Rum Raisin Flavor Binge: The People Who Raised Me
Title: The People Who Raised Me
Main Story: In the Heart
Flavors, Toppings, Extras: Rum raisin flavor binge, malt (Summer Challenge 52: Every time I think back, all the good stuff that ever happened to me, happened when I was with you.), pocky chain, caramel (set long after the story ends), cherry (first person).
Word Count: 1500
Rating: PG-13, swearing.
Summary: Ivy on the people she loves.
Notes: Title from a Bird and the Bee song. For my race with Rusty.
1. mother
My mother is a force of nature. It's hard to live up to that, but unless I really think about it I don't feel that way. She's my mother. She loves me, and she's proud of me, and most of the time that's enough.
And then I think about her, everything she went through. A single mother to an active toddler in a world that couldn't forgive the lack of a husband. She stood up to them, for me. She gave up so much, for me. It's frightening.
I'm so glad she's my mother, instead of someone who would've broken.
2. father
There was a period of my life when it felt like everyone was telling me that Nathan wasn't "really" my father. Like genes really matter so goddamn much that some asshole who insulted my mother and left me behind should be the apogee of fatherhood.
There's so much more to that word. Teaching me to throw a punch, picking me up from school when I was sick, indulging my dreams. Coming to my graduation. Waltzing with me at my wedding.
So here it is, the end of the argument: my name is Ivy Hirschfeld-Kendall, and Nathan Kendall is my father.
3. sister
I don't understand Summer, not really. I mean, she's a sweetie, but she says the weirdest things, and even Lars can't figure out how she got there. Sometimes she'll go off to her own little world, and I'm not invited.
Here's the thing though. When you get right down to it I don't understand Aaron either, and he's way more neurotypical. In fact, I believe a certain amount of non-understanding is required for optimal sibling relationships. So what if she's strange? She's my sister.
I don't understand Summer. But then, I love her so much, I don't really need to.
4. brother
According to my parents, Aaron took to big-brotherhood like a duck to water. I don't remember it being quite that easy. I mean, I was a terror as a kid. You've read Calvin and Hobbes? Like that, but less warlike. I did cause about the same amount of destruction.
Hey, science requires sacrifices.
Anyway, Aaron put up with it. No, he didn't put up with it, he accepted it, with that easy way he has. He just rolls with the punches, does Aaron. And I don't think I've ever seen him broken.
I wish I could be like that, sometimes.
5. son/daughter
My children are so fragile.
I remember being a child, and the feeling of cheerful immortality that hallmarked my days. I must have turned my mother's hair prematurely white with the crap I pulled, setting things on fire and trying to mix rat poison into a soltion. All in the name of science.
My children aren't that hair-raising. But Andy still wakes from haunted dreams, and Leah hides from an increasingly scary world in books, and they are so young and so small and so fragile.
I'd kill anyone who hurt them.
I have no idea how my mother managed.
6. lover
I read somewhere that love is the condition where another person's happiness becomes essential to your own. It's like that with Gina; I knew I loved her when she came to a date so brilliantly happy, and instantly I was happy too, just because she was. She smiles, and I have to smile, because she's my heart.
I tell people I've been with her forever, and they look at me funny. Like, "get out more. Explore your options." And I'm just like, "no." Because I have explored my options, and Gina is it. Now and forever.
It's like that. Deal.
7. rival
I walked away for a minute. Just a minute, to get some drinks, and when I came back she was sitting in my chair, talking to Gina.
I'd have been okay with this (not the seat theft, but the talking), if Gina hadn't looked so goddamn scared. I swear I nearly dropped the drinks. I think I did tell her to get the fuck out of my seat.
She smirked, and put her hand on Gina's face, and Gina flinched, and I wanted to kill her.
Gina didn't tell me she was Vanessa until later, or I really might have.
8. friend
My relationship with Danny is kind of weird.
Danny doesn't play well with many people. She gets along best with Dad and Aaron, although of course Summer and I like her, and Mom thinks she's sweet.
I know, right? Danny. Sweet.
So we're not the closest. She'd go to Lars to complain about her boyfriends, and Aaron to complain about life, and Dad to just talk. She and I mostly just drank, and got each other's backs.
But then I guess that's what friendship's all about. Having somebody's back, no matter what.
Hey, Danny. It's okay. I got your back.
9. leader
If my mother is a force of nature, her mother was something else again. I mean, how do you think my mother got that way?
Actually, Gina reminds me of Grandma Sophia. They both have this really sweet appearance, but God help you if you screw with people they love. Of course, unlike Gina, Grandma Sophia would destroy you if you even thought of crossing her.
I swear that woman could read minds. Anyway.
I remember once after a visit, I told my mother I wanted to be just like Grammy when I grew up.
I hope I got close.
10. guardian
Grandpa Jack was an excellent grandfather.
According to my mother, he wasn't very thrilled about me at first. He must've gotten over that, because all my memories of him are of a gruff old man smiling with his eyes, who always had a hug for me.
