Chapter 34
Ms. Parker snatched up the phone again. What the hell kind of game was this?! And who was that boy calling her 'mom'?!
She turned the phone on again and this time, picked Jarod's number out of the list. She waited impatiently, as it rang.
'Hello?' she heard his voice ask. Ms. Parker raised a brow. Jarod never would've left himself wide open like this! He did the calling, yet he had given her his phone number? And she hadn't used it to catch him? Why? When did this happen? What the hell was going on?!
'Hello? Mallory? Honey, are you alright?'
Ms. Parker snorted!
'I'm not your 'honey', Jarod, okay? I don't know when I allowed you to address me in such familiar terms, but it stops now! You are the prey and I'm the huntress, do we understand one another?'
Jarod took a deep breath and looked over Sidney. Vaughn was trying to trace the signal, as Brian passed by him and approached Jarod with his own phone.
For his part, Jarod realized that his 'father-in-law' and probably Raines, had either wiped away his wife's memory with that same drug that was used on the both of them years ago, or another form of brainwashing.
'Tell me where you are?' Jarod asked casually, realizing he would have to take another tact with her.
'Oh, you want to know where I am? Why? So you can get a running headstart?'
It was all Jarod could do to keep his patience! He was speaking to the old Ms. Parker now. The frustrating as hell, ice goddess! Why, he did not know, though he was sure Mr. Parker could probably explain that! He had forgotten how cold she could...used to be!
Brian interrupted.
'Mom was on the phone, then we got disconnected! She's alive! She's okay!'
Ms. Parker's mouth dropped open, as she heard the sound of a boy saying his mother was okay. It sounded like the boy she had called earlier...the one named Brian.
'Jarod? Who is that? Another one of your charity cases?'
'No, actually, he's our son. The son that your father and Raines stole from us.'
Ms. Parker said nothing for a moment. Then she began to laugh!
'Okay, Jarod! Whatever! I can play whatever game you want to play, but I resent like hell, you're involving Sydney!'
Jarod raised a brow.
'So, Sydney is telling you what I'm telling you?'
'Yes, and it's going to get him killed if he doesn's shut up! My father and Lyle are already sick of him! What have you done to him, Jarod?'
'Tell me, what are you wearing now?'
Ms. Parker rolled her eyes!
'Excuse me? What am I wearing? What the hell does that have to do with anything?!'
'Is it leather?' Jarod asked in a sing song voice. Sidney and Brian watched Jarod. His playful tone in the face of danger seemed odd.
Ms. Parker took the time to look down at herself. She was wearing a rather conservative looking, powder blue pants suit. Granted, she had worn this kind of thing before...but, there was something about it that didn't seem to fit.
Not that that meant anything.
'You're wearing a sky blue, or powder blue, as you would call it, pants suit with a white shirt underneath . You have little pearly earrings on and shoes that...'
Ms. Parker looked in the nearest mirror! Her heart did flip flops, as Jarod described her exact outfit! She looked at the closed door for a minute, then began looking around.
'You have a camera on board this plane, don't you?'
Jarod looked at Sidney.
'Plane? You're on a plane?' he asked loudly. Sidney hurried off with that information, leaving Brian to try and piece together what his father was saying to his mother.
'Oh you know I am! I think I'm going to end this conversation and throw this phone that you planted on me, off of this plane, okay?!' she snapped.
'No! Mallory, don't hang up! They murdered Michelle, you do know that, don't you?'
There was a moment of silence.
'Michelle? Michelle is somebody I'm supposed to know?'
'Michelle was Sydney's wife. You've been brainwashed, Mallory. We have two children and...'
'Stop calling me that! And stop you're lying, Jarod! Now I can see why my father wants you back so badly! To be able to just lie your way through life is a rare talent!'
'Well you're father should know, MALLORY, because for about two years now, you thought he was dead. You thought Brigitte was dead and...'
'Honey?'
Ms. Parker's head whipped towards the bathroom door! It was her father.
'Well, as usual, it was nice talking to you, Jarod. Maybe we can converse further, once I have you back in the Centre.'
'I'm looking forward to it...only it won't be in the Centre, but in our bed.'
Ms. Parker gasped and hung up quickly, unable to believe that Jarod was speaking to her in this way! Maybe all of that running around he did, had finally driven him off of the deep end? One day he's usual pain in the ass self, all full of riddles and annoying clues, the next, he's telling her they share children and acting as if they were lovers or something!
