The Cub in the Water

EMPTY THREATS

The weekend went by and with it a series of long-short conversations about the whole situation that had just been revealed. They were all basically along the same lines. I think talking about the same things over and over became part of my dad's processing mechanism.

Every single conversation led to the same conclusions. The whole thing couldn't be kept as a secret anymore, my dad wanted to talk to my mom, and I didn't want to continue living in situations that meant not having any stability in my life whatsoever. My dad felt strongly about that too, "You have had enough of this nonsense," he said time and time again.

After a whole lot of talking, we realized there was only one thing to do, "I honestly think that the best thing to do is for you to move to Queretaro with us," my dad continually insisted.

I said nothing.

"I know you cannot picture yourself elsewhere because you've been going to the same school since you were four, you've always been surrounded by the same people, and you've built your life around the same places. Changes sometimes can be good, you know? And in this case, I think getting away from your mom and all her crap will bring good things into your life. We don't know when she's coming back or if she's coming back at all, and if she does, how long will it be until she picks up everything again and leaves you behind?"

I knew he was right. I still said nothing. It was a lot to process. I just looked at him.

"I know you're scared. Coming with us implies a lot of changes, leaving your school, your friends, your city, your mom. But I promise you, things will be better. You'll be safe, you'll be healthy, you'll be peaceful, you'll be loved. Your siblings adore you! They love having you around and they wish for you to be closer. They are always asking about you, wanting to talk to you, and wanting to see you. As for me, I would like nothing more than for you to come live with us. It would be like a dream come true. Trust me, you'll find that Queretaro is an awesome place to live in, without pollution, without traffic and with the nicest people you'll ever encounter. Jason and Jules have been living there for me for a while now and they are very happy."

I knew he was right. The best thing for me was to go with him and put some serious distance between me and my mom. I needed to be away from all the things and situations that had made me feel hopeless, unpeaceful, afraid, lost and dark. Of course, the whole idea of me leaving made me feel somehow uneasy, and a little scared. I mean, it was a big change, and I knew dealing with my mom's reaction about it wasn't going to be easy, but my heart felt it was right. My gut told me it was the best decision I could make.

"What about Mildred?" I asked with true concern.

"Don't worry about that. I'll talk to her and make her understand the whole situation. I promise."

"Okay."

"Is that a yes?" My dad asked excitedly.

"Yes, that's a yes. I'll go with you to Queretaro."

"Oh, man! This is great! It will be great! I promise. It's decided then. After the school year is over, you will come live with us. We must start doing the whole school process now, though."

"I understand."

"Great things will come out of this, you'll see."

'God, I can't wait to have great things coming at me. I hope he's right,' I thought. "Who's breaking the big news?"

"To your mom, you mean?"

"Yeap."

He exhaled deeply as a sign that he knew exactly everything that telling her implied and exactly what was in store after the revelation, "This one is on me. You don't have to get involved in any of it. Just be prepared. Because something tells me that after I'm done talking to her, she'll immediately charge against you."