Authors' note: Tonight's chapter resolves last week's "evil" cliff-hanger. We hope that you will take a moment after you read to review the chapter and let us know what you think. We just would like to remind everyone that we do thrive on your comments and feedback. It helps us and when we see the amount of reviews we get, it really does help our enthusiasm to keep this story going. We spend a large amount of free time writing this story for you guys and are just asking for a few minutes in return for a comment or two.
Neville followed him impatiently out of the room. "Did it work?"
The healer looked at him. "I think you need to see for yourself."
Without a moment's hesitation, Neville pushed past him and into his parents' room.
His father was sitting with his back to the door while Alice was in her bed, seemingly asleep. Neville felt sick thinking that the worst had happened. His father slowly turned around. "Neville?"
Neville sucked in a sharp breath. "Dad..."
Frank slowly got to his feet and walked over to his son. "Neville---"
"You... you're okay..." Neville stared at him.
Frank put his arms around Neville and hugged him tightly. "My boy. My boy..."
Cho stood in the doorway, tears streaming down her face at the sight in front of her.
"Dad," Neville managed.
"It feels like it's been a long time, Neville." Frank said.
"Too long," Neville said looking at his father. He could not believe this was actually happening.
"Your mother..." Frank said. "She's tired."
"Did it work?" Neville asked. "For her?"
"What?" Frank asked. "I don't understand what's going on here..."
"How much do you remember, Dad?" Neville asked.
Frank just shook his head. "I just feel as if... I've been asleep a very long time."
"In a way you have been," Neville said, motioning for Chiaki, Frankie and Cho to come inside.
"Who are they?" Frank asked looking uncertainly at the three women.
"This is my wife, Cho." Neville said. "And two of my daughters, Chiaki and Frankie. Frankie's named after you, and Allison, my other daughter, is named after mum."
Frank shook his head. This was all just a little too much for him. The last thing he really remembered was saying goodbye to his son before heading off on a mission. Neville had been a baby then and now---he was a father.
"Dad?" Neville asked. "Are you all right?"
"Grandpa?" Chiaki asked stepping forward. "I know this must be a bit much..."
Frank looked at her hesitantly.
"I know you don't remember much, but I was here so many times," Neville said. "Gran brought me on my holidays from school..."
Frank looked at his son at the mention of his mother. "Where is she? My mother?"
"Um..." Neville said. "Gran died several years ago, Dad. I'm sorry."
Frank shook his head. "No---"
"I'm really sorry," Neville said. "Come on, let's sit down a minute. There's a lot to take in." it was hard for him to control his own excitement, but he knew he had to keep it back for his parents' sake.
Frank nodded and sat down on the edge of his bed.
"She lived a good, long life." Neville told his father. "She saw me become an Auror, and saw her great granddaughters grow up as well."
Frank looked at his son with pride. "You're--you're an Auror?"
Neville nodded. "I work with James and Lily Potter's son, Harry."
Frank put his arms around his son and hugged him once more.
"I'm so glad to have you back," Neville said, his throat tightening up.
"Me too," Frank agreed. "F-Frank," a voice called from the bed across the room. Chiaki and Frankie turned to see Alice Longbottom struggling to sit up.
Frank immediately rose and went to his wife's side.
"Alice," Frank said helping her sit up. "I'm here."
"What's going on?" Alice asked.
Frank was a little unsure of how to explain this since he was still trying to come to terms with it himself. Alice looked uncertainly at the other people in the room. There were two men---one dressed in healer robes and the other reminded her of her husband, except he was much younger. The three women were quite beautiful and looked as if they'd been crying.
"This is---this is Neville," Frank said motioning to their son. Alice shook her head. "Frank, Neville's just a baby. That's not our Neville..."
"Yes it is," Frank said. "We've... well... we've been sleeping for a long, long time."
"Mum, it's me," Neville said slowly stepping closer.
Alice just stared at him.
"It's true," Frank said. "This is Neville. He's a grown man and he has children of his own."
Alice looked past him at the women. "I... I don't know what to say..."
"You don't have to say anything," Neville reassured her. "We have time---"
"We do now," Frank said, nodding.
