Chapter 44: Chilli's Birthday

(Years Ago…)

"Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Chilli, happy birthday to you," a male red Heeler sang while coming into the room with a plate of French toast and a candle on it. Chilli woke up and smiled seeing her fiancé with her birthday brekky. "Ethan, you didn't have to make this for me," Chilli said with a smile as she sat up in bed. "Well, why wouldn't I make brekky for the most beautiful dog in the world," Ethan said as he sat down next to Chilli. "You know, you used to not think that when we were kids," Chilli said with a chuckle. "Well, what can I say? I matured and realized that you are the one for me," Ethan said, kissing Chilli on her head. "So you don't think I have cooties huh?" Chilli asked with a chuckle. "Eat your breakfast brat," Ethan said with a chuckle while playfully hitting Chilli with a pillow. After Breakfast Chilli took her plate to the kitchen and started to get ready for work. Ethan watched as Chilli was getting ready for work. "What are you looking at?" Chilli asked as she turned and looked at Ethan. Ethan just smiled as he walked over to his fiancé and placed his hands around her waist. "Just looking at you," Ethan said, kissing Chilli. "Okay I got to get to work," Chilli said trying to get out of Ethan's arms.

"Oh no you don't," Ethan said with a smile as he lightly pushed Chilli on the back. "Ethan! I really need to get to work," Chilli said with a laugh. "Nah we don't need the money," Ethan said with a chuckle while getting on top of Chilli and tickling her. "Ethan!" Chilli screamed with laughter. Ethan tickled Chilli for just a few more moments and then stopped and just looked at her in her eyes in a passionate way. "I love you so much, Chilli," Ethan whispered softly. "And I love you too, Ethan, from here to the end of the world" Chilli whispered back as they leaned in for a kiss.

(Present Day)

"Happy birthday babe," Bandit said softly as he lightly touched his wife. Chilli woke up and smiled as she turned and looked at her husband. "Thanks Bandit," Chilli said as she kissed her husband. "Bluey! Where did you put my color art pencils?" they heard Thomas calling his sister from outside their bedroom. "I put them back in your room!" Bluey called back to her brother. "They're not here!" Thomas called again. "Did you check the Fridge!" Bingo chimes in. "There goes a quiet morning," Bandit said as he sat up in bed. Chilli chuckled as she also sat up in bed. "Do we even have one of those? Come on, husband of mine, let's get the kids some brekky," Chilli said about to get out of bed. "Where do you think your going?" Bandit asked as he pulled Chilli back in bed. Chilli started laughing as she and Bandit were kissing each other. "Bluey! Why did you put them in the fridge?!" Thomas asked. "Well… they change color when they get cold!" Bluey stated. Those last shouts cut the mood to the couple. "Yeah, let's get the kids brekky," Bandit said as he got off of Chilli. Chilli chuckled at the situation as she too got out of bed.

The two parents then left their room and headed to the kitchen. "Happy birthday!" The three kids said as Chilli and Bandit walked into the kitchen, showing them the breakfast ready on the table. "Aww you guys made me breakfast," Chilli said with a smile. "Well, Thomas did but Bingo and I made you these last night," Bluey said as she handed her mother pop up cards. "Yeah, with the help of the refrigerator colored art Pencils," Thomas said with a smirk. The family then laughed before they started their breakfast. "Let's see what you made for breakfast," Chilli said while sitting down. "My mom used to make these all the time and she taught me how to make them," Thomas said while placing the plate down for Chilli. "Omelettes!" Chilli said with a smile. "Yeah… I hope you like them," Thomas said nervously. Chilli took a bite and then smiled. "They're perfect sweetheart," Chilli said while looking at Thomas. Thømas smiled before seating himself at the table with his family.

