Rebel 3.3

College! I was here at last. I decided to go to a school across the country from where I lived. I turned eighteen the week before I left for school. we had just a small get together, just family. Dad told me I was almost the spitting image of my mother. I can't say that made me too happy as I don't much care for the woman. 

I wanted to get out, explore, be my own person. School started off her horrible though, I had put a deposit on an apartment, but since I got delayed in getting there they gave the apartment away. I had no choice but to stay in the dorms, and also as soon as I got there dad called with the bad news that Granny had passed away the night before, since I'd just gotten here, I couldn't make it back for her funeral. Man this first week was off to a bad start, and I haven't even had orientation yet.

After orientation I got my stuff all moved into my dorm room, which were co-ed by the way. Dad would flip if he knew I was living with a bunch of guys.

Right before I left for college, Granny gave me back my guitar, so since I was all settled in and didn't feel like going out, I pulled out the guitar and started to play. I sounded horrible, but since one of my classes was a music class I figured I'd better get busy learning how to play. I played the afternoon away, and crawled into bed early, I wanted to make a good impression in my classes in the morning, I planned to get there a bit early to get a good seat.

First day of classes was here. I was taking a full load of classes, where most people were only taking a light load, so I spent my first day running from class to class. When I was finally done for the day, I was so stressed I needed some fun. So I scoped out a welcome party, and spent the night getting juiced. I only had one afternoon class the next day, so I didn't come home till 2am, it was so much fun being able to stay out as late as I wanted with out getting into trouble for it. Of course the next morning when I woke up, I kinda regretted drinking as much as I did.

I soon fell into a routine, class, party, sleep, repeat. Of course I didn't leave much time for homework, but I managed to just squeak by. I decided to get more involved with the activist group on campus, and started a protest against engagement rings, I mean really? What girl really wants a ring to show she belongs to a guy. not me that's for. Anyway my protest was a success, till the cops showed up that is.

Rebel 3.2

So I tried to like the violin, really. I just couldn't. 

So the first chance I got I took the violin down to the pawn shop and traded it in for a guitar. I just had to be sure dad and Shirley didn't see it. I had it  planned out perfectly, I would sneak it in the house when everyone was at Melina's dance recital. Too bad Granny didn't go like she was supposed to. "Isabella? You know your dad said no to a guitar." I heard granny's voice behind me as I tried to sneak it upstairs. "Give it here" As I handed it over I asked "Are you going to tell dad?" "No" she said, "but I'm also not going to let you keep this either."  "Thanks" I said as I went upstairs.

I was allowed go back to school, even though it was boring, it got me out of the house. I was still getting the hang of street art, but wanted a new challenge besides my driveway. As soon as school let out I took off to scope out my next canvas. I found the perfect house, too bad the owners were home, I'll just come back tomorrow when they're at work. So I headed to the club for a drink, and as I passed the school I got the best idea, what if I prank the school? I checked the doors, they were unlocked, so I carefully opened them and snuck in. As I made my way down the hallways as quietly as possible, I checked the doors to see if any had been left unlocked. Jackpot! The science lab was open. I quietly made my way inside to look around, I spotted the frogs that were going to be used later this week for dissection. I opened all the cages and let loose the frogs. Man they were going to have fun trying to catch them in the morning. I made my way out just as quickly as I came in. I was clear! High on adrenaline, I made my way home, it was close to curfew and I better not make the parents angry this soon after getting my freedom back.

No one ever found out that I was the one who released the frogs, everyone was talking about it for weeks after the fact. It made me feel good to hear people talk about my work. Life was quiet for the next few years, I still snuck out alot, but I never got caught, that is until the week before my junior prom. I decided to prank the school again, well this time it backfired BIG time. I snuck in like the did last time, planning on opening a pipe and flooding the school with water, well I made in to the basement easy enough, got the pipe loosened, and then I got caught red handed. The cops were called and everything. When they took me home, the lights woke dad, and he was at the door before I was out of the car. As I walked into the house, he just glared at me. I was in for it this time. I went straight to bed, dad didn't say one word to me. Not only did I get grounded again, I was suspended from school, and banned from the prom. Though dad was sure to inform me that it could have been worse, I could have been charged with vandalism.

The week went so slowly with nothing to do. I spent hours working out, and even spent some time with Melina, I guess she's not so bad.

