Chasing the Shrew

I Know You

Chris rushed back to Amelia’s townhouse. He picked up some healthy groceries and even nabbed a box of freshly made cookies from the bakery hoping to use it as a bribe on the children.

As he drove he thought about the moment Jenny called him Daddy. He finally understands why all the fathers in his company are simps to their wives and daughters. Little girls are the epitome of adorableness. Although the twins were not biologically his, they were Amelia’s treasures and he loved them by association.

Chris pulled up to Amelia’s townhouse and parked on the street right outside of her house. He walked around the car and grabbed the bags of food. Kicking the door shut, he walked up the steps and rang the doorbell with his elbow.

He was excited to see Amelia and the kids again but the first face he saw soured his mood. DS’ handsome face appeared like a killjoy and the two men stared at each other for a few seconds before DS opened the door wider to let him in.

“Come in…,” DS stared at Chris’ shoes.

Chris leaned his body on the side of the door and shuffled his feet. He somehow managed to slip the shoes off at the door and walked in. Throwing a glance at DS, he pursed his lips wanting to say something but then decided against it.

DS saw the disapproving look but ignored Chris. Shutting the door behind them, he turned and walked into the house.

“Jie is in the living room playing with the kids,” he mentioned and disappeared around the corner.

Chris had never been in Amelia’s house before today but he knew where the dining room and kitchen were so he decided to drop off the bags of food first. He rounded the corner and bumped into Amelia.

“Oh! Welcome back! Oh my goodness what is all this!? Let me help you with that!”

Chris refused, knowing Amelia’s feet were injured he didn’t want her to carry any extra weight, “No, I got it. Men ought to be the ones carrying the heavy stuff.”

Amelia noted a hint of discontent and quick-minded as she was, thought it was a jab meant for DS. She rushed to his defense, “Ah, please don’t think badly of DS, he’s injured too so he can’t carry anything heavy. Come! Hurry in so you can drop the stuff off; it looks heavy.”

Chris walked in and set the bags down on the kitchen island. He started unpacking the items and putting them in the fridge. Amelia moved to help him.

“Wow, you bought quite a lot…”

Chris smiled gently, “The children are growing, they need more fresh fruits and vegetables. I also bought some ready-made meals so you don’t have to cook dinner.”

Amelia returned his smile and took some fruits to wash and cut. Removing the ring, she placed it on a clean dish and got to work washing. No one noticed the little tuft of blonde hair bobbing just beneath the table line, nor the chubby arm that sneaked up to feel around the plate and snatch the ring off it.

***

After a snack of fruits, Amelia started prepping dinner with Chris’ help. She enjoyed his company immensely, laughing freely; for once, her guard was down.

Chris smiled as he watched Amelia work and laugh at his jokes. For the umpteenth time, he imagined life with her and the kids. He licked his lips and tested the waters, “So I was thinking, what do you think about moving in with me?”

Anelia paused, then resumed stirring the soup. Memories of her past floated to mind. The disapproving looks, the not-so-subtle bullying, the negligence… she couldn’t shake the shadows from her heart.

“Isn’t it too early? We aren’t even married. I don’t want others to think I am a loose woman or my children will suffer…”

Chris nodded, “I didn’t think of that, I’m sorry. You are right. Let’s get married first so you can move in with me then do the big ceremony after?”

Amelia stopped stirring, she knew she was being unreasonable and cruel to continuously compare Chris with Dustin. She swallowed forcefully, afraid to ask what came to mind, afraid her thoughtless words would destroy this glimmer of hope for a happily ever after. Yet the shadows of doubt gnawed at her relentlessly. She never had a wedding before. It was just cold paperwork slapped together last minute and registered at the local bureau. There were no happy pictures, no wedding dress, no ring, no sweet promises. Looking back, she was a fool in love, naive to the meaning behind all the skipped formalities.

Amelia turned away from Chris, blinking rapidly to hide her tears. Chris didn’t catch her expression and mistook her action as her being emotional and followed up, “We don’t have to live with my parents! I have a nice large house with a huge backyard where the children can play.”

Chris was imagining the awkwardness of having his parents around when he intended on making love with Amelia day in and day out. He was so consumed in his happy fantasies that he forgot Amelia’s past traumas.

Amelia turned to look at him, searching his eyes. All the bull crap of the ‘eyes being windows to the soul’, she could only see his emerald green eyes looking back into hers. Her lips quivered.

Before she could speak the doorbell rang. Chris turned his head, irritated, “Who in blazes…”

Amelia turned off the stove and walked to the front of the house with Chris trailing her. She opened the door and found herself looking at a tall blonde man, looking vaguely familiar.

“What are you doing here?” Chris’ unfamiliar sharp tone came from behind her.

The young man ignored him and smiled at Amelia, “Hi! My name is Theodore Farley but you probably know me as Theo Jones.”

Amelia shook his hand and turned to Chris, “Is he…”

Chris nodded grimly, “My brother.”

Amelia turned back to Theo and gestured for him to come in, “Please come in and join us for dinner.”

Theo smiled and moved to enter, “Don’t mind if I do!”

Chris snapped, “SHOES OFF!!” He had been shamed earlier for his gaff so he took it out on his brother.

Theo and Amelia both jumped a little at the sudden shout. Amelia smiled apologetically, “Yes, please leave your shoes at the door.”

When they walked into the kitchen they saw the backs of the kids and DS in the corner of the breakfast nook; they were huddled together touching the pot of herbs Amelia grew.

Amelia cleared her throat, “Go wash your hands. It’s time for dinner!”

The children moaned but did as they were told. When DS turned around, Theo’s eyes widened and his smile faded.

“What the hell are you doing here?”