3.14 One in a million

An awkward silence fell over our house that night. Even Tofu knew something was amiss because she too withdrew and even seemed a little mopey. I tried to keep cool and busy myself for the rest of the night, but I couldn’t keep my mind away from the fact my sister—my only sibling—would leave in fewer than 12 hours. They say siblings are your first friends, and it’s so true. In many ways, she’d been my only friend until now. Sure, she got on my nerves sometimes, but that’s what younger siblings did. I never let her shenanigans get to me too much anyway. I loved her and was missing her already. Who would save me from potentially awkward moments now? Who would fight for me at a moment’s notice without questions? She really was one of a kind.

In the morning, I got up and immediately prepared my mind for the day. Before I could even think sad thoughts, I told myself Alessia was overcoming challenges that day, and her leaving was more amazing than we realized. I was proud of her. I caught myself thinking that over and over as I moved through the day. She didn’t want us to cry for her because it was a joyous occasion, and I did everything I could to remember that.

I broke in one of my new mats during my morning yoga session. Knowing I’d host my first class the next day gave me something else to be happy about. I took advantage of Mama’s generosity and splurged on nice, high-quality mats so I wouldn’t have to replace them for a while. When I finished and came inside, Less was there waiting for me. It was time.

“I already said bye to Mom,” she said. “Pretty sure she’s crying in her room.”

I had no doubts that was true.

“Come here, you,” I said. “I want you to know I’m super proud of you, even though I’m bummed.”

“This is such a huge step you’re taking, and you’re taking it alone. You’re so far ahead of me now.”

She sucked her teeth. “I’m not the one starting a business! That’s not nothing, Luca.”

“That’s true. But I’m still here.”

“You say that like you’re trapped. You’ll move out when the time is right.”

I sure hoped so. I mean, I was not unhappy, and I sure appreciated the amenities of home and the lack of pressure to move out. But with my classmates, and now my sister, moving out, getting jobs, and starting families, it was easy to feel like I was behind or something. The whole thing was just so weird. I didn’t want to move out, but felt like I had to…and soon. But without a steady income, how would that happen? In a way, I was stuck.

“You’re right,” I said. “If you ever need anything, call me, and I’ll drop everything.”

“Thank you, Luca. I’m glad you’re not mad.”

We said our last goodbyes and I love yous, and she was off to Dad’s house for more of the same. I grabbed Tofu and went immediately for our daily jog to maintain the spirit of joy and excitement. Mama may have wallowed in sorrow, but I had to continue on as usual.

I was in the middle of some silent reflections when I heard a man scream “WHOA” near me. It was Mama’s man friend barreling toward me on his bike. How did he not see me? It’s not like I was running super fast. I jumped out of the way so he wouldn’t hit me.

“Sorry about that,” he said. “This bike is so old. Guess I need to fix the brakes.”

I snorted.

“Yeah.”

His eyes bounced around as if he were deciding what to say next. There was nothing more to say, so I cut him off.

“I’m gonna get back to my jog now.”

“Yeah…yeah, okay. Sorry again. I’ll get these brakes fixed.”

I walked away, shaking my head and grumbling to Tofu. In my disgust, I was the one not paying attention next and walked into this girl standing on the corner. After I apologized and made sure she was okay, I noticed she looked familiar.

“Hey…I know you…”

“Mmm hmm,” she answered. “Cute dog.”

She was the one who served us at Viviana’s when me and Dad had lunch the other day.

“Guess I’ll see you around,” she said and walked away.

Did that mean she lived nearby? Or was it because we frequented the restaurant? Either way, she was beautiful, and I wouldn’t mind running into her again. But maybe not actually running into her next time.