Dusk [sequel to Aurora] - HS AU

Chapter 7

I, I don't know where I am, or where I'll go
Where to even begin when I know
What lies behind makes no sense in my mind
But I know that it's time to let go

Song: Lucky, by Aurora

***

FIJI

2020, April 22nd, Wednesday | 7 p.m

Aster's P.O.V.:

"Is this too much? I feel like it's too much."

Rickie shakes his head, smiling softly. "It's not. This is perfect, Cupcake."

"Is it, though? Don't you think it's a little too much? As if I'm trying to like, rub it in her face? How different our lives are?" I bite my bottom lip, my eyes going over the table I spent the last half hour setting.

Eve and Maddie are coming to have dinner with us tonight, and I've passed the whole day obsessing about what to do to make them feel comfortable. I've ordered a full course meal, set the table in the best way possible, had the common areas cleaned, put a few scented candles here and there, and changed my clothes 4 times until I thought it was good, but the moment I stepped out of the room and Rickie widened his eyes, I started doubting everything again.

The thing is, the whole day, while I was preparing everything for them, I only thought about what would be the best of everything - the best food, the best clothes, the best environment. Not because I wanted to bribe, but because I wanted to offer only what's best in the world for them. However, as soon as it was all ready, I've realized maybe they won't understand my intention, and think I'm trying to intimidate them; or even worse, I'm trying to tempt them with the luxurious life Maddie chose to leave behind almost 20 years ago.

"Cupcake," Rickie sights, standing in front of me and grabbing both my shoulders to force me to stop pacing around the room. "Breathe, OK? Take a deep one for me, come on."

I do as he says, looking into his bright blue eyes, and inhaling deeply. Rickie coaches me through three more breaths before he pulls his hand from my shoulders, smiling softly.

"Better now?" He asks.

"A little." I nod, my heart still racing with nerves. "I just want it to be perfect for them."

"It will be, Cupcake. You're here, it's more than enough for them." Rickie says matter-of-factly. "Don't sweat about it, ma'am."

I swallow harshly, nodding in agreement. We agreed they would come to have dinner here around 7-ish, which means they'll arrive anytime now. After our conversation yesterday, Maddie and I came back to the flower shop to find Rickie and Eve already bickering about a TV show or something like that, both of them seeming to have bonded instantly.

Although I wanted to have dinner with them and get to know Eve better, Maddie asked me to give them some space. Now that I'm here, she feels like she needs to tell her daughter about her past, because it's inevitable my presence here will raise questions she can't answer without saying the whole truth. In parts, I kinda feel guilty to know how much being here is impacting their life, and maybe not in such a positive way, but honestly, it's something that would have to happen sooner or later. I mean, one day Eve would get too curious, and would try to know more about her past either way.

The fact they haven't arrived yet is starting to get into my nerves - even more, if that's possible. What if they don't show up? What if Maddie tries to run away again? I mean, we haven't seen each other for 18 years, maybe she simply doesn't trust me - what if she thinks I might be like a secret spy for Phillip or something like that? She has no reason to believe me other than blind faith, and after everything she went through, it wouldn't be such a surprise if she decides to run away from me.