-Jolene's POV-
8:30 P.M.
That's what time Louise was set to get off of work. Since I brought Norman's release papers with me, I made sure that she would leave them somewhere so Mr. James would see and not allow Dr. Vincent to bring him back.
I came upstairs with Judy after I put away dinner leftovers and packed their bags, since Louise made it clear she wants to leave once Norman is here. I'll even pay the fare for a cab to take her to a train station, and a train ticket for the both of them.
"Do you think he's mad at me, Judy? He shouldn't be, my intention was not for him to go back there. I care about him so much."
I look up at her sitting on the bed, playing with her stuffed dog.
"Oh, you're such a good listener. You aren't judgmental. So tell me, should I just tell Norman straight up that I didnt put him in there, or do you think he will be over it?"
She looks up, "Norm?"
I laugh. "Norman, can you say Norman?"
She shakes her head, looking back down at her dog.
About half an hour later, I've gotten all of their things packed. Judy grabs my hand, leading me down the stairs very slowly. She pulls me in the direction of our rocking chair and I smile, sitting down and pulling her up into my lap. She wraps her arms around my neck as we begin to rock, burying her face into my shoulder.
I've always wanted children. I always thought Richard and I would have a few, but that's not going to happen now, obviously. The older I get, the less it's a reality. Sad, I know, but I'm in no place to raise another child.
It was hard enough to raise Judy with Richard constantly breathing down my neck about moving away from my family.
Speaking of Richard, I can't wait to get back out of this house. Every little thing reminds me of him. Being here gives me a constant feeling of nausea. The bed still smells like him, his clothes are still here, all of his toiletries. His suitcase is still on the table from the last time he came back.
I don't know how Norman is able to carry himself so casually. It's like it doesn't affect him, the fact that he's murdered people. I don't understand it. The feeling of remorse pounds on my shoulders every day. Not as bad as when I was at Norman's house, but here it's unbearable.
Sometimes I wish I could just get a clean slate.
-Norman's POV-
The ride over has been fairly silent. I know Louise doesn't like me. I don't care. The only approval I need is Mother's.
The only reason I left was because of Mother.
I'd hate to know how Jolene's mother is, just judging by her and her sister. I wonder how their childhood was. Jolene has mentioned a few things before about a father that ran out on them.
Wonder why.
-Jolene's POV-
Louise turns onto a familiar road, and knots turn in my stomach. It's been about a month since I last saw her. And now I'm gonna see her again.
I clutch my journal a little tighter, sweat running through my fingers.
"Norman, don't be nervous. She's excited to see you."
Yes, that stops me from being nervous. Thank you, Louise.
-Jolene's POV-
I rock back and forth in the chair as Judy sleeps soundly on my shoulder. Slowly I stand up, carrying her over and laying her on the couch. I grab the afghan thrown over the back of the couch and cover her up with it, careful not to wake her. I start to pace around, and as I do I hear a car door shut outside. Practically running, I tear the front door open just as Louise is walking up the front steps.
"Is Judy asleep?"
"On the couch. Your bags are all packed." I say, half ignoring her as I start to walk down the front steps.
Then I see him.
He steps out of the car and I notice new things about him, like his dark circles, and the thin but noticeable layer of facial hair he's sporting. He starts to walk up the sidewalk and I begin running toward him, throwing myself into his chest, wrapping my arms around him.
-Norman's POV-
My arms stay at my sides, not eager to hug back. Mother is telling me not to.
Then I feel Jolene's warm tears soak through my shirt as she squeezes tighter, and suddenly I lose all feelings of hatred against her.
I wrap my arms around her and rest my head on top of hers.
We stay like that for a moment, but she pulls away facing me. Her face is tear stained. I notice that she has dark circles, and her face makes her appear a tad more stressed than usual.
"Norman,"
She grabs me for a hug once again
"I missed you so much."
I stand there for a moment. She begins to rub my back.
I lean down, pressing a gentle kiss to the top of her head.
"I