Lucrecia's Legacy

An Evening with the Family

Once again I stood on the porch, my nerves screaming, yet I wasn t sure why, for I had already met your brother and his wife.
As to your kids, I had grown rather fond of them, perhaps even more.
Sometimes when I played with them I d catch you watching, a slight, happy smile on your face and a considering look in your eyes, and I knew you were wondering what it would be like for you and I, your children, us, to share a life.
I was brought out of these thoughts as someone opened the door.
It was your daughter, a smile on her face, a smile of joy at seeing it was me.
I reached down and picked her up, quickly running into the house, though no one came out to greet me, so I spun her around, her delighted squeals reverberating through the rooms.
I quickly set her down, as I became ill, like a man his first time at sea.
She took hold of one of my hands and began dragging me along with her, telling me you were at the back of the house, her tiny feet tromping on the hardwood like miniature booms.
She stopped in front of a door and smiled at me expectantly, as though I knew what to do.
Then she told me you were in there, showering, then waited till I put a hand to the knob, trying to keep her little feet from tapping.
Once I did, she clapped her hands in two short bursts, then ran off giggling, knowing she had sprung her trap, and knowing I knew too.
I shook my head, mildly surprised by her actions, though I had grown used to her always pushing us together, then entered, giving in to her not so subtle clapping.
I softly closed the door behind me, then leaned against the counter, watching you through the frosted glass of the shower door as you flung back your head, flinging water about.
I reached out and lightly rapped on the door and you jumped, startled, then you pushed it open and peeked out through the crack.
When you saw it was me, you smiled and leaned out further, exposing your wet skin and pointed to a towel, which I handed you, after you turned off the water, and you began drying yourself as you stepped out.
You draped the towel over yourself, then took my face between your hands and kissed me, which
I gave back.
Without warning you pushed me to the door and asked me to wait outside for you.
I nodded and gave you another kiss, then walked down the hall to find your daughter watching curiously, her eyes sparkling like two priceless gems.
When she saw me she giggled and ran, but I caught her and lifted her into the air, laughing as she squealed, till I thought her face would turn blue.
I lightly tossed her onto the sofa, where she landed with another squeal, then began tickling her, narrowly missing being struck by several flailing limbs.
I heard a footstep and looked up, seeing your sister-in-law, who was watching with a smile.
We said hi, then she remarked that there was so much noise in here that she had figured it was me.
I laughed, then grunted as your daughter struck me in the stomach, knocking the air out of me, laughing all the while.
I folded up and fell on the sofa, your sister-in-law running to see if I was all right, but I waved her away as I slid from the couch onto one knee.
You came out and saw me like that, a questioning look on your face, then your sister-in-law explained what had happened and you came to me, barely able to supress a smile as you put an arm around me and gave me a light kiss.
I smiled and stood, feeling rather foolish, but your daughter grabbed one of my legs and apologized, her mouth turned down in a frown..
I ruffled her hair and she slapped away my hands, grinning, and in the moment I found a strange sort of bliss.
Your sister-in-law smiled, seeming to except me-as I had felt the previous time we'd met, and invited us to help with the setting of the table, and as we entered the dining room I noticed your gown.
It was pale as cream and fell to the floor, it was plain, but held some quality that gave it more, it
emphazised your bust, yet gave no secrets, it contrasted with your hair, seeming to make you as regal as any queen, however it was your eyes that set it off, they sparkled and danced in the reflected light.
I leaned close and whsipered how beautiful you were and you took one of my hands and gave it a squeeze, laid your head on my arm with a small sigh.
We set the table just in time as your brother came in, complaining of the winds bitter bite.
I asked you were your son was and you replied that he wasn't feeling good and was asleep, but that he had wanted you to tell me he said hi.
We talked a while as dinner was placed, and I could feel the tension returning.
We all talked while we ate, your brother asking me rather pointed questions, though I could tell he wanted to ask me about the difference in age.
You sat next to me in silence, listening to his questions and my answers, then he hesitated, and your head came up, your eyes burning.
I cut him off before he could ask, telling him how I felt, about you and your kids, telling him, in response to another of his questions, that I would never feel like I was trapped in a cage.
The dinner continued, yet it was clear that your brother was unsure.
Afterwards you came outside with me, even though your gown was too thin to keep out the chill.
You apologized to me for his words, but I just smiled at you and said I understood, he was just trying to make sure.
You put your arms around me and I held you as you whispered that what he thought meant, to you, nill.
I kissed your cold lips, then your forehead, wishing you a good night.
You smiled and replied that it wouldn't be a good night without me there.
I caressed your face and you closed your eyes, your breath shortening and I could feel this between us was right.
I kissed you again, this time with more passion and you almost melted into me, but before it could go any further, I broke the kiss and again touched your face before walking off into the cold night air.