Chapter 33

If anyone ever says having a house full of teenagers is easy, they are lying through their teeth. Though I am grateful that we’ve managed to avoid some issues that parents face raising teenagers.

And while I was once a teenager myself, I think I’ve forgotten how to grasp the concept of teenagers and their ways of dating.  I thought for sure that when Gavin started dating that he would go for Cassandra Goth or Jessica, Lisa’s daughter. I was wrong. Instead Gavin started dating Karina Landgraab. Daughter of Malcolm and Candy Landgraab. Or as Gavin called her, his romantic interest. Gil and I decided to keep to ourselves the fact that Karina’s Grandparents passed away in what now is our Master Bathroom. Might put a damper on the romantic feeling.

“Mom!” I heard Greta calling from Gavin’s room. I rushed in there, worried something was wrong.

I walked in to see Greta, Misty, Gavin and Karina. Though Gavin seemed to be putting on an innocent act and Karina seemed to find Gavin’s wallpaper really interesting off in a far corner.

“What’s wrong?” I questioned Greta.

“I walked in on Gavin and Karina getting really cozy on the love seat.” Greta whispered to me. I looked over at Gavin. We had a rule about this. The kids aren’t allowed to have their “romantic interests” in their rooms without someone else in there. Maybe it was strict and maybe our kids felt like we don’t trust them, but Gil and I were still raising our kids. We didn’t want to have to raise a Grandchild too.

“So Gavin had a girl in his room? Does that mean I can have a boy in mine?” Gabby asked me.

“No.” Gil simply said and finished his dinner. I had filled my husband in on what had happened and while Gavin hadn’t been caught making out with Karina, we couldn’t be sure what would have happened if Greta hadn’t walked in on them. Though I didn’t think Gavin would go as far as something I don’t want to ever think of my kids doing.

“Look, I know I broke one of the rules. And I’m sorry. I really am. I promise I won’t do it again.” Gavin commented.

“My babies are growing up.” I said, getting emotional all of a sudden. Obviously I already knew they were all growing up. But even one of them dating was making it all the more real.

“Mom…why are you crying?” Gabby asked me. Though her tone wasn’t a snobby one. She seemed a bit concerned. I sighed. Maybe one day she’d understand if she ever has kids.

“I hate to be cliché, but I think you’ll understand if you ever have kids. Many, many years from now.” I responded.

“You got caaaaaaught.” I heard Greta laughing at Gavin.

“Just wait until you get caught doing something you aren’t supposed to do.” Gavin responded to Greta.  I was preparing myself for a yelling match between the two at this point.

Luckily Gil came back to the Kitchen and things got a bit calmer.

“I’ve been doing some thinking. Our rule still stands on about you kids not having your boyfriends and girlfriends in your rooms. But I don’t want you all to think that we don’t support you all trying to find love. I’m sure your Mom agrees with me. We want you all to be happy.” Gil told the children.

“We know Dad and like I promised Mom. I’ll never have another girl in my room again unless I get the okay or someone else is in there. I promise.” Gavin told us.

“Laying the innocent act on a little thick there, aren’t you Gavin?” Gabby asked her brother.

“Oh stuff it Gabrielle.” Gavin responded.

“Don’t talk to your sister like that.” Gil told him. Gavin sighed and left to do his homework.  I made my dessert chocolate that night.

After the night Gavin got in trouble, though  it was really just a warning, the twins seemed to be on a mission to annoy their older brother. One day after school they took over his room and did their homework in it.

So Gavin did his homework in the twins’ room.

“Annoying sisters. They need to focus on their own lives.” I heard Gavin grumbling to himself as I peaked my head in the door. I felt a bit bad for my son. I never had any siblings growing up, older or younger. So I couldn’t really relate to what he was dealing with. Neither could Gil, as he was an only child as well.

As a reward for getting an A plus on a test, Gil and I bought Greta a guitar.  She took some lessons from her music teacher at school, but caught on quickly.  I was happy to see Greta develop another interest, though I was still pleased with her painting.

I was a bit worried about Gabby sometimes though. She showed some interest in writing, but otherwise nothing else. But Gabby is still young. Not everyone can figured out their aspirations when they are young. The main thing is I want my children to be happy with their interests and eventual jobs and careers. I don’t want them to feel they have to choose a certain path just to make others happy. I want them to be happy as themselves, not living up to an idea others have of them.

Even though Gavin and Greta hadn’t been getting along that well lately, I still found them painting and sketching in the yard one night. Though they weren’t speaking to each other while doing so.

Gil suggested we go to the Spring Festival one day when the kids were in school. I was still mourning Judy, I was just not saying anything about it. But as always it seems, Gil knew.

We played the love detector. Usually I didn’t pay much attention to it, but this time I came up with my favorite quote from it ever.

Passionate – When The sun Sets On This Great Earth and We Are No More – Your Love Will Still Go On – It’s Energy Burning Across The Galaxy.

Maybe a slightly cheesy, but I still loved it.

We also took time to enjoy the skating rink since it was empty outside of us.

Gil and I also played some horse shoe. It was my first time trying it out and Gil said he hadn’t played since he was ten years old. I pretty much sucked at it. Gil was slightly better, but neither of us would win any contests for the game. It was fun at least. I was also glad Gil was able to distract me once again for a bit.

When we arrived home we pulled up to see Greta sharing a hug with Sebastian Striker. I looked at Gil and noticed his knuckles were about to turn white from how hard he was gripping the steering wheel on his car.

We all went inside and I headed to the Kitchen to fix dinner while the twins played video games and Gavin worked out. I was aware that Gil was stalking around in the Living Room.

I made Stu Surprise for dinner and since Sebastian was still there I invited him to join us, not wanting to be rude. We all sat down to eat, minus Gil. I had a feeling he was having issues with seeing one of his daughters hugging a boy.

After dinner I was walking out of the Kitchen with Greta when I heard Gil speaking with Sebastian.

“What are you intentions with my daughter?” Gil questioned. I think Sebastian was a bit stunned by Gil’s question, because he proceeded to stumble over his words and said something about Greta being cool. Sebastian left after that.

“Mom. Can you please do something about Dad? He scared Sebastian off and I really like him!” Greta exclaimed, pleading with me.

“Greta, your Father has every right to ask Sebastian what he did. He could have crossed the line and threatened him or asked some personal questions, but he didn’t. We love all of you. So when it comes to any of you dating, be prepared to deal with us butting in every so often. Especially when the three of you are teenagers. ” I told Greta.

Gil walked by smirking on his way to put up the left over Stu Surprise in the fridge.

Greta for her part huffed and walked off to her room.

Later on that night after I was dressed for bed Gavin asked to speak with me. We sat down on the sofa.

“Mom. You know I love the twins. They’re my sisters. But they are driving me nuts lately. When we’re at home one of them is always around. They give me like no space. They like to come into my room when I try to go in there to get away from them. I just would like one day were I can have some space from them.” Gavin told me.

“I had a feeling this was going on. I’ll talk to you Father and see what we can work out.” I told Gavin. I was already thinking of some ideas, I just needed to run them by Gil.

Gil and I came up with a plan. I would take the twins to the Spa for the day for some pampering and that would get them away from Gavin for a while.

Gil took Gavin fishing for few hours before letting Gavin take off with his car to have some time with himself. We did make an agreement with the kids though. That we would all meet up at the Spring Festival come early evening.

We all kept our word and hit the dance floor together at the Festival. I even ended up winning Spring Dance Queen once again, but the same thing happened to my award as last time. It got lost in the mail.

Once home I went to work in the Kitchen to heat up some left overs. So far the kids weren’t fighting, so I was grateful for that. Greta even gave Gavin some space and spent her time with Misty on the couch.

The next day it was just warm enough for us all to enjoy our swimming pool, though it was still a little chilly.  Gavin informed us that he invited Karina over to join us. We were fine with it since it would be in a family setting.

While the twins, Gil and I were hanging out around the pool I looked over to check on Gavin and saw my son get his first kiss. I had mixed emotions about it. But overall I was very happy for him.

By the time Gavin grabbed Karina’s hand, we were all watching. Gavin asked Karina to go steady with him, he wanted her as his Girlfriend and I thought that was sweet.

But she didn’t. Karina started yelling at my son and my blood started to boil.

