10

Mary Ann McGarrett was one angry woman when she burst through the door of Steve's house. This visit had begun as a joyous one of reconnecting with the mother she hadn't seen in twenty years. It had turned bittersweet when her brother informed her that his girlfriend, Chrissy, was taking unwarranted heat from their mother. Even though Doris was her mother and endured much during the past two decades, she didn't need to take her anger out on innocent Chrissy.

Entering the living room, Mary saw Chrissy sitting on the couch, folding laundry. Now that Chrissy was living with Steve, Mary knew she'd taken on a lot of household duties plus working with Five-0. On top of that, Chrissy also had to care for Doris. That was a lot of work for a woman who was also raising an autistic child. Mary hoped that while she was staying here, she could help to lighten Chrissy's load a bit.

Mary greeted, "Hey, Chrissy."

Chrissy turned around and smiled. "Hey, Mary. How was your flight?"

Mary shrugged. "It was fine. I'm so used to flying now that it's almost become routine."

Chrissy nodded. "I'm sure. Where's Steve?"

Almost on cue, Steve strolled into the room. Mary laughed, "There he is."

Chrissy replied, "Yeah, I can see that."

Steve inquired, "How's my mom doing?"

Chrissy sighed, "Giving me the silent treatment. She ate the Cream of Wheat I took up to her, but she won't tell me how she's feeling."

Steve rolled his eyes. "Typical. I'll try to talk to her, but I'm sure she's not too happy with me, either."

Mary stood up. "Don't worry about it, Steve. I'm going up there in a minute, and I'll take care of it."

Chrissy shook her head. "You don't have to do that, Mary. I'm not even sure you can change her mind. Doris doesn't seem like the type who likes change."

Mary replied, "I'm not saying I can change her mind, but I will make her listen."

With that, Mary exited the room and ascended the stairs. Fury and disgust overwhelmed her. She remembered her mother as an extremely kind, caring woman who always made sure her kids were happy. She didn't know what had happened to her mother, but she was determined to make her see the light.

Without so much as a knock, Mary bolted into her mother's room. Doris glanced up from a newspaper and exclaimed, "Mary! Oh my God, you've grown so much since the last time I saw you!"

Mary folded her arms over her chest and retorted, "It's been twenty years, Mom. It shouldn't be some big surprise."

Doris inquired, "Why in the world are you acting so edgy, Mary? I thought you would be happy to see me."

Mary answered, "I would have, Mom, if I hadn't found out you've been acting like the world should stop because you're home."

"What on earth are you talking about?"

"Steve told me about the way you've treated Chrissy and his team. Contrary to what you think, Steve got on with his life after you supposedly died. Just because you walk back into his life doesn't mean he should drop all of that for you."

"I haven't seen my son in twenty years. I think the other people in his life can back off for a while."

"No, they can't. Steve has a job he's very committed to and a girlfriend and her daughter who adore him. You can't just expect them to stay away."

"I don't like the girlfriend nor do I care much for Steve's partner. I would prefer if they weren't around me."

"Frankly, Mom, I don't care whether you like them or not. They are part of Steve's life, and you have to show them the respect they deserve. What in the world makes you think you don't have to? You still think Steve's your little boy. I hate to break it to you, but he's a grown man now. He is perfectly capable of making his own decisions."

"But she's not right for him! I mean, my God, they've only been dating five months and they're already living together. What kind of girl can get her claws into a man that quickly?"

"Chrissy didn't get her claws into Steve. They fell in love. I've never seen him the way he is now. Before she came into his life, he was unemotional and tough. She's softened him considerably, and it suits him much better. I guess you just don't care, though. Sharing Steve's attention with Chrissy is just impossible, right?"

"He's my son."

"And he's her boyfriend."

"Not for long."

"So, what do you plan on doing if she won't leave?"

"She will. Don't worry."

Later that evening, after Sarah was in bed, Steve, Chrissy, and Mary sat down in the living room to discuss Doris. This just couldn't go on. Doris was making everyone miserable, and she wouldn't listen to anyone when they tried to express their opinions. This was just crazy.

Mary questioned, "So, what are we going to do, Steve?"

Steve sighed, "Well, I was thinking that Mom could move into the Kauai house. I mean, Dad intended the house for her. Plus, I think she would be far enough away then. What do you think?"

Chrissy replied, "I agree, but she will have to stay here until she is strong enough to live on her own."

Steve nodded. "True. Will you be alright?"

Chrissy smiled and nodded. "Yep. I love you, Steve, and no matter what she says to me, I will respect her."

"You don't have to be so nice about it."

"Of course I do. I won't sink to her level. I will respect her and be cordial. She is your mother. If I ever want her to accept me, I have to be as nice as possible."