Chapter 9 - CELESTE ASKS FOR FORGIVENESSLucy was sixteen when Celeste requested a meeting.
She had completed legal consequences, treatment and years of restricted contact.
Lucy agreed.
Not because Adrian suggested it.
He didn't.
The meeting happened in a therapist's office.
Celeste looked older.
No white dress.
No performance.
She began:
“I used Isla as an excuse to hurt you.”
Lucy stared.
Good start.
“I was jealous of a child.”
Silence.
“I wanted your father to build a new family around me.”
Lucy asked:
“Did you want me gone?”
Celeste cried.
“Yes.”
Adrian watched through permitted observation from another room.
Lucy continued.
“Did you hate me?”
Celeste thought carefully.
“I hated what I believed you represented.”
“What?”
“Rachel. The house. Money. A life that existed before me.”
Lucy nodded.
“So you hated things that weren't my fault.”
“Yes.”
“That's stupid.”
Celeste almost laughed.
“Yes.”
Then:
“I am sorry.”
Lucy didn't hug her.
She didn't say she forgave her.
She answered:
“I believe you're sorry.”
Celeste waited.
“And?”
Lucy looked confused.
“And what?”
May you like
That was the lesson.
An apology did not automatically purchase a relationship.
