Generation 2- Chapter 12: 1+1= +

I was on my way home from work one night after treating a home for a particularly stubborn pair of poltergeist when I was hit with a wave of nausea.

Now granted the Banshee Banisher can create a not-so-lovely aroma when it captures poltergeist but it had never bothered me before, much less made me feel as though I were about to loose my dinner.

Suddenly it hit me--Juniper and I have been happily married for about 2 1/2 months now and I had not been visited by my friend Flow.

Uh oh.

I quickly swung my trusty rusty truck into the Berry Mart and ran inside to buy a pregnancy test. I felt more than a little self conscious as I handed the clerk my shopping basket. Once home I locked myself in the bathroom followed the directions on the box and waited....and waited. Never has 5 minutes felt so long. As I picked up the test and the moment seemed very surreal.

A plus sign....where did I put the box....I'm pregnant.

The word swirled about in my brain and even the thought of swirling made me nauseated again. I'll admit I stood there for several minutes before I rejoined reality. I looked down and realized I had both of my hands on my belly.

I slowly made my way from the bathroom to the backyard where I could hear my beloved tinkering away at his workbench.

I must have looked a little zombie-like because he did a double take when he glanced at me and quickly dropped his hammer.

"What's wrong honey? Are you sick? Did something happen?"

"I'm not sick...exactly." He gave me a puzzled look.

"Well..." I began slowly, "I'm the sort of sick that lasts for about 10 months..."

He looked at me with one eyebrow raised and then broke into a huge grin. He hugged me tight and laughed.

"Candy this is wonderful...we have to tell your parents and my brothers and Bubbles and Honey and Pepper and oh good grief, we'll have to turn Honey's old room into a nursery...." he babbled on excitedly. I couldn't help but be amused. He was going to be such a great dad.

****

I wish I could have said life was exciting during my pregnancy but it was pretty uneventful. Juniper and I were both miserably disappointed when the doctor told me that I could not work halfway through and that I had to be on light bedrest. So instead of catching ghosts I was catching up on my reading including some new paranormal research.

My mother had been honored as master chef of Sugar Valley and had achieved her lifetime goal of becoming an executive chef at La Maison de Pomme, a four star restaurant. When I told her the news she was very excited. Then told me that with another grandchild on the way, this one to live with her, she had thought about retiring soon. 

We had also decided to keep the baby's sex a surprise but I had a feeling it was a little girl and had already pulled out and washed a few sets of mine and Bubbles' old crib sheets.

Pepper and Bridget's son Amos was turning 14 and mom had insisted that this big birthday be done at our house.

Amos and Honey were the first to arrive. I noticed Honeydew was not feeling so well herself and she confided to me that she was pregnant also.

That evening at the party the baby gave be a big kick. Next thing I knew the floor was soaked around me.

My water had broken, Juniper jumped up like his bottom was on fire, everyone was panicking and I tried to tell them I was fine, but about that time I was doubled over by an awful contraction. Time to go to the hospital!

Twelve and a half hours later our daughter, Margarita, was in our arms. Two days later we were discharged home and the three of us were greeted at the door by my mom and dad.

They were so excited to be grandparents again. As I tucked my daughter into her crib for the first time I was overwhelmed with happiness.

Juniper and I soon decided that I would take a leave of absence from work to continue with the research I had begun while I was on bedrest. Juniper would also be at home and continue inventing from the house. I was very relieved to have him nearby.

I was both excited and nervous to be a new mom. Everytime Margarita cried I would feel anxious but once she was in my arms she would calm down and I would too.


As I stared into those eyes that so much resembled my own, I thought about the future of our small family and wondered what was in store...

Generation 2-Chapter 11: Love and Marriage

Deep breath Candy! Time to get ready. As I gazed at my own reflection, I could not believe how quickly time had flown by. It had almost been a year since our engagement. Today is my wedding day! I was working on touching up my makeup when Honeydew came in.

