Gladys stood up and walked to the back of the sofa. “You know, sometimes I worry that you will cut me off too without any explanation.”
Aunt Isioma got to her feet too. “Please be assured that I‘ll never cut you off.”
“It‘s just that I would hate to think that I‘m making you uncomfortable in your own house. That makes me feel so…”
“That is definitely not the case Gladys. I love having you here and would like you to remain. I have spoken with your mother and I know she would also prefer that.”
Gladys knew her mother and Aunt Isioma had gotten closer over the months. Her mother‘s protective instincts and cultural values now trumped the wish to remain aloof from her formerly estranged sister-in-law. “I wish you would say what happened in the past because until you do, it will be difficult for me to relax and relate with you as I should.”
“Please bear with me. You have to believe me when I say you‘re not a burden at all…”
“Well Ola‘s flat is not available yet but I‘ll think about what we just discussed.”
“Just remember that when together, we do get on well enough. We‘re also still getting to know each other; any discomfort will fade with time.”
“I‘ll bear that in mind and let you know how I decide.”
“This place is your home, Gladys, and I want you to take it as such.”
“Thanks.” When her mother had insisted she discuss with Aunt Isioma, Gladys had wondered why. She now believed that her mother knew more of what her aunt only alluded to with her but just wasn‘t saying. Well she still had a couple of months to make a final decision. But she would tell Ola to open up the flat to others too.
“So how is Edward? It‘s been a while.”
“He was here the last Saturday but you were not around.”
“He‘s a nice young man. You should invite him for dinner here sometime.”
Though she would not admit it, Edward was the other reason she wanted a place of her own. After the incident on her birthday, she appreciated that he‘d said how he felt about her even though he‘d not used those magic three words. They had certainly gotten closer after that and she wanted more room for the relationship to grow. But maybe it was all for the best that she remained with Aunt Isioma. Was Edward truly ready for the commitment she wanted?