Dear Diary

As told by Carly Armani-Versace

Dear Diary,
Things are going pretty topsy-turvy lately, at our new house. It’s very large and by the beach. My mother Ella was a little upset to be selling the house my grandparents built, especially after we added the guest apartment out by the pool. The only problem with our “perfect” house was the bugs and flies that flew around everywhere. And nobody knew Uncle Edmund was allergic, not even my uncle himself. He grew more and more sick until one day, while he was on the patio, the flies swarmed around him and it killed him. This was all two days before my birthday, too.

When my birthday came, we didn’t even have cake because everyone (including me) was too depressed. My mother apologized to me several times and said we’d have a big party the following week, but I told her it was okay. I knew no one was up to it. So my first year of being a teenager was passed up. I’m secretly glad, Diary, because having a party is one of my greatest fears.

Unfortunately, becoming a teenager gives you a lot of new responsibilities.

My Aunt Lorraine hadn’t really spoken in a few days. One evening she told us that she’d be moving out and renting her own loft. She was just too sad here, and didn’t want any of us to take it personally. My cousin Jacob, however, told her he would stay here, with us. Aunt Lorraine protested and quietly scolded Jacob, but my father insisted that Jacob should stay and be cared for until he was of age. Aunt Lorraine gave in reluctantly and headed for her taxi after saying goodbye.

Aunt Lorraine’s loft is a few blocks away, and it’s very pretty. We all wish she would come back.

Jacob and I had a plan for his mother to move back in with us. It was brilliant! We told my mother to call Aunt Lorraine and invite her over to our house.

My mother has called her countless times in desperation for her to move back. She always says that she’s better off alone, tending her ponds and garden. Aunt Lorraine did finally agree to come over for dinner.

She and mother had a good laugh about the funny things Uncle Edmund did, like when he sang while taking a shower. “Lorraine, we really would love for you to move back. Jacob does, too, although he won’t admit it. Don’t you remember when my parents died? These things happen.” But Aunt Lorraine repeated what she’d always say. “I just need some time alone, Ella. When I’m ready.” And she said she wanted to go home.

I was really upset that our plan didn’t work. My father Owen explained that it’s really hard for Aunt Lorraine to get used to this. “She knows we love her and that we always will,” he explained. “When she decides to come back, we’ll be ready for her. These things take time.”

Oh, what a week it’s been, Diary. I really miss Aunt Lorraine and, even more, Uncle Edmund. But, as Daddy said, she’ll come back because she knows we love her.
–Carly