Naomi marched angrily at a fast pace to her room and slammed the door.
- What happened? - Daniel asked her.
- I ruined the day... I'm sorry -
Deanna was holding back tears.
-She's mad at me...".
But suddenly Naomi appeared again and came down even more indignantly to stand in front of the father.
- That woman said a lot of horrible things to Deanna, Dad! She yelled and screamed at her, just like Grandma does! -
- What woman, darling? -
- She called her horrible names in front of everyone! I'm so angry! Do something to make her sorry she did it! You're my dad, you must!
- Calm down, Naomi, calm down... Tell me, what are you talking... -
- It's not necessary, baby... -Deanna was trying to minimize it.
- How can you say that Deanna! She said you were taking daddy's money and it's not true! -
- Naomi, stop yelling already because I don't understand anything... Speak slowly -
- Samantha's mom started yelling at Deanna in the hallway, like a crazy person. She told her a lot of insults and that mom would be very sad if she saw Deanna. I know mom would be very happy that she is with us! -
- Alice Reed... - Daniel's voice hardened, he looked at his wife and knew she would burst into tears at any moment.
- That one! Dad, you have to stand up for Deanna, you have to! How could anyone talk like that about people who are gone? Deanna put her in her place when she said that about Mom! I thought she was going to punch her –
- Fine, I'll do it. Don't worry anymore, I'll handle that with Alice Reed so she'll leave Deanna alone. Now, calm down -
- Okay - Naomi was satisfied with that answer.
- Naomi, I'm sorry... Mother's Day at your school has been ruined.
- That doesn't matter, Deanna, we'll go again next year -
It turned out that the girl wasn't mad at her, but at Alice. She was outraged at the name-calling and yelling. Deanna could no longer contain herself when Naomi returned to her room.
Daniel hugged her. This was what everyone always predicted for her: they wouldn't accept her. But Alice was on a personal level. What shame could be left for a woman with such a husband?
- Don't cry because of what that woman said to you... -
- It's not about that... I thought Naomi was mad at me... -
- Naomi? She would defend any member of this family to the hilt... It's not the first time she's been indignant like that... -
- I bring them a lot of trouble... Ethan, now she... -
- Don't say that...
- It's true. They'll take it out on the kids because of me... They'll take it out on you, too -
- You're talking nonsense, no one's taking it out on anyone. Alice Reed doesn't know how to act differently, she's frustrated and angry with Reed... It's always been that way and it will continue to be that way... Today it's you, tomorrow it will be someone else. You shouldn't take it personally... -
But Deanna did take it personal, very. It wasn't about her anymore, it never was; it was about him and his children. These people were ruthless, unforgiving of anyone who wasn't on the same "level". Did this await them forever? Having to put up with attacks, gossip, whispering. Everything she did would have repercussions in their lives.
Hedy had told her: "they will never forgive you".
- I'll leave the Ambassador... -
- Don't -
- I don't need to go... I can wait until next year and go back to college, it won't be that long... I don't want to cause any more trouble -
- You're not the one causing them. Why would you give up something you love for this? It doesn't make sense, Deanna -
- I'm sorry to waste the chance you gave me to meet Professor Marcus, but it's for the best for now, okay? -
Daniel looked into her still wet eyes.
- Who can deny you anything? Look at that face... -
And she smiled.
-I'll talk to Marcus to tell him... Let's have a warm drink now-
Daniel called Marcus and explained that Deanna would be leaving the theater alleging "personal problems", apologized effusively to him and thanked him for welcoming her.
-You can go home now, Leonard... The Prima Donna won't be coming any more... -
Marcus plopped down next to him, annoyed.
- What are you saying? -
- I just talked to Daniel, his wife decided to leave us... -
- What?! Why? -
- No idea...
- Stupid Crusher! - He said slapping the armrest.
- I told you, Leonard... And several times... What did it cost you to behave yourself? -
- I didn't even get to do anything, Marcus... It's Daniel's psychopathic jealousy-
- If it wasn't for your money and because you're my friend, I'd kick you out for scaring her away... She was going to be the perfect Mimi... –
Leonard soon discovered the real reason why Deanna had left the Amabassador. Everyone already knew.
- Where are you, Alice?! - He walked screaming into his house.
- I guess you've heard... -
- Are you out of your mind?! I warned you... Stay out of it... -
- What are you going to do? -
- I'll divorce you and leave you in the street... I told you, my dear, I'm a very spiteful man... -
- You can't, I won't accept it... I told you I won't stand by and watch you make a fool of yourself over that bitch! You're going to pay for everything you've done to me all these years, you bastard! -
Leonard was furious, he had never cared about his wife's scenes, not even if she made a spectacle of herself in front of everyone; but this time his interest was genuine and she was throwing it all away. Where else could he see her without her husband in the way? He burst out.
- When will you understand that I don't love you? I can't even stand you... From today on you are going to behave like a good and obedient wife... You will pack your suitcases and go on a trip and you won't come back... Do you understand? -
Alice laughed uncontrollably.
-You're getting to be a senile old man, Leonard... Going on a trip? Are you kidding? Of course I'm not going anywhere! -
Leonard threw the paperweight off his desk, it flew inches over his head. Alice froze in shock.
-"Listen carefully, 'dear,' you will do as I tell you and you will not complain, you will not say a word. You will pack your things and go abroad... It is either that or I will talk to Dr. Hudson and have you locked up in an asylum... No one will come to your rescue... I will be sure to fill Hudson's pockets to keep you drugged or unconscious for the rest of your life... Do you understand? -
Daniel had yet to fulfill what he had told Naomi. He went to find Reed.
- What do you want now Crusher? -
- I warned you to stay away from her, Reed... Your wife... -
- I took care of that... - He told him with a sardonic grin.
- Listen to me, you piece of junk, you'll stay out of her orbit. You and your nasty wife... And this time, Reed, you'd better listen to me... -
- Why? What are you gonna do? -
He settled with both hands on the desk expectantly, mockingly. He looked him in the eye, challenging him. What could he do? Break some bones at him? So what?
- Don't take me lightly, asshole... You know you'll lose out... Tell me, did you settle your affairs with the IRS? -
- Oh, come on Daniel! You wouldn't dare, you don't do those things... It's not your... style? -
- Put me to the test and see for yourself -
- You exaggerate, my interest in your wife is merely artistic -
- I don't care, you must not have any kind of interest for her... Get lost, otherwise I'll decide to change my "style" -
Daniel could use a threatening tone without losing the expression of his face; the cold eyes, the firm stay, always touching the cufflinks of his suit with one hand. He bullied anyone but Leonard. His obsession with Deanna was beyond anything else. He kept his smile after Daniel left.