Even the Chief Communicator Disappoints Her Mother
June, 2014
“Clara, why do you have to wear your hair that way? You know it’s not flattering. Can’t you get a better stylist before you give your next vidview? Or, use those barrettes I gave you. They frame your face so nicely. Really!”
I know my mom means well, but, honestly, I am almost 60 and she is over 80. When does this kind of “helping” end? Seriously? I do what all people with siblings do. I call one.
“Cassie? It’s me. What is up with Mom? She won’t stop hocking me about my hair. It can’t be about my hair…” My sister lives in southern California. I can picture her sitting outside on her reverse-gravity lawn chair, tossing toys at their dogs who dive into the pool to fetch them and bring them back to her, light glittering off the water droplets they shake at her.
“Oy, Clara. The hair thing, again? I’m tracking it: every time you are on a vid and someone says ‘single’ regarding your relationship status, Mom gets on you about your hair. It’s simple math. You plus no one equals criticizing your hair. Find a partner and she thinks your hair looks gorgeous even if you never wash or brush it again!”
“So, according to your theory, I have a Ph.D., I’m the most important Earther in the multiverse according to some, I have a fabulous adult son, I’m practically a senior citizen, and Mom’s upset because I don’t currently have a partner? Cripes!” I can feel my third eye pounding in my forehead, a sure sign I’m on overload and need to rest. “I have to go, Cass. Thanks for the Mom-translation.”
“No problem, Clar. Talk soon.”
After I turn off the phone and put it into the charger, I fling a message and Janis shows up, followed by Diana. “Hi, you two!” I am happy to see them.
“Your mom, again?” asks Diana.
Janis adds, “A direct hit or the hair thing, again?”
“How does everyone but me know the deeper meanings behind my mom’s critiques?” I complain.
I'm glad they're here to comfort me and keep me company. Who needs a partner when I have pairpartner holos as friends?