Page 88 of Saddle and Bound

Alex

I'm finishing up the last preparations for the garden party, occasionally glancing over at Rosie as she helps Maria set up the tables. Still no response from her boss, but I know we'll find a solution. I've promised Rosie, and I'll do whatever it takes to make it happen. No matter the cost. I have some savings set aside, and if necessary, I'll use them to pay the penalty. I want Rosie to be free to start her new life, to pursue her dreams without obstacles. I would have happily gone with her for two months, even though it would have been difficult to leave my work here. They would have had to find a replacement for the lessons... the ranch has a business of horse competitions and lodging among other things. But we're all a big family, and I know we would have found a solution together for my replacement. I hate causing problems for my brothers, but I know they'd be ready to help me. However, I've seen in Rosie's reaction that even having my company wouldn't be helpful to her. I've seen that the idea of packing up and leaving again... even for a period of just two months, troubles and anxious her. She's surely accumulated more than we thought over the years... if she can't even bear the idea of going back there. And I have no intention of making her feel bad. I'll find a solution. At any cost, she won't set foot in that city again.

Tonight the atmosphere is charged with excitement. The occasion is the arrival of Maria's sister, the famous Aunt Tina. She's the superstar of our big family. I can't wait to see Rosie's reaction when she meets her. Rosie hasn't had the chance to get to know her yet, and I know there'll be plenty of laughs. Aunt Tina is... well, unique. In a good way, of course. Everyone loves her, but it's undeniable that she's a bit eccentric. Her personality is a unique mix of traits that make her unforgettable.

First of all, she's a first-class hypochondriac. There's not a day that goes by without her self-diagnosing at least three rare diseases. The last time she was here, she was convinced she had contracted malaria... in the middle of southern Italy. It took hours to convince her that her "tropical fever" was just a heat stroke, which hits these parts very hard.

Then there's her driving. Oh, her driving. Aunt Tina drives as if time doesn't exist, at a snail's pace, stopping at every intersection to check three times in every direction. The last time she came to visit us, it took her three hours to do a half-hour trip. She justified the delay by saying she had avoided at least twelve potential accidents and saved the life of a squirrel that couldn't decide whether to cross or not. Going on a car trip with her... it's a mystical experience.

But her most peculiar trait is her obsession with horror movies. Aunt Tina devours them like others eat popcorn. She knows by heart every jump scare, every unsettling soundtrack, every genre cliché. The last time she came to the ranch, she organized a three-day horror movie marathon. We saw everything, from classics like "The Exorcist" to obscure B-movies that probably only she knew existed. Though she prefers the old ones. Things like the Halloween movies (the Michael Myers ones), for example. For her, Halloween is a national holiday. She comes here to the ranch and organizes a big celebration. Of course, we all happily participate and dress up.

The funny thing is that despite her passion for horror, Aunt Tina is easily frightened. During the horror movie marathon, we've seen her jump on the couch, hide behind the cushions, and scream at the top of her lungs more times than I could count. Yet, as soon as a movie was over, she was ready for the next one, with contagious enthusiasm.

And let's not forget the time she convinced all of us to do a nighttime "ghost tour" of the old barn. She showed up with a homemade Ghostbuster-like outfit, made up mainly of pots, forks, and a modified old hair dryer. Needless to say, the only "supernatural" thing we encountered that night was a particularly noisy owl, but Aunt Tina was convinced it was the spirit of a cowboy from the last century.

"Hey, cowboy," Rosie's voice pulls me from my thoughts. "What are you smiling about?" I turn to her, pulling her into an embrace. "I was thinking about Aunt Tina," I admit. "I can't wait for you to meet her." Rosie raises an eyebrow, curious. "Is she that special?" I chuckle. "Oh, darling, you have no idea. Let's just say with Aunt Tina, you're never bored."

At that moment, we hear the sound of a car approaching... very slowly. "That must be her," I say, taking Rosie's hand. "Come on, let's go welcome our guest of honor."

We approach the ranch entrance just as a shocking pink Fiat 500 stops with exasperating slowness. The door opens, and a woman in her sixties emerges, with bleached, puffy, and frizzy hair like a cloud, and a bright lime green dress that hurts the eyes. "Family!" Aunt Tina exclaims, opening her arms. "I survived the trip! You know, I thought I was going to have at least three heart attacks during the journey."

Maria runs to hug her sister, followed by Val and Lexy, who laugh with joy. Rosie and I hang back, observing the scene.

"Alex, my dear!" Aunt Tina notices me and comes over for a hug. "Oh, and who do we have here?" she asks, spotting Rosie.

"Aunt Tina, this is Rosie," I introduce her, unable to hold back a smile. "My girl."

Aunt Tina's eyes light up. "Oh, how wonderful!" she exclaims, enveloping Rosie in a tight hug. "Welcome to the family, dear. I hope you're not allergic to my new pistachio perfume, I read about a terrible case online the other day."

Rosie seems a bit overwhelmed, but she smiles. "Thank you, it's a pleasure to meet you. And no, no allergies to perfumes." I exchange an amused look with Rosie. Oh yes, with Aunt Tina here until the wedding, there's sure to be plenty of entertainment.

?

The evening is in full swing, and as always, Aunt Tina is the center of attention. After dinner, she makes herself comfortable on the garden sofa, surrounded by young people eager to hear about her latest adventures.

"Well," she begins, with a conspiratorial air, "I must tell you about my recent medical visits."

Val raises an eyebrow. "Really, Auntie? What happened this time?"

"Well," Aunt Tina continues, "my doctor prescribed me activated charcoal. He says I'm bloated from flatulence... and here I was thinking I'd gained weight!"

Everyone laughs, and Lexy asks, "And how did it go at the dentist?"

Aunt Tina's eyes light up. Dental visits are always her favorite, and she goes several times a week. "Oh, kids, it was a fantastic experience! I stocked up on all the free gadgets they had. Do you know how many mini strawberry-flavored toothpaste tubes you can hide in a purse?!"

Chris bursts out laughing. "Auntie, don't tell me you stole them all!"

"Stolen? Of course not!" exclaims Aunt Tina, pretending to be offended. "They were free gadgets!"

Meanwhile, Fran, who had been fiddling with the cables, has finally finished setting up the karaoke station... and naturally, Aunt Tina jumps to her feet.

"Karaoke!" she exclaims. "It's my time to shine!"

She heads toward the microphone with a determination that makes everyone smile. She starts singing a very personal version of "I Will Survive," complete with theatrical gestures and sudden changes in tone.

Ethan, fascinated by this performance, approaches. "Aunt Tina, that was fantastic! Can I join you for a duet?"

"Of course, darling!" responds Aunt Tina, enthusiastically. "How about 'Don't Go Breaking My Heart'?"

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