Chapter 2-13

Reader discretion advised: While I try to keep things PG13, one scene may be inappropriate for younger readers. There isn't any nudity or anything graphic, but there is a scene where sex is implied.

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Lilac’s POV

Since the day Holly was born, Mandarin and Ginger officially started dating. Now two years old, Holly is a lively little toddler. She loves to play with Boysenberry, who is just as childish as she is.

Time is a curious thing. It doesn’t feel like it’s been almost twenty years since Apricot and I started our life together.

I look around this house and see how much everyone has aged. I’m amazed at how wonderful all my children have grown up to be, each with their own quirks and interests.

Ginger, now a mother, is sweet and loving, but with a tough side. She won’t put up with crap from anybody, and she’s very protective of little Holly.

 Sugar is the sassy one of the bunch. She is very strong-willed, not afraid to tell people what’s on her mind. 

Both girls on a health kick, obsessed with keeping their bodies in shape. They love working out and doing yoga.

Papaya is the loner; he enjoys being by himself. I usually find him playing video games on the computer.

Boysenberry, the goofball, loves to be silly and make people laugh. 

Blackberry loves to go outside and play basketball. He’s interested in other sports as well, but basketball is his favorite. He can be a little shy at times, so sports help him get to know other people.

To remember these times with the family, I suggested getting a couple family photos. I didn’t know how difficult it was going to be to get everyone to stay still long enough to take the pictures.

Not too long after the photos were taken, Boysenberry and Blackberry both got girlfriends (two girls who are roommates) and ended up moving in with them.

Boysenberry’s girlfriend is Violet, a cute geeky girl that shares his love of comedy.

Blackberry’s girlfriend is Sky, a feisty girl who is an athlete. He has come out of his shell a lot since meeting her.

Seeing all this change makes me reminisce about the old days, when they were little. It also makes me wonder what is yet to come. With this family, life never fails to be interesting.

Ginger’s POV

We are going to the park today, to spend some quality time together. Mom came with us to watch Holly play on the playground, so that the two of us could be alone for a while. We had a great day, just relaxing and taking a breather from our everyday lives, and best of all, just being together. 

Later, we got up to head home (Mom had taken Holly home earlier, to put her to down for a nap). 

Mandarin, who was in front of me, stops and turns around to face me.

Mandarin: Ginger, I’m sure you know how much I love you, so I’m not going to drag this out longer than needed. Will you marry me?

Shocked, I didn’t know what to do. I just seems so soon, but yet, at the same time, it seems like we’ve been together forever.

Ginger: I-I’m sorry, Mandarin. I can’t. I don’t think I’m ready for that level of commitment yet. I’ll marry you one day, I just need more time.

Mandarin: Oh, okay. Sorry I asked.

He starts pouting and looking upset. Feeling horrible about denying him, I pull him aside and we have a seat at a picnic table.

Ginger: I’m sorry, now I feel bad. Are you gonna be okay?

Mandarin: I’ll survive. I wasn’t expecting you to say no, that’s all. I feel like an idiot.

Ginger: Okay, okay. You talked me into it. Ask me again.

Mandarin: *perking up* Really?

Ginger: Yes, now just do it.

Mandarin: *gets down on one knee again* Ginger, will you mar-

Ginger: Yes! Yes, I’ll marry you!

After putting the ring on my finger, he’s pull me to him and we kiss. I really was excited that he wants to marry me, so I decided that accepting his proposal was the best decision after all. Then we head home, for real this time.

When we get home, everyone is asleep. Exhilarated from what just happened, I lead Mandarin to my room, and motion for him to get on the bed with me.

He leans in over me, both of us still fully clothed. I give the go ahead with the nod of my head.

We were about to make love, when he hesitates.

Mandarin: Are you sure this is okay? I don’t want to force something if you don’t want it.

Ginger: Oh come on, Mandarin. It’s fine, really. I want this, and I really want share this moment with you. Let’s do it.

This was our first time experiencing the pleasures of woohoo, and it was incredible. He was so gentle, afraid he was going to hurt me. I encouraged him to keep going, to stop worrying so much, and once we got going, we both really enjoyed ourselves. I guess you could say we are going to sleep well tonight.

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<-- Chapter 2-12

Chapter 2-12

Mandarin is always by my side, helping me even when it isn’t necessary. As my pregnancy progressed, he became more and more obsessed with my well-being. I guess he’s planning on being here for the long haul.

Today was my second trimester ultrasound, meaning I got to learn the sex of the baby. I’m very excited to share it with him.

In the living room, Mandarin is on the couch, watching TV. He practically lives here now.

Ginger: Hey Man, guess what?

Mandarin: What, Ging?

Ginger: I got my ultrasound done today. You wanna see?

Mandarin: Yes, I’d love that.

I handed him the photo, and he’s speechless.

Ginger: It’s a girl. I can’t wait to meet her. Something wrong?

He starts getting watery-eyed, and tries to wipe away the tears before I see.

Mandarin: No, nothing’s wrong. It’s just— I know she’s not my child, but I feel like she is. I feel a connection to her, like a real father does.

Ginger: Awww, Mandarin, you’re such a softie. 

The rest of the pregnancy flew by. It was Winterfest when the contractions started. Once they got closer together and we knew it was the real deal, we went to the hospital. Mandarin helped me through the contractions, and comforted me as much as possible. I could tell it was hard on him to see me in so much pain

Ginger: Owwww….it hurts so much. Worse than I thought it would be.

 Mandarin: It’s okay, Ging. You’re strong, you’ll get through this. Just think about the end result, your baby. You’ll get to meet her soon.

Ginger: Thanks, Manny, I appreciate your help.

 

Finally the time arrived. The doctor came in to deliver the baby, and our beautiful daughter came into the world. Given the holiday, I thought it fitting to call her Holly Berry, or just Holly for short.

We took her home the next morning. Both of us fell in love with her; Mandarin instantly entered daddy-mode.

Mandarin: She is gorgeous like her mother; she has your eyes.

Ginger: Yeah, she does, how sweet.

Caught up in the moment, he leans forward and kisses me. I’m surprised, but I don’t push him away. His lips are so soft and loving. I can tell this is sincere, not just an act. In this moment, I realize Mandarin is the man I am meant to be with.

I’m sure of it.

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<-- Chapter 2-11