Chapter 18: A Little Visit.
One day, as they were sipping coffee in their cozy living room, Carlson turned to Rita with a mischievous grin.
"Hey, Carlson, can I ask you something?" She said, her eyes gazing into the distance as she stirred her coffee.
"Of course, my love. What's on your mind?" Carlson replied, his voice warm and attentive.
Rita's eyes focused on Carlson, and she smiled wistfully. "I was just thinking about my first home in Gulu city and I remembered my aunt Rachael. I was wondering if we could visit her soon?"
Carlson's face lit up with a smile. That's a great deal. I would love to meet Rachael. When would you like to go?"
Rita's face sparkled with excitement. How about this weekend? I would love to spend a day with her and catch up."
It was on Saturday when Carlson and Rita arrived at Rachael's house. Rita's excitement grew. She hadn't seen her aunt in months, and she couldn't wait to introduce Carlson to her. They knocked on the door, and when Rachael answered, Rita was enveloped in a warm hug.
"Rita, my dear! It's so good to see you!" Rachael exclaimed.
Rita smiled, feeling a sense of nostalgia wash over her. " Rachael, it's so good to see you too! I have missed you so much."
Rachael's eyes widened as she took in Carlson's presence. " And who is this handsome young man?" She asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.
Rita grinned mischievously. "This is Carlson, my husband." Rachael's eyes widened in surprise. " Your husband? Oh, Rita, I had no idea! Congratulations, my dear!"
Rita laughed, feeling a sense of joy. Thank you, Rachael. We are so happy.
Rachael pulled them both into a hug. I am so sorry I didn't make it to the wedding. I only just heard about it. But I am so thrilled for both of you.
As they sat down to catch up. Rita couldn't help but feel grateful for this reunion. She knew that Rachael would love Carlson just as much as she did, and she was excited to share their love story with her. " I am sorry we didn't get to invite you to the wedding, "Rita said, feeling a pang of regret. Rachael waved her hand dismissively. Don't worry about it, dear, I am just glad I am getting to meet Carlson now. Besides, David invited me using a text message which I saw late in the evening the day of your wedding. Tell me all about your wedding day."
As they sat in Rachael's cozy living room, surrounded by warm sunlight and ascent of fresh flowers, Rita and Carlson shared every detail of their wedding day. Rachael listened with a beaming smile, her eyes sparkling with happiness.
"Oh, Rita, it sounds like it was a perfect day!" Rachael exclaimed. "I am sorry I missed it, but I am so glad I got to hear all about it now.
Rita grinned, feeling a sense of contentment wash over her. It was absolutely perfect, Rachael. And we are so happy to share it with you."
As they chatted, Carlson got up to grab a photo album from their bag. " We brought you some pictures to show you "he said, handing the album to Rachael.
Rachael's eyes widened as she flipped through the pages, gasping in delight at each photo.
"Oh Rita, you look stunning! And Carlson, you look so handsome!"
Rita blushes, feeling a sense of pride and happiness. Thanks, Rachael. We were both feeling pretty great that day."
As they continued to chat and laugh together, Rita realized that this visit was exactly what she needed. It was a reminder of her roots and the love that had always been there for her, even from away.
" Hey, Rachael, where are Pearl and Jackie?" Rita asked, looking around the house as if expecting to see her cousins pop out from behind the furniture.
Rachael chuckled. "Oh, sweetie, it's the weekend, remember? They are spending the weekend with their dad, just like they always do."
Rita's face lit up with understanding. " Oh, right! I totally forgot. I am so used to seeing them a round here, I forgot they have their own lives outside of Rachael's house!"
Rachael laughed," Well, they love spending time with their dad, and he loves having them. It's a win-win for everyone!"
Rita nodded, feeling a sense of nostalgia wash over her." I remember when we were all younger, we would spend hours playing together. Those were the best days ever!"
Rachael smiled wistfully. " Yes, those were indeed special times. But even if we are all grown up now, we still have our own special moments to cherish.
Rita grinned, hugging her aunt tightly "absolutely, Rachael, Rita said, feeling a sense of gratitude. We are so glad we got to visit and catch up."
Rachael smiled, her eyes shinning with love. I am so glad you came, Rita and Carlson. You are welcome into our family with open arms. We are so happy to have you as part of our lives.
As they were about to leave, Rita suddenly remembered something. "Rachael, I almost forgot to ask you! How was your date with Robin Steven? Did it go well?
Rachael's face turned bright red, and she looked down at her hands, fidgeting with her fingers. "Oh Rita, I am so glad you asked!"
Rachael looked up asly grin spreading across her face. Let's just say we are going on a second date next weekend!" Our first date failed because of Naome's emergency operation. I had to be there for your mom in the hospital that day, so I canceled our date with Robin.
Rita squealed with excitement, hugged Rachel tightly. " That's amazing news, Auntie! I am so happy for you!
Carlson chuckled, shaking his head good-naturedly." It looks like we are not the only ones with a love story to tell.
Rachael winked at Rita. "Well, maybe oneday we shall have a double wedding!
Rita laughed, feeling a sense of joy and connection with her aunt. I would love that aunt!
As they said their goodbyes and headed out the door, Rita felt grateful for this little visit. It was a reminder that love and happiness were always possible, no matter what stage of life you were in.