Enchanted Night

Chapter 6 (All I can say is, It was enchanting to meet you)

While biting my lip, I watched Stephanie's car drive away. With stealthy movements and quiet steps, I swiftly entered after unlocking the gate. Reassuring myself with the thought that Aunt Amanda, Tamer, and Jayson were not yet home, I proceeded.

Just as I felt confident that I had evaded any trouble and was in the clear, the dim light in the living room abruptly transformed into a bright white, illuminating everything around me. "Just as I suspected," Aunt Amanda's commanding voice resonated. Well, that's that. I was caught.

I stood frozen in place, a wave of heaviness and anxiety washing over me, causing my heart to race at an alarming pace. I despised this sensation, knowing it would bring trouble and leave me unsettled for days, if not weeks.

The idea of fleeing, avoiding facing Aunt, and simply retreating to my comfortable bed, cocooned in my soft blanket, crossed my mind. However, I doubted my ability to do so. "Where have you been, young lady?" Aunt interjected, causing me to slowly turn to face her.

She was now clad in her pajamas, indicating she had been home for some time—I presumed. My tongue seemed to be tied up, as much as I wanted to respond and the words lingered on the tip of my tongue, I couldn't seem to articulate them. "I am—I've been—uh—"

"Don't even attempt to lie to my face, Maria. I detest deceit," she declared, lifting her eyebrows in a manner that exuded authority. Hearing her refer to me as Maria wasn't a positive sign. She often called me by that name when she was angry or displeased with my actions.

I attempted to smile at her, hoping to alleviate the tension, but her expression remained stern, unaffected by my gesture. "I attended the concert, Aunt," I responded.

There was no benefit in continuing to lie. Deception would only escalate the trouble on my end, and I wanted to avoid that. Being honest might offer some redemption, you know.

"You sneaky little rat," she uttered almost in a whisper. I blinked twice, unsure if she was angry with me or not. Her voice, while soft and clear, carried a hint of reprimand. "I explicitly instructed you not to go. What part of that did you not understand?"

"I'm sorry," I began to explain. "I—I didn't intend to go, but—"

"Oh, reasons again, my dear? You know I detest hearing excuses," she interjected, silencing me momentarily. I was truly in trouble.

Despite my reluctance, I didn't want Auntie to be upset with me. The last time she was, I was confined to my room without access to my phone, laptop, or guitar. In short, I was grounded for weeks.

Without uttering another word, I bowed my head in silence. "I'm sorry, Auntie. It won't happen again."

"Of course, it won't! I won't allow it," she asserted firmly, causing my lips to tighten into a straight line. "Luckily for you, I am in a good mood tonight," her tone suddenly shifted, leaving me momentarily surprised.

I gazed at her as she elegantly made her way to the plush sofa, settling in comfortably. Picking up a wine glass that I hadn't noticed earlier, she took a sip with a wide grin on her lips.

Confusion clouded my thoughts. What had just transpired?

"Don't just stand there staring, get moving and prepare me some pasta."

"Huh?"

Her eyebrows furrowed as she directed her gaze back at me. "Pasta! I want pasta," she repeated in a serious tone, prompting me to nod rapidly and head quickly to the kitchen. What was with her? Pasta? At this hour? Well, it was certainly a better alternative to being confined to either my room or the basement again.

Time slipped away as I spent nearly thirty minutes cooking the pasta and sauce. The task was draining and monotonous, evident from the numerous times I yawned while stirring the pan before me. The chill from the air conditioning didn't help either — it only intensified my desire to sleep.