A/N: Hello all. It has been a fair amount of time since I was last active. As some remember I had the virus last year and was suffering long term effects. Sadly, they have been hitting hard much of the year. Who would have thought that having a virus could jump start other more chronic physical ailments? Sadly, this has been the case for me. If anyone is familiar with a condition called POTS, it is but one of the curses that I tend to deal with daily. Life has changed so much with the way I have to deal with things when not so long ago I was pretty much able to go out every day and do things without limitation. Unfortunately, when one has these issues, they don't always get to do the fun things they used to. Even if some of those things were as simple as writing stories. The virus has messed with a lot of people and brain fog has been doled out to many of us. Kind of hard to write under those conditions. But I am back for now and hope to be able to put some time in with this story, and hopefully others! I do appreciate the few messages I got asking where I had gone. I am still here! As per usual, always feel free to drop a review or message me. I know my stories don't appeal to everyone. But seems like some of you were reading and hoping for more. So, I will do my best to oblige. Thanks for reading.
-Chapter 6-
Callie looked over to Iola nervously as they drove along. The fact that her daughter had chosen to spend three days in a row with her dad at the Morton farm had her a bit concerned. Even though it was a positive sign to hear that Chet had been bonding well with Maddie, Callie felt compelled to see for herself. She had felt a bit nervous in light of the fact she had not seen her estranged husband in over six months. The couple had used intermediaries to facilitate transfers of their children back and forth. In recent days, both Iola and Joe had offered a very positive experience regarding their interactions with Chet since he arrived back in Bayport. The clincher seemed to be that the night before Maddie had called her mother and spoke at length regarding her dad. The fun they were having and asking if she could stay a little longer.
"Relax, girl." Iola said breezily. "I have been more critical of Chet than you have. But I really have seen a change in the last few days. In both of them. I think you will be pleased." Callie took a deep breath and nodded to herself.
"I know, I know. I keep telling myself to be positive. Between Frank, Joe and you giving these profound testimonials. And of course, Maddie's call last night, expressing a change of heart and wanting to stay over there longer." She paused and raised her eyebrows thoughtfully. "I remember she was pretty nervous with the idea of going over there for a few hours. Now it has suddenly turned into a few days." Iola glanced to her best friend from the corner of her eye.
"It couldn't be that you are worried about more than Chet stepping up? Maybe you are concerned about other things."
"Such as?" Callie asked with slight hesitation.
"Well, maybe in a way you took great comfort in the fact that Maddie has given you almost an exclusive degree of attention since it happened. Which was no doubt a very pleasing feeling. Your kid was going through that phase when you were all back in the Hamptons. She was being unkind and distant to you. Then, when it happened it was like a light switch got flipped. She became a very concerned, and loving child who was very dedicated to you." Callie bit her lip in thought, then slowly nodded.
"Well, first of all, can we quit referring to me being shot as 'IT'? and well, I suppose there is a fair amount of truth in your words. Yes. I was deeply moved by the way Maddie evolved to being thoughtful and concerned with me. I rather wish it hadn't taken a traumatic event such as me being shot in order to prompt her change. But, yes. I gladly accepted it. And, well, maybe I am a little concerned that she has…"
"Opened her heart to her father?" Iola finished. Callie exhaled slowly. She supposed Iola had a right to be so poignant. But her assumption was not entirely accurate.
"I think it is wonderful that she has been open and accepting of her father, in spite of any flaws. I think I have always maintained that with her. No matter how flawed he was…or I was for that matter, she should never want to shut him out. I couldn't live with that." Callie fell silent for a moment. Iola looked over to her momentarily and glanced down. She gave an audible grunt and smirked. Callie looked over at her friend's expression.
"And what does that mean?" She asked.
"What?" Iola asked with a degree of feigned innocence.
"That sound. And that look?" Iola's face cracked into a funny grin while she chose her words.
"Well, Cal… You and Chet have been apart, what? A year?" Callie looked back nervously.
"Eleven months… actually." Iola pursed her lips and gestured towards Callie's lap.
"Why are you still wearing that ring, Cal?" Callie closed her eyes.
