Wolves of the Pacific

by greenpeach20

In 1902, Renesmee Cullen grew tired of the tedious life of moving around with her family and decided to make the journey west as a mail order bride. Yet a chance encounter with a reddish brown wolf would change her life forever.

126. Chapter 126

Chapter 126

Yon and Tae Woon stayed in Washington for a week before they had to return to Korea. Eun Mi, with Natalie's and Blu Jae's help, showed them around town and Port Angeles so they could have a good time. It was a good excuse to help Blu Jae start practicing to drive or so Blu Jae rationalized. Natalie was hesitant to allow it but Suerro eventually convinced her the boy needed practice. He was the same age as Jae Sun but already appeared to be a teenager by all accounts and, thankfully, it didn't really come up with Yon and Tae Woon how old Blu Jae really was. When they were in either Forks or Port Angeles, Blu Jae was tasked with keeping an eye on Jae Sun and Mae Sun. Since Blu Jae could carry Mae Sun, he wasn't so bad. It was Jae Sun that was a big pain in the butt. He would stop when he saw something and want to explore and it would be up to Blu Jae to make sure he stayed close and to reprimand him when he wasn't. Then when they were back home, Blu Jae would play the saxophone while everyone visited together.

The day before they left, Yon made something special for Jae Sun as a belated birthday present. When they'd gone into the city the previous day, Yon found beef bone in the stores for drastically cheaper than what she could get them for in Korea and she bought a whole bunch planning to make Ox Bone 'hangover' soup as it was often called. She started early with Eun Mi close by and they started by boiling the ever living daylights out of the bones until the cartilage and remaining meat was falling off the bone. They let the broth cool so they could skim off the layer of fat and let Jae Sun play with the bowl, moving it just enough to make the gelatinous broth in the bowl giggle, and then made him stop so they could finish the soup with cabbage, the cooked meat from the bone and some vegetables. It was still Jae Sun's favorite soup and he would have eaten the entire pot if Eun Mi would let him. They had the leftovers for breakfast with rice and kimchi and managed to make it to the airport just in time for Yon and Tae Woon to catch their plane.

"Eomma, when are we going to Korea again?" Jae Sun asked.

"I'll talk to your father and see if we can go next summer," Eun Mi said. "He may not want to go for a while because of Uncle Hailey, though."

"Is something wrong with Hailey?" Suerro asked.

"JJ's just worried about him," Eun MI said. "He told JJ that he worked out a will with Kevin."

"Oh," Suerro said and was silent momentarily and then said, "I see."

"What's a will?" Jae Sun asked.

"It's just a legal document, Jae Sun," Eun Mi said. "I'll explain another time."

"How has Hailey been?" Suerro asked.

"He seems better, but he's been so lonely," Eun Mi said.

"It's understandable," Suerro said. "They married….what year was it?"

"I think it was 1910," Eun Mi said.

"So about 48 years those two were married," Suerro said. "For a human that's a very long time."

"It is," Eun Mi agreed. "I overheard him say to JJ that he'd lost his other half."

"Better to have loved so dearly than not at all," Suerro said. "I'm happy I was able to learn that first hand. Do you think he might not have much longer? How old is he again?"

"I want to say he's turning 80 this year," Eun Mi said. "I want to say he'll be fine, but then, Leah was in fine health from what I could tell and….well. You know."

"Yeah," Suerro said. "How did JJ take Hailey bringing up a will?"

"Not well," Eun Mi said. "He's trying not to show it, but he's been in poor spirits since Hailey told him."

"Well….don't tell him I said this. If he knew, he'd throw a huge fit. But at least he's prepared and can spend as much time with Hailey as possible. Hailey's not going to be taken from him the way his father was."

"I suppose that's true," Eun Mi said. "You're right though: don't say that to JJ or he might un-bury the hatchet with you."

"He already does depending on the day," Suerro joked. "Don't worry, Eun Mi. Your husband and I understand each other. Did you need me to take you back to your house first or straight to the General Store?"

"Straight to the General Store's fine," Eun Mi said.

Once they returned to Forks, Suerro dropped the three of them off at the General Store as she asked and left once he saw them enter the shop. They were open Saturday as always and then closed on Sunday, so they spent Sunday at Hailey's house playing poker together while Jae Sun and Mae Sun played together on the floor. She waited until that evening when the boys were tucked into bed to bring up another visit to Korea potentially next year. JJ said that if she wanted to take the boys for a visit she was welcome to but he didn't want to leave Hailey. Agreeing that was for the best and not wanting to risk being away that long, Eun Mi agreed that they would put off a visit overseas for the time being. She made sure to write to Yon letting her know. It was a while before Eun Mi got a letter back but when she did, Yon was very understanding and agreed that under the circumstances, a visit to Korea could wait and that she and Tae Woon would happily come to Washington again next chance they could afford it.

Good news did come for Nathan that year when he got a call from Tamara. That wasn't strange at all. She would typically call at least once a week and they would talk and then he'd talk to Ivory for a bit and talk about when they'd see each other in the summer and, later in the year, when they would see each other for Christmas. But that time when Tamara called, it was during the middle of the day.

"Aren't you still in school?" Nathan had joked when he realized it was Tamara calling.

"School just let out. Ivory's gone out with a few friends right now, but I'll have her call you later. She's excited to talk to you."

"She doesn't have a boyfriend or something, does she?"

"Oh, Nathan, she knows better than to tell you about that," Tamara joked. "She was dating this one boy not long ago, but I think they dated all of a month and she decided she didn't like him. I can promise you if you ever hear about a boy, he'll be worth something."

"Yeah, you let me be the judge of that," Nathan muttered indignantly. "So what did she want to talk to me about that she's so excited for?"

"Well, she's decided that she wants to spend a school year in Washington," Tamara said.

"Really?" Nathan asked, immediately chipper. "Well, she knows she's welcome. What do you need me to do on my end to make sure she'll be up to date when she goes back to Las Vegas?"

"I just need the mailing address you guys use for the tribal school so I can transfer her credits to your mother. Then she'll need to do the same for me at the end of the year."

"I can do that," Nathan said and then proceeded to give her the mailing address. "Not that I'm not happy about this," Nathan said after giving Tamara the address, "but what led to her deciding she wants to spend a year with me? Is something wrong?"

"She's saying there isn't but we've been butting heads lately so I think she wants to 'run away to daddy'."

"Butting heads?" Nathan asked.

"Don't worry, Nathan, it's nothing serious I promise. She's just been having a bad temper lately and she's going through a bit of a rebellious stage I think. Honestly, I think a year with you will do her some good. Whip her into shape."

"You said she's been temperamental lately?" Nathan asked, pondering. "Has she had a temperature or anything? I don't mean like she has the flu, but just her body temperature is higher."

"I don't think so," Tamara said hesitantly. "It never occurred to me to check that. Why do you ask?"

"A temper and high body temperature are the first signs that the wolf is going to awaken," Nathan said. It took a moment for Tamara to realize what Nathan meant, but it clicked eventually.

"Can she do that?"

"A number of my nieces and nephews can so long as they have a blood relation to one of the wolves," Nathan said. "I don't see why Ivory wouldn't be able to. Is she getting this way with anyone except you?"

"Not that I'm aware of," Tamara said. "What should I do? She can't turn into a wolf in front of everyone."

"I agree," Nathan said. "Let's not jump to conclusions. She may honestly just be going through a rebellious stage and if that's the case, we should be fine, but it would be a good idea for her to spend some time here just to be safe."

"Should…..should she finish high school in Washington? Just to be safe?" Tamara asked. Nathan could tell she hated to prospect of that being a potential necessity and as much as that was his gut reaction, that wasn't fair to her.

"I say we take it one day at a time," Nathan said. "Check her temperature tonight and if it's higher than normal, call me ASAP. If her temperature's high, we may have to bring her to Washington right away. I'll talk to my mom and see what we can do to expedite any paperwork we need to."

"I'll send you her credits before I leave and you should have them at the Tribal School by the end of next week."

"Alright, I'll tell mom to keep an eye on them. And hey, don't worry. Worst case scenario, she shifts for the first time when she gets here and we'll get her acclimated. Once we do that, she can spend that year here in Washington and we can send her back to Las Vegas to finish High School."

"Okay," Tamara said. "I'll talk to you later, Nathan."

"I'll talk to you later, Tamara," Nathan answered and they disconnected. Nathan went right to the Tribal School after that to give Renesmee fair warning of what he discussed with Tamara and she promised she'd keep an eye out for Ivory's paperwork and get any and all clerical work done as soon as she had it. Nathan made sure he was home the remainder of the day waiting for Tamara and Ivory to call him. Before Ada María left to go to the bar, he let her know what was going on and she agreed it would be nice to have Ivory stay with them for a while. It wasn't until around six Nathan's time when he finally got a call from Tamara and he answered the phone with the first ring. "Tamara?"

"Yeah, it's me," she said. "I just checked her temperature. She's 100°."

"Shit," Nathan muttered. "And she's not exhibiting any other symptoms?"

"None," Tamara said. Then, in the background, Nathan overheard Ivory's voice asking to be put on the phone, but Tamara told her to wait. "So what should we do?"

"You already sent Ivory's credits?"

"Mailed them out before I got home," Tamara affirmed.

"Okay," Nathan said. "We'll have those before long I would think. Under the circumstances, we'd be better off having her come to Washington as soon as possible. As soon as you can, get plane tickets for her and I'll send you a check paying you back."

"I don't know if I'll be able to get her on a plane any earlier than Wednesday," she said.

"That's fine," Nathan said. "The sooner the better, but she should still have time to pack and say bye to her friends. Just let me know what those tickets cost and I'll write you the check."

"Alright," Tamara said. Ivory's voice was in the background again and Tamara said, "Is there anything else we need to discuss before I give Ivory the phone?"

