Chapter 22
Jarod sat in a chair at the airport in Alaska, lost in thought. Mallory had not been able to get a flight right away, so she had to wait until the morning to come.
Jarod had stayed at a hotel, even though his father and Catherine had offered him a spare room. He didn't want their spare room. He needed to be alone.
Brian had went to his room after Jarod had called Mallory, and had not emerged since. Jarod left with Sydney. He then told his surrogate father that he wanted him to return home to his wife.
Sydney had protested vehemently, insistent that he might be able to make Brian's transition smoother. Jarod had shaken his head. Sydney had a life with Michelle now. Jarod and Mallory would have to face the demons of their past alone. He did not want their problems seeping into Sydney's new life.
Sydney reminded Jarod that in many ways, he was responsible for their secrets. Jarod had hugged him and told him to go. Sydney told him that he would be there for Mallory when she learned the truth, and that they would see him when they returned to Delaware.
So, Sydney left, albeit, quite reluctantly. Jarod knew that Sydney would not be able to rest, until he knew how Mallory took the news that her mother had been alive all of these years.
Jarod sat forward, as he heard the announcement that his wife and daughter's flight number, had just got in. There were so many holes in Catherine Parker's story, and he sincerely hoped that she would be able to fill them when the time came.
For instance, one of the many things bugging Jarod, was the strange injection given to Catherine, late in the night, in some Triumvirate owned hotel. Why? Did the Triumvirate suspect that she may not keep her word to Raines and keep away from Ethan and Mallory? And if that was the case, then why not just kill her? Why did they allow her to take one child, this Melanie, who had been a prisoner of theirs?
Maybe injecting her with whatever virus they did, was a way of debilitating her. But something in the back of Jarod's mind, kept screaming that that made no sense whatsoever! The Triumvirate, Centre....they were the same damned thing. And they didn't like loose ends. They would've killed her, simple as that. Killed her and reclaimed Melanie for their own purposes.
Jarod looked up, as Mallory came through the door, holding Abigail. Abigail was wearing her trademark baby sunglasses. Mallory was wearing an off white suit. She smiled tentatively at Jarod, as he reached out to claim his daughter.
'How is my sweetie doing this morning? Daddy is sorry that he had to ask you to come all of this way. Does Daddy's Princess forgive him? Do you forgive me?'
Ordinarily, Mallory would've been impatient with this sort of babytalk. But somehow, it always seemed to calm her. She knew that God forbid, if anything happened to her, Abigail would be left in the care of a father that loved and adored her. Abigail would never go through the hell she did.
Mallory touched the back of Abigail's head as they began walking.
'I'm sure she does. The Stewardess's marveled at how quiet she was. They actually gave me another pair of baby sunglasses to put on her for her return trip.'
Jarod began bouncing Abigail.
'Is that right? My, aren't you popular? We'll have to get you a new pair of sunglasses for every trip. Would you like that?'
Abigail made some sort of sound, that might have been an affirmative response. Mallory smiled briefly again, then began to break the ice.
'Did you stay with your father last night?' she asked.
Jarod exhaled, then shook his head.
'No. I stayed at a hotel. Brian locked himself in his room and I just didn't want to look at my father or...'
'Or this Cathy, right? Where is Sydney?'
Jarod waited until they were outside and headed towards the parking lot, before he answered.
'I sent Sydney home.'
Mallory did not respond to that. Both Jarod and Abigail looked over at her.
'No response?' he asked.
'I just think it's strange that you wanted him here with you so badly, that you kept it from me, and then when things really begin to go badly, you send him home. We might be able to use his help here. Isn't that why you asked him to come with you, instead of me?'
Jarod did not answer her until they finally got to his rental car. Jarod opened the back door and settled Abigail into a car seat. He then opened up the driver's side and unlocked the passenger door.
Mallory got in first. Jarod closed Abigail's door, then got into the driver's side. He then looked over at his wife. He reached out and squeezed her hand.
'Sydney can't help us anymore. Not with this.'
Mallory thought Jarod would break her hand! He was squeezing it that tightly. She pulled her hand out of his grip and smiled at him.
'It's alright, really. Just tell me whatever it is.'
Jarod took a deep breath.
'Do you remember how upset I was with my father at our wedding reception?'
Mallory nodded.
