The Bridge

Chapter 42

Aurelia

I woke up to the sound of my phone ringing non stop. I woke up to another morning without Aubrey. It's insane how I had only met him at the start of fall and here it is, the start of winter and I feel like life is incomplete without him. At the beginning of receiving the heart wrenching news that my man was fathering someone else's child "allegedly", I appreciated Aubrey giving me my space especially since I was not in the mood or right mind frame to speak to him but as time passed I was slowly getting used to what could be my new reality.

"Aurelia wake up!"

Both my mother and father moved in a few days ago. I made it a point to emphasize that this was only a temporary arrangement. They said they got the point but the way they made themselves extra comfortable in the guest room has me thinking otherwise.

"Aurelia! Ven a desayunar (come eat breakfast)", my mother demanded.

"¡Ya voy (I'm coming)!" I shouted back. Ripping the covers from my body I threw my legs over the edge of the mattress to sit upright and stared down at my toes. I was in a desperate need of a pedicure. The whole situation in regards to my relationship with Aubrey and it's current standing set off my depression. Apart of me thought it best to let him go for good. This is beyond baby mama drama. This is a woman he had cheated with early on and a woman who he had continued to see when I ended our relationship the first time. The other part of me doesn't want to let that bitch win.

Aubrey: Can I come see you?

I got up and walked towards my kitchen and sat at the island, my mother placing a plate of Mangú in front of me. A traditional dish of queso frito, fried eggs and fried salami of the Dominican variety. My grandmother used to make it for me often, it's a wonder why my mother chose to make it for me now. She had been extra nice to me the past few days. She and my father both.

Aubrey: pls baby.

Aurelia: Now is not the best time

Aubrey: I know your upset baby, you have every right, I really miss you. This is hard for me too.

(Ten minutes later)

Aurelia: fine

Not even five minutes after I sent the text, there was a knock at the door. I excused myself from the island and went to answer the door.

"Aubrey?" What the hell.

"Hey baby," he ducked his head and sheepishly ran a hand over his waves.

"Just in the neighborhood?" I looked everywhere but his his face.

"Yes."

I moved aside to let him in and walked back to the kitchen to finish my plate of food. Aubrey followed behind me stopping short at seeing an older woman at the sink washing dishes.

"Mamá este es mi amigo, Aubrey (Mama this is my friend, Aubrey)."

She turned her head and at the sight of him wiped her hands on the dish towel and walked over to give him a welcoming hug.

"Él es muy guapo. ¿Es este tu novio? (He is very handsome. Is this your boyfriend?)"

"El es algo (He is something)." I picked up my fork and continued eating. After my mother relased Aubrey from her embrace he took the seat next to me at the island. Before he could even get himself situated my mother had a plate of food sitting in front of him.

"Eat."

"Yes ma'am, thank you." She nodded and went to retire in the guest room for a bit before readying herself for the day.