So We Can Glow - Stories - Leesa Cross-Smith Page 0,44

cool livin’ water in my collarbone cups.

Get Faye & Birdie

To: Birdie Taylor-Boone

From: Faye Taylor

Date: September 13, 2020, 9:02 a.m.

Subject: MENARETRASH

Bird,

Hi baby! When you were little and would ask, I liked to tell you that your first word was MENARETRASH and you’d roll your eyes and say, Mama that’s three words not one, because you’re a cute little smart ass. You’re a cute little smart ass because I raised you like that. And not to brag, but I did a really good job. Agreed? I’m saying this because back when I swore off men, I kept hearing your baby voice saying MENARETRASH.

Also, it’s too quiet here without you.

I know how much you hate talking on the phone, so I email you when I want to talk. I still want to hear your voice at least every other week. FaceTiming your mom a couple times a month isn’t too much to ask! I’ll kick the guilt into overdrive if necessary. You know I will! Also, forgive me when my emails are overly sentimental, which will be every time. It’s what mamas do. I miss you! Can’t believe you’re in college already. Tell me all about forensics please! I want to know everything!

The art show is next week and I’m almost ready. By almost ready I mean I still have a ton of earrings and necklaces to make, but your Auntie Kim helps and she’s such good company. She sends her love, always. She can’t believe you’re so grown up either! I don’t know how I would’ve made it without her throwing her arms around me like a sister back when I was pregnant with you. Women can be so good about taking care of each other, it makes me want to cry every day!

So, tell me how you and Alayna are! How long has it been since I’ve told you how much I love that you don’t have to deal with men? You’re my perfect daughter. I can’t wait until you two come home next month for fall break and we can make lasagna and watch Mamma Mia! The girl in the movie could’ve been you looking for her daddy like that! You know I’m kidding, but it’s funny because it’s true!

I love you so much. More than you’ll ever know. I’ve loved you hard and crazy since the moment I peed on that stick. I peed on four sticks to make extra sure! Write soon please. Don’t break your mama’s heart.

Lovelove you,

Your Mama

* * *

To: Faye Taylor

From: Birdie Taylor-Boone

Date: September 13, 2020, 11:45 p.m.

Subject: Re: MENARETRASH

Hi Mama,

I don’t take real forensic courses until sophomore year. This year is mostly chem and bio. Junior year I get to take forensic chem and lab. The actual fun stuff. I’ll keep you posted, but you have to admit how your eyes glaze over once I start talking science. Remember when you literally fell asleep on me that time I was talking about fluorescent powders??? I just started laughing so hard I had to stop typing for a second. My roommate is going to think I’m nuts more than she already does! LOL.

Of course I will FaceTime you soon. I’m okay with talking on the phone sometimes and I love texting…so text me too! But, I do think it’s sweet we can write to each other like this. I miss you!

You know how chill and happy Alayna and I are together. We want to get married after we graduate. I’m thinking of taking her name. How’s Birdie Valentino sound? But yeah, we have plenty of time to talk about that. We’re not rushing anything. And I’m glad you’re not worried about us being too serious too fast anymore. Our relationship is the same level of comfy and sweet it’s always been. I’m lucky! Please don’t hate on high school sweethearts just because of Jack Boone.

Wow, Jack Boone. Feels kind of crazy writing his name in an email…but whenever I think about him now, I let myself…without trying to stop it. And something else. Over the summer…Uncle Coot told me that the man who killed Jack died in prison. I didn’t say anything to you about it back then because I knew you might not feel like discussing it. Is it okay to talk about? Do you want to talk about it?

And as much as I know you’d LOVE to take credit for my lesbianism, I’m sorry (not sorry) to say again that it wasn’t the MENARETRASH thing that did it. I know you’re half-kidding when