Trial of Marriage

Part 23

 (Unedited)  I thought this would be my last chapter but it's not.  Hope I did this one justice as I finally lead up to the final chapter.

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It was around midnight when Angelic arrived back at her aunt's.  Normally Angel would have left the outside lit for her, but on this particular night she did not.  The curtains were illuminated by the glare of the living room lamp, so she knew that her aunt was still awake.

She entered the room and there Angel sat comfortably in a reclined chair with a book in hand.  Angelic,with the baby in her arms, took a seat across from her on the sofa.  She unbundled him from his receiving blanket and took off his infant jacket.  When she finished she placed him in the bassinet next to the couch.  Angel had briefly looked up from her book when she entered the room.   Instead of being nosy she decided not to pry and stayed quiet.

"Hello Aunty, why didn't you leave the lights on for me?" she finally asked after she noticed that her aunt had not said a word when she walked into the room.

"Good morning Angelic.  Didn't think it would be necessary," she said with raised eyebrows as she looked up from her book.

"Um, ok well yeah it is after midnight but I do still live here right?  And why are you being proper using my full name?  I know for a fact you only do that when you're agitated with me." 

"Is that so?"

"Aunt Angel you called me Angelic, not sweetheart or baby, so I'm trying to figure out what I have done wrong."

"More like what haven't you done. And you're traveling at this time in the morning with that child, that's not like you to be so irresponsible," Angel blurted out.

Completely taken back by that last remark she looked at her aunt for a moment before she answered.  "Well I didn't realize that I would be out so late. I mean Trey and I had a nice dinner and we spent time with the baby but it was never my intention on staying the night.  I guess he assumed that I would and it sounds like you did also."

Angel let out a low sigh and sat her chair in an upright position.  "It's obvious that you don't want to have this discussion so I'm going to bed."

"Wait, you don't have to go, we're talking."

"Sweetheart what are you doing?" she asked, not able to hold in her thoughts any longer.  "Did you take a good look in the mirror today? If you're not going to be honest with me at least be honest with yourself.  Look at how you prepared for today. Look at what you're wearing. And all this for a simple dinner? I don't think so."

"Why are you siding with him?  You detest him, I never expected this from you," she said, shocked by her aunt's statement.

"You know what, your right, I did for the way that he hurt you.  But then a very tragic thing happened and I thought that I had lost you.  But your angels were watching over you that day my dear child.  Your mama, your daddy and your uncle.  It wasn't your time and god brought you back to not only me, but that precious baby and yes even Trey."

"I know aunty, you don't have to remind me."

"But I do you stubborn girl.  I did not care for Trey for all that he had put you through.  However, when we thought we had lost you, that man broke down.  He was destroyed and no man is going to be like that unless the love that he feels runs deep and I mean like deep down to his soul."

"You never told me that and I'm sorry that either of you had to go through that pain."

"I didn't need to tell you that and I thought your good sense would help you get to a place where we wouldn't have to have this conversation."

"Aunt Angel I know he loves me..." she started but Angel put her hand up and interrupted.

"No, he more than loves you.  You and that baby are his life.  Every single day he was at the hospital, helping me every step of the way with you.  Even when you were released he came here, to my house, knowing how I felt and willing to put up with my mouth if he had to.  That's not just love it's pure devotion."

"I realize tall that ok and I know that he's a great dad."

"He's also a good husband."

"What!" she replied, stunned by her aunt.

"Yes you heard me.  You know me I'm not on the band wagon of being a fan but baby, I can't deny how good and supportive he has been during all of this.  You were given the opportunity to come together and mend what has been broken.  Call it your second chance or not but all I know is when I see you two together, you're happy.  You are happy right?" Angelic nodded yes.

"Then baby why are you here?"

"I love him aunty, I do so much.  Don't you think I've seen how much he's changed and the commitment, time and effort he's put into trying to keep us together.  I see it but I'm afraid."

"Afraid of what sweetheart?"

"He was all that before and during the early stage of our marriage and then things changed.  I don't ever want to go through that again, I can't."

"I know he was not very truthful with you and kept plenty from you.  Do you feel he's still doing that?”

Angelic thought for a moment then replied, "No, he's been very forthcoming telling me about things.  So much that its surprises me because after everything we have gone through I guess I'm not use it."

"And your divorce, are you still going through with it?"

"I told him I was and then he asked me to give us time and see what happens."

"But you told him no, right?  Just flat out turned him down, am I correct?"

"No, I told him it wouldn't change anything but I would give it to him," she hesitantly answered.

"Mhm I see.   So you haven't forgiven him yet for everything have you?"

Angelic sighed, "I did forgive him."

"Wow, all of those questions answered very positive.  You're my niece and I love you like you are my own.  You know I would never steer you wrong. So I ask you one final time, why are you here?"  Angelic looked at her aunt as her eyes welled up with tears.  She stood and walked over to Angel as she threw her arms around her and squeezed tight. 

"I love you so much."

"I love you to baby and there's no need to even ask because I know you're about to.  Do what you need to do."  As quick as Angel had said the words Angelic kissed her cheek and straightened back up. On her way out the room she grabbed up her car keys.