Generation 1~ Chapter 18~Time to Grow Up

*The song for this post is Heaven Coming Down by The Tea Party Because it's a gorgeous song.  That's why.  And it seems to suit a post about growing up.  Enjoy!*

Well another day, at it looks like it's another boy for Heather.  This time she had set her sights on somebody much closer to home, Kristopher's IF turned real, Cuddles.

Heather wasn't sure when she had started to really notice Cuddles.  Or why she had noticed him.  But she had.  And once he had caught her eye, he was all she thought about.  Every time their eyes would connect, even for a second, Heather felt her stomach do little flip flops.  Sure, she had kissed a few people, but it had all just been for a laugh.  Heather was young, and she wanted to have fun while she still could.  She had never felt anything like this.  Today Heather could wait no longer.  She had to know if there was something there.  She had to know if Cuddles felt the same.

Looks like the feeling is mutual.  She still wasn't ready to go steady with Cuddles or anybody for that matter, but right now Cuddles was what she wanted.

Across the room, Kristopher had also decided what he wanted.  Peanut.  Now and forever it would be Peanut.  He felt it in his soul, and he was sure she did to.  No other girl could ever feel so good in his arms.

As their lips met, Kris knew this was the night to ask Peanut to be his bride.  She would be aging up soon, and Kristopher did not want to loose her when she went out into the big bad scary world and left him behind, even if it was only for a few weeks till his own life stage day.

He didn't hesitate, not even for a second to pull out the beautiful ring he had bought her a few days before.  Didn't hesitate before dropping to one knee.  Why would he, he knew she would say yes.  This was fate, they were destiny.

Kris didn't understand when Peanut started to back away, gently reaching for the ring box to close it. He watched silently as Peanuts face fell as she softly whispered "No, Kris.  I can't.  No".

He felt his heart shatter into a million little pieces when  Peanut said those words.  He started at the floor as his lower lip started to tremble and before he began to sob he asked Peanut the only questions now in his mind
"Why?  Don't you love me?" he asked sadly.

Peanut reached out for Kristopher gently and was met with little resistance when she pulled him up and into her arms.
"Of course I love you, you silly boy.  But were so young.  We have forever Kris darling.  Slow down, enjoy your youth"  she said with a hint of saddness.  It pained her to know she had brought such hurt to him, but if she had accepted his proposal now it would only bring him more hurt in the long run.

She held him for a long while, and finally retreated for bed.  All Kristopher could do was hold his head in his hands and weep. As the sun was rising over Sunset Valley, Kristopher was at last dragging his broken heart to bed.

The next day was time for Heather and Cuddles to go on there first day.

She must really like him.  Cuddles loves the outdoors, Heather hates it.  But for their special day, Heather agreed to go to the local pool with him.

Back at home, the two youngest members of the Rayne family were playing the morning away with their IF's

Heather and Cuddles  returned home after their dip in the pool and a quick trip to the bistro.  Heather went straight to Kristopher when she got home.  It was her life stage day tomorrow, and she knew she would be leaving the house soon and she needed to speak with him before she left.  She knew Kris loved Peanut, and she knew he would not heed her advice, but she had to try.  Nobody knew Peanut as well as Heather, and she knew Peanut would only end up breaking her brothers heart.   Much as she had thought Kristopher brushed away her warning.

As the girls finished off their final high school activities the following afternoon, Heather and Peanut passed on the stairs, and the look of disdain on both their faces says it all

The two girls, once both best friends and lovers were very close to bitter enemies at this time.  I can only hope that leaving the teens years behind will help to mend the relationship, seeing as they will be moving in together

As the evening wore on, Kristopher knew he was running out of time.   Peanut had been very clear that she wanted to move out as soon as she was old enough, and he feared that when she walked out of the house tonight she would forget him by the morning.  He reached for her and gently caressed her cheek.  He could not bear the thought of losing the love of his young life.

So once again he pulled out the ring and proposed to Peanut.  And once again she said no.

Time for a distraction....SPARKLES!!!

Little baby Heather, all grown up into a beautiful young woman.  She got a job in the medical career.

And more sparkles (even though she doesn't really deserve them!)...

And Peanut is at last grown.  She got a job in the criminal career.  Great, so Crimson will have to see her everyday!

Heather and Peanut promptly moved out of the house, and the next morning Crimson went to check out the new house

Looks like she approves!

Now down to 2 teenagers in the house, things calmed down significantly.  Crimson played a lot of chess...

Harmony worked on homework...

and Clarity worked on...well being Clarity!

As for Kris and Cuddles, well they were just hoping to make it through there first prom.  Both boys had dates.  Kristopher had asked Peanut to accompany him ages ago, and Cuddles had been asked to go with one of his male freinds from school.  Seeing as he and Heather were not official, he figured why not!

The next morning, both the twins decided they had enough of having Imaginary friends.  They both had plenty of real friends.  It was time to say goodbye.

That evening Crimson was invited out to another party, at her old friend/old flame Xander's house.  yet another pool party minus any sign of a pool.  Crimson and Xander locked eyes and for the first time in a long time she felt alive again.

  Deep in her heart she knew she could never date Xander again, but a little flirting never hurt anybody. And yes, in case anybody is  wondering that is the same girl Hank cheated with stood next to Crimson..  Judging by the look on her face her and Xander may be involved.  Pay back is a bitch dear!

Crimson eventually drifted away from Xander and headed into the kitchen.  And who would happen to be there but Peanut.  "Damn it!" Crimson thought "I can't get away from this girl!" Thankfully it was soon time to go to work

With Heather and Peanut gone from the house, a new calm did indeed descended over the house.  With Crimson working all night and sleeping all day a lot of the day to day chores fell on Cuddles and Kristopher and they never hesitated to lend a helping hand.

Although sometimes they bit off more than they can chew.  Cuddles fixing the dishwasher?  Yeah, that didn't go so well!

After the morning chores were done, Kristopher decided to head to his girlfriends house. He had had enough of playing mind games with Peanut.  In the past few days she had become increasingly difficult to get a hold of and Kristopher felt enough was enough.  It was time for Peanut to show him where she stood, or Kristopher would walk away forever.  Fearing for the worst, he walked nervously towards the front door.

And that is where we will leave off.  Small cliffhanger, I know!