Missing in action

Chapter twenty-one

A few of days had passed since Theo met Lando, I had been texting him ever since and last night we facetimed so that Theo could talk to him.  Lando was making preparations to go away to Monaco for his next race in less than a week. 

But just before he went Theo birthday was coming quicker than I would have liked. Anna and I had arranged a small birthday at Anna's parents house. Lydia was extremely excited to help with the planning while her husband Richard just sat at the sidelines letting his wife do whatever she wanted. We were having a few family and friends round to celebrate little mango turning three, I had invited Lando to come in which he was very pleased with and said that Daniel wanted to join too. Anna, Lydia, Theo and myself were walking through the shop picking things up when Annas voice dragged me out of my daydream. 

"Sorry what was that" I mumble slowly walking behind Theo as he touched everything down the party isle. Lydia was pushing the so far empty cart as she held up some streamers. 

"Blue or red" Anna asked pointing at the streamers. 

"Blue, I don't want it looking like a murder scene" I laugh watching Theo look at the party favours. 

"That's what I said, see mum" Anna replied as her mum laughed and placed different hades of blue streamers in the trolly. 

"Mummy can I have party bags" Theo patted on my leg pointing towards where any colourful toys were. 

"I love that idea mango" I say as he drags me over to the bits and bobs on the shelves. 

"How many of your friends are coming" Anna asked, bending down to Theo's height. 

"I don't know, mummy how many do I need" Theo starts grabbing a packet of plastic bags with cars on them. 

"You have five including you baby" I grabbed the bags from Theo as he started talking to Anna about what they need. Strolling over to Lydia I put the bags in the trolly. 

"I've gotten balloons, confetti, paper plates and cups and we just need food and cake" Lydia said rearranging her hair piled on top of her head. 

"Sounds lovely, thank you for helping us" I said leaning in for a hug, Lydia and her husband had been there so much for Theo's life as well as mine. 

"Don't worry darling, you're like our second daughter, we see Theo as our grandchild." Lydia smiled at me. 

"I still haven't heard from my parents, I guess there's no hope in a relationship with them" I admitted, a slight pang of pain rushed through my heart knowing Theo wouldn't know my parents after they cut me out of their life when they found out I was pregnant. 

"Well they're missing out, i'm going to grab food, meet you back here" Lydia said as she walked towards the other isles. Turning around I saw how much Theo adored his aunty Anna. Her head was thrown back as she laughed at something Theo had said. Warmth embraced me as I walked over. 

"What are you guys giggling about" I asked. 

"It's a secret" Anna whispered as Theo put his finger up to his mouth and shushed me. I laughed in response and crouched down to see what Theo had picked up. He had a range of things to put in his bags that ranged from bubbles to sweets to water pistols even though it was late march and too cold for a water fight. By the time Theo had decided on everything he wanted to get for his friends Lydia had returned back, with the trolly full of food and drinks for everyone. After paying we headed back home and Theo couldn't wait for Friday, when he got to see his dad and introduce him to all of his friends. 

--------------------------------

"Happy birthday mango" Anna and I shouted as we stepped into Theo's room. The middle of the night we had decorated it with balloons, in the living room we had even more balloons that thunder hated and kept barking at. Theo was already awake and beamed at us while he stood on his bed with a blue balloon in his hand.