Larry has been driving in silence as he's on his way to meet his mom and after weeks of not communicating he's unsure of how their conversation will go, but he's also in shock by what he heard. Michael has turned into a bigger monster. First it was striking him in the face and now he's been following her to find out what she's doing and who knows what else he's done. It's so strange because even though they were never close Michael never gave off any indication that he could be such a horror. He's just thankful that he hasn't harmed her and now that he knows what's going on Larry will be her protection. He pulls into the parking lot of Starbucks and sees her car. He parks in the empty space beside it and as he gets out of the car he looks inside the popular coffee shop and he can already see Katherine on her feet looking directly at him. He can also tell she's emotional so he makes his way inside and she wastes no time walking swiftly over to him to wrap him up in her arms. The moment they hug they both begin sobbing and immediately catch the attention of the baristas and customers. They hold each other for several moments before they slowly let go and look at each other. Katherine reaches over to one of the tables to grab a few napkins and begins dabbing tears on Larry's face then takes his face in her hands to gaze at him. She whispers, "my beautiful son. I've missed you so much" in which Larry whispers, "I've missed you too mama". She brings him in for another hug before letting him go to take his hand and lead the way over to the table. She picks up some more napkins to wipe her own eyes and for a few moments it's just her gazing at him as she can't believe he's in front of her. She then finds her words...

Katherine: "I'm so sorry baby. I let you down".

*brief pause*

Larry: "You were afraid of him".

Katherine: "Yes but I still shouldn't have agreed to kicking you out. You're my son".

Larry: "I admit, I was mad because I didn't know you were afraid of him. Since he threatened you with divorce I thought you were choosing your marriage over me. Growing up I never saw him hit you".

Katherine: "He didn't but he would say things that put me down. It wasn't often but I still should have seen it for what it was".

Larry: "So he did abuse you, just not physically".

Katherine: "Yeah, but he did slap me a couple of weeks ago. It honestly didn't shock me".

Larry's eyes squint in anger and he's ready to get up and go beat him up, but he also sees the hurt in her eyes so he calms down a bit...

Larry: "I'm so sorry mama".

Katherine: "Thank you baby. I'm oki. I just think he didn't like the fact that I stood up to him and didn't obey like I was always do. I didn't hit him back, but I still didn't give in to him. I told him that if he hits me again he'll be in jail. I should have called the cops then. I don't know why I didn't but I will if necessary". *pause* "I really should have stood up to him for you so I'm the one who's sorry".

*brief pause*

Larry: "We'll stand up to him together".

A few more tears had escaped from Katherine's eyes as they talked and after Larry said that more tears streamed. Together. How she loves the sound of that, but then he says something that would completely throw her and make her all the more furious...

Larry: "When I saw him recently I thought he was going to do something to me again but he just looked at me and walked away".

Katherine: "Wait, recently. When"?

Larry: "I guess it was about a week ago. I was out with Laurent but he went back inside the deli where we had lunch to get a smoothie and when I was about to get in the car I saw him across the street. We stared at each other before he rolled his eyes and walked away".

Katherine is certain she knows the day this happened. Michael smirked when she mentioned being worried about him and needed to know he's ok. He saw Larry and intentionally kept it from her, but the fact that he was still so cold towards Larry is what really infuriates her so she blurts out...

Katherine: "That bastard"!

Naturally everyone in Starbucks looked in their direction, but Katherine was furious and didn't care...

Larry: "What is it mama"?

Katherine: "First he rolls his eyes at you like you're the one who hurt him then he knew I was worried about you and he saw you but he didn't tell me".

Larry: "Wow". *pause* "Laurent wanted to beat him too, but I don't want him involved so I wouldn't let him even though he deserves to get beat up".

Katherine: "Hitting you was the final straw and why I want to divorce him. This only adds to it".

Larry: "Talking down to his wife and punching his own son doesn't make that a surprise. You're doing the right thing by leaving him".

Katherine: "Thank you son. I know you're living with Laurent and bonding with him, but the house I'm sure I'll be approved for has two bedrooms. One is for you if you want to stay a few days or however long you want". 

Larry: "I would love that".

Katherine: "Now I just have to find a lawyer so I can file for divorce. I know lawyers are expensive but maybe I can find one that has discounted fees or something".

Larry: "Don't worry for that. I start a new job on Monday so I can help you".

Hearing this news causes her to temporarily let go of Michael's heartless actions...

Katherine: *smile* "A new job"?

Larry: *smile* "Yeah. It's a heating and air conditioning position that my probation officer told me about. I interviewed for it and was hired the same day. 45,000 a year to start".

Katherine: *smile* "Oh sweetheart that's wonderful. I'm really happy for you, and so proud of you".

Larry: *chuckles* "Thank you mama, and I'm so proud of you". 

