Chapter 123 - Growing Up

The twins, Joy and Alia, eagerly settled into Jewel's old house. It was perfect. Each girl had a bedroom of her own. They had always had to share a room given their very large family.  Even though they still had to share a bathroom, it seemed luxurious compared to sharing one bathroom with 5 girls at one point!

They were thrilled with their new digs and couldn't wait to get their boyfriends to come and see them.

Once the school's graduation party ended and the girls arrived at their little home away from home, they immediately called their respective boyfriends to let them know they were now officially free to see them.

Meanwhile Corrie was dreaming about having her own room. And maybe being able to sneak Pete Lancaster in after her parents and snoopy Angie had gone to sleep. She could make him do just about anything with her new found mind control powers.

After Corrie ate her late night snack, she got ready for bed, Stone came toddling over. She sighed and picked up her little brother to put him to bed. As she carried him to his crib she started sing songing, "One more day Stonie boy and you get to have sloppy seconds. You get to have my tiny old room."

"Yippie! Swoppy second woom. YAY!" squealed Stone. Corrie just rolled her eyes.

After Corrie put Stone to bed she trudged towards her 'tiny old room' to sleep. Tomorrow she would have to sweet talk her father into helping her move out Twiddle Dee and Twiddle Dum's things from her room and move her things in.

"Corrie!?" called Cordell as he came down to put Stone to bed. "Did you already put your brother to bed?"

"Yes, Daddy. He's snug as a bug in a rug," she said sweetly in an attempt to get her father buttered up for the big question she was going to throw at him.

"Thank you sweetie. I'm glad you are up. I wanted to talk to you about getting you moved into your sister's old room. Tomorrow, if you like, I can take you shopping. I want you to pick some new furniture. You can redecorate to make it your own."

Sweet! I don't even have to beg! "Thanks Daddy! I would love that!" she said and gave him a hug. "Goodnight Daddy, you're the best!"

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Joy came over bright and early the next morning full of excitement.

"Hi Joy! Where's your shadow?" asked Cordell looking behind her wondering where Alia was.

"She's still at home, probably sleeping. I had a job interview this morning and I got the job! I came straight over here to tell you."

Cordell hugged her. He was so proud of his children. "That is wonderful! Mom is upstairs. Why don't you run tell her. I am getting ready to take Corrie shopping."

Corrie couldn't believe it. Joy was gone all of two and a half days and her father hugged her like he hadn't seen her in a year. And here I am taking care of my stupid little brother. "Daddy! Stone is fed and dressed ready to go. You need to get ready too. The store is already open and Stone won't be up for too much shopping if we keep him up past his nap time!"

"Okay Corrie," he said as he turned to Joy, "Come upstairs Joy, and you can tell your mother your good news before she leaves for work."  Then the two of them ran upstairs talking a mile a minute leaving Corrie standing there holding Stone.
Finally, Joy and Cordell came back downstairs. "Come on Daddy, let's go before Stone gets fussy," groused Corrie as she grabbed her brother and started out the door without acknowledging Joy. Joy's phone rang as they were leaving and she lit up when she saw

"Hi Sahan!" said Joy as she answered her phone. "Guess what! I got the job!......No, I am at my folks house. Hey, why don't you come by? My Dad just left but he will be back soon. It's time you met my family as more than 'Donnovan's friend".....oh....okay, I understand. But maybe next week?....Okay, see you later tonight then?.... I love you too. Bye."

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Cordell, Stone and Corrie arrived at the furniture store. He held his squirming little boy while his daughter ohh'd and ahh'd over the furniture and decorations. She started making a list. He knew then he was in trouble. He knew he would spending a little cash, but seeing her so excited and happy, he figured is worth the more than he had anticipated.

"I'm taking Stone outside Corrie, call us when you have your list ready," said Cordell anxious to settle his little boy down. Never again will I go shopping with a toddler or a teenager! No wonder Delia made me do this.

Finally, Corrie had picked out everything she wanted. She saw her father outside the store window and called out to him.  He gathered up Stone and handed him to Corrie while he went to the register to pay and arrange for shipping. At this point he didn't care what the cost was he just wanted to get out of the store. 

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A few short days later, Corrie had the room of her dreams complete with the picture and color scheme she fell in love with.

