2mjuq5HYUdqJ4I2E/s640/Colin7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
"That's f*cking nonsense." Colin said gruffly. "Look at all you have f*cking overcome, if that's not strength, I don't know what the f*ck is. Besides, you have someone else to consider now, so you have to be strong for them."<br />
<br />
"Someone else? What are you talking about Grumpa. I'm not in the mood for one of your riddles or pranks."<br />
<br />
Colin rolled his eyes. "What the f*ck? A prank at a time like this? What kind of guy do you think I am?"<br />
<br />
"An a*s."<br />
<br />
He bumped her shoulder playfully. "Maybe. That doesn't change your truth."<br />
<br />
Julia shook her head. "And what's that?"<br />
<br />
"You're pregnant." He said bluntly.<br />
<br />
"The h*ll I am."<br />
<br />
"The h*ll you aren't."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQJZjHHiwlOSoAzOBZMQkTPh5SWP7it8nRFDqcf1Hgo9g-p5xSFMpkOuVr-1o-ald-CmWwAbC11UUw3AoyHFi2vzF0kwNq7hncGOnx-QlRFa-gAQcDd0t82Qn_g8iqSJMmHKQcMXGFyFQ/s1600/Colin8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQJZjHHiwlOSoAzOBZMQkTPh5SWP7it8nRFDqcf1Hgo9g-p5xSFMpkOuVr-1o-ald-CmWwAbC11UUw3AoyHFi2vzF0kwNq7hncGOnx-QlRFa-gAQcDd0t82Qn_g8iqSJMmHKQcMXGFyFQ/s640/Colin8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
She lifted her head and stared at him. "Why the h*ll would you say something like that? I've been sick, yes, but that's because...because...because..."<br />
<br />
"...you're pregnant." Colin finished for her. "I've been around pregnant women a time or two, you've got all the d*mn signs. Which means, you need to f*cking take better care of yourself, you've got a baby to look after."<br />
<br />
Julia sat up. "No f*cking way. A baby?! I'm not ready to have a baby, I'm not supposed to be a single mom!" She wailed.<br />
<br />
"Well, marry someone then. Problem solved."<br />
<br />
"You can't be serious. I'm never falling in love or getting married again." She vowed.<br />
<br />
"Sounds lonely."<br />
<br />
"Hmph, if I ever feel lonely, there's ways of taking care of that, without falling in love." <br />
<br />
Colin sighed. "Sh*t, done that and f*cking been there, it's not all it's cracked up to be, but you're so d*mn bull headed, I doubt anything I f*cking say right now would make a difference."<br />
<br />
Julia stood up, and brushed the sand off of herself. "Thanks Grumpa. You really know how to make a girl feel better." She said sardonically.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGgr8dh5t-jFMdg2bPr8jEDJ-oOiweaAQ51hPuqtAZ9Y5c3HTQpuChV6u3p1vCxfB105YoZSebPOKJI_LJ4Sc3gK5co_1oWs2EK8SjODoj54IiKBEPGzrhIBl9vPmvzEBfHYl8mDWWNlE/s1600/Colin9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGgr8dh5t-jFMdg2bPr8jEDJ-oOiweaAQ51hPuqtAZ9Y5c3HTQpuChV6u3p1vCxfB105YoZSebPOKJI_LJ4Sc3gK5co_1oWs2EK8SjODoj54IiKBEPGzrhIBl9vPmvzEBfHYl8mDWWNlE/s640/Colin9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Colin smirked at her as he jumped up onto his feet. "Well, I do my best." He slung his arm around her. "Now," he said conspiratorially, "let's keep that earlier little speech of mine to ourselves, shall we? I have a f*cking reputation to maintain, can't have people thinking I'm f*cking whipped."<br />
<br />
Julia shook her head. "You are unbelievable sometimes."<br />
<br />
He nodded his head. "It's a gift." He wagged his finger at her. "No more bullsh*t, right? Be sad, but don't f*cking act like you're dead. Besides, if you don't change, your grandmother is going to whoop my a*s, or worse."<br />
<br />
Julia chuckled. "You are so whipped Grumpa."<br />
<br />
Colin grinned at her. "Sssh, not so loud!"<br />
<br />
<br />
~<>~<br />
<br />
<br />
Julia moaned in pleasure at the first bite of the cheeseburger. Usually she preferred healthier eating, but lately she craved junk food. Cheeseburgers specifically. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqcoiDr4Ubn6it-FhYnB2DnnvVe1An9uXJa35IuTAkuR4rSq7QSvK2CrMBxZlUWqB2FWy-ojKKKzKHgv0MHFpAxT4wHutHpe2KJS_ihYTzNV0Bs_VT_Oys9xD2xBLS9Gcvl-_mNjXny88/s1600/Julia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqcoiDr4Ubn6it-FhYnB2DnnvVe1An9uXJa35IuTAkuR4rSq7QSvK2CrMBxZlUWqB2FWy-ojKKKzKHgv0MHFpAxT4wHutHpe2KJS_ihYTzNV0Bs_VT_Oys9xD2xBLS9Gcvl-_mNjXny88/s640/Julia.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
It was the middle of the night, and she should be sleeping, but she found it hard to sleep. When she slept, she dreamt, and more often than not, she dreamt of Rian, which always put her in a sour mood when she woke up and remembered that he was gone.<br />
<br />
She took another bite of her cheeseburger. She was so mad at him. Mad that he left her. Mad that he died. Mad that he didn't tell her everything. Bella. Somehow he must have known that she was pregnant, and that almost made it worse.<br />
<br />
Most of all though, she just missed him.<br />
<br />
She heard footsteps and glanced up mid-bite. "Mmmhph"<br />
<br />
"Hey Princess, midnight snack?"<br />
<br />
She swallowed her bite of food. "Hi Daddy, yeah, I have a weakness for cheeseburgers, the greasier the better, lately. Why are you up?"<br />
<br />
"Nightmares." He didn't elaborate, and Julia didn't ask. She was just grateful that she hadn't lost her dad too, it had been touch and go for a while. She tilted her head and looked at him, studying him as he rummaged around in the fridge looking for a midnight snack himself. He had aged a lot since the confrontation with his mother, and it scared her. He grabbed a plate of what looked like waffles, and turned towards her. "Mind if I join you?"<br />
<br />
"No, please do."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtoesw-JMyl6gTL03ciZPS_kMKtSDpo2lu0BB7WONC1g9DW9StarRfnpsLoC4vPqvugZV9rJT7V3OitLkhGfgwXmlyqfC7MnhNa8B8Unn_DTZA1-OPVnOY_rNfCbBuNJKy_OdZPQUUDRo/s1600/Hawk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtoesw-JMyl6gTL03ciZPS_kMKtSDpo2lu0BB7WONC1g9DW9StarRfnpsLoC4vPqvugZV9rJT7V3OitLkhGfgwXmlyqfC7MnhNa8B8Unn_DTZA1-OPVnOY_rNfCbBuNJKy_OdZPQUUDRo/s640/Hawk.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
He sat down beside her. "How are you feeling?"<br />
<br />
Julia shrugged. "Okay, I guess. How are you and Mom?" While her parents were still silent and awkward around each other, at least her dad had finally moved back into their bedroom, and was no longer sleeping on the couch. Julia took that as a good sign.<br />
<br />
"Dealing." He smiled briefly. "I'm giving her some space, I really hurt her, and there's no way I can undo that."<br />
<br />
Julia sighed. "I can't believe I'm going to give my Dad some advice on his love life, but here goes, sometimes Dad, space is not what we need. Look at Grumpa, he ignored my desire for more space, and instead kicked me in the a*s by dragging me, literally kicking and screaming, out of the house." She finished off her cheeseburger. "It's what I needed, even if I didn't think so at that moment. Maybe that is what Mom needs."<br />
<br />
"Hmm." He grunted as he stared at the food in front of him. "I don't know Julia, I don't think she'd react well to me hauling her out of the house over my shoulder..."<br />
<br />
Julia giggled at that image. No her mother would be less than pleased if he did that. "Not exactly what I had in mind. You sleep in the same bed right?" She nudged him playfully. "Well, I'd work with that." She stood up, and grabbed her plate. "What happens next is between you two. I don't want to hear about it." She smiled at him, and he smiled back. With that said, Julia rinsed her dish off, and then kissed her dad on the cheek. "I'm going back to bed. Love ya Daddy."<br />
<br />
"Love you too."<br />
<br />
<br />
~<>~<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
"So what does this do?" Julia asked, pointing at some buttons that blinked and glowed.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY52Rt7a9_gZ7bUQ6hRV1UF2glElsb_Wb0Mhhmui1KbDGPdDUGLjXb-SMzN5A2p_HVMSwWgK3Q_jUZQQcuaW1pku4iB-LHr5IJ7oVbUUD0H4JZ1qrPDPAE4JOsjMHHltlD1rgMtLt-UZ0/s1600/Jack+and+Julia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY52Rt7a9_gZ7bUQ6hRV1UF2glElsb_Wb0Mhhmui1KbDGPdDUGLjXb-SMzN5A2p_HVMSwWgK3Q_jUZQQcuaW1pku4iB-LHr5IJ7oVbUUD0H4JZ1qrPDPAE4JOsjMHHltlD1rgMtLt-UZ0/s640/Jack+and+Julia.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Jack answered with a distracted grunt. He was trying to analyze the chromosomes of this strange seed he had come across one day while hiking. It was unlike any seed he had ever seen before, it seemed to have replicating abilities, and would turn into whatever it was fed. It was quite a puzzle, and Jack loved puzzles. At least it was something to do besides worry over the lack of a reply from Maxine.<br />
<br />
He had never worried if a few months went by without a reply, he knew she was busy, busy like he used to be. She belonged to Doctor's without Borders, an organization that sent medical personal around the world to help out other less fortunate people, and that kept her plenty occupied, but it had been nearly two years since he had last heard from her.<br />
<br />
They had met in highschool, as Sophmores, she was the new kid, and had been assigned as his lab partner for the year. She had been nearly as shy as he was, but once they had both figured out their mutual love of science, they had become instant friends. Jack didn't have many friends, most people thought he was slightly odd, and they had no idea what he was talking about. His family humored him, but Maxine, she had not humored him, but instead, she had actually understood what he was saying, and added to his knowledge of many different subjects.<br />
<br />
They could spend hours discussing the merits of white holes versus black holes, or even how crazy the theory of an Ekpyrotic Universe was. If Jack had believed that love was real, and not just a biochemical reaction in the brain, he would have said he loved her, but of course it wasn't, so he didn't.<br />
<br />
She was the only girl that he wasn't related to, that he hadn't felt terribly awkward around.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ync4YSiJ1fRhuEwL2mK2-zcC-KSkKq9Dv5q3xKRwRt90lUVFCW6g9Vy1Wh8mwLYshF1Bx4EWzk5VNcUsRV3mfZLnGc9LozN4uaJgz94gt8990I9tzVNKGSXjdkJ2kEbxRQMwACY1NtE/s1600/Jack+and+Julia1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ync4YSiJ1fRhuEwL2mK2-zcC-KSkKq9Dv5q3xKRwRt90lUVFCW6g9Vy1Wh8mwLYshF1Bx4EWzk5VNcUsRV3mfZLnGc9LozN4uaJgz94gt8990I9tzVNKGSXjdkJ2kEbxRQMwACY1NtE/s640/Jack+and+Julia1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Though, none of that mattered now, it was all ancient history. She had wanted to travel, see the world, become a doctor and help others; but he hadn't been able to go with her, his family had needed him. They had never been officially more than friends, even what happened on Graduation night hadn't changed that, the next morning had come...and he let her go without a word. Really, what could he have said? Their lives had been on different trajectories. <br />
<br />
Jack stared at his computer screen. Maybe she had finally gotten married. He had always expected that she would. Every letter of hers that he had ever read, that had always been in the back of his mind. He'd had a scare once, not that he would ever begrudge her, her happiness, she deserved to be happy, but when she had written to tell him that she'd had a daughter, he had expected her to announce she was married too.<br />
<br />
He had refused to analyze his feelings when he found out that she wasn't married, and that the father of her baby wasn't involved. Jack wasn't good with emotions, those were best left to someone more like his sisters. He would stick with logic, it made more sense.<br />
<br />
A whirring noise snapped him out of his thoughts, he glanced up from his screen to see that Julia had managed to open up his bot tuning station. "Ahhh! Julia! Stop! What are you doing?!"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVyqkVaU-e8iIKc6MP3lFf1cmV3DtaLsqwpl766n79muRiNzdfuwCTdV4cunBdaeI1dRGiv_AvBnFUm-F0GsmExpIdyy7M1nCKEtYW8PUhoRm3T9kShIBM2h9Z14cWHCzkmdrR9gQ3DiI/s1600/Jack+and+Julia2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVyqkVaU-e8iIKc6MP3lFf1cmV3DtaLsqwpl766n79muRiNzdfuwCTdV4cunBdaeI1dRGiv_AvBnFUm-F0GsmExpIdyy7M1nCKEtYW8PUhoRm3T9kShIBM2h9Z14cWHCzkmdrR9gQ3DiI/s640/Jack+and+Julia2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
She glanced over her shoulder at him. "I asked you what those buttons were for, but you ignored me, so I decided to find out."<br />
<br />
Jack sighed. He felt for his niece, he truly did. She had been through a lot, but her boredom was going to drive him bonkers. He didn't know why she had decided to attach herself to him, and ask endless questions about what was this?; and what did that do?. He only had one rule for her though, not that she ever listened to it. "What have I told you about touching things?" he grumbled. "That machine is very delicate, I can't have you pushing buttons willy nilly."<br />
<br />
She walked towards him. "So it builds robots like Bob?"<br />
<br />
Jack nodded. "It's more simple, user friendly, that way any one could build a bot, not just me, but it's temperamental, I haven't worked all the bugs out of it yet." <br />
<br />
"So I could..."<br />
<br />
Jack interrupted her. "No, you can't, no touching remember? It's not ready. When it is you'll be the first one I notify."<br />
<br />
"So what were you thinking about?" Julia asked, curious. Usually when he ignored her, it was because he was completely involved in whatever project he was working on, except this time, he had just been staring at the screen, motionless. Bella chose that moment to make her presence known to her mother, and Julia rubbed her tummy. "There, there, little one." She whispered softly.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH-GFGsWlkUBPqSI9rdny1YKv6V032NQ05gFnw2_Zg7k63R4F9061m0TeYf-czhICVjA81IEEun-NcbIwFyvAUiKKjO_ncCtXK-RtQAkSoy_y0jWlVbvm6juy8Lr09wNkRKUVyCq2DZro/s1600/Jack+and+Julia3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH-GFGsWlkUBPqSI9rdny1YKv6V032NQ05gFnw2_Zg7k63R4F9061m0TeYf-czhICVjA81IEEun-NcbIwFyvAUiKKjO_ncCtXK-RtQAkSoy_y0jWlVbvm6juy8Lr09wNkRKUVyCq2DZro/s640/Jack+and+Julia3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Jack blushed and stammered. "Nuh...nuh...nothing."<br />
<br />
"Who is she?"<br />
<br />
He frowned at her, his cheeks still bright red. "What makes you think I was thinking about a female?"<br />
<br />
Julia chuckled. "I don't know," she teased him, "those pink cheeks of yours?"<br />
<br />
Flustered, Jack covered his cheeks. One of the hazards of having so little pigmentation in his skin, was when his <span class="_Tgc">sympathetic nervous system kicked in due to the levels of cortisol in his blood, it caused the blood vessels
to widen in his face, which increased the blood flow to his skin, which caused him to...blush. It was disconcerting. "She is..." He was going to say not important, but that would be a lie.</span><br />
<span class="_Tgc"><br /></span>
<span class="_Tgc"> "Well, Uncle Jack, if I were you, I'd call her and ask her out on a date."</span><br />
<span class="_Tgc"><br /></span>
<span class="_Tgc"> Call Maxine? Preposterous. She didn't own a phone. But maybe he would break with tradition, and write her another letter, even though she hadn't responded yet to his last one. He noted Julia's interested expression, and decided it was time for a little distraction. "I need some fresh air, how about we go for a walk on the beach?" Maybe if he explained the molecular structure of Ocean water again, she would leave him in peace for a while? </span><br />
<span class="_Tgc"><br /></span>
<span class="_Tgc"><br /></span>
<span class="_Tgc"> ~<>~</span><br />
<span class="_Tgc"><br /></span>
<span class="_Tgc"><br /></span>
<span class="_Tgc"> Her daughter's cries woke her up from a lovely dream. In her dream, it had been a warm night, with a full moon and a sky filled with shimmering stars. Rian was holding her close, and they were swaying to the Nat King Cole song, "Unforgettable". It had been so real too, so real, that it had taken her several moments after waking up to realize she had been dreaming, and then reality had crashed in. Rian was gone. That thought still had the power to hurt.</span><br />
<span class="_Tgc"><br /></span>
<span class="_Tgc"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilddGsntE5oTRRNS8Bu_wD-9AujGqXT5Ex3xmcm1nM-KB_S2dVi934hFj8idwW8eDGEXlhiSMqA7nhPBP7TR7iWQ3T3WO98DAyc_H0GNb8kF2ZYoFXULOtFYN7RuIqWJMbPTvEHzyMQa4/s1600/Bella.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilddGsntE5oTRRNS8Bu_wD-9AujGqXT5Ex3xmcm1nM-KB_S2dVi934hFj8idwW8eDGEXlhiSMqA7nhPBP7TR7iWQ3T3WO98DAyc_H0GNb8kF2ZYoFXULOtFYN7RuIqWJMbPTvEHzyMQa4/s640/Bella.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span class="_Tgc"><br /></span>
<span class="_Tgc"> As she cuddled her daughter, she couldn't help but think of him. Her emotions ran the gamut, everything to what it would have been like if he had lived, to being p*ssed off all over again at him for not telling her everything he knew. And then she would feel guilty for being so p*ssed at him. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="_Tgc"> She loved him. She hated him. She missed him. She wished she had never met him. She was glad she had known him, loved him. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="_Tgc"> A regular see saw of messy emotions.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="_Tgc"> Her family tried to help, indeed, sometimes she had to fight them for time alone with Bella, someone was always holding her, but it still wasn't the same. Rian was supposed to be the one with her. They would have taken turns getting up in the middle of the night, and they could have shared all of Bella's firsts. Her first smile. Her first tooth. Her first step. Her first day of school. Her first boyfriend. Her first broken heart.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="_Tgc"> Her thoughts were driving her mad. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="_Tgc"> Bella started to fuss again, and Julia gently rocked her in her arms. "Ssshh baby, don't you fret, we can do this." She looked down into her daughter's tiny face, at her crystaline blue eyes, the same color as Rian's. Julia choked down a sob, but couldn't stop the tears from falling. She missed him so much.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="_Tgc"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgChuEjSfgPI9em89rtEXh1sz7uRhpH5Qvy_G_yx8f3vXMyhxiJPK6bpd4TyBKaAl3kMlYNp4VVREn7S-h8u94MIDBaMEiczHzZjxCEmHAxjdffqANw5qvqis5F-1dpml5AEqnRkCo7C_U/s1600/Bella1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgChuEjSfgPI9em89rtEXh1sz7uRhpH5Qvy_G_yx8f3vXMyhxiJPK6bpd4TyBKaAl3kMlYNp4VVREn7S-h8u94MIDBaMEiczHzZjxCEmHAxjdffqANw5qvqis5F-1dpml5AEqnRkCo7C_U/s640/Bella1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span class="_Tgc"><br /></span>
<span class="_Tgc"> Her grumpa had assured her that it would get better with time, but Julia had her doubts. How could she move on, when everywhere she looked, she could see him?</span><br />
<span class="_Tgc"><br /></span>
<span class="_Tgc"><br /></span>
<span class="_Tgc"> ~<>~</span><br />
<span class="_Tgc"> </span><br />
<span class="_Tgc"><br /></span>
<span class="_Tgc"><br /></span>
<span class="_Tgc"> </span><span class="_Tgc">"Okay, now f*cking open your eyes." Ivory opened her eyes, and stared. She was speechless.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="_Tgc"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPVXO1YX66B2vwjB89tQXOe1ZYJLrMjIaoPVCzkf9IMeFzgu06KOChiGPF2KTW6PcEYVImkVQZuaViYrX77XL6GXkyquxD5NmM87RLhykx57lZJJKnM5wDENpWzgZFLbf31QgNUiGxx3o/s1600/Ivory.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPVXO1YX66B2vwjB89tQXOe1ZYJLrMjIaoPVCzkf9IMeFzgu06KOChiGPF2KTW6PcEYVImkVQZuaViYrX77XL6GXkyquxD5NmM87RLhykx57lZJJKnM5wDENpWzgZFLbf31QgNUiGxx3o/s640/Ivory.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span class="_Tgc"> </span><br />
<span class="_Tgc"> </span><span class="_Tgc"> "What in the h*ll have you done Romeo?"</span><br />
<br />
Colin grinned at her. "I promised you a f*cking house with a black picket fence, now didn't I? I'm a man of my f*cking word. So, surprise Angel! I had this f*cking house built just for you."<br />
<br />
"I don't know what to say." In front of her was the house of her
dreams, and it was completely surrounded by an...honest to goodness black picket fence. And was that
a...carousel? In the front yard?! <br />
<br />
Colin scratched his chin thoughtfully. "I may have gone a tad overboard."<br />
<br />
Ivory smiled. "A tad?"<br />
<br />
He shrugged. "Okay, maybe more than a f*cking tad. I thought a new house
would do all of us f*cking wonders, not just you and me, but the whole d*mn family, no old memories, only new ones."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioVqvjn8M_CyyGsiiDRbsJlaXQk258FRCJ_VgvUGfmcn00yveof-T0PCSDbBVpI3_8urPeMhDWFRgVb7cHDfEx_vpsz3STnmVNkLtbnr1Z_HsACWx3pk36P2_hCtxXeFArfCPd5X_HStI/s1600/Ivory1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioVqvjn8M_CyyGsiiDRbsJlaXQk258FRCJ_VgvUGfmcn00yveof-T0PCSDbBVpI3_8urPeMhDWFRgVb7cHDfEx_vpsz3STnmVNkLtbnr1Z_HsACWx3pk36P2_hCtxXeFArfCPd5X_HStI/s640/Ivory1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span class="_Tgc"> </span><br />
<span class="_Tgc"> </span><br />
<span class="_Tgc"> Ivory just had to ask. "Why is there a carousel in the front yard?"</span><br />
<span class="_Tgc"><br /></span>
<span class="_Tgc"> "You told me once that you wanted to ride the f*cking carousel. So," he pointed at the carousel, "there it is."</span><br />
<span class="_Tgc"><br /></span>
<span class="_Tgc"> Ivory shook her head. "Maybe when I was four!"</span><br />
<br />
<span class="_Tgc"> "Come on Angel, let's f*cking go for a ride, you know you want to."</span><br />
<br />
<span class="_Tgc"> Ivory eyed him suspiciously. "I don't trust that glint in your eye."</span><br />
<br />
<span class="_Tgc"> Colin feigned innocence. "What?! D*mn Angel, you're f*cking tough on a guy's ego."</span><br />
<br />
<span class="_Tgc"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAVn-Yhp1H9BtOacbwdQevEDor2OY57OnIGFB-bAEmSlJalmHw49rN4EBzluHIFfVgNKFXmSkD0upPk8nIXE5HkhbHUQ2AjaQdHfcG1JS8pRbklqqpumO1G0rPGzLmkIQjJ0jLHKdcBbc/s1600/Ivory3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAVn-Yhp1H9BtOacbwdQevEDor2OY57OnIGFB-bAEmSlJalmHw49rN4EBzluHIFfVgNKFXmSkD0upPk8nIXE5HkhbHUQ2AjaQdHfcG1JS8pRbklqqpumO1G0rPGzLmkIQjJ0jLHKdcBbc/s640/Ivory3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span class="_Tgc"> "What are you cooking up in that devious little mind of yours?"</span><br />
<br />
<span class="_Tgc"> Colin winked. "Well, since you asked." He leaned in closer to her, and started nuzzling her neck. "I do have some great f*cking ideas about breaking that carousel in..."</span><br />
<br />
<span class="_Tgc"> </span><br />
_________________________________________________________________________<br />
<br />
Notes: Ivory riding a carousel:<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiravrv0TWSQ4AP_vdCKnELDx2JKyTgeGNrP4AY9DH2KPvsZILpYl-Wi3StniQHo_mSz6KVtDeA_J2MVGzdSx59C8k3ujAtEw0GaRfMqJsAxQ6C5dX_srlEvH-l9ljcsT0TlE2fDBftzkk/s1600/Ivory5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiravrv0TWSQ4AP_vdCKnELDx2JKyTgeGNrP4AY9DH2KPvsZILpYl-Wi3StniQHo_mSz6KVtDeA_J2MVGzdSx59C8k3ujAtEw0GaRfMqJsAxQ6C5dX_srlEvH-l9ljcsT0TlE2fDBftzkk/s400/Ivory5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I really wanted them to ride it together, together, on the same horse, just because I thought it would be cute. However, you can't do that with the store object. Pity. And yes, they have a carousel in front of their house now---for a little while anyway. I had all this space and I thought, why not? Who doesn't want a carousel in their front yard, lol<br />
<br />
Also--Colin on the carousel, doesn't he look like he's having fun?! lol<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4IfSeQsD7gn_1t3Mh8e9erDVaE8O8BJkwLFIScW19ob5MkSUxjO7iUbJtRsAE83Aa_5Tun623c0NcREtgTSDzTudeOy6iNBvukm-FX2vDztiTZA03jUpQFTYVK3sKrWFfyhrM4buPd6M/s1600/Colin10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4IfSeQsD7gn_1t3Mh8e9erDVaE8O8BJkwLFIScW19ob5MkSUxjO7iUbJtRsAE83Aa_5Tun623c0NcREtgTSDzTudeOy6iNBvukm-FX2vDztiTZA03jUpQFTYVK3sKrWFfyhrM4buPd6M/s400/Colin10.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Julia is having a tough time saying goodbye. But hey---Gen 10 has officially been born!!!! Woot! It's hard to believe I started this legacy over 3 yrs ago---and I'm finally approaching the finish line. Approaching, but no where near it yet, lol<br />
<br />
And yes, they moved again---the lot they had was so glitchy it was driving me crazy. The town was a mess too, so I just saved the main legacy family, and started a new save in Sunlit Tides, which is why (sadly!!!) I had to say goodbye to Alder and Ryder (among many others). =( <br />
<br />
Also--Christmas Card--<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRItYdElKcMmoD6ROaEG8Rwaqsnvlr6wnfSgeTbpoF3OzzMzWdvtU6B0ZprmwcZ6EmneGEqQURcvzlad-Ommdpahge-h4b_tE7TPkc9jOL1UTEMN6TWq1Uh2AFv9IxnuYFxA-pUUfTR4Y/s1600/Christmas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRItYdElKcMmoD6ROaEG8Rwaqsnvlr6wnfSgeTbpoF3OzzMzWdvtU6B0ZprmwcZ6EmneGEqQURcvzlad-Ommdpahge-h4b_tE7TPkc9jOL1UTEMN6TWq1Uh2AFv9IxnuYFxA-pUUfTR4Y/s400/Christmas.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Thanks for reading! =) <br />
<br />
<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Nirarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15253184399668018141noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2767753407529003708.post-57324324908461292102015-09-02T11:30:00.000-07:002015-09-02T12:22:51.223-07:00Chapter 93: Live Well<br />
<br />
Warning: Language; violence<br />
<br />
<br />
Julia glared at the guards who dared to stand between her and where she needed to be.<br />
<br />
Earlier that morning, her father had come into her room; Julia hadn't needed to ask what was wrong, it had been plainly written all over him, in the paleness of his face, and the tension in his body; his words had only confirmed it. "She's here, I've arranged a meeting, on the mountain."<br />
<br />
Julia had simply nodded. She had wished Rian was there, but he had already left, claiming he had something important to do. She would have questioned him further, to find out what this important thing of his was that he'd had to do it alone, but Jack had come in at that moment, prattling on to her about something and Rian had slipped away. She wished Rian hadn't been so adverse to carrying around a cell phone, at least then she could have contacted him that way. Perhaps it was for the best though, this way she knew he would be out of danger.<br />
<br />
At least her mother was still at work, and for that she was glad. They had all agreed beforehand, without letting her mother know of course, that Skye should be left behind. As much as Julia loved her mother, she knew that her mother would be more of a hindrance than a help; especially since Raven, Julia refused to think of her as her grandmother, was known to use people as pawns to get her way. That is what her mother would be, a pawn, wielded against Julia's father. She didn't want her mother hurt, or her Uncle Jack, who was pretty clueless himself, very similar to her mother. Uncle Jack was probably still locked up in his lab like usual, totally unaware that they had left the house. That was probably for the best too.<br />
<br />
Julia didn't know how the others wanted to deal with the a*sholes that were in the way, but she had her own ideas. It started with her kicking some a*s using her powers, and ended with her happily ever after with Rian.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, things weren't going according to the script in her head. No matter how hard she tried, her powers seemed to be useless against them. It was seriously starting to p*ss her off. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9O_-bADrb8Mbr9VnLClIujdr7f_tNkW_K0IJmx4pICKBAPjMz1hxaFk08KjKSJD66aTK5r4TkN3RkA9-XAAemW_BeeE-FZ8iOdo_Q_VdEobbgmRWK1FvphpJSpTaUu8Mm3XFvVZLu4U8/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9O_-bADrb8Mbr9VnLClIujdr7f_tNkW_K0IJmx4pICKBAPjMz1hxaFk08KjKSJD66aTK5r4TkN3RkA9-XAAemW_BeeE-FZ8iOdo_Q_VdEobbgmRWK1FvphpJSpTaUu8Mm3XFvVZLu4U8/s640/1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
She growled in frustration. Why the h*ll wasn't it working? Those
buffoons should have been plastered against the cliff; but not only were
they still upright and conscious, they were smirking at her too.
Smirking. Her eyes narrowed in concentration as she tried to push past whatever it was that was blocking her, but her efforts were useless. They still stood there, unharmed.<br />
<br />
"Having troubles Princess?" One of them hissed in amusement.<br />
<br />
She glared. Princess? She'd Princess his a*s. Maybe she couldn't use her powers to throw them around like ragdolls, but she sure as h*ll could still kick their a*s the old fashioned way. She tensed, ready to push past the others for the chance to beat the sh*t out of the pr*cks, it would certainly make her feel better. She hesitated when she felt her father's hand on her shoulder. "Protection spell of some sort." He said softly. "Probably magnified by a nearby magical container object of some kind. With enough time and effort, we could push past it, but that's just a waste of our energy, and that's probably why my mother set it, so that it would drain us before we even get to her."<br />
<br />
Julia didn't care, she didn't need her powers; all she had to do was get a hold of one of them, and she would wipe that sh*tty sneer from their face with her fists; all with a great amount of pleasure.<br />
<br />
Julia smiled when she heard her Grumpa speak up in his pleasant<i> I'm going to kill you</i> voice. Great minds think alike. "We can f*cking do this the easy way, or the f*cking hard way. F*cking make my day a*sholes, pick the hard f*cking way." As always, she and her Grumpa, they were on the same page.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLjy2WYHn23x8qRfFzi2m7akk6fKWnSNFOFJiLgxv-Wy4IJif4yky6HpBSuH2SEkMugPIXD3WjaEXtqmIJvc_BWdC9EBphvzJ8ctmP9IPsLHOWnXaHb2DD0ySFPvh3yqUxeFz_Y1oZS_8/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLjy2WYHn23x8qRfFzi2m7akk6fKWnSNFOFJiLgxv-Wy4IJif4yky6HpBSuH2SEkMugPIXD3WjaEXtqmIJvc_BWdC9EBphvzJ8ctmP9IPsLHOWnXaHb2DD0ySFPvh3yqUxeFz_Y1oZS_8/s640/2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Rhys rolled his shoulders and cracked his knuckles. "I've got this." He said confidently. "I'll hold them off, you guys go on ahead and get Julia to where she needs to be."<br />
<br />
"You think you can single handedly take on all of us." One of the guards scoffed.<br />
<br />
"Of course not." Rhys said off handedly. "I know I can." With lightning speed, Rhys attacked, and put action to his words. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq-NLpqwPYgfLGgMaaZhzW31H6yCELbuOQUsrTkzjx6e7WK_E3FMCl31bVoUPhAq9vGRRzgiaCNA1wC3lv6S40uINbwlCB3-ZcNNVmghPoMMyTzBr8MsjH1UXuteqVKFew-5FgJRlsuCo/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq-NLpqwPYgfLGgMaaZhzW31H6yCELbuOQUsrTkzjx6e7WK_E3FMCl31bVoUPhAq9vGRRzgiaCNA1wC3lv6S40uINbwlCB3-ZcNNVmghPoMMyTzBr8MsjH1UXuteqVKFew-5FgJRlsuCo/s640/3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Julia noticed there were more guards coming up from behind; she was sure it was a trap set up by Raven. While Rhys was more than holding his own, she wasn't sure he could handle that many guards. "There's more coming!" She yelled. "Behind us, they're trying to trap us!"<br />
<br />
Colin whirled around. "I see them." He narrowed his gaze. "F*cking bring it on."<br />
<br />
"Go!" Rhys shouted out to the others. "I've got this!"<br />
<br />
"All of this?" Julia questioned.<br />
<br />
Rhys grinned, his pointy teeth flashing in the sunlight. "I've got this." He slammed two of the guards' heads together, and kicked one in the stomach, "Go kick some a*s."<br />
<br />
Hawk grabbed his daughter and started for the cave, Colin trailed after them. "Sh*t." Colin complained. "Just when it was getting interesting."<br />
<br />
"It'll be plenty interesting inside." Hawk said darkly.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Yt2GpQTsmfdKc9JK9GShGGE6l_y72Q30KzeaH5d13oic-QZF6NOfsj-HmsErLvpsRR7JU1hCtdK-ood5AXBcIpwdnwZx1CioTufmnNYMWIIQG0QGn1qlQU1lQUQ8AgpKYxSD4O_KgZk/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Yt2GpQTsmfdKc9JK9GShGGE6l_y72Q30KzeaH5d13oic-QZF6NOfsj-HmsErLvpsRR7JU1hCtdK-ood5AXBcIpwdnwZx1CioTufmnNYMWIIQG0QGn1qlQU1lQUQ8AgpKYxSD4O_KgZk/s640/4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The cave was pitch black and damp. "You know where you're going, right Dad?"<br />
<br />
"Trust me." Hawk replied, and Colin snorted. Hawk ignored him though, and felt along the walls, searching. "There should be a switch right about...here!" He said triumphantly as he flipped a switch and the cave lit up with a soft glow. <br />
<br />
Julia looked in dismay at the maze of tunnels before them. "There's so many!"<br />
<br />
"I know the way." Hawk reassured her. "Come on, I've been here many times before."<br />
<br />
"When?" Colin asked suspiciously.<br />
<br />
"A long time ago." Hawk answered. "But I remember the way." Hawk started to follow the third tunnel to the left. "She'll be waiting for us." He warned.<br />
<br />
"I'm ready for the b*tch." Colin growled. <br />
<br />
"I'll detain my mother." Hawk carefully reminded his father in law. "While you help Julia find the cell that holds Medraut." He paused for a moment. "I sure wish that Rian was here, we could have used him." Hawk grumbled under his breath. "What good is he as a Guardian if he isn't even here?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgriXOhlkY8ugK-hxqry6cTsuPTbQqahyphenhyphengCkw2VpWYBhqnJjTFax781Bva03DlkhI5nmaLyH-_tR2V0luvGu6SqwlWRDg3PbYm-C-8NdWRaJKNKWIQia6VtYL99-5Pb7wopgolGNOpGmG8/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgriXOhlkY8ugK-hxqry6cTsuPTbQqahyphenhyphengCkw2VpWYBhqnJjTFax781Bva03DlkhI5nmaLyH-_tR2V0luvGu6SqwlWRDg3PbYm-C-8NdWRaJKNKWIQia6VtYL99-5Pb7wopgolGNOpGmG8/s640/5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Julia didn't respond to her father's words, she wished Rian was here as well. There was just something so...calming about him. They walked silently, further and further down the tunnel, it was starting to get warm enough that she was thinking of shedding her jacket. A voice that sent shivers up her spine halted that thought. "Well, well, well, it appears my company has finally arrived. Hawk, I am pleased to see that you have brought our guests to me, I have something very special planned, for a very special guest, a gift you could say." She cackled in amusement.<br />
<br />
Hawk stopped dead in his tracks, he held a cautious hand behind him, and hoped that Colin would remember their plan. His mother was unimportant; what was important was that Julia stopped Medraut. All of their lives depended on it. He turned to face his mother. "Mother."<br />
<br />
Raven tsked. "My dear boy, while I am pleased that you have obediently brought me the guests I so desired, I am most aggrieved by your lack of...communication over the years." She looked Julia over. "I expected a grandson, it seems you have failed me there as well, by having a...daughter?" She frowned, but then smiled when she noticed Colin glaring at her from behind Hawk. She spoke directly to Colin. "We have some...unfinished business, you and I."<br />
<br />
Colin fought with himself, he wanted to tear her f*cking head off. It was because of her that he had lost Ivory. The creature standing in front of him was the cause of a lot of pain and misery, and he was ready to take the b*tch out. He tensed, and saw Hawk slightly shake his head no. F*ck. Plan. There was a f*cking plan, and he had to f*cking stick with it. Sh*t. His fingers itched, and he gritted his teeth. Plan. He would follow the f*cking plan even if it killed him. <br />
<br />
"Get out of my way." Julia interrupted, she could feel her powers flare to life inside her. She didn't have time for this nonsense, she wanted this finished so she could go home and live her life.<br />
<br />
"Precocious." Raven laughed coldly. "How quaint. I see that you have failed to teach her proper respect. It hardly matters." She waved her hand. "I shall see to it myself."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW3p6Zser61ZRZIuTr1KJaPhwA3ebsvmHkAo3iAJ5O5_zlcjuSBBKMF95ekrJ2-Hqa9lYFjumwwxMf5ef7QlwMs1u2865gn4wNPek45r6sjgmqzdPVrKvWnOwWP7Buj-fmeo6fD58z98U/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW3p6Zser61ZRZIuTr1KJaPhwA3ebsvmHkAo3iAJ5O5_zlcjuSBBKMF95ekrJ2-Hqa9lYFjumwwxMf5ef7QlwMs1u2865gn4wNPek45r6sjgmqzdPVrKvWnOwWP7Buj-fmeo6fD58z98U/s640/6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"You. Can. Kiss. My. A*s." Julia said, as she stepped forward, ready to do battle. She had felt a small amount of anxiety in the beginning, when Raven had first confronted them, but now, thinking of all the harm the b*tch had caused her and her family; the heat of Julia's anger had blown that all away. She was more than ready to end this thing once and for all.<br />
<br />
Hawk briefly closed his eyes and sighed. Julia was too impetuous, and it was up to him to put things back on target. They had a plan, one that he hoped would work. All he had to do was stay alive long enough for Julia to fulfill her destiny. He stepped in front of his daughter. "She already knows everything she needs." He told his mother.<br />
<br />
Raven raised one eyebrow. "Is that so?" How dare her son speak that way to her? Obviously, he had been away from her influence far too long, and he was in need of a lesson himself. A lesson on his place in the world, which was, and would always be, under her foot. She probed at his mind, and found it closed off, she probed harder, but still found resistance in him. "What are you hiding?' She hissed.<br />
<br />
"I love you Julia." Hawk said quietly. "If I don't make it out of here, tell your mother I love her too, and I am sorry, for all of it. Now go, take that passage on the right, it should lead you to Medraut."<br />
<br />
Julia stared at her father. "Daddy? What do you mean if?"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijgHfqcbEildRb7_60daS7lpDiz_dlDBTnCxNhdrqp5WItu3pqn7ZAVpT06QWi-0MP1VD88ndxnaDCu6-ksrpurySimirESr_kXCh-40k9kySiaxNNuNSrlL4BYnnbvkYYcgd8E4HhtSo/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijgHfqcbEildRb7_60daS7lpDiz_dlDBTnCxNhdrqp5WItu3pqn7ZAVpT06QWi-0MP1VD88ndxnaDCu6-ksrpurySimirESr_kXCh-40k9kySiaxNNuNSrlL4BYnnbvkYYcgd8E4HhtSo/s640/7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
Raven started cackling again. "Oh, this is just perfect!" She pointed at her son. "You weak minded idiot, I'm ashamed that you are of my blood. Love!" She spat venomously. "You stupid imbecile! How dare you!"<br />
<br />
She bent her full force on Hawk's mind, and he grimaced at the onslaught. "Go Julia, now!"<br />
<br />
Julia sent a fireball towards Raven, which caused Raven to temporarily stop her attack on Hawk. Raven effortlessly pushed the fireball away, and sneered. "Is that all you were taught child? Pathetic! We will change all of that, I promise you." She advanced towards Julia, but Colin had already grabbed Julia's arm and pulled her into the tunnel.<br />
<br />
Raven watched them disappear from sight, and then turned her attention back to Hawk. She would deal with them later, first she had to take care of her son. Her defiant, disobedient son. "You betrayed me."<br />
<br />
Hawk had used the few moments of Raven's inattention to gather his strength, now he needed to do his part and give Julia as much time as he could. "Yes."<br />
<br />
"And you will pay with your life."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaT9RoUXw94QsI2koYa7rasoUXlh2iNcKaQG8O_T-kD9MPz1GshixPwxaT1kC4kGUpy5E3A-h4Mk3G2rFsHjcgo759Bs5Kboj3P0O9EoNRfFb_5GT26nU7ewVkKmfpDkxTap7hS1gmJDE/s1600/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaT9RoUXw94QsI2koYa7rasoUXlh2iNcKaQG8O_T-kD9MPz1GshixPwxaT1kC4kGUpy5E3A-h4Mk3G2rFsHjcgo759Bs5Kboj3P0O9EoNRfFb_5GT26nU7ewVkKmfpDkxTap7hS1gmJDE/s640/8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Hawk readied himself. "I know."<br />
<br />
Raven cocked her head slightly. "I will have your secrets, ripped from your skull, and there will be nothing left of you, but a husk that will obey my every word. What do you think the girl...Julia? Isn't that what you called her? What do you think she'll think of you then? You pitiful worm. How tempting to crush you now, and leave you to rot in this cave. I'll need you alive though," Raven said with relish, "so that I can test her...obedience to me." <br />
<br />
"You cannot break her." Hawk said.<br />
<br />
Raven laughed again, her reptilian eyes filled with poisonous hate. "I can break anyone." With those words she attacked.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMF59HavjRRWlqhGUrpjZOJFwz2f4mSfzMEVcgSIM1lSckJwErsNNfpuKexEUa4Y5XhXxo6VjuKKEnpHgfhGM9wOu9iQ6ZiZDicwk7icr6KF6Tnz1GuiYuPNdGd0uj1_aAo3htLpRw4rs/s1600/9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMF59HavjRRWlqhGUrpjZOJFwz2f4mSfzMEVcgSIM1lSckJwErsNNfpuKexEUa4Y5XhXxo6VjuKKEnpHgfhGM9wOu9iQ6ZiZDicwk7icr6KF6Tnz1GuiYuPNdGd0uj1_aAo3htLpRw4rs/s640/9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The tunnel that Julia was running down with her grandfather ended up not being very long in comparison to the other tunnel they had been in. It opened up into a large room, the center of which held a pool so dark she couldn't see her reflection in it. "Where now?" She asked him. As far as she could see, the room was a dead end, yet her father had told her this was the way to go. Thinking of her father almost caused her to cry, but she pushed the feeling away. She had to concentrate on the here and now, she would think about the other things later.<br />
<br />
Colin frowned as he looked around. "H*ll if I know." It appeared to be filled with a bunch of useless sh*t, statues, both large and small, empty pedestals, and dusty bags filled with maps and books. He quickly searched through them, but didn't find anything of interest, and threw them aside. There must be a secret door or something. He walked over to one of the walls, and began to search with his fingers. "F*ck, there has to be something..." he muttered under his breath.<br />
<br />
"Hey, Grumpa, come over here and look at this! Doesn't Uncle Jack have one of these in his lab?"<br />
<br />
Colin walked over to where Julia was, and looked at the contraption she had found in a far, back corner. "Yeah, I think he does. What the h*ll did he call it though?"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWvxDb9_PaAmtgYfb5uEpNm5PKL1ucn3Gcnw0ACYJMQvoZGbrTAXLADO3fdbNhTksGR08_Dyx69l4W6ZH0hg8St6k6MLLY6TvxJIVru9S4Z2diGkkHwEh1lE3i65MOFMoW1jmF2ptZbJs/s1600/10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWvxDb9_PaAmtgYfb5uEpNm5PKL1ucn3Gcnw0ACYJMQvoZGbrTAXLADO3fdbNhTksGR08_Dyx69l4W6ZH0hg8St6k6MLLY6TvxJIVru9S4Z2diGkkHwEh1lE3i65MOFMoW1jmF2ptZbJs/s640/10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
"Some kind of..." His voice trailed off as he realized he really didn't remember what Jack had said about the machine he had built. "Sh*t!"<br />
<br />
Julia grinned at him. "I know, I know, I didn't pay close enough attention either." She frowned at it. "I vaguely recall him saying something about travel though. Maybe it's like an elevator?" She postulated. "It could be the way out of here."<br />
<br />
Colin nodded. "It's worth a try." He pointed at what appeared to be a panel filled with buttons. "Which button should we push?"<br />
<br />
"Well, that's obvious." Julia stated. "All of them, one by one, until it does something."<br />
<br />
"Hmph." Colin shook his head. "Not the safest of plans, but what the h*ll, you only f*cking live once, right?"<br />
<br />
"Right!" Julia whole-heartedly agreed. "Let's start with this one." Julia pushed a button, but nothing happened. "Okay, well, how about this one..."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAOLgPF4gikHMAc1Z_-ElCXRG0-yv1iYuxDIy6CUXNR3YVkyrzaYuoSL6P-CJQr58GqgbSV3Ztd1Uv2_KC5eEWnZGYXp9XYuUuuWb56MW6MlVxGb3qhRzjyn0Yi0JWFntRKyPyubQB9rI/s1600/11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAOLgPF4gikHMAc1Z_-ElCXRG0-yv1iYuxDIy6CUXNR3YVkyrzaYuoSL6P-CJQr58GqgbSV3Ztd1Uv2_KC5eEWnZGYXp9XYuUuuWb56MW6MlVxGb3qhRzjyn0Yi0JWFntRKyPyubQB9rI/s640/11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Rhys grunted as a fist connected with his side; he jabbed an elbow into the offending person, and kicked another oncoming guard. The bodies were steadily piling up around him, but he was slowly making some headway, he hoped anyway. He may not be able to move for a week after all was said and done, but in this moment, he was feeling glorious, and he wished that Reilly was around to see him; protecting the family, just like he had promised so long ago.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Hawk drew in a painful breath after the first wave of fire had ceased. He knew his mother well enough to know that she would draw his death out, make it is painful as possible, in fact, he had even counted on it. Every moment she spent on him, was more time for Julia.<br />
<br />
He gathered himself once more.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga8eEuCcoVlFnpMH704vCFBJoIbm2vU06HcC4qJGdPeRccZ1IcUW23bZwKGyrIAMtcPHtELB5Qc0cNvarGN7G3jc674Y1RztIDOgENx7XliQG9usExnmlAzOKk11FnuSoSevAzPAskmOI/s1600/12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga8eEuCcoVlFnpMH704vCFBJoIbm2vU06HcC4qJGdPeRccZ1IcUW23bZwKGyrIAMtcPHtELB5Qc0cNvarGN7G3jc674Y1RztIDOgENx7XliQG9usExnmlAzOKk11FnuSoSevAzPAskmOI/s640/12.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
"You are no match for me boy."<br />
<br />
"We shall see." Hawk said with a confidence he did not feel. <br />
<br />
"Idiot!" She screamed. "You disgust me, you and your pathetic attempts to save that family. It is all for nothing!" She yelled furiously. "Nothing! I put a lot of time and effort into you, and for what? For you to throw it all away? In the name of love?" She spit the word love out. "I will win in the end, it has been foreseen in the prophecy!"<br />
<br />
"Perhaps Mother," Hawk stated calmly, though he felt anything but calm, "You are wrong in your interpretations, and that is why you have never won against this family. Your rage against Ethan has blinded you to this truth." Hawk could feel the scorch of her gaze, and knew this next one was going to hurt. He braced himself as best he could against the next wave, the more she exerted her powers, the better for Julia. Everything he did now, was for her, and for his wife. He quickly shut that thought off, he couldn't afford to think of Skye right now.<br />
<br />
"I should have known that your father's weakness would eventually show up in you." She said coldly. "He was a miserable failure too."<br />
<br />
Even though Hawk was expecting the blast, even so, when it hit, it hit hard, with the force of an atomic bomb.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieDYWliJ-KZPAJ4vKXLWGlzR45ZxskObAENoE79Xi3GFFHFGFH0TMpARbZITaFLIUfCLlGr3w9nU9dYcYIJvL_4Jw2f5yi2EA7Qb4TXCUXQQ321ewW5YrbdbMxGY0ke8G-uq_kKiW5wsA/s1600/13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieDYWliJ-KZPAJ4vKXLWGlzR45ZxskObAENoE79Xi3GFFHFGFH0TMpARbZITaFLIUfCLlGr3w9nU9dYcYIJvL_4Jw2f5yi2EA7Qb4TXCUXQQ321ewW5YrbdbMxGY0ke8G-uq_kKiW5wsA/s640/13.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Julia was still pushing buttons, but none of them were giving her the results she wanted. "D*mn! How the h*ll does this thing work?"<br />
<br />
"Let me try." Before Colin could, the door suddenly slid open, and an eerie purple light spilled out.<br />
<br />
"I did it!" Julia exclaimed gleefully.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOP-HSdAHM2rP-WKXMIy1t5eCWKCNJSsGcFc6KlJLeFiDCixJQfE2tOmf4gM92HLFqcO_2Kh8As-VqZSdrJt1gH61Ktw0LlDMporh5WzDo6_8moHE3Dz8G-iQVUeyOC3dxdkKPZFlHAkQ/s1600/14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOP-HSdAHM2rP-WKXMIy1t5eCWKCNJSsGcFc6KlJLeFiDCixJQfE2tOmf4gM92HLFqcO_2Kh8As-VqZSdrJt1gH61Ktw0LlDMporh5WzDo6_8moHE3Dz8G-iQVUeyOC3dxdkKPZFlHAkQ/s640/14.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
"You sure did." Colin agreed. "But what the h*ll did you do? That's the question."<br />
<br />
Julia shrugged. "I don't know. Let's find out."<br />
<br />
"Julia wait!" He reached out to stop her, but just barely missed her, and she disappeared into the purple light. "Sh*t!" He immediately tried to follow her, but just as suddenly as the door had slid open, it slid shut, leaving him behind. "F*ck!" He pounded on the door. "F*cking door open!" Cursing under his breath, he started punching at the keys, trying to find the one she had pushed that had opened the door to begin with.<br />
<br />
With zero luck. "F*ck. F*ck. F*ck. Piece of sh*t machinery, open the f*ck up!" He pushed more buttons, but still nothing. He was starting to get really p*ssed. He kicked at the door, but only succeeded in hurting his foot. "F*ck!" He hollered, and his voice echoed back.<br />
<br />
He was alone.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
It had been a rough day at work, she had been plagued by a growing uneasiness, and that compounded with everything she touched going wrong...it made Skye glad that it was a Friday, it gave her a couple of days to recover before she had to go back to her students. When she walked into the house, the eerie silence hit her like a brick wall. "Hello?" she called out. Usually someone was always at home, so it was odd, and terrifying that no one was answering her call. She looked through all the rooms, calling out their names one by one, but didn't see anyone, or hear anyone. She tried calling their cell phones. No answer. That was when the panic fully set in.<br />
<br />
She raced for Jack's lab. "Please be there, please be there." She chanted as she threw open the door to her brother's work lab. He was bent over one of his machines, but stood up and walked over to her when she barged in. "Where are they?" She demanded.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH0EZSWZK3qcPNVkIJKc4LPcjN92e4PvmmP7IneRzwcdykb4kuuTsNYuSMh3F4E6rsSMSFKWT22Uiq24heDyTpwoTDg3FC-ZB-3UIm6-mtmdIk3ZLWpNrXfG0MrLMjtS_Z-DuR2bYQ0yI/s1600/15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH0EZSWZK3qcPNVkIJKc4LPcjN92e4PvmmP7IneRzwcdykb4kuuTsNYuSMh3F4E6rsSMSFKWT22Uiq24heDyTpwoTDg3FC-ZB-3UIm6-mtmdIk3ZLWpNrXfG0MrLMjtS_Z-DuR2bYQ0yI/s640/15.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"Skye, I'm kind of busy right now..." Jack started to say, but she raised her fist to him, and he sputtered out, "Hey, no cause for violence! Geez!"<br />
<br />
"Tell me now Jack, or so help me I'll..."<br />
<br />
"I don't know where they are." He answered.<br />
<br />
Skye gritted her teeth and lunged for him. "Jack!"<br />
<br />
"Ow! Skye! Geez! I'm telling you, I don't know..."<br />
<br />
"You know something!" She yelled. Skye knew she was out of control, but she couldn't help it. The bad feeling she had been feeling all day, was steadily getting worse, and it was now a full on mother's red alert. They were supposed to call her if Raven contacted them! Her baby could be in danger! She knew Jack knew something, he was just being difficult. "Jack!" She shook him, hard.<br />
<br />
"Okay, okay, calm down." He said nervously. "I'll tell you what I know."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUis8WrpSsyrJ4nbVW3mBDhaATydMXgNIEOM6zmIn4zVHcLmMcqhq0fTiPIi76WgPRmjq2SFu0X59WtWUvOGyGGJTeBssU-A2pRUooWo2lkyuesTLtCMdYHNAeL9rkawuZU4bPVbJ83OA/s1600/16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUis8WrpSsyrJ4nbVW3mBDhaATydMXgNIEOM6zmIn4zVHcLmMcqhq0fTiPIi76WgPRmjq2SFu0X59WtWUvOGyGGJTeBssU-A2pRUooWo2lkyuesTLtCMdYHNAeL9rkawuZU4bPVbJ83OA/s640/16.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Rhys wouldn't admit it out loud, but he was starting to get tired. The non-stop stream of cloned guards were starting to take their toll on him. They were getting more hits in, and edging closer to the opening of the cave.<br />
<br />
"Give up half breed! You are losing!" one taunted.<br />
<br />
It made the mistake of grinning at him too, and Rhys made sure to wipe the grin off its face. His muscles were protesting now, and his reactions were starting to slow. Just how many of these things were there anyway?<br />
<br />
It didn't matter. It was his job to keep them out of the cave, and that was what he was going to do.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKgRqnOYqQ9ghXsP_qmv-q5tVYsFn6VVmVSj9OGjF890HoIdIUGDDy2w89a26srMyjCFkjNpVxDvi960_HccM9n5r52iAXLeNdTcqqOlwG1kzhPb1Xe1SuPqT4c9MoTATRgWBsS7TW3NI/s1600/17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKgRqnOYqQ9ghXsP_qmv-q5tVYsFn6VVmVSj9OGjF890HoIdIUGDDy2w89a26srMyjCFkjNpVxDvi960_HccM9n5r52iAXLeNdTcqqOlwG1kzhPb1Xe1SuPqT4c9MoTATRgWBsS7TW3NI/s640/17.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The doors slid open, and Julia stepped through; instantly she felt smothered by the malignant darkness; she pulled in a painful breath, gasping for air, and fought to keep herself calm. Now she knew what a panic attack must feel like, this strangling on air. She could feel an evilness gather around her, crowd her. The doors slid shut behind her, and she whirled around. "Grumpa?" She croaked out, but he wasn't there.<br />
<br />
She was alone.<br />
<br />
"Julia."<br />
<br />
Or just maybe she wasn't alone in this h*llish place after all.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
It was his sixth sense that had caused him to duck, and that saved his head, along with his life, as he felt the breeze of a knife go over his head. Instinctively, Colin whirled around and knocked the knife out of his assailant's hand, but then stared at her, stunned. "Ivory?" he whispered, shocked.<br />
<br />
She looked like his Ivory, but her eyes, her eyes were dead, she was covered in blood, and she showed no recognition of him.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWvXIGnPsgsO79lF9MJHEweFKGxw_LgKlNT9Igo3qk19r-H0ZCfc30Z5TsTIE1zVXMdCVo8xjpBoCBemjfqD5-0hyphenhyphenuTwoZtBh_ob-xCCsrKD6ZHANMX6pfOfoeCtP-pLDU_M1DqLw1XnU/s1600/18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWvXIGnPsgsO79lF9MJHEweFKGxw_LgKlNT9Igo3qk19r-H0ZCfc30Z5TsTIE1zVXMdCVo8xjpBoCBemjfqD5-0hyphenhyphenuTwoZtBh_ob-xCCsrKD6ZHANMX6pfOfoeCtP-pLDU_M1DqLw1XnU/s640/18.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
She dove for the knife, but Colin kicked it out of the way, and it skittered across the floor and fell into the pool behind them. She howled like a feral wolf, and attacked him with her right round kick, which Colin blocked.<br />
<br />
Sh*t. His brain was on auto-pilot, trying to process what was before him, but he couldn't believe what was before him. She was dead? Wasn't she?! Maybe she was a clone of some sort, much like the guards he had seen outside. Whatever she was, she still fought like his Ivory had, and he was able to block her moves. He knew each one of them intimately, which immediately brought to mind some of his favorite memories, which caused him to momentarily lose focus, and almost lose his head again.<br />
<br />
"F*ck, focus Colin." He couldn't help but remember the last time they had fought, and how it had gone all horribly wrong. "Ivory, are you in there?" He asked her in between defensive blocks. He didn't want to hurt her, but she obviously had no compunction against hurting him.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The blast of his mother's fury hit him square and center, and Hawk started screaming...<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkdCXJD4lhKjsKJcqr2_ttFspMXuO4zvXGveBK8VtsmNZTu0KbF2hX88MBxDIZWi7yFOqCECFw23TDu4VSMdYKzOQSuV-ElXPeVFFKux9aMshzt3PZ7lMVhhJX-eq6ou4ykuT1X9oVQpI/s1600/19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkdCXJD4lhKjsKJcqr2_ttFspMXuO4zvXGveBK8VtsmNZTu0KbF2hX88MBxDIZWi7yFOqCECFw23TDu4VSMdYKzOQSuV-ElXPeVFFKux9aMshzt3PZ7lMVhhJX-eq6ou4ykuT1X9oVQpI/s640/19.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
"Rian!" The darkness seemed a little lighter, and she was able to breath a little easier, just because of his presence. She ran full bore towards him; nearly knocking them both over in her relief. "I'm so glad you're here." she gasped. <br />
<br />
Despite the heavy air, her words echoed in the room.<br />
<br />
She pulled back from him. "How exactly did you get here?" <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoeWwlDG4oiMJQLPzvDSVVdWGsRJNZ5SvpxB8JquFp6nzED7Qn8zQDzMH-K-Xg1Qu1YqvKDWzi6fmxO5pd22QY-eF2lZyMBJSTlM7tcPlT7ZYIe1AWFPaoWlxvR8A2RdZ1_D3ugxBIQGI/s1600/20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoeWwlDG4oiMJQLPzvDSVVdWGsRJNZ5SvpxB8JquFp6nzED7Qn8zQDzMH-K-Xg1Qu1YqvKDWzi6fmxO5pd22QY-eF2lZyMBJSTlM7tcPlT7ZYIe1AWFPaoWlxvR8A2RdZ1_D3ugxBIQGI/s640/20.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Rian pulled a small device out of his pocket. "This little device is connected to the mainframe computers here, it allows me to transport in and out of this space." He slid it back into his pocket.<br />
<br />
"And...you didn't tell me about it before...because...?"<br />
<br />
Rian winced. His next words probably wouldn't go over very well, but they were truth. "It wasn't necessary that you know, at the time."<br />
<br />
Julia frowned; she would kill him later, but she had more important questions crowding her mind right now. "What is this place? It feels so..."<br />
<br />
"Evil?" Rian finished her thought. "Yes, there is a great evil here, and he's waking up, so we have very little time."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHXZo2m1AsrC1HKMUIe1TxkYnlFVzTVm5jPVt0a0hBwmvbIhx99pkEiaN-FOS4KXT5jTBIXNaXGr4HAFzaEkJvBwT_33r7Yu-Hj_Fh7OH3hTo77wnguUCVN49jx2ywjNo2FP13iLVhSZo/s1600/21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHXZo2m1AsrC1HKMUIe1TxkYnlFVzTVm5jPVt0a0hBwmvbIhx99pkEiaN-FOS4KXT5jTBIXNaXGr4HAFzaEkJvBwT_33r7Yu-Hj_Fh7OH3hTo77wnguUCVN49jx2ywjNo2FP13iLVhSZo/s640/21.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"He?"<br />
<br />
"Medraut. Not only is this the chamber where I was kept in cryostasis dream sleep, but it has also been his prison." Rian pointed.<br />
<br />
"That's him?" Rian nodded. Julia walked closer to get a better look. "All of this, for him." She muttered. "He's not very impressive looking."<br />
<br />
"Looks can be deceiving." Rian said. "He was in cryostasis dream sleep as well. Cryostasis dream sleep is that time between sleep and wakefulness, where dreams live, so he is not fully awake yet."<br />
<br />
"Hmm." Julia said non committedly. She wasn't sure what she had been expecting, but what she saw wasn't it. "What's all of that for?" Julia indicated the technology that was lit up brighter than a neon sign.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGtnnNHoHBW65dKxN8OwvNgqN64k3O2a5cYGvjvIn5qhRKy79afC4nEf9EtKk8pGByikwd53t1oi-7eg1IfvT6j62oc1X-rVkwnBWzvFethVGjVqLBHmVb-YziEVErYlMCCX-sBNM1xqE/s1600/22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGtnnNHoHBW65dKxN8OwvNgqN64k3O2a5cYGvjvIn5qhRKy79afC4nEf9EtKk8pGByikwd53t1oi-7eg1IfvT6j62oc1X-rVkwnBWzvFethVGjVqLBHmVb-YziEVErYlMCCX-sBNM1xqE/s640/22.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
"It maintains the cryostasis chambers without any input from a person, human or otherwise."<br />
<br />
"So...it kept you alive, and it's keeping him alive?" Julia clarified. Rian nodded. She asked him, "How do I shut it down?" There were an awful lot of buttons that she could push, but somehow the consequences of pushing the wrong one seemed much worse in this case than on that door thing she had used earlier.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
"Jack!? What's taking you so long?" Skye asked impatiently. "Julia is in danger! Would you hurry up already?!"<br />
<br />
Jack frowned. "Skye, I'm calibrating the machine, everything must be perfect or...well, you don't want to know what the or is."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6q9oqTbFXyqvw3wqwP8-35wdYShAZcri7PcjpvhV0FAEBO8GJGlRRVetDbgdQpuNVU4KLRZkOUO59aC_vg9BYKhQqpfrYNjD685JLFayIVlx8aKi4ejKsKhuIBDUEaR7WQdwrIBqexcg/s1600/23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6q9oqTbFXyqvw3wqwP8-35wdYShAZcri7PcjpvhV0FAEBO8GJGlRRVetDbgdQpuNVU4KLRZkOUO59aC_vg9BYKhQqpfrYNjD685JLFayIVlx8aKi4ejKsKhuIBDUEaR7WQdwrIBqexcg/s640/23.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"Why?" Skye demanded. "Why don't I want to know? What are you keeping from me Jack? Jack? Jack!!"<br />
<br />
"Skye, you're making it hard to concentrate." Jack complained. He pointed to a chair. "Sit would you? And be quiet for Pete's sake, if I mess this up then everyone dies! So...just sit!" <br />
<br />
"They could all die?" Skye whispered. She sat down in the chair and anxiously watched Jack. She was so worried; she wished she could do something, anything! This waiting was getting to her.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
"F*ck Ivory, I get that you're p*ssed, but I f*cking swear, I thought you were dead!"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyMgj2xDdu6f0dQGjE0PNtq7f3ZvRa6sJeTzfz7QM1K8sQMHpmIl7o4kRKDYr28rrtOWnG4f7xtjfdjkdbeC23Wpxnk4oAQDXntWuM5yrQv7juZSNJM9XICE1UyEoe8qMMwh70O5REh_w/s1600/24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyMgj2xDdu6f0dQGjE0PNtq7f3ZvRa6sJeTzfz7QM1K8sQMHpmIl7o4kRKDYr28rrtOWnG4f7xtjfdjkdbeC23Wpxnk4oAQDXntWuM5yrQv7juZSNJM9XICE1UyEoe8qMMwh70O5REh_w/s640/24.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
There was no response from her, but Colin hadn't really expected one. She hadn't said one word, or even made a noise, since her first attack; she was solely focused on removing his head from his shoulders. "Sh*t!" He dodged another one of her kicks, grabbed her arm, and twisted it behind her back. "Ivory!" He yelled, "I don't want to f*cking hurt you!"<br />
<br />
She squirmed against him, and he had to remind his body again to stay the f*ck out of the gutter. "Would you f*cking hold still and be reasonable?" He snorted at the thought, they had been many things together, but reasonable? That was unlikely as finding a string of pearls in a sh*tty a*s pig pen. F*ck. She tried to bite him, and he cursed again. "Would you f*cking hold still you little she-cat, sh*t! If I had known you were f*cking alive, I swear nothing would have stopped me from finding you. Nothing. I didn't know Ivory, I swear, I..."<br />
<br />
She hissed at him, her eyes spitting fire at him. D*mned if she still didn't turn him on though, he must be f*cked in the head.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
"Shutting it down is relatively simple, it's just the press of a button." Rian answered quietly. "As long as you shut it down before that timer," Rian pointed to a countdown clock on the console, "runs out."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2BzaOS_kcmHaQEbYd4d8hNOdpPCryy39PJrh8V4xoBthawuibSWSMIt-80lElP1RoHrEORT_f8Zdd0ZDWWKgY8zh0EgM525n2GOjTgmJYtFq-Aog6xKzA1ZohmuWFzXu-PlwgC_CJLTA/s1600/25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2BzaOS_kcmHaQEbYd4d8hNOdpPCryy39PJrh8V4xoBthawuibSWSMIt-80lElP1RoHrEORT_f8Zdd0ZDWWKgY8zh0EgM525n2GOjTgmJYtFq-Aog6xKzA1ZohmuWFzXu-PlwgC_CJLTA/s640/25.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"What happens if the timer runs out first?" Julia was curious. How odd to have a timer in the first place. Was it set to blow the place up or something? How ridiculous. <br />
<br />
"Medraut fully wakes, and resumes his full powers." Rian said simply. "The chance to stop him is forever lost."<br />
<br />
"Forever lost?" She shook her head. "This is all so stupid. I wish that ancestor of mine had simply killed the evil dude and been done with it!"<br />
<br />
Rian sighed. "He loved Medraut, and couldn't bear to destroy him; he hoped that with some time, perhaps Medraut would see the error of his ways, and change."<br />
<br />
Julia shook her head. "Somehow I get the feeling that old Medraut there isn't going to turn over a new leaf. So this becomes my problem."<br />
<br />
"Raven was led to believe that the child of prophecy would bring Medraut back, she never realized the truth. If she had known, you would not be here." Rian said. "You were the one chosen to stop him, I do not know why. I wish I could give you a better reason, but whatever your ancestor's reasons were, they are buried with him."<br />
<br />
"So, if I do nothing, he lives." <br />
<br />
"Yes."<br />
<br />
"Well, then." Julia said matter of factly. "Let's finish this, where is that button thing?" Rian gently spun her around, and pointed it out.<br />
<br />
"It is coded to you, all you need to do is push it, the programming will do the rest."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij5D7k8vzKnpwUkeIuJ052xdWdKlT4I5K6dvBqyiLRyha96PJhmRMJKbt-lClStBGCb7j0CNUVerAQT8Dgx8Mf2-cxBZhyUl8GAKT9mz2zgGK6TfSiOedFd0u7J2NAMSizdyZElq5dGNA/s1600/26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij5D7k8vzKnpwUkeIuJ052xdWdKlT4I5K6dvBqyiLRyha96PJhmRMJKbt-lClStBGCb7j0CNUVerAQT8Dgx8Mf2-cxBZhyUl8GAKT9mz2zgGK6TfSiOedFd0u7J2NAMSizdyZElq5dGNA/s640/26.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
"Got it!" Jack shouted triumphantly.<br />
<br />
"It's about time!" Skye said crossly. "Now what?"<br />
<br />
"Now I bring them home." Jack answered. "In a particular order though, Ethan was very clear about that."<br />
<br />
"Who is Ethan?"<br />
<br />
Jack waved his hand. "A mentor. Here we go, I've locked on, let's hope this thing works!"<br />
<br />
"Hope?!"<br />
<br />
The machine hummed to life, and Jack wanted to dance for joy, but he contained himself. Plenty of time for victory dancing later, first he had to rescue his family. "We've got incoming!"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxMUY4S_YSuVw-Vow9jIwuz2xkAOB3tWmbtB-x-LM5PMDnWDWdXNGDMkQO6UzN9Phf4S2CpuFmwQebsKgRYSqW7zge7K039NYC5DynBxJno6I1FX0SQ0qrOhq9K4kehJl43MOky2OOJJI/s1600/27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxMUY4S_YSuVw-Vow9jIwuz2xkAOB3tWmbtB-x-LM5PMDnWDWdXNGDMkQO6UzN9Phf4S2CpuFmwQebsKgRYSqW7zge7K039NYC5DynBxJno6I1FX0SQ0qrOhq9K4kehJl43MOky2OOJJI/s640/27.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Well, h*ll, he was out of options. Maybe his base self had had the better idea. With nothing to lose, he put his haphazard plan into place. He quickly pinned Ivory against a wall, and kissed her. Hard. She fought like a wild cat at first, trying to claw at his face, but he held her hands, keeping her long a*s fingernails away from him. He persevered in his kiss, he knew her, knew her body as well as his own, and he throughly enjoyed using his knowledge against her. The years melted away, like they had never been apart; he felt her soften, and then she was kissing him back. He released her hands, and she used them to pull his head closer to her.<br />
<br />
It felt like coming home.<br />
<br />
Silently they pulled apart, and stared at each other. "Romeo?" she whispered, confused. <br />
<br />
"Angel, you're back." Colin said, relieved. "I..." he started to say, but was cut off when Ivory grabbed her head and started screaming. "Angel? What the h*ll? What the f*ck..."<br />
<br />
Still she screamed. Colin did the only thing he could think of, he used his lifeguard training, and knocked her out. She went limp in his arms, and he hefted her up. F*ck. Now what? Ivory was out cold, and Julia was still missing. Before he could move, a bright white enveloped him.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqcp_Nv9itGCTiCAIupt3atuA2db-x6vffGxA1tpngFrRUBe3TBVK3kRZcZYDgoH32pTFc5Rg3K5EkRvxxWw9Ros_fKHGLB6ytgs7EST3ZxWqVCZx7RbrqnecLFi8kGlZCifJyjL0FMDA/s1600/28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqcp_Nv9itGCTiCAIupt3atuA2db-x6vffGxA1tpngFrRUBe3TBVK3kRZcZYDgoH32pTFc5Rg3K5EkRvxxWw9Ros_fKHGLB6ytgs7EST3ZxWqVCZx7RbrqnecLFi8kGlZCifJyjL0FMDA/s640/28.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
And he found himself standing in Jack's lab, still holding Ivory in his arms.<br />
<br />
"Daddy?!" <br />
<br />
"What the h*ll?"<br />
<br />
"It worked! Woohoo!" Jack cheered, and then he stopped when he noticed his dad was holding someone. "Who's that?"<br />
<br />
"Your mother." Colin ignored the stunned faces of his kids, and gently laid Ivory down. Her eyes opened, and she stared at him, mutely. He almost wished she would scream again, her look of utter terror was f*cking unnerving. Without taking his eyes off of Ivory, Colin asked his son, "Jack, tell me what the h*ll is going on, and I want it in plain speech."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAh2-qq9N3sGRrry4BHFjWZ69aVwIJ2Z0zck5pIqBlzqfqy0Isn7iJD7_0tlMChiG87X6b0DrpK0c5D7QlRJmdbM2xYCeAotuxCHpfTIwppP-ZqE6UrHVlreyv4GOv4h7BqFAjhwfbIxY/s1600/29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAh2-qq9N3sGRrry4BHFjWZ69aVwIJ2Z0zck5pIqBlzqfqy0Isn7iJD7_0tlMChiG87X6b0DrpK0c5D7QlRJmdbM2xYCeAotuxCHpfTIwppP-ZqE6UrHVlreyv4GOv4h7BqFAjhwfbIxY/s640/29.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Jack cleared his throat. "I built a machine. It can transport people, and I transported you back home. I wasn't expecting...I thought our mom was dead."<br />
<br />
"So did I." Colin said shortly. "Jack, continue."<br />
<br />
"Dad, we don't have time for the long version, I have to get the others out too, or they are going to die."<br />
<br />
Ivory still hadn't said a word, but her eyes went back and forth between Jack and Skye. "Ivory, I'm going to go see what Jack is doing, our son, you just..." Colin faltered. Sh*t. Everything was so f*cked up, but Ivory was back. She looked the same, other than the blood spatters that still covered her. She would probably want to take a shower, but first things first. Jack. "You just stay there, and h*ll, make sure you f*cking behave yourself." he finally muttered, before walking away to see what Jack was up to.<br />
<br />
"Mom?" Skye said, still in shock. "I can't believe..."<br />
<br />
"Jack, what the f*ck are you doing?"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmpzcE0OmSfLdZYJTWi5820UVwtnzn3JkJcfTlPf8J-_Db6yLEq-4wbfafFmr7d3iyFcrewQRQye7Fsk2HDBwsL3IecsUwmiZw7djj8jT73MdaOZIp5uNgqBaxNt0LIAic0Tax20io6tY/s1600/30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmpzcE0OmSfLdZYJTWi5820UVwtnzn3JkJcfTlPf8J-_Db6yLEq-4wbfafFmr7d3iyFcrewQRQye7Fsk2HDBwsL3IecsUwmiZw7djj8jT73MdaOZIp5uNgqBaxNt0LIAic0Tax20io6tY/s640/30.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"I have to calibrate the machine for each person. I center on their life signature, and, well, it's a bit complicated to explain, but everything must be perfect or I'll end up scrambling them. Not a pretty sight. It just takes time."<br />
<br />
Colin watched Jack for a moment before asking, "You can get Julia out?"<br />
<br />
"Yeah, but she's last in line."<br />
<br />
"What?!" Skye screeched as Colin said, "Why?"<br />
<br />
Jack covered his ears. "Skye, you're killing me over here!"<br />
<br />
"I'm going to kill you if you don't bring my daughter back right now!"<br />
<br />
Jack sighed. "I can't, at least, not yet." His fingers went back to the keyboard, and he began typing again. "Trust me, I know what I'm doing." <i>I hope</i>, he added the last two words silently.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh24mAA_q6CYKWTVZp-yMsU5Gj_legBO2DY0JBl9odAmnEBiOTvefog84SFl27AbKZ9B7rLLA3hj8s37WTiKquXwDMjUCpmW3YQPIMcmp5-xjrIZ7DQaxpnvce7yUrDMyeZ7k_hDx9uZO0/s1600/31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh24mAA_q6CYKWTVZp-yMsU5Gj_legBO2DY0JBl9odAmnEBiOTvefog84SFl27AbKZ9B7rLLA3hj8s37WTiKquXwDMjUCpmW3YQPIMcmp5-xjrIZ7DQaxpnvce7yUrDMyeZ7k_hDx9uZO0/s640/31.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The darkness was pressing in close to her, she was finding it difficult to push the button, her hand hovered it. It should be so easy, but it wasn't. <br />
<br />
"Push the button Julia." Rian said, his voice right by her ear. "Then you can leave this place, and live out the rest of your life."<br />
<br />
She turned towards him, something in the way he said the words caused her heart to momentarily stop beating. "Our life, not just mine, right? We're leaving this place together, and living happily ever after...right? Rian?" Rian hesitated, and Julia knew for certain, something was terribly wrong.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The machine hummed to life again, Jack was getting better at calibrating his machine. He slid the lever, next on the list was his brother in law.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwcUNHXAMy8DA9jG8CRJIf3aHgVDKD5vIyDO8GBc60tylHlIIvGqkyRN4k_xaoHnAIjblie3oBh9rthzmkGdee6j4phCmdJR34fna9xtZ_1xYXz7JqKcThdFEpS295h6pkXDi8mdAM_4Y/s1600/32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwcUNHXAMy8DA9jG8CRJIf3aHgVDKD5vIyDO8GBc60tylHlIIvGqkyRN4k_xaoHnAIjblie3oBh9rthzmkGdee6j4phCmdJR34fna9xtZ_1xYXz7JqKcThdFEpS295h6pkXDi8mdAM_4Y/s640/32.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Hawk didn't materialize the way that Jack expected though. He wasn't standing, he was lying slumped on the floor, in a fetal position, lifeless.<br />
<br />
Skye started crying. "Hawk!" <br />
<br />
"Sh*t." Colin cursed, and jumped into action. He checked Hawk's vital signs, and while they were weak, they were still there.<br />
<br />
"Dad, I hate to be indelicate, but he needs to be moved before I can bring anyone else back."<br />
<br />
Colin nodded, and carefully dragged Hawk a little ways away from Jack's machine. Skye followed, sobbing, and collapsed on the floor next to Hawk.<br />
<br />
"Daddy, what's wrong with him?" She cried. "He looks dead! I can't lose him like this!" She wailed. "Hawk! Hawk, please, speak to me. Please..."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-bQjuozgNGYr0xAwn3YTzrNHQr7RbNZDkgqqzglgOvuS0CLoxud2IYSb5EGjzg0xIMnDCkAb8Z-rF5dG0e0-TkL31CWRwJ9lLWcfgUHvgwM7m5wyVssvk3pbzCtn5LIXjiVs6s9StL_c/s1600/33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-bQjuozgNGYr0xAwn3YTzrNHQr7RbNZDkgqqzglgOvuS0CLoxud2IYSb5EGjzg0xIMnDCkAb8Z-rF5dG0e0-TkL31CWRwJ9lLWcfgUHvgwM7m5wyVssvk3pbzCtn5LIXjiVs6s9StL_c/s640/33.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Colin interrupted her, "Skye, he's breathing, he's still alive, but barely. Call 911, he needs more attention than I can give him."<br />
<br />
Skye nodded tearfully, and pulled out her cell phone.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
"Spill it." Julia demanded. "Now."<br />
<br />
Rian sighed, heavily. "Julia..."<br />
<br />
"Don't you dare try to put me off." She warned him. "What aren't you telling me?" <br />
<br />
Rian pulled her in closer to him, and Julia leaned into him. She could smell the beach on him, and cherries, from that silly scented soap he insisted on using; because he loved cherries.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicFEj57tFN24A2WTrPrQlGmi-0xnXKLCcnZ8MsYFC_goAq0kf5u7oIz38KcCdIMl_hWHvmE85nAgXv5p-bXIXTcgegO3LUnAIzn5hnuvRBOoVlLKzlz_IiRT-CJIhS_MB6Apm0GgVpl4o/s1600/34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicFEj57tFN24A2WTrPrQlGmi-0xnXKLCcnZ8MsYFC_goAq0kf5u7oIz38KcCdIMl_hWHvmE85nAgXv5p-bXIXTcgegO3LUnAIzn5hnuvRBOoVlLKzlz_IiRT-CJIhS_MB6Apm0GgVpl4o/s640/34.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
He shuddered, and Julia, for the first time in her life, felt afraid, really afraid. "Rian, talk to me." she whispered.<br />
<br />
"I don't know how to say it." He confessed sadly. "I've tried to say the words, so many times, but...I just couldn't get them out. And now, now, Julia we have so little time, you have to push that button, and save you, your family, and our worlds. I would do it for you, if I could."<br />
<br />
"What aren't you saying?"<br />
<br />
"Julia." His body trembled again. "I never imagined someone like you." He said slowly. "You are my sun, my joy, my heart, but Julia, I cannot go with you."<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<i>My pretty Pet, what a disappointment you turned out to be. Never fear precious, I was obviously too easy on you before, but I shall rectify that. You will learn obedience, and hate. Yes hate. When I am done with you, you will hate his very name...</i> Ivory sat up suddenly, she dug her hands through her hair. Raven was still in her head.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit2u0Y4wtD0llyAfzpL_fEHnraAVuSoUd2X1CSj4EPJxWLilo0xh3U8Fe1C5mdmVrbVDZg9Bl8cINxD-SsWKT5Yf23vh0hwx-eSomuyVs5kavGI_TlNHUJjrgDJHHBbdB4NWxlSYM7BcI/s1600/36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit2u0Y4wtD0llyAfzpL_fEHnraAVuSoUd2X1CSj4EPJxWLilo0xh3U8Fe1C5mdmVrbVDZg9Bl8cINxD-SsWKT5Yf23vh0hwx-eSomuyVs5kavGI_TlNHUJjrgDJHHBbdB4NWxlSYM7BcI/s640/36.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
"No!" she screamed, tearing at her face, her hair, anything, trying to shut out that voice in her mind, Raven's voice, the voice of pain, of hate. She felt his hands on her own, his voice speaking in her ear, soothing her, and Raven's voice began to recede, until it was so faint Ivory could barely hear it. She let her hands fall away, her fingers bright red with her own blood. "I can hear her." Ivory whimpered. "She is always there, in my waking nightmares."<br />
<br />
F*ck. His heart was still f*cking pounding through his chest. Colin hoped the ambulance came soon, he feared that Ivory needed more help than he could give as well. He was f*cking useless, and wished more than ever that his dad was here to help.<br />
<br />
"Almost there." Jack announced. "This is the trickiest one of all, she's really down deep." Jack went back to muttering under his breath as he fiddled with his settings, and checked his calculations.<br />
<br />
Ivory began to feel an intense pain, it started deep within her bones, and radiated outwards; and it was rapidly growing in strength. She opened her mouth, to speak, to let him know, but a howl emerged instead. <br />
<br />
Colin watched in horror as Ivory began to swiftly age right before his eyes, and he was powerless to stop it, powerless to help her.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Rian looked down, he couldn't bear to meet her eyes. "What do you mean you can't come with me?" Julia demanded to know.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeoiplTWskSLa2Yf6BMImFVc6GRLFvXi_vIDhvF4MwY_kQQp4KdbpDTzPABA2O8dLLC4boIutzW57McxmeLAS5WBURwWit5uO35KBUo62eYwZI74wj0vzRcXaJiPN_Rufp-w3LZbIidOo/s1600/35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeoiplTWskSLa2Yf6BMImFVc6GRLFvXi_vIDhvF4MwY_kQQp4KdbpDTzPABA2O8dLLC4boIutzW57McxmeLAS5WBURwWit5uO35KBUo62eYwZI74wj0vzRcXaJiPN_Rufp-w3LZbIidOo/s640/35.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
"Julia, I am tied to this place as much as he is. It was the only way Ethan could keep me alive, without stealing the life from others like Raven and her ilk do. He used the same source that keeps Medraut alive, to keep me alive, so our fates are intertwined."<br />
<br />
Julia stared at him. "Which means, I push that button, and..."<br />
<br />
"I will die along with Medraut."<br />
<br />
Julia shook her head. "No. That's unacceptable. There must be another way."<br />
<br />
Rian looked up at her. "Julia." She shook her head mutinously. "Julia, I..." Rian choked up, and then tried to speak again. "It is, what it is, there is no changing it. I can accept my fate, I gladly, willingly lay my life down for you..."<br />
<br />
She closed her eyes. "No, no, no, it's not supposed to happen this way!" <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC-N7fpz5K3wRYbVSOMYIb2vqCpr5mTAAa8DM9BFF26eQ7h_d1NFCCK5PE-Q-XOklMahJpTQl8_PYA6FSCY6iU4mtmcvBXTUL5BUOY18YzbBHsQm9pDlkjDFl09g_vbZaTYIaPKqYb1cg/s1600/37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC-N7fpz5K3wRYbVSOMYIb2vqCpr5mTAAa8DM9BFF26eQ7h_d1NFCCK5PE-Q-XOklMahJpTQl8_PYA6FSCY6iU4mtmcvBXTUL5BUOY18YzbBHsQm9pDlkjDFl09g_vbZaTYIaPKqYb1cg/s640/37.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
She opened her eyes and looked straight up at him. "Rian, there has to be something we
can do. Why didn't you tell me this earlier? Jack could have..."<br />
<br />
"No Jack couldn't have." Rian said gently. "Everything has unfolded as it needed to, as it had to, for the best possible future. I have had more happiness than I deserved, or ever thought possible, in the time I have spent with you to last a thousand forevers. Now push that button Julia, let me go, and live, and live well."<br />
<br />
Julia's could feel her heart breaking. "Rian, I can't!" <br />
<br />
<i>You don't have to...</i>hissed a voice inside Julia's head. <i>Let me be free, and you can have your heart's desires...</i><br />
<br />
<i> </i>In a blink, Julia found herself in a different room. She looked around in wonder as strange creatures, both large and small, in rainbow colors with luminous wings, flew by, graceful as hummingbirds. She looked down, and noticed she was wearing a long flowing dress, she ran her fingers down the dress, loving the luxurious smoothness of it. Her hands stopped at her stomach, it was rounded, and she felt a responding kick from inside. She smiled, and rubbed her swollen stomach. "Sweet little baby."<br />
<br />
A door opened, and Rian walked in. He was dressed differently as well, he was tall and handsome as ever, his clothes showed off his powerful muscular body as he strode confidently towards her. He bowed, and kissed her hand. "My love." He smiled at her, and she smiled back.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQLZE03Au4DKgRqCpkGBxvXsJNdk0cGpwxAwViDlMv6MflVITYP0lq9cBkGoHFJCDGUiGAsnH0fqjxyhNKsmCxLdRaft2vBGsTTuR8P1p2o-0uU8wtKfWxw93Ej4kgDCyyHf-dsB_N1jg/s1600/38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQLZE03Au4DKgRqCpkGBxvXsJNdk0cGpwxAwViDlMv6MflVITYP0lq9cBkGoHFJCDGUiGAsnH0fqjxyhNKsmCxLdRaft2vBGsTTuR8P1p2o-0uU8wtKfWxw93Ej4kgDCyyHf-dsB_N1jg/s640/38.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"Rian, you're alive!" She said happily, and the joy she felt was overwhelming. "You're here, with me."<br />
<br />
"Of course, silly." He said indulgently. "I'll always be here."<br />
<br />
<i> This could be your future....</i><br />
<br />
<i> </i>"Rian, we can be together, for always. That is all I have ever wanted."<br />
<i> </i><br />
<i> </i>She reached out and touched his cheek. He felt solid, felt real.<br />
<br />
His lips moved, but the words made no sense to her. "It's all a lie, Julia." <br />
<br />
Julia frowned at him, confused. "What's a lie Rian?"<br />
<br />
"This world, this dream, is all a lie Julia. Look around you, all is not as it seems."<br />
<br />
Julia looked around, and things started changing, getting darker. Bones rattled around her, tortured screams filled the air along with the smell of burning flesh, and she could hear the clank of metal behind her, but she dared not look. Rian's smile dimmed, and his eyes became devoid of expression. "Stop!" Julia screamed.<br />
<br />
<i>You have the power to make it stop...</i>the voice continued. Julia reached inside herself, and found she did indeed, have power, and lots of it. She was unstoppable. Her lips twisted into a facsimile of a smile.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRHKQrRt3sNvVEtTUQYR5IQrkndBnZbnAUz0M545P3K_DR1hl2XQOV5KcGRO9WaPVTEs8DE1rIxeCQR3o6biE8h6AIbkgKiSuLf_2MweTHkRCQ5sIT9rkxonXsfOXi2cG-3hGOnyv58g4/s1600/39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRHKQrRt3sNvVEtTUQYR5IQrkndBnZbnAUz0M545P3K_DR1hl2XQOV5KcGRO9WaPVTEs8DE1rIxeCQR3o6biE8h6AIbkgKiSuLf_2MweTHkRCQ5sIT9rkxonXsfOXi2cG-3hGOnyv58g4/s640/39.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The symphony of screaming continued, but she found that now she liked the sound, it was music to her ears, it was the sound of absolute power.<br />
<br />
<i>You can have it all...</i>the voice whispered again.<br />
<br />
The Rian with the blank eyes, spoke again, his lips moved stiffly, almost as if he found it hard to talk. "Julia, don't listen to him. It's a lie."<br />
<br />
"We can be together Rian. Forever. And I have power, we can rule..."<br />
<br />
"Only Medraut rules, everyone else is enslaved." She felt Rian's fingers clumsily touch the side of her face. "You would become your worst fear, and you would lose everything you hold dear. For I, and the family you love, would have no choice but to fight against you."<br />
<br />
"You would lose." She spoke the truth, felt the rightness in the words.<br />
<br />
"Yes, but we would still fight, because the Julia we know and love, would be dead, and in her place, something wicked. You must choose the right thing Julia, not the easy thing." <br />
<br />
Just as quickly as she found herself in that other place, she was back, in the cryostasis chamber, with Rian, she felt her legs buckle, but his strength held her up. "I have you Julia."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ4iN-sY0Lgs2bPxRpZ2DI8FTPhLtpsF3B4AfEntoduoBuioG0pt0CuWpZ_3Gdnf9DJhFEkVxB0IFkj49hQfIaKagRXeZDBjOx7wRNjkLwnVUK5xKjuQoZpHODeXY4MQkApSOjgOxha_U/s1600/40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ4iN-sY0Lgs2bPxRpZ2DI8FTPhLtpsF3B4AfEntoduoBuioG0pt0CuWpZ_3Gdnf9DJhFEkVxB0IFkj49hQfIaKagRXeZDBjOx7wRNjkLwnVUK5xKjuQoZpHODeXY4MQkApSOjgOxha_U/s640/40.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"For how long Rian." She felt the tears threaten to fall, but ruthlessly held them back. She would not cry. "For how long? Minutes? We could have forever..."<br />
<br />
Rian sighed heavily. "You were not the only one given a vision of temptation, but it was a lie Julia, a pretty lie, but a lie none the less, and you know it. That man in the vision that Medraut gave to you, could never be me, it is against all that I believe and have fought for. I know it is the same for you."<br />
<br />
She nodded, slowly. "It was a happy fairytale though, until the end."<br />
<br />
"Go, do what needs to be done, and then get out of here. You should have enough time to take the transport back up and..."<br />
<br />
Julia pulled away, whirled around and aggressively punched the button, and then threw herself back into his arms. The howls of Medraut pelted against her mind, but she remembered what her father had taught her, and blocked him. The time for fairytales was over. "It is still my life, my decision Rian, and you cannot make me go. I choose to stay here with you. If we can't be together in life, than we can be together in death."<br />
<br />
Rian groaned. "Julia, no. You have to live, for..." <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZu_Zj9UFrmodNqhMX8a-u9EC6VM36DTxm0o3GWImpCtBAcA9m1rdwJ5EaiOU8_jgLSuUx3vYrRBb7CEVZSJklwOqXi9wxEIzSGc_6EOoOPAcxSTrW6ZKRwFhW7FbzO780xGW8mv3_Sjo/s1600/41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZu_Zj9UFrmodNqhMX8a-u9EC6VM36DTxm0o3GWImpCtBAcA9m1rdwJ5EaiOU8_jgLSuUx3vYrRBb7CEVZSJklwOqXi9wxEIzSGc_6EOoOPAcxSTrW6ZKRwFhW7FbzO780xGW8mv3_Sjo/s640/41.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
She cut him off with a kiss. "I choose to stay with you. I love you, Rian. I can't live without you, I just can't, and I won't."<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Rhys faltered when he heard the rumble of the mountain, the volcano was waking. It was only his speedy reflexes that saved him from the falling rocks, dirt, and other debris, which buried the entrance into the mountain. "Sh*t!" He cursed. He hoped Jack's idea worked, otherwise Rhys had just witnessed the live burial of the family.<br />
<br />
He also noticed, rather belatedly, that he was no longer having to fight. He looked around, and all the bodies seemed to have disappeared as well. "What?" Rhys muttered. None of it made any sense, had they all been magical or something?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
"I've got her." Jack said. "Incoming in 10, 9, 8..."<br />
<br />
"Spare me the countdown Jack, and bring my daughter home." Skye said, she was still crouched beside an unmoving Hawk, holding on tightly to his cold hand. She could hear ambulances in the distance. "Oh thank God." she whispered. It was one of the downsides to living on the less populated side of the island, it took longer for emergency services to reach them.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
"Julia..."<br />
<br />
"No, my mind is made up." She snuggled against him, she had no regrets.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC6nYIJSyGwASDtxFeSsti0S3cIY045IvAabrchYuWC4i2gwdtHm5fwMwZz7g98tSfArWyjReLVLNn7UbWXTUxAbF1fhHqMZNHoSIuRgYJH0kLbs8O1crlRoUTcAOtqgJEd24x32ar8Kc/s1600/42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC6nYIJSyGwASDtxFeSsti0S3cIY045IvAabrchYuWC4i2gwdtHm5fwMwZz7g98tSfArWyjReLVLNn7UbWXTUxAbF1fhHqMZNHoSIuRgYJH0kLbs8O1crlRoUTcAOtqgJEd24x32ar8Kc/s640/42.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Rian saw the electrified white light, and breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank you Jack." He whispered.<br />
<br />
Julia looked up at him. "Thank you Jack?"<br />
<br />
"I love you Julia." He said the words, and then wondered why he hadn't been able to say them before, it was such a minor thing in the grand scheme of life. She deserved the words. She deserved love, and family, and joy. She deserved life. All of which she could have now. He could die, at peace, knowing that she lived on. And Bella with her. "Tell Bella, I love her, and I wish I could have stayed." Before she could question him further, he kissed her, one final kiss...<br />
<br />
...and the light took her away...<br />
<br />
<br />
Jack's lab materialized around her. "Nooooooo!" Julia screamed, grief overwhelmed her like a black tidal wave. One moment she had been with Rian, content and at peace with her decision, and the next, here, in this lab. Instantly her eyes took in the machine, and she knew that was the way to get back, to get back to Rian. Without thinking, without planning, without even knowing how she was doing it, she summoned all the power she had left inside her, and used it to freeze everyone where they were. <br />
<br />
No one could stop her from going back to Rian where she belonged. She ran for the control panel, but hit a brick wall. "D*mn it!" she cursed, she had forgotten all about her grandfather, who was immune to her power.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhReiHOqj00GkVMl3dN2Cft-NCEsbBixQg_uPB9y29-V81etMKJndCjDMu0IOvOYrcE5QVP1NGiC4srAP4wZap3bRtiIUUomxdHqxdE3_t1U6AQmdEOVLoj4_Lv41VS_sJfJbSbgfTaEi4/s1600/43.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhReiHOqj00GkVMl3dN2Cft-NCEsbBixQg_uPB9y29-V81etMKJndCjDMu0IOvOYrcE5QVP1NGiC4srAP4wZap3bRtiIUUomxdHqxdE3_t1U6AQmdEOVLoj4_Lv41VS_sJfJbSbgfTaEi4/s640/43.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"Let me go Grumpa!" She yelled.<br />
<br />
"I can't Julia."<br />
<br />
She tried to overpower him physically, but it got her nowhere, he was unmovable. "Let me go! Let me go!" She shouted angrily, desperately. "I have to go back Grumpa! I have to!" Julia was marginally aware that she was slipping into hysteria, but she didn't care. She didn't care about anything other than getting back to Rian.<br />
<br />
"Julia, calm down and listen..."<br />
<br />
"Nooooo!" Tears started pouring down her face. "Let me go Grumpa, please! If you love me, you'll let me go!!"<br />
<br />
Colin looked at her sadly, "It's because I love you Squirt, that I won't let you go."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgShbVk47xoCkLdh3uIROH6C5fVJn4cEPJL5e-yWPwaLlH_GfP6S6GWuRgfSegi8WYlCeuPFNB0NwqFWWNjGnLn-X2vdF1DWkzs2IioBhgk9oWhz2_oe8T2CreIvVeOiVepNebYh_J5yQE/s1600/44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgShbVk47xoCkLdh3uIROH6C5fVJn4cEPJL5e-yWPwaLlH_GfP6S6GWuRgfSegi8WYlCeuPFNB0NwqFWWNjGnLn-X2vdF1DWkzs2IioBhgk9oWhz2_oe8T2CreIvVeOiVepNebYh_J5yQE/s640/44.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
"I'll go when you're not looking!" She threatened. "I'll use that machine, and I'll..."<br />
<br />
"Transport yourself into a rock."<br />
<br />
"I don't care!" She spat.<br />
<br />
"Lucky for you girl, I f*cking do." Colin growled. He turned around and used his fists to smash Jack's machine into bits, Julia started screaming and hitting him with her fists.<br />
<br />
"No! Stop!"<br />
<br />
Colin didn't stop until the deed was done, and his knuckles were bruised and bleeding.<br />
<br />
"I hate you." She sobbed, sinking to her knees. "I hate you!"<br />
<br />
Colin sighed. "I know you do." Jack's cry of distress alerted Colin to the fact that Julia had released everyone from the hold she had put on them. He could hear the emergency responders just outside the house.<br />
<br />
He ran a hand over his face. It had been a b*tch of day.<br />
<br />
<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________<br />
<br />
Notes: Well, then, not too much I can say after all of that. I hope I didn't lose you all as I tried to weave together all those different scenes that were taking place simultaneously.<br />
<br />
So, I'll just clarify a few things.<br />
<br />
1. Yes, Ivory is alive. In my mind, Raven used her life sucking powers on other people to give Ivory back part of her life, such as it was. It was also what kept her (Ivory, Raven, and earlier on even Hawk) looking young, but obviously is not the nice guy way of staying young, lol<br />
<br />
2. Yes, Rian is dead, and not coming back. I know I have penchant for bringing back characters, but it is central to the rest of the story, that Rian stay dead. I felt really bad for Julia too, because I killed him in game using MC, and she cried and cried and cried... :/ <br />
<br />
3. Yes, Raven, Medraut, all those bad guys, they're all gone. Once Medraut's life support system (if you can call it that, lol) was pulled, he died, by asphyxiation I like to think. A rather macabre thought, but there you have it. Ha! Once he was cut off from his life support, Raven lost her powers, since her powers were dependent on him, he was the source, you could say. Once she lost her powers, all the magical clones disappeared. lol Who thinks of this stuff? Oh yeah, I do! :P Anyway, then they were all buried under the mountain/volcano.<br />
<br />
4. What about Hawk? Next chapter, we'll find out what happened with him. Mean, I know, sorry. Maybe. lol <br />
<br />
5. Yes, Jack is despondent. His whole life's work---smashed to smithereens, so that Julia wouldn't use it. Ever. Whatever will he do with himself? Well, I have plans, it's about time to get poor Jack out of that lab!!<br />
<br />
6. I may or may not have been influenced by the 80s and the "big red button" lol Ah, the good old 80s, it was a fun time to grow up in. Now that I've dated myself...<br />
<br />
7. Thanks for reading! Any questions? Comments? <br />
<br />
<br />Nirarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15253184399668018141noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2767753407529003708.post-25247877314234124552015-08-26T16:47:00.002-07:002015-08-26T16:47:37.935-07:00Chapter 92: Living in the Moment<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Warning: Language</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Julia didn't bother knocking on the door, but let herself in; nor did she spare a glance at any of the decor or furnishings, she wasn't interested in any of that. Instead she made a beeline straight for what, or rather, <i>whom</i>, she was <i>interested</i> in.<br />
<br />
She had a promise fulfill.<br />
<br />
"You came."<br />
<br />
She laughed softly. "Did you doubt?" <br />
<br />
He wrapped his arms around her waist. "Not really, but I still think this is ill advised."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRNtVsSpWAnVVdo-WDUFyj82dwboUCwRFDfY3Rz58WOGgaMwwPn3mZs0CmjH8tr_4NSTru5K9Oy75lAlpy9i_-cPjp_njStBznbTQ5jjd9SNGq_iWo5Uh3mbi9NPIU_TauukwcEMTYDAA/s1600/Julia+fruit+pop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRNtVsSpWAnVVdo-WDUFyj82dwboUCwRFDfY3Rz58WOGgaMwwPn3mZs0CmjH8tr_4NSTru5K9Oy75lAlpy9i_-cPjp_njStBznbTQ5jjd9SNGq_iWo5Uh3mbi9NPIU_TauukwcEMTYDAA/s1600/Julia+fruit+pop.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"Do I scare you Rian?" She teased him.<br />
<br />
"Terrify me, more like." He admitted. "You are like this brightly dancing flame, so mesmerizing to the eye, and I know I am going to get burnt if I get too close, yet I can't seem to help myself. You draw me in a way I do not understand."<br />
<br />
Julia smiled softly. "Well, that makes two of us then. I obviously cannot stay away from you either, nor do I want to. I love <i>you</i>."<br />
<br />
"Julia, I..." His voice trailed off.<br />
<br />
"It's okay, Rian, I don't need the words. You know me, I'm a girl of action."<br />
<br />
He bent his head down closer to her, almost as if he was going to kiss her, but then he hesitated for just a moment. "Marry me." he whispered.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2j3j9ykYZ2RQVzNqZWnS2L-W3j4Teld22yuFPQOfYcmkJodgB-91Pld9jRW7K3DPkX2gnRZ8S4AfxHuRKdTT-zvsVBUKr3PDVf_LRskwFyVyLSmhiuKZtC9_MfO1u8aJAnvLm07s0bg0/s1600/love1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2j3j9ykYZ2RQVzNqZWnS2L-W3j4Teld22yuFPQOfYcmkJodgB-91Pld9jRW7K3DPkX2gnRZ8S4AfxHuRKdTT-zvsVBUKr3PDVf_LRskwFyVyLSmhiuKZtC9_MfO1u8aJAnvLm07s0bg0/s1600/love1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Julia looked up at him, startled. "Marry you? We went from ill advised to marriage? In the space of a few minutes?"<br />
<br />
He kissed her softly. "We sure did. I have thought of nothing else for days; I am an old fashioned man, Julia, and I cannot be <i>in that way</i> with you, unless we were to marry."<br />
<br />
Julia considered him. "City Hall is closed."<br />
<br />
He nodded. "Indeed, we can take care of the legal ceremony in the morning, so that this land recognizes that we are One. For tonight though, we can speak our sacred vows to each other, and become One in the traditions of the land where I came from."<br />
<br />
"Your asking skills could use some work." Julia told him. "I won't promise to obey you either."<br />
<br />
Rian chuckled. "As if you would ever make things that easy for me."<br />
<br />
"Well, as long as we are clear on that, yes, yes, and a thousand times yes! I would love to marry you." <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilunRxPSismALEHZmfsrF3Shf76RrBFyGn_aDieNzDNFGBQ58gb-N5bhB71MaZwbb-qJDH9waYkUwSEkI1Ga0HWKp5bUU4ziRmRFw6K4Sg0q1YT2MuN92U-HnAP6mZ33IZSEb5v22mWzc/s1600/love3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilunRxPSismALEHZmfsrF3Shf76RrBFyGn_aDieNzDNFGBQ58gb-N5bhB71MaZwbb-qJDH9waYkUwSEkI1Ga0HWKp5bUU4ziRmRFw6K4Sg0q1YT2MuN92U-HnAP6mZ33IZSEb5v22mWzc/s1600/love3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Rian looked directly into her eyes. "I vow this day, to love, honor, protect, and cherish you for all the days of my life. I will always strive to be worthy of your love."<br />
<br />
Julia's eyes shimmered with emotions. "On this day, I give you my life, my promise, that I will walk with you, hand in hand, wherever our journey leads us, living, learning, loving. Together."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ-tvsT5biil5RQvUS3IhXQuFMykc7fCP26935ZjnMHBB9IDTIbvgVn6PZsMdqkIci1EN5U1iAy1Tl6HdXh30U14Lna4c7hix0xlwOdrD7CzJ2E50jgRHvgcqBDwrs1UhJCN9mrFHZAhg/s1600/love5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ-tvsT5biil5RQvUS3IhXQuFMykc7fCP26935ZjnMHBB9IDTIbvgVn6PZsMdqkIci1EN5U1iAy1Tl6HdXh30U14Lna4c7hix0xlwOdrD7CzJ2E50jgRHvgcqBDwrs1UhJCN9mrFHZAhg/s1600/love5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9IpoT5duGF6gcgbiEtxlOnlvFHc66IGcnpOl9q4hBIt3C5ZkW_4jw1gJZ88uFw2v4HSKoHOfnFXeUvjy9oked1UxsK6SzfE9UHoTmTCIVvM6G_5tOb38ihwsiRij0_7BZ9VRAdIwN048/s1600/love6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9IpoT5duGF6gcgbiEtxlOnlvFHc66IGcnpOl9q4hBIt3C5ZkW_4jw1gJZ88uFw2v4HSKoHOfnFXeUvjy9oked1UxsK6SzfE9UHoTmTCIVvM6G_5tOb38ihwsiRij0_7BZ9VRAdIwN048/s1600/love6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk-qASJyZI1d4XlAksLDTPhDPM5LsODzzLBO98vJmEXzrzjP23awv_c4olHEPqcCoWzXzwRMHq64gMw6OiZj_kDNWakxYxwu0foVtut1amIWb8KeYVAD_h3FhYW_ZgMk-b8T2lccEQmv4/s1600/love2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk-qASJyZI1d4XlAksLDTPhDPM5LsODzzLBO98vJmEXzrzjP23awv_c4olHEPqcCoWzXzwRMHq64gMw6OiZj_kDNWakxYxwu0foVtut1amIWb8KeYVAD_h3FhYW_ZgMk-b8T2lccEQmv4/s1600/love2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik-axGXJu0kGz0Wry9WPSPo8A-b8EP79FJjq_sNvCP_4keeiomclJCI1Tzk7S6uBMTz5FI6gNiAFPSIiVpidDAOmORFVlJtiThwZlme-TpwnvpDdfcNOK6dkC55Lp3FYssdgo6JG7c98U/s1600/love7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik-axGXJu0kGz0Wry9WPSPo8A-b8EP79FJjq_sNvCP_4keeiomclJCI1Tzk7S6uBMTz5FI6gNiAFPSIiVpidDAOmORFVlJtiThwZlme-TpwnvpDdfcNOK6dkC55Lp3FYssdgo6JG7c98U/s1600/love7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjteXFAA_IUZPmrRC9r8zvvDCvLVix0OWF-k6KdVRB_0TIbdYt_4fFk27wQwWHouFeiduF4qqD9tqI4pzkPzvioSPwwb1Ia0DGIBUcqmzyEwqIO5bjj-TlVsY7TuSoLlDMYT7DXrOvxzas/s1600/love8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjteXFAA_IUZPmrRC9r8zvvDCvLVix0OWF-k6KdVRB_0TIbdYt_4fFk27wQwWHouFeiduF4qqD9tqI4pzkPzvioSPwwb1Ia0DGIBUcqmzyEwqIO5bjj-TlVsY7TuSoLlDMYT7DXrOvxzas/s1600/love8.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
~<>~<br />
<br />
Julia walked along the beach, hand in hand with her husband. Her husband. The sweetest sounding words she had ever heard. Even though they had been married for five months now, she still had to resist the urge to pinch herself, just in case she was dreaming.<br />
<br />
A breeze ruffled her hair; she lifted her face to it, and breathed in the familiar salt air. She sighed, contentedly. Rian squeezed her hand, and she smiled up at him. Could this moment be any more perfect?<br />
<br />
They walked along the shoreline for a while longer, neither of them felt the need to fill the silence with words. That was one of the things she loved about Rian, he knew how to just be in the moment with her. He, like her, understood that moments didn't always require words. Rian suddenly stopped by the water's edge, his eyes on the horizon.<br />
<br />
The Sea was calm, the waves lapped up against the sand with gentle fingers, barely making a sound. In the distance, she could hear the seagulls crying.<br />
<br />
Julia didn't need to be able to read his mind to sense that something was bothering him, nor did it take much thought on her part to know what that something was. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGWBaHuSEfVZeyZAhyphenhyphenl60gkV4PV9RmjH8XpCqD43m2I5eLP_PX1FDDIswBcJ1FbLVW_2f94zfGt07dilztqCqf5FadvsM4kW6XgvcmmIEos81MSmLbBRhgNcziPL1fM-N9PjFYyOIfoWE/s1600/beach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGWBaHuSEfVZeyZAhyphenhyphenl60gkV4PV9RmjH8XpCqD43m2I5eLP_PX1FDDIswBcJ1FbLVW_2f94zfGt07dilztqCqf5FadvsM4kW6XgvcmmIEos81MSmLbBRhgNcziPL1fM-N9PjFYyOIfoWE/s1600/beach.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
It was the shadow that loomed over their happiness, and she hated it. Hated that there was nothing she could do to banish it. They played a waiting game, never knowing if this was the day her grandmother would decide to show up. Julia even harbored the hope that her grandmother had simply given up on her fruitless quest, but no one else shared that hope.<br />
<br />
Still, she refused to live her life in fear of what may happen in the future. As she had told Rian many times, they could die in a car accident tomorrow, or a plane could crash on top of the house as they slept, life was unpredictable and uncertain. The only certainty was that they had now, today, this one moment.<br />
<br />
The quiet was broken not by words, but by a whinny, an unexpected sound to hear on the beach. Curious, she turned around to see what was making the sound, and she gasped in surprise. "Rian." she whispered, tugging on his sleeve. "Do you see it?"<br />
<br />
"I do."<br />
<br />
"Is it...a..."<br />
<br />
"Unicorn, yes."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk0GNQc2obN4DpcfwokZ3NRkqzuQ4eMxyfg7aUMG4eBd1H99e5Hg3HD3mdhzbFRe7WQemfNioWJCPRFbkOs7Uq4TavriqtCoq6ZdrNdaF72FmQKnjJ3u0pmR7ERzHj22godmzpVP13UuI/s1600/beach1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk0GNQc2obN4DpcfwokZ3NRkqzuQ4eMxyfg7aUMG4eBd1H99e5Hg3HD3mdhzbFRe7WQemfNioWJCPRFbkOs7Uq4TavriqtCoq6ZdrNdaF72FmQKnjJ3u0pmR7ERzHj22godmzpVP13UuI/s1600/beach1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"My mother said she saw a white one once, on the day she was engaged to my father. She said she took it as a sign, a sign of blessing. What do you think a black one means?"<br />
<br />
"Unicorns are magical, to see one of any color, means that you are blessed." <br />
<br />
"I wonder if it will let me approach it."<br />
<br />
Rian studied the unicorn for a moment, before answering. "I think he will."<br />
<br />
Julia approached the unicorn cautiously, she wasn't sure what Rian saw in it that made him think it would let her approach it, but she trusted Rian's judgment implicitly. She held her hand out, and it sniffed her fingers, before nudging her gently with it's head. She laughed softly. "Want pets do you?" She stroked it's neck. "You are beautiful." He whinnied again, and Julia chuckled. "You already know that, don't you? Typical male."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq_A9j8Ibsw7DNaEv1J9EYYDhxdj6cQG0VTmm1KHgjxXmo-6oLzEUCFxSjUVRym_4qNAFWV37C8Br6RwKpGSzJAMgQ68WFdtu5DVLqnZrIN-pi45oQ34G1fpXaEi4oVKiROnVxIntdzBU/s1600/beach2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq_A9j8Ibsw7DNaEv1J9EYYDhxdj6cQG0VTmm1KHgjxXmo-6oLzEUCFxSjUVRym_4qNAFWV37C8Br6RwKpGSzJAMgQ68WFdtu5DVLqnZrIN-pi45oQ34G1fpXaEi4oVKiROnVxIntdzBU/s1600/beach2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The unicorn's ears pricked up when Rian approached, but it didn't run. "He's just as vain as any male." She teased Rian. "At least he has a reason to be so, he is absolutely gorgeous."<br />
<br />
The unicorn neighed again, and then lowered its horn, a strange light began to emanate from it, the light grew and grew, until it encompassed both Rian and Julia, before fading away to nothing. "How curious." Rian murmured.<br />
<br />
"What just happened?"<br />
<br />
Rian had heard rumors that Unicorns could gift people with a vision of their futures, if the Unicorn so desired. Rian had just never expected that a Unicorn would gift him with such a vision, and what he had seen... He glanced at Julia, but it appeared that she did not experience the same thing. The gift might have been for him alone. "We've just been blessed by him."<br />
<br />
"Aw, that's sweet." Julia gently patted the Unicorn. "I don't remember my parents talking about that happening to them. I'll have to ask them again. Though, if I remember correctly, my dad couldn't see the unicorn at all, it just looked like a horse to him."<br />
<br />
Rian pondered the unicorn. "Did you see anything?" he asked Julia, wanting to be sure his assessment was correct, that indeed he was the only one to see the Unicorn's vision.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-wZ-cRsROZX5xoT1TjjOdQ9pvyp6C8PXnWwHb-jNgjPZhsEMpcrEV4V1HTaUPxogC-uvo0ri4iF6nlVnWqYikCwHy2VcOrhC7u0Oj43OTHTTL1cU5Mib5qRk3cbBJa307qWC2Fj3zCwU/s1600/beach3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-wZ-cRsROZX5xoT1TjjOdQ9pvyp6C8PXnWwHb-jNgjPZhsEMpcrEV4V1HTaUPxogC-uvo0ri4iF6nlVnWqYikCwHy2VcOrhC7u0Oj43OTHTTL1cU5Mib5qRk3cbBJa307qWC2Fj3zCwU/s1600/beach3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"Like what?" Julia asked him.<br />
<br />
"Like a vision?"<br />
<br />
She looked at him strangely. "No, did you? See a vision?" <br />
<br />
He needed time to think about what he had seen, and how it all fit in together with what he knew, but Julia would be like a dog with a bone if he told her he had indeed seen one. So he answered her without answering her. "I have heard that Unicorns will sometimes gift people with a vision of what their future holds. I merely wondered if you had seen a glimpse of the future..."<br />
<br />
"Are you working yourself into a tizzy again? Thinking about all that mystery future stuff you refuse to tell me?"<br />
<br />
"Can't tell you." He corrected.<br />
<br />
"Because the Universe might implode and all that?"<br />
<br />
He shook his head, and smiled slightly. "Laugh all you want, but it is a serious matter. And yes, I was thinking of future events. The longer we are together, the less I recognize from what I was told, it concerns me greatly. It should concern you as well, the future of the world is at stake."<br />
<br />
Julia shrugged. "I'm not going to bug out about it. I still hope she has given up. Besides that, if it fails, Uncle Jack could just build one of those time travel machine things, and we can just try again right? That's the beauty of time travel."<br />
<br />
"No, she has not given up, that is a certainty. Your father just knows how she thinks, and how to lead her on a long, what you call, goose chase, for which I admit, I am selfishly thankful. It gives us more time to be together." He sighed. "But this is a one shot deal Julia. If we don't succeed, then we don't succeed. Whenever the time continuum is changed or manipulated, even slightly, we increase our chances of even worse things happening, like ripples in a pond, each small decision affecting the larger ones.<br />
<br />
I am not a scientist, and cannot explain all the particulars, but I could let your Uncle Jack explain it all to you." <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAmxVh2binMkiWwWsLMOAwv6tMCUCa9249egFwuuD3rtRsbPoJEnvCDWETQmZJNJq3GY56UtQseLBYT1cHE4oq2alfpRpPedumm4fe9igIhz1FHV2BuEYnUJvrBByRr1Foao-SLsYFHoM/s1600/beach4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAmxVh2binMkiWwWsLMOAwv6tMCUCa9249egFwuuD3rtRsbPoJEnvCDWETQmZJNJq3GY56UtQseLBYT1cHE4oq2alfpRpPedumm4fe9igIhz1FHV2BuEYnUJvrBByRr1Foao-SLsYFHoM/s1600/beach4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"That's okay." Julia grimaced. "I love my Uncle, but he loses me after he says my name."<br />
<br />
"Your name?"<br />
<br />
"Yes, my name. He'll say, "Julia" and then all I hear is blah, blah, blah. I feel bad about it, but my mind wanders whenever he starts explaining things to me." She shrugged. "I can't help it."<br />
<br />
Rian smiled at her. "Not the scientific type?"<br />
<br />
"It's boring. There, I said it." She smiled back at him.<br />
<br />
He chuckled. "You find anything that involves holding still, boring."<br />
<br />
"True." Julia agreed cheerfully. "I'd rather be doing things..." She winked at him. "I have a few ideas right now of what I'd like to be doing..."<br />
<br />
"Here? Julia, I'm shocked." He teased her.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXXShcFlYIUYptVzjdhKibkgBLTViFsBD_ok0Y3vrMWgH-iHQMlBpvg7JMv1xKwRfkUy0An_eNa9zlFfNI9MFy2-9JYRCNN3OUc0AGSj-rwkyQEflydUY8hTvbu_yuzm_Wls-LxsDfY64/s1600/beach5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXXShcFlYIUYptVzjdhKibkgBLTViFsBD_ok0Y3vrMWgH-iHQMlBpvg7JMv1xKwRfkUy0An_eNa9zlFfNI9MFy2-9JYRCNN3OUc0AGSj-rwkyQEflydUY8hTvbu_yuzm_Wls-LxsDfY64/s1600/beach5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
"You are not! You're tempted." She threw back at him.<br />
<br />
He sighed, a slight smile still on his lips. "You may be right."<br />
<br />
"No may be about it." She singsonged.<br />
<br />
"You just like to hear me say the words."<br />
<br />
Julia grinned at him mischievously. "Those words do have a sweet ring about them." She sidled up closer to Rian, and slowly walked her fingers up his chest. "There are still other things I like better, but you are a tad overdressed for that."<br />
<br />
"Temptress." he said, huskily.<br />
<br />
"Aha, back to square one."<br />
<br />
He half laughed, half moaned. "Yes, you're right."<br />
<br />
"Of course I am." She said, and then she kissed him. <br />
<br />
The unicorn neighed, and inserted itself between them. Julia laughed, and backed away, letting the unicorn through. It bumped up against Rian, and he chuckled. "Okay, okay, I agree." He cleared his throat. "It would be better to finish that conversation at home." The Unicorn nudged him again, gently this time. "I thank you, my friend, for the blessing."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr30hqnBN41DUihy5MN06VdHB4xE4M8E2mwrwxDCnAyxc8e7eTrrl-SoY2Sdb1Cm0qNkd8CuVb9fUQs4kAd2LkbODIZIT31ijDXFDzgXUfVQUQDB8XYV0SpmlZN7dr1zI5ideFydDYwIs/s1600/beach6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr30hqnBN41DUihy5MN06VdHB4xE4M8E2mwrwxDCnAyxc8e7eTrrl-SoY2Sdb1Cm0qNkd8CuVb9fUQs4kAd2LkbODIZIT31ijDXFDzgXUfVQUQDB8XYV0SpmlZN7dr1zI5ideFydDYwIs/s1600/beach6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
"Home." Julia sighed heavily. She didn't really want to go home. The subject of home had been their first big argument, and one that she had actually lost as well. He had been implacable, telling her that they needed to stay with her family, because it would cause them to worry less. It had more security, it would enable him to keep a closer eye on everybody, blah, blah, blah.<br />
<br />
She had vehemently disagreed.<br />
<br />
In the end, she had been the one to cave though. Her family's obvious relief that she wouldn't be leaving had shown that Rian was correct. They were worried about her, but it was darned inconvenient for her. She wanted Rian to herself, and not have to share him with everyone. She sighed. At least her family had grown to love him as much as she did. <br />
<br />
Rian threaded his fingers with hers as they both watched the Unicorn disappear. "I wonder why my father couldn't see it, while my mother could." Julia mused, thinking of the question she had posed earlier.<br />
<br />
"At the time, "Rian said softly, "he didn't have a pure heart."<br />
<br />
"Oh." Julia digested that for a little. "I hope my parents patch things up. It's obvious they both love each other, and while I don't condone what my dad did, and he doesn't either, he has changed, my mother is just being stubborn. It kills me to see how they are now. Promise me Rian, that we'll never let anything come between us."<br />
<br />
Rian didn't answer her directly, but pulled their entwined hands up, and pressed a kiss to the back of her hand. "Let's go home love."<br />
<br />
<br />
~<>~<br />
<br />
<br />
"I still can't believe we've never gone bowling before." Julia said. "How remiss of me."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb0HeDkpVg2oOcsNXlfSqERxxDlAJiaEE3249b5HWiKSf5FZ6OS7rGo-269IJI73SHX3cM4Ago-tbFVY8g0pbTKHTz_VvS32xoz_msOG-gQAWNaWbFFZ-E377AfzlEbEJW6jSU6rAKH9M/s1600/bowling2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb0HeDkpVg2oOcsNXlfSqERxxDlAJiaEE3249b5HWiKSf5FZ6OS7rGo-269IJI73SHX3cM4Ago-tbFVY8g0pbTKHTz_VvS32xoz_msOG-gQAWNaWbFFZ-E377AfzlEbEJW6jSU6rAKH9M/s1600/bowling2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZG612U3W7qFoZYrqHsB-G53H4PdcVNkHOYYmGVCdr0NLFm8bl2bT2xYFyVRiMl8mCczMu0XMbZR_g9PPBDfC9QSWWWts0VHsFIuVIXuWCKPiq9amyMMgy-_5hPfmve8FR9d5nnTldxt0/s1600/movie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
Rian hefted the bowling ball up, and turned to look at her. "I still can't believe your grandfather let you close the whole place down for the day."<br />
<br />
"Yep, it's just you and me, oh, and that cute bartender over there."<br />
<br />
Rian frowned. "What cute bartender?" He looked around, but didn't see anyone.<br />
<br />
"Over there." Julia pointed. "Grumpa told him to come to work, just in case we wanted a drink. I'm not any good at mixing drinks, and I don't think you are either. Personally," Julia continued, "I think Grumpa kept him here as a spy, just to make sure I don't accidentally burn the place down by trying to mix a Blue Blazer or something."<br />
<br />
Once pointed in the right direction, he could easily see who she was referring to. "I don't think he is all that cute." Rian said stiffly as he rolled the bowling ball, and then watched it wobble down the lane.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCT8gcB0Mynzz77etb4IySMXDKsZlogrlqkjehMbSSmTzhaEhvBMIO80wcDWiUOlCAW95DktosJjYkOUhMp8DR5oNmeDYDX208nyX2_vBUFJ0Va4m2D-JQK7W9OURrdqpgFrO0c8Gvj5U/s1600/bowling3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCT8gcB0Mynzz77etb4IySMXDKsZlogrlqkjehMbSSmTzhaEhvBMIO80wcDWiUOlCAW95DktosJjYkOUhMp8DR5oNmeDYDX208nyX2_vBUFJ0Va4m2D-JQK7W9OURrdqpgFrO0c8Gvj5U/s1600/bowling3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Julia tilted her head. "Really?" She pretended to study said bartender. "I don't know, I think he has pretty eyes."<br />
<br />
"Pretty eyes!" Rian sputtered, he spun around and stalked towards her, a glint in his eyes. Julia giggled. "You must think you are pretty funny." he mock growled.<br />
<br />
"Maybe." She grinned at him.<br />
<br />
He grabbed her and kissed her, very throughly. "You should be ashamed of yourself, provoking me like that." He said when they came up for air.<br />
<br />
"Kiss me again, and I'll think about being ashamed." He gave her a quick peck on the lips, and she frowned at him. "That was it?"<br />
<br />
"Woman, this outing was your idea." He reminded her. "It's your turn."<br />
<br />
"Spoilsport." She grumbled. "Maybe we should check out the theater next." She grabbed a bowling ball, and threw it in a hook fashion.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx_hIlBEZtEMDbmZ2iUYLCgGSGeKoNs_yeXGx0rSVNUVB5ncfUD6ObnLwX8ufEktV6aXu_y6j8xCagjFc-HGaf_SdwmSujYghLeTXRZWZDAZoyvxND6U0BGLR3B9j6TJNFqN0IsIUM7Oc/s1600/bowling4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx_hIlBEZtEMDbmZ2iUYLCgGSGeKoNs_yeXGx0rSVNUVB5ncfUD6ObnLwX8ufEktV6aXu_y6j8xCagjFc-HGaf_SdwmSujYghLeTXRZWZDAZoyvxND6U0BGLR3B9j6TJNFqN0IsIUM7Oc/s1600/bowling4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Rian wasn't so sure that he actually liked bowling per se, but he did enjoy watching her bowl. He found her to be quite distracting, and possibly even a bad influence on himself, especially whenever she bent over with those snug jeans of hers; he was beginning to have some ideas of his own. He tugged a little on his shirt.<br />
<br />
If anyone had ever told him that he would feel this way about a girl, no, a woman, he would have laughed at them. Nothing had been more important to him than his dream, and the dream that his parents had held for him; the dream of being a Guardian, and all that pertained to that life. Nothing and no one had ever tempted him away from that dream either, until her.<br />
<br />
With a single look, she could reduce him to his baser instincts, make him forget about everything except his need to possess her, mark her, and make her his. Over and over, he couldn't get enough of her. That side of him, scared him, for it was not a side easily controlled.<br />
<br />
Logically he could conclude it was the result of their bond, he had taken her as his mate, and as such she would, of course, bring out the more primitive side of himself. Emotionally however, he worried. He wondered if he would be able to do what he had to do, when the time came. Which side of him would win if push came to shove? And did he really have a choice? <br />
<br />
"Strike!" Julia crowed.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-mS97Yz6cJNHTkyJKmSK2-cKn_8Xtc33xiwbewgjeBNX-6n4V48Sff745fsSAvqZj91C9HK1rhl6kky9LGYeUaCmYmY0K0LOCxlPLKiM75lCaQTmANXP6mAjLMjcbnb4qJLtFzOAZirM/s1600/bowling5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-mS97Yz6cJNHTkyJKmSK2-cKn_8Xtc33xiwbewgjeBNX-6n4V48Sff745fsSAvqZj91C9HK1rhl6kky9LGYeUaCmYmY0K0LOCxlPLKiM75lCaQTmANXP6mAjLMjcbnb4qJLtFzOAZirM/s1600/bowling5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Her jumping up and down wasn't helping matters any. "I think I am done with bowling now." He said, a little desperately. "I'm ready for a drink."<br />
<br />
Julia whirled around. "A drink? Okay, you can meet that cute bartender then." She winked at him, and headed for the bar.<br />
<br />
Rian briefly closed his eyes. He had forgotten about the bartender. "Or maybe not." He followed her anyway.<br />
<br />
"Hello Brannon." Julia greeted the bartender by name as she sat on one of the stools.<br />
<br />
Rian frowned. "You know his name?" <br />
<br />
"Hello Trouble." Brannon greeted Julia. "You want your usual?"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJkAHeZEf5TpS-0lf9eq0GOW3ONZuCKMh8S0-BQBrQv3WW5lqRm5IOotx3RlT3P7ASDmQtSWedeUls24g2dxJ7EWxtMfgPIxFX_Ml5AprLjyztyIb-9fLRsMaOIQ2lQ2VJaWou9lqzoxU/s1600/Daniel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJkAHeZEf5TpS-0lf9eq0GOW3ONZuCKMh8S0-BQBrQv3WW5lqRm5IOotx3RlT3P7ASDmQtSWedeUls24g2dxJ7EWxtMfgPIxFX_Ml5AprLjyztyIb-9fLRsMaOIQ2lQ2VJaWou9lqzoxU/s1600/Daniel.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
"Trouble? Little ol me? And yes please, two of them."<br />
<br />
Brannon snorted. "Little ol you, the one who nearly got me fired." The drink that Julia requested was simple, and it didn't take Brannon long to make them and hand them out.<br />
<br />
Julia airily waved her hand about. "I fixed it, so it's all good." She took a sip. "Perfection, as always Brannon."<br />
<br />
"And you appear to know the bartender well." Rian said broodingly.<br />
<br />
"Brannon, this is Rian, my husband. He's just a little perturbed because I called you cute."<br />
<br />
Brannon stared at her, then at Rian, and then back to Julia. "Are you trying to get me killed again?"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfxNFpN2I6bMWfkBsSUmmSr-4QZUfrAkMoloL3MI9AByu3gyGycO6iAEdKbEHQTygHr4nVESyCBH3hUsshdo0pfERV1OIczkaY2vmes1YgU-JrEwKsIi1CRvBf3JlMFq5Lk4cK6B5dv0I/s1600/Daniel1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfxNFpN2I6bMWfkBsSUmmSr-4QZUfrAkMoloL3MI9AByu3gyGycO6iAEdKbEHQTygHr4nVESyCBH3hUsshdo0pfERV1OIczkaY2vmes1YgU-JrEwKsIi1CRvBf3JlMFq5Lk4cK6B5dv0I/s1600/Daniel1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"Again?" Rian questioned, he looked over at Julia.<br />
<br />
"Grumpa got a little protective."<br />
<br />
"A little?" Brannon laughed nervously. "I thought I was a dead man." <br />
<br />
Rian looked over at Julia. "What did you do?"<br />
<br />
"What did I do?" Julia sputtered, slightly affronted. "Why did you assume I did something and not him?" Julia pointed at Brannon.<br />
<br />
"Maybe because he knows you?" Brannon suggested.<br />
<br />
Rian was starting to feel slightly better about this Brannon character, he still didn't like him though. "Julia?" Julia took another sip of her drink, ignoring his request. Rian looked over at the bartender. "Brannon?"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi69Dj0BTRq-b6eQunv_G5XRkgXn-txKeVr6-ntAj0vgh37sPgscd4dyober1iV7PYu40yHbMnIAuRHEr9Jo-2dLmq0zVe9FY-IJyU4E2mFDZDZT3RrGZDnt4lF-kvRqT4LL_g1x6TtVg4/s1600/Daniel2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi69Dj0BTRq-b6eQunv_G5XRkgXn-txKeVr6-ntAj0vgh37sPgscd4dyober1iV7PYu40yHbMnIAuRHEr9Jo-2dLmq0zVe9FY-IJyU4E2mFDZDZT3RrGZDnt4lF-kvRqT4LL_g1x6TtVg4/s1600/Daniel2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"Somehow her grandfather got the idea that we were romantically involved, she was all of what, 12? Maybe 13? I am easily twice her age, there was no way man! I'm not into kids, er, or her ever." Brannon hastened to add, making sure that Rian was aware that he wasn't interested in Julia at all in <i>that way</i>. "We're just friends, but man, I sure thought her grandfather was going to tear me to pieces. I seriously went through 8 of my 9 lives right then."<br />
<br />
"Well, how was I supposed to know he thought I was talking about you, when in fact I was talking about someone else." She'd had a huge crush on Brennan, eventually she had even dated him, and had discovered he wasn't worth a plug nickel. "I mean, you're cute and all, but you're oooold!"<br />
<br />
"Thanks youngin'." Brannon said sarcastically.<br />
<br />
"But I'm old." Rian interjected.<br />
<br />
Julia dismissed his words. "You are not old Rian, you were frozen for a long time, there's a big difference. Brannon is like ancient, two footsteps from death."<br />
<br />
Brannon shook his head. "You're a brat, and you can be sure I'll tell your grandfather tomorrow what a troublemaker you were tonight."<br />
<br />
Julia looked over at Brannon. "Go ahead, you know him, he'd be proud of me."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJmXcJyvPPGxAlJah57DbsU_f-bSvgvohY6y9k77lE4czNGC4srwNY5elRIDs0SjbS-khvQFsTSk30RH1vZAlLhin4mPy6nXKQP-z9QMqoqt-34dvgCxWARbuDzeC29p09-pNI_8VBCIc/s1600/Daniel3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJmXcJyvPPGxAlJah57DbsU_f-bSvgvohY6y9k77lE4czNGC4srwNY5elRIDs0SjbS-khvQFsTSk30RH1vZAlLhin4mPy6nXKQP-z9QMqoqt-34dvgCxWARbuDzeC29p09-pNI_8VBCIc/s1600/Daniel3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"You're probably right." Brannon sighed. "He would be. I think I'll turn the projector on for you two, and get this place ready for business tomorrow."<br />
<br />
"What? Are you trying to get rid of me?"<br />
<br />
"Is it working?" Brannon asked.<br />
<br />
"Only because I'd rather spend time with Rian than you." Julia retorted with a smile. "Let's go watch a movie Rian. Make it a good one Brannon."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt4YjLpu_pxKBS4NlcKLc9PAXRuNKCN9IuHodKt0Qpig_gWIbSEqDeDYk-JYzKrJO4BVNyhPIZmH7dRP17WKKtSth811qU6tHgFvDvBZOHufEgw6nBihAlpnhpgLY4pP-Q4hOTorLYw8c/s1600/Daniel4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt4YjLpu_pxKBS4NlcKLc9PAXRuNKCN9IuHodKt0Qpig_gWIbSEqDeDYk-JYzKrJO4BVNyhPIZmH7dRP17WKKtSth811qU6tHgFvDvBZOHufEgw6nBihAlpnhpgLY4pP-Q4hOTorLYw8c/s1600/Daniel4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
"Yes Ma'am."<br />
<br />
Rian followed Julia down to the movie theater room. "How did your grandfather get him confused with someone else?"<br />
<br />
"His name is Brannon, right? Well, the kid I had a crush on, his name was Brennan. Similar, but different. Grumpa thought I was talking about Brannon, but I wasn't, I was talking about Brennan."<br />
<br />
"Brennan, as in..."<br />
<br />
"The Jerk? Yeah, that's him. You have nothing to worry about you know, I love you, and I don't want anyone else. It's just so much fun pushing your buttons."<br />
<br />
The theater was empty so they had their choice of any seat. Julia sat in the front row, and Rian sat down next to her. "I have a better idea for having fun."<br />
<br />
Julia perked up. "Do tell."<br />
<br />
"Better yet, you being a girl of action and all..."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPwpl-INcEOCW6zDxsGW0bR0a8uyYStug-IgKWgNkPwihovZ0xZTytCD9dYDZdleBjP26GUFxsT7NHCZhMU5AyzQmldl17vsmhs-6mSmlmjGYd_VKatARAD0dsh4uRlGWbCAN7XwVBNTE/s1600/movie+theater.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPwpl-INcEOCW6zDxsGW0bR0a8uyYStug-IgKWgNkPwihovZ0xZTytCD9dYDZdleBjP26GUFxsT7NHCZhMU5AyzQmldl17vsmhs-6mSmlmjGYd_VKatARAD0dsh4uRlGWbCAN7XwVBNTE/s1600/movie+theater.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
"I like the way you think." Julia murmured.<br />
<br />
"I think you are a bad influence on me." Rian said, as he nuzzled her neck. "You give me all sorts of ideas." He shifted slightly, and slipped his hand under her shirt, and Julia moaned. "I've been wanting to do this all day."he confessed.<br />
<br />
Julia placed her hand on his thigh, and began to caress him. "You should have these ideas more often." <br />
<br />
"Mmmmh."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmRvUiaMc9yRrHjW4Dvm0kuKhI-2w-LoK2inT5G7N5oxdtqWFQVzA9VzpoaXXY5tCMdnEGDhuj6euaCgcK2vRf5Gl1Eg5fFFC_vNizk92EucWi2bcNXrW0-sB4VeOYAoy2FeGh7XTuLzw/s1600/movie+theater1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmRvUiaMc9yRrHjW4Dvm0kuKhI-2w-LoK2inT5G7N5oxdtqWFQVzA9VzpoaXXY5tCMdnEGDhuj6euaCgcK2vRf5Gl1Eg5fFFC_vNizk92EucWi2bcNXrW0-sB4VeOYAoy2FeGh7XTuLzw/s1600/movie+theater1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
~<>~<br />
<br />
<br />
That night, he dreamt about her again, the girl he had seen in the Unicorn's vision. A girl with hair of midnight and laughing blue eyes.<br />
<br />
<i>Bella.</i><br />
<br />
And in his nightmare, those laughing blue eyes would suddenly cloud over as tears slipped down her cheeks. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRy8ittIRZOg06URRCYRWfW-sv0Qp41ewQ_YpdtdhAeG-IJXaJZdDJGFoEpb4tNA_SvFNE1wiUY17nXS1kujz_kd1KshCIWeq2XaenM53cNKzcZB5U-0gbNdp1GJiGLZbsAQgQUHl_wNE/s1600/dreams.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRy8ittIRZOg06URRCYRWfW-sv0Qp41ewQ_YpdtdhAeG-IJXaJZdDJGFoEpb4tNA_SvFNE1wiUY17nXS1kujz_kd1KshCIWeq2XaenM53cNKzcZB5U-0gbNdp1GJiGLZbsAQgQUHl_wNE/s1600/dreams.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
He woke slowly, not wanting to leave the fading dream, sure that this time, he could reach both of them. Reach Julia, reach Bella. Inevitably his mind always kicked in though, and pushed the dream out of his reach. Fully awake now, he could feel the warmth of Julia behind him, snuggled up, her arm slung around him, just like always, as physically close to him as she could be without actually being on top of him. She didn't like to be apart from him, even in her sleep, and truthfully, he felt the same.<br />
<br />
He closed his eyes, and willed himself back to sleep, but it didn't work, his mind was too busy spinning with all his thoughts. <i>Bella</i>. He knew her name, the Unicorn's vision had revealed it to him, revealed that he was the father of that beautiful child, he did not know how that could be, it seemed impossible, and yet...<br />
<br />
Still, in that same vision, he had heard her call out "Dad!", his Bella did, and he had tried to get to her, to respond to her call, but he couldn't move, he was frozen. Instead, a man would appear... <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjQt-EIzQG3crhQLH7MffeJFwtVMvEU1nmpNW8_QswMWXIV0RYwd0AQNNjlkEWBr7gox9X2CyyM6Jwesbb_uLfEmLo5ewdTvX_AGpc7uN4hjSpat3OcU3620Zar37MuKi11vWloKw0cSk/s1600/vision1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjQt-EIzQG3crhQLH7MffeJFwtVMvEU1nmpNW8_QswMWXIV0RYwd0AQNNjlkEWBr7gox9X2CyyM6Jwesbb_uLfEmLo5ewdTvX_AGpc7uN4hjSpat3OcU3620Zar37MuKi11vWloKw0cSk/s400/vision1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Rian could hear her sobs; and his daughters words pierced his heart every single time. "I miss my daddy, I wish he was here. She missed her dad, missed Rian, but it was <i><b>that</b></i> man who would come and comfort her.<br />
<br />
It happened every single night.<br />
<br />
Without fail. <br />
<br />
He first had the dream, the night he had seen the Unicorn's vision. The dream never changed, he was always trying to reach his daughter, trying to call out her name, to let her know that he was there, that she need not cry; but his body was always frozen, and she could never hear him. Rian was always forced to watch, his voice silenced. Forced to watch helplessly as his daughter sobbed, forced to watch as <b><i>that</i></b> man comforted her like a father would, and smile at her, and she would smile in return. And...her smile, so much like her mother's, it could light the night sky. It was sheer agony to watch.<br />
<br />
He thumped his pillow. He didn't know why he kept torturing himself with such dreams, and he wished he could put the vision behind him, but he couldn't. Perhaps it was his own subconscious just wanting what he thought he could never have. Children with Julia, the woman who had stormed his walls and captured his heart. If only they could have a normal life, one filled with children, and a home, and all the things that others took for granted. If only...<br />
<br />
<br />
~<>~<br />
<br />
<br />
Julia carefully disentangled herself from Rian's embrace. He had slept fitfully once again, so she didn't want to wake him when it seemed that he was finally sleeping peacefully. She could have stayed in bed with him forever, but her stomach had other ideas, it roiled within her like a black cauldron. What the h*ll had she eaten last night anyway?<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH6p0Bj_DE1zUFz-ZCNk3i8pHggloNyiG1d-Oapa4vrhZPkUXQERMlyo_pb7fF4BTJV0v2V20Q8iIJKTU7Oy37q11L3MECoevO6drpHW3Jt3C6E1soRMCGZbCA_puC2-ZnsyDxLjCucdU/s1600/JR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH6p0Bj_DE1zUFz-ZCNk3i8pHggloNyiG1d-Oapa4vrhZPkUXQERMlyo_pb7fF4BTJV0v2V20Q8iIJKTU7Oy37q11L3MECoevO6drpHW3Jt3C6E1soRMCGZbCA_puC2-ZnsyDxLjCucdU/s640/JR.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
She covered her mouth with her hand and made a beeline for the bathroom. She fell in front of the toilet just as her stomach erupted.<br />
<br />
Sushi.<br />
<br />
That's what she had eaten.<br />
<br />
After flushing the toilet, brushing her teeth, and vowing never to eat Sushi again, Julia checked on Rian, but he was still sound asleep. She briefly thought about joining him again, but her stomach chose that moment to rumble, and rumble <i>loudly</i>.<br />
<br />
Suddenly, she was starving, like she could happily gnaw on the kitchen table leg kind of starving.<br />
<br />
She flicked the radio on as she passed by, pausing only long enough to switch it to her favorite station. Humming along with the tunes she dug around in the fridge, looking for something to eat. She ended up with an odd assortment for breakfast. She had some pickles, some cheese, some leftover cherry pancakes, and a container of peach yogurt. She even managed to eat all of it in record time.<br />
<br />
Her ears perked up as her favorite song came on, and she couldn't resist the urge...<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUizghSnRpTmppCHkjwDPsM_N6IwLGo-N783mPzW2utQEH5fcQMOa8ab-xTyDTqo-mp11U9QDsCld9qS-UxpFOL1PqIrr0ilSE0RdeIn8LgWzcLUqf0ONnDohA1b0Z8UuGBqS6a4Ux9H0/s1600/Dance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUizghSnRpTmppCHkjwDPsM_N6IwLGo-N783mPzW2utQEH5fcQMOa8ab-xTyDTqo-mp11U9QDsCld9qS-UxpFOL1PqIrr0ilSE0RdeIn8LgWzcLUqf0ONnDohA1b0Z8UuGBqS6a4Ux9H0/s640/Dance.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
...she just had to get her smustle on.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYljbaEHGjFx20UUNedU5Leu0qhM9bE0qVsyuvgYgNqnZ1P6qPIogJKITnK7j1JUvD3TIxmW6bGmZFbHgnQ5FM6VbtCWwPNuKv1zA8WtMnIeuo-0cCiy_3fNjZQn38KE56TzfahZssLMY/s1600/Dance1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYljbaEHGjFx20UUNedU5Leu0qhM9bE0qVsyuvgYgNqnZ1P6qPIogJKITnK7j1JUvD3TIxmW6bGmZFbHgnQ5FM6VbtCWwPNuKv1zA8WtMnIeuo-0cCiy_3fNjZQn38KE56TzfahZssLMY/s640/Dance1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Jack's voice startled her. "You're doing it all wrong."<br />
<br />
She twirled around, and clapped three times, before twirling around again. "Oh yeah?" She challenged him. "You think you can do better?"<br />
<br />
Jack rolled his eyes. "I am a very proficient dancer."<br />
<br />
"Since when?" Julia puffed. "All you do is sit in your lab all day."<br />
<br />
"Au contraire." Jack said. "Sometimes I need to burn off some excess energy, and it helps clear my mind, which enables me to problem solve better. In fact," Jack warmed up to his subject, "many studies show that physical activity..."<br />
<br />
Julia interrupted him, she needed to derail that train of thought of his. "Put your actions where your mouth is, cause otherwise you're full of hot air Uncle Jack."<br />
<br />
"You asked for it."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHt68N-GEdltkPeWrWr5MauXNhTagiq-MiAmEGMsIvf8zr3rg-GWnL5ZAbbKd0kgrSxByvsERdxHIOp5VL9m-RvVWUjFin-aKhkL9FzzQx99YqoT5fHahplbwNJgFfVDykGgafLXTmy3M/s1600/Dance3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHt68N-GEdltkPeWrWr5MauXNhTagiq-MiAmEGMsIvf8zr3rg-GWnL5ZAbbKd0kgrSxByvsERdxHIOp5VL9m-RvVWUjFin-aKhkL9FzzQx99YqoT5fHahplbwNJgFfVDykGgafLXTmy3M/s640/Dance3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"Oh yeah!" Jack crowed. "Oh yeah!" <br />
<br />
Julia laughed, "Oh yeah, well, watch this!" Julia did some hip bumps, then twirled around fast enough to make herself dizzy, and clapped twice.<br />
<br />
"Amateur!" Jack accused. "This is how you do it properly!" He proceeded to show her his fancy moves, even bending backwards and touching the floor.<br />
<br />
"Oh yeah? Well watch this..." Julia was so intent on their dance off, she didn't even hear Rian, until she nearly elbowed him when he unexpectedly came up from behind and wrapped his arms around her. "Rian!" She squeaked.<br />
<br />
"You're pretty cute while...dancing." he mumbled sleepily against her neck. "Neither one of you can really dance, though."<br />
<br />
"What!?" She said in mock anger.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPiIa4AG5bLZJGVTB18lkOQN3cMbSqdfBqR4efSuM89vxONaqyJKt0W30ZrWhrYZ2oML00NaGQdPuFYZ15GVuH_mUCVpdpCtF-u5fnnCIm2rBSXHMgYQ4Ia1V69RLyv7ghMJbmaXgA7x4/s1600/Dance4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPiIa4AG5bLZJGVTB18lkOQN3cMbSqdfBqR4efSuM89vxONaqyJKt0W30ZrWhrYZ2oML00NaGQdPuFYZ15GVuH_mUCVpdpCtF-u5fnnCIm2rBSXHMgYQ4Ia1V69RLyv7ghMJbmaXgA7x4/s640/Dance4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Rian gently spun her around. "I'll show you how to dance." He murmured.<br />
<br />
Jack groaned, he knew where this was headed. "I'm out of here." he said as he left the room, though Jack didn't know why he bothered saying anything at all. They weren't paying any attention to him at all.<br />
<br />
"Really?" Julia purred. "Do tell."<br />
<br />
"I'm not much for talking, " he teased her. "I'm a guy of action."<br />
<br />
"Oooh baby, you sound like my kind of guy. I love me some action."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrD9QZ4iQ3qZR3DY5S4SfR6XEBK98lHcqYIXgHbNy3dla4DZ16BjhkBofUOZs0iMlXhqYbDVwNSYbiJyfjSn6ChNcHbxJ1vvqAl_J4KAnCVEt8IFvzkYnKzib9FO1w3yQiHr0xk5_gItc/s1600/Dance7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrD9QZ4iQ3qZR3DY5S4SfR6XEBK98lHcqYIXgHbNy3dla4DZ16BjhkBofUOZs0iMlXhqYbDVwNSYbiJyfjSn6ChNcHbxJ1vvqAl_J4KAnCVEt8IFvzkYnKzib9FO1w3yQiHr0xk5_gItc/s640/Dance7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
A grumbly voice interrupted their moment. "What the h*ll is this sh*t?"<br />
<br />
"Grumpa, that's called music."<br />
<br />
"Humph." Colin snorted. "They'll call anything music these days."<br />
<br />
Julia chuckled. "Now you're sounding old."<br />
<br />
"Old?!" Colin glared at her. "Squirt, you better f*cking watch yourself there."<br />
<br />
Rian and Julia grinned at each other. "Whatever you say Grumpa." Julia said. <br />
<br />
<br />
__________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
<br />
Notes: Yay---happy chapter. <3 Also---sappy, sorry! I had too much fun with it, plus I discovered Photoshop Actions, and how to use them, so I was experimenting with that. I'm getting there, lol<br />
<br />
So Gen 9 has officially taken over. Gen 8's rolls weren't very hard; and have been completed. It's been so long since I rolled for Gen 9 though, that I didn't remember what the generational and misc goals were, since Julia's story wasn't really dependent on those 2 rolls. I could have sworn I had saved it as a draft---but I probably got them mixed up with the other half a dozen stories I do, lol It has now been saved though---so long as Blogger doesn't eat my draft I'm in good shape! :)<br />
<br />
I just re-rolled those 2, and I rolled Joker for the misc. The generational goal will be revealed later on, as will the other rolls. Her career you all could possibly guess at, since I have hinted at it in previous chapters.<br />
<br />
<br />
It's the calm before the storm, because life is about to change for them...<br />
<br />
Thanks for reading! Questions/Comments are welcome, I will even attempt to answer them in a timely manner this time, lol Thanks all for your patience...sometimes I am a bit poky!! <br />
<br />
<br />Nirarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15253184399668018141noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2767753407529003708.post-37149630501693070692015-05-08T20:52:00.000-07:002015-05-08T20:52:08.694-07:00Chapter 91: Everything<br />
<br />
<br />
Warning: Language<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoerf4VylUWeL9Ux05ZWU-0bUUwocqPGkKjDY2mtirsR7RNM5UdtZozCjmMaZYLdnyAsR5IDFmWDbZnU_yN-1VYoNX3AiWYEV41xIOKQBp3ZExNDkNI4x4WrWqAL95a3AlUeApaXTYFlM/s1600/talk.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoerf4VylUWeL9Ux05ZWU-0bUUwocqPGkKjDY2mtirsR7RNM5UdtZozCjmMaZYLdnyAsR5IDFmWDbZnU_yN-1VYoNX3AiWYEV41xIOKQBp3ZExNDkNI4x4WrWqAL95a3AlUeApaXTYFlM/s1600/talk.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The silence was deafening, and Colin was the first to break it. "If
you have something to say bird boy, then spit it out. You can start by
telling me why the f*ck Rhys is giving you the evil eye."<br />
<br />
"Daddy, language!" Skye admonished him. She shook her head, and then
turned back to Hawk with a smile. "Hawk, what's going on? You're
so...solemn." <br />
<br />
<br />
Hawk looked into Skye's
eyes, committing to his memory, the way she looked at him now, for in
just a matter of moments, it would all change forever. He reached out,
and brushed her cheek with the back of his fingers. "Skye, we need to
talk." He said softly. "Just..." His voice broke, but then he forged
ahead. "Just remember, that I love you, okay? Please remember that." <br />
<br />
"Okay." She said, a little confused. "I love you too, but you know that."<br />
<br />
"I hope so." He said fervently. <br />
<br />
Colin crossed his arms. "I'm getting old here."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdbARGQyKNwxB3lwQDPnLbD5SyH_4rB9fACb74kDPMFHJ2o5alHdwJaDEV9e20frK2vMR7G6RY-sTk-hCAVEvgPJ-vv4vHEzx9EW1W7vcIMRN7B7cof3fYcwgofd_-3UnQJ2zRc5tbzDQ/s1600/talk1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdbARGQyKNwxB3lwQDPnLbD5SyH_4rB9fACb74kDPMFHJ2o5alHdwJaDEV9e20frK2vMR7G6RY-sTk-hCAVEvgPJ-vv4vHEzx9EW1W7vcIMRN7B7cof3fYcwgofd_-3UnQJ2zRc5tbzDQ/s1600/talk1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"Rhys is here," Hawk began, "so that you all will know that every word
I speak, is the truth, if anything I say is a lie, anything at all, he
will tell you immediately. Or if I am not completely open to him, he'll tell you that too."<br />
<br />
Skye laughed. "Hawk, silly, you would never lie to me, we don't need Rhys here for that!"<br />
<br />
Hawk winced. "He's also here to make sure that your father doesn't
kill me." Colin stiffened, and Hawk could feel his father in law's gaze
intensify, but Hawk kept his eyes on Skye. "It's a long story, but I
will try to keep it short and to the point, but if you have any
questions, don't hesitate to ask and..."<br />
<br />
"Stop
f*cking around, and get to it." Colin growled, his fingers flexing into
a fist. Bird boy hadn't really said a f*cking word yet, but with all
that hemming and hawing, whatever he had to say couldn't f*cking be
good.<br />
<br />
Where to start? Now that the moment was here,
Hawk didn't know where to start. He had just hoped that the words would
magically come to him, but they weren't. His head dropped a little, he
hated himself right now. Hated what he had to do, hated how he much he
would be hurting his wife. One more growl from his father in law
though, convinced Hawk that he had better start talking, or he would
never get the chance.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwbrteSH-zdCmVz83hBlopDExZDwvcO6bUVPdLHCnC1i2buSo97GUSFkVIeZISODJI3h-qF56gxevWGbOn4KtdesYaM8kosagwFLoyW0R5jTgEQUb23GEHxu4WeGyJmNmQTVAgaOpVpI8/s1600/talk2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwbrteSH-zdCmVz83hBlopDExZDwvcO6bUVPdLHCnC1i2buSo97GUSFkVIeZISODJI3h-qF56gxevWGbOn4KtdesYaM8kosagwFLoyW0R5jTgEQUb23GEHxu4WeGyJmNmQTVAgaOpVpI8/s1600/talk2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"I was not raised in a family like yours Skye, I wish I had been. I
wish that I'd had a normal childhood, and that we had met under normal
circumstances, but I did not, and we did not. Our meeting was not by
chance, Skye, but by design. My mother found out that Ivory, your
mother, had given birth, to triplets, and she became obsessed with
finding them."<br />
<br />
"With finding us? But why? And how
did she know my mother?" Skye wasn't sure what to think of his
revelation that they had not met by chance, but that somehow he had
arranged to meet them, because of his mother? And her obsession?
