Page 51 of Strange Seduction
Honestly, I had written off my relationship with my mother years ago when she disrespected Carmen and refused to apologize for it—missing my graduation in rebellion.
That told me everything I needed to know.
But Carmen,God bless her soul, was adamant that I repair that relationship. Even though I refused to let them near each other until my mother apologized, she kept pushing me toward reconciliation.
With Carmen’s dad being sick, she was so worried about my mother and me. I guess she didn’t want me to go through what she was going through, losing years of time with my mother, only to regret it later.
But the way I’m feeling now?I don’t think I’ll regret cutting my mother off at all.
Alyssa’s voice cut through my thoughts. “She said you’ve changed.”
I let out a humorless, ironic laugh. “Yeah? I think I agree with her.”
“She’s hurting.”
“I don’t care. She’s been pulling this shit for years, and I’m done. I ain’t letting her do me like she did Kass.” I froze. “How is Kass, anyway?”
“I don’t know,” Alyssa admitted. “Haven’t talked to her in two weeks.”
I blinked. “Seriously, Alyssa?”
“What do you want me to say? I tried, and she shut me out. Why the hell don’t you try now?”
“I don’t live down the street from her. All I can do is call, and she’s not answering.”
“I’ve been by her house, okay? She’s not answering that either. She just…needs time, Theo. It’s hard on her.”
I dragged a hand down my face. “What are the courts saying?”
Alyssa’s voice dropped. “Her husband wants full custody.”
I went still. “Bastard. He wants to take Ava too? Is the court actually considering it?”
“Looks like it.”
“Fuck.” I stood and started pacing. “I know she messed up, but this is extreme.”
“Well,” Alyssa said carefully, “she doesn’t work, he provides the childcare, and—like it or not—she is the cause of the divorce.”
“Well, it’s not like she was a terrible mother. She cheated. She’s not abusive. She doesn’t neglect Ava. That has nothing to do with their divorce.”
Alyssa’s tone sharpened. “Theo. Do you really think Kass can raise Ava on her own?”
Oop.
I didn’t answer.
“Exactly,” she said. “I love Ava just as much as you do, but we have to think about what’s good for her. Not what makes us feel better.”
I stopped pacing. “Maybe I could help? I can sign as financial support for Kass. Maybe the courts would reconsider, y’know?”
“Stop babying her!” Alyssa snapped. “Kassandra’s own actions got her into this mess. She’s a grown-ass woman. Did you have this much sympathy for Dad when he cheated?”
“That’s different.”
“How?”
“Because she shouldn’t lose her kid over it.”
