Chapter 22 - Melissa and I finally talk honestly
My sister and I had one of the hardest conversations of my life.
Not about Dad.
About us.
She said:
“I liked being the good daughter.”
I waited.
“I liked Dad comparing Ethan to Lily sometimes.”
There.
“Why?”
“Because for once I wasn’t the kid competing with you.”
I almost laughed from shock.
“With me?”
“You were always smarter.”
“That is not how Dad talked.”
“No. But everyone else did.”
School.
Grades.
College.
I had gone to Ohio State on scholarship.
Melissa attended community college, then finished later.
Our parents praised her practicality.
Teachers praised my academics.
Apparently she had carried that.
“When Ethan was athletic and easy and Grandpa adored him, it felt like my side won something.”
Painful.
Honest.
“And then?”
“I saw Lily crying.”
She started crying too.
“I saw Ethan watching her.”
There.
The children made the adults visible.
I said:
“I liked being the one who could say no to Mom and Dad.”
Melissa smiled through tears.
“I know.”
“I looked down on you for needing them.”
“I know.”
“I’m sorry.”
She nodded.
“I’m sorry too.”
No hug initially.
Then one.
Sisters.
Messy.
May you like
Not fixed.
More honest.
