In the Future
Disclaimer: I don’t own Team Rocket, I don’t own Pokemon… I do own um… Rose, Ambrose, Alicia, Jamie, and all the other extra characters in here.
Note: this is my 8th fic… written in March 2001 and yes I realize that this is the lamest title in the world.. but I’m no good at coming up with titles…
*April 2020*
"Mommy, Mommy! Jamie hit me!" Jessie's 7-year-old daughter, Yuri whined.
"I did not, you annoying little brat!" twelve-year-old Jamie yelled back. Jessie, who was in the middle of getting dressed, stormed into the living room.
"You two better stop your fighting right now! Jamie, get your brother," Jessie demanded.
"Yeah, Mum... Which one?" Jamie asked, smirking.
"Ambrose," Jessie answered.
"Aaaright..." Jamie took a few steps towards the staircase. "Ambrose! Mummy wants you down here!" she yelled up the stairs. Jessie sighed and rolled her eyes.
"I could've done *that*..." Jessie mumbled.
"Okay! I'm coming!" Ambrose called down. He grabbed his schoolbooks and shoved them into his book-bag. Then he rushed out of his room and banged loudly on the door to his 16-year-old twin sister, Alicia's room. "Come on, Alicia.... It's almost time to go!"
"Yeah, yeah..." Alicia opened the door. Ambrose made his way down the stairs and into the living room. Alicia followed.
"What is it, Mom?" Ambrose asked as he approached his mother.
"Did you get your homework done?"
"Yeah... I did it with Tsubasa after school yesterday..." he answered.
"You better have. Go get Rose and Bara, and tell them to get their butts down here. The bus'll be here any minute!" Jessie walked back up to her and James' room.
James walked into the living room, from the kitchen, just finishing a doughnut. Ten-year-old Bara, followed him.
"Daddy, what's wrong with Mommy? Why is she in such a rush?" Yuri sweetly asked.
"Don't worry. We just have a meeting with my boss this morning."
"Perhaps Mother should learn to plan ahead," Bara suggested. Alicia raised an eyebrow at her brainy sister.
"Perhaps you should let people live their lives the way they want to..." Alicia mocked Bara as Rose and her boyfriend, Cory, entered the kitchen.
"Hey! Let's go! The bus is just down the road!" Rose announced. Alicia, Jamie, Bara, Yuri, Rose, and Cory all scrambled out the door. Ambrose stayed behind and slowly walked to his father.
"Bye, Dad. See you later..." he hugged James.
"Good-bye, Ambrose. Have a good day..." James smiled. Ambrose grabbed his book bag and zipped out the door.
James made his way up the stairs and into his room and watched Jessie put on her makeup.
"Daddy..." his three year old son, Curry, walked up behind James and hugged his leg. James picked Curry up and hugged him.
"Good morning, Curry. What's up?" James smiled. Curry rubbed his eyes and yawned. "You don't have to be awake now... You should go back to sleep."
"But...m-my... eyes won't g-go back to sleep..." Curry answered. James laughed a bit.
"I see. Well, guess what you get to do today while Mommy and I are gone."
"What?" Curry yawned again.
"Once the baby-sitter gets here, you'll be the man of the house," James replied.
"Yay..." Curry smiled, trying to celebrate even though he was still sleepy. James carried Curry over to Jessie.
"You okay, Jess?" he asked.
"I'm just fine..." Jessie answered, putting on the last of her make-up. "That baby-sitter had better not be late! I don't want that boss of yours to think we're as lazy as she already thinks we are..." she pushed past James.
"Mommy..." Curry reached out to his mother. Jessie looked back and calmed down at the sight of her son. "Don't worry... be happy..."
"Oh, my baby..." Jessie smiled and hugged Curry.
Suddenly, the doorbell rang. Jessie rushed down the stairs to answer the door.
"Yes?" Jessie looked at the young woman at the door. "Oh! Hi, Brooke. Thank you so much for coming on such short notice."
"Oh, it's no problem, Mrs. Morgan. Your kids are the best," Brooke, the baby-sitter smiled.
"Okay, well James and I have to leave right away. Curry is already awake, " Jessie quickly said. "James! Let's go!" she called to James, then she turned her attention back to Brooke. "Help yourself to anything in the kitchen. James and I should be back at around lunchtime."
"Okay..." Brooke replied.
James rushed down the stairs and Curry followed, carefully making his way down the stairs.
"Alright, Jess. Let's go," he stood beside Jessie.
Brooke and Curry waved good-bye as Jessie and James began on their walk to the office James worked in.
-on the school bus-
Ambrose sat quietly in the seat with Alicia. He watched the younger kids in the front, including his sister Yuri, jumping around and throwing food and paper. Then he looked a bit closer to where he was sitting. Great... the freshmen are passing drugs around. Next, he looked behind him, towards the back of the bus, where the juniors and seniors sat. Surely enough, there were at least eight people making out. He sat back in his seat and sighed. Alicia looked over at him, from staring out the window.
"Something wrong, bro?" she asked.
"Nah... nothing..." he answered.
When they arrived at the school, Ambrose's only friend, Tsubasa, jumped to his side.
"Sup, Brose? Ready for that test in P.E. today?" Tsubasa smirked, knowing how much Ambrose hated to do any sports.
"No... and I really could care less if I failed it..." he sighed.
"Geeze, ya know? If you don't get into any sports er anything... no girl is gonna wanna go with you. And you still need a date for the sophomore dance tonight!"
"I don't really care. It's not like anyone respects me anyway..."
He and Tsubasa walked on to their lockers. Soon after, the bell rang.
"See ya at lunch, Tsubasa..." Ambrose said as he walked into his homeroom.
"Yeah, later, Brose!"
****
When lunch period came, Tsubasa and Ambrose met up in the lunch line.
"What you gettin today?" Tsubasa asked.
"I dunno. It's friday... I guess... um... What choice do I have?"
"Uh... pizza or a sub... I'm gettin the pizza..."
"I'll get the sub. It's bigger, and I'm starving!" Ambrose's stomach growled loudly.
Suddenly, Tsubasa's eyes grew wide when he looked at what was behind Ambrose.
"J…. J-Jennifer S-Shrode..." he drooled. Most of the people in the school thought Jennifer was so perfect and beautiful. She was the most popular girl in the high school.
Jennifer looked at Tsubasa and raised an eyebrow.
"Yeah, that's me..." Then she looked at Ambrose. "Hi, Ambrose. You're looking very cute today..." she set both of her hands on his chest.
"Um... yeah... whatever... thanks..." Ambrose shyly turned away and stood in front of Tsubasa. Tsubasa just continued staring and drooling over Jennifer.
"Hey, Jenn..." he stood straight and started acting cool. "You have a date for tonight's dance?"
"Duh. Of course. And that lucky boy is standing right in front of you," Jennifer replied in her valley girl tone. Tsubasa's mouth dropped open. Ambrose looked back and blushed, raising an eyebrow.
"Ambrose!" Tsubasa grabbed Ambrose and whispered loudly. "Do you realize how lucky you are?! Jennifer likes you!"
"But... I..." Ambrose hesitated. This was a whole new experience for him. He'd never expected anyone to like him, because he's so shy and not very athletic.
"Would you be my date tonight, Ambrose?" Jennifer butted in front of Tsubasa and slipped her arms around Ambrose's waist. "Please?"
"W-well...." he blushed deeply. "S-sure..."
"Great," she smiled. "I'll see you tonight then, cutie..." she kissed him on the cheek, then walked to her table. Ambrose held his cheek in shock.
****
"You're so lucky, Ambrose!" Tsubasa celebrated when they both sat down at their lonely lunch table. "I mean, do you know what I wouldn't do to have a date with that girl?"
Ambrose stuffed part of his sub in his mouth and mumbled something. Then, Alicia came to their table and sat beside her brother.
"Hey, I just heard what happened. Are you really gonna go through with this? I know you don't really like Jennifer..."
