Generation 2; Chapter 1

"Happy Birthday to you,

Happy Birthday to you, 

 Happy Birthday dear Amaranth, 

Happy Birthday to you!"  

Everyone was here, Mum, Papi, Nannie, Peach and my friend Peachie. Well almost everyone Uncle Drizzle was in France with Auntie An.  As soon as I blew out my candles Papi pulled me aside. 

"I wanted to give you this I know you like being outside, So I thought you may like to garden, We have a huge plot of land that is not being used so before I leave for the airport on Friday I could put up a fence for you, Where you can grow some of these seeds that I picked up from when I have been touring."  He handed me a box. When I opened it I saw that it was full of different kinds of seeds. At the edge of the box was a book on gardening. 
"Wow Papi thank you this is amazing" He was right I did love being outside and I just couldn't imagine how long he had planned to make this present for me. I hugged him tight as this would be one of the last times that I could physically hug him. 

As I was about to return to get some cake I felt a hand slap me on my back followed by a very loud 'IT.'. It was Peachie. She has been my friend since as far as I can remember. She started taunting me.
"You can't catch me." She giggled as I tried to tag her back. Deciding that I was never going to win. I chose a dirty tactic. I used my water balloons and threw them at her. She may have been faster than me but I can throw better than her. The game of It had turned into a water balloon fight. With neither of us winning we called it quits. Choosing to go inside and dry off before settling down to watch a film before peachie had to go home.
The whole day had been fantastic, I couldn't wait till the morning when Papi would start building my very own garden and I could start planting some of these seeds. 

When the morning came it was all that I could think and talk about even before Papi had gotten dressed I was just way too excited. He had already gotten the wood and a few brush bushes to go around the fence. All I had to do was choose a place for them to go.
We decided that the back of our land would be good it's far enough that it doesn't look out of place but also I wouldn't be disturbed when I am out here. 
When the last of the fence was put in I asked Papi to be the first to plant a seed. He chose a camomile seed. Which is his favourite tea. I knew then that no matter what this garden would connect me too him. 

The rest of the week was spent with Papi in the garden or going to the fishing spot with the whole family. Friday came too quickly. As we waved off Papi and Nannie in their Taxi. Lots of tears were shed that day from all of us. Once the taxi was out of sight I headed off to my garden to go talk to the camomile. (Don't look at me like that it helps the plant. It says so in my book.)  
I heard a rustling sound in the bushes. I went to go investigate it as I knew that if rabbits or gopher had gotten into my garden they would wreck it. I got down on the floor and under the bush I saw a small round mass with two tiny eyes that was shaking like a leaf. As my eyes adjusted to the darkness under the bus the mass became clearer. It was neither a gopher or a rabbit but a very tiny starving puppy. When it saw that I was no danger it came close enough for me to grab it to have a look. It was just the tiniest thing.

"Hey little fella where'd you come from eh?" I cooed at him. He sure was scared poor thing. I took him into the house and gave him small pieces of food which he wolfed down straight away.

"Hey mum I found this little guy out in the bushes. I think he's been dumped somewhere around here. Can we keep him....Please!". I knew that when mum would see him she would let him stay.

"I don't know. Dogs are hard work to look after and we are going to have to take him to the vets so he is going to be expensive. Plus Papi and Nannie have only just left what do you think they would say about this?" I couldn't believe this she was going to say no,

"Papi would keep him he would never chuck him back onto the street would he. I will look after him. I'd take him for walks every day and it wouldn't be that hard. Please" She just had to see reason. 

Mum just sighed and scooped up the dog. "Come on lets take him to the vets. Have you given any thoughts to the name?" She said with a smile.

I thought that I would burst I was so happy. I didn't even think about giving the little fella a name. Then the perfect name came to me.

"Welcome to the family Red."

Generation 1; Chapter 14

"Do you think I did the right thing? Ali won't be upset that he can't do anything about it." I am sure I did I just need to hear Mocha say it. 



