Untitled chapter
Poppy: When I was eighteen I went through a hard time, so my parents took me to a therapist. I was diagnosed with obsessive compulsive disorder and my doctor gave me pills. I was relieved that my shrink knew how to help me. I had been going through a lot for a long time and I was hoping that in time things would improve. At least, someone knew what they were doing.
I was feeling a lot better about my situation when Mom, Dad and I got home from the shrink’s office.
“What do you have to say for yourself?” Dad demanded of Mom.
“What do you mean?” Mom asked.
She looked like she had no idea what he was talking about.
Had they been fighting?
“You gave me a horrible child,” Dad said, furiously.
My jaw dropped.
“She’s not horrible,” Mom argued.
“She’s a freak.”
“Dad!” I exclaimed.
“Shut up,” he yelled.
“This isn’t helping,” Mom said.
“The fact that she’s screwed up is your fault,” Dad continued.
“I’m not screwed up,” I said, indignant.
“You’re not,” Mom confirmed. “She just has an illness.”
“Our daughter is an abomination because of you, so I will punish you both.”
I couldn’t believe he thought I was an abomination, but I didn’t agree.
“What do you mean?” Mom asked.
“I’m divorcing you and I’m taking Poppy with me,” Dad said.
“There’s nothing wrong with Poppy,” Mom insisted.
“I will punish you by taking Poppy away.”
According to the law, Dad was allowed to take me with him after divorcing Mom, regardless of what anyone said.
