It wasn't like he had planned on getting this present last minute. But he had been too busy with school and work to do otherwise. Kyle felt a bit guilty about this. But he ignored this as he browsed the Buddi dolls in Zedmart. Quickly scanning which one that his little sister might like. So far, he liked the look of the Bear Buddi. Though he liked the looks of it, didn't mean that his little sister would. Glenda wasn't exactly a fan of teddy bears. And that's technically what this little Buddi was. A giant teddy bear with glowing eyes. There was also a blond one that she might like. Along with the original red-headed Buddi. Either one could make Glenda happy. He still wasn't entirely sure which one he should pick. As he glanced them over, he noticed the employees staring at him funny. Which made him nervous as he glanced down at his phone. Realizing that it was ten minutes to closing. And that he needed to hurry up and pick a damn doll already.

Grabbing the original red-headed one, he hurried over to the counter. Setting it down with a nervous grin as he got out his wallet. The pink haired woman raised an eyebrow at this but said nothing. She quickly scanned the Buddi doll then told him the price. It was at least ninety dollars but he thankfully had enough to pay for it. Glenda's happiness was worth it. Soon as he got the receipt, he thanked the cashier and booked it out of the store as fast as he could. Running towards the apartment buildings as fast as he could. Clutching the giant doll tightly in his arms. Not caring how much of a dork it made him look. Or how annoyed he was making the people he was passing.

All that mattered to him was getting the toy to his little sister. Since he had promised her that he'd get her an amazing toy. He just hoped that this would be the type of toy that she'd like.

Soon as he got home, he carefully snuck into his room. Put the doll into two paper bags. Then wrote his little sister's name on it. Shoving the whole thing into his closet as he grinned to himself. This was going to be his little sister's best birthday ever tomorrow. He was finally going to get her something that she'd adore. Kyle checked his phone again and sighed softly. Tomorrow was Sunday. Not only did he not have school, he thankfully didn't have to work. So he could spend the whole day with his family for once. Along with sleeping in for once as well. Since he had to come in early today to cover Trevor Fontaine's shift.

Again.

Since he pulled another no-call-no-show. Which pissed him off immensely. He had been looking forward to sleeping until ten at least. But nope, he had to come in at eight a.m. to cover that asshole's shift. Not tomorrow. Tomorrow, he'd get a chance to sleep in to at least noon or so. Maybe eleven if his little sister wanted her presents early. Well, Glenda would get his early at least. That way she and the Buddi doll could get to know each other. Something that was important in the doll's development. Giving her someone to play with that wasn't only him. He loved his little sister dearly, but he needed some time for himself. To play games he liked and do whatever he wanted. Like working on his paintings that he'd put off for a couple of months. Ones that he promised himself that he'd actually complete one day. Just not today. Maybe not tomorrow.

Maybe, a couple of weeks from now.

Putting these thoughts aside, he put his phone on his bed. Walked over to the crumpled heap that was his pajamas. Slipping them on before heading to the bathroom to complete getting ready for bed. Tip toeing past his little sister's room as he did so. Even holding his breath to make sure she wouldn't wake up and question him. He also didn't want to wake up either of his foster parents. Knowing full well that they'd be upset with him for arriving home so late. And he wasn't in the mood for another fucking lecture about being out past curfew. Not, when he was so tired.

Once in the bathroom, he quickly got ready for bed. Being as quiet as possible before heading back to his bedroom. After he gets under the covers, he turns off his phone and sets it on the dresser next to his bed. Shutting his eyes as he grinned slightly as he drifted off to sleep.

A couple of hours later, he woke up to the smell of burning toast. And the sound of the fire alarm going off as well. Kyle quickly sat up in bed as he heard his little sister panicking. He shoved off his blankest before he jumped out of bed then ran towards the kitchen. Finding her fanning the smoke out the window with a cookie sheet. Two pieces of burnt toast on a napkin next to a big bowl of Buddi branded cereal. A huge glass of orange juice next to it. Glenda apparently burned the toast while possibly making herself breakfast. With a groan, he sighed as he walked over to his little sister. Carefully taking the cookie sheet from her and fanning the fire alarm as quickly as possible. Letting out a sigh as the noise finally stopped. Feeling grateful that both of his parents weren't awake just yet. Otherwise, they'd yell at Glenda for making a mess.

And for waking them up so early.

Looking over at her, he frowned slightly and settled his hands on his hips. Feeling utterly annoyed at being woken up so early. His little sister immediately stared down at her socked feet. Arms behind her back. She was wearing her favorite Buddi themed pajamas that were starting to get faded from being worn so much. And she was looking utterly guilty as she kept her gaze on her little feet.

