Title: A Love Worth Fighting For

Chapter 8

***A Few Days Later***

(Everyone is on edge and praying like crazy that Eric makes a full recovery. Hope, Thomas, and Douglas are at Thomas' house. Liam asked to have Beth for the night and Hope was fine with it)

(Hope, Thomas, and Douglas are at the supper table having pizza like Douglas asked for)

Douglas: "Thank you, dad. I was hungry for pizza today."

Thomas: (chuckles) "No problem, buddy."

Hope: (winks) "You are lucky we like pizza."

Douglas: "How is great grandpa Eric doing?"

Thomas: "We are hoping that he wakes up any day now."

Hope: "With constant prayers, I'm sure it's only a matter of time."

Thomas: "I will be right back."

(Thomas goes into the kitchen, causing Douglas to whisper to his mother)

Douglas: "Did you tell dad about what I said about stepdad Liam?"

Hope: "Uh, no, sweetie. I was going to talk to Liam about it. I am not okay with Liam possibly treating you like that."

Douglas: "Please don't. I am sure it is nothing."

Hope: (concerned) "Honey, what…?"

(Thomas comes back in the living room)

Thomas: "Anyone need a bottle of water?"

(Thomas looks between Hope and Douglas and he knew something was wrong)

Thomas: "Okay, what did I walk in on? What happened?"

(Douglas offers a smile and shakes his head)

Douglas: "Nothing."

(Thomas looks at Hope)

Thomas: "I won't push, but if something is wrong, I feel I should know."

(Hope sighs as she looks between Douglas and Thomas)

Hope: "Something possibly happened. However, our son made it clear that he does not want to make a big deal out of it."

(Thomas kneels to Douglas' level and opens his arms to his son)

Thomas: "Come here, son."

(Douglas goes to Thomas. Thomas embraces his son and they hug tenderly. Afterwards, they face each other)

Thomas: "I would never force you to tell me anything that you do not want to. And I will not ask your mother to betray your confidence. However, I would like to help if I can try. Can you tell me what or who it has to do with?"

(Douglas looks at his mom, who nods at her son reassuringly. Douglas looks back at his dad)

Douglas: (sighs) "Stepdad Liam."

(Thomas sighs deeply as he faces his girl, who he could tell was a bit frustrated. Thomas looks at Douglas)

Thomas: "Can you tell me what Liam said to you?"

(Douglas shrugs his shoulders and moves his head around as he tries to get the words out)

Douglas: "It was not what he said, dad. It was how he acted the last couple of months or so before mom left him. It just felt like he did not love me as much because I was not his son. I was yours."

Thomas: (nods) "You mean, you feel Liam treated you differently?"

Douglas: (nods) "Yes. Maybe I am wrong, dad. I told that to mom, too."

Hope: (serious tone) "And let's just say, sweetie, if you feel that way, you are probably right."

Thomas: "Do not doubt yourself, son. Your mom and I…we are here for you and with you."

(Hope and Thomas give their son a hug and a kiss on the forehead. Douglas excuses himself so he can go to his room and play. Hope and Thomas face each other with a serious expression)

Thomas: "Are you thinking what I'm thinking?"

Hope: (nods) "Yep. I think it is time that we pay Liam a little visit."

Chapter 8 Done