The Stablers got issues...
9. Runaway
Elliot met his soon-to-be son-in-law to have a talk just before the wedding.
"The time is nigh.", he told.
"Mr. Stabler, I guarantee for Maureen's happiness. I've just found a great job at a Construction Company. She'll have everything she wants. And I love her so much."
"Look, Edward, you're a good guy. But, I'm against this wedding. Of course, Maureen is an adult and she can make her own decisions, but I don't want her to regret."
"Why should she regret? The wedding was her idea. And it's been over a year since she decided that. You are right, Mr. Stabler, we are both adults. Don't worry about us, we'll be fine."
"I wish that, Edward. Because if you ever hurt my pumpkin, you'll get into troubles."
"That's not gonna happen."
"Good.", he said abruptly and he left.
A crowd had already gathered outside of the Cathedral. Happy faces waiting for the bride to arrive. Maureen's three sisters were wearing white dresses and flowers on their hair and her brothers white tuxedos.
"El, you should go take Maureen.", Kathy told him.
"We'll be there in a while.", Elliot told and he left.
When he went at home, he was surprised to see Maureen crying.
"Maureen?"
"Dad? Is that you?", she told trying to hide behind the door.
"Anxious?"
"Oh, dad I can't do that!", she sobbed and fell into his arms.
"Shhh, baby. Tell me what's wrong?"
"Dad, can you take me to the beach? You always did it when I was a little girl. I'll tell you everything there."
He smiled and held her hand. They went to the beach. The young woman took a deep breath.
"They are waiting for us."
"I'm so sorry, dad. You were right I'm not ready to get married."
They stood silent for a while. Elliot's phone rang it was Kathy.
"What should I tell your mother?"
"Don't answer, please."
Elliot switched off his phone and looked his daughter into her blue eyes.
"What made you changed your mind?"
"You know, dad, I had an application for a scholarship to pursue my Ph.D. And I was accepted. And I can work there and the salary is exceptional."
"That's great."
"The University is at Chicago. Edward has just found a job in New York. He can't leave now. Neither can I leave that chance."
"I know you can't and you shouldn't. But why didn't you tell us? Tell Ed?"
"I was afraid, dad. And I made a mess! What should I do now?"
"Follow your dream, Maureen. Now, it's your chance."
"I know you can understand me, dad."
"I never did what I dreamt."
"Dad, will you tell them?"
"Of course, I will."
"Are you angry with me?"
"Not at all, pumpkin."
"So, accept it! You are relieved I'm not getting married, right?"
He frowned.
"Your mother thinks you're pregnant."
"No, I'm not."
"Now, I feel even better!"
"I love you, dad."
"I love you, too."
They hugged.
"And now what?", she asked.
"I'll go to the church. Your mother must have called more than a thousand times. They will understand."
"Thanks, dad."
Elliot went to the church. He sighed. Everyone looked at him puzzled. Kathy was angry.
"Where's Maureen?", she asked.
"She's not coming. She tells she's sorry…"
"What? She changed her mind? I'm sure you made her not to come!", Ed protested.
"That's not what happened! We are terribly sorry, dear attendees.", Elliot told.
They apologized to everyone and finally the Stablers were left alone.
"We have to talk. Alone.", Kathy told and she seemed really frustrated.
"Here?", Elliot asked.
"Yes."
"Liv can you take the kids at home?"
"Yes, Elliot."
"Thanks, honey."
Now it was only Kathy and Elliot.
"Are you happy now?"
"Yes. And it's not because she's not gonna marry Ed, but because she's making her dream come true."
"Cut the crap, Elliot!"
"She's not sacrificing her dreams for this marriage. Do you remember your dreams? I do remember mine!"
"So, you blame our marriage? You always did what you wanted, Elliot. No one made you stay. No one prevented you of doing anything."
"You had always been a good wife, Kathy. But maybe what I had was not what I ever wanted. I'm grateful for my children, for everything we lived. I thank the Lord for being alive to watch my children grow and be happy. But if you ask me if I ever wanted to be a cop or marry at 17… I don't know, Kathy."
"You have some dreams when you were young, but maybe that was your destiny. You are a good cop, you helped so many people. Would you exchange a life full of amenities and all those things that you may have dreamt for a life without your six angels?"
He didn't speak.
"I'm sorry I couldn't give you more, Elliot. All I could give you was love and five children."
"And that was enough, Kathy."
"I don't think so, Elliot. Take care."
He was standing all alone at the yard of the Cathedral. He thought that he didn't give Kathy all the love and the respect she deserved. Now, he had a chance to make up with Olivia. But, Kathy was right he could never dream his life without his six children. They were the reason why he never gave up and made his life better.
Maureen and Edward were into her room. She explained him the reason they couldn't get married. He embraced her and kissed her.
"I can wait for you."
"I love you, Eddie. I'm gonna miss you terribly."
"I'll miss you, too. But, I'll come to Chicago to see you, baby."
"Thanks for understanding."
"That's what love is supposed to mean, right?"
Kathy rapped at the door. Maureen opened.
"Ma?"
"We need to talk."
Ed kissed Maureen once again and he left. The two women were alone now.
"Are you here for a pep talk? To tell me off?"
Kathy slapped her.
"Why? Why should you do that, huh? You could have told us that the wedding is postponed. You could tell us you don't really want to do that. That you are not pregnant, that you are leaving to Chicago!"
"I'm sorry, mom. I wasn't sure till the last minute what should I do. We're talking about my life. And I'm in charge of my life! "
"And you don't give a damn for your family!"
"Thank you for everything you've done for me, but now I have my own way to walk."
"Then, walk it alone! You can pack your things, open the door and go anywhere you want. I'm not gonna stop you. But, remember that. You made a decision, if you're sure about it, get ready for the consequences."
"I didn't expect you to understand."
"I was always next to you, but you always proved my wrong. You disappointed me every single time."
"That's unfair, mother."
"You never heard me, I was nothing to you. It was always only your father…"
"I don't want to hear anything! Leave me alone."
"That's what I'm gonna do."
Maureen packed her things and left home kissing goodbye her siblings. She went to Manhattan. Her father embraced her when she entered the apartment.
"Never regret, pumpkin."
"I won't, dad! "
