Release

Release
Paul and Serena walked into the Worthington home with their hands linked together tightly.

Serena noticed Ellen smiled and placed a hand over her heart when her eyes landed on the physical link between her and Paul. At that moment, she felt sorry for Ellen. She was probably expecting an engagement and instead, she was going to get a bitter taste of the past.

"Have a seat," the older man motioned to the velvet teal loveseat with the wooden frame as he took a seat on the lone standing recliner near the entryway. Ellen was sitting near the fireplace with a basket of yarn and crochet needles next to her.

Serena hugged Ellen first. "You're knitting?"

Ellen nodded and turned to hug her son. "Hopefully Paul will stay through the winter," she hugged her son. "I'm knitting him a cap with a hopeful heart," she said softly with a bright smile.

Serena nodded solemnly before she turned to the seating George had offered them.

After Paul hugged his mother, he followed her path and sat next to her. Serena immediately grabbed his hand and stroked his back, but she kept her gaze on the wooden floors.

She felt Paul's back contract and expand in a shallow manner.

He was nervous.

"Paul?" Ellen spoke out in her usual soft tone. "Is everything okay, honey?"

Paul exhaled deeply. Serena looked at him just as he faced his mother with a completely different expression which he walked in with.

"I just need you both to know that the little boy you failed to protect grew up to be a success," he started in a deceptively calm tone. "Despite both of you."

Ellen flinched.

George, who had not made direct eye contact with Paul since he greeted them at the door simply dropped his head.

Serena squeezed his hand to give him strength. "I want to forgive you," he said looking at Ellen. "God knows I've tried in my heart but it's so difficult," he whispered.

Tears began streaming down Ellen's face. "I'm sorry," she uttered. "I did the best I could given the circumstances."

He nodded. "I know, but in doing so you left me unprotected," he replied through a choke. He looked away from his mother and then to the floor. He controlled his breathing to regain composure before he looked at George.

"And you," he spat out. "You tortured someone who didn't meet you in size or strength. You took advantage of your position as head of the household and you made a little boy's life a living hell every single day because you knew it was a fight you couldn't lose."

Paul released Serena's hand and leaned forward towards George. "Did that make you feel like a man, George?" He spat out angrily. "Well now that little boy is a grown man, I bet you this say never occurred to you."

"Paul, please-" Ellen began.

"No!" He barked. "You will not defend him when you did not defend your own son!" He stared daggers at Ellen. "The difference here is that I know I can overpower him easily now that the body dynamic has changed," he told her. "But I am not insecure that I need to show him I'm stronger." He ran a hand down his face, " "Mom, I love you despite everything, but I will be distancing myself for a time." He stood. "I need to heal myself before I come around again," he told her as he stretched a hand to Serena who quickly grabbed it and stood.

The two began walking out the door.

"Paul, I can't go without you again, please don't go away again." Ellen cried out.

Paul halted before releasing Serena and spinning around.

She saw him stomp to the bookshelf behind where Ellen was sitting. He pulled a book out, opened the front cover and handed it to her. "I've been with you this whole time."

Ellen accepted the book and gasped when she looked at the page he pointed to.

Paul spun on his heel and marched out, grabbing Serena and dragging her behind him.