Welcome back everyone,
It's taken me a little longer than planned, but I finally got there.
This chapter covers a lot of emotions, which I found very difficult, putting into words, which is the main reason for the delay. I only hope, I have done the events justice, and it comes across well.
Again, I would like to give a BIG thankyou to the editor, Kenji Sato, for his help, and time in proof reading, and correcting this work.
As before, I would love to hear your feedback.
I hope you enjoy part three, thanks again everyone.
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The journey home took about twenty minutes, it was a quiet ride home, neither of us spoke.
It was nine o'clock when I pulled onto the drive, Gemma had nodded off on the way, given what she had just been through, I'm not surprised she was exhausted.
I gave her a gentle nudge, "Mom, we're home." She had a big stretch and climbed out. I grabbed her case from the back and we headed inside.
"Right, let's get you comfortable, mom; which bedroom do you want?"
I have a big house with three guest bedrooms, the perks of being your own boss, I guess.
"Please, can I stay in the room facing the pool, I like that view," she said.
I tried to make Gemma feel at ease, "Mom, you can stay wherever you want. I want you to treat this house as your own; you're not a guest in this house, you're family, so you can do anything you feel like doing."
Gemma smiled, "Thanks, Andy, god knows what Lisa will think when she gets home, I've ruined everything, why didn't I just keep my mouth shut," she said, putting herself down.
Something was definitely wrong, I'd never seen my mother-in-law like this. I needed to get Gemma to open up to me.
We walked to the bedroom and set it up with some fresh bedding. We both worked together, tucking in the sheets and buffing the pillows.
"Oh, my suitcase is still in the hallway," Gemma remembered.
"Not to worry, I'll bring it up for you later. Shall I put the kettle on?" I suggested.
"Sounds good," Gemma smiled.
I made two cups of coffee and we both sat down on the couch. The atmosphere was a little strained; I was wondering who was going to be the first one to talk.
I had never seen my mother-in-law get upset, nor have any sort of argument, and Gemma had never seen me get so angry; we both had some explaining to do.
Gemma shifted herself onto the couch to face me, "Andy, can I ask you a question?"
"Of course, what's up?" I asked.
"Please, will you tell me what you said, or did to Keith, when I ran out the house."
"Why do you want to know?" I asked.
"Not that he doesn't deserve it, I just want to know that he is not laid in a pool of blood, or something," Gemma asked.
I laughed out loud, "I'm not a hitman, Gemma, I didn't do him over. I tell you what, if I answer your question, will you please answer one for me?"
This was me trying to get her to open up; I didn't want to push her, so I needed to take my time.
"I guess so," she said.
"Deal." I turned on the couch to face Gemma. "Right, I might have been angry when you left the room, but I kept my cool. I told Keith that you are an awesome person, you would do anything for your family, and that I was proud to call you my mom. Also, I told the idiot, that if he opened his eyes, he would see what an awesome wife you are."
Gemma gave me a half smile, "You're proud to call me mom? That's one of the nicest things I've been told in a long time, Andy. Thank you. But, I fear I don't deserve it."
I looked confused. Why is she putting herself down again? What was wrong? It was starting to bug me now. I took Gemma's hands in mine, and got a little serious, "Gemma, when I was just starting out in business, a wise man once gave me some advice which has never left me; I'm going to give this to you.
"Never do anything in anger, you make rash decisions, without thinking of the consequences and it can get you into a lot of trouble. This counts for when you're sad, upset, basically any negative emotion. You need to take a step back, evaluate the situation, and plan. If it's revenge you want, or you want to make someone pay, then it's all in the preparation. You can't let them see you coming, or know it was you."
Gemma looked shocked, "That's a little dark, Andy. Who was this wise man?"
"It's better off you don't know, Gemma," I said.
"I think so, too," Gemma laughed, "I think I get what you mean, Andy, god knows I've had my fair share of anger today. Okay now, I guess I have to answer your question."
With the advice fresh in her head, I went for it. "Yep, that was the deal." I coughed to clear my throat, and said, "What happened ten years ago, Gemma?"
Her face froze, "What do you mean?"
I elaborated, "Yesterday, you said that Keith has not touched you in ten years, you don't just stop all contact for no reason, something must have happened, Gemma. I know this might be difficult, and I don't want to pressure you. I love you, and I want to help. But you need to open up; to solve a problem, you first have to find the courage to admit to yourself that there is one."
She sat silent for an age, I could see was conflicted by the look on her face. I didn't want to push her, so I waited patiently.
Finally she spoke, "Will you promise not to repeat what I'm about to say, I'm only going to tell you this, because of what's happened over the last two days. You deserve to know the full truth."
"Of course, I would never betray your trust," I reassured her.
She added, "If after, you want me to leave, I will without question, but you must never tell a soul, promise me."