I have stopped taking the pills. Moms orders not the doctors. I havent had another episode in a while… I dont know why either… I didnt want to question the reason for not having one. I just relieved that someone heard my prayers to stop my insanity. I was doing okay, too. For three days everything was going fine. No arguments with Tina, no shutting myself up in my room, I was talking to my moms about everything I was feeling, which was nothing but relaxed.

Maybe it was stress making you feel the way you were feeling, Tina suggested.
Maybe, I shoulder shrugged.
Maybe your relationship with Lindsey was what was stressing you out?

I looked at my mother with narrow eyes.

Why did you have to mention her name? I sighed leaving the kitchen table.
You are not finish with your dinner, Evan.

I stopped in my tracks.

Its okay, Evan, youre excused.

I continued to my room.

*****

Bette.
Tina, why did you-
Stop right there. Of all the things to say to her, why did you have to bring up the one thing that she is still hurting over?

I prepared to give my I dont know answer when she forbade me from giving that answer.


I… you were giving her… I just thought…
Exactly! You couldnt leave her relationship with Lindsey in the past. She doesnt need to be reminded that her heart is broken, Bette. Evan can still feel that pain on her own.

Tina snatched my plate off the table along with hers. But I wasnt finished.

I didnt do it on purpose, Tee.
No, you didnt, she said sarcastically.

Ouch.

You think I like seeing our daughter hurting? I dont. I never want her to hurt for anything or anyone.
No, you like being the only one inflicting that hurt, she threw over her shoulder as she loaded the dishwasher.
Tina, stop being ridiculous. I dont want to be the one to hurt Evan.
Really? It seems to be your favorite past time.

Ouch again.

What was she talking about?

Huh?
I think you enjoy playing the bad cop.
Huh? I asked again.
Bette, ever since we came together as a family… I see that you revel in playing the bad cop to my good cop. You get a kick out of telling her no.
No, I dont.
Yes, you do. Maybe you think this is your chance to give what you got by your father. Of all the times youve complained to me how strict your father was with you… the hold he had on you… his ability to make you feel like ***** whenever he deemed to be the time…. youre doing that to Evan. You treat Evan the same way you were treated as a kid. I thought you wanted to break that cycle. But it seems you enjoy it to much.
Tina, thats not true.
Save it for someone who hasnt heard your excuses before.
But, Tina…
Not now… I have to try and patch the open wound in my daughters heart.

*****