Life of lies

Chapter 42 - If We Have each other

Aria's POV

"Wait! You mean Carl has a child?" Elma asks from the other line.

"Yup."

"Was he in a relationship or something?"

"Nah, surrogacy"

"Aww, that's cute. So....you seem to be really fond of Him, Anything you think I should know?"
I chuckle.

"What do you mean?"

"What's up with you and Carl?"

"We're dating" I admit, rubbing my neck.

"Yes! I knew it!!" Even though I can't see her, I can feel her grin from here.
"You know what? Come over, let's talk" she excitedly says.

"Alright, alright. I'll be there, by One. How's that?"

"Great! I'll start preparing now. Bye sister" she hangs up.

........

"Coming!" I heard Elma's cheery voice.
Lo and behold, she opens the door, a ridiculous chef's hat resting on her head, a white apron on her body, flour covering some corners of her face.

"Jeez! Elma! What are you doing?" I laugh as I walk passed her and headed for the living room.

"Oh! Good day to you too Sister" she rolls her eyes as she walks behind me.
Inside, sat Lawson and Marcus.

"Aria! How're you doing?" He walks towards me, Marcus in his arms.

"Aunt Aria" he smiles, extending his arms towards me. I hold him in my arms, handing over the little package I got him, on my way here

"I'm doing great. Can you explain to me what your wife has been doing?" I gesture towards Elma, who stood there, looking really funny.

"I dunno, she's been babbling about how she'll bake the most delicious...as she puts it, cake in the world. Just for you" he laughs, taking in the glare his wife sent him.

"Really? I can see that" I laugh out loud. Marcus, busily unraveling what I got for him.

"Hey! I'm standing over here!" Elma waves. The smell of burnt food reaches my nose. Elma inhales a sharp gasp, before running over the the kitchen, yelling.
"My cake! oh! No! No! No!"

"Strawberry cookies!" Marcus exclaims as he finally sees the box I got him.

"Yes sweetheart. If you don't mind, I'll go keep your mommy company." I laugh as I set him down.

"What could Mrs Lawson be up to now?" I chuckle as I head towards the kitchen.
When I get in there, I'm greeted by the smell of burnt cake and a very nice shade of black cake, sitting on the counter.
I walk further in, and I see Elma, sitting in the breakfast table, her face behind her palms.

"Elma" she raises her head, disappointment and frustration clearly written on her face.

"Aria" she sighs in defeat. "I'm really sorry, I thought I could bake a cake for us, but....I guess ordering one would be a better idea"

I tried so hard not to laugh at her disappointed look.
"Don't be sad, the good thing is you tried your best"

Just then, Lawson and Marcus walk in.
"Mum! Aunt Aria  bought me strawberry cookies!" He stops talking and sniffles. "Hmm....mummy burnt cake again"
That's the height of it! I can't contain it any longer.
I burst into a fit of laughter.

"Oh....my...God...does this happen often?" I say between giggles.

"No!" Elma quickly replies. "This is just the....uhm....fifth time, I think"