Aunt May's Grave Novels & Stories

He would never believe me. And then— A knock at the door. Kieran’s voice was sharp. “Come in.” The door opened. And Aunt May stepped inside. For a moment, the world froze. Her heels clicked against the floor as she walked in, her trench coat trailing behind her, rain still glistening on the fabric. Her expression was steel, her lips pressed in a line that promised fire for anyone who crossed her. I had been expecting my father, but Aunty May showed up instead.

MAY ANDREA BENJAMIN 14TH APRIL 1923 – 19TH SEPTEMBER, 2015 LOVING MOTHER, GRANDMOTHER, AND FRIEND. ‘We shall meet again, in the place where flowers never die.’ Aunt May’s ashes were carried quietly in a heart-shaped ceramic urn that bore a colorful polish on the surface, as colorful as the life she had lived. The ceremony was attended by the Manning family and also the Wilsons too who had flown from New York to support Lucas.

Aunt May, a tall, slender woman with charming brown eyes, said, and the boys smiled at her. Hazel had told me she was over fifty, but she had an eternal youth glow and looked exactly like her late sister, Hazel’s mum, Nicole. “Thank you too, Bella. I have never seen Hazel happier since my sister and her husband died.” she began. “I counted the days she cried during the break, and she had more happy days than sad ones. I hope for the best on this vacation,” May said, covering my hand in hers as she spoke. “I’m glad about that too,” I replied, and then she let go of my hands, turning to Hazel.

Aunt May began to explain as they pulled out of the driveway and began driving towards the town's center. "They opened a small mart about a year ago, so now you don't have to wait for the weekly farmer's market to get your groceries." Aunty May pointed towards the store as they drive by, "We'll go say hello to George, then we can pick up the bug on the way home." Aunt May explained, as she drove her 2000 gold Toyota Corolla, with Miranda in the passenger seat.

The automated voice from Alessandros' GPS fills the small expanse of the car, bringing me back to reality. Alessandro turns into the gravel driveway of the Auckland Domain, driving right up to the oversize willow tree that stands alone on the far end of the park. Aunt Mae sits on my lap in the white box with a gold rim and a silver Angel on top with the words Mae Bishop: 1974 – 2023. I haven't loosened the tight grip I've had on the box from the moment we picked it up from the coroners. I'm not ready for this.

And sprinted out before he could catch me. His groan rang in my ear which made me smile knowing I was on a feast at night. He was definitely going to punish me and I am very much looking forward to it... ********** As soon as the car stopped in front of the Reinford's Greenhill mansion, May ran to our car and exclaimed. She was looking extra gorgeous today. Maybe her love's acceptance in the family gave her the glow-up. Della squealed at her aunt, jumping in her arms. Greeting, once she put her down, May looked at me... I suddenly felt so emotional seeing her. She wasn't only my sister-in-law. But one of the few people in the family who loved me dearly.

She wrapped her arms around her aunt and gave her a peck on her cheek. Aunt Isobel is a prim and proper woman. Many would think she is a widow as she liked to wear dark-colored dresses. Her pepper and salt gray hair was always tightened in a bun. She wore a midnight blue dress and a pair of black boots. She was holding a black umbrella in her black-gloved hands. “Adrienne!” She said as she returned her niece's kisses on her cheeks. “I received your letter yesterday morning as I came back from the market with my friends. It’s terrible what’s happening in Maywitch. I’m glad you write to me to check about it. I was ever so anxious to leave the place.”

“Don’t act like you’re not dying to ask her what happened last night. I saw you signaling me! I’m tired of being called the gossipy sister ask her yourself this time.” She winked at me and grinned. “I’ll see you later, Aunt Laura. Same place, after breakfast,” I played along, glancing teasingly at Aunt May, whose expression was still annoyingly composed though her eyes screamed jealousy. I made a show of turning toward the stairs, but Aunt May grabbed my hand, stopping me. “Wait. Are you forgetting something?” she asked, still composed. “Nothing I can think of, Aunt. Is there something you need help with?” I teased again, enjoying the game.

Angelica I crept close enough to the headstone to touch it and traced the name with shaky fingers. Hyacinth St. Clair. It had taken me way too long to understand why it was here. Mama was not laid to rest here. Uncle Robert had picked me up right after their funeral in Arcron. I knew right where they were buried—in the humongous garden of my childhood home, right next to the ancient abandoned cathedral that had come as a package deal when my parents bought their house. Yet every year on the anniversary of their death, Uncle Robert brought me here.

May spoke coming up behind us and offering a kind smile. She looked up at the two soldiers. "Sorry for barging in like this but you have a visitor, Crystal." May spoke. I furrowed my brows. A visitor? "Someone who very much wanted to meet you." May spoke as if that explained everything. Without another word, she walked into the house. I gave Aunt Sarah a confused look and glanced at the Calhoun Park soldiers before following May inside. She walked into the kitchen. Kat rushed up to me from where she had been seated in the living room with Hazel.