To my surprise, Kylie seems to be more open to Olivia’s presence this time. There have been no snarky comments or passive-aggressive behavior. She seems a little more reserved than she normally is, focusing most of her attention on Po Po and me, but not in a malicious way. I think she’s still sorting through her hurt toward Olivia, and likewise I think Olivia doesn’t know how to approach Kylie. That’s something the two of them are going to have to manage themselves, as much as I wish I could fix it for them.

“Surprise! Merry Christmas, family!” A voice cuts through the condo and the distinct tone brings a smile to my face. Olivia, Kylie, and I all rise from our seats to greet the unexpected guest.

When we step into the living room, Auntie is stepping through the door. The last time I saw her, her hair was in two French braids that went all the way down her back. Today she has blonde twists that I now know are called Havana twists through Olivia’s fawning over them and the floral jumpsuit she’s wearing. Seeing how tightly Auntie and Olivia cling to each other is beautiful. I don’t know how I missed the fact that they were still in touch all these years. Part of me wishes I had known but another part is just grateful they had each other. As much as I hate that it’s taken us over a decade to come back together, I know the timing is how it was meant to be. Olivia wasn’t ready to step out of her father’s shadow before. Reconnecting any sooner would’ve only gotten us both hurt again.

Auntie’s husband, Curtis, steps in behind her carrying two carry-on bags. I dap Curtis up while I wait for Olivia, Kylie, and Auntie to finish loving on each other so I can get my hug. She gives me a sloppy kiss on my cheek, and I know I’m going to have to wipe her plum lipstick off of me.

“What are y’all doing here? If you would’ve given me a heads-up, I could’ve picked you up from the airport.”

She shakes her head. “Then that would’ve ruined the surprise, now wouldn’t it, nephew? Xay told me he and Lisa were spending Christmas adrift at sea, so we decided to hop on a plane.”

She loops one arm through Olivia’s and the other through Kylie’s and guides them to the kitchen where Po Po is still sitting down but smiling in her direction. “Patrice, it is so good to see you,” she greets.