"Wow baby sister! You are just glowing on your wedding day! But I think you may need a little something extra!"

"Like what?"

"Put your dress on and I'll be right back."

"Here sis!" Honeydew handed me a very small, old looking box. When I opened them my breath which I had been holding on and off most of the morning left me in whoosh. There inside the tiny box were the pearl drop earrings my father had bought my mother for her wedding present. I quickly changed my silly heart shaped hoops for the gorgeous pearl earrings.

Candy smiled, nodded and quickly exited the room to help my mother with the catering, leaving me to my thoughts...or rather nerves.

However I couldn't help but smile at the reflection in the mirror. I would be not only spending the night with Juniper, but the rest of my life. I couldn't help but smile.

A shrill cry interrupted my thoughts. Bridget had burst into the room suddenly. She was soon followed by a few more folks who wanted to "admire the bride" before the wedding. She fussed over me a little as did everyone else but in all honesty I was ready to just get on with the wedding. No one had seen Juniper yet and my stomach was getting a little knotted wondering where he could be.

Dad kept smiling at me and looked like he might cry a little and Mom just stayed busy doing all sorts of chores. I started pacing a little.

Pepper came into the room next. My sweet brother...he'll know where Juniper is.

"Candy...Juniper called, he's coming but he very delayed in traffic, he doesn't know what time he'll make it...I'm sorry sis"

"Wha...Pepper...are we still getting married today? We are still getting married right?"

"Of course you are sis...he'll just be late. Don't worry. We'll think of some way to keep the guests entertained..."

He left to go talk with Mom and Dad while I resumed my pacing.

Bridget of all folks came to the rescue by playing the guitar and Pepper and Honey started dancing and soon others had joined in for a 'pre-wedding' bash. I shifted my pacing from the bedroom to the kitchen.

Finally I started getting upset. Everyone was eating the food Mom had made for the reception and folks were starting to get bored, I could tell. It had been hours. Where was he? As the tears formed in my eyes I retreated outside to where the wedding was supposed to be held.

From there I could see the north side of the beach....our spot. Sunset point. I thought about just taking off down the beach but I didn't. I stood there and watched as the sun started to set. As it sunk lower and lower on the horizon, so did my heart. I was being jilted! How could Juniper do this to me! The tears poured.

Suddenly I heard my name being called. By now it was evening and quite a few of the guests had left. I didn't turn around, my head hung lower as an answer hoping that whoever was calling me would just leave me there, alone. Jilted. But before I knew what was happening I was enveloped by two strong arms and I looked up to see those eyes.

" Baby I'm so sorry...I could never apologize enough...if I thought I would have gotten here any quicker I would have gotten out of my car and ran but...but..." I held my hand up.

"Juniper...Don't." My voice sounded cold and foreign even to my own ears. I must have startled him because he took a step backwards.

"Candy Tea, you listen to me. I would have done anything I could to get here to you this afternoon. I'm sorry things didn't go as we planned but I did not do this on purpose. I love you" He grabbed my hands. I didn't pull away and this encouraged him to continue.

"Candy if you can forgive me this once and  marry me here tonight I can promise you I'll make sure you never feel alone again. Ever."

"Juniper...I...will." I smiled but I looked up at him with my best serious face "If this ever happens again I'll box you in the nose...or worse."

He laughed and then went back inside to tell them that the wedding was back on.

In the end our small private ceremony ended up being much more romantic. The stars were out, the moon was bright and those that were the most important to us were there to witness our union.

Shortly after our wedding, the remaining clew did a remarkably speedy clean up and then left us with the house to ourselves.

I was a little anxious and excited as I walked into my room to meet Juniper there. He looked so handsome sitting on the bed, smiling up at me.

"Hello Mrs. Tea."
I scootched over onto the bed next to him and snuggled up beside him.
"Hello Mr. Tea. Welcome to the family..." I said and kissed him.

