16 The Promise (5)

[Williams point of view]

We played some board games and I found out some of her interests.

Mia was very fond of fairy tale stories, especially those with Princesses who have happy endings. She likes cute and adorable things, she likes animals and visiting the zoo.

I'd like to go with her when we're free. I always knew she was nice, but it seems she's having a hard time talking with other children, just like me.

She was awkward when she's trying to explain herself and ends up saying the wrong things most of the time, yet I found this charming. She's not good with scary things.

She's the only child so she's not good with interacting with other children. Mia was the youngest even with her other relatives, so it ended up with them taking care of her rather than playing since they are older.

"Kids, time to eat."

We went out of Mia's room and ran towards the kitchen. It was a simple meal, mostly what kids like when they have parties.

There was also a cake with 9 candles on it.

The atmosphere was fun, her mother was kind and would ask about my family circumstances once in a while.

When she heard that we were by ourselves, she looked at both of us and said, "You are welcome to come here when you feel lonely over your house. Mia doesn't have any playmates, so it would surely make her happy."

I and my sister both said "Thank you" for her kind offer.

Once we were done eating and the candles were blown. It was time to open the presents and Mia opened my present first, carefully removing the gift wrap. She looked very excited but she tried to contain herself from ripping the gift wrap up.

The wrapping was removed so she was able to open the box.

When Mia saw the stuffed animal, her eyes brightened with delight.

She hugged the bunny then said, "thank you."

It was a sight to see when the present you bought for a person was received with love and delight.

I was scratching the back of my head in embarrassment while her mother was looking at me like she was amused.

Alas, the day ended and we had to go home. It was a simple celebration unlike the birthday parties that I used to attend or the parties my parents would throw for us, but I prefer this kind of atmosphere. It felt relaxing and intimate at the same time.

While we were walking home my sister started a conversation.

"Your friend seems nice," she said while looking at me.

"Yeah, she is. She always shares her food with me," I said.

"I see, her family is nice too. You like her don't you?" She said while smiling with a grin.

I was blushing when she threw me this straight ball so I instantly said, "No."

I then heard my sister snickering while we walk.

I decided to ask her something that was bothering me, "Why did you want to tag along today?"

My sister was scowling when she heard the question. She sighed and said, "It was either this or go out with a bunch of girls in an amusement park. Those girls may look nice and all but they sure as hell like to squabble about the smallest things."

I laughed when I heard this. My sister is very patient and understanding person, so hearing her say that was a surprise and delight at the same time.

"Anyway, you said it was a birthday so there's gotta be cake, right." She said matter of fact.

She does love sweet stuff and it seems she just wanted to eat free food.

…

Monday arrived, and it was time for lunch. Mia moved her chair per usual but this time her lunch box was double layered.

She removed the lid and gave one of the layers to me and said, "Mom said a growing child needs more nutritious food so she packed more."

Her mom is a really nice and caring person.

Once in a while, my sister and I would visit Mia's house to play. Our classes usually ended at 3 pm so we had a lot of time to spend playing at her house.

Our lives revolve like that, it seems perfect and a year has passed.

We moved up to the next grade and we were designated in the same class again. I felt like moving here was the best decision my father made for us until my father suddenly visited said something outrageous again.

"We have to move to the US. The business venture with the Americans was pushed through so pack your things. I have already made the arrangements for your next school." He said bluntly.

When I heard this, I felt angry, sad and indignant. All I could remember were blurs because of my running and crying.

I ran away, I ran as fast as I could while I was crying. While I was running, it seems like the direction my feet led me was Mia's house.

It was already late so I was hesitating to knock on the door. I sat on their doorstep thinking of what to do next when Mia's father came home.

"Will, why are you outside of the house? Come inside, it's already late," he said kindly.

The years from hard work was ingrained on his face but his nature was worlds apart better than my father. He stretched his hand and patted my head while leading me inside their house.

When Mrs. Hill saw me crying, she came and gave me a hug while saying, "It's okay Will, whatever it is, you can stay here." She said kindly and went to the kitchen to prepare hot chocolate.

Mia who heard the door opening, she went out of her room as she thought it was her father arriving. She was surprised to see me there, crying.

She approached me and asks, "What's wrong?"

I could not get the words out as I choked up crying.

She then started to cry with me even though she did not know the reason.

She held my hand and was crying beside me until I was able to calm down.

Original novel by Chuchuwachuwa

Editor - Chocolate Cake