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190 Being a Daughter (Winona)
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Jayden walks into my living room with a kind of swagger | haven't seen in a while.
He's got that confident, easy-going smile that used to drivecrazy back in college-the one that says he knows
exactly what he wants, and he's not afraid to go after it.
"I'm done with therapy," he says, like it's the most natural thing in the world.
| blink at him, caught off guard. "What do you mean, done?"
"Exactly that. | don't need to see Barnaby anymore. I've got my shit together, and I'm in control. No more
sessions."
It's not a question, and he's not looking for my approval. He's telling me, plain and simple, that he's made up his
mind. There's something undeniably attractive about the way he says it-like he's finally stepping into his own
power. But there's also a part ofthat's surprised by how resolute he is.
"You're sure about this?"
"Absolutely," he says, walking over toand pullinginto his arms. "I know what | want, and I'm not going to
let anything or anyone get in the way of that. And right now, what | want is to take you out on a date."
His tone shifts, dropping to that low, playful one he used to use when we were younger, and | can't help but
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"A date, huh?"
"Yeah," he says, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear. "Just you, me, and sseriously good food. And
maybe a little something extra afterward."
His suggestive wink makeslaugh, and | shake my head at him. "You're incorrigible."
"Only with you," he says, leaning in to kisssoftly. "Con, what do you say?"
"Okay, you've convinced me," | reply, feeling a flutter of excitement in my belly. It's been so long since we've just
been... us. No , no chaos. Just Jayden and Winona.
He grins, givingthat boyish look that used to melt my heart. "Great. I'll pick you up at seven. Be ready to be
wowed. Dress up!"
As he leaves the room, | watch him go, feeling a mixture of pride and a little bit of awe. This is the Jayden I fell in
love with the one who knows what he wants and isn't afraid to go after it. Maybe this is the new beginning we
both need.
Later that day, | sit down with Mom in the kitchen, the smell of coffee brewing filling the air. She's been doing
better, | can see it in the way she holds herself, the way she talks about the future. But there's still a fragility to
her, and | know physically she has ongoing problems but she never talks. about it.
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190 Being a Daughter
"I was thinking," | start, trying to sound casual. "Maybe you could stay here. Permanently, | mean. You could help
Mom's eyes widen a little, and | can see the wheels turning in her mind. "Winona, I... I'd love to be close to you,
but I'm not sure I'm ready for that kind of responsibility. | mean physically I'm not strong. I'd be worried about
being alone with her for too long." "Let's take it a little at a time." | say, reaching out to take her hand. "Abby
would love to have her grandma around. | wouldn't expect anything out of your comfort zone."
Mom looks down at our hands, a small smile tugging at her lips. "I'll consider it. It's hard adjusting from being
independent, and there's Cass to consider. It's just been her and | since she was born."
"I get it, Mom. No pressure."
Before | can say anything else, Cass bursts into the room, her energy filling the space. "Guess what? | got a job!"
"Really?" | ask, genuinely surprised.
"Yeah," she says, grinning. "It's not much, just working at a café downtown, but it's something. I'm saving up,
and as soon as | can, I'm moving out. Then, Mom, you can clive with me. I'll take good care of you." There's
a hint of pride in her voice, but also something else-something that makespause. It's subtle, but | can feel
the undercurrent of ownership and jealousy in her words.
She wants to be the one to take care of Mom. Maybe I'm reading too much into it. But in any case, it's okay. | get
why she feels that way.
Mom hesitates, looking between us. "We'll see," she says gently. "One step at a time."
"Sure," Cass says, though | can tell she's already making plans in her head.
| don't react, just smile and congratulate her on the new job. But the conversation leaveswith a lot to think
about. Cass is trying to carve out her own place in the world, just like | did.
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But she's also fighting for Mom's attention, to maintain the closeness they've shared. And | can't blher for
that.
But it does remindthat our family, as much as we're trying to rebuild it, is still fractured. There are pieces
missing, and I'm not sure how to put them all together just yet.
As we finish our coffee, | make a mental note to talk to Barnaby about this. Even if Jayden feels he doesn't need
therapy anymore, I'm not quite so ready.
Mom and t have made great strides and | feel she will probably do a couple more sessions with me. Then she will
also bow out gracefully. I'm just grateful she cat all and thankful that it has really helped us. | look at my
watch. "Lord, | have a date to get ready for "
"A date?"
"Yes. Jayden askedout."
190 Being a Daughter
"That's very romantic."
"We haven't been romantic like this in a long time. It's very exciting."
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