Chapter 3— Meet Mum

She had missed her son, she was a Mother after all. She took out her anger on him, all that she had kept inside her for ten years, today, she had forgiven her son...

They released each other's hold, Mrs Johnson glanced at Amelia who was behind them.

"Bring her to me" she gestured. William walked halfway to Amelia and invited her to take his hand, they walked hand in hand to Mrs Johnson and the two other women.

"What's your name, darling?" Mrs Johnson asked, taking Amelia's hands in hers.

"Amelia, ma'am",

"Oh don't be silly, call me Mum! You're my son's wife" she ended with a broad smile.

"These are my daughters-- Viola and Monica", she announced. They each hugged Amelia with acceptance.

"She's so pretty Will!" Mrs Johnson whispered excitedly.

"Yes Mother, she is. I'm so lucky!".

"If only Johnny were here to see this", she sighed. "Well, I've got you all by my side", she brightened up and forwarded her eyes to William.

"Hey! I just got you back Will, I ain't letting you leave again, eh?"

"Yes mum, I'm here, I'm here!".

William walked over to face his sisters, he had abandoned them too, he braced himself for whatever reaction he would receive from the women.

"Viola, Monica, I know I hurt you guys too when I left and I'm sincerely sorry for my actions. Could you ever forgive me?" He apologized with his eyes avoiding theirs. They stared at him for a moment, contemplating with hands folded on their chests. The silence grew louder. Mrs Johnson held Amelia to her side and both watched the folks opposite. Monica stepped forward.

"Sure, why not! You'll always be my brother", someone finally broke the silence. "I've missed you mate!" She playfully tugged at William's shoulder with her good arm then William hugged her, Monica did likewise.

"Thanks sis!". They released each other.

"Viola?", Monica called Viola, shaking her shoulder.

"I don't know if I can, brother", she started. "You abandoned us all, u left me! After you left life was never the same, our family was torn apart, Father fell ill, he never went back to being the same. Sincerely, I blame you for his death--", she paused, wiping off a side tear. "He just cares too much about you, you who never cared for him. We were the ones always there for our parents. I know dad was strict and harsh sometimes, but he loved us, you know?", she added. "Seeing you Will, reminded me of all the good and especially of the pain you left in our hearts. Come on, you didn't even tell us about your bride!", this time, she let the tears stream down her shiny skin.

"For now, I don't think I can forgive you, brother", she sniffed. Viola was heartbroken, she was the youngest in the family, she loved her brother, she adored him, but he left her.

"I'm truly sorry V", William whispered trying to reach out his hand to his sister's side, but she just walked away, murmuring something out of earshot.

"She'll forgive you Will. Eventually" Mrs Johnson winked at her son.

"Thanks mum, thanks Monica!" He smiled at them and they did likewise.