Whew... end of month update... We have power on the mountain about two weeks now or so.. there are fluctuations but it's steady enough. The island continues to plug along on its merry way.
In honor of my mum's birthday today.. chapter 25... a little heavy but worth it I think..
Shout outs!
marsupial1974 - as always babes.. you're the best.. my partner in crime and in writing. I couldn't ask for better..
TheAeacusProject - keep the chapters coming
dammitnaomily - waiting patiently for more
Abbi - thank you for reading
fragrantlily - keep writing... still don't like (spoiler) dead effy but the story is good..
Thank you to all who read and review.. reviews are never necessary but greatly appreciated.
Still only own season 3 of Skins.. and delusions of grandeur
Chapter 25
Emily stood outside the house. It was impressive. It took up nearly half the block. She expected royalty to come walking out of it any moment it looked so grand. Especially here in Bristol. She'd been standing there a bit. The car dropped her off and she hadn't gotten farther than that. It had been a three weeks days since her first therapy visit. True to her word she had phoned the center and scheduled an appointment. On the phone, she'd explained the basic particulars including the police incident. They made room for her straight away. She'd been going to appointments twice a week. Naomi had been there for every one.
They'd sat in a waiting room while she filled out paperwork. It was different than the last time she was in such a center. It seemed warmer somehow. Less perfunctory. A woman called her name after a bit. Naomi had squeezed her hand and assured her she'd be there the entire time. She'd wanted to wrap her arms around her neck and not let go but knew it was a silly notion. She walked behind the woman and was led into a small office. Another woman stood up from behind a desk and offered her hand.
"Tell me about yourself Emily." She said soothingly while reading through the sheets Emily had filled out a little earlier. She almost rolled her eyes but held back.
"Don't know where to start really... Hi.. I'm Emily.. My parents are Jenna and Rob Fitch, lovely people.. I've a twin, Katie.. a little overbearing but great heart.. a younger brother, James.. bit of a prick but not in a bad way." She crossed her arms. "I've attended uni, work in a coffee shop.. my first girlfriend.. only girlfriend.. cheated on me in college and I didn't forgive her then.. slept my way through the past four years and ended up with a psychotic boyfriend whose likely been drugging me our entire relationship and I'm pretty sure he abused me sexually.. is that enough or?" She knew she sounded defensive. It wasn't until the words were out there and the woman looked at her kindly that she took a breath. "Sorry."
"What for?"
"Dunno.. being bitchy.."
"Nonsense. You were being blunt and to the point. Thinking you're not quite at ease with being here but perhaps you feel it might be a good thing."
"They pay you the big money don't they?" She grimaced. "Shit.. sorry.."
"Apology accepted.. that last bit was bitchy." They smiled at each other. "How about you tell me a little more about your family. Help paint a picture of what your childhood was like.. if you don't mind."
She took a breath, pushed the memory aside and took the few steps to the door. She rang the bell and waited.
..
Sasha was groaning and hissing as he wiped at his shoulder with antiseptic. Effy's nails had done him in again. He wasn't complaining. They'd held off on sex for so long that he imagined they would be in a honeymoon period for months if their combined appetites were any indication. But she had been more aggressive. With every instance, it seemed to increase. He had bruises and bite marks in a lot of places. He knew he'd left a few marks of his own on her body but it had been done in the act. Raw passion he'd thought after the fact. As he wiped at the blood running down his skin, the nagging thought returned. She wasn't seeing him. Not when she was in attack mode. He'd dubbed it that even if it wasn't entirely accurate. It wasn't inaccurate. His mind intruded in on itself and he sighed.
