Chapter 6 - The birthday gift
The gift Presley threw into the pool came from Maribel’s best friend.
Inside:
A handmade scrapbook.
Not expensive.
Photographs of the girls.
Drawings.
Movie ticket stubs.
A friendship bracelet.
The water destroyed much of it.
That affected Maribel more than the shove.
She cried when we dried pages on towels.
Presley later sent an apology by text through her mother.
I’m sorry I threw it and pushed you.
Then:
I was mad because you always act like the house is yours.
Camille deleted nothing.
She sent the message to me and Delphine.
I replied only:
Thank you. Maribel will decide if and when she wants to respond.
No demand for a more emotional apology.
Then Maribel asked:
“Is the house mine?”
Interesting question.
“No.”
She looked surprised.
“It’s yours?”
“Yes.”
“Then why does Presley say mine?”
“Because someday you might inherit part of my estate, but that is not the same as owning this house now.”
“Does Delphine own it?”
“No.”
“Does she live here?”
“Yes.”
“Can people live somewhere and not own it?”
“Yes.”
She thought.
“Like hotel?”
“Not exactly.”
Good enough.
Then:
“Can she make me leave?”
May you like
“No.”
That answer I could give clearly.
