We Are Family

Evangeline called John and asked him to tell everyone that they were alive and that they were on their way back to town.

"Sure. I'll let everyone-" John started before he got a call about a homicide. "I have to go." They ended the call.

"He's going to tell them. At least they'll be forewarned." Evangeline said.

"I guess it's time I get used to the real world." Victor said. His entire world was about to open up. It was a bit scary but exciting at the same time.

-v-

Téa and Tomas were in the living room and Téa still couldn't help but wonder why her father would join such an evil company and she wondered if Tomas knew the answer.

"Do you know why dad decided to join K.I.C? He won't tell me." Téa asked.

"Obviously, he doesn't want you to know. It's his business." Tomas replied.

"You know, don't you? What is it?"

Tomas knew his sister wouldn't let it go. Knowing probably wouldn't help anything.

"He did it for you." Tomas finally said.

"What? How? Why?"

"You were in college. Even with the grants, scholarships and loans, it was still too much and he wanted you to have what you wanted. He believed in you. He wanted you to be successful. Dad was a superintendent but he always wanted to be a scientist. You had the drive that he had and he didn't want you to end up like him. He always wanted his baby girl to be happy. Dad was working on this technology and K.I.C found out about it. They offered him a job. He took it. Later they offered him more but it would come with a price. What they were offering him would allow him to pay for your entire education. The price was he had to fake his death and also work as a hit man for them. So when he "died" we were led to believe he just saved all that money. The thing is, dad didn't want to take the hit man offer but they really didn't give him a choice and they honored their end of the deal anyway. Dad tried to get out. He figured if they killed him, oh well people already thought he was dead so then they threatened you. They had him trapped. They didn't have to threaten us all. One was enough."

"It's my fault. If I wasn't such a brat-"

"It's not your fault. Dad made his decisions. He loved you. He wanted the best for you. Fathers will do anything for their children, especially their daughters."

"You and Del weren't as difficult as me. You didn't want as much. You didn't envy the wealthy people around us. You could be satisfied with what we had."

"You wanted to know so you do, now don't beat yourself up. It's in the past. It's all done. It's all fine now."

"Hundreds of people dying is not fine, Tomas."

"They would have died anyway only dad wouldn't have been the one to kill them. It's not your fault those people died. We've lost twenty years with our father. Let's just be happy we don't have to lose anymore time."

"Alright." Téa finally got the answers she was looking for but it was unsettling. She was going to let it go and just focus on now like Tomas suggested.

-v-

Destiny and Matthew took Drew to the park for some family time. Destiny was pushing Drew on the swing.

"I'm glad we did this." Matthew said.

"Me too. This is good for Drew." Destiny replied.

"And us."

"Yeah. Us too."

"How was Shaun and Char's wedding?"

"Beautiful. I'm so happy for them. They're both getting what they want. Everyone deserves to be happy, especially them."

"Weeeeee!" Drew exclaimed as he swung on the swing.

-v-

Evangeline and Victor finally arrived in Llanview. They were sitting in the car deciding what they were going to do first.

"Do you want to see Téa and your kids first?" Evangeline asked.

"Yeah... Let's get something to eat first." Victor said.

"You're nervous, aren't you?"

"Just a bit."

"John probably mentioned that you don't have your memory."

Victor took a deep breath.

"Let's do this... Would you come with me?"

"Do you really think it's a good idea to take your pregnant girlfriend to see your wife who thought you were dead for almost two years?"

"We can ease into the girlfriend part. It's just that, I'm going to be surrounded by people I technically don't know. When is the last time I've been around people? The last set of people I was around tortured me. You know I have bad nerves."

"I'll come. I'll hide the pregnancy for now. You can tell her when you feel it's a good time."

The last time Evangeline spoke to John, she got Téa's address so before they went there, Evangeline got a long cardigan and a big purse out of her suitcase to help conceal the pregnancy. She was definitely showing at four months pregnant but she was small enough to hide it with enough layers and a big ass purse.

Meanwhile, Téa's entire family was still occupying the household. To think, a few months ago she thought she'd be pretty lonely. She was for a while but that's all changed. At the moment, the young adults were hanging out in Dani's room along with Jack, Sam, Leon and Tori. The older Delgado men were in their rooms and Téa was reading in the living room with a glass of red wine when the doorbell rung. She thought it may have been Blair or Antonio but she was wrong.

