Chapter 40-Who is George Vinson

The silence in the kitchen was unbearable.  It was mom that spoke first.
"Do we also have a son-in-law?" she continued to put away the last of the groceries.
"No."
"I see."
"Is this why you came home?  Has this man put you and the kids out?"
"Can we please sit?  There's a lot I need to tell you both."
We walked into the dining room.  They both took a seat but I couldn't sit.  I was nervous and needed to keep moving.

I took a deep breathe and turned to look out of the window.  I couldn't face them as I told them everything, well almost everything.
"I don't know where to start."
"How about at the beginning."
I told them about Mulo and how excited I was to meet my idle.  I told them how we have had this very unusual romance but we weren't together.  I told them about Drake and I explained why things didn't work out with Jesse.  I didn't tell them about the fact that Mulo and two of my kids were vampires.  I didn't tell them about the twins I had just lost.  I didn't tell them about Marisol.  I figured I had given them enough shocking news.  Neither of them said anything when I finished speaking.  Mom was crying and dad was expressionless.  He wouldn't meet my gaze.  He got up and walked out of the house.
"I'm sorry mom."
"It's ok dear.  It's nothing we can't work through."  I wished I could have been so optimistic.
"So do you have any pictures of my grandkids?"
"No, sorry."
"When do we get to meet them?"
"Soon.  I'm going to go find dad."
"Ok dear."  I could see she was already planning some big family gathering.  I found dad in the garage.

I knocked on the door and he motioned for me to take a sit by him.

"Dad, I'm sorry."
"Is there more?"
I could only nod.
"Well get on with it, what didn't you want to tell your mother?"
"Well that depends on what you have to tell me about Marisol."
"It's a long story."
"Dad, I need to know."
"I suppose you do.  Just please keep in mind I was a different person then."
"If I've learned anything, it's we all make mistakes.  Now what is your relationship to Marisol?"
"I was her maker."
I thought I heard him wrong.  He couldn't be her maker, he wasn't a vampire.  This wasn't making any sense.  He saw the confusion on my face and started his story.

He had met her as a human and was in the mood for a new mate.  He played with her used her as his personal blood bank and she loved every moment of it because she loved him.  He didn't return those feelings but he enjoyed her other attributes too much to get rid of her so he overlooked her jealous side.  He was able to keep her in control since she was only a human.

"Things were getting worse when I met your mother.  Marisol was turned by then and her devotion to me was suffocating and the jealousy harder to control .  She would go into rages when I looked at another woman and would usually kill whoever it was.  I kept my desire for your mother hidden."

"Dad I don't understand, how is it that you are human?"
"Yes the million dollar question.  A witch.  I had heard tells of an ancient Egyptian witch who was powerful enough to curse our kind.  She had been forced into hiding but I sought her out.  After much convincing that it wasn't a trick and I wasn't going to have others come kill her she cursed me.  Which freed me to be with your mother."

I sat there listening trying to wrap my head around everything he was saying.  Who was this man?  This couldn't be my father.

"But why not just make her a vampire?"
"I loved her too much to do that to her."

"What about Marisol?"
"What about her?"
"How did she react?"
"I didn't tell her.  I just left one night and never came back."
He was so cold and matter of fact.  I couldn't believe this was the same man that doted on my mother.  There wasn't a day that went by when he didn't tell her he loved her or how beautiful she was but here he was sounding like a totally different person.  There had to be more, something I was missing because just being a jilted lover wouldn't bring on the rage Marisol seemed to have.

"What are you not telling me dad?"
"Nothing."

"There must be something more.  Something you're holding back.  Do you know what she has been doing to my life?  Do you know how much pain and misery she has orchestrated towards me?"
"What are you talking about?"
"She wants children dad.  More specifically she wants me to have 100 children for her.  Do you know how crazy that sounds.  Do you know what that will do to me?  Tell me why?"
He turned his back to me. "Amari you're not making sense.  There's nothing more."
"Don't lie to me dad! Not now."

