He says, "Mom, can you find money in the budget for two people to go to the movies?"
"Sure. What movie do you want to see?"
"Mom, not with you."
I fake cry which includes a snicker and a smirk.
"With who then?"
"A girl."
I act all casual, making my self busy picking up discarded tissues, socks, anything to keep the conversation going and to make him feel that we are NOT having a "talk."
"Whose the girl?"
And the conversation continues. By the time we are done, his floor is clear of all debri and I have managed to dust but not to iron the curtains.
I kiss him goodnight. I leave the room, head to the kitchen, standing in it's stark light and begin to cry.
It's not that I miss Art. I knew this would happen. This life thing -- it contiues on, ya know.
I am crying because I am confused.
This week's events culminating in tears splattering on a white linoleum kitchen floor in desparate need of a cleaning.
I have spent the week cleaning out cabinets, tossing items that we no longer need. It started with the spice cabinet. "Allspice. What the hell do you use allspice for? And why do I have two bottles of it?" And "I am sure that brown is not the color of Paprika." I reach in and toss the jars, and then I move to the other food cabinets. I move to the kitchen. "Would love this pan, if I could remember to use it."
Then to the cabinets above the table where there are bowls and flower vases and plates that I mean to use but forget that I have. They are taken down and cleaned and put into a pile becasue I am going to have a garage sale.
I am shedding. Shedding our past life, shedding Art. I am growing beyond what we were.
Making room for me, no more us.
I had shed him already in my relationship with the kids. No more "Let me check with Daddy." or "What did Daddy say?" wondering if they are telling me the truth.
But now that I have been through the kitchen, the pantry and the living room I feel light and free and fucking terrified.
I shed more.
I stand in the kitchen, not sure what to do or feel or think. This is my life now. My life. The kid's life. And ... I have no idea where I am going.
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