A/N: So I just wanted to say sorry for not updating this story in like two weeks. School is a total bitch this semester. Also I was telling the truth before when I said I already had the first ten chapters written. This chapter was actually a chapter I just decided to add. This chapter focuses on Major and the whole sibling thing with him and Jordan and Alex and just family overall. Paige does make an appearance in this and so does someone else =)
-So I don't know if anyone of you read each other's reviews BUT Elly was pretty much correct on how I was doing this whole pregnancy thing. I read a lot of articles about studies and experiments being done so that one day lesbians can have children of their own without artificial insemination. Well I decided to add a twist to mine because everyone can't just be having girls. Now I'm kinda going out on a limb with this one but remember that this is fanfic and in the world of fanfic ANYTHING can happen. So I have two options for this world on how two women can get pregnant:
1.) An egg is taken from each female and the two eggs are like fused together. Then an "empty" sperm fertilizes the egg. What I mean by "empty" is that all the "sperm" does is decided if the embryo will be male or female
2.) Once again each egg is taken from each female. One of the eggs is injected with i don't know, something that allows it to make a Y chromosome and then that egg fertilizes the other.
So each person gets to pick their own option for when they're reading the story but please don't complain in your review how this is scientifcally impossible because I don't want to hear it nor do I want to read it. got it? Alright. ENJOY!
Disclaimer: I do not own Degrassi but I will admit that I watched last weekend's episode. Only because Adam was in it and I find a transgender character to be quite interesting.
This is one of those moments that make me wish I could be home all the time. This is one of those moments that make me feel guilty for going to school so far away.
"I'm sorry," I whisper.
No response, but of course I didn't expect one since he's sleeping.
"I'm sorry that I can't be here for your big moments," I continue with my apology. "I'm sorry that I might not be here for your first words, or your very first steps, or the first time Mom and Dad actually say "no" to you."
I chuckle lightly; remember the first time Brian ever said "no" to one of my requests. That was a very big day for him.
"I know I won't be here for those moments but know that I will ALWAYS be here for you. No matter where in the country or world I am know that I will always be here to love and protect you. If you ever need me I'll jump on a plane and fly right over. Johnsons protect their family no matter what. I promise that I will always protect you little brother."
O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O
"Major, deja esa galleta," Beth says.
"Oh come on!" Major yells.
"How many times do I have to tell you that you can't have a cookie until you eat dinner?"
"Come on Beth! Be the cool sister-in-law and let me eat the cookie!"
"No! You can have a cookie when you eat your dinner."
I enter the kitchen as Beth is leaving it. Beth points at me threateningly.
"Don't you dare let him have that cookie before dinner," she says.
"Of course not," I agree. "I'd never let him eat dessert before dinner."
Beth leaves the kitchen and now it's only Major and me in here. Major is looking at me with questioning eyes. I just nod my head and in a flash Major takes a cookie off the plate and stuffs it into his mouth.
"Mmm," he says with his mouth full of a chocolate chip cookie.
So here's what's going on. Major is staying with Beth and me this week while Mom and Brian are away on a romantic vacation. I'll admit that Major wanted to stay with Palex, which kind of hurt my feelings, but Mom said "no" since Paige is pregnant and she didn't want her to have to deal with an energetic seven year old. This is my chance to prove to prove to Major that I am the cooler sister.
Beth walks back into the kitchen. Beth looks at Major, who is currently still eating the cookie he stuffed into his mouth. Beth is looking at me with angry eyes. Oh shit.
"Major, qué come usted?" Beth asks him.
Major's eyes widen in fear and he quickly points at me. "Jordan jdghkj ghsjhgdk it!" he says while chunks of chewed cookie falls out of his mouth.
I look down at Major. "Oh way to go bro," I tell him. "Ya know that sibling code doesn't only apply to staying out of trouble with Mom and Dad."
Major shrugs and shoulders and swallows the rest of the cookie. "I'd rather you get into trouble than me."
He runs out of the kitchen and goes upstairs to the guest room he's occupying this week. I look at Beth and she does not look too happy with me. She has her eyes narrowed at me and she has her arms crossed across her chest.
"So I tell you not to let him have a cookie and you do the exact opposite of what I said," she says.
