Something Great (Sequel to Something Borrowed)

Chapter 17: Whisper Words Of Wisodom

A/N: Let me say first that the reads and votes for this story is INCREDIBLE!!!! I never thought I'd have a story that was so popular! Thanks so much you guys!! Your ideas really helped so please feel free to lay some more on me if you have anymore or let me know what you'd like to see happen next. Thanks so much for reading this story!!

Michael

It was a Saturday morning and I wasn’t needed at the Hospital. I could be doing a number of things. Walking around the city, going to the park or even spending a few extra hours in my warm bed. But instead I was standing outside of my  mother-in-law’s townhouse. Brooke was much too prideful to confess to her mother that we were planning on getting divorced so I figured I’d take it upon myself to do so. It was the first step to winning Erin back. I’d have to officially break it off with Brooke.

I figured I’d be more respectful to tell her mother face to face than have her find out any other way. Plus, Brooke wouldn’t be able to deny it. I took a deep breath and rang the door bell. I hope this goes okay.

A few minutes later the door swung open and I was greeted with the familiar face of my mother-in-law. She shared some of the same features as Brooke and Erin but not many. She wasn’t nearly as attractive as her daughters. Mom, as I had been calling her for all these years was dressed rather simply. I assumed she was just lounging around the house today so I think I chose a good time to talk.  She smiled. “Michael! What a surprise to see you!” She exclaimed. “Where are Brooke and the girls?” Mom asked pulling me in for a hug. “It’s just me Mom.  I wanted to talk with you if that’s alright.” I replied pulling away from her embrace. She smiled faintly. “Of course we can talk.” Mom replied opening the door wide enough for me to walk through.

Being best friends with one of her daughters for over twenty years and being married to the other for fifteen, I was never uncomfortable  around my mother-in-law. However at this moment I couldn’t help but feel nervous. As we entered the home, my eyes fell on the pictures that hung on the wall. One of Erin and Brooke as girls. Another with Mom, her late ex-husband, a toddler Erin and a tiny baby Brooke. One of Erin and Leif with a chubby, baby Harry. One of me, proudly holding a new born Rowan and last but not least, a photo of  Brooke and I’s wedding day. The photo seemed to stare mockingly at me from the wall. I just didn’t know how to gently put this.

Mom had decided that we talk in the kitchen. I took a seat at the table, folding my hands in front of me. “Would you like some tea and Biscuits Michael? There’s still some left from my breakfast?” Mom asked politely. That was just like her. She was very hospitable. “Um, no thanks. I’m fine.” I replied. I was much too nervous to eat.

“Alright.” She replied carrying her own cup of tea and taking a seat across from me at the table. “So what’s on your heart?” Mom asked before taking a sip of her tea. Oh boy. Here goes nothing.

“I really love Brooke. But things just haven’t been the same with us lately.” I began. What am I doing? I don’t beat around the bush! You’ve gotta get straight to the point. Mom smiled sympathetically. “All relationships have their low points.” She replied. I sighed. “Mom, Brooke and I are getting a divorce.” I declared rather bluntly. My mother-in-law, well soon to be ex mother-in-law, froze in the middle of taking a sip of her tea. Her mug landed on the table top with a loud thud.

“Is it true?” She asked. Her face paled and I could tell I had ruined her peaceful morning. I nodded.”We’ve been separated for almost 3 months now. Brooke and I didn’t want to worry you about it.” I replied. Mom scoffed. “This is a serious matter. I’d be worried but you still could’ve told me!” She fussed.  “Sorry.” I replied softly. “Oh, I had so much hope for you two. I must say that you lasted much longer than Frank and I.  It’s been fifteen years. What happened?” She asked going back to sipping her tea.

 I sighed. “The spark died. It’s as if Brooke and I aren’t compatible anymore. We’ve drifted apart.” I simply stated.

Mom shook her head.  “That’s so sad to hear. And to think, you two were so in love.” She replied. I sighed. “It’s not that I don’t love Brooke. I do love her very much. I’m just to in love with her anymore.” I replied. “I think I understand. That’s how it felt with Frank. One day I just realized I didn’t feel the same way about him anymore. But this is not completely about losing feelings for Brooke. Is it?” She asked. Oh boy, I think she’s on to something.

 “Well , what do you mean?” I asked secretly hoping she wasn’t going to say what I was thinking she’d say. “This is about Erin. You’re in love with Erin.” Mom replied  simply bringing the mug to her lips. I just sat there blankly staring at her face. I wasn’t exactly expecting to talk about this but it was out in the open now.

“I’ve known it for the longest time now Michael. Since you two we’re teenagers. The way you’d look at her couldn’t be mistaken for anything else but love. I just knew you’d be the boy to sweep my little Rin off her feet. So you can only imagine my surprise when you announced your engagement to Brooke. I knew for sure you’d marry Erin. What happened?” She asked. I sighed. “I thought Erin wasn’t interested in me. She never told me how she felt. I figured that if I was with her sister that’s the closest I’d get to Erin.” I replied honestly. Mom laughed lightly. “I have one of Erin’s old diaries when she was in High school. It seemed she couldn’t go a single page without mentioning you.  I’d say she was pretty smitten.” She replied. That put a smile on my face. Erin with a diary? That was unlike her. She was never the type of girl to keep her feelings under lock and key. Whatever she felt, she said it.

“Well, if she felt that way, why didn’t she just say it?” I asked. I was thoroughly confused. I will never understand the way the female brain works.

“Maybe she was scared. And I’m not making excuses for Erin but what about you? You never know until you ask. And nothing got accomplished with both of you being silent. Right?” Mom replied.  “I guess you’re right. Some things have happened between Erin and I in the past that shouldn’t have and has scarred our friendship. I know I’ve hurt her feelings in more ways than one on numerous occasions. But I love her and I know I should’ve been with her instead of Brooke.” I confessed. Mom smiled sympathetically placing her hand on top of mine. “You really sold yourself short.” She declared. I sighed. “I know. And I keep trying to convince Erin that I do love her. She’s not convinced.” I replied sadly. It hurt knowing that Erin was unbelieving of my feelings towards her. It hurt even more knowing that I was the reason behind it.

Mom sighed. “Erin’s been hurt a lot in the past. She’s had her guard up for a very long time now. I know that you love Erin. I have no doubt about it. But I also know that you can’t change the past. What’s done is done.  I think I’d be very hard to try to woo her now that she seems completely smitten with that Jacob lad. It’s the happiest I’ve seen her in a long time. However, I’m not saying it’s not worth a try.” She replied. Damn. I forgot about Jonas.

“You just have to promise me one thing.” Mom continued. “What’s that?” I asked. “You have to promise me that even though you and Brooke won’t be together anymore that you’ll still come and visit me and that you won’t stop being an amazing father to your little girls.” She finished. I smiled. “I can certainly  promise that.” I replied  as I rose from my seat at the table.  Mom smiled also rising from her chair. “I really appreciate you coming to talk to me about this. You’re a fine young man Michael.” She declared. “Thank you.” I replied somberly. She still has such a high level of respect for me. Even after all I’ve done.

She hugs me. “I can let myself out. I’ll let you get back to enjoying your morning.” I spoke gently pulling away. Mom nods. “Think about what I said Michael.”  She replied. I shoved my hands in my pocket. “I will.” I replied before turning to leave.

I felt refreshed leaving my mother-in-law’s home. I had completed the first step. But I had so many more left to go.