That was classic Fran DeLuca.
Hard-core nag and guilt-tripper extraordinaire. I cursed the gods every day for making me an only child. She gave me all of her attention. Sure, it had been great when I was a little kid, but now? Not so much.
When my father left, I knew she’d be up my ass. That’s one of the reasons I decided to join the army. I wanted to get away from everything, including her attention. I couldn’t imagine if I ended up in jail—she’d probably visit every day to yell at me.
“Can you be any more dramatic?” I shifted my eyes, glancing at her.
“I saw the names of the soldiers killed in action as I watched the news each night. Do you know what that does to a mother?” Her voice was almost shrill.
“I’m sure you’re gonna tell me.”
“You’re lucky I love you,” she said as she stared out the window again.
“Uh-huh,” I replied as I pulled onto the freeway exit, getting one step closer to the Gallos.
This entire week, my mother would be out of my hair. She’d be too wrapped up in her brother and sister-in-law to care about what I did.
The rest of the way, we drove in silence.
“You have arrived,” the robotic GPS voice stated.
“I remember it being bigger,” I said as I took in the sight of their house.
“It’s the same, but you were small.”
“I was never small.” I put the car in park.
“You’re so full of shit, Morgan. Let’s go. I can’t sit here another minute.” She opened the door and climbed out quicker than I’d seen her move in years.
Turning off the car, I started to pray as I climbed out. “God grant me the serenity.”
“Franny!” Aunt Mar yelled as she came running out the front door with her arms outstretched. Uncle Sal strolled behind her like his usual cool self, looking like it was just another day and he was heading to the grocery store.
“Mar!” Ma yelled back, jogging toward her.
It was going to be one of those weeks. Loud, loving, and sweet enough to make my teeth hurt. I leaned against the car with my arms crossed and watched the scene unfold.
I couldn’t remember the last time I’d seen my mother as happy as she looked in that moment.
One by one, my cousins piled out of the house, but a few new faces followed them.
“Yo!” Mike called out as he stalked down the driveway toward me.
The boy had grown into a man. He was beyond jarhead size; the man was built like a brick shithouse. Then I spotted a drop-dead gorgeous brunette standing next to him.
“Hey, shithead,” I replied as he got closer. “Lookin’ bigger than ever.”
“Fuck off, dickface. Gimme a hug, big man,” he said as he held out his arms to me.
I rolled my eyes as he put his arms around me. “You people are way too touchy-feely for me,” I muttered as he smashed my body.
Mr. Ray DeLuca hadn’t been a hugger. My mother showered love on me, but rarely did I ever experience it from another man. Only when we visited Ma’s side of the family did I realize I’d missed out.
“You’re such a whiny bitch, Morgan.”
“I’ve heard you’ve turned into quite the pussy.” I jabbed him in the ribs.
“Was that a fly or did you hit me?” he asked as he backed away, holding my shoulders and laughing. “It’s so good to see you, li’l cousin.”