"I believe that Ali would be joyed to hear this news. It will give him something to look forward to. It's also the right thing. He deserves to know the truth."  Mocha finished cleaning the counters as I tried to imagine myself in Ali's shoes. 

I don't know why but Mocha always gave me the best advice. She really is the best mother I never had I don't know what to do without her. As she had gotten her latest promotion she only had to work just one day a week. How lucky is that. With all her free time she offered to babysit Amaranth on the condition that I went back to school and got a part time job. It was a done deal Amaranth was growing older and I wanted to provide for him as much as I could. I want to make something of myself to make him proud. 

All the transcripts were complete and I was enrolled the following week I could rejoin Drizzle and Ananas; who has stayed on studying at our school. I was happy to be back and learning. Yes those whispers were still there. This time I just thought of Amaranth and how I am doing it all for him. 

Finding a job on the other hand was difficult I had to fit it around school as well as giving Amaranth the most of my time. I figured at least having two whole days at the weekend would be best as we could go out to the beach or the fishing lake. Hoping that there was a vacancy at the grocers I sent in my C.V. I wasn't expecting much. Why would they hire an unwed teen mum.



"EEK they hired me. Just like that no interview."  I had just put the phone down after hearing the good news and telling everyone within earshot. Well actually screeching it it. My first ever job how exciting.  Finally I am taking control of my actions. 

Working and studying hardly gave me any time with Amaranth, which I really missed so when it was the weekend I made sure that I made up for the time lost in the week. 
I could actually drive now that I could afford to buy a car. Since dad was away on another tour Mocha taught me. It was easier now to go to the beach and over to the fishing spot since it doesn't take half a day to get there and back. 



With all my busyness I didn't realize that my big birthday was coming up. Which in turn I couldn't freak out over it. But it also didn't leave me much time to grieve on the loss of being a teen.  I had passed all my courses, I now no longer need to go to school. Drizzle and Ananas had gotten engaged and were planning to go to university in France (with a more reliable internet coverage) and I had Amaranth. 

For my big birthday we could afford a bigger celebration, where we hired out out the beach pier. It was such a nice day. Besides Dad, Mocha and Amaranth there was Drizzle, Ananas and my work colleague Peach Melba with her daughter Peach-puff. 
Dad was the entertainment, he did his world renowned act for us. There was music, good food and of course CAKE. Then came the moment everyone was waiting for the blowing out of the candles. That was it I was finally an young adult no longer a teen. I didn't feel any different but then why would it. 



While my days no longer consisted of going to school I could take my mornings and have play dates at the park with Peach and Peach-puff. Amaranth loved all the attention I was giving him. 
Having another person who is a parent to speak to was a relief especially when our children are the same age.  It really helped that she was a single parent too.



"Have you figured out what you are going to do?" Peach knew that I was having thoughts about quitting the grocers. 

"No I just don't have any ideas. I keep looking in the papers but there is nothing, When I was at school I used to love doing P.E. but its not like I can just join a professional sports team. Don't you need to get like all those scholarships to go to university and then get chosen by scouts?"  I really had been looking not only with the paper but looking online and even on notice boards but there was nothing. 

" You don't have to go straight to the top you know there are other ways you can use what you learned. Hey why not apprentice, Peachie goes to a Gymboree so why not do that I am sure they would love to have helpers you never know where it might take you, I am sure you can even get classes that Amaranth gets to join in too." 

She had a point I could do this,  maybe spend more time with Amaranth. He could spend more time with other children and less time outside in his garden. 

It was decided I would go to the Gymboree and ask to do an apprenticeship. I was feeling lucky that I would get accepted. It wasn't to be they said I had to work my way up to working with the children but that was fine I get to start my new job that week. Soon I shall be working as a sports coach in the Gymboree.

Dad and Mocha had been planning a trip to travel the world to help promote Dad's act. He had wanted to do this for years but felt like it was never the right time to uproot the whole family especially when I had Amaranth. 



