Another Kind of Woman

Niklaus's POV

" He should decrease salt intake, and exercise more" The doctor said handing out few tablets." this will help bring his blood pressure down"

"Should I hire someone to make sure you take your meds, or you'll save both our time and do it willingly ?" I attempted to reason with Charles when we entered the car.

" I'll personally take my medication, you need a distraction to keep you away from my life. You are young, don't you have any other hobbies apart from fixing your nose in your old man's life?" he muttered non stop.

"Next, we'll be having lunch with some old friends" he added and the ' WE ' part didn't make its way through my brain.

"Just give me the address, I'll drop you there." I tried simulating that his previous statement didn't involve me.

" Niklaus you are coming with me"

"I've too many papers that mandate my unconditional attention " I lied.

" Sarah told me you wiped your schedule clean for the day Nik" 

"So now you and my secretary are close buddies? " 

" They were one of your mother's closest friend, it'll be good to spend some time with them."

" Don't use this card on me, Charles, you know I hate when you use her to get what you want " 

" Just give people a chance, plus Lauren and Nora will be there as well " he mumbled. 

Why do I always let him get his way? A few years back he arranged a few blind dates after he gave me the speech of your mother would be so happy to see you trying to build a family I decided to go just to get him off my case.

" I'll go, but not because you asked, is because Nora will be there " 

We parked in front of the address Charles gave me. As soon as we walked out a black Mercedes Benz come out of nowhere, nearly shoving Dad off.

"Dad, are you okay" I asked checking him.

" I'm, just didn't see it coming" he said trying to compose himself.

" That driver must be fucking blind " I disgruntled snapped.

" There we go, let's calm down the horses, let's go in, shall we? " 

After knocking a few times, a short woman opened the door, her smile grew wider when she saw Charles and they both hugged.

She seems to be on her 40's, her face is not strange at all, but I just can't remember why. 

" This is baby Nik?" She looked up in disbelief. " You turned out to be a fine young man after all " she said pulling me into a tight hug, it was such a warm motherly hug just like mom's, so I didn't bother to resist and gave in.

" I bet you don't even recognize me right ?" she asked wiping the tears with her thumb.

" I'm sorry for that, I've got a very bad memory " I tried admitting guilty for not being able to recognize her.

" Its fine, you were so small when I last saw you, my name is Yolanda your mother's best friend " she explained clarifying the emotional state.

" I'm glad I got to meet you once again " I admitted accepting another hug from her.

" Will, you ever invite us to go inside your house Yola? " Dad mocked breaking our hug.

" Of course, please get in" she then directed the way into the house.

As we walked in we were faced with stairs, on our right side was an entrance that gave access to the kitchen, in the middle an island that looked like black and white granite and all kitchen cabinets were white giving a more clear and delicate view of the space.

She guided us to the living room that was on the left side, I took a seat on the grey L shaped sofa that had few pillows with different shades of grey, a brown table separating us from the TV and a fireplace at the right side of the room.

" Derick will be back in no time, he went to get Lauren and Nora " she informed us. " I'll be in the Kitchen need to finish cooking, but please make yourselves at home, anything I'll be in the kitchen. " she walked out and I looked back at Charles.

" Who is Derick? " 

" Her husband, he is the jerk that back in the days got all the girl's attention without even making an effort" he cracked up.

" I'll go get something to drink before you start telling me your stories " I stood up and went straight to the kitchen.

" Sorry, Mrs. Yolanda " I called her not knowing what to call her precisely.

" Oh honey, call me Yola" she simply smiled.

" Sorry for disturbing Yola, I just wanted some water "

" You didn't disturb me at all, here" she said lending me a glass of water and I took a sip. 

Something caught my attention near the kitchen entrance, a small stand near the door, it has a picture of what it seems like four people.

I walked to it and grabbed it, there was a light skin guy hugging Yolanda from the back and two teenagers in front of them. The boy with black hair and green eyes smiled while the girl with the same green eyes and curly black hair looked annoyed.

I double-checked the girl, it can't be. What are the odds that I happen to be in her house right now?

" It's an old family picture " Yolanda informed me." My husband and my kids " the last part came out more like a dreadful whisper. The look in her eyes was as melancholic as the one I saw in that woman's.

 I felt guilty for holding the picture, it was as if I somehow inflicted pain in her wounds. I gave her an apologetic look and she caressed my shoulders.

We heard a car humming in the yard as it parked in front of the house.

A girl with sweatpants, a big grey jersey that was clearly too big for her walked down the stairs in a rush, although it would be an understatement saying she walked downstairs because she practically jumped her way down. Her hair was a perfect nest for birds, she didn't even look my way she just stormed outside.

Why is she always rushing? Yolanda shook her head at the flying woman. I looked through the window, Nora and Nana walked out of the car and the woman snapped " It's just you guys, dad they still didn't bring my baby ".

So she has a baby, good to know. I made a mental note.

" Hi Jane " Nora runs to her, she picked her up and kissed her cheeks.

" Hi, sweety how have you been?" she asked Nora. Now I was curious to know when did they get this close.

" Great, I made cookies with grandma, want to see it? " Nora asked cheerfully.

" Of course, go get it" she said putting her down.

The man that I saw hugging Yolanda in the picture came out of the car and kissed the woman in the head.

Sometimes I debate whether she is a little girl or grown woman, her behavior amazes me. " They will bring it don't worry, did the Salvatores arrived already?" he asked looking around.

" Who are the Salvatores ? Wait! " she then walked back into the house and stopped right in front of me. Her eyes, that gaze again.

I suppose this is the trend, we just meet in a remarkably unusual way.