Hopefully all is explained in this chapter and will put everyone at ease. Also, things will start turning around very soon and getting much happier as there's actually not all that much left of this story. There will be a final story though without question. Ok, enjoy this next chapter.
Chapter Eight:
Kermit looked at Rowlf and Wanda helplessly as they clung to each other. Then suddenly Wanda ripped herself out of Rowlf’s arms.
“Rowlf! What if, oh my gosh, what if there’s a chance that we’re, gulp, siblings?” asked Wanda in horror.
“Um, gee, I didn’t think of that, but I don’t know. I am in shock,” said Rowlf at a loss for words.
“Guys, you need to get the whole story, obviously this was kept a secret from both of you for years. You need to find out what really happened before you get panicked,” said Kermit.
“You’re right Kermit, you’re always right. Come on Wanda, let’s go talk to my mom, she’s right here, then we’ll get some things straightened out,” said Rowlf.
“That’s fine, let’s go,” said Wanda.
They wearily made their way up to Rowlf’s room where Felicia had holed herself up with Rowlf’s brothers.
“Can we come in?” asked Rowlf stopping in the doorway.
“It’s your room,” said Felicia softly.
“Both of us?” asked Wanda tentatively.
“Oh honey, yes, I’m sorry I blew up down there. I hold no anger towards you,” said Felicia beckoning them both to come in.
“Mom, what’s the story? Why did Dad really leave us?” asked Rowlf.
“I never thought I’d have to tell you boys this but I guess there is no avoiding it now,” said Felicia.
“It’s ok Mom, take your time,” said Rex. Rowlf’s brothers were equally confused as to what was going on. They had always just assumed their dad left because he was a deadbeat and didn’t really love their mom.
“Your father and I had a wonderful relationship in the beginning; otherwise we wouldn’t have had you boys. But, things changed, he strayed away from me and he ended up having an affair with that cat. That’s why he left,” said Felicia.
“Um, is that why my mom left too?” asked Wanda.
“Yes honey, it is,” said Felicia.
“So then that means there’s no chance that we’re related?” asked Rowlf tenatively.
“Nope, this happened after all of you were born,” said Felicia.
“So they ran away together?” asked Wanda.
“Yes. I was so angry with your mother not only for what she did to my family but also for leaving you behind. But, I always kept a close eye on you, it wasn't your fault. I want you to know, I really do care about you and I didn’t mean what I said. I want you to marry my son, you’re a beautiful young lady and there is no reason the two of you shouldn’t be together. But please understand, I haven’t seen your mother for years, so this is very hard for me,” said Felicia.
“I just can’t believe it,” said Wanda.
They were all silent for a little bit.
“Rowlf? Are you guys still going to get married?” asked Moe breaking the silence.
Rowlf looked at Wanda. Without saying a word he knew the answer right away.
“Of course we are. This is just another bump in what has been a long and bumpy road. But we still are in this together,” said Rowlf.
“I do think I need to talk to my mom though. I know what she did was horrible, but she’s still my mother,” said Wanda.
“Well, I think you should talk to her too. And it’s not entirely her fault. My ex is just as much to blame,” said Felicia.
“Thanks Mom,” said Rowlf.
“Thanks Felicia,” said Wanda.
“Oh sweetie, you can call me mom if you want to,” said Felicia.
“Ok, thanks…mom,” said Wanda choking back tears.
Felicia came over and embraced her soon to be daughter-in-law followed by her son.
“Come on, let’s go find your mother before she skips town,” said Rowlf.
“Ok,” said Wanda.
They stepped out of the room to find the entire Muppet clan camped out having attempted to listen in.
“It’s ok everyone,” said Wanda not even blinking an eye. She was used to this crowd now.
“We’re still getting married,” said Rowlf. They were met by cheers.
“Oh good so you’re not related then!” exclaimed Fozzie.
“Why would they be related Uncle Kermit?” asked Robin.
“Um, that’s a story I’ll tell you when you’re older,” said Kermit.
“So I’m still going to be a ring bearer?” asked Robin.
“Sure are,” said Kermit.
“Yippee!” exclaimed Robin as Kermit sighed with relief that he wouldn’t have to explain the complex situation to his nephew.
Rowlf and Wanda quietly excused themselves and hurried to find Marie at the Fuzzy Feet Hotel.
They didn’t even get that far, they found her at the bus stop right near the boarding house.
“I know, you probably hate me,” said Marie.
“I don’t hate you,” said Wanda.
“Did she tell you the story?” asked Marie obviously referring to Felicia.
“Yes she did,” said Wanda.
“Well, I’m certainly not going to try and tell you a different story. What she said is all true. I left you to be with your fiancé’s father. It was wrong and we both knew it but I did it anyway,” said Marie.
“Well, I appreciate your honesty,” said Wanda.
“I don’t know if you’ll believe me or not, but I can tell you there is nothing in this life that I regret more than breaking up your family Rowlf and leaving you behind Wanda,” said Marie with tears in her eyes.
“I think I can believe you because you’re here now. If you didn't care you wouldn't have come all this way after all this time,” said Wanda sitting down next to her mother.
“Um, did my father feel the same way?” asked Rowlf. He had no recollection of his father at all.
“Yes, every day, he never let me forget it,” said Marie.
“So what happened to him?” asked Rowlf.
“Your mother didn’t tell you?” asked Marie.
“No, she didn’t really mention a whole lot about him,” said Rowlf.
“He died of cancer about three years after we ran off. I had to inform your mother who did come to his funeral. I’m so sorry Rowlf, I know you never really had a chance to know him,” said Marie.
Rowlf was quiet. Cancer. It all made sense now. Moe’s cancer ended up being somewhat genetic.
“Oh, I should’ve let your mother tell you that, I’m sorry,” said Marie again.
“It’s not that Mom. Rowlf’s brother had cancer last year,” said Wanda sensing why her fiancé was so quiet.
“Oh, I’m sorry to hear that,” said Marie.
“Well, it just would’ve been nice to know that when my brother was going through it,” said Rowlf.
“Your mom should’ve told you that,” said Wanda.
“Both Felicia and I are guilty of the what we should have dones. You kids don’t deserve that,” said Marie.
“I think we all just need to start over,” said Wanda.
“Do you think that is possible?” asked Rowlf.
“It would all depend on whether or not Felicia would agree to see me. I think her and I need to talk, try to come to an understanding. After all, our kids are getting married,” said Marie.
“You’re still going to come to the wedding?” asked Wanda breaking out into a smile.
“If you’ll have me,” said Marie.
“Yes, I’ll have you. But still know it’s going to take a very long time before I will be able to fully trust you. But the past is the past and I think we all need to move on,” said Wanda.
“I’ll talk to my mom, she’s already starting to soften a bit,” said Rowlf.
“Well, I’ll go see if I can get my room back at the hotel. I think it would be best if I remained there during my stay,” said Marie standing up.
“We’ll call you tonight after we talk with Felicia,” said Wanda.
“Thanks,” said Marie and turned to leave.
Rowlf and Wanda collapsed onto the bench.
“Whew. What a day this has been,” said Wanda.
“This has definitely been a case of what else can go wrong,” said Rowlf.
“Don’t say that, it could still get worse,” said Wanda.
“Come here,” said Rowlf opening his arms and Wanda accepted his embrace. With everything that had just happened she still felt like the luckiest cat in the world.
“All right, let’s go talk to Mom number one,” said Wanda. Rowlf chuckled and they headed back to the boarding house.