The next morning Lyon was organizing his sock drawer in a neat fashion. He decided to make sure each sock is organized by color and size. He was in a calm, quiet mood in this fine morning in October. Things have definitely been going on with the Heelers as he has done quite a lot for the past several months. A few ups and downs, but he has managed to surpass the challenges.
As he finished organizing his drawer, he decided to organize his bookshelf in alphabetical order. Each book, he scanned through the title and author name, and he placed each book in their respective place. Lyon felt productive for a seven year old as he enjoyed rearranging his things in a neat order. Meanwhile, his adoptive father was in the kitchen fixing up a leak in the faucet. Lying underneath the kitchen cabinet, Rad grabbed each tool to tighten up the new drainage pipe he bought from Hammberbarn. He then heard a text message noise from his phone. Before he attempted to get the phone, he banged his head on the cabinet's roof. He grunted and rubbed his head, and reached out for his phone. He noticed the message was from Frisky.
Frisky: I'm on my way to your house.
Rad: Oh, almost forgot. I was busy fixing up the tap's pipe. Then applying an ice pack. -_-
Frisky: Ah, that must be fun. Well, take your time.
Rad sighed, and went to the fridge's freezer to grab ice, and a bag. As he applied the ice pack on his forehead, he decided to check up on Lyon. In the bedroom, Lyon noticed something amiss at his desk. As he checked, he noticed his mini calendar had a red circle with a small heart on the twenty first of October. "Oh, mum's birthday," he said to himself. "I should let dad know." He decided to race downstairs to see Rad. He noticed he had an ice pack on his head. "Why do you have an ice pack," asked the wolf pup.
"Fixing up the tap. Banged my head against the tap's cubby," said Rad. "Oh, that must have hurt," added Lyon. "Yeah, a little, but no big deal," reassured the red blue heeler mix.
"Oh, I was going to let you know, Frisky is coming over today."
"What's the occasion," questioned Lyon.
"We were going to go downtown to walk around. She's invited the both of us."
Lyon's jaw dropped when he realized Frisky was coming at the wrong day. He was at a loss for words. "What's wrong, mate? You look pale," questioned Rad.
"But…I thought..you'd remembered what today was," said Lyon demurely.
"Forgotten what," asked Rad. Despite being a fatherly figure to Lyon, Rad tends to be absentminded sometimes. He did not realized that it was Audrey's birthday, and has forgotten about the promise he made to his son that they would spend the day at the cementary with flowers and balloons to place at Lyon's parents graves. "Really? You don't remember then," asked Lyon again. "I thought you promised."
He ran back to his room without a word, distraught by what occurred. "What is going on," asked Rad to himself. He rushed to the bedroom with the door shut tight. "Hey, sport. Do you mind telling me what's going on?"
"No, why should I? You've obviously forgotten the promise we made," pouted Lyon.
"What promise? You have to use your words. How else am I suppose to know what's upsetting you," asked Rad as he sad down with an ice pack in his head. He then heard the doorbell rang. "Great,' he muttered annoyingly. The adult heeler rushed downstairs to see who it was and saw Frisky at the door.
"Hi," said Frisky amicably.
"Hey, there," greeted Rad.
"I see you still have the ice pack. May I see," asked Frisky. Rad, while raising a confused brow, removed the ice pack from his head. Frisky inspected the minor bruise in Rad's head. "Hm, not so bad. Worse case scenario you'll have a bump for a few days," said Frisky. "Where's Lyon?"
Rad had an awkward frown. "Uh, he's kind of upset with me right now."
Frisky's eyes widened slightly by surprise. "Oh, did something happen between you two?"
"In a way. Which is why I'm trying to figure out, but he won't tell me."
"Why don't we both go upstairs and see him. I'm sure we can get to the bottom of this," advised Frisky. Both adults went upstairs to Lyon's door. Lyon, however, had his stuffed moose crossed in his arms with a saddened frown. Feeling both bitter and sadness at the same time, he was disappointed in Rad for breaking his promise. "Hey, mate. Do you know feel like wanting to say why you're upset at me," asked Rad through the door. Lyon refused to speak back. "Frisky's here. We want to hear you out." Lyon tightend his grip on the moose. Feeling angry at both Rad and Frisky over this, he refused to say a word. Rad let out a stressed out sigh, while covering his eyes with his right hand. "I had hoped he had gotten over this since the incident at my younger brother's house. This isn't the first time he was this bitter with me," said Rad to Frisky.
