Chapter 114 - Reflections

As I cuddled my youngest child, Cordell's and my only son, I couldn't help but think about our other children. They were inexplicably growing up and everything wasn't as I dreamed it might be, not that it was a bad thing. Nothing in my life has ever been as it seemed. I love Cordell very much. He is my husband, best friend and lover and I have no doubt he loves me. What more could I want?  So why was I pursuing a musical career and leaning not only the guitar but also diligently practicing the piano? Was is because of that big red piano in our 'music room'?  I hope not - that was a life long before now and that wouldn't be fair to Cordell even though I know he would understand my motives; my need to honor a former husband and lover that gave his life trying to protect his family. But now Cordell wants me to read the journals which I have put off for so long. In all fairness, he knows more about me than any other person ever did, but, well, life happens. Isn't that what they say now? But again, as I hold this sweet blonde headed little boy that reminds me so much of my husband, I can't help but think back to all of our children.

Jewel, my daughter by my deceased lover whom Cordell readily claimed as his own, like all of our children, was beautiful but headstrong. We just discovered that her boyfriend (I am not sure if they are yet lovers, but no doubt soon will be) is a witch. I was once married to witch and had no idea until his death so it is entirely plausible she isn't aware, even though her father was also a witch which makes her half witch/half human. Cordell and I are getting ready to destroy her perception of reality. I am very afraid for her. But then, she IS a strong woman, and after Cordell's recap of events the other night, I have no doubt the young witch is very much in love with her. 

Then the twins, Joy and Alia. My first ever twins. Imagine my surprise! The two girls couldn't look more different yet were so close. I think every member of our haphazard family was jealous of the bond they had with each other. They thrived on one another and couldn't possibly imagine a life without the other in it even as they were now seeking others to share it with, as their younger sister so innocently revealed in one of her tirades. Unlike their father, I was very happy to hear that they had begun to find boyfriends. A life without another to share it with is very lonely indeed. I know and I suppose if I asked Cordell, he would agree wholeheartedly. He has never had any children and had to let them go to live their own lives. I have. It is bittersweet to say the least. 

Cordelia or 'Corrie' as our older girls quickly dubbed her, had blossomed into a beautiful, yet very troubled and confused teen. She was a like my husband, a 'genie' and I wasn't sure that he could see past the fact that she was like him. I hoped that he cold help her deal with her "powers". She was very smart but very manipulative and I was worried about her. She reminded me a lot of my late daughter Victoria, although Victoria's troubles started with the death of her father whom she had a very close bond with. Corrie just seemed jealous and wanted attention. But that could lead down the same path that Victoria took.

Our other little genie, Angelica or Angie, as her sisters now called her, was going to start school sooner than I would have liked. Only one more year for her and Cordell would have to help her through finding and dealing with her powers. For some reason, I couldn't help but worry that Cordell wouldn't be around to help Angie as he was with Corrie. But that was just me. He promised me he would never leave me and I will hold him to that! She was still a toddler, so time would tell.




Then there was the child I held and the one that clung to me right now that started me reflecting on my current situation. Our solitary little man. Stone, the sole boy among all these girls. Cordell wanted to give him a strong name since he was going to have to cope with all of the females in his life. Cordell had named all of our children except for Jewel. He wasn't my friend when Jewel was born, but was very shortly after. She was a jewel to me, hence her name. But Stone, he was already toddling around and looked so much like his father, with his huge round eyes but thankfully, at least in my opinion, he didn't possess his fathers powers. 


The supernatural. That was the one thing that Cordell and I disagreed upon. I was happy Stone was human, but it was upsetting to Cordell when I suggested we find a cure for Angie. As I am only just now beginning to accept, everything is not as it seems and having a bit of supernatural powers might just be a good thing. Now I feel really badly thinking otherwise and have spent my entire - extremely long - mortal life denying it. 

I love Cordell more than anything; likely more than any man I had ever shared a life with, even Francisco or Vladimir and I loved both of them dearly. Cordell had proven his love for me and our very large family over and over again, not just by the way he looks at me and 'showing me' but by the way he has taken responsibility for instilling in our children a good sense of morality and confidence. Who am I to resist the supernatural any longer. It was time I embraced it and with this amazing man - no 'genie'- I can delve into my now ancient past. It might be nothing, but then everything is not as it seems.

