Til Debt Do Us Part (Married At Midnight #4)

Chapter 15

Fifteen

Talia

"D o you remember the summer between my senior year of high school and my freshman year of college?" I ask.

The breeze whispers through the trees as we meander down the gravel path, the scent of lilacs perfuming the air. I glance at Aunt Minnie, her hair wisping out from under her floral hat, a contented smile on her face.

I continue: "You worked double shifts at the bookstore while I pulled a lot of all-nighters at Hope House. It was a difficult summer for everybody in town because the paper mill and shoe factory both shut down. I have such vivid memories of it."

Minnie's steps falter. "Of course I remember. But why dwell on the hard times now?"

I shrug. "I was just making conversation."

"Well, pick a better topic. If I wanted to think about a time when we had no money, I could do that at home. There are so many bad memories to choose from."

Inod sympathetically. "I understand. But sometimes it's helpful to reflect on the past, to see how far we've come."

Minnie lets out a sigh. "I suppose you're right. But let's talk about something more cheerful, shall we?" She hooks her arm through mine.

I stop, taking her hands in mine. Summoning a deep breath, I force a smile.

"I think that it's time that we have a real, serious talk."

Aunt Minnie looks bewildered. "A talk? About what, dear?"

I scrunch up my face. "About money."

"Money?" she echoes. "Money comes, money goes. There will always be more money. I just don't think too hard about it, and eventually the world comes up with more funds."

I drop her hands, my face tightening. Minnie's nonchalant response irritates me. She's always been oblivious to the impact of her frivolous spending.

"I'm serious, Aunt Minnie," I say, halting our stroll. "All those fancy clothes and restaurant meals we couldn't afford put so much pressure on me. I was working every spare minute to keep us afloat while you breezed through life like money grew on trees."

"Well, it basically does."

"That's not true, Aunt Minnie!"

She looks at me like I'm a puzzle she cannot figure out. "No? Why are you so focused on the past, Talia? I thought I raised you better."

It takes me a second to come up with the words to express all the emotions racing around in my chest, filling me up until I'm about to burst.

"Because I never told you how hard it was! Scrimping every penny for groceries, skipping school to work extra hours. Staying up all night with homework and then babysitting all day so that we could afford to eat that day." My voice catches. "I was just a child, but I had to grow up so fast."

Minnie's mouth opens in shock. "Talia, why didn't you tell me? I had no idea you were struggling like that."

"That's because I have always balanced the checkbook and made sure that there was food in the pantry. When I was old enough to count dollar bills, you delegated that responsibility to me. And... and..." My voice is choked up with emotion. "There was never enough money. We were always just one missed paycheck away from disaster. And then, when my parents died, I was alone. I had no one to turn to except myself. Do you know how lonely that made me feel?"

Minnie's eyes glisten. She's silent for half a minute as she works to control tears that press at the corners of her eyes.

“Oh, Talia, I had no idea. I thought I was sheltering you from the worst of it." She embraces me tightly. "I'm so sorry you had to shoulder that burden alone. You were always so responsible. I didn't realize..."

"That's right, you didn't realize," I snap. "You didn't think how it stressed me out, how I had to sacrifice my childhood to cover for your spending habits." I rake a hand through my hair. "I'm sorry, I don't mean to attack you. But I need you to understand where I'm coming from."

Minnie is quiet for a moment. "You're absolutely right," she says finally. "I was careless back then. I never meant to burden you, but I can see now the harm I caused." She grasps my hands, eyes glistening. "I'm so very sorry, Talia. Thank you for being honest with me."

I exhale, tension dissipating. "I know you didn't mean it. I just had to get it off my chest."

I cling to her, breathing in her familiar scent. "I didn't want to worry you. But it took a toll, living on the edge like that." I pull back, gazing earnestly into her eyes. "That's why when the chance came to marry into money, I took it. So we'd never risk going back to that life."

I blow out a long breath, cupping my stomach.

"There's one more thing I should tell you," I say after a few moments. I take a deep breath. "Do you remember when you took out that loan from Tony a year ago? The one with fifty percent interest?"

Minnie's face falls. "Oh Talia, I'm so ashamed about that. I don't know what I was thinking."

"It puts us in a really tough spot," I say quietly. "I was working so much already, and I knew there was no way I could pay it back for you. Not with the interest piling up." I swallow hard. "So I made the decision to...find another solution."

Minnie stops, turning to face me. "Dare Morgan," she whispers. "You married him because of my mistake."

I nod, tears pricking my eyes. "I didn't see any other choice. I know it seems glamorous now, but at the time, it felt like selling my soul. I was so angry at you, Minnie. Angry that your recklessness forced me into that position."

