Cruel Summer

Chapter 14

Thursday, September 20, 2018

~Aimee~

"Hey honey, the baby is sleeping. I'm gonna head back to work." My husband, Patrick, said as he kissed my cheek.

"Ok honey, leave the door unlock. Kel and his wife are on their way. Continue to have a good day." I said as I kissed him back.

"Thanks, baby. I love you. Give Kel my love to him and his family."

"I will, baby."

I made sure I put enough frosting on the cake as I put the salad and cake on our patio table.

Today's menu was chicken and waffles or chicken Alfredo with a side of salad and my famous Caramel cake.

"Auntie, we're home!"

I smiled as I turned around to hug my nephew.

"Boy, seeing you grown now makes me feel so old." I said as I wiped my eyes.

"Oh, baby, she about to start crying." Kel said laughing as he hugged me back.

"Babe, don't do that. Hello, Ms. Aimee." Jennifer said smiling.

"Girl, you can either call me Aimee or Aunt Aimee. Give me a hug." I said smiling.

"I would love that!" Jennifer said as she gave me the biggest hug.

"Ok, come to the patio. Food is waiting to be eaten." I said as I stepped aside and let my nephew and new niece walk onto my patio.

"Baby, this is so nice. I want a deck built just like this." Jennifer said as she looked around.

"Girl, my husband did this. It took almost two weeks. He sends his love, by the way." I said as I sat down.

"Wow, he owns his own company?"

"Yes, your uncle can build anything from scratch. He's very talented. What do you do, nephew?" I asked as I started making my plate.

"I'm a traveling phlebotomist, but wifey and I are thinking about having a conjoined business. We just started being real estate agents. We called it, 'Home of the Jacksons' Realty." Kel said smiling.

"Oh, it has a nice ring, too it. I love it, baby." I said smiling.

"You would be so proud of him, Aunt Aimee. He's been a real harder worker for our family." Jennifer said as she put some salad on her plate.

"You guys thinking about having kids?"

"We got two boys. We're trying right now for a little girl. It hasn't been easy. I'm scared, to be honest." Kel said as he started eating some of the chicken and waffles.

"Scared? Why, baby boy?"

"I had complications with our last son. The hospital didn't do the right protocol. I told him to not even worry about it. Since we moved back here, I know things are going to be better." Jennifer said as she started eating.

"I don't like hospitals. Ever since what happened, man." Kel said sighing.

I gulped hard as I could.

I didn't want to think about it.

"The story about Kelly? The one who stayed beside us?"