Chapter 13 - THE VERSION THAT COULD BE VERIFIED
Sarah did not need Patricia to confess on social media.
Naomi convinced her of that.
“You are not trying to win the internet,” she said.
“Some days I am.”
“Those are the days you should call me before posting.”
Sarah smiled despite herself.
The sponsor’s compliance team asked for specific material.
The original livestream.
Confirmation that Sarah was Lily’s parent.
Dates on which Sarah had withdrawn permission.
Identification of content Sarah believed involved distress or commercial use.
No speeches.
No accusations about Patricia’s character.
Just a timeline.
Sarah provided it.
Vanessa’s company had to provide its side too.
That changed Vanessa.
For the first time, she could not explain the birthday through a crying video filmed in flattering light.
She had to answer direct questions.
Was the birthday livestream sponsored?
Yes.
Was Lily specifically planned as part of the content?
Yes.
Did Sarah approve the paint prank?
No.
Did Lily ask filming to stop?
Yes.
Did Vanessa continue?
Yes.
Did Patricia direct Vanessa to continue?
Vanessa stared at that question for two days.
Sarah knew because Vanessa told her.
“If I say yes, Mom’s finished with me.”
Sarah stood beside her car outside Naomi’s office.
“Maybe.”
“That’s all you’ve got?”
“What do you want me to say?”
“Tell me what to do.”
Sarah almost smiled at the irony.
“No.”
Vanessa looked irritated.
Sarah continued.
“You’ve spent ten years letting Mom tell you what to do. I’m not taking her job.”
Vanessa looked down at the form.
“She did tell me to keep filming.”
“Then decide whether you’re willing to say that when it costs you something.”
The following morning Vanessa submitted her response.
Yes.
She also acknowledged that Patricia participated in planning prior “reaction” content involving Lily.
That did not make Vanessa innocent.
It made the record more complete.
The final practical issue concerned Sarah’s own conduct.
Vanessa’s phone had suffered a cracked camera protector when it hit the ground.
Repair cost: $86.
Sarah paid it through counsel.
Not $1,500.
Eighty-six dollars.
Vanessa dropped the threatened property-damage claim.
Sarah insisted on paying because she had knocked the phone from Vanessa’s hand.
Lily overheard Sarah telling Naomi.
“Why did you give Aunt Vanessa money?”
“Because I broke something.”
“But she was mean.”
Sarah crouched beside her.
“Being right about one thing doesn’t make everything I do right.”
Lily thought about that.
“That’s annoying.”
Sarah smiled.
“Extremely.”
Three days later the sponsor requested one final written confirmation from Patricia.
She could acknowledge her involvement in directing the livestream.
Or she could dispute Vanessa’s account.
Patricia called Sarah immediately.
“Tell Vanessa to change her statement.”
“No.”
“You can stop this.”
Sarah looked toward Lily reading on the couch.
“That’s the problem, Mom.”
Patricia went quiet.
“For years everybody thought keeping you comfortable was the same as keeping the family together.”
May you like
Sarah ended the call.
Patricia’s deadline was Friday at five.