Ambrose looked to Tsubasa.
"Of course he's going! He's the luckiest guy in the whole school!" Tsubasa annouced excitedly.
Ambrose looked back to his sister and shrugged.
"I really don't know what I want... You're right, I don't really like her, but I didn't know that... she likes me..."
"Well," Alicia began, "I think you should go, just for the heck of it. But, then again, I think you should also do what you want to do..."
"I'll think about it..." Ambrose nodded. Everyone finished their lunches in silence.
****
It was now time for gym glass. Ambrose was such a nervous wreck. His grade in gym had never moved up from a D since he started kindergarten. And now, it was test time. He had enough trouble in that class, but as if not enough, there was a group of boys that have been teasing him about everything since the first day of middle school.
After changing into his P.E. uniform, he joined the other boys in his class and sat down.
"Okay you wimps, get up! You're doing two laps around the school, then meet back here for the rest of the exam. The exam will have five parts: running, pull-ups, sit-ups, weight lifting, and finally, a race. Now go!" the gym teacher demanded. All of the boys ran outside and began their laps around the school.
After all was complete, it was time for the race. He knew what was coming, and whom he would get paired up with.
"Morgan! Burross! You're up next! Get to the start line!" the teacher yelled.
Ambrose sighed in disappointment. Pete Burross was the one he always got paired up with. Pete was also like the leader of the group of boys who teased Ambrose.
"Ha! Ready to lose, little girl?" Pete teased. Ambrose ignored him and just prepared himself for the sprint.
"Go!" the teacher yelled.
At first, he and Pete were neck and neck. Then, at the halfway point, Ambrose slowly made his way in front of Pete. He couldn't believe it! By now, he would either be far behind, or Pete would've tripped him and he would've sprained his leg. But no! He was gonna make it! Then, about 10 feet before the finish line, he tripped over his own feet.
He gasped as he hit the ground. Pete was cracking up as he crossed the finish line. The whole class was laughing at Ambrose. He covered his face and quickly ran to the locker room.
"Okay, boys. Class is over. I'll see you all later." The teacher walked into his own small office. The other boys made their way into the locker room.
Pete and the three other boys in that group went straight to Ambrose. Two of the boys snuck behind him, and Pete and the other snuck in front of him.
"Hey, Morgan. Been practicing?" Pete glared.
"Yeah..." Ambrose replied, not looking up at him. Pete pushed him, making him trip backward over the bench that was behind him. The two other boys standing behind him, caught him by the arms.
"You know what would happen to you if you would've beat me?" Pete growled.
"Yeah..." Ambrose started shaking.
"I would've looked like a fool. Now... you don't want that to ever happen, do you?" Pete got in his face. Ambrose shook his head.
"Of c-course not... It'll n-never happen again... I p-promise..."
"Good..." Pete and the other boys let go of him. "Now, I hear you've got a date with Jennifer Shrode tonight..."
"Well... um... yes..."
"That girl is the best thing to come along since... anything!" Pete smirked. "I hear she's really got a big thing for ya."
"Um... she does?"
"Yeah. And she's moving this weekend. I, for one, know that the thing she wants the most before she moves, is to sleep with you."
"What?!" Ambrose freaked out.
"So, I'll tell ya what. All I want, and all everyone else wants, is to see her happy. If you sleep with her, that'll definitely make her happy. Now, my point is, that if she's not happy by the time she moves, I'll do to you what I would've done to you if you beat me in the race," Pete smirked.
"B-b-but... I d-don't.... I c-can't... I'm n-not... I d-don't want t-to..."
"Why? Don't you know how?"
"Well... yeah... I d-do..."
"Or is it... you're just like your stupid gay father?"
"My Dad's not gay! And he's not stupid!"
"But you are," Pete laughed.
"No I'm not!" Ambrose yelled.
"Then why can't you do it? You scared?"
"I... no! Of course I'm not! I just... don't want to..."
"Baby. You're gonna disappoint a lot of people, you know... including me! And Jennifer is gonna be moving to a completely new area, with no friends! Don't you want to make her happy before she has to go through with that?! Or, are you just a heartless nobody?"
"W-well... I-"
"And remember. You don't, and you get hell for the rest of your high school life. Got it?"
"Y-yes... sir..." Ambrose gulped.
"So, you're gonna do it?"
Ambrose could barely move. The two boys behind him, pushed his head, making him nod.
"Great. I'll see ya later, Morgan..." Pete and the others walked out. Luckily, it was now only homeroom. They wouldn't get in trouble for being late.
"Ambrose burst into tears. He didn't want to do this, but he had no choice. If his parents ever found out, they'd kill him! He loved his parents, and didn't want to betray them. He felt so sick. Trying not to think about it, he finished getting dressed, then headed back to his homeroom.
****
On the bus ride home, he was even quieter than usual. His emerald green eyes were fixed on the floor. Alicia, who was sitting next to him, could sense something wasn't right. She knew Ambrose better than anyone else knew him. He always told her his secrets, and she always told him hers. They seemed more like best friends than brother and sister.
"Ambrose?" she finally asked, about halfway home. "Are you feeling okay?"
He burst into tears and cried into Alicia's shoulder. Alicia hugged him and rubbed his back.
"No... I'm not okay... I just want to die..." he cried.
"Why! What happened?"
"I'll tell you when we get home..." he sniffled.
Twenty minutes later, they arrived home. Alicia followed Ambrose to his room.
"Okay, what is making you so upset?!" Alicia was getting worried. He explained everything to her. Alicia gasped. "You're really gonna sleep with her?!"
"I have no choice. Pete said if I don't, he'll make my life a living hell..."
"Ambrose! Don't do this! I bet he's all talk!" Alicia put her hands on his shoulders and shook him. "You'll ruin your life even more if you do this, than if you don't'! Please! You can't do this!"
"I really don't want to..." he sniffled. "But Pete and those guys have been hurting me, physically and mentally since I was in 6th grade! I can't take anymore of their attacks..." he cried.
"That's no excuse to ruin your life!" Alicia stood up and headed towards the door. "I'm getting Mom and Dad..."
"No!" he dove at her and knocked her to the floor. "They can't know! They'll be so dissappointed in me... They trust me so much. I don't want to disobey them!"
"Then don't do it!"
"You don't understand what I'm going through! You'll never know because you'll never have people nagging, teasing, and attacking you all the time!" he curled up on the floor and cried.
"Fine! Do what you want! Ruin your life! But don't come running to me when you regret it!" she stood up and stormed out, slamming the door. Ambrose stayed on the floor and continued crying.
Jessie walked by his room and heard him crying. She knocked on the door and let herself in.
"Ambrose? Are you okay?"
Ambrose stood up and hugged his mother. Jessie blinked, confused.
"I'm... f-fine, Mom..."
"Well... okay...." Jessie hugged him tight. "Are you and Alicia going to the dance tonight?"
"Yeah... I have to go..." he let go and plopped onto his bed.
"Are you sure nothing's wrong? You seem afraid of something," she sat on his bed next to him. "You know you can tell me anything... right?"
"Yeah, Mom..." he got a guilty look on his face. "I... I know... Don't worry about me. I'm fine. You know y-you can trust me..."
Jessie nodded a tiny bit. "Yes. I know I can," she sighed. "Anyway, dinner will be ready in about an hour, then I'll take you and Alicia to the dance, okay?"
"Okay..." he tucked into a ball. Jessie leaned over and kissed his cheek.
"I love you..." she stood up and left. She walked down the stairs and into the kitchen, where James was making dinner.
"Jess? Should I make a salad to go with the spaghetti?" James asked Jessie.
"Yes..."" she answered, slipping her arms around his waist. "Oh... I'm so tired... your boss really knows how to tire a person out... toying with their minds and all…"
"You'll be okay," James turned around and kissed her. Alicia walked in and saw her parents kissing.
"Um... hey?" Alicia interrupted. Jessie and James broke apart.
