7. Down the memory lane IV

"That...I'm not so sure, but I'm certain my mom won't let us come back here. She doesn't want to get into trouble with your mom."

"I'll ask her. I'll tell her about you tonight and ask for permission to show you around. My mom can't say no to me." Maxwell said expectantly, looking straight into Miriam's eyes for her reaction as he waited for her response.

"I don't know. I'll just ask my mother and see." She said.

"Try to convince her, okay? I really enjoyed your company... And I want us to be... friends?" He more like asked.

Miriam looked at him in utter surprise. He wanted them to be friends? Don't the rich befriend the rich? Back in her school, the rich heirs and heiresses did not mingle with people from the lower class. And even if you were seen with them others would misunderstand and think you wanted to take advantage of their riches. Even at her age, she had come to understand, that the rich and the poor were polars apart and could never mingle. So she was really surprised with his request. A rich boy like him wanted to be friends with her? An average girl?

"You... want to be friends with... me?" Miriam asked eyes a bit widened.

"Yes. Wait, you...you don't... want me as a friend?"

"No, no, that's not it. I just thought...rich people befriend...rich people."

"What? No! Who said that?"

"Well... I mean I don't have any expensive toys or candies to share with you or anything..."

"I don't mind your background. I just want us to be friends. I don't need any gifts from you. Please??"

There was a long pause before Miriam finally asked.

"Are you sure? I mean, is that really fine? Won't I... won't we get into trouble?"

"Trouble? With who?"

"Well, you see, the thing is, I have seen quite a number of rich boys and girls in our school. They don't like to play with people like me. And they won't let anyone touch their toys. And... And not like I wanted some, but they won't even share their many chocolates and candies. And they'll be saying mean things to us." Miriam whined on and on, looking down at her fingers which was on her laps and fiddling with them.

"And they told us their parents told them not to play with us because we are filthy." Miriam raised her head and turned to Maxwell at this point, looking so dejected. "But I'm not filthy. I'm always neat in school but they won't play with me."

"Hey..." Maxwell drew closer and held her hand, looking straight in her eyes. "I won't do that to you, okay? I will never look down on you. And I don't mind if you don't have anything to share with me. As long as you agree to be my friend, I'll be very happy." He said in a soothing tone.

It must have been hard on her, not being wanted by someone. And Maxwell was willing and ready to change that perception she had about the rich. He didn't know how and why he felt so secure and comfortable with someone he just met. A girl at that. But he didn't care. All he wanted was to keep her by his side all the time. He was still in thought when he heard her speak.

"Okay, we can be friends." She smiled broadly. She was a bit relieved. At least, she got a new friend, who was rich, and was willing to accept her. And maybe being friends with him would grant her the privilege to get into the mansion one day and look around.

"Really??!! Thank you so much, Miriam." He looked so happy and Miriam was a bit surprised. How can he be so happy about being friends with such a poor girl like her? I mean it's not like she had something she could share with him or anything.

"My birthday is in two weeks, and there'll be a party here in this mansion. I want you to be there." Maxwell said ecstatically, gauging her face for her reaction.

"In two weeks?"

"Yes, and I really want you to be there."

"Sure, I would love that. I've never been to a party before." Miriam relied excitedly. "I'd have to ask my mom..."

"Don't worry I'll talk to her."

"I mean my mom, not yours."

"Yes, yes. I'll talk to Mrs Gerry when she comes to work tomorrow. I'll convince her to come with you on that day. And... And your brother too." He was talking so fast, like he was afraid she would bring up an excuse not to attend his birthday party.

"Alright. I hope it goes well."

Just then the door creaked open and Gerry came in.

"Are you all set, Mimie?" She asked.

"Yes, mom. I'm done. Just that..." She turned to the bed, "...Lordy is still asleep. What do we do with him now?"

"Oh, don't worry I'll carry him." Gerry said. She turned to Maxwell and said.

"Youn... Maxwell, can you please excuse us? I want to change into my regular clothes."

"Oh, right, I'll be on my way out now." He said and turned to Miriam, smiled and nodded slightly before turning around and left. Miriam kept looking at the closed door with a smile on her face till her mother snapped a finger in front of her, bringing her back to earth.

"What are you thinking?" She asked.

"Uh...me? Nothing, mom."

"Alright. Let me get ready so we cans go home now..."

"Mummy..." Lordy whined as he stirred in his sleep.

"Hey baby, you're awake?" Lordy shook his headand sat up on the bed. Gerry took out some wipes from her small bag and wiped his sleepy face a little to freshen him up. "I just closed. We're going home now." And again Lordy nodded and got off the bed.

Miriam arranged the sheets well on the bed and helped her brother tack in his clothes well before helping him with his shoes. She removed a small hair brush from her backpack and brushed Lordy's hair. She also passed the brush around her cute piggy tails and got herself ready as well. After some few minutes they left the mansion through the other exit. Maybe they were avoiding being seen, she was sure. They got a taxi pretty soon and made their way home.

--------------------flashback ends---------------