Loving Aunt Sarah : Chapter 4

Note : This story is completely fictional!

Another holiday, another family dinner. We were an extrememly close family, always getting together for every major holiday that ever rolled around. It was Thanksgiving, and we had all gathered at Aunt Sarah's place, much to my own pleasure. Unfortunately with the rest of the family around, I couldn't attend the dinner as Valerie. Aunt Sarah and I kept exchanging smiling glances from across the table, indicating to everyone else that we knew something they didn't. We'd never tell, of course. At my age, it wasn't as though I needed anyone's approval regarding how I lived my life; but they were just so conservative and traditional! I didn't want to deal with the bullshit that I knew they'd give me.

Earlier, while I was on my way to Aunt Sarah's, I had called ahead of time to let her know that I had something to talk to her about. That'd be difficult with so many other family members present. So we arranged that after dinner, I'd go outside for some fresh air. Easy enough to do. Everyone knew that I preferred the cold weather, even if I couldn't take it the way I could in my teen years. After I would be out there for a minute, Aunt Sarah would join me while the others enjoyed their own company indoors.

As I stepped out the front door, I closed my eyes and let the freezing November air wash over my face. I'd always loved how that felt, as well as how much thinner the colder air was. For some reason, I found it easier to breathe it in. That too was a nice feeling, allowing the cold to fill my lungs. Standing there on the front porch, leaning agains the house wall, I began to enjoy the cold so much that I nearly forgot the primary reason I'd stepped outside in the first place. I was reminded by the creaking sound of the outer screen door opening. I turned my head quickly, startled by the sudden sond, only to find Aunt Sarah walking out to meet me.

"Unlike some," she began, "I prefer it warm, so let's get straight to the point. What'd you need to talk to me about?" I reply, I guestured toward the wooden bench hanging from the porch's ceiling. Thankfully, it was clear of snow and the two of us took a seat. Aunt Sarah jumped up immediately with a light squeal. "Jesus, that's cold!" I couldn't help but laugh as she slowly lowered herself onto the bench once again.

"First off, thanks," I said to her. "For being the one family member I can be open with. I know I've thanked you for that already, but I feel I can never thank you enough."

"Well, everyone always said I was a wild kid in my younger years. I guess some things never change."

I paused for a long, but brief moment, taking a deep breath. No doubt my Aunt recognized this as the same pause I had given when I first came out of the closet to her almost a month ago. Of course, such a pause before catching one's breath always meant that the person was gonig to say something that may or may not sit well with the person listening. But this was my Aunt Sarah for cyring out loud! I should've known by that point that I could tell her anything at all. However, I wasn't going to be telling her anything.

I was going to be asking.

"Ya know, I really don't know how to say this," I admitted, finally looking Aunt Sarah in the eyes.

"You just tole me a minute ago that you knwo you can be open with me," Aunt Sarah reminded me. "Whatever it is, don't try to sugar coat it. Just say it."

"If you knew what I was trying to say, you'd understand why this isn't easy for me." I paused again, collecting myself. "You know, you're a really cool person, Aunt Sarah. A lot of fun to hang out with, really open and understanding." Then I added with a grin, "Not to mention, good looking."

"Took you this long to notice?" Aunt Sarah joked, the two of us sharing a light laugh over it.

"Actually, no," I said. I got the joke, and she knew it. but I wanted to keep this coversation serious. This was hard enough as it was. "I noticed you beauty a long time ago. I also noticed your inner beauty. I really like spending time with you, Aunt Sarah." Now things looked like they'd be quickly taking a turn for the worse. I could see it in my Aunt's eyes. She knew where I was going with this. How could she not? She was far too perceptive to miss it. I didn't even notice that I began to stutter with my next statement. "I guess what I'm trying to say is... will, uh, will you... go out with me sometime?"

Aunt Sarah sighed as she allowed herself to finally lean back. She crossed her arms and looked harshly into my own eyes. "Valerian Elijah Davenport," she began, purposely using my full name, "I am you Aunt. I'm not the co-worker you have a lot in common with, nor am I the good looking woman you met at the club. I'm you Aunt! You don't ask your Aunt out on dates, and you're an adult! I shouldn't have to tell you these things."

"Aunt Sarah, please," I spoke quickly. "I know exactly what this is. And I know what this must sound like from your point of view. But I've never met a woman like you before. You're everything I look for in a woman. You're intelligent, open-minded, you have a great sense of humor, and you're beautiful to boot! I'll admit that it's a little weird, finding such perfection in a family member, but you're the kind of woman I've dreamed of ever since I first got interested in the opposite sex! Now that I found what I've been looking for, I don't wanna pass it up just because you're my Aunt."

"Well, you're gonna have to," declared Aunt Sarah, standing and turning to the front door. "Because this is just wrong."

I stood to catch her, grabbing her arm just enough to get her attention before she could open the door. "One date," I pleaded, immediately releasing her arm. I didn't want to come on as an aggressor who would go too far to get what I wanted. "That's all I ask. If after that you still feel the same, you'll never hear another word about this again. And you won't even have to go with *me*. You'll be going with Valerie."

For a moment, Aunt Sarah stood in silence. After what seemed like an eternity, she finally turned her head to face me. "One date with Valerie and that'll shut you up?"

"Well, put your honest effort into the date, and yeah."

There was another silence between us, this one seeming even longer than the last. "Late movie? Next Friday night?"

"Sure!"

"Pick me up at eight, and don't be late." Aunt Sarah finally walked back into the house, pausing at the door before closing it. She turned to face me again and added, "Dress casual."