Romeo and Juliet

3-M-

                                                    Sorrows are Extinguished 

"Mama, I'm home," I announce, kicking off my tennis shoes and slipping into my slippers.

I hear her footsteps, with Papito trailing behind.

"Where's my boy?" I coo.

He bounds towards me, knocking me off balance and onto my backside. I'm certain sitting will be a challenge tomorrow.

"Hello, Julie," Mom greets me, a glass of wine in her hand.

Juliet is my other name, in case you're wondering. It feels more intimate when Mom uses it, so I prefer to go by Helena at school.

As I scratch behind Papito's ear, I grin at her, doing my best to ignore the fact that she's started drinking again. It always begins with wine, then whiskey, vodka, and eventually something stronger.

"Coach called and said you'll be coming home a bit late from now on. He explained everything, and I think we have a reason to celebrate," she giggles, a twinkle in her eye.

As she laughs, her eyes close, radiating sincerity and life. Yet, I can't help but imagine the pain she's suppressing for my sake.

"It's just regionals, Mom. Plus, I'm not even sure if they're taking me."

"Nonsense. You can't tarnish your mom's reputation. It's in the family."

"Obviously," I chuckle, attempting to stand up, but Papito keeps bounding back.

Doing my best to stand, I blow him a kiss. He trails behind Mom and me, making another attempt to knock me over.

"Wait," I command, tossing his ball. As he runs to fetch it, I take the opportunity to sit on the stool.

Jude heads to the fridge and hands me a bottle of water. As I take a gulp, I notice an invitation resting on the marble counter.

"Your dad called," she mentions, noticing my attention. I ignore her and pull the golden card from beneath the pile of bills.

"What's this?" I inquire, setting down the water bottle to read through.

My world crumbles, and chaos engulfs my body.

"He wants you to be the bridesmaid. In fact, the only bridesmaid."

I dismiss her words, continuing to read his wedding invitation. As I scan the names, a chill runs through me. I'm the only one invited. Suddenly, I feel a surge of nausea.

"Honey, take it easy."

Tears well up in my eyes, each one heavy with pain.

"He's getting married, Mom," I manage to choke out. My voice is barely a whisper, drowned in a sea of hurt.

She nods, her smile strained. How does she remain standing? How does she find the strength to watch the love of her life walk away with her best friend, ask me to be the bridesmaid, and yet do nothing?

Perhaps it's the drinking that buries her sorrow.

"He's getting married!" I scream.

Blinded by hatred and desperation, I wish for the earth to swallow me whole.

I've always wanted them to separate when I was small. It never happened. But I learned to live with the chaos in my life that when the divorce news came, which was recent, it blew my mind. I was not prepared.

"Mom," I choke out, disappointment for the only man I've ever loved overwhelming me. He was a terrible husband but a good father. I am not trying to justify the fights.

She watches me shatter before her, wrapping me in her warm, motherly embrace.

"It's okay, baby. Shh, " she continues. I anticipate her crumbling with me, but she never does. Instead, she cradles me like a child, offering me the only thing I will ever need - her arms and her pure love.

And I shatter all over again. How should I react to the news? I'm clueless. Did he assume I would be grinning and cheering for this news? He couldn't be more wrong.

He is meant to be our protector, to comfort me alongside my dear, sweet mother — not to cause us pain.

I lock eyes with Papito as I sob. He lies on the floor, his head nestled between his two front paws. His gaze never leaves mine as I wail.

*****