After breakfast Bandit and Thomas both started cleaning up while Chilli and the girls were playing a game. "Thanks mate for making breakfast," Bandit said while putting the dishes in the dishwasher. "Your welcome dad," Thomas said while handing his dad more dishes. "Hey mate?" Bandit asked looking at his son. "Yeah dad?" Thomas asked, looking at his father. "Can you come with me to the mall to get your mum's present?" Bandit asked while putting the last of the dishes away. "Sure dad," Thomas said with a smile. "Also… can you watch the girls tonight? I want to take your mum out for dinner," Bandit asked. "Hmmm… what's in it for me?" Thomas asked, crossing his arms. "Come on mate, this is important to your stepmum," Bandit pleaded. "Well… last time I watched the girls a storm came in and then there was the bad joke of monsters under the bed," Thomas explained with a sly smile.

"Alright mate I'll give you 30 bucks for watching your sisters," Bandit said, handing out his hand out to shake. "Deal," Thomas said with a smirk while shaking his fathers hand. "You really are my son," Bandit said with a chuckle as he rubbed the top of his son's head. "Well, you and mom made me," Thomas replied with a smile. Bandit smiled at that. "Yeah, we sure did," Bandit said still with his smile. Bandit stared at his son for moment and felt like something was missing. "What's wrong dad?" Thomas asked, noticing his father was just staring at him. Bandit then shook himself out of his trance and replied. "It's nothing mate um… go head and get ready," Bandit said softly. "Okay I'll let you in the car," Thomas said as he went to go to the car. Bandit sighed thinking of his son's words. "Yeah… we made a great young dog Emily," Bandit said as he looked out the window and saw Chilli playing with their daughters.

Chilli laid in the grass laughing because of playing tag with her daughters. Bandit then walked out to the backyard and helped his wife off the ground. "Me and our son will be back, we have to go get your present from the mall," Bandit said while holding Chilli. "Oh okay, but isn't normally to not tell about the surprise gift before giving it?" Chilli asked with a chuckle. "Why do that, when you already know all about it?" Bandit asked in reply. "Can I come too daddy?" Bingo asked, getting in between her parents. "I don't see why not," Bandit said with a smile. "Hooray!" Bingo celebrated, before Bandit turning to Bluey. "Do you want to come too Bluey?" he asked. "Can I stay with mum?" Bluey asked. "Sure you can!" Chilli said with a smile. "Hooray!" Bluey said as she went and hugged her mother. "Be careful," Chilli said softly to her husband as she kissed him. "You know I will," Bandit said softly back to her. "Come on Bingo, your brother is waiting for us," Bandit said as he picked her up and placed her on his shoulders.

Chilli watched as her husband and her daughter left to go to the car. "Mum?" Bluey asked looking up at her mother. "Yes sweetie?" Chilli asked. "Why do you say that?" Bluey asked. "Say what?" Chilli asked, looking down at her daughter. "Be careful? Isn't dad a good driver?" Bluey asked. Chilli then sat down in the grass with her daughter. "Of course he is… but it's always nice to wish someone to be careful on the road," Chilli explained. "Do you think Thomas will be a good driver?" Bluey asked. "If he takes after your dad on that, I think so," Chilli said with a smile. "When will he drive?" Bluey asked, wagging her tail. "He's already at age of learning, so… I think he'll drive really soon," Chilli answered. "Great! I can't wait for him to take me and Bingo all around," Bluey said. Chilli chuckled at that, but she couldn't help but feeling a slight fear about having Thomas learning how to drive.

Dad I want to learn how to drive," Thomas spoke up while he, Bingo and Bandit walked into the mall. "What?!" Bandit asked surprised. "Yeah, I think it's time to start learning. "I don't know mate, driving is a lot of responsibility," Bandit said, rubbing the back of his neck. "Come on dad, most sixteen years back in America have driver's licenses!" Thomas goaned. "But we're not in America mate, we're in Australia," Bandit said with a smirk. "That's not the point dad," Thomas said with a frown. "Your uncle Rad didn't get his license until he was seventeen," Bandit said as they walked along. "You mean the same uncle that makes us wish to throw ourselves out of the car every time he drives us?" Thomas asked, catching Bandit off-guard. "That's… not the point, son," Bandit replied. "Seriously, Dad, I don't want to wait until I'm seventeen," Thomas protested. "You might have to mate," Bandit said as they stopped outside of the shop where Chilli's present was being held. "A playground!" Bingo said, looking in the direction of the playground. "Why? When did you get your license?" Thomas asked, crossing his arms. "I was sixteen," Bandit answered. "And mom?" Thomas asked. "Sixteen… she learned to drive here," Bandit answered, looking down from his son. "Then why can't I learn?" Thomas asked again.

