Make Room for Daddy!

So I swallowed my pride and went to see Clay. Matthew was determined to see his father and I couldn't stand in the way because of my feelings about Clay. I really hoped that he would want to see him and Madison too. It would break Matt's heart if he didn't.
"Hello Gabby. You're looking well," he said.
"Gee, thanks Clay. Look, there's no need to make small talk. We both know why I'm here."
"Not to invite me to you wedding since you already had it."
"Why would I invite you to my wedding? What possible reason would there be for me to do that?" I asked.
"Politeness."
"Politeness? You want to talk about being polite when you cheated on me and left me to raise two kids alone? You're crazier than I remember!"

"Look Gabby, I wasn't ready to be a father then. We had just graduated from college! It was too soon to start a family."
"Too soon? You think I was anymore ready than you? I'm the one who was pregnant. I'm the one who gave birth to two of the best kids in the world. And I'm the one who has been raising them with no help from you," I yelled.
"Ok, yea I wasn't there. What does it matter now? You found a man to play daddy so what do you need me for?" Clay asked.
"What? How dare you question my marriage! And Taj is not their father, you are. Matt really wants to meet you Clay and I was hoping you wanted to meet him and his sister too."


"I know you don't believe me, but I've always wondered about how they were turning out."
"You're right. I don't believe you."
"See, that's another reason why I left. You're always fussing about something. I said I wanted to see them and I did," Clay said getting angry.
"You didn't leave, I put your ass out. And if you wanted to see them, you would have tried to contact me."
"As unreasonable as you are? And I don't need your "husband" breathing down my neck either."
"Me and Taj just got married. The twins are almost teens and you haven't lifted a finger to help them. They need to know you Clay, to see both sides of where they come from. I'm taking them to Sugar Cube Bowling alley tonight. If you want to meet them, you'll show."
It was the worst feeling to have to beg a father to see his kids. I hoped that he would show and not disappoint them.

We reached the alley and Clay did in fact show up. I couldn't stand to see how fake he acted with the children. Like he was so happy to see them. Like I had been keeping him away from them. I hate Clay Miller!Matt was so excited about meeting his dad. He was trying to bowl a perfect game to impress him. Everytime he was up, he was in fierce concentration, trying to make a strike. He was asking Clay all kinds of questions. I really hope that meeting his father will make him be a little nicer to Taj. It's really silly for him to have such animosity towards a man who has been nothing but nice to him.
Clay, of course, was eating up all the attention from Matt and trying to impress him as well. I just hated to see him doing that, knowing that this wasn't the real Clay. But Matt had to see for himself that Clay as not the great guy he was attempting to portray himself as. I just hope it isn't too hard on him when he sees it.

Madison, on the other hand, appreciated seeing her father, but was concerned that Taj would be sad that he couldn't come. He and Madison were very close and she didn't want him to have hurt feelings. Clay didn't like that Madison was concerned about Taj and so he didn't treat her with as much attention as Matt. This pissed me off, but Madison didn't seem to mind. She's always been a good judge of character and I think she knows what her dad is really about.

After bowling, we all sat down at the built in diner and had dinner. Well, they had dinner. I was feeling a bit pukey. Guess that comes from hanging out with Clay. All in all, I would classify it as a success. Matt was finally happy. But I just didn't know how long his happiness would last.

New Addition!

Being pregnant sucks! I love my daughter and I love my new baby, but no more kids for me! I just can't take it! I felt like a whale my whole freaking pregnancy! But now the horrible part is over because now I have.....

Little Arlena McGaw, named after her grandmother Arlen. Donte was a bit sad that we had another girl, but he was happy about the new baby. She is so cute! Not cute enough to make me want another one though! Amara is really excited about having a little sister! She really misses Madison and Matthew and the baby is really good for her.

I love my house! It's so beautiful when the sun is just beginning to come up. Today is Saturday and I am a bit exhausted from little Arlena, so Donte is taking Amara our for a daddy/daughter day. I have some stuff to do at my second RJ Taylor shop later and I need some rest!
As they get into the truck, Amara is asking a million questions about what they were going to do. Donte wouldn't tell her, he simply said, "Today is all about Amara and that's all you need to know!"

He decided to take her to Central Park because she loved being outside all the time. They began playing red hands and Amara looks up at Donte and says, "Dad you know I love you right?" That was the first thing he told me when they returned! His could only respond, "Not as much as I love you kid."

He took her to see the human statue which completely freaked her out! She was amazed and frightened at the same time! Donte gave the man a nice tip for his excellent performance.

Donte twirled her around and around. I've told him not to do that because he knows that she gets sick, but he thinks if he does it before she eats then he'll be ok. She's gonna have to throw up on him before he learns his lesson!

After swinging her all around, they have a little tickle fight. Donte really is a good dad and we were both worried that Amara would feel left out once she realized how much work goes into a newborn baby as well as a toddler. So we decided to take turns making sure she always had enough attention. Didn't need a crying baby AND a pouting child to deal with!

