Control Part 7

The next day at Brooke’s house, Katie and the children are in the kitchen finishing breakfast…

“What are the two of you up to today?”

Bridget looks at her brother and then shakes her head. “Nothing much with me. I’m just going to hang around the house. Hopefully mom will be coming home today. Have you talked to the doctor’s yet?”

Katie shakes her head. “No, not yet. What about you Rick?”

“Kimberly called a little while ago and asked if she could come over. I told her it would be fine since mom is still in the hospital.” Rick looks over at his aunt. “But, I’ll make sure she’s gone by the time mom gets here, if mom comes home.”

(Distracted) “That should be fine.”

“Aunt Katie?”

“What?”

“Are you even listening?”

(Pulled from her rêverie) “I’m sorry, Rick. What were you saying?”

(Shaking his head) “I said Kimberly is coming over this morning. Are you thinking about Mom and Thorne?” Katie had filled the kids in on the latest developments.

“You know we’re glad you told us, right? Don’t feel guilty, Mom would have told us herself if we asked.”

Katie smiles at Bridget. “I know. She doesn’t want there to be any secrets between the three of you anymore. Although, she probably would have omitted the last part, about her feelings for Thorne.”

“Why?”

“Because your mother doesn’t want anyone to see her as anything other than strong and in control. She doesn’t trust herself anymore, especially when it comes to love. She doesn’t want to open her heart again; it’s been trampled on too many times. Last night, she started to open up again, and immediately regretted it. She was so happy when Thorn told her he was divorcing Macy and wanted to be with her again. But her happiness was gone in an instant when Thorne kept going on about forgiving everything she had done. (Getting angry) She felt betrayed all over again. Like she has anything to be sorry about. It’s all Ridge and Eric’s fault. They just couldn’t keep out of her life. If they have their way, she will be alone for the rest of her life. They really need to be taught a lesson. ” Katie stops as she remembers she has an audience. “Rick, Bridget, I’m sorry.”

“For what? Telling the truth?”

“No matter what, I shouldn’t talk about your father and brother like that, it’s not right. (Smiling) Besides, Brooke would have my hide if she heard me. You know she doesn’t want to foster any more animosity between the two of you and the rest of your family. There’s enough strife between Brooke and the rest of the Forresters, she doesn’t want it rubbing off on the two of you.”

“Yeah, well, if only the rest of the family felt that way. You know they have no problem talking bad about Mom in front of us. If there are any problems, they caused them, not you or Mom. I’m really glad Mom finally told us how they’ve been really treating her. I just can’t believe we let it go on for so long. I keep thinking back, and am ashamed that I didn’t see it and put a stop to it.”

Katie goes over to Rick and gives him a hug. “Rick, you know your Mom didn’t want to involve you in her problems. She had been shielding you and Bridget in order to protect your relationship with your father, and the rest of the Forresters. She never wanted to make you choose between her and them. I know she wishes things were better now between you kids and the Forresters.”

(Vehemently) “Yeah, well, they should have thought about that before they purposely set out to hurt my mother!”

Katie smiles at Bridget. “Look, forget about them for now.”

“Fine, so what’s the plan?”

Katie is confused by the quick change in topic. “Plan? What plan?”

“The plan to reunite Mom and Thorne. Come on, I know that’s what you’re thinking about. Count on me and Rick to help. I just want Mom to be happy, and even though he’s been an idiot, I still think Thorne is the one to do it. Right, Rick?”

“Yes, just let us know what we can do.”

“Well, you kids can start by doing nothing.” (Seeing their looks of disappointment, she continues) “At least, for now. Besides, your Mom would pitch a fit if she thought we were scheming behind her back, even if it is for her own good. Now, enough about that, Rick, how is Kim doing, with everything that’s going on with Macy?”

“She seems to be doing fine, but…”

“But what?”

“Well, she said she needed to get out of the house this morning. There’s a big meeting and she wants to make herself scarce.”

“A meeting with who?”

“Well, Sally, Adam, Macy, and (Rick pauses for a minute) Thorne. Kim said that Macy asked for some privacy. Do you think she and Thorne are going to tell her parents they are splitting up?”

“I really don’t know. All I know is what Brooke told me. I hope so. That could be the first step.”

