“So you punished Audrey because your daughter was disappointed?” Laura asked.
“I didn’t punish anybody,” he protested.
Scott’s voice hardened.
“You lied to our daughter, made her doubt herself, and caused her to miss weeks of classes. We trusted you with her.”
Derek looked at Scott.
“I thought you’d understand.”
Scott shook his head.
“Apologize to her. Now.”
Derek turned to Audrey.
“I’m sorry for lying and making you doubt yourself.”Get Writing Tools
Audrey didn’t accept his apology. Scott told Derek he was no longer welcome in our home, and they left.
Afterward, Scott sat beside Audrey.
“I should’ve listened when your mom said something was wrong,” he admitted. “I’m sorry I didn’t notice how much you were hurting.”
That evening, I called Ms. Alvarez. The recital auditions were only a week away, and Audrey had missed valuable practice.
“She can still audition,” the teacher assured me. “I’ll help her catch up, but she’ll have to earn her place like everyone else.”
