“No, she didn’t,” grinned Roy, returning back to his search. “But I do recall her mentioning something about her making the Dean’s list and earning all As both semesters.”
“Ugh!” groaned Nathan. “Whatever.” His stomach continued to growl as he perused the refrigerator. “Is there anything to eat?”
“I don’t know, you will have to look for yourself,” said Roy, shuffling through the pots and pans. “And how do you expect her to know all this information about you when you barely speak to her?”
“Whatever,” mumbled Nathan, continuing his search.
The metal clinking sounds from the cabinet ceased again. “Ah-ha!” shouted Roy. “I found it!”
Grudgingly, Nathan closed the refrigerator door and eyed the small orange juice bottle in his hand before opening it. “Do we have anything else?” he complained. “Like, perhaps food?”
Triumphantly, Roy stood in front of him with a medium-sized silver colored pan in his hands.
“You spent all that time looking for a pan?”
“Yes – I like to spend my time aimlessly looking for pans I don’t need,” Roy said, sarcastically. He grinned. “LaDonda is baking a multi-layered cake for Lafonda’s birthday party tomorrow and she didn’t have all the pans needed at the house.”
“That’s tomorrow!” exclaimed Nathan, almost spilling orange juice from his mouth.
“Yes, tomorrow night actually,” said Roy. “And I guess it’s safe to assume you haven’t a birthday present.”
“Uh – yeah,” stuttered Nathan, his face turning red now. “I guess you can say that.”
Roy smiled, pulled out a brown box from underneath the kitchen island, and began to pack it with various cake pans. “I’ve already taken the liberty of getting a gift for you,” he said, gesturing towards the hallway. “It’s in the hallway closet.”
Nathan’s face continued to redden as he looked apologetically at his grandfather. “Thanks, Grandpa,” he said. “For helping me not – look so bad.”
“No, problem,” answered Roy with a grin. “Now, do me a favor and help me carry this stuff over to the main house. Do you think you can grab the presents from the closet?”
“Sure thing!” said Nathan heading over to the closet. “So, what did I get her?”
Inside the hallway closet, next to the front door, were several presents on the top shelf. One in particular, with a large red ribbon wrapped around it, stood out. The shiny red box was really small compared to the others and the big red ribbon around it dwarfed it in comparison. Based on the size, Nathan guessed it probably was a ring, or a necklace, or some piece of small jewelry.
He headed back into the kitchen, presents in hand, and laid them across the table. “So – which one of these is mine to give?” he asked.
Roy glanced up and followed Nathan’s gaze to the small red box. “You pick,” he said. He paused and then casually pointed. “Why don’t you give her that one?”
Reluctantly, Nathan reached out, but then hesitated. “Are you sure?” he asked. “It looks expensive. What’s in it?”
“It’s a surprise,” said Roy, enthusiastically. “For both of you.”
“For both of us?” Nathan asked, incredulously. “I doubt that I will be too excited about Lafonda receiving another piece of jewelry.” He grinned. “I think her boyfriend has that covered.”
“Well, I think this one will be special,” said Roy, confidently. “Now, let’s take this stuff over to LaDonda – before she starts calling me.”
With presents in tow, Nathan followed his grandfather across the sprawling green lawn and towards the white colonial mansion adorned with large white pillars. The warmth of the sun felt nice against Nathan’s skin and he suddenly had an urge to hit the pool. I wonder why he’s being so cryptic about what’s in the red box? he pondered.
His grandfather suddenly stumbled in front of him and Nathan soon began to question who should be carrying the brown box. “Maybe I should be carrying the pans?” he called out.
“I’m fine,” uttered Roy, while attempting to secure the box in his hands. “I know you think I’m an old grandpa – but I can handle it.” He attempted to glance back at Nathan. “However,” he added, gesturing over to the garden with his head. “The weeds have really sprouted up in the garden this year – you think you can help me by cleaning up the garden before you leave for camp? You do remember that you leave for camp on Friday?”
Nathan sighed. Is it that soon? He’d thought he would have more time to relax before being thrust into camp to watch over some whiny teenagers.