Amara ran into my brother Kyler Dewayne's girlfriend at the park. Zoe Gonzalez is an amazing woman, and I hope my brother doesn't screw this up! She's very independent which means she won't smother him and she's very nice. He is so determined not to have a marriage like our parents had that he is jeporadizing his chance at happiness. I've had plenty of talks with him but he has that Taylor pride and stubborness!

Amara was super excited about Arlena and that's all she talks about!

"Daddy when can I play with my sister?"

"Amara, she's just a baby. It will be a little while before she's big enough for you to play with honey."

"Awwww.......what am I suppose to do until then? Madison and Matt moved away and now I don't have anyone to play with."

"Matt and Madison just moved across the street, you'll see them all the time. And you have other cousins you can play with, you know. Like CJ and Tyler. It's gonna be fine."

"If you say so daddy."

When they were done with lunch, Amara decided to impress her dad with her somersault skills. I've told that girl time and time again that twirling around on the floor in a dress is not ladylike. You think she listens? NO!

While Donte and Amara were out playing, I was at RJ Taylor taking care of something I didn't want to have to do. I hate firing people, I do, but when they stop doing their job they have to go! This is, after all, a business. One that has my name on it! A little off subject, but how's my hair? I mean I dyed it red for a change and I'm letting it grow out. I've had the same style for a while now and need a change. The bangs are hot huh?

Pierre Dumas did not take being fired well. Pierre....his name is Paul. He thinks Pierre gives him more cred as a stylist.....yeah right. It's just stupid, we all know he isn't french! He was coming to work and not even going upstairs to his chair! People were coming to me complaining about how there was no one there to give them makeovers! I really miss Gabby. She used to work as my stylist in the LaQuest Beach store on her off days, but now that she's married, she doesn't have the time. Maybe I need to bring that up again.....

Ah, the work of a fashionista is never done! I need to get back into organizing my fashion show. I put it off because I was being there for my family but I need to start planning it again. I had models lined up and everything! Well, back to work!

The Plight of a Teenager

I'm sorry.....this picture has nothing to do with anything but he's just so sexy! I mean look at him! I can't believe my parents actually thought I would give him up because they didn't approve! And he turned out to be the best thing I ever did!

Weekends in the Ray household always consist of family meals. I made it mandatory! I want us to always be close and during the week we have so much going on we barely talk. So weekend dinners and breakfast are not up for discussion! They grumble about it but I know they appreciate it!

Craig makes sure that he always spends some time with Tyler.....they have a really close bond and Craig wants to make sure it stays that way.....unlike our relationship with Christa at the moment!

Tyler is a very happy little boy. We encourage him to get out and be active because otherwise he would sit in the house with his nose in a book! Craig and my brother Aiden have planned to take Tyler and Aiden's son CJ on a camping trip in a few weeks....it will be really good for Tyler to get out of the house for a while.

I also stay on the phone for about an hour with my mom on the weekends. The conversation is usually based around her concern that I am running her store into the ground...great to have parents that believe in you right? Monday morning is the opening of the new version of Picture This! and my mom is more nervous than I am!

Christa walks around the house giving everyone but Tyler dirty looks. That girl is just so weird. We had a great relationship when she was younger but now it feels like she justs wants me to butt out of her life.....but I also have plans for a trip of my own.....me and Christa are having a girls weekend soon and she is going to tell me what her problem is with me! Teenagers!

I love it when he looks at me like that! To balance out my income with the store, I also give financial consulting on the weekends to earn a little extra cash. With the store, some days I bring in a big profit, other days I make a few bucks. Hopefully, with the new layout, that will change.

Christa's bestfriend is Arianna Ying. Nice girl but she looks like a clown with all the makeup she wears! But Christa loves her and she's over all the time. They are even talking of starting a band together which is why Christa got a job. She wants to buy a drum set. Peace and quiet will be out the window once she can afford it!

Tyler's bestfriend is probably his cousin CJ. I think it's great because CJ is much more out going than Tyler and encourages him to be outgoing as well. I know they are going to have a ball on their camping trip!

Monday is here and I am a bit nervous about opening the shop. I sunk alot of money into redoing it and my parents will kill me if it fails.....I really hope that I was right about this......But I've been right every other time I have followed my gut....

Craig recently was hired at Sim State as a professor and I am so proud of him! He's really climbing the ladder and loves what he does. He's just a really great man and I know he will do just as good in this position as he did in the high school position.

So I open up the doors and I actually have customers! Jan Gibson was my first official portrait and I think it went really well. Once the word spread about the portraits, I think my store will be a success. It's the only one of its kind in all of Pleasantview!

Jan loved her portrait and couldn't wait to get it home and hang it on her almost bare walls. I was so happy and excited! My last words to Jan? "Tell a friend!"

Tyler returns home from school and brings Amara McGaw with him. Amara is my cousin Rochella Jalise's daughter. I'm glad that he is bringing home friends and being more social. We were worried about him for a minute!

