Generation 2-Chapter 8: Triple Birthday Bash

"I swear if the clock could tick any slower it would" I announced to no one in particular as I sat in the kitchen while Mom put the finishing touches on the birthday cakes and Bubbles and B. Foster played the "I love you more" game on the sofa. Gag me.

Things with mom had gone surprisingly well after Dad had broken the news that I had an old 'suitor'. Lol, silly Dad. If you ask me, it seemed almost as if she had already had a sneaking suspicion that I was at least interested in him. She kind of alluded to that fact while we were gardening one day. After that I felt like the air was cleared between the two of us. It wasn't long before the house started filling with guests, one of them being my heart-throb. But there wasn't much time for small talk or catching up. Dad and Mom quickly ushered me toward the table. It seems I was up first.

Hmm...what to wish for?

How do you wish for something that you may or may not already have?

I soon as I blew out the candles, I actually felt a little older. I'm a young adult now. Soon to be on my own, sort of. I didn't have much time to speculate inwardly on that as I was immediately handed presents. My sister wanted me to put hers to immediate use and had me try on two outfits she had bought. The first one was cute but not really me anymore.

The second one was perfect. Mostly because I wasn't going to try on anymore.

It was B. Foster's turn to blow out the candles.

He's actually growing up to be pretty handsome. Not that astonishing really, when you look at who he has for an older brother. Speaking of older brothers....where did Juniper run off to?

I looked around for him but I didn't see him. I didn't want to leave to search for him because everyone was singing happy birthday to Bubbles.

Bubbles was beautiful as always. But back to my earlier task.

Where did that  boy run off to? I grabbed a piece of cake before the mobbed ate all of it, and headed through the back door to see if he might have escaped the crowd by heading outside. I didn't see him but I noticed Dad sitting down on the bench. I joined him and he must have noticed my disappointment because scooted closer and said "Hey kiddo, I know I might not be a handsome young 'whippersnapper' but I'm proud of you."

I laughed at the whippersnapper comment. "Thanks Daddy"

"You know that no matter how old you and your sisters get, you will always be my little girls, my princesses."
I nodded and smiled at the man who used to sing me lullabies and tuck me in at night.
"Of course Dad. It's just, well.....I was kind of hoping that Juniper would stay true to his word and ask me out after I turned 18."
He gave a gut jiggling laugh, "Sweetheart, you just turned 18 less than an hour ago, give the poor fellow time! Besides, I have a feeling that he came for the important part of the party and only left because he had too. For all you know he had some emergency to deal with at home or something."
I chuckled at that too. He did have a point, but patience had never been my best virtue--and I had waited long enough as far as I was concerned.

I wondered back through the party. Mom and Dad had decided to let B. Foster stay the night due to the fact that he had had a bit too much nectar. I don't know if that was such a smart idea on their part knowing how those two are all over each other. I guess it doesn't matter now that we are adults.

Wait a minute, is she doing what I think she's doing?

"Bubbles?"

Well at least he said yes. I guess Mom and Dad will have a little more to worry about in the morning than me and my older 'beau'.

As I crawled into my new bed that both Bubbles and I had received from Mom and Dad as birthday presents, I couldn't help but let the feeling of doubt settle in despite Dad's warm words. I think the not knowing what was going to happen bothered me more than anything. Before I went to bed, I checked my phone to plug it in and noticed that I had a new email. Juniper.

"Candy, sorry I had to leave so early but I had some things I needed to take care of at home. I don't know if B. Foster told you, but we have moved into a little nicer place. Actually not too far down the road from your house. As soon as I have everyone settle in, I'll have you over. Just know that I'm thinking about you and can't wait to see you.

-Juniper"

Well, I'm not really sure how I feel about that. I mean, I didn't really expect us to get married and move in right away or anything but a goodnight kiss would have been better than nothing. Even a hug. Oh well....beggars can't be choosers I guess. We'll have to see what tomorrow brings....probably lots of yelling. Silly Bubbles. With that thought I drifted off to sleep.

Generation 2-Chapter 7: Birthdays and New Beginnings

I tossed and turned that night, despite my resolve not to. Thank berry that it was the last day of school. Ever. I couldn't stop smiling at the thought of that. I had talked to Dad about that the night before after we had celebrated his birthday.

