Chapter Forty-One
(A short time later.)
Chloe had taken the time that Jennifer was upstairs on the phone to go over a full explanation of the investigation to those who weren't 'in the know'. She had just finished sliding the photos back into the envelope when Jennifer came down the stairs. Chloe turned to face her sister and looked at her with eyebrows raised.
"Well?"
Jennifer walked closer and sighed softly. "He doesn't exactly deny it, but he doesn't exactly admit it either. He admits to being with Nancy that night, but of course, his version of the truth tones down the whole 'rape' thing a lot."
Chloe rolled her eyes frustratingly. "Of course. He didn't think it was rape then, he certainly wouldn't now. It's exactly what I expected."
"I told him that I know the real truth, and until he's ready to admit it, then I really don't want to speak to him. If he can't even own up to his mistakes and be sorry about them... Well, that's not the kind of example I would want set for my own daughter, that's for sure."
"Jenn... I am so sorry."
Jennifer shook her head and waved her hands to interrupt her. "Chloe, don't say that. Don't ever be sorry for any of this. I love my dad, but right now, I definitely do not like him. And, that is not your fault. Don't ever be sorry for the mistakes that our father has made."
Chloe nodded slightly in reply. "I just... I've been so focused on finding the truth for so long. I never thought about the consequences. I've been kind of selfish about it and I never really thought about how it might affect other people."
Brady was sitting beside her and he rested his hand on her knee reassuringly. "That's not selfish, Chloe. It's completely excusable. You've waited a long time for this truth to come out. And, no matter what happens, it was for the best. You've finally got the last piece in your puzzle, and you can put all of the questions, and all of the heartache in the past where it belongs."
Chloe smiled at her husband, and he leaned over to kiss her on the forehead. As always, Brady came through with the perfect thing to say. He was always the only one who could ease her mind. Hope had been sitting across from Chloe and she nodded in agreement with Brady.
"Jenn and Brady are both right. You can't feel bad about any of this. Be happy that you finally have the truth. Whether or not you ever have a relationship with Uncle Bill isn't important. What's important is you know where you came from now. You know where you belong."
Chloe nodded in understanding. They were all right, and deep down, she knew it. For so many years, she had been trying to figure out who she was like every teenager did, and with each new step, she was figuring out what she was meant to be. A singer, a friend, a wife, a mother, a daughter to Nancy and Craig, and now... a Horton. A family who was so steeped in history that when you were a member of the family your name was a very important part of your identity.
Nancy looked towards Jennifer with a question. "And what did he say when you told him he has a daughter?"
Jennifer cast a glance towards Chloe before answering Nancy's question. "He wanted to know all about her. I told him what little I know. That my new sister is beautiful, intelligent and extremely talented, without any contribution from him, of course."
Jennifer paused and looked towards Chloe, who was frowning sadly. "He asked to talk to you, Chloe. I told him that it wasn't time, that you weren't ready, and you might never be ready for that."
Chloe sighed softly and nodded. "Good... If I ever speak to him, it won't be pleasant. I'll either not be able to say anything at all, or I'll tear him apart."
"Don't worry about that. He's already been torn apart once by me. And once our grandmother finds out, well, she'll be sure to give her son a lecture like you wouldn't believe."
"So... When do I get to see my grandmother?"
Jennifer smiled happily and clapped her hands together. "Right now. We should go talk to Gran."
Chloe smiled back at her and then addressed her words to the rest of the room. "I'm sorry everyone for interrupting football and dinner and everything."
John winked at his daughter in law from over the couch and shook his head. "Don't apologize, Chloe. You are much more important than a football game."
"Thank you..."
Chloe stood and smoothed down her dress. Brady stood next to her and held her hand in his. "Do you want me to go with you?"
She shrugged slightly and smiled. "Only if you want to. If you would rather stay here with the guys and finish watching the game, that's fine."
"Nahhh... I go where you go, right, Diva?"
"Sounds good to me." Chloe looked over his shoulder towards her mother. "Mom? Did you want to go too?"
Nancy was biting her lower lip nervously and shook her head. "I don't think so, sweetie... Unless you need me. But, come back here when you're done, please?
"Absolutely. We'll be back after we talk to Mrs. Horton."
Chloe smiled lovingly at her mother. Craig and Nancy had always had a tumultuous relationship with the Hortons, and Chloe knew that her mother was probably nervous about having this new connection with their formal rivals.
Hope stood and went over to kiss her husband goodbye. "Bo, I think I'm going to go with them to see Gran."
Bo nodded and winked at his wife. "Alright, Fancy Face... Give my love to Mrs. H, please."
