Before even heading to the police station, David took a detour. And I knew exactly where we were going. The road to Sarah's was so familiar, I could drive it blindfolded. Plus, having previously lived there, it wasn't hard to forget.
We pulled into Sarah's drive way and the minute we got out of the car, Sarah came running out of the house followed by Matt.
"Melissa! Thank God! I was so worried when he separated us, I just didn't know what to do! You know, when I called asking for your help, I didn't mean for you to get kidnapped too!" she said while embracing me in a tight hug.
"I know. I'm sorry, that wasn't exactly part of my plan."
"And just what was your plan?" asked Matt.
"Matt, thank God." I said while giving him a hug.
"Melissa, don't ever do that to me again. I was worried enough with Sarah missing, it was worse when I found out you were missing too."
"Well, I'm ok now, but thanks for worrying."
"No, thank you. If it hadn't been for you and your team, I don't know what would've happened to my fiancé."
"Lis, I know the wedding is still months away, but you are invited, obviously. But I was also wondering if you would be my maid of honor?"
"Sarah, I would love to. Just don't get kidnapped, I don't think I can run in a dress and heels."
We all started laughing and exchanged a few more hugs. Sarah and Matt both thanked Morgan and David, and Sarah gave David a big hug.
As I was making my way to the SUV, David stopped me.
"Melissa, we still have one last place to visit."
I knew exactly what he meant.
"David, no. Just no. There is no way I am going back to her. She denied I was her daughter the last time I went to see her, so no. I am not going back there."
"Baby girl, you won't be alone this time. Rossi and I will be right behind you the entire time. If she tries anything, we'll be there to stop her."
Reluctantly, I gave in, and started walking towards my mother's house.
I had to have been out of my mind to go back there, but I did have Morgan and David behind me, so that made things a little better.
I walked up the front steps and knocked on the door. There was a small pause and nothing.
"Oh well, looks like no one's home." I turned to walk away but walked right into Morgan's chest.
I heard the door open and turned back around.
"I thought I told you to not come back here again."
"Yeah well, if you haven't noticed I don't listen very well."
She looked behind me and saw David and Morgan.
"Hello David. I have no idea who this guy is. Oh my god! Are you pregnant? He's the baby daddy isn't he? Well you aren't getting any help from me!"
"Lydia, Melissa isn't pregnant. This Agent Derek Morgan, one of the agents who helped save your daughter's life."
"What are you talking about?"
"Three nights ago, your daughter was kidnapped ma'am. Right across the street. She was abused, sexual assaulted, and almost died due to a deadly asthma attack, brought on by her allergy to mold. If we hadn't gone in, your daughter would be dead right now." Morgan said sternly.
My mother just looked at me.
"You were always one for getting into trouble. That's what I thought when you first left. I figured you'd get yourself into some kind of predicament and come back or call for help. So that's why I didn't go looking for you, because I thought you'd come back. Even when I asked the Rodriguez's, they told me they had no idea where you were. So I gave up hope, I thought you were dead. No calls, no letters, nothing. So when you showed up here the other day and I realized you had been fine the entire time, I got mad. For years, I thought you had been dead. Seeing you was like seeing a ghost come back from the dead. It was too much."
My mother was now in tears. Something I had never seen before. I didn't know what to say.
"Now, hearing that you almost died kills me, because if you had, I would've never been able to apologize for raising you with such a screwed up life. What am I talking about? You raised yourself. I'm sorry for not always being there for you, but I am just so thankful that you turned out to be such a strong and independent woman."
"Thank you mom, that means a lot." I was so stunned by what she had just told me.
"I guess this is the part where you go back with David and forget all about me."
"Mom, I don't want to forget about you. Before our fallout, we had a really great relationship, and I miss that. I want to rebuild that. How about once a month, I take a week off of work, and fly up here to spend time with you?"
"Would you be allowed to do that?"
"If she explains the story to our superior, she will be fine."
When David said superior, I knew he meant Strauss. Oh joy.
"Melissa, only if you really want to."
"Of course I want to. You're my mother. We missed out on so much stuff these past few years, and I don't want to lose any more time."
"Only if you are absolutely sure."
"Yes mom, I am positive."
"Well then ok. The house number is still the same, so when you get back to Virginia and figure out what's gonna happen, give me a call, and I'll clear my schedule."
"Sounds like a plan. But, mom, promise me one thing."
"What's that?"
"Please cut back on the alcohol. One day I am actually going to be pregnant, and I would really rather not have your house smelling like alcohol when I come to visit then."
"I think I can manage doing that."
"Thank you, mom." I said while giving her a hug.
"You're welcome. I love you Melissa."
"I love you too."
"Alright, go with your team and have a safe flight back."
"I will, thank you again mom."
After that, David, Morgan, and I made our way to the SUV, and drove to the police station to meet up with the team and leave. But before leaving, there was something I had to do.