50. That's my line!
Stephanie had been on a stake-out for a new story Friday evening when Lil texted her. Waiting to pull out her phone and read the message from her friend, it was a damn good thing she hadn't put the car in gear yet. Holy Hot Flash. That was centerfold material. Checking her messages, her damn mailbox was full. Christ, she'd only been on silent for two hours. Every single text and voicemail was talking, asking, or speculating about Ranger and Tilde in costume at the hospital. Geez. She dialed Lil's number, wanting the scoop first-hand. "Hello Lois Lane, how's it going?" Stephanie laughed, "Oh no no no, I just got your picture, SPILL!" Lil tried in vain to contain her laughter, too much movement irritated her sutures. She told her all about their entrance, and in the end how Carlos had been a really good sport. When Stephanie found out it was Tilde's idea, well that was just priceless. They spent a few minutes being silly girls, wondering how long it would take him to remove all those tattoos… If he'd have to ask for help with the ones on his back. This sent them into another fit of giggles. Lil sobered, remembering why she really wanted to talk to Steph. "Sis, thank you. If you hadn't called Carlos, things might have been worse. I wouldn't have gotten the help I needed. You were one of the people who saved my life yesterday, I owe you big." Stephanie shrugged off her praise, they had a lot in common that way. "I know! As a start to my 'pay you back plan' why don't you come to Tilde's birthday party on Sunday? In fact, bring Brian if he's available and invite Lula and Connie. I was worried that we'd have to cancel or put it off, but all the guys guarantee that we're good to go." Stephanie was more than eager to attend… it was a chance to see the elusive Rangeman building and all the men. When Lil told her that everyone was dressing up like a Disney character, Steph was already planning coordinating outfits with her boyfriend.
By late Saturday morning, Lil was climbing the walls. She needed to get busted out of this pokey, and fast. When Bobby arrived before lunch with Ranger and Tilde, she was already sitting in the wheelchair, ready to roll. There was no such thing as dignity when escape was your only goal. On the drive home, Lil asked about the party, if she needed to do anything. The truth was, just moving from the hospital to the Explorer was tiring. Crap. Ranger and Bobby both assured her that everything was being handled. That tomorrow would be a complete success. All she needed to do was rest, get dressed, and show up. Ya, rest sounded good. "Has Ella been working her fingers to the bone? That woman really is amazing." Ranger laughed, "Yes, but she needed to. When we couldn't find you, and then thought you were in even more trouble… she's had a lot of nervous energy to get out." Lil completely understood. She made sure to mention her invitations to the Trenton Trio plus one.
They made a quick stop on five so Lil could wave to the men on duty. She thanked Hector personally yesterday for his forethought regarding Tilde's stuffed animals. At the very least, if she lost one, they'd be able to locate it. Bobby helped Ranger get Lil settled on the couch, she promptly fell asleep. Tilde busied herself in her play kitchen, quietly cooking dinner for mommy and Magnus later. Awww. Ranger was in Lil's kitchen, pulling out ingredients for an actual dinner. Or at least one not made of felt. Lil woke up to the mouthwatering smells of braised beef and rice and beans. Yum. She turned her head to the right, catching a glimpse of a barefoot Carlos in her kitchen, wearing her blue apron. It was grandma's special apron. Well damn. Maybe the drugs were making her over-emotional. He turned to her and flashed a handsome smile. "Good nap Dulce? Dinner is almost ready. My helper is setting the table for us." Lil swiveled her head further to see Tilde with a handful of forks and spoons. She loved being a helper, it didn't really matter what the job was. They ate a very comforting Cuban meal, something Ranger's mother taught him when he was a child. It was delicious and just what Lil needed. If she never saw hospital food again, it would be too soon.
