Chapter Seventy

The next morning, the streets of Abuja were alive with holiday cheer. Christmas decorations lined every road, with glittering lights draped across trees, and colourful banners wishing everyone a joyful season. Wealth's eyes sparkled as Stella drove him through the decorated streets, pointing at anything that caught his attention.

They soon arrived at one of the most luxurious shopping mall in the city. Outside, a grand Christmas tree stood proudly, towering over everyone with sparkling ornaments, twinkling lights, and a big golden star on top. Families gathered around, snapping photos as cheerful holiday music filled the air. Wealth looked on in amazement. 'Auntie Stella, everything is shining!'

Inside, the mall was a festive wonderland. Each store was decorated with its own holiday flair—wreaths hung on doors, bright red and green ribbons dangled from the ceiling, and some areas even had patches of fake snow. Stella laughed, seeing Wealth's wide-eyed joy.

'You know, today's all about you,' she said with a smile. 'Where should we start?'

'Auntie Stella, can we go there?' he tugged on her arm, pointing at a toy store nearby, bursting with colour. In the display window, it was packed with action figures, dolls, games, and a mini train circling a snow-dusted Christmas village. They stepped inside, joining other excited kids who shared Wealth's joy. He quickly picked up a toy truck, and then he spotted a puzzle featuring a majestic lion in the middle of a powerful roar, its mouth wide open as if calling out to the world. He hugged both items to his chest, his eyes gleaming. 'Auntie Stella, can I get these?'

'Of course, sweetie. Pick anything you like,' she replied warmly.

Next, they moved to the clothing section, where Wealth tried on a bright red Christmas sweater covered in tiny snowflakes. He spun in front of a mirror, giggling. 'I look like Santa!'

Afterward, they visited a candy shop filled with sweets of every kind. Wealth filled a small bag with chocolates, candy canes, and colourful gummy bears, his face lighting up at each choice. They strolled through the mall, admiring the holiday lights and picking out gifts for his birthday too.

Stella reminded him, 'Don't forget, your birthday is coming up soon! Choose something extra special.'

Wealth's face lit up with excitement. 'Oh yeah! I almost forgot!' He headed over to the children's clothing section and found a dashing outfit: a beautiful white shirt with tiny silver stars and navy-blue trousers. 'Auntie Stella, can I wear this on my birthday? I'll look so grown-up! I can't dress like a child on my birthday. It's an insult to me.'

'Absolutely! You'll look very handsome and grown-up,' Stella replied, nodding with pride.

Then, they visited the sports section, where Wealth spotted a silver football with red stripes, perfect for the festive season. He picked it up eagerly, turning to Stella, his face alight with excitement. 'This is great for my birthday party with my friends!' His voice carried a confident lilt. 'I wish Dad would let me join in the Humans versus Robots football match. I'd definitely crush those robots!'

Stella knelt beside him, her voice gentle. 'Those playing the match have already been selected. Maybe when you're actually a big boy…'

Wealth's brows furrowed, his lips pressing into a tight line. 'So, what am I now? A small boy?' His voice became sharp, showing he was annoyed.

Stella hesitated, then broke into a soothing smile. 'You're a big boy,' she assured him, brushing a hand lightly over his shoulder. 'Maybe next time, you'll be chosen to play. Since this is the first live match of its kind, I think your father wanted all of us to join in watching, not playing.' Her voice carried an encouraging warmth.

Wealth let out a resigned sigh. 'Auntie Stella, I know you're saying all this just to make me feel better, right? Anyway, we came to shop, and I don't want to ruin the moment.' A flicker of determination returned to his gaze as he held out the ball. 'This one will be great for practice!'

Stella chuckled, gently taking the ball from him and tucking it into their growing collection of bags. 'Anything else, birthday boy?' she asked with a playful smile.

As they strolled further, the colourful lights of the mall reflected in Wealth's captivating eyes. He stopped abruptly, staring at a small jewelled birthday crown resting on a velvet pedestal, its rhinestones catching and refracting the overhead lights like tiny stars. He reached out carefully, his fingers brushing the cool metal as he lifted it above his head. 'This,' he announced, his voice brimming with pride, 'will make me the king of my birthday!' His posture straightened, and he gave a regal nod, his expression glowing with delight.

After filling their bags, they stopped at the gift-wrapping station. Wealth chose bright wrapping paper with Christmas trees and balloons, and Stella helped him wrap a few items to save as surprises. 'That way, it feels like you're giving yourself a gift on your special day,' she said with a wink.

Finally, they made a stop at the bakery. The smell of fresh cakes and cookies was irresistible, and Wealth's gaze fell on a huge gingerbread house on display, covered in icing and candies. 'Look, Auntie Stella! It's like a candy palace!'

Stella laughed. 'Maybe we should get a piece to share,' she suggested, ordering a slice of Christmas cake for them to enjoy together.

As they walked back to the car, bags full of treasures, Wealth hugged her tightly. 'Thank you, Auntie Stella. This was the best Christmas shopping ever!'

Stella hugged him back. 'Merry Christmas, Wealth. I'm so happy you had fun.'

As they drove back to Wealth's home, the excitement from the day lingered in the car. Wealth hummed to the holiday songs playing on the radio, his face glowing with happiness as he peeked into his bags every so often, admiring all his new treasures.

When they arrived at his house, his parents were already waiting at the entrance, smiling as they saw Wealth scramble out of the car with his arms full of colourful shopping bags.

'Mummy, Daddy! Look at all the things Auntie Stella got me!' he exclaimed, running over to show them his gifts.

Stella stepped out of the car, carrying a few more bags herself. Night and Richie warmly greeted her, thanking her for making Wealth's day so special.

'Thank you, Stella,' Night said with a grateful smile. 'He's been looking forward to this all week.'

'It was my pleasure! Wealth was the perfect shopping buddy,' Stella replied, giving Wealth a playful nudge.

Wealth began showing his parents everything he'd picked out—the red Christmas sweater, the candy bag, and of course, the silver-striped football he was so proud of. 'And look, Mum! I even got a crown to wear on my birthday!' he said, holding up the little birthday crown with a wide grin.

'Wow! You're going to be the king of your birthday party!' his dad laughed, giving him a pat on the back.

Stella knelt down, giving Wealth a big hug. 'I hope you have the best Christmas and an amazing birthday, Wealth. I'll be back to celebrate with you soon!'

'Thank you, Auntie Stella!' he said, wrapping his arms around her tightly. 'This was the best day ever!'

With one last hug and wave, Stella got back in her car, watching as Wealth proudly carried his gifts inside, already telling his parents every little detail of their shopping trip. As she drove away, her heart was full, knowing she'd made this holiday season unforgettable for her best friend's son.