Salted

Unplanned Turns

                                      ALTHEA

He walked towards me and enveloped me into his embrace. I froze because I had not expected him to do that and I was not used to him like before.

To me, he was just a man who looked like me and whom people told me was my brother. I had no memory and the feelings towards him like I had before I lost my memory.

"How have you been? And where have you been all these years?" He questioned as he broke the hug but his hands stayed by my side.

I was curious because I did not feel as  uncomfortable as I had expected to feel being touched by someone I was not used to but from his embrace, I could feel his sincerity.

I had no idea how or where I had learned to read expressions like this but I think it was after the coma or maybe a hidden ability in me that I had no idea about.

I forced out a smile when I saw the relief in his crystal blue eyes that were similar to mine. I had no clue how to behave with him because Anabelle had clearly not prepared me for this.

"That does not matter since I am back right?" I asked and he nodded as he enveloped me in another hug. I stood still with my hands by my side.

The new feeling inside me seemed to surprise me. A sense of safety had registered in me from just his hug and I wondered if this is how it felt to have someone...or family.

We broke apart and I turned to the woman besides him. He reversed back to her and wrapped his arm around her so lovingly which made my heart feel yet another strange emotion.

What would I call this?

....Envy?

"This is my wife, Samantha and my eldest daughter whom you have already met, Clara" he said and I sent a small smile towards the blonde woman who moved to embrace me.

Jesus!

She is strong!

"I have heard so much about you and I am happy to see you back. You had him worried for over this ten years" she said breaking the hug.

"It was not my plan but what was needed at that moment" I said and Sage seemed to be overcame by a sudden sad expression on his face.

"Do you still blame yourself about it?" He asked.

"No but it does not mean it is any harder to digest" I said honestly. It was hard for me to accept the fact that my parents died while they tried to protect me.

"I love you all but can we move this to a place where we can eat? I am famished" Daniel said and Samantha nodded.

They turned on their way and walked forward while I stood to ready myself for the hour long act. Clara ran to me and held my finger.

"Auntie, come on! We do not wanna leave you behind" she said as she tugged at my finger and I looked down at the cute little girl.

My heart seemed to flutter at the name she called me...

Auntie.

"Okay come on" I said with a small pretend smile and walked with her towards the group. We went to separate cars and Clara cried to ride with me which I contemplated about.

"Clara come with us. You will meet your auntie at the restaurant" Samantha said and took her away when she started crying.

God!

"It's okay. I will come with her. Come on!" I said and she immediately brightened up as she ran to me. She held her hands up and I looked down at my white dress.