Page 11 of Range
I dug into the bag and retrieved two boxes. One was massive, requiring both hands. I set the phone on the counter and propped it up so that I was still in Roulette’s line of vision.
“Malaya.”
“Um hmm. I’m listening.”
I opened the smaller box and found a pair of Chanel frames that I would be taking to the optometry center to add my prescription.
“She’s becoming her own little woman, now.”
“That’s what you’ve been striving for. Independence. Confidence. Style. Standards. Va–”
“I know, but damn, maybe I’ve been teaching a little too much independence. She’s hardly ever home anymore. The house feels so empty and quiet without her.”
“You’ve lived alone since you moved from our family home. What’s the problem, Rou?”
“I guess I started to get that feeling back– you know– us girls all home? And, I didn’t know I missed that until Malaya came into my life. Now, it feels like the damn girl is about to jet off into the sunset.”
“She’ll be off to college soon. Is it that you want to spend more time with her before she leaves, or you’re dreading her leaving for school?”
“A little bit of both.” Rou sighed. “I feel like a sucker.”
“You feel like a mother. It doesn’t matter that you didn’t birth her. You love her as if you carried her for nine months and pushed her out. Your feelings are valid.”
“Israel’s old ass is boring.”
“That man is not boring, and he is not old. He’s just not Malaya.”
“Exactly. Gives old and boring.”
“Then why are you on his dickevery other night, then?”
“Because that part is fun. Exhilarating. Quite the experience.” She chuckled.
“Seriously, babe. I understand where you’re coming from. I’m sure Rhea felt the same when it came to us gaining our independence as we grew older. My piece of advice is–” I paused and kissed the skin of my teeth, knowing that Malaya was Roulette’s pain point. Her weakness. Her soft spot. Her sensitive subject.
“Pivot. Pivot with her. If she’s always out of the door, start sharing a calendar. And, when she has a spot for you on her calendar, request time with her. Not force it. Request it. Her independence will remain intact, and it won’t feel compromised or imposed on.
“If that doesn’t work for you, then try dedicated days. You know, dinner with Mom every Thursday night. Or, Mexican with Mom every Tuesday. Create a day, and you guys will know that’s your day. She will adjust her schedule accordingly.”
Quietly, Roulette nodded to agree.
“Designated days– I like that idea.”
“Me too.”
“I’m going to give you some time to get yourself together because you could use it. Thanks for the chat, girlfriend. Loves ya.”
“In ever–”
Click.
It was to be expected. It was always expected with Rou. I smiled at the blank screen, secretly thanking the heavens for the work it had done in my sister’s life. Israel and Malaya complemented her world so well, as if they’d always been there.
In every lifetime.
Malaya was her daughter from another womb. Israel was her true, deserving mate. I couldn’t imagine a more perfect suitor.
Nothing changed for Rather.