By eight, both girls had droopy eyelids. "Dulce, lets get Tilde in bed." Lil nodded, moving to stand so she could help her brush her teeth. Carlos placed a hand on her shoulder, the gentle pressure meant 'stay'. Okie dokie. She listened from the couch as Ranger helped Tilde change into pajamas and finish her bedtime routine. He even made sure she washed her hands after using the potty. Damn, this was what she was missing as a single parent, backup. Ranger assisted Lil into Tilde's room after getting her settled in her little bed. Lil perched herself as comfortably as possible in the small space. "OK peanut, what will it be tonight?" Tilde considered her options, her little brow furrowed in concentration. "Just the bridge song mommy. Carlos sings too." Ranger's eyebrows lifted. Did she mean London Bridges? Lil slid her eyes to his, he looked adorable when he was confused. "Know any Simon and Garfunkel?" When the light bulb clicked on, he smiled and nodded." Lil started 'When you're weary, feeling small, when tears are in your eyes, I will dry them all.' Ranger chimed in by the chorus. His ability to harmonize shouldn't have come as a surprise. After kisses goodnight he helped Lil to her bedroom. "I'll be on the couch Dulce, call if you need me." Lil started to protest. She wanted to say he didn't need to stay. She also wanted to say he could share the bed with her. "Lil, Tilde slept well last night, but that might have just been the adrenaline crash. I want to be here in case she has a nightmare. I can move quicker than you right now. If I stay on the couch, I'm between you both, able to help. Lil reached up and kissed his cheek, "Like a bridge over troubled water."
Sunday morning was clear and beautiful, a perfect day to celebrate Tilde's fourth! The peanut couldn't sit still through breakfast or her bath. The party was to start promptly at noon, the girls were not allowed on the roof a minute before then. Ranger stayed through the morning, assisting with Lil's usual mom duties. She was even able to sneak in a cat nap before needing to get dressed. As the party's theme was Disney (who couldn't see that coming knowing Tilde), Lil had chosen a Frozen theme for the girls and Magnus. Lil had a pretty ice-blue dress and her hair pulled back like Elsa. Thank goodness Ranger could braid. Tilde was dressed in a homemade Olaf costume, she was the cutest snowman ever. Magnus was wearing reindeer antlers like Sven. They made quite the fan-group. Ranger excused himself to Tilde's bathroom with a bag. When he stepped out minutes later, he was a sexy Cuban version of Kristoff. His Norwegian top even had faux-fur lining. Damn, Ella was a miracle worker. How she had found the time, Lil would never know. They exited the apartment at noon, Ranger taking most of Lil's weight as they walked. Tilde was a silly white blur zooming down the hallway, holding the open elevator.
When the group reached the stairs on the seventh floor, Cal stepped out of the doorway. Lil did a double-take. It was definitely her brother, the flaming skull was a dead giveaway. But he was dressed in a Simba costume, with full mane and all. Sweet Cheezits. Cal took Lil's arm to help her up the stairs, Ranger lifted Olaf-Tilde and Magnus brought up the rear. His antlers were already askew. That dog had the patience of a saint. Cal opened the door to the roof, allowing the girls to pass through with Ranger. Tilde was speechless. Her full little lips formed a perfect O. If her princess playground was magical before… this was even more fantastic. Disney decorations hung from every surface, as well as the glass roof. It was snowing outside of the building, and it was 'snowing' inside too, thanks to some creative chemistry and one smart Hector. The only difference was, their inside snow wasn't freezing cold. A buffet of foods were set up on the tables and counters of the outdoor kitchen. They had everything from Minnie Mouse decorated muffins to Mickey Mouse shaped pretzels. Tilde spied the frozen bananas a thirty paces. "Mommy! It's amazing! It's Disney!" Lil wiped a tear from her eye with her now good arm. Damn, this was even better than she was hoping for.
Cal cleared his throat, "Olaf-Tilde, today we are here to celebrate your fourth birthday. But, we need some family to make it a real party, right?" Tilde nodded her large snowman head. "May I introduce your first guests, Uncle Tank as Mufasa and Uncle Bobby as Rafiki." The two men stepped out in glorious costumes, Tilde clapped. Holy Cow, they looked like they could have actually worked in the Broadway version of Lion King. "Next we have Tio Hector as Peter Pan, and his guest Andres as Piglet." Tilde was still clapping and bouncing, her stuffed headpiece moving back and forth with great zeal. Ranger stood with Lil, shaking silently. Lil wanted to laugh, it was really fricken funny. But then she noticed how well Hector filled out his tights. How sexy Andres still looked as a large pink pig. Damn the scenery was nice. "For your partying pleasure, I am pleased to introduce Uncle Zero as Mr. Incredible, Uncle Slick as Frozone, and Aunt Connie as Edna Mode." Oh My Gravy. It was too much. Lil had never realized just how many Disney men wore tights. The roof was feeling a little warm. Ranger squeezed her from behind and whispered, "behave".