'Yes. And I don't blame you. Your father had no business saying anything bad about your mother on our wedding day.'
Jarod nodded slightly.
'Well, originally, that's not what I wanted to discuss with him. You see, my mother told me something before she died. And my father was the only one that could give me a straight answer.'
There was a silence. Mallory nodded, nudging him on. God! He really didn't want to tell her whatever this was, did he?
'Just tell me, Jarod.' she repeated.
Jarod turned in his seat so that he was facing her. Abigail kicked a leg out from her baby seat in the back.
'My mother said that there was a reason why my father and her could never find their way back to one another.'
Mallory nodded.
'Because of what your father thought your mother did, right?' she asked. She had no plans to tell Jarod of Broots's torture at Marina Derevko's hands. The woman would not have went as far as she did, if she hadn't had a secret she had wanted to protect. And selling your two boys to a place like the Centre, just to save your own neck, was about as bad as it got!
'Yes and...my mother said there was another woman. Someone that my father was in love with.'
Mallory tilted her head. Then, understanding seemed to appear in her eyes.
'This Cathy woman...your father didn't just meet her, did he? She's been around all of this time? She broke up your parent's marriage?'
Jarod nodded.
'I believe so, yes.'
Mallory just stared at him for a moment, then shook her head slightly.
'Is this what you wanted to tell me? Because if it is, it really isn't as bad as all of that. I can tell you don't like this woman but we'll get through this...'
'Mallory, this Cathy woman is not just some nobody off of the street. Her full name is Catherine....Catherine Parker.'
There! Jarod thought. Finally! He had finally gotten it out! He peered at his wife, to gauge her reaction.
Mallory lifted a brow, rolled her eyes, then reached forward and cupped his face in her hands.
'Oh, Jarod! You poor, poor, thing. I now understand why you've been so preoccupied and upset. You thought I would be too, right?'
Jarod slowly removed her hands from his face.
'And you're not? Mallory, I just told you that your mother never died.'
'Oh yes, she did.'
Now Jarod lifted a brow.
'Honey, I don't understand...'
'Jarod, you are so trusting and innocent. What? Did that woman and your father tell you that she was my mother?'
'Well, yes, Mallory I've seen her. She's your mother.'
'She LOOKS like her, I'm sure. My mother is dead, and Jarod, I would be willing to bet my leather wardrobe that this is just some trick of your father's and this impostor! I bet they're not even married!'
'Imposter?' Jarod asked, now more worried than ever! This was the last response he had expected...denial. But when he looked in her eyes, she stared at him as if he were the one that was insane!
'Yes, Jarod! Don't you see what's going on here? If we're too busy being upset by 'Faux Catherine', then we won't be able to concentrate on what's important: convincing our son to come home with us.'
Jarod was too stunned to respond! Mallory covered his hand with her own.
'I am sorry, Jarod. I know how hard this has to be for you, to discover how low your own father would sink to keep Brian. Look, I'm glad you told me. Now I know what to expect. So, let's get going, okay?' she said, giving him a quick kiss, before moving back over to her side of the car.
Jarod slowly turned and started up the car. It was up to Catherine Parker to convince her daughter of her real identity. And in an odd way, he hoped that Mallory did not believe one word out of her mother's mouth. Maybe denial would be easier for his wife to deal with, than the truth.
****
Jarod pulled the car into the drive at Major Charles's house. He saw one of his father's vehicle's in the drive. Jarod was glad to see it, and realized in the back of his mind, that he had expected his father and Catherine Parker to cut and run with his son.
Mallory surveyed the neighborhood. It was nice. It reminded her of the area Jarod, Abigail and her lived in now.
Mallory got out and opened the back door, unbuckling Abigail. She then pulled her out, picked her up and held on to her with one arm, before slamming both doors. She then walked over to Jarod and pushed Abigail into his arms.
'It's time for round two. And this time, I'll do all of the talking.' she said. She then turned and walked up the walk. Jarod hurried after her with Abigail.
'Mallory, please! This woman is going to want to explain herself to you.'
Mallory stopped, turned and looked at him.
'Jarod, I would know my own mother, okay? I will know if this woman is an impostor, which she is by the way, the moment I lay eyes on her. And it won't matter what she looks like, I'll be able to feel it. Your father and this woman are playing games with us and it is going to end right now.'
