“Not physically.”
Marcus understood.
Vanessa continued.
“The schedule. The calls. The school meetings. Holidays. Vacations. Birthday decisions. Everything has another woman attached to it.”
“Another woman?”
“You know what I mean.”
“Yes.”
Marcus’s expression changed.
“I think we just found the real problem.”
Vanessa looked at him.
“You resent Danielle.”
“I don’t resent her.”
“You resent what she represents.”
Vanessa said nothing.
“And you’ve been taking it out on Amara.”
“No.”
“Yes.”
“I have never intentionally hurt that girl.”
Marcus stepped closer.
“I believe you.”
Vanessa looked surprised.
“But intentions do not erase effects.”
She looked down.
Marcus continued.
“She thinks our marriage could end because she makes your life difficult.”
Vanessa looked horrified.
“She said that?”
“Yes.”
“I never told her that.”
“You didn’t need to.”
Tears filled Vanessa’s eyes.
“Oh my God.”
“She’s eleven.”
“I know.”
“She’s been editing herself inside my house.”
Vanessa sat down.
Marcus’s voice broke slightly.
“My daughter has been trying to take up less space so you can feel like this is your family.”
Vanessa covered her mouth.
Marcus walked away.
For several seconds, neither spoke.
Finally Vanessa whispered, “What happens now?”
Marcus looked at her.
“I don’t know.”
Fear appeared on her face.
“Are you leaving me?”
“I said I don’t know.”
“Marcus.”
“I need time.”
“Please don’t make a decision today.”
“I’m not.”
Vanessa nodded.
Marcus added, “But something is changing today.”
“What?”
“Amara is never going to feel like a guest here again.”
Vanessa wiped her face.
“She shouldn’t.”
“If she’s here, plans include her.”
“Yes.”
“No more ‘real family’ language.”
“Yes.”
“No separate version of our family where she magically disappears.”
Vanessa winced.
“Yes.”
“And I’m going to talk to Danielle.”
Vanessa stiffened.
“Why?”
“Because she’s Amara’s mother.”
“I know, but—”
“No.”
Marcus’s voice became firm.
“We are done treating communication with Danielle like some threat to you.”
Vanessa looked down.
“If something affects Amara, her mother needs to know.”
“Okay.”
Marcus watched her.
“And we need counseling.”
Vanessa looked surprised.
“Marriage counseling?”
“Family counseling.”
She nodded slowly.
“Okay.”
Marcus walked back toward the living room.
Vanessa remained behind.