Cal continued with, "And what's this? Here we have Uncle Ace as Flynn Ryder, Uncle Manny as Miguel, Uncle Zip as Spot the Dalmatian, and Uncle Woody as… Woody!" Tilde was skipping to all of the guests, shaking their hands like she was really just being introduced. With each greeting she would say "I'm Olaf, and I like warm hugs." Ranger pulled a chair out for Lil to sit, she knew there were more guests to come and needed a chance to get of her feet. "Alright Olaf-Tilde, next, please give a warm welcome to Uncle Vince as the Genie, Uncle Junior as Aladdin, and Uncle Lester as Stitch." Lester… as Stitch… with multiple arms… that's just what he needed, a chance to be even more handsy. "All the way from Germany we've brought you Uncle Hal as Bashful, Uncle Binkie as Happy, Uncle Ram as Dopey (he was never going to live Magic Boobs down), and Aunt Lula as Snow White. Though, I'm told she prefers to be called Snow Chocolate." Cal rolled his eyes as Lula gave a "you bet your fur covered butt!" Tilde was giggling while continuing to greet her guests. If this kept up, Lil was gonna need the bathroom. "And last, but certainly not least, please make the acquaintance of Aunt Stephanie as Belle, her guest Brian as the Beast, your favorite Abuelo Luis as Cogsworth, and the miraculous Abuela Ella as Mrs. Potts!" Loud cheers echoed through the large space. Even the men were impressed with all the work Ella had done in such a short time. "Now, let's get this party started!" Cal let out a silly roar and gave his niece a giant hug.
Lil remained seated, enjoying the party from a semi-comfortable spot. Ranger stayed by her side. She had a good view of the entire roof. Thank goodness the cameras downstairs were recording everything. When asked, Ranger told her the control room was being manned by contract workers. No one wanted to miss the party. Tilde and the adults played games, swung and slid, and ate loads of delicious foods. After the largest banana cream pie in history was cut and devoured, they started on the presents. As per Lil's instructions, everyone gifted Tilde a new book. No wonder she had so many at such a young age. Ranger knew grown men with a smaller library than the little girl. Tilde was thrilled to open each one. She unwrapped a curious looking book of poems from Hal and asked Lil, "What's this mommy?" Lil smiled, her eyes lighting with glee. "That's Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein. My favorite childhood poem is in there." Tilde's eyes widened, so did Hals. The little girl looked at Ranger, "Carlos, we need to learn this one first." She was dead serious too. He just chuckled and nodded. That was going to take masses of index cards.
The party continued well into the evening. Everyone was enjoying themselves. Oddly enough, not a single person had removed their costume. Lil had even overheard Cal and Bobby singing Hakuna Matata to Tilde at one point. Ranger leaned into Lil, his breath tickling her ear. "You know Dulce, you owe me a date soon. And for the record, getting shot isn't going to get you out of it." Lil laughed and gave him a devious smile. She started to hum and then busted out into the chorus of "Let it Go!" Ranger was laughing while pinching her good arm. "I'm sorry, I couldn't wear this damn dress and not do that once today. Yes, I owe you a date, once I can move around on my own... Are you sure you still want to go out with me? I seem to be a trouble-magnet. I mean look at all the craziness we've brought into your life!" She waved her hand toward the frolicking crowd of mostly adults in goofy costumes. Carlos took her hand and kissed her knuckles. "I like this crazy. Besides, Tilde told me about Frozen and a certain line stuck with me… Some people are worth melting for." Tilde had walked up at that exact moment, she leaned down and gathered enough fake snow to make a tiny snowball. Chucking it at Ranger's chest she said "Hey Kristoff, that's MY line!"
- The End -
That's it ladies and gents. I hope you enjoyed. I really should have said this before, sorry for any errors. There was no Beta, so any oopses are totally my fault. This story was an idea that took root about five weeks ago. I couldn't stop until it was all out of me. Considering that I'm a full-time mom of two teen boys and battled the stomach flu… this entire thing might have been a miracle.
As I post this last chunk of chapters, I am pleased to report making it to 208 reviews. I don't think that's too shabby for a story that isn't S/R. I'd like to give special thanks to the following readers who took the time to review or make me smile:
Vulcan Rider (Maggie, did you catch your name in the story?), JudoMom, willowchat, trhodes9, katannc, babesrus2, GarbanzoBeans (great name!), baileygirl12, Katherin Bend, Bonnie, MMBabefanmmm, jude99, and all the anonymous guests.
Now that I've exorcised over a hundred thousand demons/words… I'm going to catch up on the stories I've missed reading! Again, thanks for your support. Fanfiction readers are such a phenomenal group!
-Sara