Stand By Me

Part 10- Ain't She Sweet?

Bella sauntered into the kitchen where Mimi was preparing tea. "Let me help you," she said, joining the woman on the other side of the island.

"I don't need your help."

"Well, maybe not with the tea, but I can get started on the dishes if you'd like."

Bella's cheerfulness annoyed Mimi. She couldn't justify not liking the girl if she radiated kindness, "Alright," she said with a scoff.

Bella began filling the sink with hot, soapy water. She could faintly hear John in the other room playing his guitar. His voice made her smile, and briefly forget about the crotchety woman sharing the kitchen with her.

When she heard Mimi behind her, she asked, "Do you like to cook?"

Mimi ignored Bella's question and any attempt she made to speak to her. She leaned against the counter, reading a book, while she waited for the water in the kettle to boil. It started whistling right as Bella finished the last dish.

Bella dried her hands and went into the sitting room where John was still playing guitar. He noticed her straight away and reacted with a bubbly smile.

"I love you," she mouthed to John. He smiled and mouthed it back. A few moments later, Mimi came into the room toting two cups of tea. She placed one on the table beside John and handed the other to Bella.

"Thank you, Mimi." She was astounded by the sweet gesture. She took a sip, and it was incredibly bitter, but she acted like it was the most delicious cup she'd ever had.

John continued to play while Mimi and Bella sat beside one another, quietly drinking their tea. The animosity between them had briefly subsided as they fixated on John and his effortless talent. Bella watched Mimi gaze at her nephew with half-lidded, joyful eyes, and realized that the two women had one very important thing in common—they adored John.

When his song came to an end, Bella went back into the kitchen to pour herself another cup of tea. John came up behind her, spun her around, and kissed her. She lost herself in the warmth of his lips. He sighed into her mouth, his heart thundering in his chest.

John's hand trailed down to her crotch. He rubbed her through the fabric of her pants. Bella broke away from his lips with a moan and feebly muttered, "Easy, John. Mimi's here."

"I know. What a drag," he laughed.

He pulled himself off of her with reluctance. It was just in the nick of time as Mimi came storming in right after.

"John, are you going to the supermarket today?" She asked as she poured herself another tea.

"I wasn't planning on it. Why?"

"You're almost out of cream."

"I'll go." Bella said, "I need to get some ingredients for dinner. I'll pick up some cream while I'm there."

"I'll go with you, then," John said, smirking.

"What will I do?" Mimi asked, brows furrowing.

"You'll wait for us to get back, that's what you'll do," John said sternly, as if he were talking to a toddler. Mimi groaned and rolled her eyes, "Don't speak to me that way, and don't be long, either."

John retrieved his keys and took Bella by the hand. He led her to his car and opened the door for her, making sure she was safely inside before shutting it. He went into the driver's seat.

"What are you going to make?"

"I don't know. Something with lots of vegetables, I reckon. How do you feel about aubergine?"