Marguerite - Gen 3 Ch 7

So,from then on, Lane became a fixture at our house. James made sure to talk him up, and they soon became friends. James assured me that Lane was a nice guy. He wasn't that long out of high school, having graduated the same time as Link and Lara. And he only seemed interested in being friends with Livie, there was never a hint of anything improper between them.

More often than not, he would stop by to 'help' Livie with her homework - although mostly he chatted while she hurried through her assignments. She could hardly wait to get back to her workbench.

Lance's birthday was a wonderful excuse to get the whole family back together again. Of course, Lane was invited, too, as he almost seemed a part of the family by now. Only baby Dommie stayed behind with his great-grandma Caspian. He had a little cold.

We enrolled Lance at the Science Academy with Livie, so he can continue his interest in fishing. I know I'm kinda prejudiced since he's mine, but I think that kid is gonna be a heartbreaker.

The party was a good excuse for Lane and Livie to hang out together.

And Lily regaled us all with her latest ghost story. Lara didn't seem too impressed, but I was fascinated. I wondered if there were ghosts at the Caspian's, like there are here.

Lance seems to have inherited the family "gift". At least that's what my Papa used to tell me it was, a gift. He said his grandfather had it, too, just like Grandpa Max.  In my opinion, it's more of a curse, but oh well. Anyway, Lance has decided the proper uniform for fishing is his best suit.

"You should always get dressed up when you are doing something you love."

 I had to agree with him there. And I had no idea there were such giant fish in our little pond!

Livie still spends every spare minute at her workbench in the basement. Lane seems  more interested in playing with the robot toy she made.

"This is so cool, Livie! You have such an imagination to come up with this stuff."

"Thanks!" Livie blushed at the compliment. "You can have it if you want."

"Oh, wow, thanks!"

But one day, one of the few that Lane wasn't there, I heard a loud crackling noise coming from the basement, followed by a shriek from Livie!

I raced down the stairs, scared of what I would find. But there was Livie, blackened from head to toe, but with a pleased grin on her face.  She had the gall to laugh at me when I asked if she was okay!

"Don't worry, mom, I'm fine. Nothing a little shower won't fix. Wow, that was.... exhilarating!"

I shook my head in amazement as she headed off to the shower. Lara had a streak of daredevil in her, but nothing like Livie has. Sometimes I really fear for her safety.

So this is what she was so pleased about. She says it's a miner, and she can't wait to try it out.

"Just do it behind the barn, Livie, I don't want holes all over the yard."

Livie's, James' and my birthdays are so close, James wanted  have one giant party for the three of us. He invited everyone he knows, which is a lot of people. I'm a little nervous at blowing out my candles in front of such a crowd of people. I hope I don't have a panic attack.

Watching Livie grow up set my mind whirling again. For days now I've been thinking about my pendant. I've never before thought of giving it up, not when Lily, or Lara, or Link grew up. I just couldn't bear to think of parting with it. But the last few days.. well, sometimes it just itches the back of my neck, and other times, it get so heavy. Maybe it's telling me to pass it on to Livie.  But on the other hand, it makes me feel safe somehow. What to do?

Enthusiastic cheering brought me back from my thoughts. It was James' turn to blow out his candles.

Still as handsome as ever, I think. That's my brother Mason, and my sis Mari, behind him. I haven't seen Mason in ages. And who is that girl in the hospital gown? I have no idea.

Then it was my turn. My heart was fluttering madly, but I managed to get all the candles out.

James can always tell when I'm about to lose it, and tonight was no different.

He was there in a flash, with his arms around me.

"Baby, you are so beautiful. And I love you more each day. I have a surprise for you. Come and see."

"Oh, James, it's beautiful! A daisy sculpture garden! You know my name means 'daisy' in French."

"I know, your papa told me. You know, your grandma Sunny has her sunflower pond, and your mom has her White Rose Nectary rose garden and sign, so I thought I'd make you your special place too."

"But what's that big empty spot in the middle?" I wondered.

"That, Margi baby, is where your non-melting ice sculpture will go."

I sighed happily and leaned my head on his shoulder. What a perfect birthday.

There was only one more thing left to do. I knew I had to give up my pendant, that is, if I could pry Livie away from Lane.

