Mellie tapped Kelley's back until she heard a burp. The house was filled with boxes that needed to be unpacked. Fitz was talking with Marcus about remodeling the house. He needed more space for an office. Karen was sitting at the kitchen table eating her snack.
"Thank you for helping me move into my new house."
"You're welcome."
"Are you ready to go home? I'm sure Olivia missed you today."
"Can I stay here until next week?"
"How about later after I unpack?"
"Why can Kelly stay here and I can't?"
"Because I'm her mom, and she lives with me and her dad. You have a mom and a dad. I'm your tummy mommy."
"You don't want me to stay with you?"
"Karen, you have a mom. Olivia is great, and she loves you very much."
"She's not white."
"I know that. You're adopted."
"Kelly should live with mom. They are both brown."
Mellie laughed and covered her mouth when she saw tears in Karen's eyes.
"I'm sorry. I thought you were joking. Sweetheart, adoption doesn't work like that. You have a family and Kelly has a family. We can spend time together. I can take you to Chuckee E Cheese or wherever you want to go in DC. That's fun, right?"
Karen let her tears fall and she cried louder.
"Shit. I'm sorry. What did I say to make you upset?"
Fitz came in the kitchen wanting to know why Karen was crying.
"My tummy mommy doesn't want me."
"What did you say to her?"
"I said we can hangout. She can't live here. I'm not her mom."
"You said that to her. Are you out of your mind?"
"Is that what you thought when I called you and let you know I'm moving to DC? You think I want to take Karen from Olivia?"
"You owe Karen quality time."
"I want to take her fun places. I will not try to be her mom. I can't be that. I'm sorry."
"You signed adoption paperwork and now you only have one child. I thought you were better than that Mellie."
"I may not be smart like you and Olivia, but I'm good for not going back on my word. I don't try to hurt my friends. You and Olivia need to get Karen therapy."
Karen wiped her eyes. "You don't want me."
"It's not that simple Karen."
"Let's go Karen." Fitz said, holding her hand. "I'll call us a taxi."