“I already told you Gavin! I’m not looking for something serious! We can hang out and stuff, but I don’t want to just date you and only you!” Karina yelled.

I just couldn’t stand back and let her yell at my son.

“Listen you little brat. You don’t get to come into our home and yell at my son like that. I want you out of here and don’t think I won’t be telling your parents about your behavior here today.” I told her before pointing to the door. I even followed her and made sure she left as Gil talked to Gavin.

“I thought Mom was going to snap that twit in half! She would have deserved it too! Karina sleeps with about the whole school.” I heard Greta telling Gabby on my way back to Gavin and Gil.  Now I was glad Karina had shown her true colors.

Gabby giggled.

“I was hoping Mom would grab her by the hair and swing her around like a baseball bat. I can’t stand her.” Gabby told Greta, then laughed and shoved her sister, in a joking way, when Greta imitated Karina’s voice to her.

“I just don’t get it Dad. I was nice to her. I wrote her sweet notes, I complimented her. I listened when she talked. Will women ever make sense?” Gavin asked Gil.

Gil looked at me. I nodded my head.

“Not really. But she just wasn’t the right one for you. That’s all.” Gil told Gavin, before making the twins go inside. It was getting time for dinner and he was going to have them cook.

With it just us left, I placed my hands on my son’s arms and made him look at me.

“I know you’re hurt. I’m sorry you had to endure that. Your Dad is right though. She isn’t the one for you. Someday you’ll find that person, but for now you just need to give yourself time to heal from this. I love you and so do your Father and sisters. We’re here for you Sweetie. It’ll be okay. I promise.” I told Gavin before hugging him. I knew this would happen someday and that I couldn’t protect him from it. I was just glad Karina had shown what she’s really like before things got too serious between them.

Pre Heir Poll, Poll xD.

I want to get a feel on who my readers feel should be the heir for the next Generation, but this is not the official poll for that. I’m just hoping this will help me figure out some things.

Gavin – Yes, this is a bit of a  spoiler since he hasn’t aged up in the story yet xD.

 

Favorites –

Music – Latin, same as Gil’s.

Food – Ratatouille – shares that with Greta.

Color – Spiceberry

Traits –

Artistic (shares with Greta), Heavy Sleeper (shares with Gabby), Good, Athletic (shares with Gil) & Neat.

Gavin’s LTW is in the army career. To become an Astronaut.

While Gavin has Lotta’s mouth area and skin color, he has Gil’s hair and eye color. Also looks more like Gil since he’s now a young adult.

 

Greta –

 

Still a teen. So she has one more trait coming.

Favorites –

Music – Country

Food – Veggie Burger

Color – Red

Traits –

Family Oriented, (shares with Lotta), Genius, Virtuoso, Artistic (shares with Gavin)

Has shown an interest in painting and playing the guitar. Reads a lot.  She has Lotta’s skin and eye color, but Gil’s hair color. Otherwise she looks like no one really except herself xD.

 

Gabrielle/Gabby

 

Favorites –

Music – Pop (shares with Lotta)

Food – Ratatouille (shares with Gavin)

Color – Purple

Traits –

Ambitious, Heavy Sleeper (shares with Gavin), Excitable & Over-Emotional.  Still has one trait coming as she is a teen.

Gabby has shown some interest in writing (going off her wishes). She kind of has Gil’s skin tone, but lighter. Has Lotta’s hair and eye color. Kind of looks like Lotta.

 

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I would just like my readers to vote who they are learning towards as an heir so far. If you have any comments, feel free to make them. I would like to get some ideas and maybe start considering some ghosts for the second Generation as well. Thank you all =)

Chapter 32

No matter how many Birthday’s the kids went through, I never seemed to get 100 percent used to my children growing up. Don’t get me wrong, I’m glad to be able to get to watch them grow.  It’s just that I still remember them as new-born infants, totally dependant on myself and Gil for everything.  And as they grow, I realize I can’t protect them as much as I used to be able too. But their Birthdays are still a cause for joy and celebration.

We threw a Birthday party for Greta and Gabby’s Birthday. We invited the Bunch’s, along with Queenie and her family.

 

 

Gil went and picked up some Birthday cakes from the local bakery for the party. We were also hoping it would be nice enough to have it outside, but Winter seemed to be fighting Spring this year. It was still a bit cold outside and there was still some snow on the ground. So our girls blew out the candles on their cakes in our Kitchen.

 

I think Melissa was a bit confused and showed up with a bikini on. But that didn’t stop anybody from celebrating the twins’ Birthday.

 

To me, both my daughters turned out beautiful. I think Gabby gets quiet a bit of her looks from me and Greta is a bit more of a blend of myself and her Father.

 

Gil and I now have three teenagers. Three. Though we for long, Gavin is getting closer and closer to graduation High School with each passing day.

 

I took a nap later on that night and got woke up by the sound of Greta and Gabby fighting over the rocking chair in mine and Gil’s bedroom. I hope that isn’t a sign of things to come.

 

A few days later I received a call on my cell phone that I had a feeling might be coming, but didn’t want it to happen. Lisa called me to tell me that Judy had passed away in her sleep.  I wasn’t sure how long I stood there just holding my phone after Lisa hung up.

 

I finally put away my phone and noticed I had tears rolling down my cheeks. I knew Judy wasn’t going to live forever, but I didn’t want her to go. She had been so much to me and to my family. Judy had pretty much been my first friend when I arrived in town. She had led me to my job. She had welcomed me into her home and family. She had given me advice and been there during my times of sorrow. Judy had also been there for my children. And she didn’t have to be. She didn’t have to do any of it. But she did.

 

Gil found me shortly and noticed I had been crying. He pulled me into his arms and I totally lost it. Gil didn’t even know what was wrong for the longest time until I managed to tell him. I didn’t know how we were going to tell the kids either.

 

Somehow, we did manage to tell them. Gavin went to his room to be by himself. Greta seemed to be holding it together alright, but Gabby broke down into tears. I felt bad, I wished I could wave a magic wand and heal all our hearts, but I couldn’t.

 

 

The girls insisted on trying to go about things as normal and went to do their homework in their room. I told them they didn’t have to attend school the next day and they said they wanted too. They said Grandma Judy wouldn’t want them to stop living due to her passing and they were right.

 

It wasn’t until the next day after school that I finally got Gavin alone to talk to him about what happened. Gavin and I comforted each other over the loss of a woman we both loved and would continue to love dearly.

 

The twins did keep to their word of going on life as usual. Gabby lost herself in video games, as Greta did the same with books.

 

As with Jack, Judy wrote in her last wishes not to have a Funeral. But as soon as we were given permission, we all went to her grave and grieved.

At my request, Gil took the kids home after about an hour. I felt I needed some alone time.

 

But I realized I was wrong when I saw something floating over to me. Duke’s spirit. Just as in life, Duke was there for me when I needed him.  I was so glad to see him again, even if it wasn’t all of him. I was able to pet him and give him a kiss.

 

Duke stayed with me until past sunrise. I spent a while watching him and thinking about things until he faded away. After that I knew I couldn’t stay there forever and went home to my family.

When I got home I found out that Gil had sent the kids over to Queenie’s. Gil made me a special breakfast, before pulling leading me to our bedroom. He gave me a present, a brand new Pajama outfit and had me put it on. I knew he was just trying to take my mind off Judy and wasn’t doing it to just get me into bed with him. So I let him. And it worked, for a little while at least.

Chapter 31

The first day and night of Winter hit Sunset Valley hard. I couldn’t recall when I had seen so much snow falling in such a short time. It was blizzard like.

 

And luckily for the kids it caused a snow day. I woke the girls up and told them the news. Greta was excited and Gabby just wanted to go back to sleep.

After breakfast and bundling up, we all headed outside to play in the snow.

 

I worked on a snowman by myself while Gil made several snow angels in the yard. We may be getting older, but I believe you aren’t truly old until you stop doing things you can have fun with.

 

Gil built an igloo with Gavin, carrying on the tradition Gil started when Gavin was a child.

 

Gavin and I hung out on the swing set together while the twins built a snowman together. They’re very good at team work. Guess it comes from sharing a womb for nine months.

