Caprice decided to break the news the day after Aniello’s transition. There were so many changes taking place in everyone’s life…
Corbin Gray had agreed to move in for the sake of Aniello. He doted on that little boy. Of course, they all saw the way he looked at Allie too…Well, all except Allie. She was either working her weird hours or had her nose in a book.
Plus, little Aniello wasn’t so little anymore. He was starting school today, and was so excited. Aniello was growing up, and didn’t need a 24/7 babysitter anymore.
Even her own mother was moving on. Bianca had taken up yoga and meditation again and could usually be found doing practice in her room or the front yard. The heavy weight of their father’s death seemed to have left her, and Bianca seemed truly happy once more.
Everyone had their thing but her, and she was starting to feel like a bum. She wasn’t even working on her art anymore, which had been the whole plan in moving back home in the first place. It was time to make some changes of her own. She also knew, if she didn’t try out a little bit of life on her terms now, once she was married to Tank she never would.
“Mom, Allie…there’s something I want to tell you,” she began.
“You and Tank are moving up the wedding date?” Bianca asked, a look of eager anticipation filling her face.
“No, Mom. I told you. Next year, maybe.” Caprice took a deep breath. “I’m taking the job at Graphx. I’m moving to Blackwater. Tank’s not going with me. I’m moving in on my own – not with Phebe – just me.” She took another deep breath and waited for the arguments to come.
“That’s nice dear,” said Bianca.
“You’re going to love it!” said Allie. “There’s so much to do in Blackwater – you’ll have a great time. Good for you.”
“You’re not…you’re not mad?” Caprice stammered.
Bianca tilted her head to one side, a quizzical look on her face. “Why would we be mad, sweetie?”
“Caprice, you’re all grown up now,” said Allie. “This is a good thing. You can’t figure out what you want if you don’t get out there and try some new things. And really, our family’s not exactly traditional, now is it?”
The three women laughed as Aniello looked around, confused. “What’s so funny?” he asked, and the three women only laughed harder.