'Honey? Are you alright in there? Should I send in Brigitte?'
God no! Ms. Parker thought. She walked towards the door, ready to unlock it and tell her father all about what Jarod was trying to pull.
But something in her made her stop. She didn't know what, but it was that same something that caused her to put the phone back in her pocket. She unlocked the door and opened it.
Her father and Lyle were on the other side.
'You okay, Parker?' Lyle asked.
Ms. Parker gave Lyle a look of annoyance. She had never met a more insincere person. Jarod had more credibility than him!
'I'm fine.'
'Honey, we heard shouting.' Mr. Parker said, his eyed probing hers.
'Oh, well the water...when I tried to wash my hands, came out cold instead of hot. I think somethig is broken.'
Mr. Parker smiled with relief.
'Yes, it has been some time since this old crate had a good check up.' he said, patting her shoulder. But Lyle didn't look as if he bought that.
'And you did turn the 'hot water' knob?'
Ms. Parker scowled at him!
'Of course! Why are you suddenly so interested in my handwashing problems?'
'Because we heard more than a shout in here. It sounded as if you were talking to someone.'
Sydney, from his seat, tried to listen in. What was going on over there? Had Ms. Parker remembered something?
'Talking to someone? Well, you're mistaken.' Ms. Parker answered coldly, before her eyes softened again and looked at her father.
'Daddy, what is this trap we're going to set for Jarod? I mean, why do you think he'll come to me?'
'Now, now, Angel. We'll tell you everything as soon as we land.'
'But is Jarod in Carhis? I mean is that why we're headed there?'
'All we be clear in good time.'
'But Daddy, why is he there? I mean is he still looking for clues to his family background or something?'
'That's where the two of you first fell in love.' Sydney called out softly. Lyle turned and rushed over to backhand him! But Ms. Parker hurried past him to head him off!
'Stop it, Lyle! This is Sydney! It is obvious that Jarod has done something to him! Just leave him alone!'
Lyle's eyes lit up at her words, and he looked back Mr. Parker, who continued to smile.
'That's right, Angel. That's why we had to rescue Sydney there. We couldn't let Jarod continue his game. It was undermining The Centre.'
Lyle gave Sydney one last warning look, before backing away and walking back across the aisle to his seat. Raines smiled at Sydney. Brigitte was talking quietly to Bobby, who was drinking juice. Ms. Parker's eyes fell upon the boy. Who was that kid?
'Ms. Parker? What happened in that bathroom?'
Ms. Parker looked around, then sat down next to Sydney. She gave him a pitying look.
'Jarod, has somehow managed to plant a phone on me. I spoke with him. He's pulled a real game on us, Syd, and the worst part about it is neither of us remember when he did it.' she said in a low voice.
'Ms. Parker, this is not a game. He was telling you the truth.'
'Sydney, you think that because Jarod wants you to believe that. Look, he was even low enough to suggest that the Centre killed Michelle....the woman that is the mother of your child...'
'They did, Ms. Parker! This is no game and I will not play along and pretend that all is well here! We're headed to Carthis because that is where the New Centre is!' he hissed.
'New Centre? Syd, I can't listen to much more here...'
But Sydney grabbed her wrist!
'Ms. Parker, please! You have to listen! Jarod is not already there. He is back in Blue Cove. He's coming here to rescue you!'
'Rescue me? I don't need rescuing, Syd. Look, when we land, I'm sure we'll figure out what Jarod has done to you and reverse the effects. Soon, you'll be as good as new, okay?' Ms. Parker said soothingly, pulling her wrist from his grasp and patting his hand. She then looked out of the window.
Sydney did not say anything more. Jarod and the CIA were the only ones that could help them now.
****
Meanwhile, Mr. Parker sat down next to Raines and Lyle.
'You know, I still can't get past what Catherine did to me. I also can't believe you never told me.' Mr. Parker said, glaring at Raines. Lyle glanced over at him.
But Raines was unflappable.
'Catherine was never right for you. She was not right for the Centre. She questioned our every decision and did not support our work, not to mention that she was smuggling children out behind our backs.'
