Maybe This Time

Chapter Three

Alex knew that while he was here with Norma, that he needed to discuss the best possible option for Norman. He held onto her as she cried into his chest.

"Norma, look at me..." He looked down at her pretty hair and reached down to lift up her chin with his pointer finger. Looking up Norma had tears rolling down her cheeks taking in a few sniffles.
"What Alex...just tell me what you need to say." She was so annoyed and upset at this point. Norman screwed up big time and was claiming that it was Norma's doing. This was serious stuff.

"We need to bring him to Pineview. Its the only way he will be safe and you'll finally be able to breathe. You can visit him everyday. You told me that. And before you say anything, dont worry about the rest of the money. I will take care of it." Alex was very positive that this would be the best move for her son and herself.

Norma pulled away from Alex, walking away toward the stove rubbing the tears off her cheeks. "Alex....I can't let you do that. Youre a family friend, its not right. You already gave me a check toward renting the room at the motel." She insisted this was not something she wanted. She didn't need Alex to help her. It was just too much. Although, she really did. But, Norma Louise Bates would be the last person to admit that she needed any type of help with anything.

"Norma, no. Absolutely not. I already paid the place. Norman can go at anytime now. Since they already had your insurance in their systems, all they now needed was the rest to cover his stay. I took care of it. " Alex blurted this out without a warning. He was scared of what Norma would do or say.

Norma's voice rose and her eyes grew wide, "You did this without asking me?! What the hell, Alex!! I cannot believe this right now. I wasn't even sure I wanted him to go there!" Norma was fuming but she lied. She needed Norman away from this town for a while. Her little boy needed help. His blackouts were worse. But she was not ready to let him go.

"Norma, this needed to happen. You weren't able to pay the rest. So I found a way. Now, Norman can get the help he needs and you can take time for yourself and your business." Alex was sturn and made sure he told Norma how it needed to be.

Norma then broke down, sliding down onto the floor with her back against the front of the stove. "I'm gonna lose him, Alex. He will hate me forever. He already thinks I'm giving up on him by even considering sending him there. Norman is everything to me." She cried.

Alex sighed and walked over, kneeling down in front of her. He hated seeing her cry. It was like his heart broke into a thousand little pieces anytime he would witness her cry. Seeing her hurting was just a weakness for him. She was his weakness. He placed his hand on her arm softly.

"Norma, listen. Its going to be alright. Norman will be fine. He will have the best care and great visitation. So you could see him almost everyday if you wanted to. This needs to happen. You cannot let him continue to ruin his life and others lives." He spoke to her with a soft yet caring tone.

Norma took a deep breath, leaned her head back and wiped her tears away. "Yeah, youre right, Alex. I'm just going to miss him. Miss having him around at all times. This will be the first time I won't have him by my side.." She sighed, sniffling again.

"And that's completely understandable... youre his mother. You have done so much to protect him. But its time, Norma..." Alex looked straight into her eyes. "Alright...?" He said while rubbing her arm.

She looked up and gave him a soft smile. Nodding, she grabbed his hand and held it in hers. "Okay... alright..."