Chapter 27
After having been pronounced once more healthy, Dara focused her energy and attention on her family as well as helping during her free time at the center. After Matt had suggested that she begin taking birth control pills she and Lucas resumed their nightly activities, finding that after two years of marriage as well as two pregnancies, that they still shared the same magic in their lovemaking as before. Dara found herself as happy as she had thought possible until she was faced with everything her husband had tried to hide from her.
It had started simple enough; she was feeding Riesa and Alex, both having been advanced to more solid foods. Placing a bowl of soup in front of them, both having also learned quickly how to use a spoon with little fuss, she turned her back to recover the pot on the stove when she heard a bowl hit the floor, turning and seeing that it was Alex's bowl she asked, "What's the matter, sweetie you know your soup over?"
With that she started to bend down and pick it up when she noticed Alex focusing his gaze on the bowl. When she started to reach for it, it flew across the room. Standing quickly she stared, wide-eyed at her child, trying to comprehend what she had just witnessed.
Riesa watching what was transpiring and not to be outdone by her brother looked at her own bowl, then moving her head to the side sent the bowl flying in the same direction without having touched it.
Dara looked at her children as she asked quietly, "How did you do that?"
Taking them both from their high chairs, she took them upstairs and after changing them settled them down for their naps. After feeding Rinie she went to her room and sat on the edge of the bed trying to fathom what had just happened.
Deciding that she couldn't really think about it at the moment she ventured downstairs to the living room. With no particular reason in mind, she decided to peruse the glass-covered bookshelves; she wasn't looking for anything in particular when her eyes fell on a bright green book with a black spine, [Strange}, she thought, [I don't remember seeing this one before.] Although she knew that with the assortment of books in the house that it was quite possible for her to have missed it, she as well as Lucas and now Caleb, were all voracious readers, each with a variety of tastes.
Taking the book, curious as to its contents, she went over to the sofa and laid the book on the coffee table to search through the contents. Opening it she discovered that it was a photo album. Dara wasn't sure why this one was placed where it had been, all the other albums were grouped together, even the one's of the children's pictures and their wedding album.
Glancing at the faded and yellowed photos and sketches her eyes fell on one of an old farmhouse. Taking the photo out of the album she studies it closer, as she an image flashed before her. Shocked she dropped the photo and stared at it as if it were a snake. Realizing that it was the Temple farmhouse before it had been burned, she cautiously picked the photo up once more.
This time the image came in a complete picture, one she didn't want to see. Merlyn Temple was lying on a bed when Lucas entered and placed his hands gently on either side of her head before twisting it effectively breaking her neck.
Throwing the photo down not believing what she had just seen she quickly turned the page and came across another photo of Lucas as a teenager, studying the photo she saw the image of him sitting at a bench with his grandmother as she was instruction him. Watching as he focused his attention on the glass sitting on the table in front of him she saw him send the glass flying against the tree in front of the table.
Turning the pages once more unable to stop herself she came to a picture of what she assumed was Gabriel Buck. Focusing on the photo she watched horror as Lucas forced poison down his throat and watched him die.
Slamming the book shut she shook her head in desperation and denial as the tears started, repeating to herself, "Dear God, it can't be. I'm wrong it can't be true."
Considering what course of action she should take she heard the front door open as Caleb came in from school. Meeting him in the hall she spoke quickly as she pushed him up the stairs, "Caleb, I want you to pack a bag. Hurry! When you're finished I want you to help me with the babies."
Looking at his mother strangely he asked, "What's the matter, mama. Why do we need to pack?"
Dara shook her head, "Honey please, I can't explain right now, but we have to hurry, all right?" Hurrying to her room she quickly packed her own clothes and before she could think about it, the photo next to the bed of the entire family.
Going across the hall to the nursery she quickly packed the children's things as well.
Caleb came in, carrying his suitcase, "What now?"
Dara threw him her keys, "Put these things in the car, the grand prix, and put the baby seats in there too please, and hurry." Doing as she asked he was back in a few minutes to take the rest of the bags before returning once more to help carry one of the babies.
