章 7: Gift Shopping...
Bianca walked with the twins through the brightly lit mall, its soaring glass ceiling letting in sunlight that streamed over the bustling crowds. Stores of every kind lined the polished floors—clothing boutiques, tech hubs, and toy shops. Fountains burbled in central courtyards, surrounded by cozy seating areas where shoppers rested with cups of coffee or bags overflowing with purchases.
The twins were practically vibrating with excitement as they craned their necks to see every display window.
"This place is huge! How're we supposed to find anything?" Mason exclaimed, spinning in place as he tried to take it all in.
"Don't worry! I know where to go!" Jason said, his eyes lighting up.
Before Bianca could ask what he meant, Jason bolted down a side corridor.
"Jason! Wait for us!" Bianca called, hurrying to catch up.
She and Mason finally caught up to him in a store filled with shelves of colorful fabric and bins of tiny accessories. A giant sign hung above the entrance: "Build Your Best Buddy!"
"Jason, this place is adorable," Bianca said, taking in the rows of soft toy patterns and the smell of cotton stuffing in the air. "This is perfect! Your dad would love a handmade gift from you two."
"Really?" Jason said, puffing up with pride.
"The only question is...what kind of animal should it be?"
"I know! I know!" Mason said, dashing over to one of the shelves. He held up a teal dragon with glittering wings and a golden belly. Its soft, round snout made it look both fierce and cuddly.
"A dragon! That's a good choice," Bianca said.
"Or maybe this one!" Jason chimed in, holding up a lion with a plush mane and a serious expression. The little details—the stitching on its nose and the golden fur—made it look regal.
"Oh, that's cute too," Bianca said, nodding.
"But mine's better, right?" Mason pressed, shaking the dragon slightly for emphasis.
"Hey, it's not about better, remember? It's about what your dad would like most," Bianca said.
"Which is definitely mine, right, Bianca?" Jason said, grinning.
Bianca sighed, realizing she was walking into a no-win situation. "How about we just get both? It's a special occasion, after all."
"Really?" Jason's face lit up.
"Really," Bianca said with a smile. "Your dad's a lucky guy to get two presents."
Mason frowned, pretending to think. "Well, he is pretty cool. Okay, let's do it!"
"Just promise me you'll stuff them with love," Bianca said teasingly.
"Gross," Mason muttered, wrinkling his nose, but Jason laughed and said, "We will!"
With the help of a cheerful staff member, the boys stuffed their toys, picking out tiny bow ties for them before the animals were sewn shut and placed in gift bags. The boys practically skipped out of the store, proud of their creations.
---
Back in the main corridor of the mall, Bianca checked her watch. "Alright, let's find Richard. Hopefully, the traffic's cleared up, and we can head back before the food spoils."
"But wait!" Jason said, tugging on her arm. "Aren't you going to get Dad something for his birthday?"
"Me?" Bianca said, blinking. "I wouldn't even know where to start. What do you get a man who has everything?"
"A hug?" Jason suggested with a cheeky grin.
"Somehow, I don't think I could get away with that," Bianca said, smirking.
"You always say to think about what people really like, so put yourself in Dad's shoes," Mason said matter-of-factly.
The twins exchanged mischievous looks, and then, as if on cue, they launched into mock impressions of their dad.
"'Boys, I know you want to be in a rock band, and that's awesome, but Dad needs to focus, so let's put the pots and pans away,'" Jason said, crossing his arms and lowering his voice to mimic Ken's serious tone.
Mason snickered. "'Boys, this is the first hot bath I've had in years. Please, please tell me what you just exploded in my bathwater!'"
"'It was Alka-Seltzer!'" Jason added, and both boys dissolved into laughter.
Bianca clapped a hand over her mouth to stifle her own giggles, but then a light bulb went off in her head. "That's it!"
"Alka-Seltzer?" Mason said, cocking his head.
"No, not that. I just figured out what I should get your dad," Bianca said, eyes sparkling.
---
Minutes later, Bianca led the boys into a sleek spa store. The soft hum of music played in the background, and shelves were lined with glass jars of bath salts, luxurious lotions, and vibrant bath bombs. The air smelled of lavender, citrus, and something faintly sweet.
"What is all this stuff?" Jason asked, wrinkling his nose as he picked up a seashell-shaped bath bomb and gave it a cautious sniff.
"Stuff to make you feel good and smell great," Bianca said, scanning the options.
Mason held up a bottle of lavender bubble bath. "But does Dad need to smell good?"
Bianca laughed. "Maybe not, but he deserves to relax. Bath bombs are fun—they fizz and turn the water all sorts of cool colors. Trust me, he'll love it."
"If you say so," Mason said with a shrug.
After a bit of debate, they picked out a few bath bombs—one that turned the water ocean blue with swirls of glitter and another that smelled like sandalwood.
"You think he'll like it?" Jason asked as they paid for the gift.
"I think he'll love it," Bianca said confidently.
---
As they walked back toward the mall exit, Bianca glanced at her phone to check the time. Richard had texted that he was waiting in the parking lot.
"Perfect timing," Bianca said, holding up the bag of bath bombs. "Let's get home and surprise your dad."
The boys cheered as they made their way out of the mall, clutching their stuffed animal gift bags. But as they stepped outside, Bianca felt a cold gust of wind bite at her cheeks. Clouds were gathering overhead, dark and heavy.
"Hurry up, boys. Looks like a storm's rolling in," Bianca said, quickening her pace.
"Race you to the car!" Mason yelled, dashing ahead with Jason close behind.
Bianca laughed, watching them run towards Richard, who was holding the car door open.
"Let's head home," she said, settling into her seat.
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