After a few weeks had passed, Edward, Sarah, and Stormy finally settled into things. They had become ready to start socialising again and were also excited to show off their new baby, and we're sure that Stormy was ready for it as well. So, Sarah and Edward began planning a little party to celebrate the baby's arrival. "How about you start making some invitations dear? You're handwriting and attention to detail is much better than my own," said Edward to his wife.
"Great idea, my love, I'll get right on that. I've been in a creative mood lately, and making the invitation cards will be a good outlet! Could you please go into the den and get my water colors, a stack of watercolor paper, my paintbrushes, ink and a pen?
Sure thing, my love!"
"Here you go, all your crafts supplies.
Thank you, Edward; what would I ever do without you?"
"Well, you don't need to worry about that because I'll always be there for you!
"Through thick and thin until death do us part, remember?
Oh, Edward, my love, not even the gates of the afterlife can keep us apart. You are my soul mate!"
"Not even that, you say?
Nope!"
"hmm, Well…What about an entire horde of zombies!?
I'd use our love as a sward and easily slice through them!" Both Edward and Sarah embraced each other for a fair amount of time.
Well, best start these invitations; they won't make themselves!"
"Yes of course, and while you do that, I'll spend some time with Stormy.
Edward made his way into Stormy's room and quietly approached her crib to avoid waking her if she was asleep. When Edward looked into the crib, He was met with the wide-eyed sparkling gaze of his baby girl, and as soon as their eyes met, Stormy lit up with a wide gummy grin and cooed with delight! "Hi, pumpkin! Edward smiled as he beamed with pride and joy at the sight of his firstborn.
"So, how is daddy's little princess this morning?
Baba!
"Oh, I see you are hungry.
Ba baba!"
"Okay then, you just hold tight, and I'll go fix you a bottle.
Edward rushed into the kitchen and opened the refrigerator to get out a bottle of breastmilk that his wife had pumped and prepared the day before. Then, he put the bottle into a warm water bowl to get it to room temperature.
"There you go, princess, a nice bottle for you. Edward gently picked Stormy up from her crib and held her close as he fed her.
"Oh, my goodness, little one, you sure have yourself an appetite; why you've already finished the entire bottle in just a few minutes? "Alright now, shall I give you burping? Stormy looked up at her father with sleepy eyes as if she was milk drunk and let out a soft cooing sound. "Awe, my heart, you are just too precious! Meanwhile, Sarah was finishing the invitations when suddenly, a loud knocking was on the front door. "Oh, now, who could that be? Sarah felt annoyed as she got up from the table where she'd been working the better part of the day to answer the door. When she opened the door, she was surprised to see that her brother, his wife and two younger children were standing there with gifts and smiles.
"hey, sis! Sarah's older brother shouted at her with open arms as he went in for a big hug.
Sam, I wasn't expecting you; how have you been!?"
"Well, I got a message in my E-mail from you a few weeks ago about the baby's early arrival, and we just had to come and greet the little sweetie pie! Now, where is my brand-new niece?
Just then, Edward walked up with Stormy in his arms. "Who's here, Sarah?" asked Edward.
"It is your brother-in-law," said Sam. "And there she is, my brand-new niece!"
"Yay, Sammy boy, good to see you, brother!
"And you as well, brother!" replied Sam in an upbeat and excited tone.
"Well then, come inside out of the cold, you guys," Sarah called out. Sam and his wife and kids came inside and sat down on the sectional in the living room. Edward and Sarah followed closely and sat next to their unexpected guests.
"Oh, my goodness, she is precious! Said Sam's wife. Suzie gestured toward Stormy in a shy yet enthusiastic manner, "Urm..may I?
"Yeah, sure, you can hold her," replied Edward with a proud look in his eyes.
"Ugh, I just love that new baby smell!" Suzie then takes a massive whiff of Stormy's head, so much so that her wee baby hairs lifted into her nostrils!
"Alright, alright, let me see the little sprite now!
"Okay then!" Shrieked Suzie before reluctantly passing Stormy over to her uncle Sam.
"Ah, will you look at that? She has our father's strong chin, eh Sara?
And her mother's eyes, said Suzie.
"And she has her father's cute upturned nose; Sarah proclaimed, beaming with pride."
"So, as you know, we were making post-natal celebration plans and whatnot.
"Yeah, we found that out at the door". Chuckled Sam.
