"What?", Linnie asked, rubbing his eyes, unsure if he was awake or if he was hallucinating what Darren had just asked, "What do you mean? I don't have you. I.."
"Oh come off it. What you just said..Cosmo accusing me of lying to him, not to mention all the times I argued with Chelsea and Mom..I mean Nora's BS. Wouldn't it just be better if I left and never came back."
"No! Darren honey, no. I-I'm sorry Darren. You're right. We've all made some judgement towards you when you're just trying to reach out to us. I'm sorry. I guess I had just been so upset about everything that had just happened, and I kind of just snapped at you.", Linnie sighed, "I didn't mean to get angry with you earlier. I-I guess I'm just tired of letting people walk over me all the time. But I don't hate you Darren. I just wish we had a better relationship, is all."
"I know. I know.", Darren muttered, "I guess trust does go both ways."
"You had good intentions.", Linnie sighed, "Stealing is never ok though, you know. You could have asked for help. You could have reached out to so many different resources while I was away. You didn't have to steal."
"I know. I'm sorry.", Darren said sadly, before Linnie continued.
"What exactly did Cosmo say to you earlier?"
"I told him what you and I saw at the park, and he immediately started asking questions, like, 'Why should I believe you? Do you have proof?', and 'I know how much you and Wanda don't get along' which is true, I'll give him that. But the fact that he decided to defend his wife right off the bat, instead of believing his own brother.."
"Sweetie, it IS a big thing to accuse something of, even if we are telling the truth.", Linnie said, "I can't exactly blame Cosmo to being skeptical, but I do think this is something we need to keep talking to him about. Look, I'll see if I can invite him out to lunch tomorrow so I can talk to him. I think right now, you need to get some rest."
"Are you gonna talk some sense into him?", Darren asked, half-jokingly, half-serious. Linnie chuckled slightly,
"I'll try. I guess in the meantime, if you see Wanda anywhere, keep me updated. I'd say take a picture, but I don't know. I really don't want to invade anyone's privacy. I think that's where this whole situation is going to be a bit complicated.", Linnie explained, shuffling back into the bed, "I'm going to go back to sleep. Please try to do the same, ok? I really don't want you losing sleep because of what I said."
"I know Dad, I know. I'll try.", Darren replied.
"I love you Darren. Goodnight."
"Goodnight Dad."
The next morning, Linnie had managed to get some cleaning around at his apartment before lunchtime arrived, grabbing his green coat before headed out the door and flying towards Cosmo's place. It was located in a much nicer neighborhood than Darren resided with, the periwinkle sidewalk sparkling as Linnie flew by. The sub-division wasn't too far from a small shopping center just down the road, and not a bar nor liquor store in sight, although there was an evening lounge in the center. The houses were generally two story with white and lavender fencing, matching the wood of the houses. Cosmo's place was painted lavender with a darker purple roof resting on top. Linnie went up to the door and knocked on it softly, waiting until Cosmo has answered.
"Dad? What are you doing here? I didn't call you. Wait…did Darren put you up to this?', Cosmo asked, leaning against the door frame. Linnie smiled nervously.
"No dear. I just thought you might want to get some lunch with me. You know, it's been so long since we've spent some time together, I just thought…"
"So why didn't you just call me? Oh wait, I'm guessing you wanted to see the kids again. Well, they're at school right now so.."
"No no, I did come to see you. I understand they're at school.", Linnie said gently, "I'm not bothering you, am I? You're not busy?"
"Well..no I guess not. Wanda's at one of her business meetings again, and it'd be nice to get out of the house, I guess.", Cosmo said, "Just lemme grab my wallet."
"Sweetie, no need. I'll pay for lunch. I did invite you after all."
"You sure?"
