Bethany tells Larry that Sharra is spoiling Brooke and taking her to late-night parties, and what Brooke’s response will be from now on
Bethany Tells Larry the Truth — And Brooke Finally Speaks
The living room was unusually quiet that evening. The lights were dim, casting long shadows across the walls, as if the house itself was holding its breath. Larry sat on the couch, his phone resting face down on the table, while Bethany stood near the window, arms crossed tightly against her chest.
She had been carrying this weight for weeks. Tonight, she could no longer stay silent.
“Larry, we need to talk about Brooke… and Sharra,” Bethany finally said, her voice steady but heavy with emotion.
Larry looked up, sensing the seriousness in her tone. “What about them?”
Bethany turned to face him, her eyes sharp with concern. “Sharra is spoiling Brooke. She’s giving her everything she asks for—no rules, no boundaries. Worse than that, she’s taking her to late-night parties. Adult parties, Larry. Places a teenager has no business being.”
Larry’s face darkened instantly. “Late-night parties?” he repeated, disbelief turning into anger. “Sharra told me she was just letting Brooke hang out with friends.”
Bethany shook her head. “That’s not the truth. I’ve seen the pictures. I’ve heard the rumors. Brooke comes home past midnight, dressed like she’s trying to be someone she’s not. Sharra laughs it off like it’s nothing.”
“This isn’t freedom,” Bethany continued. “It’s neglect dressed up as fun.”
Larry leaned back, rubbing his temples. “Why didn’t Brooke tell me?”
“Because she thought you’d be disappointed,” Bethany replied softly. “And because Sharra made her believe that rules are controlling and consequences are unfair.”
At that moment, footsteps echoed from the hallway. Brooke stood there, having heard everything. Her expression wasn’t defensive—it was tired.
“Dad… Bethany… I need to say something,” Brooke said quietly.
Larry straightened. “Go on.”
Brooke took a deep breath. “I liked the parties at first. I liked feeling grown. Sharra made me feel special, like I could do whatever I wanted. But after a while… it didn’t feel right anymore.”
She looked down at her hands. “I started feeling empty. I wasn’t sleeping. I wasn’t happy. And every time I tried to slow down, Sharra told me I was being boring.”
“From now on, my response will be different,” Brooke said firmly.
She looked directly at Larry. “I’m done with the late-night parties. I want structure again. I want curfews, rules, and someone who actually cares if I’m okay.”
Then she turned to Bethany. “I’m sorry I didn’t listen to you before.”
Larry stood up and pulled Brooke into a tight hug. “I should have protected you better,” he said, his voice breaking. “That changes tonight.”
Bethany watched them, relief washing over her. The truth had finally been spoken—and for the first time in a long while, hope filled the room.
Sometimes love isn’t about saying yes… it’s about knowing when to say no.
Comments
Post a Comment