"Family Ties" is Clarice Lispector's short story of family dynamics and the ties which simultaneously draw together and bind too tight.
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Anastasiya grimaced as she fidgeted with her hands.
She was dreading the talk she was scheduled to have with her latest ex-girlfriend in just a few minutes. Anastasiya had—with good intentions—broken up with her last week, but Delaney had sent her a text in the middle of biology, claiming she wanted to talk to her.
So there she was.
She knew the topic of the conversation. Knew what she was here for. Anastasiya just really didn't want to talk to her. She said yes for the sake of being polite. That, and the fact that she still had a soft spot for the girl.
"An," Delaney approached her. Anastasiya glanced up at her from where she was leaning against her car and tilted her head.
She obviously hadn't been sleeping well and Anastasiya wondered why.
Delaney was a five foot seven cheerleader, and a really good one at that. She was known for her captain title and for being outspoken with a lot of strong opinions about most things. Like her dad—who happened to be good friends with Anastasiya's father.
"Delaney."
"I . . . Wow. I don't know what to say? There's a first for everything," she chuckled lamely. Anastasiya couldn't help but to let out a small laugh at that.
Yes, definitely still had a soft spot for this girl.
Delaney sobered up and looked at her.
"Want to sit in the car?" she suggested, nodding at Anastasiya's car. When she saw Anastasiya hesitating, she elaborated. "The heat out here is unbearable."
Anastasiya thought of it, and even though her mind was yelling at her to not do it, she still did. Opening the car, she pointed towards the passenger seat. She sat herself down in the driver's seat.
When they were both seated in the car, she put the air conditioner on and didn't speak after. She didn't really have anything she wanted to say. The mic was in Delaney's hands.
"What have you been up to?" Delaney finally asked, turning to look at her. Anastasiya tried to avoid her face.
Anastasiya moved her shoulder, a weak attempt at shrugging. "Not much, honestly," she went, looking down at the steering wheel. "My parents are getting a divorce."
She turned to Delaney who seemed shocked, almost. Anastasiya could only think of the thoughts going through Delaney's head. Was Anastasiya really sharing this with her? Was she opening up to her, finally? Could she still hope?
"Sorry to hear that. How are you doing now?" Delaney asked, her tone concerned.
Anastasiya shrugged in response and tried not to scoff at the girl sitting beside her. Delaney had never properly liked her parents even if their parents were friends. Delaney didn't say it, but she showed it through several facial expressions and the way her face turned sour whenever the girls talked about them from time to time. Not to mention her slight change of attitude when the two families exchanged visits. Why was she acting like she cared suddenly?
