Gen 1 - Chapter 18: Growing Up.

I woke to the sun shining through a gap in the curtains, I could hear Billy and the girl's chatting downstairs. I got up, had a shower, brushed my teeth, and got dressed before joining them.

I grabbed a bowl of cereal and sat at the kitchen counter to eat. Lyra and Lily came in and they both looked so happy, I knew right then that we couldn't tell about Billy's illness until after their birthday, which was tomorrow, I had left the arrangements a bit late, so I had so much to sort out. I just hope I manage to get it all ready in time.

I spoke to Claude, and we agreed to have just a small family party for the girls. I headed into town to order the cakes and buy presents for them. I hope they like what I chose. I stopped at the park for a while, and just sat on the bench thinking about how we could tell the girls. There really wasn't an easy way to do it.

I looked at my watch and realised it was almost dinner time, so I headed home to prepare the salmon and get everything sorted before everyone got home. With ten minutes left until it was ready they all came piling through the door. Claude came into the kitchen and kissed me, and asked how my day had been. I told him about all the birthday preparations.

We all sat at the table and tucked into the yummy dinner, chatting about our days. Lily had been spending all her time with Benji, since their date they hadn't left each others side. I knew they were going to be together for a long time, they looked so happy together. Lyra on the other hand had totally changed, she had stopped being this self-centered young girl and was finally growing up and becoming more aware of her actions. I am so proud of them, I know they are going to be OK when we move out.

After dinner I put the plates in the dish washer, then we all settled down on the sofa to watch a film, Billy had already headed off to bed. I snuggled into Claude's shoulder and settled down to watch the film. Lily had invited Benji round and they didn't see very much of the film, they were too busy being teenagers. After the film had finished I told Lily to say goodbye to Benji and head to bed, before heading up myself. Tomorrow was going to be a big day.

I woke early and was careful not to wake the girls, so I could get everything ready and surprise them when they came down for breakfast. I made my delicious pancakes and laid them a plate each on the table. They were both happy and surprised to see that I had done this for them, but I want them to have a wonderful day. I told them after they had finished their breakfast to go get dressed, because we were going out shopping and for lunch.

I went up and got myself ready, Claude was sitting up in bed, he told me he would meet us at the restaurant because he wanted to help Billy sort out a few things in his cottage, so that it was ready for when we moved in with him next week. I said OK and kissed him goodbye, before heading downstairs.

The girls were waiting by the door for me, they both looked so grown up. We went to the local store and I handed them both £200 and told them to buy whatever they like. Lily only spent £70 of hers, she bought herself some new clothes and a few books, she wanted to save the rest. Lyra bought herself a new stereo because the speakers on her old one were starting to go, she also bought herself some new clothes too.

When the girls had finished we headed to the bistro, Claude and billy were waiting for us. We went inside to order and decided to sit outside because it was such a nice afternoon. The meal was gorgeous, we chatted for a bit before heading home.

As the girls walked through the door they gasped in shock, Claude and Billy had decorated the living room with banners and balloons, it looked wonderful. Their cakes were set out on two white tables in the middle of the room. The girls dumped their shopping bags in their rooms and came down to blow out their candles.

With Lyra being the oldest she went first.

She grew up beautifully, I couldn't believe how gorgeous she was.

Next it was Lily's turn, she blew out her candles and we all cheered. She was also beautiful, I couldn't wait to see what my Grandchildren would look like.

I turned the stereo on and sorted out the buffet while the girls went to get changed. They came down in their new outfits and looked wonderful. We all danced for a while before enjoying the buffet.

It was starting to get late, so the girl's hugged me and Claude and thanked us for a wonderful day, then headed to bed. I tidied up the buffet table while Claude moved the furniture back in place. Then we headed to bed too. We were all exhausted.

I came downstairs to find the girls chatting excitedly, I asked them what was going on. They told me they had both applied for jobs, Lily had applied for a position at the local private detective office, and Lyra had applied to be an Intern at the hospital . I was happy they both knew what they wanted so soon after graduating from high school. I couldn't be more proud of my perfect little family. I knew that me and Claude could move out without any worries about the girls not being able to take care of themselves. I thought it would be best if we told them tonight.

How will the girls react!!! Find out in the next chapter of The Stone Family Legacy. :)