Friendship And Family (Currently undergoing a rewrite. Do Not Read.)

CHAPTER 13. Cake

                    Agnes' POV

Mum entered my room while I was organising. "Did you bring back the picnic basket?" She didn't sound so sure.

My world stopped. I never thought she'd ask for it, and I was forced to relive that frightful moment again. "I left it at the park," I lied, cringing.

She sighed. "That basket is reusable, it's not a take away." She left my room, slightly upset.

I abandoned the books I was arranging on my reading table and grabbed Andrew's sweater, which I now owned, from my bed as I stepped out. It became my favorite item to put on ever since I got it.

I walked the path to the park, hoping to find the basket. The journey was a death wish as my curiosity seemed to be pulling me to danger.

I stopped at the spot where I was certain I last had it, but it wasn't there. The fear of that day then struck my curiosity and held me captive. It was the black image, vivid in my head. I managed to free myself and ran back home.

I opened the front door slowly and entered the house, closing it in the same way, and then I tip toed to my room to avoid Mum's hyper sensitivity.

I sat on my bed, wondering how the basket had disappeared, or if someone took it. I couldn't tell Mum about the psychopath in black because she was already too protective of me, and it wouldn't surprise me to end up with a bodyguard in my class if she ever found out.

I heard the honk of a car and hurried to the window. A rush of excitement watered down my fears and flushed me out of my room.

Dad and Mum were in each other's arms when I showed up in the living room. They had the biggest smiles on their faces, since distance was their love story.

"Dad!" I squealed, putting asunder their warm embrace.

"Hey!" He laughed, arms opened wide, and I ran into them. "I've missed you!"

I pulled away immediately. "So are you staying?" I asked, hopeful, and his sunken face gave me my answer.

"I have an official trip to catch."

I sighed, tired of the same old story. "And you're leaving like now?" I asked. Mum stood quiet at a corner, giving me the little time to bond with him.

"Yeah..." Guilt was written all over his face. "But I brought your gifts," he smiled, an attempt to make me happy, "since your birthday is close and I'll be away"— I took the huge bag from him reluctantly—"I honestly wish I could make it."

I faked a smile. "It's okay," I said, but it wasn't okay, and they both knew it. "Safe trip," I added and turned around.

"Agnes." I heard him call my name but I didn't stop walking away to my room.

"Thanks for the gift!" I tried to sound excited, giving them their space.

I put my hand in the bag and brought out a headphone—another makeup palette—an oversized heel. I laughed to myself at the randomly picked out gifts that didn't reflect my personality. I then took out the main occupant in the bag. A pretty red dress. But not hot for a sweet sixteen. I stared at the gifts on my bed and sighed.

                   Maria's POV

Mum met me in the living room and handed me the money.

"It's over our budget," I said after I counted the cash.

"Then bring back my change."

"Now where's the reward for being a good child?"