Daddy Issues

Daddy Issues
I had heard so much about my aunt Diana over the years - stories of her glamorous life in Los Angeles, her wealth, and the big empire she controlled over there that I find myself excited to see her.

I had often wondered how her aunt looked, if she shared any resemblance with her own family. I've filled my mind with pictures of herself on Instagram, I've seen the life she lived over there, very much different from the one we live. When my parents first informed me that she's coming to Texas, my fear doubled, perhaps she's in trouble and wants to relocate but my parents confirmed that she's only going here for a while, particularly to visit and spend time with us. Something like a compensation for the lost time.

As the day of her arrival drew near, my excitement began to grow. I found myself imagining all the possibilities - the lavish tales she would share, the remarkable experiences she had been a part of, and the stories of the countless celebrities she had surely rubbed shoulders with. In my imagination, I conjured up an image of my aunt as a glamorous and sophisticated woman who effortlessly navigated Hollywood's elite circles.

Days turned into nights, and soon the eagerly awaited day arrived. The house was filled with excitement, as we meticulously prepared for Aunt Diana's visit. The aroma of freshly baked cookies wafted through the air, while the sound of cheerful music filled every corner of our humble abode. Dad had gone to pick her up in the airport and would be here anytime soon.

I had planned on inviting Tessa but my mom had declined saying this is a family union. I wanted to protest, reminding her that Tessa is more than a family to me but I let it slide.

"Emily darling, aren't you going to change to something more befitting?" My mom waves at my outfit. I'm putting on a tank top and some shorts.

I shrugged. "It doesn't matter what she sees me in right?"

The look on her face tells me she's not going to take no for an answer so I hesitantly went back to my room to change. By the time I came back downstairs I could hear the sound of my dad's car pulling into the driveway.

With heightened anticipation, my heart raced as she realized that this could only mean one thing - her long-anticipated aunt had finally arrived.

Minutes later, my dad's old pick up truck pulled up to the driveway, and that's when I saw her. She's more beautiful than what Instagram had painted her to be.

I heart skipped a beat as I beheld the strikingly familiar features adorning her aunt's face. It was as though she was looking into a mirror from another time. She looks so much like myself. My mom had often mentioned it but I felt it's another of her ways to praise aunt Diana and appease me to get familiar with her.

She looked exactly as I had imagined - impeccably dressed, with perfect hair and an air of sophistication. It was surreal to see her in person, this larger-than-life figure who had captured our imaginations for so long. Aunt Diana's dress, adorned with delicate lace, swirled around her in a timeless waltz, accentuating the curves of her immaculate figure. It was a far cry from the simple dresses I was accustomed to—yet, I felt an indescribable connection to her aunt.

There's a feeling building inside of me that I couldn't explain, like this is what I should become.

My mom was the first to meet her then followed by Kyle. I stood rooted to where I am, while I watched the duo rush out to meet her.

"Aunt Diana!" Kyle called out, waving frantically. She turned, her eyes lighting up with the same joy when she saw him. "Kyle! Oh my goodness. You look so tall." she exclaimed, pulling him into a tight hug.

They disengaged before she took turns and hogged my mom. Dad was standing by them, wearing the widest smile ever. Tears welled up in my mom's eyes as she hugged her back. It felt like a long-lost connection was being rekindled, and I couldn't be happier.

And then she looked up and saw me. "Emily"

"Oh, Emily! How you've grown!" Aunt Diana exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine delight. I hugged her and smiled. She's more than what I expected and slowly she's starting to earn my trust.

"I'm sorry I wasn't there all this while."

"It's okay, aunt, you're here now and that's what matters."



During lunch, as I sat across the table from my Aunt Diana, I couldn’t help but marvel at her perfect complexion. Her skin was flawless, radiant even, and it seemed to glow in the soft light that streamed through the elegant restaurant’s windows.

I found myself absentmindedly tracing the lines of her impeccable nail polish, a rich shade of ruby that matched the designer dress she was wearing. I don't want to think of how much all of these would cost.
Everything about her speaks of elegance and wealth.

“How have you been, Emily?” Aunt Diana asked with genuine curiosity in her eyes. “It feels like a lifetime since we caught up properly.”

I smiled warmly, grateful for her interest. “I’ve been well, Aunt Diana. Life has been good to me, though I must admit, it has been really hard lately and I appreciate your coming into our lives. It's indeed life changing. You look absolutely stunning, by the way.”

Better than what I was expecting.

Her eyes sparkled with a touch of mischief as she thanked me for the compliment. “Oh, thank you, my dear. I invest a lot of time and effort into maintaining my appearance. It’s a priority of mine. But enough about me – tell me all about your adventures and misadventures I missed”

And so, over lunch I filled Aunt Diana with tales of my endeavors. I spoke passionately about my job, Tessa, the things I love to do, places I love to visit and some other important things.

We laughed, we reminisced, and we shared moments of vulnerability. Aunt Diana opened up about the challenges she had faced in the world of high society and the pressures she constantly felt to maintain her image.

She spoke openly about the challenges she faced, the sacrifices she had made, and the price she had paid for her success. It was a side of Aunt Diana that I had never anticipated but one that made her seem more relatable, more human.

In that moment, I realized that behind the facade of riches and glamor, Aunt Diana was just like any of us - with her own set of hopes, dreams, and insecurities. She may have lived a life that seemed unattainable to most, but deep down, she yearned for the same things that we all did - love, connection, and a sense of purpose.

As our conversation progressed, it became clear that our lives, though seemingly contrasting, were not so different after all. Our shared experiences of finding our own paths, facing adversity, and longing for something more united us in a way that surpassed material wealth. We both sought fulfillment and authenticity in our lives, regardless of the differences in our journeys.

By the end of the meal, Aunt Diana reached across the table and held my hand. “Emily, I may have the perfect skin, nail polish, and designer clothes, but it’s the connection I have with loved ones like you that truly brings me joy. I may look put together, but it’s the moments like this that make life worthwhile and that's why I've decided to come home and spend time with you. With people that are important to me” I didn't miss the tone in her voice, an indication that she's been lonely for so long.

I squeezed her hand in return, feeling a newfound appreciation for the woman sitting before me. Aunt Diana may have seemed flawless on the outside, but it was our shared vulnerabilities and the love we had for each other that allowed us to connect on a deeper level.

As the day wore on, we continued our conversation, lost in the company of one another. And as I looked at my beautiful Aunt Diana, I realized that true richness lies not in
material possessions, but in the bonds we forge with those we love.