Chapter 10 - SHE FINALLY APOLOGIZED WITHOUT SAYING “BUT”Three months later, Patricia asked to meet.
I agreed.
Neutral place.
A small café.
No Ethan.
She arrived early.
She looked different without the elaborate clothes.
Smaller somehow.
She placed something on the table.
A white envelope.
Inside was a check.
Not to me.
To my parents’ community scholarship fund.
Amount:
$100,000.
I looked at her.
“What is this?”
“Not an apology.”
Good answer.
“My apology shouldn’t cost money.”
Also good.
“I sold jewelry.”
“Why?”
“Because I spent years making fun of where you came from.”
She looked embarrassed.
“And your mother told me once that your high school scholarship changed your life.”
I had forgotten Patricia even heard that story.
“She wants to support similar students?”
“Yes.”
I pushed the check back slightly.
“You should speak with the foundation directly.”
She nodded.
“I will.”
Then she looked at me.
“I slapped you because I wanted you beneath me.”
No excuse.
“I poured wine on your dress because I wanted everyone to see you humiliated.”
I waited.
“I was wrong.”
Silence.
Then:
“You did not trick Ethan.”
“You did not marry him for money.”
“You did not embarrass our family.”
“I did.”
That was an apology.
Finally.
I nodded.
“Thank you.”
She cried.
“Can you forgive me?”
“Not yet.”
She looked hurt.
Then nodded.
May you like
“Fair.”
Progress.
