6.41 Uncertain

Ellen just sat circled up on the bed wondering what she should do. She loved Art but when he yelled at her over the use of the pill, it concerned her a great deal. 

Ellen like most young girls wanted a family but Ellen wanted to get to know Art and then maybe move in together, yes marriage would be nice but it wasn’t essential not for Ellen anyway. When Art insisted that he’d made his commitment by bonding with her that didn’t sit well.

Ellen wasn’t questioning how she felt about Art but was now questioning the way he was treating her. Ellen had to admit there were times she loved his dominant side and there were other times she hated it like now. A few questions that sprung to mind were why wouldn’t he let her go with him to babysit the twins? Why could they only have sex when he wanted it? Why was he expecting her to dress a certain way and finally the one that she was most uncomfortable with was, why didn’t he want her on the pill? 

Ellen wanted to be a Mum one day but not yet and if she fell pregnant now, would he even stick around at this stage or was it a case of I got you pregnant, now deal with it. This was the type of guys she knew from back home and she didn’t like this side of him.

Ellen felt alone and isolated because apart from a few brief meeting with his father William and his girlfriend Victoria it felt like Art was trying to keep her away from his family and she really needed to talk to someone before this all became too much.

Ellen jumped when there was a knock at the door, she slowly walked over towards the door, took a deep breath then opened it. 

She was surprised to see a lady standing there and said, “Hi can I help you?” Dawn smiled and re-introduced herself and watched Ellen step aside to let her in.

“Ellen, are you alright because you seem preoccupied?” Ellen fell back in the chair and said almost in a whisper, “I’m fine…” then she stopped before the tears started. Dawn kept looking at her and replied, “We were concerned about you because every time we ask after you, Art says you are busy. It’s just we are used to seeing all the other girlfriends but we don’t see you.”

“I’m ok.” Dawn wasn’t buying the speech with a fake happy tone that was too obvious. “Ellen if something is bothering you, well you can talk to me.”

“I can’t because you are Art’s step-grandmother…”

“True but I can see you are upset so talk to me, please.” Ellen knew she needed to open up so decided to take a chance, “I’m thinking of leaving Art…” Dawn was stunned and asked carefully, “Why?” Ellen was trying to find the words and just blurted them out, “At first I thought if I didn’t do what he wanted he’d leave me. What I mean by that was when he asked me to pick somewhere to go on a date, I’d just say you pick because I thought he wouldn’t like what I wanted to do. I mean I’d hurt him when we first met, I just thought he would leave me, stupid right?” Dawn went to say something but Ellen continued without taking a breather, “Then he says things like, I want you now and I don’t argue, I just let him have me even if I don’t want it but he is getting worse. He wouldn’t let me babysit with him. He wanted me to cook different food even though I was already cooking. I’m changing my clothes to suit his needs and wants and now he refuses to let me on the pill saying nature must take its course and I should be grateful as he’s shown his commitment by this bonding.”

“Stop,” Dawn shouted. Ellen went quiet again and it was now Dawn’s turn to speak, “Are you telling me he is controlling you and you don’t want him too?”

“I liked it at first…”

“Did you ever discuss this?” Ellen shook her head.

“First of all, the pill is your choice and not his. It does sound like Art is taking this control thing too far and I have to ask but has he hit you?”

“No.”

“Have you refused sex by saying no and Art force himself on you anyway?” Ellen shook her head again and said, “I don’t say anything, what does that count as?” Dawn was taken aback and said, “Ellen, I think you and Art need to talk. Plus I want to kill him for making you feel like this especially about the pill. However you do need to let your voice be heard and be honest with him and then if he continues to behave like this then you know he is wrong and then you can leave knowing you did everything you could.”

Dawn left but not before telling Ellen that she could come to the house anytime if she wanted to talk.

Ellen had packed a few bags and rang her Dad saying she wanted to come and visit. When Sam asked if Art was coming with her, Ellen didn’t respond so Sam didn’t push things over the phone.

Art walked in and saw the bags and asked, “Where are you going?” Ellen just stood there and said, “I need to put space between us.” Art lost his temper, “Space…everything is fine with us and you are not leaving.”