Mallory turned and hurried up the walk. Jarod walked slowly behind her, dreading the confrontation that was about to come. Mallory rang the bell, then began to lean on it!
Major Charles opened the door. He stared at her.
'Hello, Mallory. It's nice to see you.'
'Too bad I can't say the same. Where's my son?'
'Brian is upstairs, Mallory, and frankly I don't think that...'
Mallory shoved her way past him! Major Charles sucked in a breath at her abruptness, then waited for Jarod and Abigail to come in as well. He smiled at Abigail, and reached out to touch one of her hands.
'Jarod, please think about how much of Brian's life you will be disrupting if you do this thing. You have Abigail...'
'This thing I'm doing is taking my son home, Dad. Now if you're not going to help, then keep out of our way.'
Major Charles let Jarod and Abigail pass, before closing the door. Mallory looked around.
'Where's the bitch you're trying to pass of as my mother?' she asked, walking up to Major Charles.
Jarod, who had nowhere to set Abigail down, looked on tensely as Mallory approached his father, as if she wanted to beat the hell out of him!
Major Charles looked at Jarod.
'You told her?'
'You knew I would.' Jarod replied.
Major Charles looked at Mallory. He reached out to touch her shoulder. She slapped his hand away!
'I can't believe what a low life you've turned into! First you try to steal our son, then to throw us off track, you claim to be married to my mother, who has been long dead! Which room is Brian's?'
'Your mother IS alive Mallory and I don't want you seeing Brian when you're this upset!' Major Charles countered.
Mallory turned away from him briefly, looking towards the stairs. She was about to turn back to say something nasty to her father-in-law, when her eye caught the array of pictures on the table behind one of the couches. She slowly began to move towards them.
Jarod, Major Charles and Abigail watched, as Mallory picked up a picture of Catherine and Major Charles together. She stared at it for a long moment.
Major Charles was about to move towards her, when Jarod reached out and touched his arm.
'No, Dad. I think it's beginning to sink in. Just let her figure it out herself.'
Major Charles nodded in agreement. Both he and Jarod then looked to their right. Catherine Parker was coming down the stairs. Mallory had her back to her, as she put down the photograph of her mother and Major Charles, and picked up the one of her twin sister, Melanie. Her hands began to shake, as she stared at the picture. She then let it drop to the floor! She turned to look at Jarod and Major Charles. That was when she saw Catherine Parker.
Catherine smiled tentatively. She was heavily made up and wearing a red suit. She slowly made her way over to her daughter.
'I can't tell you how long I have waited for this moment....' Catherine said, then slowly, put her arms around Mallory.
A tear ran down Mallory's face, and she quickly shoved the old woman away from her! She swiped at the tear and looked at Major Charles.
'Which room is Brian's?' she asked tonelessly. Jarod handed Abigail over to Major Charles and moved to be near Mallory. He did not bother to ask Catherine if she was alright.
Mallory quickly gripped Jarod's hand and pulled him towards the staircase.
'Never mind! We'll figure out which room belongs to our son ourselves!' she snapped, pulling Jarod along with her up the stairs. They then moved down a hallway. Jarod forced her to stop.
'I want you to tell me what happened down there? What did you think when you saw those pictures? When you finally saw her?'
Mallory suddenly threw herself into Jarod's arms and held him very tightly. He then heard her say something unexpected.
'It is her...it's her...and there's a picture of someone blonde like me...she left me in that place...' she gasped, as if she were trying very hard not to cry.
Jarod held onto her, waiting for her to begin sobbing. But she did not. She let go of him and looked into his eyes. They were swimming with unshed tears.
'I can't think about this now or even deal with it.'
Jarod stroked her cheek.
'I know this is hard, but you can't bottle your feelings up. It wouldn't be good for you or our children.'
'Jarod, do you know that when you left yesterday, I watched another DSA?'
Jarod's face fell.
'Why?'
'We can't continue not knowing what happened, can we? Brian will want to know all of how he came to be separated from him one day.... it's a long story.' Mallory decided to omit Lyle's presence in the house.
'Which one?' Jarod asked softly.
'The one where I gave birth to Brian...and then had him stolen right out of my arms. I can't think about that woman right now. I can't think about how she could've helped me keep my baby. I have to pull it together for Brian. I have never wanted anything so much, but to have him with us!'
