It was Christmas time around Brisbane, and it will be Lyon's first Christmas with the Heelers this year. Last year was different due to his parents' car crash so he never really celebrated the holiday. He was helping out his Uncle Bandit loading up some presents at the jeep because they will be spending Christmas time at Stripe's house. "Here's the last of them, Uncle Bandit," added Lyon while handing out a green present in blue a ribbon. "Thanks mate. I think we're all good here," said Bandit while closing the jeep's trunk door. "This will be an odd Christmas for me this year," said Lyon.
"Oh yeah? Why's that," inquired Bandit.
"Well, for one thing, it's my first Heeler Christmas with you guys. Also, it seems dad and Miss Frisky are going to spend time in Bali together," explained Lyon. "I never really celebrated it last year because…well, you know," muttered the wolf dog pup.
"Oh, I get it. No need to explain," said Bandit with a concerned look. "Look at it this way. In this family, we do a holiday tradition called Christmas Swim. We all get in the pool at your Uncle Stripe's home," said the adult blue heeler trying to cheer up Lyon. "Yeah, I've never done a Christmas Swim before. I look forward to it," said Lyon while changing his expression to a smile.
"How bout you go fetch your aunt and the girls we're ready to go," said Bandit. "Yes sir," said Lyon. He raced back to the house to check up on his cousins and Chilli. The girls were just finishing brushing their teeth while Chilli was making sure to get her bag ready. "Alright girls, you're almost done," she asked while checking up on them in the bathroom. "Yes, mum. I've cleaned my teeth," added Bingo. "Good on you, kid," praised the female red heeler. After Bluey spits out the watery paste mix, she wanted to ask a question. "Mum, can I ask you a question?"
"Yes, sweetheart. What's on you're mind," asked Chilli, listening intently. "This is Lyon's first Christmas since last year. He said he never celebrated it because he was not with his parents. Do you think we should help him decompress himself while we spend time together?"
"I think that is a great idea, Bluey. I'm sure he would appreciate it if you showed him how we celebrate Christmas Swim," said Chilli, assuring her daughter. "Oh, I almost forgot, he doesn't know about our gift yet," asked the blue heeler.
"Nope. I made sure he hasn't seen it. Let's hope he'll enjoy the surprise," said Chilli with a grin. She hid something well in her bag and winked at her daughter.
"Uncle said we're ready to go," said Lyon while catching his breath.
"Perfect, alright girls. Let's motor," said Chilli. "Lyon, did you remember your inhaler medicine? You look like you're out of breath?" She eyed at the wolf dog worryingly. "Ah, no. I forgot. My inhaler is in my backpack in the car."
The four rushed downstairs and to the door to get in the car. Before they departed, the parents wanted to ensure their nephew took his medicine to keep his asthma in control. Lyon took a few huffs through the green inhaler with the medicine inside. "Feel good, kiddo," asked Bandit.
"Yup, all good," reassured Lyon with a grin. He sat in the middle between both girls. "Alright, let's head on out," said Bandit. The family left their house, and passed through the neighborhood streets on their way to Stripe's house. "Has dad said anything back yet," asked Lyon to Bandit.
"He said we should expect a call from him this afternoon. They just reached to Bali last night; they're resting from the jet lag," said Bandit. "But don't worry, we'll make sure to let you know when they call us," added Chilli looking through the top mirror at Lyon.
"Okay, just wanted to say hi. I hope he's enjoying himself with Miss Frisky," said Lyon.
"I'm sure he's having a great time, mate," said Bandit.
"So Lyon, do you want to know what we do during Christmas Swim," asked Bluey.
"Well, you told me we will all meet at Uncle Stripe's place for a pool party where we play lots of games, and have a Christmas dinner at the patio, yeah?"
"Yes, and don't forget the presents," said Bingo. "Have you been good all this year," asked Lyon, eyeing Bluey.
"Oh yes, I have been a very good child," boasted Bluey.
"Hey, don't forget me. I've been very good too," added Bingo. "Have you've done anything naughty?"
"Well, I don't know. I have been a bit rude to dad a few times. But I don't know if I have been good or naughty," said Lyon eyeing down.
