CHAPTER 14

　　PERCIE

　　The dinner with the Wards became regular every weekend--Saturdays with my grandparents and Sundays at Hailey's. The only difference today was, I was going with her instead of driving there alone.

　　“Dad wants us to stop at the grocery first before going home.”

　　I faced Hailey. “And what he wants this time?”?

　　“He wants me to buy candles. They used the candles he bought yesterday when the electricity had a short circuit at home.”

　　“What’s he going to do with the candles this time? Didn’t he call someone to fix it?”?

　　“It’s done, but we need candles for Mom’s cake.”

　　I froze. “Hailey, wait. What’s with the candles and cake? Is your mom's birthday today? And you didn’t mention it to me?”?

　　She shrugged and smiled sheepishly. “I thought it’s not a big deal, and it’s just us like every dinner over weekends.”

　　“Still, it’s your mom’s birthday. Remind me to buy a gift, even just flowers.”