"Because I'm married." She replied softly. Iola nodded casually.
"Yeah, I think I've heard you mention that a few times. But it's good…ya know. I mean not wanting to shut him out and all. A good lesson for Maddie. And the visual prop there is good for her to see." Callie shot her an angry look.
"It's not a prop! It's a symbol." She said, her voice breaking with emotion. Iola gave her friend an empathetic smile, reaching over to pat her arm.
"Yes it is."
Callie turned her head towards the passenger side window next to her and closed her eyes. A tear fell as she did her best to suppress her emotion.
Bayport Police Department
Frank looked across his desk at the man who was clearly distressed.
"How is your wife doing, Mr. Salinger?" He asked.
"That is a rather dumb question, don't you think, detective?" Ken Salinger answered with a bit if disgust. Frank nodded quietly.
"Yes, I suppose it is." He conceded. He looked up from his file and cleared his throat. "Well, we have positively identified the cigarette we found in the back of the truck stop pumps. It had your daughter's finger and thumb print on it. So, we suspect she was rendered neutral at the spot she was smoking, and subsequently carried to the nearby van by the perp."Ken Salinger took another deep breath and rubbed his eyes.
"Are you quite sure? I still can't imagine Emma with such a filthy habit. Her mother flat out refuses to even think it's possible." Frank did his best to suppress the obvious notion that this wasn't the subject to get stuck on. He was merely stating a fact and was hoping to get beyond the denial of the victim's parents.
"Mr. Salinger, I'm afraid the prints speak for themselves. We are concerned that we do not have any defining evidence of specific vehicle. Our witness can only do so much in their description. We have placed an all points for vans of the description. Unfortunately, the witness had very little recollection of the perpetrator. Just a male around 5'5" wearing a baggy and dirty grey hoodie. He had Emma's arm wrapped around him to make it appear that perhaps he was helping her to the vehicle because she was potentially ill. He walked at brisk, but not fast pace. The witness said he thought the perp placed her in the side door of the van, which would suggest back seat, if there was one."
"This is supposed to offer me some form of relief?" Frank shook his head. He knew there was no way to make him understand he was just supplying him with necessary information. Good, bad or indifferent. The chief had told him to give the parents as much information that was prudent, without jeopardizing the investigation.
"No, sir. Of course not. It is just our policy to keep the parent informed as much as possible so they can at least understand the circumstance of the crime." Ken Salinger scoffed and shook his head.
"Detective, anything that does not produce my daughter safe and sound and in my arms is simply not sufficient! So far you have told me that a hooded man neutralized my daughter and shoved her in a van, then took off. And because the truck stop did not have enough cameras, you have very little to go on in terms of identifying the scum who did this. This is Not where I wanted to be at two days later! My wife is going over the edge! Every moment for us we wonder if Emma is going to be the next Heather Norton!" Frank sat calmly and listened. Mr. Salinger had every justifiably right to say what he did. And he was certainly not about to get combative with a victim's parent to tell them that solving a kidnapping was not a walk in the park. How much time and effort it sometimes took to even uncover a semblance of a clue.
"Mr. Salinger, I can totally sympathize with how you feel…" Ken Salinger held up a hand and shook his head.
"No! Don't even go there. You aren't about to placate me or tell me you know how it feels! Because you don't!" He growled and rose to his feet. "How about you don't waste time by calling me in for a chat and get off your ass and get out there and do something!" With that, Ken Salinger who was displaying an emotional fuming tone turned and stormed from Frank's office.
Frank sighed deeply. The meeting has not gone as planned. Chief Collig had expressly told him to ensure that Mr. Salinger had been given a feeling that the police were doing everything possible. Frank closed his eyes and sat back in thought. He knew now what his partner, Detective Bridges was feeling. Bridges was in charge of the Katie Blynn disappearance. And for all the time that had passed, Bridges had only been able to speculate that the girl had been taken out of Bayport by the same sick individual who was responsible for the Norton kidnapping and subsequent murder. It was theorized in the department that the killer was taking these girls from various small towns and cities up and down the seaboard. Then taking them into Virginia where it was believed he was operating from. While it was difficult to tell the parents of the victims that they, as the Bayport Police Department, had only a limited reach to operate inside their jurisdiction. It wasn't exactly a pleasant time when they had to pass the buck and tell them that they need to inquire to the state police or FBI. It was especially difficult in as much as the crimes had occurred in Bayport, so naturally the victims assumed that the Bayport Police would solve the crime.