"Oh, I'm sure you've been good, Lyon. After all, I'm sure you've gotten used to being with us for almost a year," said Chilli, comforting Lyon. "Oh yeah, I can't believe it's almost a year since joining you guys," pondered Lyon. "I wonder what else you guys do during a Christmas Swim."
"There's Classic Catchers, Crocodile in the Pool, board games, and underwater games. But there's more we do at the end of the day," explained Bandit.
"Like what," asked Lyon.
"There's this firework show in town, and we all go together to see it," said Bluey. "You're going to love it!"
Once Bandit's family arrived, they parked on the curbside in front of the house. The children got off the car while Bandit was unlocking the trunk to unload the gifts. Lyon noticed his uncle had a full load of boxed gifts. "Here, allow me to help," said Lyon. He took four boxes from Bandit to lighten his load. "Appreciate it, mate," smiled Bandit. The five dogs pressed the door bell; Trixie opened the door to see her brother in law's family, and Lyon. "Hi guys, glad you could all make it," greeted Trixie. They went inside to the living room. Stripe appears to be looking after Muffin and Socks, who were playing. Muffin was riding on her father's back playing piggy back. Socks was giggling at her father, who was enduring the pain of a three year old. It appears she no longer walks in four, and is standing up just like the rest of the older Heeler kids. "Okay, Muffy, I think that's enough," grunted an aching Stripe with his back. "No, when I say giddy up, you giddy up," demanded Muffin.
Bandit could not help but chuckle at his poor younger brother having to put up with Muffin's usual self. "But don't you want to open presents. You're cousins are here," suggested Stripe. "Oh, pwesants," added Muffy. She hopped off her father, letting him stretch out from being hunched down. "Hey everyone, how's it going," greeted Stripe. "Nothing much. You seem to be busy," said Bandit with a playful grin. Muffin ran towards her cousins and hugged them all together. Socks followed along as well as she hugged her extended family.
"Where's mum and dad? Didn't they say they were suppose to be here," asked Bandit.
"Mum's in the kitchen helping out with the food. Dad, however, is on a trip. She quoted it as a 'spiritual' journey," explained Stripe while moving his fingers emphasizing Bob's absence. "Oh, that's new," said Bandit with a slightly confused look, wondering about his father's intentions. It appears that Grandpa Bob is on a trip away in India, finding himself.
"Well, I guess we shouldn't dawdle much longer. We should start opening gifts," said Chilli. Chris soon walked in the room, pleased to see most of the family arriving at the reunion. "Hey Bandy, it's great to see all of you come," said Chris while hugging her middle child. "It's good to see you too, mum," added Bandit. "I wish your brother Radley, and your father could have joined us as well. It would have been nice if we all were together," said Chris with a somewhat sad smile. "Eh, I guess it's how things work. Besides, I'm sure they wouldn't want us to not celebrate together without them," assured the adult blue heeler, assuring his mother. "I suppose so."
"Well then, how about we get started with the gifts," recommended Trixie to lighten up the mood. Everyone gathered at the living room's sofa next to the white Christmas tree decorated with silver, gold, and white decorations such as ornament balls, tinsel, and a star on the top. Chilli organized each gift by names to ensure each family member received a gift. She would then be the one to call out each person's name to receive the gift. Lyon sat between his Uncle Bandit and Bluey. "Alright, the first gift goes to Trixie from Stripe," she said. "I'll give it to her," volunteered Bluey. "Thanks, Bluey," said Trixie as she received a gift from her husband. She opened to see a bottle of lavender perfume she has always eyed at during trips to the mall. "Oh my, this is lovely. Thank you, dear," said Trixie. "I know it was the one. I had to pick it," grinned Stripe.
"The next gift goes to Stripe from Bandit."
"Let me help," said Lyon, wanting to do the same as Bluey. He walked towards his uncle and handed him the gift. "Thanks, Lyon," said Stripe. "No problem," stated Lyon with a grin. Stripe opened the gift with content, and saw an electric razor box with a shaving cream kit in a variety of scents, and after shave lotions. "Hey, thanks Bandit. This is a nice gift," thanked Stripe.
