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.”
• ***