Mariah’s really sorry she’s been ‘mean’ – this has been difficult for you. We’re where we’re meant to be, trust me on that. Dom wants to go home! We have to continue on this ‘path’, Mariah recites cult propaganda. We can never go home again – this is the way it has to be.
Mariah’s car’s been spotted again, which is closer than James expected. The feds are sending a car to pick them up at the airport. You’re ready to face Mariah, right? Yes – Sharon doesn’t want the police to swarm in – this is the only way. The foursome file off the jet.
Mariah tells Dom not to be scared – I’m here to keep you safe. We’ve had so much fun together the past few days – you MUST feel out connection. I’ll be the best Mom to you, she cries – we share a closeness you and Abby don’t. When you say you want to go back to her, it hurts. Dom? He’s asleep. I’m your Mommy – you’re my son, she whispers.
Back at CL’s, Daniel has a tricky question – what do you want to do when Mariah comes back to town? Tessa suggests they cross that bridge when they get to it. Mariah’s going to need a lot of support; she might go to prison.
I can do this – I can’t let him go. I don’t need Ian – I’ll follow the path, Mariah weeps to herself. I’m a good mother. Dom will forget about Abby when we get to Mexico. When the passenger opens, she assumes it’ Ian – you came.
When Sharon climbs into the passenger seat, Mariah’s surprised – Mom. What are you doing? Don’t be afraid – everything will be alright, Sharon reassures the turns to say Hi to Dom. Are my Mom and Dad here? he asks excitedly.
Mommy! Dom runs into Abby’s arms. You found me. Devon joins in on the side-of-the-road group hug. On the plane, Dom tells them that Mariah said they were playing Hide and Seek. We drove and drove – she said we were going to another country. Then she got mad and said I hurt her feelings. After more hugs, he takes his stuffed police dog. I had a dream about Papa. He must be watching over me from heaven.
Tessa thinks Mariah stands a good chance of going to prison. Devon calls to update that they found them; Mariah’s been taken into custody; Sharon’s with her and they should be returning to GC soon – you’ll be able to see your wife. Tessa hangs up and relays the call to Daniel, crying in his arms.
James drives, Sharon and Mariah are in the back seat. Once we get to the station, he’ll arrange for her return to GC – she’ll face kidnapping charges but will be treated with respect. Silent and depressed, Mariah leans her head on the window.
Sharon takes Mariah’s hand. I love you – nothing you ever do will change that. We’ll get you through this. I’m here to help, no matter what.
Tessa cares about Mariah, so much, and wants her to get well – but she can’t wait around for that. I need to let her go. For me, Aria, my sanity – I need to move on, she tells Daniel.
Dom’s glad to be flying home – no more cars. When I was in Mariah’s tummy she named me Bowie – I told her that’s not my name. Where did those men take her? She’s sick – they took her to see a doctor. Sharon found me, Dom declares her the Hide and Seek winner and gives his parents another hug.
In the back of James’ car, Mariah leans into Sharon’s shoulder, sobbing.
My Thoughts: Mariah MUST be out of her mind to think that taking a young child on an extended road trip would be ‘fun’. Kids usually need to use the bathroom or ask ‘are we there yet’ an hour into a car ride. And, I mean, how long can you play I Spy when driving along a deserted stretch of highway after dark? I spy with my little eye, something that is black. Oh, right – it’s the endless night sky. So, Mariah’s fun ‘journey’ went from Wisconsin, through Oklahoma, to New Mexico. Cool – that’s what? 20+ hours? And she wants to throw in Disneyland? I’m no expert on US geography, but I AM able to use Google maps – and that seems to be another 20-ish hours COMPLETELY out of the way. Why didn’t Mariah just get the poor kid a tablet with some games on it? Or a Nintendo Switch? If her singing is so God awful, why not turn on the radio? And how did she plan to get Dom across the border without his passport, ID (or cooperation)? Nice that a GC criminal is heading for the southern border this time…Per spoilers, the very unstable Patty Williams, who’s been gone since 2015, will be returning to GC soon (presumably with Ian)