Hope nodded and joined Jennifer, Brady and Chloe. They gathered their coats and headed towards the door, saying quick goodbyes to everyone as they went through the room. Chloe paused and hugged Craig tightly before leaving.
She eased out of the hug, but kept her hands on his arms and looked up at him with a smile. "Dad... You know that this revelation has nothing to do with you and me. Bill Horton is only my father in the scientific sense. YOU are my father in every other way. I love you, okay?"
Craig smiled back at her and nodded, brushing a stray piece of hair off her face. "I know, of course I know. And, I love you too, kiddo."
Chloe squeezed his hand quickly before heading out the door with the others. Chloe handed her keys over to Brady, making him drive over to Alice Horton's house. She slid into the passenger seat while Jennifer and Hope got in the backseat. They rode most of the short distance over there in silence, quickly hopping out of the jeep once Brady pulled into the driveway. They walked to the door, with Jennifer and Hope in front, and Hope rang the doorbell.
They heard footsteps coming towards them, and the front door opened revealing Maggie Horton. Maggie stared at them in surprise and smiled happily.
"Jenn, Hope... This is a nice surprise."
Maggie hugged her nieces and then spotted Brady and Chloe behind them. "Brady and Chloe Black? That's an even bigger surprise."
Jennifer nodded in agreement and looked around Maggie towards the living room. "Is Gran here, Maggie?"
"Yes, of course. She's in the living room with Mickey. What's going on?"
Jennifer smiled and rubbed her hands together. "You're about to find out."
Jennifer and Hope led them into the living room, where Alice greeted them from her chair with smiles and hugs. "Hope and Jennifer Rose... It's so good to see you."
Hope nodded and kissed Alice on the cheek. "You too, Gran."
Alice spied Brady and Chloe standing in the threshold and looked at them curiously. "Brady Black..."
Jennifer smiled and motioned for Chloe to come forward. "Gran, you remember Chloe, right? Brady's wife..."
Alice nodded in agreement. "Of course, Nancy and Craig Wesley's daughter. The one with the voice of an angel and a face to match."
Chloe smiled sweetly at her. "Thank you, Mrs. Horton."
"You're welcome, dear. Now, what do I owe the pleasure of your company to?"
Jennifer took the chair next to Alice's and held on to her grandmother's hand. Chloe, Brady and Hope sat themselves on the couch, as Mickey and Maggie stood by to observe.
Jennifer took a deep breath in before beginning. "I have some very big news."
"It's not bad news, is it?"
"No, no, it's not. In fact, I think its very good news."
Alice smiled and nodded. "Well, don't waste any more time. Do spit it out, darling."
Jennifer chuckled softly and continued. "Alright, alright. You see, over 18 years ago, Nancy Wesley met an older man one weekend at Harvard. She was young, naive, drank too much and he took advantage of her that night. He... raped her. She got pregnant with Chloe, and tried to track him down, but he had given her a fake name. Nancy gave up Chloe for adoption, and then got her back a few years ago. Well, Chloe has spent a lot of time wondering who her biological father is. They hired a private investigator a couple of months ago, and Bo Brady has been investigating too. Well, thanks to my help, we found Chloe's father."
"Well, who is it? Don't leave an old lady in suspense like that."
"It's dad. It's Bill. Chloe is my sister."
Alice's mouth opened in surprised and she issued a quiet gasp of air. Chloe saw Mickey and Maggie out of the corner of her eye, both of them sharing the same look of shock. There was a moment of silence as Chloe wondered what was supposed to happen next. Springing surprises on people wasn't exactly something she had a lot of experience at; at least not up until the day she found out she was pregnant.
Alice's lips formed into a smile and she motioned to Chloe. "Well, Chloe... don't just sit there. Come over here and give your grandmother a hug."
Chloe smiled and stood up, laying herself into the waiting arms of Alice Horton. Chloe had always wished for the kind of grandmother that normal kids had. The kind who was there for you when even your parents weren't, who would bake you cookies and take care of you no matter what. She had wished for someone like Alice as a child, never knowing that she actually existed.
Alice looked around the room as she held on to Chloe tightly. "Do you all mind giving me and my granddaughter a few minutes alone?"
Hope was the first to stand and reply. "Of course not. Come on everybody, we'll uhm... go head into the kitchen."
Everyone stood and followed Hope into the other room. Chloe let go of Alice and took the seat across from her that had recently been vacated by Jennifer. Alice held on to her hand, the light twinkling in her eyes, making Chloe feel suddenly right at home.
