Wrong Injection

Chapter 64

Six months had flown by, and today marked a special milestone - Dream's first birthday. I couldn't believe how fast my little angel had grown. We were throwing a party to celebrate her special day, and the atmosphere was filled with excitement. Granny and Esi were busy decorating the living room, making sure every detail was perfect.

As I got Dream ready for her party, I felt grateful for this new chapter in our lives. Living with Granny had been a blessing, and I felt loved and supported in ways I never thought possible. I didn't even feel like going back to America anytime soon, being surrounded by people who genuinely cared about us felt like home.

Just as I was finishing up Dream's outfit, my phone rang. "Hey Mom," I answered, expecting a chat.

"Hey sweetheart, how is Dreamy doing?" mom asked, skipping straight to the point. It was clear where her priorities lay. Dream's well-being was all that mattered now. I couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy.

"She's good," I replied, trying to keep my tone light.

"Great, let me talk to her," Mom said, and I gently placed the phone near Dream's ear.

"You can talk to her now."

"Hello Granny's girl, happy birthday to you!" Mom's loving voice filled the room, and Dream giggled in response.

"Ma...ma!" she cooed, rocking back and forth, her eyes shining with excitement. It was the only word she seemed to say these days, but it was music to my ears.

As I watched Dream's joyful reaction, I placed the phone back to my ear. "Mom, I miss you," I said, feeling a pang of homesickness.

"I miss you too, sweetheart," Mom replied, her voice tinged with sadness. "When are you coming back?" she asked, a question that always made me pause. I sighed, unsure of how to answer.

"Soon, Mom," I said, trying to reassure her. "I just want to spend more time with my relatives, that's all. You know, it's been so long, and I'm trying to get to know them better. They're good people."

"I know Lani, don't forget to send videos and pictures after the party okay?" She reminded me.

"I won't forget, Jade," I replied, smiling before hanging up the call.

As I turned my attention to Dream, she exclaimed "Ma-ma!" and I couldn't resist pinching her cheek gently.

"Happy birthday once again!" I said, pecking her lips before scooping her up in a big hug. "You're one year young today baby. I'm so blessed to be your mom."
She looked up at me, her eyes sparkling, and called out "Ma-ma" again. I laughed, feeling my heart swell with love for this little one.

When we entered the living room, I was struck by the warm and festive atmosphere. The decorations were stunningly beautiful, and the presence of a few kids Esi had organized, along with the maid servants, added to the lively vibe. I couldn't help but smile.
Dream was bursting with excitement, eager to explore the room and play with the other kids. I let her down, holding her hand as she took tentative steps. She was still getting the hang of walking, pausing for a few seconds before taking another step, her little face scrunched up in concentration.

Granny walked over and scooped her up, carrying her over to the giant cake. We all gathered around, anticipation building in the air. "Okay everybody, it's time to sing for our dear baby Dream!" Granny announced, her voice filled with joy. The room erupted into a chorus of "Happy Birthday," with Dream giggling and clapping along, completely carefree.

After the singing, Granny held Dream's chubby hand, and they cut the cake together. Esi snapped cute pictures and videos, capturing the joyous moments. We also received happy birthday calls from Bella, Dante, Gabby, and Max, making it an unforgettable day.

As the party came to a close at 7:30 pm, I cuddled Dream to sleep, but she seemed wide awake. After thirty minutes of trying to get her to drift off, I decided on a change of scenery. "Well, little Miss, we should probably go for a walk," I said, securing her into her stroller.

We strolled through the streets of Accra, taking in the vibrant atmosphere. I enjoyed watching everyone busy with their own activities, including the sellers who worked tirelessly despite the challenges they faced. As we walked, I spotted a small table noodle restaurant and decided to stop by. Esi often bought noodles from them, and I was curious to try some.

"Um, good evening," I greeted the lady behind the small table noodle restaurant, eager to taste her noodles.

"Good evening, madam," the lady responded, and I quickly realized that English wasn't her strong suit. I scanned the area, hoping to find someone who could help with translation, but everyone seemed too engrossed in their own activities. Those who looked like they might be able to assist didn't appear to speak English either.

"Uh, I want some, how much is it?" I asked, using gestures to convey my meaning.

"Wo si den?" She replied in Twi and I chuckled, feeling a bit awkward since I didn't understand.

"This is gonna be so hard," I muttered to myself, still smiling as I searched for a translator.

The lady tried again, saying "Obroni wo be y3 indomie anaa?" I perked up when I heard the word "indomie" and thought she might be asking if I wanted some.

"Yeah yeah indomie," I said, pointing at the noodles.

"Oh yoo tinase wai... mey3 indomie 20 Cedis ama wo," the lady said, pointing to a bench behind her. I nodded, understanding that she wanted me to sit down. I took a seat and watched quietly as she prepared my noodles.

Before long, two teenage girls arrived to order noodles and sat beside me on the bench, waiting for their food. As we waited, I noticed them glancing at Dream every few seconds. It was clear they were eager to play with her.

"Do you wanna hold her?" I asked, and they nodded enthusiastically. I scooped Dream up and placed her on the lap of the girl sitting next to me.

"Obroni ba," they exclaimed, breaking into a playful song in their dialect. I watched in awe as Dream giggled and seemed to enjoy the attention. The girls' joy was infectious, and I couldn't help but smile at the scene unfolding before me.

The lady finally finished preparing my indomie, and I paid her. It was time to take Dream back from the girls, but I hated to interrupt their playtime. However, it was getting late, and the evening air was growing chilly, so I knew it was time to head home.

"We have to go home now," I told the girls, and they nodded understandingly before handing Dream back to me. "She really loved the songs you sang for her," I said, thanking them for the lovely interaction.

"What's her name?" one of the girls asked.

"She's Dream."

"Nice name." I thanked them, and we exchanged pleasantries before I bid them farewell.

"Thanks, guys. we have to leave now, bye," I said, preparing to leave. And they waved goodbye, calling out, "Bye, Dream!" as we walked away.