 

Gil also taught Greta and Gabby how to build an igloo. They really wanted to learn after they saw what their Dad and older brother did and Gil was more than happy to teach them.

After playing in the snow at home, we warmed up for a few hours before heading to the Winter Festival.

 

Greta and Gabby enjoyed spinning on the ice together.

 

Gavin was my spinning buddy that day. He decided to skate with his Mom instead of some of the girls there. I was flattered, since he is a teenage boy.

 

That evening after everyone got home, the twins went to play in their room and I sat down with Gil at the Kitchen table. He enjoyed a muffin that Gabby baked and I was enjoying some hot cocoa. Gavin put some dishes in the dishwasher for us. We used this time to start discussing some plans for Christmas/Snowflake Day.

 

We took the kids around the neighborhood to look at the Christmas lights. I really enjoyed this tradition for our family and the kids didn’t complain, so I took that as them enjoying it. Or at least tolerating it. Though the twins did seem to really enjoy all the different colors of the lights reflecting off the snow.

 

One morning, very early morning, Gavin begged Gil and I to go with  him to the Winter Festival so he could try out snowboarding before everyone else got there. And since Gavin is a good kid, we agreed to his request. We dropped the twins off with Lisa and Conrad and took Gavin to the Festival grounds. Gil helped prep Gavin for the snow boarding and Gavin did pretty good at it. In fact he seemed to be having fun and so was Gil. I on the other hand was  nervous wreck watching my son fly around on that snowboard.

 

Gavin took a cab to go hang out at Lisa and Conrad’s house, so his parents could have a little alone time at the Festival. The pond there was thick enough that we got to skate on it instead of sharing the rink with everyone else.

 

One evening I couldn’t find my husband or my son. I checked out back and found them embroiled in a snow ball fight. Both claim they won to me later on.

 

“Oh I’m so excited! I don’t have to cook!” I exclaimed, clapping my hands together happily. Gavin had volunteered to cook dinner. It was going to be Mac N Cheese, but still I wouldn’t have to cook.

“You never get this excited when I cook….are you trying to say my cooking is bad?” Gil asked, teasing me.

“No. No your cooking is not bad. I quiet enjoy your musclecakes.” I told him, smirking. Since my slip up years ago, when Gil makes pancakes, they are called musclecakes.

“Want some  musclecakes later on tonight?” Gil asked, in a flirty tone. I could hear Gavin sighing as he stirred the noodles. Poor kid. Having to listen to his parents flirt.

 

The twins seemed to appear out of nowhere after that.

“I smell food.” Gabby commented.

“Mac N Cheese? I need to wash my hands.” Greta added onto Gabby’s comment, before going over to wash her hands.

 

We sat down to dinner that night as a family. Gavin’s Mac N Cheese turned out very good. I was proud he didn’t burn it.

 

Since Gavin had cooked, I cleaned up the dishes and let him go do whatever he wanted. Gil came to me after I was done cleaning up and pulled me into a kiss. I got muslecakes for dessert that night.

 

Misty did better than I expected after loosing all her playmates. We made sure she had plenty of toys and paid lots of attention to her. I felt a little bad that she was the only pet, but didn’t think I could bring myself to get another pet yet. Plus I thought it was something we might need to decide as a family. I didn’t want to upset one of the kids by bringing in another pet too soon.

 

Lisa and Conrad invited us to a party at their new home. They had actually moved not to far from us, which I was happy about. Ethan was also there, as well as Darlene’s sister-in-law, Kalynn.

 

While at the party, Gil surprised me with a bouquet of flowers. They were beautiful, though I think Jessica was a little envious. But I can understand. I was a teenage girl dreaming of romance once too.

 

The next evening Gil took me to the former vampire lounge in town for a night of dancing. I hadn’t been there since I had first arrived in town and it had undergone some ownership changes since then. And there were no longer any vampires in town, so that aspect had changed as well. Gavin had volunteered to babysit the twins for us.

 

Gil and I both love our kids, but sometimes it really is nice just to get out of the house and spend some time with one another.

 

After we got home, Gil worked on cleaning up some laundry off the floor and I was heading for the fridge. I was hungry and didn’t even remove my winter coat and pants before I got to the fridge.

“Why does Greta have ice cream? I want ice cream…” Gabby pouted.

“She ate her dinner earlier, so that’s her dessert. You can have some ice cream after you finish your dinner if it’s okay with Mom and Dad.” Gavin told Gabby.

“It’s cool with me.” Gil said. I added on “It’s fine.” And grabbed myself some food from the fridge.

 

Christmas Day arrived quickly and we sat the kids down before everyone arrived to set down some ground rules. Such as no running outside in your dresses for the twins and no pulling girls under the mistletoe for Gavin.

 

We invited the Bunch family and a new family that had just moved to town. The Hayes family. They had two kids in school with the twins. The twins had come home from school one day going on and on about Adele and Slash. I tracked down the number for the family and started chatting with Lizzette, the kids’ Mother. Since they were new to town, we decided to invite them over to make them feel welcome to the town. Gil hit it off with Axl, Lizzette’s husband,  the moment they met.

 

Slash seemed to be a bit shy I noticed as I chatted with Lizzette. They were a bit different, but frankly I loved that fact about them. I also invited Shane. Kiki had passed away a few months ago. While I had many issues with Shane’s parents, I never had anything against him.

 

Gabby pulled Adele off in a corner so they could tell jokes and gossip about school.

Soon though it was time for presents. At the last moment Judy called and told me she couldn’t make it, that she was sick in bed with the flu. I was sad she wouldn’t be able to come, but understood.

 

 

 

 

Everyone was happy with their gifts, so I counted that as a victory.

After everyone left and we had moved the chairs back into storage, the twins put on their ballerina outfits and showed off some moves they had learned. Both had been enrolled in ballet as an after-school activity.

 

 

Both pulled off some impressive moves for us. I probably would have fallen on my bum if I tried half of the stuff they showed us.

 

After we cleaned up, somewhat, and the kids went to bed, Gil pulled me into a hug. Spring would be here before we knew it and so would something else. I had a feeling Gil might not be prepared for it anymore then I am.

Chapter 30

It wasn’t long into Fall before the kids begged us to attend the Fall Festival.

Greta ran right for the Haunted House when we arrived at the Festival.

 

As Gil, Gabby and I were heading to catch up with her, Gavin ran into the Haunted House after her to keep an eye on her. I was so thankful that Gavin took such an interest in younger sisters.

 

Gabby finally went inside the Haunted House a few minutes later. Gil and I waited outside the Haunted House for them. The twins said the Haunted House was spooky and that they wished Scooby Doo had been inside. I wished that as well.

 

Later on that evening while the twins were helping Gil and I pick some pumpkins from the pumpkin patch, I spotted Gavin chatting with Cassandra Goth. I once asked Gavin if he had any males friends and he said yes, but that he’s closer with his female friends. While I think that’s sweet, I’m wondering when one of those friendships will turn into something more.

 

The next morning we all got up early and carved our pumpkins for Halloween/Spooky Day.

 

Gabby and I went with cats for our designs. Gavin and Great did silly and Gil stuck with the traditional look. Misty had to come out and investigate all the pumpkins once we placed them where we wanted them.

 

Even though it was getting a bit chiller outside, Gavin still insisted on swimming in our pool. I was a bit worried about him getting a cold from it, but Gil talked me into not saying anything. As long as he doesn’t think he’s going to be joining the polar bear club with the crazy people down at the beach during the Winter.  Gavin also told us that he wanted to start working out, so Gil was helping with him a work out schedule. We made sure that this wasn’t because he felt pressured or anything from his peers. Gavin assured us that it wasn’t that. Gavin was considering his future occupations and that’s why he wanted to start working out as a teenager. While I was happy it was fully his choice, Gavin speaking out his future career choices just reminded me even more that my babies were growing up.

 

One night Greta and Gabby begged Gil and I to read them both to sleep, at the same time.  It was nice spending that time with our twins.

 

Greta fell asleep first. Gil kissed her goodnight and headed to bed.

 

 

Gabby fell asleep about five minutes later. I kissed her goodnight, shut off the lights and joined Gil in bed.

 

We weren’t done with the Fall Festival yet though. Gil and I took the kids back the next weekend. Gil and I took part in a pie eating contest with Mortimer Goth and Rosemarie Bloom. Mortimer won the contest.

