Growing up in the Midwest, I always loved visits with my Aunt Bonnie. She was so different from my step-mother and my father. So open, so loving, even to a nephew who wasn't related to her by blood.
She also lived on the west side of town, so I got to see things and places with her that I didn't see as a north sider. Things that may have reminded me of my first five years, living on the west side.
More than anything else, Bonnie was beautiful. As a boy, I really didn't notice that as much as how loving and outgoing she was, but seeing her as a sexual being began when I was 18, and got a fever when I stayed with her at her apartment complex.
It was Saturday morning, and my younger brothers and sister had been looking forward to swimming in her pool, but of course, me being sick ruined that. Bonnie couldn't take me to the pool, and wouldn't leave me alone. I could hear her talking to them in the hallway, being half conscious at the time, and wishing I felt better, because I really wanted to go swimming as well.
Finally, they convinced her to take them to the pool, and maybe one of her friends from the apartment complex could keep an eye on them, and she could come back and be with me.
"Give me a minute, I'll go grab my suit and change," she said, as she came into the room.
I am fairly certain I closed my eyes because I didn't want her seeing me up, and delaying the trip to the pool for everyone else, but maybe I knew what would happen if I appeared to be asleep. Anyway, as she came into her bedroom, where I was sleeping, my eyes were closed, and I appeared to be resting comfortably.
I heard her say, "David, are you awake honey?" but of course, there was no reply. I stayed still, and laid there. Through my eyelids, I could see her shadow go across the room, and heard the dresser drawer open.
I wondered why I didn't hear her footsteps going back to the door, and if I should dare try to open my eyes a little bit. The wondering ended when I heard her voice once more.