And what happened next was amazing but private so you can figure it out for yourselves.

Generation 2 Chapter 10:For Whom the Bell Tolls

Things moved so fast with Bubbles and B. Foster that before Mom and Dad were able to even cope with the fact that their little girl was getting married, B. Foster had asked Bubbles to move in with him.It was strange because the two of them had never really set a date.

I think it can go without saying that she had said yes faster than my parents were able to process it and the two of them packed up her things and were out that day.

I on the other hand was the only child still left officially unattached. Things were still hot and heavy between Juniper and I. My work was keeping me so busy as was his and he was becoming somewhat more distant emotionally. Maybe not as much distant as just...strange. I had to admit that our small Sugar Valley had not been exactly enthused about our relationship. I mean, he's not that much older than me but you'd think the man had robbed a cradle the way folks acted sometimes. I guess small towns can sometimes lead to small minds.

A few days following Bubbles shocking move, I was working out hard, preparing for my next battle with a banshee when my phone rang.

"Hello?"

"Candy...it's me, Juniper. Listen....I"

"Hey babe! Oh my gosh you will never guess what..."

"Candy" he interrupted me. "Can you come over?"

"Sure, what time?" I said slowly into the phone. What is going on with my boyfriend?

"Lets make it 3pm. See you then."

As I hung up the phone I kind of looked at it confuzzled like. Wonder what that's all about...

A few hours later I jumped in the car and headed down the street. I was a little anxious about seeing Juniper but also excited to see how Bubbles was adjusting to living with 3 men.

When I got there I was surprised to hear Bubbles call me in through the door.
"Hiya sweet sis! How's it going" she said sounding a bit winded.

"Hey Bubbles! Whatcha makin'?"
"Trying...to...get...these peaks...stiff!" she said turning redder in the face before setting the bowl down heavily on the counter and huffing. "Sorry, darn meringue just won't turn out quite like I want it, and we are supposed to do it by hand for class...but nevermind that. How are you?"

I think she noticed me peering around the room distractedly.
"Have you never been here before?"

"No. This is the first time Juniper has ever had me over...."

She murmured "Well that explains the orders he was barking at us last night"
"What?"
"Nothing. It's just that three young adult males living in the same house together can = big mess."
"Oh."
"I think I hear your lovkins car pulling in the drive now."

Juniper walked into the kitchen and smiled at both of us. "Afternoon ladies."
"Afternoon Juniper...I'll let you two alone" Bubbles said wiping her hand on her apron and throwing the failed meringue into the empty sink.

I smiled at Juniper as he looked back at me. No matter how many times I looked into those eyes, it still felt like a thousand flutterbys were trying to escape.
"So what do you think of the place?" Juniper asked.
"It's nice." I replied. Awkward silence...what is with him this evening.

"Well as I said on the phone, there's something I'd like to talk to you about Candy." He put his arm around me and pulled me in a little closer. The flutterbies were at warp speed now.

"Listen, I know things have been a little difficult between us and....well everyone else, but I care for you deeply Candy and I am very much in love with you, but...."

My mind raced. Oh no. Oh no. A but?

"But" he continued, "I want more."


"You want more? What exactly do you mean like that?"

"I mean I want you...all of you...forever."

"Juniper...." my voice was barely audible.

"Candy Tea, would you make me the happiest man alive and marry me?"

I looked up into those beautiful eyes and answered.

"Yes"

"Yay! OMB! Yay!" Squealed Bubbles. We had not even noticed she was in the room. Juniper gave her a look and she looked apologetic and practically leapt up the stairs "Sorry!" she called out her voice diminishing as she headed upstairs "I couldn't help myself!"

Juniper and I looked at each other amused.

"May I kiss the bride to be?" he said in his best sultry gentlemen voice.
"Of course you may" I said reflecting his tone in my own voice.

We kissed a long, deep kiss and as he pulled away, he scooped me up in his arms and we both laughed as I hugged him tighter.


