See I did not abandon this. Life's just been nuts lately and what with a horrible storm we had when I was writing this chap about three weeks ago- we lost wifi and I lost a week of time. Had to recover things, etc.
I hope to be writing this more regularly. I am enjoying this story. I think of new chapters every episode. Obviously I can't write 300 chapter of this but we will explore more of Mom and Allie
Please read and review. It makes my day to see what you think.
I see a couple of people are having a discussion about things in the comments. It's OK to post your ideas. Just please be respectful to yourself and to the other readers and to me. Thank you so much
We all love this show. It's a joy to write creatively and borrow these characters. My only profit is your reviews.
Have a great weekend
Brenda
...
Still in Cuba--
Elizabeth was feeling pumped at the end of the second day in Cuba. She had been able to open the embassy and Matt Mahoney had impressed her. Back at home Nadine had saved the day with respect to Afeni Rahim and both Henry and Allison had told her she was incredible and that she looked cool and gorgeous while she spoke
"Conrad was right babe. You are the perfect person for this job. I am so proud of you." Henry had hugged her tightly and then pressed his lips to her forehead.
She had turned as red as her dress but it meant the world to her that her role model of a husband - thought that she was his.
Since she had met him and he had taken her breath away- all those years ago when she was a first year student at UVA and he was just starting grad school. He was five years older and so certain about everything- including her. Elizabeth had never known what that felt like before Henry and she was smitten by his romantic ways; his devotion to their relationship and his faith. No one was as authentic and committed to becoming their best self than Henry McCord. She had loved him from the start- in spite of herself.
Her daughter said that she looked radiant and confident and that it was worth the spotty internet and some tough talks with dad to come to "this historic place and see my parents be these amazing cool people"
Yep. She was ready for that swim. She had a gorgeous navy blue bikini and even if it was only going to get worn once this trip she was going to experience Varadero beach, albeit safely because she was protected from danger because of her job.
...
It was nice to have had that breakthrough with her father. He had been ribbing her about the accident and her lie and she was regretting praying for him. He had brought them to church a lot when they were younger and she had been in awe of the incense and the robes and bells. It was a chance for the family to dress up and afterwards they all went for brunch. It had felt good to think there was a friend that she could talk to - one who who would always listen and one who loved her, even when she made mistakes.
Now that she had become a young woman and seen how crazy the world could be she had questions about God. As it turned out so did her dad. She found that comforting and terrifying. If the strongest man she knew could doubt- if the world renowned super famous book writing ethics theology and religion guy didn't know for sure - well how was she supposed to feel about it all?
...
As she watched her mother remove the cover up and wade into the water she caught a glimpse of her back. She saw the raised pink scar. It brought mixed feelings to her - a reminder of the day her mother was nearly blown to bits in Iran, her 16th Birthday. The night she spent with Stevie and Dad in bed ... watching cable news and feeling so much pain. How had that been only months ago? Elizabeth sensed that Allison wasn't following her and she turned. She saw Allie's crumpled face and put it together.
"Oh baby girl. I should have packed my one piece suit huh?" She came back to the beach and took her daughter in her arms. "I'm all right. It's a memory now. It's a scar. It will fade. She spoke quietly and waved off the two DS who were approaching. Her gaze caught Matt's and he nodded, and stepped back. Elizabeth rubbed Allies arms as she held her. She felt horrible. It was always going to trigger Noodle. She had almost died on her daughter's birthday. Then she went and packed a bikini for this trip Lizzie you really know how to screw up sometimes.
The girl cried for a minute but then she stood tall. "Mom I am sorry. I know you have that scar. I guess I should see it as a symbol that you are a badass."
Elizabeth chucked her daughter's chin and gave her a wry grin. She tried to ignore the tear that was streaking down her face
"I love You so much Allison. I am so freaking proud to be your mom. Your dad told me how mature you were that day. He told me how you whipped out the laffy string and distracted Jason so he wouldn't be traumatized like you, Stevie and Dad.
Allie smiled wanly and her right arm wrapped around her mom, her finger found the scar. Elizabeth stilled but she allowed Allison a moment to trace it.
"I feel like my Birthday wants to give you scars " she said solemnly. Elizabeth shifted her weight.
"I am glad Doctor Preston was there in 1999 to give me the C section kiddo. She saved your life. Because we almost lost you that day and that doctor made sure we didn't " Elizabeth left out the part about she had almost died. She and Henry never wanted their daughter to feel that her existence could have cost Henry his wife and Stevie their mother. It had been a very rough day with a lot of fear for Henry. However he celebrated it now because he got to see his two girls survive and thrive and he was thankful that they both made it. That's how he saw that day. Every year after the birthday party - he and Elizabeth would carve out time to make love and be grateful that they had a happy ending. That she had been able to have a third baby and how normal his delivery had been.