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Chapter 113 - My Lollipop

"Angie," cooed Corrie, "you're my friend, right? Unlike everyone else in this house that doesn't know I exist."

"Angie get down! I want to play with Daddy!" whined the little girl.

"Are you kidding me you little brat! You too! Well, I will give you something to whine about!"

Corrie sat her down on the floor and took her lollipop away from her.

"There! NOW, you can go find your Daddy. Hah!"

Joy walked in to mix some smoothies while Corrie was gloating over stealing the lollipop from Angie.

"Corrie! Did you just take that away from her? Please tell me you didn't!" exclaimed Joy.

"I want my wowwipop! Cooowiiee! Mine! Waaaa!" screamed Angie.

"Give it back to her. Why on earth would you do that to a baby?" demanded Joy.

"Hmph. She doesn't need it," said Corrie.

"Why are you being so mean and annoying?" yelled Joy.

"Just because all of you have boyfriends, you think you are special. Well you AREN'T! I am! Daddy and I have special powers..."

"You are insane. I can't believe you are my sister. Always complaining and acting like YOU are better than everyone else!"

"Wahhhh, Coowiee, Mine!!!!" Angie continued to scream.

Delia and Cordell heard the commotion from the other room and came over to see what was going on.

"You two are arguing while Angelica is sitting here screaming! What has gotten into you two?" asked Cordell angrily, "Look at her!"
Corrie cringed. She didn't like when her father was angry with her and Joy was incensed because none of this was her fault.

"Corrie stole her candy and teased her about it! I told her to give it back," yelled Joy.

"She was making a mess," shot back Corrie.

"Is it true? Corrie, you took her candy from her just to make her cry?" asked Cordell.

When Corrie didn't say anything, Delia picked up Angie and said, come on Joy. I think they need to talk.

Corrie said, "Right, everyone takes her side!"





"I want an explanation and now. No more lies. Do you understand young lady?" yelled Cordell.

"I just wanted to play with her. Even Angie wants someone else. Everyone acts like I don't exist. They just talk about boys and kissing and stuff and act like I am not even around. Even YOU! I thought we were special. And it isn't anything. I don't even know why I can't tell anyone," complained Corrie.

Cordell thought about what she had just said before answering her rampage. Teenage hormones kicking in big time! I can see how she must feel. The twins are so close to each other and she probably does feel left out. I have been so wrapped up in Jewel's affairs I haven't paid her much attention and Delia has been busy with Angie and Stone.

"Corrie, I get that you feel left out and I am sorry about that. But YOU have to take responsibility for your actions. You cannot blame others. Jewel has moved out and the Twins will be graduating next year. Then you will be my oldest and I will depend on you."

"Whatever Daddy. They all hate me. That won't change."

"Have you been anything but annoying to them?"

"No. I just wanted them to help me with my makeup."

"Huh? This is about makeup?"

"Uh No. They ignore me and treat me like a little kid."

"Okay, I will have a talk with them."

"Like it will help."

"Corrie, I was going to talk to you about some other, very important things, but until I see a change in attitude its going to have to wait. I want you to apologize to Joy. Understood?"

"Do you hate me too?"

"Cordelia Shinn. Don't let me ever hear you say those words again. I won't justify that with an answer."

"Yes sir. I am sorry," said Corrie quietly knowing she had crossed some invisible line with her father.

"Now go. Apologize!"

Cordell needed a strong drink, but instead he picked up his infant son and cuddled him.

Cordell began to talk softly to his son as if he could understand, "Stone, if you had been a girl I might just have gone off the deep end. The song says 'thank heaven for little girls". Well yes, little girls, the song doesn't say teenage girls! Such a misleading song. I hope I survive them so I get to see you grow up to be a fine young man. It looks like your twin sisters have found boyfriends. Yep, I didn't miss that part of Corrie's tirade."

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Corrie timed her apology to Joy so her father would see her. She hated that he was upset with her. She loved him and he was really, really mad at her. "Joy, I'm sorry Joy yelling at you and taking Angie's candy away. Please don't be mad at me anymore."

"It's okay. Forgotten. Over. Fini." said Joy.

"Thanks sis," said Corrie sweetly.

