3D: Mercy

Aubrey had always been good with children. She doted on Julio’s siblings the same as her baby brother, and they loved her for it. Mothering came so naturally like a trait passed down from her own loving mother. His mother wasn’t as adept, but lack of resources and necessity made her a better mom to the toddlers. He was glad for them, but witnessing the newfound skill pained him.

As if on queue, Aaliyah slid next to him and patted his shoulder.

“She’s so good with them,” he said.

Aaliyah let out a satisfied sigh. “She’s marvelous. You did well, my son.”

She lingered at his side, watching Aubrey handle four toddlers like a pro. Seeing her in action with the news of his own child still fresh on the brain filled him with such pride. So many people opposed their union, and between the pair they disregarded many warnings from the very people they loved most. But, the heart wanted what the heart wanted. No one controlled who or what a person found desirable. Now, with the woman of his choosing, he entered the next chapter of life with a tiny, innocent life he loved so much already.

“Julio,” Aaliyah said hesitantly. “I’d like to talk with you. Walk with me?”

He gathered his coat and hat while she instructed the children to be good for Aubrey. It wasn’t every day Aaliyah was so serious. Even more rare for her to be secretive. The last time they had a clandestine talk was while Tony still lived.

They walked around the circular drive with only the clacking of her heels to entertain them. Taking a stroll in winter was not his idea of fun, but it had a certain charm. Sun would have been nice, but the cool air kept him from roasting. The blizzard that blew through Newcrest on Christmas Eve skipped Willow Creek, and for that he was grateful.

Julio tried to steal a discreet glance at his mother. She appeared to watch her steps although they walked an empty path. Something bothered her. “So … What’s up?”

She threw on a smile and held his arm. “Oh, I was just wondering how you were. You’re gonna be a father, hon!”

He grinned. “Yeah.”

“Are you ok?”

He inhaled slow and deep, taking in her question and deciphering it’s origin. “I’m good, Mom. I’m happy.”

“You don’t have any concerns?”

He smirked. “There are always concerns, Mom. That’s life. Especially ours. I’m fine. I swear.”

She sighed. “I only meant that you two seemed to want to delay this a while. It’s a pleasant surprise then?”

“Yes. A wonderful surprise.”

“That’s wonderful! I’m sure you’ll be an excellent father.”

She let the end of that sentence hang like an ellipsis. Although Julio preferred to know what plagued her, he waited a few more blocks for the rest.

“Julio…I feel terrible for not suggesting this before, but I can’t ignore it anymore.”

Everything inside clenched in anticipation of this delayed message. Whatever it was, it wouldn’t be good.

“Aubrey is an accomplished woman, don’t you think?”

“Of course,” he hesitated. “The best.”

“I know. I always thought so, which is why I think you should consider letting Salma go.”

Julio’s insides relaxed only a little. At least she hadn’t changed her opinion of Aubrey as he imagined. “Why on earth would I do that? Especially now.”

“Salma is…” She shook away whatever cloud quickly darkened her expression. “Aubrey is nothing like me, and for your benefit I am glad. When you were born, I had not a domestic bone in my body and I didn’t need to because we had Salma. Women like Aubrey need to be the queen of their castle, and Salma…”

Her expression darkened again, and this time she struggled to recover. “I know you’re fond of her, but consider your wife. Just bring it up with Aubrey and see what she says.”

“But…she’ll need help, Mom. This is the worst timing.”

“She has a family, my love. I know that’s a foreign concept to you, but you’ve been around the Pruetts long enough to know how they are. Just promise me you’ll ask her, ok?”

What was this really about? Why did talking about Salma cause so much pain? Did Aubrey put her up to this? If so, why didn’t she just come to him? What will Salma do?

“Fine. Whatever.”

---

Aubrey plopped on the bed, sighing contently. “Just to be clear…we’re not having that many kids, right?”

Julio snorted. “Definitely not.”

“Good. I love your sibs but man are they exhausting. I don’t know how your mom does it at her age! She’s hitting retirement age and still changing diapers!”

“Crazy.”

Julio removed his watch and stowed it in the jewelry box. He’d been quiet on the way home and still appeared bothered.

“What did you and your mom talk about? If it’s ok to ask.”

Something in his eyes lightened as if he found relief, though the rest of him remained stiff. “No, it’s fine. I’m kinda glad you did.”

She patted the spot next to him.

He sat, toiling with whatever plagued him for a moment. “How do you feel about Salma?”

“Is that a trick question?” she asked with eyes as wide as the horizon.

He chuckled. “No. I’d like to know. I don’t think I ever asked.”

Despite what he said, this had all the signs of being a trap. What went on in that maze of a head? Was this related to the conversation with Aaliyah? Whatever it was, she played it cool at first. “She’s fine, I suppose.”

“Is she helpful?”

“Of course.”

“If she were to… Does it help or hinder having her here?”

This was the moment. One word, and the thorn in her side would stab her no more. She could have her house back and do whatever she wanted. Eat whatever she wanted. Let her hair down and stop wearing stupid robes. It seemed too easy. What was the catch? What would it cost? Was it really for the best? Things were different now; she had her baby to consider. Despite how she felt about her, Salma could be useful in the future. Besides, what would Salma think if they let her go? That she’d been complaining about her? She seemed like the type of woman who could be vindictive. Would she leave peaceably? What if she made their lives hell? What if she harmed her child? It seemed extreme, but everything on the crime channel was real. People were crazy.

She opened her mouth a few times to answer, but no words came.

“Aubrey?”

She cleared her throat. “I think… I think she…could be useful,” she said slowly.

He eyed her suspiciously. “Are you sure? If you want her to go, I’ll take care of it.”

She fought back the urge to shed tears. Salma’s fate rested in her palm, and she chose mercy. She could never complain about her to anyone ever again. “Y-yes. I’m sure.”