It Begins With Us

36.

"Kimy dear, will you fix up my hair for me?" Mama asks.

"Of course!" Kimy claps excitedly and I can't help but wrap my arms around her waist and hug her once more.

She forces me off of her and rushes to get a wet cloth. I take the cloth as she hands it to me, and then gets started on Mama's hair.

"Wash my face darling." Mama explains and I quickly get to it.

I gently rub the cloth against her skin, studying her face as I do. She's gotten a few more wrinkles since the last time I saw her, but she's just as beautiful as ever.

"Done." Kimy smiles pulling her hands away from Mama's aged hair.

She walks over and swipes the cloth from my hands and takes over instead, making me smile.

"Say Kimy my love," I start cheekily, "how have you been?"

"I've been great." Kimy says nonchalantly.

"She's lying to you of course," Mama pipes up and Kimy gasps, "she's been a little under the weather as well."

"I'd thought so." I mutter and Kimy grunts.

"I'm very strong, don't need rest." She argues and Mama sighs knowingly.

"Well you can all rest at ease, because I'm back now. We'll be staying here for a while." I tell them just as Kimy finishes Mama's face.

"Good." Kimy nods firmly and Mama agrees.

"Well, call him in." Mama says and I rush over to the door.

"Sorry for taking so long." I cringe as I catch sight of Ryle crouched low on the floor his back against the wall.

"No worries," he grins, "I expected as much when that cute little lady ran right past me looking like she just got the scoop of her life."

"How didn't she see you?" I ask laughing and he stands.

"Let's just call it perfect timing." He laughs and I hold the door open, letting him in.

"Ryle, this my mother, Clare Abshire-DeTamble." I introduce him, taking his hand and leading him towards her. "And Mama, this is Ryle Kincaid. My handsome fellow."

I throw a smirk at Kimy and she averts her wide eyes.

"Nice to meet you Ms. DeTamble." Ryle says respectfully clasping his hands in front of him.

"It's a pleasure," Mama says coyly and gestures to Kimy, "this is Mrs. Kim, our nanny and Alba's Godmother."

"Nice to meet you." Ryle's smile pulls into a grin and Kimy flushes a little.

"Nice to meet you too." She says studying him unabashedly.

"Have a seat Ryle." Mama says gesturing to where I had sat in just a few moments ago and Kimy nods eagerly.

"Thank you." He says taking the seat and I stand beside him.

"I'm quite interested in knowing about you. Our Alba has never been with anyone before you, then suddenly she flies off to Boston to chase after you." Mama says and I can hear a sharp tone in her voice. "What's so special about you? I'd like to know."