'I know, I know. But we still have to face your mother. She told me quite a story...' Jarod began gently.
Mallory began nodding quickly. She swiped at a tear that threatened to fall.
'I can't deal with her right now. I can't. Just let's deal with our son, and I'll listen to her later.'
Jarod rubbed her arms.
'Fine. Let's go.'
A door opened near them. Brian peeked out. He stared at Mallory.
'Hello.' he said, staring at her. 'I'm packed and ready to go.'
Mallory and Jarod looked at one another, then at Brian. Mallory swiped at her eyes again.
'Wow!' she said. 'I kind of got the feeling that you weren't too interested in listening to us.'
'I wasn't...not until Cathy and I had a talk.'
Mallory looked away. Jarod rubbed the back of his neck. Brian spoke.
'She told me that she's my grandmother. She also said that you aren't too happy with her. I'll go with both of you, if you hear your mother out. My grandmother. What do you say?' he asked, looking directly at Mallory.
Mallory walked up to him and reached for one of his hands. She would do anything to get her son to leave with his father, her and his baby sister. Anything so they could begin the life that was stolen from them. Even listen to bullshit from a woman that she wished to God was still a ghost!
Jarod, for his part, didn't appreciate Catherine Parker's bit of emotional blackmail here. She had obviously gotten to Brian, told her side of the story, and told it in a way that made her and his father still look good, while Mallory and him looked like the unreasonable people who wouldn't listen. Jarod touched Mallory's arm. She looked from Brian to Jarod.
'Are you up to it?' he asked her.
Mallory nodded.
'Let's get this over with.' she whispered to him. She then looked at Brian.
'It would be much easier for me to listen...if you were with me as well.' Mallory said, reaching out and touching Brian's hair.
Brian nodded, then allowed his mother to take his hand and pull him out of the room. Jarod smiled at him, letting them pass. He then looked around his son's room, taking in the Star Wars posters, and other Sci-Fi trinkets. Jarod then spotted Brian's suitcase on the bed. It was full, and just needed to be closed.
Jarod walked into the room, closed the suitcase, locked it, then picked it up and carried it from the room and downstairs.
Jarod sat in a chair at the airport in Alaska, lost in thought. Mallory had not been able to get a flight right away, so she had to wait until the morning to come.
Jarod had stayed at a hotel, even though his father and Catherine had offered him a spare room. He didn't want their spare room. He needed to be alone.
Brian had went to his room after Jarod had called Mallory, and had not emerged since. Jarod left with Sydney. He then told his surrogate father that he wanted him to return home to his wife.
Sydney had protested vehemently, insistent that he might be able to make Brian's transition smoother. Jarod had shaken his head. Sydney had a life with Michelle now. Jarod and Mallory would have to face the demons of their past alone. He did not want their problems seeping into Sydney's new life.
Sydney reminded Jarod that in many ways, he was responsible for their secrets. Jarod had hugged him and told him to go. Sydney told him that he would be there for Mallory when she learned the truth, and that they would see him when they returned to Delaware.
So, Sydney left, albeit, quite reluctantly. Jarod knew that Sydney would not be able to rest, until he knew how Mallory took the news that her mother had been alive all of these years.
Jarod sat forward, as he heard the announcement that his wife and daughter's flight number, had just got in. There were so many holes in Catherine Parker's story, and he sincerely hoped that she would be able to fill them when the time came.
For instance, one of the many things bugging Jarod, was the strange injection given to Catherine, late in the night, in some Triumvirate owned hotel. Why? Did the Triumvirate suspect that she may not keep her word to Raines and keep away from Ethan and Mallory? And if that was the case, then why not just kill her? Why did they allow her to take one child, this Melanie, who had been a prisoner of theirs?
Maybe injecting her with whatever virus they did, was a way of debilitating her. But something in the back of Jarod's mind, kept screaming that that made no sense whatsoever! The Triumvirate, Centre....they were the same damned thing. And they didn't like loose ends. They would've killed her, simple as that. Killed her and reclaimed Melanie for their own purposes.
Jarod looked up, as Mallory came through the door, holding Abigail. Abigail was wearing her trademark baby sunglasses. Mallory was wearing an off white suit. She smiled tentatively at Jarod, as he reached out to claim his daughter.
