Rebel 3.9

Saturday came and we headed off to the Fall Festival bright and early. "I want to get my face painted like a skeleton!" Tanner said pulling me towards the face painting booth, "well I want a Rainbow!" Berlin said. I gave each of them twenty dollars and told them to go have fun. The both took off to get their faces painted. "C'mon Tanner! Let's enter the pie eating contest, I bet you can't beat me!" Berlin exclaimed grabbing her brother by the hand and pulling him towards the pie table. I watched as they took their places behind the pies, and waited. On the word go, both of them dove face first into the berry pies, eating as fast as they could. Berlin finished her pie just a few seconds before Tanner, making her the winner.

We played a few games and cashed in our tickets, but it was getting dark and it was time to get home. "Guys! Time to go!" I called. Both of the kids talked all the way home about the food, and games, with Tanner swearing he was going to beat Berlin in the pie eating contest the following year. When we got back home I told them of the surprise I had planned for two weeks from now. "Gram and Grandpa are coming to visit for thanksgiving!" the were so excited, jumping up and down, making plans for all the things that they wanted to show them when they got here. Dad and Shirley lived clear across the country, so they hadn't been back for a visit since before the twins were born. They talked all the time on the phone with the kids though, so at least the had some sort of relationship. As the kids got ready for bed they were still talking about the upcoming visit.

The next two weeks went by in a blur, I was busy as work, finally having landed a decent gig with a local band. I dreamed of traveling around with the band, but with no one here to watch the kids, I had no choice, but to stay local. My band understood, but I still felt like I was letting them down. 

We had a great visit with everyone, Dad and Shirley got the kids a costume chest, which they dove into right away. Tanner played as a T-Rex and Berlin was a princess, of course I'd expect nothing less from them. 

Winter arrived and with it came a pay raise, which was a blessing. We had tons of snow, and the kids had several days off of school due to the snow. On one of their snow days, I decided to take them to the winter festival. "Are you ready?" I called to the kids as I headed to the door. "Ready!" They shouted in unison, running out the door ahead of me. We piled into the car and drove to the fair grounds. I had plenty to spend on them this time around. "What do you want to do first?" I asked as we got out of the car. "I want to ice skate" Berlin said. "Skating is for girls, I want to snowboard" Tanner chimed in. "Well, Berlin and I will skate, and Tanner you can go snowboarding. How's that sound?" "Sounds great" they both said. So Tanner headed off to snowboard, and us girls went skating. We skated for a while, till we fell down laughing. Getting back up I suggested going to get some hot chocolate, calling to Tanner as we made our was to the food cart. On the way the kids saw the snowball fight zone, and just had to stop for a game. Well one game turned into five and pretty soon it was getting dark. "Come on guys, time to go!" I called. That was met with "aww, mom! One more game!" "No, guys. It's getting late, we need to get home." "Can we get some hot chocolate to go?" Tanner asked. " That's a great idea." I said. I ordered three cocoa's to go, and we piled back into the car headed home. Both Berlin and Tanner were fast asleep before I even reached the house. I pulled up in the drive, got the house open, and carried them to their beds one at a time, kissed them goodnight, and went to bed myself, falling asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow. 

Rebel 3.8

Life as a single mom was hard, but a single mom of twins was even harder. I was able to take an extended leave of absence from work, to take care of the twins. I was off work for three months, then the money started to run low and I had no choice but to return to work. I was able to hire a local high school girl to babysit for me while I was at work. As soon as I would return home , I rushed into the nursery and snuggled my babies. I worked the minimum amount I could and still keep my job, so my progress was pretty much stalled. Once the kids were older, I planned to work more, but for now they were my priority. I considered moving back home so my family could help me raise the twins, but I knew there was no opportunities there for my career, so I stayed in Starlight Shores and did my best.

Soon it was the twins birthday, we had just a small family party, just the three of us. Berlin was the spitting image of her father, and Tanner took after my side. Seeing so much of Nathaniel in Berlin was hard, I missed him terribly. The twins were the best of friends, always playing together, dad had sent them a play table for their birthday, and they spent most of their time at it. I spent all my free time playing the guitar, I needed to master it in order to get the next promotion at work. I was currently a backup vocalist, working my way up to lead guitar. I didn't have much time to play however, as most of my time off was spent teaching my two rambunctious kiddos how to walk and talk. Berlin caught on much faster than Tanner did, though he was never far behind.

