Page 61 of The Summer Request
Lisa let out a groan. This was new – him dragging their kids into their problems. She never thought he’d stoop so low. But that was the ever-unpleasant surprise of addiction. “I am so sorry he did that. You didn’t give him any money, did you?”
“No! And now it’s my fault he sold your car!”
Lisa got up to find a quieter area. The other passengers were giving her looks. “Of course it’s not your fault. You know that, right? Tell me you know that.”
After a moment, Sierra said, “Yeah, I know.” She paused. “You know it isn’t your fault either, right?”
“Of course. Your dad just needs more support. I should’ve been there.”
“No, Mom. This was the first time you’ve been able to have fun in years. Why should you sacrifice that to baby him?”
She let out a sigh. Her daughter had the youthful belief that she alone knew how other people should live their lives. She’d learn one day, but that day wasn’t today. “Your father and I are fine. Don’t worry, okay?”
“I’m not worried about you guys.”
“Good!” Lisa’s own parents had divorced when she was eleven, and she’d promised herself she would never make her kids worry about things like that.
She was doing the best she could, but Sierra seemed to worry no matter what. It was in her nature.
Sierra spoke again. “I’m worried aboutyou.”
“Me?” Lisa laughed. “I’m fine! I just had a wonderful trip and – ”
“If you don’t want me to have to put up with Dad, why are you putting up with him?”
Lisa could feel a headache coming on. This is what she got for sending her daughter off to school. She came back full of ideas. “You’re the kid, I’m the adult. Remember?”
“Why, though?” Sierra’s voice was pleading. “Why do you put up with it, Mom? After everything he’s done? Everything he willdo?”
“Well, I love him and – he’s your father, and, you know, just because he has a problem I wouldn’t – it’s not like what you see in the movies.”
Sierra was quiet for a moment. Lisa was terrified of what she would say next.
“I just want you to be happy, Mom.”
Lisa forced a smile. “I am happy!”
Quiet for a moment, then, “I hope so. I have to go. I’ll talk to you later?”
“Sure. Of course.”
“Bye.”
Lisa went back to her seat and saw her flight had been canceled.
Oy. What a day.
She went to the counter and discovered the lone employee being berated by a middle-aged woman. Lisa stood behind her until she ran out of steam and stormed off.
“I guess she’s done taking her tantrum out on you,” Lisa said as she stepped up.
The woman offered a weary smile. “I hope so.”
She rebooked her flight for the next day, then debated what to do next. It seemed silly to go back to the motel for another night. Michelle might still be at the house. She wouldn’t have wanted to fly out any sooner than she had to.
Wouldn’t it be better to spend some time with her? Better than sitting in that motel room alone with her thoughts, wondering if Neil had been taking advantage of her all these years?
Divorce was impossible. As much as she wished it was an option at times, the kids needed their dad. And Neil clearly needed her. She was the one who held it all together.
