Mutual trust

Aunt Calla took me to a Spanish restaurant in BGC. The acronym stood for Bonifacio Global City here in the Philippines. It was known for its shopping areas, global restaurants, hip cafes and many more. Aunt Calla started the conversation while we waited for our order.

"How are you?" she asked me while she took a sip of her sparkling water.

"I'm good, thank you," I answered with a smile.

"Credence told me that you went to see an OB-GYN today? Any news?" Aunt Calla carefully asked again as she looked into my eyes.

I took a sip of my water first and answered, "The result was negative."

She reached her right hand on the table for my hand. I extended my left hand to her, "I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable, darling," Aunt Calla whispered to me.

I answered her with a small smile. When I got my hand back, Aunt Calla looked away to her left side. I released a long breath and swallowed the lump in my throat. I knew that getting pregnant was part of the contract but I did not expect the pressure that was placed on my shoulders. I was so relieved when our food arrived.

Our topic changed from pregnancy to food and wine. Aunt Calla asked me if I had tried pink champagne before. I told her no and she got all excited and told me that she had three kinds in her condo. We spent about one and a half hours in the restaurant. She shared her experiences in Spain with me.

She said she went there two years ago. We spent about three minutes in the restroom to freshen up, then we drove back to her condo. She told me that she was a very modern and independent woman. And that she loved to drive alone. I nodded my head to show her that I was listening as she told me things about her life.

"I was never married," she continued. We stopped at the red light, "Marriage is not in my vocabulary."

She momentarily turned to me and said, "I am fifty-five years old, dear. But my sex life is...how do I put it?" she paused and stared at the front of the vehicle. Then she added, "Wild?" Then she laughed out loud.

She probably laughed because of how my eyes widened in surprise, "I'm sorry. I was just surprised that you told me," I said to defend my reaction.

"You apologize too much, dear! I was like that before. So change that habit!" Aunt Calla said to me as we entered the parking area of her building.

I checked my phone and it showed six o'clock. When we got to her unit, the air conditioning was up and running. I asked her how she did it and she said she just used the home smart assistant, Alexa.

"Alexa, play Dancing Queen by Abba," Aunt Calla said, then we heard the well-known lively song of the band. She opened a hidden cabinet near her door and placed her pumps there. I copied her and removed my sandals too.

She took my sandals and placed them beside her pumps, then she closed the door of the cabinet. We walked barefooted to her kitchen. I sat on one of the high chairs and placed my hands on the kitchen counter. I saw Aunt Calla spray her hands with an alcohol spray on the counter and I did the same. Then she went to her mini freezer and got a pink bottle of wine.

She placed a mat on the counter in front of me and placed the bottle of wine. I read the label on the bottle and it said, Moët & Chandon Rosé Impérial. Aunt Calla placed a bucket of ice and two flute glasses on the mat. She opened the wine and carefully poured some for me, then for herself.

"Cheers!" Aunt Calla said. We were both smiling as we clinked our glass of champagne.

Aunt Calla watched me as I took a sip of this unfamiliar drink. Once it reached my taste buds, I was utterly surprised. I stared at the fizzing pink liquid in my glass.

"How was it?" Aunt Calla smirked at me.

"It tastes like fruit," I answered her and took another sip, "Like berries."

"Do you like it?" Aunt Calla asked me as she took a sip of her drink.

"Yes, thank you for letting me try it," I murmured as I took one more sip.

"Careful, dear. Champagne can make you drunk in just one glass," Aunt Calla warned me.

My eyes widened and gave my glass another look. I covered my left hand with my lips, "Then I'll just finish this and that's it."

Aunt Calla and I lost track of time. We moved to her living room and continued our conversation while seated on her white leather sofa.

"Brandon and I have been sleeping together for almost three years," Aunt Calla said regarding the other male model that I met last time.

I was glad that I did not forget his name. Brandon was the other male model that I dined with in a Japanese restaurant last Sunday. I nodded as I listened to Aunt Calla. I really enjoyed the pink champagne so I asked for another round but only half a glass this time.

"He does not have a girlfriend?" I asked Aunt Calla, then I regretted it. It was probably because of the wine. I was definitely getting drunk.

"Of course he has, dear," Aunt Calla said, she lifted her feet up as we were both getting comfortable.

"Is it okay if I lift my feet too?" I asked Aunt Calla's permission.

"Of course, dear," Aunt Calla responded to me.

I lifted both my feet on the sofa and placed my wine glass on the center table.

"My relationship with Brandon is casual. We are both adults, dear," Aunt Calla said, then added, "Are you okay, Emma?"

Aunt Calla probably noticed that my eyes were closing already, "I think the wine got into my system," I told Aunt Calla as I tried to fight my sleepiness.

Aunt Calla stood up and shook her head, "I'll get you a blanket or do you want to go to my bedroom?" Those were the last words that I heard from her before I passed out on the sofa.