2005
"How do you mean?"
"You might expect to have the same relationship with him that your brother" Larry backtracked "...other brother and sister, who he raised, have. And that might not necessarily be the case" The physicist lowered his voice at the end of his sentence.
"Thanks to my mother!" Charlie still couldn't let go of his anger, and talking about the issue brought it up again.
2003
At home, David went into a room he had prepared for the day Charlie would join the family. It was full of math and physics books, had some posters, and even had a sundial on the dresser.
"I need to talk some sense into Margaret!" he told himself for the upteenth time.
2005
"Charles...I'm sure that your mother."
"... never had any intention of telling me the truth!" Charlie finished. He slammed his fork just when Don was coming in to check on him.
"You okay buddy?" Don asked with concern.
2004
Margaret weakly lay in bed, as she shivered. The latest round of chemo had been hard on her. To boot, she had to go for another round in a few days.
"Here's another blanket" Alan came into the room, and with lots of tenderness, put it over the bed. Soon, Don came up to see her. She noticed that it was only noon.
"How are you mom?" The agent asked softly.
"Better" she lied and sat up, if only for appearances. She hated to worry her family.
"Where's Charlie?"
"At school" seeing his annoyed face, she added. "He had lots of papers to grade"
"Of course" Don tried to keep his voice neutral, but was angry that Charlie wasn't here at their mother's hour of need.The agent was anguished by how pale and thin she looked.
2005
Instead of answering, Charlie just sulked.
"Did dad tell you? I'm coming with you to the art show! I got the day off"
"Thanks" the professor mumbled. Anger towards his mother subdued his gratitude.
Two days later, Don went to his mother's grave; he had a few things to get off his chest.
TBC