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Joy stopped by her parents house after work. She and Sahan were getting serious and it was time she introduced him to her parents. Sahan kept putting her off, but it was time. She wasn't even sure if they remembered him from Jewel's wedding but she was pretty sure they might because her mother thought he was dangerous. She decided to start with her father since he seemed to like him at the wedding. If he liked Sahan, her mother would be a piece of cake.

She found her father getting ready to put Stone down for a nap. "Hi Daddy. Are you going to be home for awhile? I have someone coming by and I want you to meet him."

"Hi Joy! Him? Could this 'him' be a boyfriend by chance?" said Cordell with a smile in his voice.        

"Daddy, please don't tease!" begged Joy turning red. 

"Okay. Just let me know when he gets here. I will be downstairs working." said Cordell as he walked off to put Stone to bed and headed downstairs.

Joy heard Sahan's car pull up and ran outside to greet him. She knew he was nervous. He had even cut his hair to try and make a good impression. She told him he was silly. They would love him. 

"Joy, sweetheart, I am not sure this is a good idea," said Sahan nervously as he tried to stay in the shade of the big tree in the front yard.

"Of course it is. My father is the sweetest man in the world. It will be fine," then she leaned in and kissed him and told him to come on.

Once inside they sat on the couch and he pulled her to him. Once again he tried to postpone the meeting, "You don't have to do this."  He knew the outcome may not go well. But he was hoping the Genie would handle it well since his daughter was married to a witch.

"It's okay," said Joy and once again she tried to reassure him with a kiss not knowing that Angie was getting an eyeful. 

Joy got up. "I need to go find Daddy."

"Wait," sighed Sahan, as he got up. "Just one more kiss before you go. I need it. I may not get to kiss you again."

"Don't be silly," said Joy but all too willing to comply. 

Only this time Sahan couldn't resist. He drank from her neck for the very first time instead. He was afraid he may never see her again and needed the extra fortification to prepare for the potential fight that was sure to come when Joy's father saw him with his little girl.

"Daddy, Daddy," whispered Angie excitedly, "Joy is kissing a strange man downstairs! Ewww!"

"Ahh. It must be her boyfriend that she wants us to meet. It's okay Angie. You stay here with Corrie and I will go check on them okay?"

"Okay Daddy," said Angie dejected.

Joy tasted remarkable. Better than he ever dreamed. He got the genie which he now expected, but what was that really sweet addicting taste? Could it be fairy? He already loved her but now he knew he couldn't live without her. She was irresistible. Too bad Genie, Joy is mine and I will damn well fight for her if challenged.  Then Sahan saw Joy's father and in that instant knew by the look on his face that he had been caught with his hand in the cookie jar. This wasn't going to go well.

When Cordell saw Sahan drinking from his daughter, he was speechless for all of two seconds before he found his voice. 

"Get away from my daughter you freak!" yelled Cordell.

Sahan let go of Joy who was still a bit enthralled from the bite on her neck. "Joy, sweetheart, go downstairs with your sister. Please."

"No, Sahan," she said as she recovered, "I want to stay here." Then she turned to her father. "Why are you acting like this. You don't even know him. It's not like you have qualms about two people that love each other kissing. What's wrong with you?"

"Joy, sweetheart, just let me talk to him." begged Sahan.

"Move Joy. NOW!" yelled Cordell so Joy backed up but didn't leave. Then he turned to Sahan. "How dare you waltz in here and pretend to care for my daughter. You are just looking for a handy meal. You get out of here and keep your cold hands off her."

"I LOVE your daughter and she loves me. Why don't you ask her what she wants instead of making her decisions for her?"

Cordell poked Sahan, "I bet you haven't even told her what you are. Does she know? Does she?" and when he didn't answer, "No. I thought so. You are scum."

"And you, Genie, are one to talk. She has no idea about you either!" countered Sahan.

"Another word and I will Banish you forever from this town!" said Cordell through gritted teeth.

Joy had no idea what either of them were talking about. "STOP IT! Both of you...just STOP IT NOW!"

When Joy yelled, they both turned to her realizing what they had done.

"Will someone please tell me what you are arguing about. What is going on? What do I not know about the two of you?"

Cordell still angry turned to Joy, "Your boyfriend is a bloodsucker, leach, nightwalker, a vampire!" Then he turned to Sahan and challenged him. "Go ahead - tell her it's true. You are a vampire and drink blood to survive!"