Neville introduced his wife and two daughters to Alice.
"It's so lovely to finally sit down with you both like this," Cho said, approaching the bed carefully.
Alice started to cry and Frankie handed her a tissue.
"Thank you," Alice sniffled gazing up at her with some interest.
"You have a beautiful family, son," Frank said.
"Thanks, Dad." Neville said proudly. "I can't wait for you both to meet Allison. She's on bed rest because of her pregnancy."
"You're a grandfather?" Alice asked her eyes large.
Neville nodded. "Of nine, actually. Well... it will be nine once Allie has her baby."
Frankie reached for a frame beside Alice's bed. "These are my three---the oldest is Hannah and those are my twins, Nathan and Isabelle."
"They're beautiful," Alice said softly.
"And these," Chiaki said holding up the frame of her children. "Are my twins, Mas and Sukie."
"And those are Allie's," Cho pointed to the third frame. "Wait until you meet little Emma. She's quite the character."
Alice started to cry again and Frank put his arm around her.
"Mum?" Neville asked anxiously.
"This is all a bit much for us," Frank tried to explain. "We have an entire family that we don't even know."
"I understand," Neville said. "Perhaps we have to handle this in smaller doses."
Frank nodded and then turned his attention back to his wife. He stroked her hair and held her close.
"It'll be okay, Alice." he said to her. "We'll be okay now."
Frankie leaned against her sister. She was so happy that her grandparents were okay, but she could not imagine what this must be like for them.
"Girls," Cho said. "Let's let your father be with his parents for now. We can catch up later."
Chiaki nodded. "Of course."
"We'll stop back by later," Cho said to her husband. "You stay. Get to know them."
Neville gave his wife a kiss and hugged her tightly. "Thanks."
"I'm so happy," Cho smiled at him. "This is so wonderful, Neville."
"It is," Neville agreed happily.
Cho gave him another kiss. "I'll see you later."
Chiaki and Frankie said their goodbyes as well and followed the healer out of the room. Neville was alone with his parents and sat down in the chair beside his mother's bed. "Bellatrix Lestrange...she was the one that hit you both with the Cruciatus."
Frank frowned. "I remember her..."
"You've been in here ever since," Neville continued. "I came and visited you all the time."
"How many years has it been?" Alice asked.
Neville looked down. "I was just a year old when you were hit with that curse. It's been many years, Mum."
"We've missed so much," Alice said in dismay.
"You have, but we'll make up for it," Neville tried to reassure her. "We have loads of photographs and I can tell you everything you want to know."
"I'm looking forward to it," Frank said.
"Me too," Neville said. "And you are going to love your great-grandchildren."
"I'm sure we will," Frank agreed. "This just... really is taking some getting used to. It's all quite a shock."
Neville nodded. "I can't even imagine, Dad."
"You're so handsome," Alice said. "So much like your father."
Neville smiled. "Thanks, Mum."
Alice reached out for her son.
Neville hugged her. He swallowed the lump in his throat.
"I'm so happy," Alice said. "So very, very happy."
"Really?" Neville asked.
"Oh yes," Alice nodded. "I feel as if I've missed you, Neville."
Neville looked at her. "I've always been here, Mum."
"But we haven't," Alice said softly.
Neville shook his head. "That wasn't your fault, Mum. It was Bellatrix Lestrange's fault and she paid for it."
"What happened to her?" Frank asked.
Neville looked away not sure he should share this with his parents, especially his mother. Alice put her hand on his shoulder. "I was an Auror, too, Neville," Alice said. "You don't have to sugar-coat anything for me."
"She was caught... awhile back before I even became an Auror," Neville began.
"Is she still alive?" Frank asked.
"She's in Azkaban," Neville said. "Under the highest watch."
Alice sighed in relief. "Good."
Frank nodded thoughtfully. "It's nothing less than she deserves."
"For so long, all I wanted to do was find her and make her pay," Neville admitted.
"You don't have to worry about that now," Alice squeezed his hand.
Neville smiled. "You sound like Cho. That's what she told me."
"She's a lovely woman," Frank told his son. "And your daughters are very beautiful."
