Tantrum

Ch. 7 Crisis Mode

*** Spencer's POV ***

"I'm a little nervous about this. Talking to you." Maureen admits, wiping her hands over her jean-clad thighs.

"Gwen knows that you're doing this. You're the boys' guardian should something happen to her, right?" I verify.

She nods. We had just done the home evaluation. She kept her small space tidy. Like Gwen's, there were only minor fixes that were needed, things that wouldn't even cross most parents minds but were part of our inspection.

"Maureen, I want what's best for them too. And honestly, that's keeping them together." I try to assure her. She nods but looks away, her facial expression showing the guilt I think she feels. "Tell me your perspective of Gwen becoming their guardian."

"She was devastated to hear about what happened to Tammie, but Clint was a nasty bastard. Always knew he'd drag Tammie down from the moment I laid eyes on him. Tammie always wanted to hook Gwen up with one of his loser friends and I shut that down as long as Gwen was living under my roof." She started. "Gwen wasn't getting pulled down that road if I had a say in it."

I wanted to ask more, like if Gwen ever ended up seeing one of Clint's buddies but it wasn't really relevant. I was just personally curious. As if reading my mind, Maureen continued. "My Gwen knew that situation was bad news on her own and steered clear. But she loved Tammie. And she loved those boys as an extension of her, right from their births."

I hated to ask, but I needed confirmation. "Did she know about their abuse?"

Maureen's head jerked up and her mouth fell open. She quickly covered it and I could see her eyes gloss over. "No, no. Shit. Really? I mean it actually explains a lot, but oh dear. Wait, does she know now?"

I nod. I wasn't going to tell her how she found out. Gwen could share if she wanted to. I redirect her back to the original question. "So Gwen's transition into guardianship..."

"Yes, um...she never really took time to process it fully. She got the call and drove directly to the station to pick up the kids and claim Tammie's body. That poor girl had no family. They wanted her to claim Clint too, but she refused when she learned what happened, what he had done." She informed me.

I knew that Clint's cremated remains were sitting unclaimed. No family could be found. They'll sit for another three years before he'll be buried with other unclaimed remains.

"Did the kids ask about him?" Again another question out of curiosity and not necessity.

"Mason did. He has definitely struggled more." She clutched her hands, eyes downcast. She looked up suddenly. "But Gwen has made sure he talks with someone."

"I see that." I note.

She relaxes a bit. "Tim didn't ask. I found it odd, but now, maybe it makes sense."

"So back to Gwen."

"Yes. Gwen had already been close with the boys, but nothing prepares you for something like this. I tried to help as much as possible. I helped her get through Tammie's funeral. We got the boys settled into her place as soon as possible. She made sure they were seeing the right people at school. Mason had that little setback, but he seemed okay." She gave me a lot of information, but none of it really answered my question.