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“Well, you did it just fine” She turned back toin her look

“I’m not her mother—”

“And you did more than I ever could”

“That’s not fair Beatrice, you were in a lot of pain—”

“And I wanted to take my own life If you hadn’t been there, I would have done it All I cared about was myself…not Claire”

“You were distressed Cut yourself some slack”

“I appreciate what you’re trying to do I really do” She rapped in a blanket, looking even smaller in the bulky fabric “But this is best for everyone Benton had her ation Benton is a better parent than I could ever be”

“Not a contest”

“I can’t stand him anyway”

“I don’t think your feelings toward him should matter”

She gave a loud sigh “What do you want from me, Constance?” She stared atto live for “I’m not cut out for this I never have been I want to leave You can try to talk me out of it or berateto change anything I’m fully aware of how shitty I ahter around her, propping her feet on the edge of the table

I let it go “What will you do in London?”

“Live with o back to university”

“You won’t dance anymore?”

She shook her head “No”

“I’m sorry”

“It would never bring ain, so I’m not sad about it…”

“Maybe you can get some help there Find a therapist to talk to I’m sure it would help”

She gave a nonco to do?”

“Stay here”

Her gaze rose fro heavy with her stare “How long?”

“I don’t know… For the foreseeable future I offered to help out with Claire while he’s at work in exchange for a place to stay”

“And he agreed to that?” she asked, slightly incredulous

“He knows if I leave, Forneus will come after me This is the only place where I’m safe”