"It was only one cookie," I tell her. "One cookie isn't going to ruin his appetite."
"Are you going to let our kids eat dessert before dinner?"
"What? Major isn't our kid! He's my little brother. I'm suppose to let him do things Mom and Dad wouldn't normally let him do, like eat a cookie before dinner. It's one cookie Beth, ONE cookie. Uno!"
"Well eventually one cookie could lead to two candy bars, which can eventually lead to cake which means before you know it he's eating cake all the damn time and not eating his vegetables."
Ok, this is becoming really weird. I raise my eyebrow and give her a weird look.
"How many parenting books have you read?" I ask her.
"I have no idea what you're talking aboot," she says.
"How many?"
Beth sighs. "Five."
I walk over to her and place my hand on her cheek, caressing it. "Stop reading those books," I tell her. "They're making you crazy and you're not even pregnant yet. Do you remember what it was like when you and Simón were growing up together?"
Beth nods her head. "Of course I do," she answers. "I mean by the time he was born I was ten and already use to being by myself but I remember how proud I was of him when he took his first steps and I remember teaching him his first word." A smile appears on Beth's face. "I remember holding his hand as my papi and I walked with him to his kindergarten class. And I remember having to go to the playground one day to tell a bully to leave him alone."
"See you have all these memories of your brother while he was growing up but I was barely here for the first three years of Major's life. I didn't get to see my little brother crawl, or learn how to walk; I didn't get to be there for his first words. I didn't even get to be here for his first day of kindergarten because I had to go to some stupid radio broadcasting convention. I've missed the moments where he needed his big sister most. So if Major wants a cookie before dinner I'm going to let him have a cookie."
Beth sighs and places her hands on my shoulders. "I get it," she starts. "You feel bad because you couldn't be there for your little brother but you're here for him now. You're taking care of him while you're parents are on vacation. But remember that you're not just his big sister, you're also the adult and he's the kid."
I nod my head. "Alright," I tell her. "But can I ask you something?"
"Sure."
"Can I have a cookie before dinner?"
Beth is laughing. "Can you have a cookie?" she asks while laughing. The laughter stops and is replaced with a serious look. "No," she answers.
"Oh come on!"
O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.
Ya know what I've never been a big fan of? Pickles. I have never ever liked pickles. I don't know why but I just don't like them. I think they're disgusting. All sour and then bumpy on the outside and what not. Ew. That's why the sight before me right now is making me want to throw up.
"Mm this is yummy," Major says with his mouth full of food. "You make the best ham, cheese, mayo, and pickle sandwich Alex."
Alex shrugs her shoulders. "I have many gifts," she says. Alex looks at me. "And that is why I'm the cooler sister."
I stick my tongue out at her. Yeah, so Major and I are currently at Palex's house and we're in the kitchen. Alex just made Major a sandwich and I'm sitting next to him just watching him eat it in awe and disgust. I wonder if all boys go through a nasty sandwich eating stage or just Major.
"How can you eat that?" I ask.
Great, I am now receiving the "are you kidding me right now?" look from Major. I hate receiving this look for anyone, but I especially hate it when he gives it to me.
"It's delicious," he says, like that should be common knowledge.
"It looks disgusting," I tell him.
"Says the woman who eats peanut butter, jelly, and cheese sandwiches," Alex says.
Oh hold up! I know she's not about to get on me about my sandwich choices! I angrily point my finger at her.
"You shut your face," I tell her seriously.
Alex puts up her hands. "I'm just saying that maybe you shouldn't be judging people's sandwich decisions."
Alright, I need someone on my side right now. Ooh, yes! Paige just walked into the kitchen. Now I definitely know Paige is going to side with me. She is very sensible when it comes to sandwiches.
"Paige, I'm so glad you're here," I tell her.
Paige smiles. "Aw, thanks hon."
"Wow, your belly is getting big," Major points out.
And the smile has disappeared from Paige's face. "Wow Major, you know exactly what to say to make a girl feel special," she says sarcastically.
Major shrugs his shoulders. "It's the Johnson charm, gets them every time."
I smile at my little brother, I have taught him well. Ok, time to get back to the sandwich issue.
