Abigail unconsciously touched her lips. She looked at her reflection through the mirror.
"That really happened."
She smiled. 'It really did happen!'
Abigail couldn't stop herself from giggling. She pulled out a box on the side and opened them.
Her smile became wider when she saw what was inside it. It was the past gifts that Hugo had given her.
It contains petals of flowers, some letters, and their pictures together.
"My greatest dream is slowly becoming true now." She took out the frame inside.
It contains the picture that they have taken on their very first outing as friends.
They were in a theme park, under the ferris wheel when they took the photo. How she misses those times when everything seems to be wonderful.
She remembered Hugo's confession earlier and the things that those people in their school had said.
If they will really bribe the head of the cafeteria to mix something on their drink, then both she and Hugo should be wary of eating there.
Without his powers earlier, then they will be both sleeping 6 feet below now.
"I need to tell Hugo what I heard at the beginning…" her eyes widened.
"I'm sure he can do something about it."
—
–
-
Hugo was helping his mother outside when his ears suddenly itched. 'Is someone talking about me?' He asked himself as he adjusted the way he stand and place both of his feet together.
"What do we need to buy, Mom?" he glanced over to his side and saw Verda busy looking at the food on the shelves.
"Just a few more things for your birthday, Hugo," Verda answered without looking back. She took the paper from her pocket and read all the things that she listed before leaving their house.
"My Birthday?" Hugo's forehead creased as he repeated her words. It was new to him since in the past they would just eat a simple dinner to celebrate his aging up day.
Verda nodded. "I will tell you later," she patted Hugo's shoulders before pushing the cart.
Hugo followed her, although he was still confused about what was happening. 'I will just wait until my mother says it.' He murmured.
They basically toured around the grocery shop from all the things that they have bought. "I thought we would just get a few things?" He questioned.
"Yes. This is just a little, Hugo. I and your father are sorry for all the years that we have celebrated your birthday in poverty. Now that your father is promoted at his work, we wanted to give back to you, even just a little."
Water pooled in Verda's eyes. She remembered the previous birthday of Hugo when they will just eat a piece of bread and place a candle in the middle to imitate a cake.
She feels sorry for Hugo, knowing that both she and his husband have neglected their duties to him when he was a child. But they had no choice, or they will die of starvation.
"How are you and Abigail, Hugo?" Verda's eyes went to Hugo.
His brows shot up, "We are fine mother, why?"
Verda shook her head. "You know, you have been friends for years now…' she paused for a while, trying to weigh his expression.
"..."
"I was just trying to say that you're not getting any younger already. If you have feelings for her, then you should pursue them."
"Mother,"
Verda shushed him. "Don't fear Abigail's parents or their wealth. You have a bright future ahead of you, Hugo."
"I know that," Hugo sighed.
He helped Verda when it was their turn to the cashier already. He places the things inside a plastic bag and carried them in his hands.
"Are you sure it's not heavy?" Verda problematically looked at Hugo. She keeps telling him that she could carry some plastic bags, but he simply said no.
"Nah, I can do this." Hugo simply shrugged his shoulders as they wait for a cab. He didn't mind carrying all the plastics since they were not heavy at all for him.
When they successfully rode a cab, Hugo sat beside his mother. Verda looked outside before turning her gaze at him.
"Your father is earning enough already. You can quit that job of yours."
"How did you know that?" Hugo's lips parted in silent surprise. 'I thought I was careful enough?"
"That's a secret," Verda chuckled. A moment of silence surfaced before she could speak once again.
"Do you like her?" She asked, portraying Lilith.
"Lilith?"
Verda nodded. She stared at him for a couple of seconds, trying to get an answer. It was nice that Hugo could open up to her about these things. It was rare for children to open up to their parents in this generation.
"Nope," Hugo, obviously said no. He grinned, 'But we don't know about her mother,' he whispered in his mind because obviously, he couldn't say that out loud.
"How about Abigail then?"
Hugo remained silent as he tried to change the subject. It seems like his mother was eager to know anything about all the women around him.
"Mother, you said that you will tell me something. I want to know it already."
Verda chuckled. She tilted her head and jokingly winked at Hugo.
"Your father decided to celebrate your birthday in a garden nearby our house. We will cook the food and invite some people."She happily announced.
"Remember your 16th birthday? We just ate some noodles that time and we didn't celebrate the age where you finally become legal." She apologetically uttered since in Lunaria, once a person turned 16, that means he/she was at a mature age already.
"Now that we have enough money, we wanted to celebrate it. You should invite Abigail and some of your friends."
"Oh," Hugo nodded.
"And we have an important guest too! That's why we should prepare for your birthday."
"Who is it?" Hugo questioned back. It was rare for her mother to be this excited over a guest.
"I invited Julius Achre! He said that he will gladly come on your birthday!"
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Author's Note- In this novel, the legal age for a person is 16. That's why don't panic because the FBI won't knock on your door!