It was once again Christmas at the Stewart household, and as always Madeline had invited everyone to come and join them. Isobel and Christian had come home the night before, laden with gifts and laughter. There were things to be caught up on, games to be played with Ainsely and homework to be gone over with Jake. The family was complete once again, and everyone seemed perfectly happy, despite some of the difficult things that had occured in the past year. Some subjects, like Izzy's baby, were avoided entirely.
Isobel herself seemed unusually cheerful. Which was quite a feat, considering that she was typically a happy person. The guest list was enormous. Every teacher from CBA had been invited. Julie had come early to help with cooking, dragging Derek in tow. The two had been an odd couple for a number of year now, but Julie seemed to have leashed the wandering man. Mostly. Alyssa was there, with her little girl Twyla. Her husband was working somewhere, wherever in the country his music had taken him this time.
David and Alaster were, as always invited but they would arrive later. Aidan and Josephine, had arrived not so long ago. Their children were in Italy, and the couple would be flying out to join them the next day. Vivianna was there too, and with her boyfriend. Aidan kept looking daggers at him, and Isobel felt sympathy for the boy.
The party was going at full swing. Nine year old Ainsley had commandeered Twyla, who was exactly her age. The two girls were playing ponies and having a grand old time. Josephine and Julie were in the kitchen with Madeline, having tossed out all of the males. Except for Jonathan, who insisted on staying and completeing his tradition of always cooking the dinner. Morgan, Aidan and Tetsu were all sharing stories about kids and running off anyone interested in them. Derek hovered near the conversation, totally in agreement with everything said. Alyssa sat on the couch, chatting with the twins and Jake.
As if the house wasn't full enough, the door opened once more to admit Bailee and Jenny with their little baby, Valentine. Isobel swooped down on the baby, relieving Jenny of her burden. Alyssa and Jenny gravitated towards each other, talk of marriage and babies first on their minds. Izzy returned to Chris, holding the baby boy, cooing all the while. Bailee followed her, striking up a conversation with her twin, only pausing when Ainsley and Twyla wandered over to show off their beautifully styled manes. The newcomers had just settled in, when the door opened for the final time. Three people squeezed into the house, David and Alastar quickly joining the men of their own age. David had claimed his grandson, so Isobel walked over to Viviana and her boyfriend. They chatted for a while, adding Roo to their number.
It was a few minutes into the conversation, that Edgar (Vivianna's date), cleared his throat and pointed above Isobel's head. She blinked and looked up, staring stupidly at the twig that dangled from the ceiling. She kept staring at it, until someone's hand touched her face. She looked at Roo, and felt her stomach sink. They'd not yet shared with anyone their relationship aside from Christian.
Roo's smirk spelled doom for Isobel, but she wondered if doom had ever looked so good before. She smiled back, and placed what could pass for a chaste kiss to his lips. Roo, however, had other ideas. He pulled her close, deepening the kiss. Somewhere behind her, she heard Chris groan. She knew that at least one glass dropped, and what was Alyssa wolf-whistling them. That was all before she began to kiss Roo back. It was a few minutes before Isobel pulled away. She looked at Edgar, who was staring at them in horror.
"It was like kissing family." She reassured him. In the background she heard Chris smack his palm into his forehead, and heard Jake mutter 'she better never kiss me like that'.
However, it was the ominous sound of her father's throat clearing that had her turning with dread. Roo took her hand, and she clasped it tightly.
"Don't tell me I forgot to tell everyone." She said meekly.
(OOC: My inspiration.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLMJtmFfxf8 )
Friday, November 30, 2007
Who knows how to love you without being told
The train was cold, and Jenny could see her breath in the space in front of her. She had to constantly question why she'd wanted to desperately to go to school at Yale. Sure, she had been thrilled that she was smart enough and had high enough grades to attend- Reid's good word had helped greatly too, but Jenny couldn't help but wish that she'd chosen to attend a school closer to New York. Catching a train to Union Station, and then riding the Subway to catch a taxi to go to visit someone for Christmas....it was a pain.
Her suitcase was stashed securely at her feet, and Jenny felt her hand raise to play with the necklace that always hung around her neck. Bailee Malone, her boyfriend, had given it to her two years ago for Christmas, and Jenny rarely took it off. The silver rose pendant was so pretty and simple. Jenny felt that is suited a Library Science major. A soft smile stole to her lips, as she anticipated spending Christmas with Bailee's family.
The subway lurched to a stop, and Jenny stood with her suitcase, and fought her way off the thing. Walking to the surface, she hailed a cab, and told him her address. She hadn't seen Bailee in four months. This was their second year of college, and they were getting used to the separation. They'd discovered that it made their moments together that much more sweet. The taxi pulled up in front of the little bungalow, and Jenny paid her fare before grabbing her belongings and heading to the door.
Nerves took her when she reached the door, but she knocked anyway. Over the past seven years, Jenny had come to know Bailee's family well. The door swung open, revealing Reuben. The boy grinned.
"Hey, Jen. You're lookin' good."
She smiled at Bailee's adoptive brother, and slid past him through the door. Her eager eyes searched for Bailee, but she didn't see him. His father, David, walked out of the kitchen and she didn't bother to hide the disappointment in her eyes.
"Hey, Jennifer! Bailee went to grab some last minute things for supper, but he'll be home soon. Roo, take Jenny's suitcase down to Bailee's room. We set up a cot down there for you." Jenny smiled at David, and he hugged her. "Welcome home, gorgeous." he whispered to her.
The truth of his words caused Jenny to smile. He was right- she was more home here than she ever had been. She shed her coat and hung it up, sitting on the couch to wait for Bailee. She was entertained by Reuben, who insisted on sharing details of his life while 'practicing getting his flirt on'. Jenny was treated as a patient and wise older sister, which she supposed she was. She'd been chatting with Reuben for nearly half an hour when the door opened.