"They are, aren't they?" Neville asked proudly.
"It may take me a little time, but I want to get to know them," Alice said. "All of them."
"They want that too," Neville reassured her. "We were all here last night."
"Just give us time to get over this," Frank told his son.
"You've got it, Dad," Neville promised.
"Do we have to stay here?" Alice asked.
"I have to check with the healers, but I don't think you'd have to stay here more than a couple of days," Neville said. "Cho and I have more than enough room at our house."
"That sounds good," Frank replied.
Alice reached up and touched her son's cheek. "You're all grown up."
"Yeah," Neville admitted.
"I want to know everything I missed," Alice said softly. "Everything."
"I'll fill you in," Neville promised.
Neville hugged both his parents once more. He could not get over this. He had them both back---just as he had always hoped.
The healer came back into the room, obviously pleased at the results they had gotten. "We'll need to run a few tests to make sure the spell will sustain," he said. "But I see no reason, as long as everything is still good tomorrow, that you can't leave in the afternoon."
Neville grinned. "Really?"
The healer nodded. "Congratulations."
"Thank you," Neville said gratefully. "Thank you so very much."
Alice yawned again. "I'm sorry. I'm so sleepy..."
"You should both get some rest," Neville said with a grin. "Tomorrow, you're getting out of here!"
Frank smiled. "That sounds good to me."
"And I have a house to get ready," Neville said. "So I'll leave you both to your rest, but I'll be back later tonight."
Frank got up and hugged his son again. "Thank you, Neville."
"I love you, Dad," Neville said.
"We love you too," Alice replied.
Neville had waited all of his life to hear his parents say that.
"I'll see you both later," Neville said. "I... I can't wait. I can't wait for everything."
Alice wiped a tear from her cheek, but she was smiling.
"See you both later," Neville said again, almost stumbling as he backed out of their room.
He felt a little like he was in the middle of a dream. His parents were fine---they were just like he had always imagined they would be. He knew that they had a long road ahead of them, but he would do whatever he could to make this transition easy for them.
He headed home to make sure the spare bedroom was cleaned up. He hoped Cho would be there.
"Cho!" Neville called out.
Cho appeared in the kitchen doorway. "Neville! Tell me everything... I hated to leave, but I know you wanted time alone with your parents--"
Neville picked up his wife and spun her around. "They're coming home!"
Cho laughed. "They are?"
Neville nodded and set her back down. "I said they could stay here. That's okay, right?"
"Of course it is," Cho agreed. "As long as they need."
Neville gave her a kiss. "Thank you."
"I'm so happy," Cho hugged him tightly.
"Me too," Neville said happily.
"We have a lot to do," Cho said. "I'll work on the spare bedroom."
"And I'll need to go to the shops and get some food," Neville said.
"When do they come home?" Cho asked.
"Tomorrow," Neville replied.
"How wonderful," Cho said. "When they're ready, we'll start having guests over for dinner."
Neville nodded. He told his wife about how upset his parents had been about the time they'd missed. "I think we just need to take things slow and go at their pace."
"Absolutely," Cho agreed, hugging him again.
"I was so worried," he admitted. "That I was doing the wrong thing..."
"But it paid off," Cho said. "You have your parents back. They KNOW you, Neville."
Neville grinned. "I feel like the last piece of the puzzle has finally fallen into place. I have a great wife, great children, wonderful grandchildren and now---I have my parents."
Cho kissed him again. "You're on top of the world," she teased.
"Pretty much," Neville grinned. "Come on. We have loads of things to do."
"Right," Cho said. "Let's go to the shops together."
"And then I was thinking we could bring my parents dinner?" Neville asked. "Pick something up at one of the pubs. I think they'd like that."
"I think they would too," Cho agreed, putting on her cloak.
Neville took his wife's hand and together they set off to prepare for this parents' homecoming. Something, Neville thought, that was long overdue.
*** *** ***
Darla had not seen much of Liam in the last few weeks. She knew that he was busy with his mother and she did not want to interfere. But, she was also wondering if he was thinking about how they had left things.