 

We also went bobbing for apples with Gavin. Gavin ended up catching the most apples.

 

When we got home that evening Greta and Gabby went to their room to play pretend as Princesses. I checked in on them a few times and it was really cute to watch them prance around the room together.

 

The next morning Gil and I discovered that our beloved Garfield had passed away in his sleep during the night. Both of us were heartbroken. I remembered when he wondered in my yard all those years ago and watching he and Duke run around the house together. I was really going to miss  him. And I had Gil move him so the kids wouldn’t wake up to find him like we had.

 

Once the kids were up we told them. Gil took to comforting Gabby and I was talking to Greta as I noticed Gavin head off into his room by himself. He didn’t show any emotion over the news, but I knew better. He was feeling it on the inside.

 

I gave Gretaa  hug and could tell Misty was a bit sad too. Now she was our only pet left. We would have to work to make sure she don’t feel lonely.

 

It took me most of the day, but I finally got Gavin to let out his feelings over the passing of Garfield. I held my first-born as he cried not only over Garfield, but Duke and Jer too. It had been hard loosing all of them within a year.

Later on that day Gil and I took a trip to the Bunch Family Graveyard and laid Garfield to rest along side his pals, Duke and Jer.

 

Gil suggested we all get out of the house the next day and we went to the Market. Gabby baked up some goodies in her toy oven and set up a bake stand.

 

Greta purchased some lemons at the market and opened a lemonade stand for the day. I was first in line, while Gil and Agnes Crumplebottom waited in line behind me to purchase some of Greta’s lemonade. She did pretty good on it, though it could have used a teeny bit more sugar.

 

Spooky Day/Halloween arrived quickly. Gavin dressed up as a clown, Gabby dressed up as an alien and Greta went as a comic book character. I wasn’t really sure which one to be honest, I just was focused on them all having a good time.

 

Gil talked me into throwing a costume party. He told me I couldn’t hold onto Spooky Day/Halloween forever as the day Lane kidnapped me. He was right. So I did throw the party. I dressed as a fighter pilot to honor Jack. It was quiet funny when both Gil and Mortimer Goth ended up dressed as hot dogs. Lisa also came, along with Agnes Crumplebottom, Jeremy, Queenie’s husband, and their kids, JR and Melissa. Queenie had to work late.

 

Gavin was in charge of taking the twins around the neighborhood, close to our house, for trick or treating. I went out to check on them once and saw Gabby getting some goodies, while Gavin spent his time talking to Cassandra and Jessica.

 

Once everyone left and the kids were snug in bed, I embraced my favorite hot dog.

“I love you.” I told Gil, staring into his eyes.

“I love you too…now can you help me get out of this thing?”  Gil asked, laughing. It took us a good half hour to get him out of that hot dog costume. He vowed to never wear it again.

 

Gil had been working on raking up the yard for a few days. He wanted all the leaves in one big pile so he could burn them. Well, one evening I went out to the garden and spotted the twins playing on their Dad’s leaf pile. I didn’t have the heart to stop them, because they were giggling up a storm and having so much fun. I did end up telling Gil what happened and he wasn’t mad, nor did he try to redo his pile. He just left it for nature to take care of.

 

“Mooooom. I have an idea for Thanksgiving.” Greta said to me one evening after the twins, Gil and I had finished off some of Gabby’s baked goods. Gavin was in his room doing homework.

“What is it?” I questioned her.

“We should dress up for the party! As Pilgrims and Native Americans!” Greta exclaimed.

“That might take a lot of work to get all the outfits in a short amount of time.” Gil told her.

“Pleeeeeeeeeeease! We learned all about the first Thanksgiving at school and I think this would be fun. Pleeeeeeeeeeease?” Greta begged.

 

“Your Dad does have a point about their not being a lot of time before the party.” I said.

Greta pouted a bit.

“The school just did a play. We could ask to borrow their costumes.” Gabby said, before stuffing a muffin in her mouth.

“I’ll call the school tomorrow and see what I can do.” I told Greta.

And I did just that the next morning. We got outfits for us all, except Gavin. He had to be a bit creative with his outfit. Gavin and Greta all painted hand turkeys on our faces to add with the theme.

 

Everyone else was allowed to come dressed as normal. Kelly had grown since we had last seen her and Gavin noticed right away. He spent a lot of time speaking with her.

 

The Bunch’s were invited, as usual. We also invited Blair and Boyd Jr. Cyclone had recently passed away and I didn’t want them to be alone in their first Holiday without him.

 

Judy showed up as well. It was really nice having her in the house again, even if only for a while. This year’s seating seemed to go a little bit better as well since we didn’t invite as many people.

 

Later on that evening as people started leaving, Gil and the kids set down to play video games. Misty seemed to be entranced by the TV as well. I was busy cleaning up so I didn’t join them. But I did watch them every once in a while. Especially when the sounds of them smashing the buttons became really loud. I’m not sure who won to be honest. Just that they all seemed to have fun with it.

Chapter 29

As with Duke, we buried Jer in the Bunch family graveyard right next to Duke. I was grateful that the Bunch family had given us permission to bury them there. I felt a bit better with their graves being in a more secluded area. We could have placed them at home, but Gil and I were worried it would upset the kids. But we promised the kids if they ever wanted to go visit their graves, we would take them.

 

I kept busy with trying to distract myself and the kids. One night the four of us got into a heated car race on our gaming system. It was nice for all of us to take our minds off everything.

 

I knew Garfield missed his pals. I was really glad we had taken in Misty now, that way Garfield still had another animal to hang out with. Of course I made sure to pay even more attention to him. I knew he didn’t have a lot of time left either, but he seemed to be doing well, health wise. I was going to do my best to make sure it stayed that way and started feeding him and Misty homemade cat food I would make on the stove.

 

One afternoon Gil took me to Chocolate Bubbles. We were enjoying some goodies from the chocolate fountain when I looked over to see Shane and…Kiki?  I stared at her a bit, I wasn’t used to seeing her with some clothes on, though she wasn’t exactly dressed like most elderly women dress. She noticed us, but didn’t bother to say anything. So I didn’t either. I knew we would never resolve things between us, but it was nice not having to fight with her every time we crossed paths.

 

That evening Gavin attended his first High School dance. I waited up for him to return home while Gil made sure the twins got to bed on time. I may have overreacted a bit when Gavin arrived home. Okay a lot. I pulled him into a hug and acted like I hadn’t seen him in about ten years.

“How did it go? No fights, right? Any girls hit on you? No spiked punch? I swear if someone spiked that punch, I’ll have a word with the entire school staff about this.” I said, babbling to Gavin.

 

Gavin pulled back and smiled at me.

“Mom, relax. It went fine. No fights, I danced with a few girls, but nothing happened. I didn’t touch the punch. Scouts honor.” Gavin told me, still smiling. His smile made me smile.

“I’m sorry for all the questions. I’m just not handling you all growing up that well I guess. But I’m proud of you, Gavin.” I told him.

We chatted a bit more, before we all went to bed.

 

The next morning I overheard Gavin suggesting to Gil that we have a pool party at the end of Summer. I heard him mentioning cheering me up. I wasn’t trying to eavesdrop, but I did. But it made my heart swell with love that Gavin wants to cheer me up. Gil agreed to his idea.

 

But before the pool party at the end of the summer, Gil and I had a slumber party to plan for the twins. They had been begging for one for a while and we finally caved. A lot more went into planning a slumber party then I thought and Gil and I had to take a break to rest our minds the night before the slumber party. Garfield and Misty decided to join us our break.

 

The guest list was small, but the girls were happy with it. One guest was Kelly Bunch, daughter to Ethan and Holly. We hadn’t seen her all that much, but it was nice to have her over. She looked so much like her Mother, it was almost like someone cloned Holly. Greta seemed to really like Kelly and they spent a lot of time gossiping and telling each other jokes.

 

Another child that was invited to the party was our paper boy. I didn’t even know his real name, because everyone calls him D. Just the letter D. Even his parents, which Gil and I had a talk with. We talked to everyone’s parents in fact. But he seemed like a good kid and Gabby spent a lot of time talking to him.

 

The last attendee was a little girl of a family that just moved to town, her name is Becky. Good kid as well. We ordered them pizza for the party and let them have it to themselves, so it felt more special.