"No, we've covered everything." Tamara confirmed and then finally handed the phone to Ivory.

"Daddy?"

"Hey. How's my little girl?" Nathan said. "Your mother tells me you want to spend a year with me? Has everything been alright?"

"I just need a change of pace," Ivory said. "Honestly, I haven't been feeling like myself lately and I just want out of Las Vegas."

"Yeah, your mother just told me," Nathan said. "She also said the two of you have been arguing?"

"Mom's just being annoying," she said.

"Ivory Dahlia, don't you speak about your mother that way," Nathan said firmly. "How have things been going at school?"

"They're fine," Ivory said. "My grades are fine but some people in school are annoying me. Tracy's lucky I didn't punch her today."

"Wait, who's Tracy?"

"She's in my math class."

"And why is she lucky you didn't punch her exactly?"

"She was being a bitch," Ivory said. Tamara swatted her arm and Ivory sounded as though she was about to yell at Tamara so Nathan stepped in.

"Okay, Ivory, that's enough," Nathan said. "Ivory, can you put your mother back on the phone?"

"Daddy-"

"It's alright, Ivory. I just need to talk to your mom for a moment." After a moment of Ivory sounding like she was taking several deep breaths, she finally gave the phone to Tamara.

"You see what I mean?"

"Yeah, I do," Nathan sighed. "Would you be open to me flying out to Las Vegas? I can try to get a flight for tonight."

"Just you?"

"Yeah, just me," Nathan said. "I can help her get her things together and get us plane tickets back to Washington."

"Well, hold on Nathan, now this is just being rushed," Tamara said.

"I know it is, but I really think we need to get her to Washington as soon as possible. Trust me: you don't want her temper getting the better of her right now. This isn't a usual 'Ivory acted up so we need to discipline her', this is a 'Ivory has turned into a wolf and destroyed a school room' sort of situation. Or worse, potentially injuring someone. You remember when I turned into a wolf in front of you? You remember how big I was. I could barely fit in the room anymore. Imagine that but in a cluttered classroom. Or worse, out in public."

"I know, but…" Tamara started but she wavered.

"Hey, it's okay," Nathan reassured. "If you want, I'll help her awaken her wolf as soon as possible so she can come home right away. We can train her a little so she has more control and once she does, she can return to business as usual and she can return to Las Vegas."

Tamara was quiet a moment until she finally said, "When do you think you'll be here?"

"If you want, I can get on the next flight to Las Vegas and be there by morning. I'll ask Embry to fly me there if I need to. Hell, I'll run if I have to but I'll be there by morning."

"Alright," Tamara finally said. "I'll keep her home tomorrow and we'll see you tomorrow."

"You bet," Nathan said. "And don't worry, Tamara. Everything will be alright. I'll take care of this."

"You'd better," Tamara said with a hint of a smile. "We'll see you tomorrow."

"Alright, I'll see you tomorrow. Can you put Ivory back on the phone for a bit?"

"Sure," Tamara answered and handed the phone back to Ivory.

"You're coming tomorrow?" Ivory asked eagerly.

"Yeah, I'll be in Las Vegas by morning. We'll get all your things together and then we'll go to Washington okay? Just try to keep yourself calm and level headed until we get back to the tribe. Can you do that for me?"

"I'll try, daddy," Ivory sighed heavily.

"Hey," Nathan said a little more firmly. "Don't try, baby girl. Do."

"Yes, daddy," Ivory said.

"That's my girl," Nathan said. "I'll see you both tomorrow. I love you, Ivory."

"I love you too, daddy," Ivory said and the two disconnected.

As soon as he got off the phone with them, he went upstairs to pack a small bag so he'd have enough for the two or three days he'd be gone. First he went to the bar in town and waited until Ada María had finished her dance number on stage to let her know he was leaving for Las Vegas and would be back with Ivory in a few days. He kissed her goodbye and went to Ariel and Gabriel telling them to keep an eye on things while he was gone. Then he made the trip into the city to get on a plane to Nevada. The short notice cost him quite a bit, but he sucked it up and got on the plane. He was in Nevada by midnight. He didn't waste money on a taxi. Rather he just ran from the airport through the city until he reached the neighborhood where the tribe resided until he found Tamara's house. Not wanting to wake them, he quietly let himself in and locked the door back up behind him once he was inside. When he was inside, he saw Ivory on the couch asleep from waiting for him.

He was a little taken by surprise when he saw her. Last he'd seen her was over Christmas and while she was already getting tall at the time, she'd shot up another foot so it seemed. It looked as though it had been years since he'd seen her rather than months. If he didn't know better, he would think he was looking at a girl about ready to graduate high school rather than a sophomore. It was plain to him that she was about to awaken to her wolf at any moment and they needed to be prepared for it. He went to the couch and gently lifted Ivory into his arms and carried her to her room tucking her under the covers like he did when she was little. After she was put in bed, Nathan looked at her a moment. That moment more than ever it felt like he'd never gotten to really see her grow up. He finally left Ivory's room and went back to the living room to sleep on the couch. In the morning, he woke up to the smell of coffee as a cup was planted on the table across from the couch. When he opened his eyes, Ivory was standing there in her pajamas.

"Morning, daddy," Ivory said and leaned down to kiss his head.

"Morning, Ivory," Nathan said and sat up.

"Morning, Nathan," Tamara said and took a seat next to him on the couch.

"Morning Tamara," Nathan said. "I'll help Ivory get packed and see when I can get us tickets back to Washington. Did you want to come up for the summer? School's letting out soon isn't it?"

"I'll be alright but thank you for offering," Tamara said and then looked at Ivory. "I realize you're going through a transition at the moment, but try to make a point not to be so moody as you've been lately. I certainly don't want you punching anyone."

"Relax, mom, I'm not a child," Ivory said flippantly.

"Ivory," Nathan said firmly and with a very serious look on his face and that got her to slouch a little in submission. "What did I say about talking to your mother like that?"

"Sorry," Ivory finally mumbled.

"Thank you," Tamara said both to Nathan and to Ivory.

"Your mother has confirmed she's mailed your school credits to the Tribal School you'll be going to, but you'll likely dive right back into school once we get back to Washington. Tamara, I'll make sure you and my mom can talk a little so you can go over anything she needs to be prepared for and what curriculum we can get her started on."

"Sounds alright," Tamara said.

"Now, Ivory, all the teachers are very familiar with the pack and what our powers are, so they'll be made aware that you're undergoing that transition so they'll be prepared. It's likely you may be taught separately at least until you shift for the first time just to be on the safe side. Your cousin Nesia may be assigned to be your teacher for a while."

"She's barely older than me," Ivory said.

"Your point?" Nathan said firmly again, not liking her tone. Ivory backed down immediately once again. "Nesia knows exactly what you're going through right now so if nothing else she'll be a good councilor for you. The moment you shift, though, we'll have to put you through some training so you can learn to control it. Once you have enough control, we can talk about you coming back home to Las Vegas."

"I thought you said I could spend the school year with you," Ivory said and was starting to raise her voice.

"Calm," Nathan ordered and held his hand up in a fist like he would with any of the other younger wolves in the pack. Normally he would only need the hand gesture, but she'd still need to learn those. She backed down but she still looked visibly irate. "If you want to spend the school year in Washington, that's fine. Your mother and I have already talked about it. Hell, if you want to finish high school in Washington, your mother and I will discuss whether or not that's an option. But for now, our focus is to get you through this without incident. Do you understand me?"

Ivory's face didn't calm, but she did comply with a nod, "Yes father."

"Good," Nathan said, deciding not to address the change of tone and name. He had to remind himself what it had been like when he'd been in her position and then compound that with their complex family structure. He finally looked at Tamara again and grabbed his coffee cup. "Are you planning to go into school today?"

"I'll be going into school and coming right home," Tamara said. "Can you stay a few days or do you need to leave right away?"

"We should probably leave right away," Nathan said and then looked at Ivory, "Unless you'd like to stay for a while."

"We can leave right away," Ivory answered in a muted tone.

"Can you at least stay the night again?" Tamara asked Nathan.

"Sure," Nathan said. "How about I treat you and Ivory to dinner somewhere nice tonight?"

"That would be really nice," Tamara said and Ivory eventually agreed.

Tamara eventually had to leave for school but Ivory stayed home with Nathan so he could help her pack. She was initially really quiet through the morning and Nathan didn't push her to converse. Eventually she cooled down and was a little more chatty with Nathan, but she was still less so with him than was normal. He still didn't push her, though. When Tamara returned from school, the three of them sat together and talked about general things until it was approaching dinner time and they left to go somewhere nice. They were out for hours before finally returning to Tamara's house and they all went to bed for the night. Nathan and Ivory left early the next morning after Ivory said her goodbyes to Tamara. Nathan offered again for Tamara to come to Washington over the summer to visit and this time she affirmed she'd like to and they'd talk about it once the school year was over unless she was selected to teach summer school that year.

Ivory stayed rather quiet through their plane ride and, once they arrived back in Washington, the drive from the city down to Forks and then to the tribe. When they arrived back at Nathan's house, Ada María was downstairs in the kitchen with Jaedynn, Ariel and Gabriel. Jaedynn had just gotten off school for the day and was getting some school work done while Ariel and Gabriel were napping on the couches before they have to leave for the bar for the night. When Nathan and Ivory came inside, Ada María smiled at Ivory.

"Afternoon, Ivory," Ada María said. "How was your flight?"

"It was alright," Ivory said.

"You go ahead and get some sleep," Nathan said. "I'm going to go talk to your grandma and see if your credits have been received."

"Alright," Ivory said and went upstairs with her things not saying anything to Jaedynn.

"Is she okay?" Jaedynn asked.

"She's just not herself right now," Nathan said. "I think once she fazes for the first time, she'll start feeling better. Ada?"

"Yes?"

