Knock! Knock! Knock!

It was a snowy evening in Dallas, Texas and all I could think about was opening my many presents that sat nicely under the tree. 

I had been lounging around all day watching ELF on the holiday channel while my mother and sister worked on the Christmas dinner we'd be eating tomorrow. My sister came into the living room and plopped onto the cushion beside me.

“I’m so tired!” She said letting out a groan.

“Now you see why I never volunteer to help cook…” I mumbled under my breath with a smirk.

I knew she heard me but she was too worn out to do anything. The thing with my family and the holidays is, each year relatives I barely know come over and converse about how each of their year turned out. I never liked the thought of people coming over but I sucked it up because very soon, I'd be opening presents with my name on them. 

“Did you guys finally finish all the cooking for tomorrow?” I asked putting my feet over my sister's lap.

“Ew! Keep your nasty little feet away from me and yes, we did.” She said pushing my feet off of her and scooting over.

Not long after there was a soft knock, knock, knock, at the front door. I and my sister looked at each other, neither of us wanting to get up.

“Can one of you get the door?” My mother asked, cleaning dishes.

“You didn’t help cook so you have to do it.” My sister said, trying to push me off the couch.

I eventually fell to the floor with a small thud and huffed.

“Fine!” I said and stomped over to the door. 

After a good 30 seconds of unlocking the door, I looked at the tall figure standing in front of me.

“Hello, Hoshina!” The lady said.

I stared at her like she must be crazy because I’ve never seen this woman in my life! Then again, she did know my name, I thought to myself before responding.

“Uhm…May I ask, who might you be?” I said trying to sound as polite as possible.

“Oh, I forgot to introduce myself! My name is Suzan Ellex, it’s a pleasure to meet you.” She said. 

“Please wait right here. I’ll be right back.” I said and walked into the kitchen- no, as I ran into the kitchen once I was out of view 

“Mom! There is a lady outside and she says her name is Suzan Ellex.” I said slamming my hands on the countertop.

“Oh, really?!” My mother said and quickly grabbed a towel to dry her hands off with, rushing out of the kitchen, ready to greet this lady whom I’ve never seen in my life!

As I slowly walked out of the kitchen, I heard a sharp gasp. I looked toward the door and…! My mother and that lady were…hugging?

“Uh, what is going on?!” I said more than confused. 

Before anything, my mother gestured the lady inside and closed the door.

“You two, this is your never seen before, Auntie Suzan Ellex! She is Gexs' wife." My mother said with a cheerful smile.

"What?!" My sister and I said in sync.  

--

Throughout the whole night, I could help but stare at this lady who called herself an Ellex. My mother and sister had left to get a few more candy canes for the tree which meant it was just me and her.

"So..." I started.

"You're really my aunt, huh?" I said with a glare.

"Of course I am. What do you take me for?" She responded with a half-smile.

She definitely had an Ellex-type attitude, I thought to myself. 

I sighed to myself and looked her in the eyes.

"Okay, you came out of the blue saying you're and Ellex and all but even though you're just now revealing yourself, is there a reason?" I asked.

"Well, no. Since I married your uncle about 4 years ago, I never really fit into crowds so I thought this year would be the year I started a new." She said with a low smile.

I looked at her sadly. 

"How ab-

I was cut off by a rough KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK, and me and Suzan both looked at the door then back at each other.