Page 99 of Champagne Nights

I climbed out of the car and studied the tall, tan building with the glass revolving door. I saw an older gentleman, about six feet tall with white hair, come out from the building with a smile.

“Welcome back, Aubrey.”

The minute I heard his voice, I knew it was Kale, the doorman. He walked over and took our bags from Ethan.

“Good day, Mr. Klein.” He smiled.

“Kale.” I grinned as he turned to me. “It’s so good to see you after all these years.”

He chuckled. “Well, it’s only been a couple of days.”

“Aubrey and I flew to Boston, and she had surgery on her eyes. She has most of her vision back,” Ethan spoke.

“Oh my God, Aubrey. Is that true? Can you really see me?”

“Yes, and you’re a very handsome man.” I placed my hand on his cheek.

“Come here, girl,” he spoke excitedly as he set our bags down and hugged me. “You didn’t mention you were having surgery.”

“I didn’t want to tell anyone in case it didn’t work.”

“This is a miracle. I’m so happy for you.”

“Thank you.” I smiled.

As we stepped out of the elevator and headed to my apartment, I was nervous, for I wasn’t emotionally prepared to see my Aunt Charlotte yet. Ethan slid the key in the lock, and when he opened the door, and I stepped inside a place that had been my home and safe haven for the past several years, it felt different. It almost felt as though I stepped into unfamiliar territory. But I was going to embrace it. This was my home, and seeing the couch I sat on, the table I ate at, the kitchen I cooked in, and the bed that I slept in was all surreal.

“Wow. Look at this place.” I smiled as I wiped a tear from my eye.

“It’s pretty cool. Isn’t it?” Ethan hooked his arm around me and kissed the side of my head.

“Yeah. It’s pretty cool.”

Suddenly, there was a knock at the door.

“It’s your family and friends,” Ethan spoke. “I told them to give you a few minutes before coming over. I hope you don’t mind. They really want to see you.”

“I really want to see them too.”

I took a deep breath and swallowed hard as Ethan opened the door. My Aunt Charlotte walked in first. How did I know that was my Aunt Charlotte? She was an older woman with the same blonde hair I remembered her having when I was eight years old.

“Hi, Aunt Charlotte.” I smiled as I stared directly at her.

She cupped her mouth with her hand as her eyes swelled with tears. Walking over to me, she placed her hands on my face and slowly nodded as she fought to hold back the tears.

“Finally,” she whispered, pulling me into a tight embrace.

“It’s so good to see you, Aunt Charlotte.”

“My baby girl. I can’t believe this.” She broke our embrace and again placed her hands on each side of my face.

I looked behind her, and my eyes locked with Penelope’s. She walked her teary-eyed self over my way.

“You are gorgeous.” I smiled as I hugged her.

And that she was with her long red wavy hair, emerald eyes, and perfect snow white skin.

“I can’t believe this, Aubrey,” she cried. “Oh my God. I just can’t believe it.”

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