My Aunt, Valerie

Old Friend

VALERIE’S POV

After giving the shopkeeper my list of items for my studio, I decided to find my niece and nephew. As I walked through the aisle, I noticed both Gloria and Lawrence looking through some stuff.

“If you guys want anything, just tell the staff.” Lawrence suddenly looks at me with hopeful eyes.

“What?” I asked before he grabbed a watercolor set from the aisle.

“Lawrence- that’s,” I took the set from his hands and handed it to the staff.

“It’s okay. Lawrence, do you like to paint?” Lawrence nodded.

“Do you want to buy a canvas?” Lawrence's eyes seem sparkling with enthusiasm.

“Um, aunty-,” Lawrence grabbed his sister's hands before nodding his head.

“Alright. Do you want to learn how to paint and draw? I can teach you if you like.” Lawrence nodded his head vigorously.

“What about you, Gloria? Do you see anything that interests you?” Gloria looked around before pointing at a book that was on display.

“A book?” Gloria nodded.

“Sure- put it on my tab.” I watched as the children gradually let themselves out when I gave them the freedom to choose things they wanted in the store. It is what children should do, right?

“Is this okay? We choose quite a bit of thing, though.” I waved my hands off while waiting for Lawrence to pick his stuff.

“Lawrence, I think you choose quite a lot of stuff. Maybe we should leave before Lawrence decided to take everything in the store.” I hummed.

“I don’t see the problem if he wants to do that. Don’t worry- your aunt has enough money to buy what you two need.” I said before smiling at both Gloria and Lawrence.

“Oh- you’re done?” Lawrence nodded. I offered my hand for Lawrence to take before we walked towards the counter. Gloria, who was following us from behind were shocked to see the number of things that were on my list.

“How are we going to carry all this?” Gloria asked.

“We don’t. The store will send it all to our home. Since that we’re at the mall, why don’t we walk around and find something to drink?” The children agreed. After paying for my things, we went out of the store and walked around the mall. I asked Gloria to lead the way because it would be easier for me to watch her and his brother.

“Aunty, is it okay if we have ice cream? Lawrence is pointing at the ice cream store.” I nodded as I followed them from behind.

I waited as the children ordered their ice cream while I asked for a bottle of water.

“Aunty, aren’t you going to order anything?” I waved my hands.

“I ordered a bottle of water. That’s enough for me.” I paid for the ice cream before walking to one of the tables provided for the customers. As I was about to sit on the chair, I dropped my wallet on the floor.

“Wow.” I looked up as I was about to grab my credit card that slipped from my wallet. A group of overly dressed women was staring at me as I kept my credit card.

“Is this your first time seeing a platinum card? Does the sound of my card hitting the floor excite that little heart of yours?” I asked before sitting on my seat.

“Oh- I’m sorry. I didn’t expect you’re a woman.” Huh? I thought my long hair was enough to tell others about my gender.

“What are you waiting for?” I asked before the group of women left my sight. Now that I am married, it would be easier to go out alone. I sighed before putting on my sunglasses.

“Is this a normal occurrence for you, aunty?” I shrugged my shoulder while drinking my water. Gloria chuckled.

“Even I was shocked when I heard a steel-like sound when your wallet fell. What does it mean to have that kind of card? Does it mean that you made it?” I don’t quite understand Gloria’s question.

“It’s just a card made from platinum. Nothing special about it.” I wait as the children continue to enjoy their ice cream.

“Aunty, we are we going next?” I shrugged.

“Do you guys want to go somewhere?” I asked.

“Is it okay if we go to a stationery store? I want to buy some school stuff.” Gloria seems reluctant at first, but she decided to put aside her shyness and ask away.

“Sure.” I finished my bottle of water before we went to a stationery store. Lawrence followed her sister closely while I followed them from behind.

“You should pick something for Lawrence as well,” I said while looking through the things in the store.

“Lawrence, which one do you want?” I watched as Lawrence picked the stuff himself while his sister helped him by carrying it for him.

“Aunty, I think we have everything.” I took the basket from Gloria and went to the counter. As I was about to pay, Gloria seemed to be staring at my hand. Is it because of my card?

“You’ll have yours after your sixteen birthday.” Gloria seems surprised by what I said.

“What?” I asked as I handed my card to the cashier.

“I had mine when I was sixteen. I’m guessing it’s only natural for me and Raven to provide yours as well. You can shop what kind of design you want.” I said as I took my card back and held the bags.

“So- where shall we go next?” I asked while we walked out of the store. We continued to walk around the mall and get some essential things for myself and the children. Babysitting isn’t that bad after all.

It’s easy because Gloria and Lawrence are mature enough not to cause trouble for me. Thank you, Cleo, for raising your child to be independent. Now, should I call Raven and ask if she has the time to have lunch together? Raven did say she’s busy today, but there’s always a time to eat.

***

“Hey, guys! How was your trip with your aunt Valerie?” Raven finally arrived at the restaurant. I stood up from my seat and kissed her on the cheek.

“I hope you didn’t do anything crazy with the children.” I remained nonchalant before Raven continued to have a conversation with Gloria.