Birthdays came and went and before long the twins were school age, we had a small party, just the three of us again. I ordered pizza, and helped my kiddos blow out their candles one at a time.  I had gotten the promotion to lead guitarist just in time. I wanted my kids to have the best education, so I enrolled them in Chesterworth private school, the most prestigious private school in Starlight Shores. I also remodeled the house a bit, so the kids both had their own rooms, Berlin wanted the most pink and girly decor I've ever seen. Tanner went with a sports theme, perfect for a boy. I had my eye on this new house that was being built right on the beach, but it was way out of my price range.

 I encouraged the kids to pick a hobby, Berlin picked art, in that she took after me, and Tanner chose astronomy, so I got him a telescope. He would have stayed out all night if I let him. "Tanner! Time to come in, bed time!" I hollered out the door. "Awww, mom! Five more minutes, please!" he begged, but I was firm, "Sorry, you have school in the morning, time to come in." "okay.." he sighed as he came in side.  I got up the next morning early to make waffles, I wasn't the best cook, I definitely did not inherit that ability from Granny, but I did my best and the waffles came out perfect. After scarfing down their breakfast, they went and got dressed, private school meant uniforms, which they looked so cute in. Once dressed they hurried out the door to catch the bus. "Bye mom!" the shouted as they ran past me. "Bye guys, have a good day!" I waved at them till they were out of site. Going back in side, I realized how quiet it was. I got out my guitar and started to play. I had an audition for a new band, but wasn't completely confident in my ability to play, I was still having trouble with one section of the song. When it was time for me to head out, I left a note for the kids. Homework first, tv second. Love ya, mom. I wouldn't be home till after they were in bed.

The next morning as we ate breakfast, I had sushi, Tanner had soup, and Berlin had PB&J. Tanner asked me how the audition went, "I played my best, but they chose someone else this time." "Oh" he said "I was..Ouch!, never mind" I looked from Tanner to Berlin, knowing that she had kicked her brother under the table. "What did you want to ask, Tanner?" He looked from Berlin, who was shaking her head no, back to me. " I..we..um..wanted to go to the Fall Festival this weekend, but if didn't get the job, Berlin says we can't afford to go." I looked from Tanner to Berlin, "Actually" I started, " I have been putting money aside just for an occasion such as this, Saturday we will go." Tanner was happy, finishing his food with a smile on his face. Berlin just looked at me skeptically, shrugged and went back to her food. She was mature beyond her years, and knew full well that between the tuition for their school and the house payment, there wasn't much left at all, and didn't want her brother to ask for things she knew I couldn't afford. After they left for school, I sat down and went over the finances, after everything was paid, there was barely any left, I thought being a rock star would have me rolling in money, but I never realized how long and hard you had to work to get there. I was determined to nail the next audition that came my way, for my kids sake. Even though it would use up what little I had, I was taking my kids to the fall festival this weekend, and we would have fun.

Rebel 3.7

Getting ready for bed that night I just blurted out "I'm pregnant." Nathaniel stared at me for what seemed like forever before asking "are you sure?" I told him I had taken a test that morning and most definitely sure. He was mad that I had waited so long to tell him,"you know I didn't want kids yet, I just didn't want to admit it" Well, we'll make it work, can I get you anything?" he asked "Well since you asked, I have a craving for some mint chocolate chip ice-cream" I answered. "I'm on it!" With that he headed out the door.

While waiting for Nathaniel to come back from the store, I lay down on the bed and the next thing I know it was morning. I rolled over to snuggle next to Nathaniel, but his side of the bed was cold and empty. I got up and went into the kitchen to see if he was already up, but the house was empty. I tried his cell, it went straight to voicemail. Now I was getting worried, where was he? Maybe he was at work already. Yeah, that's it. He's at work, and I'll see him when he gets home tonight. As the day wore on, I got more and more anxious. When he didn't come home that evening I called the police to see if they had any information. They  didn't. I was told I couldn't file a missing persons report until Nathaniel had been missing for 48 hours. The next few days were awful, I called dad to tell him what had happened, he wanted to get on the next plane and come here, but I told him I would be fine, they could wait and come later as had been planned. Four days after Nathaniel went missing I got a call.

"Hello?"
"May I speak to Miss Laveau?"
"This is her, how may I help you?"

"This is officer Kent with the Starlight Shores PD, I'm calling in regards to Nathaniel Wright, we found his motorcycle off highway 54 mangled along with another vehicle. I'm sorry ma'am, but it appears that he was killed in the accident......."

At those words I stopped listening. He couldn't be dead, he just couldn't.

"Ma'am? Are you there?" the voice on the phone caught my attention. 

"yes?" I whispered

"I'm going to hang up now, if you need anything, please don't hesitate to call, we'll help in any way we can."