I called her out to Grandma Sunny's pond. I thought that was an appropriate place for something so momentous. And I told her the whole story of the pendant. I told her to always wear it, and it would lead her to happiness like it did for me. Of course it glowed as I placed it in her hand.

"I can feel it, mom. It's wonderful."

"Thank you mommy. It's the most wonderful thing I have ever seen. I never realized until right now, and here you've been wearing it my whole life."

"Happy Birthday, Livie."

"Happy Birthday, Mommy."

Marguerite - Gen 3 Ch 6

It was the day after Papa passed away, and it was Little Lance's birthday. No one really felt like celebrating, but we had already bought the cake, and Lance was too little to understand why he couldn't have a party. So I lit his candles, and we sang Happy Birthday. Papa would have wanted it this way, I think.

He wanted a fishing pole for his birthday, so that is what we got. Every day after school he heads out to our little pond. He really seems to have a knack for it.

'Here, mommy, I brought you some fish! Make fish 'n' chips for dinner, pleasseeee!"

He can eat them every night it seems, he never gets tired of them.

Link and Lara graduated, and of course didn't want a party.  But they did want something else. I could tell they were excited because they were finishing each other's sentences.

"Mom.." Link began.

"And daddy..." Lara continued.

"You know we both.."

...like our privacy."

"And that is hard to come by..."

"...in this house."

"You know we love you more than anything..."

"...but we want to have our own place."

"We found the perfect house.."

"... really cheap..."

"duplex with two sides..."

"Link wants the traditional side..."

"...and Lara wants the modern side."

"We just need you to ..."

"...co-sign  for us."

"Please?"

The last word came out in unison. James and I looked at each other.  How could we say no to such enthusiasm? And they both had good jobs lined up. Lara of course had gone down to the police station, and had dragged Link with her for moral support. He was so impressed with the job offer she got, he applied as well. So much for joining the military - now the plan seems to be an international super-spy team.

Not long after the twins moved out, I heard Lily again, running down the hall to the bathroom in the middle of the night. This had been going on for a week now, and I was getting a little worried. 

"Ah, don't worry mom, I think it's the experiments we're doing at the lab, the smell is really getting to me lately. They warned us it might make us sick."

That didn't seem right to me, but the nightly vomiting sessions stopped soon after, so I forgot about it.

"Mom, do you think I'm getting fat?"

I was getting ready to try again for a non-melting ice sculpture, but Lily startled me with her question. I looked at her closely.

"Well, now that you mention it, you do look like you've gained some weight."

"Ya, I think I'm eating too much, I should go on a diet."

As I worked the ice, I kept glancing over at Lily. The more I studied her, the more I was convinced that her weight gain was not "eating too much" weight. I suddenly remembered the vomiting episodes of a few weeks ago, and it all became clear. I was so distracted with the thoughts going 'round in my head, I didn't pay nearly enough attention to my sculpture.

"Oops, that didn't turn out well, did it?"

Lily laughed and laughed. And the ice melted, just like all the others.

I dragged Lily to the doctor under protest, and sure enough, my suspicions were confirmed. I'm gonna be a Grandma! I am just so excited! Lily is tight-lipped about who could be the father, however.

That was about the change, however. One day, not too long before Lily's delivery date, the door bell rang. James was surprised to see a vaguely familiar young man standing here.

"Hello, my name is Chris Caspian. I'm one of Lily's co-workers, and I was worried since she hasn't been at work in a while. May I see her?"

"She didn't tell you why she's on leave?"

'No, we were just told she needed to take a leave of absence."

"Hrmm.. well, come on in then, Chris, I'll tell her you're here.

"Lily??!!"

Chris' eyes about popped out of his head when he saw Lily's very pregnant state.

"Uhh... Hi Chris."

"Lily.." his voice softened. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"I thought you'd be angry. You're angry, aren't you?"

"Of course not. Why would I be angry?"

"It was just that one time, in the supply closet...and... I only did it because I love you... and.. well... I dunno." Her voice trailed off to a whisper. "I was afraid."

"And all the times I asked you to go steady with me, they don't count for anything? Don't you know how much I love you?"

"And now I'm gonna be a daddy! Lily..I... I know you don't want to get married, but ... but.. I'll ask one more time. Will you go steady with me?"

