SIMONI

FAMILIAR FACES

As she was about to leave for the payment, she glanced through her shopping list.

'Uhm flask checked, small cups.. checked.. what else am I missing my twin?' She asked the twin as she draws them closer jokingly. The twin tried to get the list Note from her as she struggled to keep them calm.

'Shhh if you shout here Charon... there are tall giant monsters (using gestures to express herself) that will pop up so be quiet' said Simoni as she scares the eldest.

The twin grabbed their mother's legs as Simoni smiles. She later went to a toy shop and got the twin ones each.

'Easy little boy' said a voice as Simoni rushed with two big shopping bags in her hands while Chariton cling onto her shoulder.

'I'm sorry Mr. My sons are troublesome... (she looked up as she pulled Charon closer). Alec???'

Alec turned to look at the voice who just called his name.

'Simoni? Long time no see... how... how have you been? (looking surprised)... your sons?' asked Alec.

Simoni smiled as Alec quickly helped in carrying her bags. He pleaded to have a chat with her but Simoni disagree by giving him an excuse.

'I would have loved to talk more with you but I have some visitors waiting for me at home' said Simoni.

'I honestly won't take much of your time..( kneeling beside the twin) what are your names children? Asked Alec.

Simoni tried to hasten her move but Alec prevented her.

'You have lovely children ... don't you want me to greet them?' Said Alec

Simoni forced a smile and instructed the twin to answer. She told Alec she told them not to talk to strangers and that was the reason the twin hid behind her when he asked them of their names.

Simoni rushes the twin and left as Alec tried to stale them but proved abortive. Alec brought out his phone and tried dialing Wan's number but he couldn't reach him. As Alec tried to trace Simoni amongst the crowd, he felt a pull from the back and looked, surprisingly it was Lydia who pulled him.

'Is that not Simoni? I saw you both talking now! Is she here? What does she want?' Lydia asked

Alec pulled her hands from his shoulder and glares at her. He left her standing without altering a word.

******

After Alec and Simoni's meeting, Lydia has been restless and wondering how they met and wondered what they discussed. She recalled seeing two kids with her but could not get a clearer picture of what she saw. She tried seeing Alec for the past three days but Alec avoided her.

Simoni hoped Alec won't suspect anything from their conversation and decided to move on like she never saw him. Wan was out of town for a week previously but on receiving Alec's phone call with him he rushed back to see him at his house.

'Where did you say you saw her? How is she? Did you tell her have been looking for her? How do I get to see her' Wan asked continuously.

Alec assuredly told him to calm down but Wan was not patient, he was hoping all questions should be answered. Alec told him to have a sit or he won't tell him anything.

'Okay.. okay. I'm listening.. please tell me' said Wan.

Alec relayed his meeting with Simoni at the Mall.

'You saw her with twin? (Standing up)...she got married??' asked Wan

'Well, how am I supposed to know that? I couldn't talk with her for long, I tried to hold her up for a while but she told me she was having visitors at home... something doesn't feel right but I just can't place it' said Alec

'At least we now know she is around...  I miss her every day... I just couldn't forget her (looking at Alec) dude... you have to help me man' said Wan

'What if she is married? It is four years now Wan, do you believe she won't have moved on? Come on man.... Just look at you... you have a daughter and Lydia still crawl around you like a ghost...(pats Wan on his shoulder) ... I have to be truthful... she looked happy to me' said Alec

'No no.. no ( shaking his head while beating his chest) .. you know. Lydia ... I... Alec, I can't live like this ( he sobs) every day for the past four years was hell on earth... Our friend ..(clears his throat)... well she was.. (scoffs) orchestrated my misfortune ..(looks at Alec with teary eyes) A.A...Alec' said Wan

Alec grabbed Wan and hugged him. Wan cries his eyes out while his friend comforts him. Alec felt pity and vowed to help Wan meet Simoni believing this would keep Wan at peace.