Chapter 166: The Gift
Two days later, Walter and Skyler drove to the location of the birthday party, a sprawling mansion.
As they parked, they noticed the variety of cars in the lot, indicating many guests had arrived for the celebration.
"Frank!?" they exclaimed, spotting Frank nearby, surprised to see him.
"What are you doing here?" Walter asked, puzzled.
"It's an old friend's birthday party. I couldn't miss it," Frank replied.
"He didn't know I was in New Mexico, so he didn't send me an invitation, which is understandable. But knowing it's his birthday and not showing up would be rude, and I value old friendships," Frank explained.
"Let's go in together," Walter suggested, and the three headed inside.
"I need to use the restroom. Wait for me," Skyler said, holding her stomach with a frown.
"What gift did you bring?" Frank asked casually, noticing the small package in Walter's hand.
"Uh, nothing special," Walter replied awkwardly, instinctively hiding the gift behind him.
Frank, with sleight of hand learned from his kids, quickly snatched the gift from Walter.
"Hey, give that back," Walter protested as Frank took the package.
"No need to be so nervous. This gift..." Frank began, lightly squeezing the package and hearing the familiar sound of crinkling.
"You didn't bring instant noodles, did you?" Frank asked, his expression bemused.
"Uh," Walter's face flushed with embarrassment, wishing he could disappear.
Bringing instant noodles to a birthday party as a gift was mortifying, but Walter's family was struggling financially. The medical tests had drained their savings and maxed out their credit cards.
Walter's teaching salary barely covered expenses, leaving no extra for gifts. The drug money he earned was unaccountable, and he couldn't explain it to Skyler.
With limited funds, Walter couldn't afford even a modest gift, resorting to ramen, highlighting their dire situation.
Walter didn't want to attend the party due to the lack of a proper gift, but Skyler insisted on going.
"This gift won't do. What if he opens it in front of everyone? Your name's on it," Frank pointed out.
Unlike the discreet nature of Eastern gift-giving, Westerners often open gifts immediately.
If Walter's gift were opened publicly, it would be humiliating.
Frank, thinking quickly, tore open Walter's package and removed the instant noodles.
"What are you doing?" Walter asked, wide-eyed.
"Here, take this," Frank said, handing Walter a rectangular gift box he had prepared.
"I can't take your gift," Walter protested, waving his hands.
"Let's just say we swapped gifts. Keep it," Frank insisted, tearing off the part with his name.
"If anyone asks, say the wrapping got damaged. No one will question it," Frank said, opening the noodles and eating them like snacks.
Walter held Frank's gift, unsure of what to do.
"Skyler's back. Let's go in," Frank suggested.
Before Walter could react, they entered the mansion, bustling with guests. The crowd was mostly middle-aged intellectuals.
People mingled around the pool, with servers offering drinks, engaging in conversation.
"Wow, it's been ages since I've been to a party like this. I feel like a relic in this outfit," Skyler remarked.
"You look great," Walter reassured her.
"This was the only outfit that fit," Skyler said, dissatisfied.
"Don't worry, you look stunning, Skyler. You're the most beautiful pregnant woman in the world."
"And you know, fashion is cyclical. What seems outdated can become trendy again. Claim it's this year's limited edition, and no one will doubt you. Especially this crowd," Frank joked.
"Thanks, Frank, I feel better," Skyler laughed.
"The invitation said no gifts, yet there's a gift table," Walter noted, eyeing the pile of packages.
If gifts weren't expected, why provide a place for them? It seemed hypocritical.
Walter was irritated. If not for the no-gift stipulation, he wouldn't have brought ramen.
"I told you back in school, Elliott's not a good guy," Frank said, unsurprised.
Frank had seen the invitation at Walter's house and knew what it stated.
"Sir, may I take your gift?" a server approached, collecting gifts from guests.
"Thank you. The wrapping was damaged on the way here," Walter hesitated but handed over Frank's gift.
"May I have your name, sir?" the server asked, noting the gift lacked a label.
"Walter White," Walter replied.
"Thank you, sir," the server said, taking the gift away.
"Walter, what's going on?" Skyler whispered, noticing the gift wasn't what they had prepared.
(End of Chapter)