I'm getting married. I thought happily. To the man of my dreams.

Generation 2-Chapter 9: Falling in Love

A strange fog loomed around the outskirts of the house as I approached. What have you gotten yourself into Candy Tea? I could almost feel the negative energy pulsing throughout the property as I lifted my hand to ring the doorbell. My hand was shaking and I hoped that my new employer wouldn't notice. You see, for the past few months I had been interning at Ghosts 'R' Us but this was my first solo gig as a Ghost Hunter-In-Training.

To my surprise, the door was opened by a beautiful and familiar face.

"OMB Candy! I didn't know you did this for a living!"

"Hi BarbieQ. I didn't know you were still in town."

"Yeah sugah! I teach the little ones ballet at the dance studio down the road. You know, "Sugarplums", but enough about silly ole' me! Can you get rid of these dreadful ghosts!?"

"I'll do my best!"

The hand-held ghost detector I used sensed 4 entities in the house but as I closed my eyes and listened, I could almost feel their presence in the home and I sensed a 5th, angry ghost.

I spotted a young ghost as it appeared on the porch and I raised my ghost ridder machine up but with BarbieQ watching, my nerves were getting the best of me and I almost lost the ghost before it was captured. But to my relief, and BarbieQ's, the ghost was eventually trapped in a crystal container which I placed in my pocket. I was about to enter the house when a second and third ghost appeared on the porch. BarbieQ ran into the house screaming and closed the door.

With her gone, I aimed and quickly evaporated the next two into identical crystal containers. 3 down, two more to go. At least that's what my gut was telling me. The ghost counter was still claiming only 1 more ghost was on the property.

I found the 4th ghost in the attic and as I added his crystal container to my collection I heard a high pitched shriek and saw a black shape come at me. I quickly dove out of the way and as I did so I felt an evil, powerful entity shift by me and then leave. Although I was relieved as I stood up and dusted myself off, I had a strange sensation that I would be crossing paths with this powerful entity again.

I arrived home to smell something delicious wafting from the kitchen. I soon found the source and as I set down to a piece of Mom's famous bubbleberry cobbler. I was joined by Blood Orange who was already working on a piece of the cobbler.

"Hi Blood Orange! What in the world are you doing here?"

"I'm...uh...I'm well, I was invited over." He was avoiding my gaze.

"By whom?"

"Um....I'd rather not talk about it." He gobbled down more pie and looked like a kid stuck with his hand in the cookie jar.

"Well fine then, don't tell me. How's your brother doing? We are supposed to go to the movies tomorrow afternoon but I haven't got to see him since the party."

"He's well. He has been talking my ear off lately. About you."

I felt my face burn. He ate his last piece of pie and quickly put it into the dishwasher. "Well it was good seeing you Candy, I better be headed out"

"Wait a minute! You never told me who you came to see!"

At that moment Honeydew came walking into the house, home from work, grinning and humming to herself. She spotted me sitting at the table and then Blood Orange and her eyes became as big as saucers.

"Hi Honeydew. Bye Honeydew" said Blood Orange as he hurried out the door.

"Hi. Bye." I noted a hint of disappointment in her voice. Had he been here to see Honey? No. He couldn't have been here to see Honey, she isn't interested in him. In fact, I thought she pretty much had made it clear that she couldn't stand him at work. 
 
"Hi sis! You're home early" she said to me.

She sat down beside me and began asking me about work and then Juniper and before I knew it, it was time to head to bed. Oh well, I guess I'll just ask her about the whole Blood Orange thing later I thought as I headed to bed.

Needless to say I woke up extra early, got ready so fast that I ended up having to wait around antsy before it was time to go meet Juniper at the movie theater. He was waiting for me when I got there. We stood there awkwardly for a moment before he looked up at me with those eyes.

"I was thinking we could see a rom-com if you'd like"

"I'm more of a suspense girl actually"

He laughed which made the flutterbies in my stomach start up and went to go by the tickets.