She sat the wine glass and book on the coffee table. She answered the door to find Victor Lord, Jr, her husband who died two years ago. She started freaking out and crying.

"Oh my God... Victor?" After staring at him for a moment, she went to touch him. "You're real? How is this possible? I saw you carried out in a body bag." Téa cried more, a bit hysterical then hugged him. Then she finally noticed the woman standing a few steps away from him.

From Téa's reaction, they could tell John must not have told her they were coming.

John never got around to it because he ended up getting that call about the homicide. Now they have a lot of explaining to do.

Téa invited them in and they had a seat. The place felt familiar to Victor, there was a feeling of being home but he still couldn't remember a damn thing.

Evangeline was mindful to cover her belly. This wouldn't be a good thing to spring on her at the moment. She really felt bad about it. She knew things were going to get complicated when she slept with Victor and they officially became a couple but they fell in love.

"I can't believe this." Téa stated, eyes still full of tears, hands shaking. "How are you alive? Where have you been?"

"Uh..." Victor couldn't really explain how he was alive because he couldn't remember being shot. He just knew he was because of the gun shot wound. "My death was faked. They had me at the building of that company that's been all over the news."

"K.I.C?" Téa questioned.

"Yes." Victor replied.

"... It was merged with Irene's company." Téa remembered and wondered if her father or Tomas knew anything about this. "Why?"

Dani then walked into the room and once the scene fully registered, she took freaking out to another level. She screamed bloody murder. Of course Victor flenched and got nervous. He didn't like noise or sudden sounds.

"Who are you? You're not here. You're dead. You're dead. You're dead." Dani was in tears and backed into a corner. She couldn't understand how she could be having an hallucination, she hadn't done drugs in months. She was scared. That drug was worst than she thought. Téa went over to her to calm her down.

"Dani, sweetheart, it's alright. It's really Victor."

"No it isn't! We saw him carried out in a body bag. Imposter!"

"Baby, calm down."

"Wait. You see him too?" It finally hit her but she was still dramatic.

"Yes. He's real."

Dani slowly walked over to Victor then hugged him.

"Dad!" Dani exclaimed. "I can't believe it. I thought I lost my mind again." She then looked at the woman. "Who are you?"

"Evangeline."

"You're his old friend. Didn't you die too?"

"No."

"Interesting."

"How did you both end up finding each other?" Téa asked.

"I got some information on Victor's whereabouts so I found him and kept us safe until the company was finally shut down. Now that it's all over we could come back to Llanview and let everyone know we were alive." Evangeline said.

"Thank you." Téa said.

"Well, he's my friend so I'd do anything for him. He'd do the same for me."

Everyone else finally got to the living room because Dani's screaming made them think a murderer was in the house.

"Dad?" Jack uttered.

"Daddy!" Sam exclaimed.

They both ran over to hug him.

"You're alive." Jack said, relieved.

Victor was happy to see all of them were happy to see him and it was wonderful to meet the kids but he was nervous because he really couldn't remember them. Téa could see something was off. She knew him like the back of her hand and something wasn't right.

"You are alive." Tomas said like he thought he was anyway but was unsure. Téa went over to Tomas and Senior.

"Did you two know about this?" Téa asked.

"I wasn't sure." Tomas replied. "I thought if he was alive, he'd be discovered with everyone else."

"I didn't know... This time." Senior said.

"Excuse me?" Téa replied.

"Later baby. Later." Senior said.

Téa gave them the side eye look then went and took Leon and Tori from Baz and Monica. She took them over to Victor.

"Victor, this is our son and daughter, Leon Vic Lord and Victorious Leya Lord." Téa said.

"They're beautiful." Victor said and put his arm out to hold them. Téa handed them over and they sat in his lap.

"Meet your daddy." Téa said. "I know the house is fuller than you left it."

"That's good. You weren't alone... I have to tell you all something you won't really like." He glanced at Evangeline. "I can't remember anything."

"What do you mean?" Dani asked.

"I have no memory of anything or anyone. I don't really know who I am. I saw pictures of the kids on the internet... I'm sorry."

"Why don't you remember?" Jack asked.

"I was... Shocked a lot, electro-shocked. It took it's toll."