Effy was sitting on the fire escape smoking a cigarette. She'd been indulging in them, knowing it wasn't what she wanted but also that it would have to do. What she wanted was a no. Madge came up to her and rubbed herself on her elbow. She scooped up the cat and held her before setting her back down. Another meow and she was gone back inside. Sasha had managed to get a few things for her. Toys, bowls, a perch of sorts. It was as if he'd been more than eager to accept someone, something into his space. It made her smile albeit a little sadly. She closed her eyes as she inhaled. She could see his eyes. Dark. Searing. If she let herself, she could almost remember his fingers. The intrusion. It had been a numb experience. She could feel them and not at the same time. She remembered the feel of drugs entering her system more clearly. Her eyes flew open as she felt Sasha walking up behind her. "Bleeding stop?"
"Yes.. I put a bandage on the worst." He sat on the edge of the window on the inside of the flat.
"That's good." She hadn't offered to help him with it. Not today. Not the first time she broke skin. The most she'd offered was to trim her nails down. He declined that. He didn't seem to mind a bit of pain. A lot of pain. She knew what his back looked like. Her marks joined a few that were burned into his skin from some other time in his life. Her marks were red trails. They would likely fade. But even after a few days, they were painfully bright against his flesh. She finished the cigarette and disposed of the butt. "You sure you don't want me to get rid of the nails. Doubt I'll be gentler any time soon." She looked at him and tried to smile. Even to her, it felt off. She cared for him. Truly cared. But she was lost in the middle of something and couldn't get herself out. Not yet.
Sasha shook his head. "I can take it." He met her eyes and nodded. How much communicated in that nod. She leaned into him and kissed him.
..
"Right... tomatoes and cucumbers, beans, and herbs.. all planted and labeled. The berry plants are next." Naomi had walked in from the garden. Gina took in her daughter, covered in loose dirt from head to toe. She smiled wide and told her to wash up as breakfast would be ready soon. She nodded and limped to the wash closet. It was a sight for certain. She had been going to physical therapy once a week and it was helping. The crutches were a thing of the past and only minor stiffness remained. She refused to do therapy more often than that. Her reasoning was that she could do the same things at home. Work had been going well and she'd discovered a real love for plants.
She set the plates of food down for both of them. Kieran was at school already. He'd been sending her naughty texts all morning. She kept laughing at them and wondering if she didn't need to cut back on his telly watching. She poured the tea as Naomi sat down. "Thanks mum." Gina set the kettle down and touched her daughter's cheek.
"Have I told you how much I cherish you?" Naomi rolled her eyes but blushed.
"Mum.. stay out of the herbs." She smiled as she spoke.
"Never." They both laughed and set about to eat.
..
The door opened after a couple of minutes and someone she hadn't expected stood there with bills in his hand.
"Huh.. you're not pizza."
"What are you doing here?" She frowned at him and clutched at her bag. She could feel the base of her neck prick up as he stared at her then past her.
"My parents live here... and I'm waiting for a delivery. Not that I need to answer to you.. especially the way your mates treated me but.. since you are here.." His eyes traveled up and down her body. His smiled was stopped halfway as he heard someone behind him. "Oh now you've done it.."
"Mr. Huxley... your parents would prefer you not answer the door." Peter made a face at the voice.
"Jarvis... Emily Fitch... Emily Fitch... Jarvis.." He introduced them with a bored expression as a car pulled up. "Ahh... I'm saved.. you all exchange disapproving looks until my return." He jogged out to the car as the delivery person stepped out with two cardboard boxes.
"Ms. Fitch. My sincerest apologies. I'm Albert, the Huxley's aide. Did you have an appointment with Mr. and Mrs. Huxley? I wasn't aware of any." He looked at her and smiled. It wasn't warm. "I'm afraid they're not in presently. Only Peter is in residence currently." She almost smiled at the contempt with which he said the man's name.
"Unfortunate that. I was hoping to speak with them.. when will they be around?"
"Not for some time. I can ask them to call on you upon their return." She heard steps behind her and half turned defensively.
"Shame... lovely view.." He whispered as he walked by. "You can come in.. have a slice." He announced as he bounded up the three short steps.
"I don't think.." The elder gentleman was protesting the invitation.
