Continuation of The Age of Adaline story #TheAgeofAdaline

5 Parental Predicament

Kathy hadn't been speaking to her son. Ellis knew that she'd been frosty and cross with his dad too.

He is understandably nervous as he waits for his parents to arrive. He's finished construction on his apartment, but since the engagement, they'd been adding on a connecting unit for Flemming, complete with every geriatric safety accoutrement available.

When the doorbell rings, he plasters on a smile and goes to greet them. "Mom! Dad! Thank you for coming! Please some in."

"Hi, son," his father grabs him in a bear hug. "It's good to see you!"

His mom stands on the threshold looking like she isn't sure if she will cross.

"Hey, Mom," Ellis says quietly, waiting. She reaches out to cradle his face between her hands. "My baby," she whispers.

"I've missed you," his voice cracks.

She gives him a dubious smile. A single tear escapes.

Once he'd given them a tour of the place and explained everything that has been remodeled, they arrive at Flemming's space. "What's this?" his mom asks when she notices the handle grips in the shower. "It's kind of you to be thinking about us, but I don't think we'll be needing anything like this for a while."

"Ahhh...." Ellis raises a hand up to scratch the back of his neck. "It's not for you. IT's for Flemming."

"What?" his mom looks confused. "Who is Flemming?"

Ushering them out and back toward the kitchen, Ellis attempts to salvage the situation, "Let me get you something to drink. You guys go relax in the living room while I take your bags to my room."

Ellis returns to find his parents standing near the breakfast bar in the middle of an intense, but hushed, exchange. "Hey, guys," he calls with false cheer. He pours himself a cup of whiskey, then joins them. "So, I have some big news..."

"Oh, God, no!" Kathy cries.

Ellis compresses his lips, goes to his mom, puts an arm over her shoulder, and walks her to the couch. "Mom," he begins once they are seated, "nothing you say or do will change the fact that I love Adaline."

He looks to his dad for help. William shakes his head. Ellis stands and approaches his father, "Dad, do you share Mom's feelings about my relationship?"

William seems perplexed, "No ─ I completely understand. I loved Adaline once, hell, a part of me will always be fond of her. But what she and I had is long gone." He pulls a footrest over so that he could sit directly in front of his wife. Raising his glass, he says, "Remember our favorite Robert Browning quote? 'Grow old along with me! The best is yet to be. It's the last of life, for which the first was made'... Kathy, you and I are written in permanent ink. We're unshakable, babe."

"Oh, William," Kathy sighs. She leans forward to press her lips against his.

Ellis takes a long sip of his wine as he let the dust settle. A knock sounds at the door, followed by, "Hellooooo!"

Fleming comes in. She has a shopping bag in one hand and Deer's leash in the other. The little Prince Charles prances delicately in front of her. "Ellis! I found a few more things that I wanted to drop by for the apartment." She stops when she spots his guests, "I'm so sorry to interrupt, I didn't realize..."

"That's alright!" Ellis exclaims taking her bag and leading her toward his parents. "Guys, this is Flemming. Flemming, I'd like you to meet my parents, William and Kathy."

Thick silence fills the space as everyone stares. William is the first to breech the gap. He stands and offers his hand, "It's a pleasure to meet you, mam."

"Oh..." she mutters, "I've heard so much about you." Flemming's concerned gaze travels over William and comes to rest on Kathy. "I can't tell you how much I think of your son."

The two women shake hands briefly, "Thank you," Kathy replies, "How do you know Ellis?"

Flemming looks to Ellis. "Do they know?"

Ellis shakes his head. He's starting to expire.

Catching the exchange, his mother says, "Know what?"

Ellis sets his cup down and stands up to his full height. Taking a breath, like he is standing in front of a firing squad he states, "I've asked Adaline to marry me. She's agreed. Flemming is Adaline's daughter..."

"Oh dear! I've spoiled everything," Flemming exclaims. She presses a trembling hand to her mouth. Ellis catches her as she starts to sway. His parents help get her to the couch. She is having trouble breathing.

Kathy loosens the neckline of her blouse while William scoops up the dog to keep it out of the commotion.

Kathy feels for a pulse and asks Flemming questions, "Can you speak? Are you feeling light headed?" Over her shoulder she directs Ellis to call 911.

Ellis and Kathy go in the ambulance with Flemming. William brings Deer and follows in the car.

Flemming is still on oxygen but resting comfortably when Adaline comes rushing in. "Darling! Are you alright?" The women embrace, hold each other, and cry. Adaline pulls back, "I was so worried."

Kathy moves forward when Flemming takes off her face mask, "No," Flemming shakes her head eyeing Ellis's mother, "I don't need it, take it away."

"But..." Adaline looks confused.

"Mama," Flemming grasps Adaline's hands, "we both know that sooner or later my time is going to come." Adaline squeezes her eyes closed and shakes her head. Flemming grabs her mother's chin to still her movements, "Listen, young lady," she says in a commanding tone.

Adaline frowns, "Hey..."

"I'm old─"

"But I don't see you that way! I only see my little girl," Adaline's eyes glisten.

"I know, and I love you for that, Mama, but take a hard look at me ─ I have age spots everywhere. My memory is going, my eyes aren't what they used to be, and neither is my hearing."

"We can get your hearing aids checked."

"You're missing my point. I've lived a full life. When it's time, I want you to let go, Mama."

Adaline cries, "Never. Never."

"You will," Flemming stats firmly, "and our new family is going to help you." She looks at Ellis and his parents. "You don't know how happy it makes me to know that you will be there for her."

Adaline buries her face in Flemming's lap. Flemming strokes her hair and makes soothing noises. Ellis watches different emotions play across his mother's face. There is a softening in her expression when she meets Flemming's gaze.

Kathy inclines her head in answer to the older woman's unspoken plea.