"Here, let me have a go. Maybe I can coax him to talk," said Frisky confidently. The cocker spaniel knocked through the door. "Hey, Lyon. It's Frisky. Remember me from our time at Bluey and Bingo's house last time," asked Frisky politely.
"Yeah, I do. And you're here to ruin today," said Lyon. Frisky was somewhat shocked by the word 'ruin'. "Mate, that's not very nice. I suggest you tell us by what you mean," added Rad. "You know what I mean," asserted Lyon with a bitter tone. "Okay, what is it that today is special," moaned Rad. As much as he loved his son, there are times when he had to put up with Lyon's ill-tempered personality. "The twenty first? Remember the twenty first of this month is a special day," reminded Lyon. Suddnely, Rad recalled a certain memory from last week.
Last week:
"So, this month is mum's birthday. We should do something special," added Lyon cheerfully.
"Okay, what should be do," asked Rad.
"We should bring her some flowers and balloons when we visited the cemetery. Also, while we're at it, we should buy ourselves a nice cake. I know she may not be here with us, but I want to show her how much I care," added the wolf kid.
"I think that's an awesome thing to do. We'll make the twenty first a day out with your mum, and buy a cake from the store to bring home with us," agreed Rad.
"I look forward to it," said Lyon cheerfully.
Present:
"Crumbed steak," cursed Rad. "I knew I have forgotten something important today." Frisky eyed at Rad without saying a word. "Oh. I did not know," she said. "No, it's my fault. I should have checked my calendar twice. I'm sorry for the inconvenience," apologized Rad profoundly.
"Why are you apologizing to her? It's her fault," said Lyon.
"Hey, I don't appreciate that disrespectful tone young man," said Rad with a stern voice. "No, it's fine. I didn't know today was an important date for your son," said Frisky, assuring the red blue heeler. " Rad sighed, and turned away from the door to Frisky. Both adults walked through the hallway to have a private conversation over the dilemma.
"I'm really sorry for his behavior. He's a kind boy, and isn't always like this unless something provokes him," apologized Rad.
"No, I understand. Things have been hard on him. Being in a new family. Not having your parents around anymore. Meeting someone unfamiliar. Not enjoying change of plans. I'm sure both of you have times to sort things out," explained Frisky with an understanding attitude. "I think I have a plan." Frisky whispered through Rad's ear as he listened intently to her plan.
Back in the bedroom, Lyon stood at his verandah while looking out at the rest of the outside scenery. He stared out with an angered face in silence. He was at complete disbelief to see Rad has already broken his promise to do the special things they were going to do today by including Frisky. He kept both arms crossed when suddenly heard another knock from the door.
"Lyon, it's Frisky again. I just want to say sorry about disrupting your plans for today. Your father is also sorry for forgetting as well. I know it must be disheartening when things don't go out as planned. Believe me, I know what it is liked when things don't go my way when I expect them to happen. To make things up, I decided that we should all go together and celebrate your mother's birthday. I know a place where they sell lovely flowers. If you still wish to celebrate, I am happier to make it up to the both of you," said Frisky. Her heartfelt message to the seven year old caught his attention. Lyon's expression changed from anger to a tender, sad face. Once again, he felt like he was being too hard on others. While reluctant to come out, he decided to speak through the door to the cocker spaniel adult. "Maybe I was a bit too harsh. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to blame you for coming," said Lyon. "I think…it would be fine… if you joined us." Lyon held back a tear as he sniffed his nose. Frisky was pleased that he was willing to hear that Lyon would invite her to join him and Rad to the cemetery. The door opened slowly as Lyon came out, drying his eyes. He let out a soft, but modest smile. Frisky beamed with a soft grin as well.
Rad was sitting down at the stair's footstep; he was nervous if Frisky's plan would work out. He suddenly saw both Lyon and Frisky walking together. Rad stared at his son at a loss for words. Lyon, however, didn't look back at his adoptive father. "Lyon has agreed we will all go together to the cemetery," said Frisky. Lyon passed through the stairs, not saying a word to his father. Rad was speechless at the success Frisky had to persuade him to change his mind. "Thank you," he said. "No worries," said Frisky. "I know a place where they sell fine flowers. I can take us there first." Both adults agreed, and decided to drive in Frisky's car with Frisky driving. Rad brought Lyon's booster seat from his ute into Frisky's backseat. As he was putting on the seven-year old's seat belt, he still didn't say a word to Rad. Rad let out a worried expression and thought maybe it will take more than a apology to snap Lyon out of his silent treatment towards him.
