This is getting personal!
But that is what Substack is for, right?
Ok. Lets rewind. We will give some basis and background for this story - assuming some of you don't know the innate inner workings of my psyche.
I was born on August 17, 1986. Never have I met a more “Leo”, Leo, than me. I define the astrological sign.
I am loyal to a flaw. I am also an extreme empath. But after my legal battle the last four years i’ve become more of a skeptic. I have become less trusting. I have more walks up. My inner circle has remained the same since childhood, but I am very eery of anyone knew trying to enter my sphere.
Last March I receive a manic like message from a young woman, let’s call her Lucy. Lucy and I have never met but we share some sad commonalities. We both have family members plagued with Alzheimer's disease.
Lucy asks if I would consider co chairing an event with her to raise money for a charity that helps families and caregivers affected with alzheimer’s disease. I was hesitant. My husband urged me to do it. Sidebar my instinct never fails and my husband is annoyingly friendly - next time i’ll trust myself instead.
I agree to meet with the team and speak at the event. My first time ever publicly sharing my dad’s diagnosis. I am pleased with the event - we raise money for a good cause and that is that.
Lucy is relentless about entering my life. My husband keeps telling me I should be open minded because she has had less than me as far as “parenting” goes. I dont look at it that way but I'm trying to be nice.
Lucy starts welcoming herself into my home - my sisters home - acting the way actual family members do. Eating from my sisters fridge like she is our third sister, parking herself on my sisters couch, and even saying “i’m just going to stay here and work”.. when we are clearly giving signals we are leaving.
Ive never quite experienced someone like Lucy in my life. She is ten years younger than me but that is not what I equate the personality difference to. I still can’t put my finger on it.
If tou’ve been following the ridiculous saga that is sometimes “my life” you may remember that my childhood best friend thought it was “no big deal” to attend a few boozy brunches at Bibloquet with Jessica R & Marleny - aka Tanya’s “people.” I was less than amused. But you are talking about my best friend since I am one years old - makes it worse but also more complicated. Not only is she my best friend - she is my best family friend, too. Her little sister is like my little sister, in fact, i’m attending her wedding in November where she is marrying my Childhood friend, because, I set them up!
One step closer to heaven, amen.
My point being - I can’t drop her like it’s hot - although I did give her a nice lecture on friendship. We are 38 for gds sake. What the actual FUCK.
But LUCY is worse if you ask me.
A friend of mine familiar with Lucy and my friendship described it as “love bombing”. I thought love bombing was reserved for romantic relationships, turns out I was wrong.
Lucy did love bomb me. She walked around at an event four weeks ago introducing me to people as her “older sister” - and she slept on my couch that night. I should note - I don't let ANYONE sleep over. I don’t like people in my personal space for too long. Anyway, my dearest husband said “Emily be nice it’s not a big deal”
INSERT the biggest fucking eye roll on planet earth, Emily never listen to him again!
Lucy sleeps over, no big deal, plays with my kid in the morning, and is gone by the time I return back home in the afternoon- a blessing.
But Lucy and I have a conversation maybe 3 weeks ago about someone she is involved with - who makes me very uncomfortable. This person has become fast and furious friends with my arch enemy - and I sense the gravity of the situation (to Me) is not tracking with my new found “younger sister”.
i explain. Mike explains.
If you want to be in our life and around us and our most PRECIOUS child - you cannot be around people who actively try and ruin our lives.
seems simple right?
I thought so!
A few weeks go by and Lucy and I see not talking much - I needed a break so i’m more than happy with this. Then - as if gd doesn't have enough jokes for me - we pass each other this Saturday afternoon while I'm on my way to pee…
Now, pregnant women on their way to pee, not the best time.
I avoid the run in but she embraces it and gives me the normal over the top “OMG HI! I’m so happy for you guys” blah blah blah.
I fake it bc your girl has got to pee and it's the holiest time of the year!
That is until yesterday- when my ACTUAL SISTER CALLS ME - and says Emily you need to see what Lucy just posted in her story! I actually wish I didn’t because my blood was actually boiling and my heart was POUNDING. Lucy posted a sweet video in the CAR, after attending a “Jewish event” with none other than - YES YOU ALREADY KNOW - TANYA!
I am speechless and you know that takes a LOT FOR ME!
I wish I could paint the image for you of this woman on my couch - eating cereal my husband so kindly prepare for her - playing with my kid before school - fast forward three weeks later - BOOM!
what else can I say!?
Happy frikkin new year to me!
Till next time!
Xx
Em