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.”

6.37 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.”

6.32 Meeting the parent

Lexy was now bored waiting for the baby to arrive. When Blake walked in he took one look and said, “Our baby will be here soon.” 

Lexy looked at her husband and said, “Please tell our baby to hurry up.” Blake smiled and started to talk to her belly, “Mummy says you need to make an appearance, it would help me a lot too because then she won’t be so grumpy.”

“Blake!” He smiled at Lexy holding her tight and said, “I know you are bored of waiting but the baby will be here soon,” and then he grabbed her hand and insisted that she follow him. 

He sat her on the sofa and said, “Right I think movie night and pizza, what do you think?” Lexy snuggled into Blake and said, “Best thing I’ve heard all day.”

Art was nervous as he was about to meet Ellen’s father and Will asked, “Are you ok?” Art looked at his Dad and asked, “How do I get him to like me?”

“Be yourself.” 

When there was a knock at the door Will told Art to answer the door and went to see if Victoria was ready. “Why aren’t you ready?” She looked at him and replied, “I’m not Art’s mother and I don’t know what to say.” 

Will pulled Victoria close and said, “I understand you are nervous but I’m not asking you to play Mum, I want you there as my support. I want to make a good impression because it’s important to my son and Art wants you there as well.”

“He does?” Will smiled, “Art likes you and thinks that you are good for me. I know he hasn’t been around a lot to get to know you but tonight would be a good opportunity for you both.” Victoria kissed William and finished getting ready.

When they got downstairs Ellen jumped up and said happily, “Daddy this is Art’s Dad, William and his girlfriend Vicky.” William could see Victoria’s face when Ellen called her Vicky and interjected, “My girlfriend would prefer if you would use her full name Victoria.” He smiled as he took her hand and said, “It’s nice to meet you Victoria excuse my daughter’s enthusiasm. I’m Sam by the way.” Victoria smiled, “Nice to meet you too, Sam.” 

Will and Sam shook hands and Will asked, “Did my son offer you a drink?” Art rolled his eyes and thought, ‘Great start to this evening.’ 

Ellen walked with Victoria as they approached the dining area and said, “I’m sorry to have upset you.” Victoria glanced at her and replied, “Apology accepted, how are you and Art getting along?” Ellen beamed a smile and said, “Great, he arranges good places to go and he helped me get my new place.” Victoria sensed something was not right and asked, “Do you pick places to go?”

“I like what Art picks as its more fun.”

Harmony looked at her parents suddenly lost for words. She saw out the corner of her eye Ty giving her that look then suddenly Blair said, “Harmony what’s wrong?” She smiled at her Dad and replied, “Nothing is wrong I’m just nervous and I shouldn’t be. Ty and I wanted to tell you a few days ago but with the party for Katherine we decided to wait. Ty and I have set a date for our wedding. Twelve weeks from today.”

Teddy looked shocked, “Twelve weeks but that won’t be enough time…” Harmony firmly said, “Mum it will be because we want the wedding here at home.” 

Blair looked at them both and replied, “Move my furniture around…” but he didn’t get to finish as he heard through his thoughts, ‘You mean spirited man, your daughter wants her wedding here and all you care about is furniture.’ Blair knowing Teddy was right said, “If that is what you and Ty want then we will make it happen. Congratulations to you both.” 

Teddy hugged Ty and said, “You should have married a long time ago but it’s finally here.”

Blair suddenly announced, “Harmony when you were younger we bought a plot of land for you but when you got with TJ, I started building a home on it for you…” 

Harmony squealed with excitement thanking them both then dragged Ty off to look at the house.

In the kitchen Victoria was talking to William sounding concerned, “I like Ellen but I feel Art maybe controlling her.” 

William looked shocked and firmly said, “Art would never control his girlfriend,” before Victoria had a chance to say anything thing more William was back talking to Sam.

“How long are you here for?”

“A week or so but I’ll be back, hopefully.” 

As they continued their conversation he watched Art and Ellen together and heard, “Art sit down and I’ll get you a drink,” and as the night wore on he saw more of the same thing. 

He excused himself and asked Victoria to join him. “I’m sorry I snapped earlier but seeing it for myself is different. I haven’t brought Art up to be like this and Heather would not approve of his behaviour.” Victoria wrapped her arms around him and replied, “I thought you had a right to know.”

“I know and thank you for telling me.” 

William poked his ahead around the door and said, “Art a word now!”

William glared at Art and he asked, “Dad what is wrong?” William was angry and asked as calmly as he could, “Why didn’t you get your own drink or offer to get one for Ellen?”

Art stepped back and said, “She likes doing stuff for me. At first I thought it odd but I thought in the end what the hell and the sex…” 

William punched his son and yelled, “You are not Draco. Elvira isn’t controlling you is she?” Art rubbing his cheek and replied, “What? No-one is controlling me…” 

William punched him again and firmly said, “Good! Now stop the way you are treating Ellen and start doing things for her.”

“Dad I tried…”

“Well not hard enough.” Art walked out and back to the dining room and William followed him. When Ellen went to get another drink Art insisted she sit back down and he would get the drink. As William watched he knew there was more to this and as much as he wanted to help all he could do was sit and wait until Art came to him.