"Why kids?"
"Because I killed hers!" he yelled back at me.
"What?"  did he just say he had killed her child.  Who was this man?
"When she was still human, after we had been together for about 2 years or so she became pregnant with my child.  A child I didn't want.  I gave her a choice the baby or me.  I forced her to choose and I knew she would pick me.  She aborted but it was a different time then.  The procedure wasn't safe or legal and it almost killed her.  That's why I turned her but the abortion left her unable to have kids.  There was no fixing that.  I didn't care it solved a problem for me."

"How could you be so cruel?"
"I told you I was a different person then.  What do you want from me?"
"I want you to tell me why I have to pay for the sins of my father!"
"Sometimes we have to make sacrifices for the ones we love."
"And what sacrifice have you made?"  Before he could answer mom walked in
"Is everything ok out here?  I can hear the yelling in the house."

"Yes Kathy everything is fine."
I stared at my father in disbelief.  My whole life, my mom's whole life has been with a man that we didn't even really know.
"Amari honey why are you crying?"

I hadn't even realized I was until she said something.  This was too much.  To find out my father was a heartless bastard and he didn't even seem sorry for the hell he has brought down on my life.
"I have to get out of here for a little while."

Continue Reading: "Chapter 40-Who is George Vinson"

Chapter 39-Going Home

As I rode in the taxi I remembered how happy my life use to be.  Hanging out with my friends, my sister life was simple, peaceful, and loving.  I was nervous my parents didn't know I was coming.  It has been years since I'd seen them and I wasn't sure what I was going to say to them.  Really do I say Hi mom and dad guess what you have three grandchildren and some crazy vampire chick with a grudge against dad wants me to have ninety-seven more.  I starting laughing at that thought, the cab driver looked at me in the rearview mirror.
"That'll be $21.19"
I sat there for a moment looking at my childhood home.
"Are you gettin out? Meter's runnin."
"Yeah sorry." I handed her the cash and climbed out of the taxi.

I walked up the steps and hesitated before ringing the doorbell."
"I'll get it." I heard my mom say.
"Hi Mom."

"Amari."
"Sorry I didn't call first."
"Come in, George Amari's here."
My dad came walking up, he looked at me for a moment before giving me a hug.

"Hey baby girl."
"Hi Dad."
"Are you hungry?  You need to eat you're too skinny.  Dinner's almost ready."  mom was in full nurture mode.  I bit of guilt washed over me, she would have loved the role of grandma.  I sighed.
"Are you ok sweetie?"
"Yeah I'm fine dad.  I would love some dinner just let me take a quick shower.  It's been a long trip."
"Of course."
I headed upstairs to my old room.  I forgot how small it was.

I don't know how Amella and I survived living in such tight quarters but we did.  We would spend hours laying awake talking about boys and such.  She would do most of the talking since she had the most experience.  I had the same boyfriend, Marcus Smith, from eleventh grade through my third year of college when I left.  She would have been able to handle this, she could handle anything.

I headed back down stairs after my shower.  Mom had dinner on the table.

"So tell us how is life in the big city?" Dad asked
"Your emails have been a little vague lately and your voice has seemed strained during our phone calls." mom added.
"Life's just been a little hectic."  That was the understatement of the century.
We ate in silence for a little while then mom spoke again.
"Honey we are happy for the visit, but it's so sudden."
"What your mom is trying to say is, well are you in some sort of trouble?  You haven't been back since you left and now you just show up.  What's going on?"
I just sat there pushing my food around on my plate wondering why my parents still had the ability to make me feel like a little girl.

"Amari, are you pregnant?" my mom asked in hushed tone as if the house was bugged.  She always did that if she was speaking about something she considered taboo.  I looked at her and started laughing.
"Not presently."
"Then what's going on?"  I didn't want to get into everything the first day.  I was tired from traveling and I hadn't worked out what I wanted to say to them.
"Mom, dad can we talk about it in the morning?"
"Of course dear."
We spent the rest of the night making idle chit chat.

