The Keys to my Diary ~ Fern

Tuesday, August 4

I spent all weekend working and attempting to console Marina. Frank hadn't cheated on her this time, which was a relief. He had found some of her texts with Brian, her ex-boyfriend, though. Frank had been furious with her and kicked her out of the house. I am waiting to see how this all plays out before bringing it up, but I'm pretty sure he can't do that. That house is half hers, and I won't let her give it up without a fight, if it ever comes to that.

I am curious to know how he thinks it's okay for him to screw around with other women, but Marina is not allowed to text another man. I bit my tongue to keep from commenting on it because I knew that Marina was just seeking unconditional acceptance and a sounding board, not my opinionated advice.

Marina said that she had been ready to leave Frank and move home to Arkansas on more than one occasion. Once, she even went so far as to pack some of her meager belongings in her car and head north on U.S. 1. She had turned her car around, sobbing, and went home to get unpacked before Frank came home.

Her lip quivered and tears welled in her eyes when she told me, "I love him, Fern." What could I possibly say to that? Love is blind, I guess. I didn't say that, but I sure thought it with vehemence. Instead, I hugged her with watery eyes of my own and told her it would be okay. I sure as heck hope it is okay. That twit, Frank, does not deserve her. If he hurts her again, I will not be held responsible for my actions.

It's not that I want her to leave. The selfish side of me wants her to stay with Frank because that keeps her in the Keys. If she ends up moving back to Arkansas, I'll miss her terribly. It would leave a huge hole in my life to not have Marina close by. I am confident that we will always be friends, but we wouldn't be able to have the kind of close-knit relationship that we enjoy now, if she was that far away.

By Sunday night, Frank was calling Marina and begging her to come home. He said he loved her, that he would treat her better, and that he was sorry. He said all the right things. I didn't believe one word of it, but she fell for it all. She's so smart about most things. I can't believe how naïve she is about all things Frank.

She went running back to him. Now, they are going to live 'happily ever after.' Yeah, right. I wish that could be true for Marina's sake, but I can't help wondering how long Frank will be able to keep it in his pants this time around. I am getting rather pessimistic in my old age. Actually, realistic is more like it, but I hope I'm wrong. It would be fantastic if they really were able to refresh their feelings for each other and start anew. I guess there's still a tiny dash of romantic fool thrown in with all of my skepticism. Time will tell which of the warring factions within me was right.

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