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Chapter 21
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I quickly slid the diary back to its hiding place between the bed and the wall. I then jumped up from the bed into his arms. He caught me as if it was nothing. I wrapped my legs around his waist and my arms around his neck giving him a long slow kiss. This might be the last chance I get to show him that I love him before battle.

"What was that for?" he asked licking my strawberry lip-gloss from his lips.

I leaned forward to lick his bottom lip. "Because I love you."

"Well, then you may continue." I laughed letting myself drop to the ground. I stepped away from him to look in the mirror. I zipped my shirt up some more. I watched Jack in the mirror as he came to stand behind me. He draped his arms over my shoulder taking the zipper pull between his fingers. He pulled it down to the top of my bra. I was a little shocked that he would do such a thing with the curtain over the door opened. He bent down and kissed my neck while looking into the mirror. My eyes connected with his and my heart began to beat wildly. I no longer felt the attack mode kick in. Now, I have a new mode. I like to call this mode, Jack mode. He ran his hands from my chest to my stomach. He just held his hand hands there as if he were never going to let go. I didn't want him to. I just wanted to stand there leaning against him, looking into his eyes. "I love you, baby." he whispered as he leaned his head against mine.

"I love you, too." Tears started coming to my eyes without my knowing why. I couldn't help it. Maybe I am becoming too weak. Jack is ruining my warrior spirit. But I love him for that.

He reached out to wipe away my tears with his left hand. I noticed his finger was empty. We aren't married. We could possible be killed without being pledge to one another. I am already his but I want to have his last name beside mine should I die. I kissed his finger where the ring will be. "I wished he were already married."

"I do too. Maybe Jay will marry us at the camp tonight." he kissed my on the lips sweetly. "We'll be married one way or another. We can marry ourselves if we have to." He stated with conviction. The look in his eyes told me that it was going to happen. I just had to leave it up to him. I could trust him.

"What did I do to deserve you?" I asked with a big smile.

He kissed the top of my head. "You love me."

I shook my head. "No, I think God is smiling down on me for some monumental reason that I do not deserve. You are the greatest thing that has ever happened to me. When I think back over the years, you are the reason that I am still alive. You purified the water that I drank. You found the antidote to the virus. You figured out the Techno communication problem for me. You have been my savior and you will always be my reason for living. I just regret losing six years that we could have been together, happy, married, parents. I screwed those years up with my selfish wish for power."

He turned me in his arms. He pushed back my long honey blonde hair. "Ebs, baby, you didn't waste those years. They were necessary. I needed those six years. I needed to grow and so did you. I was only a boy. He.ll, I still am. I wouldn't know what to do with a woman. I'm afraid that I still don't know what to do with you. What if I can't take care of you? What if I can't be a good father? What if..."

I ran my hand along his cheek. He took it in his hand and kissed my palm. "There are no what ifs Jack. You have already taken care of me enough for a lifetime and we will learn parenting together."

"I know." He swept me off of my feet taking me to the bed where he laid down, pulling me to lay on top of him. I crossed my hands under my chin and looked into his eyes. The amazing color of brown was always shocking. I always thought of dark brown as a horrible color. That was until I came to stare into his eyes. If I had the choice, now, I would only stare at that color until I go blind.

"Can you imagine the children that we are going to have? They will have the most beautiful skin tone. They will have your height and intelligence and my fighting skill." I smiled as he pushed my hair back. "Jack, I can't wait to have them. Can you believe this? I am getting maternal." He smiled back at me. "I do think you are ruining my warrior spirit."

A knock at the door awakened us from our lover's moment. I didn't dare look up. Maybe they would go away. Maybe the world would fade away around us and just leave my husband as in my heart he was already that. Jack did look up. He motioned for the person to go on.

"We've gotta go." He attempted to sit up, but I pushed him back down. "Ebony, I wanna stay to, but we've got to go."

"I know," I let him sit up taking me with him. "I just want to be here with you a little longer."

"How much is a little longer?" he laughed. "I remember when you couldn't get away from me fast enough. You said I was a geek boy."

I laughed lightly. "You are a geek boy, but you are my geek boy. The only geek I want and need."

*~~*~~*~~*~~*

The night was beautiful. The stars shined for us as if they were the lights over phoenix in the mall. The made the night all the more special. They were just for us. They were for Jack and me. They were God's wedding present.

Jay's voice murmured on and one. I paid no attention to him, until he finished, "I now pronounce you Mr. and Mrs. Jackson Thompson. You may now seal it with a kiss." We did as we were told. My heartbeat out of my chest a I realized I was finally Jack's forever and always. I always was, but now, I am by law. "I'll leave you two alone." He walked away.

