Devastation – Chapter 4
"What?" John asked after Evangeline’s startling announcement.
She recapped what had happened at the hospital when she’d gone to give blood. When she finished, she told him of the phone call she’d had with her mother where it had been confirmed that Victor Lord was her father.
"I feel like my whole life is a lie. I don’t even know who I am."
"You’re Evangeline Williamson, attorney-at-law. You are the same woman that you’ve always been. You just have more family now."
"I’m the daughter of a man who sexually abused his own daughter."
"You are a woman in your own right. The fact that someone else fathered you biologically does not mean that you are not Robert Williamson’s daughter. Do you hear me?"
"Yes. Thank you for being here.
"Where else would I be?"
"I don’t know. You were pretty angry earlier."
"Yeah, I was. I talked to Mikey and he made me realize that I might have been taking your actions personally, when you really were trying to get Kelly the help she needs. For that I’m sorry."
"No, I’m sorry. I should have made her come clean right away, but she just wasn’t strong enough to handle it."
"You did what you thought was the right thing to do. I can’t fault you for that," John said as he grabbed her hand and pulled her to the bed and onto his lap.
"John, what about Todd and Viki?"
"What about them?"
"Should I tell them? What do I do?"
"I can’t tell you what to do, but whatever you decide, I’m here. Blair called for Todd earlier and asked that you give him a call back."
"Where were they?"
"I think they were calling from the hospital. I think I remember hearing the PA over the phone."
"What did he want?"
"Blair wouldn’t tell me, just said that Todd needed to talk to you and asked if you were alright."
"Do you think he knows?"
"I don’t know, but you’re his attorney. You have to face him sometime whether he knows the truth or not."
"You’re right."
"I know, since it’s so late and you can’t call Todd now, why don’t we go back to bed and try to sleep before you have to deal with any of them?
"That sounds like a plan," she said before she kissed him.
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The next morning, Dr. Carmichael stopped by Todd’s room during his rounds and already had his release papers completed.
"I looked at your file already and it appears that we don’t need to keep you here any longer. I’m releasing you this morning, unless you aren’t feeling well."
"I’m feeling fine and I’m ready to go home."
"Good. We’ll get you out of here in the next hour."
"Thanks, Doc," Todd said as the doctor left the room. He then turned to Blair, "I want to go see Evangeline after I’m released."
"Are you sure that’s a good idea?"
"I don’t know, but she’s my sister and I’m doing it anyway."
"Okay."
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A couple of hours later, Evangeline heard the doorbell. She had decided to work from home today, because she didn’t want to face anyone until she had a handle on what was going on inside of her. She needed to understand herself before she dealt with other people.
She made her way to the door and asked, "Who is it?"
"Todd."
Evangeline stared at the door. She didn’t know how she was going to face Todd. If he was at her house, he must know something.
"Evangeline, open the door. I just need to talk to you," said Todd.
Evangeline opened the door and looked at Todd for a moment with apprehension.
"Yesterday, I found out some information that involves the both of us."
"I thought you probably did. I’m sorry I didn’t call you back. I just wasn’t ready to talk to you."
"I can understand that. It’s not everyday that you find out you’re not the daughter of the man that raised you."
"Yeah," Evangeline said quietly.
"How are you doing with it?"
"I don’t know yet. I’m still pretty shocked and hurt."
"I can only imagine. Just so you know, I’m here for you."
"Thank you."
"Well, I’m pretty protective of the family members that I like."
"Thanks," she chuckled.
"Have you told John, yet?"
"Yes, last night."
"How’d he take it?"
"Typical John. In stride. He’s really supportive. He’ll be here for me."
"Good, I didn’t want to have to have a talk with him," Todd said with a touch of protectiveness.
"A talk with me about what?" John said as he entered the room.
John had stayed home with Evangeline to make sure that she was alright.
"Hey, John. I was just saying I didn’t want to have to talk to you about my sister."
John looked at Todd and nodded with a smile, glad that Todd accepted Evangeline so readily. He moved to stand behind Evangeline. She leaned back into him and he wrapped an arm around her waist and kissed the back of her head.
"Well, you don’t. I have only her best interests at heart," John said and then with a more serious tone, he added, "Make sure that you do."
"It appears we understand each other. As long as that’s the case, we’ll have no problems."
"I totally agree."
"Evangeline, I’d like to sit down with Viki and tell her the news," Todd said.
"Todd, I don’t know. I know she has a right to know, but how is she going to feel about a sister she knew nothing about? What about her heart?"
"Viki’s heart is fine. She would want to know that she has another sister."
"Should I go with you?"
"That’s up to you. If you don’t feel comfortable then I can do it. Not a big deal."
"Well, since the two of you have a good relationship, maybe I should let you do it."
"There’s nothing to be afraid of. Viki’s going to be shocked, but welcoming."
"It just might be better coming from you."
"I agree with that," Todd said with a smile, "Do you think I could have a hug from my newly found sister?"
Evangeline walked out of John’s arms and into Todd’s. It was different to be hugging her brother. Todd her client was now her older brother. How was she supposed to feel about him? She liked him, but she didn’t love him like family. How long would it be before she did? Would she ever or would they just always be friends? She wasn’t sure, but she hoped that theirs’ would grow into a real relationship.
The two of them stood back and looked at each other with a smile.
"So, when are you going to talk to Viki?
"She tied up until this evening. So I’m planning on seeing her then. She will probably try coming to see you soon after we talk."
Evangeline took a deep breath and said, "Okay."
"Viki is harmless. There is nothing to be apprehensive about. She’ll be your best ally."
"I know."
"Well, I’ve got to get home to Blair and the kids. I’ll call you later. If you need to talk, you know the number."
"Thanks, Todd. I really appreciate you being here."
"What’s family for?" He said as he walked out of the door.
Evangeline turned from the door and looked to John who stood in the doorway to the kitchen.
"Can you believe that?"
"Absolutely. He can’t resist you," John said with a smirk.
"Yeah, right."
As she was talking, John approached her. He wrapped both his arms around her and kissed her neck. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders and they held each other.
"I’m serious. You are irresistible. I forgot to tell you that Nora called while you were working. She was a little upset that she hasn’t heard from you the last couple of days. She said that she needs to talk to you about this whole thing with Kelly."
"Thanks for telling me. I’ll give her a call in a little while. I don’t know what the DA’s office will do about this."
"It’ll be okay. You’re a good attorney. It’ll all work out."
"I hope you’re right."
"I’m always right," he said with a smile.
"Oh, really?"
"Yes. You know what?"
"What?"
"I may be biased, but Todd and Viki are pretty lucky to have you for a sister."
Evangeline leaned back with a slight smile and placed her left hand against his cheek. She caught sight of the diamond on her finger right before she kissed the man she was going to spend the rest of her life with.