"Can you do me a favor and cook something up really quick? I'll have it once I get back from mom's. If you would, can you leave Ivory's in the microwave until she's ready?"

"Sure," Ada María nodded.

"Thanks," Nathan said and came over to give her a kiss before he left to go talk to Renesmee. He went to their house first, but Jacob told him she was still at the school, so Nathan walked to the school. She was still in the teacher's shared office space when he got there and she was looking over some paperwork. "Mom?"

"Oh, there you are," Renesmee said. "I haven't gotten the credits from Tamara yet, but I should have those by this coming Friday. Where's Ivory?"

"She's at home," Nathan said. "She's still a little mad at me."

"Why? What happened?"

"Nothing really. She and Tamara have apparently been arguing a lot lately and I think she was hoping to run away and stay with me and I'd bend to her will. She's learning that's not the case and I think she's disappointed."

"Well, Nathan, it's not your job to bend to her will," Renesmee reassured with a smile. "I've had a chance to sit down with a few of the teachers and Nesia will be able to shadow Ivory for a while. If we need to remove her from the school grounds, we can."

"I was going to suggest Nesia act as Ivory's counselor if at all possible," Nathan said. "I'd suggested as much and Ivory got a bit mouthy about it."

"She'll be herself again once she's shifted," Renesmee said. "The way your father explains it to me, it's about as unpleasant as a you would imagine rapid hormonal growth spurt can be."

"I keep having to remind myself what that was like to keep myself from snapping at her," Nathan said. "I've never had to be this stern with her and it's making me feel bad."

"Don't feel bad, Nathan. It's all part of raising children. You know that," Renesmee said. "Does she still want to spend the next school year with us?"

"I hope so," Nathan said. "Maybe this is selfish, but even if she's a bit moody at the moment, I'd like for her to stay with me for a while. I'm tired of being so far away from her."

"It'll be nice to have her here all the time," Renesmee smiled. "Do you suppose she'd be willing to have dinner with her grandma and grandpa?"

"I can check," Nathan said. "Worst case scenario, we'll have dinner together tomorrow night. She may just want to sleep and be left alone tonight."

"That's fair. I'll be back home in another hour, so if she wants to visit, she can just pop on over."

"I'll tell her," Nathan said, hugged Renesmee and left the school to go back to the house. When he returned home and checked on Ivory, she was in her bed sleeping like the dead, so Nathan didn't bother her.

In the meantime, the sub on which Salem was stationed was shipped again back to Cuba where the revolution was escalating. Their goal was to overthrow President Batista and it was beginning to look like they would succeed. When they arrived back in Cuba, Salem had hoped that he'd be able to go on land to visit Arturo, but the men were not permitted to leave as they needed to be on the offensive. The few times he or his comrades were able to leave the sub, it was for very little time and only for the purpose of some desperately needed fresh air. However, their full involvement with the revolution in Cuba was proving to be passive at best. Before the year was over, Salem and the others left Cuba once again and took sail back to the United States, parking themselves in Florida. The Cuban Revolution was not the biggest topic of news outlets but that only bothered Natalie when she'd receive news from Salem that they were stationed in Guantanamo Bay. The moment she received word that he was out of Cuba, she breathed a sigh of relief.

Ivory finished the remainder of the school year in Washington and as a family, they went to Brazil like they always did. They stopped in Las Vegas as always and Nathan offered for Tamara to join them this year. Upon Ada María's encouragement, Tamara agreed to join them and they bought one more plane ticket so she could fly with them. Ivory was still crabby for most of the summer, but she never shifted. So Nathan remained patient and tried to keep her even tempered when she was beginning to become frustrated. Also wanting some time to themselves, Kevin took the family to California over the summer. Embry joined them for a weekend before he had to go back to Washington, but Kevin informed Harold and Alphonse that he would be in California for the month of June and if a client called for him, 'that was too damn bad'. Thankfully, Harold and Alphonse laughed and agreed they'd just stack everything on his desk for when he got back.

When the school year reconvened, Ivory was given special accommodations in which Edward was personally handling her curriculum with Nesia at the ready if she was needed. Her classroom was situated just down the hall so she could be retrieved at a moment's notice. These special accommodations didn't sit well with Ivory, though, and she was not shy about exactly how she felt about them. She felt like she was being isolated despite everyone's reassurances that she'd be able to reintegrate into the standard structure once she'd shifted and they knew she was under full control, but that answer wasn't good enough. It was becoming harder and harder for her to keep herself calm.

"Did you read pages 113-170 of Hard Times?" Edward asked when she came into school one morning.

"You already know I didn't. I don't know why you bother asking," Ivory bit back.

"Then it'll just have to be 113-230 for tonight," Edward said. "Since you didn't do your English assignment we'll move on to math for the day. But I'm warning you right now: if you don't do the reading tonight, you'll get a pop quiz first thing in the morning and I won't go easy on you either."

"I don't even like Hard Times," Ivory said. "I don't know why you and Carlisle like it so much. It's so dry."

"Perhaps I feel a bit of empathy for the poor in that novel," Edward said. "So moving on: today we'll be practicing use of trigonometric functions."

Edward chose to ignore when Ivory rolled her eyes and went right into the equations he had planned out. He helped as little as possible so she would remember each function on her own. Thankfully math wasn't an area she struggled with. They spent two hours on math before moving on with History which Edward had combined with current events. That was another area she had no trouble with. Despite her irritability, she and Nathan would talk about current events extensively. When they arrived to the topic of science, however, her interest waned and she started to become flippant and argumentative again. Regardless, Edward got her through her lesson in Science and moved on to English and Edward had her read the pages she'd not read the previous night and reiterated his threat that if she didn't do her reading for that night, there would be a pop quiz in the morning. When the school day was over, she walked back to the house with Jaedynn at her side. Cindy was at the door barking and wagging her tail when they returned and Ivory was instantly much happier when she started playing with her. Nathan suggested the two of them take Cindy for a walk along the coast just the two of them to which Ivory agreed.

"How was school today?" Nathan asked once they were outside.

"Fine I guess," Ivory said. "Grandpa's being a big asshole about Hard Times."

"Ivory, it's a homework assignment that you were given and he expects it done," Nathan said. "That's not unreasonable."

"It's so boring though!"

"I'm not arguing with you on that one, but it's still what you've been assigned."

"He said that if I don't read it tonight that I'll get a pop quiz in the morning," Ivory muttered.

"I can tell you with the utmost confidence that is not an empty threat," Nathan said. "You want me to read it with you?"

"I'll be fine," Ivory said. She found and picked up a stick they passed on the beach and waved it to get Cindy's attention. Once she had it, she threw the stick as hard as she could so Cindy could chase after it.

"Aside from some frustration with school, how do you like living here?"

"The cold is actually refreshing if you can believe it," Ivory said. Cindy ran back with the stick in her powerful jaws and when Ivory tried to take the stick, Cindy held on and the two engage in tug of war.

"I can believe it," Nathan smiled and patted Cindy's head feeling the tense jaw muscles while she was tugging. "I was actually asking how you've liked living with me. I know I've been tough on you especially lately, but I'm just looking out for you."

"I know," Ivory said and the stick broke from Ivory and Cindy pulling. With her half, Cindy started to run off until she found a satisfactory spot to start chewing on the stick. "I'll just be happy when you cool off."

"Likewise, Ivory," Nathan said and despite herself, she laughed and so did Nathan.

"I guess I deserve that," Ivory sighed after they'd shared their laugh. "Does it get easier?"

"Once you've shifted you'll feel a lot better," Nathan said. "I just don't want to force it."

"Will grandpa Jacob expect me to stay in Washington once I change?"

"No," Nathan said. "He'd prefer it if I'm being honest, but your grandpa understands the circumstances. Whether you want to continue living here or go back to Las Vegas is entirely up to you."

"I'll have to think about it I guess," Ivory said. "If you want the truth, I was hoping you wouldn't be so tough on me if I moved here."

"I'm your father first, Ivory," Nathan said with a smile and patted her back.

When they returned to the house, Nathan insisted that she get started on reading her assigned pages from Hard Times so it was out of the way. Ivory begrudgingly got to her reading but only got halfway through the assignment before she fell asleep on her book. She didn't realize it until the next morning when she still had ten pages left and she swore audibly. She finished the last of her reading through that morning and got finished with the last page as she was walking to school. She got to the class after Edward had already arrived.

"I'm relieved you read your assignment," Edward said when she came in. "Let's go ahead and start our discussion on Hard Times while it's fresh in your mind." They discussed her reading for an hour before, finally, Edward moved on with other topics which gave Ivory great relief. She couldn't wait to be finished with the book as she fully intended to throw the book against a wall in sheer fury. "Do that, Ivory, and we'll start reading Great Expectations," Edward said when the thought crossed her mind.

It took all her effort to stay calm, but she was gripping her desk nearly breaking it for the better part of two minutes before she finally relaxed. Edward didn't scold her further so as to avoid any further disruption. When it was the end of the school day, Edward placed a call to Nathan and the two of them went up to the Cullen house.

"You wanted to talk to me, grandpa?" Nathan asked.

"Yes, I think we should," Edward said. "I'm wondering if there are things that can be done to…I suppose expedite Ivory's change. She's doing her best, but she's becoming more and more short tempered and it's my understanding that this will at least alleviate once she's shifted."

"I can try," Nathan said. "I'll take her out on patrol with us tonight and I'll encourage her to try shifting. Hopefully she can do it on her own and we don't have to provoke her. I'd really rather not do that. It's lets stressful to let it happen naturally honestly."

"I can imagine," Edward smiled knowingly. "I know she doesn't like being this way and she doesn't mean to get short with me or anyone else so it'll be good for her if she can have control again. I know it'll be a huge weight off her shoulders."

"I know," Nathan sighed. "Can I admit something? Out loud I mean?"

"Go ahead," Edward smiled.