 

Gavin said he couldn’t let this party pass by without trying to scare the pants off the kids. He said it was his duty as an older brother and got our permission to tell the kids a ghost story and made sure it wouldn’t offend me. I told him it was okay, as long as it’s not too scary. I also looked at this as a sort of prepping for the girls for the day Gil and I would have to tell them about my past. Gavin did a great job with the story.

 

The next morning after all the kids were picked up, Greta and Gabby were going full speed and playing on the new teeter totter we had bought. Only kids and teens can get barely any sleep and go full-bore next day. Gil and I were hugging our cups of coffee the entire day.

 

They spent most of that day playing, Gavin even joined the on the swing set during the evening hours. And while I was a sleepy Mom, I was glad to see our kids having fun and laughing.

 

We sold our domino’s table and purchased a chess table, since Gil had taken chess back up again. But he usually had to fight Greta and Gabby to even get to play it. Greta seemed to be interested in anything that would expand her knowledge, even at such a young age. Gabby just enjoyed it because it was a game and she got to hang out with her sister.

 

So one morning Gil talked me into getting up early to play chess with him. I still wasn’t that great at it, but we did have fun. Even if it was early.

 

Eventually we got kicked off the chess table by the girls and went inside to cuddle on the couch. Things were getting back to normal for us, even though we did all miss Duke and Jer.

 

We did have the end of summer Pool Party that Gavin suggested. We had Gavin help with the invite list as well. The Bunch’s were invited, so was Queenie’s family. We also invited Moritmer, Bella and Cassandra Goth.

 

Gil grilled out tofu dogs for everyone, plus others brought along food for everyone to eat. It was nice when people brought things, that way we could make sure no one went hungry.

 

Gavin spent a good chunk of the party talking with Cassandra and Jessica, Lisa’s daughter. Who had grown like a weed it seemed.  Gil and I noticed both girls making lovey eyes at our son. Gil was proud and I was anxious. But I knew eventually Gavin would enter his first romance.

 

We did end up having plenty to eat and then some. While I was eating it struck me that Queenie’s children were now both young adults. I remember when Melissa was a toddler and JR was a little boy. Heck I remember when Jessica was born. I was starting to feel old.

 

Gil and I had a rule. No kids in the hot tub. We weren’t having that rule to be greedy and to hog the hot tub, we were concerned about their safety. Just like the kids weren’t allowed to swim without one of us around. But since Gavin was a now a teenager, Gil invited Gavin to join him in the hot tub. Gavin was pretty thrilled by the invite.

People started leaving and we started cleaning up. While grabbing some dishes from the backyard, I noticed Gavin hanging out with Jessica on the loungers. Of course they were quiet when I walked by, but they seemed to enjoy each other’s company. But that could be because they had been around each other so much due to the families being close.

 

Summer faded and Fall appeared for our town. And Gavin made a request from Gil that would have made me have grey hairs if my hair wasn’t already pretty much white.

 

Gavin asked Gil to teach him how to drive. I had a feeling Gavin asked Gil because he knew I might be a basket case about it. Smart kid. Though Gil seemed a bit nervous about it too. I stood in the yard and watched Gavin drive them down the road, slowly and hitting the breaks a lot. It was a tough ride so far. I watched until they disappeared from my sight and went inside to see what the twins were doing to distract myself.

 

Hours later Gavin and Gil returned home, safely. I hugged Gavin tightly as he walked through the door.

“Mom…can’t…breathe…” Gavin told me. I finally released my grip on him and hugged Gil as well.

“How did it go?” I asked. Gavin smiled and Gil let out a sigh of relief.

“It as a rough start, but he got the hang of it. I’m going to take him to take the test for his license tomorrow.” Gil told me. My little boy knows how to drive now.

Chapter 28

Spring soon faded into Summer for Sunset Valley.

Gil grilled some hamburgers for our family on the first official day of Summer. I loved it when Gil grilled out, I didn’t have to cook dinner that way. Though Gil would make dinner if I asked and even Gavin had started cooking a bit. He had mastered Autumn Salad by this point.

The next evening  Agnes Crumplebottom invited us to a pool party at the Goth Mansion. Gil thought it would be hilarious to tell me there were spiders crawling out of a crack in the wall. I freaked out and jumped into his arms. I do not like spiders. Not a minute after I jumped into Gil’s arms, he was laughing over my reaction. I had him put me down and I smacked him on the arm, seeing there isn’t wasn’t even a crack in the wall, let alone spiders. Needless to say Gil didn’t get any that night.

But I forgave him by the very next day as Gil invited me into the hot tub with him. It was nice to have it be hot tub and swimming weather again.

We spent about an hour in there and went back into the house, but heard the kids crying. Gil and I ran into the Living Room.

Duke had passed away in his sleep. We all knew it was coming some day, but it’s still hard to prepare for it. The kids were distraught, so was Gil and so was I. Duke had been my apart of my family before Gil even moved to town and had been my first pet ever. Not to mention how he always made me smile and peed on Kiki and Amy when they upset me. And once Gil moved in, he and Duke became pals. Duke had also been very protective of Gavin as a toddler. He was a special dog, but was more than just a dog. I was going to miss my beloved Duke.

I took Gabby to the computer to try to distract her, as Gavin hugged Greta and shielded her as Gil moved Duke to our bathroom for the night. We had always made plans to bury him in the Bunch Family Graveyard. We had gotten permission from Judy.

The next morning Queenie came by and picked up the kids, while Gil and I went to lay Duke to rest. I wasn’t really feeling anything at that point. So Gil took me on a drive around town in his new car.

Gil took me to the beach, hoping the waves of the ocean would give me some peace. But all I felt was a mixture of numb and sadness.

“I know you miss him. I do too. There will never be another like him. But we are blessed we got so many years with him. He lived a lot longer then some dogs. We need to focus on the good times.” Gil told me, trying to help me cope with this. I knew he was right, but it would take me awhile to deal with this loss.

Gil did manage to convince me to go swimming in the ocean with him the next day. He seemed to be trying to get me out of the house a lot the first few days. I appreciated that he wanted to help and I knew he was hurting too.

The kids were upset as well, but the twins seemed to adjust a bit better. Gavin on the other hand was trying not to show that the was upset for their sakes and kept himself busy. One morning he made waffles for his little sisters and they had breakfast together.

But we weren’t the only ones upset I noticed. Garfield and Jer were upset too, I think especially Garfield. I made a point to spend some cuddly time with him. Holding him helped me too.

Gil tended to Jer and made sure to spend time with him too. I didn’t pass me by that Garfield and Jer were elders too. But I honestly didn’t want to think about that.

The weekend arrived and we headed to the Summer Festival as a family. I was a bit shocked when I arrived there and discovered that Judy was not only back from her trip, but also working at the Festival as a food merchant.

“I found the time capsule and dropped it off at Ethan’s yesterday. Thank you again for your help, Lotta.” Judy told me. I nodded my head.

“No problem.” I told her.

“I can see you’re wondering why I’m working here. Well I heard they were hiring and well, I wanted something to do. You see its weird living alone after all these years. I have so much free time on my hands. So I decided to try this out.” Judy explained to be, before she had to go start her shift.

(Small note. I’m not sure why they put on those clothes for this. But they did. Please ignore that. xD)

Greta and Gabby decided to turn some of the park benches into cars and went on joy rides after Gil gave them some helmets and goggles. It was pretty cute to watch.

Gil used the Festival to teach Gavin his “sweet dance moves” and I have to be honest, Gil is a great dancer. He really knows how to work it. I just wasn’t too thrilled with the idea of Gavin learning how to club dance from his Father. Maybe I was being too much of a Mom about it, but I didn’t like the idea of a bunch of women drooling over my son. But I kept quiet, because Gavin really wanted to learn.

We all brought our bathing suits along and changed in the bathrooms at the Festival, that way we could all play with one of the sprinklers. It was a hot one that day and it was nice to do something fun with the family after what had been going on lately.

I recently had purchased a structure that would make gardening easier and decided to teach the kids how to garden. I told them they didn’t have to do keep with it if they didn’t want too, just that I wanted them to try it out. Gavin planted some seeds he got from a trip to the Science Center to start off the garden for us. And I was looking forward to having a garden again. I had missed it.