'How is my sweetie doing this morning? Daddy is sorry that he had to ask you to come all of this way. Does Daddy's Princess forgive him? Do you forgive me?'
Ordinarily, Mallory would've been impatient with this sort of babytalk. But somehow, it always seemed to calm her. She knew that God forbid, if anything happened to her, Abigail would be left in the care of a father that loved and adored her. Abigail would never go through the hell she did.
Mallory touched the back of Abigail's head as they began walking.
'I'm sure she does. The Stewardess's marveled at how quiet she was. They actually gave me another pair of baby sunglasses to put on her for her return trip.'
Jarod began bouncing Abigail.
'Is that right? My, aren't you popular? We'll have to get you a new pair of sunglasses for every trip. Would you like that?'
Abigail made some sort of sound, that might have been an affirmative response. Mallory smiled briefly again, then began to break the ice.
'Did you stay with your father last night?' she asked.
Jarod exhaled, then shook his head.
'No. I stayed at a hotel. Brian locked himself in his room and I just didn't want to look at my father or...'
'Or this Cathy, right? Where is Sydney?'
Jarod waited until they were outside and headed towards the parking lot, before he answered.
'I sent Sydney home.'
Mallory did not respond to that. Both Jarod and Abigail looked over at her.
'No response?' he asked.
'I just think it's strange that you wanted him here with you so badly, that you kept it from me, and then when things really begin to go badly, you send him home. We might be able to use his help here. Isn't that why you asked him to come with you, instead of me?'
Jarod did not answer her until they finally got to his rental car. Jarod opened the back door and settled Abigail into a car seat. He then opened up the driver's side and unlocked the passenger door.
Mallory got in first. Jarod closed Abigail's door, then got into the driver's side. He then looked over at his wife. He reached out and squeezed her hand.
'Sydney can't help us anymore. Not with this.'
Mallory thought Jarod would break her hand! He was squeezing it that tightly. She pulled her hand out of his grip and smiled at him.
'It's alright, really. Just tell me whatever it is.'
Jarod took a deep breath.
'Do you remember how upset I was with my father at our wedding reception?'
Mallory nodded.
'Yes. And I don't blame you. Your father had no business saying anything bad about your mother on our wedding day.'
Jarod nodded slightly.
'Well, originally, that's not what I wanted to discuss with him. You see, my mother told me something before she died. And my father was the only one that could give me a straight answer.'
There was a silence. Mallory nodded, nudging him on. God! He really didn't want to tell her whatever this was, did he?
'Just tell me, Jarod.' she repeated.
Jarod turned in his seat so that he was facing her. Abigail kicked a leg out from her baby seat in the back.
'My mother said that there was a reason why my father and her could never find their way back to one another.'
Mallory nodded.
'Because of what your father thought your mother did, right?' she asked. She had no plans to tell Jarod of Broots's torture at Marina Derevko's hands. The woman would not have went as far as she did, if she hadn't had a secret she had wanted to protect. And selling your two boys to a place like the Centre, just to save your own neck, was about as bad as it got!
'Yes and...my mother said there was another woman. Someone that my father was in love with.'
Mallory tilted her head. Then, understanding seemed to appear in her eyes.
'This Cathy woman...your father didn't just meet her, did he? She's been around all of this time? She broke up your parent's marriage?'
Jarod nodded.
'I believe so, yes.'
Mallory just stared at him for a moment, then shook her head slightly.
'Is this what you wanted to tell me? Because if it is, it really isn't as bad as all of that. I can tell you don't like this woman but we'll get through this...'
'Mallory, this Cathy woman is not just some nobody off of the street. Her full name is Catherine....Catherine Parker.'
There! Jarod thought. Finally! He had finally gotten it out! He peered at his wife, to gauge her reaction.
Mallory lifted a brow, rolled her eyes, then reached forward and cupped his face in her hands.
'Oh, Jarod! You poor, poor, thing. I now understand why you've been so preoccupied and upset. You thought I would be too, right?'
Jarod slowly removed her hands from his face.
'And you're not? Mallory, I just told you that your mother never died.'
'Oh yes, she did.'
Now Jarod lifted a brow.
'Honey, I don't understand...'
'Jarod, you are so trusting and innocent. What? Did that woman and your father tell you that she was my mother?'
