Chapter 21 - Sloane Apologizes
Ten months after the birthday, Sloane asked to meet Annelise.
Annelise was eight.
Sloane thirteen.
No pressure.
Dr. Benton asked Annelise:
“Do you want to?”
“Maybe.”
“What would make maybe yes?”
“No Lenora.”
Reasonable.
“No presents.”
Interesting.
“Why?”
“Because then she says things.”
There.
We arranged neutral meeting at an art studio.
Peter brought Sloane.
Rachel brought Annelise.
I stayed nearby but not in room initially.
The girls painted.
Then Sloane said:
“I’m sorry I pushed you.”
Annelise did not answer immediately.
Sloane continued:
“I thought your dad took money from us.”
“He didn’t.”
“I know.”
“You said presents mine money.”
“I know.”
“Why?”
Sloane’s eyes filled.
“Mom said Uncle Gideon was keeping what Dad wanted us to have.”
“Dad says money not same.”
Sloane laughed sadly.
“My dad says that too now.”
Peter.
Good.
Then:
“I was mad because everyone was happy for you.”
Annelise frowned.
“It was my birthday.”
“Yes.”
That sentence did more work than adults.
Sloane continued:
“And I wanted you to feel like I did.”
“How?”
“Like people had stuff that should be yours.”
Annelise looked at her painting.
Then:
“You could ask.”
Seven? Now eight. Simple.
Sloane nodded.
“I know.”
“Do you still hate me?”
“No.”
“Do I have to like you?”
“No.”
Good.
Annelise said:
“Okay.”
They finished paintings.
No hug.
No best-friend ending.
At the door Sloane asked:
“Can I text someday?”
Annelise looked at Rachel.
Then:
“Maybe.”
Choice.
May you like
That was enough.
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