A Single Mom Meets Someone New Ch 75

Tina was confused. She was finally realizing that Gillian wasn’t the same person as she was when she made that promise to her grandmother 6 years before. Then she was full of hope. Now Tina could see that Gillian had been beaten down by heavy weight she had to bear before she was ready. 

“I think were both tired and should get some sleep. Can you find your way back to your room?” Gillian said. 

“Yes. I’ll see you in the morning.” Tina said. 

“I doubt it. My schedule is very full. You can talk to Jaime maybe she can cancel a couple of things.” Gillian said. 

“That’s fine. Goodnight” Tina left before she started to cry. She hurried down the narrow staircase and narrow hallway. She closed the door quietly so as to not wake anyone. 

“I’m sorry.” Leo said from a bench in the hall. Tina jumped into the air. 

“Holy Shit! Leo you scared me to death.” Tina said. 

“Sorry, for everything.” He stood and offered his arm to her. 

“What do you mean everything?” Tina asked. 

“Gillian. I take the blame. After mother died I should have sent her back to LA like she wanted. She begged and pleaded but out of duty and obligation I made her stay. She wasn’t ready to deal with the hatred that was thrown at her. I should have intervened.” He said. 

“You’re not the only one to blame. It’s partly my fault only I just realized it. I had forgotten all the harsh things I said when she would call wanting to come home.” Tina said.

“It’s funny. I never wanted this life for her. Kenny was supposed to be. He was groomed for it, but Gillian. She has worked very hard to win the hearts of her people and love her even more than they did mother.” They walked. 

“But at what cost?” Tina wiped a tear away. 

“Don’t be discouraged. She’ll come around. Our little girl is still buried deep inside.” Leo looked at Tina. 

“What happened? I mean we only saw a little negative press in the states.” 

“It was bad. It was the worst I’ve ever seen. The press relentlessly combed through her past picking up every little thing she did and blowing it up like it was the end of the world. It was just one thing after another. She tried to fight it and then one day she just gave up. She stopped fighting with Jaime about her schedule and did everything that was asked of her no questions asked.” Leo explained. 

“That doesn’t sound like her at all.” Tina said. 

“That’s when she walled herself off to everyone but Helena, and Madonna.”

“Madonna? She never said.” 

“She and Gillian talk just about everyday. Jaime give Gillian 4 days off a month for good behavior. Every month Gillian visits Madonna in London or New York. In secret of course.” 

“Well that explains all the east coast schools.” 

“I told Gillian that after the coronation she had to make a decision. She could go to college in the states, continue on here, or go into the military.” 

“Leo the military really with the war on. I can’t believe you.” 

“I doubt she’ll pick that. I think she’s leaning towards school in the states.” 

They walked, both deep in thought. 

“Leo, will you do me a favor?” 

“Anything.” 

“Will you have Gillian’s schedule cleared while we’re here? I know it’s probably a lost cause but I need to reconnect with her.” 

“Sure, but I wouldn’t get my hopes up. She’s just as stubborn as you are.” Leo laughed.