“Helluva dress,” Kaitlyn said, studying the picture.
“Thank you,” Melissa said. “Let’s talk about Ophelia.”
“Actually, I want to talk about Harminee,” Katie said, narrowing her eyes.
“Sit down. Make yourself comfortable,” Melissa said.
It was snowing hard outside, big wet flakes. Under other circumstances, it would’ve been snug, sitting here with her sister. When they were kids and the snow would come to the mountains, she’d make Katie a cup of cocoa by melting down a chocolate bar she’d swiped from the Dollar General and adding sweetened condensed milk.
That was a lifetime ago. She wished they could go back in time, so she could save Kaitlyn somehow. Save her from drugs, from jail, from a pregnancy she didn’t plan and a baby she couldn’t raise, from the pain of all those things.
“Right. Well, Katie, we took her in when you asked, and I’m so glad we did. I’ve been able to give her a good life. She’s had every advantage since she’s been with me, and—”
“You mean money. She’s had a ton of money thrown at her. I get it. You’re rich, I’m poor. But I’m still her mother, and now that you got a bun in the oven, you can probably tell how much that matters. I gave birth to her, raised her till she was seven—”
“Except for the years when her grandparents had her, because you were using. And then you got arrested. I’m sorry, Katie, but it’s true. You’re not . . . reliable.”
“Fuck you, Missy-Jo. I changed.”
“Really? Where’s my perfume? My necklace with the pearl on it? The diamond earrings? Those brown leather ankle boots?”
“You told me your feet were swolled up. I’m doing you a favor, taking them off your hands.”
“You’re stealing from me. I could report you. I doubt your parole officer would like that.”
“I’m borrowing a few nice things from my beloved sister while I’m visiting her. You said to make myself at home, and that’s what I’m doing. You gave me all them clothes. Who’s to say I’m stealin’？ I ain’t even left your house yet.”
Melissa shifted and tried to breathe in calm, exhale fear, but the baby’s head was pressing against her lungs. “Katie, do you really think your daughter would be better off with you, or do you think she’d be better off with me? She’s getting a great education. She has a father figure. She’s taking piano and French. I can afford college for her. Don’t those things matter?”
“What about a mother’s love? Don’t you think that matters, Missy? I ain’t had her for five years. I want her back. She’s mine. And your snooty-ass husband barely pays attention to her, no matter what he says on social media.”
Oh, this wasn’t how it was supposed to be at all! Kaitlyn was supposed to be grateful and stay far away, and Melissa was supposed to be the real mother no matter who’d given birth to Ophelia. Melissa wasn’t supposed to be having another baby, and she wasn’t supposed to be faced with losing Ophelia! They’d gone through so much together . . . adjusting to New York, Dennis’s death, the move out here. The pregnancy had brought them closer than they’d ever been. Having a baby without Ophelia to be a big sister . . . it felt unbearable.
“I’ll fight for her in court,” Melissa said quietly. “I’ve already spoken to a lawyer.”
“Yeah, well, you’ll lose. I got papers saying I’ve been sober for five years. You don’t got a leg to stand on, Missy-Jo. Besides, you’ll have your own baby soon enough. Is it a girl? I’m bettin’ it’s a girl, from the way you spread out. Girls take their mother’s beauty, they say. So get ready to say goodbye, because I ain’t doing nothing that’s illegal, and I’m getting mighty sick of your so-called hospitality. I’m telling Harminee that we’re going back home when she gets outta school today.”
“Don’t,” said Melissa. “At least . . . at least wait till the weekend.”
“Nope. She’s my daughter, and I’m itching to get home. I’ve had enough of your rich-bitch lifestyle, Missy-Jo. Mama and Daddy would be ashamed of you.”
Fury rushed through Melissa, turning her cheeks hot, prickling her skin. “Ashamed of me? I made something of myself! Look around, Kaitlyn! I’m winning, and you’re still a loser.”
“Well, suck on this, princess. You’re losing Harminee. Get used to it.”