[May 27 1993]
"Happy birthday to you!"
The twins blowed their shared candles as the song ended. Cheers can be heard from their family and friends who came to celebrate their birthday. The living room was filled with balloons and decorations along with foods at the table.
"Happy birthday, Maurie and Mark!" Opal greeted them happily as she handed them a present which makes Maurie happy. "Awe, you shouldn't have bothered!" "It's your birthday so why wouldn't we?" Ume said after while also holding a small box, "Happy birthday, Maurie..!" The three of them happily had a conversation while in the corner, James and Mark stood with each other. "So, you're fourteen now, huh? You still look like a kid."
"It's my birthday not my puberty day, stupid." Mark says as he rolled his eyes. James stiffled a laugh as he lightly punched the other's shoulder, "Whatever you say, Markl." "Markl?" Mark asked, "What kind of name is that?" He asked as he turned to face him. "It's a nickname, doofus. Ever heard of that? It's like how you call Maurie to Miri."
"I know what's a nickname, James. But why that? That's an odd nickname." 'Why, you may ask?'James thought. Maybe it's because this name was special for him. Markl was a name that has a meaning to it. "To gleam" and Mark fits perfectly with that. Mark always gleam so brightly whenever he was happy and James loved it. "It's just a combination of Mark Louise. Your name is too long to say." Is what he answer instead, "Markl..." The boy with golden hair tested the word with his tounge, "I like that. It's kind of cute when you think about it."
James nodded with a smile as Markl like the nickname. "Now, where's my present?" Markl asked playfully and James raised his eyebrow with a smirk, "What do you mean? I already gave it. Your nickname!" Markl frowned at the joke and James laughed more. "Chill, dude! I'm just joking! What? Can't handle a little fun?" He then turned around and showed a little kitten who was crying loudly. "Here," he said as he handed the little cat to the shocked boy. "She's my gift."
Markl was absolutely stunned. He didn't expect anything like this. It's a goddamn whole alive kitten! "James, I... How... Where did even get her..!?"
"Shelter. Why? Do you not like her?" "Of course I love it! I just didn't expect this! Does she even have rabies...?" James shrugged as he stared the the cat, "It can barely eat anything yet. Plus, I got her from a shelter, why did you expect they would give people a pet with rabies?"
"Did you have her a name yet? James shook his head. "I'd rather have you name her." Markl thinks for a better name for the cat, "hmm..." He glanced around and his eyes froze at the plants his grandmother kept at their house, "Basil..." He said softly. "Basil? Not Coco or any other cute pet names?" "Well, she's my pet and you said I can name her."
James stared at the cat then back to Markl who has a wide smile on his face. "Alright... Basil it is."