"No worries, little brother," said Bandit.
Chilli grabbed the third gift. "To Chilli from Bandit. Oh, I can't wait to see what it is," she said with an excited expression. She unwrapped the gift and saw a beautiful white beach hat with red hibiscus flowers around it. "Oh, this is amazing. Thanks, sweetheart," said Chilli with a grateful expression. "Anything for my true love," said Bandit with a soft smirk.
Lyon felt the warmness of family time; for the first time he looked forward to Christmas. He never would have imagined he spent Christmas with a larger crowd since it was usually his old parents. Though, he would often wonder why just the three of them before, and no one else. The laughter and joy in the Heeler family almost overwhelmed him.
"Next gift is Bandit's. From Nana," added Chilli. "
"Oh, here we go! There you go, Uncle Stripe," said Bluey handing out the gift to her husband. "Oh, thanks mum," said Bandit. "No problem, Bandy." The blue heeler adult opened his gift, and what appeared to be in the wrap was a black cooking apron that had white words, stating World's Best Chef.
"Aw, nice! Love the color," said Bandit while trying on his apron. "Since when is he World's Best Chef," inquired Stripe raising a brow.
"Okay, who else have we got here? To Uncle Stripe from Nana," added Chilli.
"Oh, here we go! There you go, Uncle Stripe," said Bluey.
"Thanks, Bluey," said Stripe as he unwraps his gift. "Ho,ho. 'World's Best Chef'! Thanks, Mum," thanked Stripe.
"Hey, I thought I was the world's best chef," boasted Bandit with a grin. Both sons and mother laughed. "Oh, you both are," praised Chris.
"This one is for Nana, from Bandit," said Chilli.
"This is from Dad," said Bluey while giving the gift to her grandmother. "Oh, thanks Bandy," thanked the elderly heeler. "No worries, mum," said Bandit while placing his arm on the sofa. Chris opened her gift, and saw something red. "Oh, what is it? Oh, it's a shirt," said Chris.
"What does it say," asked Lyon. "Hang on, I'll just get my glasses," said Chirs while putting them on. Bandit smirked as she was about to read the words. "Hang on, I'll just get my glasses. Ohh…," said Chris. The rest of the family chuckled by the joke as she broke the fourth wall. After the adults received the gifts, it was time for the kids to open theirs. Each of them received them, and accidentally opened them. Bingo was awaiting to see what she got while opening the wrap aggresivly. "Yes, a doctor's bag!"
"Ah, inflatable pool island," squealed Muffin as she opened a pool inflatable toy.
"Pizza," shouted Socks while receiving another pool inflatable toy.
"What did you get, Lyon," asked Bluey when she saw her cousin with a gift. "To me, from Uncle Stripe, Muffin, and Socks," he read the tag. He tore the wrap and saw some books. They appear to be based on French, European, and Australian tales. "For me," asked Lyon with curiosity at Stripe. "Yeah, mate. Think of it as our way of making up for your other book. We picked the ones we think you will love," said Stripe with a wink. "Thanks, guys. You don't how this means to me," smiled Lyon. He hugged Stripe, Muffin, and Socks, recalling the time he was cold towards them. He thought a hug would speak louder than words. "Oh, I have a gift. From me, mum, and dad," said Bluey as she scurried to the Christmas tree. She reached out for a green box with a navy ribbon. Lyon was surprised to see the gift was a group effort. He opened the gift and saw a cricket kit. The box contained some cricket bats, and balls. "Wow, this is amazing," he said in amazement. "I was wondering when your dad comes back from Bali, me, Stripe, and him could all teach you how to play cricket now that you have your own cricket equipment," said Bandit. "Yes! Yes, for sure I would love to learn," said Lyon.
"Oh, almost forgot. To Bluey, from Mum and Dad," said Chilli. "Oh, it's for me. Thanks, Mum and Dad!" The blue heeler girl opened her gift with zeal. It appears to be a toy dog wearing a blue polo shirt and purple pants. Everyone gave out an ooh at the toy doll. "Whoa, I love him. I'm going to call you Bartleby," said Bluey while interacting with her new toy.