"Look mate I…" Bandit started to say until Bingo tugged on her father's tail. "Dad! Can't we go to the playground?" Bingo asked while tugging on Bandit's tail. "Bingo we only…." Bandit started to say, only to have an idea that would put a hold on that conversation. "Yeah, of course, squirt, why don't you take your brother with you?" Bandit said with a smile. "Dad!" Thomas groaned, knowing exactly what his father was trying to do. "Hooray!" Bingo said while taking her brother's hand and pulling him to the playground that was inside the mall. "We'll talk about this later mate!" Bandit called to his oldest child, going inside the store, as Bingo took her brother to the indoor playground. "We'll talk about it later mate," Thomas mocked his dad's Australian accent. "You're getting better at your accent, big brother," Bingo said as they walked. "Thanks Bingo, but I wasn't even trying," Thomas said with a sigh. "That took care of him," Bandit said to himself as he went into the shop. "Driving! Why would he be thinking about that!" Bandit thought to himself. "I'm just… I'm just not ready for him to grow up," Bandit thought with a sad look on his face.

After they got near the playground, Bingo noticed her brother's disappointed look. "Thomas, why are you upset? Is it because Dad doesn't let you drive?" Bingo asked. "Well… It's a little hard to explain it to you, little sister," Thomas said. "Hey, I'm not that little," Bingo protested, while stomping her foot. "I know, Bingo, but… this is a big kid problem, but you can say it's because of that," Thomas replied, stopping and then kneeling to get at the same level as his sister. "Why do you want to drive when you can have Dad or Mum do it for you?" Bingo asked. "Well… it's just something a big kid like me eventually learns to do, and I am already old enough to do it, not to mention that… many of my classmates already drive, it makes me feel… like I'm getting behind them," Thomas confessed.

There was a pause that lasted for a few seconds before Bingo decided to speak. "You know, many of my friends already know how to ride a bike, but I still don't, I know I can learn it, but… I just feel not ready yet, maybe Dad thinks you're not ready too," she commented. That made Thomas think on her sister's words. Maybe she was right, maybe his dad thought he was just not ready to drive. After all, he did had a very tough year with all the grief and the panic attacks, something he still was struggling to control. "That's… actually a very good thought, thanks, Bingo, now, why don't you go play on the playground, before Dad gets here with Mom's gift? In no time, he'll get here for us to go home" Thomas said. "Okay, big brother," Bingo replied, as she run towards the playground, while Thomas watched her, thinking about what she told him.

At home, Bluey was lying on the couch of the living him upside down, with her legs on the cushions and the rest of her body hanging. "I'm so bored… maybe I should have gone with Dad, Bingo and Thomas…" Bluey said. It was then that she got an idea to entertain herself. "Hey, Mum, can I go explore your wardrobe?" she asked. "Okay, but don't take anything without my permission," Chilli said, from another room. Giggling, Bluey run towards her parents' room and opened the wardrobe. She found many interesting things there, but her attention was to a certain box at the furthest corner of the wardrobe, covered with some blankets. Curiosity drove her to take the box and opened. There, she found some weird things, like a book and some envelops, but what caught her attention was a picture she took and observed. It was her mum, but younger, hugging another Red Heeler Bluey didn't recognized. Chilli had just prepared a jar of ginger beer and poured some into a glass, drinking while sitting down. "Now this is good moment to relax…" she said, while taking a sip of the ginger beer. "Mum…" Bluey said, while coming inside the kitchen holding the photo. "And the moment ended… Yes, sweetie?" Chilli asked, while putting down the ginger beer. "I found this photo and I was wondering who is in it with you," Bluey said.