"Paige, when you look at this," I start, pointing at Major's sandwich. "What's the first feeling that comes to you?"
Paige looks at Major's sandwich. Why is she licking her lips?
"That looks delicious," Paige says. "What's on it?"
"Ham, cheese, mayo, and pickles," Major says. "Alex even makes it better than Mommy."
Paige looks excited and crazy now. She's licking her lips and I'm pretty sure any second now drool will come out of her mouth. Paige looks at Alex.
"Hon, can you make me one too?" Paige asks.
Alex smiles and nods her head. "Of course Paigey. You can have anything you want." Alex kisses Paige on the cheek.
"How can you think that looks delicious?" I ask Paige.
"Hon, I'm pregnant," Paige says in a duh tone. "Things I would normally think are disgusting seem really delicious to me."
"Ugh!" I groan.
"See I told you my sandwich is good," Major says and smiles.
"Just because a seven year old and a pregnant woman says it's good doesn't mean it's good," I tell him.
"I'm seven and a half," Major says.
"Oh, I'm sorry," I apologize sarcastically. "Seven and a half year old."
I turn around and Paige is sitting at the kitchen table while Alex is fixing her a sandwich.
Burp.
We all turn our heads to look at Major. He smiles that little kid smile.
"Excuse me," he says sweetly. "So I was thinking aboot what you should name your baby."
Alex raises her eyebrow. "Oh really?"
Major nods his head. "Mhm. So I was thinking if it's a boy obviously you should name him Major."
"And why should we name him Major?" Alex asks.
"Because Major is a cool name, duh."
"Hon, Major not even your actually name," Paige points out.
"Yeah but everyone calls me Major. Why? Because I'm cool."
"Or because your initials are M-A-J," I mutter.
"Alright Major, and what should we name the baby is it's a girl?" Alex asks.
"Major, of course," he answers nonchalant. "Major is a unisex name."
"How do you even know what 'unisex' means?" I ask.
Once again Major is giving me that look. "I'm seven, not stupid," he says.
I put my hands up."Sorry I insulted your intelligence," I apologize.
"Major, we'll put your idea into consideration," Paige says.
Alex walks over to the kitchen table and places the sandwich in front of Paige. Paige's mouth is pretty much watering.
"Thanks hon!" Paige says excitedly.
Paige lifts up the sandwich and takes a bite out of it. Paige closes her eyes and it sounds like she's moaning. I am slightly disturbed by the scene in front of me.
"So good," Paige moans.
Major looks at me and smiles. "Told ya," he says.
Ugh! I'm in a house full of disgusting sandwich eaters.
O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O
Show prep has to be the most annoying thing ever. I don't know why but I just hate prepping for my shift. I had to get here early because not only did I have to prep for my show but we also had a meeting today. In a couple of weeks I'm going to be the interim producer of the morning show while Eric, the actual producer, will be on vacation. The only reason why I agreed to it is because I will get paid extra and hopefully they'll consider me to be on the actual show when someone's contract is up.
"Hey JJ."
I look up. Barry is standing in front of me.
"Yes Barry, I'm prepping right now," I tell him. He's always bothering me about prepping. I know how to prep. I've been prepping for five years.
"There's a phone call for you," he tells me.
"Is it important?"
"It's aboot Major."
Oh shit!
Later:
Shit, shit, shit! Principal's office called saying that Major is in the office and I need to come down right away. I of course called Alex and here we are walking down the hallway.
"Maybe he won an award and the principal wants to tell us about it," I say.
Alex scoffs. "I doubt it," she says. "Getting called to the principal's office is never good. Nothing good comes out of being in the principal's office. Trust me, I would know."
"Yeah, you probably would know."
Alex pushes me. We reach the office and walk in. Alex and I walk up to the secretary's desk. She looks up at us and smiles.
"Hi," she greets us. "How can I help you?"
"We got a call about Major Johnson being in the principal's office," I tell her.
"She means Matisse Johnson," Alex says correctly.
Oh yeah, that's right. Major is rarely called by his actual name. The only time I hear his real name is when he's in trouble with Mom or Brian and that's actually pretty rare.
"Aw yes, let me see if the principal is ready for you," the secretary says.