"Hey, Dad. Sorry I'm late, the lines were-"
Bailee was cut off, for Jenny had bolted from the couch and flung herself at him. She had really, really, missed him. His free arm went around her, immediatly speaking soft words into her ear. Reuben wisely took the bag from his brother's other arm, taking it to the kitchen where their two fathers were busy cooking. Jenny and Bailee stayed as they were for some time. Mostly they didn't say anything, possessing a relationship that transcended words. After a bit, Jenny wandered into the kitchen to offer her help, and Bailee played cards with Reuben.
Dinner was a fun and rambunctious affair as it always was in this household. Jenny loved it, and was the center of most of the mischief. She was relaxed here, and let out her talkative and playful streak that until now was mostly only witnessed by Bailee. Bailee spent much of his time refereeing between Jenny and Reuben. The two were very good at bouncing ideas off of each other. He couldn't say that he minded all that much.
Later that night, after everyone was tucked into bed, Bailee kissed Jenny's forehead which jolted her into wakefulness.
"Take a walk with me, Jenny?"
Of course Jenny agreed, and soon the two found each other walking hand in hand.
"It was nice to see you comfortable with my family." Bailee finally commented.
"I love your family. They're so vibrant and friendly." She didn't mention that she could see herself as a permanent part of the family dynamics. She'd always known that she wanted to marry Bailee someday, and she was sure he knew that as well.
"Jenny..." Bailee paused, stopping and turning Jenny to face him, drawing her into his arms. It had begun to snow in the course of their walk, and Jenny was cold. She blew on her free hand to warm it. Bailee frowned at the cold appendage, and took it between his own hands, warming it.
"I love you. And I-I want to make a statement that shows just how much I do love you." He cleared his throat. "I think we've always known where we would end up, but I....I want everyone else to know too."
Bailee took her left hand- which he already held, and slipped a ring on it.
"Will you marry me?"
Jenny's only answer was a kiss that took Bailee's breath away.
Her suitcase was stashed securely at her feet, and Jenny felt her hand raise to play with the necklace that always hung around her neck. Bailee Malone, her boyfriend, had given it to her two years ago for Christmas, and Jenny rarely took it off. The silver rose pendant was so pretty and simple. Jenny felt that is suited a Library Science major. A soft smile stole to her lips, as she anticipated spending Christmas with Bailee's family.
The subway lurched to a stop, and Jenny stood with her suitcase, and fought her way off the thing. Walking to the surface, she hailed a cab, and told him her address. She hadn't seen Bailee in four months. This was their second year of college, and they were getting used to the separation. They'd discovered that it made their moments together that much more sweet. The taxi pulled up in front of the little bungalow, and Jenny paid her fare before grabbing her belongings and heading to the door.
Nerves took her when she reached the door, but she knocked anyway. Over the past seven years, Jenny had come to know Bailee's family well. The door swung open, revealing Reuben. The boy grinned.
"Hey, Jen. You're lookin' good."
She smiled at Bailee's adoptive brother, and slid past him through the door. Her eager eyes searched for Bailee, but she didn't see him. His father, David, walked out of the kitchen and she didn't bother to hide the disappointment in her eyes.
"Hey, Jennifer! Bailee went to grab some last minute things for supper, but he'll be home soon. Roo, take Jenny's suitcase down to Bailee's room. We set up a cot down there for you." Jenny smiled at David, and he hugged her. "Welcome home, gorgeous." he whispered to her.
The truth of his words caused Jenny to smile. He was right- she was more home here than she ever had been. She shed her coat and hung it up, sitting on the couch to wait for Bailee. She was entertained by Reuben, who insisted on sharing details of his life while 'practicing getting his flirt on'. Jenny was treated as a patient and wise older sister, which she supposed she was. She'd been chatting with Reuben for nearly half an hour when the door opened.
"Hey, Dad. Sorry I'm late, the lines were-"
Bailee was cut off, for Jenny had bolted from the couch and flung herself at him. She had really, really, missed him. His free arm went around her, immediatly speaking soft words into her ear. Reuben wisely took the bag from his brother's other arm, taking it to the kitchen where their two fathers were busy cooking. Jenny and Bailee stayed as they were for some time. Mostly they didn't say anything, possessing a relationship that transcended words. After a bit, Jenny wandered into the kitchen to offer her help, and Bailee played cards with Reuben.
Dinner was a fun and rambunctious affair as it always was in this household. Jenny loved it, and was the center of most of the mischief. She was relaxed here, and let out her talkative and playful streak that until now was mostly only witnessed by Bailee. Bailee spent much of his time refereeing between Jenny and Reuben. The two were very good at bouncing ideas off of each other. He couldn't say that he minded all that much.
Later that night, after everyone was tucked into bed, Bailee kissed Jenny's forehead which jolted her into wakefulness.
"Take a walk with me, Jenny?"
Of course Jenny agreed, and soon the two found each other walking hand in hand.
"It was nice to see you comfortable with my family." Bailee finally commented.
"I love your family. They're so vibrant and friendly." She didn't mention that she could see herself as a permanent part of the family dynamics. She'd always known that she wanted to marry Bailee someday, and she was sure he knew that as well.
"Jenny..." Bailee paused, stopping and turning Jenny to face him, drawing her into his arms. It had begun to snow in the course of their walk, and Jenny was cold. She blew on her free hand to warm it. Bailee frowned at the cold appendage, and took it between his own hands, warming it.
"I love you. And I-I want to make a statement that shows just how much I do love you." He cleared his throat. "I think we've always known where we would end up, but I....I want everyone else to know too."
Bailee took her left hand- which he already held, and slipped a ring on it.
"Will you marry me?"
Jenny's only answer was a kiss that took Bailee's breath away.