She wasn't ready for a relationship until her divorce was final, but she did have feelings for Liam. How could she not? He was smart, funny, kind and handsome and he had been there for her when she had needed him.
She had to bring Rafe in for a check up and was concerned that he seemed to be suffering from an ear infection and cold.
Darla pushed the pram into Liam and Lizzy's office and smiled warmly at the receptionist. "Good morning, Melinda."
"Good morning," Melinda replied. "And hello to you, handsome boy." she smiled at Rafe.
Darla lifted him gingerly from the pram. "He's not feeling too good today, I'm afraid."
"What a shame," Melinda said. "Healer Thornhart isn't here yet, but he should be shortly."
Darla looked at her in surprise. "Oh. Everything okay?"
"I'm not sure," Melinda answered. "He sent an owl in saying he'd be a little late. Something came up at home."
Darla nodded, wondering if everything was okay with his mother and Conor.
"Have a seat," Melinda said. "I'm sure if Healer Weasley has a moment, she can see you if he doesn't turn up soon."
Darla took a seat on one of the sofas and hugged Rafe to her. He rested his head on her shoulder and Darla patted his back.
"I know baby," she said when he let out a little choked sob.
"Liam will know what to do," Darla said softly.
"Ma..." Rafe said weakly.
Darla kissed the top of his head. "You'll be better soon, sweetheart. Mummy promises."
It was another half hour before Melinda finally called her back. "He's just arrived," she said.
Darla smiled and stood up with Rafe. "Come on, little guy."
Rafe puckered up his mouth as Darla shifted him in her arms.
Darla carried him to the examination room and smiled when she saw Liam. "Good morning," she said, feeling the familiar butterflies in her stomach when she looked at him.
"Hi," he said, studying Rafe's chart.
"He's had the sniffles since last night," Darla told him. "And I think he has another ear infection. He keeps reaching for his left ear..."
"I'll check it out," Liam said, still not looking over at her. "Just set him down over here."
Darla did as he asked and studied him. Something was definitely wrong. "Liam?"
"Hmm?" he asked.
"How--how are you?" Darla asked. "It's been awhile."
"It's been a busy few weeks," Liam replied.
Darla nodded. "For me too. Drew and I are working hard on Saffy's wedding."
"I saw some articles in the paper about it," Liam replied, peering into Rafe's eyes and then into his ear.
"How are things with your mum and Conor?" Darla asked.
Liam shrugged.
"Not so good?" Darla guessed.
"She left," he said.
Darla looked at him. "What?"
Liam sighed. "My father came and got her today."
Darla gaped at him. "And she left with him?
"Yeah," Liam said shortly.
Darla shook her head. "Liam--I'm so sorry."
"Nothing you could do about it," he said, checking Rafe's other ear.
Darla was at a loss as to what to say. She knew this was what Liam had feared most.
"He's definitely got an ear infection," Liam said. "I'll give you a potion; he'll need to take it twice a day."
Darla nodded. "Okay."
"I'll mix it up for you," Liam said. "He'll only need it for a few days. Then his earache will be gone."
Darla reached for her son's hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze. "He certainly likes that."
Liam nodded. "Won't be a minute."
Darla picked her son up and hugged him to her.
Without another look at her, Liam went to the corner and began mixing various ingredients.
"Do you want to talk about it?" Darla asked.
He was silent for a long, awkward moment. "There's nothing to talk about."
"Well, if you do want to talk, I'm here," Darla said softly.
"There's nothing to say," he handed her the potion.
"Liam," Darla said softly.
"Just leave it," Liam told her. "You wouldn't know what it feels like, Darla."
"Well no," Darla admitted. "But, I'm your friend and I know how much it meant for you that your mother took that step and walked away from your dad."
"Yeah, well she walked right back to him," Liam replied.
"I'm so sorry," Darla replied.
Liam nodded. "If that potion doesn't work, bring Rafe back."
"Okay," Darla said. "Listen, I--"
"I'm sorry, I don't have time to talk," Liam replied. "I'm running late and I have other patients waiting."
"Of course," Darla said, hurt at the short, clipped tone he was using with her.
"Keep me posted on Rafe's ear," he said before hurrying out of the room.
