Under the Elms

Ready for inspection?

Sofia was mesmerized, looking out the window of the plane as it prepared to land at the regional airport in Natchitoches, LA, hometown of her beloved Great Aunt Viola. Everything looked green and lush, despite the fact that it was late January. Leaving a still snow-covered Minnesota just over two hours before, it seemed like they'd entered another world. It was a very familiar world; Sofia had spent many childhood summer vacations at Auntie Vi's home, enjoying a simpler life at a slower pace.

'Happy?' Prince's excited sounding voice interrupted her memories. Turning toward him, her joyful expression telegraphed her answer before she opened her mouth to speak. Giving her a quick kiss, he answered his own question. 'You obviously are.'

'Oh, yes! I can almost smell it. I"m looking forward to introducing you to Auntie Vi. She's such a wonderful woman. I can't wait to hear your opinion.'

The plane came to a stop, and the flight attendant came back after lowering the stairs. 'Thanks for flying with us. I believe your ground transportation is waiting for you.' She handed him a set of car keys.

'Great, thanks,' Prince replied cordially. 'We should be ready to take off again in a couple of hours.' Helping Sofia to her feet, he preceded her off the plane, so he could help her off the bottom step. She giggled to herself, watching him hop off the bottom step like a toddler. At the bottom of the stairs she stopped. Along with the smells of jet fuel and such, she was hit with the scent of things still growing, and intense humidity. The opposite of the frozen tundra they had left a little while before. 'C'mon!' he called, and pulled her behind him out of the hangar and through the waiting area of the small airport.

'Where did this come from?' Sofia asked, motioning at the black four-door Cadillac CTS in the parking lot.

'Magic,' was Prince's smug reply, as he opened the passenger door for her. She noticed the back door being opened and Prince's 'little black bag' being loaded into the back seat as she also watched him walk around the front of the car to the driver's side. Opening the back seat door on his side, he rummaged around until he found a piece of paper. Seating himself, he handed the paper to Sofia with a smile.

'You're my navigator, sugar. Get us to Auntie Vi's house.'

In just a few minutes, along with a little reminiscing on Sofia's part as she recognized landmarks, they parked in Auntie Vi's driveway. Her house wasn't large, but it was in pristine shape, with an obviously large front garden lying dormant for the winter. Prince exited, walked around to Sofia's door, and handed her out, as the front door of the house opened and a tiny but very spry woman dressed in a beige pantsuit with a gold blouse walked out the front door onto the porch.

'Auntie Vi! It's so good to see you!' Sofia rushed to the porch, enveloping her petite aunt in a hug. The whiff of cinnamon coming from the crown of braided hair on the top of her aunt's head brought back even more memories.

'You're right on time, no surprise. Come in, come in!'

They entered the front door, and the smells of Sofia's childhood came rushing back. Pledge, Pine-Sol, cinnamon, and the remnants of many years' worth of gumbo enveloped her.

'And who is this young man with you?' Auntie Vi's mischevious eyes proved she knew exactly who it was.

'Auntie, may I introduce Prince Nelson, my fiancé,' Sofia replied, using the formal manners she'd been taught from preschool age.

'It's a pleasure to meet you face-to-face,' Prince interjected.

Auntie Vi walked over, arms outstretched, for a hug. Prince complied, and Sofia watched his eyes widen and a blush stain his high cheekbones as Auntie Vi's hands reached down and thoroughly groped her man's backside. Stepping back, she said, a little wickedly, 'Yep, that's the Prince I've watched all these years!'

Gathering his composure, Prince guffawed. 'That's the first time I've been greeted that way! I'm gonna have to keep my eye on you!' He shook a comedic finger at the feisty elderly woman.

'Honey, if you were 10 years older and I was 10 years younger, I'd give Sofia a run for her money! I've been a fan since 1979. Have a seat! Would you like a glass of tea?'

'Perhaps a cup of hot tea?' Sofia replied for them both. She knew how sweet Auntie Vi's tea was, and she was afraid she and Prince might pass out on the plane when the sugar wore off.

'Sure honey, just give me a minute to put the kettle on. Prince, if you'll grab the suitcase on the end of the bed, you can load it into the car. What time does the flight take off?'

'When we're ready, ma'am. We chartered a plane to come down here. It's much more comfortable. Less intrusive, you know.'

'No, son, I don't know, but I'll take your word for it. One of my girlfriends had me come over and see the story about you two on Entertainment Tonight. All those photographers didn't look like fun at all. By the way, Sofia, Ms. Andrews recognized you from the back, even with those sunglasses and all. I was just waiting for the call from you. Oh my goodness, I forgot I'm putting the kettle on! I'll be right back.' She bustled out of the room, calling behind her shoulder. 'Sofia, show Prince where my bedroom is so he can get my suitcase.'

'Better follow directions,' Prince quipped. 'I don't want to get assaulted again.' His smirk belied his feigned discomfort.

Sofia led him down the short hallway to the equally small master bedroom. It was meticulously decorated in the latest style from the 1950's, blond wood bedroom furniture, quilted bedspread, and all. Prince gently pushed her up against the door and wrapped her in his arms, stealing a long, passionate kiss. 'I'm so glad you're marrying me,' he whispered. 'I'm so lucky,' she grinned in response.

'Y'all hurry up now! I don't want any hanky panky going on in my house! Not until you're married, that is!'

'She's insufferable, and she got rid of the finger waves! I was looking forward to seeing those.' Prince murmured against Sofia's mouth, taking one more kiss in rebellion against her directions. Hoisting the suitcase, he put it down and shook his head. 'This old suitcase probably weighs as much as what's inside it. I should have picked up those weights last week to prepare!'

Sofia smirked. "I think you can handle it.'

'Oh, I will. I know I can handle you.' His voice dropped an octave on his final sentence. The involuntary dilation of Sofia's pupils at his sexy tone of voice and double entendre pleased him no end. Taking the lead, he strode back into the living room.

'Ma'am, do you have a heavy coat? It's about 25 degrees colder in Minneapolis, and I don't want you to be cold.'

'Now I'm only going to say this once more. You call me Auntie Vi, do you hear? I don't need any of that ma'am nonsense, even though I'm glad you were raised right. Don't you have people down here somewhere?'

'Some second cousins in Mississippi, I think my mama was from Louisiana originally, but her family moved north when she was very young. So, Auntie Vi,' Prince wiggled his eyebrows at his emphasis on her name, 'do you have a heavy coat?'

'I do indeed. I'll get it out of the front closet when it's time to leave. But, first we're going to drink a cup of tea and visit for a minute. I don't feel I know you well enough yet to give you my blessing.'

At this last statement, Sofia blanched. It never occurred to her that her Aunt would feel it necessary to pass judgement on the man she planned to marry.

Oh, Auntie Vi!
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I'll always be thankful that, on this 60th anniversary of Prince's birth, we had the blessing of his presence as long as we did, and that we can continue to be blessed by his immense talent. Thanks, P.