Nothing was really making sense to her.<br />
<br />
"My mother had sort of adopted Ivory as a child..."<br />
<br />
"Son of a b*tch!" Colin immediately sprung into kill mode, but Rhys was quick enough to stop him.<br />
<br />
"I want to kill the a*shole too." Rhys said quietly. "But not yet, you need to hear all of it."<br />
<br />
"F*ck that!" Colin snarled, and he went for Hawk again, but was
stopped by Rhys once more, who gently pushed Colin back. "Get the f*ck
out of my way Rhys!"<br />
<br />
Skye twisted her hands anxiously, she still wasn't totally understanding what was going on.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlxehC1j8mqqAWfo46N5a6jNw5U3TCH4YQBghaxZDQTsh8bD0kFSM0W5u6CK72VBkLckTz7M0wdarCpnaUwMdNAYTRG40vlysKiDLaeCJGkB1U1wDdhEwIibtFUz3Mm5uts2-Gpmp_ubU/s1600/talk3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlxehC1j8mqqAWfo46N5a6jNw5U3TCH4YQBghaxZDQTsh8bD0kFSM0W5u6CK72VBkLckTz7M0wdarCpnaUwMdNAYTRG40vlysKiDLaeCJGkB1U1wDdhEwIibtFUz3Mm5uts2-Gpmp_ubU/s1600/talk3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
"Not yet." Rhys bit out. "I swore to Reilly that I would keep an eye
on his family, and that's what I am going to do, no matter what. This
a*shole," Rhys pointed at Hawk, "has something important to tell you,
though he's taking his sweet a*s time about it. The family is in
danger, and we need him alive, Colin. Alive. Do you hear me?" <br />
<br />
Colin clenched his teeth. "He'd better start talking, and fast."<br />
<br />
"I don't understand!" Skye wailed. "What is going on? What do you
mean that your mother adopted my mother? That would make you..." Her
eyes widened in horror. "My uncle?" <br />
<br />
Hawk rubbed the
back of his neck, and watched his father in law uneasily for a few
moments, before turning his attention back to Skye. "It's complicated.
Ivory and I, we were never raised as siblings. I was the son, my
mother's heir. Ivory was my mother's pet, worse than a slave, really."
Hawk glanced cautiously at Colin as he let out another string of
expletives.<br />
<br />
"My mother, Raven," Hawk continued, trying to ignore Colin's outburst, "kidnapped Ivory from an orphanage, she never
adopted her, she only said she did. Ivory was...there is just no nice
way of saying this, but she was brutally trained by Raven to be an
assassin, and Ivory was the best, my mother wouldn't tolerate anything
less. When Ivory failed, my mother was forced to come up with another
plan."<br />
<br />
"One that involved me?" Skye was slowly
starting to put some facts together, and she wasn't liking what she was
coming up with. "I was part of that plan?"<br />
<br />
"Yes."<br />
<br />
Skye could feel tears slip down her cheeks. "And what was that plan Hawk?"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitDLzXq9GJraa1r2tXWF1yRkxII3KXtqIp5XIlIa2NHoClJ6vlAPvsVdy0GGvM0iABOT9hvdIwve2WChlSxaGWpLgOBus2xoe9vRp-OgyuhFhyphenhyphenjh1qVQlmuTmCH789tnRoLeJ6oKpbkIQ/s1600/talk4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitDLzXq9GJraa1r2tXWF1yRkxII3KXtqIp5XIlIa2NHoClJ6vlAPvsVdy0GGvM0iABOT9hvdIwve2WChlSxaGWpLgOBus2xoe9vRp-OgyuhFhyphenhyphenjh1qVQlmuTmCH789tnRoLeJ6oKpbkIQ/s1600/talk4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"It all started with a prophecy, one that promised ultimate power, and
there is nothing that my mother loves more, than power. There is a Book
filled with many secrets, made by your ancestor, Ethan, that my mother
covets. My mother believes it holds many answers to the prophecy, and
she was determined to have it. The Book has been in your family for
many generations, she was sure that Braern Kahekili had the Book, and
she was going to force him to give it to her." Hawk's voice trailed
away, the room was as silent as a tomb. He grimaced, he didn't want to
think about tombs, or how close he was to being put in one.<br />
<br />
He cleared his throat, "She set Ivory to the task, but Ivory met your
father, and...well...she fell in love instead, such an un-Ivory like
thing to do. And that botched everything. After Ivory's failure, my mother did nothing for
days but read that prophecy, over and over, and over, obsessively, like she is with all things. Then one day she learned
that before Ivory was executed, she had given birth to triplets, two of which were girls, two girls with Kahekili blood in them, and a
new plan was born."<br />
<br />
Hawk hesitated for a second, he
looked at Skye, but she was refusing to meet his eyes, and who could
blame her? It was only going to get worse, this part of his story was where
it would start to get messy. "First we would find her children, who had
disappeared. I put tracers in all of Ivory's files, so that if anyone gained access to them, it would notify me immediately."<br />
<br />
"And Luna and I...we got into those files using a program she stole from Jack."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgizU6MI0-9B9zCtmI62LYbdTc1V1BS0MXrJetD62Cce70LYLoWqogVOX_Gzq4vYeXidlf-ZE7R6jm7iWxK6_tFUgr4wFwueE9yIdqV4JqgpwKIi34dGN3p4ORY5BVfMUnt610Lw-bsAlI/s1600/talk5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgizU6MI0-9B9zCtmI62LYbdTc1V1BS0MXrJetD62Cce70LYLoWqogVOX_Gzq4vYeXidlf-ZE7R6jm7iWxK6_tFUgr4wFwueE9yIdqV4JqgpwKIi34dGN3p4ORY5BVfMUnt610Lw-bsAlI/s1600/talk5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
"It led us straight to you. I covered our tracks, so that no one would
be the wiser, we didn't want your family to disappear on us again
before my mother and I could agree on a plan."<br />
<br />
"Your mother nearly killed my uncle, my father, and my mother, yet you
were in agreement with her, with this new plan? Obviously the plan was
successful, because here you are." Skye said bitterly. "I don't
understand why you are telling me all of this now, when it is all too
late."<br />
<br />
Hawk smiled sadly. "That's just it Skye, it
isn't too late, not yet, anyway. I didn't agree with my mother's
methods, I preferred my own. I didn't think I needed to resort to
raping Luna to have a Kahekili child."<br />
<br />
"Easy." Rhys
cautioned, holding his hand up to Colin. "Easy, I know it's hard to
hear, and I'll happily let you beat the crap out of him when he's done
talking." Colin tensely nodded.<br />
<br />
Skye moaned.
"Julia! Oh! Julia. No, not my baby!" She started to cry in earnest.
"Please tell me that you're not going to hurt our daughter!"<br />
<br />
"Skye, I swear, I'm not going to let anything happen to her, or to you,
if I can help it. It's why I'm telling you all this, when I would have
much preferred to keep my past dead and buried." He winced, bad choice
of words, using dead and buried, both of which he was hoping to avoid.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPFflf_KGnCJSPGiJfQnfDa_-9SUitjRIQxhLl1NnAR-fVG5NSXSCVLnPpmYP59siL0qs8kYRGRIDTDirkD2gnZDO6OwCK8CHrybCcm8xpZYI12gQU05IY5a9drIi9UTzE8QmjmZtHVAI/s1600/talk6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPFflf_KGnCJSPGiJfQnfDa_-9SUitjRIQxhLl1NnAR-fVG5NSXSCVLnPpmYP59siL0qs8kYRGRIDTDirkD2gnZDO6OwCK8CHrybCcm8xpZYI12gQU05IY5a9drIi9UTzE8QmjmZtHVAI/s1600/talk6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
"I could tell that you liked me, and that..."<br />
<br />
"I'd be an easy mark." Skye said coldly.<br />
<br />
Hawk sighed heavily. "Well, yes. I wasn't interested in Luna in at
all, but I found you intriguing, and I decided it wouldn't be a hardship
to have a child with you. I told my mother if I moved in, I could even
continue the search for the Book without any interference, but I would
need her to stay away. I couldn't be found in her company, or be
associated with her at all, or the plan would fail. After a lot of
negotiating, she finally agreed, on the condition that I sent her
monthly reports. So I did, but what neither of us counted on Skye, was
you."<br />
<br />
She huffed. "Me?" She laughed, but it wasn't a pleasant laugh. "I was nothing to you."<br />
<br />
"That's where you're wrong Skye. You are everything to me. Granted,
it didn't start out that way. I had every intention of having a child
with you, and taking that child, whom I foolishly believed would be a son, from you and your family, and then raising my son exactly how I was raised. If my family had a motto, it would be something like power is
everything, pain is strength, revenge is sweet, while love is weakness,
and weakness is death. That was drilled into my head from the day I was
born. You cannot imagine the way life was for me, and for your mother,
for Ivory."<br />
<br />
He shrugged helplessly. "We knew no
other way. What did either of us know of love, other than it showed
weakness, weakness that could be used against us. The last thing I
loved, I was forced to kill, to show that I was not weak. My mother
does not tolerate weakness, one slight hint of it, and I would find
myself in her chamber of horrors, and you don't want to know what
happens in there." He fell silent, long banished memories of the abuse
he had endured in that place rose to the surface of his mind, but he
pushed it away with great effort. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcMsM76DhMTlmmIS4kvKDtPtTsLnoW4llZT8B6ryTxfWod_EK2MbuCVkRrRmK5yB5idPHj2pdoOzIiEeENhk1CdbH0p0NrK0gNpyjTtDBi6iG5fu5XJUf920ug4o1q9Ckxpr1aqjajyOA/s1600/talk7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcMsM76DhMTlmmIS4kvKDtPtTsLnoW4llZT8B6ryTxfWod_EK2MbuCVkRrRmK5yB5idPHj2pdoOzIiEeENhk1CdbH0p0NrK0gNpyjTtDBi6iG5fu5XJUf920ug4o1q9Ckxpr1aqjajyOA/s1600/talk7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
When he spoke again, he spoke quietly, almost in a whisper. "I hadn't
understood before, what had made Ivory change. I couldn't understand
why she fell prey to that weakness, to love. She had been forged in my
mother's chamber of horrors as much as I had been, we both knew the cost
of love, the price paid in pain. Yet she loved anyway, and betrayed my
mother, and in the end, it cost Ivory everything. It was illogical, it
cost her everything, even her own life, and what did she gain from it?"<br />
<br />
Hawk shook his head, and then looked up at Skye. "Then I met you, and I
got to know you better, and it all started to make a crazy kind of
sense. I understood then, the why. Ivory believed so strongly in what
she had with your father, in their love, that in the end, she was
willing to sacrifice it all. As am I, Skye. I didn't know that I still
had the capacity to love, until I met you. I love you, and I love our
daughter, and I will do everything in my power, to keep you, your
family, and our daughter safe from my mother. Make no mistake about it,
she's looking for me, at this very moment, and she will find me, it's only
a matter of time. When she does, then she will find Julia."<br />
<br />
"She'll get Julia over my dead body." Skye retorted.<br />
<br />
"I want to avoid that." Hawk replied.<br />
<br />
Skye felt overwhelmed by everything that she was feeling. Hurt,
betrayal, anger, grief, and every emotion in between, she felt them
all. She felt like her whole life with Hawk had been one big fat lie.
She definitely couldn't trust him. With that thought, her eyes briefly
met Rhys, who was looking at her with compassion, and she felt like
breaking down and balling again. Rhys was there to act like a lie
detector for her husband, and so far he hadn't said anything about Hawk
lying, so Skye supposed all of what Hawk had said so far, was the
truth. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJOqTQ3wNLX52j0aniqT_DtuJYGh0u-d1tkgrj7mNrjlluvXOYknjHTv6hf6a2utcpHbipBMTAuZ8G5JO-m7iDX6Bl8xi9GiRIwU7yiFjbXyZdFbup8QrNoIfAF7bW5NCWLPZ7oz-nQ6Y/s1600/talk8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJOqTQ3wNLX52j0aniqT_DtuJYGh0u-d1tkgrj7mNrjlluvXOYknjHTv6hf6a2utcpHbipBMTAuZ8G5JO-m7iDX6Bl8xi9GiRIwU7yiFjbXyZdFbup8QrNoIfAF7bW5NCWLPZ7oz-nQ6Y/s1600/talk8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
If that was true, then she would just have to believe that Hawk wanted
Julia safe as much as she did. "Why does your mother want Julia?"<br />
<br />
"Who wants me?" Julia chirped from behind, and everyone turned to look at her, including Hawk.<br />
<br />
Rian immediately recognized Hawk.
"You!?" He shouted. "Run Julia, quickly! Get the h*ll out of
here!" He charged after Hawk, intent on giving Julia as much time as he
could so that she could escape.<br />
<br />
Hawk used his power
to stop Rian in his tracks. "Unbelievable." Hawk said, shocked. "As I
live and breath, it's a bloody Guardian. I thought we killed all of
you."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-9TMXbL93FHsUjiyDalJGkZgLe60Q73JemEAmBmX3UJg5ujnfjbrLidukkiRotlDdgbWTTwgCh4yKJiTjzvff5Fe2JES_wgYQSEU39_yxUX9swNV4ZL1FiioNc-UUAwjL0NFq9oZsK4I/s1600/talk9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-9TMXbL93FHsUjiyDalJGkZgLe60Q73JemEAmBmX3UJg5ujnfjbrLidukkiRotlDdgbWTTwgCh4yKJiTjzvff5Fe2JES_wgYQSEU39_yxUX9swNV4ZL1FiioNc-UUAwjL0NFq9oZsK4I/s1600/talk9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
"Guardian?" Julia asked. "Not that word again. He's my bodyguard
Daddy, don't you remember, you guys hired him? Hello? I thought it was
a bit overkill, you know, I can take care of myself, but then I decided
that I quite liked him." Julia noted the tense faces of everyone, and
that her mom was crying. Her mom never cried, she must have walked into
something <i>really</i> big. Nobody ever told her anything, it was so
frustrating. "Um, Daddy, do you think you could release my boyfriend
now? It took me forever to convince him to come in and meet you all,
and this is not helping me out."<br />
<br />
Hawk said, "Boyfriend?" at the same time that Rian said, "Daddy?"<br />
<br />
Hawk released Rian from his hold with a warning. "I am happier than I
can say that you are alive Guardian, this time we fight on the same
side, so please, save your energy for when it will be needed."<br />
<br />
"You are so weird sometimes." Julia commented to her father. "Now who
wants me dead? I bet it's that b*tch Cornelia, she always was jealous
of me."<br />
<br />
"Julia, language!"<br />
<br />
Julia sighed, things couldn't be all <i>that</i>
bad. At least her mother was still getting after her about her
cursing. "Well, she is!" She protested. It wasn't her fault that
Cornelia was a b*tch. Julia had finally had enough of Nelia's ways,
especially after she dared make a play for Rian, and had ended that
friendship. Why she had ever been friends with her in the first place,
Julia didn't know. She supposed everyone was allowed a stupid moment or
two.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSUBucsWGWOngPEI8YByvIER7_VMsyXwNUsskHn632QdR1oQ2ierv-xb27pR5zasiFW5SL5XFYmZY6CNt1R_U7cJqGs7OOcSDaMdFcnLn4Vuuq-jDWi9oSouGLQ8SSx_IDUrh-2_aeQeo/s1600/talk10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSUBucsWGWOngPEI8YByvIER7_VMsyXwNUsskHn632QdR1oQ2ierv-xb27pR5zasiFW5SL5XFYmZY6CNt1R_U7cJqGs7OOcSDaMdFcnLn4Vuuq-jDWi9oSouGLQ8SSx_IDUrh-2_aeQeo/s1600/talk10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"Though, Guardian," Hawk continued, "next time I'd suggest being more
on guard, I could have easily killed you if I had wanted, and then how
would you have protected my daughter?"<br />
<br />
"Kill?
Protected?" Julia rolled her eyes. "I don't need anyone's protection,
thank you very much. It's bad enough that Grumpa wants to bury him in
the Sea." Julia muttered. "Don't worry Rian, I won't let any of them
hurt you."<br />
<br />
Rian sighed. "Julia..."<br />
<br />
"Don't Julia me in that tone." Julia said crossly. "I meant what I
said. I finally dragged your a*s in here to meet my family, because when
we get married," She ignored Rian's groan, "They are going to be your
family too, and da...rned if I am going to let everything fall apart."
She scowled, daring any of them to say something negative. She loved
Rian, and she was going to marry him, no matter what any of them said,
or did; so the better they all put their grown up pants on and dealt
with that, the better it would be for all of them.<br />
<br />
Hawk frowned slightly. "I didn't think Guardians married."<br />
<br />
"That is a misnomer." Rian said stiffly. "Some do, most do not."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnUryZa22YEIGc_0YrUqhJz4Csfhz6ZaXwU7i3qQf30kMRUeFTpcQdjpgodrGeo9lneAKkDwzsqjbe9Z9WQIxx9iYzBhiEqC5dYVlCDJA6H3Ns0n6YH_kg1Q3A-H6OKNbS7npj0ml3hgQ/s1600/talk11.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnUryZa22YEIGc_0YrUqhJz4Csfhz6ZaXwU7i3qQf30kMRUeFTpcQdjpgodrGeo9lneAKkDwzsqjbe9Z9WQIxx9iYzBhiEqC5dYVlCDJA6H3Ns0n6YH_kg1Q3A-H6OKNbS7npj0ml3hgQ/s1600/talk11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"We'll deal with all of that sh*t later." Colin interrupted,
impatiently. "Right now, there's something way more f*cking important."<br />
<br />
Julia
objected. "More important than me getting married?" She eyed her
mother again, who, Julia was happy to see, was finally starting to calm a
little bit. Whatever the big bad news was, Julia wasn't so certain she
wanted to know it; especially if it had the power to reduce her mother to tears, turn her grandfather's face to stone, and make her father look like he would rather face a firing
squad.<br />
<br />
She ventured another look at her grandfather, but she
still couldn't read him, which was the worst thing of all. Usually she could
always tell what was on his mind, but his face was inscrutable. She
almost felt afraid then, but immediately dismissed that idea from her
mind, she wasn't afraid of anything. Definitely not. Still, anyone
could use a little extra strength, so she reached out and grabbed Rian's
hand. He squeezed it.<br />
<br />
Colin's face softened. "Yes,
Squirt, it is. Your..." Many names came to mind, but Colin was mindful
that the a*shole was still her father, so...he kept it nice for her
sake. "Your father just gave us some f*cking bad news, and we have to
decide what to do." Colin already knew what he wanted to do, but held
himself back. It would make him feel infinitely better to pound the
sh*t out of the a*shole, but would it help his daughter? Or Julia?
"Your father was just about to explain why in the h*ll his f*cked up
mother is so f*cking obsessed with us."<br />
<br />
"I know the
answer to that one." Rian said, and then shifted uncomfortably when he
found himself the focus of everyone in the room.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2JomIPI9e4NIuCIE1ahWfuehV7h_zotAjNM4gEsc916w9t9MC0Soohr4FOhmbNDCBgsYqj40L9pUpVokfykiSZeFiG5BK1_izLGoQrx5Xinp8aSkGcsQ0a8x_Bs7GlhCAsvjP0ci5bVg/s1600/talk12.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2JomIPI9e4NIuCIE1ahWfuehV7h_zotAjNM4gEsc916w9t9MC0Soohr4FOhmbNDCBgsYqj40L9pUpVokfykiSZeFiG5BK1_izLGoQrx5Xinp8aSkGcsQ0a8x_Bs7GlhCAsvjP0ci5bVg/s1600/talk12.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"Do tell." Hawk said. "I am curious just how much you Guardians know, and how you even survived that last attack to stand here before me today."<br />
<br />
"I will tell you what I can." Rian answered. "Some things I am not permitted to discuss, for future events are
always changing, and I do not want to say something that may ruin all
our chances, and bring doom upon all of us."<br />
<br />
Jack, who
had kept quiet throughout and had just merely observed all the drama
unfolding in front of him, perked up at the word <i>future</i>. He sat up straighter on the couch. "Future, you say?"<br />
<br />
"Yes, future. Some of what I say you all may find hard to believe, but
it is all truth. A great many years ago, more than I care to count, my
closest friend, Ethan, who is also my King, and just so happens to also be an ancestor of
yours, discovered that not only could we travel through portals to other
Whens, but we could travel to other times, specifically the future. He embarked on the future
journey alone, and when he came back, I knew something was dreadfully
wrong. He was pale as a ghost, and did not speak for weeks, not even to
Kei, his beloved mate."<br />
<br />
"This sounds like one of your mother's fairytales." Julia said. "And what the h*ll is a When?"<br />
<br />
"Alternate universes, alternate times, that are all interconnected through a series of wormholes." Jack explained. <br />
<br />
Julia stared at him. "How..."<br />
<br />
Jack shrugged. "It's elementary quantum physics, I'd explain it all to you, but..."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiPjtY0YKr_IoIWKxiuwZ3Th37HOXRuYW71kD-2wuXdJJSHqHbco9AVjfX88q1ZK8P9xJN8p7faIPmBcyHbSCtc6zhdWATH_uvPb_OetYtr8lZEnuINMIkMs6832LbNich6TNndRk_1IY/s1600/talk13.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiPjtY0YKr_IoIWKxiuwZ3Th37HOXRuYW71kD-2wuXdJJSHqHbco9AVjfX88q1ZK8P9xJN8p7faIPmBcyHbSCtc6zhdWATH_uvPb_OetYtr8lZEnuINMIkMs6832LbNich6TNndRk_1IY/s1600/talk13.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
"No, I'm good, thanks." Julia told him.<br />
<br />
Rian nodded. "It is as Jack says, an alternate time that can be
accessed through a gate, that we call a portal. I am from that other when, not from here, but as I was saying before, when Ethan came back,
he had changed, and I did not know the reasoning for it. Finally, he
approached me one day, and told me he had a mission for me, one of
extreme importance, one that could ultimately destroy all of our worlds,
or, save them. Ethan hoped for the latter. He said that I must be
willing, for this mission would require everything of me. Of course I
was willing, being a Guardian not only defines what I do, but it defines
who I am."<br />
<br />
"What is a Guardian, exactly?" Julia
asked. She was starting to understand that maybe, just maybe, what he
was talking about was slightly different than what a bodyguard did.<br />
<br />
"A Guardian is someone who devotes their whole lives to a higher
calling, we protect, defend, and guide those we are called to serve."<br />
<br />
"And you were told to protect me." Julia stated. She wasn't liking
the way things were ticking off in her mind. Had she got him wrong this
whole time? Was he only with her out of a sense of duty to this King
guy? Maybe that was why he always hesitated, held back; and maybe that
was part of 'all the things she didn't know about him', that he had
deemed so important. Maybe she should have listened to what he had to
say. "I still don't understand why me. Why some King in another land
would send you to watch over me. It's kind of creepy."<br />
<br />
Rian turned to her. "Julia." There was so much he wanted to say to
her, but he had a rapt audience, and he wasn't one to put his personal
life on display. He repeated her name; she still didn't look at him,
but looked down at the floor instead. He had gotten to know her fairly
well, he could only imagine all of the crazy things she must be
thinking.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMOrug-JXRUN0618jieLpcdhFCO_VSKz1dCaS1bsYZ1nnNN_ZujRRDN-wuzKzXbA6OVEpGbF36GPomogSNKCGNilbUMffm6HEL73OAJ-h2AYq85lyJxlkEkSgtUq42QceMq1PndBu5CeM/s1600/talk14.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="528" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMOrug-JXRUN0618jieLpcdhFCO_VSKz1dCaS1bsYZ1nnNN_ZujRRDN-wuzKzXbA6OVEpGbF36GPomogSNKCGNilbUMffm6HEL73OAJ-h2AYq85lyJxlkEkSgtUq42QceMq1PndBu5CeM/s1600/talk14.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
"I had no idea what I was getting myself into." He confessed. "I did
not know that I would die, only to be reborn again, brought back by
Ethan, who said it was a near thing, that he almost lost me to death for
good. He also told me that I would need to stay in hiding now, that
everyone I knew and loved, my mother, my friends, most importantly, our
enemies, must believe that I had died. That I had died by the hands of
this man, " He pointed to Hawk, "and his mother."<br />
<br />
Rian
paused, gathering his thoughts, picking his words carefully. He didn't
want to say too much, or too little. "He warned me that for now on, my
mission would be a lonely one, for I would be the last of my kind, that
he had been over everything that he had found out about the future in
his mind a hundredfold or more, and that this was the only way he could
see that we even had a chance to save it. To save the future, and
everyone in it."<br />
<br />
He smiled sadly. "Even then, I did
not understand it all, despite the fact that he told me that he himself
would be betrayed, and murdered in his sleep, Kei along with him. I did
not believe that he would truly die, for who would subject themselves
to death, if they knew they could prevent it? He said it must be that
way, but did not tell me why. He only gave me my last instructions,
told me that he would put me in a deep sleep, and that I would awaken
when it was my time, the time of the prophecy."<br />
<br />
"Cryostasis sleep?" Jack exclaimed. "That's awesome! I never even
thought about inventing something like that, I wish I had thought to ask
him about it."<br />
<br />
"Ask who?" Rian inquired.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxPfsFiZLqv1ERetVfFHLpKuhu7LGX0b4gnP1Cix6c6soh014OqWVm4p1EEBZg9uI2PBaHFOOmar_RaLgMPGkEx-RvgPu-S_xfes_V72sxFdb67WYpQjXqnLnUI8FLKuE-BqaIFKRm8aM/s1600/talk15.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxPfsFiZLqv1ERetVfFHLpKuhu7LGX0b4gnP1Cix6c6soh014OqWVm4p1EEBZg9uI2PBaHFOOmar_RaLgMPGkEx-RvgPu-S_xfes_V72sxFdb67WYpQjXqnLnUI8FLKuE-BqaIFKRm8aM/s1600/talk15.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"Oh, uh, well, uh," Jack stammered, "No one in particular, really. Just this science guy I used to know."<br />
<br />
"Hmm." Rian studied Jack for a moment, but decided to leave it alone
for now. "So when I woke, I knew the time of prophecy was near. My
task was to find the child of prophecy, skyehawk's child, born of mixed
blood, with the power to unlock the greatest Power known in all these
Whens, or to forever lock that Power away. I was looking for a child at
first, but when I waited, where Ethan had told me to wait, it was only
to find you, Julia. Not a child at all, but one who was nearly a young
woman, and I was not prepared at all for that. For you." He clarified.<br />
<br />
"So," Colin interjected, happy that they were finally getting to the
f*cking point of things, "this Power that Julia can f*cking unlock, this
is what the b*tch from h*ll wants?" Not that he wasn't interested in
everything that had been said, but he wasn't interested in everything
that had been said. F*ck, he knew it was important sh*t and all, but
what he f*cking needed the most to know was what the f*cking threat was
to his family. So he could figure out the best f*cking way to keep them
all safe. It was times like this he missed his father the most. His
dad was the wisest person he knew, with the patience of a saint. Sh*t.
Unfortunately, Colin f*cking knew he had neither one, either wisdom or
patience, but he had perseverance and obstinateness, so...<br />
<br />
Whatever the f*ck he set his mind to, he would f*cking do, or die trying.<br />
<br />
"The Power is a person." Rian stated. "Medraut is who Raven seeks."<br />
<br />
"But I don't know how to do any of that." Julia said.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuwiZHkwmeMVYAkWnaF8SCyK64gNpeUsWyElX38VeI7D5HS4NSdreRydGLMzvJfNacOeyR-R297kYrwgrB17FRuWfo4E9nqITg_BFZppdkkFyKZj_hmDwwb3mDf9EpH64gSBuefzNvFgg/s1600/talk16.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuwiZHkwmeMVYAkWnaF8SCyK64gNpeUsWyElX38VeI7D5HS4NSdreRydGLMzvJfNacOeyR-R297kYrwgrB17FRuWfo4E9nqITg_BFZppdkkFyKZj_hmDwwb3mDf9EpH64gSBuefzNvFgg/s1600/talk16.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
"Medraut yes." Hawk agreed. "that is who she seeks, who I once sought
as well. He was placed in cryostasis, by Merlin, to be held there, as
prisoner, until a thousand years had gone by. At the end of his
sentence, a descendant of Arthur's, the child of prophecy, would be
gifted the ability to either free him forever, or to let him die, and
his power with him."<br />
<br />
"But why was he made a prisoner?"<br />
<br />
"Because he is inherently evil." Rian replied.<br />
<br />
"Then why not just kill him and be done with it?" It seemed perfectly obvious to Julia.<br />
<br />
"Because Arthur loved his son, despite Medraut's evil deeds. He blamed
it on the influence of his sister, Medraut's mother. He had hopes that
with time, with eons to do nothing more than think, Medraut would see the error of his ways, and choose good
instead of evil. You will be the one that decides which one he is, and
whether he should live or die."<br />
<br />
Julia turned towards
Rian, and he followed suit and faced her. "F*ck!" she said, appalled.
She ignored her mother's gasp. "What if I don't want to decide if some
evil dude lives or dies? What the h*ll?! How did that become my
f*cking problem?!"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8dTrdoX4GEeMKjLHjxRBwJXZjPzSpLJvzN1uvsAYA9UnpZx_WwX2Up0jZnsz67VN2Mkcvltckekk7yZLJBngIjIK64TSn1MTNHu9VKt5PzO9oQ0wx14dDGjRpUFmoBcmlrBvxLMscIEo/s1600/talk17.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8dTrdoX4GEeMKjLHjxRBwJXZjPzSpLJvzN1uvsAYA9UnpZx_WwX2Up0jZnsz67VN2Mkcvltckekk7yZLJBngIjIK64TSn1MTNHu9VKt5PzO9oQ0wx14dDGjRpUFmoBcmlrBvxLMscIEo/s1600/talk17.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
"Julia, language!" Her mother scolded her. "And I agree with my daughter, it's way too dangerous for her." <br />
<br />
"That's not what I said Mom!"<br />
<br />
Skye was shaking her head. "Much too dangerous. We need to find a
safe place for her, somewhere that this Medraut person, and...that Raven
person, won't find her. Maybe we could go into one of those other
Whens, that Jack was talking about?"<br />
<br />
Rhys finally
spoke up after spending most of his time just listening, while keeping one
eye on Hawk and the other on Colin; but here was something that he knew well. "I'm sorry." He
said to Skye regretfully. "You open one of those portals, and Julia
will be found immediately."<br />
<br />
"Skye, running is not the
f*cking answer." Colin told his daughter. "She'll be running the rest
of her f*cking life, always looking over her shoulder. Sh*t, what kind
of f*cked up life is that?" He scowled. "There has to be another
f*cking way."<br />
<br />
"What other way?" Skye argued. "It's
simply too dangerous, and I won't let her get hurt. That's final.
We'll find some way to hide her and..."<br />
<br />
"Mom!" Julia
huffed. "I'm not some child that you can just order around. This is my
f*cking life, and I ought to have a say in it!"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrH5pMagyPqst28jWMImcmDxJsngIVhyphenhyphenWDAo8WotaQSSu_EASeGG5d7M33GBTnZNzq7odaYGcOomMpFcNf0nw8nSpUOm2t_HpG6f2-59GuCxA1lx-6RnMz_ABY-WU8WFKeG6H5Zt-MRn8/s1600/talk18.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrH5pMagyPqst28jWMImcmDxJsngIVhyphenhyphenWDAo8WotaQSSu_EASeGG5d7M33GBTnZNzq7odaYGcOomMpFcNf0nw8nSpUOm2t_HpG6f2-59GuCxA1lx-6RnMz_ABY-WU8WFKeG6H5Zt-MRn8/s1600/talk18.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
"Julia, you are too young to know what is best for you!"<br />
<br />
"Too young!" Julia spluttered in outrage. "I'm just about to graduate!"<br />
<br />
"Julia, be reasonable." Skye pleaded with her daughter. "You are at an impressionable age, and I don't want you..."<br />
<br />
"Great, so now you're calling me stupid!"<br />
<br />
Skye sighed wearily. "That's not what I'm saying at all, Julia. What I am trying to say..."<br />
<br />
"I don't care!" Julia yelled. "It's my life and I'm not going to not let you dictate it! I'm not going to hide in my room for the rest of my life!"<br />
<br />
"Julia." Colin said sternly. "You will speak respectfully to your mother, no more yelling. Now calm the h*ll down, so we can figure things out."<br />
<br />
Julia shook her head, and took off running.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHbHgkMxIFxiGJnFTLxa0GHM4IIehJvuE_zSZ5JphE627ozz0gbWTPhP2BnJWXkqJBJ0bLa7WA1szrRNkpQ8C1cgydDT_KuaoPda1YWYpe6v0TKY5JzG5tKa_mDHwbLxfoMFkGvjYT0mY/s1600/talk19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHbHgkMxIFxiGJnFTLxa0GHM4IIehJvuE_zSZ5JphE627ozz0gbWTPhP2BnJWXkqJBJ0bLa7WA1szrRNkpQ8C1cgydDT_KuaoPda1YWYpe6v0TKY5JzG5tKa_mDHwbLxfoMFkGvjYT0mY/s1600/talk19.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
"Julia! No!" Skye cried out.<br />
<br />
"I'll follow her." Rian said quietly. "I know where she's going, and I'll keep her safe, I promise."<br />
<br />
Colin closed his eyes, rubbed his forehead wearily and sighed. "Dad, I sure could have used your help." He mumbled to himself. He opened his eyes when Rhys announced that he was headed home. He promised to stay in touch, and extracted a promise of his own in return; that they would call him whenever they got word about Raven's whereabouts. Jack bailed soon after Rhys left, mumbling about the amount of work he had to finish in his lab. Which left the three of them, Colin, Skye, and Hawk. Alone.<br />
<br />
Skye was alternately sobbing or hitting Hawk, while Hawk just stood there and took her hits without a word. Not that Colin blamed his daughter one bit. He wouldn't mind hitting f*cking bird boy either. In fact, he really, really, really f*cking wanted to. But then the strangest thing occurred; it was almost like he could hear <i>her</i> voice again. He remembered the shadows in her eyes, how she feared the darkness, and woke up many times screaming from nightmares. She would only say she had dreamt that she was trapped in a chamber, H*ll's chamber, and that no matter what she did, she couldn't escape the pain.<br />
<br />
He had thought, at the time, it was just a f*cking dream, like she had stated. A reoccurring nightmare for sure, obviously something had been bothering the sh*t out of her. When he thought back, he had assumed that maybe it had just been her f*cking conscience making a come back. She did f*cking kill for a living, though he tried his best not to remember that. Now he wasn't so sure that it was just a dream, maybe she had been reliving parts of her childhood, things that she wasn't able to share with him quite yet.<br />
<br />
D*mn. If only they'd had more time. He shook his head, ashamed once again, when he remembered his utter f*cking arrogance. He had been so f*cking sure that he could get his family to just accept her, despite the fact that she had kidnapped his brother, and even tried to f*cking kill him. Could he do no less for the a*shole raised by the same woman as Ivory?<br />
<br />
"I will never forgive you for this." Skye whispered to her husband, but Colin overheard her.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhisR4iHlLCuB0t5-73Sp2Dw1Sb76bZsK9N3rhcSBb_9w5rNnyso6Sh8olnMb8ZDO_KVH26x-vUXEjs__oq2a725BJiHAZfML8mwcc8fI0ZfzIDCWaOzpU5FfUGJwVOp5Pby2Ce06rcy58/s1600/talk20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhisR4iHlLCuB0t5-73Sp2Dw1Sb76bZsK9N3rhcSBb_9w5rNnyso6Sh8olnMb8ZDO_KVH26x-vUXEjs__oq2a725BJiHAZfML8mwcc8fI0ZfzIDCWaOzpU5FfUGJwVOp5Pby2Ce06rcy58/s1600/talk20.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
He also overheard the d*mn bird boy's response back to her. "I know." If Colin didn't know better, he'd think the a*shole was close to crying himself.<br />
<br />
"Sh*t." He must be out of his f*cking mind. "I'm blaming you for this madness that's come over me, Angel." He muttered under his breath. That could be the only f*cking reason for this insanity that had suddenly f*cking overcome him. It p*ssed him off too. He wanted to ignore that stupid f*cking little voice, the one that reminded him of things he'd rather f*cking forget.<br />
<br />
It would be so easy to take the a*shole's life. No one would even try to f*cking stop him, Skylar might even f*cking thank him. He watched as she went through another round of pounding the a*shole's chest, and yet the d*mn bird boy still did nothing to defend himself. "Sh*t." he repeated the word. He was f*cking going to do it. He was going to let Hawk live. More than that, he would have to f*cking help him put his family back together. Obviously Hawk wasn't f*cking bright enough to do it on his own, just look at the huge f*cking mess he had made of everything.<br />
<br />
The only one Colin knew who could have f*cked things up better than Hawk had managed to, was himself. Madness.<br />
<br />
F*ck.<br />
<br />
<br />
~<>~<br />
<br />
<br />
He found her clothes first, lying haphazardly on the sand. He hoped that she still had her swimsuit on, because he needed his brain to think, and if she was naked, he knew he wouldn't be able to form even one coherent thought. He shrugged his clothes off, leaving his swim trunks on, he was sure he would find her in the surf, so there was no sense in getting his clothes all wet.<br />
<br />
He found her, not in the water as he had expected, but just standing on the shoreline, watching the horizon. He couldn't decide if he was disappointed or not to find that she did indeed have her swimsuit on. Then he mentally chided himself, her whole world had come crashing down on her, and here he was thinking of her naked. He needed to rein in his inappropriate thoughts, he didn't know what was wrong with him anyway.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKMwI14B0XdFTIqWpJolKW6Q-wD5ROeAQlyol7-h5Q7lxh6MZJ8Rrf3O-A-uiVrBoaQpMs_Ow8wQAL1ssSsV2nLfbm-dQzrmf3mgMvgnjszLjD2YV-eNVoM9YKmUa9LpN92mSrmr9wGk4/s1600/time.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKMwI14B0XdFTIqWpJolKW6Q-wD5ROeAQlyol7-h5Q7lxh6MZJ8Rrf3O-A-uiVrBoaQpMs_Ow8wQAL1ssSsV2nLfbm-dQzrmf3mgMvgnjszLjD2YV-eNVoM9YKmUa9LpN92mSrmr9wGk4/s1600/time.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
She spoke first. "There is just something so calming about the Ocean. I was standing here, thinking about us, and you know what conclusion I came to?" She didn't wait for him to answer, but kept on speaking. "That you can't count sleeping years, so I still don't think you're all that much older than I am."<br />
<br />
"That's what you were thinking about?" Rian asked, surprised. "About my age?"<br />
<br />
"Of course. What else would I be thinking about? My homicidal grandmother who wants to use me to free some powerful evil dude?" She scoffed. "Why should I think of her? Or him? They don't matter, not really. I'm not scared of her, maybe I should be, but I am not. I am more scared of being locked away somewhere. I think I would chew my own leg off in trying to escape, if I was trapped, forced to hide for the rest of my life."<br />
<br />
She pointed out towards the horizon. "I want to see what's out there. Maybe find a Kraken? I want to marry you, maybe even have kids one day. What I won't do, is let fear, my mother's fear, or my own, dictate my life. Funny enough, it was my mother that once told me that fear was the great limiter of life."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCQMaHSZCW3LJyIxXrqMibXf5UfMaouhsQK1Rdjg1RsSRDyO2rGlXmG-zQO1-1QmehBJE2Qt9vqJvD5P7bhFLyJcvuWw1Gqd1WTIINEObTr1PAuKGda2y1UJ37eSLclWHjVvKJ_iQp1G8/s1600/time1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCQMaHSZCW3LJyIxXrqMibXf5UfMaouhsQK1Rdjg1RsSRDyO2rGlXmG-zQO1-1QmehBJE2Qt9vqJvD5P7bhFLyJcvuWw1Gqd1WTIINEObTr1PAuKGda2y1UJ37eSLclWHjVvKJ_iQp1G8/s1600/time1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
"Raven is dangerous Julia. She would not hesitate to kill you, or worse, if you do not fall in line with her plans."<br />
<br />
Julia laughed. "What are you recommending Rian? That I free the evil dude so that she doesn't kill me?"<br />
<br />
"No, of course not. I'm sure you'll make the right decision, whatever that may be. Just that your mother is right to worry about your safety. It's a bonus, I'll admit, that your father is going to go up against his mother. Together they were quite formidable, apart, maybe that is the hope that Ethan spoke of. I still can't believe that you are the enemy's daughter."<br />
<br />
"Ex-enemy." She reminded him. "I'm pretty p*ssed, that I got stuck with this sucky job, one that I want nothing to do with. Cleaning up some old a*s problems that shouldn't have been allowed to live in the first place. What was my ancestor thinking anyway? But it was because of those series of events that I am here at all, so how could I complain about that? Would I be here at all if not for them?"<br />
<br />
"Philosophical questions?"<br />
<br />
"The ocean makes me philosophical, which is better that homicidal, I would think. I'm just so angry, but I don't have any place to put that anger. Maybe I'll hang it on my dear old grandmother's neck, and strangle her with it."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-5_rM6Y05rATRC7KGAdF3qztVhbHHP97w9SsdL8Ro5dLpREDqWkzlLw-kWEd2cKD_eHN5vZ3ZlI4YsxddsAuP-t9ofqPQGcfTdb0ExvLhkGcFJEMoY6i9t7ZsZksVwc6JAnbzobHakRk/s1600/time2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-5_rM6Y05rATRC7KGAdF3qztVhbHHP97w9SsdL8Ro5dLpREDqWkzlLw-kWEd2cKD_eHN5vZ3ZlI4YsxddsAuP-t9ofqPQGcfTdb0ExvLhkGcFJEMoY6i9t7ZsZksVwc6JAnbzobHakRk/s1600/time2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"Are you angry with me as well?"<br />
<br />
"Should I be? As far as I can tell, you told me who you were, and what you were about. It's hardly your fault that I didn't believe you, or thought you meant something else." She was silent for a moment, listening to the sound of the waves. "I've been standing here, thinking, and my biggest fear, at first, was only about one thing. That maybe you really did spent time with me just because of duty, that maybe that was all I was to you. Your duty."<br />
<br />
"At first?"<br />
<br />
"At first." She confirmed. "But then, I started thinking."<br />
<br />
Rian couldn't help but smile. "Oh dear. Not that. Those words always make me shudder."<br />
<br />
She elbowed him for his comment, and he grunted slightly, still grinning. "And I came to the same conclusion that I had before. You are not with me just because of your duty."<br />
<br />
"No?"<br />
<br />
"No, I know you love me, even if you don't say the words, it's in all the little things you do. Actions speak louder than words, my mother always likes to say. My grumpa was right though," Julia sighed. "I was being disrespectful to my mother, and no matter how provoked I felt at the moment, it wasn't right. I'll apologize to her later."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9A-xiZGTCrWDYqh5oE-iehyphenhyphenOlK_77bBhfaXA0WAoQIN2N5TbReRJ1zIXthZZWIfgjgDa922VuEvGj5tImywHQ9ATALxtpUEWT9pvRZO9oTPDMnfKXZkFODxKnxoHj156NaGhWZPb0dnM/s1600/time3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9A-xiZGTCrWDYqh5oE-iehyphenhyphenOlK_77bBhfaXA0WAoQIN2N5TbReRJ1zIXthZZWIfgjgDa922VuEvGj5tImywHQ9ATALxtpUEWT9pvRZO9oTPDMnfKXZkFODxKnxoHj156NaGhWZPb0dnM/s1600/time3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"Your newfound maturity is scaring me." Rian teased her.<br />
<br />
He didn't confirm or deny her words, so Julia knew that she was right. He did love her, he just had a hard time saying it. She figured it must be some holdover from his childhood, or maybe because he was a Guardian. She didn't know. She only knew, they were meant to be together, and that she could face anything and everything, so long as he was by her side. "I can be mature." She sassed back. She turned around, and wound her arms around him. He was her anchor, she didn't know what she would do without him. "I could show you just how mature I could be." She purred.<br />
<br />
Rian chuckled. "And that was short lived. Come on oh mature one, let's get you home. Your family is worried about you."<br />
<br />
"You are always such a spoilsport Rian. But graduation is just a few days away, and I won't be put off then."<br />
<br />
He kissed her lightly. "After all this energy I expended, letting you chase me? I should hope not."<br />
<br />
"Oh! And you call me a brat!"<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
__________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
<br />
Notes: Sooo---I shall be ignoring all plot holes in this little story I have concocted, if it works for Hollywood, it can work for me too, lol That's my theory anyway.<br />
<br />
Hawk finally came clean, only because he was forced to, basically. He could have happily carried on, if not for his mother. Obviously, Skye is taking it very hard. He has pretty much pulled the rug out from under her, and now she is questioning everything about him, and about them.<br />
<br />
Colin didn't kill Hawk for two reasons. One, Rhys stopped him, ha! Two, after he heard all that Hawk had to say, he started to notice how similar Hawk's experiences were to Ivory's. He had excused Ivory's behavior in his mind, because he loved her, and he empathized with her pain. More mature Colin can recognize that he should do for Hawk, what he, Colin, had wanted his family to do for him. Which was mainly to forgive Ivory, and welcome her to the family. I'm so proud of mature Colin, he has come a long ways! <3 Was it easy for him? No. None of it is easy for any of them, really.<br />
<br />
I have sat on this chapter forever, I think I am going to finally post it because I really am tired of looking at it, lol If there are any questions---please ask away. It sounds pretty clear in my head, but...it may be clear as mud to you all, lol<br />
<br />
Thanks for reading! Next chapter Julia officially becomes a young adult and Gen 9 rules will apply. I'm really looking forward to her story. =)<br />
<br />
<br />Nirarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15253184399668018141noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2767753407529003708.post-2947405655051796422015-04-04T22:17:00.002-07:002015-04-04T22:17:33.651-07:00Chapter 90: No Ordinary Life<br />
<br />
<br />
Warning: Language<br />
<br />
<br />
Kalen had graduated a few years earlier; but had decided to stick around for a while instead of leaving right away. His original plan had been to travel with his parents after graduation, but since they had ended up turning it into their honeymoon trip, he had decided that would just be...awkward. <br />
<br />
Instead, he had mostly flitted about the island, and spent his time on the beach with his grandfather, learning what his grandfather called, "valuable life lessons". Things like, '<i>stay on top of things; and know your limits.' </i>or, one of Kalen's personal favorites, <i>'sometimes you just have to knock the f*cking idiot out so they don't drown you too</i>'. Kalen grinned to himself. His grandfather was one of a kind, and he sure was going to miss him.<br />
<br />
But, as much as he had enjoyed playing the beach bum these past few years, he was really starting to feel antsy. It was definitely time to move on, and do that traveling he had always dreamed of. He was going to start with Egypt, and work his way around the world, footloose and free, just the way he liked it.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoxv67PYNisMBN47W820LI6pRFCy8lIbOmX0U40FW-Y3a8bnQjGX9Srwn2ly0nAuQBf_0Kqs3wygcAdqxcD1Kqm4WPbJYz4kFUp9fhsvX3nNek1sSOvL27_Z4OwPcj6HtfZdwKw1saCmA/s1600/Kalen+ya.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoxv67PYNisMBN47W820LI6pRFCy8lIbOmX0U40FW-Y3a8bnQjGX9Srwn2ly0nAuQBf_0Kqs3wygcAdqxcD1Kqm4WPbJYz4kFUp9fhsvX3nNek1sSOvL27_Z4OwPcj6HtfZdwKw1saCmA/s1600/Kalen+ya.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
His bags were packed and ready to go, he was leaving first thing in the morning, and he could hardly wait.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
~<><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
"What are you doing Grumpa?" He had been underwater for several minutes, obviously looking for something, but whenever she went down there, she didn't see anything.<br />
<br />
"Looking for a good place to bury a body."<br />
<br />
"Hmmph." Julia studied his face, trying to tell if he was joking or not. She thought he was, but then again...<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFS0SYgnr7LAUMq8yzy8D_4Wn_PrZrUaI3wFny7P7noYUx6dvuRGvfDjO9Vn3QR143WD3kYOzUnOaBIjcuEdTNFfPRCT2VWEMpqHKk_vPyR_MzYfaumzebpKuhMM9Nk339pqZ9Z7CaFVw/s1600/Colin+and+Julia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFS0SYgnr7LAUMq8yzy8D_4Wn_PrZrUaI3wFny7P7noYUx6dvuRGvfDjO9Vn3QR143WD3kYOzUnOaBIjcuEdTNFfPRCT2VWEMpqHKk_vPyR_MzYfaumzebpKuhMM9Nk339pqZ9Z7CaFVw/s1600/Colin+and+Julia.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
She shook her head and decided to play along. "Who are we burying?"<br />
<br />
"Well, isn't that freaking obvious? Your newest boyfriend."<br />
<br />
Julia rolled her eyes. "Grumpa."<br />
<br />
"What? You don't believe me?"<br />
<br />
She splashed at him playfully. "Oh no, I believe you, but we already had this talk, remember? You are not allowed to kill my boyfriends."<br />
<br />
"Pity." He sighed. "I heard there's an underwater cave around here, it would be the perfect place to stash a body." <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv2ZU2mxMY0J8lkeh5ifDbxIMYdmAHzktaVVdnpTT5q4A9z8Klf9NFT5TWcUBSa-xq8EAZkrfbYp_-jJQi224JE6wST425BK3YrRY142ezBxE6Cj-GNa15egjf2gGuiFfn4_Xsvyi2n1Y/s1600/Colin+and+Julia1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv2ZU2mxMY0J8lkeh5ifDbxIMYdmAHzktaVVdnpTT5q4A9z8Klf9NFT5TWcUBSa-xq8EAZkrfbYp_-jJQi224JE6wST425BK3YrRY142ezBxE6Cj-GNa15egjf2gGuiFfn4_Xsvyi2n1Y/s1600/Colin+and+Julia1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
"An underwater cave? Really? We've been all over this place though, so how could we have missed something like that?"<br />
<br />
"Do you remember that Professor Dashwood guy?"<br />
<br />
"You mean the one you nicknamed Dumba*swood, the loony that you kept having to rescue last summer?"<br />
<br />
"Yeah," Colin shook his head, "That'd be the one. He had this theory..."<br />
<br />
"About alternate realities and time lines, yeah, I remember. He spouted that off to anyone that would listen." Julia remembered the guy being a real nut job, and he couldn't swim worth a d*mn. So why he had insisted on going out on the open water was beyond her, at least he could have used a life vest, and saved her Grumpa the trouble of having to keep saving him from his own freaking stupidity. <br />
<br />
"Dumba*s believed there was a hidden underwater cave, that only reveals itself when the conditions are right."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbHfwsyS3-wmweCMG67mcW79yRllq16ZHcOyt-NwLbj2CanCaIsP8kjyCQ22Bj1q7ryMLLddz0AxAN7fegueK0TE-Jkzm-NPlsdJuSxbX2UWBEXjuLMDiRcBwrSFv8SlKdOyw1yjWaC-0/s1600/Colin+and+Julia2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbHfwsyS3-wmweCMG67mcW79yRllq16ZHcOyt-NwLbj2CanCaIsP8kjyCQ22Bj1q7ryMLLddz0AxAN7fegueK0TE-Jkzm-NPlsdJuSxbX2UWBEXjuLMDiRcBwrSFv8SlKdOyw1yjWaC-0/s1600/Colin+and+Julia2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Julia scoffed. "He also believed that the Dread Pirate Roberts buried a king's treasure in a Kraken's cave, and we both know that's utter nonsense."<br />
<br />
"Well," Colin sighed again, "It turns out that he might not have been <i>all</i> wrong."<br />
<br />
"Grumpa, I am too old to fall for your fish stories."<br />
<br />
He chuckled. "I had some f*cking good ones too." Colin grinned in remembrance, those were the days. "Your mother still falls for them though." He shook his head again, and then said soberly, "This isn't one of those stories though. I'm not f*cking around, since last summer, I've talked to a few more professors, ones who were way more f*cking credible than that wackjob."<br />
<br />
Julia was still skeptical. "And you just happened to mention Kraken caves and pirate's gold to these other so called credible professors?"<br />
<br />
"Of course not, don't be f*cking stupid." He waggled his finger at her. "One would think you have no faith in me Squirt. They talked, and I listened, sort of, bored out of my ever lovin mind. Why the h*ll I torture myself by attending Nathaniel's mayoral fund raising parties is f*cking beyond me, but I do. I must be a f*cking masochist." He muttered to himself, but then continued, "F*cking boring drones, the lot of them, at least Dumba*s is colorful in his beliefs."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcH8CbzFL-LtfBTvWRuXrNbPONPx-1XZazI-4fPuN3k5wOgY802WoB8XhVtgumiLC-7lh0hHNC0YnNG5mDeYWSKuYiLVeyLE1dIHS1vgw-m4OVK0Z5oOBpTZ0qHkyEZNOaYSa8xzqZyCU/s1600/Colin+and+Julia3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcH8CbzFL-LtfBTvWRuXrNbPONPx-1XZazI-4fPuN3k5wOgY802WoB8XhVtgumiLC-7lh0hHNC0YnNG5mDeYWSKuYiLVeyLE1dIHS1vgw-m4OVK0Z5oOBpTZ0qHkyEZNOaYSa8xzqZyCU/s1600/Colin+and+Julia3.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Julia was confused, and if he was pulling another one of his pranks on her, she was going to be f*cking p*ssed off at him, because she was starting to get dragged into his story. "I don't understand, how..."<br />
<br />
"Two months ago, while diving right about here, I spotted a gold coin. Didn't think too much about it at the time, but then the other day, I was at loose ends and f*cking bored, and I remembered the coin I had found. So I decided to find out a little more about it, h*ll, why not? It wasn't like I was f*cking doing anything else. So I took it in to the f*cking experts, at that little sh*thole they call a museum. I won't bore you with the f*cking long a*s details, trying to get nerds to just f*cking tell you the f*cking facts and nothing else is an exercise in f*cking patience," he grumbled, "but it turns out it belonged to one Lord Edward Robert Dregg, whose ship disappeared off the coast of China, back in the 18th century."<br />
<br />
"The Dread Pirate Roberts part, I am guessing."<br />
<br />
"That's the story. His cargo, it was a sh*tload of what they called Kraken Gold, because it had the image of one on each gold piece. Before I found that one, there was only one other piece of Kraken Gold ever found, at least, officially, and it is a part of a private collection in China. But...here's the thing. Why the f*ck did I find the Kraken Gold piece here? So far away from China? Lord Dregg never traveled this far. So I started thinking; someone must have f*cking dropped it, on accident, most likely someone like dumba*s Dumbwood, which would explain why the h*ll he kept trying to drown himself last year. I figured there might be some more gold there, so what the h*ll, I enjoy diving, and sh*t, I've got nothing better to do, so I went back." He stopped.<br />
<br />
"And?" Julia prodded him. She was still half waiting for the punch line.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3RBut5_5lfyPPUemfG5bda4SL89VLxA_halHSOwZRxlUK8Zre-4oDNZ9En30LvXsFC2nGsNfx3MzvBvG0-nZfjh4H-s0PKJx09bsZlPaOFAZPz814FvSWRB9VvZTyYLm5pDlWaUxKpUw/s1600/Colin+and+Julia4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3RBut5_5lfyPPUemfG5bda4SL89VLxA_halHSOwZRxlUK8Zre-4oDNZ9En30LvXsFC2nGsNfx3MzvBvG0-nZfjh4H-s0PKJx09bsZlPaOFAZPz814FvSWRB9VvZTyYLm5pDlWaUxKpUw/s1600/Colin+and+Julia4.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"I found a fissure instead."<br />
<br />
"Here."<br />
<br />
Colin looked around. "As near as I can guess, yes, here."<br />
<br />
"I knew you were f*cking with me." Julia said, p*ssed.<br />
<br />
"Aw, f*ck. I'm not, I know it f*cking sounds like it, but I'm not. It's f*cking crazy, but I f*cking swear there was a deep fissure right about here, and a large cave was at the bottom of it. I dove down, and looked around, found a few more Kraken coins." He pulled a few coins out of his pocket and held them up for Julia to see. "I didn't go into the cave though. I don't know where the f*ck it goes, and I was by myself."<br />
<br />
"You broke the golden rule, at least twice."<br />
<br />
"I did." He shrugged. "I'll still kick your a*s if you do, but I want to find that fissure again, where the f*ck it went, I don't know, but I saw it, so it's here, somewhere." He frowned. "I think it somehow travels between times, like those portals that Jack is always going on about. When everything lines up, this particular portal f*cking appears, like magic, but then f*cking disappears once the conditions are no longer f*cking met. What the h*ll the conditions are, f*ck if I know. So, I'm looking for clues. You game?"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Y43agUTIm69-xXAAZqDHjjLcXCCX6hBgd1VYOTHTSE6FhHyjZIjML7vsZJdVbRVQhcY1GqT3xfLro-TA4wrgowHqj4lH4C5O6ZVEXxaimmH3Gu03IImdJF2X7ZnWw_Fps_PAFEUzy_k/s1600/Colin+and+Julia5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Y43agUTIm69-xXAAZqDHjjLcXCCX6hBgd1VYOTHTSE6FhHyjZIjML7vsZJdVbRVQhcY1GqT3xfLro-TA4wrgowHqj4lH4C5O6ZVEXxaimmH3Gu03IImdJF2X7ZnWw_Fps_PAFEUzy_k/s1600/Colin+and+Julia5.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
"Grumpa, if you're messing with me, I swear..."<br />
<br />
"Scout's honor, I'm telling the f*cking truth."<br />
<br />
"You were never a scout."<br />
<br />
"I wanted to be."<br />
<br />
"Liar. You're not exactly inspiring confidence here."<br />
<br />
He laughed. "You're so f*cking suspicious. Fine, if I'm f*cking pulling one over on you, I'll give you my 69 GTO, free and clear."<br />
<br />
Julia stared at him, shocked. That car was his baby, he wouldn't let anyone touch it, let alone drive it, let alone give it away. "You really saw it."<br />
<br />
"I <i>really</i> f*cking saw it."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCfFEA3EgUzdXeHgWOJNbrWUwY1PeOfsvSCgO1e5CL-crsUSN8nuJl8E-I0SgmeynTO1boslmg_zZy7eGLyqhC47gm7zWEeeph2Xtxv8wrltkOhPGlNpv-2SX8yu3H_PZA2UZP4D5fJhc/s1600/Colin+and+Julia6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCfFEA3EgUzdXeHgWOJNbrWUwY1PeOfsvSCgO1e5CL-crsUSN8nuJl8E-I0SgmeynTO1boslmg_zZy7eGLyqhC47gm7zWEeeph2Xtxv8wrltkOhPGlNpv-2SX8yu3H_PZA2UZP4D5fJhc/s1600/Colin+and+Julia6.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"So, are you ready to hunt for pirate's treasure?" <br />
<br />
Julia groaned. "I never thought I would say this, but, I'm in."<br />
<br />
Colin smiled at her. "That's my girl. Let's just keep this little side venture between you and me for now. If this ends up being true, things could get f*cking dangerous really fast. I already threatened the f*cking professors I talked to with dismemberment, so, we don't have to f*cking worry about them."<br />
<br />
"I can take care of myself Grumpa." She reminded him.<br />
<br />
"I know you can Squirt, but it's better if you're never in that position to begin with."<br />
<br />
"I suppose so."<br />
<br />
"No f*cking supposing about it. Now, let's get to work." He handed her one of the coins. "Keep it safe, and remember, always keep it the f*ck out of sight." <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
~<>~<br />
<br />
<br />
Julia leaned contentedly against Rian as he drove her to his house. She had finally talked him into letting her see where he lived, which had been no small feat, for some reason or another, he said he didn't trust himself alone with her in his house. So they had compromised, she promised to behave, and he promised to show her the outside. Indoors was still off limits, which made her really curious about what it looked like, but all in good time, she reminded herself. As her mother said, Rome wasn't built in a day. "Have you ever heard of a Kraken?"<br />
<br />
He glanced at her. "The sea monster that attacks ships? When I was a boy, I heard a great many stories about it."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKy7Mpjr0Kz8iYbquQruJ_y99k6UNqd81ipZlCMI5tK5uTNzvnR4RxVUveRiHUVlqFA9JVGKBthsScCpajlNaxwEuT-GI-AkN5aiqJhUBsCx9z6alOnvHRHJEBt1CAB8Hf7oxk-eWqomw/s1600/Rian1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKy7Mpjr0Kz8iYbquQruJ_y99k6UNqd81ipZlCMI5tK5uTNzvnR4RxVUveRiHUVlqFA9JVGKBthsScCpajlNaxwEuT-GI-AkN5aiqJhUBsCx9z6alOnvHRHJEBt1CAB8Hf7oxk-eWqomw/s1600/Rian1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
"Like what?"<br />
<br />
"Well, it's arms could reach higher than the mast of the ship, and it would literally crush the ship into pieces. I also heard it liked to eat small children." He smiled at her. "At least, that is what my mother told me when I ventured too close to the ocean."<br />
<br />
He so rarely revealed anything about his past, that Julia jumped at the chance to learn more about him. "What was your mother like?"<br />
<br />
"I don't remember too much about her." He said sadly. "She died when I was young, maybe eight years old or so. What I do remember though is the sound of her laugh, that she smelled like strawberries, I still love that scent because it reminds me of her, and most of all, I remember her wonderful imagination, she told the most amazing tales of knights and dragons and..."<br />
<br />
"Krakens?"<br />
<br />
He chuckled. "And krakens. We would sit on the warm sand, just watching the waves, and she would start telling me tales. One tale she told, was that a kraken, a fierce monster of the Sea, cannot be killed, but it can be charmed, by a song." He laughed, "I had almost forgotten about those Songs of the Sea that she had taught me, they would quiet the beast, she said." He shook his head. "I think she just liked to sing with me. She had a beautiful voice." <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvi0os9-5vXvdmXf8FrYp6hldv_lkiMWVLY3mmGfcC13Ri4VFDWEM8xNksNLc46wkPSwkNCkj9tA42j8ilkI-yDXRP7Qw8PX1ssD2zbjP10u3siNuCVQdDdu_o66F1krxTIhFH6CBWw7M/s1600/Rian.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvi0os9-5vXvdmXf8FrYp6hldv_lkiMWVLY3mmGfcC13Ri4VFDWEM8xNksNLc46wkPSwkNCkj9tA42j8ilkI-yDXRP7Qw8PX1ssD2zbjP10u3siNuCVQdDdu_o66F1krxTIhFH6CBWw7M/s1600/Rian.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"She sounds like a lovely person."<br />
<br />
"She was."<br />
<br />
"I'm sorry that you lost her at such a young age. What was her name?"<br />
<br />
He hesitated for a moment. "Bella." He shook his head slightly, almost like he was amazed by something, but Julia decided that she was being fanciful again. He repeated his mother's name, this time, softly. "Her name was Bella."<br />
<br />
She squeezed his fingers. "That's a very pretty name." Julia paused for a moment, and then asked, "After your mother...after your mother passed away, did your father raise you?"<br />
<br />
"No," Rian answered, "he had died before I was born, in an ugly, brutal war. I lived with some distant cousins until I was accepted into the Academy."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaICG_4ZK7dXNfIw104gBmzexqoDv4MxWEk2s6EDX4od7sEBlEqhN_k14wX1iRzErm3jfyTg4RU9HpfE0zOBjPRc5wiwmuFPkdn1IUXk2oIeYD98bQ0t1ooenzHJua-NTld5XKRsWa4cc/s1600/Rian2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaICG_4ZK7dXNfIw104gBmzexqoDv4MxWEk2s6EDX4od7sEBlEqhN_k14wX1iRzErm3jfyTg4RU9HpfE0zOBjPRc5wiwmuFPkdn1IUXk2oIeYD98bQ0t1ooenzHJua-NTld5XKRsWa4cc/s1600/Rian2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
"Oh, Rian, I'm so sorry..."<br />
<br />
He smiled at her. "It's all ancient history now Julia, I'm okay, really. And, " he said, "here we are." He pulled into a driveway and shut the car off. He jumped out and opened the car door for her, eager to show her at least part of his home. "Welcome to my home." He held out his hand, and she grabbed it as she stepped out of the car. "Let me show you the view." Julia groaned. "What is it?" he asked her, puzzled.<br />
<br />
"I said I would behave, but you're not making it easy on me." She grumped, but then she gasped once she saw said view.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4-6lljL_Vbs_J_r_JbwF3YRGnBqzas3YdeJdlr-uiRfX3LrBspBUve_1v85ctTd6JX7SgH_wETTDOpRo10cB8xbAwo2qaPNoKeuo8HmE8dw0IDZ42yBTJ5lNfcsUpKb3FH6vaVEFjvAs/s1600/show+you+the+world.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4-6lljL_Vbs_J_r_JbwF3YRGnBqzas3YdeJdlr-uiRfX3LrBspBUve_1v85ctTd6JX7SgH_wETTDOpRo10cB8xbAwo2qaPNoKeuo8HmE8dw0IDZ42yBTJ5lNfcsUpKb3FH6vaVEFjvAs/s1600/show+you+the+world.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
"That view is amazing! Now I see why you live all the way up here on the mountain."<br />
<br />
"It's beautiful." He agreed. "I find it quite...peaceful."<br />
<br />
"What's it like...inside your house?"<br />
<br />
"Small, and no, we are not going anywhere near there."<br />
<br />
"How small?"<br />
<br />
"Very small."<br />
<br />
"Rian!"<br />
<br />
He sighed. "It consists of a bed, a small kitchenette, and an even smaller bathroom, that is it. It is all I require, there, does that satisfy your curiosity?"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyceaSxmbfHVe8zJBh5AdlfYtUMITmF9WPsjkYbN0WvTJmLr0-8x1W8FvCKe5591dRzeCUw0nTEyo81IMt2MlOuRZcNAvxXwiMPC7l23FhUDasKW3AjVn7r07DHm9iW1bgFVlOA12KWUo/s1600/Rian3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyceaSxmbfHVe8zJBh5AdlfYtUMITmF9WPsjkYbN0WvTJmLr0-8x1W8FvCKe5591dRzeCUw0nTEyo81IMt2MlOuRZcNAvxXwiMPC7l23FhUDasKW3AjVn7r07DHm9iW1bgFVlOA12KWUo/s1600/Rian3.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"Hmm, how big is the bed?"<br />
<br />
"Julia." He said mock sternly. "You promised to behave if I took you up here."<br />
<br />
"But I am behaving! I haven't said a word about what we could do on a bed..."<br />
<br />
He sighed. "You are incorrigible."<br />
<br />
"That's the way you like me, admit it Rian." She wrapped her arms around him and looked up at him with sparkling eyes. <br />
<br />
"Humph." He replied, refusing to answer, but he wound his arms around her and held her close.<br />
<br />
A few moments of silence went by. "So...how big is the bed?"<br />
<br />
He groaned. "Big enough."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGC5FRelcD9K5z4HU3kX_FKIvXtTYu767mkvVQFHCtF9-IhyDgByomBvj8qokHnw83BV1IjWMFghMWw1bmeHd1az7jO8bYsl7C4PxqSDMwp74diOw-8_Al0C3AVOA6hClBWZpyfVsmLak/s1600/Rian4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGC5FRelcD9K5z4HU3kX_FKIvXtTYu767mkvVQFHCtF9-IhyDgByomBvj8qokHnw83BV1IjWMFghMWw1bmeHd1az7jO8bYsl7C4PxqSDMwp74diOw-8_Al0C3AVOA6hClBWZpyfVsmLak/s1600/Rian4.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
She kissed his chin, and then the corners of his mouth. "For two?"<br />
<br />
He closed his eyes. "You love torturing me, don't you?"<br />
<br />
"Maybe..."<br />
<br />
He kissed her, hard. "I think it's time I took you home."<br />
<br />
She pouted. "Spoilsport."<br />
<br />
"Temptress."<br />
<br />
"I like that name."<br />
<br />
His smile was part exasperation, and part amusement. "You would." <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
~<>~<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Jack slammed his hand against the panel, "Stupid piece of banana poo." He muttered.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigME9TDofVHQSl1oWcZB0noYHr8BHl0MzYbZPUeyUvxOeRZl4jZjtFbTWPNED7BuiUMqT5wb8XRbcjM6M7W6CbyANwzV8iSG_tc1RC24uSAWXYCq1Twi9drX6um6E9Jv0jcgEXku9Qrfo/s1600/Jack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigME9TDofVHQSl1oWcZB0noYHr8BHl0MzYbZPUeyUvxOeRZl4jZjtFbTWPNED7BuiUMqT5wb8XRbcjM6M7W6CbyANwzV8iSG_tc1RC24uSAWXYCq1Twi9drX6um6E9Jv0jcgEXku9Qrfo/s1600/Jack.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"I was this close! This close!" He wanted to stab at it with his screwdriver, but he restrained himself. The electrical panel sparked again, and more smoke billowed out of it. Jack growled. "Hack it!" Where had he gone wrong this time?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
~<>~<br />
<br />
<br />
"It's not a good night for stargazing." Rian frowned. "But you can still see some of them, despite the clouds. Do you see those stars right there?" Rian pointed. "The ones that line up and resemble a w?"<br />
<br />
Julia looked. "I see them."<br />
<br />
"That is Cassiopeia."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtpvvwbtZjgp1BrQ4guE_cbeeJi1OYLOIEHtHugYG7jsVsuNx6UeZRyyRaqsTOJIXv3cdAUt1LcEqq-8Ngho1HtAVqgW9PQGE1_Q8QuMzBnRvvAWyNguheqqSfnRvEo5OEyrSZVlgEHms/s1600/Rian5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtpvvwbtZjgp1BrQ4guE_cbeeJi1OYLOIEHtHugYG7jsVsuNx6UeZRyyRaqsTOJIXv3cdAUt1LcEqq-8Ngho1HtAVqgW9PQGE1_Q8QuMzBnRvvAWyNguheqqSfnRvEo5OEyrSZVlgEHms/s1600/Rian5.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"Cassiopeia? Who was she?"<br />
<br />
"Legend has it, that Cassiopeia bragged that she was the most beautiful woman in the world, even more beautiful than the gods. This angered Poseidon, the brother of Zeus, for he had created the most beautiful beings ever in the form of his sea nymphs. Cassiopeia refused to recant, and in his fury, Poseidon created a giant sea monster..."<br />
<br />
"Like a kraken?"<br />
<br />
"Like a kraken, yes. This monster terrorized and ravaged the seas, and the sea coast; the people, who were quite terrified for their lives, decided that a sacrifice must be made to appease the monster. So they captured Andromeda, the only daughter of Cassiopeia, who was beautiful in her own right, and they tied her to a ship's mast, and set the ship free.<br />
<br />
Soon enough, the sea monster came, and it rose to its full height in front of Andromeda, and it was about to swallow her whole, when she began to sing. The song was so haunting and pure, it stopped the monster in its tracks, and miracle of miracles, the song even lured it to sleep. It sank deep below the waves, and there it slept, and all hoped it would forever sleep."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzohK4-9zQZjrQ8EJQTPKI0X4-2b6uTAShEj3Rl4ceEh8eoP-CfxSOadKuMU-i8gtq5CStjHEON7StiyOi8K1tZ60gu4zhKAvAyrLjVXeOfdbqaWxpHVDQM-n4p6YYh5fNVU9EXcPLSkY/s1600/Rian6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzohK4-9zQZjrQ8EJQTPKI0X4-2b6uTAShEj3Rl4ceEh8eoP-CfxSOadKuMU-i8gtq5CStjHEON7StiyOi8K1tZ60gu4zhKAvAyrLjVXeOfdbqaWxpHVDQM-n4p6YYh5fNVU9EXcPLSkY/s1600/Rian6.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
"Is that one of your mother's stories?"<br />
<br />
He nodded. "I have always found the night sky fascinating, even as a small boy. It's so vast, so...big, and each one of those stars up there is associated with the name of someone who might have once lived amongst us; and each have their own tales to tell. My mother would tell me their names, their histories, their heroic deeds, and their epic fails."<br />
<br />
"Epic, huh?" <br />
<br />
"Fails yes. I fear I am heading for one of those myself."<br />
<br />
"Really?" She asked. "Why is that?"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwtCaWntmHY5K0wPi97hQw9llXy1k7wR53MW5w5XGq73-WSuAGeK9B5Y-sp4ik71Vp4t-QbYfSrBSWx20bMydjyxpRlOLN8PP2x5HsVP71udRcNbSK4572VetxIHsu7EfQVpR1_Y_WJvA/s1600/Rian7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwtCaWntmHY5K0wPi97hQw9llXy1k7wR53MW5w5XGq73-WSuAGeK9B5Y-sp4ik71Vp4t-QbYfSrBSWx20bMydjyxpRlOLN8PP2x5HsVP71udRcNbSK4572VetxIHsu7EfQVpR1_Y_WJvA/s1600/Rian7.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
He turned to look at her. "Because I feel things I should not feel."<br />
<br />
She smiled at him, and kissed him softly. "That is the sweetest thing you have ever said to me."<br />
<br />
He kissed the tip of her nose. "You are still incorrigible, and I think it is time that I take you back to your dwelling place." He stood up, and then offered her his hand.<br />
<br />
She took his hand, and said, reluctantly, "If you must."<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
~<>~<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
"Julia, concentrate."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOEVQhCQpvKTCLhKHym9B9Lj0sW9x0YFK1jBNS5MtoIFB2nnBiih7iyAS9t6zig9WSrhLpiD02dQqoG-F5pw78ZE8LyTlzBwaVkeEZY15NvX0T2_F0dlAAIvQMSdD-1sd9tK1tH-OLTcg/s1600/Julia+and+Hawk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOEVQhCQpvKTCLhKHym9B9Lj0sW9x0YFK1jBNS5MtoIFB2nnBiih7iyAS9t6zig9WSrhLpiD02dQqoG-F5pw78ZE8LyTlzBwaVkeEZY15NvX0T2_F0dlAAIvQMSdD-1sd9tK1tH-OLTcg/s1600/Julia+and+Hawk.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Her dad's stern words brought her up short. She had been lost in her thoughts again, "Sorry Dad, what did you say?"<br />
<br />
He frowned. "Julia, you must pay attention, this is important."<br />
<br />
She sighed, "I know, I know, I know. I'll do better, I promise." The problem was, all she could really think about was Rian. He was still being resistant to her efforts in introducing him to her family, the idea seemed to scare him. Well, maybe scare wasn't the exact word, it was more like he was...apprehensive? Anxious even.<br />
<br />
A case of the nerves? Her Rian? He always seemed so...unflappable. Sometimes she wished she could be more like him.<br />
<br />
It wasn't the first time he had been resistant to her ideas, though. At one time he had been very attached to his medieval style clothing, but she had convinced him to try on some jeans, and a shirt, and he had discovered he liked them. Sometimes he still wore his old clothes, but most of the time he wore the clothes she had helped him pick out. So there was progress there.<br />
<br />
He had also been resistant to the idea of them being a couple too. He still wasn't fully on board with that idea, but she was making headway, surely it would be the same with him meeting her family? She just had to be patient; true, patience was not her strongest suit, but surely she could persevere? He was definitely worth it.<br />
<br />
The blast that suddenly hit her, stung badly, and she hollered. "Ow! Dad! That freaking hurt!"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRkBqc1695kc4TtEeLXZaUYg8NZeTL-26dz-3NFyvWvAOXE3hehsIy74GkciLci76eQ-JAHZdAwWFyGbtTOprs6BCpejbVSFKO4nhq2ZSwR_5lYvB4yobwyMuKs-1YQYeYBRo1Sv8X-r4/s1600/Julia+and+Hawk1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRkBqc1695kc4TtEeLXZaUYg8NZeTL-26dz-3NFyvWvAOXE3hehsIy74GkciLci76eQ-JAHZdAwWFyGbtTOprs6BCpejbVSFKO4nhq2ZSwR_5lYvB4yobwyMuKs-1YQYeYBRo1Sv8X-r4/s1600/Julia+and+Hawk1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"Julia, I said, pay attention." He growled.<br />
<br />
"Sh*t, what the h*ll, Dad?" She grumbled as she checked herself, she felt singed and wanted to make sure she wasn't on fire. Assured that she wasn't really hurt, she glared at her father. What the h*ll crawled up his a*s? She refrained from saying that out loud, he seemed to be in a peculiar mood and she didn't want to antagonize him any more than he already was.<br />
<br />
"Julia, you need to take this seriously. Some day you may need to defend yourself, against people who'll attack you, and maybe even our family. They won't hold back like I do, they'll have no compunction against hurting you, or your mother, or anyone else, and I may not be here to protect you guys."<br />
<br />
Julia stared at him, he was speaking words of some kind, she was sure of it. "What are you talking about? What people? Why? Where in the h*ll will you be, if not here?!"<br />
<br />
Hawk sighed heavily. He was bungling everything up, as per usual lately. He was out of time, and desperate to know that his daughter could protect herself if he wasn't able to. His mother was searching for him, and it would not be long, before she found him. Found Julia.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ4ZmsmOCi2SSQ2yQ2schEjFhbeu0FbeqimPmgX1C0CIjRc2zq4-QIx7dxIT07Xm8Mxk4PQN7PlQzSLg1uCLXFlCWcU9U0-W1KVv4txVnzAVOUiynOAoY1_kNjUWi6Pq7a9fFgtFjVX_o/s1600/Julia+and+Hawk2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ4ZmsmOCi2SSQ2yQ2schEjFhbeu0FbeqimPmgX1C0CIjRc2zq4-QIx7dxIT07Xm8Mxk4PQN7PlQzSLg1uCLXFlCWcU9U0-W1KVv4txVnzAVOUiynOAoY1_kNjUWi6Pq7a9fFgtFjVX_o/s1600/Julia+and+Hawk2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"I won't live forever Julia." He said. "I want to be sure that I have done everything I can to make sure that you will always be safe."<br />
<br />
Julia rolled her eyes. "I'm not a baby Daddy, I can take care of myself."<br />
<br />
"Really?" He challenged her. "Prove it." He gathered up some power, and hurled it towards her, this time she blocked it. He smiled. "Good. Again." He didn't know what dangers Julia would face, when she faced the prophecy, but he needed to be sure that he did everything in his power to make sure she was ready for anything that it, or his mother, could throw at her. <br />
<br />
<br />
~<>~<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The house was plain, white, and well kept, with only a few plants around it, nothing that would make an ordinary person view it with a sense of trepidation.<br />
<br />
Hawk was no ordinary person though, and neither was the one who lived in the
plain, white house. In a few moments Hawk would know whether he would
get the help he sought, or if he would end up dead, or worse. His
mission was too important to end in his death, so Hawk really hoped the
guy was in a reasonable mood.<br />
<br />
He walked up the
stairs, and pressed the doorbell. At first he heard nothing, and
thought he might have to return later, but then came the
unmistakable sound of footsteps. He braced himself.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYrWmm9veso_AiYw-PLeFpsUpDfmvVL1YfGzEwT5UXK8fqx3u_9TAdO5mA1EX3HsayI-Umfj9mKlCV6yt0RZwOdh5BQA7bljoUN_FvkvrsNWeT2CRekqkp498Q8GuCxTrIjLld9H2JoXY/s1600/Hawk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYrWmm9veso_AiYw-PLeFpsUpDfmvVL1YfGzEwT5UXK8fqx3u_9TAdO5mA1EX3HsayI-Umfj9mKlCV6yt0RZwOdh5BQA7bljoUN_FvkvrsNWeT2CRekqkp498Q8GuCxTrIjLld9H2JoXY/s1600/Hawk.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
The door opened. "What are you doing here?"<br />
<br />
Not the most auspicious of starts, but Hawk had no choice. His family was in danger. "I need to talk to you."<br />
<br />
A frown. "Really? Hmmph, come on in then."<br />
<br />
Now that Hawk knew his mother was actively looking for him, his choices were severely limited. For him to disappear the way he had, and to set up the safe guards the way he had, his mother would view it as a betrayal on his part. A betrayal that she, no doubt, would have expected, and maybe even hoped for; she would think he was trying to grab the power for himself. That would even please her, he knew, in a twisted sort of way, and after showing him the error of his ways, she would praise his initiative. Hawk knew all of this, it was the way she had raised him to be afterall.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, the real reason behind his betrayal, would not please her at all. It would be the worst betrayal of all: switching sides, and worse than that, falling in love...with Skye...<br />
<br />
No, that ultimate act of betrayal would earn his death, but if there was any way he could keep his family alive and safe, then he would do it. No matter the cost to himself. He was a dead man walking anyway, he held out very little hope that he would survive the confrontation with his mother.<br />
<br />
Hawk followed his host inside, and down a small hallway into the living room. Rhys gestured for him to have a seat, but Hawk preferred standing for this little conversation. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUNbZ058rucTRQWGg5gsvKYKQCQwt1oL7knNeLIQFH50BpHtYouaRn_Bvkm9ATP8ry20-uFg_yQUTVs9UXHFAChck_Rh9xDYaJNXtFpwTWLO4v36kxAkzyUTK5NbLoCYF3dJSOGUEa82U/s1600/Hawk1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUNbZ058rucTRQWGg5gsvKYKQCQwt1oL7knNeLIQFH50BpHtYouaRn_Bvkm9ATP8ry20-uFg_yQUTVs9UXHFAChck_Rh9xDYaJNXtFpwTWLO4v36kxAkzyUTK5NbLoCYF3dJSOGUEa82U/s1600/Hawk1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Rhys Van Gould. Cousin to one Reilly Kahekili, deceased now for a great many, many, many years. Reilly was one of the few who had ever been strong enough to put a little fear into his mother, Raven. Hawk had once thought Reilly a fool though, for choosing to not extend his life, now he understood Reilly's reasoning for it, and he even agreed with him. The consequence though, of not draining others of their lives so that he could live longer, was that Hawk was aging now, just like Reilly had aged, while Hawk's mother still retained her youth. And with that, her full power.<br />
<br />
Rhys, on the other hand, did not need to drain life out of others to live longer, his kind simply had a very long lifespan. "You're Skylar's husband, right? What do you want?"<br />
<br />
The tone was barely polite, but Hawk didn't let it bother him. He had too many other things on his mind to worry about. "I need your help, the family is in danger."<br />
<br />
Rhys' eyes narrowed. "Go on, I'm listening."<br />
<br />
"You have the ability to read minds, correct?"<br />
<br />
"Yes," Rhys said slowly, "But I mostly block out the thoughts of others, I really don't want to hear what they are thinking," He shrugged, "It's usually stupid, inane stuff." He concentrated for a moment, and then said, "You are blocking me though, and you are very good at it."<br />
<br />
"I have something important to tell you."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcQIcUZFbbKoPkME2vZE0SYSRi5i-QJXrAWN-c85mhCVg4N5Be0c4ymJtrBI3mcQo6GiLmQ8PGSbrlrVJ4Mmty1ACw8BhYMTUNqGIsvTMN3izvyfHIrWuz8LaRQTrJkEAXOtEBE1_v3cI/s1600/Hawk2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcQIcUZFbbKoPkME2vZE0SYSRi5i-QJXrAWN-c85mhCVg4N5Be0c4ymJtrBI3mcQo6GiLmQ8PGSbrlrVJ4Mmty1ACw8BhYMTUNqGIsvTMN3izvyfHIrWuz8LaRQTrJkEAXOtEBE1_v3cI/s1600/Hawk2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
"Do you now?" Rhys grinned, baring his teeth. "Will I like this something important?"<br />
<br />
"No," Hawk said flatly, "but I need your promise that you will not kill me until you hear all of it."<br />
<br />
Rhys glared at Hawk. "I promise nothing." <br />
<br />
"I need your promise, and your help, or a lot of people are going to die, like my wife, and my daughter. I will do whatever I have to, to protect them. Give me your promise, and I will open my memories to you, and you will know the whole truth, and the whole danger."<br />
<br />
Rhys' hand shot out and grabbed Hawk around the throat as he hissed. "I could force it." <br />
<br />
Hawk didn't fight him, but stared steadily at him instead. This was the most important gamble of his life. "You will get nothing from me without my cooperation. Kill me now, and you will know nothing, and you will be unable to protect any of them. We are on the same side, I promise."<br />
<br />
Rhys held him up a few minutes more, then dropped him in disgust. He took a step back and growled, "Fine. You have my word, I will not kill you until I have the full story. And then I will probably kill you."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTtw9nR63QO40AZEUSrU3wj63yJCF-0FdB7JuZINxWr0WyvJzuGVZsoeFCizMYsh_CsIS_c9A8ZsDV8taX-0TV-rzBrDbWEjA4uMPkJYVQBD-YRUS4HFfGWKNgivzSwV0qnsq9fyYfCIg/s1600/Hawk4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTtw9nR63QO40AZEUSrU3wj63yJCF-0FdB7JuZINxWr0WyvJzuGVZsoeFCizMYsh_CsIS_c9A8ZsDV8taX-0TV-rzBrDbWEjA4uMPkJYVQBD-YRUS4HFfGWKNgivzSwV0qnsq9fyYfCIg/s1600/Hawk4.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Hawk rubbed his throat, nodded, and then as he had promised, dropped his guards and let Rhys in. It was always an uncomfortable feeling to have someone knocking around in your brain, especially if that someone was suspicious of your motives. Speaking words would take too long, and it would be too easy for Rhys to misunderstand what Hawk was trying to say or do or explain. No, as uncomfortable as it was for him to have Rhys in his mind, it was the most efficient and expedient way.<br />
<br />
Hawk held nothing back.<br />
<br />
Memories flooded him. His mother handing him the knife. "Do it." Ivory looking up at him with dead eyes, and blood on her hands. His father's last words, "I regret nothing, because my choices gave me you as my son." The first time he saw Skye, in that little room, he with no clothes on, her with that enchanting blush on her cheeks. The first time he held her hand, their first kiss, Prom night...on and on the memories flowed, until suddenly they stopped, and Rhys was no longer there.<br />
<br />
The exchange itself took mere moments Hawk knew, but it felt like a lifetime. He stood quietly and watched as Rhys processed all that he had learned. There were a lot of memories in a man's mind, so it didn't surprise Hawk any that it was taking Rhys some time. Finally Rhys looked up at him and said, "Forget me, he's going to kill you."<br />
<br />
Hawk agreed. "That's one reason why I need your help."<br />
<br />
Rhys chuckled bitterly. "You think I'll stop him?" He shook his head. "Of course you do." He answered his own question. Rhys had been in Hawk's mind, he knew his thoughts, and the crazy hackneyed plan that he had come up with.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDtapCPO6-YCS7vNOVzhWMbuYkSrqZchx5Zox4xdX9h5oIsqfgNLa2xKAn_Rh67fIXYfaB1o4i0YzU8Zv5Co1tuT4kMYQaftQBjESHOU2b1XYQIjRfAPZNiTPcawpKd32WuU1qfwxMNmc/s1600/Hawk5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDtapCPO6-YCS7vNOVzhWMbuYkSrqZchx5Zox4xdX9h5oIsqfgNLa2xKAn_Rh67fIXYfaB1o4i0YzU8Zv5Co1tuT4kMYQaftQBjESHOU2b1XYQIjRfAPZNiTPcawpKd32WuU1qfwxMNmc/s1600/Hawk5.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"I want to kill you, why should I stop him?" Rhys snarled. "What you have done..."<br />
<br />
Hawk sighed. "I know, but you will not kill me, and you will keep him from killing me, because you know the truth, that without me, many will die, if not all of them, and Julia..." Hawk's voice trailed off. "Julia will become my mother's pawn, and she will become more terrible than either of us could ever imagine."<br />
<br />
Rhys was quiet. "So you hope to use me as some sort of truth detector, and murder preventer."<br />
<br />
"Once they know who my mother is, they will no longer trust what I say, and I do not blame them. However, it is very important that they trust what I have to say, it is a catch 22." Hawk said helplessly. "They will trust you, and they will know that if I speak any false hood, you will tell them so." He shrugged in frustration. "It is the best way I can think of." He spoke in a matter of fact tone, but he didn't feel anywhere near that calm about it. Inside he felt a great amount of fear and distress, all of which was his own fault, but that didn't make it any easier.<br />
<br />
What would Skye and Julia think of him once they found out the truth?<br />
<br />
"So you want to do this now." Rhys said slowly.<br />
<br />
"We have very little time."<br />
<br />
Rhys nodded. "Let's do it then."<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
<br />
Notes: What? A short chapter? From me? And a kind of sort of cliff hanger? Yeah, sorry. It was supposed to be all in one chapter, but then the scenes started getting out of hand, and the chapter was really, really, horrendously long. Even by my standards, lol :P So I cut it, and that was the best place.<br />
<br />
Poor Kalen ended up being an afterthought, even worse, I almost forgot about him. *hangs head in shame* Yep, tis true. It was only when I was looking up something that I remembered that--oh yeah! Kalen hasn't graduated yet in the story---I gotta send him off somewhere. So, he's "traveling". <br />
<br />
I'm still not too sure about this pirate stuff---Julia and Colin ganged up on me though. It'll suit Julia's roll, and it'll add to the plot I already had for her, it just complicates things a little bit. I wrote that scene and the entire time I was thinking---what?! Pirates? Krakens? I don't want to track down a kraken! *feels lazy* I almost deleted it half a dozen times, but, so far it has made the cut. I haven't hit post yet though, lol :P (Edit: I guess I hit post. :/)<br />
<br />
Rhys lives forever, I swear. Partly because whenever I change hometowns, I forget to check the SP setting that disallows aging for vampires, and partly because, vampires live forever, lol They have longer lifespans than fairies, and fairies live forever...well...maybe half of forever. XD <br />
<br />
Short note for a short chapter. Next time is the big scene--the one that is getting away from me---I swear it is never ending. I keep thinking---okay---and it ends---here. Or not...lol<br />
<br />
Thanks for reading! =)<br />
<br />
<i>PS--I may have been a fan of The Princess Bride, and the Sims2 pirate... </i><br />
<i> </i><br />
<br />
<br />
Nirarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15253184399668018141noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2767753407529003708.post-54184344098418146172015-01-25T00:18:00.000-08:002015-03-27T14:37:47.071-07:00Chapter 89: Soul Searching<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
Warning: Language</h3>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Julia threw her books in her locker and slammed it shut. She was so done with school, there was no way in h*ll she was bringing it home with her. She heard her name called, and turned around. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh90m1_8AFs-b3Ek3RCPp4BiHY6jQodvFsK-3NYGWUZnXre3JZ9iQi4UTfaegS3fQyMFHktM0d6ZnKUidW1uvPuQlq6HAt7KjQzofk5X5BxXVT9XZ5ewCE9taiUPa4eHTJvvZOy53T9euY/s1600/school.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh90m1_8AFs-b3Ek3RCPp4BiHY6jQodvFsK-3NYGWUZnXre3JZ9iQi4UTfaegS3fQyMFHktM0d6ZnKUidW1uvPuQlq6HAt7KjQzofk5X5BxXVT9XZ5ewCE9taiUPa4eHTJvvZOy53T9euY/s1600/school.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
She blinked in surprise when she saw who it was. "Hey, what's up?"<br />
<br />
"I'm glad I caught you." He said breathlessly. "If you have a moment, I wanted to ask you something."<br />
<br />
Julia shrugged. "Sure, go ahead."<br />
<br />
"Rumor has it..."<br />
<br />
Julia chuckled. "Better be careful about listening to those rumors."<br />
<br />
He smiled. "I hope this one is correct. I heard that you and Brennan are no longer dating."<br />
<br />
"Brennan was an a*s, thanks a lot for reminding me about him."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiobDjq_AVB_uH2Dh8Z6ZT7RyZgdjzaEac1s0HVYiSMwW5KP9ISfWAAaGM79yF6Ix6EF71odXRvm3KHHNyg5fzEMje_eA2XbTqPye-7swD8tMoLVjA41ms8dfBDMqiQ-LlLnRMXfT3-CpA/s1600/school1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiobDjq_AVB_uH2Dh8Z6ZT7RyZgdjzaEac1s0HVYiSMwW5KP9ISfWAAaGM79yF6Ix6EF71odXRvm3KHHNyg5fzEMje_eA2XbTqPye-7swD8tMoLVjA41ms8dfBDMqiQ-LlLnRMXfT3-CpA/s1600/school1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
He winced. "That wasn't my intention," He stammered, "I was only..."<br />
<br />
Julia started laughing. "Gunny, I was just messing with you. Well," she reconsidered, "Brennan was and is an a*s, and I don't have time for his sh*t."<br />
<br />
"So, the rumor is true?"<br />
<br />
She looked at him. "Yeah, it's true. I dumped his a*s, and told him to crawl back into the hole he belonged in. Why?" Privately, Julia thought about what she had really wanted to do to the slimeball, she could have turned him into a toad or something, and he would have been the better for it.<br />
<br />
He nervously scuffed his shoe on the floor. "Well, I knew that with Brennan in the picture, a guy like me wouldn't have a chance..."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIOVe-CThokgj9oRX0KYgFW7ruRyU0pG_xhXbjXgPfz7eiP6Te_Lrz7VV-QLN5FqWgHf4OHrmfCP-VVQWlOhOwtLZkajOi9UVMTTUBVMay4GxkzuPdnEe3HMSAPMPjFc523N0NjmtZvIM/s1600/school2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIOVe-CThokgj9oRX0KYgFW7ruRyU0pG_xhXbjXgPfz7eiP6Te_Lrz7VV-QLN5FqWgHf4OHrmfCP-VVQWlOhOwtLZkajOi9UVMTTUBVMay4GxkzuPdnEe3HMSAPMPjFc523N0NjmtZvIM/s1600/school2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Julia interrupted him. "What do you mean a guy like you?"<br />
<br />
"Well, uh, Brennan is a star athlete, and I am not. Brennan is the most popular guy in school, and I am not. Brennan..."<br />
<br />
"Stop selling yourself short." Julia ordered. "Brennan is a first class jacka*s, and you are not. Are you?"<br />
<br />
"No." He stuttered. Julia looked at him, impatient, and waved her hand in a 'go on' motion, so he did. "With him out of the picture, I was...I was...I was hoping you would go out with me."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbZwoW196cykugb9me2L7yUXYReTDI8KvuzmXqidNHhadrcV9VUkMU1yVeK1tJPZeua8ffxKipIMk7bPXa0tohtBuD_ZH2O-OkMLo9i0KbmEdDXsUKrpcEAmgInzvgNwb-fp6ozjIyTrI/s1600/school3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbZwoW196cykugb9me2L7yUXYReTDI8KvuzmXqidNHhadrcV9VUkMU1yVeK1tJPZeua8ffxKipIMk7bPXa0tohtBuD_ZH2O-OkMLo9i0KbmEdDXsUKrpcEAmgInzvgNwb-fp6ozjIyTrI/s1600/school3.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"Sure."<br />
<br />
He stared at her in shock. "Just like that?"<br />
<br />
"What, you wanted me to say no? If so, then why the h*ll did you ask me?"<br />
<br />
"No, no! I wanted you to say yes, I just didn't think you would. I mean, you're you, the most popular, prettiest girl in school and..."<br />
<br />
Julia grinned at him. "Ha! I can tell you've been drinking the kool-aid. I'm just me, and you're just you, let's just leave it at that, okay?"<br />
<br />
"Okay." <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib4qNVELwgqDLZebnT1dO12R6Dg8Pr-RN77a_7jMgz2OjwAFir_7mk00YlWnk9kiq3j4mbJaGHJbgHABqo9PN2XMpYvsE18ARhiwWo3aPh4ut-LUBefwZPR4s90a4R3zjdj3qhLuq4PB8/s1600/school4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib4qNVELwgqDLZebnT1dO12R6Dg8Pr-RN77a_7jMgz2OjwAFir_7mk00YlWnk9kiq3j4mbJaGHJbgHABqo9PN2XMpYvsE18ARhiwWo3aPh4ut-LUBefwZPR4s90a4R3zjdj3qhLuq4PB8/s1600/school4.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"So, when are you available, you know, so we could go out together?" Gunther asked.<br />
<br />
"I'm not doing anything right now, if you just want to hang out for a while."<br />
<br />
He nodded his head. "Great!" He was trying to keep his excitement down, and not seem too eager, but he had a feeling that he was failing on that. He'd had a crush on Julia ever since he first moved to Sunlit Tides, she was the one that had helped him get his bearings, and made him feel welcome. Moving to a new town and going to a new school midway through high school really sucked. <br />
<br />
"Come on." She tugged on him. "I'll show you one of my favorite hangouts."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2i7nXbqcDwBsrvY6NPRi1Jgz7zRGedfbE7elqr-2BsbdpgMwlHEjGUPA7YeM1OxdxvBLv4OvfB_aAQSaKV31q8Y-HirFRIdzkpeoioIIPCfs81QYNDv8-gIR2BbFq0FkWbsFBKzfAGQc/s1600/graveyard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2i7nXbqcDwBsrvY6NPRi1Jgz7zRGedfbE7elqr-2BsbdpgMwlHEjGUPA7YeM1OxdxvBLv4OvfB_aAQSaKV31q8Y-HirFRIdzkpeoioIIPCfs81QYNDv8-gIR2BbFq0FkWbsFBKzfAGQc/s1600/graveyard.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
"The graveyard?" He asked, confused. "I thought you loved the beaches."<br />
<br />
"I do." She agreed. "This is Friday though, the beaches get all clogged up with families and sh*t. Nobody bugs me here."<br />
<br />
"Oh. That makes sense."<br />
<br />
She rolled her eyes. "Of course it does. Come on, follow me."<br />
<br />
Gunther wasn't exactly sure where she was going, but he didn't care. He was with Julia, and that was all that mattered.<br />
<br />
She stopped in a secluded spot, in the far corner of the Graveyard by some trees. She pulled out a cigarette, lit it, and took a drag off of it.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbQd6gy6tWHQe_4Gw5PhXt12sfsYHWYGUja4LFpsYemRRT4jybngja9xPD1f_PHs3uKrVvp4jm6DgQJvdl5_yelZRmSC295SKHzyydzKbE9R3sUeHRFFWagt2ihE5ApvxlTol6lyBV27Q/s1600/graveyard1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbQd6gy6tWHQe_4Gw5PhXt12sfsYHWYGUja4LFpsYemRRT4jybngja9xPD1f_PHs3uKrVvp4jm6DgQJvdl5_yelZRmSC295SKHzyydzKbE9R3sUeHRFFWagt2ihE5ApvxlTol6lyBV27Q/s1600/graveyard1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
She closed her eyes. "Oh yeah." She opened them again, and looked straight at him. "You wanna smoke?"<br />
<br />
Gunther eyed the cigarette uncertainly. "Uh, sure." <br />
<br />
She snickered. "You don't have to."<br />
<br />
"No, I want to."<br />
<br />
She shrugged, and took another drag off her cigarette. "Suit yourself." She tossed a cigarette and a lighter to him, and then watched in amusement as he tried to light it. She shook her head. "Wrong end. Here, let me help you." She helped him out, and then chuckled as he took his first puff, and he began to choke and cough. "You sure you smoke?"<br />
<br />
He took another drag, and coughed. "Yeah." He wheezed. "All the time."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjToykCqfu3du7XdiFu9jarQTuKibDR7alN8AXPExyYJcpd_n7_D-vAgHslXautDiz53jWvgBNmIvN41Kul9vQsG6rKKSdRDwBv7YpIKfQeRdFPw5TDZsNJlj2KBlb3JY2AZoAKR5QJHo4/s1600/graveyard2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjToykCqfu3du7XdiFu9jarQTuKibDR7alN8AXPExyYJcpd_n7_D-vAgHslXautDiz53jWvgBNmIvN41Kul9vQsG6rKKSdRDwBv7YpIKfQeRdFPw5TDZsNJlj2KBlb3JY2AZoAKR5QJHo4/s1600/graveyard2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"Whatever you say Gunny, but you don't have to smoke just to try and impress me. It's one of my bad habits, it doesn't have to become one of yours."<br />
<br />
"I'm fine." He said stubbornly, as he smoked some more of the cigarette. There was no way he was going to look like a wuss in front of her.<br />
<br />
"Hmm." She said, as she stubbed the cigarette out on the ground with her shoe. "If you say so." Gunther copied her actions, and followed her over to a cold stone bench. She plopped down on it with a sigh, and he sat beside her. "It's so peaceful here." She said happily. "I love it."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHLcxo8j6TOlQBt3F0NEpje6kWbFD2ncz3YObUt1AFHpMQCsAJ3VwbZ2I7i4jfMdRUc1L7q9RZ6svMSi3P3n0Ap0A1k3Clxn47XKfuEAxh9p6Ch9OchXv1MwY9zqYJbOSb4VxLLJwZgAM/s1600/graveyard3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHLcxo8j6TOlQBt3F0NEpje6kWbFD2ncz3YObUt1AFHpMQCsAJ3VwbZ2I7i4jfMdRUc1L7q9RZ6svMSi3P3n0Ap0A1k3Clxn47XKfuEAxh9p6Ch9OchXv1MwY9zqYJbOSb4VxLLJwZgAM/s1600/graveyard3.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
"Do you come here often?"<br />
<br />
She nudged his shoulder. "Just every Friday."<br />
<br />
"Oh yeah." He pulled at his shirt.<br />
<br />
"Don't be so nervous Gunny, I won't bite you, not unless you want me too?" He blushed, and Julia took pity on him, and changed the subject. "So, do you know what you're going to do when you graduate?"<br />
<br />
He nodded. "I'm going to be a business consultant, and..."<br />
<br />
Julia smiled as Gunther talked, he was kind of cute as he waved his arms about, enthusiastically prattling on about something called time efficiency, and a lot of other blah, blah, blah. She could tell he was really into it though.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0g-B1Mvj03Vnc9TX438nVAZPry6cLqqeb6vpUfne9DgfhpfpH53GLpul7tq1m46FGsjvNhkN8pPJ3qYArWqLMZyedSitv7wEHA-PAYt34jeGtfl2uSmIv0MzO8QuI1slZssuUuw15uBk/s1600/graveyard4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0g-B1Mvj03Vnc9TX438nVAZPry6cLqqeb6vpUfne9DgfhpfpH53GLpul7tq1m46FGsjvNhkN8pPJ3qYArWqLMZyedSitv7wEHA-PAYt34jeGtfl2uSmIv0MzO8QuI1slZssuUuw15uBk/s1600/graveyard4.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Gunther was so self-conscious, she wondered if he'd ever had a girlfriend before, or even been on a date. So she asked him. <br />
<br />
Gunther immediately stopped talking and froze. "No." He said sheepishly. "You might have noticed I'm a bit of a nerd, and a little shy. No, a lot shy. Girls scare me. Well, except for you. For some reason, you never scared me."<br />
<br />
"Interesting." Julia contemplated him. "Usually I scare everyone." She was silent for a moment. "Gunny, have you ever kissed a girl?" He stammered, and blushed, and pulled at his shirt some more. "Careful, you're going to ruin your shirt if you keep that up." Julia chuckled. She closed the distance between them, and his eyes widened. "Do you want to kiss me?"<br />
<br />
"Now?" He squeaked.<br />
<br />
"Of course now, silly." She regarded him thoughtfully. "I've never been with a boy who has never kissed someone before. This could be fun." And with those words, she leaned in all the way, and kissed him.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb6gs6C-GTDUUFPuNN_1lrmOWKW_Og0_TizlJVD0xb5O0UCr_AWl4pahCYD_F1kdlAyfUlj9sCgHwozy3PiWp4lGKIaT3kuFukTM-fkCaUj_Nijkif99hmqfiKe9P0hzmD5U-ZrF6ka40/s1600/graveyard5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb6gs6C-GTDUUFPuNN_1lrmOWKW_Og0_TizlJVD0xb5O0UCr_AWl4pahCYD_F1kdlAyfUlj9sCgHwozy3PiWp4lGKIaT3kuFukTM-fkCaUj_Nijkif99hmqfiKe9P0hzmD5U-ZrF6ka40/s1600/graveyard5.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
~<>~<br />
<br />
<br />
"I don't know why you have to collect misfits like some people collect stamps."<br />
<br />
"I don't know why you have to be such a b*tch either." Julia retorted. "I guess you were born that way." Julia knew Nelia was referring not only to Julia's boyfriend, Gunny, but to Julia's newest project, Rian, as well.<br />
<br />
Nelia went on as if she hadn't heard Julia. "I don't understand what you see in that ugly, retarded oaf anyway. He is quite hideous to look at, and he can't even speak properly. Go ahead Oaf, say something, show everyone with your words what a retard you are."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHjME2RmYZMOFqNuT0jzWdxCeVAZiePhbwzY_6AL9q29X6xN79lpWDOG8OO50UgIDp034yldqAnH5fbElRBjIvYG8h3dpb_xuIyomtN2QYPPxhSGsAirF2ii9C_8sOqVODl_-DalpbYvE/s1600/party.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHjME2RmYZMOFqNuT0jzWdxCeVAZiePhbwzY_6AL9q29X6xN79lpWDOG8OO50UgIDp034yldqAnH5fbElRBjIvYG8h3dpb_xuIyomtN2QYPPxhSGsAirF2ii9C_8sOqVODl_-DalpbYvE/s1600/party.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"Crumplebutt, stop speaking out of your a*s, or I swear, I'm going to make your outside as ugly as you are inside." Julia said angrily, and she struggled to get out of Gunther's embrace, but he held onto her.<br />
<br />
"No scenes, remember? You promised. Just ignore her."<br />
<br />
"I concur." Rian said quietly. "She is full of, what my people call, 'atol anda', therefore, there cannot be any reasoning with one such as her."<br />
<br />
"See!" Nelia crowed. "What did I tell you!"<br />
<br />
"Nelia, would you shut the f*ck up." Brennan said irritably.<br />
<br />
Nelia crossed her arms. "Whatever. You all know I'm right though."<br />
<br />
Julia gritted her teeth, and did her best to ignore Nelia, only because Gunther and Rian had asked her to. She leaned back against Gunther, and grumbled under her breath.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg33DZyCIZG1cOmUhL8oDujcEp9olA3mf_S9M9y53EEAmY_rRijNQrgVeu8audFmeya6Kz8JCGIHqI2HcvP-7Gh2p85u9nehDlfElU_45oSvydD5TqqE6ZwKiIs5Cs6A1ETT7UGzVkPco4/s1600/party1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg33DZyCIZG1cOmUhL8oDujcEp9olA3mf_S9M9y53EEAmY_rRijNQrgVeu8audFmeya6Kz8JCGIHqI2HcvP-7Gh2p85u9nehDlfElU_45oSvydD5TqqE6ZwKiIs5Cs6A1ETT7UGzVkPco4/s1600/party1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Nelia enjoyed picking on the loners, the shy ones, anyone that was a little bit different. She would call them names and use any opportunity available to embarrass them in front of others, and it p*ssed Julia off. So she befriended what Nelia called "the misfits", and then told Nelia to kiss her a*s. She knew Nelia couldn't do a thing to her, Julia's grandfather was too well known, too well connected, and too intimidating. <br />
<br />
Rian had just been Nelia's latest target, being a newbie who had only been in town for a couple of months. He was a strange one all right, but Julia didn't judge people by how they looked, or dressed, or even acted. She judged them by the way they treated others, and Rian had a kind heart under all that gruff. She had seen him in action, despite what Rian said otherwise. He was a humble person, and Julia found that attractive. Very attractive.<br />
<br />
Like all her projects though, he was still a work in progress.<br />
<br />
She didn't know where exactly he came from, and he never answered her directly whenever she asked him. He would only say it was far away. Wherever it was though, it must have been out in the boonies or the backwoods somewhere. He knew very little about popular tv shows or music, the speech he used was odd, and the clothes he usually wore looked like they could have been worn in the stone ages or something. So he was into cosplay, what nerd wasn't?<br />
<br />
"Hey Jules, you going to the prom with me?" Brennan asked.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiSfGOJsEoI3tHlKXxeBtHROcxgQcnnBUh01kygS5NeXmN8XD1FQ-O_Q4Pp2y9j8ub14KiIHngb6RSHCRmvQT22IwyGkdvqD1C6q2hW5eHMXX7mE0p-laWcuJKVKXO_wbXcPslJDoOCYY/s1600/party2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiSfGOJsEoI3tHlKXxeBtHROcxgQcnnBUh01kygS5NeXmN8XD1FQ-O_Q4Pp2y9j8ub14KiIHngb6RSHCRmvQT22IwyGkdvqD1C6q2hW5eHMXX7mE0p-laWcuJKVKXO_wbXcPslJDoOCYY/s1600/party2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Julia felt Gunther stiffen behind her. No matter how many times she had told him over the past year that she had no interest in being with Brennan again, he still didn't fully believe her, maybe because Gunther could sense the distance that had been growing between him and Julia. That wasn't because of Brennan though, but whatever, that was Gunther's issue, not hers. "You've been hanging out with Nelia too much Brennan, taking those stupid pills."<br />
<br />
Nelia gasped, but Brennan chuckled. "Harsh Jules, harsh. You know you miss me."<br />
<br />
"In your dreams a*shole. You cheated on me with Nelia, remember? I think you two suit each other well. And the name is Julia, use it."<br />
<br />
"Yes dear." He laughed, he could almost see the steam rise from Gunther's head. He really enjoyed jerking his chain, it was way too easy to get under the dude's skin, it almost wasn't even a challenge.<br />
<br />
Rian shook his head, as he stared out at the horizon. "There is much I don't understand about you bearns, your relations make little sense."<br />
<br />
Nelia giggled.<br />
<br />
"Miss Julia, why do you continue with these dysig bearns?"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZUN2Wm7vCst-eL4KOJd8pcV0TdbDhBGO5dDsx6_FWPn8oPX1UTw7MMyjycakBnDuARxnoMNOV6Y6tODCtv6YcoNDH4nvolITTjez8UcNHoE-PM6i-lzW9gYp4cZ9MFF1R5KRt3CWWGyM/s1600/part3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZUN2Wm7vCst-eL4KOJd8pcV0TdbDhBGO5dDsx6_FWPn8oPX1UTw7MMyjycakBnDuARxnoMNOV6Y6tODCtv6YcoNDH4nvolITTjez8UcNHoE-PM6i-lzW9gYp4cZ9MFF1R5KRt3CWWGyM/s1600/part3.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
"Rian, we talked about your use of words that I don't understand, remember? I hang around them, cause they're my friends." She shrugged. "Why else?"<br />
<br />
His ice blue eyes briefly met hers, and once again she felt the deep impact of his gaze before he turned away, and it puzzled her. Why did he affect her so much? Lately she had even found herself making up reasons to spend more time with him, and then she would argue with herself that they were perfectly legit reasons, not manufactured ones. Really.<br />
<br />
The more time she spent with him though, and got to know his quiet gentleness, the more she wanted. She even found herself obsessing over something as silly as his lips. Just how would it feel to kiss him? To have his lips pressed against hers, his body... She shut the thought off. She had never betrayed her mixed feelings about Rian to anyone, but if she couldn't get a handle on her emotions, then she would have no choice but to break up with Gunther.<br />
<br />
It simply wasn't fair to Gunther for her to be with him, if she felt this way about someone else, even if that someone else didn't return those feelings, for Rian was never anything more than a friend. He never hinted at more. It was her craziness, not his. Her issue, not his.<br />
<br />
Gunther would be hurt at first, she knew, but in the end, it would be better for him to be with someone that returned his feelings. Julia feared she did not. She liked him, liked him a lot. They had fun together, she enjoyed kissing Gunther, holding hands, attending parties together, but...she glanced at Rian. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibyXb74lz-WLRYbDaSgnA2Hmgp_acon6OP0tdPVFFGABEPGMB-Hg67LPKcLwU9WRWSLnwmNrj5dVb_JqmCxe-YCo0Aqk6WVJITyWE18R2JJFtJUVgHiCD3Pt4r-3CgE61WphB1itRDYyc/s1600/party4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibyXb74lz-WLRYbDaSgnA2Hmgp_acon6OP0tdPVFFGABEPGMB-Hg67LPKcLwU9WRWSLnwmNrj5dVb_JqmCxe-YCo0Aqk6WVJITyWE18R2JJFtJUVgHiCD3Pt4r-3CgE61WphB1itRDYyc/s1600/party4.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Gunther didn't have eyes the color of the Sea, or the body of a greek god.<br />
<br />
Perhaps she was more shallow than she wanted to believe?<br />
<br />
Still, Julia really hoped that her feelings would fade. That tomorrow morning she would wake up, and she would feel only friendship for Rian. Then she wouldn't have to break Gunther's heart. She peeked up at Gunther, who was busy watching Brennan. He really was a sweetheart, she really didn't want to break his heart.<br />
<br />
She knew Gunther had strong feelings for her. He had even been hinting lately that he wanted to marry her after they graduated from highschool. Before Rian came, she had even had similar thoughts. She liked Gunther well enough, they got along well, he was getting pretty good at kissing, he adored her, what else did she need?<br />
<br />
No, she was definitely, mostly, pretty sure that her feelings for Rian would fade. It was just a phase, she just had to soldier on, and ignore any not-so-friendly-mostly-romantic feelings that she had for Rian. Her problem, she reminded herself. She could fix it.<br />
<br />
<br />
~<>~<br />
<br />
<br />
Julia kicked at the sand as she walked along the beach, her mind in turmoil. What was wrong with her anyway? She loved parties; she loved hanging out with her friends, making out with her boyfriend, and dancing the night away. She always made sure she had a good time. Except...tonight something was just different about it all. It had seemed hollow and unsatisfactory. And dare she even think it? Boring.<br />
<br />
She had been bored with it all. Bored, bored, bored. She had tried her best to get into the party spirit. She'd had a couple beers, danced with a few boys, caused another fight between them and her boyfriend...<br />
<br />
She sighed. Boring. Even tweaking Miss Priss hadn't made things better, and usually annoying Cornelia Crumplebottom was one of her favorite pastimes. Cornelia was such a b*tch, and always looked down her nose at everyone. Julia snorted, an island full of rich kids, and there was still a pecking order. <br />
<br />
Her feet suddenly skidded to a stop. He had waited for her. She had told him not to, but she couldn't deny the simple rush of joy she felt to see him there anyway. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi74HxSFV4WN3U7Ay_tWUdKeS5_aE_WKtiiaeplN6NkN8koEJJoNIpfa8p0pXitQX7-MZHEFGs4oNFuAzLHGXflSzAq2J4eMcjE_Txgz2a7KvTMR9qptFpQnwv-VSDAxfIYzZluPU2PNoU/s1600/first+meet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi74HxSFV4WN3U7Ay_tWUdKeS5_aE_WKtiiaeplN6NkN8koEJJoNIpfa8p0pXitQX7-MZHEFGs4oNFuAzLHGXflSzAq2J4eMcjE_Txgz2a7KvTMR9qptFpQnwv-VSDAxfIYzZluPU2PNoU/s1600/first+meet.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"Hey," she said softly. "You came."<br />
<br />
With one graceful move, he stood up, turned around, and faced her. "You're here earlier than I expected."<br />
<br />
"But you expected me?"<br />
<br />
"Of course." He said it like it was a foregone conclusion, but how had he known what she had not? She'd had every intention of staying all night at the Rave beach party, drinking cheap beer and smoking weed with her friends; and in a last ditch effort to make the party, well, not so boring, she had even decided to finally go all the way with her boyfriend, Gunther.<br />
<br />
It was while they had lain on the sand, Gunther's hand on her breast, his tongue down her throat that she had suddenly changed her mind. While it had felt good, and part of her was enjoying it, it just hadn't felt right. She wasn't ready. So she had pushed a confused Gunther off of her, tied her swimsuit top back up, and had left. Just like that, without a word. Gunther had called after her, but she hadn't bothered answering him, had just waved him away like a pesky fly.<br />
<br />
She had needed some time to think, and figure some things out. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgobI3N8x_Tm_YuP6yYknCOe49WsVjHqui-wgM4YqYi60lGLoc10jZWHwNGY5bJLat5b0sYozVROe9Pv1omsWpO0OkseuKWdhN3q5MsYYdwec657w-EX9FwaqPH0uq0lYBy-wFr5GbbckI/s1600/Julia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgobI3N8x_Tm_YuP6yYknCOe49WsVjHqui-wgM4YqYi60lGLoc10jZWHwNGY5bJLat5b0sYozVROe9Pv1omsWpO0OkseuKWdhN3q5MsYYdwec657w-EX9FwaqPH0uq0lYBy-wFr5GbbckI/s1600/Julia.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
She tilted her head slightly. "How did you know?"<br />
<br />
He hesitated briefly, and then said, "I knew you would get bored with the party scene eventually, so I took a chance that this would be the day."<br />
<br />
"Really?" She asked skeptically. <br />
<br />
"Really." He smiled at her. <br />
<br />
She pursed her lips. She was still a bit puzzled, how in the world had he really known? She certainly had never thought she'd ever see the day when partying every weekend would get old and tiresome. He said the strangest of things at time, like the time he let slip that he thought he was her Guardian. <br />
<br />
