Hidden Motives

Final Goodbye

It was my mother. She turned around and said "I've missed seeing that beautiful face of yours."

I was in pure shock. I knew she was going to come visit me, but I didn't know how soon it would be. Now stood before me the women who made my life miserable, claiming to be a better person. I didn't know how to react as my mother studied me. For some reason seeing her again made me more angry than happy. Her face brought back memories of pain, while her writing brought me peace. Looking at her again made everything she ever wrote me feel like a lie. But it wasn't. I decided to respond by saying, "Hey mom."

She looked me up and down and said, "I know seeing me hurts, but I promise I will take this chance to show how much of a real mother I am. I love you very much and it hurt me so much to have to treat you the way I did. I apologize so very greatly!" she pleaded. Her eyes were getting wet and I knew she was about to cry. I had never seen her like this.

"I...I forgive you" I managed to stutter out.

She smiled, but still had tears forming. "I have news and I had to tell you in person." she took a deep breath before continuing "Your father is now aware of your departure along with Betsy and Jace's departures. He...he has already replaced us. He somehow found people who have similar characteristics to us and is currently campaigning them as his family. According to some of his men, he was very furious. Jace and Betsy didn't concern him much, but you...he vowed to find you. I am so sorry Sierra! He also knows that I am in contact with you. It's only a matter of time until I am interrogated by him. I won't tell them anything, so I am afraid they will kill me. I actually know they will kill me. I am of no use to your father. Sierra this is our final goodbye."

At this point, she was basically sobbing. I was quiet as I processed this information. I pulled her into a hug. This hug meant so much to me. It was me finally being at peace with someone who left me broken. Someone who had appeared so heartless was showing me that they had a heart.

We stood there in each other's embrace for what felt like ever. I was going to lose my mother before I even got to know her.

She then spoke, "I have to get going before someone finds me. I can't put you in more danger. Please listen to Melissa. She wants the best for you. I promise she will protect you from your father. You will be at peace soon. The FBI is working on catching your father as we speak. Promise me you will keep yourself safe. I talked with some friends and they told me about the criminals after you. It's because of your father. Both of those times Max Payne was able to save you though. Maybe give him a chance?"

I looked at her for a few seconds and said "Yeah, your right. He really isn't that bad." I was finally able to accept the fact that Max may be a good person.

My mother smiled before saying, "Well I guess, this is goodbye."

I watched her closely and took a deep breath. This was our first and last time being a mother-daughter duo. It was all over. I knew that if my father wanted her dead she would be killed, but I tried really hard to push that thought away. "Goodbye, mom. I hope to see you again. I..I..love...you." I muttered. It was so difficult to say, but I finally said it, and I meant it.

My mom's tears then turned into large puddles. She tightened her embrace before saying Sierra Morgan you are my world and I love you so so so much!" We cried for a while and soon came the time she had to go. As she reached for the door she turned back around and looked at me once more before saying "Tell Jace, mommy, loves him when you see him!"

"I will!" I responded.

She then smiled and walked quietly down the stairs, leaving just as silently as she came.