I need you in my life

Ivory:

I spent a lot of time in the garden with dad. It was nice spending some time with him. He would explain how to fertilize the garden and what was best to use.

Mom was always working on another masterpiece.

Amy would always sneak off to catch a glimpse of Ali..the man of her heart.

One day she got lucky and she ran into him. I happened to be walking along the park and saw them. i hid behind a tree so Amy wouldn’t see me.

Amy ran to give him a hug and he pushed her away. As she asked “Why Ali? I thought you wanted to be with me.”

Ali shook his head sadly and said, “Things are changing Amy…I love you but I can’t be with you…I’m being deported. My student visa has expired and in this recession I can’t find a job. I have to go back to Egypt. This is good-bye Amethyst Jenson. I will never forget you.”

Amy tried to reach for him but Ali ran and hopped into a cab. I would never forget the look on her face as she saw Ali leave.

That night I gave birth to a little girl…Turquoise Jenson. We decided to call her T.J. for short. She seemed to be a bit of a tomboy.

It seemed as if red hair would always stay in our genes. She was an adorable little girl but I knew she would be my last child. Amy was already 21 years old, I should be a grandmother soon.

Amy:

The years seemed to pass by so quickly. T.J. and Walter were so close in age we decided to do a joint birthday party.

Walter looked exactly like Sam..

T.J. grew into more of a tomboy. She hated her long unruly ginger hair and freckles. Mom compromised with her by keeping it in pigtails and giving her overalls.

Watching my younger siblings get older made me wish I had a child of my own. I was watching the Lifetime Movie : Pregnancy Pact and it made me catch baby fever. I was already 27 now and had no significant other. I missed Ali everyday, I wanted him back. I knew exactly what I had to do….I called a travel agent.

I was going to Egypt to get Ali back.

Pushed away

Amy:

Sam was a really pretty cool guy.He didn’t try to be my dad or Ian’s, simply a guy who was in love with my mom.  That made him okay in my book.

He made mom happy, thats all that matters.

My dad never seemed to be able too. He told me he dumped her because she was too high maintenance. His family and him were being unreasonably charged with tax evasion. Sam was supposed to be keeping us safe from Dad, but they didn’t know dad like I did. He wouldn’t hurt anyone. Mom had an overactive imagination. Hopefully Sam didn’t realize it.

Ian was the same. Momma had brought him a playground set..which he loved.

Though he would constantly complain about various things that were bad for the environment. Mom was always at Sam’s side. They seemed to be in their own world.

In less than a year mom was pregnant again. She went shopping for a new maternity dress..it was a beautiful turquoise color.

They were a weird couple. They even played video games together…like didn’t they realize they were OLD!

They had to be like atleast late 30s early 40s. Ew.

Ivory:

Sam begged me to meet him at the beach. When I did he had a garment bag in his hand. He asked me to go to the park bathroom and change. I came out in a beautiful white sparkly gown and said “what is this about Sam?”

He smiled and said “I want us to get married.”

I smiled and said “Me too hun.”

“How about now?” Sam said with a huge smile. Sam took a ring out of his pocket and said “I promise to love you forever and ever. I promise to be a father to all of our children including Ian and Amy. I promise to be your friend first and your husband second.”

Sam slipped the ring on my finger. I looked down at it and stared.

I held his hand and said “Samuel ..I promise to always love you.  I promise to be your wife and best friend. I promise to encourage you when you feel defeated and to always hold you in my heart forever.”

We kissed…

The whole world seemed to stop before my eyes. I was in the arms of the man I loved.

The next couple of months was great.  Walter grew bigger and bigger. He looked more like Sam everyday.

Before I knew it..it was time for Amy’s 18th birthday.

and Ian’s tenth..

We all cheered and screamed “HAPPPPYYY BIRTHDAYYYYY”

Amy seemed to grow more and more beautiful…

I tried to get a good picture of Ian but he wouldn’t open his eyes.

Sam and Ian seemed to get closer and closer as he got older. He always went to him for advice about girls or..the environment.

Amy:

He was a weird kid, always protesting stuff about nuclear waste.  Ian announced that he was a vegetarian which nearly broke Grandpa’s heart. He loved preparing various dishes like Tri-Trip Steak and Grilled Salmon, Ian was ruining that. Sheesh typical little brother.

I changed my look soon after my birthday party.

The first thing I wanted to do was see Ali.

I invited him over that evening. I ran to kiss him when he appeared at the door but he pushed me away.

I couldn’t understand..how could he be like this? After years of dating..he could just push me away! Why?