Feel the rain on your skin
Morgan Hearst watched the raindrops trail down the window, anticipation filling every bit of his being. He pulled his eyes from the rain to look at the clock, impatience etched in his face. It was fifteen minutes until four, and Madeline was supposed bring Isobel to stay with him for the weekend, and he knew that he was nearly as excited as his little girl would be. Tetsu had gone for the weekend, Jojo having stolen him to go to some concert or another. Instead of an empty place, silent with just himself and Shakespeare, the apartment would be full with the laughter of his younger child.
Ten minutes until four, Maddie's car pulled into the parking lot. Madeline was always early, and for once, Morgan was grateful. He yanked open his door, taking the steps down two at a time. He never got to spend enough time with his children, and envied Jonathan the time he got with them. He reached the parking lot just as the back door of the car opened. A little dark-haired bounded out of the back seat, sprinting towards Morgan. His face split in a large grin, and he caught her in a bear hug as she threw herself at him.
"Daddy!"
Morgan held her close, lifting her off her feet, taking in the smell of her shampoo and the smell of little girl that seemed to cling to Izzy. He was heedless of the rain, as was Isobel. He knew that his daughter loved to play in the rain, and he had the sneaking suspicion that before the night was over, they would be back out in this mess. He looked up from his child, and smiled at Madeline, walking over to her. The woman, still as beautiful as she always had been, held an umbrella in one hand, and a vivid purple suitcase in the other. Morgan approached her, leaning over to kiss her cheek.
"Good afternoon, Maddie."
Her smile was infectious as she held out the suitcase to him.
"You're both drenched." It was said in good humor, and she quickly shut the back car door, to keep her younger daughter from getting chilled. "I packed extra clothes and cold medicine, because I know she'll want to play in it again." Morgan nodded, a smirk on his lips.
"Give Ainsley a kiss for me, and tell Jon that if he has any more kids, he'll need a second job." In a moment of immaturity, Madeline stuck her tongue out at him, before kissing Isobel's head.
"Be good for your Daddy. I'll pick you up on monday morning to take you to school."
Isobel beamed at her mother, waving goodbye, before hugging her father once more.
"I love you sooooo much, Daddy!" Morgan chuckled softly, carrying Izzy and the suitcase up the stairs to his apartment. Once there, he set Izzy on the couch, and took her suitcase to her room. With Chris not with them, he knew that his nine year-old daughter would want to sleep with him. He'd already changed the sheets in anticipation of that (what sort of man let his daughter sleep in a bed with soiled sheets? And his sheets were oh-so very soiled). Returning to her, he ran his blue eyes over the girl who had turned on music and was dancing in his living room.
Izzy pounced towards Shakespeare, who hopped quick as a flash to Morgan's room. Morgan smiled, and picked her up from behind, spinning her around in a circle, before setting her on her feet once more. Isobel grinned, laughing and giggling at the maneuver. Morgan peered over her head at you.
"What do you want to do, Is?"
The girl grinned at him.
"Play in the rain!" Morgan laughed, and nodded, ruffling her hair. Isobel stripped her shoes and socks off, and the two went downstairs to play in the rain. First they spun in circles to catch the drops in their mouths; then they splashed in puddles soaking each other to the bone. Finally they ran in circles until Izzy's lips started turning blue. Then they went inside.
Once both were in dry clothes, they headed to the kitchen to make cookies. Morgan set Isobel on the counter so that she could reach anything and off they were. Before long, Morgan scooped a bit of the dough on his finger and smeared it down Isobel's face. Squealing with delight, Izzy retaliated, and in the end there was more dough on them than on the cookie sheet. After changing clothes yet again (Morgan realized with some amusement that Madeline had packed Izzy about eight outfits), they settled down to watch movies, and eat the few cookies that they'd managed to bake.
The next two hours were spent watching Disney movies, and singing along with the songs. Morgan knew every word by heart. Isobel didn't, but she pretened, opening her mouth and belting out the melody line in a surprisingly sweet and talented alto voice. When they were too tired to continue watching movies anymore, Morgan announced that it was bedtime. Isobel protested, as tradition demanded, and Morgan would growl and 'harrass' her as she went about brushing her teeth. While she changed in the bathroom, Morgan also got ready for bed.
He was laying on his bed, reading a magazine and stroking Shakespeare when Isobel clambored onto the big bed. Morgan tucked her in, turned out the light, and slid under the covers. Izzy nearly immediatly snuggled against her father's back, and it wasn't long before Morgan heard her soft snores. Then he, too, drifted off to sleep.
The next morning, Izzy woke first, bored but unwilling to move from her Daddy's warm side. In the night he'd rolled over, pulling her into his arms as they slept. Izzy looked up, at her father, and smiled. She poked his chest, finally reduced to tickling him into wakefulness. Morgan opened one blue eye, looking down into it's miniature mirror-image.
"I love you, Daddy."
Morgan smiled, kissing her forehead.
"I love you too, Princess." He pulled her close in a bear hug, and closed his eyes once more. The best part was that he still had two full days of this.
Ten minutes until four, Maddie's car pulled into the parking lot. Madeline was always early, and for once, Morgan was grateful. He yanked open his door, taking the steps down two at a time. He never got to spend enough time with his children, and envied Jonathan the time he got with them. He reached the parking lot just as the back door of the car opened. A little dark-haired bounded out of the back seat, sprinting towards Morgan. His face split in a large grin, and he caught her in a bear hug as she threw herself at him.
"Daddy!"
Morgan held her close, lifting her off her feet, taking in the smell of her shampoo and the smell of little girl that seemed to cling to Izzy. He was heedless of the rain, as was Isobel. He knew that his daughter loved to play in the rain, and he had the sneaking suspicion that before the night was over, they would be back out in this mess. He looked up from his child, and smiled at Madeline, walking over to her. The woman, still as beautiful as she always had been, held an umbrella in one hand, and a vivid purple suitcase in the other. Morgan approached her, leaning over to kiss her cheek.
