The Weekly Call, Part 2 of 3

I talk to big sister several times a week. She calls just to say hello or tell me how busy and exhausted she is. Being a mom, I love it, even if it’s boring. I don’t like to talk about her little sister with her too much because I like to focus on her. However, little sister came up in conversation, and something made me say, “Your sister is here in town, isn’t she.” Big sister has never been a liar, and she admitted, “Yes, but I’m sure she’ll come see you.” I was pissed and said I don’t understand why she has to lie and be this way, and why would I need to have someone so disrespectful in my life? She can pass through here and leave me alone.

I’m not sure I meant it, though. I’m sure I was just so disappointed (am so disappointed) in the way she treats me on a regular basis. She doesn’t ask for anything much, really, but she shuts me out so miserably and still lies like she did when she was a teenager. I don’t know what compels her to be that way with me.

Before our first-ever Tuesday call, she texted to confirm that we were still on schedule and to find out if I walk outside or stay in the building at work when I take a personal call. I told her I usually walk outside so I can have privacy and some fresh air. Having not been told of her presence here directly, I had to act like I didn’t know about (a) her employment status and (b) her being home. I also couldn’t let on WHY I knew. I don’t want to interfere with the sister relationship they have—big sister is the only one she tells most of the truth to. But could she be more obvious? I knew she was about to “surprise” me.

So we were talking about who knows what, and she sounded winded. I asked if she was walking her dog or something, and she said as a matter of fact, she was. I asked where (knowing I was getting into some touchy territory), and that’s when she said, “Oh, in your work parking lot.” Being the C-list actress that I am, I said, “Wai—what?” So I crossed to a building a little away from my office in case she was fully pierced, tatted, or bald so no one would see me. (Even though I’m 55, I can still get embarrassed.)

She said, “I see you. Do you see me?” And there she came, with her dog and the old boyfriend whom she can’t seem to get over.

She did look pretty—her hair is grown out and she doesn’t have any new body modifications, and she has lost some weight, which looks good on her. Her outfit was interesting—slightly ripped stockings with denim cutoffs, a cutoff T-shirt, a bandana around her neck, and black steel-toe boots. She explained that she was a little dirty because they’d been camping and she might smell a little. I gave her a giant hug and found that she didn’t smell of being dirty, just of smoking, which is sad for me.

The boyfriend/friend who’s a boy was the picture of grunge. His hair has grown out too (no more black and white Mohawk), and he grew a frizzy chin beard. He had weird punk patchwork jeans on and boots like my daughter. I once really liked this kid, but I’m not so sure anymore. While I wasn’t shocked to see him because I had a hunch she was here to be with him, I was surprised he came along. This was the first time I’d seem my child in a year. But she has a history of bringing a friend to everything—I guess she needs the support and protection or something.

We sat on a curb and talked a little right out in the open. I told her I was still reeling from the shock (not really, but I was continuing my act), but that I was so happy to see her (this was very true). After all the niceties, I got motherly and told her she didn’t have to keep secrets, that being honest with me is a sign of maturity, and then I lectured the boyfriend, telling him a good partner would encourage her to do the right thing. I asked if they were “together,” and they hemmed and hawed and said maybe. I asked how long she was staying (a couple more days), if he was driving home with her (no, he hadn’t thought of that), what he was up to (he quit his good job to make leather doo-dads), and did she plan to move back home (I think so, as I’ve realized that I miss it here so much). After a few more parental lectures and suggestions, I had to go back to work. We pretty much had run out of things to say, especially with him there, so we hugged goodbye and said we’d talk next Tuesday. By then, she’d have driven back by herself.