Chapter 1
Dianne's POV
Dad's voice interrupted my boring task of folding clothes, letting me know that Uncle Rolf had arrived. I quickly left the laundry behind and headed downstairs, realizing that it was just Dad and me at home since Mom passed away. The thought of my upcoming 18th birthday without her by my side weighed heavily on my heart.
But at least Dad was still here. Despite his struggles with his business, I was grateful to have him in my life.
"Dianne," Dad called out again, reminding me about Uncle Rolf's visit. I couldn't contain my excitement. It had been so long since I last saw him.
Uncle Rolf had always been a charming presence in my life, bringing back memories of my childhood crush on him.
As I made my way to the living room, a deep, familiar voice filled the air. I missed that voice.
"I'm here," I announced, catching a glimpse of his broad back. The scent of his cologne brought me comfort and joy.
When he turned around, I was struck by his timeless appearance.
Uncle Rolf, the pillar of our family, stood before me, radiating an ageless aura. It was almost as if he held the secret to eternal youth. His mere presence never failed to brighten my day, filling me with a warm sense of nostalgia and affection.
Uncle Rolf's piercing stare didn't go unnoticed; a flicker of surprise danced in his eyes. Then, his attention shifted to my hand, causing a faint crease to form on his forehead.
"Dianne, Dianne, do you still recognize your Uncle Rolf?" My dad's voice interrupted my thoughts, making me realize the uncanny resemblance between Uncle Rolf and my father. Uncle Rolf's ruggedly handsome appearance and strong build made me feel small in comparison, especially with his towering height. His eyes, a captivating blend of blue and gray, were framed by thick eyebrows, while his smooth, reddish skin added to his charm. I couldn't help but wonder if Uncle Rolf embodied the epitome of masculine beauty that others could only dream of.
His mesmerizing eyes, a combination of deep blue and gray, were accentuated by bold eyebrows, while his flawless, reddish complexion exuded a certain allure. His perfectly chiseled features were almost too good to be true, leaving me to ponder if Uncle Rolf was the ideal representation of male attractiveness that others could only aspire to.
"Maybe he doesn't remember, Duncan. You were just a little kid back then."
"Yes, she was only twelve the last time she saw you," my dad's voice brought me back to reality, but Uncle Rolf's intense gaze remained fixed on me, hinting at a deeper connection. "What's wrong?" he asked, flashing a dazzling smile that showcased his perfect teeth.
The warmth and security of Uncle's embrace surrounded me, bringing a smile of familiarity and comfort. Dad's presence was momentarily overshadowed by Uncle's, I tried to shift my attention towards him, but I couldn't help being drawn back to Uncle like a magnet. There was something about him that intrigued me—an inexplicable allure that captivated my interest.
"I still remember when you brought me chocolate," I reminisced, unable to forget that memory. It was the first time I found myself admiring a man, captivated by Uncle's undeniable handsomeness.
"It's nice to know you haven't forgotten me," he replied with a grin, settling down on our old sofa that had seen more years than I had. It was alright, though, Dad was skilled at fixing things around the house.
"Rolf, you're joining us for dinner. My daughter is an incredible cook," Dad proudly announced to Uncle. "Dianne, why don't you make Uncle some coffee while I go to the grocery store to get ingredients for dinner?" Dad cheerfully suggested before leaving.
Soon, the sound of Dad's motorcycle faded away.
"You can stay here, Uncle. I'll go make your coffee," I offered, feeling a flutter of nerves in my chest. I couldn't quite understand why my heart was racing.
"What's that you're holding, baby?" Uncle's voice startled me. He used to call me 'babygirl', a term that used to make me uncomfortable. But now, it feels different. I couldn't quite explain it. My heart quickened its pace.
"I'm not a kid anymore, Uncle," I replied, feeling a bit shy and my cheeks turning red. It was always exciting when he called me "baby."
I was taken aback when he suddenly grabbed my hand. My face flushed even more when I realized he had grabbed my panties. I quickly snatched them back, feeling so embarrassed. How did Uncle manage to open it right in front of me?
He chuckled at my reaction, teasing me, "You're growing up, young lady. I hope you made a good cup of coffee, baby." His playful tone made me blush even more. Although I knew Uncle meant no harm, his behavior seemed a bit strange to me.
"Alright, I'll make sure you enjoy it," I replied, turning away. As I brewed his coffee and took a sip, I also grabbed the last cupcake from the bag. When I went to the living room, Uncle was nowhere to be found. Curiosity got the best of me, so I peeked outside and spotted him in my little vegetable garden. Gardening had become my hobby during breaks, with no school and plenty of time at home. Life in the countryside was less strict compared to the city, where everything seemed more chaotic.
"Uncle, your coffee is ready," I called out to him, and he turned around with a smile. My heart skipped a beat as he faced me, and I scolded myself for the butterflies in my stomach. As Uncle approached, I stepped aside to let him in, catching a whiff of his pleasant cologne.
"Thanks, baby. I also have some gifts for you," he said, handing me some shopping bags he had brought. "Hmm, this is perfect," he added after taking a sip from the cup of coffee I made for him.
"Wow, Uncle, are all of these gifts for me?" I exclaimed, my eyes widening as I took in the handbag, red dress, makeup, and perfume. The joy on my face was impossible to hide. I've never had anything like this before, especially the expensive-looking bag. It's hard to put into words how happy his gifts made me feel. Ever since my dad's workshop closed down and we used up most of our savings for my mom's illness, things have been tough. The sadness of losing her still lingers, especially during these challenging times.
But now, I can't help but wonder if it's the gifts or the handsome man standing in front of me that's making me feel so giddy.
Uncle chuckled and replied, "Of course, they're all for you. Although, I don't think you need makeup because you're already beautiful without it." His gaze held mine for a moment before he shifted his eyes and cleared his throat.
I playfully teased, "Oh, so now you don't want to give them to me anymore?" Trying to lighten the mood. My charming Uncle always knew how to make me feel better.
He smiled and said, "They're yours to use, but remember to study hard and focus on your education before getting a boyfriend."
I was hit with a wave of disappointment. My Dad couldn't afford to support my college education. The idea of not being able to pursue my dreams of attending college weighed heavily on me. I had worked so hard to graduate early from high school at just eighteen, even passing some university entrance exams. But deep down, I knew my father wouldn't allow me to study in New York, my ultimate goal.
I wished there was a local community college that offered the course I wanted. I had a strong desire to study Hotel and Restaurant Management.
"Why the sudden sadness over not having a boyfriend?" Uncle asked, sounding concerned.
"Oh, it's not that. There are more important things to focus on right now. I want to study at my dream university but... Anyway, Uncle, let's move on," I replied, trying to sound confident. It was too embarrassing to discuss my disappointments in life. I couldn't blame my father for not being able to send me to New York for my studies.
"Don't hesitate to confide in me, baby. Your dad is my best friend, so think of me as family too."
Uncle's words touched my heart, his gaze filled with warmth. I felt the urge to hug him, to find comfort in his presence.
"Just let me know if you need anything, baby. I'll always be here for you, no matter what," he said, his eyes locked with mine.