Gen 2 Ch 3

After Jasper's birthday, Chiquita Racket continued to be a frequent visitor at the Moonstone's. It frustrated Jasper that his mom and sister seemed to monopolize her whenever she was over. He knew she already had a boyfriend, but he still held out hope she might change her mind. Until then, he had to be content to be just friends. Finally he could stand the chit-chat no longer.

"Hey, Quita, let's get out of here for a while."

"Wow, cool truck! It looks like a classic."

"I guess it is, it belonged to my grandfather. It's been sitting in our garage for years."

"Your grandfather? Who was he?"

"Sinbad Rotter. Have you heard of him?"

"Whoa! No way! My Uncle August works at the police station and told me all about him! He was a famous master thief in his day."

Jasper was thoughtful at that. Amber had never told him that part. He wondered if she knew.

But his mind was soon drawn to more pleasant matters, as they arrived at the community pool.  There was hardly anyone there, and it was getting close to dusk. Now was his chance.

"You are so beautiful, Quita. I love hanging out with you."

"Why, thanks, Jasp, I like hanging out with you too. But you know I already have a boyfriend."

"Well, you should break up with him. You know Jeff doesn't treat you right. Please?"

"Oh, Jasp, I don't know what to say. I know he's a little hot headed, but I do love him."

"Will you at least think about it?"

"You're so sweet, Jasp. Okay, just for you, I'll think about it."

He wanted to kiss her so bad he could hardly stand it, but he knew she wouldn't like it. So he went home still frustrated.

"So mom, Quita told me some stuff about Grandpa Sinbad, that he was a famous thief. Is that true?"

"Well, Jasper, I suppose it was. I never paid a whole lot of attention to what my dad did for a living. I know he made a lot of enemies in his lifetime, but he loved my mom and me every much in his own way, and that is how I remember him."

Jasper frowned.  "If I ever catch a thief, they'll end up in jail. Officer Knack down at the station has been teaching me about the neighborhood watch. If I can pass the test, he's gonna promote me."

Not long after, Jasper was awakened in the middle of the night by a noise outside his window. There was a thief sneaking through the bushes!

He remembered his training, and quickly and quietly called in to the station.

Officer Knack soon arrived, and Jasper remained calm while his boss ordered the thief to stop.

The thief was not cooperative.

"Watch my back, Jasper, I'll take care of this."

"I think I could have done it myself!"

"I'm glad you didn't, Jasper. You followed procedure exactly. I'll see you get your promotion to neighborhood watch for your help in catching this wanted felon."

Jasper was extremely proud of his new uniform. And every day, as he went off to work after school, he passed Jackie on his way in. Amber didn't get home from work until six, and he wondered if his mom knew what Jackie and Leah did all afternoon by themselves.

All Amber's hard work had finally paid off, and everyone was excited about the ceremony at city hall. Amber was nervous, as she still was uncomfortable in crowds. But she had learned to control her anxiety over the years, and her hand barely shook as she accepted the key to the city. She was so proud that Kay and her family, and her wonderful children, were there to witness the moment.

She had a shy moment as the mayor shook her hand, but then she made it through, as everyone clapped and cheered.

They decided to continue the celebration with a picnic at the beach. Kay even brought her newest addition, baby Nate. As Amber fed Nate his bottle, Leah and Jackie were having a rare argument.

"But Sweetheart, what's wrong with wanting lots of kids?"

"You know I like my privacy, Leah. How will I get my alone time, with a house full of kids?"

"I'm sure you'll think of something. You could have a private study like my mom has. I know we can work it out, Sweetie."

Amber sighed. She wished Leah had more ambition that having a house full of kids. She was so good at fashion design, she could do well at it if she tried.

Amber left the teenagers to watch Nate, while she joined Rob and Kay. Jasper seemed to be getting along well with Jackie's sister Jada, and Leah had eagerly agreed to watch Nate.

"So, Amb, now that you are a famous architect, do you think you'd still want to build us a book nook? The kids really need a good place to study."

"Don't be silly, of course I will. I'll stop by tomorrow morning to measure."

Jasper invited Jada home after the picnic, and Amber was pleased they seemed to be getting along so well.  She heard them laughing and giggling together late into the evening, as she prepared her samples for the job at Kay's the next morning.

The next morning, Amber parked her car in Kay's driveway, and was making her way to the front door.  She had traded in her little sports car years ago for the SUV she needed for two children and stacks of fabric samples. Suddenly a tremendous explosion erupted behind her.

She turned, just in time to see her car explode in a gigantic fire ball!

She watched in awe as debris flew everywhere.  And there, right in front of Kay and Rob's, was a huge crater, with what looked like a meteor buried deep in the earth.