Chapter 31: Arlena and Vicky - A Reunion
Arlena
“Sis! Over here! Sis!”
The stylish figure waved back as she walked over. Her tight jeans showing off every curve of her long slim legs and tight butt while her firm, shapely breasts could barely hide beneath the loose, V-neck sweater she is wearing. Fellow travelers exiting the arrival gate could not decide between admiring the tall, statuesque beauty, or the sweet dainty perfection of a woman calling out to her.
The two sisters embraced joyously, happy to see each other again after a long hiatus. Vicky tweaked Arlena’s cheeks playfully before she slapped her lightly on her bum. “Someone is looking prettier and prettier huh? Felix must be taking great care of you. Speaking of which, where is my straight-laced little brother-in-law?”
“Erm, he’s supposed to be flying back tomorrow. His company sent him overseas to Vietnam, some kind of urgent business cos his colleague had to handle some family affairs.” Explained Arlena.
“That’s ok. Alex flies away for work all the time. I understand how that works.”
Alexei is Vicky’s husband. Tall, built, and blonde. A Russian businessman. Vicky had always been vague about how they met while she was studying in Japan so Arlena had never probed her too deeply about how it happened. She did know they kept in touch afterward, maintaining a long-distance relationship before Alexei finally came over to ask for her hand in marriage formally. To prove his sincerity, he has even set up shop in Hong Kong so Vicky can be a short hop away from Singapore.
“How is Ma? Pa?”
“They are very good. In fact, they are anxiously waiting for you at home. Ma has cooked some of your favorite dishes.”
“Nice! I’m starving. I’ve purposely skipped the in-flight meal you know? I miss Ma’s cooking so much!”
“Let’s go then, quickly. Need help with your luggage? Any presents for me?” Arlena teased, winking at her older sister impishly.
“You are such a baby, hahahaha... NO! Bleah! Presents for everyone but not for you!”
Arlena pouted at Vicky’s reply. It’s just part of the game they have played since they were children.
“Are Ma and Pa still pressing you and Felix for grandchildren? Have you talked with Felix?” The conversation suddenly turned somber.
“I dunno Jie... He is just so, stubborn about the whole thing. And that’s so unlike him. It’s like he’s hiding something from me or something.” Arlena said pensively.
“Hhhmmm... Let me talk to him. Perhaps I can help.”
“Thanks, Jie. It’s all your fault you know?”
“What? Me?!” Vicky said mock shockingly.
“Yea, you. First, you are the older sister. Next, you have been married for longer. If you and brother-in-law had worked harder, I would not be the one Ma and Pa go after all the time. And to make things worse, you have to go live in Hong Kong leaving me here to face Ma and Pa’s nagging all alone. Finally....
Arlena and Vicky continued their sisterly conversation as they boarded their cab, oblivious of the admiring glances they left in their wake.
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Vicky
As Vicky laid on her bed that night, she thought about the upcoming trip with Arlena to Bali. They had decided to go together, just the two of them. She could feel that Arlena needs the break. She needs some time away from Felix to get herself together again. Vicky thought about Arlena’s problem with Felix. It does sound strange that he is avoiding the issue of having children. She did recall Felix liking children as well, and they have been together since university, a long time to know each other well and understand each other’s life goals. What exactly could be the problem?
She knows what is her problem with Alexei. Her. She knows he loves children and they have tried to have one for a couple of years now. She had thought that she had successfully conceived earlier this year, but... It had taken her a while to get over her loss... Their loss. The bitter memory had stopped her from trying for a child again for a while. In fact, Alexei had been most understanding. He has never stopped loving her and never stopped caring for her. He had been patiently waiting by her side, waiting for her to get over her pain and sorrow before they try again.
Beneath her jovial and outgoing exterior, Vicky has always been a sensitive soul. She has always been able to pick up on the emotions of the people around her, but yet, her greatest enemy has also always been herself. To make things worse, she is always the life of the party, the optimistic people person, the go-to friend when you needed a perk-me-up. She is so often the one doing the encouraging that so no one has ever been able to realize her vulnerability, not until Alexei appeared.
For a long while, she pondered if she should get Alexei’s help. She knows that his businesses range all over the Asia-Pacific, and one area of specialty is in IT. Would it be unethical to get him to help? To dig into Felix’s medical records? It does seem to be illegal, after all, she suspects some form of hacking might be involved. Still, if Felix continues to refuse a sperm analysis to determine his fertility, that might be the only option. Arlena had already done a fertility test, so the problem is not with her. In addition, her insistence of having sex frequently during her fertile periods ought to have seen her pregnant by now.
Restless, she decided to drop Alexei a message inquiring if he could help before she went to sleep. After all, she’s just asking, and asking couldn’t hurt, can it?