Grandma told me that my biohazard came once when I was six months old and tried to take me away. I think, if I try, I can sort of remember this; my grandfather's worn plaid shirt, angry voices, and above all a gentle, protective grip.
Grandpa Jack was the best grandfather ever.
11. messenger
Okay, so I was a total bitch to Olivia over the thing with Jake. He chewed me out for it, though, and I apologized, so I guess I've done penace? Whatever. She didn't seem to care after she came back.
Here's the weirdest part. I think I kind of admire her for that. Olivia forgives everyone so easily (well, everyone except herself), and she's so good at telling people bad things. She might break your heart, but she'll do it carefully. Clean, so it'll heal.
She's a good person. I'm glad she came back, and not just because of Jake.
12. guide
Clara is a nice person. I don't hang out with many nice people.
No, really, I don't. Gina is nice, but not like Clara is, and Olivia always seems so frightened, like she's being nice so she won't be hurt. Understandable, but not the same. Clara is nice because she genuinely believes she can make the world a better place and that everyone can get along if we all just smile more often.
The weird thing is that I don't want to shatter her bubble. And maybe, somewhere way down deep in my black, cynical heart, I hope she's right.
13. victim
I'm still so fucking mad at Lars, when I think about it. For fuck's sake, Summer was thirteen and she adored him, and he just ripped her apart like it was nothing, like it didn't even matter.
And, okay, he groveled a lot to make up for it. And, okay, if Summer's decided to forgive him it's really not any of my business anymore. I try not to meddle in other people's relationships. That way lies madness.
But he sure taught me how not to be a victim. Don't take it out on the people who love you, for starters.
14. benefactor
Jake's really good at fixing things. That's why he works for my mother, although not why he got adopted. He got adopted because there are things he can't fix, wounds in his soul, and Mom is compelled to make people feel better-- it's the kindergarten teacher in her. Those wounds make him good at seeing other people's hurts, though.
I think that's part of why he loves Olivia. I know it's part of why he fits in so well with us. He sees the wounds we hide, and he tries to start them healing.
Do unto others. And he does.
15. stranger
So many people had a hand in making me who I am. My mother, for one. My father, my brother and sister. My grandparents, distantly. Gina, my heart and soul. My family of friends. My children.
Bradley Spitzer didn't. Bradley Spitzer has nothing to do with me, beyond a distant genetic relationship.
So, no, I don't grieve for him. I'm sorry he's dead, but I won't lie. I barely knew him, and what I did know makes him seem like a tool, not worth my time or my tears.
I've got so many better people to love than that stranger.
Main Story: In the Heart
Flavors, Toppings, Extras: Rum raisin flavor binge, malt (Summer Challenge 52: Every time I think back, all the good stuff that ever happened to me, happened when I was with you.), pocky chain, caramel (set long after the story ends), cherry (first person).
Word Count: 1500
Rating: PG-13, swearing.
Summary: Ivy on the people she loves.
Notes: Title from a Bird and the Bee song. For my race with Rusty.
1. mother
My mother is a force of nature. It's hard to live up to that, but unless I really think about it I don't feel that way. She's my mother. She loves me, and she's proud of me, and most of the time that's enough.
And then I think about her, everything she went through. A single mother to an active toddler in a world that couldn't forgive the lack of a husband. She stood up to them, for me. She gave up so much, for me. It's frightening.
I'm so glad she's my mother, instead of someone who would've broken.
2. father
There was a period of my life when it felt like everyone was telling me that Nathan wasn't "really" my father. Like genes really matter so goddamn much that some asshole who insulted my mother and left me behind should be the apogee of fatherhood.
There's so much more to that word. Teaching me to throw a punch, picking me up from school when I was sick, indulging my dreams. Coming to my graduation. Waltzing with me at my wedding.
So here it is, the end of the argument: my name is Ivy Hirschfeld-Kendall, and Nathan Kendall is my father.
3. sister
I don't understand Summer, not really. I mean, she's a sweetie, but she says the weirdest things, and even Lars can't figure out how she got there. Sometimes she'll go off to her own little world, and I'm not invited.
Here's the thing though. When you get right down to it I don't understand Aaron either, and he's way more neurotypical. In fact, I believe a certain amount of non-understanding is required for optimal sibling relationships. So what if she's strange? She's my sister.
I don't understand Summer. But then, I love her so much, I don't really need to.
4. brother
According to my parents, Aaron took to big-brotherhood like a duck to water. I don't remember it being quite that easy. I mean, I was a terror as a kid. You've read Calvin and Hobbes? Like that, but less warlike. I did cause about the same amount of destruction.
Hey, science requires sacrifices.
Anyway, Aaron put up with it. No, he didn't put up with it, he accepted it, with that easy way he has. He just rolls with the punches, does Aaron. And I don't think I've ever seen him broken.
I wish I could be like that, sometimes.
5. son/daughter
My children are so fragile.
