MK - Chapter 33
Monday, March 4th, 2019
Niko's POV
It's been three weeks since Tatianna chewed me out and talked to me. It's driving me insane. And, I can't fake sick and go to the medical office. At least we are still getting married.
I heard a knock on my office door. I looked up and saw Ethan.
"Niko, are you going to be a sourpuss all day?" Ethan said while chuckling. "Your meeting with the executive team starts in 15 minutes."
"Thanks, Ethan."
******************
Thank goodness the workday is over. Matti and Aiesha invited me to dinner at their house.
After parking in the driveway, I got out and went to knock on the door. Aiesha answered the door.
"Hi, Niko. Come on in."
"Thanks, Aiesha. How are you feeling?"
"I'm feeling okay at the moment. I'm ready for Ms. Maia to be born already. We are eating dinner on the patio tonight."
I followed Aiesha out to the patio. I saw Matti cooking on the grill, so we walked over to him.
"Hey, bro. Thanks for the invite to dinner."
"You're welcome, Niko." He had a mischievous grin on his face. What is he up to?
"What are you up to?"
"Nothing. Why did you ask that?"
"Because I can tell when my brother is up to something."
"Stop playing, Niko. I just wanted to invite my favorite brother over for dinner because I am sure you're not eating properly."
"Favorite brother? I'm your only brother. You're right about that last part, though. It's been three weeks since Tatianna chewed me out. We haven't spoken since then. And, when she did, it was work-related. You know I don't mess up, but this time is bad. Tatianna is the only one for me, and I hope I haven't messed that up."
"Bad is right. But, it looks like you are learning your lesson."
"Trust me, bro. I have learned my lesson big time. Last week, I felt a migraine, but I couldn't call Tatianna. So, I asked Ethan to drive me home. You know I don't just trust anyone to drive my SUVs."
"No, you don't. But, it looks like you are finally listening," Matti said with arched eyebrows.
"Haha. You're right, though. Hopefully, I'm soon to become a husband, and I want so much to be a father."
"And, you will have those things. I'm glad you are listening and called Ethan. That's all I wanted from you, Niko."
I turned around and saw Tatianna standing in the patio doorway. So, that's why Matti had that mischievous grin on his face.
"Ethan told me what happened, and I'm glad you asked him. It doesn't matter who you ask, Niko. Just don't ever again drive with a migraine. Now, what are you going to keep doing, going forward?"
"I'm going to make sure someone drives me home when I have a migraine."
"Good boy. Now, what's this I hear about you not eating properly? You could have called me. I'm not that cold."
"Okay. Okay."
Aiesha and Tatianna sat at the patio table, and I joined them. "Baby shower number one is just around the corner."
"It sure is. Nana Dory told us not to buy anything and be prepared to open a ton of gifts," Aiesha says. Matti finished cooking on the grill and joined us. After everyone fixed themselves a plate, we continued our conversation.
"She's right. And, don't forget the shower in Jamaica. Aunt Tatianna and Uncle Niko are going to spoil Maia like crazy," Tatianna adds.
"We sure are. Maia is the first grandchild for mom and dad, but certainly will not be the last. Count on it."
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Saturday, April 20th, 2019
Tatianna's POV
It's baby shower time. Every house is packed with family from Greece and Jamaica. Griffin, Sophia, Graeme, and Janiyah are staying at my house.
"Thank you guys so much for supporting Aiesha. It means a lot to me. She is going to be so surprised to see you."
"Aww, you're welcome, Tatianna. Having a child is a special occasion. Thank you for inviting us."
"You're welcome, Sophia. Niko is coming over shortly. He said he needs to escape from his family that is staying at his house."
Everybody chuckled.
"I'm sure Niko is tired of his cheeks being squeezed and pinched. My grandma Naomh does it all the time," Griffin mentions.
"That's exactly what happened. If my family pinches my cheeks one more time, I won't be able to feel them," Niko said as he walked into the dining room. "Plus, my family kicked me out of the kitchen and the house."
"Yeah, when your grandparents tell you to get out of the kitchen, you better do it. For me, that was my grandfather's Evander and Santana. Plus Niko, it's been a while since the last time you've been to Greece."
"That's true. And, as soon as my grandma and my aunts saw me, they cussed me out - Greek style with every cuss word known."
"You deserved it. But, you've learned your lesson. Who is riding with who to Aiesha's house?"
"Sophia and I will ride with you, Tatianna," Janiyah says.
"Okay."
*****************
Niko, Graeme, and Griffin brought the food from both SUVs inside the house. I saw my grandparents talking to my parents outside in the yard. Janiyah, Sophia, and I walked over to where they were standing.
"Grandma and grandpa, it's great to see you. I want to introduce my friends, Janiyah and Sophia. Their significant others are helping Niko with bringing food in the house."
"Speaking of fiancé, where is Mr. Niko?" my grandpa Evander said. Uh-oh. Niko is in trouble.
"Grandpa, remember this is a special occasion. I already let Niko have it. His grandparents let him have it too."
"Well, let's make a triple threat."