"Noted Jarvis.. but I was talking to her.. not you. Go back to your cave." The older gentleman bristled but didn't leave.
"Ms. Fitch.. thank you for stopping in. I will let the Huxley's know of your visit." He took hold of the door, intimating for Peter to come inside so he could close it. Instead, he stood firmly in front of it and shook his head.
"Manners old boy.. manners.. please do come in Emily... I've plenty to share." He met her eyes and her skin crawled. She grasped the double meaning in his words. Double.. triple or quadruple. Ugh. "Seriously.. go back to your quarters. I can shut the door on my own if she doesn't come inside you old twat." It was something to watch the color change in the man's face. If it had been in a pub, she'd imagined a fist flying. Here was a different story. The man nodded and turned on his heel. Peter laughed and looked at her. "He has no sense of humor. Coming in?" Emily was glaring at him. She didn't know whether to turn and run or spit in his face. He hadn't done anything other than behave obnoxiously. It was at the very least honest. He was vile and had no problem exhibiting it. She clenched her jaw as he smiled.
"I don't like you." He shrugged.
"You'd be one of a handful of souls who did if that was the case.." He held the boxes with one hand and dug out a slice of pizza with the other. He took a bite and proceeded to speak with his mouth full. "You're here for answers I'm guessing... I've got them." He took another bite. "I've also got beer going warm inside and a high stakes football game to watch. So make up your mind and get in or go."
..
She had grabbed a shower and a fresh change of clothes. Sasha had only bothered with a towel after the shower and wandered into his studio. He had put up a blank canvas two days ago and was finally giving it some active thought. He stood there with his hands on his hips. She watched him. He hadn't dried thoroughly and water droplets littered his skin. He grabbed a couple of paintbrushes and set them on the side table. He was fingering tubes of paint as she smiled. The way he moved, the way he thought. She could see it as a dance. He wasn't like anyone she'd been with. It terrified her. The only things that kept her from running away had been their conversations and the fresh memories of years gone by. She needed to hold on. Needed to remain in the now or lose herself in the past. She understood herself and was aware enough to be here. She walked to him and put her arms around his waist. He stopped moving as her front pressed against his back. He touched her arms encircling him. He didn't turn around. He wanted to. But he was learning what she needed.
"You coming back tonight?" She shook her head. She hadn't spent the night again yet. She'd spend hours on end, but never the night. At least not now. It was a line she had set on herself. "Lunch tomorrow?" She nodded. "Alright." She squeezed him a little harder and then was gone. He didn't look after her as she left. He was hers and he knew it. She would return if she said she would. He uncapped the tube of red paint and put a glop on the canvas itself.
..
"Toby!" He was sitting at the table eating toast and reading the paper when Katie called for him. He jumped and spilled his coffee. He wiped at it as she stomped into the kitchen. "You touched my closet."
"Our closet." He replied and tried suppressing a smile.
"Whatever.. my shoes and clothes are moved around."
"I rearranged them."
"Yeah.. kind of guessed that unless you were trying them on and if you're pulling a Channing in that Pink vid, you'd best get your own dress.. anyway.. they're not how I left them."
"No. I put them in order or heel size and color. Tops, bottoms, dresses are also in similar organization." He paused. "What video?"
"Never mind that.. it doesn't make sense this way."
"It makes perfect sense."
"Uh no.. it doesn't. I had shoes and outfits arranged to match."
"I beg your pardon." He looked at her like she was speaking a different language. "How does that make logical sense?"
"It makes sense in that I know the amount of time I need to apply makeup based on what outfit I'm wearing and since they're all planned out for the most part it requires little thought process early morning or late evening whenever I am rushing and now everything is messed up."
"Katie breathe."
"Toby! This is an emergency. I'm going to be late."
"I'll drive you."
"Yes you will.. but not the point. Tonight we're spending quality time with the closet and I'm teaching you fashion." She turned on her heel and stomped back into the bedroom. Tobias looked at his cup and shook his head.