Dad was looking handsome in his middle age although I think it was dulling his fashion sense.

I had told Dad and Mom earlier in the week that I didn't think I wanted to go away for college that I thought I might keep working at the spa and go to Coconut Community College until I figured out what I wanted to do then maybe transfer to the more local Sweet Valley University that was a short commute. Mom was very disappointed and hasn't really talked to me since she had been hoping that I'd be a doctor and go to Sugarverd or Brown Sugar University, but Dad had given me a thumbs up and told me he had faith that I would be successful and carry on the family name in a positive light.

Truth was, the only thing that really grabbed my interest was paranormal psychology but the program was very difficult to get into and my formally awesome grades had gone downhill slightly my senior year....probably due to the fact that my mind was always somewhere else.....

As Bubbles and I walked out of Sugar Valley High School for the last time we were so excited that I nearly forgot about the previous night. Bubbles told me that she was going to wait on B. Foster who had ran back inside to say goodbye to some of his buddies from the wrestling team. She asked me if I wanted to wait but I didn't think I could take the two of them together.

What to do, what to do?

While lost in thought about the fact that I had successfully completed high school, I found myself wandering over to the park. I kind of felt like I was forgetting something, and was feeling rather dazed to be honest.

I put my hand out towards the flutterbies that were flittering about and one landed on my hand. I smiled as a stared at the silken wings. So beautiful but so fragile.

I wandered over towards the swings and sat down. Sugar Vally really is a beautiful place I thought to myself. I allowed my mind to drift and suddenly something clicked. I glanced at my watch...Oh no! Juniper and I are supposed to meet here, I'm not ready for this! No sooner than the thought crossed my mind I heard my name.

"Candy" I turned in the direction of that twangy voice. I saw him standing by the park entrance and walked over.

"Hi"

"Hi" he looked a bit like he was struggling for what to say. That can't be good I thought.
"Candy, I am not really sure what to say...Your confession threw my for a loop last night. I mean, we were having a lot of fun together but then you kind of started avoiding me, for months and months. And then there's the age difference. I can't help but wonder what your parents would think." He paused and looked at the ground and it took everything I had not to let my lower lip quiver. This is not going very well at all!

 
"But I also can't deny that I do have feelings for you too...It's just..."

I didn't wait for him to contradict himself, I threw myself into his arms and he pulled me in close and hugged me back. It felt every bit as good as I'd imagined and he smelled soooo good. The enchantement was broken as I heard a familiar voice behind me say "Well well, what do we have here?"

I had not noticed that Bridget had been standing behind us the whole time. She snicked and walked away.
 "Shitake mushrooms!" I said, "She'll tell mom."

"Well that's the other thing I wanted to talk to you about Candy." he looked concerned "If we are going to try to have any sort of relationship, you and I are going to have to speak to your parents first, and I also won't be asking you out if they disapprove or until after your 18th birthday and I hope you understand. I don't want us to start out on the wrong foot."

Relationship? Did he say 'us'? I was probably grinning like an idiot .My heart was pounding in my ears. "Fine, let's go now then. Damage control against Bridget."

We got into the truck and drove toward the house. Neither one of us said much but I think I was a little too enamored by the fact that he was sitting in the sit next to me.

"Let me go inside first to kind of see what's going on" he nodded his approval and waited while I went in. I motioned the okay and saw that Mom was on the phone with Bridget in the bedroom and dad was hanging out in the living room.

He leaned over and whispered in my ear "Why don't you give your dad and I some time to talk, just remember what I've said please." I nodded and felt butterflies in my belly. I sat down in the kitchen with Bubbles who had just made a snack. She gave me a whats-this-about look and I leaned in and quickly rehased all of the details of the past hour to her. She grinned from ear to ear and then noticing my look of concern and having that twin-sense that I need distraction started talking about our joint birthday party with B. Foster that was coming up in a couple of days.

I couldn't help but glance over occasionally at Dad and Juniper.

