End of Understanding

Chapter 7: Vulnerability Release

"Excuse me, Miss Vein and Mr. Rivero, but the Huffs are here to see you." Annette informed us.

Matthew pulled away from the embrace. He nodded his head towards her, "Thank you very much Annette. Where are they at the moment?"

"They are already seated in the comfort center," she responded, "We made sure that you four would be the only ones in there. The other family members were moved to the comfort center downstairs."

"Thank you. If we need you, we will make sure to send for you." I said before walking in the direction of the comfort center with Matthew in tow.

As soon I opened the door, the smell of Southern comfort food penetrated my nose. I made sure to take a deep inhale so I could savor the smell.

"We figured you hadn't eaten since this morning and that you wouldn't want the mystery meat they are serving in the cafeteria, so we decided to bring some supper along. Angelina had just finished preparing it when you called," Mr. Huff said with a genuine smile gracing his face.

"I'm very sorry. We did not mean to intrude on your supper, sir." I said this, but in reality I was sort of glad. We got a home-cooked meal out of it after all.

"Oh, nonsense, darling," said Mrs. Huff who I am guessing is Angelina. "We had plenty of food and my son was at a friend's house anyway."

"Thank you. I appreciate it very much and I am sure Trin does as well. Right, love?" Matthew asked.

I melted under the term of endearment. Matthew always called me love but I hadn't heard it all day.

"Yes, I am very grateful for y'all's kindness to us. It's not something that you see everyday. Especially from..." I trailed off.

"Some of the wealthier people? I understand, hun. Many of the wealthier people nowadays tend to be snobs. We try our hardest to not be like them." Angelina said with a tone of disgust as she mentioned the ruder of the high class.

"How about we eat and then we will discuss everything after? I can see the drool practically coming out of the corner of your mouths," Mr. Huff said with humor.

I didn't argue as I grabbed a plate and began piling it high with brisket, collard greens, corn, mashed potatoes, baked beans, and cornbread. I would definitely have to save some room for the pie at the end too.

Scanning the copious amount of food to make sure that I had gotten little bit of everything, my eyes drifted over the macaroni and cheese. When I saw it, I couldn't help but I feel the hole in my heart grow a little bit bigger. Out of the corner of my eye I saw Matt staring at the dish as well.

"Was that his favorite dish?"

I didn't know who asked it, but all I could do was nod. I saw a perfectly manicured hand grab the serving tray it was on and whisk it away to the fridge in the corner. I was grateful that they didn't push me to eat it as a "step to move on from the death."

"We understand. We couldn't eat chicken nuggets for 3 years after Jenny's death."

I looked up and saw a tear escape Mrs. Huff's eye. Mr. Huff just stood there solemnly with an overwhelming aura of sympathy coming off of him in waves. I then looked down at my plate and realized I still needed to eat.

Grabbing Matt's hand, which seemed to be the one thing that I couldn't leave anywhere, I pulled him over to the table where the Huffs were seated. We all ate in a comfortable silence. Matthew's hand would brush across my thigh in a comforting way or play with my fingers on my left hand when it wasn't in use. It was nice to finally have silence.