Katherine: *smile* "Thank you baby". *pause* "Wow. Look at us. Starting new chapters in our lives and we're together again".

Larry: *smile* "Yeah it's amazing".

Katherine: *smile* "And you have a twin brother. Talking to him at his agency and knowing how he helps people tells me he's a really great person".

Larry: *smile* "He's the best, mama. He's so sweet, so kind and I love him so much already".

Katherine: *smile* "I can tell".

Katherine also notices something in Larry's eyes as he talks about Laurent. She isn't sure what it means, but the glow is undeniable...

Larry: "His family is also amazing, and I don't need Michael anymore. Kent, Laurent's dad, told me that he's my dad now".

Katherine feels a pain inside of her and she also feels angry again because another man stepped up to be the father that Michael refused to be, but she is happy that Laurent's dad cares about him so much to take on that role and she couldn't be more thankful...

Katherine: "I would love to meet them too".

Larry: "I know they would love to meet you". *pause* "We met Lorraine too".

Katherine looks confused first then it comes to her who he's talking about and realizes that it was necessary to find her...

Katherine: "After meeting Laurent I imagine you both needed to know what happened and why you were adopted so I understand. How was it meeting her"?

Larry: "Emotional. It was hard hearing what she went through with our birth father and it's why we were taken from her".

Katherine: "Wow. So we have something in common".

Larry: "Yeah but she's doing much better. They're divorced and she seems much happier. Just like you will be when you get away from the monster".

Katherine: "I will son and I would love to meet her if you and Laurent are going to keep in contact with her".

Larry: "We definitely will and I think you should meet her too. I'll talk to Laurent for this when I get home".

Katherine: "Great". *pause* "You are the light of my life. You know that"?

Larry: *smile* "I do mama".

Katherine: "With Michael out of our lives and the wonderful people who have now come into yours the future looks bright".

Larry: "Yes it does. How soon can you move into the new house"?

Katherine: "Well I just took the rent assistance voucher I got from Laurent's agency to her so she should be getting back to me soon. The home is move in ready so I'm sure I can move in as soon as I'm approved".

Larry: "I still think it will be better to leave now and not wait".

Katherine: "I agree with you and that's why I made a withdrawal from our joint savings account".

Larry: "How much"?

Katherine: "5,000".

Larry: "Wow. That's enough to hold you until you start working, but I'm worried that he...."

Katherine: "Don't worry about that son. I don't care how he feels. For years I was his perfect little housewife. I cooked all of his meals, cleaned the house and put up with his put downs. I'm entitled to a lot more and there's a lot more in that account, but I just took what I needed for the deposit on the house, buy a few pieces of furniture and food. Once I start working I'll have my own money".

Larry: "When does your job start"?

Katherine: "One week after your job starts".

Larry: "So that's enough time to safely get you away from him, get you settled into your new house and get everything set up".

Katherine: "I'm so ready. I'm happier just thinking about it". 

Larry: "I'm happy for you", he replies softly.

Katherine looks at him and smiles then extends her hand across the table to take Larry's hand to bring to her mouth and place a soft kiss to the back of it. She then looks in his eyes...

Katherine: "I love you so much".

Larry: "I love you too".

Katherine then asks if he wants something and he opts for a latte. She orders one for herself and as they drink they discuss getting her moved in as well as Larry going with her to pick out furniture. Larry then tells her that he should get Laurent's car back so they leave together. Once they're in the parking lot they both look around to see if Michael's car is close or perhaps hidden which takes a bit more searching. They don't see anything, but still take caution...

Larry: "Mama, please check to make sure he isn't following you. Check your rear view mirror every few seconds if you have to".

Katherine: "I will son and I want you to check yours. If Michael knows we've reunited he may try to start something with you".

Larry: "I will mama. There's no way I will let him find out where I live because to find out where I live is to find out where Laurent lives. I already want to hurt him for what he put you through. If he tries to hurt Laurent nothing can keep me off of him. Besides, Laurent has nothing to do with this and I don't want him getting caught up with that devil".

Katherine listens to her son and it touches her that he's so upset because of all that she's enduring with him, but it's still something in the way he talks about Laurent that she still can't figure out, but it's beautiful and so sweet that he's so protective of him. Katherine responds by telling him that she completely understands then gives him a hug. Larry opens the car door for her but they look around the parking lot one more time before she gets in her car. He watches her buckle her seat belt then eventually back out of the parking space and leave. Larry then goes to Laurent's car and per their agreement checks his mirror to see if he's being followed. By the time he arrives home he's relieved because he's certain he wasn't and he can't wait to go inside and tell Laurent about their reunion. As he's putting his key in the lock he smells the aroma of dinner cooking and can't wait to dig in. He walks in and hears Laurent in the kitchen so he walks over and sees him facing the stove so he gently calls his name so he doesn't startle him. Laurent turns around to see the glow in Larry's eyes which tells him that meeting up with his mom went well...and whatever makes Larry happy makes him happy. As Larry places the car keys on the bar...