"okay" I mumbled as I hung up the phone. I blindly stumbled towards my room and lay down on the bed. As soon as I smelled Nathaniel's scent on the pillow I lost it, I cried until I had nothing left to cry.

I spent the next few months in a daze, spending most of my time sleeping. Dad, Shirley, and Melina came for a visit around my seventh month, it was nice to see them, glad that my baby would have some family, even if  they never got to know their father. They stayed a few weeks, though Melina wanted to stay longer to help me out, but I insisted I was okay. I really was, well I was getting there anyway. Shirley swore I was having a boy, but Melina swore I was having a girl, only time would tell.

I woke up in the middle of the night one night a month later with a sharp pain in my back and soaked sheets, as I got out of bed I was hid with another stab of pain, my baby was on it's way.

                                      
I hurried as fast as an almost nine month pregnant woman can out the door and into the cab I had called. The cab sped to the hospital as fast as it could.

When I got there I was quickly checked in and ushered into a room. Nine hours later when the doctor came to check on me for the umpteenth time , he said I was ready. The nurses helped re-position me and and I proceeded to push. A short time later I welcomed my son into the world. Tanner Nathaniel Leveau. Just as I started to relax, ready to hold my son, I felt another contraction, the doctor and nurses scrambled just as unprepared for a second baby as I was. Just as quickly as before I had my second child, my baby girl. Berlin Grace Leveau. I was shocked, I wasn't expecting twins, the ultrasound only showed one baby. I was kept in the hospital the rest of the day, and released the next morning. I took my beautiful babies home, watching them sleep in their crib, I wished Nathaniel was here with me.

Rebel 3.6

I was excelling in my job. All the bands under our label wanted my songs, so I was becoming a minor celebrity. Soon Nathaniel and my three year anniversary came. To celebrate he booked a trip to this beautiful tropical island. Three days and nights in paradise.

We arrived in early afternoon, so we headed to our rental house, which was right on the beach and got unpacked. As soon as all of our stuff was put away, we changed into our swimsuits and went for a swim in the ocean. I thought it would be cold, but it was warm like bath water. We stayed out till the sun started to set, then headed back to the house. Since we were both still wet from our swim we decided to sit out on the balcony- or lanai as the locals called it- and watch the stars while we dried off. "Thank you Nathaniel, it's beautiful here" I said as we sat there. "No where near as beautiful as you." He said. "Come on, let's go to bed" I said grabbing him by the hand. It was the perfect end to a perfect day.

The next morning I got up and whipped up some pancakes, once we were done Nathaniel asked me "what do you want to do today?" "Well" I answered "I've always wanted to try windsurfing." So we spent most of the day windsurfing, I only stopped once for us to enjoy a picnic lunch on the beach.

Once I had my fill of windsurfing, we went home and changed, then headed into town for dinner. Afterwards we went by the art gallery, I wanted to see the local art. It was alright, not really my taste though. We sat out under the stars again that night, just enjoying each others company.

For our last day Nathaniel said he had a surprise for me, he took me to the biggest resort on the island where we spent the day. We got massages, then retired to our room for strawberries and champagne. It was utter bliss. As we lay together in bed,  he turned to me and said, "I think I want to have a baby." I was surprised, Nathaniel knew I wanted to be a rock star, and kids weren't something I really planned on yet. "I don't think we should yet, I'm not as far in my career as I want yet, maybe in a year or so." He just looked at me, and I could tell  I'd hurt him. We didn't talk much as we packed up our belongings and went back home. 

Things got back to normal pretty quickly, though I started to feel sick not long after we got home. I was nauseous at all hours of the day and night, I had my suspicions as to why, and didn't want to admit it, but as the weeks progressed I was sure I was pregnant.

The day I took the test, I was nervous. I did want kids, just not yet. I wanted to be further in my career so that I didn't make the same mistakes as my mother. I knew she put her career first, and I didn't want to do that to my child. When I checked the test, it was positive. 

I was going to be a mother. 

Rebel 3.5

Since I had a music degree, I started out higher up than I would have otherwise. I planned on being a rock star. I could see it now, the parties, travelling the world, the fans. I definitely wanted to be a part of that. We got to Starlight Shores a week before I was to start my new job, so I spent time redecorating. One Room became our bedroom, in the other room I put my easel and some workout equipment for Nathaniel, he was at school on an athletic scholarship and wanted to get a job with the team here, or get a job coaching at the high school.

We soon fell into a routine, I was progressing quickly with my music and after working at the studio for only a year I was already music talent scout. I was given the opportunity to go to Egypt to scout some new talent. I jumped at the chance, I'd always wanted to travel, so this was perfect. Of course Nathaniel wanted to go with me, so the following week we boarded a plane to Egypt.

