For His Happiness

Chapter 15: I Can't Let You Go

July 4, XXXX, Independence Day,

It was not a big surprise when I found out that Alfred F. Jones was born on the same day the United States celebrated with lights and the anniversary of its liberation. When Matthew celebrated his birthday on July 1st, he preferred the serene tranquility than the confusing chaos of the clamor, but that didn't stop him nor his friends and family to enjoy the laughter and nonsense in the circle as long as there was no bloodshed involved. However, in Alfred's case, Arthur Kirkland once told me that when he was born three days after his twin (due to being premature), there were already lights and cries of patriotism in the streets, this was and still is Alfred's first memory, as it became part of his own persona as a Summer's Child and a Child of Liberty. His "F", more likely, stands for Franklin, but either way, it also means Freedom.

At that time, the entire household in the Kirkland residence lit up like a Christmas in July. Of course, it's hard not to imagine the sound and the fireworks going on in the area. The neighbors were lighting up gunpowder while booming up every American song they could find, by which I mean they could turn up any music that shouts profanities. While the neighbors were enjoying their own game, Francis and Arthur were doing their best to make the celebration outstanding yet a little bit simple. Every year when it's someone's birthday, they lit the chandeliers, changed the carpets, draw the curtains, took out the candelabras, and fill the entire house with vanilla scent. Whilst Arthur was setting the China and Francis made his special recipes, the boys were either in the basement or in the attic pulling out firecrackers, sparklers, and bottle rockets. And of course, a few horns and pans as a special request for Gilbert so he won't barge into Mr. and Mrs. Edelstein's place and stole a dozen of them like he did last year (he was nearly suspended after that incident).

But anyway, soon after the party started, the guests began to appear. The first ones were the Bondeviks and Matthias. Gilbert Beilschmidt followed them. He preceded to glomp his boyfriend before greeting the birthday boy. Alfred didn't mind but the sight of two people snogging would require him to bleach his eyes later. Francis gave them all the warmest welcome whereas Arthur, of course, nearly threw his tea at the albino but he was stopped when he realized he was using his favorite teacup. The last to come was Mrs. Honda and Kiku.

"Ah! Konbanwa, Saika-san, Kiku-san!" The Frenchman greeted with a small bow and stepped aside for them to enter. "Dōzo haitte kudasai."

"Thank you very much, Mr. Bonnefoy," Kiku said and smiled timidly.

"Arigato gozaimasu, Francis-san," Mrs. Honda said and held up a big box wrapped in blue metallic paper. "Watashitachi ni wa Alfred-san ni okurimono ga arimasu."

"Sugoi! Alfred-chan wa sore ni kansha shimasu."

Then, Arthur strolled in.

"Mrs. Honda, Kiku, it's wonderful to see you again," the Brit greeted while giving the older woman and her son two glasses of ginger ale.

"We are delighted to be in here, Arthur-san," she said and started to survey the surroundings lit with the chandelier above them, the smooth carpets, and other materials fitted for decorating someone's debut. "And I must say, the party looks elegant as always, don't you think so, Kiku?" the younger male agreed.

Arthur waved his hand as if he was brushing off the flattery. "Oh please! As much as I thank you for the compliment, we want you to feel yourselves at home. You can put the present at the side but for now, we must have dinner. Alfred is with the others in the dining room."

As they followed the two hosts to the other side of the hall, Alfred immediately jumped up from his seat and greeted Mrs. Honda before hugging Kiku into a tight embrace. Their friends, after getting used to this public display of "friendly" affection, found this normal and smiled at it at many times. Mrs. Honda would eventually shake her head while smiling, Francis Bonnefoy, due to his obvious passionate persona, was blushing intensely, and then, we have Arthur Kirkland clearing his throat and telling them to get a room or do it later. When it was dinnertime, they were eating and chatting, talking about random topics and funny stories to fit the occasion. After that, the birthday boy decided to open the presents, so far, he received new clothes like jackets, pants, and dress-shirts as well as shoes and a digital watch, in which he'll eventually use them in college. He also got a t-shirt with a picture of a UFO on it that says "I WANT TO BELIEVE", a portable speaker, and a video game console. Whether these were small trinkets or some things big, it's fair for Alfred to say thank you to all of them, after all, he would use them sooner or later, and it's better than nothing.