They were both enjoying retirement.  Mom had taken up gardening to pass the time and dad was refinishing an old fishing boat.  That night I didn't sleep well between the nerves about tomorrow and being back in my old room.

In the morning I heard my parents up early going through their morning routine.  I laid in bed for a little while not wanting to start the day.  Eventually I got up, dressed and headed downstairs.

"Good morning dad."
"Morning." he replied from behind the paper.
"Where's mom?"
"She ran to the store.  She thought we needed more food since you're here.  You know how she gets."
I took a deep breathe. "Dad who's Marisol Aberle?
"I don't know dear."
"Dad."  he sighed and folded the paper.

"Amari I don't know anyone by that name.  Should I?"
I was trying to keep my emotions in check.  Marisol certainly could have lied about everything but somehow I didn't think she had.  He was hiding something.
"Yes dad you should because she certainly seems to know you."
He didn't say anything and got up when we heard mom's car pull into the driveway.  He went out to help with the groceries and they came back in talking.
"Morning honey are you hungry?"
"No mom."
"You really should eat.  Breakfast is still the most important meal of the day."
They were putting away the groceries when I walked into the kitchen.
"Amari how long will you be staying?  I want to invite a few people over.  Marcus is still in town you should give him a call.  I do water aerobics with his mom I could get his number for you."

"You have three grandchildren." I blurted out

Continue Reading: "Chapter 39-Going Home"

Chapter 38-Life Goes On

When you've loved someone for as long as I've loved Mulo you would think that saying goodbye would be more painful. All that I have endured because of him made it easier but that didn't stop me from missing him or silently calling out for him at night.

I slept downstairs in Bynni's old room.  My room, my bed had too many memories that I wanted to escape.  It took me a few weeks to recover, but Dr. Delson was pleased with my health and I was cleared to try again if I wanted.  I spent a lot of time painting again which helped me feel relaxed.  I was slowly trying to regain my life and my sanity.  I hadn't told the kids yet, but part of that recovery meant I was moving.  I needed to be out of this house, his house so I had started looking for a new place to rent.  I had saved up some cash from the few painting I had sold but it wasn't going to be enough to buy something.  My realtor was positive that I could buy something but I think she just wanted the bigger commission.

Ceula still walked on eggshell around me.  No matter how much I tried to tell her otherwise she was still blaming herself.  She told Jesse she didn't want to move afterall, but I told her she should go still it would do her good to get away and get to know her dad better.  That only made her cry because she thought I wanted to get rid of her even though that was not the case.  She ended up staying at home and we went shopping for her prom dress.  She looked so beautiful on prom night.

Aric and Nina had become engaged and with all that was going on, Nina had moved into the house.  I was grateful to have her around.  I knew Mulo was checking up on me because I would catch bits of Aric's phone conversations. 

Bynni and TK finally came for a visit.  They were still living with Marisol.  She wouldn't admit it, but I could sense she liked living there with her.  I tried not to dwell on that, I just wanted to enjoy the visit with my daughter.  Bynni wanted me to help plan her wedding.  I knew the request was more to try and keep me busy especially seeing as how Nina had made the same request.

It was about two months before I got up the courage to go visit the twins' grave.  Aric offered to go with me but I told him I needed to do this by myself.  I stopped at the gates of the cemetery, nervous for some reason but I had to say a proper goodbye to my babies.

"Hello my angels"  I said as I sat down beside their gravestones.

"Sorry it took me so long to visit.  I wanted you to know I loved you both very much.  Please forgive me for ever having thoughts of not wanting to keep you.  I love your father very much and having you around would have brought me more joy than sorrow."

