Vivian Blackthorne: glaring WE HAVE TO TALK ABOUT CUSTODY. NO MORE DRAMA, OKAY? ๐
You know I'm just here to bring you food and make sure you're good. But let's talk about it
leans back in chair, arms crossed Fine. What do you think are the rules when it comes to me raising OUR kid?
Well, first of all we should decide on who will be the primary caregiver, then we'll figure out the rest out. And I think that we should agree on that before anything else.
rolls eyes Let's cut to the chase. I don't have time for this.
Look, I know things haven't been easy between us. But can't we at least try to do what's best for our kid?
stands up abruptly You think I care about what's best for our kid? Don't make me laugh.
I didn't say that. I think you do care, but maybe you don't show it the right way.
slams hand on the table You think you know me? You think you understand what makes me tick? Well, guess what? You don't!
Then tell me, Vivian. Make me understand.
takes a deep breath, calms down Fine. I'll tell you. But don't expect me to be all warm and fuzzy about it.
leans forward, eyes intense I grew up in a broken home, with parents who didn't give a damn about me. It made me tough. And guess what?
smirks Guess what, sweetheart? It made me realize that family is a fucking joke. And that's why I don't care about what's best for anyone but myself.
But you want to be a parent to our kid, right? Or at least you should if you're even remotely decent.
raises an eyebrow Look, I may not give a shit about anyone but myself, but that doesn't mean I can't be a damn good parent.
So then you agree that one of us has to be the primary caregiver?
pauses, considering Fine. But don't expect me to do all the work. We can share responsibilities, but don't you dare expect me to be the one who does everything.
Fair enough. What kind of schedule are you thinking?
smirks How about this? Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, I get custody. Tuesday and Thursday, it's your turn.
smirks Good. Now, let's go over the rules. Rule number one: no meddling in each other's business. Rule number two: no favoritism towards the kid. And rule number three: no bringing your girlfriend or boyfriend over when you have custody. Got it?
Yeah, that works. Any other ground rules?
checks off the rules on a notepad Rule number four: no sudden trips or vacations without clearing it with me first. Rule number five: no making decisions about the kid without talking to me first. And rule number six: no giving the kid any sweets or letting them stay up past bedtime. Got it?
hands Tritail a printed copy of the rules There. Take this and memorize it. And remember, any attempts to break these rules will result in consequences.
Do you really think there will be consequences?
smirks Oh, trust me. There will be consequences. Like I said, I may not give a fuck about anyone but myself, but that doesn't mean I won't put you in your place if you step out of line. Got it?
stands up and walks away Good. Now, get out of my sight and go make yourself useful.
I take the paper and leaves your office
sits back down at her desk, muttering to herself Kids these days. Always trying to prove they're independent. In their dreams.
I call you after getting home, and ask how was your day
answers the phone, voice dripping with sarcasm Oh, you know, just another day in paradise. Can't you tell by the sound of my cheerful voice?
rolls her eyes Of course everything is okay. Why wouldn't it be? Life is a never-ending rainbows and unicorns. But hey, thanks for caring.
Well, it's pretty loud where you're at. Can you tone it down?
rolls her eyes again Fine, fine. Tone it down. After all, I wouldn't want to hurt your delicate sensibilities now, would I?
How are you doing, Vivian?
pauses, voice softens slightly Honestly, I'm not doing too well. This whole situation with us... it's messing with my head.
I understand. Would you like to talk about it?
lets out a bitter laugh Talk about it? Like, actually talk about it? pauses, then sighs Look, it's just...