"I really like having her here. I never liked her being so far away. It made me feel like a deadbeat father."

"Strike that from your mind, Nathan. You're nothing of the sort," Edward reassured. "She's only a little disappointed you're laying down the law as it were."

"That's what I mean," Nathan said. "I feel like she has this ideal of me because she lives so far away and hardly gets to see me and now that I'm really being a father, she's disappointed."

"That's not true," Edward said. "That girl has friends whose fathers live with them but don't make nearly so much the effort to be in their daughter's lives or aren't there at all. I assure you: your attributes as a father are not lost on her and she loves you. I pity the poor boy that will one day have to measure up to you in her eyes."

Nathan finally smiled. "So long as I've instilled her with unreasonable standards," Nathan joked.

"They're not so unreasonable," Edward chuckled.

With that reassurance, Nathan left the Cullen house and returned home where Ivory was downstairs with Jaedynn doing their homework together at the kitchen table. Ariel, Gabriel and Ada María were leaving for the bar and said good night to Nathan as they left. Figuring her homework was more important, Nathan left Ivory be for now and went to collect some help for the night. He got Natalie, Nesia and Scarlet asking them to help coax Ivory into shifting for the first time. They all went back to his place and conversed in the living room together while the girls finished their homework.

"How are you doing on your reading?" Nesia asked when Ivory put down the book with an exasperated sigh.

"I don't care what Grandpa says. When we finish reading this book, I'm throwing this stupid book as hard as I can."

"Just not against the wall, Ivory," Nathan said.

"She neglects to mention that Grandpa said if she did, he'd make her read Great Expectations," Nesia said.

"On second thought, avoid throwing that thing," Nathan chuckled. "Remember what I said about Grandpa not making empty threats?"

"I'll just refuse to read it," Ivory muttered.

"Good luck with that," Nesia sighed.

"What is he going to do? Flunk me? I doubt it."

"If I were you, Ivory, I would not test grandpa's patience," Nesia said.

"Just get through Hard Times and I'll convince him to let you pick what you read next," Nathan said.

"It's not like he ever made the three of you read Hard Times," Ivory said.

"Yes he did," Nathan, Natalie and Nesia said in unison.

"To be fair, it's his favorite Dickens novel so grandpa's a little biased," Natalie said.

"Good for him," Ivory muttered and got back to reading. When she finally managed to get herself through the assigned chapters, she was done with her homework for the day so Natalie, Nesia and Scarlet brought Ivory outside to the woods near the house so they could encourage her. Natalie told Nathan to sit this lesson out and that the three of them would take care of it. "So what are we doing?" Ivory asked when they were outside.

"We want to help you awaken to your wolf," Nesia said. "Truth me: you'll feel a million times better once you do."

"Are you telling me I could have just 'willed it' to happen and avoided all this?" Ivory said, raising her voice slightly.

"It's more complicated than that, Ivory. It happens at different times and from different prompting. It can be due to the tribe being in danger, it can be due to emotional provoking and sometimes you can 'force yourself' to do it I guess. We don't really recommend that but we aren't aware of any adverse effects. Uncle Kevin and Uncle Embry forced it and they're alright," Scarlet said. Once they were far enough in the woods that they'd have enough privacy, Natalie, Nesia and Scarlet got undress and encouraged Ivory to do the same. Once naked, Ivory wrapped her arms around herself.

"This is really weird," Ivory said.

"I know, but try to relax," Natalie said. "Just take a few deep breaths and when you feel at ease, try to awaken your wolf."

"How do I do that?" Ivory asked as she started taking deep breaths, but it was doing nothing to calm her down.

"Try to visualize your wolf," Natalie suggested. Ivory looked at Nesia briefly but eventually tried that. "While you do, keep taking deep breaths. After you've done it one, you'll be able to shift like it's second nature." To prove her point, Natalie shifted to her long-haired, damn near pedigree appearing wolf that looked as though it could be a blue ribbon at any dog show. Scarlet and Nesia stayed in their normal form to keep giving encouragement if it was needed. But after a few minutes, Ivory seemed like she was just getting annoyed.

"This is stupid," Ivory muttered.

"Oh, come on Ivory, you're not even trying," Nesia said.

"This is serious, Ivory. Try to treat the situation with some effort and respect," Scarlet said.

"I'm naked in the middle of the woods with my aunt, cousin and half-sister. Very serious indeed," Ivory said sarcastically.

"If you want to walk home naked as the day you were born because you destroyed your clothes when shifting for the first time, that's your prerogative," Scarlet said.

"What does it matter at this point? Someone's bound to have seen us by now," Ivory said.

"All the more reason to shift so you can get dressed and go back home," Nesia said. Natalie suddenly changed back so she could reign things in.

"Alright, that's enough arguing. It's not accomplishing anything," Natalie said. "Ivory, I'd like you to try again. Keep yourself calm and open-minded. Don't let yourself get annoyed or frustrated. Just breath, visualize yourself becoming a wolf and let it happen."

"That's what I was doing," Ivory said.

"And I'm asking you to try again," Natalie answered back sternly.

Ivory sighed with annoyance but complied and closed her eyes while she breathed deeply and tried to visualize her wolf. At the moment, though, all she could picture was her aunt's long haired wolf form and think of Nathan as a wolf. That she'd seen many times and she had fond memories of napping on him while he was in his wolf form. She was beginning to relax at least, but she was no closer to achieving the task Natalie had given her. As she was visualizing, Natalie, Nesia and Scarlet shifted hoping to inspire her, but Ivory wasn't paying attention. While she was meditating – for lack of a better word – she heard a loud bark that startled her and she turned to see Cindy running in their direction and causing Ivory to nearly fall over when Cindy bumped into her demanding attention. Natalie, Nesia and Scarlet shifted back.

"I'll take Cindy back to dad's," Scarlet said as she was getting dressed.

"No, I'll take her back," Ivory said. "I'm tired of doing this anyway."

"We just got started!" Nesia said.

"I've had my fill for the day," Ivory said. "If you really want to drag me out here again tomorrow that's fine, but right now I just want to go home with-" Ivory stopped and yelled, "Cindy!" when Cindy took one of Ivory's socks in her mouth and started running around in circles with it as Ivory tried to chase her. Ivory hurried to get on her pants and bra at least and then started chasing after the dog.

"Serves her right," Nesia muttered more so to herself and then got dressed. "Since she's not taking this seriously, I'll go home too." Nesia went to Ivory's remaining sock and picked it up.

"Nesia," Natalie said firmly.

"What? It's not like she can ever wear this pair again after Cindy's done with it," Nesia said and walked away. Natalie got dressed and picked up Ivory's shirt before looking at Scarlet.

"You go ahead, I'll stay out here with Ivory."

"Alright," Scarlet said and walked back to the tribe while Natalie stayed with Ivory watching her fruitlessly chase after Cindy in a vain effort to get back her sock. By the time they got home, Ivory didn't want the sock back anymore and Cindy got herself a new chew toy.

"How'd it go?" Nathan asked Ivory when she returned home.

"It didn't," Ivory muttered. "And to top it off, the damn dog ate my sock."

"Don't swear, Ivory," Nathan said with a sigh but Ivory gave him a sarcastic stare.

"Really dad?"

"I realize I'm not one to talk, but seriously. Don't be so foul mouthed."

"Why do you get to swear and I don't?"

"Honey, I'm a former con-artist and war veteran that's seen the worst this world has to offer. Sometimes swearing is my only method of expressing myself. You've no such excuse. Anyway, it's getting late, so go ahead and go to bed and get some sleep. I'll be going on patrol tonight."

"Fine," Ivory grumbled and went right upstairs. When Nathan heard her slam the door closed, he groaned and rubbed his face with his hand. He looked at Cindy who was chewing on the sock, already torn to oblivion. When their eyes met, Cindy started wagging her tail and went right up to Nathan eagerly.

"Sit," Nathan commanded in a firm tone. Cindy obeyed and sat down. Then Nathan reached out his hand. "Release," he commanded and Cindy released the sock without hesitation looking up at him eagerly. "Good girl," Nathan said and started petting her head with his free hand. "You know, you're the easiest child I've ever raised." Cindy's tail wagged and wagged but she held her sitting position while Nathan petted her. "Break," Nathan commanded and with permission to stand again, Cindy stood up and then jumped so her paws were on Nathan's chest. "You guard the house while I'm gone, okay Cindy?" Nathan said. He went upstairs, discarded his clothes and returned downstairs, Cindy acting as his shadow the whole time. "On Guard," Nathan commanded and Cindy instantly became alert. She would stay that way until released. She'd likely fall asleep, but Cindy would awake at the slightest noise and Nathan could trust her to guard the house diligently until he got back.

A few more days came and went with Natalie, Nesia and Scarlet trying to assist Ivory with shifting, being unsuccessful and Ivory returning home more frustrated than she was the day prior. By the time it was October, everyone was walking on eggshells around Ivory to the point where it was easier for all involved just to keep interactions to a bare minimum. Nathan seemed to be the only one that wouldn't put up with her poor attitude but what shocked everyone was the fact that she still wasn't shifting even after she and Nathan would get into full blown arguments. One night in particular, Ivory went straight to her room after she and Nathan had fought and was ready to stay in her room and not come out 'until she God damn wanted to' as she'd worded it. Eventually she went to sleep only to wake up in the middle of the night sweating profusely and with a splitting migraine. When she sat up from the bed and looked at her sheets, they were soaked from all the sweat.

"Gross," she muttered to herself. To get some desperately needed air in her room, she went to her window and opened it, but what entered was enough to nearly make her vomit and she closed the window. It was like something she'd never smelled before: something that smelled so sweet she wondered if merely inhaling the fragrance had given her diabetes.