When multiple law enforcement agencies had to work in concert, it was never an easy affair. Frank knew that he and his department were obligated to make an exhaustive investigation, even though there was high confidence in this case that the perp had simply entered their jurisdiction to shop for his next victim. It was hardly flattering that the killer had chosen Bayport twice now as his 'market' of choice. Frank knew as a Bayport officer that he was limited. He would have a much more expansive ability to investigate if he worked for a statewide or federal agency. Even better, if he was working on the case as a private investigator. That, however, would be a major breach of ethics for him. He had very much wished that his father was home and available to take the case. Unfortunately, Fenton Hardy was investigating a case in Seattle. The only other option would be to have one of the victim's families to hire his brother Joe. Frank had significant doubt that he could persuade Ken Salinger to engage the services of his brother. Up to now, Frank had not exactly endeared himself to the Salinger family.
As Frank still had to investigate the abduction, he decided to follow protocol and corroborate the facts as he knew them with the FBI agents. Even if it did ultimately determine that in all likelihood the kidnapper took Emma and simply hopped back on the interstate and left the jurisdiction of Bayport. Frank seethed at the limitations he was bound to as an officer of Bayport. None the less, he picked up the phone to once again correspond with the officers in the forensics division.
Iola and Callie emerged from the parked car. Iola looked about the farm property, a bit wide eyed. The grounds that were once overgrown in weeds and neglect had clearly had some attention recently.
"Wow! I am impressed. The last time I was out here I was outright depressed to see how things had become. I know Frank said the Chet got dad's truck running. But I didn't know the restoration extended to the house and grounds." Callie looked about a bit incredulously.
"I know. I was with you when we came out here about six months ago." She paused after noticing the grounds had undergone substantial improving. "I wonder how big the crew was from the landscaping company." Iola shot her a glance.
"I wonder where Chet and Maddie are? I don't see the truck." Before Callie could speculate the faint sound of a motor was heard from the far side of the house. Callie and Iola walked over towards the side yard which gave them a view of the rear of the home and the surrounding land. In the distance they saw the old farm truck driving slowly along the back pasture towards the house. "Oh, here they come. I wonder why they were way out there." A few minutes wait brought the old truck back onto the dirt road which led to the home. Callie took on an alarmed look for a moment as she watched the truck pull up and she became aware that her daughter had been driving.
The truck came to a halt about ten feet in front of them and the engine stopped. Maddie jumped out of the driver's seat with a broad smile when she saw her mother. She ran towards her mom. Chet got out of the truck at a much slower pace when he noticed Callie was there.
"Hey mom!" Maddie said with a hug. Callie cleared her throat and returned the embrace.
"Hi, girl! Oh my, I just saw you driving! Are you ok?" Maddie smiled.
"Of course, mom. Don't be silly!" She stepped back and smiled. Callie noticed a worn out plaid flannel shirt her daughter had on over her top. A distant look came over her face.
"That shirt seems familiar." She mused. Maddie nodded.
"It probably should be. It's one of dad's old ones. We found it upstairs." She said with a smile and wrapped it tightly around her. Callie stepped forward and leaned close to Maddie and inhaled deeply.
"Yeah, that's your dad's smell alright." A goofy half smile creased her lips. Iola looked over at her brother who was slowly walking over. No doubt he was apprehensive about seeing Callie.
"Get over here, bro. None of us are going to bite you!" She said with a smile. Chet perked up a little and took a breath as he walked up. He looked over to Callie. Their eyes met.
"Hi, Cal. How are you doing?" Callie gave him a shy smile.
"I'm good. You?" Chet, a bit nervous, managed to smile back.
