kweensheba:






I went out again to wash and vacuum my vehicle. All day long I was hoping for my phone to ring, but it never did. Again I went to bed that night longing for Tinu.

The next morning was Sunday and again it was my standing dinner engagement at my in-laws. I dressed and arrived at about noon as usual and went around the rear of the house. I entered through the kitchen door to the familiar sight of my mother-in-law standing at the stove cooking. As soon as the aroma hit me, I knew she was cooking chicken and sausage pepper soup, one of my favorites. I kissed her on the cheek and sat down at the table. We made our usual small talk to pass the time. Then if by after thought she added that Tinu and Jimi were coming over today as well.

I was not sure how to take that news. While it would be great to see Tinu finally, I would have to see her with him. Suddenly I realized that I really disliked Jimi a lot more then I really had the right to. After all, Tinu was his wife and no matter how poorly he treated her, I was still the bad guy here. I was going to have to be very careful how I reacted to both him and Tinu in public from now on. This was not going to be every easy. About twenty minutes passed before I heard them pull into the drive. Here goes I thought, this is going to be awkward.

Jimi walked in first followed by Tinu. Her eyes met mine but she quickly looked away. I could see the panic in her eyes. They both went over to Mummy and kissed her. Jimi came over and shook my hand and gave me his normal, you should be happy to see me face. Tinu followed and leaned over, kissed my cheek and gave me a quick hug. It was extremely unpleasant to say the least. Not the contact, the situation.

They both sat at the table and made small talk. I made a real effort to look at Tinu as little as possible. Jimi was going on and on to my father in law about how he was supposed to be playing golf today. Obviously, two of the four members he normally played with could not make it this morning so it was called off. Soon my mother-in-law was finished and we were moving to the dining room to eat.

“Mike, would you help me bring the food into the dining room?" she asked me.

“Sure, Mom, no problem," I replied.

When everyone had left the kitchen for the other room, she touched me on the arm and looked at me with a very troubled look on her face,

“Are you ok, Mike?" she asked, “You seem very quiet today. In fact you haven’t said a word since Tinu and Jimi arrived.”

“I’m alright Mom," I answered, “There is no problem, ma.”

If you only knew I thought, as she handed me the large pot of pepper soup. I Bimbod the pot to the dining room table, returned to help her with the bread and drinks. My in laws took their usual seats at both ends of the table. Jimi and Tinu sat at the two chairs across from me. I took a chair across from them and made sure I was directly across from Tinu. I sat down and began to eat. As was usual when Jimi was around, he was the center of the conversation. I only joined in when I was asked a direct question. I replied as quickly and briefly as I could and would return to my meal.

I noticed that Tinu was extremely quiet as well in spite of her Dad’s best attempts to get her in the conversation. I looked up a few times and caught Tinu glancing over at me. I would quickly look away as to not let everyone know with my eyes, what was Obviously written all over my face. I had fell head over heels in love with my wife’s younger sister. Soon it was time to head home and I said my quick goodbyes and made for my car.

On the drive back I began wondering how long this charade would play out. The more I thought about it, the more I became convinced that there was no way we could effectively have an affair and keep it quiet. And to be honest, I realized that I wanted much more than an affair. The more thought I gave this situation the more I realized it just could not continue. By the time I arrived home, I made a decision not to pursue Tinu any longer.

The next two to three weeks passed and I made no attempt to contact Tinu and she made no attempt to contact me. I figured by that time, she pretty much felt the same as I did. As good as it was, it was just not something that could continue.

It was the beginning of December and Christmas was almost here. I really had grown to hate holidays these past few years. Everyone was always so happy and surrounded by family. With Deola gone and no children, Christmas was just depressing as hell for me. The extent of my Christmas shopping was a present for mother and father in law and one for Tinu and Jimi.

My relatives were far away. My only sibling had traveled abroad. As my parents were both deceased, I was practically all alone. I always waited till the last minute to shop and this year was probably going to be the same. About a week before Christmas I got the usual call from my in-laws inviting me for Christmas Dinner. I told them that I might not be able to make it this year, I may have other plans. In fact I had no plans, but the thought of spending hours that close to Tinu again was something I did not think I could handle. It was better to stay home and have a quiet day.

Ultimas:
Nice story.

kweensheba:
Compliments of the season, dear friends.

BigBasher:
Go on.