Richard remained on the couch. "Did you know that we worked here?" he asked.
Ellis shook her head.
"Were you ever going to contact us?" Richard asked.
Again Ellis shook her head.
"Well what then?" he snapped.
"I assumed Meredith had died. I was going to visit the cemetery and find her grave. I didnt think you or the boys would want to see me." she choked out.
Richard looked her over.
"You broke us. We were already struggling to keep together, and you broke us." he told her, Tears swimming in his eyes. "We didnt know if you were dead or alive. I even hired a P.I. to try and find you. You left when we needed you the most."
Ellis sobbed. "Im so sorry." she shook out.
Richard shook his head. "What kind of mother leaves her family and doesnt know if her children are dead or alive?"
"Richard" she cried through her sobs. "i couldnt do it. I love you. I love all of you, but i couldnt sit there and watch my baby die... i... i...
have saved many lives... but i couldnt ... i couldnt... save hers... i felt helpless."
Richard moved to the bed, running his fingers through his hair. It was only now that he saw that she still wore her wedding ring. "I don't know what to say or do." he told her.
"I love you Richard, I've never stopped loving you... i...i have wanted to come home... i did... but i didn't ... know ... if you... would have me back." she sobbed.
"I love you Ellis, but i don't know if i can put them through this... you don't know what you've done to them." his tears slowly spilling over.
"Talk to them please... i know I'm late... i know i don't deserve it... but i want to know them." she cried.
Richard looked at her. His heart was completely broken. He didn't know what to say or do. "They're adults now. They make their own decisions. I'll talk to them, but i can't make any promises."
Ellis sighed, "to be honest, i don't even know how you are talking to me."
"Seriously. I was on my way to yell and to demand answers. But when i saw Meredith i knew that it wouldn't be the right thing to do." Richard told her. "But if you'll excuse me i have 2 sons and a daughter to check on." Richard nodded to Ellis before he walked out the door.