Beginning

I could sense that Aunt Calla's treatment of me was genuine. I would never think that she was this nice in person based on her photos. She was far from what I had expected. She looked very aristocratic in her ensemble today. She was wearing white fitted pants and an orange tunic top. I could tell that she loves accessories and jewelry by her layered necklaces, bracelets and earrings.

Her short hair was dyed in the shade of copper. Which made her brown skin look beautiful. Her hair was perfectly cut in a short bob and she smelled of expensive perfume. We were seated facing each other when she started the conversation.

"Darling, what are your plans this week?" she asked me while she poured iced tea with floating lemons into my glass.

"My schedule is full for this week," I answered her. I reached for the glass of iced tea that she handed to me.

"I see. I hate formalities, dear. So just relax on your seat," she stated as she waved her hands at me.

I took a sip of the refreshing drink and placed it on the center table, "Thank you."

"Well then, let's get to the interesting topic, my nephew, Bram," Aunt Calla said with a mischievous smile, "As you know, my nephew is hot. Women fall over at his feet. And he's a race car driver. What more could you ask for? Oh and let's not forget he's rich too. Would you care for some cake or are you worried about your figure?"

"Sure, I would love some," I answered and stared at the strawberry cake as Aunt Calla cut a piece for me.

"Here you go," Aunt Calla said while she handed me the sliced cake.

"Darling, let me tell you. Alicia, his girlfriend for two years, might be your problem," Aunt Calla said. She dropped the bomb in my face.

I placed the cake saucer beside my drink and chewed the portion in my mouth slowly. It tasted like sawdust after I heard what she just said. I took a sip of my drink to hide my shock.

"I knew all the details of your marriage, dear. Bram and his mom consulted me on this," Aunt Calla said, and she picked up her cigarette case, then changed her mind. She placed it back on the table, "My sister, Credence, wanted me to help you. Because she can't. Let us give her time to mourn."

I nodded and said, "How nice of her to think of me," I commented and held on to my sling bag tightly.

She was about to say something when her kitchen phone rang. She excused herself and answered the call. I opened my bag as well and checked my phone. I saw missed calls from my mom and from Bram. I checked my messenger and read my mom's message.

Mom: I was so worried, my love. How are you?

I decided to reply to her.

Me: Mom, sorry I was not able to reply last night. I was occupied and I slept early. I'm here at the condo of Bram's Aunt. Just visiting and getting to know his family.

Aunt Calla walked back in from her kitchen and said that Bram was downstairs. He told her that he was coming to pick me up. I hid my surprise with a smile.

"Did you know that he was coming here?" Aunt Calla asked me. Then she sat back on the sofa.

"No," I said as I shook my head.

"Tsk! He just ruined our girl talk. Anyway, I will request a copy of your schedule for next week from Maria. So I could check where she could squeeze me in. Okay?" Aunt Calla said, smiling.

"Sure," I answered sheepishly. I just could not believe that she was this nice after knowing the details of our marriage.

We heard the doorbell, then Aunt Calla stood up, "That was quick. That could not be Bram, could it? He called me when he was parking his car," Aunt Calla stated as she made her way over to the main door.

"Darling, how did you do that?" I heard Aunt Calla say by the door. I turned my head so I could see them because my sofa was facing the opposite direction. Bram was looking at me while he was kissing his aunt's cheeks.

"I'm just excited to see my wife," I heard Bram say. I turned my head towards the center table again. How I wished it was true but it was not. I returned my phone in my bag and closed it.

When they both came near me, Bram bent down and gave me a smack kiss in front of his Aunt. My eyes widened in surprise. I looked at his aunt nervously and gave her a shy smile.

"This was supposed to be my day today, Bram? I asked Maria to schedule this," Aunt Calla protested and crossed her arms to her chest.

"My apologies, dear Aunt. But I need my wife more," Bram answered his aunt playfully. He was standing at the right side of my seat, "We need to go now," he added, and he took my right hand and pulled me up.

I slowly got up and sat back again, I placed my sling bag on my shoulder and tried to stand up again. This time I was successful. Aunt Calla stood up and kissed my cheeks, then she gave me a quick hug. I carefully trailed behind Bram as he walked towards the door. Aunt Calla waved at us when the elevator closed.

I stared at my feet as the intensity of my soreness started to build up again after walking.

"Are you okay?" Bram asked. He turned to his left to look at me.

I looked up at him and smiled shyly, "I can't walk fast," I said.

Bram's eyebrows met in the middle in confusion, then his expression changed into a naughty smile and he whispered, "Sore from last night?" he asked. He looked up at the CCTV camera.

I swallowed and stared at the camera too. Then I saw him turn to me, so I looked back at him. He smiled, showing his perfect set of teeth and said, "You just need practice," then he kissed the right side of my head.