The trio drove to a different flower shop unlike the first one that Rad and Lyon usually go to place flowers at the couple's graves. This flower shop was at the east side of town; the location appears to be a scencic town surrounded by several small businesses all connected to a central fountain. Most of the citizens come near the fountain where they pass by to hang out. Some elderly dogs feed bird food to ibises while families come to take photos near the fountain as it is the main attraction.
The flower shop appears to be a white and pink building. The sign says Belle Flowers in a cursive font with a pink flower next to it. The store's window shop has a variety of flowers displayed in the front. There were also flowers displayed in an outdoor shelf with some hanging pots. There was a chalk board that had a sign that says special on roses and gladioluses. The three got off the car with Lyon behind the two adult dogs. "What do you reckon, Lyon," asked Frisky. Lyon eyed the store's vibrant building. "It's nice. This one seems to have better flowers than the ones we usually get at the other store," said Lyon. Frisky smiled, and led both boys inside the store. At the counter they saw a Havanese worker going through the flower catalog. She then saw the three come into the entrance of the store. "Frisky, how have you've been," said the flower shop worker as she greeted Frisky.
"I'm fine, thanks Courtney," said Frisky, seemingly acquainted with the flower shop employee. "We're here to pick some flowers for a birthday."
"You've come to the right place. I know the perfect ones. Oh, and who are these two gentlemen," asked Courtney eyeing at Rad and Lyon. "These are my new friends. Rad and Lyon, meet Courtney, She's one of my friends who works at the flower shop."
"Pleasure to meet you. My name is Radley Heeler, and this is my son, Lyon," said Rad introducing themselves to Frisky's friend. "Oh, he looks like a nice catch, Frisky," said Courtney flirtatiously. Frisky immediately blushed by that comment. "What?! No, he's just a friend. We've only met recently," insisted Frisky. Rad was surprised by her friend's playful, cheeky behavior. "Oh, I'm just teasing. You take things way too seriously," said Courtney. Frisky coughed and changed the subject immediately. "Anyways, how is your Nana? Is she here today," asked Frisky.
"She's fine. I'm keeping a close eye on her arthritis as of late, so I decided to take more shifts to cover the shop. My other sister is keeping an eye on her," said Courtney. "Meanwhile, I'll help you pick the flowers you'll need for the birthday." The flower shop owner scrutinized through the shop's catalog. "Just so you know we have a special today on some flowers. I think the roses and gladioluses would go amazing for the birthday request." Courtney showed the catalogue to the trio. "What do you think about those, Lyon," asked Frisky. Lyon looked at the images. They appear to have a nice hue of soft pink and bright red. "They look nice," said Lyon. "I think so too. We'll take those," said Frisky. "Want me to help out?"
"Oh, I got this. You needn't have to trouble yourself," said Courtney. "Nonsense, I did promise Lyon to help out," said Frisky. Both women decided to pick the ones from the catalogue while the boys were browsing around the shop. Lyon was in awe that Frisky knew of a place that sells better flowers. Rad simply followed around his son, thinking of something to say. He was glad Frisky found a way to coax Lyon to brighten his day, but he can read off his son's silence. "Lovely shop, right mate?" Lyon nodded back without a word. Rad scratched his neck and sighed slowly. "Look, Lyon. I know you're still cranky with me, but I am sorry about forgetting about today," apologized Rad.
"Sure, reset button pressed," said Lyon without looking at Rad. He's so persistent, thought Rad.
"Say, Lyon what do you think of these colors," called out Frisky from the counter. Lyon walked towards Frisky and Courtney as they were choosing the colors for the bouquet. "They look colorful. Maybe add some violet gladioluses with the pink roses," suggested the seven year. "Oh, excellent choice. You have good taste," praised Courtney. "Who's this for by the way?"
"It's for my mum. It's her birthday today," said Lyon.
"Are your parents divorced," asked Courtney. Frisky's face changed to a frown, suddenly noticing her friend's ignorance on that comment. Even Rad's expression was shown with an awkward frown. Lyon looked down. "No, they're dead. Today is my mum's birthday and we are buying them to place at the grave," said Lyon bluntly. "Oh," said Courtney awkwardly. "I uh.. did not know."
