Chapter 17 - The End of An Era

I could barely contain my excitement.

Hazel and I were on our way to see Katie, my sister, who I hadn't seen in nearly two decades. She had finally gotten around to moving to Moonlight Falls with her husband Brett, stepchildren Mimi and Jake and her daughter Jolene. At the same time, my Aunt Adeline and three of her daughters moved into a little house just across the lake from us.

Brett and Jolene were waiting for me at the end of their drive. I hadn't seen him since school!

Jolene was a very pretty girl, with olive skin and Katie's flaxen hair.

As soon as I had entered their lovely little house, a furry face appeared from behind the sofa. Of course, Katie would have a pet raccoon. She's rather eccentric like that.

I put Hazel down on the carpet and felt a tap on my shoulder. I whirled round to see the grinning face of my big sister!
'Fancy seeing you here!' She giggled.

I immediately pulled her in for a hug.
'Oh, I've missed you so much!' I gushed.
'And I've missed you! Oh, you look so well. I can't believe my little Lizzy's all grown up! Come on, meet the family.'

I had such a wonderful time at Katie's and the time flew bye. I was disappointed when I realised that I needed to get home and cook for the kids, but I promised to pop round the following day.

I took Katie to the pool the next day to meet Aunt Adeline and my cousins.

It was so lovely to see them again! Aunty immediately pulled me in for a hug, though she was still wet from swimming.
'Oh, my dear, look how much you've grown!'
She was all over Hazel. I left my daughter with her and went to find my cousins.

There was Lisa, a biologist at the lab who specialised in genetics. She and her boyfriend, Jacob, were expecting their first child together. He would be joining her in Moonlight Falls shortly.

Next was Grace. She was a top stylist back in Champs Les Sims and couldn't wait to start updating the wardrobes of all the Moonlight Falls residents.

Last, but by no means least, was Bernie! It was lovely to see them all again. Aunty's eldest daughter, Scarlett, lived in Shang Simla with her boyfriend and four children.

Dayvid and I decided to invest in a resident maid! Despite her appearance, Bonehilda was a wonderful addition to the family. She made a great nanny too.

Celeste was really getting into her writing and had found herself an agent. I have high hopes for my lovely daughter!

With two generations of aunts to babysit Hazel, I was finally able to get into my work again. I was hurtling up the career path at breakneck speed; I must have had at least six promotions since I first arrived in Moonlight Falls - one for each of my kids!

One week before my birthday, I found a beautiful bouquet of sunflowers on the doorstep. Attached was a note that read:

'My dearest Lizzy,

I've known you for nearly twenty years now, and it never ceases to amaze me just how lucky I've been. You know better than anyone that I'm a pretty useless guy, but with you by my side I feel like I can accomplish anything.

As your birthday approaches, I feel like I should do something special. So for the seven days leading up to your big day, I'm going to shower you with gifts!

Your loving husband.'

True to his word, over the next few days I discovered gifts including jewellery, theatre tickets, and home made brownies.

The best present by far was discovered on the morning of my birthday. It was a dog! She was so friendly and the kids loved her, deciding on the name 'Rosie'.

I thanked Dayvid and took her out for a walk that morning.

First to the birthday cakes that afternoon was my wonderful Lydia.

She became even more beautiful than before. I think she looks like me, excluding hair, eye, and skin colour.

Helena was more excited than her twin sister.

She looks so much like Dayvid! I think she maybe has my eyes but the rest is all her father's genes.

Gorgeous little Hazel was next to blow out the candles.

My word, she is stunning! She has inherited my hair, skin colour, and face shape, but her beautiful golden eyes are Dayvid's.

It was finally my turn. I was actually looking forward to growing older. I'd done pretty well in having six children and six promotions before hitting forty.

Strangely, I didn't feel any different! Sure, I had the odd wrinkle here and there, but still the same old me.

My eldest son stepped up to his cake and, after deciding on a wish, blew out his candles.

This was the real moment I'd been dreading. Not because he was growing up, but because he would, no doubt, be leaving me soon. He'd have a family of his own, a career to follow, dreams to chase. I was happy for him, of course, but how much I'd miss him didn't bear thinking about.

Jasper was engulfed in bright red light and everyone stood back and shielded their eyes.

When they opened them again, my handsome son was standing in front of them as a fully-fledged vampire.

Rebecca aged up at our house too. She makes such a lovely woman.

I went up to my son and congratulated him.
'Don't go leaving me just yet, okay?'
'Of course, Mum! I haven't even graduated yet. I'm not going anywhere.'
Though tears were quickly welling up in my eyes, I smiled faintly.
'Seriously, Mum. I promise. Oh, come here.'

I had been hesitant to hug my son in case I embarrassed him in front of his girlfriend, but he pulled me towards him and held me close.
'It's not like I'm dying! I'm here for you as long as you need me.'
'I'm the one who should be saying that to you.' I whispered.
'We both need each other, Mum.'

Happy with his answer, and happy with my wonderful life, I left him alone in the kitchen with Becca.

I'm so proud of all my children, I'm proud of my amazing husband, now at the top of his league, and I guess I'm kind of proud of myself. I'm a pretty great detective and I believe that I'm a pretty great mum. Maybe someday I'll be able to say I'm a great grandmother too.