Blue is a 21 year old car thief. His life was going as normal. He'd drink a small slushy from the gas station and wait. Wait to see the perfect car roll into the parking lot. The fateful day in November was like no other. Well, that was until Blue e...
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Today was Milo's fourth birthday, March 10th. We had decorated the yard with space themed balloons and streamers. Mariana was already here helping Santiago and I set up. Mariana and I had gotten even closer over the past month. Everything had settled down. Milo was playing with Vito as usual but he seemed excited. This whole experience seemed out of the ordinary for him which I didn't doubt considering his history.
Santiago, Mariana, and I spent time in the kitchen getting food ready. We made all of Milo's favorites, Mac and cheese being one of them.
The guest list was Santiago, Mariana, Mr. Vicario, Luciano, Qiang, and Santiago's guards, Kian and Emmanuel. I wasn't sure how this would go considering Santiago's dad and Santiago's mom hadn't interacted since he graduated from college. Santiago had a theory that they still loved each other no matter how much they denied it.
We were setting up the large outdoor table when the doorbell rang. Kian went to get it and soon came back with Armando trailing behind him. Santiago's dad was dressed nicely with a sleekly fitted black suit and a silk undershirt. I watched from the corner of my eye as Mariana and Armando made eye contact.
"Mariana, it's been awhile." Armando smiled slyly while turning his head to the side, the expression reminded me of Santiago.
Mariana hummed. "And after this, let's hope it stays that way."
Despite her words there was a tone of playfulness. Santiago laughed to himself as he moved over to me. He kissed my neck before going over to greet his father. Luciano and Qiang got to the house soon after. They brought a big gift with a large bow on it.
We all gathered around the table with Milo between Santiago and I. Vito had pushed himself in between our seats so Milo could hand him food under the table. We talked idly, I tried my best not to be nosy and kept my eyes off both Mariana and Armando. Luciano was staring at Qiang with lovey eyes as he fed her. I stared at Qiang closely, what was different? I still couldn't put my finger on it.
"We're gonna bring the cake out and get Milo the rest of his gifts." Santiago clapped his hands together as he stood from the table. Kian and Emmanuel got up as well to help Santiago carry everything in. The two of them seemed to be in a quite cheery mood, everyone did.
Kian and Emmanuel carried a large rectangular present in. I felt extra excited, I had ordered it and Santiago picked it up. Milo perked up as he watched the gift curiously.
Milo opened the gift from Armando first, it was an a thousand dollar wool coat. I fought the urge to cough when I read the price tag. Mariana's was next, she bought him a fully functional mini kitchen so he could cook with us. Milo smiled widely and even hugged everyone after he opened each gift. Kian and Emmanuel got Milo and Vito matching sweaters.
At the sight of Vito in an argyle sweater I started laughing till tears came out of my eyes. Milo excitedly took off his jacket to put it on. I brought out my phone to snap pictures.
Luciano and Qiang's gift was next, it was a giant plushie of Milo's favorite cartoon character. Milo hugged the stuffed animal tightly and then let Vito sniff it profusely. Next was Santiago and I's gift.
It was still set on the table as it was too heavy for one person to pick up. Milo stood on the chair with Santiago holding him to make sure he didn't fall. Underneath the wrapping paper was a large glass terrarium. The terrarium was partly made of wood as well for good ventilation. The terrarium was filled with soil, leaves, and had moss going up and down the sides of the enclosure. There were also some rocks and mini trees. Inside the enclosure was a white reticulated python.
We watched as Milo's eyes lit up like the sun.
"Snake!" Milo exclaimed, causing everyones eyes to widen in surprise.
I smiled brightly down at him as Santiago helped him remove the rest of the wrapping paper. Now we had two family pets, both scaring me a little bit. But the snake was beautiful, she was just a baby at the moment and would grow to be much larger in the coming years. Santiago promised me that he would take care of feeding her prey so I wouldn't have to until Milo could do it himself. Milo's excitement failed to die down as he stared at the snake in wonder.
We ate cake all together in the living room after taking the snake inside.
Santiago and I were watching his parents play just dance with Milo when Luciano and Qiang approached us.
"We wanted to tell you something." Luciano spoke with a delicate smile on his face as he put his arms around Qiang.
"I'm pregnant." Qiang smiled wider than I had ever seen, her white teeth on full display and her eyes turning into half-cresents.
Santiago and I froze in shock, but now that I thought about it, it made sense. There was something about her that looked slightly different and also the clothes she wear. Her clothing was much less fitted.
"Congratulations!" Santiago smiled at the woman and patted his cousin on the shoulder.
"When are you due?" I excitedly asked.
"September 10th." Qiang beamed, her hand moving down to her stomach.
"I'm so excited for you too! If you need anything Qiang let me know." I reached out to hug the woman. I still didn't feel much of a bump as we pressed against each other. She was one of those women who didn't show much.
"I wanted to ask you if you could help me plan my baby shower down the line, feel free to decline." Qiang seemed almost nervous to ask, but I felt a rush of excitement surge through me. I always loved to plan events but I never got the opportunity to.
"I would love to!" I exclaimed, her shoulders relaxing. She was already beautiful but right now she looked radiant.
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author's note: i hope you all enjoy this shorter chapter! happy birthday to baby milo. also if you noticed i did change his age to turn four instead of five for a very specific reason. love y'all! <3