"Good, thanks." He coughed abruptly and gestured to Maddie. "Maddie and I were just working on the old tree house."Iola looked over at him.
"Serious? That sounds cool. I bet it needed a bit of work." Chet nodded and patted Maddie's back.
"Oh yes. But Maddie was up for the challenge and we have it about halfway done! We just came back for some lumber." Iola nodded and smiled to her niece.
"Hey, kid. That's great!" She said looking around the grounds. "Looks like you and your dad have been busy." Maddie gave an affirmative nod.
"Yep. We cleared about a ton of dead weeds and bushes from the yard. But it was fun cause dad let me push stuff with the tractor!" She said with enthusiasm. Callie looked up with a surprised expression.
"You mean your dad and you did all this yourself?" She asked pivoting towards Chet. Her husband looked down.
"Well, Joe came out yesterday and lent a hand." He said quietly. Callie raised an eyebrow towards Iola, who returned a smirk.
"Yes, I did know. I think Maddie thought it might be a nice surprise to show that she and her dad did something which didn't involve electronics or distraction. Something they did together." She noticed that Callie was clearly taken back by the revelation. She looked down, feeling a bit embarrassed by her earlier assumption that Chet must have hired a crew of groundskeepers to do the work. Iola cleared her throat and looked at Maddie. "Say, girl. Why don't you show me how good you are at driving and take me to see that treehouse? It's literally been years since I was last over there." Maddie smiled broadly. The chance to drive the truck, no matter how short the distance was exciting. She looked to her parents and could also tell that maybe they might need a few minutes alone.
"Sure, Auntie." Iola smiled to her and they turned towards the truck.
"Be careful!" Callie said a bit fretfully.
"I will, mom." Maddie called over her shoulder as she slid in the truck next to her aunt. Chet and Callie watched as their daughter started the truck and maneuvered it backwards and turned around. The truck slowly headed out along the back pasture. Callie took a deep breath and looked to her husband.
"Wow….Chet. You and Maddie have been getting along well I hear. Looks like you guys did an amazing job on the grounds. You even managed to teach her how to drive a manual transmission." She sniffled lightly. Though she was unsure if she was getting misty over her daughter's growing so quickly, or that her husband was actually doing the right thing. Perhaps she had been overly critical of Chet. She looked to him with what seemed a new found respect. Chet smiled a bit awkwardly. Not entirely used to seeing Callie address him in such an understanding and kind way.
"Well, Cal, I guess I just knew it was time to pull my head out. Not that the thought of doing so was all that premeditated. When I got into town, I assure you I was pretty uncertain. In fact, it took quite a refresher course from Frank to give me some perspective of the important things in life. He reminded me of how easy it is to lose the things that are important to you." He gazed at Callie with a somber expression. "But in some ways, I was already so well aware of that." He cleared his throat and broke his fixed gaze. "Maddie, uhm, well, just needed me to get my priorities straight. And over the last few days I really feel terrible about how much time with her I have lost. How much time before that which I took for granted. Not realizing what really counted."
Callie couldn't help but smile in spite of being a bit apprehensive. It had been less than a week, but there were many positive signs which seemed to be dawning on him.
"You know…this uh, trip. Well, Maddie was pretty anxious over it." Chet nodded understandably.
"I have no doubt about that. When she first came here she was justifiably hesitant. Certainly, expecting me to probably ignore her or otherwise placate her while I did other things. And that may have well happened if it hadn't been for Frank spending some time with me when I first arrived." Callie gave a bit of a smirk at the statement. Even though she had been critical of Chet for many things, it seemed he was giving all the credit for his actions to Frank for giving him a long pep talk.
"You know, as good as Frank can be at giving his perspective and advise on things, I think you are selling yourself short."
"Why do you say that?" Chet seemed unfamiliar with the tone Callie had been using. He had not exactly been on the receiving end of her open and kind views for quite some time.
