CARA

“Are you excited for our girl’s night with grandma?”

“Yes.” Laura says.

I was so happy when Liam suggested I go with Laura to her friend’s birthday party last week. The stares were a bit disturbing but the height was when one of the mother’s walked up to me saying I’ll never be able to take Flora’s place no matter how hard I tried. After putting her in her place, I sat down and had a long and deep thinking.  I don’t have any intentions of taking Flora’s place in either Laura or Liam’s life.

I made a friend who over head everything the mean lady said to me. She told me not to listen to her and that she was Flora’s very good friend. Which made me realise why she would say such a thing to me. 

We were supposed to have our girls weekend last week but Mrs Johnson had to travel for a job so we moved it to this week. Unfortunately Liam had a last minute meeting holding in Croatia.

“Cara. It’s so nice to see you. Thanks for the love you show to Laura and My son Liam. They are both so happy. You never stopped loving him did you?”

“No.” A little bit embarrassed.

“Ignore those shameless bloggers.”

“I’m trying so had to. I feel overwhelmed sometimes.”

“Don’t worry, they’ll get tired of bickering. Make yourself comfortable.”

“Thank you very much.”

The door bell dings drawing our attention. 

“I’ll get. You can put your things in the room on your left.”

“Okay.”

I hear Mrs Johnson exchange pleasantries with someone, a man precisely. He sounded like a young man which made me a little bit comfortable because the last thing I wanted to do was stay in a space with Mr Johnson for as long as the whole weekend. The young man continues to complement her. I’m not sure if I should come out and see whoever this person is. 

“Cara, we have an august guest. Come say Hi.” I take that as my queue to come out. Small world. The gentleman from the restaurant Veronica and I went to eat weeks ago was standing right in front of me. 

“You?”

“Yes, me.” I say sounding a little bit on the edge  remembering the information Veronica disclosed that night and knowing she was not nice to him at all. I can’t blame her though she was tipsy. She never listens to me every time I tell her to stay away from alcohol. It’s not like she drinks a lot but when she does take a few sips, she gets tipsy easily. 

“You two know each other?” Mrs Johnson asks.

“Yes, met her at a restaurant where she caught everyone’s eyes in just a simple shirt and pants.”

“She’s a pretty young lady. This is Liam’s cousin, Benjamin Albert.”

“Hi,”

“Ben, this is Cara Bloom, Liam’s girlfriend.” She says emphasising the girlfriend part. 

“Everyone in far and wide can tell because her face seems to be all over social media. Nice to make your acquaintance. Now it makes more sense. Liam is very lucky he laid his eyes on your first.”

“I take it you came here for business.” Mrs Johnson changed the subject.

“Yes, you know I never come to this part except for business.”

“How long have you been around?” 

“Three weeks now.”

“And you are just stopping by? Yet you claim I’m your favourite aunt. How do you expect me to believe this?”

“Wait till you see what I got you.” He says bringing out a small wrapped box.

Mrs Johnson unwrapped the gift, revealing a simple bracelet and matching necklace with a dazzling pendant carrying a few stone.

“Ben, you spoil me!”

“Don’t tell anyone, that's pure gold and those stones are pure diamond.”he says faking a whisper.

“I forgive you.”

“I feel honoured.” he says. His laughter echoing.

“What would you like to eat?”

“Nothing, in fact, I have to get to the airport soon. My flight leaves in an hour. I couldn't leave without saying hello. Once again it was nice to see you. Liam said he had something doing in Croatia. Where's my sweet little niece? I sent her gift to the house.”

“She’s at the tree house. Let me go and get her.”

“Uncle Ben.” Laura dives into his arms.

“My favourite niece.”

He flings her in the air and catches her. 

“Promise not to tell any of your cousins what I got for you.”

“I promise.”

“Since I didn't know you were around, kindly accept this little token of mine,” he says as he brings out a wad of cash. 

“I'm sorry but I can't accept it.”

“Cara, take it. Liam will not be pleased to hear I dropped by and gave everyone something except you.”

“Take it Cara.” Mrs Johnson urges.

He bids us goodbye and leaves. 

I set out our camping net in the middle of the garden while Mrs Johnson brings out our freshly baked cookies, muffins and marshmallows. It's been so long since I've had a roasted marshmallow. I can't wait to try it out tonight. 

After doing a lot of fun things, I shower for Laura and put her to sleep. Mrs Johnson and I gossip the rest of the night away. Truth be told, I would love to do this a zillion more times. Talking with her eases a lot of my burden.