I didn’t expect I’d love traipsing around the house in my underwear so much, but I did. Though, it wasn’t so much being nearly naked but the fact that I was alone and didn’t have to be concerned about anyone else. I could just get out of the shower and do whatever I needed to do without worrying about what to put on. When I considered what to do with my life just before my birthday, I thought about moving out for about five seconds. I didn’t know Mama would give me money and thought I couldn’t afford it without a job. I also didn’t think I’d like living alone. Moreover, I didn’t think I was ready for that level of responsibility—and I wasn’t. But I’m here now, and it’s great.
Last night, I had a nightmare for the first time. Everywhere I went, I felt like someone was watching me. I became very paranoid and walked around, looking over my shoulder, not trusting anyone. In the dream, I went to bed, and when I woke up, this creepy doll was hovering over me. It scared the shit out of me and I woke up screaming. Good thing Sophia had left by then. I blamed Mama’s loud ass ghost dog and still couldn’t believe I met Gammy last night. I thought about it the whole time I jogged that morning and could not stop grinning. What a woman. No wonder Mama talked about her so much.
Speaking of Mama, she called on my way to the resort. I went back there to take a yoga class so I could speak with the instructor about the possibility of teaching. She said she heard I had a girlfriend and had moved in with her. I knew Less couldn’t keep it together. I thought I detected a hint of snark mixed in with her excitement, and I was right. She said she was offended that she was not the first to know, especially after I had promised she would be. To cheer her up, I mentioned we would be by later so she could meet Sophia. I think that sufficiently got me out of the doghouse.
I was the only one in attendance, so the instructor began the class. She was really good—better than all the other instructors I’d experienced. And get this. I could finally bend all the backwards without falling over! While I acknowledged my continuous improvement, I frequently struggled to perceive the growth, except in distinct moments like this where the disparity from before was unmistakable.
After class, I introduced myself and presented my case. Just like the spa in San Sequoia, she was the full-time yoga instructor, but they didn’t have anyone for guided meditation, and I was free to come there and host sessions as much as I wanted. That wasn’t exactly what I wanted to hear, but it was something.
On the way to Mama’s house, I had all kinds of emotions. I was excited for two of my favorite ladies to meet, felt dread over the potential meddling and heckling, but most of all I was relieved that I could finally put all the pieces of my life together.
“Are you okay?” Sophia asked.
“I’m perfect. How about you?”
“I’m good. No concerns here.”
“Good.”
I took one last deep breath before opening the door. Mama was already waiting for us in the living room and attacked me with a big hug as soon as I walked in.
“There he is! My Mr. Cute Face.”
Wow. She hadn’t called me that in a very long time.
When she finally let go, I stepped back to begin the introductions.
“Mama, this is Sophia.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, finally, Ms. Murillo,” she said.
Did she…bow? Homage to us meeting in Mt. Komorebi maybe? I didn’t peg her as someone who would pour it on thick like that, but Mama ate it up, of course.
“Oh my,” Mama exclaimed. “You are even more gorgeous than I remember! You can call me Emmy. I am SUPER glad to meet you! Come sit! Tell me everything.”
I knew exactly what she wanted to know: how we went from being Social Bunny friends to living together. But I couldn’t tell the whole story without mentioning my other friends, and it wasn’t the time or place to broach that with Sophia. Besides, I had a better story to tell.
“Wait a minute,” Mama shouted. “You went to the cemetery and didn’t invite me? And you saw Mommy??”
“I thought about inviting you many times, but I wanted to go by myself.”
“He was gonna call you,” Sophia said, “but your mother said she wanted him all to herself.”
“Ugh! Even Mommy knew about you before me!”
“Well...I think he was just saving the best for last.”
Magical Sophia struck again, saving me from Mama’s nosy wrath.
“That is the perfect way to think about it,” Mama said. “Thank you, Sophia!”
“Luca tells me you make candles for a living. I think that’s really cool. I’m not very good with my hands. I can’t even keep plants alive!”
She was amazing with her hands, but this was a family conversation, heh. Mama told her about she had started the business. Apparently, she was pregnant with me when Dad taught her how to make candles, but she didn’t get into seriously until after they separated. After that story, Mama went immediately into sleuth mode since I never gave her any hints about who I was talking to.
I was content to let them talk and get to know each other, but every now and then, I felt like Sophia tried to bring me into the conversation. I appreciated the gesture, but I honestly enjoyed sitting back and watching them converse as if they had known each other for years. It was really incredible. She was incredible.
Mama ushered us into the dining room for dinner later, but Sophia didn’t eat. Apparently, she didn’t like fish. That was news to me, and I filed it away for future reference. The radio was on, and Sophia excused herself for a private dance party, but knowing her and how considerate she was, she probably wanted to give me and Mama a chance to talk since they had dominated the evening.
“I love her,” Mama said.
I knew she would, but I was relieved to hear it.
“Yeah…she’s great,” I said.
“So…” she said in that tone.
I shook my head, watching the wheels spin rapidly in her head. Here comes the meddling.
“Is this it?” she asked casually. “She’s the one?”
I couldn’t tell if that was a real question or a strong suggestion disguised as a question, but I didn’t mind answering.
“Yeah…I think she is.”
“Good.”
I kept waiting for the rest of the questions, but she said nothing more. Maybe she was contrite when she said she’d tone down the meddling. I halfway believed her when she said, but was glad to see she meant it.
Sophia came back to the table as Mama collected and washed our plates.
“Sorry about that. When your song calls, you gotta answer!”
“Heh, yeah…”
If she said more after that, I didn’t hear it. I was in a Sophia-induced trance. She was absolutely amazing! As I gazed at her, all that fear I had about everything quickly melted away. At home, we were in our own fantastical bubble where no one existed but she and I. But this…watching her in the homes I used to live in, charming my family and setting them at ease…this was real life, and I loved seeing her in it. She fit so perfectly, and all I wanted to do was tell her how much I loved her. But the moment wasn’t right. Truthfully, I didn’t didn’t want Mama fawning all over me. It was really hard to keep it inside, but I maintained my composure.
I beckoned for her to come to me and squeezed her tightly.
“My mom is in love with you,” I whispered.
“I’m flattered,” she whispered back. “How do I tell her she’s not my type?”
I couldn’t help myself and laughed really loud. She was dangerous.
“Luca?” Mama called from the kitchen.
“I’ll be right back,” I said to Sophia, and sauntered into the kitchen. “Yes, Mama?”
“Hey! I just wanted to say I’m really proud of you, and I’m sorry I made you feel like you couldn’t share things with me. Hopefully we can move past that? I don’t want to miss any more of your life!”
Ugh! I knew I had hurt her feelings, but I didn’t know she felt completely left out.
“Of course, Mama. Just so you know, it wasn’t all you. I had stuff I needed to figure out…stuff I needed Dad for.”
She nodded.
“I understand. I’m glad you two got a chance to get closer. That makes me happy.”
“It’s getting dark. I need to get Sophia home.”
“Okay. I hope you guys come see me again soon. I love you, bud. And I’m so happy for you.”
“Thanks, Mama. I love you too.”
