Our beloved youth

25: Admiring her

"Elina, go open the door. They must've arrived," Mrs. Charles said as she prepared lunch on the table, having invited her friend and family for the meal.

Elina, about to take a dumpling, was interrupted when Sia swatted her hand away, motioning her to open the door. Pouting, Elina reluctantly complied.

Opening the door, Elina saw a lady around her mother's age and a girl about her own age. Smiling, she greeted them, "Good afternoon."

The lady and her daughter smiled back, reciprocating the greeting. As they entered, Mrs. Charles quickly approached her friend, embracing her. "Mrs. Mallie! How are you, dear?"

Mrs. Mallie smiled warmly. "Better than before," she replied, then introduced the girl beside her. "Meet my daughter, Beryl."

Beryl bowed her head and greeted, "Good afternoon." Mrs. Charles smiled in response.

As they settled in, Mrs. Charles inquired, "You didn't bring your son?"

Just as Mrs. Mallie was about to respond, the doorbell rang again. "I'll check. You all continue," Elina said, heading to the door.

Mrs. Mallie explained, "He went to get something," while Mrs. Charles nodded and introduced her elder daughter. "By the way, meet Sia. She's studying journalism now."

Sia smiled shyly, "Good afternoon."

"That's impressive," Mrs. Mallie said appreciatively, and Sia responded with a modest smile.

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Meanwhile, Elina opened the door to find Kevin standing there. "Kevin?" she asked.

He nodded. "I came to get the photographs."

Elina exclaimed as she remembered, "Oh right! I completely forgot. So sorry!"

Kevin smiled, "It's okay..."

"Come inside and wait. I'll get the pictures," Elina insisted, but Kevin shook his head. "I'll wait here."

"Pfft, just come in," Elina said, pulling him inside by his shirt.

Elina entered with Kevin, seeing her mother, Mrs. Charles, and Mrs. Mallie in conversation. Mrs. Charles glanced at Elina and then Kevin, asking, "Kevin is here?"

Elina nodded, explaining, "Yeah, he came to take the project. I thought it would be better not to make him wait outside." Mrs. Charles nodded approvingly as Kevin bowed slightly, greeting her, "I am sorry I couldn't bring anything with me."

Mrs. Charles smiled warmly, "It's okay! Have a seat." Elina then asked, "Are Sia and Beryl upstairs?" Mrs. Charles confirmed with a nod, "Yes," and Elina headed upstairs.

Kevin was about to sit when he noticed Mrs. Mallie, raising his brows in surprise. Mrs. Mallie mirrored his reaction, "Kevin? How are you, dear?" she asked with a small smile. Elina, now curious, paused and looked back. Kevin responded politely, "I'm fine, Mrs. Mallie. I meant to visit you after the surgery but then..."

Mrs. Mallie nodded, "It's alright, dear," she reassured with a smile. Mrs. Charles, noticing the familiarity, asked, "You know him?" Mrs. Mallie smiled, "Yes, he is my son's friend." Mrs. Charles nodded and then addressed Kevin, "Why don't you join us? Mrs. Mallie, would you mind?"

Mrs. Mallie shook her head immediately, "Of course not! I'd love it if Kevin joined us; the more, the merrier." Kevin, not wanting to hurt their feelings, reluctantly agreed.

Elina returned and suggested, "Should I take him upstairs with me?" Mrs. Charles nodded, "Yes, sure." They were about to go when the doorbell rang again, causing Elina to close her eyes in mild annoyance.