Fireflies at Midnight

TWELVE 12

"So what's the other plans for the day?" Aaron's practically bouncing as he asks the group, making his way outside of the theater.

"I thought we were going bowling?" Evelyn's eyes drift to Eric as soon as she hears his voice, something about the man drew her in every time.

The formation was almost exactly the same as in the theater. Kathy, Aaron, Evelyn and Eric. Evelyn was content with walking beside the older man, heart jumping just a little bit when his fingers would lightly brush hers.

"Come on dad, you're just saying that because you're the professional bowler here." Aaron reached over and shoved his father, taking off sprinting as Eric chased after him.

Evelyn's watching the boys, smiling as she and Kathy walk the same consistent pace. She's happy to see them both interacting, it was obvious that they missed one another and had an amazing bond. It was something that she'd wanted for months to have the opportunity to watch.

Her thoughts are knocked away as the strong scent of cigarettes and perfume wafts into her nose. Kathy has now moved herself directly beside the woman, staring at her as they walk. She really knew how to make someone uncomfortable.

"So Evelyn, how do you enjoy being here?" She asked, lacing her arm through Evelyn's and walking.

Evelyn was never an affectionate person outside of a relationship. There were less than five people she would hug, kiss, etc and that did include Eric in the five. So it was obvious when her body tensed that she did not want the older woman to touch her.

"It's pretty nice. I love seeing Aaron interact with you guys and let go for a while, he never gets to." Evelyn smiled, looking down at the woman.

With hardly no space between them, Evelyn could tell this woman was a try hard when it came to wanting to look young again. Her eyebrows were dark, yet uneven, and it truthfully looked as if she used mascara for eyeliner. It reminded Evelyn of a raccoon to say the least.

Out of the corner of her eye, Evelyn can see that the older woman is watching her face. She's not turned her eyes for at least ten seconds, and it's beginning to make Evelyn uncomfortable. What did the woman want?

"So, how do you like my husband, Eve?" Her blood runs cold, the enunciation of 'my' was clear. "You know, Aaron and Eric have a magical bond, it's something that you don't see everyday between a boy and his father."

If you were only an onlooker, someone that had simply overheard the conversation in passing, you'd have thought nothing of it. But Evelyn having known Kathy for a few days now, there was definite intent between the words.

Did she know? There's no way, Evelyn thought. She could feel her heart in her throat, but not for good reason. Her and Eric hadn't been the most careful, but it was almost impossible that Kathy could have known anything at this point.

"That's amazing, Kathy. I'm so glad they have that relationship. Eric seems like a very nice man too. You're a lucky woman." Evelyn offers her the smallest of smiles, trying to play nice as best she could.

Lord knows she wanted to spill out everything about Eric she knew. If she didn't have anything to lose, there wouldn't be any second guessing in her mind. However, Aaron was still very much an important part of her life that she refused to lose.

"I am, you're right about that. So I guess it goes without saying to leave him alone, right?" Kathy gives her arm a squeeze.

To Evelyn, the squeeze felt a little harsh, but maybe that was only because her brain has been sent into overdrive. She's looking over at the woman, eyes wide and mouth closed tight. This had to be a bluff, there's no way she knew.