"Yes?" they asked.
"Did... you guys ever have... premarital sex?" she shyly asked, her face bright red. Jessie and James looked at each other in disbelief, then laughed.
"No... Why do you ask?" James blushed at the subject.
"Oh, no reason. I just wanted to know if perversion runs in the family..." Alicia said as she turned around and headed back upstairs. Jessie and James looked at each other, confused.
"Perversion?" Jessie questioned. James shrugged. "I wonder what she's up to..."
"I'll talk to her later, okay?" James suggested.
"Alright..." Jessie sighed.
****
When dinner was just about ready, Jessie and James went to everyone's rooms, and got them.
Jessie's first stop was Curry's room. She knocked on his door and let herself in. Curry ran at Jessie and tackled her leg.
"Gaaaoow! I'm the raikou! You can't excape! (escape)" Curry growled playfully. Jessie played along and picked him up.
"Well, I'm the mommy raikou, and I say we captured a ponyta. Time to eat."
"Yay!" Curry cheered. Jessie carried him to her next stop, Bara's room. She knocked on her door.
"Bara?"
"Yes, Mother?" Bara opened the door.
"Take your brother downstairs and get him settled. It's time to eat."
Bara nodded and carried Curry down the stairs.
Jessie walked on. She skipped Ambrose's room and stopped at Rose and Alicia's room.
"Music off, girls! Time to eat!" Jessie yelled over the sound of the music. The music suddenly shut off, then Rose and Alicia scrambled out the door, and down the stairs. Jessie raised an eyebrow, then walked to James.
James' little journey began at Jamie and Yuri's room. James knocked on the door, and the video game they were playing stopped.
"Yeah?" Jamie asked.
"Dinner's ready," James answered. Jamie and Yuri shut off their video game and walked out the door. James traveled across the hallway, and to Ambrose’s room.
"Ambrose?" he knocked. No answer. James let himself in and saw Ambrose on his bed, curled into a tense ball, sleeping. That was odd... Usually Ambrose's door was already open, because Ambrose was normally the first one at the dinner table. James sat on Ambrose's bed and tapped his shoulder.
Ambrose jumped up and almost screamed. Then, he sighed in relief. "Oh... It's only you..."
"Are you feeling okay?" James asked, confused.
"Yeah... Yeah I'm just fine..." he sat back down.
"Well, dinner's ready, if you want any."
"Yeah, okay..." Ambrose stood up and slowly walked out the door. James wondered, for a moment, if something was wrong. Then he decided to just leave it, and he walked to Jessie.
"Um... Jessie?" he asked as he walked into the room.
"Yes?"
"Is there something wrong with Ambrose?"
"I'm not sure. I was talking to him earlier today, and he was crying..." she answered. "Why? Is there something you know?"
"Well, he was just asleep... and he looked like he was afraid of something. Then, when I woke him up, he looked like he saw a ghastly..."
"Something's gotta be bugging him..." Jessie said as she started down the stairs.
"But what in the world could that possibly be?" James asked. They then walked down the stairs in silence.
When they got into the dining room, everyone had already started to eat, except for Ambrose. He was just staring at his plate. Jessie and James noticed it right away. They looked at each other and nodded. Something was definitely wrong.
Jessie and James sat in their own seats, next to each other.
"So..." James looked at Alicia. "Are you and Ambrose ready for the dance tonight?"
"Yeah, I am. But, I don’t know about Ambrose," she answered, glaring over at Ambrose.
"I'm... r-ready..." Ambrose replied weakly.
"Rose, when's your dance?" Jessie asked Rose.
"Seniors don't have one till next month..." Rose sighed. "And we only get *one* this year, 'cause there were some people caught at the one last year having sex..."
"Eeee..." Ambrose shrunk in his seat. His whine made everyone look over at him. Alicia glared at him.
"Ambrose?" Jessie and James asked, confused.
"I... I'm not feeling very well..." he answered. "I t-think I need to lie down..."
"Yeah, and why don't you go and get *Jennifer* while you're at it," Alicia said smugly. That made Ambrose run out of the room. Jessie and James stood up right away and ran after him.
"James, there's definitely something wrong..." Jessie said.
"You're right..." James agreed. They knocked on Ambrose's door.
"Ambrose?! Are you sure you're okay?" Jessie asked.
"I'll be fine... don't worry..." Ambrose weakly said. James opened the door, and he and Jessie walked in.
"You're not okay! You've been acting very strange since you got home from school!" James' voice got louder.
"Did something happen at school today?" asked Jessie.
Ambrose hesitated. "N-no Mom. N-nothing," he sniffled. "I j-just don't f-feel very well..."
"Do you want to stay home from the dance?" Jessie sat next to him on his bed.
"I can't stay home. I have to go."
"Not if you're sick..." James answered and sat on the other side of him.
"I'm not sick... And I *have* to go to this dance..." he started to cry. He leaned onto Jessie and hugged her tightly, crying into her shoulder. Jessie blinked, confused.
James crossed his arms and said, "Something's making you upset. You don't get this upset over absolutely nothing..."
"I'll be just fine. You guys just go eat. I'll be down when it's time to leave..."
"Well..." Jessie started.
"Okay..." James finished, sighing. They walked out the door. Ambrose stood up and looked at himself in his mirror. Why was he doing this? How could he let someone else run his life? No, he just couldn't ruin his life! He decided he would just go to the dance and have his own fun. And if Pete doesn't like it, well too bad for him. He pushed his long blue hair out of his eyes and smiled.
"I can do it. I'll be okay," he took a deep breath and sighed. "I'll be okay..."
****
By the time it was time to go, Ambrose was back to his normal self.
"Okay, Mom! I'm ready to go!"
"I'm not taking you. Rose is going out with Cory tonight. Cory'll drive you there," Jessie replied, snuggling close to James, who was very into what was on the television. "Make sure you come home early, and don't eat too much. You have to get to sleep. Rose's competition is tomorrow, and we have to be there for five in the morning..."
"Okay," Ambrose sighed. Then they heard a car horn. Rose zoomed down the stairs.
"It's Cory, it's Cory!" she celebrated. Alicia hopped down the stairs.
"Guess our ride's here..." Ambrose stood up and stretched. He and Alicia followed Rose to Cory's car.
"Hey, Rose," Cory smiled as Rose sat in the passenger seat.
"Hi, Cory," Rose leaned over to him and kissed him.
"Alicia? Ambrose? You ready?" Cory asked.
"Yeah," they nodded. And off they drove to the dance.
****
"Thanks for the ride, Cory!" Ambrose and Alicia said as they stepped out of the car and headed for the school.
"I'm staaaarving! I'm heading straight for the food!" Ambrose announced.
"You're a disgusting pig..." Alicia smacked him upside the head. "I don't believe you're actually excited to do this!"
"B-but... I'm not..." he weakly smiled. "I'm not doing it. I don't want to. Pete can't tell me what to do, and I'm not going to ruin my life just because of an idiot like him!" he smiled brightly.
"Really?! That's great!" she flung her arms around him. "I knew you would do the right thing!"
"Well what are we waiting for? Alicia, would you like to be my 'date' for the dance?"
"Of course," she smiled. They walked into the school together. Ambrose headed straight for the snack tables. Alicia went to the middle of the floor and found her friend.
Ambrose was so relieved that Pete and Jennifer were nowhere to be found. He pigged out on the food until he was stuffed. He went into the hall to take a break from the music. Pete grabbed his shoulder and turned him around.
"Where you think you're goin, Morgan? Your date has been waiting for you..." Pete said. Jennifer stood behind him and smiled.
"W-well... I've been in the gym... dancing..." Ambrose replied.
"Well, would you dance with *me* now? You are me boyfriend after all..." Jennifer walked to him.
"S-sure..." he hesitated. Jennifer took him by the hand and dragged him back into the gym. Pete and the group followed.
"Oooohh! I love the song!" she hugged him around his waist. "But, not as much as I love you..."