They both abruptly realized we were all standing there listening. I waited impatiently for Lily's answer. 'Say yes! He's a nice boy!' I was thinking hard in her direction.

She looked around at me, and James, then back at Chris. I could see the fear in her eyes, and I totally understood. I smiled and gave her an encouraging little nod.

Finally came a barely audible whisper. "y..yes" then a huge sigh of relief, from all of us.

We all wanted Chris to move in right then, but he has other plans. He lives with his grandparents, who need him to care for them in their old age, and he will inherit their property. So he wants Lily to join him there.

Once she was all moved in, and Chris was at work, Lily started having second thoughts.

"I don't even know these people. Maybe I should just come back home."

I had to remind her why she was there.

"You love Chris and want to be with him, don't you sweetie?"

"Yes, you're right mommy. Just come visit me sometimes,okay?"

I'll visit you every day sweetie, I can't wait for that baby!"

I didn't have to wait long. In fact, it was the every next day. Chris and his grandma were freaking out, so I had to drive Lily to the hospital. I was so proud of myself for not having a panic attack.  I guess when you've done it five times you get used to it.

Lily had a little boy then named Dominique. I can spend hours holding that adorable baby, and often do! My very first grandchild! I want lots of grandchildren. Lara has a boyfriend now, so.... maybe...

With Lily gone, and me away doting on little Dominique, two things have happened that made me realize I need to spend more time at home. First of all, the garden is a mess. Without Lily to nurture them, the plants are not happy. I'm not really a plant person, but it needs doing, and no one else knows how.

Secondly, while I was collecting laundry from Livie's room I found a pile of odd stuff hidden in the corner behind the hamper.

"Livie, where did this stuff come from?"

"Oh... uh... I .. need that stuff for my inventions."

"That's not what I asked."

She looked down at her feet. " I.. uh.. borrowed them from the neighbors."

"Borrowed?" I raised my eyebrows at her.

"Okay, I took them! I didn't mean to! I just see stuff and before I know it, it's in my backpack."

I made her return them, and watched as she trudged out to the mail box to send them back to their owners. She promised not to do it again.

But the very next week, there was a stack of little Chinese dishes back in the same spot.

"LIVIE!"

I was angry; she had promised me!

"Whose are these?" I demanded.

She looked chagrined. "Uh.. they're Lane Seaman's."

"And just who is Lane Seaman?"

"A guy I met at the dump."

"Spill it, young lady."

"Well, you see, mom, I was digging in a pile of trash, and I saw this flywheel I absolutely had to have, so I was throwing stuff everywhere, trying to get to it. It was kinda dark, and I didn't know anyone was there. Suddenly I heard this loud 'OW' from behind me, and there was this guy with the most gorgeous yellow-orange hair standing there rubbing his head."

" 'Oh, did I hit you? I'm really sorry. I didn't see you there.' He said it was fine, he wasn't hurt, I just startled him. He was looking for parts to upgrade his chopper. I told him I had one too, and then he told me he's a firefighter. Isn't that totally cool, mom?"

"I tried to think of something to impress him and the only thing I could think of was my 'Look at me, I'm eating dirt!' routine. I know, kinda dumb now that I think about it, but at the time it seemed like a good idea."

"I think he was totally impressed. Anyway, I got my flywheel, and on my way out, I saw his chopper in the parking lot, and there was this little cardboard box tied to the back. I just had this sudden urge, and before I knew it, the box just kinda jumped into my backpack. I'm really sorry, I'll mail it back."

"Not so fast young lady, maybe it will teach you a lesson if you return it in person. I want you to apologize face to face."

Livie begged, but I didn't back down. I watched as she called this Lane, and told him to come retrieve his property.

"Hi, Livie, thanks for inviting me over!"

"Oh, uh, hi, Lane. I have a confession to make. You know that box of Chinese dishes you had?"

"Yeah, it must have fallen off my bike, I can't find it."

"Uh, no it didn't. I... uh.. took it. I'm really sorry, I didn't mean to, anyway, here it is, you can have it back."

Poor Livie looked so uncomfortable. This was turning out to be a good punishment for her.

