In the morning, as soon as I was dressed and ready for the day, I found Sophia and showered her with PG rated love and affection in case the kid was lurking nearby. It’s our anniversary, and I couldn’t be more happy with the life she’s given me. Thinking about it, she is a key component in the story of my manhood. Like, she has been around for literally the entire thing, right in the front row. I couldn’t have been more than a day or two into my young adult days when we met. Even though I was scared and kept her at a distance for about half that time, she was always there. Our marriage journey has been one challenge after another, but it has been the second most rewarding experience of my life.
Around lunch time, Yasmine, of all people, called me. She sounded a bit worn out and frustrated and asked if we minded if one of her girls come over to play with Desiree. Before I could ask which one, she said Stacey—the magical one—is really sick, and she wants to keep the girls separated for as long as possible. They’re really close, as twins usually are, and Savannah won’t leave Stacey alone, which means she isn’t getting any rest. I told her it was fine, but she could only stay for a few hours because we had plans that night. She said that would be perfect. When Savannah arrived, I called Desi downstairs and got them introduced, saying they met when they were really little, but I guess she thought I was doing too much because she interrupted me and asked Savannah if she wanted to play dolls. They ran upstairs and left me there, shaking my head. So this is it, huh? The beginnings of me not being cool anymore? Hmph.
As I said, it was lunch time, so I went to the kitchen to get started on some soup. When it was done, I called everyone to join me. I asked how Savannah liked school. Maybe she could tell Desi about it when they play so she can get the inside scoop when she goes on Monday. Sophia asked if her sister was okay, but her entire demeanor changed.
When Sophia asked what was wrong, Savannah said she thinks Yasmine likes Stacey better than her. I knew that song very well. Alessia wrote it, heh. She said Yasmine plays with her more and gives her whatever she wants. Having personal knowledge that parents can have favorites, I was certain this was not that.
“I don’t think that’s true,” I said.
“Yes it is!”
“I know your mom. She loves both of you very much. Actually, she sent you over here because she doesn’t want you to get sick, not because she wants to play with Stacey.”
“Really?”
“Of course, really. She loves you very much.”
I’m not sure if they remember each other, but after Savannah’s mood improved, she and Desi fell into a natural rhythm and gabbed away just like they did when they met the first time. They’re going to be fast friends, just like me and Dub. Speaking of, I hope they’re all okay. I understand the devastation of losing a beloved pet.
We all got up from the table to go do whatever, and the dogs came rushing in to inspect Savannah and determine whether she was friend or foe.
“PUPPIIIIIIEEEEEES,” she shouted.
They let her pet them, so I guess she’s a friend, heh. Desi went back upstairs without Savannah. I turned around for 30 seconds to clear the table. How ’bout this child found flour and chocolate and spread it all over my floor very enthusiastically.
See, this is the part I don’t like about watching other folks’ kids. You can’t raise your voice or put them in timeout or anything when they act up. I didn’t yell, but I definitely expressed my displeasure with her behavior. It was almost time for her to leave anyway, so I told her to find Desi and say goodbye while I mopped her mess.
When we arrived in Oasis Springs, Stacy ran out of the house and pummeled her twin with the most loving bear hug.
“SAVANNAH! You’re back! I missed you!”
“Are you feeling better?”
“Yeah!”
Savannah began a very rapid recall of how much fun she had at our house. I’m glad we left a good impression. Yasmine pulled me aside to talk.
“I really appreciate you doing this. How did it go?”
“It was fine. She and Desi had a great time. She said something I think you should know about, but don’t tell her I told you.”
“Okaaay…”
“She thinks you like Stacey better than her. She said you spend more time with her.”
“You know why-“
“I know that. You know that. She does not. I’m not trying to tell you what to do with your kids, but I just thought you should know that’s how she feels.”
She let out a huge sigh.
“Thanks. I try not to single her out, but…I just don’t know how to handle our…our situation. I don’t know how this magic works. I don’t know if something can pop off if she gets angry or sad or what, so I just do whatever I can to keep her happy.”
“Hey, you’re preaching to the choir. I’m not judging. I’m just delivering a message. Oh, yeah…your kid made a mess on my floor.”
“Ha! Sorry about that. But for real though, I’m glad she had a good time. I appreciate you, Luca. Maybe we can do it again sometime? Sounds like Desi and Savannah are destined to be friends. If that’s true, that means I am destined to be in your life,” she said, waggling her eyebrows.
“You better be glad I know you’re joking.”
“Mmm hmm. Say hi to Sophia for me.”
