True to her word, Jada called Jasper soon after the twins birthday, and they headed to the Bistro for dinner. It was a beautiful evening, and Jasper decided Jada had been right - he did need to get out more, now that the twins were in school.
Jada smiled so beautifully at him he was almost overwhelmed.
"We should do this again sometime," he smiled back.
"Yes, we should."
Jasper was still determined that his children excel in everything. To that end he set out a schedule for them. First thing after school was homework time.
After that came block table time....
Then chess lessons...
....and painting lessons.
And finally, baking lessons on the weekends.
Everything seemed to be going well for a while, but Jasper started to worry when he came upon Ruby talking to herself out in the yard.
"Oh, it's nothing dad, I was just pretending."
But things really came to a head one when Jasper was at work, and Amber was watching the twins. The grim reaper chose that moment to come for Amber. Amber was ready to go, having achieved all her life time goals. She was known in town as the "Renaissance Woman" for her work in sculpture, painting and charisma, as well as her decorating prowess. but the sight of Amber leaving with the grim reaper so traumatized the twins, they never quite recovered.
They tried to comfort each other as they waited alone at home for Jasper to return from work.
But after that day, they became obsessed with ghost stories. Every day it seemed they had a new tale to tell Jasper.
"I saw mom today. She was reading on the couch. "
"Mom woke me up today, daddy. She was in my room!"
"You know, Jasp, have you considered moving Chiquita's grave to the graveyard? Having that constant reminder in your backyard may be having an effect on Rocky and Ruby."
Jada was such a good friend. Jasper didn't know what he would do without her anymore. but he wasn't ready yet to take that next step.
"I'll think about it..."
"Just remember, I'll always be here for you, Jasp."
He was grateful for her unconditional support, but he couldn't bring himself to do what he knew he should - move past Chiquita, and finally put her to rest.
Until one day as he was about to climb into bed - was that... was he seeing things? Chiquita woke suddenly, and wisped away. But as she disappeared, he thought he heard a breathless whisper..
"... the basement... behind the crates...."
He tried to ignore the ghostly whisper, but finally he could stand it no longer, and spent an afternoon moving crates around in the basement. Suddenly he saw it - the missing smoke alarm? What was it doing here? His police training kicked in instantly, and he carefully placed it in a evidence bag, and delivered it to the station.
"I did it, Jada, I finally did it. Jeffry's prints were all over that alarm. He'll be going away for a long long time. I think it's time to really put 'Quita to rest. Will you help me move her stone to the graveyard?"
"Of course I will."
In no time it seemed, they twins birthdays rolled around again. They had a small party - each twin invited one friend from school.
Rocky was first - he was growing up to look a lot like his dad.
Then it was Ruby's turn.
It seems she has inherited her mother's flirtyness, as well as her looks....
"Hey there, handsome!"
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