Things appeared to be going well. I heard snatches of the conversation regarding something about college, birthday parties and weddings. The last one made me raise an eyebrow but who knows what they were actually saying with my dad. Juniper finally waved good-bye and gave me a thumbs up and a wink. I felt my heart lurch, But I thought he'd at least stay for a bit...what the heck?!

Dad came over and sat by us. "That's a good fellow you've found there Candy. And don't worry about Mom, I'll smooth things over." I must have looked a little lost because he summed up his talk with Juniper, "Well I told Juniper that I appreciated you guys coming to us first, that I could understand how a young fellow could think the world of my sweet little girl" I blushed a bit at this, "And that you were to not just run off and get married before you went to college or I'd kill you both." My eyes were probably as big as saucers because he started laughing.
"I'm only kidding Candy, well sort of." Dad smiled, "By the way, he told me to tell you that he'd see you at you guys' birthday party on Sunday."

I went to bed that night thinking about everything that had happened that day. I was still a little puzzled and insecure about the whole situation. I dreamed about school, Juniper, Bubbles and B. Foster but mostly dreamed about the birthday party itself. Sunday felt like a long time to wait but then again I had waited this long....

Generation 2-Chapter 6.5: TEASER!!!!!! (Didn't want to leave you all waiting anymore so....a short new chapter for you)

As soon as I knocked on the door I felt all my convictions flee and a sense of panic started to set in. Maybe this wasn't such a good idea, maybe I should just run but...too late.

The door opened and facing me was those gorgeous violet and gold eyes and I forgot not only the need to run buy also my intended purpose there.

"Candy! What a suprise! I thought maybe you'd did poorly on that paper I helped you with a while back because I haven't seen you since." Juniper said with a big grin."Come on in"

I stepped inside slowly. Pull yourself together girl! "I...um...no I didn't fail the paper...that's not why.."


"Candy what's going on? Is something wrong?"

"I..um..I'm....I'm in love with you Juniper!" I just blurted it out. This was apparently all I needed to launch into my whole full blown out confession. I told him everything, from the first day we met to present.

He continued to look at me for a moment with his mouth agape the moment he started to collect himself and say something I found my legs and ran to the truck.

I cannot believe I just did that. Why did I run away? I can't stand  to face him telling me I'm too young or treating me like a little sister. As I pulled away I saw him standing there with a puzzled look on his face. Well at least it's not unrequited now...even if it might be unreciprocated.

By the time I had arrived home...my cell phone was ringing...I heard the familiar chime as it rolled over to voicemail...I looked at the caller ID "Juniper". I was just about to sit it down when it rang again in my hand. Again the caller ID said "Juniper". Hmm...maybe I should answer. No I just can't...not tonight. Not right before the last day of school.

My phone chirped again, this time telling me I had a new text message. It read:

            Candy, I understand you not wanting to answer the phone but can you meet me tomorrow?       I'd really like to talk. At the park maybe?

Against my better judgement I picked up the phone texted back: Yes

 ****

Note to my readers:
I know you think I'm being cruel to once again leave you hanging in the balance, but I promise I'm not. Chapter 7 will be out soon but I have to get a chance to sit and edit some more pictures and write the chapters out. RL has just been very busy especially with work. I don't want to promise a certain time but I'll try to have at least one whole chapter out very soon.

Generation 2-Chapter 5: Makeovers and Teen Angst

I took a deep breath in and walked into the salon...makeover here I come (ready or not). I saw a few familiar faces as I walked in but no one payed me much attention. The nice lady at the counter greeted me, took my name and walked me back to a room for my makeover.

The first outfit I tried on was not me, at all. I think it might have even made my butt look a little big.

Two hours later and a large pile of clothes and this was the result.

I definitely felt a little more fashion forward and even a little grown up. I hoped mom wouldn't freak out when I walked in like this. Heck, I hope she did a little, maybe that would mean I looked good adult enough to catch a certain someone's eye.....

***

I arrived home just in time for dinner, I sat down and ate waiting to see who would notice my new look first. To my surprise and disappointment, no one seemed to pay me very much attention. In fact we kind of ate in silence, it seemed Pepper's absence was still causing a thick tension in the house.

