Forever, Jared

Ambushed

Katie stepped through the Flynn's front door and was ambushed by Marilyn's embrace. 

"Oh, Katie!" she cried. "I was so worried about you." 

"I'm fine, really," Katie mumbled, her face smooshed by Marilyn's embrace. "Jared was watching out for me." 

"I knew he would," Marilyn replied. 

Katie went into the living room and sat on a sofa. Marilyn sat next to her. Katie looked down. 

"What's wrong?" asked Marilyn.

"Marilyn, last night, how did you know about the riot at the press conference?" 

"Barry called me." 

"On the house phone?" 

"Of course." 

"I thought you were at Paws for a Cause." 

Katie looked up. Marilyn's face turned pale. 

"You lied to me," Katie said softly. 

Marilyn's eyes darted around the room. 

"I-I-I'm sorry. I wanted you to meet Jared. That's why I sent you." 

"You know about me?" 

"Yes." Marilyn wrung her hands. "I looked through your backpack. I'm sorry. I had to know... I saw how you healed that man's leg. I knew it was you, the one Jared's been searching for. When I saw that picture of you and your grandmother, saw the pin, I was so excited." 

Katie leaned back and wrapped her arms around her head. 

"Oh God. How much do you know?" Katie asked. 

"Everything. I think."

"The photographs of Jared and me?" 

"Yes." 

"The angel story? The vampire stuff?" 

"Of course." 

"Do you know about the people following me?" 

Marilyn sighed. She wrung her hands harder. 

"That's why I took your side about doing a press conference. I knew it was a bad idea." 

Katie sat up and took Marilyn's hand. 

"I can take a lot," Katie said. "But not lies. Or secrets. Please, don't hide things from me." 

Marilyn embraced Katie again. 

"I promise, no more secrets. No more lies. Honest." 

"Thank you."

Marilyn patted Katie's hands. 

"You're welcome. Now tell me about Jared..." 

Katie grinned and blushed. 

"Oh, you're in love! I just knew it!" Marilyn squealed. 

"Completely. Hopelessly," Katie laughed. She pictured Jared's face with his brilliant blue eyes. 

"Eternally," she added. 

Marilyn jumped up and clapped her hands. 

"I'm so happy for you! Lucia's making a special dinner for you, vegetarian chili and homemade bread. Hope you're hungry!" 

Katie realized hours passed since she ate the half bagel. Her stomach growled. 

"Starving." 

"Great! I'll get you something to nibble on for now." She headed toward the kitchen.