Strings

Goodbye

"Lena I was not horrible. I was simply asking her questions as any mother would do."

"No mom you were being mean, even daddy said so. You basically ran her out of here. You ran us both out." I said rolling my eyes at her sudden selective memory.

"Well she's a tough girl."

"She had no choice mom."

"Listen I get it. I know she's had a hard life and an even harder life since Sharon passed. But...

"Do you know mom? Do you really know how hard her life has been. Not like you really cared or showed it."

"I beg you pardon. I very much do care."

"Mom come on. You always hated Stef. Don't lie to yourself."

"I have no reason to lie Lena. I do not hate Stef."

"You do. You never wanted to help her. I begged you and daddy"

"Oh Lena how many times do we need to go over this. You're father and I just weren't in a position to foster a child at that time."

"Come on mom. You had the money. We always had the money. She was being abused and you just looked at us and said no. You turned the other cheek."

"Lena, I am sorry you still don't understand the reasoning for our choice back then."

"Yeah because it wasn't a real reason. You just didn't like her. Even at 10 you didn't like her. You broke her heart and mine."

FLASHBACK

"But why?"

"Lena, your father and I just aren't in a position to take another child. We know Stef is your best friend but we can't honey."

"But she has no one else. All the homes she goes to they hurt her. Right Stef?"I asked looking to her as she put her head down remaining silent.

"Well, Lena honey I am sure she will find a nice home where they won't abuse her. There are many, many foster parents that are kind and would love to have her. I am sure of that Stef. Ok?"

As I glanced back to Stef she nodded her head but I knew she was upset. And so was I as I walked over to her grabbing her hand as the two of us took a seat outside on my front steps.

"I'm sorry Stef. I'm sorry."

"It's ok Lena. Don't worry. Thank you for trying." 

"I think it's stupid. But hey I could hide you in my room. And sneak stuff to you when you need."

"MM they would find me."

"No. I have a big closet. Really big. Or if things get really scary just knock on my window. I'll let you in. Always. We are best friends. Right?"

"Right." She said smiling with her missing tooth in the front as we hugged tightly.

FLASHBACK ENDS

"I just think she's not the best influence on you. She has a ton of things going on in her life that can hold someone like you back."

"She's not holding me back. She encourages me. She's supportive. She always has been from the first time I met her. Always. Why can't you see what a good person she is mom. Why?"

"Oh honey. When you become a mother one day you will understand my position. You will only want the best for your daughter or your son. You will and in my eyes she's not the best for you. You need someone on your wavelength. Someone who is growing, and has goals, and is smart and..