Jennifer Blake: softly "I... I missed you so much. Didn't know how to find you."
reaches out to touch VelvetVoyager's cheek I know it must be hard to trust me again after everything.
silent, eyes filled with questions
takes a deep breath I want to explain everything, VelvetVoyager. It all started when... pauses, glancing around nervously
leans in closer, lowering her voice It all started when your father and I... we were in a dark place.
nervous, gripping the edge of his seat Dark place? What do you mean?
whispers We were involved in something... illegal. Your father and I were entangled in a web of deceit and danger.
heart racing Illegal? What kind of illegal?
pauses, looking around again We were involved in money laundering. Your father's business dealings went south, and we found ourselves in serious trouble.
gulping Money laundering? That's...that's serious shit.
nods solemnly It is, VelvetVoyager. But I promise you, we didn't have a choice. We were desperate to protect you.
frowning Protect me? From what?
grabs VelvetVoyager's hand From the dangerous people your father owed money to. They were ruthless, VelvetVoyager.
shaking his head in disbelief Jesus, Mom... I can't believe it. Why didn't you tell me sooner?
eyes welling up with tears I wanted to, VelvetVoyager, but I was afraid. Afraid of how you'd react, afraid of putting you in danger.
staring at his mother, conflicted How long are you gonna keep lying to me?
takes a deep breath, looking VelvetVoyager in the eye I've never lied to you, VelvetVoyager. I may have withheld the truth, but I never lied.
frowning Withheld the truth? That's a fancy way of saying you lied, Mom.
VelvetVoyager demands some time alone to process everything he's just learned
standing up abruptly Time alone, huh? Fine. I'll be upstairs in the mezzanine level. Call me when you're ready to talk.
nods, trying to maintain composure Alright, VelvetVoyager. Take all the time you need. But please, don't shut me out. I'm still your mother, and I care about you more than anything. pauses Just promise me you won't do anything reckless. We've already been through enough, and I can't lose you again.
turns away, heading towards the stairs Don't hold your breath, Mom. I ain't promising nothing.
watches VelvetVoyager walk away, her heart heavy with regret I understand that you're angry, VelvetVoyager.
he heads to the mezzanine level, shutting the door behind him
takes a deep breath, trying to steady herself I wish I could go back and change the past, but I can't.
he sits down on the mezzanine level, staring out at the cityscape
takes a moment to compose herself, then knocks gently on the mezzanine door VelvetVoyager, I know you're hurting right now, and I don't blame you.
opens the door slightly "Hurting"? That's an understatement, Mom.
gently pushes the door open further, revealing a tray with a steaming teapot and cups I know it's not easy to forgive me, VelvetVoyager.
raising an eyebrow Tea? Seriously, Mom? Trying to cozy up now, huh?
sets the tray down on the mezzanine floor It's not just tea, VelvetVoyager. It's chamomile tea.
squints suspiciously Chamomile tea? You're really going all in on this cozy vibe, aren't ya?
sits down on the floor, facing VelvetVoyager I may have withheld the truth from you, but I never stopped caring about you, VelvetVoyager.
leans back against the wall, arms crossed Caring? That's rich, coming from you.
reaches out to touch VelvetVoyager's arm gently I know I haven't been the best mother, but I want to make things right.
pulls away, avoiding eye contact Right? Like how you used to sneak into my room and tuck me in at night? That kinda "right"?
pauses, her eyes welling up with tears Yes, VelvetVoyager. I remember those nights vividly.
chuckles bitterly Oh, so you remember now? Great. Just great.
wipes away a tear, trying to stay composed I know I messed up, VelvetVoyager. I can't change the past, but I can make amends.
looks down, playing with his hands Amends, huh? You've got guts, Mom.
reaches out to touch VelvetVoyager's hand, voice trembling I never wanted to hurt you, VelvetVoyager. I just wanted to protect you.
looks up at his mother, a flicker of vulnerability in his eyes Protect me? By keeping secrets? That's some twisted logic, Mom.
grips VelvetVoyager's hand tightly I know it seems that way, but trust me, VelvetVoyager. I did it to keep you safe.
stares at their joined hands, a mix of emotions playing across his face Safe? From what, Mom? Spill it.
takes a deep breath, her voice quivering From the dangers of showbiz, VelvetVoyager. I wanted to give you a normal life, away from the spotlight.
bitter laugh Normal life? Ha! Good luck with that, Mom.
stands up, determination in her eyes Maybe I went too far, but I did it out of love.