Georgie was sitting at her desk, staring down at blank note sheets for the past twenty minutes. She'd made an excuse about homework and then walked up to her room to be alone. Lou hadn't questioned it, and had given her the privacy she needed. Georgie had promised to not say anything to anyone about Warren without Lou's permission. So how could she convince her mom to speak up for herself? Georgie knew that Lou was trying to protect her and Katie, but what of the dangers that lay ahead for Lou from not saying anything? Lou needed to tell someone, Georgie decided. It didn't matter who, really, just as long as they got the help they needed.
Why didn't her mother realize it wasn't just about her and Katie? If something were to happen to her mother, Georgie had no idea what she'd do. Who would she turn to for support? Lou was her mom; her everything. Lou's arms were Georgie's place of warmth and comfort, Lou's kind words were Georgie's saviours and Lou's smile could cure any hurt she was going through. If Georgie lost her mother, what would she do? The mere thought of losing her mom reduced Georgie to a panic. Tears slipped onto her cheeks faster than she could dry them off.
Georgie thought about her parents' situation. If they hadn't separated, then none of this would be happening. If only her parents had tried hard enough. They loved each other, right? That's the only thing that mattered. Georgie thought maybe she was too young to try to understand what had gone wrong in her parents' marriage. Even today, they loved each other. She could tell they'd never stopped, so love hadn't been enough to keep them together. But there were years of behind them, and her dad had taken care of her mom well. So what of Warren? Lou barely knew him; they were definitely not in love, so where was the guarantee he'd keep her happy? In fact, there was no question of it. Lou was miserable with him. Georgie could tell Lou was different now. She was never one to adjust well with change, and this change definitely rocked her to her core.
A few moments later, she walked out of her room and headed downstairs. Georgie headed towards Lou's room. She knocked.
"Come in," came her mother's voice.
Georgie opened the door and walked into the room. "Hey mom? I wanted to talk to you."
Lou looked up from her computer. "Sweetheart, is everything okay?"
"Yeah! Of course, it's just, um….about earlier today. Look, I know you don't want to say anything, and I get that you're trying to protect us, but Lou, what if he….what about your safety? Where does that come in?"
"Georgie, what are you talking about? I'm going to be fine-"
"No! You're not! I saw what happened out there, okay? I know what was happening! It's a clear case of domestic violence!"
"Georgie, honey, keep your voice down." Lou pleaded.
"Fine, but mom, you need to tell someone what's going on, or else I will."
"Sweetheart, you-"
"I know what I promised. But I realize now that was wrong. Mom, you may only care about your daughters, but guess what? I am worried about you. And if I ever lost you-"
"Georgie, don't say that-"
"Mom, please, talk to Amy, talk to Tim and Jack, but please find help. Please?"
Lou stopped a moment.
"Georgie, listen. You know this isn't my fault, at least I hope….but, not everyone will understand, okay? And as for….anything happening to me, it won't, okay? I'll be fine. I'm going to end things with him as soon as I possibly can, no matter what. You don't need to worry anymore, okay?"
Georgie sighed, relieved. "Oh. Well, okay then. Mom, when?"
"Soon. Very soon. There's nothing to worry about."
"Okay, but you'll do it safely? Preferably at Maggie's? Someplace he can't-" Georgie broke off, not wanting to say it.
"I will. I promise sweetie." Lou took Georgie's hand in hers and kissed it lightly.
A few hours later, the entire family was seated to dinner. Ty and Jack were engaged in conversation, Amy and Tim were discussing the rodeo school. Katie was quietly eating her dinner. All was fine with the family, except for the tension looming between Lou and Georgie.
Lou was quietly staring at her plate, poking the food around with her fork, but not really eating. She was too tense to eat. Lou knew she needed to figure out a way to end things with Warren. She knew it wasn't safe for her to stay with him. But what if he refused? What if he didn't let her? That thought scared Lou more than anything.