"Might need to get an espresso later."
..
With every step she took, she felt her anxieties creep up. On the walls, there were painted portraits of the family at different ages. Every face, serious and stern. Nothing warm or friendly. She wondered if they actually posed or if the artist had drawn it from a picture. Peter had shut the door after she'd come inside and then stepped around her. He told her to follow him. She was trying to place limits on her decision to come in. If he went too far into the house, she would turn around and walk out. If he tried to go upstairs, where she imagined the bedrooms to be, she would turn and walk out. He turned into the second door on the right and she could hear a television from inside the room. It was a den of sorts. There was a large flat screen mounted on the wall but the furniture was more museum quality than comfort.
The pizza boxes were dumped on a center table next to an open bottle of beer. He walked to the wall where an expensive built-in bar was situated. She looked about the room and saw the shelves of books adorning every other wall from floor to ceiling. When she looked at him again, he was offering her a beer. She shook her head. "Hmm... I swear it's unaltered." He licked his lips, admiring her openly. "Not the perv my little brother is. See.. has the cap on and everything... Father buys it so it's very posh.. but still beer." She couldn't get understand how incongruous he was to everything here. The taste of the décor, the lifestyle. It didn't explain his existence. "Look.. have a beer.. a slice of pizza.. kick your feet up. Least you deserve from my family." He said it but it wasn't sincere.
"The least I deserve?" He laughed.
"Come on.. I know my parents offered you money. It's them.. who they are." He put his fresh bottle of beer on the table and uncapped hers, placing it in her hand. She recoiled at his touch but didn't drop the bottle. He gave her another smile before grabbing his own beer and popping the top. "Cheers." He sat on the couch and pointed to the spot next to him. The look on Emily's face must have been apparent when he shrugged and took a swig of beer. She sat in the armchair nearby. "I'm not judging.. I think you deserve every penny and likely more.. I mean.. you took it from Connie after all."
"I don't need this.." She stood as did he.
"Christ.. have a sense of humor will you?" He could see the fear around the eyes, the uncertainty. Even after all the time with his brother, she maintained her innocence in there. He could see some of the appeal.
"A sense of humor? What the fuck is wrong with you? What do you think your brother did to me while we.." He met her eyes and there was something unreadable there.
"I know.. have a fairly good idea.." He didn't sound apologetic. But again he didn't sound insincere in his tone. Something about that was speaking to her. "Please... sit. I'll.. I'll try to behave. It's not my strong suit... but... I'm bored. Fresh company would be great."
"You're bored? Fresh company?" She looked at him like he'd grown another head. She felt offended but all the same, she took a seat. The beer in her hand leaving condensation on her palm. Her throat being dry she cautiously took a sip.
"Yes.. bored.. I've been holed up here all fucking week with only the walking hemorrhoid to keep me company." She grimaced at the description. "He's only gotten uglier with age." He drank and grabbed another slice. He tilted his head at her and she declined. His eyes looked at the television but it was only for a second.
"Mummy and daddy punishing you? Keeping you away from the schoolyard?" He laughed loudly at that.
"Ooh.. maybe there is some fight to you after all." He was regarding her like a lion would prey. She could feel it and wondered if it would be cowardly to run.
"Look.. you said you had.. answers." He nodded as he drained half the bottle and kept eating. "Let's have them."
"I need questions first." He smiled and it was chilling. He was playing a game. She was a game.
"Fine.." She took a longer drink and let out a breath. "Questions... Did your parents really pay for your brother to be.. locked up?" He nodded giving the appearance of caring little. "Why?"
"Did they pay? A sizable amount. Why?" He smiled. "Too easy.. Better to have a loony for a son than a convicted kidnapper.. ohh and don't forget murderer." He thought for a moment. "The murderer thing would give the family infamy.. at least that was my argument but I wasn't consulted."
"But how can he be considered.."
