256 Salali puts her foot down

"Everyone will be back at the weekend except for Crystal. She wants to stay and help with Brayden." Salali tells her mom . 

"Well that's good I don't know why they even left. It's not like the boy is family, as for Crystal she isn't needed here anyway she isn't my granddaughter." Woya answers with malice. Salali looks at Randy knowing he is about to explode and shakes her head. Walking over to her mother she puts her hands on each of the chair arms staring her straight in the eye. 

"Look here you may be my mother by blood but you have not been a mother in any other way. Those children are our family they mean the world to us. Crystal is related through blood and marriage, Yona could not love her more even if she was his. You are a selfish hateful woman and I liked it better when at least you had an excuse to be that way. I don't know how my father ever could have been so in love with someone so hateful. If it wasn't for the twins insisting on visiting you you would have stayed in a world of oblivion. It was Crystal who sensed the demon that had you trapped. It is because of her that the Great spirit intervened. You need to have a good look at yourself in the mirror before I let my child near you. I will send her away when she arrives with her father. She will not be near such a poisonous person as you. Family is not blood but love, if you think that only blood makes a family then you are a very misinformed person. Aisling's family has always held out their arms in friendship and love since I was small. The moment Astila met Steve they have taken care to include Yona and myself whenever possible. It was because of Steve that Yona finished college and got his degree. It was because of HeJin that I learned to defend myself so that my brothers would not worry about leaving me. We are a family and if you cannot bring yourself to look past your own selfishness and prejudices than you will not be apart of our family. For me HeJin was the mother I never had. You are just an after thought." Salali storms away leaving her mother stewing in her own rage not having anyone to vent it on. She goes to stand and she is stopped by a coldness that is paralyzing. Not knowing what is happening she calls for Salali. Randy comes in to help her knowing she may not allow him to. He sees the fear in her face but when he gets close it's like a wall is between them. Randy calls for Salali and when she comes in she sees her father's spirit holding her mother. Not allowing her to move out of the chair. Salali smiles and calls her fathers name the spirit turns to her and smiles at her. She asks him. 

"Why did you come back? You were able to cross over so why are you here?" The spirit turns to her and points to her mother. 

"I am proud of the people my children have become so will she when she is free." He disappears and Randy looks at his wife taking her hand knowing she needs his support right now. 

"All will be ok don't worry, the others will be back and we can do whatever it is you want. You are my love and my life so whatever you want to do we do." Pulling Salali into his arms he gives her a tight hug letting her cry all she wants over her parents. After a few minutes Salali wipes her eyes and kisses her husband. Salali is more emotional because she has a secret to tell him but she had wanted to wait till after things were settled with her mom. Randy has an idea why his wife is so upset but he will wait till she tells him. Woya let's put an exasperating sigh at the affectionate display in front of her. 

"In my day we did not show affection in front of others, it was considered vulgar." Sneering at her daughter. Salali feeling recharged by being in her husbands arms just sticks her tongue out at her mom and tells her. 

"Get over it, if you think we are bad then you have never seen Remi and Yona . They are worse than all of us even worse than Moll and Inola . So you need to get used to it because all of us hold nothing back when it comes to showing our love for one another. " Salali takes Randy by the hand and they go into the kitchen together. Randy looks at his wife he knows she is having a hard time with her mom. 

" You know your mom will be ok by herself for a few hours , how about you show me your house here. You always tell me about the view and how much love your uncle and brothers put into it . We could go by and see it. I'm sure that the renters would be ok with just a quick visit. Why don't you give them a call and tell them your in the area and would like to see your house. It's been years since you have gotten to see it . " Salali sighs and pulls out her phone. She finds the renters number and gives them a call. They agree to let her visit since she has never asked before. Since she is renting to a fellow tribesmen they are more than eager to let them visit. Salali smiles at her husband and begins to tell him of her house. 

"It is not quite as big as Yona's or Astila's but it is a three bedroom it's an Aframe house with a balcony it has both stone and wood throughout the house. Just off the large kitchen is a greenhouse. One that would make Aisling jealous. I choose one of my high school friends to rent it to so that way I was sure it would be taken care of. I never got to live in it though. It was finished right before we went to visit Aisling the first time. Someday I would like to live in it even if it's just for a short time. " her voice sounds kind of sad to Randy . They don't have a house that is there's because he is on the road so much. Randy's mind starts to swirl ideas around on how to make his wife happy. He knows she doesn't mind traveling but she misses the family things a lot. His daughter doesn't have the closeness to the other cousins as the rest of the family. Randy needs to find a medium between his career and their family. As he gets ready for visiting Salali's friends at her house he texts his band mates. Telling them of his delima, asking them for some advice. He has had no regrets in his life he doesn't want his wife to have any. They say goodbye to Salali's mother and tell her they will be back in a few hours. The house is lit up showing off the outside beautifully with solar lights up the drive and along the front . Walking up to the door Salali is nervous. It's the first time in nearly a decade since she has stepped inside of her home. The door opens and Salali's friend grabs her in a tight hug. 

"Girl you have been away far to long." Taking Salali's hand she begins to tell her that nothing has changed except the living room furniture. That they replaced it a few years ago. Randy looks at the intricate wood work throughout the house and is in awe once again of Inola's craftsmanship. Salali's friends husband whispers to him. 

"Thank you for bringing her by, my wife never stops talking about how they were in school. We have been blessed that she has allowed us to live here with paying only the taxes and upkeep. My wife has missed her friend I'm happy to see them together after all this time." Randy looks at the gentlemen and asks 

"How hard on you would it be if we decided to move back?Salali has never gotten to enjoy her home for more than a few weeks. I am trying to arrange for her to move back. I don't know if it will work out yet or not so don't panic." 

the man looks at Randy and smacks him on the shoulder.

"It would not be that big of deal, both of our parents are getting old and needs help we have been debating about moving in with one of them to save all the running we do. Also that way our kids can spend more time with their grandparents. So do what's best for your family just let us know what you decide. Shall we join the ladies on the balcony. It's my wife's favorite place?" The two men head up to the balcony to join their wives.