"Sure," Darla said staring after him.
Rafe let out a little cry, jolting Darla out of her daze.
"Let's get you home," Darla said smiling down at him. "And give you this potion."
She packed up her son and quickly left the office. Liam's behaviour was on her mind as she walked home. He'd never been so cold to her, not ever.
She tried to tell herself that he was acting that way because he was upset over his mother.
It did not give him any reason to take it out on her, however. Perhaps after a few days he would calm down and they could talk like rational adults.
They were friends and she had cried on his shoulder a number of times. It was only right that she return the favour.
She let herself back into the house and set about giving Rafe the potion. His little face screwed up at the taste, but he took it.
Darla smiled. "It will make you feel all better. I promise."
"Ma," Rafe said, gazing up at her.
Darla grinned. "You know just what to say to make me feel better, don't you?"
She heard a commotion from the sitting room and hoped against hope that perhaps Liam had come to his senses.
Darla picked up Rafe and hurried into the room. Her face fell when she saw who it was. "Hans-"
"Hi," he grinned at her, not noticing her expression.
"What are you doing here?" Darla asked.
"It's my weekend with Rafe," he said. "You forgot...
"He's sick," Darla replied. "He has a cold and an ear infection."
"Hey buddy," Hans said to Rafe. "What's the matter, eh?"
Rafe sniffed and put his little hand up to his ear.
"We just got back from seeing Liam," Darla said. "Got him a potion. I just gave him a dose.
Hans took Rafe from Darla. Darla was surprised. "You're not afraid you might catch it?"
"I don't' care," Hans replied, giving his son a kiss on the forehead.
Darla watched him. "I don't know if it's such a good idea for him to go with you when he's sick like this. I have a potion that I'm supposed to give him..."
"Maybe you're right," Hans said. "Perhaps I'll just take a hotel room here so I can be around this weekend."
Darla shook her head. "You can stay here, if you'd like."
Hans sent her an irresistible grin. "You wouldn't mind?"
"Well, it is your weekend," Darla said.
"It'll be nice to spend it with you too," he said meaningfully.
Darla folded her arms. "Hans--"
"I mean it," Hans said. "I've made some bad mistakes."
Darla did not want to deal with this now. "Do you want a cup of tea?"
"Sure," Hans said, patting Rafe's back.
Darla turned and walked back into the kitchen. Hans' appearance and his change in attitude were only making things more complicated.
He followed her in. "What else is going on?"
"Drew and I are planning Saffy and Andrew's wedding," Darla said putting the kettle on.
"Right," Hans nodded. "Wedding of the Century, I believe they called it. This has to be good for business."
Darla smiled. "Yeah, but it's not just that. It's Saffy. I mean, we've known her since she was a baby."
Hans nodded. "And that baby of theirs is cute."
"You should see her in person," Darla said.
"Perhaps soon I will," Hans replied.
"So," Darla said leaning against the counter. "How are things in New York?"
"All right," Hans replied. "Things are slowing down a little for me."
"Oh?" Darla asked.
"The life of a model, I guess," Hans shrugged. "One day I'm hot..."
"They moved on to the next big thing?" Darla asked.
"So to speak," Hans nodded. "I'm still getting work, but not like I was a few months ago."
"You've made that company a lot of money," Darla said.
"Sure have," Hans nodded, bouncing Rafe gently in his arms.
"Ma," Rafe said looking up at Hans.
"Hey," Hans said with a grin. "When did he start talking?"
Darla smiled. "He said it the other day for the first time."
"Guess I better start coaching him," Hans laughed. "That's a smart little guy."
"It's only fair he says my name first," Darla teased. "I was the one who had him."
Hans laughed again. "I suppose you have a point there."
Darla carried the tray over to the table.
"Thanks," Hans said as his hand brushed against hers.
Darla blushed. "Um, no problem."
"You look great, you know." Hans complimented her.
Darla sat down at the table and smiled at him. "Thanks."
"You know I was thinking..." he said. "Now that things are slowing down... I might move back here."
"What?" Darla asked taken aback.
"I was thinking of moving back here," Hans replied.