"Good afternoon, Maddie."
Her smile was infectious as she held out the suitcase to him.
"You're both drenched." It was said in good humor, and she quickly shut the back car door, to keep her younger daughter from getting chilled. "I packed extra clothes and cold medicine, because I know she'll want to play in it again." Morgan nodded, a smirk on his lips.
"Give Ainsley a kiss for me, and tell Jon that if he has any more kids, he'll need a second job." In a moment of immaturity, Madeline stuck her tongue out at him, before kissing Isobel's head.
"Be good for your Daddy. I'll pick you up on monday morning to take you to school."
Isobel beamed at her mother, waving goodbye, before hugging her father once more.
"I love you sooooo much, Daddy!" Morgan chuckled softly, carrying Izzy and the suitcase up the stairs to his apartment. Once there, he set Izzy on the couch, and took her suitcase to her room. With Chris not with them, he knew that his nine year-old daughter would want to sleep with him. He'd already changed the sheets in anticipation of that (what sort of man let his daughter sleep in a bed with soiled sheets? And his sheets were oh-so very soiled). Returning to her, he ran his blue eyes over the girl who had turned on music and was dancing in his living room.
Izzy pounced towards Shakespeare, who hopped quick as a flash to Morgan's room. Morgan smiled, and picked her up from behind, spinning her around in a circle, before setting her on her feet once more. Isobel grinned, laughing and giggling at the maneuver. Morgan peered over her head at you.
"What do you want to do, Is?"
The girl grinned at him.
"Play in the rain!" Morgan laughed, and nodded, ruffling her hair. Isobel stripped her shoes and socks off, and the two went downstairs to play in the rain. First they spun in circles to catch the drops in their mouths; then they splashed in puddles soaking each other to the bone. Finally they ran in circles until Izzy's lips started turning blue. Then they went inside.
Once both were in dry clothes, they headed to the kitchen to make cookies. Morgan set Isobel on the counter so that she could reach anything and off they were. Before long, Morgan scooped a bit of the dough on his finger and smeared it down Isobel's face. Squealing with delight, Izzy retaliated, and in the end there was more dough on them than on the cookie sheet. After changing clothes yet again (Morgan realized with some amusement that Madeline had packed Izzy about eight outfits), they settled down to watch movies, and eat the few cookies that they'd managed to bake.
The next two hours were spent watching Disney movies, and singing along with the songs. Morgan knew every word by heart. Isobel didn't, but she pretened, opening her mouth and belting out the melody line in a surprisingly sweet and talented alto voice. When they were too tired to continue watching movies anymore, Morgan announced that it was bedtime. Isobel protested, as tradition demanded, and Morgan would growl and 'harrass' her as she went about brushing her teeth. While she changed in the bathroom, Morgan also got ready for bed.
He was laying on his bed, reading a magazine and stroking Shakespeare when Isobel clambored onto the big bed. Morgan tucked her in, turned out the light, and slid under the covers. Izzy nearly immediatly snuggled against her father's back, and it wasn't long before Morgan heard her soft snores. Then he, too, drifted off to sleep.
The next morning, Izzy woke first, bored but unwilling to move from her Daddy's warm side. In the night he'd rolled over, pulling her into his arms as they slept. Izzy looked up, at her father, and smiled. She poked his chest, finally reduced to tickling him into wakefulness. Morgan opened one blue eye, looking down into it's miniature mirror-image.
"I love you, Daddy."
Morgan smiled, kissing her forehead.
"I love you too, Princess." He pulled her close in a bear hug, and closed his eyes once more. The best part was that he still had two full days of this.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
It's time we met, and made a mess
Isobel woke up with the knowledge that there was a decent-sized body of water quite close to her. Unsure if she'd awoken next to a lake, or a pond again, she forced her eyes to open, and see just where she was. The ceiling that met her eyes was unfamiliar, as were the walls around her, and the furniture. The blanket that covered her was also foreign, and she wanted to scream. But that's when she realized that the arms that encircled her were not strange. One wrist crossed over her shoulder, locked in by a hand at her side. Izzy reached out a finger to trace the tattoo that covered the wrist, bemused by it.
It was odd to be waking up in Roo's bed, and she wasn't sure how settling it was just yet. Somewhere in the back of her mind, Isobel knew that her family wouldn't approve, and she feared that they might ask her to leave the gentle and funny man that she'd come to love. Isobel hadn't believed that she could ever be happy again, after the death of her little baby, but here she was, happier than she'd been in a very long time. She snuggled closer against her lover's body, hoping that no one would walk in and see that Reuben Hughes was tucked snugly into bed with one of his students.
It was a little amusing, the fact that Isobel had followed in her father's footsteps, only in reverse. She knew that her mother would prefer Roo to Aiden, knowing how he'd been raised and by whom. She may have always given Roo fits before, but that was when she'd thought that Roo was simply teasing and toying with Isobel's heart. Isobel had no doubt that her mother would give her blessing; which mean that Papa Jon wouldn't be too far behind. He sided with Madeline on nearly everything. That left only Morgan and Tetsu; and Izzy had Tetsu wrapped around her little finger.
Isobel rolled over, so that she could face Reuben as he slept. He looked so gentle, and so sweet in his sleep. Isobel fought the impulse to kiss him, and lost, leaving a very light kiss upon his lips. She'd always wanted this, somewhere deep inside, and she was pretty sure he had too.
It was odd to be waking up in Roo's bed, and she wasn't sure how settling it was just yet. Somewhere in the back of her mind, Isobel knew that her family wouldn't approve, and she feared that they might ask her to leave the gentle and funny man that she'd come to love. Isobel hadn't believed that she could ever be happy again, after the death of her little baby, but here she was, happier than she'd been in a very long time. She snuggled closer against her lover's body, hoping that no one would walk in and see that Reuben Hughes was tucked snugly into bed with one of his students.
