New Beginnings, Chapter Eight
 

" Julian?", Sheridan called out meekly. Ever since she handed over the DNA test to Julian, he was so still. She had never seen him like this.

Julian Crane looked out towards the water. His entire world had come crashing down on him just a few minutes ago. He didn’t know what to do. He turned and looked up and saw Sheridan’s sympathetic eyes watering.

" Sheridan, I’m fine. You don’t have to worry about me."

" Julian, you just found out horrible things about our father."

" No, Sheridan. I just got them truly confirmed. In my mind, I knew that our father was capable of what you said. After all, I’ve been his mindless minion for years. Yet, I think I was as gullible and desperate as you. All I ever wanted was his approval. I was willing to do anything for it, and over the years, that’s exactly what I’ve done."

" Julian…"

" Do you know my son? What do you know about Chad Harris?"

" I…..I know that he grew up under horrible circumstances. He’s been basically on his own since he was a small child. But, he’s a nice guy, Julian."

" How bad was it, Sheridan?"

" He was neglected by his adoptive family, and I know he was homeless for awhile. "

" A real Oliver Twist existence.", Julian deadpans. " Of course, the irony can’t be lost on you. Growing up the way he did, while he was the son of one of the wealthiest families in the world."

" I caught the irony."

" He hates me, you know. He doesn’t approve of me in the least. A positive first, second or third impression I have not made. "

" Julian, he doesn’t know you."

Julian laughed hard. " And, would that make any difference, Sheridan? What would knowing the ‘real’ Julian do? Would he even want to talk to me on the street?"

" Julian, I know you’re difficult, but, you love your children."

" Like I loved Ethan when I found out the truth?"

" You were hurt, but, you corrected that mistake."

" Why do you always try and see the positive?"

" Because, I want to believe that we can be a family. I can’t help it if it’s still what I want."

" But, you have the love of Officer Lo-Fitz."

" Yes, but, there’s still a longing for a family. Don’t you see, Julian, we can be a family."

" Sheridan, you’re getting ahead of yourself."

" Julian…"

" I’ve never stood up to Father a day in my life, Sheridan. Never. I’ve disappointed so many people, bending to his will. Do you think that he’ll just accept Chad into our lives with open arms?"

" I don’t see where Father has much of a choice, Julian. Why are we giving him one. The only question YOU need to answer is if YOU want Chad in your life. Do you?"

Sheridan held her breath, awaiting Julian’s answer. Julian turned away from her, and then back.

" Do I want him in my life? Sheridan, you make it sound so easy. The answer is yes, I want my son in my life. He’s my firstborn, Sheridan. I made so many mistakes…so many mistakes."

Sheridan had seen Julian cry exactly three times in her life: once, when their mother had died, second, when the truth about Ethan was revealed, and right now. She went over to her brother, and hugged him. She could feel that he was uncomfortable with the physical connection, but, Sheridan wouldn’t let him go, and finally he relaxed and accepted her comfort. They stayed that way for a few moments, until Julian finally released her.

" I have a lot to do, it seems."

" Julian, what about his mother?"

Julian looked at Sheridan and gave her a sad smile. " His mother?"

" Does she want him in her life? Do you know?"

" I know that his mother has mourned him everyday since they told her he had died. But, Sheridan it’s not that simple. Finding out about our son will destroy the life that she’s made for herself."

" Julian, I’m sure it would be a shock, but, aren’t you exaggerating?"

Julian looked at Sheridan, and asked her in earnest, " Sheridan, I need to be able to trust you. Nothing less than my son’s life is at stake."

" Julian, of course you can."

" Who have you told about this? Who?"

" No one."

" Not even Luis?"

" Not even Luis."

" Sheridan, this has to be kept between the two of us. Everything has to be planned to perfection. I can’t allow any slipups. I have to organize things so that Chad will be protected from Alistair. And, I need to know that you’ll help me protect his mother."

" So, she DOES live in Harmony? "

" Yes."

" Who is it?"

" Eve Russell."

Sheridan stared at Julian, trying to take in the magnitude of that bombshell.
 

" Well, I thought the movie was whacked.", Chad said, delving into his tomato pepper steak.

" It had good points."

" Name one, Theresa."

" It had Heath Ledger."

" Uh, Theresa, I’m a guy. And, I don’t swing that way. So, Heath Ledger isn’t a draw for me."

" Ok, you win." There was a silence between them as they ate, and Theresa spoke up.

" Are you mad at me?"

" Yes, and no. I’m mad that you know the truth, T. But, I’ve known you long enough to know how your mind works. You think you’re protecting me. But, I’ll wait you out. You’ll tell me."

" Chad, I don’t want to lose you."

" You won’t. We’ve been through a lot. You were one of the first people I met in Harmony. Good times and bad.  I know how much you care for me. "

" I do, Chad. I really care for you.", Theresa said, placing her hand on top of Chad's.  Chad didn't know what to do, for some reason this gesture didn't seem like something from one 'friend' to another. He pulled back from it, and Theresa looked down at her food, muttering, " Sorry."

Chad looked at Theresa. She couldn't have meant anything by that gesture. After all, he's crazy about Whitney, and they're just friends.

Right?

Theresa looked at the confusing thoughts showing on Chad's face, and thought that her gamble had paid off. Chad was beginning to blur the line between them being 'just friends'. She had more to do, but, she was going to achieve her goals.
 

The phone rings and Eve answers it.

" Eve Russell."

" Dr. Russell, this is Dr. Poindexter's office. She'd like for you to come in and see her."

" When?", Eve asks.

" As soon as possible."

" I have some time now. I'll be there in a half hour."

" She's gone home for the evening, but, I'll put you down for first thing in the morning. Eight- thirty?"

" Fine."

Eve hung up the phone and wondered what that was about. She had been feeling ill, and had gone in for a full checkup. She wondered what the tests had shown.