(A/N: I'm a horrible procrastinator. Sorry it's so late.)
(The next morning, Estre's P.O.V.)
As I wake up from my peaceful slumber, I rush to tell Stella the good news.
She's already awake and making breakfast, frying some bacon to go along with our pancakes.
"Hey Stell, you'll never guess who I found yesterday!"
"This better not be some sick joke," she frowns.
"Your mom."
Stella stops what she's doing immediately. She turns her head back slowly and glares daggers at me, piercing into my head.
"What'd I just tell you about making 'Your mom' jokes?" She yells, placing a fist on her hip.
"I'm serious. I found her."
"I don't believe you." She turns around and continues cooking, shaking her head.
-----------------------
(Later that day, Gray's P.O.V.)
After gorging on a mound of pancakes, I suggest we go on a walk to burn down on all of the calories we just consumed. Stella reluctantly agrees.
Instead of walking on the beach, we go to the center of the town just a little ways from the shoreline. Strolling on the sidewalk, passing resorts, restaurants, and shops, there's one thing that catches my attention: a souvenir stand.
There's nothing too fancy about it, but it's the only souvenir stand there is. Running it is a middle -aged petite woman in a floral patterned sundress. There's an interesting variety of items she's selling, so we go to check it out.
This reminds me of what the taxi driver said a few days ago. He told us a very helpful tip: If someone tries to sell you something, tell them you're from the mainland and they'll give you a discount. They will force you to talk to them so they can pick up an accent. If they find that you're not from their respective country, they'll charge you more.
I'm quick to remind Stella of the tip, so she remembers.
As soon as we look at the products, she begins to pick them up.
"Wow," Stella exclaims, eyeing some bracelets made out of seashells. "These are beautiful!"
The lady smiles. "They're made from all natural, hand-picked shells that I find on the beach. Many people here just use artificial shells, but I don't." She continues the useless chit-chat until she finally offers a price.
"They're available at three dollars each."
"But the tag says five," Stella complains. "Are you sure?"
"Don't worry about that."
We managed to gat a discount. How nice of her.
After a bit more looking around and bargaining, I settle on some sunglasses, also at a discount.
Before I can walk away with our items, she taps me on the shoulder. I whisper for Stella to go ahead of me whale I talk to this lady. She nods and walks away.
"I remember you from somewhere. Don't you play soccer?" She asks.
"Yeah, I do."
"You're my daughter's favorite player."
"Really?"
"Yeah. Would you mind signing an autograph for me?" She holds out a notepad and a pen.
"No, I'm fine with it." I take it and write my signature on it, along with 'Thanks for being a fan,'. The only thing that's missing is her name.
"What's your daughter's name?" I ask.
"Stella."
"That's my girlfriend's name," I say out of shock.
"You mean that girl you were with?"
"Y-yes."
She pauses for a moment. "Could that mean that she's-"
"Yes. She is." I blurt out.
-------------------------
(A/N: I could totally end the chapter right here, but there's more to it than you think. Stay tuned for the next half!)