Niko, Graeme, and Griffin came over to us. "Grandma and grandpa, I want you to meet Griffin Kelley and Graeme Harrison. Griffin is engaged to Sophia. And, Graeme is engaged to Janiyah."
"I know who you are," my grandma Vea says to Graeme. "You're that cute actor I've seen in several movies. You're even cuter in person."
Graeme was blushing like crazy while we all chuckled at my grandma. "Thank you for the compliment."
"You're welcome, cutie. Call me Nana Vea."
"Grandma!" My Papa Evander made his way over to Niko. Here it comes. Niko appeared nervous. I tried to restrain my laughter. He put his arm around Niko and said, "So, Mr. Niko, what's this I hear about you not listening to Tati?"
Niko replied, "Uh, see what happened was I was stupid to ignore Tatianna's advice about driving with a migraine. Like a fool, I tried to drive home. Bad mistake. I wound up in a bad accident where I suffered from Amnesia."
"No kidding, you were stupid. Tatianna is like her mother, grandmother, and plenty of other Reid women - don't piss them off. There are consequences for not listening to them. Fortunately for you, Tatianna wasn't harsh because you don't want to see it. Got it, Mr. Niko?"
My grandfather is a trip!
"Trust me, I got it," Niko answered.
"Good."
This is the second time I have seen Niko nervous. "Where's Aiesha?"
"She is sitting down by the pool with Matti, Cass, Lukas, Evangeline, and Dory," my mom replied.
"Okay." The six of us took a walk towards the pool. Aiesha looked cute in her pink baby sash.
"Hi, everyone. Aiesha, look who came for a visit."
When she looked up and saw Janiyah, Graeme, Sophia, and Griffin, she almost choked on what she was eating. Matti sprung out of his chair to help Aiesha. Nana Dory was eyeing Graeme the whole time. We have some hilarious grandparents.
"Um, sorry, everyone. It's just that Mr. Harrison is one of my favorite actors. Never in a million years did I think I would meet you. Oh my gosh."
I helped Aiesha stand up from her lounge chair. She then went to shake Graeme's hand. "It's so great to me you."
"It's nice to meet you too. I'm glad you are okay."
"Thanks. And, thank you all so much for coming. Wait until I tell Maia who came to her baby shower. I've never met Griffin and Sophia before. I appreciate your support today. Thank you."
Aiesha went to give Sophia and Griffin a hug.
"You're welcome. We're Niko and Tatianna's friends from Chicago. And, you're welcome."
"And, of course, I can't forget my favorite brother. Thank you, Niko."
Aiesha made Niko blush. "You're welcome, Aiehsa."
"We'll go finish setting up the food so we can begin the shower."
"We'll help you, Tatianna," Janiyah says, and Sophia agreed.
"Thanks."
**************
Niko, Cass, and I made our way to a microphone we set up. Cass spoke first.
"Welcome to Maia Najae Kostopoulos' baby shower! We have so much in store for everyone. But first, Niko, Tatianna, my dad, and Jarvis are going to hand everyone a diaper pin. Attach the pin to your shirt. You can't say the following words - baby, mommy, daddy, Aiesha, Maia, or Matti. If anyone hears someone saying those words, they can take your diaper pin. We have prizes for the top two winners of the game."
Niko, Lukas, my dad, and I passed out pink diaper pins to everyone. We even pinned one to our pink shirts. Everyone invited to the shower is wearing a pink t-shirt, in honor of my niece.
After we passed out the pins, we walked back over to Cass. Now, Niko took his turn to speak.
"The food is ready, so everyone can get themselves something to eat. Matti and Aiesha, Tatianna, and I fix a plate for you."
I started clearing my throat. "Thank you for your pin, Mr. Kostopoulos." I sure did grab Niko's pin.
"Dang."
Cass and Lukas started laughing. Niko and I walked over to the buffet tables that were set up. I fixed a plate for Aiesha, and Niko did the same for Matti. We then walked over to the head table.
"Thanks, Tati."
"You're welcome, Aie-. Let me rephrase that - you're welcome, sis." Niko was ready to claim my pins, but I caught myself. I went to get myself something to eat, then sat next to Aiesha.
"The house is beautifully decorated, Tatianna. You did a great job."
"Thanks, grandma. Niko, my brother from another mother, Graeme, and Griffin put up the streamers and banners."
Everybody looked at me, thinking I was going to say Matti's name. Ha! I'm good at playing this game.
"That was smooth, sis."
"I got to be. This is one of my favorite games at showers."
"It sure is."
"Game time is up next."
*********
"The first game we are going to play is 'Guess the Kid's Food.' Me, Niko, Cass, my mom, and Evangeline will give everyone their own tray of kid's food, spoons, pens, and piece of paper. The labels have been peeled off the jars, and a number has been placed on the label. You have to guess the food in the jars. We have prizes for two guests that have the most answers. Everyone will have 15 minutes to guess the food. Make sure to write your name at the top of your paper."
My father and Lukas brought out the trays for us to pass around to the guests. We then carried the trays around the yard to each guest. Once we finished, I went to stand near my father, and I pressed the timer.
"Remember, you have 15 minutes. The timer will start now!"
