Mrs. Robinson's eyes fell on his helpless son making her burst into a hysterical laugh.
Mrs. Robinson: reminds me of old times.
Tears of happiness filled her eyes. Cindy wanted to clear it out but she stopped.
Alex looked at her helplessly and whimpered, "Mom.. help me out.."
Seeing Alex like that Cindy had flashback about a similar moment when they were kids.
(18 years ago)
Cindy: Alex! You should go back home and rest! You have high fever!
Cindy said nervously as they walked by the forest behind their school.
Alex hardly missed school, he was always diligent and studied hard, on the other hand Cindy came to school unwillingly and hardly paid attention to class.
Alex: I'm fine! I'll be ok if I take a walk under trees.
The summer breeze passed making the leaves flutter. A little ray of Sun peeped between the leaves.
Cindy: you're working yourself up more! You'll passout like this!
All of a sudden Alex stopped in his step. He raised his hand and a ray of sunlight fell on his face and his green eyes glistened like crystal.
Cindy: Alex..are you-
Everything went blurry and before he could talk he collapsed on leaves. Cindy rushed to him and put his head on her lap.
Cindy: Alex! Wake up!Alex! Stop scaring me! Wake up!
She couldn't stop tears running down her cheeks. She got worried.
Cindy tried to pull him up but couldn't hold him longer. Nearby she saw a playing cart. She decided to put Alex in it and move to infirmary.
***
Cindy chuckled thinking about the sweet past. Alex looked at her, 'What's wrong?'. She cleared her throat and turned to Mrs. Robinson.
Cindy: Aunt..I should leave now-
Mrs.Robinson: No.
Cindy looked at her with her mouth half open, 'I couldn't even complete my sentence.'
Mrs. Robinson: you're staying here tonight.
Cindy: oh noo I can't they're waiting for me at home.
Hearing her Alex recalled, 'she was with her kids and a man, probably her husband.' His heart ached in his chest.
Mrs. Robinson: it's very late already, just call them and let them know. Your mom and dad won't mind if you're with me.
Cindy: Dad..
Mrs. Robinson: ?
Cindy: Dad died 4 years ago..
Mrs.Robinson and Alex looked at her in shock.
Cindy: he had a heart attack..
Mrs. Robinson's eyes got filled with tears.
Mrs. Robinson: I'm sorry... we couldn't be there in the hard time..
Cindy lifted her arms and hugged her tightly.
Cindy: it's ok, circumstances wasn't with us.
Mrs.Robinson: I don't care you're staying with me tonight. No excuses. I want to be with my daughter tonight.
Cindy didn't resist anymore, 'Just tonight'. They both turned to go back to the apartment when Alex called out.
Alex:Mrs. Carla Robinson you can't leave your son like this just because your daughter came home!
Mrs.Robinson: I almost forgot you existed Mr.Alexander. Cindy can you give me a hand to pull him up?
Cindy sulked but agreed eventually.
Mrs.Robinson: you should pull his hands from front I'll push him from behind.
Cindy: Roger!
Alex seemed embarrassed and his face turned red like a tomato. Cindy tried to not laugh and pulled while Mrs.Robinson pushed hard. She pushed harder than she should've... Alex was free from the cart but he couldn't balance his legs and fell on Cindy like a domino. Alex hastily pulled himself up a little.
Alex: Are you alright??
Cindy: you mean am I alive after falling under your boulder like body!?
Alex: I'm sorry...
Cindy opened her eyes and saw his face near her 'he is so close, I can feel his heavy breathing.' Alex clenched his teeth and opened his eyes. Cindy's cheeks turned red, 'This is such an awkward position...'