"Batshit?"
"Mentally unfit? Con.." His name was difficult to say. It had been something she had to work on.
..
"You won't be able to move forward if you can't face your past. And you're carrying around a fair bit of baggage."
"I know.. but.. how do I.. I mean.. I can't tell you for sure what was done to me.. or what wasn't. How do I move forward from that?" She rubbed her arms up and down. "I know I lost time.. a lot of time.. there are so many blank spots and I could have sworn it was simply me running around ragged between work and school.. forgetting things.. but.." She shook her head. "The police.. my sister.. friends.. they're sure I was drugged.. I know.. on some level.. I was.. but it's not something.." The therapist reached out and touched her knee.
"One thing at a time Emily.. you need to forgive yourself for what you think you did to Naomi. We'll get to Connor." She watched as the younger twin shivered at the name. She squeezed her knee and moved back in her chair. She made a note in her pad regarding the reaction.
"How am I supposed to forgive myself for abandoning her?" She picked at the hem of her shirt.
"She was alone.."
"By choice. From our conversation so far, she didn't want visitors."
"But I could have.."
"Hindsight isn't going to help second guessing here. You were young and you made an emotional choice based on her actions. Harsh yes. But it was what you felt then. Getting hurt by those we love leaves us open to making discordant choices. You've also said you tried to visit. I think you need to see yourself and the intent. It was an unusual situation for anyone. There wasn't a set manual or procedure."
..
She had found the first address easily enough. He'd been listed after all. It was a nice area. She hadn't seen him though. In all the nights she'd walked by or sat on a bench across the way, she hadn't laid eyes on him once. A woman in her 20s came and went but no Peter. She didn't know what she would do if she ran into him. She wanted to be angry. She wanted to hurt him. But she didn't know why. What he had done so long ago had been to someone she didn't know anymore.
"That's not true." She heard his voice and nearly wet herself. She hadn't seen him in a long time. The last time had hurt. She didn't want it to hurt.
"You can't be here." She didn't look. She couldn't.
"But it seems I am.." He was standing behind her. "You're the same Effy as you always were. You've known who you were since you were an infant. It hasn't changed."
"Can you go?" The first tear rolled down her cheek as she closed her eyes. "Please... I can't Freddie. I can't." She opened her eyes and turned her head when she felt him leave. She got off the bench and walked to the front door of the house and rang the bell.
..
"The garden looks lovely child of mine. Looks like you're a natural."
"It's applied science." She hadn't been the smartest at science but she wasn't a slouch. Though she knew she was stretching it in this case. She'd liked working with flowers, learning their lore and then their uses. It branched out from there. She knew her mum's garden was a good one but she saw an opportunity to expand on it and maybe claim part of it for herself. It would take time, give her a routine.
"Hmm... I think it's the exposure to communal living." There was an audible protest. Gina was teasing her. She'd seen the changes in her. Both the good and the bad. She'd been worried but Naomi had been proving she needn't be. There was a resilience to her that was lovely to witness. She'd hoped it hadn't all been learned as a coping mechanism after what she'd been through. "Maybe this is something you might like.. long term?" She looked at her daughter and waited until she was looking back. "Have you thought of having your own nursery?"
..
"He's one of the smartest people I've known. He's organized.. never careless.. Surely that counts against being mentally impaired."
"He is. Yes. All of that. Someone with enough initials after their proper name could argue that those are 'manifestations' of what 'trauma' he suffered when he was young." He made air quotes and Emily glared at him. He gave her a sideways smile. "All of it doesn't negate that my cousin wasn't exactly... picky when it came to buggery.. female, male.. didn't matter to him.. apparently neither did age or familial ties." Peter said it plainly as if reciting a shopping list. He omitted what hand he'd played in the initial and subsequent events.
"Your cousin.. he..?"
