Calvin and I had our own corrections to make.
In December, we met with Maria and an attorney.
“I don’t want another January transfer,” I told Calvin.
He nodded.
“I agree.”
Instead, the money I had intended for Ava would go into a protected education and future-needs account.
Annual statements would come to both Calvin and me.
Major expenses would be discussed openly.
Melissa would have separate financial support while she rebuilt her independence.
Calvin slid a check across the table.
Twenty-eight thousand dollars.
I stared at it.
“What’s this?”
“The money I used for Melissa.”
“I know what it is.”
“I said I’d replace it.”
“You’ve already replaced part.”
“I want to replace all of it.”
I pushed the check back.
“No.”
Calvin frowned.
“The money was sent for Ava.”
“And what does Ava need?”
He didn’t answer.
“She needs parents who are stable. She needs a mother receiving proper care. She needs a family that isn’t keeping ledgers against one another.”