"How do you feel, Mrs. Thompson?" Jack asked kissing me quickly on the lips.

"I feel like the world is all mine. How do you feel, Mr. Thompson?" I kissed him longer.

He pulled back slowly almost as if he were afraid to stop kissing me. "I feel like I am where I am meant to be. I'm yours forever and not even law can tear us apart."

I started towards our tent. "Come to bed, husband."

He didn't allow himself to be pulled by me. "I wish I could, but I have night watch."

"May I stay with you?" I asked wrapping my arms around his waist and my laying my head against his chest.

He pulled away from me. "You and I both know how well that is going to work. I don't think I can watch over the camp with my sexy new wife hovering over me." I pouted. "We'll be able to spend time together soon. I promise."

He kissed me again before I smacked his as.s causing him to laugh against my lips. "Now, you get out there and guard us, you big strong man." I commanded placing both my hands on his a.ss and pushing him toward the guard post. He smiled at me once more before strutting off for my benefit. I couldn't help but think that my life will be filled with laughter, love, and family. Jack and I have each other and because we have each other we can conquer anything. We have become one person and we are a force to be reckoned with. Our love is unstoppable.

Chapter 22

The night was so calm it wasn’t right. There is an electricity in the air. Maybe Jack felt that way because of the night’s events, but something was eerie about it. The animals made little to no sound. He wasn’t a nature person, but he knew that something wasn’t right.

“Jack!” Ellie exclaimed causing him to jump. “What are you doing out here all by yourself?” her voice was loud. Well, louder than usual.

He rolled his eyes. She was about to come on to him and he knew it. He used to hide from her, but now, if she touched him, it’s morally wrong. “I’m on guard duty.” He replied with a groan. Maybe she would just go away if he looked in the opposite direction.

He looked back. She was still there. “Would you like company?”

Time for the bombshell to drop. “No thanx. If I get lonely, I can get my wife to join me.” Ellie’s face fell. He couldn’t help but fell satisfied that he had finally beat her.

“When did you marry her?”

“Two hours ago.” He simple stated

“Who married ya’ll?”

“Ellie, what business is it of yours? None. That means, would you please leave so I…” He stopped abruptly when he heard a stick break.

“What?” Ellie asked waiting for him to finish.

Jack stepped towards the forest. “shh!” another sound. Jack pushed into the nearby bushes to see a Techno. The Techno quickly attacked but Jack blocked the blow. He had the same training as this soldier. Jack punched the Techno, knocking him out.

“Get away, Ellie! Get Jay or Ebony!” he ordered before two Technos jumped from the brush. They ignored him to grab Ellie and drag her away. Another Techno attacked Jack as he tried to protect Ellie. Then he could fell himself falling before the world turned black around him.

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I awake blinking to the bright sun that filtered through the tent. I closed my eyes again and rolled over expecting my body to collide with Jack’s. Nothing. I opened my eyes and looked around frantically. He should have been back by now. I quickly scrambled out of the tent looking for my husband. I went to where he was sitting on watch. No one was there. I ran from the post to the far end of the camp. I had to see Jay. He would surely know where he is. Jay was almost yelling at one of my men and Pride was doing the same.

“Where’s Jack?” No wonder to the other’s actions even occurred to me.

Jay dismissed everyone, even Pride. “Ebony, sit.” He held out a folding chair for me.

I took the chair and threw it to the ground. He was stalling. I could fell the warrior in me become more. How dare he come between my family and me? “Where is my husband? I want to know NOW!” I advanced on him.

He pulled me into a hug. “We can’t find him. We’ve been looking for him for hours. Ellie’s lost too.”

I pulled away from him. “No. You sent him on a mission. Where is her?” I tried to laugh. This had to be a joke. Jack had to be around here somewhere. He couldn’t be lost, but the look on Jay’s face told me otherwise. I collapsed against Jay. I felt him shake a little and I looked up at him. He was crying. “Is he dead?” my voice was strangly calm. I could lose my husband and I am calm. What is wrong with me?

“We found blood on the rock he was sitting on.”

My world suddenly came crashing down. He’s gone. He’s really gone. I’m never going to see him ever again The tears still didn’t come. Guilt took over. I caused this. I got him taken by the Technos and turned him into a warrior. They knew his strength; of course they would take him. He could also be dead. By marrying me he signed his death warrant. In God’s eyes we are the same person now. Maybe God knew Jack is my weak spot. So that was the place that he attacked me. He hurt Jack to punish me for all the things that I have done in my past. I did this to my lover.