"Took it to Connie? Yup. As often as he could..I think he was 13 the first time." He finished his beer and put it next to the other bottle. He was half through the first pizza already. "Something else that gets brushed under the rug... patient-doctor confidences and what have you.." She shook her head.
"Jesus.. How did no one notice? I mean.. your parents.. How does.."
"Blind and deaf if it isn't socially acceptable or a step up on the economic food chain. Money.. it makes the world go 'round.. makes the dirty stuff clean... the secrets go away." Peter stared at her. She actually exhibited some pity it seemed for Connor. He couldn't understand that. "So.. unless you have someone like me who obviously cares nothing for the family name... I'm an open book.. behind closed doors at least." He stood and grabbed another beer from the inlaid bar fridge. He didn't offer her another. She'd drank some but he knew she wouldn't allow herself to get drunk enough to his liking.
"So you know it all and yet.. you won't say anything?" He shrugged.
"Why should I? I mean.. yeah I fucking hate Connie and would love for him to be in some hole somewhere getting shit on by someone big and ugly but.. he's locked away... so there's something to rejoice in that." He looked at her and smiled. "Or wait... you mean cause I didn't stand up for him when he was young?" He laughed. "Why would I say anything? He should have been a bed stain at best. Oh wait.. you mean.. cause he gets away with what he did to you? I should be what? Stalwart and upstanding?" He chuckled and drank. "Wrong family virtue." She looked at her beer trying to let the words sink in. "We're not the stand up kind Emily... maybe my grandparents were on Dad's side.. but they're gone. Dad.. he's too weak to have a spine.. And I don't give a fuck. I wasn't joking when I said I'd have a go at you or your sister if I could." More beer down his throat and he thought about it. "Besides I've got my own shit to deal with.. I'm not taking the mantle to making sure your sense of justice is restored."
"Fuck you." The bottle stopped from reaching his lips. He nodded.
"Good on you."
"You said you had answers." She looked at the bottle in her hand. He had uncapped it in front of her. It hadn't tasted funny. She was still in control. "You're amusing yourself and not giving me much."
"You need questions... and the answers might not suit you." He drank and leaned forward. "What do you want to know Emily? How messed up it all was? It wasn't a real secret that Dimmie and Connie fucked. My parents may have been unaware but there were a few of us who knew. Not a one of us said shit." His bluntness caused her to stare. He couldn't tell if it was anger, hatred, disgust. But whatever it was, he was delighted. "It went on for a couple of years. Straight through college. Didn't start out friendly." She could see he was actually enjoying telling her this. "Things changed in time.. became somewhat mutually beneficial. Then Caroline happened." She swallowed and decided another drink wouldn't be a bad idea.
"Who is.. who is she?"
"Was.. past tense.. she finally got the plug pulled sometime last year. Parents took long enough to let go. Messy combination of drugs, sadness and what have you. Landed her on her back and mostly alone." He sat back and watched her reactions, savoring them. "She and Connie went to college.. same form. Sweet on each other they were at first." He stopped what he was saying and drank. "Tried keeping her a secret. Didn't work out so well. Things changed after she met the bunch of us. Dimmie.. my girl at the time I forget her name. She thought Connie invited her over. Shame that.." He laughed. "Maybe not that much shame. A little of this and a little of that. Made for an interesting time."
Emily's stomach was turning. What she was hearing was getting worse by the minute. "So.. he.. you all.. used her?"
"That's a terrible notion. No.. We educated her. Brought her out of her mousy shell. She learned what it meant to be a part of our.. family. In turn, she provided him with an outlet for his.. predilections. She was certainly entertaining."
"I think I'm going to be sick." She put the near empty bottle on the table and stood. "I need to go."
"Are you keeping the money or throwing it back in their face?" He asked without moving from his seat.
"What?"
"Isn't that why you're here? To tell them what pricks they are.. how you can't be bought?" He finished the beer and put it next to hers. Then he stood, placing himself directly in her way. "Tell me.. tell me how you're taking the moral high and that they can shove their money up mum's.."