Then she wanted to find out more about the boyfriends and maybe Joy would talk to her like she did Alia and asked, "Do you and Alia have boyfriends at school?"

"Uh, No! Why do you say that?" asked Joy.

Hmm. Thought Corrie. They are hiding something. "No reason. I just assumed you would," and finished eating her hamburger in silence.

When Cordell saw Joy and Corrie having a pleasant conversation he felt like a weight had been lifted and breathed a sigh of relief. One problem down. He was going to have to make a point to have a father-daughter date with Corrie. She was likely coming into more power - the really scary one, mind control and the ability to read other occult types. He had to discuss this with Delia. She wasn't going to like it. Nor was she going to like what he found out about Donnovan.
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Cordell was putting off his conversation with Delia. This one was going to be hard. He picked up Stone for strength. He couldn't talk to her after Donnovan bolted. The way he ran, he assumed Jewel had no idea what he really was. He and Delia would have to decide whether or not to tell her.

"Hey little man. Your old man's gonna have to tell your Mommy that Jewel's boyfriend isn't what he seems to be. He already knows I am not and I am pretty sure he knows I am a Genie. Maybe one day all of my children will get to know what I am that is besides your wonderful, perfect, handsome father! Okay time for a nap."
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Cordell put his son to bed and asked Delia to meet him downstairs. The girls were at school and the two little ones were asleep. They needed to have a talk.

"Is this about Cordelia or Jewel?" asked Delia getting straight to the point.

Cordell frowned, "Man, you don't mess around. Both actually. Which one do you want first?"

Delia sighed. She knew that tone and this wasn't good. "Let's start with Corrie. It feels like the easy one for some reason based on how quiet you were after Donnovan left so abruptly."

"Let me start with the good. She did apologize to Joy and the two were sitting in there this morning eating together having a pleasant conversation. Now for the stressful - Corrie is growing up and she probably has already come into her other powers but she just doesn't know it yet."

Delia gasped, "Please don't let it be. Mind Control? Oh God. Cordell. Shouldn't we have tried to cure her. She is too irresponsible for that kind of power."


Cordell got very quiet as he tried to control his temper. "Delia. Again, I ask you, would you 'cure' me. I was born this way. I always was this way. Take away my power and you take away part of what makes me, Me."

Delia swallowed. He is right. I guess it was different for my other children. Lucas wanted to be normal, he wasn't a were until he was a teenager. Same for her girls that were born vampires. They didn't manifest until they were teenagers. Not having grown up in an environment that embraces that, they rejected it, well except for Victoria, I tricked her, but she never knew differently. Corrie has known since she was 8. It is a part of her now and will be for Angie too - unless Cordell will let us cure Angie. 

Cordell, she said quietly. "I understand it is too late for Corrie, but what of Angie? She is still a baby."

"NO! Would you have me try to make our other children into Genie's because they are not one?"

"Well, when you put it like that. Forgive me. I am just terrified. I don't know how to deal with it."

"You don't have to. I am going to take Corrie on a father-daughter date and we will talk about what her new powers are and how to control them. I will be there for her."

"You have to promise to help me know how to deal with it for Angie."

"Why do say that? I will help her through it, just as I am helping Corrie and she will at least have Corrie to lean on."

Delia got quiet again. She didn't want to voice the awful thing that was always in the back of her mind. While Cordell waited for an answer, he suddenly realized her answer and why she wouldn't say it. She was afraid something would happen to him and she would have to try to help Angie through discovering how to use her powers alone.

"Don't Delia. Stop thinking the worst."
"I'm sorry," she said quietly. "But what about Jewel and Donnovan. What really happened the other night?"

"You know how I can sense other Occults? Like I could tell that Corrie and Angie were genie's but the other children were not and I knew that Troy was a witch?"

"Donnovan?"

"Yes, he is a witch and he knows I am a genie. I am sure of it. But I didn't get an 'evil' vibes from him. For all intents and purposes he is a 'good witch'."

"Thank God. Do you think he told Jewel yet. Does she know?"

"No. I am pretty sure he hasn't. But you realize why he was so strongly attracted to her. She is half witch herself but he may or may not realize that. With his training she probably could develop some latent powers and any children they might have, well would likely be a witch too."

