Passion's Pitfalls

Chapter 6

Tristan's mother's voice was shrill as she complained about the curtains. "They're just not right," she says, her voice full of frustration. "I told you I wanted the sea blue ones, not the royal ones. Can't you get anything right?" It's just not okay," she continued to complain to the two men who were fixing the curtains. "And they're too long! Can't you fix them?" The two men looked at each other, clearly not knowing what to do about the misapprehend.

Tristan's mind was wide away with wonder as he descended down the stairs, two at a time when he hears his mother's voice.

"Hey mom! Is that you?" He gives her a side hug, his face filled with a very big smile.

Mrs. Preston looked at him, her eyes filled with relief. "Oh, thank goodness," she says, hugging him back. "I was so worried." She took a deep breath, her hand resting on his shoulder. "Are you okay?" she asks, searching his face for any sign of distress.
Tristan nodded, his expression serious. "I'm fine," he tries to reassure her. "what's up with the curtains?" He was clearly perplexed.

His mother bit her lip, then throws a small laugh as she waves her hand in the air.

Mrs. Preston turned to face Aurelia who was just entering the living room, her face softened. "Aurelia, my dear!" she exclaimed, a smile spreading across her face. "It's so good to see you. How was your trip?" Aurelia smiled back, her voice warm and friendly. "The trip was wonderful,"she responded. "But I'm so happy to be back home."

As Aurelia and his mother continued to talk, Tristan could feel the tension in the room starting to dissipate. He could see the men fixing the curtains visibly relax, and he knew that things were getting back to normal. He felt a surge of gratitude towards Aurelia, and he gave her a small smile, which she returned. The room felt lighter, and Tristan knew that everything was going to be okay.

"Oh and Tristan, regarding the curtains.,-- she was now looking at him, a conspiratorial smile on her face. " I've got a really Big surprise for you" Tristan cocks a brow. She continues, "I've invited someone special to join us for lunch," her blue eyes, shining. "She's someone I know you're going to be so happy to see." Tristan's curiosity was piqued, his mind racing with possibilities. "Who is it?" his voice was full of anticipation. His mother grinned, savoring the moment. "You'll have to wait and see," she claims, her voice playful. "But I promise you won't be disappointed."

"Aurelia my dear, we'll have lunch at 12."

Aurelia nodded, taking the hint. "I'Il have everything ready by noon," she says, already planning the menu in her head. "What sort of meal would you like?" Tristan's mother thought for a moment, considering the options. "Why don't we have something light and fresh?" she suggested. "A summery salad, pasta, chicken sour soup maybe, and some fresh fruit for dessert?" Aurelia nodded, her mind already whirring with ideas. "That sounds perfect," she agreed with the woman. "I'll get started right away."

"Oh, and one more thing," Mrs. Preston added. "I've invited Isabella to join us for lunch, as well." Aurelia's eyebrows shot up, her eyes widening. "Isabella?" she said, her voice full of surprise. Mrs. Preston nodded, her smile widening. "My daughter, I didn't mention that to you before my trip, she lives just down here," she responded, clearly pleased with her surprise. "I thought it would be nice to have her here"

"That'd be awesome Mrs.Preston."

~•~

By the time noon rolled around, the table was set and the food was prepared. Fresh, crisp salad greens sat in a bowl, surrounded by colorful fruits, a white pasta with chicken sour soup and vegetables. A pitcher of iced tea stood at the ready, its ice cubes clinking as the doorbell rang. Mrs. Preston hurried to answer it, a grin on her face.