Marlow Kennedy! Age 16! Sophomore at Dalgaard Institute! I’m just a shy nerdy girl, a video game addict, and a clown. I like to make others happy. Proud mother to Felix Rune Copeland as of October 31. Power: Zodiac Empowerment. My Other Half James Dean My Guardian Angel Big Brother Runey My Best Friend Jare-bear INACTIVE
Right after leaving college, Nolan received a paid internship offer to work for a talent agency back in Los Angeles as a casting director assistant. However, he couldn't move without Marlow and Felix, now a rambunctious six-year-old. After six years of a happy relationship, he decided the time was right to "pop the question." He prepared a picnic date that was similar to their first one. As they were eating, Nolan told Marlow about the internship offer, which Marlow was very excited for him to do. Then he pulled out the ring and with a long, tear-inducing speech, he asked Marlow to marry him, to which she obviously said yes. Marlow had some news for Nolan as well. The picnic date that was set up like their first date was more similar than Nolan had thought, because Marlow was pregnant with their second child.
Before the move, Marlow and Nolan had a nice wedding, with guests including Marlow's parents, Rune Taylor (who still wasn't thrilled with Nolan, but knew he made Marlow happy), Austin and Collin Taylor, Jared Harrington, and surprisingly Nolan's parents, who had just been reintroduced to their son's life. It was there that they also shared the news of Marlow's pregnancy. The day was a splendid one for both.
After going to LA again, Marlow had to put off her career path as a teacher for the sake of her baby, remembering what happened when Felix was born because of her power. Thankfully, Nolan's internship made enough to pay the bills and feed the growing family. On February 19th, Anais McKenna Copeland was born, completing the family. After recovery, Marlow applied for a position at a local high school, teaching journalism, general English, and after a couple of years, a creative writing course. Marlow was a well-liked teacher, being younger than most of the staff and having an open attitude with her students. She was very open with her students on her past, from Felix to college, as to encourage them that anything is possible. She liked the feeling that she could be a trusted person her students could go to for guidance. That, and the titled "Mrs. Copeland" never got old.
Nolan's career took off a couple years after moving. His internship wasn't very long; he got hired at a big name movie studio to help with cast directing and other film needs. Nolan loved the movie sets and loved to sneak his kids onto them, much to their mother's dismay, knowing how easily they could be lost. Nolan's job provided well for the young family.
The powers of their children was always a concern for the parents. They knew what it was like to have to deal with supernatural abilities and didn't want their kids to get either of their powers. However, that didn't stop genetics. From the time Felix was a baby, Marlow knew he had powers. Something was different about her son: his ears. By the time the boy had hair, his cat ears on the top of his head were out. After a lot of research, Felix was found to have feline physiology, meaning he was part cat. That power gave him enhanced agility, jump, speed, balance, as well as a small set of claws, his cat ears, and nine lives, of which Felix used two by the time he was in high school. Anais, on the other hand, showed no signs of power until her fifth birthday, where she produced long rabbit ears that blended into her hair. Anais had lagomorph physiology, a rabbit mimicry power (which freaked Nolan out when she became a teenager, knowing about how long rabbit mating patterns). Despite the fact that both of the parents had powers, neither of theirs had physical traits as their children did. Thankfully for all, Rune was a big help in teaching the Copeland children how to successfully hide their attributes, thanks to his wings. Luckily, when not provoked by certain emotions, their ears blended in perfectly with their hair, making life a bit easier on them.
Once the children were in their teen years, it seemed to Marlow as though Rune had lightened up about Nolan and the Copeland family, until the discovery of Felix's relationship with Rune's daughter, Micah. The children had been very good friends their entire childhood, despite Micah's power that aged her. Everyone knew it was only a matter of time until the two hooked up, everyone except Rune. This drove Rune's dislike of the Copeland males deeper, especially when he found out about the kids' sex lives. However, Marlow knew it was going to happen eventually, much to her dismay, and even though she was a teen parent, she and Nolan did everything in their power to prevent that from happening with Felix and Micah. Despite his dislike of the Copeland boys, Rune knew that Felix truly made Micah happy, just like many years before with Nolan and Marlow. Eventually, the argument settled down, but never quite faded away. Rune still was a protective one, after all, and Marlow didn't expect anything less.
As the kids grew older and time went on, Marlow continued to be a teacher and Nolan continued to be in the film industry. The two lived a happy life after the trials and hard work they endured trying to make the best for themselves. Marlow wrote a book about her life, including everything from Dalgaard to Felix and Anais to the life she lived now, all under a pseudo name in case someone started the Pures back up. With the help of Jared, Rune, and Nolan, Marlow lived a peaceful live with her friends and her family, all in the name of love.