'She had my support on that one.' Mr. Parker said huffily. 'But I had to approve them. And the ones she did get out of there really weren't that valuable. But I resent like hell, you're lying to me! You told me that Catherine died giving birth to Ethan, who by the way, I want back as well! You never told me that you faked her death, or let her take off with my other daughter...a child that you should've never hidden from me in the first place!'
'Now, Dad, please, let's not get crazy here!' Lyle said, looking around. Ms. Parker was staring over at them, as well as Sydney.
'Yes, keep your eyes on the prize...Jarod. Once we lure him here, then it will be easier to get to Brian and Abigail.' Raines predicted.
'Yes,' Lyle said, 'although I'm sure Sidney Bristow will do her damndest to protect them.'
But Mr. Parker's thoughts seemed to be elsewhere.
'Dad?' Lyle asked.
Mr. Parker seemed to snap out of it.
'I'm sorry. I was just thinking about her...Melanie. She had wanted to get to know me. I'm sorry we kept that deal with Catherine. Both of my daughters should be on this plane.'
'Both of your daughters aren't important to Jarod.' Raines reminded him. Lyle cleared his throat.
'So, Catherine Parker really isn't my mother?'
Mr. Parker rolled his eyes!
'Not now, Lyle!' he snapped. He barely remembered Lyle's mother. And what little he did, was not pleasant!
****
Jarod hung up, annoyed. He had to get to Mallory and Sydney. He was not going to let Mr. Parker win.
'What happened? That was Mom, wasn't it?' Brian asked. Jarod looked over at him.
'Yes, son, it was.' Jarod said calmly, trying to think of a plan of action. He suspected Mr. Parker, Raines and Lyle, were using Mallory to lure him there. It would not be long before they'd want Brian and Abigail as well.
'Well, when is she coming home?' he asked. Sidney and Vaughn came back over.
'They're on a plane to Carthis.' Vaughn said.
Jarod nodded.
'They're trying to lure me back there.'
'Well they won't get the chance!' Sidney sniffed. 'Vaughn and I will go.'
'Sidney, I have to be there. My wife thinks she still works for the Centre.'
'What?!' Brian cried out. Jarod had forgotten about him. He put a hand on his shoulder.
'Son, you might as well hear this from me: your mother didn't seem to remember our life together.'
'So, you think her father and Raines brainwashed her or something?' Vaughn asked.
'I would be willing to be my life on it.' Jarod said grimly.
'Which is what you'll be doing if you go there, Jarod. Your kids need you. Let us handle this.' Sidney insisted.
Vaughn pulled her away from Jarod and Brian.
'Sidney, we're going to need him as bait. Jarod knows this and is willing to do what he needs to do.'
'But...'
'Sidney, we both know Jarod well enough to know, that he won't feel as if he has a life, if the mother of his children is not with him. We don't have a choice here. Not if we want to take these people down for good, once and for all.'
Meanwhile, Brian was questioning Jarod.
'So, she's been given something so that she doesn't remember Abigail or me?'
'Or me, Brian. She thinks that you're a clone...or if she even knows about you, I'd be surprised. There's no telling how far back in the past she's living. But we will fix this. We will get her back.'
'But if she doesn't remember any of us...' Brian began, but then stopped short. He was staring at something behind Jarod.
Major Charles, Catherine Parker, and a woman that looked so much like Mallory that it was haunting, stepped into view. Sidney and Vaughn turned and approached them.
'Well, Sidney, we're here.' Major Charles said. Sidney nodded curtly, but her eyes were on Melanie.
'Well, I was beginning to think that you didn't exist.' Sidney said to Melanie. Melanie had blonde hair and looked much more fragile than Mallory ever did. She sniffed and took out a bottle of medication.
'Can I get some water?' she asked curtly, ignoring Sidney altogether. Catherine tried to touch her hair, but Melanie pulled out of reach.
'Just leave me alone...both of you!' she snapped, as someone handed her a bottled water. She then downed two pills.
'Honey, is it your ulcer?' Catherine asked.
'Of course it is! You'd have an ulcer after what I had been through too!' she hissed.
Jarod and Brian slowly began to approach her. Major Charles and Catherine looked at them both. But Melanie was not looking at either of them.
Ethan and Nicholas had stood up. Ethan was now holding Abigail and had approached her.
'Hello, Melanie. My name is Ethan. I'm your brother. This is Abigail, your niece.'
But Abigail began to reach out for the woman that looked so much like her mother. She then uttered her first clear word.
