"What did I do to you, Alice?" Clarion asked. At this point, she doesn't know what else to say. For Alice to have done this, it means she was deliberate in punishing her.
What if the news of her 'comeback' left her in shock and she was not able to overcome it, what if she had died?
She probably would have been pacified if she heard the news. How can a daughter do this to her own mother? How can a daughter not take pity on her mother's emotions and keep torturing her?
Alice came closer and hugged her mother. Clarion's body developed goosebumps. Is this really Alice, holding her? Her heart was beating fast and she went pale.
"Leave my grandma, she's still in shock about your 'comeback ' from the dead" Pamela declared, stepping in and seeing her grandmother looking pale as if she was seeing a ghost.
Susana withdrew from her mother and cleaned her tears. It's time she leaves. It's getting too late to be far from the convent.
"I need to go now, mother. I will check on you again" she said and bolted out. She hurried her steps out and went to the car.
Margaret was waiting for her. As soon as Susana got in, she started the ignition. They don't know what awaits them, but it might not be something pleasant.
As soon as Susana left, Clarion started sobbing again. She's left again? Did she come because she heard she was almost dead?
And since she had gradually recovered and free from harm's way, she'd left again. After over two decades, she saw her daughter again. She hoped the next time she would come to see her wouldn't be her graveside?
"Don't worry, your daughter will be back soon" Pamela assured. She can't believe the woman that just stepped out of the hospital ward is Alice Johnson, her mother.
"I believe you, but I hope it won't be after my death!" Clarion declared through moist eyes.
Sister Susana arrived at the hermit and was surprised to find the bishop waiting. He seemed to have been waiting for a long time.
"Greetings" Susana said, making a sign with her hands. She knew the report of her actions the previous evening would have gotten to the ears of the bishop.
"Sister Susana, to my office" the bishop declared and started walking almost immediately.
Margaret placed her hand on Susana's clasped hands and gave her a reassuring nod. Whatever happens, it isn't going to be new. It definitely must have happened before, there's nothing new under the sky.
Susana nodded and swallowed hard before following behind the bishop. When she returned an hour later, the die had been casted and the choice had been made!
Fred Meyer accompanied Pamela and her grandma home. He came around to check on them in the hospital and was coincidental to the time Clarion was being discharged.
He gave her a helping hand and as soon as they returned home, they met Leah Hayden waiting for them. When she saw Pamela and Fred Meyer helping Clarion in, she was dazed.
"Aunt Clarion, are you alright?" Leah asked, coming over and hugging the older woman. She took over and helped her to sit on the sofa.
What is wrong with Aunt? She didn't seem sick at all the last time she saw her. Why is she being supported by her granddaughter and…Leah glanced at Fred, who is Pamela to him?
Clarion just stared at Leah and sighed softly. She is Alice's best friend. How will she absorb the surprise, when it hits her hard that her friend was still alive?
"If she's alright, she wouldn't need to be supported, Mrs Hayden" Pamela snapped. What the hell does she want in her Mansion? Has she come to spy on her and her kids?
Pamela's response brought Leah Hayden back to her unhappy mood. She raised her head and glared at Pamela with guilt filled eyes.
"How have you been dear?" Leah asked, her conscience poking her hard as if it would start bleeding. She looked away, unable to keep staring at Pamela.
"I'm perfectly fine now, as you can see. What I want to know is what the fuck you are doing in my house?" Pamela thundered, glaring at Leah with a poker face.
Clarion just looked on quietly. After everything that Leah had done to Pamela, will she be able to stand before Alice when they met face to face?
"I'm sorry, Pamela. I was wrong in my harsh treatment towards you. I was over protective of my son and I went overboard.
Please forgive me for splitting you and Louis apart. I know it's hard to let go, but if you can, forgive me and let go. Forgive Louis as well, he'd done nothing wrong to hurt you.
The one who hurt you is me, not him. Please spare him and blame me however you want. I've come to seek your forgiveness…" Leah apologised.
Pamela sighed. So can this woman become so humble? She acted like a woman of steel with an iron fist when her son was living a false life.
But now, she could put her haughtiness aside and apologise to her? Pamela chuckled softly and a grin appeared on her lips before it disappeared as quickly as it appeared.
Pamela was going to ask her what she wants forgiveness for, for splitting her from Louis or for her inhumane treatment towards her. At least, she should tell her what she really wanted when there was a car honking.
Clarion guessed it might be Tarvan. She sighed. She blamed him for Alice's death but the truth is out now. Their daughter is still alive.
Pamela glanced towards the door and left Leah standing as she went to get the door, Tarvan arrived as she expected.
Fred Meyer, who had been watching, simply bowed to highness and excused himself. This family needs a little privacy except for Louis Hayden's mother who was an outsider.
A broad smile appeared on her lips as she crossed her hand over her grandfather's elbow and walked him in.
Tarvan just turned and glanced at his granddaughter. What is making her so excited and happy?
When he stepped in, he glanced around the room and saw his wife and Leah. He fixed his gaze on her for a while and squinted, this woman doesn't look sick at all.
Why did Pamela keep urging him to come despite being discharged? He already told her that he was leaving her grandma to live her life on her own terms.
"Pamela, your grandma looks alright to me. I should leave then," he turned around and wanted to leave when Clarion said "Stop Tarvan"
Tarvan paused but didn't turn back to glance at her. Whatever happens, he is not interested in talking or having a discussion with Clarion.
"Let's talk about Alice, you and I need to have a word together" Clarion declared, walking over to stand before her husband with a calm expression.
"I don't want to talk about her. You and I have nothing to say to each other, Clarion" Tarvan declared and wanted to walk past his wife when Pamela grabbed him and forced a hug on him.