Disclaimer: I don't own 'em...though I wish I did! And if I did...the fun I could have!!!
"She wants me to what?" Sara asked stunned.
The lawyer attempted to once more explain Catherine's wishes to Sara, Nancy and Catherine's mom. "She left clear instructions that you were to become Lindsey's guardian in the event that she was unable to care for her. Ms. Willows left a sizable estate behind from which she expected you to care for the minor child. She inherited quite a large sum of money as well as financial interests in several casinos when her father, Sam Braun, died late last year."
"I still don't understand why she thinks…thought I would be a suitable parent for Lindsey," Sara further challenged the lawyer.
"She actually left a video explaining her wishes. If you like, we can view it now," the lawyer offered.
Before Sara could answer, Nancy spoke up, "Mr. Temas, I'm certain my sister would have wanted only Sara to view the video. Mom and I will step outside." With that, Nancy helped her elderly mother from her chair and they exited the office.
Sara shifted forward in her seat and continued to argue with the lawyer, "She's made a mistake. I'm not a mother. I don't even like kids. What am I supposed to do with a teenage girl? Catherine was her mother and was having a helluva time dealing with her. Why not Nancy? Her mom? Someone else? Anyone else? I can't do this!" Sara put her head in her hands and began to cry softly as a familiar voice broke her reverie. She looked at the screen in front of her and was met with Catherine's familiar smirk.
Hey Sidle…Sara. I guess if you're watching this, well, I must be gone. I'm sure you've already been told by the lawyer that my wish is that you raise Lindsey for me. I'm sure you've already tried arguing with the lawyer and have come up with a dozen reasons why you shouldn't raise Lindsey. I asked to make this video for you so that I could explain why I picked you over every other person in my life.
First of all, I want you to know that I've always loved you. I've always admired your passion, persistence and soul. We tried once and failed. I just couldn't bring myself to talk to you about the situation after that morning when you left.
I'm sorry for all the times I was so bitchy to you—it was my coping mechanism. And when Eddie died, I couldn't believe how hard you worked to find his killer—even after I was so cruel to you. And despite that, you began to go out of your way to spend time with my little girl. I know, right? Who would have believed that Sara Sidle was being hero-worshipped by a kid? I loved watching how you interacted with her. You didn't talk down to her and always gave her opportunities to feel like she was older than she was. You helped her deal with her father's death in ways I could never have begun to understand.
wiping tears away Ah, this is way harder than I thought it would be. When I found out I was sick, my one constant thought was what would become of my baby. She'd suddenly lost her father and now she was going to watch her mother die a slow death.
I'm sure you've even asked why I didn't consider having Nancy or my Mom take Lindsey. That's easy! After seeing how you took to Linds so quickly and how much she looks up to you, I knew in my heart that you were the only person who could raise my baby girl.
I'm sorry I didn't discuss this with you before now. I just figured with our penchant for arguing, it would be better to spring this on you when you couldn't argue with me. I guess I finally get the last word with you!
In all seriousness, my little girl deserves the best. She needs someone who will let her grow, but will keep her safe. She deserves someone who will challenge her, but recognize her limits. She needs someone old enough to know stuff, but young enough to still enjoy life. I think in the end, you'll discover that you need her as much as she needs you.
Sar—of all the people in my life, I trust you to finish the job I started. It's not going to be easy, but you've never shied away from a challenge. I think you'll find that I've provided well for you and Lindsey. Well, I'm starting to feel like I'm rambling. I'll leave you with one thought. I love you, Sar.
And with that parting comment, the image of a beautiful, healthy, and radiant Catherine was replaced with static. The lawyer stepping in front of his desk and said, "Ms. Sidle, I know this is a lot to take in, but I can assure you that Ms. Willows was at peace because of her decision to have you care for her child."