Short and sweet for my readers. I hope you guys like this chapter. I tried mixing in a little bit of humor as comedic relief in this story. It's rare that I post two chapters in a week but you guys are worth it. Let me know if you like it or not. Leave me a review if you do or don't (constructive criticism is always welcome). I have many plans for this story. Well, enjoy this next installment - MJ123 (:
As she folded and packed her last pair of shorts, she called out for Alex. "Honey, can you come here for a second. I need your opinion on something!" she projected, waiting for him to march into her room.
Within seconds and without any hesitation, Alex was by her side, eyes flickering on her. "What do you need?" he asked tentatively.
"I don't know what to wear on Sunday, so I just pulled a couple of black dresses out of my closet" she began, picking up both of her options and placing them against her body. "Which one do you like the best, keep in mind it's going to be blistering hot up there" she exclaimed.
"Both of them would look beautiful on you. But I like this one" he answered, pulling the lacy black strapless dress from her. Norma flashed him a minimal smile, took the dress of the hanger, and placed it in the suitcase, along with a pair of black heels and a short black sweater. "Are you all packed?" she asked.
Alex nodded silently. Ever since the death, he had been quieter and certainly more reserved. He was grateful to Norma however, she had been there with him every step of the way. "Yeah, suffice to say you're going to see me in a lot of summer attire" he revealed, chuckling softly. "I'm not such a fan of shorts".
"Why? Have you not shaved your legs in a while?" she joked, smiling as she zipped up her suitcase and placed it on the ground. Alex smiled, taking her hand in his and playing with her fingers. "No, I just have a passion for long pants".
"You have very muscular legs, there's nothing to worry about" she reassured, leaning in to kiss his cheek. "I have to wear shorts too".
Slowly a grin graced Alex's lips. "Are they booty shorts?" he questioned sinfully. Norma laughed, shaking her head. "No, I can't wear those in public, not at my age. But I promise you that I will buy a pair and wear them especially for you".
"I'd love to see them on you" he professed, taking her hips in his hands. "Look...I'm uh-I'm really thankful to you for being here with me through all of this. I know I've been a little weird these past few days and I'm sorry for that" he sighed, plopping down on the edge of her bed. "I guess I just still feel that guilt about Chris".
"Alex" she began, taking a place next to him on the mattress, and re-hooking their hands. "I'm happy that you can confide in me...because I love you and that's what I'm here for. Comfort and support, if you ever need me, I'll always be there" she paused to kiss his cheek. "About your cousin, I get that you're guilty, I totally understand that. I've been in your shoes before".
He looked at her with a mixture of curiosity and confusion written on his face. "What do you mean?" he questioned, squeezing at her hand a little.
Norma sighed and looked ahead, her eyes telling the story before she could even open up her mouth. "Well...you obviously know how abusive my deceased husband was. Before he died, we got in a huge fight, and he got physically violent with me. I just wish that I could go back and change it into some kind of happy memory. When he wasn't drinking, he was an okay man, but one drop of alcohol in his system and he was a monster. Trust me, to this day I still get angry about the last time we saw one another. But, you have to accept it, and take some kind of strength away from it. Focus on happy memories, not some stupid spat. Alex, you are a wonderful man, I'm sure your cousin knew that about you, no fight would change the love he probably felt for you".
Alex said nothing at all, just looked at her. He pulled her into a tight hug, swaying her frame back and forth as they sat. "I love you" he whispered, kissing the side of her ear. Norma smiled and kissed him back. "I love you, too. This whole situation with all the guilt will subside before you know it".
He nodded, still holding her. "I hope so".
A few hours later, just before sunset, the pair had to head out on the lengthy road trip to Arizona. Before they left, Norma was practically neurotic regarding Norman, making sure he had everything he needed and that Dylan was comfortable staying with him.
The brothers sat on the couch in the living room with Alex, watching Norma move around the house quickly checking everything one last time. Dylan finally sighed and called out to her. "We'll be fine, Norma. You guys are leaving for three days, it's not like you're going on safari!".
She re-entered the living room, rolling her eyes at the comment. "Yeah, yeah, I know. I just wanna make sure you two are okay. I'm your mother, it's my job to be obsessive and overprotective. Okay, Norman I left your lunch money on an envelope in the kitchen. Dylan, there are three uncooked dinners in the fridge, I made a turkey pot pie, some pot roast, and a lasagna. Now, I left heating directions on the stove, they should be fairly easy to follow. Norman, I want you in bed by 10:30 because you have school. Do you think you two can handle yourselves?" she asked, car keys in hand.
Dylan scoffed, shaking his head with an open mouth. "Norma, what makes you think we can't handle ourselves?" he laughed sarcastically, eyeing Norman who shared his feeling.
"I don't care how old you are. There's a reason I don't leave you two alone. Does Christmas Eve 2002 ring a bell to either of you? When Sam was at work and I had last minute shopping to do?".
Dylan sat thinking and then began laughing so hard he was practically doubled over. "Oh yeah! That was the year Norman had no eyebrows! I shaved them when he was down for a nap" he exclaimed, looking over at Norman who was now joining in the banter.
Norma just shook her head with a small smile at her boys reminiscing. "I'll never forget Norman's first grade school picture...I remember having to draw on his eyebrows with my makeup pencil. He looked like a drag queen". She smiled, moving over to her sons, and dropping a kiss on each of their foreheads.
Alex held their luggage, ready to leave, he knew they were pressed for time. Norma got the signal and walked towards the front door. "I love you both. When I get home I want Norman to have eyebrows!" she exclaimed before exiting the home with Alex in toe.
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