Author's Note:

My beloved cousin, Mary Ang died today. My paternal grandfather's niece, she was an incredible woman. Incredibly sweet and kind. She loved to hear about my writing. I don't know what I'm going to do honestly. This was all written before her death. Give me some time.

Chapter Six:

"Eating ice cream for lunch isn't a bad consolation prize for being pushed into the orchestra pit net."

Reid sat on a park bench with Alina.

"I'm glad the scare helped put things in perspective."

"Why aren't you screaming at the principal and the producers with mom?"

"Honey, if I wanted to see your mother act, I can turn on the TV or open the Bravo app on my phone."

"Do you want production to shut down?"

"It doesn't matter what I want."

"Yes, it does! Dad why do you always to defer to whatever mom thinks? You're the one who made all the money she spends! Why do you put up with it?"

"I won't hear you speak of your mother like that! Where is this coming from? That drama teacher?"

"Mr. Wray is a good man and a great teacher! He knew you before you met mom. Sweater vests and cardigans. Dad were you really that dorky?"

Reid laughed in spite of himself.

"Dad, why'd you leave the FBI?"

"Alina, I made bad decisions. Let's leave it at that."

"No dad! I'm entitled to the truth."

"I am your father! You will listen to me!"

"Dad you taught me to forgive others. Why won't you forgive yourself?"

"Because I don't deserve forgiveness. Let's go."

Maddison appeared.

"Hey sweety! I've arranged for a float spa session."

"That sounds great mom! Is the show still on?"

"There is going to be more counselors available at all times. Beth is getting the best help available. It is all going to work out."

"Awesome! Can I stay over with Ava tonight?"

"Sure. Come on, I'm having your favorite swimsuit sent over."

The two of them walked away side by side.

Reid waved. He was left alone in the park.

Skip threw poker chips at Reid's head.

"This is why we never invite you over! You clean us out every time!"

Reid gathered the chips.

"I'm from Vegas. Remember, the house always wins."

Jimmy laughed.

"I don't know how you do it. You have got to tell me Joe's tell. I'll pay you a million."

Reid laughed.

"No, thank you."

"You are a weirdo, you know that!" Edgar screamed. "You don't fit in anywhere! Why don't you just go back to your mansion and play chess with yourself, as that is all you can do right!"

"Edgar, calm down," Jimmy said.

"No, I agree with Edgar! You don't even drink!" Skip added. "We know Maddison made up that story about your testicular cancer to hide the fact that she doesn't even want you to touch her!"

"That's low." Jimmy said.

Reid got up. "I'm leaving. Keep your damn chips."

"Don't ever come back!" Edgar shouted.

Reid stood before his mother's grave.

"I promise I'll bring Alina over some day. Yes, I know, I've been saying that for ten years, three months, and five days. It is just too complicated right now. You're lucky I convinced Maddison to bury you in a place I could visit.

I don't want forgiveness. I don't want a better life. I'm lucky I got a good kid out of the deal. This is fine for me. This is what I deserve.

People say three people dying, like it isn't a big deal. Three people. Two husbands and a wife. Six kids missing a parent. I donated scholarship anonymously, to all of them.

J.J. Her beautiful legs can no longer glide across a dance floor. Play soccer. Chase her boys. Her life forever changed.

People want me to move on. I don't. Every humiliation I endure, I deserve. This cage is platinum, I deserve steel. I wish people got it. I wish people would leave me be!"

Wray appeared from behind a tree.

"That would be a lot easier wouldn't, it?"

"Are you stalking me?" Reid asked.

He pulled out his phone.

"Star tracker app. Your name trended for about an hour after the poker game."

"I didn't feel like taking a dive. How'd you know where to find me in a cemetery?"

"It is all in the app. It doesn't take much to track you guys down. Someone spotted you here once, after another one of the poker games."

"What do you want Mr. Wray?"

"A number of things. Ashton Kutcher, to coach actors again, a 1984 Porsche, you to tell your daughter what you just told a tomb stone."

"I'm not in the mood, Mr. Wray."

"The administration won't announce it until Monday. I wasn't even allowed to clean out my classroom and office. The custodial staff will, over the weekend."

Reid looked at him.

"You were fired?"

"Maddison successfully argued for my removal as I failed to stop Beth from pushing Alina."

"Mr. Wray, I'm sorry. If I knew she was going to get you fired, I would have stepped forward. I thought Alina needed me more."

"Mr. Reid you know the audition leads were given three song to choose from, right?"

"She couldn't stop singing Don't Rain on My Parade. What song did you give her?

"Eye of a Hurricane. It drove her nuts as she couldn't see why I picked it for her. I finally gave her a clue the day of the audition."

"That you met me once before."

"Exactly."

Reid looked at his mother's tombstone.

"Mr. Reid, Dr. Reid, it's not too late to fix this. Save Alina from becoming her mother. Just forgive yourself."

"NO!" Reid shouted. "I'm tired of people telling me to forgive myself! To let go of the past. NO! This is who I am. Alina will be fine. Nothing needs to be fixed. I'm sorry you lost your job. I wish you the best of luck."

Reid turned around. "If I find you following me again, I'll notify my security team."

He didn't look back, to see if Wray was watching him.

"Why can't you learn how to play nice with others?" Maddison demanded. "Skip tweeted about the game for over an hour!"

"Maybe he should learn to play poker better."

"Don't get smart with me! I worked hard to get you into that game. You made a fool out of me tonight!"

"I'm sorry."

"No, you're not! I want you to call Skip and apologize for ruining his night!"

"Yes, mother."

"In front of me. I don't want you to go and hide in your study."

Reid dialed the number.

"Skip, I'm sorry I ruined your game."

"You should be! Since Maddison got you to apologize, I won't make a thing of it at the cookout."

"Thank you. That means the world to me."

"I know you don't mean it, but at least your wife respects me."

The call ended. Reid looked to Maddison.

"Satisfied?"

She stormed off.

Reid walked to his study. A prison with concrete might have been a better alternative.