*Jasmine's Point Of View*

I'm nervous, my hands have been clamming every since I've returned home. What if thing's go wrong? What if Derrek's parents doesn't like mom or dad? What if dad or mom doesn't like Derrek's parents? These questions have been burning my mind since returning home.

This will be my first boyfriend. I have had flings, but I never came close to actually calling those minor crushes my boyfriend. I really like Derrek and can only hope mom and dad likes him just as much. It would be a dream come true as well as another step onto my path or self renewal.

Leaning over the toilet, I glance at my previous meals. My throat burns like hell, but I fee much better. I don't feel good until after I have purged for the day, it's becoming more of a ritual than a routine. It's now an necessity.

Glancing into my full body mirror, I scan the girl in the reflection. Mom and dad always joke that I am nothing but skin and bones, but I just don't see it. I see a girl who can never be as pretty as Cameron Diaz or as well built as mom. Mon is tall, pretty, and skinny. Even after three pregnancies and now a forth one, she still maintains a beautiful figure. I want that, but all I see is fat.

"Jas... Can I talk to you for a sec?" Dylan interrupts, poking his head through the crack of my bedroom door.

"Isn't that what you're already doing?" I smartly reply.

Rolling his eyes, he proceeds into my bedroom, glancing around my walls, which are decorated with my many female inspirations. I think I'm a bit of a feminist, I strongly believe in women empowerment and my walls are living proof of that.

"Whose this?" He asked, pointing one of my personal favourites.

"Joan of Arc. She's pretty awesome" I smile, walking over to my desk chair.

"You have ten minutes, whats up?" I ask, plopping into the chair.

His wandering eyes fall onto mine.

"I think mom and dad are fighting again" He sighs, plopping onto the edge of my bed.

I sit upright in my chair.

"Fighting again? They didn't seem unhappy when I went to fix myself a glance of water ten minutes ago" I question.

He shrugs, picking at his nail beds.

Mom and dad have been on great terms, besides yesterday, I haven't noticed any signs of resentment or anger. I know mom and dad. They will argue one minute, then you'll here them working on baby number twenty-five the next. Mom and dad have been through a lot, but they always seem fine in the end. I guess it could be a mirage, I just don't know.

"I overheard uncle Bill and dad talking about Evelyn. I'm guessing she came over today. Jasmine I'm scared. Mom is pregnant and that woman keeps bothering us. It's not fair. But I feel bad for dad, I heard him mention adoption" He stresses, shuttering at his thoughts.

My heart sinks.

I don't know how I feel about mom and dad adopting another child. I don't want them to adopt another child. I want to be the only one that they have adopted. It's all I have as a specialty to this family. I'm already competing with five other kids for their attention, six including my little brother or sister on the way. Another child would just add onto my agony.

"What else did he say?" I investigate.

"Well, I didn't hear much. I just know uncle Bill is on the fence about the idea. He's talking about going to court. Jasmine what if he's divorcing mom or she's divorcing him? What if he wants to adopt us and leave mom with the baby? Jas, we have to do something" Dylan frantically babbles.

I roll my eyes. Mom and dad aren't going anywhere.

"Dylan nobody wants a forty year old man. Nobody wants an almost thirty-nine year old pregnant woman. Why would they divorce? Stop being a little bitch, okay?"

He squints his eyes at me, scratching in his Afro before acknowledging my comment.

"I'm not being a bitch! I'm just saying, you never know. We thought the same thing last time... look what happened. Plus, dad is one fine piece of Hershey and creme, words of the girls in my class, he still has the looks and evidently he's still go it"

"It?"

Dylan chuckles and nods.

"How do you think mom got pregnant, I'm telling you it's not because the stork mixed up our address, I learned that the hard way. But what I'm saying is dad is still hot on th grill. You never know" He concludes.

Twerp is right. Dylan and I watched mom put dad out the for the first time ever. We watched as his bags were carelessly thrown down our stairwell. It was definitely heartbreaking, the only family I've ever known was being torn apart before my very eyes. It hurt so much.

"Dylan, no one's going anywhere. Mom and dad love each other way too much. Just stop worrying. Now go get ready Derrek will be here any minute" I sigh, standing from my desk chair.

Reluctantly standing up, he walks up to me and wraps his arms around my torso.

"I love you Jas, you don't hear it enough, but i'm glad you are a part of our family" He sighs, quickly releasing the embrace to scurry away.

I smile to myself. I've always wondered if I truly belonged to this family, but I definitely rest easily with the knowledge that I belong and I very much loved.

