Page 202 of As They Are
“I hate that I wasn’t there,” I said.
“You needed rest after that,” she replied. “And you can’t deny it.”
“You’re right.” I’d pushed myself and it had blown up in my face.
“This is whereIcome in,” Tammy interjected. “Or Mollie. Or anyone. You have a lot of people who care about you, kid.”
It hit me then. I could have worked with Tammy to make sure Wren was okay. If anything like this ever happened again, though I hoped to God it wouldn’t, I could rely on the group of people around me. It didn’t have to be all me.
Wren had a community, myself included. And together, we could handle everything.
Wren’s eyes were watery, but she nodded. “You’re right. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have faced her alone. She got really mean when I did.”
“What did she say?” Tammy’s voice was tight again.
“That I should have changed the way I dressed. I shouldn’t, right?”
Tammy’s hands tightened into fists.
My hands did the same. “No.” The words were firm.
“And you won’t hate me when I don’t do what I’m supposed to do?”
“Did your egg donor say that to you?” Tammy asked.
“Yes. She did. She said I was too stubborn and should’ve let the show change my style.”
“Fuck the show.” The words didn’t come from Tammy. They came from me.
“Is that another curse word from our resident doctor?”
“I do it from time to time,” I replied.
“Well, you took the words right outta my mouth,” Tammy replied. “Both before and now.”
Wren sighed. “Madison already reached out to do a third season to conclude Jude’s and my story. I haven’t answered.”
“And you shouldn’t,” Tammy said.
“No, definitely not. They didn’t respect you.”
“I know they didn’t. And I wasn’t going to anyway, but when Mom said all of that, it just opened me up. Just like Jude did the first time. Especially when she said I wasn’t someone you’d want to ...” She trailed off, cheeks going pink. “Never mind.”
“Want to what?” I pressed.
“Want to marry me.” The words were nearly whispered.
I had to force myself to look away. Notwifematerial? I’d share everything I had with her. I’d marry her any day, any time. She was more than just wife material, she was going to be my wife eventually. There was no one else for me.
“Do either of you know how to get away with murder?” Tammy asked. “I might need to soon.”
“Wren, there isn’t one way to be a wife, if that’s what you want,” I said, trying to make sure I was being there for her rather than focusing on my rage. “Your mother?—”
“Egg donor,”Tammy interrupted.
“Sorry, egg donor, has a narrow view on life. So narrow she couldn’t see past it to be happy for all you’ve accomplished. You don’t need to fit in with her. Or anyone else. You can do exactly what you want to.”
“Deep down, I know. I just feel like that kid again, being judged by her.”
