Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

"Derek didn't spill. If he's got something to say, he'll say it," Derek said, nodding towards Gilbert with a tilt of his chin. "Game on?" "Let's do it."

...

Sure enough, there was trouble at the Yates place, but it wasn't the Elliotts stirring the pot this time it was the Fergusons, specifically Adela Ferguson.

When Yates arrived, Adela grabbed his hands in distress. "Yates, you've got to help me out here."

"Don't worry, Auntie," Yates assured her with a nod. "I'll do what I can."

"And where's Edgar?" he inquired.

"Upstairs in his study."

Adela led Yates upstairs, fretting all the way. "I just don't understand his stubbornness about studying abroad!"

Reaching the study, she knocked on the door.

"Edgar, it's Mom, and Yates' here too."

"Come in," came Edgar's clear voice from inside.

"Go ahead," Adela urged, pushing the door open to reveal a cluttered room. Edgar's books were scattered everywhere.

"What's going on?" Adela frowned. "Your cousin is here and there's not even a place for him to stay."

"It's okay." Yates said.

"Sorry, Yates," Edgar apologized with a smile. "Wasn't expecting you. I'm just sorting through things. Planning to take these books with me. They'd only gather dust here..." "Edgar!" Adela was immediately on edge. "Why are you so set on this?"

She turned to him, "I know the blind date with Yuna Martin went south but that's on the Martins, not you. You don't have to leave everything behind because of them."

"Mom," Edgar replied calmly after letting her finish, smiling slightly. "You think that's why I'm going?" Adela paused, confused. "Then why?"

"Mom," Edgar's voice grew serious his brow furrowing slightly. "I'm an adult. It. Kwant to control my own life, not have every move monitored and managed by you."

Adela was taken aback, not realizing her son's perspective. "What are you saying? I'm your mother. Everything I do is for your best interest." "Yates," Edgar turned to Yates, "See why I need to leave?"

"Edgar!" Adela's voice rose in agitation. "Bringing this up in front of Yates? I'm only trying to do what's best for you."

"For my best?" Edgar scoffed, his tone icy. "Is manipulating my love life and pushing someone you approve of on me really for my best?"

"You..." Adela was livid, her face

turning a shade of green. "Is this still about Sherilyn? I did what I felt was necessary. Are you going to judge me for that?"

"Wouldn't dare," Edgar retorted coldly. "Do as you please."

"Enough, Auntie!" Yates interjected, sensing the tension rising. "Didn't you ask me to come here to talk some sense into Edgar? Let me speak with him." "Auntie..." Adela's face was a mix of anger and pain as she patted Yates' hand. "I'm counting on you."

With a final glare at her son, Adela left the room, sighing heavily.

As the door shut, Edgar looked at Yates with a resigned smile. "Yates, save your breath. My mind's made up."

Seeing Edgar's determined look, Yates shook his head helplessly. "What if I told you Sherilyn and Gilbert broke up?"