Things were ok between the girls. They somehow managed to put the issue aside and just be together and try to be happy living their present. Spring break came and Josie was nervous. Penelope noticed that something was bothering her.
''What is it Jojo?''
''I want to go and see my mom.''
''Oh…''
''I know you wanted us to go to Paris, but…''
''No, it's ok… Go and see her.''
''Are you sure it's ok?''
''I am not ok, but I know you want to see her.''
''Are you angry?''
''No… You should go and see her…''
Josie knew Penelope was not ok with it, but she really missed her mom and Lizzie. She went to see Joe and her dad. They were having tea and were surprised to see her.
''What is it honey?''
''Penelope is not happy…''
''What happened?''
''I told her that I want to go and see mom and Lizzie.''
Joe took a sip of her tea.
''Oh…''
''What is it mom?''
''I sort of understand you and Penelope.''
''You are going to see someone who caused a lot of pain to her.''
''What should I do?''
''I don't know… I get it, but I think that it hurts her that you are seeing Caroline.''
''Should I go?''
''I don't know honey…''
''We are finally ok.''
''Than stay.''
''But I haven't seen mom in a long time.''
''I know… Think about it…''
''I am so torn.''
''I know honey…''
Rick got up and took a seat beside Josie.
''Dad?''
''You shouldn't go.''
''What?''
''You sent Caroline away…That means you picked side. You picked Penelope…Stick to her then.''
''But…''
''We can fly Lizzie here, but seeing Caroline is stabbing Penelope in the back.''
''Why?''
''Her mother gave you Joe… Gave you Joe two times… She gave you the mother you wanted. She went to hell for you and there is not a thing she wouldn't do for you, but… There are some things you can't do. I know it's hard, but you picked your side.''
''I know… But it hurts.''
''I know honey.''
She got up and went back to the attic. Penelope was in bed very silent and her back was turned to the stairs. Josie got in the bed and put her arms around her.
''I am not going anywhere.''
Penelope was silent. Josie just cuddled up to her and held her.
''I am sorry… I am sorry for not having any consideration for you and the pain you might be feeling. I am sorry if I hurt you baby…''
Penelope didn't say anything. She just held Josie's hand and kept silent. They spend some time in silence and then Penelope turned to face her.
''It will always cause me pain. But I have no right to cause you the pain. Go and see her… I will be ok.''
''No, I can't… I know it will hurt you.''
''I can't keep you away from her and Lizzie forever. I just have to learn to live with the fact that she is your mom and at the same time killer of my mother.''
Every time Penelope said Caroline was a killer, it felt like kick in the gut to Josie.
''Are you sure?''
''Yes, I am…''
''Ok…''
She picked up her phone and sent a message to Caroline to get her a ticket to see them but she said she will only stay five days. Caroline wished more time with her daughter, but that was Josie's wish. Only five days with her and Lizzie. She packed pretty fast and next morning she was ready to go. Rick, Joe and Penelope went with her to the airport. Good bye was long and hard for Josie, but she knew she will be back and she hoped they will be ok.
Ride back to the school was very silent. Joe was giving Penelope some space and Rick had no idea what to say. He was against Josie's trip to Mexico.
''I told her not to go.''
Penelope was surprised by his comment.
''It's ok.''
''We know it's not.''
''I can't separate her from her mom. She has every right to see her.''
''Caroline took your mom from you.''
''It's complicated.''
''I guess it is.''
There was silent moment.
''I don't want her to hate me some day that I separated her from Caroline. My pain and anger is something I have to live with, as much as she has to live with her guilt. To be honest, I dream of the moment when she would be dead, but if I want Josie in my life, I can't let my dreams come true. I can't take place in her death.''
Joe and Rick were silent and very sad looking.
''I have no idea how to help you Penelope.''
''Just be there for me and try to keep us reasonable.''
''Will do…''
''Ok… ''
Joe smiled.
''You do have temper.''
''Yes, we do.''
They all smiled.
''I just want her to be happy.''
''She is…''
''She is not. She feels bad every time she misses her or something like that. I wish she had more things to make her happy and I wish I could give her more.''
''You gave her more than enough.''
''No, I just took from her. I shouldn't have ever let her sign the book.''
''Now it's too late. She did and she bind herself to you. All you can do now is love her and make sure your relationship comes before anything else.''
''I guess you are right.''