2005
"Though, our relationship now isn't what it used to be." Charlie admitted. "Ever since I found out that he wasn't my biological father."
"Really?"
"I'm angry at him, and my mother for not telling me the truth earlier." Charlie said.
"How did you find out?" David asked gently.
"I over heard him talking to my mother's wedding photo, telling her that her secret was safe and that he loved me despite knowing it" Charlie was pained by the memory. "I demanded to know what he meant, and that's when he told me and my brother Don."
"I'm sorry that you had to find out that way" the artist said softly. He always worried that Charlie would find out in a rough way, the truth.
"Did you try to convince her?"
"Many times, but she ...felt that it wasn't the best course of action" David didn't like critizing the dead.
2004
Seeing that Charlie wasn't going to listen, Don sat down and thought about a heart heart talk he had with hisparents as a teen.
"I just wanted to tell you, that your father and I don't love you any less. You've got a very special place in both our hearts, Don, as the firstborn. You introduced us to the joys of parenthood. We love you so much, more than life itself. Don't you ever forget that." She stroked his hair.
"Okay mom..." how else does a teen respond to that?
"I know it's hard to have your brother in the same school. Don't compare yourself to him. Each of you is brilliant in your own way."
"Yes mom"
"You're mother's right" Alan added as he came into the dining room. "We're both very proud of you"
"Thanks dad"
At that moment, Charlie sourly came into the house, and Margaret, upon seeing this, turn her attention to him.
With a sigh, Don continued his homework.
"What we said still stands" Alan reminded him in a whisper.
Don snapped back to the present, when he heard Charlie yelling at someone.
TBC