"Oh honey." Minnie pulls me into a fierce hug. "I am so, so sorry. I never wanted that for you." She strokes my hair as I finally let the tears fall, years of resentment washing away.

I take a deep breath, gathering my thoughts. "It wasn't just the loan shark incident. Even before that, money was always a source of stress for us."

I glance at Minnie. "All those fancy dresses you bought, the lavish gifts for your gentleman friends...we couldn't afford any of it. But I could never bring myself to say anything. I just kept working extra shifts, pinching pennies. I was so tired, Minnie."

Minnie looks stricken. "Oh Talia, I had no idea. I thought since you never complained..." She trails off.

"I know," I say gently. "I didn't want to upset you, so I stayed quiet. But it took a toll, feeling like I had to shoulder the burden alone."

"You're right, you shouldn't have had to do that."

"Well... I did," is all I can say.

Minnie squeezes my hand gently as we stroll along the path. "I hope you know how much I love you, Talia. You're the daughter I never had."

Her words make my eyes well up. "I love you too," I say thickly. "I didn't want you to feel bad about the past. But I'm trying to be more open when something is bothering me."

"You did the right thing, dear." Minnie pats my arm reassuringly. "Don't keep your feelings bottled up on my account. You can always come to me."

I nod, blinking back tears. "I will. It wasn't easy but...I feel better having cleared the air between us."

"Me too." Minnie gives me a watery smile. "No more secrets, no more resentment. Just honesty and understanding from now on."

We meander along the tree-lined path, leaves crunching under our feet. The tension that had coiled inside me for years has finally unfurled.

Minnie glances at me, her eyes crinkling with warmth.

"Talia, I want you to know that I'll always be here for you, no matter what," Minnie says softly. "You're the daughter I never had. I know I made mistakes, but nothing can change how much I love you."

Her words make my eyes prickle with tears. I blink them back, not wanting to break down again.

"I appreciate you saying that, Minnie," I reply. "It means a lot to know I'll always have your support."

She gives my hand a gentle squeeze. I feel the warmth of her palm against mine, a reassuring presence.

Up ahead, a mother pushes her toddler on a swing set. The little girl's delighted giggles float through the air. The mother's face glows with love as she gazes at her child.

The scene makes my heart ache. I wish my own mother had looked at me that way, even just once. But she was always too lost in her addictions to care.

Minnie seems to read my thoughts. "I know I can't replace your mother," she says. "But I'll always be here to listen and provide a shoulder to cry on. You're not alone anymore."

I nod, overcome with emotion. After years of loneliness, it feels unbelievable to have this kind of support. To have someone who wants only the best for me, who cares for me unconditionally.

"Thank you," I whisper. "I'm going to keep working on expressing myself more. No more locking away my feelings."

"That's wonderful," Minnie says. "I'm so proud of you."

We approach the front door of the house, and I take a deep breath before entering. So much has changed today. This morning I carried the weight of unresolved hurts and unspoken truths. Now that burden has lifted. The air feels lighter.

I glance at Minnie and we exchange a smile. Her eyes radiate warmth and love. For the first time, this house truly feels like home.

As I step inside, I vow to myself: no more hiding. No more fear of judgment or rejection. From now on, I will stand in my truth, expressing myself openly and honestly. The people who truly care about me will understand.

Minnie squeezes my hand reassuringly. "I'm going to start on dinner," she says. "I'm going to actually cook. I can make your favorite, the chicken pot pies you love."

My stomach rumbles in anticipation. "That sounds amazing. Thank you, Minnie."

She winks. "What are aunts for?" Then she heads to the kitchen, humming a cheerful tune.

I head to my room, still processing the day's events. Sitting on my bed, I take a deep breath and close my eyes.

The conversation with Minnie replays in my mind. I remember the look on her face when I told her how much the financial stress had impacted me. Her eyes clouded with guilt and shame.

But what matters most is that she listened. She didn't get defensive or make excuses. She took responsibility for her actions.

And she promised to change.

I know that won't happen overnight. Old habits die hard. But the fact that she wants to try means everything.

For the first time, I truly feel seen and understood. Like I'm not alone in this anymore.

Minnie loves me. I've never doubted that. But now I feel secure in that love, knowing it can weather any storm.

Money will likely always be a source of anxiety for me. But with Minnie's support, I can learn to manage it in a healthier way.

I don't have to be perfect or do it all by myself. It's okay to ask for help. And it's okay to speak up when I'm struggling.

As I sit there, I make a silent vow. No more silently bearing burdens too heavy to carry alone. From now on, I will lean on those who love me when I need it.