"You're saying you've been tortured like all those other people." Téa said.

"Yes." Victor nodded.

"How did you know where we lived then?" Dani asked.

"John McBain." Evangeline informed.

"John knew about this?" Téa asked.

"I gave him the lead on K.I.C."

"So you were the friend." Del realized.

"Yes. He was supposed to tell everyone about us today but I guess he got preoccupied. Since we were in hiding, we didn't want anyone to know about us until it was safe to come out in the open."

"I don't remember but I know I have family and I want to be there. I want us to have a relationship. I want us to get to know each other again. I have to warn you. I'm not the Victor you all knew. I can't remember that person. From what I hear, I didn't know who I was anyway. Maybe in some ways, that's a good thing. I can remember my life and not some illusions someone gave me."

"But you don't remember us." Jack said.

"But I love you already." Victor could see that even though Dani and Jack knew they were his niece and nephew, they still saw him as a father. He was flattered.

Sam was mostly just happy he had his dad back, the details weren't important. Jack, Dani and Téa were a bit hurt he couldn't remember but it wasn't his fault. Téa was left unsure about everything. Victor was back but he didn't remember anything and she was with Antonio.

-v-

Char was finally completely settled into Shaun's house. It was so nice to have a place she could truly call home again. Destiny was visiting with Drew. Family time! They were having dinner.

"We have news." Char informed.

"More news already? Every time you have news, good or bad, it's always epic. What is it?" Destiny asked then took a bite of Char's baked macaroni and cheese.

"I'm pregnant." Char announced.

"Wow. Congratulations. Already? You two aren't wasting time."

"We didn't plan for it to happen this soon but I'm excited. We're getting another chance." Char said.

"The past few months have men a cluster of dreams coming true." Shaun said.

"This is wonderful. I'm going to be a big sister. Cheers." They clinked their glasses.

Char was ready to shout from rooftops again but she was going to wait until her second trimester. It was still very early.

-v-

Matthew and Hanna were in Angel's Square. The tension between them was tense.

"What's wrong?" Matthew asked.

"Were you going to tell me you were hanging out with Destiny today?" Hanna asked.

"Do I have to?"

"You didn't even answer my calls."

"Because that was family time with Drew. We agreed we wouldn't answer our phones. Why are you making a big deal? She's my son's mother. You've been hanging out with her and her friends lately. You know she won't come between us."

"But will you?"

"Here we go again. Why can't you just trust me? I love you." That was the first time he said it.

"I love you too but... I'm not Destiny and I don't know if I'll ever measure up for you." Hanna walked away.

"Let's talk about this."

Hanna continued to walk.

-v-

At Téa's, Sam, Jack, Baz and Monica left the room and everyone else was gathered around the living room.

"Why did they have you?" Téa asked.

"They wanted some chip. They thought I knew something. If I did, I don't remember now." Victor replied.

"They thought Victor had the chip with dad's tech info on it. It also was proof that dad was alive." Tomas explained. "They never would have found it because Victor knew nothing about it. It was Todd's. He had it before he was taken. He had it hidden away."

"Todd?" Téa questioned.

"Tomas is saying that Todd has known I was alive for a long time." Senior informed.

"What's a long time?" Téa asked.

"Since one of those times you married him, Todd not Victor." Tomas said.

"I can't believe this." Téa massaged her head. "You knew about Todd being captured there." Téa said to Senior in disbelief.

"Yes. I may have had a hand in making him miserable."P

"Dad!" Téa exclaimed.

"You have to understand, I found out all those things he did to you. I couldn't let him off that easily. I don't play that. If I had to stay there so you could stay alive, I damn sure wasn't about to be fine with... Well you know what he did to you. He's lucky I wasn't around. He thinks he's a tough guy. He would've learned something different with me around." Senior was obviously pissed at the thought of someone hurting his baby girl. He didn't care how long ago it was or how old she was, that was still his baby.

"The crazy thing is, you're all so much alike." Dani said. Now she saw why her mom chose the men she chose.

"I'm nothing like him." Senior said.

"Well everything you just said was something he'd say about someone hurting his daughter. Dad, I know you can't remember anything but does that sound like something you might say?" Dani asked.

"Hurting my daughter? Yeah, that sounds like something I'd say." Victor replied.

"See? And his memory is gone. You've all got something in common." Dani said.

