6.37 Loss

Harmony and Ty were still arguing over the house they had been given by her parents when Blair walked in. 

Ty yelled, “Blair, I really think giving us the house is too much. So I am declining the offer. I would like to provide a home for us rather than you.” Blair wasn’t in the mood for confrontations and snapped, “Fine, you don’t want the house you ungrateful…” but Harmony stopped them before it got out of hand and asked, “Daddy what is wrong?” 

Blair looked at Harmony and asked, “Where is your mother?”

“Mum and Dawn are helping Lexy get things ready for the new baby.” Harmony then repeated her question, “Dad what is up?” Blair sat down not sure how to answer. 

Harmony could tell this wasn’t good then Blair answered, “My Dad died and he’s not coming back.” Ty looked at Harmony then at Blair and said, “Blair, I’m sorry and what I said earlier…” Blair interrupted him, “TJ, its fine. You have a right to want to build your home. I just wanted to do this for Harmony and I do understand your reasons but right now it is the furthest thing from my mind.”

Harmony asked, “How did this happen?” Blair didn’t look at her and said, “I need Draco and Katherine here so I can tell you all together.”

When they were all present at the house Blair filled them in. Teddy stayed quite as the children asked their questions and Draco was the first to ask, “So you are telling us my girlfriends Dad was alive but he killed Granddad and now he is dead too? Blair nodded and Draco fired off, “This is just great, how am I supposed to tell her?” Blair looked at Draco and replied, “You aren’t going to tell her anything as Lawrence is coming to tell Torri himself.” Katherine now saw the opportunity to ask, “So all this time the Lawrence we all know is because a bond was broken?” 

Blair sweetly looked at his daughter and said, “Yes but it doesn’t excuse what he did to you. He doesn’t even know you are my daughter yet but he will.” Harmony now asked, “Are we to welcome Lawrence into the family?”

“Good question but right now your gran is in mourning and because she is the head of the family we will go by her wishes. However do not mention Lawrence to her at the moment.” Katherine asked, “How is Gran?” Blair sighed looking at his wife then to each of the kids in turn and answered quietly, “Uncle Estevan took her home and the doctor was called, they have given her sleeping tablets to help her rest.”

“Teddy finally asked, “Where is Lawrence?”

“When he comes to see Torri that will be all and then he will leave. He is keeping his distance for now out of respect for Mum and Dad.” Teddy was now curious and asked more questions, “When you broke our bond you weren’t as bad as this so why is he?”

“It has been 170 years but can we talk about this later because I have to arrange a funeral again for my Dad.” Blair then left for his bedroom leaving everyone with more questions than answers.

Blake was just lying there in shock at the news of his granddad’s death when Lexy lay next to him and asked, “Blake is there anything I can do?” Blake didn’t look at her but answered, “Why did he have to die, he was the good guy.”

“I know I know…” Lexy went quiet after this as she didn’t know what to say and left their room but not before looking back. 

As she got to the stairs she felt a shooting pain through the stomach. She screamed for Blake and when he appeared she said, “You need to get me to the hospital.” 

When Lexy fell to the floor Blake picked her up and took her to their room, “Lexy, I’m getting the doctor to come here instead.”

William was just finishing his call to Blake, “Keep me posted on what the doctor says on Lexy’s condition but I have to go as Art has just walked in.” When Art heard his name he grunted at his Dad, “What have I done now?” 

William looked at his son and said calmly, “Art, I’m sorry for the way I acted the other night. I’m just worried about you and Ellen. However I need to tell you something. Dad came over not long ago and said that there was a fight when they tried to rescue gran and granddad got caught up in it and lost his life.”

Art was in shock at the news, “He was fine when I saw him the other day.” William looked sad at his son but said, “We are all in shock by the news and now Blake has phoned me to say that Lexy is in early labour. I need to be at Dad’s to help sort things out, can you look after the twins until Victoria gets back.” Art nodded and watched his Dad leave the house.

Daphne was just looking out the window when Estevan walked in, “Mum, you should still be asleep.” She didn’t turn around, “I can’t sleep, I’m so….oh I don’t know what I am, exactly.” Estevan didn’t know what to say and as he fidgeted Daphne said harshly, “Oh go and deal with something and leave me alone.”

Estevan stood his ground and said, “I’m not going anywhere, I’m your son and you need me so please don’t shut me out.” Daphne started to cry and Estevan quickly went over to her and hugged her. “Estevan your father was a good man, why, oh why did he try and play the damn hero.” 

Estevan holding back his tears said, “Because he loved you mum. Human or vampire you can’t blame him for that.”

“You know his illness had come back…” Estevan whispered, “He told Blair and me. Blair is arranging the funeral but we’d like your input.” Daphne wiped the tears away and replied, “I will help but I need to change first.”

A week later

After the funeral they arrived back at the house and Estevan asked, “Mum, were you ok with that?”

Daphne looked at her son and replied, “It was something your Dad said to me just before he died, he said he could make things right with me but not with Katherine so by laying him to rest next to her means it makes things right.” Estevan was curious and asked, “I can understand what you mean but Blair didn’t look happy. So do you think he is ok with this?” 

Blair had been listening to the conversation and asked, “Why don’t you ask me!”

Estevan turned round to see his brother just staring at him and said, “You are right I should have asked you but you seemed really upset that your parents are now buried together.”

“I am pissed off but Mum is right, Dad would be ok with this. If things had been different between my Mum and me maybe I would have been alright but I guess we’ll never know.”

Daphne looked at Blair and with tears running down her face she said, “I hope you know Blair that as far as I’m concerned you are just as much a son to me as Estevan is.” 

Blair held Daphne and replied sweetly, “As far as I’m concerned you have always been my Mum.”

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.”