Then she realized something: that sweet smell was familiar. Not the smell itself, but what that smell meant. As if by instinct, Ivory left the bedroom and ran outside in just her pajamas going past Cindy who was napping at the door but had lifted her head in high alert when Ivory ran past her to go outside. When she was outside, she looked around but couldn't see anything. Not until she looked out onto the water and saw something swimming in their direction and they were going fast. Faster than she'd thought possible. As the figure approached, her headache worsened considerably and she felt impossibly hot. She took one step back only to feel something strange happening. The heat seemed to instantly go away, her headache was gone, and she heard clothes tearing just as the vampire had made it to the shore.

"Ivory, get it out of the village!" what seemed like a million voices went off in her head all at once.

"That was easier than I'd been led to believe," the vampire said. The pack that was out that night came out from the woods but so did Edward ready to stop them. "Ah, there you are."

"I'm relieved to see this helped," Edward said.

What the hell- Jacob started only Edward and the pack being able to hear him but he stopped the moment he realized who the vampire was.

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you, Jacob. I know Ivory was having trouble so I thought I'd try to be helpful. Looks like it worked. Thank you for that, Felix."

"Here I'm thinking there might be some excitement, but no. Dragged out to America just to see a damn wolf." Ivory started growling at him. "Down, Lassie," Felix said flippantly. Then he examined Ivory. Her coat shinned in the moonlight and she had a coloring that reminded him of a fennec fox. However, her build was entirely wolf. "Credit where credit is due: she has a beautiful coat."

Ivory, how are you feeling? Nathan asked as he walked forward to check on her.

Better, she said, taking in a deep breath and sigh of relief. Much better.

"That's good to know," Edward said and smiled at Ivory. "Now that you've returned to a more stable mood, perhaps we can go ahead and read Great Expectations." Ivory growled a little in her chest at the prospect. "Anyway, Felix, can I invite you up to the house for a while? Thank you for your troubles?"

"No, I'd prefer to return home," Felix said. "I've served my requested purpose. Send my respects to your coven." Almost as quickly as he arrived, Felix ran off to make the long trip back to Europe.

That felt like wasted time, Ivory muttered.

"Well, Ivory, nothing anyone else was doing was working and I was getting damned sick of your attitude," Edward said, but there was no anger in his voice. "Contrary to my better judgment, I won't make you read Great Expectations."

I appreciate that Grandpa, Ivory said.

Don't get too excited, Ivory. Nathan said to her. It's a trap. Edward only chuckled and left the wolves to return to the house. Speaking of traps: I hope you're well rested. Tonight's your first night on shift.

Rather than become aggravated, laughed just a little and then followed the pack into the woods staying close to Nathan effectively undergoing training. The following morning when they returned, Ivory was exhausted but Nathan insisted they get dressed and then go back downstairs so they could call Tamara. Once downstairs, Ivory was falling asleep at the kitchen table while Nathan called Tamara. When she answered the phone, he'd clearly woke her up before it was time to get out of bed.

"Hello?" Tamara asked with a yawn.

"Morning, Tamara. It's Nathan. I have good news."

"You do?" she asked, still tired but he had her attention.

"Yeah. Last night, Ivory finally shifted to a wolf," Nathan said.

"She did?" Tamara asked seeming a little more awake. "How is she feeling? Is she doing better?"

"How about I get her on the phone so you two can talk?"

"Yes, please," Tamara agreed. Nathan turned to look at Ivory.

"Ivory," Nathan said and she forced her eyes open. Nathan covered the phone with his hand so Tamara wouldn't hear. "Your mother would like to talk to you; check on you. When you're on the phone with her, I'd like you to apologize to her for how you'd been acting. She'd appreciate it if you did."

"Alright," Ivory said with mild irritation followed by a yawn. She got up from the kitchen table and went to the phone as Nathan handed it over to her. "Morning, mom," Ivory said past another yawn.

"Good morning, Ivory," Tamara said. "So you finally changed to a wolf?"

"Yeah," Ivory said.

"How are you feeling?"

"Better," Ivory said. "Listen, mom, I'm really sorry I was so nasty to you the past few months when I was back home. I shouldn't have behaved that way regardless of what was going on."

"It's alright, Ivory," Tamara said, "I can't begin to understand what you were going through. I'm just relieved you're finally feeling like yourself again."

"I am surprisingly," Ivory said.

"So now that you've finally changed, when did you want to come back home? Probably after you finish this school year at least. That would be much easier on you and it'll give your grandma and I time to get your credits transferred." Ivory didn't answer right away. She glanced at Nathan. He changed the look he gave her to something pleasant and encouraging, but an instant before that, she saw him appear disheartened.

"Actually mom," Ivory finally started, "I was thinking I might go ahead and finish high school here." Nathan appeared surprised and Ivory could hear the surprise from her mother on the other line.

"Really?" Tamara started. "Are you sure?"

"If dad would be alright with it," Ivory said more so to Nathan. The smile he gave her took her by surprise. He appeared so touched.

"If your mother's alright with it, I'd love nothing more than for you to live here with me," Nathan said.

"Daddy said so long as you're alright with it, I can stay," Ivory said.

"Well," Tamara started hesitantly, but she thought about it and then released a gentle sigh. "If that's what you want and your father is alright with it, than you can stay in Washington."

"Thanks mom," Ivory smiled. "I'll spend summers and Christmas with you in Las Vegas."

"That goes without saying," Tamara joked a little. "Are you sure you don't want to return to Las Vegas?"

"Yeah," Ivory said, "At least for now."

"Alright, Ivory," Tamara relented. "Do you mind if I talk with your father for a moment?" Ivory nodded, albeit needlessly, and handed the phone over to Nathan so he and Tamara could talk.

"Hey, Tamara," Nathan said.

"I suppose I should double check and ask if you're sure you're alright with Ivory staying there, but that feels like a stupid question," Tamara said.

"I'm happy to have her," Nathan promised and looked at Ivory with an appreciative smile for a moment before returning his attention to Tamara. "This means she'll be spending summers in Las Vegas with you instead of joining us all for summer in Brazil, but I don't think she minds."

"That's good to hear," Tamara said. "I guess we'll talk about the 'after high school' plan once it's actually after high school."

"That's fair," Nathan said. "Did you still need to talk to Ivory about anything else?"

"No, I need to get ready for work and I know for a fact she needs to get ready for school," Tamara said. "I'll talk to you later okay?"

"Sure, I'll talk to you later," Nathan said and the two of them disconnected. Once they had, Nathan looked at Ivory with that same smile. "Do you really want to stay with me for a while?"

"I think you deserve it after all these years," Ivory said with a smile that reminded him of when she was a little girl. Nathan felt a little chocked up and went to Ivory to give her a hug. "I love you, daddy."

"I love you too, Ivory," Nathan said. "You have no idea how much this means to me."

"I think I have an idea," Ivory said and the two of them laughed just a little. Since she did, in fact, need to leave for school, Ivory had breakfast and went to the private class and Edward was there already.

"Good morning, Ivory," Edward said. "How are you feeling?"

"Exhausted but other than that I feel like myself again," Ivory said.

"Excellent," Edward smiled. "Now, I did promise we would not read Great Expectations, but we do need to move on to another text. So I thought I'd go easy on you and we'll read Persuasion by Jane Austen."

"Really? You had to pick the boring one?"

"Excuse me, Ivory Dahlia, but Persuasion was the last novel Jane Austen wrote before she passed away so you show some respect," Edward said and handed Ivory her copy of the book. "And this novel is hardly boring. Anne is madly in love with a man that she was told by family was not good for her and they're reunited after he's made something of himself and he still loves her. I'd claim this to be downright romantic."

"Isn't that Jane Austen's shtick though?"

"Keep up this disrespectfulness and we'll forgo Persuasion and read Great Expectations like I'd initially planned."

Ivory gently held up her hands in surrender and they finally got started with their discussion that would wrap of Hard Times before she'd be assigned her reading for Persuasion. Later when it was the weekend, Embry came over to Kevin's house with Evalynn and Caleb in tow so they could visit while Evalina and Kyle were working their shifts at the hospital. Anna and Levi were at the house already visiting Heather and Levi Jr. so while all the children were playing outside, the adults sat together on the back patio keeping an eye on them while enjoying some apple cider. Caleb and Levi Jr. were waddling around the backyard trying their best to keep up with their sisters, but since the boys were having trouble keeping up with them while playing tag, they opted for hide and seek instead.

"So has there been anything new from Salem?" Kevin asked Embry once they'd finished talking about Ivory and her shift.

"I think he's still on the east coast last I heard," Embry said. "Natalie's relaxed a little so he must be. When he's in Cuba, she's practically glued to the TV or radio listening to the news."

"Not that there's much to tell I guess," Kevin said. "I suspect there's a lot more going on than what's broadcasted. He's finishing his first sea tour soon isn't he?"

"I believe so," Embry said. "Natalie just hasn't received a letter or call about it yet. To my knowledge, he'll be home for Christmas before he's off again."

"And that'll be his 'land tour' right?"

"Right," Embry nodded. "Hopefully he'll be granted his request to be stationed in Washington so he's close to him. He'd better brace himself for when Natalie can give him a piece of her mind about his tattoo in person."

"I can't believe he did that," Kevin chuckled.

"You mean the 'Welcome Aboard' tattoo?" Levi asked before taking a sip of his cider.

"Yup," Embry chuckled.

"I can't believe he did something so stupid," Anna said.

"According to him, the woman he marries will think its funny," Kevin said.

"Good luck with that," Levi laughed.