"You all can't go around torturing men who hurt your daughters." Téa said.

"Y'all ought to have better taste in men. Damn, Téa we knocked out a few brothers for you back in the day. Remember, your first love Estefan? Tomas whooped his ass. Dad threatened him and by the time I got to him, he was so scared he just ran away." Del said.

"I can't believe you all did that." Téa said.

"We heard how he treated you. It wasn't going down like that. Actually, Tonio and Cris helped me whoop his butt." Tomas said. Téa just shook her head. Estefan was a jerk and he was awful to her but the men in her family were crazy. She had already broken up with the guy.

"Back to Victor, we have to let Vicki, Starr and Blair know you're here."

Blair walked in and just froze.

"What the hell?" Blair said then walked out and came back in. "Is it me or do you have two dead people sitting in your living room?"

"Hello Blair." Evangeline said.

"Oh. It is real." Blair said. "Is judgment day coming? What's up with all the resurrections?"

"They faked Victor's death." Téa said.

"I see." Blair said surprised. "I'm happy to see you Victor."

"He doesn't remember anything." Dani said.

"Oh wow." Blair said.

"Evangeline, what's your story?" Blair inquired.

"I'm alive. I'm back. I found Victor and we've been hiding out until we were safe."

"Hiding out? Together?" Blair questioned.

"Yes." Evangeline replied.

"For how long?" Blair asked.

"A few months." Evangeline said.

"Interesting." Blair said. Téa didn't know their history but Blair did. If they were alone that long, everyone thought they were dead and Victor's memories were gone, she assumed they definitely had something going on but she didn't want to be the one to break it to Téa if she was right.

"We're glad you're home." Téa hugged him again.

"So am I... I think until I get used to being back I'll just stay in a hotel." Victor said.

"... Are you sure?" Téa asked.

"Yeah..." Victor planned to tell Téa that he was with Evangeline the next time he saw her but he didn't want to overload them with all that now. However, he was glad he met them. He had a nice family that loved him and after being hurt and tortured for a year, all the love felt good.

The next stop was Vicki's. Téa called beforehand and filled Vicki in on the news so when they showed up it wasn't such a shock. Vicki and Victor had lovely brother and sister bonding. They talked until Todd showed up. He didn't get the news yet.

"Didn't I kill you?" Todd asked.

"Victor, Evangeline, this is Todd." Vicki introduced.

"So you shot me? Your own brother?" Victor's inner rage wanted to surface. His fist were balled up by his side. Evangeline hadn't seen that the entire time they've been together. Evangeline touched his hand, maybe he'd calm down a bit. It worked.

"You stole my life." Todd said.

"How was that my fault?" Victor asked.

"Maybe it wasn't but you still wouldn't let it go when I came back."

Victor really couldn't argue about what he couldn't remember but what really had him boiling was if he didn't try to kill him, he wouldn't have been tortured for a year. Also, if he didn't have that stupid chip, he wouldn't have been tortured for a year.

"By the way, everyone knows about that chip you have."

"How?"

"It's the reason I've been tortured."

"Téa knows?"

"Yep."

"Todd, aren't you happy Victor's alive?" Vicki asked trying to get them to fix this problem. Todd looked like he was thinking about it. "Todd."

"Sure. I mean, Téa and the kids will be happy. They really missed you. I never meant to hurt them." Todd frowned.

"That being said, don't you two think you should get along so the family can be happy. They've been through enough, don't you think?" Vicki asked.

"Yeah, you're right. I promise, I'll leave you alone. You can trust me because if I bother you, the kids will hate me and I've been trying to get them to not hate me so..."

"Fine." Victor said.

As Evangeline watched the brothers, she wondered how anyone could mistake their identity. Their mannerisms were very different. Todd was more animated and fidgety where Victor is more low-key and still. What they had in common was what they cared about which was their family. She couldn't see herself falling for Todd. Maybe Victor never worked with Blair because she was actually meant to be with Todd. Label them what you want, you can never get copy and paste someone's soul no matter how you brainwash them.

"We should probably go. It was nice seeing you, Vicki." Evangeline said.

"It's really good to see you alive and healthy." Vicki responded. "Thanks for saving my brother."

Evangeline and Victor left.

"Todd, I think you should consider giving Victor apart of inheritance." Vicki said.