"Um... thank you...?" he blushed. Jennifer took his arms and placed them around her waist.
"Don't be shy... I don't mind if you touch me..."
"T-touch y-you?" he gulped.
"Of course..." she smiled as he started backing off.
"N-no.. I c-can't..." He backed right into Pete.
"Now where you goin? You just gonna leave that poor girl alone all night?" Pete glared.
"Pete... I've gotta tell you s-something..."
"Yeah? What?"
"I'm n-not sleeping with J-Jennifer tonight... And n-nothing you do can make m-me..."
"Oh, yeah?" Pete raised his fist to punch him. Ambrose blocked himself.
"P-please don’t hurt me..."
"I'll do worse to you if Jennifer doesn't leave happy tomorrow afternoon. It all depends on you, Morgan."
"W-well... 'Burross'... I c-choose not to..."
"Alright then," Pete grabbed him by the collar and dragged him into the bathroom. He punched him once in the face, and twice in the stomach.
"Please! Stop!" Ambrose started crying.
"That's only the beginning..." Pete growled. "You know I can do a lot worse than that..."
"I k-know..." he breathed heavily.
"You gonna do it?" Pete raised his fist again.
"Yes! I'll do anything! Just don't hurt me!" Ambrose cried in defeat.
"Great," Pete smirked. "Now get out there, and make your moves..." he pushed him out the door, then dragged him back out to Jennifer.
Alicia saw Ambrose being dragged, and blinked. "What the heck is that freak doing?" she wondered. "Hey... I'll be back a little later.. I gotta go check something out..." she said to her friend. Then she tried to hide, to watch what was going on with her brother.
Pete pushed Ambrose over to Jennifer.
"Sorry 'bout that, Jenn," Pete began. "Ambrose needed a few pointers," he glared at Ambrose.
"Um... y-yeah... p-p-pointers..." Ambrose's knees shook.
"Awww... what a sweety..." Jennifer hugged Ambrose.
"Y-yeah... s-sweety..." Ambrose started sweating.
"Let's go for a walk..." she suggested. Ambrose looked back at Pete, who was glaring at him. He looked back at Jennifer, who was staring dreamily at him.
"Y-yeah... w-..... wa...." was all he got out. Jennifer took his hand and led him out into the hallway.
Alicia glared at Pete and stomped over to him.
"You idiot!" Alicia smacked the back of his head.
"Wha? Oh.. hey Alicia. Ambrose wanted me ta tell ya that he's gonna walk home tonight," Pete smiled. Alicia punched him hard across the face.
"Leave my brother alone! You're ruining his life!" she screamed. Pete stumbled to the floor. Alicia ran out into the hallway to try to catch Ambrose, but he was nowhere to be found. "Ambrose!" she called. No answer. Then she looked to her side. The door... What if they went outside?! She ran outside and searched, but he was nowhere to be found. She walked back into the school and fell to her knees, crying.
Jennifer led Ambrose to one of the classrooms. She took him into the closet and shut the door.
"Wonderful... Now we can be alone..." she tugged onto his t-shirt, making him fall on top of her. He almost shrieked, but he held it in. Jennifer took a small flashlight out of the purse she carried with her. "There. Now we can see what we're doing..." she smirked. Ambrose was speechless. He was never more afraid of anything in his life. He just wanted to die right then and there.
"J-Jennnnnif-fer...?"
"Yes?"
"D-do you really w-want t-to do t-this...?"
"Of course. It's all I've ever wanted since I first laid eyes on you. You're the most perfect boy in the whole world..." she grinned as she unbuckled his belt.
"B-but..." he started to cry. Jennifer put her finger to his lips.
"Don't worry. You'll like it. My friends say it feels great. I have yet to find out. I've been waiting for this moment, Ambrose. I've saved myself just so I'd be for you. What about you? You ever done this before?"
"No... n-never..." he gulped.
"Even better," she smiled. "Then this'll be the first time for both of us..." she pulled out his belt and set it down. Ambrose was too stiff to do anything.
"C-couldn't we just... be pen pals...?"
"Oh, most definitely. Here..." she took a piece of paper out of her purse and wrote something on it. "This is my new address and my new telephone number," she placed in in his back pocket. "I can't wait to hear from you. Don't lose that..."
"O... kay..."
"You're so cute," she moved her head closer to him and kissed him deeply. Ambrose tried to back away, but she had somehow managed to sit on top of him. She continued kissing him as she worked on taking his shirt off. She stopped kissing him, only to pull his shirt over his head. "Well, Ambrose? Aren't you going to do anything?"
"I... I... um..."
"Here. I'll get you started," she took his hands and placed them on her shirt. "Take off my shirt."
Ambrose gulped and closed his eyes tight. He slowly and reluctantly removed her shirt.
"Don't be shy. It's okay. You can look," she smiled.
He hesitantly opened his eyes and looked at her. His eyes widened in shock and he backed up into a corner, shaking. He couldn't believe what he had just done, and he couldn't believe what he was about to do. He burst out in tears.
"Ambrose?" she scooted closer to him. "Are you alright?"
"No... I don't want to do this," he sniffled. "I... I'm... afraid..."
"There's nothing to be afraid of. I told you, I'm clean..."
"That's not why. I'll be disappointing so many people, especially my parents. And what'll happen when I get married? My wife will be unhappy because she's not the only one I've ever been with..." he cried. "This is something to be afraid of! What about our future? What if something goes wrong? I don't even know you! You don't know me! How can you say you love me?!"
"I know you a lot more than you think I do, and you know almost everything about me," she replied.
"How? I know nothing about you..."
"Guess who SakuraChild is..." she smirked. Ambrose's eyes grew wide.
"Y-you're... S-s-s..." he hesitated.
"Yes. I talk to you all the time... Sonic2004," she took his head and made him lie on her chest. "I was so happy when you said I'm your best and only friend... and that I was the greatest person you've ever met. You said you don't know what you'd do without me..."
"I did s-say that..." he pulled away. "But that's no reason that I have to sleep with you!"
"Oh come on! I'm the only one who knows your deepest secrets! You say you're so comfortable talking to me? Prove it!"
"H-how did you get m-my name?"
"I asked your sister's boyfriend's sister to ask your sister..."
"Come again?" he raised an eyebrow.
"Cory, Rose's boyfriend. I asked his sister, Taffy, to ask your sister, Jamie. For some reason though, Jamie gave me everyone's names. I know Rose's is DanceRocketXvX, yours is Sonic2004, Alicia's is MechaDitto, Jamie's is Team Pizza, Bara's is FrogeKaeru, and your parents' is DoubleTroubleDuo," she said.
"Geeze... you talk to them, too?"
"Alicia once in a while. Don't you have a few more brothers and sisters?"
"Yeah... Yuri and Curry... but they're too young to type..."
"Feel a little more comfortable now?" she stared into his eyes.
"Well, yes actually... But I still don't want to sleep with you..."
"Oh... well I guess you're not as much of a friend as I thought you were... I guess I'm finished talking to you. Don't bother calling me, writing me, or e-mailing me..." she grabbed her shirt and put it back on.
"Jennifer... wait.... I don't want to lose a... friend.... because of this. I do like you. You are a great friend. I seriously don't know what I would do without you..."
"Then let's seal our friendship. We can be one forever..."
"Well..." he hesitated.
"Please, Ambrose..." she stared into his eyes. "You're all I want... and after tomorrow... I may never be able to see you again..." tears came to her eyes. Ambrose took a deep breath and sighed. Yup, this was definitely the worst night of his life.
****
Ambrose awoke later that night to a strange beeping noise. He sat up and held his head. He looked around the pitch-black closet. Where was he? He remembered something happening... but had it been a dream? Suddenly, Jennifer, who was beside him, sat up and turned on her small light. She searched through her purse to shut off her beeping watch. When he saw Jennifer, everything came back to him. His eyes filled with tears. How could he have done this? He betrayed his parents, whom he loved so much. He disappointed Alicia. And, he also betrayed himself. He felt so dirty, he could just kill himself.