After they had strapped the babies in to their seats she quickly started the car. Checking her watch she sighed with relief, it was only four. Lucas usually didn't come home until after five or six.
Caleb glanced at her in uncertainty, "Mama, where are we going and why the big hurry?"
Sighing, she explained grimly, "We need to get away from your father for a little while, Caleb. I'm sorry but from right now it's for the best. I wont keep you from him if that's what you want, I'll leave the choice up to you."
Thinking over her words he shook his head, "No, I want to stay with you, but where are we going to stay?" Dara considered for a moment, she still had her house by the river. Knowing that her choices were limited she drove in that direction.
Lucas sensed that something was wrong the minute that he walked in the door.
Checking upstairs first, he found the drawers left open, most of them completely empty. Checking the closet, he found most of Dara's things in there gone as well. Passing by her side of the bed he noticed that the photo she kept on her side of their family, was gone too.
Moving to Caleb's room he found a good portion of his things missing as well. Then checking the nursery he realized as he found most of their clothing gone, that his wife had left and rather quickly. The only thing he didn't understand was why.
Heading to the kitchen he stopped and closing her eyes could see the scene that had unfolded there earlier. Sighing in frustration he still couldn't fathom her reason, he knew that the twins showing their abilities would spook her, but not enough to make her pack and leave.
Going to the living room he saw the final key to the mystery laying on the coffee table. Waling over to it he found the three photos that he had 'seen' earlier. Closing his eyes he called the images to mind, seeing the scenes unfold in front of him, he opened his eyes and swore, "Damn!" Everything that he had tried to protect her from finding out had come full circle to slap him in the face.
He hadn't thought about the possibility of her 'seeing' the photos the way he could. Snatching the book he opened a drawer and shoved it in there. Thinking aloud he stated, "If it's the last thing that I do, I'm going to burn that dammed book." With that he went out the door to find his family.
Dara was thankful that she had kept the utilities on as well as leaving the beds and television there. She had intended for the house to be used in the summer and on weekends or when her family visited, but in any event she was grateful that she had kept it.
After stopping by the grocery store and buying the necessities she pulled in the driveway. Caleb helped her unload everything and get the babies settled for the night.
Caleb had went to take a shower while Dara was stocking the cabinets in the kitchen, she had opened the door to the refrigerator to remove a pitcher of tea and pour herself a glass, when she closed the door once more, Lucas was standing behind it.
Yelping in surprise and dropping the pitcher, which he caught before it could spill more than a drop or two. She backed into the counter with fear in her eyes.
Lucas saw the look in her eyes and felt a knifing pain in his heart. One of the most precious things in their marriage was the fact that Dara had always trusted him and had never questioned him. Seeing the fear instead of love in her eyes was the worst punishment he could have been dealt.
Sighing in misery, he stated, "I'm not going to pretend that I don't understand why you left. I found the book and I know what happened with Alex and Riesa today. I had hoped that you would never find out about any of what you 'saw', but I didn't think that you could really 'see' pictures in that way. All that I can say is that I'm sorry and that I love you."
Dara swallowed the lump in her throat and looked at him sadly as she accused, "You lied to me. That was why you wanted me to drop my research about Merlyn Temple, wasn't it? I can almost understand why you did to your father. I've heard the stories and I know what the 'accident' was that gave you that scar, but what did that poor girl do to deserve what you did to her?"
Lucas sighed as he replied; "I thought I was putting her out of her misery. She was already mentally handicapped. Gage bashed her head in she would have been in a vegetative state for the rest of her life, I thought that I was being kind. And as far as my father goes, yes that's nine-tenths of the reason that I did what I did. The other reason was because I was tired of him coming home drunk and deciding to 'punish' me. I'm sorry, I wished that I could change the past to spare you the pain of my actions but I cant. And maybe I should have told you but I can't change that either. All that I can do it say that I'm sorry and beg you to come back."
Dara shook her head as the tears began streaming down her face, "All the whispers and innuendoes, what else don't I know about, how many other things did you hide from me? I trusted you and you made a fool of me. I've overlooked things that I knew were to say the least, odd, but I accepted that as being a part of who you are. But I don't know if I can accept this, I'm sorry I need some time to figure everything out."