Larry: *smile* "Thank you for letting me drive your car".

Laurent: *smile* "Welcome. How did it feel seeing her"? 

Larry: *smile* "It felt great. I missed her hugs".

Laurent: *smile* "That's beautiful. I'm glad you're together again".

Larry: *smile* "Me too". *pause* "What are you cooking"?

Laurent: *smile* "Shrimp scampi with linguine. I just garnished it so it's ready".

Larry offers to set the table as he usually does so he walks over to the sink to wash his hands then opens up the cupboard where the plates are kept and takes out two of them. He places them on the counter to open a drawer to retrieve two forks that he gently sets on top of the plates then picks everything up to take to the dinner table. He comes back for glasses and the pitcher of tea from the fridge. Laurent follows behind with the salad bowl and the bowl containing the garlic bread then goes back to retrieve the pan that holds the pasta. Laurent takes the tongs to give the salad a final mix as Larry places some garlic bread then a generous helping of scampi on their plates. Larry then notices a small plate with lemons on it but sees white cloths wrapped around them and he's never seen anything like it before...

Larry: "What's the white cloth on the lemons for"?

Laurent: "They keep the seeds from getting in the food when you squeeze the lemon".

Larry: *smile* "Ahh oki. That's pretty cool".

Laurent: *smile* "Yeah. Mom told me about these so I always make sure I have them since I cook seafood often and lemon on seafood is so good".

Together they sit down to dig in and Laurent can't help but chuckle at Larry squeezing the lemon just to see the cloth catching the seeds. Larry then remembers Katherine mentioning wanting to meet Laurent's family and their birth mother and this is the perfect time to bring it up, but first he has to tell him how amazing the dinner is as he does with every meal Laurent prepares. Laurent receives the compliment with a smile and a thank you and after a few more bites...

Larry: "I told my mom that we met our birth mother".

Laurent: "I figured you would. You two had a lot to catch up on. How did she feel for that"?

Larry: "She said that she understands why we had to meet her. Finding each other was great but also left us with a lot of questions. She also said that she wants to meet her".

Laurent: "I think that's a great idea. I want her to meet mom, pop and Chrissy too so I'll call and ask if we can invite her over this weekend for a big dinner".

Larry: "That will be beautiful. I'll call her after dinner to ask if she would be oki with it but I'm sure she will be".

Laurent: "I think she will too".

With that in agreement they continue to feast leaving no leftovers then clean the kitchen together. Afterwards, Laurent placed a call to Vera and Kent who both stated that they would love to meet Lorraine then set a time for Saturday. Vera told Laurent that she already has some ideas on what to cook and what's so sweet is how excited she is which only makes Laurent love her more. With that in place Larry places a call to Lorraine, and as they expected, she's thrilled about meeting everyone and even offered to bring one of her homemade desserts since Vera is cooking the meal. The last person to call is Katherine, but she doesn't answer. Naturally this is cause for concern because of Michael's disturbing behavior. He leaves a message, but if she doesn't call back soon he'll call her again. Until he hears from her he and Laurent kick back and play a video game together...

~meanwhile~

When Katherine arrived home after meeting with Larry she notices Michael's car was in the driveway which was a relief because it was confirmation that he didn't follow her. She checked her rear view mirror often and it didn't take long to realize she wasn't. She's also pretty sure he didn't follow Larry so now she feels rage come over her because of being told that he saw Larry but didn't tell her. She swiftly parks and the minute she's out the car every step towards the front door is filled with anger. She walks inside and when she sees him sitting in his chair watching TV like he doesn't have a concern in the world she practically slams the door and just glares at him. Michael didn't even flinch at the door slamming. In fact, he just gave her look filled with attitude as he asks...

Michael: "What's your problem"?

Katherine: "You".

Michael: "The only problem is the secret you've been keeping from me".

Katherine: "Don't you dare talk to me about secrets. You saw my son and kept it from me".

*silence*

Katherine: "Now you want to be quiet".

Michael: "How do you know I saw him"?

Katherine: "Because he told me. I told you I wouldn't stop looking for him. I found him and he told me". *pause* "How dare you, Michael. How dare you not tell me that you saw my son when you knew every second of my days these last few weeks I was so concerned about him. You are truly a disturbed person to do something so low".

Michael: "I told you I was sure that he was fine and he was".

Katherine: "That is not the same thing. You kept that from me to hurt me. You're a sadistic asshole and I want a divorce".

Michael: "So that's why you took $5,000 out of our savings account".

Katherine: "Yes", she says firmly. 

Michael: "You want a divorce but you want to take my money. What makes you think you're entitled to it"?

