That's the way things come clear. All of a sudden.

It was a simple text message during Ivy's lunch hour.


Hi sexy! Caleb's gma is in the ladies room. I'm not being rude texting you! Haha. She just informed me that 'my young man' needs to meet my parents. Suffice it to say, she didn't mean my dead ones. She has invited you to a dinner party, to be determined. How do you feel about meeting Caleb's grandparents?

Caleb Walker is not an adult yet, but he rather feels like one. His mom did a great job growin' him up, and all, but having asthma still meant he never felt like he figures most kids do. He couldn't run and jump and play basketball and baseball like other boys without going into a spasm of coughing - or worse - so he did a lot of reading and watching TV. But mostly reading. Especially comic books.

So when his Mama came across the Nexus it was like he'd finally woken up in his comics, and mutants were real. And angels. And demons, too, though the one he met was only a half demon and wasn't all fire and brimstone like he'd heard. (But then again, maybe that's what they wanted him to think!) And then Mama met Casper, and things Changed.

Big-C changed, and all of a sudden maybe Caleb didn't feel so much like a freak. And he wasn't feeling lonely, either, because Casper was around. Casper liked to play with him, made him feel like a normal kid. One that could even go outside and throw a ball around with his dad.

And Casper made his mom really, really happy. Like syrupy romance novel happy, or one of those stupid girl-movies on Lifetime. Except this one had more video gaming, which Caleb was currently kicking booty at, he wasn't afraid to say.

It was like flipping a switch, and there was brand-new life, all wrapped up and shiny for him.

Caleb was starting to think that maybe Casper would want to marry his mom, and maybe give him a little sister.
Little sisters would be cool.

And then his biological dad came in the picture and ruined everything. He didn't even think his biological dad was alive, that's how much his dad loved him! Caleb didn't even know what the guy looked like - and didn't care to know. He wanted to yell at his mom, yell at his grandparents and especially his grandparent's son, Jordan.

Jordan was not his dad.
And he didn't want to see him.

So that's why he totally dragged his feet the morning of their first supervised visit. He and his mom were going to his grandparent's house after breakfast, and he'd be introduced to ... him. He took five minutes picking out his cereal, and another five minutes reading the back of the box. And then he poured the milk.

"I know I haveta see him," Jordan began around a mouthful of Frosted Flakes. "But I don't haveta call him dad, right? You won't make me, willya?"

His mom stopped washing dishes - why she did that when they have a perfectly good dishwasher he'll never know - and looked at him. One of those Serious Looks. "No, Caleb. You don't have to call him dad." She sounded a little sad and worried.

"Good, 'cause he's not. I know we're related but we're related to monkeys too but I don't call them dad." He squirms in his chair and slurps up some cereal. He was relieved when she laughed.

"Just an hour or two, then we'll.. leave. Maybe do something unexpected and unplanned, alright?"
"Can Casper come with us?"
"No, not this time. I -- I'll need you to myself for a little while, okay? You understand, right?"
He didn't, not really. He liked it when it was the three of them. When it was just the two of them his mom always looked sad. "Yeah, I guess."

And just like that, his cereal is gone, and he can't waste any more time.

This scene happens before an “adult movie” date with Casper. Yes. That one.

“So much has happened in the past year, Mrs. Livingston.” Ivy’s just dropped Caleb off with his grandparents for the weekend. His grandfather had whisked him off to the shed outside to work on a bird house. His grandmother had ushered Ivy into the kitchen for some tea.

Ivy’s pushing ice around and around by a spoon in her sweet tea. “And it’s all been good. Part of me expects the bottom to drop out, and the other’s got these huge rose-colored glasses on.”

“Can’t stop smiling, can you?” Jessica Livingston props her hip against the island. “You’ve got something really special there, in that Nexus.” Jessica doesn’t really understand what the Nexus really is, but she’s decided it’s some sort of international city, which works for everyone involved. “Caleb’s doing well. Thriving, in fact! His asthma is better; he’s not as shy now.”

“Yes. He loves his teachers, and he’s got a ton of little friends.”

“And you’ve been able to remind yourself that you’re not just Caleb’s mother.”

Ivy blushes. “Yes ma’am.”

“That’s good too. You deserve something wonderful.”

“He is. He really is. Casper’s great with Caleb, and Caleb loves him a lot. But.. now that we’ve got a few minutes, there’s something I wanted to discuss with you.”