"Wow..." Jennifer yawned, interrupting his thoughts. "It's 2:00... Maybe we should go home..." she searched the small closet for her clothes.
"Two?! Oh god.. I'm gonna be dead!"
"Don't worry. Just tell your parents that you decided to sleep over a friends house and you just forgot to call them."
"Um... okay..." Ambrose looked guiltily at the floor.
"Come on! Get dressed and let's go. The quicker we get home, the less suspicious our parents will be..."
"Okay..." Ambrose quickly got dressed. After that, they carefully made their way out of the school.
Since both of their houses were in different directions, Jennifer stopped Ambrose before he started on his way.
"Ambrose?"
"Yeah?"
"I had a really great time tonight..." she blushed. Ambrose was silent. "Before I leave for the new town, all of my friends are coming over to say good-bye. Could you please come?"
"I would... but I already promised my sister, Rose, that I'd come watch her dance competition. We gotta be there for five in the morning... and it ends really late at night..."
"Oh..." she sighed.
Ambrose hugged her, hoping to make her leave quicker. "I promise I'll call, okay?"
"I'm gonna miss you so much... I don't want to leave..." she teared up.
Ambrose blinked, then kissed her head softly. "There's always the internet, too... Don't worry. I'll keep in touch..."
"Oh, I just love you!" she hugged him tight. Then, she kissed him one last time. She let go of him and started walking off. "Good-bye, Ambrose. I love you..."
"Have a safe trip. Bye, Jennifer..."
He watched until Jennifer could no longer be seen. As soon as she was gone, he darted as fast as he could back to his house.
When he got there, he tried every entrance. He cursed when he tried the last one. They were all locked!
"Maybe I should just sleep in one of the cars..." he decided. He tried to get in either one of the cars, but they were also locked. Then, he decided to go to Rose's boyfriend, Cory's house. He knew that sometimes, Cory's sister would stay on the internet really late on friday nights. With any energy he had left, he ran, out of breath, to the Barnett house.
When he got there, he looked in the window. He sighed in relief that a downstairs light was on... but it wasn't Taffy on the computer. It was her mother, working on something.
"Mrs. Barnett!" he banged on the window. She looked up from the table and walked to the door.
"Ambrose, what are you doing here so late?"
"I'm sorry, Mrs. Barnett.... but I can't get into my house..."
"I've told you before, you can use my first name. You don't have to use Mr. or Mrs. for either me or my husband..."
"Okay, okay... Cassidy. I'm locked out of my house..." Ambrose sighed.
"Well, what are you doing out so late?"
"Um.... I fell asleep at Tsubasa's house... and didn't wake up..." he hesitated. Cassidy blinked.
"Okay...? Well.. Taffy is talking to your sister online... so I'll just tell her to tell your sister to unlock the door. Then, I'll drive you home. You look like you're about to pass out..."
"Yeah.... Thank you, Cassidy..."
"Come on in," she offered. Ambrose walked in. Cassidy went over to Taffy. Suddenly, Cassidy's husband walked into the room.
"Hello, Mr. Bar... I mean, Butch," Ambrose said.
"What are you doing here?" Butch was confused.
"He can't get into is house. I'm taking him home," Cassidy answered. "Go back to sleep, Butch."
"Yeah, yeah... whatever..." Butch walked back into his living room.
After that, she and Ambrose got into her car and drove off.
****
"Thanks a lot," Ambrose said as he got out of the car.
"No problem," Cassidy smiled, then drove back to her house.
Ambrose walked to the front door and was very relieved when it opened. He was just going to sneak up to his room, but someone grabbed his shoulder.
"What are you doing home so late?" It was Alicia. Ambrose looked guiltily to the floor. "Oh, Ambrose... I can't believe it..." tears came to her eyes.
"Shut up! I feel horrible enough! I don't need your nagging to make it worse! Just leave me alone! Don't talk to me ever again!" he burst into tears as he ran up to his room. Alicia stood there in shock. She only wanted to help him. She saw that Pete really did give him no choice. She sighed as she walked up to her parents' room, just to make sure they didn't hear anything. Of course she would never tell them what happened to Ambrose. It'd break their hearts. She walked to her own room, hanging her head.
"What are you up so late for?" Rose woke up when Alicia closed the door.
"I was waiting for Ambrose..." she quietly answered.
"What time is it?" Rose yawned.
"3:30..."
"I’m getting up... I gotta get ready for competition..." Rose happily hopped out of bed.. "Why was Ambrose back so late?"
"He..." she hesitated. "I... I dunno," she shrugged.
Rose raised an eyebrow. "Great reason..." she said sarcastically. "Well, I'm taking a shower." She walked out of the room.
"Yeah... great..." Alicia sighed. She lied down and tried to fall asleep, even though she would only get a few minutes of sleep.
Ambrose lied on the floor, in the middle of his room, tucked into a ball, crying. He suddenly jumped up, ran to the bathroom, and grabbed a razor. He really was about ready to kill himself. As he held the razor to his wrist, he spotted himself in the mirror. His eyes softened a little and he just sighed, falling to his knees. After quite a few moments he stood up and walked to his parents' room. Luckily, there was enough room on their bed for him to lie down. James was snuggled so close to Jessie, and Jessie was on the edge of the bed. Ambrose lied on their bed and got comfortable. Just as he was about to fall asleep, the alarm clock went off. Augh! How he hated that annoying beep!
"I surrender!" James shot up. Jessie fell off of the bed and whined. Ambrose sighed and reached over to shut off the alarm.
"Ahh! 4:00?! We were supposed to be up an hour ago!" Jessie shrieked. James scrambled out of bed and got dressed. "James! Make breakfast, quick! I have to finish taking in Rose's costumes!"
"Can I help?" Ambrose asked. Jessie looked at him.
"Wake everyone up. Then, help your father make breakfast. We have to leave like, now!"
"Okay!" Ambrose ran out of the room and woke everyone up. Then, he rushed downstairs to help James with breakfast. "Dad, Mom said I gotta help you with breakfast..."
"I've got that all covered, Ambrose. Get Curry and into the car, and tell Mom that Rose already left with Cory," James said, putting a bunch of doughnuts in some boxes. Ambrose ran upstairs again, and carried Curry into the car. Then he told Jessie what James told him to say.
"Great… now we have to get there earlier!" Jessie complained. She grabbed all of Rose's dance costumes that she still had to finish, and took them into the car. Ambrose ran down the stairs to see if his dad needed any help.
"Ambrose, I'm going to need you to drive. You've got your permit. I have to help Mom with Rose’s costumes," James said, then rushed out the door.
After Ambrose made sure everyone was in the car (since his parents were in such a rush), he got in and followed the confusing instructions the dance studio had given them to get to the hotel where Rose's dance competition was.
About halfway there, Jessie finally finished the costumes. She sighed in relief and relaxed.
"Good driving, Ambrose," Jessie complimented.
"Thanks..."
"Tell me... What was making you so upset last night?"
"Nothing, Mom... I just wasn't feeling all that well. It was probably something I ate..."
"Oh... okay..." Jessie sighed. The rest of the way, they were completely silent.
When they finally got there, there were zero parking spaces to be found. Eventually, they did find one. They all got out of the car and quickly ran into the hotel.
"Holy crap! That's a lot of people!" Jamie announced, dropping her mouth.
"Yeah... Where're we supposed to find Rose?" Alicia asked.
"She'll find us..." Jessie replied.
"Let's find a seat for all of us..." James suggested. They searched the huge room for seats.
"Mrs. Morgan! Mr. Morgan!" someone in the crowd called. Jessie and James looked around.
"Cory!" Jessie finally spotted him.
"Where's Rose?" James asked.
"She's in the dressing room. One of her teachers... Meredith... I think... told me to bring Rose's costumes to her, and she'd give them to Rose," Cory answered.