Giving a slight sigh, he asked,"Why are you up so early, Glenda?"

"I wanted to make you breakfast, Kyle. Cuz you always make me breakfast.",she answered with a pout. That made him feel slightly guilty for getting annoyed with her. It was really sweet that she wanted to do this for him. Even if she wasn't very good at it. The mess was easy to clean up anyways. And it was her birthday after all. He could let this kind of thing slide easily. Kyle also decided to take a nap later if he needed to. So he put the cookie sheet back under the stove. Then hugged his little sister with a big grin. With a smile, he said,"It's your birthday, goofy. I'm supposed to be making breakfast for you. Not the other way around."

Giving her a slight tickle as he hugged her. Earning him the sound of Glenda's laughter. A big grin growing on her face. She hugged him back as she said,"But I wanted to do something special for you cuz I love you."

"Well that's sweet of you and it looks delicious too.",Kyle stated. It didn't. But he wasn't going to hurt her feelings on her birthday. Especially not on her birthday. Pulling away from the hug, he asked,"How come you didn't make yourself anything?"

"I wanted to get yours done first so I could surprise you.",Glenda answered with a shrug. He also suspected that she wanted to snoop for her present. Sighing softly, he grinned down at her. Then he went to work on making her breakfast. As he got her toast ready, he said,"That's very nice, Glenda. So let's get you something to eat."

"Then you can open your present from me.",he added. Feeling pride at his sister's cry and the bear hug she gave him around his waist. Her happiness was worth the temporary inability to breathe. When she let go, she hurried over to the kitchen table and sat in her usual spot. Waiting as patiently as a six year old could. A big grin on her face as she watched him make her breakfast. Once he was done with that, he set it before her. Then carefully moved his own to the table. While they ate, they discussed some of the stuff they could do for her birthday. Glenda asking if they could go to the park or not. He told her that he couldn't. Since it had snowed last night. It would be far too cold for either of them to enjoy it. But he did promise that he'd take her to McDonald's for lunch. Something he knew she'd like more than going to a freezing cold park. Feeling relieved that she did.

Soon as they were done, he quickly washed off both their bowls and spoons. Drying them before putting them back in the cupboard. While Glenda hurriedly rushed to his room with a huge grin on her face. He quickly followed after her. Keeping an eye on their parents' bedroom door as he passed it. So far, he hadn't heard either of them stir. Figuring their Dad had his earplugs in. And their Mom might've taken some heavy sleeping pills. Or drank her weight in booze. Again. Either way, he hoped they wouldn't be up until they had to be. He ignored them as he walked into his bedroom. Giggling as he watched his little sister look for her birthday present. A frown on her face as she turned to him. In a soft voice, she asked,"Where is it, Kyle? Where's my present?"

"Close your eyes, hold out your hands, and I'll get it for you.",he answered. A big grin on his face as he watched her close her eyes. Giddily holding out both of her hands for him. He quickly went to his closet and got out the paper bag gift. Heading over to her, he carefully set it in her hands as he said,"Happy birthday, Glenda. I hope you like it."

Opening her eyes, she sat down on his floor. Pulling the paper bags off as quickly as possible. Her little eyes going wide as she stared at the little Buddi doll. Opening her mouth to laugh when she quickly closed her mouth. Staring over at the door worriedly before looking up at Kyle. She asked,"Are you sure that Mom and Dad are gonna be okay with this? What if they make you give'im back?"

"They won't. I promise that they won't make me give'im back.",he answered. Kneeling next to her, he put a hand on her shoulder. Kyle added,"Once they see how much of a help he is, they'll love him. Especially when they lose the remote. Or need someone to come pick us up from school."

"Now, let's wake him up. See what he's like.",he stated. Hoping to distract her from thinking about what their parents would think. It seemed to work as she quickly got the doll out of the box. Setting him down in front of her and putting the cord in. Kyle quickly headed to his dresser, turning on his phone as he headed back over to her. Once it was on, he plugged the doll's cord into his phone. Turning on the app a moment later. Few seconds later, the doll was turned on and connected. Its little eyes blinking as it stared at Glenda. Her grin growing as she stared at him. A smile came on its face as it asked,"Are you my best buddy?"

"Yes.",she answered. Kyle smiled as he started to work on the doll app. Keeping a careful eye on the doll and his sister. A red laser scanned her face, making her wince slightly. The doll tilted its head as it stared down at her. She rubbed her eyes as it asked,"What's your name?"