For so long that was what Darla had wanted him to say, but now that he was actually saying it, she was not sure how to feel about that. She would be happy for Rafe, of course.
"I just... I've realised that I've been selfish," Hans said. "We should have worked harder at our marriage- and I should have never gone along with that thing at the beginning- about saying I was single."
Darla nodded wordlessly. She wondered where all of this was coming from.
"I know it may be too late, but I'm just hoping you might want to give me a second chance." Hans said.
Darla looked down. "Hans--"
"It may take awhile I know..." Hans said. "But this time, I think we can make it."
"It's not that simple," Darla told him.
"Are you seeing someone?" Hans asked. "That healer?"
Darla did not feel comfortable discussing her relationship with Liam with her soon-to-be ex. "Liam and I are friends, Hans."
Hans nodded. "I know... I understand."
"Why don't we just try being friends again?" Darla asked.
"I'm okay with that," Hans agreed. "But I won't give up on you, Dar."
While Darla and Hans chatted, Liam Thornhart was trying very hard to concentrate on his patients. He felt horrible for what had happened this morning with his parents and even worse for how he had treated Darla.
He was extremely upset over what had transpired the previous evening and then this morning. His mother had told him last night his father had sent her a letter telling her to come home. He'd spent most of the evening convincing her not to, only to have his father show up that morning, completely pissed.
"Dad, she's not going with you," Liam had said firmly. "Go back home."
"You stay out of this William," his father had said, swaying as he tried to steady himself.
"Thomas, please," Fiona said, trying to support her husband. "Calm down."
"You better get your things," Thomas slurred. "I'm not leaving here without you."
Liam looked at his mother. "Tell him, Mum."
"Perhaps it's better if I go," Fiona said weakly.
Liam shook his head. "No. Mum. Come on! Look at him!"
"He needs me to take care of him," Fiona replied.
Thomas slumped down into a chair. "Yes---"
Liam sighed. "Mum... we talked about this. You don't need to go back to him. This will all just happen again."
Fiona put her hand on his shoulder. "I know, but he's---he's helpless without me. I can just imagine what the house must look like."
Liam shook his head in disgust.
"Hurry up, Fee!" Thomas shouted. "Woman's place is with---with her husband!"
"I'm coming," Fiona hurried to get her things.
Liam folded his arms and glared at his father. "She was doing fine, you know? Fine without you."
"Watch yourself, William," Thomas warned.
"I'm not a little kid anymore," Liam said. "I'm not scared of you anymore."
Thomas stumbled out of the chair. "You watch your mouth," he snapped. "You're not a kid, but I can still--"
"Hit me?" Liam asked angrily. "Go ahead."
Thomas drew his arm back and was about to deck him when Fiona appeared. "Thomas! William!"
Liam looked over at his mother. "This is what you want to go back to?"
"He's my husband and your father," Fiona said. "You should have some more respect for him."
Liam could only shake his head. He was supposed to have respect for someone who drank himself to oblivion every day? Respect for someone who had abused him, his brother and his mother?
"Come on," Thomas grabbed Fiona by the upper arm.
Liam looked at his mother. "Don't. Do. This."
"I'll be in touch," Fiona said to her son.
Liam turned his attention to his father. "You lay one finger on her, I'll kill you."
"I'm scared," Thomas sneered at him.
"You sure as hell should be," Liam warned.
Thomas looked as if he wanted to deck him again as Fiona dragged him out of the house.
Looking back on it now, Liam wished he had hit his father. He wondered how Thomas would have liked it if he'd been on the receiving end.
"Liam," Lizzy waved a hand in front of his face. "Where are you?"
Liam returned his attention to his colleague. "Liz. Sorry, what were you saying?"
"We need to decide if we want to keep on taking new patients," Lizzy said. "This practice is booking up fast."
"Right," Liam said nodding.
"I don't want to neglect our current patients," Lizzy told him.
"No," Liam said. "Perhaps we should just accept new patients on a case by case basis."
"I like that idea," Lizzy nodded.
Liam leaned back in his chair. "Everything okay?" Lizzy asked.
"No," he shook his head.
