Old Memories

Martina had fallen in love before, with a boy whom she adored and literally worshipped. His name was Stanley. Stanley swept Martina off her feet the first time they met. That was at the university's library. When their eyes locked into each other, they knew there and then that they belonged to each other.

Stanley was Martina's happiness. They were always seen together, and it seemed like nothing could separate them. Stanley's family were not rich. It was difficult being the eldest son in his family. He had three other younger siblings he was taking care of and that always put a strain on his pockets.

Martina on the other hand, was raised in a well to do home. Her father owned one of the biggest building construction firms in the country. He had so many branches around the country and internationally as well. Martina never lacked anything. She had never worked in her entire life.

As an only child, everything was given to her on a silver platter. She was happy in her own world until she met Stanley.

Everyone thought Stanley was with Martina because of her family name and money. Who would have believed Stanley was with her out of love, anyway? But Martina paid no heed to what they were saying. She was confident in her heart that Stanley loved her as much she loved him.

Time went on, and their relationship grew. Martina became like a saviour to Stanley. She was so in love with the boy that, seeing him suffer because of money made her suffer as well. She always tried to help him, whenever he needed money.

She was always given extra allowances to use in school, even though she was not living on the school premises. She had enough to cater for herself and was willing to share what she had with Stanley. She would cook for him, clean his room and wash his clothes.

She became like his wife even though they were not married. This worried Linda a lot. She knew the sacrifices Martina was willing to make for Stanley but she never felt Stanley was worth it.

" Martina is high time you gave more attention to yourself instead of using all your allowance on Stanley. I don't think he is worth it", Linda said when she came to visit Martina at her home one evening.

" Why would you say that, Linda? You know how much I love Stanley. Stanley does not have enough money to fend for himself, especially since he is taking care of three younger siblings,  and I want to help him in any way I can", Martina replied

" He is working, isn't he? Come on girl, he has been managing on his own before he met you. But now look, he now visits expensive restaurants and buys expensive clothing just because you have decided to use the allowances your parents give you, on him", Linda said again.

" Oh Linda! How can you say that? How much can Stanley make from that small laundry business he does? You know very well he doesn't make much, that's why I want to help him stand on his feet. Maybe one day, we will get married and have a family of our own, who knows?" Martina shrugged

" All I can say is, be very careful. I would not want you to get hurt in any way. You know you are like a sister to me, and I love you very much", Linda warned.

She was worried about her friend and she knew she was making a mistake getting too involved with Stanley.

Six months after their relationship, things began to change. Stanley became more demanding. He became dependent on Martina for everything. He stopped doing laundry and complained that it was a woman's job. Martina was always worried and sad about the situation but she kept quiet about it.

One afternoon, after they were done with lectures, Stanley decided to speak with Martina. He looked around campus till she found her sitting under a tree, going through her hand out. She was concentrating on it so much that she did not realise him approaching her.

" I have been looking for you", Stanley said suddenly, startling Martina.

She snapped her head up, only to realise who had disturbed her. She frowned a little but had a big smile on her face when she saw who it was.

" Baby, how are you doing?" she asked happily.

Stanley did not reply. Instead, he had a frown on his face which worried Martina. He sat beside her on the bench she was sitting on.

" Baby, what happened? What's wrong?" Martina asked, worry evident in her voice.

" It's nothing, forget it", he brushed her off.

" Baby, come on. I can feel there is something bothering you. Please tell me and I will do anything I can to help you", she said again trying to calm him down.

Stanley looked at her, with seriousness written all over his face. " I need some money".

" O-kay. Why do you need money? Did something happen?" she asked again.

" Yes. It's my mother. She suddenly fell ill and she was taken to the hospital last night. I managed to send some money to them so that treatment could be commenced on her, but it's not enough", Stanley replied.

He had tears in his eyes which were threatening to fall. Seeing her love like that worried her so much. She had to do something for him.

" How much do you need?" Martina asked

Stanley smiled his biggest smile ever.

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