Down to the Bone

Rick is an eighteen-year-old Marlena met at her uncle Marco’s house two years ago. He lives in Puerto Rico all year round with his dad. He visits his mom and Marlena whenever he can take off a week or two from work, and on holidays. Marlena has to act like she’s into him so her family doesn’t get suspicious. That stings. Her uncle Marco, Marlena’s father, Rick’s father and grandfather are close friends. They want Marlena and Rick to get married one day. Just my luck!

If I want to stay with Marlena, I pretty much have to accept the Rick situation. I could easily rant against her having him as a boyfriend, but that will only destroy our bond. There’s no way Rick can compare to the powerful feelings she and I have for one another. Alternating people like that, though, always shuttling between two perspectives, is something I’m glad is in my past. In some strange way, I’m thankful I don’t have to go on lying anymore about my “boyfriend.”

I walk to the mailbox a few blocks away, grab a pen and paper from inside my shoulder bag, and write Pedri a note:

Hi, Little Punk. I love you more than all the raindrops that have ever fallen on earth. Don’t worry about me. I’ll be okay. I want you to be a little man and behave. Don’t get into trouble. I miss you SO much, Pedri. I’ll call you every day.
Ten kissies on the tip of your nose. I love you, love you, love you!

Your big sis,
Shyly.

It sucks to not have my phone anymore.

I run to the nearest drugstore and buy envelopes and stamps, something I’ve never done in all my life. I kiss the envelope and throw the letter in the mailbox.
I bolt into a jog with Neruda on a leash. Fast red cars zoom around like flying candy. Billboards selling perfume, silicone breasts and jewelry are everywhere.