“In getting Mom and Thorne back together?”

Katie looks over at Bridget and smiles. “Yes, but there are still a lot of obstacles standing in the way. I’m planning on having a long talk with that brother of yours, to straighten him out about a few things. I guess it won’t be this morning though.”

Bridget is a little surprised. “Are you going to tell him about the baby?”

(Quickly) “No. I do think he needs to be told about it, but not now. It would just add more confusion to this already sticky situation. (Determined) No, I just want to set him straight about a few things. (Katie stares into space for a minute) Well, there are a few errands I need to run, and then I’m heading over to see your mom. I’ll call when I know anything. Rick, tell Kim I said hi, and Bridget, why don’t you just relax today. Try not to worry about anything.”

Bridget waits until Katie has left. (Sarcastic) “Yeah, sure. Don’t worry about anything. How am I supposed to do that? Mom is in the hospital and she hasn’t been really happy since last year. The man that does make her happy has been acting like an idiot, trusting the wrong people. I want to help them get back together but I have no idea how. I’m about to have a new brother or sister, but it has to be a secret. With the way they’ve treated mom, I can’t stand to be around most of my own family nowadays, and… Rick? Are you even listening to me?”

(Distracted) “Yes I am. (Focuses back on his sister) And I agree with everything you just said. I know it’s hard, but I have to believe everything is going to work out for mom. Even if it doesn’t, she’ll always have us. Besides, I think Aunt Katie has a plan. Hopefully she’ll fill us in on it. But I’m also worried about Kim and me. What do you think her reaction is going to be when she finds out the reason her sister is getting a divorce is that her sister’s husband wants to be with my mother?”

“Look Rick, so far the two of you have been able to leave the ‘family feud’ stuff out of your relationship, right?”

“Yes, but”

“But nothing. Kim has been the Forrester model for a year now. There haven’t been any problems with that, have there? Just make it clear to her that she can’t blame you for her sister’s problems, just like you can’t blame her sister for mom’s problems. Besides, Kim likes Mom.”

“I know, they get along great. But I keep thinking she will take her sister’s side of things and end up hating mom.”

“Well, there’s no need worrying about something that might never happen, is there?”

Rick takes a long, hard look at his sister. “When did you get so smart? (Rick gives her a hug) Thanks, you’re right. I can’t worry about a problem that hasn’t happened yet. But why don’t you follow your own advice?” As the doorbell rings Rick quickly answers it.

(Opening the door) “Hi Kimberly, come on in.”

At Adam’s house Sally, Adam, and Macy are waiting for Thorne to arrive. Macy is sitting on the couch while Adam and Sally circle around her like buzzards. Sally finally sits down next to Macy.

“Macy, I’m glad you finally called Thorne this morning, but I still don’t understand why you haven’t wanted to see him before this. Did he do something to you? Is that why you were drinking? Are the two of you having some problems?”

Macy looks over at her mother. “Mom, I just needed time to think things through, alone. As soon as Thorne gets here, I’ll tell the both of you everything. But I want both of you to promise me something.”

Adam moves over to the couch. “Anything sweetheart.”

Macy takes a deep breath. “I need for the both of you to really listen to what I say, and not jump to any conclusions. I need the both of you to remain calm.” Macy looks directly at her father.

Sally quickly agrees, but Adam says nothing. “Dad, I mean it.”

“Ok, I agree.” Adam moves to the window to watch for Thorne’s car. I knew I could never trust him. If Thorne has hurt Macy, and caused her to start drinking again, I’ll kill him.

Macy looks over at her Father. She knows what he is thinking just by the look on his face. I hope he remains calm. What am I saying? No matter what he promises me, he won’t stay calm. I just hope he understands.

As Thorne drives over to Adam’s he keeps thinking about the previous day’s events. The faces of Macy, Brooke, Ridge, his parents, and Taylor keep swimming together in his mind. How could things have gone so wrong? It should have been so easy. All I wanted out of life was to be happy, and make those that loved me happy. Now it’s obvious that I can’t do both. My own family has made that impossible. And because of them, I don’t know if I will ever be able to be truly happy again. Brooke will probably never forgive me. I am heading over to Adam’s because I’ve hurt Macy, once again. I don’t even want to imagine her parents’ reaction, and I still need to talk with my parents. How did my life get so complicated?

