Life Choices, Challenges and Changes

Chapter 36 Aftermath

Chapter 36 Aftermath

Dec 9, 2011 Later that evening.

As Colin drove back toward the townhouse, the wind was blowing, and the snowflakes were heavy, causing the visibility to be limited. Finn was relieved that he convinced Rory to drive the Escalade into work this morning.

Finn and Colin arrived at the townhouse five minutes before the girls. He walked through the garage and grabbed a few logs; he immediately went to the fireplace to build a fire. After the fire started, Finn removed his coat and put it on the hook that was by the door. Colin carried more logs into the house and put them in the box beside the fireplace. Finn walked over to the kitchen and pulled out two glasses and the bottle of McCallan that he kept there and poured them each a drink. When he heard the door open in the garage Finn walked over to Rory and wrapped her in his arms, holding her tightly to his chest. Rory placed her head on his chest, not saying a word. Steph walked in behind her and saw Colin standing by the fireplace with a drink in his hand. Finn had taken Rory's coat and hung it on the hook by the door. He was leading her to the couch, whispering, "Babe, are you okay?"

"Steph what happened?" Colin asked with concern in his eyes.

Steph watched Finn and Rory go over to the couch and bit her lip. She turned to Colin and took the drink from his hand. Before she spoke, she took a sip of his scotch.

"Finn, Colin, you won't believe it. I have known Mitchum Huntzberger all my life, and I have never seen him act the way he did. We were walking down the hall not far from Lucy's room talking about the wedding when we ran into Mitchum. He was standing in front of the nurse's station between us and the main door. He looked at us and then walked up to Rory and grabbed her by the arm. If Jess and Logan hadn't come down the hall when they did, I don't know what I would have done."

"Honey, did he hurt you?" Finn asked Rory very concerned.

"My arm is a little sore, but I'm okay. I was so angry when he grabbed me and started yelling at me that I told him off." Rory shook her head, remembering the encounter.

"Finn, Colin, what is wrong with that family? Why does Mitchum think I am the cause of Logan's problems? I don't understand it. I never did anything to Logan except fall in love with him when we were younger. Why am I the bad guy when Logan was the one who was unfaithful and cheated on me? I always ended up taking him back, then in the end; he was the one that broke up with me!"

Rory was not just angry; she was hurt and confused at the way Mitchum was treating her. She rested her head on Finn's shoulder as he rubbed her back. Rory sat up and looked over at Steph.

"Thanks, for helping me today Steph," she told her friend.

Steph came over and sat beside Rory and hugged her. "Anytime 'Girlfriend'. For many years I wanted to tell Mitchum what I thought of him, and today I finally was able to do that. It was also great listening to Logan shout at his father. Maybe he's finally growing a pair," Steph giggled.

"Ror, are you going to be okay, or do you want me to stay?" Steph was worried about her. Rory looked tired and this was not only upsetting to Rory but also to her.

"Thanks, Steph I'm fine now that I'm home with Finn," Rory told her giving her another hug. Rory and Finn stood up and walked Steph and Colin towards the door. Colin buttoned his coat and turned to Finn, "I am going to drop Steph off at her home, and then I plan to return to the rehab center with Robert. I am sure that we will find out what caused this outburst from Mitchum. I am also worried about him since in the past when Logan argues or fights with his father, he begins to drink heavily."