Me:Truth?
Michaela:Always.
Me:My mom called Yael crying, thinks my dad is cheating on her again. These people are in their fifties. WTF? When the hell will they be parents? Why would she throw that on her kid’s shoulders?
Michaela:Oh no. Poor Yael. How is she?
Me:She’s so fucking stoic. I never know with her. I barely speak to my parents, but for some reason, she wants to maintain the relationship.
Michaela:As shitty as they might be, it’s probably scarier for her to imagine herself out in the world with no one to fall back on.
Me:She’s got me and she knows it.
Michaela:I’m sure she knows, but a brother isn’t quite the same. Ansel and I were close, and when our parents were up to shenanigans, we leaned on each other, but I think we both felt like we were flailing somewhat.
Me:You never told me about your parents. I thought you had this ideal, modern family.
Michaela:I’ll tell you more about it in person. Basically, my dad cheated on Astrid with my mom, then cheated on my mom with Astrid. At some point, I think they were all sleeping together? I never got that confirmed. And now my dad sleeps with them both separately.
Me:Whoa. That’s...whoa.
Michaela:Right? Not a very stable life.
Me:No, it’s not. More grownups acting like kids.
Michaela:We’re not going to do that, right?
Me:Nope. We’re fucking not. No matter what, we’re never gonna burden our kids with our bullshit.
Michaela:*kid
Me:What?
Michaela:You said “kids.” I was correcting you. Only one kid between you and me. :)
Me:That fucking smiley face.
Michaela::)
Me:The way I figure it, this baby you’re cooking is gonna be so perfect, no way we’ll stop at just one.
Michaela:Don’t be crazy. You’re 26. No way you are going to want to be tied down with a gaggle of kids.
Me:Did you mention being tied down? Because I’m in…
Michaela:OMG. Goodnight, Moses.
Me:It’s not being tied down if I like it. Goodnight. Sweet dreams.
Me:What city are you in tonight?
Michaela:Somewhere between Dallas and San Antonio.
Me:Ah, you’re on the bus?
Michaela:Yes. I’m in my bunk, which isn’t as comfortable as it used to be.
Me:Shit, are you having trouble sleeping?