At Rosary Estates, Jennifer packed her luggage. Teresa prepared to depart for Fernlandia with Michael, while Jennifer planned to go to Shaville to see an old classmate. She didn't want to relinquish the advantages and promotions in Nareigh, but she had no choice; she couldn't hold Donald back any longer.
Her plan was simple: move to Shaville, steadily advance her career—first to deputy department head, then department head. After saving for a few years, she would have Teresa move in. They would both focus on their careers. By then, Jonathan might have remarried and had children, and Teresa would have moved on. Jennifer envisioned them raising Michael and Teresa's unborn child—whose gender was still unknown—together.
Jennifer had it all mapped out. The next few years would be difficult. Earning a living wouldn't be easy, but she believed they just needed to persevere; everything would eventually fall into place. They were both still under thirty. As long as she and Teresa worked hard, life would improve. They didn't need men in their lives. Evelyn and Isabel could do as they pleased; Jennifer didn't care.
All three had afternoon flights. For once, Jennifer allowed herself a rare smile. She knew, better than anyone, that everything she was doing was for Teresa's sake. Without her ex-husband's family fighting for custody, Teresa would thank her one day. The childhood promise of happiness they'd dreamed of was finally within reach.
"Got everything packed?" Jennifer asked.
"Yeah…" Teresa replied softly.
"I'm all set too," Jennifer said with a sigh of relief. "Finally, we're getting out of here. Teresa, once you leave, don't even think about coming back. I only agreed to let you keep the baby because you promised me. If you get tangled up with your ex again, you won't be able to hide it. They'll take your kids away, and you'll be left with nothing."
Nobody liked constant nagging, not even from family. It was exhausting and suffocating. Jennifer repeatedly drilled the same point, acting as if it were for Teresa's own good. Teresa understood, but no one wanted their life dictated by someone else. Since their reconnection, Jennifer's controlling nature and constant pronouncements of acting in Teresa's best interest had left Teresa drained.
For now, Teresa played along. But deep down, she knew leaving was her only escape.
"Jennifer, I'm heading to the restroom. Keep an eye on Michael for me," Teresa said.
Watching Teresa walk away, Jennifer sighed softly. She knew Teresa was still struggling to let go, but time would heal that. Straightening Michael's collar, she crouched down to his level.
"Mike, I need to tell you something. Listen up, okay?" she said. "When you get to Fernlandia, be a good boy and listen to your mom. I'll call your grandma and your mom often, and if I hear you're not behaving, I'll be mad."
"Jennifer, I'm always good. Can you stop being so hard on my mom, please?" Michael said.
Jennifer reached out and softly patted his head. "I'm hardly ever hard on her. She's my little sister. How could I be mean to her? I'll miss you both so much when you're not living with me anymore."
Just as she finished speaking, Teresa returned from the restroom. Jennifer said nothing further to Michael. Michael clung to Teresa's hand, his reddened eyes brimming with unshed tears. He parted his lips but quickly shut them, glancing nervously at Jennifer.
At that moment, Jennifer's phone vibrated softly, breaking the tense silence. It was a message from Cheryl:
[Jennifer, I helped you out again.] [That guy named Benny was about to do another DNA test, and I happened to run into him. I stopped him.] [I just want you to see my brother. He's drinking himself sick, not eating, and wants to transfer to another hospital just to be near you. He's a good, hardworking guy. Please… ] [He's my only brother and he's killing himself over you. If you don't come see him, then forget it. Let everything fall apart.]
Jennifer's grip tightened on her phone. Frustration and guilt surged inside her, but she remained calm.
Noticing the serious expression on Jennifer's face, Teresa asked, "What's wrong? Did something happen?"
Jennifer put her phone away and replied, "Something came up at the hospital. I need to head back. You two go to the airport without me. I'll leave another day."
Teresa nodded. "Alright, that works." After all, they weren't heading in the same direction.
"Take care on the way," Jennifer added. "Let me know when you arrive."
She turned to Michael again. "Mike, make sure you listen to your mom and don't wander off."
"I know, Jennifer…" Michael replied softly. Once Jennifer hurried off, Michael clung tightly to Teresa's hand. "Mom…"
Teresa looked down and saw tears welling up in his eyes. Alarmed, she asked, "What's wrong, sweetheart? Why are you crying?"
Michael wiped his tears and shook his head. "Mom, I have a small request. Can I say goodbye to Mr. Lime? Just one last time before we leave?"