Gen 10 Ch 3

Time flew by for the Moonstones. Baby Onyx made his entrance into the world, and Crystal soon found herself expecting again. 

Jack was ecstatic to discover he was going to be a father yet again. Crystal was happy, but was disappointed that her singing career was put on hold. A tiny baby and another on the way didn't leave any time for performances at the casino.

Shani and Naomi matured into teenagers, and slowly bonded over mutual hate of homework.
"What's the answer to number 3, the capital of France?" Shani asked plaintively, waving her pencil around, her short hair falling messily over one eye.
"I know that one, it's 'Paris'. I used to live near there. But how about number 5? What is Egypt famous for?"
"Beats me."
"Arghh."

Winter soon arrived, and with it Rose and Stephan and the Winter Festival. Crystal noticed Ginger looking a little grey around the muzzle, but her mom was just how she remembered.

Rose was excited about becoming a grandma again...

...but for the most part, she and Stephan weren't much help with the babies.

One day Crystal noticed odd noises emanating from the igloo that Shani had built in the back yard.

She went outside to investigate, and was embarrassed to see her mom emerging from the igloo's entrance in nothing but her underwear...

...with Stephan following right on her heels. Her step-dad was getting a little older, it was true, but he still had that spark where Rose was concerned.

When Crystal mentioned the escapade to Jack, his reaction was not what she expected.
"What a great idea! Come with me, we have to try that!"

"Oh, Jack..."
It wasn't nearly as cold as she thought it was going to be.

In due time, little Zircon was born. Onyx was still a baby, but his birthday was approaching quickly.

With Zircon still a newborn,  they kept the occasion to a small family gathering.

'Happy Birthday, Onyx!"
Crystal's blonde hair and Jack's piercing blue eyes - what a combination!

It was not only Onyx's birthday, it was also prom night. So after the birthday cake, Naomi and Shani left in the white limo that Jack had rented for them.
The night did not go well for poor Naomi. Her hot-headed nature had gotten her into not one, but two fights at the dance, and to top off the evening, Shani had been voted prom queen.

She awoke the next morning on the wrong side of the bed, even though it was the long awaited Snowflake Day.
"I don't wanna go to the festival. Shani will be there with her new boyfriend and I won't have anything to do. I just wanna stay home with the babies."

Jack finally convinced her with the promise of teaching her to skate, something she'd been talking about for months.

Shani's new boyfriend was there, and they shared their first kiss, much to Naomi's chagrin. She was the oldest, it should have been her! She abruptly ended the skating lesson, and sat down to remove her skates. 

Crystal had arrived late to the festivities, as the babysitter not shown up and she had had to call in a favor from her sister. She was glancing casually around the park, looking for Jack and the girls, when she heard a cold voice behind her that raised the hairs on the back of her neck.
"I haven't forgotten, you know. I'm always watching, waiting. Someday, Crystal... someday you'll be sorry for stealing her from me."

Crystal froze in her tracks, now frantically searching the festival grounds for Jack and Naomi. The first thing she noticed was Naomi, standing stock still like a deer in the headlights, just has she had the last time she was confronted with with father. Crystal breathed a sigh of relief when she saw Jack sneaking up behind Pascal.

She ran to Naomi, hoping that Jack could subdue their nemesis once and for all this time.

It was not to be.
"Just wait until next time, Jack or whatever your name is. I have big plans. You won't find me such an easy target again. Now if you'll excuse me..."
And once again he disappeared off into the dusk.

"I'm sorry, babe. I'm so sorry. I tried to catch, him. Next time I'll get him for sure."
Cyrstal nodded.
It's okay, Jack. We're all safe, that's what matters. I just hate that this has happened to you again."
She gently caressed his poor bruised face.
"Don't worry about me, I'm fine."
He didn't mention Pascal's threat. What was he planning? Best to keep it to himself. It would only worry Crystal.

Winter was coming to an end, and Rose, Stephan and Diamond would be moving on the following day. Even with the huge scare they had just experienced, Crystal had to say goodbye. Naomi insisted on coming along. It was dark when they reached the little wagon, and they were surprised to find the door locked and the lights out. Crystal's heart began to pound in fear when she heard footsteps crunching through the snow behind them.

She whirled around to see that it was only her mom making her way through the drifts toward them.
"You scared me! Where were you? I thought you'd be here. I wanted to say goodbye. And Pascal showed up at the festival, and.."
"Calm down, sweetheart. We were preparing for the trip tomorrow. I sensed you were here, so I came. Now what's all this about Pascal?"
Her mother calming influence had the desired effect, and soon Crystal was pouring her heart out about how Pascal was stalking Naomi, and how Jack had fought him off three times already, to no effect.

Her mother frowned when she finished her story.
"I'm sorry my youthful naivety has led us all to this pass. But as for the future, it is still foggy. I don't see you and Naomi and Pascal crossing paths here in Lucky Palms again. So that is good news. But further into the future... "
Rose's eyes glazed over for a second, then her gaze returned sharply to Naomi.
.."beware Bridgeport. There is danger there. I see a red light. It's important. Find the red light..."

Naomi laughed nervously.
"I don't believe in that kind of thing."
Rose observed her quietly for a few seconds, then turned her attention to Crystal.
"Remember what I said, dear heart.. the red light."
Crystal nodded.
"I will."

Then hugs were had all the way around, and Crystal and Naomi returned home. Crystal was relieved to hear that Pascal would not bother them again in Lucky Palms. She had no intention of returning to Bridgeport even though the key to Moonstone Manor still hung from her key chain.