"Where's Meredith?" James questioned.
"Standing outside the dressing room, waiting for me..."
"Here. All of her costumes are in here, and they're finished. They won't fall off of her like last month's competition..." Jessie handed the costume bag to Cory and laughed a bit. Cory burst out in laughter.
"They fell off of her?!" he walked to the dressing rooms laughing. Jessie and James rolled their eyes.
"Mommy..." Yuri started crying when Jessie sat down. "I wanna sleep..." she cried into Jessie's leg. Jessie picked her up.
"Aww.. Come here sweety... You can sleep right here," Jessie held her tight.
Ambrose looked over at his mother and Yuri, and sighed. He used to be able to go to his parents whenever he wanted to. They always loved him and trusted him... but now, he could never go back to his old self. No more could he go to them for comfort. If they ever found out... they'd probably disown him. He sat on a chair and pulled his knees into a tuck. He eventually fell asleep.
He woke up a few hours later to the sound of Alicia and Jamie fighting over the last chocolate doughnut. He sighed, angry that he couldn't sleep. Alicia looked over at him.
"Hey.. maybe we should let Ambrose have the last chocolate one..." Alicia suggested.
Ambrose shook his head and quietly mumbled, "I'm not hungry..."
"Fine... Jamie, you can have it. I've gotta talk to Ambrose..." Alicia whispered to Jamie.
"Woo hoo!" Jamie cheered.
Alicia grabbed Ambrose by the collar and dragged him along with her. "Ambrose and I have to talk..." she told her parents.
When they got out to the hotel's main lobby, she let go of him.
"What the hell was that about?!" Ambrose yelled, rubbing his sore neck.
"I really have to talk to you! I'm worried about you! I don't want to see you miserable!" she yelled in his face. "You're my brother," her eyes softened, "and I love you..." she hugged him. Ambrose stared guiltily at the floor. "I'm sorry for being so mean to you earlier..." she added. "I saw what Pete did to you last night. You were right.. he leaves you with no choice. He's *very* intimidating... and he's definitely not all talk. I'm so sorry, Ambrose. I had no idea what you were going through..."
Ambrose continued staring at the floor.
"So... did you actually do it...?" Alicia gulped. Ambrose slowly nodded. Tears came to his eyes. Alicia sighed in disappointment.
"Kill me... kill me now...! Life sucks, people suck.. I hate my life! I just want to die!" Ambrose broke down completely. He fell to his knees and cried his eyes out. Alicia pulled him to a stand and hugged him tight.
"It's okay.. Don't say those things... You'll be okay..." she tried to comfort him.
Suddenly, James walked into the lobby, wondering why the two had left earlier. He spotted Alicia and Ambrose, then saw Ambrose crying. What? He walked over to them.
"Ambrose? What's the matter?" he asked. Ambrose jumped at James and clung desperately to him.
"D-dad...? Do you hate me?" he sniffled.
"Of course not! I love you with all of my heart! Nothing that anyone does or anything you do can ever take my love away from you. Don't ever think that I hate you. Not even for a second..."
"Thanks, Dad..."
"Tell me what's been wrong. You haven't been yourself lately..." James hugged him. Ambrose shrugged. "Do you want some time alone with me? Or maybe with Mom and me? We could go for an early lunch or something..." James suggested. Ambrose quickly nodded. "Alicia, do you mind watching everyone while we're gone? Cory'll be there to help..."
"Sure, Daddy. I don't mind," Alicia replied.
"Go tell Mom to meet me and Ambrose out here. Tell her we're going to lunch."
"Alright," Alicia said as she walked off. James turned his attention back to Ambrose.
"What is it? Why are you so... depressed?" James asked again.
"I..." Ambrose paused. He tried to decide whether to tell him or not. Finally, he decided. "I... don't know..." was all he got out. Suddenly, Jessie rushed to them. "What is it??" Jessie asked..
"Nothing, Jess. Ambrose just wants to spend a little time with us. Didn't Alicia tell you that we're going to lunch?" James replied.
"No, she didn't..." she sighed.
"Mommy..." Ambrose moved over to Jessie.
"Mommy?" Jessie laughed. "I haven't heard that word out of you since the day I dropped you off on your first day of kindergarten. And when you came home that day, you've said 'mom' ever since..."
"Mommy..." Ambrose repeated. "What would it take for you to hate me?" he sniffled.
"Absolutely nothing. You're just perfect... because you're mine. Nothing can ever make me stop loving you..." she replied, smiling.
"I hope so..." Ambrose sighed.
"Well, your call, Ambrose. Where do you want to eat?" James asked.
"Anywhere that I can stuff myself with fat and junk. I just want to die..." Ambrose answered, thinking he only thought that in his head. "I. I mean..." he began, once he realized he said it out loud. "Um... Chinese food..."
Jessie and James looked at each other for moment, then back to Ambrose.
"Chinese it is..." James replied, taking out his car keys. "You're driving. Go get the car and pull up out here. I have to talk to Mom for a second..." he handed the keys to Ambrose. He took the keys and headed out the door.
"Do you think it's just a teenager thing?" Jessie asked James.
"I'm not sure. He's never acted like this before. It's scaring me..."
"It's scaring me, too, James. Maybe... it's just something that needs time?"
"Maybe... But I think we should watch him closer for a while..."
They walked outside and waited for Ambrose.
*November 2020*
Ambrose drove into the driveway at home. He had just finished another taunting day of his junior year. The only thing he was happy about, was that it was finally Thanksgiving vacation. A whole five days of no school. He sighed as he walked into the house. Ever since that night he spent with Jennifer, he had become more and more depressed every day. His parents had tried everything to find the cause of his depression, but they had zero luck.
"Ambrose..." James called form the kitchen. Ambrose slowly walked into the kitchen.
"Yeah?"
"Would you like to help me make dinner?" James asked.
"Sure..." Ambrose replied. Hey, why not? Cooking was one of his favorite things to do, after all.
After everyone was done eating, he and his father cleaned up. As soon as that was finished, Ambrose went straight to the computer. His friend, Tsubasa, had promised to send him some important information for a report he had to do for school. No such luck. All he had was crap mail. He sighed. Then, he looked over at his buddy list. Jennifer Shrode was on. It'd been about three months since he last talked to her. He decided to send her an instant message.
Sonic2004: Hey, Jenn.
SakuraChild: hello
Sonic2004: How are you? It's been a while...
SakuraChild: yeah
Sonic2004: Well?
SakuraChild: what
Sonic2004: How are you?
SakuraChild: good
SakuraChild: u
Sonic2004: I guess I'm okay. I finally got my driver's license.
SakuraChild: that’s great
SakuraChild: i have a question
Sonic2004: Shoot
SakuraChild: whats your favorite name for a girl
Sonic2004: I think the name Brianna is very pretty... why?
SakuraChild: what about a boy
Sonic2004: um... Koji sounds cool... why?
SakuraChild: oh no reason
SakuraChild: its just some dumb thing i have to do for school
Sonic2004: Oh. Okay, well I'm gonna go. My head hurts and I haven't been feeling well lately. I'm gonna take a nap. Later.
SakuraChild: feel better
SakuraChild: bye
After he shut everything down, he went up to his room, and fell asleep almost the instant he hit the bed.
****
James was asleep on the couch, in front of the television. Jessie walked in and kissed him on the cheek. James' eyes fluttered.
"Hey, Jess..." he stretched. Jessie sat next to him and nuzzled him.
"Question..."
"What is it, Jess?"
"I didn't see Ambrose give eye contact to anyone today. Did you?
"Well, come to think of it... no. He didn't..."
"Mommy, Daddy..." Alicia walked into the room. "Could I borrow your pokemon for a while? My Ditto needs transformation practice..."
"Sure..." James answered.
"Go ahead..." Jessie replied. "But... can I ask you something?"
"Yes..." Alicia looked at her mother.
