CHAPTER 70

" Who wants to come live with Nana for a few days ? " Nana asked rubbing her frail fingers together and looking intently at her grandkids puzzled faces.

Ayra stopped eating and straightened up with a start trying to discern whether Nana was pulling their legs or not but seems like she wasn't joking considering her straight face waiting for their reply. As a child she had always loved their visit to Nana's house because it was fun and Nana had a little homey home which felt like a piece of heaven on earth , plus her neighbourhood was picturesque making it more dreamy in nature but if they went over to Nana's place that means jack won't be able to visit her late at night anymore she thought with a sinking heart,because her house was located outside the districts of town and the distance was quite great .

When the silence continued to stretch to an unbearable length , Nana spoke up a little disappointed they weren't as estactic and excited as she had expected " You guys don't want to visit me? " She questioned with a low voice.

" It's not like that grandma Nana you know we always love visiting " Alice started softly "it just came as a surprise you know we always visit only summer holidays and we have school tomorrow ". She explained.

" Yeah my thoughts exactly " Ayra seconded glad that not only has Alice spoken up before her but her words were in line with her own thoughts.

" There is a first time for everything my loves and you can go to school from my house " Nana chimed in hoping they would show some sort of interest in coming to live with her for a while because this was the last thing she could think of to mend the relationship between mother and daughters, Nana has always believed that "distance makes the heart grow fonder "therefore once ayra and Alice stays with her for sometime she was certain they would get to forgive and miss their mom, but the problem right now was the kids weren't inclined in coming to stay with her.

Alice stared down at her curled hands deep in thoughts she had a different personal reason she didn't want to stay with her grandma Nana, first privacy was an illusion in Nana's house and without adequate privacy to herself she feared Nana might definitely figure out what she has been trying to hide for the longest time now, coupled with the fact this new week was the only time she had to prepare for her birthday party and there were one million more things left to do. Gawwwd she could feel a headache brewing inside her already and wished for just a moment of total peace ,all the chaos and turmoil of the past days was finally getting to her and she was barely holding it all together.

" Nana I'm sorry but a lot has happened and I personally don't think running away from our home is the solution so I guess I would have to - " .

" It's not running away Alice " Nana interrupted feeling they were about to reject her request " You guys are clearly still angry at your mother for her irresponsible action the previous day and as your grandma who loves you to pieces is giving you the opportunity for a respite from the whole issue, if you stay with me you won't have to worry about dipping hands into your savings or anything like that and my heart is breaking into two at the thought you guys are about to say no to this lonely grandma of yours " She finished emotionally sniffling and cleaning off non existent tears away , Nana smiled widely in her heart and knew she had them where she wanted when ayra stood up and wrapped her hands around her arms rubbing her back slowly.

" Nana please don't say that we can never say no to you and of course we would come and live with you for as long as you want right Alice? " Ayra asked looking at her sister and speaking with her with her eyes to support her words for the sake of their grandma.

Alice gave an inaudible sigh " Ayra for the first time you are right, Nana we would love to stay with you and thank you so much for the kind offer " .

" I'm always right Alice " Ayra muttered taking offense at the first words she had said.

Alice raised her eyebrows at her snickering loudly.

" Now you two stop it " Nana cajoled feeling ayra was about to come up with a reply and knew they would be at each other's throat in a moment. " My house is always welcome to you guys, you don't have to thank me Alice I'm the one meant to say thank you in fact. "

" Nana stop with the speech already " Alice teased " Just give me a moment I would pack my uniforms and some dresses and we can leave immediately " .

" Yeah Nana I would go pack too but I would give you an advice to take a nap because Alice would take hours before she gets ready " Ayra stated fleeing to her room barely missing getting hit by a pillow missile.

" Nana Alice is acting violent towards me " Ayra wiled loudly.

" You deserve it and more " Alice restorted searching for another stuff to throw at ayra.

Starring at them Nana wondered how her daughter was able to handle both of them for so long all alone, they were a handful always fighting and bickering towards each other and now they were teenagers it seems it has gotten worse. " Alice stop throwing stuff at your sister and you ayra go to your room and pack we still have to get permission from your mom " She said forcefully hoping they would obey her and thankfully they did.

" Alright grandma see you in a jiffy " Ayra said sticking her tongue at Alice before disappearing.

" Nana it's actually not necessary to take permission from her, in fact I'm sure she would want us to leave so she can have the whole house to herself and her boyfriend " Alice muttered her words dripping with sacarsm.

" Ali baby don't say that and I give you my word your mom would never meet up with that man or let him come here ever again " .

" She should better not because the next time I might kill the both of them " She said sweetly closing the door of her bathroom, leaving an open mouthed Nana.