Page 60 of Rewind

“We’re here.” Ethan pulled into the driveway of a white cottage rancher with maroon shutters. The front yard was meticulously landscaped with multi-colored flowers and a cherub bird fountain. The cobblestone walkway was lined with manicured bushes.

Amina gasped. “Oh, this is so pretty. It looks like it’s straight out of a picture book.

Ethan smiled. “My mother takes pride in her yard. Gardening is one of her hobbies.”

He slid out of the car and Amina waited for him to come to the passenger side. They’d been dating long enough for Amina to get used to having her door opened by him.

When she stepped out of the car with Ethan’s assistance, she froze.

“What’s the matter babe?”

“Uh, does she know that I’m black?”

He chuckled. “Of course she does. I showed her your picture and she said you’re very pretty.”

“Did she really?”

“I wouldn’t lie about that.”

“And she doesn’t mind?”

“Do I think she would prefer if I brought home a nice Korean girl? I don’t know. She’s expressed what’s most important to her is that I’m happy and you make me very happy.” He too her hand and led her to the door.

Amina trembled at Ethan’s side when he rung the door bed.

Seconds later, a slender woman with short black hair liberally streaked with gray, wearing gold framed wired glasses, answered. She was dressed casually in a green, short sleeve button up top and a pair of white capri pants. She had such a youthful appearance that if it weren’t for the grays in her hair, Amina would never guess this woman was old enough to have a son Ethan’s age.

Ethan stepped forward and pulled his mother into his embrace. “Hello, Eomma. How have you been?”

“Just fine.” She pulled away and looked in Amina’s direction.

“Eomma, this is my girlfriend, Amina.” He introduced.

“Hello. Welcome to my home,” she greeted Amina with a warm smile.

Amina smiled and offered her hand. “It’s nice to meet you Ms. Han.”

The older woman swatted her hand away and gave Amina a hug. “There’s no need to be so formal. You may call me Mary.”

“Okay, Mary.”

“Come on in. I’ve made lunch. It’s such a nice day, I thought we can eat out on the patio.” She led them inside the house.

The house was just as charming on the inside as it was outside. Tastefully decorated with cream furniture and mahogany wood tables. The walls were adorned with Asian inspired artwork. There was a warmth that radiated from every corner of the house. It was a huge difference from the Caldwell house where everything had been ostentatious and borderline tacky.

“You have a lovely home,” Amina said politely.

“Thank you, Amina. You’re even prettier in person than in the picture Ethan showed me.”

Ethan wrapped his arm around her waist. “I agree. What did you make for lunch? Something smells delicious.”

“I made some of your favorites, Ethan.”

Mary led them through the house and outside to a picturesque backyard filled with roses and a variety of colorful flowers Amina couldn’t identify. There were so many, the fragrance was very prominent but it wasn’t unpleasant.

In the center of the patio was a glass table with a brown wicker base, surrounded by six matching chairs. On the table was an array of dishes Amina was unfamiliar with, but they looked colorful and delicious.

“Eomma, you didn’t have to make all this. It’s so much food for three people.”

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