Rad crept in his son's room, seeing Lyon sound asleep. He tipped toe near the bed to give a surprise wake up. The adult heeler raised his paw, and tickled Lyon.
"Ah, tickle monster," squealed Lyon.
"Happy birthday, sport," exclaimed Rad.
"Geez, is that how you wake someone up?"
"You've always been a sleepy head. This is my way of waking you up."
Lyon rubbed his eyes and sat up from the bed. "Thanks. I forgot that today's the day."
"Yeah, already seven years old. How does it feel being a year older," inquired Rad.
"About the same as six," added Lyon.
"Well, I hope your day is a happy one, Lyon," said Rad. "Let's head downstairs for brekkie." Both father and son went downstairs to eat breakfast. Rad made some blueberry pancakes with blackberry syrup since it was Lyon's personal favorite. Both dogs dined at the island counter of the kitchen.
"So when will we be picking up the cake," asked Lyon.
"This afternoon. The store said it should be ready."
"I've never imagined having a birthday party with this many guests. Usually it's just me, mum, and dad the past few birthdays," said Lyon. Most of his classmates from school were invited to his birthday party along with his relatives.
"I thought it would be nice to share this occasion with the ones you care about. After all, you only turn seven once," said Rad. "Your Aunt Chilli and Uncle Bandit will help decorate the place with party stuff along with your two cousins. Uncle Stripe and Aunt Trixie will help with the food and party favors."
"Can Bluey, Bingo, Muffin, and Socks come with us to get the cake," asked Lyon.
"Well, the ute isn't big enough to carry all of us. It may have to be one of them," said Rad.
"Oh, okay," said Lyon with an understanding face.
A knock came from the door; it was Bandit, Chilli, Bluey, and Bingo. Chilli had some bags with party decorations. Bluey and Bingo had boxed gifts with them as well. "Here's the birthday boy," said Chilli.
"Hi guys," said Lyon.
"Happy birthday," said the girls at the same time.
"Thanks. I'm glad you guys made it," expressed Lyon.
"We wouldn't miss it for the world, kid," said Bandit.
Everyone was in the living room going over the party decorations. Chilli was blowing some balloons at the couch with Bluey and Bingo helping. Both Bandit and Rad were hanging a banner on the top of the wall with step ladders.
"A little to the left," said Bandit, extending his arm to position the banner.
"No, I think this might be the right spot," said Rad while trying to extend the right end of the banner. Both brothers were disagreeing over the right spot. Lyon stood there watching everyone doing their part. He wondered if there was anything he could do to help. "Aunt Chilli, can I blow a balloon," asked Lyon. "Sure thing, sweetie. I'll even show you how to tie the balloon," said Chilli while reaching out for a green balloon. Lyon huffed and puffed through the balloon to give it some air. Once the balloon was filled with air, Chilli then grabbed the balloon's air neck, and explained to Lyon how it is meant to be tied.
"You just give the neck a pinch with your fingers, stretch it out, and tie it around the neck to make a knot."
Lyon heeded Chilli's instructions and attempted to make a knot around the balloon. He successfully made a perfect knot to keep the balloon's air in.
"Just like that," praised Chilli.
Another knock came from the door. "I'll go get it," said Lyon. He ran to the entrance, and opened it, seeing Stripe's family arrive with a cooler with cold food. "Happy birthday, Lyon," said Stripe and Trixie.
"Thanks Uncle Stripe, and Aunt Trixie," added Lyon.
"Happy birthday, Lyon," said Muffin, handing her gift to Lyon.
"Aw, thanks Muffin," said Lyon gratefully. Socks came up and licked Lyon's paw. Lyon chuckled a bit to feel the ticklish sensation of Socks' licking. Stripe was readying the grill outside in the backyard for the barbecue while his wife was preparing the party favors. Their daughters were in the backyards playing.
The rest of the Heeler family were focused on the preparations for Lyon's party. It seems like everything is going smoothly. "I can't believe you're seven years old," said Bluey.
"I can hardly believe it myself. It has only been yesterday that I was six," explained Lyon.
"I'm still six right now, but I'll be seven in a few more months," claimed Bluey.
"My mum always says don't be in a hurry to grow up, or you won't take the time to experience things in life."
"I think your mum is wise to say that. It's always fine to take your time to enjoy your age without rushing the process," said Chilli.
"Yeah, that's true," said Lyon.
"Lyon, what kind of cake are you getting," asked Bingo.
"We picked out a dragon cake. I love the dragons I read in my books, and we chose that one for my party," said Lyon.