These words were never easier for me to say or her to second guess
But I guess
That I can live without you but
Without you, I'll be misearble at best
Marlow ran her fingers through her wet hair as she flipped up the screen of her computer. It was around five in the afternoon in Los Angeles, meaning that it was eight in Detroit, just when she knew her mother was putting Felix down for the night. Ever since she let her parents adopt Felix, she had missed him like crazy, as she expected to. Felix was her son, her own flesh and blood. How could she not? She just never knew how much. She would take every chance she could to see her son over video chatting. She loved watching him grow up, even though he was only four months old. That was still older than the last time she saw him.
Clicking on the video call icon, her mother's name popped up. She must have been expecting a call from her daughter. With a smile, Marlow clicked on the name and watched as the grey circle spun around the screen, waiting for her mother to pick up. The screen turned black and the calling tone died out, replaced by her mother's voice. Once the video popped up, the image of an auburn-haired woman appeared, holding a little baby in her arms, almost asleep. Marlow couldn't believe how cute and peaceful he looked in her mother's arms. He was starting to get some more brunette hair growing on his head to match the tiny strands he was born with. Mrs. Kennedy looked from Felix to Marlow with a small smile, and said, "Hello, dear" in a hushed voice.
"Hey, Mom," Marlow replied, following suit with the volume of her mother's voice. "Hello, baby boy. Or should I say goodnight. Someone's all ready for bed."
"Say 'That I am, Mar. I'm sweepy.'" Maria joked, making a baby voice. She knew how much her daughter missed the baby. He was her baby boy, the thing that should be her world. She knew that it would be hard, but she never knew how hard her daughter would take it. "Oh, he just can't wait for you to come home for spring break."
Marlow smiled at the thought. Spring break could not come fast enough for her. He wanted nothing more than to hold her baby, to feel his weight in her arms. She wanted to feed him, and change him, and be his mother again, if only for a week. And that still wouldn't be enough time. The baby boy filled her thoughts constantly. She missed him, more than her words could describe. "I can't wait either, Baby Boy," she cooed, making Felix look up to see her. His eyes looked desperate for sleep. Marlow knew it was late there, but she just couldn't let them go. She wanted to watch her baby sleep and know that he was okay. Even though he was with her mother, she worried about him all the time. She was still his mother after all.
The mother and daughter talked for a few more minutes, keeping little Felix up a tad bit passed his bedtime. "Marlow, I'm sorry, sweetie, but I have to put Felix down," her mother apologized, looking back and forth between the cranky baby and her daughter.
"It's okay, Mom. I can always talk to him tomorrow," she reassured. "Just call me when you get done, okay?"
Maria smiled, "Sure thing." Then the screen went back to the video home.
Marlow's smile fell down into a frown as the sight of her son escaped her sight. It was always sad for the girl to have to leave her son. She loved the video calls and being able to see him. Trying to take her mind off of it, she grabbed a brush and put it through her damp hair, combing her auburn curls out. She looked around for her phone, wondering if she had received any text from her friends, perhaps Rune or Jared. However, her eyes caught the picture she kept on her bedside table: the first day she got to hold Felix. He was around a month old and was just able to be released from the incubator. Marlow had tears staining her cheek as she held a happy smile for the camera. Behind her was Nolan, not noticing the camera, but instead smiling down at his son. Marlow loved that picture. It was one of her favorite pictures ever, even though her hair was a mess and her face was flush and her appearance in general was not picture-worthy. She loved it because it was her first picture with her son.
Her hand reached for the picture frame and her eyes caught all of the pictures around it. Scattered around her table was an array of pictures. One by one, she picked them up, smiling at each memory. The first one picked up was Nolan with his son. The next was when Jared first held his godson. Another was Rune. Another was his first ultrasound picture, and his first baby picture, the one the hospital always took for each baby born. Marlow couldn't help but notice how tiny he was. Being born two months early, the girl knew he was small. She was scared how small he was, and the picture just signified how much she should have been. But it was his first picture and he was her son.
Marlow set it down, trying to forget any thoughts of regret, and checked her phone. There was nothing, which did not surprise her. She wasn't a very talkative texter anymore, so not many people did. Her phone background was still her and Nolan, with a kissed planted on his cheek. It had been that way since before they found out about Felix. Her background always put a smile on her face, remembering the days before the chaos and confusion of Felix happen, even thought they were limited. Despite what anyone might have said otherwise, Nolan was something good in Marlow's life, and Marlow could truly say she loved him.
