Generations: The Long Game

Monday

Sorscha's dilemma

If Mia was honest, she was a little nervous to speak to Sorscha this morning. Not for the reason most people would be. She was nervous Sorscha would get emotional. She had gotten better at dealing with emotions over the years with Char and their children, but other people's emotions were still largely off putting for her.

Marjorie wouldn't be in until later after Bon and Viv picked up Jamey, so she figured earlier was best. She had grown on her over the years, and they had certainly both taken steps to build the friendship that was growing between them. But that woman's emotions were still far too much for her to deal with. Top that with the pregnancy hormones and the interaction would have been unbearable.

Sorscha looked up as she entered the office. "Mia, this is a surprise. Marjorie isn't in until this afternoon."

"I am here to see you. It seems my wife is a bit concerned about you, and as I know word gets around here even without Carly, I thought I might check in"

She filled her in on the offer she and Autumn had made Marjorie to come work at the head office, and what that could mean for her if she felt ready. She asked if there were any issues at home. Charlotte had told her about the anxiety Sorscha had had after Quinn and she wondered if this could be more of the same. She could see that Sorscha was uncomfortable, so she paused.

"Sorscha, we are your friends. If you can't talk to us, then maybe a therapist or someone you trust. Does Clodagh know?"

Sorscha finally looked up. "Mia, it is nothing like you think. Clodagh and I both went to therapy after Quinn was born. I have continued to go, honestly. And that has had me thinking about becoming a psychologist. I wouldn't even need that many more classes to qualify, but it is hard for me to think of leaving here. I am not sure we could afford for me not to work while I went back to school, but the schedule would conflict. Even if I did manage to work something out with Marjorie, I would have to leave once I was qualified. We don't keep a school psychologist on staff here."

Mia saw the look of defeat in the younger woman's eyes. This was something she obviously felt very deeply about. "Sorscha, you do know that you, Clodagh, and the children are part of this crazy family of ours, right? Even if you didn't work here we would be in your life and you in ours. Have you met Marjorie and my wife? They would keep us all together even if we were kicking and screaming."

They both laughed. They discussed some details and Mia promised they would help her with scheduling if she decided to move forward.

As Mia left, she saw Marjorie pull into the car park. The Serpents must be home.

The Serpents: home

On the ride home from the Knight's Jamey told them all about his weekend and the space room. He was so excited he could barely sit still in his seat. Siobhan and Vivian couldn't wipe the smiles off their faces. His joy was overflowing and his excitement contagious.

They had asked Marjorie to keep him home from school today, so they could have some time with him before they would all need to go back tomorrow. Siobhan could have stayed away from the boutique longer. Her staff was incredibly efficient. Unfortunately, Viv was nearly out of annual leave and had to return to the hospital tomorrow. They both already felt guilty about keeping him out of school today, but it was well worth it to see his smiling face and hear all about his weekend.

They pulled into the drive and Jamey was still squirming in the back. He wanted to get back to his things and his room.

Siobhan and Viv had some planning to do while he reacquainted himself with his things. Siobhan messaged the solicitor about the plans for the boutique while Viv prepared some lunch.

"What about the other thing, Viv? What is the timeline you were thinking?"

"Bon, I was thinking closer to December or maybe even January. I want to wait until my annual leave rolls over, so I have no worries about taking time off when I need to." That definitely seemed sensible, and Siobhan couldn't come up with any reasons to move forward faster.