Bethany Tells Larry Everything
Bethany had been trying to stay positive after everything that had happened.
She had finally started feeling confident about herself and her new look,
believing that her family would support her.
What hurt the most wasn’t their opinion—it was discovering that
Brooke and Steevie had smiled in her face while saying something completely different behind her back.
Bethany Opens Up
Bethany couldn’t keep her feelings to herself anymore.
She decided to tell Larry everything.
Larry: “Bethany, what’s wrong? You don’t seem like yourself.”
Bethany: “Larry, I need to tell you something about your daughters.”
Larry: “What happened with Brooke and Steevie?”
Bethany: “I feel like your daughters aren’t treating me right.
They acted supportive when they saw my new look,
but then I found out what they were really saying.”
Larry: “Are you saying Brooke and Steevie were making fun of you?”
Bethany: “Yes. And it really hurt me.”
Larry Listens
Larry sat beside Bethany and listened carefully.
Larry: “Bethany, I know my daughters.
They wouldn’t intentionally try to make you feel bad.”
Bethany: “I’m not asking you to choose between me and your daughters.
I’m asking you to understand how hurt I am.”
Bethany explained everything she had learned,
including Steevie’s comments and Brooke’s reaction.
Larry: “I honestly didn’t know they felt that way.”
Bethany: “So what are you going to do about it?”
Larry: “I’m going to talk to them myself.”
Larry Confronts Brooke & Steevie
Larry went directly to Brooke and Steevie’s house.
When Brooke opened the door, she looked surprised.
Brooke: “Dad? What are you doing here?”
Larry: “We need to talk. Both of you.”
Steevie joined them, and Larry spoke firmly.
Larry: “I just spoke with Bethany,
and she’s extremely hurt.”
Brooke: “Dad, we didn’t mean to hurt her.”
Larry: “Maybe you didn’t mean to,
but you did.
There’s a difference between having an opinion
and making someone feel bad about themselves.”
Steevie: “We were just talking.”
Larry continued.
Larry:
“I don’t expect you to agree with every decision Bethany makes.
But she is part of this family,
and you will respect her.”
Brooke: “We understand, Dad.”
Larry:
“I don’t want either of you laughing at her
or making comments about her body again.
If you have something to say,
say it respectfully.”
Steevie: “I’m sorry.”
Brooke: “Me too.”
Larry:
“Good. Then make sure your actions show that you’re sorry.”
Back Home
Larry returned home, where Bethany was waiting.
Bethany: “Did you talk to them?”
Larry: “Yes.”
Bethany: “Were you upset with them?”
Larry:
“I was.
I made it clear they cannot laugh at you
or disrespect you again.”
Bethany: “Did they understand?”
Larry: “I believe they did.”
Bethany:
“Thank you.
I just needed you to understand
why this hurt me so much.”
Larry:
“I understand.
But I don’t want this situation
to destroy your relationship with my daughters.”
Bethany:
“I don’t want that either.
I just want them to respect me.”
Larry:
“And they will.”
A New Mystery
Just when Bethany began feeling better,
she remembered something Steevie had said.
Bethany:
“There is one more thing, Larry.”
Larry:
“What?”
Bethany:
“Steevie told me that I still don’t know the whole truth.”
Larry:
“What does that mean?”
Bethany:
“I don’t know.
That’s what scares me.”
Larry realized there might be something much bigger
hidden beneath the argument about Bethany’s new look.
The conversation with Brooke and Steevie wasn’t the end of the story…
It was only the beginning.
