3D: Meet the Parents

After the official engagement, Aubrey looked forward to meeting Julio’s mother. Why he delayed, she did not know. Meeting a significant other’s parents was a big deal, and most people were nervous about it. But, Aubrey experienced an odd calm. Julio spoke highly of Aaliyah, and from his stories, Aubrey discerned she was a warm person who would be excited to meet her.

On yet another stormy night in Willow Creek, the excited couple made their way to the Wantanabe residence. Julio tried to reschedule, but Aaliyah wouldn’t hear of it. Aubrey was glad; it was on her mind all day. Though she anticipated a pleasant visit, she still needed to prepare mentally.

“Mom?” His voice echoed up the two-story foyer.

A sultry, alto voice replied from upstairs. “Hello, my love! I’ll be right down. I’m changing Rhys.”

“Ok.”

Julio led Aubrey into the living room. She peered into the other rooms as she passed as much as she could without being obvious. The spacious house was perfect for a large family but not over the top like the Pruett Estate around the corner. Or, what remained of it.

All the toddlers huddled in the living room and brought joy to Aubrey’s heart although they all wore frowns.

“Hi, guys,” she said excitedly. “What’s the matter?”

The boy with hair redder than the hottest sports car spoke for the group. “It wane. Ow-side go boom.”

She chuckled and remembered when Oliver began speaking in fuller sentences.

Julio leaned over and whispered, “They’re afraid of thunder.”

“You don’t have to be afraid,” she said. “It only sounds scary, but nothing bad will happen.” Hopefully, the lights wouldn’t flicker or go out completely. They’d never trust her again. “I’m Aubrey. What’s your name?”

“Marc.”

The girl with the glasses jumped from behind the couch. “I’m Myla!”

“And that’s Hannah,” Julio said. “She’s shy.”

“It’s nice to meet you all.”

Perhaps having adults in the room eased their fears ever so slightly because they played with each other and not nicely. Marc tried to be the referee. They had a future leader on their hands, and it was incredibly cute. Aubrey always wanted to be a mother but hoped she never had to experience twins or triplets, Watcher forbid.

Julio didn’t interact with the children much, but he smiled at them with such endearing eyes. Maybe he enjoyed being an older brother despite how weird it was. Still, he kept a certain level of distance. Maybe he wasn’t a kid person despite wanting a child or two of his own. Or, maybe his views on children were like hers. She didn’t give motherhood serious thought until she learned of her role in the new legacy. It was always part of her future, but now she was compelled to have children. Maybe Julio felt the same obligation.

“I’m so sorry to keep you waiting. I don’t know what got his tummy all screwy, but … Never mind that. I’m so excited to meet you at last, Aubrey! I was beginning to think Julio wanted to keep you all to himself.”

“Mom…” 

He hugged her. She squeezed him so tight and lovingly. Aubrey imagined Skyla would hug her and Maya like that once they left home. Aaliyah was such a beautiful, shapely woman. If it weren’t for her graying hair, no one would believe she was well up in age. Her blonde hair perfectly accentuated her golden skin. No wonder Tony fell for her. Or, whatever happened. Julio was the spitting image of her with the obvious exceptions. Jonathan never described Tony, and neither did Julio. Family photos did not warm the Corleonesi mansion, so Tony’s face would remain a mystery.

“Can I offer you two a beverage?”

“Not for me, thanks,” he said.

“Thank you, but no.” She didn’t drink much anyway and rarely declined people’s hospitality. But, what if they judged her for drinking when Julio declined? Rich people had weird customs like that.

“Ok! Suit yourselves,” Aaliyah said and poured a glass from the drink cabinet nearby. “I might need the bottle after handling the children in this storm!” She took a long sip. “Gosh, you two are gorgeous together! You should be on magazine covers!”

People rarely had glowing reviews on the good ship Aubrio. Even her parents stayed neutral, saying only what needed to be said. Aaliyah’s excitement was a breath of fresh air.

“And your children! Why, I bet they will be as gorgeous as ever!”

Julio chuckled nervously. “Well, let’s not get ahead of ourselves, shall we?”

She swatted at him. “Typical man, my son is–always delaying the children. You want them, don’t you, Aubrey?”

“Yes, of course.”

The engagement experience was interesting. Everyone congratulated them on reaching the milestone and immediately rushed them to the next because people loved cute babies. Well, women loved cute babies. Men … They were probably more happy for Julio about the intimacy.

A casually dressed man with the same red hair as Marc quietly entered the room and said hello. Aubrey always tried to withhold judgment when meeting new people, but she couldn’t help see the stark contrast in style and beauty and wondered what their story was.

“Oh! Hello, dear! Aubrey, this is my husband, Seiji.”

“Good to meet you,” he said.

“Same here.”

“Just thought I’d come say hello and get the kiddies out of your hair.”

