Gen 5 Ch 5

It was the day after the twins birthday, and Opal overheard a heated discussion emanating from their room as she approached the doorway.

"We should redecorate in here, don't you think, Jade? Get rid of the kiddie stuff.  Something different and old-fashioned."

"No way, that's boring. We should go modern. I found the perfect comforter - hot pink hearts!"

"Eeeww ...."

"Girls, girls! No need to argue. Peri's room is empty. Why don't one of you take that one. Then you can each do your own room the way you like."

It took a few minutes for the offer to sink in. The twins had always shared a room.

"Really? Anyway we like?"

"Well, subject to my approval, of course. And I have a special surprise for each of you, for your birthday. I know how you two are such car nuts, but believe me, the kinds of cars you want are way too expensive for teenagers. So I've come up with the next best thing."

"What do you think?"

"Ooh, Mom, I love it! It goes wonderfully in my new room! Thank you!"

"Mom! How did you know that's my favorite car? And in pink! It even matches the wallpaper! Thank you!"

"I"m glad you like it, sweetie."

"Someday I'm gonna have one of those."

Opal was honored again for her styling expertise, this time adding a ribbon to her collection of awards.

"I'm so proud of you, sweetheart."

"Aww, thanks, Jett. I've been thinking. Maybe it's time to retire. Go out at the top, so to speak. Spend more time with you and the girls. What do you think?"

Jett had already given up the club circuit, only performing occasionally for friends.

"It's up to you, hon. But I'd love having you around during the day."

And so it was done. Jett threw her a huge retirement party. Peri surprised everyone by bringing a dark, red-haired girl with him. There was a strange aura about her, that reminded Opal of someone she had met many years before, although she couldn't quite place it. Peri introduced her as Jessica Talon, one of his co-workers at the base, and his new girlfriend.

Opal wasn't sure what the yeti signs signified, but they added to the general air of celebration.

It was Emerald who discovered the true nature of Peri's new girlfriend.

"Oh my, you are a vampire?! The military hires vampires?"

"Oh yes, my dear. The military makes good use of my... err.. special talents."

"Happy Retirement, love."

"How about let's continue this discussion upstairs.."

"Hehe."

Life at the Moonstone's once again fell into a routine. Emerald spent her spare time perfecting her chess game.

"Checkmate!"

While Jade played at an entirely different type of game.

"Oh, Trenton!"

One day Emerald was surprised to to Jade working out in front of the television. She glanced up from her book.

"All right, sis. Spill it. What's going on here? You never exercise."

I have to...  puff puff..I joined the ROTC."

"What? You? In the ROTC? Dare I ask why?"

Hehe. You know know me. There's this cute guy I want to impress."

"Trenton? He doesn't seem like the ROTC type?"

"Hehe. Trenton is so last week. Nope, there's this new guy, Riley."

ding dong

"That's him at the door now. See ya, Emmie. We're going up to the roof, if anyone asks."

"Come on, let's see how high we can jump!"

"Oops, I slipped!"

"Don't worry, I caught you!"

"Oh, Riley."

"I'm so glad you joined ROTC with me, Jade. It's a great organization. We can really make a difference."

"Mm hmmm. You sure are buff.."

After a few weekends of early risings and hard work outs, Jade wasn't quite so sure she had made the right decision. But the hat was cute.

Peri married Jessica, and they were now expecting.

"Oh! I felt her kick! My first grandchild!"

"Mom, dad... here she is. Tia, there's you're gramma and grampa!"

"Aww, she's so beautiful."

"Isn't she though? I think she looks like her mommy, but Jessie says it's too early to tell."

"Can you watch her a little while, mom? We'll be back in a bit."

Opal watched the pair disappear into the bedroom. If they kept this up, she and Jett were sure to be grandparents again soon.

Birthday time again. Friends and family gathered to celebrate as usual. Peri apologised for Jessica. She had been throwing up all day.

Even Opal's cousin Jarvis was there, wearing a white shirt and red scarf. He was Ruby's second son, after her marriage to Alexy Fresco. Opal was shocked to see that he was a vampire, although she had socialized with him so infrequently, she was not sure if he had always had the affliction, or had been turned later.

"I really love working with children. I'm going to apply for a job at the school tomorrow. What are you going to do, Jade?"

"I'm gonna quit the ROTC for starters. Riley and I are so over. Then - I'm not sure. I'll think of something."