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“Ebony,” Trudy’s voice asked. “Are you hungry?”

I snapped my head to her. “No.” I looked into the fire once more. I ran my fingertips over my necklace. I had few things of Jack’s left. I only had his Techno jacket, my ring and necklace and our picture together. I didn’t want any of those things. I would have given them along with anything to get him back.

“Ebony, you haven’t eaten today.” She urged further.

“I’m not hungry.” I stated without looking away from the fire.

“Okay, but promise to eat something soon. You can’t keep your strength without food. Especially since you are sick again.” I saw her walk away from the corner of my eye.

It had been a month since Jack was taken. I had counted the days and that counting led me to realize something was changing. I was still sick. I was scared at first. It didn’t occur to me why I was till sick. Then everything began to fit into place. All the parts of the puzzle just fell right in. It was obvious.

Remembering my revelation, I quickly picked up the plate and began to eat.

Trudy saw this and came back over to me. “You decided to eat?”

“I have to.” I said between bites.

She smiled. “Good. I’m glad you realize that you need nourishment.”

“I’m not eating for me.” I answered with a sad smile. I still haven’t decided if this is a blessing or a curse. I guessed it was the first.

Trudy looked at me confused. “Whom are you eating for?”

I put the empty plate on the ground then rested my left hand against my stomach looking at the two things that Jack gave me. The ring was something that I could see right now. The other would take a couple of months to begin to show. “For Jack. For our baby.”

Trudy’s eyes lit up and I couldn’t help but laugh as she hugged me tight. “I’m so happy for you.”

My face immediately fell. Jack will miss all of this. He’ll never see his son or daughter grow. Tears began to stream down my face. “Trudy, how am I going to do this without him? I’m not maternal!” I wiped furiously at the tears that were now streaming down my face. I was going to ruin this child. People were looking at me as if I were insane for laughing and then crying so quickly. I guess they are right. Without him, I am insane. I don’t know what to do or say. I’m lost and all I do is wonder about and let out my aggressions on the battlefield. But that will be over now that I know I am pregnant.

Trudy hugged me. “Hon, I raised Brady by myself. The tribe will help you, too. You are our chief we won’t let anything happen to you or your child. We won’t let you be alone.”

“But I am alone. I’ll never get over him.” I sobbed hard. Jack is gone forever. There is nothing that can be done. We tried to find him and got nowhere. The Technos have taken him far away and I know that he is never coming back. This time, they won’t let my genius go.

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Diary 10
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Its been six months since Jack was taken and there is still no sign of him. The others gave up hope, but i still believe he is alive. So, since I am the chief, he cannot be legally declared dead until I say. He can't be dead or we would have found his body. Right?

Okay, now to the reason why I haven't written in awhile. The war finally ended last week with the Technos retreating. I wished I could have been there to see that. I would have been there had Trudy and Cloe not ordered me back to the mall. Soon after my return to the mall, Cloe showed up. I thought she may have been hurt but she was pregnant too. She was maybe a month less than I was. I was relieved to find this out. It isn't so lonely when you know that someone is going through the same thing that you are. We are both separated from our husbands. She's just lucky because she knows that hers is coming back.

Lately, it has been a bit shocking to see my stomach so big. My stomach has always been perfect. Now, I am absolutely round. I can't help being happy because this is Jack's child, despite the fact of what it is doing to my body. I wish he could be here. He would joke about me losing my figure or about me going from being queen of the Locos to the Queen of the Thompson family.

Speaking of the Thompson family, last week I had the fright of my life. Cloe and I waddled outside together to await our tribe's arrival. I was also waiting for my army. I needed to speak to them about their new general, Pride. Then I saw him. It was clearly Jack. He was far away, but I could tell it was he. Before I thought, I ignored Cloe's shout to stop and ran to him. I was blinded by my love as I pulled him to me kissing him. Something was different. He didn't kiss back. I pulled away to look at him. It wasn't Jack, but someone who looked almost exactly like him. I apologized before running back into the mall to my room to cry.

I found out later that the man is Jack's nephew, Jordan. I had just kissed my nephew! Eww. I also found out that he is the same age as me. I knew that Jack's brothers were considerable older than him. I just didn't know that they had any children. I apologized once again. We then spent the rest of the night getting to know one another and telling stories about Jack. He told me what it was like being two years older than your uncle. I told him what Jack was life after the virus. It seems as though Jordan's father told him to find Jack and take care of him, but Jordan was never able to find him. I'm actually glad that he didn't because then I wouldn't have met Jack if he did.

