Chapter 25
Despite Luke's protests, the family continued with Lois's idea.
"Who's next?" asked Lois.
Dillon sighed. "I guess I'll go…Can I say something nice to my mom? I know Emily already did, but—"
"Sure," Lois said approvingly.
Dillon looked straight into his mother's eyes. "Mom," he began. "Um—I," he swallowed. "Can I start off with an apology?"
"Whatever you want," Lois told him.
"Aww," said Emily. "This is going to be lovely. I just know it."
Tracy was tempted to roll her eyes, but she did not.
"Well," said Dillon. "I—"
"Come on, Young Spielberg," Luke told him. "Your mother is waiting."
"This really isn't necessary," Tracy told Dillon.
"Yeah, Mom. It is. Just listen to me, all right?"
"That right there is a challenge within itself," Monica said aloud.
"Mom," Emily reminded her.
"I am sorry, Em," Monica responded.
"Mom," Dillon began again. "I don't really know where to begin," he laughed.
"Did I miss something?" asked Ned. "What have you done to our Mother?"
"Am I supposed to pretend that you actually care?" Tracy said.
"Yoo hoo!" Lois said. "Let the boy speak."
"I do care," Ned muttered.
Tracy's expression turned sincere.
Dillon spoke again, "All right, Mom. You remember when I found you on the Haunted Star? You were…Well, you were tied to that wheelchair, and—"
Much of the family exclaimed simultaneously, "Whoa, what?"
"When the hell was this?" asked Edward. "Do I even want to know?"
Tracy sighed. "My lawful wedded husband drugged me and kidnapped week a few weeks before dragging me to the altar…Not that the family noticed."
"Hey, Spunky…I thought you enjoyed our time together."
"Oh, yes, it was delightful," Tracy responded sarcastically. "I just loved being tied to a chair and gagged. We should do that again sometime."
"I'll be sure to bring duct tape this time. Or did you prefer the bow-ties?"
Tracy slapped Luke's arm.
The family exchanged glances.
"Is this true?" Alan asked.
Skye nodded. "It was part of a plan to lure Helena Cassadine out of hiding."
"And it worked. The psycho bitch is in jail now," Luke proudly told everyone. "Wish I could have broken her neck first."
"You endangered my mother's life," Ned reminded him. "Wait…Dillon, how were you involved?"
"He was going to tell us," Brook told everyone. "But then…I don't know what happened."
"Dillon, please go on," Lois said.
Dillon sighed. "I didn't untie my mother, and I—"
"Baby, it's all right," said Tracy.
"No, Mom. It's not all right"
Tracy looked straight into Dillon's eyes.
"Yes, it is."
"Well, Tracy," said Monica. "If Dillon wants to finish, I say we let him."
"I say we don't," Luke said.
"That's because this is making you look like the appalling man you really are," Edward said.
"Luke is not appalling," Skye said. "He just makes bad choices, isn't that right, Luke?"
"All right," Tracy said clapping her hands. "That's it. We're moving on. I don't even know why I am taking part in this. Why I am taking part in this?" she asked herself. Tracy was rambling.
"Mom, wait."
"Dillon, I understand. We all make mistakes." She paused. "I would know."
"But—"
Tracy put a finger to her lips indicating him to be quiet. Dillon finally agreed.
Chapter 26
The family remained at Metro Court. They were still engaged in their "therapy session."
"Now whose turn?" Lois asked.
"Dad, I think you should try."
Alan cleared his throat. "Monica," he laughed.
"Is there a reason you're laughing?" she asked.
"Three words," he answered.
"What?" Monica was confused.
"It's. My. House.," Alan replied.
"Hey! It's my house!" Monica said.
"Because Alan gave it to you," Tracy, Edward, and Ned finished effortlessly.
Dillon and Brook exchanged glances.
"That comes up a lot, doesn't it?" Brook asked.
Alan went on, "I don't know what I was thinking when I gave you the house, Monica, but I have to admit…I always get a laugh out of you throwing the power you have in all of our faces."
"I don't," Tracy said.
"Aww come on," Ned said. "It is good for a laugh."
"Yeah," said Tracy. "Until she throws you all out again."
The family ignored her.
"It is good for a laugh," Alan agreed. "So…thank you, Monica."
"You're welcome," she laughed. "But why are you thanking me? You're the one who gave me the house."
"We know!" yelled Tracy.
Monica and Alan laughed.
"Are you two done?" Tracy asked, annoyed.
The two didn't respond.
"All right," said Lois, taking control. "Next…"
PREVIEWS FOR CHAPTERS 27 AND 28:
The Quartermaines leave Metro Court.
Luke, Tracy, Ned, Lois, Dillon, and Brook Lynn have an entertaining ride home.