"Come here," Jessie motioned. Alicia sat on the couch next to Jessie.
"What is it?"
"You spend the most time with Ambrose, right? And he's been depressed since April. I want you to tell me if you know what's making him so upset."
"Well..." Alicia hesitated.
"Even if it's a tiny detail. I just need to know. I can't stand to see him like this..."
"I..." Alicia sighed. "Yeah... I know what's bothering him..."
"Tell us!" James woke up even more.
"Well..." she gulped, "he slept with this one girl at our school..."
"What?!" Jessie and James gasped.
"Yeah... but it wasn't his fault..."
"Oh?" James said.
"I'm listening..." Jessie stared.
Alicia explained the whole thing to them.
"It all makes sense now..." James sighed in disappointment.
"Yeah... it does... Come on, James. We need to talk to him..." Jessie grabbed James' hand and pulled him up to Ambrose's room. She didn't even knock. She just let herself in. They sighed when they saw him asleep.
"He’s sleeping again…. What do we do now?" James whispered.
"You stay here. Just be a father..." Jessie replied as she carefully got into bed with Ambrose. She hugged him close and kissed his head. Ambrose opened his eyes and saw his mother.
"Mom? What are you doing here?" he asked. Jessie smiled.
"I'm your mother. I should be able to do this if I want to," she answered.
He blinked, wondering what she was up to; wondering if he was in trouble. When he decided it was safe, he snuggled to her.
"Ambrose..." she took a deep breath, "I know what's been bothering you..."
"W-what?!" his eyes grew wide.
"Jennifer Shrode. You slept with her...”
Ambrose burst into tears. "I'm sorry, Mom! I didn't want to! I really didn't! I'm so sorry I betrayed you! I guess you and Dad hate me now..."
"We don't hate you, Ambrose..." James started to cry, himself.
"Of course we don't..." Jessie added, hugging him tighter.
"Aren't you guys mad?" Ambrose sniffled.
"Not mad..." James sighed.
"Just very disappointed.." Jessie finished.
"I'm... sorry..."
"I forgive you..." Jessie and James said at the same time. Ambrose made a very small smile.
"I guess... I'll be grounded now...?" Ambrose sniffled. He had never in his life been grounded. Jessie looked at James.
"What do you think?" Jessie asked James.
"I think he's gotten enough punishment from himself. All of that guilt and sorrow overloaded him and ruined him. I believe that he'll never do it again," James answered. Jessie looked back to Ambrose and smiled.
"I agree..." she kissed Ambrose on the forehead. "We love you... We forgive you... Don't kill yourself over this. You knew it was wrong from the start. I know that after what you put yourself through, you'll never do it again. Right?"
"Definitely..." Ambrose sighed, relieved. Jessie smiled, then started getting up. Ambrose held her tightly. "No, Mommy... please stay..."
Jessie started to tear up. "I'll stay..."
James sighed and started to leave.
"No, Daddy. You too.. please?"
"Of course!" James zipped to the bed and jumped on it. He hugged Ambrose very tight. "I love you so much, Ambrose."
"I love you, too," Jessie also hugged him. "Don't you ever forget that..."
"I won't," Ambrose finally smiled.
After a while, they all fell asleep.
***December 2020***
Ambrose awoke to the annoying sound of his alarm clock.
"Saturday!" he jumped out of his bed and ran downstairs, completely forgetting he was wearing nothing but his boxers. Saturday was his favorite day of the week. After Rose was finished with her dance company rehearsals, they would always go to his favorite restaurant. He could eat as much as he wanted. He *loved* food. Oh! Even better! Now he smelled doughnuts! He ran into the kitchen and grabbed about five doughnuts. He walked back into the living room with one stuffed in his mouth.
"What are you so excited for?" Jessie laughed. He tried to talk even though his mouth was stuffed. Jessie continued laughing. "You're exactly like your father!"
Ambrose smiled brightly and sat down on the couch next to Jessie.
"Everyone else is still asleep. What are you doing up so early on a saturday?" she asked.
"I just feel really good today," he grinned. "I'm so happy that I have everyone. I'm so lucky to have such a great family, and I'm the luckiest person in the world to have the best parents!" he hugged her.
"That's certainly quite a change from only a few weeks ago," Jessie smiled.
"Yup! I'm back to my normal self again!" he stuffed another doughnut in his mouth.
"That's wonderful! I'm so happy for you!"
"Mom, wanna come into my room and play some video games with me?"
"Sure," Jessie smiled. She and Ambrose went up to his room and played video games until it was time to take Rose to dance class.
****
"What's first, Mom?" asked Rose, who was in the back seat of the car, still getting dressed.
"Let me check..." Jessie got the schedule. "You have your tap routine with Kristin from 9:30 to 10... Jazz with Meredith from 10 to 10:30.... Then you have a half hour break. Next is your modern solo until 11:30... then Meredith's lyrical from 11:30 to 12... Then a 15 minute break before your group modern with Kristy.. until 1," Jessie said. "Just take the schedule with you. I know you'll forget everything.."
"Mom, can we stay and watch?" asked Ambrose, who decided to come along for the ride.
"Sure."
"Oh, shut up, Ambrose. You just want to see Kristin and Meredith.." Rose snickered. Ambrose blushed. Jessie just laughed.
"Is that why you came, Ambrose?"
"Well... in a way..." he poked his index fingers together. "But, I also wanted to be able to just spend some time with you..." he admitted. "Then, tonight when we get home, I wanna spend some time alone with Dad."
"Sounds great," Jessie smiled.
When they got to the dance studio, Rose jumped out of the car and ran inside to catch her first class. Jessie and Ambrose got out after the car was parked. They walked into the small office.
"Hello, Mrs. Morgan!" the owner of the studio, Stacy Tripper, greeted Jessie.
"Hi!" Jessie smiled.
While Jessie and Stacy talked, Ambrose looked around the room at all of the dance clothes, leotards, shoes, ballet skirts, and other things. Then, one of the dance teachers walked in and accidentally bumped him.
"Oh, I'm so sorry..." she apologized. Ambrose smiled dreamily when he realized who it was. Kristin Burnot, Rose's tap teacher. She looked about 5' 2", about 22 years old, had short, dirty blond hair, bluish eyes, and what *he* thought made girls look cute.
"It's okay..." Ambrose replied, but she wasn't there. She had already gone back to her class. He sighed. "Mom, I'm gonna watch Rose, okay?"
"Okay," Jessie replied. Ambrose happily walked out of the office and around the corner to studio 2, which was where Rose was. Luckily, the door was open, so that meant it was okay for people to watch. He stared dreamily at Kristin while she taught the Company girls their tap routine.
When that class was done, Rose went over to talk to Kristin. A few moments later, Kristin walked over to Ambrose.
"Hi there," she smiled at him. Ambrose looked at her and blushed.
"Hi..."
"So, you're Rose's brother, huh? Does dance run in the family?"
"I dunno... My parents dance... It looks pretty cool, actually. I'd love to join your class..." he smiled.
"Have you ever taken dance lessons?" she asked.
"No... but I watch Rose all the time! I bet I could get it down!"
"Aww, you're cute. What's your name?"
"Ambrose," he blushed.
"How old?"
"I'm 16... but I'll be 17 next month. My birthday is January 2nd..." he answered.
"Great! You're still young enough to learn and excel in technique. I bet if you started dancing now, you'd be good enough for Company next year. We only have one boy in Company, and he's only 13."
"But, I thought Company was only for the really good dancers..."
"At most studios, yes. But at this studio, we think that enjoyment, having fun, and commitment are more important than how perfect a person can dance."
"That's cool," Ambrose nodded.
"So, Ambrose... You think you'll try?"
"Oh yeah! Well... if my Mom lets me... I'll go ask her!" he ran back to the office. Kristin followed. "Mom! Mom, can I take a tap class?" he begged. Jessie looked at him wide eyed.
"*You* in a dance class? I thought you didn't like sports..."