"Oh hang on. One more gift. It looks like Rad left a gift for Lyon," said Chilli. "Oh, one more," asked Lyon. The wolf dog pup opened the gift. He immediately recognized the box had a image of a tablet with two joycons on the side. "Oh, man! Just what I wanted! The new Barktendo Switch model! It even has the racing game I wanted," said Lyon. Everyone gave the same ooh when they were amazed by Bluey's toy doll. "Woah, didn't think he would go as far with a console," said Bandit in awe.
"Okay, I think that's it. All done," said Chilli while looking around for any gifts. "Christmas swim," shouted Muffin. Everyone cheered for the next best part of the day. Lyon wagged his tail, looking forward to the Christmas festivities.
At the pool deck, the kids were outside playing near the pool. Chilli was putting on water wings for Bingo, while Stripe did the same with Socks. Bandit was inflating Muffin's pool island, and Lyon was sitting at the patio's gazebo reading one of the books he received from Stripe, Muffin, and Socks. Meanwhile, Bluey was talking to Bartleby as if he was a new member of the family.
"Let me introduce you to my family, Bartleby. They're your family now too," said Bluey. The two male heelers were busy. Bandit kept pumping air in the inflatable toy while Stripe was preparing the grill for a roast pork crackling. "Are you sure you know how to do the crackling," asked Bandit with a smug look. "Read the apron," said Stripe with a somewhat arrogant smile. "Uncle Stripe, this is Bartleby," said Bluey while walking towards her uncle with her toy. "G'day Bartleby. Nice to meet you-whoop!" It appears Socks was pretending to blow wind on her father, pushing him to the pool. "Hang on, Bartleby. I'm just getting blown towards the pool. So what do you-Argh!" The striped, blue heeler took a dive in the pool, and rises up from being blown into it. He laughed mischievously at his one year old daughter while Socks giggled back. "And this is my cousin Socks," added Bluey while showing off her toy to Socks. "Merry Christmas," said Socks as she licks the toy, slobbering it. She jumps into the inflatable pizza with Stripe maneuvering it. "Don't worry, she does that to everyone," said Bluey.
Lyon took a glance at everyone across the pool, can't help but smile at the closeness between the Heelers. "So, this is a Christmas swim," he said to himself. He then noticed Bluey walking towards to Muffin and Chilli. It appears Muffin was pretending to get ready for work and Chilli pretends to be a ferry boat by moving the toy island with her. "Come on, Muffin. You're going to be late for work," says Chilli.
"Ah! I have to eat breakfast," squealed Muffin. She pretend chomp on her food, but then saw her cousin Bluey with Bartleby. "This is my cousin Muffin," said Bluey. "Hi Bartleby. I'm sworry, I'm late for work," explained to the toy. "Ferry's about to leave" hollered Chilli playfully.
"Ah! I'm late! Bye kids," shouted the three year old heeler. "Lipstick," reminded Bluey. "Ah, lipstick!" Muffin pretended to apply lipstick to her lips at the last minute. "Attention passengers. Ferry's leaving" gave Chilli the final warning of departure. "Ah! Bye, kids," shouted Muffin again as she leaped across the toy ferry island. "Hooray! You made it," praised Chilli.
"Muffin is a bit busy right now. Let's go see if Lyon wants to meet you," said Bluey. She walks towards the gazebo where her cousin is sitting. Lyon noticed her cousin and her toy doll. "Lyon, this is Bartleby. Bartleby, this is Lyon," said Bluey, introducing the new family member to her cousin. "Greetings, Bartleby. I see you're new to the Heeler family as well. Did you know I was new before you," asked Lyon. "Oh yeah, he's been with us for almost a year now. Our uncle Rad adopted him, and he's our cousin," explained Bluey. "Hey, Lyon, wants to help us introduce Bartleby to the rest of our family," requested Bluey. "Sure, I don't mind," said Lyon eagerly. "Let's go see Bingo."
The blue heeler and wolf dog pups went to see Bingo, who was relaxing on the inflatable pizza. "Bingo, this is Bartleby. This is his first Heeler Christmas." Bluey handed the toy to her sister.