"Dad you really should go for it. I am old enough to stay here and look after the house. It would be less of a hassle to drag us around with you. and Mocha deserves to get some quality time with you. We will still be here" I could see it in his face that he didn't want to leave but at the same time he was sad that he would miss this opportunity. 

"Honey we can't just leave you two in this house what about the bills, what about child care. This is a serious decision that we can't take lightly." He was getting agitated, he was close to dropping the whole thing. 

"Look I make enough to cover the bills and that includes childcare. Now listen the only thing I want you to do is wait till after Amaranths big birthday. I want you there for that. Deal?" He was softening. For someone who was hardly around due to the amount of tours he took around the country he was very protective and yet he agreed to the terms but as long as I stayed in touch (which was a no brainer).

They had started packing all of their stuff and booked their tickets as well as putting everything into my name so I can carry on with all the bills. By the time it was Amaranth's birthday they were raring to go. 

I was fretting over Amaranths big birthday. I will soon have a child that would be starting school and Dad and Mocha will be leaving. This house would be empty and since we had built onto it to include a a second floor It would be even more noticeable. 
 The day came anyway we all decided that we should have his birthday at the house. Amaranths eyes kept drifting to the cake so we decided to cut it early. 
"Happy birthday to you, Happy birthday to you, Happy birthday dear Amaranth, Happy birthday to you". This was it my baby was growing up. He was no longer going to be able to be held in my arms like a baby. 

He grew up into such a cutie and so tall. I was so proud of him that I was fighting back tears. I knew then that we would be alright. 


Afterwards he went off with his Papa, I could see that he was given a box. What ever was on the box put a huge smile on his face as they hugged each other. 



While everyone was eating Peach-Puff and Amaranth were racing around the garden. This would be the last time that we would all be together and yet I was so happy. 

Generation 1; Chapter 13

Looking after Amaranth was a hard job especially as I was doing it alone. Mocha and Dad helped now and then but I did feel a little guilty when they did. When Dad came in from work he always went to check up on Amaranth. 

To be honest I don't think I was missing school. Sure staying home was exhausting and sometimes Amaranths crying drove me to tears. But seeing him grow and smile and laugh made it all worth it.  

It was obvious that Ali was the father and every time that I looked at lil amaranth I could see Ali. I tried to sit down and write to him but when I try to write the first sentence I stop. Do I just ask him how he is,  tell him about drizzle then casually mention he has a son. Or do I go straight into the "Hey you have a son!". Figuring the best way to break it to him wasn't going to be thought of anytime soon. But then I thought maybe I can write about Amaranth and  then figure out how to tell Ali afterwards after all he is doing a seven year stint. So there was no hurry in telling him.



So that is what I did every day I wrote a little about Amaranth and how he was growing up. I took to taking pics too. Everything from his first outing to the beach, going to the park and the woods. Even his 2nd birthday party. Ok it was only Dad, Mocha, Drizzle and Ananas but still it was an amazing day. One that brought joy to my little baby.



After Amaranth turned 2 life had gotten a little bit more hectic. Teaching Amaranth to walk was one of the proudest moments I have ever felt. Yet sometimes I wish I never taught him to walk. Every day I found him outside no matter what he managed to open the door and walk out of the house. It was tiring having to run after him to bring him back inside. I know that he enjoys the outside he wasn't happy staying in. With winter round the corner and living near a road albeit a quiet road it just wasn't safe for him.



We decided that the best thing for him to get his outdoor 'fix' was by building him an enclosed  yard. It only took the weekend to build and by Monday he was able to play in the yard with his toys and he would be safe. That was the main thing. 




Just in time too the snow had come early this year. It made outings a bit harder and with no car Amaranth and I were house bound. It was ok though as we spent the day learning, well Amaranth was learning I was trying my best in teaching him to talk and use the potty. 