I hadn't cried since that last night with Mulo.  I didn't think I had any tears left but as I sat there I felt them running down my cheeks.
"You would have been adored by your older siblings.  I'm so sorry for not being able to bring you safely into the world.  I think about you every day and I miss you terribly.  I wanted you both to know you are loved and won't be forgotten."
I kissed the grave stones before leaving.  I got the feeling I was being watched but the only other person there was a lady crying loudly about how she missed her husband.

When I got home no one was there.  Ceula had been spending a lot of time at her friend's house and Aric and Nina had gone cake tasting.

Reclaiming my life meant I needed some answers.  It was time to confront the man Marisol claimed was the reason for all of this.  I went upstairs to pack.

I left Aric a note then called a cab to take me to the airport.  It was time to go home.

Continue Reading: "Chapter 38-Life Goes On"

Chapter 37-Loss

Things seemed unreal after he left.  Dr. Delson came in and explained what happened.  I was carrying twins and the pregnancy alone put a lot of strain on my body trying to support two.  That coupled with the outside stresses of my life was more than my body could handle.  I went into early labor and by the time we got to the hospital it was too late to stop it since my water had already broken.  I was just over five months along but they were too little to survive.  I just laid there as he kept talking.  There was a mention of grief counseling and he left a card on the table.

Mulo came back a few hours later but he didn't speak to me he just looked out of the window.

The nurses and doctor were in and out examining me, asking if I needed pain meds, or if I had contacted the counselor.  I was there for two days, I wasn't really eating and Dr. Delson didn't want to release me but I promised him I would make an appointment to speak to someone.  Mulo took me home and we still hadn't spoken.  Bynni and Aric had taken care of the funeral arrangements and the twins were buried while I was still in the hospital.  I didn't even know if they had been named.

Ceula ran up to me as soon as I walked into the house.

"I'm so sorry mom.  I didn't know, I shouldn't have upset you that way.  Please forgive me."  She was crying so hard her whole body was shaking.
"Shhh...It's ok.  This wasn't your fault."  I said trying my best to console her.  "Sometimes things just happen and we don't have any control over them."
"But if I hadn't been so mean, if I hadn't told you I wanted to leave..."
"Listen to me."  I said stroking her hair.  "Stop thinking you caused this do you understand.  This was not your fault.  You did nothing wrong ok.  I love you and it's going to be alright.  I promise."

She nodded and Nina came to take her into the living room to try and calm her down for me.  I silently thanked her and then headed upstairs.

"I have nothing left to give."  I knew he had followed me upstairs.  He walked up and put his arms around me.

The touch, his touch that would always make me feel better instead filled me at that moment with grief and anger.  I had shed so many tears because of him and up until that moment I had yet to cry for my lost babies.  I turned and yelled at him.

"Are you happy now?"  I demanded  "Is this was you wanted to have me totally broken and defeated?  Will you go to bed tonight with that cold hearted bitch and laugh about poor dumb Amari?"
I was screaming and pounding on his chest and he stood there silent.

"All I ever wanted was to be loved by you.  I gave you everything, my heart, my virginity, my unquestioning, unconditional love and what did I get in return?"  The anger gave way to tears.  All he had brought into my life was heartache and despair.  Marisol may have been the ring leader but he had hurt me more than she ever could.  I was empty now, just a shell of a person because I choose to love him.  I collapsed to the floor and he still said nothing.  I don't know why he stayed but he did and he held me while I cried.

*************************************************************************************

I was dying inside.  When the doctor told me he couldn't save them I was gripped with a pain I had never experienced before.  Watching Amari as she completely fell apart in front of me ripped my heart out.  She blamed me and she was right to do so.  If only I had stayed away she wouldn't be here in this moment.  If I hadn't been so consumed with jealousy over the thought of her loving someone other than me, she wouldn't be in the dark place she was now.  I didn't speak because there was nothing I could say to make it right.  Sorry wasn't enough and she wouldn't believe me if I told her I was in pain just like she was so I stayed silent.  I don't know how long we sat there and I didn't care.  I knew I would be here for her as long as she needed me.  Eventually her body began to relax and the tears began to slow.  I stood up and helped her up off the floor.