But as she bobbed in the warm water and explained to her mom "Dad was so upset that I was taking a photo. It was like he thought I wouldn't know how to share the photos of the church. I was so hurt- I wanted to cry mom- but then we talked about why he was upset and can you tell me stuff about the old TV show Gunsmoke? I think you are right. Dad's in a bad place now. I want to help "
Elizabeth swam over and hugged her daughter. "You are a wonderful kid. Dad watches it to de stress. Don't make fun of it. Just watch and keep an open mind. TV back when we dinosaurs roamed the earth was not what you kids like now. It's not woke. It's in black and white. It was on for about 20 years. It's cowboys and Marshall's and it's a comfort thing because your Grandpa would watch it with your dad and the kids when they were growing up. That and football."
Allison nodded. "So keep my mouth shut and just snuggle with dad for half an hour?"
"Noodle if you snuggle with dad for even one episode and don't cheese him off you will make his life. He misses you guys being small and climbing Mount Daddy."
"Oh my gosh I forgot about that. I remember we all took turns stepping on his - well- and his stomach and " Allie looked away as she stopped speaking and Elizabeth laughed. "You can say Penis you know, or his private parts. Trust me. You kids sure were curious about both Daddy and I when you were small. We have been pinched, bitten, head butted. Poked, investigated. And the questions and the things you would announce in public."
Allison looked mortified but Elizabeth wasn't done. " Your kids will do it to you which is what keeps your dad and I going. We did it to our parents. You bit my nipple when I was weaning you off of breast milk. I thought you had ripped it off. I still think it's lopsided. Jason smashed his head into my left eye one time and I had to explain that your father wasn't a wife beater for about two weeks; and Stevie - good lord that girl she peed on me - you all did. Poop messes. I swore I was being punished for something I did in a past life. Jason smeared it all over his crib and himself and I... " Elizabeth gagged and then composed herself. " That speaks for itself. I can't even talk about that one without wanting to hurl. Remember I said that I swore I wouldn't use disposable diapers or pacifiers but gave up? It was a poop explosion in a car seat on the way to Pittsburgh with you that did that. Poor baby. I had to try and clean you up at a service station and Stevie was not helpful. We bought Pampers and I never looked back."
"Ewww. I still find it hard to think that we grew inside of you and then we were babies who did such gross things. How can anyone want to be a mom knowing all of that?. I think I'll adopt a 7 year old "
Elizabeth laughed and splashed her daughter " something inside you changes when you want to have a baby. When you want to have a baby and have a loving partner you can't wait to meet this little person. You know how you felt when Lady and Professor Whiskers and the horses got sick right? It was gross but you wanted them to be happy and healthy. It's that- but so much more "
Allie dove under for a moment and then resurfaced
"mom can you tell me some more Stevie stories? I remember me and Jase but until Last year when Stevie quit school I feel like you and Dad thought she was perfect ".
Elizabeth floated for another moment and then she dove under to grab a cool looking sea shell. She stood and handed the shell to Allison. " You know your sister isn't perfect Noodle. This past year has been tough on us all and I think being an adult is a bit scary. You think you are ready - you get the car fixed, you manage your life crisis free and I get it - being a teenager feels completely empowering when it's not completely mortifying. I know you find it hard to relate but I was your age and it was like that. My world changed when my parents were killed. But up to that moment I could be a pain in the ass. I thought I had my life all figured out too. Turns out very little of what I had planned actually occurred. I was smart and I went to college. I loved Horses and the outdoors and lacrosse. But when I was fifteen I thought I might go to Oxford or the Sorbonne. Travel Europe in the summers. I thought I would like to meet and marry someone who loved Math as much as I did. We would have kids when I was in my late thirties. I would be rich and eccentric and have a chef. I might be a Math teacher at a university- teach part time. I ask you- how much of that sounds like the woman standing here going pruney with salt water in her hair?
Allie thought for a moment. "you had kids and you were a professor but nothing like you said. So does that mean I will be horrible at fashion and art and end up fat and married to some douchebag in a hick town?
Elizabeth sighed. "no sweetheart. It means that you have to fight for your dreams and your path might not be linear. That's all. "
"I was catastrophizing a bit. I get that- I just don't know how to ensure things will be good. I thought if I went to a school like Westmore and worked hard and didn't repeat Stevie's mistakes I would be Ok. Now I am kind of scared. I don't want to be seven but maybe being sixteen is enough for now. Plus don't tell Dad but I talked to some of my friends before we came on this trip and they said if they had dented the car they would be grounded - so thanks for not being like that to me."