"Me pot-pot now"  As I praised him for using his words, my mind drifted to Ali and how he is missing out on Amaranth growing seeing all the first for himself. It was then that I decided that I was going to write to him I couldn't bear him not knowing any longer. I just hope it was the right choice. 


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Some of the photos Nilly sent to Ali.

Generation 1: Chapter 12

I was soon let out of hospital with the all clear. I wasn't allowed to exercise or strain myself. Luckily the summer holidays were coming up but by the time the school would re-open I would be on maternity leave anyway. Although that is far away I have a few things to sort out like telling dad.

He came home a two days after I left the hospital. I was sat on the couch reading a book. (It is all Mocha is letting me do.)

"Nilly are you ok. I wanted to come home as soon as I could but Mocha said you were fine that it wasn't serious. Is everything ok?" Oh god look at his face he is so not going to take this well.

I took a deep breath I just had to do it quick, rip it off like a band-aid. "DadIampregnantaliisthefatherpleasedon'tbemad." I closed my eyes I didn't want to see his disappointment.

"Nilly you have to slow down I didn't hear a word you said." Oh no now I have to say it again. 

I took another deep breath and this time I repeated it slower. "Dad I am pregnant. Ali is the father. Please don't be mad." I waited for him to yell instead he fainted. 

"MOCHA" I cried out. She came running. This was embarrassing.

"I see you told him already. He only just came in through the door Nilly. Oh well it is done now. I think maybe you should go to your room for a while then I can talk to him."

I did as she said there is no point in hanging around if I stayed he might re-faint. So I went to my room and sat at my desk. Just waiting for the sounds of Dad waking up. It wasn't long before I could here them talking. Then my door opened. Great. 

"I really want to shout at you right now young lady but it is no use, whats done is done. No matter what Nilly I will always be there for you. You know that right?"

I did not expect this. I thought he would scream and shout, or even kick me out. I am glad he didn't. Having to find a place to stay whilst pregnant would not exactly make things any easier.

 As the days turned into months I was looking forward to seeing my belly grow but for a reason the Doctors couldn't find did not grow. I did get a little chubbier but that was it. After another Doctors visit to talk about my non-existent belly I went home a little dejected. As soon as I had gotten through the door Mocha had come out of our home gym with a big smile on her face.

"Your father and I have a little surprise for you!" She led me into the gym where Dad was sat at my newly moved desk the whole room had been decorated. They had put red and white paper on the walls. The carpet was a beautiful shade of red. But what caught my eye was the beautiful crib nestled in the corner.



 "Dad, what is all this? You shouldn't have!" I was really surprised I can't believe that they had done all this after everything that has happened even if they didn't know the full story. It was truly something the whole room just amazing.

"Here I thought that the baby might like this." He gave me a present that was neatly wrapped. I opened it there and then. It was a beautiful white teddy bear. with white overalls and t-shirt. so cute. 



"I don't know what to say this has been the best surprise ever I love the bear thank you so much." 

"Your welcome Nilly. We thought that if we did the room in red that even though Alizarin is not here physically it will be a reminder of him as a part of yours and the baby's life" with that he gave me a hug and left the room with Mocha. I was looking at every little detail it was just so great I was lucky to have a dad and step-mum like mine.

I was eager to show off my room to Drizzle. He knew about my pregnancy and he was happy for me. He was as excited just as much as me. He is after all one of those homely guys that love family and children so of course it wasn't a much of a surprise.  
When ever he came over Ananas was in toe. She was always with Drizzle since they practically live together. She hasn't made many friends yet but Drizzle did say that at school she mainly focuses on her studies. It must be hard learning in another language so I wouldn't blame her for focusing all her energy into one thing. But it would be nice to see Drizzle alone for a bit. 

When they were finally able to come over to see the room, I was ready to burst but by the looks of me I could of entered a bikini pageant.

"Wow this room is amazing! Look at that cute little teddy in the crib aww. " Yup Drizzle was baby mad. 