Sahan looked at Joy with regret. She could tell by the look on his face that her father was right and gasped.

Sahan could see the hurt in Joy's face and knew he should have told her before they confronted her father, but he was hoping her father wouldn't resort to such hurtful tactics. Jewel had married a witch and he seemed fine with it. Joy's father was a Genie and yet his daughter didn't know it. How could this be?

Joy had had enough. "How dare you speak of the man I love in such terms." Then looking at Sahan. "Is what he says true. There are really vampires? And you are one?"

"I can explain," said Sahan as he looked to Joy with sadness, "just know that I love you more than you can know."

Joy turned back to her father, "And what of you? Are you going to tell me what the big secret is that you are hiding.?"

"I am so sorry Joy," said Cordell realizing he had made a huge mess of things. "You two need to talk. You and I can talk later." Then Cordell took a step back.

When Joy ran into Sahan's arms Cordell knew it was useless to fight it. He had lost the war. He turned around and left them alone trying to figure out how to tell Delia that her daughter had fallen in love with a vampire. Delia would be devastated given her history.

"Please, tell me what is going on here." whispered Joy.

"My sweet Joy, I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me. I was going to tell you, but I didn't want to frighten you. It's a crazy story but I do have some supernatural abilities and, your father is right Joy, I do survive on blood. But I don't have to drink from humans. There are synthetic substitutes that I eat and drink that sustain me just fine. I am really not so different from you sweetheart."

Joy relaxed. "So why is Daddy so upset? And how did he know and I didn't? "

"I will let him tell you why he knows - but know that he isn't a vampire. But he is upset because you are his little girl and I am not a 'normal' guy and, well, he might be a tiny little afraid that I might harm you. But you know I never would hurt you. I love you."

"But I am not afraid of you. I love you too. You have been nothing but loving to me since we met two years ago."

"Joy, if this is so and you can accept our differences, then we can survive anything life throws at us."

"I am confused, but I know that you make me feel special and thinking of being without you is terrifying. You don't frighten me."

"Joy, if you are sure, then I have another question to ask you." Sahan got down on one knee . "I had planned to do this over a candlelight dinner, but in light of the circumstances here today, I am compelled to do it now." He pulled an engagement ring from his pocket and presented it to Joy. "Please, Joy, say you will be my wife and stay with me forever."

Joy was stunned and just stood there for a minute speechless. She hadn't expected a proposal on the heels of the terrible argument but it meant more to her than anything. Thinking back over how protective she had felt of Sahan when her father challenged him, she finally she squeaked out, "Yes, I will marry you."

Sahan let out the breath he didn't even know he was holding. Still kneeling on the ground, he happily placed the ring on her finger making it official. She would soon be his and the Genie couldn't do a damn thing about it. Joy and Sahan quietly let themselves out of the house and left for his apartment.

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Chapter 122 - Birthday Wishes

Cordell sat on the floor playing with his little boy. They had a party planned for the twins. Their 19th birthday. They would be graduating from school in a short few weeks.

"Stone, my little birds are flying the coop! First Jewel and now the twins. They are going to move into the little house that Jewel left when she married your Uncle Donnovan. And guess what else. You are getting a cousin! Jewel and Donnovan are having a baby." Then he said wistfully, "She will have special powers like their parents." He was feeling sad that Stone, his only son, hadn't inherited his powers. Two of his children had. He just hoped Stone never felt left out. The doorbell sounded taking him out of his thoughts. "Kiddo, there's the doorbell. Time to get this party started!" said Cordell as he got up to greet the guests.


As soon as everyone arrived, they wasted no time getting to the main event and wishing Joy and Alia happy birthday.

Joy went first. She pretended to think about what she should wish for her birthday even though she already knew. She couldn't wait for the time when she and Alia graduated and maybe move out. Then they would be able to openly date the two men that had come to be special to them. She made her wish and blew out the candles.

Alia had the exact same wish and also made a show of thinking of a wish before blowing out her candles.