'Mama.'
Ms. Parker snatched up the phone again. What the hell kind of game was this?! And who was that boy calling her 'mom'?!
She turned the phone on again and this time, picked Jarod's number out of the list. She waited impatiently, as it rang.
'Hello?' she heard his voice ask. Ms. Parker raised a brow. Jarod never would've left himself wide open like this! He did the calling, yet he had given her his phone number? And she hadn't used it to catch him? Why? When did this happen? What the hell was going on?!
'Hello? Mallory? Honey, are you alright?'
Ms. Parker snorted!
'I'm not your 'honey', Jarod, okay? I don't know when I allowed you to address me in such familiar terms, but it stops now! You are the prey and I'm the huntress, do we understand one another?'
Jarod took a deep breath and looked over Sidney. Vaughn was trying to trace the signal, as Brian passed by him and approached Jarod with his own phone.
For his part, Jarod realized that his 'father-in-law' and probably Raines, had either wiped away his wife's memory with that same drug that was used on the both of them years ago, or another form of brainwashing.
'Tell me where you are?' Jarod asked casually, realizing he would have to take another tact with her.
'Oh, you want to know where I am? Why? So you can get a running headstart?'
It was all Jarod could do to keep his patience! He was speaking to the old Ms. Parker now. The frustrating as hell, ice goddess! Why, he did not know, though he was sure Mr. Parker could probably explain that! He had forgotten how cold she could...used to be!
Brian interrupted.
'Mom was on the phone, then we got disconnected! She's alive! She's okay!'
Ms. Parker's mouth dropped open, as she heard the sound of a boy saying his mother was okay. It sounded like the boy she had called earlier...the one named Brian.
'Jarod? Who is that? Another one of your charity cases?'
'No, actually, he's our son. The son that your father and Raines stole from us.'
Ms. Parker said nothing for a moment. Then she began to laugh!
'Okay, Jarod! Whatever! I can play whatever game you want to play, but I resent like hell, you're involving Sydney!'
Jarod raised a brow.
'So, Sydney is telling you what I'm telling you?'
'Yes, and it's going to get him killed if he doesn's shut up! My father and Lyle are already sick of him! What have you done to him, Jarod?'
'Tell me, what are you wearing now?'
Ms. Parker rolled her eyes!
'Excuse me? What am I wearing? What the hell does that have to do with anything?!'
'Is it leather?' Jarod asked in a sing song voice. Sidney and Brian watched Jarod. His playful tone in the face of danger seemed odd.
Ms. Parker took the time to look down at herself. She was wearing a rather conservative looking, powder blue pants suit. Granted, she had worn this kind of thing before...but, there was something about it that didn't seem to fit.
Not that that meant anything.
'You're wearing a sky blue, or powder blue, as you would call it, pants suit with a white shirt underneath . You have little pearly earrings on and shoes that...'
Ms. Parker looked in the nearest mirror! Her heart did flip flops, as Jarod described her exact outfit! She looked at the closed door for a minute, then began looking around.
'You have a camera on board this plane, don't you?'
Jarod looked at Sidney.
'Plane? You're on a plane?' he asked loudly. Sidney hurried off with that information, leaving Brian to try and piece together what his father was saying to his mother.
'Oh you know I am! I think I'm going to end this conversation and throw this phone that you planted on me, off of this plane, okay?!' she snapped.
'No! Mallory, don't hang up! They murdered Michelle, you do know that, don't you?'
There was a moment of silence.
'Michelle? Michelle is somebody I'm supposed to know?'
'Michelle was Sydney's wife. You've been brainwashed, Mallory. We have two children and...'
'Stop calling me that! And stop you're lying, Jarod! Now I can see why my father wants you back so badly! To be able to just lie your way through life is a rare talent!'
'Well you're father should know, MALLORY, because for about two years now, you thought he was dead. You thought Brigitte was dead and...'
'Honey?'
Ms. Parker's head whipped towards the bathroom door! It was her father.
'Well, as usual, it was nice talking to you, Jarod. Maybe we can converse further, once I have you back in the Centre.'
'I'm looking forward to it...only it won't be in the Centre, but in our bed.'
Ms. Parker gasped and hung up quickly, unable to believe that Jarod was speaking to her in this way! Maybe all of that running around he did, had finally driven him off of the deep end? One day he's usual pain in the ass self, all full of riddles and annoying clues, the next, he's telling her they share children and acting as if they were lovers or something!
