Tell Agnes About Me: Elizabeth and Scottie
It's 2:00 in the morning and Scottie is crying her eyes out. The magnitude of Tom's death hit her like a freight train. She will no longer be able to call him, text him, or even ask him to come back to Halycon knowing he would turn down her offer. She clutches to her chest an old photograph of her, Tom and Howard. Happier times that she thought would last forever.
She runs her fingers over his face and more tears spill from her puffy eyes. "I'm so sorry I wasn't there for you. I didn't protect you."
Her moment of grief is interrupted by a phone call. She blindly reaches for it but doesn't recognize the number. "Hargrave," she answers.
"Scottie," she hears.
"Elizabeth," she responds almost in disbelief. They hadn't really talked much given the circumstances. "Is everything alright? Is it Agnes? What's wrong?"
There's silence on the other end followed by a small whisper. "I need help with Agnes. I-
Scottie bolts for her closet scrambling for clothes to put in a suitcase. "I'll be there in a matter of hours."
When she arrives in front of Liz's door, she hesitates to knock. She has a moment of hope that Tom will answer the door and the world will be right again. She can just pretend that she is a normal grandmother visiting her son's family. She shakes herself out of fantasy and knocks.
Liz opens the door and Scottie smiles warmly. "Hi Elizabeth."
Liz is struck by how much Tom looks like his mother. "Hi. Come in."
Scottie notices Agnes on the floor coloring a picture. Agnes turns her head at the sound of high heels clicking on the floor and Scottie reaches for her. "Hey Agnes."
Scottie watches in fascination as Agnes stands up and runs to her. She catches Agnes effortlessly holding her high in the air before bringing her to her chest. "How's my girl?" Scottie asked hugging her granddaughter tight.
Agnes babbles something and soon squirms causing the women to laugh. "I think she's had enough," Scottie jokes and puts her down.
Liz nods and signals for them to sit on the couch. Liz runs her hand through her hair. She's shaking a little and Scottie knows whatever Liz has to say to her must be difficult.
"She's picking up on my anger," Liz states. "She's moody and I try to comfort her but I'm not the one she wants."
Scottie holds Liz's hand. "Elizabeth-
"Call me Liz."
"Liz," Scottie starts again. "You're her mother. Of course she wants you."
Liz appreciates the vote of confidence but it isn't enough to soothe her heart. "But I'm angry all the time and she knows that. I can't be a mother to her in this state of mind. I have to do what is best for Agnes and I need you to take care of her for me."
Scottie understands where she is coming from but is hesitant to accept what has been placed on her. "Are you sure going away is for the best?"
"Yes. I need time to process and grieve. Please take care of Agnes. I know she'll be in good hands," Liz answered.
Scottie looks at the young child in front of her and suddenly pictures Tom. She didn't do everything she wanted with him but she could do right by his child.
"Ok. Agnes will be taken care of. Don't worry about it. I'm going to spoil her rotten," Scottie said.
Liz feels a sense of relief. "Thank you…how are you?"
It was a loaded question. Scottie had a lifetime of regret and heartache to last two lifetimes. "I grieved Christopher for 30 years and I thought I had sort of moved on. When he returned to me it was a gift I never fully appreciated until I learned the truth. I wouldn't trade those months for anything in the world. I'm alright now. I still have family and I'm always here for you and Agnes."
Liz lets out a breath. "Ok. She likes cheerios….
As Liz explains what Agnes' likes and dislikes were, Scottie can't help but think this is an opportunity to start over. Maybe God was giving her another chance to get motherhood right no matter how long she would have her. She was determined not to screw it up.
"I have one more request," Liz stated.
"Tell Agnes about me. I don't want her forgetting who I am," Liz said.
"I'll tell her about you every night. I promise."