Chapter 33
Chapter 33 Selecting Grandparents‘ Gifts
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When Florence heard Arabella’s question, a pleased smile appeared on her face. “Don’t worry about that- I can take care of it for you p>
Jonathan looked at Arabella warmly. His daughter was clearly thoughtful; she’d remembered to ask abour her grandparents right away.
“That’s alright, but I’d really prefer to choose the gifts myself. Since it’s my first time meeting them, I want it to be personal–it should come from me, ” Arabella replied politely.
Only a gift she picked out herself would truly reflect her regard for her elders. Letting Florence prepare it might please them on the surface, but it wouldn’t feel genuine to her own way of doing things.
Noticing Arabella’s insistence on selecting the presents alone, Naomi spoke up, “Since Arabella wants to make a kind gesture, would you like a few suggestions? I visit often, so I know what they tend to enjoy p>
Florence nodded in agreement. “That’s true. Naomi sees your grandparents more regularly than I do lately. Her advice could be helpful p>
Hearing this. Arabella gathered that Naomi must be quite close with their grandparents. It wouldn’t hurt to
listen, then.
She turned to Naomi with a curious look. “Alright, what do you think they’d like p>
Seeing Arabella finally ask for her input, Naomi allowed a faint, proud smile to show.
Ever since Arabella had returned, the family’s attention had shifted toward her, leaving Naomi feeling somewhat overlooked. Here, at least, was a chance to reaffirm her own place in the family. She began explaining easily, “ Grandpa really enjoys a good cigar now and then–you could pick up some fine imported ones for him. Grandma loves gardening; a beautiful ceramic planter or a rare seedling would make her happy. They’re not overly expensive things, but they’ll mean a lot coming from you p>
Naomi shared this with confidence. She wasn’t misleading Arabella–these were gifts she had brought them before, and they had always been well received.
“Gardening sounds fine, but… smoking isn’t good for his health, Maybe I should choose something else for Grandpa.” Arabella murmured quietly to herself after listening.
“What was that?” Naomi asked, catching the soft remark. She thought Arabella might have another question.
“ Nothing, I’ve got it now,” Arabella replied, meeting her gaze.
She then turned to her parents, “Mom, Dad, I’m finished. I’ll head upstairs–I’d like to start getting things ready for tomorrow p>
“Of course, go ahead,” Florence said, watching her daughter with fond approval as she left the table.
Arabella didn’t say more and exited the dining room.
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Chapter 33 Selecting Grandparents‘ Gifts
Seeing her go, Jonathan and Florence exchanged a contented look.
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After a moment, Florence seemed to remember something. She glanced at Naomi. “If you’re not busy, why not help Arabella with the shopping? You know which cigar brand your grandpa prefers.
“Sure, I’ll go see if she needs any help. Naomi answered with a smile and stood to go upstairs.
But Arabella had gone straight into her room and closed the door. It didn’t feel right to knock, so Naomi lingered awkwardly outside for a few seconds before returning to her own room.
After a while, she shrugged to herself. Even if the gifts Arabella chose weren’t quite right… it wasn’t really her concern, was it?
With that, Naomi drifted off to sleep.
Early the next morning, knowing she was going to meet her grandparents, Arabella got up and got ready quickly.
Naomi came out of her room at almost the same time, and the two sisters met in the hallway.
Naomi noticed the small backpack Arabella was carrying and asked curiously, “Heading out already? What for?
“Yes, I’m going to pick up the gifts,” Arabella answered plainly.
“Shopping for them? I can come along, Naomi offered, ready to help.
But Arabella politely declined. “It’s alright. I remember what you mentioned yesterday p>
“Mom said last night she was a little worried, since it’s your first time choosing something for them. She asked me to go with you. There are lots of cigar varieties and garden gifts–you might not know exactly what they prefer. It’s probably better if I join you,” Naomi explained, wearing a gentle smile.
Her tone, however, carried a slight hint of assurance–she did know their grandparents‘ tastes well, and it showed.
Though Arabella wasn’t entirely comfortable with the idea, since Florence had suggested it, and since she might end up carrying several items, having an extra pair of hands could be useful. “Alright then, let’s go p>
Down in the living room, Arabella saw Jonathan and Florence already having breakfast. She went into the kitchen and took two cartons of milk from the refrigerator. “Mom, Dad, we’ll just grab something quick on the way and go pick out the gifts first. Could you text me Grandpa’s address later? We’ll meet you there p>
“Oh? But you should have a proper breakfast,” Florence said, sounding concerned.
Naomi, too, would have preferred to sit down and eat.
But Arabella was firm. “It’s fine–there are plenty of cafés and bakeries at the mall. We’ll get a bite while we’re out. I’d rather start looking now p>
With that, she walked toward the door without waiting to see if Naomi agreed.
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Sara Lili
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.