The Legend of the Firewalker Read Online Free Page B

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 multilayered 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 don’t have 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 to give Lafonda,” 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 to 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 conf idently. “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 col onial 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