"Hi, Bartleby. It's nice to-", but before she finished her sentence, out of the blue, a croc Stripe ambushed the four year old, pretending to chomp her up. Bluey screamed as she was about to be attacked. "Crock attack," she shouted. "Snap, snap," said Stripe while tugging on Bartleby. "Ah, the croc's got Bartleby," panicked Lyon. "Let go of Bartleby, crocodile! It's his first Heeler Christmas," pleaded Bluey. Just now, Muffin floated by in her island float. "Muffin, help," yelled Bluey. Muffin them ambushed the crocodile and tugged on his ears aggressively. "You're making me late for work," she shouted. Stripe grunted and moaned as he finally let go of Bartleby; Muffin successfully dragged her father into the pool. Lyon then caught Bartleby, who appears to have lost his shirt in the struggle. "Gotcha," said Lyon. "Phew, nice save, Lyon," added Bluey. "Maybe we should go and meet my dad."
They went to check up on Bandit, who was playing Classic Catches with Chilli as she tossed a tennis ball across the pool. Bandit leaped across and grabbed each ball with either his hands or mouth. Bingo and Socks were cheering on out for Bandit. The adult blue heeler got out of the pool and went in line as each family member has a go at catching a tennis ball. "Dad's playing Classic Catches," said Bluey to Bartleby and Lyon. "Ah, so this is the game you were talking about in the car," said Lyon, realizing the rules.
"Dad, this is Bartleby."
"How's it going, Bartleby," asked Bandit, being introduced to the toy. "You want a turn at Classic Catches?"
"I want a go," volunteered Lyon. "Sure thing, kiddo," said Bandit letting Lyon go through him in line. Lyon wagged his tail, wanting to grab the ball. Chilli tosses the ball really high, and Lyon bent his knees, hoping to leap far. While he sprung up from the ground, he grabs the ball with his mouth, and dives right into the pool. "Nice catch," shouted Bluey.
"Thanks, this was fun," said Lyon. By no time, each family member had a turn at Clasic Catches. Bartleby appeared to have participated, as he was lying down in a dead man float position. The ball was thrown in the air, and Bandit leaped as far as he could, without noticing he was about to land on the toy. Bluey screamed on the top of her lungs as she witnessed her toy about to be smooshed by her own dad. Lyon was shaken by the scream of her cousin. By now, Bandit has dived into the pool, on top of Bartleby. "Bartleby," screamed Bluey. In a few seconds, Bandit popped right out of the pool with the ball held high and holding onto Bartleby on the side. Everyone cheered for Bandit's stupendous performance on the catch. "You've got to keep your eye on the ball, mate," he said to the toy dog. But he realized he broke an arm on the toy. "Ah, dad. His arm," said Bluey worryingly.
"Sorry, squirt. Didn't realize he was right below me," apologized Bandit. "Umm, lets go meet with Nana inside," said Bluey hesitantly. "Maybe I can fix his arm," insisted Lyon. Bluey was reluctant to give the toy to Lyon, but she didn't think Lyon was as rough as most of the family members. "Well, okay, but be careful," she said. Lyon adjusted the arm tightly, and ensured that it stayed put in its place. He twisted a bit of it, and ensured that the arm is in its proper place. "I think it'll do. For now," said Lyon. "Thanks, I hope it doesn't fall out again," said the blue heeler girl.
Trixie and Nana were busy preparing for the rest of the dinner. However, Trixie wanted to make sure the food was properly done her way without help. "Oh, Trix, I can do the gravy if you like," said Nana, willingly to help out. "Oh, I'm fine, Chris. I've just got some packets."
"Oh, nonsense. Let me do a proper one," insisted the elderly dog. Trixie's eyes were half closed with annoyance, hoping she would have been in charge of the gravy. Both Bluey and Lyon came inside to ask Trixie for a towel. "Aunt Trixe, can I borrow a towel for Bartleby, please?"
Trixe thought of a good excuse to keep Nana distracted from the gravy. "oh, Nana, would you be able to grab a towel for Bluey, please," asked Trixie eagerly.
"Oh, sure," agreed Chris. The three went out in the patio, drying up the toy dog. "Did you get wet, Bartleboy," asked Nana.
