AN: I blame my tardiness on school-but that's not completely true. Anyways, I'm stuck in this angsty Jason writing mode; my apologies. I also apologize for the emotional-cheesiness of this chapter (or the whole fic). Also, my "a" key is a real pos, sorry for whatever's missing.
"I-a-I…" Elizabeth paused, glancing over to Henry, "I think your dad and I need to talk….so if you guys wouldn't mind…"
Their mother's request was followed by a disappointed chorus of compliance as all three of the McCord children headed for the stairs.
"Thank you," Elizabeth whistled, "We'll call you guys bac-"
"-Yeah, okay, they're gone babe just…"
"...Henry...what do I do?" She sighed, turning back to face her husband.
"Well, you're not quitting," He stated.
"What? Wait...but Henry... "
"I never wanted you to quit."
"You didn't?" Her voice small with realization.
"No, babe, I didn't-what I said before still stands."
"What about…" She paused, collecting her thoughts, "What about the kids...I mean, What are we going to say?"
"...We'll tell them you're not quitting. You're not quitting," Henry assured.
The room hung silent for a moment, Elizabeth directed her gaze to the floor, and as much as Henry tried, her demeanor suggested that she was still unconvinced.
"Hey, I know you guys need some time to talk and everything, but, um...I have something to say," Stevie said as she appeared on the stairs.
"Go ahead," Henry encouraged.
"Well, actually, I was hoping I could talk to mom."
"Going for a walk," Henry announced as he turned for the door.
"Mom you can't quit," Stevie stated blankly, her face mimicked the concern in her voice.
"Understood," Elizabeth answered, getting up from the chair.
"I've seen you work for the CIA, you were able to be there for all of us. And I know Jason wants you to quit, but he's only known you as a college professor...Ali and I, we know what you're capable of. You can't quit, mom. I know it su…"
"-Stevie, yes, I said I understand. I'm not quitting."
"You're not?"
"No," Elizabeth embraced her daughter, "No, I'm not."
"Good," Stevie mumbled into her mother's shoulder.
"Hmm," Elizabeth smiled.
"You know," Stevie broke the embrace, "I used to think everyone's mom worked for the CIA-or in 'real estate-'"
"Ah, yes-the old 'real estate' cover," Elizabeth laughed, "...Oh, the damage we did to little you."
"I would tell my friends that they couldn't get married, or have children until they had a successful career in 'real estate,' Stevie smiled at the memory.
"What a dork! ...Really? You actually thought that...all because of me?" Elizabeth asked, her eyes brimming with tears.
"Actually, I was really inspired, I looked up to you...even if I didn't show it. You made time for me and Ali and Jason...and your 'job.'
"You didn't always make it easy, that's for sure," Elizabeth laughed through her tears.
"Sorry," Stevie apologized wrapping her arms around her mother once more.
"That's okay, baby...because when I really need you, you're always there. You let me hear what I don't always want to hear-and I do listen. You've kept me in check with your stubborn nature and your sharp temper...and I've really enjoyed watching you mature into this bright and independent woman," Elizabeth spoke softly, pressing her daughter to her.
As Stevie tried to collect her voice in the emotion, the door opened.
The two women held still in their embrace, overlooking the interruption. Henry walked through the door and looked on at the scene before him. He always loved seeing these two. They would always push the other away. They would always proclaim that they were worlds apart; and yet, he saw how similar they were, and how much they needed the other.
Overcome by his own emotions, Henry's attempts to hold back was what claimed the silence.
"Hmm," He cleared his throat, "Sorry, I didn't mean to-"
"It's alright," Elizabeth smiled as she wrapped an arm around Stevie's side.
"Are you okay?" Henry asked.
"Yeah, I think we should call a family meeting."
"...Just to make sure...we're on the same board, you're not quitting?" Henry mumbled.
"We're on the same board, captain," Elizabeth assured.
"Good. Hey, Alison, Jase, come downstairs," Henry called, "Family meeting."
After everyone was settled once more in the living room, Elizabeth began, "Alright, guys...I'm not quitting." She could see the subtle beginnings of anger in Jason's face: his head sat fixed in his palm, his eyes set forward, but starting low-his brow turned inward. Stevie and Ali, on the other hand, appeared content and unchanged. Elizabeth knew this would be a battle for explanation-majority rule did not sit well with Jason, it never had.
"Questions?" Henry asked, making a sweep around the room.
The room hung silent for a moment before Stevie and Alison got up to show their support.
"We would have lost a great Secretary of State," Stevie said as she hugged her mother.
"The best," Alison added as she did the same.
"I do want to say that I'm sorry for getting so caught up…and not being there for you guys. Sometimes I forget how much this job demands of me. I want to be present for you-I do, and that's the hardest part about this job," She began to choke up before collecting herself with a smile, "But, I can't do it without you guys; so please, let me know...when I become... a monster."
"You're not a monster," Alison laughed, kissing her mother's head.
"...Okay, but I was close," Elizabeth corrected.
"So, that's it? Jason piped up, "You continue to destroy our lives?"
"She's no destroying anyone's life," Alison defended.
"Huh," Jason smiled, "Well, you weren't the one tackled by a SWAT team."
"Do you...do you want to talk about it, now?" Elizabeth asked softly.
"No, Jason mumbled.
"Then what's your point?" Stevie asked.
"Nevermind," Jason sighed.
"Jason, we can't help you unless you tell us," Henry responded.
"It doesn't matter," Jason shook his head, Elizabeth glanced at Henry for direction.
"Of course it does, son," Henry assured through his own confusion.
"No, it doesn't dad. You guys will go along with whatever Alison and Stevie decide. What I have to say is irrelevant-You're already not quitting, so...proved my point,"
"Hey, Jase," Elizabeth addressed, I'm not quitting, but you can't continue to play the victim here unless you talk. We know how much the stalker sucked...but we can't help you if you stay silent."
"...Jase?" Stevie spoke carefully, "I-I know how hard it is to have mom work like this. Um, I've been there when she was in the CIA-"
"-Okay, but dad wasn't in the CIA," Jason cut his sister off.
"Okay...your point?" Stevie questioned.
"Dad? Dad was here…" Jason smirked.
"Your turn," Elizabeth turned to Henry.
Henry dragged a heavy hand through his hair. If Elizabeth's pleas didn't persuade him, this was his validation that he should. Henry glanced over at Elizabeth, looking for a sign of assurance.
"Heh…" He sighed before speaking, "Do you want me to quit, Jase?"
"Preferably," Jason mumbled.
Henry looked back up at Elizabeth.
"-Look, I just...I'm tired of being alone, here-and Alison's going to college...and you guys will be at work-"
"Alright," Henry cut in, keeping his gaze on Elizabeth, "I'll think about cutting back my hours, but you guys have to let us know what you're thinking."
All three of the McCord children shook their head in response.
"...Alright, I think that's enough progress for one night...we're not done, but let's-let's go up and call it a night," Elizabeth gently suggested.