Chapter 2015

"Fred, what's wrong?" Fred heard Jacqueline's voice ring out and snapped back to his senses, staring at the girl before him. "Did you hear what I just said to you?" Jacqueline asked again. "What?" Fred asked. "It's my birthday in a week, so you can't forget to give me a present!" The little one asked for a present. "Present?" Fred repeated, confused. "You're not giving me any?" Jacqueline asked, those bright eyes staring at him. Fred noted what seemed like disappointment on her face and felt guilty for not getting her a birthday present. "So... What do you want for your birthday?" Fred almost stammered. "I don't know. It should be a surprise," Jacqueline said and acted like a grownup. "You have to give it to me in front of everyone!" Unable to contain her excitement, she beamed brightly. Fred looked right at Jacqueline's smile, a little startled. There was no way he could give her a present with everyone watching. The Valor family did not want him to attend the party. Altho