"What are we going to do. She is going to find out from him if we don't tell her and he might tell her about you for spite. Cordell - what do we do?"

"My suggestion, pretty lady, is to tell her the truth. About everything. You, Me, Corrie, Angie and her father - not about his death, but that he was also a witch. No good can come from keeping these things secret from her any longer."

"What about the other children? Cordell, I don't think I can."

"No, the only ones that will know anything other than Jewel will be our two little genie girls and they don't need to know anything other than they are genies and so am I. It is enough. But this brings up something that we have put off since the first time I visited your "secret room" with my eyes wide open. Your mother's journals. Delia - there IS something special about you and you need to stop denying it. Read them. It's been a very long time. You and I will face it together."

"Okay, but first we must deal with the Jewel/Donnovan situation. Cordell, she loves him even if she doesn't realize it yet. I think we should talk to him first. We need to be united in this, but if she ever found out we were scheming behind her back she would hate all of us. I don't know now. Do we just tell her about our side of things and hope he tells her about himself?"

"I think we should let him tell her. He knows I know what he is and if he is man enough he will tell her himself, if for no other reason than to beat me to the punch. He will want to be the one to tell her, just like we want to tell her our story."

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Chapter 112 - Special Powers

Corrie was getting older. She was now officially a teenager and as such decided she needed to stop dressing like a kid.

Corrie changed her hair style and borrowed a little bit of her sister's make up. She put on one of Alia's dresses and looked in the mirror and thought she looked pretty damn good! Yep. No one can treat me like a kid again! she thought.

But she also knew there was something more. Something to do with her special powers. Right now they weren't that special. Yes, I can clean the house, cook and bathe myself with a thought, big deal. But this new feeling...Hmmm. It feels like I can get into other peoples minds. Interesting...I wonder.

Corrie changed out of her sister's dress and back into her pajamas. She wanted to talk to her sisters and get their opinion on her hair and makeup. They were talking about boys.

"Joy, I was supposed to tell you that Sahan wanted to meet you. But when you introduced me to Jaycen, well, he was so hot, I completely forgot," said Alia apologetically to her sister.

"Sahan?" asked Joy, "wasn't he that dark haired hottie at the park talking to you a few months ago?"

"Yes! He said he thought you were beautiful and wanted to meet you, I am so sorry. I was feeling sorry for myself because of that and when you introduced me to Jaycen, well I completely forgot about everything. He is so cute!"

"Oh my! That is so funny. I was feeling sorry for myself because Jaycen said the same thing about YOU!"

Then the two girls started giggling oblivious to the fact that Corrie was standing there trying to get their attention.

"Bye now, I am going to go rob a train and then dive off a 100 foot cliff into a whirlpool. Then I might hike Mount Everest," said Corrie to her sisters and waved with a big smile.

The twins were so used to tuning her out they just nodded and continued their conversation about their apparently screwed up love life or lack thereof.

Corrie walked off as she heard Alia saying, "He almost kissed me," and then Joy started squealing.

Corrie rolled her eyes and went to get dressed before she found her father. She wanted to ask him about the feelings she had.

When she found him he was talking to Jewel.

When Corrie tried to interrupt, Jewel said, "Not now Corrie. Go on. I need to talk to Daddy about some important things."

Jewel turned to her father, "Daddy, I know you and Mother didn't want me to date Donnovan while I was in school, but now that I have graduated, he has asked me out. I really like him and have decided to see him. And I want you guys to be okay with it.

More boy talk thought Corrie and left them to it. The two continued their discussion not giving a second thought to Corrie.

"I figured as much. In fact I am surprised you didn't press the issue before now. I am glad you didn't. I am not sure either of us would have been able to deal with that situation. So, when am I going to meet him. It seems only your mother has had the - uh - privilege to meet him."

"I will invite him over in a couple of weeks, after we have time to get to know each other better," said Jewel relieved. Then she added. "I also think I have found a house to move into. You should come and see it. It isn't far and has just enough room for my workbench."

"Ugh. You are going to do this aren't you?"