“Art please, I’m not leaving you but I need space to think things over.”

“Like what?”

“Why won’t you like me go on the pill?” Art yelled, “I have my reasons…” 

Ellen was terrified of speaking up but pushed through her anxiety and replied, “What are your reasons then?”

“You are human and not a vampire like me,” Ellen was stunned but listened to Art, “If by the time we want a baby it may be too late and then I’ll never be a father.” Ellen had to ask, “Where has this come from?”

“My parents had tried for years and when my Mum had a test she was told no kids. They were devastated but by some miracle they finally found out they were expecting me. So I decided a long time ago no pill for the girl I date.”

“You can’t force a baby on us just because of what happened with your parents.” Art couldn’t understand why Ellen was upset and said firmly, “You aren’t leaving so go and unpack those bags.” 

Ellen tried to walk past Art but he pinned her to wall, “I said you aren’t going anywhere. I am not having another female leave me.” In tears Ellen begged, “Please don’t be like this…” 

Art responded by kissing her and said, “I know you like this and if I pushed you more you would be very willing when I took you to the bedroom.”

“Art you aren’t listening to me. Yes you are right if you pushed, I’d be very willing but I want to be able to have fun during sex but there is none. So please let me go and think about what I have said.” 

Art stepped back and just looked at Ellen as she ran from the apartment leaving her clothes behind.

6.40 I wish it was that easy

Dawn called up to Nathan to come down for breakfast, finally Dawn heard, “Coming Mum.” 

Nathan rolled out of bed and made his way to the bathroom and when he looked in the mirror he screamed. Daphne slowly made her way towards the bathroom and waited, while Dawn ran up the stairs and yelled at Daphne, “Why didn’t you go in there?” Daphne shook her head and replied, “You’ll see.” 

When Nathan walked out he had only a towel wrapped around him, Dawn looked visibly shocked while Daphne smiled and said, “I thought you were never going to make your teens. However go and have your hair cut, you look a mess.” Dawn panicked but Daphne told her this was normal. 

When they were alone Dawn asked, “Daphne are you ok?” Daphne just looked at her and replied, “I’m in limbo and I don’t know what to do.”

Dawn knew what she was talking about and asked with caution, “I’m a good listener if you need to talk and we both know what this is really about, Lawrence if I’m right?” Daphne glanced away and said quietly, “I need to talk to someone because Estevan has a blind spot where Lawrence is concerned.”

Nathan made his way to the arcade where he knew his Dad would be. When he saw his Dad he smiled and asked, “What do you think?”

“You need a haircut but it’s nice to see your a teenager.” Nathan sighed, “You and Gran must think alike because she said that about my hair.” Estevan laughed, “Was your Mum ok, when she saw you?”

“She freaked out but Gran told her it was normal. They started talking about other stuff so I quickly left to see you.” Estevan asked with concern, “How was your Gran this morning?”

“She had a brief smile when she saw me, but it quickly disappeared and then she looked miserable again. Dad I know it’s none of my business but I think she needs to see Lawrence.” Estevan yelled, “You are right it’s none of your business, he is not allowed anywhere near my Mum, do you understand?”

Nathan bit back as he replied, “No I don’t. You say a bond is an important part of being a vampire and that it means something but you would rather Gran be miserable and watch her die piece by piece because for your own reasons you don’t like him?”

“Enough! Now do as your Gran suggested and get that damn haircut.” 

Nathan stormed out the arcade angry at his Dad. He barged past Blair and when Blair realised who it was that knocked into him; he knew Estevan had told him off for something.

After Dawn had called Teddy all three woman were in the living room and both Dawn and Teddy were on the edge of their seats waiting to hear Daphne’s side to the story. “Maybe it’s a mistake telling you girls…” Teddy got in before Dawn did and firmly said, “Spill, we want to hear it from your side. Estevan and Blair have told us what they think they know but we want your version.”