."No. It's mine."

"Only because Victor Sr. didn't know he existed. What if the table's were turned? He's got children too. You're going to make him start from scratch?" It's not like you don't have plenty.

"I help with Sam. Téa won't let me help her with the twins."

"Think of how the children would feel about you if you did this for him. They'd really respect you."

"Fine. I'll do it."

"Look how you're maturing."

Todd kept his word and it did get him closer to the children, even Jack though he questioned if he had an ulterior motive and he really didn't. Victor was appreciative. This officially allowed them to put everything behind them. They wouldn't be having any picnics together any time soon but at least there was no longer any beef between them.

After taking Victor to the hotel, Evangeline went to see her good friend Nora. In one of her conversations with John, she learned that Nora was married to Bo again and they were living at the mansion.

The butler let her in then called Nora downstairs from the entered the living room and was shocked to see Evangeline. She couldn't believe her eyes. .

"Evangeline! I thought you were dead. I'm so happy to see you. I've missed you." Nora embraced her friend who she missed dearly. As she hugged her, she felt her pregnant belly which was hidden under a long cardigan. Nora opened the cardigan. "You're..."

"Yeah. It's a secret for now so please don't tell anyone." Evangeline informed.

"Why are you hiding it? This is wonderful!"

"I know. I'm excited but Victor Lord, Jr... He's alive."

"Really?" Nora replied surprised since people saw the body, there was an entire case for his murder and a funeral.

"Yes. See... He's the father."

"No." Nora was surprised again. This whole thing was mind blowing.

"Yeah. We're together. We've been together for some months now-"

"So he faked his death, left his wife and children and hooked up with you?"

"Not even close." Evangeline proceeded to explain Victor's situation and memory lost. "We're giving the family time to adjust to him being back before we drop the fact that we're together and having a baby.

"That's very... Complicated. What happens when he remembers Téa?"

"Who knows? You see my concern... She seems nice."

"Depends on who you ask."

"I love Victor. We have an amazing relationship. You wouldn't believe it but it's true."

"Then I suppose that's good. I'm happy for you. You deserve happiness and a family. You will be a wonderful mother... So what about Cristian? Do you still have feelings for him?"

"No. Cristian is my past and the fact that he was engaged to my sister, eh, that' said bit of a turn off."

"I'm so excited to have you back, Vange."

"You have no idea how good it feels to be back."

The next day, Starr got Evangeline's number so that she could FaceTime with Victor and they had a pleasant conversation.

Evangeline couldn't wait to eat at the Angel Square Diner which was now the Buena's Dias but oh well. She went there after a couple days hoping the only thing that changed was the name and look and that the food was still the same. She took the first bite with her eyes closed. It's funny the things you miss when you can't have them. She was also fulfilling every craving she had at the moment.

Cristian walked out and saw her sitting there as beautiful as ever.

"Evangeline." Cristian said. He had heard the news that she was back.

"Cris." Evangeline smiled.

Evangeline stood and hugged him without thinking. His eyes quickly went to her pregnant belly.

"Congratulations... Who's the lucky guy?"

Well this was kind of funny considering the history. When Cris and Evangeline were together, Victor was always interfering because he liked her a lot, they had great chemistry. Cris could see that. He couldn't really handle them being friends even though Evangeline kept reassuring him she wanted to be with him and not Victor. Victor was a big part of why they broke up.

"Not everyone knows I'm pregnant yet but... it's Victor's."

"Lord Jr?"

"Yes."

"Oh." He then noticed... "Téa."

Evangeline turned around and saw Téa standing there.

"Damn." Evangeline thought. "Téa, Victor was going to tell you."

"Right... What does it matter anyway? He doesn't even remember me. It's been two years. I'm seeing Antonio... So congratulations." Téa left even though she didn't get what she came there for. She was trying to act like she wasn't hurt but she was. It hurt a lot. She kept it together until she got to the car. Then the tears fell.

She wished to see her father and Victor again and got them and neither returned anything like she ever dreamed.

In the diner...

"She seemed to take it well." Cristian said, not really meaning it.

"Yeah right. I have to call Victor." She sat down, called Victor and Cristian joined her. "I ran into Téa. She knows."

"Oh boy. I'll talk to her." Victor said. He called a cab to take him to Téa's.

