I was confused. I continued to rub Tinas back trying to soothe her and get to the bottom of all the yelling. But Tinas tears were making it impossible to ask anything. When Evan blew in here minutes earlier and collided with the flowers that I had brought home, not even bothering to look back and apologize, I wanted to handle it then. But with Tinas urging, I sat back down. I sat watching Tina clean up the mess and have a mental tug of war with herself on how to approach Evan. But still I remained seated at the kitchen. Tina wanted to handle Evan on her own. And I was terrified. Not that Tina hasnt discipline Evan before, cause she has, but with Evans recent mood swings, I wasnt sure if Tina was prepared for which Evan she was going to be dealing with. Puberty was a formidable enemy in this household.

I could no longer stand her tears and decided to get to the bottom of the tension I was feeling from both sides of the wall. I leaned into Tinas ear and whispered that I would be back in a minute. I walked through the open door and stalked to Evans room. I didnt knock or announce that I was entering her room, I just threw the door open and then close. My unsuspected entry made her jump to attention. She was expecting Tina with her eyes barely slits of anger but got me instead. And how quickly her attitude changed.

I dont know what is going on between you two, but she is crying right now. Do you understand? She is crying. What could she have possibly done for you to make her that upset?

She attempted to open her mouth but I quickly made her shut it.

I dont care what ever you think it is she may have done to you but I never what to see tears come out of her eyes over you. If youre not injured, not sick or anything of that nature, do I want to see you make her cry. Whatever it is… and I promised her that I wouldnt intrude on this tension between the two of you, but I want you to apologize for making her feel like a bad mother. She is anything but a bad mother to you.
But Mom…
I dont want to hear it, I seethed.