Her Guardian? Ha! The thought still amused her, she was the one always stepping in and defending him when he wouldn't defend himself. Yet he thought he was her Guardian. The irony. Then she had remembered, oh yeah. Her family had had bodyguards off and on throughout the years, before either she or her mother had even been born, whenever they felt the family was in danger--especially after that whole kidnapping episode with her grandmother and her Uncle Brae.<br />
<br />
So she had figured out that he must be from that place, the one that started with a C and was horrendously long and hard to pronounce. It explained quite a bit about him as well, like his choice of clothes, and his odd speech. At first she had even been a little miffed that his reasons for hanging around her weren't what she wanted them to be; but eventually she got over that, and started to look on the positive side of things.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisB1L2M2SEiTUU7YJEIz7DsAFCKZv13MAE1EABydu0a5ItV43WJLNdgfeJvtH3o0KQAOi9_Pfuv4iAeCeSYdoECwUR4aCyulod2DcGGBntxI8NYaJdphnuaV00uevTLjdQrBltamFfrGs/s1600/Julia1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisB1L2M2SEiTUU7YJEIz7DsAFCKZv13MAE1EABydu0a5ItV43WJLNdgfeJvtH3o0KQAOi9_Pfuv4iAeCeSYdoECwUR4aCyulod2DcGGBntxI8NYaJdphnuaV00uevTLjdQrBltamFfrGs/s1600/Julia1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Since she had a bodyguard now, she could go
swimming or diving whenever she wanted. Her grandpa always told her
never go alone, that it wasn't safe, but now she always had someone
nearby; unless, of course, she told him in no uncertain words to go away. He was never happy when she did so, but he always complied. It
was a major drag to have him at a party, his very presence was too much of a distraction for her. She was still trying to ignore certain unwanted feelings. <br />
<br />
His peculiar words were eating at her though, and she didn't know why, there was just something about the way he had said, "You're earlier than I was expecting." His tone of voice, his body language, it was all hard to pinpoint but she could swear it was like he had some sort of foreknowledge. That he had somehow known for certain
that she would be there tonight, and so he had come.<br />
<br />
Aggravated with her crazy
thoughts, she shrugged them off and sighed. She was being fanciful
again, and letting her imagination run away with her. What was she
expecting him to say? That he could read her mind? That he somehow
knew the future? She was being freaking ridiculous.<br />
<br />
"So...did you have fun?"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwi1otbCOzQ1Ck-2N5g8mx3Q7c0bY4G9H-e51rZK_9wksHlULBIxY5t17ToLndXPBV8arAH4BrfZcuCCZLEdjpF55TqSPuq6SaeiXh-HbOvK65O_LUvk_N6IY4rZ7o5mWcV8CawMUX-ZQ/s1600/Julia2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwi1otbCOzQ1Ck-2N5g8mx3Q7c0bY4G9H-e51rZK_9wksHlULBIxY5t17ToLndXPBV8arAH4BrfZcuCCZLEdjpF55TqSPuq6SaeiXh-HbOvK65O_LUvk_N6IY4rZ7o5mWcV8CawMUX-ZQ/s1600/Julia2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"Did I have..." Was he being serious? Sometimes it was so hard to tell with him, he had such a good poker face. "Let's just say I was ready to go, and leave it at that."<br />
<br />
"He loves you, you know." <br />
<br />
She frowned. "What have you been smoking? And what the h*ll are you talking about?" He could be so cryptic, it drove her crazy. He drove her crazy, and yet, somehow, despite that, not only were they still good friends, but she still wished he would think of her as more than just a friend. She needed her head examined. <br />
<br />
"What have I been smoking?" His facial expression showed his confusion. "Nothing Julia. That is a harmful habit, as I have told you many times."<br />
<br />
She sighed. He still never seemed to understand common expressions. "It's just an expression. It means, you're acting weird again."<br />
<br />
"Oh." He studied her for a moment. "I was referring to your mate, Gunther."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGSAdjAo5_at58_pdaMlk09K8Z9zF5tIsM3E0vuSz-8ocjh0LVoceYRslBYuDcqAykb-s2P4nrk5NivQreBseOy046IOKLYNZucBkBh3brBdIo9FwzWgal3CnfjjPZue7Y4E7GdyP3Xcg/s1600/Julia3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGSAdjAo5_at58_pdaMlk09K8Z9zF5tIsM3E0vuSz-8ocjh0LVoceYRslBYuDcqAykb-s2P4nrk5NivQreBseOy046IOKLYNZucBkBh3brBdIo9FwzWgal3CnfjjPZue7Y4E7GdyP3Xcg/s1600/Julia3.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"My mate?" She rolled her eyes. "I told you Rian, Gunther is just my boyfriend, not my mate. We're not even that serious."<br />
<br />
He shrugged, and let the subject drop.<br />
<br />
She heard herself saying, "I'm going to break up with him."; and felt as if a huge weight had fallen off her shoulders. That decision was finally made, and she knew it was the right one, now she just had to break the news to Gunther. She hated the thought of hurting Gunther, she really did care about him, just not enough.<br />
<br />
"Why?" Rian asked.<br />
<br />
She met his eyes; they were as blue and calm as the ocean deep, and she felt stripped
bare beneath his gaze, like he could see all of her faults and failures,
her hopes and dreams, everything that she was, all in one glance. She couldn't bear it, to feel that vulnerable, and she quickly looked away. "I love another." She held her breath, and waited to see how he would react.<br />
<br />
His brow furrowed. "You love another?" He parroted back to her. "But...who?" he asked in surprise.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji9O1B6m2oobQ_W8zs24AzbWc2a7pNGsMBVnRvHzQix448LqfWVLIGsvE4d4Xek0lPuSC3iqQLOWvsl6jcmeyw3rbyvkmlzaRZQMu6h32MZjJ9SfTGAOp3GSY1-YPIGONx-8td3_Itcxo/s1600/Julia4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji9O1B6m2oobQ_W8zs24AzbWc2a7pNGsMBVnRvHzQix448LqfWVLIGsvE4d4Xek0lPuSC3iqQLOWvsl6jcmeyw3rbyvkmlzaRZQMu6h32MZjJ9SfTGAOp3GSY1-YPIGONx-8td3_Itcxo/s1600/Julia4.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
So went her theory that he could foretell the future, she had known it was a stupid idea anyway. He was just strange and clueless, and she felt unreasonably angry at him. Why didn't he show any romantic interest in her? All the other guys did, but did she want them? No, of course not.<br />
<br />
"I have displeased you in some manner?"<br />
<br />
She gave a tiny shake of her head. "I'm fine, just tired of this day. I think I'm going to go home." She turned and started to walk away.<br />
<br />
"Julia! Wait!" He sounded confused. "What..."<br />
<br />
She didn't turn back around to face him, she was afraid she just might say something that she might regret, her tongue did tend to run away from her when she was upset. Her mother was forever telling her, "Julia, act in haste,
repent in leisure.", like it was some sort of mantra.<br />
<br />
And really, what could she say? They were friends, and if that was all he felt, then she would have to deal with it. Somehow. It was far better than losing him completely over some stupid declaration of love, wasn't it? And what did she know about love anyway? She said over her shoulder, "It's not you, it's just me."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihWfmdv-h489XyW8BuHjlbXhFadAWWbkZuZxx3b7ip9Rf5pEaX8gfG_6XYtzXcXQQ5rugAPNWDDl7R84NxwZSUgH9s-xSJX-O31WQFiFLaE8kaC1ahj8nK48Z6AjQqQAbLj0TEbhWFUmk/s1600/Julia5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihWfmdv-h489XyW8BuHjlbXhFadAWWbkZuZxx3b7ip9Rf5pEaX8gfG_6XYtzXcXQQ5rugAPNWDDl7R84NxwZSUgH9s-xSJX-O31WQFiFLaE8kaC1ahj8nK48Z6AjQqQAbLj0TEbhWFUmk/s1600/Julia5.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
"Please do not leave in this manner, if I have somehow offended you with my words, then..."<br />
<br />
Julia bit her lip, tempted to stay, but she knew better. She had to do some serious soul searching, and figure out just what she wanted, and what she was willing to risk to get what she wanted. In short, she needed a plan of action. <br />
<br />
<br />
~<>~<br />
<br />
<br />
"What's wrong Sweetie?"<br />
<br />
"Nothing." Julia mumbled as she took another forkful of pancake.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsCEomdeADWGytQpZMGlhcV36EXoC2JpOg17hrCC48yCWx9xMwnavj_w7rIf-PV3jKz464mTHh1Lvu4A_-zZtCfoL3kA982vj9Eo80WhT9Vz-LyiDckBOGK5WrrVR2Q21bkAw6TU0GtTA/s1600/Skye.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsCEomdeADWGytQpZMGlhcV36EXoC2JpOg17hrCC48yCWx9xMwnavj_w7rIf-PV3jKz464mTHh1Lvu4A_-zZtCfoL3kA982vj9Eo80WhT9Vz-LyiDckBOGK5WrrVR2Q21bkAw6TU0GtTA/s1600/Skye.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
"Really?" Skye watched her daughter eat for a few minutes. "Did you have a fight with one of your friends?"<br />
<br />
Julia sighed. "No, Mom, I didn't have a fight with one of my friends."<br />
<br />
"Not that I don't enjoy seeing you Julia, but you've been home all week. Are you sick?" She asked worriedly. "Maybe you need to see the doctor."<br />
<br />
"Have I been that bad Mom? That I spend a few nights at home and you think I'm sick, or sad, or something."<br />
<br />
"Well," her mom said thoughtfully, "I know you're a busy girl, with your own life and everything, and...all." She finished lamely. "I'm just usually lucky to briefly see you before I go to work, and then you have all your afternoon activities and your friends after school and on weekends, so I...worry, when you haven't gone anywhere or done anything this whole past week, it's...unlike you. Is everything okay with you and Gunther?"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7IHbqiczV-zJo25ePb3zg4YYC5vXXu2f3KECdtovm4-Fn_skOPMIVt-MC4BGSwO8Q_Lq-NJ30agDVze86vSXH6aHQmC2_BId-FEPfpPaFvH6yF3n6rs8Gwg9s_c5Yx4OPVs1MrliE1l0/s1600/Skye1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7IHbqiczV-zJo25ePb3zg4YYC5vXXu2f3KECdtovm4-Fn_skOPMIVt-MC4BGSwO8Q_Lq-NJ30agDVze86vSXH6aHQmC2_BId-FEPfpPaFvH6yF3n6rs8Gwg9s_c5Yx4OPVs1MrliE1l0/s1600/Skye1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Julia paused for a moment, and then turned towards her mother. "How did you know you loved Daddy?"<br />
<br />
"Oh, well." Skye said faintly. Julia wondered at the blush that stole across her mother's cheeks, she was sure there was a good story involved in that blush. "I met your father when I was about your age, your Aunt Luna had brought him home with her, she needed a model for her art project, and he was the model."<br />
<br />
Julia laughed. "Daddy? A model?" She tried to picture him as one, her straitlaced, uptight dad, and she couldn't do it. She giggled instead.<br />
<br />
Her mom smiled fondly. "Yeah, he was. Finest model I have ever seen." She cleared her throat. "Ahem. I was pretty shy though, and certain he was way out of my league, but he wasn't anything like how I had imagined him to be. Instead he was like my very own Prince Charming. He was so kind, and thoughtful, he listened, really listened, to what I had to say, he treated me like a lady, opening doors for me, pulling out my chair, and...he made me smile, it just gave me such joy to be with him, even if all we did was sit around and hold hands."<br />
<br />
Skye was quiet for several minutes, until Julia prompted her, "Mom?"<br />
<br />
"Sorry! Got lost in thought. There's more, " Skye said with a smile, "but I wouldn't want to embarrass you, or overwhelm you."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHjNfmbru8fXeBBMMzJ25Ec-BbQjIVt02bdxLkAE-EyCC3hVA6OvsHZAWe2RhfiVziw7Ay2VuB5TgzDXCtaHoybTwZf4-6pTGa6FSYZe9ChTw0FlMsD50GZUwwfsY1Rro-bEed_VG_MLI/s1600/Skye2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHjNfmbru8fXeBBMMzJ25Ec-BbQjIVt02bdxLkAE-EyCC3hVA6OvsHZAWe2RhfiVziw7Ay2VuB5TgzDXCtaHoybTwZf4-6pTGa6FSYZe9ChTw0FlMsD50GZUwwfsY1Rro-bEed_VG_MLI/s1600/Skye2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
After a few more minutes of silence, Skye tried a question. "So, why do you ask? Is it Gunther?"<br />
<br />
"Gunther?" Julia shook her head "No, not Gunther. We broke up last week." She sighed heavily. "It's someone else." She hesitated. "He's a friend, a good friend, and he's really never shown any interest in me <i>that</i> way, but I...I really, really like him. I just don't know what to do." <br />
<br />
"Really? My Julia not know what to do? Hmm. What's holding you back?"<br />
<br />
"I don't want to lose him. I mean sure, I'd like to be more than friends, but if he doesn't feel the same way, I just..."<br />
<br />
"Ah, fear. Julia, what we fear of doing most, is usually what we most need to do."<br />
<br />
"Another quote Mom?" Julia asked affectionately. "But thanks for the advice, you're right. Now don't keel over just because I said that! I think I know what to do now, I just have to figure out the how." Julia went back to eating her pancakes, her mind spinning a mile a second.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsibwNxbmmxTCx6avFIgf1GFVdfxGVhLix3ul3Y7QqI7KoLRiFq0fTqZW34HJgqYJm6Inbh9aDwUvWE2Lnhf1oWi1qkI8WnJOLWn_jwtYMKGtyv25l2vyXpJh7H0MHPTKn0QvNDInKR3s/s1600/Skye3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsibwNxbmmxTCx6avFIgf1GFVdfxGVhLix3ul3Y7QqI7KoLRiFq0fTqZW34HJgqYJm6Inbh9aDwUvWE2Lnhf1oWi1qkI8WnJOLWn_jwtYMKGtyv25l2vyXpJh7H0MHPTKn0QvNDInKR3s/s1600/Skye3.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"Julia, we may have our differences, but I do love you, and I only want what's best for you. I'm not so sure this boy you like is what's best for you, but regrets are a hard thing to live with."<br />
<br />
Julia picked up her plate, and headed for the sink; she kissed her mom's cheek as she passed by her. "I love you too Mom."<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
~<>~ <br />
<br />
<br />
Julia plopped down on the warm sand next to Rian. "I am so tired of school." she groaned. "I just want it to be over with already."<br />
<br />
Rian smiled. "Just a few more months until graduation, Julia."<br />
<br />
"Eternity." She said crankily.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU7TNy0fBsC9IDq4ynyk0h-opq3Qmm7lWypN9oOn5fIcwu_TwHcNia7EtN4trvi5pR-izEwZkPaP-xBqJGVguIKr2jgNh67e0cmYN_8pVzDjtad6gNMTsbjP5-8YsU3o4yp9b3Xum4GDM/s1600/beach1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU7TNy0fBsC9IDq4ynyk0h-opq3Qmm7lWypN9oOn5fIcwu_TwHcNia7EtN4trvi5pR-izEwZkPaP-xBqJGVguIKr2jgNh67e0cmYN_8pVzDjtad6gNMTsbjP5-8YsU3o4yp9b3Xum4GDM/s1600/beach1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
"Rian, can I ask you something?"<br />
<br />
"Yea, you may ask me anything you wish."<br />
<br />
"Will you answer truthfully?"<br />
<br />
"A guardian does not lie."<br />
<br />
He sounded affronted,but Julia wanted to be sure that he would answer her next question with complete honesty. She had spent nearly a month trying to find a nice, casual way to ask him if he could ever see her as more than a friend, only to realize she didn't really do subtlety. So why was she, once again, acting against her own nature?<br />
<br />
She didn't like to dwell on the answer to that question though.<br />
<br />
She laid her hand on his arm. "Do you think I'm pretty?"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS5uFOYzBXsxVrrFwEZAoELTQx1sKlgzm-RJwk-2p7ALXZwWXTXw5iydsgLn1N9gFbn_Lpzu32JN94hrhCj41Gfx0S1R-sTtC83-3-s9LzfVbvvjCWdhRJ8xYzxHZzexT3qDf_Z0Yyd5Q/s1600/beach2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS5uFOYzBXsxVrrFwEZAoELTQx1sKlgzm-RJwk-2p7ALXZwWXTXw5iydsgLn1N9gFbn_Lpzu32JN94hrhCj41Gfx0S1R-sTtC83-3-s9LzfVbvvjCWdhRJ8xYzxHZzexT3qDf_Z0Yyd5Q/s1600/beach2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"Do I...?" He sputtered.<br />
<br />
"You promised to tell me the truth."<br />
<br />
"Why would you ask such a thing?" He hedged.<br />
<br />
"Well, you've never once tried to kiss me. All the other boys have."<br />
<br />
"Julia, I think this conversation is quite improper and..."<br />
<br />
"Just answer the question, Rian." She snapped. "Truthfully, do you find me attractive at all?"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxV0Gb6KOAmUzEdYdf5jN4-wXa8nYggoWpMdXxH56_6Sof2s1r3alYPX4Xneee433Q_T3U4SmFgVXaL30GD03sov4xJuz8dCgCeN9ib6mTCzrCBma3UtBcHgG9fBF8Yc8760aEf-RInfs/s1600/beach3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxV0Gb6KOAmUzEdYdf5jN4-wXa8nYggoWpMdXxH56_6Sof2s1r3alYPX4Xneee433Q_T3U4SmFgVXaL30GD03sov4xJuz8dCgCeN9ib6mTCzrCBma3UtBcHgG9fBF8Yc8760aEf-RInfs/s1600/beach3.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"It is not a hardship for me to look upon your form or your face."<br />
<br />
She stared at him, nonplussed. "What the h*ll does that mean?"<br />
<br />
He blushed. "Really Julia, this conversation is..."<br />
<br />
"Just getting started." She finished for him. She cocked her head slightly and watched him quietly for a few minutes as he fidgeted about. He absent mindedly scratched at his chest and cleared his throat several times. Suddenly she smiled. "You do like me."<br />
<br />
"Well, of course I like you."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP6L2HlNHsDzuXwNf6dOMt1LmIoQVF-VZPDknx13DGU-e75rOpdbXxJEVB7JOTxFox6r-8gUZI9ZQM6LJbqG9JMxDZz2gG1eda3xWx6WyHFx9W-QU3e3u7JXmwKa2BhpUsxk0i_-VQ2ZY/s1600/beach4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP6L2HlNHsDzuXwNf6dOMt1LmIoQVF-VZPDknx13DGU-e75rOpdbXxJEVB7JOTxFox6r-8gUZI9ZQM6LJbqG9JMxDZz2gG1eda3xWx6WyHFx9W-QU3e3u7JXmwKa2BhpUsxk0i_-VQ2ZY/s1600/beach4.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"That's why you're prevaricating, because you do find me attractive. Have you ever thought about kissing me?"<br />
<br />
Rian choked. "It would be inappropriate for me to have such thoughts. Now, I think..."<br />
<br />
"So you have thought about kissing me."<br />
<br />
"That is not what I said." He said grumpily.<br />
<br />
She smiled at him. "You didn't say no, instead you talked some nonsense about it being inappropriate."<br />
<br />
"It is inappropriate. I am a guardian, and as such..."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRJU2M2xYVGTApc8F1mOmnhEN1m033rcC_8YwiWtVGLMy5TJO_czVqkNbcJeWgOXXm7qUaLA3BeXdyuJoIzTkPpB1eRG0RUNze0zmYSVC9xck3HoCIY-wb7wGeJ5Qw6hAiyoN_oGszvD0/s1600/beach7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRJU2M2xYVGTApc8F1mOmnhEN1m033rcC_8YwiWtVGLMy5TJO_czVqkNbcJeWgOXXm7qUaLA3BeXdyuJoIzTkPpB1eRG0RUNze0zmYSVC9xck3HoCIY-wb7wGeJ5Qw6hAiyoN_oGszvD0/s1600/beach7.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
"Oh, is that what has your panties in a twist? Well, that's easy enough to fix. You're fired, you are no longer my bodyguard. There, see? All fixed."<br />
<br />
"Panties in a twist?" He echoed, confused. "What does that mea..." Then his eyes widened. "Oh no, that won't do at all Julia, it is my solemn and sworn duty to watch after you and..."<br />
<br />
"Is it the money? Are you broke?"<br />
<br />
"Money?" He blinked. "What? No, I have sufficient funds in which to live comfortably, I..."<br />
<br />
Julia interrupted him again. "Cool, then there's no problem."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwNzW-DITyyvoqUedmE1d1-Q8wXfQaAX0gVIK9f4y-g33uaR8Tgm7R_2UCIPoaZvETv-zJvYtZVTDadYvVVENHzSVF1bYnUc1kHVtoWD4bkd2UuECQqanN-fOpvYnc7R6Q45s-ip0YAXA/s1600/beach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwNzW-DITyyvoqUedmE1d1-Q8wXfQaAX0gVIK9f4y-g33uaR8Tgm7R_2UCIPoaZvETv-zJvYtZVTDadYvVVENHzSVF1bYnUc1kHVtoWD4bkd2UuECQqanN-fOpvYnc7R6Q45s-ip0YAXA/s1600/beach.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
He sighed. "You have a bad habit of not listening very well."<br />
<br />
"So I've been told." She began to lightly caress his arm, and he froze, but he didn't stop her. "You have such an amazing body." She sighed.<br />
<br />
"Julia, listen..."<br />
<br />
"I thought we both just agreed I am terrible with the listening part. I'm more into action."<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIMa51fB7w_qAl33blHDyxz1kZmeHhZtuD6YkxCVbwSBD5_tp2SyWTvjUVrt7K7kyOAz_DbnApa62B5MtxDG7NOaWF3_5BujIkesmuBlhPmgekYEqmUdkBstf24GSTTQf4MT0siwx0OTo/s1600/beach5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIMa51fB7w_qAl33blHDyxz1kZmeHhZtuD6YkxCVbwSBD5_tp2SyWTvjUVrt7K7kyOAz_DbnApa62B5MtxDG7NOaWF3_5BujIkesmuBlhPmgekYEqmUdkBstf24GSTTQf4MT0siwx0OTo/s1600/beach5.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
She leaned in closer to him, and let her hand follow the contours of his chest.<br />
<br />
He sucked in a breath. "This is ill advised and..." his voice trailed off as Julia suddenly moved, and straddled him.<br />
<br />
"...inappropriate?" She added helpfully.<br />
<br />
He swallowed hard. "Yes! Inappropriate. Very inappropriate. Very, very, inappropriate. I am much older than you are and..."<br />
<br />
She laughed. "Ha! Unless you had to repeat several years of school, you have to be about the same age I am, right? I'll be eighteen in four months, so that makes you, what? Seventeen? Eighteen? Maybe nineteen at the oldest. I'm right, am I not?" She took his silence as a yes. "I knew it."<br />
<br />
"Julia," he said desperately, "this is not a good idea." <br />
<br />
"I disagree, I think I should have taken action a long time ago." Her hands roamed over his broad shoulders, and she looked up to find him watching her with heat in his eyes. His hands came up, and grabbed her hips, and lighting thrummed through her veins. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB9N1ce78o0QjZRLmHW5pUxqVdflOpPfLR-3DTWViNuBinPtsth80ML2EaBci3XWYQl7tIfOKfMorw8Hk3QpTzVUpV3aE_yxCMBHyGzaoL70vWtSYrTcDCLp0YiyYmAerb3cyermzAV8g/s1600/beach8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB9N1ce78o0QjZRLmHW5pUxqVdflOpPfLR-3DTWViNuBinPtsth80ML2EaBci3XWYQl7tIfOKfMorw8Hk3QpTzVUpV3aE_yxCMBHyGzaoL70vWtSYrTcDCLp0YiyYmAerb3cyermzAV8g/s1600/beach8.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
He was so much more...powerful...than Gunther had been. She had enjoyed being with Gunther, but he had never inspired such volcanic feelings within her as Rian inspired. Just the touch of Rian's hands on her hips made her body burn. She craved more, and she began to wiggle her hips, experimentally at first, and then more deliberately as she figured out what she liked, and what he liked. He hissed, almost as if he was in pain; and she could feel the hardness of him beneath her. She moaned his name. "Touch me Rian. I need..."<br />
<br />
He groaned. "Most inadvisable." He ignored his own words though and reached up with one hand to cup her breast. "You are so beautiful." he whispered. The fire was spreading through her, and she was impatient with the barrier of clothes that separated his hand from her flesh. She reached up behind her to untie her swimsuit top, but before she could, Rian flipped her over onto her back, and pinned her down.<br />
<br />
"Julia." He was breathing heavily. "We cannot do this."<br />
<br />
She ignored his words. "Kiss me." She squirmed beneath him, and used her legs to hold him to her.<br />
<br />
"Julia." He nuzzled her neck. "We must stop." <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlPi7hmR0q0pLBxfM1EogODiNOKcKDaVupc7FVKeH9h0TBTahRuN9Pwhsn9_6Fyu0JcyFCLkrnA3-ItTChujoWz7A2Vmvx3qHffz_5Vk_NTK1s7S6ElmCW2rV6kWB8G3Ecl043WH50Vns/s1600/beach9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlPi7hmR0q0pLBxfM1EogODiNOKcKDaVupc7FVKeH9h0TBTahRuN9Pwhsn9_6Fyu0JcyFCLkrnA3-ItTChujoWz7A2Vmvx3qHffz_5Vk_NTK1s7S6ElmCW2rV6kWB8G3Ecl043WH50Vns/s1600/beach9.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"Mmm." She murmured. "Not yet, you still haven't kissed me."<br />
<br />
"Julia, there are things you don't know about me, important things."<br />
<br />
She frowned. "Do you have a girlfriend? Are you engaged or married?"<br />
<br />
"No, no and no, but..."<br />
<br />
"That is all I need to know." She kissed his cheek and then his jaw.<br />
<br />
"Julia..."<br />
<br />
"You talk too much." She tightened her thighs around him. "I want..."<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMUCTYCD3sOAt6_iSrntC8SD0XV6XhCVodTFDGIyWTeXw_k3c1GiEjqg8p1OFJfkWpiUeR0VoRmerti9NbEoeWx7lnZUm3h0vACFIAqBsnCrJHlA_XFpT7WooLrTKq_E2EsG_1b20hjAo/s1600/beach10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMUCTYCD3sOAt6_iSrntC8SD0XV6XhCVodTFDGIyWTeXw_k3c1GiEjqg8p1OFJfkWpiUeR0VoRmerti9NbEoeWx7lnZUm3h0vACFIAqBsnCrJHlA_XFpT7WooLrTKq_E2EsG_1b20hjAo/s1600/beach10.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
He pulled his head up, and looked at her. "Not this way Julia." He said, seriously. "Maybe after graduation, we can resume our," he coughed, "discussion about this." Rian wanted nothing more than to meet the demands of both her body and his, but he couldn't let go of his conscience, no matter how much he wanted to. He was supposed to be keeping her safe, not rolling around in the sand with her, mere moments away from stripping her swimsuit off and...he cut the thought off. Thoughts like that were not helpful.<br />
<br />
He had not anticipated this particular problem. He had known his mission would be difficult, but out of all the scenarios he had imagined, not one of them was anything like the situation he currently found himself in. All it had taken was one touch of her hand, and he had been lost. He still didn't understand it, none of it computed. It wasn't supposed to happen this way.<br />
<br />
He was painfully aware that his body didn't need it to make sense, that his body didn't even care; and Julia was lying underneath him, moving her hips in a way that was slowly driving him mad; her legs still wrapped tightly around him. He closed his eyes against the temptation. It would be so easy to follow through with the promise in her eyes, but it wouldn't be right. He gently untangled himself from her, and stood up, dusting the sand off of him. Julia silently followed suit. "Julia, you just need more time to think about..."<br />
<br />
"I don't need the time Rian, you do."<br />
<br />
He looked down, and slowly nodded his head. "Perhaps you are right."<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0nGcd2WU6T4QI8OMENp8wl5-VjJEH0jccygRnMHcUfm3_mFjgkPc0eF4ymX3GiaE_fq2Rd_I-wCDGH54B4pqU_LyxKMEoNMzq9mF3CBDoP1IhOst6cs0oPRaS84vQ0wtO11VDPVuW02U/s1600/beach11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0nGcd2WU6T4QI8OMENp8wl5-VjJEH0jccygRnMHcUfm3_mFjgkPc0eF4ymX3GiaE_fq2Rd_I-wCDGH54B4pqU_LyxKMEoNMzq9mF3CBDoP1IhOst6cs0oPRaS84vQ0wtO11VDPVuW02U/s1600/beach11.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
There was no perhaps about it, he knew she was right. He needed more time, more time to make sure that his actions didn't have disastrous repercussions. She wasn't supposed to be with him, he had to have made an error or a miscalculation somewhere. If he had, he needed to rectify it immediately, or his mission would fail, and that was unacceptable. "It is still the wisest course of action, and it's only a few months." Why did he find this slip of a girl so alluring? It defied all logic.<br />
<br />
"Only a few months?" she huffed. "Easy for you to say."<br />
<br />
"Not so easy." he muttered under his breath, but she heard him anyway.<br />
<br />
"So, graduation is the magical day?"<br />
<br />
He nodded his head yes, he would agree to anything to gain more time. Surely in four months time he would have it all figured out? <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaDOqke7Rn8D1VaCbUGDyPZTyPUdUTY_PkgyIRz2xjSqpaCayparl5G0OTr6ZbMDQzQpAa9pJIZPC815I6JvtFvS6TMoxHFkYJZl6MENtl3WVXDcsAQTv3pr6WLwX01YPZECnB5xzKYJQ/s1600/beach12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaDOqke7Rn8D1VaCbUGDyPZTyPUdUTY_PkgyIRz2xjSqpaCayparl5G0OTr6ZbMDQzQpAa9pJIZPC815I6JvtFvS6TMoxHFkYJZl6MENtl3WVXDcsAQTv3pr6WLwX01YPZECnB5xzKYJQ/s1600/beach12.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"You probably expect me to change my mind, but I won't." She warned him. "I've already done my soul searching, I know what I want, now it's your turn to do yours, and figure out what you want." She smiled mischievously at him. "Which is me. I promise to make it easier on you."<br />
<br />
He sighed. "That's what I'm afraid of."<br />
<br />
Her eyes danced. "There is something between us Rian, I have felt it for a long time, and now I know it wasn't all one sided. You felt it too. You won't be able to resist for long, and I promise you on the night we graduate, I'll be there, on your doorstep, and we can finish this, then." She walked up closer to him. "Until then, I'll be sure to give you a little taste every so often as a reminder of what's to come." She pressed a soft kiss onto his abdomen, and she felt his whole body shudder. "I'll see you later." She blew him a kiss and walked off.<br />
<br />
Rian couldn't tear his eyes off of her as she waltzed away from him. Had he actually made things better for himself, or worse? He feared the latter.<br />
<br />
____________________________________________________________________________<br />
<br />
Notes: So. many. poses. *grumbles* I really wanted to be lazy, but I just couldn't make it work, lol<br />
<br />
Please ignore all the clipping and other stuff, like grammar, I did! Haha! :P <br />
<br />
Julia is fun, she is strong willed, a little on the blunt side, and a lot impatient. haha! I don't remember if I ever wrote down her traits, so far they are: Rebellious, Daredevil, Excitable and Hopeless Romantic. She is definitely a handful.<br />
<br />
I think Gunther is pretty cute as a teen, a change of hairstyle, skin, and clothes sure did wonders for him! <br />
<br />
I haven't forgotten about the rest of the family, there's plenty of drama coming up next chapter. I do believe Hawk has run out of time...<br />
<br />
Questions/Comments are always welcomed! Thanks for reading! =)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Nirarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15253184399668018141noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2767753407529003708.post-80626182373691385112014-11-29T17:02:00.000-08:002014-11-29T17:02:14.687-08:00Chapter 88: Julia<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
Warning: Language</h3>
<br />
<br />
Skye carefully picked her daughter up, grateful for the few moments alone with her. She loved her family, and she understood why they were so concerned about her, but their constant hovering over her was driving her mad. She wasn't an invalid, she just had to be careful, her body was still healing from its ordeal.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil_1_NvGB8Nze8dCxrWY7aNR0GinAB_m3j6LBAnVJsn_8xYJ2snVefhrd2fV2po1hsDZp6EKPflaGAjyADZSg6IL2yTPkUcaVKd-KG9oXGv1_n8jRtl0C2soZnmmiSMhwhUX5JfJigRNQ/s1600/Skye+and+Julia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil_1_NvGB8Nze8dCxrWY7aNR0GinAB_m3j6LBAnVJsn_8xYJ2snVefhrd2fV2po1hsDZp6EKPflaGAjyADZSg6IL2yTPkUcaVKd-KG9oXGv1_n8jRtl0C2soZnmmiSMhwhUX5JfJigRNQ/s1600/Skye+and+Julia.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
She was just thankful that she had only missed six weeks of Julia's life, it could have been much worse. She could have missed out on all of her daughter's life. She snuggled Julia, and breathed in her baby scent. She was sad that Julia would be her only child, that she was physically unable to have any more. Sad, and yet, she counted herself blessed to have her daughter, and she would do it all over again if given the choice.<br />
<br />
Her daughter was well worth it. She looked down at her baby and smiled. "Just think Julia, of all the fun we can have as you get older. There will be tea parties, and dancing lessons, and frilly dresses and..." Skye sighed happily. "It will be wonderful."<br />
<br />
Julia started to fuss, and Skye tried to soothe her daughter by rocking her in her arms, but Julia was having none of it. Her little lips pursed, and she began to wail. Skye raised Julia up, and blew raspberries on her daughter's tummy. It was enough to startle a smile out of her, and interrupt her crying.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGZiA2sA79n46Ll2q-auuUU0aafkbXNIeWulUXWTGwzfmfX7Lp6ieCH6XMO0GZrhuYZY9JptVVIJL5P1wKdsPLBHYOv0HqSoaNK8kUGXu65AhppOcv6tIKH8kj80ETKvXKWmffa4oozhM/s1600/Skye+and+Julia1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGZiA2sA79n46Ll2q-auuUU0aafkbXNIeWulUXWTGwzfmfX7Lp6ieCH6XMO0GZrhuYZY9JptVVIJL5P1wKdsPLBHYOv0HqSoaNK8kUGXu65AhppOcv6tIKH8kj80ETKvXKWmffa4oozhM/s1600/Skye+and+Julia1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"Hey, is everything okay in here?"<br />
<br />
Skye met the concerned glance of her husband. "We're fine." She assured him.<br />
<br />
"Hmm." He answered non committedly, and he walked closer and put his arm around his girls. "Hello Pumpkin, you're not giving your Mama a hard time now, are you?"<br />
<br />
Skye rolled her eyes. "Hawk, she's a baby, babies cry."<br />
<br />
He grunted. "I know. I just..."<br />
<br />
"Relax Hawk, I'm fine, Julia's fine, we're all fine, okay?" She smiled at him.<br />
<br />
He sighed. "Okay."<br />
<br />
<br />
~<>~<br />
<br />
<br />
"So, Kalen, I was wondering..." Rebecca paused for a moment for effect, "if you already had a date for Prom? If you didn't...maybe we could go together?"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTfTqhQ7yP3aahZfRcEjZGzst8W6RTydXZIIhXK4m7fm1gnlRQZKppTS5d-hlLHabhxQCAJph9dg_JDlEBErZnm3ekMWel7nboJijKJdxK3E_d3PiaSuCPw-MxBIYUZa1ROW0qh9FOufc/s1600/Kalen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTfTqhQ7yP3aahZfRcEjZGzst8W6RTydXZIIhXK4m7fm1gnlRQZKppTS5d-hlLHabhxQCAJph9dg_JDlEBErZnm3ekMWel7nboJijKJdxK3E_d3PiaSuCPw-MxBIYUZa1ROW0qh9FOufc/s1600/Kalen.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Kalen thought Rebecca was a really nice girl, but he just wasn't interested in her, that way, and she never seemed to take a hint. He was only at her house, because her brother was one of his good friends, not because he like liked her. Besides that, he hated dancing, so why would he want to go to the stupid Prom? It was a waste of time and money, he could be doing something much more fun.<br />
<br />
He frowned. Just about anything was more fun than dancing. "No, I'm not going. How about you?"<br />
<br />
She shrugged, disappointed. "I was thinking about going, but I don't have a date." She looked up at him, her eyes hopeful. "That's why I was hoping you were still free, so we could together."<br />
<br />
He hated to hurt her feelings, but he didn't want to give her false hope either. "Sorry."<br />
<br />
<br />
~<>~<br />
<br />
<br />
"Pwetties." Julia pointed towards the window. "Pwetties!"<br />
<br />
Hawk smiled at his daughter, ever since he had taken her outside to see the stars in the night sky, it was all she could talk about. "Stars. Yes they are pretty aren't they?" It was hard to believe that Julia was already toddler. It seemed like she had just been born a few days ago, but now here she was. Walking, talking, and already strongly asserting her own opinions.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj43wZ8iyXS_oDcgf9Y_GdFpKcT6YnKB0IMiX6JzWHrQ0W-bFDsR9w5UekEv7JQK8gU_uAYjQEO_PqV7V7jnK-LvnegejOE2ksh4b3Q3EUukjXmAXWAKR_xYd3u4RoKM7qSVyLEiAkRYOU/s1600/Hawk+and+Julia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj43wZ8iyXS_oDcgf9Y_GdFpKcT6YnKB0IMiX6JzWHrQ0W-bFDsR9w5UekEv7JQK8gU_uAYjQEO_PqV7V7jnK-LvnegejOE2ksh4b3Q3EUukjXmAXWAKR_xYd3u4RoKM7qSVyLEiAkRYOU/s1600/Hawk+and+Julia.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"Pwetties." She said stubbornly. <br />
<br />
"Yes, they're pretty Julia. Those are stars, remember?"<br />
<br />
Julia frowned, and the hand held monitor next to her started to shake a little. "No tars! Pwetties!"<br />
<br />
Hawk picked her up. "Okay Pumpkin, calm down." He rubbed her back in soothing circles, and slowly he could feel her small body start to relax. He was glad that his daughter had a stubborn streak as far as the Ocean was wide, she might need it someday, but sometimes...<br />
<br />
...sometimes it was just a huge headache to deal with, and he wished for a more pliable daughter. Especially when she got an idea in her head, and wouldn't let go of it, no matter what. Today it was the stars outside, but what about tomorrow? He sighed, it was up to him to teach her how to control her powers, so that no one, including herself, got hurt.<br />
<br />
She started to arch her back, and wiggle. "Need down! I pee! Pee!"<br />
<br />
"Okay, okay, hang on."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB-Kz90vBckugS5wJ_0ywFOss7Csvw-nHeYxP-m_Nm5c24e4MF8k0eFM4XigLQuK8-J1QKM8FWMglKZQQF2gG35JI7_6FgKjiIslgq-urop1PWxGxqiBtWIjNSMnVIBGpQ04i5fF9bM0s/s1600/Hawk+and+Julia2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB-Kz90vBckugS5wJ_0ywFOss7Csvw-nHeYxP-m_Nm5c24e4MF8k0eFM4XigLQuK8-J1QKM8FWMglKZQQF2gG35JI7_6FgKjiIslgq-urop1PWxGxqiBtWIjNSMnVIBGpQ04i5fF9bM0s/s1600/Hawk+and+Julia2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Julia decided he was too close, and she pushed him away. "No! I do it!" <br />
<br />
He held his hands up. "Okay, Little Miss Independent<i>." </i><br />
<br />
"I done!" Julia announced. She held her hands out. "Ucky! Ucky!"<br />
<br />
Hawk brought her over to the sink, and helped her wash her hands. Skye had been determined to teach their daughter good habits from the very beginning, sometimes it even worked, like with the handwashing. Julia liked to splash around in the water and wash her hands. "There, all clean." he said as he wiped her hands dry with a towel. "Now, I think it's sleepy time for you."<br />
<br />
"No! I no seepy!"<br />
<br />
"Not sleepy?" Hawk said in mock surprise. "Don't you want to go swimming with Grumpa later?"<br />
<br />
"I sim! Gunpa! Me! Me!" <br />
<br />
Hawk chuckled. "Okay, me, me, you need to take a nap first, and then you can go with Grumpa."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFDpJw8ms0NwtsKpmMjka5tzSEiOh3cBYXlD_ePvk_IhiuAhhsbQhOy8ziIduxUeqmfUiI1p8MK9Ercc0m3Oioot6rRDLjBq4mZzM5yEj2K13Ifbp2G2_pWQVa0qgiLwfCKqa1bF1QBo4/s1600/Hawk+and+Julia3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFDpJw8ms0NwtsKpmMjka5tzSEiOh3cBYXlD_ePvk_IhiuAhhsbQhOy8ziIduxUeqmfUiI1p8MK9Ercc0m3Oioot6rRDLjBq4mZzM5yEj2K13Ifbp2G2_pWQVa0qgiLwfCKqa1bF1QBo4/s1600/Hawk+and+Julia3.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Julia laid down without further complaint, and closed her eyes. Hawk watched his daughter for a moment, and tried not to feel jealous of his father in law. His father in law seemed to have the magic touch with females of all ages, even the toddler ones.<br />
<br />
Julia loved spending time with her Grandpa, and would do anything for him. Her mom and dad? Heck no, she fought them over every little thing. His father in law had over heard him talking to Skye about it one day, and had interrupted them to say, "The lil Spitfire has good taste birdboy, she must take after me." And then he had given Hawk that grin that irritated him to no end. That all knowing, blasted grin...<br />
<br />
<br />
~<>~<br />
<br />
<br />
"Okay lil Firecracker, are you ready?"<br />
<br />
Julia kicked her feet in the water. "Me! Me!"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmnSdhRS7eZNEyWdAPeqkT70bg_JYBoDAtKUU3vxiqjKWNOFmHttXBJot3v93g0U7-lL2NpGM64B-j5UlehShIRDtQCbT7TcgUHJqj5DtoDFE0VeOgi65l7vw3nCKVgSN4FG2iL7dxkM8/s1600/Colin+and+Julia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmnSdhRS7eZNEyWdAPeqkT70bg_JYBoDAtKUU3vxiqjKWNOFmHttXBJot3v93g0U7-lL2NpGM64B-j5UlehShIRDtQCbT7TcgUHJqj5DtoDFE0VeOgi65l7vw3nCKVgSN4FG2iL7dxkM8/s1600/Colin+and+Julia.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
He pulled her back, and swung her through the water. "One!" Julia giggled as he did it again. "Two!"<br />
<br />
"Tree!"<br />
<br />
"Three!" Colin threw her up high in air, and then caught her.<br />
<br />
Julia shrieked. "Gan! Gan!"<br />
<br />
"Do it again?"<br />
<br />
"Me!"<br />
<br />
"Okay Spitfire, you asked for it! One, two..."<br />
<br />
"Tree!"<br />
<br />
He threw her up into the air, and caught her.<br />
<br />
"Mo! Mo Gunpa! Mo!"<br />
<br />
Colin laughed. "My little adrenaline junkie." He said fondly.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZLd5CjpaGQqyagurfqZPXPcsvPaMxX0bpFhi4a_iWAru28D1RB2G2ol-bwhyphenhyphenTXHt2ouU6-3PkGWvho2Ykng_tngc2DN6RZfM6B-Y_C59xg5sSmFX9NSTb_6qFyxqwNGMhwYewN2VfbLk/s1600/Colin+and+Julia1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZLd5CjpaGQqyagurfqZPXPcsvPaMxX0bpFhi4a_iWAru28D1RB2G2ol-bwhyphenhyphenTXHt2ouU6-3PkGWvho2Ykng_tngc2DN6RZfM6B-Y_C59xg5sSmFX9NSTb_6qFyxqwNGMhwYewN2VfbLk/s1600/Colin+and+Julia1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
He happily threw her up into the air several more times, and then chuckled. Skye would have a f*cking cow fit if she could see them. Good thing for him, she was preoccupied with grading papers. He brought Julia closer to the water, and let her splash about.<br />
<br />
Julia kicked her feet, giggling when she managed to spray him with water. "Oh, you think that's funny do you?" He pretend growled.<br />
<br />
She splashed him again, and chortled, pleased with herself. "Gunpa wet!"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRmhECpKYOABb_vHHRdWsw9ksDMqUk3X1bZw8viXrM6_FG7MRB64qIy47ZxGGjBvfKyc0M5v6gmm85P0PTTkexgIG8eWehj53rfkBPpPT0ujDniRW6A4pXmmkXBjd1tjicRn6YO1oa1OI/s1600/Colin+and+Julia2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRmhECpKYOABb_vHHRdWsw9ksDMqUk3X1bZw8viXrM6_FG7MRB64qIy47ZxGGjBvfKyc0M5v6gmm85P0PTTkexgIG8eWehj53rfkBPpPT0ujDniRW6A4pXmmkXBjd1tjicRn6YO1oa1OI/s1600/Colin+and+Julia2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Colin loved all of his grandchildren equally, and spent as much time with them as they would let him, but he was especially close to Julia. They had really bonded, much to his daughter's chagrin. Skye was such a f*cking worrywart, always worried that something was going to happen Julia, and she fretted about it constantly. Colin grimaced. If she could put her daughter in a f*cking plastic bubble, then she would, all in the name of keeping Julia safe.<br />
<br />
Trouble was, Colin could recognize Julia's spirit, for it was a lot like his own. Rebellious. Only time would tell, but Colin had a hunch that Skye was going to have her hands full with this one. <br />
<br />
He swung Julia up, and held her above his head. He grinned at her. "You think soaking Grumpa is fun..."<br />
<br />
"Fun! Gunpa wet!" She giggled, her eyes were alight with mischief.<br />
<br />
He dragged her through the water again, and she squealed.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmlIJ3xP3plHfq9I_BjTP1PKHkwebgPj7Xyfdna1PzkkP229NQZwIQGiAr9oFBrOfqx0zMgaE8Ud_p31rMif5PHuYZWKAkq6C1c42kW4p1-UZ3tQcA2rlyDD8QzDAo_bYh77tfv1TbqjQ/s1600/Colin+and+Julia3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmlIJ3xP3plHfq9I_BjTP1PKHkwebgPj7Xyfdna1PzkkP229NQZwIQGiAr9oFBrOfqx0zMgaE8Ud_p31rMif5PHuYZWKAkq6C1c42kW4p1-UZ3tQcA2rlyDD8QzDAo_bYh77tfv1TbqjQ/s1600/Colin+and+Julia3.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Colin tipped a giggling Julia onto her back, and helped her float. Julia had no f*cking fear, and trusted him implicitly, which freaked the h*ll out of him in some ways. He pointed to the puffy white clouds in the sky. "Look Squirt, clouds. There's a monkey cloud, he's going to tickle you" He playfully waved his fingers above her as she laughed.<br />
<br />
She pointed up. "Pwetties!"<br />
<br />
"Is that so?" Colin looked up. "Well, I'll be, Miss Julia, you're right. Pretties they are!"<br />
<br />
She smiled smugly. "Pwetties."<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
~<>~<br />
<br />
<br />
Hawk glanced up at his wife as she came into the kitchen, holding a very vocal, unhappy Julia.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguDoiuddDvxdIDYPxq6H9Y159NQUKu-VtWB6AF1J2D-cp2GR3ZzQHykX2rb_O8YLBrlkvgUA7HkG6ncOXwlOkPSZCVR9MYPrqr7SvnxLUccrDq9jLTbdhELZPgMAR4UWngvPKis1LXzyQ/s1600/Skye+and+Julia2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguDoiuddDvxdIDYPxq6H9Y159NQUKu-VtWB6AF1J2D-cp2GR3ZzQHykX2rb_O8YLBrlkvgUA7HkG6ncOXwlOkPSZCVR9MYPrqr7SvnxLUccrDq9jLTbdhELZPgMAR4UWngvPKis1LXzyQ/s1600/Skye+and+Julia2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"She's being impossible today!" Skye said, exasperated. "She barely let me brush her hair, and she refuses to let me get her dressed!"<br />
<br />
"No dwess! No dwess!"<br />
<br />
"See!?" Skye closed her eyes for a moment, and searched within herself for one more strand of patience to deal with her stubborn daughter. "It's Saturday!" Skye wailed. "I had so many things I wanted to do with her today, like mother daughter shopping! They have the cutest dresses in that little shop downtown..."<br />
<br />
"No dwess! No dwess!" Julia hollered.<br />
<br />
"Well, Skye," Hawk said diplomatically, "maybe she's a little young for shopping. We could take her to the park though."<br />
<br />
Skye's face fell. "I suppose." She sighed. "I had so hoped, well, never mind that then. Julia, how about we go to..."<br />
<br />
Hawk watched the bowl of fruit in front of him start to shake. "Julia." He said sternly, trying to snap his daughter out of an impending fit. He was marginally successful, as the bowl stopped shaking, but Julia started wailing again.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS4mSOaAVDI5-lH98nXgCJnbNq5bcB36Rne4cknpGiYM9gU927Kq0AXRhtUCW6ddp8xdrF-FsPID1Rn9Evosk618uDuOmSXki2MnUbQkTDiEiJn1nwhZGRlZZWjoNh2yuGX7ST2xfAGtg/s1600/fruit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS4mSOaAVDI5-lH98nXgCJnbNq5bcB36Rne4cknpGiYM9gU927Kq0AXRhtUCW6ddp8xdrF-FsPID1Rn9Evosk618uDuOmSXki2MnUbQkTDiEiJn1nwhZGRlZZWjoNh2yuGX7ST2xfAGtg/s1600/fruit.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Hawk sighed, one disaster averted. He feared that her powers might develop more quickly than her maturity, and that would be frightful indeed.<br />
<br />
"Are you pinching that cute little baby Skye?" Luna asked, as she came over to see what the commotion was all about. Hawk really wished Luna would be more careful with her words, Skye already struggled with feeling inadequate as a mother.<br />
<br />
"No." Skye said, a little short. "I'm just trying to get my daughter to..." Skye's voice was drowned out by Julia's wails of no "dwess". "Julia, please calm down baby." She gently bounced Julia in her arms, but Julia wouldn't settle down, and continued to cry. "She's just so impossible sometimes!" Skye felt like crying along with her daughter. All she had wanted to do was spend some time with her on her day off, and have some fun. Motherhood was definitely not what she had expected it to be.<br />
<br />
"What the h*ll is all that noise?" Julia suddenly stopped crying, but her lower lip still quivered.<br />
<br />
"Dad!" Skye chastised her father. "No cursing around her, remember?"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMVhNnCYwx49XLkoLJ1lsARKOIZKHwpgMyVKwx8FrwwUiXzyDBAoWBHulhLYvrNOBQzLbsp2SEWK3XbERcifJnQ2IAsL5tPrZGwkCu28HZRMUQJGEkh8J1URBC4ec985_v4wRiNnpVRTY/s1600/Skye+and+Julia4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMVhNnCYwx49XLkoLJ1lsARKOIZKHwpgMyVKwx8FrwwUiXzyDBAoWBHulhLYvrNOBQzLbsp2SEWK3XbERcifJnQ2IAsL5tPrZGwkCu28HZRMUQJGEkh8J1URBC4ec985_v4wRiNnpVRTY/s1600/Skye+and+Julia4.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
"Hawk, would you take her, and see if you can do something with her, I just, I just..." Hawk held out his arms out and Skye tried to transfer Julia over, but she resisted. <br />
<br />
"No!" She howled. "Gunpa! Want Gunpa!"<br />
<br />
"Grumpa doesn't take howling monkeys." Colin said calmly. He watched as Julia processed what he said, and then calmed herself down. He held back a grin as she smiled at him, all winsome and sweet once again. He shook his head, the little faker, he was wise to her tricks.<br />
<br />
"Gunpa hug?" She held her arms out to him, and Colin looked to Skye for permission, who wearily shrugged and handed her daughter over.<br />
<br />
"I don't know why she behaves so well for you Dad, but I'm grateful for it."<br />
<br />
"Because I'm not her parent." Colin told her. "Grandparenting is way more fun, than parenting." He turned his attention to his granddaughter. "Now you lil firecracker you, how about you and I have a little chat about that temper of yours..." <br />
<br />
<br />
~<>~<br />
<br />
<br />
"Once upon a time, there lived an Evil Queen..."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU7Qhib5BmLqrsol2jGZ96CFQ66pLSoDiKs_DGPfJspmo0e9lxizhy1imsQgCKKds5kuZQ4Uv3kh2Fmg3DpRU5BAYc7cUiLgGUstBO8KZhllceIkSBUdA2aYeZsm9JaKvmv56SRYRxBdY/s1600/story1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU7Qhib5BmLqrsol2jGZ96CFQ66pLSoDiKs_DGPfJspmo0e9lxizhy1imsQgCKKds5kuZQ4Uv3kh2Fmg3DpRU5BAYc7cUiLgGUstBO8KZhllceIkSBUdA2aYeZsm9JaKvmv56SRYRxBdY/s1600/story1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
Hawk had decided a good way to introduce his daughter to his story, was through a fairytale story. "This Evil Queen had two children, a boy, and a girl."<br />
<br />
Julia pointed at a picture. "Pwincess."<br />
<br />
"That's right, the Princess was sad, because the Evil Queen..."<br />
<br />
<br />
~<>~<br />
<br />
<br />
"Terry, I need some back up over here! We're losing our base!"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDYjobfoJoH6V_eJqxsX1Lyo470cBVxIHXtpjPm-WXkER-R1hdnIHXoAj58VW-npDlmnuW5GymK2sXoFDeynKfFEGa5FPJN5gWH82wOpPNpBiXb99_pic_k8tM8wUDc29SywOeZiuk4S4/s1600/Kalen1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDYjobfoJoH6V_eJqxsX1Lyo470cBVxIHXtpjPm-WXkER-R1hdnIHXoAj58VW-npDlmnuW5GymK2sXoFDeynKfFEGa5FPJN5gWH82wOpPNpBiXb99_pic_k8tM8wUDc29SywOeZiuk4S4/s1600/Kalen1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
"On my way!"<br />
<br />
Kalen thought Terry was a lot of fun, and she never seemed to look at him as anything more than a friend, which was perfectly all right with him. He had no interest in having a girlfriend, just listening to his friends talk about theirs he had come to a conclusion. Girls took too much money and time, and he wasn't willing to part with either.<br />
<br />
Kalen had plans, big plans for his life. He wanted to travel the world, and explore history while finding artifacts from the past. Hanging around in this town, tied to one girl, and even worse, having the burden of kids, it just didn't factor into his life.<br />
<br />
Kids, he had discovered, were a pain in the butt. If having Kate hadn't cured him of ever wanting children, his cousin Julia sure would have. Man she was so noisy, and she always got into his stuff, she had even eaten his homework once, not that anyone believed him. <br />
<br />
Still, he liked the company of girls, he just didn't want any of the expectations or complications associated with them. Terry fit that bill rather nicely. "Woohoo!" he crowed as he blasted his way through an enemy line of soldiers. "Behind you!" He warned Terry.<br />
<br />
"I see him. Gotcha!"<br />
<br />
"Kalen, would you guys keep it down!" Tanner grumbled. "I'm trying to work here."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj94M8WQrdbtLJklaMkbuJWC3qw4_Q-7nghZswI5k9GxsTMs8Pd4k0SCUnKNopu4Gbw0K3tZzKNQFBj-2dSHY8GXytT03Ax3wZMeRM1lh65XXGvbKVxxh-aWJdSeAYJc7VFVTZnCmF3QWo/s1600/Tanner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj94M8WQrdbtLJklaMkbuJWC3qw4_Q-7nghZswI5k9GxsTMs8Pd4k0SCUnKNopu4Gbw0K3tZzKNQFBj-2dSHY8GXytT03Ax3wZMeRM1lh65XXGvbKVxxh-aWJdSeAYJc7VFVTZnCmF3QWo/s1600/Tanner.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
"Whoops! Sorry Dad!" His dad had been a little grumpy lately, like he had a lot on his mind. He was hoping it was because his dad was finally going to propose to his mom. He had just happened to see the engagement ring in his dad's hand the other day, but he had quickly pocketed it as soon as he had seen Kalen watching him.<br />
<br />
It had certainly taken his dad long enough to get a ring. Sheesh.<br />
<br />
<br />
~<>~<br />
<br />
<br />
"Out pease? Daddy?"<br />
<br />
Sometimes his father in law drove him crazy, but Hawk couldn't deny that he was good for Julia. She hadn't thrown a temper tantrum ever since her and her Grumpa had a little chat. In fact, she had even learned a new word, please, which had thrilled Skye to no end.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlzqFVvP_kcS8m1PuJc8EuBtLzkkyHiKAEa1RvzC5p2SABwynKkaqI9N1QzYUElqNVT9HF3kRxnV_W8Tah4G2a-mzcUS4Oec7W9viQp7q9jMaPfMgcjm1Xi9NtQybrT2GtGyLI14RIH8A/s1600/Julia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlzqFVvP_kcS8m1PuJc8EuBtLzkkyHiKAEa1RvzC5p2SABwynKkaqI9N1QzYUElqNVT9HF3kRxnV_W8Tah4G2a-mzcUS4Oec7W9viQp7q9jMaPfMgcjm1Xi9NtQybrT2GtGyLI14RIH8A/s1600/Julia.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Hawk could still see the occasional flare of temper in Julia's eyes at times, but then she would glance over at her Grumpa, and the temper would fade away. Colin was nothing short of a miracle worker, not that Hawk would ever tell him so. He was conceited enough as it was.<br />
<br />
"Come here Pumpkin." He lifted his daughter up, and cuddled with her for as long as she let him. In Julia time, that meant it only lasted mere minutes before she was struggling to be put down. His Julia was a go getter, never content to just...hold still for a minute or two.<br />
<br />
Her energy seemed boundless, she would run and run and run until she passed out, and then she would wake up and run some more. Sometimes Hawk feared he would be unequal to the task of raising her or teaching her what she needed to know. In theory it had seemed easy enough, but he had not taken her personality into account when he had made his plans.<br />
<br />
In his mind, his child had been compliant. Hawk knew how his mother would have dealt with non-compliance, but he did not want to break Julia's spirit, he loved his daughter's passionate, adventurous spirit; he just needed to help her temper it bit...<br />
<br />
<br />
~<>~<br />
<br />
<br />
"Uh, Luna?" Tanner cleared his throat nervously. "I have something I wanted to ask you."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPDKMU06vXRoGKIemj1-BGiK44q7hggbnmRHOQ8wuiovFbtAftzFB2jvSL5mgmmllUQFYq70WBnDZOFHOLSgRnXziziEUWCdco1CsfGShItmzGsjxG17sVLufkRTamxzkJdYsmomkF480/s1600/Luna.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPDKMU06vXRoGKIemj1-BGiK44q7hggbnmRHOQ8wuiovFbtAftzFB2jvSL5mgmmllUQFYq70WBnDZOFHOLSgRnXziziEUWCdco1CsfGShItmzGsjxG17sVLufkRTamxzkJdYsmomkF480/s1600/Luna.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
"Okay."<br />
<br />
"Well," Tanner pulled at the neck of his shirt, was it just him or was it warm in here? "We've been together, well, since we were kids, but together together, you know, romantically..."<br />
<br />
Luna smiled at him. "I'm aware of all of that, yes."<br />
<br />
"Well, yeah." He said sheepishly. "Anyway, what I was trying to say, was, you know, I..." His voice trailed off for a moment, and then he regathered himself. "I don't know why I'm so nervous."<br />
<br />
"Because you're adorable." Luna told him, and she grinned at him.<br />
<br />
He smiled back, and suddenly he wasn't nervous anymore. "I have loved you for all my life Luna, through the bad times, and through the good times. I love our life together, and I want to make us officially official. Would you make my lifelong dream come true, and marry me?"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg107CBgTH4u202Eqa_b-G2QE4qStkfqC0CgBdLoMBDK0xdyVk2Iahijf6zmwMUogcHYwUse6qai09BaQP3l5-zgtcBeB8YhqizT9KpvfiSBL5QXjFRv1lB6Nh-KGr-KsW54tOO_hMY0I8/s1600/Luna1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg107CBgTH4u202Eqa_b-G2QE4qStkfqC0CgBdLoMBDK0xdyVk2Iahijf6zmwMUogcHYwUse6qai09BaQP3l5-zgtcBeB8YhqizT9KpvfiSBL5QXjFRv1lB6Nh-KGr-KsW54tOO_hMY0I8/s1600/Luna1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Luna was stunned, and couldn't take her eyes off the ring.<br />
<br />
"Luna?" Tanner prompted.<br />
<br />
"Yes! I'd be honored to be your wife!"<br />
<br />
"Whew, you had me worried for a moment." Tanner said as he got up off his knees and put the ring on her finger.<br />
<br />
"I'm sorry." Luna said softly. "I was just thinking how stupid I was when I was younger, not to see what was right in front of me..."<br />
<br />
Tanner put his finger over her mouth. "Hush now Luna, we're not looking back, remember? That was in the past, and I am way more interested in our future together." He pulled her in close to him. "I think we should travel, and have some fun, once Kalen graduates."<br />
<br />
Luna thread her fingers through his hair. "I've always wanted to travel."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvFD7mK2f52n5yXSRx0Yff1nGiZ5M3zSXwzTXzbIZLPPu3NIxiMgqP6uOTISCS8l1cqqi7P4V3Q6S5Ev3DSWZ16IWRsjSFOJu7kLTNA_9nxGaPOrMgU_ZiLxadq-H3dqJKzyPMyv4_Pfc/s1600/Luna2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvFD7mK2f52n5yXSRx0Yff1nGiZ5M3zSXwzTXzbIZLPPu3NIxiMgqP6uOTISCS8l1cqqi7P4V3Q6S5Ev3DSWZ16IWRsjSFOJu7kLTNA_9nxGaPOrMgU_ZiLxadq-H3dqJKzyPMyv4_Pfc/s1600/Luna2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"I know." He smiled at her. "Think of all the adventures we could have! I think we should go to France first, and check out the Museum d'Art. I bet if you show them some of your pieces, they would even display your work. You're a brilliant artist."<br />
<br />
Luna chuckled. "Flattery gets you every where."<br />
<br />
"It's not flattery if it's true." Tanner said loyally.<br />
<br />
"I love you Tanner." Luna said, and then she kissed him.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC8qaAESDroRJak7pQVA4C1cfvKnHhDhyCV2AAHQEvVuZqoSipohJWK_1WF7k5la-K7gzZWETSCm__1POg0GSO79jxrut-FKAgRfzQQ_d2I3556RchvdBDbmQRWCZwa_7whsLlBLYqs-c/s1600/Luna3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC8qaAESDroRJak7pQVA4C1cfvKnHhDhyCV2AAHQEvVuZqoSipohJWK_1WF7k5la-K7gzZWETSCm__1POg0GSO79jxrut-FKAgRfzQQ_d2I3556RchvdBDbmQRWCZwa_7whsLlBLYqs-c/s1600/Luna3.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"I love you too."<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
~<>~ <br />
<br />
<br />
Julia frowned. It was her birthday, why couldn't she do what she wanted instead of what her mother wanted? It didn't make any sense to her at all.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW2430ZKj7ghzgQAR7iY2l_Q3DmQ9RtbWEFUw3xoggoCiYVa3wVaOhE7NV_WIMwdHrVImjhbxGXFevTJEn68TTPIn4iaAY8XLLpnzxs-jzgPLmHL_TJeo6_wu6QXwGdMs65muKTJmCKF0/s1600/Julia1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW2430ZKj7ghzgQAR7iY2l_Q3DmQ9RtbWEFUw3xoggoCiYVa3wVaOhE7NV_WIMwdHrVImjhbxGXFevTJEn68TTPIn4iaAY8XLLpnzxs-jzgPLmHL_TJeo6_wu6QXwGdMs65muKTJmCKF0/s1600/Julia1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Julia didn't care about the cake or the ice cream, she wanted to go night swimming with her Grumpa, and see the Glo-fish. Stupid cake. She didn't even like cake anyway.<br />
<br />
"Julia!" Skye called. "Come here Sweetie."<br />
<br />
Julia ignored her mother. It just wasn't fair.<br />
<br />
"Squirt, get your a*s in here, or forget about going with me tonight."<br />
<br />
Julia squealed, and ran into the kitchen where her whole family waited, with a lit birthday cake. She was going swimming after all!<br />
<br />
"Dad, language!" Skye admonished, "Put a quarter in the jar!" She then turned to Julia with a big smile on her face. "There's my birthday girl!" They started singing Happy Birthday to her, but she only half payed attention, she only had one thing on her mind. She was going night swimming with her Grumpa!<br />
<br />
<br />
~<>~<br />
<br />
<br />
"Come on Spitfire!" <br />
<br />
Julia shivered. "The water sure is colder at night!" she exclaimed.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfcNw67WHHHhDagMxLSnjcHm4-GHaBZMuoyUZGB2pGWdK4c0fcu3hdK3qKxkDOFA6j4qS0dgEnf5HYJWJ3afPKmwPiMYkaIadcogrx1aNCy3Q_Ql8kfZbuEaWzHlg3hEk-rkKTHGakr8c/s1600/Julia2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfcNw67WHHHhDagMxLSnjcHm4-GHaBZMuoyUZGB2pGWdK4c0fcu3hdK3qKxkDOFA6j4qS0dgEnf5HYJWJ3afPKmwPiMYkaIadcogrx1aNCy3Q_Ql8kfZbuEaWzHlg3hEk-rkKTHGakr8c/s1600/Julia2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
"That's right, it's not for the freaking wussies, only for the strong ones like us." Her grumpa bragged.<br />
<br />
"Mother says it's only for the crazies."<br />
<br />
Her grumpa laughed. "Or those." He agreed. Julia giggled, she loved her grumpa's laugh, it made her happy just to hear it.<br />
<br />
"Where are the Glo fish Grumpa?"<br />
<br />
"In the deeper water, come on Spitfire, get your a*s over here."<br />
<br />
"Ooooh, Grumpa, you said a naughty word."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv__wHwhoqP4uV-4s_FsG0Xcgi_OjT501v53e5MPSJJp5YtJ6m8BmQBD_UBjIgEjALDq0a9nlWqoYXZ7dZy3q5GGSC22mFQ_HL3w554xN-d_4K1d7ktbPFjqNcMJr4GVANLf5P596j0UQ/s1600/Julia3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv__wHwhoqP4uV-4s_FsG0Xcgi_OjT501v53e5MPSJJp5YtJ6m8BmQBD_UBjIgEjALDq0a9nlWqoYXZ7dZy3q5GGSC22mFQ_HL3w554xN-d_4K1d7ktbPFjqNcMJr4GVANLf5P596j0UQ/s1600/Julia3.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
"I'll put another quarter in the jar when we get home." He grumbled.<br />
<br />
Julia grinned. "Mother says you're going to pay for her vacation to Egypt with your words."<br />
<br />
"She does, does she?"<br />
<br />
"Yep. She says you're incorrigible, just like me."<br />
<br />
"I think you got that backwards Squirt."<br />
<br />
Julia frowned. "Backwards?"<br />
<br />
"Yep, I think you're incorrigible, just like me. Come on Spitfire, if you want to see those Glo fish, we better get our a*ses moving."<br />
<br />
"Two quarters!"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk6Lo4t4A5wzvLLzo57pQalGMCbFpkUNhJFgr6Jj6mO-faHURXrlxLrblklpFraUZTn90-bYammm-OG4yIAreWZyAeSMQYNFNzanm6DCPEhOqATELIjp_0xIXKeOhGA-Ai2rPkfRQCInU/s1600/Julia4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk6Lo4t4A5wzvLLzo57pQalGMCbFpkUNhJFgr6Jj6mO-faHURXrlxLrblklpFraUZTn90-bYammm-OG4yIAreWZyAeSMQYNFNzanm6DCPEhOqATELIjp_0xIXKeOhGA-Ai2rPkfRQCInU/s1600/Julia4.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"I'm glad you're keeping track, you'll make your mother proud." He grinned at her. "Come on, let's go."<br />
<br />
"Mother's not as fun as you."<br />
<br />
"Whoa, Julia, I don't want to ever hear you say that again, you hear? Your mama tried for a really long time to have you, she loves you, and would do anything for you. You understand me Squirt?"<br />
<br />
"Yes Grumpa." Julia said dutifully. Inwardly though, she still thought it. Her mother wanted her to take stupid ballet dance class, and stupid piano lessons, and wear stupid dresses, and have stupid tea parties, all that stupid boring stuff. Julia would rather be outside on the beach, or even better, swimming around in the Ocean. She wanted to be just like her Grumpa.<br />
<br />
<br />
~<>~<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
"Dad, do we hafta to do this now?" The only thing worse than piano and dance lessons, was what her dad called, 'Survival Lessons'. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn8Kk85pZkP3jvhDXnoluAgtmO0ZBpT89qDit6v1W4IX7vNhe5O5PJZzA0P8zIZxewxwc3IaZEme7kXH-RsC64fNNL8JafQ2CUHKNQgflzKlj29K1_5BnX-jpWJEKf9Q0PhPYpfiPdYgE/s1600/Julia+and+Hawk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn8Kk85pZkP3jvhDXnoluAgtmO0ZBpT89qDit6v1W4IX7vNhe5O5PJZzA0P8zIZxewxwc3IaZEme7kXH-RsC64fNNL8JafQ2CUHKNQgflzKlj29K1_5BnX-jpWJEKf9Q0PhPYpfiPdYgE/s1600/Julia+and+Hawk.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Hawk turned towards his daughter. "Yes." He answered. "Don't you remember what we talked about?"<br />
<br />
Julia sighed. "Yes, I have to learn to defend myself because there are evil people out there that want to hurt our family."<br />
<br />
Hawk smiled at her. "That is why I must start teaching you, because there is a lot to learn. The first thing you must know Julia, is how to control your power. Once you can control it, then you can use it to defend yourself, and protect others. Your powers will only grow stronger as you grow older, and you don't want to accidentally hurt anyone, right?"<br />
<br />
Julia nodded.<br />
<br />
"Okay, so, first, watch me, and then I'll show you how..."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNbEqLOUv0cOgUtBazEji7tQGamUXwOEFPdYYkKhHuLsbnpZLMg8aKZ6pwnQl6V0L27p2yaSlt3q5DcbEBDRnzIno34xVoyJwIXpbJ_YtogaDOH1fPWz9zfEag3Sbw_Mu6M2qQnAQj39A/s1600/Julia+and+Hawk1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNbEqLOUv0cOgUtBazEji7tQGamUXwOEFPdYYkKhHuLsbnpZLMg8aKZ6pwnQl6V0L27p2yaSlt3q5DcbEBDRnzIno34xVoyJwIXpbJ_YtogaDOH1fPWz9zfEag3Sbw_Mu6M2qQnAQj39A/s1600/Julia+and+Hawk1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
~<>~<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
"Malfunction. Malfunction. Malfunction."<br />
<br />
"Bob!" Jack sighed. "What have you gotten into now?"<br />
<br />
"Malfunction. Malfunction. Malfunction."<br />
<br />
"I really need to program more words for you."<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG2xBnB1aJQuobdtYl-YTe0EOpgWsuO_xsb7yGjHj3He84K9D8eEjPcSL2-QlulqSXHxr86484jRhpdLQHIgFeckvJqkZJbacCo7AEzQWx0ElNMAJ1I-DhosQTZHYT5Eb5K7mlDiG52tc/s1600/Jack+and+Bob.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG2xBnB1aJQuobdtYl-YTe0EOpgWsuO_xsb7yGjHj3He84K9D8eEjPcSL2-QlulqSXHxr86484jRhpdLQHIgFeckvJqkZJbacCo7AEzQWx0ElNMAJ1I-DhosQTZHYT5Eb5K7mlDiG52tc/s1600/Jack+and+Bob.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
"Malfunction. Malfunction. Malfunction."<br />
<br />
"Yes, yes Bob, I see you're malfunctioning, hold still would you...Bob! Have you been in the swimming pool again?"<br />
<br />
"Malfunction. Malfunction. Malfunction."<br />
<br />
Jack grumbled to himself. "Malfunction alright! Bob you can't go into the water! I sure thought that last programing update took care of any swimming urges you might have." He pulled out his screwdriver and opened up the panel to bob's postitronic brain. "Back to the drawing board I guess."<br />
<br />
<br />
~<>~ <br />
<br />
<br />
"Julia?"<br />
<br />
Julia sighed. Her mother was calling her...again. How was she ever going to get ready for tonight's party with her mother bugging her every few minutes?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizzSBlv2Akg6oKAGibzU84xi_9ZpIQuBZytB_SW-dM494MB5C0C7lsPjW0yJmMrgVqzLHAwX7WuzZPbv-ZMGWYCGVRfRueabFAyhvPLiAWcmj2Fd4Tn78_QUrd8YdHAJ-RhI5Ue2vCO-8/s1600/Julia+teen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizzSBlv2Akg6oKAGibzU84xi_9ZpIQuBZytB_SW-dM494MB5C0C7lsPjW0yJmMrgVqzLHAwX7WuzZPbv-ZMGWYCGVRfRueabFAyhvPLiAWcmj2Fd4Tn78_QUrd8YdHAJ-RhI5Ue2vCO-8/s1600/Julia+teen.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"What Mother?" Julia hollered back.<br />
<br />
"When did you say that party ended?"<br />
<br />
"I didn't." Julia muttered to herself. She walked into the room where her mother sat, grading papers. "Two a.m., I think."<br />
<br />
"Two? Oh no, miss, there is no way you are staying out that late on a school night. I want you home by 10."<br />
<br />
Julia groaned. How lame was that? 10!? Ha! As if! That was simply unacceptable. "Yes Mother." She said politely. Thankfully she knew a handy little trick that would confuse her mother's memories a little bit, which would allow Julia to stay longer. Her dad was off on some mushroom gathering trip for a few days, so as long as she avoided her Grumpa, she could stay as long as she liked.<br />
<br />
She had tried out her powers on her Grumpa a few times, but for whatever reason, they never worked on him. It wasn't like she could ask her dad or anyone why, because then she would have to confess to what she had been up to. So if her Grumpa caught her, she was in big a*s trouble. She had no intentions of getting caught though, no intentions at all.<br />
<br />
<br />
__________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
<br />
Notes: What a whirlwind of time, lol :P I have a bazillion pictures of Julia, because I think she is just so darn adorable, but I decided using all the pics just because I have them, would only bog my story down. Her early years aren't too terribly important, other than she's learning stuff, and she takes more after her grandfather than her mother.<br />
<br />
Poor Skye, she survives to raise her daughter, but her daughter is not at all interested in any of the girly stuff that Skye wanted to with her. <br />
<br />
Kalen is not interested in romance, he rejects all flirts, lol He does however, have lots of friends! =)<br />
<br />
And, yay! Tanner and Luna are finally getting married! There probably won't be a wedding though--maybe a mention next chapter. Weddings are always annoying glitch fests for me, so I stopped doing them. Now everyone gets married privately, lol<br />
<br />
My kids call their paternal grandfather, Grumpa. I have always thought it was pretty cute. <3 <br />
<br />
Questions? Comments? Thanks for reading! =)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Nirarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15253184399668018141noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2767753407529003708.post-77530871644360574162014-11-06T21:35:00.000-08:002014-11-06T21:35:06.601-08:00Chapter 87: Promises<br />
<br />
<b>Warning: Language</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
"Mom?"<br />
<br />
Luna still couldn't get over the fact that this tall, handsome young man with the deep voice was her little boy Trevor. Where had all the time gone? "Yeah?"<br />
<br />
Trevor grinned. "I got it."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC7JwhCA-icLs4R5SkjQ5XfxGaZ2zQf-BrrLZBFpi7ya6sS9hFrkXASp7vsz_oJRZzJd8KeLkHrBTIRvykn9Vg_FQS1oDfrTqN-_AkHm-h2hBkiofq3ugD_BdyTGTGKbaNmpETC_qX43s/s1600/Trevortest2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC7JwhCA-icLs4R5SkjQ5XfxGaZ2zQf-BrrLZBFpi7ya6sS9hFrkXASp7vsz_oJRZzJd8KeLkHrBTIRvykn9Vg_FQS1oDfrTqN-_AkHm-h2hBkiofq3ugD_BdyTGTGKbaNmpETC_qX43s/s1600/Trevortest2.jpg" height="640" width="534" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Luna squealed. "You did?" She hugged him tightly. "I'm so proud of you!"<br />
<br />
"Mom!" Trevor laughed. "I need to breath!"<br />
<br />
"Oops, sorry." Luna smiled and let him go. "When do you start?"<br />
<br />
"Tomorrow."<br />
<br />
"So soon?" Luna said, disappointed. <br />
<br />
"This is my big chance Mom, I'm ready."<br />
<br />
"I know you are, it's just..." She sniffed, trying to keep her tears
at bay, "I'm just really going to miss you."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir2yBzZ_zo0JUvoeOodNkCVdT7l-mQJX9NoC7SPfynWguPkI01Bjkst_XausuDatpF0C4t7GFbuF12fG1GnWIQmCCn4lHSdh35EruM-MvLe5yIGazE5TPPVtNYCFdTRYRrCdIsvseAd80/s1600/Trevor5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir2yBzZ_zo0JUvoeOodNkCVdT7l-mQJX9NoC7SPfynWguPkI01Bjkst_XausuDatpF0C4t7GFbuF12fG1GnWIQmCCn4lHSdh35EruM-MvLe5yIGazE5TPPVtNYCFdTRYRrCdIsvseAd80/s1600/Trevor5.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<span id="goog_315801410"></span><span id="goog_315801411"></span> <br />
"Mom, it's okay! You act like you're never going to see me again." Trevor chuckled. "I'll still be around."<br />
<br />
"Maybe." Luna acknowledged. "But with your big important job, you might not have time to come visit little old me."<br />
<br />
Trevor shook his head in exasperation. "I'll always have time for little ole you Mom." He hesitated for a moment, and then said, "Now don't freak out, but Mayor Raas has put me in charge of setting up a program to help prevent domestic violence."<br />
<br />
Luna stiffened, and then forced herself to relax. "Really?"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA_PUkyvcky7Rta9IY-ANBXPtVi8v0fEUu93RIV9fvk1b9b9tviVtrnXNwWT0kUqnIzEnzDRBCqYPLasWGF5jeo3xyCzEy_NWMyYTRe4P4GnQqpqtqM4mcaIA8sob0WAeO5EpebEHX0zw/s1600/Trevor6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA_PUkyvcky7Rta9IY-ANBXPtVi8v0fEUu93RIV9fvk1b9b9tviVtrnXNwWT0kUqnIzEnzDRBCqYPLasWGF5jeo3xyCzEy_NWMyYTRe4P4GnQqpqtqM4mcaIA8sob0WAeO5EpebEHX0zw/s1600/Trevor6.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Trevor nodded. "I want to help make sure that others don't have to go through what you went through." He paused for a moment, and then said in a rush, "Mom, what really happened to my father? Do you know? I haven't seen him since I was a little kid, and I always wonder if he's going to show up one day. And then what would I say to him? I know I'd like to punch him for what he did to you." <br />
<br />
Luna sighed heavily. She had known that eventually she and Trev would need to talk about Trevor's biological father, she just hoped that what she had to say didn't hurt him any further than he had already been hurt. "For many years, I didn't know." She paused, gathering her thoughts. It was so hard to think of Devin, and to remember her younger self, and how much she had suffered, how much Trev had suffered, all of it needlessly. It shamed her even now to think of it.<br />
<br />
"I didn't want to know." She confessed. "I was so torn and mixed up, but a few years after moving here, I finally asked your Grandpa, just what had happened, how did he die."<br />
<br />
Trevor stared straight ahead, his face emotionless. "He's dead?" He was silent for a moment, he had hoped his father was dead, and then felt guilty about it. Shouldn't a son love his father no matter what? But he hadn't, he had only felt relief as a kid when his father had suddenly stopped coming around, so much relief he hadn't even asked why. He had always considered Tanner more his father than his real one anyway. "And what did happen?"<br />
<br />
Luna looked away. "Something I never expected."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi3l1ZX3v-SFaHMHulyRVvQG9G6E6p0Izwl6IqnTfzokEktAB2IDSOJPy8riPtqDm64lENVA-GGYnP6U_x_IGVw67cPNpHtJmICFkM8V60_JIs7SvqWpscjEIpsUIG6iKye9q0btUdEIA/s1600/Trevor1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi3l1ZX3v-SFaHMHulyRVvQG9G6E6p0Izwl6IqnTfzokEktAB2IDSOJPy8riPtqDm64lENVA-GGYnP6U_x_IGVw67cPNpHtJmICFkM8V60_JIs7SvqWpscjEIpsUIG6iKye9q0btUdEIA/s1600/Trevor1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Trevor turned back towards her, curious. "Like what?"<br />
<br />
"Trev..." Her voice trailed off. "I'm scared that you'll pursue this, and I don't want you to." <br />
<br />
"Mom, I'm an adult now, not a little kid. I can handle the truth, and I'm fully capable of making my own decisions."<br />
<br />
Luna bit her lip. "I know. I just..." She sighed again. "When your father, well, that last time he hurt me pretty badly, and I ended up in the hospital, I nearly died. Your Grandpa was so p*ssed, he didn't even pack a bag, he just left for Bridgeport, with one thing on his mind. Finding your father.<br />
<br />
He wasn't gone very long, and when he came back, as you've heard, he refused to talk about it. Until that day, when I finally asked him. Did he kill him? I was so sure he had, because the police reported that your father disappeared, and he has never been seen again."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxzm9pd3Qe7X9B332RJ7-5pPjODeiD2RHZPwupSZxEtre_8sEO4Yd_COFyKiMPCe5-DsTXYihalb9bjNm0Z-UhmqUsRNoJ5YpVXC8YNPr4v4hw4ollvu7Ny-1qoNdz_hWKE39DUiqzeJ8/s1600/Trevor7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxzm9pd3Qe7X9B332RJ7-5pPjODeiD2RHZPwupSZxEtre_8sEO4Yd_COFyKiMPCe5-DsTXYihalb9bjNm0Z-UhmqUsRNoJ5YpVXC8YNPr4v4hw4ollvu7Ny-1qoNdz_hWKE39DUiqzeJ8/s1600/Trevor7.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
"Whoa!? You mean his body was never found? Couldn't he still be alive then?"<br />
<br />
"Yes, his body was never found, and no, he's not alive. According to your grandfather, after searching the city for a couple of days with no luck, he found out that a Mr. Nickolas Alto owned the team that your father played for. He marched into Mr. Alto's office, and demanded to know where Devin lived. Mr. Alto threatened to have your grandfather arrested if he didn't leave immediately, which, " Luna sighed, "Dad didn't take too kindly to.<br />
<br />
After Dad took care of Mr. Alto's security team, Mr. Alto decided it would be wise to hear Dad out. So they talked, for hours I guess. Dad told him why he was looking for him, what had happened to me, and about you, and Mr. Alto then let Dad in on a few truths about Devin. One, he had married Mr. Alto's sister right after graduation."<br />
<br />
Trevor was stunned. "He did what?!"<br />
<br />
Luna smiled sadly. "Yeah, he did. He married her, because her brother owned the best team, and your father, Devin," Luna corrected herself, Devin had never been a true father to Trevor, "was an ambitious man. He was determined to make it to the top, by any means necessary."<br />
<br />
"But, what about you, or me? Why? I don't understand!"<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiDrCrQbyLJAXEhOxZW69rrHV0q_Enra-hcX6G8SYchjcn0nTfjt8r0zDstk9AMovmYDEkWvDwDKVXm4t1-RhctWfXN7QT-O6RwURY2IrckHmZgN2saAJkgXkRtCCvsco-59DLj6BZKTQ/s1600/Trevor3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiDrCrQbyLJAXEhOxZW69rrHV0q_Enra-hcX6G8SYchjcn0nTfjt8r0zDstk9AMovmYDEkWvDwDKVXm4t1-RhctWfXN7QT-O6RwURY2IrckHmZgN2saAJkgXkRtCCvsco-59DLj6BZKTQ/s1600/Trevor3.jpg" height="400" width="393" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"We just fed his ego, that's the sad truth. Me, I was his conquest, proof that he could juggle more than one woman at a time, and what did I ask of him? Very little. I was such an idiot. You, you were his only son, and that went back to him proving his manhood."<br />
<br />
"His only son? The way you said that..."<br />
<br />
Luna said quietly, "He and his wife had two girls, twins."<br />
<br />
Trevor stared at his mother. "So, I have twin sisters?"<br />
<br />
"Yes, but Trev, please leave it alone! The Alto's are bad news, they're part of the mob, you'll get yourself killed snooping around. It was Mr. Alto that had Devin disposed of, before your grandfather ever had a chance to get anywhere near him. Mr. Alto had Devin cemented and deposited into the Bridgeport River. Mr. Alto owns the police around there, so no law will ever find him, he didn't take too kindly to Devin playing his sister like that."<br />
<br />
"I don't know what to say."<br />
<br />
"Tell me you'll stay away from them."<br />
<br />
Trevor hugged his mother. "Of course Mom."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD3dlNyyLU4q8DJhyphenhyphenuZluPzhp3x2VNQZ-CFMxu9P7tzF86KU0XBk_8JDoMPI0wWrC7Az2Ctn9OU8c-BkjB8jhqvtJnAcaGrPJzUpCZUxbK81VpN1Y1_cdIXwifr4dmFW09LT9Qk6Sq4gQ/s1600/Trevor8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD3dlNyyLU4q8DJhyphenhyphenuZluPzhp3x2VNQZ-CFMxu9P7tzF86KU0XBk_8JDoMPI0wWrC7Az2Ctn9OU8c-BkjB8jhqvtJnAcaGrPJzUpCZUxbK81VpN1Y1_cdIXwifr4dmFW09LT9Qk6Sq4gQ/s1600/Trevor8.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
"I have all the family I need, right here."<br />
<br />
Luna sighed in relief. The truth was out, and she was so relieved that Trevor wasn't going to pursue it further.<br />
<br />
<br />
~<>~<br />
<br />
<br />
Skye felt nauseous. What had she eaten for lunch again? Oh yeah, a corndog. She had been craving one, but it seemed the corndog was not loving her back. She put her hand over her mouth, and groaned. Definitely no more corndogs, they weren't worth this misery.<br />
<br />
Another wave of nausea hit her, and she tried valiantly to beat it back, but it didn't work. She raced for the bathroom, and puked her guts out into the toilet.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgURu91ddRHbEs44J30qZ4PWCk9LBHT7IrU37hPDne9bP96jgcBju4G7IMzXrHmyNDiBKjh0AcqEAHxsOxOUrtwRlApL4BTTIEXXYiT_P12C2aujrBQBnL5oMqhrX_5QT0REgwwGf0oP-U/s1600/Skye+pukes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgURu91ddRHbEs44J30qZ4PWCk9LBHT7IrU37hPDne9bP96jgcBju4G7IMzXrHmyNDiBKjh0AcqEAHxsOxOUrtwRlApL4BTTIEXXYiT_P12C2aujrBQBnL5oMqhrX_5QT0REgwwGf0oP-U/s1600/Skye+pukes.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
~<>~<br />
<br />
<br />
"Hey Nate!" Colin greeted his best friend. Not only had they instantly hit it off, but Colin had discovered that Nate was also highly skilled in the art of Wu Ying Tao. They had both agreed to get together at least once a week to test each other's skills, and spar. Colin had kept up with the discipline, using a training dummy that Wu
had gifted him long ago, but to have an actual person to spar with? F*cking priceless. "Are you ready to get your a*s kicked?" <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Sp7d7djsN8IcJhDVT6IxCp-uCL2cm9Urq6gXOhpULK_NPWumQl3XZa443HyzJ665F0mBsDt6AYhy0p2ieiK1j4HIU9CDheGYe2Er0RHCtg7rc-oGqMlWcKfKk0jqbBoQNOIwOsPbZe4/s1600/Colin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Sp7d7djsN8IcJhDVT6IxCp-uCL2cm9Urq6gXOhpULK_NPWumQl3XZa443HyzJ665F0mBsDt6AYhy0p2ieiK1j4HIU9CDheGYe2Er0RHCtg7rc-oGqMlWcKfKk0jqbBoQNOIwOsPbZe4/s1600/Colin.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Nate smiled. "I wasn't the one on the ground last time buddy." He said easily.<br />
<br />
Colin smirked. "You took me by surprise, that's all. Don't expect it to f*cking happen again."<br />
<br />
Nate chuckled. "You must love the taste of crow."<br />
<br />
Colin and Nate good naturedly traded insults until Nate's daughter interrupted with a groan. "Really guys? Are you ever going to spar, or am I going to die of old age here? Do you really need me to count points Daddy? If you don't, I'd rather go to bed, I'm tired."<br />
<br />
"Go head Tasha. That way there won't be an audience to Colin's defeat, he has a delicate psyche you know."<br />
<br />
"Ha!" Colin snorted. "Delicate my a*s. Prepare to eat your words a*shole."<br />
<br />
"Bring it on."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLgrBKPpxwDf68sZrZYDpS5o1m8CsL-A_nSX6Sg_STiUWWndo9zKgZAn2vNaPJDYRSh9caCSy-DwkcOgxllXk2_ycywuzJzwbmVXvO3KEcH63FLisKwdwIxUcDWIUPWbv7lCljmczoLlk/s1600/Colin1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLgrBKPpxwDf68sZrZYDpS5o1m8CsL-A_nSX6Sg_STiUWWndo9zKgZAn2vNaPJDYRSh9caCSy-DwkcOgxllXk2_ycywuzJzwbmVXvO3KEcH63FLisKwdwIxUcDWIUPWbv7lCljmczoLlk/s1600/Colin1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Colin did a left front kick, which Nate easily blocked, and the game was on. While they sparred, they talked, like they usually did, about their families and such. "Smart move giving that position to Trevor."<br />
<br />
"He was the best qualified."<br />
<br />
"Of course he was." Colin said as he blocked a downward strike. "He's a smart kid, takes after me."<br />
<br />
Nate laughed. "Sure he does."<br />
<br />
"Just you wait, someday he's going to be f*cking doing your job, and he'll do it better." Colin bragged. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtaA2NuOEzXQ9_pyBnYyz06tpz4GdXH8_gqb27I365I3vfp2gIZjXTlxDPtwStXdiqHCHVVAUt5ljGZqnzHFLeWu0hIfvGIevWLV0kdq_vYgKr2nydYg1KFtlqoqNvQtLXe197y_YtSf4/s1600/Colin2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtaA2NuOEzXQ9_pyBnYyz06tpz4GdXH8_gqb27I365I3vfp2gIZjXTlxDPtwStXdiqHCHVVAUt5ljGZqnzHFLeWu0hIfvGIevWLV0kdq_vYgKr2nydYg1KFtlqoqNvQtLXe197y_YtSf4/s1600/Colin2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
"I hope so." Nate commented, as he blocked another kick. "I want to retire someday, and just sit and do nothing for a change. Trevor is ambitious, empathetic and he's got a good head on his shoulders, he'd make a great mayor. "<br />
<br />
Colin chuckled. "Yeah right, like you would ever f*cking retire. What the h*ll would you do with yourself?"<br />
<br />
Before Nate could answer, his wife, Bethany opened the front door. "Nate, the baby wants you."<br />
<br />
"I'll be in a minute." He bowed towards Colin, and Colin returned the bow. "Duty calls. Until next time?"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI8dPud-rK82ziHK9CioXwRoO31EeuPNteFQILc3rHr3Yj1DXk-fwE9zZgw34RIOfDneJxrNTM74ktX3cmLXJcmz_wlx3tAxFSbWP0ermF6X5GP66Y3GnTD1Fxwvk3jcPdgphAjXmtJKI/s1600/Colin3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI8dPud-rK82ziHK9CioXwRoO31EeuPNteFQILc3rHr3Yj1DXk-fwE9zZgw34RIOfDneJxrNTM74ktX3cmLXJcmz_wlx3tAxFSbWP0ermF6X5GP66Y3GnTD1Fxwvk3jcPdgphAjXmtJKI/s1600/Colin3.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"Saved by the baby again." Colin snickered. "Other than family, you're the only person I know of who has more kids than I do, what do you have, a dozen of them?"<br />
<br />
Nate's eyes twinkled. "We're working on a baker's dozen, after that, well, we'll see."<br />
<br />
"That's a sh*tload of kids."<br />
<br />
Nate laughed. "What can I say, I find my wife very attractive."<br />
<br />
Colin shook his head. "On that note, I'm getting the f*ck outta here." Colin didn't begrudge his friend's happiness, he just couldn't f*cking stand to be around it too much. It just reminded him of what he had lost, who he had lost. Even all these years later, he still couldn't f*cking move on, despite the many interested looks thrown his way, and despite the urging of his kids.<br />
<br />
<br />
~<>~<br />
<br />
<br />
Hawk tried to concentrate on his book, but he was too worried about his wife, and he kept sneaking glances at her. She was always pale, tired, and she couldn't keep anything down. Thinking she was pregnant at last, he had bought a pregnancy test for her, but the test was negative. She wasn't pregnant.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjftgt5jG0cspkn41Q3-wVOxCKi6rDsVsc1MV_Mifm_hpU1PFOCT-8OGVZrjFv32J0vDLAyC87ma7mgbG4oeDAV1MAJPKQqM_RtzyEmLVpJC00946MzVsCFkqxIvdVl2D9C2HODU1QrPR8/s1600/Skye.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjftgt5jG0cspkn41Q3-wVOxCKi6rDsVsc1MV_Mifm_hpU1PFOCT-8OGVZrjFv32J0vDLAyC87ma7mgbG4oeDAV1MAJPKQqM_RtzyEmLVpJC00946MzVsCFkqxIvdVl2D9C2HODU1QrPR8/s1600/Skye.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
If she wasn't pregnant, then what was wrong with her? She was supposed to have seen the doctor today to determine that. He resisted the urge to wake her up, she needed her sleep.<br />
<br />
He flipped another page without reading it.<br />
<br />
She had lost weight, and there were hallows under her eyes. He had mixed up some herbs for her, to help her stomach settle down, but nothing had seemed to work. He hated to see his wife so miserable.<br />
<br />
Skye stirred, and then sat up with a yawn.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibF3qUrHqYiyg1jKWLFvlC7B1rPCyDGKmxt88ZVftwRmGg_iin_EDYk2C3O6iwVdoWJWFxyrx8rI7yBLujhvDDxvrgpl-4c9mnQYnvHMlxCQk6JT3toxu7Ul4YI779eCBwA7Z6OQ_erRI/s1600/Skye1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibF3qUrHqYiyg1jKWLFvlC7B1rPCyDGKmxt88ZVftwRmGg_iin_EDYk2C3O6iwVdoWJWFxyrx8rI7yBLujhvDDxvrgpl-4c9mnQYnvHMlxCQk6JT3toxu7Ul4YI779eCBwA7Z6OQ_erRI/s1600/Skye1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
She noticed Hawk quietly studying her. "Hey, you're home." He nodded. "Did you find the rare herb you were looking for?"<br />
<br />
"No," Hawk answered her, "but I'd rather hear about your appointment. Are you okay?" His worst fear was that something was seriously wrong, and that he would lose her.<br />
<br />
She smiled. "I'm pregnant."<br />
<br />
Hawk stared at her. Had he heard her right? "What? But the test..."<br />
<br />
She shrugged. "I guess I took it too early." She bit her lip. "I don't want to tell anyone yet, because I could still..." Her voice trailed away. She left the word <i>miscarry</i> unsaid, but Hawk heard it anyway.<br />
<br />
He hugged her. "Whatever you want Skye."<br />
<br />
<br />
~<>~<br />
<br />
"...and I don't ever want kids." <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX6Ca9ZdfcGf0u3A_rkOg1T0lOl6C3xqMuv0K06tyJ1PzP8nrMCUSE8H9u48gKeK_Tc_sCM36kQ8AvOd960ANyrWdBIPXLacAK2Ng7dCHL9eEWMNzP259Nd3agehI2CYCEzdlfppK2XLk/s1600/Kalen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX6Ca9ZdfcGf0u3A_rkOg1T0lOl6C3xqMuv0K06tyJ1PzP8nrMCUSE8H9u48gKeK_Tc_sCM36kQ8AvOd960ANyrWdBIPXLacAK2Ng7dCHL9eEWMNzP259Nd3agehI2CYCEzdlfppK2XLk/s1600/Kalen.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The local highschool had a Real Baby program to help prevent teen pregnancy by giving them a small taste of what it was like to be responsible for a baby. Each teen had been paired with a partner, Kalen had been paired with Mona Capp. She had decided their 'baby' was a girl and had named her Kate.<br />
<br />
Kalen hadn't cared what it was, or what the name of it was, he had thought the whole thing was stupid. What could he learn from dragging a dumb doll around for a couple of weeks? Turned out he had actually learned quite a bit from it, the most important of which---he definitely didn't want kids. They were a pain in the butt.<br />
<br />
"All it did was cry, cry, cry!" he complained. "I didn't get any sleep for two weeks straight!"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Nd1uclt7fdjpWqGTkQ5C5S-asOQehfR6A9u2Hnm-T5BRUullmk6YDYzqKQZaIrlX995xL3WDrrw8Q0WZ-54-L4lL7vU4EyyYZ85toSxnYbqfqsZ9svbWwawD7EvPmqPTO_ZFToO4SGA/s1600/Kalen1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Nd1uclt7fdjpWqGTkQ5C5S-asOQehfR6A9u2Hnm-T5BRUullmk6YDYzqKQZaIrlX995xL3WDrrw8Q0WZ-54-L4lL7vU4EyyYZ85toSxnYbqfqsZ9svbWwawD7EvPmqPTO_ZFToO4SGA/s1600/Kalen1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"Kate did cry a lot." Mona agreed. "Mr. Lamour says that some babies are like that, they have colic, they're not always smiling and happy like they show them in the baby commercials."<br />
<br />
"Ain't that the truth!"<br />
<br />
Mona smiled shyly. "I'd still like to have kids though, someday."<br />
<br />
Kalen stared at her. "Really?! Why?"<br />
<br />
She shrugged. "I like kids."<br />
<br />
Kalen shuddered. "I don't. I'm glad we don't have any real babies around the house. Mom's done with having kids, and Aunt Skye has never had any. I think she's getting too old now anyway." Kalen nodded his head. "Yep, too old." Besides that, he didn't like to think of any of the adults in his household having s-e-x, it was just too gross. Aunt Skye and Uncle Hawk? His mom and dad? Ewww!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQGG2agt71FiK52q8peIgJiVhRNpvJMwaVGzfbHWEbTKk00vBoQH1vZin6etvUbm3ZdAxN6jAzr5jMk5R3Gr7-MQpmhi1oQ76HHJSwgIw3oBu6KD7BmDjT7tXKUcUUmrJxYs5f6H0Vvj4/s1600/Kalen2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQGG2agt71FiK52q8peIgJiVhRNpvJMwaVGzfbHWEbTKk00vBoQH1vZin6etvUbm3ZdAxN6jAzr5jMk5R3Gr7-MQpmhi1oQ76HHJSwgIw3oBu6KD7BmDjT7tXKUcUUmrJxYs5f6H0Vvj4/s1600/Kalen2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
"After we finish up this school report, do you want to go to a movie or something?" Kalen had always found schoolwork a deadly bore, but at least with this assignment, he had someone else to do the work for him.<br />
<br />
"Sure, I'd love to." Mona handed a pencil. "I'll speak, you write."<br />
<br />
"What?! It was supposed to go the other way!"<br />
<br />
Mona rolled her eyes. "Nice try Kalen." He blew a raspberry at her, and she grinned back. "Let's get to work."<br />
<br />
"I hate that word." Kalen grumbled as he sat down beside her on the ground.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
~<>~<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
"I think we're really going to have a baby!" Skye's eyes shone as she looked up at her husband.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj047nB7AtyZhDbbTPMTaNACV2aZQU-Yo7HJGtaV7LQYOgAxEPHbBne0mr4OLaX9Rjr6lziAcUEiKWJVSrCqTaNDhhzyzdo2_FnIDjz7I4G5BkmLsTTtVSvsPcTCnAjATfBjqhFmwbSKIU/s1600/Skye+and+Hawk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj047nB7AtyZhDbbTPMTaNACV2aZQU-Yo7HJGtaV7LQYOgAxEPHbBne0mr4OLaX9Rjr6lziAcUEiKWJVSrCqTaNDhhzyzdo2_FnIDjz7I4G5BkmLsTTtVSvsPcTCnAjATfBjqhFmwbSKIU/s1600/Skye+and+Hawk.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Hawk hugged her. "What all did the doctor say at your appointment?"<br />
<br />
"He said everything seems to be okay so far, there's no real signs of my body miscarrying this one. I've had a few twinges though, and since I'm a high risk pregnancy he gave some rules to follow. Like no heavy lifting or anything. I might have to stop teaching for a while, and go on bed rest towards the end of this pregnancy. He said we'll take it step by step. Oh Hawk! I can hardly believe it! You always had faith that it would happen, but I didn't!"<br />
<br />
He smiled weakly. "Yeah, I always knew it would happen sooner or later." He had just assumed it would happen sooner, and now, after all these years, they were finally going to have a baby. A son, the child of promise... The ramifications of it all started to hit him. The prophecy. His mother. He had to keep his son and Skye safe. But how?<br />
<br />
Skye frowned. "Aren't you happy about it?"<br />
<br />
"Of course I am." He answered swiftly.<br />
<br />
"Oh, you just seemed, I don't know, troubled."<br />
<br />
He forced a smile, to try and reassure her. "I'm just stunned."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpNkdLMuJ5lHK-t-WBGunS3D6CoLqb6Zh4-kdLqkw6K5vMEUxoXAQcD1dDLeSfh-rFaDIChJ9q7onhUxCXNJLIbAY1juvBZ8zZ3iNdbJzE9a_XoQQZotSa3c93z0rGeCJr2RfCH_w2VDg/s1600/skye+and+hawk1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpNkdLMuJ5lHK-t-WBGunS3D6CoLqb6Zh4-kdLqkw6K5vMEUxoXAQcD1dDLeSfh-rFaDIChJ9q7onhUxCXNJLIbAY1juvBZ8zZ3iNdbJzE9a_XoQQZotSa3c93z0rGeCJr2RfCH_w2VDg/s1600/skye+and+hawk1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Skye smiled happily. "I know! Me too! It's a wonderous thing, I think it's time to let the family know." <br />
<br />
Hawk nodded. "I'm sure your dad will be thrilled with another grandson."<br />
<br />
"You seem so sure that this baby is a boy. What if it's a girl?"<br />
<br />
"I just have a feeling it's a boy."<br />
<br />
"Really? Well, I for one, hope it's a girl. I can dress her up in those frilly dresses, do her hair, I could teach her how to dance, oh, it would be so lovely to have a little girl."<br />
<br />
Hawk pulled away from Skye, and talked directly to his son. "Hey there little guy, this is your daddy. You stay nice and cozy in there, and don't worry, I'll always protect you." <i>Somehow.</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3HoMfJ7UmS2c1UAlfwuGAO_OVkIL8wLFCpfJQi7Hze69b53LR5-SUW6XsGzNzXlZYeslRKXFi-5P8K4eyHxFPz5-hgn4DrQbfb1Bxgew9N1MgutVvjLFfUWnWr0AJSq0N87X76ORWcb4/s1600/skye+and+hawk2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3HoMfJ7UmS2c1UAlfwuGAO_OVkIL8wLFCpfJQi7Hze69b53LR5-SUW6XsGzNzXlZYeslRKXFi-5P8K4eyHxFPz5-hgn4DrQbfb1Bxgew9N1MgutVvjLFfUWnWr0AJSq0N87X76ORWcb4/s1600/skye+and+hawk2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Skye laughed. "You persist in the son thing, hmm? Well, I wouldn't mind a little boy either, just so long as our baby is healthy."<br />
<br />
Hawk smiled at his wife, this time his smile was genuine. "Agreed." <br />
<br />
<br />
~<>~<br />
<br />
<br />
When Skye told her dad, he didn't seem all that surprised at her surprising news.<br />
<br />
"I've had a few kids." He reminded her as he gave her a congratulatory hug. "I can spot a pregnant woman a mile away."<br />
<br />
"But I didn't even know until not that long ago, how could you have known?" <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiif0FUvzH3t_gMR4eBSAYcEzUX4C3VxLTMisZ5ZIH8vq8osJkHMk-t_S9_UEEmdG0rpP0u7j4W90jWKdssiGbF9qiC7yDHFyupHJlOlkwlQfQgRi-Yap3SjxBrODrzWa2ux247wk9C47I/s1600/Skye+preg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiif0FUvzH3t_gMR4eBSAYcEzUX4C3VxLTMisZ5ZIH8vq8osJkHMk-t_S9_UEEmdG0rpP0u7j4W90jWKdssiGbF9qiC7yDHFyupHJlOlkwlQfQgRi-Yap3SjxBrODrzWa2ux247wk9C47I/s1600/Skye+preg.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
"My heebie jeebie radar went off."<br />
<br />
Skye rolled her eyes. "Daddy!"<br />
<br />
He held his hand up. "Scout's honor."<br />
<br />
"I know better, you were never a scout."<br />
<br />
He sighed. "Too true. If I had been, I wouldn't have my built in heebie jeebie pregnant woman radar."<br />
<br />
She shook her head. "You're impossible."<br />
<br />
~<>~<br />
<br />
The first thing Hawk did in the mornings, after kissing his wife, was to say hello to his son.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikZ4j9lszLDgWFetB51wOg5F-RDG-MRNNwQbTd7ixZULVas2hxYHm_7Hn6MufJBungKeaUFaIKsF05zXUGaUZ9G18ZMR2_S_28kI1I6F4t_xZJvEw_3FLW1col8Y2Ts2Ipz0zuLrphSKk/s1600/skye+and+hawk3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikZ4j9lszLDgWFetB51wOg5F-RDG-MRNNwQbTd7ixZULVas2hxYHm_7Hn6MufJBungKeaUFaIKsF05zXUGaUZ9G18ZMR2_S_28kI1I6F4t_xZJvEw_3FLW1col8Y2Ts2Ipz0zuLrphSKk/s1600/skye+and+hawk3.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
He was worried, but he kept it to himself. Who would he tell after all? To confess why he was worried, would be to confess to a few other things, and he just wasn't ready for that yet. He needed more time. As more time passed though, the more he worried. Would Skye ever forgive him? Could he keep her safe? Could he keep their son safe?<br />
<br />
And what about her family? His mother had something special planned for Skye's father, but she had never clued him in on that plan. At the time he hadn't cared, but now...what was she planning? He hadn't contacted her for a while, and he knew his mother didn't have much patience to start with, he really needed to send another message, soon. Before leaving Midnight Hollow he had set up some safety protocols, redirects and the like, with the hope that it would slow her down, and give him more time...<br />
<br />
But how long would it work? That he didn't know. He knew that eventually she would tire of receiving encrypted electronic messages from him, and she would seek him out. Only to find that he wasn't in Midnight Hollow anymore. She would be furious. He cringed.<br />
<br />
That was why whenever he was left alone in the house, he spent all his time practicing, honing his skills, for as many hours as he could. He couldn't afford to become rusty, his family's life depended on it.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDYs3uITQEv86EJCbzzi3nuJ0eQBAIheE9900lmTdSrHzs1a63s7uRITN4eAjhzNvtYeA-B8TvLorTnTEGYPJVFPIxn8DW7X_MU31jtiG8M38jnrInam3LQ41umheRIEIdd4MxZ1hnrcI/s1600/hawk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDYs3uITQEv86EJCbzzi3nuJ0eQBAIheE9900lmTdSrHzs1a63s7uRITN4eAjhzNvtYeA-B8TvLorTnTEGYPJVFPIxn8DW7X_MU31jtiG8M38jnrInam3LQ41umheRIEIdd4MxZ1hnrcI/s1600/hawk.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
~<>~<br />
<br />
<br />
Hawk held Skye's hands. "How are you feeling today Beautiful? Aren't you supposed to be lying down?"<br />
<br />
Skye sighed heavily. "I'm bored." After a rather serious scare and some time spent in the hospital, Skye had been diagnosed with preclampsia. She had been released under strict orders, most of which boiled down to bed rest. Lots and lots of bed rest.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVXg-7OzMjYZUWWl_tsQbGrVvTxIKsMe1WS4j7DAC6jnvLYA-SVKwmdRE2iKrTl26eJdNNWhVJg-4xueVpf-yr9YubyFAgcDtv8T0KOUUZSv881TaX-1SL4bSykxV8vOly5g7eIREts34/s1600/skye+and+hawk4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVXg-7OzMjYZUWWl_tsQbGrVvTxIKsMe1WS4j7DAC6jnvLYA-SVKwmdRE2iKrTl26eJdNNWhVJg-4xueVpf-yr9YubyFAgcDtv8T0KOUUZSv881TaX-1SL4bSykxV8vOly5g7eIREts34/s1600/skye+and+hawk4.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
She had managed to get her husband and doctor to agree to let her lie on the living room couch, so she could at least watch tv, but she was even bored with that now. She was an active person, lying around and being waited on hand and foot wasn't the life for her. "I just wanted to stand up for a minute and stretch my legs. It's so hard just lying there doing nothing."<br />
<br />
"You're not doing nothing Skye, you're taking care of our baby."<br />
<br />
"I know, I just hadn't expected it to be this hard. I'm sorry I'm so whiny." Skye knew logically what she was doing was best for her baby, that every day their baby stayed inside the womb, would make the baby stronger.<br />
<br />
"Well," he teased, "if anyone was entitled to be whiny, it would be you." He smiled at her. "I'm done with the day's herb scavenger hunt, so my time is all yours."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6KZMoW0v2YnShqY0_YCaNArXU6MXd27fY5D5beoeRUJbuapBLIM2uWG7T9QpgBSxNuiquHcOlhLiBHdlBw6-dK-HS3WxAkxHH6_mg0I-rovjMwVDpC_UZ5LuNu_r7J511eihsZLqpFOQ/s1600/skye+and+hawk5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6KZMoW0v2YnShqY0_YCaNArXU6MXd27fY5D5beoeRUJbuapBLIM2uWG7T9QpgBSxNuiquHcOlhLiBHdlBw6-dK-HS3WxAkxHH6_mg0I-rovjMwVDpC_UZ5LuNu_r7J511eihsZLqpFOQ/s1600/skye+and+hawk5.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
"Well, you can watch reruns of Simnanny 911 with me, I've only seen them a hundred times or so." <br />
<br />
Hawk grinned. "Only a hundred?" Skye scowled at him, and he chuckled. "You're cute when you're all disgruntled. Well, we could come up with a name for our son."<br />
<br />
Skye rolled her eyes. "Our daughter you mean?"<br />
<br />
Hawk shook his head. "No, son." He smiled at her again. "I was thinking we could name him after your father, then he might actually like me."<br />
<br />
Skye cringed. "No! Oh no, that would be like tempting fate, and there's no way I could handle two of them, one of him is more than enough!" She paused, "I like the name Julia though."<br />
<br />
"Julia?" Hawk pretended to ponder the name. "I think that's a terrible name for a boy."<br />
<br />
Skye groaned.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4MMcOAaFNPgbEIUdA5zbQfStwzpMEZuqhlqbUUUlkdahB3Fv4TFQi15Ks-G-hdi2dQxmeQTpdKjKCQb6QvvyjFBJWTgxcyhRpFN8Kgudf9WgywZMUJffcXpYkmvi53FwnieIOSyYMgt4/s1600/skye+and+hawk6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4MMcOAaFNPgbEIUdA5zbQfStwzpMEZuqhlqbUUUlkdahB3Fv4TFQi15Ks-G-hdi2dQxmeQTpdKjKCQb6QvvyjFBJWTgxcyhRpFN8Kgudf9WgywZMUJffcXpYkmvi53FwnieIOSyYMgt4/s1600/skye+and+hawk6.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
He sat on the couch, and tugged her down until she was snuggled on his lap. "What about Peregrine? We could call him Perry for short."<br />
<br />
Skye loped her arms around his neck. "Another bird name?"<br />
<br />
"What's wrong with bird names?" Hawk asked. "It's kind of a family tradition."<br />
<br />
"Is it? You never talk about your family at all, and I haven't pushed it because I sense there's some pain there, but..."<br />
<br />
Hawk realized his error too late, he had slipped up, and given her an opening. Or given him an opening. He looked at her, at the trust and love reflected in her eyes, and he just couldn't do it. He didn't want to lose her just yet, he wanted a little more time, so he took the coward's way out again. He distracted her with a kiss.<br />
<br />
<br />
~<>~<br />
<br />
<br />
It was in the early hours of the morning when Skye woke up to a sharp pain across her stomach. She gritted her teeth, and carefully sat up. Her water had broke, soaking the bed, but worse than that, were the blood red streaks on her sheets. "Hawk," she shook her husband," Hawk, I need to go to the hospital, now." Hawk mumbled something. She shook him again. "I'm bleeding. I need to go to the hospital."<br />
<br />
Hawk's eyes flew open, and he bounced out of bed. "Sh*t!"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCREd1LDif1SFe3nViK9_WI5saeNo1zE99CdM5e1_65rJARDHcEINk5jd3HCR1pTne8d__91uT6CGkkvERE8He-p1pMqdAK7WLDOCcSvfZGSFTwG9hO_kESgelsDBmB4tkvi5UkhUc5Qc/s1600/baby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCREd1LDif1SFe3nViK9_WI5saeNo1zE99CdM5e1_65rJARDHcEINk5jd3HCR1pTne8d__91uT6CGkkvERE8He-p1pMqdAK7WLDOCcSvfZGSFTwG9hO_kESgelsDBmB4tkvi5UkhUc5Qc/s1600/baby.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"Hold on Baby, I'll come around and carry you out to the car, just let me throw my shoes on." He glanced down at his bare chest. "And a shirt." He picked up the shirt he had thrown on the floor the night before and pulled it on. He didn't care if it was dirty, time was of the essence. Once he had his shoes on, he grabbed Skye's jacket and shoes, and helped her put them on.<br />
<br />
He gently lifted her into his arms, her face was pale, and she moaned as another pain hit her. "It hurts."<br />
<br />
"I know, Baby, I know. Hold on, I'll have you at the hospital quicker than you can say spit."<br />
<br />
<br />
~<>~<br />
<br />
<br />
The Hospital front door banged open as Colin quickly strode through it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoreITMcFabbckDDK9ZGuYJArsJqPw1VacFzjGrY_msGDDhbJxbdyAOxBVzMXIMTLvlmGMatluBUcD5iPa6xzuK03k_aZ7qQrEnnulAcBZlNhyphenhyphengWhwl7pBPPcMnHUm5edJnKufzf3AdXY/s1600/Colin+hospital.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoreITMcFabbckDDK9ZGuYJArsJqPw1VacFzjGrY_msGDDhbJxbdyAOxBVzMXIMTLvlmGMatluBUcD5iPa6xzuK03k_aZ7qQrEnnulAcBZlNhyphenhyphengWhwl7pBPPcMnHUm5edJnKufzf3AdXY/s1600/Colin+hospital.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
He made a beeline for the Nurse's desk to find out where they were keeping Skylar. He had come as soon as f*cking birdboy had phoned him, letting him know that Skye had lost too much blood, and the doctors were trying to save her life. Colin couldn't even f*cking conceive of losing his baby girl, so the f*cking doctors had better f*cking fix her. Or he would f*cking fix them.<br />
<br />
He was directed to a small waiting room, where f*cking birdboy was frantically pacing back and forth. "What the h*ll is going on?" He barked, and Hawk jumped.<br />
<br />
"They kicked me out." Hawk said, his voice was thick with emotion. "They won't let me in to see her, she's lost so much blood. So...much...blood." His voice broke. Hawk had learned at an early age, never cry, tears were weakness, but he couldn't stop them, no matter how hard he tried. He worst fear was coming true, but in a way he had not expected, or anticipated. It wasn't supposed to go like this.<br />
<br />
"What the f*ck?" Colin snarled. "They better f*cking tell me what the f*ck is going on..." He stopped his rant, when the doctor came into the room. Colin pounced on him before the doctor could say a word. "How the f*ck is my daughter doing? What the f*ck is going on? Where the f*ck is she?"<br />
<br />
The doctor tensed. "Please, calm down Sir, and let's all sit down..."<br />
<br />
"F*ck that, talk before I f*cking shove your a*s down your f*cking throat."<br />
<br />
The doctor began to talk...<br />
<br />
<br />
~<>~<br />
<br />
<br />
Hawk was torn.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhul_KuwmweoivfX8lYbIVnm_yUlOd6lSdCDxdtpULVGf4CzPJeNyjKJ2ewYPVsB4wXVj3OfU79RN2IJwF1d2HAuFPHOMsiWoec3O4JQkX9bfATiW5JMW5A2xcC2ZQdCbcQvK0ALByCUT4/s1600/Julia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhul_KuwmweoivfX8lYbIVnm_yUlOd6lSdCDxdtpULVGf4CzPJeNyjKJ2ewYPVsB4wXVj3OfU79RN2IJwF1d2HAuFPHOMsiWoec3O4JQkX9bfATiW5JMW5A2xcC2ZQdCbcQvK0ALByCUT4/s1600/Julia.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
He wished he could be in two places at once, at home with his daughter, and at the hospital with his wife. No, more than that, he wished his wife was well, and at home with them, where she belonged, not lying lifeless in a coma, in a hospital bed.<br />
<br />
Hawk had only heard bits and pieces of the doctor's explanation of what had happened to Skye; something about her uterus rupturing, which had immediately endangered her life, and Julia's. It had been touch and go for several hours, they had successfully saved his daughter, in fact, she had been able to go home within a week. His wife, on the other hand, still battled for her life.<br />
<br />
He cuddled his daughter, and smiled sadly. He had named her Julia, because that was the name Skye had chosen if they had a girl. He only wished that Skye could hold her, that he could hear her voice tell him, "I told you so." She had hoped for a daughter, he had believed they would have a son.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA1Evh-nK3aXwBZaNxhCTvAVTwYRTUxjDIrDilE-bY56VEv-r650VT980-nwN-wWsl8t8s9QFAty4B8_K3oSuqN6LweZBSa7v2sqKuG-GcUfFZHVvys_j-nVrt34gO1nEDMa1oUvSlS8M/s1600/Julia1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA1Evh-nK3aXwBZaNxhCTvAVTwYRTUxjDIrDilE-bY56VEv-r650VT980-nwN-wWsl8t8s9QFAty4B8_K3oSuqN6LweZBSa7v2sqKuG-GcUfFZHVvys_j-nVrt34gO1nEDMa1oUvSlS8M/s1600/Julia1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Why had he believed so strongly that they would have a boy? The prophecy had said a child, it had not said whether it would be a son or a daughter, yet he had assumed...out of his arrogance...that of course it would be a son! Now he held a daughter in his arms, his precious daughter...<br />
<br />
He looked at her sweet, innocent face, and he felt an intense, overwhelming rush of love for her, and a fierce desire to protect her, and keep her safe. "My Julia, if only your Mama was here." He brought Julia to the hospital with him, to visit her mother, as often as he could, but hospitals were no place for a newborn.<br />
<br />
He traded time with his father in law, so that Skye would never be alone. Tanner and Luna helped out as much as they could, but none of it was right. It was all wrong. Skye was supposed to be the one that rocked Julia to sleep at night, who fed her, cuddled her, played with her.<br />
<br />
Julia yawned sleepily. He smiled at her. He regretted a great many things, but he could never regret having Julia. Never. He gently laid her in the crib.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEpJrFmIYy2sw-GkuGJ454meDO4U4myVD7DStmwA35FjDmBOxCxycSGNLpLKr3dDdfKt5V3kJdkck0cNQDguEAuQ3lHP5pKuQBSin-yGlqOfPnI3-yvh3MP3CqfFVl8_t5BtScQtpx0J4/s1600/julia2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEpJrFmIYy2sw-GkuGJ454meDO4U4myVD7DStmwA35FjDmBOxCxycSGNLpLKr3dDdfKt5V3kJdkck0cNQDguEAuQ3lHP5pKuQBSin-yGlqOfPnI3-yvh3MP3CqfFVl8_t5BtScQtpx0J4/s1600/julia2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Julia waved her little arms and legs about, and Hawk stroked her soft, downy hair. "Sleep well Pumpkin, I will keep you safe, I promise."<br />
<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________<br />
<br />
<br />
Notes: Mean cliffhanger, yeah, sorry. We'll find out if Skye recovers or not, next chapter. It was so hard to make Skye and Hawk wait so long to have a child. They both rolled immediate baby wishes right after they got married, but I wanted to do something a little different. Skye is part fae---and as I wrote many eons ago---they do have troubles conceiving, and that is why their numbers are down---and why Ellie sought out a human mate (Reilly).<br />
<br />
Of course, neither Alder nor Colin had that trouble, lol<br />
<br />
I'm not a doctor or anything; uterine rupture is a real thing, and it is serious, but I have taken some artistic license with it. <br />
<br />
Speaking of Colin, no, he didn't murder Devin, though if he had been able to get his hands on him before Mr. Alto had, he would have. I thought about it a lot, and decided I didn't want to make Colin a killer---justified or not. However, I couldn't let Devin live either, haha! So, enter the mobster. Devin was playing a dangerous game, convinced he would never be caught, except he was.<br />
<br />
Colin and Nathaniel are best friends. As soon as the family moved to Sunlit Tides, it was like Colin knew he was there, because suddenly he was rolling wants to spar with someone. I rarely ever bother with the martial arts skill, especially for inactives, but of course, Nathaniel Raas comes with level 10 martial arts skill. So it's been fun watching the two of them spar. Colin wins some, loses some. But hey, he's sparring the Grandmaster himself!!<br />
<br />
I am missing Alder and Ryder quite a bit. Ryder was my clean sim, and was constantly cleaning up after everyone. It was very handy in this hands off generation! Alder was always good for laughs, he was always up to mischief!! And he cooked. lol<br />
<br />
A closer pic of Trevor's face, because the pics I used of him in this chapter, he's pulling different facial expressions, lol I think he's pretty cute. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1eV_HuQZq33fE7E5QWHiIImn6T4e26K4OBTJkj0qmIywxVSoXooeFlJ9twLNEeric7MlzK-K83rfvD9Ufkgc1g3IG-wlXuJqx5AJQ5EmPjO10O2dY-2cLEj-rrnkdn_PTCo6_v1PzRt4/s1600/Trevor+ya.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1eV_HuQZq33fE7E5QWHiIImn6T4e26K4OBTJkj0qmIywxVSoXooeFlJ9twLNEeric7MlzK-K83rfvD9Ufkgc1g3IG-wlXuJqx5AJQ5EmPjO10O2dY-2cLEj-rrnkdn_PTCo6_v1PzRt4/s1600/Trevor+ya.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Julia. <3 It is probably pretty obvious, but I will state it anyway, Julia is my Gen 9 heiress. I'm pretty excited about her storyline, and I can't wait to delve into it!<br />
<br />
Questions? Comments? Thanks for reading! =)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Nirarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15253184399668018141noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2767753407529003708.post-39384613780775073432014-10-10T21:18:00.000-07:002014-10-10T21:18:10.475-07:00Chapter 86: Sunlit Tides <h3>
</h3>
<h3>
Warning: Bad Language</h3>
<br />
<br />
<br />
"Hey Dad, check this out! I found yet another gecko!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFvlo1ddq8i4yjz7tvdE-2hqxa8raNO6oR10ywzm9Ny8D9kf_r5i_EG4Vfv1r79ptlHPxGXxgiRYMcETXRuMlRqh7BGTMtvMs_CicpMTEquP715Dl9r76EjLqPw_ICX6QHhBjqL6ptPaQ/s1600/Ryder+and+gecko.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFvlo1ddq8i4yjz7tvdE-2hqxa8raNO6oR10ywzm9Ny8D9kf_r5i_EG4Vfv1r79ptlHPxGXxgiRYMcETXRuMlRqh7BGTMtvMs_CicpMTEquP715Dl9r76EjLqPw_ICX6QHhBjqL6ptPaQ/s1600/Ryder+and+gecko.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Alder glanced back over his shoulder. "I've seen enough of those, thanks." He turned his attention back to cooking dinner.<br />