It was a little amusing, the fact that Isobel had followed in her father's footsteps, only in reverse. She knew that her mother would prefer Roo to Aiden, knowing how he'd been raised and by whom. She may have always given Roo fits before, but that was when she'd thought that Roo was simply teasing and toying with Isobel's heart. Isobel had no doubt that her mother would give her blessing; which mean that Papa Jon wouldn't be too far behind. He sided with Madeline on nearly everything. That left only Morgan and Tetsu; and Izzy had Tetsu wrapped around her little finger.
Isobel rolled over, so that she could face Reuben as he slept. He looked so gentle, and so sweet in his sleep. Isobel fought the impulse to kiss him, and lost, leaving a very light kiss upon his lips. She'd always wanted this, somewhere deep inside, and she was pretty sure he had too.
I bend to the earth
She was waiting at 'their place', wondering if he would ever come. She had news for him, two bits of news, in fact. She didn't know how he would take it, and the nerves had her pacing. She wished, momentarily, that she had her sister's nerves of steel. That little girl could look anything in the face without flinching. It made her a challenge to deal with, because threats washed right off her. Izzy wished that she possessed Ainsley's talent just now. She plopped down on the ground behind the famous trouble spot of the gymnasium of CBA. It was now nearing Midnight, and far past curfew.
Isobel was just nodding off, when someone touched their lips to hers. Her eyes flashed open, and she was happy to see the Fifth year, Aiden Jones, seated before her. She smiled, and launched herself into his arms, happy when his arms closed around her. She hadn't wanted the sex, even up until the moment that it happened, but she was so scared that if she'd said no, that Aiden would leave her. She couldn't handle that. Her secret boyfriend kissed her once more, and then pulled away.
"What was the all-important news, Iz?" He asked her fondly.
Isobel took a deep breath, before plunging on.
"Aiden, I'm pregnant."
Fear flashed over Aiden's face, though he quickly masked it. He didn't know what to say, or how to handle this. He'd never meant to get her knocked up- he wished now that he'd been more careful than just fooling around with her.
"It's okay, Iz, we'll figure something out..."
"There's more."
Startled, Aiden looked her full on, and watched her lips form the words that he dreaded hearing, that made him feel so sick inside.
"You're Gifted?"
Standing, his grip on Isobel's arm forced her to rise with him. Rage marked his features, and he twisted Izzy's arm behind her back.
"Stop! Aiden, you're hurting me!"
"I banged a Gifted freak!" He yelled. "I fathered a child on some freak of nature."
With one harsh movement he flung Isobel away from him, watching as she twisted to land on her hip, somehow succeeding to protect her baby.
"Aiden..."
"- you make me sick, Isobel. I never want to see you again!"
With that, the man that Isobel had thought was the love of her life, walked away. That night, she crept into Christian's dorm room- a practice that his room mates were well-used to. She curled up at her twin's feet, sobbing. Christian, who felt her pain, drew her into his arms and under the covers, holding her as fear wracked her body with sobs.
Isobel was just nodding off, when someone touched their lips to hers. Her eyes flashed open, and she was happy to see the Fifth year, Aiden Jones, seated before her. She smiled, and launched herself into his arms, happy when his arms closed around her. She hadn't wanted the sex, even up until the moment that it happened, but she was so scared that if she'd said no, that Aiden would leave her. She couldn't handle that. Her secret boyfriend kissed her once more, and then pulled away.
"What was the all-important news, Iz?" He asked her fondly.
Isobel took a deep breath, before plunging on.
"Aiden, I'm pregnant."
Fear flashed over Aiden's face, though he quickly masked it. He didn't know what to say, or how to handle this. He'd never meant to get her knocked up- he wished now that he'd been more careful than just fooling around with her.
"It's okay, Iz, we'll figure something out..."
"There's more."
Startled, Aiden looked her full on, and watched her lips form the words that he dreaded hearing, that made him feel so sick inside.
"You're Gifted?"
Standing, his grip on Isobel's arm forced her to rise with him. Rage marked his features, and he twisted Izzy's arm behind her back.
"Stop! Aiden, you're hurting me!"
"I banged a Gifted freak!" He yelled. "I fathered a child on some freak of nature."
With one harsh movement he flung Isobel away from him, watching as she twisted to land on her hip, somehow succeeding to protect her baby.
"Aiden..."
"- you make me sick, Isobel. I never want to see you again!"
With that, the man that Isobel had thought was the love of her life, walked away. That night, she crept into Christian's dorm room- a practice that his room mates were well-used to. She curled up at her twin's feet, sobbing. Christian, who felt her pain, drew her into his arms and under the covers, holding her as fear wracked her body with sobs.
My Tetsu
It was late; and dark. Isobel lay under her covers, wishing that she could crawl in bed with Christian, like she used to. But she couldn't because Christian wasn't there. Izzy wasn't used to the absence of her twin, and she didn't like it. Not one little bit. Morgan had taken his son out for some sort of weekend with Christopher. Something about the men in the Hearst family. Frankly, Isobel didn't care. She wanted her Christian!
Mama and Papa Jon had sent her to stay with Tetsu, because little Jake was sick, and they needed to focus their weekend on getting him better. Isobel felt like they loved her less than they loved the toddler, and she curled up tight under the blankets of her bed. She sniffled once, and then sniffled again. Before long, the little girl was all-out sobbing into her pillow. She didn't want to be alone anymore!
The six-year-old crawled out of bed, and padded quietly into the softly lit living room. She blinked her bright blue eyes against the light, which seemed bright to her eyes after laying in the dark for so long. She sniffled, and blinked to let her eyes adjust. When they did, she noticed that Tetsu was sitting in her Daddy's chair, reading a magazine. Without thinking, Isobel walked over to him, and pulled herself into his lap, laying her head on his chest.
