The Legend of the Firewalker Read Online Free PDF Page B

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 gold 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,” LaDonda 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 enth usiastically 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 reflec ted 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, before speaking 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 e xcitement in his voice. “It has over 500 horsepower.”
    “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 happ ily. “Well, that’s what happens when you sleep and 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 passe nger seat. “You ready to take this baby for a spin?” he asked.
    Lafonda smiled 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