“Certainly, sweetheart.”

“When I first moved into the apartment, when I was first considering it, I had an idea.” Jessica starts to say something, but Ivy raises a hand. “I thought that perhaps I could go back to school. Get a degree. Maybe find another hotel to manage. I’ve got a ton of experience at the Sunrise, but … a BS in hospitality management would mean I could provide so much more for Caleb. And maybe I could repay you for what you’ve given us.” Once she’d managed to give in and accept help from her inlaws.

“You don’t owe us a cent, Olivia Tangerine Walker.” Yes, Jessica knew her whole name, and knew exactly when and how to use it. Ivy winced. “I know we didn’t get off on the right foot seven years ago. But I’d like to think we’ve become family. Caleb is my grandson.”

Ivy doesn’t look convinced. “Okay.” She’ll argue about it later. “The point is, though .. for a while, it wasn’t really on my mind. But one night, after Caleb was in bed, and I was sitting on the couch watching TV... it just came back. It would be easy to go to college now. I’ve got someone who can babysit.” She totally means her inlaws, but Casper too! “And it’s only four years. Four years after so many years of struggling will be easy.”

“The idea’s gotten bigger and more insistent in your head. It went and got a life of it’s own.”
“Yes. I applied to a college here in town.” One that she’d learned that the Nexus would honor, too, so she could get a job offers there, as well.
“And I don’t even have to ask. You were accepted, weren’t you.”
She grins, and nods. “Yes ma’am!”

[10:07 PM] ValinusUltionis: Jessie: Kian made Grandma roses.
[10:08 PM] memorysketch: Caleb: Mama says this spring we're gonna make some too!
[10:09 PM] memorysketch: Caleb: We didn't have a yard before. Just a room! But now we've got an apartment and there's a balcony and we're gonna get POTS and pour DIRT in them but I dunno why we'd pour dirt in pots when you COOK in pots but my mama is SMART so maybe I'm missin' something

( Read more... )

We finished Caleb's school Valentine's Cards today. I watched him as he delivered one to Casper, too. He really adores Casper, and I think Casper likes him, too.

Which makes my crush even more pathetic, because the guy I like likes my kid, which means I like him even more.

But while Caleb's in school tomorrow, I'm gonna run get something for him, and maybe for the people I've managed to meet so far in this crazy world.

The 101 meme

Basics

1. What is your full name? Do you have a nickname?
Olivia Tangerine Walker. Don't ask. People call me Ivy.

2. How old are you? When is your birthday?
22; October 18th

3. Where were you born? Where do you live now? Are you patriotic?
I was born just outside of Orlando, FL. I spent most of my childhood at Disney World. My parents and I moved to Ohio when I was fifteen. I still live in Ohio, though my parents ... don't. I am more attached to the land than I am the government, I guess. The land doesn't disappoint you like people can.

4. Who are/were your parents? (Names, occupations, personalities, etc.)
Shannon and Chris Walker. My dad was manager of a McDonalds, my mom was a nanny. Dad was funny, down to earth, and really, really loved stress. He had a heart attack. Mom was full of fun and she loved to laugh. They never had any major fights. Not like people are supposed to have, I guess. Mom died on the way to meet me at the hospital when I went into labor.

5. Do you have any siblings? What are/were they like?
Nope, none.

6. What is your occupation?
I'm the go-to person at Sunrise Motel.

7. How tall are you? How much do you weigh?
5'6", 120 lbs.

8. What color is your hair? What color are your eyes?
Brown and brown.

9. What is your race?
White Caucasian.

10. To which social class do you belong?
I'm on food stamps and medicaid. Does that tell you anything?

11. Do you consider yourself to be attractive? Do others?
I'm alright. Used to be cuter when I was younger.

12. What is your style of dress?
Comfortable and easy. I got a kid. No stilettos and minis for me these days.

13. Do you have any scars? Tattoos? Birthmarks? Other unique physical features?
Chickenpox scars all over. No tattoos, no big birthmarks. I'm kind of boring :\

14. Do you have any allergies, diseases, or other physical weaknesses?
Nah. I mean, I have the same allergies as anyone does during Spring, but not anything like cats or dogs or food.

