Page 54 of Forgettable in Every Way

I held on to her for dear life. “This is a start. I want to know more about you and Dad, and I want you to know more about me.”

She wiped her eyes. “I’d love that. You can start by telling me how your date went yesterday.”

“But I want to hear more about you and Dad.”

“Not right now,” she said kindly. “I fear you’ll have me remembering all the reasons I fell in love with him, and I admit, I’m not quite ready for that.”

I supposed I could understand that. At least it gave me some hope that maybe my parents could work things out. Maybe love could bloom again and flourish.

“So, tell me about your date,” Mom insisted.

I bit my lip. “It felt like I was starring in my own movie and finally got the script right. Does that sound weird?”

“Not at all. I’m happy for you. Are you going to see him today?”

“Yes. We’re taking Jack to the Strawberry Festival.”

“Sounds lovely.”

“You can come if you’d like. Dad too,” I offered.

She waved her hand in front of her face. “Thank you. But I think it’s best if you and Simon and Jack have some time for yourselves. You may find yourself in the role of stepmother someday. That’s a big deal.”

I hadn’t really thought about it. I was just surprised to find myself in the role of dating Simon. However, there was no doubt I would love Jack as my own if given the chance. “Yeah, it would be.”

“How does Jack’s mother feel about you dating her ex-husband?” Mom asked knowingly.

I’d always gotten the impression she didn’t like Penelope, even though she’d never come right out and said it. It was more the way she would curl her lips and be overly dismissive of Penelope whenever she used to come over. “I don’t think it will make her happy.”

“Don’t let her push you around,” Mom admonished. “I’ll tell you something about people like Penelope. They’re bullies. The best way to deal with a bully is to make sure they know they don’t have any power over you. Take back whatever power you gave her, Julia.”

I sat stunned, knowing my mom had realized I had given Penelope power over me. And even more stunned that she was giving me motherly advice. Excellent advice, even. I thought if she knew that much, maybe she knew the answer to this question. “How do I do that?”

Mom tilted her head and took a moment to admire me. “You just be you and don’t give her the attention she seeks. She won’t know what to do with that.”

I thought of all the times I had fawned over Penelope, wishing she would reciprocate the compliments, but she never did. Instead, she made cutting remarks hidden behind fake concern. I lost my dignity around her, and then lost myself. Each thought made me sick to my stomach. I refused to let that happen again. Yet, I knew it was easier said than done. Being with Simon meant Penelope would be in my life. There would be no hiding from her. I had to wonder ... “What do you think Penelope will do with me? The real me.”

Mom smiled proudly. “Oh, honey, she’s going to turn green with envy.”

“Penelope will never be jealous of me.”

Mom laughed a soft laugh. “I think it might surprise you to know she’s always been jealous of you.”

I pointed at my chest, shocked. “Me?”

“Yes, you. Whether you see it yet or not, you are everything she wishes she could be: quietly confident and never seeking for anyone to validate your worth. People like Penelope crave to have that. They also seek to steal it. Don’t let her take anything from you. Promise me.”

“I promise.”

“Good. Now go enjoy your day.”

“What are you going to do?” I asked.

She thought for a moment. “I think it’s time I did some soul-searching of my own. Remember who I used to be and still want to be.” Her voice hitched.

“Maybe you could knock on Dad’s door again,” I slyly suggested.

She laughed. “That’s going to require a lot of soul-searching and maybe a Viagra.”

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