He may not be able to take care of his uncle, but he promised to take care of his aunt and cousin. It's only been a week, but Jordan and I are best friends. It is a bit weird to look at him. He could be Jack's twin if they were brothers. It hurts a little to look at him. I see what I lost. I could cry at times, but Jordan hugs me and tells me Jack will be home soon. I don't know why I believe him.

I guess I am blessed to find Jordan. Now, I have family that will care for me. But my real blessing is having Jack in my life. He showed me how to get back to the real me. He helped me find my way. He also helped me find him. I still can't believe that I overlooked him so long. Maybe it was my hunger for power. I was too busy trying to rule Zoot's empire, or get Bray back, or get Jay to notice me. If I would have opened my eyes, I would have seen Jack. He was the most powerful of them all. He even beat Ram. He had the intelligence, the technology, the kind soul, the honesty, the sheer brilliance of all of them combined. He just didn't abuse it or even have the confidence to use it. He also had the power of love. He drew Ellie so that she could not get away and, thank god, he drew me, too.

I can't think about this anymore. I have to close this book for now.

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Chapter 23
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Jay was struggling with Brady trying to convince her that it was time to go to bed. I couldn't help but smile at the sight. I'll be doing that soon. Finally, Brady gave in and allowed him to scoop her up into his arms. he carried her to her little bed in the corner.

"Daddy, will you sing to me?" Brady asked giving Jay a hug.

He kissed her on top of her head. “Yes." He began to sing to her softly. It was a lullaby that I have never heard. Jay wasn't from around here though and it is in another language. It sounded like Celtic. The words flowed perfectly from his lips. It was beautiful and I made a mental note to have him teach it to me. I wanted my children to know something of their father's ancestors. I already knew everything about my African ancestors; others would have to help me with Jack's people.

The song ended just a little after Brady fell asleep. Jay rejoined Trudy and I. "Works every time." Jay added with a smirk. He sat down on the couch next to Trudy and threw his legs over her lap. She looked at him playfully with 'the look' before leaning over and kissing him.

"You two are so great together." I gushed watching them smile at each other and hold hands. "Are you going to get married?"

They looked at each other before Trudy spoke. "That was the reason we asked you here. Jay asked me to marry him today." She smiled brightly not looking away from her future husband. "I can't believe I actually found someone."

"Oh," Jay started. "So, I'm just someone." He pulled his legs back and turned in the other direction with his bottom lips stuck out.

As I laughed, I could feel water stream down my leg. Could I have laughed so hard that I peed myself? No, wait... "Trudy, when your water breaks, what does it feel like?" Both she and Jay turned to look at me in shock.

"I thought I had peed myself at first, but it felt a little different." She answered.

I smiled at them. "My water broke. What do I do?" Jay jumped up and helped me to lay on the bed. Then Trudy began to order him to gather supplies. I quickly went into labor. From that point on, I paid little attention to what was going on around me. I just concentrated on getting my child out of me. Don't ask me for more details. I was a bit busy at the time. After what seemed like forever, I pushed hard and then Trudy said that she could see the head. A little while later, my beautiful son was in this world crying loudly. Needless to say, I forgot the pain that he caused me coming out. That is until I felt the pain again. "Trudy, why is there more contractions?" I asked while trying to breathe the way that she told me to.

"I don't know. Maybe there is another baby. Try pushing. I did as she told and five minutes later, my daughter was crying. I didn't even think of it being over. Maybe Jack was very fertile and there was another one. To my relief, there were no more contractions. Jay handed my now clean babies to me. They both looked up at me. I was the first thing my children ever saw. Love filled my heart. It wasn't the same thing that I felt when Jack and I had made these tiny people. It was something I knew would keep me the way their father made me.

"What will you name them?" Jay asked from the couch. He now held Brady in his arms.

I looked at my son and knew what he would be named. "My son's name is Jackson Jaymes Thompson and my daughter's name is Dala Cerrid Thompson."

"Beautiful names for beautiful children." Trudy announced taking Jay by the hand and leading her family from the room.

I looked down at my family. They were perfect. Dala had my eyes, but she stared up at me with all her father's inquisitive nature. Jackson had lighter skin than his sister and a little smaller. I had always read somewhere that the first-born twin would be bigger, but he's so tiny. I kissed each of them. "I wish your daddy were here." They only closed their eyes. I could understand how tired they are. I'm just as tired. After making sure that I wouldn't drop them by placing pillows under my arms, I allowed myself to fall asleep.

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