1.13

Mandarin was getting fed up with her sister and instead of coming home to do her homework with her sister she made it a habit of going to the park or staying on school grounds until she was done.

Makoto find a new interest in working out. She told me she had to be big and strong for when she ruled the world, that silly girl. At least she has aspirations.

Maddox has taken a liking to this crazy doll Willard's parents sent, for being his first and only son. He has named it "Mel'dy". I think it's supposed to be Melody. He's such a smart kid.

He is the happiest baby! Always smiling and laughing!

The girl's birthday is coming up, but they both still act like they're three years old. Makoto loves being read to sleep.

And Mandarin has just as much fun playing peek-a-boo and Maddox does!

I'm always talking about how Mandarin is annoyed by Makoto, but I've caught her in the act of pestering Mako. Makoto was trying to do her homework, as they've stopped doing it together, and Mandarin decided she wanted to play racecar on the couch.

She was purposely being loud and obnoxious, which I had to put a stop to. That caused more obnoxious screaming from both of them. These girls fight way too much!

My baby girls were finally becoming young ladies. We invited their friends from school and some of Will's and my acquaintances. We made sure to have two cakes so they didn't fight over who got which piece and who blows out the candles.

Mandarin was first, then Makoto, and man! Did we ever hear the end of that from Makoto.

Besides that mess, it was a wonderful birthday party. The girls and I joked and talked about whether or not they would date anyone at their new high school. Of course I told them not to tell their father.

After the party I put Maddox in his crib and kissed the girls goodnight. Makoto went to bed right away, she was excited for her first day of highschool. Willard and I had bought a gift for the girls, but we knew Mandarin would have a real use for it. She had a talent for the arts, I went to bed, but I sent Willard out to give Mandarin the present.

"Mandarin," Willard pulled the box out from behind him, "Now, this is for both you and your sister, but your mother and I wanted to tell you, we think you'll have more use out of it than Makoto."
"Daddy! What is it? You didn't have to!"
"You're becoming a young woman," Will said with a sniffle, "and you need to start deciding what you're going to do with your life. You seem to have a more level head than Makoto, but I'm sure she'll find her place."

"Oh, Daddy! Thank you! Tell Mom I said thank you so much! I'm sure I'll love it!"
"Just have fun, sweety."

Mandarin took the package to her bedroom and set it in the corner. She knew she should wait for her sister, but Dad did give it to her. She slowly untied the delicate ribbon and opened the box. It was a keyboard! She always wanted to learn how to play an instrument and now she finally had one! She stroked the cold white keys, contemplating. She should wait until tomorrow to play with it, everyone was going to bed. She lied in bed thinking of all the beautiful music she could make and then the temptation was too great. She quickly sat down on the stool, hesitating before hitting a note, and then hitting the exact one she wanted. All of a sudden music was flowing through her fingertips, songs she's never heard before. She played all night long.

1.12

The girls were really growing to be their own individuals. Makoto was starting to be a little obnoxious, she refuses to eat anything unless it is in juice form and leaves the juice boxes everywhere!

Mandarin was glued to the sofa watching the music channels all day. When she did communicate it was to complain about the mess her sister left around, which seemed to make Makoto leave bigger messes while her sister was around.

There was definitely some sibling rivalry, but we loved them both equally and we tried to show them that.

Whatever we did wasn't stopping the animosity from building between the two.

My birthday was here faster than I expected. I didn't want to celebrate it with a big crowd of people or anything, the girls didn't even know it was my birthday. The television broke and they had been asking for me to fix it all day, but I kept putting it off. I was so anxious about being "old". Will my back hurt? Would I get arthritis? Will I be forced to retire!? I haven't even achieved my dream of being a Master Acrobat, yet! Mandarin was especially upset about the television and didn't seem the slightest bit excited when I started being silly about my birthday. Makoto was in good spirits, though.

I hardly felt any different, except my hair was a gross green-grey color. Makoto smiled at me, "You're beautiful, Mom!" For some reason the compliment sounded forced, but the smile genuine. Mandarin just frowned at me and pointed at the television, "I'm missing Cady Berry perform live in Bridgeport, Mom!" I sighed and searched for my screw driver. "I can't believe you girls are making me do this! On my birthday! How cruel!" I whined dramatically. They giggled a little while I began taking the television apart. I've fixed the old cheap television a hundred times and they all can't be that different on the inside, but when I opened it all I saw was a confusing mess of wires and little colorful, metal cards. As soon as I even touched the screwdriver to the television I was electrocuted.

I heard the girls screaming, but they sounded so far away, a roaring sound was drowning them out. I saw Mandarin and Makoto having a double wedding, Maddox having going with his date to prom. A laughing baby with a green tuft of hair; all the things I'd miss if I died right now. Thank Glob I survived.

