Because I Knew You’d Say No
Back in my room, Neil sat opposite me while Tessa stayed nearby.
“When did you decide?”
“A few weeks ago.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Because I knew you’d say no.”
I stared at him. “So you waited until I’d just given birth?”
“It was only two nights.”
“Mom raised three kids. She knows what she’s doing.”
“And I don’t?”
“That’s not what I meant. I thought you’d appreciate the rest afterward.”
“After you’d taken her?”
He said nothing.
“You heard me say no at your parents’ house,” I reminded him. “You stood right beside me.”
He pressed his palms against his knees.
“I thought you’d reconsider once she arrived.”
“Then you could have asked again.”
He didn’t look up.
“Is that why you wouldn’t send a picture?”
“Mom kept asking when Alicia was coming to stay. I was afraid she’d message you about it before tomorrow.”
“So you were hiding it.”
He looked away.
“Your mother said she’d handle the hard parts. Is this what she meant?”
No answer.
I turned to Tessa. “Please tell the charge nurse I haven’t agreed to anyone taking Alicia. I want my concerns included in the discharge discussion.”
“I’ll make sure they’re documented.”
May you like
Neil rubbed his forehead. “You’re acting like I’d hurt her.”
“You were going to take her without telling me.”
