Surviving Keith

Chapter 7: Trixie

I haven't spoken to Toby since yesterday. It's horrible. I feel horrible. But what could I do?

Once again, Carla's taking over a big part of my life. I know that Toby said that he doesn't hve feelings for her anymore but come on.

Well, I'm staying home today. I could care less about Dad's will--it's not like I want all of his money or possessions or whatever, but his lawyer, Atty. Torres (Bianca, as I call her), a thirty-something woman of Latina roots who has been a friend of mine since the divorce. She specifically said that I should hear what my father's will is.

Now, all I'm hearing is that basically, Carla and I have the same amount of shares in his properties--none was left to my mother. I don't know what to make of that.

"One more thing," Bianca said, "Keith says that he wants you, Trix," she looked at me, "to stay in this home with Carla.until you're 21."

"What?" I said, "That's absurd."

"It's part of his will."

"Yeah, but that's bullshit," I said, "It's stupid. She can have this house, for all I care. I think I'm going to find my mother and live with her. I can do that, can't I?"

"Trixie, you can't,"

"Why not? How hard will it be tp find her?"

"Trix," Bianca said, "You can't. Your mom...she's married to someone else."

I saw Carla bite her lip. 

"Excuse me?" I said.

"Trixie, your mom's married," Bianca repeated, "Since...since right before the divorce,"

"That's not true." I said, not wanting to hear anything anymore. "You told me you had no idea where she is or what she's doing!"

"Keith thought it would be best if you didn't know," Bianca said. "I'm sorry. I really am, Trix."

"I thougt you were my friend," I hissed.

"Trixie,"

I took a deep breath, ran to my room and slammed the door.

***

An hour or so later, Carla stepped inside my room with some pastries and a glass of juice. I wanted to tell her to get out, to stay out of my face, but I was just too tired to fight.

She ser down the tray of food on my side table. "The door wasn't locked so I thought I'd come in," she said, by way of explanation.

I put down the picture of my mom that I was holding. "You want to laugh at me, don't you?"

"Trix, you know I won't do that."

I sighed and felt the tears rushing out of my eyes. "It's just so unfair," I said, "No one ever tells me anything,"

She took a deep breath and sat down beside me, "Keith just wanted to protect you,"

"By hiding the truth," I stated, "Did you know about this?" I asked her.

She nodded her head.

I sighed, "And you know why my parents broke up?"

"Trix,"

"Tell me," I said, "I want to know. You want to be my friend, right? No one tells me anything. Maybe you can be different."

She took a deep breath, "Your mom...she...she had a relationship with someone else while she was still with your dad. Your dad found out and so...you know..."

"No," I said, "No...that just...It can't be,"

"Trix, you were too young back then and your dad didn't want to tell you. He didn't want you to hate your mom."

"Where is she?" I asked, "Do you know?"

"I have no idea," she said, "but I'll try looking at his stuff. Maybe there's something there."

A pause and then, "You'd do that?" I asked.

"Yeah," she said, "I understand your need for the truth,"

"Thanks," I said.

She smiled lightly and took a deep breath, "I'll just...I'll be downstairs," she said, "If you need anything--"

"Yeah, thanks," 

"And Trix," she said, "I'm sorry. I really am."

"Me too," I said, "Me too."