'Well, yes, Mallory I've seen her. She's your mother.'
'She LOOKS like her, I'm sure. My mother is dead, and Jarod, I would be willing to bet my leather wardrobe that this is just some trick of your father's and this impostor! I bet they're not even married!'
'Imposter?' Jarod asked, now more worried than ever! This was the last response he had expected...denial. But when he looked in her eyes, she stared at him as if he were the one that was insane!
'Yes, Jarod! Don't you see what's going on here? If we're too busy being upset by 'Faux Catherine', then we won't be able to concentrate on what's important: convincing our son to come home with us.'
Jarod was too stunned to respond! Mallory covered his hand with her own.
'I am sorry, Jarod. I know how hard this has to be for you, to discover how low your own father would sink to keep Brian. Look, I'm glad you told me. Now I know what to expect. So, let's get going, okay?' she said, giving him a quick kiss, before moving back over to her side of the car.
Jarod slowly turned and started up the car. It was up to Catherine Parker to convince her daughter of her real identity. And in an odd way, he hoped that Mallory did not believe one word out of her mother's mouth. Maybe denial would be easier for his wife to deal with, than the truth.
****
Jarod pulled the car into the drive at Major Charles's house. He saw one of his father's vehicle's in the drive. Jarod was glad to see it, and realized in the back of his mind, that he had expected his father and Catherine Parker to cut and run with his son.
Mallory surveyed the neighborhood. It was nice. It reminded her of the area Jarod, Abigail and her lived in now.
Mallory got out and opened the back door, unbuckling Abigail. She then pulled her out, picked her up and held on to her with one arm, before slamming both doors. She then walked over to Jarod and pushed Abigail into his arms.
'It's time for round two. And this time, I'll do all of the talking.' she said. She then turned and walked up the walk. Jarod hurried after her with Abigail.
'Mallory, please! This woman is going to want to explain herself to you.'
Mallory stopped, turned and looked at him.
'Jarod, I would know my own mother, okay? I will know if this woman is an impostor, which she is by the way, the moment I lay eyes on her. And it won't matter what she looks like, I'll be able to feel it. Your father and this woman are playing games with us and it is going to end right now.'
Mallory turned and hurried up the walk. Jarod walked slowly behind her, dreading the confrontation that was about to come. Mallory rang the bell, then began to lean on it!
Major Charles opened the door. He stared at her.
'Hello, Mallory. It's nice to see you.'
'Too bad I can't say the same. Where's my son?'
'Brian is upstairs, Mallory, and frankly I don't think that...'
Mallory shoved her way past him! Major Charles sucked in a breath at her abruptness, then waited for Jarod and Abigail to come in as well. He smiled at Abigail, and reached out to touch one of her hands.
'Jarod, please think about how much of Brian's life you will be disrupting if you do this thing. You have Abigail...'
'This thing I'm doing is taking my son home, Dad. Now if you're not going to help, then keep out of our way.'
Major Charles let Jarod and Abigail pass, before closing the door. Mallory looked around.
'Where's the bitch you're trying to pass of as my mother?' she asked, walking up to Major Charles.
Jarod, who had nowhere to set Abigail down, looked on tensely as Mallory approached his father, as if she wanted to beat the hell out of him!
Major Charles looked at Jarod.
'You told her?'
'You knew I would.' Jarod replied.
Major Charles looked at Mallory. He reached out to touch her shoulder. She slapped his hand away!
'I can't believe what a low life you've turned into! First you try to steal our son, then to throw us off track, you claim to be married to my mother, who has been long dead! Which room is Brian's?'
'Your mother IS alive Mallory and I don't want you seeing Brian when you're this upset!' Major Charles countered.
Mallory turned away from him briefly, looking towards the stairs. She was about to turn back to say something nasty to her father-in-law, when her eye caught the array of pictures on the table behind one of the couches. She slowly began to move towards them.
Jarod, Major Charles and Abigail watched, as Mallory picked up a picture of Catherine and Major Charles together. She stared at it for a long moment.
Major Charles was about to move towards her, when Jarod reached out and touched his arm.
'No, Dad. I think it's beginning to sink in. Just let her figure it out herself.'
