Chap. 23 Deceptions
« I can't believe you've only had four days off, it's not enough after all this time. » Fran said to her son.
"I know, I wish I could stay longer. Well I think it's time to go."
"Are you sure you don't want me to drive you to the airport."
"No, have some rest mom, it will be fine."
"Penelope won't come."
"No she had to work today." He said looking away.
"Is everything ok between you two?"
"Yeah why do you ask?"
"Just your eyes gave you away."
"I wonder when I will be able to come back. It could be months and maybe she will be walking on her own. I wish I could be here…"
"You can always invite her for a little trip to Virginia, I 'm sure Alex won't mind coming with her."
"Yeah maybe… we'll see."
He hugged his mother one more time before climbing in the cab.
His mother suggestion ran in his mind for months before he decided to take her words into consideration. He knew that it could be months before he saw her or his family so he invited them all to spend Christmas at Quantico.
Now he was waiting for them at the airport with a big smile splattered on his face.
He spotted Desiree in the crowd followed by Sarah and their mother. He frowned.
He kissed them and looked passed them.
"Where's Pen?" he asked urgently.
Desiree and Sarah exchanged a look that unnerved him.
"Where is she?" he insisted.
"Hem, she said that she had an urgent matter to deal with without saying what."
"An urgent matter?" he repeated.
Fran put a hand on his shoulder.
"It's something to do with California.
"California? Don't tell me that she returned there where he…"
"I don't really know but don't worry Alex is with her, she's not alone.
"She could have told me." He said angrily.
"Derek you can call her later…" Sarah said.
Derek nodded stiffly and they went outside silently.
What should have been a happy time for the Morgan revealed to be a strange vacation. Derek was obviously not in the mood to enjoy this time with his family.
Fran tired with this cloudy mood decided to talk to him.
"Derek I know that you're probably worried about Penelope but you can't behave like that towards us."
"I'm sorry mom. She didn't call once, nor did she answer my calls!"
"Derek it's a though time for her…all happened at Christmas there."
"Oh… stupid I'm stupid."
"No you're probably in love."
"Mom, I'm worried about my best friend; I'm not in love…"
"Mm mm, anyway, we're here to spend some quality time with you so don't spoil it. Penelope will call you. She cares for you."
"I feel the same." He said kissing her cheek.
Fran smiled at her son retreating back. "Yeah he cares about his "best friend." She thought amused