“You’re such a dear!” She blew him a kiss. “I love you to the moon and back!”

He kissed her cheek. “Who wants a story?”

All the kids toddled to him excited about what they would hear. He scooped up Hannah and held Myla’s hand. Marc lead the way up the stairs. They were such a cute family. Aaliyah watched them go with love and affection in her eyes. That’s what their story was: love is blind. Whatever she lacked in her marriage to Tony, Seiji clearly more than made up for it. That was far more important than having arm candy. Luckily for Aubrey, Julio had substance and was great arm candy. Her parents too. And Maya and Ranveer. They were all lucky.

“Julio,” Aaliyah said with a hint of warning in her voice, “your baby brother has not seen you in an awful long time. Why don’t you go say hello?”

Aubrey’s body stiffened. Hopefully Aaliyah’s pleasantness wasn’t a front for a witch who would come out when Julio left. He turned to her and smiled before leaving the women alone; he was probably nervous too.

“Come, Aubrey. Let’s talk woman to woman.”

They sat in the living chairs next to the fireplace for an intimate chat. Her word choice struck Aubrey. Woman to woman, she said. Most didn’t see her that way. She would always be her parents’ baby girl, and the rest of the family regarded her that way too. Maya’s friends still called her “Maya’s little sister.” Aubrey’s customers who knew the Pruetts would always see her as Jonathan’s daughter. But, Aaliyah just met her and saw Aubrey without filters. It was great to be seen.

“I love your house, Mrs.–“

Aaliyah wagged a finger in Aubrey’s face. “Aaliyah. You’ll make me feel my age! But, thank you.” She peered around the room, smiling. “It’s a nice blend between what I’m used to and what I need.”

Aubrey wasn’t sure how to respond seeing as how they were not acquainted. Judging from her style, and knowing she spent a lot of time at the Corleonesi mansion, Aubrey assumed she meant grand glamor.

“Are you happy with my Julio?”

The question startled Aubrey. “Of course! He’s my best friend! There isn’t anyone else I’d rather be with.”

Aaliyah smiled warmly. “I’m glad.” Stern seriousness replaced the smile. “Corleonesi men tend to be very focused on their work. I would hate for you to feel neglected.”

“I know Julio works hard, but I do too. Even when he’s busy, he never ceases to make me feel special.”

“That’s sweet. Just … Promise me you’ll make sure he doesn’t get lost. Always create time for yourselves even if it means canceling a meeting or two. It’s so important to remain on the same page. Can you do that?”

In just a few sentences, Aaliyah confirmed the rumors Aubrey and Julio heard about their marriage. Poor woman.

“Of course.”

Julio slinked back into the room. “Are you ladies done talking about me?”

“We will never be done talking about you, my love.” She motioned for Aubrey to come back to the couch where Julio sat. “So, I know it’s early yet, but have you two made plans? Have you set a date?”

“Actually, yes,” Aubrey said, beaming at Julio. “We plan for the end of the summer.”

Aaliyah squealed like a teenager. “That’s only a few months away! This is exciting! Where is it? Tell me everything!”

Aubrey couldn’t help but grin. It was so nice for someone to share in their excitement. “Julio, I think you should tell her.”

“It’s ok. You can tell her.”

“It’s your plan. You tell her!”

Aaliyah laughed. “Oh, you two are so cute when you fight!”

Julio shook his head at his mother. “It will be a destination wedding.”

“Oooooh! Where?”

“This beautiful island off the coast of Greece.”

Aubrey didn’t want anything extravagant, but Julio insisted on going big. His reasoning was so sweet. Ever since finding out about his father’s dirty deeds, he wanted the Pruetts to have their money. But, Jonathan wouldn’t take it. Marrying Aubrey was a silver lining in the family feud, but only she would enjoy it unless she dispersed they money between the family members. Julio thought paying for a destination wedding would be a nice vacation for the Pruett family. It was risky, and Jonathan could still shoot it down, but Aubrey and Julio would do their darnedest to make him see. The trip could not replace the memories never made from missed vacations. In the grand scheme of things, Julio’s gesture was minuscule, but it was the least he could do.

“Why, that sounds lovely!”

“I saw pictures online, and it’s so beautiful,” Aubrey said.

“Oh, I bet! Excuse me for a moment. Let me just go wash this glass.”

When Aaliyah was out of sight, Julio scooted closer to Aubrey. “So … You’ve met my mom and her little hellions. Do you still want to marry me?”

She shoved him playfully. “They’re not hellions! They’re sweet! And, I told you long time ago you can’t get rid of me that easily.”

“Are you sure? This is a one-time offer. Speak now or forever hold your peace.” He snickered at his witty repartee.

Aubrey laughed. “You’ve been around my dad and Ranveer too much! I’m not going anywhere.”

Aaliyah came back and squealed again. “Ooooh, you two are too cute!”