Life of Harlow

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Harlow

I was laying on my bed when my phone started buzzing. I ignored it, not caring who was calling. It stopped then started buzzing again. I reached for it, answering without looking at who was calling.

Whoever is calling, go away.

Damn kiddo, what did I do?

I popped up on the bed hearing my Godfather's voice. Julian Davis, Uncle Bash and Aunt Rory's youngest son. My other Godfather, Uncle Noah, was Uncle Zach and Aunt Kylie's oldest son. They were my dad's best friends from the time they were in diapers. More like brothers than cousins. That's how they were raised and it's how my generation was being raised.

Uncle JuJu (39) lived in New Jersey with his wife (35) Aunt Hazel and their two 2 kids, Nova (13) and Jeremiah (12). They're 9 months apart. Nova and I were pretty close. Having cousins close to my age always helps whether they're younger or older. We pretty much all get along. Honestly, our parents wouldn't have it any other way. They always say we can agree to disagree, but family is family. My cousins were my cousins, but felt more like siblings. As an only child, it made me feel less left out. It's one of my favorite things about this family. We're an army.

Uncle Noah (38) and his wife, Aunt Mia (34), lived in Florida. Aunt Mia was pregnant with baby #2 and they had a 5 year old, Amelia. I saw them pretty frequently throughout the year as they traveled here not just for holidays/special occasions, but for long weekends as well.

Hello, earth to Harlow. You know, it's hard to FaceTime someone when you can't see their face. I know it's what you teenagers do, but can I get an exception, please?

Snapping out of my thoughts, I moved the pillow from my face and propped my phone up.

Aw, honey, what's going on? You look like you've been crying.

I got in trouble.

What happened?

Don't freak out.

He chuckled.

I'll leave that to your dad. Spill the beans, kiddo.

I got in trouble today and things just got out of control.

Aw, what kind of trouble, Harls?

I explained everything to him and he just sat there, patiently listening. When I was finished he took a deep breath, a signal he was about to say something.

Sounds like a rough afternoon.

Yeah. I didn't mean to shove my grandma. I really didn't.

I know. Sometimes when we're upset, we don't think clearly. So, I can't even remember the last time your dad spanked you. This must've been his last straw, lil bit. He's had a lot of patience with you lately.

Dad always has patience with me.

I understand that, but now, it's different. You weren't a teenager before. Can we both agree that things have been a little crazy lately?

I guess so.

You're growing up on me kiddo, on all of us. Give your dad some grace. He doesn't want to hound you, but he's still your dad. It's not his job to be your friend. He has to give you guidance.

I know that. Sometimes it's just... Ugh.

He started laughing.

I get it. I felt the same way with my parents.