The Good Neighbor
Page 8
“Nyla, thank you!”
“You don’t have to thank me.”
He continued, “For everything…forgiving me, my daughter, and for the opportunity to be in her life...and yours. You are such an amazing woman!”
She smiled, “You’re welcome.”
As she started walking back to her car, Aaron placed his hands on each side of his wheelchair and with his upper body strength, lifted himself up to stand. About two steps away from her car, he called her name. She turned around to see him standing, but still using his wheelchair to keep his balance. Then, he let go and stood on his own.
He said, “I can’t take any steps yet, but I will.”
Nyla hurried back to him and gave him a gentle hug and he hugged her back. Then, she helped him back into his chair.
“I need to ask you a few questions.” She said.
“Okay...shoot.”
“Do you happen to come from a dysfunctional family, had an abusive childhood or any bipolar or schizophrenic episodes or tendencies because I just can’t deal?”
He smiled and said, “No.”
“Any murderers in your family?”
“Not even one.” He smiled. “Don’t worry.”
Nyla smiled too, then put on a serious face. “And no more alcohol!”
“Already done.”
“Okay…good!”
“Do you have to leave now or can you stay for a while?” He asked.
“I have a little time.”
“Would you like to come in and have a drink…of water or something to eat?”
“Yeah, I can do that.”
Nyla opened the door for him, but he waited and told her to go in first. She did and he followed. From that point, they became close again. Over time, their feelings grew even stronger and after a few years, they got married and were happy as they raised all the kids together.