"Oh, hmm... I see. Hmm. I don't know quite what I'd do with it. Someone brought it to the fire station as a thank you gift, and I just took it because no one else wanted it. Hey tell you what, why don't you just keep it? I didn't really want it anyway, and you must have really wanted it."

then he flashed her an endearing grin. And I started to wonder if this had been such a good idea after all.

Marguerite - Gen 3 Ch 5

Lots of kids means lots of birthdays! Today it's Olivia's turn.  She is definitely daddy's little girl, and he carried her to her cake.

Happy Birthday, Olivia! We bought her a tool set and workbench for her birthday. She was ecstatic.

Lily had her birthday, too. She so impressed her teachers in her gardening class, the Science Facility offered her a job working in their greenhouse. I made an ice sculpture of her to celebrate! Of course it melted in a few hours, but ice is so much fun to work with. I just love that chain saw. Someday I'm gonna figure out how to keep my ice sculptures from melting. James just laughs, but there's just gotta be a way.

And Lance had a birthday, too! James is so happy to be around to see his last baby grow.

"Come here, Lance! Walk to daddy!"

"Daddeeee! Hugz!"

I savor every moment with my last baby. Of course, he is such a sweetie, everyone has fallen head over heels for him.

"Goodnight, sweetie."

"nigh nigh mommeee"

Lara can't keep her hands off him.

"Are you hungry, sweetie? Big sis will get you some dinner."

"Num num Lawa!"

Little Lance even has Papa wrapped around his little finger, begging to be read to. Papa is so flattered, being the book lover that he is.

Olivia has been coming late from school, just reeking, every day this week.

Ugh, Livie, what is that smell?" I demanded.

"Oh, I was at the junkyard. Look what I found!" She pulled an old bent pipe out of her backpack.

"Well, you need to go shower right now. You stink!"

"Really, mom?" She sniffed at her shirt. "It's not that bad, is it?"

"It is! Now march, young lady."

Livie's been spending all her spare time in the basement, playing with that junk she's been finding.

Today I heard a shriek of delight coming from the basement, that made me jump a foot in the air!

"Yes! I did it! Look what I made! Everybody come look!"

She had actually made a toy out of her junk. We were all amazed.

"Look, Lance, a doggy! Do you want to play with the doggy, Lance?"

"Doggeee!"

It really is an amazing toy. It's legs move, and it's tail wags. I wonder how Livie figured that out? It soon became Lance's favorite.

It was getting close to Livie's thirteenth birthday, and she still stayed busy at her workbench, making all sorts of odd little contraptions. Each new gadget was met with a shriek of delight. Today, the shriek was louder than usual, though.

"Lilllyyyy! Come quick! You have to see this!"

"Uh... what is that?"

"Its a harvester! For your gardening! Come on, lets go try it out!"

She grabbed Lily's hand and dragged her out to the orchard.

"Just point it at the tree, and push this button. Yeah, like that! See! It's sucking up the fruit! Isn't that cool?"

We all came out to watch the cherries fly into the harvester. Lily showed it to her boss the next day, and her boss said she had never seen anything like it. What will Livie come up with next, I wonder?

Livie sure grew up fast! Time for another birthday.

She will be going to the Science Academy to study logic. No one is surprised that she wants to be an inventor when she grows up.

It's taken a long time, but the Nectar Bar is finally finished! James and Papa have been working on it when they've had the time, ever since Lance was born. Wow, I can't believe it's the same place. The old worn wooden siding is all brick now, and somehow they found doors just like the ones I remember from the nectary in France. And a new sign - The White Rose Nectar Bar - named for my mom, and for Papa's famous nectar blend.

Inside it looks twice as big as is used to be. James says it's a decorating trick, but it seems like magic to me.

Papa poured some nectar for tasting. Our first customers should be arriving soon. James put a full page ad in the paper, so I hope we have a good turnout.

I was checking out the back patio, and the new nectar-making demonstration equipment, when I heard a commotion inside.

It was Papa! The grand opening was in full swing, with the bar full of customers, when Papa started feeling faint. Before we knew it, he was gone.

Papa had always told me that when he died, he wanted us to celebrate his life by drinking his nectar and remembering all the fun times. So that's what we did. That evening I set his ashes on the new bar, and we all drank White Rose Nectar and spent the evening with family and friends in our new Nectar Bar, that wouldn't have been possible without him. RIP Papa.