Page 39 of The Blessing

“Arthur? What is it?” I hear my mother ask.

“You’re beautiful,” he says in what sounds to be resignation, “and you’ve always been so determined. Even when it comes to doing something so utterly vindictive. But you’re not strong, Evelyn, and I don’t know if you’re ever really caring.”

“What are you talking about, Arthur?” I hear my mother ask, sounding frustrated.

“Do you love me, Evelyn? Do you really love me? I’ve given up so much for you, for our family.” There’s a pregnant pause. “I’ve given up so much and you act like this. So, I just need to know if you really love me. If you’ve ever loved me.”

“I feel the same way I’ve always felt about you.”

A bitter laugh escapes my dad. “Everything would’ve been all right if Dean hadn’t died. You can’t handle the mess that comes with losing a child. You can’t even pull yourself together to hold onto the son we have left. When Dean died, it’s like the best part of you died with him… and I just don’t understand it, Evelyn. I’ve helped you in every way I know how. I’ve grieved with you. I’ve watched you turn your back on Trevor. I don’t know what you expect me to do now.”

“Arthur—” she begins, cut off by her own sob.

“Let me think about this, Evelyn. Just give me time to think. If you really withheld those documents because you were feeling malicious… I don’t know what you want from me. I just can’t look at you the same way knowing you would do that to, Trevor—to Greyson!”

“Trevor!” she spits out bitterly. “He’s all you talk about. All you care about!”

“He’s my son,” Dad answers with finality.

“He’s been tearing us apart from the very beginning,” she shoots back. “Can’t you see that? Are you really so blind?”

I can’t listen to this anymore. I don’t want to know how my mother feels about me, even though part of me has known all along. I’d rather be ignorant than have to feel the pain the truth will most surely bring.