New Beginnings, Chapter 23
 
 

"What’s going on?", TC asked, looking at the three women in his life.

" Simone and Whitney, why don’t you go to your room. Your father and I need to have a talk."

Simone and Whitney did as they were told and left the room. TC came over to Eve concerned.

" Baby, what’s wrong? Is something the matter? You feeling something about the baby?"

Eve shakes her head. " No, TC. I’m fine. I think it’s time that the two of us talked about what happened today."

" What happened today? I don’t understand. "

" When I came to, I didn’t exactly tell you the truth. I know what shocked me enough so that I fainted."

" What, Eve? What could shock you so much that you fainted?"

" I…I was watching the television in a bar, and I saw something that I never thought could ever happen."

" What? What upset you?"

" I saw Julian. "

" Julian Crane? What the hell does he have to do with anything?"

" Plenty. I saw Julian, and I was listening to what he was saying."

" What could Julian say that would upset you that much?"

" Julian was on national television admitting that he was Chad’s father."

TC was quiet for a few moments. He couldn’t have heard right. " Our Chad?"

" Yes, TC, Julian is Chad Harris’ father."
 

Julian Crane took a gulp out of his brandy glass. It had been quite a day. The calls to his other children had gone as well as could be expected. His son Winston was disappointed that there was another Heir, but Julian had to admit that he thought once Chad and Winston met, they would become friends, because Winston had gotten few negative traits of him or Alistair. Serena, as Ivy predicted, was almost giddy at the prospect of another brother and asked immediately for an address to write Chad. Marina was the most blistering, blasting Julian for being so irresponsible as to father a Black child, and then admit to it. She was Alistair’s granddaughter alright. She asked for an immediate increase in her allowance to allow for her to be able to cope with this kind if ‘embarrassment’. Julian told her it would be in her account by morning.

Ivy had been most helpful during these conversations. He was surprised.

Julian had tried to call Eve’s room, but for some reason, all calls were being blocked for the time being. He  just had to explain to her why he did what he did. He hoped she’d understand.

Loosening his tie, Julian began to play the recordings that he had of Eve’s singing days. Nothing could relax him faster. His mind began to float back to another time and place where his life looked like it could take a different path. Closing his eyes, remembering her voice, being in her arms, Julian knew that it was the best time of his life. Of course, he was too stupid to know it at the time. Opening his eyes, he knew where he was, and what his life was about right now. He had another son. Julian didn’t even realize that the tears were coming down his face. It was the first time he had allowed himself to really think about what had happened. His son was alive. It was as if he felt a part of his heart open again.
 

" Well, I think that’s the last of my things. I’ll go back over to the Russells tomorrow to check for sure. I want to thank you again, Mrs. Lopez-Fitzgerald, for letting me stay here."

" Chad, it’s no problem. Do you need some help unpacking?"

" No, M’am. I wouldn’t do that to you. Your generosity on such short notice is really all I need right now. I…I have a lot to think about."

" Yes, you do."

" You think it was better when I didn’t know who my parents were, don’t you?"

" Chad, it’s not for me to decide. I..I thought you didn’t know about your mother?"

" I don’t. But, I’m sure I’ll be meeting her real soon."

" Chad. Whatever happens from now on, you know the truth. You have the truth. There’s nothing left to hide. I…I adore Sheridan."

" It’s the rest of the Cranes that give you the heebie jeebies. Hey, I understand, Mrs. Lopez-Fitzgerald. They spook me too. I…I have to think. I need space, and you’re giving it to me."

" For as long as you want. Here is the key, and you know you can come and talk to me anytime you wish."

" Thanks."

Pilar leaves and goes back to the house. She finds Luis in the kitchen.

" Mijo, what is wrong?"

" Mama, did you hear about Chad?"

" Yes."

" Well, Sheridan knew all about it and didn’t tell me."

" I’m sure she had a good reason."

" She SAID she had promised Julian."

" Well then, there is her reason. "

" Mama, she chose Julian over me!"

" Luis, don’t be ridiculous. Sheridan chose to help her brother in a difficult situation. I have a very low opinion of Julian Crane. So, that what makes what he did today nothing short of miraculous to me, knowing how he was raised by Alistair. Sheridan knows that too, which is why she helped Julian."

" Mama, she says that she’s not moving off the Crane Estate. That she told Julian she would stick around to help Julian with Chad during this difficult time."