"Because Frank is not perfect. Neither am I for that matter." She paused, trying to choose the right words. She looked up to him. "I think I have been too hard on you. No matter what others may have said to you… the actions that you have displayed this week. Rather the actions I have heard tell from others. Iola, Joe, and of course our beautiful daughter. Well, at first, I suppose I couldn't really believe that you had made, or even attempted such a turn in what you viewed as important. I mean, my God, last night Maddie went on for over half an hour about you. The last time she did that was when she was 5 years old!" Chet nodded soberly. The thought of so much time having been wasted did not settle lightly. He knew that he had made some steps that week. But he still had his own concerns.
"I guess I did feel that some change needed to happen." He said quietly. A stiff breeze came through the yard. Callie rubbed her arms at the chill. Chet paused, then gestured towards the house. "Uhm, would you like to come in for some coffee?" Callie nodded.
"Yes, that would be nice. Thank you." Chet smiled and gestured.
"Good. Come on in. You can see how obsessive of a cleaner our daughter is. She helped me a lot inside." Callie raised her eyebrows in surprise.
"Oh? Well I can't wait to see. I wouldn't call her cleaning efforts at my house to be too obsessive." She said with a laugh.
Maddie and her Aunt sat along the newly reinforced platform which sat about twelve feet up in a mature oak tree on the edge of the woods. Iola looked down at the new boards that adjoined some of the remaining older lumber.
"Looks like you and your dad salvaged this one. I don't think I have sat up here since I was maybe a little older than you."
"Seriously?" Maddie asked with a tone of surprise. Iola smiled and she looked off in the distance recollecting the time.
"Yeah. This was pretty much one of the places your dad would come to get away from his clingy little sister." She looked down at the leaf covered ground. "Back then this was pretty high up. And he had this rope ladder as well. I wasn't very interested in climbing that!"
Maddie pointed to the line of short two by fours that were nailed against the tree, allowing access.
"Those weren't there back then?" Iola shook her head.
"Not always. But he probably built them back then at some point. I'm not sure when since your dad pretty much made this his private space and I respected it. He kept some of his secret stuff up here. Back when this place had walls and roof." Maddie smiled and nodded.
"Yeah, I think we all need a spot for that stuff. I know a couple weeks ago mom got mad…" her voice trailed off, wondering if it was really wise to be talking about the subject that had crossed her mind. Iola looked over at her niece.
"Your mom get mad a you, girl?" Maddie paused, then shook her head.
"Well, no. Not me."
"One of your sisters when they were visiting?" She prodded. She was hoping to allow her niece to sound off if something was bothering her. Again, Maddie shook her head.
"No, it wasn't a big thing. I just remember Aimee had been poking around in the side of mom's closet. Where she keeps stuff that I guess she wants to keep safe. I know she has some jewelry and letters. I am not sure what else since mom has told me she doesn't want me to be in that area."
"She may keep her guns there too, sweetie. She probably doesn't want you to get hurt." Maddie shook her head.
"Well, she does keep her guns there, but they are in a safe." She looked down at her hands. "But Aimee found some liquor bottles I guess and she and mom had some words." Iola nodded and placed an arm around her niece.
"Oh, I see. Well, girl, you know as well as anyone that your mom sometimes takes a few drinks too many sometimes. But, I also hope you know that she has done so a lot less since she has moved back." Maddie nodded.
"Yeah, I know. I think that night she had more than she should have and Aimee wasn't very happy to see mom like that. And mom just yelled at her. I tried not to listen. But Aimee left soon after. Usually she stays over so guess she didn't want to be around mom." Iola took a deep breath and sighed.
"Well, when you are one who sometimes drinks too much, you don't often want to be told that your drinking too much. Especially on the occasion when you are actively partaking in it. So, I suspect that it wasn't so much your mom being angry as it was the alcohol speaking for her. Not that that is an excuse. But it takes small steps and sometimes people don't always choose the right path every day." Maddie nodded.
"I know. It used to be a Lot worse back at the old house. But I guess it just made me a little uncomfortable when I heard them. I remember back when mom and dad used to live together they messed up a lot of things, but I never heard them scream at each other." Iola nodded. She knew Chet had always been pretty passive about Callie's drinking. And while he didn't always like it, he would have never confronted her over it.