Daphne sighed and thought for a minute or two then started her story, “When I first saw him, I had thoughts that no young woman should have…” Dawn interrupted eagerly, “You wanted to go to bed with him, right?” Daphne glanced in Dawn’s direction and replied, “Well he had no shirt on and…well you know the rest. Anyway I fell for him quickly and when he asked me to marry him I didn’t even have to think, I just said yes. When I got beaten up I thought it was odd because it was a total personality change for Lawrence as he was a gentleman but because he’d never said he was a twin, I believed it was my fiancé. Even when I look back I was fighting all intuition that said something wasn’t right but like a stupid fool I listened to Elvira when she said leave him. To think she knew all this time he was a twin, she knew of James. I was so gullible. Now after all this time I know the truth and have condemned the man I love to a life of hell.”

Teddy spoke up, “Take him back.” 

Daphne glanced down to the floor and quietly said, “It’s not that easy.”

Dawn firmly said, “Yes it is. If what you say is true then up and till the bond was broken; he was a good guy right?”

“Yes but…” Dawn fired back, “If he would do anything for you then he will atone for his sins but what I don’t understand is… if the bond was broken what effect did it have on you?” 

Daphne looked at them both then said, “I grew slightly older plus my hair can’t grow beyond this length. I got off lightly compared to Lawrence. Estevan refuses to talk about Lawrence. Blair wants me to be happy. Ironic but I thought anyone to have an opinion about Lawrence it would have been Blair.”

Teddy added, “Blair is trying to go with Estevan’s wishes. He was hoping Estevan would calm down and see things clearly but it doesn’t look that way right now.”

Daphne looked sad, “This is why I’m stuck because I know Estevan would get on with the real Lawrence. I just don’t want to lose Estevan again but I miss Lawrence so much.” Dawn and Teddy looked at each other; then Teddy said, “You won’t lose Estevan but you do need to speak to him.” Dawn added, “I can’t imagine how hard it is for you right now. I mean you were in love and thought he hurt you and then after all these years you find out it wasn’t him after all. Do you think he can atone for what he’s done since the bond broke?” 

Daphne looked at them and replied, “It will be a long road but I believe he can. The problem is regardless what he is done since the bond break; I broke it when he was a good man so I have to restore the bond. Then he will be able to show everyone the real him. I just wish my own son would understand.” Dawn looked at Daphne and said, “Then make him understand.”

Daphne sighed, “I wish it was that easy.”

6.28 Going forward

Estevan and Dawn were still fighting, “That’s it then end of discussion,” Estevan spat. Dawn yelled back, “Yes.” She went to open the bedroom door but Estevan slammed the door, “Don’t walk away from me.”

“I’m not but I’m tired of having this argument and we have to be at Blair and Teddy’s shortly.” Estevan was losing his temper, “Stuff the party after all they are family.”

“Estevan you are being unreasonable.”

“Wanting another baby is being unreasonable, to have sex with my wife who I adore and want to have this baby with is being unreasonable…?” 

Dawn was starting to cry when Estevan wiped away the tear. “What are your real reasons for saying no Dawn?” She looked at him and replied, “I couldn’t protect Nathan when that woman came after us, if it wasn’t for your Mum and Lexy we’d be dead.”

“Oh Dawn why didn’t you tell me this before? We could have avoided the arguments.”

“I see myself as a bad mother who couldn’t protect her child.” Estevan lifted her face so they had eye contact, “Do you want another baby with me?” Almost in a whisper Dawn replied, “Yes I do.”

“Then we will see the doctor in the morning. Now are you ok meeting Katherine?” Dawn hesitated then said, “If you say she can be trusted then that is good enough for me.” 

Suddenly there was a knock on the bedroom door but Estevan and Dawn were locked in a passionate kiss when they heard through the door, “Gran make them stop, they’re kissing again.”

Harmony was checking herself over in the mirror when Ty came up behind her and said, “You look beautiful tonight. Have you told your parents yet?”

“I can’t steal tonight from my sister, we will tell them tomorrow.” 

Ty turned Harmony around and kissed her gently on the lips.” 