The man was clearly startled, looking down at his lover's daughter. The big tear-filled blue eyes that looked up at him reminded him so much of Morgan's, that a soft smile tilted the corner's of his lips, and he reached out to stroke her hair. The child merely continued to cry. Tetsu frowned momentarily, concerned about the little girl.
"What's wrong, Isobel?"
The child remained silent, letting her soft cries and hiccups fill the silence.
"Izzy?"
"I miss Chris, and Mama and Papa Jon don't love me anymore, and Daddy didn't take me with him, and I miss him too....and, and....do you still love me Tetsu?" The words fell in a rush from the six-year-old's lips, and it took Tetsu a moment to sort the sleep and tear slurred words. His hand continued to stroke her hair.
"Of course I still love you, and so does your mother, and Jonathan." He sighed. "Chris will be home soon, and your Daddy wanted to take you, trust me?"
The child nodded.
"I love you too, Tetsu."
Isobel sat up and kissed Tetsu's cheek, before settling her head back on his chest. It didn't take her long to fall asleep, and Tetsu merely smiled and went back to reading his magazine.
Mama and Papa Jon had sent her to stay with Tetsu, because little Jake was sick, and they needed to focus their weekend on getting him better. Isobel felt like they loved her less than they loved the toddler, and she curled up tight under the blankets of her bed. She sniffled once, and then sniffled again. Before long, the little girl was all-out sobbing into her pillow. She didn't want to be alone anymore!
The six-year-old crawled out of bed, and padded quietly into the softly lit living room. She blinked her bright blue eyes against the light, which seemed bright to her eyes after laying in the dark for so long. She sniffled, and blinked to let her eyes adjust. When they did, she noticed that Tetsu was sitting in her Daddy's chair, reading a magazine. Without thinking, Isobel walked over to him, and pulled herself into his lap, laying her head on his chest.
The man was clearly startled, looking down at his lover's daughter. The big tear-filled blue eyes that looked up at him reminded him so much of Morgan's, that a soft smile tilted the corner's of his lips, and he reached out to stroke her hair. The child merely continued to cry. Tetsu frowned momentarily, concerned about the little girl.
"What's wrong, Isobel?"
The child remained silent, letting her soft cries and hiccups fill the silence.
"Izzy?"
"I miss Chris, and Mama and Papa Jon don't love me anymore, and Daddy didn't take me with him, and I miss him too....and, and....do you still love me Tetsu?" The words fell in a rush from the six-year-old's lips, and it took Tetsu a moment to sort the sleep and tear slurred words. His hand continued to stroke her hair.
"Of course I still love you, and so does your mother, and Jonathan." He sighed. "Chris will be home soon, and your Daddy wanted to take you, trust me?"
The child nodded.
"I love you too, Tetsu."
Isobel sat up and kissed Tetsu's cheek, before settling her head back on his chest. It didn't take her long to fall asleep, and Tetsu merely smiled and went back to reading his magazine.
Goodbye days
She held her arms tightly around him, not wanting him to go. Her face was hidden against his shoulder, feeling the soft fabric of his suit jacket against her cheek. She understood why he was leaving, and knew that it was for his own good. He would have income, and be near his mother. However, it meant that he had to leave her. A deep sob shook her frame, and her hands clenched around his jacket. She could feel his arms snugly around her, and didn't want to step away and break that contact. She knew that she was going home for the new year, to celebrate it with her family in Japan. She would see him then.
But that was such a long time from now. She felt his lips press against the top of her head, and heard them call for his flight. Much as she didn't want to, she pulled away, wiping at her eyes. She didn't know what to say, or even if she had words to say anything. The source of her music was brimming with in, the chords of a sad ballad vibrating through her bones. Despite the fact that she felt many muses calling her from the room, she didn't have the heart to listen to them, or to the music. She looked up at Kenji, wanting to tell him that she loved him, and that she missed him. Sadly, there were no words.
There must have been no words in Kenji's heart either. He opened his mouth, and then stopped, closing it as though it was the most painful thing he could ever do. He leaned down, pressing his lips to hers, lifting her off her feet and spinning her around for their goodbye kiss. He pulled away and set her down, releasing her so that he could walk away. As he stepped back, she took his sleeve, and pulled him back.
"Aishiteru."
He smiled briefly, dropped another kiss to her lips, and jogged off to catch his plane. Nanami watched him with tears spilling from her eyes. Soundless, wordless sobs that could do nothing to express the depths of her pain. Hands from behind her took her shoulders, turning her towards the body that possesed them. Nanami buried her head in Evander's shoulder, crying her heart out. After a few minutes, her brother slipped his arm around her shoulders, and led her from the airport.
But that was such a long time from now. She felt his lips press against the top of her head, and heard them call for his flight. Much as she didn't want to, she pulled away, wiping at her eyes. She didn't know what to say, or even if she had words to say anything. The source of her music was brimming with in, the chords of a sad ballad vibrating through her bones. Despite the fact that she felt many muses calling her from the room, she didn't have the heart to listen to them, or to the music. She looked up at Kenji, wanting to tell him that she loved him, and that she missed him. Sadly, there were no words.
There must have been no words in Kenji's heart either. He opened his mouth, and then stopped, closing it as though it was the most painful thing he could ever do. He leaned down, pressing his lips to hers, lifting her off her feet and spinning her around for their goodbye kiss. He pulled away and set her down, releasing her so that he could walk away. As he stepped back, she took his sleeve, and pulled him back.
"Aishiteru."