At that moment Caleb came in the kitchen, seeing his father standing there, his eyes widened as he asked in concern, "Mama, are you all right?"
Lucas continued watching Dara as he ordered his son, "She's fine Caleb, go on in the other room so that your mother and I can't talk."
Caleb glanced at his mother questioningly, Dara met his eyes and nodded her head, "Go on sweetie, I'm fine do as your father says." Shrugging his shoulders, Caleb turned and headed back to the living room.
After a few minutes they heard the television come to life. Narrowing his gaze he challenged dangerously, "You know that I could make you come back, don't you."
Pushing the fear that had welled inside of her back down she nodded slowly, "Yes, I know that you could, but deep down I don't think that you want me to come back unless it's on my own. You didn't fall in love with a puppet and I don't think that's what you want now."
Lucas sighed dejectedly as he asked, imploringly, "What else do you want me to do Dara? Do you want me on my knees begging for your forgiveness, what will it take to get you back where you belong?"
Dara shook her head and looked at him sadly as she implored, "Don't you understand? It's not a matter of you doing anything, it's a matter of my being able to accept what you've done."
Lucas crossed the space between them in the blink of an eye and grabbed by the arms as he ground out beseechingly, "Please, lets just forget all of this and get the kids and go home."
Dara taking in the frantic look in his eyes shook her head as she stated miserably, "Don't you think that I wouldn't love to forget what I've seen and know, but I cant. If it was just me I could probably do just that, but I have four other lives to consider, you never breathed a word about what to expect with the children. You knew the whole time that Alex and Riesa's accomplishments were more than just them being advanced, didn't you think that I had a right to know? I'm their mother damned, how were you going to explain it when Rinie began doing everything early, not to mention doing things like throwing things across a room without ever touching them."
Lucas hung his head as he slacked his grip on her arms, then pulling her to him fiercely he shut his eyes tightly as he begged softly, "Please darlin, don't do this. I'm begging you. Don't take away our family; I can't stand the idea of living without you and the kids. I need you with me, don't do this to be, baby."
Held tightly in his embrace, Dara pushed down her desire to do as he asked and simply ignore what she now knew, but she knew that she had to be strong for her children. Breaking his embrace she stepped back with tears streaming down her face, shaking her head dismally. "I'm sorry, I cant I need some time to think. I wont keep the children from seeing you and I wont breathe one word about what I 'saw' but I just don't know if I can live with you, knowing what I do anymore."
Lucas nodded his head sadly, "All right, I'll give you time if that's what you need. Just tell me that there's hope."
Dara shook her head, "I cant promise that, I don't know it myself right now."
Anger welled inside of him as he glared at her, "Fine." With that he stalked out of the house leaving her weeping, sadly.
Caleb had heard the exchange from the next room. Deciding to give his mother some privacy he shook his head sadly, "Poor Mama." With that he went upstairs to bed.
After Lucas had left, he drove around a while before deciding to head to the office.
Floyd had the desk for the night and was asleep at his desk when Lucas entered. Walking over Lucas kicked the chair leg out from under him, bringing him to land on his backside, startling him awake.
Floyd looked up into Lucas' angry face as he heard, "Is that what Fulton County pays you for Floyd, to nap?"
Floyd regained his feet quickly and replied sheepishly, "Sorry Lucas."
Lucas motioned towards the door, "Go do a patrol, I'll be here for awhile."
Floyd nodded as he grabbed his keys, he assumed that for Lucas to be here this time of night must mean trouble at home with Dara and he didn't want to catch anymore of his anger over it.
Lucas went to his office and closed the door before sitting back in his desk chair. Sitting back he contemplated his options, which weren't many. He knew Dara's stubbornness and he also knew that she wouldn't come back until she had come to grips with what she now knew.
Cursing himself for not following his grandmother's advice and telling her sooner. He knew that she felt betrayed in the fact that she had given him her trust and as she saw it he had misused it.
