Edie felt comforted by Queenie. Her headache was gone, and she felt better after talking to her. "Queenie, thank you for being so kind. Itās been a joy getting to know you?" Edie said, feeling relieved to have someone to talk with about Clyde.
After Edie hung up the phone, she gathered everyone together to watch the premiere of The White Love Song. "Are you excited to watch your first TV series?" Old Greg asked.
"I think Iām more nervous than anything," Edie replied. "Itās about to start!" Everyone sat down on the sofa. This was the first time Edie watched herself as an actress on the screen. She tried to project herself onto the character whilst watching the film. "This drama is geared toward a primary target audience of young females," Edie explained. There was no response, and Edie looked at Stuart and Old Greg. The two of them were watching the show very intently.
"Youāre very good and very experienced." A hint of a smile unexpectedly curved grandpaās lips as he grasped Edieās hand and squeezed gently.
"Thanks," Edie murmured.
"Great Job!" Stuart replied. He could never understand why she liked acting before, but watching her performance gave him a whole different outlook on her career as an actress. "Did you know that when you act your eyes shine? You have an amazing talent?"
Edie hid her excitement well. She was pleased they liked it so far. The acting was her way of escaping. She was an observer of life and kept her inner world a secret because of her traumatic childhood experiences and immersing herself into the character made it easier for Edie to open up.
Stuart looked at Edie and then at the screen. "I think I understand why you like acting so much! You have my approval to continue, but you have to promise that your safety comes first and..." Stuart paused. "I want you to always be honest with me even if you think Iāll get upset?"
Edieās eyes immediately lit up. "Thank you! That means so much to me!" Edie leaned over and kissed his cheek.
"Um....." Old Greg cleared his throat. "Did you forget Iām still here? Young people these days!" he grumbled.
"Oh, Grandpa!" Edie reached out and hugged him.
An advertisement came on, and Edie wanted to go on Twitter to see if anyone posted anything about The White Love Song. As soon as it opened, the post was about Clyde. There was a new photo taken, and this one was from Sally. Edie was starting to read the comments.
"Is he in love with Sally?"
"Maybe heās not in a relationship with that, Lara woman?"
"Who is he in a relationship with?"
"He doesnāt have a girlfriend!"
"Look at the way he looks at her. He most definitely does!"
There were a lot of comments, but Edie felt relieved this time they didnāt all revolve around her.
The time went by quickly, and soon it was the anniversary of Edieās motherās death. Edie told Stuart everything about her past and what she and Old Greg had talked about. "Stuart, Iāve wanted to talk to my mother for some time now, but talking about her makes me so emotional."
"You donāt have to say anymore. I know all about it! I can see by the look on your face how hard this is for you," Stuart said, trying to comfort Edie.
"Iām sorry for not telling you sooner! I was just ashamed of my childhood." Edie said apologetically.
"Donāt you ever apologize for the mistakes of others. This was never your fault, and you have nothing to apologize for!" Stuart spoke with a hint of anxiety.
"Thank you for taking such good care of me," Edie said as her eyes filled with tears. "I havenāt visited my motherās grave in a while. Iāve made up excuses for not doing it. Telling myself Iām too busy with work, but in reality, I didnāt want to face her. I always felt she was ashamed of me," Edie explained. "Would you come...."
Stuart abruptly interrupted, "You donāt even need to ask. Of course! Iāll come with you to visit your motherās grave."
Edie stared at the headstone for several long minutes before she spoke. "Well, mom, I donāt know what to say." She wanted to apologize for not visiting her more. As she stood in front of her motherās grave, Edie read her motherās name, "Ann Lara," she said, tears flowing. A thousand conflicting emotions surged through her heart.
Stuart stood by her side, silent and watchful, but he never let go of her hand. "Iām okay, but I miss you, mom," Edie said sadly. "Now, after all these years later, her face is fading. Today, I barely remember what my mother looks like, but I will never forget her smile and eyes!" Edie said as she looked at Stuart.
"Her smile, so beautiful, and her eyes had a slight tinge of melancholy in their tenderness. She couldāve had any man, but instead, she chose a married man. My mother was Stanley Gregās mistress and even went as far as to break all ties with her own family." Edie wiped away the tears, took a deep breath, and continued. "Where is Stanley now? Why isnāt he here?" Edie hated Gregās and how they treated her and her mother over the years. "Iām finally here, mom!" she says. She kneels down and places a lily on her grave. "I brought your favorite flower!"
Edie took another deep breath. "I have so much to tell you! Iām married now, and this is my husband, Stuart. Heās a wonderful man, and heās so good to me. You no longer have to worry about me!"
Stuart took Edie in his arms and held her tight. His dark eyes gazed at the tombstone, and seriousness filled his voice. "I will take care of Edie for you," he said.
A gentle breeze came rushing through the forest, brushing across all of them. It was as though Ann was answering them. Old Greg sat in his wheelchair listening. He blinked back the tears wetting his eyes. He was definitely not going to let them see him cry. He quickly wipes away the tears and waved his hands in the air. "Okay! Would you mind if I have a few minutes alone with her?" he asked.
Edie shook her head. "Of course not, grandpa. Mr. Watson, would you mind staying and taking care of him?"
Mr. Watson nodded. After Stuart and Edie left, Old Greg could no longer hold back his emotions. Tears coursed down his cheeks. "Ann, Iām sorry! Iām trying to make amends!"