While Greta and Gabby had both developed different interests, they still spent time with each other. I would often walk by their door and peek into see them chatting on their bean bag chairs with one another.

“Oh Lotta, look what we have here.” Gil said, stopping me on way to removing my sneakers. I looked up and saw mistletoe. In the midst of Summer. I swear, only Gil would do something like that.

“Getting desperate, aren’t we?” I questioned him, teasing him.

“I’m always desperate for a kiss from my beautiful wife.” Gil told me. He still knows how to lay on the charm.

I gave him his kiss. And a few more to go with it.

One evening as I was reading a new book, Gil was busy dancing to the radio. He had it on latin, as usual. I noticed Greta walking by out of the corner out of my eye.

“I don’t know you.” Greta said, walking past Gil.

“Yes you do. Admit it, your Dad has the moves!” Gil shouted to Greta. She sighed and walked off. I could picture Gil doing things to embarrass the girls around their friends and possible boyfriends as they get older. I kind of approve. Just as long as a sawed off shot-gun named Betsy doesn’t get involved.

One day we were invited by Judy to go visit her at her new home. She purchased a light blue home, with one bedroom across from the beach. It was a lovely little lot and she seemed happy with it. Though I think she really missed having a house full of children.

 

The day came when Gil and I agreed that it was time to tell Gavin about my past. Gil and I paid Lisa to babysit the twins and took Gavin to the town’s Graveyard. Gil said he would stick close if I needed him for this.

“Gavin. What I’m about to tell you is going to be hard to believe. I’ve been trying to think for years about how to tell you this when the day finally arrived. And I still haven’t figured out the right way.” I started, sighing.

“What is it Mom?” Gavin questioned.

“There are things in this world that defy science and logic. Gavin…ghosts are real. So are vampires, fairies, genies and werewolves. Though most haven’t existed in this town since before you were born. But the ghosts are still here. They just don’t always make themselves known and some people can see them easier than others.” I told him, pausing for a few moments to give Gavin a little time to adjust to this information. Though I’m sure a part of him thought his Mom had gone off her rocker.

“And why I’m telling you all this is because years ago…I used to be a ghost. I died in a fire in Bridgeport and was a ghost for over 20 years. A genie brought me back to life one day and gave me a second chance at life.” I told him.

 

A few moments passed by before Gavin spoke.

“Okay, let me get this all straight. You used to be a ghost that died in a fire and a genie brought you back to life?” Gavin questioned. I nodded my head.

“Mom, have you seen the Doctor lately?” Gavin asked me. I sighed, but wasn’t stunned by his question.

 

“Gavin, as out there as it sounds. It’s true. I did my own research on what your Mom is telling you after she told me about it. I have newspaper articles on the fire and her death.” Gil told Gavin, stepping up beside him.

“This is…I don’t know what this is.” Gavin said, rising from the bench. Gil got the folded up newspaper articles out of his pocket and handed them to Gavin. I sat on the bench as Gavin read through them, trying to remain calm.

 

About five minutes later, Gavin handed the articles back to Gil and I stood up. Gavin started crying, which he didn’t do often.

“I’m so sorry you had to go through that Mom. That’s awful.” Gavin said through sobs.

 

I pulled Gavin into a hug and comforted him.

“It was all worth it. I met your Father and we have you and your sisters now. I wouldn’t change what happened because then I wouldn’t have all of you.” I told him.

We stayed at the Graveyard for another half hour before going home. Gavin agreed that he wouldn’t tell the twins or anyone about what we had told him.

But when we got home, after picking up the twins, we found something heartbreaking.

 

Jer had passed away in his sleep. We were heartbroken all over again.

 

We expected it, just like with Duke. But it still didn’t make it easy and it was so soon after Duke as well. I was going to miss my little white snowball. We all were. I could still remember when Judy and Jack asked me if I wanted Jer. I never regretted taking him in.

Chapter 27

Sometimes time passes by in the blink of an eye it seems. Years seem to be gone in a matter of seconds. Even if you have photos and videos that prove that the time didn’t go as by as quickly as it you think it did. You have those precious memories in your head and heart to hold onto when time seems to be slipping away from you and change comes takes its toll, for good or for bad.

Greta and Gabby’s Birthday arrived once again. Our little surprises were growing up on us. I could still remember the day I was in the delivery room and gave birth to Greta, then Morgana told me there was another baby on the way. Gil and I were shocked for days after that. But now we wouldn’t give up either of them for anything.

 

 

Gil insisted on holding the twins while he helped them blow out the candles on the cakes we had made at the local bakery. I didn’t put up a fight about it. Gavin and the pets also helped celebrate the special moment. We kept it just to the immediate family though. But did dress up especially for the occasion.

We also had to redecorate the nursery into a room better suited for young girls. It took a few days, so Greta and Gabby had to sleep in sleeping bags in Gavin’s room. He didn’t seem to mind.

Greta demanded her things in the bedroom be covered with red. She also took an instant liking to the pets, especially Misty.

 

Gabby was more into purple and liked using the little oven I had purchased years ago when Gavin was a child. He rarely used it, so it was nice to see someone getting some use out of it. Gabby made us some good brownies with the little oven and didn’t burn a single one.

 

Gil and I celebrated the twins’ Birthday somewhat privately. Thankfully the kids were off doing their own things. It was hard to believe we now had a teenage son and two young girls.

 

 

Soon it was time for Greta and Gabby’s first day of school. I was glad that Gavin would be riding the bus with them and he promised me that he would look out for them. I didn’t even have to ask him. I think he remembered how nervous I was on his first day of school.

 

That still didn’t stop me from being emotional about it as the bus pulled away though. Gil had to hug me and assure me that they would be fine. I hoped I wasn’t coming off as one of those clingy types of Mom’s, but I couldn’t help it. Even after going after it once with Gavin.

 

With all the kids in school, I had a lot of free time on my hands. So did Gil. He decided to take up chess once again. I focused on spending more time with the pets. Especially Duke. I had a feeling he wouldn’t be with us much longer and that broke my heart.

 

Gil and I also decided to spend some time with each other during school days. One lovely spring afternoon Gil took me on a picnic at Maywood Glen. It was nice with it just being the two of us, it reminded me of when we first started dating. Sometimes it was a bit surreal that Gil and I had been together that long. It honestly didn’t feel like it most of the time. I counted that as a blessing.

 

Getting everyone together for Breakfast on a school day was impossible, but we tried to eat Breakfast together as a family on Saturday and Sunday. A favorite for the kids were pancakes. While I hadn’t had a garden for a while, I still made sure I had plenty of fresh fruit that I bought at the grocery store or at the market in the fridge to make any kind of pancakes the kids requested.

We also tried to get out and do something as a family each weekend.

 

 

 

The seasonal festivals had been a favorite of the our family’s for a while and now the twins were old enough to enjoy them. One weekend Gavin went egg hunting with his little sisters.  Gabby was especially thrilled to find an egg dyed to her favorite color.

 

And since Gavin was keeping the twins busy, Gil and I enjoyed some dancing at the Spring dance. Somehow I ended up winning Queen of the Spring dance, but the award I was supposed to get got lost in the mail. Didn’t matter to me though, I really loved dancing with my husband.

 

Another weekend Greta and Gabby got their faces painted and tried out skating for the first time.  They were a bit unsteady on their skates, as all newbies to skating are. Gavin was getting pretty good at skating now.

 

Gil and I continued our tradition of spinning around the rink together.

 

But we also took out some time to help Greta and Gabby get more used to skating. They really appreciated the help and I knew they’d get the hang of it someday.

 

Gil and I also visited the Spring Festival while the kids were in school. We even took turns tending the kissing booths.

 

Though Gil and I did hog one another. Nobody else even got a chance to kiss either one of us.

 

Soon we discovered that Greta shares Gavin’s love of art. We bought Gavin a sketching table and Greta took over the art easel. They would hang out in the backyard, making art and chatting with one another.

 

Gabby really enjoyed pretending she had a royal court of subjects to rule over. I lost count over how many times I found her doing it. She seemed to have a very vivid imagination.