Lizzy had seen Darla leave looking upset. "Do you want to take the rest of the afternoon off?"
Liam shook his head. "I need to work."
"Well, if you need to talk about it or if you do need to leave just let me know," Lizzy said.
"I will," Liam nodded.
Liam stood up and made himself another cup of coffee. He appreciated Lizzy's concern, but all he wanted to do was throw himself into his work. He could keep his mind off of what was going on with his parents.
He could also keep his mind off how he had behaved towards Darla that morning. He knew how concerned she was, but right now, he didn't know if he could deal with being around her.
His feelings for her were as strong as ever, but he could not deal with one other thing in his life going wrong right now.
He grabbed a few charts to read up on while he waited for his next patient to come in.
"How was my nephew?" Lizzy asked. "Rafe was here with Darla, right?"
"Yeah," Liam said. "He's got an ear infection and a slight cold, but he'll be okay in a few days. I gave Darla a potion to use."
"Poor little guy," Lizzy said.
"He didn't seem too happy," Liam commented, scratching a few comments on a chart.
"I can imagine," Lizzy said. "Try having three children going through it all at the same time."
Liam shook his head but he smiled.
Lizzy patted him on the shoulder. "I'll be around if you need to talk."
"Thanks," Liam told her. "I appreciate it. I'll be all right."
Lizzy left him alone in the office and Liam hoped his words were true.
He thought again about Darla but pushed her face out of his mind. Once he got through this whole thing with his parents, he'd go talk to her again, and work everything out.
Back at Darla's, Hans was waiting for Darla in the kitchen. She had taken Rafe upstairs to the nursery for his kip. He heard a sound coming from the sitting room and frowned when he saw Drew. She wore an identical expression. "Oh---it's you," Drew said disdainfully.
"Hello Drew," Hans said politely. "It's... it's nice to see you."
"What are you doing here?" Drew asked.
"It's my weekend with Rafe," Hans replied. "But since he's sick, I'm staying here."
"Here in London?" Drew asked.
Hans nodded.
"Well, perhaps you should go to your hotel then," Drew said folding her arms.
"I'm staying here," Hans said, crossing his own arms. "Darla invited me to."
Drew's jaw dropped. Had her sister gone insane?
"Look I know you hate me," Hans told her. "I've done some stupid things. But I wised up. I'm not about to let Darla and Rafe go."
"Oh, how good of you to have this revelation," Drew said sarcastically. "Too bad you couldn't have had it before you cheated on my sister."
"All I did was kiss Katya," he said. "I know it was wrong, but that was all that ever happened."
Darla came into the room. "I put him down---Drew!"
"Hi," Drew replied, still glaring at Hans.
"How did the meeting go with the caterer?" Darla asked, trying to ease the tension.
"Just fine," Drew replied. "Everything is on schedule."
"Good," Darla nodded. "Um, Hans and I were just having tea. Would you like a cup?"
"I suppose," Drew replied.
"I'm just going to check my messages," Hans said. "I'll be right back."
"What is he doing here?" Drew demanded soon as he'd left. "Dar..."
"Drew, it's his weekend with Rafe, but since he's sick, I thought it best he stay here with me," Darla explained. "In the guest room."
Drew shook her head.
"Nothing is going to happen," Darla told her. "It's completely platonic. And please do not lecture me now, okay? I've had a tough enough day as it is."
"Why?" Drew asked.
Darla sighed. "Liam."
"What's wrong with him?" Drew was confused. "I thought you two--"
Darla did not want to go into the details since she had promised Liam she would not tell a soul. "He's having some issues with his family and I don't know, I just feel like he's pushing me away. He was really cold and distant to me when I saw him at the office this morning."
Drew's disapproving expression disappeared. "I'm sorry, Dar."
"I want to help him, but I don't think he wants my help," Darla said.
"I suppose all you can do is sit back and wait," Drew said thoughtfully. "Hopefully he won't push you away."
"I hope not," Darla said. "He's---he grew up depending on himself, you know? I guess he's just not used to leaning on someone."
"I don't think he'll pull away from you," Drew said. "You both have feelings for each other..."
"But that's not all," Darla said. "Hans---Hans is thinking of moving back here. He said he wanted to give us another chance."
