Chapter 11: Sweet Moments With Aunt Ailey
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It had been a while since Luke last visited Sani's house. The two of them used to spend nearly every weekend there when they were younger, back when they were fourteen.
They'd laugh for hours, playing games and sneaking snacks from the kitchen while Aunt Ailey pretended not to notice. Being back now, after all this time, brought a nostalgic warmth to Luke's chest.
Aunt Ailey stood in the entryway, smiling kindly as she welcomed him in. She was the kind of woman whose presence made people instinctively straighten their backs and soften their voices.
Not out of fear, but because she carried herself with such quiet grace that it felt natural to respond with respect.
Now in her late thirties, Ailey hadn't lost a single drop of her youthful glow. Her dark, chestnut-brown hair was neatly tied in a loose braid, with a few soft strands curling around her face.
Her skin had a healthy warmth to it, smooth and clear, like someone who took care of herself not to impress others, but because she valued herself.
Her hazel eyes, flecked with gold, gave the feeling that she was always truly listening, even if you weren't saying much at all.
"Sani's in his room," she said with a gentle smile. "You can go ahead. He's probably glued to that game of his."
"Thanks, Aunt Ailey," Luke replied politely.
He made his way to the familiar wooden door and gave it a quick knock.
"Come in! Door's open," Sani called.
Luke stepped inside, greeted by the familiar chaos of a teenage boy's sanctuary—anime posters lined the walls, a shelf cluttered with figurines and game boxes stood near the window, and the scent of instant noodles still lingered faintly in the air.
"You're late, man," Sani said without looking up from the screen. "Come on, sit. I downloaded a new game: PvP Knight Battle Arena. You remember that one?"
Luke chuckled. "It's been forever since I played a battle game. Don't expect too much."
"Oh, come on. Don't give me that. You just don't want to admit I might actually win for once."
Luke sat cross-legged on the floor, controller in hand. "We'll see."
The screen burst to life with color and clashing swords. Character portraits flashed, victory music blared, and soon the room was filled with the rapid clack of buttons, playful curses, and dramatic celebrations.
"Boom! Gotcha!" Sani shouted as his character landed a finishing move.
"That range is busted," Luke grumbled.
"Excuses, excuses. Want a rematch or are you just going to sit there and cry into the snacks?"
Before Luke could respond, a voice called from the kitchen:
"Boys~! Come wash your hands! The cake's almost ready."
Aunt Ailey.
Luke felt his pulse skip. Something about her voice had that effect on him lately. Even Sani noticed his shift in expression.
"Mom summoning us. You know what that means. We're about to get fed. Come on, she made vanilla-choco swirl today."
Luke followed him, brushing imaginary lint from his jeans. The closer they got to the kitchen, the stronger the scent of warm cake and melted chocolate filled the air.
Aunt Ailey stood by the counter, dressed in a soft beige apron over a light blouse and jeans. Her hair was tied up loosely, a few strands fluttering near her cheek as she turned.
"Welcome to my humble little baking corner," she said, looking at Luke with a warm smile.
Luke rubbed the back of his neck. "It already smells amazing."
"Ufufu~ thank you, sweetheart. But it's not quite done. I was just about to pour the batter. Care to help me?"
He blinked. "Sure, I guess."
Sani grabbed a soda from the fridge and muttered, "I'll supervise from here."
Ailey handed Luke a bowl filled with thick, creamy batter. "Give this a good stir. No lumps, alright?"
Luke took the spoon and started mixing, trying to focus on the task instead of how close she was standing.
"You're good with your hands," she commented casually.
He coughed, nearly dropping the spoon. "I cook... sometimes."
"Mmm~ I bet you're very good in the kitchen," she teased.
His ears turned pink. "I try."
She handed him a cake mold and held it steady. "Pour it in slowly. We want nice, smooth layers."
Their fingers brushed briefly. Luke froze. She looked up, her hazel eyes catching his.
"You're a natural," she said, voice soft.
He laughed nervously. "I just follow instructions."
"Then maybe next time, you can teach me something," she replied with a playful tone.
Sani, now perched on the counter sipping soda, rolled his eyes but didn't say anything.
Once the cake was in the oven, the three of them gathered around the dining table to wait.
[6:45 P.M., Dining Room]
The cake came out golden, slightly crisp on the edges, and filled the room with a heavenly aroma. Aunt Ailey sliced it carefully, placing warm, generous pieces on plates.
"Be honest," she said, handing Luke his slice. "Too sweet?"
He took a bite. His eyes widened in surprise.
"No way. This is perfect. Better than any bakery downtown."
"Mom, if you opened a bakery, I'd be your delivery guy," Sani added, his mouth still full.
"You two are too kind," Ailey replied, a soft smile playing on her lips.
Luke glanced at her as she blew gently on her fork before taking a bite. Her elegance was effortless. She didn't try to be charming—she just was.
"Another slice?" she offered.
"Yes, please," both boys said at once.
She laughed. It was the kind of laugh that made people feel welcome.
"You two really are growing up fast," she murmured, almost to herself.
Outside, the sun was dipping behind the rooftops. The kitchen light cast a warm glow on everything—the cake, the plates, their faces. It felt like a moment that would stay with them long after it passed.
Luke glanced at Sani, who was now distracted with something on his phone.
He looked back at Aunt Ailey, still humming as she cleaned the knife.
Maybe life didn't need to be complicated all the time.
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By Ecstasy Crown