Chilli got caught by surprise when she saw Bluey was holding the photo of her and Ethan. "Oh, Bluey… you opened my secret box," Chilli said, while taking the photo. "I'm sorry, Mum, I didn't know I wasn't supposed to," Bluey said. "It's okay, sweetie, you didn't know about it," Chilli said. "So… who is the dog in the picture?" Bluey said. "Well… how can I explain this to you… you know how Dad used to be married to Thomas' mommy?" Chilli asked, to which Bluey nodded in response. "Well… before I met your Dad, Ethan was my boyfriend," Chilli continued. "Were you married? Wait, do I have another brother or sister?" Bluey asked. That caused Chilli to drop a laugh. "No, sweety, you don't have another brother or sister, Ethan and I never married," Chilli said. "Oh… but where is he now? Can I meet him?" Bluey asked. Chilli could feel her stomach turn inside her. "Unfortunately, sweety, you can't," Chilli said, now with a sad tone on her voice.

"Why not?" Bluey asked. "Because… he has passed away," Chilli replied. "You mean… like Thomas' mommy?" Bluey asked. "Yes, just like his mommy…" Chilli answered. "Was he sick too?" Bluey asked. However, Chilli didn't find any courage to tell her daughter how Ethan died, as it still hurt very much, causing tears to start appearing. "Bluey, if you don't mind, I would rather not talk about this," Chilli replied, quickly cleaning her tears. "Oh, okay, Mom…" Bluey replied, starting to feel guilty for showing that photo to her. Chilli, after taking a moment, quickly changed to a much happier face. "Why don't we go play a little at the backyard until Dad, Bingo and Thomas come back?" she asked to her daughter. But she saw how her daughter was worried. "Bluey, I am fine, yes, I got a little sad, but I'm okay, now," Chilli told. "Do you promise?" Bluey asked. "I promise," Chilli said. With her mother promising, Bluey was able to get cheered up and then the two of them went outside.

Bandit came out with his wife's gift and saw his son playing with his sister at the playground. Bandit smiled knowing his son was doing his best with his younger sister. Bandit took a deep breath and walked over to the playground. Thomas and Bingo were playing tag on the playground equipment just as their father walked up to them. "You ready kids? We still have to pick up your mum's cake," Bandit said softly as he walked up to his kids. "Yeah!" Bingo said now going down the slide. Thomas hesitated as he got down from the play equipment. Bandit could tell his son was still upset with him and wanted to address the issue.

"Mate? Are you still mad at me?" Bandit asked to get ready for the worst. "I was… and then Bingo made a good point," Thomas confessed. "She did?" Bandit asked confused. Thomas nodded. "I know It's probably the last thing I should be thinking about but hopefully I'll be ready soon to drive," Thomas said softly. Bandit smiled at that. "I'm glad you understand that mate, I just want to make sure your ready before getting ahead of yourself," Bandit said as he puts his arm around his oldest. "But dad?" Thomas asked. "Yes mate?" Bandit asked. "Will you be the one to teach me to drive?" Thomas asked. Bandit felt honored in that moment. "Of course mate, when your truly ready I'll teach you," Bandit said softly with a smile. "Thanks dad," Thomas said as they walked along to the car. "What did you get mom for her birthday?" Thomas asked as the three of them got in the car. "A new ring," Bandit answered. "Way to go dad," Thomas said as he buckled himself in. "Can I see it daddy?" Bingo asked. "You can see it when your mum opens it," Bandit said as he buckled in Bingo. "Aww when will that be?" Bingo asked. "Tonight mate," Bandit said as he got in the driver seat and started the car.

Now back home the family of five had a little party for Chilli. "Happy birthday mom," Thomas said, bringing out his drawing of London. "Son, you shouldn't have," Chilli said looking at the framed drawing. "And you're so talented," Chilli said with a soft smile. "Thanks mom, my mom taught me most of her art skills," Thomas said, giving Chilli a hug. "And this one is from me," Bandit said giving Chilli a small box. "Bandit Heeler! You didn't!" Chilli said now opening the small box. Chilli gasped looking at the ring. "It's so beautiful," Chilli said before giving her husband a kiss. "Anything for you babe," Bandit said softly.