Before he could answer his own question, Thorne pulls into Adam’s driveway. Slowly, he exits his car and heads towards the front door. But before he has a chance to knock, the door is pulled open.

“Thorne, we have been waiting for you.” Adam moves to the side to allow Thorne room to enter the house. He looks at Thorne disapprovingly. “Macy, since Thorne’s here, why don’t you start? What is going on between you two?”

“Hi, Kimberly. Bye, Kimberly. Remember what I said Rick.”

Rick just stares at his sister.

“Uh, bye Bridget. What’s she talking about? Did I come at a bad time?”

“No, I’m glad you’re here. Just ignore her. She’s just being a normal bratty younger sister.” Rick and Kimberly walk into the living room. “So, how are you doing, I mean with everything your sister is going through. I’m glad things are going to work out for her, legally I mean.” Oh, man, how far into my mouth can my foot go?

Kimberly takes Rick’s hand as they sit on the sofa. “I really don’t know how I am right now. I’m just glad that I could come over here and see you. Things are so complicated, for everyone. I mean, technically we’re related, because your brother is married to my sister, but still, the Spectras and the Forresters are business rivals, and then if you add into the mix all of the bad blood that’s between the two families personally…” Kimberly speech drifts off.

“I know exactly what you mean. Bridget and I were saying the same thing not too long ago.”

“Right, you know. And now, I don’t know what it is, but something’s changed. Macy, Dad, Sally, and Thorne, they’re all having this big meeting right now. I don’t know what it’s about, but it can’t be good. You know dad’s never really liked Thorne… I just want to stay out of it. Rick, I know things are complicated right now, but I don’t want them to affect us. I mean, if anyone should feel awkward, it’s me. I mean, my sister is the one that caused your mom’s accident. How is she, by the way?”

“She’s doing fine. She should be coming home today, at least if the doctor’s say so. Kimberly, you have no reason to feel awkward. We just have to concentrate on the two of us, and no matter what, not let family issues come between us. (Under his breath) That’s already happened way too many times.”

(Slightly confused) “Well, I guess family pressures make it harder, but I agree. We will just be two people who care about each other, and anything either family says, well, it doesn’t matter.”

“Kimberly, you have no idea how happy that makes me.”

Kimberly gives Rick a speculative glance. “Rick, what’s going on? Is there something you’re not telling me?”

(Warning) “Dad, remember you’re promise. Thorne, I need to speak to you privately for a moment.“ Macy and Thorne move into the kitchen leaving Sally and Adam to stew in the living room.

Before Thorne can say a word, Macy calmly speaks. “Thorne just to let you know, I haven’t told them anything yet. I was waiting for you. I just wanted to tell you that I’m not mad at you. Hurt, yes, but angry, no. I did a lot of thinking in the past 24 hours, and I know you were right. We weren’t making each other happy. We aren’t right for each other, and I should have realized it a long time ago. I just wanted you to know that I don’t totally blame you for all of this. I have to accept my part. You didn’t cause me to start drinking again, I did that all on my own.”

“Oh, Mace. I am responsible, I made you so miserable, and I can’t believe you don’t hate me right now. I totally deserve it.”

Macy puts up her hands to stop him. “Thorne, look, I might hate you later, but right now, probably for the first time in months, I’m seeing things clearly now. We never should have gotten back together. After Grant died, I was so unhappy, and then you came back into my life. You were my friend again, and I wish we left things like that. But, we didn’t. What’s the saying? ‘Those that forget the past are doomed to repeat it’. Yeah, well all I could remember were the good times we shared and I forgot our past. And we did repeat it. We can’t make each other happy. If we couldn’t get it right the first two times, what made us think we could for the third time. We are both responsible for hurting each other, and I’m sorry we didn’t see it months ago. But the family…”

(Slightly sarcastic) “Oh yes, do I know about family pressure. Everyone telling you one thing, but you know somewhere deep inside it’s not right. But, how can so many other people be wrong, especially if they say they love you.”

“Thorne, that’s it exactly.” Macy gives Thorne a hug.

(Pulling back) “Macy, I meant what I said in the hospital. If you ever need anything, just call. I hope one day we can be friends again.”