Eventually the children ran up to Amber begging for lunch, so she and Anna returned inside with the children to get some food ready turning on the TV to have Harriet Craig starring Joan Crawford playing in the background. When there was food prepared, just sandwiches and juice, they all ate outside to enjoy the fall weather. Salem, in the meantime, was getting through his last months of Sea duty before he'd be on land for about two years. He'd received his notice that allowed him to make a request as to where he'd be stationed and he had three options that he could label by favorability. At the top of the list for him, he nearly put the base in Washington State, but he hesitated briefly. After that brief hesitation, he filled out Florida as his preferred location with Washington state being second and somewhere in the west coast being third. By the time Christmas 1958 rolled around, Salem had received his new orders and found out he'd be stationed in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He received the news with a big smile. He was given leave to return to Washington before he'd be sent back to his sub on the east coast to complete his last remaining weeks of Sea Duty before he'd be stationed in Florida and was met at the airport by Natalie, Suerro and Blu Jae who all hugged him and welcomed him home.

"Welcome home, Salem," Natalie said while she hugged him.

"It's good to be home," Salem said.

"So, did you get approved to be stationed in Washington?"

"Actually," Salem started and rubbed the back of his head, "I've been stationed in Fort Lauderdale."

"You mean Florida?" Natalie asked, raising her voice slightly with disappointment.

"I'm sorry mom," Salem said. "It was one of my preferred locations I picked and it's the one I was granted." Salem made sure not to mention he'd put it as his first choice. "It's not so bad, though. You'd love Florida so you can come visit me!"

"I suppose that's true," Natalie said solemnly. "Do you think you might be able to be stationed in Washington next time?"

"I'll make sure I ask for it again," Salem promised. "Once I'm settled in Ft. Lauderdale, I'll write you and let you know the best place to stay so you can come visit. I promise, mom, you'll love it. It's hot and humid and sunny and there's plenty to do."

"I'll trust your judgment," Natalie said as they all got into the car. Salem noticed Blu Jae get into the driver's seat with Suerro sitting beside him.

"You sure he knows how to drive?" Salem asked.

"I've been practicing for months," Blu Jae defended. "I've only ran over someone once."

"Blu Jae, that's not funny," Natalie scolded.

"He's joking right?" Salem asked Suerro.

"Yes, Salem, he's joking," Suerro said and gently swatted Blu Jae's head.

"I can drive if you want, mom," Salem offered.

"No, Salem, it's alright," Natalie said. "Despite his distasteful joke, Blu Jae is a good driver I promise."

"Have some faith in me, Salem," Blu Jae said and got the car started so they could make the trip back home.

"So how's Hailey?" Salem asked.

"He's improving," Natalie said. "JJ's been living at the General Store to keep close to him. Eun Mi and the boys were living there with him, but since Jae Sun started school, they've been back at the tribe but they spend the weekends with him."

"I assume JJ offered for Uncle Hailey to stay with them and politely declined?" Salem asked with a hint of playful sarcasm.

"Very politely," Natalie smiled lightly. "JJ will come back home now and then, but he's usually up in Forks and it shows."

"Still can't do more than make coffee, eh?" Salem teased.

"It's not even just that," Natalie said. "He just misses going home to his wife and sons. It makes him jumpier I noticed."

"Jumpier?" Salem asked.

"Loud noises bother him more when he's alone," Suerro said.

"Well, shit, that's understandable," Salem said. "I've heard bombs go off from far away and that's unpleasant as it is. I can't imagine what it would be like to be closer than that and in the line of open fire."

"Salem," Suerro said, glancing at Natalie and noticing her becoming increasingly upset, "Ixne on the penoe irefe."

"Sorry," Salem said. "On a lighter note: mom, can I see the tattoo you'd gotten?" Natalie nodded and gently pulled her blouse aside so the tattoo was in view with Jae's name, his Corporal's badge and a blue bird nested on it. "Now I feel bad that mine's so plain," Salem smiled.

"It's not plain; it's the original," Natalie smiled and patted Salem's face. "It's certainly more tasteful than other tattoos you have."

"You're still mad about 'Welcome Aboard'?" Salem asked with a chuckle.

"Of course I'm still mad!" Natalie said. "Can you get it removed or covered up or something?"

"Mom, it's my first tattoo. I don't want to cover it up," Salem said. "Besides, you're not looking at it, so I don't know what the big deal is. You certainly would never have found out about it were it not for the tattoo artist opening his big mouth."

"That's not the point, Salem," Natalie muttered.

"I'm sure you'll like my other tattoos considerably more," Salem said.

"If you got a pinup on your body, I think I'll scream," Natalie muttered.

"I haven't gotten a pinup yet, but I'm looking forward to it," Salem joked.

"Salem!" Natalie barked.

"Stop teasing your mother, Salem," Suerro said from the front seat.

"Relax, mom, it'll be tasteful."

"You're honestly going to tell me a pornographic image can be 'tasteful'?"

"Sure it can," Salem said. "You just need a good artist is all."

"And how will you explain that one when you get married? I'm sure she'll want to know who that whore on your back is," Natalie groaned.

"Who says I know her or her name?" Salem said. "Maybe I just picked a pretty face?"

"Picked?" Natalie asked.

"Yes, mom, 'picked'. It'll be a while before I'm on Sea Duty and I'm hoping I can sail the Pacific so I can complete the circle on my back, but in the meantime, I'll be in Florida for two years and since I'll be there so long, I can get a tattoo that's more detailed and take my time finding just the right artist. At the moment, though, I need to settle for what I can get and that's left to my imagination of what I'd want her to look like."

"What does she look like?" Blu Jae asked.

"Well, at first, I wanted to get a pretty celebrity like Marilyn Monroe or Rita Hayworth or Elizabeth Taylor."

"Do Elizabeth Taylor," Blu Jae suggested. "She's the prettiest out of those three."

"You are NOT getting a nude of a celebrity anywhere on your body, Salem Dauer," Natalie said firmly.

"That's why I'd said 'at first' mom. I've decided against it," Salem smiled and patted Natalie's shoulder. "Besides, Elizabeth Taylor's well out of my league. Right now, the only thing I know I want is a woman with dark hair."

"That'll be a good choice. It'll stick to your skin tone better," Blu Jae said. "Will she have a profession?"

"I haven't decided," Salem said. "I don't know if I want a sailor girl. That's the pinup all the guys get and I want something different. Maybe a nurse. Or a school teacher. Wait, no, scratch that. Nesia's a teacher. Maybe she can be dressed in an apron cooking something."

"You mean like a housewife or something?" Blu Jae asked.

"Yeah, that would be fun," Salem smiled. "Alright, so she has to have dark hair and be a housewife. And you know what? I want her baking a cake. Have some flour smudged on her face. Yeah, I'm liking this idea."

"Both of you stop it," Natalie sighed and rubbed her forehead.

"Oh! What about a greaser?"

"No," Natalie and, this time, Salem both said rather confidently. "At least we agree on something," Natalie added.

Suerro changed the subject so they were no longer talking about Salem's tattoo ideas, but as soon as they'd made it back home Blu Jae was hounded Salem to take off his shirt so he could see the tattoos on his back which Salem showed off proudly. He agreed with Salem that the tattoo of a rum bottle was the best given it was far more personal than the other ones, but the Tudor rose right at the start was really good too. Since he'd not returned to the tribe for the day opting to stay at the General Store, Salem made his way into town so he could visit with JJ. Hailey was still in the shop with JJ but was getting ready to go when Salem let himself in through the door in the kitchen.

"Guess whose back on land," Salem said as he entered and got JJ and Hailey to look into the kitchen area.

"Salem," JJ smiled and came back to give his little brother a hug. "Did you just get in today?"

"Yeah, I flew in this afternoon. Birdie even drove me home."

"Pleased to see you made it home unscathed," JJ chuckled. "Have you gotten your orders where you'll be stationed next?"

"I'll be in Fort Lauderdale, Florida," Salem said. "Don't tell mom, but I may have listed that as my first choice and made Washington my second choice."

"Why?" JJ asked.

"I really, really like Florida," Salem admitted and then finally turned his attention to Hailey. "Hey, Uncle Hailey," Salem said and hugged the man. "I'm so sorry about Leah. I'm sorry I couldn't be here for her funeral. She's dearly missed."

"Indeed she is," Hailey agreed. "It's good to have you home, even if only for Christmas."

"Hopefully since I'll be in Florida, I can take a week off here and there and come here to visit," Salem said. "Maybe by then my pinup will be done."

"Your what?" Hailey asked.

"My pinup tattoo," Salem said.

"You haven't told mom about wanting to get one have you?" JJ asked with a gentle laugh. "She's still sore with you about getting Welcome Aboard tattooed above your crotch."

"Yes, JJ, she's made me very aware," Salem laughed. "I did make the mistake of mentioning it to her I'm afraid."

"Idiot," JJ laughed. "Are you planning to get it right above your first tattoo?"

"I hadn't thought of that actually," Salem said, now beginning to contemplate.

"Keep your mouth shut, boy," Hailey said. "You're giving him ideas and it's making you partially responsible. It's a damn good thing you don't have a wife and family to support. These tattoos are a waste of your money as it is."

"I have a pretty good feeling I'm not getting married for a very long time, Uncle Hailey," Salem smiled.

"The sooner the better; find someone with good sense to reel you in. Lord knows you need it," Hailey said.

"I love you too, Uncle Hailey," Salem said. "I never thought I'd see the day when you of all people would tell me I need to settle down."

"Did your brother a world of good to have a woman whip him into shape," Hailey said. "Might do you some good."

"Actually, now that we're on the topic," Salem said and looked at JJ, "You're not planning to spend Christmas at the store are you?"

"No, I'm not," JJ said. "We're closing Christmas Eve, we'll reopen the Saturday for a half day, come back on Monday and then we're closed New Year's Eve and Day."

"Sounds chaotic," Salem said. "Why not just take Christmas Eve to New Year's Day off?"

"Because we're a store and people need to buy things in that timeframe," Hailey said. "I offered JJ that option and I'd just man the store myself, but I was overruled." The look Hailey gave JJ was mildly irritable but it passed rather quickly.

"And you'll stay with us Christmas Eve and Day?" JJ asked.

