After they had finished the very satisfying meal, Jack drove Sydney back to
her apartment. She lingered in the car for a moment instead of rushing
inside.
"Dad, I just wanted to say thank you, for helping me these last few days. It must have been hard for you. I mean, I know we aren't very close yet. But it must bother you to know Mom is the one who did that to me."
Her father told her she was welcome, and didn't mention the fact that Vaughn had done quite a bit for her too. He really didn't want her to know that because he sensed what was going on between the two of them. He told himself he wouldn't interfere.
Sydney left the car and went into her apartment. She didn't know they'd seen her when she was ill, so it was puzzling to Sydney that they were surprised when she walked in.
They were just very glad she was home and feeling better. Within a few days, they had settled back into their usual routine. Sydney had even gone back to school. She was almost, but not quite, ready to go back to work. Vaughn dropped by once, making Francie wonder out loud about the fact that he must be very "interested" in Sydney.
As for Jack, he didn't have such a good week. Work was stressing him out, and when he finally got in on Thursday night, he found a very unpleasant surprise waiting for him. It was a letter from Laura, only it didn't have her name on it. He recognized the handwriting instantly. He opened it cautiously and took out the two folded sheets, unfolded them, and began to read.
Jack, This letter will come as a surprise to you, but since I had so much fun torturing Sydney, I decided it was your turn. It was especially painful for her when I told her that I never wanted her. What I should have told her was how I almost had an abortion. If it wasn't for you. You actually cared about her. It's too bad you didn't know then that you were only a source of information and nothing more to me. I hope you're having fun dealing with her mental breakdown. Laura PS: You'll never catch me.
Jack almost immediately sat down to pen a response. He was so furious his hands were shaking, but he needed to get his thoughts out.
Laura, I know you wrote just to twist the knife in my back. I'd have expected no less, after what you did to Sydney. You're right in thinking I always wanted her. She's the only thing that's really right in my whole life. You'll never make me sorry we had her, no matter what you say. The only thing about it that I regret is that you are her mother. She deserved someone better. I just thank God you were out of her life from the age if 6, or she may have turned out like you. She's a better person than you even think exists anymore, I have no doubt. I love her infinitely more than I ever loved you, Laura. If you ever come near her again, I'll kill you with my bare hands. Care to test me? Jack
He finished his letter, stuffed it in an envelope, and was just about to write the addresses when he realized he didn't know where his wife was. The only person that did know was Sydney. At least she had her last known location, and there were people who could take things from there.
"Dad, I just wanted to say thank you, for helping me these last few days. It must have been hard for you. I mean, I know we aren't very close yet. But it must bother you to know Mom is the one who did that to me."
Her father told her she was welcome, and didn't mention the fact that Vaughn had done quite a bit for her too. He really didn't want her to know that because he sensed what was going on between the two of them. He told himself he wouldn't interfere.
Sydney left the car and went into her apartment. She didn't know they'd seen her when she was ill, so it was puzzling to Sydney that they were surprised when she walked in.
They were just very glad she was home and feeling better. Within a few days, they had settled back into their usual routine. Sydney had even gone back to school. She was almost, but not quite, ready to go back to work. Vaughn dropped by once, making Francie wonder out loud about the fact that he must be very "interested" in Sydney.
As for Jack, he didn't have such a good week. Work was stressing him out, and when he finally got in on Thursday night, he found a very unpleasant surprise waiting for him. It was a letter from Laura, only it didn't have her name on it. He recognized the handwriting instantly. He opened it cautiously and took out the two folded sheets, unfolded them, and began to read.
Jack, This letter will come as a surprise to you, but since I had so much fun torturing Sydney, I decided it was your turn. It was especially painful for her when I told her that I never wanted her. What I should have told her was how I almost had an abortion. If it wasn't for you. You actually cared about her. It's too bad you didn't know then that you were only a source of information and nothing more to me. I hope you're having fun dealing with her mental breakdown. Laura PS: You'll never catch me.
Jack almost immediately sat down to pen a response. He was so furious his hands were shaking, but he needed to get his thoughts out.
Laura, I know you wrote just to twist the knife in my back. I'd have expected no less, after what you did to Sydney. You're right in thinking I always wanted her. She's the only thing that's really right in my whole life. You'll never make me sorry we had her, no matter what you say. The only thing about it that I regret is that you are her mother. She deserved someone better. I just thank God you were out of her life from the age if 6, or she may have turned out like you. She's a better person than you even think exists anymore, I have no doubt. I love her infinitely more than I ever loved you, Laura. If you ever come near her again, I'll kill you with my bare hands. Care to test me? Jack
He finished his letter, stuffed it in an envelope, and was just about to write the addresses when he realized he didn't know where his wife was. The only person that did know was Sydney. At least she had her last known location, and there were people who could take things from there.