<br />
"This one is brown." Ryder said. "I wonder how they keep getting in?"<br />
<br />
"I don't know." Alder grumbled, "but I wish they'd stay out of my kitchen!"<br />
<br />
The move to Sunlit Tides itself had been thankfully uneventful, living there however, had taken some getting used to. The house was much smaller than the one they had in Midnight Hollow, it wasn't a bad size, just smaller, and some of the family's collection had to be put into storage, as there was simply not enough room in the new house for it all. <br />
<br />
Ryder picked the gecko up and released it back outside. When he came back into the house, he could hear the howls of a certain young man. "Out! Want Out! Out!!! Out!!!!"<br />
<br />
Ryder shook his head and headed for the playpen. "What's all this noise about?" He smiled down at his great grandson.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfCMaEmU__0E-BNlwfCcUzoSa6G3tw6reJTH3h6g-8pQGGXMABiorA6kGvfWdF0fsufAA7A1YQFoxZ1p5Phg_H58IDxUUsP22L4TtXsJC8dDJ62nyYwK2lf5AhnV4cK9QhXHRuAsaevQo/s1600/Kalen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfCMaEmU__0E-BNlwfCcUzoSa6G3tw6reJTH3h6g-8pQGGXMABiorA6kGvfWdF0fsufAA7A1YQFoxZ1p5Phg_H58IDxUUsP22L4TtXsJC8dDJ62nyYwK2lf5AhnV4cK9QhXHRuAsaevQo/s1600/Kalen.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"Pa pa! Up! Want out!" Kalen raised his arms up, and Ryder obediently picked him up. Kalen called everyone Pa pa, even his mother. Kalen nuzzled up against him. "Pa pa hug."<br />
<br />
Ryder smiled again as he snuggled Kalen back. Kalen could be very demanding at times, but he sure loved to cuddle. "Let's go find Mommy."<br />
<br />
"Pa pa!" Kalen said happily.<br />
<br />
<br />
~<>~<br />
<br />
<br />
Trevor groaned, parents could be so embarrassing! He was just really glad that Apple wasn't around to see it, or in particular, see his dad, Tanner, running around in really tight, brief shorts.<br />
<br />
Trevor had tried to talk to his dad about it, but his mom had
interrupted and said she really liked them, which had made his dad
smile, and had totally derailed his legitimate complaint that parents
should dress like...parents!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ3Gv23iqap5S91Ii3v9KcbrUYeerbMjsAKNy4XJLeDbL5YkNtE-KiTXrNvYRzuNIXa77dws1N0CthkSMmzR5g_V91EzuhSvuinyeaDi3LzHnJW5tHdcayASgLQ2YT_cj-yBugrYjp-bQ/s1600/Trevor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ3Gv23iqap5S91Ii3v9KcbrUYeerbMjsAKNy4XJLeDbL5YkNtE-KiTXrNvYRzuNIXa77dws1N0CthkSMmzR5g_V91EzuhSvuinyeaDi3LzHnJW5tHdcayASgLQ2YT_cj-yBugrYjp-bQ/s1600/Trevor.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
His dad had followed them to Sunlit Tides, to be a proper dad, or so he had said, but Trevor knew his mom was also a huge factor in his dad's decision to move. It was so obvious that they were crazy about each other, he didn't understand why they kept pretending they were just friends. He snorted. Just friends. Ha! As if he was born yesterday.<br />
<br />
The other day he had inadvertently caught them making out in the car, he still didn't know who was more embarrassed over that, him, or them. They had both started spouting off nonsense, like his mother had lost her contact lens, and his dad was just helping her find it. Yeah right! His mom didn't even wear contact lenses!<br />
<br />
He had point blank told them, then and there, they should just make it official, instead of sneaking off like a couple of hormonal teenagers, sheesh, how old were they anyway?? They had stared at him for a moment before turning an interesting shade of red, then his mom had stammered out that she was late for a meeting and hightailed it out of there. A meeting? For what?<br />
<br />
His dad had finally noticed that he wasn't exactly ten years old anymore, and as such he wouldn't fall for such a lame story. But all he would say is that it was "complicated". Complicated? Complicated?! Trevor didn't get it. What was so complicated? He loved her, she loved him, it was so simple. Parents were so weird. <br />
<br />
~<>~<br />
<br />
<br />
Hawk stared at the bottle of elixir that he had just made with a sense of satisfaction.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjprOZiR5tDZAQQJ75uu7fOBZAKM-WMFEBYBtZjz8rpNu3SaFQM7DTU0qlhuhihngovGFzxdjIhgMLs7DCHBkeFNyGdPJ7wwUQPfGGqcv9YpWVt-W346RV29kqbWPbZNPTl9XephkYUowQ/s1600/Hawk1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjprOZiR5tDZAQQJ75uu7fOBZAKM-WMFEBYBtZjz8rpNu3SaFQM7DTU0qlhuhihngovGFzxdjIhgMLs7DCHBkeFNyGdPJ7wwUQPfGGqcv9YpWVt-W346RV29kqbWPbZNPTl9XephkYUowQ/s1600/Hawk1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
He had hours and hours and hours of research and labor invested in this single bottle of Mandrake Essence, and it contained within it, hope, his hope. Hope that this elixir was the answer, and that it would allow Skye to conceive and have the child she so desperately wanted.<br />
<br />
The move to Sunlit Tides had overall been good for her, she smiled a little more, and she talked non stop about her kids, the ones she taught in school. She seemed almost resigned to the fact that she would never have kids of her own. He would even think that she had given up on the idea all together except that...sometimes...he could still see the longing in her when she looked at Kalen, he could feel her heartbreak.<br />
<br />
Hawk had never lost his belief or his hope. He knew the prophecy would be fulfilled, that they would have a son, he just didn't know when. He held the elixir up again. Hopefully it would be soon, very soon. Time was running out, his mother would not wait forever. He needed his son to be of an age where he could protect himself from his grandmother.<br />
<br />
<br />
~<>~ <br />
<br />
<br />
Skye smiled. It was a gorgeous morning, and it was so good to be alive. She petted the soft fluffy chick that was in her hand.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEiGu0syoppr34l2tat4khm8rUsdc0fI9CFyWD-unGvRV9SSYmLrmwYpi9rpjRwH9AMrwGhuDw5P01faN4vmVAgiR1PskiriVcAHLCwYXSPpbA3UrvFAHXNA-ZqoySDi8dU__qbLE4ZfY/s1600/Skye.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEiGu0syoppr34l2tat4khm8rUsdc0fI9CFyWD-unGvRV9SSYmLrmwYpi9rpjRwH9AMrwGhuDw5P01faN4vmVAgiR1PskiriVcAHLCwYXSPpbA3UrvFAHXNA-ZqoySDi8dU__qbLE4ZfY/s1600/Skye.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
She was so glad that she had talked her family into getting the hen house and a few cows. They had looked at her as if she had grown a third head at first, but in the end, they had acquiesced, and she had even caught her father out here playing with the chicks. He would deny it of course, but she had seen him!<br />
<br />
She wished she could have children, but it seemed that was never going to happen. She was tired of the yo yo emotions, tired of having her hopes crushed month after month, she couldn't live that way anymore. It was time to focus on what she did have, and to be thankful for that. She had a wonderful husband who adored her, two adorable nephews, more brothers and sisters than she knew what to do with, caring grandparents, and the best father in the whole world. She was blessed.<br />
<br />
So she had made her peace with being childless, as much as she could anyway. Part of her would always long for what could have been, but it was time to find a new dream. She cuddled the little chick again. <br />
<br />
<br />
~<>~<br />
<br />
<br />
"Hold still Bob, this isn't going to hurt a bit." Jack didn't know why he bothered talking to Bob, it wasn't like he would ever answer back, Jack had never given him that ability.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYlPvPczYWMv41dRRAaI7O-JeCj_Js8cea009QiQP5BJ-0CYZdHg2SCqNwkQbqwFEl3fXJZCHofowi15tFyV2fQmwao6ZkZx6o-thBLXCndNLv2nk7oZfNiEsFFDwbb2f35PoQXtLMPmM/s1600/Jack+and+Bob.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYlPvPczYWMv41dRRAaI7O-JeCj_Js8cea009QiQP5BJ-0CYZdHg2SCqNwkQbqwFEl3fXJZCHofowi15tFyV2fQmwao6ZkZx6o-thBLXCndNLv2nk7oZfNiEsFFDwbb2f35PoQXtLMPmM/s1600/Jack+and+Bob.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Still, it felt strange not to talk to him. "You had a slight malfunction Bob, but I'll have you fixed up in no time at all." Of course, his grandfather would disagree with the word slight. Jack didn't see what the big deal was. Sure Bob went around gathering dirty clothes only to dump them in piles around the house. Sure he tried to fix things that weren't broken, or clean things that weren't dirty, people included. Jack chuckled. "Dumping that bucket of water on Grandpa Ryder was funny Bob, funny, but bad."<br />
<br />
A few more tweaks, and Bob would be less helpful around the house. "Family, they never appreciate you like they should." Jack muttered.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
~<>~<br />
<br />
Trevor helped Kalen onto the Seahorse spring rider. They were at the Carousel Park, and Trevor had volunteered to keep an eye on his brother, he sure hoped his parents took full advantage of the time alone.<br />
<br />
"Horsey go!" Kalen squealed as he rocked back and forth. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAJMgEIecceqk1rZQYOt8K7O8n6YiQTYmezraxP_DV5hNFASKZTBUwlnTLCnfW6p0bco8vZk2n8fEY_d4TqPIp1C6rNf4MM4AMSFscUXgZpWkZn0YIVwOXYmwK_ACsyxGhVJFWvzPJcC0/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAJMgEIecceqk1rZQYOt8K7O8n6YiQTYmezraxP_DV5hNFASKZTBUwlnTLCnfW6p0bco8vZk2n8fEY_d4TqPIp1C6rNf4MM4AMSFscUXgZpWkZn0YIVwOXYmwK_ACsyxGhVJFWvzPJcC0/s1600/1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
"The tickle monster is going to get you!" Trevor threatened playfully. He extended his hands out, and wiggled his fingers. His little brother screeched, and Trevor winced at the volume of it. Kalen sure had a good set of lungs.<br />
<br />
"No! No! No monser! Go horsey!"<br />
<br />
"Go horsey!?" Trevor repeated, "Well, tickle monster was going to go get some cotton candy."<br />
<br />
Kalen stopped rocking, and immediately held his arms up. "Candy! Candy! Kay wans candy!"<br />
<br />
"Hmmm." Trevor pretended to think about it.<br />
<br />
Kalen pouted. "Candy! Kay wants candy!"<br />
<br />
Trevor scooped his brother up off the seahorse and tickled him. Kalen shrieked with laughter. "Okay candy monster, let's go find some candy." Once he found the cotton candy cart, Trevor set Kalen down on the ground while he paid for the treat. "Yummy!"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXFcrwhbXla6QOQOyb2cej-M8isJotkjaxWoXlmn1KQwaSuk7NFVywkHvfOUSesBWjLRo-zmVIz2zrF0xkcIMo0oYECLFQmklk8dHAdbmxwcAUBX1PuovuQuVxyPdP-5NfdqrTH6-bdKA/s1600/Trevor1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXFcrwhbXla6QOQOyb2cej-M8isJotkjaxWoXlmn1KQwaSuk7NFVywkHvfOUSesBWjLRo-zmVIz2zrF0xkcIMo0oYECLFQmklk8dHAdbmxwcAUBX1PuovuQuVxyPdP-5NfdqrTH6-bdKA/s1600/Trevor1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"Candy! Candy!" Kalen demanded.<br />
<br />
"Hold onto your horses there candy monster." Trevor said as he tore a piece off and handed it to his brother. "I think the candy monster is going to turn into a sticky monster."<br />
<br />
"Ticky! Ticky!" Kalen chortled happily.<br />
<br />
"Yes, you are sticky." He sighed. Maybe the cotton candy wasn't such a good idea after all. <br />
<br />
<br />
~<>~<br />
<br />
<br />
Trevor wiped his hands nervously on his jeans. Where was she? Her parents were weirder than his parents, and had insisted that he couldn't go out on a date with their daughter alone. They would have to be chaperoned. Trevor rolled his eyes. Who even did that anymore anyway?<br />
<br />
It was all because he had been caught kissing Apple on her porch, and it was a chaste kiss too. His first kiss, with a girl he really liked, and she liked him too. Then suddenly her father had come storming out, yelling and carrying on about how his daughter wasn't going to end up as a teen mother, and to get his filthy hands off of his daughter. Talk about a mood killer.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcVNJ4u2GC3ZmJlSlEL6E7VNu8EqqCnlNRFQ4vMngP8g3mf9gB5xw-E22ZiiSa4N0Bp6Tl31TupQUJikPw9-kXy-yETPBHKuOS8fCwSQRMMw7GuEeAvlotr3DQDi3xnMIZJpy77LkZigU/s1600/Trevor+date.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcVNJ4u2GC3ZmJlSlEL6E7VNu8EqqCnlNRFQ4vMngP8g3mf9gB5xw-E22ZiiSa4N0Bp6Tl31TupQUJikPw9-kXy-yETPBHKuOS8fCwSQRMMw7GuEeAvlotr3DQDi3xnMIZJpy77LkZigU/s1600/Trevor+date.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Apparently Apple's oldest sister had hidden her pregnancy when she was a teen, so Apple was automatically painted with the same brush. Which was totally unfair. At least her mom had been able to get her father to relent a little. They could date, but only if they were chaperoned.<br />
<br />
There was no way he wanted to be chaperoned by her parents, that was just...awkward. Imagine trying to hold hands with Apple under the intense glare of her father. No thank you. His parents had volunteered, but face it, as much as he loved them, they were nerds. His dad geeked out about science stuff, while his mom geeked out over arty stuff. <br />
<br />
Just the other day, both of them had attended the Science Art Exhibit, where it had fascinating, ha!, things, like: the planet formed from clay and tinfoil, with some weird yellow antennas attached, and it stood 10 ft tall. His mother had actually wanted to buy it, but it wasn't for sale. She said it symbolized her and his father, the perfect harmonic meeting of science and art, just like them. <br />
<br />
She had finally stopped talking about it when he had asked her, "When is this perfect harmonic meeting going to finally stop being so afraid of commitment and get married?" He had gotten two frowns for his efforts from that one. Really, you could lead a horse to water, but you couldn't make them drink. Suddenly he heard the megaphone, and he groaned. What was his grandpa up to? He had better go check on him...<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4fm-P3uHUcUA3EET2K8z6uGO70XMtQqxLivwZuF1fWqegkmLj7gEgIvKou88KAZVO6-ZhbEljSaBiQ3E7ZFmUbUESMMoFS6LYSEz_pqAUqSyYZN8m10OXdxXufD3FddPwr_P5NUGrE2o/s1600/Trevor+date1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4fm-P3uHUcUA3EET2K8z6uGO70XMtQqxLivwZuF1fWqegkmLj7gEgIvKou88KAZVO6-ZhbEljSaBiQ3E7ZFmUbUESMMoFS6LYSEz_pqAUqSyYZN8m10OXdxXufD3FddPwr_P5NUGrE2o/s1600/Trevor+date1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Trevor was horrified. "Grandpa! What are you doing?!" He closed his eyes, oh man! Just his luck! And it was Mr. Raas too, the mayor of Sunlit Tides, and only the most important man in all of the Universe. And his grandfather was yelling at him, with a megaphone! How embarrassing! <br />
<br />
He looked around, he sure hoped Apple and her parents weren't around to see this. To Trevor's surprise though, both his grandpa and Mr. Raas broke out laughing. How did his grandpa do it?<br />
<br />
"...and that is how you get lazy a*s teens out of bed." His grandpa chuckled. "It works every time."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjleso8J1mbq3Wt7833l3O_Kxwtd4yEP2u0X6jGW0PbqI-vuDBAZca3urxBGsTF7Fai2CorCVWhl7p0JZVzLDmxIKt-X4tNA2xHD6Q8oob7Ucid21awhK5SMyAZwny2W3SZ9fBLyGG6uYQ/s1600/Trevor+date2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjleso8J1mbq3Wt7833l3O_Kxwtd4yEP2u0X6jGW0PbqI-vuDBAZca3urxBGsTF7Fai2CorCVWhl7p0JZVzLDmxIKt-X4tNA2xHD6Q8oob7Ucid21awhK5SMyAZwny2W3SZ9fBLyGG6uYQ/s1600/Trevor+date2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
His grandpa noticed him standing off to the side, and waved him closer. "Hey, this is my grandson, that I was telling you about, Trevor. Trevor, this is Nate, Mr. Raas to you."<br />
<br />
Nate?! How had his grandfather gotten on a first name basis with the man so quickly? Trevor sure wished he could be more like his grandfather. "Pleased to meet you Mr. Raas." Trevor said politely. Now he wished Apple and her parents would show up! He was talking to the most important man in the Universe!<br />
<br />
Mr. Raas held out his hand, and Trevor shook it. "Your grandpa has been giving me tips on how to raise teens. I have some teens at home that won't get out of bed until noon or later!" He shook his head. <br />
<br />
Trevor had heard that Mr. Raas had a lot of children, like ten of them, or more, and they all still lived at home. Trevor couldn't imagine having that many kids. "I never sleep in until noon."<br />
<br />
"That's what your grandpa has been telling me." Mr. Raas smiled. "In fact, I hear you're a real go getter, and I could use someone like you on my team. Would you be interested in a job?"<br />
<br />
Trevor suppressed the urge to shout, and instead, very politely said, "Yes, Sir, I would be very interested." He had just finalized all the particulars of his new job, when he heard Apple call his name. He excused himself, and ran over to greet her. "Apple!"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiRJiP7hxGO32UKMU1iPip4qQzACgHQU7WD4UI0t_weGmPSEf-hN8-cshanO8za54i3gzLRuGPlD_PScL3mcX88O13KMwGDAdplP5ZYNX0tyicfCZQad2-8cg0W1qQOm_g4DdWJLT6ppk/s1600/Trevor+date3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiRJiP7hxGO32UKMU1iPip4qQzACgHQU7WD4UI0t_weGmPSEf-hN8-cshanO8za54i3gzLRuGPlD_PScL3mcX88O13KMwGDAdplP5ZYNX0tyicfCZQad2-8cg0W1qQOm_g4DdWJLT6ppk/s1600/Trevor+date3.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Trevor could feel her dad's malevolent gaze on him, so he was really careful to just give her a friendly handshake, instead of the kiss he wanted to give her. "I'm so glad you're here."<br />
<br />
Apple grinned at him impishly. "You can kiss me when he leaves."<br />
<br />
Trevor grinned back at her. "When is he leaving?"<br />
<br />
Apple shrugged. "As soon as he gets bored with watching us stand here and just talk. Is that your grandfather, talking to Mr. Raas?"<br />
<br />
Trevor nodded. "Yeah, and you know what?"<br />
<br />
"What?"<br />
<br />
"Mr. Raas offered me a job working for him."<br />
<br />
Apple squealed. "Really!? That's awesome Trev! Congratulations!"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiljeIejgs5b4NbM5yimFw6WzZWAybsa8vDndvRszrj_LP4GoNMf-H1M2ZitIqdSc_CWBFsoDec7vDFknyd7HxPl_CTtQ_RVp3xjtojWuQx9pa8ph1J71dRkim7aUsamhDOIDLAgyRDsA/s1600/Trevor+date4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiljeIejgs5b4NbM5yimFw6WzZWAybsa8vDndvRszrj_LP4GoNMf-H1M2ZitIqdSc_CWBFsoDec7vDFknyd7HxPl_CTtQ_RVp3xjtojWuQx9pa8ph1J71dRkim7aUsamhDOIDLAgyRDsA/s1600/Trevor+date4.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
"Did you hear that Dad?" Apple yelled out. "Uncle Nate has hired Trevor!"<br />
<br />
Trevor's eyes widened. "Uncle Nate?!"<br />
<br />
Her father honked the car horn as he left, and Apple waved good bye to him. She nudged Trevor's shoulder. "You're a shoe in now!" she exclaimed. "You have the approval of Uncle Nate, and no one goes against him! Not even my step-father!"<br />
<br />
Trevor was confused. "Uncle Nate?!" he repeated. "He just gave me a job not..."<br />
<br />
"If Uncle Nate didn't approve of you, there is no way he would ever hire you, he's a stickler for those sorts of things."<br />
<br />
"Oh, but how..."<br />
<br />
Apple smiled at him. "My real Dad's sister is married to him. Come on, let's go." She tugged on him. "Let's go hang out at the swings!"<br />
<br />
<br />~<>~<br />
<br />
<br />
Kalen's birthday was in the middle of the week, in the middle of the day, with only a babysitter around. He was so gypped.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKhgIPPZGrX2MieyYV3PhrTL8JDEywANXsH8fNEYRfbC7RKbX3wJ8yCDwCHBUrsYuS39ipWG9fZA4fBVTBJHMg2WtWsiSdbFnhP5WVxn8z3N8hoAOFPHKlY2j1X9Se1jT8eZEmgIIJTVA/s1600/Kalen+bday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKhgIPPZGrX2MieyYV3PhrTL8JDEywANXsH8fNEYRfbC7RKbX3wJ8yCDwCHBUrsYuS39ipWG9fZA4fBVTBJHMg2WtWsiSdbFnhP5WVxn8z3N8hoAOFPHKlY2j1X9Se1jT8eZEmgIIJTVA/s1600/Kalen+bday.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
He didn't even get any cake or ice cream. He thought that would have made a most excellent birthday lunch, but the babysitter had disagreed. The babysitter had even dared to give him green things to eat, they were...healthy! Disgusting!<br />
<br />
He had refused to eat them, and had demanded cake instead. The babysitter was mean then, and told him if he was going to have a tantrum, he could have it in his room. Tantrum! He wasn't no baby! He didn't have tantrums! <br />
<br />
Boy, just wait until his parents got home! He was going to make sure that babysitter was... fired!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUjn8XWdwnyceSbK2HzyKILWkv6EtU7r47Z6LyKts5vMp1VjUvYIZ8KS5tBGpLwbXOa6AkLLnmPxXIuSzUO-DGpFKjtvoau63hzOE3-WoMoIg8Q9K9yZsxpeKZjgPdrwIMk2ebW5H9vZA/s1600/Kalen+bday1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUjn8XWdwnyceSbK2HzyKILWkv6EtU7r47Z6LyKts5vMp1VjUvYIZ8KS5tBGpLwbXOa6AkLLnmPxXIuSzUO-DGpFKjtvoau63hzOE3-WoMoIg8Q9K9yZsxpeKZjgPdrwIMk2ebW5H9vZA/s1600/Kalen+bday1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
~<>~<br />
<br />
<br />
Hawk sighed. His potion wasn't working as quickly as he had hoped. Skye had rolled her eyes at him when he had started asking her to drink it, telling her it would keep her healthier, so she wouldn't get sick from her students. To please him though, she drank it. Every day.<br />
<br />
He just didn't understand it. It should be working. He would have to double check his recipe and ingredients, there must be something he was forgetting. <br />
<br />
He brooded over it as he watched the sky fill with color. He loved this time of the day, it was nice and quiet, and better suited for getting his thoughts together. Now if only he could get his elixir recipe together, so that he and Skye could finally have their child of promise.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Ic-tonydDIt0jFzoFFJLFb2GnKC86ldxgifedGw2NCKz7DVUO_-255jgXL79uSyfFOEDvtKQ2jHE9FpBb5ocSglt0VtgZBYSy1JEQwoin9aXsKTzAHQkTdCZbPgeAvUFg1HnG3srHj8/s1600/Hawk+sunrise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Ic-tonydDIt0jFzoFFJLFb2GnKC86ldxgifedGw2NCKz7DVUO_-255jgXL79uSyfFOEDvtKQ2jHE9FpBb5ocSglt0VtgZBYSy1JEQwoin9aXsKTzAHQkTdCZbPgeAvUFg1HnG3srHj8/s1600/Hawk+sunrise.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
~<>~<br />
<br />
<br />
"But Grandpa! I want to go swimming!"<br />
<br />
Colin didn't even look at Kalen, but kept his watchful gaze on the people swimming in the Ocean. "After your homework is done, then you can swim."<br />
<br />
Kalen pouted. He hated doing his homework. He stared at it. "I hate homework."<br />
<br />
"All the better to get it done quickly." was his grandpa's response. Kalen scowled. He watched as his brother had fun running around the beach with his friends, and he scowled some more.<br />
<br />
"It's not fair." He muttered.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2vPapUfbP2o5VPig7MuxhS4ZMXjEAUb3c-5r1TC-Wobk4HQt2dujeSxCkLrm63n5U-tdWVZDbs5JiixzEwFFjEmNe21QlKbEYVt2YH4V1pm4kqZSt5E_sPFCD7MvF2P-pCf8ruYT6iaA/s1600/Beach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2vPapUfbP2o5VPig7MuxhS4ZMXjEAUb3c-5r1TC-Wobk4HQt2dujeSxCkLrm63n5U-tdWVZDbs5JiixzEwFFjEmNe21QlKbEYVt2YH4V1pm4kqZSt5E_sPFCD7MvF2P-pCf8ruYT6iaA/s1600/Beach.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
He wished he could tear it up into tiny pieces, and he thought about it, but one glance at his grandpa, and he reconsidered. His grandpa could be lots of fun, but he never let Kalen get away with anything.<br />
<br />
"It's so unfair! Trevor gets to have fun!"<br />
<br />
"Trevor already did his homework." <br />
<br />
"His homework is easier, that's why! Mine is so hard!"<br />
<br />
Colin sighed. "Kay, stop your whining, and do your homework. Or next time you can stay home."<br />
<br />
Kalen frowned. Stupid homework anyway. It was invented by mean teachers that wanted to make sure kids couldn't have any fun. Maybe he could get his teacher fired for giving out excessive homework? He looked up at his grandpa, and sighed heavily. Nope, there was no way his grandpa was going to go for that. He grabbed his pencil and started working on his homework.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhjSaxoVtwM-M88ErMkurHCt24GM6ojh02YjMCGc6AHTqmi7dCoCSRp9gY3e2UPQyhLK5JcTyvmEIpa3a9cbZR505E9jLazWqyF7ZnrRQMWcw7r5KZOZCB4GT8s0BTolsDqT8rkmTInck/s1600/Beach1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhjSaxoVtwM-M88ErMkurHCt24GM6ojh02YjMCGc6AHTqmi7dCoCSRp9gY3e2UPQyhLK5JcTyvmEIpa3a9cbZR505E9jLazWqyF7ZnrRQMWcw7r5KZOZCB4GT8s0BTolsDqT8rkmTInck/s1600/Beach1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Within ten minutes he was finished. "Can I go play now Grandpa? I'm all done!"<br />
<br />
Colin resisted the urge to tell his grandson once again, that if he would just sit down and do his homework, and cut out all the complaining and procrastinating, he would have been playing a long time ago. Colin sighed. Kalen was headstrong though, and if he didn't want to do something, it was like pulling hen's teeth to get him to do it. Colin had his ways though. "Have fun!"<br />
<br />
Kalen whooped. "Trevor! I can play now!"<br />
<br />
Colin smiled as he watched Kalen race towards his older brother. He was glad to see that the brothers were so close. Which reminded him, he needed to give his own brother a call. Brae had not made the move to Sunlit Tides with him. Brae had fallen in love with Melinda, and Melinda had no desire to ever leave Midnight Hollow. So now Colin kept in touch with his brother through phone calls.<br />
<br />
"Kay, don't go out so far!" Colin yelled, then frowned when Kalen didn't acknowledge his words. Kalen didn't know how to swim well enough to go out that far. Colin ran towards the shoreline, it was time to drag the boy out before he drowned himself.<br />
<br />
~<>~<br />
<br />
Colin stared at his father in shock. "What the h*ll?!" Colin tried hard not to curse, but sometimes the words slipped out anyway.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZxGKgCmGPKr3UZQx5Q9PNI0jV-0QzrDCdL-kzI3uTObmSWW4ybDM1xDteL9abwdEvM81KaE5xMFou33qX-36v2RjxxA_ChoeaJG2R1kXea8Ye04w2Gfy-koFv6mXONgR8w1jnIClP6V8/s1600/goodbye.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZxGKgCmGPKr3UZQx5Q9PNI0jV-0QzrDCdL-kzI3uTObmSWW4ybDM1xDteL9abwdEvM81KaE5xMFou33qX-36v2RjxxA_ChoeaJG2R1kXea8Ye04w2Gfy-koFv6mXONgR8w1jnIClP6V8/s1600/goodbye.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Ryder repeated himself. "A war between the Seelie, and the Unseelie is imminent. I've been called into service by the Queen as an emissary, to try and stop the war, if I can. Dad seems to think I'm pretty good about keeping fairies in line."<br />
<br />
"Well, it's true that you help keep Grandpa out of most trouble, but still, he's only one fairy, and he loves you. Dad, you're talking about the f*cking Unseelies! And how does this Queen even know about you anyway? It's not like we've ever f*cking been there before!"<br />
<br />
"Well, my grandmother Elly, which you have never met, is very close friends with the Seelie Queen. Dad has talked to Grandma Elly a lot lately, and..." Ryder nervously ran his hand through his hair. "Dad brags. A lot. About me. Apparently." Ryder was embarrassed, he didn't think he had done very much at all to warrant his Dad bragging about his so called talents.<br />
<br />
"Everything I said was true." Alder said, as he joined the conversation.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4IsHGIWWZ7YpMhRhi0tl4x8DhmPEnupLqSqGKHCfO1lrtmWpfA0i9Vt-hj4UNMvZZ9Bnd_ScfkKFQiXXqJx0_4hyphenhyphen7XdfJKe8WR-ICYxJYIYmL-XN3B4GDwIhEEuxhrrC5QHvQLZBywRQ/s1600/goodbye1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4IsHGIWWZ7YpMhRhi0tl4x8DhmPEnupLqSqGKHCfO1lrtmWpfA0i9Vt-hj4UNMvZZ9Bnd_ScfkKFQiXXqJx0_4hyphenhyphen7XdfJKe8WR-ICYxJYIYmL-XN3B4GDwIhEEuxhrrC5QHvQLZBywRQ/s1600/goodbye1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Colin shook his head. "You're talking about the f*cking Unseelies!" He repeated. "It's hard enough reasoning with a Seelie, but trying to f*cking reason with an Unseelie? Sh*t!"<br />
<br />
"I know." Ryder said. <br />
<br />
"He can do it." Alder said confidently. "Your father has always had a good head on his shoulders, he's very logical, reasonable, compassionate, and he thinks before he acts. He's stopped me many times from making a bigger mess out of different situations, ever since he was a little kid. Do you know how rare that is among the fae? Especially compassion, I don't even think there's a word for that in their language! Your dad has the mind of a human, yet because of his fae blood, he understands the fae, and the way they think. He's perfect for the job."<br />
<br />
"A mind of a human?" Ryder laughed. "Was that a backhanded compliment Dad?"<br />
<br />
"You know what I mean." Alder smiled.<br />
<br />
"But, Dad..." Colin protested.<br />
<br />
"I have to try Colin."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiPpTP4RrxptPgslxKyBcxqp0esbM169YWuurxyYyRQ4ObF_JQssEzHqGZGXK0uv5bXlsfKQw9YJQhrcfb3gStu79Qwmrg1hcWIABqx8zKfvgZ4A8PpG6E7x3O-nc_sYZKM6PxbZQZQaE/s1600/goodbye2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiPpTP4RrxptPgslxKyBcxqp0esbM169YWuurxyYyRQ4ObF_JQssEzHqGZGXK0uv5bXlsfKQw9YJQhrcfb3gStu79Qwmrg1hcWIABqx8zKfvgZ4A8PpG6E7x3O-nc_sYZKM6PxbZQZQaE/s1600/goodbye2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
"A war between the two courts could spill into this world, with disastrous results. And Dad is going with me to Alfheim, so I won't be going alone."<br />
<br />
Colin turned to his grandfather. "Sh*t. You're leaving too?"<br />
<br />
Alder nodded. "My mother has always wanted me to live there. I'm a prized male you know." Alder joked. "I wasn't too interested in going before, but, now, I think it's time. You kids are all settled here, and happy, you don't need us old guys hanging out."<br />
<br />
Colin could hardly take it all in. He had never imagined that his father and grandfather might actually move away, let alone to Alfheim. Only those with fae blood could travel the fairy realm, unless one was kidnapped by one of the fae, but that practice had ended many, many, many years ago. Though, with the threat of this new War, it was possible that the ancient practice of kidnapping humans could resume. "H*ll, you're hardly old, either of you." Colin muttered. "And I'll always need you."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIAN6IQ6nErOqJXRc521goU2ZEqKRdUc_g-kmAOGN2gzqoCGb6JXm1Rr_qxd3E6r5VAb7prJ4bbUIFZr0yOWgAoyd8h8oVg__D63rW7Px8xUjR2cRdPopvDHcLeTIYbPpM_U_wQlD1LHs/s1600/goodbye3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIAN6IQ6nErOqJXRc521goU2ZEqKRdUc_g-kmAOGN2gzqoCGb6JXm1Rr_qxd3E6r5VAb7prJ4bbUIFZr0yOWgAoyd8h8oVg__D63rW7Px8xUjR2cRdPopvDHcLeTIYbPpM_U_wQlD1LHs/s1600/goodbye3.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
"Not in fae years, certainly." Alder agreed. "We'll practically be kids to them. In human years though, well, that's a different story!"<br />
<br />
Ryder smiled warmly at his son. He sure wished Cherie had been able to see the way their son had turned out; Ryder was really proud of him. The younger Colin would never have admitted that he needed anyone, let alone that he needed his father. "I'll keep in touch Colin." Ryder promised.<br />
<br />
"D*mn. I suppose there's no f*cking use in arguing with either of you?"<br />
<br />
They both shook their heads no. Ryder said, "I've made my mind up. They really need our help, and I'd like to do what I can." <br />
<br />
"When will you guys be leaving?"<br />
<br />
Alder answered. "After Trevor graduates. That's just a few weeks away. That'll give us some time to get everything ready, and say our goodbyes."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgpuaqMXVPeges2tzICvIUdLwZrw-IvLdaaSvrjP7Kiakx_pY0UU0IRbr5xQD51FGm0PWS66s_RGnMoZHMtnL5wPrLe_hbtMhjwBBcPcsfziQp36dST4aH5n-f_lAuELLGG3N4QB6Ml48/s1600/goodbye4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgpuaqMXVPeges2tzICvIUdLwZrw-IvLdaaSvrjP7Kiakx_pY0UU0IRbr5xQD51FGm0PWS66s_RGnMoZHMtnL5wPrLe_hbtMhjwBBcPcsfziQp36dST4aH5n-f_lAuELLGG3N4QB6Ml48/s1600/goodbye4.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"I don't f*cking like it, at all." Colin said. "But if anyone could talk sense to a f*cking Seelie or an Unseelie, you could Dad."<br />
<br />
Ryder clapped his hand on Colin's shoulder. "Thanks for the vote of confidence Son."<br />
<br />
"You better f*cking keep your promise." <br />
<br />
Ryder said solemnly, "I always do."<br />
<br />
"Well, if you run into any serious trouble, call me. We all know I'm f*cking resistant to magic of all kinds, and I'd happily knock some f*cking heads together."<br />
<br />
Ryder eyes twinkled as he looked at his son. "I'll keep that in mind." <br />
<br />
<br />
_______________________________________________________________________________________<br />
<br />
Notes: *cries* Yes, it's true. Alder and Ryder have moved out, so this is likely the last we'll see of them. (we all know how terrible I am at keeping up with sims once they leave the household!) It was super hard to let them go, but because of the rolls and upcoming storylines, I just didn't have the time to babysit the lot of them and make sure they were all behaving. As soon as Alder moved out, I got this notice:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiKjWAL5ShuHOLmxg57E-DaiI7_QYPdB471QXsnDj2CNmXNdkWKpi_79gnTsVwKAz_OjOiLI_4bMWSpWBBURqKEoI_HiG6rvJeyvBdoq0rWzg5jN6adRe_KOlxcNYN27EHRNHhQ9c-awU/s1600/Alder+pranks+Sp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiKjWAL5ShuHOLmxg57E-DaiI7_QYPdB471QXsnDj2CNmXNdkWKpi_79gnTsVwKAz_OjOiLI_4bMWSpWBBURqKEoI_HiG6rvJeyvBdoq0rWzg5jN6adRe_KOlxcNYN27EHRNHhQ9c-awU/s1600/Alder+pranks+Sp.jpg" height="162" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
So Alder is loose in the town, and he's already causing trouble, lol I did make sure that neither he nor Ryder could have any kids. I feel mean about it, but I don't want Alder to overpopulate my town, no matter how pretty his babies are. Another reason why the family had to move from Midnight Hollow is that they were related to practically the whole town!<br />
<br />
I actually deleted all the pre-mades in Sunlit Tides, because, well, they all died in that War, lol I added in a bunch of sims from some of the many saves I have. So I have my versions of the Capps and the Montys, my family from my Sim Soap Opera story (the Mallorys, of which Twallan's self-sim was a part of), and even a sim or two from some of the Random Legacies I read. One of which you may have recognized, and speaking of one of them, here are the type of notices I get from her:<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGWME7ChwdF55XyEMc8kT9WoFEfU6yjar7R33xwrFqF1C-RFKBgcXycPlhbrLfZW5Af_ws4QS11-zfjgHa-_U5sEn5UPNlEtcLPwwtpVpP35IwKhBXXxs7Algrfd7puD6xgG8I78vVfqE/s1600/Annika+tart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGWME7ChwdF55XyEMc8kT9WoFEfU6yjar7R33xwrFqF1C-RFKBgcXycPlhbrLfZW5Af_ws4QS11-zfjgHa-_U5sEn5UPNlEtcLPwwtpVpP35IwKhBXXxs7Algrfd7puD6xgG8I78vVfqE/s1600/Annika+tart.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
She is supposed to be having cute kids with Jesse, and populating my town with great genetics, but so far, the two of them have remained childless. She's too busy terrorizing the males in town instead, lol <br />
<br />
She even calls Colin quite often:<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ccAq1INR0zhW_notkPuvAML5-IhfE6pUUEcKSYEeoz5dMBQUEKFPKAlkXNVL-qAAE8NbkYAaiE0CwOmy2zXoyd9eaEVqQk5D7S4ZO819PDolr-vWvwBUjXbSn8BRKopTsG5it8fLvFA/s1600/AnnieasksColin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ccAq1INR0zhW_notkPuvAML5-IhfE6pUUEcKSYEeoz5dMBQUEKFPKAlkXNVL-qAAE8NbkYAaiE0CwOmy2zXoyd9eaEVqQk5D7S4ZO819PDolr-vWvwBUjXbSn8BRKopTsG5it8fLvFA/s1600/AnnieasksColin.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Which I find really humorous. Despite how tempting she is though, Colin still holds a torch for Ivory, and isn't interested in any one else. So he politely declines her offers, lol :P<br />
<br />
So you guys might see some familiar legacy faces in the background, but they won't really be a part of the story. Any progeny, on the other hand, might get drafted someday, haha! <br />
<br />
And just because---here's some pics that I couldn't use, but I really, really, really wanted to!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5lSzvMyRN5f-nBr5wSAclHxrAJ_1bh21gSzfBGTUg5YDkkuwbqgrXgeC6FVsIEmKHUSKD8htnZqVLdYjDsXbhj1-kQdYJ6vOvGkJmZK0G0MiMP0FD-dP-R4f7UHc98bUzlzDdyxOYVcc/s1600/Hawk+and+Luna.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5lSzvMyRN5f-nBr5wSAclHxrAJ_1bh21gSzfBGTUg5YDkkuwbqgrXgeC6FVsIEmKHUSKD8htnZqVLdYjDsXbhj1-kQdYJ6vOvGkJmZK0G0MiMP0FD-dP-R4f7UHc98bUzlzDdyxOYVcc/s1600/Hawk+and+Luna.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz7gS71Cwrw5lZpUsI4gg-1taAprqi16I3ejtUJ1U6DJGrrd_19LKIJDfA3b30segv-XaRiXMshzLItp7t8Gc2iLU3L0-hITBP-06kzILz3peiBF-97E2W-VTCsYwumzGfPKAmJgcFKXw/s1600/Screenshot-289.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz7gS71Cwrw5lZpUsI4gg-1taAprqi16I3ejtUJ1U6DJGrrd_19LKIJDfA3b30segv-XaRiXMshzLItp7t8Gc2iLU3L0-hITBP-06kzILz3peiBF-97E2W-VTCsYwumzGfPKAmJgcFKXw/s1600/Screenshot-289.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicVBN78IntEGxea2t7t2v3xaMlAZR2_GkMp9b8FHgAMAAsImZjLMisS4ahtKdNXkQc57aKMWnjaY3H44KQBDMsQlq0SFSI8_9uMdv9t8cR3svT790HuJDB90ygiRllM5-P3JnLFDBgryU/s1600/Screenshot-299.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicVBN78IntEGxea2t7t2v3xaMlAZR2_GkMp9b8FHgAMAAsImZjLMisS4ahtKdNXkQc57aKMWnjaY3H44KQBDMsQlq0SFSI8_9uMdv9t8cR3svT790HuJDB90ygiRllM5-P3JnLFDBgryU/s1600/Screenshot-299.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZcwsFoRYIN1vxYZBHfy2pTMqz2TXDMini42t760-BjrUzy-KlDhARoYwUF97Ha4PbT5QlX9d2gjC8TRhAF2nSPg3GDIxqzxKzjebR-2n5Dbi-FYh6ARPKZdHL6_HL3UoFDe7aK__flBc/s1600/Screenshot-300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZcwsFoRYIN1vxYZBHfy2pTMqz2TXDMini42t760-BjrUzy-KlDhARoYwUF97Ha4PbT5QlX9d2gjC8TRhAF2nSPg3GDIxqzxKzjebR-2n5Dbi-FYh6ARPKZdHL6_HL3UoFDe7aK__flBc/s1600/Screenshot-300.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzOUAjE7HbcdBW7pwqcJqH_zS10Wl6UdD2S4jnQ6lIszDf9K2SqVoSI3A4pQsed5AOxd8Qdqhet6n2wnZm5srwwa11gWPvYDvhxwI86pRpgd2NPTFD6OQxZ0zXegEHNvmqrk3A_LBR2C8/s1600/Screenshot-301.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzOUAjE7HbcdBW7pwqcJqH_zS10Wl6UdD2S4jnQ6lIszDf9K2SqVoSI3A4pQsed5AOxd8Qdqhet6n2wnZm5srwwa11gWPvYDvhxwI86pRpgd2NPTFD6OQxZ0zXegEHNvmqrk3A_LBR2C8/s1600/Screenshot-301.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvXLNSZVIJ7NCYq-qQBuPSKXfG1z5ShwH3w0hixpIk2m00amQCXdH7Lu-nHCNHx_iNIMEoSJtTFMPGa7ItZJGaCxhqCHXJkrqMiciAZH_fxQ1hAnVoSBXEOcM9r2X8JThR717Lx9zdBcQ/s1600/Screenshot-302.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvXLNSZVIJ7NCYq-qQBuPSKXfG1z5ShwH3w0hixpIk2m00amQCXdH7Lu-nHCNHx_iNIMEoSJtTFMPGa7ItZJGaCxhqCHXJkrqMiciAZH_fxQ1hAnVoSBXEOcM9r2X8JThR717Lx9zdBcQ/s1600/Screenshot-302.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Those last pics, she reminds me so much of her mother, lol That temper!!<br />
<br />
Thanks for reading! =)<br />
Nirarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15253184399668018141noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2767753407529003708.post-21175366886379473042014-09-01T19:13:00.000-07:002014-09-01T19:13:12.312-07:00Chapter 85: What about Bob?<br />
<h3>
Warning: language, abusive relationship, partial nudity (kind of)</h3>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
"Mom! Mom!" Trevor said excitedly. "When's Dad supposed to be here?"<br />
<br />
Luna smiled at her son. "He should be here any moment now."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKJxcZGAB86HHRnuX5B0p97_qEK5NCZ1T8-0kY9Jy7iFrtLhT5FRv9bNwKm_DgB3DmjvOsYh_b15UEKMc8VFw7GPhUPLNFvi4L6GKD4iCRW9O9SDufxcaM5BZUK5Y48l5USbMr2yHm-pg/s1600/Trevor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKJxcZGAB86HHRnuX5B0p97_qEK5NCZ1T8-0kY9Jy7iFrtLhT5FRv9bNwKm_DgB3DmjvOsYh_b15UEKMc8VFw7GPhUPLNFvi4L6GKD4iCRW9O9SDufxcaM5BZUK5Y48l5USbMr2yHm-pg/s1600/Trevor.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
"I have a game on Saturday, I hope he can make it! Coach says I'm a brilliant player, a natural leader, just like my Dad!"<br />
<br />
Luna tousled his hair. "Of course you're brilliant, Cupcake."<br />
<br />
Trevor ducked away. "M-o-m!" he complained, "I'm eight years old now, I'm not a baby! Please stop calling me that, it's embarrassing!" Just then Trevor caught sight of his Dad looking through the front door window. "It's Dad!" He yelled, and he raced for the front door, and threw it open.<br />
<br />
Trevor really hoped that his Dad could make it to his game. He knew his Dad was busy, but sometimes he wished his Dad would spend a little time with him too. His Mom said that his Dad loved him very much, but Trevor wasn't so sure. He always felt like he disappointed his Dad somehow, but he could never figure out exactly why.<br />
<br />
He really wanted to hug his Dad, but his Dad didn't like it when he did that. He said only sissies did that, and Trevor didn't want to be a sissy. He stood there awkwardly, looking up at his Dad, his mind going a million miles a minute. What should he say? He hadn't seen his Dad in three months, was a simple hi the right thing to do? He waved, and then felt a little stupid. "Hi Dad!"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3C0kjhvwUR2Z5E6TkV2zha6bLCzHm1zy05tjLmMyvJz5c9bxD4ulRkPDTwrkOepPUbLGRqFIrG7zsnc3q5iFRgrYg25cDOvQm3wcJ_NWF7PGJfBz5l5nHoPGXvUSKXtzH90CLMSm2XKA/s1600/Trevor1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3C0kjhvwUR2Z5E6TkV2zha6bLCzHm1zy05tjLmMyvJz5c9bxD4ulRkPDTwrkOepPUbLGRqFIrG7zsnc3q5iFRgrYg25cDOvQm3wcJ_NWF7PGJfBz5l5nHoPGXvUSKXtzH90CLMSm2XKA/s1600/Trevor1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
His Dad frowned in response. Trevor smiled hesitantly. "Hey Dad, I..."<br />
<br />
Devin interrupted his son. "I don't have time to listen to your nonsense Trev, I need to talk to your mother, where did she go?"<br />
<br />
Trevor's face fell and he looked down at the ground. "She's still in the house."<br />
<br />
"Look at me when you speak to me boy." Devin's voice was curt.<br />
<br />
Trevor looked up. "Yes Sir."<br />
<br />
Devin forced a smile. "Much better. Now, take me to your mother."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6EQsP98Xyn3CmpLgkOkHQ9FwoMFdeh9GMs0n-AqfM5Jcy8wXhkIGcUN5fIFIJ9qbIfKmBCsfSH1LGhgjstk3OIKwX_Z3Mr5KNxbYb9_YaPswRszAEiZH3HHOn_2i2U6hTLROrOhZ5b6s/s1600/Trevor2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6EQsP98Xyn3CmpLgkOkHQ9FwoMFdeh9GMs0n-AqfM5Jcy8wXhkIGcUN5fIFIJ9qbIfKmBCsfSH1LGhgjstk3OIKwX_Z3Mr5KNxbYb9_YaPswRszAEiZH3HHOn_2i2U6hTLROrOhZ5b6s/s1600/Trevor2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
"Yes Sir." Devin turned around and headed into the house, his dad right behind him. His Dad sounded kind of mad, and Trevor hated it when his Dad was mad. He would yell at his mom, and make her cry. Trevor had even seen his Dad hit her, his Dad told him that his mom had made him. That she had a smart mouth. Trevor hoped he didn't have a smart mouth, he didn't want to get hit. <br />
<br />
Then he remembered that his grandpa was at home, and his dad was always nice when his grandpa was home. So he relaxed a bit, everything should be okay. "Mom!" He yelled, "Dad needs to talk to you!"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDGflISkeMcHqqsO73Slrs9AtcECzra8VGhv1a43U0Gew8L23soS6RSaVf8_FiYyxBbfAnI8_HD_YalSEsu27J-S6KwEgl7fbtR9eCYCmVBW12CgtPHtf_C9kfy4kEiXlNcv4G3uig_SI/s1600/Trevor3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDGflISkeMcHqqsO73Slrs9AtcECzra8VGhv1a43U0Gew8L23soS6RSaVf8_FiYyxBbfAnI8_HD_YalSEsu27J-S6KwEgl7fbtR9eCYCmVBW12CgtPHtf_C9kfy4kEiXlNcv4G3uig_SI/s1600/Trevor3.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
"Mom? Where are you?"<br />
<br />
"The bathroom!"<br />
<br />
Trevor led his Dad to the bathroom, the door was open, and his mom was brushing her teeth. "Dad needs to talk to you." Luna nodded.<br />
<br />
"Luna you need to teach the boy some manners."<br />
<br />
Luna rinsed her mouth out, and then turned to face Devin. "He was just excited Dev, he wanted to tell..."<br />
<br />
"That's no excuse."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBq0rlK6g7e8WsM1Tkmg7sKumJnHV2OAiMbGQ-A88hZvbyn8mz6j068BJZPhzzOOnMVopEq9KHmNAbHnvneB0MUv0bHWj3z5q1n_2-sTFdnFU0JJxmExLrn0bDm3jzKrHjv-TuHod1zdM/s1600/Trevor4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBq0rlK6g7e8WsM1Tkmg7sKumJnHV2OAiMbGQ-A88hZvbyn8mz6j068BJZPhzzOOnMVopEq9KHmNAbHnvneB0MUv0bHWj3z5q1n_2-sTFdnFU0JJxmExLrn0bDm3jzKrHjv-TuHod1zdM/s1600/Trevor4.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Trevor hated it when his Dad talked so meanly to his mom. "Dad, " he piped up, determined to help his mother out, "Tanner says I'm the politest, nicest boy he knows. And he's a scientist, he studies human be...be...behavior so he knows about these things." Trevor wished his Dad could be more like Tanner, but then he always felt bad for thinking that.<br />
<br />
Luna winced, as Devin growled. "Did he?"<br />
<br />
Trevor nodded his head. "Uh huh." He said helpfully. "I always say please and thank you, don't I Mom?"<br />
<br />
"Yes, you do."<br />
<br />
"I think we need to discuss this further at our house, Luna." Devin commanded in a cold voice.<br />
<br />
"Dev..." Luna's voice faltered at the icy glitter in his eyes. He was furious. Her shoulders drooped.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgar2W91VKOylKXUd2DHGfOT6sGcnIisv1jr7aHxcQ0IhQDVgfRXMBmZHX5YSiFyvobtz65048TrwKM_3hnFFVAF4M84GN2bjaIGKZGOM9An87lXbhJTGLedL5rl1KAoh6t7r-66ftknOc/s1600/Trevor5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgar2W91VKOylKXUd2DHGfOT6sGcnIisv1jr7aHxcQ0IhQDVgfRXMBmZHX5YSiFyvobtz65048TrwKM_3hnFFVAF4M84GN2bjaIGKZGOM9An87lXbhJTGLedL5rl1KAoh6t7r-66ftknOc/s1600/Trevor5.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
"Whatcha gonna talk about Dad?"<br />
<br />
"Oh, how I made the All Star team, and I've been transferred to Bridgeport, and on my off time I've been looking at apartments for us."<br />
<br />
"Really!" Trevor said happily. "That's cool! Can I come too Dad? I want to hear about Bridgeport too!"<br />
<br />
"What do you think Luna, should we bring the boy with?"<br />
<br />
"Please Mom! Please! I'll be good, I promise!"<br />
<br />
Luna smiled sadly. "I know you will Trevor, but not this time." She hated having to tell him no, and his crestfallen expression tore her up. He just didn't understand. "I know you'll be good Trev, I just need to talk to Daddy alone, okay?" Devin's mood had turned ugly the moment Tanner's name had been mentioned. She only hoped she could turn his mood back again, but either way, she didn't want her son to witness yet another fight.<br />
<br />
"Okay. I understand." Luna knew he didn't really, but she had to protect him, as best as she could.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
~<>~<br />
<br />
<br />
Jack eyed the hunk of junk on his work table.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDDp_tKO7Gjo5uV7L0OEw8Y1UkQoy_AoqZ5QnOs75UgTlfm6onHnpmmxhLeiG4vEbLGr9C0-BYi5mPkiXM7F0FzlIjbQy0t1LffxgPF9upTMeh2JLezMdzd1yubFXY03-g1gY5dhC5WEg/s1600/Jack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDDp_tKO7Gjo5uV7L0OEw8Y1UkQoy_AoqZ5QnOs75UgTlfm6onHnpmmxhLeiG4vEbLGr9C0-BYi5mPkiXM7F0FzlIjbQy0t1LffxgPF9upTMeh2JLezMdzd1yubFXY03-g1gY5dhC5WEg/s1600/Jack.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Turned out robots were much easier to make than transporters or time machines. His first one hadn't turned out too well, it kept running repeatedly into walls, windows, doors, couches, tables, and people. Grandpa Alder and Grandpa Ryder both objected to the last one. A little bit of tweaking though, and he had a half way decent bot.<br />
<br />
Jack had named him Bob. He thought Bob was a good solid name for a robot. Bob didn't help him too much with quantum theory or equations like Jack had hoped, but he made up for it in other ways. Bob fetched him food, so he didn't have to leave his lab. He carried messages, he was an extra set of hands, and when he opened his mouth, Jack's favorite radio station played.<br />
<br />
Soon other people heard about Bob, and they wanted Jack to build them a bot too. At first Jack had refused, it would take valuable time away from his very important job, saving his family. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOrwLKPGWGAAVv-sIa-teGGXmt1ABZVVV19YmpIwnhl8bII7vG3-yhUcw3vmUb1jY42TY57S7MIKAdCXhe4mwzJVgKkY5T0zQ2qOd0Mf3_SPB8zgKwO78SvDz6uMQafVzG8sEdfcrLUEI/s1600/Jack1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOrwLKPGWGAAVv-sIa-teGGXmt1ABZVVV19YmpIwnhl8bII7vG3-yhUcw3vmUb1jY42TY57S7MIKAdCXhe4mwzJVgKkY5T0zQ2qOd0Mf3_SPB8zgKwO78SvDz6uMQafVzG8sEdfcrLUEI/s1600/Jack1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The problem was, Jack was stuck. Everything he tried, failed. Failure after failure after failure. It was disheartening. Digital Ethan was of no help, he just said cryptic words like, when the time was right, Jack would know. What would he know? That he had failed his family? Digital Ethan just smiled at him. It was quite maddening.<br />
<br />
So in the end, to keep from going crazy, he started building bots. It was mindless work, so it allowed him to mull the problem he was facing over and over inside his head. Building a bot only consisted of fabricating some pieces from a special type of aluminum alloy, a few electrical components and wires, and some gear driven shafts. Then he just put them all together, and added a few trait chips into a positronic brain, and presto! A fully functioning bot. Mindless work.<br />
<br />
Easy as eating strawberry pie. Jack frowned. He sure wished that building a transporter and a time machine was just as easy. <br />
<br />
<br />
~<>~<br />
<br />
<br />
Hawk softly kissed his wife's hair, and gently stroked her back.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdlXWdp3t_eI4SDtcvUgj-9cD5RRQ108h95SoZEZV8b5A0X4Oy1SKDZPuNPFAEI4HVN00GLI-65ovwhhR3Cw4dK7cLNbiqJHM7HFoBfNFuvG7OqOXjWA_18O27Ao_0VC_WY2qua23pUz8/s1600/Skye.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdlXWdp3t_eI4SDtcvUgj-9cD5RRQ108h95SoZEZV8b5A0X4Oy1SKDZPuNPFAEI4HVN00GLI-65ovwhhR3Cw4dK7cLNbiqJHM7HFoBfNFuvG7OqOXjWA_18O27Ao_0VC_WY2qua23pUz8/s1600/Skye.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
"I want to be a mother so badly." Skye sobbed.<br />
<br />
Hawk tightened his arms around her. "I know Kitten, I know." He whispered soothingly.<br />
<br />
"But every month it's the same thing." She cried harder. "Other than that one time, I get my period, like clockwork." Skylar had miscarried at five months a few years earlier, the pain of that still haunted her. She tried not to be jealous of her sister Luna, but it was hard when every night Luna got to tuck her baby into bed.<br />
<br />
"It'll happen, when the time is right."<br />
<br />
Skye couldn't stop the flood of tears, it was all too much. Every month hoping against hope, and then nothing. Nothing. Nothing. Just lifeless blood. "I'm so afraid Hawk. Afraid I'll never hold my own baby."<br />
<br />
"It'll happen." He repeated. "When the time is right." He believed that, had to believe that. The prophecy would be fulfilled, they would have a child, a son. He looked at the woman he held in his arms. She was so brave, and gentle and kind, so pure to his darkness. Some days he almost felt guilty at his own deceit. <br />
<br />
<br />
~<>~<br />
<br />
<br />
Luna jumped when her bedroom door opened, and she quickly hid her face. "What part of leave me alone don't you understand Tanner?" It had to be Tanner, her family knew to respect her boundaries, only Tanner ignored them. She felt him sit down beside her on the bed, and then heard his horrified gasp.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaXsiR4UJ-0A6dgIKU62hM_MgRdtXybcXm6icjeMt98rVR1ucfCHVnINQXDhjhiGvwL_VsJRUM3etmBdOYtSQMs5kxoF3Wdvz_iGOtnH1Jk1JriUZjMWU48udyvXBFDftFjXGtAue_ZUk/s1600/Luna.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaXsiR4UJ-0A6dgIKU62hM_MgRdtXybcXm6icjeMt98rVR1ucfCHVnINQXDhjhiGvwL_VsJRUM3etmBdOYtSQMs5kxoF3Wdvz_iGOtnH1Jk1JriUZjMWU48udyvXBFDftFjXGtAue_ZUk/s1600/Luna.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
"What the hell happened?"<br />
<br />
"I'm clumsy, and I fell."<br />
<br />
Tanner cursed. "On your face? Don't lie to me Luna, it was him, wasn't it? Wasn't it?"<br />
<br />
Luna started to cry. "We broke up again. It was my fault Tanner."<br />
<br />
Tanner started to get up from the bed. "I'm going to kill him." He vowed. He didn't care that Devin was physically stronger and much bigger than him, hitting women was unacceptable in Tanner's book.<br />
<br />
Luna reached out a hand, and stopped him. "Please Tanner, don't leave me, I don't want to be alone." She also didn't want to be responsible for the death of her best friend on top of everything else. Devin would kill him.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj92RJPLiibbgB-gCL7qEwcyNbHqjwLrM0o3CDdeVeGbgGDKmN2hkUQfmWN7GLPiJzWNd4lwhOTshm7ohwE4gEnRAyNT_esmqajv6d_Ef_uQrLIZpw_ev3URzi7lRtTqZFLaYx6WpUZ9WM/s1600/Luna1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj92RJPLiibbgB-gCL7qEwcyNbHqjwLrM0o3CDdeVeGbgGDKmN2hkUQfmWN7GLPiJzWNd4lwhOTshm7ohwE4gEnRAyNT_esmqajv6d_Ef_uQrLIZpw_ev3URzi7lRtTqZFLaYx6WpUZ9WM/s1600/Luna1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
"Just hold me, please?" Tanner sighed heavily, and then gathered her close. She snuggled into him with a soft sigh. He would leave Devin for another day, he couldn't leave her the way she was.<br />
<br />
"He needs to be arrested Luna. What he did was wrong." Tanner said, as gently as he could. Surely she could see that? He felt her stiffen.<br />
<br />
"I started it, because I'm a stupid, fat wh*re." She started crying again. "It's not his fault Tanner, I drive him to do it. If only I could be smarter, or prettier, or..."<br />
<br />
"That's a bunch of bull." Tanner looked at her, and he wanted to weep along with her. "Luna, don't you know, you are so beautiful, and giving, and smart, clever, funny..." He paused for a moment, "How could you ever believe otherwise?"<br />
<br />
"You only say that Tanner because you're my friend, only Devin could love someone as ugly as me, love love, not friend love."<br />
<br />
"No, I say it, because it's true." He stared into her eyes, willing her to see the truth in them. He wasn't sure which one of them made the first move, but their lips touched, tenderly at first, hesitantly, before quickly heating up, along with his blood. His heart thundered in his chest so loudly, he was sure she could hear it. She pushed him back against the bed, almost aggressively. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSSgMVhKxUFchuh1IeX2s1aaOCWHdlLCelS3j2FmvcOKM4h_YYh0jl0p_4Wxl_NpW2lvaiZ2vC09suTro51wI4-KYvN5GUP8Y7y4OF9pMmTr3MiQC535MUZRi1qJNVmrQHUTm6u_ll8_8/s1600/Luna3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSSgMVhKxUFchuh1IeX2s1aaOCWHdlLCelS3j2FmvcOKM4h_YYh0jl0p_4Wxl_NpW2lvaiZ2vC09suTro51wI4-KYvN5GUP8Y7y4OF9pMmTr3MiQC535MUZRi1qJNVmrQHUTm6u_ll8_8/s1600/Luna3.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Tanner knew he should put a stop to this before things got too out of hand, he just wanted to savor a few more moments. He had dreamed about her for years, yearned for her to see him, to see how much he loved her, and not just as a friend. Then she unbuttoned her dress, leaving her breasts exposed, and he knew the time to stop it had already passed.<br />
<br />
She reached down to unsnap his pants, but he stopped her, and kissed her softly to take the sting of his rejection away. She was almost too frantic, too aggressive, and he wanted to slow things down, take his time. This was a dream come true; he wanted to savor every moment of it. "Slowly Luna, we have plenty of time, there's no need to rush." He kissed her again, oh how he loved this woman, with every fiber in him.<br />
<br />
Luna was a little confused. Take their time? Devin had always wanted it quick, and hard, most times he wouldn't even bother with getting undressed. He also liked leaving marks on her while they had sex, he called them love marks. But Tanner, he was...different.<br />
<br />
She had just wanted to feel loved again, and when she had looked into Tanner's eyes, she had seen love there. And through his eyes, she had even felt...beautiful. She couldn't remember the last time she had felt that way.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1D8bhyphenhyphenRjhjeB4QxrMg7KnVZ5CaO2kG3dfyLYgkYSgaZPSld4FXmwxl9tJ6x-UrnvLwgaMOgrRWWHAJCs6pl6Mm3v6etf5dKrnAh9N6dkoiKYkcv8EnFOG7ywj2si5NNc6UgoDRX9cebI/s1600/Luna2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1D8bhyphenhyphenRjhjeB4QxrMg7KnVZ5CaO2kG3dfyLYgkYSgaZPSld4FXmwxl9tJ6x-UrnvLwgaMOgrRWWHAJCs6pl6Mm3v6etf5dKrnAh9N6dkoiKYkcv8EnFOG7ywj2si5NNc6UgoDRX9cebI/s1600/Luna2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
She winced when his hand skimmed her ribs, and Tanner growled at the bruises he found there. "It doesn't hurt much." Luna lied, she didn't want him to stop, or worse, pity her. She wanted him to finish what they had started. He was so gentle with her, like she was precious, and for one night she wanted to feel like she mattered.<br />
<br />
She helped him take off his shirt, and she explored his chest with her hands, feeling the smooth skin beneath her fingertips. He watched her, a slight smile on his lips, that turned into a groan as her hand slid lower and lower. He caught her hand, and kissed it. He surprised a giggle out of her when he flipped her over, and he peeled her dress away, one kiss at a time.<br />
<br />
Luna found him to be a playful lover, and giving, and she had never known that sex could be...so wonderful. She had always enjoyed sex, but sex with Devin was almost punishing, and about getting off, while with Tanner... She moaned. It was a magical journey of touch and pleasure, and fun, and laughter, and...her thoughts drifted away. She was lost in a sea of sensation.<br />
<br />
They made love several times more, Luna couldn't call it just sex, it felt like so much more. After each time she would curl up in his arms, and he would hold her tightly, and she felt safe. And loved.<br />
<br />
The morning came much too early for Tanner. He would love nothing more than to just laze the day away with Luna, but first things were first. The night before he had been ready to tear Devin apart with his bare hands, he still wanted to do that, but his reason had returned to him. He wasn't a match for Devin, but he knew who was.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6tjv7QW_qp3EzSuvPflZ3oMhjGCv9y2ndZVaeU9SP8I4cbC211S9TspbDgktXTpZUttvv_Z7g-J91EkGh0zCpaWR0S6zNDaD9a7uWHclPrIgybu2Euf_addwmINqDBUKYOtLHBmyXSK0/s1600/Luna4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6tjv7QW_qp3EzSuvPflZ3oMhjGCv9y2ndZVaeU9SP8I4cbC211S9TspbDgktXTpZUttvv_Z7g-J91EkGh0zCpaWR0S6zNDaD9a7uWHclPrIgybu2Euf_addwmINqDBUKYOtLHBmyXSK0/s1600/Luna4.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
"Tanner?"<br />
<br />
Tanner turned and smiled at Luna. "You should go back to sleep, Luna, it's still early. I'll be back in a bit." He got up before she could change his mind, and started to throw his clothes on.<br />
<br />
She followed suit, and once they were both dressed, she turned to him. "Tanner, we need to talk."<br />
<br />
He frowned. "We'll talk later."<br />
<br />
She shook her head, and refused to meet his eyes. "No, it's best that we talk now."<br />
<br />
He saw the determined look on her face, and sighed. "Okay. Let's talk." Luna looked straight at him then, tears in her eyes, falling down her cheeks, and he felt his stomach drop. "Hey, it can't be that bad." He tried to joke, but the joke fell flat.<br />
<br />
"Don't hate me Tanner. Please, don't hate me. I couldn't bear it if you did."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw2zpHuUIihlVY9jQTtHPqE0V30rZJX8rJxKhFS3-4dY6prRWQpog9WY1McnN51ez9X78tKQmzV2gKuRZCqSXfE2g3QVziYtpxWe41OlRnwgX5PK6pkZiISKVL8q5yy-EmX4crN1BLT6w/s1600/Luna5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw2zpHuUIihlVY9jQTtHPqE0V30rZJX8rJxKhFS3-4dY6prRWQpog9WY1McnN51ez9X78tKQmzV2gKuRZCqSXfE2g3QVziYtpxWe41OlRnwgX5PK6pkZiISKVL8q5yy-EmX4crN1BLT6w/s1600/Luna5.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"I could never hate you Luna, I l..." Luna placed a finger over his lips, stopping his confession.<br />
<br />
"Devin called me really early this morning. He felt really bad about what he did, and he's getting help. He wanted one more chance."<br />
<br />
Tanner could feel the bile rising up from the stone pit that was his stomach. "Don't tell me Luna..."<br />
<br />
She smiled sadly at him. "You're my best friend Tanner, and I don't want to ever lose you. I love Devin though, and I have to think about Trevor, and what's best for him. He deserves to have an intact family. Devin is going to see a counselor, and get help, he has promised me this. So, yes, I said I'd give him another chance. But this is the last one, I swear it!"<br />
<br />
Tanner shook his head, his heart in glass shards at his feet. "I have heard you say that so many times over the years Luna. I don't believe what I'm hearing. You're giving him another chance, after what he's done to you, all these freaking years!" Tanner's voice rose on the last few words, and he made an effort to lower his voice and regain his control over himself. "And what about us? What about last night? Didn't that mean anything to you?"<br />
<br />
Luna winced. "Tanner, last night was...great, it really was, and I really care about you, a lot, but you have to understand..."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVGaP7uEmWwANQmifCug_MZXyE01i8-N_hwFFGIwxlk6uTWu6DVtjbyHvzwTGW960HrupZh5ltZ-F89zV97NrQayPsh4q9NGELG3mFZLOj0U217a4C0TsexLuQdSA0dY6HoimQaAogarM/s1600/Luna6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVGaP7uEmWwANQmifCug_MZXyE01i8-N_hwFFGIwxlk6uTWu6DVtjbyHvzwTGW960HrupZh5ltZ-F89zV97NrQayPsh4q9NGELG3mFZLOj0U217a4C0TsexLuQdSA0dY6HoimQaAogarM/s1600/Luna6.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Tanner couldn't take anymore. He said bitterly, "No, Luna, I'm tired of trying to understand. I don't understand why you let him do what he does, and then run back for more."<br />
<br />
"Please Tanner, just.."<br />
<br />
Tanner shook his head. "I need a break from you Luna. I'm sorry, I just can't go back to being just your friend right now."<br />
<br />
Luna started to sob, "Tanner, please, don't hate me! I don't want to lose you!" She reached out for him, but he shook her away.<br />
<br />
"I don't hate you Luna." He said sadly. "But I can't do this right now. I need some space." He walked out and closed the door on her tears, and her pleas. He felt shattered, and still he wanted nothing more than to run back into the room and tell her he was sorry. Tell her that he would be just her friend, if that is all she wanted from him, just so he could keep her in his life. He sighed wearily. He had to face facts, and realize that he needed to stay away from her, for his own good.<br />
<br />
At least until he could purge her from his heart for good, and think of her only as a friend. Maybe then. However, he still had one thing left to do for her, because it was the right thing to do, and because he did love her.<br />
<br />
...<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5BFasTTPFXpQbgyWfiN5xva0dLGjhwwLdYR_8rfvSIvduG_a1wIJ79c9BGpg0t60v-gsMHhgzbMJKywPKUGB_Q-YoQPTL0TSxYqh8fM0gIGWrr0WYpgPgAOHZtVpaT-MZnOSs-t118ok/s1600/Colin+and+Tanner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5BFasTTPFXpQbgyWfiN5xva0dLGjhwwLdYR_8rfvSIvduG_a1wIJ79c9BGpg0t60v-gsMHhgzbMJKywPKUGB_Q-YoQPTL0TSxYqh8fM0gIGWrr0WYpgPgAOHZtVpaT-MZnOSs-t118ok/s1600/Colin+and+Tanner.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
~<>~<br />
<br />
<br />
Luna felt utterly, and completely miserable. Her stomach roiled like a witch's cauldron, her eyes ached from all her tears, and worst of all, worst of all, her heart hurt. It had taken her two weeks to realize what an awful mistake she had made. To realize that she had cried more over Tanner, than she ever had over Devin. That she had missed Tanner with a fierceness that had surprised her, she felt as if a vital part of her had been suddenly and irrevocably amputated.<br />
<br />
Four more weeks had gone by before she found the courage to break things off with Devin, for good. He had screamed and yelled at her over the phone, and called her horrid names, told her that if he couldn't have her, no one could. Especially not Tanner. She'd had to tell Devin about Tanner, because he needed to know that she didn't know which one of them was the father of the baby she now carried.<br />
<br />
He had not been pleased to hear that she had f*cked him, like he had accused her of so many times before. She had corrected him, and told him she hadn't f*cked him, with Tanner it had never been about f*cking. They had made love, and she had thrown it all away. And for what?<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgecw_-q8jxXPE24x5pXB-lu124hXRoKzCyxV1E9qVYYaYv4Gft52aGsyDvIaNCQvTgta209aZsJNunH4633aM92j0izcz4DP5owNugG5BMMQSd5kH4sol-JiWSAum3ReDHhYMoS8kCbaw/s1600/Luna7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgecw_-q8jxXPE24x5pXB-lu124hXRoKzCyxV1E9qVYYaYv4Gft52aGsyDvIaNCQvTgta209aZsJNunH4633aM92j0izcz4DP5owNugG5BMMQSd5kH4sol-JiWSAum3ReDHhYMoS8kCbaw/s1600/Luna7.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
She had hung up on Devin, and his vitriolic rage, it had felt good too, but she knew his threats were not idle. Only his death would stop him. She used to fear him, but she didn't feel anything right now but emptiness. She didn't want Trevor to get hurt, or pulled into Devin's war against her, so she had finally fessed up to her dad. Every little bit, the good, the bad, and the ugly.<br />
<br />
He had been so quiet, she almost didn't think he had heard her. Then she had found herself engulfed in a hug, and she had cried then, big ugly sobs. When she had finally calmed down some, her dad had told her he was flying out to Bridgeport soon to meet with Devin. That he would take care of it, and not to worry about Devin anymore. So she had tried not to. <br />
<br />
She still worried though. She worried that her father would kill him, part of her even hoped that he would; Devin would never be able to hurt her again if he was dead. An equal part of her feared that her dad would kill him. She didn't fear it out of love for Devin, she just didn't want to see her Dad sitting in jail on murder charges.<br />
<br />
Her life was a shambles, and she had no one to blame but herself. Devin had been like a drug to her, one that she could never seem to give up. She didn't fully understand why herself, but she was seeing a counselor to help her figure it all out. <br />
<br />
She groaned as another wave of nausea hit her.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhazacxXr8ip1fnb6XMSrcHm91H5FvzPDCLpyR-8vzOYzyacEucI2MrF3vbhYNF9J2aZ0Q2GT-tNKA0xIqVVS5SNKVTn3-cS-wkCZ9C8jJar-B_zNS8AUQ3s8FZOMzhC457WEIldafwLqA/s1600/Luna8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhazacxXr8ip1fnb6XMSrcHm91H5FvzPDCLpyR-8vzOYzyacEucI2MrF3vbhYNF9J2aZ0Q2GT-tNKA0xIqVVS5SNKVTn3-cS-wkCZ9C8jJar-B_zNS8AUQ3s8FZOMzhC457WEIldafwLqA/s1600/Luna8.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Maybe if she didn't feel so sick all the time she could cope with things better. As it was, she wasn't coping well. She just felt so depressed over how badly she had screwed up her life. How she had screwed things up with Tanner. He was so distant lately, only coming by to spend time with Trevor, and she couldn't blame him for that. She missed his warm smiles though, his quirky jokes, the way he had always listened to her without judgment.<br />
<br />
She sighed heavily. She should be thankful that he was still around. He had stoically accepted her awkward announcement that she was pregnant, that he could be the father, but she really wasn't sure. She winced. It made her feel like such a tramp. Only a tramp wouldn't...she forced the thought away as the Counselor had taught her. Sometimes it was hard to catch all the negative messages she sent herself. <br />
<br />
If she wanted to get better though, for Trevor, for this baby, for <i>herself</i>, then she needed to change her way of thinking. "One day at a time." She reminded herself. A second wave of nausea over flooded her. "Oh sh*t!"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwC9ZkFaZIJ7t6ybKSIlszmynmxiv-Rt463GPCuFU1708Y2qr9p39rn3ofQy94K4txyx7D8ApbOh_BiK7fHTgJazvYRtv6Q1otqVCLSxy2jbuqaZ1Y15D3dG-b6EV9jp55pSDv1hRJ77g/s1600/Luna9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwC9ZkFaZIJ7t6ybKSIlszmynmxiv-Rt463GPCuFU1708Y2qr9p39rn3ofQy94K4txyx7D8ApbOh_BiK7fHTgJazvYRtv6Q1otqVCLSxy2jbuqaZ1Y15D3dG-b6EV9jp55pSDv1hRJ77g/s1600/Luna9.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
She heaved her guts out, and when her stomach finally settled, she sank wearily onto the steps. This pregnancy was so different from her first one. She was mentally and physically exhausted, and sick all the time.<br />
<br />
She missed her dad. He still hadn't returned from Bridgeport. <br />
<br />
She missed Tanner most of all.<br />
<br />
<br />
~<>~<br />
<br />
Skye smiled at her sister, and tried to be happy for her. Well, she was happy for her, really. It was just so painful to see Luna pregnant with her second child, when Skye still hadn't been able to have one. Month after month, year after year of trying, and still no baby of her own to hold. <br />
<br />
"So, would you want to go shopping for baby stuff with me? I gave most of Trevor's stuff away, I didn't think I would need them again, but with this baby due any day now, I really should get some things for the baby."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvd_aeorPXRTjC55H6YneEtSZ5sPTAB-79Zn3of5BtCGYnSp89TRgSkn5W4zDFdN7MyLlNDGbD1Akd23mCT2M1ixiFjPhBlsAqtXm-PvnZf5mcIhJ8qUTpEpD-yFNRbt7sR2qaXBCBtUs/s1600/LS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvd_aeorPXRTjC55H6YneEtSZ5sPTAB-79Zn3of5BtCGYnSp89TRgSkn5W4zDFdN7MyLlNDGbD1Akd23mCT2M1ixiFjPhBlsAqtXm-PvnZf5mcIhJ8qUTpEpD-yFNRbt7sR2qaXBCBtUs/s1600/LS.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Skye's smile faltered, but she bolstered it up. Her sister needed her, and she wanted to be there for her. Skye still felt so badly that she had been so wrapped up in her own life, she had failed to see what Luna was going through. "Sure Luna, I would love to."<br />
<br />
Luna heaved a huge sigh of relief. "Thank you! You know how much I hate shopping! We could make it a sister day and go see a movie or something too." Luna suggested. "Unless, you're doing something with Hawk?" Luna envied her sister sometimes, she had the perfect relationship. Skye had managed to not royally mess up her life, unlike Luna.<br />
<br />
Skye rolled her eyes. "Hawk is out looking for ingredients for his potions, he'll be tramping in the mud and the muck for the rest of the day, so I'm free. What movie should we see?"<br />
<br />
"Hmm, well there's that new one with Matthew Hammond, maybe we could see that one?"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS1-7vMhDEi1EftEjbjGRe4ZGrvspiE1d0FlOou8AZSt41KUnaEffH1RVLgGdrmmB7Ga2jxy0Mtt2exsV7eCa5TuZiEEbmy_uEhqZw34lF9ZOlt8oSGYYvfW6_N_fPfI3PovAiBwtSuIA/s1600/LS1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS1-7vMhDEi1EftEjbjGRe4ZGrvspiE1d0FlOou8AZSt41KUnaEffH1RVLgGdrmmB7Ga2jxy0Mtt2exsV7eCa5TuZiEEbmy_uEhqZw34lF9ZOlt8oSGYYvfW6_N_fPfI3PovAiBwtSuIA/s1600/LS1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Skylar agreed. "That sounds like fun."<br />
<br />
Luna made a face. "Other than the shopping part anyway."<br />
<br />
Skye chuckled. "It's not that bad Luna. Besides, shopping for babies is a lot of fun, all those adorable outfits! And best of all, showing every single baby item that we buy off to the guys." They both giggled. Skye asked, "Who do you think will bail first?"<br />
<br />
Luna pretended to think about it. Then they both said at the same time, "Jack!"<br />
<br />
Jack was more interested in bot talk than baby talk.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZkd4o2FI9aE76sTQwRoIeqDcDjahFJ_ZC1Hqht4LFvBcjG-uhZZxUh6unLljhFANaaSyRNd33-TmYQZqd3-pDgarxOVHXyR6XImkHFKgSyRyIXGxmbYI_BU_Z0KSjSWMPCwTi9ESm8Hg/s1600/LS2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZkd4o2FI9aE76sTQwRoIeqDcDjahFJ_ZC1Hqht4LFvBcjG-uhZZxUh6unLljhFANaaSyRNd33-TmYQZqd3-pDgarxOVHXyR6XImkHFKgSyRyIXGxmbYI_BU_Z0KSjSWMPCwTi9ESm8Hg/s1600/LS2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Jack still didn't have a girlfriend, he only mumbled he was much too busy working on important life changing projects to go out on a date. Skye was sure that girls just scared him, so he retreated behind his scientist facade. He did have a penpal that was female though, she traveled all over the world and sent him post cards. <br />
<br />
Skye caught him once with a waste basket full of crumbled papers, a clean sheet of paper in front of him, pen in hand, muttering to himself. She had offered to help him out, but Jack had turned a deep red color, and told her no thanks, he didn't need any help. She hadn't even known that her brother could blush!<br />
<br />
It had really made her curious about who he was writing to. She had only managed to see a first name on the envelope though,<i> Maxine</i>, before Jack had shooed her away. Sometimes Jack was as closed mouthed as their father. <br />
<br />
None of them knew, even now, all these months later, what had happened while their dad was in Bridgeport. Only that Devin Winter had suddenly disappeared. A massive search effort by police and volunteers had ensued, with no results. He had simply vanished without a trace.<br />
<br />
Skye wondered a great many things, but she kept her silence. She had noticed that Luna had visibly relaxed and smiled more once Devin was completely out of the picture. Some things she just didn't want to know, and besides all that, she found her husband's reaction to it all amusing.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPHEr3igaL20g5NNzatOnePZNtZbE7_ZOkL4vCEQMctmYq2Pf9as55-fSN1g8iAp6DlOSGno8ALmRIKmqHC3cAClFiDCnUTeLd5LbDJMZkmZ6uVoEic-dfEFqtrsu9Knw8VKCbk74Ew1A/s1600/LS3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPHEr3igaL20g5NNzatOnePZNtZbE7_ZOkL4vCEQMctmYq2Pf9as55-fSN1g8iAp6DlOSGno8ALmRIKmqHC3cAClFiDCnUTeLd5LbDJMZkmZ6uVoEic-dfEFqtrsu9Knw8VKCbk74Ew1A/s1600/LS3.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
It was a bit mean of her, but her inner prankster couldn't help it. She knew that he had nothing to worry about, but he sure didn't. She grinned to herself.<br />
<br />
"What a mischievous expression you have." Her sister observed. "Care to share?"<br />
<br />
Skye laughed. "Maybe later. We better get going if we're going to see a movie too."<br />
<br />
<br />
~<>~<br />
<br />
<br />
Unlike Trevor who had decided to be born in the middle of the night, this baby chose the middle of the day.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcyJXq7G2UaTKz7h0Oijqbxoq0QPXpUH4KNSCYavqY4qV9OfsmMqY969zUVqI9eg4YoAcIhH4NUHqXBOc-2K47YJwMEInpIZW8hc13Rw_0I4haPh9xybXwp9Agq9Dv05ExLuix25WjoEI/s1600/Labor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcyJXq7G2UaTKz7h0Oijqbxoq0QPXpUH4KNSCYavqY4qV9OfsmMqY969zUVqI9eg4YoAcIhH4NUHqXBOc-2K47YJwMEInpIZW8hc13Rw_0I4haPh9xybXwp9Agq9Dv05ExLuix25WjoEI/s1600/Labor.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
"Yeeeoooowww!" Luna hollered. There was nothing different about this pain though. It hurt! She was startled when the door flew open and Tanner ran in.<br />
<br />
"Luna?! Are you okay?" She watched his face pale as he realized what was going on. "The baby's coming?!" He sounded as if he was in shock.<br />
<br />
Luna panted through another strong contraction. "I forgot how much this hurts! Tanner, snap out of it, the baby's coming now! I need to get to the hospital before it's too late!"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijT6YEXkOQVXQT4b9zXxP8EGJzdryLFke4U-BQKltfFYp-lw1Si2B02o1I03gnd8qYOLH15JtkR1OD-ZMev06JBZOFBLzbA4n5IGyAon7QKR2z3xtuG_6TlIX-Qjnbe5JlMtMluQq6tBU/s1600/Labor1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijT6YEXkOQVXQT4b9zXxP8EGJzdryLFke4U-BQKltfFYp-lw1Si2B02o1I03gnd8qYOLH15JtkR1OD-ZMev06JBZOFBLzbA4n5IGyAon7QKR2z3xtuG_6TlIX-Qjnbe5JlMtMluQq6tBU/s1600/Labor1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
"Too late?!" He echoed. His eyes widened. "Too late?! Aaaah, I don't know how to deliver a baby!" He panicked, and spun around in circles. "We need water right? Hot water? Oh, and towels, yes, I think I saw that in a movie once. Clean towels! Oh! A bed! Good grief Luna you can't have a baby while standing up!"<br />
<br />
Luna smiled despite the pain she was in. "Tanner! Tanner!" She kept repeating his name.<br />
<br />
"We'll need warm blankets for the baby! And clothes! Oh no! Does the baby have any clothes?! And it's messy right?! We'll need lots of washrags. And scissors, isn't that how you cut the umbilical cord? Oh! They'll need to be sanitized! Where's the rubbing alcohol? Do you even have any rubbing alcohol?!"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDoeFgCo-0L_lG3FnNR1lBFoUpuwoaBszpJq9p9K14GuNM_tbrig9VIn0XoHei0h8AniT-6sQGLn-AgUC7GWm1zeezHasoOVExuM4tILbvLwIqbzEbHc3k0sxsfQkgcuH4s9589tRO_xA/s1600/labor2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDoeFgCo-0L_lG3FnNR1lBFoUpuwoaBszpJq9p9K14GuNM_tbrig9VIn0XoHei0h8AniT-6sQGLn-AgUC7GWm1zeezHasoOVExuM4tILbvLwIqbzEbHc3k0sxsfQkgcuH4s9589tRO_xA/s1600/labor2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
"Tanner! We need car keys!"<br />
<br />
He stopped for a moment and stared at her, confused. "Car keys? Car keys?!"<br />
<br />
She loved him. Really loved him. Despite how upset he was with her, whenever she needed him, he was there. He didn't know if the baby was his or not, but he had told her it didn't matter, that either way the baby still needed a father. That he already felt like Trevor's father, and he would be more than happy to father this one as well.<br />
<br />
She wished she had seen it earlier, seen that all she had ever needed in a guy had been right next to her since grade school. She didn't deserve his forgiveness, but she sure hoped that someday he forgave her anyway.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWlVsNXegva4WDD0U591w4vxPzlExxYqgOgMP3EJ1uAzjGp9-FF9WLPp7y2w82Tvq4SnPQKc4jkm3-oQlE2LasGv7YhvELmefRVQWuVhEDDxf4UPSPiB9WnbdnIPxGqkPaAfEyKlaea-k/s1600/labor3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWlVsNXegva4WDD0U591w4vxPzlExxYqgOgMP3EJ1uAzjGp9-FF9WLPp7y2w82Tvq4SnPQKc4jkm3-oQlE2LasGv7YhvELmefRVQWuVhEDDxf4UPSPiB9WnbdnIPxGqkPaAfEyKlaea-k/s1600/labor3.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
"Car keys." She panted. "To drive us to the hospital to have the baby."<br />
<br />
"Oh!" Tanner said. "Car keys! I'm on it!" He raced out the door. Luna, a little bemused, followed him out. In the state he was in, she sure hoped he didn't drive off without her!<br />
<br />
<br />
~<>~<br />
<br />
<br />
The sound of his grandson crying brought him out of a good nap. He yawned, and stretched, and then headed for the nursery. He had been traveling a lot lately, looking for a new place to move his family to. Midnight Hollow held too many memories, and he was convinced that they all needed a fresh start. At least he had been home when Kalen had been born.<br />
<br />
"Hey there big guy, what's all the fussing about?" Colin smiled as he bent down to pick Kalen up. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmMwpMEW0ULh42s4Z0NHrBIKas4TJkgVTIl54ZHXPqEiYtIi7kJPJrQCerTzc4l30-lrtoCImD3bQiPDVRUmjPdgR1euSOSBZPoynTIX9ciZ3tPO5RDLbVesm9M7rFDquK8PJtm_5A7ko/s1600/baby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmMwpMEW0ULh42s4Z0NHrBIKas4TJkgVTIl54ZHXPqEiYtIi7kJPJrQCerTzc4l30-lrtoCImD3bQiPDVRUmjPdgR1euSOSBZPoynTIX9ciZ3tPO5RDLbVesm9M7rFDquK8PJtm_5A7ko/s1600/baby.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Colin loved being a grandparent, it was way more enjoyable than being a parent. Being a parent involved hard work, and sometimes a lot of heart ache. "What do you think big guy? Eh? Should we leave this dark depressing town behind, and head for sunnier places?" Kalen gurgled and waved his arms and legs. "I agree. Sunny it is. Now to just let everyone else in on our plans."<br />
<br />
Colin had been searching for years for the right place, the right job. Nothing had ever felt quite right though. But then he had received a phone call from Mr. Nickolas Alto the fiftieth, or whatever the h*ll he called himself. Colin had met Nick while in Bridgeport searching for that jacka*s. Turned out that Nick owned the team that Devin had played for, and knew right where to find him. <br />
<br />
The phone call had been a job offer of sorts. The big wigs of all the wealthy families had joined together on a joint project. They had sunk trillions of dollars into restoring Sunlit Tides to it's former glory, before the war of the red eyed demons. Back to how it was when Colin's own ancestor Kona had lived there.<br />
<br />
Nick said they were turning it into a playground for the rich and the richer, and since the Kahekilis were richer, did they want to join? it was an exclusive offer, only given because the Kahekilis had amassed a huge amount of money, and...Colin had the midas touch. Everything he touched turned to gold.<br />
<br />
He frowned. Business wise anyway.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRveZ4srQpP-EXwAopOMGgPUnMM0AM6Qn7qjgljm9cUrSosuIrGNKYkfAfE7AYCzmBBsrfG9Hw9auThYhE4WBmS5EgiramXsmxpFhlsXpRzqvY5l3mAxOFWE4M5GqE4SmNXri3We8D-WE/s1600/baby1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRveZ4srQpP-EXwAopOMGgPUnMM0AM6Qn7qjgljm9cUrSosuIrGNKYkfAfE7AYCzmBBsrfG9Hw9auThYhE4WBmS5EgiramXsmxpFhlsXpRzqvY5l3mAxOFWE4M5GqE4SmNXri3We8D-WE/s1600/baby1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Personal wise, things were not always so golden. Kalen cooed, and Colin smiled at him. Then again, there were perks, and his grandkids were the best kind of perk. No matter how they came into the world.<br />
<br />
Colin was pretty sure that Tanner was Kalen's biological father. The fae blood could have come from the Kahekili side, but Luna herself didn't possess that much of it. Luna had offered to have a DNA test done, but Tanner had rejected that idea, saying it really didn't matter to him. <br />
<br />
Which just proved to Colin, that while no one was actually good enough for his daughters, Tanner came pretty close. He wouldn't go so far as to say he liked him, but he wouldn't mind having him for a son in law either. Too much anyway. "And maybe this new start will help your parents out too." He told Kalen. "Too many freaking bad memories here." He chuckled. "And just think Kalen, your ole grandpa here is going to be a lifeguard for the upper snobs. I can still make those bit...female dogs swoon, just you wait and see."<br />
<br />
<br />
~<>~<br />
<br />
<br />
Hawk brooded as he stared out the window.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjekobH_s1qsZrMnqxzOs2bdtTUjAevwiaUZpv2TFnYGGsXmKk8xcksgXdDumZLTrqCqAIva4iM86j9WvUOQGaN_Cqn_atotU4OTi-e5NAG8raUqbW6tAPVd_mTZYagPCPS6WR25ApjyMk/s1600/Hawk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjekobH_s1qsZrMnqxzOs2bdtTUjAevwiaUZpv2TFnYGGsXmKk8xcksgXdDumZLTrqCqAIva4iM86j9WvUOQGaN_Cqn_atotU4OTi-e5NAG8raUqbW6tAPVd_mTZYagPCPS6WR25ApjyMk/s1600/Hawk.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
He didn't understand the Kahekili way of doing things. They held a family meeting, and then voted! Voted of all things! Voted on whether they would move or not. They had all been excited about the possibility of moving to a place where it rarely rained, even his wife had been excited about it.<br />
<br />
Hawk liked the rain. It suited him, but, he had to admit, sunshine suited his wife. He had never known someone like her, and though he had tried to fight it, he couldn't help but...admire her. She never had a bad word to say about anybody. She was always the first to volunteer to help out with charities, school projects, or whoever else might need a hand. She always managed to somehow drag him into it too.<br />
<br />
Moving. The only objection he had heard came from Jack, who had asked what about Bob...that blasted robot that followed everyone around. Sometimes Hawk thought Jack wasn't as scattered brained as he seemed, that he set the robot to follow him on purpose, to keep him from finding the Book.<br />
<br />
If it even existed. Hawk had to wonder. In all the years he had lived in the house, he had poked and prodded every nook and cranny, and never found a thing. Was his mother wrong? He shuddered. His mother.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ODF9GT1squiAY9i5oF0xdSEpXh8w_2qesjeIWDayK519osFZ1JOVszjCfgDzUOrXVGlpefbyffPIVrAXIrMkjK9eG1oqvCmRN9pSzadcslYQyeigxrbPev1QS5DGfhMy1jbjNBREkis/s1600/Hawk1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ODF9GT1squiAY9i5oF0xdSEpXh8w_2qesjeIWDayK519osFZ1JOVszjCfgDzUOrXVGlpefbyffPIVrAXIrMkjK9eG1oqvCmRN9pSzadcslYQyeigxrbPev1QS5DGfhMy1jbjNBREkis/s1600/Hawk1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
She would need to be told. Told they were moving elsewhere. She had been pushing him to rape the other sister, who obviously was more fertile than the one he had chosen, but he had refused. Reminded her that she had promised to do this his way, and his way, it would remain. No matter how long it took.<br />
<br />
She had not been happy about it. In fact, she had been furious, but he had stood firm. He was not interested in rape, nor was he interested in seducing the other girl, she held zero appeal to him. Only Skylar held his attention. His wife drew him in ways he had been unprepared for.<br />
<br />
He now knew the secret to why Ivory had turned. He knew what it was about the Kahekilis that changed her, and why his mother could never understand it. Love. While they had been raised separately from each other, he knew that neither he nor Ivory had ever received that from his mother. He had even scoffed at the notion of it, as he had been taught. It made you weak and pathetic, and in some ways it did. He now had something to lose. Someone to lose.<br />
<br />
All of that he had realized last night as he watched his wife sleep. She was simply beautiful, inside and out. That awareness in him now, that somehow she had wormed her way into a heart he hadn't even known he had, was dangerous. His mother would know immediately, know that he had been compromised, and then...it didn't bear thinking about.<br />
<br />
He knew who she would go after first, and it would not be him. No, it would be Skylar, because he loved her, and his mother destroyed anything that he had ever loved. Including his own father, so he had simply stopped loving things, people, pets, anything. It had been much easier that way.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFlVVxWrYc4QBbs6iWmnYOWPteBvpeFOEzs6XOobZ-iZtWlblDLEW_gk9Q-6nuL3hT7BcBkwcqfXshuwmTYWcfT6TmMeL0ZgE-hVHRNOSnejlLQ9x83horTtVKvNvD7efrS-og14w-vHA/s1600/Hawk2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFlVVxWrYc4QBbs6iWmnYOWPteBvpeFOEzs6XOobZ-iZtWlblDLEW_gk9Q-6nuL3hT7BcBkwcqfXshuwmTYWcfT6TmMeL0ZgE-hVHRNOSnejlLQ9x83horTtVKvNvD7efrS-og14w-vHA/s1600/Hawk2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
He was not stronger than his mother, he knew that. Knew in a power against power match, he would lose. But his son on the other hand, he knew what the prophecy spoke of. Knew the kind of power that would run through his child's blood. The old Camulodunum magic mixed in with the fae, mixed in with his own djinn powers, and the little bit of his mother's powers that he carried within him, his child would be truly powerful.<br />
<br />
Powerful enough to defeat his mother. To defeat the one thing she wanted more than anything. Seemingly overnight, though he knew in reality it had been coming for a while now, Hawk's plans had totally changed. Instead of teaching his child to hate, to use his power for ill, Hawk would teach him how to defend himself. How to defend those he loved.<br />
<br />
What to tell Skye? That was the question, and the reason for him to stand, brooding, watching the rain fall from the sky. If he told her now who he was, he would lose her. His mother would know that he had failed. She would know why he had failed, and his Skye would be sent to that awful place, where he could only hope that she died quickly. He would be forced to conceive a child with Luna, and once that child was born, if they were lucky, they would be killed.<br />
<br />
If he waited, until they had a child, well, that had it's own trouble. He could not hide his identity forever, his mother would force the issue eventually. What he needed now was time, and he hoped against hope that when Skye did find out, she would be merciful. <br />
<br />
<br />
________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
<br />
Notes: Eventually I'll go into more detail about what happened in Bridgeport, but Luna is not ready for it, so you all will have to wait, lol :P I will say though, Devin will no longer be a problem. I will not miss him at all, he ended up being more awful than I originally planned on.<br />
<br />
What? Has Hawk really changed? Yes, in the same way that Ivory changed, so it is permanent. He has himself in quite a pickle though, one he didn't see coming, lol At some point, Raven will come, it is inevitable. Hawk knows her better than anyone, and he is going to do all that he can to protect his family. Yes, she is stronger than him. <br />
<br />
In game he is a genie (called djinn in story cause it sounds cooler)/witch mix. Raven is witch/vampire mix, and Hawk's father was a genie. I've never done much with genies yet, and decided this was a good time to try them out. He does look pretty cute while he's doing his genie idle thing:<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoqfvYhzJvGlZPr1-JRGoJQ7FCcmR_6x1_H_Myxr-vTVjKjeF_sSieaTi4Ucia27kUQryr9C3YY3NYK0-Lh8WZLUw8cGJOk1Bir8RIznPJAYva36D3Tr_Sgg_OI3S1Rkm35fT5k4CzV1s/s1600/Genie+Hawk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoqfvYhzJvGlZPr1-JRGoJQ7FCcmR_6x1_H_Myxr-vTVjKjeF_sSieaTi4Ucia27kUQryr9C3YY3NYK0-Lh8WZLUw8cGJOk1Bir8RIznPJAYva36D3Tr_Sgg_OI3S1Rkm35fT5k4CzV1s/s1600/Genie+Hawk.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Aaand---yes I moved them again. To Sunlit Tides, where this legacy first started. I sort of liked the idea of ending it where I had started it, all that full circle stuff, lol<br />
<br />
Luna has some stuff to work through, that she couldn't possibly do on her own. So she's seeing a counselor, it will be a long, lifelong process, but she's on her way. I know, I know, about time, lol <br />
<br />
As for Tanner and Luna---well, we'll see what happens. ;)<br />
<br />
<br />
Thanks for reading! And for leaving comments, I always enjoy reading those. If anyone has a question, ask away, and if I can, I'll answer it. Some of it I might have to say, sorry---spoiler! Haha!<br />
<br />Nirarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15253184399668018141noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2767753407529003708.post-36464019145266780662014-08-19T22:05:00.000-07:002014-08-19T22:05:03.680-07:00Chapter 84: Big Girls Don't Cry<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
Warning: Language, abusive relationships</h3>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The car was supposed to be a hobby to help keep his grandfather out of trouble, except Alder didn't like working on cars, he only liked driving them, and the faster the better. Colin pulled a wrench out of the toolbox, the task of making it a running car seemed to have fallen on his shoulders. Colin didn't mind, he actually found it soothing at times, he could beat on it and have his choice of who he pictured while he did so, bird boy, or a*shole.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhTEeJBc4WGAT20kujBnsXh5LOTZa_OQxz-UV_jWZh1vA9l6QeuzY1PJyc1cXgV3fuNUItSqmzoDTopzoR92VeipqYF2ZpGrUAGFhSkgB8uCRcMw-y6NIEzQCkPTm7xMvBmeg_d2o79_w/s1600/Colin+car.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhTEeJBc4WGAT20kujBnsXh5LOTZa_OQxz-UV_jWZh1vA9l6QeuzY1PJyc1cXgV3fuNUItSqmzoDTopzoR92VeipqYF2ZpGrUAGFhSkgB8uCRcMw-y6NIEzQCkPTm7xMvBmeg_d2o79_w/s1600/Colin+car.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
He heard the giggling again, and his lips twisted. Today it would be the a*shole. He pounded on the rusty part with the wrench.<br />
<br />
"I don't think that's the proper way to fix a car."<br />
<br />
Colin turned slightly and faced his Dad, wrench in hand. "Maybe not, but it keeps me from pounding the sh*t out of the a*shole."<br />
<br />
"Luna's happy with him." Ryder observed.<br />
<br />
Colin grunted. "Today." He had tried to talk his daughter about the a*shole, but she had stubbornly defended him and his stupid a*s choices. Choices that had made his daughter cry too many nights in a row after talking to the a*shole on the phone. She thought no one would hear her in her room, but Colin heard her. Everything he had tried to tell her fell on deaf ears, she wasn't interested in hearing it, and she had even threatened to move out and never speak to him again. So he had backed off. Was he f*cking happy about it? F*ck no, but he didn't want to f*cking drive her away either, then she would only have the a*shole.<br />
<br />
"Being a parent f*cking sucks Dad." Ryder nodded in agreement, he had been there before.<br />
<br />
Luna giggled. "Let's try this again! Smile!" <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcZ_G3P79PJA98kQWOF2VUdqSxBWg0mF2kviLkfqIcawI0MPlFTAb-xWEZssljEXtCW-4uXke53THwhMWn5tbjXDKlPQVJ5ZgWIg9HOKFlyEe4uymdLshXbsAhD4FMliFDq3qbj9oDl0Y/s1600/selfie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcZ_G3P79PJA98kQWOF2VUdqSxBWg0mF2kviLkfqIcawI0MPlFTAb-xWEZssljEXtCW-4uXke53THwhMWn5tbjXDKlPQVJ5ZgWIg9HOKFlyEe4uymdLshXbsAhD4FMliFDq3qbj9oDl0Y/s1600/selfie.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
She held her phone out and tried to snap another picture, but Devin tickled her again, causing her to squeak and drop her phone...again. "Dev!" she scolded playfully. "I want a nice picture of us, you're not being very cooperative." She bent down and picked her phone up, dusting off the snow.<br />
<br />
Devin laughed. "Luna, you're putting on too much weight for it to be a nice picture. Just look at how chubby your cheeks are!" He shook his head. "You could stand to lose a few pounds."<br />
<br />
Luna bit her lip. She had tried not to gain too much weight, and she thought she had been fairly successful. Many people didn't even know she was pregnant. "I'm sorry, it's the baby."<br />
<br />
Devin rolled his eyes. "That's always your go to excuse isn't it Luna? When in fact it's because you're such a lazy cow, if you ate less, and exercised more, well, I might find you more attractive."<br />
<br />
Luna was crushed. "You don't find me attractive?"<br />
<br />
"When you're a fat cow? Not as much, but it's all good baby, I still love you." Luna's face fell, she appreciated his honesty, but the words still hurt. "Hey, just to make you happy, take a picture of this." Luna raised her phone and snapped a picture just as Devin kissed her.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ8ZB83e9NT6lgglksg5eqeYM7mkgajlP0kVzTc3vdo9K-pbyVIU2FMmXtCIXdXJ8jhV63NbmAdo501eKeyJtcYGlpHed4RTvSR-B_x6eTPeFAfxenj0-gZK8v63aatgZFPnqAoW1fcJY/s1600/selfie1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ8ZB83e9NT6lgglksg5eqeYM7mkgajlP0kVzTc3vdo9K-pbyVIU2FMmXtCIXdXJ8jhV63NbmAdo501eKeyJtcYGlpHed4RTvSR-B_x6eTPeFAfxenj0-gZK8v63aatgZFPnqAoW1fcJY/s1600/selfie1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
He let his hand wander up, and he squeezed her breast. "I do like how big your boobs are getting though. Just thinking about them is making me really horny right now. Baby, how about we go to your bedroom." He kissed her neck while his hand fondled her breasts.<br />
<br />
Luna tried to push his hands away. "Dev, please don't! We're in public, and at my Dad's house."<br />
<br />
Devin growled. "Don't be such a c*ck tease Luna. We're practically married, and you're living here now right?" Luna nodded her head yes. "Then that means this is your house too, not just your father's. So let's go to your bedroom Baby, just the thought of pulling one over on your old man turns me on."<br />
<br />
"But," Luna tried once more, "our house is just over..."<br />
<br />
Devin covered her mouth with his own, forcefully kissing her and shutting her words off. "Why don't you want me in your room Luna? Has Turnip been there?" He hissed. "Well, has he? Did you f*ck him in there Luna?"<br />
<br />
"Dev, you're hurting me. I've told you before, it's not like that between Tanner and I, we're just friends." Luna winced, whenever Tanner came up in conversation, which was often, Devin's mood turned ugly. She loved that he was jealous, it proved that he loved her, but she just wished he would take her at her word sometimes. They were only friends. She knew how to turn this around though, she could hear her father clanking around in the garage, he was preoccupied, so..."Okay, I'll sneak you in." At least she knew that Devin was still a little attracted to her.<br />
<br />
Jack frowned at the digital diagram in front of him.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIsiPtYX4gB89iHjX-Z9vUYxnYa5TOcjd7iPNp7MQ8xBoywWkDb7KkNmgrP9EMNr9OC-Zussr5hO-vm7aAbjO9rEEaKp9KTEWkwqtZKhKVfgVMyos_141iwGoKyh1Fh3IQ9ivmicYXLzk/s1600/Jack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIsiPtYX4gB89iHjX-Z9vUYxnYa5TOcjd7iPNp7MQ8xBoywWkDb7KkNmgrP9EMNr9OC-Zussr5hO-vm7aAbjO9rEEaKp9KTEWkwqtZKhKVfgVMyos_141iwGoKyh1Fh3IQ9ivmicYXLzk/s1600/Jack.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
He needed to be able to teleport more than just a package of data, and according to the mechanics of Quantum entanglement theory, it should be possible. He scratched his head absently. But how? Ethan's diagrams and equations outlined most of it, except the one critical part, the sheer size of a human versus the size of a packet of data.<br />
<br />
He had asked digital Ethan about it, but he had been of no help. The real Ethan had never had the time to finish testing and figuring it out, it really was up to Jack. He sighed. What he needed was some sort of quantum nanite that could transfer data at the sub atomic particle level. He sighed again, and rubbed his temples wearily. What he needed even more than that was a helper of some sort, one that didn't require sleep or food, and could just keep running the equations and 3D models. What he needed was a robot version of himself.<br />
<br />
He chuckled to himself. As if that could ever happen! But, what if? The what if question had always been a tantalizing concept to him. Could he make a robot version of himself? Did he dare try? He didn't want to waste valuable time chasing a distraction, but on the other hand, if he had robot, it would actually help him gain time by making him twice as efficient. He grabbed a notebook and began to jot down some notes.<br />
<br />
<br />
~<>~<br />
<br />
<br />
Luna stared down at the ice cream container, spoon still in hand.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitOzfXgKI3g9Ir9A18Fbt-vVSIH5mjZtk4bgCJURlFBRLjeWFXYqZ01nlW2ONiO2d9IGwA-idq2C36BeIZl1AmsYr14DyjOfhJbewL5B9SPrXqdTjhV1c_kTX_Xpfzc6XzKBtYWLwj8fE/s1600/Luna.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitOzfXgKI3g9Ir9A18Fbt-vVSIH5mjZtk4bgCJURlFBRLjeWFXYqZ01nlW2ONiO2d9IGwA-idq2C36BeIZl1AmsYr14DyjOfhJbewL5B9SPrXqdTjhV1c_kTX_Xpfzc6XzKBtYWLwj8fE/s1600/Luna.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
She felt panicky and slightly nauseous, how had she downed half a carton of ice cream so quickly? She couldn't believe it, she had meant to only have a spoonful, but it had tasted so good, that she had kept eating it and eating it and eating it. She was so disgusted with herself, she had acted like the pig that Devin always accused her of being. It turned out he was right, and the proof was in front of her.<br />
<br />
She pushed the carton away from her as a wave of nausea hit her. She couldn't gain any more weight, if Devin ever really left her for good, she would be utterly devastated. It was bad enough she had pushed the baby on him, but to add gaining weight on top of it?<br />
<br />
She got up and paced around the kitchen, trying to get rid of the anxiety that flooded her body. She took some deep calming breaths. She had promised herself she wouldn't do it anymore, she didn't want to hurt her baby. She paced some more, trying to outpace the urge. If only she were strong enough, but she couldn't bear it, she just couldn't bear it, the ice cream had to go. She ran for the upstairs bathroom, it was hardly ever used, and locked the door behind her. She knelt down in front of the toilet, and stuck her finger down her throat. She gagged, making her stomach roil in rebellion.<br />
<br />
She did it again, pushing her finger further back, and she began puking up all the ice cream she had eaten just moments ago.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpqeVR8tW-clpP3xqfQZ4HA197FOb-ha5PnPPiDtfGcMqxarpJxF5QUrHvTXRAfRLzvLWCwnYU9415_hFzdhyphenhyphenQF1DS_AUNcMGV5zzU-RxnNdlLCJL2sf3U6S7QihXZ5rGOPZ9cysbAXeE/s1600/Luna1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpqeVR8tW-clpP3xqfQZ4HA197FOb-ha5PnPPiDtfGcMqxarpJxF5QUrHvTXRAfRLzvLWCwnYU9415_hFzdhyphenhyphenQF1DS_AUNcMGV5zzU-RxnNdlLCJL2sf3U6S7QihXZ5rGOPZ9cysbAXeE/s1600/Luna1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
When she had emptied her stomach, she flushed the toilet, and used mouthwash to rinse her mouth out. She splashed some cold water on her face, and stared at the woman in the mirror. She was such a failure, she couldn't control her urge to eat, or her urge to throw it up afterwards. She didn't know what Devin saw in her, she was only glad that he saw something. Glad that he put up with her. She was so lucky to have him, she didn't want to mess things up.<br />
<br />
She dried her face. At least the anxiety was gone, purging always helped that. She rubbed her tummy, and whispered, "I'm so sorry baby. I'll do better next time, I promise." It was a promise she hoped she could keep, but so far she hadn't been able to. She blinked back tears, she was a grown woman now, she was too old to cry.<br />
<br />
She was too old to climb into her Daddy's lap too, and have him fight her battles for her. Besides, she already knew how he felt, but he just didn't understand Devin the way she did. He said Devin was no good for her, but he was wrong. Devin was strong, and popular, and handsome, and a very talented football player, he was going to be a big shot someday. And every girl wanted him, and wanted to be with him, but he was with her, only her, and not them.<br />
<br />
She unlocked the bathroom door and went into her bedroom. Her dad had never changed her room, so it looked just like it had before she moved out. She crawled onto her bed and curled up into a ball, hugging her knees to herself. She wished her Dad was home, she could really use a hug.<br />
<br />
~<>~<br />
<br />
She was on one of her walks when the pains hit her. She felt as though her stomach was being ripped apart, and she feared something was wrong with her baby. She called Dev, but he told her to stop being such a drama queen and get her a*s to the hospital. She would have liked a ride, but when she told him where she was, he told her she was being stupid. She was only a few blocks away from the hospital. Once again he was right, and she shuffled her way there as quickly as she could, pausing only when a contraction would force her to.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8rCA05iRQVnZAME449MIPpWTm1Odf_y35Et2QuLhi2nZqoBGMr101XzIi0YZKmDm7D-Khcj00T7BL80-Xu-NxL8bZ_SZ1GSqyUxKVyVCP18D3m4jaHJE_buf307_nNqWIYjp88nKG9B8/s1600/Luna2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8rCA05iRQVnZAME449MIPpWTm1Odf_y35Et2QuLhi2nZqoBGMr101XzIi0YZKmDm7D-Khcj00T7BL80-Xu-NxL8bZ_SZ1GSqyUxKVyVCP18D3m4jaHJE_buf307_nNqWIYjp88nKG9B8/s1600/Luna2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Within minutes of arriving a nurse wheeled her into a room, and just a few moments later, Doctor Rosenburg rushed in. She liked the doctor, he had kind eyes. He told her that her baby was ready to come out, so she asked the nurse to call Devin for her once more. She could tell by the look on the nurse's face that Devin wasn't going to show up.<br />
<br />
Luna didn't have any more time to think about that, her body was taking over. The pain was excruciating, but she was too close to delivery, they couldn't give her any pain meds. She cried, tears of joy, not pain, when she saw her son for the first time. "Trevor." She whispered his name, and reached out for him.<br />
<br />
"Just a minute Sweetie." the nurse said gently. "We need to check him out. He's a little small."<br />
<br />
It took a forever and a day for them to check Trevor over and make sure everything was okay with him. At least it felt that way to Luna, but once he was certified as healthy and placed into her arms, Luna didn't care about any of it. She had her beautiful son in her arms. She breathed in his baby scent, and cuddled him close to her. He was worth every moment of pain. <br />
<br />
A few hours later, she was ready to be released. She called Devin to pick them up, and he promised to be there in fifteen minutes, so she went outside to wait for him. She didn't want to upset him by having him come look for them.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJsEU5cU4HCr3CmTQCjCUm3hCG-qvSrrjRVkQ8G1obfv7iMCtIxlzKp2NnhCZuPJMELGldUU2sHFxYvmoB0jW9075FLPRizN1QM1Ru65QmBY3Sm0gzsEWfQu4XCgORiaqfLMwdC8PAKT0/s1600/Luna3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJsEU5cU4HCr3CmTQCjCUm3hCG-qvSrrjRVkQ8G1obfv7iMCtIxlzKp2NnhCZuPJMELGldUU2sHFxYvmoB0jW9075FLPRizN1QM1Ru65QmBY3Sm0gzsEWfQu4XCgORiaqfLMwdC8PAKT0/s1600/Luna3.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
She watched for his vehicle, but after forty minutes he still hadn't shown up. She reached into her pocket and pulled out her phone. He answered after the sixth ring, and he sounded angry and out of breath. "What the h*ll Luna?"<br />
<br />
"What happened to you? I thought you were going to pick us up?"<br />
<br />
"Something came up Luna, contract negotiations, sorry, you'll have to find another ride." She heard whispering but couldn't make it out, she was about to ask what he was whispering when he came back with, "I have to go, Luna. I'll call you later." Click. The phone went dead. She stared at the phone in her hand. Trevor started to fuss, and she bounced him gently, trying to keep him calm.<br />
<br />
She had left for her walk hours ago, it was now the middle of the night. She felt like crying, but she sucked it in, and dialed a number. "Daddy..."<br />
<br />
"Luna, where the h*ll are you?"<br />
<br />
"At the hospital..."<br />
<br />
"I'll be right there." And he hung up. She had been hung up on for the second time that night, but the last one was different. She knew her Dad would show up. She sighed heavily. He would end up having to rescue her after all.<br />
<br />
~<>~<br />
<br />
Colin gently placed his grandson into the crib he had bought for him.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS89cdbnJdoM6rWy3z15ND5ykmd7QPYLBHDx8TERJrU2fOxstGgChYCXa1xVrbAN4rkJrztMf9G4c3qycZ00Ia-kkjGTKB2ekIruehGxvRvaX3uauT0y-FeaKt6QSFMZpxVufc8_OCNhs/s1600/Colin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS89cdbnJdoM6rWy3z15ND5ykmd7QPYLBHDx8TERJrU2fOxstGgChYCXa1xVrbAN4rkJrztMf9G4c3qycZ00Ia-kkjGTKB2ekIruehGxvRvaX3uauT0y-FeaKt6QSFMZpxVufc8_OCNhs/s1600/Colin.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
"There you go buddy, home, safe and sound." Trevor's eyes drifted shut as he yawned sleepily. Colin smiled down at him. Not even a few hours old, and Trevor already owned a large part of his heart. Trevor's father though, Colin could happily suit him up with a pair of lead shoes. The a*shole had left his daughter and grandson stranded. "Contract negotiations my a*s." he muttered to himself.<br />
<br />
The a*shole couldn't even come up with a lie that made sense. He wished Luna would see him for what he was, but she had stupid f*cking blinders on where it concerned him. Colin gritted his teeth. It was so f*cking hard to watch his daughter put herself through that a*shole's bullsh*t, and not be able to do anything about it. It had to be f*cking karma laughing at him. How many women had he hurt by his actions when he was younger? So many faces, and he didn't even f*cking remember their names. Back then, he hadn't f*cking cared either. Life was a f*cking b*tch.<br />
<br />
He had been f*cking going out of his f*cking mind worried, when Luna had gone for a walk, and then didn't return. He had called her friends, no one had f*cking heard from her. He was sure she had been hit by a f*cking car or something equally as terrible when the hours passed, and there was still no f*cking word from her. He was just about to f*cking call the police stations and hospitals when she had finally called him. He had been so f*cking relieved that she was alive, he had only asked her the one question. Where the h*ll was she?<br />
<br />
When he went to pick her up at the hospital, he noticed she was way too f*cking thin. She was always eating, so he didn't f*cking know why she kept losing the weight, but if it kept up, he was going to f*cking drag her a*s to the doctors. Kicking and screaming if need be. <br />
<br />
<br />
~<>~<br />
<br />
<br />
"You should have let me get him." Tanner's soft voice startled her.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4TDOSKgjPLfM-ykal8wx7J4zI5LauMTyOgTOvrS5nwN12smzINfwSXq9eO58vRqp8OsYvAVl31wasV8vZVAo7AhnevIlO0lIOeyQH4MqS0-IEuEtBlNKMAiY4_Ih8-nymj6EGytSFP3o/s1600/Luna4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4TDOSKgjPLfM-ykal8wx7J4zI5LauMTyOgTOvrS5nwN12smzINfwSXq9eO58vRqp8OsYvAVl31wasV8vZVAo7AhnevIlO0lIOeyQH4MqS0-IEuEtBlNKMAiY4_Ih8-nymj6EGytSFP3o/s1600/Luna4.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
"I was already awake, but thanks, Tanner." Tanner had been at the house the night she had brought Trevor home, he had been as worried about her as her father had been. Her dad had told him it was too late to drive home, and just to crash in the spare bedroom. That one night had turned into two, and then three, and so on. He didn't seem to be in any hurry to leave.<br />
<br />
She had tried to get Tanner to go home many times. She had told him in no uncertain terms that she could handle this motherhood thing without any help, she was just fine on her own. Her family pitched in to, so it wasn't like she was totally on her own. Tanner had simply smiled at her, and stayed anyway.<br />
<br />
She smiled fondly. She had soaked way too many of his shirts over the years to fool him, he knew her too well. Knew that she would want the help, but didn't want to have to ask for it. Knew that just his presence had a way of soothing her, and keeping her calm. She loved her family dearly, but sometimes they were too much. Her dad was always trying to feed her, her grandpas fought over the correct way to hold Trevor, her brother Jack probably didn't even know she had been pregnant, and her sister Skye was filled with too much advice. <br />
<br />
She was thankful Tanner hadn't listened to her, because it was so nice to pretend for a little while that she wasn't alone in this. Luna had been a mother for all of thirty days, and she already felt like a failure. Trevor was fussy, and wanted to be held constantly. Some nights he wouldn't stop crying, and she felt so helpless that she wanted to cry right along with him. Then suddenly, Tanner would be there, like an angel, and he would work his magic and manage to get both her and Trevor calmed down.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiF4vMvpn3bZzDc3VXil7ckQjczrz9zSnSFQELOJB_zZ8Mom2CmOnGnA8ZpMD3PpNGPgVv_ztXoRng7W8UIV77kMo-vgZOKdz7tne4XmCqOcdFQ_wkiy3HzFdUg04cw6_1EHka5gXa_2U/s1600/Luna5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiF4vMvpn3bZzDc3VXil7ckQjczrz9zSnSFQELOJB_zZ8Mom2CmOnGnA8ZpMD3PpNGPgVv_ztXoRng7W8UIV77kMo-vgZOKdz7tne4XmCqOcdFQ_wkiy3HzFdUg04cw6_1EHka5gXa_2U/s1600/Luna5.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Luna turned around to face him, a slight smile on her lips. "I really do..." she paused as she took in his state of dress, or undress, and then quickly turned around again. Tanner had a great body. She hated it when she noticed non-friend things about him, he was just her friend, and her best friend at that. She shouldn't be noticing how sexy he was in an old bathrobe, and it definitely shouldn't render her speechless either. After an awkward moment, she said stupidly, "You have pj's here?" Then she cringed inwardly.<br />