Although he had just turned nineteen about a month ago, Nathan would hardly consider himself in the same category as the younger teens that normally attended camp. “Of course!” he responded quickly. He said it with such enthusiasm that he almost convinced himself. “I’m – almost ready to go.”
“Nice try,” chuckled Roy, heartily. He gestured again. “Let’s go through the back. I propped the kitchen door open earlier.”
As they neared the back of the house, Nathan could hear voices and sounds of laughter out by the pool area. At first glance, it appeared to be Lafonda and her boyfriend Jim. He noticed the palms of his hands started to tingle again as he placed the gifts out on the kitchen table. “Where should I put these?” he asked. “Are you hiding them until the party?”
“Um – no,” said Roy, while unloading the box. “Avery and Amelia want to talk to Lafonda after she opens their gift.” He paused to examine one of the larger cake pans before placing it on the counter. “And because of the time difference in London, LaDonda is having a pre-birthday lunch celebration today.”
“Uh, that’s cool,” muttered Nathan, while occasionally glancing outside the window at the pool area. “But, I’m starving now.” Unconsciously, he massaged the palms of his hands. The tingling sensation was starting to make his hands feel numb. “What time does this birthday lunch thing start?”
“Soon,” said Roy, eyeing him suspiciously as Nathan rubbed his hands. “LaDonda went to pick-up lunch from the Darding’s Italian restaurant in town.”
Nathan pursed his lips. “Well, I’m sure that was Lafonda’s boyfriend’s idea,” he muttered.
“Actually it was his parents,” Roy responded with a grin. “You know they’ve always been fond of Lafonda.”
“Yeah, yeah,” Nathan spouted, slightly irritated. “And I’m sure they can’t wait for Jim to marry her.” He continued to massage his hands. “They’re not even Italian!”
“Okay, what is wrong with your hands?” demanded Roy. “Do you need some ointment or something?”
Nathan suddenly looked embarrassed and dropped his hands to his sides. Roy stared at him as if he had just caught his hands in the cookie jar. “I think we’d better get some ointment” he added sternly.
The outside door to the kitchen opened and Nathan and his grandfather both turned to the sound. Slowly, LaDonda entered the house with a tray of sandwiches in her hands, followed by Jim and Lafonda. Jim was also carrying a tray of food. Lafonda was still wearing her bathing suit and occasionally used the towel around Jim’s neck to pat the water that fell from his hair onto his body.
“You can place that one over here,” said LaDonda, directing Jim to place his tray next to hers. She smiled. “Make sure you thank your parents again for me for lunch.”
“No problem, Mrs. Devaro,” Jim responded, eagerly. “Do you think it will be enough?”
“Way too much,” commented Nathan. “I’m sure we could feed a small village with the leftovers.”
LaDonda frowned and Roy quickly gave him a disapproving glare. “Um – Nathan,” he stammered. “You were just starving a second ago.”
“Well, I appreciate the generosity,” said Lafonda, wrapping her arms around Jim’s waist. She gave him a hug followed by a quick peck on the cheek. “I’m glad that your parents are so giving and that they taught their son well.”
Jim smiled a huge grin of approval and Lafonda turned around ju
st in time to receive a disapproving glare from Nathan. She responded with a sarcastic smile.
“Oh!” exclaimed LaDonda. “It’s almost time for your parents to call. Let’s move to the front living room and open presents.”
“Okay,” said Lafonda, cheerfully. “Let me run upstairs and quickly change clothes.”
“Do you think you might want to – put on a shirt?” sneered Nathan, while glaring at Jim.
Jim eyed him and then forced a smile. “Nope,” he said, running a hand across his bare abs and chest. “I’m good.”
Roy loudly cleared his throat and then shook his head. “Here, Nathan,” he said, handing him a plate with two sandwiches. “I know you wouldn’t want to waste any food.”
The spacious front living room of the Devaro Mansion was fully arranged with white and beige colored furniture. LaDonda had decorated the room with a New Orleans French Quarter style. Each window in the room was adorned with plush, intricately patterned draperies and in every corner was a large green potted plant. The contrasting dark walnut floor made all the white and beige pieces inviting. Sunlight easily filled the room from the enormous picture windows and the silver picture frames and various antiques on the mantel above the fireplace shone brilliantly in the natural light.