"Courtney," reprimanded Frisky. The seven-year-old ran out of the store with both sadness and anger. "Lyon, wait," shouted Rad. Both women looked at each other. The seven-year-old rushed towards the fountain while holding back his tears. Rad caught up to his son while catching his breath. "Lyon," said Rad quietly.
"Please, dad. I need quietness for a while," said Lyon. "Okay, okay. I'm right here. No need to talk about it," said Rad. He sat next his son by the centered fountain. He realized the insensitive nature of Frisky's friend. Both father and son shared the tender moment of silence. Lyon moved his legs and hummed to himself with Rad staying silent for a while. He decided to break the silence. "Look, I'm sorry today hasn't been a great day so far. I know I messed up really bad, and you're probably still mad at me for being forgetful." He placed his hand over his son's shoulder. "Sure, maybe the flower shop employee sounded insensitive, but I'm sure she didn't mean it. She's Frisky's friend, and I'm sure she is explaining to the employee the reason behind all of this. "
"I know, dad," said Lyon while wiping his eyes. "I just don't know why. Why do I want to be angry over this? I know Frisky doesn't mean any harm, but it still hurts how you choose over her over me, and my plans."
Rad felt the sting of hurt of those words. "I know I let you down, and I'm sorry. I'm not perfect, but I am trying. Plus, I know how today meant a lot to you. That is why I'm trying my best to make things right. No, the both of us are mending things right," said Rad assertedly. "And I would never choose anyone over you. After all, you and I are family. How could I ever choose anyone over you?"
Lyon stared at his adoptive father slowly. Rad let out a soft smile, showing comfort to his son. Lyon reached out for his hand, and both hugged each other. "I'm sorry, dad," whispered Lyon.
"You have nothing to apologize for. I've already forgiven you a long time ago," whispered Rad. As both father and son hugged it out, they both came back to the flower shop holding hands. They saw Frisky and Courtney with the bouquet ready. "Lyon, Courtney has something to say to you," said Frisky. Lyon approached the counter. "I'm sorry. I didn't know that your parents were dead and that you were a foster kid. Frisky has told me everything about your situation. I can say insensitive things sometimes," said the flower shop employee.
"That's okay. I'm sorry for running off like that. It was very rude of me," added Lyon.
"Oh, so polite. I accept your apology," said Courtney. All four dogs were smiling that the situation. "Oh, by the way, how does this look," asked Frisky. The bouquet appeared to have red, pink, and violet tied in a red velvet ribbon with a plastic looking diamond in the middle of the knot. "Oh, that looks pretty," said Lyon all amazed. "And if you want, I can blow some balloons as well. Our shop sells the special foil balloons as well," said Courtney. "Consider the balloons free on the house."
"Thank you," said Rad.
"It's the least I can do," said the flower shop worker. She went to the counter to blow some ballons inscribed with happy birthday on them at the helium tank. Frisky helped tie each balloon to a string. Lyon was pleased with Courtney's generosity for the free balloons. All three dogs say goodbye to the Havanese employee. Before they walked to the car, Lyon had a certain request in mind. "Dad, can we hang out at the town's fountain for a little while longer," asked Lyon.
"You sure? We have the balloons and flowers all set for your mum's birthday," asked Rad.
"Yeah, I'm sure. We should have some fun at the fountain for a bit," said Lyon. He believed it was only right for the two adults to have a chat while Lyon played around for a bit at the centered fountain. "I don't see why not. As long as it is okay with Frisky," mentioned Rad. "I'm in," added Frisky.
The three dogs hanged out at the centered fountain to enjoy the town's scenery. Both Rad and Frisky sat at the bench with Lyon with the fountain's water. He noticed the many coins some dogs throw in as it was a wishing fountain. He noticed some children threw some coins in the water. "Dad, can I have a coin please?"
"Sure, mate," said Rad as he reached out through his wallet. He gave the coin to his son, and Lyon rushed back to the fountain, thinking of a nice wish before throwing in the coin. Both Rad and Frisky enjoyed the fountain scenery. "Hey, thanks for today. I really appreciate you accommodating for Lyon's sake," said Rad.
"It was nothing. Think of it as a way of me apologizing for the mix up," said Frisky.
"No, if anything, I am to blame for the mix up," insisted Rad. "I know Lyon can be stubborn and sometimes hot tempered, but he really is a sweet boy."
"I understand. I used to be the same way when I was a child," said Frisky. "I used to take my rage on my brother and sister when they liked to pull pranks on me. It took some time to grow out of that phase."