<br />
Tanner looked down at his clothes. "Yeah, um, well, your Dad said since I practically live here anyway, I might as well move into the spare bedroom. So I brought some of my stuff over." He added, a little unsure, "I didn't think you would mind?" <br />
<br />
"No, no, of course not. But why would you want to live with us?" Oh please don't let Devin find out, oh please don't let Devin find out, it was a litany in her mind, replaying like a broken record. What had possessed her father to invite Tanner anyway? She knew her Dad had always liked him, but really? Talk about complicating her life, and now Tanner would be walking around the house...like that. He would be taking showers in the same shower she used. Suddenly an image of him taking a shower popped into her head. Her cheeks heated up, and she resisted the urge to fan herself. Really, she didn't know what was wrong with her, it must be post pregnancy hormones.<br />
<br />
"Why?" he asked, a little perplexed. "We're best friends aren't we Luna? I want to be there for you, and for Trevor, like any friend would, you know, cause your boyfriend isn't able to right now." Tanner made the statement as nicely as he could, he didn't want to get her dander up, and then listen to her defend the creep she was with.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvCPMq8T2h5_nE5XQLT-Dq-MXlvSg_AAxPjrR6p3h_XtcwzQ_QGUOhiLVy52by5bnxbMp6J2Isj_gU576_Z7iGTMwfV_6_J8-F2_z5gCrF0OWD6O5MWAw9yH7E-rOih6V0FNEpkxtMbDQ/s1600/Luna6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvCPMq8T2h5_nE5XQLT-Dq-MXlvSg_AAxPjrR6p3h_XtcwzQ_QGUOhiLVy52by5bnxbMp6J2Isj_gU576_Z7iGTMwfV_6_J8-F2_z5gCrF0OWD6O5MWAw9yH7E-rOih6V0FNEpkxtMbDQ/s1600/Luna6.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
She automatically corrected him. "Fiance." He was her best friend, and she was grateful for his willingness to help. "I appreciate it a lot Tanner, but I feel bad, like I'm taking advantage of you."<br />
<br />
"There's no other place I'd rather be, then here with you and Trevor."<br />
<br />
"Okay, if you're sure."<br />
<br />
"I'm sure." Tanner replied without hesitation. Luna would just have to make sure that Devin never found out, she hated to think what his reaction would be to the news that Tanner was living with them. By her Dad's invitation no less.<br />
<br />
<br />
~<>~<br />
<br />
<br />
Luna slid into the seat next to Tanner. "Hey, you've been working on the car? It looks great. I can't believe Dad let you touch it, let alone sit in the driver's seat."<br />
<br />
Tanner swallowed hard, and forced himself to look away from her. She wasn't wearing much of a top. He glanced sideways at her. Her shorts were really tight too. He shifted uncomfortably. Being just her friend was hard, especially since he wanted to be more. So much more. He cleared his throat. "Uh yeah, I found I like to do body work, and I'm good at it. Your Dad doesn't have the patience, so he let me."<br />
<br />
He wished she had worn the outfit to seduce him, but no such luck. Knowing Luna, she had merely thrown on whatever clothes happened to be clean and closest to her reach. She must be down to only clean underwear. It sure looked like it could pass for underwear. Lingerie style underwear. He groaned silently. He was in a torment of his own making.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj42V2WGPGA37fs5KIEz6ge7wUCaJ9J4Dmg6qywoaqOUCYvy6Xd4Xqd9EUwRRIqMJF3q2B5I0G2ulX6nu0hiYx0zrku7Kbrc2BjAirRQrUw6oyUUqgsSsqjfV0PWLBH3TIWyb0b5z_p6sA/s1600/Luna7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj42V2WGPGA37fs5KIEz6ge7wUCaJ9J4Dmg6qywoaqOUCYvy6Xd4Xqd9EUwRRIqMJF3q2B5I0G2ulX6nu0hiYx0zrku7Kbrc2BjAirRQrUw6oyUUqgsSsqjfV0PWLBH3TIWyb0b5z_p6sA/s1600/Luna7.jpg" height="400" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Luna turned to look at him. "He just let you? My Dad?" She shook her head. "Unbelievable." <br />
<br />
Tanner turned to face her, and casually put his arm across the seat. "He likes me." Tanner said simply. "And I like him too, we have a lot in common actually." He took it as a good sign that she didn't move away, nor did she smack him, but instead she leaned back against his arm and looked up at him with those beautiful silver eyes of hers. <br />
<br />
"Now that's a scary thought." She murmured. <br />
<br />
Her lips were so close, it was all he could do to hold himself back and not close the gap. He wanted to kiss her so badly, but she was with someone else. He had to keep reminding himself of that, and they were just friends. Just. Friends.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQbZKE_fi0-8GZS-Q4477SeqyZ6OHLdm2epkYmgSCqGWHqk23dV_brA4BO6T_yCqWyGaJp4ilDGKLq4X-HPS-0sGcfl7jTTAUZah5rGgSY8tXpij8oGeM8HurVvcd6bJU9bZjx3yg5gSU/s1600/Luna8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQbZKE_fi0-8GZS-Q4477SeqyZ6OHLdm2epkYmgSCqGWHqk23dV_brA4BO6T_yCqWyGaJp4ilDGKLq4X-HPS-0sGcfl7jTTAUZah5rGgSY8tXpij8oGeM8HurVvcd6bJU9bZjx3yg5gSU/s1600/Luna8.jpg" height="400" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
She licked her lips nervously and he stifled a groan. "A sculptor friend of mine is getting married in a week, the day before Trevor's birthday in fact. I don't want to go alone, but Dev won't be able to make it. Would you, would you mind going with me?"<br />
<br />
"To a wedding?"<br />
<br />
"I know, I know, not exactly bachelor territory. But, please Tanner? I really, really don't want to go by myself..."<br />
<br />
Tanner sighed. "I guess." Luna squealed, and kissed him on the cheek. <br />
<br />
"Thank you Tanner! You're the best." Tanner sighed again. He was such a sap. He never could say no to her. <br />
<br />
<br />
~<>~<br />
<br />
<br />
"Guess who decided to crawl out of his crib and go exploring instead of taking a nap?"<br />
<br />
Colin looked at the who in question. "Hmm, I wonder."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHOx0rJsHuH7BdCMs1IVYw2dPZC1SGofPPQJvJmung5nA7x3Z7nB8_jtEV5Uf4krAU4dOqgj3d6PyS4SZOLxV1o_GjDKnET1hY_6l78IX5K7FOz4dWodbARLw9pCxulaXb2UKvbYMWzno/s1600/Trevor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHOx0rJsHuH7BdCMs1IVYw2dPZC1SGofPPQJvJmung5nA7x3Z7nB8_jtEV5Uf4krAU4dOqgj3d6PyS4SZOLxV1o_GjDKnET1hY_6l78IX5K7FOz4dWodbARLw9pCxulaXb2UKvbYMWzno/s1600/Trevor.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"The real question is, what is the damage?"<br />
<br />
Ryder smiled ruefully. "Well, let's see, there's one little boy's outfit, a pair of tennis shoes, some walls that will need to be repainted, carpet that needs to get replaced, some sculpting clay, paints, assorted tools and brushes, oh, and a toilet."<br />
<br />
Colin raised his eyebrows and looked at Trevor. "Well, weren't you a busy little bee."<br />
<br />
"Bee Ganpa! I bee! I make petties, ike Mama!"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivtS_pvQXfAAB7QF_0xCdYi5AP74C-6ZfRftaioFBs6K3m3BnlKeDHLHmNQ-mXg0mYrLyTsmJT9DPXvnqFEtdPlenYWvfSrHaWr_6xVV-Tzz2_zBnIqcoiUkZYJPKS0qXeDUQSXKddlAg/s1600/Trevor1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivtS_pvQXfAAB7QF_0xCdYi5AP74C-6ZfRftaioFBs6K3m3BnlKeDHLHmNQ-mXg0mYrLyTsmJT9DPXvnqFEtdPlenYWvfSrHaWr_6xVV-Tzz2_zBnIqcoiUkZYJPKS0qXeDUQSXKddlAg/s1600/Trevor1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Colin chuckled. "Yes you did, you little rascal. Just like your Mama used to when she was little." He pulled out his phone. "Time to make some phone calls." He had the repairman on speed dial. As he waited for the repairman to answer, he asked, "Hey Dad, where did you put his clothes?"<br />
<br />
"The garbage. There was no getting those things clean. Trevor did a great job."<br />
<br />
"I bee!" Trevor clapped his hands happily. "I bee!"<br />
<br />
"I will remind Luna, once again, not to leave her studio unlocked. Not that she'll listen." Colin grumbled. If his daughter had f*cking listened to him, she wouldn't be with the a*shole to begin with, let alone still with him. All he needed was one f*cking sign from Luna that she was done with him, and he'd make sure that f*cking d*ckhead never showed his face around here again.<br />
<br />
The repairman finally answered. "Hello Mr. Kahekili, let me guess, you have a broken toilet that needs to be fixed."<br />
<br />
"You guessed it."<br />
<br />
<br />
_______________________________________________________________________________<br />
<br />
Notes: Darn, I hardly know what to say in my notes!<br />
<br />
Sorry---somewhat sad/depressing chapter, it is totally not my fault though! Luna took over, this chapter was NOT supposed to be about her. She was going to have a small mention---but then as I'm writing---her story started to unfold. I feel so bad for her. =( Originally, Devin was just going to be a cheater---but he has turned into so much more. Ugly more.<br />
<br />
I never expected to write about abusive relationships---or eating disorders! <b><a href="http://www.helpguide.org/mental/bulimia_signs_symptoms_causes_treatment.htm" target="_blank">Bulimia</a></b> is a very serious condition---you can click on the link to learn more about it. Not all Bulimics do the binge and purge cycle, but Luna does.<br />
<br />
Well, I tried to end it on a slightly fun/happy note. Trevor might look just like his dad, but he'll never be anything like him. He makes pretties---like his Mama. =)<br />
<br />
Tanner doesn't really live in the household. He was going to, but then Ivory had surprise triplets instead of twins---and I loved Jack. So, in order for Jack to stay---Tanner wasn't actually able to move in, but for story purposes, he sleeps in a spare bedroom. <br />
<br />
Thanks for reading---and I will endeavor to make my next chapter happier, lol<br />
<br />
<br />Nirarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15253184399668018141noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2767753407529003708.post-61091348191001569342014-07-26T12:50:00.000-07:002014-07-26T12:50:28.174-07:00Chapter 83: Winter Fairytale<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
Warning: Language, and I touch on abusive relationships, there is one scene that was tough to write, so it may be tough to read (second to last scene).</h3>
<br />
<br />
Hawk hugged her tightly to him. "Skye, I'm glad you made it."<br />
<br />
Skye burrowed into his warmth. "I got off work earlier than I thought I would." <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkFUYvESCjyaVep88LkXFX_ZiuAGvOq5B34gEMfZE1SYuaylwiXtKQ-oJpDCMhmPTLjiIoAyNL4V2RvvaaEPj1kHYFLw-5E6dOcYwu2A4gf99hz-uPfScQcbhjgJJGcslVdUQkmiH8m14/s1600/Skye.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkFUYvESCjyaVep88LkXFX_ZiuAGvOq5B34gEMfZE1SYuaylwiXtKQ-oJpDCMhmPTLjiIoAyNL4V2RvvaaEPj1kHYFLw-5E6dOcYwu2A4gf99hz-uPfScQcbhjgJJGcslVdUQkmiH8m14/s1600/Skye.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
"You sounded strange on the phone, is everything okay Hawk?"<br />
<br />
Hawk smiled. "Now that you're here, it couldn't be better. It's a beautiful day, and I found this lovely spot by the Lake's edge that I wanted to share with you."<br />
<br />
"I'm not joining the Polar Bear club." Skye warned. "I think my Dad is crazy, swimming in sub zero temperatures. Him and his what doesn't kill you makes you stronger philosophy." She rolled her eyes. Her Dad had some strange ideas.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSqzdjMkIc5Mjl3cKuSjK8PQrtP5yMO89NW6HbRB93cSA_eUtyZNkru2CkOvHkyGobF-mZTamB5qag0HgQW_d3FWjPq-nbjiN17lrvY_AvgtkjGcX0U45sVMLJ98Z4XEFBjnk5xjbFct8/s1600/Skye1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSqzdjMkIc5Mjl3cKuSjK8PQrtP5yMO89NW6HbRB93cSA_eUtyZNkru2CkOvHkyGobF-mZTamB5qag0HgQW_d3FWjPq-nbjiN17lrvY_AvgtkjGcX0U45sVMLJ98Z4XEFBjnk5xjbFct8/s1600/Skye1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Hawk laughed. "No, I'm not that crazy, the water is too cold. Come on, let me show you something." He held out his hand, Skye, still a little dubious, took it.<br />
<br />
Instead of leading her to the spot he had been talking about, he surprised her by spinning her around and bending her backwards in one fluid move, which caused her to squeak. "Hawk!"<br />
<br />
"I love you." He whispered, his mouth hovered only inches away from hers. "I love you so much."<br />
<br />
Skye melted. "I love you too, you crazy man!"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJQDVY1tA2O5Rmv9BFfKeTWm0JRTydjt_ROIzWxsmNRVIGfjvrXGPCG4iZc2nM5DQDegdMVYT_Bs2NvMdtS_YRkidd74F_fo7nvgJ1OixHy40MuVuu1X6ZtvJ-s5GKUevoH2Ul8DdlML0/s1600/Skye2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJQDVY1tA2O5Rmv9BFfKeTWm0JRTydjt_ROIzWxsmNRVIGfjvrXGPCG4iZc2nM5DQDegdMVYT_Bs2NvMdtS_YRkidd74F_fo7nvgJ1OixHy40MuVuu1X6ZtvJ-s5GKUevoH2Ul8DdlML0/s1600/Skye2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"I want to marry you Skye, and have a house full of children." He kissed her softly on the lips. "Please say you'll marry me, you'd make me the happiest of men."<br />
<br />
Skye's eyes shone. "Oh Hawk! Yes! Yes! I would love to be your wife!"<br />
<br />
He kissed her again, and then gently spun her back upwards. He smiled at her. "Ah, Kitten, you have made me the happiest guy there ever was."<br />
<br />
Skye smiled back playfully. "Well, I don't know about ever." Skye was so happy she thought she might burst from it. They had dated for so long Skye had begun to think he would never propose. Devin had proposed to her sister a long time ago. Of course, he had yet to make good on that promise, and it seemed like they were always breaking up every other week. <br />
<br />
"I do." He reached into his pocket, and slowly drew out a ring, it sparkled brightly in the light. He held it out to her. "For you Kitten, the woman I love the most in this Universe."<br />
<br />
"Oh Hawk, it's beautiful!" Skye wiped a few tears away. She held out her hand, and Hawk slid the ring onto her finger.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjnPE8bTV464lv2WmtYhw53P3loxcQc3t2H9z8ysYY_EKpn8MDx8cBIx6O5hnAvlWepzlsI4JxB9Vr3TnWvOYBeHh6Pk276w37KUkoLB4WA5t1c-sw2NIir3GA1PvJ6x3NYJlnoVMei94/s1600/Skye3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjnPE8bTV464lv2WmtYhw53P3loxcQc3t2H9z8ysYY_EKpn8MDx8cBIx6O5hnAvlWepzlsI4JxB9Vr3TnWvOYBeHh6Pk276w37KUkoLB4WA5t1c-sw2NIir3GA1PvJ6x3NYJlnoVMei94/s1600/Skye3.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
She wrapped her arms around him, and kissed him ardently. Hawk groaned, and pulled her in closer, returning her passion. He let his hands slip down, and Skye squirmed, trying to get closer to his heat. Hawk broke the kiss off abruptly, his breathing heavy, and he laid his forehead against hers. He apologized. "You make me forget myself." <br />
<br />
Skye's cheeks were flushed despite the cold, and her body trembled. She was sure she would have fallen if Hawk had let go of her. "I started it." she confessed sheepishly.<br />
<br />
Hawk kissed her nose. "I can't wait until we can finish it, but I made a promise to you, not until our wedding night." He begged her, "Please let it be soon. Like this week?" He asked hopefully.<br />
<br />
"This week? Now I know you are a crazy man!" Skye chuckled. "To think I could put a wedding together in less than a week. I need months Hawk! There's the venue that needs to be rented, a dress to be found, a wedding cake, flowers and.."<br />
<br />
Hawk whispered in her ear, interrupting her train of thought. "Let's elope Skye."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTqwzxus5sOWOCVQonpXNhYW-ASEDTq_nIO4Br_y1rqqf42WGhwYHq1sFfWN8xRTIJXiOFyye5wnYqKXa6vL3vrOaxcWGghQmmZT6jnvBjZ5mHvdYk-gV2dIsFQs8PI4Pk4JfgfDBX3BA/s1600/Skye4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTqwzxus5sOWOCVQonpXNhYW-ASEDTq_nIO4Br_y1rqqf42WGhwYHq1sFfWN8xRTIJXiOFyye5wnYqKXa6vL3vrOaxcWGghQmmZT6jnvBjZ5mHvdYk-gV2dIsFQs8PI4Pk4JfgfDBX3BA/s1600/Skye4.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Shocked, Skye stared into his eyes, was he serious? Elope, when all her life she had dreamed of having a big wedding, of having her Dad walk her down the aisle? He was definitely crazy! "Hawk, I've always wanted..."<br />
<br />
"Skye, your father hates me, if we tried to have a proper wedding, you know he'll stop it, somehow."<br />
<br />
Skye bit her lip. It was true that her father had not warmed up to Hawk yet, he just might put a stop to any wedding plans, or at the very least, cause a lot of headaches. But no wedding? No walking down the aisle? No flowers, or wedding dress or ? She pulled out of the shelter of his arms, and shivered in the cold air. "I don't know Hawk." She said hesitantly.<br />
<br />
"What's more important Kitten, a big wedding, or us married, spending our lives together, raising children and growing old together?"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXAAV8usny3nmQW9W2sUvYYES-WFaUVTTdGOlJZ7Su9gGhQgXaqwpDL8OTuwQCodzq3lA3PcMx9RQEbynm6WVoj4FvdjPTskokmFc_hbDjLsIuxBMKnDU60NkQttqgbo5keTJJU5Dcql8/s1600/Skye5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXAAV8usny3nmQW9W2sUvYYES-WFaUVTTdGOlJZ7Su9gGhQgXaqwpDL8OTuwQCodzq3lA3PcMx9RQEbynm6WVoj4FvdjPTskokmFc_hbDjLsIuxBMKnDU60NkQttqgbo5keTJJU5Dcql8/s1600/Skye5.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
"Well..."<br />
<br />
"I love you Kitten, and I don't want to lose you."<br />
<br />
Skye's eyes widened. "Hawk!" She breathed. "Do you see it?"<br />
<br />
He was confused. "See what?"<br />
<br />
She grabbed his hand. "Come on, let's get a closer look!" She half pulled, half tugged him further into the wooded area. "Oh, Hawk, isn't he gorgeous?"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbcvboNjl2UhO5LZloGJjzf0yNxUPujT-ZsWASq3yGfqlXsbSPS75b06o7sZ1t-V7XqBGuXtplUgNSA-OKZwjy-lQsAmPkILaA6ZgM1Y24kBPtH3fQusXMvc3KnIbt4qKoHGgDnQi33Sg/s1600/Skye6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbcvboNjl2UhO5LZloGJjzf0yNxUPujT-ZsWASq3yGfqlXsbSPS75b06o7sZ1t-V7XqBGuXtplUgNSA-OKZwjy-lQsAmPkILaA6ZgM1Y24kBPtH3fQusXMvc3KnIbt4qKoHGgDnQi33Sg/s1600/Skye6.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Hawk saw a perfectly ordinary white horse that was prancing around in the snow, he didn't know why she was so excited over a silly horse, but he mumbled some affirmative words that seemed to shut her up. He was so close to getting to her to agree to marrying him right away, and then that stupid horse showed up.<br />
<br />
Skye was enchanted by the Unicorn in front of her. She always thought they only lived in fairytales, and yet, here he was, in front of her. He neighed, and she felt driven to get closer to him. Hawk protested, but she ignored him, her eyes were solely on the magnificent creature in front of her.<br />
<br />
Luna always accused her of living in a fairytale, but if he was real, then maybe, just maybe, fairytales themselves could be real. She could marry her Prince Charming, Hawk, and live happily ever after. She approached him softly, and carefully. He held still, and watched her.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKmTcKpBumV_E4vEQh2l8v6zRKc1l1er4uEc5EBW453x206wPiE1wNPESdlsCR-EXioXaAJmWAxdizSXFp3qW4djFEJfrx5hz1dg1ZJDCWarylnU28y6rfc1tnZQvs7o_pGrp-3CI7daQ/s1600/skye7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKmTcKpBumV_E4vEQh2l8v6zRKc1l1er4uEc5EBW453x206wPiE1wNPESdlsCR-EXioXaAJmWAxdizSXFp3qW4djFEJfrx5hz1dg1ZJDCWarylnU28y6rfc1tnZQvs7o_pGrp-3CI7daQ/s1600/skye7.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
"You are so beautiful." Skye said, as she tentatively stroked his muzzle. He whinnied softly, and then gently nuzzled her back.<br />
<br />
Hawk stood back and just observed, the horse seemed skittish whenever he tried to move closer, and he didn't want Skye getting hurt. He needed a child from her first. "Careful Skye." he said, "that's a wild horse, it might hurt you."<br />
<br />
Skye turned slightly towards Hawk. "He won't hurt me." She turned back to the Unicorn. "Will you? No, you are special, and a sign for me, to let me know everything will be okay. I know what to do now, thank you."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmDtdinRDssWLjQe8bfuqWgh-YOwjJZZp1iiXYi4NLE3stwRAYXislzMcHuwjgW57BMm9cB8i9nSzbuOGX_DzBSyS4TPQtpQ66-vPi0CFkGdjSXFNmTUVxCryp431JrE-fEsNJRWxQBBc/s1600/skye8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmDtdinRDssWLjQe8bfuqWgh-YOwjJZZp1iiXYi4NLE3stwRAYXislzMcHuwjgW57BMm9cB8i9nSzbuOGX_DzBSyS4TPQtpQ66-vPi0CFkGdjSXFNmTUVxCryp431JrE-fEsNJRWxQBBc/s1600/skye8.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The Unicorn tossed it's head, causing Skye to back up a little. Then he nickered, and gently nuzzled up against Skye once again, before catching the wind and disappearing among the trees. Skye watched him go, she was so focused on the Unicorn that Hawk startled her when he came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her. <br />
<br />
His voice was low, almost a whisper. "Sorry." <br />
<br />
"He was beautiful, wasn't he?"<br />
<br />
"Not as beautiful as you are."<br />
<br />
Skye leaned back against Hawk. "Let's do it, let's elope." Hawk smiled, victory at last. His mother would be pleased.<br />
<br />
<br />
~<>~<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
"Dev, I just don't understand why you have to leave tonight. Couldn't you leave in the morning? I have to talk to you, it's important."<br />
<br />
Devin rolled his eyes. "Then talk, I'm right here."<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUO5nJmlRx1UYz9S18oqXcyknugO9FTr2BTeUPb5Zdl2Pqun2N3kEK3CYbbR6Z1cge_JrxnNjHz82RDf10FNJjhc7CPyFNoHDtZHrvsljNolNnWVTmvxazw1BCy-9m3e8kTdh0tyzT0-o/s1600/luna2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUO5nJmlRx1UYz9S18oqXcyknugO9FTr2BTeUPb5Zdl2Pqun2N3kEK3CYbbR6Z1cge_JrxnNjHz82RDf10FNJjhc7CPyFNoHDtZHrvsljNolNnWVTmvxazw1BCy-9m3e8kTdh0tyzT0-o/s1600/luna2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"Dev, I need your full attention!"<br />
<br />
"Baby, I'm not in the mood to listen to you nag about a wedding date again. We're in the middle of football season, I have a plane to catch so I can meet up with the guys. I'll call you."<br />
<br />
"But..."<br />
<br />
He grabbed the back of her head and kissed her hard on the mouth, shutting her up. "I have a big game tomorrow, it could make or break my career. I need to be focused on that right now. I'll call you, okay?" He kissed her again, and slapped her butt. "Be good Baby." He jumped into the waiting taxi, and was gone.<br />
<br />
Luna frowned as she walked over to her Dad's house, she didn't want to be alone, and he still lived next door. She was so preoccupied with her thoughts, she ran headlong into Tanner, and would have fallen on her butt, except he caught her. "Whoa, careful Luna!" Once she was steady on her feet, he quickly released her. "Hey, are you okay?"<br />
<br />
"Of course I'm okay, don't I look okay?"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKeHH_Gxzmbmr6PyQkBvrv1ZgJ6ZN3K489G3WZ7bCfhtjZ5CeGVY2_pibN1ZlkaYqlf6G3YNOlqXtRj3MqKb8UwDIp0OIBH1TRYiIcTibEnhDW-uAoAN1JDFUHZVqKG80lqA_tzaY7s-U/s1600/luna1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKeHH_Gxzmbmr6PyQkBvrv1ZgJ6ZN3K489G3WZ7bCfhtjZ5CeGVY2_pibN1ZlkaYqlf6G3YNOlqXtRj3MqKb8UwDIp0OIBH1TRYiIcTibEnhDW-uAoAN1JDFUHZVqKG80lqA_tzaY7s-U/s1600/luna1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
"I mean, I'm two months pregnant, but I can't seem to find a good opportunity to let my fiance know that he's going to be a father. He plays for the Desert Badgers you know, the top team in the league, and he has an all important game tomorrow. I mean, I couldn't possibly interfere with that right? I mean, he might mess up, and then it would be my fault because..."<br />
<br />
Tanner let her vent, and just nodded his head at the appropriate times. He couldn't have found words for her anyway, he needed a few minutes to digest what she said, she was having a baby, with that jerk! He had listened to her heartbroken cries and let her soak through many of his shirts with her tears over the years, and all over that jerk. Just when he thought Luna had finally come to her senses about the jerk, she would reconcile with him. The jerk didn't deserve her.<br />
<br />
"Tanner, are you even listening to me?"<br />
<br />
"Huh, what?" He flushed. "Of course I was, I just got stuck on the part about you having a baby." <i>With that jerk</i>, he silently added.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisljlq3YR73d0fm5Om-XiekCHeRy2Pdv4BzwgyEFy4HI0FSmHA3_6S_LwbpceTO6KCqrjebLayvbU16357tW1cN0_Bypv2EsGKtbotoGv_GZi5ED_K4gAKEBYSMh9mLk88fw_tCfUXsQw/s1600/luna3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisljlq3YR73d0fm5Om-XiekCHeRy2Pdv4BzwgyEFy4HI0FSmHA3_6S_LwbpceTO6KCqrjebLayvbU16357tW1cN0_Bypv2EsGKtbotoGv_GZi5ED_K4gAKEBYSMh9mLk88fw_tCfUXsQw/s1600/luna3.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Luna looked down at her shoes, avoiding eye contact. "D*mn." She swore softly. "I didn't mean to let that part slip, I wanted him to be the first to know. I'm just so frustrated with him right now."<br />
<br />
"Nobody knows?"<br />
<br />
She nodded. "Well, except you, now you know."<br />
<br />
"Congrats Luna, you're going to make a terrific mom."<br />
<br />
She looked up at him then, and in her eyes he could see the little girl she once was. "Do you think so Tanner? I never had a mom, so I don't know..."<br />
<br />
"I know so." He said firmly. "You're loving, and patient, and kind, and.."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW6jmw9v1EoamAAz7lACCsf3lEzEXktDNovR66cjVQCUJEXDdc6a7RyWIobM6M8ONVpyFUtFV9x4x2iNg40m7Q2jGo41oXNVOvholy2NweZO3z0i9GMrRmVQEfI2x_NH2GGkGiZ4xSbtc/s1600/luna4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW6jmw9v1EoamAAz7lACCsf3lEzEXktDNovR66cjVQCUJEXDdc6a7RyWIobM6M8ONVpyFUtFV9x4x2iNg40m7Q2jGo41oXNVOvholy2NweZO3z0i9GMrRmVQEfI2x_NH2GGkGiZ4xSbtc/s1600/luna4.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Luna laughed. "You make me sound like a saint."<br />
<br />
Tanner teased her, "Oh, I know you better than that."<br />
<br />
Luna sighed, somewhat sadly. "Yeah, I'm definitely not a saint, unlike my sister Skye. She's never had sex yet, can you believe that? She doesn't even know what she's missing, I love having sex, there's nothing like it in this world."<br />
<br />
Tanner choked. "Um, no, wow, well..." He stuttered awkwardly. Sex was the one topic he tried to stay away from when talking with Luna. He already had enough thoughts in that direction about her, he didn't need any help. Besides, if she ever found out he was still a virgin, she would never let him live it down. Desperate times called for desperate measures, he needed a subject change, and fast. "So, uh, how are you going to tell your Dad the happy news?"<br />
<br />
<br />
~<>~<br />
<br />
<br />
"I can't believe I just got married by JP. My Dad is going to freak out."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3o9pkw3g_8VTIuCuoZzp__urYjj8jNLhr4EL96LVvM3Mnma6sXuHOfj1qTskUcox5e0GDrGFB60gYl6-qwK_o_9q1fNrmYwKZqlN6fuBnZyyHV5ETYVr0xqyThDDOqTzrhiOQ1wkGElA/s1600/skyehawk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3o9pkw3g_8VTIuCuoZzp__urYjj8jNLhr4EL96LVvM3Mnma6sXuHOfj1qTskUcox5e0GDrGFB60gYl6-qwK_o_9q1fNrmYwKZqlN6fuBnZyyHV5ETYVr0xqyThDDOqTzrhiOQ1wkGElA/s1600/skyehawk.jpg" height="466" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
"He'll have to come around now Skye, we're married, until death to us part, and that could be a long time."<br />
<br />
Skye sighed. "I suppose. It's just, he's so stubborn!"<br />
<br />
"Everything will work out just fine, you'll see." Hawk assured her.<br />
<br />
Skye smiled up at him, and for just a moment, he was enthralled by her, by the sparkle in her eyes, the pinkness of her cheeks, his wife really was beautiful. Just as quickly he mentally shrugged it off, he couldn't afford to forget his true purpose for this marriage. A child. Not just any child either, but a child that was prophesied about long before he had ever been born. That was all that mattered.<br />
<br />
He put his arm around her. "Come on Kitten, I'll take you home, so you can grab some of your stuff and take it back to my place. We'll face the ferocious lion together." Hawk had no intention of living anywhere but at the Kahekili house, if he played his cards right, he would be moving in with her, not the other way around. Skye had to believe otherwise though.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTFaYYpAs-4UdxK-pBcA7MgP5E0hFWb7FZ_zZlDlBFd87-X9IxuBL9W9-_Gw22fr1ci7jM2NKyNNqW4OGZInquumkN_5fhMvV-gLbpz9V4mzgEHXNR3auVrviPG9HgtZpEzuVGzblmSK8/s1600/skyehawk1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTFaYYpAs-4UdxK-pBcA7MgP5E0hFWb7FZ_zZlDlBFd87-X9IxuBL9W9-_Gw22fr1ci7jM2NKyNNqW4OGZInquumkN_5fhMvV-gLbpz9V4mzgEHXNR3auVrviPG9HgtZpEzuVGzblmSK8/s1600/skyehawk1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
"I'm just so nervous, I want him to be happy for me."<br />
<br />
"He loves you Skye, and once he gets used to the idea of us being married, he'll come around. Especially once we have our first child."<br />
<br />
Skye sighed happily. "I can't wait to have my own children. Teaching other people's children has been a joy for me, but to be able to snuggle my own child, that would be a dream come true."<br />
<br />
"Come on Kitten, let's get your stuff, and tell your father our good news."<br />
<br />
"Okay. Before we talk to him though, I need to change out of my workclothes."<br />
<br />
"I'll be more than happy to help you out." Hawk told her, waggling his eyebrows playfully.<br />
<br />
"I'll just bet you would." She giggled. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
~<>~<br />
<br />
<br />
Luna was pregnant. Un-freaking-believable. Colin scowled. It wasn't the grandkid he minded, in fact, he rather enjoyed spoiling the ones he already had. No, it was her choice in the father that put him in a foul mood. Sh*t, they were stuck with the a*shole forever now. He should have buried the dumba*s in the backyard a long time ago.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKnEBOSnny2fcX_7NWUDz_H5V1BVriYY2JHCgGVExqwp6_dhDUHHmutjLki74ivyl5SeZQklJFfjvKe12yKP8opKFAG2GofrnxT_7x4hfxTupUj26R-uu2-gjSYD6VTcNqkzc9boPDgDA/s1600/colin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKnEBOSnny2fcX_7NWUDz_H5V1BVriYY2JHCgGVExqwp6_dhDUHHmutjLki74ivyl5SeZQklJFfjvKe12yKP8opKFAG2GofrnxT_7x4hfxTupUj26R-uu2-gjSYD6VTcNqkzc9boPDgDA/s1600/colin.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Why couldn't she have picked Tanner? He actually liked Tanner.<br />
<br />
He sighed heavily. The things he did for the sake of his daughter and grandchild. Like restrain himself from committing murder. He heard Skye call out for him. "I'm in the living room." He called back. He still had hopes for Skye, she was still dating bird boy, but no engagements as of yet.<br />
<br />
Skye bounded into the room. "There you are Daddy. I have something to tell you."<br />
<br />
Colin groaned. "Please don't tell me you're pregnant."<br />
<br />
"Daddy, of course not."<br />
<br />
"Good." He grunted. His eyes narrowed though when he saw bird boy come into the room, and sit down in the chair beside him. He glared at him, but bird boy only smirked back. Colin gritted his teeth, and reminded himself that he didn't want to be estranged from his daughter. So no smashing bird boy in the f*cking face, though he really wanted to. His fingers itched, Colin turned away, trying to get a grip on himself.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitZXJsSNlx_KwkQIQnBLn9iknc70Ji8VuIWjI7GKTFInmnnEB9kf0-QhTN6ZrAHiPGuHvUYVXe6jKlt0DCHHfu4IQm0igIwJixlsm92UxK5Et-9YSeXgwmqfcNfVM5f2pHcDleQmLv4yQ/s1600/colin1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitZXJsSNlx_KwkQIQnBLn9iknc70Ji8VuIWjI7GKTFInmnnEB9kf0-QhTN6ZrAHiPGuHvUYVXe6jKlt0DCHHfu4IQm0igIwJixlsm92UxK5Et-9YSeXgwmqfcNfVM5f2pHcDleQmLv4yQ/s1600/colin1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
"Well, you see Mr. Kahekili, I want you to know that I really love your daughter and..."<br />
<br />
Colin quickly turned back to bird boy. "No."<br />
<br />
Hawk stared at Colin, confused. "No what?"<br />
<br />
"No you can't marry my daughter." Colin said pleasantly. He even managed to keep his face mostly expressionless.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ0l2Eu7Ggzs03gweb79BGAh-VPncA7Gef1FuFoYQRo7AyB_xCwq8B81U-HiuELGGzACjWxWIsBc6OPiP1u-AAOZdOX9ptH_1cmTnEdwRMuSg-ay2mSmOIatlt-jjN71HXLoSd80jRnws/s1600/colin3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ0l2Eu7Ggzs03gweb79BGAh-VPncA7Gef1FuFoYQRo7AyB_xCwq8B81U-HiuELGGzACjWxWIsBc6OPiP1u-AAOZdOX9ptH_1cmTnEdwRMuSg-ay2mSmOIatlt-jjN71HXLoSd80jRnws/s1600/colin3.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Skye groaned. "Daddy! I'm not twelve years old anymore! And I don't need your permission to marry or not marry."<br />
<br />
"Permission, maybe not, but if you f*cking want my blessing, forget it. Bird brain can not be f*cking trusted."<br />
<br />
"Daddy, I wish you wouldn't call him that. He's done nothing to deserve the way you treat him!"<br />
<br />
Hawk interrupted, "It's okay Skye, I married you, not your father."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikekw-dov56EIjRNbwnHM_TGaYxgfkOUWBcWLh4xTbWKxKRA1f_uk0XK-3-dRr1TwZMPokfru4f_CBl5I2gnlAxY6lPbvE5HexSeA2zOA_ukKeIpM9gde4boBnqe_2uPjBx-QXFax92io/s1600/colin4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikekw-dov56EIjRNbwnHM_TGaYxgfkOUWBcWLh4xTbWKxKRA1f_uk0XK-3-dRr1TwZMPokfru4f_CBl5I2gnlAxY6lPbvE5HexSeA2zOA_ukKeIpM9gde4boBnqe_2uPjBx-QXFax92io/s1600/colin4.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"What the f*ck did he say?"<br />
<br />
Skye winced. "Now Daddy..."<br />
<br />
"We love each other very much Mr. Kahekili, and we want to start a family. We were tired of waiting," Hawk implied the <i>on you</i> but didn't say the words, "so today we were married at the courthouse. We're only here long enough to let you know we got married, and for Skye to pack up her belongings."<br />
<br />
Colin's hands clenched and unclenched in his lap, and he counted silently in his head, trying to reign in his temper. He calmly considered his options. One, strangle f*cking bird boy with his bare hands. This idea had a lot of merit, Colin would love to get his f*cking hands on him. Two, beat f*cking bird boy with a bat. Beat him f*cking senseless. Definitely a good option. Three, he could buy a rope, he even knew where the perfect tree was. Four... <br />
<br />
He kept counting up all the different ways to f*cking kill bird boy, he hit number fifty, and he was still thinking of better and better ideas.<br />
<br />
Skye twisted her hands anxiously. "Daddy? Say something please?"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDYrOzHzN81YwEMdY3h9D0RcqyPnK6H12XIwTY1o_KuBszlFupnwm36igMm_zVVh2dW3n4ZcBIKWe6Vkx7ikfsx7QLidtfS_G7N3-eBO8TFRA7R9iACYaZXS7-_02X4aWulEayTFDudG0/s1600/colin5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDYrOzHzN81YwEMdY3h9D0RcqyPnK6H12XIwTY1o_KuBszlFupnwm36igMm_zVVh2dW3n4ZcBIKWe6Vkx7ikfsx7QLidtfS_G7N3-eBO8TFRA7R9iACYaZXS7-_02X4aWulEayTFDudG0/s1600/colin5.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Colin was silent.<br />
<br />
"Daddy, I just want you to be happy for me." Skye said sadly. "That's all."<br />
<br />
Colin looked at his daughter, sighed heavily, and then made one of the hardest f*cking decisions of his life. "I have one condition."<br />
<br />
"What's that?" Skye asked.<br />
<br />
Colin couldn't f*cking believe what he was about to say, but his daughter came first. He didn't trust f*cking bird boy, and no amount of time spent with him ever made him think differently. He was hiding something, Colin f*cking knew it. Unfortunately, he had yet to prove it, bird boy was slick, he'd give him that. It was just a f*cking matter of time before bird brain slipped up, and his daughter would need her daddy then.<br />
<br />
Hopefully Skye would see the wisdom of his offer, unlike Luna, who had rejected it and moved in with the a*s next door instead. "I think you guys should live here. The house is plenty big enough, and then I can keep an eye on f*cking bird brain."<br />
<br />
"Daddy, are you serious?"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim4xLMEDsEEyGsR-3vd3lz9K_NAy4fD_ASUWlpCm9Y6QbMhSdbCzhSgfrGZPV32Icyad30UGEhJMFl8fcBhIDO_9aSV_D19Kk-7YPC-i0jeQ2U_X0dEx2CPnedZsha0Xla0ZsjZieBqK0/s1600/colin6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim4xLMEDsEEyGsR-3vd3lz9K_NAy4fD_ASUWlpCm9Y6QbMhSdbCzhSgfrGZPV32Icyad30UGEhJMFl8fcBhIDO_9aSV_D19Kk-7YPC-i0jeQ2U_X0dEx2CPnedZsha0Xla0ZsjZieBqK0/s1600/colin6.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
"Deadly."<br />
<br />
"Daddy, I don't think..."<br />
<br />
Hawk spoke up. "Skye, I think it's a good idea." He had been mostly quiet, waiting for the right moment, and he was pleased that her father had come up with the idea himself. It worked much better that way. Once he had his son from Skye, he would make her father pay for every slight he had ever endured from him.<br />
<br />
Skye stared at her husband, stunned. "Say what? But Hawk..."<br />
<br />
"He's your father Skye, and he loves you too. If staying here makes him feel better about our marriage, then I am all for it. He may even get to know me better, and find that he likes me." Hawk grinned.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAbgJiqHVNqnQW1sTGEH9dRGQPTiE6mfR2iQkyqI1sC42vpPkLaCcW1ygx_0SY0D-w8DhP12BJTCHmKJ31XadJ2jIezTQfMTT7piV6Mq2N7gKm3gmwKh1m6Rjgb16OjZ61Y5c8UbWeWlc/s1600/colin7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAbgJiqHVNqnQW1sTGEH9dRGQPTiE6mfR2iQkyqI1sC42vpPkLaCcW1ygx_0SY0D-w8DhP12BJTCHmKJ31XadJ2jIezTQfMTT7piV6Mq2N7gKm3gmwKh1m6Rjgb16OjZ61Y5c8UbWeWlc/s1600/colin7.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Colin snorted. "F*ck no."<br />
<br />
Skye sighed, exasperated. "Daddy, your language, really! It's atrocious tonight."<br />
<br />
Colin grunted. "Are you staying?"<br />
<br />
Skye glanced at her husband, he gave her an encouraging smile. "I guess so." She said doubtfully. She wasn't sure how it would work out, her father and her husband living in the same house. They both seemed to want the same thing though, so, at least they had common ground there.<br />
<br />
"Great, I'm glad that's all settled. Both of us love Skye, so I'm sure we can all learn to get along, right Mr. Kahekili? Can I call you Dad?"<br />
<br />
Colin glared at him. "F*ck no." Skye rolled her eyes, she had a feeling she might have made a mistake in agreeing to stay living with her father, but only time would tell for sure.<br />
<br />
<br />
~<>~<br />
<br />
"You're what?!"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTuf7IStfcDudtDBVXWlUKBgbGWzWKSfdZ8x0y22ye9ExYeYgsn1UAB805agp34TcAylm-ysK6bE37CmtAAdY8G6VWDfk-NAOtgtI5sC_jxmhvEYmDHUMUsY6XmTbCW7P3xyiDgdtGbOg/s1600/dev.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTuf7IStfcDudtDBVXWlUKBgbGWzWKSfdZ8x0y22ye9ExYeYgsn1UAB805agp34TcAylm-ysK6bE37CmtAAdY8G6VWDfk-NAOtgtI5sC_jxmhvEYmDHUMUsY6XmTbCW7P3xyiDgdtGbOg/s1600/dev.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
"Pregnant, Dev, I'm pregnant." Luna had finally been able to pin Devin down long enough to let him know about his impending fatherhood. "I know we weren't planning on starting a family quite this soon, but..."<br />
<br />
"Sh*t Luna, you were supposed to keep that from happening! What the h*ll?" He shouted angrily.<br />
<br />
"I'm sorry Dev, remember when I was so sick, I kept throwing up? Well, I wasn't able to keep anything down, let along a pill, so..."<br />
<br />
"You're so f*cking careless! D*mn, you only think about yourself. What about me? You know this is the worst possible timing!"<br />
<br />
Luna lowered her head, and stared at the ground. "I'm sorry Dev." She repeated, softly. "I didn't mean for it to happen."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCEgCMwAO_FeZoxB1OYbgFVuvqeY3u0HFpAaVxh-qWFA9AC6A48-ii2pDUvONwbczSI-wBv5QbmBbJysEANDWU6GxG7QzGUFmSDezTHR0gYSdfISkqAIxQIWEkmdTac9IUdYWi7nWlc3w/s1600/dev1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCEgCMwAO_FeZoxB1OYbgFVuvqeY3u0HFpAaVxh-qWFA9AC6A48-ii2pDUvONwbczSI-wBv5QbmBbJysEANDWU6GxG7QzGUFmSDezTHR0gYSdfISkqAIxQIWEkmdTac9IUdYWi7nWlc3w/s1600/dev1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
"That's always your f*cking problem Luna, you never f*cking think!" He grabbed her arm, and shook her hard. "You're so f*cking stupid sometimes." <br />
<br />
"Dev, please! You're hurting me!"<br />
<br />
"Why the f*ck do you have to be such a stupid b*tch? It's your fault for making me so f*cking angry."<br />
<br />
"I'm sorry. I'm sorry!" Luna whimpered. "I don't mean to be." Devin released her arm, and Luna rubbed it. It hurt, and she might have slight bruising in the morning that she'd have to keep covered up. It was her fault for pushing him, she knew better, she really did. She would just have to try harder, do better, be better.<br />
<br />
"Well, you have to get rid of it, that's all there is to it."<br />
<br />
Luna teared up. "Dev, no! Please, I want to keep this baby! I don't mind waiting on marriage, really I don't. Just, please, let me keep this baby." <br />
<br />
Devin thought for a moment.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1gbrawyuBtOI3zTLYAUTsLc0OBotw6G93YVuJ42KwtlFyQmO-t9j-LW2Hn5d1t9LwgKTeTSKrob36b99NrzDPaqpOT0cglIkyi8zNYpBMN5VfuXnJlvJ30wEYaAPJ6yG1lCbhwFm_zko/s1600/dev2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1gbrawyuBtOI3zTLYAUTsLc0OBotw6G93YVuJ42KwtlFyQmO-t9j-LW2Hn5d1t9LwgKTeTSKrob36b99NrzDPaqpOT0cglIkyi8zNYpBMN5VfuXnJlvJ30wEYaAPJ6yG1lCbhwFm_zko/s1600/dev2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
"I don't know." He said slowly. "The timing is all wrong, I have to focus on my career Baby, it's important for our future. I don't have time to f*cking play Dad."<br />
<br />
"Please Dev?"<br />
<br />
"Where the h*ll will it stay? Not here." He said, horrified. "This house is too f*cking valuable to get f*cked up having baby sh*t and puke all over the carpets."<br />
<br />
"The baby and I can stay with my Dad, until we get married. He won't mind, really." Luna had moved in with Devin right after graduation, despite her father's protests. <br />
<br />
"Well, f*ck Luna, sounds like you've got it all worked out. Now all you have to do is f*cking persuade me." He yanked her closer, and Luna bit back a cry. He kissed her, his mouth rough, and his fingers dug painfully into her back. "That's right Baby, play the f*cking whore for me."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfpupN_0R_5f53m-9wN-9TgsLb9EaT3EYSSYjNV9v8n9Pk9iIi96AUIfViRRUL6THcdFTG33EkhKIfRyDE7HibC1PhimcXAKXxgy0HbxIFq_pYpCiDklbHl6GuQBDHxyD9h8IdtRIRGIU/s1600/dev3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfpupN_0R_5f53m-9wN-9TgsLb9EaT3EYSSYjNV9v8n9Pk9iIi96AUIfViRRUL6THcdFTG33EkhKIfRyDE7HibC1PhimcXAKXxgy0HbxIFq_pYpCiDklbHl6GuQBDHxyD9h8IdtRIRGIU/s1600/dev3.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
He pulled the top of her dress down, exposing her breasts. "F*ck, you're so beautiful." He squeezed one breast, causing Luna to moan. "F*ck yeah, you love that don't you, my little wh*re."<br />
<br />
"Oh yes, Devin, oh please!"<br />
<br />
With one hand on her breast, he used the other to pull her panties down. "You're so f*cking wet." He used his fingers to fondle her roughly, and Luna moaned again, bucking against him. He yanked his shorts off, and pushed Luna onto the bed, kneeling on the bed in front of her. "Come on wh*re, do your job."<br />
<br />
Twenty minutes later, she lay on the bed, with Devin's arms wrapped around her. He kissed her gently. "I'm sorry Baby." These were the moments she lived for, and treasured. It was when she saw the Devin she had fallen in love with, the soft, kind, caring man. He was always tense after coming back from a game, she shouldn't have been so stupid and laid the baby news on him like that. He didn't want to be angry, it was just her stupidity that brought it out of him. She had just been so excited about their baby though.<br />
<br />
Almost as if he sensed her thoughts, he laid his hand on her stomach. "So, we're having a kid, huh?"<br />
She nodded her head. He brushed her hair back. "I like the name Trevor. It's my Dad's name." He playfully slapped her butt. "Come on Baby, let's raid the fridge, I'm starving." Luna smiled contentedly as she followed him to the kitchen, all was well again.<br />
<br />
<br />
~<>~<br />
<br />
<br />
Attempt number seven hundred ninety nine, not that he was counting or anything. Jack sure hoped it worked this time, but he had his doubts.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtDOw2g2z6C4TsJc5L023gbVcG-8dvJIHVd4vUyJgb0ApMhTGOH4EJzWDjeU4GeI4nLn5OO8aDAFTW-UuwnxA3ka3AqQai5wMm9PX2npQe0e9h2w_hLFuF4Cpdu5b0mNyubN0BLE8YUS4/s1600/Jack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtDOw2g2z6C4TsJc5L023gbVcG-8dvJIHVd4vUyJgb0ApMhTGOH4EJzWDjeU4GeI4nLn5OO8aDAFTW-UuwnxA3ka3AqQai5wMm9PX2npQe0e9h2w_hLFuF4Cpdu5b0mNyubN0BLE8YUS4/s1600/Jack.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Ethan had told him it would be difficult, and he sure wasn't kidding. <br />
<br />
<br />
______________________________________________________________________<br />
<br />
Notes: And Gen 8 is now in charge! Skye is the heiress, but I rolled Full House, so Luna and Jack are staying, plus the addition of Hawk to the household, and there's my four. Luna never actually moved out, that was just for story purposes.<br />
<br />
Luna is in a full blown abusive relationship, but she doesn't see it that way. She loves Devin, and thinks (which of course, being a typical abuser, he reinforces this belief) that whenever he goes off, it's her fault for setting him off. Luna is also really careful to hide any signs of what is happening, and not show any bruises, so her friends and family don't know what's going on.<br />
<br />
Why does she stay? That's always a hard one to answer, particularly if you've never been involved in an abusive relationship. (Thankfully I have not, but I know people who have.) The abuser doesn't start off abusive, they are usually quite charming, and they slowly whittle away your self confidence and self worth, until you start to believe the lies they tell you. It's sort of like the frog and the pot story. Throw a frog in a pot of boiling water, and he will immediately jump out. Throw him in a pot and slowly heat it up, and he will stay in there and boil to death. (Besides the fact is that it can be very difficult, and downright dangerous at times, to leave an abusive relationship.)<br />
<br />
People involved in abusive relationships are usually quite good at covering up that fact, and many times close friends and family don't even realize what is going on. Which is true in Luna's case, Colin doesn't know about the abuse, cause if he did, all h*ll would break loose, lol He knows something is off, just not what. That inner alarm of his is on red alert! He's also distracted with Skye and Hawk, because he knows something is off there as well. Hawk is very clever though, and so far has managed to keep his secrets. Also Colin has his job, and his other kids (plus grandkids) that keeps him busy as well.<br />
<br />
One last note on all that---back in highschool, my best friend's parents seriously talked that way. I remember how appalled I was that her dad called her mom his personal little wh*re, and she giggled and acted like it was a good thing, and then they proceeded to be a little more demonstrative than I ever wanted to see. O.o <br />
<br />
Aaand apparently I can't make up my mind on whether to spell Dev's name as Devin or Devon. I've written it both ways now, in previous chapters, lol So, I guess either works! Doh! Also, for you with the eagle eyes and elephant memory (I tend to be oblivious to things like this unless they are pointed out, lol XD), Hawk's eyebrows kept changing to those, and it is quite annoying! I would take him into CAS to fix them, start taking pics, only to realize way too late that the game had changed them back. I'm too lazy to redo all those pics though, over some eyebrows, so, if you notice that his eyebrows look different in some pics (even in future chapters) you'll know the reason why! Haha!<br />
<br />
As far as rolls go, Skye is in the education career. Good thing she doesn't need money, because they don't make very much, haha! Hawk is in the alchemist career, Luna is a sculptor, and Jack originally rolled science for his career. I had just bought ITF though, so I changed his to making plumbots because I wanted to play around with that. Plumbots are more trouble than they are worth, lol<br />
<br />
The Unicorn totally photobombed my Skyehawk engagement pics. I ended up taking so many pics with it, it's not even funny. But it was so pretty, and unexpected, I had to write it in. After all, Princess Skye believes in fairytales, and besides that Unicorns always appeared to the pure of heart and to the virgin maidens, to everyone else they would appear as a regular ole horse, lol<br />
<br />
Questions? Comments? I love reading comments, even if it takes me a while to respond back. I'm always trying to find a way to answer without giving too much away, and sometimes that takes me a while, lol<br />
<br />
Thanks for reading! =)<br />
<br />
<br />Nirarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15253184399668018141noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2767753407529003708.post-43762856952049654382014-06-29T15:45:00.000-07:002014-06-29T15:45:54.470-07:00Chapter 82: Memories <h2>
Warning: Language</h2>
<br />
"I am so f*cked." It was the first words Colin had uttered since collapsing onto the floor. The memories and emotions flew through his mind like a broken water main. He wished the f*ck he knew how to shut it off. His head felt like it was f*cking spitting in two. <br />
<br />
Forgetfulness was bliss, this, this was sheer f*cking agony. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeL_LhAvCQ3SezzEGA3A-PpZYA2hho58xQseSC49uk1LG8lqOw8ZgYZOHrUC_RNDSRajFBu2O7Z57hEcvfCQepRVcDN21Sk9Z9_g2uMtGclMbD0psP8elCDMSRrCsBZDU0HPYimaAT_3o/s1600/Colin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeL_LhAvCQ3SezzEGA3A-PpZYA2hho58xQseSC49uk1LG8lqOw8ZgYZOHrUC_RNDSRajFBu2O7Z57hEcvfCQepRVcDN21Sk9Z9_g2uMtGclMbD0psP8elCDMSRrCsBZDU0HPYimaAT_3o/s1600/Colin.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
He wanted to f*cking howl, or beat the sh*t out of something, but he didn't. It would f*cking freak out his girls, who were already a f*cking mess of tears and sh*t. How the f*ck did people deal with this sh*t? His mother's words f*cking haunted him. Black picket fences. Ivory's last f*cking words to him, words that hadn't meant a f*cking thing to him then, but now...<br />
<br />
Now they f*cking hurt like h*ll. "F*ck. F*ck. F*ck. F*ck." He repeated the word endlessly. "F*ck. F*ck. F*ck. F*ck."<br />
<br />
His Dad's voice interrupted his mantra. "Colin, maybe we should take you to the emergency room?"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNJCoG46zwE40372qtG_gpOGlSMQCi5x6FjrasgvOTCVIULlfxDvpM6zno9PU2DR4X1rzS_goVm-Z2GqHMqU78qbZObnxmYJg-3ftkB2gKatvBZ9dwFvxVwfzrW4O9tKxxyduFWlrOFgs/s1600/Colin1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNJCoG46zwE40372qtG_gpOGlSMQCi5x6FjrasgvOTCVIULlfxDvpM6zno9PU2DR4X1rzS_goVm-Z2GqHMqU78qbZObnxmYJg-3ftkB2gKatvBZ9dwFvxVwfzrW4O9tKxxyduFWlrOFgs/s1600/Colin1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Colin rolled his head over to look at his father. "F*ck that. I f*cking hate f*cking hospitals!" His voice rose. "Sh*t Dad, I f*cking thought I was the f*cked up one that f*cking lost his memory. What the h*ll?! F*cking forget the f*cking hospital. Mom..." Colin stopped. F*ck. His mother was f*cking dead, and he was being a f*cking as*hole. Again. "Sh*t."<br />
<br />
"Colin, I'm just..." His Dad's voice trailed off, like he was unsure of what to say. Dimly in the background he could hear Skye sobbing, crying harder because he said a few f*cking curse words. He suppressed the urge to roll his eyes at her, she was always trying to clean up his language. Because she loved him. F*ck.<br />
<br />
He stared back up at the ceiling. He was f*cked up, his emotions a hurricane within him, and he was f*cking pissed. Pissed at himself, at his family, at the f*cked up situation he was in. F*ck. He was pissed at Life in general. And he was being a f*cking as*hole to his father, who didn't f*cking deserve it. He took a deep breath. Sh*t. What was he? A f*cking pansy a*s that couldn't deal with some f*cking memories? F*ck. Maybe he was. No. F*ck that. He wasn't a f*cking pansy a*s. He had to get his sh*t together.<br />
<br />
"Sorry Dad, I'm not f*cking feeling like my..." He paused. F*ck. Which f*cking self was he? He felt the urge to f*cking laugh his head off, but he reined that impulse in. His father was already f*cking looking at him with a f*cking mixture of fear, concern, and sorrow. He liked to f*cking think it was sorrow anyway, because f*cking pity would f*cking p*ss him off more.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi93BF1W0Uu_Ha9L_2pfYbYAb4eNie4prfvyre2Zppk_3EAvmDjNI9mk0o21Rxig1289OHTqgy1A1VmE5mgOanFseVrnXcjzj3lmXneDgzH5bUuKA_BQ3IQEgVoFW_HpOi7G-flOu63auk/s1600/Colin2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi93BF1W0Uu_Ha9L_2pfYbYAb4eNie4prfvyre2Zppk_3EAvmDjNI9mk0o21Rxig1289OHTqgy1A1VmE5mgOanFseVrnXcjzj3lmXneDgzH5bUuKA_BQ3IQEgVoFW_HpOi7G-flOu63auk/s1600/Colin2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
His Dad seemed startled, which again, made Colin want to f*cking laugh. None of it was f*cking funny, but at the same time, it was f*cking hysterical. F*ck. He needed to punch some...he noticed the two boys standing by the couch. "What the f*ck are they doing here?"<br />
<br />
"Daddy! Skye wiped some of her tears away. "Your language! Don't you remember, Luna and I are going on a double date tonight? To the movies? We're going to see Invaded by Slugs."<br />
<br />
Colin choked out a laugh. Didn't he f*cking remember? F*ck. He f*cking remembered entirely the f*ck too much. He also f*cking remembered he f*cking disliked the pair of stupid a*s boyfriends his daughters had f*cking picked out. There was that d*ckhead Winters, and f*cking bird boy, who was too f*cking smooth. Colin could spot a f*cking bullsh*tter a million miles away. He didn't f*cking know what bird boy was up to, and he f*cking trusted him as far as he could f*cking throw him. No. He f*cking trusted him less that that.<br />
<br />
Luna asked, "Daddy, are you okay?" <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioeRRIBzoaAbtIfS61Q8kUqb6rS2rzQ4fVV6WU9nZSK_ZxVh6yDpdtHaAMPViSnC6cNXRLHI07FFSVDAAcPz91wrxzL_6XOdC81zKE7ZXXNp5jdIo_o9SC2V9MyUBiKiOW4UOrC4vgWSE/s1600/Colin3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioeRRIBzoaAbtIfS61Q8kUqb6rS2rzQ4fVV6WU9nZSK_ZxVh6yDpdtHaAMPViSnC6cNXRLHI07FFSVDAAcPz91wrxzL_6XOdC81zKE7ZXXNp5jdIo_o9SC2V9MyUBiKiOW4UOrC4vgWSE/s1600/Colin3.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
He sighed. He had f*cking flushed his whole f*cking theory of child raising down the sh*tter. Single handedly. He had actually f*cking parented them, and even done a f*cking decent job of it. Ivory would have been f*cking pleased. Just the thought of her, caused another stab of grief.<br />
<br />
Well, h*ll. He groaned miserably. His f*cking desire to comfort his daughters was f*cking overwhelming everything else. What the f*ck had happened to him? He eyed the two boys again, and sighed irritably once more. "I'm okay." He reassured his girls. "Really." <br />
<br />
"That was terrifying Daddy! Seeing you pass out like that! What happened?" Skylar's voice was still tearful and shaky.<br />
<br />
"Thanks Skye, for rubbing it in." He joked, trying to put her at ease. "Just a little bit of a headache, that's all. It's fading now. When's your movie start?"<br />
<br />
"In 15 minutes." Luna answered, both girls were still wiping their tears away. Colin was finding it f*cking hard to look at Luna, she was the f*cking image of her mother. He forced himself to smile reassuringly at her though. F*ck. It wasn't her fault.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdk3tAJxihZK_MfoE0rvqTb09EL_E3KyOHgOKWALCz7xmFpjNDAix69vgm0lOSVF84KUMW4Cano7CHZGTnQU0GHnd0qeces2_GX5LpnJU7R5J4xLiZjPuafUMfKREeKcmXbI6FdIrczEs/s1600/Colin4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdk3tAJxihZK_MfoE0rvqTb09EL_E3KyOHgOKWALCz7xmFpjNDAix69vgm0lOSVF84KUMW4Cano7CHZGTnQU0GHnd0qeces2_GX5LpnJU7R5J4xLiZjPuafUMfKREeKcmXbI6FdIrczEs/s1600/Colin4.jpg" height="504" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
"Well, then, where's Jack? You guys better get going."<br />
<br />
"Jack's at a technology seminar." Luna reminded her dad.<br />
<br />
"I'm going with them." Alder said quietly.<br />
<br />
Colin chuckled. "Well, ff..fiddle sticks. That's even better." The wave of intense, life stealing anguish was fading slightly, giving Colin some room to breath. The grief was still there, raw and burning. He couldn't f*cking make things right with his mother, or with Ivory. They were both gone. Forever seemed like a f*cking hollow and painful word. His mother would never really f*cking know that he had...had loved her. He had been a sh*tty son.<br />
<br />
And Ivory? She had f*cking died believing that he hadn't f*cking cared. Black picket fences... He could f*cking hear her laughter in his mind. He just f*cking bet she was laughing her f*cking a*s off at him. Stuck him with f*cking triplets! The b*tch. Sh*t he missed her. He almost didn't hear Skye's comment, he was so lost in his thoughts, but he caught the tail end of it. "Hhhh..heck no. I'm fine, you girls go out and enjoy your movie."<br />
<br />
It took a lot of prodding, but he finally convinced his girls to go watch the movie. He f*cking needed some time to process. Once they were gone, he turned to his father. "I remember everything Dad."<br />
<br />
His dad didn't look at him. "Everything?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje0OO24efTByTKa8M8NolVLQo5rwmFWLniFk9a40iDtsL8oOq-palZApnOaxK6jLr4_VSsdlwaMLzJyzXCWqk6HNCMJqJtQE-ADJ5sP2wb9NlYwXnVMxOtBvBxIkgWslHfcbI3Ulf3EM0/s1600/Colin5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje0OO24efTByTKa8M8NolVLQo5rwmFWLniFk9a40iDtsL8oOq-palZApnOaxK6jLr4_VSsdlwaMLzJyzXCWqk6HNCMJqJtQE-ADJ5sP2wb9NlYwXnVMxOtBvBxIkgWslHfcbI3Ulf3EM0/s1600/Colin5.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
"Everything. I need some time to think."<br />
<br />
Ryder nodded. He hesitated, then said softly, "If you need to talk, well, I'm here."<br />
<br />
Colin sat up, and cursed his head, and his body, and his f*cking memory for good measure. He felt as f*cking weak as a kitten. Pansy a*s kitten. Sh*t. And for some reason, it was a lot f*cking harder to not curse, though he would try his f*cking best, he didn't want Skylar getting on his f*cking case about it. "I appreciate the f*cking offer Dad, I'll keep it in mind."<br />
<br />
<br />
~<>~<br />
<br />
<br />
Colin looked around the room, at his family that were all gathered together by his request. Sh*t. Talk about being on the f*cking hotseat. He preferred this
though. He knew they all had questions; concerns, and he didn't want to
keep answering the same f*cking ones over and over and over. Much
better to just get it all done with at once. Last week had been sh*tty,
there was no f*cking doubt on that. He hadn't know what the f*ck to
say, or think, or do. His f*cking heart hurt, and he hadn't even known
he f*cking possessed one, especially when it came to his kids. He had
f*cking hated them, or so he had thought. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsCDwZbnq0IjYquai8QtgFETvU8Z5TMTWcOjlg0fNQ7RtiBDsWEPRaLTKAQH6xg7ykgyCcEbPzhgJlN33FxdHi5hHdD8M1I6fIoEkiXr636BYcQ_TgYr_uDVntCm25pbrPCqlhFHcpKxo/s1600/Colin6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsCDwZbnq0IjYquai8QtgFETvU8Z5TMTWcOjlg0fNQ7RtiBDsWEPRaLTKAQH6xg7ykgyCcEbPzhgJlN33FxdHi5hHdD8M1I6fIoEkiXr636BYcQ_TgYr_uDVntCm25pbrPCqlhFHcpKxo/s1600/Colin6.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Except Ivory had known. He f*cking missed her so much. She had a way of f*cking knocking sense into his brain. He had spent the past week in a sh*tty a*s mood, sequestered in his room, trying to f*cking wrap his head around things. Then one morning he had woken up, and it was like he could f*cking hear her. Hear her telling him he was being a f*cking dumba*s. And he knew what he had to do.<br />
<br />
He had always wondered at the f*cking shadows in his older kids' eyes. Wondered how he could f*cking erase them. But the Colin who couldn't remember what he had f*cking done to them, that Colin couldn't erase it. Couldn't make things totally right. He could though, or f*cking die trying. Today was step one.<br />
<br />
"I remember." He stated it matter of factly, and then watched the different reactions. He was sad to say that it was fear mostly, except for Jada, who looked ready for anything, and the triplets, who had never known the other him. "Everything. I remember everything, in case that wasn't clear. I know you all have questions, so, ask away. I promise to answer, and answer truthfully, but," he warned them, "you may not like my answers." Sh*t. He didn't f*cking like most of his answers.<br />
<br />
"Why?" The question came from Elliot, his son, but not his son.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhscPQIdeoGLulneak1Y1HbzbMmJNrw6x802b4TJZPQ8FClLFdttpPcSF8b90cnScQ0OMrh6BYjOx_yWCR-oXXcA1q-UIckhDKDDJ_WVyUfDFzhyphenhyphenzMdRS0UVWo2ff62Gc35SDTRyu70v70/s1600/talk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhscPQIdeoGLulneak1Y1HbzbMmJNrw6x802b4TJZPQ8FClLFdttpPcSF8b90cnScQ0OMrh6BYjOx_yWCR-oXXcA1q-UIckhDKDDJ_WVyUfDFzhyphenhyphenzMdRS0UVWo2ff62Gc35SDTRyu70v70/s1600/talk.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Colin briefly closed his eyes. Sh*t. Tough question, right out of the gate. Elliot was standing beside his father Brae, who wasn't saying a word, but was just watching. Colin knew he had wounded Brae with his actions, knew that Brae had forgiven him, but that had been the Colin that didn't remember. Would his brother be able to forgive him now that he had his memories back?<br />
<br />
"Did you love my mother? Hate my...my father? Did you...did you hate me?"<br />
<br />
Colin rubbed the back of his neck. Sh*t. "Elliot, Brae, neither one of you may like my answers. The truth is, I felt absolutely nothing for your mother Elliot. She was just a quick f*ck." Colin winced. That came out a little harsher than he had intended. Subtlety was definitely not in his nature. "I was f*cking jealous of Brae, I thought he had it all. That he was perfect. And it made me feel better, at least at first, to know that I had f*cked up his perfect life. I was a d*ck, to put it bluntly."<br />
<br />
Brae had crossed his arms. "Yes, you were."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyNHezDO7Gu_lByroKR55tObm2V3rqLnrFl4ZsB8ska0uprIbZt8hTmxmeYF1AbTr-FS34HoE5p-bK-GSYG_p1eGAm9iLwUbL2CtshPw5FFpYG2HO3IqEBy17sW3wnQT6jleGzD-RbsYc/s1600/talk2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyNHezDO7Gu_lByroKR55tObm2V3rqLnrFl4ZsB8ska0uprIbZt8hTmxmeYF1AbTr-FS34HoE5p-bK-GSYG_p1eGAm9iLwUbL2CtshPw5FFpYG2HO3IqEBy17sW3wnQT6jleGzD-RbsYc/s1600/talk2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
"I never hated you Elliot, nor did I hate my brother, I was just a sh*thead." That was the honest truth, how the h*ll else could he have treated his family so poorly otherwise? He knew the anger he had kept for so many years. Anger at his parents for not paying more attention to him. Anger at his brother for being so f*cking perfect. It all boiled down to him being a spoiled a*shole.<br />
<br />
"Then why didn't you claim me? You claimed the others!"<br />
<br />
Colin laughed harshly. "Did I? No, I didn't claim them, the family claimed them for me. I was an a*shole, only interested in myself, and what I wanted. You made out much better than Jake, or Nick, or even Jada. You have Brae for a father, and he f*cking kicked a*s as a father. He did everything for you. Went to your stupid a*s ballgames, helped you with your homework, taught you how to f*cking drive. And what the f*ck was I doing at that time? F*cking every female I could find."<br />
<br />
"Daddy!" Skylar blushed beet red. "Your language! And..and..the things you say!"<br />
<br />
Colin sighed. "Sad to say, I was only speaking the truth Skye." He looked directly at Elliot. "I'm not your father Elliot. Brae is. He raised you, loved you, and took care of you. I'm just the a*shole that f*cked your mother. Sh*t." Colin groaned. It was so f*cking hard to control his wayward tongue! <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqIskqK7P1smijfqAwCCar1jQG2WeVDXe-k1sj9eEofMqOsujbWMgToXcSXPF840B_zlIlNetyZMlT01GglBJY9YGlj3AtVoDFQ699TFvE3RXFJ35Dt-0c-Ns7ujDip3pqJcwwLobeaX8/s1600/talk3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqIskqK7P1smijfqAwCCar1jQG2WeVDXe-k1sj9eEofMqOsujbWMgToXcSXPF840B_zlIlNetyZMlT01GglBJY9YGlj3AtVoDFQ699TFvE3RXFJ35Dt-0c-Ns7ujDip3pqJcwwLobeaX8/s1600/talk3.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
Skylar gasped. "Daddy!"<br />
<br />
Brae was shaking his head. "Only you Col. Was that your excuse then?"<br />
<br />
"No. I have no excuse for what I did. It was fff...very wrong. I would take it all back, if I could."<br />
<br />
"I wouldn't."<br />
<br />
Brae's remark caught Colin by surprise. "You wouldn't?"<br />
<br />
"No, because I got Elliot out of the deal, and he's a d*mn good kid Col. I would do it all over again, just so I could have my boys. Oh, I was mad as h*ll at you for years, but like I told you, I've forgiven you. I can't speak for Elliot though."<br />
<br />
Colin didn't even know he needed to hear those words, until he heard them. "You kick a*s as a brother Brae."<br />
<br />
Brae grinned slightly at him. "I kick your a*s as a brother Colin, and don't you forget it!"<br />
<br />
Colin smirked. "Sh*t. You have me there!"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdY8z5P3RiJnW6lcXxDqoltU2xKjMN_ZE73S_qmYUPWkzbwPXTr-trO06GNBsl2sbLF1eNBuYFHM2tasa7lJerapex5t2B9l-ohyphenhyphen74hX0mALPlq180XQzOCo4WiJLCUVb6q2PDTptZsG4/s1600/talk4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdY8z5P3RiJnW6lcXxDqoltU2xKjMN_ZE73S_qmYUPWkzbwPXTr-trO06GNBsl2sbLF1eNBuYFHM2tasa7lJerapex5t2B9l-ohyphenhyphen74hX0mALPlq180XQzOCo4WiJLCUVb6q2PDTptZsG4/s1600/talk4.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The brothers grinned at each other. Colin sobered up quickly though, when Elliot spoke. "I forgive you too Uncle Colin." Elliot smiled at Brae. "I do have a pretty kick a*s father."<br />
<br />
Colin would have responded further to Elliot, but Nick broke in with, "I'm sorry Dad. I'm so sorry!" Colin stared at his son, confused. What did Nick have to be sorry about? He asked as much. "It's my fault. All my fault."<br />
<br />
"What the h*ll are you talking about Nick?" Maybe the boy was jetlagged. They had flown in from France, just to be a part of this meeting.<br />
<br />
"I should have called the Police right away. I mean, you told me to, after I was done with my game, but I accidentally fell asleep for a while. I called them as soon as I woke up, but, it was too late! It's my fault that you were hurt, and lost your memory, if I had just called when I was supposed to..."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFKKxDqlXbGrEAqBQYRJBLBCf__86B8W0T0plSKMP2AHYwXFSFjSY9WnS1IwBjDJasL5DTwg0N9GLSmPazcWE5q67yleccXO5Xr_XSORmKFyi_ZDymcHjtxnRv9CPmO79H3bcoxuEa6-w/s1600/talk5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFKKxDqlXbGrEAqBQYRJBLBCf__86B8W0T0plSKMP2AHYwXFSFjSY9WnS1IwBjDJasL5DTwg0N9GLSmPazcWE5q67yleccXO5Xr_XSORmKFyi_ZDymcHjtxnRv9CPmO79H3bcoxuEa6-w/s1600/talk5.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Colin stared at his son in horror. "F*ck Nick, you've held that in all these years? Sh*t. It wasn't your fault Nick, the blame is totally f*cking mine. Who the h*ll asks a child to call the police after they're done playing a video game...in the middle of the night? F*ck that, it wasn't your fault, none of it."<br />
<br />
"So, you're not angry at me?"<br />
<br />
"H*ll no, I wish you would have said something sooner."<br />
<br />
"What good would it have done?" Nick asked. "You didn't remember."<br />
<br />
Colin sighed heavily. "I'm sorry Nick, you shouldn't have had to live with that burden."<br />
<br />
"Are you going to go back to how you were?" Jake asked nervously. Colin swung his attention to his oldest son, and the one who had taken the f*cking brunt of emotional abuse from his former self. F*ck.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMuUHt7Jxk2I2QlfJ6IqI8Vcv7S9YlWg1TZV0JpmQIDisf3pPdf6mlyOHRTtfasIgZMJl07iL0nS-w_kJ0CIZ1GvDtQvq3TCEwbQROAKypWnGexphv728Fl-f3YxYt5bH4LJo2C5zuqaw/s1600/talk6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMuUHt7Jxk2I2QlfJ6IqI8Vcv7S9YlWg1TZV0JpmQIDisf3pPdf6mlyOHRTtfasIgZMJl07iL0nS-w_kJ0CIZ1GvDtQvq3TCEwbQROAKypWnGexphv728Fl-f3YxYt5bH4LJo2C5zuqaw/s1600/talk6.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
"To what I was?" Jake nodded. "No." Colin said simply. He watched as Jake let out a sigh of relief. "Jake, I was a sh*tty father to you, I'm sorry, I f*cking..."<br />
<br />
"It's okay Dad." Jake smiled. "You were a jerk the first half of my life, but afterwards, you were pretty great. So, now I know what to do and what not to do with my own kids."<br />
<br />
"You're own kids?" Colin echoed. He narrowed his eyes at Jake. "Spill."<br />
<br />
Jake broke out in a full fledged grin. "I'm going to have a baby, well, Sherri is actually, but I'm going to be a dad! I'm just so excited! You know what this means Dad?" <br />
<br />
"A baby?!"<br />
<br />
"You're going to be a grandpa!" Colin stared at his son, stunned. F*ck. A grandpa? Him? What the h*ll?!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh2Z_YKd84Y7XcOIxN_oEiUjrmoN0AwjnAEHnOF5wOozKr13_h9jiMWj0A38MJxTON2nKfLvhcwlTkEUuiiCjXw73AgrbHTbugvaoxjSA30_qVL3feBBlHeF06Kd5ecp-Clz05pKiDd7I/s1600/talk8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh2Z_YKd84Y7XcOIxN_oEiUjrmoN0AwjnAEHnOF5wOozKr13_h9jiMWj0A38MJxTON2nKfLvhcwlTkEUuiiCjXw73AgrbHTbugvaoxjSA30_qVL3feBBlHeF06Kd5ecp-Clz05pKiDd7I/s1600/talk8.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Jada chuckled. "What did you expect would happen Dad? You have all these kids!" She waved her arms around.<br />
<br />
"A grandpa?" Colin was having a hard time wrapping his head around it. He was too young to be a grandpa! "Well, that's, wow." He cleared his throat. Brae started laughing, and Colin glared at him. "You'll be a terrific father Jake, I'm sure of it."<br />
<br />
"Thanks Dad. Sherri and I are getting married in a few days, down at the courthouse. You're welcome to come to it."<br />
<br />
"I wouldn't miss it." Colin assured his son.<br />
<br />
Jada leaned over. "What, no big wedding?"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgeWgiyoKte-kEkyC41F-ozl2up2IsFmmuQdCmegzhlDrlFi3E8yDa7LQoylL3uTXnuwxP5yUenI6P5eAPUYLRp0zpJvBjmV4VtsvmYHWT27vstnyamX9ji0cs2lpUWChvEfZscPskY4A/s1600/talk7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgeWgiyoKte-kEkyC41F-ozl2up2IsFmmuQdCmegzhlDrlFi3E8yDa7LQoylL3uTXnuwxP5yUenI6P5eAPUYLRp0zpJvBjmV4VtsvmYHWT27vstnyamX9ji0cs2lpUWChvEfZscPskY4A/s1600/talk7.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Jake turned to his sister. "Nah, neither one of us wants a big wedding. You could all come, though. I would love to have my family there."<br />
<br />
Sh*t. He was a lucky b*stard. He didn't f*cking deserve his family, but he sure was f*cking glad to have them. Then Luna piped up. "What about our mother Daddy? What was she like?"<br />
<br />
Skylar chimed in. "Yeah, did your eyes meet across the room, and did you guys fall instantly in love?"<br />
<br />
"All we've been told is that she tried to kill Uncle Brae. Everyone else knows all about their mothers, but we don't. Was she pretty?"<br />
<br />
Jack groaned. "That's a stupid question Luna, who cares if she was pretty? She was crazy! That's the important part, she tried to kill Uncle Brae!"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKU5oPVb6sxMBhGlZa4fbbX9jk_83h5gj7R341Rlvd5LEC04MoxQb6xz0KBiWkeD80A61Y4RPxU2pSJFBx9p4z4HJsc5kT6kYLjIWJ47fd5FpS4xy992xk7orVd8kckWEe0aGvlRYyR_k/s1600/talk9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKU5oPVb6sxMBhGlZa4fbbX9jk_83h5gj7R341Rlvd5LEC04MoxQb6xz0KBiWkeD80A61Y4RPxU2pSJFBx9p4z4HJsc5kT6kYLjIWJ47fd5FpS4xy992xk7orVd8kckWEe0aGvlRYyR_k/s1600/talk9.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The room erupted in chaos. "Shut up Jack, you don't know anything!" Luna yelled.<br />
<br />
"What? It's the truth!" Jack hollered back.<br />
<br />
"How do you know?" Skylar shot back. "She could have been framed, or something. She could have a really good reason!"<br />
<br />
"I know cause Uncle Brae said so, and he was there!"<br />
<br />
"Well, Uncle Brae was drugged up, and he doesn't remember things clearly. That's what he said when I asked him about her! And..." <br />
<br />
Colin interrupted. "Enough!" he roared. They all shut up and stared at him, wide eyed. Colin grimaced, here was yet another topic he f*cking wasn't too keen on. He glanced at his father and his grandfather, and noticed irritably that they looked quite entertained, like they were watching a f*cking three ring circus. Sh*t, at least they still kept their f*cking peace, even if they couldn't hide their interested grins. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRsE8aqWiIg3vZAVRCVvdKC_3UzWNk4tavb4v1Ek-shtXwfnOHXn51Q9zE5fAb7JjbzBWEh-I2-rQvv2ixSEIs_rpoh952-TA1wcGoogqI3N5Sk5F2e0xtO23ODaz9Feu8yaHW2hnjUPY/s1600/talk10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRsE8aqWiIg3vZAVRCVvdKC_3UzWNk4tavb4v1Ek-shtXwfnOHXn51Q9zE5fAb7JjbzBWEh-I2-rQvv2ixSEIs_rpoh952-TA1wcGoogqI3N5Sk5F2e0xtO23ODaz9Feu8yaHW2hnjUPY/s1600/talk10.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
"Your mother," he started, then paused. Sh*t. He was already getting f*cking choked up. How could he put her into words? They seemed so pale and lifeless compared to her. He saw that Brae had tensed up, and was watching him intently. No f*cking wonder, Ivory had kidnapped him. "Your mother was beautiful, she looked a lot like you Luna."<br />
<br />
"Really?" Luna breathed. She looked like her mother!<br />
<br />
"Daddy, how did you two meet?" Skylar asked. Suddenly Colin found himself the target of rapid fire questions from Luna and Skylar both. Jack threw in an occasional question too, despite his earlier words of not being interested. <br />
<br />
He laughed. "Sh*t, I mean, shoot, slow down guys, and give me a chance to speak. I could tell you guys about her later, I'm not sure everyone wants to hear this."<br />
<br />
"No, no, speak on bro. We're all ears." Brae said. "It changed all of our lives too."<br />
<br />
Colin frowned slightly. F*ck. He supposed his brother had a point. "In a bar." He nodded his head in confirmation of his words. "I met her in a bar that I had just bought, and I thought she was the f*cking hottest chick I had ever seen, and I wanted to..." he coughed slightly, "well, that's neither here nor there." He smiled to himself. Ivory would have hit him for calling her a chick. "Anyway, she of course was instantly smitten with me, she just didn't know it yet."<br />
<br />
"Seriously?" It was Jake, who was also listening closely.<br />
<br />
"Of course, there isn't a female alive who could resist me, and she was no exception."<br />
<br />
His kids all groaned, and Colin laughed, delighted.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCueVEiqfUx94Ff1Phmi7SRR_ZjgCZraJ1jiwlPwKNG9h1vyxY-9HSvWOUpAEAeAAk-xsC-0LIBTbl0FOlJGgMm2dDEb04W3LqpAuwTRudqU6aLjxfP918A7Wx9tQJmVfvGMkmHJADfa8/s1600/talk11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCueVEiqfUx94Ff1Phmi7SRR_ZjgCZraJ1jiwlPwKNG9h1vyxY-9HSvWOUpAEAeAAk-xsC-0LIBTbl0FOlJGgMm2dDEb04W3LqpAuwTRudqU6aLjxfP918A7Wx9tQJmVfvGMkmHJADfa8/s1600/talk11.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"Daddy! Seriously!" Luna said exasperated.<br />
<br />
"Okay, just the truth, the short version, some of it, you won't like." he warned again. He had put it off for as long as he could, hoping he could f*cking put them off forever, but they weren't falling for his delay tactics. D*mn. "We did meet in a bar, that I had just bought. She had forced my bar manager to let her in. I walked in, and...d*mn." Colin was silent for a moment, lost in his memory of the first time he had seen her...<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj67Uhm-MWBrOeTud2Xat5faY6lqD88fmOJNEPenurKP6EA3LZPIrmMzp1H3a2-GCvF1qWHByGA4WFI7CvLpCPN0Bu9IBm7npWkx7fvO-LsfobNVu5VQn4Hgj94Y1-GQXXSS1GjiA7OmaI/s1600/talk12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj67Uhm-MWBrOeTud2Xat5faY6lqD88fmOJNEPenurKP6EA3LZPIrmMzp1H3a2-GCvF1qWHByGA4WFI7CvLpCPN0Bu9IBm7npWkx7fvO-LsfobNVu5VQn4Hgj94Y1-GQXXSS1GjiA7OmaI/s1600/talk12.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
"She was leaning against the counter, and I owned several strip bars, so I told her she was hired."<br />
<br />
"Daddy!" Skylar was aghast. "You hired her as a stripper?" Funny, in all of her imaginings, she had never imagined her mother as a stripper too!<br />
<br />
Colin snorted. "F---no. She spun around, quick as lightning, fire in her eyes, then her eyes met mine, and I..." He held his hands out, "...I was...I was...captivated. So was she, or she would have fff-freaking gutted me, I'm sure. She was an assassin, that I found out later, much later. All I knew then, was this woman could fff-freaking kill me in an instant, yet I was drawn to her anyway. Maybe because of the danger, I didn't give a ffff-fudge about much then. I was self destructing in a f*cking glorious way."<br />
<br />
"So, she really was an assassin." Jack said.<br />
<br />
Colin nodded. "We weren't innocents, kids, at all. No storybook prince and princess romance, that wasn't us. I was a f*cked up a*shole, and Ivory was a bad a*s b*tch who f*cking killed for a living. Why the f*ck did I care who she killed? H*ll, it was nothing to me. It wasn't like I was her target, or my family. So what the f*ck? I didn't know my brother was her target until that day I found him, sh*t, I wish I had known though, things could have f*cking ended differently." <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh21tVZti9e5Ts_bb_RZVb0yjhBEiPXN8onVfMavJhTMho8YIyq2DHB59SCUGTMyWu1lsuaHxtIdDQaBxf8SX7MrAApDKdfnfNK4239tBe0Ey_qwMb9ajkPtWjbi8gcXRucwTlhvy4-_zY/s1600/talk13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh21tVZti9e5Ts_bb_RZVb0yjhBEiPXN8onVfMavJhTMho8YIyq2DHB59SCUGTMyWu1lsuaHxtIdDQaBxf8SX7MrAApDKdfnfNK4239tBe0Ey_qwMb9ajkPtWjbi8gcXRucwTlhvy4-_zY/s1600/talk13.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The room was so quiet, Colin could hear the ticking of the clock, he had his family's full attention. Sh*t. "I wanted to marry her."<br />
<br />
Ryder choked. "Did you say you <i>wanted</i> to get married? But after your first marriage..." Ryder's voice trailed off. Colin's first marriage had ended nearly as quick as it had started.<br />
<br />
"I can't explain it Dad, I barely understand it myself. We were just freaking good together. She's the one that told me I was a dumba*s for treating you guys, especially my kids, the way I did. She treasured family, said it was a gift, and she f*cking pushed me to do better. P*ssed me off too, but she didn't f*cking care. She got me, in a way that f*cking terrified me, but I couldn't f*cking walk away. I understood her too, like we were..."<br />
<br />
"Soul mates." Skylar breathed.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB9bJplqnNsuMhIwvoHGVgWtO_j6YakW9DES8sj7fBmUV9rp-FJkxBN8LAiQoQw3oDk89ozjlwFlKcKtvCQkfGbnAezz_smA0OzFp4R_OkxzmJ6eK4vVPOgan3hb6QtTW8JNp3EX-e4oo/s1600/talk14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB9bJplqnNsuMhIwvoHGVgWtO_j6YakW9DES8sj7fBmUV9rp-FJkxBN8LAiQoQw3oDk89ozjlwFlKcKtvCQkfGbnAezz_smA0OzFp4R_OkxzmJ6eK4vVPOgan3hb6QtTW8JNp3EX-e4oo/s1600/talk14.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Colin's lips twisted. "Maybe. All I know, is that I was better with her, than without her. I knew something was f*cked up, those last few weeks we were together. She was more secretive, evasive, and so f*cking...sad. So I tailed her. She wouldn't f*cking talk to me, so I did what I had to. I found Brae, and my focus shifted. I had to get him the f*ck out of there, then he told me about Elliot, but before I could do anything, she was there."<br />
<br />
Jack sat up straighter. "What happened then?"<br />
<br />
"We fought, she told me I was going to be a f*cking father again, she nailed my balls, sh*t that hurt like a mother..." He winced at the memory of it. "I asked her to marry me, she said she wasn't the white picket fence type. I told her I would f*cking build a black picket fence for her, instead of white, she was going to say yes..."<br />
<br />
"Ahh, black picket fence." Ryder said. He had always wondered what that message had meant.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPPESdLTBiu711pK1jc_kV4w9yJyjtv7UuIrrxOeR9sV87H-dSh7Jt9TdKwRtRp99AX1LNw2c7x7nqxdJQCkh5N5g7BVa2p8JWM8mqs1VI4WvqC-BVhrbVazn5Lc8SPuoCDohfbfpla40/s1600/talk15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPPESdLTBiu711pK1jc_kV4w9yJyjtv7UuIrrxOeR9sV87H-dSh7Jt9TdKwRtRp99AX1LNw2c7x7nqxdJQCkh5N5g7BVa2p8JWM8mqs1VI4WvqC-BVhrbVazn5Lc8SPuoCDohfbfpla40/s1600/talk15.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Colin nodded. "I had this idea that we could f*cking get married, raise the f*cking kid together. D*mn, I was so f*cking sure that I could talk Brae into dropping any charges against her. It wasn't Ivory anyway, it was her f*cking b*tch of a mother, who was f*cking obsessing over some stupid a*s..."<br />
<br />
"Book." Brae finished for him. "I remember that part very well. Her mother was the red headed she devil?"<br />
<br />
"Yes." Colin confirmed. "Ivory was terrified of her. I only know a little about her past, her growing up years, she didn't like to talk about it. She had scars all over her body, put there by her mother. Her mother, sometimes Ivory called the b*tch her sister, was a sadistic b*tch. I promised to protect her, and f*ck, I failed." The grief tore through him again, but he pushed it back, determined to finish the story so that he would never have to repeat it again. It was just too painful. <br />
<br />
"The b*tch showed up, but Ivory and I managed to f*cking kill her. Then, the cops came, Ivory thought I was f*cking setting her up, and...the rest as they say is history." Nick moaned, as if in pain. Colin looked at him. "Not your fault Nick. I was the dumba*s, and I reaped the consequences of it. Consequences that have made me stronger, better." Colin tasted the bitterness of that truth. <br />
<br />
"That's right Nick." Jada said. "We should all be thanking you. If he hadn't hit his head, we would have been stuck with the jerk. Instead, we got a half way decent father out of it."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_skaA-ycGsM817hD9nxhC8GvJXMUJPf0HftOmEW8BMIFb-7jo-om_OuVJY39N7hyy9S5P6HbMN9eYKA3bhhcR5j21Uen5wzM7yatp7fSgRT57hPbmSCnY8UvmujXFJeQX1U7GFGofihg/s1600/talk16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_skaA-ycGsM817hD9nxhC8GvJXMUJPf0HftOmEW8BMIFb-7jo-om_OuVJY39N7hyy9S5P6HbMN9eYKA3bhhcR5j21Uen5wzM7yatp7fSgRT57hPbmSCnY8UvmujXFJeQX1U7GFGofihg/s1600/talk16.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Colin smiled wryly. "There is that."<br />
<br />
"So, her family wasn't very nice?" Luna asked in a small voice.<br />
<br />
Luna's tone of voice clued him in, that something was not quite right. "What did you do Luna?" Colin's asked sternly.<br />
<br />
Luna bit her lip nervously. "Nothing Daddy. I was just..."<br />
<br />
"Luna."<br />
<br />
Her shoulders slumped. "We just wanted to know more about her, and since you couldn't remember her, it seemed like a good idea to..."<br />
<br />
"Sh*t. We?"<br />
<br />
The girls glanced at each other.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZU0fRN_h3hVUktJKx6g9Ys_3NwOVjpe5r5J7l36IHgNvztgTqZQiw_qyiU-WSd8GzcyYlyUn-0J9ZojIiogI6PuAbmxKzLqYDFX7xF51OFV-HOuF_gT1tOowWUyL74qRSiFSqH1yrtgE/s1600/talk18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZU0fRN_h3hVUktJKx6g9Ys_3NwOVjpe5r5J7l36IHgNvztgTqZQiw_qyiU-WSd8GzcyYlyUn-0J9ZojIiogI6PuAbmxKzLqYDFX7xF51OFV-HOuF_gT1tOowWUyL74qRSiFSqH1yrtgE/s1600/talk18.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
"Skye and I, we just wanted to know more about her."<br />
<br />
"F*ck."<br />
<br />
"Daddy, you keep cursing!" Skye complained.<br />
<br />
Colin ignored Skye's complaint. "Tell me what the f*ck the two of you have done, and don't leave anything out." So Luna told him. "Sh*t. That was f*cking dangerous! What if she had been alive? You two would have brought the b*tch from h*ll down on our heads!"<br />
<br />
"But she has to be alive Daddy!" Skye said. "She picked up the body, according to the report we read."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVjessBXCPN9JCXCFLwtmO6ysm5KFBeTgDAHTK3OOsbbYaN_dxK29FCj7RvkKS53BlwwtIi2viwsXT_Lj6_lPIE3z_9Qq1ocfQD3LwU3ZSi1-tf9sTUNi8lRgMwEWJmyg6jp0axCoBZVI/s1600/talk19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVjessBXCPN9JCXCFLwtmO6ysm5KFBeTgDAHTK3OOsbbYaN_dxK29FCj7RvkKS53BlwwtIi2viwsXT_Lj6_lPIE3z_9Qq1ocfQD3LwU3ZSi1-tf9sTUNi8lRgMwEWJmyg6jp0axCoBZVI/s1600/talk19.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
"Picked up the...sh*t." Colin was horrified with all the implications of what Skye had said.<br />
<br />
"I'm sorry! I didn't know it was dangerous!" Luna cried.<br />
<br />
"No more searching, okay?" All of you, including Jack."<br />
<br />
"Hey, I wasn't a part of it at all!" Jack protested.<br />
<br />
"I'm not leaving any loopholes for Luna. Now, promise." They all promised, and Colin was relieved that at least that part was taken care of. What the h*ll to do with the rest of it? Even now, the b*tch could be just waiting for the perfect moment to attack. "We'll be talking about this later." He promised them. "Every action has a consequence, whether..."<br />
<br />
"Positive or negative." Luna and Skylar said together. "We know."<br />
<br />
"Oh, you'll know all right." He muttered. He needed to consult with his Dad and Grandpa. They might need some help from their Camulodunum cousins. First he had to get through the rest of this family meeting. He didn't fool himself into believing that everything would be f*cking okay now, but he knew he had least made inroads. His family knew that he wasn't going to go back to the a*shole he had been when he was younger, he had changed for good. <br />
<br />
<br />
~<>~<br />
<br />
<br />
"So what did your Dad finally decide to do?"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW5bBb1xMxu5InIoWp9joEAu83DFyzWd2vdQxpUPmTRyz5wqkCUB1zDEHgGYCHfAYZTnY9pkMhU1bobOsE_cNzfrYjjvddVOPeBLHRxH0pP017wqYAdWyD6BCfFqJkywpdJYB7QFD6fTI/s1600/Skye.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW5bBb1xMxu5InIoWp9joEAu83DFyzWd2vdQxpUPmTRyz5wqkCUB1zDEHgGYCHfAYZTnY9pkMhU1bobOsE_cNzfrYjjvddVOPeBLHRxH0pP017wqYAdWyD6BCfFqJkywpdJYB7QFD6fTI/s1600/Skye.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Skye had been telling Hawk all about their family meeting, and how she and Luna had finally come clean about their search for their mother. Neither one of them had known how dangerous it had been, but they knew now. "We're grounded until we're hundred, that's what he says." Skye grimaced. "I think he's joking about the amount of time. At least, I hope so!" She added. "That's why you'll have to visit me here for a while."<br />
<br />
Hawk smiled. "That's not a hardship Skye. I just enjoy being with you."<br />
<br />
Skye smiled back. "I love being with you too!"<br />
<br />
"I hope you don't move."<br />
<br />
Moving had been one of the options tossed around as a solution to the Raven problem. "Daddy is going to have some cousins of ours check things out, make sure that our online activities weren't found by her. If it's all clear, we'll stay. At least for a little while, Daddy says he's looking for a job and house in a less depressing town. I don't want to lose you Hawk, if that happens, if we have to move."<br />
<br />
"Skye, I would follow you anywhere." Hawk answered. He wasn't worried about any investigation the family might do, he and
his mother had covered their tracks well. He looked like his father, not his mother, so he wasn't even worried about being recognized. He fully expected them to
find nothing amiss.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIgp74ESeRAmiaxddME-F8zCSIseyYZzGEChUXvHTdMYhMoGbtTU3kClkgeWRyNTfuf8_uTwcfDEb5CzC17QzJNZNG63OvSLm_PtkOQ40-2rcwXTgbT0n9QfQWPTOBnc4mw4aT-zIvII4/s1600/Skye1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIgp74ESeRAmiaxddME-F8zCSIseyYZzGEChUXvHTdMYhMoGbtTU3kClkgeWRyNTfuf8_uTwcfDEb5CzC17QzJNZNG63OvSLm_PtkOQ40-2rcwXTgbT0n9QfQWPTOBnc4mw4aT-zIvII4/s1600/Skye1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"Really?"<br />
<br />
"Really." He assured her.<br />
<br />
<br />
~<>~<br />
<br />
<br />
Jack crowed in triumph. He had finally gotten it to work! Ethan had given him the schematics for it, telling him they would need a far more powerful computer than what Jack had.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiww1uhZGvj-thaGIrYLl_6tYNGWK0EI6bms7thQs83hjhuOQS60IXrO7z9oKc2EWVHESH3yPf61hCecxvSeD3wlPasRFkfaxmojod0lrYV4PJlcxxkZGyt8jO9S3PXqV0BbQKWnCCkKU/s1600/Jack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiww1uhZGvj-thaGIrYLl_6tYNGWK0EI6bms7thQs83hjhuOQS60IXrO7z9oKc2EWVHESH3yPf61hCecxvSeD3wlPasRFkfaxmojod0lrYV4PJlcxxkZGyt8jO9S3PXqV0BbQKWnCCkKU/s1600/Jack.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Powerful computer. Those two words were music to Jack's ears. And he had done it. Built a superior computer! He wished he could patent it, and sell it, but Ethan had cautioned him against it. They didn't want to cause too many ripples in the time continuum, that would cause untold disasters.<br />
<br />
So, sadly, he had to keep the knowledge to himself, but in the meantime...he had a SuperComputer! He did a happy Jack dance. Woot! Woot! <br />
<br />
This computer was more capable of processing, rendering, and building the intricate data and equations that Jack would need if he was going to save his family. He'd had no real idea of the amount of work involved when he had agreed to help. It wouldn't have mattered, anyway, he would have done it irregardless. <br />
<br />
It was just taking longer than he had expected, the concepts and figures that Ethan threw out at him were mindboggling at times, and Jack had to actually work a little bit at understanding them. Throw time paradoxes into the deal, and his mind was blown, on a regular basis.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhvRz_2vt8buZ-ceE6HgJZHUQTcCGBZDBnpeLUcXq25XCKVC0MgQuNksdXU9RYmqi3EWaMUv_8JZd82trTRtvea4nINT5nQgOjli7zydP7A99svq6LdIl6jYn3HUvXjj58zWt_emJBzu4/s1600/Jack1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhvRz_2vt8buZ-ceE6HgJZHUQTcCGBZDBnpeLUcXq25XCKVC0MgQuNksdXU9RYmqi3EWaMUv_8JZd82trTRtvea4nINT5nQgOjli7zydP7A99svq6LdIl6jYn3HUvXjj58zWt_emJBzu4/s1600/Jack1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
He tapped on the projected computer screen. It was time to get back to work. He was thinking of building himself a helper, one that wouldn't question, and would also be completely loyal. One that wouldn't need to eat, or sleep, like Jack did... <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
<br />
Notes: Whew! Got through that one! I hope all of that made sense. XD So the "new" Colin is sticking around---losing his memory gave him a new perspective, lol It was the only way I could think of to get through to such a hard headed, stubborn sim, haha<br />
<br />
They'll still have some issues, nothing is ever really resolved quickly, and Colin is aware of that, but they're on their way. Brae had forgiven his brother, and moved on, a long time ago. I figure the triplets are about 16.5 yrs old in this chapter, so a LOT of time has gone by. Time that Colin spent being a decent human being.<br />
<br />
Colin doesn't like Devon or Hawk, and always rolls wishes to beat them up, lol He senses something is wrong, he just doesn't know exactly what is wrong. =)<br />
<br />
His cursing is off/on, depending on his awareness of it. When he's aware of it, he tries to curb himself, to make his daughter happy. Yeah, Skye is a bit prissy, lol<br />
<br />
And---poor Nick. He really did think it was his fault, and that everyone would hate him for it.<br />
<br />
Jake has 2 kids now with Sherri Nightblossom, they're pretty cute too. I know Sherri is part of the Nightblossom tree, but I forget what branch, lol That family expanded pretty quickly! =)<br />
<br />
Jack is such a cutie, I love all the faces he makes. He still doesn't have a girlfriend, nor is he remotely interested. <br />
<br />
<br />
The game has been quite obliging regarding Colin's fighter roll. It sends burglars, lol<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWNmoVYc_6cNwvAliSSPNa7-qYS0vEphyphenhyphenO2x_CP2BltTEQlVoURNkZtsI5S1a5-32YMzs8dxa-sb-t6vWHnpE44SiNvre4OVSb_5TsM8l7xiIAjo7snAGGanAYXUy1tfgwzbavNS0Nza8/s1600/fight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWNmoVYc_6cNwvAliSSPNa7-qYS0vEphyphenhyphenO2x_CP2BltTEQlVoURNkZtsI5S1a5-32YMzs8dxa-sb-t6vWHnpE44SiNvre4OVSb_5TsM8l7xiIAjo7snAGGanAYXUy1tfgwzbavNS0Nza8/s1600/fight.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPRI5AfFbeaxzZKI6a3XyvXKUDYiMMGyEY32eR8y2VrlDifoGLi8nVE8KuBvKhfWSCqFDog-0Cbn8pZi3YJdC8apmd2JwJYCAu6CL6D0oHFGli7ggkqqQmKGUrpxeOS33tnx5s4IQ046w/s1600/fight1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPRI5AfFbeaxzZKI6a3XyvXKUDYiMMGyEY32eR8y2VrlDifoGLi8nVE8KuBvKhfWSCqFDog-0Cbn8pZi3YJdC8apmd2JwJYCAu6CL6D0oHFGli7ggkqqQmKGUrpxeOS33tnx5s4IQ046w/s1600/fight1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Also---I used a ton of poses in this chapter, I took these pics a really long time ago, so I don't remember all of whose poses I used---but I'm pretty sure the crying ones (Skye and Luna) are <a href="http://secretsofthesixkillers.blogspot.com/2013/09/downloads-poses-sunnys-dry-your-tears.html" target="_blank">Sunny's</a>. Thanks for making/sharing them Sunny! =)<br />
<br />
One last note, one thing I absolutely love about writing, is how knowing a character's motive can change our perspective. For instance, if Hawk had been legit, that would have been a sweet conversation between him and Skye. Since he has ulterior motives though, it could be seen as creepy/stalker like, haha <i>I'll follow you anywhere muahahahaha! </i><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Any questions? I'll try to answer them. Hopefully next chapter Gen 8 will take over, if not, then definitely the chapter after that. Thanks for reading! =D<br />
<h4>
</h4>
Nirarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15253184399668018141noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2767753407529003708.post-46284690096615571712014-06-07T19:38:00.000-07:002014-06-07T19:39:09.880-07:00Chapter 81: Perfect Craziness<h3>
Warning: Language</h3>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Jack had never been in the attic before, but he decided it looked like a good place to hide out. "Sisters." he grumbled. Why did he have to be cursed with three of them? At least one of them lived far away. She could only bug him by phone. He looked around, and seeing that the coast was clear, he climbed up the ladder. <br />
<br />
He needed his own space. Didn't anyone understand how important his work was to him? He had been campaigning for months to get his own workspace, and finally his Dad had agreed, on one condition. That he ate dinner with the family every night. Jack had readily agreed, anything to get his own area that would be off limits to the girls, one girl in particular. He was tired of Luna messing with his stuff. He couldn't wait until his new lab was up and running. <br />
<br />
Once in the attic he took a look around, it was filled with miscellaneous stuff, books mainly. Jack looked through some of the titles, "Bloviation On HyperInflation." he read out loud. "Hmm, sounds interesting..." Just as he was about to pull it off the shelf, another book caught his eye.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjumTmGd-wWfJ26AXcYPOFp6NlEHjIozYI05gz24K-idkfqthmzuIG7TtDZnilt-IqD9C4l38tkmm2STRxiYCq2VWZFkXjVaAQGdYC0PyiIFK-reDWJjgBoRk9l-4chRkmJ39ufOom9r1k/s1600/Jack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjumTmGd-wWfJ26AXcYPOFp6NlEHjIozYI05gz24K-idkfqthmzuIG7TtDZnilt-IqD9C4l38tkmm2STRxiYCq2VWZFkXjVaAQGdYC0PyiIFK-reDWJjgBoRk9l-4chRkmJ39ufOom9r1k/s1600/Jack.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
It was a large, and rather thick book. The cover on it was quite plain, and it had no title written on the bind. It had a presence about it though, and Jack could almost swear it was speaking to him. He scoffed to himself. That was utter nonsense of course. Books didn't speak to people, well, not in that way!<br />
<br />
Still, he felt pulled towards it, compelled even. Jack didn't like things that had no obvious reasons for them, he was man of logic and science. Logically, he knew it was just another book on the shelf. Still, he scratched his chin, there was something about it...<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtoaiUKtP6zKOqbSnxK41bPGkyH3j4-mw8TwCU9Un6VbTKHcMtYN5Hohxob3M79O3rmR9EHKi14kMBB0bNIgUhTfNvidUpM4NIXgG3bAoYLCvhUG3Tx18WcqoBX-JQszz-Q-HbSwsUizM/s1600/Jack1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtoaiUKtP6zKOqbSnxK41bPGkyH3j4-mw8TwCU9Un6VbTKHcMtYN5Hohxob3M79O3rmR9EHKi14kMBB0bNIgUhTfNvidUpM4NIXgG3bAoYLCvhUG3Tx18WcqoBX-JQszz-Q-HbSwsUizM/s1600/Jack1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Science dictated that he should look into it, explore it. Once a thing was explored and understood, it lost its mystery, and the logic behind it became more clear. He grabbed the book, and grunted just a little bit, it was heavier than he expected. He cleared away an old end table, and placed the book on it.<br />
<br />
He examined the book carefully, turning it back and forth, almost afraid to open it. Then he chided himself. It was just a book. He blew the dust off it, and then sneezed. Four times. "I hate dust!" He flipped the book open, and stared at it, in disbelief.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjib1DnLIjqpC544M30lBWecXgvsfU3zT5Kgzr8dg0M8UWeeMFcPBthyjN83a8cvoeraDrh7e7E-EF6gzAQaz_BqwV47RuxIfDOUm_dznsI-Aqc-b6WPSSuZbda_uDsMjEoknfVPqfAMCg/s1600/Jack2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjib1DnLIjqpC544M30lBWecXgvsfU3zT5Kgzr8dg0M8UWeeMFcPBthyjN83a8cvoeraDrh7e7E-EF6gzAQaz_BqwV47RuxIfDOUm_dznsI-Aqc-b6WPSSuZbda_uDsMjEoknfVPqfAMCg/s1600/Jack2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
It looked like some sort of computer cursor thing, and it blinked, blinked, blinked up at him. He shook his head, sure that he was seeing things. He rubbed his eyes, but no, the cursor was still there, waiting for input. What sort of input? What kind of book was this anyway, it obviously wasn't the average old book!<br />
<br />
He hesitated, before proceeding, but proceed he did. His logic was still sound. He lived his life by scientific principles, not mobo dojo stuff. Resolutely he placed his hands over the lighted keyboard, and the resulting flash of light was so brilliant he had to squeeze his eyes shut as he quickly pulled his hands away. What had just happened? He cautiously opened his eyes up again, the book laid there, flat, looking like any other ordinary book.<br />
<br />
He knew it. He was going crazy! His sisters had driven him there too! All that prattle and Jack can you do this, and Jack can I borrow this, and Jack, oops you didn't want that did you? It had finally pushed him over the edge.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbCvbC1OZW_TkPV_YQ_zaG1Ma1O9LaqLEZT8vh5GJMtCm5eLSUu_lCWOizMtWcshFy9XBUqECZNSelWEfz-iwK2zx2pdDzlKxyNzo993NMpXLhhL8mEiMcoL8LBmGck9DNUuDcvceQGCc/s1600/Jack3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbCvbC1OZW_TkPV_YQ_zaG1Ma1O9LaqLEZT8vh5GJMtCm5eLSUu_lCWOizMtWcshFy9XBUqECZNSelWEfz-iwK2zx2pdDzlKxyNzo993NMpXLhhL8mEiMcoL8LBmGck9DNUuDcvceQGCc/s1600/Jack3.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
"Stupid sisters." he grumbled. "Why couldn't I have been born a single, like Jake or Nick?"<br />
<br />
"Hello Jack." a voice said behind him.<br />
<br />
Jack froze. Sh*t. He was hearing voices now. He closed his eyes, "I'm not crazy, I'm not crazy." he repeated to himself. "I am not hearing anything but my own voice. I'm not crazy!"<br />
<br />
He heard a chuckle, and his eyes sprung back open. "No, you're not crazy Jack."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf1VWG7BgjKno0re3niv44UtEkoU8vC-BdfN-F_Wsd6CzT_jVw49_ZiGYWHcZIpb4eqIZOByMAnyQVK1bUxY4zvyukL3oI1s27_2oAlLPQnVp4R3VbtyCHi6VgxioSG5IwXq6Th9D9xLo/s1600/Jack4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf1VWG7BgjKno0re3niv44UtEkoU8vC-BdfN-F_Wsd6CzT_jVw49_ZiGYWHcZIpb4eqIZOByMAnyQVK1bUxY4zvyukL3oI1s27_2oAlLPQnVp4R3VbtyCHi6VgxioSG5IwXq6Th9D9xLo/s1600/Jack4.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"I'm just a program, a hologram if you will, that book is what you might call a mini-computer. All scientific and logical, I promise you."<br />
<br />
Jack swallowed. "A program?"<br />
<br />
"Yes, written long before you were born, written just for you though."<br />
<br />
Don't turn around Jack, he told himself. Don't turn around. If he saw something, then it might prove he really had gone crazy. Or dreaming. Yeah, he could be dreaming. That made him a feel a lot better. He turned around to face the dream.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKjN4aKGUnj1O-ydhjKIrNbgi_xOhj0aybWp-6Hwo-Lw4FZfOpACbVS9bvm8xr_l242uCf8tpv0e7DlpP2y8oH-Xx5xaH4Q9VdP8Z_ERbKLRt9QXoo4sDrJfZMcTPpTuXDpUHXa0MkWck/s1600/Jack5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKjN4aKGUnj1O-ydhjKIrNbgi_xOhj0aybWp-6Hwo-Lw4FZfOpACbVS9bvm8xr_l242uCf8tpv0e7DlpP2y8oH-Xx5xaH4Q9VdP8Z_ERbKLRt9QXoo4sDrJfZMcTPpTuXDpUHXa0MkWck/s1600/Jack5.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"Hello." Jack was proud of how calm he sounded in his dream. The dream was kind of cool, he almost wished it was real.<br />
<br />
"It's not a dream." the man said with a smile, almost as if he knew Jack's very thoughts.<br />
<br />
Not a dream? It had to be. Wait, there was one way to test it. He pinched himself, hard. "Ouch!" It. Wasn't. A. Dream. He felt a little faint, but refused to embarrass himself by passing out like some sissy girl. "Who are you? And how do you know my name?" His voice might have squeaked a little, but that was nothing to be ashamed of he reassured himself. First the weird book, and now the weird...man?<br />
<br />
The man smiled gently. "My name is Ethan, and I know you Jack, because I saw the future long ago."<br />
<br />
"Sure you did." Jack said skeptically.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhesOtq8lNM3nHTcjJGJTHO0YWG-ttAlqftWwUEvWESU_ICgHs7ty4CW6L74APTAKbvdA6lNhkykC1P3vc1MWWxHZvX65RFwDx570xnQ-q-48mlTEIfDqhz8DnqdbfAtmAtBALlnvX7b_E/s1600/Jack6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhesOtq8lNM3nHTcjJGJTHO0YWG-ttAlqftWwUEvWESU_ICgHs7ty4CW6L74APTAKbvdA6lNhkykC1P3vc1MWWxHZvX65RFwDx570xnQ-q-48mlTEIfDqhz8DnqdbfAtmAtBALlnvX7b_E/s1600/Jack6.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
He narrowed his eyes at...Ethan. "Is this some kind of prank? Did Grandpa Alder put you up to this? I don't find it amusing at all."<br />
<br />
Ethan shook his head no in amusement. "No, it's not a prank, I can assure you. My physical self has been long gone, but when I finally cracked the time continuum..."<br />
<br />
Jack interrupted, "You cracked it? How?" He asked eagerly, forgetting for a moment who he was talking to.<br />
<br />
Ethan shook his head slightly. "All in good time, Jack. All in good time. I saw..." Ethan's face fell, "destruction, and chaos. Fire fell from the skies, and smoke poured from the mountains," Ethan paused, then went on, sadly, "bodies filled so many shallow graves I could not count them, and those who were left, they would have been better off dead."<br />
<br />
"Sounds awful." Jack observed.<br />
<br />
"Yes, yes it is." Ethan said solemnly. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXHYNL-yNKVVlAWSaiVOxXIv2nyCNUryLJ9m6qF5LYdm5kOuzfSmlkhipeXpJO5tAD8il7yRx2-5ta9ITnzRJrYV2ucCSipdgr6iPGyOV815yfjv866Q8XVB6bY5KxoB8gI45yQB_E3CI/s1600/Jack7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXHYNL-yNKVVlAWSaiVOxXIv2nyCNUryLJ9m6qF5LYdm5kOuzfSmlkhipeXpJO5tAD8il7yRx2-5ta9ITnzRJrYV2ucCSipdgr6iPGyOV815yfjv866Q8XVB6bY5KxoB8gI45yQB_E3CI/s1600/Jack7.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"I determined then, to find out what went wrong, and I spent years, searching through time, careful only to see, and not be seen."<br />
<br />
Jack nodded thoughtfully. "Ah yes, the time paradox." Jack had spent many hours thinking about what could happen if people actually did travel through time. Why, if they weren't careful, they could erase themselves from the time stream!<br />
<br />
"Exactly. Then I saw it, the day the prophecy spoke of, and it was so clear to me! This was where it all went wrong. If I could change this moment, then it would put the future to rights. Did I dare go in there and change it myself? I thought on this for long hours, and concluded it was too risky. I did not belong in that time, indeed I was to die soon, betrayed and murdered beside my beloved wife."<br />
<br />
"That sucks."<br />
<br />
That startled a laugh out of Ethan. "Indeed, it did."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgohwya2lz_3De8RqPZSds0EN1rw_Z93d8ICi4Er8-YwJbhBts1dnsonHUWuXwyJ-2r6wXbrzAI0m2WtlcGW6f3PkS5-MqjKGPI2UzHRZtlWhKmD_4SyHZJdnjZ1ta8QSa_PR8HGf5mPl0/s1600/Jack8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgohwya2lz_3De8RqPZSds0EN1rw_Z93d8ICi4Er8-YwJbhBts1dnsonHUWuXwyJ-2r6wXbrzAI0m2WtlcGW6f3PkS5-MqjKGPI2UzHRZtlWhKmD_4SyHZJdnjZ1ta8QSa_PR8HGf5mPl0/s1600/Jack8.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"I came up with a plan, a daring plan, but one I was sure could work. First I made this hologram self, that you see before you, and I recoded it, and the book. The book was coded to specifically to your DNA, found on a cup you used and set down. It would open for no one but you, because, you Jack, you could understand all of what I need to teach you."<br />
<br />
"Like time travel?" Jack asked eagerly.<br />
<br />
Ethan shook his head. "No, more important things."<br />
<br />
"What could be more important than time travel?" Jack couldn't think of one thing. Here was this guy, standing before him, telling him he knew the secrets to time travel, and he wasn't going to share?<br />
<br />
"Your family Jack. I need your help to save them. The danger is already here, it already stalks your family, my family."<br />
<br />
Jack was stunned. Save his family? Like he was some sort of superhero? He was a supergeek, but never a superhero. Then Ethan's last words penetrated his brain. "Your family?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLT33zoDwZZKhAhov2GOn4iJdW4O20tnlxqlTdHaLYjy5zFdZZfHMlIw6SGVfQNZpyr0MFN7N6M_85cq-epo0KO9hJfHr1KLA36N7iMZSvBnMCy-JCcZSyDH5a91MtGNzVGFpt-PKQ230/s1600/Jack9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLT33zoDwZZKhAhov2GOn4iJdW4O20tnlxqlTdHaLYjy5zFdZZfHMlIw6SGVfQNZpyr0MFN7N6M_85cq-epo0KO9hJfHr1KLA36N7iMZSvBnMCy-JCcZSyDH5a91MtGNzVGFpt-PKQ230/s1600/Jack9.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"Yes, my family. You are my family Jack, you and your sisters and brothers, and your Dad, and his Dad, and so on. I am your ancestor, and more than that, I am a Guardian, and sworn to protect this world the best I can. I will do so, but I need your help."<br />
<br />
"When do we start?"<br />
<br />
"Now, I have a lot to teach you, some new technologies that will aid in our quest. There is simply no way we can do what needs to be done with the antiquated equipment of this age. First, we must put this book away, so no one finds it, and there are many who seek after it. It's time has not yet come. Secondly, speak to no one about this. I cannot emphasize this enough."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6MGskoCo6ZXzxGLgFeLg5_TLgQ048KFoHa_7vluihYk3d2JE5XvchA2XOm4MhmoxiD_FNQbU3RkNQjTpuXC6JJGvTfcKEN9GWCpL9noGZoDjW3EelpP_PSirtxVz4N0_YIj7LW_ZzpsI/s1600/Jack10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6MGskoCo6ZXzxGLgFeLg5_TLgQ048KFoHa_7vluihYk3d2JE5XvchA2XOm4MhmoxiD_FNQbU3RkNQjTpuXC6JJGvTfcKEN9GWCpL9noGZoDjW3EelpP_PSirtxVz4N0_YIj7LW_ZzpsI/s1600/Jack10.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Jack nodded his head in agreement. "Time paradox."<br />
<br />
Ethan nodded his head approvingly. "Exactly." <br />
<br />
Jack had long forgotten his earlier worries of being crazy, or seeing things. He was too busy geeking out. "New technology!" he whispered excitedly. He would have his new lab, new technology, and he was going to be a superhero just like in his favorite comic books. No way would he tell anyone, not to mention the complete mess up of time he could create, he simply didn't want to hear their laughter at him. They would know someday. He was Jack. Superhero.<br />
<br />
<br />
~<>~<br />
<br />
<br />
The one thing Luna loved about Tanner, was that he was so easy to be with. He spent many nights just hanging out at her house, but they wouldn't do anything really. Just watch TV, he enjoyed the same shows she did. Sometimes they would play video games, though Luna admitted to herself, she could be a sore loser. She hated losing anything. Some nights though, if the sky was clear, they would sit outside on the porch and just look at the starry skies and talk.<br />
<br />
They would talk about anything. What she wanted from life, what he wanted from life, all the way down to what they had for dinner. No topic was too inane or boring to talk about, they just really meshed as friends. Making Tanner her best friend was one of the best decisions she had ever made. Luna turned to Tanner, who had been mostly quiet that night, just listening to her chatter away, and said suddenly, "I'm going to do it Tanner."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYh8sCFqcSRQjRokK0ggC1i5xcuaX9AyPLyz0wadEXFti8uJNtXN2F7hbntaZF0RkxWJzNDMMag7Zc_4lUx1xwrSMshSo-h1ucwEw5UbC9krIgxHyMMiZr2fC-8tW_DSl3H8pfInoqWLw/s1600/Luna.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYh8sCFqcSRQjRokK0ggC1i5xcuaX9AyPLyz0wadEXFti8uJNtXN2F7hbntaZF0RkxWJzNDMMag7Zc_4lUx1xwrSMshSo-h1ucwEw5UbC9krIgxHyMMiZr2fC-8tW_DSl3H8pfInoqWLw/s1600/Luna.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
"Do what?" Tanner responded absentmindedly. He was having a heck of a time paying attention to what she had been saying all night. He was just so...nervous. Butterflies in his stomach, bile in his throat, jumping beans in his legs nervous. This was Luna, his best friend, the girl he could tell anything, and did. Except one thing. He loved her. And not just as a friend.<br />
<br />
Prom night wasn't very far off, and he really wanted to ask her if she would go with him. As a date, not as a friend. She had broken off with that creep Devin, so now was his chance. He just had to get the words out past the lump in his throat.<br />
<br />
"Devin and I are going to sneak away in the middle of Prom, and, you know, make love for the first time."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE4l6f0cfI_kmtDDtCH9t0rhd-uJ0ZZbWAahi3rleBG_hMjrq0bar1P7hHlcwwo_5P3frPZ8cAMjmDR-6ztYc8dfoox7w_NX6wC1ZZK0vJUlcQFGQgCvFGHnXNN_gNyrSXPNaQukM9keg/s1600/Luna1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE4l6f0cfI_kmtDDtCH9t0rhd-uJ0ZZbWAahi3rleBG_hMjrq0bar1P7hHlcwwo_5P3frPZ8cAMjmDR-6ztYc8dfoox7w_NX6wC1ZZK0vJUlcQFGQgCvFGHnXNN_gNyrSXPNaQukM9keg/s1600/Luna1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
"Wha...what?"<br />
<br />
"We've got it all planned out, it'll be perfect." Luna said dreamily.<br />
<br />
Tanner felt like he'd been kicked in the solar plexus. "But, I thought you guys broke up again?" <br />
<br />
Luna waved her hand about airily. "We're back together again. It was unfair of me to expect him to wait so long."<br />
<br />
