Chapter 87-Bygones

“Hey mom.” Aric said giving me a hug. He and Nina came over when I called telling them I needed to talk to them both. I took little Jonathan from him giving him a big hug. He was getting bigger and looking more and more like Aric every day.

“Where’s Finley?” Nina inquired. “I was hoping they could play a bit while we talked.”

“She stayed the night with Carter. He should be bringing her home in about an hour before his shift starts. Let’s go sit. I need to tell you something.” We walked into the living room. Nina sat John on the floor where some of Finley’s toys were before taking a seat next to Aric.

“Mom you seem upset. What’s going on?” Upset was an understatement. I barely got any sleep last night. I was haunted by the memory of seeing Finley face down in the pool. Knowing that my children had been so corrupted that they would stand by and let something happen to their sister broke my heart. I was also angry, so very angry over the fact that she just couldn’t leave me alone. I was doing what she asked yet it still wasn’t enough. Taking a deep breath I told them about how the triplets haven’t’ really gotten better explaining the near fatal incident with Finley.

“Is that why she’s not here?” Aric asked.

“Yes.”

“So did they say why? I mean there isn’t a good reason, but still this makes no sense.” I got up to go look out the window. He still hadn’t forgiven Mulo and I’m not sure he would. Only they could heal that relationship. Jonathon started getting fussy so Nina moved to go play with him.

“Marisol. She’s been getting to them. Filling their heads with all sorts of things. But I have it handled.”

“Handled? Mom how are you going to handle her? Bynni? They have or had a decent relationship maybe she can get her to back off.”

“No not Bynni. I don’t want you kids involved.”

“Then what?” He asked, I could hear the concern in his voice growing.

“Your father is coming back.”  Aric took a minute to process what I had said. I could see he was trying to control his temper but the idea of his father being back was not something he liked. I knew that would be the case which is why I wanted to tell him in person.

“Why? He’s done nothing but add to your misery what good will he serve?” I went over and sat with him on the couch. It pained me to know their relationship had deteriorated like it had. I tried very hard to keep my issues from them, but spill over was inevitable I suppose.

“Because I can’t deal with Marisol. She is a woman that can’t be reasoned with. I’ve tried believe me. He is the only one who can. Plus he made them like they are, he opened them up to her he needs to be the one to fix it.”

“But one good deed does not undo all the bad Mom.” I rubbed his arm gently understanding his resistance to the idea.

“I’m not saying it does. Your father and I have a ton of unresolved issues to deal with and one day we will. But for today, for the safety of not only Finley but also for the triplets, I have to let bygones be bygones for now. I’m not saying you have to. What you choose to do in relation to Nina and John and letting Mulo in is up to you.” He looked over at his wife and child who were still playing. Nina gave him a loving look of understanding. She would support him in whatever decision he made.

“Ok.” He sighed in defeat. “When is he coming back?”

“Today.”

Mulo’s POV

“You know it’s customary to knock before entering someone’s home or at least wait until they are home to greet you.” Marisol stated not even shocked to see me sitting in her living room.

“Well since this is where you wanted me I figured we could skip the pleasantries.” She sauntered over towards her bar trying to maintain her calm demeanor.

“What gives you the idea I wanted you here? Really Mulo you have gotten full of yourself over the centuries.”

“And you are showing your desperation.” I countered crossing the room to face her. “Going after children Marisol. That’s low even for you.” She took a sip of her drink waving her hand in the air dismissively.

“I wasn’t going after them; I was just leading them on a path to let them fulfill their fullest potential. You turning those three was brilliant even if it was for terrible reasons. I see it in them.”

“Don’t push this Marisol. This wasn’t the plan. She is complying so leave her and the children the hell alone otherwise.”

“Or what Mulo? You are becoming just as pathetic as that human. You used to be so great. We had such a time together.” She walked closer to me turning. I could hear the sultriness in her voice. 

“We could have that again. I get so lonely. No one has been able to fulfill me as you have.” She wrapped herself around me, the desire burning in her eyes.

“Enough!” I yelled shoving her backwards. “We are finished. I held up my part and it’s cost me. Now I am done!”

 “Done?” She laughed sarcastically. “What do you think is going to happen? She will forgive and forget? You will waltz in there and play daddy to all her bastard children? I don’t think so.” With lightening speed I had her by the throat pinned to the wall.

“I’m going to say this just once. She and the children are off limits. She will complete this thing as planned and then she’s mine as planned.”

I released her and she fell to the floor holding her neck and coughing.

“What are you going to do Mulo?” She asked picking herself up off the floor. “Kill me if I don’t do as you say? You know that won’t work.”

“Well we both know there are worse things than death for you. You will stick to the plan and we both will get what we want. If you don’t then, I guess only one of us will.” I turned to leave knowing facing Aric was going to be a hurdle but I was looking forward to meeting my grandson.

“I won’t be the only loser. How do you think she will feel knowing the truth about the disappearance of her beloved Marcus?” I stopped turning to look at her. The rage was evident in her eyes.

“I’ve learned a lot of things and made valuable friendships during my travels. You keep that in mind.”