She cleared her throat slightly, trying to find the words to speak. "Mrs. Horton... I know that this news probably isn't very easy to take. I still don't believe it myself. And, I don't expect to be accepted like a full-fledged member of the family or anything. Having a granddaughter just sprung on you after 18 years of never knowing me... It's kind of weird. And because of the circumstances of my conception and all..."
Alice patted Chloe's hand and shook her head. "Chloe, there are two very important things I need to say, so please listen."
Chloe nodded intently and Alice continued. "First off, don't you ever worry about being accepted as a member of this family. You will be accepted with open arms and open hearts, as long as you want to be a part of the family. My son Bill will be getting a stern talk from his mother, but that is nothing for YOU to worry about. It doesn't matter how you came into this family to any of us. If you are willing to accept the Hortons as your family, flaws and all, we will more than honored to have you. Not to mention, my great-grandchild that is on the way."
"I... I've always wanted a family like this. People who love and support each other the way that the Hortons support each other. I've never had any of this... a grandmother, aunts and uncles, siblings... It's so new, and it's what I've always wanted. I have a great family of people that I've created since I've been here, and now I have another great family who I share blood with. I'm honored, and blessed, to have found out that I'm a part of this family. I really am."
Alice smiled sweetly and motioned Chloe to come forward for another hug. "Good... Then let's make this your official welcome to the family. For better or worse, you are one of us."
Chloe hugged her tightly and smiled back at her. "Thank you, thank you for being so understanding, Mrs. Horton..."
Alice let go of her and nodded. "That reminds me of the second thing I needed to say."
"Okay... What is it?"
"I don't ever want to hear you call me Mrs. Horton again. Call me Grandma, or Gran, or even Alice if you're not comfortable calling me grandma yet... anything but Mrs. Horton."
Chloe smiled and squeezed her hand tightly. "I guess I have a lot to learn... Grandma."
Alice nodded proudly. "We've got a lot of time to make up for, angel.. And we will."
Chloe nodded in agreement. The two of them sat together holding hands for the next twenty minutes, as Chloe filled her in on just a few of the things that Alice didn't know about her. Chloe could feel her heart smiling, and her soul at peace. She had everything she could have ever wished for, friends, family, her soul mate, a bright future and a safe place to call home. Fate was a strange thing, twisted sometimes, but it had brought her to Salem for a very good reason. To find herself, and everything she was meant to be.
***
(A short time later.)
Chloe had taken the time that Jennifer was upstairs on the phone to go over a full explanation of the investigation to those who weren't 'in the know'. She had just finished sliding the photos back into the envelope when Jennifer came down the stairs. Chloe turned to face her sister and looked at her with eyebrows raised.
"Well?"
Jennifer walked closer and sighed softly. "He doesn't exactly deny it, but he doesn't exactly admit it either. He admits to being with Nancy that night, but of course, his version of the truth tones down the whole 'rape' thing a lot."
Chloe rolled her eyes frustratingly. "Of course. He didn't think it was rape then, he certainly wouldn't now. It's exactly what I expected."
"I told him that I know the real truth, and until he's ready to admit it, then I really don't want to speak to him. If he can't even own up to his mistakes and be sorry about them... Well, that's not the kind of example I would want set for my own daughter, that's for sure."
"Jenn... I am so sorry."
Jennifer shook her head and waved her hands to interrupt her. "Chloe, don't say that. Don't ever be sorry for any of this. I love my dad, but right now, I definitely do not like him. And, that is not your fault. Don't ever be sorry for the mistakes that our father has made."
Chloe nodded slightly in reply. "I just... I've been so focused on finding the truth for so long. I never thought about the consequences. I've been kind of selfish about it and I never really thought about how it might affect other people."
Brady was sitting beside her and he rested his hand on her knee reassuringly. "That's not selfish, Chloe. It's completely excusable. You've waited a long time for this truth to come out. And, no matter what happens, it was for the best. You've finally got the last piece in your puzzle, and you can put all of the questions, and all of the heartache in the past where it belongs."
Chloe smiled at her husband, and he leaned over to kiss her on the forehead. As always, Brady came through with the perfect thing to say. He was always the only one who could ease her mind. Hope had been sitting across from Chloe and she nodded in agreement with Brady.
"Jenn and Brady are both right. You can't feel bad about any of this. Be happy that you finally have the truth. Whether or not you ever have a relationship with Uncle Bill isn't important. What's important is you know where you came from now. You know where you belong."
Chloe nodded in understanding. They were all right, and deep down, she knew it. For so many years, she had been trying to figure out who she was like every teenager did, and with each new step, she was figuring out what she was meant to be. A singer, a friend, a wife, a mother, a daughter to Nancy and Craig, and now... a Horton. A family who was so steeped in history that when you were a member of the family your name was a very important part of your identity.