"I don't. But... dance is different. It's not boring like everything else is..." he replied.
"Well, honey.. I don't think so. Maybe you can try next year. All of the classes have their people in them already. It's too late to start..." Jessie sighed.
"Actually," Kristin spoke up, "he could take private lessons," she suggested.
"Do you really want to?" Jessie eyed him. "Or is it just because you have some kind of crush on Kristin?"
"M-m-mom!" he blushed deeply. Kristin laughed. "W-well... I really want to. I was watching Rose's class, and it was really cool. And my favorites at all of her competitions have always been the tap dances..."
"Alright..." Jessie smiled. "Dad and I have been looking for something for you to do. I guess you found it though..."
"Yup!" he grinned.
"I'll talk to Stacy..." she started walking off to studio three, which was where Stacy took off to. Then she looked back. "You know... your father used to take tap..." she smiled, then walked on.
"Yess!" Ambrose cheered. "I finally get to do something cool!"
When Rose's classes were finished, James drove everyone else to meet at the studio. Then they went to lunch. After lunch, they all went home.
Ambrose ran out of the car, grabbed James' arm, and pulled him up to his room.
"Dad! I'm gonna take a tap class!"
"Really? That's great!"
"I was wondering. Could you maybe give me some pointers?”
"Of course! Let me get my shoes!" James ran out of the room, then back in.
"Are they still good enough to dance in?" Ambrose asked.
"Put them on," he handed the shoes to Ambrose. "They fit?"
"Yeah!" Ambrose grinned.
"Okay, now try some basic moves. A flap is very common. Just flap your foot on the floor like this," James demonstrated.
"Like this?" Ambrose tried.
"Exactly! Now try a shuffle. It's almost like a flap, but not quite. It's like this," he showed a shuffle.
"Okay..." Ambrose tried a shuffle.
"That's perfect. Maybe tap is your thing," James smiled.
"Awesome!"
A few hours more, James and Ambrose went over some basic tap moves. Flaps, shuffles, heels, scuffs, spanks, and many others.
The only reason they stopped, was when James went to get something. He carried a shoe box into the room.
"Ambrose.. I want you to have this..." he handed the box to Ambrose. "I never wore these before. They're brand new. I was going to wear them for a performance, but they cut me out of the dance.."
"Oh.. I'm sorry, Dad.. But, the shoes look awesome. Thanks so much!"
"You're welcome," James smiled.
"Hey, could we go downstairs for some ice cream or something?" Ambrose asked.
"Sure."
They walked down to the kitchen. Ambrose took out the ice cream and got some for James and himself.
"Ambrose...?" James said, after a while.
"Yeah, Dad?"
"I just want you to know... I'm very proud of you, and what you've become. Yes, you've made some mistakes, and you're not perfect. But, so what? It's the same for everyone. That's just life. I know you learn from your mistakes, and that's great. I also want you to know, that if you ever feel as horrible as you had been, I'll be here. No matter what, where, or when, I'll always be here..."
"Thanks, Dad..." Ambrose smiled as he saw tears forming in his father's eyes.
All of a sudden, they heard what sounded like a baby crying.
“What in the world is that?” Ambrose perked up.
"I’m not sure…” James stood up and followed the noise. It was loudest at the kitchen door. "I think it's outside.."
"Open the door!" Ambrose jumped up. James opened the door and saw nothing. Then he looked down further and saw a baby, lying in a small cradle.
"What?!" James freaked out. "Jessie, Jessie! Come quick!"
"What? What's wrong?!" Jessie ran into the kitchen. She looked at the small child. "Why is...? Who's is...?" was all she could get out. Ambrose watched from behind James.
"What's this?" James picked up and envelope that was sitting just above the baby's head. He pulled off a note that was stuck to it, adjusted his glasses, and read it silently, then he gasped.
"What is it, James?" Jessie blinked. James handed her the note. Jessie's eyes opened up in shock.
"Well?" Ambrose was getting confused. Jessie handed him the letter. It read:
Hello Ambrose,
It's me... Jennifer Shrode. I didn't want to tell you, but I got pregnant, and this little girl here is your daughter. Her name is Brianna Shrode, but I suggest you get her last name changed. I don't want anything more to do with you or Brianna. I'm not gonna be the one who's life is ruined.
Anyhow, enclosed in the envelope are things like her birth certificate, and all of that legal junk.
I'm gonna get going now. Oh, and I should also let you know, I never want to hear from you again. Good-bye and good luck with your life.
Jennifer
P.S. Her birthday is December 12. It wasn't made clear on whatever papers they put it on.
Ambrose stared at the note in shock. Suddenly, he fainted. Jessie and James caught him before he hit the floor. James carried him up to his room, and Jessie followed, carrying Brianna.
"Ambrose, honey, wake up..." Jessie sat next to Ambrose on his bed. Ambrose opened his eyes and sat up. His eyes filled with tears.
"I'm sorry, Mom... I'm sorry, Dad... I... I..." he cried. Jessie and James hugged him.
"Calm down..." James started crying.
"We're right here.." Jessie also started crying.
Alicia and Rose ran into the room.
"What happened?!" they asked. Jessie pointed to the cradle Brianna was in. They gasped.
"Where'd that baby come from?" Alicia questioned. Ambrose looked guiltily up at her. Alicia's eyes grew wide. "Ambrose?! That's yours?!"
"Yeah..." he sniffled. "Her... name is Brianna..."
"Brainna... Well, that's nice. I was always wondering what the name of my first niece would be..." Alicia sighed.
"Hey that's right! I'm an aunt!" Rose realized.
"Then that means I'm a..." James began.
"I'm... I’m a grandmother?!" Jessie finished.
"And... I'm a 37 year old grampa..." James added.
"What's going on in here?" Jamie asked, followed by Bara and Yuri. Curry walked in a second after.
"Well.. the whole family is here now.." Jessie hugged Ambrose.
"Introduce the newest family member to everyone," James smiled. Ambrose took a deep breath, then stood up. He walked over to Brianna.
"Everyone..." he weakly began, "this is Brianna. She's your niece..."
"What's a niece?" Yuri asked.
"It means you're an aunt..." Ambrose replied.
"What?! I'm a ant?!"
James, Jessie, Rose, Ambrose, Alicia, Jamie, and Bara laughed.
"No, you dork," Jamie kicked her, "it means you're the sister of the father of the kid..."
Yuri blinked, confused.
"She's your daughter, Ambrose?" Bara asked. Ambrose nodded.
"I... made a mistake..." he sighed.
"Can I hold her?" Rose asked.
"I guess..." Ambrose shrugged.
"Wait..." Jessie stopped them. "Ambrose, you should be the first to hold her. You two have to get used to each other."
"Um.. okay..." Ambrose hesitantly sat on the floor. He carefully picked Brianna up out of her cradle and held her. Everyone crowded around him. "H-hello.. Brianna.." he started to tear up. "I'm... your... daddy..." he broke down.
Jessie leaned against James. James smiled, and hugged her.
"Are you alright, Ambrose?" James asked.
"Actually..." Ambrose sniffled, "I am..." he answered. "This is very shocking... I never expected this to happen until I was like.. at least 20. I know she came in the wrong way... but.. here she is..." he looked down at Brianna. "I promise I'll take care of you as best I can. I'll give you all the love I can give you. I'll do to you what my parents have done to me."
"Ambrose," Jessie kneeled down beside him and hugged him. "I love you. I'm so proud of you..." she sniffled.
"Me too," James also hugged him.
"If you need help... we're right here," Jessie reminded him.
"I know," Ambrose sighed. "And I thank you. I really love you guys..."
"I'm here too, bro," Alicia smiled.
"Thanks," he smiled up at her. He looked around at his family, then back to his daughter. That was all he needed. To know that he had a family who loved him and would never reject him. Now, he could give all of that to Brianna. His parents were a wonderful example. He would definitely follow it.
end
