~~~~~CM~~~~~
As the family adjusted to the summer schedule and regular visits with Diana, Aaron checked in with Robert. Spencer's guardian was pleased with the letters and photographs. He couldn't wait to return to Virginia for another visit.
"Early August will work for my schedule," the older man told Aaron, "I'll be sorry to miss Spencer's birthday. Do you have any recommendations for a gift?"
"Anything related to dinosaurs or astronomy. Sorry, I mean Astrophysics as Spencer routinely corrects me," Aaron recalled his youngest's lectures on the difference between the two. "He's equally obsessed with both but his birthday party theme is astronauts & outer space. Between Emily and Anna, the party is going to be out of this world."
Robert laughed, "that was a terrible pun, Aaron. I'll think of something related to dinosaurs or astrophysics. Tell me about what they have planned for the party?"
"Let's see, there will be a make your own satellite craft station and astronaut food." Aaron grimaced as he explained, "Spencer wanted things to be scientifically accurate so food must be thermostabilized or rehydratable so they are going to be sucking down baby food in preserved pouches. But the high point is that we get astronaut ice cream."
"I can't imagine what Jack's birthday will be like. Speaking of which, when is Jack's birthday? I want to put it on my calendar."
Aaron answered, "October 7th. Not sure of his birthday party theme but Anna offered her creative services long distance."
Humming happily, Robert said his goodbyes and Aaron rejoined his family in the backyard.
Noting the summer heat, he went back inside for a pitcher of sweet tea and cups. Passing out drinks, he chatted with Anna as Emily barbecued their dinner. Their costumed boys ran across the patio to chug their tea before running back to their elaborate game of superhero tag.
"Iron-Hulk! Spiderman!" Emily called out, "Dinner is ready; can you go in and wash up?"
"Five more minutes," Jack begged but he caught Anna's eye and stopped short. Spencer smashed into his back and fell on his bottom, giggling. "Come on, Spencer, we hafta wash our hands."
Biting his lip, Aaron kept his comments on Jack's first crush to himself but he couldn't help but exchange a knowing glance with Emily as he took the heavy platter of grilled veggies and chicken from her.
~~~~~CM~~~~~
"Sir, you had a large package delivered and the mailroom finally cleared it," Penelope informed Aaron as he stepped out of the elevator.
Coming back to the office after a grisly case, Aaron wanted to file his report before heading home for the world's longest shower. He nodded dumbly at Penelope as she chattered on about security scanning and suspicious boxes.
"You know, if the mailroom had just alerted me, this wouldn't have been a problem," she continued as she guided him through the bullpen, "I mean, I know that Robert Nelson is Spencer's guardian, I am the one who found him. Honestly, his gift is perfect for Spencer, and I can help with the software."
Finally, in his office, Aaron sat down heavily, loosening his tie. He stared at the tall brown box in front of his desk, his eyes flicking between Penelope and darkened computer monitor. Exhaustion left him unable to make a decision on what to do first.
"Here, give me your bag," Penelope slid his laptop out of his computer bag and placed it on his docking station, "I called Emily to ask if she wants me to gift wrap it but she was leaning towards having it set up fully with a red bow or something. I think I can make a galaxy themed bow."
Watching as she logged into his computer, opening up his email and reporting system, Aaron snapped back into attention.
"You are not supposed to know my login," Aaron made a mental note to change his password again. "And what is in the box?" He asked wearily.
Rolling her eyes at him, she ignored his first comment, "It's a beginner's telescope. It has a computerized system for pointing and is compatible with smartphones so he can take pictures. It will be a hit at his party."
"Spencer will love this!" Aaron smiled for the first time in days, "it really is the perfect gift."
"Yup, and I sent over about a hundred ideas to Anna and Emily for activities. I am going to be photoshopping the kids into rockets and astronaut helmets. Oooh, that reminds me that I need to get glossy photo paper for my printer. I'll come over early and help set up."
Aaron pulled his notes from his bag and began updating the case in the reporting system as she talked, his muscles relaxing as he filed away the case.
When he returned home, a quick and refreshing shower was all he needed before he was back to being himself with his family. He really needed to thank Penelope for always bringing joy during dark times.
"Do you have any gift ideas for Penelope?"
Emily wrinkled her nose as she thought, "it has to be something personal, not a gift card."
"Candy," suggested Jack and Spencer added on, "and books."
Joining in, Anna said, "She seems like a person who is hands-on; so maybe a class?"
"I do like that idea," Aaron said as he pulled out his phone, "a class."
The family voted as he named off local classes before all agreeing to a mozzarella making workshop.
The next day, despite being happy that Penelope enjoyed her gift certificate, Aaron had regrets as she squealed and hugged him tightly in front of everyone in the bullpen.
~~~~~CM~~~~~
Spencer enjoyed his actual birthday with his mother and his new family. They had dinner in the community room, followed by cake and presents.
The five year old thanked Jack for his own set of Dr. Bruce Banner / Hulk figures. Emily bit back a smile as Spencer seemed more excited for gamma radiation scientist with multiple PhDs than the invincible green giant. Their little genius had wanted a Dr. Jane Foster, astrophysicist, action figure but there were none to be found.
Diana had several books for Spencer, literature and a science textbook. Both seemed to be for a college student but he was pleased.
Emily grew nervous as Spencer opened the gift from her and Aaron but Spencer adored the puzzle ball and couldn't wait to beat all the levels.
After dinner, Spencer was preoccupied with trying to read the chemistry book while solving a level on his puzzle ball. Jack was eyeing the leftover cake while playing with Emily.
"Captain America! You will be stopped!" Emily declared, holding up a small toy.
Jack giggled and tried to deepen his voice, "Good always wins over evil, Red Skull!"
Aaron and Diana smiled openly at their family.
"He does play superheroes with Jack, often," Aaron explained, "They have dress up costumes and Spencer has mixed two costumes to make it his own."
"That sounds like Spencer," Diana commented, "How is Anna doing with the boys?"
"Wonderful, she inserts learning into all their activities." Aaron's voice dropped to a whisper, "Jack has a crush on her."
Biting her lip to keep from laughing, Diana asked to meet Anna if they had a chance to bring her along for the next visit, "I knew William would make a good choice in choosing a tutor but I was too ill when they started lessons."
"Of course, she would love to meet you." Aaron noted, "I believe you've been better since you've been here."
"I was just starting to adjust to the medications and sanitarium when Spencer was kidnapped, then it took a long time to stabilize and find the right medications for me. Once the meds were working, this new sanitarium and new doctors weren't much of an adjustment."
Happy screeching pulled them away from their intense conversation; Spencer had solved level eight after several tries.
~~~~~CM~~~~~
A/N: Finding a superhero that Spencer might like was a bit difficult. I think he would like Bruce Banner / Hulk from a science standpoint but he would unable to resist the awesomeness of Ironman, therefore he is Iron-Hulk!
I did look for a Jane Foster action figure but all I could find is a doll in a gown from Thor: Dark World. I was underwhelmed.
If you haven't played with a puzzle ball then you are missing out on some serious FRUSTRATION. Hehehe!