"Vanilla you 'ave a beautiful room. You must be so 'appy for zis baby. Drizzle 'as been talking all  about it. Do you know if it is a boy or a girl?" I got to admit that she was cute and seeing her with Drizzle it was a good match.

"I don't know, I want it a surprise. What I do know is that it's a tumbler. It must take after its Grandpa. Its giving me trouble right now." 

"What is tumbler?" I guess her flawless English wasn't so flawless after all. After Drizzle translated for her (Who knew acrobate was the same as acrobat.). We went into the front room which had also been decorated a bit. I felt an odd sensation in my stomach and a warmth trickle down my legs. 



"Euh Vanilla you 'ave euh water come from you. I think baby is coming no?" Ananas voice was panicked. Drizzle was straight on the phone to Dad and Mocha. As I slowly walked to get my hospital bag and off to hail a cab before getting to the hospital. 

After 7 hours of pain that I have never felt before. I welcomed little Amaranth Ciel to the world. 




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Amaranth Hex #E52B50

Generation 1; Chapter 11

Life had seemed to have moved on. Ali was no longer in the media frenzy. I was back to being my depressed self, this time I truly had no one. I swear Dad knows that something is wrong but he hasn't talked about it. Well to me at least.

I was still ill from the stress most mornings when I awoke I ran straight to the bathroom to throw up. Even if I hadn't eaten at all my stomach still seemed to want to jump out of my mouth. I even stopped running since I didn't have the energy to run or do anything for that matter. Since I stopped running my clothes started to feel a little uncomfortable.



At school I stopped pranking there was no point in it no without Ali. Since I was friends with him everyone avoided me like the plague. Walking down the hall I could see everyone's eyes on me. Even if I couldn't see them I could feel there stares burning into me. The whispering was the worst. Just like when I first started school in this town. Just what I needed. 

On the plus side my grades were going up. I spent all my time studying now days. I might as well not waste this opportunity that Ali gave me. It was in one of my study sessions that I heard the door knock. I paid no attention to it and just carried on with my critical thinking essay. I could feel my bedroom door open. I looked up into my mirror and there in the door was Drizzle.



"A sight for sore eyes." His face lit up with the biggest smile. Before I could stop myself and take in what happened I was in his arms.




"I can't believe you stayed there longer Drizzle" tears were flowing down my face. " I have missed you" 

"I know you did, I am sorry about not keeping in contact we were in the countryside so the internet is not that reliable. I really am sorry" He looked so different more refined. I took him into the front room so we could sit on the sofa I had a feeling he was going to be here a while. 

" What happened to your hair? It's not brown anymore!" That was one of the biggest changes I had noticed.



He just laughed "Well the town I was staying at is very conservative. So things like hair-dye was a big no-no. You should have seen it I couldn't get the brown out or re-dye it, I looked like a weird skunk." I really missed his laugh. I wonder if things would have gone that far if he stayed. "You still look the same though. Hey... um... I heard what happened with Anzac I can't believe that Ali did that. Do you know what happened?"



Oh I forgot that Drizzle would find out he was after all the Tussock's neighbor. I knew that I have to lie to him otherwise Ali's sacrifice would of been for nothing, 

"I only know what was in the papers Drizzle. I really don't want to talk about it. Lets talk about France what was the food like" To be honest I wasn't really Interested in France but it was better than talking about Ali. 
He told me everything from the food to the craziness of the town not allowing different colored Berries to marry talk about 20th century living. 




He was here for hours before he told me his news. He was dating Ananas.  His exchange 'sister' and that she would be here next month, so that she can start the new school year with us. I was glad that he had found someone, although I don't really know what she was like. The way Drizzle talked about her made it seem like they were perfect for one another. 

I walked him to the door and watched him as he started to walk home, as Mocha was arriving. I felt my stomach cramp up the pain was unbearable. I collapsed onto the floor. The last thing I remember was seeing Mocha's concerned face above me.



