Chapter 11 - VIVIAN’S APOLOGYI did not see Vivian for six weeks.
My misdemeanor case remained pending.
My lawyer told me not to contact her directly.
Then Monique’s attorney proposed a restorative meeting after prosecutors indicated they might consider diversion if Monique agreed and I accepted responsibility.
I said yes.
The meeting took place at a community mediation center.
Vivian entered holding Monique’s hand.
No sparkly dress.
Jeans.
Purple sweatshirt.
She would not look at me.
I kept my hands visible on my knees.
The mediator asked if I wanted to speak.
“Yes.”
I looked at Vivian.
“I slapped you.”
She looked up.
“I was angry about what you said to Nina. But you are a child, and I am an adult. It was my job to control my hand. I didn’t. I’m sorry.”
Vivian stared.
Then:
“You scared me.”
“I know.”
“My face hurt.”
“I know.”
“Mom said you could get in trouble.”
“She’s right.”
Vivian looked at her mother.
Then at me.
“Are you mad at me?”
“No.”
“You were.”
“I was. Being angry at you did not make hitting you okay.”
She started crying.
So did I.
Then she said:
“Grandma says Nina dresses trashy.”
Monique closed her eyes.
I said carefully:
“That is Grandma’s opinion. You don’t have to repeat it.”
“I said cheap clothes suit her because Grandpa laughed when I said things like that before.”
That sentence hurt more than the criminal complaint.
I had slapped a child for demonstrating what adults rewarded.
Vivian whispered:
“I’m sorry I said it.”
“You should apologize to Nina when Nina is ready.”
“Is she mad?”
“Yes.”
Vivian nodded.
“Okay.”
No forced hug.
May you like
No instant forgiveness.
Good.
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