Chapter 8 - VANESSA ASKS TO SEE HERYears passed.
Vanessa completed legal consequences, counseling and restitution-related obligations.
She requested contact.
Lily was thirteen.
Ethan said:
“Your choice.”
Lily asked:
“Do you want me to?”
“No.”
“Do you hate her?”
Ethan thought.
“No.”
“Then why no?”
“Because my feelings aren't your responsibility.”
Lily smiled.
“Therapy words.”
“Expensive therapy words.”
She laughed.
Lily chose not to meet Vanessa.
At sixteen, she reconsidered.
One supervised meeting.
Vanessa looked older.
No gold dress.
No sunglasses.
She said:
“I treated you like you were in the way.”
Lily stared.
“Why?”
“Because I wanted your father to have a life that didn't include his past.”
“My mom?”
“Yes.”
“And me.”
Vanessa cried.
“Yes.”
Lily didn't comfort her.
Good.
Vanessa continued:
“I also wanted influence over money that wasn't mine.”
Lily appreciated the directness.
Then:
“I am sorry.”
Lily replied:
“I believe you.”
Vanessa looked hopeful.
Lily continued:
“I don't want a relationship.”
Hope disappeared.
But Vanessa nodded.
“I understand.”
May you like
That was the first respectful thing she ever gave Lily.
Acceptance of no.