Nancy looked towards Jennifer with a question. "And what did he say when you told him he has a daughter?"
Jennifer cast a glance towards Chloe before answering Nancy's question. "He wanted to know all about her. I told him what little I know. That my new sister is beautiful, intelligent and extremely talented, without any contribution from him, of course."
Jennifer paused and looked towards Chloe, who was frowning sadly. "He asked to talk to you, Chloe. I told him that it wasn't time, that you weren't ready, and you might never be ready for that."
Chloe sighed softly and nodded. "Good... If I ever speak to him, it won't be pleasant. I'll either not be able to say anything at all, or I'll tear him apart."
"Don't worry about that. He's already been torn apart once by me. And once our grandmother finds out, well, she'll be sure to give her son a lecture like you wouldn't believe."
"So... When do I get to see my grandmother?"
Jennifer smiled happily and clapped her hands together. "Right now. We should go talk to Gran."
Chloe smiled back at her and then addressed her words to the rest of the room. "I'm sorry everyone for interrupting football and dinner and everything."
John winked at his daughter in law from over the couch and shook his head. "Don't apologize, Chloe. You are much more important than a football game."
"Thank you..."
Chloe stood and smoothed down her dress. Brady stood next to her and held her hand in his. "Do you want me to go with you?"
She shrugged slightly and smiled. "Only if you want to. If you would rather stay here with the guys and finish watching the game, that's fine."
"Nahhh... I go where you go, right, Diva?"
"Sounds good to me." Chloe looked over his shoulder towards her mother. "Mom? Did you want to go too?"
Nancy was biting her lower lip nervously and shook her head. "I don't think so, sweetie... Unless you need me. But, come back here when you're done, please?
"Absolutely. We'll be back after we talk to Mrs. Horton."
Chloe smiled lovingly at her mother. Craig and Nancy had always had a tumultuous relationship with the Hortons, and Chloe knew that her mother was probably nervous about having this new connection with their formal rivals.
Hope stood and went over to kiss her husband goodbye. "Bo, I think I'm going to go with them to see Gran."
Bo nodded and winked at his wife. "Alright, Fancy Face... Give my love to Mrs. H, please."
Hope nodded and joined Jennifer, Brady and Chloe. They gathered their coats and headed towards the door, saying quick goodbyes to everyone as they went through the room. Chloe paused and hugged Craig tightly before leaving.
She eased out of the hug, but kept her hands on his arms and looked up at him with a smile. "Dad... You know that this revelation has nothing to do with you and me. Bill Horton is only my father in the scientific sense. YOU are my father in every other way. I love you, okay?"
Craig smiled back at her and nodded, brushing a stray piece of hair off her face. "I know, of course I know. And, I love you too, kiddo."
Chloe squeezed his hand quickly before heading out the door with the others. Chloe handed her keys over to Brady, making him drive over to Alice Horton's house. She slid into the passenger seat while Jennifer and Hope got in the backseat. They rode most of the short distance over there in silence, quickly hopping out of the jeep once Brady pulled into the driveway. They walked to the door, with Jennifer and Hope in front, and Hope rang the doorbell.
They heard footsteps coming towards them, and the front door opened revealing Maggie Horton. Maggie stared at them in surprise and smiled happily.
"Jenn, Hope... This is a nice surprise."
Maggie hugged her nieces and then spotted Brady and Chloe behind them. "Brady and Chloe Black? That's an even bigger surprise."
Jennifer nodded in agreement and looked around Maggie towards the living room. "Is Gran here, Maggie?"
"Yes, of course. She's in the living room with Mickey. What's going on?"
Jennifer smiled and rubbed her hands together. "You're about to find out."
Jennifer and Hope led them into the living room, where Alice greeted them from her chair with smiles and hugs. "Hope and Jennifer Rose... It's so good to see you."
Hope nodded and kissed Alice on the cheek. "You too, Gran."
Alice spied Brady and Chloe standing in the threshold and looked at them curiously. "Brady Black..."
Jennifer smiled and motioned for Chloe to come forward. "Gran, you remember Chloe, right? Brady's wife..."
Alice nodded in agreement. "Of course, Nancy and Craig Wesley's daughter. The one with the voice of an angel and a face to match."
Chloe smiled sweetly at her. "Thank you, Mrs. Horton."
"You're welcome, dear. Now, what do I owe the pleasure of your company to?"
Jennifer took the chair next to Alice's and held on to her grandmother's hand. Chloe, Brady and Hope sat themselves on the couch, as Mickey and Maggie stood by to observe.
