One faithful morning, very early, Mr. Leonard walked into his son's room with a plate of cake in his hands. He met the boy still sleeping and he shouted, "Wake up, wake up, Gregor!" Gregor woke up and sat up. "Good morning father," he said. Immediately, his father started singing a birthday song to him. Just then, the boy realized it's actually his birthday. Gregor was happy to witness his 10th year birthday. He thanked his father for the wonderful surprise. "I am sorry son that I couldn't throw a party for you," his father said. "I promise to make it up to you." "Oh father," said Gregor. "You have done more than enough. Thank you." "Now get up and take your bath," said Mr. Leonard. "Also put on your new clothes. Your best friend Oliver will soon be here. As for me, I will soon leave for the poultry to see if I can make some sales today." Gregor got up and did as his father had instructed. Both father and son had breakfast and the father went out.
Later on, in the afternoon, Gregor was trying to catch some sleep since he didn't go out. Suddenly, he heard a heavy knock on the door. He rised quickly and headed for the door to see who it was. As he opened the door, he saw his friend Oliver who was also his classmate. Oliver gave him a big hug saying, "Happy birthday to you my friend." "Please come in," said Gregor. "Here is my gift for you," said Oliver as he presented a rapped gift. "Thanks a lot, friend," replied Gregor as he collected the gift and placed it on the table before them. "Aren't you going to open it?" asked Oliver. "I will do so later," replied Gregor. Noticing the sadness on Gregor's face, Oliver asked, "What's wrong, my friend? Why are you moody?" Gregor took a deep breath as he got comfortable to explain himself. Then he started, "Today marks my 10th year birthday and also 10 years since my mother died. As you already know, she died while giving bath to me. Every birthday of mine reminds me of her death. Ever since she died, my father has refused to remarry not just because he's poor but because he doesn't want that I should be maltreated by the so called second wife. But it makes me sad to see my father alone." "No, Gregor," interrupted Oliver. "I disagree. Your father is not alone. He has you, he's biggest treasure." "I know my father loves me," said Gregor. "And that is why I will study and work hard. I'll make him very proud of me. You and I will become doctors in the future and I'll cure his heart attack." "Does heart attack have a cure?" Asked Oliver. "I don't know," replied Gregor. "I will ask my teacher when I get to school on Monday." "Enough of all these talks," said Oliver. "I don't want to see you sad anymore. Please enjoy your day, my friend." "Ok Sir," said Gregor as he stood to his feet. "I shall do as you have said, Sir." They both laughed as they went outside to play and celebrate.
The next day, very early in the morning. There was a heavy knock on the door. Mr Leonard wondered who it was so early. He quickly went to open the door. "Today, you will pay my money. I won't leave here without my money," said Mr. Jude. (Mr. Leonard has been owing him for the past one year.) "Calm down Gentleman," said Mr. Leonard. "At list come inside and have a seat." "No," said Mr. Jude. "I will collect my money right here and right now." "I will pay you," said Mr. Leonard. "When?" Asked Mr. Jude. "Is it when Jesus comes the second time?" Gregor heard loud voices outside and ran out to see who it was. He met Mr. Jude attacking his father and he interfered by saying, "please sir, calm down. Take it easy on my father. He will pay you." "Shut up you kid," shouted Mr. Jude. "What do you know. Never again interrupt when adults are talking!" He stopped for a minute and realized that he was the only one shouting. So he lowered his voice and said, "Well, I will go. But the next time i return, it wouldn't be favourable." So he left. Turning to Gregor, Mr. Leonard said, "It's becoming more difficult to cover our expenses and also pay for your school fees, my son. Do not worry, as long as I'm alive, I will make sure you attend university and graduate. Just study hard." "I will study hard and make you proud," said Gregor. "You are the only one I have and I love you father." "I love you too, my son," said Mr. Leonard as both father and son went back into the house.
Gregor worked hard from that day to support his father. He also studied hard along side his friend Oliver. His father was his reason for living. He dreamt to become wealthy some day and wipe all his tears away. But things don't sometimes work according to our dream, do they?
Gregor and Oliver grew up together and studied towards becoming doctors. When Gregor became 18years old, he was already in the SS3 class. He decided to write his SSCE (Senior Secondary Certification Examination) outside the school because his school was expensive to write SSCE in. He registered for private lesson which he attended everyday after school. Oliver joined him because they loved doing things together. There, Gregor met a girl named Pretty. Pretty had a pretty friend named Emily. Emily was the one who caught Gregor's eyes. Gregor was too shy to approach Emily so he approached Pretty instead.
"Hi girl," said Gregor. "Hello," replied Pretty. "Any problem?" "Not at all," answered Gregor. "Something tells me you'll make a good friend." Pretty was flattered by his words. "Is that a friend request?" She asked. "Yes," replied Gregor. "I'm Gregor and you?" "I'm Pretty and your friend request is accepted," said Pretty. Oliver interrupted saying, "Guy, won't you go home or do you want to stay here?" "What are you saying bro?" Asked Gregor. "I'm sleeping here. Can't you see my bed?" Turning to Pretty he said, "Don't mind him. He's my friend Oliver. But that's not the purpose for this discussion. I saw you yesterday with another girl. She's beautiful and dark in complexion." "Oh! You mean Emily?" Asked Pretty. "She's my friend. I can hook you up with her. She's nice and friendly." "I will be grateful if you can do so," said Gregor. "Thanks a lot." "You are welcome," replied Pretty. "See you tomorrow," said Oliver as he went off with Gregor.
Pretty could not wait to get to Emily's house and tell her about Gregor. "Emily, Emily," she shouted as she entered the house. Emily quickly came out and asked, "What happened? Who is chasing you?" "Sit down here," Pretty said. "I have good news to share with you." They both sat down in the living room. Then, Pretty started, "You remember Gregor, the guy I told you I am crushing on?" Said Pretty. "yes I do," said Emily. "well I saw him today and he approached me. He said that we should be friends. He also wanted to hook up with you," said Pretty. "For what?" Asked Emily. "I don't know," replied Pretty. "Perhaps he wants to be your friend too." Emily got angry and said, "That guy is too noisy and full of himself. I dislike him and now it turns out he wants to be my friend. He is always up and doing in the class. He answers every question that comes his way. As if he knows everything." "Emily, you should have said that you envy him instead of the long story," opined Pretty. "What ever," said Emily. "All I know is that I'm not hooking up with him." "Tell me," said Pretty. "Why do you dislike him this much?" "I don't know to be honest," replied Emily. "I feel something for him and I think it's dislike. All my life, I've not seen someone who challenges me like he does. He seems not to care who my father is." "Ok, my friend. I respect your decision," said Pretty as they tried to change the topic.
The next day after lesson, Oliver and Gregor were about leaving when Pretty stopped them and told Gregor what Emily said. "That's too bad," said Gregor. "I really thought that I could be friends with Emily. Thanks anyways." "Gregor, two days from today is Emily's 18 year birthday," said Pretty. "I would love it if you can come. We both can spend time together." "No Pretty," said Gregor. "Need not be for Emily to dislike me even more." "Don't worry Gregor," said Pretty. "I will talk to her she's my friend. Please feel free to come." "Ok, I will think about it," said Gregor. "Pretty, you are looking pretty today," said Oliver jokingly. "I never knew you were this pretty." "Don't mind my friend Oliver," said Gregor. "He's just being silly." They all laughed as they went their ways.
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