As Ty went to walk out of the bedroom Katherine walked in, “How does this look?” Harmony smiled, “You look fantastic and I love your hair,” Harmony could see the fear in Katherine and asked, “What’s up?”

“Will the family like me?” Harmony sighed as she wasn’t sure what to say but said, “I don’t know but remember your mother hurt a lot of people but I think when they get to know you then you’ll be fine.”

When Katherine walked out of the room with Harmony, Daphne was waiting but David stopped her before she could speak, “It’s nice to finally meet my granddaughter, this is your step grandmother Daphne.” Katherine looked nervous at meeting Daphne and shakily said, “Hi.” Daphne studied her for a moment then answered, “You have no idea how to use your vampire powers do you?”

“Umm no miss I don’t.” Daphne raised her eyebrow at her and said firmly, “Its Gran to you same as the others. Ever hunted before?”

“No just fed from others,” Daphne shook her head and said, “After tonight we will have a lot to do.” 

Suddenly they heard, “You can’t teach her because she is part of that bitch.” 

When Daphne turned around she saw William but before she could say anything David raised his voice, “Enough,” he opened the door to the gym and ordered William to get in there and when Blake walked in the door before he opened his mouth he was told to get in this room and slammed the door shut. 

Blair quickly made his way to the bar and Estevan asked if he was ok. Blair said shakily, “I’m just glad I’m not in that room.” Katherine had to ask, “Why aren’t they tearing Granddad apart?”

“He maybe human but NEVER piss him off because he’s scary,” 

Katherine looked shocked, “You’re scared of your Dad?” Blair just looked at her which spoke volumes. 

Nathan tried to bug his uncle, “Uncle Blair, please can we shoot some hoops?” Blair shook his head, “Not tonight but if you are allowed over tomorrow then we can.” He turned to his Mum and said with excitement, “Mum I’m staying here tonight,” 

Dawn was going to protest but she felt Estevan touch her arms and whisper, “We can be together tonight.” Dawn turned to Estevan and kissed him. Estevan and Dawn chatted with Katherine for a while when Dawn finally asked, “You seem distracted?” 

Katherine turned her attention back to Dawn and said, “I thought Guy would be here but I guess he’s not coming.” Estevan looked at her and said, “If he said he would be here then he will be.”

Art finally showed up with Ellen and walked straight up to Katherine and said, “Hi I’m Art and this is my girlfriend Ellen. “You must be Uncle Estevan’s grandson and…sorry I don’t remember…”

“My Dad is William,” then the door opened and out walked William and Blake looking very upset. David came out behind them and pushed them forward. When they got to Katherine, William said, “Sorry for my outburst I shouldn’t think you’re like her.”

“Me too, I’m sorry Katherine.” She smiled, “I get this a lot when people know who my mother was but I’m glad she has gone.” 

When the door opened Katherine glanced up but it was Draco walking in looking sad. Teddy went up to him and asked, “Are you ok?” Draco shook his head and quietly replied, “She won’t speak to me, and she said I could ring her but wouldn’t answer the phone.” Teddy wasn’t sure how to advise him other than, “Give her time.” 

William noticed Katherine was just looking out of the window so he approached her and asked, “Are you ok?” She looked at him and replied, “I was just thinking how I fit in? I mean I wasn’t educated, I was made to sleep with men and the one person who believed in me and helped me isn’t here.”

“I’m sure they will be here soon but your education, if you need anything and I can’t believe I’m doing this but I’ll help where I can.” 

Katherine was about to answer when she heard, “Sorry I’m late. You look great and I see the bruises are gone.” Katherine’s face lit up as she replied, “Harmony helped with the clothes and hairstyle, I just hope it grows more.” She introduced William as her cousin to Guy and it warmed his heart to see her so happy. He excused himself for a moment and went straight for Draco.

“Do you know a red head by the name of Torri?” Draco was intrigued, “Yes why?”

“I was taking a look at the bar I will be working in and as I was leaving this girl was losing her temper at any man that tried to go near her including bar staff and they were only asking what she wanted to drink.” Blair came over and said, “I’ll go and sort this out.” Draco stopped his Dad and firmly said, “I want to do this and besides it means I get to talk to her.”