Not a bad start to the week at all. I've started practicing my painting skills. If I get good enough, I can sell the paintings at the store. I've seen Christa painting as well. Maybe I can convince her to paint some for me to sell. With her, you just never knew!

Christa Ray: My Intro

Hey peeps! My name is Christa Ray and this is my so called life. I mean I love my life as much as the next 15 year old girl......but being 15 sucks sometimes. My parents don't understand me, or at least pretend not to. I think I'm a pretty reasonable person but they look at me like I'm from another planet!

So I spend as much time away from the house as they will allow! My favorite place to hang is the Carson City Teen Hangout.....yea, I know lame name but it's a pretty cool place. I come, get some snacks, people watch, and enjoy just being AWAY from home!

I even hit the dance floor from time to time! I'm ok I guess, but I only dance when there's not alot of people around. Gotta work more on my moves before I show the world!

These are my parents, Kasha and Craig Ray. Disgusting, isn't it? They act like they're on a honeymoon all the time! I guess I should be happy that they're all in love and will always be together, but c'mon.....who wants to look at this all the time?

This little genius is my brother Tyler. Tyler is a dweeb. I mean I love him, but standing outside looking through that telescope is his favorite hobby.....how sad is that? Maybe as he gets older he'll come out of his shell more. Who knows?

See what I mean? Staring at me like I have three eyes or something.....I know it's because she wishes I was more like her....but she was a rebel too so I don't see what her problem is! She dropped out of school against my grandparent's wishes and ran off and married my dad! I'm sure it's because I'm not all into sports and would rather play the drums than shoot a basketball.....I have lousy coordination!

Every week she demands that we sit down to at least two family meals. It's tough because we're all so busy so it usually doesn't happen until the weekends. Mom took over my grandmother's art shop and just turned it into a photo studio so she's busy with that. My dad is a college professor and works all week long. Tyler belongs to an after school geek club ( I forget the name or even what it's about!). And me? Well I just got a job so that I can afford my own drum set. Of course mom got me the job and it's sports related. I work as a water girl for my cousin Gabriella Elise's soccer team, The Fighting Lady Llamas. It's a stupid gig but it pays pretty nice and once I get my drum set I'm quitting!

This is my bestfriend Arianna Ying. Yes I know Ying doesn't really fit her, but what can I say? She's a quirky girl who wears way too much make-up but is the bestfriend a girl could have! She loves to sing and we are thinking of starting up our own band, with me as the drummer of course.

What do we talk about? Music, boys, fashion, boys, school, boys! Yes I like boys although I think my parents are afraid I don't. Can't judge a book by it's cover you know! They're just weirded out because of how I dress. My mom use to dress me in all this frilly stuff and they can't believe my choice of style.....like I said they don't get me!

We even play a few rounds of kicky bag.....the guy in the background? Charles Hamilton. I don't know how Arianna knows him but she brought him with her when she came over.....doesn't matter, if all college guys look like him then I am definitely reconsidering going! I don't really think I want to waste my time....but for God's sake don't tell my parents!

I'm always sad to see her go....I always wished that Tyler had been a girl so maybe I would have someone who understands who I am......but at least I have her around.....I'd go crazy if I didn't!

So tonight me and my cousin Fallon Taylor are sneaking out! Yes, it's Sunday and I'm going to be dead on my feet in school tomorrow, but hey it's SO worth it!

Now I have no idea how me and Fallon got so close.....we're like day and night! She's the daughter my parents should have had! Actually maybe we do need to switch families! Her parents are cool. Her mom, Kelly, practices witchcraft.....I mean, how cool is that? Fallon is the star on her school's basketball team and is also the girliest girl I know.....my mom would be in love! Despite the differences, we get along wonderfully and hang out all the time. She just started dating Dirk Dreamer who has been a wonderful influence on her in my opinion.....she's not as stuffy as she was.....she would never have snuck out before!

I really love to paint, even though I suck. I think I'm just a more creative person than my folks. Even my dad gets out in the backyard shooting hoops......I'm just not that kind of girl! My parents also freaked when I redecorated my room. It was pink for goodness sakes! Pink? That is SO not me so I changed it......my mom doesn't even like to come in here!

So Fallon calls and says she's outside and I walk out and there's a limo! Apparently, Dirk's dad is seeing the daughter of the richest man in Pleasantview and the family has been enjoying some added perks! I am not complaining! I've never even been in a limo before!

So I get back about 4 in the morning.....school and work is gonna suck tomorrow! But I had alot of fun and Dirk seems like a really nice guy. It's actually funny....me and Dirk go to the same public school and Fallon is in private school but she is the one who ends up meeting him! I mean I've seen him around but never paid any attention to him. Oh well, they both will be going off to college soon and I'll be stuck here trying to get by!

Just as I thought, school and work sucked today! But it's 6 o'clock and I'm finally home and now I'm off to do this stupid homework.....gotta keep the grades up to keep the rents off my back!