The Legend of the Firewalker Read Online Free PDF

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 his grandson 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 furniture. LaDonda had decorated the room with a New Orleans French Quarter style. Each window in the room was adorned with intricately patterned plush draperies, and in every corner was a large potted plant. The contrasting walnut floor made all the white and beige furniture pieces inviting. Sunlight easily filled the room through the enormous picture windows, and the silver picture frames and various antiques on the mantel 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 the 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,” mu mbled 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 charms?” asked Jim, referring to the gold letters J and D that dangled from 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 Lafonda 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 attemp ted 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 T-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 eve ntually,” 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 whisper. “I thought I’d lost it for good.”
    Jim leaned over her shoulder and Nathan