Between all of the pictures of the baby around her dorm, the decision of leaving Dalgaard and going home was constantly on her mind. It haunted her dreams and made her second-guess on whether her decision was right. But at the same time, she was his mother. She should be the one raising him, taking care of him when he's sick, playing with him, teaching him, being a mother to him. It didn't feel right that the son she gave birth to was being raised by another woman, despite that woman being the same person who raised her. In no way did she dispute her mother's parenting skills, but she just didn't feel it was right.
But she was at Dalgaard for a purpose. She didn't quite understand her powers, and she needed to if she wanted to be an active part of society. Her education was not completed, but how much did she need? Her control had vastly improved in the year she was there, and her issues with crowds had decreased. In her eyes, she had all she needed from this school. What was keeping her here?
Her Dalgaard family. Rune and Jared meant so much to her. The thought of leaving them was unbearable. No matter what she was going through, she could always count on them to help her. Jared was always there for her with a kind hug and gentle smile, a laugh that could make any room happy, and a comforting presence, one that made her feel safe and secure. Rune was her guide, the wisdom and guidance she desperately needed. He was always there to pull her back up and send her on the right path. He was more like an older brother to her than anything. To both of them, she owed them for her sanity. Without them, there was no telling what would have happened to her.
The beeping sound of an incoming video call interrupted her thoughts. It was undoubtably her mother. Sitting back down in the desk chair, she click on the 'accept' button, waiting for her mother to be looking back at her.
"Sorry for the wait, Mar. Felix was a bit fussy," her mother apologized, settling down in the living room.
"It's fine," Marlow assured, pulling her leg up to rest her chin on it.
Maria shook her head, sighing at finally getting a moment of rest. "I'll tell you, Marlow, that boy loves to sleep. That's all he likes to do is sleep, eat, sleep. You would think he's a cat or something."
Marlow smiled. "Well, cats do sleep for 70% of their lives," she laughed, remembering how much Felix slept when she had him.
The talking ceased as an awkward silence surrounded them, neither saying a word. Mrs. Kennedy looked at her daughter with concern while Marlow stared down at her feet, smile nowhere in sight. "Marlow, what's wrong?"
Marlow couldn't speak. Her voice was caught in her throat and she had a difficult time forcing up what she wanted to say. "Well... would it be okay if I came home for... a little more than just Spring Break?"
Maria's eyebrow raised at her daughter's question. "What do you mean, Marlow?"
Rubbing the back of her head, Marlow eyes still faced the ground, unable to look at her mother. "Well... I was thinking... maybe I could come home and... help raise Felix."
"No."
Marlow winced, knowing that would be her mother's answer. Her parents were always ones for education and learning, and they would let nothing get in their daughter's way of finishing her high school education. They wanted nothing more than for their daughter to be a learned, contributing member of society. There was no way they were going to let het throw it away for a baby that they were more than capable to take care of.
"B-But Mom," she pleaded, finally able to look up at her mother. "He's my son. Nolan and I made him. He came from me; I should be able to help raise him."
"Marlow, we've been through this before. We want you and Nolan to get a decent education to be able to provide for a child in the future," her mother retorted calmly. "Taking care of a baby now would not help with that goal."
"But that's your goal!" Marlow argued. "All of my life, you've been pushing me towards what you want. You want me to be the perfect little daughter! Well, guess what? Shit happens!"
Mrs. Kennedy gasps at her daughter's language. "Marlow Peyton..."
"I don't care, Mother!" Marlow continued, on the verge of tears. "Shit happens, Mother. Do you think I wanted this? Do you think I purposefully went out and got pregnant by someone I barely knew? Do you think I wanted to be in the position of being sixteen, pregnant, and two thousand miles away from my family? Do you think I wanted to have to tell my parents that their only daughter, who they put so much faith and responsibility and energy in, was pregnant? Do you think that after all of that bullshit that I did all that I could to have my baby two months early, to the point of almost killing him? Do you think I wanted that? Do you think that was my plan all along? Mom, can you please be quiet and listen to what I want for once!"
Her mother was speechless at her daughter's display. She could see the tears falling down Marlow's cheek and could see how badly she wanted this. Letting out a sigh, Maria nodded. “Okay. I’m listening.”
Marlow sniffed, realizing she over-reacted, a red blush appearing across her cheeks. But it was what she wanted, what she felt like she had to do. “Mom, how would you have felt if you couldn’t raise me after all the work you did to have me?”
Mrs. Kennedy nodded sympathetically.
“I know I was only sixteen, but you have to let me take responsibility,” the girl reasoned, knowing reasoning was one of the few ways to get through to her. “He’s my son, not yours. I should be raising him, not you. I’m trying to show you that I need to take care of him.”
