Act of Service

Act of Service
As I walked into my aunt Diana's elegant living room, I couldn't help but feel a wave of anxiety wash over me. Aunt Diana had always been a strong and influential figure in my life, guiding me through the ups and downs. She was a successful businesswoman, renowned for her impeccable taste and her ability to command any room she entered. So, when she asked me to "bring him home for formal meetings," I knew that it meant she had some serious intentions about my new boyfriend, Richard.

Richard and I had been dating for a few weeks now. He was kind, funny, and had a charismatic energy that drew people towards him effortlessly. We had spent countless hours together, laughing, exploring, and building a genuine connection. However, meeting my aunt Diana was a big step, one that symbolized the merging of our lives into something more significant. I wanted her approval, and I knew deep down that Richard was hoping for the same.

As the evening approached, I found myself meticulously selecting outfits to impress Aunt Diana. I settled on a sophisticated, yet approachable, navy blue dress that accentuated my figure. I carefully styled my hair and added a touch of makeup to enhance my natural features. Looking at myself in the mirror, I hoped that my appearance would reflect the love and respect I had for Richard.

When Richard arrived to pick me up as I've now moved into his condo, his eyes widened in surprise as he took in my attire. He seemed to be at a loss for words, but a warm smile crept across his face, reassuring me that my efforts were not in vain. I offered him a nervous smile in return, and together we made our way to Aunt Diana's mansion.

As we approached her grand entrance, I couldn't help but feel a sense of intimidation. The large oak doors opened, unveiling a grand entryway adorned with fine artwork and elegant chandeliers. Aunt Diana stood at the top of the sweeping staircase, radiating confidence and grace. She greeted us with a welcoming smile, her eyes glittering with curiosity.

"Welcome, Emily and Richard," Aunt Diana gracefully announced, extending her hand towards us. "I'm delighted to have you both here. I invited you for what you might call a 'formal meeting.' Emily, you know how much I cherish you, and it's important to me that Richard shares those sentiments."

Richard nodded politely, clearly understanding the seriousness of the moment. I squeezed his hand, silently encouraging him to feel at ease, despite the formal atmosphere engulfing us. Aunt Diana led us into her opulent living room, where plush sofas and intricate tapestries created an ambiance of refined taste.

For the next few hours, we engaged in a conversation that spanned an array of topics. Aunt Diana skillfully maneuvered through discussions, ensuring that both Richard and I felt comfortable expressing our thoughts and ideas. She effortlessly made us laugh, and at times, challenged us with deeper questions about our future aspirations and values.

As the evening drew to a close, Aunt Diana stood up, a contemplative look gracing her features. "Richard, I must say that I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know you," she began sincerely. "Your warmth and thoughtfulness have not gone unnoticed. It is clear to me that you genuinely care for Emily, and I trust that your intentions are pure."

Richard let out a sigh of relief, as if a monumental weight had been lifted off his chest. It was apparent that he had been holding his breath, anxiously awaiting Aunt Diana's approval.

"And Emily," she continued, turning her attention towards me, "I have seen your growth and maturity over these years. Richard is a wonderful complement to your vibrant spirit, and I cannot deny the chemistry I witnessed between the two of you tonight. It brings me immense joy to officially give you both my blessing."

A wave of gratitude and happiness washed over me. The meeting had exceeded my expectations, and I was overjoyed by the genuine connection that had formed between Aunt Diana and Richard. As we bid her farewell, I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief and excitement for the future.

As I stepped out of the swanky Los Angeles airport, the scorching Texas sun beat down on me like a relentless cowboy's lasso. I had finally made it to Austin, and in no time I'll be meeting with Mark and Jada. It's been Twenty years since I was here, that day when I took the nearest exit and looked back. Not even when I knew my mom and dad died, I didn't come because I wasn't ready, until now.

I wrinkled my nose at the unchanged setting. They were just the way I had left them with little civilization over the years. I couldn't help but think that maybe the Californial lifestyle gave me these thoughts.

I spotted Mark, my brother waiting by his old pickup truck. He hasn't seen me as he was facing the other way. I pulled my suitcase with me as I made my way towards him, making a mental note that we're changing his truck when I finally get settled.

His eyes widened when he finally saw me.

"Diana??" He asked, surprised and at the same time unsure if it were me.

"Is that really you?" He asked again, while I nodded frantically.
"Diana, darling!" He exclaimed, reaching for me and pulling me into the tightest hug I've had in a long while. I wrapped my arms around him and smiled into the hug. This feels like home, being here with your big brother that you haven't seen in years, and the Texas sun, while everyone moves, not paying attention to us… that feels normal. Better than what I'm used to in LA.

We disengaged from the hug and I can see his eyes searching mine. I've changed,not only my status but my face. I did some facial surgery, had botox to keep me younger.

"Look how grown you've become, goodness! " He says.

"You've changed too, Mark. " I say as he helped me load my suitcase in his truck.

"Nothing much has changed about me D. I only aged and got poorer each day" he sighed.

D.

It's been awhile i heard someone called me by my nickname. The single letter that sounds familiar and was a part of me for so long, but now I can't identify with him. When I left I changed a lot of things, including my name.

"I'm here now, you don't need to worry about money. Now let's hurry, Jada must be anticipating to see me"

"Of course she is. Everyone has been awaiting your return." Mark confirmed.

We both burst into laughter as I took in the picturesque town, glistening under the Texan sun. "Hasn't this place changed!" I said, my voice dripping with irony. I mean it has changed a lot and I barely recognize anywhere without asking.

Emily smirked. "Not much, D. We do have a lot of fancy places now. You'll survive."

"I think I'll love that. I'm here for a change anyway!" I exclaimed, waving my hand dismissively. "Well, at least the weather has improved since the last time I was here."

Mark curled an eyebrow. "Improved? Diana, this heat could tame the flames of hell!"

"You used to love the sun, D, you remember how we'll visit those lakes to get away from our parents and we never catch the flu?"

I laughed heartily as Mark reminded me of all the things we did together while we were younger.

The drive home was spent catching up, reminiscing about the good old days when we used to pull pranks on unsuspecting passersby. Ah, the memories of our shenanigans were like secret treasures hidden away in my mind. When I decided to go and never look back it was like this part of me is dead but now that I'm sharing these memories
with Mark, it was like no time had passed.