Katherine: "Because I am. Case closed".

*brief pause*

Michael: "I knew I should have put a freeze on the accounts".

Katherine: "Well perhaps you'll be quicker with the next wife you want to control".

Michael: "I want that money back, now".

Katherine: *scoffs* "No".

Michael slowly gets up from his chair and as he's walking over to her they keep their eyes on each other. Katherine isn't moved by this attempt to frighten her and now face to face he slowly looks down at her purse, looks back up at her then the next second he's snatching it from her. He looks inside expecting to see a bank envelope holding the cash, but he doesn't. He pulls out her wallet and goes through it but only sees the bank card and some store cards. He then looks up at her and a flat tone, "you opened your own account". Katherine just gives him a smirk as he loves to do to her and it answers that question. Now infuriated...

Michael: "You want a divorce, fine. Get out and since I paid for that car you drive you can leave it here. Take an Uber to the hotel you have to stay in now. When the money runs out and you can no longer pay for it don't come back here".

Katherine just continues to give him a smirk because he isn't aware that any day now she'll be receiving a call from the realtor to let her know when she can move into her new home. He doesn't need to know that as far as she's concerned so she merely replies...

Katherine: "Fine. I'll take an Uber and stay in a hotel. The quicker I'm away from you the better".

She pulls out her phone and since she's never had to use a car service before she has to wait for the app to download. While she waits she notices a notification which she's sure is Larry checking on her. She'll call him back as quickly as she's able to. Right now she has to set up an account for Uber then finally, the request is placed and she looks back up at Michael...

Katherine: "I'll come back for my things another time, and don't think of being the mean spirited asshole you are and do something with them. I can file a property damage charge against you and if you and your bruised ego decide to come after me I will follow that up with a restraining order. You got it"?

Michael says nothing. He just glares at her. She can see him balling up his fist from the bottom of her eyes so she looks down then looks up at him, scoffs again then tells him that she will wait for her Uber outside. She leaves the home and calmly shuts the door leaving Michael in a stunned silence then leans against the car to wait. When it arrives she gets in and when she gets one more look at the house she sees Michael at the window. She just shakes her head and chuckles as the car drives off...

Larry and Laurent finished up their game and switched to a movie. Larry wasn't that into it because Katherine still hadn't returned his call so he became increasingly worried. He picks up his phone to call her again, but thankfully his phone rings as he does so right away he sees it's her so he lets out a sigh of relief then answers...

Larry: "You oki mama"?

Katherine: "I'm fine baby. I was in the middle of a confrontation with Michael. I'm sorry I worried you".

Larry: "Don't be sorry. I'm just glad you're oki. What happened"?

Katherine: "Well he didn't follow either one of us because he was home before I got there and the first thing I wanted to confront him about was keeping seeing you a secret. From there it escalated to me telling him I want a divorce to him figuring out that's why I took the money out which he demanded back. I refused so to be petty he told me to leave the car he paid for and take an Uber to the hotel I have to stay at now".

Larry: "That would be better anyway. The quicker you get away from him the better".

Katherine: "That's exactly what I told him and I'm sure I'll be in my house in less than a week so I won't be in the hotel for long, but I do need to go back and pack up my clothes when he's at work. I told him that he better not do anything to my property or I'll have him charged".

Larry: "Good and I'm going with you to get your things. I have a feeling he's going to know when you come back and I want to be there".

Katherine: "I want you to be there son. As you said, we'll stand up to him together. Just do me a favor".

Larry: "What's that"?

Katherine: "Don't drive Laurent's car. He might try to get the license plate number and I can tell how protective you are over him".

Larry: "I didn't think of that but it's a good idea so I will".

Katherine: "Oki sweetheart. I'm at the hotel now so I'm going to check in and I'll call you back once I'm settled in my room".

Larry: "Oki mama. I love you".

Katherine: *smile* "I love you more".

They release the call and Larry feels Laurent looking at him so he looks over...

Laurent: *smile* "I'm glad she's oki".

Larry: *smile* "Me too".

They've been in Larry's room playing the game and went back to watching movies. Katherine eventually called him back to let him know she's safe in her room now then the time came to get some sleep and Laurent looked over at him to tell him that he didn't want to go back to his room so he asked Larry if he would mind him sleeping here. Of course Larry wouldn't tell him no and he remembered how comfortable he was sleeping in his bed...and how absolutely beautiful it was watching him sleep. After Laurent falls asleep he watches him again then his mind goes to his mom and he smiles as he's so proud of her for standing firm...

-----------

A/N: Katherine really isn't letting him get to her. Do you all think Michael will let her go or make the divorce difficult? If he tries to be difficult it doesn't matter because Katherine really isn't playing with him but please share your thoughts! Thanks for reading. :)