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

CHAPTER 37. Together

                     Maria's POV

Different notes laid open on my study table as I prepared for the forthcoming exams. On a separate book, I wrote down key points as I read, my glasses glued to my eyes, with a can of chilled orange juice on the side of the table in case my head starts smoking.

Their footsteps and murmuring intruded my focus. I put my pen down and turned around in my chair.

"We have a surprise for you," Dad said. They all looked excited, but Mish's expression gave me a mixed feeling.

I chuckled. "What surprise...?" I asked with a confused face. It wasn't my birthday, so guessing was hard.

"Call it a prefectship gift." Mum held Mel in her arms who looked impatient for my surprise.

I laughed. They were taking it too seriously. "It's not even official yet."

"Hey," Dad pointed his index finger at me, "you're going to maintain that title."

We all laughed at his joke.

"Well, what are you waiting for?" Mum said, and I got out of my chair to meet them, eager to see for myself.

"No peeking." Dad's hand covered my eyes and I sensed we were at our backyard. He led me further and we came to a halt.

"Okay, here we are," he said. I was more curious than excited. "In three, two-"

"Surprise!" They all cheered at the same time Dad let me see.

"Oh," I muttered to myself while staring at my gift. But the fact that my family decided to surprise me with something for being elected as a prefect was gratifying.

"You don't like it?" Mum asked, seeing how dissapointed I looked.

"Uh... It has training wheels." The bicycle had to be an investment for Mel. Like who adds extra wheels to an adult bike in this era? I wouldn't be surprised if Dad had it customised.

"Safety first," Dad said. I understood his precaution, because I'd crashed with my previous bicycle in junior class which left me with a broken leg, but he was being too extra.

"And a back seat." For grocery shopping? I didn't know which was worse. Mish tamed his laughter, and that gave me my answer to his reaction from earlier.

"Family first. Mel may want a ride." Dad stood at akimbo, giving me the smile for when he had something up his sleeves, and I got the message. Sure I'd be extra careful while riding with Mel at the back seat. The little meniac giggled in Mum's arms. She must think she's a shareholder to my property.

"I told you she wouldn't like it," Mum told Dad.

"She'll learn to love it," he replied her, and then he turned to me. "I hope you can maintain this one."

They all laughed, but I was done with his maintenance joke.

Dad walked closer to the chunky pink bicycle. He untied the rope on the left handle, setting free the pink balloon. There was too much pink.

"Congratulation." He held it out to me and I felt mocked by his smile.

"Thanks..." I received the balloon with a curt smile.

"Congratulation, sweetie." Mum giggled, walking away with Mel.

"Congratulation!" Mel expressed her excitement for the two of us.

"Break a leg." Mish laughed as he joined them.

I tightened my fist while glaring at him.

This has to be a silly prank.