Chapter 30 - Pamila Montgomery

Pamila felt goose bumps rising on her skin as she walked further into the hospital suite, all eyes silently fixated on her.

"Mom, what are you doing here?" Alex asked, getting up from Jordan's bedside and placing both hands on her hips. Her daughter's stance was fierce and protective of Jordan.

Pamila's chest went hollow when she realized she was the threat. She hated the fact that Alex felt the need to protect her injured boyfriend from her own mother, however, she understood it was her fault and she deserved it.

"We invited her, Alex," Jordan's mother stepped in. "Vince gave me her contact information. You just seemed so distressed when Jordan was in the operation room. Plus, I figured your mom should know what happened to you... I'm sorry, Alex. I hope you're not upset, with me."

"Of course not, Mrs. W., it's fine." Alex said, her eyes cast downwards.

Pamila cleared her throat before speaking, "I promise I'm not hear to cause any trouble. I appreciate the invite, and I understand if the answer is no, but may I have a private word, with Jordan?"

Several hesitant looks were exchanged, but Jordan's response was confident, "Yes. I'm ok with that."

Alex leaned down to kiss Jordan and adjust his pillow before walking past Pamila and through the door, without a word.

Pamila pulled a chair closer to Jordan's bed and sat down quietly. She wasn't sure where to start and didn't know if Jordan was ready to receive any of what she would say; so, when Jordan reached his hand out to her, as an olive branch, the hollow feeling in her chest lightened and she gladly accepted. Overcome with emotion, her eyes teared up.

"Thank you, Jordan, for saving my only child." She couldn't help but choke on the last two words.

"I'm sorry I gave you such a hard time, earlier. It's just that Alexandra and I have been through a lot and we've lost so much along the way. I really don't mind if you call her Alex." When Jordan smiled, she began to laugh through her tears and she felt more grounded.

"I used to call her Little Alex when she was small. Her father's name was Alexander, so, he was Big Alex and she was Little Alex...but after he died, it was too painful to call her that anymore."

She saw the smile fade from Jordan's face, replaced by a look of concern. She continued, "When Alex said you two were in love, I didn't believe her. It all seemed to fast and reckless. It's clear, now, that I was wrong. I've already lost Big Alex and your connection with my daughter was a bit threatening. But if you hadn't shown up when you did, I would have lost Little Alex too. I apologize for judging you like that." Although she found it difficult to look Jordan in the eyes, she did anyways, so he could see how sincere she was being. She owed him everything.

"Ms. Montgomery, it's okay. I forgive you and we're even. As long as you understand that I love your daughter, and would do anything for her -- AND you respect her privacy and decisions-- I have no beef with you." Jordan handed her a tissue from the box at his bedside.

Pamila thanked him and dabbed her eyes dry. When she started to smooth down her hair, Jordan laughed out loud causing her to freeze self-consciously.

"What? Is my makeup smudged?"

"No, it's just that Alex always smooths her hair like that when she's nervous or worked up and now I know where she gets it from."

Pamila playfully patted the back of Jordan's hand. She then got up from her chair to give him a hug. When she sat back down, Jordan began to speak again, "So, I don't think I need to tell you that you'll eventually need to have a talk with Alex. She really misses you."

Her heart lifted some knowing her daughter didn't hate her as much as she'd thought or deserved. "Maybe you can be a bridge for us, Jordan. But if I need to do this on my own, I won't be upset."

"Are you sure? You won't pay Kitchen Kitty to spread rumors about me?"

"No! I'm finished with all that. I'll leave that to the Damiens of the world!"

"Too soon, Ms. Montgomery." Jordan retorted flatly and she nodded in understanding.

Getting up and walking to the door, she called the others back in, thanking them for allowing her time with Jordan. When Alex walked by, she gently touched Alex's arm. "Alexandra? I know it's not a good time right now, but if you need anything I'm here."

Alex stopped and turned towards her mother, looking skeptical.

"Also, I was very wrong about Jordan. Take good care of one another, Alex. He's the real deal." Pamila's vision became slightly blurry when Alex nearly leaped forward throwing her arms around Pamila's neck. Her tears threatened to spill over but she fought to maintain her composure.

She had been making a lot of mistakes, lately, but it was time to get things back on track. Returning Alex's embrace, her voice cracked as she cried, "I love you, honey. I'm so sorry!"

The two separated when Vince walked into the room, "Hey Jordan. Glad to see you up, man. I'm going to take a quick break, but Charles is keeping guard at the door, while I'm out."

"Sounds good, but I think you more than earned some time off, Vince. Why don't you head home and get some rest? I insist," Jordan said, earnestly.

"With all due respect, I wouldn't have been working overnight if you weren't so hard headed...sir. I told you to let me get a look at the situation, first, when we were pulling up to your house, last night. You didn't even let me put the car in park before jumping out and running for the door. I've never had a man go down, before you, and I'm not happy about it. You really scared us all."

"Vince, are you getting soft on me, bro?" Jordan said, causing Vince to go red in the face.

"I'll be back at my post in ten," Vince said, walking out of the room.

"Come see this, ya'll!" Jordan's dad called out. They all gathered around Jordan's bed facing the flat screen mounted to the opposite wall. Access Entertainment was on and the headline read, 'Midnight Sun's Man Down!'. The room was silent as they all focused on the report:

"Our sources have updated us on the details related to the recent sighting of emergency and police vehicles leaving the home of blockbuster 'Midnight Sun's' leading man, Jordan W., yesterday evening. He was supposed to make an appearance on Late Night LA, but an insider on the show informed us that his manager canceled the gig, stating his absence was due to a medical emergency. 911 calls, placed by several neighbors, all mention the sound of gunshots being fired. LA police have now informed us that a Darcy Brielle LaRowe has been taken into custody for questioning and that they could not release any further information on the matter since the investigation was still ongoing.

We have, however, learned that Darcy was a well-liked production intern on the set of Jordan's hit show, "D.C. Undercover", and that she was especially fond of both Jordan and his girlfriend, actress Alexandra Montgomery. Darcy is currently the only suspect in this case and may be faces charges of manslaughter, attempted murder, and reckless endangerment. We're praying that Jordan is alright. For more, as this story develops, stay tuned for a special edition of 'Cooking It Up With Kitty'. I'm Jessica Michaels and this concludes your hour of Access Entertainment."

Alex took the remote from Jordan and turned the television off. "We know what happened. I don't need to watch Kitty speculating and guessing all over the place."

"Should we get in touch with the team and release a statement?" Mr. W. asked.

"Not yet. You know I like to let things die down a bit, so we can address most of what's out there all at once. I'll figure something out when I get out of here. When will that be, by the way?"

Mrs. W. responded, "The doctors say the wound needs to be closely monitored, but you should be out in another two days."

"It's settled then," Jordan said. "We'll call a press conference in two days."