“Did you order my food?” I nodded as I removed my sunglasses and placed them on the table. Lawrence reached out and tried to put it on himself. Gloria was about to scold her brother when I raised my hand.

“Don’t worry about it.” Gloria apologized for her brother’s behavior.

“Do you like it, Lawrence?” I asked before he nodded.

“You can have it. Or maybe it’s too big for him. Raven, is there any glasses shop around here?” Raven shrugged her shoulder.

“I’m sure there’s one around here somewhere.“ Lawrence suddenly reached out for my hand while shaking his head.

“He said he doesn’t need a new one. He wants to have- Lawrence, you shouldn’t take things that belong to aunty.” Lawrence seems a little down.

“You can have it. I have plenty back home.” I assured the two siblings.

“Valerie is right- your aunt has a whole drawer of sunglasses in the closet. Giving Lawrence one is no big deal.” Raven smiled. The food finally arrived, and we continued to enjoy our lunch together. Usually, Raven would be talking about her work whenever we had a lunch date.

But now that we have these two, it’s easy to tell that her work stress gradually dissipated when she met the children. I have always known that Raven likes children. We even considered taking an adopted child into our lives, but I was not ready.

I have never liked children before, and that often be the main reason why it took us forever to decide. But- why did I voluntarily take these children into my care? Is it because they are Cleo’s kids?

Cleo.

We finally met each other again after so long. Why did you have to leave yet again? And this time, there’s no way I can find you again. It is not fair, sister.

“Dear? Are you okay?” I nodded when I came back to my senses.

“Are you sure? You haven’t touched your food. Is it not to your liking?” I shake my head no.

“There’s nothing wrong with the food. I was thinking about my past.” Hearing that, Raven decided to let me be.

“Ideas suddenly pouring into my mind.” I took out my mini-size sketchbook from my jacket and drew. Remembering about my sister gave me a sense of closure for no reason. I’ve been obsessed with finding her since the moment my parents died.

But why does it have to end with Cleo’s death as well? It is not fair, but who am I to judge God’s decision. Was I being too condescending? Is that why God decided to take my family from me?

“Here.” I handed the drawing to Gloria. Gloria ere surprised when I drew her mother.

“Your mother was the greatest sister in the world for me. She was understanding, kind, and always there when my parents scolded me. But when I was twelve, your mother was pregnant, and because my parents couldn’t accept your father, she decided to choose your father instead of me. Don’t get me wrong- I’m not angry at your father or anything.” Gloria’s eyes seem to brim with tears.

“Keep it- it’s yours.” Gloria thanked me as she wiped her tears. I might have ruined this lunch, though. But why does Raven smile like that?

“Raven, on Gloria’s sixteen’s birthday, prepare her a credit card.” Raven nodded.

“Sure. I can arrange that.” Gloria suddenly shakes her head no.

“It’s okay. I’m fine. I don’t need a credit card. What if I overspent and used all of the money for useless things? Aren’t you scared that I might do that?” Raven and I looked at each other before Raven laughed.

“Don’t worry about those little things, Gloria. Even if you bought an entire island, our wealth wouldn’t be affected at all. Your aunt is a renowned artist, and I am working for my bank, which makes me a managing director and the CEO of that establishment. We’re surrounded by money. So please don’t hesitate to spend your fair share. The same goes for Lawrence. If you ever need anything, do not hesitate.” Lawrence gets the message, but Gloria still has trouble accepting our kind gesture.

When will Gloria realize that she is part of the Forest family? Her last name may be Serrano, but my sister was chosen to be the heir of the Forest before she left. I’m only giving back what’s supposed to be theirs.

After lunch, we ended things with Raven going back to her office while we decided to go home. As our way towards the mall's front entrance, Gloria suddenly grabbed my arm and covered herself from whoever she was hiding from.

“Aunty, please cover me. I don’t want those people to see me. Why are they here?” Huh? Who? The group of students?

“Lawrence? Is that you?” A girl suddenly turned her attention to us. Lawrence quickly hid behind me when the girl approached us.

“Wait- Gloria? Is that you? I never expected you to be here. And you must be the long-lost aunt. We heard what happened, but I didn’t expect to see you all here. Hey Gloria, it must be nice to go to a prestigious school, right? Make sure to make friends at the new place. Don’t become a teachers' pet again. No one likes it.” The girl, together with her group of friends, laughed at Gloria.

“Please leave. My niece and nephew are afraid of you. I would, too, if I saw such a young girl wearing thick makeup. Have you ever heard of going natural? Gentlemen who came from respectable family does not like girls with thick cosmetic on their faces. You should go and find a proper place to fix that overly frumpish fashion sense of yours too. What’s the point of having money if you still dress cheap?” I grabbed both Gloria and Lawrence's hands and walked out of the mall.

When we were finally inside the car, Gloria suddenly laughed as loud as possible.

“Aunty, how did you find such words to utter to that girl?! It was hard for me to hide my laughter since everyone heard what you said.” I shrugged.

“I was only staring at the facts.” At least Gloria finds it funny.