Chapter 9 - The Party I Wasn't Invited To
On Saturday I went to the community center with Mara and Rachel. Not to fight. To hear what was being said in my name and correct it while people were still listening.
There were pink cupcakes, paper flowers, and a guest book labeled WELCOME HOME, BABY GIRL. Beside the cake stood a photo of me taken at the ultrasound appointment Linda had attended. Nobody had asked to use it.
Linda went pale when she saw us. "You shouldn't be on your feet."
"Then offer me a chair," I said.
A few guests looked down. Rachel stood at my side without taking over. Linda tried to turn us into a joke about pregnancy hormones. I kept my voice level.
"This baby is coming home with me. I decide who attends my medical appointments. I have not agreed to newborn sleepovers. Please don't make plans based on what anyone else told you."
One aunt lowered her coffee. "Linda said Daniel approved everything."
"Daniel doesn't get to approve my recovery on my behalf."
Linda's eyes flashed. "You think the world revolves around you because you're pregnant?"
"Today? My medical care certainly does."
Daniel came through the door just then. He looked from the decorations to his mother, then to the picture displayed beside the cake. His face drained.
"Mom," he said, "why does the sign say the baby lives here?"
"Because someone has to be realistic," she snapped. "Emily can't manage without us."
She pulled a brass key from her purse and set it on the table like proof. "Besides, I have a key to their house. My son trusts me."
"Not anymore," I said.
May you like
I held out my hand. She glared, but Rachel quietly said, "Give her the key, Mom." Linda dropped it into my palm hard enough to hurt.
I was halfway to the door when Linda shouted across the room, "Go ahead and leave. I've already spoken to someone about what happens when a mother isn't fit."