Her eyes were red and swollen from crying.  I wiped tears from her cheeks.
"Love isn't suppose to be like this." she said leaning into my hand slightly.  She looked at me, her eyes pleading for me to take the pain away.  I expected her to pull away from me,but she didn't.  I leaned in and gave her a kiss on her tear stained cheek.

"Why, why did this have to happen?"  I could feel the sadness building up inside her again and I just held her tightly.  She buried her face deep into my chest.  I thought about making her forget.  I could very easily make her forget that she loved me, that we had lost our babies.  I could make her forget all the pain I've caused her and  I should have done that.  I knew now that me leaving wasn't going to be enough to free her from what I had done.  I pulled away from her so I could see her face.  That beautiful innocent face.  The face that I saw every time I closed my eyes.  The face that I wanted to wake up to every morning.  I should have made her just forget me, but I'm too selfish for that.

"I love you Amari.  I've always loved you."
She looked at me and then she kissed me.  It was a kiss of longing and desperation.  A kiss full of need and desire.  A kiss full of pain and grief.  Everything I had ever put her through was somehow transferred in that kiss.  It was intense, and loving, and passionate.  Then she pulled away but lingered close to me.

I held her hand and looked at her.  There was a sense of relief in her face now at least I had given her that.
"It's too late."  She whispered and I knew it the moment she pulled out of the kiss.  Before she even spoke the words I knew that there was no going back after she had lost so much because of me.  She still loved me, I could feel it but it was too painful for her to be with me.
"Goodbye Mulo."

Continue Reading: "Chapter 37-Loss"

Chapter 36-A Daughter's Choice

CeCe spent a lot of time in her room after our conversation.  She didn't really want to be around anyone other than Nina.  She looked at her as the sister she lost with Bynni.  She was quietly shutting me out and it upset me but I was happy she did at least have someone she felt comfortable with.

I never spoke to Aric about his conversation with her.  I didn't see the point, he hadn't done anything but tell her the truth.  Bynni called on occasion, she was planning on visiting soon since she was now better with her self control.  It sounded like she was adjusting to her new life well.

The pregnancy was progressing but it was taking a toll on me.  I was tired a lot and found it hard to breathe.  I had gone into false labor a few times because no matter how hard I tried stress was an unavoidable part of my life. 

Dr. Delson finally decided to put me on limited bed rest for the remainder of the pregnancy.  I was suppose to sit around with my feet up and pretend everything was sunshine and rainbows.  Mulo would call but I wouldn't talk to him I knew if I did the outcome would be bad.  Besides he wasn't so much concerned about my well being as he was concerned that his offspring was still being incubated.

My biggest worry was my youngest child.  She seemed to be talking to her dad a lot more these days.  I would catch her hurrying to get off the phone when I would waddle into the room.  I finally decided I needed to try and talk to her.  Prom was coming up so maybe she would let me take her shopping.  I found her in the kitchen getting ready to do homework.

"Can we talk?"
"I have homework to do mom."
"Please it won't take long."
She let out an agitated sigh but closed her notebook but didn't want to look at me.
"I just wanted to catch up a bit.  See how school is going.  We haven't really talked much lately."
"School's fine and there's nothing really I want to talk to you about."
She saw the look of pain that came across my face when she said that.
"Mom, I'm sorry I didn't mean it that way.  It's just I have been thinking about things trying to work it all out."
"I might be able to help if you let me."
She looked down at the table.  I knew there was something she wanted to say but she was holding back.
"Ceula you can tell me anything."
"I want to live with dad.  I've already asked them and both he and Diane are happy with the idea."
I felt like I had just been hit in the face.  I couldn't find the words to express the shock I was feeling at that moment.
"He's coming to get me in two weeks." she finished softly.  The plans had already been made and I wasn't even included.  This wasn't right, she was my child.  I've been the one there trying my best to raise her and he still was taking her away but more importantly was the fact that she wanted to go.  She got up and left me sitting there dumbfounded.