Prom night was here at last, and it just so happened that Melina had a dance recital the same night. What are the odds, I don't think I could have gotten luckier. I was supposed to be "banned" from the prom, but well, this is me we're talking about. As soon as everyone was gone, I snuck out and went to the prom anyway, I spent the night alternating between drinking the punch, and dancing. I was voted prom queen, but I stayed too long, as soon as I realized what time it was I ran as fast as I could back home, barely making it in the back door and upstairs before everyone got home. Whew! That was close!

The start of my senior year, dad told me, "I know you don't want me telling you what to do, but you really need to put some effort in this year. You'll be wanting to go to college next year, but no one is going to accept you with the way your grades are right now. You really need to focus, for your sake" He was right, I did want to get into a good school. I want to get an art degree. He was also right about my grades, so I really did try harder in school. Of course I still found time for my art.

Graduation day was here at last, I received a partial scholarship, which was fine since I had the money from dad to pay the rest of my tuition. I was voted most likely to. After the ceremony as I was showing dad my diploma, I noticed the tears in his eyes. "Why are you crying?" I asked him "I'm just so proud of you." I gave him the biggest hug, and told him I loved him.

Rebel 3.0

Today I turned 15, so we had a small family party, just dad, Shirley, and Granny. Everyone assumes that I pull pranks for attention, well that's only partly the case. See dad has Shirley and Melina who take up most of his time. So yea I guess I pull the occasional prank to get noticed, but the rest of the time it's just fun, I mean there's nothing better than the thrill of pulling off the perfect prank, and the look on the victims face, priceless! I know they love me, but still Melina takes up most of their time and I'm at school a lot so we just don't spent as much time together as we used too.
I haven't decided what I'm going to do once I graduate high school, college is a sure thing since I've been painting since I was old enough to hold a paintbrush. As soon as I was good enough to start selling my work dad opened a bank account for me. I'm not allowed to touch it till I'm 21, but it's mine  nonetheless. Anyway as I was saying, yea I plan to go to college and get my degree in fine arts, after that who knows, I sure don't.

My first day of highschool is about to start, I'm so excited, but kinda nervous too. I put on my new skirt and top along with some thigh boots. It smells like Granny has made her famous pancakes so I hurry up and do my hair and make-up, and rush down the stairs to breakfast. As I sit down at the table Shirley says to me, "You're not leaving the house like that Izzy." Izzy, I hate that nickname, its so childish. "Like what?" I ask as I put a big bite of pancake in my mouth. "That outfit you have on is too mature for a girl your age. Why don't you go out on one of your sundresses instead? It would look so sweet on you." Shirley says eyeing my choice of outfit. Sweet?, blech. The last thing I want is to look "sweet" on my first day of school. "Dad tell her there's nothing wrong with the way I'm dressed." I implore hoping he'll take my side. He looks at me for a second before saying "I would prefer if you didn't dress like that, please go upstairs and change." Glaring at him, I get up from the table and walk upstairs without saying a word. Of course I have no intentions of changing,  As I enter my room, Melina starts crying, "out, zee, out." She tries, but the best she can say my name is zee. "Okay, come here" I look  at the clock as I pick Melina up from the crib. Crap! The bus will be here soon, I've got to hurry. I put Melina down on the floor and slowly sneak back down the stairs.  Shirley is gone, and dad is out in the back yard. Perfect. I make my way out the door just in time to miss the bus.

Since I missed the bus I decided to ditch school and have some fun, I went across town to the fishing hole, tried to catch a fish, kinda glad I didn't catch one, I'd have no where to put it.

After I was done attempting to fish I went to the museum, the art here is lousy, my paintings are so much better.

 I spent the whole day out, before I knew it it was after curfew. Crap! They're gonna be pissed! Oh well, they'll get over it, I'm not hurrying home just to get in trouble, that was the plan anyway, till the cops stopped me up for being out after curfew. They let me off with a warning and told me to hurry home.  

Once I got home get home Granny was waiting at the door for me. "Want to tell me where you've been, Isabella?" Crap she used my real name. "I was out. Sorry" I say blowing her off. "You're grounded till further notice, you will go to school and come home, do you understand? The cops bringing you home is serious, young lady." Oops, she really is mad. "Yes, Granny" I say hanging my head. "Now go to bed, it's late." Granny says as she walks towards her room.

 I go upstairs to bed thinking about the thrill of sneaking out, and staying out past curfew. I'm still buzzing from the adrenaline. Finally I fall asleep, dreaming of what I'll do tomorrow.

