Vengeance Is Beautiful

Chapter Twenty-Six

"My...aunt?"

Saying the words made me nauseous. I felt Lino's hand touch my waist but I winced and stepped back. Shaking my head in denial.

"You have to believe it, I am. I have proof, I just-"

"Where were you?"

My voice calm and quiet. They both go quiet as Lino bows his head and my "aunt" looks at me with sad eyes.

"You had over seventeen years to come find me. As a matter of fact - you had the day my parents were buried to come find me that way I wouldn't be here!"

I see Lino look to me and my glare softens a little as I turned back to the woman. "I wouldn't be emotionally fucked up, is what I mean. Which is ten times worse", I correct, scowling at her.

"That's what I did! I was looking for you everywhere! Don't you think I know that?! You were my niece and you were so sweet and when I saw your face at the funeral I knew you changed and I wanted to be there for you but Emilio wouldn't let me and when I went to his funeral you were gone the minute I saw you."

I stand, breathing hard, trying to believe her. Or maybe I did, I just didn't want to confront the emotional strength this conversation would require at the moment. So instead, I sniffed and let out a slow, collective breath.

"I'm going to give you some time to breath. I know this is a lot, considering how the last few years must have been for you."
"You know nothing about the last few years", I hiss.

She sighs and looks at me, unaffected.

"My number and work number is on a note in the kitchen. I'll be around if you need me", she says gently before walking past us and heading out.

I stand there frozen until the door closes and wait for what Lino might have to say. When we're both silent, he walks up behind me. Wraps his arms around my shoulders and I feel the tears from my eyes pour down my face. My chest heaving as I sobbed, hanging my head forward. "Sh, it's okay, I got you". He coos in my hair before kissing it.

His grip slackens and I turn around peeking up at him. He pitifully gazes down at me and wipes my eyes. He pulls me in and I rest my head on his chest. We stay like that for a moment then he picks me up and carries me to our room.

He lays me down on the bed, takes off my clothes leaving me in my underwear and strips until he's in his boxers and climbs in behind me and pulls me closer to his chest. I snuggle under him and kiss his hands before laying my head on the pillow.

"I love you", I mutter.
"I love you too", he responds, exhaustion clear in his voice.

~

The next day at work, I sat in Heather's office and listened as she spoke about whatever it was she was talking about. My mind was on my 'aunt'. What is she like? Is she funny? Does she have kids?

"Cat?"

I blink at her, "Yea"

"Did you hear what I said?"

"Yeah, you should definitely get the yellow dress instead".

Her face relaxes and she nods in agreement, "That's what I was thinking anyway so I.." she continued talking and I took a bite of my lunch before feeling my stomach contract. My mouth gets watery and a lump forms in my throat.

"Heather, give me a second", I say putting down my food and speed-walking to the bathroom. I close the door and open the stall.

When I get reach the toilet, my throat opens and I lunge forward as I vomit. The hot acid burning my mouth as I lean back taking in deep breaths. What the hell was that about? I flush the toilet and wash my face and hands.