"Really? I don't imagine you being the hot tempered one," teased Rad.
"Oh, trust me you don't want me to be that way right now," eyed Frisky scornfully. "Okay, okay. I know when not to tease," said Rad innocently. "It is a nice day, really."
"Indeed," agreed Frisky. "I'm just glad we picked the right flowers. Besides Chilli, me and Courtney were friends when we were little. Her nana, and my mum are friends so that's how we met. She usually helps her nana with the shop. Lately, Courtney's nana's age has been catching up to her. Her granddaughters agreed that Courtney would help in the shop more while her sister took care of her at home. Though sometimes I do see her in the shop with Courtney sometimes."
"That must be nice of her to help her out," said Rad. "I remembered back then I used to help my dad a lot when he took me trips to his job. Must be why I choose the oil profession,"
"Aw, that sounds sweet," complimented Frisky. Both adults kept an eye on the seven year old wolf who finally tossed the coin in the fountain. "I promise I'll try to be better next time. I won't make the same mistake of forgetting important events," said Rad. "I certainly hope you can keep that promise. He needs you," said Frisky. After some time spent in the town's fountain center, the three headed to the cemetery. Frisky held the bouquet while Rad held on to the balloons with Lyon holding both adults hands in the middle. They walked along the paved path. The grass was much greener the last time both Rad and Lyon came to visit as Spring took effect between the months of September and November in Brisbane. Once they'd reached the parents' grave, Lyon knelt to the grass while touching the tombstone. Frisky joined along by placing flowers on Audrey's side. Rad tied the balloons to the grave's decorative fence that surrounds the tomb.
The three dogs stood in silence as they looked at both Audrey and Marc's grave place. While no words were said, they really felt this feeling of content that they offered the right gifts for Audrey. "Okay, I think we're done here," said Lyon. "You sure? You don't want to stick around a while longer," asked Rad. "Yes, I'm sure. I'm kind of hungry now," added Lyon. Frisky chuckled by the last statement. "Your father told me you guys were going to buy a cake. I know a place where they sell excellent sweets and cakes," suggested Frisky.
"You really know your way around with things," added Rad. The three went back to Frisky's car and stopped by a shop where they sell plenty of pastries, cakes, lollipops, puddings, and other party favors. Based on Frisky's knowledge, this was one of the recommended places that sells cakes. Lyon looked at the cakes behind the glass counter. His tail wagged as he was deciding to pick one to celebrate his mother's birthday. "Oh, I want that one. No wait, how about this one? Wait, that one is better," he said as he couldn't change his mind. "Relax, mate, we have plenty of time to choose," laughed Rad. "What cake did your mother love," asked Frisky. "She loved red velvet cake. Why don't we pick that one," asked Lyon.
"Velvet cake it is," said Rad. Once the cake was selected, the three came back to Rad's house; they dined at the backyard's table. Rad whipped up grilled barbecue to celebrate the occasion while Frisky made some pink lemonade. Lyon prepared the table with plates and napkins. "Was it everything you hoped for," asked Rad.
"Yeah, it turned out better than expected," said Lyon. "I'm glad we took Frisky along."
"I'm happy you decided to invite me too," added Frisky while slicing a piece of cake.
"Can I have more sausage, dad," asked Lyon while handing his plate to his father.
"Sure, mate," said Rad while reaching out for his tong. He picked some well made sausages for his son. "While, I'm add it, do you want more tomato sauce?"
"Yes, please." Lyon took a sip of lemonade Frisky made. "This lemonade is delicious."
"Thank you, Lyon," added Frisky. The three chatted at the patio table; Lyon talked about many things such as school, his play dates with Mackenzie, and his favorite activities to Frisky as she listened. "Oh, speaking of games, I brought a game you might," said Frisky while reaching for her bag. She had a board game box that said the word 'Scrabble' on it. "What's Scrabble," asked Lyon.
"A game where we make words on tiles. The goal is to gain points as we make words up. Whoever uses all the tiles wins," explained Frisky.
"Good choice. I don't think I played this game since youth," mentioned Rad. "Usually it's me or your Uncle Bandit that wins."
Lyon thought that tonight was the best time he ever had. Despite the setbacks from today, he managed to accept the changes that have occurred, and decided to just go along with it. The three kept on playing until the afternoon sun setted.
Merry Christmas. I was hoping to write sooner, but I came down with a bug a week and a half ago, not to mention doing finals while sick. Now that I have time during Christmas, I should make a few chapters.