Chapter 14 - MADISON'S APOLOGY FAILS FIRST
Madison invited Claire to lunch.
She arrived holding flowers.
Claire stared at them.
Madison looked embarrassed.
“Too much?”
“Considering my birthday?”
“Yeah.”
They almost laughed.
Then Madison said:
“I’m sorry you felt used.”
Claire’s face changed.
Madison immediately closed her eyes.
“No. That was awful.”
Good.
She started again.
“I used you.”
Claire waited.
Madison twisted the napkin.
“And I liked that Mom and Dad chose me.”
“Why?”
“Because you were always better.”
Claire almost interrupted.
Madison raised one hand.
“Let me finish.”
So Claire did.
“School. Work. Money. Being responsible. Dad trusted you with everything.”
Claire laughed bitterly.
“He trusted me to pay.”
“I know that now.”
Then Madison said:
“When they gave me things, it felt like I beat you at something.”
There.
Ugly.
Honest.
Claire asked:
“So you took my birthday too?”
Madison looked ashamed.
“I had plans that night.”
“I know.”
“I knew Mom cancelled your dinner because of me.”
Claire stared.
“And you enjoyed it?”
Madison’s eyes filled.
“Yes.”
No excuse.
Then:
“I wanted you to feel stupid for caring.”
“Why?”
“Because if your birthday mattered that much, then mine felt less special.”
Claire shook her head.
“That makes no sense.”
“I know.”
Sibling jealousy rarely does.
Then Madison said:
“You don’t have to forgive me.”
Claire answered:
“I don’t.”
Madison nodded.
Tears.
Claire continued:
“But I’m listening.”
That was not reconciliation.
May you like
It was a door unlocked.
Not open.
