It Came Undone

The nineties were confusing.  Not for me, but the decade itself.  The cultural scene was tripping; Ginas, Ginos, Rappers, Preps, Rockers, Nerds, and those kids with the skateboards who didn’t fit in anywhere, they were Alternative. Fashion took a down turn.  Coming off of the Eighties, that’s saying something.  Kris Kross started a trend still evident today. Though wearing shirts in reverse never took off, wearing baggy jeans down low did. 

Balloons were still tasteful at parties like Ana’s Sweet Sixteen.  Typical in its grandiose way, the scent of shrimp, chicken, beef and potatoes seduced the air around us.  Crammed with people, the party was loud, social and fun.  This is where I met Ana’s cousin, Nico.

At fourteen, Nico was two years my junior. He was tall, dark and handsome.  His looks easily masked his Portuguese ethnicity. With innumerable interests in common, he and I spent the night talking.   

The following Monday Ana told me Nico had a crush on me.  Although flattered, I wasn’t interested in Nico in that way.

Two summers later the social talk was prom.  I didn’t want a date, I didn’t need one - I wasn’t going.  As the day inched closer I decided I felt like dancing and changed my mind.  Immediately Ana asked, ‘Why don’t you go with Nico?  He still likes you.’  Nico was fun, sure, why not? 

Two years later Nico and I began dating.  I told Mary and the family.  Aries wrote me a note.  She felt hurt by the situation but reasoned herself through to feeling happy for me.  She was afraid I wouldn’t have time for her.  Of course I would.  I’d stop the earth’s rotation for her.  Giving up time with Mary, David and Aries was not an option, whether Nico liked it or not.  Mary was interested in meeting him so I brought him around.  He got along with everyone.  He knew how important Aries was to me so he paid her special mind, it made her happy, it made me happy.

Romantic and pleasing, Nico took me out to dinner for our four-month anniversary. He told me he loved me. 

A week later, sitting in a booth at a Pizza Hut with Ana and my sister, I told them I ended my relationship with Nico.  I know; it seems like a ‘black-widow’ thing to do.  How could I dump the guy who’s just told me he loved me?  What’s worse?  He had been in love with me not for four months, but four years.  I’m not heartless.  It was a difficult thing to do and just as difficult to retell.  The truth was, in the time Nico and I dated my feelings for him never developed past friendship, I had to end it.

Four years later, confused and sad about Aries and the family, I called Nico and invited him out for a coffee.  Kind to accept my invitation, he listened attentively to my story.  His calm demeanour and soft brown eyes were comforting.  Bringing his coffee to his lips, he paused and asked, ‘Well you know how the rumour got to your mother, don’t you?’ His steady gaze fixed on me.  ‘No.’ I replied, now curious at a looming theory.  He took a sip, placed his drink down and said, ‘My mom told her.’

What?  This made no sense. ‘How did your mom know about the rumour?’ It was all very fantastic to me.  I was intrigued.  Nico watched me, confidently, he stated, ‘I told her.’

When I ended my relationship with Nico, he went to the people he knew I was closest to, looking for advice; Goliath.  Dick took this opportunity to expand his notions.  Nico went home, told his mother what Dick had said, his mother told mine, and four years later a letter was issued by someone privy to the information.

Without seeking, I found. 

The loose string, now pulled, unravelled the knit blanket with its many holes that was Mary and her family.  Warm at first, it could never withstand the pull of truth, or a cold night.

Goliath's formless ways would chase me in the world-between.

Are you still walking with me?  There’s a bend up the road, night has fallen, it’s about to get dark. 

Any questions?

Continued on Sunday July 3^rd   2011

Until then, I remain yours,

Lesley

Hallelujah Heartist