Evangeline and Cristian continued to catch up.

"So, you were engaged to Layla." Evangeline said.

"Your mom told you?"

"Sure did."

"I'm sorry."

"I felt betrayed at first but I'm over it."

"Have you spoken to Layla?"

"No. I don't even think she knows I'm alive. Do you have her number?"

"I do."

"Could you call her and tell her? I'll tell her about the baby."

"Sure."

-v-

Victor arrived at Téa's.

"I'm sorry I didn't get to tell you first. I didn't want to put everything on you and the family all at once."

"It's fine." Téa said. "The kids get a new sibling, joyous occasion." It'd be easier if she actually meant what she was saying. She flashed a smile. Victor really didn't want to hurt her. Though he couldn't remember her, he felt natural care toward her. "I have a man and a new life. It's alright. Don't even think about it."

"Can I see the kids?"

"Sure. Whenever you'd like. I'll get them for you." Téa went to get the babies and Sam who was there too. They were all able to spend hours with their daddy and that was nice.

"My brother Del is here. Just call him when you're ready to go. I'll be out for a little while." Téa went to see Antonio. She kissed him as soon as he opened the door. After heated sex, Téa lied there quietly.

"What's wrong?" Antonio really knew something was wrong when he opened the door. Unfortunately, he had a feeling this had something to do with Victor being back.

"Nothing."

"I spoke to Cris. Evangeline's pregnant with Victor's baby. That bothers you, doesn't it? Not only are they having a baby but he gets to be there for her like he couldn't be there for you."

She stayed silent. He was right but she didn't want to admit it. She was really hurting about this and she felt bad because she did love Antonio but your husband comes back from the dead, old feelings are sure to arise.

"I understand but you're going to have to figure out your feelings." Antonio got out of the bed.

-v-

Evangeline went to Rodi's, assuming John would probably be there. She hadn't seen him since she had been back.

John was behind the bar so she had a seat so that she could talk to him. It hit him that after he got the call for the homicide he forgot all about informing everyone of her and Victor's return.

"Van! I'm so sorry. I completely forgot." John said.

"Don't worry about it. It all worked out fine." Evangeline replied.

"How has it been for you?"

"Good mostly. I feel like I'm home. While I was recovering I very much missed Llanview... I never told you that I'm having a baby."

"Is that so? Congratulations. Who's the father?"

"Victor!" Wasn't it obvious?

"You're a couple?" John asked a little surprised. He didn't consider that but he guessed he should have.

"That went over your head Mr. Detective?"

"I guess I just never imagined. Explains a lot. You were hoping he wasn't married because you're together."

"I want to thank you again for coming through for me when I asked and helping to shut down K.I.C. I'm glad something that hasn't changed is, you're still the town hero."

"That used to bug you when we were together."

"No. It bugged me that you always had to save a damsel in distress then fall in love with them. You have a hero/knight and shining armor complex. You need to have a Lois Lane or a princess to rescue but that's not always a bad thing. Somebody has to do it. It may as well be you. You're so good at it."

-v-

It was a GNO (Girls Night Out). James volunteered to babysit Drew for the night. Destiny, Dani, Vina, Monica, Hanna and Aria all went to Shelter. Dani hadn't been to the club since she's been sober. Destiny wasn't crazy about the idea of Dani going but she insisted she had no urge for drugs or alcohol. Before, she couldn't enjoy herself without it but that was because she was unhappy and was trying to fill a void but now she really is happy so she didn't need it.

Hanna and Aria had been hanging out with them since the pool party. They usually have fun with them but considering Hanna was feeling really insecure about her relationship with Matthew, her fun level was low tonight. Destiny was worried about Dani but apparently she should've been worried about Hanna who was drinking a lot tonight.

"Hey girl, what's the matter?" Destiny asked Hanna.

"Nothing. I'm good." Hanna replied.

"Are you sure? You seem to be overdoing it tonight." Destiny took the new drink a guy bought for her.

"I guess I'm breaking one of James' rules. Don't take drinks from strangers." Hanna laughed.

James was concerned about them at the club and gave them all these safety rules before they left.

"Do you want to talk about it?" Destiny asked.

"I'm fine. I'm just not in a partying mood. I'll get a cab." Hanna drunk that last drink and left while everyone else continued to have a good time.