~𝒜𝒹𝒶~
Eudaimonia. A noun. Meaning, a contented state of being happy, healthy, and prosperous.
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After an hour or two of catching up with my family, Aunt Josephine pulled me outside to talk. About? No idea. That's why I'm so nervous.
"Are you surprised?" She asks me as we stroll past the lake on the Barry property.
"Oh yes!" I exhale. "I am completely overcome with joy."
"My what big words." She teases. "I'm glad you learned a few things at that finishing school of yours."
"Has there ever been a Barry that got kicked out in the first month?" I inquire, linking our arms.
She looks up to the trees and sucks in some air. "Not that I recall. But what's wrong with being the first?"
I chuckle and follow her gaze. As we walk the sun peeks through the leaves making the light dance upon our faces.
I recall memories from my childhood. Diana and I running through these fields, playing in the lake. My mother's laugh. The most beautiful laugh. "Do you think she would be proud of me?" I blurt out making Josephine look at me.
"Willow?" She asks. I reply with a nod. "Beyond proud." My heart aches at her words. "Ada, you were your mother's greatest treasure. Of course she loved Alexander but a daughter—" Jo smiles mournfully. "that is a true blessing." Aunt Josephine paused for a moment, her gaze softening as she looked at me with affection. "Your mother adored you, Ada," she said, her voice filled with warmth. "You were her pride and joy, her greatest blessing."
Tears welled up in my eyes as I listened to her words, feeling a surge of emotion at the thought of my mother's love. "I miss her so much," I whispered, my voice catching in my throat.
"I know, my dear," Aunt Josephine said, her own eyes glistening with tears. She reached out to brush a stray lock of hair from my face, her touch gentle and comforting. "You have her spirit, Ada," she continued, her voice soft but filled with conviction. "You're brave, kind-hearted, and strong-willed, just like she was."
I swallowed hard, feeling a lump form in my throat at her words. To be compared to my mother, to carry on her legacy in some small way, was the greatest honor I could imagine. "Thank you, Aunt Jo," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "That means more to me than you know."
Aunt Josephine smiled, her eyes shining with pride. "You're your mother's daughter, Ada," she said. "And she would be so proud of the woman you've become."
As Aunt Josephine spoke, memories of my mother flooded my mind like waves crashing against the shore. I could hear her laughter echoing through the fields, feel the warmth of her embrace as she enveloped me in her arms. The ache of her absence was a constant presence in my heart, a reminder of the love we had shared and the bond we had formed.
"Do you remember the day she taught us how to make daisy chains?" I asked, my voice soft with emotion. "We spent hours weaving flowers together, laughing and talking as if the world would never end."
Aunt Josephine smiled, her eyes twinkling with nostalgia. "I remember," she said, her voice tinged with sadness. "Your mother had a way of making even the simplest moments feel magical."
"She was the heart of our family," I murmured, my throat tight with emotion.
As we walked along the shore of the lake, surrounded by the beauty of nature, I felt my mother's presence more strongly than ever.
She led me to a nearby bench overlooking the serene landscape, and we sat down together, the sound of the gentle breeze rustling through the trees providing a soothing backdrop to our conversation.
"I do believe this is yours." Aunt Jo reaches into her coat and pulls out an envelope. I go to open it but she stops me. "I wouldn't risk it. That would be a lot of money to lose." My breath hitched when I remembered the trust fund. "Now, you will have plenty to start your business and provide for yourself. But there is something else you should know." She then pulls out a piece of paper, a document. She hands it over and I reluctantly unfold the document. "I felt led to help in another way. Any way, and so—" my mouth falls open as I read. "I bought your childhood home."
"Oh no, Jo." I shake my head as my voice quivered. "I-I can't accept this."
"Poppycock!" She swats her hand. "It is a gift. Of course you can accept it."
"But—Aunt Jo you have helped me in more ways than one. I cannot let you do this." I beg her.
"I don't need anyone to let me do anything." Jo demands. "Now, you will accept this. Otherwise I shall harass you for your denial the rest of my days."
Aunt Jo's words caught me off guard, and I struggled to find the right response. My heart swelled with gratitude at her generosity, but I couldn't shake the feeling of unworthiness that washed over me.
"I don't know what to say," I murmured, my voice choked with emotion. "This is..."
Aunt Jo reached out and gently squeezed my hand, her eyes filled with warmth and understanding. "Ada, dear," she said softly, "your mother would have wanted you to have this. Willow loved that house. You loved that house, and I will be overjoyed to see you living there once again."
Tears welled up in my eyes as her words sank in, and I realized just how much this gift meant to me. It wasn't just a house—it was a piece of my childhood, a connection to my past, and a symbol of the love I have always had.