"Ooh," said both Bluey and Bingo. Once the balloons were all blown up, Chilli went to check up on Rad and Bandit on the ceiling decorations. The girls and Lyon were carrying the balloons with them. Meanwhile, Bluey had an idea. "Hey Bingo, let's teach Lyon keepy yuppy," said Bluey with a playful grin.
"Yeah, keepy uppy," said Bingo.
"What's that," asked Lyon. Bluey took one of the balloons, and the three went to the kitchen. "The trick is to keep the balloon up. Don't let it touch the ground," explained Bluey. "Ready?"
"Of course," said Lyon. Bluey tossed the balloon up in the air; the balloon slowly ascended in the air. The three circled around the balloon to prevent it from descending to the ground by hitting the balloon. Both Bluey and Bingo said bwut. Lyon heard them say it and mimicked the sounds they made each time the balloon was hit. They went back to the living room with the balloon still floating in the air.
"Ah, keepy uppy," said Chilli noticing the three playing.
"It never gets old," said Bluey.
"We're teaching Lyon how to play it," said Bingo.
"Let's try to keep it inside. Balloons pop when they touch the grass," said Bluey. The three kept hitting the balloon while maintaining to prevent the balloon from escaping the house's interior. "It's too easy. Mum, can you make it harder for us," asked Bluey.
"Sorry sweetie, I've got my hands full on attaching the balloons to the wall," said Chilli.
"Dad, can you make it harder," asked Bluey to her father.
"Oh, you mean like this," asked Bandit while turning on the switch to the room's fan. The fan's air pushes the balloon in a rapid motion. Not only the balloon was carried by the fan's wind, but the other balloons also swept along in the air.
"Bandit, no," shouted Chilli. The three kids giggled when all the balloons spiraled out of control. Each balloon went all over the place, suddenly taking over the entire living room. "Oh I wished I hadn't done that," added Bandit.
"Quick, turn the fan off," said Rad. Lyon rushed to the switch, and turned off the fan. The whole room was a mess filled with balloons. "Nice one, Bandit," said Rad with a slightly annoyed face. "Hey, accidents happen. I didn't think they would fly over the place," apologized Bandit. "But it was fun," giggled Bingo. Everyone soon laughed at it after the incident. "It's almost time to pick the cake up. We should head out Lyon," said Rad. "Okay, Bluey do you want to come with us," asked Lyon.
"Can I," asked Bluey to her mother.
"Sure, we'll take care of this mess until you guys come back," said Chilli eyeing at Bandit and Bingo. The three got on Rad's truck and drove to the supermarket to pick up the cake. Both Bluey and Lyon conversed while they were on their way; "So this is your first time having a party with friends coming," asked Bluey.
"Yes, before this one, it was just me, mum, and dad. We usually just celebrate with cake and going out on walks at the park."
"So you never had any friends before coming to our school," asked Bluey.
"No, not really. I was always by myself at my old school. I never really had a party this big before. But meeting you and everyone else at school felt like a nice change. I'm grateful for that," claimed Lyon.
"Well, I'm glad I was able to help you decompress," said Bluey.
"Huh," asked Lyon unaware of that word.
"Oh, what I meant was I'm happy you met everyone, and that we were able to welcome you," added Bluey changing up her wording.
Lyon's smile was soft; he was appreciative of having a great cousin like Bluey. Before attending Glasshouse, he wasn't sure he would make any friends, but he was wrong to have doubt. They suddenly arrived at the supermarket. "We're here, guys. Let's go get that cake," said Rad. The trio went inside and made their way to the bakery area. Rad was chatting with one of the employees in that area, reminding them that they're here for the pickup while Bluey and Lyon were looking at the cakes in the glass displays. They were mesmerized by the variety of colors, sizes, and shapes of each cake. "That one looks good, and that one as well. Oh, and this one is amazing," said Bluey pointing out to each cake.
"I think that one is brilliant," said Lyon pointing out to a vanilla and chocolate swirl one.
"Okay, we're all set to go," added Rad with a white box with him. "Is that the cake? I want to see," exclaimed Bluey with content. "We can do that once we get back to the house," said Rad. "Lyon wants it to be a surprise to everyone."
"Aw, come on. Just a quick peak," pleaded Bluey.
"It wouldn't be a surprise if you saw it," stated Lyon. They came back to the house and saw several cars parked near the curbside. It seems the guests have finally arrived. When they came inside, most of Bluey and Lyon's classmates were at the party. Even Chris and Bob showed up for the occasion as well. Lyon walked outside to see the guests outside. Many kids were playing on the lawn while the adults were conversing with each other at the patio area.