"His name is Bartleby," corrected Lyon. "Oh, right," said Chris.
"Dad landed on him," stated Bluey.
"Oh, deary me," added Chris. She didn't realize how aggressive she was in drying the toy. Bluey was in a state of panic. "Ah, Nana no!"
"What," asked Chris all confused.
"He's got a broken arm," said Bluey showing her Nana the twisted arm.
"Oh, goodness me, I had no idea. Sorry, Bumblebee," apologized Chris for her rough behavior. "Maybe he needs a break. His arm looks looser than before," pointed out Lyon. "Yeah, you're probably right," said Bluey with a saddened expression.
Chilli then comes by to inform everyone that Rad and Frisky are face calling them through the tablet. The words caught Lyon's attention, and he rushed towards to the pool's gazebo where everyone huddled together at the tablet screen.
"Stripe, are you sure you know how to do the crackling, mate," asked Rad with a smug smile. Frisky was also siting next to him
"Read the apron," retorted Stripe while pointing at his black apron. Everyone laughed by the quarrel between two brothers. "Oh, I wish you can be here," stated Nana with feelings of melancholy. "Yeah, me too, Mum," agreed Rad. Just then Muffin came out of nowhere bringing her toy island float to the table "Look what I got for Christmas, Uncle Rad!"
"Wow, look at that," said Rad while he and Frisky look amazed. "Ah, Muffin," added Stripe while trying to lower the float toy away from the screen. "How's the trip," asked Lyon.
"It's been fun so far. How are you enjoying your first Christmas with the family," asked Rad.
"It's been amazing so far. I wish you both can be here with us," added Lyon.
"Don't worry, we should be back by New Years' Day," explained Rad.
"Hey, where's Bluey," asked Frisky.
Meanwhile, as everyone kept communicating with the couple who are far away from them during the holidays, Bluey was in the living room comforting Bartleby from the rough housing. "I'm sorry it's been a bit crazy, Bartleby. I hope you're still having a good time." Then she pretended that Bartleby wanted to say something important to her by leaning her ear towards him. "What? You want to go home?"
Bluey's saddened expression made her forget the entire festivities and wonder why things haven't gone to a good start with Bartleby's introduction to everyone in the family, all save for Lyon. Just now Lyon brought the tablet with him to check up on her cousin. "Hey, Bluey. It's Frisky on the tablet," said Lyon. Bluey's mood changes to an excited mood wanting to see her godmother. "Frisky," she exclaimed.
"Hey, Bluey. Merry Christmas," greeted Frisky on the screen.
"Merry Christmas, Frisky."
"Who's that you've got there," inquired the cocker spaniel about the toy doll.
"This is Bartleby. He's having his first Heeler Christmas."
"Oh, how's it going?"
"Well, not very good. He got attacked by a crocodile, then dad broke his arm, and then Nana jiggled him all about," explained Bluey about Bartleby's day so far.
"Oh, dear."
"He wants to go home. He says my family is too rough."
"Well, I wouldn't say I was rough," muttered Lyon to himself.
Frisky thought of a way to cheer up the six and a half year old heeler. "Here, let me have a word with him." Lyon faced the tablet towards the toy doll with Bluey holding Bartleby.
"Nice to meet you, Bartleby. I'm Frisky. I'm new to the Heeler family as well. And just between you and me…"
There was a loud cry of Rad racing towards the pool, and made a big dive right into the water. He rose up from the surface and shook his head. Frisky eyed towards the red blue heeler mix and then to the tablet again. "They're a bit crazy," she whispered.
"Hey," shouted Rad from that comment.
Both Lyon and Bluey laughed by the joke.
"But give them a chance. You'll see. They're full of love," agreed Frisky. Rad came towards his partner and leaned towards his arm to her shoulder with a smile. "I think so too," added Lyon, backing up her statement. "I was new to the family as well, and at first they were not what I expected, but I promise they care about one another. I think you should consider giving them a second chance as well." Lyon gave Bartleby a pat on the head, assuring both Bluey and him that everything will turn out alright. "Yeah, I think you're both right," added Bluey. She soon forgot her worries about her family being too rough. "I think we should give it another try. How about it, Bartleby?" She made the toy nodded yes in agreement. "Okay, I think we can go back outside and try to fix your arm. Bingo has her toy doctor's bag. She might be able to patch you up." Bluey rushed back to the pool deck with he rest of her family while Lyon wanted to chat with both his adoptive father and Frisky. "So did you liked my gift I sent out," asked Radley.