"I'm Glenda.",she answered. Grinning as she set her hands on her lap. Looking it in the eye, it stated,"Nice to meet you, Glenda."

"What's my name?",it asked. Tilting its head to the side as it stared at her. For a few minutes, she didn't say anything. Chewing on her bottom lip as she looked to be deep in thought. A moment later, she answered,"Tommy."

"I like that name, Glenda.",it said. Tilting its head to the side as it smiled at her. Then it repeated,"Tommy. I'm Tommy. What do you wanna do, Glenda?"

"Wanna watch T.V with me and Kyle?",she asked. Pointing to Kyle for emphasis. Who raised an eyebrow as he peeked over his phone. Glancing at both of them. Tommy turned its head toward him for a moment before turning to Glenda. In a polite voice, it answered,"Of course."

"How about we get ready for the day first then watch T.V?",Kyle suggested. Wanting to be dressed before noon. Just in case either of their parents woke up and threw a shit-fit over her new toy. Glenda sighed as she agreed to that. He carefully unplugged the doll before she picked him up and left the room. Letting him check if he had any voicemails or messages. Feeling entirely grateful that he didn't. And hoped that he wouldn't for the rest of the day. Getting up, he quickly went to his bedroom door and shut it. Then got dressed in a simple pair of jeans, a black sweater. Then slid on a simple pair of white socks. He picked his deodorant off the dresser. Put some on then mussed up his hair in the mirror over his dresser until it looked nice. Once it was, he headed out of his room to his little sister's door. Waiting for her finish dressing herself. A few minutes later, Glenda came out wearing her favorite grey dress and white tights. Holding Tommy's hand as they walked into the living room.

Both children freezing when they saw their Dad getting ready for work. Already in his jacket, boots, and hat. When he saw both of his children and the doll, he frowned. Looking at Kyle, he asked,"Really? You bought her that? After one of those things killed like four people?"

"They've been fixed, Dad. They're not a danger to anyone anymore.",Kyle answered. He carefully stood in front of his little sister and her doll. Making sure their Dad couldn't easily get to Tommy. Who was now being cradled to Glenda's chest. Tommy glanced up at her face then up at their Dad's face. Unsure of what to do as their Dad, Phil rolled his eyes. Giving an annoyed grunt as he headed out of the house. He called over his shoulder,"Whatever. But if that fuckin' thing breaks anything in this house, your ass is paying for it Kyle."

"Whatever, Dad.",he mumbled under his breath. Wincing when the front door slammed. Turning back to Glenda, he sighed when he saw Glenda's face. She looked like she was about to cry. Her Buddi tried its hardest to comfort her. Kyle smiled down at her as he said,"Don't worry, Glenda. Dad'll get over it soon. For now, let's just watch cartoons with Tommy. Okay?"

Her expression cheered up slightly as she hugged Tommy. Nodding her head in agreement as they sat around their television. Glenda asked Tommy to turn on the T.V. Of which it obliged. All three of them sitting in silence as they watched their favorite shows. After three hours, Kyle decided to take Glenda out to get lunch. Quickly getting her geared up as they headed out. Tommy getting them a ride to take them to the McDonald's. Soon as the car arrived, they all climbed inside. Glenda insisting that Tommy be buckled up next to him. Which he obliged her. Buckling her in after and shutting the door. Once he got in and buckled, they were off. Both siblings talking about what they were going to do after their lunch. Tommy chiming in now and again with suggestions. Some of which Kyle found to be fun as well. Like heading to the arcade or going to the Mall. Stuff that sounded pretty cool. They all decided on going to the Mall after. Since there was supposed to be an art faire going on. Which Kyle had been secretly dying to go to. He just didn't have a reason to.

A few moments later, they were at the McDonald's. All three of them hurried out of the car and inside. Ordering Kyle and Glenda's food. Kyle being grateful he had his card uploaded to his phone. As he realized he'd forgotten his wallet at home. He hurriedly found them a spot to sit. Leaving the younger sibling with her little doll. Making sure they were in sight at all times as he waited for the food. Soon as he got it, he hurriedly headed back over. Putting Glenda's food in front of her before digging into his own. While they ate, Tommy watched them. Its eyes glowing slightly as he watched them. For a brief moment, its eyes changed color. Turning slightly red. Making Kyle's eyebrow raise slightly as he watched him. Before he could point it out, Tommy's eyes turned back to blue. It innocently smiled at him as he started in on his fries. Briefly wondering if his lack of sleep was getting to him or not. Deciding that it probably was, he ignored it. Continuing to eat his food with a smile to not worry Glenda. It was her birthday after all. And he wasn't going to ruin it for her. No matter what.