Our Sick Inheritance (editing)

Chapter 37 - Walking Shadows

Four inches of snow had dropped on them while they were inside enjoying the wedding shower. Now the guests formed a line to help each other to their tire-chained cars. The last guests to leave were the bride-to-be Noelle, her mother Patricia, and her Aunt Delphine who was in her eighties. With arms linked to Alicia and Stacy's they all concentrated on walking slowly so as not to slip on the slick ground to get to Noelle's car.

Aunt Delphine slipped a little on the pavement before Noelle quickly grabbed her in a hug and wouldn't let go. Aunt Delphine started laughing which broke the tension the women were fearing in hope that she didn't hurt herself. They loaded the gifts into the trunk.

"Thank you so much my dear friend Alicia." Patricia said giving her best friend a hug.

"No worries. It's going to be a lovely wedding." Alicia replied and gave their last goodbye embraces.

Noelle helped her mother get into the car then helped with her great Aunt. Stacy linked arms with her first.

"Hold my hand and walk with me dear. I would hate to sue over a fall." Aunt Delphine said. Alicia put her arm around Aunt Delphine and escorted her to her vehicle where the driver got out to help. Stacy and Noelle wrapped arm in arm followed behind.

They stopped at the rear door that was being held open for her.

"Lovely house Alicia, I had a grand time even if the topic of discussion did sway to the benevolent."

"Auntie, George has three houses." Noelle said talking about her future husband.

"Yes. Three houses sitting on green and yellow grass surrounded by cows and chickens." Her Aunt said wryly.

"Has he not seen your shoe collection my dear?" Everyone laughed at the seriousness of Aunt Delphine.

"This is what this party was about Auntie, celebrating my marriage to George." Noelle smiled gently.

"I just came to spoil you with gifts my dear. I concede this wedding is going to happen. And I see you are happy, at least for now. So, I support that." Aunt Delphine said sweetly while she patted Noelle's hands as if talking to a young child.

With a wave goodbye to both cars Alicia and Stacy headed inside to rethaw. They shed their jackets and snow boots they adorned for the ten-minute trip outside.

The treats in the kitchen drew Stacy to them as she helped her mother put things away since she knew Alicia was tired. Afterwards Stacy picked up a cupcake then put it back down as if she had too many already. Instead, she filled up a plate with fruit, veggies, and small finger sandwiches to fill what space was left in her stomach. Alicia smiled understanding as she was over sugared-out as well.

"Oh gosh Mom, Noelle's great Aunt is so funny!" Stacy laughed.

"I know." Alicia said laughing.

"I am always surprised by the wicked aunts. She was funny but brass. I take it she doesn't like the groom much?" Stacy asked.

"She wants her Noelle to marry someone that works behind a desk, not a farmer." Alicia said disappearing into the refrigerator to put stuff away.

"Umm, doesn't she know that farmer owns several grocery stores and is rich?" Stacy asked surprised.

"I just don't think she understands." Alicia smiled as she wrapped up more treat plates for the family to snack on later.

"Feisty older ladies have the best language." Stacy laughed. "They are elegant but some of the bold things they say would put teenagers to shame. Their stories of the past are priceless though." Stacy said before shoving a piece of fruit into her mouth.