“Well, thank you but right now I can’t promise anything. Right now I have to concentrate on my sobriety, but who knows? Maybe sometime in the future. But for now, when we go back in there (Macy gesture towards the living room) let me do all of the talking. I have an idea how my parents are going to react, but it will better coming from me, ok?” Thorne nods in agreement. Macy takes a deep breath, “Ok, then let’s go in there and get this over with.”

Sally and Adam just stare as Macy and Thorne reenter the room. “Thorne, Macy, are you ready to tell us what’s going on?”

Warily, Thorne sits in a chair as Macy takes the couch. Thorne remains silent as Macy turns her attention to her parents. “Mom, Dad, a lot has happened in the past few days. First, as you already know, I started drinking again. (Sally and Adam nod.) But what you don’t know, is that I fell off the wagon months ago.” Sally, Adam, and even Thorne are shocked she had been drinking for so long.

Sally interrupts. “But, how can that be true, I would have known?”

Macy smiles a small smile. “Mom, there are so many different ways to hide it. Believe me, I learned them all, and have used them all. If an alcoholic doesn’t want anyone to know, drinking can easily be hidden.”

“Well, your husband should have known, if he even cared to notice!” Thorne lowered his head slightly at Adam’s accusation, but Macy stopped her father.

“Dad, didn’t you hear what I just said. I know all the tricks to hide my drinking, and they worked. Thorne didn’t know. Don’t you think he would have done something if he did?”

Adam continues to glare at Thorne. “Fine, you hid it well. Even from your husband. But you still haven’t told us why you started drinking.”

Macy knew this would be the hardest part. “Because I haven’t been happy, in a long time.” Adam and Sally both start yelling and talking over each other. All of their comments are directed at Thorne who can only make out snippets of the conversation.

“I knew I couldn’t trust a Forrester…”

“I warned you…”

“How dare you…”

“Too good for the likes of us…”

“Your fault…

“Sober for so long until you…”

“STOP IT!” Adam and Sally are surprised by Macy’s vehemence and instantly fall silent. “I asked both of you to remain calm and listen. I’m not done yet.”

Adam continues to glare at Thorne. “How much worse can it get?”

“Please? (Adam remains silent) I misspoke a minute ago. I should have said, neither of us has been happy. And before you interrupt again, it’s all not Thorne’s fault. We never should have gotten married again. Hell, we never should have started dating again. We make much better friends, than we do lovers. A lot of things got in the way of our realizing it: pride, family loyalty, and stupidity. Yes, especially the last one. We were both stupid to get married again. I knew Thorne wasn’t ready to marry me, and I should have known I wasn’t ready to marry him. But my own selfish pride got in the way. It became a contest, with Thorne as the prize.”

A look of understanding comes across Sally’s face, but Adam remains confused. Seeing her mother’s face, Macy slightly shakes her head, to keep her silent. Sally nods in agreement.

“What are you talking about?”

“Dad, it doesn’t matter. Look, no matter what, my sobriety, or lack thereof, is my own responsibility. No one forced me to start drinking again; I did that all on my own. No one can make you start, and no one can make you stop.” Macy pauses for a minute. “Mom, Dad, I just wanted to finally tell you guys the truth. A truth I haven’t wanted to admit too. That’s why I started drinking, because I couldn’t face the fact that I made a horrible mistake when I married Thorne. We aren’t right for each other. We realize that now, and want to go on with our lives. I want him to be happy, and I know he wants me to be happy. But we don’t want the families to go to war again. Understand?” No one says a word. Macy just shakes her head. Well, it was a long shot anyway.

Thorne and Macy exchange looks, rise, and head towards the door. “Thorne, thank you for coming over, I appreciate you being here for this.” Looking back, Thorne sees that Adam and Sally are too taken aback to object.

“Oh, Mace, it’s the least I could do after everything that I…”

Macy interrupts. “Thorne, I told you, we are both to blame.” She looks back towards her parents. Adam and Sally seem to be getting madder and madder. “Thorne, don’t worry about them, I’ll handle it.”

