Generation 8 - Chapter 5

The weeks turned into months. Fabian spent his copious amount of free time upgrading all the appliances with some occasional help from Elgon. Brenton spent all his free time flirting with girls. There were so many beautiful, colorful, young girls at his high school. There was a certain blue haired belle he couldn't stay away from. She would lead him on then spurn him. As soon as he turned his eye on someone else, she was there grabbing his attention once again. Elgon tried giving his much younger brother advice after he heard through the grape vine that his lady love was going to the school dance with another beau. 

After much weighing of pros and cons, Wind decided to go back to work as a architectural designer. She had a large family to take care of and the funds would eventually run out. She redecorated the small sitting room near the front door as her new studio. It was a lot smaller and darker than she'd like but she knew she'd adjust. 

It did irk her a bit that so much space was being taken up in the corner by the cat condo Elgon had crammed in the room. Unable to say 'No' to his granddaughter, she now had a kitten! (Somehow Candace's cat didn't make the move. oops)

The heavy pain of loss was slowly lessening as time went on, as it always does. Wind decided it was time to have a party! Cherish and Fatima's birthdays were close enough together to justify throwing a joint party. as the day of the party drew near, everyone in the house was contributing to the festivities. Brenton, having just earned his driver's license, was sent on constant errands. Drop off the cake order, buy matching plates and napkins and banners, take the trash to the dump, pick up the cakes, don't forget the ice cream! Wind had Elgon cleaning and Fabian fixing things. It's an old house in an old village. Things leak! 

Things were upbeat. They were joking and playfully messing with each other. Life was settling and feeling comfortable again. 

So of course that means an uninvited guest. 

Fabian died while fixing a leaky sink. 

Ya know, Death, we see you way to much in this family. 

A mere 2 days later was the day of the planned double birthday party. 

Wind insisted that they continue with the plans. 

"You don't have to do this Wind. Everyone will understand, I promise." 

"Do you think the girls will understand? They're too young to do anything other than accept that something has changed and move on. They can still have a happy day even if I am sad." 

She brushed passed Ephriam to pick up Cherish from her play pen. 

"I know sweet girl. It's almost time! People are already showing up. Are you ready for cake?" 

More and more guests arrived. Each giving Wind or Brenton that look of uncertain sympathy. They want to be there for a happy occasion but they're not sure how to celebrate and show compassion for their loss at the same time. So they end up looking uncomfortable and guilty. 

Wind was determined to push through. She had eyes only for 2 little fairy girls and their birthday cakes. She had known Fabian was dying. It's only a matter of time when dealing with humans anyway. Why should these lively young things miss out on fun and sugar? She could be happy for them. The loneliness lessens when you can focus on something else, right? 

"Make a wish sweet Cherish!" 

"Alright Fatima! You're next! Make your wish Little One!" 

There was cake and music and laughter. Everything a birthday party needs. Wind was numb to her pain. She knew in her heart it wasn't over, there would be more. But she found comfort knowing that her dear Fabian was old and had lived a good life. Some how it's easier to accept Death's visits when he comes for the old rather than the new. 

Cherish, being the shy girl that she is, spent her time in the kitchen playing with Fatima. Already they seemed to have completely different personalities but they truly enjoyed one another. 

"It was a wonderful party! You gave the girls some great memories tonight. I'll be over first thing in the morning to watch them for you while you're working....if you're sure that's what you want to do? You know it's ok to take some time off, right?" 

"Yes. Thank you. I don't need any time off. I need to be busy. See you tomorrow." 

Not far away from this exchange, Brenton was saying his own goodbyes. He had talked his mom into inviting a certain family to the party..... 

He had spent all night being aloof and pretending he didn't see her eye flutters or coy smiles until she was getting ready to walk out with her parents. He pulled her aside and spilled his heart out. In his mind it had been a lot more cool and romantic than just unloading all his thoughts on her before grabbing her up... 

To his incredible surprise and delight, she returned the kiss

Grandpa Elgon was distracting Cherish with a bedtime story in Wind's bed while Wind was taking down the crib to make room for the big girl bed. 

"But Grandpa, what happened to your hair?" 

She got quite the scare while making up the bed. 

"Mom..?!" 

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Bonus Shots

Elgon looking dapper as usual

No idea what he did, but Brenton totally got put in time out, hahaha