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Without another word, Thalia walked past me, dead-eyed and cold.
Chapter 12
Thalia
Ithadbeenaneventful couple of weeks. A lot of preparation went into getting ready to leave for a couple of months. It was bittersweet that Luna didn’t seem too heartbroken that I’d be gone, although I couldn’t say the same myself. Each day, the dread sank deeper and deeper into the pit of my stomach. I seemed to have more attachment issues than Luna did, which I didn’t quite expect.
But I kept reminding myself that this was the best move for her and for us. I couldn’t turn down the money, not to mention the opportunity could open doors that would only make our lives better.
“It’s alright, Mommy,” Luna told me as I packed her stuff. “I’m excited to stay with Auntie Adriana and Grandma. It’s going to be so much fun.”
I was glad one of us thought this would be a fun adventure. I widened my eyes, trying to prevent the tears from falling.
This was my last night with Luna for a while. Sure, I was going to have a couple of weekends to come back and visit, but it wouldn’t be anywhere close to the same.
“Oh, I don’t doubt that Grandma and Auntie Ana have a ton of fun things planned,” I told Luna, keeping my voice hard so I wouldn’t show any sadness. If I did, she’d cry, then I’d cry, and it would be a whole mess. Besides, I did know she was going to have a lot of fun. I knew those two would spoil her with attention, homemade treats, and plenty of sing-a-longs.
“I’m just gonna miss you, that’s all,” I added, slightly regretting it. I didn’t want to combust into tears and I didn’t want to put the burden of my emotions on Luna. But I did want her to know that I wasn’t just taking off and leaving her. Parenting was sometimes an impossible balance.
Luna smiled and threw herself at me in a hug.
“I’ll miss you too, Mommy. Don’t forget to take care of your silly boss. We wouldn't want him to get lazier.” She emphasized 'lazier' in a way that she knew she shouldn't be saying it, but I couldn’t help the laughter that escaped from me. Luna probably had too much of me in her and at four, hadn’t quite developed boundaries or a censor.
I ran my hand through her dark brown hair, tightening my hold on her.
“You're right, Luna. I will definitely keep him in line,” I said, as we continued to giggle together.
“Hello! Anyone home?”
“Auntie Ana!” Luna was off like a rocket to my sister, who walked through the front door. I shook my head and laughed, zipping up her suitcase.
“You all ready for your Grandma’s House Vacation, girl?”
I rolled my eyes as Ana knelt down to talk to Luna, a wide smile on her face. I couldn’t begin to express my appreciation for my sister. She was in college and working part-time, but still made the time to help me out with Luna when she could.
“Thanks so much, Adriana. You and Mom are really a couple of lifesavers.”
I dropped Luna’s bag next to the door, feeling my heart ache a little at the sight.
Adriana scoffed, and Luna laughed.
“Don’t even worry about it,” she said, shaking her head and leaning in conspiratorially toward Luna. “We’re just gonna go do super secret cool auntie stuff, anyway.” Ana threw a cheeky smile at Luna’s giggle. “Whoops, I spilled the beans, Luna.”
Luna broke into a full fit of laughter, and I shook my head at the two of them. The more people Luna had to adore her, the better, in my opinion.
“Okay, okay, I get it. No one needs me.” I laughed at the chorus of denials and Luna and Adriana throwing themselves around me for hugs. Adriana wasdefinitelyrubbing off on Luna. All silliness and a great, big, caring heart.
I knelt down and squeezed Luna in one more big hug before saying goodbye. I wanted nothing more than for them to stay longer, but I wanted Luna to be able to get settled in her room at my mom’s before her bedtime. Plus, I hadn’t even started packing any of my stuff yet.
“Luna, you be good for Auntie Ana and Grandma, okay? Listen to what Grandma says, but make sure to give Auntie a hard time whenever possible, right?”
Luna giggled and squeezed tighter.
“Okay, Mommy!” She seemed excited about her adventure.
I was relieved that she had such a close relationship with my sister and mother that I wouldn’t have to worry about anything while I was away. Honestly, if it wasn’t for them, I probably wouldn’t have survived being a single mother. It was extremely tough out there, and I felt for every single parent facing the struggles every day to provide for their children.
I stood up and took a deep breath. This time, I faced my younger sister.
