The Tail of a Wolff (UNDER MAJOR EDITING)

21. Winnie

Diana Quick as Catherine Hurley.

^^^

I redirect my attention to my mom when she appears in front of me. A man dressed in a well tailored suit follows behind her, and he screams money.

Why am I always surrounded by snobs.

He gives me a nod and smiles in greeting.

"You look so big Wynter, it's so good to see you" mom has ditched the fedora and gloves, now standing in her dress and heels.

Wish I could say the same

The man behind her clears his throat at the awkward silence and introduces himself "Hi. My name's Victor, I'm Catherine's husband. It's nice to finally meet you" it seems as if mom didn't want to disclose that because she asks him to leave.

Probably wants some 'bonding time'

I shuffle uncomfortably on my feet so she sits down on the grey couch and pats the seat next to her "So how have you been?"

"Good. You?"

"I've been alright Winnie" I cringe at the nickname. She used to call me when I was a kid, I used to love it, but now it just feels... odd.

"Listen, I want to apologize for walking out on you like that at such a difficult time. I left because I wasn't coping with your father's death, I was turning into a shell of a person. His death had a big impact on my life and I couldn't function. I would always pretend I was okay when you were around but deep down, I was loosing myself" she starts crying. I want nothing more than to wrap my arms around her, but I need to hear this.

Without her needing my consolidation.

"When I left, I went to go see someone who I thought could help me and I swear. I swear Wynter! I didn't think I would be gone for so long but things just go so complicated and then... It doesn't matter, but after a few years I got back on my feet. 2 years ago I tried to reach out, but Tallis wouldn't let me"

This is the first time I'm hearing of this. I understand why Ally didn't tell me. If I were him, I would've done the same thing. The pained look on my mom's face makes me start doubting if I would have. I haven't seen her in years yet it still hurts to see her cry. But where was she when we were hurting?

"He said you were better off without me and I completely understand why. I left my children at the age of 16 to raise themselves. Saying that out loud makes me feel like such a horrible person but I swear, I loved you guys like any other mother did" I don't doubt that for a second.

"If you would give me a chance to redeem myself, I will try. It won't make up for all the years I lost but it's better late than never right?" she tries to get me to say something...

Pregnant pause.

"I will never give on you. Not again" the determination in her eyes supports her statement "I will be back and I will never stop until you forgive me -" I decide to stop her ranting because I can see that she's really trying.

"I forgive you. I always have"

The hope in her eyes makes me feel like such a horrible person for what I'm about to say, what I've been telling myself this entire time "but our relationship will never be the same. You lost those rights when you walked out on us and never looked back"

She open her mouth to say something when I stop her "Did you ever wonder what happened to us?"

This question seems to have taken her off guard, I'm also surprised this is one of the questions I chose to ask her. I had always planned out what I would say to her when we met again. If only the younger me could see me now.