After their little party Bandit and Chilli left for their dinner and Thomas stayed with the girls for the night. After dinner and some dancing. Bandit and Chilli came home, all the kids were in bed besides Thomas who was watching TV in the living room. "Thanks mate for watching the girls," Bandit said sitting down on the couch with his son. "It's no problem dad," Thomas said looking at his father. "How was dinner?" Thomas asked. Bandit chuckled, "it was nice mate," Bandit said softly. "I'm going to bed," Chilli said, kissing the top of her husband's head. "I'll be there in a minute babe," Bandit said, kissing his wife. "Good night sweetie," Chilli said, kissing her son on his head. "Good night mom," Thomas said as he turned to look at the TV.

Bandit watched his wife go to the room with a smile on his face. "Dad," Thomas said, looking at hos father. "Yes mate?" Bandit said, looking at his son. "I'm… I'm glad you're happy again," Thomas said softly with a smile. "Thanks mate," Bandit replied. "I feel more complete now that your here with me son," Bandit explained. "Really?" Thomas asked. Bandit nodded in response. "If I could have it my way I would want your mum here too," Bandit explained. "Why didn't she want to live here?" Thomas asked looking at his father.

"Well, with Charlie's tragic death she didn't want to relive it," Bandit explained. "I wish she had a change of heart about it," Thomas said looking down. "How come mate?" Bandit asked. "Then I wouldn't have to be away from you," Thomas confessed. "Mate, your here with me now and that's what's important," Bandit said softly. "We don't talk about mom much… Do you miss her?" Thomas asked. "Of course I do mate, she's your mum and someone I loved very much," Bandit explained. Thomas then sat closer to his father and rested his head on Bandits shoulder. "I miss her and I miss you," Thomas said, keeping his eyes on the TV. "I know mate and I'm right here for you and I always will be," Bandit said also resting his head on his son's. Chilli went to bed and laid down on her side and went to sleep and dreamt about Ethan on one of our birthdays.

(Years Ago..)

"How was your birthday?" Ethan asked, looking down at Chilli, who was laying down on his chest. "It was the best birthday ever," Chilli said with a chuckle. "Good, I'm glad I could make it a great one," Ethan said with a warm smile. "It'll be better when we have our kids to celebrate it with," Chilli said cuddling up to Ethan. "Oh, so the birthday dog wants kids huh?" Ethan asked with a chuckle. Chilli then sat up and looked into Ethan's brown eyes. "More than anything, especially with you," Chilli said, still looking into his eyes. Ethan smiled at that. "Then kids we shall have as soon as I get that Promotion," Ethan said still with his smile. Chilli chuckled as she kissed him and then laid down on his chest. While hearing his heartbeat, Chilli felt safe knowing that she had everything she needed in that moment and knew she would have her kids with the one she really loved.

(Present Day: Three Weeks Later….)

Thomas grabbed the mail from the mail box and found his report card and a letter address to him from the Schools art club. "Huh? That's strange," Thomas said as he rushed into the house. Bluey and Bingo were playing pirates in the backyard, while Chilli was doing the dishes in the kitchen. Thomas placed down the mail on the counter but took the letter that was addressed to him. "Did you get your report card?" Chilli asked. "Yeah it's on the counter," Thomas said before rushing to his room. "Hey! Running away isn't a good sign!" Chilli teased her son before looking at his report card.

"Woo hoo! Wait till your dad sees these!" Chilli said while putting the report card on the refrigerator. Thomas walked into his room and opened the letter. Thomas noticed that the art club wanted him to join their club and showcase more of his artistic skills. Thomas then looked at his picture or his mom and then smiled. "I guess I should keep your Legacy alive mom," Thomas said with a smile as he then started on some art work as the letter did say he needed a new submission to join their club. Chilli was the one who showed her son's artwork to the school that he gave her for her birthday and the school agreed to let him join the art club if he submitted an original piece of work.

Kodiwolf321 A/N: Hey guys how's your day or night going? Let me know what you thinking this chapter and what do you think of Ethan? He'll pop in and out as we move along, and we're already working on the next chapter so I help you enjoyed this as much as we did making it for you! Alright guys see you soon!