Chapter 10 The New Life

Although it was said that she was married to a military man, there was little evidence of his existence or the fact that he was in the military. The little house her 'husband' had purchased for her was not even adorned with his accomplishments from the military nor any pictures of him or both of them together. Although Amy really went all out with her disguise; the lacking evidence stuck out like a sore thumb so she dared not to have people over.

It was 7 in the morning. She was looking through her fridge deciding on what to make as she gulped down some orange juice. A knock was heard to which she responded to with the juice box still pressed to her lips. She checked through the peep hole and saw Stella smiling up at her. It's too early for gossip but of course, it's Stella. Despite thinking so, Amy was not annoyed as she opened the door for the woman.

"Good morning dear. You look well", she smiled while patting Amy's cheek gently. The first time Stella did that was when she welcomed her as a neighbor. Amy was uncomfortable. Now, it became a norm. She liked how soft Stella's hand felt on her cheek. Like a mother would do to her child.

"Good morning Stella. How are you doing?" she smiled back.

"I'm great! I made some walnut pie last night. Richard is not very fond of it. It's not much but I thought I'd share with everyone."

Amy now took note of the basket in Stella's hand. However, she didn't like walnut pie. From the time she was young, she hated the smell and never really showed interest in trying it. It was one of those foods where one hates without even trying. However, faced with this kind woman, she did not have the heart to turn her down.

With a smile, she extended her hand to receive the food. Stella's eyes lit up before she fished out a container from the basket to give her.

"Thank you Stella, I'll enjoy it."

"You're very welcome. Now, on my way to Margeret's. Have yourself a good day dear."

"Thanks. You too, Stella", Amy smiled before she turned to go back in. Just as she was about to close the door, Stella rushed back towards her.

"Emily dear, I forgot another reason for stopping by", she pursed her lips as her eyes spelled worry. While Amy opened the door to accommodate the woman, her heart could not help but race when she saw the woman. What could it be? Have I been careless?

"Yes?" her face remained calm to conceal any of her anxiety. Stella sighed before gently taking her hand in both of hers.

"Dear, I need you to understand that I mean well when I say this."

"Okay?"

Stella hesitated as though the words she was about to utter were too bitter on her tongue. But she had already brought it up so without keeping the curious young woman waiting, she spoke. "You've gained weight dear."

"..."

"And you'll continue to do so if you continue to stay cooped up at home. Weeks after moving into this town yet, you're always indoors and only go out when you need to."

That's because she works from home. Still, she was dumbfounded. She liked Stella because she was not pretentious but her bluntness was something she just could not get used to. Her smile remained frozen as the petite woman before her took her silence as a green light to go on with her speech.

"So, how about this? Why don't you join me at a cardio party this Saturday?"

"Cardio party?"

"Yes. Enzo and Pedro own a gym in town. Enzo is a good cardio instructor. I'm sure you'll enjoy yourself."

Exercising? Amy grimaced at the thought. She has always been on the small side and always eats healthy. She successfully avoided exercising like that. And she ate foods that boosted her metabolism so what was this about her gaining weight. The thought of exercising....

"Oh Stella.... That sounds great but I've never been athletic."

"Don't worry. It's not intense exercising. Come on? Can a woman of my age handle that? It's mostly dance exercises. Pedro is also a pilates trainer. Both help you become flexible. I promise you it's great. And it's good for us married women. Like I've become so flexible, Richard and I actually tried the G-force last night."

"G-Force?"

"Yes? Don't you know it? You lie down flat on your back and then your husband puts your legs on his shoulders and penetrates-"

"Okay! I get the picture." Amy panicked. She didn't need to hear more. Her active mind was already painting a vivid picture and it was one she did not want to think of.

Yet Stella leaned in and whispered, "He said he liked the view of my boobs bouncing from that angle."

"Okay. I- Wow. That- Wow!"

Is there bleach for the mind? Amy was red with embarrassment. Yet the woman felt no shame in talking about something so private. She looked at Amy more eagerly thinking she sold her especially with her little testimony.

"So will you join me dear? We can take my car?"

"Sure. Sure." She had to get rid of this woman before she said something else she could not handle.

"Great! See you Saturday!" Stella happily strolled over to the house next door.

Amy was a little traumatized. She didn't think old people could be so spontaneous. Heck! She didn't even want to know. She visibly shuddered as she shook her head to get rid of the horrid image. As she closed the door, Richard happened to be taking out the trash then.

When he saw his young neighbor, he smiled and waved at her. Amy froze. That horrid image from her imagination flashed in her mind. She could not look at him right then. Her smile was stiff as she quickly waved back before disappearing into the house. Is this going to be her new life? With old people flaunting their active sex lives?

Richard : "..."