Another addition

Ivory:

I was pleasantly surprised when Sam asked me to come with him to the beach. He held my hand and led me near the cliffs. It was so romantic, the waves were crashing along the sand the sun was beginning to set.

Sam stared into my eyes and said “Ivory you deserve moments like this every day. You deserve the best that I can give you. I want to give you happiness and a family. I want you to be my wife.” Sam said nervously.

I squealed and immediately said  “YES”. Sam gave me one of his gorgeous smiles and kissed me. Before I knew it I heard my whole family say “CONGRATS IVORY.”

I was so excited to see Juno and Quinn. I hadn’t seen my baby brothers in years, I wished Garnet and Scarlet were there but they had been whisked away by the U.N. They now went with the United Nations to help out countries affected by disasters, such as Haiti.

Mom and Dad were asking the boys about their latest adventure, while Sam and I were being lovebirds.

Amy:

I knew Sam was planning on proposing to my mom. I didn’t care because as long as she was gone I could invite Ali over.

He came over within a few minutes and immediately grabbed me in a kiss. I smiled at him and we began talking about gossip at school. He and I had the same circle of friends and all the teachers loved us. We were both straight A students, I knew a lot of girls liked Ali…I had to move quick.

“Will you be my boyfriend Ali?” I asked while staring into his eyes.

“Of course Amy..I always kinda considered you mine.” he said with a smile.

I sighed. He was so perfect for me. I was luckier then any other Jenson girl because I had a boyfriend as a teenager. I immediately began planning our wedding  in my head. Everything was going to be perfect.

After Ali left I challenged Ian to some video games. I always beat him but he still wanted to play.

Once again I won. Ian ran upstairs to tell Grandpa all the various ways I could have cheated. Grandpa listened and gave Ian a huge. Ugh such a brat.

Everything seemed to be working out perfectly. Until..mom announced she was three months pregnant.She announced it as I was eating breakfast. I almost choked!

Sam of course was ecstatic..he couldnn’t stop rubbing and talking to her belly.

I think the news seemed to age Grandma.

Grandpa didn’t mind a few extra wrinkles or gray hair. He still loved Grandma more than ever. I wish I would have what they had…with Ali. Maybe one day…

A few months later I had another baby brother…Walter.

You bring new beginnings

Ivory:

I drove over to Brad’s house the next morning.  I puffed out my chest and took a deep breath as I knocked on the door.  Brad answered the door and looked behind him quickly. I noticed his brother and father talking in the background. I knew he cared about what his father thought of him and he wouldn’t act out in front of him.

He invited me inside. I knew I had to say what was on my mind before I lost my nerve.

“Hey honey pie.” Brad said with a forced smile.

I stared into his icy cold blue eyes and said “Hello Bradley.”

Brad began to chat about various topics until finally I couldn’t take it any longer.

“BRAD I cant do this anymore.”I screamed. Every sound in the house seemed to stop.

“I HATE YOU. YOU STUPID BASTARD.” I screamed, staring in his eyes.

Brad reached for me with his anger blazing in his eyes. I ran out the door and into my car. Brad was right on my bumper as I pulled off and sped home. I ran up the walkway with tears falling down my cheeks. I didn’t left my head up as I marched through the door.  I ran into Sam, I smelled his cologne..it was sexy and rugged.

“Hi Sam.” I said sadly.

Sam reached for my cheeks and wiped my tears. He stroked my cheek and said “You went to see him didn’t you.”

I nodded my head as I bent my head. I felt my hair fall around my shoulders as I closed my eyes.

“I ended it.” I whispered.

Sam put his arms around me and said “You did the right thing. You deserve better.”

We talked for hours about everything with Brad. The case was strong against him and his family. Sam immediately put an order of protection on the kids and I. Brad was not allowed within 10 miles of our house. Sam was a great asset to the household. Ian loved him and Amy thought he was “super cool.”

I felt happier around Sam. He made me laugh..I hadn’t done that in so long.

Sam was so different then Brad, he loved Ian and treated him like a son.

In no time…he meant more to me than any other guy.

A few weeks later, I re-did my hair and wardrobe.

This may be a new beginning.

for us all…

Sam continued to watch over us for several years. Brad’s family had jumped bail again and were on the run. I have to say secretly I was thankful…it gave Sam more time to be around. He was there to see Ian’s 6th birthday.

and Amy’s first boyfriend.

Two men…one choice

Ivory:

I tried to avoid Brad by keeping myself busy with Ian. I worked hard to teach Ian how to walk and talk. One day while Amy was at school and Ian was with my mom. I decided to visit Brad’s mom, maybe she would give me advice on how to deal with him.

