"What did you think would happen when you told that fucking psychopath where she lived? That he'd bring her fucking biscuits?" Dad’s angrier than I have ever heard him before.
Mom shakes her head, as she wipes away her tears. "I don't know, it was in passing."
"What else did you tell him? Hmm? We obviously know you told him that Mia was pregnant."
"No, I never told him that."
I sigh. "Enough with the lies mom, there's no other way he could have known."
"Hudson, I'm not lying. He knew before I did." As crazy as it sounds, I actually believe her.
"So how?" Dad asks. "There’s no way he could have known unless he was dumpster diving or got access to her medical records."
"I don't know Harrison, but it wasn't me," she cries. "I know that you may never believe me but I'm telling the truth. I'm sorry for my stupidity, for the hurt that my actions have caused. It was never my intention for this to happen."
"What good is that now? He killed her, he killed my wife because you were fucking jealous." Dad gets to his feet.
"Jealous?" Mom questions, a deep furrow between her brows.
"Yes Marline, jealous. You hated Tina because I left you for her. You were jealous because I loved her when I never loved you."
Mom scoffs. "You are a pig Harrison." She doesn't deny that she was jealous of him and Tina.
"Stop," Mia cries, her tone strained. It must be hard to hear this shit, her mom died and dad and my mom are arguing like Mia's not in the room.
"Mia..." Dad says, his eyes soften when they look at her.
"It's over Harrison. Mom's gone and as much as you'd love to hate Marline, she didn't do anything wrong. She had no idea that Martin would kill mom."
"Exactly, Tina is gone."
Mia shakes her head, "She is and she's not coming back. My baby is never going to see her. So I need you to put your differences aside and get along. You have a child together and we're going to have your grandchild, you're going to have to get along."
Dad sits down again, he looks winded. "Mia..."
Tears form in Mia's eyes. "I know, it's going to be hard but I'm going to need you, both of you, in our lives. I would really appreciate it if you both could be civil. I know Hudson would too."
Mom nods, "You're right, we need to sit down and talk, clear the air properly and then hopefully we can be civil."
Dad releases a heavy sigh. "Fine, name a time and a place and I'll be there."
"Tomorrow, stop by my house around four. I'll cook dinner and we'll talk," Mom says as she gets to her feet. "I'm going to go now, Hudson, thank you for allowing me to talk and explain my side of things. Mia," Mom's voice cracks at her name. "You are truly an extraordinary young lady. Your parents would be so proud of you. Thank you for your support." She bends down and places a kiss against Mia's cheek. "I'll see you soon. Take care and rest."
Mia smiles, "I will do. Hope everything goes okay tomorrow for you both."
"Harrison, I'll see you tomorrow." Dad nods at her words, he's still not in the mood for forgiving her and I can't blame him. I'd probably be the same if the tables were turned, she made him out to be the bad guy all along when she was just as bad as he was.
"I'll call you tomorrow Hudson," she tells me and I nod. "I'll see myself out."
I take a sip of beer, it's getting warm. The front door closes and dad instantly relaxes.
"I can't believe you Hudson," Mia says with a growl.
"What?" I ask in disbelief, what the hell have I done now?
"Your mom poured her heart out and you didn't even get up and say goodbye properly. You were extremely chilly with her."
"Mia, you can't expect things to be as they were," Dad tells her. "She's lied. You have to realize that Marline is a manipulator, she's finally shown her true colors. She's got a long way to make amends, and one conversation isn't going to help."