Glancing at the corner of his desk and studying the picture taken of her on their wedding day as well as the more recent one of the two of them together he decided that he couldn't withstand the temptation any longer, he glanced at the clock. Eleven, he knew that she would have finished nursing Rinie and have the babies settled for the night by now and that she would be climbing into the bed ready to be up for Rinie's next feeding.
Closing his eyes he concentrated until he found her, he had been right she was on the verge of sleep. Delving deeper into him self he set about his purpose.
After Dara had exhausted her tears she went to check on her children. After tucking Caleb in as well as Alex and Riesa, she took Rinie from her bassinet, seeing her on the verge of crying, ready for her feeding. After she had satisfied the baby's hunger and settling hr back in the bassinet she took a quick shower and climbed into her old bed, finding herself emotionally and physically drained. Closing her eyes she found sleep quicker than she had hoped.
That's when the dreams started. In the dream she awoke to find her husband lying next to her, just as she was about to say something he placed his finger against her lips to silence her as he descended to take possession of her mouth with his.
Reaching out to push him away he gently took both of her small hands in his larger ones, raising her arms over her head he pinned them there by holding her wrists in one hand firmly as he lowered his head to once again reclaim her mouth. Kissing her gently at first he increased his demand gradually until she met him in response. Then, burying his head against her shoulder he trailed the length of hr throat down past her collarbone to her breast.
Dara found herself lost in desire, then reality intruded into her mind as the images flashed in front of her. Jerking her hands free and pushing him away she sat up to find him gone.
Sitting up with a start at the realization that it was a dream she hit the mattress in frustration at her treacherous mind. Realizing that the front of her gown was damp, she got up quietly to change.
Going to the bathroom and closing the door as she turned the light on she turned and gasped when she looked in the mirror; her gown was damp due to the milk that had seeped from her breasts.
Thinking aloud she stated, "That's impossible I just fed her an hour ago. I couldn't be leaking milk, unless...." Leaving the thought unspoken as she remembered the specter of her husband gently taking her breasts in his mouth. Then, remembering another part of the dream she stepped closer to the mirror and pulled her long hair away from the side of her neck, there on the side of her throat was a bite mark. She remembered feeling his teeth nibbling at her throat.
Glaring in frustration at herself she swore aloud, "Damn him." With that she changed her gown and went to the living room to watch television, deciding not to give him another opportunity to visit her in her dreams.
Lucas opened his eyes as she awoke, knowing that she wouldn't go back to sleep that night he decided to go home and rest as well as he was able. Leaving the station he headed towards his house, dreading the idea of sleeping in their bed alone.
Searching for his keys he was shocked to see the door swing open and find his grandmother standing there, glaring at him.
Lucilla asked accusingly, "You let her get away, didn't you boy?"
Lucas scowled darkly at the old woman, "Not now, mama. I'm not in the mood for your, 'I told you so's', so just drop it." With that he walked past her leaving her to trail behind him in his wake.
Folding her arms over her chest and standing in the doorway she asked accusingly, "Well, how did she find out?"
Lucas sighed in deep frustration, "Apparently, my wife had a few 'gifts' of her own."
Lucilla looked at him in incomprehension, "What do you mean 'gifts'?"
Lucas turned and sneered, "She found the book and 'saw ' the pictures."
Lucilla gaped at him, "You mean she can 'see' them the way we can?"
Lucas nodded sadly, "Apparently so."
Lucilla looked at him in puzzlement, "Well, what are you going to do?"
Lucas shrugged, "I don't know what I'm going to do. She says that she needs some time to come to grips with all of this."
Lucilla sighed, "She feels like you betrayed her trust, doesn't she?"
Lucas nodded his head dejectedly, "Yes, plus the twins decided to show off a little today. That's when the pieces all seemed to fall into place for her."
Lucilla volunteered quietly, "We could make her forget what she knows."
Lucas shook his head; "I don't want to consider that, I want her back on her own because she loves me."
Lucilla narrowed her gaze at him, "Is that why you decided to pay her a little 'visit' tonight?"
Lucas shrugged, "I said I want her back on her own, I didn't say that I wasn't willing to give her a little push in the right direction." With that he motioned for his grandmother to leave the room so that he could undress.
