Chapter 3 ADRIAN'S MEMORIES

Fifteen years ago...

My father promised he will be back, and we will be taken to their place to introduce him to his family and live there with him. So my mother and I came here to the province to find him. But my mother failed to see my father. I was just a newborn then, before we ran out of money, my mother decided to work as a housemaid.

Our house is small. There's a tiny room with two beds. There was a cabinet where we put our clothes on and a small table. The living room is also small with a double seat and single sofa-a tiny kitchen with one small refrigerator, single burner stove, and dining table with four stools.

Anyway, we're not always at home. Because most of the time we're in Lily's house. My mother was there the whole day and after school.

One afternoon, I saw Lily in the canteen with her friend Nica. They're both holding juice-im-pack in pineapple flavors. Pineapple is Lily's favorite fruit.

After I purchase my snack, I sat at the table near them. I am in grade six, and Lily's in fourth grade. When I have my first bite of chicken sandwich, Lily glanced over me, and she smiled.

I was fascinated by her beauty. I like her pleasant heart-shaped face, gorgeous Hazel eyes, lovely nose matched with plump lips. She was beautiful from any angle. I like her cheekbones and her cute dimples. Her overall appearance is very appealing. She's extremely beautiful. At a young age, she has plenty of admirers, and I am one of them.

My advantage among those who like her is that I am always with her. When there are no classes, we often play at the park or climb up a hill. Ego to school every day and walked home together. When mom goes to work, I'll go with her and requested her to drop me at Lily's house.

Lily is an only child. Her mother was a professor in our school, and her father was a government employee. Ever since my mother works her part-time as a maid in Lily's house, we played together. Or, I will help her with her assignments. But I never felt that she was my younger sister. Because at a young age, I have a unique emotion towards her.

"Alex, Saturday will be my birthday!" Lily told me. "I am ten years old and there will be a party."

I can see the happiness on her face. "That is the day after tomorrow."

"By the way, what is your gift for me?"

I narrow my eyes at her. "Secret."

Lily pouted. "I can't wait for my birthday."

You'll see my gift on your birthday," I said and laughed. "And, I know that you will like it."

______________

Lily's birthday has finally arrived. After I ate my breakfast, I went into the bedroom and took my medicine to the table. I opened the cabinet and took the small box.

Mom and I arrived at their house when everyone was busy. My mother goes straight inside the house to assist them, and I went directly in front of the house.

"Alex!" I heard Lily called me,

I looked back and saw Lily in front of the house with her friends. I ran towards them and greet her with a smile. "Lily, happy birth-"

"Come on, let's eat," she cut off and offered me the tray of cupcakes. "I thought you wouldn't make it on my birthday because you got sick."

I grinned. "I will never let you pass without me with you."

She beamed. "Silly! I can understand if you wouldn't come because you're sick," she said and pouted. "You remember my promise?"

"Yes-"

"Lily! Can you go to the kitchen and have a taste of the main course?" Her mother called her.

Lily looked at me. "Come with me, Alex."

"Sure," I said. "Did your mother cook our favourite food?"

Lily nodded. "I'm sure," she said. "Come on. Let's go to the kitchen."

I followed Lily to the kitchen. But I wonder why she's not asking for my gift to her that I promised I will give her on her birthday. As we enter the kitchen, I held her hand to stop her. She looked at me in a knotted forehead.

"Why?" she asked and studied my face. "You're having an upset stomach?"

"Huh?" I asked back.

She laughed. "You looked like you're constipated."

I touched my face. "Silly," I said and looked around the kitchen. Her mom wasn't yet here, maybe busy with the guests. "Lily, I want to tell you that I am happy I made it on your birthday."

"I am happy too," she said and smiled sweetly.

I took the small box out of my pocket and showed it to her. "Happy birthday, my Lily."

Lily gasped in surprise as she looked at the glittery pink box in my hand. "Is this your surprise for me?"

I nodded. "Finally, I am able to give it to you."

She took it and held it preciously in her hand. "Thank you, Alex..." she said in teary eyes.

I stepped closer to her and held her hand. When she looked up at me, I capture her lips in a feathery kiss. I know she's surprised with what I did, but this is how I really feel. When I pulled back and looked at her, I was taken aback by her reaction.

"I'm sorry-"

"Don't say sorry," she said and wiped her tears. "I love you, Alex."

"I love you too, Lily," I said and pointed at the box. "Open my present now."

She opened and took the bracelet out of the box. "Wow, it's very beautiful. but why it's pendant is only half heart?" she asked in a knotted forehead. "Where is the other half?"

"Guess it where?" And I winked with a soft smile.

"Is it in you?" she asked.

I smiled and nodded. "Who else has the right to take the other half?" I jokingly asked. "Don't worry, when the right time comes, we will put them together."

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