"Well baby, as long as you understand that none of that stuff is your fault. And like I said, every now and again a person can sometimes just drink too much. Your mom is aware of it and knows we all care about her, so she has done a good job in the last year. It can be hard, I tell you. I have been drunk with your mom." Maddie's eyes broadened. For as close as she was to her aunt, she had little awareness of how close the she and her mother were. She was certainly not privileged to the topic of the intimacy they had shared. And definitely hadn't known that there was occasion when they had simply partied hard.
"Really?" Iola nodded solemnly.
"Yes, Maddie. I do drink on occasion. I hope that doesn't disillusion you. But I generally don't drink much. I think when you get older, you just don't do it as much. But obviously that varies from person to person. Some people drink like fish their entire lives. It's kind of sad." Iola sidestepped the visual expression from her niece prompting for a more elaborate answer.
"Yes, I guess some people do. I just never stopped to think about my aunt and mom being so relaxed with each other that you two could kick back and get drunk together." Iola flashed a smile, very much hoping that she wouldn't prompt her for additional information on the subject. She was unaware of anything that had gone on between the two when they had occasion to kick back and relax. As much as Maddie was accepting of the relationship her mother and Aimee had, there was a good possibility that the acceptance would not extend to a scenario of her mother and aunt in a similar pairing.
"Well, it's just important for you to understand that your mom is not perfect and none of the mean words they may have exchanged had anything to do with you. I am sure the occasion was unpleasant. But no doubt they have been fine since, haven't they?" Maddie gave a shrug.
"I guess so. But I guess it's hard to put a finger on their whole relationship." Iola nodded. The was quite understandable given her age.
"What do you mean, girl?"
"Well, they get along good, other than that one time. But, I guess I worry that maybe mom is unsure about it all. Maybe she…" her voice faded into uncertainty.
"Maybe she what? I promise I won't tell anyone if you just want it to stay between us." Maddie's head bobbed from side to side in silent thought for a moment.
"I guess I just wonder if she is totally into their relationship as much as she thinks. I kind of think that maybe sometimes she misses dad and…" She couldn't finish her thought. Iola held her tighter.
"Oh, wow. That's a lot going on in your head, kid." She said quietly and paused. "You know, I'd love to be able to tell you that I know exactly how your mom is thinking about Aimee or your dad. But, your mom hasn't exactly confided a lot in me about the subject. You can understand… I mean given I am both her friend and your dad's sister. It paints a bit of a conflict. And I really think your mom wants to spare my feelings and not put me into a position where I have to take sides. Does that make sense?" Maddie nodded slowly. "So, while we are best friends, this is a topic I am pretty much in the dark over, too." Again, she paused as she looked over at her niece and continued to rub her back. "But tell me, kid… What would you want to happen for your mom? Or well, for everyone involved?"
Maddie sat looking down at her hands as she wrung them nervously.
"That's a tough question. Honestly it seems more complicated now. If you would have asked me months ago, I'd have probably said I was ok with mom and dad separating officially. Don't get me wrong! I love them both. And, I also have grown to love Aimee. She is so nice to me and I think we get along well. She is kind of like having a big sister." She paused and looked cautiously over to her aunt. "But in this last week, well, I don't know. I almost want…" She took a deep breath, shook her head with uncertainty.
"You know, girl… did you ever wonder why your mom and dad didn't make anything official? I must confess that I wonder that quite a bit. I think your dad has always seemed pretty much like he always wanted to work things out. But you know, your dad isn't a very pushy guy when it comes to relationships. So, I believe he has never put your mom to task over if or when things might continue. But, your mom, well, she is a hard one to read. Yes, she does seem pretty happy with Aimee. I do know she loves her. But I also know she loves your dad. One reason I am pretty sure of this is because in spite of her being a pretty firm minded woman, she has never been able to close that door. And I don't think it is necessarily because she fears hurting you or your sisters. Have you ever wondered why your mom continues to wear her wedding ring?" Maddie looked over to her.
"Well, now that you mention it I have. I just kind of figured it was because it was a very pretty and expensive piece of jewelry." Iola smiled.