"Unfair?" Tanner spluttered. "It was only a few weeks!"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmFjeOfvifgFBSXcNKSv8ri4fMUoaE6P1XCFMRCEGyxb-WMpc2vivHeVEE7nxTBksj72dhKIJ0wERGD8iVjs0MagwJ45dgu5AMOOOCh9oQEjBteZTa7f7LC5PIu82tnomIbC9CCP8xhcw/s1600/Luna2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmFjeOfvifgFBSXcNKSv8ri4fMUoaE6P1XCFMRCEGyxb-WMpc2vivHeVEE7nxTBksj72dhKIJ0wERGD8iVjs0MagwJ45dgu5AMOOOCh9oQEjBteZTa7f7LC5PIu82tnomIbC9CCP8xhcw/s1600/Luna2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Luna nodded. "I know, totally unfair of me, right? Dev swears though, that once we start sleeping together, he won't be with anyone else. Just me." Luna smiled happily.<br />
<br />
Tanner kept a smile plastered on his face, but it probably looked more like a grimace. He didn't understand her obsession with that jerk. He cheated on her, lied to her, and yet Luna made up excuses for him. His hopes of being more might be dashed for the moment, but he was still, and always, her friend. "Luna, he doesn't deserve you. He's a jerk, and the way he treats you pisses me off."<br />
<br />
Luna patted him on the cheek. "You're so sweet Tanner, you know that?" Tanner groaned. She wasn't listening, again. "You know, you should ask that girl to the prom. You know, the one that sits beside you in Economics class. Tamara. Or was it Teresa? Terri?" Luna frowned.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu_vUQ3phctmbjyI2bEoIvWppNogColRSqSay4eCVVVDCb60Rv9tlTbvP-9LdkOdFzqzK9Ua60waFRDs4TLaJ792DC_t0UpZAZaQ-aWwW7KJMOzcxac2KCknj0gaGauF8Mdp7AraIxUF4/s1600/Luna3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu_vUQ3phctmbjyI2bEoIvWppNogColRSqSay4eCVVVDCb60Rv9tlTbvP-9LdkOdFzqzK9Ua60waFRDs4TLaJ792DC_t0UpZAZaQ-aWwW7KJMOzcxac2KCknj0gaGauF8Mdp7AraIxUF4/s1600/Luna3.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Tanner supplied the answer. "Tina."<br />
<br />
"Yeah, Tina. You should totally ask her, she likes you." Luna brightened up. "And I have the most amazing idea! We could triple date! You and Tina, Skye and Hawk, me and Devin, it would be perfect."<br />
<br />
Tanner inwardly cringed. He couldn't imagine a worse fate than watching the girl he loved fawn over that miserable cur. "I don't think so, Luna."<br />
<br />
Her face fell. "Really? Come on Tanner, it'll be fun!"<br />
<br />
Tanner shook his head no. "Mr. Jockstrap wouldn't like me hanging out with you guys anyway."<br />
<br />
Luna ignored Tanner's pet name for Devin, and instead smiled widely at him. "He does like to keep me to himself." <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEOF2KanM_LLbcIjQYPJYXewEy-BWbL8Nf9-RXDtXJKfsq5WiPUJdklEF5B1VYqg6R7kQwBb4B_JV6NPJVZEeXB5PFiirc2WjYMnxT0syDweo55nbfq6z_LBP1lbgQ5A_TLT9bk1cIDHE/s1600/Luna4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEOF2KanM_LLbcIjQYPJYXewEy-BWbL8Nf9-RXDtXJKfsq5WiPUJdklEF5B1VYqg6R7kQwBb4B_JV6NPJVZEeXB5PFiirc2WjYMnxT0syDweo55nbfq6z_LBP1lbgQ5A_TLT9bk1cIDHE/s1600/Luna4.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
That was another thing that Tanner didn't like. The guys possessiveness was beyond normal, especially since he couldn't seem to keep his pants up around other girls. "I think you should dump him and go with me to the Prom." Tanner said it jokingly, but he meant every word.<br />
<br />
Luna chuckled. "You are so funny Tanner, and I love you for it! You always make me smile. Now, come on, promise me that you'll at least ask Tina to go with you to the Prom. Come on, promise! Please?"<br />
<br />
How was it that his heart could lie in shreds and yet he still felt compelled to make her happy? He knew Luna wasn't deliberately cruel, she didn't know what he felt for her. He only wished that he had the courage to say something to her before Mr. Jockstrap barged into her life. Jockstrap boy was bad news, and it was killing Tanner to see how he treated Luna. She deserved better, the moon, the stars, all of it. Instead she had pond scum.<br />
<br />
Tanner sighed heavily. Her choice, he reminded himself. Friends they were, and so friends they would stay, he would keep her in his life whatever way he could. He couldn't imagine a day without her. "If it'll it make you happy Luna, I'll ask her."<br />
<br />
Luna squeed and wrapped her arms around him. "You'll be the perfect couple, just wait and see!" Then she added to his anguish, and kissed him lightly on the cheek. "I love you Tanner, and you deserve someone special too."<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
~<>~ <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Luna was having the time of her life.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjC2jdf23ARYNVbTJhAr81KASXb0ncgUtdP_UEjW70rBBv00idsukYXkgHsI99XXUE1tyQH1wIaGYuKWupwVDBctLs1r9lVXPIA6MjIsGUNUCFH4rDa3RE8ol9sSjeuQq_w0FaNDc7i-4/s1600/Prom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjC2jdf23ARYNVbTJhAr81KASXb0ncgUtdP_UEjW70rBBv00idsukYXkgHsI99XXUE1tyQH1wIaGYuKWupwVDBctLs1r9lVXPIA6MjIsGUNUCFH4rDa3RE8ol9sSjeuQq_w0FaNDc7i-4/s1600/Prom.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
She felt Devon behind her, and she danced suggestively against him. She was having a lot of fun teasing him, determined that he would want her, and only her. She shimmied, and gloried in his grunt of approval. His hands were roaming her body, grabbing her boobs, almost painfully. She laughed, and shook him off. "No hands Dev, remember? You promised, not until later."<br />
<br />
"F*ck Luna, you're so hot, and I just want to..." he whispered harshly into her ear all the things he planned to do to her.<br />
<br />
Luna shivered in delight. She liked this feeling, this feeling of power. Power over him. It had been the perfect Prom night. She had been crowned Queen to Devon's King, they were the perfect couple. And soon, very soon, the night would be even more perfect. She glanced over at her sister, but Skye was busy dancing with her date. She glanced over at her brother, who had somehow managed to get a girl to dance with him.<br />
<br />
He had been different lately. Jack. She didn't know why, it was almost as if he was getting lessons on how to behave socially. She shook away the fanciful thought. Who would Jack get lessons from anyway?<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAKM_y4QdeQbK1ifHmn5Q2qxEX99DvEoY1j7ErL8V6DwA_UFV2GrEeVcVR3zqpBQAOT7qoBFmMTG1HLWuMSl04ewKZtJJfM0G6MEe2do1aEJGkpBIP3YW_qkRnsV4rGamgQyc6mtaW6m8/s1600/prom1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAKM_y4QdeQbK1ifHmn5Q2qxEX99DvEoY1j7ErL8V6DwA_UFV2GrEeVcVR3zqpBQAOT7qoBFmMTG1HLWuMSl04ewKZtJJfM0G6MEe2do1aEJGkpBIP3YW_qkRnsV4rGamgQyc6mtaW6m8/s1600/prom1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
He was even dancing like a proper gentlemen, instead of the ogre she knew he was. He spent most of his time holed up in his new workroom, she had no idea where he had found the time to find a date! Devon growled in her ear, and ground his pelvis into her butt. "F*ck Luna, let's blow this sh*thole, and turn this night into a real party."<br />
<br />
Both of her siblings weren't paying any attention to her, it was the perfect time to slip out. They wouldn't even notice she was gone, no one would notice her momentary disappearance from the dance.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhScni8iyZ5pEtOxoIcvSA06SSXZi0q9pb3mu08bDnb7PUAKE1tMQYbMJK8GLAxjVr9NBO0AUYXXUqNHTyIL2emdHO5n_-Mml4MbN7oArq3GEM3zcXA3a5cPwrQCpBNPmyqN3bnSWTqQ8g/s1600/prom2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhScni8iyZ5pEtOxoIcvSA06SSXZi0q9pb3mu08bDnb7PUAKE1tMQYbMJK8GLAxjVr9NBO0AUYXXUqNHTyIL2emdHO5n_-Mml4MbN7oArq3GEM3zcXA3a5cPwrQCpBNPmyqN3bnSWTqQ8g/s1600/prom2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
She would be back before the dance ended, before anyone noticed she was gone. She would come back a real woman though. She was giddy just thinking about it. "Okay." She breathed. "Let's go."<br />
<br />
"F*ck, now you're talking." He grabbed her hand and led her off the dance floor.<br />
<br />
Skye closed her eyes, and breathed in the scent of Hawk. He smelled wonderful, and she could happily dance all night with him.<br />
<br />
She loved the feeling of his arms around her, the warmth of him as
they gently swayed to the music. She sighed happily. This was the best
night of her life.<br />
<br />
She still couldn't believe she
was dating Hawk. Her! She was so plain and dull compared to her much
livelier and prettier sister, Luna. She was thankful that Hawk didn't
think so. He thought she was beautiful. She blushed. She felt his
chuckle.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu8_1P-8YrrXgK4RXCDnID2nail4fB9P30fOK5D3vtdhXQyD2NEcGzj4K9YLNxvOqOiNduBy6S1TFkxdd3PJ3pfqwJa6A87-a5qU5PaaUfWhcW2AzGFoKYvVEJGLuDGhscl7ntSEjkHVA/s1600/prom3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu8_1P-8YrrXgK4RXCDnID2nail4fB9P30fOK5D3vtdhXQyD2NEcGzj4K9YLNxvOqOiNduBy6S1TFkxdd3PJ3pfqwJa6A87-a5qU5PaaUfWhcW2AzGFoKYvVEJGLuDGhscl7ntSEjkHVA/s1600/prom3.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"Penny for whatever thought that caused that delightful blush." He teased her.<br />
<br />
She smiled up at him. "Just thinking of you."<br />
<br />
He raised his eyebrows. "Is that all?"<br />
<br />
She nodded. "Uh huh, that's my story and I'm sticking to it!" Before he could pursue that further, she added, "Look, they're all ready to take pictures. Let's go take our picture. Please?"<br />
<br />
He wagged his finger at her. "This conversation is not through, missy." Then he laughed, and grabbed her hand as they headed for the photographer.<br />
<br />
The photographer arranged them until she was satisfied with their positions. "Okay, now, look up at him, and smile, ready? 1...2..."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ih0zXQ6EaEvBT1YzPANNCYbAcnG_GnFEJgVBwtj58NY7aMHJFwJz36Sq6UkovVUaayV0CWxpwfTx3PfM8w0RfxGG8MLgG4jY5PYLC3aorYCibRdEhCvryZdB6v6lakWXgipdQ6DgBa4/s1600/prom4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ih0zXQ6EaEvBT1YzPANNCYbAcnG_GnFEJgVBwtj58NY7aMHJFwJz36Sq6UkovVUaayV0CWxpwfTx3PfM8w0RfxGG8MLgG4jY5PYLC3aorYCibRdEhCvryZdB6v6lakWXgipdQ6DgBa4/s1600/prom4.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
"...3" The flash went off. "Perfect."<br />
<br />
"This has been the best night of my life."<br />
<br />
Hawk smiled at her. "Mine too."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUBNgZ8g_InH3CPydivZn8wD-_e0vgB_BbEIPikxAK-LtwbZHyPdRvFT5fVmOR4MeGBFxIOWF-2uWwAQkJCy-Scr-Je0hPhFsTv2EQvx13fsJ1ZZjUVHVlAAisIdhj5klzMVLDFeUs_KQ/s1600/prom5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUBNgZ8g_InH3CPydivZn8wD-_e0vgB_BbEIPikxAK-LtwbZHyPdRvFT5fVmOR4MeGBFxIOWF-2uWwAQkJCy-Scr-Je0hPhFsTv2EQvx13fsJ1ZZjUVHVlAAisIdhj5klzMVLDFeUs_KQ/s1600/prom5.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
~<>~<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
"You're late, you know I cannot abide lateness."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKeE2A9Nt6fR1NW2z25XxyCPnNIffkIWstOOrne2d2OcLjHpzYMGEsRXQXgpg2XoeZkTfntWw6q2mh56YR7rnMHVWWUXrm3lmxy-MqfxdQrKBHdJLW14D9Om3MHiFlzy5ztD-BebLLLgk/s1600/Hawk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKeE2A9Nt6fR1NW2z25XxyCPnNIffkIWstOOrne2d2OcLjHpzYMGEsRXQXgpg2XoeZkTfntWw6q2mh56YR7rnMHVWWUXrm3lmxy-MqfxdQrKBHdJLW14D9Om3MHiFlzy5ztD-BebLLLgk/s1600/Hawk.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
"Hello to you too Mother." Hawk said mildly. He kissed her on her good cheek, and took a seat. She had nearly died many years ago, and the ravages of her battle for her life were more clearly seen on her face. "Nice outfit."<br />
<br />
<br />
She glared at him. "What took you so long? No, never mind," she interrupted before he had a chance to answer, "It's not important. I want your status report."<br />
<br />
Hawk shrugged. "It is as you expected. We have definitely found Ivory's children." Raven crowed triumphantly. Hawk ignored it, and continued speaking, giving her the facts in an emotionless voice. "I traced the inquiry into Ivory's file to a computer that belongs to one of the triplets, Jack. He's very intelligent, but not very smart. He's also not interested in finding his mother, so it is the two girls who are behind it."<br />
<br />
Raven tapped her chin thoughtfully. "Go on."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVZZF_tR6U48PYEuEIuD7PKB5VAbXcBX3fZJonGjbhtXewj95FuRnznZicGyJtyXsmrvvjnr-pVzzarFZLeMopUrLTcUt_fSR5VF7XM9a1HP_q4zZ3gUqmow_IogOg3MbtDwcQxzQ3e5g/s1600/Hawk1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVZZF_tR6U48PYEuEIuD7PKB5VAbXcBX3fZJonGjbhtXewj95FuRnznZicGyJtyXsmrvvjnr-pVzzarFZLeMopUrLTcUt_fSR5VF7XM9a1HP_q4zZ3gUqmow_IogOg3MbtDwcQxzQ3e5g/s1600/Hawk1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"One of the girls is a spitting image of Ivory, and she's rather flighty. An artistic type. The other one..." <br />
<br />
Raven interrupted her son. "The one that looks like Ivory, she'll suit me perfectly. Forget the other two, they are not important. I want you to kidnap the girl, and you can rape her until she is with child." <br />
<br />
Hawk scowled at his mother.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVTUKd-95oOpukjILjmLnZeJqxTsTEV65wyU3SRBSCK35hV_R6NGSHfVpiVc2IFRIF-_7DO8vk3kskoRFKk8mTfIlV1WidY94RuGUEkbs0bdJX6d2FykSeeMnSTpEpBLFcqSUAwOgLgY8/s1600/Hawk2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVTUKd-95oOpukjILjmLnZeJqxTsTEV65wyU3SRBSCK35hV_R6NGSHfVpiVc2IFRIF-_7DO8vk3kskoRFKk8mTfIlV1WidY94RuGUEkbs0bdJX6d2FykSeeMnSTpEpBLFcqSUAwOgLgY8/s1600/Hawk2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"Have you learned nothing yet from your previous schemes? We talked about this Mother, you make rash," Hawk ignored the dangerous flash in his mother's eyes, "emotion filled decisions, and where has it got you?"<br />
<br />
"You presume too much." Raven said icily.<br />
<br />
"No," Hawk countered, "your head is clouded with vengeance, and you refuse to see the bigger picture."<br />
<br />
Raven's eyes were stormy. "And what would that be, my dearest, only child?"<br />
<br />
"The other daughter's name is Skye."<br />
<br />
Raven hissed. "Skye! Skyhawk's child, from the prophecy!"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfBBIM2-6kz_SYfqMhv-96rjstfNrQl8DTw7jWf3KbS6DQ7qKsaqvlBn4nzRyaESaaXDC-sdsmACHP8Pq79-tjMxJfooXailJqgaSGyQE72IiBK4WXi0cXbZcrClc4A8XOZkwOXh0IXlo/s1600/Hawk3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfBBIM2-6kz_SYfqMhv-96rjstfNrQl8DTw7jWf3KbS6DQ7qKsaqvlBn4nzRyaESaaXDC-sdsmACHP8Pq79-tjMxJfooXailJqgaSGyQE72IiBK4WXi0cXbZcrClc4A8XOZkwOXh0IXlo/s1600/Hawk3.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Hawk inclined his head slightly. "Quite a coincidence, wouldn't you agree? We cannot take this lightly. I have a plan, Mother, and a much better one than you have concocted. One that will take great patience and fortitude on your part."<br />
<br />
Raven's lips curled into a snarl. "What is this plan?"<br />
<br />
"As tempting as it might be to kidnap Luna, that is the one that looks like Ivory, and bring her back to our home, and make sure she has my child..." Hawk paused, the idea of rape was actually detestable to him. He much preferred women who were willing, he did not have the same power and control issues that his mother did. While the twit was quite hung up over that idiot, Hawk knew he could have her eating out of the palm of his hand. She was entirely too easy to manipulate, which was very obvious when such a chowderhead as Devin Winter could manipulate her.<br />
<br />
He sighed. In the end, Luna did not interest him at all, nor did she seem to fit into the prophetic child that his mother had chased after all those years. "...it would not gain us the Book. Without the book, the prophetic child is useless, as you are well aware. Your last attempt to get that Book did not fare so well, and indeed, you nearly died."<br />
<br />
Raven growled in remembered humiliation and pain. "He will pay for turning her against me."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga0kDDM5BGVr7b1hxJ_MWMCNUEHjzDCX_8-ylrtP6n7xz7kMvjlz71ZCnCOLFpSwWobUcP7GSs_bTYXmfTGVSDl7GqAEPkdrFWCPBihG5vWb8a2EZocJdz9cza-RKppl8si1J7kj4ThEk/s1600/Hawk4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga0kDDM5BGVr7b1hxJ_MWMCNUEHjzDCX_8-ylrtP6n7xz7kMvjlz71ZCnCOLFpSwWobUcP7GSs_bTYXmfTGVSDl7GqAEPkdrFWCPBihG5vWb8a2EZocJdz9cza-RKppl8si1J7kj4ThEk/s1600/Hawk4.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Hawk resisted rolling his eyes, as that would just set her off. His mother was overly dramatic at times. Who cared about the man who had captured Ivory's heart? His mother obviously harbored a deep hatred of him. Hawk did not, they were unimportant in the grand scheme of things. Only two things were important, a child born of a wolf's heart, and raven's blood, skyehawk's child, who held the key to unimaginable power. And the Book, that would lead the child. That was what was important, and that is what he kept his focus on.<br />
<br />
"I propose that we play the little game Mother. I already hold the heart of Skye, she is hopelessly romantic and filled with such nonsense as true love, faith, kindness, and other such ilk. I will marry her, for that is her price, and I will live among them, like a predator among the sheep. They will not suspect a thing. The Book resides with them, and if I am living there, I will have plenty of opportunities to search for it.<br />
<br />
I will have a child with this Skye, and I will train it, as you have trained me. All underneath their noses, and with their approval. Then when the time is right..." His voice trailed off, and he shrugged again.<br />
<br />
Raven studied him. "And I suppose that during this time, you will want me to stay away."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3qIZ6Tv5b0fdTnRDwpZ6WBG3fdmy2cj6mV3KIYGT-v6Ujvtn60XB8knFT82rOTGPgbP0rGSZzODDJI0MdEwRlQpM_2w2c2FCmPVkVrawtPCyT2gWTU0XfkSpgfNwQzdnHYr7SARKhKTo/s1600/Hawk5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3qIZ6Tv5b0fdTnRDwpZ6WBG3fdmy2cj6mV3KIYGT-v6Ujvtn60XB8knFT82rOTGPgbP0rGSZzODDJI0MdEwRlQpM_2w2c2FCmPVkVrawtPCyT2gWTU0XfkSpgfNwQzdnHYr7SARKhKTo/s1600/Hawk5.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"It will not work otherwise, you know this to be true."<br />
<br />
"The Kahekilis have some sort of power." She spit the words out. "One I do not understand, that turns people, and makes them forget their purpose. Gives them lofty ideals. How do I know that you will not fall under their spell?"<br />
<br />
"Am I not your son? Raised by your hand only, from the time you gave birth to me?"<br />
<br />
"It is not my blood running through you that concerns me. It is your father's, and his softness. Can you stand the test, and swear you will be by my side on that Day?"<br />
<br />
Hawk opened himself up. "Read me then Mother. Read my thoughts, and know my strength of will." He felt her in his mind, recalling his memories, he held nothing back, not even his attraction to Skye. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWyirHBvfqB18mMBhd3Ut4Mb2F4jrJEVbaaZOjVej2cfnvmgyWa16xq6RqB89Nm3wN-9lK5HMtzuitqbtKA6UO9DxbnYuwXtEYxycfRfURNcrIW8pfLbx3-CHxwhpL2r795O145lEQMyo/s1600/Hawk6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWyirHBvfqB18mMBhd3Ut4Mb2F4jrJEVbaaZOjVej2cfnvmgyWa16xq6RqB89Nm3wN-9lK5HMtzuitqbtKA6UO9DxbnYuwXtEYxycfRfURNcrIW8pfLbx3-CHxwhpL2r795O145lEQMyo/s1600/Hawk6.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
She nodded, and rose from her seat. "Very well. We will do this your way."<br />
<br />
"No spies Mother. Nothing. Either you trust me totally, or kill me now and be done with it. We will do this my way, and that includes zero interference from you. One little misstep, and you will ruin everything."<br />
<br />
Raven was silent for a long moment. "Agreed. I look forward to when next we meet, do not disappoint me Hawk."<br />
<br />
"Understood."<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
~<>~<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Colin glowered at the two males sitting on the couch in front of him. Once was a jacka*s and a d*ckhead, and he didn't understand what his daughter Luna saw in him. The other, was too f*cking perfect, with his manners and submissive behavior. Colin could smell bullsh*t a mile away, and the kid was filled with it. There was no fear in the kid's eyes, and there sure as h*ll should have been.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL1KG1zlRRssXZDRQTtEL6nWPocF7K46nlHLYPUBGeNTvtESRH3DmsiI14expp2O4k8SKpqlfmHHYBzpYFtML47ae_O6G1iIlhMdbJjnl4cMEXocODWhzufwyF_u0Rh67tyKjwAULk2wU/s1600/Colin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL1KG1zlRRssXZDRQTtEL6nWPocF7K46nlHLYPUBGeNTvtESRH3DmsiI14expp2O4k8SKpqlfmHHYBzpYFtML47ae_O6G1iIlhMdbJjnl4cMEXocODWhzufwyF_u0Rh67tyKjwAULk2wU/s1600/Colin.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
He would have liked to bury them both in the backyard. Or beat the sh*t out of them, just to give them a little taste of what happened to guys that hurt his little girls. He scowled. Skylar and Luna were constantly telling him they were not little girls anymore, but the f*ck they weren't. They would always be his little girls.<br />
<br />
He knew though, that he had to walk a fine line. If he pushed too much, then he pushed them away from him, and toward the little a*sholes on the couch. He wrestled with that balance constantly. Take the smug b*stard that Luna claimed she loved, all he needed were a few seconds with that punk, and he would fix that attitude right up. The sh*theads just needed to give him a reason...<br />
<br />
"We'll have them back ten minutes before curfew." the one called Hawk said.<br />
<br />
Colin eyed him, his hands felt twitchy.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYcnt8thAZ_6oLB-eswvfujCv-ripQwPwA65PuvvjBKMV2QKFb8cVprCXQMRphu1CkqP5Ke4wRHinPyuT_RSEFbSf51jHWAGcquF4pcKTs-tYDZj5SxZ9yqeIAocNv1H9C8GIMnQmFv-k/s1600/Colin1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYcnt8thAZ_6oLB-eswvfujCv-ripQwPwA65PuvvjBKMV2QKFb8cVprCXQMRphu1CkqP5Ke4wRHinPyuT_RSEFbSf51jHWAGcquF4pcKTs-tYDZj5SxZ9yqeIAocNv1H9C8GIMnQmFv-k/s1600/Colin1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
That one he liked least of all. No one was that perfect, and it made him wonder what the h*ll he was hiding. "Jack?" Colin hollered. "Get your as...butt down here." Jack was playing chaperone again, a role he absolutely hated. Colin had given his daughters a choice though, either Jack went with them, or he did. Both had quickly voted for their brother.<br />
<br />
Colin was counting on his son to make their dates as unenjoyable as possible, which Jack normally did without even trying. Jack made him f*cking proud. He heard Skye's voice as she came into the room.<br />
<br />
"Daddy, you're behaving right? Being nice to our guests?"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBJOzPJmoQExIphA54oNPkgQBVm8oHxxULaYObjta0ADkgLc3B_nRNrrC40k_pBKVGKJd1yQj8BCLbqPtu9_x3BgnYZND18zvkQOvgn99mxDUUMl9Vx8kEBU8MlOZnikWPcN7XgbbmlrU/s1600/Colin2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBJOzPJmoQExIphA54oNPkgQBVm8oHxxULaYObjta0ADkgLc3B_nRNrrC40k_pBKVGKJd1yQj8BCLbqPtu9_x3BgnYZND18zvkQOvgn99mxDUUMl9Vx8kEBU8MlOZnikWPcN7XgbbmlrU/s1600/Colin2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"And why wouldn't I be? Is there a reason? And I think you should change that shirt, it shows off too much of your shoulders."<br />
<br />
Skye rolled her eyes. "Daddy, this isn't the middle ages! What I'm wearing is considered very conservative."<br />
<br />
"I think flour sacks should be the new fashion rage. Why don't you start it Skye?"<br />
<br />
Before Skye could answer, Luna bounded the stairs. "I'm ready!"<br />
<br />
Colin glanced over at Luna as Devin stood up. "There's my Angel." Devin said with a smile.<br />
<br />
Angel. Angel. Angel. The word reverberated around in Colin's head.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCEAA0oTpG9ByrpPQEK6kWyfTQUoTkAkBs4GucrhkaXR2Yv9FL_ZPljzXtg5yHJaruw5ie0DpWaZhAi-Df35ePEp790CWMn6ls_drg8DnRremh2d1sk-Q8rH4HSxrr9M9sShyphenhyphenEi9j9wRI/s1600/Colin3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCEAA0oTpG9ByrpPQEK6kWyfTQUoTkAkBs4GucrhkaXR2Yv9FL_ZPljzXtg5yHJaruw5ie0DpWaZhAi-Df35ePEp790CWMn6ls_drg8DnRremh2d1sk-Q8rH4HSxrr9M9sShyphenhyphenEi9j9wRI/s1600/Colin3.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Images flashed through his mind, faster than he could grasp, one after another. Angel. Angel. It was his voice, speaking to a woman.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9-TEwyTMHRcSicX85rMqV-Tuhd5GTfyIYM7kDVuuxZyWyj-bSAsqNp9KtRTlGb5kBupp6wbU8j43iSAUH7jnQhEEOVtaOqlvfPllpvBWXjB272OGg5sjFRFeaXzmw1aWUpB0Xr1M80FQ/s1600/Colin4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9-TEwyTMHRcSicX85rMqV-Tuhd5GTfyIYM7kDVuuxZyWyj-bSAsqNp9KtRTlGb5kBupp6wbU8j43iSAUH7jnQhEEOVtaOqlvfPllpvBWXjB272OGg5sjFRFeaXzmw1aWUpB0Xr1M80FQ/s1600/Colin4.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
Angel...Angel...Angel...He could feel her.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxGnFQih4ieEulFw7YWg6S_AQp-UDBOPgQgtoJ1P5g6PRERC_dYBe8-ubfg9Te8CD3mvt1-MqpVLldilZHWYmASMmjUMVFmz11ONveY0YmDX9gfooxHblEPpU5YfBBlDN9vc27nd7Vreg/s1600/Colin5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxGnFQih4ieEulFw7YWg6S_AQp-UDBOPgQgtoJ1P5g6PRERC_dYBe8-ubfg9Te8CD3mvt1-MqpVLldilZHWYmASMmjUMVFmz11ONveY0YmDX9gfooxHblEPpU5YfBBlDN9vc27nd7Vreg/s1600/Colin5.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
He could see her. His Angel.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifXQOGBAlIcgdTwEVqCKhC1tfRXXPjIFlZHaFZfP4AUDu43ltI5W63_Z576iNZepKaiomX_9e_PoR2OKldH_GT2LvooxrgbiuGiIhk-BH5BrbbhdnQFkcJxjGrU2CL90itUVW9kcGyYo4/s1600/Colin6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifXQOGBAlIcgdTwEVqCKhC1tfRXXPjIFlZHaFZfP4AUDu43ltI5W63_Z576iNZepKaiomX_9e_PoR2OKldH_GT2LvooxrgbiuGiIhk-BH5BrbbhdnQFkcJxjGrU2CL90itUVW9kcGyYo4/s1600/Colin6.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Colin felt his vision receding, the blessed darkness was coming for him.<br />
<br />
Only one thought remained. She was gone. Gone. Gone.<br />
<br />
<br />
______________________________________________________________________________ <br />
Notes: So---somewhat of a long chapter, sorry about that. Lots going on though, so I hope you all didn't notice the length too much, lol<br />
<br />
Just to be clear, he's not dead. He just passed out. The combo of seeing Luna, who looks so much like her mother, coming into the room, just as Devin calls her an Angel, well, it was a bit much for him to take, lol =) Does that mean his memory is coming back? Maybe...<br />
<br />
So, all three kids have their own storyline, because I like to complicate things. XD Should be fun weaving it all together and yet keeping it straight, haha<br />
<br />
So, some quick answers, of a sort. Devin is a jerk yes, but more than that. I only hint at it using Tanner's words, but Devin is very possessive, and that is not a good sign. Neither is it a good sign that Devin doesn't like her to spend time with anyone but him, he is effectively trying to isolate her from family and friends. Luna thinks it shows he cares, but Devin only cares about Devin.<br />
<br />
Did I make Hawk a bad guy? Yes, he's a bad guy. *hides* Sorry! This was the trouble I hinted at in earlier chapters though, that the sisters may attract the wrong attention. And they did. The prophecy does tie in with what Jack is doing.<br />
<br />
Speaking of Jack---I had so much fun spending that little bit of time with Ethan again. I know, I keep bringing him back, but hey, he was a genius! He's not alive, it's just a program, so no repeats of Gen3. And I'll probably not show him again, just know that Jack is learning lots of stuff from him.<br />
<br />
I am going to try to tie up some loose ends, as I start closing in on the finishing line of this challenge.<br />
<br />
And of course next chapter, we'll find out if Colin does regain his memory, and if he does, what happens then? <br />
<br />
Thanks for reading, and for leaving comments! If you all have any questions, ask away, and I'll try to answer them. Unless it would be a spoiler, lol<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Nirarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15253184399668018141noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2767753407529003708.post-39148516208804857452014-06-01T10:06:00.001-07:002014-06-01T10:06:30.338-07:00Chapter 80: Growing Pains<h3>
Warning: Language and butt shot(s)</h3>
<h3>
</h3>
<br />
"I did it!"<br />
<br />
Her sister's words caused Skye to pause in the middle of her stretching and ask cautiously, "What exactly did you do?"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOA821qk0WDIdMsClFuXdiaouh0LsnSpv826pq8If2OoNTwVlnlmmoI1BDbUEHJQp-0rxiRbnEJExvNZQxOpxKxaqw2kHCadIex5Qz_MWr4fFip34NeTUkH2pVeIcACNJY89sAN_osCiA/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOA821qk0WDIdMsClFuXdiaouh0LsnSpv826pq8If2OoNTwVlnlmmoI1BDbUEHJQp-0rxiRbnEJExvNZQxOpxKxaqw2kHCadIex5Qz_MWr4fFip34NeTUkH2pVeIcACNJY89sAN_osCiA/s1600/3.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
"I simply borrowed Jack's computer while he was occupied elsewhere. I knew he had a search program that would find out more information for us, he was just being obtuse and unhelpful."<br />
<br />
Skye groaned. "Luna, you didn't! You know how Jack is about his computer!"<br />
<br />
Luna shrugged. "He'll get over it. Do you want to hear what I found out, or not?"<br />
<br />
"Of course I want to know, is that even a question?"<br />
<br />
Luna smiled at her sister. "Her name is Ivory. Ivory Mist."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4t4zG4YCfva7uB7VYndGtgUsMVXxJQmRj5jSv36p0XObet5x9GjW2KEWt9QBc7dSFWLQPKFe-Pcq05kzROUhlaUwvMmbm3HrhoYnUxkp66X9GsFZVmJzARLK6Ayj1dkzR-WY5PBDxQfM/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4t4zG4YCfva7uB7VYndGtgUsMVXxJQmRj5jSv36p0XObet5x9GjW2KEWt9QBc7dSFWLQPKFe-Pcq05kzROUhlaUwvMmbm3HrhoYnUxkp66X9GsFZVmJzARLK6Ayj1dkzR-WY5PBDxQfM/s1600/2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"Oooh." Skye whispered. "Her name is so pretty. Ivory Mist. What else did you find out?"<br />
<br />
"Not much more. Only that she was executed, some sort of lethal poison, the day after we were born. They didn't bury her though, some woman, our mother's sister according to the record I was reading, claimed her body. Do you know what this means?"<br />
<br />
"She really is dead." Skye said sadly. "I was sort of hoping there was some sort of a mix up, you know? Daddy lost his memory, why couldn't something like that have happened to her?"<br />
<br />
"You're missing the point Skye!" Luna said, exasperated. "It means our mother has family, which means we have family that we don't even know yet!"<br />
<br />
"Oh. I didn't even think of that. We could have cousins!" Skylar grinned at her sister.<br />
<br />
"Now you're getting it!"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisV70_I_-khQ-63DqXhaReX_CsTWcVuRdPJ1BeMMgFpY6DoBuOFDsjQXwlWC5Og5xR_5KxZ2FwNbuFhBhEzfDPhZa8nZgrrMEFbnszSEzp1CI93cQU0nRAngQite6InN2VJnW9fiXuT-M/s1600/1.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisV70_I_-khQ-63DqXhaReX_CsTWcVuRdPJ1BeMMgFpY6DoBuOFDsjQXwlWC5Og5xR_5KxZ2FwNbuFhBhEzfDPhZa8nZgrrMEFbnszSEzp1CI93cQU0nRAngQite6InN2VJnW9fiXuT-M/s1600/1.1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Skylar frowned. "How do we find them though?"<br />
<br />
"I'm not sure yet." Luna said. "I'm still working on it. Plugging in our birthdays got me that info, if only we knew what town she came from."<br />
<br />
"If only Daddy remembered something."<br />
<br />
"We'd better not tell him just yet Skye. He might stop us, and I couldn't bear the unknowing!"<br />
<br />
"He'll find out sooner or later Luna, he always does."<br />
<br />
"Well, let's just make it later. Sister pact?"<br />
<br />
Skye hesitated, she hated lying to her father, it never went well when she did. However, she knew how important this search was to Luna. "Okay, Luna. Sister pact, but I don't like it!"<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
~<>~<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
"Hi, I'm Ginny. Mr. Coons said you could help me out with astrophysics class?"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAECIb7J7tNH9esu-_LgdkCulzXZ6xJQFzmPhTXn4VVb9hnfLgOrJChK2NNqUnCRMNrI2z6_RDIIfW9TOEfXtzoHnsPqILGFv-_5pYbU2z6uV0Mcesbg-pJI8OLCGCeJ-mda-PEKf2wQ4/s1600/4.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAECIb7J7tNH9esu-_LgdkCulzXZ6xJQFzmPhTXn4VVb9hnfLgOrJChK2NNqUnCRMNrI2z6_RDIIfW9TOEfXtzoHnsPqILGFv-_5pYbU2z6uV0Mcesbg-pJI8OLCGCeJ-mda-PEKf2wQ4/s1600/4.1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
"Oh, hello Ginny. I'm Jack. Wow, you're really pretty."<br />
<br />
"You sound surprised?"<br />
<br />
"Well, yeah. You belong to that freak family, but you don't look like a freak."<br />
<br />
"What did you say?!" Ginny grabbed her coat, and put it back on. "You are unbelievable, do you know that? Goodbye jerk."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2d70-O-yo2ACgJ1i6s41MMLn4nJyKA3pE3y4cXmVZOETWy26K6aOLDUMWmq4ILwiwa_6g-YNPkUjqN7OePmSSm8ay6_5X1LB_a_l46nsUsExEIYff33OpyVhSKOBDy7Kl1JdG-fvUAXQ/s1600/4.2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2d70-O-yo2ACgJ1i6s41MMLn4nJyKA3pE3y4cXmVZOETWy26K6aOLDUMWmq4ILwiwa_6g-YNPkUjqN7OePmSSm8ay6_5X1LB_a_l46nsUsExEIYff33OpyVhSKOBDy7Kl1JdG-fvUAXQ/s1600/4.2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
"What did I say?" Jack asked, confused.<br />
<br />
"Are you serious? You called me a freak!"<br />
<br />
"I did not," Jack said, affronted. "I clearly said you didn't look like a freak at all, unlike what other people say."<br />
<br />
"Other people like that jerk Devin and his buddies, you mean. Well, I don't need to stand here and listen to insults about me, or my family. I'm out of here, I'll find someone else to tutor me!"<br />
<br />
"What? I give you a compliment, and suddenly, I'm the bad guy?"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgHGkEy_uvsoVw_VtDmpicH9nbEOWQRTd8olmuZXAwRwv62tLbMz16Y3-YeHUHs4rhUK2vnOKnPvWu7xFIPUbhoF1G61JHWsoPLlo2TUdMcT7Kz7oaSFEVyeujN9_Dmkbhu4r3wvkS034/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgHGkEy_uvsoVw_VtDmpicH9nbEOWQRTd8olmuZXAwRwv62tLbMz16Y3-YeHUHs4rhUK2vnOKnPvWu7xFIPUbhoF1G61JHWsoPLlo2TUdMcT7Kz7oaSFEVyeujN9_Dmkbhu4r3wvkS034/s1600/5.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Jack winced as Ginny slammed the door on her way out. "You need to brush up on your technique, brother dear." Luna said behind him.<br />
<br />
Jack growled. "I didn't say anything! I was giving her a compliment, I thought she was pretty!"<br />
<br />
Luna laughed. "Jack, you're an idiot."<br />
<br />
"Go away Luna."<br />
<br />
<br />
~<>~<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
"Hey Luna!" Skye hollered as she ran into the room, "have you seen my..." She came to a quick screeching halt when she noticed her sister was not alone. "Oh my..." Her eyes widened in shock, then she blushed furiously as she averted her gaze. "You didn't," she stuttered, then cleared her throat and tried again, "you didn't tell me you had company!"<br />
<br />
"What?" Luna mumbled absently.<br />
<br />
"You have company!" Skye hissed.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhvgTjPrJhLyDp1jXFIMf6XuF94rBqzgReZGAHX_xVu3HOW4ROW558S0YnEAdGsiX01AGfZCcN0sDePb0GkNXTNt-Pe7iXkquaCf4IO7W65u8KaNb2aIpmTIqCbO5MkfiMZEmHsFl0f4g/s1600/ice1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhvgTjPrJhLyDp1jXFIMf6XuF94rBqzgReZGAHX_xVu3HOW4ROW558S0YnEAdGsiX01AGfZCcN0sDePb0GkNXTNt-Pe7iXkquaCf4IO7W65u8KaNb2aIpmTIqCbO5MkfiMZEmHsFl0f4g/s1600/ice1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
"Oh, you mean Hawk? He's not company, he's my art project."<br />
<br />
"Art project?" Skye looked up, only to notice the guy in question was smiling at her. She blushed again and looked down at her feet. "He's naked!"<br />
<br />
"Of course he's naked."<br />
<br />
Skye fanned her hot cheeks. She was going to die of embarrassment. "What do you mean of course?!" Skye tried to keep her voice down, Luna didn't even bother.<br />
<br />
"Well, Mr. Landgraab said I was supposed to carve something in ice that was truly magnificent in my eyes. I find the male body truly magnificent." Luna's eyes gleamed. "I wanted Devin to pose for me, but he said the first time I see his naked body is when we go all the way, and not before." She frowned slightly. "I'm not quite ready for that. So, I asked my second choice. Sorry Hawk, no offense." Luna smiled apologetically at him.<br />
<br />
Skye had always heard of the expression, 'whiskey soaked voice', but she had never heard a voice before that made her think of that expression, until Hawk responded, "None taken." <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXPj-mhmyETDYNMpulLUXnATnMi6YX6ZZqFn5AXzMhzIIlLwCrIsSYQWZhjdmQvoYR8FxBN69czEvTvPY6bE1YSau11lsL1K6PCopYofjtFuEZ2xc7wY2etb3iXn8MpWStvZTdNHLHfoA/s1600/ice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXPj-mhmyETDYNMpulLUXnATnMi6YX6ZZqFn5AXzMhzIIlLwCrIsSYQWZhjdmQvoYR8FxBN69czEvTvPY6bE1YSau11lsL1K6PCopYofjtFuEZ2xc7wY2etb3iXn8MpWStvZTdNHLHfoA/s1600/ice.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
She was going to die. No, she couldn't die just yet, she had to kill her sister first! Stupid, stupid, stupid! From now on Skye swore she would always knock on Luna's studio door before going in. Her eyes kept looking at him of their own volition. She had never seen...<i>that</i>... before! She blushed again when she caught his knowing smirk. Yep, she was going to die. They were all going to die if their Dad came in, unless... "Luna, does Daddy know he's here?"<br />
<br />
"Don't be silly. Daddy would have a cow." Luna rolled her eyes. "I'm almost done, and Hawk will be long gone before Daddy, or any of the adults get home."<br />
<br />
"Luna..."<br />
<br />
"Shhhh, do you hear that?"<br />
<br />
"It sounds like Jack, and he doesn't sound happy. What did you do now?"<br />
<br />
"Nothing!" Luna said defensively. "I simply borrowed his exacto-knife, because I couldn't find mine. I got most of the clay off of it! I'd better go talk to him, if he sees Hawk here, he just might tell Daddy because he's mad at me. Skye, keep Hawk company for a minute would you?"<br />
<br />
"Wait! Luna! I don't even know him, and he's well..."<br />
<br />
"Hawk, meet my sister Skye. Skye, this is Hawk. I'll be back in a moment!"<br />
<br />
"Pleased to meet you Skye." Hawk's voice rumbled.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmzpK4OR_oJkBeC6JMeQV8vcaEIKmQPSXYRJh97M_eXRL6Xow-ic45Tc2k8mT0yjJoZTMcj1_F68iPWBBw2u2rFp1MSb9GhRxM-5yIMNLIq0felpiiqeRAADxmUzouTU1VyY_RTBbHHO4/s1600/ice2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmzpK4OR_oJkBeC6JMeQV8vcaEIKmQPSXYRJh97M_eXRL6Xow-ic45Tc2k8mT0yjJoZTMcj1_F68iPWBBw2u2rFp1MSb9GhRxM-5yIMNLIq0felpiiqeRAADxmUzouTU1VyY_RTBbHHO4/s1600/ice2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Skye went beet red. He was so big and...naked! It didn't seem to disturb him in the least, but she was highly distracted by his nudity. And...and <i>that</i>. She fanned her cheeks again. She knew she was coming across as terribly gauche, but she couldn't help it. Skye always felt tongue tied around good looking guys anyway, but add naked to it, and she was lucky she hadn't fainted. Not yet anyway. "Hello." She bit her lip, and tried to find a safe place to look. No, not down, that <i>thing</i> was in her peripheral, and that just wouldn't do.<br />
<br />
She tried straight ahead, but was confronted with the view of his chest. He had a marvelous chest she thought dreamily, then she shook herself out of it. She was being an idiot. Luna was correct though, he was magnificent to look at. She looked up into his warm green eyes, and sighed. He had beautiful eyes, and those lips of his! What would it be like to kiss him? Dimly she realized he had asked her something. Whoops! "Er, sorry, what did you say?"<br />
<br />
He smiled at her. She sighed again. He had such a lovely smile. "I was asking what it is like to be a triplet."<br />
<br />
"Oh. Well, sometimes it can be a pain, especially since some people seem to think we are the same, and we aren't. The same, that is." Shut up Skye! she told herself. Time to act like she had a brain! "So...you're pretty new to this town aren't you, how did you meet my sister?" <br />
<br />
"Yeah, just moved here about a week ago." He confirmed. "I had heard that there's lots of opportunities here in my field of interest, so I decided to check it out. I've decided I really like it here."<br />
<br />
"Field of interest?" <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnO47uHPp7BdUOJPmPL9etfBEicPHZNPCDD6vbjf-RCOoEqpVWoDxnxqiJGffW-MK3Q19fEc5ufmZMAgjJMziBZERyY3ZgM7nE-QV6py2u-BcEPP5DgQwKWDUsCUCcANDxMFAAP9CrJ_I/s1600/ice3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnO47uHPp7BdUOJPmPL9etfBEicPHZNPCDD6vbjf-RCOoEqpVWoDxnxqiJGffW-MK3Q19fEc5ufmZMAgjJMziBZERyY3ZgM7nE-QV6py2u-BcEPP5DgQwKWDUsCUCcANDxMFAAP9CrJ_I/s1600/ice3.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"Alchemy. It's a dying art, but recently there has been some renewed interest in it, and more and more shops are opening up and selling supplies, and teaching the art form. I've done my research, and this town has the best shop, and the shopkeeper is looking for an apprentice. I graduate in a few months, so the timing seemed perfect. So here I am."<br />
<br />
"Really? There's an alchemy shop in our little town?"<br />
<br />
"It's outside of town, on Hollow Rd."<br />
<br />
"I'll have to check that out sometime. And...how did you meet my sister? She's not exactly into alchemy."<br />
<br />
Hawk laughed. "No, she isn't. I ran into her accidentally in the hall at school." He shrugged. "The rest, as they say, is history."<br />
<br />
"Well, I hope I'm not stepping in where I'm not wanted," Skye said nervously, "but Luna is in love with Devin Winter, our school's quarterback and captain of the football team. And she has been ever since he moved to town. So if you have designs on her..." Skye considered it very likely that Hawk did. All the guys wanted to be with her sister, and who could blame them? Luna was gorgeous, not at all a plain jane, like Skye was. Or awkward either. Luna was never awkward, she always knew what to say, and where to look. "I'm afraid to say that you'll probably be disappointed."<br />
<br />
"I'm not interested in Luna." Hawk corrected himself. "Well, not romantically anyway, just as a friend. I'm new in town and I don't know many people. She seemed to be in a bind, and I've done some modeling before, so it was no big deal." Skye just bet that he had done some modeling before. The guy was seriously good looking! And still naked! And still not embarrassed or ashamed about it either! Hawk glanced at the clock on the wall. "Hmm, I'd better throw my clothes on. I seem to recall Luna saying that your Dad gets home around six, and it's a quarter to."<br />
<br />
Skylar was almost sad to see him in clothes, but she was able to breath easier, now that he wasn't so...naked. "I'd better get my homework done too, it was nice talking to you...Hawk."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNdWeQJlatN39juob-T1Yee2DyvaSbUtO0ZuTcRtaotiVz9aChMuTMBjsd7Nb6h-6znnc8obJVNDPiVaGue0i09p5M4DJi4W539zgTbLnzprNH2ZwF4XNQw4LrZLkchkSoPWEmIY3XbOk/s1600/ice4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNdWeQJlatN39juob-T1Yee2DyvaSbUtO0ZuTcRtaotiVz9aChMuTMBjsd7Nb6h-6znnc8obJVNDPiVaGue0i09p5M4DJi4W539zgTbLnzprNH2ZwF4XNQw4LrZLkchkSoPWEmIY3XbOk/s1600/ice4.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"Hey, you too Skye." He said warmly. "I hope I meet up with you in school, like I said, I don't know many people yet, and it's always nice to see a familiar face."<br />
<br />
"I doubt that will be a problem for you very long. You'll have lots of girls all over you before you know it, you'll see." Skye patted him on the shoulder, well, at least, that was what she had intended. A nice friendly pat, but when she touched him, she felt electricity curl inside her, like a ten thousand watt snake had just bit her. She stared at her hand on his shoulder, and felt her heart pounding in her ears.<br />
<br />
She lifted her eyes to his, and found him watching her, his eyes, hot, intense; he made no effort to move, but stayed still beneath her hand. She could feel the heat of him under his clothes, and all those coiled muscles of his...and she knew what he looked like, under those clothes. A blush stole up her cheeks. She snatched her hand away. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean..."<br />
<br />
He gently pulled her hand back, and kissed her fingers lightly. "I really hope I see you again Skye." He released her hand, and left quietly. Skye stared after him. What in the world had just happened? What had come over her? And how could a guy like him...with someone like her...it just didn't compute, as her brother would say. She pushed all the unfamiliar and unsettling sensations away and concentrated on her homework. This, she could understand. Guys? That was out of her league.<br />
<br />
<br />
~<>~<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
"Oh, hi Mr. Kahekili."<br />
<br />
"Devin," Ryder eyed the boy and his granddaughter suspiciously. "What are you two doing out here?" He looked closer at Luna. "Are you all right?"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf2zCi_ymjLxmvR-l8P4-LWwqbx1YJpyNuFXpDPGjXTFADjnEXmF7lltz6jYxy-bHyo1WpMIZEtc7CeGpgOxbGROTpLQSELxf8JKnWjIn3xs5YODmMFaXOc6PLbA0Qt6nqe8ARTrTDgJM/s1600/Luna.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf2zCi_ymjLxmvR-l8P4-LWwqbx1YJpyNuFXpDPGjXTFADjnEXmF7lltz6jYxy-bHyo1WpMIZEtc7CeGpgOxbGROTpLQSELxf8JKnWjIn3xs5YODmMFaXOc6PLbA0Qt6nqe8ARTrTDgJM/s1600/Luna.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
"Nothing Grandpa, just talking." Luna wasn't about to tell her grandfather that Devin had finally come clean with her, only because she had caught him red-handed. She had been hearing rumors for weeks that he had cheated on her, with Chelsea Bartlow of all people. The ugly cow. She had seen them kissing in the park, with her own eyes, the cheating snake. That was Tuesday night, and she had been ignoring his calls ever since. Tonight, instead of calling her, he had shown up at her house.<br />
<br />
"I was just asking Luna if she'd go to the Prom with me."<br />
<br />
Luna glared at him. The snake, he even had the audacity to stand there and act like nothing was wrong. And smile about it. She needed a bat.<br />
<br />
"Really?" Ryder asked skeptically.<br />
<br />
"Yes Sir. Prom is just a few weeks away, and I want to go with my best girl." He cast Luna a winsome smile. His best girl? She needed a really big, heavy, metal bat. His best girl? The dirty low down snake. She was supposed to be his only girl! He wasn't supposed to be sleeping around with fat cows named Chelsea Bartlow!<br />
<br />
She pasted a fake smile on her face for her Grandfather's benefit. "I'm not so sure that I can go with you to Prom." <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaAGWjfv3qYqjXND-Oo2DLhBhWCJ1iN1lN1gKrM5vyUISvz1YEUPVyqw-U1MIRvMPsP8pjkAlZmyjpx1Xwf-ZWe_B5bDYwML92itIJdGgBUW43v8akJwDLGXqldIp8XsxCcZwnsUbTeYY/s1600/Luna1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaAGWjfv3qYqjXND-Oo2DLhBhWCJ1iN1lN1gKrM5vyUISvz1YEUPVyqw-U1MIRvMPsP8pjkAlZmyjpx1Xwf-ZWe_B5bDYwML92itIJdGgBUW43v8akJwDLGXqldIp8XsxCcZwnsUbTeYY/s1600/Luna1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
"Why is that?"<br />
<br />
Luna scowled at Devin. How low could he go, acting like he was the one that was hurt? He was the cheating no good lying dirt sucking low bellied snake! What she wouldn't give for a bat! "There's an Art show that night." She lied.<br />
<br />
"Oh well, if that's all." Devin rolled his eyes. He thought her pursuit of art was stupid. Well she thought kicking a ball around and beating up on someone just for having the ball was stupid. So there. Jerk.<br />
<br />
She'd had enough of his nonsense. "I have homework to finish." She told him coolly. "So, I'll see you later." She turned on her heel and went into the house, fuming the whole way.<br />
<br />
Ryder watched the exchange in silence, he knew something was off, but wasn't exactly sure what it was. Luna wasn't being forthcoming about it either. He supposed she would have to work it out on her own, whatever it was. She knew he was here if she needed anything. Help. Advice. Even just to talk while he listened. He sighed. Teenagers. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
~<>~<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
"Look Skye, it's your loverboy!"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmvWEI6liyeEWkPuSSyMKYO1Fi_RbXJasHRfT1l4bNfZ7gYuULF5_5durGwT6sOYnqO4g6SPySPckgpTB_nACjGaLXfoBTeN77eBqF7t1g_32U9hH6d4479CAPjjTJBeuzRklqBc1i_HM/s1600/skye.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmvWEI6liyeEWkPuSSyMKYO1Fi_RbXJasHRfT1l4bNfZ7gYuULF5_5durGwT6sOYnqO4g6SPySPckgpTB_nACjGaLXfoBTeN77eBqF7t1g_32U9hH6d4479CAPjjTJBeuzRklqBc1i_HM/s1600/skye.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"Shut up Luna!" Skye whispered back.<br />
<br />
"All you do is talk about him, think about him, dream about him...you should go talk to him!"<br />
<br />
Skye was already shaking her head no. "No way. I'll die of embarrassment. Come on, let's get out of here, before he sees us!" Skylar had no intentions of repeating her foolishness. He was just being nice that day, she didn't want to add any extra meaning to anything that he might have said. Or any action that she might have done. Or any reaction that he might have had. She definitely didn't want him to think she was mooning over him like some stupid school girl, even if she was. <br />
<br />
"What? And let a perfectly good opportunity go? Are you nuts? He's still single Skye, you gotta nab him before some other girl nabs him. I'll get his attention for you..."<br />
<br />
Skye saw the grin cross her sister's face. "Luna, don't you dare!"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE3zzEQOuVmF6UvGrbktT8ZRWV2SRjKdI7Dc1BETEOmObF3BwSy0A-wzobh04NATHAU1cABU4z-mxoXJemWpB_bRU7qSnH_iLGZTtO7TH-cX3zZFr66HKgeC_4qEFBdyuWQDHllI0-3M0/s1600/Skye1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE3zzEQOuVmF6UvGrbktT8ZRWV2SRjKdI7Dc1BETEOmObF3BwSy0A-wzobh04NATHAU1cABU4z-mxoXJemWpB_bRU7qSnH_iLGZTtO7TH-cX3zZFr66HKgeC_4qEFBdyuWQDHllI0-3M0/s1600/Skye1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"What? I know you're really into him Skye, and you guys would make an adorable couple. He asks about you all the time when I see him. You can do this, just talk to the guy."<br />
<br />
"No, no, no! I can't!" Skye was wildly shaking her head no. "I'll make an idiot of myself again! Skye, he was naked! I couldn't look away!"<br />
<br />
Luna shrugged. "I can't blame you there sis, he's one good looking guy. I would go for him, except I'm already in love with someone else." Luna frowned, snake that he was. She pushed her sadness aside, and put her focus back on Skye. Skye was so quiet and reserved, many guys didn't give her chance, and it irritated Luna to no end.<br />
<br />
"Are you two talking about boys again?" Jack's loud voice could be heard for miles.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEievbJ_8GPAKwlk-peznsPsDoSS73Ua9k8PcZGyCHt0-U7aADncaY5Upt7B9zU7q2pc5pH5fPmAvH3eb_f_p6IXdK-5rz-dhBR2ErWr-sYI0Ob2pHINXseCqgEf4cXSd617qg-8VEyr1RI/s1600/skye2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEievbJ_8GPAKwlk-peznsPsDoSS73Ua9k8PcZGyCHt0-U7aADncaY5Upt7B9zU7q2pc5pH5fPmAvH3eb_f_p6IXdK-5rz-dhBR2ErWr-sYI0Ob2pHINXseCqgEf4cXSd617qg-8VEyr1RI/s1600/skye2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"Shut up Jack!" Both girls said together.<br />
<br />
Jack sighed irritably. "What did I say now?" <br />
<br />
"Oh no, HE's looking this way! Jack I swear I'm going to kill you!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjalW-c4t21Ca9QDk2PWegYgZqqTTlZX90EJHE30xFxQWWbzQngM_ylLirE9enT3PGBey-DoCnhyphenhyphenGv_54WH63sP6gYinhic9jUR8TPQ3qSbJQo_YuNXfatxIO9mglQnzWTVt0CFm10V9Mg/s1600/skye3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjalW-c4t21Ca9QDk2PWegYgZqqTTlZX90EJHE30xFxQWWbzQngM_ylLirE9enT3PGBey-DoCnhyphenhyphenGv_54WH63sP6gYinhic9jUR8TPQ3qSbJQo_YuNXfatxIO9mglQnzWTVt0CFm10V9Mg/s1600/skye3.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"Help me Luna!" Skye squeaked. "He's walking over here!"<br />
<br />
"Of course he's walking over here, he likes us, you in particular. Now, stop spazzing, and take a deep breath. You can do this Skye!"<br />
<br />
"No, no I can't. I'm going to faint. I swear, I'm going to faint! After I kill Jack, I'm going to faint."<br />
<br />
"Hey!" Jack complained. "I didn't do anything. What's your problem anyway? Who is that dude coming over here?"<br />
<br />
<br />
"Focus Skye. Look at me! Ignore Jack, and look at me." Skye complied.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy8826FHbR_GcztiqmJzwLWS4O9ZXTg8nCH_mmVOfKKvygs6zurY-OooCTP9gvfzdmzrK_wMkuPkZ0CTG17PqbhP4wc_jvHV9CNluq1Udm0IN_gpvjXzUjdACQwSjXpe2hbzj4K3FuupQ/s1600/skye4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy8826FHbR_GcztiqmJzwLWS4O9ZXTg8nCH_mmVOfKKvygs6zurY-OooCTP9gvfzdmzrK_wMkuPkZ0CTG17PqbhP4wc_jvHV9CNluq1Udm0IN_gpvjXzUjdACQwSjXpe2hbzj4K3FuupQ/s1600/skye4.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"You can do this. He's just a guy."<br />
<br />
"A really good looking guy." Skye said wistfully. "I'm not like you Luna, I'm not witty or pretty or..."<br />
<br />
"Pshh. That's a load of hogwash. Give him a chance."<br />
<br />
"Where are you going Luna? Luna?!"<br />
<br />
"I see Devin outside, I'm going to talk to him. You'll do just fine." Luna dragged a protesting Jack to the front of the store before she went outside. <br />
<br />
And then, there he was. Skye felt faint. "Hi." she said dumbly.<br />
<br />
He smiled warmly at her. "Hello Skye."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAtZFrqXVsEl3jIMkZtHEmwKFYXuOPcH4LIFWHe11LclU2hucI8AJ8VeZ53A0506LkIONzFqhnj7aY9biO2Fg8W5VsJnd2h0GISCLeh9W_7va8l1cVrfbnIxcWJ0DsnLfqLsiUnYgIxBs/s1600/skye5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAtZFrqXVsEl3jIMkZtHEmwKFYXuOPcH4LIFWHe11LclU2hucI8AJ8VeZ53A0506LkIONzFqhnj7aY9biO2Fg8W5VsJnd2h0GISCLeh9W_7va8l1cVrfbnIxcWJ0DsnLfqLsiUnYgIxBs/s1600/skye5.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
"Um, hi." Skye winced. She sounded so stupid!<br />
<br />
"Your sister is right, you know."<br />
<br />
"Right?" Skye was puzzled. What in the world was he talking about?<br />
<br />
He tugged on the neckline of his shirt a little. "What she just said, just now. I couldn't help but overhear!" He said apologetically. "The shelves are empty over there." He gestured to the shelves he had been standing by. Skye moaned, sure enough the shelves were empty. If she hadn't been freaking out so badly, she might have noticed that sooner. "I was trying to figure out a subtle way to come over and talk to you, thankfully your brother helped out with that."<br />
<br />
"Jack helped?" Skylar was having a hard time grasping the words that Hawk was speaking. "You mean, you overheard Luna and I? Talking about you?" At Hawk's nervous nod, Skylar groaned. "Oh, just kill me now!"<br />
<br />
"And what? Deprive me of your company? How could you be so cruel?" Hawk joked. "Seriously Skye, I do really like you. And, your sister, yeah, she's nice looking and all, but you, you're just...beautiful. And I would love to get to know you better."<br />
<br />
Skye flushed crimson. She nervously chewed on her lip. "You don't have to flatter me, you know. I'm well aware that compared to Luna, I'm just..." her voice trailed away.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBgjmhnsHD2S7SJGeXRz7rgbwhfINvywgtERT0_1mVdQrQBcZXSaAh2HKYOOjObfb1L9qX_5Ggn_VgDMs5OYoBQVl6GfVhA5o8n5gWmLheoFSrY8NNgEkRDrwOISNb2ZIh3TXUs_-Ia78/s1600/skye6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBgjmhnsHD2S7SJGeXRz7rgbwhfINvywgtERT0_1mVdQrQBcZXSaAh2HKYOOjObfb1L9qX_5Ggn_VgDMs5OYoBQVl6GfVhA5o8n5gWmLheoFSrY8NNgEkRDrwOISNb2ZIh3TXUs_-Ia78/s1600/skye6.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
"It's not flattery if it's true, and it's true Skye." Hawk said softly. "How about we just talk, and get to know each other a little bit."<br />
<br />
"Okay. I'd like that." Skye smiled shyly. She couldn't believe that he actually thought she was pretty! No, not just pretty, but beautiful! Her? Beautiful? And he had seen Luna too! She searched his face though, and he looked open and honest. Oh lucky stars! He did like her! Like like her!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ8HvTGEJRX0woD4zNChwdDBLsbFcTh_-Krex4PJvms_xQQs4CcVFBDB7pn1mWAMrCyucX5IAvM2AnBjUly-FZ6x6DV5L_Q9J0T6HpCIoA_pMs2c_Oxr7eRiafZi8cIQiblXKZrc7zUWA/s1600/skye7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ8HvTGEJRX0woD4zNChwdDBLsbFcTh_-Krex4PJvms_xQQs4CcVFBDB7pn1mWAMrCyucX5IAvM2AnBjUly-FZ6x6DV5L_Q9J0T6HpCIoA_pMs2c_Oxr7eRiafZi8cIQiblXKZrc7zUWA/s1600/skye7.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
"What are you doing here Dev?" Luna's words were cold.<br />
<br />
"Aw, come on Baby, don't be that way."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn28B3r5D0RFwSQIzl_o1iBBNLnMIH8G_NyVQ6olSHQkXfS73lMM4CxnGq7syfYxZFsniNjA6qFp-_QDw-6lb9uEnql9ZpCPH3GsN-G5Fd2sYw_INp5XcE2sQBFqfX_4zskVnZUklwI44/s1600/luna2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn28B3r5D0RFwSQIzl_o1iBBNLnMIH8G_NyVQ6olSHQkXfS73lMM4CxnGq7syfYxZFsniNjA6qFp-_QDw-6lb9uEnql9ZpCPH3GsN-G5Fd2sYw_INp5XcE2sQBFqfX_4zskVnZUklwI44/s1600/luna2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"Be what way? You're the cheating, lying, dirt eating..."<br />
<br />
Devin grinned at her charmingly. "Dirt eating? I think not, Baby. Listen, you got to let me explain!"<br />
<br />
Luna crossed her arms. "Explain what? I think my eyes explained everything very nicely, thank you very much."<br />
<br />
He sighed. "Aw, Baby, I'm sorry I hurt you, you know I love you more than anything, and I wouldn't hurt you for the world!"<br />
<br />
"You have a lousy way of showing that."<br />
<br />
He scuffed his shoe on the pavement. "Yeah, I'm really sorry about that. Baby, you got to understand though, I have these physical needs, and...you weren't ready to take care of my needs yet, and hey, I was cool with that. Wasn't I? Chelsea was just for physical release, there is no love involved at all. I swear Baby, I love you, and only you. But, I had to do something or I'd explode."<br />
<br />
"Are you lying to me Devin Winters? Cause if you are..."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6vnn4kt4vhmNVmRI9fpi59NTB_mAhed1uCm_nSX6IeWLKh1JRRbGuw6xnhl8EnltLfc_slweflvqD6lj6khep5o1UAtNnRdUQQL8BL1OPx3uyimGOFeyfCWsX0lzWnF1CzxXpZXH-5us/s1600/luna3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6vnn4kt4vhmNVmRI9fpi59NTB_mAhed1uCm_nSX6IeWLKh1JRRbGuw6xnhl8EnltLfc_slweflvqD6lj6khep5o1UAtNnRdUQQL8BL1OPx3uyimGOFeyfCWsX0lzWnF1CzxXpZXH-5us/s1600/luna3.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"No Baby, I swear! I'm telling you the truth! I didn't want to sleep with her, but I didn't have a choice! If only you'd...but no, I won't put any pressure on you. I love you Baby, and when we graduate, we're gonna have that big wedding that you dream of, and have that family that you wanted. Just forgive me, please! Please Baby."<br />
<br />
"If I, if we, you know...then you wouldn't ever be with anyone but me?"<br />
<br />
"That's right Baby. Scout's honor. It's you that I love."<br />
<br />
Luna was undecided. On one hand, he had cheated on her. On the other hand, he was sorry about it, and he said he wouldn't cheat anymore if she would...if she would sleep with him. She loved him, and she really didn't know why she had wanted to wait, but if it would help keep Devin on the straight and narrow, well then. She still wanted it to be special though. "I'll forgive you Dev..."<br />
<br />
He breathed a sigh of a relief. "Thank you, thank you! You're the greatest Baby, and I love you so much."<br />
<br />
"...on one condition Dev."<br />
<br />
"Anything."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgerEGwIiGbEr-SlGk906A0DHGlUBKajrxuZWdnKCqzs_Cd9VyhPUMn7ggQlGrlR2v8NjTbmogL7Ms5KD0JuZzxOYAusyqSxscUCw-hHj3c7EKcroKsxk_klwlO6nES6drwPdnMR0naE0g/s1600/luna4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgerEGwIiGbEr-SlGk906A0DHGlUBKajrxuZWdnKCqzs_Cd9VyhPUMn7ggQlGrlR2v8NjTbmogL7Ms5KD0JuZzxOYAusyqSxscUCw-hHj3c7EKcroKsxk_klwlO6nES6drwPdnMR0naE0g/s1600/luna4.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"That you promise never to cheat on me again."<br />
<br />
"Done."<br />
<br />
Luna hesitated. "Also, Dev, I'd like our first time to be special. How about after Prom? It's only a couple of weeks away, you can last that long can't you?"<br />
<br />
"For you Baby, I can do anything. I could even rent a room, do it up really nice for you." He said casually. He reached out and fingered her hair. "I love you Luna, only you. I want to be with you the rest of my life."<br />
<br />
Luna hugged him tightly. "Oh me too Dev, I want to be with you the rest of my life. This past week and half has been simply awful! I love you so much, I don't know what I'd do without you!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt467yI0_weaMNUgaj20pGkkAm_N4CBH1tgA3AZZsb-I2DqDWBxYeH2GzazEn_UOsch6R6Fpwmimh2MRd7EgIk9KQ1Tp2P1mgsX7yWdnqcWaBGsinFedMDlScjWkqkCOZPQxDIRMaFvkY/s1600/Luna5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt467yI0_weaMNUgaj20pGkkAm_N4CBH1tgA3AZZsb-I2DqDWBxYeH2GzazEn_UOsch6R6Fpwmimh2MRd7EgIk9KQ1Tp2P1mgsX7yWdnqcWaBGsinFedMDlScjWkqkCOZPQxDIRMaFvkY/s1600/Luna5.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"Probably hook up with that Tanner kid."<br />
<br />
Luna pulled back and looked at Devin. "Tanner is just my friend, nothing else. It's you that I love!"<br />
<br />
"You can't blame a guy for being jealous, I'm dating the hottest girl in school, and she always has another guy hanging around her."<br />
<br />
Luna laughed in delight. "I'm glad you're jealous." she whispered. "But we really are just friends. We've been best friends since grade school."<br />
<br />
"Then I'm jealous of all the extra time that he's known you too. I'm jealous of all the time he spends at your house." He pulled her in closer to him, and slowly started to rub her back.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGaWtv9guhl2U1VZTg1C7TwUfAZDyq5NBB0eMDlKexfwHuYFgvuvZb6a86uoDzU7jOMRfShI_eqwmnBpmM839KT00K8_t1JZi6z0rfTqQjzK5KFzHzgzCSoZLZuFwX-REuTkcwyEorNAQ/s1600/luna6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGaWtv9guhl2U1VZTg1C7TwUfAZDyq5NBB0eMDlKexfwHuYFgvuvZb6a86uoDzU7jOMRfShI_eqwmnBpmM839KT00K8_t1JZi6z0rfTqQjzK5KFzHzgzCSoZLZuFwX-REuTkcwyEorNAQ/s1600/luna6.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"You could come over more often you know."<br />
<br />
Devin kissed her softly along her neck. "You are so intoxicating." he breathed. "As tempting as your offer is, we both know that your Dad hates me."<br />
<br />
"Daddy hates everyone."<br />
<br />
"He doesn't hate Tanner."<br />
<br />
Luna smiled. "Of course not, because we are only friends, just like I said. Daddy hates anyone that would dare date his daughters. But, you'll be pleased to know that very soon he won't be so focused on you."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDCDPjwjp2-E_xYcAo99g7bawn69MV_naoeZ_d48pJq-4_0fJj3MMrtH4kjHQOE-Uvmkt_pJpYP9aJ9uwYERNTjuvvBrVhX1K5JX6sw9vmnxXZAaWK31jgq_jCwQDL_NSpETb-wcJaOwM/s1600/luna7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDCDPjwjp2-E_xYcAo99g7bawn69MV_naoeZ_d48pJq-4_0fJj3MMrtH4kjHQOE-Uvmkt_pJpYP9aJ9uwYERNTjuvvBrVhX1K5JX6sw9vmnxXZAaWK31jgq_jCwQDL_NSpETb-wcJaOwM/s1600/luna7.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"Really? Why is that?"<br />
<br />
Luna chuckled. "Cause Skye has a boyfriend, or she will very soon. Daddy will be all focused on the new guy, and..."<br />
<br />
"...not on me." Devin finished. "Brilliant." He tipped her head up, and stared into her eyes. "You're so f*cking hot, give me some sugar Baby, and I'll show you how you can help ease my pain just a little bit. Prom can't come soon enough."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1fLH3PKc7g_PFV7yIFOvs1CPzv15i9I-4PKPs6NLOC07ph3-i2LgXhc7D1j6TihbhRlK2zgkb5oKn70g43zClwDXn68PAu4GXXhyYhIKS8UBtxJQylFlOGHWSdzh0CGaqiYfuIDLTpRA/s1600/luna8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1fLH3PKc7g_PFV7yIFOvs1CPzv15i9I-4PKPs6NLOC07ph3-i2LgXhc7D1j6TihbhRlK2zgkb5oKn70g43zClwDXn68PAu4GXXhyYhIKS8UBtxJQylFlOGHWSdzh0CGaqiYfuIDLTpRA/s1600/luna8.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Luna sighed happily as Devin kissed her. All was right in her world again. He loved her, he really loved her.<br />
<br />
<br />
________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
<br />
Notes: So, who believes him? lol So--- back a few (?!) years ago (I swear it was only yesterday, haha!) when I was in highschool, I had a friend who dated a guy just like Devin---and he seriously had the same lines and my friend swallowed them, because she "loved" him. He treated her terribly, I never could understand why she was with him. I still don't, lol I only know there are girls out there who will put up with a lot of sh..stuff---all because they "love" him. Luna should have stuck with the bat idea!<br />
<br />
I love Jack---he's just so much fun to pick on, lol :P <br />
<br />
And why did I not notice that those shelves were empty when I was taking pics for that scene? *shakes head* Fail on my part. Had to do a little rewriting there, haha Hawk knows for sure that Skylar likes him, lol How embarrassing! Poor girl, how mortifying for her, first meeting him while he was naked, and now this. It's almost as embarrassing as being carried to the nurse's office by a couple of football guys...<br />
<br />
Luna has no idea, the hornet's nest she is stirring by looking for Ivory's "sister", she should have listened to Jack (who in this case was right!), and left well enough alone. <br />
<br />
<br />
Colin has some nice targets for his fighter roll now, lol He wishes to fight with them, play a trick on them, be mean to them, even see their ghost...yeah. He doesn't like the idea of his daughters dating. :P With Devin, who could blame him though?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I've got lots planned for next chapter---including the appearance of an old enemy, and some surprises(I hope!). Thanks for reading! =)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Nirarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15253184399668018141noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2767753407529003708.post-26444675473389351072014-05-03T13:28:00.001-07:002014-05-03T13:28:05.349-07:00Chapter 79: So Long, Farewell...<h3>
Warning: Language</h3>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
</h3>
Luna motioned for her brother Jack to sit next to her on the bus. He eyed her warily, but complied. Usually Luna and Skye sat together, whispering and giggling in the back. He had no idea what Luna wanted from him, but he had learned long ago it was easier to just find out what she wanted and get it over with. Luna was nothing, if not persistent. Luna got straight to her point. "With that techno-brain of yours Jack, you could be a huge help in finding Mom."<br />
<br />
Jack sighed, and looked away. Not this subject again. He didn't understand her obsessive need to find out more about their mother. Their mother tried to kill their Uncle, and their Dad, why would she want to know more about her? Clearly the woman had been a psycho. "Mom is dead." Jack said matter of factly. "I've calculated the odds of us finding anything useful about her, and we have a better chance of being eaten by sharks in the middle of the Sahara desert."<br />
<br />
Luna sighed. "Honestly Jack, you lack imagination. Couldn't you invent some techno gadget gizmo thing that could..."<br />
<br />
Jack interrupted her. "I'm not interested in wild goose chases Luna,
nor do I have the time for it. I'm so close to cracking the time
continuum, I've discovered that..."<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicjA9KxD0fgni5Bmw1X9UJPhXWQTKI1zE5zA57s1X-Tp7aEK0cGVOZpJ9U_Qjn74YnWP-hIpV4oBy_8LbTQP6F-vWBZmWj8fubbQ8KJqh3GLenmomsTijdMljkCmjrMq8jZaPpsr_Q1J4/s1600/bus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicjA9KxD0fgni5Bmw1X9UJPhXWQTKI1zE5zA57s1X-Tp7aEK0cGVOZpJ9U_Qjn74YnWP-hIpV4oBy_8LbTQP6F-vWBZmWj8fubbQ8KJqh3GLenmomsTijdMljkCmjrMq8jZaPpsr_Q1J4/s1600/bus.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
He turned back towards her, his face animated as he excitedly began to speak of time travel, portals, fourth dimensions and the like. Jack's words turned into a lot of blah, blah, blah to Luna, how boring! She didn't care about quantum physics, or relativity or any of that nonsense. She crossed her arms. Her brother was so smart, and yet so dumb. Couldn't he see that it was much more important to find out the past first, before messing with the future? He was always inventing something, how hard could it be to invent some sort of a search engine that would allow her to search files that were classified?<br />
<br />
Jack was shaking his head. "No, I recognize that look of yours Luna, and I'm not doing it."<br />
<br />
"Doing what?" she asked crossly.<br />
<br />
"Any of it." he answered promptly. "Last time I helped you out, I was grounded from my work table for two weeks! Two weeks!"<br />
<br />
"You're a wuss Jack. I'll figure out another way, you'll see."<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
~<>~<br />
<br />
<br />
Luna attacked the clay in front of her, using her chisel to take off big chunks of clay. She frowned, it just wasn't turning out the way she envisioned.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivHTMyMsXuaU7Vzb6CiRlS22LNX_-ii3mGksGlavJijyvdmB_SFeC4z9scQqqXA-HrMHcZl1ipuEkPc1wKcsocFhPDW662uU3BwOF6MlEAGvf2VL2RP27h6SV0E9z3rcLwNxel712432M/s1600/Luna.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivHTMyMsXuaU7Vzb6CiRlS22LNX_-ii3mGksGlavJijyvdmB_SFeC4z9scQqqXA-HrMHcZl1ipuEkPc1wKcsocFhPDW662uU3BwOF6MlEAGvf2VL2RP27h6SV0E9z3rcLwNxel712432M/s1600/Luna.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
"What is that supposed to be? A frog?"<br />
<br />
Luna glared at her brother. "It's a Chinese dog, for your information, jerk."<br />
<br />
Jack shrugged, and asked Tanner, "How was I supposed to know? Frog, dog, it's all the same." A waste of time, in Jack's opinion. What was the point of art anyway? Science he could understand, it bettered people's lives, but what would a sculpture of an ugly dog do for humanity? Tanner only smiled at him, wise enough to stay out of an impending sibling argument.<br />
<br />
Luna chucked some of the clay at her brother; he ducked, and the missile sailed over his head. "You are so dumb sometimes Jack. Frog indeed." She snorted, then looked over her sculpture again, turning her head side to side. Drat that Jack anyway, putting doubts into her head. "What do you see Tanner?"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH0avH2yNUWZp42LqfHx2POAyYUv566uww5xxQv7KmTCeNOU6RY1lukbJUbXhTRki6MlQSDAnUb_X-0E2lwzv5G7G1WRqnNzgmzcy51SGX73Xp9DNTxnTVcJJW9BcCLTrZLfun0NLHHCw/s1600/Luna1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH0avH2yNUWZp42LqfHx2POAyYUv566uww5xxQv7KmTCeNOU6RY1lukbJUbXhTRki6MlQSDAnUb_X-0E2lwzv5G7G1WRqnNzgmzcy51SGX73Xp9DNTxnTVcJJW9BcCLTrZLfun0NLHHCw/s1600/Luna1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Tanner walked over to her, and looked the sculpture over. He had to make sure that enough time passed, yet not too much, Luna wasn't insecure in very many things, but in her art she was. Thankfully he was well versed in all things Luna, and knew just how long to wait. "It definitely looks like a Chinese dog." he finally answered, without stuttering even a tiny bit. He had lost his stutter when he became a teen.<br />
<br />
"An ugly one." Jack stated, giving the sculpture a closer look.<br />
<br />
"Shut up Jack." Luna growled. "I don't know why I bother listening to you, you have no appreciation for the finer things in life, and you have appalling taste, unlike Tanner."<br />
<br />
Jack chuckled. "That's because Tanner is in lll..." Tanner gave Jack the evil eye, and Jack stuttered to a stop. Luna wasn't paying either one of them any attention though, she was back to muttering and chiseling. Tanner smacked the back of Jack's head before leaving the room. "What did I do??" Jack asked out loud.<br />
<br />
Luna heard that comment though. "You opened your mouth Jack, that's what you did."<br />
<br />
~<>~<br />
<br />
Skylar held lightly onto the barre, as she ran through a quick warm up. She had a lot of practicing to do.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij31VEfx5a68bJU3eED5ZoTGFwo9YQvJaemivhlvPtjjei5u2wv7qFngawIDOExYlTg7IYo7CDudYRsaGXYaWDeBEf_CGiuEtVdcflE2IUfIx_2Yzsv6AlDpiyrCV4SQZ8uPiJsn1TnXE/s1600/dance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij31VEfx5a68bJU3eED5ZoTGFwo9YQvJaemivhlvPtjjei5u2wv7qFngawIDOExYlTg7IYo7CDudYRsaGXYaWDeBEf_CGiuEtVdcflE2IUfIx_2Yzsv6AlDpiyrCV4SQZ8uPiJsn1TnXE/s1600/dance.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Skye loved to dance. She loved all forms of dancing, but ballet was her favorite. She loved the fluid, graceful moves, and the way she could float across the floor, dancing on the air itself. The tryouts for The Nutcracker took place in a week, and Skye was determined to be the Prima Ballerina, and dance as Clara. If she practiced enough, she knew she could win the role.<br />
<br />
~<>~<br />
<br />
"Hey Dad!" Jake greeted his father. "Do you have a minute?"<br />
<br />
"Always."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK5aN85DkmByEp-YOE8JzwVQtArwVkDya6sNtEC973Gero5DARxaovpQxYsWZIyuMWE4-FsBZmcZ28-SAErsQ5kRS9uO1FEU7yntJRSU7z1r-4Y0MPrKs7Y3H2NHomLtxxnjYlZEgVevc/s1600/Jake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK5aN85DkmByEp-YOE8JzwVQtArwVkDya6sNtEC973Gero5DARxaovpQxYsWZIyuMWE4-FsBZmcZ28-SAErsQ5kRS9uO1FEU7yntJRSU7z1r-4Y0MPrKs7Y3H2NHomLtxxnjYlZEgVevc/s1600/Jake.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"Today is my birthday, and I've been thinking about what I want to do with my life, and I've finally decided."<br />
<br />
Colin quirked an eyebrow. "A shoe salesman?"<br />
<br />
Jake rolled his eyes. "Ha ha, funny Dad. Uncle Brae says he'll hire me at his restaurant, and that someday, I might even run it. I've already got a place lined up to stay at, not that here hasn't been great and all..." Jake hastened to add.<br />
<br />
Colin stared at his son. Did he f*cking hear that right? Jake wanted to be a cook? What the h*ll? Jake had kicked a*s on his debate team, Colin had been expecting him to be a f*cking politician or something. H*ll, he would have even voted for the kid. Then he got it. Sh*t. "What's her name?"<br />
<br />
Jake stuttered and blushed. "What are you talking about?"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGR6yF85qBj-8qe5UUAk_yPtP59wVQFYROMeDpdFftWY11OQgGzFHkBWLFywvUxWilHVB065Ojy6BUyO4uGUkyVU1Vyo7EEyYFCWy4sYU9ZTf47EOzvO4xlScji-Sm79xmwc2mwJfgjUk/s1600/Jake1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGR6yF85qBj-8qe5UUAk_yPtP59wVQFYROMeDpdFftWY11OQgGzFHkBWLFywvUxWilHVB065Ojy6BUyO4uGUkyVU1Vyo7EEyYFCWy4sYU9ZTf47EOzvO4xlScji-Sm79xmwc2mwJfgjUk/s1600/Jake1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
"Being a Chef is your dream?" Colin asked skeptically. "What the h*ll Jake, I wasn't f*cking born yesterday!" He considered Jake for a moment. "I bet she's pretty, no kid of mine would dare chase after a f*cking ugly chick."<br />
<br />
Jake groaned. "Dad! I'm not chasing after anyone, I just..." he caught his father's smirk, and sighed. "Sherri, her name is Sherri."<br />
<br />
Colin crowed. "I knew it! Have you..."<br />
<br />
"I am not discussing my sex life with you!"<br />
<br />
"...asked her out?" Colin asked innocently, a twinkle in his eye. He had been very open with his kids about sex, and the f*cking consequences of sex, even if he didn't have any memories of the act itself. Plenty of women had been happy to fill in the details, whether he wanted to hear them or not. He couldn't help it though that his kids thought he sometimes went a little f*cking overboard on the subject, he didn't want them to get hurt.<br />
<br />
"Not yet, and!" Jake held up a hand to forestall his father's next comment. "I don't need your help, thanks though."<br />
<br />
"I'm the perfect person to ask for advice, you know what the ladies call me?" Colin waggled his eyebrows.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj62ZO6nXGNN13k47yhyx8wHXe7uC54kzDHrWB6BiLMqEqMOdZIQgwkWG8VYegfdvrd1rV6_q84hjk89btxeTRO5nFl7QJGR_mtHz72x0XGQ5LU2Dc59dejmAsQjlyoFwlbAWdjkpKjg1A/s1600/Jake2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj62ZO6nXGNN13k47yhyx8wHXe7uC54kzDHrWB6BiLMqEqMOdZIQgwkWG8VYegfdvrd1rV6_q84hjk89btxeTRO5nFl7QJGR_mtHz72x0XGQ5LU2Dc59dejmAsQjlyoFwlbAWdjkpKjg1A/s1600/Jake2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
"Gross Dad!" Jake covered his ears. "I don't want to hear it! If I need your help, I'll ask, okay?" He smiled at his Dad.<br />
<br />
"Maybe I should..."<br />
<br />
"No, no, and no Dad! You shouldn't!"<br />
<br />
Colin grinned at Jake. He was too f*cking easy to mess with. He pulled his son in for a hug, and then over Jake's laughing protests, gave him a noogie. "Whenever you need me, I'll be there." He told him, seriously, as Jake pulled away.<br />
<br />
Jake rubbed his head as he smiled. "I know Dad, and thanks."<br />
<br />
Later that day, surrounded by his family, Jake had his birthday.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglt19f8chaeN4NfJO22xh3b7bStZqwkt4HBWz8gEaXlX_EOh8iQEz-0y4nYoSn2zgxeVEg2UJRSNl0QINdppcA5r5zr-QgzWgFgSMThhZK8xyGLhn_-aSUN_DcBOrHHQY0C_gn2x3D_6E/s1600/Jake3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglt19f8chaeN4NfJO22xh3b7bStZqwkt4HBWz8gEaXlX_EOh8iQEz-0y4nYoSn2zgxeVEg2UJRSNl0QINdppcA5r5zr-QgzWgFgSMThhZK8xyGLhn_-aSUN_DcBOrHHQY0C_gn2x3D_6E/s1600/Jake3.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Colin sighed heavily as he watched Jake leave. He wasn't f*cking ready to let go of him yet.<br />
<br />
<br />
~<>~<br />
<br />
<br />
"Hey Brae!" Colin greeted his brother.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhonFwCq0UdVQweLtV-jMifFhsqnbvzEPeSaJjCPudMlqLYIONpUQPapLKveNv-PEHBIvmk9G8qbb_xsR8fLA-3mDx2qYSqQrM5S5f9ofPSPYlKIV4o0BRobCjoP2kiJgnkGOdGdZrGTO4/s1600/Brae.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhonFwCq0UdVQweLtV-jMifFhsqnbvzEPeSaJjCPudMlqLYIONpUQPapLKveNv-PEHBIvmk9G8qbb_xsR8fLA-3mDx2qYSqQrM5S5f9ofPSPYlKIV4o0BRobCjoP2kiJgnkGOdGdZrGTO4/s1600/Brae.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
He waved his brother over, and Brae sat down next to him. They tried to meet once a week, and just hang out. The first few times had been really awkward, neither one of them knowing what to say or do, but now they had a comfortable friendship going, and Colin really looked forward to it. "Want a drink?"<br />
<br />
Brae slid beside Colin. "No thanks, I've got to keep my wits about me, so I can kick your a*s in Poker tonight."<br />
<br />
Colin scoffed. "Even with your so-called wits, you could never kick my a*s at Poker." He added, "Or anything else for that matter."<br />
<br />
Brae laughed. "Including your ego."<br />
<br />
Colin shrugged. "It's just the truth bro, you're a lousy Poker player." He took a gulp of his drink.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUGOZFYNkwyVIHwQUio1C2oTe46JQMaGfIgISYVdoAHLcdSL6JYt9nNibraKdWwDB57UK60DXpo_wp8QdBSV9ev0UmO_2Sc6HpVQxJE9JDj7K7AifVtRcjmrEpKM0VHvVvEBn_9UXWhWc/s1600/Brae1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUGOZFYNkwyVIHwQUio1C2oTe46JQMaGfIgISYVdoAHLcdSL6JYt9nNibraKdWwDB57UK60DXpo_wp8QdBSV9ev0UmO_2Sc6HpVQxJE9JDj7K7AifVtRcjmrEpKM0VHvVvEBn_9UXWhWc/s1600/Brae1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"What in the world are you drinking?"<br />
<br />
"It's called a Frozen Grasshopper, are you sure you don't want one?"<br />
<br />
Brae made a face. "No, I'm good, really, thanks."<br />
<br />
Colin shrugged again. "Your loss." He smirked at his brother. "Are you ready to lose your shirt, your pants, and that new Bakery you just bought?"<br />
<br />
Brae chuckled. "As if, you'd be begging me to take that Bakery back in a matter of a few hours. You hate cooking or baking, and would much rather own one of these sleeze marts."<br />
<br />
"Sleeze marts? Hmmph. I'll have you know, this place is quite profitable, and I'm losing out on a ton of f*cking money by closing it tonight." <br />
<br />
"You just don't want to be publicly humiliated, cause you know I'm gonna kick your a*s."<br />
<br />
Colin snorted, as he followed his brother to the Poker table. "You are so full of sh*t."<br />
<br />
"You would be the expert in....hey! You sit over there." Brae waved him to the far end of the Poker table. "This time I'm not going to let you distract me!" Brae sat down, and the mechanical bot dealt out his cards. He pursed his lips, as he looked his cards over, before setting them down. "This thing isn't cheating for you, is it?"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Ow7ENbijSJhLtPBXLsOtQD462C3JKJgk7B_P5NSaaVLamAlRUg_rjTsYKoxeJR15nmin8ivf0RvuMKY54nZRmNelz1Ic67RUfycY-TsQa4tjkjqRlVSx5s91-Plkl8s8BDmoo6nApSE/s1600/Brae2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Ow7ENbijSJhLtPBXLsOtQD462C3JKJgk7B_P5NSaaVLamAlRUg_rjTsYKoxeJR15nmin8ivf0RvuMKY54nZRmNelz1Ic67RUfycY-TsQa4tjkjqRlVSx5s91-Plkl8s8BDmoo6nApSE/s1600/Brae2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
"I don't need a f*cking bot to win for me." Colin bragged. "I can kick your a*s without any help."<br />
<br />
"Ha! Dream on little brother, tonight is my lucky night, I just know it."<br />
<br />
Colin rolled his eyes. "Sure it is."<br />
<br />
After a few minutes of playing, Brae held a deep sigh in, he didn't want to alert his brother, but Colin was once again winning. He needed to go for a distraction, so he could get the upper hand. "So...how are the kids?"<br />
<br />
Colin looked up from his hand, grumbling. "Driving me f*cking crazy! Jada and Nick are talking about moving to Paris, Paris of all places! How the h*ll am I supposed to see them if they live in Paris?" <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfM6DgIJVrAnVtQQcZXgh8GfBnoX1UDfCV5fLM1zoKrafMXgMJGotjsJDigFu4IhKbF6m18WupRHfMFXjyEiUBO1a-a1mp2VY4wla2iSSJy4H6wRR73QT8DNTKbIIRhjBgRr4g2JnWCgU/s1600/Brae3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfM6DgIJVrAnVtQQcZXgh8GfBnoX1UDfCV5fLM1zoKrafMXgMJGotjsJDigFu4IhKbF6m18WupRHfMFXjyEiUBO1a-a1mp2VY4wla2iSSJy4H6wRR73QT8DNTKbIIRhjBgRr4g2JnWCgU/s1600/Brae3.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Brae smiled to himself, his plan was working. All was fair in love and war, and playing Poker with his little brother was definitely war. "Why Paris?"<br />
<br />
"Jada is marrying some high powered business man who lives in Paris, she met the man online!" Colin shook his head in disbelief. "Can you believe that? F*cking online! He could be a f*cking serial killer or something. I caught the little sh*t though, and we had a f*cking meeting of the minds. I told him if he so much as sneezed wrong, and that caused my baby girl to cry, I would f*cking joyfully tear his limbs off."<br />
<br />
"I bet that went over well with Jada."<br />
<br />
"What Jada doesn't know, won't bother her." Colin muttered. "Girls!" he groaned. "They will be the death of me. Luna is hanging around that f*cking Winter creep too much."<br />
<br />
"Your new neighbor?"<br />
<br />
Colin cast a baleful eye at his brother. "Yes, that one." Colin eyed his cards, and then added a few more chips.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTqWN9tIERN5FmHNgimWHeP3MsJf6Io_ktdn-dPAqmcqzq2w9QR_4YZ-zEos_hFA_Blq2ZcrpSkNSMie8QpJDOAWibX71qRjlYLa64VuU9uA7UgkM-T3E1l8fr_i_0eGFJ0NG5ZnoVG30/s1600/Brae4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTqWN9tIERN5FmHNgimWHeP3MsJf6Io_ktdn-dPAqmcqzq2w9QR_4YZ-zEos_hFA_Blq2ZcrpSkNSMie8QpJDOAWibX71qRjlYLa64VuU9uA7UgkM-T3E1l8fr_i_0eGFJ0NG5ZnoVG30/s1600/Brae4.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"Well," Brae said thoughtfully, "from what I hear, the kid has money, looks, and raw talent. Rumor has it that there's already been several talent scouts out watching him play football, because he's that good. So, your daughter has good taste."<br />
<br />
Colin threw a chip at him. "A*shole. I don't f*cking care who the h*ll he is, or how f*cking rich he is, he's a f*cking jacka*s, thinks he's God's gift to females, and he treats them like sh*t."<br />
<br />
Brae slapped his thigh, and laughed gleefully. "That sounds SO familiar! The irony, it's too much!"<br />
<br />
Colin bounced another chip off his brother's head. "Shut the h*ll up Brae! It's f*cking unfair of you to use my past against me, when you know I can't f*cking remember any of it. Besides that, the difference between me and that little pr*ck, is that I am God's gift to women." He grinned at Brae, who threw the Poker chip back at him. It bounced harmlessly off the wall. "You throw as well as you play."<br />
<br />
"I wasn't aiming for you." Brae lied. He frowned, he was seriously losing, and losing badly.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDNeXED5mEbAFiYxV30WIxVHymcdlNLKml1difaSLwJFwnb0aZATWUpToTcEzCGSfrgMRM91sL_vmGeA9c8ZEx-6iUlydtupcfiWv2OOCmLhKIICbWMcNiz_4SmXU2lOSpCTpwBUCPT10/s1600/Brae5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDNeXED5mEbAFiYxV30WIxVHymcdlNLKml1difaSLwJFwnb0aZATWUpToTcEzCGSfrgMRM91sL_vmGeA9c8ZEx-6iUlydtupcfiWv2OOCmLhKIICbWMcNiz_4SmXU2lOSpCTpwBUCPT10/s1600/Brae5.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Colin chuckled. "Sure you weren't, bro." He studied his cards some more, just a few more cards and he would have another winning hand. "As you know," Colin continued with his earlier train of thought, "Skye has been busy at the Dance studio. She's performing in just a few weeks. I tell you bro, I would rather f*cking suffer the torture of sitting through the Nutcracker, which just sounds f*cking painful all around, then deal with Skye f*cking crushing on boys and sh*t like her sister. You are so f*cking lucky to only have boys."<br />
<br />
"Morri always wanted a girl. I wonder sometimes if she had been able to have a girl, if that would have helped stopped her..."<br />
<br />
"...psycho stalking behavior?" Colin finished for him. Morri had been a sensitive topic for a long time, so had Elliot, but Brae had eventually forgiven him, and let it go. Colin knew he didn't f*cking deserve it, but he was thankful he had such a f*cking awesome older brother.<br />
<br />
Brae nodded his head. "Yeah. I feel bad for her, the boys don't want anything to do with her and her craziness, and she just jumps from guy to guy to guy." He sighed. "I just wish sometimes that things had turned out differently with her and I."<br />
<br />
Colin winced. He was a big part of why they didn't end well. "I'm sorry, if I could f*cking take it all back, I would."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGB7v8Jou4i4yDFAsJBQmXR9ErYns3DBX9a1NDd-puIV7maCOtyP6OgsU6voeF093zCYmavPKeq3rn4i5-jJwd8XnqAkjJxlWt_ICqExg9zZgkeITMFbBf85xJVB8JFSSlQura18c-V3U/s1600/Brae6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGB7v8Jou4i4yDFAsJBQmXR9ErYns3DBX9a1NDd-puIV7maCOtyP6OgsU6voeF093zCYmavPKeq3rn4i5-jJwd8XnqAkjJxlWt_ICqExg9zZgkeITMFbBf85xJVB8JFSSlQura18c-V3U/s1600/Brae6.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Brae sighed again, sadly. "It wasn't all you Col, I was a selfish a*s, I never stopped to consider Morri on anything. I just went on my way, and I expected her to just follow along, like some obedient puppy. She tried to talk to me about...things, but I shut her out. I had enough on my plate with my Mayoral duties, I didn't have time for her nonsense. So I left her to fend for herself, and she did. At least our boys seem to have turned out all right, both are happily married, and doing well."<br />
<br />
"You're a f*cking terrific father Brae, and your boys are a testimony to that fact." Colin would have said more, but his cellphone chose that moment to ring. He looked at the number, and then answered it. "Hey Gramps, what's up?" A pause. "What the f*ck? The h*ll he didn't? Is he okay?" Colin listened for his Grandfather's affirmative answer before saying, "Good, because I'm going to f*cking kill him." He hung up, and then abruptly stood up. "Sorry, Brae, I gotta run. Jack managed to catch himself on fire again while running his experiments, and messing with his f*cking gadgets."<br />
<br />
"Sh*t, and he's okay?"<br />
<br />
"Well, yeah, until I get a f*cking hold of him. I tell him, and I tell him, and I tell him, that Hydrogen and a f*cking torch is not a f*cking good combo to f*cking be playing with. Does he listen to me? H*ll no. He goes right the f*ck on with his experiments. But Dad, he says, I'm so close to discovering blah, blah, blah... He's close to discovering the end of his life, that's what he's close to." Colin grumbled as he left.<br />
<br />
Brae looked over at the cards his brother had left behind, and smiled. He knew it was going to be his lucky night, he had won by default. When playing cards with a cardshark like Colin, Brae would take his victories where he could. That, and he had kept his clothes.<br />
<br />
~<>~<br />
<br />
Colin hugged his daughter, tightly, he didn't want to f*cking let her go. "You know, studies show, that people who live in Paris don't live as long, or as happily."<br />
<br />
Jada hugged him back, and grinned. "Dad, that's nonsense and you know it."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0fBCWjwz0rgAwHmh_T2Ko2ipIX9FajUjizv13SQau4vHtcj2O4pipXM6vmFAkJHad5COF9pASFLtfI9Hlgm9yNbcdYNkUlTRJwuWIJB529pgIPAwKquKCwzCNlBvdBYa9upi6jiczZUI/s1600/goodbye.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0fBCWjwz0rgAwHmh_T2Ko2ipIX9FajUjizv13SQau4vHtcj2O4pipXM6vmFAkJHad5COF9pASFLtfI9Hlgm9yNbcdYNkUlTRJwuWIJB529pgIPAwKquKCwzCNlBvdBYa9upi6jiczZUI/s1600/goodbye.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"No, it's true." He lied. "Would I lie to you?"<br />
<br />
Jada didn't hesitate. "Yes."<br />
<br />
"Well, the happily part is true."<br />
<br />
Jada smiled at him. "I love you too Dad, but you know we've already talked about this." She told him sternly. "That is where Waldo lives, and he's my husband. We'll visit, I promise."<br />
<br />
"Waldo? What kind of a name is that..." his voice trailed off when Jada gave him the '<i>look</i>'. He sighed. "Fine." he groused. "I still don't like it though."<br />
<br />
Jada hugged him again. "I'll miss you too." She pulled away, then stepped aside so that Nick could say his own goodbyes.<br />
<br />
Nick stood before Colin, a little unsure. Colin sighed, Nick was still too f*cking uncertain around him. Colin ignored his son's hesitation, and pulled Nick into a big bear hug. He felt Nick smile, and hug him back. "You'll stay in touch?" Nick nodded. Colin stepped back, and felt for the present behind him, then he handed it to Nick.<br />
<br />
"For me?" Nick asked, surprised.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg-Ec4iS0mlcXi6vjvdlkhcJUY8LtwMMxQUUhp78v-4NfQNkykIR-3mTUZGf9PDr2w2m4muQTlIb4yUSyDA99AbNfzVZiKyerCiETSdsPDC4nrYyEHAeSoEPbCVKStoeBf5f1gq6zRVB8/s1600/goodbye2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg-Ec4iS0mlcXi6vjvdlkhcJUY8LtwMMxQUUhp78v-4NfQNkykIR-3mTUZGf9PDr2w2m4muQTlIb4yUSyDA99AbNfzVZiKyerCiETSdsPDC4nrYyEHAeSoEPbCVKStoeBf5f1gq6zRVB8/s1600/goodbye2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span id="goog_2021939053"></span><span id="goog_2021939054"></span> No, for your f*cking sister was his automatic sarcastic comment, but Colin held his instinctive reply back. Nick just didn't f*cking understand sarcasm, and the last f*cking thing Colin wanted to do was to hurt his son again. "Open it." <br />
<br />
Nick obeyed. Inside the package were two keys. "Two keys?" he asked, confused, as he put them in his pocket.<br />
<br />
"One is for your new house. I wouldn't want to ffff...live with Newlyweds, and I doubt you do either. It's still close to Jada." Colin assured his son. "This way you'll have your own space."<br />
<br />
"And the other one?" Nick asked curiously.<br />
<br />
"The future location of your veterinarian's office." Colin smiled at his son. He knew what his son's dream was, but Nick was a more timid soul, and afraid to reach out for what he wanted. Nick had struggled with self worth and self doubt for years, but Colin knew with just a little push, Nick could f*cking move mountains. "I have watched you all these years Nick, with those animals of yours. You have a f*cking gift. Don't give up what you love, but keep f*cking pursuing it."<br />
<br />
Nick's voice was doubtful. "You really think I could finish the schooling and be a vet?"<br />
<br />
"I know you can." Colin said simply. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxNwPCrtXTKQaegQevl_0tlZJd04MmMxmzSKNW2KuL3IVXGOaRYJusrx-OaMcwRL2uj_quOMPaTtdDvnP-WpjA0GXGHhgtth9or719d5GWcjKyNXDmmWUKd11WSFeD9S0Q_uisNz1TlH0/s1600/goodbye3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxNwPCrtXTKQaegQevl_0tlZJd04MmMxmzSKNW2KuL3IVXGOaRYJusrx-OaMcwRL2uj_quOMPaTtdDvnP-WpjA0GXGHhgtth9or719d5GWcjKyNXDmmWUKd11WSFeD9S0Q_uisNz1TlH0/s1600/goodbye3.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Nick's face lit up. "Thanks Dad."<br />
<br />
Then all too soon, Colin watched as two more of his kids f*cking left home. D*mn, where the f*ck had all the time gone? Now all he had left were the triplets. They were all on the front porch, waving goodbye. Colin frowned. What the h*ll? "Jack!" he bellowed. "Where the h*ll are your clothes?!"<br />
<br />
<br />
__________________________________________________________________________________<br />
<br />
Notes: Good bye to Jake, Jada, and Nick--I'll miss them. I was really surprised by how quickly Jada got married. The night she moved out, SP snagged her and married her off---I can't remember the name of him though, lol So I named him Waldo, just cause it was the first name that came to me while I was writing. SP also made Jake a cook, of all things, lol It also hooked him up with Sherri---one of the Nightblossom grandkids---so I put two and two together--- haha! Nick so far hasn't done much, he's living rather quietly. =)<br />
<br />
I've had Colin working on his relationship with his brother while satisfying his social bunny goal. They play lots of poker, and they always sit on opposite ends. I determined that this was because Brae didn't trust Colin to cheat, lol Colin is good at cards though, and always win. I have no idea why it decided not to show the cards while I was taking pictures---but just pretend that they are there, haha<br />
<br />
And Colin. <3 That little ole knock on his head has been a good thing for him, even as it frustrates him that he can't remember anything from before.<br />
<br />
Also, it occurs to me as I am editing this chapter---that I should clarify (just in case) that Winter is Luna's boyfriend's last name, and has nothing to do with Gemma's Winter--who is a doll. <3 Colin would hardly bother with the boy's first name, instead choosing to use his last name---"that Winter boy" lol Most especially because it bugs Devin (which is his first name.) Clear as mud right? Haha<br />
<br />
Nick's age up pic, since I really didn't have a good picture of his face in this chapter. From this angle, you can't see his <i>unfortunate</i> nose, lol I like larger noses on my sims, but this poor guy is all nose! He's basically a male version of his mother, not too much of Colin in there, other than he's a fairy with golden wings.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC10Jhu2XI0Eq06n9MEhkU8Ep2pf-uwKcPvTy1nQrVfa5ys4lKK2kWlJ97pq5QYx3pwsPbVcHKy2lDDpYyUlnPDWXapHRSHAVAAt3CG_aumMYNspXUtLT0DLe0qm_u2TBkrfuCNEE_0Ww/s1600/Nick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC10Jhu2XI0Eq06n9MEhkU8Ep2pf-uwKcPvTy1nQrVfa5ys4lKK2kWlJ97pq5QYx3pwsPbVcHKy2lDDpYyUlnPDWXapHRSHAVAAt3CG_aumMYNspXUtLT0DLe0qm_u2TBkrfuCNEE_0Ww/s1600/Nick.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Jada is like a carbon copy of her mother as well. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz8_z3MbG7QQIDe1w-vDYgoqBFRZTdVVmuzOosa58hN4ISwqsopzhxKbQ0I9fY2eOCQiMyrS09vPWsU1MjZWxvn3As9GwI5ypc6JYjv1n6i6uh7PAy_DXQSj3rRQHXw16cHaN2VyVlC18/s1600/Jada.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz8_z3MbG7QQIDe1w-vDYgoqBFRZTdVVmuzOosa58hN4ISwqsopzhxKbQ0I9fY2eOCQiMyrS09vPWsU1MjZWxvn3As9GwI5ypc6JYjv1n6i6uh7PAy_DXQSj3rRQHXw16cHaN2VyVlC18/s1600/Jada.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Some outtakes:<br />
<br />
No matter what he tried, Colin just couldn't keep his kids from coming in...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbB6viH3r8c7jW9KrhfhRi57GcSiopcVc4wC0wFAxLSpJW3aTGNLsRDmOIq0kDOWy0tArNxhQ1-Xy-Q3XfnGWNYYTKk6ra7N91kHpcsPanpPEV5QZn-pXfIzrD34yDvql4lHC_WXLFWWk/s1600/funny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbB6viH3r8c7jW9KrhfhRi57GcSiopcVc4wC0wFAxLSpJW3aTGNLsRDmOIq0kDOWy0tArNxhQ1-Xy-Q3XfnGWNYYTKk6ra7N91kHpcsPanpPEV5QZn-pXfIzrD34yDvql4lHC_WXLFWWk/s1600/funny.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Luna really gets into her scultping...<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVD9A1dMg5WB44HIrTp9VHU1gAk29YgrxufDFcPd9FapKz32cAK2jbJwH4cOYI1Ykr48rjfdf74y1ow28SzdaLyO2nO4P5Z9TvXcBD13KPnKDD06FNn1sFHXwX-uvDlGh8UAKcTC0xkQw/s1600/sculpting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVD9A1dMg5WB44HIrTp9VHU1gAk29YgrxufDFcPd9FapKz32cAK2jbJwH4cOYI1Ykr48rjfdf74y1ow28SzdaLyO2nO4P5Z9TvXcBD13KPnKDD06FNn1sFHXwX-uvDlGh8UAKcTC0xkQw/s1600/sculpting.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I'm really looking forward to writing the next chapter, I have lots planned---<br />
<br />
Thanks for reading! =) <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Nirarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15253184399668018141noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2767753407529003708.post-24848657086431223742014-03-02T10:17:00.000-08:002014-03-02T10:17:33.938-08:00Chapter 78: Parenthood<br />
<h3>
Warning: Language</h3>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
"Oh, they have a freezer bunny!" Luna exclaimed happily.<br />
<br />
"It's kind of scary, like that doll of yours that doesn't have any eyes!" Skylar shuddered.<br />
<br />
"Mugs is not scary!" Luna declared. "He does need a friend though." She added thoughtfully.<br />
<br />
Colin sighed. "Alright guys, as promised, one
toy each for staying out of trouble for two whole days!" Two whole
days of peace, it didn't seem like much, but Colin would take it. Some
days he really thought maybe he should get married, that the lack of a f*cking mother was what made them so f*cking rambunctious. He watched as they eagerly headed towards the shelves that were stuffed
full of toys. He might even get five more minutes of peace out of this
deal, if he was f*cking lucky.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFuAkLtmEukGJlqaNIQ1Hcso3DJ2A8kFUUfDdduhoaYw6j691AQrbUn06xtHZBfMNxuG9R_6eVY8Np1YAyxlQYiwtx8-xt_A2-AgKbrTumPoZhYQ8OEUn1BzL6x5tDZF18uCMa8nwIu5Y/s1600/9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFuAkLtmEukGJlqaNIQ1Hcso3DJ2A8kFUUfDdduhoaYw6j691AQrbUn06xtHZBfMNxuG9R_6eVY8Np1YAyxlQYiwtx8-xt_A2-AgKbrTumPoZhYQ8OEUn1BzL6x5tDZF18uCMa8nwIu5Y/s1600/9.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
He glanced around the store, surreptitiously looking for Janet. He still had women coming up to him all the time, kissing
him, handing him their phone numbers, he had even called a few and went on
a few dates. A couple of them he had even accepted their offer to go inside their
house, where they would make out, and his body had been more than eager to
just f*ck them against the wall, or the couch or... Inevitably though,
he would pull back, regretfully, his body protesting the whole time. While
he had really wanted to get laid, he just...couldn't. It felt wrong
somehow, which he didn't understand in the least.<br />
<br />
From all that he knew of his former self, he was never serious with
anyone, so why the h*ll did he feel like he was...cheating? He had
tried to explain it all to whatever woman he was with, but that f*cking
conversation never seemed to go over very well. So far, though, Janet seemed to be the exception to that rule, she had seemed to understand his conflicted feelings, and they had decided to take things one day at a time.<br />
<br />
He hadn't taken more than a couple of steps into the store when he spotted a doll in a polka dotted outfit. "Creepy a*s doll." he muttered.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaN9YnRpAd55bpMJwJ9TuLQQ2xC5rYVu7_NMSkuKhjH5Rfe_n6xxYSiV3Tj8zGuE3C_TNUZ8X_Kf-TnyvklL9gMl97SJnrovOPKBIPuVdYt5FCvVTfrQM8zW_zE1nrxdJ924b3G5XCuOE/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaN9YnRpAd55bpMJwJ9TuLQQ2xC5rYVu7_NMSkuKhjH5Rfe_n6xxYSiV3Tj8zGuE3C_TNUZ8X_Kf-TnyvklL9gMl97SJnrovOPKBIPuVdYt5FCvVTfrQM8zW_zE1nrxdJ924b3G5XCuOE/s1600/1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
He spotted Janet talking with a customer, and wandered her way, making to sure to keep his eye on his kids, but so far they were behaving. His older three were so much easier to f*cking parent. They rarely raised a
fuss, and asked very little. He felt bad about it, partly because he was f*cking sure it was a direct result of the way he had treated them in the past. Now he just did all he could to connect with them, and whenever
they did ask for something, he did his f*cking best to give it to them. Most
times it had more to do with keeping their younger siblings out of their
rooms, and away from their f*cking stuff.<br />
<br />
Janet saw him, and gave him a little wave. He smiled at her, and then leaned against the wall and waited. They hadn't dated very long. Maybe two weeks? She hadn't met any of his kids yet, but that would change today. He couldn't very well date someone that his kids didn't f*cking like. He watched as she sashayed towards him, and she greeted him by pressing her body up against
his, her lips seeking his. She smelled so good, like summer peaches, and she felt even better,
his lower body started to respond, and he groaned. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0WtpOo7olflTuUO6SUdJtYO5dvjzZhY3mronIOBapWtGa2PgER1wZ9GXyNuHzsKtYf7Ek3GuzVzxxRvE1_GvCbVclHO0QJ5YdtVGVS5S32DW4c5YJDsT-IKqBniicJO4_5QUVvxkbMs0/s1600/10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0WtpOo7olflTuUO6SUdJtYO5dvjzZhY3mronIOBapWtGa2PgER1wZ9GXyNuHzsKtYf7Ek3GuzVzxxRvE1_GvCbVclHO0QJ5YdtVGVS5S32DW4c5YJDsT-IKqBniicJO4_5QUVvxkbMs0/s1600/10.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Her hands roamed over his body, and he let his do some exploring as
well. He wanted to get laid in the worst way. He couldn't even
remember ever having sex! Six kids and no memories of making them, it
f*cking sucked. Then, just like always, the good feelings started to fade,
and he felt the awful, crushing guilt. He reluctantly pulled away.
Sh*t. He f*cking needed to get over the sh*tty feeling that he was
cheating. He wasn't with anyone! <br />
<br />
He rubbed the back of his neck. Sh*t. "Janet." he murmured. How the h*ll could he move on, if he didn't know what the f*ck was holding him back? He really wanted to f*cking move on with his life, but some...thing just wouldn't let him. Was Janet the cure? He didn't f*cking know, but he figured that if she worked at a f*cking toy store for kids, that she ought to at least be child friendly. That had to count for something.<br />
<br />
"Hey handsome, what are you doing here?" She pulled him back, and kissed him again. He wound his arms around her and returned the kiss.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2fBKSzl2SBiGkPZZpTQ_rddhYMbxicWC17XoVdRFrquO1xEfMtvAeoEabDhMv2BxP1PIyD6h8smK2LK3utBGYLVQnU59jaMs-YYEOhbR91UAzYTXGKdQar7EjI6X-bJqxslXz3qBxaoU/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2fBKSzl2SBiGkPZZpTQ_rddhYMbxicWC17XoVdRFrquO1xEfMtvAeoEabDhMv2BxP1PIyD6h8smK2LK3utBGYLVQnU59jaMs-YYEOhbR91UAzYTXGKdQar7EjI6X-bJqxslXz3qBxaoU/s1600/2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
"Not that I'm complaining." She said when they pulled apart again.<br />
<br />
"I brought my kids down here, I promised them a toy."<br />
<br />
"Oh." Her smile dimmed a little. "They're here? How...nice."<br />
<br />
Colin felt unaccountably nervous, over her meeting his kids or over his kids meeting her, he wasn't f*cking sure. Where the h*ll was the instruction manual on these f*cking types of situations anyway? Colin was startled out of his thoughts when Janet suddenly started to f*cking scream like a banshee. He had failed to notice that the triple terrors had spotted him with Janet.<br />
<br />
"Owwwwww!" Janet howled.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5RSlyz70Aaa0OJ510ACBHCxNGSmfTkN_b_lIZXaAljIAJwrVr2Q1RgrTHenQe9fMBPa9tYv6qL54HJpvqrxEu3RTwUIRGL_32O9XRZcrQTMcvegKtlY7_ZATHys3AVIT4i_rLLINzsrQ/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5RSlyz70Aaa0OJ510ACBHCxNGSmfTkN_b_lIZXaAljIAJwrVr2Q1RgrTHenQe9fMBPa9tYv6qL54HJpvqrxEu3RTwUIRGL_32O9XRZcrQTMcvegKtlY7_ZATHys3AVIT4i_rLLINzsrQ/s1600/3.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
"What the h*ll?" Colin said.<br />
<br />
"She's pinching me!" Janet hollered. She was trying, rather unsuccessfully, to shake Luna off. Luna had a good grip on Janet's flesh though, and she wasn't about to let go.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2yqvxpXWoZ_J3QWEYZ2YsUg53CDIcvITAq42ft1C14m5RwAHm89Cgu2Zg9WKfV9LqU2oRH2JRTRp_yQtBo9nXAldkp3f2o_v0dErMtil-Z3tSl_SiaIqKVt23kUSYEII_dTG9srQs_oM/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2yqvxpXWoZ_J3QWEYZ2YsUg53CDIcvITAq42ft1C14m5RwAHm89Cgu2Zg9WKfV9LqU2oRH2JRTRp_yQtBo9nXAldkp3f2o_v0dErMtil-Z3tSl_SiaIqKVt23kUSYEII_dTG9srQs_oM/s1600/4.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Colin was furious. "Luna, what the f*ck are you doing?! F*cking let go of Janet right now, or I'm grounding your a*s for the rest of your f*cking life!" He felt a tug on his shirt at the same time he recognized Skylar's wail.<br />
<br />
"Daddy, you cursed!" she cried. "You have your angry voice on Daddy, and I'm scared!" Skylar began to really cry, fat crocodile tears rolled down her cheeks. "Hold me Daddy! I'm scared!" she wailed again, tugging at his shirt. Colin sighed, frustrated, and leaned down to pick Skylar up. She hugged him tightly, her little body shook with each sob. <br />
<br />
"Luna." He growled. "Don't f*cking push me!" Luna looked at her father's face, and let go.<br />
<br />
Skylar sobbed. "Daddy, you said another bad word!"<br />
<br />
Once Luna had let go of Janet, Colin turned his attention to calming down his other daughter. "Skye, Skye, calm down, it's okay."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHwDnBJlHikCL4miflMemFuhSbpFWnmha6fZ6ycd_l0G1lYrsM6m6CNTcvyuQ5G5Bquw6kZNNlEoExGmVy_8sIaArbRLuvM3nE8ZH6FSRwAGZyCj6k8ky5mYCg0WUUxv8xVMw32LI01BU/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHwDnBJlHikCL4miflMemFuhSbpFWnmha6fZ6ycd_l0G1lYrsM6m6CNTcvyuQ5G5Bquw6kZNNlEoExGmVy_8sIaArbRLuvM3nE8ZH6FSRwAGZyCj6k8ky5mYCg0WUUxv8xVMw32LI01BU/s1600/5.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
"Okay?" Janet screeched. "Okay? Nothing is okay! Just look at this huge welt on my leg, put there by your daughter!"<br />
<br />
"Good one Luna!" Jack crowed, as he clapped his hands. All it took was one stern look from his father and Jack subsided rather quickly, his smirk remained though.<br />
<br />
Colin raised his voice, trying to be heard over Skylar's sobs. "Janet, I'm sorry..." he started to say, but Janet interrupted him.<br />
<br />
"You're sorry!" she yelled hysterically. "You're sorry!"<br />
<br />
Colin set a sobbing Skylar down, she collapsed in a heap by his feet. He closed his eyes briefly, then rubbed the back of his neck. Sh*t, what the h*ll had just happened? He looked directly at Janet, and tried again. "Sorry Janet, my kids can be a bit exuberant sometimes, they're not used to the idea of me dating, but with time..."<br />
<br />
She screamed. "Exuberant, is that what you call them? They're f*cking sh*theads, and..."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyhR8DXl8Dpj06tEsyJ1URbsahJzZLLXNbMauclKnbSjTW2z8ibsyD0nzImbCEbVtqcvjwTJ2Nfnytcg_5OZv3Y8tKVs0PtvtVTgRLlwh0HiQmKPuQIdHPCrs-61uHOGeMR5_RoD7fGMA/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyhR8DXl8Dpj06tEsyJ1URbsahJzZLLXNbMauclKnbSjTW2z8ibsyD0nzImbCEbVtqcvjwTJ2Nfnytcg_5OZv3Y8tKVs0PtvtVTgRLlwh0HiQmKPuQIdHPCrs-61uHOGeMR5_RoD7fGMA/s1600/6.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Colin glared at her. "Hey now," he snapped, "there's no cause for name calling. They're just kids..."<br />
<br />
"Monsters, not kids!" She said shrilly. <br />
<br />
"I think we're finished here." He said stiffly. "Let's go kids."<br />
<br />
They all got into the car and headed for home. "Are we in trouble Dad?" Jack ventured to ask after several minutes of complete silence.<br />
<br />
"What do you think Jack?" Colin growled.<br />
<br />
"We'll be grounded forever." Jack said glumly.<br />
<br />
Colin snorted. "Forever is not nearly long enough." <br />
<br />
<br />
~<>~<br />
<br />
<br />
"You can't catch me!" Skylar taunted Jack.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihPt2F_xGhQvZ_S4NKQKZN_bmSywKed49evW0ojL74dKXxo2_x-x8oGOwhxIi_urBjYJdOvs_-hi6K4-abARVHONZEUq7Hs9PgjdNyxPIeUUbMhcFxBRf_WaUpCHXg2mnPvUXBnwymszo/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihPt2F_xGhQvZ_S4NKQKZN_bmSywKed49evW0ojL74dKXxo2_x-x8oGOwhxIi_urBjYJdOvs_-hi6K4-abARVHONZEUq7Hs9PgjdNyxPIeUUbMhcFxBRf_WaUpCHXg2mnPvUXBnwymszo/s1600/7.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Jack splashed and hopped about in the water, just happy to finally be ungrounded. "I could if I wanted!" he retorted.<br />
<br />
"Could not!"<br />
<br />
"Could too! Just watch me!" He tumbled after Skylar, who shrieked happily and tried to get away, but Jack was gaining on her.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnIfiYWmoW9BfOAhU3FsnDuQgZWenoAhsWrfPci_nvLpFhpp7KPFPSZDA08N1SfgLjoFAMMwp630_f3-QkH-nrjnPa4wq1pyeqPTQg-vOAJuPuaMX5Cyav-KVjiTevGje1W90YKiHMR9c/s1600/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnIfiYWmoW9BfOAhU3FsnDuQgZWenoAhsWrfPci_nvLpFhpp7KPFPSZDA08N1SfgLjoFAMMwp630_f3-QkH-nrjnPa4wq1pyeqPTQg-vOAJuPuaMX5Cyav-KVjiTevGje1W90YKiHMR9c/s1600/8.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
"Come on Luna!" Skylar yelled. "Join us!"<br />
<br />
Luna dipped a toe in. "It's freezing!" she shouted back.<br />
<br />
"Wuss!" Jack hollered.<br />
<br />
"You'll pay for that Jack!" Luna waded cautiously into the frigid water. She shivered, brr, it was so cold!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBmqBH1zLI8fSyWID5-ozCSZZEzML3Ktc1T-0tz-DHVSH1gVz6kY4OOXaMuCb7dFyo0Ayd35bIol_JmPGMbLZjCg5Lu-QZhe6zQGBREDAbmGGtrZGAGTQeooO2fDvpvijxMuOW9p94dvg/s1600/9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBmqBH1zLI8fSyWID5-ozCSZZEzML3Ktc1T-0tz-DHVSH1gVz6kY4OOXaMuCb7dFyo0Ayd35bIol_JmPGMbLZjCg5Lu-QZhe6zQGBREDAbmGGtrZGAGTQeooO2fDvpvijxMuOW9p94dvg/s1600/9.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Colin kept a watchful eye over his kids as they splashed and screeched about in the water. They were always half a step away from trouble, and he didn't want any of them to get hurt. They had earned this time at the beach. They had spent the last few weeks doing community service for the town and for Janet, on top of being grounded as discipline for their behavior at the toy store. What they had done was unacceptable, and Colin wanted to make sure that message came across loud and f*cking clear. There would be no repeats.<br />
<br />
They had dutifully pulled weeds, raked grass, picked up trash, anything they were told to do, all while Colin lectured them. He would date whoever the h*ll he wanted, but that said, if they really didn't like her, then they needed to f*cking come to him and talk to him about it. Not go behind his f*cking back and scheme and plot, and cause general chaos and mayhem in their wake.<br />
<br />
Janet had been all smiles and apologies when they had shown up on
her doorstep, ready to work. Colin had told her as nicely as he could,
they weren't going to work as a couple. His kids weren't ready for him
to date, and quite frankly, he wasn't f*cking ready either. He should
have f*cking listened to his heart, instead of trying to push himself. Maybe when they were older, they would all be more ready.
