ELSIE O'DELL

Both Elsie and Lester didn't know what they were feeling at that moment. It was a different yet enticing feeling. The elders were busy in their talk, but these two young people didn't mind them as they couldn't help but stole glances at each other.

"Come on. Let the kids enjoy. They can't feel comfortable around us." Theodora suggested.

Her sharp eyes didn't miss how Lester was lost in watching her younger daughter. She also knew Elsie's nature. Her daughter would not dare to take a bold step and open up in front of the elders. Everyone agreed with Theodora's suggestion and left the pair to themselves.

For some time, both of them fumbled with their words in mind. They didn't know how to initiate the conversation. Every time Lester looked at Elsie to say something, the words stuck in his throat as his eyes get lost in Elsie's eyes. She didn't know what to say to him either.

Should I ask him why he stopped visiting us? Should I ask him if he missed me or thought about me? Why is he not saying anything or teasing me like he used to do, like in the old times? Elsie thought to herself.

"You are still the same!"

Lester's voice snapped Elsie from her thoughts. She looked at him dumbfoundedly as she didn't get what he was trying to say. By looking at her confused face, Lester understood the need of elaborating on his statement.

He smiled gently. "You didn't change at all. You are still that same shy and quiet girl."

Elsie narrowed her eyes at him. "Is it a compliment or complain that I heard?" She asked sceptically.

A hearty laugh escaped Lester's mouth. "I can see one change though. You have picked on the trait of strong speech from your mother. By the way, it was a compliment, Lady Elsie!" He bowed his head dramatically that made Elsie forget her previous mood.

She giggled as her eyes cast down in modesty. Lester's heart beat faster while watching her smiling face.

"So, can I ask you something?" Elsie looked hopefully at him.

Lester sipped the wine in the glass. "Of course!"

After giving a second thought, Elsie asked. "Why did you not come to visit us with your parents recently. It's been many years that last we met."

A mischievous glint formed in Lester's eyes at Elsie's question. "Why? Did Lady Elsie miss me?"

Elsie's eyes widened at his bold words and crimson crept up on her cheeks. "N-no. I didn't mean it in that way. I just-I"

She didn't know what to say in her defence as Lester had hit the bull's eye. Indeed, Elsie missed Lester over the years but never mentioned it to anyone. She missed their childish bickering and how Lester teased her. But she was not going to admit it to anyone, not even to him.

Lester couldn't control his laughter after watching her nervous state. He found it adorable. "It's ok. Forgive me for my straightforwardness. I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable." He said seriously, as Elsie pursed her lips in annoyance.

"Father trained me for the business and taking care of the family since the young age. As his father also did the same with him. As an only child, I have many responsibilities. Father wanted me to get prepared for them at a young age. That is why I got busied with the business and everything. So, I couldn't find a time to visit anyone." Lester said while looking at a glass in his hand.

Elsie observed how his voice held a slight sadness. It must be hard for him to carry the load of the responsibilities alone. Though Mr Wright was a kind person, Elsie knew that he was a strict man, when it comes to his family and business.

It was not uncommon for parents to put their expectations upon their children as she had also experienced the same. Hence, she could feel what Lester was feeling.

"Okay. But I am glad that you came tonight." Elsie said shyly.

That made Lester look at her again. A smile formed on his lips. He was about to say something when a woman intervened between their conversation.