After having been pronounced once more healthy, Dara focused her energy and attention on her family as well as helping during her free time at the center. After Matt had suggested that she begin taking birth control pills she and Lucas resumed their nightly activities, finding that after two years of marriage as well as two pregnancies, that they still shared the same magic in their lovemaking as before. Dara found herself as happy as she had thought possible until she was faced with everything her husband had tried to hide from her.
It had started simple enough; she was feeding Riesa and Alex, both having been advanced to more solid foods. Placing a bowl of soup in front of them, both having also learned quickly how to use a spoon with little fuss, she turned her back to recover the pot on the stove when she heard a bowl hit the floor, turning and seeing that it was Alex's bowl she asked, "What's the matter, sweetie you know your soup over?"
With that she started to bend down and pick it up when she noticed Alex focusing his gaze on the bowl. When she started to reach for it, it flew across the room. Standing quickly she stared, wide-eyed at her child, trying to comprehend what she had just witnessed.
Riesa watching what was transpiring and not to be outdone by her brother looked at her own bowl, then moving her head to the side sent the bowl flying in the same direction without having touched it.
Dara looked at her children as she asked quietly, "How did you do that?"
Taking them both from their high chairs, she took them upstairs and after changing them settled them down for their naps. After feeding Rinie she went to her room and sat on the edge of the bed trying to fathom what had just happened.
Deciding that she couldn't really think about it at the moment she ventured downstairs to the living room. With no particular reason in mind, she decided to peruse the glass-covered bookshelves; she wasn't looking for anything in particular when her eyes fell on a bright green book with a black spine, [Strange}, she thought, [I don't remember seeing this one before.] Although she knew that with the assortment of books in the house that it was quite possible for her to have missed it, she as well as Lucas and now Caleb, were all voracious readers, each with a variety of tastes.
Taking the book, curious as to its contents, she went over to the sofa and laid the book on the coffee table to search through the contents. Opening it she discovered that it was a photo album. Dara wasn't sure why this one was placed where it had been, all the other albums were grouped together, even the one's of the children's pictures and their wedding album.
Glancing at the faded and yellowed photos and sketches her eyes fell on one of an old farmhouse. Taking the photo out of the album she studies it closer, as she an image flashed before her. Shocked she dropped the photo and stared at it as if it were a snake. Realizing that it was the Temple farmhouse before it had been burned, she cautiously picked the photo up once more.
This time the image came in a complete picture, one she didn't want to see. Merlyn Temple was lying on a bed when Lucas entered and placed his hands gently on either side of her head before twisting it effectively breaking her neck.
Throwing the photo down not believing what she had just seen she quickly turned the page and came across another photo of Lucas as a teenager, studying the photo she saw the image of him sitting at a bench with his grandmother as she was instruction him. Watching as he focused his attention on the glass sitting on the table in front of him she saw him send the glass flying against the tree in front of the table.
Turning the pages once more unable to stop herself she came to a picture of what she assumed was Gabriel Buck. Focusing on the photo she watched horror as Lucas forced poison down his throat and watched him die.
Slamming the book shut she shook her head in desperation and denial as the tears started, repeating to herself, "Dear God, it can't be. I'm wrong it can't be true."
Considering what course of action she should take she heard the front door open as Caleb came in from school. Meeting him in the hall she spoke quickly as she pushed him up the stairs, "Caleb, I want you to pack a bag. Hurry! When you're finished I want you to help me with the babies."
Looking at his mother strangely he asked, "What's the matter, mama. Why do we need to pack?"
Dara shook her head, "Honey please, I can't explain right now, but we have to hurry, all right?" Hurrying to her room she quickly packed her own clothes and before she could think about it, the photo next to the bed of the entire family.
Going across the hall to the nursery she quickly packed the children's things as well.
Caleb came in, carrying his suitcase, "What now?"
Dara threw him her keys, "Put these things in the car, the grand prix, and put the baby seats in there too please, and hurry." Doing as she asked he was back in a few minutes to take the rest of the bags before returning once more to help carry one of the babies.