Rebel 3.1

When I awoke the next morning, I knew exactly what I was going to do. I just had to time it exactly. I got dressed in something that I knew Shirley would approve of and headed down to breakfast. We all ate in silence, the adults were still mad at me. Whatever, I was going to have some fun today. As soon as the bus arrived I ran out the door making sure that dad saw me get on. As soon as school let out I took off, I headed into town to the salon. I hated the way I looked, my hair took too much work, I was too chunky to wear the cute clothes, so I am putting my plan into action. Step one, a new hair style. I walked in and sat down telling the girl what I wanted, "I want it pretty short, with purple tips." after a while she turned me around to the mirror, "perfect!" I cried. Dad was going to flip.

Next step, I wanted my nose and lip pierced. I had asked for my birthday, but they said no. Well, I don't know the meaning of the word no, so I did it anyway. My next step would take a bit longer, but I was going to get skinny if it killed me. Unfortunately I stayed out a bit too late and the next thing I know I hear sirens, "Have you any idea what time it is young lady?" the officer said. "Umm..." was all I could get out. "Get in we're taking you home" Crap. Not good.

As we pulled up to the house, dad was waiting at the door. "ISABELLA MARIE LAVEAU! Get in this house RIGHT NOW!" He used my full name, I was really in for it now this was the second time in a month I'd been brought home by the cops. Not good.  As I went inside I heard him apologize to the officer for my being out, and he promised it wouldn't happen again. Yea, right. Like I wasn't going to do it again. I would just be more careful to not get caught. I was sitting at the table when dad came back in. "You are in so much trouble, Isabella. Since grounding didn't work, let's try house arrest.You won't even be allowed to leave for school. I will talk to your teachers and have them email your assignments here. Since you want to be irresponsible like a child I will treat you like one. You WILL remove those piercings, right now." Dad was livid, but I couldn't give in, I had to be me. "No, I'm not removing them and you can't make me." I got up and walked upstairs to my room as fast as I could, leaving dad dumbfounded. I changed and went to bed with a smile on my face. 

I spent the next week on lockdown, it sucked. I had to help around the house and babysit Melina. The only good thing about it was that it gave me time to work on my painting, and my new body. By the end of the week I was finally in the shape I wanted to be, and had mastered painting, so it turned out not to such a punishment after all. Saturday came and it was Melina's birthday, It was obvious that we were very different, all she wanted to wear was dresses, and as sooo polite, a little goody, goody. Dad and Shirley had ordered new furniture for our room. It was okay, though yet again, I got no say.

 That night once everyone was asleep I snuck out, I just had to check out the new club in town. Sure I was technically a few years too young, but I got in and had my first drink. Or two,  or maybe it was a few. I even managed to get back home without anyone noticing me, or so I thought. As I was crawling into bet I heard Melina say "I'm gonna tell mom and dad you went out" "You will not, If you do you'll be sorry" I threatened as I rolled over and went to sleep. I guess she took me seriously, since she never did rat me out.

FREEDOM!! My house arrest was at an end at last! I had watched this video of someone doing street art, it looked so cool. I couldn't wait to try it. Now that I was free to come and go, I went down to the store and bought all the things I would need for street art. Now to give it a whirl, I decided to start with our driveway since I couldn't get into too much trouble here, it felt so natural. As soon as I was done I called everyone out to look.Of course they did not approve. "Get the hose and wash this off right now!" Dad said. "No!" I yelled, "This is my art, you wanted me to learn to paint and I did, now I want to learn this!" With a huff dad gave in "Alright Izzy, just keep it to a minimum, and keep it at our house, please." Yes! I won!

After school a few weeks later dad had a surprise for me as I came in, "Shirley and I got you something, we hope you like it" Dad sat a nice case down on the table, at first I thought it was the guitar I had asked for, dad had said no to that too. "It's not a suitable instrument for a young lady" so instead I got a violin, hooray...

Author 2.7

"Stop crying already! I'm trying to sleep!" I woke to Izzy yelling at her sister. We had moved Melina's crib into Izzy's room right after her birthday. I had hoped they would get along better, but so far I woke almost every morning to the same thing. I made my way down the hall to get Melina.
                                       
"Izzy, I've told you before, yelling at your sister doesn't help." I said as I picked up Melina. "Sorry daddy, but she's so noisy. Can't I have my own room again?" Izzy had asked that nearly every day since Melina moved into her room. "I've already told you, you have to share your room now. That's just the way it is." "Ugh, fine" she answered me heading out of the room. I followed behind carrying Melina, the three of us heading down the stairs for breakfast. When Shirley turned the water on, it went spraying everywhere. "Agh!" She said putting her hands out attempting to stop the water, once she got the water turned off I came over to look at the sink.