"Definitely! It was the one I wanted each time we went to the store. I want to play it when we see each other again."
"Glad you like it. Me and Frisky both pitched in to get it along with the racing game," said Rad.
"Thank you, dad. Thank you, Frisky," thanked Lyon.
"My pleasure," said Frisky.
"Oh, and Uncle Bandit gave me a cricket set; he said we can all play the game to teach me how to bat the ball. And Uncle Stripe gave me new books."
"Amazing, I take it you said thank you to them as well," asked Rad.
"Yes, for sure." But after the lively conversation, Lyon's expression turned to a somewhat saddned look. "Oh, what's wrong? Is it because we're not here with you at the party," asked Frisky concern. "No, it's not that. I just remembered how last year was like. I never really celebrated the holidays ever since mum and dad's accident. I was sent to the foster home before we even talked about the holidays."
"Oh, I see," said Rad with a concern face as well. "It's been a year since it happened. I was wondering if we can pay them another visit once you come back. I just want to tell them all that has happened throughout the year."
"Yes, of course mate. I won't forget," assured Rad. "And also, I don't know if this sounds crazy, but I don't know how to fit in at the party. Don't misunderstand. Everyone is nice and all, but I feel like I don't belong here. I'm not really a true 'Heeler,'" explained Lyon with his ears down.
"Hey now, you are a Heeler," explained Rad. "You been a part of us ever since first coming, and I know for a fact that you do have a place with us. Please don't ever think that you don't belong, or none of that stuff. You are special to me so don't you ever forget that, kid."
"I think your father is correct. Sometimes we may think we have no place because we tell ourselves these little lies in ourselves that we think is true, but it is the opposite. You shouldn't let them get to you, Lyon," agreed Frisky.
"You really think so," inquired Lyon.
"I know so. You're way hard on yourself than you need to me," said Rad.
"I know. Bad habit," added Lyon. "But I'm still improving."
"You see? Nothing to worry about."
The three spent another hour conversing with each other about their day. They talked about how they want to meet again after the holidays are over. Lyon spent a good amount of time bonding with Frisky as well and has gotten used to her being around the family. Just now, he noticed the battery was dying. "Oh, the tablet needs to be charged," said Lyon. "Sorry, dad. I have to hang up for now. Let's talk again later," said Lyon.
"Sure thing, sport. We'll see each other soon. Have fun at the Christmas swim party," waved Rad goodbye. Both he and Frisky said goodbye to the seven-year-old wolf dog. After that, the tablet screen turned off. Lyon took a deep breath and looked throughout the window. He saw most of the family gathering together at the dining table outside with all the food centered at the table. He decided to join back with the others after talking with Rad and Frisky.
He brought the tablet back to Chilli. "Aunt Chilli, the tablet's dead," said Lyon. "Thanks, Lyon. I'll be sure to plug it in now in case you want to talk more with your dad later," said Chilli as she went to the kitchen to plug the device to the cable. He sat next to Bluey and Bartleby. The rest of the family conversed with each other with smiles and laughter. Lyon opened one of the Christmas crackers, and contained a blue paper crown. He placed it on top of his head just as everyone else wore it too.
"Merry Christmas, everyone," said Trixie after the glass toasting.
"Merry Christmas," said everyone at once.
"And here's to Bartleby," added Bandit.
"Yeah, Bartleby!"
"Welcome to the family, mate," he said while giving him a pat on the back and then the toy splattered on the food plate.
"Dad," added Bluey with a smug look. The rest of the family laughed, and then Bandit helped the toy doll stand up from the fall. "Sorry, buddy," he said while patting Bartleby softly. Lyon helped clean up his face with a towel. Bluey smiled at her cousin for his selflessness. The rest of the family kept spending time with each other as the day goes by.
