Story 09 – Part 1 – Birthday Gifts

I’ll be back next week. Hope you don’t mind celebrating your birthday a little late, the message said. Say hello to your mother, and tell me how things are going with her and Jordan.

Tech grinned as he read what his Uncle Carmine had sent. He really had hoped that Uncle Car would be here for his birthday, but Tech could wait. After all, there was never anything wrong with having more than one party. Later in the day the whole apartment complex was planning on celebrating the fact that he had reached sixteen in one piece. Given with the company that kept showing up in the apartment that was apparently quite an accomplishment. The two government agents had even agreed to show up.

With a sigh Tech looked over the last line again. He was still getting used to the idea of his mother dating. It was not that he did not like Jordan, but his mother had never dated before. The idea was just, weird. Of course, he had only really talked about it to Uncle Car. Ever since Carmine had become his uncle, Tech had viewed him like more of an older brother. The thought that it was possible to have a father, since he had never had one, was definitely a strange idea.

“Tech,” his mother called as she came into the apartment. Tech closed his computer and wandered into the kitchen to hear what his mom had to say. “I’m going to have to rush out and help a friend repair some pipes. It should only take an hour or so. I’ll be back in time for the party.”

--No problem, mom,-- Tech signed. --Be careful with the traffic.--

“Jordan volunteered to give me a ride in his plaid wonder car,” his mother told him. “Is that all right?”

--If you don’t mind the sheer embarrassment of driving in that car.--

Vire looked at her soon, and Tech was pretty sure she was trying to judge his reaction. Uncle Car would have been able to tell, but Tech was just guessing from his experience of living with his mother for sixteen years. He could tell that the relationship was getting a little more serious since his mother was acting like she had to ask for his permission just to see Jordan.

--Mom, do you like him?-- Tech asked rather bluntly.

“Well, he seems nice,” his mother said. “He doesn’t seem to be intimidated by a woman mechanic.”

--Mom, answer the question.--

“Hmm, yes.”

--Even though he’s missing a hand?--

“Does that bother you?”

--No. I just want to make sure you’re not giving him pity attention.--

“Tech,” his mother snorted. “Have I ever given you pity?”

With a grin, Tech shook his head. His mother never gave him an ounce of pity just because he could not speak. She treated him as capable, no matter what. One time he had even tried out for the debate team jest as a joke, and his mother had nearly eaten the debate coach alive when Tech’s ‘condition’ was cited as a reason why he could not even try out. Tech could do whatever he decided he wanted to do.

“Okay, fine,” his mother said. “Before any birthday gifts, let’s get this situation straightened out. Do you have any problems with me going on a few dates with Jordan?”

--No,-- Tech signed. --Are there any problems with me being around?--

“I would have beat him up already if there was. Now then, if everything is fine, will you escort me down the stairs?”

Tech nodded and followed his mother down to the lobby. Jordan was down there with Mr. and Mrs. Owens helping with the lobby decoration. This was possibly the most all out his birthday was ever going to be. In fact, the pile of presents was larger than anything he had gotten before. Of course, usually his mother gave him some sort of tool, his grandparents gave him money, and Uncle Car would give him a book. He was curious as to what everyone else would give him.

--Come back safely,-- Tech signed as his mother and Jordan left.