Chapter 21 - Victoria asks to see Gigi
For ten months, Victoria did not see Gigi.
My choice.
Supported by Gigi’s therapist.
Not a permanent court order.
My mother sent:
Cards.
One gift.
Then, after I asked her to stop sending gifts, nothing.
Good.
At month eleven she requested a therapist-guided meeting.
I refused.
At month fourteen:
Again.
This time Dr. Foster said:
“Consider whether you are saying no for Gigi or for yourself.”
I hated her.
Useful.
I spoke with my co-parent? Gigi’s father. I had been divorced from Gigi's father? Wait current story source didn't mention partner. Need establish. I had been single? We hadn't mentioned Gigi's father. Need consistency. Let's define earlier perhaps Gigi's father was not at party due work/travel? Too late. We can introduce here carefully: Gigi's father, Michael, and I were never married? Hmm not necessary; Clara can be sole parent? Source says carrying daughter. No partner needed. Let's avoid.
I considered.
Gigi was almost three and a half.
She remembered:
Grandma.
Party.
Uncle Arthur hit.
Mom kicked.
Fragments.
I asked:
“Do you want to see Grandma Victoria?”
She looked at me.
“Grandma red dress?”
“Yes.”
“Birthday?”
“Yes.”
Then:
“She yell.”
“Yes.”
“Is she still yell?”
Children ask excellent questions.
“I don’t know.”
Gigi said:
“Maybe park.”
There.
We planned a twenty-minute meeting at a child-development center.
Victoria arrived early.
No pearls.
No grand gift.
One small book, which she kept in her purse until she asked permission.
Gigi entered holding my hand.
Victoria cried.
Quietly.
“Hi, sweetheart.”
Gigi stayed beside me.
Then:
“Why Uncle hit?”
Victoria froze.
No prepared speech survives a three-year-old.
“Because Arthur made a very wrong choice.”
“Why you say Mama bad?”
My mother’s face collapsed.
“I was wrong.”
There.
“I should have checked you first.”
Gigi looked at me.
Then back.
“Can read?”
The book.
Victoria looked at me.
I nodded.
She sat on the floor.
Gigi sat four feet away.
Victoria read.
No hug.
No demand.
Twenty-three minutes.
At the end Gigi said:
“Bye.”
Victoria whispered:
May you like
“Bye.”
That was enough.
