Page 70 of The Beat of her Heart

“Can we change the subject?” Addie finally asked.

Mom regarded Addie with suspicion. “What else is there to talk about?”

Giselle sighed. “I’ll get you two some tea.”

Giselle slipped into the kitchen, the hum of voices following her. She filled a kettle with water and set it on the stove. The clang of pots and pans echoed as she tried to get her temper under control.

Her hands moved carefully as she selected a box of herbal tea. She wanted everything to be perfect.

As she waited for the kettle to boil, she strained to hear the conversation. Her parents’ voices were steady. Addie’s voice chimed in, light and warm. It felt different from the chill that surrounded her parents.

She wondered what they were talking about. The kettle whistled, pulling her back to the kitchen.

Giselle poured the boiling water into the teapot and then added the tea bags. She hoped the warmth of the tea would ease the atmosphere when she returned.

When she finished, she took a deep breath and walked back to the living room. Her parents sat stiffly on the couch, their eyes fixed on Addie.

Addie cleared her throat. “Mrs. Carlisle, I?—”

“Carlisle?” Giselle’s mom interrupted. “I’m Dr. Nova!”

Giselle sighed.

“Giselle,” her dad said. “You’re using a different last name?”

Addie frowned, and Giselle’s heart raced.She hadn’t thought about her name in this context. It had been her choice to distance herself, and it had always felt more like freedom than rebellion.

“It’s my choice,” Giselle said.

“It seems childish.” Her dad frowned. “You’re still family.”

Addie shifted uncomfortably in her seat, her hands tightening in her lap. Giselle’s chest constricted. She wanted to defend herself. Instead, she glanced at Addie, her expression now unreadable.

“Maybe I should be on my way,” Addie said softly. “I have to pick up Sophie soon.”

Giselle’s stomach dropped. She wanted to say something to hold Addie back, but the words caught in her throat.

“I’m sorry, Addie,” Giselle started, stepping forward. “I didn’t mean for?—”

“It’s fine,” Addie interrupted, her smile strained. “I just need to get Sophie from school. It’s almost two.”

Giselle’s heart sank. “You don’t have to leave yet. We can talk about this.”

Addie stood, her body tense. “No, really. It’s okay. My ride is already pulling up.”

Giselle followed her to the door. “Addie, please wait.”

“Giselle. I’ll see you later.”

Addie opened the door, her smile faltering. The sun poured in, casting a warm glow on her face. Giselle wanted to reach out and pull her back in, but she could see the resolve in Addie’s eyes.

“Take care of yourself, okay?” Addie said.

“I will. Just…please don’t let them get to you.”

Addie hesitated for a moment, then nodded. “I’ll be fine. I’ll text you later.”

With that, she stepped outside. Giselle watched as Addie walked to the waiting car. As she watched it drive away, she felt a sense of loss. She’d wanted this to be a good day. The second she stepped back into the living room, the last of Addie’s warmth faded, leaving her completely isolated with her parents.

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