"Yes, well then, since it is no surprise, perhaps you can help me deliver the invites?
"I CAN HELP, UNCLE EDWARD," Shouted Lucas, the middle child of Suzie and Sam.
"Hmmm, I don't know; I'm not sure you are quite old enough for such a difficult task," stated Edward as he gave Sam a quick wink. "What do you think, Sam? Should we let the boy help us deliver the invitations to their respective destinations?
I'm not sure he could make such a perilous journey, Eddy. After all, he's just a kid."
"OH, please, papa, let me go! I can help; I'm a big boy now. I'm practically a teenager!
"You are only six years old; you have a long way to go before you become a teen, son.
"Indeed so," Edward chimed in with a diplomatic nod.
"Please, please, please! I can help you guys. I can!"
Suzie huffed and shouted, "Oh, stop giving that poor boy trouble, of course, he can go; it's just a short walk around the neighbourhood and then to the post office and back, jeez!"
"Yay, I can go. Don't worry; I won't let you guys down!"
Lucas began hopping and prancing around the living room with glee!
"Can I go too, mamma? Ask Sam and Suzie's youngest child, "Abigail," as she tugged on her mother's skirt.
Oh, I'm afraid not, honey. Unfortunately, you are much too little."
"Awe, no fair!
"Hey Abigail, I'll tell you what, how about me, you and your mom bake a big yummy cake?
"Okay, yay, I like cake, yummy cake!"
Susie smiled. Great idea, Sarah. I'll get a mixing Bowl, and you get the needed ingredients."
"Abigail, would you please accompany me to the pantry? I think I have some strawberries that I had Jarred from the garden last summer.
"Okay, Aunty, I'll go with you!" Meanwhile, Sam, Edward, and Lucas were making their way into Town when it suddenly began to snow. Same grumbled sarcastically, "Oh great, that's all we need, snow!
Edward looked at Sam; how about renting an electrarider at the next charging station? There should be one coming up shortly past Lemon Park."
"Good Idea, Edward!
Don't mention it, brother!" Just then, the snow began to fall heavily, so they made haste as they ran towards Lemon Park and the charging station ahead. When they arrived at the charging station, they noticed that the sign on the door read, "Out for lunch will return at 12:30 PM.
Edward crossed his arms, "we'll have to wait a few minutes until the cashier returns from lunch.
Lucas Stomped his feet, "Oh no, I can't wait any longer, I'm cold!"
"Are you now? Well, I thought you were a big boy.
"I am a big boy, papa. It's just that I've been a bit under the weather lately, so I'm not at my best, you know."
Sam looked at Lucas with a cocky smile on his face. "Is that so?
"Yes, Papa, that is so." Sam and Edward both let out a hardy chuckle!
Suddenly, an unfamiliar man greeted them as he walked in their direction.
"Ah, excellent, that must be the worker back from his break!
Sam nodded. I think so, yes."
The cashier unlocked the door to the lovely, warm building. Inside the charging station was a row of eight Electra-riders in three colours: blue, yellow, and red. Lucas brightened up upon seeing all the vehicles! "Can we rent a blue one, Uncle Edward, please?!"
"Of course we can, Lucas. Just be patient so I can fill out the rental form. Edward walked to the cashier's counter to hand over the finished document. "Here you go, Sir, all done."
"Thank you kindly," replied the cashier.
The employee had finished checking the document, "All right then, everything looks good; you can go pick out your vehicle now."
Lucas shoved his way between the counter and his uncle; "We want the blue one!
Edward grind, "You heard the boy; we want the blue one!
The cashier clasped his hands together and nodded. Ah, yes, the blue one is a good choice; after all, blue is a fashionable colour. Okay, I'll be right back with the key."
Edward, Sam, and Lucas waited next to their chosen Electra-rider and made small talk for about five minutes until the employee returned. "Here is the key; make sure to return the vehicle no later than 10:45 PM, or else you will have to pay a late fee.
Okay, I got it; thanks again for the rental," said Edward. "You're very welcome, good SIR; it's a pleasure doing business with you; enjoy your Electra-rider! Edward opened the door to the Small blue pod-shaped vehicle; a round seat circled the cab; the interior was very smooth and metallic. In the centre was a sizeable round touchscreen used to control the car. Edward placed the palm of his hand on the touchscreen, which lit up. Then, a strange robotic voice began to introduce itself to them.