While Ruby was trying to figure out her love life, I was trying to refocus away from my own. I visited my mother in stagnant Staten Island (not a wise decision after a break-up…is it really ever wise?). She is not one to offer chicken soup for my soul, though is extremely good at getting me on my defenses and making me pick up my chin, as I never know when she is going to throw an emotional punch at my proverbial gut.
We drove along Hylan Boulevard from the bus stop toward Bay Street on the way to Bayou. The only heat I thought to expect this evening would come from the delicious Seafood Jambalaya.
We ordered, chatted about what was new and not so exciting. “So what happened with this one?”, asked Frannie snidely, referring to Josh.
“Same thing that happens when people are not compatible, their relationship does not last. He is young. You’re a cougar and are familiar with his type I am sure”, I replied.
Then it began.
"When are you going to get married?", asked Frannie.
"When are you going to stop asking about this? I am not even dating anyone. Why can't you ask about things that are important to me? Like, when are you applying to graduate school? Or, when are you going to move away from New York? Why do you assume that landing a husband is my priority?", I asked, obviously irritated.
"Well, I worry about you," she said, "and I want to know that you are taken care of so I don't have to worry."
"Oh right. Worry. You have been so good at that. I believe that I established that I am quite capable of taking care of myself when your skeevy boyfriend tried to seduce me from behind last year.", I said, bringing her to the verge of tears.
It was at this time when the check arrived. I grabbed it and paid, as is usually the case.
"Here you go. I pay, AGAIN. You see, how I take care of YOU?. How dare you put pressure on me. You did the same thing when Grandma was ill; pressuring me to marry Cooper. I will marry after I fall in love after I am good and ready...if I ever do fall in love with someone that much. Until then I am focusing on what is important to me and not you.", I said sternly, though not yelling.
"Let's go. I need to return to Manhattan. I feel like I lose braincells, the longer I stay on this island with you.", I said.
She did not have anything to say. She drove me to the X1 bus stop in silence.
When we reached the bus stop Frannie said to me, "Thank you for dinner. I hope you see my point. I do worry about you even if I don't show it."
"Actions speak louder than words", I replied, "I will be fine. I made it this far and will go much further. Thanks for the ride". I boarded the bus to return to my not so ordinary, chaotic life in Manhattan...that's right, it's mine. --Frankie
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