6.38 Torri hears the truth

When Torri opened the door to her uncle she just looked at him as he walked inside. 

For a few moments they did not speak but stare at each other when finally Lawrence spoke, “I think the truth is long overdue, don’t you?” Torri just stayed silent as she listened to what her uncle had to say.

“When you were little, I knew how much you loved your Dad so I started to lie to you. I know I was wrong but I was protecting you. As you are probably aware by now long before you were born your Dad ruined my life. He hit Daphne, my fiancee at the time and because she never knew we were twins, she honestly thought it was me and like a fool I let her go. Over the years I fooled myself into thinking your father could change and when he met your mother I thought he had. However the signs were all there that he’d never changed and because I didn’t do what was right back then, when he hit Daphne, your mother lost her life and you were huddled in the corner terrified and scared because you’d seen the whole thing.” 

Lawrence watched as Torri digested the information and then she replied, “Then why can’t I remember?”

“I compelled you to forget, I showed Draco that night because I don’t want you to see it and I know I have not been there for you. I thought by pushing you away that it would be safer than you knowing the truth.” 
Torri had mixed feelings about everything she had been told and yelled, “You treated me like a pawn in your game and when that man stripped me, yes you pulled him off me but you stared at me as if I was a piece of meat and showed me no compassion, yet you expect me to forgive you?” 

Lawrence sat there wondering what to say. Everything she had said to him was right and how could he convince otherwise.

“All I can ask is that you forgive me and I don’t expect the forgiveness straight away because I don’t deserve that. Although you should know that the man I was and I hope to be once more, would be the man you would be proud to call uncle.” 

Torri just stared at her uncle and asked, “Do you really love her?”

Lawrence glanced up at Torri and said, “If we are talking about Daphne then yes I love with all my heart and there is nothing I wouldn’t do for her. If and when the bond gets fixed you will see the real me. I can however sense that you feel uneasy being around me so I will leave you and hope that when you feel comfortable if ever you will come to me and accept me as your family once more.” 

Lawrence was almost at the door when he turned round and added, “Not all the family fortune disappeared, your inheritance is still intact but going by your mother’s wishes before she died you have to be married. The will was done in secret and your father never knew about it, the only other stipulation in that will, again from your mother was not only were you to be married but be very happy.”

Torri was now in shock and asked, “Can I see the will?” Lawrence wasn’t surprised that Torri didn’t believe him and said, “If you feel you need to see the will then I will not stop you. I am sure Blair has a solicitor that would tell you that the will is genuine.”

“Thank you and I also need to know have you had funeral for Dad?” Lawrence wasn’t surprised by the question and answered calmly, “No I have not had funeral for him, there is a part of me that will always love him after all he was my twin. I just don’t know whether it would be appropriate to have such a thing as a funeral for a man who caused so much pain and anguish not only to others but to his own family.”

Torri looked harshly at her uncle and said firmly, “Maybe I should hate him as well but he was my Dad. How can I not mourn him?” 

Lawrence shook his head and said, “If you want to mourn your Dad's passing then that is up to you, I won’t stop you but I will need to know within the next few days because I’m coming to the conclusion that I should just bury him and let him rot in hell with that bitch.” Torri fidgeted as she looked at the floor and said quietly, “I will let you know by tomorrow what my decision is. Now if you’ll excuse me I have things to do.” Lawrence nodded then turned and walked out the door.

An hour later Draco came over to see how Torri was and he could see how upset the meeting had gone and asked, “Do you want to talk about it?” Torri shook her head and as the tears rolled down her face she finally said, “I know everyone hates my Dad and I understand that but I’m not sure how I’m supposed to feel, if I mourn him everyone will hate me and if I hate him everyone will like me. What am I supposed to do?” Draco held her not knowing what to say but had an idea who would.

When Blair arrived Torri looked puzzled and asked, “Why is your Dad here?” Draco looked at her sweetly and said, “I know it sounds strange but I think my Dad would be the best person to speak to on this.” Blair wasn’t sure if he could help but he was trying to keep an open mind and asked Torri to explain what was going on. After she had explained the situation about her Dad and Uncle Lawrence she waited to hear what Blair had to say. 

Blair took a deep breath and said calmly, “Everyone does hate your Dad on that part you are right. However you saw him differently to everyone else and no one will blame you for that. I mean to this town when I was a boy everyone thought my Mum was a wonderful person but in reality behind closed doors she wasn’t nice and I wish she had been because maybe we would have had that bond a mother and son should have had. My point being is that if you loved your Dad and you can find it in your heart to forgive him for what he did to your mother then we will respect your wishes wanting to mourn James.” 

Torri thought for a moment and said quietly, “Draco, did Uncle Lawrence really show you what happened to my mother?” Draco looked at the floor and almost in a whisper replied, “I saw the whole thing and all I will tell you is that you looked terrified so in answer to your question yes your father killed your mother and the worst part was after he was done he looked at you with the bloody knife in his hands and laughed. I honestly think after that incident that is when your uncle Lawrence decided to banish your Dad and start pushing you away.” 

Torri broke down and Draco hugged her as the tears kept coming and heard Torri say, “Then my father can rot in hell.”

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.”

6.34 Giving up on us

Draco saw the look that meant he was in trouble, “Lawrence!” 

Lawrence glared at them both, “I warned you no more than two days.”  

Lawrence started to walk away but Torri wanted answers and started to follow him. Lawrence knew she would and kept walking until they were a safe distance from the estate. 

When they were outside the home he once shared with Daphne he stopped and waited for Torri’s questions.

“What is this two day rule and don’t give me the, ‘It’s nothing crap.’?” 

Lawrence just stood there looking as if he was thinking of what to say.

