The sound of the front door opening brought me and Theodore out of our intense staring whilst I thought of what I wanted. I heard a female and male voice followed by the sounds of keys. Theodore lifted his head and looked over to the door and a lady who looked exactly like Aunt Catherine - only darker and younger looking, walked into the living room followed by a man who looked like he was at least in his mid thirty's. She practically ran in but then slowed down into a halt and jumped when she saw me.
"Hey," said Theodore, continuing to play with Khalil on his lap.
"Hello love," she replied looking at him whilst unwrapping her scarf from her neck. Then she looked over at me with furrowed eyebrows, "Hello..." she said coming over to me.
"Tiffany." I finished for her with a smile, slyly nervous as I knew she was judging me. Her eyes widened and a realisation spread over her face.
"Oh Tiffany!" she pointed with her index finger as if she remembered something. "My sister has spoken a lot about you." she nodded smiling widely now she knew who I was. I laughed not knowing what to say to that. It seems like Aunt Catherine told her whole family about me…
"Tiffany this is my husband Daniel," she said pointing to the man who stood behind her.
"Hello," he said stepping forward waving.
"Hi," I waved back.
"I hope my son hasn't been much trouble," she said crouching down in front of Theodore, rubbing Khalil's tummy.
"No he's been really good. He's adorable," I said honestly.
"Aw, thank you," she smiled adoringly at him.
"Wow, by now he would normally be crying to be in my arms but he looks pretty comfortable there. You did a good job," she said surprised at Theodore, giving him a pat on the knee.
"I can't even lie. Tiffany did most of the work. I literally just took him now." Theodore laughed at his Aunt's reaction.
"I should have known it was too good to be true!" she playfully pushed his arm. "Trust you to disturb Tiffany from her life to help carry your burdens," she scoffed taking Khalil from him.
"Thank you for looking after Khalil today Tiffany, how much do we owe you?" her husband said going to his back pocket, presumably to get out his wallet.
I shook my head, "Oh no, it's okay, you don't have to pay me." I insisted.
"Don't be silly, you must have had plans today before this fool called you." his aunt chimed in.
"No really it's okay. I enjoyed looking after him anyway. You don't have too." I said seriously. I didn't want to seem greedy and I actually didn't want the money anyway. I would look after Khalil for free anytime.
She smiled at me, "Thank you so much honey. You see, this is the type of girl you need in your life Theo, not them other girls you've been messing around with." she said looking at him sternly. I didn't miss when he involuntarily clenched his jaw and looked away.
What's up with him and girls?
"Don't start please." he said in the same tone she had used towards him. She rolled her eyes and turned back to me. Um, he can speak to his aunty like that?
"Anyway, it was nice to meet you Tiffany and once again thank you for looking after Khalil today, we really appreciate it," she said smiling warmly at me.
"No problem," I smiled back before standing up. I needed to leave the tension filled room. "Let me just wash up his things and put them away for you," I said picking up Khalil's empty food jar, spoon and bottle, going over to the kitchen.