I lied on the floor taking deep breaths. "Mom! Mom!" Mandarin cried, "Mom! Please! Are you okay!?" She apologized over and over and then I finally replied, "I'm calling a glob blob repairman!" Makoto screeched with laughter, Mandarin gave her a dirty look so she sulked off to her bedroom. I stood up, called the repairman so that Mandarin could see, then ordered her to bed as well. "You're first day of school is tomorrow and I will not be embarrassed by having you fall asleep in class!"

I took a shower and immediately afterwards I had to hold my little Maddox. I felt so guilty for almost leaving him behind with his crazy sisters.

In the morning I saw the girls were up and talking about something on the couch together. Mandarin looked upset and Makoto was deep in thought about whatever the subject was.

"What's wrong, girls?"

Makoto jumped off the couch, surprised, "Nothing, Mom! We're, um, just nervous about school, right Mandarin?"

"Yeah.." she replied halfheartedly.

"Hmm..Well, did you eat breakfast?" I was slightly suspicious, but two little girls couldn't possibly be up to anything too terrible.

"We don't have time, Mom!" Makoto argued. Then the school bus honked, so I guess she was right, and she bounded out the door. "Come on, Mandy!"

I hated that she called her Mandy, where did she even learn that? I've always called her Mandarin. Anyway, Mandarin sulked after her and they were off to their first day of school!

"Will! I'm going out to book some shows!" I called to him. He was cleaning up after Makoto in the dining room and then he was probably going to start writing. Maddox was sleeping, so there was nothing better to do. I'm ready to be at the top of my career, this is moving too slowly.

"See you soon!" I pecked him on the cheek and called the car service, they arrive pretty quickly so I waited outside. 

I did audition...

...after audition.

I made every audition! I wasn't even that tired, surprisingly, so I decided to work for some tips. I wasn't going to make any money doing anything else that day.

My new title as an "elder" definitely wasn't going to slow me down! Nothing but the grim reaper himself can stop me!

1.11

After the girls time was moving so fast. Willard has reached his golden years and published two books. Both of them were major hits and have been bringing in a small income. He's working on his third novel, but won't tell me what it's about. Before I knew it I was pregnant with our third child.

As soon as I noticed the slightest hint of pregnant belly I had to tell Willard right away. He was just feeding little Makoto, like the wonderful husband he is, when I told him. Of course nothing but joy was written on his face. I was a little worried, though, as I was also getting older. I couldn't bear the thought of never meeting my grandchildren so I shoved it to the back of my mind.

Since I couldn't stand for long periods of time without my feet swelling up I taught the girls how to talk and Will taught them how to walk. I tried to help with the potty training, but it's hard to bend over with a growing belly, so Willard handled that as well. The girls were growing so fast, their birthday was approaching. I was afraid that the new baby would be born the same day as their birthday, though it would be convenient, I'd rather them have their own special birthdays. 

Luckily enough, the baby decided to come a couple days before their birthday. 

I really wasn't expecting the baby so soon and Willard was off running errands. I couldn't leave the girls alone, plus I was in too much pain to even think of calling anybody. I screamed and cried. hoping a neighbor would hear me, but all my efforts were in vain. Finally, after scarring Mandarin for life, the baby arrived! It was a boy!!

He seemed perfectly healthy, despite the fact I just had a home birth, no midwife or husband or anything! I was pretty proud of my accomplishment, it wasn't that hard in retrospect! Willard and I already had a name picked out in case it was a boy, Maddox.

Maddox Minune. He inherited more of my features than his father's, but he had brown eyes. Must be from Will's side of the family, because all my family have light colored eyes.

Willard finally came home, apparently he was at a writer's meet to get his work critiqued. He was definitely excited to have a boy and apologized profusely for not being there for me. I wasn't even the slightest bit upset because Willard is the perfect husband and Maddox, the perfect son.

1.10

I could barely afford the additional room and crib. I scrounged up money for a some toys and a high chair. I was way to pregnant to work and Will still hasn't finished his first novel, he's been getting a little money for sending in chapters though. I told him we have to save it for diapers and baby food. We decided to keep the baby's sex a secret, no one ever does that anymore, I love surprises! Hopefully Will can get one of his books published because maternity leave is really breaking my bank.

One day I woke up with terrible pains. I thought I was just completely starving since I didn't eat the night before.

My stomach was hurting so bad I was afraid something might be wrong with the baby. I then realized I was due any day and that the pain might actually be the baby coming!
"Will! Willard!" I called for him, "I have to go to the hospital...the baby! I think it's coming..!" He lead me to the street and waved a taxi. He yelled at the driver to hurry, I've never felt pain so excruciating. It was all very dramatic with me crying and Willard yelling and the driver speeding to the hospital.

