Page 132 of She will Always be Mine

“Your son is here too, Ma. In case you forgot,” Riaan teases.

She turns to him and smacks his arms playfully before pulling him into a hug. “You were supposed to be here last week.”

“I told you we were busy.”

“I don’t care,” she scolds. “I’m your mother. You must make time for me.”

“I always do, Ma,” he counters and my aunt just shakes her head. “Now are you going to invite us in?”

“Is Dad home?” asks Riaan as we walk past the foyer and into the living room.

“He’s on his way,” My aunt replies, motioning for us to sit on the couch while she does the same, sitting at the couch opposite from us. “I sent him out to get the dessert.”

“You’re not supposed to eat them, Ma,” Riaan warns sternly, his eyes narrowed. “The doctor said you need to control your blood sugar level.”

“Don’t worry, I’m not going to,” she assures him with a flip of her hand. “They’re for Nyra and your father anyways.”

I can tell Riaan doesn’t believe her but he doesn’t say anything else on the matter. He’ll probably hide or throw them away before we leave. I wouldn’t put it past him to do just that.

His leg touches mine with how close he’s sitting beside me while I’m a nervous wreck. He’s not overly affectionate but he’s not hiding our connection either.

My aunt is still smiling as we make small talk but can’t do the same because I’m still waiting for the other shoe to drop. All of us aware of the elephant in the room but none of us bringing it up.

Sensing I’m spiraling into dark thoughts, Riaan’s arm stretches behind me and he runs his fingers through my hair. He knows it relaxes me and I appreciate the small, private gesture.

The sound of the front door opening puts a halt to our conversation just as my Uncle Rohan walks in, carrying a paper bag. This time when I pull away, Riaan lets me, albeit reluctantly.

“Nyra. So glad to have you back, kiddo,” my uncle says brightly. “Did you come with Riaan?”

“Hey, Uncle. Yeah, we drove together.” I grin. I’ve always liked his cool and mischievous energy. “How have you been?”

“Life is good.” He shrugs. “How are your parents? Haven’t talked to them in a while.”

“They’re great. I’m sure they would love to hear from you.”

He nods before smiling at Riaan. “Son. I need your advice on something. Talk to me after dinner.”

“Sure, Dad.”

“Nyra,” calls my aunt. “Help me set the table.”

The moment I’ve been dreading finally comes and with a polite smile toward Uncle Rohan, I follow her into the kitchen. Pretty sure “set the table” was code word for “the talk”. As soon as we’re alone and out of earshot, she faces me.

“I can tell from the way you’ve been avoiding my eyes that Riaan told you, sweetie.” She says when the silence becomes too thick for me to handle.

“He did.”

“Then why do you look so scared?” Her voice sounds sad. “I haven’t changed my mind, if that’s what you’re worried about. You two are obviously in love and I would never stand in the way of that.”

Looking at her, I realize that the truth shines in her eyes and it eases away my tension. So, I give a shaky smile. “You don’t feel like it’s wrong and sinful?”

“Of course not, honey,” she rushes to say and takes my hand until we take a seat at the dining table. “Your situation is complicated but that doesn’t mean it’s sinful. Loving someone is never a crime. Yes, most people will not be comfortable but it’s your happiness, and your life. You should live it the way you want and with the man you love. You have to be strong.”

“You’ve no idea how much your blessing means to me, Auntie.” I say fiercely, happiness blooming inside me. “I’ve already disappointed my mom. I don’t know how Dad or Uncle will feel when we tell them. I don’t want to lose them but I won’t leave Riaan. I’ve always loved him and I can’t imagine my life without him.”

“You will not lose your family, Nyra. Do you understand?”

“I’m not so sure anymore.”

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