Page 2 of Firecracker

Taking a deep breath, I reply back in a calm but loud voice, “I’m in the kitchen where you left me just a couple minutes ago. If you want to talk to me, come here and stop yelling, please.”

We’ve been living with my aunt Giselle, for the last few months. I grew up here, and it was the only place I knew I could come to and feel safe. I’ve been over this marriage for a couple years now but never had an out. Brody isn’t going to let me leave him so easily and he sure as shit isn’t going to be happy when he’s served divorce papers.

“Mama, what’s wrong?” I look up to see my beautiful baby girl looking at me with concern while holding her Princess Aurora doll.

“Mommy was on the phone with work stuff. Nothing to worry your little head about.” I put on a fake smile.

“K, Mama.”

“What did you need?” I ask.

“Mama, can you come help me?” she asks, moving her doll from one arm to the other.

When I see she’s still not smiling, I bend down in front of her and ask, “What’s wrong, bug?”

I reach both hands out to her tiny little waist while looking into her sky blue eyes and I smile. One thing Brody did give me is this beautiful baby girl. My Isabella, who was named after my best friend and her Godmother.

When she extends one hand up to my cheek, she smiles back. “Come play with me.” Moments like this makes everything worth it. Her touch. Her smile. Priceless.

“Bella baby, I can’t right this minute, but once I get dinner started, I’ll come play with you, I promise.”

“Promise?” she whines.

Smiling back at her, I reply, “Yes, my little bug, I promise.”

I lean in to kiss her forehead before giving her a big hug and squeeze that makes her giggle.

“Ok, Mama.”

Once I know Bella is out of ear’s reach, I dial the only person I can count on no matter what.

When I hear my best friend scream, “Ruby Rube!” I let out a deep breath and smile. God, I love this woman. No matter how much time has passed between us, we’re always linked like soul sisters.

“Ruby? Are you okay?” Concern is etched in her voice.

I try not to cry, but my voice comes out shaky. “Iz, I need you.”

I hear shuffling of the phone. “Fuck! Are you okay? Oh, my God, is Bella okay? Where are you? What happened?”

I let out a sniffle and take a deep breath. “I... umm. I-”

Izzy cuts me off sounding upset. “Rube, you’re freaking me out. Let me cancel-”

“NO!” I shout out.

I’m not one to ask for help. Shit, she doesn’t even know I moved out or that I’m serving Brody with divorce papers. Izzy is a big-time DJ in New York, and lately, she has been dealing with so much of her own life drama that I didn’t want to bother her. She is over dramatic and would have flown home, but I needed to do this on my own. Until now.

Izzy yells at someone, “It’s my best friend, Ruby from back home. Give me a minute.”

I stand up straight, push my shoulders back and with confidence say, “I left Brody, and I’m asking for a divorce. He’s coming home in a couple weeks and will be served divorce papers. He only has a week or two before heading out again to meet the band in Texas. He will want to see Bella, but I need to be gone. I need to…” My voice cracks in anguish.

“I’ll book your flight tonight. Just tell me when and you can come here. I got you, girl. Holy shit! You finally did it! I am so proud of you,” Izzy says calmly.

Her words hit me like a punch to the stomach, unleashing the dam of tears. I should have told her sooner. It might have made things easier.

“I’m so sorry I didn’t call or tell you. I just didn’t want to bother you. You were on your Europe tour and then all the stuff that has been happing to you. I just thought I would be bothering you,” I ramble.

Izzy’s voice raises, “Rube, soul sisters for life, remember. No matter where I am in life, I will always be here for you. I love you and fuck yes, I’m mad at you, but I’m even more proud of you. I knew you would come around. We can talk about the details when we see each other but just know I’m here for you.”

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