Aiden Harper

Furniture shopping and advice

Eden

Marissa's parents met us at the furniture store so we could have more than the floor to sit on. I didn't mind. It was better than asking my parents for help since they supported my hoe of a sister and her ways of keeping her legs spread. If Mia could win a gold medal in any event, it would be the mattress event. Of course, my parents couldn't have our good name soiled by Mia's inability to keep her legs closed. So they did what any person who worried about their reputation. They buried Mia's indiscretions with money.

We checked out furniture with Uncle Carmichael and Aunt Carine while talking. I filled in my aunt and uncle about the situation at home.

"That doesn't surprise me about my brother. He always cared more about his reputation and money than about people. His wife is just as bad," Carmichael said.

"Rueben has always acted better than everyone else, embarrassed about the family migrating from Mexico. There is nothing wrong with our Mexican heritage," Carine said.

"My dad doesn't see it that way. He's always hated talking about the family history. He even became bitter when he lost construction contracts to another construction company," I said.

"Your dad tried to compete with Harper and Harper Construction, hoping people would pick Diaz Construction over them. Jealousy is a bitch," Carmichael said.

"No, Rueben is a puto for thinking he's better than everyone, including the Harpers. At least they gave you a job when you needed one, unlike your asshole brother," Carine said.

I couldn't disagree with my aunt. My dad was an asshole. He would even help his own family when they needed it. The Harpers didn't hesitate to help my uncle. Now, Uncle Carmichael works in the body division of the auto shop, doing what he loves.

Marissa and I managed to find functional, reasonably priced furniture for the apartment. We didn't need anything fancy but comfortable.

******
Aiden

Since I had fuck all else to do while on leave from work, I visited Grammy. It was better than staring at that book on the counter.

I found Grammy sitting at the table with a laptop in front of her.

Grammy spotted me once I entered the kitchen. "Did anyone ever tell you that you're quiet as a mouse? I didn't even hear you come in."

I approached her and kissed her cheek before sitting at the table. "I didn't want to startle you," I said.

Grammy smiled. "You would never startle me. The family is always welcome to visit. Plus, I love seeing everyone. Are you hungry?"

"Not really." I shook my head.

"Did you want a coffee?" That was Grammy's way of asking to talk. It was better than prying information from us.

"Yeah, I'll take a cup."

Grammy got up, brewed two cups of coffee, and grabbed the creamer before returning to the table. She closed the laptop and moved it aside. "How's everything?"

"That's a loaded question."

"Everything is a loaded question with you. But it doesn't need to be." Grammy sipped her coffee.

"I'm seeing a therapist."

"Your grandpa mentioned something but didn't divulge details. He's not one to gossip about people."

"Grandpa never gossips about anyone. He speaks the truth."

Grammy nodded. "But your grandpa isn't known for being truthful about himself. He tends to confuse people like me."