I helped clean up after dinner and then decided to place a call to a certain household. I was a little shocked when Juniper actually answered the phone. I ended up talking to him for about an hour and tried to play it off as getting to know the Breeze's and volunteering to show them around that weekend. Not only was I trying to play it cool but I noticed Mom eyeing me a bit suspiciously.

School seemed to tick by very slowly for the next few days. The only way I think I was able to keep my sanity was by humoring myself watching Bubbles and B. Foster together. He was coming home with her everyday after school and becoming a permanent fixture at our house. She said they were just friends but I'm not so sure...

Looks like a little flirting going on to me.

Honeydew's 18th birthday was Wednesday and we celebrated her being an adult by all the girls going out shopping. Honey decided to follow me and go for a new edgy look that took after the band she had joined, only she changed her hair again.

Lucky Honey, she seems to have gotten all of Mom and Dad's best features and looks like she belongs on the cover of Rolling Stones now.

Meanwhile, Mom's 50th birthday was getting close, you'd never know it to look at her but as the big 5-0 drew closer, she started working out quite frequently.

When Friday came around and that 2pm school bell rang, I almost ran into the house.
 "Dad can I borrow the car? Please?"

"Sure honey, here are the keys, but first...where are you headed and who with?"

"Dad" *eyeroll* Mom's birthday is Sunday and I need to get her a present" (And I need to see if I can find Juniper)

"Okay sweetie, just be safe and don't forget, curfew at 11pm on the dot."
"Yes, sir" 

I already knew what I wanted to get Mom so I stopped by the jewelry store and picked up a pair of earrings. I decided to take a ride around town and see if I saw anything fun going on that I could introduce Juniper to and to my dismay nothing much was happening. I was just about to call Juniper when I saw him at the Bistro Baguette.

I parked the car and called out to him. He smiled and waved, then motioned me over.

"Hi Juniper! How's it going?"

"It's going. I'm trying to get my bearings about town. I was actually thinking of giving you a call and taking you up on your offer or being my tour guide."

"Of course! I'd be glad to show you around town, then do you think you might want to grab a bite to eat?"

"Sure thing!"

I drove him around town and showed him all the important spots: grocery store, city hall, bookstore, etc. The conversation flowed smoothly with him but everytime our eyes would meet, my heart felt like it would flutter out of my chest. I was surprised at how quickly the time flew by and it was starting to get a little late so we decided to head back to the Bistro Baguette.

As we ate, the conversation geared towards family and school. Well, conversation is probably an overstatement, I was babbling on about the Pepper situation, Bubbles and B. Foster and Honeydew's sudden interest in touring with her band, The Buttered Biscuits, after graduation.

Just when I thought things couldn't get any better than having spent the whole afternoon and evening with my crush, his foot bumped up against mine. Immediately my face flushed a little and I again felt my pulse quicken. I started to pull it away but just in case he had done it purposefully I kept it there. I was about to lean in and start getting a little flirty with Juniper when I heard my name.

My teacher, Miss Lasagna was standing right behind us with my mom's friend Melon Daquiri and both women were looking a little strangely at Juniper.
"Hi Candy, I'm glad I ran into you. You left without turning in your community interview today."

A look of shock must of ran across my face, I had totally space on the assignment. "Umm..."

"You forgot didn't you? Well, your one of my best students and I'd hate to see you get a zero, so why don't you see if this young man will let you interview him."

I turned and faced Juniper, a bit humiliated and gave him an apologetic look.
"Of course I'll help you Candy."

I ran out to the car and pulled a notebook out of my backpack. We sat down (close enough together for me to feel his warmth I might add) and I bumbled through some questions. I might have actually enjoyed the experience if Melon and Mrs. Lasagna hadn't been hovering nearby staring at the back of Juniper's head.

It was obvious that the romantic mood was over by the time I finished the report. In fact I was more than a little humiliated. I waved goodbye as I climbed into the car and then once he was out of view I banged my head on the steering wheel. Seriously, seriously? I cannot believe this great day ended up like that. If Juniper didn't already think of me as a little sister, he probably did now.

I forgot about most of that for a short time when I walked into my room and saw this.....

She and B. Foster just friends hmmm...........:)