"Yes, silly. We already discussed this. I have already registered so I can begin to patent anything original."
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Delia and Cordell went to look at the house that Jewel had picked out. It would be a stretch for her just selling her inventions so they decided to buy it for her. They had plenty of money albeit tied up in trinkets that Delia kept in her 'room of doom'. They would need to sell them off for Jewel and then Delia would be back to work soon. He would continue to be a stay-at-home Dad, for now anyway. It was his likely all his fault they had 6 kids, now 5 at home with Jewel leaving, so that was the least he could do.

Jewel immediately brought them inside and showed them her workbench and some of her inventions.

Cordell liked what she was doing and knew she would be good at it. Delia lovingly rolled her eyes at her husband as he clapped while watching Jewel show him how she made some of her 'doo-dads'. Delia loved that about him. Simple everyday things made him happy.

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After Jewel moved in, she and Donnovan started dating. Things progressed very quickly. The two of them just seemed to click. Donnoavan figured it was time to let her know how he felt.

Donnovan sweetly kissed Jewel goodbye on the front porch of her little house and said, "I have a confession. I am falling, or maybe have already fallen, in love with you Jewel," then quickly added, "You don't have to say anything except this - tell me you don't want to see anyone else. Just me. I don't think I could bear the thought of you in another's arms."

Jewel was taken aback at his profession of love. She wasn't if sure what she felt for him was love or not, but she sure wanted to find out. The attraction was real and the way he made her feel was indescribable. No she hadn't even thought about seeing anyone else since that night of her graduation party.

As she looked into his eyes, she replied, "Donnovan, I truly don't want to see anyone but you. As far as I am concerned I was already exclusively yours."

He kissed her again a bit more urgently than before. She pulled away and said, "There is one thing. I think it's time you met my folks. Well, I know you have met my mother," laughed Jewel, "but really meet them. Sit down and talk to them and get to know them. You will like them and I know they will like you too. They are fair and won't judge too harshly."

"You must hate me to ask me to do this!" he said remembering her mother's comment to 'bang someone his own age'. He had not pushed Jewel. But it was getting harder to wait. She wasn't completely inexperienced, but she was still a virgin and her first time should be special. He could wait for her.

"No. I care. A lot," she said afraid to say the words she wasn't sure of.

That didn't go unnoticed by Donnovan, but he knew she wasn't ready. It was okay. She was his exclusively.  
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Donnovan was actually nervous to meet Jewel's parents. He knew they didn't really approve of him because he was 7 years older than Jewel. But he loved her. There was something about her that he just couldn't pinpoint other than he knew he was wildly attracted to her and that was enough.

"Hi Mr. Shinn," said Donnovan as the other man answered the door. "I am Donnovan Steel."

Cordell looked over the young man that had just introduced himself. He knew immediately that something was different about him. Cordell stuck out his hand to shake Donnovan's about the same time Jewel poked her head out the front door. He wanted to see what vibes he could get.

"Hi Donnovan! I see you and Daddy have met," said Jewel happily.

As soon as the two men touched hands, they both knew. It was hard for Donnovan. He hadn't told Jewel his secret yet and now her father most likely knew it. He had wanted to be sure she trusted him enough not to bolt. But her father, he was a Genie, but Jewel didn't sense as a Genie. He closed his eyes afraid of what Mr. Shinn was getting from him and what he might or might not say.

The two men held each other's hands in what seemed to Jewel like some kind of contest, like they were waiting to see who would let go first. Donnovan finally opened his eyes to see Jewel's father glaring at him. He knew. Of course he did.
Upon noticing his daughter's distressed look Cordell lightened his demeanor and finally released Donnovan's hand then said to him with forced civility, "Well, a handshake tells a lot about a person and you certainly have a lot to tell, Donnovan." It took all Cordell had not to Banish him from the property but it would devastate Jewel. He wondered if Jewel was aware.

By now, both men were well aware of the other's special talents and they knew each other knew. Donnovan was relieved that at least the Genie seemed as distressed as he was at this turn of events. At least they both loved Jewel and wanted to protect her. It seemed like Jewel didn't know her father was a Genie. But then he remembered - she said he was her step-father. That might explain it. Donnovan hadn't touched her mother, but he sensed that she too was different, in a similar way that Jewel was. Maybe they were both half-breeds and Jewel doesn't know anything about it.

Donnovan acted like he got a page on his phone. He turned to Jewel and told her he had an emergency at work and had to leave.

