2. Curiosity and indifference

AN: I don't own CM. here is chapter 2 because you so nicely asked for it. R&R.

Derek looked at the closed door with disbelief.

"What was she doing here?" he asked once again turning towards his mother.

"She had some things to discuss with me." Fran answered with sadness.

"She had no right to come here after all this time."

"This is MY house, I welcome who I want." She said a little angered.

"Fine! If I had known she would be here, we would have come later. She ruined our moment." He said with a frustrated voice.

Fran sighed and looked at Tamara.

"I'm sorry dear. How are you?" she asked politely.

"I'm fine Mrs. Morgan."

"Call me Fran, we're practically family…" Fran said with a smile that didn't reach her eyes.

"Thanks Mrs… Fran. Derek made me the happiest woman on earth, I love him so much."

"I'm glad he found you. Congratulations." Fran said hugging the young woman.

Her thoughts drifted to Penelope and her eyes welled up.

"Hey Mom what's with the tears?"

"Nothing, I'm just happy that you're finally beginning a family on your own." Fran said.

Derek looked at her suspiciously, Fran sensed that he didn't believe her but he couldn't argue with her in front of Tamara.

"Sarah, Desiree, John and the kids will be there for dinner. I have some shopping to do. Just make yourself home."

"We can go if you want." Derek proposed.

"No, it's ok. The fresh air will make me some good." She quickly took her purse and left without saying another word.

"I wonder what Penelope wanted?" Tamara asked looking at Derek's reaction.

"It's their problem. Mom said she wanted to tell her some stuff." Derek said with some indifference.

"It must be weird for you seeing your ex after all this time?"

"Not that much… she's the past…."

"Have you seen her? She's changed a lot…she lost a lot of weight and seemed tired…she didn't seem as vibrant as before…"

"And?"

"Nothing… I'm just curious."

"We have other matters to worry about Tamara; like our wedding, for example."

"Sure."

"Let's put our luggage in my room and have some rest before dinner."

"Ok Mr. Morgan." Tamara said looking at him suspiciously.

His indifference towards Penelope was rather suspicious for her… Well she was engaged to him now…Penelope Garcia was no longer a problem.

Fran couldn't help but think about Penelope while going to the grocery. She seemed so fragile… her heart went to the young woman she loved so much. She had to admit that Penelope hasn't been her favorite person this past year. She had seen her son' sadness grow with the time going… sadness that was quickly replaced by some happiness at being with Tamara but not the one she had witnessed while he was with Penelope.

She thought about Penelope's decisions. She was right, Derek would have chose her… they could have had other babies after the chemo was done… why did Penelope decide to leave Derek behind was still a mystery. She could have discussed it with him before leaving… but no she just left without telling him the truth…

Fran was decided to find out the truth. She just had to find where Penelope was.