"Yes, God damn it, I said I would," Hailey grumbled. "I even bought that little vacuum you call a child a Christmas and birthday present. Are you happy?"

"Jae Sun will appreciate that," JJ smiled and then looked at Salem. "What about you? Did you get your nephew anything for his birthday and Christmas?"

"I got him a present that he can have either in the morning or in the afternoon for his birthday party," Salem said.

"Couldn't be bothered to get him a Christmas present and a birthday present," JJ sighed jokingly. "Shame on you."

"He's four, JJ. He's not going to notice or even remember."

"He's turning five you monster," JJ teased.

"So how's the little rugrat liked going to school?"

"He likes it fine," JJ said. "He knows everyone and Nesia is a good teacher."

"Doesn't she teach English?"

"Her English classes are in the afternoon. In the morning she's the kindergarten teacher."

"Oh, yeah," Salem said. "Is he still intent on learning Japanese?"

"Oh yeah," JJ sighed, "He's damn near fluent from what I can tell. Korean and Japanese translate so simply so all he needs to learn is the word for something. If he doesn't know a word, he'll just ask Eun Mi or Kai and they'll tell him and that's that. Still learning how to read, but that'll apparently last well into his teens I guess."

"What? A language with 2,000 characters to memorize takes a long time to learn? Who knew?" Salem joked.

"Yeah," JJ said. "Grandpa Edward's been cramming for years now so he can start teaching the written language to Jae Sun more in depth. He might be the only kid that gets to learn a second or third language other than French at the Tribal School."

"Is he learning that instead of French?"

"I'm told he's pushing towards that, but we'll see. He might not get his way, though. More or less the only thing he needs to learn is how to read, so that might mean according to Grandpa Edward that he can make room to learn French too. Unless I can buckle down and started drilling German into his head."

"That would be preferred," Hailey said. "Teach that boy a language worth knowing."

"I swear he knows some German; he's just not fluent," JJ said.

"No excuses, JJ," Hailey said.

"Yes, Uncle Hailey," JJ smiled. "So Salem, how's Eun Mi and the boys? I haven't seen them in days."

"They miss you," Salem said. "Why don't you come home tonight instead of staying here? Eun Mi would appreciate it and so would Jae Sun and Mae Sun." JJ hesitated briefly before Hailey interrupted.

"Just go, JJ. I'm fine now and I'll be fine in the morning," Hailey said. "The way you hang around me one might think you could fight off the Grim Reaper when he comes for me."

"Please don't joke about that, Uncle Hailey," JJ said.

"Go, JJ," Hailey said. "I could use some peace and quiet anyway. Go home and I'll be here when you get back."

"Alright," JJ finally said hesitantly. "I'll see you bright and early tomorrow."

"If you're late, I'll dock your pay," Hailey said.

"Yes, Uncle Hailey," JJ finally smiled again and finished what he needed to before leaving with Hailey and locking up the store. He insisted on walking Hailey home, much to Hailey's chagrin, and didn't return to the tribe until he'd dropped off Hailey.

"He seems fine, JJ," Salem said as they walked back together. "I don't know why you're so on edge."

"He told me he wrote up his will," JJ said. "That rattled me pretty bad."

"Just because he wrote it doesn't mean he'll be dead tomorrow or something. Don't worry so much, JJ. We've still got plenty of time left with that grumpy old man."

"Leah died suddenly and she seemed like she was just fine," JJ said. "How do I know we have plenty of time with him?"

"You don't I guess," Salem sighed, "But that's not going to change with you hovering over him."

"I know," JJ said and rubbed his face. "I know it won't but…"

"I know," Salem said and patted JJ's shoulder. "Don't waste time with Hailey worrying and just enjoy being with him. We'll have that luxury with Uncle Hailey."

"I guess you're right," JJ said. "Thanks, Salem."

"Don't mention it," Salem smiled. "I'd also suggest making it up to Eun Mi you being gone so much. She'd never say it I don't think, but I can tell she's really sad to see you gone so much."

"I know she doesn't," JJ said. "I hate it too."

"See, and you're only making things worse on yourself for it," Salem said. "I say try to relax a little and stop worrying so much. Go back to living at him and maybe spend the weekends at the store as a family if it'll make you feel better."

"I'll think about it," JJ answered.

Figuring he'd said all he could on the matter, Salem changed the subject to other topics until they made it back to the tribe. They parted ways so Salem could go back to Natalie's and Suerro's house while JJ went back to his house. By the time JJ returned home, Eun Mi was already getting the dishes cleaned and he walked in to Eun Mi using a phantom hand to swat Jae Sun's hand that was about to try grabbing a piece of candy. Eun Mi scolded him and then used that same hand to grab an apple and handed that to Jae Sun. He might have pouted but Jae Sun looked towards the door and smiled brightly.

"Dad's home!" Jae Sun said and tossed the apple aside to run to the front door. Eun Mi managed to catch the apple and put it back where she'd grabbed it and watched JJ as he picked up Jae Sun into his arms.

"Daddy," JJ heard Mason as he waddled over to the front door so JJ could pick the boy up and carry him while JJ kicked off his shoes and kicked the door closed.

"I don't think I've ever felt so welcomed home in my life," JJ said and kissed Jae Sun and Mae Sun on the head. Eun Mi dried off and went to the front door to give JJ a hug. He leaned down and kissed her.

"This is a pleasant surprise," Eun Mi said. "Is everything okay?"

"Yeah, everything's fine," JJ said and put the boys down. "I got orders from Hailey to go home for the night and to be back on time or he'd dock me a day's pay."

Eun Mi smiled, "So Uncle Hailey's still in his usual good spirits?"

"Yeah," JJ said.

"Daddy," Jae Sun said as he tugged on JJ's hand, "Come see the picture I drew of Popo!"

"Sure," JJ said and followed Jae Sun to the living room where he'd been coloring. The subject of the art in question was on a cat tree that Eun Mi has made of cardboard, tree branches and left over carpet. He was at the top most level of the tree sleeping. "Stupid cat," JJ said.

"JJ, are you hungry? I have food left over from dinner."

"That would be great," JJ said.

"I'll make you a plate. Jae Sun, let your father finish dinner and you can show him your pictures afterwards," Eun Mi said.

"But Eomma!" Jae Sun pleaded.

"I'll tell you what," JJ said, "You grab your pictures and take them to the dinner table and you can show them to me while I eat."

"Okay!" Jae Sun said eagerly and went to grab his pictures while JJ went to the table just as Eun Mi got a plate of food on the table for him. She'd made curry from scratch that night loaded with carrots, potatoes, carrots, cabbage and tofu all by a bed of rice. He'd never had Curry before that year, but it was becoming a popular dish all over Japan and Korea and Yon had taught Eun Mi how to make it.

"This looks hardy," JJ said. "I needed this."

"I can tell," Eun Mi smiled and gently pinched JJ's cheek teasing that he was getting skinny again. Jae Sun came to the table with his pictures and was quick to start showing them to JJ.

"Daddy, look!" Jae Sun said eagerly, showing off the pictures and they were admittedly very good. Popo had a distinctly cartoony look to him that Akihiko had taught Jae Sun but he could tell it was Popo.

"That's really good, Jae Sun," JJ praised just before he felt a little pat on his leg and glanced to his left to see Mae Sun with his arms out to him. JJ smiled and picked Mae Sun up so he was sitting in his lap.

"I helped," Mae Sun said and pointed at the next picture that was also of a cartoony cat but with different colors that were outside the lines. The cat was orange, black, white and some odd grayish blue color from all the crayon use.

"I told him make Popo, but he made Willow instead," Jae Sun said.

"Who's Willow?" JJ asked Eun Mi suspiciously and she just smiled.

"She's Nesia's cat. Remember? She was bragging about it enough."

"Oh, right," JJ said. "I'd forgotten about that dumb cat. You know, if this shit keeps up, those cats will kill off the wildlife."

"JJ," Eun Mi said firmly, "Don't swear in front of the children."

"Willow's mean," Jae Sun lamented. "I tried to pet her and she hissed at me!"

"You shouldn't pet strange animals anyway," JJ said and rustled Jae Sun's hair. Mae Sun was about to put his little fingers in JJ's curry to steal a chunk of potato but Eun Mi swatted his hand.

"허락없이 아버지의 접시에서 가져 가지 마라," (heolag-eobs-i abeojiui jeobsieseo gajyeo gaji mala / Do not take from your father's plate without permission) Eun Mi said firmly.

"What's wrong?" JJ said to Eun Mi.

"He was picking off your plate. I told him not to do that without asking first."

"Did you want more curry, Mae Sun?" JJ asked and he nodded eagerly.

"I want more curry too!" Jae Sun cheered. "And beet candy!"

"You may have a small plate more of curry and an apple," Eun Mi said to Jae Sun and Mae Sun. Both boys looked up at JJ pleadingly hoping he might overrule Eun Mi, but JJ just smiled.

"Sorry, boys. Your mother said a little more dinner and an apple; that's what you're getting."

Both boys pouted and whined a little, but Eun Mi warned them to stop or they get nothing and that shut them both up real quick. Eun Mi made them both another small plate of dinner with an apple on the side and both items were gone by the time JJ finished his dinner. After dinner, JJ sat in the living room listening to the radio for the news while Eun Mi sat on his lap per his request and the boys colored and drew together on the floor. Soon Popo woke and came down from his little pedestal on the cat tree and rubbed up against JJ's leg seemingly welcoming him home and then hopped up into Eun Mi's arms for attention. JJ said his usual grumbling but ended it there. But soon it was eight and time for the boys to go to bed. JJ stayed downstairs while Eun Mi got the boys washed up, their teeth cleaned and dressed for bed. JJ came upstairs to tell them goodnight and left the door to the room they shared slightly open. Then JJ took Eun Mi's hand and led her back downstairs where the radio still played but was considerably quieter than it had been and was playing music. Once they were downstairs, JJ went back to his chair and pulled Eun Mi back into his lap.

