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.”

6.7 William's Dilemma

William was looking at the gravestone of his late wife Heather feeling low and ashamed he could like another woman. 

Estevan came out of nowhere and sat next to him and said, “You know when I found out your mother died, I wanted to die with her even though we hadn’t seen each other in years. You and Blake were what kept me going for a long time. If it wasn’t for my sons encouragement I wouldn’t have Dawn in my life or Nathan. If it helps William you will never stop loving Heather but you can’t live with the guilt forever you need to move on. Victoria seems a very nice girl; don’t let your fear hold you back from asking her out.”

“Dad, everyone will think I never loved my wife…” Estevan turned to his son and replied, “No-one would think that, we all know how you felt about her but ask yourself what Heather would say?”

“Same as me, it’s time to move on but I haven’t been on a date in years…I mean have things changed?” 

Estevan laughed, “Not much, just find out what she likes or in our case cheat and read her mind.”

“Dad!”

“Dawn drove me nuts at one point so that’s how I found out her true feelings for me.”

“Thanks Dad.”

Victoria was in the garden with the twins when she saw William approach her, “How have they been?”

“They have been mischievous today but they have been alright for the last hour…” Suddenly Will felt a tug on his trousers and when he looked down it was Cole, “Daddy, Holly being mean to me.” 

Will picked him up and shouted to Holly, “Be nice to your brother.”

Cole shouted, “Daddy, do claw hand.” Will did as he was asked and Cole smiled as they played. 

Holly glanced for a moment then carried on playing. Victoria watched as William played with his son and asked, “You are a good Dad!”

“I had a good role model. I remember my Dad did things like this with me and Blake and I wouldn’t trade those memories for the world. My Dad wants the twins for the weekend as he wants to play Granddad so you have the weekend off.”

“Thank you but what will you do?”

“I’m having Nathan. Blake is coming over so it’s just the brothers having a good time.”

“Nathan isn’t much older than the twins...” Will interrupted her and replied, “He is my brother and Blake and I can teach him things that as a father I can’t teach the twins.” Victoria raised an eyebrow, “You mean teach him to annoy your Dad.” Will smiled at her without a reply.

All 3 brothers were lying on the living room floor when Blake asked, “We have the house to ourselves?”

“Yep, Art is on a date with Ellen and Victoria is out.” Blake had to ask, “Have you asked her out yet?”

“Nope now let’s play that game read minds.” Nathan asked, “What is that?”

Blake said, “It was a game we played with Dad but as we got older we just used to play it. It strengthens your mind powers so you can read other people and stay connected with the family but I didn’t listen at the time but thanks to Grandma and Dad I now can use my mind powers.”

Will then asked, “Nathan what object am I thinking of?”

Nathan thought for a moment and said, “Table.” Blake then asked, “What is Will thinking about as I try and block you then?”

“Victoria….”

Will sat up and asked, “Has Dad been teaching you?” Nathan giggled, “And Grandma.” Will and Blake then tried to confuse Nathan as they threw a variety of images then block them but Nathan kept getting every item correct.

Suddenly Nathan blurted out, “What is a virgin?” Blake and Will shouted together, “WHAT!”

“I’m playing the game.”

Blake asked before Will could, “Who’s mind are you reading bro because the only virgin here would be you?” Nathan looked puzzled as Will said, “Have you slept with a girl?” Nathan’s eyes widened with disgust, “Yuck no, girls are horrible.” They laughed at their brother and Nathan stood there arms folded, “I read Victoria’s mind, she is a virgin like me. She is in her room.” 

Will looked surprised then the door opened and there stood Victoria looking her best before leaving but Nathan didn’t hear the door as he was still angry at his brothers. He was still yelling at them when he blurted out, “Will, you like Victoria so why isn’t she your girlfriend. I know you want to kiss her.” Will went bright red and Blake gave that look Nathan knew all too well and when he finally turned around and saw Victoria all he could say was, “Whoops.”

Victoria left the room and ran for the door but Will got there before she could open it, “I’m really sorry, we were playing a game but we thought that the house was empty.” Victoria tried to look away and asked, “It’s true that you like me then?”

Will didn’t want to answer the question and said, “You look beautiful, going anywhere nice?”

“I’m going on a date,” but Victoria was secretly hoping that Will would protest and kiss her to convince her to stay but instead he opened the door and said, “Have a great evening.” She just looked at him for a moment then walked out the door and as Will closed the door he heard, “You fucking idiot, why didn’t you tell her that you liked her?”

“Blake, leave it. You wouldn’t understand…” Blake got right in his face and growled, “Try me!”

“There is the age gap…” Blake pushed him as he said, “That is a poor excuse, look at Blair and Teddy…ummm let me think 45 years minimum between them; then there is Dad and Dawn, almost 30 years between 
them.” 

Will pushed Blake back and said, “That is different.” A fight broke out and all the time Nathan watched. He wasn’t old enough to stop them so he contacted their Dad to stop the fight.

Suddenly they were being pulled apart by Estevan as he shouted, “ENOUGH!” He made them sit on the sofa side by side as if they were kids again and said firmly, “Explain yourself.”

“Blake started it…”

“No way, you did…you wouldn’t ask her out.”

“Shut the fuck up as I said it’s none of your business.” Estevan had heard enough and yelled, “Have you both finished?”

In unison they both said, “Sorry Dad.”

“William, I thought I told you to ask the girl out?”

“Nathan was the one that blabbed that I liked her while she was behind him then when she asked me I just avoided her question.”

“So Victoria knows and asked you if it was true and you changed the subject…” Blake interrupted his Dad, “She really likes Will and was hoping he’d kiss her so she didn’t have to go on this date. When the idiot here opened the door, she looked hurt.”

“William, don’t do this to yourself ask her out.”

“What if it didn’t work out the twins…” but Estevan stopped him before he could finish, “The twins would be fine. You are trying to over complicate things. Ask her out because at the end of the day there are only two answers she can give a no and a yes.” William sighed as he thought about what his Dad had said when they heard the front door open and footsteps running up the stairs. 

“Go and see if she is ok.” William looked at his Dad and smiled. Estevan left with Blake and Nathan while William walked upstairs to talk to Victoria.