This is my first story so please be gentle. I welcome any and all feedback and constructive criticism.
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"Make sure you tell your Aunt Penny hi for me honey and to not even worry about my casserole dish!"
My mother's voice trailed out after me as I carried the foil wrapped lasagna to my beat up, black Thunderbird. I set the warm dish onto the tattered passenger seat and turned the key in the ignition. After a few unsuccessful tries, the old motor finally turned over and I backed out of the drive.
Aunt Penny and Uncle Kurt lived all the way across town, about a 20 minute drive each way but I really didn't mind making the trip. I liked my aunt and uncle, and my cousin Darren was always fun to hang out with. It was hot outside though and since my air conditioner didn't work, I was glad I had worn shorts and a baby doll tank. By the time I pulled my car in front of the big house my hair was damp and clinging to my neck and face and I could feel a wet spot forming in the small of my back.
As I walked up the brick pathway that wound through the lush lawn my Aunt Penny came bustling out of the front door, purse and keys in tow.
"Oh hey Sweetie!" Her high pitched, sugar coated voice reached me a fraction of a second AFTER her heavy White Diamonds perfume did. Like usual she was dressed to the nines and hair, makeup and nails were perfectly done. She was probably heading out for a shopping date with her country club friends or old sorority sisters.
"I'm sorry Bree, I have to leave for a bit but the door is wide open. If you are looking for your Uncle Kurt he's in the basement helping Karina with her senior project and Darren won't be home for another hour or so but make yourself at home."
She squeezed me into a tight hug and then when she noticed the casserole dish I was trying to balance amid her onslaught of affection squealed, "Ooohhh is this your Mother's famous lasagna?!"
"Yea, she made extra and wanted me to bring some by," I answered.
"Just put it in the refrigerator, I'm sure Kurt and the kids will just gobble it right up! See ya later sweetie pie!"
With that Aunt Penny clattered off in her high heels and drove off in her baby blue Mini Cooper.
I took a minute or so to recover from Aunt Penny then went on inside.
My Aunt and Uncle's house was big and very airy, modern and defined. The furniture and dΓ©cor complemented each other in a simple, bold way and I always felt a little intimidated by its "aloofness". It was definitely different from my parents more earthy, eclectic taste.
I set the dish in the huge stainless steel refrigerator and took out a strawberry Fanta while I was at it. The kitchen was spotless, perfectly clean. Aunt Penny was a clean freak and every inch of her immaculate house showed it. Absent mindedly I sipped at my soda as I wandered out towards the back deck.
The backyard, much like the front was perfectly manicured and lush green. Sully and Cash, the two glossy Weimaraners dozed peacefully on the far end of the sunny deck. Once I got close to glass, Cash the younger one perked up sensing me. He rushed to the glass door, rubbed his moist nose to it and wagged his tail furiously.
His sincere, doggy happiness at seeing me made me smile and I slid open the glass door and stepped outside to ruffle his ears. Cash greeted me enthusiastically then; always the playful puppy ran and fetched his braided rope. He dropped the worn, dirt and slobber stained toy at my feet and pleaded with his large grey eyes. I picked it up and tossed it to the far end of the yard. In a flash he leapt off the deck and chased after it. Soon, Sully was joining in the fun as well.