NovelEnglishShirley wiped away his tears and, as she gazed at his face, she couldn't help but think, "Wow, Abner is really handsome. No wonder he has so many admirers." She chuckled and ruffled his hair a bit.
"Alright, no more tears. You're seventeen and still crying. What's that about? I got you a birthday present.
She gently pushed him back and opened the box at her feet.
Inside was a beautifully wrapped gift box.
She placed the gift box in front of Abner, her face brimming with a smile.
"Go on, open it." Abner, still with red eyes, sat up straight on the couch and opened the gift. "Thanks, Shirley." Just as he said that, Shirley's phone rang-it was the delivery guy, saying the cake had arrived.
She opened the door and waited for the delivery guy to reach her floor before going out to collect the cake.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtThe cake was a petite 4-inch one, small but exquisitely made.
By now, Abner had unwrapped the gift box, revealing a pair of limited-edition sneakers.
Shirley explained, "I heard from Mr. James that you enjoy playing basketball in gym class and that you're pretty good at it. So, I thought a new pair of sneakers would be perfect for you to wear on the court." Abner, now somewhat familiar with the brands, realized these sneakers weren't cheap, and his voice turned hoarse.
"Yeah." Shirley put the cake on the coffee table and lit two candles on it, with the number seventeen on top.
"Make a wish. Though it's late, we still need to go through the motions." Abner clasped his hands together and began to wish.
A minute later, he still hadn't opened his eyes.
Shirley laughed, "That many wishes, huh?" "Am I being too greedy?" "Not at all, it's your cake. Wish as much as you want." Abner's lips curved into a smile. "Yeah." They shared the cake between them.
Shirley was really tired, having pushed herself to stay awake till now.
"Shirley, you should go to bed. I'll clean up." "Alright, I'm really beat." She rubbed her eyes and headed toward the bedroom.
Abner remained on the couch, slowly enjoying the cake.
Clutching the sneakers Shirley got him, he smiled.
Back in his room, he felt too excited to sleep.
So, he ended up solving three sets of practice papers before dozing off at the desk.
Shirley could only stay for two days, and the next day, she had to head to Solstice College to submit a report, which took up her entire day until she could finally spend twith Abner in the evening. Abner spent his day doing homework until she returned, then brought out dinner from the kitchen.
"Shirley, dinner's ready." She had told him countless times not to bother with cooking, but he wouldn't listen.
Until Abner finally hung his head low yesterday and said, "Cooking makesfeel at peace. At least I'm useful in this house." Shirley's heart ached, unsure of what to say.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmAbner was still worried she'd leave him.
No amount of reassuring words could erase t thoughts in his.
mind, leaving Shirley with no but to let him continue After dinner, thinking about her flight abroad the next day, she decided to take him out for sfun tonight.
Besides, he was about to enter his senior year of high school.
"Abner, have you ever had a drink?" Abner had been to a bar before and had sfruit wine, so he nodded.
"Been to a bar, right? How about we go again tonight?" He looked down, a bit disheartened. "I don't want to go." "Why not?" He remained silent, lips pursed, quietly wiping the table.
Seeing his expression, Shirley guessed the reason and laughed.
Abner's cheeks flushed. "If you want to go, I'll go with you." "Let's find a more relaxed bar, one that's not too noisy and is safe. Minors can get in too." Abner followed her to a bar with a truly classy atmosphere, hardly resembling a typical bar.
They settled in a cozy corner.
Shirley ordered a few drinks, making sure to get him a fruit juice.
Abner didn'tplain. "Juice is fine."
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