"Thank you," I whispered, my voice barely above a whisper. "Thank you for everything, Aunt Jo." I embrace her as tears stream down my face.
"You're welcome, my dear," she said, her voice filled with warmth.
***
When I arrived home and the evening settled into a velvety darkness, I lit candles around the dining room, their flickering flames casting a warm, intimate glow across the room. The quiet hum of the house enveloped me as I moved about, preparing a special dinner for Gilbert.
I had decided to make his favorite dish—roast chicken with rosemary and garlic, accompanied by red potatoes. The savory aroma filled the air. As I worked in the kitchen, the minutes stretched into hours, and the house grew still around me. Everyone else had long since retired to bed, leaving me alone with my thoughts and the comforting rhythm of my preparations.
Finally, as the clock struck midnight, I heard the familiar sound of the front door opening, signaling Gilbert's return. My heart skipped a beat with anticipation as I hurried to finish setting the table, eager to welcome him home with a warm meal and a loving embrace.
As he stepped into the softly lit dining room, his tired eyes widened in surprise at the sight before him. "Surprise!" I smile. The flickering candlelight danced across his features, casting a soft, golden glow that illuminated his smile.
"Ada, what's all this?" he asked, his voice filled with wonder and delight.
I stepped forward, a smile playing at the corners of my lips as I reached out to take his hand. "I wanted to do something special for you," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "You've been working so hard, and I thought you deserved a little celebration."
His eyes softened as he looked at me, and I felt a rush of warmth spread through my chest. "Thank you, Ada," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "This is... lovely."
With a tender smile, I led him to the table, where the flickering candlelight cast shadows across his face, highlighting the lines of exhaustion and determination etched there. Gilbert's tired eyes met mine, and I could see the curiosity dancing within them.
"So, how was your day?" he asked, his voice gentle and warm.
I smiled, feeling a rush of excitement as I prepared to share my news with him. "It was eventful, to say the least," I replied, my voice tinged with excitement. "My father, brother, and Daphne arrived from Paris today. It was wonderful to see them again."
Gilbert's eyebrows rose in surprise. "They arrived early? That's great news," he said, his tone filled with genuine happiness for me. "How are they settling in?"
"They're doing well," I replied, feeling a surge of affection for my family. "They're staying with the Barry's. It's nice having them here, even if it's only for a short visit."
As Gilbert listened, I could see the curiosity in his eyes growing, and I knew it was time to share my biggest news of all. Taking a deep breath, I leaned forward, my heart pounding with excitement.
"And there's something else," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "Aunt Jo... she bought my old house."
Gilbert's eyes widened in surprise, his expression filled with awe and wonder. "Your old house?" he repeated, his voice filled with emotion. "That's... incredible, Ada. What does this mean for you?"
"It means... everything," I replied, my voice trembling with emotion. As I spoke, tears welled up in my eyes, and I reached out to take Gilbert's hand, needing the comfort of his touch. He squeezed my hand gently, his eyes filled with understanding and compassion.
"I'm so happy for you, Ada," he said, his voice soft and tender. "This is truly a special gift, one that you deserve more than anyone."
With Gilbert's support and understanding, I felt a sense of peace and contentment wash over me.
"And what about you, Gilbert?" I asked, turning the conversation towards him. "How are you feeling after your Queens exams?"
Gilbert leaned back in his chair, a thoughtful expression crossing his features. "Relieved, mostly," he admitted. "The exams were challenging, but I think I did well. Now I just have to wait for the results."
"I have no doubt you'll do brilliantly," I said, offering him an encouraging smile. "You've worked so hard for this, Gilbert, and I know it will pay off."
He returned my smile, his eyes shining with gratitude. "Thank you, Ada," he said, his voice filled with warmth. "Your support means the world to me."
As the evening drew to a close, Gilbert and I worked together to tidy up the kitchen, washing dishes and putting away leftovers. The warm glow of candlelight cast gentle shadows across the room, creating a cozy atmosphere as we moved around each other with ease.
"Thanks for helping me clean up," I said, smiling gratefully at Gilbert as we finished up the last of the dishes.
"It was my pleasure," he replied, returning my smile with one of his own. "I always enjoy spending time with you, Ada."
Gilbert took my hand and led me out of the kitchen, towards my bedroom. Leaning against the doorframe, he looked at me with a playful glint in his eyes. Gilbert's smile widened at my blush, his eyes sparkling with affection as he reached out to brush a stray strand of hair from my face. Before I could respond, he leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss to my lips, making me ache for more. My heart skipped a beat as I melted into his embrace, savoring the sweetness of the moment.
"Goodnight, Ada," he whispered against my lips, his voice filled with warmth and affection.
"Goodnight, Gilbert," I murmured, my heart soaring as I watched him retreat down the hallway, leaving me standing there with a smile on my face.