I drove over to his parent’s house.

I recognized his mother from magazine articles. She was a famous businesswoman in our town.

“Mrs. Shawb, I know you don’t know me very well but I…” I began with a shy smile. We began walking towards the living room. She invited me to sit down as she handed me a tea cup.

“I know you extremely well Ms. Ivory Jenson. Brad is very smitten with you.” She said as she began to pour herself tea.

I sighed, ” That’s what I wanted to talk to you about. Mrs. Shawb, Brad has become very abusive in the past few months….” I began to say with tears brimming behind my long lashes.

I heard her cup shatter as it hit the ground, “HOW DARE YOU!” she screamed.

I looked up and saw Ms. Shawb shaking, I could ready the fury in her face.

I stood up and clenched my fists.” Its true!” I yelled.

“I should have know he was to good for you! A two-bit tramp with two children from two completely different men. Your an international whore.” Ms. Shawb said with a menancing glance.

I stared at her in shock as I took in her words.  I heard her cackle with laughter as I walked out of the room. I calmly left her house and slammed the door behind me. I wouldn’t let her or Brad see me cry. I sped all the way home. I was surprised to see a handsome guy at my door.

I parked the car and slowly walked toward him. I swayed my hips with each step.

“May I help you?” I asked

“My name is Sam Uley, Ms. Jenson may I talk to you inside?” he asked cautiously.

I raised an eyebrow at him and said “I don’t know you Mr. Uley. Why would I invite a perfect stranger inside my house.”

Sam smirked and said “It’s something your grandma Jewel would have done. Its southern hospitality.”

I sighed, everyone in this town knew our family history. I shrugged my shoulders and said “I’m not her and that was years ago. What do you want Mr. Uley?” I said as I folded my arms.

He came close to me, so close I could feel his breath on my neck. “I know what he did to you Ivory.”

I shivered. I looked into his blue eyes and said “Come in.”

Sam followed me inside as I closed the door I looked at the floor. “What do you know and how?” I asked sadly.

“Ms. Jenson…Ivory. I’m from the FBI, narcotics unit. We have been monitoring the Shawb household for the past year. They are involved in insider trading and criminal activities.  We are going to bring them down soon and that includes Bradley as well.” Sam said slowly as he put his hand on my shoulder.

“Why are you telling me any of this?” I asked with confusion.

“We have wired their whole place and I heard what you told Ms. Shawb today. I want to help you Ivory.” he said while staring into my eyes.

I turned away, “I don’t know what your talking about.” I said as I began to pull away from his grasp.

As I walked away, he said “You can’t run away from this Ivory. You need to face him.”

I screamed, “What do you know!?”

He came towards me and without thinking I shrinked away in fear. I thought he might hit me as I yelped. Sam shook his head sadly as he put his hands on my shoulders. “I know that, that reaction you just had. Will last your whole life if you don’t confront this.  You’ll shrink away from any guy who tries to touch you or get close to you. You’ll smother your children with love to hide your own sadness. I know that you Ivory Jenson deserve happiness and..love.”

I stared into his eyes and for a second  I was lost in their beauty. He radiated sincerity and honesty. I smiled and he chuckled. He checked his phone and the smile faded from his face. “They arrested the whole family but they all jumped bail.” Sam met my fearful eyes and said, “Don’t worry your safe. We can move you to a safe house.”

I shook my head and said “NO the Jensons have lived here for almost 9 centuries. I won’t move and neither will my children.” Sam smirked and said “Well I guess I’ll have to move in..to protect you guys of course.”

After Sam moved in and made himself comfortable, I drove to Garnet’s house. She had recently come back from Russia with Scarlet. I was so excited to see my baby sister. Though our conversation quickly turned serious when I told her about Brad and Sam.

“You need to jump in bed with Sam, he sounds like a hottie.” Garnet said excitedly.

I giggled and said “Garnet, I barely know him. Let’s talk about something else.”

“Well its either him and his sexy protective-ness or I talk about hiring some foreign mercenaries to take care of Brad. ” Garnet said with a devilish grin.

We chatted for hours and discussed their various trips. I stayed until 3am and then quietly snuck into the house.  I walked by Ian’s room and checked his diaper. I smiled as I tucked him into his crib.

I walked by  Amy’s room and saw her sprawled out on the bed. I was quietly closing the door when i noticed she had an IM. I went to go shut her computer off when I minimized AIM, I saw her desktop background. It was a picture of her and her dad making silly faces. One the bottom it said Me and Daddy.

