The Runaway

Chapter 14

Chapter 14

It was like watching a movie in slow motion, Marie followed Jane out of the courtroom the news press crowding the two of them; shoving microphones in her face and bumping into her. Marie makes a point to look down and ignore the noise, it had been a month since she saved Jane's life and after his full recovery they went to court to officially change her name back to Marie. He was happy, everyone was happy. Their little Marie was finally back home. But it wasn't that way for her, she had killed the one man she looked up to. She saw her false father turn into the monster he is and try to kill Jane. So she panicked and fired a shot, Marie holds back tears, she never meant to kill him she only wanted him arrested. Jane's daughter lets out a sigh, tired and depressed she follows him to his car where Teresa runs up to hug her. The agent, like everyone else, was overjoyed. Jane says something to his wife causing her expression to show that of concern but Marie ignores it and slumps in the back seat. The team was waiting for the trio at Jane's house, they had decided to throw a party for Marie and honestly she wasn't looking forward to it.

"Marie? Sweetie are you okay?"

Her mother asks.

"I'm really tired."

"Alright."

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Marie closes her car door and Jane takes his wife a little further away.

"Teresa, her depression is getting worse."

"I know, but what do we do? Patrick he was a monster I've tried to understand her but I can't. How can someone love Red John?"

"More importantly, how will she heal? I thought of counseling but the media would flag her down."

Teresa crosses her arms focusing on the problem at hand.

"I have an idea."

"Okay...?"

"The only way I found closure after my father died was going through his things. I don't know, it gave me a chance to say goodbye. Maybe we should do that for her."

"Haffner was a member of Visualize, he would have a office."

"Alright, should we call off the party?"

"No, no maybe this will cheer her up. You and I should take her to his office tomorrow."

"Then we'll head over at noon."

She smiles at him.

"Honestly Jane, I'm so glad this is over."

"So am I."

The party backfired, what was meant to help her only angered her. Everyone talked about what a nightmare Red John was and how it's such a relief that he's dead. Sometimes they would pat her on the back, say they were so proud of her and that she did the right thing. Grace was the worst though, she wouldn't leave Marie alone.

Marie was sitting by herself on the couch, drinking her punch and trying to ignore the sadness. In front of the couch was a table covered in presents waiting to be opened. It was a little exciting to imagine what they would turn out to be, but the more Marie thought about it the more she realized her false dad was gone. To her disappointment a cheerful Grace comes over to sit next to her. This would be the third time today and Marie was tired of talking to her.

"So what's it like? Finally coming home?"

"Fine I guess."

"Only fine? You're free from him, doesn't that make you happy?"

"Grace is it okay if we talk later?"

"Um...sure okay."

There's an awkward silence because Grace doesn't know if she should leave or stay on the couch. Marie is more irritated then ever and gets up to leave.

"I'm getting more punch."

She says before walking to the kitchen. Her behavior catches Jane's attention and little does she know Jane is keeping an eye on her. There was a certain emptiness in her that only Jane and Teresa seemed to see, they loved her so much but Marie was to depressed to see it. Jane looks away just as she turns to see if he's watching, he can hear his daughter's footsteps as she walks out of the kitchen. He had anticipated her running upstairs to her room but what she does takes everyone by surprise. In a flash Marie opens the front door and runs outside!

"Marie!"

This catches Teresa's attention and she races after her daughter with Jane running next to her.

"Come back!"

"No! Go away!"

Teresa and Jane exchange glances, Jane curves around and gets to Marie first. He grabs hold of her arm and pulls her back causing Marie to collide into him and he immediately wraps his arms around her; furious and yet terrified at the same time.

"I hate it here!"

Marie tries to worm her way out of his arms but Jane only holds her closer.

"We love you. So much."

"Sweetheart," Teresa says placing her hands on Marie's shoulders. "they never meant to hurt you. It's just that-we thought you were dead. And now here you are, my baby girl."

"It's a horrible thing when the hero turns out to be the villain, but Marie, you can't run away anymore. "

"It just hurts," she cries, " everything hurts."

"Shh I know, sweetheart I know. But you have to believe that things will get better because things will get better."

Jane looks up at Teresa. Maybe they shouldn't wait for tomorrow.

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Please comment! A revelation will happen in the next chapter! What will it be? And will Marie ever feel closure?