'Honey? Are you alright in there? Should I send in Brigitte?'
God no! Ms. Parker thought. She walked towards the door, ready to unlock it and tell her father all about what Jarod was trying to pull.
But something in her made her stop. She didn't know what, but it was that same something that caused her to put the phone back in her pocket. She unlocked the door and opened it.
Her father and Lyle were on the other side.
'You okay, Parker?' Lyle asked.
Ms. Parker gave Lyle a look of annoyance. She had never met a more insincere person. Jarod had more credibility than him!
'I'm fine.'
'Honey, we heard shouting.' Mr. Parker said, his eyed probing hers.
'Oh, well the water...when I tried to wash my hands, came out cold instead of hot. I think somethig is broken.'
Mr. Parker smiled with relief.
'Yes, it has been some time since this old crate had a good check up.' he said, patting her shoulder. But Lyle didn't look as if he bought that.
'And you did turn the 'hot water' knob?'
Ms. Parker scowled at him!
'Of course! Why are you suddenly so interested in my handwashing problems?'
'Because we heard more than a shout in here. It sounded as if you were talking to someone.'
Sydney, from his seat, tried to listen in. What was going on over there? Had Ms. Parker remembered something?
'Talking to someone? Well, you're mistaken.' Ms. Parker answered coldly, before her eyes softened again and looked at her father.
'Daddy, what is this trap we're going to set for Jarod? I mean, why do you think he'll come to me?'
'Now, now, Angel. We'll tell you everything as soon as we land.'
'But is Jarod in Carhis? I mean is that why we're headed there?'
'All we be clear in good time.'
'But Daddy, why is he there? I mean is he still looking for clues to his family background or something?'
'That's where the two of you first fell in love.' Sydney called out softly. Lyle turned and rushed over to backhand him! But Ms. Parker hurried past him to head him off!
'Stop it, Lyle! This is Sydney! It is obvious that Jarod has done something to him! Just leave him alone!'
Lyle's eyes lit up at her words, and he looked back Mr. Parker, who continued to smile.
'That's right, Angel. That's why we had to rescue Sydney there. We couldn't let Jarod continue his game. It was undermining The Centre.'
Lyle gave Sydney one last warning look, before backing away and walking back across the aisle to his seat. Raines smiled at Sydney. Brigitte was talking quietly to Bobby, who was drinking juice. Ms. Parker's eyes fell upon the boy. Who was that kid?
'Ms. Parker? What happened in that bathroom?'
Ms. Parker looked around, then sat down next to Sydney. She gave him a pitying look.
'Jarod, has somehow managed to plant a phone on me. I spoke with him. He's pulled a real game on us, Syd, and the worst part about it is neither of us remember when he did it.' she said in a low voice.
'Ms. Parker, this is not a game. He was telling you the truth.'
'Sydney, you think that because Jarod wants you to believe that. Look, he was even low enough to suggest that the Centre killed Michelle....the woman that is the mother of your child...'
'They did, Ms. Parker! This is no game and I will not play along and pretend that all is well here! We're headed to Carthis because that is where the New Centre is!' he hissed.
'New Centre? Syd, I can't listen to much more here...'
But Sydney grabbed her wrist!
'Ms. Parker, please! You have to listen! Jarod is not already there. He is back in Blue Cove. He's coming here to rescue you!'
'Rescue me? I don't need rescuing, Syd. Look, when we land, I'm sure we'll figure out what Jarod has done to you and reverse the effects. Soon, you'll be as good as new, okay?' Ms. Parker said soothingly, pulling her wrist from his grasp and patting his hand. She then looked out of the window.
Sydney did not say anything more. Jarod and the CIA were the only ones that could help them now.
****
Meanwhile, Mr. Parker sat down next to Raines and Lyle.
'You know, I still can't get past what Catherine did to me. I also can't believe you never told me.' Mr. Parker said, glaring at Raines. Lyle glanced over at him.
But Raines was unflappable.
'Catherine was never right for you. She was not right for the Centre. She questioned our every decision and did not support our work, not to mention that she was smuggling children out behind our backs.'