The secretary calls the principal on the phone.
"Are you ready for them?" the secretary asks. She's nodding her head. She puts the phone back on the hook. "The principal is ready to see you now."
"Thanks," I thank her.
Alex and I walk to the door that says Principal. Alex opens the door and we walk in. Major's head turns to us. Holy! I run over to him and kneel down. My little brother is sporting a black eye and a cut lip. I place my thumb when the swelling has begun near his eye and he flinches away.
"Who did this to you?" I demand. "Once I find out who did this to you I swear to God I will-"
"Ahem," someone clears their throat.
I turn my head around. Oh hey! It's Ms. Hatzilakos. Ms. Hatzilakos is Major's principal? Um alrighty then. I stand up and give her my attention.
"Hi Ms. Hatzilakos," I greet her.
"Jordan Johnson, I haven't seen you in a long time," she says. She turns her head to Alex. "And Miss Nuñez, you're here too."
Alex takes the seat on Major's left side and I sit on the other side. Ms. Hatzilakos is looking back and forth between Alex and me. I see her looking at our hands, the hands that happen to have our rings on them.
"Oh," she says slightly surprised. "I didn't know you two were…"
I start shaking my head. "Nu-uh, no," I tell her. "We're not married to each other. We're married to different people."
"Oh," she says.
"I married Paige Michalchuk," Alex says.
"And I married Bethany Perez," I tell Ms. Hatzilakos. "And then my parent's adopted Alex so now she's my sister."
Ms. Hatzilakos is nodding her head but she still seems a bit confused. "Ok. And Matisse is your son?" She asks me.
Alex, Major, and I all start laughing. This is actually the first time anyone has asked if Major is my son.
"No," I tell her. "Major is our brother."
"Ok," Ms. Hatzilakos says. "Now that we've gotten this all straightened out let's get to the reason why Matisse is here."
"It's Major," Major says.
I place my hand over his mouth. "Sh," I tell him. "You're not helping your case by correcting the principal." I look at Ms. Hatzilakos. "Why is Major here?"
"Well it seems that Mr. Johnson here got into a fight during recess."
Alex and I look down at Major.
"Johnson rule about violence," I say.
"Johnsons never use violence to solve things," Major says. "Violence is never the answer."
"When is the ONLY time we use our fists?" Alex asks.
"When protecting ourselves or others," Major answers.
"Exactly."
"I'm sure Major was using self defense," I tell Ms. Hatzilakos.
She's shaking her head. "Witnesses say that it was Matisse who threw the first punch."
Once again Alex and my eyes are on Major. He's just looking straight ahead with his jaw set and his eyes forward.
"Is that true Major?" I ask him. "Did you throw the first punch?"
Nothing, just silence.
"Major, Jordan asked you a question," Alex says.
Still silence. This isn't like Major. Something is definitely up.
Ms. Hatzilakos sighs. "From what witnesses told me Matisse and his fellow classmate Charles Avery got into an argument, Matisse threw a punch, and the fight begun." Ms. Hatzilakos laces her fingers together and leans forward. "We have a zero tolerance policy here. I do not condone violence so I have no choice but to suspend Matisse for two days."
"What!" Alex and I both shout and jump up from out chairs at the same time.
"Ms. Hatzilakos don't you think that is a bit much?" Alex asks. "I mean two days for a playground fight?"
"Miss Nuñez, we take violence very seriously here," Ms. Hatzilakos says. "If we let this slide then who knows what he'll do next."
"Do next?" I ask. "He's seven!" I kneel down on the floor and I'm eye level with Major. "Major, what happened?"
Major is looking right into my eyes. "Johnson family rule number one," he says.
"Johnsons protect their family no matter what," Alex says.
"Who needed protection?" I ask.
"Alex, Paige, and the baby did," Major answers.
Alex and I look at each other and then back at Major. Alex places her hand on Major's shoulder.
"Why did we need protecting?" she asks him.
Major uncrosses his arms. "Today in class it was my turn for show and tell so I told the class aboot the baby that's on the way. At lunch Chuck started saying mean things."
"What mean things?" Alex asks.
Major looks up at Alex. "He said that the baby would be a bastard and that two…two…"
"Two what?"