LaDonda stood in the center of the room with cell phone in hand while occasionally peeking outside the window. “You guys go ahead and open presents,” she said.
“Happy birthday, Lafonda!” said Jim enthusiastically, before anyone else could. He handed her a slim rectangular box. “Here, open mine first.”
“I don’t have to be psychic to know what that is,” mumbled Nathan.
Both Roy and Lafonda turned to face him and frowned. She then rolled her eyes and focused her attention back on Jim. “It’s beautiful,” she said, opening the gold box.
“What a surprise,” muttered Nathan. “Another gold necklace; how original.”
“Do you like the charm?” asked Jim, referring to the gold letters J D that dangled from the middle of the necklace.
Nathan chuckled and then quickly tried to stifle his laughter. “Wasn’t that so thoughtful of Jim to give you such a fine piece of jewelry to wear around your neck?” he asked, sarcastically. “Jim my man, you really outdid yourself this time.” He grinned again. “I’m sure Lafonda will wear it every day!”
Lafonda glowered and pursed her lips while Jim attempted to reach around her. “Here babe,” he said, cheerfully, ignoring Nathan. “Try it on.”
Lafonda’s shoulders seemed to cringe slightly at the sound of the word babe. “Thank you, again,” she said, while gently touching the gold letters that now lay flat against her chest. “It’s lovely.”
Next, she opened several gifts from Roy. “I hope the IUCF shirts will fit okay,” he grinned.
She smiled reassuringly. “I’m sure they will,” she said, taking a pause. “But – why the sunglasses?”
Roy grinned again. “I’m sure they’ll come in handy eventually,” he said. “Maybe out by the pool – you’ll figure it out.”
She eyed him suspiciously and then shrugged. “Okay then,” she said with a smile, giving him a big hug. “Then they’re all perfect.”
Reluctantly, Nathan headed over towards the table. “I guess I’m up next,” he mumbled. The only gift left on the table was the small red box with the huge red ribbon. He could feel Jim’s glare beaming down on him as he reached for the box. Nathan loudly cleared his throat and stared back at him, and Jim slowly stepped back. “Happy birthday!” said Nathan, gracefully handing her the box.
Lafonda beamed. “Thank you, Nathan,” she grinned.
“But wait,” said Nathan, appearing confused. “You don’t even know what’s in it yet.”
“Whatever it is, I’m sure it’s brilliant!” she said, glancing over at Roy.
Carefully, she unraveled the red ribbon and placed it and the tiny red lid on the table. Lafonda’s mouth slowly fell open and her eyes began to tear as she spoke in a light whisper. “I thought I’d lost it forever.”
Jim leaned over her shoulder and Nathan carefully inched closer to see what was in the box. Lafonda smiled as she tried to choke back her tears. “And it’s just as beautiful as the day I lost it,” she said. “All those years ago.” She turned to look at Nathan and then at Roy. “Where did you find it?”
“I found it about a month ago while tending to the rose bushes behind the main house,” said Roy, quickly placing an arm around Nathan before he could speak. “You know – where you kids would play when you were little.” He gave Nathan a slight nudge. “Nathan thought it would be nice to clean it up and give it to you as a surprise for your birthday.”
“Um, yeah – right!” stumbled Nathan, quickly chiming in.
“Okay, so, what is it?” interrupted Jim, sounding annoyed.
Lafonda turned to glower at him before carefully removing the small golden object from the box. “It’s the locket my grandfather gave to me – before he died,” she said in a low voice. “I was only seven when he gave it to me.” She paused and her eyes swelled with tears again. “I lost it shortly after and I guess I never really stopped looking for it.”
LaDonda smiled. “Yes, I remember the day he gave it to you,” she said, stepping away from the window. “Jackson really wanted you to have that locket.” She paused to peer out of the window again. “You know – it originally belonged to Nathan’s mother.”
“My mother?” asked Nathan, in a high-pitched voice.
“Yes, Nathan,” she said, while glancing at Roy. She cleared her throat. “Grace gave it to Lafonda’s grandfather shortly after she had you.” She paused again and then enthusiastically looked back from the window. “Okay everyone, let’s continue this party outside!”
