So, everyone probably assumed I forgot about this story as it's been a VERY long time. My apologies but I really haven't done any writing for quite some time and this story fell by the wayside. However I promised I would finish it, because unfinished stories have always driven me crazy.

If there followers of my story still out there, I am incredibly grateful for your patience.

And, as always, I don't any part of the Bones universe outside of fanfiction. Depressing but true.

I took a sip of my Scotch and a deep breath. "There are a lot of things I want, Mom, for us to be able to get past this." I shook my head. "No, that's not right. Not get past this. This whole mess of a situation will always stick with us. But to able to have the kind of relationship I think we both want, there are some things I have to have from you. And I can't negotiate on this stuff. You have to be honest about everything Mom. Whether you think I want to hear it or not. I can't take more surprises like a last minute family or anything else. You want a good relationship we're going to have to trust each other. And I don't know if I can right now, so that will take time for me to trust you. Can you understand that?"

My mother swallowed and answered in a small voice, "I can Seeley. I wish I could change it, but I do understand. I just," and her voice broke off.

"Just what, Mom?"

She lowered her head and was silent for a minute. When she lifted her head I could see tears in her eyes. "I've watched you closely through all of this Seeley. I've heard Temperance and Hank talk. You're a braver person than I am. I suspect you're braver than anyone else I know. You've been right about me. After I left, I took the easy route. I don't know that I have your courage, but I'm willing to try so that I can be in your life. The truth is I'm afraid. I'm afraid I won't live to your standards or even that you'll hate me. God knows that way I've handled all this hasn't helped. I realize that. I've spent so long imagining in my head how it would be when I saw you again." She sighed. "You're right about all of it. It wasn't realistic. I just couldn't face up to the possibility of anything different. It hurt too much. And I ended up hurting you anyway. I swear that isn't what I wanted."

I stared down at my glass in my hand, trying to think what to say, when I felt Bones' hand on my arm. I looked up and into her face, concern etched on her face. I gave her a weak smile and she looked even more worried. I put my hand over hers and gave a gentle squeeze. I looked back at Mom, opened my mouth, and found no words would come out. Closing my mouth and shaking my head, I went back to staring at my drink. Trying to think of something to say in response. I could feel Bones and my mother staring at me, but I suddenly felt lost.

Suddenly next to I heard Bones clear her throat. I looked up at her and she tilted her head towards Mom. "If I might add something, Booth?"

I nodded. "You know you can say anything Bones. We're in this together, remember?"

With a crisp nod, she turned towards Mom. "Marianne, while I still continue to believe that you could have handled many aspects of this situation much differently, and certainly in a less thoughtless manner than you have since your reemergence in Booth's life," and she held up her hand as my mother opened her mouth to interrupt. "Please let me finish. I can at least appreciate your honesty tonight regarding your motivations. I will say for Booth, if he cannot, that in addition to the honesty he requires, that I believe he would need you to willing to confront your own fears to move forward. I am not as adept at Booth at emotional situations, but my time with my father has taught me that reuniting after extended periods of time can be...difficult. Booth and I both need to know that you are willing to deal with this. That when things are difficult, you won't decide it it too much and walk away. We have a child, Marianne. If you will not work on this relationship with Booth, how much of a relationship do you think you could have with your grandchild? I do not say this as an ultimatum. Simply a question you should also take into consideration."

Mom and I both stared at Bones. She sighed and continued. "I will also say, I know what it is to keep others out of my life. I did that for years. Before Booth." She shifted in her chair so that she was looking me fully in the face. "Call it fear, trepidation...not having your open heart," here she paused and we smiled at each other. Then she turned back to Mom. "As Booth will tell you, I do not hold much stock in the reliability of psychology, so I do not analyze my emotions. I have been a scientist first at foremost for most of my life. I am more used to making observations and making conclusions based on facts. The fact that is most important now is that you are here. There have been a number of rather uncomfortable conversations that you have been willing to subject yourself to, which is encouraging. Understand, however, that more of these will no doubt occur from time to time. In this, I do speak from experience." She swallowed and looked slightly uncomfortable, remembering some conversations with Max, I was sure.

At that point I finally found my voice again. "She's right Mom. And it's not about being right or wrong, ultimatums, anything else. Bones and I have both had...well let's call them avoidance issues," I shot a sideway glance at Bones who was opening her mouth to speak. "I know, Bones. Psychobabble, right? Leave it for now, it will get the point across." Bones stared and then shrugged, but I expected a long lecture later that night. "It's taken a long time for Bones and me to get here, in the same place. A lot of time, heartache, hurt, all of that. We're in the best place we've ever been, but it's taken a lot of facing up to our own shortcomings to get there. You have to do the same, Mom. Otherwise it's just a pleasant and superficial relationship. It may be easier, but it won't be real, or really worth very much. So is that something you're willing to stick it out for? Because I need to know. As Bones pointed out, we have a child. I won't have her hurt if you decide it's not worth and walk away. I can't. I won't."

So will continue in another chapter (you know, now that I'm writing again) This one got a little long on me.