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Redemption:

Lucas was ready. He could not wait any longer. The surgeon explained him the risks of the kidney transplant but if he was completely honest with himself he did not care at all. He just wanted to save his mum and ease his mind at the same time.

The surgery would take place in three hours and pretty soon everything will be over and he will be ready to go back to his life of regrets and misery. The sudden visit of James surprised him.

James: Uncle Lucas!! I am glad to see you. When mum told me you were coming I didn't believe it.

Lucas: Hey my boy. Gosh you really grown up since the last time I saw you. I'm sorry to miss your game. Your mum told me you are a fantastic player. Just like your dad. I'm so proud to be your godfather even if I haven't be around.

James: I know that uncle Luke. Don't worry I am not a baby anymore I'm 8 years old!!

Lucas: Yes right (said Lucas with a smile) You are almost a man now. I know you are a great player. It is in the genes. But, where are your parents?

James: They are coming. They are trying to find a space for the car.

Lucas: Ok, I just want to ask you to be nice with your sister. Always take care of her ok?

James: Sure, I am her big brother, it is my job.

Lucas: Yes it is. You are a really good boy.

At this time Haley Nathan and Julia came into the room.

Nathan: Hey Bro, Are you ready?

Lucas: I have never been more ready Nat. Haley, can I see Julia?

Haley: Of course you can. Come on Honey, go to say hi to Uncle Lucas.

Julia: Who's Uncle Lucas?

Haley: He is on the bed baby. You already saw his picture right? He is daddys' brother.

Lucas stared to the scene. It could have been him. He could be talking to his daughter now but life decided otherwise. Maybe it was what he deserved.

Lucas: Hey Julia. You are such a pretty girl. Come here. I want to give you a kiss.

Julia turned around and look at her parents. They both smiled.

James: Come with me, you will see Uncle Lucas is fantastic.

Julia: ok… I come

When she was close enough Lucas took her in his arms.

Lucas: I am so sorry I have missed your birth sweetie. But I am here now and you will see as a special uncle I am.

His eyes filled with tears. Nathan decided that it was the right moment to talk to him.

He whispered to Haley

Nathan: You are right angel. Lucas is depress. Please can you let me alone with him. I will catch you later.

Haley nodded with a smile. Nathan was such a sensitive man.

Haley: Hey you two. Come with me now. We are going to have an ice cream. Daddy will stay a bit with uncle Lucas.

Lucas: Ok. I'll see you after surgery. Don't worry Haley, everything will be fine. I'll be back.

Haley: How do you know I'm worrying?

Lucas: Come on! I know you better then myself. You can't hide something from me.

She smile to him and left the room with the children.

Nathan sat on Lucas' bed.

Lucas: I can't believe how big Julia is. My god, she is only three but she is so mature and so beautiful. She looks like her mother.

Nathan: Lucky her!!…. We need to talk Luke. I don't know what happened to you in Cambridge but you need to talk. I am sure that if you tell me about it you'll feel a lot better.

Lucas: Did you already do something that you regret Nathan?

Nathan started laughing.

Nathan: Luke you know me. I did some much mistakes of course I regret many things.

Lucas: But what if what you did can't be repaired?

Nathan: Well, I'm not an expert but I guess that it is never too late.

Lucas: It is too late and everything is my fault. I regret my choices in life. I could have avoid it you know.

Nathan: But what are you talking about?

Lucas: She died because of me Nat. How can you repair a death. Tell me please. Tell me how to let this pain go.

Nathan just stood there not knowing what to say. What death is he talking about? What horrible thing did happen to him? He never saw somebody that broken before. Even Dan in Jail seemed happier then Lucas.

Lucas: Oh never mind. Don't listen to me. Just forget about it. I will never mention that again anyway.

Nathan: No Bro, you have always been there for me in college. You helped us for everything. I am not sure that without you our couple will have lasted.

Lucas: You trust each other, you gave your heart to each other. It is enough. I did the same but with the wrong person and I refused to give it to the right person. This is the cause of my distress

Nathan: Come on she can still accept your heart now Lucas. It is never two late to ask for a second chance.

Lucas: Sometime it is bro… Sometime it is.

Nathan understood that this broken heart was due to a death. But it did not explain everything. He knew that Lucas already lost someone he loved and he did not look like he was dead inside.

But with the help of Haley and Karen, once she will have recovered, he was sure that this heavy secret will be uncovered.