I sighed as I pulled the blanket over her and walked to my room. I knew then and there I had to talk to Brad.

“

The things we sacrifice

Mature Content

Amy:

“Dad, where have you been?” I asked curiously with a smile.

“Amy?” Dad asked with confusion.

“Yea..I know its been a while. I’m 15 now!” I said excitedly.

“That’s great.” he said nonchalantly.

“Dad..I don’t know what happened with you and mom but I don’t care. It’s not fair that you guys aren’t together. All of my friends have both of their parents in their lives why can’t I?” I said sadly.

“Well honey…your mom cheated on me with a man. Then she spread awful rumors about me. She pushed me away.” Dad said sadly.

“I want you guys to get back together.” I said with a smile.”Come over later and talk to mom. I’ll get Grandma Bee and Grandpa to go out, you guys could have privacy.”

Dad gave a sly smile and said “Perfect.” For some reason his voice seemed wicked as he uttered those words. I pushed that thought out of my head as I said “See you later Daddy.”

When I got home Grandma had painted a portrait of me, because for now….I was the only girl. I have to say it turned out pretty good.

I went outside to get the mail and saw one of  my international classmates Jordan from Egypt.

I invited him inside, I had had a crush on him for months. We began talking about various homework assignments that seemed simply insane. He made a few jokes that caused me to giggle. He could have said the house was falling and I would have laughed.  As I stared into his eyes..I wanted nothing more then to save this moment forever.

Then Jordan says suddenly, “I love this city it so filled with excitement and beauty. Though nothing is as beautiful as you Amethyst.”

I blushed and said, “I hate when people call me that it seems so strange.”

“In Egypt, Amethyst is used and worn by many Egyptians. It is a precious stone. Just as you are precious Amethyst..Amy.” Jordan said slowly while staring into my eyes.

Then I kissed him…

I pulled away and said, ” I’m so sorry Jordan. I know that was rude of me.”

Jordan stares at me with a fire in his eyes and says, “booseeney.”

I said “What?”

Jordan chuckled and said “Kiss me Amy.”

Afterwards I said “Jordan will you be my boyfriend?”

He stroked my cheek and said “Yes of course. It is what I wanted the moment I saw you.”

While I was outside on the porch with Jordan, dad came over to talk to mom.

Ivory:

“Hello Ivory.” Brad said with malice as he slammed and locked the front door.

I backed away slowly, planning an escape in my head. “What do you want Brad?”

Brad walked toward me and said “Come here.”

I shook my head while still backing away.

Brad chuckled “Why are you so afraid Ivory? You act as if I would hurt you.” Brad said with feigned innocence.

“You did..countless times.” I said fiercely.

“Ivory, Ivory you know I wasn’t in my right mind. I was upset about you cheating on me. I have loved you since we were teenagers. It hurt me that you could go and cheat on me like that. Then you had the nerve to keep that bastard child.” Brad said angrily while cracking his knuckles and looking around.

I thought about it..I would probably be upset too if Brad had gotten another woman pregnant. Maybe he deserved another chance..maybe he had changed.

“Ivory I know I hurt you and I’m sorry. I want us to be a family again..so does Amy. She asked me to come talk to you, she said she feels as if you don’t love her enough to try and make it work between us. Don’t you want Amy to be happy?” Brad with a pout.

I put my head down…Amy was unhappy and wanted her father in her life. I couldn’t blame her, every little girl wants their dad. I sighed and said “I’m sorry Brad…lets give this a try.”

Brad smiled and grabbed me.

Then he said “You’ll get rid of that child so that I can move in.” as he stroked my cheek.

I pulled away and yelled. “How dare you!?”

“He’s some other man’s child. Get that child out of here or I will get rid of him for you.” Brad said evilly.

“FUCK YOU Brad.” I screamed.

“I’m sorry Ive…its just how can we be a real family with this other child here. Maybe if you give me a little boy..” Brad said suggestively.

I said ,” I’m tired…I’m going to bed Brad good night.” I walked down the hall and locked my door.

Kieren:

I watched my little girl Ivory run to her room and lock the door. I had heard the argument and I know what Brad had been doing to Ivory before. I was happy when she told me they had separated and now somehow Amy had encouraged him to come back. I had to put this to an end.

I walked out to the dining room as Ivory was walking down the hall.

“Brad if you come anywhere near my little girl again I will hurt you.” I said with my fist bunched up.

“You act as if its my fault she likes it rough.” Brad said slyly.

