Tetris in Red

Tetris in Red (Deluxe)

Tetris in Red (Deluxe)

Rhys

"Holy bloody hell, her hair is so fluffy!"

I blink. Thrice.

"Look at those eyes, very bright and green, like a mirror to your soul."

"So tall and pretty, too, unlike that frightful, whiny lass John brought home last time."

"Ahuh, ahuh."

The three elderly encircle us, studying Alec and me closely. One of them holds a piece of my hair and narrows her eyes at it, muttering something along the lines of, 'real, straight ginger' before dropping the strand. The other two gushing at us like this is the first time they have seen Alec with a woman.

"All right, that's enough," Alec cuts in, chasing me away from his adorable aunties. They groan, eliciting a chuckle from me. "We'll see you later, lovely ladies."

I wave goodbye to the trio whose somber faces immediately brighten. I toss them a grin when they give me a thumbs up, before turning back to Alec. "Did they just talk about us in third person?"

He shakes his head in amusement, a relaxed smile placed on his face. "Mom said it was Auntie El who started it when they were kids. They had a big fight over their dolls so my grandma— their mother, put them in the same room for hours. Auntie El still refused to talk it over with them and began speaking about them in third person with her doll."

I laugh under my breath as we walk inside the house, looking back to catch one last glance at them. There's no doubt that this trio had a rather fun childhood. Their white hair are all curled and styled framing their faces, colorful frilly dresses with flower ensembles swirling with them as they move. Their personalities are literally floating with the air you breathe.

I didn't know what to expect from Alec's family when he invited me here for his Dad's birthday. But it sure as hell not three enthusiastic aunties raining me with very British compliments.

Alec opens a door to a wide, Victorian-styled living room filled with people of all ages. Children running around and throwing tantrums, teenagers stuck on their phones, young and middle-aged couples... I don't know if anyone notices, but there are just so many people. My hand tightens around Alec before I turn around, not bothering to say a word. I hear Alec's deep chuckle following me, but all I can think about is how I'll be able to get back to the hotel.

I think I saw cabs and buses before we—A hand snakes around my waist and I'm twirled around, coming face to face with an amused Alec. "My mistake. Take two?"

My forehead furrows. "Huh?"

He seizes my hand once again, pulling me in the direction of the house. The soles of my feet drag along the pavement as a loud whine escapes me. "Aleeec. People. Lots of them! Do you not realize how bad it is? Mega allergy! I won't make it out alive!"

Alec doesn't acknowledge me. I start to stomp my foot and attempt to turn around again with my hand still in his. Fine. Gods of childishness, possess me, but I'm not going in there. Absolutely not. I pull my hand out of his with a resounding grr, drawing out a chuckle from him. All right, this is not funny anymore.