As Time Goes By

As Ami got closer and closer to graduating, she began to sense that someone was watching her more and more. It wasn't just at home anymore. Sometimes it was when she was out and about or even when she was at school.

But as always, when she got a chance to look, it was gone.

One day Ami was feeling particularly rebellious and decided to cut and dye her hair. She got a rather carefree style and dyed her hair the same color as her father's.

After she was done working on her new do, she went in to the living room and snagged Julie before she could go off and play with Chace. "Julie? Have you ever felt like something's watching you? But when you look, nothing's there?"

Julie sighed. "No, Ami. You're just being paranoid... As always. Not even Chace has asked me anything like that, and don't go talking to him about it. You might make him as paranoid as you." Ami frowned at her sisters words but said nothing more on the matter.

Soon it was time for Freya's birthday. Alex cheered happily. "Yay! No more diapers! Whoo!"

Another adorable Alex clone. Freya aged up to gain the Dog Lover trait.

Since everyone was at school, Freya decided to play in the sandbox.

When everyone got home, Julie was the first to see her sister all grown up. She hesitated upon seeing her outfit. "Freya... Why... Why are you carrying around a satchel?"

She giggled. "Well duh, to keep all my art supplies in!" Julie blinked. "Oh... Okay..."

Chace decided he rather play with Daisy in the rain than his little sister. You'd think with how much they go out in the rain that these kids would be sick more often.

Freya resigned to painting in the girl's bedroom. Finally the easel that was bought for Julie, but was never used, was finally getting some attention.

Soon it was time for Chace to have his birthday as well. Alex decided that since they hadn't thrown a party in awhile, that he'd invite over his family. However when he went to call Pearl, he found that her phone had been disconnected. Suddenly he got a feeling of dread. Alex got dressed and drove down to her house but found no one was there.

So he ran to the cemetery. Sure enough, Pearl and Lilly's gravestones were in the mausoleum. Alex was deeply sadden and angered. Sahan never called. There was no warning. He had been left completely in the dark about their passing away.

He brought their tomb stones home and placed them in the back with Toby's grave.

Later, Alex and Melanie were home preparing for the party and waiting for the children to get home. "Our babies are growing up. Soon Freya will be a teenager and we'll have no babies left." Alex put a hand on Melanie's cheek. Melanie smiled and placed a hand on his. "Yes, and I think I'd like to keep it that way..."

Melanie suddenly jumped in to Alex's arms. "But I have no qualms about spending some alone time with you still."

Soon the children came home and it was time for Chace to have his party.

Groovy, baby! Chace grew up to gain the trait Loves the Cold.

Over the weeks, Ami had been practicing her magic. The more she used it, the less she got that feeling of someone watching her. Perhaps I've scared it away?

Fall rolled around and with it came Spooky Day! All the kids dressed up. Ami as a bunny, Julie as a mermaid, Chace as a cow plant, and Freya as an alien. Freya took the lead on the hunt for candy but Ami got over zealous and ran out ahead.

Meanwhile, Alex and Melanie cuddled on the couch, enjoying their rare chance of peace and quiet.

Now for some cute shots of the kids trick or treating. Being the leader of the gang, Freya got her candy first.

Julie looks both excited and a little embarrassed.

Here's a nice shot of all the kids as they get ready to hit the next house.

"Hi Aunt Cody! Do you have any candy for me, huh, huh?" Ami was the one most excited about trick or treating out of the whole group.

Back at home, cuddle time was interrupted by Belle wanting in Melanie's lap. "Hey Alex... Ami and Julie's birthday's are coming up." "Yep... Why what's up?" She sighed. "I'm just worried about Ami... She seems so... lost..." Alex nodded slowly. "Yeah, I know... But I'm sure she'll figure out her place on her own. Hey, how about I take you out. The kids will be fine alone for a few hours." Melanie smiled at him. "That sounds wonderful."

The two got in to Alexander's cool limo and set off for the stadium where they went to see a concert.



And what a great concert it was. Melanie couldn't help but boast how Alexander would be lighting up that stage soon enough.

The kids had finished trick or treating and headed home. Freya grabbed some leftovers from the refrigerator. Eating through that mask. Now that's talent.

Melanie and Alex got their grub on down at the ritzy bistro and had a wonderful time before heading home.

Alex pulled Melanie close once they were at the house. "The kids are all tucked in to their beds..." He smirked.

Melanie smiled. "Yes they are... But you better believe we're being careful this time." Alex laughed. "Aww, you don't want to have babies in to our old age?" Alex closed one eye as Melanie lightly smacked his cheek. "Kidding! Kidding..."