Thelma's story
Five years earlier...
“Hey, hey! Ariella, want to know what Aunty Pamela got you?” Thelma cooed five-year-old Ella playing on the floor. It was a week after Ella’s fourth birthday and they promised Ella all the gifts would be opened a week after her birthday. 
The weather was cold, snow and ice coated the streets and houses, and everyone was spending the best time with their loved ones. Thelma also wanted this winter break to be the best for her small family, she took a green-wrapped gift signed by her sister Pamela and opened it with a cutter. 
“Aww- a tinkerbell pen. That’s weird. Right, babe?” She called her husband's attention and frowned at the strange gift wondering why her sister had gotten Ella a pen and not something for her age like a toy.
Thelma dropped the box beside her and heard something jiggle inside, she frowned again and carefully carried the box from the floor shaking it again to listen. It jiggled and she opened the box again, tracing the inside of the box she found a small hole and inserted her index finger then pulled on it to reveal a cute golden chain decorated with little fairies and an envelope beneath.
Thelma picked up the envelope and read the back. ‘To my little fairy’ She opened the envelope and saw a thousand dollars neatly arranged inside with a folded letter inside ‘gosh Pamela is so full of surprises’ Thelma smiled and picked out the letter.
"What is it?" Valentino asked from the room
"A little surprise gift from my sister to Ella." She responds and reads aloud the note.
 
    Dear Elle I want to say thank you for bringing Ariella into this world, she has been a good luck charm to me, a very special gift from God to us.
Not just you and Valentino, but I have been blessed as her aunt.
   I have a special place in my heart reserved just for Ella so don’t get jealous about it.
   The reason I sent you that pen for little Ella, is because she is the inspiration that drives me, my little fairy.
 The gold chain represents the bond we share. Please say hello to my little fairy and tell her that I love her.
                                                                          Love Pamela. 
 
Thelma felt strong emotions warm her heart by the kind words from her sister, it was clear why Pamela fathoms Ella so much. Pamela has been all around Ella since her birth, she was a living shadow always following her niece anywhere, Valentino got jealous of their closeness he’d compete to get Ella the best present. It has been a year since Pamela and Ella saw each other but their bond grew so stronger which almost made Thelma think Pamela birthed her.
“What happened?” Valentino asked upon entering the living room. He just woke up from bed, his shirt was messy as if he tumbled down on something. He noticed the distant look in his wife’s eyes and became bothered. 
“Nothing.” Thelma sniffed and picked up the box beside her. Seeing Thelma cry wiped all the sleep on Valentino’s face and he knelt beside his beautiful wife holding her shoulders as a sign of comfort. Meanwhile, little Ella was seated in front of them playing with some of the gifts and not minding her parent.
“But you are crying.” He panicked. Thelma had to laugh at her husband, he is such a silly man to think she would cry for no reason. What else could make her shed emotional tears than the tears of joy?
“No, I am not crying silly, I received a letter from Pamela.” She showed him the letter and the envelope. “My sister, Pamela got Ella this cute necklace and a cute pen.” 
Valentino sighed in relief, he thought it had something to do with him. He wasn’t mad at her he was just concerned.
“You scared me darling.” He said and kissed her head. Thelma smiled at his affection.
“Why don’t we open the rest of the gifts as we promised Ella.” Thelma reminded her husband. Valentino chuckled ruffling his little angel head, she looked so adorable.
“Anything for my angel.” 
They spent thirty minutes unwrapping various gifts and toys. It was the kind of happy family moment Thelma dreamt of, little did she know this moment of joy was going to last only a few minutes. 
“Cutie?” Valentino called Thelma.
“Mmm.” Both she and Ella responded causing Valentino to chuckle.
"Not you baby girl. You are my angel." He ruffles Ella's hair.
"So, I who birthed her isn't?" Thelma faked being hurt.
"I am yours forever my love, you can have any pet name you want."
"Fine! I am not jealous then."
“I will be leaving for Brazil the day after tomorrow.” He said and waited for her to react but she only sighed. He knew what it meant. “Baby, don’t be sad, I am not staying there forever.” He moved close to her.
“No, am your baby. Mama too old.” Little Ella protested frowning at her parents with her lips pouted. Both Thelma and Valentino burst into laughter at their cute daughter.
“Yes baby you are right, mama is too old to be a baby.” Valentino said in a teasing manner and looked at his wife’s surprised face. “You are my only baby, and that is why I gave you the special name- my baby angel.” He whispered the last part in Ella’s ear and tickled her tummy.
“Stop! Stop! Paaaaapa.” Ella screamed and begged her father to stop tickling her armpits.
“Tino let her go.” Thelma told her husband and he stopped his tickle torture. He then looked back at his wife, she had a happy smile planted on her face, her brown hair defining her face. “Thank you.” She breathes out staring at him with love and adoration.
“I didn’t hear it, can you say it out louder?” Valentino stretched his ear with his fingers pretending not to hear.
“I said thank you.” Thelma repeated louder.
“Umm am not sure it went through here.” He pointed at his heart. “Could you come closer and whisper it in my ear.” He beckons her to him. Thelma playfully glared at him, she knew he heard loud and clear.
“I know you heard me don’t start now.” She told him.
“Start what?” He asked innocently. “Why don’t you come over here and I’ll teach you how to say it.” He whispered seductively, and Thelma’s eyes went wide.
“Ariella is here Val.” She jerks her head to the busy five-year-old girl playing with brick toys and cars.
“She is busy, she won’t know.” He crawled toward her and Thelma moved away feeling uncomfortable with his idea of fun when their young daughter was present.
“Valentino behave.” She warned him silently while keeping a good distance from him. What he was about to do is highly forbidden in the presence of a five-year-old.
“I want you screaming-“ Valentino threw himself at Thelma and they rolled on the floor laughing and giggling. Ella didn’t mind them and continued playing with her toys.
During their hour of excitement, a call came cutting short the playful atmosphere.
“Valentino the phone is ringing.” Thelma drew his attention from their play.
“Let it be.” He waved it off and continued to snuggle her.
“What if it’s important.” She asked.
“What could be more important than you.” He kissed her lips but Thelma insists he picked the call. “Fine.” He groaned in annoyance and stood up from her to grab the phone from the couch. “Hello?” He growled at the receiver.
“Valentino it's me.” A panicked voice sounded on the phone.
Valentino's face changed from angry to concerned.
"Grayson?"