Oedipus Complex

Chapter 4: Closer

Hope you guys enjoy long chapters, because this is, by far, the longest one I've written!! Enjoy!
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"What are you two talking about?"

"Oh, nothing mother! We were discussing renovations."

"Renovations? Well, at this rate, I don't even think we'll be able to afford the bills" she joked.

The room was silent.

"Mother, I'll be heading out now. I love you." He gave her a kiss on the cheeks and Alex an awkward stare.

"Goodbye, Norman," said Alex.

" bye, sheriff." Norman walked off and slammed the door shut. He seemed to become more and more anxious as the days past.

"You look nice by the way."

"Oh, this? It's nothing really! Emma picked it out for me this one time we went shopping. She's a sweet girl. I'm glad she's getting her procedure done, and hopefully all turns out well!"

"Yeah, she's an angel! Her and Dylan seem to be getting close. I saw them at a shop earlier today during an arrest"

"What a coincidence. I ran into them too! It's such a shame we didn't run into each other. I would've loved to see sheriff Romero on duty! Anyways, they seem happy, so I'm  glad!"

Alex gave off a one-sided smile. "Shall we get started?"
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"Dinner was great, Norma!"

Alex felt like he was beginning to become a part of the family. He has became quite close to the Bates' in the past year or two. Though his definition of close may be a little different for Norma.

"thank you, Alex!"

"Here, give me the dishes."

" No, no, no! you're a guest Alex. I can't let you do it, it's rude and disrespectful and I won't allow it." The two of them fought over who would do it for minutes.

"Norma, I'm not a guest. Remember I am a 'family friend.' You said it yourself. Just sit down and take a break."

"Ok, fine! I could get used to this. In fact, we should invite you more often," she chuckled. "Oh, and next time you're cooking! Deal?"

"Ok. Fine!" He payed her back with a smile. She was so beautiful. He couldn't stop staring at her stunning eyes and lips. He wanted to drop everything and kiss her so badly, but he couldn't. It wasn't fair. It wasn't fair for her or for him. He didn't want to add another worry onto her already overflowing plate.

"Can I ask you something?

"Yeah..."

"Do you..." She paused, for she didn't know whether to keep going or to stop.

"Do I what?"

"Do you... think I'm a failure, I mean it's so thoughtful of you to bring in all of those policemen. You are the Big daddy of White Pine Bay!" She let out a few giggles, but quickly turned serious.
"but do you think everyone in town thinks that I'm a crumpled piece of garbage?"

Alex wiped his hands dry and turned around. He placed both hands on the counter and crossed his legs. "Norma, of course not. Listen-- if it's about me bringing the guys from work, I was just trying to help you out, and if anyone in White Pine Bay doesn't see you for the amazing person you are, then--"

Norma loved when people gave her compliments. It made her feel confident. It made feel like she's escaped her troubled life. Lately, Romero has helped her do just that. He bought back her car and it gave her such joy! It made her, even for a moment, escape reality.

"Then they don't deserve to know you, ok?"

"Alex Romero, you surprise me more and more everyday!"

Startled, he said, "How so?"

"Uhhh...well, for starters, one of the very first times I personally asked you for something, you told me that we weren't friends. Now, you say we're family friends and you've been helping me out with more than I can ask for. Might I ask, Is sheriff Romero turning soft?!", she said teasingly.

"Soft? You're funny, Norma." He began to walk towards the chair in front of Norma, when suddenly he tripped over her feet.

" Norma, I am so sorry. Are you alright? I didn't hurt you did I?" He felt so apprehensive of hurting her fragile body. He got up, brushing of his pants, and kneeled on one feet in front of her.

She bursted out laughing.

"Am I missing something? What's going on? Why are you laughing?" He looked confused.

Norma continued to laugh and, in between her sentences, started to form words. "You see! I was right! You're definitely turning soft!"

" I don't know what you're talking about, Norma Bates. I am not turning soft." He seemed a bit agitated, but relaxed.

After Norma calmed down, the atmosphere seemed quite dour. Norma was playing with her fingers, when she finally blurted out what she was waiting to talk about all day.

"About the thumb drive, listen, I-I understand why you turned it in. I'm sick and tired of the bullshit that's been going on too. I'm sick and tired of all the people who've been hurting us, who aren't playing by the rules, who are killing people like they are playing in a game of free-for-all, but I completely, truly understand; however, Bob Paris is out to get me, Alex. I don't know what to do. He's got all the necessary evidence to bring down my family." Norma's breathing began to pace by the second. Tears began to form. They were burning the back of her crystal- blue eyes. Like a waterfall, they began to stream down her face. She wiped them off with her fingers, one by one.
"Can you just give me something to work on so that I know if they've found him."

Alex felt like he was being stabbed with a sharp knife. Twisting and turning until he felt unconscious. He couldn't stand her being so worried. Apart from her already stunning appearance, she looked like she hadn't slept for hours, or maybe even days. He wanted to tell her. He did, but he couldn't. It would jeopardize not only his career, but also his safety. Yes, he cared about Norma, but what if she turned him in? He couldn't risk it. Not yet, at least. He needed to know that she completely trusted him, and, disappointingly, she didn't.

" Norma we are working on it. Even if I told you where he is, what're you going to do? Talk to him, kill him? Just trust me, okay! We've got it all under control. He can't hurt you. I'm here and if you want, I could call in a couple of guys to keep watch."

"No, Alex. I don't need your policemen who play on their phones. I need to know where he is. I just don't understand how he could escape under your watch in just a short amount of time. Next thing you know, he's outside of my house burying me in that god forsaken hole. I'm scared." She looked liked a lonely puppy, waiting to be saved.

"He's not going to bury you anywhere. Norma, just trust me."

"Just trust you?" Norma stormed out of her seat, her hands across her chest. "That's easy for you to say! I did trust you before. Remember? You betrayed my , Alex. Do you remember that?" her voice began to heighten. "You betrayed my trust. Just like everyone before. And now, he's going to kill me, us. Norman. Oh, Norman! I need to see Norman." She ran to her purse and grabbed her keys; however, that wasn't enough. Alex grabbed her from behind, making sure he wasn't causing her any pain.

"Norma, Norman is alright. Just stop. He's with Dylan. He's going to be just alright. Nothing will happen. Bob Paris is not a threat. He can't hurt you. He can't hurt anyone."

She couldn't take it anymore. She tried her best to run away from Alex's arm, but he got a hold of her. She let out hard, impactful  cries, which was enough to drop the both of them to the ground. She put her arms around Alex's neck, sobbing. Warm tears began to transfer onto his dress shirt. What began to be a pleasant day turned into a disastrous one. How'd this happen? Who knew.

"Alex-- I'm sorry"

Alex began to reminisce his conversation with Paris. She's using you. Was she? Was she only thinking about herself? Again, she was only worried about the safety of herself and her son. He couldn't take her suffering. It would kill her. In addition, Alex was nothing like his father. He chose not to believe Paris. He chose to believe in the greater good. He was going to tell her.