Chapter 35
Camilla walked in just behind Barnard.
As soon as the door opened, Susan was still gently coaxing Davina. “Davina, really, you should go. I’m here to take care of Jasper. That’s enough p>
Davina replied, “Susan, I mean well. Barnard and Camilla just went out, and who knows how long they’ll be gone? Jasper must be bored all alone. I just thought p>
She trailed off, her words falling flat as she turned at the sound of the door. “Camilla, you’re back already p>
“Why is Davina here?” Camilla’s voice was icy.
Along with Davina and Daisy, there was a new dog in the room, a tiny Bichon Frise. The pup looked barely three months old, totally lacking in energy, sprawled on the floor by the table. It didn’t seem scared or shy, like a dog in a new place might be. It just looked sick.
Standing by Davina’s side, Daisy wore a mask. Her face was pale and unsettling.
Davina spoke up quickly, “When Daisy heard about Jasper’s dog, she was really worried. She asked me to get Jasper a new puppy. I know I shouldn’t have made Jasper bend over backwards for Daisy before. This time, before coming over, I made sure Daisy had her allergy shot. She’ll be able to play with Jasper just fine now p>
Daisy nodded, her voice even softer, “That’s right, Jasper. I’m not allergic anymore. Do you want to come home with us? You can bring your puppy too. Really, it’ll be okay. I’ll get shots if I need to. What happened last time won’t ever happen again p>
She raised her hand toward Jasper, almost like she was swearing an oath.
Her eyes were red, and even though she was clearly nervous, she forced herself to look brave. It made her look especially pitiful and easy to feel sorry for.
Jasper scowled. “Who wants to play with you? Just take your dog and leave. I told you already, I don’t want it. I only care about my Snow p>
Daisy pleaded, “Jasper, you aren’t mad at me, are you? I really know I messed up. Please, please don’t stay angry. And… Mom said Barnard gets so tired, always having to go back and forth because you live out here. Barnard’s your dad. Think about making things easier for him? Please come home with us p>
Jasper frowned, shaking his head.
Barnard, watching Daisy’s pale little face, was already walking over to her, full of concern.
He looked at Davina, “Davina, what is all this p>
Davina straightened up and said, “Barnard, I thought about it a lot. It really isn’t right for Jasper to live here. I wanted to bring Daisy and pick him up. Daisy’s allergies, anything else—there are solutions now. If Jasper has any worries, I’ll do everything I can to fix them p>
Daisy nodded along. “Yes, Barnard, I can take the shots. I can play with puppies now, and Jasper can have his dog at home again if he comes back p>
Barnard sighed. The worry and exhaustion on his face deepened. “We can’t just keep making Daisy get shots forever p>
Daisy answered first, obedient as ever, “It’s really fine, Barnard. Mom says you and Camilla have already done so much for us. It’s only fair I compromise for Jasper p>
Camilla stood silently off to the side, listening to their performance, her gaze lingering on Daisy. It was strange, but Daisy seemed like a completely different kid these days. She hardly hesitated, her words smooth and practiced, like she’d been rehearsing these lines over and over.
Daisy tugged on Barnard’s sleeve, pleading, “Barnard, please, let Jasper and Camilla move back home. I promise I’ll be good this time. I’ll learn to take care of both Jasper and Camilla p>
Barnard turned to Camilla. “Camilla, look how sincere Davina and Daisy are being. Why don’t you and Jasper move back? It’s really not right for you to live in a place like this. Davina and Daisy even came here on purpose to apologize. Jasper isn’t sick now. Let’s just go back p>
Camilla shook her head, her voice calm. “No. Daisy’s still so young. She shouldn’t have to keep getting shots like this. And honestly, when two kids live together, there’s bound to be some fighting. Jasper’s doing fine here. Davina, what happened before was a long time ago. Jasper doesn’t blame you now. You don’t need to worry about it, and really, there’s no reason for you to keep coming here to apologize. So, please, I’d like you to leave p>
Whatever Davina’s reasons for pushing her to move back, Camilla just saw trouble every time this woman showed up. Trouble, and Daisy, and Jasper always got upset.
She’d moved out for a reason. No way was she going back.
Davina pressed on, “It’ll be fine, Camilla. Seriously, I’ve been really strict with Daisy lately. I won’t let her and Jasper fight again. As long as Jasper comes back, I promise Daisy will listen to whatever Jasper wants p>
Daisy piped up, eager, “Mom’s right. I’ll always listen to Jasper and Camilla from now on. Please move back, Camilla. Do it for Barnard’s sake—so he isn’t so tired p>
Daisy ran to grab the puppy and cradled it gently. “Look, Camilla, I’m really not allergic now. However many dogs Jasper wants, I’ll be there too p>
Barnard sighed, “Camilla, please stop making this difficult. Look at Davina and Daisy. Just come home p>
Watching mother and daughter put on this heartfelt act, it was clear they were forcing Camilla and Jasper into a corner. Their humility made it look like if Camilla refused, she’d be the heartless, unreasonable one. Like she was the villain in their story.