The movie was pretty good, what I watched of it. I was all too aware that I was sitting next to the man that I had had a crush on for a very long time. I was a little disappointed after the movie ended, that he hadn't even bothered to reach for my hand or even put his arm around me. I guess he really wants to take his slowly, snails pace slowly.

We chatted and flirted a little a bit when all of a sudden he broke out into a huge grin.

"Candy, look behind you"

"Oh my. Well that explains a lot. I thought my sister had sad your brother was a macho-man jerk if I remember correctly."

Juniper moved in closer and laughed "More like big ole teddy bear...Just like his brother."

"Oh really, how very interesting" I said with a raised eyebrow.

He put his arms around me and said "Candy, I'd really like it if we could spend some more time together tomorrow. Maybe meet at the park beside your house?"

"Sure" I said a bit surprised, "I'd love that."

"Great, I'll meet you tomorrow after lunch."
With that he gave me a huge hug. I was half afraid he'd feel my heart pounding but also a little disappointed. I had kind of been expecting a kiss. A kiss that I had been thinking about for almost two years!

When I got home, I saw that Honeydew's light was on in her bedroom. I walked into the room and saw this.

"Oh my!" the sound of my voice startled to two lovebirds.

I quickly back out of the doorway and snickered to myself as I went to my room. Well I guess I know who he was here to see last night.

I was sitting on my bed reading a book when I heard the front door close and a light knock on my bedroom door.

"Sis?" 

"Come in Honeydew"

"I just wanted to say I'm sorry for not telling you about Blood Orange soon. We weren't really sure at first where things were going between us but Candy, we are in love and I think we are going to move in together. So I thought it'd be only fair to tell you first beings you walked in on us."

"My goodness...has everyone in this family hooked up with someone but me?"

"Candy!" Honeydew said with an amused smile on her face, "You just went on your first date with Juniper! Give it time. I'm a lot older than you and Bubbles is just...well that's a different situation."

"Yeah, I know I just was hoping to get a kiss tonight."

"Just be patient sis, you have a lot on your plate with work, college and dating someone. Let things develop naturally."

With that she left the room and I heard her talking to Mom and Dad in the living room. Mom and Dad were happy for her. I guess they were used to their children leaving at this point.


The next day, after my morning classes, I went home and ate a quick lunch before I met Juniper at the park.

"Hello beautiful girl! I thought we might take a walk around town today and then maybe head towards the beach. I have a favorite spot I'd like to take you."

"Sounds perfect! It's such a pretty day."

We walked about town, stopping in at the bookstore to browse, fishing at the park for a little while. Talking the whole time and holding hands as we walked. We saw a few familiar faces, a few disapproving ones, but there seemed to be a repeating theme about town....

There was a lot of love in the air.

As we made our way towards the beach, it was getting close to sunset. Juniper decided to challenge me to a race towards the north end of the beach and I was a little peeved when he took off way ahead of me.

When I finally caught up with him he was standing in a beautiful little bay area that I had never noticed before.

"This is my favorite spot" he said.

"Its absolutely beautiful!" 

"You're absolutely beautiful Candy Tea."

He moved in closer. I felt the flutterbies kick up full speed in my belly. "Th-Thank you Juniper. That's so sweet of you to say."

"You have no idea how long I've wanted to do this."

"Do what?" before I even knew what was happening he leaned in and kissed me. I kissed him back.

When he pulled away, I felt almost dizzy. He smiled at me and I smiled back at him. The only thing I could think was...

 

I can't wait to do that again! So I did. 

When he finally walked me home that night, I felt as though my feet were floating. He kissed me good night and I walked inside knowing that for once, I had been absolutely right in following my heart with something. Who care's if it took so long to get here and who care's if we aren't the same age. This is the way I've always dreamt of feeling.. When I laid my head down on my pillow that night, I couldn't stop smiling....