Jennifer took a deep breath in before beginning. "I have some very big news."
"It's not bad news, is it?"
"No, no, it's not. In fact, I think its very good news."
Alice smiled and nodded. "Well, don't waste any more time. Do spit it out, darling."
Jennifer chuckled softly and continued. "Alright, alright. You see, over 18 years ago, Nancy Wesley met an older man one weekend at Harvard. She was young, naive, drank too much and he took advantage of her that night. He... raped her. She got pregnant with Chloe, and tried to track him down, but he had given her a fake name. Nancy gave up Chloe for adoption, and then got her back a few years ago. Well, Chloe has spent a lot of time wondering who her biological father is. They hired a private investigator a couple of months ago, and Bo Brady has been investigating too. Well, thanks to my help, we found Chloe's father."
"Well, who is it? Don't leave an old lady in suspense like that."
"It's dad. It's Bill. Chloe is my sister."
Alice's mouth opened in surprised and she issued a quiet gasp of air. Chloe saw Mickey and Maggie out of the corner of her eye, both of them sharing the same look of shock. There was a moment of silence as Chloe wondered what was supposed to happen next. Springing surprises on people wasn't exactly something she had a lot of experience at; at least not up until the day she found out she was pregnant.
Alice's lips formed into a smile and she motioned to Chloe. "Well, Chloe... don't just sit there. Come over here and give your grandmother a hug."
Chloe smiled and stood up, laying herself into the waiting arms of Alice Horton. Chloe had always wished for the kind of grandmother that normal kids had. The kind who was there for you when even your parents weren't, who would bake you cookies and take care of you no matter what. She had wished for someone like Alice as a child, never knowing that she actually existed.
Alice looked around the room as she held on to Chloe tightly. "Do you all mind giving me and my granddaughter a few minutes alone?"
Hope was the first to stand and reply. "Of course not. Come on everybody, we'll uhm... go head into the kitchen."
Everyone stood and followed Hope into the other room. Chloe let go of Alice and took the seat across from her that had recently been vacated by Jennifer. Alice held on to her hand, the light twinkling in her eyes, making Chloe feel suddenly right at home.
She cleared her throat slightly, trying to find the words to speak. "Mrs. Horton... I know that this news probably isn't very easy to take. I still don't believe it myself. And, I don't expect to be accepted like a full-fledged member of the family or anything. Having a granddaughter just sprung on you after 18 years of never knowing me... It's kind of weird. And because of the circumstances of my conception and all..."
Alice patted Chloe's hand and shook her head. "Chloe, there are two very important things I need to say, so please listen."
Chloe nodded intently and Alice continued. "First off, don't you ever worry about being accepted as a member of this family. You will be accepted with open arms and open hearts, as long as you want to be a part of the family. My son Bill will be getting a stern talk from his mother, but that is nothing for YOU to worry about. It doesn't matter how you came into this family to any of us. If you are willing to accept the Hortons as your family, flaws and all, we will more than honored to have you. Not to mention, my great-grandchild that is on the way."
"I... I've always wanted a family like this. People who love and support each other the way that the Hortons support each other. I've never had any of this... a grandmother, aunts and uncles, siblings... It's so new, and it's what I've always wanted. I have a great family of people that I've created since I've been here, and now I have another great family who I share blood with. I'm honored, and blessed, to have found out that I'm a part of this family. I really am."
Alice smiled sweetly and motioned Chloe to come forward for another hug. "Good... Then let's make this your official welcome to the family. For better or worse, you are one of us."
Chloe hugged her tightly and smiled back at her. "Thank you, thank you for being so understanding, Mrs. Horton..."
Alice let go of her and nodded. "That reminds me of the second thing I needed to say."
"Okay... What is it?"
"I don't ever want to hear you call me Mrs. Horton again. Call me Grandma, or Gran, or even Alice if you're not comfortable calling me grandma yet... anything but Mrs. Horton."
Chloe smiled and squeezed her hand tightly. "I guess I have a lot to learn... Grandma."
Alice nodded proudly. "We've got a lot of time to make up for, angel.. And we will."
Chloe nodded in agreement. The two of them sat together holding hands for the next twenty minutes, as Chloe filled her in on just a few of the things that Alice didn't know about her. Chloe could feel her heart smiling, and her soul at peace. She had everything she could have ever wished for, friends, family, her soul mate, a bright future and a safe place to call home. Fate was a strange thing, twisted sometimes, but it had brought her to Salem for a very good reason. To find herself, and everything she was meant to be.
***