It just would have been f*cking nice to have one f*cking memory of sex. Sh*t.<br />
<br />
"Daddy! Come play with us!" Skylar begged.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9pCMXQXLhbFqUETBKvoUeNgKdvt5CastRPoENzsi3T0q5JpuKGxCjJTlb8pSHNYPDkXqSWQkCd7DWoHm80pvv89dMwEkWb-mXKFnAZmCKAx9ClM25NqrkwDMDO76cH_C-7Ryv8kRjGZs/s1600/10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9pCMXQXLhbFqUETBKvoUeNgKdvt5CastRPoENzsi3T0q5JpuKGxCjJTlb8pSHNYPDkXqSWQkCd7DWoHm80pvv89dMwEkWb-mXKFnAZmCKAx9ClM25NqrkwDMDO76cH_C-7Ryv8kRjGZs/s1600/10.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
They were the only ones on the beach, so why the h*ll not? "I'm coming to get you!" he threatened as he charged into the water after them. They all squealed, and scattered into different directions. Colin grabbed a giggling Skylar first, and slung her over his shoulder as he chased after Luna and Jack. He got a hold of Luna, "Arrg, my pretties, a dunking it will be with you two!"<br />
<br />
They shrieked, "No! Daddy! No!" Then he dunked himself and both girls under the water, their heads bobbed up out from under the water a few seconds later, laughing. "Again! Again!" they pleaded with him. Colin dove under the water, and grabbed Jack's foot and pulled him under next. Jack's head bobbed up out of the water, and he splashed back at his dad.<br />
<br />
Colin dove for all three of them, and they all screeched in delight. Some time later they headed closer for the shore, to play a game of Stomp Splash. Jack stomped both feet, and laughed gleefully as the water rained down over his father. "I got you Dad!"<br />
<br />
"Oh yeah?" Colin stomped back, and the challenge was on.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiklIFh3Oy2lmE5bPksbchQ4QGEVlDHq6ZBfZMI00JeuICIRP-tD40zPX3gDgXClxC7j8_JLFdv-Z5Uzab84uoTVCPd_JQZ-j9prlQ-vEfgIh5WdCeO4w6ba83MVPPqoEuSyDh428qFbDs/s1600/11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiklIFh3Oy2lmE5bPksbchQ4QGEVlDHq6ZBfZMI00JeuICIRP-tD40zPX3gDgXClxC7j8_JLFdv-Z5Uzab84uoTVCPd_JQZ-j9prlQ-vEfgIh5WdCeO4w6ba83MVPPqoEuSyDh428qFbDs/s1600/11.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Lots of stomping and laughter later, a tie was declared, by Jack. "I clearly won, you little imp." Colin teased his son.<br />
<br />
Jack giggled. "Nuh uh, I won, but I didn't want to make you feel bad!"<br />
<br />
He grinned down at his son. "Liar, liar pants on fire!"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglA4TTgnEODCk0GuM9C_ic3NEQdPTzzjV7ngb7tfH39o9NbBopVGfP6ViC9OF_3NW6mipsde2lzOwHsVroJAHYUnK66WwQJiln57vi6l84WVutoafHEDdjPC1s0GO_HRfPYPWlcderfSU/s1600/11a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglA4TTgnEODCk0GuM9C_ic3NEQdPTzzjV7ngb7tfH39o9NbBopVGfP6ViC9OF_3NW6mipsde2lzOwHsVroJAHYUnK66WwQJiln57vi6l84WVutoafHEDdjPC1s0GO_HRfPYPWlcderfSU/s1600/11a.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Colin stopped for a moment and just took in the scene before him, the smiling, happy faces of his children as they goofed around in the water. Sometimes, being a parent was a real b*tch, but times like this, made it all worthwhile. He loved his kids, and couldn't f*cking imagine what his life would have been like without them.<br />
<br />
He noted the darkness creeping in, and with a sigh of regret, called a halt to the beach trip. It was time to go home. All three of them tried to get him to change his mind, but he held firm. In the fading light he helped them gather up all their things and get everything put back into the car. They all climbed in, and he smiled as he drove down the twisty, windy road. He loved listening to their childish chatter as they excitedly went over and over the day's events. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6NtihHTCTuD3UrvuwGM0VA_Ch-mZX7RfweJt2p3uL06bN-WFb7keOShPtovT-6oSZYbjqe7lBlTHpsxBHSyKGb1Mx6c7____2r7o5NN_yjMg5c13uggVoGw3NrLZBtw1zXjL5-hwEXO0/s1600/12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6NtihHTCTuD3UrvuwGM0VA_Ch-mZX7RfweJt2p3uL06bN-WFb7keOShPtovT-6oSZYbjqe7lBlTHpsxBHSyKGb1Mx6c7____2r7o5NN_yjMg5c13uggVoGw3NrLZBtw1zXjL5-hwEXO0/s1600/12.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
"Dad?"<br />
<br />
Colin glanced at Jack. "Yeah buddy?"<br />
<br />
"You're the best Dad ever!"<br />
<br />
"I think so too!" Luna chimed in from the back.<br />
<br />
"Me too!" Skylar piped up.<br />
<br />
"Well, I have the six bestest kids ever!" he told them with a grin.<br />
<br />
<br />
~<>~<br />
<br />
<br />
Very soon they would be moving into their new house, and Skylar was so excited. She would have her own room, but she would really miss having her sister so close. The sisters liked to talk about things, important things while the grown ups were sleeping, and Jack snored away in a nearby bed. Now how were they supposed to have these important talks without the grownups overhearing them?<br />
<br />
"Lu, do you ever wonder about who you're going to marry when you grow up?"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0fZP1kooIhRdHgG9XIVUxGo1llZDSvlsAJDvvfJy2WrkZROxyveoZG_KyuRRoGNnv2bn4z3kglKIXs3rIKB6zs5s0EnUW7izAkOsDJXasSnJdQv3nQBZPWUtISZQz88F8rYO0W1nRf4U/s1600/13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0fZP1kooIhRdHgG9XIVUxGo1llZDSvlsAJDvvfJy2WrkZROxyveoZG_KyuRRoGNnv2bn4z3kglKIXs3rIKB6zs5s0EnUW7izAkOsDJXasSnJdQv3nQBZPWUtISZQz88F8rYO0W1nRf4U/s1600/13.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
"I already know who I'm going to marry." Luna informed her sister.<br />
<br />
Skylar looked over at her sister. "Really? Who?"<br />
<br />
"Someone rich and handsome." She said loftily.<br />
<br />
"What about nice? He ought to be nice Lu."<br />
<br />
"I'll sock him in the nose if he's not nice to me."<br />
<br />
"What about true? Like Daddy? I want to marry someone just like Daddy, he's been true to our mother all these years."<br />
<br />
Luna stared out the window. "He doesn't even remember her."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRpmo_ROiikOM3HIi2Sp2i8Vc1Hp4yQlpMfHU5N4vYq9jk0gvlygRtHrOFTZ-fK8a7je5lxjsAf25KmuDRw-xr7tESR9ZsU7mffzB1MrtWl2y9TBJk_pDgVeHwvcz6zlUQaY6nyAAGdXE/s1600/14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRpmo_ROiikOM3HIi2Sp2i8Vc1Hp4yQlpMfHU5N4vYq9jk0gvlygRtHrOFTZ-fK8a7je5lxjsAf25KmuDRw-xr7tESR9ZsU7mffzB1MrtWl2y9TBJk_pDgVeHwvcz6zlUQaY6nyAAGdXE/s1600/14.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
"Besides that, he was dating that nasty prune face Janet, that's not staying true to our mother."<br />
<br />
"He said he didn't like her much." Skylar said loyally. "He said he was only dating her because he thought we needed a mother. But I only want our mother." She sighed wistfully. "I sure wish we knew more about her. No one ever talks about her."<br />
<br />
"Grandpa says it's because they never met her, so they can't tell us anything about her. I think when I get older, I'm going to look for her."<br />
<br />
"But she's dead Lu."<br />
<br />
"Well, I'm still going to look and see what I can find out about her. She is our mother."<br />
<br />
Skylar nodded. "I'll help you." The sisters smiled at each other.<br />
<br />
<br />
~<>~<br />
<br />
<br />
Today was their birthday, and Skylar was helping her Gramps make the cakes. She stirred the ingredients in the bowl. "Like this Gramps?"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDQkEK5kCVObINFL9r1X0jtMVru2IaxIm1Zrc7pj08p2WQh1mnY5d2EX5wEgWCgv1MFbcGap4yWbGlTDLvxHHC1A5igxrH_s8HutvR66NCO6vNwlYjxEs29hEAbeANPQd8NZmF33AKpo0/s1600/15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDQkEK5kCVObINFL9r1X0jtMVru2IaxIm1Zrc7pj08p2WQh1mnY5d2EX5wEgWCgv1MFbcGap4yWbGlTDLvxHHC1A5igxrH_s8HutvR66NCO6vNwlYjxEs29hEAbeANPQd8NZmF33AKpo0/s1600/15.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Alder smiled down at his great-grand daughter. "Just like that. Great job Skylar, someday you're going to make a great cook."<br />
<br />
Skylar nodded. "Just like you!" She barely had time to finish her own birthday cake, before her birthday was upon her. She couldn't wait to be bigger, and have more privileges. Like dating boys. She wanted to get married, and have a hundred kids. She really wanted to marry her Daddy, but he told her it just wasn't possible. <br />
<br />
She had time for one last birthday wish. She closed her eyes, and wished with all her might. She wished for true love. When she opened her eyes up, she felt different, more grown up.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoZthcK_eONabV3pSnh4JLkSzLkMc9XvWTbG7eba47Y8oRhq_gelOz7JM2RPSFnxcKkYh6JSpGn-PnHehQCbGattXeMAvbmuALVwng4tY7IJRGxMBos9yB42RtG5iz4fapqVIW9qlWxhE/s1600/16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoZthcK_eONabV3pSnh4JLkSzLkMc9XvWTbG7eba47Y8oRhq_gelOz7JM2RPSFnxcKkYh6JSpGn-PnHehQCbGattXeMAvbmuALVwng4tY7IJRGxMBos9yB42RtG5iz4fapqVIW9qlWxhE/s1600/16.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Luna was more than ready for her birthday, and happily embraced it. Her teacher, Mr. Landgraab, after catching Luna painting on the hallway walls for the bazillionth time, said she had artistic talent, and if she would quit painting on inappropriate surfaces, when she got older, he would let her join the exclusive Art Club. She was totally stoked over that, and she would make sure he kept his word. Or he would certainly regret it. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyNXRFZ_6GsP7nwGCUojW5MD6rUqDDkej8SpZ5dyX6pJT0LEX9i4RVeGoIuASoOKF3eQEA6zcq8Wl8m4Z5eShruARxqzegRfE1bZAvnAA3BWWA2sWcxeWmWx6rhd6DjhZ2IUIRt93unCo/s1600/17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyNXRFZ_6GsP7nwGCUojW5MD6rUqDDkej8SpZ5dyX6pJT0LEX9i4RVeGoIuASoOKF3eQEA6zcq8Wl8m4Z5eShruARxqzegRfE1bZAvnAA3BWWA2sWcxeWmWx6rhd6DjhZ2IUIRt93unCo/s1600/17.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Jack thought birthdays were bothersome. He was right in the middle of a very important experiment, he didn't have time for the nonsense. Time or not, his body didn't listen, and forced him to stop, so that the birthday could commence.<br />
<br />
He still wasn't happy about it though.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN9EmeBb_jX8lJH33uk1tJpCzgLs_Bt7ZrTF9sfOWIibbisnWAT0HiTYZEP6LhOpXfD62k870xQVTR3aTlZpJ7K7AVl_pe0GDMp1IUHCG1csmx5_7qNBDg3wUNaXG2oGr8sa7hlFeH9Hg/s1600/18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN9EmeBb_jX8lJH33uk1tJpCzgLs_Bt7ZrTF9sfOWIibbisnWAT0HiTYZEP6LhOpXfD62k870xQVTR3aTlZpJ7K7AVl_pe0GDMp1IUHCG1csmx5_7qNBDg3wUNaXG2oGr8sa7hlFeH9Hg/s1600/18.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
______________________________________________________________________________________<br />
<br />
Notes: Hooray---I am getting close to catching up! That means that I'll be able to play my Kahekili family again, lol I've been making myself wait, and try to catch up story wise first, but then I end up playing a good dozen or so different saves/challenges, which I quickly grow bored with. I miss my Kahekili family. =)<br />
<br />
And looky here---another happy chapter! Two in a row! Woot! The trips have a pretty happy childhood overall, and they are very close to their Dad. (Stark contrast to Ivory's childhood, and even Colin's.) Not much about the older kids in this chapter, but next chapter we'll see what they are up to. This one was about Colin and the trips mostly.<br />
<br />
Also, I think I managed to convey that their childhood was longer than 7 days, haha<br />
<br />
Colin is struggling a little bit, even though he doesn't consciously remember Ivory, part of him does still remember. So while he wants to have a relationship ( and remember what sex was, lol I thought that would be a fun irony for him, haha I'm so mean!!), he just isn't able to get past whatever the block is. Janet is no loss though, she was very mercenary, and she wasn't really interested in playing mommy. She would be the type to try to ship them off to military school or something, lol Not that Colin would ever allow that. =)<br />
<br />
Luna is quite serious about looking for information about her mother, and Skylar will help. It affects them the most, Jack has his head in his books and experiments, and can't be bothered by such silly nonsense.<br />
<br />
The next few chapters---everyone might change clothes/hairstyles a bit. Sorry about that, but as I stated last chapter, it was during all this I discovered I had huge game issues, which ultimately I ended up using Porter and rescuing sims. I thought it might be a CC problem for a while, so I was dumping CC, and made a general huge mess out of everything, lol Not just once, but three times! Oy vey!<br />
<br />
This was the birthday that killed the save though---here are some outtakes to illustrate this, lol<br />
<br />
Yes Luna---I was quite tired of it all too! So if her proportions (pic above) looked a little off--it was totally the game's fault! She does make a pretty cute midget though, lol<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqnGxoZy-wHqyTCTAzUxME4KbhnMbF98vL0RqECA65OP26KSjekrmi6P8TgRvceiixUp9uJDLyFDPVdnt8d4Bg1DaWgHlypSdtFaoH0W-Pt0oJkm4JujW8ZAmVufK8KSFRzuMSYHiXJm4/s1600/outtake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqnGxoZy-wHqyTCTAzUxME4KbhnMbF98vL0RqECA65OP26KSjekrmi6P8TgRvceiixUp9uJDLyFDPVdnt8d4Bg1DaWgHlypSdtFaoH0W-Pt0oJkm4JujW8ZAmVufK8KSFRzuMSYHiXJm4/s1600/outtake.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
No matter how many times I tell him how dangerous it is, Jack insists on being his own lab rat.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRqFvarR4lhHTzQwVJng1ei4_uJTZVTi6O_iJzuAsAFZ5qB2LMQTv-xmop4EI91z_i_ifvqtoyMc7CyZQpgvoqOJbZocTcFcpRBN9UO3Qz3_FkD-3qVRYjgHB4QO2zIDFNJzRnsf3Jios/s1600/outtake1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRqFvarR4lhHTzQwVJng1ei4_uJTZVTi6O_iJzuAsAFZ5qB2LMQTv-xmop4EI91z_i_ifvqtoyMc7CyZQpgvoqOJbZocTcFcpRBN9UO3Qz3_FkD-3qVRYjgHB4QO2zIDFNJzRnsf3Jios/s1600/outtake1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
This just goes to prove, that Luna is the shortest of the three, lol Here Skylar grows long and lean, easily towering over her shorter sister.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7YXQlWZdDx_9XMsXzNek9iIta8YuP7XqQtbTKpsqSc4zNYLT9RRO5vocuTbeRhXC8_EtnyoTSyF6-56bgp5YsM7I4kAKF5-W8Nkr2Ks8aIEtAlMy95dARVakiLi4-AZvSloCCueTqHfc/s1600/outtake2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7YXQlWZdDx_9XMsXzNek9iIta8YuP7XqQtbTKpsqSc4zNYLT9RRO5vocuTbeRhXC8_EtnyoTSyF6-56bgp5YsM7I4kAKF5-W8Nkr2Ks8aIEtAlMy95dARVakiLi4-AZvSloCCueTqHfc/s1600/outtake2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Thanks for reading! Next chapter---they were terrors as toddlers, rambunctious as children, what will they be like as teens? And how does Colin deal with---*gasp*---boyfriends?! <br />
<br />
<br />Nirarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15253184399668018141noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2767753407529003708.post-44654097231728625392014-02-23T22:04:00.000-08:002014-02-23T22:04:03.341-08:00Chapter 77: Midnight Hollow<h3>
Warning: Language</h3>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Colin took a deep breath of the early morning air, as he stared at the scenery in front of him while seeing nothing at all. It seemed he couldn't run from his past, he was known even here. Sh*t, who had known that he had already traveled here? Apparently he had never f*cking divulged his travel plans with anyone, ever.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD_dCWYDS5qXKEtNCuJshgQepssOi6V1A2BdNSwhKS3v5vwlI8Mw45SeIdZsARpE9DcAE2I6qLkCQj2ay5SLNUqjweihDFEid0L7tcjwB5qpzsfYSDzbMsPGW4X3jBJSLh-r-GaGbp6w4/s1600/Colin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD_dCWYDS5qXKEtNCuJshgQepssOi6V1A2BdNSwhKS3v5vwlI8Mw45SeIdZsARpE9DcAE2I6qLkCQj2ay5SLNUqjweihDFEid0L7tcjwB5qpzsfYSDzbMsPGW4X3jBJSLh-r-GaGbp6w4/s1600/Colin.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The town itself wasn't <i>too</i> f*cking bad, a little dark, a lot depressing... Colin definitely knew next time he wouldn't f*cking let a grieving man pick the next place to move to. Sh*t, where else would his Dad move to? This gothic mournful town was the perfect f*cking place for grieving, and what it didn't have in atmosphere, it made up for in attitude. Everyone pretty much left them the h*ll alone. Except for him, f*ck, "Stupid f*cking females." he muttered.<br />
<br />
Why the f*ck they continued to chase after him he couldn't understand. They all operated under the same f*cking delusion, that he would suddenly wake up and want to spend the rest of his life with them. Hello? He didn't f*cking remember them, and he wasn't too f*cking impressed with what he saw now. How in the h*ll had he handled their attention before? No matter how many times he said h*ll no, it was like they f*cking heard h*ll yes! He shook his head.<br />
<br />
Had he f*cking led them on last time he had been here? He just couldn't remember, and it was d*mned frustrating. He couldn't remember the half a dozen businesses he apparently owned here either, sh*t, one of which was a strip club and gambling den. D*mn, he had apparently slept with all his stripper employees too. Who the h*ll hadn't he slept with? He shook his head again. He had been a f*cking prize idiot. At least he had given his brother a reason to laugh, the sh*thead, he thought sourly. Brothers.<br />
<br />
At least Midnight Hollow had the Hollow River, and Hollow Lake, so he could still f*cking find work as a lifeguard. Downtown Midnight Hollow was nestled up against the foothills, hiding in plain sight. Colin would have rather had lakeside property, then be f*cking landlocked like they were, he could barely see the lake. He f*cking loved the water, that and the house they had f*cking rented was too d*nm small. His Dad had claimed he hadn't known anyone was coming with him when he had first rented the house.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm8jwl8o1dUubAy5UzTJvzPk79atnGwa2_7jbhnOJkGRjGFjZXtxC3v5qVUOhjvn_pk2-FpDkLDXrMCRi-GjwlMtldr2nuVs5XpGEdhwvwvz7U6J9iOArsvxao0re1Nr7MEbh2PBVaSNE/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm8jwl8o1dUubAy5UzTJvzPk79atnGwa2_7jbhnOJkGRjGFjZXtxC3v5qVUOhjvn_pk2-FpDkLDXrMCRi-GjwlMtldr2nuVs5XpGEdhwvwvz7U6J9iOArsvxao0re1Nr7MEbh2PBVaSNE/s1600/1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
That was one of the first f*cking things Colin had taken care of. He bought a huge piece of property right along Lake Hollow's shoreline, it cost him a f*cking pretty penny, but he didn't care. He would have water, and plenty of f*cking space to build a huge a*s house that would hold the whole family, comfortably. <br />
<br />
"Hey Dad!" Colin turned to see his oldest bounding towards him. He f*cking hated the weird a*s sh*t his son kept doing to his hair, but he did his best to ignore it. Hair was the least of their f*cking problems.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF0FSfP0cwwXvC_cdoLkZOfLXGc0qmJy2FddtWwuJo9Y-q-xzBQuX9b6twbmfnW3S55lVX_M2WIENkgj04CiNn0KKhvX7H3ecqaI9zsJ3O-zqCF_1Ey_sDgncod1GRF9h77TENn12YBqI/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF0FSfP0cwwXvC_cdoLkZOfLXGc0qmJy2FddtWwuJo9Y-q-xzBQuX9b6twbmfnW3S55lVX_M2WIENkgj04CiNn0KKhvX7H3ecqaI9zsJ3O-zqCF_1Ey_sDgncod1GRF9h77TENn12YBqI/s1600/7.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"The bus will be here in a few moments, but Grandpa wanted me to remind you that it's Toddler Reading time at the library today." <br />
<br />
Colin noticed the glint of humor in his son's eyes. "Are you sh*tting me?"<br />
<br />
Jake held his hand up. "Scout's honor."<br />
<br />
"You know that only works if you're a scout right?"<br />
<br />
Jake grinned. "I swear Dad, that's what Grandpa said. He claims the triplets need to get out of the house for a bit."<br />
<br />
Colin was thrilled to see Jake smile, and at him, f*ck! His life must be pretty f*cking pathetic that Jake smiling at him would make him this f*cking happy. Pathetic or not, his son had f*cking smiled at him, the first time ever! "Ah h*ll, Grandpa just wants some peace and quiet for a while. D*mn, I don't think I have enough hands for those three. Skye is the only one that sticks close by." Colin frowned. Skylar was the cuddle bug, Luna the adventurer, and Jack was a master of cause and effect. He pictured the three of them at the library and groaned, which earned him another f*cking precious smile from Jake.<br />
<br />
"Oh and Dad?" <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo5U3BBNWtxBqms6tPD8wv2g91Ko7gbLyA2fmPSMsi2jeTzSSOPxhRvJCUhTsXQeFiiswOwoERpIm-CXz3fHN2DH_Adu8pYbqrg90iEe_TKw4SrR_tdpA281x5ePw0Z81cKUur_aRxWRM/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo5U3BBNWtxBqms6tPD8wv2g91Ko7gbLyA2fmPSMsi2jeTzSSOPxhRvJCUhTsXQeFiiswOwoERpIm-CXz3fHN2DH_Adu8pYbqrg90iEe_TKw4SrR_tdpA281x5ePw0Z81cKUur_aRxWRM/s1600/6.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
"Yeah?" Colin answered, distractedly. His mind was still on three f*cking toddlers destroying the Public Library. Maybe he should buy it first?<br />
<br />
"I have Debate tonight...can you..."<br />
<br />
"I'll be there, unless your siblings f*cking kill me today, and tear down the town around our f*cking ears."<br />
<br />
Jake smiled. 'Great!" He hesitated, then said, "I'm glad you'll be there tonight Dad."<br />
<br />
"Me too." Colin smiled back at him. Colin watched Jake head off towards the bus, before heading back inside the house. Two smiles, h*ll yeah, now that was f*cking progress!! Then he noticed his daughter, and what she was doing. "Luna, don't poke the doll's eyes out."<br />
<br />
Luna looked up, mid-poke. "Baby eye Dada! Baby eye!"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Bfpa0ElgbNt1EDtkOBW0haSxzc19ytC2Wo81qPqiz827AjT0EzJ92UZoUNEHDDSEph6oGD4GYN8no2T1neb-exLtg7B4KH__SNBUpnZqENUDoUxaNyTWmZ5qKEVLR_5l9Dr-Ql68RYc/s1600/Luna+doll.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Bfpa0ElgbNt1EDtkOBW0haSxzc19ytC2Wo81qPqiz827AjT0EzJ92UZoUNEHDDSEph6oGD4GYN8no2T1neb-exLtg7B4KH__SNBUpnZqENUDoUxaNyTWmZ5qKEVLR_5l9Dr-Ql68RYc/s1600/Luna+doll.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
"Yes, that's the doll's eye. Stop poking at it, that thing is ffff...creepy enough without you picking the eyes off of it. Dad!" Colin hollered. "How the hhh...am I supposed to take these three to the library by myself?" Sh*t, no answer. Colin trudged up the stairs, and found his Dad and Grandad in heavy conversation. D*mn, he didn't want to interrupt that. Well, he would just have to f*cking suck it up, at least they were all walking. Even if it was in f*cking different directions.<br />
<br />
The huge crack of thunder nearly made him jump out of his f*cking skin. He looked out the window in dismay to see that the sunshine that had been there two minutes ago was no the f*ck where to be seen. He heard the hail tinkling against the window. Sh*t, that was all he needed. With a sigh, he walked back down the stairs, he needed to f*cking lasso three kids. He'd f*cking have better luck trying to lasso three greased pigs.<br />
<br />
"Jack Jack, come on buddy, don't pull those curtains down again." Jack turned around, and clapped his hands in glee. "Kutens Dada! Kutens fall!"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj-FObAq38PnRvnLljtSxVHRKS_x-cQO7UWqGH5IFZAHOFMMkyDulUIzYb2Skq_RnzMI1b1Pox58I2du2s1y4XkD0zxxiH0PwznrheRCrnlgf-u265el9WYcKy0elimXt-Os55uCb1VOA/s1600/Jack+curtain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj-FObAq38PnRvnLljtSxVHRKS_x-cQO7UWqGH5IFZAHOFMMkyDulUIzYb2Skq_RnzMI1b1Pox58I2du2s1y4XkD0zxxiH0PwznrheRCrnlgf-u265el9WYcKy0elimXt-Os55uCb1VOA/s1600/Jack+curtain.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"Yes they fall, now don't touch them you little...imp." <br />
<br />
It took an hour but he f*cking managed to wrangle three squirmy bodies into jackets, hats and gloves; get them belted into carseats, and get them safely inside the library. He felt like he had just accomplished the f*cking twelve labors of Hercules. Sh*t, he was already f*cking exhausted.<br />
<br />
"Pincess Dada! Pincess!" Skylar demanded. Colin groaned inwardly. Skylar couldn't get enough of f*cking Princess stories. Jack and Luna were contentedly chewing on the same book, so Colin grabbed the first Princess book he could find and sat down beside Skylar. She curled up close to him, and pointed at the picture. "Pincess. Me."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhecmS6wDOa9MOX-5TzdYCCnvpL6E0F1HEyg4aTNBg57HA7nND_60ajfZkWQ17AsNl6yZGd5zwO19TMOPiYvrWjcfcQxWACeotBBexlXVxdgz4u8tq5sXeiVYHxOAlPDmKkPigpQF2CMms/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhecmS6wDOa9MOX-5TzdYCCnvpL6E0F1HEyg4aTNBg57HA7nND_60ajfZkWQ17AsNl6yZGd5zwO19TMOPiYvrWjcfcQxWACeotBBexlXVxdgz4u8tq5sXeiVYHxOAlPDmKkPigpQF2CMms/s1600/5.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
"Yep, you're Daddy's Princess." Colin began to read the story, "Once upon a time there lived a Princess named Rose.."<br />
<br />
"No no Dada! Pincess me! Me!"<br />
<br />
Colin rolled his eyes. "My apologies your highness. Once upon a time there lived a Princess named Skylar..." Skylar sucked on her thumb as he read the story. "..and then Princess Skylar lived happily ever after with her Prince. The end."<br />
<br />
Skylar patted him. "Dada pince. Me pincess. Pincess happy Dada?"<br />
<br />
"Hmm," Colin pretended to think. "Happy with her Prince Dada forever and ever, yes I think she is." Colin tickled her, and Skylar broke out into giggles. Suddenly Colin noticed that the library was awful quiet. Sh*t! He looked to where Jack and Luna had been just a few minutes before. D*mn, where the h*ll did they go? He listened for sounds of chaos, and when he heard bookshelves crashing, he knew where the f*ck Jack had gone. "Sh*t."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVV7gvhMYXlPhihWMd6WEfFAG5rlDY38Exe8ZQpfTcxQQ3lnbfMgv5A4wRWDIiDRuj8yQ-DGMDoR3VrrLtU-IfFohQpmg1QzYGimF0To8GIPp3GncwSUUfsnMU9r5LSSLRmj-ofma4qt0/s1600/Skylar+read.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVV7gvhMYXlPhihWMd6WEfFAG5rlDY38Exe8ZQpfTcxQQ3lnbfMgv5A4wRWDIiDRuj8yQ-DGMDoR3VrrLtU-IfFohQpmg1QzYGimF0To8GIPp3GncwSUUfsnMU9r5LSSLRmj-ofma4qt0/s1600/Skylar+read.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"Dada say bad wood! Bad wood Dada!"<br />
<br />
"Dada's sorry, now come on little girl, let's go find your naughty little siblings." He spied Jack right away, he was sitting in a pile of books happily clapping away, but where the f*ck was Luna? Colin headed for Jack, but some f*cking female suddenly stood between him and his son. What the f*ck??<br />
<br />
"Colin, I had heard you were back in town. How come you haven't looked me up?"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDgDj7GGpfYZmKg8jvj4qwzR5VDuyJNjs7Wct-_5ovgbhqRj7LJpO2suu9vXfaGZ1xZ_whKupn_k4ECwLusy0m2PwlVKVhCrkoDTfAq-oXI2fm_8dN4rEN7mcgXqPfgUH0X27_FuFfdjo/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDgDj7GGpfYZmKg8jvj4qwzR5VDuyJNjs7Wct-_5ovgbhqRj7LJpO2suu9vXfaGZ1xZ_whKupn_k4ECwLusy0m2PwlVKVhCrkoDTfAq-oXI2fm_8dN4rEN7mcgXqPfgUH0X27_FuFfdjo/s1600/3.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"Lady, I don't know who the h*ll you are, now get out the f*ck out of my way."<br />
<br />
She didn't move. "That doesn't bother me the least little bit. I could refresh your memory." She coyly suggested.<br />
<br />
Colin gritted his teeth. "Get the f*ck out of my way now, I need to get my kid."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxCw9oGsVkBuM4A70pQBI4RfwuxWpKW0mCvekBv7XpGkAnCX7QaYswUwrMAh0ic4OJsVMoeFj31_WJbFJk3YJSFucRz3C7bbx7UAC_iGp1_s_IlTdxyokoYWCHI0e1Fgh7i3V0AE5t3g4/s1600/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxCw9oGsVkBuM4A70pQBI4RfwuxWpKW0mCvekBv7XpGkAnCX7QaYswUwrMAh0ic4OJsVMoeFj31_WJbFJk3YJSFucRz3C7bbx7UAC_iGp1_s_IlTdxyokoYWCHI0e1Fgh7i3V0AE5t3g4/s1600/8.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"Oh, that precious little boy is you.." <br />
<br />
She squeaked when Colin forcibly moved her out of his way. "I'm not f*cking interested in you, f*ck no, not in a million f*cking years."<br />
<br />
"You'll call me then?" She called out after him. Colin ignored her, and picked up Jack. The Librarian came towards him with a soaking wet Luna.<br />
<br />
"Does this belong to you?"<br />
<br />
Colin sighed. "Yes."<br />
<br />
"She was flushing all sorts of things down the toilet. Every single one of the toilets here are now clogged."<br />
<br />
"Sh*t."<br />
<br />
"Bad wood Dada! Bad wood!!!" Colin closed his eyes. Sh*t.<br />
<br />
<br />
~<>~<br />
<br />
<br />
"Happy Birthday to Luna, Skylar and Jack! Happy Birthday to you!!!" Colin could uncover his ears now that the song had been sung. Thank God it was the triplets birthday, he had f*cking survived them as toddlers, though barely.<br />
<br />
Luna, being the most impatient, had her birthday first.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc9WNP_q6WDvqFjqQAQtIJhTT3QKy23it1RGQQJbeJaIzzAZuW-LvuMdHTrcbSyLkj-i8A9Q7BzYn0BwTgWp3v4W5eOyVjw12ALB-A87vksv323C_ZKiofOWJpuLbBsmqAbZjcx6J6OA0/s1600/Luna+bday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc9WNP_q6WDvqFjqQAQtIJhTT3QKy23it1RGQQJbeJaIzzAZuW-LvuMdHTrcbSyLkj-i8A9Q7BzYn0BwTgWp3v4W5eOyVjw12ALB-A87vksv323C_ZKiofOWJpuLbBsmqAbZjcx6J6OA0/s1600/Luna+bday.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Followed by Skylar.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5QL4AbSsjanMGsnJFUPwkXVEMs_zTIfEhm3DmZ3VEwhAbL50w9tqlbdj0MRhrxWmnAdITeINTFfruU7NO9_eU_nersfofMztsm1RvNxbwAQeUvEfYBF_qpfynWD7aS5gIceKv10qIyOY/s1600/Skylar+birthday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5QL4AbSsjanMGsnJFUPwkXVEMs_zTIfEhm3DmZ3VEwhAbL50w9tqlbdj0MRhrxWmnAdITeINTFfruU7NO9_eU_nersfofMztsm1RvNxbwAQeUvEfYBF_qpfynWD7aS5gIceKv10qIyOY/s1600/Skylar+birthday.jpg" height="480" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
And then Jack.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMVN2MZzQGjuAwqwF2yHXD7JNndk4EwSSwYyBo-GJ5gqklyncJLuTjd839H_54WxFHlQ6oWhotwtIKL1nnKEAchW5EvYbM4mrrP2bhzATFiewWpKdz6iKPXD5NWcZrsKR5BMXqDAdFHBw/s1600/Jack+bday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMVN2MZzQGjuAwqwF2yHXD7JNndk4EwSSwYyBo-GJ5gqklyncJLuTjd839H_54WxFHlQ6oWhotwtIKL1nnKEAchW5EvYbM4mrrP2bhzATFiewWpKdz6iKPXD5NWcZrsKR5BMXqDAdFHBw/s1600/Jack+bday.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Any slight f*cking hope he had held of having some peace and quiet now that they were older, was instantly quelled.<br />
<br />
"No, I get to sleep with Daddy!" Luna yelled.<br />
<br />
"Nuh uh, I get to sleep with Daddy!" Skylar yelled back.<br />
<br />
Colin groaned. Females, they were going to be the f*cking death of him yet.<br />
<br />
<br />
~<>~<br />
<br />
<br />
"Hey Rhys! Glad to see that you made the move too."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYBi9VTZeWN-oxNLCgy0BBAjSAZJpBBvtSc4IQPCi27Hbl2csvg1CMzrNUtxbctJnr_yPKf2Jiw9YqcMk4OXe2EhJS9bdntU8Q_fFpOivtrY_oe_QCV1MKx3UMvRVqdGkqHFxPw1MHVgk/s1600/Alder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYBi9VTZeWN-oxNLCgy0BBAjSAZJpBBvtSc4IQPCi27Hbl2csvg1CMzrNUtxbctJnr_yPKf2Jiw9YqcMk4OXe2EhJS9bdntU8Q_fFpOivtrY_oe_QCV1MKx3UMvRVqdGkqHFxPw1MHVgk/s1600/Alder.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Alder hadn't seen Rhys in a long time. Rhys had kept his distance after Alder's father Reilly had died. Alder still missed his Dad, but it sure was good to see his Dad's best friend again. "You shouldn't be such a stranger."<br />
<br />
"I made a promise that I intend to keep, it would be hard to watch over you guys if I lived in another town. Besides, " Rhys shrugged, "as if that wasn't reason enough, I married Rosina, and she couldn't bear to be parted from her family. So here I am."<br />
<br />
"Rosina? Really?" Alder grinned at him as he patted Rhys on the back. "Why you old dog you...marrying someone centuries younger than yourself!"<br />
<br />
Rhys grinned back. "She isn't quite that young!"<br />
<br />
<br />
"My name is Luna, what's yours?"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ufQRy6LZtF_7wTXtL1qhTQD0AlRgGjUyUuH_tPdmGfaZ3EmfGDqn_KGXAxHB-H6SipKssNj9fkryhXybaJY_qYSw7n_hiS50k-_h6u2E2xmYjYeT7ZWkF_gGcFFNUMxzWWGHRtVeaWw/s1600/Skylar+party.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ufQRy6LZtF_7wTXtL1qhTQD0AlRgGjUyUuH_tPdmGfaZ3EmfGDqn_KGXAxHB-H6SipKssNj9fkryhXybaJY_qYSw7n_hiS50k-_h6u2E2xmYjYeT7ZWkF_gGcFFNUMxzWWGHRtVeaWw/s1600/Skylar+party.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
"Tttttanner." the boy said shyly.<br />
<br />
"Do you want be my friend?"<br />
<br />
Tanner stuttered in surprise. "You want to be my friend?" <br />
<br />
Luna scratched her head. "Yeah, why wouldn't I want to be?"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfXqXQeYuw0TvupcDPl016lmxcQHd-RNQP8J4kJmoCpigYZMlT7FRC9LTNe-qFvaxf5SfHPdXWiEPfodGrylky0VWJtv0DvpMZISbwZ6wH9ezsC77i1CZWcMAEM_N5bTXzPlXeFw-7drE/s1600/Skylar+party1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfXqXQeYuw0TvupcDPl016lmxcQHd-RNQP8J4kJmoCpigYZMlT7FRC9LTNe-qFvaxf5SfHPdXWiEPfodGrylky0VWJtv0DvpMZISbwZ6wH9ezsC77i1CZWcMAEM_N5bTXzPlXeFw-7drE/s1600/Skylar+party1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
"Well, ccccause I stttttutt...I can't say my wwwwords right. Oooother kkkkids ccccall me stttupid."<br />
<br />
"Well, that's stupid." Luna declared. "You shouldn't listen to stupid kids. My Daddy says I'm a smarta*s, so that means I'm smart, and I don't think you're stupid at all. So there."<br />
<br />
Tanner's eyes shone. "Yyyyesss, I'll bbbe your ffffriend."<br />
<br />
Skylar whooped. "Yahoo! We're going to be best of friends, I can already tell!"<br />
<br />
<br />
"Hey Marcy, do you want to see the video of when all of my kids were sick? Someone was puking every five minutes, it was a fff--nightmare, but makes for a great video!" Colin said enthusiastically as he pulled his phone out.<br />
<br />
"Eww, no, gross!"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE4bgwJ8emZF2IOKBByhiQyOr4Rnne4BEhUcJy8VLM-f1Me57RHzK1TQ_Q_-dTkyaPMdcDICsW2UFFqbWFwEio-DBSVxLYWnoxnSUoC9kopELq5_EWKm1kdsofp4Y14lMQ23k6W8qlQ00/s1600/Colin+party.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE4bgwJ8emZF2IOKBByhiQyOr4Rnne4BEhUcJy8VLM-f1Me57RHzK1TQ_Q_-dTkyaPMdcDICsW2UFFqbWFwEio-DBSVxLYWnoxnSUoC9kopELq5_EWKm1kdsofp4Y14lMQ23k6W8qlQ00/s1600/Colin+party.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Alder placed his hand on Rhys' forehead. "Hmmm, I'm sensing something here..."<br />
<br />
"I'm sensing something too. I'm sensing a nutcase."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfoV2UkLVG70h4IVsYQcE7ZRtD3SqjWJj7Sz80gTNuKByyRhDiovKJSg_qi4e91_JpXkRFbfAsfhyDttIHFKLXIofhuqVlQw5f0OAvIW0UbonYKmQQuOOXMuFSY-UxDz43VdTGL46ITos/s1600/Alder+party.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfoV2UkLVG70h4IVsYQcE7ZRtD3SqjWJj7Sz80gTNuKByyRhDiovKJSg_qi4e91_JpXkRFbfAsfhyDttIHFKLXIofhuqVlQw5f0OAvIW0UbonYKmQQuOOXMuFSY-UxDz43VdTGL46ITos/s1600/Alder+party.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
"Hush now Rhys." Alder teased him. "I'm sure I could read your mind like you can read mine, just give me a minute!"<br />
<br />
"If you pull that freezing ice cold trick again on me Alder, I swear I'll..."<br />
<br />
Alder gave his practiced innocent look. "Me? Surely you jest, I gave up pranking ages ago..."<br />
<br />
Colin started to ask, "Hey Jake, do you want to see..."<br />
<br />
Jake laughed. "I stopped saying yes to that question from you a long time ago."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNQ91UWzPD1Vr0SPfnxAMfnRHvIDnmd4dueIgVlpD_5nNKtKomwGVOzMjO8inIFZi8NLopBkkwzY-BAXJt5fInmDu6A0rkBsVNvWzGl_uArzhOSC4YpnkhEyrVzv1p_kGs87QUEcah_2Q/s1600/Colin+party1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNQ91UWzPD1Vr0SPfnxAMfnRHvIDnmd4dueIgVlpD_5nNKtKomwGVOzMjO8inIFZi8NLopBkkwzY-BAXJt5fInmDu6A0rkBsVNvWzGl_uArzhOSC4YpnkhEyrVzv1p_kGs87QUEcah_2Q/s1600/Colin+party1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"What? I don't know what the h*ll you're talking about." The f*cking sad part was, Colin really didn't know what the f*ck he was talking about.<br />
<br />
Jake shook his head then said with a slight grin. "In so many ways, you're still you, that's all I'm saying."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
~<>~<br />
<br />
<br />
Luna called out, "Tanner! I need your help!" <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcrzQMnjuve9zBCOWrvCbucxKRgZ7Vs7HIs1l8flb2urJGN83oIMZxcTu_o5mgJhxdQmeRjXiVf_Po_QfM09iXqZqxHwRulEKADWBWT98dn0Z62yLfcZ_FLNdego19FARQhTEtlB8-YXY/s1600/LT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcrzQMnjuve9zBCOWrvCbucxKRgZ7Vs7HIs1l8flb2urJGN83oIMZxcTu_o5mgJhxdQmeRjXiVf_Po_QfM09iXqZqxHwRulEKADWBWT98dn0Z62yLfcZ_FLNdego19FARQhTEtlB8-YXY/s1600/LT.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
"Wwwwwhat nnnnnnow?"<br />
<br />
"Don't give me that look Tanner! We couldn't possibly get in trouble this time, it's for a humanitarian cause!"<br />
<br />
Tanner smiled weakly at his best and only friend. Luna made his life tolerable, she made him laugh, she didn't laugh at him or at any of his ideas, she would even add in some of her own! And she would beat up anyone that dared to try to bully him, she sure packed a wallop, he thought admiringly. It didn't take long before all the bullies steered clear of him, and his bullying troubles were now a thing of the past. His life was a thousand times better since she had decided to be his friend. He would follow her anywhere, and often did, straight into trouble. Now if he could just get rid of his stutter. "Wwwwhat aaaare wwwwwe ssssaving nnnnnow?" <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvHShzlzbL9WRRQPcFKbDjHsyaDTEHIBMU7ujmi6jSdtO7ZJrMN_baC-2V2qWhO5Egfetiqu1hw7ECeh6wKaLOqpa7xcbdbPy664hUfQt2bIRimYgQzg3xjUDIpcahxFjaBN1Ki_7xHOU/s1600/LT1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvHShzlzbL9WRRQPcFKbDjHsyaDTEHIBMU7ujmi6jSdtO7ZJrMN_baC-2V2qWhO5Egfetiqu1hw7ECeh6wKaLOqpa7xcbdbPy664hUfQt2bIRimYgQzg3xjUDIpcahxFjaBN1Ki_7xHOU/s1600/LT1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"Frogs."<br />
<br />
Tanner's eyes widened. "Ffffrogs?"<br />
<br />
Luna nodded. "Tanner, they're going to get dissected! They could be Kermit's babies! We have to save them Tanner! We have to! I've got the key to the Science room..." Tanner didn't even ask how she ended up with a key to the Science room, sometimes he was better off not knowing. "...and the cages are not locked, so all we need to do is sneak into the school."<br />
<br />
Tanner glanced around him. "Bbbbut mmmmy sssister iiiiis hhhhere."<br />
<br />
Luna rolled her eyes. "Your sister is on her phone, she wouldn't notice if the Apocalypse happened!"<br />
<br />
Tanner smiled. "Tttthat's ttttrue!" he agreed.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijWSJtj4bHbZkQcx_61HQI7F8r-GiBdCAKo3fjDoaOMYEOMb2pkb9S5dnaWzCheOIZPAZQ4BdgPrCrX71X7Fio9JcZPOH5bsW59ifgKU3E9KQAvSZYtGAXbfLuG-ygtFRJBuEjGwDOIzs/s1600/LT2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijWSJtj4bHbZkQcx_61HQI7F8r-GiBdCAKo3fjDoaOMYEOMb2pkb9S5dnaWzCheOIZPAZQ4BdgPrCrX71X7Fio9JcZPOH5bsW59ifgKU3E9KQAvSZYtGAXbfLuG-ygtFRJBuEjGwDOIzs/s1600/LT2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
"Come on Tanner, I know a good way into the school, and no one will even see us! For Kermit and Mrs. Piggy!" Luna cried out.<br />
<br />
Tanner copied her, a little less enthusiastically. He noticed that none of the older teens were paying them much attention though, many of them were used to Luna's exuberance, and were simply glad that she was leaving them alone for once.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqZZIFQ75Ck4WCe2w3sbJqcueoCv6vuzqckMg5nOPkhck5M7UjMLTDn3duTdYUz9JHrnpCp17C6gj27Z3ZWWdUsRpBRkRr18Nl-LSHq6CfG1JwXemmLmAqMVW6MXAHLOU9Jrl3JfOXA4E/s1600/LT3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqZZIFQ75Ck4WCe2w3sbJqcueoCv6vuzqckMg5nOPkhck5M7UjMLTDn3duTdYUz9JHrnpCp17C6gj27Z3ZWWdUsRpBRkRr18Nl-LSHq6CfG1JwXemmLmAqMVW6MXAHLOU9Jrl3JfOXA4E/s1600/LT3.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
It was the last quarter, only minutes to go until the end of the game...<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvovS2I_PdDE5S3zJp19RqyPxl1RFjtKMFmocV3B4r-1Q-iepCNz1CgNblpYl7qH0UfvS1S-YTU2srW_ACVlvnZnfB0JwYCgb_U2BZVJdfkrlTB_WLjDzLb-bLN1dI8XYvokvLWf5zSYU/s1600/LT4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvovS2I_PdDE5S3zJp19RqyPxl1RFjtKMFmocV3B4r-1Q-iepCNz1CgNblpYl7qH0UfvS1S-YTU2srW_ACVlvnZnfB0JwYCgb_U2BZVJdfkrlTB_WLjDzLb-bLN1dI8XYvokvLWf5zSYU/s1600/LT4.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
When his phone rang, Colin answered with a distracted, "Yeah?" Then he sat up, the game forgotten. "What the h*ll?" He growled. Luna! "I'll be there in five minutes. Yes, Officer, I f*cking understand, okay? Sh*t." He hung up the phone, grabbed his jacket and keys and ran out the door. Luna was so...grounded...for the rest of her life...if he didn't kill her first.<br />
<br />
<br />
_________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
<br />
Notes: Short chapter! It was either that or one really long chapter, and I decided to go ahead and split it into two. This way I can pretend that I actually had 2 whole chapters planned with Skye, Luna, and Jack as children---most times I do tend to skip the child age in my stories, lol Usually it is because I am so focused on my heir, that I tend to forget about the kids (who are only kids for 7 days), and I don't take very many in game pics of them.<br />
<br />
I'm liking this new version of Colin, I've had so much fun writing him as an involved parent, what he could have been before, if he hadn't been all mixed up. He still has some Colin attitude, though, it's just directed differently.<br />
<br />
He's still working on his relationship with his older kids, but he's pretty close with his younger three, which are a handful, haha! Being the progeny of Colin and Ivory, they had to be a handful!<br />
<br />
Colin rolled social bunny, and while I don't always show the outings, he does go out once a week, this chapter he attended a party put on by the Nightblossoms. Rosina is the daughter of Alyssa and Paeris---and yes, Rhys did marry her, the old dog! Alder alternated between mind melding with Rhys, and playing pranks on him, lol Colin kept showing gross videos to anyone that would look. Turana and Johnny (Tanner's mom and dad) kept woohooing, haha. It was quite the party!<br />
<br />
Luna was actually born as a mermaid (I had a whole story I was going to do with that), the only triplet to be a mermaid, but that occult seemed to severely glitch my game so much, I finally made her just human. Poof for that idea, lol This is when I started having severe game issues, and I thought my game was broke, because after the triplets aged up to children, the in game clock stopped working. Do you know how hard it is to play with the in game clock broken? Nothing works properly, school, work, anything that relies on the time. The game itself played fine, I could send the sims anywhere, and they would go. It was baffling. I ended up using Porter in the end, and starting a new game.<br />
<br />
Some pics that shows how things were horribly awry!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZOp0soYIJRmuYGXqsQOj6eqpGJjjsCN6mXVsltM4rosJAWrWFq10-LSdKmn_0au2J52PnXku8wZWZ_vGgyN2syelLPCcSX4dTKMoV3Tv185c-wUpVTsnD-4zB_r1WpUENMAQ0ZRjJGc4/s1600/Screenshot-1164.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZOp0soYIJRmuYGXqsQOj6eqpGJjjsCN6mXVsltM4rosJAWrWFq10-LSdKmn_0au2J52PnXku8wZWZ_vGgyN2syelLPCcSX4dTKMoV3Tv185c-wUpVTsnD-4zB_r1WpUENMAQ0ZRjJGc4/s1600/Screenshot-1164.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxeIMEDwnc4td1j0tJnhhGh-4x_FSC496DkZlQoHNYJceUm849mSiFVqaPhSzUf6_Y2uNyMP5mtEw9uPN9HTTQmJdpGS8YMFqRX_pWDEpMHOvJ2sLOic8KvrqqPoUqgZ5ZiqVhs_nJWcE/s1600/Screenshot-1159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxeIMEDwnc4td1j0tJnhhGh-4x_FSC496DkZlQoHNYJceUm849mSiFVqaPhSzUf6_Y2uNyMP5mtEw9uPN9HTTQmJdpGS8YMFqRX_pWDEpMHOvJ2sLOic8KvrqqPoUqgZ5ZiqVhs_nJWcE/s1600/Screenshot-1159.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The game also aged them up in the wrong order, which irked me, lol<br />
<br />
Thanks for reading! Next chapter will be more fun filled parenthood (and probably the triplets age up to teenagers---what will Colin be like when his daughters want to date?) =)<br />
Nirarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15253184399668018141noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2767753407529003708.post-28732731850634202252014-01-30T23:47:00.003-08:002014-01-30T23:47:51.154-08:00Chapter 76: Black Picket Fences<h3>
<b>Warning: Language</b></h3>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Cherie took note of the six police officers standing outside the hospital room, and the two standing guard inside the room as she walked cautiously in. Her patient was no ordinary woman. Cherie frowned, she wanted nothing to do with this woman, the woman who would have been executed by now if not for the fact that she was pregnant. Her execution had been stayed temporarily; after the birth, she would be executed within 24 hrs. Dragon Valley did not tolerate kidnapping and assassination attempts on its Mayor.<br />
<br />
Obstetrics was not Cherie's specialty, she dealt mainly in Oncology. and the strange request from the Women's Prison had thrown her off. Warden Jeffries had told her the woman was quite insistent that Cherie be her attending physician at the birth.<br />
<br />
Cherie sat quietly down on the stool and waited for her patient to arrive. She had refused the woman's request at first. It was not her field of expertise, and she
had no interest in the woman that had hurt her family so badly. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDt3SjWJvpcP7jQvwZwrhyphenhyphenfcwCzPBFCIM1_5iwmPPskJrD2nQSQIjDO2woJCCNa1CBVt4j8p0A9nsaW31Ifnt0SFmaFCdAxzGSpDmqtiQ_IiuhHl-KrRjfr_1btI8y0ZoKncD-S4frMLQ/s1600/Cherie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDt3SjWJvpcP7jQvwZwrhyphenhyphenfcwCzPBFCIM1_5iwmPPskJrD2nQSQIjDO2woJCCNa1CBVt4j8p0A9nsaW31Ifnt0SFmaFCdAxzGSpDmqtiQ_IiuhHl-KrRjfr_1btI8y0ZoKncD-S4frMLQ/s1600/Cherie.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Two things had changed her mind. The first one was that it had been confirmed through amniocentesis that the baby the woman carried would be Cherie's grandchild. The second, the woman refused all medical attention, insisting that she would only see Cherie. Cherie did not want her grandchild to suffer because of lack of prenatal care.<br />
<br />
She twisted her wedding ring, and anxiously looked around the room while she waited. The room was bare, everything had been removed except for an examination bed, the stool she sat on, and the two guards. It made her nervous what manner of woman she would be meeting and caring for, that the Prison and Hospital officials would take such care in the way she was being transported, and that not even the smallest of decorations was allowed to remain.<br />
<br />
Suddenly the door opened, and the woman was standing in front of her. There was a stillness about her, Cherie mused, that was quite intimidating. She almost felt like the woman was taking her measure, looking for any weaknesses.<br />
<br />
Her voice was lifeless when she finally spoke. "I'm Ivory." <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8tkCc5m1sfTB5zmqH5Ebqc2Reg0Ps8lWKLNJbbtZPfXNvIgVjDFeTueRdZOjX_VywKUq0LuOthaoIKLE5-69Pj6iubMtxHbISCXkH2bBzmQC2xJJW_6c61s1j_Fget3CyyLqmOIqc2ug/s1600/Cherie1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8tkCc5m1sfTB5zmqH5Ebqc2Reg0Ps8lWKLNJbbtZPfXNvIgVjDFeTueRdZOjX_VywKUq0LuOthaoIKLE5-69Pj6iubMtxHbISCXkH2bBzmQC2xJJW_6c61s1j_Fget3CyyLqmOIqc2ug/s1600/Cherie1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"I'm Dr. Kahekili." Cherie said awkwardly. Really, what else could she say? Pleased to meet her? That would be lie, she was not pleased to meet her, not at all. Cherie was first and foremost, a professional though.<br />
<br />
"I know who you are." Ivory said coldly.<br />
<br />
Cherie's brows rose. The woman was angry with her? Her? The utter gall of the woman! She felt her mask of professionalism slip a little bit. "Yes, I suppose you do." she murmured. "You did request me as your physician, but I hope you realize that I am not an Obstetrician, I am an Oncologist. You really should consider seeing an actual Obstetrician."<br />
<br />
"I just wanted to meet the woman who was responsible, and this was the only way to do so."<br />
<br />
Cherie narrowed her eyes. "Responsible for what?"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3f5c7uRsfD-MopuBe4rm-hSvpNzyJFt9RzN35Wk-RoQ0Nq57xh5WIdfbA6pN9IsUvKu0D_e5sfYUums3GmBaBIu8P0REfHL8-GYnQApoDWGEgGoGDyLKYUMf-r4rYBc6N4dM6s57VtQA/s1600/Cherie2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3f5c7uRsfD-MopuBe4rm-hSvpNzyJFt9RzN35Wk-RoQ0Nq57xh5WIdfbA6pN9IsUvKu0D_e5sfYUums3GmBaBIu8P0REfHL8-GYnQApoDWGEgGoGDyLKYUMf-r4rYBc6N4dM6s57VtQA/s1600/Cherie2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"For ruining his life."<br />
<br />
Cherie caught her breath. Had that woman really just said that to her? And after what that woman had done to her son?! Both of them?! She gritted her teeth. "I'm sure I don't know what you mean." <br />
<br />
Ivory tilted her head slightly. "You know what I mean, you had a beautiful family and you took it for granted. You took him for granted, you should have spent more time with..."<br />
<br />
Cherie interrupted her. "You have no right to judge me on my parenting skills, and I fail to see how it is any concern of yours." Cherie smiled stiffly. "Now, if you'll have a seat, we can get this examination over..."<br />
<br />
This time Ivory interrupted. "I have every right." She said fiercely. "My lawyer tells me that you have filed for custody of my baby in Colin's name, you'll be the one to raise my baby. I don't want the same thing to happen to my child that happened to your children, all of them carrying a wound from their childhood, thinking they were never good enough. Thinking that their mother loved this f*cking hospital more than she loved them. I sure as h*ll don't want my child to have the rotten childhood I had. I want my child to be happy, safe, loved, and secure. I want the peace of knowing that my child will be okay, before I die."<br />
<br />
The room was silent as they both stared at each other.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTEOizVrVYr83SvEBeN_aHDx3svodAe42gh1Nkg4UXvCRE22iIuwa7XvNmH5avsUE7tm6lPq87G8RwKRwpsDKGVhrfkFxrRcFW9SDwPzLM0a6EA0QymUKlumpmUzxI-8iHynth1GvOL8s/s1600/Cherie3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTEOizVrVYr83SvEBeN_aHDx3svodAe42gh1Nkg4UXvCRE22iIuwa7XvNmH5avsUE7tm6lPq87G8RwKRwpsDKGVhrfkFxrRcFW9SDwPzLM0a6EA0QymUKlumpmUzxI-8iHynth1GvOL8s/s1600/Cherie3.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Cherie broke the silence first. "Coming from a mother's perspective, I can understand your concerns." She hesitated for a moment. Cherie had not expected such an outburst from a woman like her. In court, Ivory had maintained a stony silence, she wouldn't look at anyone, but simply stared through them as if they weren't even there. Looking at her now, Cherie could see what it was that had attracted her son. "I am retiring." She said simply. "I will have lots of time to devote to all of my grandchildren."<br />
<br />
Ivory sighed heavily, as if a weight had been lifted from her shoulders. She sat down on the examination table. "He loved you, you know. He never said the words, but I could tell when we talked about you."<br />
<br />
For some reason it irked Cherie to no end to know that she had been a topic of conversation between her son and Ivory. That Colin had talked to this woman, when he would barely say two words to her, unless it was to curse and try to get a reaction out of her. She prided herself on how she had conducted herself all these years, not once had she given him reaction, she always stayed in control. "I will not discuss my son, or my relationship with him, with you. You are just another female, in a long line of his females. You will soon be a long forgotten memory of his." The words were cruel, but they were truth as far as Cherie was concerned. Colin had been with hundreds of women, one he was even briefly married to, but he always moved on. This woman would be no different.<br />
<br />
Ivory wrapped her arms around her middle. "You speak of him as if he were alive."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3pnGmlKi1jEort2LE1u8zxqTmAIp8aHZWYbQZmRTMODzS4g_Eg2RGMSy_suPVmXJ9WlrcSuDDvoQ-KzZGqTvxYJj5B-yxZAYrrVtRvWSl4CQ_EYOJ91PVEPAHvACuc-XOqFtFl-huIyA/s1600/Cherie4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3pnGmlKi1jEort2LE1u8zxqTmAIp8aHZWYbQZmRTMODzS4g_Eg2RGMSy_suPVmXJ9WlrcSuDDvoQ-KzZGqTvxYJj5B-yxZAYrrVtRvWSl4CQ_EYOJ91PVEPAHvACuc-XOqFtFl-huIyA/s1600/Cherie4.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
"Yes, your little plan failed. Both of my sons are alive and well, no thanks to you."<br />
<br />
"He's alive." Ivory whispered.<br />
<br />
"That's what I said."<br />
<br />
Ivory pinned Cherie with a look. "Would you give him a message for me?"<br />
<br />
"Why should I?"<br />
<br />
"Because you want him to be happy." So many emotions were running through Ivory, she barely knew what she felt, except joy. She knew she felt an exceedingly, overabundance of joy. He was alive! She had thought he had died on that cold floor, all that blood...he was alive!? She had not heard anything at that sham called a trial, she had been in shock, frozen by the knowledge that she had killed the one person she loved more than anything. Even more than her own life. The only thing that had pulled her out of it, was the faint stirrings of life in her womb. She was carrying his baby, and she loved their baby with a ferociousness that sometimes scared her.<br />
<br />
Ivory heard Cherie say something, but she had been so involved in her thoughts she had not heard any of the words, she asked Cherie to repeat it. Go on, she had said, as if she was reserving judgement. Ivory did not blame her, she had almost killed both of her sons. Ivory hugged herself, he was alive. If only she could get her message to him, she knew he would understand what it meant, that he would find a way to free her. Then they could move away, and raise their baby together, just like he was saying before everything went so horribly wrong. Before she had allowed her fears to act ahead of her heart. "Tell him I want the black picket fence, and everything that goes with it. Promise me you'll tell him that." She pleaded.<br />
<br />
Cherie looked away.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgiB96IAediEEUEkb0zVy5V0PNwARGqDnRDr9GQ8LE_abUxYXTkY723iIHaKBhqi9S28aDCnz8_qYRwO1V-znpb0LXmRzbUyvQ9uRtIHrmUNMoTTQnG5kV3Fqw-HbcAPdncRoYL4_NMbs/s1600/Cherie5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgiB96IAediEEUEkb0zVy5V0PNwARGqDnRDr9GQ8LE_abUxYXTkY723iIHaKBhqi9S28aDCnz8_qYRwO1V-znpb0LXmRzbUyvQ9uRtIHrmUNMoTTQnG5kV3Fqw-HbcAPdncRoYL4_NMbs/s1600/Cherie5.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
What an odd message, black picket fence? She had no idea what it meant, but it seemed harmless enough. She turned back to Ivory. "Very well, I will give him your message." Cherie watched, stunned, as tears streaked down Ivory's cheeks. <br />
<br />
"Thank you."<br />
<br />
"Um, yes, well, let's get back to business shall we? Let's see how that baby of yours is doing..."<br />
<br />
Thirty minutes later, after Ivory had been handcuffed and taken back to her cell, Cherie walked up two flights of stairs and down a long corridor. She opened the last door on the right, and stepped into the room. The familiar sounds of the machines greeted her as she slowly approached the bed. She stopped, and stared down at her son, Colin, hooked up to so many machines, still in coma after all these long months.<br />
<br />
She had misled Ivory a little, her son was alive, and she hoped more than anything that someday he would wake, and all would be well. His pale, lifeless face scared her, she would infinitely rather have him cursing at her, or ranting about some perceived slight, then to see him this way. She stifled a sob, it was unnatural to see him so still.<br />
<br />
She felt her husband come up behind her, and his arms came around her, holding her close. She let the tears fall. "Oh Ryder." She wept. "I should have been a better mother, she was right about that. I should have.."<br />
<br />
"No, Love." Ryder said gently. "Should haves will kill us, hindsight is always twenty twenty. We did what we thought best at the time."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUqActXtVHrcoT4UdcTJyxLwQc_KSKlPSiFdmfs_or3PfMJxhykIeziDpuzSntvzodXNl45gv0VJHblCdnEebHf7h5cOd2TX7khyphenhyphendlNDAo0uXXx4slhPDpNL4ccAxrXF9Sa_i-hayvlR4/s1600/Cherie6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUqActXtVHrcoT4UdcTJyxLwQc_KSKlPSiFdmfs_or3PfMJxhykIeziDpuzSntvzodXNl45gv0VJHblCdnEebHf7h5cOd2TX7khyphenhyphendlNDAo0uXXx4slhPDpNL4ccAxrXF9Sa_i-hayvlR4/s1600/Cherie6.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
"And just exactly who is this she you're talking about anyway?" Ryder asked.<br />
<br />
"Ivory. That is her name. The woman that nearly killed both of our boys. She wanted to know that we would raise the child better than we raised our own children. She wanted me to give Colin a message."<br />
<br />
"What message?"<br />
<br />
"That she wants the black picket fence, and everything that goes with it."<br />
<br />
"That's cryptic."<br />
<br />
"She said Colin would be happy to hear it." Cherie sadly looked down at her son. "If he ever wakes up, I will give him her message, I promised."<br />
<br />
Ryder hugged her tighter. "When, Love, when. He will wake up, and return to us."<br />
<br />
"I've read his medical reports, there was so much blood loss, and brain swelling and.."<br />
<br />
"He'll come back."<br />
<br />
"I hope you're right." <br />
<br />
<br />
~<>~<br />
<br />
<br />
"Let me at him! I'm going to kill him!" Brae shouted angrily.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsxXXRwqwe-upuhHlMOeH1dFYHX68wEBjrjFPVJBa0ojsn2BNFs5C6ijfbbKzn7AzdIkLCgVJtd674fOcpu3eUECyqxNbv3V69mIePYGsLp_OtmrdmsUSJJnW8MNeb-bf9tFBBlLBXAAk/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsxXXRwqwe-upuhHlMOeH1dFYHX68wEBjrjFPVJBa0ojsn2BNFs5C6ijfbbKzn7AzdIkLCgVJtd674fOcpu3eUECyqxNbv3V69mIePYGsLp_OtmrdmsUSJJnW8MNeb-bf9tFBBlLBXAAk/s1600/1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
"Brae!" Alder warned, "either you settle down and tell us what's going on, or leave."<br />
<br />
"What's going on?!" Brae hollered. "What's going on?! What's going on is that a*shole," he pointed at his brother, "slept with my wife! Not only that, but it turns out Elliot is his son! What the h*ll Colin! Let go of me Grandpa! I'm going to kill him, I'll rip his head off and feed it to the dogs!"<br />
<br />
"Simmer down Brae." Alder said tiredly.<br />
<br />
Colin looked up, "D*mn. Is Elliot one of those kids you were telling me about?" <br />
<br />
"Uh, no," Ryder said, startled. "That's a new development."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOyHinXwoelObriB504CXmRc4u6IGi7j9KNj49MHWxI49p7FBMnBvBlaRmFJa80TPobDPCJuOBOn9SaiRidGbcHh6BFUXh1gjmi93YVauy0wF7-r6Nz_iAvXGwjQZn_tZ4LT7D-nkxOZ0/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOyHinXwoelObriB504CXmRc4u6IGi7j9KNj49MHWxI49p7FBMnBvBlaRmFJa80TPobDPCJuOBOn9SaiRidGbcHh6BFUXh1gjmi93YVauy0wF7-r6Nz_iAvXGwjQZn_tZ4LT7D-nkxOZ0/s1600/2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"Why don't you start from the beginning." Alder suggested reasonably. "Why do you think your brother had an affair with your wife?"<br />
<br />
"I don't just think it." Brae said sullenly, glaring at his brother. "When Colin woke up, I was so thrilled by the news that my brother was awake, I told my wife about it. And do you know what she did? She broke down sobbing and crying, and she confessed to everything. She told me, with Elliot standing right there, how much she has always loved him. That they have been having an affair since highschool! F*cking highschool Colin! Wasn't it enough that you f*cked..." Brae was so angry he ignored his mother reprimand on his language, he was beyond caring. He wanted to smash his brother's face in. "..every other female in town? Did you have to f*ck my wife too? Did you have to cuckold me?"<br />
<br />
"Oh dear." Cherie said faintly. "Brae, there's something you really ought to know..."<br />
<br />
"Not now Mother! Let me go Grandpa, I'm going to pulverize him, beat him into a bloody f*cking pulp! He was my son Colin! My son! And you stole him away from me!" Brae yelled.<br />
<br />
"Braern Kahekili, you will cease and desist this very moment, and listen. Do you hear me." Cherie said firmly. She placed her hands in her lap, and stared pointedly at him.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUAvpBC76PG_uHJ6P8PT99vGIS4czb4kD9lrKUA5XUi4qZA12mvLUf5SxWZvtKKO5PoNpDM3Xef38TVjn3X1-2ZsKcVcrqGCM8C5RvtIi8vsXltxPe85fAleQth8W4AKKFbOBzhtl0Uyk/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUAvpBC76PG_uHJ6P8PT99vGIS4czb4kD9lrKUA5XUi4qZA12mvLUf5SxWZvtKKO5PoNpDM3Xef38TVjn3X1-2ZsKcVcrqGCM8C5RvtIi8vsXltxPe85fAleQth8W4AKKFbOBzhtl0Uyk/s1600/3.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
"I'm listening." Brae said mulishly.<br />
<br />
"After talking to you this morning over the phone, we have since discovered that he has lost his memory. The doctors think it is due to the brain swelling and the lengthy coma he was in. He may get his memory back, or he may not, only time will tell."<br />
<br />
Brae stared at his mother, then he laughed harshly. "Oh, f*cking good one Colin!" He turned back to his brother. "Fake memory loss just so that you can get out of a fight! Well, I don't believe it for one moment!"<br />
<br />
Colin tilted his head and looked directly at Brae. "Sh*t. Am I the type of guy to run from a fight like that?" Colin asked, dismayed.<br />
<br />
Brae stopped, and looked, really looked at his brother. "No," he said slowly, "you love to get into fights, you start quite a few, but as you like to say, you always finish them."<br />
<br />
"F*ck, that's a relief. I wouldn't want to be a f*cking coward." Colin dropped his head back onto his hand and rubbed his temple.<br />
<br />
Brae kept waiting for Colin to start hysterically laughing, and tell them all what a bunch of morons they were for falling for the practical joke. It was a practical joke, right? Except Colin didn't laugh, or call him a f*cking idiot, or any other name, instead he sat just sat quietly. He appeared deep in thought, and every once in a while he would grimace, as if in pain. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeWa7ZsgLD5FU6H8kSbaP8Z0xY61qy41Il4POgBa_oVlmtyatxKWfO0gIh0n0woehVq9zozMkk5QdnsNvf6rRhH_T32D0Md_dIKtBxQ8AeYvYSX5UvH7KztoP6F2grnO8WMDl9jDZFhE8/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeWa7ZsgLD5FU6H8kSbaP8Z0xY61qy41Il4POgBa_oVlmtyatxKWfO0gIh0n0woehVq9zozMkk5QdnsNvf6rRhH_T32D0Md_dIKtBxQ8AeYvYSX5UvH7KztoP6F2grnO8WMDl9jDZFhE8/s1600/4.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"It's true then?" Brae whispered. "He really remembers nothing?"<br />
<br />
"Nothing." Alder confirmed. "We had to bring out the photo albums to show him proof of who he is, and who we are." <br />
<br />
"I have six f*cking kids!" Colin said suddenly, in amazement. "Six!"<br />
<br />
Brae stiffened. "Seven kids." he said bitterly.<br />
<br />
Colin looked at Brae. "H*ll, did I raise that...Elliot? That's his name right? Did I raise Elliot?"<br />
<br />
"You haven't raised any of your kids Colin." Brae snapped back.<br />
<br />
"Sh*t, really?" Colin went all quiet and thoughtful again. Then he ventured, "D*mn, did you end up raising any of them?"<br />
<br />
"Just Elliot. The parents have raised the others."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZzOrLjBEf-zU04CjdAG6p8nfpDCpCqbA_-opOtJ0XHQIPd6mthRX-ZUD1nunvvQtRmHsm3BPBFvFy_YYWVeHWHx4zNkh8nAEziPaPz1FqyeCeErdSR0hszJj2knQYAqUmFb6Ad0OT4Ms/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZzOrLjBEf-zU04CjdAG6p8nfpDCpCqbA_-opOtJ0XHQIPd6mthRX-ZUD1nunvvQtRmHsm3BPBFvFy_YYWVeHWHx4zNkh8nAEziPaPz1FqyeCeErdSR0hszJj2knQYAqUmFb6Ad0OT4Ms/s1600/5.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
"Is that Elliot over there?" He pointed to the teen who was shyly hanging back by the door. Brae nodded his head yes. "Ah, f*ck. Well, I can't f*cking say what I was thinking, I'm sorry about that. But sh*t, it seems to me, that if you raised Elliot, that would make him your f*cking son, and not mine?"<br />
<br />
Brae could feel the stares of his grandfather and father, but he ignored them. It was all Brae could do to keep his jaw from dropping. Had he heard right? Had Colin just apologized? He also had a good point, Brae was forced to admit, he had been the one to raise Elliot. Who was this stranger that looked like his brother, but talked like a stranger? Now that he was paying more attention, Colin really wasn't acting like himself at all, even his language was toned down. Slowly the realization came to Brae, Colin wasn't faking, his brother really didn't remember.<br />
<br />
"H*ll, I'm sorry." Colin offered. "No matter how hard I f*cking try, I just can't remember." he said, frustrated. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIplsy8TIdbxCiUEgNqfq-nQteUEtOJ5hYNzjpBAnWBm94-jsCTUb0_7lE4eGvjL2W5JyZK3yWfVgwWRInlHxYLy_2CtTZKqtF938ufEqGUl6a3RaT8C_DkANjV-5eyyMKVOQIRvKYutQ/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIplsy8TIdbxCiUEgNqfq-nQteUEtOJ5hYNzjpBAnWBm94-jsCTUb0_7lE4eGvjL2W5JyZK3yWfVgwWRInlHxYLy_2CtTZKqtF938ufEqGUl6a3RaT8C_DkANjV-5eyyMKVOQIRvKYutQ/s1600/6.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
"It's f*cking disconcerting to have no past. To have a d*mn roomful of f*cking strangers tell you that you're their son, or grandson, or..." Colin's voice drifted off. "The doctor f*cking says after a couple days of observation, I can f*cking go home, but where the h*ll is home?" Colin was baffled, feeling overwhelmed, and the f*cking pain in his head was excruciating. "Then's there's six f*cking kids that will be expecting me to be a f*cking father." Colin still couldn't believe it, six f*cking kids!<br />
<br />
Brae laughed harshly. "You can rest easy on that account Colin."<br />
<br />
"Brae!" his mother rebuked him.<br />
<br />
"What? It's true. His kids would rather he stay in a coma or die, then come home. He should know the truth, if nothing else!" Brae defended himself.<br />
<br />
"The triplets are too young to think any such thing, and the older ones will be happy to have him home, I'm sure of it."<br />
<br />
Brae snorted. "Sure."<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAPvvm6DxM9_absXm-c1BGVJ-oS1Hj0crOrXZtXbxqxAtz9fN3owVyTWNmxX6bKFk15Q2w265yTlhdrHTi-ZHFv-5KZwMhe7n8qEoYk0LsKONx-Y09pX9hcFuqpNjvLs5Jhi-Wmp_Qr04/s1600/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAPvvm6DxM9_absXm-c1BGVJ-oS1Hj0crOrXZtXbxqxAtz9fN3owVyTWNmxX6bKFk15Q2w265yTlhdrHTi-ZHFv-5KZwMhe7n8qEoYk0LsKONx-Y09pX9hcFuqpNjvLs5Jhi-Wmp_Qr04/s1600/8.jpg" height="432" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
"Brae!"<br />
<br />
"No, it's okay...Mom." Colin tripped over the name. "I prefer the f*cking truth, and d*mn, now I know I can f*cking count on Brae to give it to me." The names felt strange on Colin's tongue, everything felt strange though. He didn't feel like he belonged in this body, or in this f*cking life he supposedly led. From what he was gathering, he was a selfish a*shole. They all kept shooting little glances at him, like he was going to f*cking suddenly jump up and start yelling or some sh*t. Brae, his brother, had said he loved to f*cking fight, so maybe they had every reason to be afraid of his reaction. Sh*t, that thought was f*cking depressing, that he was such an a*shole, his own family was afraid of what he might do.<br />
<br />
He looked at his brother, d*mn, Brae was seriously p*ssed at him, and for good reason if he had f*cking done what Brae accused him of. H*ll, at least he knew Brae would f*cking give him the truth, or a closer f*cking version, and not f*cking soft pedal it like his so called mother was doing. Suddenly he just felt f*cking weary to his bones, and his f*cking head wouldn't stop throbbing. "Sh*t, I'm sorry, but I'm so f*cking tired, I think I'll take a nap." Maybe when he woke up, he would have his f*cking memory back, and he would find that this had all been some sh*tty, horrible nightmare.<br />
<br />
<br />
~<>~<br />
<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, the huge f*cking gap in his memory had remained, as had the d*mn headache. Three days later, he had been f*cking released, and the stupid a*s doctor hadn't been a whole h*ll of a lot of help. Memory was a f*cking tricky thing, he had been told. It would f*cking come back when he was ready, well, h*ll, he was f*cking ready, so why the f*ck couldn't he remember? Whenever he f*cking tried to force it, it gave him a stupid a*s migraine . He had been advised to be f*cking patient. He didn't know if he had been f*cking patient before or not, but he sure as h*ll didn't feel patient now. He wanted his f*cking memory back!<br />
<br />
When he had first got home, he found his older kids f*cking standoffish, the younger three cried like he was the f*cking boogeyman. His mother, f*ck, she didn't feel like his mother, but she had told to him to be f*cking patient. That f*cking word again! She had told him they had never f*cking met him...awake. So with some help from his mother, he had scrounged up some f*cking patience from somewhere, and he soon changed all that sh*t. He couldn't deny now that the highlight of his f*cking day was his triplets crawling all over him as soon as he walked in the front door. His older kids were f*cking tougher, but, h*ll, he had expected that. Brae had f*cking told him in no uncertain terms what a jacka*s he had been to them, so he knew it would f*cking take time. Sh*t. And f*cking patience. He really hated that f*cking word.<br />
<br />
His daughter, d*mn, she was a d*mn beautiful young lady, not that he was f*cking biased or anything. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVuzIN9B-BhdtSd_bulqqlRjem73zcRazi6VGdED2nQXb5GtSjzdTW7L7KdvATo2nsfUSv5pkcMhJZqCLxIeH7hHyZsk2sAIryMUnKxoh0jgkaVDKIzX_9V9phdxLDksBRY7yxmg6a9fE/s1600/8.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVuzIN9B-BhdtSd_bulqqlRjem73zcRazi6VGdED2nQXb5GtSjzdTW7L7KdvATo2nsfUSv5pkcMhJZqCLxIeH7hHyZsk2sAIryMUnKxoh0jgkaVDKIzX_9V9phdxLDksBRY7yxmg6a9fE/s1600/8.1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
He sure as h*ll didn't f*cking like the idea of her dating. She just
f*cking rolled her eyes at him, or f*cking patted him on the shoulder,
like he was some dumba*s, and told him she was far more interested in becoming
the f*cking Empress of the Free World than dating boys. Sh*t. He
couldn't f*cking tell for sure if she was joking or not, she was f*cking
scary smart. Like her f*cking mother, she would always say after
that. Apparently he had f*cking told her that a few times, that she was
like her f*cking mother. That was the h*ll of not f*cking knowing
things, people could f*cking throw his words back at him, and he
couldn't f*cking refute them.<br />
<br />
His son, Nick, d*mn, he was really quiet, and would never f*cking say much at home. He spent a lot of time at the f*cking animal shelter, training to be a Veterinarian or some sh*t. Colin had f*cking zero interest in stupid a*s animals, had he ever? Sh*t, he didn't know, but Nick sure seemed to f*cking love them. Once he figured out his son was more f*cking relaxed and happy at that sh*tty smelling animal hospital, he had started stopping by more often. Sh*t, while there, they actually f*cking talked, it was about dumba*s animals, but h*ll, it was a start. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_faipLkG47A4AeR-iALZOFdOsAx4vD3VbmyNvbJ3RQeX5ItulanjcZ3zHt9vwM2YQZFD0E4NlZejOIvz3IDrlmRCseo3pmV2zT2oRzQxyqKIg3SlVTu-2dnqimfjQFCpXH-KJVoUJCFs/s1600/8.2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_faipLkG47A4AeR-iALZOFdOsAx4vD3VbmyNvbJ3RQeX5ItulanjcZ3zHt9vwM2YQZFD0E4NlZejOIvz3IDrlmRCseo3pmV2zT2oRzQxyqKIg3SlVTu-2dnqimfjQFCpXH-KJVoUJCFs/s1600/8.2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The f*cking hardest child of his to reach, was Jake. By all accounts though, he had treated Jake the sh*ttiest. So Colin gave him plenty of f*cking space, and now sometimes Jake would actually stay in the f*cking room if Colin walked in. H*ll, he considered that real f*cking progress.<br />
<br />
He wouldn't have f*cking blamed his brother at all either, if Brae had never f*cking talked to him again, but for some f*cking reason that Colin couldn't understand, Brae didn't do that. Of course when Colin f*cking asked him about it, trying to understand why the h*ll Brae would give him the f*cking time of day; Brae had simply said he was waiting for Colin's memory to come back. Then they would f*cking talk. <br />
<br />
The sh*ttiest part of it all, he had discovered, was that while his f*cking memory was wiped clean, his f*cking muscle memory was not. The first time he had f*cking tried kicking the training dummy he had found in the attic, he had been surprised that his body actually knew what the f*ck to do. H*ll, he didn't understand why his f*cking muscles could remember his past when he f*cking could not. He supposed he ought to be f*cking grateful for the little sh*t. Like how at some point in his f*cking life, he had obviously learned Martial Arts, and he was f*cking good at it too. Now he just kept it up because it kept him in f*cking good shape, and it helped ease his frustrations when it became clear his f*cking memory wasn't going to be coming back any time soon.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDfzGBtXhb_Z7wtUa06qIbHGRK1WK-doH2JZBsSgVBKG9e9QB8b4fRRXJZIRUrd8FhdwDiXqsOxK7_QXFfpVsLtLp-zNlIWHwKzD1v48HYm1lDd1bXMOQVje7dyefclQN_X1bTUTixaLQ/s1600/8.3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDfzGBtXhb_Z7wtUa06qIbHGRK1WK-doH2JZBsSgVBKG9e9QB8b4fRRXJZIRUrd8FhdwDiXqsOxK7_QXFfpVsLtLp-zNlIWHwKzD1v48HYm1lDd1bXMOQVje7dyefclQN_X1bTUTixaLQ/s1600/8.3.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The sh*ttiest day of all though, had been when his mother died. Sh*ttiest not only because she f*cking died, but because he had such f*cking conflicting emotions about it. She had gone to the f*cking hospital to visit a friend and she suffered a fatal heart attack on the way. Just the f*ck like that.<br />
<br />
She had f*cking tried to clean up his 'potty mouth' as she called it, and he had really tried not to f*cking curse around her. But h*ll, sometimes he had slipped up, he wasn't f*cking perfect, and he was trying. She had also spent f*cking hours upon hours, along with his dad, just talking to him, until he had felt like his f*cking ears were going to fall the f*ck off. He had almost thought she had f*cking stored those words up his whole f*cking life. He had practiced patience, stupid a*s patience, with her though. After all, she was his mother, even if she didn't f*cking feel like his mother.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj76fG500kuyvHwQqdAGCgdFEoaxy9OB5bV4NqDWoSBU9iy_tT9aY6tnqof8NfYZ5NDHHs8MVFKUuR0QTjxoJY1O6hClFsy7lIg675ELRJzTQiN7JQkgz5_r6LRg7GqAdy1jSeHwF2SLnA/s1600/9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj76fG500kuyvHwQqdAGCgdFEoaxy9OB5bV4NqDWoSBU9iy_tT9aY6tnqof8NfYZ5NDHHs8MVFKUuR0QTjxoJY1O6hClFsy7lIg675ELRJzTQiN7JQkgz5_r6LRg7GqAdy1jSeHwF2SLnA/s1600/9.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The f*cking sad part was, he hadn't known her very long. Well, h*ll, she had obviously f*cking known him his whole life, but his memory of her was only a few months long. While as far as the f*ck he could remember she had always been there to f*cking lend him a hand whenever and wherever he needed it; he just hadn't known her that long. He had always felt like she was trying to f*cking atone for something, but he never had the heart to ask her what that was, and now that opportunity was gone. D*mn, he would miss her, but his grief was nothing like his father's grief. His father had simply fallen apart.<br />
<br />
The kids too, they had f*cking grieved, even his babies had cried for their 'Gramma', and Colin had been at a f*cking loss. What the f*ck to do? His family was hurting, and he felt f*cking powerless to do anything about it. He hated feeling f*cking powerless, it brought up a whole host of f*cking emotions down deep that he didn't totally understand. Anger was chief among them. Why the f*ck was he so angry?<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRDwwKTeLrP4WmRXfdvauZ_g4oUwE6ELrQ1_uXYD1hU8iX133dCxz_4Kiga38iGFMiaZ_iwscdhkns3nQlKPAHt7B8vTe7uqAxZmbwVOWq83uRE0F2R36Csu3ZWTwqhqwo5K4oeMxksLI/s1600/10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRDwwKTeLrP4WmRXfdvauZ_g4oUwE6ELrQ1_uXYD1hU8iX133dCxz_4Kiga38iGFMiaZ_iwscdhkns3nQlKPAHt7B8vTe7uqAxZmbwVOWq83uRE0F2R36Csu3ZWTwqhqwo5K4oeMxksLI/s1600/10.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Colin sighed. He looked down at his little girl who was just waking up from her nap. "Dada!" she said sleepily, and reached her arms out. He picked her up, and hugged her. Things were f*cking changing, he hoped for the good. His dad had said he couldn't bear to live in Dragon Valley any longer, the memories were too much. Colin f*cking agreed, but for a different reason. He was f*cking tired of women stopping by all hours of the day, women calling him f*cking non-stop, and getting f*cking mauled by all sorts of strange women while walking down the street! It was f*cking ridiculous, he would f*cking tell them he didn't know who the h*ll they were, so stop touching him and sh*t. They never seemed bothered by the fact he didn't f*cking remember them. It bothered him a whole h*ll of a lot, creepy a*s b*tches.<br />
<br />
In Dragon Valley, he had a f*cking reputation, and while he couldn't f*cking remember it, the town sure the h*ll did. He couldn't be him here, whoever the h*ll he was, he was still working on that. He sure as h*ll wasn't into making out with some strange chick on the sidewalk in front of everyone. He sure the h*ll wasn't interested in marrying his ex sister-in law, no matter how many f*cking times she pleaded with him. He just wanted some peace, so he could get his f*cking act together. Was that too much to ask? In this town it was. Sh*t, and the family had even kept his memory loss under wraps, to try to keep the f*cking drama down. He seemed to attract drama anyway. It was f*cking annoying as h*ll. <br />
<br />
Skylar started fussing, and Colin forced himself to calm down. She was a sensitive little thing, much like he imagined Nick had been at this age. He didn't f*cking remember Nick, or the others, at this age, but at least his Mom had taken tons of photos of them. He looked through them a lot, hoping something would jiggle that stupid a*s memory of his, but so far, a whole lot of nada.<br />
<br />
He wasn't sure what to expect in Midnight Hollow, but surely it was f*cking better than here. It wasn't like he would even be losing his f*cking friends or family or anything, they were all making the move too, for various different reasons. Like some gigantic f*cking exodus. Brae for instance, he had been offered the position of f*cking mayor of Midnight Hollow. Since he was going through a nasty a*s divorce from Morri, he was more than ready to leave Dragon Valley behind, and take up a new life.<br />
<br />
"What do you think of that baby doll? Huh?" Colin held Skylar up. "A new life for fff--all of us."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid005H6LKmqO2OKRnmSdkP62dwxZ7L8Ka_DasKttUreThD_Z3l_b4byH_-TjoUMTdmf30JDIBdtNvwAKaaiZcd6xz9HBWXut9wgsFLZePnWCZrzQoREtnXmDhJOpSpDJuI9ATL-3KAiPs/s1600/11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid005H6LKmqO2OKRnmSdkP62dwxZ7L8Ka_DasKttUreThD_Z3l_b4byH_-TjoUMTdmf30JDIBdtNvwAKaaiZcd6xz9HBWXut9wgsFLZePnWCZrzQoREtnXmDhJOpSpDJuI9ATL-3KAiPs/s1600/11.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Skye reached out and patted his cheek. "Dada." Colin growled playfully, and nipped at her fingers. Skye giggled and reached out her hand again, he nibbled at her fingers again,
causing her to giggle some more. "Let's go find Luna and Jack shall we? I bet they're already fff---playing in the playroom..." <br />
<br />
___________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
<br />
Notes: Woot! Moving right along! Yes, Colin lived as you can tell. Yes, his memory really is gone. Will he ever get it back? Maybe, lol I had been thinking back when I first came up with Colin's character---what would cause him to change? It had to be something really major, because he is super stubborn, set in his ways, and refuses to listen to anyone. Then I watched both versions of the movie Total Recall last summer (I love the Arnold Schwarzenegger version, I've watched it many, many times over the years) and it hit me---memory! Haha, he needs to lose his memory. Then I started thinking about how that would happen, and I came up with an assassin lover--big fight--yada, yada, yada. <br />
<br />
And funny enough, after all those years together, SP gave me notice that Brae could no longer live in the same household as Morri, and just like that, they had divorced. And yes, Morri calls Colin...constantly!!<br />
<br />
I'd like to say thanks again to my friend Jenn, for letting me use Ivory in this story---she was perfect. Once again, for those interested in downloading Ivory---she can be found here: <a href="http://simsasylum.com/tfm/index.php?/topic/7213-ivory-mist-for-nirar-or-anyone/">Ivory Mist</a> You must be registered at TFMs Sims Asylum to download her. <br />
<br />
<br />
Please ignore all the clipping and other strangeness in some of the pics. I didn't feel like redoing them, those scenes were a pain in the behind to do anyway. I'm glad to have most of the posed scenes behind me, there are still a few upcoming ones, but not for some time. Yay!<br />
<br />
I love that picture of Colin and Skye, they are so adorable! <3 Unbelievable, but he and Ivory had triplets. I was shooting for twins, and girls at that. I needed twin girls for Gen 8 storyline. Colin rolled 5 kids, so that would have worked perfectly. I moved Ivory into the household while she was pregnant and stuffed her with watermelons and made her listen to the kids channel on tv while she read pregnancy books. Gee, I don't know why she was so cranky! Haha, everyone avoided her.<br />
<br />
Then, in typical Colin and Ivory style---they ignored what I wanted and had triplets. I suppose I should be thankful they didn't have quads! I did get my two girls, but the boy, Jack, he was a surprise.<br />
<br />
So, introducing the triplets---first born was Skylar.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR8_TZPqOYUIQQoPM5wAlBRE9qHWZOLX4ikq4OBYgEGxGmOoBbUxqsTFyu7iJ0aMFxc8JCjJ1heWSOHG-nG0Pr2rBx5iYeUaZkal8orVwRZPzNDUZ3EG0mqwuZilN_HL6KurXl2uwLxOw/s1600/Skylar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR8_TZPqOYUIQQoPM5wAlBRE9qHWZOLX4ikq4OBYgEGxGmOoBbUxqsTFyu7iJ0aMFxc8JCjJ1heWSOHG-nG0Pr2rBx5iYeUaZkal8orVwRZPzNDUZ3EG0mqwuZilN_HL6KurXl2uwLxOw/s1600/Skylar.jpg" height="400" width="362" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Then came Luna:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF8f8lUxVVv7UYAM__2kBRdjtpnROeac1r717X5cbuCbJF6GPhln8T__aTOXEu6ueZAmQGD3XT1No3RBhYMQG43me_TyX7Chv1mU638WwG6fRCsa283zUpLW8ovdsIVkp3wl83Xmmz0hg/s1600/Luna.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF8f8lUxVVv7UYAM__2kBRdjtpnROeac1r717X5cbuCbJF6GPhln8T__aTOXEu6ueZAmQGD3XT1No3RBhYMQG43me_TyX7Chv1mU638WwG6fRCsa283zUpLW8ovdsIVkp3wl83Xmmz0hg/s1600/Luna.jpg" height="400" width="306" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
and then Jack, the surprise baby, lol I know, I know, I had such stellar names for the other two (haha, sorry about the bad pun, but it was irresistible, lol) but then I named the last one Jack. Well, I wasn't expecting him, I gave him the first name that came to mind. =)<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvjEz32Z64o4mrF-5cBdyQccl43GCfIVIgO9lUSICFlO2zrk9KwXArVQxf0YACT8oDwVcf-llQxMPfR7JraSLDQYdPs7t1vvelyWRmSwc_cqPO8706Ywj7FtqR4YOnp2neS35NxPANuHY/s1600/Jack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvjEz32Z64o4mrF-5cBdyQccl43GCfIVIgO9lUSICFlO2zrk9KwXArVQxf0YACT8oDwVcf-llQxMPfR7JraSLDQYdPs7t1vvelyWRmSwc_cqPO8706Ywj7FtqR4YOnp2neS35NxPANuHY/s1600/Jack.jpg" height="400" width="305" /></a></div>
<br />
A lot of times I don't reveal my household roll until a lot later, but this time around I am going to go ahead and tell it in advance. I rolled full house for Gen 8, so the triplets will be around for a while. Darn Jack though, he messed up my plans a bit, and then he was so blasted cute (especially as a teen!) that I had no choice but to fit him into the storyline a little bit. I really wish full house was the heir plus four...<br />
<br />
Thanks for reading! Next chapter---the big move to Midnight Hollow---which by the way happened when Midnight Hollow first came out. That's how far behind I am! Oh well catching up. =)<br />
Nirarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15253184399668018141noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2767753407529003708.post-695543950443918362014-01-25T20:40:00.000-08:002014-01-25T20:40:44.749-08:00Chapter 75: Loss<h3>
Warning: This chapter has lots of bad language and lots of bad behavior. Read at your own risk!</h3>
<h3>
</h3>
Ivory woke with a start, sweating, her heart pounding in her throat. The nightmare had been all too real. She closed her eyes briefly, trying to banish the images, but they wouldn't go away. Night after night they had plagued her, and because of their intensity and frequency, she had refused to turn off the lights when she slept. Colin had humored her in this, told her he preferred the lights on anyway. She turned her head to look at him, while she couldn't see his face, she could hear his soft snores. The man was a heavy sleeper, and rarely stirred. She studied him, committing all that she could to memory, because after this day, that was all he would be, or could be. A cherished memory.<br />
<br />
She carefully got up out of the bed, and quietly pulled her clothes on. Her heart hurt, she wanted nothing more than to snuggle up against him, pretend that they were a normal couple. Pretend that Raven didn't exist. She swallowed the bile rising up her throat, and took a deep breath. She had no choice.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOxo7lHYwvk9cXWSLrmqhA3UsH-aMmGxbbe7z7SDsSfDFuPlbChQfQw56TrXiF-IYgVRFnQFz8Y3kss7hwuocJRDQKwDJJrggV2Bb9rQR8-77hd5fMYIRTTeN4uuVOCD-tUTYTEuHQDlc/s1600/Ivory+sad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOxo7lHYwvk9cXWSLrmqhA3UsH-aMmGxbbe7z7SDsSfDFuPlbChQfQw56TrXiF-IYgVRFnQFz8Y3kss7hwuocJRDQKwDJJrggV2Bb9rQR8-77hd5fMYIRTTeN4uuVOCD-tUTYTEuHQDlc/s1600/Ivory+sad.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Her anguished heart cried out inside of her. Romeo...Colin...my Love. She held back a sob. Here in this moment, she would acknowledge to herself what she would never be able to acknowledge to him. She loved him. She had tried not to, but that was like trying not to breath, it had been impossible. The memories of their days together played through her mind, a kaleidoscope of life. Of a lifetime hoped for, but one she could never keep.<br />
<br />
What would he think of her, when he found out? What would he think when his brother was finally found, tortured, his throat slit? He would know it was her. He would know then why she had come, who her target had been. Her terrible purpose. Would he hate her then, for tearing his family apart? Would he hate her for taking his brother from him, the brother he both loved and hated? Would he remember their conversations about his family, and wonder about his part in it? Would he regret the words he had spoken to her, regret meeting her? Regret loving her?<br />
<br />
A lone tear escaped, and trailed down her cheek. She ignored it, and forced herself to open the door, and put one foot in front of the other. She should have already been there, should have already finished the process she had barely started, but she had selfishly wanted one more night with him. Just one more memory to help warm her soul on the cold nights of her eternity of regrets.<br />
<br />
As soon as the door shut, Colin rolled over and opened his eyes. She had been acting f*cking peculiar for the past couple of f*cking weeks now,
and she had f*cking refused to talk about it. F*ck. It p*ssed him
the f*ck off. He f*cking hated the f*cking sadness in her eyes, f*cking
hated that she f*cking tried to f*cking hide it from him. He really
f*cking hated the f*cking wall he sensed she was f*cking trying to build
between them. Well, f*ck, no more of that sh*t. He was going to
f*cking find out what the f*ck she was up to. Then they could f*cking
solve her f*cking problem together. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrDkzVlmu-KGpTpyof6RdJ2jGPncz67TKv-_dpiGPf2Z5On7iNkV6il9j6dLq2XiZxNkHl8OWTLFxiW-LZuTDd-SU0b4YGlmLWz6s6m3HxZ_NHXKC_d4_a3j4-iL5B9y17njSxotdGtQ8/s1600/Colin+sad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrDkzVlmu-KGpTpyof6RdJ2jGPncz67TKv-_dpiGPf2Z5On7iNkV6il9j6dLq2XiZxNkHl8OWTLFxiW-LZuTDd-SU0b4YGlmLWz6s6m3HxZ_NHXKC_d4_a3j4-iL5B9y17njSxotdGtQ8/s1600/Colin+sad.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
He grabbed his phone off the nightstand and flicked it open. She would be f*cking pissed off when she f*cking found out that he had put a f*cking tracer on her. He rolled his eyes. She would f*cking get over it. He dialed a number, and waited until he heard a small voice say, "Hello?"<br />
<br />
"Nick, what the f*ck are you still doing up? On a f*cking school night? Sh*t, nevermind, I don't f*cking have time to f*cking deal with that right now. I want you to f*cking listen to me okay? I need you to f*cking do something. This is f*cking important, so don't f*cking mess this up." Colin gave Nick his instructions, then ended the call. He jumped out of bed and threw his clothes on. "F*ck Angel, what the h*ll did you f*cking get involved in?" He muttered as he grabbed the key to his motorcycle and ran out the door. <br />
<br />
Twenty minutes outside of town, he found himself staring at an abandoned warehouse. "What the h*ll?" he whispered. "F*ck, must be one of her f*cking hits." There was no sign of life, so he cautiously moved closer. Still nothing. He crept up to a set of steel doors, and slowly pushed them open. They made no sound, like they had been recently oiled to keep them silent. Glancing around him, all was still quiet. With a shrug, he went inside.<br />
<br />
It was dingy and damp, poorly lit, with a row of doors in front of him. F*ck. Which one should he f*cking try first? He opened one door, and nearly had a dusty ragged old mop clobber him for his efforts. "Sh*t." He put the mop back, and shut the door. Wrong f*cking door. The next one he tried led to a narrow corridor. He followed it, and opened the first door he came to. The light was weak, but he could hear faint sounds of what sounded like moaning, and rattling of...chains? He followed the sound, then abruptly stopped, stunned by the sight in front of him. "What the f*ck?!" he asked in disbelief.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKUseuyx9QMAmET1rhkDKLUMKBquAG0JZzFuQmqP-3XnPv1u6zMpnS86XjvFHb9Cg0M3lme1Hv3HjRoR7VInFWQRvUusZUw4D7SnzN04QW2Bzq-sRC97l6oRj_kIaY3LAKHNAhXg-vIfw/s1600/big.5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKUseuyx9QMAmET1rhkDKLUMKBquAG0JZzFuQmqP-3XnPv1u6zMpnS86XjvFHb9Cg0M3lme1Hv3HjRoR7VInFWQRvUusZUw4D7SnzN04QW2Bzq-sRC97l6oRj_kIaY3LAKHNAhXg-vIfw/s1600/big.5.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
"Brae? What the f*ck are you doing here?" His brother looked roughed up, but otherwise seemed to be in fair condition, for being f*cking chained to a wall.<br />
<br />
"Col, you need to get out of here, and fast. Go get help!" Brae's voice was hoarse, urgent. "Before the she devil comes back!"<br />
<br />
"She devil?"<br />
<br />
"The white haired woman is scary enough, but the red headed she devil is.." Brae shuddered violently. "Get the h*ll out of here Col."<br />
<br />
"F*ck that Brae, I'm not f*cking leaving you here." He scanned the room, looking for any traps that may have been set. His brother seemed to be alone, and it didn't make any sense to Colin. Why the h*ll hadn't they left a f*cking guard or something? What the f*ck was he missing? How the f*ck was Ivory involved?<br />
<br />
Sh*t. At one time, he would have f*cking thought he would f*cking enjoy a moment like this, but the f*cking realization hit him, and hit him like a f*cking eighteen ton brick on the head. He actually f*cking loved his brother, and didn't f*cking want to see him f*cking get hurt. D*mned inconvenient timing too, f*ck. No f*cking escaping this one, he couldn't f*cking leave his brother there. "What a sh*tty a*s time to grow a f*cking conscience." he groaned out loud. <br />
<br />
"Sh*t Col, get the h*ll out of here, the she devil will be back any moment now. They have Elliot." Brae pleaded. "Go get help!"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAzPEI7iyYWmuk8zb9jfLGfMi51AfEp3xYcXTqAkkagtgujzMtvX3Lw8lB0DvDwi3xKPaBLMdHf2cm8uTWNS7DIz6QQvZgtVENFOHejKlC62R2ddA5eNyViXlXXixhasmszZjZQIDy4x4/s1600/big1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAzPEI7iyYWmuk8zb9jfLGfMi51AfEp3xYcXTqAkkagtgujzMtvX3Lw8lB0DvDwi3xKPaBLMdHf2cm8uTWNS7DIz6QQvZgtVENFOHejKlC62R2ddA5eNyViXlXXixhasmszZjZQIDy4x4/s1600/big1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
"F*ck, they have Elliot?" Colin's heart stopped. Elliot. How the h*ll did Elliot figure into things? "What the f*ck have you been up to Brae? And why the h*ll did you f*cking involve your son?" My son!, he wanted to f*cking yell, but he had f*cking given that right up f*cking years ago. Elliot wasn't his f*cking son, he was f*cking sh*t for brains Brae's son. Sh*t. Colin was f*cking p*ssed, what the f*ck was Brae thinking? To f*cking get Elliot involved in some f*cking scheme that could f*cking get them all killed.<br />
<br />
Brae went into a coughing fit. "I don't know!" Brae cried out, "I swear I don't know. They used him as bait, to get me, and they keep talking about some book. It's really important to the she devil, but I have no idea what the h*ll they are talking about. For Elliot's sake Colin, you have to get out of here!"<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLGRsEboLXGMrXik6w25PZP_N0DILwwSaG2lcbydssajFftPdG_RATHBghoTzHATZo5oLou0Tx_FCNngU35t1CrkMvtcQ2LMq3mgbHk4Neo6ByOLSHrA_mCjFB30uR0halhpCHYJ6M72U/s1600/big2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLGRsEboLXGMrXik6w25PZP_N0DILwwSaG2lcbydssajFftPdG_RATHBghoTzHATZo5oLou0Tx_FCNngU35t1CrkMvtcQ2LMq3mgbHk4Neo6ByOLSHrA_mCjFB30uR0halhpCHYJ6M72U/s1600/big2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Sh*t. He needed a f*cking plan, and f*cking fast. "Where the f*ck is he being kept?"<br />
<br />
"I don't know. I haven't even seen him, he could be dead for all I know." Brae said hopelessly. Brae gasped. "Col, behind you!"<br />
<br />
Colin didn't f*cking need his f*cking brother's warning to f*cking know she was there. He f*cking always knew when she was nearby. He turned slowly. "Angel."<br />
<br />
"Why are you here?" Her voice was cold, emotionless, but her eyes, they spoke volumes.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBxMI4aNnvZt4EsRM7Wsn7PniiqgJ7M78Z-k7gSzKVIzh3EJPw2sNPJLtThW8io2CAzaqe88HqSjiF62M3nXW_4qozR6G2QyrdK4GjRWLDqIs2ctOiPn9KR-KVo-xuZTHnYIHH7hHn1LY/s1600/big3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBxMI4aNnvZt4EsRM7Wsn7PniiqgJ7M78Z-k7gSzKVIzh3EJPw2sNPJLtThW8io2CAzaqe88HqSjiF62M3nXW_4qozR6G2QyrdK4GjRWLDqIs2ctOiPn9KR-KVo-xuZTHnYIHH7hHn1LY/s1600/big3.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"You're not supposed to be here." She hissed. It was all for naught. She wanted to rail, and yell, and hit something or someone. She had wanted to protect him, protect him from Her, but there he was. He wasn't supposed to be!<br />
<br />
"You have to f*cking let him go Angel." Colin said softly.<br />
<br />
She shook her head sadly. "You don't understand Romeo. I can't let him go, Raven wants him."<br />
<br />
Raven, her f*cking mother? What the h*ll would she want with his f*cking brother? "It'll f*cking make family introductions a b*tch, I agree. But f*ck, Brae can be f*cking reasonable. Just f*cking let him and the boy go, the f*cking family will be p*ssed, but f*ck. They'll f*cking come around. Don't f*cking take this path, Angel." He couldn't f*cking stand there and let her f*cking hurt Brae or Elliot. He f*cking wanted to beg her, please, please, please... He couldn't f*cking bear to f*cking see her hurt either.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHiq8l-3BYAHF5iTQ4GdCA4EfGaJwOZxOpEugzWwAyBcVUD3dl-T729rfgbwwpS5G74Nvvwei42-vxGK2-BKTMzVs6KZu7uen5d_TCuiuFW0XYeHmIEDt27c1-jOkltUJNuxqDYkA9x1A/s1600/big4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHiq8l-3BYAHF5iTQ4GdCA4EfGaJwOZxOpEugzWwAyBcVUD3dl-T729rfgbwwpS5G74Nvvwei42-vxGK2-BKTMzVs6KZu7uen5d_TCuiuFW0XYeHmIEDt27c1-jOkltUJNuxqDYkA9x1A/s1600/big4.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
He saw the indecision in her, and he could see the moment she made her choice, it was written all over her face. He felt his heart sink. F*ck. "I'm sorry," she whispered, "I have no choice." She repeated it again, "I have no choice."<br />
<br />
"Sh*t!" He yelled, as he dodged a kick. He blocked her punch, and tried to grab her, but she wormed away, then came back at him with another kick. This was no f*cking foreplay, she f*cking meant business.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAWTZl1Ps0375a8gOdEgLS5gSc55HI_P08oHqguEZxyQc9AmrviQ3sv78zXFheQ_XGTQYpdtlZrUx4FKbhVdhDnyIwuXj-opDUeGkRO3DGRsxkWmW627C7wcQ_o6-zxUtucw5jgFm4Rr0/s1600/big5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAWTZl1Ps0375a8gOdEgLS5gSc55HI_P08oHqguEZxyQc9AmrviQ3sv78zXFheQ_XGTQYpdtlZrUx4FKbhVdhDnyIwuXj-opDUeGkRO3DGRsxkWmW627C7wcQ_o6-zxUtucw5jgFm4Rr0/s1600/big5.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
"What the h*ll do you f*cking mean?" He grunted, as he blocked another flurry of kick punches. "F*ck, you always have a f*cking choice Angel!" Colin f*cking refused to give up on her. Sh*t, it would be h*ll with his family at first, but he was pretty f*cking sure he could f*cking talk them around. F*ck, he had always been able to f*cking talk them around. Why the h*ll should this time be any f*cking different? He just f*cking needed her to f*cking listen to him for two seconds, instead of f*cking wasting her time trying to f*cking kick his a*s.<br />
<br />
"Easy for you to say Romeo, but my life is not like yours, I don't have the same choices that you do." She panted, slightly out of breath. She feinted a left side kick, but Colin knew her moves too well, and didn't fall for it. She did a cartwheel kick to his head, which he easily blocked.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf6DrZowfMqId1cKblxUs_DM0ytqIrgTKpUnjAeuzCcCQQkJQPCOgWZ23hmpCOkTB_MfG9DUsH6iC6ZPKxGZbq7CPGBwU6oLylUJvkR5mgSNkw4447vi-5JZd1AmsZI6W_AKKByq9XkAY/s1600/big6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf6DrZowfMqId1cKblxUs_DM0ytqIrgTKpUnjAeuzCcCQQkJQPCOgWZ23hmpCOkTB_MfG9DUsH6iC6ZPKxGZbq7CPGBwU6oLylUJvkR5mgSNkw4447vi-5JZd1AmsZI6W_AKKByq9XkAY/s1600/big6.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
"Angel, would you f*cking listen to me?"<br />
<br />
"I can't!" She did another kick, Colin grabbed a hold of her leg, but she came up viciously, like a cornered animal. He let her go, and watched as she did a back flip. She landed on her feet, and raised her fists, ready to go again.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglFf6mex9_orY8_KNM2yHi2jwDZRFxVmrZM1h6p5eSCCrN4dZK776m-EWRXKWi_opKpNTH4k1WFtCMRdN-5wUGDqf6y3vXM8ckBZBDtEFUwcYx3NAkBxnkUTCcypwo1o_LxcBoapxfcXs/s1600/big+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglFf6mex9_orY8_KNM2yHi2jwDZRFxVmrZM1h6p5eSCCrN4dZK776m-EWRXKWi_opKpNTH4k1WFtCMRdN-5wUGDqf6y3vXM8ckBZBDtEFUwcYx3NAkBxnkUTCcypwo1o_LxcBoapxfcXs/s1600/big+7.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Colin held his hands up, in a conciliatory fashion. "Angel, would you f*cking be reasonable! Sh*t, I don't want to f*cking hurt you, and I f*cking know you don't want to f*cking hurt me."<br />
<br />
"How do you figure that Romeo?" She asked coldly.<br />
<br />
"F*ck, for one thing, you're f*cking slow as sh*t, not up to you're usual f*cking speed."<br />
<br />
"You f*cking a*shole!" She yelled. "It's your f*cking fault, you f*cking knocked me up, and I told you what I would do if that happened!"<br />
<br />
Colin stared at her, had he f*cking heard her right? Sh*t. They were f*cking going to have a baby? A baby?! He felt hope bloom, f*ck, that was why she was so f*cking p*ssed? He was so caught up in the moment, he wasn't paying close enough attention. She took advantage of his inattention and drove her knee into his groin.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTaBckoSVM0wSiNLVVcTMzqeHSLvZ39Lm9iwLQizELSwcXsLjgKe7_-PFVjJ12_8B55prQN267LxXoenIFLgMatdbRHy1o0OZ-jIxfXRl2IwWxYZrQSKkf0Mk8Hx2AdjyrQiB2y2npiUM/s1600/big8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTaBckoSVM0wSiNLVVcTMzqeHSLvZ39Lm9iwLQizELSwcXsLjgKe7_-PFVjJ12_8B55prQN267LxXoenIFLgMatdbRHy1o0OZ-jIxfXRl2IwWxYZrQSKkf0Mk8Hx2AdjyrQiB2y2npiUM/s1600/big8.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"F*ck!" he howled. "You f*cking b*tch! That f*cking hurt!"<br />
<br />
She paused, watching him, dispassionately. "You should have blocked a*shole. I'm the one that's going to go through f*cking labor pains! That little pain of yours is nothing compared to that."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFYWfhr_rU_QytSqzFfjzJDVp1Ga0cOAqFR4z9nZxiUrEKrQ3MFDsRrx2quP9g5Wd6ju_HymTuh7O0kSD7ALaoxjteJVK-qYsd96WkMEkz_rbf0CA_Biia4KhSzPjzXxNrtuV0Uk5banE/s1600/big9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFYWfhr_rU_QytSqzFfjzJDVp1Ga0cOAqFR4z9nZxiUrEKrQ3MFDsRrx2quP9g5Wd6ju_HymTuh7O0kSD7ALaoxjteJVK-qYsd96WkMEkz_rbf0CA_Biia4KhSzPjzXxNrtuV0Uk5banE/s1600/big9.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
"What the h*ll? Are you f*cking trying to make sure we don't f*cking have any more kids? Sh*t!" He would f*cking throttle her, just as soon as he could f*cking move.<br />
<br />
"More kids!" she hollered. "Haven't you been listening? We can't even have this one!" She felt the tears threaten again, "I can't keep this baby, Raven..." she choked up, unable to say the words. She knew what Raven was capable of, the horrors she could inflict on the innocent. How could she protect her baby, when she couldn't even protect herself, or the man she loved?<br />
<br />
All of her life she had wanted only one thing, a family of her own. By some miracle she was pregnant, she had suspected for a little while, but hadn't been able to believe it, she had been told she would never carry a child. Then she had worried what it might all mean, how Colin would react to the news...<br />
<br />
Colin grabbed her and pushed her up against the window. "Look at me." he growled. Ivory looked up, refusing to meet his eyes. "Ivory!"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRdJaiWIXf_NGAMq4gIGSqgk1p27zYp4uHeRCTykUJ__dt87pLSvhGXRYp-W4vwAvnup_fvn2g8M6NgsGQpJFuQmvdz8Ep6UEv0BYAZ4VZqLiq6guANp9WZHjEUreYXiH7itrQ1CG4lPI/s1600/big10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRdJaiWIXf_NGAMq4gIGSqgk1p27zYp4uHeRCTykUJ__dt87pLSvhGXRYp-W4vwAvnup_fvn2g8M6NgsGQpJFuQmvdz8Ep6UEv0BYAZ4VZqLiq6guANp9WZHjEUreYXiH7itrQ1CG4lPI/s1600/big10.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
She met his eyes, and Colin could see the unshed tears in them. He sighed. "I don't know what you're so afraid of, but I can protect you, just give me a chance to prove it to you."<br />
<br />
Ivory shook slightly. "You don't know my mother." <br />
<br />
"I don't need to. I can protect you, and our baby." he swore, "What happened with Brae and Elliot, it won't ever happen again, I can promise you that." He felt a f*cking twinge at the reminder that his f*cking brother was still f*cking chained to a wall, his nephew was f*cking somewhere in the f*cking building, possibly f*cking hurt. They f*cking needed to be rescued, but, d*mn it, so did his Angel. He f*cking knew he could f*cking rescue them all. He just f*cking needed one more minute...<br />
<br />
Ivory stared at him. Was it possible? Dare she even hope? She remembered the day she first met him, at that bar, and the words that Raven spoke came back to her. Magic." Raven had snarled the word at her. "The very thing I cannot use directly against them because they are still protected."<br />
<br />
They were still protected, by something that Raven herself could not get past. She glanced at his brother, still chained, and remembered that while Raven had struck his face many times, and warned him what she could do to him, she had not really done any of it to him. Ivory had thought she was just waiting, biding her time, but what if she wasn't waiting? What if Raven really could not use her powers on the Kahekilis? Her child would be a Kahekili, her child could be safe...<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilvB59xl7xssA3aUg2gfMszDgjpXZCXt-lu3AwxwCKtlEanW-66vaabOFs7j39fGte1bikQp5izwuz-uNRX0utTN3wonH4-n8ZdqCSv80TLgBowLb2AOe3LGbIWvzRJWS24Kc9t3dhweo/s1600/big11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilvB59xl7xssA3aUg2gfMszDgjpXZCXt-lu3AwxwCKtlEanW-66vaabOFs7j39fGte1bikQp5izwuz-uNRX0utTN3wonH4-n8ZdqCSv80TLgBowLb2AOe3LGbIWvzRJWS24Kc9t3dhweo/s1600/big11.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Colin relaxed his hold on her. "I think we should get married." He said it gently, and watched her face for her reaction. He had f*cking been thinking of f*cking marriage for some time now, unsure if he could f*cking go through it again, his first f*cking marriage had been a f*cking disaster of epic proportions. He found, to his f*cking amazement, he really did f*cking want to marry her. She had f*cking branded his heart, his soul, he was already f*cking hers, why not f*cking make it official?<br />
<br />
He could even f*cking picture them, in a house, with a f*cking white picket fence and a f*cking dog, raising their baby. Together. The image should have f*cking given him hives, a rash, a f*cking panic attack, but it didn't. In fact, he f*cking loved the idea. Him. Her. Their baby. D*mn, even the idea of having more f*cking kids with her didn't f*cking faze him. With her, he could f*cking do anything. "How about it Angel? We could f*cking get hitched, buy a f*cking house with a f*cking white picket fence, f*cking raise our baby. D*mn, maybe even get a f*cking dog?"<br />
<br />
Her eyes shone up at him, with a glint of humor in them. "I hate white picket fences."<br />
<br />
"F*ck, I'll f*cking paint them black for you then! F*cking black picket fence just for you. Marry me."<br />
<br />
Ivory felt hope and love, and a whole bunch of nameless emotions swell up in her. She wanted to marry him, and have a family with him. She was just about to say yes when a swirl of smoke appeared behind him, and Raven materialized, knife in hand, she pressed it to Colin's throat. Stark terror hit Ivory, and she couldn't move.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikbk8SuC8pMFH-VbOEDn-C06LNtBowsiF1wLvp9uHhblQC4f6XoDSyprdYNRM9ZVQQActqs-U-zgwDWyQAWI_622c8mSwO_j5uQpMsXm8rkLtSUGgoJBFYUSzE0gJmLlBU2SvygAugZhQ/s1600/big12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikbk8SuC8pMFH-VbOEDn-C06LNtBowsiF1wLvp9uHhblQC4f6XoDSyprdYNRM9ZVQQActqs-U-zgwDWyQAWI_622c8mSwO_j5uQpMsXm8rkLtSUGgoJBFYUSzE0gJmLlBU2SvygAugZhQ/s1600/big12.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"Go ahead Pet, I'm most interested in what your answer will be."<br />
<br />
Colin gritted his teeth. He couldn't f*cking see the woman behind him, but he f*cking knew that this was her mother. The b*tch that had f*cking hurt his Angel. F*ck that sh*t, she would f*cking rue the day she had f*cking messed with his Angel. He saw the panic in Ivory's eyes, and did his best to give her a reassuring smile. Her lips formed a no, but he ignored her silent plea.<br />
<br />
He slammed his head back, against Raven, causing her to drop the knife with a howl. His head smarted, and he saw a few stars, but he didn't let it slow him down any. He twisted his body, grabbed Raven, and with a few short moves, flung her to another part of the room. She turned her cobra eyes on him, touched the blood flowing from her nose and hissed. "You'll regret that."<br />
<br />
"F*cking b*tch." Colin snarled. "You don't f*cking scare me. I'm going to f*ck you up b*tch!" He looked around the room, his eyes seeking something big and heavy Anything he could f*cking use to f*cking knock her head off.<br />
<br />
Raven laughed nastily. "You stupid fool." She chanted a few words, and a mist of white sprayed in front of Colin, then disappeared just as quickly as it appeared, leaving him unharmed.<br />
<br />
"Stupid b*tch." He mocked her. "What, you think some f*cking mist is going to f*cking hurt me?"<br />
<br />
She held her hands out once again, and chanted, a whirl of color appeared briefly over her hands. Colin glanced over at Ivory when he heard her moan. Ivory sunk to her knees, clutching at her throat.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4nZuKkwYlFkOBMUlIKOvbCtz6QG9lAX6RtGEGbViFeccmWzgiMDdU7cbsUUiKYlX0zCavaQQP-WnaP2g84JE4oQNUSovoY3LBPOAc4NfXF-32kvera3HMGU8cfGiSiwfY6v1c3DlhUps/s1600/big13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4nZuKkwYlFkOBMUlIKOvbCtz6QG9lAX6RtGEGbViFeccmWzgiMDdU7cbsUUiKYlX0zCavaQQP-WnaP2g84JE4oQNUSovoY3LBPOAc4NfXF-32kvera3HMGU8cfGiSiwfY6v1c3DlhUps/s1600/big13.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"What the f*ck?" He watched in horror, as Ivory desperately gasped for air.<br />
<br />
"Pet, you are such a disappointment to me. I thought you had learned." She made a tsking sound. "It appears I was wrong. You know what that means Pet? And as for this," she flicked her gaze at Colin,"man, I'll make sure he's properly punished. Your arrogance Pet, thinking you could best me?" Raven chuckled coldly. "You are no match for me, and neither is this pathetic excuse for a man. You will pay Pet, oh yes, you will pay, and this man with you." She cackled. "Oh the fun we'll have Pet, breaking his spirit. He is a spirited one, now isn't he? I will really enjoy breaking this one."<br />
<br />
Colin was still frantically searching the room with his eyes. There, he finally found something, a f*cking large piece of wood, it was f*cking perfect. He looked over at Raven, who was speaking only to Ivory, totally ignoring him, as if he wasn't a threat to her at all. He smiled grimly, well, he was about to f*cking show her he was a f*cking threat.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzatyCC1A6HIZWRY6KYWytxxh9zYLNeX1oiTiBT0P54niT0vejHJ8p9X5aGCJDu45eiDamnMcs_X7Jml0NSHRbh0U3CU1xaCB6TyXjHhyf5pBCaP82ADKqTTI4JzE_wb-E1YuvAWDYKyg/s1600/big14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzatyCC1A6HIZWRY6KYWytxxh9zYLNeX1oiTiBT0P54niT0vejHJ8p9X5aGCJDu45eiDamnMcs_X7Jml0NSHRbh0U3CU1xaCB6TyXjHhyf5pBCaP82ADKqTTI4JzE_wb-E1YuvAWDYKyg/s1600/big14.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
With precision timing that would have f*cking impressed Woo, he grabbed the f*cking wood and f*cking hit the b*tch with it. The force of the blow whirled Raven around, and she staggered backwards, releasing her hold on Ivory. With lightning quick reflexes, before Raven could turn back around, Ivory sprang into action, grabbing the knife that Raven had dropped earlier, she threw herself at her mother.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi742DpiYA3ueYZKkR6zznvbpfvh4DRgSB280Tdor_5Y2xFVUWTfjtiHIs5kMsZrX5qvgcMV3uO1yMcc3DoHZl1Tg6uu1dh7KMX2XJXnwTuO7utY_9CacgnI-s7WY-Mgkwps8IT9DGhTY/s1600/big15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi742DpiYA3ueYZKkR6zznvbpfvh4DRgSB280Tdor_5Y2xFVUWTfjtiHIs5kMsZrX5qvgcMV3uO1yMcc3DoHZl1Tg6uu1dh7KMX2XJXnwTuO7utY_9CacgnI-s7WY-Mgkwps8IT9DGhTY/s1600/big15.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The force of her weight shoved the knife deep into Raven's back. She screeched, a banshee's wail as a green mist enfolded her.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfTgNuYjH2QWwzlaczCFYlKo_zwLQNCQjFBS1HrWH4k8Jgwj3byd07CDCsMTmkj_yKdvs8uhhxmGP9mItfM59D6qzQkRpkxkUJq38XmsY57R8_xH3_08sHbbx45GzfM_6ul7gmdV6Xx2I/s1600/big16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfTgNuYjH2QWwzlaczCFYlKo_zwLQNCQjFBS1HrWH4k8Jgwj3byd07CDCsMTmkj_yKdvs8uhhxmGP9mItfM59D6qzQkRpkxkUJq38XmsY57R8_xH3_08sHbbx45GzfM_6ul7gmdV6Xx2I/s1600/big16.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"This is not finished!" Raven shrieked. "I will have my revenge!" Then she disappeared.<br />
<br />
Ivory broke into noisy sobs, and ran into Colin's arms.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ18q0NL7YkXE0v6uUauc_KBpfBJ_M_4jUsTk_PNLWx16m9bMC89lp4QkGUboRWHr_VXbxb2Kt5Kw9IqlM7zUuyPWXfdA_8HrE_wT5gvwGs2wm4jmC3HeP4OX2K213x_J8Z3mH8IiSFIg/s1600/big18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ18q0NL7YkXE0v6uUauc_KBpfBJ_M_4jUsTk_PNLWx16m9bMC89lp4QkGUboRWHr_VXbxb2Kt5Kw9IqlM7zUuyPWXfdA_8HrE_wT5gvwGs2wm4jmC3HeP4OX2K213x_J8Z3mH8IiSFIg/s1600/big18.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
He held her tightly to him, and looked up at her. He had almost f*cking lost her, he couldn't f*cking bear the thought. "I love you."<br />
<br />
She smiled down at him, her heart in her eyes. "I love you too."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNjjhvvivCRxLeiQGUqw4ZQMRnJ7R2oR9C8JK4ACR9quHUUJ1ZsoSOG8qrp-fuFL2ZezAossdj4Y1UBLPsLZIaUfdd74bojZu06mhf-AU-UZD_gJgLZEWfkpojzgmZc16vohyg6ThuF78/s1600/big19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNjjhvvivCRxLeiQGUqw4ZQMRnJ7R2oR9C8JK4ACR9quHUUJ1ZsoSOG8qrp-fuFL2ZezAossdj4Y1UBLPsLZIaUfdd74bojZu06mhf-AU-UZD_gJgLZEWfkpojzgmZc16vohyg6ThuF78/s1600/big19.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"We did it, Angel. We vanguished the b*tch from h*ll, f*cking sent her back where she f*cking belongs."<br />
<br />
"What if she comes back?" Ivory worried.<br />
<br />
"We'll f*cking chop her f*cking head off."<br />
<br />
"I love the sound of that." she sighed.<br />
<br />
Colin grinned. "I f*cking thought you would." Colin opened his mouth and started to ask her about the black picket fence when he was interrupted by one word, shouted by more than one person.<br />
<br />
"Freeze!"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilYYBBm8mr-uY_Wd-M8JZ15srhGfy_SiZoE_29MyI1PQnjty3GF9SumFlHmKgTpWVhekvYW25BqIBt4O0tEOFaj6zmGS8fmSTzLS1xKUUU5sjeC1YyLeZvyJ0apWhsNfyh4480C1zUikA/s1600/big20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilYYBBm8mr-uY_Wd-M8JZ15srhGfy_SiZoE_29MyI1PQnjty3GF9SumFlHmKgTpWVhekvYW25BqIBt4O0tEOFaj6zmGS8fmSTzLS1xKUUU5sjeC1YyLeZvyJ0apWhsNfyh4480C1zUikA/s1600/big20.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Sh*t! He had forgotten about his instructions to Nick. "Put your hands up where we can see them." Sh*t, sh*t, sh*t, he had to get Ivory the f*ck away from here. <br />
<br />
Ivory backed away from him, devastated. "What?! You set me up?" She yelled. "You a*shole!"<br />
<br />
Colin looked up at her, startled. "What the f*ck Angel? I didn't..."<br />
<br />
"Did you call the cops?"<br />
<br />
"Well, not exactly, but..."<br />
<br />
Ivory's face hardened. "You f*cking a*shole! I'll f*cking kill you!" In her fury she struck out at Colin.<br />
<br />
"Angel, it's not what it f*cking seems..." he said, and the rest of it f*cking happened like a f*cking slow motion nightmare. The police shouted freeze or we'll shoot, distracting Colin for that one precious second. Ivory's foot connected with Colin's head, sending him crashing backwards. He heard shots ring out, but they sounded far away. Then nothing, all was blackness.<br />
<br />
Ivory screamed as she fell on the ground, she clutched her side. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgUFSufgEeV0HqjP7ueR3UuJc8MsAzBg9ks6cwVVLndljupfOCIh167_KE-6S01lY1_ZkptaIEGt0Zgiriialev6e6g1oJPCq24cY-3oVowaWzgY1jvb7Hk_0EfdPCz7pPb7H2Vzy7gUQ/s1600/big21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgUFSufgEeV0HqjP7ueR3UuJc8MsAzBg9ks6cwVVLndljupfOCIh167_KE-6S01lY1_ZkptaIEGt0Zgiriialev6e6g1oJPCq24cY-3oVowaWzgY1jvb7Hk_0EfdPCz7pPb7H2Vzy7gUQ/s1600/big21.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The tears rolled down her face. "Colin!" She screamed his name over and over, but he didn't answer. She was barely conscious of the police and medical personnel that were pouring into the building. All she could see was Colin, the stillness of his body, and all that blood that pooled around him. She couldn't stop the screaming, she had killed him. It was an accident, but that didn't matter. He was gone from her, forever. She felt her body cramping, and the grief overwhelmed her. Was she to lose his baby too? The last part of him? She felt hands reach for her, she fought them off, and still she screamed. She felt a pinch, a pinprick really, and within moments she could feel the blessed darkness descending.<br />
<br />
She would never forget that last image of him as she faded into silence; never, nor would she ever forgive herself; ever. Her last conscious thought was that she hoped she never woke up. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjINm1wzr6ljDqLAFGupvBYlbTvikfOyOXHGse4MaW4vQ3lmQXg0dohzYHytKemoOuzF_KyPujkHsnOBtSI5P0nWWnoPVBCGvm1l6mDaSA4gEvwmSrR9jAFkMzNIVRWPgQSEFhlAUU9gCY/s1600/big22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjINm1wzr6ljDqLAFGupvBYlbTvikfOyOXHGse4MaW4vQ3lmQXg0dohzYHytKemoOuzF_KyPujkHsnOBtSI5P0nWWnoPVBCGvm1l6mDaSA4gEvwmSrR9jAFkMzNIVRWPgQSEFhlAUU9gCY/s1600/big22.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
________________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
<br />
<br />
Notes: Don't hate me! *hides* What all can you expect from a Romeo romance? lol Colin had rolled single, so as I hinted very strongly throughout their romance---they were doomed from the beginning. So, that was kind of nice, right? Lots of hints that this wasn't going to end very well...I'm all sad though, cause when I came up with this storyline, I wasn't expecting to love them so much as a couple, they just meshed so well. *sigh*<br />
<br />
Is Colin really dead? Sorry, I'm gonna be mean, and make you wait until next chapter to find out for sure. *hides again* =P<br />
<br />
Is Raven really gone? Here I'll be semi-nice, and let you all know that she is severely wounded, but not dead. So we may just see her once again...<br />
<br />
I think I have one, maybe two more posed chapters before I can finally get back to game play chapters. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Some outtakes, cause, after that ending, I need a little humor---<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Colin: *laughs* And then, do you know what the crazy b*tch said...uh, she's behind me, isn't she? <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOo_lA4vy0dirtoEBdu7V4WsdTTnqhUE7c4NTPFJigFqyZUXi0qfBzqyw3A8SQUFTfBUX7OymKeoOVkY3Jrms95QCg3rN3n3KV-S9trMA3qPN4cP_dOCC2eNCLN2tlZX205yBQmc8_7Ac/s1600/funny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOo_lA4vy0dirtoEBdu7V4WsdTTnqhUE7c4NTPFJigFqyZUXi0qfBzqyw3A8SQUFTfBUX7OymKeoOVkY3Jrms95QCg3rN3n3KV-S9trMA3qPN4cP_dOCC2eNCLN2tlZX205yBQmc8_7Ac/s1600/funny.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Colin: Help! I'm the heir, you won't let her kill me right?!<br />
<br />
Raven: *grins*<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9BMstEStFGNUxaZd4s1ZGTcL5rA3RNrajTg6x3yVU7FAlSgSctVRBfuYlushuMn-qn81Y7IDlnOx1Af5Fb7Un94ZaAszeyCYneuxLX27REqzBJs2NhLZ01bhH_kDkL4fS4Yw6nQGCEqs/s1600/funny2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9BMstEStFGNUxaZd4s1ZGTcL5rA3RNrajTg6x3yVU7FAlSgSctVRBfuYlushuMn-qn81Y7IDlnOx1Af5Fb7Un94ZaAszeyCYneuxLX27REqzBJs2NhLZ01bhH_kDkL4fS4Yw6nQGCEqs/s1600/funny2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Colin: "You are so hot."<br />
<br />
Ivory: "No, you're hot."<br />
<br />
Colin: "No, you're hotter."<br />
<br />
Ivory: "No, you're the hottest."<br />
<br />
Um, guys, in the middle of a scene here? Hello?<br />
<br />
Brae: Yeah, I'm chained to a wall here! Could we get this this shoot done already?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil6Ykx3w-l-7dRgw3Sj1lLnLlv8HYMxs-dHImhWXEhf6dqufciRDyIzfv_LAebzN-Ubt2gv5a0nDYWbTa7DfareoyFqJ_qaJIL9WyIELKlVYEHwcoLMS_-uUjs0ZHVPbSFmfqO45Fo6ps/s1600/funny1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil6Ykx3w-l-7dRgw3Sj1lLnLlv8HYMxs-dHImhWXEhf6dqufciRDyIzfv_LAebzN-Ubt2gv5a0nDYWbTa7DfareoyFqJ_qaJIL9WyIELKlVYEHwcoLMS_-uUjs0ZHVPbSFmfqO45Fo6ps/s1600/funny1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Thanks for reading! Next chapter will be the aftermath of this one. =) <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Nirarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15253184399668018141noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2767753407529003708.post-73699353785737521262014-01-20T18:12:00.000-08:002014-01-22T16:33:06.098-08:00Chapter 74: Romeo and Angel<h3>
Warning: This chapter has lots of bad language and lots of bad behavior. Read at your own risk!</h3>
<br />
<br />
"If you jump up out of this bed and leave me, now that you've made love to me, Romeo, I promise that I'll hunt you down and cut your d*ck off." Her voice was soft, but her intent was clear.<br />
<br />
Colin quickly switched gears and rolled towards her instead of off the bed. He propped his head up with his hand, and inwardly fought with himself, he wanted to leave almost as badly as he wanted to stay. He f*cking wanted to stay more, and that f*cking scared the sh*t out of him, enough that he wanted to f*cking leave more. F*ck. He was f*cked up. He just needed to f*cking leave, to f*cking show himself and her, that nothing had f*cking changed, even though he f*cking knew something had changed. F*ck. Panic was doing a tribal dance in his chest, but, d*mn, he was f*cking attached to his d*ck too. "What me? It never even crossed my mind." He lied.<br />
<br />
"Good." She answered, serenely.<br />
<br />
He looked at her, bemused. "Now what?"<br />
<br />
"Now we talk." She said simply. "You can tell me about your mother."<br />
<br />
He rolled his eyes and shook his head. "F*ck, not that subject again, don't you ever f*cking get tired of it?"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihb8-No4s8BBE92nl9yb9P8s1TfBvTY3GEg3x0G22VJApSrXBoBZkbWY5gFVML-_ab09BYmst2fAsYBkFEtSQ8tdZxMJapwRms8yP3PeQZ8JpxOp6LfBhtoGDmTBgaNd4oSsBx4ojPl4g/s1600/pillow+talk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihb8-No4s8BBE92nl9yb9P8s1TfBvTY3GEg3x0G22VJApSrXBoBZkbWY5gFVML-_ab09BYmst2fAsYBkFEtSQ8tdZxMJapwRms8yP3PeQZ8JpxOp6LfBhtoGDmTBgaNd4oSsBx4ojPl4g/s640/pillow+talk.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
"No, because you don't talk about her. Maybe if you talked about her, I'd have enough of that subject." She suggested, sweetly.<br />
<br />
"Hmmphf." He muttered. "How about you start this f*cking bare all, and tell me about your f*cking mother first."<br />
<br />
"I already have."<br />
<br />
"F*cking liar. Come on now, I'll show you mine if you f*cking show me yours first." He pulled at the lingerie she was wearing, trying to bare her breasts. She slapped his hand away, he grinned at her.<br />
<br />
"Fine." Ivory steeled herself, she could do this. "I lived in an orphanage, the first eight years of my life. I was told by Miss Hannigan, nobody would ever want me because I caused too much trouble. I was just curious." She defended her younger self. "I put fireworks in the toilets, I wanted to know if the water doused the fuse or not, it didn't. I stuffed a cardboard boat in the sink, I wanted to know if it would make it to the Ocean, it didn't. The plumber handed me the soggy mess that was left of it."<br />
<br />
She sighed. "And I loved the water. I could spend hours in the tub, or in the river, or better yet, the salty ocean. I would lose track of time, and forget all about doing chores. I was happy," she said softly, "swimming in the ocean, it was like I belonged to it. The warmth of the sun on my back, the coolness of the water, the smell of kelp and salt, it was pure heaven." Ivory chewed on her lip, she was talking too much, but the words kept pouring out of her. "When She came, I thought I would finally have a family too."<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFgifgaRrTXj_ms4osEBC5bbo4AWr3tThfzeqguWl6TxmgKTIcFnIV8j7gHRikYDpXJ5Hytg4IuBCx-ekab1wUw0wLKvJz9o62-EiCUNLrvyHQJFvnTWcdBGhYcDP3qJgF26cZNAStMyQ/s1600/pillow+talk1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFgifgaRrTXj_ms4osEBC5bbo4AWr3tThfzeqguWl6TxmgKTIcFnIV8j7gHRikYDpXJ5Hytg4IuBCx-ekab1wUw0wLKvJz9o62-EiCUNLrvyHQJFvnTWcdBGhYcDP3qJgF26cZNAStMyQ/s640/pillow+talk1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Colin watched the play of emotions on her face as she talked; he f*cking found her...enchanting. She f*cking glowed even; her lips were still cherry red from his kisses, and the faintest blush still touched her cheeks. He was like a f*cking moth drawn to her flame, doomed to f*cking burn to a crisp for that one f*cking moment of pure f*cking ecstasy. <br />
<br />
And the way she f*cking looked at him sometimes, it f*cking scared him sh*tless, and it wasn't her icy f*cking glares either, f*ck no. The ice didn't f*cking phase him in the least. Any more, he almost f*cking preferred it, because he f*cking knew how to deal with it. It was the shimmering softness and warmth in her eyes, f*cking directed solely at him, like he could f*cking be the source of someone's f*cking happiness. Him. F*ck up of his family.<br />
<br />
He'd only catch a f*cking glimmer of it though, before she f*cking hid her face from him. F*ck. Just that f*cking glimpse of what if, made him want f*cking crazy, impossible sh*t. Sh*t he had never f*cking wanted before. Sh*t that made him feel f*cking poetic like, just by thinking about her eyes, or her lips, or her hair. He frowned. F*ck. Soon he would be f*cking spouting sh*tty a*s poetry too.<br />
<br />
He closed his eyes briefly. The worst f*cking part, he was sure his own eyes f*cking betrayed him, and revealed way f*cking more than he wanted. The yearning...for more. For her. F*ck. He was so f*cked, how the h*ll had he gotten here? He had been f*cking happy with his life, well, maybe not f*cking happy, but it had been f*cking familiar. Nothing felt f*cking familiar about this. Nothing. F*ck, this was exactly why he didn't f*cking get involved, or f*cking date, or sh*t like that. He wasn't f*cking cut out for this emotion sh*t. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv73KgRrRruhtKy6OqfI94upOwkeZK6y-qbw4nlwu0al5D9MINQ3R-K5bePtIpVB8eARD_a6YYK9SUlAvw-u751mZ08Jjc038c_-uGASPtD1qkA-XeNPM_VouTiSHAumyo9bIzWzT1x9Y/s1600/pillow+talk2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv73KgRrRruhtKy6OqfI94upOwkeZK6y-qbw4nlwu0al5D9MINQ3R-K5bePtIpVB8eARD_a6YYK9SUlAvw-u751mZ08Jjc038c_-uGASPtD1qkA-XeNPM_VouTiSHAumyo9bIzWzT1x9Y/s640/pillow+talk2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
"She didn't want a family." Ivory continued, cutting into Colin's thoughts. He could hear the sadness in her voice, and cursed himself for even noticing. "I found that out really quickly. Raven just wanted a slave, someone to do her bidding, and then some." Ivory shut her mouth, she was perilously close to revealing too much.<br />
<br />
Almost involuntarily, Colin reached out, and fingered a lock of her hair that draped over her breasts. He brushed her hair back, and traced the slight scar that followed along her hairline with his fingertip, ever so gently. The scar was faded, and barely visible, but he f*cking noticed everything about her, even if he didn't f*cking want to, including her scars. "Was she the one that f*cking did this to you? And this? And this? And this?" He lightly traced each one of her scars. She trembled, then hesitantly nodded her head yes. "Sh*t Ivory." He wanted to gather her closer to him, but he resisted, barely.<br />
<br />
"You're lucky, you know, with the family you have. Tell me about them Romeo, and what it's like to be part of a real family." <br />
<br />
He sighed heavily. "Sh*t. You really want to know?" She nodded. He sighed again, resigned. "F*ck, I mostly remember being lonely. My parents were too f*cking busy to spend much time at home, well, sh*t, except for Sunday mornings. Grandpa usually cooked, he's f*cking awesome in the kitchen, though, you couldn't tell just by f*cking looking at him. He doesn't f*cking look like someone that likes to f*cking cook."<br />
<br />
"Is he still alive, this Grandpa of yours?"<br />
<br />
"Oh yeah, he hasn't f*cking been quite the same since Grandma f*cking died though." A memory came to him and Colin smiled, "Grandma used to f*cking let me eat cupcakes for breakfast if I wanted, f*cking p*ssed my mother off when she f*cking found out too."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXI-gYiSp78YOJDWp2B5asTDwoGHgTUJ36-BEN7nzOfNJHH8p9yLI_Z5VGsW75buMXcCOkcuYe-9f5KT_mYy0ruNU7STDZPbAUN-xkc_d0hDRZ1JL_s0X7ct_rV0qgwUfqoGdhh4gcdr4/s1600/pillow+talk3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXI-gYiSp78YOJDWp2B5asTDwoGHgTUJ36-BEN7nzOfNJHH8p9yLI_Z5VGsW75buMXcCOkcuYe-9f5KT_mYy0ruNU7STDZPbAUN-xkc_d0hDRZ1JL_s0X7ct_rV0qgwUfqoGdhh4gcdr4/s640/pillow+talk3.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
"I take it that pleased you." Ivory said drily.<br />
<br />
"F*ck yeah, any way I could f*cking think of to get Mom's attention, I f*cking did it."<br />
<br />
Ivory regarded him curiously. "You like being the center of attention?" Not her, she hated being the center of attention, that meant she wasn't doing her job right. Her job was to blend in.<br />
<br />
"I f*cking thrive on being the center of attention. If I'm not, than I'm f*cking doing something wrong." Colin shrugged. "Never f*cking worked with Mom. She f*cking loved that hospital more than me. I f*cking hate hospitals. She f*cking claims she was trying to f*cking fulfill a f*cking promise to her f*cking mother. But what the f*ck? Her mother was f*cking dead, and wouldn't f*cking care anymore. I f*cking cared, not that Mom f*cking cared." He grumbled. "It didn't f*cking matter what the f*ck I did, she would just f*cking pay off who the f*ck ever she had to, then go back to her f*cking hospital."<br />
<br />
"So what was different about Sundays?"<br />
<br />
Colin was quiet for a moment. "Mom would actually take the f*cking morning off, and most times she would f*cking cook breakfast for us all, strawberry crepes, or another one of her mother's f*cking special recipes. Mom says her mother owned a f*cking restaurant in France when she was f*cking alive. F*cking popular too, from what Mom f*cking says. Mom used to f*cking work there, with her mother until her mother f*cking died. They were the f*cking best of friends, or so Mom used to f*cking tell me. The she would f*cking look at me, like we were supposed to be f*cking best friends. F*ck. That's f*cking because her mother f*cking spent time with her, that's the f*ck why. Mom f*cking hates it when I tell her that, but f*ck. It's the f*cking truth."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmVlc0lXF099_rt4Cwu0ocQoHiOh06x_1jlQuxqFU7Q9uF3XPGpGUj522qgZRC12qQh7Ik52dLPK9fF5ngiDJFFpXVY9VCAdoo4KFgETYTzcF5fR2Gu0-BaB1Z6aXUHpC8t0ExxY4z-gs/s1600/pillow+talk4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmVlc0lXF099_rt4Cwu0ocQoHiOh06x_1jlQuxqFU7Q9uF3XPGpGUj522qgZRC12qQh7Ik52dLPK9fF5ngiDJFFpXVY9VCAdoo4KFgETYTzcF5fR2Gu0-BaB1Z6aXUHpC8t0ExxY4z-gs/s640/pillow+talk4.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
"Anyway," Colin's voice softened,"Mom would be cooking, Dad would be f*cking playing Sous chef for her, they would be f*cking speaking these French words and sh*t, words I really f*cking wished I hadn't know the f*cking meaning to then." He rolled his eyes. "F*ck. Little ears and all that sh*t, you know? Grandpa would be f*cking chasing Grandma around, and I do f*cking mean that literally. All that f*cking kissing and sh*t, it was f*cking traumatic for a boy."<br />
<br />
"I'm sure, you poor baby."<br />
<br />
Colin grinned at her. "I was." He said with an impish smirk. "The poor baby of the family. I'll let you make it up to me though." He reached out his hand, but Ivory slapped it away.<br />
<br />
"Is sex all you think about?" she asked him playfully.<br />
<br />
He pretended to think before answering, "F*ck yeah." He started trying to tug her top down, but she pushed his hands away again.<br />
<br />
"Nice try at distracting me Romeo, but you still haven't said a word about your siblings. I think it would be lovely to have siblings."<br />
<br />
"You are a f*cking cruel woman Angel." Colin groaned. "Leaving your f*cking beautiful t*ts so f*cking close to me, and then you won't even let me f*cking touch them? Or play with them?" He added hopefully.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmYiRA-u0zlU-dw17WzrHkGnuc4gegDFe3EOpdO4VBQyj6Y3B3NEDC-hMwW9h4ZJHkQMrrOBrTKL-0HaGOXURMgm4LsB9alAUGB1ywgCOYGqyA65-MrDX7PYp2sh3AqLhwgYg-zHh71-k/s1600/pillow+talk5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmYiRA-u0zlU-dw17WzrHkGnuc4gegDFe3EOpdO4VBQyj6Y3B3NEDC-hMwW9h4ZJHkQMrrOBrTKL-0HaGOXURMgm4LsB9alAUGB1ywgCOYGqyA65-MrDX7PYp2sh3AqLhwgYg-zHh71-k/s640/pillow+talk5.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Ivory shook her head no, than made a big show of stretching, careful to make sure her breasts were shown at the best possible angle. She smiled at the answering heat in his eyes. "Do you want me Romeo?" she purred.<br />
<br />
He groaned. "F*ck. Always." He went to scoot closer to her, but she stopped him.<br />
<br />
"Then spill, what do you have against your brother?"<br />
<br />
Colin's breath hissed out. "Sh*t. You f*cking tease."<br />
<br />
She laughed softly. "It's only teasing if you don't deliver, and I plan on delivering, just as soon as you tell me more." She licked her lips, and then laughed again when he glared at her.<br />
<br />
"F*ck." Colin didn't want to f*cking talk anymore, especially about Brae. F*ck. "You drive a hard f*cking bargain woman. All this f*cking bullsh*t talking is f*cking bad for me, I think I might f*cking break out in hives or some other sh*t."<br />
<br />
