“Youare not enrolled,” Dad says with a surprising snap to his voice.“Idon’tmean to berude, but you’renotwelcome.”
I gape at my father, who, to my knowledge, has never raised his voice in his life.His face is flushed with anger on my behalf.
“Dad,” I gasp.“Thank you.”
He sterns his stance.“Of course.”
My shock compounds when Maggie puts her hands up delicately and says, “Please.I only want a moment with Venus.To apologize.”
Dad’s questioning brow matches mine when we look at each other, and a whole wordless conversation occurs between us:
Hmm, are you alright with this scenario?
I don’t know, but I want to hear what she has to say.
I’m curious, as well.Would you like me to stay for moral support or leave for privacy?
She might be more forthcoming in your absence.Besides, you could make tea.
“I’ll put on the kettle,” he says aloud, with an uncharacteristic huff, before turning toward the house.
My attention returns to Maggie, who stands nervously at the foot of the stairs.I motion to the settee on the deck.She reminds me of a skittish intern about to explore a cave for the first time after admitting a predilection for claustrophobia.
“Are Henry and Olly alright?”I ask as we sit down.
“Olly’s fine.They’re headed to the optometrist to replace his glasses.Henry’s kept him out of camp this week as a precaution.”
I nod and hesitate.“And Henry?”
Her head tilts as she shrugs and tears well in her eyes.“You’re the love of his life, Venus… so, he’s miserable, thinking you won’t be in it.That’s what happens when soulmates aren’t together as they should be—misery.He’s desperately afraid that he’s losing you again.”
Her words surprise me.I used to believe that the concept of soulmates, as frequently depicted in the rom-coms Henry made me watch, was a failing in their storylines.Attraction, sure.Chemistry, yes.But a mystical, almost magical connection that forges two people together for life, regardless of any other?That gave me doubts.More likely, I believed that couples in love subconsciously weighed the pros and cons, mentally measured the long-term likability of their partners, and latched on to their most compatible mate.More science than mysticism.
But that’s not Henry and me.We’re a terrible match on paper, but we yearn for each other anyway.Our long separation should’ve destroyed any existing bond, but it didn’t.Even now, I struggle to do what used to be so easy—booking a flight and getting lostsomewhere, because wherever that is will be too far from him.
It’s evidence that soulmates exist, and Henry is surely mine.Even Maggie sees it.
“But if you believe that,” I say, “then why…”
“I reacted out of fear, Venus.Olly’s accident wasn’t your fault… neither was Henry’s back then.My remarks were cruel and unfounded, and I only said them because I was upset.I apologize if you felt you had to run because of me.It kills me to think that I caused you and my son heartbreak.Then and now.”
My irritation retreats, but I don’t know how to respond.I don’t blame Maggie for our heartbreak the first time—that was inevitable.We weren’t ready for each other then.Our solo adventures were necessary based on the results.Along with my travels and education, I gained self-acceptance and confidence.Henry got his education and Olly.It was meant to be.
But it’s difficult to accept her apology when she’s always mattered so much to me, and I’ve only ever disappointed her.
“I have a rotten tendency to misplace blame when I’m upset… or scared.Henry’s everything to me.Trying to protect him brought out the worst in me.I’m sorry you became a target,” she goes on, tears collecting on her eyelashes.“I’m working on it in therapy, but it’s obvious that I don’t handle my emotions well.I think that’s why Jay… well, he couldn’t talk to me.”
“Jay’s struggles weren’t your fault, Maggie.”
Her brow pinches, but a weak smile emerges.“Thanks for saying that.I don’t expect you to forgive me, Venus.I hope you do, but that takes time.For now, just know that… I’ve always loved you as a daughter.Truly, I have.And I’d love to have you as a daughter again now, if you’ll let me.”
Pesky tears threaten my eyes now, too.She digs into her bag for a tissue pack, hands me one, and takes another for herself, reminding me of Henry and his arsenal.“Why do I bother with mascara?Oh, and… I brought you supporting evidence.”
“Really?”
“You love evidence, right?”She smiles.“I pulled these out of the closet the other day, and thought you should see.”
The front door opens, and Dad steps out awkwardly with a tea tray.He sets it on the table between us with a loud clatter, smiling at me and giving Maggie a huff of disapproval.