"Of course.", Linnie said, smiling warmly, "Now let's go"
After a while, the two settled down at a table, in the center of a famous brunch joint that the family seemed to have memories with. Cosmo shifted uncomfortable as many "failed" family reunions and birthday dinners flooded his mind, while Linnie's softy smiled at the time he had taken Cosmo out when he found out he was pregnant with Cassia. Linnie thanked the waiter as he placed down the bread and salad gently in the center of the table.
"So, what's this about, Papa?", Cosmo asked. Linnie gave him a concerned look.
"Well..there is something I wanted to talk to you about-"
"If this is about what Darren said to me, don't try to change my mind. He's got a lot of nerve talking about Wanda like that", Cosmo started, before Linnie waved his arms in front of him.
"Now now..you know your brother would never intentionally try to hurt you.", Linnie said soothingly, "It's just…well…your brother isn't the only witness to this. A-and please don't think I'm trying to go after Wanda, dear. I don't have anything against her, but.."
"So, what you invited me over here just so you can take his side?", Cosmo snapped, crossing his arms.
"Cosmo please, I'm not taking anyone's side. It's just…Darren and I saw her at the park the other day, and I just got a bit concerned.", Linnie said softly, "I promise he's not lying to you. I know he might not be the most well..trustworthy person, but he's not bad or evil, and he would never try to hurt you. He called you last night because what he saw really happened."
"But how am I supposed to believe that without any proof? Darren and Wanda, well really none of you, really approved of Wanda, so how do I know this isn't just some grand scheme to try to get rid of Wanda? Dad, I thought you of all people would want to see me happy."
"Cosmo, of course I do. That's why I'm telling you all of this.", Linnie frowned, "Don't you think it's strange Wanda's been out all day."
"Not really. Her father expects a lot from his company. Sometimes, she's rushing out the door before I've finished getting the kids ready for school. I wouldn't think she'd want to disappoint him."
"But he's got workers for that, honey. Last time we talked, Wanda had told me she was looking for another job after you two had lost your last godchild.", Linnie said, before taking a breath, and looking at Cosmo with the deepest look in his eyes, "Just…Cosmo, you don't have to believe us. I understand it's a lot to take in, but can I at least ask you something?"
"What?"
"Is she at least treating you well back at home?"
"She hasn't hit me yet."
"But does she take care of you? Do you two still have the occasional date night? Do you think your spark is still there?"
Cosmo was silent for a moment, unable to process what Linnie had just asked. Even with Wanda's temper, she had never gotten violent with either him or the kids, much like his own mother was with her family. But over the years, especially after they had quit godparenting, Cosmo couldn't shake off the feeling that Wanda was definitely a lot colder towards him. Conversations that were filled with lovey-dovey jargon were replaced with demands of chores, or awkward small chat if they passed the halls of their homes. Even then, Cosmo considered that lucky, since Wanda was actually home then. Cosmo had also remembered the past few dinners he had with her, where it seemed like her head was filled in the clouds, and barely made any attempts to talk with him.
"Well..", Cosmo started, "Maybe there IS something going on, but I honestly don't appreciate you two snooping in my business, but I guess I'll talk to Wanda. She HAS been acting pretty weird lately anyways. It's like she's a stranger in my own home. I don't know much about relationships or what women want, but I don't think I deserve to be treated like shit."
"Language Cosmo!", Linnie scolded lightly before sighing, glancing at his youngest son sadly, "Of course you don't. That's why I thought it was important to understand that Darren has your best interests at heart right now. Maybe his way is a bit abrasive, but he's not as evil and selfish as everyone makes him out to be. I promise he's telling the truth, Cosmo. Can you just give him a chance? Please?"
"I don't know, Papa. The fact that the two of you spied of my wife and are accusing her of cheating is a big red flag to me. I don't know what to believe right now.", Cosmo sighed, getting up from his seat, "I'm sure you mean well, but I'm tired of people treating me and Wanda like crap for no good reason. I'll talk to her but what she and I say are private. She's probably just been going through a hard time at her father's company or something. Now, just leave me and her alone."