" Can you blame her, Luis? All her life Sheridan has wanted a family."

" WE would be her family, Mama!"

" It’s not the same and you know it. She loves you, but there is always that little girl who has longed for family from the day that I met her. And, now, she sees that there is a chance. She will never have Alistair’s love, but, FINALLY, after all these years, a bond between her and her brother seems possible. How can you begrudge her that?"

" Mama…"

" And before this goes any further, I have something to tell you – Chad is living here now."

" HERE? WHERE?"

" In the garage apartment. Theresa asked if he could move in, and I said yes."

" Why?"

" Luis, everyone in this town knows how much TC and Eve Russell hate the Cranes. Chad didn’t want to make things uncomfortable for them when they learned about his paternity."

" And, I DON’T hate the Cranes?"

" No. You hate Alistair and Julian. You love Sheridan. She’s going to be part of this family. Theresa had a good idea. She’s trying to help Chad, and I agree with her. This young man had a bomb dropped on him. He needs a place where he can feel secure, Luis. He needs a place where he can be himself and not worry about the bottom dropping out of his life. Maybe the Russells will come around in time. I hope they do. He should not be judged by whose blood flows through his veins. YOU should appreciate that above all else."

Luis looked at Pilar and then nodded softly. " Ok. Maybe you’re right. And, with him being here, I know Sheridan will have to come see me sooner or later."

" How about sooner than later?"

Pilar and Luis turn to see Sheridan standing in their kitchen doorway.

" Sheridan, what are you doing here?"

" I…I know we sort of settled things before, but I wanted you to know how much I love you, but that I need to do this for my family."

Luis gets up and kisses Sheridan. " I love you, and I understand wanting to protect family. It’s difficult for me to wrap my mind around you talking about Julian in those terms."

" Then think about Chad. Chad’s a wonderful person, Luis. I’m lucky he’s my nephew."

" That’s true."

" And, if I can have a relationship with him, I should."

" That’s true. He definitely has a winner in you."

" Thanks. Pilar, it’s true? Chad is staying here?"

" Yes, Sheridan. Chad thought it would be best to give the Russells time to think about all of this, and he needed neutral territory."

" Thank you. "

" Chad WAS concerned about if we really wanted him here. I told him that he was wanted, but…"

" It would be good if I confirmed it, right?", Luis asked. " Ok, I’ll go talk to him."

Once Luis was gone, Pilar turned to Sheridan and asked her, " Do you want to join me for tea?"

" I’d love to."

They got their cups and sat down.

" You’re wondering if Julian is sincere about Chad?"

" I have to wonder."

" HE IS, Pilar. He is. He wants a relationship with Chad so much."

" And, he came forth because he was afraid of your father."

" Yes. We had to protect Chad."

" In all honesty Sheridan, it was the most decent thing I’ve ever seen Julian do. I like Chad. He’s a nice, good, kind young man. I don’t want your brother to break his heart. The ONLY thing he spoke of for months was his desire to find his family. I have to admit that I wish it was another family. You’re the only one that I think is a blessing he found."

" Pilar, I know it’s hard to think that Julian has changed. But, he has. Or, he’s trying. But, I know that he plans on having Chad in his life, and I’ve wanted a family of my own for so long…"

" I know. I know. For both yours and Chad’s sakes, I hope Julian Crane HAS turned a corner."

Sheridan nods and sips her tea.

Chad is unpacking boxes when he hears a knock at the door.

" Luis."

" Hey Chad, can I come in?"

" Sure, Man. I know that this must be a shock."

" It’s a lesser shock, if you know what I mean."

" You heard."

" Everyone in the free world has heard, Chad."

" I know. I’m still in shock."

" I could imagine. Chad, I’m not going to sugarcoat this for you. I hate Julian Crane. I think he’s a lowlife scum. But, I love Sheridan, and I’ve liked you since the first day I met you. Sheridan is totally convinced that Julian is changing. But, I want YOU to know…I’ve got yours and Sheridan’s backs. I won’t let him hurt you."

Chad smiled. " Thanks, Luis. I know how everyone feels about Julian. Hell, I think ‘ I’ feel that way about him…but, I need time to think."

" You can have it here. You’re amongst friends. Actually, scratch that. You’re amongst family. I consider Sheridan family already, and you’re her family, so that makes you my family. So, welcome."

Luis goes over and gives Chad a hug.