When I awoke. I was in a room that I didn't recognize.



 It was a small square room. The walls and floor were a bright white. The bed I was led on was hard and lumpy. A constant hum of machines whirred to my right. Faint footsteps were coming to the door. The door opened and in came Mocha and someone that I did not recognize.



"I am glad to see you awake Miss Ciel. I am Doctor Olive. You are at Sacred Fruits Hospital." His face was kind like how you would imagine a grandparent would be. "You collapsed so we ran some tests and we found that your appendix had burst. We have removed it but we ran into a complication. It seems a congratulations is in order. You are pregnant!" 

"Pregnant!?" both mocha and I said at the same time. "This can't be right she has never had... Have you?" 

I was still reeling from the news that I didn't hear Mocha. I looked at my stomach. There is a baby in there. No this can't be right I am too young. It's impossible. I felt a tugging on my arm.

"Nilly I asked you a question. Who have you slept with?" 



"I haven't...I mean it was only once. We didn't think of using anything" I can't believe this is happening. 

A soft cough came from the Doctor we both turned to him. 
" I know this is a shock but you have had surgery Miss Ciel. So I would like to keep you in for observations. I would also like for you to try and relax as much as possible. Since we calculated you to be about 14 weeks into your pregnancy we would like for you to see the midwife. If there is anything you need please do not hesitate to ask. I shall leave you two to do some talking." 

As he left the room Mocha was straight on the phone to Dad. She was telling him what happened missing out the pregnancy. I missed the rest of the conversation zoning out thinking about what I should do next. I just had to get up to think. 

When her attention was finally back on my I could see the disappointment in her face. 
"I haven't told your father about the uh... baby. I shall leave that to you when he comes off of his tour. Who is the father please tell me you do know" 

"Of course I know I can't believe you think that I slept around. I told you we only did it once" This was unbelievable how can she accuse me of this!



"Stop skipping around the question Vanilla Ciel. Who is the father?" She was getting mad I knew I had to tell her. It was going to come out anyway. I know that the moment that I say his name that all the tears I have been keeping in would burst out. 



" Ali. It was Ali." I buried my head into my hands and the tears ran like rivers down my face. Mocha sighed before pulling me into a hug. She said nothing and just let me cry into her shirt. 

When my crying was replaced by sobs that caught in my throat, hours had gone by. Mocha was still by my side. I wiped my face it was a little sore and tear stained. 

"Now that you are a bit calmer. Nilly we need to figure this out." I knew what she was saying whether I was going to keep it or... the alternatives. "Listen this is your decision I will support you with whatever you decide. I think you should tell Alizarin as well." 



"I can't. I don't want him to know. He would be heartbroken." Its not only that but if it gets out that we did in fact see each other more than he let on then I would get pulled up and Ali would of sacrificed everything for nothing. "Anyway Ali isn't here he can't help me make a choice but I know that getting rid of it would hurt us both, But how am I supposed to keep it I don't know anything about babies. What happens if I am a bad mother?" 




Mocha laughed. I looked at her as if she was nuts. This wasn't the time to laugh. 
" Oh Nilly. That's the whole reason why I never had kids I thought I would make a bad mother. Then I met your father and he had you I still thought that I would make a bad mother, I kept telling him that before I moved in with you both. Now I don't think I have done a bad job raising you now, Have I?"  

I never knew this about her she was right she was natural she knew the right things to say. If she could do it then so could I... I hope.  But where was I to start from?

As if hearing my thoughts Mocha started a list." Right we need to tell your father, then get a midwife, start on the nursery, inform the school and get you prenatal vitamins and we only have 9 no 6 months now this is doable but fist we need you to heal from your surgery I don't want you to strain yourself." 

With that she let me lay down to sleep it is going to be a ride. 

