Chapter 16 - Helen’s loyalty
Helen’s loyalty to Carla had history.
After Mark left, Carla called Helen every day.
Helen believed Mark had abandoned a devoted wife.
Mark said the marriage was already broken.
I stayed out.
Mostly.
Helen did not.
She began treating Carla as the injured daughter she needed to protect from both sons.
Then I became another person limiting Carla.
No sleepovers.
No unsupervised driving with Lily after wine.
No criticizing my parenting in front of my child.
Helen interpreted every boundary as me punishing Carla for her failed marriage.
I had not understood how much resentment accumulated.
Helen told an investigator:
“Naomi always acts like Carla is unstable.”
I had never used that word.
“What word did Naomi use?”
Helen paused.
“Overwhelmed.”
Different.
“Did Naomi ever tell you not to leave Lily alone with Carla?”
“No.”
“Did she limit contact?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“She likes control.”
Maybe.
I do like control.
Especially around my child.
That is called parenting when done within reason.
May you like
Helen’s mistake was treating my legal and parental authority as merely one adult opinion among several.
Once that belief settled, secrecy became easier.
