Jane Morgendorffer (Part 28)

The tension between Helen and Maureen only grew worse as they neared the airport. As they pulled into the parking area, Helen picked a spot that was away from other cars. The two women stared at each other for a moment, both waiting for the other to speak. Helen took her keys out of the ignition and cleared her throat. As Maureen reached for her car door, Helen stopped her.

"Before you get out of this car, I just want to know why you hate me and my family. Didn't I go to law school like you asked me to? I know it wasn't Harvard or Yale, but Middleton was a good school. I've stayed married to the same man, a man who has never strayed or raised his hand in anger towards me - yet you treat him as though he is carrying the plague. Jane is smarter than Erin despite being six years younger and Quinn is going to break every boy's heart she encounters in high school. I can't imagine what kind of impression you gave to Daria and Trent. Those two children have been through enough hell to not have to deal with your attitude."

Maureen sat silently and expressionless in the passenger seat. After Helen said her peace, Maureen opened the car door and walked towards the trunk of the car. Helen looked out of her rearview mirror and saw her mother glaring at her and the trunk. Knowing that she wasn't going to get the explanation she had longed and hoped for, Helen drew a long breath and sighed as she exited the car. Popping open the trunk, Helen stepped back while Maureen grabbed her luggage. Helen stood for a moment, trying to decide whether or not to follow her mother into the airport's lobby. Helen opened up her car door, sunk into the driver's seat and cried. She drove home with tear stains on her cheeks.

Walking into her house, Helen was greeted by three girls who wrapped their arms around their mother. Helen returned the gesture with a sad smile on her face. You deserved better grandparents than the ones you got. After breaking off the embrace, Jane and Quinn each grabbed one of their mother's hands and led her to the kitchen. Jake and Trent were busy making a salad while the smell of pot roast filled the air. Seeing how upset his wife was, Jake put his arms around her and gave her a long kiss. Looking over at Trent, Jake motioned his head to the side. Nodding in understanding, Trent brought his three sisters into the living room so that Jake and Helen could be alone for a few minutes. Jake held his wife close to him and let her cry on his shoulder. After several minutes, she broke from his embrace and wiped off her face.

"I just wish she would accept us and our family."

"Helen - Maureen never cared for me. She expected you to marry someone from the same tax bracket as the Barksdale."

"I know. If I would have went along with her wishes, I would have said yes to Angier before leaving for Middleton."

"Well I for one am glad that wish didn't come true," Jake replied as he kissed Helen on the cheek.

Turning towards the living room as the sound of laughter erupted from it, Helen smiled then took her husband's hand. "So am I, Jakey."