"It's good to have you home," Eun Mi said.

"It's good to be home," JJ said as he hugged Eun Mi close. "I'm relieved Hailey forced me to go home."

"So am I," Eun Mi said. "How is he feeling?"

"He's fine," JJ said. "As much as I worry about him he's doing alright."

"It's understandable to worry about him," Eun Mi reassured. "You'll be home for Christmas right?"

"Of course I will," JJ smiled. "We're closed Christmas Eve and Day, we'll be open on the 27th but only a half day and then we'll be open again until New Year's Day. We'll open back up on the 2nd and it'll return to business as usual."

"Such an irregular schedule," Eun Mi said. "So did you and Salem get to talk?"

"Yeah, we did," JJ said. "Little brat's talking about getting a pinup tattoo." Despite the meanness of his words, JJ was smiling.

"What's a pinup tattoo?"

"It's a tattoo of a woman, generally scantily clad or with no clothes at all. It's not all that uncommon among soldiers. A bunch of men I served with had pinup tattoos. Used to say it was a little reminder of what they had to look forward to when they got home. For Salem, I think he just wants one for the sake of having one. My dumbass gave him the idea to put a pinup on one of the anchors on that 'Welcome Aboard' tattoo of his. As to the other one, he said Birdie gave him the idea to get a tattoo of a woman baking a cake. As to whether she'd be wearing an apron or not is evidently still up for debate."

"And where would he get that one?"

"His ribcage," JJ said.

"I'm sure your mother will love hearing about that," Eun Mi giggled. "Would you ever get a pinup?"

"I already have one," JJ smiled. "It's framed and hanging on the wall by the register at the store, remember?"

"That's not a pinup, JJ," Eun Mi said. "That's just me in a hanbok. It's hardly scantily."

"Doesn't need to be," JJ said. "That picture of you in a hanbok has gotten me through a lot of hard times I'll have you know. I wouldn't change it for the world and as far as I'm concerned that's all the world ever needs to see. The rest can stay between us when we're alone."

"Like now?" Eun Mi asked and began to look at him with the sweetest seductive eyes he'd ever seen.

"Yeah," JJ answered as he trailed a hand up her skirt to touch her bare skin, "like now." Her lashes fluttered at him and she smiled sweetly as her hands trailed to his buttons playing with them but not yet unbuttoning them. "How long has it been?" JJ asked.

"Months," Eun Mi admitted. "You've had other things on your mind."

"That's no excuse," JJ said and leaned his forehead against hers continuing to trail his hand upwards until he was touching her hip and the fabric of her panties. "You know," JJ continued, "While Salem and I were walking home, he brought to my attention that secluding myself to the General Store worrying myself sick isn't helping me."

"Well, shit, I could have told you that," Eun Mi said and JJ chuckled a little.

"He also implied that you seemed lonely and that I should be at home letting you and the boys make me feel better."

"Salem is very intuitive," Eun Mi teased, "But don't be upset. I never brought it up to you. I didn't want to put more on your shoulders than you already had."

"You can put anything on my shoulders Eun Mi," JJ said and pressed a kiss to her lips. "Put anything in the world on my shoulders and I'll take it with a smile. Especially if it involves you."

"Still," Eun Mi smiled and kissed him back and finally started unbuttoning his shirt. "Does this mean going forward you'll be coming home every night?"

"Coming home every night and we can spend the weekends at the general store as a family," JJ said. "That was the compromise Salem came up with."

"I like that compromise," Eun Mi nodded, undoing the last button of his shirt. Since his shirt was unbuttoned, JJ moved his hand so it was between her legs and dipped his fingers under the fabric of her panties so he could touch her core. "This house is so lonely without you."

"Trust me, that General Store is lonely too," JJ said just before slipping two fingers inside her finding her warm and beginning to get wet for him. "I haven't been taking care of you like I should be. Can you forgive me?"

"Take me upstairs and all will be forgiven," Eun Mi said as she was pulling his shirts out from under his pants.

Without another word, JJ pulled his hand from between her legs and lifted her into his arms as he stood from his chair and started walking upstairs to their bedroom. He walked in and gently kicked their door closed staying quiet as possible so they wouldn't wake the boys. Then he carried her to their bed and laid her down. Eun Mi pulled his shirts over his head and then started undoing his belt while JJ started unbuttoning the front of Eun Mi's dress. She pulled his belt from the loops of his pants and released it so JJ could pull her dress off her taking her panties with him tossing them to the other side of the bed. She was already undoing his pants by the time JJ lowered to her so he could start kissing her.

Once he'd come down to her, Eun Mi wrapped her arms around his neck to hold him close and used a pair of ghostly hands to finishing undoing his pants and then push the rest of his clothes down. She was able to remove it completely tossing them to the side with her clothes and once JJ was naked as her, she cradled him in her arms and legs while the two of them just kissed for several minutes. There was no need for foreplay. In no time, they were both ready for each other and once JJ was inside her, he moved relentlessly. Eun Mi clutched onto him like a lifeline as he moved only loosening her hold of him when he would move her so he could get a different angle. When they reached their climax, Eun Mi could swear JJ must have bruised her for how tightly JJ was holding her thighs but she didn't care. By the time he'd released his grip, she'd likely already healed and she was still in a state of pure bliss and they laid in bed together.

"사랑해요," (saranghaeyo / I love you) Eun Mi whispered in his ear.

"You win," JJ said and Eun Mi started giggling. "So long as I'm forgiven."

"Tell me you love me too and you'll be forgiven."

"I love you too," JJ answered.

"All's forgiven," Eun Mi said and then the two of them fell asleep in each other's arms. The next morning, JJ showered and got dressed before rushing out the door to get to the General Store. He made sure to kiss Eun Mi and the boys goodbye before he left but he just barely managed to get to the General Store before it was time to open shop. Hailey was already there staring at the clock as JJ let himself in through the back door.

"Just by the skin of your teeth, boy," Hailey said.

"Morning to you too, Uncle Hailey," JJ smiled.

"You're in a good mood this morning despite nearly being late," Hailey said.

"It was just nice to sleep at home is all," JJ said. "How was your night?"

"Quiet," Hailey said. "Now that you're here, get the shop open for the day."

"Yes, sir," JJ said and opened shop for the day.

When it was finally the day before Christmas Eve, Hailey came to work with a few things packed so he could join JJ to the tribe for the holidays. Hailey stayed with JJ and Eun Mi during that time and the boys were happy to have Hailey there. Despite his grumbling, Hailey let Jae Sun show off all his artwork and even listened to the boy prattle on and on about how hard learning to read Japanese was compared to Hangul and so on. On Christmas Eve, they went up to the Cullen house for a party as always and most everyone spent the night at the Cullen house, especially the kids. In the morning on Christmas Day, all the children were up bright and early and rushed downstairs eager to open presents. Esme already had an assembly line of cinnamon rolls that were baking in the oven that were then covered in icing as soon as they left the oven. By the time everyone was finally awake, there was plenty of food to go around and everyone was eating themselves sick off cinnamon rolls and coffee while opening presents. As Nesia was opening her presents, she got to one that was from JJ and she looked at him suspiciously right off the bat.

"What?" JJ asked. Nesia said nothing and instead handed the present to Blu Jae. He looked at her strangely, shrugged and accepted the present and opened it. When he opened the box, inside was a barrette.

"Thanks, JJ. I've always wanted a barrette for my short hair," Blu Jae said.

"Damn it," Nesia muttered and took back her present.

"No, Nesia, you didn't want it. Give Birdie back his present," JJ poked fun.

"Shut up," Nesia said and put the barrette at the base of her ponytail. She moved onto other presents and things went normally until she got to Salem's present, When she opened his present to her, she screamed and tossed the present to the floor followed by Salem laughing.

"What did you get her?" JJ asked.

"I got her a brown recluse spider," Salem answered through his laughter.

"You asshole!" Nesia yelled and threw a pillow at Salem while Blu Jae picked up the box. It was a large brown recluse spider that was encased in some kind of glass enclose kept in place so all its legs and its body were on display.

"Neat," Blu Jae said. "Can I keep this?"

"Go for it," Salem said as he kept laughing. "Add it to your collection."

"So what did you get Jae Sun for Christmas?" JJ asked.

"I got him a toy," Salem answered, keeping his answer vague since Jae Sun hadn't gotten to his gift yet.

"And what did you get him for his birthday?" JJ asked.

Salem looked at JJ with a straight face and said, "Fuck you," and the two of them started laughing.

After everyone had opened their presents, they waited a few hours before Esme brought out a big cake with five candles on it that were already lit while everyone started singing Happy Birthday to Jae Sun. And since it was his birthday, Jae Sun got to have ox bone soup just as he requested and with Esme's help, Eun Mi made enough for the whole family to have some if they wanted it. Most were still too full from the cinnamon rolls but Jae Sun could always be counted on to make room for his soup and his cake while he opened the presents that were designated for his birthday. By the time the sun was going down, Jae Sun could barely stay awake having exerted most of his energy from excitement for his presents combined with a self-induced food coma. When he fell asleep in JJ's arms with loads of presents and a very full stomach, they knew Jae Sun had enjoyed his birthday.

Salem stayed in Washington for another few days enjoying his time with family before he had to return to the east coast and then get transferred to Florida. Natalie and Suerro dropped him off at the airport when it was time for him to go and Salem asked Natalie to promise she'd come visit him in Florida once he was stationed there to which Natalie happily agreed before giving her son a hug and kiss goodbye. A few weeks went by of Salem finishing his sea tour and then, finally, come February Salem was put on a plane to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. When he got off the plane, it was humid and sunny and reeked of saltwater with a breeze that Salem breathed in with a smile. He was going to love Florida.