"She's in the kitchen" I heard her say before running upstairs.
"You haven't been answering my calls."
"I was avoiding stress."  I closed my eyes as I was still trying to process what my daughter had just told me.  Then it dawned on me, he came at just the right time for once.
"You can fix this.  You can make her stay!"
"I can't."

"Yes you can!  You caused this, you brought this chaos and unhappiness into my life into her life and now she wants to leave.  She is running away because of you."
"Amari, it's not that easy and you need to keep calm.  I'm sure if you just talk to her..."
"No.  I won't be calm if she leaves.  I won't be calm knowing she's unhappy here in her home.  Do you know why she wants to leave?  Did you see that when you are poking around in my head?  She thinks you are going to turn her like you did Bynni.  She's scared, and confused and you need to fix it now!"

I was frantic at this point.  I knew it was probably very selfish not wanting her to go.  As her mother I should have her best interest at heart but I just couldn't bear the thought of her leaving me or facing my failures.  Being with Jesse would give her the best shot at a normal life, but letting her go was too hard.

"Amari stop this now!"  his voice was low and threatening.  I stared at him in shock mixed with fear.  He took a deep breathe and steadied his voice before speaking again.
"You need to calm down please."  He tried to lead me to chair but I pushed his hand away.
"Don't touch me.  You don't care about me you just care about the child I'm carrying"  He looked hurt when I said that but I couldn't believe it.  He could make me see anything.  I started feeling lightheaded but I couldn't stop.  I needed him to do this.

"Please.  Please I'll do whatever you want.  Just make her happy she doesn't deserve this."
I have never felt so powerless as I did at that moment. 
"Amari, I can't.  She's just a child and we can't alter the free will of a child."  He almost looked sincere when he spoke.  I felt sick when he said that.  I was ashamed I was begging this man to use mind control on my child.  I was no better than him or Marisol for trying to control her like that.
"Now please you are suppose to be in bed."  He tried to lead me towards the stairs but I jerked away from him.  When I did I felt a sharp pain in my side.

"Ow!" I yelped clinching my side.
"What's wrong?" he asked as he reached out for me.
"Get away." I yelled backing up from him before doubling over in pain.  The pain intensified.  I was unable to stand up straight and he had put his arms around me for support.  I felt a trickle down my leg.
"Please, God no it's too soon."  I whispered to myself. Mulo picked me up took me to his car and headed to the hospital.

 Mulo was the first thing I saw when I woke up but he was looking out of the window.  I instinctively placed my hand on my stomach.
"They didn't make it."  He didn't even turn to look at me before he walked out of the room.

Continue Reading: "Chapter 36-A Daughter's Choice"

Chapter 35-All Grown Up

I was in the hospital for another day.  Dr. Delson wanted to observe me because my blood pressure was still higher than he liked.  He asked if I was still considering termination and I told him no.  He wanted to put me on strict bed rest but we compromised and I promised to not push myself and to keep my stress level down.  With the way my life was going, that was easier said than done, but I was going to try.
"What are you doing here?"  I didn't need to turn around to know he was there, I could sense his presence.
"I came to take you home." he replied reaching around me to get my bag.
"I would rather take a taxi or I can call Aric to pick me up."
"I'm taking you." his tone suggested the topic was no longer up for discussion.
The car ride home was silent and tense.  I stared out the window and tried only to think about the passing scenery.  Once we arrived he took my bag upstairs and then went to speak with Aric I went to find Ceula.  She had her birthday while I was in the hospital.  My little girl was now a beautiful young lady and I wasn't there to see her grow up.