"Well, I tell you… when two people get married and exchange rings there is quite a bit in what those rings stand for. They represent a commitment to one another. They represent a lot of memories. They can be pretty deep. And, well, for some people they can represent a lot of bad things if the marriage didn't work out. Most people who have separated or are divorced are usually pretty happy to get that thing off their finger. No matter how expensive or pretty it is. So, if you want my opinion, for what it's worth, I don't think your mom is ready to just hang it up and move on." Maddie's gaze shifted her aunt.
"You think so? But how can you really have two significant others?" Iola giggled.
"Well, legally you can't, unless you're a guy living in Utah." Maddie returned a confused look. Iola waved her hand in front of her face dismissively. "Skip that. Sorry. Uhm, yes, it is pretty easy to have two people in your life that have a connection like that. I mean it's not ideal at all. And it generally serves to make life confusing for all parties involved. Which is why when you ever do find that special person, it's important to make sure that they are the one. Getting swept up physically can lead to issues."
"Is that what happened with mom and Aimee?" Maddie asked. Iola exhaled slowly. This was a rather dicey question given that Iola had quite the involvement in the initial meeting between Aimee and Callie.
"Well, uhm, I suppose there is some truth to it. But, well, with them it was not the usual thing. I mean they got to know each other pretty fast. They came to be rather dependent upon each other in a matter of days. And then, well, Aimee got kidnapped, and you know the rest… pretty much."
Iola's simplification, while not particularly satisfying, seemed to be sufficient for Maddie. At least for the time being. The last thing Iola wanted to go into were the complexities surrounding extramarital relationships. Iola was not even sure she really understood why Callie had chosen to remain married, yet pursue a relationship with Aimee. There were no doubt questions that only she was capable of answering.
"I'm not sure I want to get into even one relationship anytime soon." Maddie said as she gazed upon the pasture. Iola smiled to her, thankful for her intact innocence. She knew however that it was only a matter of time. Especially with the manner in which Maddie had developed physically over the last year. She had filled out quite a bit. No doubt catching the attention of many a boy, and probably younger men who may have assumed she was older because she was so developed. Iola placed a hand in her leg.
"Well, young lady, you have plenty of time for that kind of thing. There is no rush at all.
Callie sat back in her chair at the Morton kitchen table. She and Chet had been talking for the last hour. She looked over to Chet with a shy smile. Callie was completely amazed that in the past hour her husband had not mentioned once anything regarding work, money or any subject that he had often deferred to in order to avoid expressing his feelings. Quite the contrary. He had commented about his life from the past to the present, and was quite introspective. His candor and vulnerability were refreshing to her. It gave Callie some degree of comfort and perhaps a newfound respect for her husband. For all of his admitted faults, he had never mentioned Callie in a way she might have expected, given their estrangement. Cal had figured that Chet would have been given to viewing her in a cold and critical manner, given the last year and that their separation had been entirely her idea. Maybe he thought he had it coming. But Callie knew that it certainly did not all lie at her husband's feet. That she had a great deal of blame as well. She couldn't help but feel a good deal of sympathy for as much as he had poured his heart out and essentially took all the blame. But she knew this wasn't right. Looking at him, probably at his most vulnerable point that he had been in recent time. Callie reached over and placed her hand on his.
"Baby, you know I have been sitting here listening to you…" She paused, uncertain how to proceed. She took a breath and looked at him. "You have said so many things that made me think. But the truth is, that all this blame you feel… well, quite simply isn't all on you. I am not guiltless. I did a lot of mean things to you and our children. I am very much also to blame. All I can say is that I am sorry. But you don't have to carry this burden on your own. I was there, too. I deserve the blame for many things too." Her voice cracked as she shed a tear.
Chet sniffled a bit. His eyes slowly lowered to her hand that was still resting on his own. He focused on the ring she wore. He was more than a little surprised to see that she was still wearing it. Over the course of the last year, the exchanges that the two had had were not always kind. In fact, most of their exchanges had lent a certain amount of animosity. Chet took a deep breath. His fingers touched the ring and their eyes met.
