บท 35: Chapter Trip down memory lane

Carah turn to leave.

"Carah! wait!" she was held by the wrist.

"Please, you're in the right place come sit with us, there's a lot we have to discuss." Zander said without waiting for her reply, he ushered her to sit beside him facing his mother and stepfather.

"You're just as George described."

Taken aback " You know my father?" she asked, then look at man his probably in his fifties, but his age doesn't hide the fact that he is handsome more so with the wisdom that comes with age, but the biggest asset of his features is his unadulterated smile that reached to his eyes. Carah can't help but warm up to the man.

"This is my stepfather Steve and my mother Stella." he introduced them but he stared in Carah's face observing her reaction he has to make this meeting serve its purpose.

"How did you know my father?" she repeated the question.

"Ahhh... your father and I were best friends. I didn't get the chance to meet you, but I saw some of your pictures and your mother we met maybe a dozen times before I migrated to the States with the family." he said. "That was along time ago." he added as he extends his hands in greeting. She accepted it wholeheartedly. whatever her scepticism about this meeting she feels that she's in a good company with this man. Then her gaze turn to the woman beside Steve. She kept a serious reaction trying to size up the woman. Stella looked at her with turbulent emotions showing in her face then she slowly and meekly look down as if unable to hold the gaze.

"Stella, long time no see." she was surprised to find her voice steady despite the bottled up emotions towards this woman.

"Come on let's eat before the food gets cold." Steve expel the awkward atmosphere in the room.

"We decided to order the food before you arrived, if you have other preference don't hesitate..." Steve was cut in by Carah as she said smiling. "The food is fine, I'm not a picky eater, thanks....so shall we?"

They ate in lightened discussions of her father's friendship with Steve. Carah laugh at his anecdotes it seems that she is learning more if the other side of her father the ones that she didn't experience. Zander and Stella listen quietly to them.

They met in school they share the same sport although Steve was older than her father by a year they were in the same class.

After they finish their food, Zander began by Coughing which caught the attention of the two who were engrossed with their stories.

"I'm sorry." they both look at him.

"I'm sorry too son, we just got caught with our talked. It's been a long time, I really miss my best friend that seeing Carah gave me a trip down memory lane...I'm sorry too honey, " as he turn to his wife.

"It's okay darling, I never saw you this animated in a long while." she smiled to her husband. Carah is seeing this side of the woman she felt she hated before.

Her phone suddenly rang. Her mother is calling. I'm sorry I have to take this. she went to the corner far from the trio to answer the call.

"Hello mom?"

"Hello Carah! it's Lexie." the agitated voice of her mother gave her goosebumps.

"What happened?"

"One of her classmates told her, its seems the child heard it from her parents discussing about it."

"Where is she?" she asked."I'm coming home." as she turn she bump into a strong chest . Zander is right behind her.

"I'm sorry I have to go." She said to the group.

"Something came up?" Steve asked.

"Yes! trouble at home."

"I'll drive you, I know you arrived here in a taxi, it's so difficult to find one this time" She hesitated thinking if the consequences. Seeing her hesitation, Steve volunteered.

"Better still Zander, I'll drive her you and your mother had catching up to do." before she could refuse Steve ushered her out of the room leading her to the car park.