24.8 The Heart to Heart

Watching Mary crumble under the weight of grief was one of the hardest sights to see. All Susie’s life, Mary soldiered through every crisis with strength and determination. A smile adorned her face despite how fake it was, and that annoying, upbeat attitude kept everyone in check. But, now, the pain paralyzed her. Susie didn’t recognize this woman at all and wished she could cheer her.

The day after Tim’s arrest, Susie went back Newcrest to gather a few things to bring back to Willow Creek. If Mary was right, Tim wouldn’t return in his youth. Susie needed to figure out more than just what outfits to pack. Could she sell the house? What of the money? It seemed a shame for it to sit in Tim’s account untapped for the foreseeable future. Mary was too encumbered to investigate, so Susie dug around the office for anything to help. Maybe this act would earn a gold star or two next to her name.

Mary’s boss called yesterday asking when she would return to work. He could fire her if he wanted. The girls could band together and take care of the house while she moved in with Reed. Or, they could sell, split the money and go their separate ways. She was no good for anyone and gave up. Little by little, however, she came to grips with her son being a criminal and semi-permanently estranged from the family. She even entertained it not being her fault, but it didn’t last long.

“Oh,” Susie said crossing the threshold. “You’re up. That’s good.”

Staying in bed all day did not improve Mary’s mood, so she tried something new. Getting dressed and sitting around didn’t help either, but at least her daughters thought she made progress.

“I have some news,” Susie said.

“Yes, darling.” Her voice, listless and void of emotion, echoed in her skull. She didn’t recognize it. Oh, how much it hurt to feel so glum. When would the pain subside?

“I went to the house to get more stuff, and … Mom …”

Mary had never seen her smile so gleefully before.

“You can have your money back!” She smiled so eagerly like she expected an atta-girl or something.

“What are you talking about, Susie?”

“I went through a bunch of papers grandpa made Tim sign, and it was right there in black and white.”

Her money? Susie expected it to excite her, but Mary wasn’t quite sure what to make of it. “Darling, I don’t understand.”

Susie took out a piece of paper. “Here. Read for yourself.”

“Susie, I don’t want–“

“Just read it, Mother!”

Mary’s daughters were so different. One had a terrible temper and the other a terrible attitude. Living with Phoenix was stressful at times but was mostly peaceful. As much as Mary enjoyed Susie living at home again, she threatened that peace. She took the document from her and read. Walls of text filled spilled over several pages and increased her heart rate. “Susie, please. I’m not up for this.”

Susie groaned. “Fine! Just read this part.”

The legalese made her head spin, and she pleaded with Susie through desperate eyes. But, the young woman did not let up. “All right.” She cleared her throat. “Pursuant to the terms of this agreement, Tim Jones acknowledges that he shall surrender the title of Heir and all inheritances therein to the previous living heir if one of the following scenarios occur: 1. His untimely death, 2. He fails to produce an heir by the adult birthday, 3. He is incompetent or otherwise unable to be the named heir.”

“See! He’s in jail, and today is his birthday! You get everything back, Mom!”

Was this some kind of joke? Would Susie conjure such an elaborate scheme to teach a lesson? What if it were true? Not only would she have access to the trust fund again but also own three homes. How could this be? What did it mean? As much as it pained her to agree, John was right; she did always win. He’d surely blow an artery when he found out, but his reaction was not her concern. How did she feel about it?

“Aren’t you going to say anything?”

“I don’t know what to say, my darling.”

“Ok. But, are you happy?”

“I … I suppose. I’ve lived so long without it. I enjoy life without all the pressures wealth brings. I’m not quite sure what I’ll do with all that money again.”

“Oh.” She sounded disappointed.

“What’s the matter, Darling?”

“I’ve been trying so hard to get you to trust me again. To get you to like me!”

In that moment, Mary knew she had to quit moping around grieving Tim’s situation. He was the one who committed the crimes and needed to pay for them. Even with all their money, she couldn’t pay that price for him. Meanwhile, she neglected matters at home. She was Mom and not allowed to check out.

“Susie! Of course I like you! I’m crazy about you. I thought I was giving you what you wanted.”

“You were! I mean, I thought I wanted the distance. I did at first, but … I’m not making any sense!”

“It’s ok, my darling. If I have inadvertently caused you to to work for my love, I apologize! I grew up in that kind of environment, and I don’t want that for you. But, Darling, I can’t read your mind. Both of us need to communicate better. Do you agree?”

Susie snorted and wiped her cheek. “Yeah, I guess we kinda suck at this.”

Mary squeezed her. “All I’ve ever wanted, truly, was to be friends with you. I still do.”

Susie grinned. “That’s good to know.”

“I love you, Susie. That will never change no matter what. Do you believe that?”

“Yeah.” She sat up, took a deep breath, and smiled. “You’re ok too, Mom.”