C2 The past

15 years ago...The five year old girl saw an eight year old boy sitting and crying in a corner of the park where she had come with her mother for playing. But as her mother met someone familiar they started gossiping leaving a cute sulking little girl so she started exploring the park. She came to the boy

Stella- Hey! Why are you crying?

The boy raised his head to see an angelic face with hazel orbs and a cute pout looking at him waiting impatiently for her answer.She saw his puffy and swollen eyes with red cheeks which had dried stains of tears.

Allan- Who are you?

Stella- My name is Stella. And you?

Allan- I am Allan

Stella- So now tell me why are you crying?

Allan-Because those boys took away my gun.

He pointed towards three boys around eight years and she gazed her hazel eyes towards his fingers pointing only to see one of them with a toy gun in his hand and laughing with it pointing everywhere like a macho man.The she looked back at Allan

Stella-Do you want it back?

He just nodded blinking his watery eyes.

Stella- Then you will have to listen to me.

Allan - What do I have to do?

He was clueless but obedient puppy.

Stella- First stop crying and stand up.

He obediently wiped off his tears and got up.She brushed off the dust away from his clothes then looked at him.

Stella- Good! Do you know how to fight?

Allan shook his head side to side as no.

Stella- Nevermind!You stay here .I will get your gun.

Before he could say anything she went to the boy who was holding the gun but she stopped on the way and did something which confused him. She bent down to her knees and taking some dry sand in her small hands from the ground started to rub them on on her blue frock & face making herself look dirty. He wanted to ask what she was doing but couldn't because before that she marched forward to her target. He just looked at her with worries but his expression changed soon looking at what she was doing to the boy. On the other hand she reached her target and sat with her folded legs holding his legs firmly and yelled to which everyone around the scene looked at them and soon a crowd gathered to look at the drama she was performing.

Stella- Please don't beat me. I am so sorry. You can have my gun. It is my fault for being a poor orphan who will loose her one and only toy. But please don't hurt me as i cannot afford medicines.

She started fake crying whereas the boy who was Mark got scared and confused with her behavior and also the crowd which had gathered.

Mark- Who are you? This is-

He was cut by another voice which was of an old man.

Old man- Boy how can you do this to your little friend. Return it back. This is not good manners.

Mark - But-

Another woman in thirties interrupted and scolded. It was his mother.

Woman- Mark is this what I have taught you to suppress week. Why did you take her gun ?If you wanted you could have asked me . Now return it back.

He obeyed looking down and gritting his teeth showing how embarrassed and angry he was.Then the woman took the gun and forwarded to Stella

Woman- Here

Stella- I am scared

Woman- Why

Stella- What if he beats me or my friend later.I have only one friend and if something happens to him because of me he will not keep his friendship with me then I will be alone again.

She said dramatically.

Woman - I promise he will not do anything .But who is your friend?

Stella pointed to Allan and woman looked at him .Then returning her gaze back to Stella

Woman- I will make sure your friend is also safe.

She smiled and Stella nodded smiling then taking the gun she hopped away to Allan.

Stella - Here.Your gun.

Allan- Wow! That was so easy. I thought you will fight with them.

Stella- How could I? They were three.But don't worry he will not trouble you anymore .

Allan- You are amazing.

Then their mothers came and it turned out that Mrs Jones was the same lady who was gossiping with Stella's mother for so long.Stella's mother looked at her daughter's condition.

Stella's mother- Omo! What happened to you?

Stella- Hehe! Nothing. Let's go

The ladies said byes to each other and Stella's mother sighed at her daughter and followed her daughter who was marching ahead swaying her hips like a queen.

Stella's mother- Slow down girl

Here Allan and Mrs Jones stared at the two fading figures and the Mrs Jones looked at her son.

Mrs Jones- Let's go and tell me on the way what happened here.

Allan held her hand and moved to their car telling his mother everything. Mrs Jones smiled.

Mrs Jones - This is expected from her only. By the way did you thank her.

Allan - Before I could you came and she went.

Mrs Jones- Don't worry! Next time if you meet her you should thank her.

Allan- Hmm

He smiled and sat in the car with her .But who knew the next time she had talked about would be fifteen years later.