Elizabeth chuckled. " I will tell you a secret. Grounding kids and punishing kids and being disappointed in kids comes with the job but we don't love it. Parents are tired. Policing consequences with miserable teens is hard for us. Remember my face for a millisecond as I came in the kitchen as Dad was saying you had an accident? Ya- I didn't have a panic attack because you were standing right there and your dad did not look terrified. It's one of my biggest fears kiddo. Losing you kids to car accidents or school shootings or now with this job- you being kidnapped. Being a mom is scary. And for what it's worth you remember that I grounded Stevie for two weeks last year at this time. So don't ever think I am letting you off easy. I talked to your dad about it and we decided to try talking to you and bring you hear to Cuba against your will. I knew Dad was gonna ride you hard today. "
Allison sighed. "So I did need to learn a lesson." Her mother nodded. "Did you figure it out?"
Allie nodded. "I am not an adult yet and even if it feels like it I have to tell you and Dad what's happening in my life. I should have called dad from the mall and had him meet me at the Body Shop. He should have helped me call Wayne at auto assurance- or at least known what I did."
Elizabeth reached out and tapped her daughter on the nose. "Smart woman to be. I hope even when you are thirty and stupid stuff happens you'll let me and Dad know that you are OK. I am going to be your mom forever. I wish I had been able to tell my mom so many things. Even when I deserved to be punished. "
"OK forget the dumb Stevie stories. What did you do? ". Elizabeth smiled " let's go swim a bit and I will share a couple of stories. Your dad did some stuff too - but that's his decision to share"
Allie was floating and she stood up "Mom I am never having kids and I think that Matt wants us to come in. It's getting late. I am getting pruney fingers.
Elizabeth sighed "I see him too. You will feel differently about kids one day. I adore you three and wouldn't trade too many moments. The injuries and the poop explosions maybe - but not raising you and hearing your little stories and putting your art on the fridge. Listening to you sing the alphabet, braiding hair. Your scent after a bath. Teaching you all to ride, all the memories you have given me and your dad. " The two women wrapped up in the big fluffy towels on the secluded section of the beach that the White House had approved for a swim. They wrung out their hair and grabbed their beach bags. Elizabeth thanked Gheri and Matt. This whole needing security every minute was hard for her and the family. They were always polite (mostly. That time DS had barged in on her having sex with Henry had been mortifying because she liked to yell. Having to admit that to total strangers and sign off on an incident report that Russell needed to initial was just ...) to these tireless public servants who kept her alive. Elizabeth knew she was always going to miss Fred Cole and she knew that Henry was beyond grateful for that man. He had told her that if they ever could do anything for the Cole family he would. Elizabeth I went through hell that day as did our daughters. You did what was needed and I am so proud of you and what you did for our country but damnit woman - I love you and the idea of you hurt and killed over there. I can't express my feelings in words. There are no words.
So DS was not something she was going to bitch about. She was grateful. She knew danger was always lurking and she couldn't focus on that.
Allison walked quietly alongside her mother and marvelled at how her mom could just make small talk that had meaning with these people. She too was polite but she knew she never wanted a job where she needed to have her entire life guarded
But if she became a famous fashion designer and made millions- well then she might need to hire security.
They were soon back at the suite where they found Henry relaxed on the balcony. He had showered for dinner and he shooed them off to do the same.
Allison was pleased that her mom said she wanted to put the turquoise necklace back on for dinner.
Her dad seemed calmer too. She felt forgiven for lying and she hoped the next mishap would be a long time away.
She was glad she came and for the insight into her parents as people. She let herself wonder if someday she would have children. Would they get angry with her? Would she have to punish them? Would they love her the way she loved her parents? What about her partner- would it be someone she knew now - or would it be someone she met.
Being a young adult was opening up her eyes to all the things life had to offer - and the worries and uncertainty that came with it.
On the plane ride home she was quiet - observing her parents.
She decided that for now she was t ready for so much commitment. It seemed scary. She wanted to meet some people; she wanted to have sex and to decide who and what she liked. She recalled that Stevie had said that being Henry and Elizabeth's child was hard. People assumed that they would replicate this love. The world was not full of rainbow unicorn relationships and Stevie said that it never felt right - never felt like the guys were forever guys. Moreover it was confusing because waiting around seemed so passive. Dating and the desire for sexual pleasure was normal and yet so very awkward.
Allison also had Stevie's words to consider. She wondered if it would be similar for Jason. He was only getting started with liking girls. He took Madison to the Washington Mall. He took some girl named Kate to a school dance. He said she smelled like strawberries and that kissing was weird.
Allison and Stevie both though kissing weird but at the same time they were fascinated by it and they caught their parents constantly. Mom and Dad had steam even after twenty five years. No it was longer because they dated first - so like 27 years.
They three kids all agreed that their parents were perfect and the little dweeb said it best - they were perfect so no way were the spawn of the perfect ever going to come close. Stevie got anxious. Jason wasn't even going to try. He said he would find the right person when it was time or he'd choose someone hot.
Allison knew that Josh from grade nine wasn't right, that Flint and James weren't right. There were some cute guys at Westmore but she couldn't imagine them as forever people.
Maybe she could work up the courage to talk to mom or dad about it.
TBC