He smiled briefly, dropped another kiss to her lips, and jogged off to catch his plane. Nanami watched him with tears spilling from her eyes. Soundless, wordless sobs that could do nothing to express the depths of her pain. Hands from behind her took her shoulders, turning her towards the body that possesed them. Nanami buried her head in Evander's shoulder, crying her heart out. After a few minutes, her brother slipped his arm around her shoulders, and led her from the airport.
I crawl to your name
"What's wrong with your voice?" The boy demanded, putting his hands on the little girl's shoulders, pushing her back. The child caught herself, looking up at the boy with calm brown eyes. She said nothing, only rubbed at one shoulder. The boy glared, and pushed her again.
"Say something! Go on, say something in that funny voice of yours again!"
Ainsley Stewart simply looked at her feet, not allowing the older boy to see the anger in her eyes. Ainsley had the patience of a saint, and it took a great deal more than merely being pushed around to ignite the child's temper. The boy shoved her once more, knocking Ainsely to the ground. She winced, but stayed where she had fallen.
"There's nothing wrong with my voice, nor the way I talk." The child's father was a scotsman, and she held a trace of his native accent in her soft voice. It was what the boy deemed as 'being wrong' with her voice.
Her classmate picked her up by the front of her shirt, setting her feet on the ground.
"Oh yeah? That isn't what I would call a normal voice!"
Ainsley wished desperately that one of her older siblings could be here- but Isobel and Christian weren't in the country, and Jake didn't go to this school anymore. The boy put his face in hers, and snarled. Again, Ainsley calmly looked back at him, glare for glare. This was unheard of, on the school's playground, and the boy walked away.
"Eejit." Ainsley scoffed.
Unfortunately for the little girl with the big brown eyes and matching braid, the boy heard what she'd said, and turned, smashing his fist into her face. The eight year old fell to the ground, trying not to cry or show the boy how much pain she was in.
"Ainsley!"
The voice roared across the playground, and all the children stopped to stare at the boy who now walked across the grounds unhindered. He was a tall boy, with messy brown hair, and brown eyes that mirrored and personified rage. It was Jacob Stewart, Ainsley's older brother, and the child who had inherited Jonathan's temper. True, it took a great deal to anger him, but hitting his younger sister had done it.
Before any teacher's had stopped him, Jake shot a glare to the boy who had hit his sister.
"How dare you! How dare you hit a little girl who simply has a different accent?!" The accent in his own voice came creeping out, reinforced by his anger. "If I ever see you lay a hand on my sister, I will not be responsible for my actions!" Turning from the boy, Jake knelt by his sister's side, grateful for a half-day and his mother's instructions to pick up his sister from school.
"You alright, Ains?" Ainsley shook her head, her hands over her face. Gentle hands belonging to her big brother pried her hands away, looking at the eye that was already turning red and purple. Jake stood up, hoisting his skinny sister into his arms, and carrying her off the playground. He had no intentions of stopping, and would let his parents deal with it. In the meantime, he wanted to get Ainsley home and get some ice on her eye.
And figure out a way to keep their relatives from killing someone.
"Say something! Go on, say something in that funny voice of yours again!"
Ainsley Stewart simply looked at her feet, not allowing the older boy to see the anger in her eyes. Ainsley had the patience of a saint, and it took a great deal more than merely being pushed around to ignite the child's temper. The boy shoved her once more, knocking Ainsely to the ground. She winced, but stayed where she had fallen.
"There's nothing wrong with my voice, nor the way I talk." The child's father was a scotsman, and she held a trace of his native accent in her soft voice. It was what the boy deemed as 'being wrong' with her voice.
Her classmate picked her up by the front of her shirt, setting her feet on the ground.
"Oh yeah? That isn't what I would call a normal voice!"
Ainsley wished desperately that one of her older siblings could be here- but Isobel and Christian weren't in the country, and Jake didn't go to this school anymore. The boy put his face in hers, and snarled. Again, Ainsley calmly looked back at him, glare for glare. This was unheard of, on the school's playground, and the boy walked away.
"Eejit." Ainsley scoffed.
Unfortunately for the little girl with the big brown eyes and matching braid, the boy heard what she'd said, and turned, smashing his fist into her face. The eight year old fell to the ground, trying not to cry or show the boy how much pain she was in.
"Ainsley!"
The voice roared across the playground, and all the children stopped to stare at the boy who now walked across the grounds unhindered. He was a tall boy, with messy brown hair, and brown eyes that mirrored and personified rage. It was Jacob Stewart, Ainsley's older brother, and the child who had inherited Jonathan's temper. True, it took a great deal to anger him, but hitting his younger sister had done it.
Before any teacher's had stopped him, Jake shot a glare to the boy who had hit his sister.
"How dare you! How dare you hit a little girl who simply has a different accent?!" The accent in his own voice came creeping out, reinforced by his anger. "If I ever see you lay a hand on my sister, I will not be responsible for my actions!" Turning from the boy, Jake knelt by his sister's side, grateful for a half-day and his mother's instructions to pick up his sister from school.
"You alright, Ains?" Ainsley shook her head, her hands over her face. Gentle hands belonging to her big brother pried her hands away, looking at the eye that was already turning red and purple. Jake stood up, hoisting his skinny sister into his arms, and carrying her off the playground. He had no intentions of stopping, and would let his parents deal with it. In the meantime, he wanted to get Ainsley home and get some ice on her eye.
And figure out a way to keep their relatives from killing someone.
Merry Christmas, darling.
The test was positive.
She’d been expecting that result, but there was a big difference in expecting it, and seeing it on the test. It was right there, displayed for everyone to see. She was pregnant. She thought about dancing, but realized that dancing was something she’d never been good at or fond of. No, dancing with joy wasn’t her style, but it didn’t mean that she wasn’t joyful. In fact she was thrilled. She had been trying so very hard to get pregnant- taking the tests to see when she was most fertile, and whatnot. Yeah, she couldn’t wait to tell everyone. The problem was, she was currently at a seminar half a country away from her husband. She wanted to tell him, but she wanted to do it in person, and she just couldn’t wait. Chewing on her lip for a moment, she picked up her cell phone so that she could call and tell at least someone.