15. Are you right- or left-handed?
Righty. (I'm in the wrong mind, my mom used to say.)

16. What does your voice sound like?
....Why are you asking me?

17. What kind of vocabulary do you use?
Southern-girl-turned-Midwesterner usual?

18. List three quirks or other defining characteristics.
loyal, home-y, curious.

19. How often do you bathe? Do you wear perfumes?
I bathe daily. I like perfume, but they're kinda expensive so I use them sparingly. (Oils last longer.)

20. What kind of facial expression do you commonly wear (dour glare, wry smile, etc)?
A smile. I'm pretty happy most of the time. Sometimes though, it's a little distracted-worried.

21. Do you use body language? How?
I don't know if I use it, really. It just happens.

22. Do you have a commonly used saying?
"Yes ma'am/sir"

Childhood

23. What is your earliest memory?
Dancing.

24. How much schooling have you had? Did you enjoy it?
High school. I want to go to college eventually. Maybe in a year or two when Caleb is in school.

25. Where did you learn most of your knowledge and skill?
I rented a couple of books on taking care of hotels. I went to a dance school way back when.

26. How would you describe your childhood in general?
Perfect.

27. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A ballet dancer. I was very, very good.  Never wanted to be Giselle, though.

28. When and with whom was your first kiss?
Jordan. We were 12. It was after school, and the first one was a dare. The second wasn't.

29. Are you a virgin? If not, when and with whom did you lose your virginity?
I have a five year old son. Of course I'm not. I was fifteen and a half when Jordan and I went all the way.

30. Do you have a notorious or celebrated ancestor? Does that affect you?
No, and no it doesn't.

Influences

31. What do you consider the most important event of your life so far?
My son being born. My parents dying.

32. What do you consider your greatest achievement?
My son.

33. What is your greatest regret?
I wish I'd been smarter as a teenager. I love my son, but I wish I didn't have him at 17.

34. What is the most embarrassing or shameful thing ever to happen to you?
Going into labor at my then-boyfriend's dad's retirement party. It wasn't shameful, but I just remember being called some .. not-nice words.

35. Do you have any secrets? If so, what are they?
Yes. And they are secrets.

36. What is the most evil thing you have ever done?
I'm not sure I've done anything that could be considered evil. Uhm.
When I was in the first grade I was given a pencil to write my name on my school library book ticket. I wrote down "Olivia T. Walker", handed the little card to my librarian with a big smile, and promptly pocketed the pencil without realizing I was doing it. I stole a pencil. :O I was terrified I'd be kicked out of school or something.

37. When was the time you were the most frightened?
Aside from the Pencil Caper? When my dad died. Mom died suddenly, so it wasn't something I could be afraid of. And when Caleb couldn't catch his breath, I didn't have time to be afraid.

38. Have you ever traveled outside of your country? If so, to where?
Nope. I'd love to go to ..alright, anywhere. I just wanna see something that isn't this tiny room.

Beliefs

39. What is your alignment?
You're lucky I know this one. Neutral.

40. Are you basically optimistic or pessimistic?
Basically? Optimistic.

41. Do you believe in a god? If so, which one and why?
I just don't know anymore. I want to ...

42. Do you believe in an afterlife?
Yes.

43. What is your greatest fear?
I don't want to leave my son alone, and I don't want to be left alone.

44. What makes you angry? Sad? Happy? Why?
...Circumstance, depending on the time! :D How's that for nonspecific?

45. Do you think people are basically good or basically evil?
I think they're just people.

46. What are your views on politics? Religion? Sex?
No thank you, that's hard for me to swallow these days, and what's that? I've forgotten.

47. What are your views on gambling, lying, theft, and killing?
The truth tends to be easier, gambling is fun if you can afford it, and killing is wrong.

48. How far will you go to defend your beliefs?
How much to I respect the person arguing against them?

49. How much do you value money?
I value it enough to know I need it.

50. In your opinion, what is the most evil thing any human being could do?
Killing someone innocent.

51. Do you believe in self-sacrifice for the greater good?
Yes.

52. Do you believe in the existence of soul mates and/or true love?
*shrug*

53. Are you superstitious?
After some of the stuff I've seen lately, maybe I should be!

54. How much do you respect the beliefs and opinions of others?
As long as they don't try to force it down my throat, I'm good!

55. How honest are you about your thoughts and feelings?
I'm scared to answer that. How's that for honest?

56. Do you have any biases or prejudices?
We all do.

Dealing With Others

57. Who is the most important person in your life, and why?
My son. He relies on me to live.

58. Who is the person you respect the most? Despise the most? Why?
I don't have time for hatred. I don't want my son growing up hating people for no reason. But if I was honest I distrust my son's paternal grandparents.  I respect my boss for giving me a job.

