How could we?

Chapter 35

Sometime has gone past, work is going good, the acquisition is closer to completion, Zac, Mani and Fatima are still going strong. 

Fatima POV:

The days leading up to Mani's birthday were filled with excitement and a flurry of activity. Zac wanted to get a party planner but I figured it would be an amazing bonding activity if Mani and I planned the party together. I wanted everything to be perfect so I threw myself into planning and organizing the party. My mornings were filled with making calls to arrange decorations and my afternoons were for baking cookies and cupcakes with Mani. 

Three days before the party, I started working from home so that Mani and I can go to the party supply store as soon as he's back from school. After school, we indeed went to the store, browsed through aisles of colorful streamers, balloons and party favors. Mani and I decided on a Blue and silver color scheme so our cart was filled with a variety of decorations in this color. As we were shopping, I felt a slight dizziness wash over. I had to pause for a moment, taking deep breaths and steadying myself on the shopping cart. I skipped lunch so I just attributed the dizziness to that. 

Later than evening, Zac and I sat at the kitchen island, going over the guest list. We were surrounded by piles of party supplies and bags of candy. Zac looked over at me, his brow furrowed slightly.

Zac: Fatima, I think you're going a bit overboard with this party planning. So much candy, these kids will be bouncing off every wall in this house.

Fatima: (laughing) To be honest, I was hungry when we bought these. I may have gone a little overboard because everything looked delicious!

Zac: Good luck with them kids on the day.

Fatima: (still laughing) uh uh, I plan the party, you be the party. You will be on caretaker duty so good luck to youuu! Speaking of the party, do you know if his mom is coming or not?

Zac: She's not. She's still in her hometown with her mom.

Fatima: That is sad for little Mani. He misses her you know?

Zac: I know but what can we do?

Fatima: I know. I just want everything to be perfect for him. He deserves the very best, he's such a sweet boy.

Zac: He's got both of us and we'll make sure his day is perfect!

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**Two days before the party**

Two days before the party, Mani and I were in the kitchen, covered in flour and giggling as we attempted to bake cookies. The kitchen was a mess, with sprinkles scattered across the counter and chocolate chips on the floor. Mani was beaming, his excitement palpable as he stirred the cookie dough.

Mani: Aunty Tima, can I add more chocolate chips? I can quickly pick up the ones on the floor, it will be our little secret.

Fatima: (laughing) Of course, and we can make daddy eat the floor chocolate cookies!

Mani: (giggling) Let's do it!

As we continued baking, I felt another wave of dizziness. I had to lean against the counter, closing my eyes for a moment until it passed. When I opened them, Mani was looking up at me like I have 2 heads.

Mani: Were you praying for the floor chocolate chips?

Fatima: (laughing and in disbelief) I was, we don't want daddy to have a tummy ache now do we?

Mani: No we don't. When he eats them, it will be my turn to pray. 

We finished baking and set the cookies aside to cool. Mani and I got cleaned up and had dinner without Zac, he had called earlier to let us know one of the restaurants need him so he'll be working late. Soon enough, it was lights out for us.