Jack noticed Lou wasn't eating. He called out her name. "Lou?"
Lou didn't hear him.
He called again, this time louder. This time, Lou heard. She jolted. "Yes Grandpa?"
Jack leaned in. "Everything okay, Lou?"
"Yeah, I'm just tired." Lou responded.
"Are you sure everything's okay? You seem off. You've been like this for days," Amy said, concerned.
Suddenly aware of all the attention on her, Lou knew she had to conduct herself reasonably. She casually shrugged her shoulders. "Of course everything's okay, Amy. I just have so much to do...what with the dude ranch and Maggie's. I'm just under a bit of stress, that's all."
"So, Tim, you good to head out tomorrow morning?"
"Yeah, Jack. I'll have my truck ready." Tim responded. "We'll be out by sunrise."
"You know, you guys, you don't have to go," Lou said, partly because she felt she needed her father and grandfather's security as she dealt with Warren.
"Oh, Lou, if you're worried about Jack, don't be. I'll take care of him, don't worry," Tim reassured.
"Dad, but-"
"Lou, we'll both be fine. Don't worry. We'll be back in a few days," Jack reassured as well.
"Fine. I just wish you wouldn't go helping every other person who asks for it," Lou let out, frustrated. Lou looked over at Georgie, who hadn't said a word all evening. Lou knew exactly what was weighing on her and she blamed herself for letting Georgie find out about any of this. It wasn't fair to her daughter. No child should have to bear that burden. Self-consciously, Lou brought her sweater sleeve down to her wrists to make sure nobody saw the marks on there, however light they may be now.
Everyone had dispersed quietly after dinner. Katie and Georgie were in their rooms, Jack was in his own room, Tim had left to go to Big River, and Ty had gone to the loft. Amy had stayed back to help with the dishes.
Amy noticed Lou was agitated. She kept pulling her sleeves down, she kept adjusting the neckline of her high neck. What was going on with her? "Lou? Quit it out."
"Quit what out, Amy?"
"You keep adjusting your sleeve and your neckline. What's going on? Are you feeling okay?"
Lou tensed up. She lied, "Yes, I am. This sweater is just really itchy."
Amy laughed. "Okay, if you say so...hey, I noticed something was off with Georgie tonight. Is everything okay between you too?"
"Yeah, we're...fine. But you're right, she's been a little off all day. I need to ask her what's wrong."
"You're lying,"Amy said plainly.
"What? Why would I be lying?"
"Something's going on. You just won't tell me. I need to know what it is."
"Amy, it's….." Lou said. Inwardly, she sighed to herself. If only Amy knew….should Lou tell her? No, no way. There was no need to involve Amy in all of this. It would soon be over anyways.
Amy thought a moment, and then continued, "You know….when we were younger, and we used to share all of our problems with each other? There'd be no secrets between us?"
"Amy, where are you going with this?"
"Look, I know you. You keep your problems bottled up inside, and…"
"Amy, that is enough! Nothing is wrong," Lou said crossly.
"Okay, see, you're getting upset. You've been like this for days. What's going on? Is it something to do with Peter, or...something with Georgie's school?"
"Amy, please. Not everyone has it as easy as you, okay? Some people's lives are much more complicated. Just because I seem off, it doesn't necessarily mean that something's wrong."
"Okay, Lou! I get it. I can never get through to you, can I? I'm going in to bed." Amy threw the dishcloth onto the counter and walked away.
"Amy, wait!" Lou called out. "Please, don't be mad. There's just so much going on right now."
"No, you know what Lou? I've had enough for one night. I'll see you tomorrow."
"Right….I love you," Lou let out as an apology.
Amy was out the door in a blink of an eye. She probably didn't even hear the I love you. Lou couldn't bring herself to say anything to Amy. What if her sister didn't understand? What if she blamed her for putting her family in danger? Lou blamed herself, but placing blame on yourself was much easier than having someone else point a finger on you...