"Hey, Lyon," shouted a familiar voice. Lyon turned around and saw Mackenzie waving from the crowd. Lyon came to Mackenzie, greeting him. "Happy birthday," said Mackenzie handing out his present.
"Thank you, Mackenzie. I'm happy you were able to make it," added Lyon while holding his gift.
"Are you kidding? I wouldn't miss this party for the world." They went to the table with the pile of gifts. Lyon has received quite a bunch of them from fellow classmates, and his family. He placed his gift from Mackenzie near the rest of the gifts. The party went on as follows; they played many party games such as pass the parcel, pin the tail on the donkey, and musical chairs. Even keepy uppy was part of the list of games as well. Lyon seemed to have enjoyed himself for the first time in a while. After that, it was time for him to blow the candles from his cake. The white box was placed at the very end of the table directly in front of him with everyone huddled around. Lyon then opened the box; in the box was a detailed dragon made from white, indigo, and green frosting. The eyes were green with the dragon scales made from indigo while the skin of the dragon was white. Everyone was in awe to see a finely made cake.
Rad then placed a number seven candle on top of the dragon's head and lit the candle with a lighter. Everyone then sang happy birthday to Lyon with him showing a delighted smile to hear them singing. After the song was done, he blew his candle with everyone clapping. "Happy birthday, sport," said Rad to his son.
"Thanks. I really do appreciate this party. I don't know what to say," said Lyon with a nervous smile.
"There's no need to. Enjoy this moment," added Rad. After the cake was served, Lyon was ready to open his gifts. He received several gifts from his fellow guests and family. He received a football from Lucky, an army hat from Rusty, a toy boat from Mackenzie, fruit scented markers from Chloe, a yes or no button toy from Bingo, some books from Bluey, and many more gifts. He was amazed by the amount of birthday love he received from everyone at the party. After the gifts were opened, the rest of the children kept on playing more party games until the afternoon sunset.
Rad was with his two brothers watching Lyon spending the rest of his birthday with his friends. They were sipping their canned drinks while chatting to each other.
"I've never seen the kid so happy before," said Rad.
"You've outdone yourself, big brother," complimented Bandit.
"I think this was something he needed. To help him enjoy his day while spending time with those he considers friends," added Rad.
"He's lucky to have a dad like you," said Stripe.
"Thanks, you two. I really do mean it," stated Rad appreciating the help from his family.
After the party was done, the Heelers were cleaning up after all the guests left. They were clearing out any plates, cups, and napkins. Lyon was showing his gifts to Bluey, Bingo, Muffin, and Socks. Rad had a wrapped gift behind him, but he thought it would be best to save it for last before bedtime.
"What's that you got there, Rad," asked Bandit.
"Oh, I saved the best for last. I'm sure Lyon would love this by his nightstand."
Later at night, Lyon was organizing his birthday gifts he received today. "Wow, so many gifts," he said to himself. Rad came in the door with the unknown birthday gift behind his back. Lyon saw his adoptive father hiding something behind him. "Did you had fun today," inquired Rad.
"Yeah. For the first time in forever. I won't forget this party," said Lyon with his tail wagging.
"That's wonderful. Before you crash for the night, I got one more thing for you," added Rad with a grin.
"Oh, another gift," asked Lyon. Rad handed out his mysterious gift to his son. He unwrapped the gift and saw a dark wood picture frame with the same photo with parents and infant version of himself. "I thought maybe you want to have them by your nightstand from now on. I know you cherish that photo a lot so I bought a nice picture frame in it," said Rad softly. "I know it hasn't been an easy time for you, but I hope this gift will always cheer you up."
Lyon's eyes widened when he saw the same picture he always looks at each time before going to bed. He was at a loss for words, not knowing what to say. He then rushed to his adoptive father for a warm embrace. Rad felt the sudden hug and hugged him back. "Thanks, dad," whispered Lyon, as his voice cracked. Rad's eyes widened when he heard the word coming from his adoptive son. For the first time, he was called by that name. He felt an internal happiness to see that Lyon finally confides in him for. Lyon at the same time felt a mutual trust to his adoptive father. Both dogs wagged their tails embracing this touching moment.
"You're welcome, son."
This month was my birthday so it inspired me to write a chapter about Lyon's birthday. I'm glad he was able to confide in Rad as a father. However, more is yet to come in this story.