I run my hands down my face. I need to stop being such a Debbie downer. It’s not like it was all bad. I had the most incredible nannies growing up. There were a couple who rotated in and out of my life. A few were even from the Dominican Republic.
Their presence in my life was immeasurable. Some of my fondest memories include practicing speaking Spanish with them growing up. Or learning little old-school Dominican tricks for taking proper care of my curls. From using pure cinnamon in my conditioner to help with hair regrowth after learning the hard way the dangers of heating tools, to creating my own little concoctions with rosemary and other natural ingredients to use every few weeks to keep my hair healthy and shiny.
And while I did study Spanish in high school and college, nothing could compare to the speed and complexity of Dominican Spanish. I find myself laughing when I’m home alone, recollecting words that aren’t in the Spanish dictionary but are a staple in my friends’ vocabulary.
Speaking of my friends.
LUISA:
Proof of life check-in before your brother calls in the Navy SEALs.
ISABELLA:
Leave the girl alone. She’s probably having hot lumberjack sex.
LUISA:
Nick read that over my shoulder and now I think he’s going to fly his plane himself. Hold, please. I need to make sure I’m on the life insurance policy.
I blush fiercely as I answer, knowing my brother will probably sneak his way into reading my response.
DAISY:
I am alive. No need to send in the SEALs. And no lumberjacks have been defiled. Currently cooking up a storm.
I attach a picture of the boiling soup, and in seconds my phone starts lighting up.
LUISA:
Don’t give your brother another reason to want to crash your mountain getaway. Damn, that looks good.
LUISA:
Also, hi. Nice to hear from you. How are you feeling?
ISABELLA:
Tell Luke I’m ready to wife you up, because dayummm.
ISABELLA:
Oh wow, now I look like the asshole for not asking how she’s doing first. Thanks, Luisa.
ISABELLA:
Just kidding!! How are you, Daisy? Any word from your ex?
I don’t really want to get into it all but figure it’s easier to send a voice memo to bring them up to speed. I mention my father’s text, how I blocked him, and how Damien and his camp have been radio silent. I leave out anything that has to do with Luke, because I know they’d notice the change in my tone.
I’m a lie detector’s wet dream because I can’t lie for shit.
As expected, their support starts pouring through the group chat. I never had friends like this growing up, so it’s still taking some getting used to. It’s strange having people in my life who actually care about me instead of the last name I was born with.
I promise to keep them in the loop and to send more food and nature pictures while I’m here, then put my phone away.
I notice that it’s been a while since I last saw Luke. He headed outside in what looked like a bit of a hurry when I tried to playfully show off the outfit he got for me.
Or maybe he has better things to do than babysit me.
