SOULmates

16- Family Issues

"Is your father here too?" Zaria asked Nicholas, clutching her glass of water tightly. A few aunts and uncles had already barraged the both of them at the door with questions and unwarranted health advice, leaving Zaria with a glass of ice water.

"No. He messaged me earlier and said he was going to run a little late. Which is odd, he's never late," he added, almost to himself.

"You okay?"

Nicholas cleared his throat and smiled, offering Zaria his arm.

"Much better with you at my side," he said, shooting her a wink. Zaria laughed.

"You're so extra."

"Maybe, but you know you love me for it."

Zaria rolled her eyes and kissed him on the cheek. He steered them through the thick crowd.

"Are all of these people your relatives?"

"Oh, no. A lot of them are friends of Nana or related to friends of Nana, or friends of friends with Nana."

"Oh wow. What did your Nana do??"

"Ha well professionally, she was a baker. Had her own shop and everything. But she also did quite a bit of adventuring. She's a civil rights activist who traveled a lot, and had many odd jobs in her youth. She made a lot of friends--actually, I think there's more and more people here every year. I honestly don't know who half these people are," he said, staring in confusion at a strange man belting out a karaoke song.

Zaria giggled. "Well that makes two of us."

"Niiiicky!" Nicholas grimaced, quickly masking his expression with a reserved smile as an older woman pulled him into a hug and kissed him on the cheek, leaving a bright red lipstick imprint. She was short in stature, with dark brown hair that was pulled tightly back, wearing a pair of giant black sunglasses.

"Hi... Auntie Monica. I didn't know you were back from your trip to Japan."

"Ah, well you know me! Never did miss one of Nana's birthdays... not after the accident."

Her expression soured. "And where is Connor, anyway? I'd like a word with your father."

"He's running a little late."

She scoffed. "Typical."

Her gaze finally landed on Zaria, who smiled nervously. "Hi, nice to meet you. I'm Zaria, Nicholas's girlfriend."

Monica's eyes shifted back and forth between the two of them for half a second, before she smiled and hugged Zaria, shooting Nicholas a look over her shoulder.

"Oh you're Zaria! It's so nice to meet you, finally."

She pulled away and held her shoulders, looking into her face. Zaria began to sweat. Monica smiled warmly, her eyes twinkling behind the sunglasses.

"If you don't mind Zaria, I'd like to have a word with Nicholas. We'll be right back, dear." Zaria shifted her weight awkwardly. Nicholas gulped, knowing he was in for it.

"O-okay. I'll be right here." Monica flashed her one more smile, subtly tugging Nicholas by his collar.

She quietly cussed him out in portuguese until they were in a secluded corner, where she let him go and crossed her arms over her chest.

"--and just what in the hell are you thinking??" She finished in english.

"Ah Auntie what was that for??"

"I cannot even believe you, Nicholas! She is so young, what were you thinking?? Is she even old enough to drink?"

"Yes, she's old enough to drink!"