The little Boy

2: The Little Boy

The waitress is soon back with their orders. The three girls momentarily forget their conversation and dig. For someone who ordered the most food, Kylie is the first to finish eating. She wipes the corners of her mouth with a napkin. "Such a nice meal," she says, satisfied. The other two just stare at her. For people who have been sister and friend to her for years, it still surprises them to see her eat the most and finish it all up in the twinkling of an eye.

"What is it?" Kylie asks when she notices their stares.

"You know what? Never mind," Serah replies.

Her twin scoffs. "Anyway, Camilla darling, you don't have to feel downcast. The day is just starting, after all. Just give it time and everything will fall in place," she says. The certainty in her tone brings a smile to her friend's face.

In a few minutes, the three girls are in the street.

"Where do you guys think we should go?" Kylie asks.

"I would have loved to go to work," Camilla replies.

The twins glance at each other and give her a weird look. "It's a Saturday," they say in unison.

Camila's eyes roll. "I know that. I just wish it were a weekday so I can spend time at the library," she replies.

Without warning, Kylie links their arms and begins to pull her. "Um, where are we going?" Serah asks from behind the two.

"We're heading to the park. Maybe we can do something there," Kylie replies.

"Not a bad idea," Serah whispers.

Camilla facepalms. "Alright. Let's go then."

The park is busy today, as should be. It's mid-morning on a Saturday, after all. Families and friends had already arrived before the three girls got there.

"Looks like we'll have lots of company today," Kylie says.

Serah scoffs. "We're here to have fun with the birthday girl, not talk to total strangers," she reminds her sister.

"But the three of us can't stay here alone. We still need more people to…."

Camilla blocks out their voices as an argument starts brewing between the twins. Those two are so different, it makes them argue over the smallest things. She decides to watch the people in the park. There are about three families here. They look so closely knit and happy. One family to the right came with a birthday cake. "One of them must be celebrating today," she whispers to herself. A tear slips down her cheek.

"I see you are sad. But there's no reason to be," she hears someone say. Camilla looks around her but apart from her bickering friends, no one else is close to them.

'Maybe I'm just hearing things,' she says in thought.

"No, you're not," the voice comes again.

Camilla looks around for the second time, confused. Deciding not to let it slide, she says, "Who are you and why do you sound so close, yet I can't see you?"

"That's because I'm inside you, silly. My name is Ava and I'm your wolf," the voice responds.

Camilla is frozen for some time. Then she suddenly starts jumping.

Kylie hears her scream and stops yelling at her sister. "Camilla, what is it?" she asks as the two of them rush to their friend's side.

"You guys won't believe it," Camilla squeals.

The twins exchange glances and stare at her. "What happened?" they ask in unison.

Camilla collapses on the vibrant green grass. While trying to catch her breath, she says, "My wolf….my wolf just spoke to me."

Serah's face breaks into smiles while her sister continues squealing from where their friend stopped. "You see what we told you? The day is just starting and everything will fall into place," Serah says.

"So what's her name?" Kylie asks as the two sisters sit beside her.

"She said her name is Ava," comes the reply.

"A lovely name," Serah remarks.

"I'm so happy for you. At least you have something to be excited about," Kylie says, giving Camilla a tight hug.

During the conversation, a child inches closer to the three of them.

Serah is the first to notice him. "Hello there. How can we help you?" she asks.

"Um....hi," he stutters. He brings out a little package from behind his back. "I just wanted to give this to Miss Camilla."

His shyness made him look cuter. "Really? That's for me?" Camilla asks.

"Yes, Miss. It's not much but…." He doesn't get the chance to finish his statement before she pulls him into her arms.

"Thank you so much. I really appreciate this," she whispers in his ears. The little boy smiles, hands her the gift, and runs back to his parents.

"I wonder who he is and how he knows you," Kylie comments when the boy is out of earshot.

"I could be anyone, Kylie. Don't forget that the Gael family is very popular," Serah replies as she takes a seat on the bench beside them, internally wondering why the other two are still sitting on the grass.

"He might be from the daycare I used to work at. His face looks a little familiar," Camilla says as she unwraps the little box. The twins wait for her, anticipating what could be inside.

Tears well up in Camilla's eyes when she sees the contents of the box. There was a necklace with a star pendant and a chocolate bar beside it.

"Aww, this is so cute," Kylie gushes.

"He's definitely from the daycare," Camilla states with a broad smile.

"How are you so sure?" Serah asks.

"The older kids once asked me my birthday. On another day, they asked me what I would consider the best gift," she replies.

"And the answer was a necklace with a star pendant?" Serah questions with a raised eyebrow.

"Well yeah. I didn't know what else to tell them because I didn't really have anything in mind at the time," she answers. Kylie helps her hook the necklace at the back of her neck.

Serah smirks. "This kid's got taste. The gold really compliments your skin," she says.

"I agree," her sister affirms