Page 42 of The Sun Sister
‘Okay. Darling Electra?’
‘Yeah?’
‘Do you think it would be a good idea to take a little time out and go and get some help?’
‘I get plenty of help now,’ I sighed. ‘I’ve fired five therapists in the past few months.’
‘That doesn’t sound good at all, but I meant more...formal help.’
‘Like what?’
‘There’s a very good place I know down in Arizona – Floriano’s friend went there and came out a new person. I—’
Despite my head, I sat up and glared at her. ‘Are you trying to suggest I need to go to rehab?’
‘Well, yes. Mariam said you’ve not been...’ – Maia sighed as she tried to find the right words – ‘all that well recently.’
‘Yeah, sure I haven’t! The love of my life announced he was marrying someone else and it’s been plastered all over the media! What was I meant to do? Jump for joy?’
‘You really loved him, didn’t you?’
‘Yeah, I did, but I’ll get over it. It’s just been a bad few weeks, that’s all. And why was Mariam telling tales on me?’
‘She wasn’t, Electra, she cares about you—’
‘She cares about her freaking job! That’s what she cares about!’
‘Darling Electra, please calm down...’
‘Wow!’ I exploded. ‘Boy, do I hate that phrase more than any other! I wonder how many times you guys and Pa and Ma said it to me!’
‘I’m sorry, I’m only trying to help—’
‘Well, don’t. I’m gonna be just fine.’ I nodded fiercely. ‘Just fine. Now, can we talk about something else, please?’
‘We can, Electra, but—’
‘No! I want you to tell me a story like you used to.’
‘Okay...’ Maia looked at me. ‘Which story do you want?’
‘I want your story. I want you to tell me how you met your guy in Rio and fell in love.’
‘Okay...Do you want some coffee before I start?’
‘No, I’m feeling real sick just now. Tell me about you and Floriano – that’s a helluva cute name by the way – and take my mind off my own shit.’ I patted the bed next to me and Maia climbed back on. I nestled my head against her breast, unable to close my eyes because when I did, my head spun, but it was soothing as she began to stroke my hair.
‘Well, I actually met him when I first went up to seeChrist the Redeemer, which, by the way, you should try to do too before you leave, because it is so amazing. He was the tour guide, you see, and...’
I listened to the story and it was just as romantic as any fairy tale.
‘And then you lived happily ever after.’
‘Yes, or at least, I hope we will. I mean, he isn’t a prince and we have very little money, but we’re happy.’
‘And what about the relative Floriano helped you find? Did you meet her?’
‘Yes, I did, but she was very ill and sadly she died not long after we met. At least I feel lucky that I got to spend some time with her.’