I remember being a child, and the feeling of cheerful immortality that hallmarked my days. I must have turned my mother's hair prematurely white with the crap I pulled, setting things on fire and trying to mix rat poison into a soltion. All in the name of science.
My children aren't that hair-raising. But Andy still wakes from haunted dreams, and Leah hides from an increasingly scary world in books, and they are so young and so small and so fragile.
I'd kill anyone who hurt them.
I have no idea how my mother managed.
6. lover
I read somewhere that love is the condition where another person's happiness becomes essential to your own. It's like that with Gina; I knew I loved her when she came to a date so brilliantly happy, and instantly I was happy too, just because she was. She smiles, and I have to smile, because she's my heart.
I tell people I've been with her forever, and they look at me funny. Like, "get out more. Explore your options." And I'm just like, "no." Because I have explored my options, and Gina is it. Now and forever.
It's like that. Deal.
7. rival
I walked away for a minute. Just a minute, to get some drinks, and when I came back she was sitting in my chair, talking to Gina.
I'd have been okay with this (not the seat theft, but the talking), if Gina hadn't looked so goddamn scared. I swear I nearly dropped the drinks. I think I did tell her to get the fuck out of my seat.
She smirked, and put her hand on Gina's face, and Gina flinched, and I wanted to kill her.
Gina didn't tell me she was Vanessa until later, or I really might have.
8. friend
My relationship with Danny is kind of weird.
Danny doesn't play well with many people. She gets along best with Dad and Aaron, although of course Summer and I like her, and Mom thinks she's sweet.
I know, right? Danny. Sweet.
So we're not the closest. She'd go to Lars to complain about her boyfriends, and Aaron to complain about life, and Dad to just talk. She and I mostly just drank, and got each other's backs.
But then I guess that's what friendship's all about. Having somebody's back, no matter what.
Hey, Danny. It's okay. I got your back.
9. leader
If my mother is a force of nature, her mother was something else again. I mean, how do you think my mother got that way?
Actually, Gina reminds me of Grandma Sophia. They both have this really sweet appearance, but God help you if you screw with people they love. Of course, unlike Gina, Grandma Sophia would destroy you if you even thought of crossing her.
I swear that woman could read minds. Anyway.
I remember once after a visit, I told my mother I wanted to be just like Grammy when I grew up.
I hope I got close.
10. guardian
Grandpa Jack was an excellent grandfather.
According to my mother, he wasn't very thrilled about me at first. He must've gotten over that, because all my memories of him are of a gruff old man smiling with his eyes, who always had a hug for me.
Grandma told me that my biohazard came once when I was six months old and tried to take me away. I think, if I try, I can sort of remember this; my grandfather's worn plaid shirt, angry voices, and above all a gentle, protective grip.
Grandpa Jack was the best grandfather ever.
11. messenger
Okay, so I was a total bitch to Olivia over the thing with Jake. He chewed me out for it, though, and I apologized, so I guess I've done penace? Whatever. She didn't seem to care after she came back.
Here's the weirdest part. I think I kind of admire her for that. Olivia forgives everyone so easily (well, everyone except herself), and she's so good at telling people bad things. She might break your heart, but she'll do it carefully. Clean, so it'll heal.
She's a good person. I'm glad she came back, and not just because of Jake.
12. guide
Clara is a nice person. I don't hang out with many nice people.
No, really, I don't. Gina is nice, but not like Clara is, and Olivia always seems so frightened, like she's being nice so she won't be hurt. Understandable, but not the same. Clara is nice because she genuinely believes she can make the world a better place and that everyone can get along if we all just smile more often.
The weird thing is that I don't want to shatter her bubble. And maybe, somewhere way down deep in my black, cynical heart, I hope she's right.
13. victim
I'm still so fucking mad at Lars, when I think about it. For fuck's sake, Summer was thirteen and she adored him, and he just ripped her apart like it was nothing, like it didn't even matter.
And, okay, he groveled a lot to make up for it. And, okay, if Summer's decided to forgive him it's really not any of my business anymore. I try not to meddle in other people's relationships. That way lies madness.
But he sure taught me how not to be a victim. Don't take it out on the people who love you, for starters.
14. benefactor
Jake's really good at fixing things. That's why he works for my mother, although not why he got adopted. He got adopted because there are things he can't fix, wounds in his soul, and Mom is compelled to make people feel better-- it's the kindergarten teacher in her. Those wounds make him good at seeing other people's hurts, though.
I think that's part of why he loves Olivia. I know it's part of why he fits in so well with us. He sees the wounds we hide, and he tries to start them healing.
Do unto others. And he does.
15. stranger
So many people had a hand in making me who I am. My mother, for one. My father, my brother and sister. My grandparents, distantly. Gina, my heart and soul. My family of friends. My children.
Bradley Spitzer didn't. Bradley Spitzer has nothing to do with me, beyond a distant genetic relationship.
So, no, I don't grieve for him. I'm sorry he's dead, but I won't lie. I barely knew him, and what I did know makes him seem like a tool, not worth my time or my tears.
I've got so many better people to love than that stranger.