                                      
Shirley headed upstairs to clean up.  Someone had rigged it to spray everywhere. I turned and looked around trying to figure out who would have done this when I saw Izzy covering her face, trying not to laugh. "Izzy. Did you do this to the sink?" I asked. "No daddy, it wasn't me. I think it was Melina." She answered me as serious as she could. "You know that's a lie Isabella, Melina didn't do this, I'll ask you one more time. Did you do this?" I was angry that she would blame Melina. "Yes. I did it." Izzy finally said. "I just thought it would be funny. I'm sorry daddy." "Well don't expect to go anywhere this evening, you will come straight home after school,  you're grounded." I told her. She shot me a dirty look as she headed out the door to catch the bus. "What did she say?" Shirley asked as she came back down the stairs. "She admitted she did it cause she thought it would be funny. I grounded her when she gets home from school today." "Hope that stops it" Shirley said as she picked Melina up from the highchair. "Come here baby, momma's got you." She sat Melina down on the floor and started teaching her to talk.
                                    
I took a seat at the computer and started on my latest novel. I had become a master painter and author, so my books were best sellers. When Izzy got home I was still working on my book, I looked up in time to see her sneaking into the living room. "Upstairs now!"  I said startling Izzy. "Fine." She huffed as she stomped upstairs to her room.

I had hoped grounding Izzy would deter her from more pranks, but it only seemed to encourage them. We dealt with everything from hair dye in the showers to whoopee cushions on all the chairs. I had tried everything to punish her, grounding didn't work, taking away her toys didn't matter, and to top it all off her birthday was here, so now I was going to have to deal with a teenager. I was at my wits end with Izzy, so I went to mom for advice. "What do I do with her, everyday its a new prank, no punishment seems to deter her." Mom sat there for a minute before answering me "Perhaps she just wants your attention. You are busy with Melina and work, and she doesn't get you all to her self anymore." I hadn't even thought that she was doing these pranks for attention.

                                        

I decided to sit down and have a talk with Izzy. "Izzy, please come down here" I called. She was grounded yet again. "What?" She said as she came down. "We need to talk, I need to know why you keep pranking everyone?" I asked as she sat at the table. "It's the only way anyone notices me now" she said. "You and Shirley are always at work or busy with that stupid baby, the only one who cares anymore is Granny." I was taken aback by what she said. "I'm sorry, I didn't realise you were feeling neglected Izzy. I promise we can spend more time together if you want." I apologised. "Doesn't matter, I still have to share you" she was jealous. "Yes you do, but I still love you." I said, she was getting mad. "Whatever" she said as she got up from the table and stomped back upstairs. Her birthday was tomorrow, so I planned for all of us to be home for her party. We had a very small party, just family. We cheered as Izzy made a wish and blew out her candles, becoming a teenager at last.

                                                                                  

Author 2.6

"Mom! It's time!" I shouted as Shirley and I rant to the door on our way to the hospital. Izzy was just coming in the door from school "where are you going? Is it time for the baby to come out?" She asked. "Yes it is sweetie" I answered stopping to talk with her. "Can I come, pretty please?" Izzy pleaded. "Sorry, but you have to stay here with granny,  when we get home you can meet your new sibling." I answered as I Shirley motioned for me to hurry up.

                                      
I got in the car and we raced to the hospital, Shirley's contractions were coming pretty regularly now. We pulled into the parking lot and I helped her get out of the car and inside the hospital. The nurse ushered us into to the delivery room and got Shirley situated, while I anxiously awaited the birth of our child. After labouring for 8 hours our beautiful baby girl was born, Melina Renee Laveau weighing 7lbs 9oz. We stayed the night and were released first thing the next morning. "Mom, Izzy, we're home" I called as we walked through the door. Izzy came running as fast as she could "let me see!, let me see!" she shouted waking  Melina. "Shhh Izzy. Not so loud" I said as we made our way into the house. "Come sit over here on the couch and you can hold her." Izzy scrambled up onto the couch as fast as she could, I placed Melina in her arms and she had the biggest smile on her face. "I'm Izzy, I'm your big sister" I heard her whisper to Melina. When Melina started to cry, Shirley scooped her up and took her upstairs to her crib. We put the crib in our room for now, once Melina was a bit older we would move her into Izzy's room. Everyone loved  Melina, most of the time she was being held by either mom or  Shirley.

