Past ghost 19
At Mac's home it was busy. Everyone was preparing for Mac's homecoming. They all knew Mac was a very private person. Lindsay had wondered before when was the last time Mac had homemade food? Now Lindsay was cooking and Danny was helping her. Flack was coming with Jessica. Flack said: "Hi everyone! Oh, it smells really tasty and looks appetizing." Sid, Hawkes and Adam cleaned and decorated the living room with a sign "Welcome home, Mac!" Adam's music choice was jazz. They knew Mac likes to play the bass guitar. Danny was asking: "Hey, when do Mac and Stella come?" Lindsay said: "Stella has just called before, they will come soon, they are driving home now." Sid said: "We have to thank God that Mac has survived, that he is alive, and be happy that Mac has testified his love for Stella. We know Mac had a difficult time when Claire died. Now it is a memory and it is time for Mac to move forward and it is with Stella." Everyone was thinking THEY BELONG TOGETHER FOREVER.
Outside the weather was beautiful. Mac had a smile on his face. Finally I can go home and be with Stella. I know Stella is strict with my recovery and with me not working. But I have to thank God that I am still alive and Stella is at my side. I really do not want to think what could have gone differently if Laura had achieved her goal with Mark. I know Laura was close to her final aim. Why did she have to come back and make my life a nightmare and almost destroy my life and love for Stella? It was mean and hurtful. Laura had no right to take this revenge on me, Stella and my child Karen. I need to tell Stella that I had a child with Laura who I never saw before my near-death experience when my heart stopped. I am sad I had not seen her when she had just been born, hold her and see how my little girl was growing up. Laura took my right to be a father.
Suddenly Mac was back at the warehouse, tied up, sweating and bleeding and Laura was torturing him and saying: "Mac boy, you are a brave man, you need to kill Stella, you saw Stella have a great time with another man. Then I promise I will tell you where your child is and you are free. Mac was thinking that it cannot be real, it is just a vision, no more, but it feels so real. Mac saw Claire, and Claire was saying: "Mac, it has happened but now it is past. Stella loves you very much. Laura was a bad person who wanted only revenge and you fought and won. Mac, your child Karen is with me, remember, and I promised to take care of her and you chose Stella, you love her. Laura is a past ghost now. Turn back to Stella, that is reality."
The drive home was difficult, it was rush-hour. Stella was driving and Mac was next to her. Stella saw Mac was in deep thought and his face showed different emotions. Stella saw Mac was now hurt, sweating, trembling, she saw tears and pain. Stella was looking for a place to stop the car and saw there was a park nearby. It is the right place and I can ask Mac what has happened, are you alright? Maybe it is a flashback caused by what Laura has done to brainwash Mac and Mac remembers what happened to him when he was in Laura's and Mark's captivity. God, it is not possible it's now happening during the day too. It is difficult enough when Mac has nightmares at night. Laura is dead and still she comes back and haunts Mac. Mac, I am here and I support you. I have to remain calm.
Stella parked the car and looked at Mac again touching his cheek and saying: "Mac, it will be alright, it is me, Stella. Mac, come back." Stella was near tears when she saw the look in Mac's eyes, there was fear and confusion. Stella knew it was time for Mac to speak about that event, what happened when he was kidnapped. It is difficult for both but mostly for Mac. We have to talk; it will ease his soul and heart, what Laura so diligently had tried to destroy. Stella was now hugging Mac tight and bombarding him with her words and kissing little kisses. "Mac, I am with you. Don't be afraid, I am not leaving you; time will heal all your wounds. Mac, you are my hero and I am proud of who you are. Mac, you don't need to hide from me. We all have good and bad sides. Mac, I love you and I am thankful Laura could not destroy the bond that we have. We are together and we will build the future together with our love, hope, faith and friendship. I love you."
Mac was feeling warmth, love and support from Stella. Mac's heart was melding. O God. I have a second chance with Stella. Stella loves me really, with all my strengths and weaknesses. I know I have to open up more and speak. It is like with Claire who respected who I am. I love you, Stella and Stella, hold me and never let me go. Mac was coming back to reality and felt peaceful and strengthened the hug more. "Stella, I love you and don't let me go, I need you so much. It hurts what Laura had put me trough. I remember now. Laura played tricks on my mind and tried to take control with drugs and torture, and she almost succeeded and she wanted me to kill you. Always remember, Stella, I love you with all my heart and soul."
Stella and Mac kissed very passionately. They took time to feel the kiss and their touches. Like there was no tomorrow. Happiness is back.
Stella asked: "Mac, would you like to go to the park with me for a walk. It is really wonderful weather." Mac answered: "I agree with you, it is great weather and it was a long time since I was in a park and walking with a beautiful woman beside me." They kiss again. Stella said: "Mac, can you wait for me there? I have to make a call and lock the car. Mac, I love you." Mac nodded his head and walked ahead.
Stella made a quick call to the team to let them know that they would come later. "It will take time. Me and Mac need time together, to resolve what happened with him in captivity." They all understood and sent their love, support and wished lots of luck.
Mac and Stella were together in the park, holding hands, walking and looking at how all life was waking up from winter's sleep.
Spring has come to New York and love to Mac's and Stella's hearts.
Occasionally, the spiral of life and love for life seems to come to a standstill and must be fought for with all one's heart and soul.