Hector paused for a moment, and then he chuckled. “Who’s going to fall for me? I look like I’m in my eighties.”
Ellen laughed. He hadn’t changed one bit since she met him eight years ago. Hector asked, “Why are you laughing? You think I look like some shriveled-up raisin too, don’t you?”
And Ellen laughed more. “Just reminded of our first meeting. You haven’t changed a bit since then. You were in a robe, for God’s sake. And I thought you came straight out of the thirteenth century.”
Hector smiled awkwardly. “Just couldn’t be bothered to spice myself up, that’s all.” Ellen smiled. “But it has its own merits. I mean, you haven’t changed a bit in eight years.”
“Because at this point in life, you can’t really change much.”
She smiled again. “It’s not a bad life.” He looked at her, unmoving. “You should smile more. You look nice when you smile. If you don’t, you’d look so dead, even a corpse would look more alive than you.”
The smile on Ellen’s lips faded, and she sighed. “I was in a rut, and my thoughts clouded my head. Life was tough, and if it weren’t for you, I couldn’t have lasted so long.”
Hector waved her down. “Fate already had this written down in her books.” Ellen nodded. “Yeah. We ran into each other again after so many years.”
While they were chatting, Olivia and Jewel were still hiding in the shadows, wondering if they should step in. Jewel whispered, “Hey, the old git seems to be interested in Godmother.”
Olivia nodded. “Guess I’ll have to talk to him. He needs to make the first move.” “And what are you two doing?” Alex blurted, and the ladies jumped. Hector and Ellen were notified as well, and they looked in Alex’s direction, and the ladies came out.
“Sorry for being late.”
“Need any help, Godmother?” Ellen said, “No. Just tell the kids it’s time to eat.” And she looked at Alex. “Ah, you’re here. When did you land?”
Alex approached them. “About eleven, Miss Parker.”
Jewel said, “And this is Mr. Gedding. Mr. Gedding, this is my boyfriend, Alex.”
Hector nodded. “I see. You and Eugene are both capable lads from what I’ve heard.” Alex humbly said, “He’s a lot better than I am.”
Hector nodded. “You’re both great in my books. Sit. Food’s going to be served soon.” Jewel said, “No, Mr. Gedding, you sit. I’ll help.”
Twenty minutes later, everyone sat around, and Eugene introduced Hector and George to Alex. Alex made small talk. Blake took the bowl of meds and finished it. Everyone was watching, after all, and then he scrunched up his face..
Ellen handed him candy. “Here’s a candy.” He gulped it down and looked a little bit better. Everyone looked worried about the boy. It was unfortunate enough he had to take so many meds even when he was just a child, and he wouldn’t even cry about it.
Alex didn’t feel too good either. “How are you doing, Blake?”
Blake proudly answered, “I’m fine.”
“Good. That’s good to hear.”
North popped a piece of meat into his mouth and looked at Alex. “Uncle Alex, are you here to see my Aunt Jewel or Blake?”
Blake looked at him. The little swindler again. He smiled. “Both.”