Update 2: I should not organize

So while I organized my photobucket it seems that I forgot that the pictures in the blog are linked to  where the pictures originally were on the photo site. So I move the pics and the link becomes broke. I am an idiot.

Chapters 8, 9 and 10 have a few or no pictures. They will all be put back within the next two days. I hope. Then after that it should be business as usual. ^^

~LC~

Update: It is all fixed now the pics should all be there ^^

~LC~

Generation 1; Chapter 10

I woke up to the sound of my phone ringing. Looking on the caller ID I saw it was Ali.




"Ali, hey whats up? You know its like 8 in the morning right?" I might enjoy hearing his voice but still it was 8 in the morning and I came in late. He knew that. 

"Nilly they have raided the base Tyrian was taken by the police I don't know where Myrtle or Indigo are. Whether they have gotten away or if they have been caught. Nilly I don't know what to do." I heard a small sob on the other end of the phone. I can't believe this was happening everything was going wrong. 

"Ali come straight here we can talk about what we are going to do. Please don't do anything drastic. Just come" I heard him put down the phone. I hoped he was on his way. This is bad. I didn't think that it could get so bad.


Looking around my room I could see everything that I stole or bought with the money from items we fenced. I have to get rid of at least the items that were stolen. I cleared out my locked box which held a few things and put them into the nearly full backpack from last nights fiasco and waited for Ali to come. 

It felt so long by the time I heard the knock on the door I was worried he did a runner and left me.  I ran over to the door to let him in. He looked terrible as if he hadn't slept at all. I brought him into my room so we could speak more privately. 

"What did you see?" I let him sit on my lounger he deserved the rest. 



"I went back to the base after dropping you off and there were police cars everywhere. I hid in a bush across the road. I saw them drag out Tyrian and lead him into a car. He broke free and ended up fighting the cops. I don't know how many officers went into the base but a few came out with boxes of our loot that we were going to fence. We can never go back there again. That was my home and they took everything." He looked so down trodden, I can't believe this. 

"Ali I know this is hard but I have to ask..." I took a deep breath before continuing, it felt like I had been holding my breath for a while. "What happens if Tyrian snitches." I already knew the answer I could see it in his eyes. 

"If he snitches then the police will come knocking won't they." He started crying I have never seen Ali this vulnerable before. " I am so sorry I shouldn't have dragged you into this. Nilly I don't want to lose you."




I had to think what could we do. I looked around my room my eyes landing on my chest where I stashed my rucksack. 

"We need to get rid of this stuff maybe we can dump it somewhere" I tried to think of all the places we could dump this stuff. At the pier, bury it out in the woods. So many places ran through my mind that I didn't notice that Ali had stood up. 




"Nilly there is no way to be sure that you won't get in trouble with the police, But if I took the loot that we had gotten from the Tussock's and handed myself in. I can at least make sure that they leave you out of it." This was going way to fast. He wanted to sacrifice himself for me. 

"You can't do that Ali. It's my fault I wanted to do a house. I wanted more than I could handle. If it is anyone's fault then it is mine. Please don't do this Ali I just couldn't bear it." 

It was too late he had made up his mind there was nothing that I could have done to change his mind. I relented and gave him my rucksack. I asked him if he wanted me to come with at least to the police station but he just kissed me and told me to wait.
He looked back at me with such sad eyes.

"Nilly don't ever forget that I love you!" He turned and walked out of my door. That was  the last I saw of Alizarin Crimson.



I wasn't allowed to go see him at all whilst the trial was on. He kept true to his word and I was never questioned. The papers where up in arms about the 'widespread' crime spree.  Anzac was fine he was in hospital for a while with injuries from the fall but he didn't die. They treated it as if Ali had pushed him down the stairs. How I wanted to scream and shout to tell everyone what really happened. 

Several weeks after after Ali handed himself, I read the morning newspaper. Ali was charged with burglary and assault he was given 7 years.



I ran to the toilet the stress of the trial had made me ill and hearing his sentence was the final straw.