                                           
"Dad, will you help me build a snowman?" Izzy asked one day. "Sorry, daddy's busy writing right now, why don't you see if Granny wants to help?" I answered looking up from the novel I was working on. "Fine" she muttered as she went looking for mom. After I finished my work, I went to check on Izzy and mom. I found them out in the back making snowmen. For some reason mom made hers look like the grim reaper, Izzy's was a normal snowman.

                                        

When they got too cold they came back in and sat by the fire to warm up. "Izzy, I got something for you" mom said getting up and heading for her room. "What is it?" Izzy asked following her across the house. "You'll see" mom said entering her room. When she came out she handed Izzy a present, Izzy wasted no time tearing into it. "Wow! A camera! Thanks Granny, I love it!" Izzy cried. "Mom, don't you think that's a bit much for a child Izzy's age?" I asked. "Nonsense, Ryu. She's my baby, let me spoil her" I just shook my head and went upstairs to check on Shirley. She and Melina were sound asleep, so I decided to join them for a nap.

                                           

Time passed too quickly, and before I knew it Melina's birthday was here. We had just a small family gathering and Shirley helped blow out the candles, while the rest of us sang happy birthday. In the blink of an eye, an adorable toddler sat before me, no longer a baby, who had inherited mom's hair color. We enjoyed the cake and talked of the next birthday to come up. Soon it would be Izzy's birthday, and she would be a teenager.

                                       

Author 2.5

We got married as soon as we could at city hall, having been married before, neither one of us wanted to have another wedding. Izzy and mom served as our witnesses, Izzy cheered and mom cried as I kissed my new bride. Shirley was a perfect fit for our family. She and Izzy got along great, Shirley redecorated our room and when Izzy saw she wanted her room redone too. Shirley was only too happy to do so. Shirley loved helping Izzy with her homework, and I was happy to let her. Life was good. I was happy. Watching shirley and izzy, I realized all that we had missed out on not having Carlotta around.
                                    

As we were getting ready for bed one night Shirley said something that made my heart stop for a second "Ryu, I think I'm pregnant." I just stood there in shock, how could this be? We had been so careful, neither one of us planned on more kids. "What? How?" That was the only thing I managed to get out. "I don't know how, all I know is I'm pretty sure I am. I'll go get a test in the morning and find out for sure." I tried to sleep, but my thoughts kept me Awake. I was making plenty of money with my books and wanted to retire early so I could do some traveling, and  I had Izzy's college fund covered, but having another baby meant working longer and putting our plans on hold. We'd be older parents, would we be able to keep up with a child at our age? The more I thought about it the more I was sure having a baby was not a good idea. As I dozed off and on memories of Izzy as a baby flooded through my mind, then I thought of all the things I'd missed out on with Izzy, I missed her first steps, her first words, I'd spent most of my time at work, and mom was the one to teach Izzy those things. Perhaps another baby would give me a second chance at being a father. Perhaps having a baby wasn't the end of the world after all. With that peace of mind I drifted off to a sound sleep.

As morning came, I was secretly hoping Shirley was indeed pregnant.
                                   

When I woke Shirley was already back from the store with the test. We hurried into the bathroom, as we waited for the test to be ready I took Shirley's hands and said "whichever way this goes, I'm okay with it" Shirley picked up the test and said "well daddy, you better start picking out names" I grabbed her and pulled her in for a kiss. 

                                    

That evening once mom and Izzy got home we told them the good news, mom was thrilled, she had always wanted a large family, Izzy was a bit unsure, "so, you're not going to be my daddy anymore?" She asked on the verge of tears. "Yes sweetie, I'll still be your dad, but I'll be this baby's dad too" that seemed to quell her fears. "Is it a boy or girl baby?" Izzy asked. "Well, we don't know yet. We won't know till its born" Shirley answered. "I want a girl baby, so I can play with her." Izzy said as she ran off to go play. "She has a good point Shirley" I said. "A girl could share a room with Izzy, if it's a boy, we'd have to find somewhere to put him" Shirley just looked me and smiled.

   

                                       

                                         
As her pregnancy progressed, she and Izzy became even closer. Izzy was always wanting to feel the baby kick, she thought it was the coolest thing. The months past quickly and before I knew it it was time to become a dad again.