We were only going to be there for a two days. My trip was paid by the recording studio, but we had to pay for Nathaniel's part of the trip ourselves. After a ridiculously long flight we finally landed. After we got settled in at the hotel, we headed out. I figured I'd get business taken care of right away, then we could enjoy the rest of our time here. I spoke to the band I was there to see. They were good, so I signed them right away. Since business was done, now Nathaniel and I could enjoy the sights. First up we went to see Abu Simbel, it was breathtaking. We spent the day there, I brought a camera and decided to snap a few shots, though I did wish I had my easel with me. after all this was the trip of a lifetime. Once it got too late we headed back to our tent and called it a night. 

The next morning we headed out to the pyramids and the sphinx. This was our last day here and I was determined to make the most of it. I was in awe at the sheer size of the monuments, I'd never seen anything so large. Nathaniel had some work to do, so he brought his computer with him. When lunch time rolled around we went and grabbed some local cuisine, it was delicious, though too soon our trip was at an end, I didn't want to come home yet, but it was time to get back to real life.

On our way back to the airport I stopped at the market and picked up a few souvenirs. After a very long flight back, we finally got home and fell into an exhausted sleep.

I did such an impressive job in Egypt that my boss gave me a raise as soon as I got back. I was promoted to a lyricist, now my job consisted of writing songs that other bands would be singing.

Rebel 3.4

I spent many hanging out with Nathaniel, after coming home drunk, he was always a gentleman, never bringing up my drunken escapades, which were often, and many times I couldn't remember the previous night.

When my grades came in at the end of my first semester, I was shocked. I was failing all my classes, finals were tomorrow and I hadn't even begun to study, I was having too much fun. So there was only one solution that came to mind, I would make a cheat sheet and hope I didn't get caught. It worked for the first three classes I had, but in my last class I got busted. I was sent to the dean's office, put on probation, and informed that if I messed up at all I would be kicked out of school.

So to cheer my failing self up, I threw a big bonfire party and invited all the cool people. Nathaniel came even though he was not one for parties, he ended up getting into a fight with the guy I was talking to, thinking I was being bothered by him. Then it started to rain putting an end to my awesome party.

  

                                     

 

Since I really didn't want to get kicked out, and move back home I actually started studying more, I began to pass my classes and by the end of my freshman year I was off probation. Of course I still made time for the parties, At one end of the year party I attended, Nathaniel was there, which was surprising. He pulled me aside and confessed that he had a huge crush on me and wanted to be more than friends. I was surprised, I had no idea he felt that way, it also surprised me that I wanted to give dating him a chance.

After that school went pretty well, I didn't go out and party as much as I did the previous year, Nathaniel didn't care much for parties, and I found that I'd rather spend my time with him instead. My remaining years of college flew by and before I knew it it was the end of my senior year. It was time for the final finals, but once again I failed to prepare, so I did what any good rebel would do and used a cheat sheet again, this time however, I got away with it. I  Graduated with a B average, and that night Nathaniel proposed to me. I said yes and we decided to get married the following morning, I knew that if I waited my dad would freak, and try to convince us to wait, but it's my life not his, right?

Since I didn't have a job lined up I went back home, bringing Nathaniel with me. As expected, everyone was upset at our decision, but I was thrilled to be Mrs. Wright.

Being back home was nice, but at the same time I missed my being out on my own and Nathaniel and I needed our space, so I sent out resumes to every music job I could find. While at school I had majored in music with a minor in art. I also was getting pretty good with the guitar. After living at home for a few months, I really needed to get back out on my own. Too many rules at home, even though I was grown and married. Melina who was now a teenager was the complete opposite of me. I tried to get her to go out more, have fun, go to parties, but she just wanted to stay home and help take care of dad and Shirley, both of whom were getting older and did need more help around the house. I tried to have a relationship with her, but we were so different and had such a big age difference that we really didn't get along so well.

When I got the call that I'd gotten a job I was thrilled. The job was an entry level position at a recording studio in Starlight Shores, which suited me just fine since I wanted to become a rock star. I got busy looking online for a house, I still had plenty of money from the painting I had sold when I was younger, and had sold a few expensive ones since I'd been home, so I put a down payment on a cute little two bedroom, just big enough for Nathaniel and I. The day we left dad gave me a big hug and promised to come visit as soon as he could. I gave Shirley and Melina  big hugs as well. With our goodbyes said, Nathaniel and I headed out to start our new life in Starlight Shores.