The Sinner

CHAPTER 9

AMY

Sunday came, and we were on our way to Sandra's family house. According to Dad, her whole family would be present since they wanted to conclude on certain things, the wedding being in weeks. Beside me, Dad was humming to a song playing softly on the radio. I was so sure he knew nothing about this song, but he kept going on and on. Meeting Sandra was a big step, not just for Dad but also for me. I mean I'm going to have a new mother.

“Relax Dad,” I chuckled. “I know you are nervous,” I said to him. That was how he was when he was singing. “I mean, you don't even like music.”

“See who's talking. You are the nervous one. I have been watching you play with the hem of your dress,” he said, and I let go of it instantly. “Don't worry, they are lovely people.”

He said to me like he had met them before. I agreed with him anyway, no matter what we were going to have at this family meeting. I didn't know much about Sandra, but from what Dad said, she was beautiful and smart and would make a great wife and mother. I wasn't worried about her, but about everything else.

Yes, it's been 6 years since Mum died, but I still couldn't fill her void with someone else. It felt strange.

We pulled up to a beautiful duplex house nestled around a calm neighborhood. It felt like those perfect houses I'd seen in the movies a couple of times, well-manicured lawns and neat windows and doors. I took a deep breath as I stepped out of Dad's car. This was that moment.

Sandra met us at the door. A warm smile for us and a warm hug for Dad.

“I'm so glad that you both are finally here.” She said, smiling widely. At dimmer last night, I wondered if she was faking her smile since it looked so unrealistic. I only offered a polite hello before she took us into the house.

The interior of the house looked much better; well-tilled floors, high ceilings. Her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Stone were just like I had expected. Calm and reserved. They shook our hands and invited us to eat with them later.

As the evening progressed, the atmosphere became more welcoming as Mrs. Stone complimented my dress while Mr. Stone was more concerned about asking Dad his occupation, and then we talked about Sandra's childhood and that was when her brother was mentioned.

“They both always fought for toys, even though he was older. They would fight for every single thing.” Mrs. Stone laughed out loud. Soon, the maid offered us some delicious cookies and it was delicious.

“I told him about this meeting. Mum, I'll really get upset with Pete if he misses this opportunity to meet Don. That fool doesn’t know when to be serious.”

Was I horny again? If not, why did I hear Pete's name?

“He'll be here, don't worry,” Mrs. Stone assured her. I loved the way she talked to us and how nice she was. “He's a therapist, and he's always busy.” She turned to us to explain.

Oh no.

The only therapist I knew was Pete and his other name was Stone as well.

Fuck!

“He's such a good brother, the best I mean. He was the first person I told about Don, and he supported our marriage even before I told Mum and Dad.”

I smiled even though I was no longer listening. Suddenly, the room felt very hot and blurry. I excused myself, mumbling something about needing fresh air. I didn't even give anyone a chance to call me back as I walked fast.

It wasn't him. Or could it be him? How could I not have seen this happening? Why was I having so many coincidences with this man, for Christ's sake?

How could he be the one? My therapist? The one I was supposed to pilot out my heart to? The one that had f*cked me senseless a few days ago? He is also the sister of my father's wife, the woman I'll call mother, which meant he'd be my... my what… STEP UNCLE? The thought was absurd, really.

I closed my eyes, trying to see if this was probably a movie or a prank, because things were happening way too fast. I had walked to a room which was empty, but now I could hear some general greetings in the living room.

I bet he didn't know I was his sister's stepdaughter, and he'd be shocked to see me. I wasn't interested in seeing that shock. I only wanted to escape this reality, but there was nothing I could do.

My father was in love and there was nothing I could do about it. I took a deep breath, stepped out of the room into the light in the sitting room where all of them stood up, their eyes filled with joy and happiness.

There he was also.

Mr. Pete Stone. The one not only my heart craves for but my whole body craves for.

“Here, she is.” Mrs. Stone said, stretching out her hands to me, and they all turned to watch me. “Amy, come say hello to Pete.”

“Hello.” I looked up to him. We stood very close to each other, and we couldn't stop staring at each other. As I stared into his eyes, my panties were already getting wet just from his gaze.

“Amy?” He stared at me surprised. I knew if we told them that we knew each other, they'd start asking questions, and I was not emotionally ready for those questions at that moment. By the way, I wanted their marriage to work and revealing our relationship could ruin this good thing going for them.

“Do you know her?” Sandra asked Pete. She must have seen how he stood still and was staring at me. I, too, would have noticed with his gaze burning into my soul.

“No,” I screamed, almost immediately. “Maybe we met somewhere, but we don't know each other,” I added.