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Generation 2: Aerissa, Xander, and Caleb
Over time, Darcy became more welcoming to Dixie. It was clear that she had captured Xander's attention and wasn't going away any time soon. Darcy hoped he'd consider other dating options out there, but it wasn't long before he announced that they were going steady. Darcy couldn't quite place it, but it just seemed like something was off with that girl.
Before long, it was time for another birthday celebration within the family. Caleb was finally becoming a teenager! He had a wish for a party, and being the baby boy, Darcy wished not to disappoint him. Trying to be fair, Darcy allowed everyone to invite a few friends over for the party. Darcy was particularly thrilled to see that Officer Hal RSVP'd. She didn't care that he was a bit younger than her…
Everyone had a great time at the party. Caleb didn't look too thrilled to be expected to eat something as unhealthy as cake, but he did so to please his mother. Caleb has increasingly become a health and fitness nut. His moods were significantly better when he was outside. Sometimes he'd feel sick if he stayed indoors for too long. He loved fishing, sports and working out. For his birthday, Darcy bought him some weights. What she didn't expect was his desire to want to be the personal trainer for every family member.
Near the end of the party, plans were being made for going out. Aerissa and Caleb made plans with their friends and everyone started to clear out. Hal lingered behind, helping Darcy clean up after the party. He and Darcy chatted all the while, casting longing glances at each other here and there, and exchanging flirty banter. Darcy thought that maybe they'd set up a date, but Hal didn't seem partial to that idea. Instead, he continued to talk smooth and flatter her. Before long, a gentle caressing of her cheek led him to her bedroom. What Darcy didn't realize was that anyone was still home.
Xander had walked Dixie home then returned promptly. He had noticed the flirting in the kitchen and quietly slipped past Darcy and Hal to go to his room. He felt like painting and was glad to finally have his own room. Several of Darcy's books, as well as Aerissa's, were doing quite well, so they were able to afford adding onto the house. This allowed each of the children to have their own rooms. Aerissa had always been pretty lucky, being the only girl. Xander and Caleb got along well enough, but their age gap and drastic differences in hobbies made it easy for them to get under each other's skin.
Xander never did tell his mother that he knew about her own afterparty. He was just happy to see her happy. Xander never quite understood why she hadn't started dating again sooner and possibly remarried. He supposed that one day he would understand.
To Darcy's delight, Xander and Caleb took over the gardening duties. Darcy had really only kept it up because it was something Brian had started and seemed to enjoy. Caleb, loving to be outside, eagerly awoke each morning to fish for a bit and water the garden. If needed, he would pull some weeds after school. Xander helped divvy up some of the work as much as he didn't like gardening, but oh how he loved the fresh fruits and vegetables!
