Jake was taking long to come. We had plans of going over to his house. His parents had got him a new video game for his seventh birthday. The kind that we all dreamed of. This was after they had got him a vintage video game on his last year's birthday.
Jake was a lucky guy, I thought. Lucky to have rich parents who provided him with whatever he really wants. His dad and mum were senior staff at the governor's office. They made sure Jake never lacked anything in life. I wished my parents were like that.
My dad and mum were civil servants although not rich but they provided for me and my siblings in the little way they can. I wanted and prayed for them to be as rich as Jake's parents but as it was you never get all you want in life.
Source
I stood at the window watching as the rain drizzled down the glass pane. I blew some breath on the glass and drew a heart on it. Then gradually wiped it away with the back of my palms.
The doorbell rang. It was Jake. I knew because It was his usual way of making music whenever he rang or knocked on the door. Without waiting for my other siblings to respond I quickly ran to the door and flung it open. On the other side was Jake.
"Are you ready?" He asked. He was already drenched by the heavy rain.
"Why come with the rain" i asked, ignoring his question. "And without an umbrella".
"Tell me if you're ready" he asked again.
I nodded.
"Then let's go" . And without waiting for my reply he ran into the rain. I hesistated before I joined him.
Jake is known for his risk taking lifestyle at such a young age.
We were drenched like goats being taken to the slaughter house before we got to Jake's house. Just a stone throw from mine. And In a few minutes he unboxed his new game console and connected it to the big TV carefully fitted on the wall in their sitting room. He handed me a pad. And for a few hours I enjoyed one of the best moments of my life.
We got tired and decided to have something to eat before we continued.
We walked down the big hallway that led to the kitchen. The rooms of Jake's house were all connected by that single big hallway which was as big as my whole house combined. I wondered how Jake managed to find his way around at night without getting hurt. I would definitely get hurt in such environment at night.
Jake's nanny was out for grocery shopping so he had to make food for himself. As instructed by her.
We got to the kitchen and Jake walked to the fridge and got out some plastic containers which were containers with food. He was gonna heat it before we eat. I perched on a kitchen stool as I watched him.
Just then his phone rang. He picked it up and after talking to the caller at the other end. His mood changed. I could tell in a swift way when Jake wasn't happy.
"What is wrong?" I asked.
"I'm tired dude," he replied.
"Of what?"
"My parents, it's always about their work and most times it's as if they don't remember I exist again."
" I don't think so dude" I replied. "Look at the beautiful gifts they get you. "
" It's not about gifts. It's about being there when I need them just like your parents. Your parents were present at your last birthday and the one before that. But it's been three years and my parents never show up for my birthday. Instead they send the driver to buy me gifts. I don't want gifts, I want their presence, their love. Most times I envy you bro. I wish we could switch place"
"Were they the ones that called?" Trying to hide my shock at that statement.
"Yeah, just to let me know that they'll be late today. After they've promised to spend my birthday together."
I didn't know what to do or say. At that point I felt pity for him and at the same time surprised that Jake envies me while I wish to be in his shoes. I walked up to him and rubbed his back as he cried on my shoulder.
It dawned on me that truly all that glitters ain't gold.
"I'm sorry bro," I said