 

Since Gavin and Greta fancy art, Gil and I decided to take the kids to the Art Gallery. Gavin was fascinated by some of the paintings. Gabby for some reason kept giggling about something Gavin told her. I never did find out what he said to her, but she wouldn’t stop giggling over it.

 

“Mom, do you think I can be a famous artist someday? Greta asked me.

“Sweetie, I think you can if you keep with your painting. But only do it if you truly love it.” I told her. Greta nodded.

“I do love it, Mom.” Greta told me. I smiled and kept on looking at paintings with the kids. Gil had wondered off wondering why a toilet as considered a piece of art. I question that one myself.

 

After the Art Gallery, we went to the stadium for a concert. Gavin wanted to see a rock band, but we had to keep it a little more tame for the twins. Maybe when they’re older we can all go to a rock concert, though Gavin might not want to go with his parents to one by that time.

 

That evening before bed, Gavin pulled me into a hug and told me that he loves me. That meant a lot to me. I treasured the little moments with my children. I once thought I wouldn’t have any kids and had ended up with three beautiful and healthy children. I was thankful for them everyday and loved them to pieces. I would do anything for them and I know Gil feels the same way.

 

Once I finished getting ready for bed in our brand new bathroom, which we had remodeled out of the old nursery, Gil stopped me and placed his hand on my cheek.

“I know I haven’t told you this much lately, but you’re still as beautiful to me as the day I first saw you. I looked across the road the day I moved to town and saw you in your yard. I think my eyes popped out of my head and my jaw hit the ground.” Gil told me, joking a little. I laughed a bit, placing my hand on his and smiling at him.

“I love you, Lotta.” Gil added on.

“I love you too, Gil.” I told him happily.

Chapter 26

In what seemed like the blink of an eye, Winter arrived in Sunset Valley.

It snowed so much one day that Gavin had a snow day from school. Judy stayed inside with the twins so Gil and I could play in the snow with our son. Gavin and I built a snowman while Gil spent some time making snow angels.

Gavin also helped Gil build an igloo. I had always wondered how Gil learned to build them and it was then that Gil revealed that his Father had taught him how to build them when he was a child.  Maybe building igloo’s every winter could be another family tradition for our family.

After a day of playing in the snow, Gil and I warmed up by having some hot cocoa while Gavin was busy trying to beat Judy at video games. The twins were playing in their room and it was quiet. Outside of the sound of smashing buttons coming from the Living Room.

We took Gavin to the Winter Festival, as we do every year. Gavin insisted on trying out everything, but we wouldn’t let him go snow boarding. Not yet. Eventually we all went ice skating.

We skated for endless hours and Gavin found himself a skating buddy in Rayne Sekemoto, who had pie all over her face for some reason.

Once we got home and all warmed up, Judy sat down on the couch with us and stunned me a bit with what she said or rather asked.

“Lotta, you and Gilberto have been so kind to let me stay here while I search for a new house and I feel bad for even asking. But I really would like to know something.” Judy started. I nodded for her to go on.

“I was wondering if you could speak to Jack for me and ask where he buried the time capsule he did on our honeymoon in Hidden Springs. I meant to ask him before he passed away…but I was so upset that it slipped my mind. But I would really like to find it and give it to Ethan, since that was the agreement, to give it to our first-born someday, before I join Jack in the afterlife.” Judy explained.

I wasn’t sure what to say. I looked at Gil and he gave me a look that said I’ll support you in whatever you do.

“I can’t guarantee that I’ll be able to talk to get a response from Jack. I’ve never gotten a verbal response for a spirit before. And since he passed away under normal causes, I don’t know if he would even show up. But…I’ll try. I have to wait until it’s closer to the one year anniversary of his passing, the spirit is always strongest then.” I explained to Judy. I wanted to do this for her, plus it would be nice for me to get to see and speak to Jack again. If I could do it that is.

Since I couldn’t do anything about Judy’s request until at least Spring, I focused on spending time with my family. We took the twins and Gavin around town to see all the Christmas lights.

And as usual, Christmas Day arrives before anyone is ready for it.

We threw a gift giving party and invited all the Bunch’s, their spouses and kids. Judy was really excited about all of it and bought a new dress for the occasion. It was probably the most dressed up I had even seen her.

The twins behaved themselves during the entire party and I was pleasantly surprised.  I was looking forward to the day though when they could open presents themselves.

Gil went all out by dressing up as Santa for the party, while I didn’t dress up too much. I didn’t want us to have another fight about Christmas attire. But after seeing Gil, I wished I had dressed up.

“I can’t wait to get you under the mistletoe later, Lotta and make a little fire of our own.” Gil said, rubbing his hands together and plotting.

“Not in front of the kids.” I told him, trying not to laugh at the look on his face.

Gavin asked me to follow him and presented me with a gift. Inside was his hand prints in some clay that had been baked in a kiln at his school. I loved the gift and vowed to cherish it.

Later on after everyone left, Gil and I presented Gavin with his gift. We gave him a computer program that would allow him to design his own planes and space shuttles. Gavin loved it and ran off to play it on the family computer.

Winter soon faded into Spring. The snow melted, the grass turned green and the bird returned to sing us their songs. And with Spring came a day that I had mixed feelings about. Gavin’s Birthday. I wasn’t sure if I was ready for Gavin to be a teenager. I wasn’t sure if I was ready for him to be at dating age, for him to learn how to drive. For him to possibly fall in love and get his heart-broken. But I couldn’t stop it.

We had a small celebration with just myself, Gil and Gavin. We had Judy drop the twins off at Queenie’s while Judy went to have a Spa day.

I may be a bit biased. Or a lot biased. But I thought Gavin aged up wonderfully. I just wanted to hug him and pinch his cheeks, but held back. He was now almost as tall as me and his Father.

Jer’s Birthday was the very next morning. Now he’s an elder kitty.

Gil pulled me outside one day during a Spring Shower. I wasn’t sure what was going on until we handed me my umbrella and ran over to a giant puddle and started splashing around in it. I joined him and we splashed around in the huge puddle like a couple of kids. I think he sensed that I was a bit worried about my upcoming visit to the Bunch Family graveyard to try to communicate with Jack, though I never said anything. Time splashing in a puddle with my husband was just what I needed.

I waited until it was dry and warmer before I headed to the Bunch Family Graveyard one night. I approached Jack’s grave and started talking to it. I filled him on what had been going on since he left us. After about an hour, I heard someone call my name. I turned around and there was Jack.

We sat down on a bench together and I asked him about the time capsule that Judy wanted to know about. Jack explained to me where he had buried it in Hidden Springs so I could give the information to Judy. He also told me that he misses all of us, but it happy where he is now. He only came because I was there wanting to speak to him.

Jack said he had to go, but had a surprise for me. We stood up and Jack made himself solid enough that we could share a hug. It was different, hugging a ghost. But it was familiar too. I was very glad he did that, as I missed him too. He also requested that I tell everyone that he loves them for him. I agreed to do so and watched him fade away into the sky. I was a bit emotional after my visit with Jack and had to take a bit to compose myself. I also needed time to come to terms with the fact that I was able to carry on conversations with ghosts and not have them be one-sided. I thought back to when I spoke to Tragic Clown’s spirit and he how he hadn’t responded. There had to be a reason for that.

By the time I was ready to speak to Judy, it was morning. I called her to the Graveyard, not wanting to have this conversation at home where Gavin might hear it. He still didn’t know about all of this and I knew I’d have to tell him soon.

“I got to speak with Jack. He loves you. He loves us all and misses us.”  I told Judy. She smiled.

“He also said that he buried the time capsule by two rocks at the park you two had a picnic at. He said you would know the one.” I explained to Judy. She smiled again and nodded. She knew the one he was talking about.

I came home that afternoon to see Gavin and Gil rocking the twins. I smiled so much at that sight that my face actually hurt.

The next day Judy approached me in the Kitchen.

“Thank you so much for getting in touch with Jack. Getting the chance to go find that time capsule means the world to me. I really want Ethan to have it.” Judy told me.

“I was glad to help out.” I told her, smiling.

“I need to go to Hidden Springs to get it. And I have my plane ticket booked for this afternoon…I really appreciate you and Gilberto letting me stay with you all for so long.” Judy said, I was a bit sad that she was leaving.

