Three

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Riley

Enjoy... 👍

~"Aww, you bought me a-"~

"Pupiiii" Danny chirped. He was still learning to speak properly. At the process, he pulled Julian's hair.

Julian whined, "this is the last time I'm carrying this kid"

It wasn't a good idea putting a dog inside a box but I made sure to add holes, I may be small but I wasn't dumb. The dog wagged his tail excitedly at Jul who's eyes were gleaming. I drew on the floor with my toes, still anxiously waiting for his reaction. He awed and picked the dog in his arms, cuddling and squeezing

"So?" I rubbed my arms and avoided eye contact.

He got up and walk towards me, swallowing me with a hug. "Best gift ever!!"

I faked irritation and pulled him back, he was still grinning childishly.

"You know that was supposed to be mine, lucky enough I'm not a dog lady so I asked dad if you can have him" I scoffed, he should be licking my foot. "What are you gonna call her?"

Rubbing his jaw and humming, he continued, "Raven"

I bit my lip, trying not to laugh "Worst name for a dog"

"Got a better one?" He raised his brows and folded his arms. When I didn't reply he added, "I thought so"

"Still dumb" I giggled.

"Hey Juliee, there's something else in here" Danny interrupted cross-legged on the bed, looking into the box. Julian had dropped him after he pulled his hair funnily.

My head snapped to the box and I remembered that there was other presents.

He bounced back to the bed and I  followed beside him. He took the box to his lap and brought out a piece of paper. It was folded beautifully and had gorgeous designs, it took very long time to complete the gift but it was worth it. Trust me, Julian would go way more extreme. Like when he sneaked me out on my 7yr birthday to the park and set up a cute little picnic. I wanted to beat that so I was really anxious for his next birthday.

"You drew this?" he asked when he opened it. I nodded proudly, "Yep. That's me..." I pointed at the girl "and that's you..."I pointed at the boy next to her. I wouldn't say it was a good drawing but for seven year olds who had no drawing skills whatsoever, it was considered cool. That's right, I was cool, the most popular girl in school.

Did you hear that, I made a rhyme! *squeals*

It wasn't just the picture of a boy and a girl, it was more epic... we were on a fire breathing dragon!!!!!! And they said I had bad taste.

"This is..." he started. The look on his face was emotionless, did he not like it?

Maybe I took it too far on the dragon.

"... the best birthday EVERRR"

"Oh please" I shook my head practically hiding a smile, trying to fake the 'it wasn't that great' face.

"Are you kidding! First, I always wanted a pet, and second, I'll never ever let go of this!" He hugged the painting.

"I know, I know, thank me later"

He meant it, he never let go.

"Oh look at the time, it's late. Don't want Riley riding poor gramps home at night, do we now?" Julian spoke up, hasty to change the topic. Sadly, he was right, it was 6:38 and the streets were already dark. Rolling gramps and watching Danny would be very risky.

I got up and bowed, "thank you very much, I enjoyed the meal. I should probably leave, it's already dark"

Out of kindness, Sarah advised, " it's not safe out, Julian can give you a lift"

With that, I turned to Julian expecting the worse. Basically, his parents, gramps and Danny who were still stuck in the notion that we were best friends and nothing has changed all those years, were sitting and expecting no complaints. I bet they even expect me to squeal and hug his arm.

But there was no other option than to play along. Julian sighed and faked a smile at me, that was the closest I could get to a smile from him, "get up, lazy head"

What an actor.

Walking over to gramps, I held the handle of his wheelchair and rolled him. Danny was still telling Julian about his school adventures when we got to the car. I sat with Grandpa at the back and Danny sat at the front with Julian.

The ride home was how I predicted. Danny kept bickering and I had a chat with gramps. You can't imagine how funny he was.

Best gramps ever!

●●●

After 30 minutes of gazing at the wall sitting still on the bed I finally decided to drag my lazy legs to the bathroom. I lazily brushed my teeth, lost in the sober look on my face and wondered,When did I get so pale? I was almost pure white and my black hair didn't help matters, I only looked more freaky. Probably just a few stress here and there, it'll wear out soon... I hope.

I stepped into the bath and switched the shower on. Flashback of what happened last night crossed my mind. As gramps and I were talking about his youth, he suddenly began to cough. I thought it was just minor until he started yearning for breath. Danny, Julian and I were scared to death. In between his coughs he kept assuring he was okay. God knows that wasn't enough to stop our worries. Danny was terrified, the poor boy cried till he stopped coughing.

Exactly as I expected grampstold us he was fine and even cracked jokes to clear the air.

I was scared to death and still scared.

It was the first time, but it was worst. Julian's parents would be any minute to pick him up for his checkup, I can only pray first condition to get better. But till then...

●●●

Pretty short chapter.

I was thinking of adding the characters pictures to help you visualise their looks better. The picture on the front was Jul and Raven.

Also, I haven't really done a proper description but from here on out, be expecting bigger things, greater things, hgivhddshkhw....

Shalie‽enn signing out ✌️

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