After they had strapped the babies in to their seats she quickly started the car. Checking her watch she sighed with relief, it was only four. Lucas usually didn't come home until after five or six.
Caleb glanced at her in uncertainty, "Mama, where are we going and why the big hurry?"
Sighing, she explained grimly, "We need to get away from your father for a little while, Caleb. I'm sorry but from right now it's for the best. I wont keep you from him if that's what you want, I'll leave the choice up to you."
Thinking over her words he shook his head, "No, I want to stay with you, but where are we going to stay?" Dara considered for a moment, she still had her house by the river. Knowing that her choices were limited she drove in that direction.
Lucas sensed that something was wrong the minute that he walked in the door.
Checking upstairs first, he found the drawers left open, most of them completely empty. Checking the closet, he found most of Dara's things in there gone as well. Passing by her side of the bed he noticed that the photo she kept on her side of their family, was gone too.
Moving to Caleb's room he found a good portion of his things missing as well. Then checking the nursery he realized as he found most of their clothing gone, that his wife had left and rather quickly. The only thing he didn't understand was why.
Heading to the kitchen he stopped and closing her eyes could see the scene that had unfolded there earlier. Sighing in frustration he still couldn't fathom her reason, he knew that the twins showing their abilities would spook her, but not enough to make her pack and leave.
Going to the living room he saw the final key to the mystery laying on the coffee table. Waling over to it he found the three photos that he had 'seen' earlier. Closing his eyes he called the images to mind, seeing the scenes unfold in front of him, he opened his eyes and swore, "Damn!" Everything that he had tried to protect her from finding out had come full circle to slap him in the face.
He hadn't thought about the possibility of her 'seeing' the photos the way he could. Snatching the book he opened a drawer and shoved it in there. Thinking aloud he stated, "If it's the last thing that I do, I'm going to burn that dammed book." With that he went out the door to find his family.
Dara was thankful that she had kept the utilities on as well as leaving the beds and television there. She had intended for the house to be used in the summer and on weekends or when her family visited, but in any event she was grateful that she had kept it.
After stopping by the grocery store and buying the necessities she pulled in the driveway. Caleb helped her unload everything and get the babies settled for the night.
Caleb had went to take a shower while Dara was stocking the cabinets in the kitchen, she had opened the door to the refrigerator to remove a pitcher of tea and pour herself a glass, when she closed the door once more, Lucas was standing behind it.
Yelping in surprise and dropping the pitcher, which he caught before it could spill more than a drop or two. She backed into the counter with fear in her eyes.
Lucas saw the look in her eyes and felt a knifing pain in his heart. One of the most precious things in their marriage was the fact that Dara had always trusted him and had never questioned him. Seeing the fear instead of love in her eyes was the worst punishment he could have been dealt.
Sighing in misery, he stated, "I'm not going to pretend that I don't understand why you left. I found the book and I know what happened with Alex and Riesa today. I had hoped that you would never find out about any of what you 'saw', but I didn't think that you could really 'see' pictures in that way. All that I can say is that I'm sorry and that I love you."
Dara swallowed the lump in her throat and looked at him sadly as she accused, "You lied to me. That was why you wanted me to drop my research about Merlyn Temple, wasn't it? I can almost understand why you did to your father. I've heard the stories and I know what the 'accident' was that gave you that scar, but what did that poor girl do to deserve what you did to her?"
Lucas sighed as he replied; "I thought I was putting her out of her misery. She was already mentally handicapped. Gage bashed her head in she would have been in a vegetative state for the rest of her life, I thought that I was being kind. And as far as my father goes, yes that's nine-tenths of the reason that I did what I did. The other reason was because I was tired of him coming home drunk and deciding to 'punish' me. I'm sorry, I wished that I could change the past to spare you the pain of my actions but I cant. And maybe I should have told you but I can't change that either. All that I can do it say that I'm sorry and beg you to come back."
Dara shook her head as the tears began streaming down her face, "All the whispers and innuendoes, what else don't I know about, how many other things did you hide from me? I trusted you and you made a fool of me. I've overlooked things that I knew were to say the least, odd, but I accepted that as being a part of who you are. But I don't know if I can accept this, I'm sorry I need some time to figure everything out."
