I sat opposite Mycroft as he began to tuck in to the big Christmas spread, laid out on the table.

"Wine dear?" Mum asked. "I'll allow you to have a tipple, it is Christmas after all."

I avoided eye contact with her. She didn't need to know that I had been drunk before. "That would be fine, mum." I said.

She smiled and poured out a glass and handed it to me.

"So, boys," Dad said carving some turkey. "How has your day been? Has it been a good one this year?"

"One of the best," Mycroft said through bites of his food. "But I rather wish Sophie was here."

"Ah yes," I said. "Where is she again?"

"Away at Barcelona reporting on a story." Mycroft supplied.

"It's too bad that she has work today of all days," Mum said. "Never mind eh?"

"Yes, today is about family." Dad said.

I glanced up at Mycroft who seemed oblivious. "Actually," I drawled. "Today means very little in most cultures. This day was originally a Pagan holiday that the Christians from Rome used to help integrate their beliefs. The birth of the so called Lord Jesus, occurred roughly in the Summer."

"Well done Sherlock," Mycroft said. "You bored us all to death again with another pointless rendition of useless details. Why not be more selective of information?"

"Alright," I said. "Mum, wouldn't you like to know where dad was last night?"

Mycroft's knife and fork clattered onto the plate. He stared up at me. "Sherlock don't,"

"He was working," Mum said happily. "At Davies' office to sell some scrap off."

"Really? Look at him." I urged.

Dad stared at me, his eyes burning. Mum turned to him. "Robert what is he on about?"

Dad smiled. "No idea."

I stood up.

"Sherlock sit down." Mycroft ordered. I ignored him. I shoved my hand into my pocket and pulled out a photo. I thrust it down in front of mum. She stared at it with curiosity. Then with quaking hands she picked it up.

"Robert." She said. "What the hell is this?"

Mycroft stood up. "Sherlock, let's go."

"No," I said smugly. "I want to see this."

Dad took the photo from mum. Shaking with rage he grabbed the underneath of the table and toppled it over.

"You fucking followed me?" He bellowed.

"You and that hussy?" Mum shrieked. "How dare you!"

"Sherlock!" Mycroft shouted. "Get out!"

Dad held nothing back. He grabbed me by the arm pulling me to his face. His breath stank like hell. "Tell your mum that the photo is a fucking fake!" He roared.

"Robert Holmes!" Mum screamed. "Let him go!"

Dad released his grip and looked over at his wife. He then pulled mum up. "Sally, I never meant to hurt you. I just..." He looked away from her tears. "I just fell into temptation."

"You and her...? Why?" Mum whispered.

Mycroft pushed me out of the room. "You promised me you wouldn't say a word." He hissed.

I stared at him. "I lied."

"Get out," Mycroft ordered. "Just go. You obviously don't want to be a part of this family. Best just go."

I looked back at my weeping mother and my dad trying to console her. In that moment my own humanity hit me and I realised what I had done. Tripping over the carpet I fell out of the house and into the snow. The screaming filled my ears. I cursed under my breath at my own stupidity and ran. I ran so far and so quick, wanting to leave this world behind.