Guy told him which bar it was and Draco promptly left.

Philippe was at the door and said, “I don’t know what is wrong but she isn’t in the best of moods. She is down in the club part.” Draco demanded the keys from Philippe and told him to leave. Draco locked the door behind him and made his way to the basement. 

Once he was inside the club he heard Torri in the bathroom so he quickly made his way to the office and cut the power to the lifts and waited. 

Torri came out the bathroom and saw the club was empty and said, “Philippe must be waiting upstairs.” She pushed the button to the lift but nothing happened so Torri quickly pressed the button over and over and shouted, “I’m still here so can you switch the lift back on please.” She heard a door open and a voice say, “I won’t turn the lift back on until you hear me out.”

Torri still facing the lift said, “I’m not turning around so say what you have to say then let me leave.”

“Ok, first of all Kerri and I are not together. Second I lied to you, this is hard…when she wanted me to hurt you I said I didn’t love you, well the truth is I do love you and I’m sorry.” Torri kept her composer and said, “Is that it?” Draco nodded but with Torri’s back to him he replied, “Yes.” Still looking away she said firmly, “You hurt me by the way you treated me, always jealous when other men looked at me but I only ever wanted you. I told you I loved you so many times but you never told me how you felt until now. So you expect me to say ok and fall into your arms and live happily ever after?”

“I love you,” played over and over in his head when suddenly he snapped at Torri but remembering to keep his distance, “Here is the truth I love you there I said it again but how can you stand there and say that you love me when you said yes to another man?” 

Torri was stunned that he’d been told and started to crumble, “You treated me like I was your property and would never talk to me. You didn’t trust me and after that night I was so upset at you. All I ever wanted was you to ask me but you didn’t or say I love you so yes when I heard this man propose I stupidly accepted and look where that got me, even more miserable than you could make me.”

“Yeah well…it hurts to think you gave up on me so easily when all I could think of was you. It took all my strength to stop Elvira hurting you and getting her revenge. However this doesn’t change the fact that I hurt you and I am really sorry.” 

Torri finally turned to face him but gasped in shock, “You…your facial hair…your clothes…your eyes.” Torri shut up and quickly said, “I need to go.” Draco could sense she was lying and replied, “You want to stay and not go.” Torri protested and Draco put her to the test. He went to the office and switched the lift back on but by the time he came back she was gone.

In the morning the whole house was woken by loud noises and when Blair investigated he found Draco in a foul mood, “Things didn’t go to plan last night?”

“What makes you say that?” 

Blair stared at him and said, “Your mood for one.” At the top of his voice he yelled, “Yeah well Elvira has ruined everything and Torri didn’t believe me.” Blair wanted to tell him he’d be ok but the mood Draco was in, it would fall on deaf ears so he left.

Draco was still stomping round his room packing his things to travel back to Monte Vista when his door opened, as he turned he yelled, “What now?” Torri just stood there in shock as Draco changed and softly said, “Torri I thought you didn’t want to see me?” Torri stepped forward closing the door and replied, “I needed to think and I came to say I accept your apology and I’m sorry too.” 

Draco looked confused and asked, “Why are you saying sorry?”

“Saying yes to another man when I still have feelings for you, not believing my instincts that there was something wrong.” Draco looked at her and said, “Can we start again?” Torri smiled, “I’d really like that but where are you going?”

“I enrolled at university in Monte Vista…” 

Torri was clearly upset, “That’s so far away plus I won’t be able to visit you.” Draco came closer and asked, “Why can’t you?” She looked at him and saw genuine concern and replied, “My uncle Lawrence lives there.” Draco closed his eyes for a moment as he cursed himself then replied, “I’ll have to come home often to see you then.” Torri smiled and as she gazed into his eyes and asked, “What are we?”

Draco ran his hand across her cheek and said softly, “I don’t want to play the field so will you be my girlfriend?”

“What about Kerri?” Draco didn’t take his eyes off her as he said, “The girlfriend I want is you.” Torri had tears running down her face as she said, “Yes.”