Blessings In Disguise (lesbian)

(14) Being A Freak Can Be A Good Thing

April 17th 2006

Ringing the doorbell, Dylan listened as more than one pair of feet rushed toward the door as though there was a race to see who could answer it first. She found out that her assumption was correct when she heard her nephew victoriously shout 'I beat ya' just before he unlocked and opened the door. His face brightened all the more when he saw her.

"Auntie Dyl!" He rushed toward her and she picked him up, cradling the boy in her arms. She found a smile when he deposited a damp kiss on her cheek. "What's shakin' bacon?"

"Not a thing chicken wing."

Calvin giggled like he always did on those occasions when they greeted one another that way. However, his giggle faded when he studied her reddened and puffy eyes. "You been crying? Whatsamatter?"

"Nothing baby," she tried reassuring him. Even at his young age, Calvin didn't seem to be buying it. "I'm fine. Just allergies."

"Since when did you have allergies?" The lawyer in the now six-year-old had returned. "You only sniffle when you're sick." And he could barely recall seeing her sick in the past!

Michael, his father rescued Dylan from having to explain. "Hey Cal, why don't you go help Natalie with her puzzle. She's having some trouble finding the right pieces to fit together and I'm sure she'd be appreciative."

"So you and Auntie Dyl can have an adult talk?" Calvin asked after Dylan put him on his own two feet.

Michael smiled at his son who was much too perceptive for his age. "Yes, sir. Your mom and I will find out what's wrong and fill you in later."

"Promise?"

"I do."

Calvin looked up at his adored aunt. "I love you. Don't be sad, 'kay?" Wrapping his arms around her legs, he squeezed tightly.

Bending, she kissed the top of his head. "I won't, buddy, and I love you too."

Once Calvin had run up the stairs to provide his older sibling with an assistant, Michael pulled his sister-in-law into the house and shut the door. An arm around her shoulders, he walked her into the living room where they took a seat on a comfortable overstuffed sofa.

"So what's going on?" He sent a silent prayer that he would hear the garage door opening any second, which meant that Angela had returned from the grocery store with the bag of cornmeal she needed to prepare dinner. She was much better at these sensitive talks than he was. Michael considered himself better with actions than words. Perhaps he could stall by asking Dylan if she wanted some coffee or tea. That way Angela might be home by the time he poured a mug and stirred its contents very slowly.

"Mike?"

"Yeah?" And cookies! I could throw some of those pre-cut cookie dough slices in the oven. That's a good fifteen minutes of stalling right there. Michael audibly gulped. Unless she follows me into the kitchen.

Dylan patted the hand clenched around his knee. "I can wait for Angie to get home."

"How do you know she isn't here?"

The brunette smiled. "Because if she were you would have obtained her before I could step over the threshold." Her brother-in-law chuckled. "I know this isn't your thing, but I thank you for trying."

Although relieved that he was off the hook, Michael asked her if she was certain that she wanted to wait for Angela. Dylan nodded the moment the garage door began to open. Perfect timing.

Michael decided to start dinner while the two sisters moved into the home office to have their chat. Seated on the short leather couch, they faced each other. Angela had already guessed what this was about before Dylan could explain.