Chapter 19 - Nell Asks Why
At nine, Nell wanted the full explanation.
Not legal documents.
Age-appropriate truth.
“Why did Ramona cut my hair?”
We had answered pieces.
Now she wanted coherent.
I sat with Benedict.
“Ramona had entered Dulcie into some modeling jobs.”
“I know.”
“She also sent pictures of you without permission.”
“I know.”
“A company asked to meet you partly because your long braid fit a picture idea they had.”
Nell looked at her hair.
Now below shoulders again.
“Okay.”
“Ramona became jealous and upset because she thought Dulcie was being overlooked.”
“Dulcie wasn't mad.”
“No.”
“Then why Mom?”
“Because adults can have feelings children do not share.”
She thought.
“Ramona wanted them pick Dulcie.”
“Yes.”
“So she cut hair.”
“Yes.”
Her face hardened.
“That’s stupid.”
“Yes.”
Then:
“Did she think I was prettier?”
“She believed people compared you two.”
“Did people?”
I took breath.
“Sometimes.”
“Did you?”
“Sometimes I said things I shouldn't have.”
“What?”
I told her.
Whitlock hair.
Pretty braid.
Dulcie talented.
No huge insults.
She frowned.
“That’s not cutting.”
“No.”
“Then why you sorry?”
“Because I want to change my part even if it wasn’t Ramona’s part.”
She considered.
Then:
“Can two people be wrong different?”
“Yes.”
Our family’s favorite lesson.
Then:
“Is Ramona still jealous?”
“Probably sometimes.”
“Can she control?”
“She is learning.”
Nell looked toward closet where old braid box remained.
Then:
“I don’t want see her yet.”
“Okay.”
May you like
No pressure.
The answer would remain hers.
