24.5 The Aftermath

Mary was uncertain of how she arrived home and found herself sprawled out on the couch in Reed’s arms crying into his chest. “I’m a terrible mother,” she would yell. He’d stroke her hair and kiss her head saying it wasn’t true. She yelled all kinds of self-depreciating things, but Reed–her stalwart friend–refuted every one of them and returned encouragement instead.

“No matter what happens with Tim, you will be fine, Mary. You did the right thing. He made bad choices. None of this is your fault.”

The tears burned as they rolled down her cheeks. “I think … Somewhere deep down,” she forced out between sobs, “I know this. But, I can’t seem to believe it!”

His warm hand in the small of her back provided the comfort she needed. “I know. And, that’s ok. This is a lot to swallow.”

The front door opened, and Mary gasped. She hadn’t considered giving the news to the other children yet. A mother’s work was never done, good mom or bad.

“Uhh … Hi? Did someone die?” Phoenix asked.

Mary sat up and dried her tears as much as possible, inhaling courage and exhaling the bad thoughts. “Phoenix … I need you to call Susie. She needs to come here right away.”

“O-k. But … Seriously, did someone die?”

“No one is dead, my darling. Now, please, call Susie.”

Phoenix stepped out to make the call. It was just after midnight, and Susie was asleep or writing. Either way, Mary expected an attitude with her arrival.

“You sure you want to do this now? Maybe you should get some rest first.”

“Their brother is in jail, Reed! They deserve to know.”

Reed nodded. “You know what’s best.”

“Besides, if they don’t hear it from me first, John will surely throw it in my face later.”

He squeezed tighter. “He shouldn’t be your concern right now. That prick caused enough damage for one night.”

“Susie’s on her way. Is it ok if I shower and come back?”

“Of course, darling.”

Phoenix went upstairs to clean up and change. When she returned, Susie had arrived, and it was time to get the show on the road.

Reed stood and offered his hand to Susie. “I’m Reed. It’s nice to meet you, finally.”

“Y-yeah. Same here.”

“Ok, Mother. I’m here, and I’ve met your man friend. Will one of you please tell us what’s going on now?”

Reed started to speak, but Mary cleared her throat. “I’ll get right to it. Tim was arrested this afternoon.”

“What,” both girls shouted.

“He will be in jail for the foreseeable future.” The tears came back with a vengeance, stealing her voice as they plundered their way through her body.

Reed pulled her even closer. “It was important to her that you knew as soon as possible.”

“W-what did he do?” Phoenix asked carefully.

Mary felt Reed’s eyes on her, but she still couldn’t speak.

He cleared his throat. “Well, to put it lightly, they allege that he is a thief.”

Phoenix laughed. “Tim might be many things, but a thief is not one of them!”

“I don’t know, Phoenix,” Susie said warily. “Shady looking guys used to come to the house sometimes looking for him. I think they might be right.”

This new information sent Mary into another fit of sobs.

“I’m sorry,” Susie said.

“Why did you never say anything?” Mary shouted.

“I don’t get involved in Tim’s business! And, I thought you would call me crazy and take his side like you always do!”

“Ok,” Reed said. “It’s late, and your mom could use some rest. We all could. Let’s discuss this in the morning?”

“Mom?”

“Yes, Susie?”

“I want to come home. I don’t want to live in that house by myself.”

If it were possible to feel joy and despair, Mary had done it. She sprang over to the Susie, threw her arms around her neck, and squeezed tight. “Of course, my darling. Stay for as long as you like. I love you so much!”