How could Maris, our trusted friend, deceive our daughter? After Fiona slept, Lina and I sat in the living room. “What was she thinking?” Lina shook her head in anger.
“I don’t know,” I responded, suppressing my anger. She went too far. We must speak to her tomorrow.”
Lina contacted Maris the next morning to come over.
Maris entered confidently, but Lina wasn’t in the mood to converse. Lina let go when Maris entered. “What’s wrong, Mom?” she snapped.
Why did you say Fiona Joren’s dad isn’t real? Are you aware of your actions? The rage surprised Maris, who blinked.
Hold on, she murmured, lifting her hand. “You’re exaggerating. A short tale.
No big deal.”
“A story?” I interjected. She’s been afraid to cut her hair for months because of your ‘story.’
Maris rolled her eyes, thinking we overreacted. Oh, please.
I only wanted her long hair, she said. A little girl! Lina, she shouldn’t have your short haircut.”
Lina was stunned.
“You lied to her? Made her doubt Joren was her dad for her hair? Hear how crazy that sounds?
“She won’t remember it later,” Maris added. “But she’d remember looking silly in boyish cut photos.”
“This isn’t about hair, Maris,” I snapped. “You upset our family.
You made Fiona doubt my fatherhood. That’s wrong.”
Maris pursed her lips and murmured something jarring. “With Lina’s wild past, who knows if you’re her dad?”
What?
She might say something else to cover her mistake? Then Lina snapped. “Get out,” she replied, pointing to the door.
Leave our residence. You’re not welcome.”
Maris apologized, saying she “didn’t mean it like that,” but I didn’t listen. Stepping ahead, I opened the door and pointed.
“Now, Maris. Go.”
She frowned and muttered as she left, but I didn’t care. Lina and I gazed at each other after slamming the door.
Lina put her face in her hands on the couch. I sat alongside her, arm around her. “We’ll get through this,” I whispered, still enraged.
Though Lina nodded, I saw her sadness. “I can’t believe my mom did this.”
We carefully explained to Fiona that evening. Holding her small hands, I stared into her eyes.
Fiona, I’m dad. I always was and will. Grandma lied, okay?
Fiona nods. “You’re my dad?”
Yes, dear, I grinned. “Always.”
“Grandma shouldn’t have said that,” Lina remarked.
It’s not your fault. Fiona, we adore you. Never forget.”
Fiona relaxed, but she was nervous when Lina cut the gum with scissors.
Gum was still there. “Do I must?” Holding the knotted hair, Fiona asked. “Just a tiny bit, honey,” Lina said.
“It’ll grow back fast and you’ll feel better without gum.”
A moment later, Fiona nodded. Yes, but just a little.”
Fiona smiled as Lina cut the gum. “Daddy?” she inquired.
“Yes, honey?”
“Can it be pink when it grows back?”
I and Lina laughed. “If you want,” I messed up her hair. Things improved during the next few days.
Fiona was happier and asked Lina to braid her hair again after months. We stopped talking to Maris. Lina and I agreed she can’t be in Fiona’s life until she comes clean.
It was hard, but Fiona’s safety and happiness matter. We’ll do anything for our daughter.
