He remained silent.
“She has mentioned things.”
“When?”
“Months ago.”
Marcus’s frustration rose.
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Because I didn’t know what was normal blended-family discomfort and what wasn’t.”
“You should have told me.”
“Maybe.”
“Definitely.”
Danielle became irritated.
“Do not turn this into my failure because you didn’t notice what was happening in your own house.”
Marcus stopped.
She was right.
He closed his eyes.
“Okay.”
Danielle softened slightly.
“She loves you.”
“I know.”
“She also loves Caleb and Zoe.”
“I know.”
“So she’s been protecting everybody.”
Marcus looked through the window.
Inside, Amara sat between Caleb and Zoe on the couch.
The three children were watching television as though nothing had happened.
Danielle continued.
“She didn’t want to be the reason your second family had problems.”
Marcus felt his throat tighten.
“She isn’t my second family.”
“You know that.”
Danielle paused.
“I’m not sure she always does.”
Marcus stared through the glass.
“I’m going to fix it.”
“Be careful saying that.”
“What?”
“You can’t fix what she already felt.”
Marcus said nothing.
“You can only make sure it doesn’t keep happening.”
He nodded.
“You’re right.”
“I know.”
That familiar Danielle bluntness almost made Marcus smile.
Then her voice softened.
“Is Vanessa willing to work on this?”
“Yes.”
“You’re sure?”
“No.”
Marcus looked toward his wife.
“But she says she is.”
Danielle sighed.
“That’s something.”
Marcus asked, “Do you want Amara home tonight?”
A long silence.
Then Danielle said, “What does Amara want?”
“She wants to stay.”
“Then she stays.”
Marcus was surprised.
Danielle continued.
“I’m angry, Marcus.”
“I know.”
“But I don’t want Amara learning that conflict means she gets removed from her father’s house.”
Marcus closed his eyes.
“Thank you.”
“I’m not doing it for you.”
“I know.”
Danielle ended the call.
When Marcus returned inside, Vanessa was waiting.
“She hates me?”
Marcus sat across from her.
“She’s angry.”
“I understand.”
“Do you?”
“Yes.”
Vanessa rubbed her hands together nervously.
“I’d be furious if someone made Zoe feel unwanted.”
Marcus looked at her.
“Hold onto that feeling.”
Vanessa nodded.
They started family therapy two weeks later.
The first session was uncomfortable.
Marcus and Vanessa attended alone.
The therapist, Dr. Elaine Porter, listened for nearly an hour before asking Vanessa a question.
“What do you believe makes someone family?”