He pulled her to him and kissed her passionately. He wanted the Genie to know how much he cared for his step-daughter and she him. Hopefully he wouldn't do anything that might hurt her. Please, he prayed, don't tell her before I can figure out how to do it. 

"Donnovan!" exclaimed Jewel breathlessly when he released her.

"I will call you tomorrow my love. Tell your mom I am sorry I had to miss dinner," then purposely turning to Cordell, said "Goodbye Mr. Shinn. It was a pleasure to meet you. I am sure we will get to talk again - very soon."

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Chapter 111 - Graduation

Joy was trying hard to make her little sister Corrie understand why she couldn't go to the party for Jewel. "You aren't old enough yet. The party is at grown up place and they don't let little kids come there," explained Joy as she was desperately trying to get ready while she also took care of Angelica.


"But I AM a big girl. Daddy says so and I anyway I am special so I should get to go!" whined Corrie.

"Yes, of course you are special," said Joy trying to keep her from throwing a tantrum, "that is why you get to stay home and help the sitter with Angelica and baby Stone. She will need someone to help her with them and who better than you?"

"Hmph, Mommy and Daddy won't even let me hold Stone and Angelica just cries when I try to play with her."

"I bet, once they are both asleep, that the sitter will read you some stories or maybe you can stay up late and watch movies or better yet, play video games."

"Whatever!" said Corrie and stormed off to her room to sulk.

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There were several surprise guests at Jewel's party. They threw it at the Party Warehouse. It was a teen/adult themed party with lots of dancing, games and plenty of drink to celebrate. They started off with the obligatory cake to celebrate Jewel's graduation. 

Donnovan found out Jewel was having a graduation party at the Warehouse, so he bribed the door man to let him in. He stayed more or less out of sight as to not upset Jewel's parents or Jewel. He had been very attracted to her the very first time he saw her in the park for a number of reasons. She was younger than him, but not that much. He knew she could feel it too, but after the confrontation with her Mother, Jewel had remained distant. He had been secretly keeping tabs on her. She didn't appear to be dating anyone else. Maybe she was waiting for him.

He waited until after the cake was served and Jewel's parents had gone off on their own and approached her.

Chills ran down Jewel's spine when she heard a familiar deep voice behind her say, "Hey beautiful, I am sorry I crashed,but I just had to see you tonight."

Jewel turned and just looked at him. She suddenly realized how much she had missed him and wanted to leap into his arms, but was afraid to move.

Then he stated a question to her, "Come outside so we can be alone and talk for a few minutes?"

Jewel was breathless. "Okay," was all she could squeak out and Donnovan took her hand and led her outside into a darkened corner.

Donnovan and Jewel sat down on the cool sidewalk and they were quiet for a few minutes until he broke the silence. "I have missed you. Now that you are out of school, if you don't think I am too old for you, then I would like to start getting to know you better; take you out, spend time with you." Then he scooted closer and put his arm around her and she leaned into him.

"I - uh - would like that very much," was all she could say. Jewel couldn't believe he was still interested in her after the way her mother spoke to him.

"What does your future hold? A job, college or just hanging out - hopefully with me?" asked Donnovan.

Jewel had begun to relax and laughed, "Well my parent's aren't too happy but I love to make things from other things. Invent - new toys, objects. I plan to begin to sell them to support myself. Maybe come up with that one thing that makes me rich beyond my dreams!" Then she whispered conspiratorially, "I am planning to move out pretty soon to my own place."

Donnovan got up and helped her up. "You need to get back to your party before you are missed and I should go. I don't want to start off on the wrong foot again with your folks. I will call you next week. He kissed her on the cheek and left." Jewel floated back to her party with a huge smile on her face.

Inside, the twins were having a grand time. Joy had snuck a drink or two from the bar and then wound up dancing on top of it.

Upstairs, Alia was playing a video and game when the mysterious man from the park walked over and sat down. "Mind if I join you - Alia isn't it?  Sahan, we met at the park and you were with your sister I believe, a cute blond?"

"Yes. I remember. Well I actually had three of my sisters with me that day. Joy, my twin - not identical, she is blonde, my little sister Corrie, also blond and my older sister, well you must know her if you are here, Jewel. Why do you ask?"