Major Charles nodded in agreement. Both he and Jarod then looked to their right. Catherine Parker was coming down the stairs. Mallory had her back to her, as she put down the photograph of her mother and Major Charles, and picked up the one of her twin sister, Melanie. Her hands began to shake, as she stared at the picture. She then let it drop to the floor! She turned to look at Jarod and Major Charles. That was when she saw Catherine Parker.
Catherine smiled tentatively. She was heavily made up and wearing a red suit. She slowly made her way over to her daughter.
'I can't tell you how long I have waited for this moment....' Catherine said, then slowly, put her arms around Mallory.
A tear ran down Mallory's face, and she quickly shoved the old woman away from her! She swiped at the tear and looked at Major Charles.
'Which room is Brian's?' she asked tonelessly. Jarod handed Abigail over to Major Charles and moved to be near Mallory. He did not bother to ask Catherine if she was alright.
Mallory quickly gripped Jarod's hand and pulled him towards the staircase.
'Never mind! We'll figure out which room belongs to our son ourselves!' she snapped, pulling Jarod along with her up the stairs. They then moved down a hallway. Jarod forced her to stop.
'I want you to tell me what happened down there? What did you think when you saw those pictures? When you finally saw her?'
Mallory suddenly threw herself into Jarod's arms and held him very tightly. He then heard her say something unexpected.
'It is her...it's her...and there's a picture of someone blonde like me...she left me in that place...' she gasped, as if she were trying very hard not to cry.
Jarod held onto her, waiting for her to begin sobbing. But she did not. She let go of him and looked into his eyes. They were swimming with unshed tears.
'I can't think about this now or even deal with it.'
Jarod stroked her cheek.
'I know this is hard, but you can't bottle your feelings up. It wouldn't be good for you or our children.'
'Jarod, do you know that when you left yesterday, I watched another DSA?'
Jarod's face fell.
'Why?'
'We can't continue not knowing what happened, can we? Brian will want to know all of how he came to be separated from him one day.... it's a long story.' Mallory decided to omit Lyle's presence in the house.
'Which one?' Jarod asked softly.
'The one where I gave birth to Brian...and then had him stolen right out of my arms. I can't think about that woman right now. I can't think about how she could've helped me keep my baby. I have to pull it together for Brian. I have never wanted anything so much, but to have him with us!'
'I know, I know. But we still have to face your mother. She told me quite a story...' Jarod began gently.
Mallory began nodding quickly. She swiped at a tear that threatened to fall.
'I can't deal with her right now. I can't. Just let's deal with our son, and I'll listen to her later.'
Jarod rubbed her arms.
'Fine. Let's go.'
A door opened near them. Brian peeked out. He stared at Mallory.
'Hello.' he said, staring at her. 'I'm packed and ready to go.'
Mallory and Jarod looked at one another, then at Brian. Mallory swiped at her eyes again.
'Wow!' she said. 'I kind of got the feeling that you weren't too interested in listening to us.'
'I wasn't...not until Cathy and I had a talk.'
Mallory looked away. Jarod rubbed the back of his neck. Brian spoke.
'She told me that she's my grandmother. She also said that you aren't too happy with her. I'll go with both of you, if you hear your mother out. My grandmother. What do you say?' he asked, looking directly at Mallory.
Mallory walked up to him and reached for one of his hands. She would do anything to get her son to leave with his father, her and his baby sister. Anything so they could begin the life that was stolen from them. Even listen to bullshit from a woman that she wished to God was still a ghost!
Jarod, for his part, didn't appreciate Catherine Parker's bit of emotional blackmail here. She had obviously gotten to Brian, told her side of the story, and told it in a way that made her and his father still look good, while Mallory and him looked like the unreasonable people who wouldn't listen. Jarod touched Mallory's arm. She looked from Brian to Jarod.
'Are you up to it?' he asked her.
Mallory nodded.
'Let's get this over with.' she whispered to him. She then looked at Brian.
'It would be much easier for me to listen...if you were with me as well.' Mallory said, reaching out and touching Brian's hair.
Brian nodded, then allowed his mother to take his hand and pull him out of the room. Jarod smiled at him, letting them pass. He then looked around his son's room, taking in the Star Wars posters, and other Sci-Fi trinkets. Jarod then spotted Brian's suitcase on the bed. It was full, and just needed to be closed.
Jarod walked into the room, closed the suitcase, locked it, then picked it up and carried it from the room and downstairs.