"I missed you honey."  I said hugging her tightly  "Did you have a good birthday?"
"Yeah mom, Aric and Nina took me out to dinner.  How are you feeling?"
"I'm fine."
"Well I'm glad you're home."  She pulled out of the hug and headed upstairs.
"CeCe wait.  Do you want to have some mother/daughter time tomorrow?  I would like to take you shopping or something since I missed your birthday."
"Yeah sure mom, that'd be great."
I knew this had to be hard on her.  I was letting her down by having all this craziness in her life.  I had one job as a mother, to provide a loving and stable environment for my children and I couldn't do it.
Mulo had left without saying goodbye but I knew he would be back to check up on his baby.  I headed upstairs for a hot bath, I was looking forward to sleeping in my own bed.  Hospital beds are small and uncomfortable.  As I was getting ready for bed there was a knock at my door.
"Yes?"
"Mom may I come in?"
"Sure."

"Are you feeling better?"
"Yes I'm fine.  The last few days just took a real toll on me."
"I'm sorry Mom."

He gave me a hug and I hesitated a moment before hugging him back.  Even though he was probably going to be a spy for his father, he was still my son and I loved him dearly.
"There's nothing to be sorry about.  None of this is your fault, it's between your father and I."

"How's Bynni doing?"
"She's doing well.  She wants to come see you especially after she found out you were in the hospital but she's still having some control issues."
I remembered how she was when I saw her.  The poor girl never did have very good self control so I know this must be a real test for her.
"I understand.  I will call her tomorrow so she knows I'm ok.  Aric thank you for taking care of your sister."
"You don't have to thank me, that's what a big brother should do.  You should get some rest."
He gave me a kiss on the cheek and left.  I'm sure Mulo had told him about the pregnancy but he didn't mention it and I didn't want to get into it either.  As I climbed into bed into bed my thoughts drifted to Mulo, the biggest stressor in my life.  If I was going to make it through this pregnancy, I was going to have to avoid him.

I didn't sleep as peacefully as I had hoped and really didn't want to get out of bed in the morning but I needed to spend some time with Ceula.  We planned to spend the day at Magic Kingdom doing some shopping and just hanging out.  She was really quiet on the car ride although I kept trying to engage her in conversation.
"Did your dad call for your birthday?"
"Yeah."
Jesse had been good about keeping in touch with her but we hadn't spoken since the day he left.

"Do you like anything here?"
"No, not really."
We walked around for a bit but she didn't really seem interested in shopping.
"How about some lunch."
"Sure."
We ate in silence.  I hated feeling so disconnected from my child.
"CeCe, I'm sorry I know things haven't been the best lately but I'm trying."
"I know mom.  It's ok I know you have a lot going on."

"No it's not ok.  My problems shouldn't have such an impact on your life and I am sorry that they have."
She didn't say anything and just kept looking at her nails.  This wasn't going as well as I had hoped.
"Mom is it true?" she asked still looking down at her hands.
"Is what true?"
"About Aric and Bynni and Mulo is it true what they are?" she asked in a whisper
I didn't know how to answer I feared something had happened while I was in the hospital.  Surely they would have told me if they did it to her.
"Honey I don't understand what you're asking me."
I could see she was getting frustrated with my attempts to dodge the question.  This time she looked me in the eye when she spoke.
"He told me mom.  Aric asked what I wanted most for my birthday, I told him I wanted the truth so he told me.

The look in her eyes told me I couldn't help but answer her questions.
"Yes.  It's true"
"So will I end up like them?" 
"No.  Aric was born that way.  I didn't know what Mulo was at the time.  I found out at Bynni's graduation."
"And was Bynni born that way as well?"
"No, Mulo turned her."
"Why?"
"I honestly don't know.  You would have to ask him."
"So why not me?"
"Honey do you want to be like them?"
She looked down at the table again.  This was more than any child should have to deal with and it was all my fault.
"I don't know."

She didn't ask anymore questions after that.  We walked around a bit more but neither of us were in the mood to shop so we headed home.

Continue Reading: "Chapter 35-All Grown Up"