“I also have a house lined up for me when I get back. So Conrad will be coming to get my things and moving them there for when I get back.” Judy added on. Now I was sad. I understood in my head that her living with us was a temporary thing, but in my heart I wanted to keep her around. I was going to miss her.

“It’s okay, Lotta. I’ll be back. And when I do come back, you can come visit me at the new house.” Judy said, hugging me. I told her I would do that. That we all would.

Gavin hugged Judy goodbye as she was getting ready to leave. I could tell he was sad about Judy leaving too, but didn’t say anything.

Gil hugged Judy goodbye as well and told her she was welcome to stay with us anytime. We then watched as she got into a cab and it drove off.

Gavin went inside to play with the twins and Gil joined me over on the swing set. He smiled at me and hung out with me on the swing set for a few hours. Gil and I have had our problems over the years, but I was so glad that I married him. Even during the fights, I never regretted that decision.

Chapter 25

We had made great progress with teaching Greta and Gabby their skills. They both knew how to speak, walk and were well on their way to be potty trained. They also helped keep us busy while waiting for the results of the DNA test.

And the results came on a sunny day after what seemed like a year of waiting. Pearl called us to meet her and Austin outside the diner, saying she had the results. I found this a bit odd and called the Hospital, with Gil’s authorization and found out the results she had are accurate and I could call back later to make sure she was telling the truth.

“Well Gilberto. Turns out Austin isn’t your son.” Pearl told us. While I was pretty happy about that fact, a small part of me did feel bad for Austin. His Mother had put him through a lot just because she couldn’t stay faithful to her fiance before she married him. I did hope, for his sake only, that he did find his Father someday.

“I hope you find Austin’s Dad for him.” Gil told Pearl. Austin seemed to be trying to find something to do off to the side. Pearl took Austin and told us she was going with him back to Sunlit Tides. She had one more guy to try to see if he was Austin’s Father.

After Pearl left, Gil called the Hospital to make sure the results Pearl gave us were accurate. They were. Gil and I hugged in celebration after hearing the news. We would have made Austin a part of our family, but it would be nice not having Pearl around. I had a feeling she would have stirred up trouble if she had stayed in town.

Soon Fall set in upon Sunset Valley. The air was cooler and the leaves on trees were turning pretty reds and golds, before falling to the ground and painting the ground with their colors.

One afternoon while Gavin was at school, I was in the backyard with Gil. He was raking up some leaves and I was talking to him about  some plans for Halloween for Gavin. I wasn’t too fond of that day, due to what happened with Lane. But I wanted Gavin to have a good time that night. Soon though I felt something rubbing on my leg. I looked down to see a stray cat. I talked to her and eventually picked her up.

“Aren’t you a pretty thing?” I asked the kitty as she purred.

“We have another cat, don’t we?” Gil asked, while still raking leaves.

I laughed. “If we find out she don’t have owners..yes.” I replied. I was sucker for animals and I knew I had passed that on to Gavin. I did keep my word though and made flyers for kitty. Gil helped me post them around town, just like we did for Garfield.

Of course, Gavin loved the kitty the moment he saw her and asked if we could keep her. Gil explained what we were doing.

“You’re so cute Misty, yes you are.” Gavin said, making kissy faces at Misty. That’s what he decided to call her. And it turns out no one showed up to claim Misty. So we had a new addition to the family. That moved us to three kids, one dog and three cats. But Misty is now our only female pet. Good thing Garfield and Jer are fixed.

Have I mentioned how much Gavin helped out with the twins? It was so adorable too.

“Here you go Greta. Drink it slowly or you’ll hurl.” I heard Gavin telling Greta. Sound advice he was giving to his baby sister.

I was sitting out back one afternoon, enjoying some peace and quiet when Judy came over from next door and sat down beside me.

“I’m not sure how to ask this…” Judy said to me.

“What is it?” I asked her. I would be happy to help her if I could.

“Lisa and Conrad want to get a place together and that would leave me in that big old house by myself, since obviously they’ll be taking Jessica with them. So I’m going to sell the house, but I need a place to stay until I find a new home that’s smaller. Darlene doesn’t have any room since she lives with the Langerak’s and Ethan and Arlo don’t have any room either.” Judy explained. I could see where this was going and I wasn’t upset. I was happy with the idea.

“I’ll talk to Gil.” I told her, smiling. I had a feeling Gil would say yes and we did have the spare room available.

“Thanks, Lotta.” Judy said, smiling back at me.

“Gil…”

I started, approaching him. I was using my sweetest tone with him.

“”Yes?” Gil replied.

“I was talking with Judy today and she was telling me that Lisa and Conrad are getting a place of their own. So she would be all alone in that big old house. That’s why Judy has decided to sell it. But you see she needs a place to stay until she finds a new home for herself that’s smaller and we do have that spare room…” I told Gil.

“It’s fine with me if she stays here. I think the kids would love having her around and I know you would too.” Gil told me. I was happy with his response. I gave him a kiss and went off to call Judy with the news.

We saved Judy staying with us as a surprise for Gavin though. He was so happy about it.

Judy offered to help me clean the house, since she was a bit of a neat freak. I told her she didn’t have too, but she insisted. I had to admit, it was nice having her help with it. Judy also helped us with the twins.

Gil picked up three pumpkins from the Grocery Store  so we could carve them for the front yard. I really enjoyed sitting down with my boys and carving pumpkins. It was a nice family moment.

I carved a cat face on mine, Gavin went with a silly face and Gil went with the traditional look.

The weekend after Judy moved in all of us, including the twins, met with Lisa, Conrad and Jessica at the Fall Festival. Lisa challenge Gil and I to a pie eating contest. Gil won the contest and a free key lime pie to take home.

Conrad challenged myself, Judy and Gil to an apple bobbing contest as Gavin looked on. Gil won that as well.

Before we headed for home, Gavin insisted on going through the Haunted House. I remembered when Gavin was a toddler and I stood outside the Haunted House with him, after I dared Gil to go through it. It didn’t seem like that long ago.

Gil and I followed Gavin into the Haunted House. I tried not to laugh as I went through it, it was kind of funny. A former ghost going through a “Haunted House”. We all made it out okay and no one wet themselves.

Halloween or Spooky Day as some call it, soon came. Gil and I decided not to dress up, but Gil took Gavin out trick or treating. Gavin choose to dress up as a Gladiator and got tons of candy that night. Of course he wasn’t allowed to eat it all in one night. No we made him space it out and he also shared it with us and Judy.

Gavin had started going to an after school activity for boy scouts three times a week. He was making a lot of friends and learning useful skills. He had even earned some badges and enjoyed showing them off to anyone he could.

One night Gavin was having a hard time falling asleep and asked me to read him a story. I thought back to how I used to read to him when he was younger. Gavin had grown so much and I knew he wasn’t finished growing. On one hand I was proud to watch my son grow, but on the other I was sad. One day I wouldn’t be able to pick him up and hold him anymore. It was already hard to do so anymore.

Gavin eventually fell asleep and I kissed my little boy goodnight, before heading to bed myself since Gil was handling the twins’ bedtime that night.

Before we knew it was time for Thanksgiving and we decided to throw a feast party. We had recently had some of our Kitchen redone. Some of the appliances needed replaced, so we decided to go ahead and change a few things.

Gil and I stayed up the night before so he could make a pumpkin pie. He had been working on perfecting it. I made us some coffee to help us stay up. Technically I didn’t have to stay up, but I wanted to spend that time with him.

The next day the guests arrived around noon. We supplied the Pumpkin Pie, but Queenie supplied the turkey. Other guests brought things such as Mac N Cheese, Cookies and Fish and Chips.

All the Bunch’s were invited, along with Blair’s and Queenie’s families. It was nice to sit down with them all and catch up with each other.

Though I’m starting to see I don’t have quiet enough room in the Kitchen for these parties. But people didn’t seem to mind taking turns at getting to sit down and eat. That gave people a chance to talk elsewhere and catch up.

Speaking of people talking elsewhere, I overheard Gavin complimenting Queenie’s dress as I was headed to pick up Greta to change her diaper. I’m getting the feeling that my son is going to inherit his Father’s charm when it comes to the ladies.

Later on after everyone left, I mixed up some baby food with some pumpkin pie that was left over so Greta and Gabby could enjoy some Thanksgiving food too.