Chapter 9 - VANESSA’S APOLOGYVanessa asked for a meeting four years later.
Eleanor almost refused.
Then curiosity won.
Vanessa arrived without expensive jewelry.
Not because she had become poor.
Because she finally understood costume didn’t help.
“I was cruel to you.”
Eleanor nodded.
“I thought Michael’s fear justified mine.”
Another nod.
“I told myself you were withholding what belonged to us.”
Eleanor interrupted.
“Nothing belonged to you.”
Vanessa swallowed.
“I know.”
Better.
Then:
“I cut your hair because I wanted you to feel powerless.”
Eleanor’s expression changed.
Finally.
No refinancing excuse.
No Michael excuse.
No financial panic.
The actual act named accurately.
Vanessa asked:
“Do you forgive me?”
Eleanor thought.
“I don’t know.”
Vanessa looked disappointed.
Eleanor continued.
“But I believe you understand what you did.”
That was all she could offer.
May you like
Vanessa accepted it.
For once.