"Peter!" The female voice cut through the air sharply. Emily jumped and looked. A tall woman in heels and a designer pantsuit stood in the doorway. "Be a good boy. Watch your little game and let the adults speak." He looked at her and offered a salute with a clenched as he sat down. He whispered for Emily to call him and winked. She turned her stare to Emily and she watched as the eyes changed. It was no longer angry but instead inviting. Her breath caught in her throat. She recognized it in an instant. Connor. "Ms. Fitch.. please come with me. We can speak in my office." She felt herself walking after the woman, not even glancing at the man slumped on the couch. She could feel his eyes lingering on her.
..
The door opened and the woman she'd seen answered. "Yes?" She didn't yet look vexed but there was an air of superiority coming off her.
"I'm looking for Peter." Effy's voice sounded distant to her. The woman narrowed her eyes at her.
"Unbelievable. Look.. I'm sure you have urgent business with the bastard but I suggest you take leave." She was about to shut the door when Effy put her hand out.
"Wait.. doesn't he live here? I thought.. this is his address.."
"Not once the divorce is final. If you were stupid enough to believe in him or spread your legs for him that's not my problem. This isn't his home. Neither you nor his..." She made a disapproving sound as she looked at Effy up and down. "Whatever you call yourself.. I will not accept that. Fuck off you little tart before I call the police." She slammed the door and Effy stood there.
..
He'd been painting nonstop since she'd left. He realized more than half the day was gone when his stomach rumbled. He dropped the paintbrush on the palette and stepped back. The towel had dropped a while back after he'd wiped his hands on it too many times. He'd ended up grabbing a pair of briefs. The thought of getting paint on his privates was none too pleasing. He'd need another shower as it was. He could feel the paint on his skin, cracking as it dried. The canvas was abstract. There were swirls of red embedded with skin tones. Flecks of bright blue throughout. He'd added clouds to the background. Hazy. He could make out the female form but then again he was the painter. He knew where to look. A smile creased his features. This would be a private piece. For his studio. Inspiration for when she needed to disappear. He went into the kitchen and helped himself to fruit while Madge meowed at him for treats.
..
The office she'd mentioned was across the hall. She opened the door and waved Emily inside. "I will apologize for my son. He's in rather poor spirits and temperament. The loss of his cousin came at the most inopportune time. He's going through a divorce and it's left him with little in the way of tact and civility. Tea?" She walked around a glass desk and sat down.
"Uh.. no.. I.. uh.. Mrs. Huxley.."
"Please take a seat dear." She pressed a button on the desk phone and a voice came through. "Tea service for two. There.. that will be up shortly. I do wish you'd announced your intent in visiting. My husband and I were at his parents' estate. I'd have made certain Peter was properly occupied. He can be vulgar." She smiled at Emily who was reminding herself to breathe. "Albert phoned to let us know of your presence. I left my husband there to deal with.. family trinkets. Gives him something to do. He's distraught over Connor. Neither of us could imagine the tragedy that has befallen on you and yours at the hands of our youngest." Emily nodded. She couldn't speak. "I understand Christopher delivered our.. offer as compensation for your grief and troubles." She nodded again and could hear ringing in her ears. "You do understand the acceptance of which precludes any mention of the incident, yes?" The tea was brought by the older gentleman without so much as a look to Emily. He placed a cup in front of the woman at the desk. He handed Emily her cup, set the tray down and left.
"Mrs. Huxley... I.."
"Was it not sufficient? Is that the issue? I spoke to our actuarial and he took into account the length of time you were involved with my son as well as any medical.."
"No.. Mrs. Huxley.. It's not about the amount." She shook her head. "Do you buy your way out of.."