59. Do you have a significant other? Who?
No.

60. Do you have a lot of friends? Who is your best friend?
No. I know people, but hotels are transient places.

61. How do you relate to members of the same race? Class? Sex?
We're all people. You get my respect as long as you deserve it.

62. How do you relate to members of a different race? Class? Sex?
We're all people. You get my respect as long as you deserve it.

63. Have you ever been in love? If so, describe what happened.
Yes. I was an idiot child. I got pregnant.

64. What do you look for in a potential lover?
I don't have a list.

65. How close are you to your family?
Caleb is in the bed asleep, so just a few feet. He's my world. He makes my heart beat.
The rest are dead. I was pretty close to my parents.
(Wow. Morbid much?)

66. Do you want a marriage, family, and/or children?
I do. I have a son. I wouldn't mind a little girl though.

67. Do you tend to argue with people, or avoid conflict?
Depends on the person.

68. Are you a listener or a talker?
Listener.

69. How long does it usually take for you to trust others?
It's.. hard. I have to make sure Caleb is well cared for, and that he's safe. I want to trust people, but I feel sometimes that I shouldn't. So it takes a while.

70. Do you hold grudges?
Depends on what the grudge is about. Mostly no.

71. Do you tend to take on leadership roles in social situations?
At work, yes. In private, not so much.

72. Do you like interacting with large groups of people?
I'd rather not, but I can.

73. How well do you express yourself?
*shrug*

74. How quickly do you judge others?
I try not to, but sometimes it just happens.

75. Do you care what others think of you?
Yes, but only to certain degree, with certain people.

76. Do you have any enemies? How or why are they your enemy?
No. I wouldn't consider Caleb's grandparents enemies, per se. They just want things I don't want for my son.

Personal Taste and Opinions

77. What is your favorite pasttime? Color? Food? Possession?
Sleeping is great. Oh, man is it. Eating out is fun too. Reading a good book. My favorite color is green. Food? Uhm. Anything kid friendly. I'd love to have a meal that isn't spaghettios or chicken fingers.

78. What are your preferences in arts and/or entertainment?
Child-friendly, but not for children.

79. Do you smoke, drink, go whoring, or use drugs? Why or why not?
No, no, no, no. I am boring.

80. How do you spend a typical Saturday night?
See the answer to #79. I have a son and I work.

81. What is your most cherished fantasy?
A house for my kid. Being able to buy him stuff for Christmas. A good Christmas dinner spread, like when I was a kid.

82. How long is your attention span?
Depends on how much sleep I'm working on.

83. Do you laugh a lot? What do you find funny?
I try to be happy. And Caleb is funny.

84. Is there anything that shocks or offends you? If so, what?
Not now.

85. How do you deal with stress?
Well.

86. How much athletic ability do you have? Artistic?
I can dance.

87. Do you like animals? Do you like children?
Yes and Yes. I want a pet for Caleb, but we can't have any here, and until I learn if he's allergic to pet dander..

88. Are you spontaneous, or do you always need to have a plan?
I can be very spontaneous. The very fact that I'm thinking about moving to the Nexus proves that.

89. What are your pet peeves?
People who try to tell me how to raise my kid.

Self-Image

90. What is your greatest strength as a person? Weakness?
I'm pretty darn understanding. I can be pretty defensive, though.

91. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
Superpowers. <-- It'd be nice to be able to be special.

92. Are you generally introverted or extroverted?
Introverted at home, extroverted on the job.

93. Do you like yourself?
Someone has to.

94. Do you have a daily routine? How do you feel if your day is interrupted?
Being a hotel manager.. well, lol. It happens. All the time.

95. What goal do you most want to accomplish in the next six months? Your lifetime?
Get. Caleb. Stable. Maybe a dog.

96. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years? 20 years?
Taking memes. <-- OK

97. If you could choose, how would you want to die?
Old and in my sleep.

98. What is the one thing you would like to be remembered for after your death?
Not as a Darwin Award winner.

99. What three words would you use to best describe your personality?
Capable, curious, longing

100. What three words would others probably use to describe you?
"Poor, little Ivy."

101. Why are you risking your life to adventure?
Because the rewards are great.