She could hear the phone ringing on the other end of the receiver, and waited silently until she heard the phone click, and heard a very familiar- if gruff, voice on the other end of the phone. She knew that the person wouldn’t recognize her number, but she smiled anyway.
“Jason? Hi, this is Jenny Malone….I have some wonderful news.”
The voice immediately lightened as Jason Smith made the connection between Jennifer Hame and Jenny Malone. His smile was wide, and Jenny could hear it through the phone.
“Jenny? Wow, it’s been a long time. How are you, what’s your news?”
“I’m pregnant.”
She heard him chuckle, before he turned from the speaker to share the news with Olivia. Jenny heard Olivia’s congratulations, and had to give a smile of her own to the empty room, warmed by the joy and well-wishes of two of her closest friends.
“Congratulations, Jenny.” Jason’s voice was warm. “Does Bailee know?”
She heard Olivia’s voice telling Jason that of course Bailee knew, if Jenny was calling and telling other people, and why couldn’t he ever figure these things out on his own? It was a typical conversation between the two- with Olivia’s sweet chiding and Jason’s never predictable response.
“Actually, J, Bailee doesn’t know. I had to tell someone, and I want to tell him in person.
“Oh. Wow. See, Liv! Bailee doesn’t know, so ha!”
“J, you two never change.”
“I know. Jenny, listen up. I know you’re at one of those conference-things, but fly home. Tell him the news, don’t wait. Trust me, he’ll be happy that you did.”
“Alright, thanks as always for the advice, J.”
A few hours later, Jenny was driving a rental car home. It was just a few weeks before Christmas, and she had the best present in the world to give her husband. She pulled into their drive, looking at the small cottage-style home that she and Bailee owned. It was home, and she was so thrilled to be here. She pulled her keys out, and opened the door. She hadn’t told Bailee that she was coming home, she wanted to surprise him.
“Jenny?” Bailee walked out into the hallway, pushing his glasses back up to the bridge of his nose. “Honey, you’re home early…is everything okay?” He walked up to her, sliding his arms around her waist, and kissing her hair.
“I’m fine, Bails. I just….I came home to tell you something.” Bailee paused, pulling away to look at her. Jenny’s face flushed, and she fiddled with the rose necklace she always wore.
“I’m pregnant.”
She’d been expecting that result, but there was a big difference in expecting it, and seeing it on the test. It was right there, displayed for everyone to see. She was pregnant. She thought about dancing, but realized that dancing was something she’d never been good at or fond of. No, dancing with joy wasn’t her style, but it didn’t mean that she wasn’t joyful. In fact she was thrilled. She had been trying so very hard to get pregnant- taking the tests to see when she was most fertile, and whatnot. Yeah, she couldn’t wait to tell everyone. The problem was, she was currently at a seminar half a country away from her husband. She wanted to tell him, but she wanted to do it in person, and she just couldn’t wait. Chewing on her lip for a moment, she picked up her cell phone so that she could call and tell at least someone.
She could hear the phone ringing on the other end of the receiver, and waited silently until she heard the phone click, and heard a very familiar- if gruff, voice on the other end of the phone. She knew that the person wouldn’t recognize her number, but she smiled anyway.
“Jason? Hi, this is Jenny Malone….I have some wonderful news.”
The voice immediately lightened as Jason Smith made the connection between Jennifer Hame and Jenny Malone. His smile was wide, and Jenny could hear it through the phone.
“Jenny? Wow, it’s been a long time. How are you, what’s your news?”
“I’m pregnant.”
She heard him chuckle, before he turned from the speaker to share the news with Olivia. Jenny heard Olivia’s congratulations, and had to give a smile of her own to the empty room, warmed by the joy and well-wishes of two of her closest friends.
“Congratulations, Jenny.” Jason’s voice was warm. “Does Bailee know?”
She heard Olivia’s voice telling Jason that of course Bailee knew, if Jenny was calling and telling other people, and why couldn’t he ever figure these things out on his own? It was a typical conversation between the two- with Olivia’s sweet chiding and Jason’s never predictable response.
“Actually, J, Bailee doesn’t know. I had to tell someone, and I want to tell him in person.
“Oh. Wow. See, Liv! Bailee doesn’t know, so ha!”
“J, you two never change.”
“I know. Jenny, listen up. I know you’re at one of those conference-things, but fly home. Tell him the news, don’t wait. Trust me, he’ll be happy that you did.”
“Alright, thanks as always for the advice, J.”
A few hours later, Jenny was driving a rental car home. It was just a few weeks before Christmas, and she had the best present in the world to give her husband. She pulled into their drive, looking at the small cottage-style home that she and Bailee owned. It was home, and she was so thrilled to be here. She pulled her keys out, and opened the door. She hadn’t told Bailee that she was coming home, she wanted to surprise him.
“Jenny?” Bailee walked out into the hallway, pushing his glasses back up to the bridge of his nose. “Honey, you’re home early…is everything okay?” He walked up to her, sliding his arms around her waist, and kissing her hair.
“I’m fine, Bails. I just….I came home to tell you something.” Bailee paused, pulling away to look at her. Jenny’s face flushed, and she fiddled with the rose necklace she always wore.
“I’m pregnant.”
Following in her footsteps
Alright, well this is something new that I have copied from my friend Ree. I want to write drabbles of the characters that I role-play, and post them here. I think it's a brilliant idea, and I give her all my props for it. -nods- Yes I do. She's a genius, our Ree is. So, I shall begin. If anyone has any requests, I will be more than happy to attempt to write them.
All my love!
All my love!
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