Chapter 13: Evocative Memory...

"Are you not going to welcome us old woman?" Came a voice behind the two people at the door.

A woman with a wrinkled face but an enthusiastic look peeped in. She wore a classic pink A-line frock with a puffed hand sleeve. Though she was old, her excitement was visible in her eyes.

The woman came and hugged Naira.

"Missed you so much, sis." She cried like a 5-year-old

"Missed you too, Stella. Now come in. (Walking inside) I see the little one is sleeping. I assume she must be tired after all those formal meetings at the party. Here, let me take her to her room." Naira said as she took the little kid from the man and disappeared into a room. After a while, she came out and sat on a single sofa beside the long sofa where her guests had sat.

Seeing her, the man brushed properly his half white hair.

"What took you guys to come so late?" Asked Naira in her little weak voice.

"You must ask this question to Richard. I usually thought that ladies took more time in the washroom but Richard changed my opinion. (Glaring toward Richard) Tell me the truth. What took you so much time in the washroom?"

"...."

"Wait a sec. (Moving closer to Richard with a fierce look) Were you dressing up to meet Naira? Tell me truly Richard. Are you yet in love with Naira? How could you? Sob!!" And then she began crying

"Ella darling. It's not what you think. I just anticipated meeting my old friend after a long time. And how could you think that I will love someone else besides you?_"

"Weren't you in love with Naira before you met me." Stella interrupted and sat with a puffed face facing the wall.

"Darling. That wasn't love. That was...attraction. Weren't I young back then? I was ignorant and willful. Forgive me, darling. You know it's always you in my heart. And anyways I have already been married to you. We even have two kids and one of them even has a young daughter. We are grandparents."

"Exactly, we are grandparents. Now there is more reason for you to find a mistress. I know Naira will never betray me but what guarantee is there that you won't find another mistress?" Asked Stella still facing the wall

"I will never, I promise you. I am in love with you. Even though I am now old, my love will never fade. (Taking Stella's face in his hand and forcing her to look at him) Moreover, there is no one as beautiful as you. You are the most beautiful lady that has completely enchanted this man." His flirty words made Stella blush

A small laugh was given by the person who was ignored the entire time. Naira was just watching the drama of these cute lovebirds. They have been already married for 35 years or more, and yet each time they came they fought.

After suppressing her laughter, Naira began, "cough cough. You guys might forget but I am yet here. Why do you fight each time you come? Give me a break please."

"Okay then let's go to bed." Suggested Richard. His ears had turned red with Naira's comment. He had had a lot of embarrassment for today already.

"Let me tell you a secret." Whispered Stella as they proceeded to their bedrooms. "Do you know why I fight so much with Richard regarding you?"

"..."

"I check if he still is suitable for me to love. You know, that makes me relief that though he surely won't cheat me with you, he won't even dare to cheat me with anyone in this world."

Naira giggled. Surely this girl was clever. After she said good night to the love birds she proceeded toward her room.

Naira was sleepy. Her eyes were dozing off but yet she didn't lay on the bed instantly. She instead took a step toward her bookshelf. Among the books, she removed a photo.

A young man was sitting on a bench, while a sweet young lady took a pose on his lap as they clicked the selfie.

With the photo in hand, Naira took a seat on her bed with deep evocative memory...