“Uncle Lawrence, answer me!” Draco looked at Torri with amazement that she was standing up to him after all these years. “I’m still here and I want to know now.” 

Draco added, “We could go inside and talk about this in private.” Quickly they heard Lawrence say, “Not a good idea.”

“Why do you have a whore in there?” Lawrence looked angrily at his niece and firmly said, “What is it with people these days and the use of the word whore. I’ve heard it enough over the years but no more.” Torri went right up to him and asked, “Have you got a prostitute in there then?”

“No and I haven’t been with a prostitute since his Dad worked for me.” 

Draco shuddered at the thought of his Dad sleeping around, “Don’t bring my Dad into this.”

“Look I may run a brothel but I no longer sleep with them.” Draco glared at him as he pushed Lawrence and said harshly, “Really because you threatened to sleep with Katherine…”

“It was a threat more than anything. Look Elvira dumped her on me in exchange for her freedom. I couldn’t stand being around Elvira and the more I saw her, the angrier I became because she was a constant reminder of what I’d lost. Now do as I’ve asked Torri and go home.” Torri yelled, “No as I’m staying so deal with it, unless you have something you want to share!”

“Just go home…” Torri screamed at him, “I AM HOME!” 

Lawrence suddenly felt emotions he hadn’t felt in a long time and heard, “Torri you heard your Uncle go home.” When they all looked they saw Daphne standing there. No-one moved and Lawrence was in shock and speechless. Finally Torri broke the tension, “Daphne why are you here?” Daphne couldn’t look at Lawrence but in front of him asked, “Torri before you go home answer me two questions…” Torri was puzzled and looked at Draco then back at Daphne as she came closer, “What do you want to know.”
Daphne looking directly at Torri asked, “First question, would you lie and protect your uncle?” Torri without looking at Lawrence said, “He is family but I won’t lie for him, protect him, I don’t know. Why?” Daphne staying very calm but very nervous asked her second question, “What is your father’s name and what is he to your uncle?” Torri was even more confused but answered the question, “My father’s name was James Knight and he is Uncle Lawrence’s twin brother although you might not tell these days if he was still alive because Dad kept his looks and Uncle Lawrence let himself go.” Lawrence at that moment knew Torri had unknowingly backed the story he once tried to tell but condemned her own father. 

Daphne looked at Draco and said, “Pack your bags and go home immediately and don’t even think of arguing with me. Do you understand?” Draco nodded and quickly left with Torri and all you could hear was Torri say, “What is going on?”

“Hun I don’t want to stick around and find out because Gran looks pissed.”

Daphne still couldn’t look at Lawrence and the silence was unmistakable until Lawrence finally said, “We could go inside and talk.” Daphne’s head was racing and she couldn’t think straight. “Don’t you dare try anything, do you understand?”

“Yes.” Lawrence held the door open for her and shut the door once they were both inside. 

Daphne smiled when she saw the picture and heard Lawrence say, “That was a great evening at our friend’s party.” Daphne remembered that was the night Lawrence gifted her, the necklace as a promise of love.

“This was also the home that has bad memories,” she trailed off trying to compose herself; Lawrence wanted to hold her but held back. “It’s where you gave up on us.” 

Daphne finally turned to face him and yelled, “Gave up…you should have told me about James being your twin at the beginning of our courtship…” Everything began to spill out during the argument, 

“Yes I should have said from the beginning but look at me! You take your love away and look what happened.” 
“From what I’ve heard you haven’t been exactly lonely…” 

Lawrence fired back, “You had a child with another man, you reduced yourself to the label of mistress,” he didn’t get to finish as Daphne slapped him. Instead of firing back he rubbed his cheek and said, “That’s what I’ve missed for 170 years, your touch.” Daphne was shocked by the statement and said, “I have to go. I understand my husband came to see you?” 

Lawrence hated that word husband but stayed as calm as he could, “He did come and see me. Once he’s gone make no mistake my darling Daphne but I will win you back.” Daphne looked into his eyes and said, “It’s too late for that. You run brothels, deal in drugs and who knows what else.” 

Lawrence grabbed her arm just inches from her lips and said firmly but sweetly, “I haven’t slept with anyone for about 50 years because I suddenly realised the one that gives me what I want is you. As for my businesses I will give them all up for you.” Daphne pulled her hand away but before she could walk away 

Lawrence was on his knees pleading with her, “Please take me back; you know I did no wrong. I want the real me back. You must understand that.” Daphne could feel her emotions letting go, wanting to say the one thing she longed to say but she was married now so put up a front of coldness and said instead, “Goodbye Lawrence.” 

As she made her way to the hallway tears were now coming down her face and Lawrence yelled after her, “You can’t leave this house, our home for a second time like this. Remember I’ve done nothing wrong but you will still leave the bond broken and condemn me for eternity for something I did not do?”

Daphne wouldn’t look back, “Lawrence please I can’t mend the bond because I am married to another, you know that…”

“What about when he has gone?” Daphne wouldn’t answer the question as she left the house once more. 

As she walked down the road the tears kept coming. She wanted to tell Lawrence even after all these years she still loved him. Seeing him after all this time broke her heart especially now she knew that she had broken their bond for nothing. 

Suddenly Daphne was grabbed from behind with a strong grip and heard the voice, “Hello again whore. Yes that’s right it is me the same man that caused all the bruises. Oh that’s right you thought it was your fiancé that did that to you but you thought wrong so little faith in the one you love. Now I’m afraid we have some unfinished business to attend to.” Daphne could feel her heart racing with panic. She wanted to tell Lawrence but it was too risky that his brother might find out. So Daphne sent a message to Estevan in the hopes that he would hear her frantic message.