Chapter 9 · The Freedom She Chose

Chapter 9

At that moment, I knew she finally understood.That so-called freedom was never meant for her.That 'freedom' was just bait to get her away from me.Once the sweet part was gone, all that was left was the empty promise.James finally said, "You can stay at your mom's tonight."I'll come pick you up tomorrow."Don't make a scene," James added.Anna's head snapped up."I'm not going back," Anna said.Her voice was quiet, but steady and clear.There was a dead silence on the other end.James's voice turned icy. "What did you just say?"Anna gripped the phone tightly.Anna said, "I said I'm not going back."I want to stay here with Mom."I'm so tired when I'm there."I don't even have anywhere to do my homework."I can't sleep at all at night."Grandma never stops badmouthing Mom."And you're never there for me."You guys never really cared about me," Anna said.She blurted it all out in one breath, her chest heaving with anxiety.James sounded offended.James said, "Anna, looks like you're getting gutsy now."Your mom's sitting right next to you, isn't she?"Put her on the phone," James said.Anna looked at me.I reached out my hand.She handed me the phone.James asked, "Helen, are you happy now?"I asked, "Did you hear what your daughter just said?"James snapped, "Don't give me that."You put those words in her mouth," James said.I looked over at Anna sitting across from me.Her head was bowed, tears dripping onto the table.I said, "James, a child isn't a trophy."You can't just show up and act like her dad only when she gets into the honors class."And you can't just dump her on someone else whenever she actually needs you."He lowered his voice.James said, "Don't lecture me."I'll come pick her up tomorrow," James said.I said, "You can come."But Anna's already made it clear she doesn't want to go back."If you try to force her, I'll have Ms. Parker and the community workers present."If necessary, I'll file for a change in custody arrangements."James's breathing got heavier."So you're threatening me?" James asked.I replied, "That's not a threat."I'm just making it clear," I said.I hung up and put the phone back on the table.Anna was still crying.This time, I handed her a tissue.She didn't take it. All of a sudden, she rushed over and hugged me tight.Anna choked out, "Mom, I'm sorry."I shouldn't have said you were so hard on me."I shouldn't have used the phone Dad gave me behind your back."I shouldn't have thought you didn't love me," Anna whispered.Her shoulders shook with sobs.I raised my hand, hovering in the air for a long moment.Finally, I let it rest on her back.She was skinnier than before.Her bones stuck out more than they used to.I patted her back gently.I said, "I got your apology."But we're not done yet," I added.She looked up at me, her eyes puffy from crying."Mom, can I come back?" Anna asked.I looked at her."Yes," I said.Her eyes brightened, but I added, "But things won't be like before."She froze.I said, "Before you left, I was the one who woke you up, kept tabs on your studies, planned out your classes, and set limits on your phone."You felt like all of that was just tying you down."Now that you're back, we'll figure out the rules together this time."It's not just going to be me calling all the shots anymore."You'll be part of the process," I said.Anna sniffled."What kind of rules?" Anna asked.I said, "First, you make your own rules for how much time you get on your phone and other devices each day, and I'll look them over."Second, you keep your own log of homework and mistakes, and I'll just check in every now and then."Third, you'll still go to your weekend classes, but we can talk about switching one of them if you want."Fourth, if you have a problem, talk it out. No more slamming doors or giving me the silent treatment."Fifth, if James or Grace try to stir things up again, you have to make your own call. And no more hiding your phone from me," I said.She lowered her head."I can do it," Anna said.I didn't nod right away.I said, "Actions speak louder than words."We start tomorrow," I said.She asked quietly, "What about tonight?"I glanced at the time.I said, "Take a shower and get some sleep."You're getting up at 6:30 tomorrow morning," I added.She pulled that old, familiar pout I hadn't seen in ages."Ugh, still 6:30?" Anna whined.I looked at her."Or you can pick 7:00," I said.Her eyes lit up.I added one more thing."But if you do, you'll have to make your own breakfast, and if you're late, that's your problem."Her face fell."Fine, 6:30 it is," Anna muttered.I finally cracked a smile.She smiled too.Her smile barely lasted before the tears came back.

Chapter 9