At that moment Caleb came in the kitchen, seeing his father standing there, his eyes widened as he asked in concern, "Mama, are you all right?"
Lucas continued watching Dara as he ordered his son, "She's fine Caleb, go on in the other room so that your mother and I can't talk."
Caleb glanced at his mother questioningly, Dara met his eyes and nodded her head, "Go on sweetie, I'm fine do as your father says." Shrugging his shoulders, Caleb turned and headed back to the living room.
After a few minutes they heard the television come to life. Narrowing his gaze he challenged dangerously, "You know that I could make you come back, don't you."
Pushing the fear that had welled inside of her back down she nodded slowly, "Yes, I know that you could, but deep down I don't think that you want me to come back unless it's on my own. You didn't fall in love with a puppet and I don't think that's what you want now."
Lucas sighed dejectedly as he asked, imploringly, "What else do you want me to do Dara? Do you want me on my knees begging for your forgiveness, what will it take to get you back where you belong?"
Dara shook her head and looked at him sadly as she implored, "Don't you understand? It's not a matter of you doing anything, it's a matter of my being able to accept what you've done."
Lucas crossed the space between them in the blink of an eye and grabbed by the arms as he ground out beseechingly, "Please, lets just forget all of this and get the kids and go home."
Dara taking in the frantic look in his eyes shook her head as she stated miserably, "Don't you think that I wouldn't love to forget what I've seen and know, but I cant. If it was just me I could probably do just that, but I have four other lives to consider, you never breathed a word about what to expect with the children. You knew the whole time that Alex and Riesa's accomplishments were more than just them being advanced, didn't you think that I had a right to know? I'm their mother damned, how were you going to explain it when Rinie began doing everything early, not to mention doing things like throwing things across a room without ever touching them."
Lucas hung his head as he slacked his grip on her arms, then pulling her to him fiercely he shut his eyes tightly as he begged softly, "Please darlin, don't do this. I'm begging you. Don't take away our family; I can't stand the idea of living without you and the kids. I need you with me, don't do this to be, baby."
Held tightly in his embrace, Dara pushed down her desire to do as he asked and simply ignore what she now knew, but she knew that she had to be strong for her children. Breaking his embrace she stepped back with tears streaming down her face, shaking her head dismally. "I'm sorry, I cant I need some time to think. I wont keep the children from seeing you and I wont breathe one word about what I 'saw' but I just don't know if I can live with you, knowing what I do anymore."
Lucas nodded his head sadly, "All right, I'll give you time if that's what you need. Just tell me that there's hope."
Dara shook her head, "I cant promise that, I don't know it myself right now."
Anger welled inside of him as he glared at her, "Fine." With that he stalked out of the house leaving her weeping, sadly.
Caleb had heard the exchange from the next room. Deciding to give his mother some privacy he shook his head sadly, "Poor Mama." With that he went upstairs to bed.
After Lucas had left, he drove around a while before deciding to head to the office.
Floyd had the desk for the night and was asleep at his desk when Lucas entered. Walking over Lucas kicked the chair leg out from under him, bringing him to land on his backside, startling him awake.
Floyd looked up into Lucas' angry face as he heard, "Is that what Fulton County pays you for Floyd, to nap?"
Floyd regained his feet quickly and replied sheepishly, "Sorry Lucas."
Lucas motioned towards the door, "Go do a patrol, I'll be here for awhile."
Floyd nodded as he grabbed his keys, he assumed that for Lucas to be here this time of night must mean trouble at home with Dara and he didn't want to catch anymore of his anger over it.
Lucas went to his office and closed the door before sitting back in his desk chair. Sitting back he contemplated his options, which weren't many. He knew Dara's stubbornness and he also knew that she wouldn't come back until she had come to grips with what she now knew.
Cursing himself for not following his grandmother's advice and telling her sooner. He knew that she felt betrayed in the fact that she had given him her trust and as she saw it he had misused it.
