Chương 70: Chapter 69 - Happy Birthday, Thai!

Book 2 - Chapter 1 – Happy Birthday, Thai! Elven Realm Out of the corner of her eye, Sheera could see Rowan standing by the door. He looked amused as Sheera continued to convince Thai to wear the shoes in the hand.

"But Mommy, I don't want to wear these. I want to wear the sparkly ones," Thai whined.

"Sweetie, you grew out of them," Sheera said, placing the shoes in her lap as she plopped down on the floor.

"They don't fit, so mommy had to get rid of them. They are not even here anymore, Thai, they went with the donations… so another special girl could wear them."

"But Mommy, they were mine! They were my favorite!" She stomped her foot.

"I'm not going to wear any shoes then," Thai said, folding her arms and huffing loudly. She turned to Rowan, her eyes pleading for assistance before she lost all patience with Thai. Oh, you brat! If I had the stupid sparkly ones I would give them to you just so you will put something on your stinking feet! I still have to get ready, while your dad just stands there!

"Thai, honey… How about if daddy sees if he can get you another pair of those shoes, but in a bigger size," Rowan said, trying to help. Sheera shot him an annoyed glance.

"Bribery is not going to teach her that she can't always get what she wants, Rowan. Sometimes she has to be thankful for what she has."

"Sheera, it's her birthday. Cut her some slack. Does every day need to be a learning opportunity?" he asked, giving his daughter a wide smile.

"Yeah, mommy, it's my birthday, and I want to wear sparkly shoes!" she said, suddenly sticking her tongue out at Sheera. Sheera's jaw clenched at seeing this. She stood up, turning for the door.

"You know what, Rowan, you handle it then," she said, thrusting the shoes in Rowan's hand.

"We have guests arriving any minute and she needs to put something on her feet. At this point I don't care what shoes she wears as long as she is wearing shoes!" She walked past him, trying to regain her composure. Sheera glanced at the clock then looked down at her attire.

"Well, looks like mom doesn't get a shower today," she grumbled, turning to go to her bedroom when the doorbell suddenly rang.

"Terrific, they're early and I'm not even dressed." This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

"Rowan!" she called out.

"Can you get the door please? I really need to change." She rushed to her room. The doorbell rang again, and Sheera quickly pulled off the shirt that could very well serve as a menu displaying Thai's breakfast.

"Rowan! The door, now, please!" she yelled as she became tangled in the shirt. Grunting with frustration, she ripped the dirty shirt off and threw on a clean one. The doorbell rang again, seeming to mock Sheera for her unpreparedness. She could hear Thai and Rowan laughing. She stormed out of the bedroom to the door and opened it almost violently. Seraphina looked at Sheera wide eyed.

"Are you angry at me or the door?" she asked. Sheera's face softened.

"I'm sorry, Auntie Phina, it's just been a day. Please come in," she said, moving away from the door.

"Been there," Seraphina said, smiling sympathetically. She reached out and gave her a hug and a kiss on the cheek.

"I know Celestia and I are early, but we figured you could use a hand or two before the others arrive," she said, hanging her coat up on the rack.

"From the look of things, maybe three or four."

"Hi, Sheera!" Celestia said, with bubbly enthusiasm.

"Where is our wonder girl?" she asked, looking around the room.

"She's in her room with Rowan as the shoe battle rages on," she said, motioning down the hall. Celestia snickered.

"That sounds like our girl alright. Give her a few minutes, and she will be deep in an explanation of something only Elena and Alex could ever possibly understand." Sheera smiled, a mix of wonder and exhaustion.

"Tell me about it. This morning she was explaining quantum entanglement over her cereal, and then two minutes later she was arguing with her stuffed dragon about who got the last cookie."

"Sounds like you've had a fun morning," Seraphina said, nodding her head.

"She is definitely unique. There is no disputing that."

"Auntie Phina!" Thai yelled excitedly as she ran toward Seraphina and Celestia.

"Auntie Lestia! You're here, you're here," she said, grabbing a hand from each of them and pulling them toward her room.

"Come meet my dragon. Grandma gave him to me for my birthday." Seraphina turned to Sheera and shrugged her shoulders as Thai pulled her forward.

"Come on, Auntie!"

"It's okay." Sheera snickered, trailing behind in the cramped hall, desperate to get to her room and clean herself up a little more.

"Move, Daddy!" Thai demanded.

"I need to show Auntie Phina and Auntie Lestia my dragon before it takes a nap." Rowan quickly stepped out of the way so the trio could pass. Sheera stopped and shot him an annoyed glance before entering the bedroom. Rowan ducked into the room behind her.

"What's the matter?" Rowan asked, seemingly puzzled by the look on her face.

"I had asked you to get the door so I could finish changing but…" she paused.

"You know what, never mind. Can you please go and get ready for the guests while I finish changing?"

"Absolutely, my love," he said coming over and kissing her on the head. Her expression softened when he gave her a much needed hug.

"Okay, off with you, there's work to be done and I need to change."

"On it," he said, saluting her. She picked a pillow up off the bed and threw it at him. He ducked out of the way.

"You missed," he said teasing when leaving the room.