Chapter 16

Lana’s POV

Lana looked at the several invitation cards lying in front of her and smiled. She would do a Treasure Hunt theme; the kids could get so much fun, making it an adventure-filled day. And she knew Max and Lily would enjoy this. With this, she began to draft ideas about what she wanted to take place.

Just then, Max and Lily showed up.

"Lana, what's that?" asked Max, peering over her shoulder.

Lana smiled and held up one of the blank invitations. "I'm working on your birthday invitations. But I thought we'd make it extra special this year. What do you both think about a treasure hunt party?"

A treasure hunt?" Lily's eyes sparkled with excitement as she clapped her hands. "That sounds amazing!"

Max grinned equally excitedly. "Are we gonna dress up like pirates?"

Lana laughed. "If you want, of course! And guess what? Instead of inviting kids just from school, we're going to invite everyone in the neighborhood. It'll just be one big party.

They stared at each other in surprise. "Everybody? Even those kids that aren't as wealthy?" Lily asked, her voice filled with curiosity.

"Yes," Lana replied, "I want this to be a party for everybody, not just the kids from your school."

Their faces flipped into delighted smiles. "We like that, Auntie Lana. It will be the best birthday ever!" Max was jumping in delight.

With eagerness, they helped Lana with her work of designing and printing out the invitations with little drawings of treasure chests, maps, and pirate hats. The kids sat beside her chattering avidly about all those things they wanted at their party: balloons, games, costumes, and of course, a pirate ship cake.

One thought came into her head while she was working: Nikolai had never joined their birthdays, and judging by the kids, that was a painful miss. Maybe she could change that too. She took her phone and videotaped a short clip of Max and Lily; how excitedly they spoke about their dream birthday party, Bar Mitzvah, and how much they wanted their dad present for them.

When she was through, Lana typed a short message, attached the video, and sent it to Nikolai, in hope that this would tug at his heart enough to make him reconsider coming-of course, a long shot, but she couldn't resist trying for Max and Lily's sake.

As the afternoon wore on, Mabel and her boyfriend Liam showed up to help set up. They were laden down with balloons and streamers and all kinds of decorations. Mabel hugged Lana, as she looked around the setup.

"This is going to be so much fun!" Mabel exclaimed, helping Lana arrange the decorations. "You're really going all out for these kids.

"Yeah," Liam added, beaming. "Max and Lily are going to have the best time."

And with that, they were working together-a burst of colour here, a ring of laughter there. It was infectious, the excitement of the children, and Lana felt overjoyed at the thought of giving them the party they'd always wanted.

It was then, as they were finishing the decorations, that Lana heard that familiar click of high heels against floors. She looked up to see Evelyn standing in the doorway, arms crossed.

Oh, look at you, all busy with the party planning, Evelyn sneered, eyeing Lana disdainfully. You know, you really could save yourself the effort. Nikolai isn't even going to show up.

Lana didn't rise to Evelyn's bait and kept cool. Well, this party is for Max and Lily. Whether Nikolai attends or not, they're going to have a great time.

Exasperated, Evelyn rolled her eyes and huffed, "You act like you're so important to them. But don't forget, I'm their father's girlfriend. I really don't know why you're trying so hard. You're just the nanny."

Forced, Lana smiled and ignored her."If you'll excuse me, I have decorations to finish." She had turned her back on Evelyn, an act of remedy not to let this woman detract from her mood.

After a few minutes, Evelyn fell asleep, but her nagging attitude lingered in the air. Lana felt a weird pull in the atmosphere-that pre-storm, like something bad was about to happen but She let it go, knowing she needed to be thinking about the kids and party preparation.

In an instant, the house was turned into a fairyland of pirates: treasure chests, flags in all rainbow colours, and maps filled the walls, while the pool area was decorated like a pirate's cove. Max and Lily were overjoyed. Their joy filled every corner of the house as they explored every nook and cranny.

As they were arranging everything, Lana noticed Evelyn pacing around near the stairs, looking coldly up in their direction. She had that bad feeling that Evelyn was up to something; with the kids, though, she just pushed it aside.

Just then, she heard the loud thud followed by the small scream. Lana turned, her heart sinking as she saw Lily lying at the bottom of the staircase, motionless.

"Lily!" Lana cried, racing over, with Max and Mabel following close behind.

At the foot of the stairs lay Lily's tiny figure, eyes closed, face pale. Lana had panic rising through her chest as she delicately turned Lily's head one way and another, peering for injury.

“Lily, sweetie, can you hear me?" Lana whispered, shaking. She looked up to see Evelyn still hovering near the top of the stairs, a look of slight surprise mingled with something else.

The thought sent a chill down her spine.

Max's voice shook as he knelt beside his sister. "Is she going to be okay?

Lana, we have to call an ambulance," Mabel exclaimed, already fumbling for her phone.

Lana nodded, gently laying her hand on Lily's forehead. "Stay with us, Lily," she whispered, her heart racing wildly”.

“Call 911, Call 911 now”. Lana yelled at Mabel with fear.

“Yes, yes, yes.. I'm on it right” Mabel trembled as her hands tried to fiddle her phone.