'She had my support on that one.' Mr. Parker said huffily. 'But I had to approve them. And the ones she did get out of there really weren't that valuable. But I resent like hell, you're lying to me! You told me that Catherine died giving birth to Ethan, who by the way, I want back as well! You never told me that you faked her death, or let her take off with my other daughter...a child that you should've never hidden from me in the first place!'
'Now, Dad, please, let's not get crazy here!' Lyle said, looking around. Ms. Parker was staring over at them, as well as Sydney.
'Yes, keep your eyes on the prize...Jarod. Once we lure him here, then it will be easier to get to Brian and Abigail.' Raines predicted.
'Yes,' Lyle said, 'although I'm sure Sidney Bristow will do her damndest to protect them.'
But Mr. Parker's thoughts seemed to be elsewhere.
'Dad?' Lyle asked.
Mr. Parker seemed to snap out of it.
'I'm sorry. I was just thinking about her...Melanie. She had wanted to get to know me. I'm sorry we kept that deal with Catherine. Both of my daughters should be on this plane.'
'Both of your daughters aren't important to Jarod.' Raines reminded him. Lyle cleared his throat.
'So, Catherine Parker really isn't my mother?'
Mr. Parker rolled his eyes!
'Not now, Lyle!' he snapped. He barely remembered Lyle's mother. And what little he did, was not pleasant!
****
Jarod hung up, annoyed. He had to get to Mallory and Sydney. He was not going to let Mr. Parker win.
'What happened? That was Mom, wasn't it?' Brian asked. Jarod looked over at him.
'Yes, son, it was.' Jarod said calmly, trying to think of a plan of action. He suspected Mr. Parker, Raines and Lyle, were using Mallory to lure him there. It would not be long before they'd want Brian and Abigail as well.
'Well, when is she coming home?' he asked. Sidney and Vaughn came back over.
'They're on a plane to Carthis.' Vaughn said.
Jarod nodded.
'They're trying to lure me back there.'
'Well they won't get the chance!' Sidney sniffed. 'Vaughn and I will go.'
'Sidney, I have to be there. My wife thinks she still works for the Centre.'
'What?!' Brian cried out. Jarod had forgotten about him. He put a hand on his shoulder.
'Son, you might as well hear this from me: your mother didn't seem to remember our life together.'
'So, you think her father and Raines brainwashed her or something?' Vaughn asked.
'I would be willing to be my life on it.' Jarod said grimly.
'Which is what you'll be doing if you go there, Jarod. Your kids need you. Let us handle this.' Sidney insisted.
Vaughn pulled her away from Jarod and Brian.
'Sidney, we're going to need him as bait. Jarod knows this and is willing to do what he needs to do.'
'But...'
'Sidney, we both know Jarod well enough to know, that he won't feel as if he has a life, if the mother of his children is not with him. We don't have a choice here. Not if we want to take these people down for good, once and for all.'
Meanwhile, Brian was questioning Jarod.
'So, she's been given something so that she doesn't remember Abigail or me?'
'Or me, Brian. She thinks that you're a clone...or if she even knows about you, I'd be surprised. There's no telling how far back in the past she's living. But we will fix this. We will get her back.'
'But if she doesn't remember any of us...' Brian began, but then stopped short. He was staring at something behind Jarod.
Major Charles, Catherine Parker, and a woman that looked so much like Mallory that it was haunting, stepped into view. Sidney and Vaughn turned and approached them.
'Well, Sidney, we're here.' Major Charles said. Sidney nodded curtly, but her eyes were on Melanie.
'Well, I was beginning to think that you didn't exist.' Sidney said to Melanie. Melanie had blonde hair and looked much more fragile than Mallory ever did. She sniffed and took out a bottle of medication.
'Can I get some water?' she asked curtly, ignoring Sidney altogether. Catherine tried to touch her hair, but Melanie pulled out of reach.
'Just leave me alone...both of you!' she snapped, as someone handed her a bottled water. She then downed two pills.
'Honey, is it your ulcer?' Catherine asked.
'Of course it is! You'd have an ulcer after what I had been through too!' she hissed.
Jarod and Brian slowly began to approach her. Major Charles and Catherine looked at them both. But Melanie was not looking at either of them.
Ethan and Nicholas had stood up. Ethan was now holding Abigail and had approached her.
'Hello, Melanie. My name is Ethan. I'm your brother. This is Abigail, your niece.'
But Abigail began to reach out for the woman that looked so much like her mother. She then uttered her first clear word.
'Mama.'