Glancing at the corner of his desk and studying the picture taken of her on their wedding day as well as the more recent one of the two of them together he decided that he couldn't withstand the temptation any longer, he glanced at the clock. Eleven, he knew that she would have finished nursing Rinie and have the babies settled for the night by now and that she would be climbing into the bed ready to be up for Rinie's next feeding.
Closing his eyes he concentrated until he found her, he had been right she was on the verge of sleep. Delving deeper into him self he set about his purpose.
After Dara had exhausted her tears she went to check on her children. After tucking Caleb in as well as Alex and Riesa, she took Rinie from her bassinet, seeing her on the verge of crying, ready for her feeding. After she had satisfied the baby's hunger and settling hr back in the bassinet she took a quick shower and climbed into her old bed, finding herself emotionally and physically drained. Closing her eyes she found sleep quicker than she had hoped.
That's when the dreams started. In the dream she awoke to find her husband lying next to her, just as she was about to say something he placed his finger against her lips to silence her as he descended to take possession of her mouth with his.
Reaching out to push him away he gently took both of her small hands in his larger ones, raising her arms over her head he pinned them there by holding her wrists in one hand firmly as he lowered his head to once again reclaim her mouth. Kissing her gently at first he increased his demand gradually until she met him in response. Then, burying his head against her shoulder he trailed the length of hr throat down past her collarbone to her breast.
Dara found herself lost in desire, then reality intruded into her mind as the images flashed in front of her. Jerking her hands free and pushing him away she sat up to find him gone.
Sitting up with a start at the realization that it was a dream she hit the mattress in frustration at her treacherous mind. Realizing that the front of her gown was damp, she got up quietly to change.
Going to the bathroom and closing the door as she turned the light on she turned and gasped when she looked in the mirror; her gown was damp due to the milk that had seeped from her breasts.
Thinking aloud she stated, "That's impossible I just fed her an hour ago. I couldn't be leaking milk, unless...." Leaving the thought unspoken as she remembered the specter of her husband gently taking her breasts in his mouth. Then, remembering another part of the dream she stepped closer to the mirror and pulled her long hair away from the side of her neck, there on the side of her throat was a bite mark. She remembered feeling his teeth nibbling at her throat.
Glaring in frustration at herself she swore aloud, "Damn him." With that she changed her gown and went to the living room to watch television, deciding not to give him another opportunity to visit her in her dreams.
Lucas opened his eyes as she awoke, knowing that she wouldn't go back to sleep that night he decided to go home and rest as well as he was able. Leaving the station he headed towards his house, dreading the idea of sleeping in their bed alone.
Searching for his keys he was shocked to see the door swing open and find his grandmother standing there, glaring at him.
Lucilla asked accusingly, "You let her get away, didn't you boy?"
Lucas scowled darkly at the old woman, "Not now, mama. I'm not in the mood for your, 'I told you so's', so just drop it." With that he walked past her leaving her to trail behind him in his wake.
Folding her arms over her chest and standing in the doorway she asked accusingly, "Well, how did she find out?"
Lucas sighed in deep frustration, "Apparently, my wife had a few 'gifts' of her own."
Lucilla looked at him in incomprehension, "What do you mean 'gifts'?"
Lucas turned and sneered, "She found the book and 'saw ' the pictures."
Lucilla gaped at him, "You mean she can 'see' them the way we can?"
Lucas nodded sadly, "Apparently so."
Lucilla looked at him in puzzlement, "Well, what are you going to do?"
Lucas shrugged, "I don't know what I'm going to do. She says that she needs some time to come to grips with all of this."
Lucilla sighed, "She feels like you betrayed her trust, doesn't she?"
Lucas nodded his head dejectedly, "Yes, plus the twins decided to show off a little today. That's when the pieces all seemed to fall into place for her."
Lucilla volunteered quietly, "We could make her forget what she knows."
Lucas shook his head; "I don't want to consider that, I want her back on her own because she loves me."
Lucilla narrowed her gaze at him, "Is that why you decided to pay her a little 'visit' tonight?"
Lucas shrugged, "I said I want her back on her own, I didn't say that I wasn't willing to give her a little push in the right direction." With that he motioned for his grandmother to leave the room so that he could undress.