Sarah
Matthew stiffens beside me. "She went to see a relative, didn't she?" he says.
I nod. "Yes. When she comes back tomorrow, I want to talk to her."
"Please, don't blame her for all this. She had no choice but to listen to your mother," Dad says.
"Everyone has a choice, Dad," I say grimly.
Matthew rubs his thumb across the back of my hand. He leans in closer, speaking low so only I can hear. "You don't have to deal with this tonight if you are not ready."
But I do.
I want to know how Marishka feels about all of this. I want to know how she was able to pretend to be my nanny while being my true mother.
I shake my head at Matthew gently. "I have to," I whisper. "I need to hear it from her."
He nods, not pushing me, just staying close, ready to catch me if I fall apart again.
"Maybe I should go home and speak to Evelyn…" he starts to say, but I cut him off.
I don't say anything as I have nothing more to say to him.
~-~