“Huh?” muttered Lafonda. She looked confused. “How come?”
“Come on,” said LaDonda, while ushering everyone out the front door. “But wait for me hun.” She took Lafonda by the hand and then held up her cell phone. “I want you to walk out with me but let’s get your parents on the line first.”
The noon sun was set high in the summer sky and reflected a red glare into Nathan’s eyes. It took him only a moment to realize that it wasn’t the sun causing the red glare, but the shiny new red Ferrari sitting in the driveway.
“Oh, my God!” Lafonda screamed.
“Happy birthday!” smiled LaDonda, taking the phone from Lafonda as she bolted towards the car.
“It’s my car!” Lafonda yelled. “It even has the color seats I wanted!” She turned to look at her grandmother. “I can’t believe it!”
“It’s from me and your parents,” explained LaDonda, while talking on the phone.
Jim suddenly looked animated and he had a huge smile on his face. “It’s the new Ferrari Spider,” he said, with excitement in his voice. “It has over 500 horse power.”
“Thank you, thank you, Grandma!” repeated Lafonda, giving her a long hug and then taking the phone to talk to her parents.
“Um,” stuttered Nathan. He leaned into his grandfather and then gestured towards Jim. “Was he – in on this?”
Roy paused to take a deep breath and then sighed happily. “Well, that’s what happens when you sleep when everyone’s awake son,” he chuckled. “You miss things.”
“Okay, Dad,” said Lafonda reassuringly over the phone. “I will drive safe – and wear my seat belt.” She smiled. “I love you too and tell Mom that I really love the gift and that I really miss you guys so much! Yes, I will call again after my test drive.”
Lafonda handed the phone back to her grandmother and squealed. “I am so excited!” she yelled, opening the door to the convertible and sliding in.
Without hesitation, Jim eagerly jumped into the passenger seat. “You ready to take this baby for a spin?” he asked.
Lafonda smiled happily as she turned the key in the ignition. She then turned to look at Nathan. “Hey!” she said. “You want to take it for a spin when we get back?”
Jim frowned. He appeared taken aback by her gesture. A brief moment passed and then Nathan shook his head. “Nah, that’s okay,” he said. “We can go for a spin tomorrow.”
“Oh – okay,” she responded slowly.
“Let’s go, babe!” shouted Jim over the life of the engine.
She smiled again and then put the car into gear. Jim impatiently started to tap his fingers on the dashboard. “Are you sure you know how to drive this thing?” he asked.
“Yep, and I just need one thing,” she said, as she put on her new sunglasses that hung from the crest of her shirt.” She waved one hand in Roy’s direction as the red car sped down the U-shaped driveway. “Thanks, Roy!”
Nathan spent the rest of the afternoon helping his grandfather prepare the den for Lafonda’s birthday party. He thought the den was quite nice actually and the Devaros often used it as a family room. The room also housed a small library that was accessible by a mezzanine that created a second floor. He would often stare out the second floor window, especially after the first snow, while enjoying the sounds of the crackling fireplace from down below.
LaDonda was busy in the kitchen making the birthday cake but made several appearances to make certain that the room was decorated just right; not too many balloons, but festive with color.
In the evening, Lafonda went over to Jim’s house to show her new car to Jim’s parents and some of their friends. Nathan hid away in the cottage, hoping not to be forced by his grandfather to accompany her. He wasn’t comfortable at all around the Dardings and didn’t want to try to fit in with them especially since most of their conversations, one way or another, were about cars, boats, vacations, and money.
Quietly, he lay in bed while allowing his gaze to aimlessly float around the room. He immediately noticed a bottle of Wool’s Ointment for the treatment of fungus and other eukaryotic causing ailments on one of his pillows. Roy had obviously put it there for him to use to solve his hand-scratching problem.
Nathan sighed. He thought about taking out his suitcase to start packing for his time at camp, but his mind kept wondering elsewhere. He glanced over at the two picture frames of his parents that were nestled in the corner of his desk. One of the frames, the one that appeared aged and carved out of wood, was of their wedding photo. The picture and the frame was his mom’s, so he would often take it to school with him and on extended trips.
The Legend of the Firewalker Page 3