While everyone was tasting the jars of food, my mom and I went to get the dessert tables ready. We had Greek and Jamaican desserts, and I am going to taste all of them. It didn't take us long because Evangeline and Cass came to help.
"Thanks, ladies."
"You're welcome, Tati. Let's go back outside and check the timer," my mom says. The four of us walked back outside. My father and Lukas were clutching their stomachs from laughing so hard. Niko was cracking up too.
"What's so funny?"
My father replied, "Tati, just look around at the faces of everyone."
I looked around and saw the looks of disgusts from tasting the baby food. My mom and I actually made the food in the jars. We did chicken w/sweet potatoes, turkey w/carrots, chicken w/rice, and beef w/veggies. We also gave the guests an easy one - apple, banana, and strawberries. It was hilarious!!
The timer went off. "Times up! Put your pencils down. Niko, my dad, and Lukas are coming around to get everyone's papers. The jar with number one on it is chicken with sweet potatoes. The jar with number two is turkey with carrots. The third jar was chicken with rice. The fourth jar is beef with veggies. And, the fifth jar is apples, bananas, and strawberries."
My mom, Evangeline, and Cass went around to get the trays of food and passed around cupcakes for the next game.
"Let me explain the next game. The game is called 'Newborn Dec-a-cake.' Two trays are being placed on the table. On one tray are cupcakes, and on the other are decorations. Everyone, take one of the plain cupcakes from the tray. You will have 15 minutes to decorate your cupcake. While everyone is decorating their cupcakes, Niko and I will pick the winner of the kid food game. Your 15 minutes will start now!"
Niko and I took a seat so we could pick the winners of the first game. "From my slips of paper, Nana Dory had the correct answers."
"Your Nana Vea had the most from the slips of paper I had."
"We have two grandmothers with excellent taste buds."
The timer went off. "Everyone can stop decorating now. My sis and bro will now walk around to each table. The mom and dad-to-be will choose their favorites. The two winners will get a prize."
Aiesha and Matti walked around to each table. After they walked around, Aiesha and Matti went back to their seats.
"The winning cupcakes are by grandpa Evander and Aunt Daphne," Aiesha says.
"Grandpa and Aunt Daphne, Evangeline is coming with your prize. Nana Vea and Nana Dory, Lukas is coming with your prize for the food game."
"Everyone can now eat the cupcakes, but before you do, there is a miniature plastic baby in one of the cupcakes. The guest who finds the baby is next in line to become pregnant. We have one more games, then mommy and daddy-to-be will cut the cake. For this game, we have amazing prizes for two winners. In the invitation, we asked the guests to bring diapers. And, however many packs of diapers you brought to the shower, that's how many raffle tickets you would receive. Myself, Niko, Cass, my parents, Lukas, and Evangeline, will hand everyone an envelope with your tickets. Niko will then pick the winner from the bag that I have on my shoulder."
It took us about 10 minutes to pass out the envelopes then we walked back to the mini stage with the microphone.
"Niko will now pick the winning tickets."
After picking out two tickets from the bag, Niko began to read the numbers. "For each winner, please come up on the stage. The first ticket number is R416853W."
Everyone began checking their tickets. After 5 minutes, we heard a scream in Greek. It was Niko's Aunt Adelpha. She joined us on the stage.
"The second ticket number is C2468796A." After 5 minutes, we heard my cousin Sabryna scream. She joined us on the stage.
"Ladies, you both have an all-expenses-paid trip for two to the destination of your choice. Just let me know where you would like to go."
"Thank yuh, Niko," my cousin said.
"You're welcome, Sabryna."
Aunt Adelpha pinched Niko's cheeks, then replied, "Thanks for the trip, nephew."
Niko sighed before replying, "You're welcome, Aunt Adelpha."
"The DJ will now play music for the dancers. For those who would like dessert, it is now ready and inside the dining room. Let's all have a great time!!"
We all made our way over to the main family table. Sophia was blushing big time, so I walked over to see what was up. Griffin had a smirk on his face.
"Sophia, why are you blushing?"
Janiyah said, "Sophia found the baby in her cupcake."
"So that explains the look on Griffin's face. I'll be right back. It's cake time."
"Aiesha, honey, I'll help you up," my mom said.
"Oh, mom, I'll be taking your pin." I sure did walk over to my mom and took her pin.
"Shucks."
After mom helped Aiesha stand up, we walked into the kitchen to cut the cake.
"It's so adorable, Tati! I love it! Thank you so much!"
"You're welcome, sis."
I grabbed a knife for Aiesha and Matti to cut the cake. They placed the slice of cake on a plate, then fed it to each other. Of course, I snapped some pictures. All of the pictures taken today will be placed in a photo album as a gift for everyone that came.
Aiesha cut another piece of cake for herself. We then walked back outside to the table.
"Tatianna, this was an amazing shower."
"Thank you, Janiyah. It turned out amazing. Now, it's time to dance! Let's go, people. You too, Niko, Griffin, and Graeme."
Well, it looks like shower number one was a success. See you all at shower number two in Jamaica.
***************
The cake picture is courtesy of Can Stock Photos - © Can Stock Photo / dlynn
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