Never Forget (Memories)

widely. His dimples make an appearance and I feel a bit of my resolve melt. I know I've just made a mistake, giving him that chance.
    ''You have a deal.'' He takes my hand and steps back. ''My lady, would you allow me to escort you to the upcoming nuptials?''
    I put my other hand over my mouth and laugh into it as he bows to me. A nod is all I can manage.
    He stands and whoops loudly. ''She said yes!'' he shouts, much to the delight of passer bys.
    I gasp and slap his arm. ''You're such an idiot!''
    ''Sorry,'' he laughs. ''I couldn't resist.''
    I look at him and I can't contain my amused smirk. He bumps my shoulder with his.
    ''Come on, Princess, it was a little bit funny.'' He grins.
    ''Maybe a little..'' I try to contain my laughter.
    ''You know it was...'' He pulls a silly face and I let my laughter go.
    ''You're so stupid,'' I manage through my laughter.
    ''I know.'' He wraps his arm around me and leads me towards the fish and chip shop. ''Dinner is on me.''

    ~

    ''What day is it?'' Gram asks me, peering at the calendar.
    ''It's Wednesday, and your glasses are on the kitchen side,'' Mum replies, kissing Gram's head as she walks past her.
    ''You seem a bit forgetful lately, Gram,'' I comment.
    Dad peers at us over the top of his newspaper.
    ''It's old age, Lexy girl.'' She chuckles and puts her glasses on. ''Happens to the best of us. Why, Mabel forgot her bingo pen on Sunday night! Caused quite a stir in the Bingo hall, I'll tell you.''
    ''Is that why you won?'' I grin.
    ''Why you cheeky little..'' She swats me and I sidestep out of the way laughing. ''Probably was, dear. I won't complain though!''
    ''How much did you win?'' Dad asks her.
    ''Fifty pounds,'' she says proudly.
    I snicker and Dad claps.
    ''Drinks on you then, Vi!''
    ''Si!'' Mum admonishes. ''Don't encourage her. Me and Lexy have already hidden the Vino.''
    ''Not very well,'' Grammy cackles and waggles a finger at her. ''It's in the cupboard under the stairs. I might forget the day and where I put my glasses but you lived with me for eighteen years, sugar-pie, and you've been hiding things there since you were a year old.''
    I make a buzzer sound. ''That is the wrong answer.''
    Gram looks at us, shocked. ''You mean it's not there?''
    ''Don't be silly, mother,'' Mum laughs. ''Lexy hid it.''
    ''Yep, and I'd love to see you climb the chimney!'' I laugh.
    ''You didn't!'' Grammy puts a hand to her chest.
    ''You're so gullible.'' I bend over the chair laughing. ''Of course I didn't put it up the chimney.''
    ''They tipped it down the sink instead!'' Dad teases her.
    ''You horrible children,'' she clucks. ''Tormenting a poor, defenceless, little old lady.''
    ''Defenceless! Ha!'' Dad puts his paper down and sits back in his chair. ''I seem to remember you're lethal with a handbag, Violet.''
    Gram gets a thoughtful look on her face.
    ''I get the feeling there's a story here somewhere.'' I look between her and my parents.
    ''Oh there is.'' Mum stirs her tea and leans against the kitchen counter. ''We were what, fifteen?'' She looks at Dad.
    ''Sixteen, I believe,'' he corrects her. Mum nods.
    ''You were. I think I was still fifteen. Anyway.'' She focuses on me. ''We'd been out to Ilfracombe to see a show at the Landmark and then dinner afterwards. It was at some all you can eat buffet, and we'd stuffed ourselves silly. Anyway, I was a little bloated and when we got back, your grandmother took one look at me and accused your father of getting me pregnant. We were so shocked by her words he didn't see her handbag come flying towards him.''
    I snort and Dad laughs at the memory.
    ''My arm is still sore to this day,'' he jokes. ''She carried everything but the kitchen sink in that blasted bag.''
    ''I can't believe you actually beat Dad with your handbag!'' I look at Gram and there's a fond smile on her face.
    ''I believe I remember that,'' she chuckles and turns her attention to me. ''You make sure to tell your Alec about my handbag skills.''
    ''He's not my anything!'' I insist.
    ''Of course, honey,'' Mum says and puts her empty cup in the sink. ''Are you ready, Mum? Tesco won't do the shopping for you.''
    ''Yes, yes, Em. I'm ready.'' Gram kisses my cheek and picks up her bag. Dad takes the car keys from Mum and goes to start the car up.
    ''See you in a bit, Mum.'' I flick my magazine open.
    ''Bye, love.''
    ''Oh, Lexy,'' Gram turns in the door, and that twinkle I've come to expect is in her eyes. I narrow my eyes. ''Your Alec will be here in ten minutes. He's