Seeing Adam’s face, Thorne quickly agrees. “Thank you. I still need to speak to my own family, but I need to do that by myself. There are a lot of issues that need to be brought out into the open, things that should have been said a long time ago, and it won’t be easy. You don’t need to be there for that. Again, if you need anything, just let me know.” Thorne leaves and Macy turns back to her parents.

“Before you say anything else, I don’t want to hear it. I’m going to lay down for a while.” Macy leaves before another round of yelling can begin.

Adam and Sally just watch her go. Turning to Sally, “Ok, what’s going on? You know more than you’re telling me.”

Sally sighs. “Adam, our daughter has gone through so much right now. When she is ready to tell you, she will. Besides, I’m not sure if I’m right. Just be calm. I’m going to check on her.”

Although worried over his daughter, Adam is more furious at Thorne. I will find out what is really going on, Thorne. You can bet on it. I warned you what would happen if you treated my daughter badly, or used her. And it sounds like you did both. Adam just stands at the window, glaring outside.

“Kimberly, just ignore me. There are a lot of things going on in my family too. I just don’t want to get into them right now. Suffice it to say, things have never been more strained, or more complicated right now. (Smiling) Although, just seeing you lightens my mood.”

Kimberly smiles for a second, and then she becomes serious again. “Rick, I hate to bring this up, especially after what you just told me, but there’s something I really need to know.”

“What? You can always ask me anything. (Rick laughs) I may not always be able to answer, but you can ask.”

“Ok, just don’t feel any pressure. And feel free to tell me to mind my own business or anything, ok?”

“Kimberly, now you have me worried. What’s going on?”

“Well, there’s been something I’ve been wondering, and what you said right now, about family strife and pressures, I’m wondering if I’m the cause of them?” Kimberly searches Rick’s face for any type of answer.

(Confused) “How could you be causing me problems? (Trying to reassure her) Didn’t we just say that we would leave whatever problems our two families have with each other outside of our relationship?”

“Yes, but this is about your mother and me, not about the two families.”

“Ok, now you’ve totally lost me.”

“Well, I’ve wanted to bring this up before, but the timing never seemed right. (Taking a deep breath) Have I done something to Brooke lately? I mean, is she angry with me? Personally, professionally, or what?”

“Kimberly, I still have no idea what you’re talking about. My mom loves you. She hasn’t said anything to me about any problems. Why do you think she doesn’t like you?”

“Well, I wasn’t sure, but things have been so odd lately.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well…”

“Come on, I already said you could tell me anything.”

“Fine, when we first started dating, months ago, I saw your mom all the time, whether it was here, at your house, or at work. She always made me feel welcome when I came here, like she was glad to see me. Same thing at work. Every time there was a photo shoot, she would come down to the studio to watch. You know, give her support, make comments, hang out, whatever. It was great.” Kimberly hesitates before continuing. “But lately, I haven’t even seen her. She never seems to be here when I come over to visit you, and even that hasn’t been very frequent. You either come over to see me, or we meet up someplace else. And at work, I never see her anymore. She hasn’t come to any of my shoots recently. The only contact I have with her now is by phone. At first, I thought it was just because she was busy. I mean, I know the CEO of Forrester Creations probably doesn’t have the time to come to every shoot. But, even when I go up to her office to try to see her, Megan says she is busy in a meeting. It’s like she doesn’t want to see me. I just don’t understand.” Kimberly tears up, but tries to compose herself.

Rick sees this and gives her a big hug. “No, no, you couldn’t be more wrong. Mom loves you. She isn’t mad at you or anything. You haven’t seen her because (Rick’s mind works furiously, since he can’t tell her the truth) because she’s just been really busy. Hey, Bridgette and I rarely see her either. She’s always working, that’s all. There have been lots of changes at the company lately, and it’s causing more work for my mom, that’s all. But I can guarantee, that within a few months, things should be getting back to normal.” Yeah, because she should have the baby then. No more hiding from the world.

Kimberly looks at Rick, trying to gauge his sincerity. “Are you sure that’s all it is?”

“Yes, I’m sure. There’s nothing for you to worry about, I promise.” Rick gives Kimberly another hug. I hope I’m not lying. How’s Kimberly going to react if Mom and Thorne get back together, let alone find out Mom’s been pregnant all this time. I hope she’ll understand why I couldn’t tell her any of this.

End of Part 7

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