FIVE. THE NAIVE SISTER-IN LAW
1301 Words
Brynlee found plenty of casseroles on the dining table. She took a deep breath and immediately cleared the pile of food from the dining table. The kind mourners had cooked food for Levi and Elyseen, but they wouldn't be able to finish all the rice and casseroles from the mourners. Even if the casseroles were stored in the refrigerator, she wasn't sure Elyseen would eat them again tomorrow, the day after, or even next week. Casseroles were plentiful! Brynlee barely knew how to get the casseroles off the dining table. Besides, there was still plenty of food on the living room for Lillah's funeral reception.
Brynlee just wrapped the casseroles in plastic wrap and put them all in Elyseen's big fridge. She was grateful that Lillah didn't store too many groceries in the refrigerator, so she could fit five casserole pans on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator.
"Why are you still here?"
That voice...
Brynlee was annoyed because Elyseen suddenly walked into the kitchen. She ignored his cruel words before they left for the cemetery. She thought Elyseen was just bluffing. And after they returned from the cemetery, Elyseen was quite busy with the guests and didn't try to piss her off again. She could move freely when Elyseen was busy. But after the people went home, Elyseen acted out again to annoy her.
“This table needs to be cleaned of those casseroles. If you don't want to eat them all, you can give it to the hobo tomorrow after you heat it up in the microwave."
"Just throw them away. It makes no difference whether they're in my fridge or not. You can take them and give them to the homeless on the way home. Just get out of here, Brynlee. And never come back."
Brynlee turned to Elyseen. Her gaze was sharp and showed intense anger.
“I don't understand why you hate me. Is it because Lillah died, and because now I wear her clothes? How many times do I have to tell you, you are not the only one saddened by Lillah's death. I'm sadder than you because Lillah is my sister.”
“Get out of my house, Brynlee. Stay away from my family forever.”
“Why did you forbid me from meeting Levi? He's my nephew. I want to be with him,” her voice started to crack and tears threatened to drip down her cheeks.
Meanwhile, Elyseen just stood stiffly while putting his hands in his trouser pockets. He wasn't the kind of man who would falter just becuse of tears.
"This is my life and my family. There's nothing between you and Levi anymore after Lillah died."
"No. That is not true! We stay connected because he is my nephew. Nothing can ruin the relationship between us. I'll always be his aunt."
“You left Lillah's life and made her down. After what you did to her, you still think of her as your sister? Tch, what a selfish woman.”
"What are you saying?" Brynlee's voice rose. She looked at Elyseen sharply and seemed offended.
"You don't know anything about me. You have no right to judge me like that."
“Lillah told me everything. She was very sad because you left her when she really needed you. You should be embarrassed now, you suddenly came into Lillah's life after what you did to her."
He hoped that Brynlee would leave his house immediately because he didn't like Brynlee lingering at his house and attracting everyone's attention. Especially his parents. They started to like Brynlee, and Elyseen didn't like that. His mother was very happy to have Brynlee at home to help her with all Lillah's funeral needs. Every five minutes, his mother always asked where Brynlee was with a panicked face, then she was relieved again because Brynlee was there. It annoyed Elyseen because her family had fallen under Brynlee's deceptive charm.
"Lillah knew exactly the reason why I left her. It's completely irrelevant to you. We just met, but you hate me as if you've known me for a long time. What's wrong with you, Elyseen?”
He didn't like her calling his name in that tone, sounding dangerous and threatening. He should be the one bullying her, not the other way around.
“I don't want Levi to be fooled by your fake kindness. After what you did to Lillah, now you want to manipulate my son?”
"I don’t—"
Brynlee's words stopped in midair. She heard footsteps approaching, followed by Cassandra's voice calling out to her from the hall.
"What is this? I heard you guys shouting at each other from the hall?”
"We're fine, Mom. Just chatting. No need to worry about us."
"Really? You look angry, Ely.”
"Stop calling me that disgusting name, mom."
Cassandra snorted. She didn't want to argue with her tired son. She turned to face Brynlee and smiled gently.
"Honey, will you stay here?"
Byrnlee's eyes moved to Elyseen. The man seemed to have many warning inscriptions on his forehead and eyes.
"No. I'll go home after this. But tomorrow I will come to see Levi.”
Brynlee added her words quickly because suddenly Cassandra made a frown on her face.
“Levi really likes you. He didn't stop talking about you before he fell asleep. And tomorrow I can't look after Levi at home because I have things to do with Jonathan. And Elyseen couldn't possibly miss work to look after Levi. So, I need your help to look after Levi.”
"Oh don't worry, Mrs. Cassandra, I'll take care of Levi. He's a cute kid and I really like him. I even plan to look after Levi every day. I don't want Levi to lose the mother figure in his life."
"You're not his mother. And that will never happen.”
Cassandra hit Elyseen hard on the shoulder for her rudeness towards Brynlee. Elyseen groaned in pain. He looked at his mother in annoyance.
“I will hire a nanny to look after Levi while I work. Mom, you don't need to worry."
“Do you think it's easy to find the right nanny for Levi? You can't just hire a stranger to work in your home. You should thank Brynlee. She is willing to look after Levi while you work. At least, she's his aunt, and she's close to Levi. Levi loves her."
"No, Mom. She has a restaurant that needs her attention. I will find the right nanny to look after Levi.”
“I don't mind looking after Levi while you work. He is a smart and cute boy. I'll come tomorrow at eight after checking out my restaurant for a bit."
“Thank you so much Brynlee, you were very helpful. I'm sure Levi would be happier with you than with the new nanny.”
Cassandra patted Brynlee's cheek gently and said, "Go home, sweetheart. You must sleep well tonight. This is a hard day for you.”
"This is indeed a hard day for me," Brynlee smiled weakly. She squeezed Cassandra's palm with teary eyes. Cassandra reminded her of her late mother.
“Take care.”
Cassandra kissed Brynlee's cheek gently. She waved as Brynlee walked away towards the main doors.
Meanwhile, Elyseen was just silent. He didn't like the fact that Brynlee had won his mother's heart in an instant. He wanted to get rid of Brynlee from his life, but he knew it wouldn't be easy.
“Why are you still standing here, Elyseen?” Cassandra exclaimed in annoyance.
“Take Brynlee to her apartment. Isn't her car broken?"
"She can call a taxi or Uber."
“No, Elyseen, you have to take her home and make sure she gets home safely. Hurry up and go."
- Writer