*Marilyn's Point Of View*

After this evenings episode, I had to retire to the bedroom for a hot bath and a long overdue nap. Her words were venomous, but I've become immune to the poison. She brings up the past to spite me and no longer will I let her play with my mind. Marilyn is done.

No matter what, I'm sticking by Michael's side. We've come to far to rebuild our relationship to allow her jealousy to ruin thing's now. I've been a victim of her bullying and refuse to continue to let her provoke and attack me any longer. She can heed a heavy heart, but I don't care for her words anymore, I know my husband, and she is no more relevant than the scum on the bottom of my childrens shoes.

Since the incident, Michael has been in and out of his office. Making calls, sending emails, stressing to me that he's sorry, swearing, and finally collapsing into a much needed nap. I feel guilty for blowing up on him earlier, but I hope he realized what she said was a lot to take in. I really, at one moment didn't know who to believe. I'm just glad I've regained my mindset, now I have to convince Michael the same.

"Papa?" I call, entering his office.

He shoots up, tiredly running his hands through his hair. God he looks so gorgeous even in frustration. The man is absolutely beautiful, just indescribable.

"Come on papa, lets get you ready for the Maddox's..." I sigh, walking over to him.

"Shit... They are coming, aren't they? Damn. I'm sorry mama. I'm so-"

"Babe, It's okay. I don't care anymore. I just want to focus on making sure you are okay. Can I do that?"

He gives me a lazy smile and nods.

"I love you so much girl. You don't understand" His smiles widens, as he pulls me closer to him when he stands.

I giggle at his sudden mood change.

"Papa, go take a shower and get ready. Jeez, I try to help you and you get all horny and crap. Just go" I playfully scold.

Chuckling mischievously, He obeys. I just don't know about him sometimes.

Within fifteen minutes, everyone is dressed and fully prepped for tonight's dinner with the Maddox's. I'm a bit nervous to meet my eldest daughters first boyfriend. I mean between meeting Brandon's boyfriends and girlfriends, I don't know what to expect anymore. But, I do pray that all will go well.

"They are here! Everyone in your places! They are here!" Jasmine squeals, running down the stairs.

"Jasmine, It's a boy and his parents, not Halle Berry or Sofia Viagra" Michael playfully scolds as we follow the enthusiastic teen to our front door.

"Halle Berry? Sofia Viagra?" I question Michael, placing an equally questioning hand on my right hip.

Michael blushes, his cheeks flushed in a deep red.

"I meant Marilyn Jackson or Marilyn Jackson. There's no other options but you mama" He revives himself.

"Mhm..." I wink.

"Okay now that your gross session is over, Is it okay if I open the door now?" Jasmine interrupts impatiently.

Michael and I nod.

"Okay. Jordyn, please try not to pick your nose and tell us the flavor" Jasmine sighs before turning towards the door.

I glance at Jasmine who was holding onto Dylan's hand.

"Ew! Jordyn. Peaches that's nasty!" He exclaims, squirming his hand.

"You did it too. Now I'm going to open the door, Okay?" Jasmine lulls.

"Jasmine, if you don't open the dam-darn door, girl..." Michael sighs impatiently.

We all laugh at his outburst before Jasmine finally opens the door revealing a tall chocolate man and a shorter ivory woman. Behind them was an equally slender light caramel boy, flashing an nervous smile as well as displaying his adorable dimples.

"Hello Misses and Mister Jackson. It's a pleasure meeting you" Mister Maddox greets, leaning downwards to enter through our door frame.

The man is tall, dark and handsome, standing at at least six foot five. Derrek isn't that much shorter than his father either. Michael and I are literally looking up to them both.

"Nice to meet you too, I'm Michael and this is my wife Marilyn and these two monsters are Dylan and Jordyn" Michael smiles, pointing each of us out.

"Nice to meet you Misses Jackson, and monsters" Mister Maddox laughs, proceeding to walk in as Michael escorts him into the dining room.

"Hello misses Jackson. I'm Clara" She greets.

"Hello, I'm Marilyn. It's nice to finally meet you" I smile sweetly.

"Same to you. And my, you're a gorgeous woman. Very tall" She giggles.

"Oh, I'm only five-seven. I think I'm done growing" I giggle along.

Shrugging, she continues to follow Michael and mister Maddox.

I catch Jasmine and Derrek mindlessly flirting and talking. I'm so happy she has found someone to make her happy. I can only hope that he treats her right, if not, mommy will be here to be her shoulder to cry on if need be.

When I notice that I am alone, I take in a deep breath and call for Jasmine's and Derrek's attention to begin this dinner. My fingers are crossed that all thing's go as planned. I know how difficult Michael and the kids can be. Lord, help us...

To Be Continued...