I slapped him with all of the anger brewing up inside of me. All of the rage for the bruises on Ivory’s arms and legs.

Then we began fighting.

Brad won…the sheer force of his weight and aggression gave him an advantage. As I rubbed my back..Brad looked over me and said “The bastard will be next.”

Ivory:

In the middle of the night…I dreamed that I heard my door shaking. I continued to sleep until I felt arms around me. I looked up and saw Brad. I tried to scream but something was covering my mouth. I looked up into his eyes. He had an evil smile as he bound my hands and feet with duct tape.

I began to cry as the tears fell down my cheeks, he kissed them away. Such a sweet act for an insane man.

He locked the door once again and then said “Now we can be alone Ivory.”

I tried hard to wiggle and shake out of my bondage. It was no use…I was trapped. As he came closer I screamed but it was muffled and came out as a wheeze.

He raped me…over and over that night. Afterward I was forced to lay with him as he cuddled against me.  I stared at the walls and counted to 100 over and over in my mind. I prayed to those brave women who had walked these halls before me. Jewel. Emerald. Diamond. Amber. Opal. Krystal.Beryl. ..me. I said our names over and over in my head until I felt the sun’s rays on my face as they filtered through my window.

Then that morning. Brad got on top of me and said “I will let you free if you say nothing about this. You act as if nothing happened in front of Amy.”

I nodded my head as he slowly took off the tape.  Within a few minutes I was free and he was walking out the door. I tried to stand on my feet but they felt so shaky. I felt as if I had never walked a day in my life, I held onto the walls as I made my way to the bathroom. I locked the door and turned the shower on but did not go in for an hour. I sat on the toilet and cried for my daughter…for Ian…for myself.

Amy:

I was so excited when Daddy came out of mommy’s room. They had finally made up..now I and Ian could have a real family. As I drank my juice mom came out and talked to daddy like old times. I smiled to myself as my parents discussed the weather.

Finally everything was back to normal.

Amy’s decision

Ivory:

Before I knew it, it was time for Ian’s first birthday. I decided to celebrate with just me and him.

Afterwards I took him shopping for new clothes and a haircut. He looked exactly like Quinn and dad but he had light brown eyes.

Now that I was a mother of two, I decided to change my look a bit.

Also after Ian was born I decided to separate from Brad. I didn’t know what he would do to Ian and I couldn’t bare the idea of him hurting my son. Mom seemed proud of me, especially since she adored Ian.

Before I knew it was time to celebrate my brothers’ and Amy’s b-day. I was so excited my baby girl was growing up!

Amy grew into such a beautiful girl. Her had grown into long layered locks and her beautiful blue eyes were a startling contrast.

She was still loved being a big sister and would always offer to babysit Ian.

Amy:

I was walking past the bathroom and heard my uncles talking.

“Quinn man, we should travel the world. Scarlet says she has room in her house for us to come live there!” Juno said excitedly.

“Juno, I want to be a news anchor. I can’t do that in some strange third world country.” Quinn said with a sigh.

“Come on! All the greats make it with their coverage of these countries and the interesting locals. This could make your career!” Juno said with a wink.

Quinn stared at his twin and said “Alright..we’ll try it out.”

Juno high fived his twin as they looked up a flight to Peru.

I immediately rushed them in and said “Juno you can’t leave!” I pouted. Quinn rolled his eyes as he continued to search for flight info.

Juno held me by my shoulders and said “Ame-sters. Come on you know you don’t need your old uncle around. Your a big sister now! Your a teenager and soon you’ll have adventures you’ll want to go on too.”

I began to cry, “But you can’t leave! Uncle Juno please stay, momma needs you.”

“No Ame-sters she needs her beautiful teenage daughter. She needs you to be strong for her.” Juno said with a wink, “Can you do that for me?”

I sniffed as I wiped away my tears,” I guess.”

“Good! Now I want you to promise you’ll IM me atleast once a week. Update your facebook enough so that I’ll  know what’s going on okay?” Juno said with a smile.

I smiled and said “Okay.” We both hugged as I felt Uncle Juno tighten his hold on me I tried to freeze this moment in my memory.

As soon as they finished packing and loaded up their taxi. I kept hoping Uncle Juno would turn around and say Just Kidding but he never did. They drove off to the airport. I decided to push this aside by peddling to the park to chill.

I caught a butterfly when I got there, I was so excited.

As I walked around the park I noticed my dad. As soon as I saw him I realized how I could do what Juno asked. I would look out for my mom by helping her and dad reconcile! I don’t know why they stopped talking but I would fix it.