Corrie was getting bored with all the silly birthday wishes. Since Pete Lancaster, her prom date, was there she decided to test her genie powers on him and got him to kiss her while everyone was watching Alia and her theatrics. Corrie loved how well she was able to control him. Score one for Corrie!   
Joy and Alia sat down with Donnovan and started asking him about the nursery as they enjoyed a slice of cake. Jewel was due in two months. They found out it was going to be a girl. "Not twins?" the girls chimed in at the same time and began to laugh.

Delia was thrilled that Jewel was pregnant and wasted no time checking out her daughter's expanding middle. "I loved being pregnant with every single one of my many children over the years," sighed Delia reminiscing, "I am so happy I am finally going to get to stay and watch my granddaughter grow up. Have you decided on a name?"

Jewel was confused by her mother's choice of words so she laughed. "Mother, none of what you just said makes any sense. I am the one that should have pregnancy brain. Anyway, of course you are going to get to see Cheyenne grow up! Why wouldn't you?"

"Oh," said Delia realizing how weird she must have sounded. "I just meant I have been looking forward to this day since you were born." Then it just dawned her what Jewel had said. "Cheyenne! Oh what a beautiful name!"

"Yes, Cheyenne Cordelia Steel!"

"Oh No! Corrie will think she is named after her! Maybe we shouldn't tell her your babies middle name!"

"I don't think she cares, she has been sucking face with the Lancaster boy for the past 20 minutes. Look over there," and Jewel pointed behind her. Delia rolled her eyes and took off to break them apart as Cordell walked over to talk to Jewel.

"Hi little mother. How are you feeling?" Cordell asked his daughter.

"Really good. The doctor said little Cheyenne is growing perfectly and I am no longer sick."

Upon learning the baby's name, Cordell couldn't help himself. He started up a conversation with Jewel's tummy. "Hey Cheyenne, this is your grandfather. I wuv you. You have the best mommy ever my sweet little baby witchie poo!



"Daddy! Shhh! Don't say that! People will hear."

"Oh, yes...Sorry." Then he began to whisper excitedly, "But you do know she will be - right?"

"Yes Donnovan and I have discussed it. In fact Donnovan has taught me a few spells. After Cheyenne is born, maybe I can show you."

Cordell pulled Jewel into a bear hug. "I would love to. I love you and we are so happy and proud of you."

"See you later Gramps," teased Jewel as she and Donnovan left.

After everyone was gone, Delia poured the girls their first celebratory glass of wine and asked them to join her and Cordell in the spa to relax.

"It was a great party. Thanks so much. Jewel was so cute. She was waddling!" said Alia laughing. "I can't wait until her baby is born."

Delia looked at Cordell and asked, "Should we tell them?"

Cordell nodded and said, "Yes, I will let you do the honors."

Joy gasped, "Mom! No! You aren't pregnant? Are you?"

Delia busted out laughing. "No!" and looked at Cordell and said, "Don't you get any ideas big guy!"

"Well what then?" asked Alia.

"How would you two like to move into Jewel's house after graduation?  We were going to sell it but, we thought you two might like to move in."

The twins squealed in unison. "YES!"

"That would be so awesome. Thanks so much!" sighed Joy as she leaned back and kicked up her feet. Her parents had just unknowingly granted both girl's birthday wishes. Living in another house they would be able to freely see their boyfriends.

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Graduation was upon them. Everyone dressed up and took off. Both girls were such party animals they got stuck with silly graduation caps even though Alia was valedictorian.

After the ceremony, the girls did the obligatory diploma toss while Corrie rolled her eyes. The twins were ecstatic. They had their whole life ahead of them. Joy had a few job interviews already lined up but Alia, even being valedictorian, was't sure she wanted to work. She would rather be a stay at home mom. She wasn't really sure where that came from. Maybe watching her father take care of their family all these years.

Angie was bored and frustrated. She knew her safety nets were leaving and she would have to contend with Corrie. She found a rain puddle to take our her frustration and got good and wet before her father managed to make her stop.

"Angelica!" Yelled Cordell, "Your mother is going to kill you! You have ruined your shoes and stockings! You know better."

"She doesn't care! Only Alia and Joy and now they are leaving," shot back Angie.

Cordell's heart broke for his littlest Genie. Jewel just left and was having a baby and now the twins were going to be leaving. He understood. He softened his tone, "It'll be okay. You won't have to share a room with Stone anymore. You and Corrie get to decorate your rooms however you want. Now come on before we both get in trouble."


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