"He used the D word. He said that two D's wouldn't be able to have a baby. He kept going on and on and then at recess he just wouldn't leave me alone. I asked him to stop, at first I asked politely just like Mommy and Daddy taught me and then I TOLD him to stop. He wouldn't stop, so I punched him."
"You punched him?" I ask making sure I heard him correctly.
Major looks at me and nods his head. "I punched him," he says sternly.
I nod my head. I get up and turn around to look at Ms. Hatzilakos. I shrug my shoulders.
"Major punched a kid who was CLEARLY harassing him," I tell her. "I see no reason for Major to get two days of suspension. He was defending his family and this is the first time he has EVER been in trouble. I say at the most he should get one day of ATS."
"Matisse, can you please wait outside my office?" Ms. Hatzilakos
Major nods his head. "Yes ma'am," he says.
Major gets out of his chair and walks out of the office. I turn my attention back to Ms. Hatzilakos.
"The two day suspension will stand," she says.
"Oh come on Ms. H!" Alex exclaims. "That's not fair and you know it!"
"No, what's not fair is that I got a call from teachers saying that two boys were fighting and they couldn't pull them apart. You two of all people should know what a simple playground fight could eventually turn into."
Anger is running through my veins and I can barely control myself right now. "Our brother is NOT Rick Murray!" I yell. "Our brother is a Johnson and Johnsons ONLY use their fists when they feel that they or their family members are in danger. That boy was saying mean and hurtful things to Major so he did what he thought was right. Do not punish Major for someone else's hatred and ignorance."
Ms. Hatzilakos stands up. "You need to calm yourself right now Miss Johnson," she says in an authorize tone. "This is my school and my office and I will not have you speaking to me like that, especially since you are only Matisse's sister, not his mother."
"That's MRS. Johnson-Perez," I correct her.
Alex places her hand on my shoulder, indicating that I need to calm down. "So let me just see if I have this correct," Alex starts. "Our little brother tells his class some good news aboot his family and some boy decides to harass him, although he asks him politely to stop, but the boy continues his harassment and when Major decides to retaliate he gets in trouble. Do I have everything straight?"
"Matisse is not the only one being punished," Ms. Hatzilakos says. "Mr. Avery is also being suspended for two days. Now I suggest you two take your brother home and teach him the difference between protecting his family and using unnecessary violence."
Oh I am so over this. I leave the room with Alex right behind me. Alex closes the door, loudly. Major jumps up with his book bag in hand.
"Let's go," I tell him.
He nods his head and now he's following behind Alex and me. We exit the school building and I just need to let it out.
"The nerve of her!" I yell. "To suspend our brother for doing what we've taught him to do. Something our parents have taught him to do. Be honorable, be noble, and protect your family. And she's punishing him for it?"
"Am I in trouble?" Major asks in a quiet voice.
Alex and I both look at each other with the same worried facial expression. Neither of us wants Major to feel bad for doing what we have always taught him to do. Alex kneels down on the ground and puts her hands on Major's shoulders.
"No matter what anyone tells you you did what you thought was right," she tells him. "And I for one am very proud and thankful and I know Paige will be too."
Alex wraps her arms around Major and he puts his arms around her neck. I kneel down as well. Alex and Major pull apart.
"You did exactly the same thing I would have done," I tell him. "Of course you probably should have told a teacher about it first but as far as I'm concerned you did what was right. You asked that kid to stop and he didn't. He kept harassing you; you felt that you and your family were threatened so you did what we have always taught you to do. No one and I mean NO ONE can be mad at you for that." I look at Alex. "Johnson sandwich kiss?"
Alex smiles and nods her head. "Johnson sandwich kiss," she agrees.
Alex and I move quickly so Major can't get away from us. I kiss one side of his face on his cheek while Alex kisses the other side.
"Oh come on!" Major whines.
Alex and I pull away and smile at him.
"We love you Major," Alex says.
Major smiles. "I love you too," he tells us.
Usually it's the younger sibling who needs protection, the younger sibling has to be looked after, has to be guarded and shielded. Today however Major proved that just because he's the baby of the family doesn't mean he can't take care of his own. Today Major showed us that he can protect his family just as well as the rest of us.