"I would really like to meet your sister. I thought she was fascinating with her blonde hair and sky blue eyes."

"Uh - okay. I guess I can introduce you."

In the meantime, after Joy pulled herself off the counter and began to leave for home, she too was approached by the man that she had met at the park, Jaycen Hendrix. He was the one that Clark thought was a bit strange. He had beautiful golden eyes that she swear glowed in the dark.

"Hi - Joy. Do you remember me?" asked Jaycen.

"Yes, we met at the park briefly when I was there with my sisters."

"Yes, your twin, I believe was talking to Sahan. I really would like to meet her. She is quite beautiful," then noticing how Joy's face fell he added, "just like her twin sister."

Joy always felt she was too fat and no one ever wanted to go out with her. They would chase after Alia, but Alia was too shy. "Sure, she should be coming out any minute."

When Alia walked up, Joy introduced her and the two of them began to talk. She forgot about Sahan's request. Jaycen asked if he could come inside for a few minutes to talk some more. Alia had been feeling a little let down because Sahan wanted to meet Joy. She thought he liked her and now this gorgeous guy wanted to talk to her. She knew she shouldn't say okay, but she let him come inside so they could keep talking.

"Even though we haven't met, I have been thinking about you ever since that day in the park when I ran into your sister. It is luck that has brought me back to get to meet such an exotic beauty like you. Not so much a girl, but a woman."

Alia swooned at his words. No one had ever spoken to her like that before. Especially no one as mature and handsome as Jaycen. When he put his arms around her, she let him even though she hadn't been with him but a short time. It seemed so natural and right and made her heart beat a million miles an hour.

Jaycen couldn't believe how beautiful this girl was. He couldn't help himself when he put his arms around Alia. She had to stop looking at him like that with those beautiful indigo blue eyes or he wouldn't be responsible for what he might do next. He wanted to kiss her so badly.

When Alia pulled him close that was all it took. His resolve vanished and started to kiss her and he knew she was going to let him. But at the last minute he pulled away. He couldn't do this. It was wrong. She was too young. He would need to wait.

Alia was shocked. She had closed her eyes expecting their lips to meet when he pulled away.

"I am sorry Alia. You are so beautiful, I got carried away," said Jaycen.

"But..."

Jaycen released her and turned to leave.

"I should leave now before we are discovered."

"Jaycen," whispered Alia, "what did I do wrong?"

"Nothing. You are perfect."

"Yet, you won't kiss me."

Jaycen didn't say anything because if he looked at her again, he would kiss her.

Alia went to bed wondering why he wouldn't kiss her. Was she too young or inexperienced. She was very confused. Then she remembered, she was supposed to introduce Joy to Sahan...What a strange turn of events! She would have to tell her in the morning.

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It was the day for Jewel's graduation ceremony. Everyone was dealing with different emotions.

Alia went to comfort her little brother. She began to coo to him, "Today your big sister Jewel is graduating from High School! Maybe I will see Jaycen there. Probably not. He has already graduated. I wonder how old he really is. Maybe he thinks I am a baby too. I hope not because he is way hot!"

Then she put him Stone in the swing to get ready to go. 








Cordell couldn't get himself to stop getting misty-eyed everytime he thought about his sweet little Jewel all grown up.

Since Stone was a good baby they decided to bring him and anyway, Alia had volunteered to care for him during the ceremony. Delia got him out of the swing and handed him to Alia. 

Once Delia removed Stone from the swing, Joy put Angelica in it to keep her occupied. She fell asleep so they decided to call a sitter to watch after her while everyone went to Jewel's ceremony.









Delia proudly walked into the auditorium to watch her daughter's graduation with her family in tow, except for Angelica who was still sleeping at home with the sitter.

After the ceremony was over and Jewel found her family in the crowd outside the Auditorium, Delia congratulated her while Cordell was overcome with emotion once again. He couldn't believe how lucky he had been to meet Delia and to become her husband. It was all because of this young woman standing here, now getting ready to leave them. What if he hadn't found her in Troy's hideaway. Things might be so much different now. He wondered if his pretty lady was thinking the same thing.



Alia called out, "The car's here. It's time to go everyone."

The Shinns piled in the limo that Cordell had ordered to take them home so that Jewel could begin her life as an independent woman.

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