Charles & Darlene

I made Darlene her tea and toast, carrying it back to her on a plate. I placed it on the bed side table and helped her sit up "Here you go." I said and set gently in her lap.

"Thanks baby," I said and leaned against him as I took a sip of tea then nibbled on my toast.

"You're very welcome." I said, putting my arm around her.

I knocked on the door and waited for them to answer.

I got back up and went to the door "Morning, Sebastien. Come on in."

I came in and signed to him, Asher's back and he wanted me to come ask if you wanted to come for breakfast.

"Are you kidding me? He comes home and invites us to breakfast? What the fuck." I grumbled and shook my head "Thank you Sebastien, give us five."

I nodded. Don't shoot the messenger. I'll see you guys soon, I signed then headed back over.

I went to Darlene "Asher's home, he invited us to breakfast. Isn't that hospitable?"

I looked at him in surprise. "Are you serious? How long has he been home?"

"Apparently he got back last night." I fumed, getting my clothes on.

"Last... last night? And... he didn't even bother to tell us?" I shook my head and got out of bed to get dressed. "Well that was considerate," I said sarcastically.

"Tell me about it. That little shit." I finished dressing and helped Darlene dress. We were finished in a few minutes and left.

I got back to the house and found Charles inside. I got something to drink and stood at the window, staring off into space.

"It didn't go well, did it?" I asked her "Is he leaving?"

"Yes. He's leaving," I said quietly. "He's determined to do what he said, no matter the repercussions, and he's leaving as soon as he checks on Elena. Nothing I said to him made any difference," I said and sighed. "He is so full of hatred Charles. If he keeps going on like this... we're going to lose him."

I sighed and set down "Too much. Too much has been placed on his shoulders over the years. I tried to let them just be boys as long as I could...he had to grow up too fast."

"I understand what he's going through, but he can't see anyone's side but his own. He has no understanding of what Timber is feeling right now. She was right, there may very well be hope for Linna. After all her father put her through, she really wasn't in her right mind when she did all she did. That doesn't make any of it right though, I'm not saying that. But we should at least find out her intentions before we condemn her to the noose, so to speak." I looked at him and he was giving me a strange look. "Sorry. Timber and I talked late one night. She told me a lot of things no one else knows about her sister."

"I see." I said "I understand what you're saying, I really do. And I agree, but it's Asher and he's stubborn like no other. He'll work it out himself."

"Are you sure? I think we both remember quite well the last time we let him work it out on his own. I won't let him get that far again, I cannot lose another child Charles."

"There are reasons he went to see Elena. She'll look after him." I sighed deeply, remembering one of the worst days of my life.

"He needs to work things out with Timber. If he leaves without doing that, he may well lose his chance. He already lost one woman he loves. I don't want him to lose another."

"I don't know what to do for him, nothing we say will help right now. He's too angry."

"That's what I'm afraid of." I sighed and sat down beside him. "Cade has ruined so many lives. Even though we're far away from there his evil still seeps in and threatens to ruin even more."

"It's going to take awhile for everyone to adjust. Did you notice Asher's eyes? He hasn't been sleeping. I'm not blind nor stupid."