Her mother nodded again, looking down. This wasn’t an easy decision, but she couldn’t imagine how her daughter must have been feeling. And if she wanted to grow up and take responsibility for her actions, who was she to stop her? Sighing, she said, “Are you sure your powers are developed enough to come home for good?”
Marlow nodded eagerly, hoping she had gotten through. “I’m good, Mom.”
“There’s no going back, Marlow,” she reminded. “Taking care of a child is a big responsibility, especially with school and all.”
“It’s a responsibility I’m willing to accept,” she pleaded. “Please, Mom. I… I just want to be a mother to my son.”
Maria sighed, thinking hard about it. Marlow could see the lines of worry run across her face. “Okay, Marlow,” she agreed. “Let me talk it over with your father, but… I guess if you’re willing to…”
Marlow smiled, harder than she had ever smiled before. “Oh, thank you, Mom! You won’t regret this!”
Maria smiled at her daughter’s expression, letting out a little laugh. “I hope not. Until then, please focus on your schooling.”
“You have my word,” she laughed, lifting up her hand as if she was swearing an oath. “Well, If I have to focus on my schooling, I should probably go. Big project due soon.”
“Oh, you better,” Maria laughed along. “I’m really proud of you for making this decision, Marlow. It’s a hard thing to do.”
Marlow’s laughter faded into a small smile. “But it’s the right thing to do.” The two women exchanged a set of smiles, before they said their goodbyes. Hanging up, Marlow quickly pulled up a tab on her web browser and started searching for information for her project. Her mind, however, wouldn’t get off of her conversation. Like a little girl, her feet starts swinging from her chair and she quietly squealed. She was going to be a mother again.
…………………………………………
The luggage claim was packed with people. It was like everyone had flown into the airport that day. Marlow pushed through the crowd, suitcases in hand, as she tried to navigate out of the area. Her eyes wandered, hoping to find her parents standing somewhere near. She was back in Detroit, for good this time. Her parents were convinced she would, and should, be able to raise her son, something Marlow was very thankful for.
“Marlow, sweetie!” a voice called, sending Marlow’s excited head flying to the direction it came from. Staring back at her was her mother and her father, holding a sleeping baby Felix in his arms. The sight was wonderful. The girl felt tears in her eyes as she took off running through the crowd of people to meet them. When she made it, she let go of her suitcases and ran into her mother’s arms, thanking her repeatedly for letting her come home. “Hello, Marlow,” her mother greeted, patting her back.
“I think someone wants to see you,” her father cooed, looking down at the now awake baby in his arms.
Marlow’s eyes filled over with tears again as Mr. Kennedy placed the baby gently in her arms, grabbing onto her suitcases. She couldn’t stop herself from crying at the sight of her holding her baby boy again. Felix looked up at her with his wide brown eyes, and a smile appeared on his face as she spoke to him. “Hey, buddy. Hello, baby boy. I’m your mommy. Mommy’s back.” She smiled, listening to him laugh and smiled at the sound of her voice. That was all she had wanted for so long: to be with that boy again. She wanted to be with the baby and be his mother.
No you’re not, it’s not weird at all, I don’t know what people are talking about. I liked DJ a lot too, and who didn’t love Michelle? So’s Midas. you think he’s a bag full of sunshine until someone threatens someone he loves, then it’s BAM shark week, and you’re the bucket of chum. That’s a good Christmas present if I ever heard of one.
Oh, and you can't forget younger Stephanie. "How rude!" She was adorable. I guess all dogs are like that if you feed and love them. He even hated when I tried to hold a baby. He thought the baby was going to attack me. Yeah, it sure brighten my holiday spirits. Of course, playing with any dog makes me happy.
I have to have Mi’ next to me, and a giant pile of ice cream, we share the spoon. I love that show, Uncle Jesse was always my favorite. A rottweiler? Nice. Very protective. Does he live on campus?
So I'm not the only one who does that with their dog? I don't feel as bad about it now. I loved Jesse! I based loved that whole show. It made up my preschool years. Oh, yeah, he is. Very. My parents sent him down to live with me here in December. They thought he would keep me company.
Exactly, I can’t.. I can’t watch Marley and Me without going into a mild depression. Yeah, Midas is my golden retriever… One of my dogs. Charles is Jayme’s but, he’s practically my own. What kind of dog do you have?
Oh, my god, I can't watch it at all. I love golden retrievers! They remind me of Comet on Full House. That dog made me want to get a dog. My dog, Destery, is a rottweiler.