"And you believe him?" Drew asked.
Darla shrugged. "I don't know, Drew. He seems sincere."
"Hmm..." Drew was unconvinced.
"He's Rafe's father," Darla pointed out.
"He has been a good father," Drew admitted.
Darla laughed. "Watch out. You just complimented Hans.'
"Don't tell him," Drew had to smile.
"It'll be our little secret," Darla said giving her sister a hug.
"Chloe was asking when Rafe could come over and play," Drew told her.
"As soon as he's better," Darla replied as Hans came back into the kitchen.
"Sorry about that," he said.
"It's okay," Darla reassured him. "Freddy's okay with you staying here on the weekend?"
"He's fine," Hans replied, casting a wary eye at Drew.
Darla handed her sister a cup of tea. "I was just telling Drew about how you were thinking of moving back here," Darla told Hans.
"Yeah," Hans replied. "There's more here for me."
"I suppose I'll believe it when I see it," Drew said quietly.
"It's Darla I have to convince," Hans said directly.
Darla looked over at him. "Hans..."
"I'm not holding back," Hans told her.
Drew resisted the urge to roll her eyes.
"I just have a lot to think about," Darla said to her husband. "We both do, Hans."
"I can wait," Hans told her.
"You'd better figure everything out," Darla said. "Whatever happens Hans... I'm not waiting. I have to go on with my life, one way or another. For Rafe, not just for myself."
Hans nodded. "I won't disappoint you again, Darla."
"I should go," Drew replied. "I just stopped by to tell you about the caterer. We have another meeting with Saffron next week. Her dress will be ready."
Darla smiled. "I cannot wait to see her."
"She's going to be gorgeous," Drew agreed. "I'll see you later."
"Bye, Drew," Darla said.
"Take care," Hans said.
Drew gave them one last look before leaving. Hans looked at his wife. "How about I make dinner?"
"You cook?" Darla asked. "Since when?"
"Since I've been living on my own," Hans said with a grin.
"All right," she said.
"You can just sit back and take it easy," Hans told her.
"I don't mind helping," Darla replied.
Hans shook his head. "No. I want to do this for you."
She smiled at him. "Thank you. This will be quite nice."
Hans grinned. "Just wait until you taste it."
"What are you going to make?" Darla asked, intrigued.
"Lemon chicken with pasta," Hans said. "You're going to love it."
"It does sound delicious," Darla said. "I can hardly wait."
She grabbed some folders from the kitchen table and settled down in the sitting room. If someone had told her that this was what she would be doing tonight, she would have laughed in their face.
Her thoughts returned to Liam. She hoped this was an isolated incident and the next time she saw him things could return to normal.
Darla reached for a spare piece of parchment. She just wanted to send him a letter to know she was thinking about him. "Dear Liam," she wrote. "I know that things are not turning out as you had planned, but you have to know you did everything you could. Your mother is lucky to have a son that cares about her as much as you do. I hope you know that you can always talk to me and I'll be here for you. All you have to do is ask. Take care of yourself, Darla."
She read it over again before sealing it and owling it to his office.
A few minutes later, Liam received the letter. He read it over and could not help the smile that played across his face. She was without a doubt the most caring person he had ever met.
He set the letter aside. He would work on a reply to her later.
He had two more patients to see before the day was over. The work had been a nice distraction.
"How's it going?" Lizzy asked.
"Fine," Liam replied. "I just have two more patients. You?"
"I'm done for the day," Lizzy replied. "Going to get some paperwork finished then I'm out of here."
"Have a good night, Lizzy," Liam told her.
"You too," Lizzy said. "And cheer up."
"I'll try my best," Liam said offering her a smile.
"See you tomorrow," Lizzy ducked into her office.
Liam nodded. He wondered what his mother was doing at this moment. Probably making his father dinner that he would just complain about before heading off to the pub for the evening.
He shook his head as the familiar feeling crept back over him. Whenever his father came back into his life it took him ages to stop feeling the effects.
Liam made a vow for what seemed like the hundredth time that if he ever had children, he would never, ever treat them the way his father had.