Instead of answering right away, Ivory traced the line of her top with her finger, drawing his attention back to her breasts. She let her hand caress her breast before leisurely sliding it down her side towards her hips.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5apO3-LqnN-1evNGX0U6eqYb4iuFfdDt5C2R01N4YZHnQTrO-3wQwgSJ7qlK4F4nX-cghN6yrW3g-5O5FKwCM6POVtaSRi7fRPnMMgXEnjZKzmziDRPo7kvowNz-qK1n-C8kryS-1WJA/s1600/pillow+talk6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5apO3-LqnN-1evNGX0U6eqYb4iuFfdDt5C2R01N4YZHnQTrO-3wQwgSJ7qlK4F4nX-cghN6yrW3g-5O5FKwCM6POVtaSRi7fRPnMMgXEnjZKzmziDRPo7kvowNz-qK1n-C8kryS-1WJA/s640/pillow+talk6.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Colin shifted uncomfortably. When her hand reached below her hips, between her legs, he groaned. She flashed him a smile. "Your brother? Or do I finish on my own?"<br />
<br />
"F*ck. That idea has merit, but I f*cking have a better f*cking place for your hand." She looked at him pointedly. "F*ck. Fine." He gave in, but not happily. "Sh*t. Brae was the f*cking wonder boy of the family, okay? F*ck. He did everything f*cking perfectly. He got f*cking straight As, he was head of the f*cking football team, crowned f*cking King of the Prom and sh*t. He f*cking helped me out with homework, f*cking taught me to throw a f*cking football around and h*ll, even his sh*t didn't f*cking stink, you know? He was the f*cking perfect older brother and I was a perfect f*cking little sh*t to him. Still am for that f*cking matter."<br />
<br />
"Why?"<br />
<br />
"Why? Why the f*ck was I a perfect little sh*t towards him?" Colin shrugged, and pretended a nonchalance that he didn't f*cking feel. "Because he was f*cking perfect, and I f*cking wasn't. Everything he f*cking touches turns to f*cking gold, he's even the f*cking mayor of this little sh*thole we live in. And he's so f*cking condescending about it, the f*cking a*shole. I f*cking resent his a*s, so I f*cking show it."<br />
<br />
"But not to your sister? You've told me before that she was a model child too. Beloved Princess of all, I think you called her."<br />
<br />
"Nicole?" Colin asked surprised. "F*ck no, Nicole was practically f*cking gone by the time I was f*cking old enough to get in her f*cking way. I had way more fun f*cking messing with Hades, her stupid a*s boyfriend. No, it was always f*cking Brae. Mom was f*cking constantly crying and sh*t, asking why the f*ck couldn't I be more like f*cking Brae. Well, f*ck. Because I'm not f*cking Brae, that's the f*ck why." His body was tightening up, but he forced himself to relax. He looked at her. "Does that answer your f*cking question?" <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii7V_mt02bE_PFr9-uHG-gJAmdXdHHZ7IY6WZqXdTCqCX3Vwdc7R5JC1yQfyzSPj_0RRaiUoWCuftX2ZsrHG4zUBtRhN8QWTXyiUcgzleaNryNnwoPzRVElLjALxV3KjOrmXHHxHHdYt8/s1600/pillow+talk9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii7V_mt02bE_PFr9-uHG-gJAmdXdHHZ7IY6WZqXdTCqCX3Vwdc7R5JC1yQfyzSPj_0RRaiUoWCuftX2ZsrHG4zUBtRhN8QWTXyiUcgzleaNryNnwoPzRVElLjALxV3KjOrmXHHxHHdYt8/s640/pillow+talk9.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ2BZ4MaYFC0GzSAk3SpJKtamjQBl4DS1U6BxbsKpNLHlHadv865y3ICWnibZBTc2r25V0bt1pJK60pre0qvovpE_KcV_hbYHezZoquDNBC0t8jx_PAmaR7qqp20TJvoQDymaTFStzHZw/s1600/pillow+talk7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
"You're a lucky b*stard, to have a family like you do, not that you see it, because you f*cking take your family for granted."<br />
<br />
Colin frowned at her. "What the f*ck?"<br />
<br />
"You do. When I was little I always wanted a family, maybe a brother or a sister too, I even thought about having kids..."<br />
<br />
"F*ck, not with me!" Colin said, mostly out of habit. He blanched. The fact that it was habit and not because he didn't f*cking want kids with her f*cking horrified him. <br />
<br />
She hit him, hard. "A*shole, I wasn't talking about you, I was talking about me, and when I was a kid, and a young teen, back when I still dreamed of what my future could be. If you ever knocked me up a*shole, I'd have to f*cking cut off your balls. And then, I'd leave the kid with you out of f*cking spite, there is no way I'm toting a kid around with me."<br />
<br />
Colin stared at her, bemused. What the h*ll just happened? How the f*ck had they ended up on this subject anyway? <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNHu-ws2hR1xuUvvmzJv76vE6n4LIPFu0mwXk9M6raSFB2DQcHcVBQm0PMaeei7ls0apYP6c-0RkzCDndcdSgy6z_37dps6tQiWW0pez-U3M-BRDNPGoDHSPXL9Ro09cCaDLzvil3V6Rg/s1600/pillow+talk8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNHu-ws2hR1xuUvvmzJv76vE6n4LIPFu0mwXk9M6raSFB2DQcHcVBQm0PMaeei7ls0apYP6c-0RkzCDndcdSgy6z_37dps6tQiWW0pez-U3M-BRDNPGoDHSPXL9Ro09cCaDLzvil3V6Rg/s640/pillow+talk8.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
Ivory closed her eyes. She had been pregnant once, when she was fifteen and hadn't known any better. Raven's botched abortion attempt had nearly killed her. Ivory had been delirious and half dead by the time Raven had finally brought her in to a healer. The healer had told Ivory there was so much scarring, she was unlikely to ever have children. Her final dream died that day.<br />
<br />
It was just as well, she could never escape Raven, she only kidded herself otherwise; and she would never want any child of hers to go through the h*ll that was Raven. If by some miracle she ever got pregnant with Colin's child, she would leave her child with him, not out of spite as she told him, but out of love for her child. So her child could have what Ivory never had, and never could have. A family. Safety. Love.<br />
<br />
Ivory could see through Colin's mask, he didn't fool her in the least. Despite all his protests, she knew he loved his kids, and watched out for them, he even bragged about them to her, quite frequently. The oldest was pulling straight As, and volunteered after school to help other kids out with their homework. His daughter had recently negotiated a contract with her uncle Brae to sell her home baked goods at his restaurant. Brae had claimed his niece gouged him, Colin had told her, pride in his voice. The youngest boy helped out at a vet's office, helping the Vet take care of the sick animals. The perfect place for him to take all that huggy sh*t, as Colin called it, and put it to good use.<br />
<br />
It was pointless to speculate, she couldn't have kids, but it p*ssed her off to no end to see how blind he was. At least she was able to finally get him to talk about his brother, that was no small feat there. He had given her plenty to think about too. As much as she wished it otherwise, their time together was coming to an end. Soon Raven would be calling, and Ivory had better have a plan ready. She opened her eyes to find him staring off in the distance, deep in thought.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLSseZJDFW_0sOXRuVxb2E0lLh1pHpZXGLGMk5Gfh14oJUPT6Lvu017wqBeqzYk9tifUBIK1Vf1w9JFpauI3YpMh_xn-DBH9422VA9RiUxGNf4FeJ36Ln6qFs-ItIMjCrLMmHz8ifk4tE/s1600/pillow+talk10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLSseZJDFW_0sOXRuVxb2E0lLh1pHpZXGLGMk5Gfh14oJUPT6Lvu017wqBeqzYk9tifUBIK1Vf1w9JFpauI3YpMh_xn-DBH9422VA9RiUxGNf4FeJ36Ln6qFs-ItIMjCrLMmHz8ifk4tE/s640/pillow+talk10.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Needing to forget how little time was left to them, she scooted in closer to him, and pressed soft kisses on his chest. She immediately had his attention, and she gloried in it. "I always keep my promises." She smiled at him, a gleam in her eyes. "Now that we've argued, it's time for the fun part, making up."<br />
<br />
Colin's eyes lit up. "Now you're talking Angel." This time she didn't stop him when he reached for her top, nor did she care that he ripped it off of her while muttering that he would buy her a hundred new ones. She grabbed fistfuls of his hair, and pulled him down to her breasts, moaning when he obliged her with his mouth and his tongue.<br />
<br />
<br />
~<>~<br />
<br />
<br />
Colin snagged Ivory's arm as she passed by him, pulling her onto his lap. "I have to get dressed and go, I can't be late for this meeting." She told him, exasperated. "So, there will be no more distractions from you Romeo." she said sternly.<br />
<br />
Colin grinned at her innocently. "But I'm so f*cking good at distracting." He nuzzled her neck before pulling her in for a kiss.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCJytfBd2QomrLqE06iZwEZUyqA9T9KEnqrXZcgddQnqtHRh-FjrCIA0JtXBiMUPSz9dk1RiQjzWADhwj3iBXpBa0rewpYuwrZ0zo_XiQRT7Jy3i2myIjNAyP4hs4CGZO05uyRiCF7i-s/s1600/couch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCJytfBd2QomrLqE06iZwEZUyqA9T9KEnqrXZcgddQnqtHRh-FjrCIA0JtXBiMUPSz9dk1RiQjzWADhwj3iBXpBa0rewpYuwrZ0zo_XiQRT7Jy3i2myIjNAyP4hs4CGZO05uyRiCF7i-s/s640/couch.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Ivory pulled away. "Nuh uh, Romeo." She smiled at him. "You've already distracted me twice, there will not be a third time. I'm running late, and I can't be late." Ivory tried to hide her anxiety, but Colin picked up on it anyway.<br />
<br />
He frowned. "What's so f*cking important about this f*cking meeting?"<br />
<br />
She kissed him softly, trying to keep him from asking her too many questions. Questions she would not be able to answer.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQRNGmj9InYijpPszFt6GnnwhH6-ipgtzEHyUFG7-B3GuEQ0knlMURumJg7XNuCGKPpVEXdOKAIMf6IuL6Ad5iPALp8GX4hnzhUD1YZJbelFic8O7SUQUcDCd16EI1D3bWA_OsQkTCSeQ/s1600/couch1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQRNGmj9InYijpPszFt6GnnwhH6-ipgtzEHyUFG7-B3GuEQ0knlMURumJg7XNuCGKPpVEXdOKAIMf6IuL6Ad5iPALp8GX4hnzhUD1YZJbelFic8O7SUQUcDCd16EI1D3bWA_OsQkTCSeQ/s640/couch1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
"A meeting with a very important client." She went to pull away, but he tightened his arms around her.<br />
<br />
"What's with the f*cking secrecy Angel?"<br />
<br />
She shook her head. "My client wishes to remain anonymous."<br />
<br />
"I don't f*cking like the f*cking sound of it, and I sure as f*ck don't like the f*cking idea of you f*cking meeting this f*cking mysterious client of yours, by your f*cking self. I should f*cking go with you." The worry was a f*cking gnawing in his gut, pissing him off that he even f*cking cared. F*cking pissed him off too, that she was so f*cking cavalier about her f*cking life. He f*cking lo...liked her d*mnit, and he didn't want to f*cking see her get f*cking hurt.<br />
<br />
Ivory patted his cheek. "How sweet of you to worry about me, but it's completely unnecessary."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihtSXxADR7s6insQeplO0GF01PjETJA61H8K8UDhjqp5iCdSVYv8bb8Yy5Uq-XvqvNW1t-OyQHPbyjFkE8TPdCu7SxlClZr5DgA72hryhysJyc-gdemVjCMXS_NpWl4gUbaThhxEZPMrs/s1600/couch2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihtSXxADR7s6insQeplO0GF01PjETJA61H8K8UDhjqp5iCdSVYv8bb8Yy5Uq-XvqvNW1t-OyQHPbyjFkE8TPdCu7SxlClZr5DgA72hryhysJyc-gdemVjCMXS_NpWl4gUbaThhxEZPMrs/s640/couch2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
"I've been in this business a long time, I can take care of myself."<br />
<br />
"The business of killing people." He stated flatly. He f*cking hated her f*cking job, but so far she had f*cking refused to even f*cking consider a different f*cking career, no matter how many f*cking arguments they'd had it over once he had f*cking figured out what the f*ck her job was. <br />
<br />
She rolled her eyes. "I don't have time for this discussion again Romeo." She said impatiently. "I have to go." Each moment that passed by made her more and more anxious, she simply couldn't be late for her meeting with Raven. She wished it was as simple as he made it sound, just stop being an assassin, and be something else. She didn't have the luxury of choice though, no matter how much she agreed with what he said.<br />
<br />
"It's f*cking dangerous."<br />
<br />
Ivory laughed flippantly. "Pot meet Kettle." Colin growled, Ivory laughed again, before kissing him, and shutting him up. How she lo...liked this man, and it was going to kill her to let him go.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihnDNFDxtriiVtcVf4CrtMxTmyE2qJl6wJGGRtPX95gMiHeJqtjdAv8PEc2-G78y53ko-SYUuHfflXj4ZDhC80HLT36hcEDKv5vJNc6GQxonkcr1Yep9vEcP-CSEw3gMJMKxUyncHUnsE/s1600/couch3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihnDNFDxtriiVtcVf4CrtMxTmyE2qJl6wJGGRtPX95gMiHeJqtjdAv8PEc2-G78y53ko-SYUuHfflXj4ZDhC80HLT36hcEDKv5vJNc6GQxonkcr1Yep9vEcP-CSEw3gMJMKxUyncHUnsE/s640/couch3.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
She pulled away, and he reluctantly let her. "I have to go now, and you have to spend time with your kids."<br />
<br />
"What the f*ck are you talking about?" He yelled after her retreating back. He muttered under his breath. "F*cking crazy talk." He grabbed his shirt and threw it on, searching for his boots. He had just slipped them on when she returned from the bedroom, fully dressed.<br />
<br />
"I'm talking about our last discussion. Remember? Be the parent you always wanted?"<br />
<br />
Colin groaned. "F*ck. You were f*cking serious?" <br />
<br />
She ignored his question. "I want a full report when I see you tonight." She reached up and kissed him. "You know how I feel about children and parenting."<br />
<br />
Colin sighed. "Sh*t." From just the little she f*cking shared about her f*cking childhood, he knew it had been a f*cking hellacious one. She had f*cking strong feelings on the f*cking subject because of it. F*ck. "What the f*ck am I going to do with one f*cking sullen teenager and two f*cking miscreants?"<br />
<br />
"You're a smart man Romeo, you'll figure it out. See you tonight."<br />
<br />
<br />
__________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
<br />
Notes: Short chapter for me! I thought about going in game to my alternate save and getting more pictures and adding more to this chapter, but that would all just be filler stuff, and in the end I just decided it would be a shorter chapter, lol Hopefully this chapter does what I want it to do---show how close they've gotten (they refuse to think the word love, let alone say it!), they are actually sharing parts of themselves. In the case of Colin's kids, Ivory is really pushing him to be a better parent. He has discovered what she does for a living, but not who her target is. He is actively trying to get her to change careers as well. Poor Ivory, she would love to change jobs, but it isn't very feasible for her, there's the not so small matter of Raven standing in the way.<br />
<br />
Once I get the next chapter written, it should be easier to catch up story wise to where I am in game. Maybe. =P<br />
<br />
Yes, I love the musical Annie, Carol Burnett was fabulous as Miss Hannigan. Of course, Carol Burnett is fabulous at everything she does! =)<br />
<br />
Extras:<br />
<br />
A nice picture I thought, but I ended up not really needing it. (So out of the hundreds of pics I take, I only use a handful, lol)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCivlhQTSO0GpsnOXFrBhPpsdrG-an9CrNvIfi5rBkIeLeNofG69r4WBmZis2g5CSH4_cQnbZSeJNWxoFb13MvNEHDVTmNpRTcx_gSvlf8Z7Yf0ZKGFhS5OecVd2e9R9zZwpv4k23mwj8/s1600/extra.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCivlhQTSO0GpsnOXFrBhPpsdrG-an9CrNvIfi5rBkIeLeNofG69r4WBmZis2g5CSH4_cQnbZSeJNWxoFb13MvNEHDVTmNpRTcx_gSvlf8Z7Yf0ZKGFhS5OecVd2e9R9zZwpv4k23mwj8/s1600/extra.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Blooper---<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFZHJIQ13VhbhjBuTxyYFUB8_DM5l1GqIgvrJgKbQitxss4Ch9N8D1ei1ikiyLhk2Neagecs4veylU977JhfGV2IGuaVcpqNCflP3zaR71WcQPnf7kK6FCpg9eMz7BRHMao738x_3EPKY/s1600/Colin+and+Ivory.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFZHJIQ13VhbhjBuTxyYFUB8_DM5l1GqIgvrJgKbQitxss4Ch9N8D1ei1ikiyLhk2Neagecs4veylU977JhfGV2IGuaVcpqNCflP3zaR71WcQPnf7kK6FCpg9eMz7BRHMao738x_3EPKY/s1600/Colin+and+Ivory.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Thanks for reading! Next chapter--Raven comes back...Nirarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15253184399668018141noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2767753407529003708.post-52602678505665631002013-12-09T22:48:00.000-08:002013-12-10T14:40:51.573-08:00Chapter 73: Little Pleasures<h3>
Warning: This chapter has lots of bad language, lots of bad behavior, and some adult content. Read at your own risk!</h3>
<br />
<br />
Ivory impatiently stood by her chair until Colin noticed, and with a sigh, pulled it out for her. She sat down gingerly, Colin, grumbling slightly, flopped down next to her. Antheny, the head Chef, personally came over and handed them their menus. "Mr. Colin, sir, I wasn't expecting you at our establishment tonight." The Chef had a high strung voice to match his personality. Colin found him f*cking annoying, and always had.<br />
<br />
"F*ck, you and me both Frenchie." <br />
<br />
Antheny's smile froze on his face. "Well, then, it is my lucky night, is it not?" he asked nervously, his gaze bounced back and forth between Ivory and Colin.<br />
<br />
"F*ck, Frenchie, you're f*cking annoying the h*ll out of me, with your head f*cking bobbing around like a f*cking retard. F*ck. Go the f*ck away, and I'll f*cking let you know when we're f*cking ready."<br />
<br />
With a pained smile, and a slight bow, Antheny hurried away. "You know him." Ivory observed, as she looked through the menu. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaJqcXyMTa7TKnrMUmyymTIsfFqAbr5i4yvkA-aPupxKoB1nfbBPL456PVxAeNM7g2H7i8AEfMCSBKWAiS6jnHjG1SHWJ8sSkPsuaxW_0qZ9AHtzQevxD572RG_Gh5Or8lW6GP72c4XMw/s1600/date1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaJqcXyMTa7TKnrMUmyymTIsfFqAbr5i4yvkA-aPupxKoB1nfbBPL456PVxAeNM7g2H7i8AEfMCSBKWAiS6jnHjG1SHWJ8sSkPsuaxW_0qZ9AHtzQevxD572RG_Gh5Or8lW6GP72c4XMw/s640/date1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span id="goog_1029510375"></span><span id="goog_1029510376"></span><br />
Colin grunted. "I have no f*cking idea why the f*ck you'd want to eat here. Frenchie is a f*cking idiot, and not all that f*cking good at cooking either. This place is a f*cking waste of money if you ask me. F*cking say that to Brae though, and he f*cking freaks out at me."<br />
<br />
"Brae? Who's he?" Ivory played the ignorance card, she was well aware of who Brae was, but Colin didn't know that she knew.<br />
<br />
"My brother."<br />
<br />
"Older or younger?" she questioned, she needed to get him talking about his family, and maybe he would let something slip that she could use.<br />
<br />
"Older, what the f*ck is this? Twenty questions?" He asked irritably. He hated talking about his f*cking family, it was a guaranteed way to sour his mood even more, really f*cking fast. <br />
<br />
She glanced at him, above the menu she held, then went back to looking at it. "It's called getting to know each other, that's what people do on dates."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy7AhknK3zJxiNrG3zbmLsgiw-8eqpvD0dOUS7QjE4LCvPZOwjGXNJyBxoHUM_pySJ2BXW3JsMEcFMiLSrISZRYitMZhvNoHRY2h5nSm5xiMQhNAtN3k-1eFOlMucRrlP2wpAQ_tjbtXU/s1600/date3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy7AhknK3zJxiNrG3zbmLsgiw-8eqpvD0dOUS7QjE4LCvPZOwjGXNJyBxoHUM_pySJ2BXW3JsMEcFMiLSrISZRYitMZhvNoHRY2h5nSm5xiMQhNAtN3k-1eFOlMucRrlP2wpAQ_tjbtXU/s640/date3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
"F*ck. Another reason why I don't f*cking date."<br />
<br />
"So, do you just have the one brother then?"<br />
<br />
"F*ck." He sighed. His lips twisted. "I have an older sister too. What about you?" He turned the question on her, d*mn if he was going to be the only f*cking person answering stupid a*s f*cking questions.<br />
<br />
Ivory kept it brief. "I'm an orphan, no siblings. I was raised by a woman who didn't want to be called mother, she has referred to herself as more like my sister when asked, even though she pretty much raised me." The thought of Raven as a sister, let alone a mother, was grimly amusing, but she didn't let Colin in on her dark thoughts. <br />
<br />
"Lucky girl."<br />
<br />
Ivory chuckled, but it wasn't a nice laugh. "Are your parents still alive?"<br />
<br />
Colin pretended great interest in his menu.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvK-3JSXtEXTG6kT4xwAkz-BqEY5qOyxhtS1cn1_vxuzKKiqncBJ45mfGBBkZ7AodjcvGhABXEBIPhxU9EeOpK9nt7wZbXb0e78BYrcIBygcdeXJBIZwshSviDybOvrI88wNhqOy9-c48/s1600/date5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvK-3JSXtEXTG6kT4xwAkz-BqEY5qOyxhtS1cn1_vxuzKKiqncBJ45mfGBBkZ7AodjcvGhABXEBIPhxU9EeOpK9nt7wZbXb0e78BYrcIBygcdeXJBIZwshSviDybOvrI88wNhqOy9-c48/s640/date5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Ivory prodded him. "Parents? Alive?" Her tone was a little snarky, though she did try to reign it in. She had known going in that he wasn't going to be the easiest target to get information from, even so she had not expected him to be so closed mouthed over the simplest of questions.<br />
<br />
"Despite the f*cking rumors going on around town, I wasn't f*cking born under a rock. My f*cking parents are alive and well too." He answered, his tone short.<br />
<br />
"Ah." Ivory was quiet, analyzing what he didn't say as much as what he did say, and the way he had said it. There was something there, a family feud perhaps? Maybe she could use that to her advantage, now if only she could find out what it was between him and his family. "So you're not close to your parents." It was more of a statement than a question, but she waited for his reaction anyway.<br />
<br />
Colin didn't even glance up from his menu, or respond.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1tbQVsTIRUcZ9qWrKXVkDGAxqNoEkP4FG3xZ5_dNca9x8uh9FFrB0Yk56foaZ0BfmXqg4Gl_qUvspkpe6sDs8K0q9NnWF2coUztRf_ouWj7a39dSzGS4SYvn6zRtPEE-RGlyULmC-HtA/s1600/date7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1tbQVsTIRUcZ9qWrKXVkDGAxqNoEkP4FG3xZ5_dNca9x8uh9FFrB0Yk56foaZ0BfmXqg4Gl_qUvspkpe6sDs8K0q9NnWF2coUztRf_ouWj7a39dSzGS4SYvn6zRtPEE-RGlyULmC-HtA/s640/date7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
She glared at him, the a*s, he was being deliberately provoking by not answering her. "It is polite to answer when a question is asked." She said irritably.<br />
<br />
Colin looked up at her then, the very picture of innocence, except for the wicked gleam in his eye. "Who the f*ck said I was polite?" She clenched her teeth, and really could have quite cheerfully stabbed the as*hole right then and there. "Besides that," he shrugged, ignoring the warning daggers sparking from her eyes, "I wasn't aware that was a f*cking question."<br />
<br />
"Are you always this difficult?" She snapped.<br />
<br />
"I do my f*cking best." He said, with false modesty. Colin grinned to himself, careful to keep all traces of his amusement off his face. F*ck yeah, there was the f*cking viperess that he had first met, the one that f*cking looked like she could f*cking skin him alive, not that prissy polite thing she had been f*cking pretending to be. The Viperess f*cking turned him on. <br />
<br />
He was so in tune with her, he knew the exact moment when she she sensed the change in his thoughts. Her anger turned to something else, something dark, and fiery. Her silvery gaze scorched his skin wherever it touched. His body f*cking burned for her so badly that he just wanted to f*cking throw her on the table and f*ck her until she screamed out his f*cking name. F*ck. He glanced briefly at her as she deliberately and slowly put the menu on the table, and placed her hands on her lap. He found it f*cking humorous that she wasn't f*cking looking at him now, but her twitching fingers betrayed her inner struggles. She wanted to f*ck him too. He couldn't wait to tap all that f*cking raw passion in her. She just might f*cking kill him, but f*ck. What a f*cking way to go.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiPjrrRiC5ErAUqDtxGKoKptk7kz90qiVCd3EyZfz4xvDtX8NbsVS2yftX5dEocNW2xpYNpgOc1OUpeNxw8Ox54dHx4vK31flI7OkmUOBGOMz1frvG0ddvgvwUr38aJ_rnj1J3Au8wFkE/s1600/date9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiPjrrRiC5ErAUqDtxGKoKptk7kz90qiVCd3EyZfz4xvDtX8NbsVS2yftX5dEocNW2xpYNpgOc1OUpeNxw8Ox54dHx4vK31flI7OkmUOBGOMz1frvG0ddvgvwUr38aJ_rnj1J3Au8wFkE/s640/date9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
He signaled to Frenchie, then looked at Ivory. "I'm f*cking ready to order, how about you?" he asked pleasantly, no hint of their passionate exchange in his voice.<br />
<br />
She narrowed her eyes at him. "You're a f*cking as*hole."<br />
<br />
"So I've been told." This time he did grin at her.<br />
<br />
She frowned at him, then returned to her previous subject, the smoldering look in her eyes caused him to shift uncomfortably in his seat. He calculated in his head how quickly he they could f*cking eat and get back to her f*cking place. Ten f*cking minutes? Sh*t. Who f*cking needed to eat anyway? Now to just f*cking convince her of that, he eyed her, then the table. Who the f*ck needed a bed? "You know, having a family is not such a bad thing." She said offhandedly.<br />
<br />
Just like that, she doused f*cking glacier water all over him. "I've been f*cking told that too." he responded sourly.<br />
<br />
"What about your kids?"<br />
<br />
"What the f*ck about them?" He didn't want to f*cking talk about his f*cking family, or his f*cking kids, he wanted to f*cking talk about f*cking her on the table. F*ck that, he didn't want to f*cking talk at all, action was more his thing.<br />
<br />
"You said you have three of them right?" He nodded. She picked up her menu again, she needed to keep her hands busy, or they would be reaching for him, the arrogant a*s. "Is their mother still involved with them? It is unusual to see a father raising the kids." Ivory was determined to get some information out of him, and wipe away that smug expression off his face. The as*hole, he made her feel all hot and out of sorts, itchy in her skin. The wicked promise in his eyes wasn't helping her stay focused on her main target either. She wanted...<br />
<br />
"You're ready Mr. Colin?" Antheny interrupted her thoughts. He pulled out a pen, and waited with anxious expectation.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKpGd55H6pkC_pJeEWCUuSsmAzNDPTCk8oGKe2qv2EzxEZhA0WLkXz0wsd7tXX-Nu6z7vAsbi2TnvryF_tg-wo1ASZXeHJseutsJ6USHQeg6ZXyiBNQQZxvEx9lHjLtbphqSOuCazih5A/s1600/date11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKpGd55H6pkC_pJeEWCUuSsmAzNDPTCk8oGKe2qv2EzxEZhA0WLkXz0wsd7tXX-Nu6z7vAsbi2TnvryF_tg-wo1ASZXeHJseutsJ6USHQeg6ZXyiBNQQZxvEx9lHjLtbphqSOuCazih5A/s640/date11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Colin ordered steak and potatoes, mostly because he knew it irritated the h*ll out of the French chef. Ivory ordered Escargots de Bourgogne in perfect, flawless French. "You speak French?" Colin asked, surprised.<br />
<br />
"A little. How about you, do you speak French?"<br />
<br />
Colin shook his head no. "Not really. I can f*cking understand most of it though, my mother is f*cking French. However, I do speak some f*cking Chinese."<br />
<br />
Ivory looked at him skeptically. "Let me guess, you can say 'Let's f*ck.' in Chinese?"<br />
<br />
Colin chuckled. "F*cking close. More along the lines of, 'You move too slow.' Or, 'You too predictable.' Or my f*cking personal favorite, 'You need more discipline, less anger.'" Colin smiled briefly in remembrance.<br />
<br />
<br />
"Who was she? The one that taught you those Chinese words?" Ivory was genuinely curious, she heard a note of affection in his voice, she was pretty sure that was a rare thing for him. Maybe she could use this mystery girl? She refused to name the underlining emotion she felt at the thought that the man sitting next to her could actually harbor some feelings for this unknown girl.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAuj-5hWxBc9nSFKTBRWu_6E2Enid35dYyloZ7adrqjnYdaOB7ZBnHhK4pi_pSRMUWchbKvQYbkhj1Y4CWBiBy7BK4fRBqXpv5zKVgTkOe53owTAGBWVU105S6PzJrQbE3tp-mxMixigU/s1600/date13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAuj-5hWxBc9nSFKTBRWu_6E2Enid35dYyloZ7adrqjnYdaOB7ZBnHhK4pi_pSRMUWchbKvQYbkhj1Y4CWBiBy7BK4fRBqXpv5zKVgTkOe53owTAGBWVU105S6PzJrQbE3tp-mxMixigU/s640/date13.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"So sure it's a f*cking female are you?" Colin asked her. Ivory nodded her head yes. "Wu, that is what I called her. She was a f*cking amazing woman." <br />
<br />
"I'm shocked." Ivory replied, half kidding, half serious. "Did I just hear you say woman and amazing together like that? I didn't think it was possible."<br />
<br />
"Hey now." Colin complained. "There are a couple of women I have actually f*cking enjoyed being with, f*cking liked them even. Not many," he conceded, "but a couple." One was an island girl, and the other was Wu, his instructor. Wu was in a f*cking class of her own, she was the only person to kick his a*s on
a daily, weekly, even monthly basis, she had f*cking taught him a lot over
those six months or so that he had been with her. He didn't mention any
of that to Ivory though.<br />
<br />
"Was your children's mother one of them?"<br />
<br />
Colin eyed her. "F*ck, back to that are we?" Ivory simply stared at him. He sighed. "F*ck no. F*cking b*tches, all f*cking three of them. And no, they are not a f*cking part of my life or the kids' f*cking lives. Good f*cking riddance too."<br />
<br />
"They all have different mothers? Did you marry all of them?" Before Colin could answer, Chef Antheny placed their food before them. He kept darting little nervous looks at Colin, but Colin ignored him. Ivory took a bite of her meal. "Mmmm, delicious." she declared. The Chef beamed at her, before taking his leave. Colin took a bite of his steak.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjamDaa84H-cG9W58AViNw13UnErjCHexuT8kAWy3Dx1WvSQAgKYlPy2CXhrRw0crTKYElWWDQmVavVrlxo72WzhARmhuIWBLtZrbmD1HwZx9lNV815GhqdqtkEg2A1NHiCEiNHcA7xbvM/s1600/date15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjamDaa84H-cG9W58AViNw13UnErjCHexuT8kAWy3Dx1WvSQAgKYlPy2CXhrRw0crTKYElWWDQmVavVrlxo72WzhARmhuIWBLtZrbmD1HwZx9lNV815GhqdqtkEg2A1NHiCEiNHcA7xbvM/s640/date15.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
"It still tastes like horsesh*t Frenchie!" Colin yelled out. He took another bite, chewed and swallowed, before taking another bite.<br />
<br />
Ivory watched him for a few moments, before asking, "What's with you and the Chef? What I have tastes just fine to me."<br />
<br />
Colin looked at her with pity in his eyes. "F*ck, I f*cking feel bad for wherever you've f*cking eaten at, if you think that," he pointed to her food, "f*cking tastes good. It tastes like horsesh*t, his French food is f*cking worse than horsesh*t. It's f*cking nowhere near as f*cking good as my mother's cooking." Colin felt like f*cking beating his head with his f*cking fork. Had he really just f*cking complimented his f*cking mother? Sh*t. <br />
<br />
"Really?" She said thoughtfully. "Is that why you make the Chef so nervous?"<br />
<br />
Colin snorted. "F*ck no. He f*cking tried to tell me I couldn't f*ck this girl on the f*cking counters back in the kitchen. I can't even f*cking remember her f*cking name. Anyway, I was right in the middle of f*cking her, and he f*cking comes in yelling and sh*t. F*cking p*ssed me off. What the f*ck? I was f*cking busy! So, I might have f*cking broken a few of his ribs, and his face, his nose, all while calling him a stupid a*s f*cker. Brae f*cking came in, and got all f*cking bent out of shape. He owns this f*cking place, well, he f*cking bought it for Morri, his wife."<br />
<br />
His phone started ringing, but Colin ignored it and took another forkful of food instead. Ivory wondered at the slight hesitation when Colin had spoken his sister in law's name. He was finally talking though, so she wasn't about to interrupt him with questions that might make him clam back up. Some might think his subject matter a little inappropriate for a first date, but Ivory didn't. She needed to keep him talking.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxWEgA8KmKOoqK9691hyDXP77hbwxSkNE3TQKAU_TN2Sa-eOP-o-3xKw3RLf62Fq9G5VOQp-uy3UaHUC-6DGamXcP1EecHTv30emd2lrigiEZxR7uFDhdWFNenbj9hWJz8Z-0FKNnoCu4/s1600/date17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxWEgA8KmKOoqK9691hyDXP77hbwxSkNE3TQKAU_TN2Sa-eOP-o-3xKw3RLf62Fq9G5VOQp-uy3UaHUC-6DGamXcP1EecHTv30emd2lrigiEZxR7uFDhdWFNenbj9hWJz8Z-0FKNnoCu4/s640/date17.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
"So," Colin continued,"there's f*cking Frenchie, bleeding all over the f*cking kitchen floor, Brae is f*cking hollering and sh*t, the girl's still f*cking bare a*sed naked on the f*cking counter, and Morri f*cking walks in to see what the f*cking commotion was all about." Ivory noted the slight hesitation again, when he said his sister in law's name.<br />
<br />
Colin was reliving that day in his mind. Morri, f*ck. She'd f*cking blown a f*cking gasket. He shouldn't have f*cked Morri the night before on that same f*cking counter. It made her all f*cking possessive and sh*t. He didn't even know why he had f*cked her. He hadn't f*cking touched her in f*cking years. She had just f*cking caught him by surprise. He had snuck in late at night, thinking no one else would f*cking be around, so he could f*cking look around at his brother's latest f*cking acquisition without his f*cking brother breathing down his neck.<br />
<br />
Colin didn't even notice Ivory's scrutiny, he was too caught up in the memory of that night. Of Morri, who had been there at the f*cking restaurant all by her f*cking self. Of how she had f*cking dropped to her knees and unzipped his pants. He had f*cking let her too, then he had f*cked her on the counter afterwards, with her screaming his name out. Sobbing how she had f*cking loved him and sh*t. She had never f*cking gotten over him, blah, blah, blah. F*ck, she had been a f*cking mess. The f*cking had left him feeling empty inside though, hollow. He just didn't get the same f*cking thrill at nailing Brae's wife behind his back like he f*cking used to.<br />
<br />
With Morri's jealous screaming and sh*t, Brae's f*cking suspicious looks, and the as*hole laying on the floor, it had not been one of his finer moments. He did what he always did when under pressure, he went on the f*cking attack. "Well, to make a long f*cking story short, I was banned from this restaurant." <br />
<br />
The Chef reappeared, and took their plates, then he placed a couple more plates filled with food in front of them. Ivory glanced at the chef, before turning her attention back to Colin. "Compliments of the Chef, yes?" The Chef beamed at her again, before disappearing. Colin poked at the food on the plate in front of him with his fork, then took a bite. Ivory didn't even look at the seafood in front of her.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjpRtYfKWCOUp8zmARGNEtc1B1EiILbs5YDd6vuNGeBY1EkW42_NFUxKs0FQBnrlfYhhtHHVpmK5rWRNUPxABYenabnZxHZ4i9H8imcIb-iV_zwmNZxDJM3NpZpifr7FbMqv5VMhyphenhyphengCL8/s1600/date19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjpRtYfKWCOUp8zmARGNEtc1B1EiILbs5YDd6vuNGeBY1EkW42_NFUxKs0FQBnrlfYhhtHHVpmK5rWRNUPxABYenabnZxHZ4i9H8imcIb-iV_zwmNZxDJM3NpZpifr7FbMqv5VMhyphenhyphengCL8/s640/date19.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"Still tastes like sh*t Frenchie!"<br />
<br />
Ivory was staring at him. "Are you seriously banned from this place? Why didn't you tell me this before? Why didn't the Chef throw you out?"<br />
<br />
Colin grinned. "F*ck. That as*wipe? He wouldn't f*cking dare. Nah, he probably f*cking called Brae as soon as we arrived, thinking that Brae would f*cking show up and make me f*cking leave; not that Brae could f*cking make me leave if I didn't f*cking want to leave." Ivory sat up a little straighter, was her target actually on his way here? That was good news indeed, and she need not get further entangled with the man sitting beside her. His next words dashed her hopes though. "F*cking retard. He should have f*cking remembered that Brae isn't in town this f*cking week. Brae probably told him to just f*cking humor me."<br />
<br />
"Will this cause some trouble between you two?"<br />
<br />
Colin laughed bitterly, then shrugged his shoulders. "No more than usual. Will he f*cking go all apesh*t on me when he f*cking gets back? Probably. My Dad will probably f*cking get on my case too, but f*ck. I don't really give a d*mn. I've been f*cking good tonight, on my best f*cking behavior and everything." He winked at her, and his smile was wicked. "I'm very good in fact, and I hope you're good about f*cking keeping your promises Angel."<br />
<br />
"Oh, I keep my promises Romeo, never fear."<br />
<br />
The ride to her house was quiet. He drove, but he kept one hand on her, stroking the fever back into her body. She reciprocated, using her hand to stroke the hard length of him through his pants. Once at her house, he walked her up to her door. She unlocked it, but instead of opening the door, she turned around, opened her mouth to say something, but before she utter a sound he had her pressed up against her door.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd1bD5lBLrfvxVWL49SQkFwB1hr4ArTJAYGLhnVzfket5tTh2WcLlWigQjHpz9AgStCTXqDmPWqrcLJoESuVrnidMQg0MlyvO7qDWQ_FOCB3TNGJ3o4k-k_XYgiOYkpR12dhXZwBnPdg8/s1600/date21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd1bD5lBLrfvxVWL49SQkFwB1hr4ArTJAYGLhnVzfket5tTh2WcLlWigQjHpz9AgStCTXqDmPWqrcLJoESuVrnidMQg0MlyvO7qDWQ_FOCB3TNGJ3o4k-k_XYgiOYkpR12dhXZwBnPdg8/s640/date21.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
"Invite me in." He whispered, his arm snaked around behind her, cupping her a*s and bringing her in closer to his hardness.<br />
<br />
She didn't answer, but pulled his head down and kissed him. She felt the jolt of their lips meeting down deep in her belly. He deepened the kiss, pressing further into her body, their tongues mating. She moaned, and grabbed at him, trying to pull him closer still. She was drowning in flames.<br />
<br />
"F*ck." She heard him mutter, her only warning before she found herself suddenly lifted up, her back against the rough wood behind her. She instinctively moved her body, trying to get closer still to him, seeking his heat. "Let me in." he said hoarsely.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5JBM0mzkFYP1pHGi9deUNz6Jm5_62UCMV4I6Wd1eUYeWpmzXfmXYSyOySfLK1hBe5fEgR370eFk49q5izsPOP035u_I6CcFIrvn0AlVx8CChopuxxNr6mb3ODwcFYARMiEZgo-o8mucQ/s1600/door+kiss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5JBM0mzkFYP1pHGi9deUNz6Jm5_62UCMV4I6Wd1eUYeWpmzXfmXYSyOySfLK1hBe5fEgR370eFk49q5izsPOP035u_I6CcFIrvn0AlVx8CChopuxxNr6mb3ODwcFYARMiEZgo-o8mucQ/s640/door+kiss.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
She slowly nodded her head, a little hesitantly. "A promise is a promise." she whispered huskily. Colin lowered her body, inch by torturous inch, prolonging their contact as long as he possibly could. When her feet were back on the ground, she reached behind her for the doorknob, opened her door, and then promptly shut the door in his face. He heard the unmistakeable click of the lock.<br />
<br />
Colin stared stupidly at the closed door for a few moments. "What the f*ck?" He pounded on the door. "Ivory!" he yelled. "F*ck. Ivory open the f*cking door, I know you want to f*ck me just as bad as I want to f*ck you." <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ7dUTjIPqoQHCCPuK0sfI2tn3kGGbcs5IHYdyEidNk44SvDCtwJhL7N6kSnZGzgzjWAFk9gJGfnO561QIYpem75rg30XgDREz8gwfRE7IxMmeHC1pD5ij3rjlmz4xwbx2hlomBhMu3po/s1600/shut+door.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ7dUTjIPqoQHCCPuK0sfI2tn3kGGbcs5IHYdyEidNk44SvDCtwJhL7N6kSnZGzgzjWAFk9gJGfnO561QIYpem75rg30XgDREz8gwfRE7IxMmeHC1pD5ij3rjlmz4xwbx2hlomBhMu3po/s640/shut+door.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Her voice was muffled, "Good night Colin. Pick me up tomorrow night, I want to go dancing at that new club."<br />
<br />
Colin laid his forehead against the door. "F*ck Angel, dancing? What about your promises?"<br />
<br />
He heard her husky chuckle through the door. "I rewarded you with a goodnight kiss, and if you remember, I made two promises. I promised I'm worth the wait, as I more than demonstrated just now, and I also promised you that I don't f*ck on the first date." <br />
<br />
Colin groaned. "You are a f*cking cruel woman, Angel, I'm f*cking hurting here. I think another f*cking kiss from you would make it all f*cking better. Just f*cking open the door Angel, one tiny little f*cking kiss..."<br />
<br />
Ivory leaned against her door, fanning her face. "Go home Colin." She meant it to be authoritative and firm, instead it came out weak and trembly. The anger had faded from his voice, instead a soft seduction laced his words, as he told her in explicit detail exactly what he wanted to do to her. "Open the door Angel. Open the door..." <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6bnXVvc0W0mt-pzuts8ZvsBOGEqlMfmFysOHIkVxcmzu5BjbbNn5T_MyvECmzgDpAjRp_f5flKRc8dihBulSXXzzFSwYA6K3HFI7i4GyKihUFXryAs6zR_dAKduxBa4PG82alMdgVIa0/s1600/remember.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6bnXVvc0W0mt-pzuts8ZvsBOGEqlMfmFysOHIkVxcmzu5BjbbNn5T_MyvECmzgDpAjRp_f5flKRc8dihBulSXXzzFSwYA6K3HFI7i4GyKihUFXryAs6zR_dAKduxBa4PG82alMdgVIa0/s640/remember.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
She moaned softly, he did not even have to touch her, his very words were stroking the fire inside of her hotter and hotter. She burned from within. Ivory touched her mouth, remembering the feel of his lips on hers, then she closed her eyes, fighting her weakness, but slowly losing the battle.<br />
<br />
Her hands moved of their own accord over her breasts, and down lower, past her belly, reaching for the part of her that ached the most. She imagined it was his touch on her body, his fingers stroking her; her body thrummed with tension, she was so close, when she suddenly realized he had stopped talking. Her hands fell away, and she listened intently for any sound that might be him.<br />
<br />
It was dead quiet, he had finally left. "Sh*t, sh*t, sh*t." she cursed. She was supposed to be seducing him, not the other way around. "Sh*t." Ivory kicked her heels off, and pulled her dress up and over her, leaving it in a pile on the floor. She stripped off her bra and panties, leaving a trail of clothing behind her as she stomped towards the shower. Ivory stepped under the frigid spray, the icy needles pounded her heated flesh.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvSu-o9xerMjAs90Ugd_GQ-ev0aOQG9DRt42Ee7BhDAHiy3z8JZIx38wZhQtCAJVZPsTFI6Dcvx-D8xmh8OYt_7V85bGCpqpXfkv866oLjnjZOXsb4xdHLDqpt8vwLJVjRLFGaIAqb8fY/s1600/Ivory+shower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvSu-o9xerMjAs90Ugd_GQ-ev0aOQG9DRt42Ee7BhDAHiy3z8JZIx38wZhQtCAJVZPsTFI6Dcvx-D8xmh8OYt_7V85bGCpqpXfkv866oLjnjZOXsb4xdHLDqpt8vwLJVjRLFGaIAqb8fY/s640/Ivory+shower.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
She now understood what possessed women to throw themselves at him, and why they couldn't seem to let go when he was done with them, when he was ready to move on to the next woman. He had a charisma unlike none other that she had ever been around, and she had been around a lot of men. She had f*cked a lot of them to, not one of her past experiences had taught her on how to deal with Colin. <br />
<br />
Raven had started her at thirteen, showing Ivory how to please herself while Raven looked on. If Ivory ever misbehaved, in any fashion, Raven would bring in the wrinkled men who had loved Ivory's young flesh with a brutality that had made her bleed. Even that was preferable, to her, anything was preferable to the Chamber of Horrors. The thoughts of her childhood did what the water could not, the desire left her, and she shuddered beneath the cold water.<br />
<br />
She couldn't let him get to her, she must be more on her guard. She didn't understand why he was different, why when she was around him, she forgot all of what she was. Why the thought of having sex with him, seemed almost...untainted. She had never felt untainted, her hands were stained with the blood of dozens of men and women, faceless except in her nightmares... <br />
<br />
<br />
Colin loudly cursed the icicles bombarding his body. "F*ck. F*ck. F*ck." he seethed.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_T7O8Pz0s5AuaqhD0tC_7DZph_uqC9x0IYJRxt2VLMMQWxM-IQdcaOdzw45cu-eFSC1HJ-_qx_gFMZgWp9DNfYVK_tIHe0Plv8FE26bOiYx1RbO7Ls_Y2FtczMQ3zhwnNhZs1MzCEVu0/s1600/Colin+shower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_T7O8Pz0s5AuaqhD0tC_7DZph_uqC9x0IYJRxt2VLMMQWxM-IQdcaOdzw45cu-eFSC1HJ-_qx_gFMZgWp9DNfYVK_tIHe0Plv8FE26bOiYx1RbO7Ls_Y2FtczMQ3zhwnNhZs1MzCEVu0/s640/Colin+shower.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"This waiting thing f*cking sucks!" He pounded his fists on the shower stall. He needed colder water. "Heartless b*tch." he muttered, as he dunked his head under the chilly spray. "F*ck." Why the hell was he torturing himself like this? He had a black book full of names, one phone call was all it would take. One f*cking phone call. Instead, inexplicably, he found himself taking a cold shower instead. "F*ck."<br />
<br />
What the h*ll was his f*cking problem? Letting a f*cking female mess with his f*cking head. Both of them, he thought sourly. It had never really f*cking mattered before, who he f*cked, why the f*ck now? Why the f*ck her? He hit the wall a few more times, p*ssed at her, p*ssed at himself. P*ssed off at everything.<br />
<br />
<i>You too angry, too predictable! You need more discipline!</i> Wu's gentle words came back to haunt him, rebuking his anger and his lack of discipline. He hung his head, ignoring the cold water that ran over him in rivulets. F*ck. He had been acting too f*cking predictable, he would have to f*cking change that. He would f*cking master his f*cking body, and if the b*tch thought she could f*cking scare him off, she had another f*cking think coming. F*ck. He was f*cking Colin Kahekili, afraid of nothing and no one; he f*cking kicked a*s.<br />
<br />
He smiled to himself as he shut off the water and stepped out of the shower. Afraid? Him? F*ck no. He wasn't a f*cking whipped p*ssy, f*cking scared of his own f*cking shadow. F*ck. He could f*cking take whatever the f*cking b*tch threw at him, and then some. F*ck. "Bring it on b*tch."<br />
<br />
<br />
~<>~ <br />
<br />
<br />
"You brought me here because you're still f*cking pissed about that club." Colin said flatly.<br />
<br />
"What utter nonsense, I got over that several weeks ago." <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1n8GluRx8Bb-Pj9QqJZh8R9LwJru2hvMo3NaFA71QaAKPCZeq7QRD8_AIUGL0VtJbYLtpTTjPPdZ6yjFLsTqrZrcbmFKUaFSlNcLXlzhLOkyoArNf2PI8BhtxlKodpYebn5h7nmkFEMw/s1600/date25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1n8GluRx8Bb-Pj9QqJZh8R9LwJru2hvMo3NaFA71QaAKPCZeq7QRD8_AIUGL0VtJbYLtpTTjPPdZ6yjFLsTqrZrcbmFKUaFSlNcLXlzhLOkyoArNf2PI8BhtxlKodpYebn5h7nmkFEMw/s640/date25.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Colin turned and glanced at her briefly, before turning back to stare at...nothing. "Yeah, right." he said skeptically. "You f*cking enjoy trying to come up with new ways to f*cking torture me. Complete and utter f*cking boredom must be your new f*cking tactic." They had been dating now for five weeks, four days, six hours, and twenty four minutes. Not that he was f*cking keeping track or anything. <br />
<br />
"Well, you did cheat." she informed him loftily. "Buying that dance club and kicking everyone out so that we were the only two in there, was definitely cheating."<br />
<br />
"It was a f*cking good investment of my f*cking money, that's all." He grinned as she playfully smacked him. He leaned his head on his hand again and sighed heavily. The woman was driving him f*cking nuts. They f*cking did everything together, like a regular old f*cking married couple. Groceries. Clubbing. Parking. He grinned at that memory. Skydiving. Biking. Walking the beach. Sometimes they would just sit and f*cking watch stupid a*s comedies on television, or worse, f*cking chick flicks. He was sure she just watched them to f*cking torment him. He f*cking took her shopping too. F*ck, he bought her whatever the f*ck she wanted, money meant nothing to him. His f*cking family had so much f*cking money, he could never f*cking spend it all, even if he f*cking tried.<br />
<br />
They even f*cking sparred with each other, once she had f*cking realized he wasn't a p*ssy, that he knew martial arts. He had soon figured out how she got her f*cking tight a*s and f*cking toned body, and it wasn't from no f*cking exercise tapes either. The woman was a f*cking menace, with her left hook kicks, and f*cking jabs to the throat. And the f*cking way she caressed a f*cking knife, made him f*cking wish he was the f*cking knife... He sighed again. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg27xjFljh2Paf9uQNqn0qWyeUN3DmAAbN3YL8T7qIzKs-3lNIaqPu0sYtbwdGNM5FPUg4W7MthQS77sDOoNDLTNcu2zv_GmxS4hBmnaW8H2_K51DI45SYq0f0rqfKVsTAIaWsjgp_YO6Q/s1600/date26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg27xjFljh2Paf9uQNqn0qWyeUN3DmAAbN3YL8T7qIzKs-3lNIaqPu0sYtbwdGNM5FPUg4W7MthQS77sDOoNDLTNcu2zv_GmxS4hBmnaW8H2_K51DI45SYq0f0rqfKVsTAIaWsjgp_YO6Q/s640/date26.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
She was f*cking quick too, he'd give her that, he just f*cking happened to be a tad bit faster than her. F*cking p*ssed her off too. She'd f*cking try anything to f*cking distract him. The f*cking cheat, bending and twisting her f*cking body in front of him like that, with that f*cking knowing look on her f*cking face, making her f*cking t*ts strain against her f*cking shirt...the memory of it made him shift uncomfortably, again. F*ck.<br />
<br />
He would f*cking pin her down then, the f*cking she cat, she would f*cking buck and hiss at him, claws f*cking extended, and sh*t. It would f*cking turn him on, her f*cking squirming under him, the f*cking heat in her eyes, her silky skin and soft breasts, the simmering air, the smell of her in his nostrils. Suddenly the fight would f*cking leave her, and she would f*cking lie under him so still, panting, her f*cking eyes wild like a silverhawk, and he would f*cking get lost in them, those quicksilver eyes of hers.<br />
<br />
F*ck. It was a pansy a*s f*cking thing to do, but he couldn't ever f*cking help himself. Suddenly they were f*cking sparring in a different way, f*cking kissing, and touching, and f*cking stroking each other, until they were both in a f*cking frenzy, ready to f*cking claw at each other. Then inexplicably, he would f*cking pull away before he actually f*cked her, leaving them both f*cking unsatisfied. Him. He shook his head, bemused. What the f*ck was the world f*cking coming to? He was f*cking impressed with himself though, f*cking mastering his body like that, but he was also getting f*cking tired of taking f*cking ice showers.<br />
<br />
"F*ck, Angel, why the f*ck are we here?" He just wanted to f*ck her so badly, and he couldn't f*cking figure out why the f*ck he hadn't done so yet. What the h*ll was wrong with him?<br />
<br />
"We're people watching."<br />
<br />
He rolled his eyes. F*ck. "That would f*cking make some sense Angel, if there were any f*cking people about to watch. F*ck." He shook his head.<br />
<br />
She pushed him down onto the grass, and straddled him.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1J-T6Ny0vSdVVezysZh-WkfQn2qBmX7CxeKy4VoaoHgjiFGsrfs9nBupWlpBE0KNjkA2nycAYMcLhBdOXnqysbN3AfcgN1-g7FH9RxwQBkkNw21DQal4bVWTAtsxowU0Jo4iM_682jFM/s1600/date27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1J-T6Ny0vSdVVezysZh-WkfQn2qBmX7CxeKy4VoaoHgjiFGsrfs9nBupWlpBE0KNjkA2nycAYMcLhBdOXnqysbN3AfcgN1-g7FH9RxwQBkkNw21DQal4bVWTAtsxowU0Jo4iM_682jFM/s640/date27.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"Are you f*cking bored Romeo?" she teased him, as she rubbed her body against his. "Your body is telling me something different." They hadn't had sex yet, to her shame it was Colin that always pulled back, leaving her unfulfilled and frustrated, all for some unfathomable reason known only to him. She had hoped for a glimpse of his brother here, he was known to come this way quite often, and with Colin here, she could have angled for a introduction. She was glad that Brae never showed, though she should be upset. She was running out of time, but every moment she spent with Colin, made her crave him more, and even worse, she found she actually liked...him. She knew she should push forward with her agenda, she had a job to do after all, but she wanted to put it off indefinitely.<br />
<br />
It had all started out as a game, a lark, with clear rules and objectives, but somewhere along the way they had started to blur for her. The game was starting to feel less like a game, and more real, and raw. She was not meant for happiness, for purity, for love, she knew this, Raven had seared that into her heart so long ago. Just once though, just this once, she wished for more. She wished for more with this man, and it p*ssed her off, even as it saddened her that it was not meant to be. It p*ssed her off that she was no more immune to his charms than any other woman. It saddened her because sometimes she thought she saw a glimpse of something more in his eyes.<br />
<br />
Ivory refused to put a word to that glimpse. If she did not name it, then it would not be. Naming it would give it power, make it real, and it needed to stay in the shadows, the shadows of fantasy, and wished for childish dreams. She placed her hand over his chest, she could feel the beating of his heart beneath her palm, she could feel his steady gaze on her face, but she did not look at him. Instead she watched her hand glide over his smooth, warm skin. Lust yes, lust was good to feel, it made sex more enjoyable, but...like? No, she didn't want to...like...him at all, it would only make things worse. More painful.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJQwuceOPGR6HEEEvU-9O-w9hPkAwaIwXFQEIZfXm5W7NytcHo69JscoutMBQEhfDSUF5RHi3B-iqfQ9ecTfXrJtqljqsn_Ntl6YBfT_HdGxDAD6ojOSPKpJtJ6dgXn0WeVffNKAozEb8/s1600/date28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJQwuceOPGR6HEEEvU-9O-w9hPkAwaIwXFQEIZfXm5W7NytcHo69JscoutMBQEhfDSUF5RHi3B-iqfQ9ecTfXrJtqljqsn_Ntl6YBfT_HdGxDAD6ojOSPKpJtJ6dgXn0WeVffNKAozEb8/s640/date28.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
She hated the intense longing in her, her weakness, it left her feeling vulnerable, and naked. She met his eyes, and in them she saw the answering call of her heart's desire. He saw too much, she cared too much, it was all just too much. His hand stroked her outer thigh, reaching her hip and waist, and tugging her closer to him.<br />
<br />
Could she do what must be done? If she had to, could she rip his heart out of him, without ripping hers out in the process? Why him? Why now? If Raven ever thought Ivory wavered in the slightest little bit...no. That horror was too much to contemplate. She was trapped, with no way out that she could see, hopelessness fell upon her like a heavy cloak.<br />
<br />
Colin stirred beneath her, as if he sensed her heartbreaking thoughts, and he pulled her down until she laid on top of him, and he wrapped his arms around her. She closed her eyes, and let his warmth encircle her, breathing in his maleness and strength. For just a little while, she would let her weakness show. He didn't say a word, but the tightening of his arms spoke volumes to her. He cared too, and it made it all the worse, that knowing.<br />
<br />
They laid there like that for what felt like hours, before wordlessly getting up and heading for his car. The ride to her home was silent, she let her head rest against his shoulder as he drove. Once to her house, she unlocked the door, and headed for the kitchen, intent on finding something to make them for dinner. Colin followed closely behind her.<br />
<br />
Before she could reach the fridge, he grabbed her from behind, and spun her around to face him. He bent his head, and kissed her softly at first, she wrapped her arms around his neck, and pressed herself into him. With a groan, he deepened the kiss, and pushed her up against the kitchen table. She pulled his shirt off, and reached for his pants, unbuttoning them, and pulling down his briefs. His pants and briefs fell to the floor in a heap, he barely noticed that he now stood naked in front of her, he was too busy yanking her dress up, above her hips, and ripping her panties off.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhUvHjcBIcPrYNB1WMoyMgKw6sqDB24Ua3Tzt_fLeqSs7mzkgBWuLi2VzrFCxq5RPUMZjqPxPwR30JhN0wWsb1zXn8ZZnREdYlnAG-fgkcYWA9FfxG79PLcfiMMOeiX3QE7ErqU-yZgYY/s1600/date29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhUvHjcBIcPrYNB1WMoyMgKw6sqDB24Ua3Tzt_fLeqSs7mzkgBWuLi2VzrFCxq5RPUMZjqPxPwR30JhN0wWsb1zXn8ZZnREdYlnAG-fgkcYWA9FfxG79PLcfiMMOeiX3QE7ErqU-yZgYY/s640/date29.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
A tidal wave of intense pleasure crested over them, Colin hoarsely called out her name as she screamed his. She clawed at his back as he emptied all of himself inside her. Their passion spent, he gathered her close to him, and rested his chin on top of her head. She trembled in his arms, still feeling the after affects of their lovemaking, the glow of...something warm, maybe even contentment. She knew then, things had changed irrevocably between them, and would never be the same. She would never be the same. He reached inside her like no one ever could, and made her feel again. Fear tightened her throat, fear of what the future held for them.<br />
<br />
For the first time in his life, Colin was f*cking afraid. Afraid of what this one woman made him f*cking feel. He f*cking never lost control. F*cking never. Yet he f*cking lost control with her, f*cking felt like he was going to f*cking have a heart attack. F*ck. He had buried his body deep inside her softness, and...f*ck. He could feel himself stirring, he f*cking barely survived the first time with her, and here his body was f*cking ready for round two? D*mn. He felt Ivory smile against his chest as she felt his interest gaining enthusiasm.<br />
<br />
He kissed the top of her hair. F*ck. He was even feeling f*cking sentimental and sh*t. What the h*ll kind of spell had she f*cking put on him? He f*cking wanted to protect her sexy a*s, from whatever the f*ck haunted her. Sh*t. She snuggled in closer to him, and to his horror, he found not only did he f*cking like it, but his f*cking arms hugged her tighter to him. F*cking traitorous body. She pressed soft kisses on his chest, and he groaned, before hauling her a*s up and giving her a f*cking proper kiss. "Fuck." he said, when the tender kiss ended. "Usually I f*cking have more finesse than that."<br />
<br />
"You didn't hear me complaining, quite the opposite in fact." Ivory murmured. They were destined for grief and heartbreak, but she couldn't find it in herself to care right now. She would just take things day by day, enjoying whatever time they had together. Maybe, just for a little while, she could just be Angel, and he could just be Romeo, just two ordinary people, enjoying each other. All too soon, Raven would be back, and their time would be over, she would have to be Ivory again, and he would have to be Colin Kahekili again. Her target's brother. She trailed kisses along his jawline, pushing thoughts of Raven and the future out of her mind. "If you feel so badly about it though, I'll let you make it up to me."<br />
<br />
She felt his rumbling laugh. "As you wish Angel." He scooped her up into his arms, and kissed her lightly on the nose, before striding into her bedroom.<br />
<br />
He gently laid her down on the bed, and stared at her in wonder. She was just so f*cking perfect. He was so f*cked.<br />
<br />
_________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
<br />
Notes: Tada! How the mighty have fallen, and fallen hard, lol I almost feel bad for him, knowing what I have planned, haha! Okay, I do feel bad for him, because of what I have planned. Funny thing about plots, I had this all figured out when Colin was a child, and it seemed easy enough to write...then, lol In practice, while I'm trying to write it, I think to myself, why oh why did I ever complicate things so much?!<br />
<br />
I do love a complicated plot though, one of the biggest reasons why I love the show Once Upon A Time, they even have a family tree worthy of sims!!! lol :P<br />
<br />
More backstory on my version of Ivory---sorry Ivory! :( Raven is an awful person, and Ivory has good reasons for fearing her, and doing whatever Raven tells her to do. Neither Colin nor Ivory were prepared for that little emotion called...like, haha. That little emotion just might cause some big problems...<br />
<br />
Fun fact---the diners in my first scene, some of them were actually Raven's cohorts from Reilly's generation. I just repurposed them. =) Nothing nefarious with that either, I just needed it to look like there were actually other people sitting there and eating, lol<br />
<br />
Also...I hate the phones. Stupid things, always ringing when I'm in the middle of shooting a scene---<br />
<br />
A big thank you and *hugs* to the people who read through this chapter before I posted it, you were a big help, and I really appreciate your thoughts and suggestions. =)<br />
<br />
Thank you for reading!! =D <br />
<br />
<br />Nirarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15253184399668018141noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2767753407529003708.post-43587016465872418112013-11-05T15:26:00.001-08:002013-11-05T15:26:15.535-08:00Chapter 72: Ivory<h3>
Warning: This chapter has lots of bad language and lots of bad behavior. Read at your own risk!</h3>
<br />
Ivory held her breath until she was safely outside the bar, then she let it all out with a whoosh. She was thankful that her wobbly legs had held her upright, she had been sure they would collapse on her, in front of him even, making a mockery of the very point she had tried to make with the a*s. He thought he could crook his finger and she would come running, Ivory ran for no man.<br />
<br />
She had not expected things to go quite so far however; she had only wanted to put the arrogant a*s in his place, instead she had been caught up in the moment with him. Another twenty seconds, and she would have been ripping his clothes off. She frowned. She prided herself on her absolute control over her body and emotions, it was disconcerting that a perfect stranger was able to penetrate her defenses so quickly, and so easily. Just thinking of him made her feel hot all over again. <br />
<br />
She slammed the door on those thoughts. Enough with this nonsense. She needed to put him firmly out of her mind, and regain control of herself. She was about to meet with Raven, and she couldn't afford any distractions. Any hint of weakness or inattention on her part could mean her life. Once Ivory was assured that she was firmly back in control of herself, she rounded the corner of the tavern, to find Raven, pacing impatiently. <br />
<br />
"You're late." she said coldly.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-bEcwSsVA6y2-w-vZqUqlF0D7uJRr0ggHU5Hi3yXkUredZsvO0WWmLCre8-bdRjAc49YM8YGp7XT-J3bKVXD1Bp3k4efICQIoDgOA-1XBl0OaR_67JGC828YzKx9rv3oKO-CLKB0Jx6k/s1600/talk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-bEcwSsVA6y2-w-vZqUqlF0D7uJRr0ggHU5Hi3yXkUredZsvO0WWmLCre8-bdRjAc49YM8YGp7XT-J3bKVXD1Bp3k4efICQIoDgOA-1XBl0OaR_67JGC828YzKx9rv3oKO-CLKB0Jx6k/s640/talk.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Ivory glared right back, but held her peace, she knew from experience it was not wise to anger Raven.<br />
<br />
Raven brushed off some imaginary dirt from her cloak. "Nothing to say?"<br />
<br />
"I was unavoidably detained, I dealt with it, and now I'm here." Ivory said, emotionless.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF2B93Mq_Qko-TgPsmVVH-cejZF6_H3NDvHrY8h7QaaxzK_ZziLI81teeGbSor_FTpX_ePR_Q5sz3mPKmjNCGnUUGLP2LbFu34lZ61N0m-1AVZcKmqa-8aiQdgHdclVchk5M9PmjBG408/s1600/talk1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF2B93Mq_Qko-TgPsmVVH-cejZF6_H3NDvHrY8h7QaaxzK_ZziLI81teeGbSor_FTpX_ePR_Q5sz3mPKmjNCGnUUGLP2LbFu34lZ61N0m-1AVZcKmqa-8aiQdgHdclVchk5M9PmjBG408/s640/talk1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
"Is that a fact?" Ivory stood her ground, and gave nothing away. Raven smiled coldly at her. "Well, then, I trust there won't be a repeat?" Little crackles of blue fire bolted from Raven's fingertips, and Ivory inadvertently shuddered. "Good, I'm glad we understand each other. Now, what progress have you made Pet?"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ-9qnA43Cvz_I6jeqfx9ib_AwuDpIhRhOpKpu6n1e5yFBp734AHvG9P6l4458Q7J6BH9ARcbXgyCK0trUgKaQBw8CwddSX-pZwbAt7FHai1Z9gEIt3TvdY1lu0WiCQbO5GrENiZwFLSI/s1600/talk2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ-9qnA43Cvz_I6jeqfx9ib_AwuDpIhRhOpKpu6n1e5yFBp734AHvG9P6l4458Q7J6BH9ARcbXgyCK0trUgKaQBw8CwddSX-pZwbAt7FHai1Z9gEIt3TvdY1lu0WiCQbO5GrENiZwFLSI/s640/talk2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"The target is not an easy man to get to."<br />
<br />
Raven held her hand out, choking Ivory slightly. "Tell me Pet something I do not know, and you had better have made more progress towards our goal than that." She released Ivory abruptly, and dropped her hand back down.<br />
<br />
Ivory held her temper in, it would do her no good to lash out at Raven, she had already tried unsuccessfully many times before. All it ever did was land her in the chamber of horrors, and she swore she would never go back there ever again. She would do what she needed to do to survive. She kept her voice even, though it strained her temper even more. "He's the Mayor of Dragon Valley, not some poor nameless soul in a back alley driveway. There is constant surveillance and security on him, and on his family. I have been watching his movements for a couple of weeks now, and he is always conscientious, he never forgets security protocol."<br />
<br />
Ivory hesitated, the next part she needed to approach delicately, or she would find herself dead in seconds, or worse. "Only magic could break through that shield they have around them, for the target is unlikely to accidentally leave he and his family unprotected. I cannot get close enough to him to do my job." She left out the part about how Raven could so easily get in and out, for she had the magic to do so. Raven never reacted well to criticism, spoken or unspoken.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5A4LJ0OxQpmOOlE-5hmrfNt5318swfEi-Wxt68vgZ7zsb5YLgYHlVXXWIYZ1kSmN1KUKboUg6mgOpRqo-fwj-rv5asJmoa_lWopkOgcbSBxZQTM7fVcErJYD-D9b9DaYMJbYyDdNnVPk/s1600/talk3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5A4LJ0OxQpmOOlE-5hmrfNt5318swfEi-Wxt68vgZ7zsb5YLgYHlVXXWIYZ1kSmN1KUKboUg6mgOpRqo-fwj-rv5asJmoa_lWopkOgcbSBxZQTM7fVcErJYD-D9b9DaYMJbYyDdNnVPk/s640/talk3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
"Magic." Raven snarled. "The very thing I cannot use directly against them because they are still protected." Ivory filed that little bit of information for future reference. She wondered who had been strong enough to make Raven powerless to use her magic against them. "I refuse to accept failure. My sources tell me that Braern Kakekili has my Book, and you will get it from him. If you fail, you will die, and it will not be a quick or a pleasant death. I will make you suffer as you have never suffered before." Raven pointed her finger at Ivory.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv3BLWV5mIqccb0pKdsD2A0gglFjTTRDtchm-JVW3i6RetG1aEjoaSZlj5t89KQu4qn8o4MfNEn9gqjGy0T_Qub6PVfV3ykO-4p8on1IZtsPnKfulNrjDq7lYFwVS-v4S9eqk03aDFtVw/s1600/talk4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv3BLWV5mIqccb0pKdsD2A0gglFjTTRDtchm-JVW3i6RetG1aEjoaSZlj5t89KQu4qn8o4MfNEn9gqjGy0T_Qub6PVfV3ykO-4p8on1IZtsPnKfulNrjDq7lYFwVS-v4S9eqk03aDFtVw/s640/talk4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Ivory shoved back her rising panic, now was not the time to lose her head. Her last imprisonment in the chamber was still etched firmly on her mind and soul, she could not bear to go there again. "Mistress, I humbly remind you that I am not of Camulodunum blood, I have no magic of my own, nothing to force myself within our target's walls. Nothing to bend him to my will, to force the location of this Book from his lips." Ivory held her hands out briefly. "All I have are these two hands, my quick thinking, and my skill with weapons. None of my talents will serve me well, if I cannot get anywhere near him, or one that he loves, in order to draw him in and trap him."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYQo5OdcWBpoePsmy2nZXCmcN6VXCcc25qrQzW7MDhjcLpdMutncX7_wffLSmJNsDM6OR0CT5Ml94rSTKcn5UzEx5Ce1Sw4mXiMEM26S53D88NexfY4LpQVZPqYNP-y4MC5OsbQIf-8mQ/s1600/talk5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYQo5OdcWBpoePsmy2nZXCmcN6VXCcc25qrQzW7MDhjcLpdMutncX7_wffLSmJNsDM6OR0CT5Ml94rSTKcn5UzEx5Ce1Sw4mXiMEM26S53D88NexfY4LpQVZPqYNP-y4MC5OsbQIf-8mQ/s640/talk5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
"So, Pete," Colin said as he slid onto a bar stool, "what the f*ck do you know of her?"<br />
<br />
"She's trouble." Pete answered without any hesitation.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTM-jFi-_31W_H6Uo40d9Vm3dlAq2bZ9F-Z-opNoopFD5VZAQf9dYSUnm2oO66USiTAN_IHfJArvW7IvylVnu7mn7tzwNQhhwqEvkFbvF3Yg2AVC0oiFat4HVEuBVB1Uj0UfVHCXU1Th4/s1600/ctalk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTM-jFi-_31W_H6Uo40d9Vm3dlAq2bZ9F-Z-opNoopFD5VZAQf9dYSUnm2oO66USiTAN_IHfJArvW7IvylVnu7mn7tzwNQhhwqEvkFbvF3Yg2AVC0oiFat4HVEuBVB1Uj0UfVHCXU1Th4/s640/ctalk.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Colin chuckled. "Of course she's f*cking trouble, that's what makes her so f*cking attractive to me. Now tell me what the f*ck you know about her, starting with why the f*ck you let her into the bar before it was open."<br />
<br />
Pete hesitated, then seemed to come to a decision and started talking. "She caught me as I was coming in, and she held a knife to my throat and told me that if I didn't unlock the door and let her in, she would f*cking slit my throat. She was quite persuasive in her manner, so I believed her one hundred percent. We hadn't been inside very long before you came, so I don't really know that much about her, nor do I care to. I would call the police, but I'm afraid she'll make good on her threat and kill me! I have never met someone like her before, or been so scared in all my life."<br />
<br />
Colin sighed. "I know. She was quite glorious."<br />
<br />
The mixologist gave him a funny look. "If you have a death wish maybe. I can't believe that you...hit on her like that...and she responded like that! I thought for sure she was going to cut your heart out, probably even castrate you, instead you two nearly had sex on that chair!" Pete pointed to the chair in question.<br />
<br />
Colin shrugged. "She liked me." Pete looked at him like he was nuts. Colin grinned at him. "She f*cking liked me a lot, I can tell these things. Now, back to..." Colin's phone started to ring. He looked at the number calling, and growled before he answered it. "What the f*ck?"<br />
<br />
<br />
"There must be another way." Raven quietly raged. "I will not be defeated when I am so close to achieving my goal!"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhybKiUGondSX1Se79RCu730dIbxWaJNtuLJCjK7gFrq3omqUloIdDKM6JsVgBOLhQpakPKdq2QO-oSCuxCPYmaUsAwVLpQc4SA83JuScEHwUHkTe5YM0j-bMU9VRiU6DP4flui4NpBUn0/s1600/talk6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhybKiUGondSX1Se79RCu730dIbxWaJNtuLJCjK7gFrq3omqUloIdDKM6JsVgBOLhQpakPKdq2QO-oSCuxCPYmaUsAwVLpQc4SA83JuScEHwUHkTe5YM0j-bMU9VRiU6DP4flui4NpBUn0/s640/talk6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Ivory cowered back, and hated herself for it. Raven was unpredictable in the best of moods, let alone in the worst.<br />
<br />
Suddenly Raven quieted down, and looked thoughtful for a moment. "That man in there, who was he?"<br />
<br />
"I don't know what you mean Mistress?"<br />
<br />
"Don't lie to me again, Pet." She said in a silky soft voice. "You will regret it, I promise you. Now, the man in that bar, who is he? Did you think I didn't see you acting the wh*re with him?"<br />
<br />
"It was only my body." Ivory said tonelessly. "It is a useful weapon, as you are well aware of, I was merely toying with him." <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1mU2vNaSlS_7xLuVM0AgptHK_nY0XA38r_CWA1DxeIXwLAa6rT3Rqmuph7gzkuACpy2nZ_ksgYohWK1Zl9AAcijrFrNKRtT9PlwAY_VIU0AguWA6E1tUENXEXbwsrDB-NQRJBLUNPyDY/s1600/talk7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1mU2vNaSlS_7xLuVM0AgptHK_nY0XA38r_CWA1DxeIXwLAa6rT3Rqmuph7gzkuACpy2nZ_ksgYohWK1Zl9AAcijrFrNKRtT9PlwAY_VIU0AguWA6E1tUENXEXbwsrDB-NQRJBLUNPyDY/s640/talk7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
"If you were only toying with him as you say, then why did you not slit his throat when you were done f*cking" Raven paused on the last word briefly,"playing with him? Hmm?" Ivory remained silent. "Well, no matter, as I think about it, I know who he reminds me of, and why. He is one of them, he is a Kahekili, maybe even the youngest son."<br />
<br />
"I did not ask his name."<br />
<br />
Raven's reptilian eyes lit up gleefully. "How unlike you Pet. I believe he is your ticket to his brother. Verify that I am right about his identity, but I know I am. Verify it and then use him to get to the brother."<br />
<br />
"I just told him to f*ck off, he is unlikely to want to see me again."<br />
<br />
Raven chuckled. "Then you will just have to charm him, now won't you Pet?"<br />
<br />
<br />
Colin hung up the call and cursed. "F*ck. I gotta go, something just f*cking came up and it is going to f*ck with my day. When she comes the f*ck back here Pete, looking for me, tell her my f*cking name. She'll find me." Colin was pretty positive about that. He didn't know the how or the when, but he was sure they had unfinished business between them, and it was only a matter of time before she looked him up.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ehawZvfrSZH1DB9b8UDAGFfN2AV0H_0PJYEJQ1OlvJ25DepFxq9Yyd7FuWLuSpGiXh9qME8PCiXMuYzyjghHoDaY1y0haZ543mrDt3j2gAPDdTtsUx-qXMRtpFIEV8tfzu_pagZf96w/s1600/ctalk1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ehawZvfrSZH1DB9b8UDAGFfN2AV0H_0PJYEJQ1OlvJ25DepFxq9Yyd7FuWLuSpGiXh9qME8PCiXMuYzyjghHoDaY1y0haZ543mrDt3j2gAPDdTtsUx-qXMRtpFIEV8tfzu_pagZf96w/s640/ctalk1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"It's your funeral boss, but I hope like h*ll I never see that woman again!"<br />
<br />
<br />
"He is not the average man." Ivory said quietly.<br />
<br />
"Are you saying you cannot do your job?" Raven asked icily.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB8bai-QOdotq5upNohRPm-qMQxLGIEZat8KVxPhUBtIRWt-XaO3fN9l26q1O4s2bhQPlC49i9k4hJZwV1np-CLPVCi9RKAiTbAKb3GLgFpDkik75dI1aVelKmfwjqr_0qUmnOH6xMW9M/s1600/talk8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB8bai-QOdotq5upNohRPm-qMQxLGIEZat8KVxPhUBtIRWt-XaO3fN9l26q1O4s2bhQPlC49i9k4hJZwV1np-CLPVCi9RKAiTbAKb3GLgFpDkik75dI1aVelKmfwjqr_0qUmnOH6xMW9M/s640/talk8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"If you want me to carve the answer out of his flesh, then I can certainly do so. If you insist that no harm as of yet come to them, then I will require time. He will not dazzle easily."<br />
<br />
"No Pet, no real harm must befall them, until that Book is in my hands. Very well, I will give you two weeks."<br />
<br />
"Begging your pardon Mistress," Ivory forced the humiliating words out of her mouth, someday she hoped to be free, and she wouldn't have to beg Raven's pardon ever again,"but two weeks will not be long enough. I need several months, I have a feeling about this one, he will not be so easy to charm." Ivory regretted her choice of words as soon as she spoke them, but it was too late to take them back. <br />
<br />
"You like him." Raven said with a wicked laugh. "You like him a lot! How utterly marvelous, no wonder you did not kill him yet, you weren't done playing. Well, my little Pet, you may play with the man for a few months, but no longer. I need that Book. Use him, have fun with him Precious, and when you are done, cut his heart out and feed it to the sharks. You know," Raven said conversationally, "there is nothing quite like carving up the body of the one that you like, or if you love him, that is even better! It is quite...arousing."<br />
<br />
Raven licked her lips. "Delicious, I loved a Camulodunum once, did you know that Pet? Yes, it's true, but he did not value me, and in the end I enjoyed taking his life, and that of his wh*re too. You'll soon see my Pet, that they cannot be trusted." Raven stroked Ivory's cheek, and Ivory forced herself to endure it. "F*ck him, then bury him, but do not lose sight of your mission while you enjoy your little pleasures." Raven's fingers painfully dug into the side of Ivory's face. "Are we clear?"<br />
<br />
"Yes, Mistress." With a wave and a few words, Raven disappeared from sight, leaving Ivory alone. She frowned darkly.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxBnkPI22r5nb6YIxj10uJWceASkAGU9P44un2dSj8KtvsEEXHiUCSaUhQI8BNYWtufpkemNubpszeUduR_y70YX7OGGmecK4-BU-fxvksvC27DEJ4G0-Ki88zl6bxKIuoyBkfA9jpoEg/s1600/talk9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxBnkPI22r5nb6YIxj10uJWceASkAGU9P44un2dSj8KtvsEEXHiUCSaUhQI8BNYWtufpkemNubpszeUduR_y70YX7OGGmecK4-BU-fxvksvC27DEJ4G0-Ki88zl6bxKIuoyBkfA9jpoEg/s640/talk9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
She wanted nothing to do with that as*hole, he held some sort of power over her that she didn't understand. It was a dangerous power, one that could very well be her undoing, her inner alarm was screaming at her. How to seduce the man, and get him to spill his secrets, while staying coolly detached, that was the question. It had never been a question before. She used whatever weapon she needed to get the job done, whether it was her Garrote wire, her blade, or her body. It really did not matter much to her which one she used, for they all had their own particular pleasure.<br />
<br />
Fury rose in her suddenly, the doubts that jacka*s caused her to have, it was beyond pathetic, it was weak, and intolerable. She had survived a childhood being raised by the Mistress of H*ll herself, molded and formed inch by excruciating inch, into Raven's right hand assassin. If she once had a heart, it had long since burnt out of her by the blue fire that licked through her nerve endings in a molten pit of fiery pain. She had begged for death then, when Raven had used the blue fire on her, but she had never received that kindness or mercy from Raven, only more anguish.<br />
<br />
Her will back in alignment with her purpose, she strode back into the bar, and noted with great satisfaction the look of fear in the barkeeps eyes when he saw her. She glanced around the room, but did not see the man she was looking for. "Where is he?" she demanded. The mixologist stammered and stuttered, until she pulled her blade out and he suddenly shut up as he turned the color of milk toast. "I won't ask again." Her tone was deadly.<br />
<br />
"His name is Colin." The mixologist said quickly. "That's what he told me to tell you. His name, Colin Kahekili, so that when you went back to look for him..." Pete jumped out of his skin when Ivory pounded the counter.<br />
<br />
"That f*cking a*shole!" she seethed. So sure of himself that she would go look for HIM. It p*ssed her off even more that he was right, she had to go look for him. It had been a direct order from Raven.<br />
<br />
<br />
Colin glared at the door.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcqCosDcERixU1-uU1nqJORCtylXA_yyTEWYnHSyrPjZhNafs7A8PFlt3FU3HncsULBWKHNGuPFVOWQcaA0O7n6MSVzdGsYRgmTsYF9tgovdQAaZaodUr3jKkuhwFzIe3pkNcrfR_LnsE/s1600/cj1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcqCosDcERixU1-uU1nqJORCtylXA_yyTEWYnHSyrPjZhNafs7A8PFlt3FU3HncsULBWKHNGuPFVOWQcaA0O7n6MSVzdGsYRgmTsYF9tgovdQAaZaodUr3jKkuhwFzIe3pkNcrfR_LnsE/s640/cj1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
When he got his hands on the little sh*t, he was going to f*cking kill him.<br />
<br />
Jacob was sitting on the floor of the jail cell, lost in misery. It should have gone off without a hitch, if that stupid security guard hadn't just looked in his direction as he was stuffing the socks inside his jacket, he would have been home free. By now he could have been sitting in the comfort of his own house, playing Attack of the Wererabbits, instead of sitting on the cold hard concrete.<br />
<br />
Well, he could sit on the bed, but the questionable stains on it made him think the floor was a better choice. Jacob groaned. Then they had to call his parents, except he didn't have parents plural, he had parent, singular. Usually his Dad was out of town, and it was his Grandmother that came and bailed him out. How unlucky for him that his Dad was home this time. He wasn't sure how his Dad was going to react, but he hoped he got here soon. Jacob didn't want to stay in the stink hole any longer than he had to. He just wanted to go home.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqRX_Ksb5hMc-mft-MUFlBWbpVHC3IF8BhETUoQLm2e_QU8f9LOsvxsH1ol0zpdiFZiHUtR0MihKqTzfGkkrNFBFjreq7bP2srTI0slgJHcLkNYrJKqmI6DuT3V3B4hgfrUSQHmLGvi0k/s1600/cj3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqRX_Ksb5hMc-mft-MUFlBWbpVHC3IF8BhETUoQLm2e_QU8f9LOsvxsH1ol0zpdiFZiHUtR0MihKqTzfGkkrNFBFjreq7bP2srTI0slgJHcLkNYrJKqmI6DuT3V3B4hgfrUSQHmLGvi0k/s640/cj3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"What the f*ck were you thinking?" His father's voice startled Jacob out of his self pity.<br />
<br />
Jacob swallowed hard as he got to his feet and walked up to his father. Well, he had always wanted his father's undivided attention, now that he had it, he wasn't so sure he wanted it. "I needed socks, so I took some." Jacob meant his last words to come out defiantly, but instead his voice cracked as he stared nervously at his father, waiting for his reaction. He didn't have long to wait.<br />
<br />
Colin snorted. "Dumba*s. We could buy the whole f*cking store, and you steal stupid a*s socks?" <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ytsLR4fl512bzNa_0aaWxjcqY9-AeHT9MJmwmCKZXKQewQVuDdYDxY7NCQDXVOAUBkT0P0TJ-Z7yeEXYqjl8m7LprkSEuc-CSyjzg2-98GYjqJhwGhdKA4COuFGHFXTfHNLYDJEG50g/s1600/cj5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ytsLR4fl512bzNa_0aaWxjcqY9-AeHT9MJmwmCKZXKQewQVuDdYDxY7NCQDXVOAUBkT0P0TJ-Z7yeEXYqjl8m7LprkSEuc-CSyjzg2-98GYjqJhwGhdKA4COuFGHFXTfHNLYDJEG50g/s640/cj5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
His Dad's sarcastic wit was really starting to tick Jacob off. "It's not any worse than what you've done, and it's not like I tried to steal a car or something, they were just socks."<br />
<br />
Colin folded his arms and smirked at his spawn, who was trying desperately not to look scared, but Colin could see through him in a New York minute. "Is that so dumb*s?"<br />
<br />
"I wish you wouldn't call me that." Jacob said sullenly.<br />
<br />
"Well, f*ck, you act like a dumba*s, then I have to call you a f*cking dumba*s. You think people f*cking wake up one day, and say, hey what the f*ck? Why don't we go f*cking steal a car? F*cking baby steps Jake, baby steps. F*ck, why the h*ll didn't you use your f*cking brain?"<br />
<br />
"You mean like you always do?" Jacob threw the words at him.<br />
<br />
Colin grinned. "Oh, ho! You trying to follow in my f*cking footsteps or something? I thought you f*cking hated my a*s? Wasn't it you that said you'd rather f*cking die than f*cking turn into me?" Colin chuckled.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYYvpoDYbZKmd1lnF9j0JBsJeJ95cNkQVk5-j4E0ubOWfYOzZOXICzWGb4wyVv4IKXU0b6f-0OVuDDtoKFHddB_U_KpEIiTuD654aiauDWnu2GmkfWLM0cMvcGTcjWOGD7lntBj51Gipw/s1600/cj11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYYvpoDYbZKmd1lnF9j0JBsJeJ95cNkQVk5-j4E0ubOWfYOzZOXICzWGb4wyVv4IKXU0b6f-0OVuDDtoKFHddB_U_KpEIiTuD654aiauDWnu2GmkfWLM0cMvcGTcjWOGD7lntBj51Gipw/s640/cj11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
"I'm nothing like you!"<br />
<br />
Colin nodded. "Ain't that the f*cking truth? I was never f*cking stupid enough to f*cking steal stuff, especially socks. What the f*ck? Socks? At least f*cking condoms I could f*cking understand." Colin shook his head. "Must have f*cking come from your mother's side, stupid a*s b*tch, wh*re." He muttered to himself.<br />
<br />
"I'm not stupid!"<br />
<br />
"Ha! Who the f*ck is the one behind the f*cking bars? You've been f*cking caught before, the Officer tells me, many times before, so you're not a f*cking first time offender. What the f*ck does that mean? You're f*cking stupid, only a total f*cking moron would go around stealing stupid sh*t. Are you a f*cking retard?" Colin yelled at his son.<br />
<br />
Jacob angrily dashed his tears away. "No! I'm not!"<br />
<br />
"Prove it, then dumba*s, and pull your sh*t together. F*ck, do I have to wipe your a*s for you forever? F*ck." Colin shifted, and started to walk away.<br />
<br />
"Dad!? Where are you going?"<br />
<br />
Colin turned back to Jacob. "Home."<br />
<br />
"What about me?"<br />
<br />
Colin shrugged. "You're staying here for a few days."<br />
<br />
Jacob freaked out.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw3Cgp-FfWQ9MR3wi6LVLOuszZOVzHJYUgpeyXgo4yQVANHAAl4iNG-0JSveM2YOZjEC1oNTcXfcuQXIaHZ44NYiX9svSApOj3Mnq6bYZJ2kZOrjEwICEwl2djZvu5R_Ndi7w4KmbphMQ/s1600/cj7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw3Cgp-FfWQ9MR3wi6LVLOuszZOVzHJYUgpeyXgo4yQVANHAAl4iNG-0JSveM2YOZjEC1oNTcXfcuQXIaHZ44NYiX9svSApOj3Mnq6bYZJ2kZOrjEwICEwl2djZvu5R_Ndi7w4KmbphMQ/s640/cj7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
"Dad!" Jacob panicked. "You can't leave me here! The bed is filthy, the walls are grimy, the sink, I can't even imagine what germs are breeding on that thing! There's rats in the walls Dad! I can hear them! And the roaches? Did you see that roach? It's the size of small cat!! I can't stay here...Dad! Dad!" Jacob yelled out at the back of his father.<br />
<br />
Colin stopped by the door, and turned to face Jacob. "Well, f*ck, that should f*cking give you something to f*cking think about, now shouldn't it?"<br />
<br />
"You're not going to seriously leave me here are you? Grandma never leaves me here!"<br />
<br />
"F*ck, she should have let your a*s sit in here the first time you were f*cking picked up for stealing sh*t, then maybe you would have f*cking smartened up by now. A few days won't f*cking kill you, and might even be f*cking good for you." Colin paused, as if thinking about what to say next, before finally saying, "It's what she should have f*cking done with me." He stared at his son. "Use this f*cking time wisely, and prove that you're f*cking smarter than your old man." With that, Colin left, and shut the door firmly behind him.<br />
<br />
<br />
~<>~<br />
<br />
<br />
Jada giggled. "I can swing higher than you can!"<br />
<br />
"Can not!" Nickolas pumped his legs harder, trying to keep up with his sister.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhReXrCDLptzdEC5DGs4DGPBZPW5fcLqOwZPfyzEH3zkCnPySm8nw58grV4by7sA5iE1ziHWQaXZ1ItTy1-NBda5hv5jRmv-Fo2Y2WXN_0AuL7p_VIvTC0F2kzrUJYYlu2jPjRnC3kQH88/s1600/s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhReXrCDLptzdEC5DGs4DGPBZPW5fcLqOwZPfyzEH3zkCnPySm8nw58grV4by7sA5iE1ziHWQaXZ1ItTy1-NBda5hv5jRmv-Fo2Y2WXN_0AuL7p_VIvTC0F2kzrUJYYlu2jPjRnC3kQH88/s640/s.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
She was silent, he'd give her that, but he seemed to have developed a sixth sense when it came to her, his body was already awake and very aware of her, and she hadn't said a word, or made a noise...yet. "I wouldn't have taken you for the type that likes little girls." Colin couldn't help the grin that slid over his face at the sound of her husky voice, though he knew if she saw him smiling it would p*ss her off. He had known she would find him. It almost made the trip to the f*cking park worth it.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9JacqNdo6crZUtayn_Uu9vyEeU0KrwPLhaqMV9F5rnFejqjbsJyJvGyBXxfOXyt4KT25P4GrfkWTQIK4ejKsZxoWHQowPzJun0oCPWktH_GKBtnTAKTIM89mXK7BmibrNUc3JmfQAK1g/s1600/s3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9JacqNdo6crZUtayn_Uu9vyEeU0KrwPLhaqMV9F5rnFejqjbsJyJvGyBXxfOXyt4KT25P4GrfkWTQIK4ejKsZxoWHQowPzJun0oCPWktH_GKBtnTAKTIM89mXK7BmibrNUc3JmfQAK1g/s640/s3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
"I'm not." he assured her, without looking back at her. She was so skittish, he could sense her indecision, like she was one step from turning around and running away. He didn't want to risk her taking off, so it was best to play things cool. Like she didn't affect him at all, and that he could care less if she stayed or left. Good thing he was a f*cking fantastic actor. "That female spawn of mine is too much like her f*cking mother, and she drives a hard f*cking bargain." Colin wouldn't admit to it out loud, but he was f*cking proud of her. D*mn, the way she had f*cking blackmailed him into taking both her and Nick to the park, it had bordered on f*cking genius. Even as it had f*cking p*ssed him off.<br />
<br />
Ivory asked, surprised, "The girl is yours? I wouldn't have taken you as the doting daddy type either."<br />
<br />
Colin shrugged. "I'm not, I was f*cking shanghaied by a f*cking pint sized mafia boss, she's going to f*cking rule the world some day. I hope she f*cking enjoys this day, cause I won't f*cking fall for her f*cking blackmail twice."<br />
<br />
Ivory seemed amused. "You were outwitted by a little girl?"<br />
<br />
"She's not your average f*cking little girl." Colin answered, darkly. He pointed to the boy on the swing next to her. "That's my f*cking spawn too. He's not as f*cking bright as his f*cking sister, too much of his dumba*s b*tch of a mother in him. All that softy sh*t that makes me want to f*cking puke."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrbBEoiTVTILYnaZ_yXRcy9ork_D_DuFz2aVA9D67YEwn_vvH0Qnd2F8vFjcdPqtmowAnlpUTR_i84MDy014sRnU9A5g5k9On1JZtanKt2zQ1Wg1ZJAOhon-n1DFgAWxRqPx78veRj8vI/s1600/s5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrbBEoiTVTILYnaZ_yXRcy9ork_D_DuFz2aVA9D67YEwn_vvH0Qnd2F8vFjcdPqtmowAnlpUTR_i84MDy014sRnU9A5g5k9On1JZtanKt2zQ1Wg1ZJAOhon-n1DFgAWxRqPx78veRj8vI/s640/s5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
"Two kids then." Ivory filed that information away. There was no telling when it would prove useful. For as much time as he seemed to stay away from his home, she had thought the kids belonged to his father. She frowned at herself. Sloppy work, she should know better than to assume anything.<br />
<br />
"Three, if you're counting. So, have you come to f*ck and make up?"<br />
<br />
She stiffened. "Why the h*ll would you think that?"<br />
<br />
"You found me, so obviously you want me for something, must be because you need a good f*ck." Ivory walked around the bench to face him, he could see her simmering beneath the surface. Colin managed to hold his grin back this time, he had her hook, line, and sinker, it was time to reel her in. "Come on Angel, you know you want it." he taunted her.<br />
<br />
Ivory straddled him. "You want to f*ck?" She leaned closer to him until her lips were just centimeters away from his. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUuZccoJlVp8GCgaa1sVDjTd-7JO5G57osC1VPG7ocg4gMhpFEzTy7k8B8jVsqwsFI62xI37IblVM2XqNPzoOLwR0173wQ4fzzdlmB2FkkbGO43p6Y1wlEelm3bbsZkTxoEZWu5o7czWE/s1600/s7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUuZccoJlVp8GCgaa1sVDjTd-7JO5G57osC1VPG7ocg4gMhpFEzTy7k8B8jVsqwsFI62xI37IblVM2XqNPzoOLwR0173wQ4fzzdlmB2FkkbGO43p6Y1wlEelm3bbsZkTxoEZWu5o7czWE/s640/s7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
"Right here in front of your kids?"<br />
<br />
Colin grinned up at her. "I'll f*ck you wherever or however you want Angel. They're busy, and not f*cking paying me any attention anyway."<br />
<br />
"You know," she whispered, as she ran her hands over his shoulders, and down his chest, "I'm picky about who I f*ck." She brought her hand up to trace his jawline, bringing her lips back to just barely touching his. Ivory wiggled on his lap, and she felt him clench her a*s in response. She had pegged him as a hands on guy, and knew her body would be her best weapon of choice for this assignment. Unfortunately, it seemed her weapon was double edged, she was actually getting turned on, and more than tempted to just f*ck him here.<br />
<br />
But then what? She would be just another notch to him, and he would walk before she got the information she needed. Failure was not option, she had to keep him engaged.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0zIoaWgoRH8DLAWkV2lIxx5QpffvI6-HeepiAThyphenhyphenwn7wpzAnlFuefBZKwSLXty3Kkx04P3Ed4ZuPiZxBiyRpVXunqH_4-ngJTdJVs3S-Sdyje0m0YletbK82ZU3p06Oio4xe6nvkFSHQ/s1600/s9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0zIoaWgoRH8DLAWkV2lIxx5QpffvI6-HeepiAThyphenhyphenwn7wpzAnlFuefBZKwSLXty3Kkx04P3Ed4ZuPiZxBiyRpVXunqH_4-ngJTdJVs3S-Sdyje0m0YletbK82ZU3p06Oio4xe6nvkFSHQ/s640/s9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
"Do tell." he murmured, as he begin to trail kisses down her neck, he placed his hands under her dress, and fingered her panties. She moaned, and her body jerked involuntarily. "F*ck, you're so hot." he muttered thickly.<br />
<br />
She nipped at the corners of his mouth, teasing him, and herself, as she rocked her hips back and forth. "I don't f*ck strangers for one." She whispered.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSyE0MjcB5UfZ5NMNhK1k5Rax0ZSpZwBRu1pEBKRM0MmqeXof3KjY7_b5z_CjpBm7OkqhmbZF0fpTS28D1V8cJTVayuDNmoEn6Sf2QtvB_2ngaQQWKpJHpfn8gdNu9UyqiCdU0B_2GB3A/s1600/s11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSyE0MjcB5UfZ5NMNhK1k5Rax0ZSpZwBRu1pEBKRM0MmqeXof3KjY7_b5z_CjpBm7OkqhmbZF0fpTS28D1V8cJTVayuDNmoEn6Sf2QtvB_2ngaQQWKpJHpfn8gdNu9UyqiCdU0B_2GB3A/s640/s11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
He slipped his fingers inside her panties. "Colin, pleased to f*ck you."<br />
<br />
"Ivory," she panted, her body was on fire, begging for release, but she had more important matters than the needs of her body. She had nearly forgotten her reason for being with him, in the haze of sexual need, and the remembrance of it now, brought her no pleasure. She had never been this close to the edge before with a target. Usually it was her getting them into a frenzy, while she coldly f*cked them, and if ordered to do so by Raven, slit their throats, or carve their flesh as they screamed for mercy. Raven loved to watch Ivory f*ck others, and she loved the pools of blood afterwards even more.<br />
<br />
She pushed on Colin until he was laying on his back, her on top, the position of power and control. Colin merely cast a wicked grin at her, as he reached up to grab her breasts, but before he could, she leaned down and kissed him, hard. She was melting in a pool of sensation, and heat. The exquisite pressure was building up inside her, but she summoned her strength, and pulled back, staring into his gorgeous eyes. What was it about this man in particular, that tempted her so?<br />
<br />
He wound his fingers through her hair, and tugged on her, trying to pull her closer to him again. If she kissed him again, she would be lost, and her mission a failure. She could not fail. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXYtKCtvvoolfmfA9adZbMFuh9Qs6hJCIm7J5ksTq3mxYgY-qk27KVoZ93QncTqvJWctgMKrQ9uGweHioEQd7UOiAW-eu6O3HRFq-JSwSlZA2E-18uz00v9wBv3D36g8YVt0kEV3lJs-o/s1600/s13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXYtKCtvvoolfmfA9adZbMFuh9Qs6hJCIm7J5ksTq3mxYgY-qk27KVoZ93QncTqvJWctgMKrQ9uGweHioEQd7UOiAW-eu6O3HRFq-JSwSlZA2E-18uz00v9wBv3D36g8YVt0kEV3lJs-o/s640/s13.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
She licked her lips. "I only f*ck those I date." she lied.<br />
<br />
Colin looked at her skeptically. "Really?"<br />
<br />
"I don't f*ck on the first date either, just so you know." She made herself pull away from him, and stood up.<br />
<br />
Colin sat up, confused. "What the f*ck does that mean?" <br />
<br />
"It means Romeo, that you're taking me out to dinner tonight, at 7 pm. Here's my address." She wrote down an address and handed it to him. He took it automatically, then stared at it. "Don't be late." She started to walk away.<br />
<br />
"What the f*ck?" Colin yelled out after her. "Why the f*ck should I f*cking bother with you, when I could f*ck any number of women without f*cking going on a f*cking date? I don't f*cking do relationships!" Colin was p*ssed. How dare the b*tch?<br />
<br />
Ivory turned and gave him a smoldering look. "I'm well worth it. Are you, lover boy? Hmm, well that remains to be seen."<br />
<br />
For the second time in his life, Colin found himself watching a woman walk away from him, the same f*cking woman. F*ck. He didn't need her sh*t. He had f*cking women calling him at all hours of the f*cking night and day, just waiting to be f*cked. There was no f*cking way he was going to date some b*tch. He just didn't do relationships, everyone f*cking knew that. "Come on you little sh*ts!" he yelled to his kids. "I'm f*cking ready to go."<br />
<br />
<br />
~<>~<br />
<br />
<br />
What the f*k was he doing? He was letting the wrong head lead him around.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieQqMYTTyzgNaGp0ymQ7qIVBzh1hdqcPiQXs2xho5NDVprkpVT7PnRX5OsdIuwqK0_pOZzXt74RMWokAt44WG4MlHQ6HR8LfcJCr4aUFEzyDIh0OZjWco6LrdIa9vptykGBHT2FDTJ5mQ/s1600/date1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieQqMYTTyzgNaGp0ymQ7qIVBzh1hdqcPiQXs2xho5NDVprkpVT7PnRX5OsdIuwqK0_pOZzXt74RMWokAt44WG4MlHQ6HR8LfcJCr4aUFEzyDIh0OZjWco6LrdIa9vptykGBHT2FDTJ5mQ/s640/date1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
He glared, turned his back to leave, then turned back around. F*ck. Why the f*ck couldn't he stop thinking about the f*cking b*tch? Why the f*ck was he acting like some pansy a*s? His body was f*cking aching, he hadn't f*cked any one, or jerked off since he met the b*tch. He was surly, frustrated, and f*cking horny as h*ll. Sh*t. He wanted to f*cking walk away, almost as bad as he wanted to f*ck her.<br />
<br />
Instead he felt compelled to rip her front door open, without f*cking knocking, and storm into her house. Dating. Him. F*ck, the world was coming to a f*cking end. Her feet were propped up on a coffee table, and she was lounging on the couch. She glanced cooly at the time, and then said flatly. "You're late."<br />
<br />
Colin glared at her. "I don't f*cking care.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7WZf97B48WzZ52wQB2a8zd1u79GlCtliCSxkgorhOAGb-kOKg7KsTeipJ2BKwD54pY83G65s3EvBq2lc6260UDtHCraHLK59OGKs8L-3SfGeMiecblIjA5_q0KqKQrveVsO8NapfTswA/s1600/date3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7WZf97B48WzZ52wQB2a8zd1u79GlCtliCSxkgorhOAGb-kOKg7KsTeipJ2BKwD54pY83G65s3EvBq2lc6260UDtHCraHLK59OGKs8L-3SfGeMiecblIjA5_q0KqKQrveVsO8NapfTswA/s640/date3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Ivory gracefully rose to her feet. "Temper, temper." She walked towards him, a slight smile on her lips. "Come along then Romeo, and I'll teach you how to be with a real woman, and not those little girls you've dealt with in the past. And if you're good," She sidled up to him, "I'll give you a taste of what a f*cking real woman is like."<br />
<br />
_______________________________________________________________________________________<br />
<br />
Notes: I just wanted to say thank you again to Jenn, for loaning me her Ivory sim for my story. Ivory Mist is available to be downloaded <b><a href="http://simsasylum.com/tfm/index.php?/topic/7213-ivory-mist-for-nirar-or-anyone/">here</a></b>, but you must be registered to see it. If you are interested in the real Ivory, check out Jenn's<a href="http://simsasylum.com/tfm/index.php?/topic/7331-jenns-random-stuff-2/"> thread</a>, where she posts stuff not only about Ivory, but about all of her lovely rainbow sims. =)<br />
<br />
Aaaand---Raven is back! Way long time ago, I put her on ice so to speak, in case I ever wanted to bring her back. Raven is back and is pulling Ivory's strings. And I hope you all got the gist that Raven is a nasty, twisted person, lol She was referring to Ethan btw, in case that wasn't obvious. The one she *loved*. She was chosen to be his Mate, but well, he met Kei, lol, and the rest, as they say, was history.<br />
<br />
I am going to attempt to put some closure to some of my plotlines, since I am getting closer to being finished with this challenge. What's awful though, is my memory, and I have to keep looking up my own stuff, lol :P So we'll see how that all goes!<br />
<br />
It's not the first time that Jacob was caught stealing, but it is the first time he actually had consequences for it. Jacob is his father's son, and he can't resist a challenge, so he'll prove to his father that he is better than him, and this should pretty much keep him on the straight and narrow now.<br />
<br />
Colin and Ivory. *sigh* They are a challenge to write, but I think of them this way: As two wounded animals, snarling and snapping at each other as they circle around, both drawn in and repelled by each other at the same time. <br />
<br />
Gen goal is social bunny, so Colin has been dutifully making his rounds, like taking his kids to the park for a group outing. Strangely, they all had a great time, lol Jada is quite the scheming little munchkin, she has learned what makes her Dad tick. Nick is really quiet, and likes lots of hugs. He pretty much follows Jada's lead. <br />
<br />
I don't have to worry about his fighter goal, Colin takes care of that himself. I turn my back for 2 seconds, and he's off fighting some guy, they probably disrespected him, lol He can't stand to be disrespected.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
A few outtakes, just for fun!<br />
<br />
Ivory wonders, why me?? <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt8ctK_i-SjTjZIglA8e1NM5f9Z5znb4wuJq2K29za5ea-yVqNbjNH8gRZwCdDiLiXnbbkShnrgx2uD4dU42sY_C_jKYrqPpVICY5-AVnh_ClAAU_Tl99533uxxxeZ66HZgd7fX8QUgvY/s1600/outake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt8ctK_i-SjTjZIglA8e1NM5f9Z5znb4wuJq2K29za5ea-yVqNbjNH8gRZwCdDiLiXnbbkShnrgx2uD4dU42sY_C_jKYrqPpVICY5-AVnh_ClAAU_Tl99533uxxxeZ66HZgd7fX8QUgvY/s400/outake.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
If looks could kill...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_2sKpj0Va63TzEVlCkqGqDtr1sE0p1LGDS3SlkvaKxCjNfRmClnJHIpO-fyHcNWzv4pYad-lwlqUHaFgb_iFZlAml-N_lIWIMZ9f-ZsgdRskrbqrau0MU82FCnV_HnLJXjlYJ9ZrxlWc/s1600/outake1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_2sKpj0Va63TzEVlCkqGqDtr1sE0p1LGDS3SlkvaKxCjNfRmClnJHIpO-fyHcNWzv4pYad-lwlqUHaFgb_iFZlAml-N_lIWIMZ9f-ZsgdRskrbqrau0MU82FCnV_HnLJXjlYJ9ZrxlWc/s400/outake1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Vampires live...FOREVER!!! Case in point---here is Tristan Van Gould, alive and well, and still young looking!! Egads, he buried his wife (Nira Kahekili) eons ago, most of their kids were vamps as well, so they are still running around too. Genetically, Tristan is Cece's sim. =) <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvbzgr4cKETP750ykhaIKuoDOsLCmbxRUYmn2gxdE_9veuvSqrPJfeEQQaqwyjy-CeueKD0SDO5au1QL3jVvSaAOXD8-BqrgWEpdvN0WhqqgT5bo8iItqwRGtVi_H57qGhsbRCgb0g7LM/s1600/outake2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvbzgr4cKETP750ykhaIKuoDOsLCmbxRUYmn2gxdE_9veuvSqrPJfeEQQaqwyjy-CeueKD0SDO5au1QL3jVvSaAOXD8-BqrgWEpdvN0WhqqgT5bo8iItqwRGtVi_H57qGhsbRCgb0g7LM/s400/outake2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Thanks for reading! Next chapter will show Colin as boyfriend material, lol And Ivory as girlfriend material, ha! =D Will the world end?!<br />
<br />Nirarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15253184399668018141noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2767753407529003708.post-72679391064258668882013-10-24T21:39:00.000-07:002013-10-24T21:39:18.389-07:00Chapter 71: Made in China<h3>
Warning: This chapter has lots of bad language and lots of bad behavior. Read at your own risk!</h3>
<br />
<br />
"F*ck" The trip to China was long and boring as h*ll, and now this sh*t.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ydWpPqbWM2scsrgC5iN2sR3JEZxryu1iV24xHWhQF9p9-HwUwE6T73lYRXSuQ_oux4M7-Ez1Qo5ihpjgV4GGA9dZoW6ODRhiJVSzeZwDgIGStMbfu6Vtz2sDuFDDX9mZ3TaSdLVNNEk/s1600/China.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ydWpPqbWM2scsrgC5iN2sR3JEZxryu1iV24xHWhQF9p9-HwUwE6T73lYRXSuQ_oux4M7-Ez1Qo5ihpjgV4GGA9dZoW6ODRhiJVSzeZwDgIGStMbfu6Vtz2sDuFDDX9mZ3TaSdLVNNEk/s640/China.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Really? They couldn't have found him a f*cking hotel that didn't have a thousand f*cking stairs? "Sh*t." By the time he reached the top, it would be time to f*cking go home again.<br />
<br />
He was hung over, jet lagged, dying for a f*cking cigarette, and all he wanted to see was a f*cking bed and the back of his f*cking eyelids. He grumpily stomped towards the stairs. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6cT8fgH5dbTmmiQ6jAtXGSKBx0cw7juO5oZ_Xn9mVMN6uSlpZj96LymmVndbOM41bPAKOe59BfDHFCZ4F6ZYLRLJKbF6w1QmupVuGDEQC7iMHDfL-LRTYBNVmx-B-Uk_RnBY88fUADLk/s1600/China1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6cT8fgH5dbTmmiQ6jAtXGSKBx0cw7juO5oZ_Xn9mVMN6uSlpZj96LymmVndbOM41bPAKOe59BfDHFCZ4F6ZYLRLJKbF6w1QmupVuGDEQC7iMHDfL-LRTYBNVmx-B-Uk_RnBY88fUADLk/s640/China1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
~<>~<br />
<br />
<br />
Twenty four hours later, and his mood was a little more improved. He had laughed at the hotel clerk, Mr.Chan, when he had told Colin everyone rode bicycles here. Bicycles. F*ck that, he wasn't riding any stupid f*cking bicycle. It had taken a few hours to locate a motorcycle similar to the one he had home, but with Colin prodding him, Mr. Chan had managed to do so. Colin had sleep, wheels, and a pack of smokes, now he just needed to find something to do. He had a whole day to kill.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS68vJL4SOEu6kO2xO2yxuqrAYKQh28Cr_VtPJ7uuURessWL1XdY-0wn1N9VjlZJvbaDiCjgTs4Up9MYgUaYI3Tga6Flb67AVv5lKJ8TW64dRbr-WQwb4jTnpFMnAf9erDnb3IDNnBuQ4/s1600/China2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS68vJL4SOEu6kO2xO2yxuqrAYKQh28Cr_VtPJ7uuURessWL1XdY-0wn1N9VjlZJvbaDiCjgTs4Up9MYgUaYI3Tga6Flb67AVv5lKJ8TW64dRbr-WQwb4jTnpFMnAf9erDnb3IDNnBuQ4/s640/China2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Imperial City. A place for Emperors. Colin parked his motorcycle and jumped off. It seemed as a good as a place as any to look around.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT7iK9PwY3V74-ZjgkzBwOm03ULFCYqPRMCtbEYyAZTOKvWF6WJ6Z-op0UcqUs0O9VZmcEIyU-RQbIE9gcx3UJSl-TYmPCgmmJ2ed3D8seLpjMbmm59dS2ezEcR9EOXT4BEN5GXe_IS9c/s1600/china3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT7iK9PwY3V74-ZjgkzBwOm03ULFCYqPRMCtbEYyAZTOKvWF6WJ6Z-op0UcqUs0O9VZmcEIyU-RQbIE9gcx3UJSl-TYmPCgmmJ2ed3D8seLpjMbmm59dS2ezEcR9EOXT4BEN5GXe_IS9c/s640/china3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
He was disappointed to realize it was a tourist trap, and the shops were filled with stupid sh*t that only a f*cking sentimentalist would want to buy. Really? A f*cking Chinese vase? He could easily find half a dozen of the f*cking things back home, all stamped with Made in China. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCR39ySlNToWRCDeN4z9w7wdYyjLTGGuENn0t_fPR1SZ-LuAc5xvPpl91jJMia5eRXmiBv2delgdtk0c_IHipyMnox1J0AYIo4-89LrhOMRWgnEW2HNoZ1ZlsGvFlbsEaugmv5yr-RNB8/s1600/china4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCR39ySlNToWRCDeN4z9w7wdYyjLTGGuENn0t_fPR1SZ-LuAc5xvPpl91jJMia5eRXmiBv2delgdtk0c_IHipyMnox1J0AYIo4-89LrhOMRWgnEW2HNoZ1ZlsGvFlbsEaugmv5yr-RNB8/s640/china4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
A pair of curved swords caught his eye though, until he realized they too were fake, made in China sh*t.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGGPzDNeTBBoLWNrnFCHNsClJ0uImjhOkMorkY6oAgTmsYoI-j3rrj-xYvKs9w4JSt_9aVQ1ZklEpRYbb8KHN8o2Oqvm84NY4fn5gc4Mh5b_fpYL817P74WPnRKGeWgK6Rynk5dxLH_hg/s1600/china5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGGPzDNeTBBoLWNrnFCHNsClJ0uImjhOkMorkY6oAgTmsYoI-j3rrj-xYvKs9w4JSt_9aVQ1ZklEpRYbb8KHN8o2Oqvm84NY4fn5gc4Mh5b_fpYL817P74WPnRKGeWgK6Rynk5dxLH_hg/s640/china5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Even the clerks were f*cking stupid, and just stared at him with their tongues hanging out like some kind of f*cking retard.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtnKKH13sT2zRmwO6bViDbOg0H6eYO0ZcLvs_1gUP_W45GQTD-TGfPN7BhpsD-XrDT1zAriBzb2A_bg9Jj-qUd498cuk5kQhEjJGoIfM-jbCgM0UFcRABk7AIFhsNibWJmePTbHxQMOMk/s1600/china6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtnKKH13sT2zRmwO6bViDbOg0H6eYO0ZcLvs_1gUP_W45GQTD-TGfPN7BhpsD-XrDT1zAriBzb2A_bg9Jj-qUd498cuk5kQhEjJGoIfM-jbCgM0UFcRABk7AIFhsNibWJmePTbHxQMOMk/s640/china6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
He was about to write the whole f*cking day off as a big f*cking waste of his time, when he walked into the last store, a bookstore. The clerk was even female. Even if she ended up being stupid as sh*t it wouldn't matter to him, females he could work with, and maybe his f*cking day wouldn't be so f*cking wasted after all.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwq18DzFm8DgQM3cRNybB6RYooPLxRAkcpqxVdeIoATlnBAZrBb991nIeFGiq8rt7twalm13-NmbtfX44oDASwuQU7BIyNIKZ35-JYD0Y2j3_ZL3IWqLJnJScHaTQS-3iTiVznff2RJRA/s1600/china7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwq18DzFm8DgQM3cRNybB6RYooPLxRAkcpqxVdeIoATlnBAZrBb991nIeFGiq8rt7twalm13-NmbtfX44oDASwuQU7BIyNIKZ35-JYD0Y2j3_ZL3IWqLJnJScHaTQS-3iTiVznff2RJRA/s640/china7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Colin had never really understood why he held such appeal to the opposite sex, but he didn't really care about the whys either. He only knew that he was irresistible to females.<br />
<br />
He didn't care if they were married, engaged, or single. He didn't care if they had kids, lived in a hovel, or even what their names were. He only cared about one thing. How quickly he could f*ck them, and then forget them.<br />
<br />
He was almost bored with how easy it all was.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0eoKKtNCuQPA7TldelhFbHTo7xVa5fG2wiP9Muxg8wB_WQEZhohvOnKYaa2UN6-Ubpo6a9HtZSpJcGpOkCoCvVGB4GSu7F81MgcHdZ4x0jwkAVsCPYkhL04fthkK6ubm5vi-2HjidZy4/s1600/china8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0eoKKtNCuQPA7TldelhFbHTo7xVa5fG2wiP9Muxg8wB_WQEZhohvOnKYaa2UN6-Ubpo6a9HtZSpJcGpOkCoCvVGB4GSu7F81MgcHdZ4x0jwkAVsCPYkhL04fthkK6ubm5vi-2HjidZy4/s640/china8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
At least a quick f*ck in the water closet relieved some of his frustrations.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpvjGLf5mbt8osrYcZyrYid0HfZzMmjbDzC3BrRFCbbAL4B_EDpM8cJ_I68ywrdddhUaJmAehP-ab0chYeD0hCry0uZMlXaxQmEbY7szsKMz4G3wnIXKIqHOLuAX0jFBEd0YLlJLlaL-4/s1600/China9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpvjGLf5mbt8osrYcZyrYid0HfZzMmjbDzC3BrRFCbbAL4B_EDpM8cJ_I68ywrdddhUaJmAehP-ab0chYeD0hCry0uZMlXaxQmEbY7szsKMz4G3wnIXKIqHOLuAX0jFBEd0YLlJLlaL-4/s640/China9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
He was done with the sight seeing, and ready to move on. It was too early to go back to his hotel room, he wasn't in the mood for any more Chinese, but he was hungry. He had seen some cherry trees outside of the town limits, so he stopped to pick some.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrKl39BjeBR6HHk0P3B07SWyWdfBvp0JaXjU_0rKGqP0d-XRhg9OzNRrewyxcwKWQY11vyVGnCVM0-852LwlyVthR0LqW1wBKcawkJJvzvyW49F4KJvZIg_wLyX2PCkP5YPVKaVXGgMEg/s1600/china10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrKl39BjeBR6HHk0P3B07SWyWdfBvp0JaXjU_0rKGqP0d-XRhg9OzNRrewyxcwKWQY11vyVGnCVM0-852LwlyVthR0LqW1wBKcawkJJvzvyW49F4KJvZIg_wLyX2PCkP5YPVKaVXGgMEg/s640/china10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The next morning he got his a*s handed to him on a platter, and by a female who had the temerity to grin at him afterwards. It p*ssed him off, and he tried again, and again, and again, but she somehow used his strength against him each time. "F*ck!" he snarled, as he picked himself up again.<br />
<br />
"You slow learner." she observed.<br />
<br />
"How the f*ck do you do that? I never lost a fight before today, it's f*cking humiliating."<br />
<br />
She shook her head slightly. "We no fight, we spar, see? You have too much emotion, not enough discipline."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ls0mfZzgCGhfF1S5OTIWMFsL57J49_Dh8BY_chm-ZyhlUu7HetrRWmCJrYZt_aR91QYqNJsa7E7Faq-O_8UNdzGGBZS2RzXNJH6LtnEQghyIQArds4OTGiSzLn7H37qjZyeE1oaubng/s1600/china11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ls0mfZzgCGhfF1S5OTIWMFsL57J49_Dh8BY_chm-ZyhlUu7HetrRWmCJrYZt_aR91QYqNJsa7E7Faq-O_8UNdzGGBZS2RzXNJH6LtnEQghyIQArds4OTGiSzLn7H37qjZyeE1oaubng/s640/china11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
"That's your f*cking professional opinion, is it?"<br />
<br />
She nodded, then she spoke softly, "You very angry man, you must push anger away. The fire of anger, only burns the angry. My name is Wu, I teach Wu Ying Tao, the formless way. We bend, we move, we use others' energy, redirect it, make it our own."<br />
<br />
Colin stared at her. "You can teach me to kick your a*s?"<br />
<br />
She laughed and her eyes sparkled with glee. "Maybe, that is up to you. Will you be able to handle my class?" She shrugged. "Only time will tell."<br />
<br />
Colin stiffened. Be able to? What the f*ck? Like there was some doubt? Of course he could. He could f*cking handle what the h*ll ever she sent his f*cking way. He narrowed his eyes. "You're on." He could f*cking do this, with his eyes f*cking shut and both hands f*cking tied behind his back.<br />
<br />
She grinned at him again. "You too predictable. We work on that."<br />
<br />
And work on it he did, for weeks and weeks, he used the training dummy, and sometimes he wondered which one was the dummy. It was only sheer stubbornness that kept him from walking. No f*cking female was going to get the best of him.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge6Y3BFvGkTlthjugIQfCIfw2C0b0PsRhSAWmxxv6-SvqrlxpZjtbzMVTLK4ZYaAEPATB1hfBJDuNZxcHlkh_jMKf6SY8XsZrN8m15ZhVRyVcfBSAzo7PAkYFfY4V4VbZlDNNCmw4CP_Y/s1600/china12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge6Y3BFvGkTlthjugIQfCIfw2C0b0PsRhSAWmxxv6-SvqrlxpZjtbzMVTLK4ZYaAEPATB1hfBJDuNZxcHlkh_jMKf6SY8XsZrN8m15ZhVRyVcfBSAzo7PAkYFfY4V4VbZlDNNCmw4CP_Y/s640/china12.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw0ytRlNYVKciUE_25YxPogObt7mAdSixrIUF46o7488LRwuBV_9QtLtoLctF_RUWaycbZHxLAfqPJdJGFHg5loRfThluJ7lJ1A9n5pnuvpVEmwvLfEC3-jkPbiiGkUD9CfeaDBtev2dY/s1600/china13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw0ytRlNYVKciUE_25YxPogObt7mAdSixrIUF46o7488LRwuBV_9QtLtoLctF_RUWaycbZHxLAfqPJdJGFHg5loRfThluJ7lJ1A9n5pnuvpVEmwvLfEC3-jkPbiiGkUD9CfeaDBtev2dY/s640/china13.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYCDSkVIFlVYEQviJHwtlDKqumwofvuX-BI9c-0sVKEvWa3N5q5qawMAMpFV_l6yfin9XAe6FfDh1nT_fhBEcWCzrUDr2GXTNnvmxIvRKZXNemLX3sLpo4sBVN1auKxmL8O7Wgofi2hYI/s1600/china14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYCDSkVIFlVYEQviJHwtlDKqumwofvuX-BI9c-0sVKEvWa3N5q5qawMAMpFV_l6yfin9XAe6FfDh1nT_fhBEcWCzrUDr2GXTNnvmxIvRKZXNemLX3sLpo4sBVN1auKxmL8O7Wgofi2hYI/s640/china14.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Until one day, it just clicked. All the words and teachings that Wu had taught him day after day, week after week, finally sunk in. D*mn. He was a f*cking slow learner.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ3ZPWyjAlEUP6fBl6npn-S3FyReRLcdqJpn4GBzEfmFC3UIrRfl8Y7eCcveXuEwCaWZAmRBYmzXwqC7o8WBa228M6oESR7Sfj76vG6ZqLcjl_rbsyAAfjuWkSNiaZHgV3FcVOctSzJag/s1600/china15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ3ZPWyjAlEUP6fBl6npn-S3FyReRLcdqJpn4GBzEfmFC3UIrRfl8Y7eCcveXuEwCaWZAmRBYmzXwqC7o8WBa228M6oESR7Sfj76vG6ZqLcjl_rbsyAAfjuWkSNiaZHgV3FcVOctSzJag/s640/china15.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
He found Wu in the outdoors garden. He grabbed her and pulled her into his arms, and kissed her hard.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj9PgNJkrUDdrgejlyxxdUJwmWNsXEAtGg_iA6ofOIUbt8GyHQEOnDLRP9rQXoVc7Z-_ZT4W2rl7MUcwabKJeh5W1wr3N6i3Coi8BeCJNqn3GRN2S9XtjMUQVHfFLRJCOW3lq4-xWXIs0/s1600/china16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj9PgNJkrUDdrgejlyxxdUJwmWNsXEAtGg_iA6ofOIUbt8GyHQEOnDLRP9rQXoVc7Z-_ZT4W2rl7MUcwabKJeh5W1wr3N6i3Coi8BeCJNqn3GRN2S9XtjMUQVHfFLRJCOW3lq4-xWXIs0/s640/china16.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
When he pulled back slightly, both of them were breathing hard, and her eyes were wide. "F*ck. I figured it out, Wu. I can f*cking kick your a*s tomorrow, but tonight, I'll settle for f*cking your a*s." He hadn't f*cked anyone in weeks, it was a new record for him, and not one that he had set out to accomplish either.<br />
<br />
He had spent countless f*cking hours, hacking and chopping at a hunk of wood that clobbered him back instead, determined that he would not be beat, and he hadn't been. He had won! With euphoria racing through his blood, he felt like f*cking superman, which only made him feel edgier, in need of the release that only f*cking gave him. <br />
<br />
Wu didn't question, but just followed him to the showers, where he f*cking showed her who was actually in charge.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-hjPW4tjikW6QnlW6LQcpHk5-tF2fFnHYyFb7RC0eQXBj4t6Qo4JuViy6b0LTWscutOYKJ4e56VYhJWxQLVPlnVWokhwsQkLYoByYQ5Qybpt8eg_SGklNA23TTEbuLiMihpAgsVrPjV4/s1600/china17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-hjPW4tjikW6QnlW6LQcpHk5-tF2fFnHYyFb7RC0eQXBj4t6Qo4JuViy6b0LTWscutOYKJ4e56VYhJWxQLVPlnVWokhwsQkLYoByYQ5Qybpt8eg_SGklNA23TTEbuLiMihpAgsVrPjV4/s640/china17.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Before he left China, Wu gifted him with his own training dummy, so that he could practice at home she said. Not lose his discipline or concentration. He kissed her one last time, before boarding his flight home. Home. He sighed. He both missed it, and dreaded it.<br />
<br />
<br />
~<>~<br />
<br />
<br />
As soon as he stepped in the door, he was accosted by a bigger version of his daughter, Jada. "Daddy! You're home!" She hugged him quickly, then pulled away before he could push her away. "You're home just in time!" she said excitedly.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMPKKUuCZ9hzJji7_3wOXhHaD_Qjh7n0t7tJ6_4mspT0QvRhh-5RgWlf4DvnDGKCk_sz4fN3TRvBGLWmZj_h-0beJhqDhbCnYs_79ZAJn9MlSFP7rnqRdAFfrNbopdbedvYF7DzcDd_mc/s1600/home.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMPKKUuCZ9hzJji7_3wOXhHaD_Qjh7n0t7tJ6_4mspT0QvRhh-5RgWlf4DvnDGKCk_sz4fN3TRvBGLWmZj_h-0beJhqDhbCnYs_79ZAJn9MlSFP7rnqRdAFfrNbopdbedvYF7DzcDd_mc/s640/home.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
"In time for what?" he asked cautiously.<br />
<br />
"To take us to the City Park of course!" His boys came crashing down the stairs, and skidded to a stop in front of him. Jada grabbed Colin's arm before he could form a protest, and the boys pushed him from behind as they half dragged, half pushed him down to the City Park. He must still be jet lagged, that had to be the only f*cking reason why he had allowed himself to be dragged to a stupid f*cking park.<br />
<br />
But he wasn't f*cking happy about it.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu94FQzTK0m-YXm2eIsntMHE3Ku78fDDlhnjTCYTd4nbSbq0LnQZP9L1_9_-McOOAx-rrndlSiJQWPg9taqIQ3iLDXQPToa5Bvdg52JMikJ7kftPUDFcs30IuEsk2suO3EYtqS1-Lg2MY/s1600/home1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu94FQzTK0m-YXm2eIsntMHE3Ku78fDDlhnjTCYTd4nbSbq0LnQZP9L1_9_-McOOAx-rrndlSiJQWPg9taqIQ3iLDXQPToa5Bvdg52JMikJ7kftPUDFcs30IuEsk2suO3EYtqS1-Lg2MY/s640/home1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Then he spotted a woman, and suddenly his mood improved. "Okay, you little sh...maggots, here's some money, go buy yourselves a lollipop or something, what the h*ll ever, just f*cking scram."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrHOQ1U75ZVXWRVbo_Cbk9jsAP73E7ZcgxyYWy-wo-FoOVkh15xUY4K5eVp8y4FLLhSbkiuUInvjknsW7NqRZZKoUjOYpNHMN1sfq3BSh-UW9r8EgJqNks5x2HDFlLXj0vW2EBOkLv-2M/s1600/home2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrHOQ1U75ZVXWRVbo_Cbk9jsAP73E7ZcgxyYWy-wo-FoOVkh15xUY4K5eVp8y4FLLhSbkiuUInvjknsW7NqRZZKoUjOYpNHMN1sfq3BSh-UW9r8EgJqNks5x2HDFlLXj0vW2EBOkLv-2M/s640/home2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
"But Daddy!" Jada said, uncertainly, "Don't you want to spend time with us? You just got home!"<br />
<br />
"I ain't no f*cking baby." Jacob yelled. "I don't eat lollipops."<br />
<br />
Nick just silently watched.<br />
<br />
"F*ck no, I'd pick f*cking a woman over you little sh...maggots any day. Eat lollipops or eat dirt, f*ck, I don't care. Just stay the h*ll away from me, you little sh...maggots really cramp my style. F*ck." he muttered as he walked away.<br />
<br />
He approached the woman in question, and whispered a few words in her ear. She giggled, and allowed him to lead her back behind some bushes, where he showed off his life saving techniques.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTOwFOIx2h62xHK4SdDoglfFeokpyqh6fGmsUVRoWzuSN7EQOdVGthyphenhyphencAde6Jh02HRPFW4Z3VK0KQ_SuVy7HZ5m_cawD7aE4Txfm-1GctGe4Y3aiPrOtLYMakpvsxfUb7msGb_Cv0qUbs/s1600/home3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTOwFOIx2h62xHK4SdDoglfFeokpyqh6fGmsUVRoWzuSN7EQOdVGthyphenhyphencAde6Jh02HRPFW4Z3VK0KQ_SuVy7HZ5m_cawD7aE4Txfm-1GctGe4Y3aiPrOtLYMakpvsxfUb7msGb_Cv0qUbs/s640/home3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"What did I do?" Jada asked her brothers.<br />
<br />
Jacob hugged her. "Nothing Jada, Dad is just a big fat jerk."<br />
<br />
"He's not fat." Nick interjected.<br />
<br />
"What's he doing in those bushes?" She got on her tippy toes, trying to look over the bushes. "They sure are making a lot of noise back there."<br />
<br />
Jacob pulled her back. "He's gross too. Let's go see if we can get some cotton candy or something, okay?"<br />
<br />
She shrugged. "Okay."<br />
<br />
<br />
~<>~<br />
<br />
<br />
"I really think you should consider remarrying. While you and Natalie weren't the best match, I believe there is someone out there that will fit you perfectly. You won't know unless you try, and look, and your kids could really use the stability." Alder could barely believe those words were coming out of his mouth. It must be the end of the world! Wouldn't his mother be proud to hear those words though, and his Dad would.... Alder sighed sadly. His Dad would just grin at him, and wink. He missed his parents. While his mother was alive and well, he rarely ever saw her. At one time he would have considered that a blessing. "Colin? Are you listening?"<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEeZwdh3oPa13UXJHBpVeNNTj8VDPWQ4rj6c4rrIkWuN3xU_gUGzxQFYqZ9TUc8dPocqzmCcoChmg5X4NO2HTYDA3Wcum7XWCghWePx_vXhMksclUn16_aSPtlIafzvYajXHvGFUYk-vI/s1600/marry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEeZwdh3oPa13UXJHBpVeNNTj8VDPWQ4rj6c4rrIkWuN3xU_gUGzxQFYqZ9TUc8dPocqzmCcoChmg5X4NO2HTYDA3Wcum7XWCghWePx_vXhMksclUn16_aSPtlIafzvYajXHvGFUYk-vI/s640/marry.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
In response, Colin laughed, hysterically. "Grandpa, you have some funny notions. The last f*cking thing I need is a f*cking wife. What a pain in the a*s they are, almost as bad as f*cking maggots. At least the maggots will f*cking grow up and move away someday. A wife? F*ck no."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrl1DFTdeDJHkhbgu2bjbphzniPRq2k7hwcdExAd36ukRs2zmqfkuQZ5HaMpDhXOJuskBB1tnTdgmAnuMJcpaVOBsdhChHh8LsEl5M_20qu_oOA2BuJuDfKSCfT0Ps8C8o6rUx4WVivVs/s1600/marry1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrl1DFTdeDJHkhbgu2bjbphzniPRq2k7hwcdExAd36ukRs2zmqfkuQZ5HaMpDhXOJuskBB1tnTdgmAnuMJcpaVOBsdhChHh8LsEl5M_20qu_oOA2BuJuDfKSCfT0Ps8C8o6rUx4WVivVs/s640/marry1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Alder smiled at him, not taking any offense to his words. He remembered how he used to think, and how things might have been different if he hadn't been so adamant about thwarting his mother, instead of just focusing on what he actually wanted. All those wasted years, he would not wish that on anyone, let alone his grandson. Alder would learn from his mother's mistake though, and he wouldn't push it. "Well, I still think it would be a good idea. Just keep it in mind, okay?"<br />
<br />
Colin rolled his eyes. "Whatever you say Grandpa."<br />
<br />
Later that night, Jacob walked outside by himself. He stared moodily at the surrounding water, he wanted to be alone on his birthday, and outside was the only place he could find. He didn't want to deal with the pitying looks from his grandparents, or great grandparent, and he really didn't want to deal with his Dad's sh*t.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDIVpVLz2xTIKBnS8qnDeoMslz-8rWDsavwQiaf2BClhEiAj8xJg5t2Dvde9t3OBrRjLM4KtJQuLb19uQLP1gF21d0-rbyMu_EQQrdsXQEZnFJ6-maDP-Z4iABVaFpi12QI1GLJfKso04/s1600/Jacob+teen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDIVpVLz2xTIKBnS8qnDeoMslz-8rWDsavwQiaf2BClhEiAj8xJg5t2Dvde9t3OBrRjLM4KtJQuLb19uQLP1gF21d0-rbyMu_EQQrdsXQEZnFJ6-maDP-Z4iABVaFpi12QI1GLJfKso04/s640/Jacob+teen.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
He picked up a rock, and threw it into the water. He stared into it's murky depths. Why him? Why did he have to have the world's most f*cked up father?<br />
<br />
<br />
~<>~<br />
<br />
<br />
She was the first thing he saw when he walked into the bar.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi37d4klxSnPONfWV_qXSNv0o0CFY6BdUTBj_GZEWClowTWpCzropwqPzrHI_t3SHmpds6h0EUJ1BSGGJH-EnLjFlApi-SZcNd5nIfSuBmE0b0x5s1dZ7K4mrjsNCr8Vv-vqgFR2FM-r0s/s1600/Ivory.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi37d4klxSnPONfWV_qXSNv0o0CFY6BdUTBj_GZEWClowTWpCzropwqPzrHI_t3SHmpds6h0EUJ1BSGGJH-EnLjFlApi-SZcNd5nIfSuBmE0b0x5s1dZ7K4mrjsNCr8Vv-vqgFR2FM-r0s/s640/Ivory.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
It was a seedy little dive on the northern tip of Dragon Valley, and Colin had just bought it out a few weeks ago. He spent a lot of time in places like this, he didn't see why he couldn't hang out and make money at it at the same time. He sure as f*ck spent enough money in them.<br />
<br />
He let his eyes follow the curve of her spine, down the short skirt that barely covered her firm a*s, to her sexy long legs. F*ck yeah. He wanted some of that. She was talking to the mixologist, Pete, her voice was husky, but smooth as silk. He was instantly enchanted. Who the f*ck was this angel? And how did she end up in his bar when it didn't open yet for another two hours? <br />
<br />
He came up behind her, she instantly stiffened, but he ignored that, and wrapped one arm around her, pulling her in closer to his warmth. He loved the way she smelled, of sea and sunshine, and sand, and danger. F*ck yeah, he loved the aroma of danger. He whispered in her ear. "If you're looking for a job Angel, then you're hired."<br />
<br />
She turned in his arms, fire in her eyes, and he got his first look at her. Whatever she was going to say to him though, died on her lips, as she stared back at him.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGHtHRgY4Od8Tsarge-JIgJlgdLaXkP3YmGiJG5ISbof2NPORjfT1X3gMQhSyVriQUjJEIt_aO5AJPFyHscYQ_-u6bPPJb1ro_dTcq5hUCq3h-9a76zm4ajvvMWQ6l-N6FsrA8NDUtrXI/s1600/Ivory1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGHtHRgY4Od8Tsarge-JIgJlgdLaXkP3YmGiJG5ISbof2NPORjfT1X3gMQhSyVriQUjJEIt_aO5AJPFyHscYQ_-u6bPPJb1ro_dTcq5hUCq3h-9a76zm4ajvvMWQ6l-N6FsrA8NDUtrXI/s640/Ivory1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
F*ck. She was magnificent. The air crackled around them. She slowly licked her lips, and boldly let her eyes wander down his body, taking him in as he had done to her earlier. He casually pushed away from her, and gave her his cocky smile, trying to mask the mass confusion that ran through his brain. Why the h*ll did he react so strongly to her? F*ck. Beyond wanting a piece of a*s, he never reacted to a woman like this, she f*cking overloaded his senses, the only thing that made him feel a little better, was that she was obviously affected too, and trying her best not to f*cking show it either.<br />
<br />
He sat down on a nearby chair, and affected an aura of calmness he did not feel. "F*cking mute, huh? You just may be the most f*cking perfect woman I have ever seen in that case."<br />
<br />
That kicked the fire up in her eyes. She walked towards him, and Colin couldn't look away even if he had wanted to, when she got within a foot of him, she crossed her arms and tilted her head slightly. "Is that so? I would think a guy such as you would get off hearing his woman scream his name while she's being f*cked by him, instead of laying there mute."<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU172TudJtbyaxtcfP3x21_y5zFvFPNk-_P1Y-CLbQtBir4b6txbSdgUE5TG4PvJjigO7uneYXtddCob4V-vRKFtbWiKxJrrhn_SjMn-Tz7FogyqCrXkv3ufN1ndJHSDnTyojPP20znVM/s1600/Ivory2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU172TudJtbyaxtcfP3x21_y5zFvFPNk-_P1Y-CLbQtBir4b6txbSdgUE5TG4PvJjigO7uneYXtddCob4V-vRKFtbWiKxJrrhn_SjMn-Tz7FogyqCrXkv3ufN1ndJHSDnTyojPP20znVM/s640/Ivory2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"Is that an invitation Angel? Shall we prove your point? I'm f*cking ready whenever you are."<br />
<br />
"Does that line usually work for you?" Her words were scornful, but he could see the desire she tried to hide behind the scorn. She was as f*cking hot for him as he was for her.<br />
<br />
He shrugged. "Usually."<br />
<br />
"So, what, they just drop their panties," Ivory gracefully shimmied out of hers, giving him hints of her body but not letting him fully see, "and then they straddle you," she climbed onto his lap, "and then what?" She rocked her hips, rubbing her body against his, drawing a moan from herself and him. <br />
<br />
"Sh*t." He grabbed her a*s, needing to feel more of her as she threaded her hands in his hair and tugged on him.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghHrnNYDSYZ-pc3tueQbB0yz_goiy0PRECX-I_fX4yTA_7tW9cwSZw0GzhyphenhyphenRbofMQWJrs24tFHXzy30t-8erZTvipGfbBjZQW1e_C0vYfMROVL-PFR0PBClLEDqUZxNdPvqv_voLXnhv4/s1600/Ivory3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghHrnNYDSYZ-pc3tueQbB0yz_goiy0PRECX-I_fX4yTA_7tW9cwSZw0GzhyphenhyphenRbofMQWJrs24tFHXzy30t-8erZTvipGfbBjZQW1e_C0vYfMROVL-PFR0PBClLEDqUZxNdPvqv_voLXnhv4/s640/Ivory3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
"Then what Stud?" she huskily whispered in his ear. "Do you just f*ck, like an animal?" She rubbed against him again, and nipped at his neck. He let one hand slip up her skirt, and skim her thighs, stroking higher and higher, her breathing hitched. Colin was afraid that if he didn't get his pants off f*cking now, he was going to f*cking disgrace himself.<br />
<br />
To his shock, she abruptly stood up, and fluffed her hair. "Well, as amusing as all of this has been, I've got an appointment to go to." She waved her fingers at him, and blew him a kiss. "F*ck you a*shole." she said as she sashayed away. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf5c2aPJX87qISnhmABj-DxO49J8jBWBwV5LUzlm1jVEUXliMXxbFs1qzuCEixBkHeBeEvj9TFgiRp_ibo4HTPfDjw8FC7fYlFKNgx33kWdkt7JahkT70XYk8KumiTHaGlEJPP7YYLTIg/s1600/Ivory4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf5c2aPJX87qISnhmABj-DxO49J8jBWBwV5LUzlm1jVEUXliMXxbFs1qzuCEixBkHeBeEvj9TFgiRp_ibo4HTPfDjw8FC7fYlFKNgx33kWdkt7JahkT70XYk8KumiTHaGlEJPP7YYLTIg/s640/Ivory4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Colin watched her leave, bemused. His body was still rock hard and aching, and demanding release. He knew he could finish the job himself, or find another girl within minutes, but neither idea appealed to him. He wanted the one that had just jacked him up, but had then walked away from him, and he had stupidly watched her go like a f*cking moron. If he'd had his sh*t together, he would have followed her. <br />
<br />
For the first time in longer than he cared to remember, he was p*ssed that he didn't even get her name. How the f*ck could he find her? Or should he let her find him? He was rather well known, while he had never seen her before.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2RTP8wAXEXBHQlXEIxkDf0_oBdUMAJIVQP9xTJ2T9YQkT3rXdlR8BHsfpz8LK8pJms4x0M8lM6SNtzQmLN4MqSxVsR5X5csGFQf2pVLxMIYxHV4Sldd9nwgPambRERL-FEjFUfvStI5s/s1600/Ivory5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2RTP8wAXEXBHQlXEIxkDf0_oBdUMAJIVQP9xTJ2T9YQkT3rXdlR8BHsfpz8LK8pJms4x0M8lM6SNtzQmLN4MqSxVsR5X5csGFQf2pVLxMIYxHV4Sldd9nwgPambRERL-FEjFUfvStI5s/s640/Ivory5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
What the f*ck was she doing in his bar anyway? She wasn't looking for a job, since she didn't exactly jump at his offer. And how the h*ll had she gotten in? Pete must have let her in, did that mean Pete knew who she was? He turned to look at his mixologist, who was staring at him with a sort of horrified fascination.<br />
<br />
<br />
______________________________________________________________________________<br />
<br />
Notes: Dun Dun Dun! So enters my mysterious character. Who is she? What's her name? What does she want? What is she up to? Haha, all of that you'll find out later. I promise she is a big part of the story, and Colin is about to meet his match! =D I cannot tell you how excited I am about this storyline, I only hope I write it well enough, lol :P I have been steadily taking pictures for it, for weeks now, so that when I was ready to write it, most of the pictures would already be done. Now I just need the words, lol<br />
<br />
I also want to say a big thank you to Jenn, for letting me use her sim, I really appreciate it! She's perfect for this role. <br />
<br />
I laughed when I saw Alder go up to Colin and start talking about marriage, that was too funny, and of course I had to write that in. Elly really would have loved it, she's off in fairy land though, still grieving the loss of her Reilly.<br />
<br />
Colin has advanced pretty quickly with the Martial Arts skill (Mostly because Wu seemed to imply he couldn't, and that is like waving a red flag at a bull for Colin.), which is good, he's gonna need it later. =)<br />
<br />
And----sorry all, I couldn't help myself, I had to write all those bad puns! lol :P Resistance was futile...<br />
<br />
Next chapter you will all learn a lot more about my mystery girl. I'm almost done with writing it, I'm still trying to nail down one particular scene...<br />
<br />
Thanks for reading!! <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
</h3>
Nirarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15253184399668018141noreply@blogger.com10