Strawberry Rush
I'm missing little Eva and Amber Rae. This weekend they're with their father. You would think I'd enjoy a little rest and relaxation but some parents, such as myself, would rather hear the screaming, fighting, laughing and fussing over which vegetables are better tasting with melted cheese than sit here in this big quiet house alone for two days. I haven't had the energy to enjoy much of anything since our divorce but the twins keep me quite entertained.
Saturday, noon--normally I'd be fighting Eva to comb her hair--her pretty raspberry hair. That's one good trait she did inherit from her father. Amber got his freckles and my dimples. Actually, I'm a bit shocked Raymond didn't bail out on the girls again like he did last weekend. Since it rained, the three of us danced around the house putting on our own concert. Of course, a show is incomplete without Amber's tiny feet prancing around inside my size eight dress shoes--and I bet my shoes are still in her room.
"I don't know how many times I've told Eva to hang up her jacket and put away her toys. I think I'll leave them on the stairs along with her crayons leading all the way to her bedroom."
Mom sits on Eva's bed, smiling and staring over at a sun-lit corner where a large white teddy bear sits. The wind blows softly through an open window, dressed with a light, pink, sheer curtain. Pretty silk bows are tied neatly at each side.
"Looks like Eva forgot her gloss--Amber likes the bubble-gum," she mumbles while thinking. "I remember wearing gloss in high school. I always wore a gloss. I think I still have some in my room, somewhere."
As mom walks down the hall nearing her own bedroom, she stops at a gold framed, hallway mirror and slowly glides a little gloss over her puffy lips while taking in the fruity scent. Blushing, she drops the gloss and buries her face in her palms, grinning.
"Oh my God--this the same flavor I wore on my first date with Raymond." She giggles as her tongue rubs over her bottom lip sampling the inviting, memorable scent that brings her back to her high school days.
"He always complimented my eyes, too," she whispers while walking into her bedroom, searching her closet and pulling out a large tapestry cosmetic bag. Her face stretches to grin while layering coats of black mascara. While observing her transformation, a burst of energy quickly spreads throughout her body. Grabbing her purse, she bolts downstairs and out the door.
"I'm going in today," she whispers. "Normally I would sit here and wait for him to bring the girls out but no more." Leaning into the rear view mirror, she checks her make-up and glides on a little lip gloss--strawberry.
"Mara!" exclaims Raymond, scanning her up and down.
"Hello Raymond," Mara smiles. "Are my girls ready?"
Raymond, still mesmerized by Mara's appearance, is standing with his jaws slightly dropped.
"Raymond, is there something wrong?" Mara asks, looking over his shoulders.
"Mara, you look beautiful," still observing.
"Oh, thanks Ray." Trying not to grin, she fluffs her now cut, auburn and black striped colored hair while flashing her French manicure. The girls run toward the front door calling for their mother. Bending over, "Hey girls, did you have fun with dad this weekend?"
"Mommy, you look so pretty!" The girls smile and run to the car.
"Thanks again, Raymond. I'm glad we were able to work out a schedule for the girls."
"Mara," Raymond pauses, lowering his eyes. "I know we separated over our differences but what's not to say we could try again?" his voice quivers.
"Ray, I think it's best this way. You know it as well as I do. You cannot submit to only one woman and I'm not going through the battle again." I lean in to give Raymond a hug and kiss the corner of his mouth. "I'll always love you but I'm not in love with you," Mara explains.
As she ends her embrace, Raymond gently grabs onto her arms, "Wait," his eyebrows wrinkled. "What is that?"
Lowering her eyes, trying not to grin, "What is what?"
"That flavor--it's familiar," he says, trying to remember.
"I--I have to go. The girls are waiting." She takes Raymond by the hand and places the lip gloss into his palms before walking back to the car and driving off.
Mom and her daughters played in the back yard that evening. The girls made a floral arrangement from the flowers in the garden. They plan to take it to their dad next weekend. Later, after everyone showered, the three watched movies while eating pizza and popcorn--well, Amber did. Eva took the comb to mom's hair over and over, although she wouldn't let anyone comb hers. The butter from her tiny hands helped the comb glide through with ease.
Who would of thought the scent of strawberry lip gloss and a trip down memory lane would help regain life to a once shattered woman.
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