"Careful dear.. my other son may have a wagging tongue but I assure you nothing he said is admissible in any court – civil or otherwise. I would choose your words with care." She sipped from her cup. "Lovely rose. Albert does have a knack for finding the right blend for me. Peter.. He's a wreck on at least three different medications.. some self-prescribed I fear." She took another sip from the tea and smiled. "I am compensating you and your friends because I'm merely concerned for your well-being. Connor, my poor boy, is a troubled young man and is finally receiving professional care for his condition. He has a long road ahead and it is unlikely he will ever be in a right mind. It's not unfathomable that he will spend his life under a doctor's care. While it is unfortunate that his troubles fell on your doorstep, I'm not buying anything. Are we clear on this?"
She watched the woman drink her tea like this was a casual meeting. She set her cup on the tray. "I'm clear that you don't want to face things.. doesn't it bother you? That he did.. that he hurt people? That he was hurt?"
"Of course.. did you miss the part about me being concerned? Or that he has a condition?" Her smile met her eyes. Peter. She could see him in her. Emily shook her head. The woman was amused at her own version of a game. "My son will pay for his trespasses. He's divided my husband's family I fear by his actions against his cousin. But they're family and the rift will eventually be resolved. What he allegedly did to.."
"Allegedly? There aren't any allegations.. He.."
"It doesn't matter. Whatever happened, happened. Can't change it. No sense in dwelling on it. We can only move forward. If you and your friends need more time, or an additional reparation, we can discuss it." She put her cup down, took up a pen and a piece of monogrammed note paper. She slid it along the desk to Emily. "Write down a reasonable number." She looked at the paper in disbelief.
"I've told them to take the money." She blurted out. "I.. I didn't come here to ask for more.. I don't want what you're offering.. But I know.. I know it would change my friends' lives, my sister's life." She put a hand to her mouth, preventing her from continuing, afraid she would start crying. It had been too much coming here. She reached out and pushed the pen and paper back.
"You're being smart by accepting the money." The woman stood up. "Nothing will change what's happened. Only the future can change. My son will not be hurting anyone else." Emily wanted to scream at her poise.
"You could have stopped him before.. with Caroline." She watched a crack in the veneer around the eyes but it was back in a flash.
"That was unfortunate and out of our hands. She overdosed over her own emotional turmoil. Connor had nothing to do with that.. no matter what Peter has intimated. I'm sure you can find your way out." She was on her feet shakily and tried to walk but it took some effort. Her legs felt like jelly. "And Ms. Fitch.. no more unscheduled visits."
..
Effy stood across the street from a different house, different neighborhood. Foot traffic was different. It seemed people drove more here. People traveling home from working at a white collar position. The other neighborhood had been nice but had a mix of classes. Not here. This was upper crust. She stood behind a parked car. Dusk was fast approaching and she knew she should head home. There was nothing to be found here. She'd not expected the woman to be his wife. Not expected to be treated like she was part of his world on purpose. It made her feel like she needed a week-long shower. She was still debating what to do when the door opened.
She couldn't have been more shocked to see the twin exiting the place. She seemed out of sorts and a bit pale. She got as far as the bottom step before turning her head and vomiting. Effy didn't have a chance to react. No sooner was she done that Emily sprinted away as if someone was chasing her. Her hands, her body was shaking. She checked her phone to make sure she had the right address. She'd done a search for other Huxley's in city and came up with this location as the address for two people. A man and a woman. She could only imagine it was the parents as the man's name had Charles. The woman's name was Susan. She looked up as the door opened again and out stepped Peter shrugging on a jacket. A woman right after him. Effy crouched down.
"Where do you think you're going?"
"Out mother.. I can't breathe in there."
"I suggest you exercise a little care with what you do. I can't have you running around."
"Don't worry mother.. I think your youngest fucked up enough for the rest of us to skate on everything we might do."
"Peter Huxley.. I swear if you... is that vomit?" She pointed aghast at the steps as he managed to avoid the puddle. He laughed as the woman shrieked for someone inside the house to clean it up. Effy watched as he took off in the direction Emily went. She started to follow him, determined to find out what he'd done to the twin.