Maybe This Time

Chapter Five

Norman was in one of his blackouts, so it was easier to transport him to the facility. He was like that when they found him standing there in the woods. Norma grabbed his things and Alex placed them in the trunk. Norman just sat there with no emotion. Completely silent the entire way there. Norma wasnt sure how she would handle all this. She had Alex but this was her son. He was her everything, her miracle.

Pulling up to Pineview, Norma began to breathe a bit heavier and Alex noticed. He placed his hand on her leg gently, "Its going to be alright, things are going to get better..." Norma just kept herself quiet and just nodded. A few of the staff came out to help them bring Norman inside to get him settled. They helped get him out of the car and the other staff member grabbed the luggage from Alex.

Norma immediately burst into tears and ran up to hug her son. "Honey, I'm so sorry..but I have to do this, to help you better yourself." She sniffled, "I have to give you your best chance and its not getting better at home.." She kissed his cheek and let him go. The staff member walked Norman inside, he was still silent. But non violent. As they walked him inside, Norma just lost it. "Norman! I love you! Please forgive me!"

Norma began to sob uncontrollably with Alex standing next to her, rubbing her back softly. He hated to see her hurting. It killed him inside. She then went into some type of rage, "Alex, no...I can't do this. I cannot lose him. He's all I have! This is not right, I can't let them take him!" She started to run in to grab Norman but Alex quickly grabbed her to hold her back.

Norma swung her arms around trying to break free from Alex. She screamed at the top of her lungs, while the staff members ran outside to check what was wrong. Alex looked at them and waved a motion as in 'I got this'.

"Alex!!! Let me go!!! Right now!!! God damn it!!" She screamed so loud that it echoed through out the entire area and the building.

"Norma! Stop! He's getting the help he needs! You need to stop this!" Alex yelled but only to try and get her to realize what was most important.

He turned her around and slammed her against the SUV, just like did that night when she slapped him multiple times. It was the only way she would calm herself. She let out a heartbreaking cry, allowing Alex to hold her against the car. Just like before. "Alex...I'm so heartbroken, I need him..he's everything I have..now he's gone." She cried with her arms still pinned above her head. He let her arms go gently, placing his hands on each side of her face.

"I know Norma...this isn't easy, but you have to remember that this is what's best for him. He cannot go on living without help." He wiped her tears softly from her face. She stopped crying, but still sniffled and buried her head in his chest. Wrapping his arms around her, he could feel her heartbeat and it was racing.

Norma knew she could still come see him anytime she liked to. She was just scared that when he woke up the next day that he would hate her forever. She took in a few deep breaths, while Alex comforted her.

"Come on, let's get you home..you can come back tomorrow and visit him...okay?" Alex was hurting for her. He couldn't imagine the pain she must of been feeling. Norma couldn't really speak. She stayed quiet all the way home with tears rolling down her face. She still couldn't believe she actually went through with this. But in the end, she didn't really have a choice.

Arriving at Norma's home and motel, Alex helped her out of the car while placing his hand on her back. He gently rubbed to keep her as calm as possible. He wasn't sure how she was going to take being home without Norman there with her. This was out of her comfort zone. A piece of her was just ripped from her chest sending him away. Hopefully, things would get better and she could do more for her business. She could also continue to attend college. Regardless of what happened with James, she needed to go back to study.

"Thank you for everything, Alex. I never really had the chance to say it. But no one has ever done anything like this for me. You've been so great to me and I dont deserve it. But thank you." She smiled with her face completely puffy from crying. She leaned in and kissed his cheek softly.

"Norma, I would do anything for you. I care about you. I wasn't going to let you do this alone." He smiled. "You just go inside and get some rest. I'll be back later..if you want me to.."

Norma nodded with a smirk. "Of course, I'll whip us up a nice dinner or something..."

"Sounds good, I'll see you later.."

Norma lifted up her hand slightly to wave, "Bye.." She spoke softly as she watched him walk down the stairs to leave. But, it was time for Norma to get some rest. She went inside and didn't bother getting changed into anything comfortable. She just plopped into bed, falling fast asleep.