After a couple hours and a C-section later we were home. I didn't have just one baby...I had twin girls! My stomach didn't even look that big!

There's Makoto. She has my hair and eyes, her nose is a combination on Will's and mine, she has Will's lips and she is quite feisty.

Then we have Mandarin. She has her father's hair color and a darker shade of blue eyes, Will's are light blue. The same nose and lips as Makoto. They definitely are their father's children, there's no disputing that.

Now that the girl's were here and they are all settled in I can start to work again. One crib won't cut it. I was happy to be returning to work again and hopefully my fans felt the same. I really needed to advance in my career, all my other dreams were coming true, this one was moving quite slowly.

1.9

The next couple days I felt pretty sick, so I stayed indoors. Will brought me presents in the form of flowers and snacks constantly. He showered me with kisses and affection, the complete opposite of Dumba-I mean, Darren. I was feeling particularly bloated one day and put on my "fat" clothes.

I had a crazy craving for pancakes, which is weird, because I absolutely love waffles. As I was making them it hit me. "I'm pregnant!" I squealed to myself, delighted at first. Then I thought of Will...what would he think? I really wanted to wait until after we were married to start a family, but I'm okay with starting now. Willard...I don't know what his ideals were. How inconsiderate of me. I'm rushing him into this, I'm so selfish.

All day I wallowed around, debating whether or not I should tell him. Of course I should, but I don't want him to leave me for not following the master plan, if he had one. I know I did and I'm veering off course. All my plans for the future are not going accordingly and it was kind of stressing me out. After hours of debating I finally called Will and asked him to meet me at the park. He waved cheerfully as I walked up to him.
"Wow, you look amazing, Midori! Like you're glowing today!" he gushed, pecking me on the cheek. "I was in the middle of writing, but I'd drop anything to come see you."
"Well, um, how is the manuscript coming along?"
"What's wrong, Midori? You look worried..." he trailed off, then his eyes brightened as if he realized something, then looked devastated. "Are you-do you not want to marr-"
"That's ridiculous, Willard! Of course I still want to marry you, it's just.."
"Midori, you can tell me, I love you."

"I'm pregnant, Will," he looked surprised and I could tell he was thinking about Darren, "It's yours of course," I reassured, "You're the only one I've slept with."

A huge grin was then plastered on his face. "Oh my gloob, this is amazing!"
"You're not mad? I thought you would maybe want to wait until after the wedding.."
"Of course I'm not mad! I don't care about the wedding, you're pregnant! With my child!"
"But I really wanted to be married before children, this is a bad sign, things aren't going to work out."
"You're being ridiculous..If it's really that big of a deal to you, let's get married right now!!"
"But Willard!!"
"Look, you weren't inviting your family and I don't have any real friends I'd like to share this moment with, so.."

We exchanged rings and married right then in the park.

He moved in right away. We didn't want to live with his roommates, with a baby on the way and all. I bought a computer so he could work on his writing and for once I'd get to see him actually work. He talked to me about the plans for the house, we decided we needed more room. He would have to sell lots of books and I would have to do a lot of shows to get where we wanted to be. I hope this is my happily ever after..

1.8

"Oh my glob, Midori..!" He was stunned.
"Please say ye-"
"Yes! Midori! Of course I'll marry you!"

"I love you, Will. I hope you don't think I'm moving too fast."
"No, Midori, I want to start a family and I can't think of anyone else I'd rather share my life with."

We hugged and kissed for a long time. Things started getting hot and heavy and I suddenly felt self conscious about my hygiene. I told Will I had to shower and coyly asked if he would like to join.

We continued our make out session there. I felt ready to give myself to him, I didn't mind the small shower. He was definitely ready too, I could tell. I wanted to save myself for our wedding night, but the temptation was too great.

"That was amazing, Midori."
It was amazing, magical even. The way he touched me gave me goosebumps. We stayed up all night and I had a show to go to tonight, so I did my makeup and put on my costume. "You're so beautiful.." He kissed me again.

He took my hand and led me to the bedroom. "Will," I giggled, half resisting, "I have to go soon!"
"I just want to spend a little more time with you before you have to go."

After the second session, I redid my hair and makeup. "Okay! For real this time, I have to go, I'm going to miss my show!" I was already a bit late, but maybe I could make it right when I had to go on stage. I rushed to the venue and everyone was whispering and looking at me when I arrived. I couldn't care less though, I was riding high. I jumped up on stage and performed my newest trick, the audience loved it.

Nothing was going to bring me down, not the gossip or Darren. My career was better than ever! I was getting married to an awesome, hard working guy and I was the talk of the town! None of the negativity was going to effect me.