a falling

out

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"Just like that? Email? So, it could be some wild man you're going to hire, you're going to let in my house?"

My throat tightened. I think God was telling me not to say what I felt. God, I said, crossing myself, I'm sorry for this, but, it's been a long time coming. "Look, don't act like a queen. I'm trying to be helpful and you're being ungrateful and demanding.

No wonder you never found a husband. You're like a ... well ... you're like a ..."

"Shut up. Leave my house. Leave. Don't do me any favors. I can take care of myself. You hear me? I can."

I reached for her and she slapped my hand away. Dorothy tilted her head, confused by the raised voices. "Tori, be reasonable."

"Go." She pointed toward the window. She has learned to "see" the room by her other senses. "Go."

I made to leave through the backdoor.

"And another thing, Virginia. While you were off getting pregnant, I was studying. I invested in myself. I preferred not to bank on existing for others. I am perfectly happy as I am. So go. I can take care of myself and don't you forget it." With that, Tori made to come toward me. I was no longer there to catch her when she tumbled over the coffee table and landed in a heap on the floor. Dorothy went to her side.

"Tori," I ran toward her.

She pushed herself up to a sitting position. "Go. I do NOT need you. Get out." Dorothy bared her teeth at me.

I stood there, my throat a fire, my eyes an ocean. What was I going to do? Leave her? Tear down all the ads? Tell him to forget about it?

"I'll see you tomorrow. I'll bring the reader here for you to talk with." And with that I turned and left.

I felt guilty because I did not pick her up.

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