CHAPTER 16

FALLING IN LOVE WITH EVIL

We enter this huge white castle. Yes! It is definitely a castle. It’s is more beautiful in the inside. There’s not much furniture but it looks beautiful.

“I am so glad you came by.” She says and I smile at her.

A girl probably 6 years old comes in . She is a beautiful rosey like girl with gold natural big locks. She is a Blondie and replica of Juliette with blue eyes.

She looks at us actually she stares at Timothy for the longest time.

“Hey.” She extends her hand towards Tim and I smile and look at him.

He kneels in front of her and kisses her tiny hand.

“Hey Taylor.” He says and she smiles and I realize they look alike.

“You are my big brother Timothy, right ? “ She asks him and he nods.

“Who is this?” she says pointing at me and Timothy smiles.

“She’s my girlfriend.” He says and she gasps making us laugh.

She signals for me to come closer so I kneel in front of her and she kisses my cheek.

“You are so pretty.” She says and I smile.

“Not as pretty as you are darling.” I tell her and we are asked to sit down on the couch.

A boy around our age who has brown hair comes carrying a younger boy .

He greets us and sits on the couch opposite us.

“Hey Gratiano “ Tim says dryly and I nudge him.

“This is Theodore my youngest son.” Juliette says pointing at the baby boy that is on Gratiano's lap.

“He’s so cute. So they are all T's? “ I say and she laughs.

“Yes. We decided to give them names that start with T.” she says and I smile .

Thomas walks in and Timothy frowns but I put my hand on his and he looks at me. I see him slowly relax and I look at Juliette who smiles.

He greets us and takes a seat on a single couch near the fire place.

“Dinner is ready but we had invited Meghan, Grati's girlfriend.” She says and we nod.

“I would like to say something to you Azande before we continue.” Thomas says and Tim's eyes race to him.

“I am sorry for the way I treated you and the horrible things that I said to you. I guess I judged you because of the color of your skin and for that I am sorry.” He says and I smile.

“It’s okay sir. I understand that Tim is your son and you want to protect him. I was never angry at you.” I tell him and he smiles.

“Thank you. You can address me by my name.” he says and I nod.

The door bell rings again and minutes later a brunette with green eyes walks in along with Gratiano.

We all greet each other and are introduced.

We move to the dinning hall where we sit around a huge wooden dinning table and dinner is served.

“So what are you studying Azande?” Juliette asks me and I look at her.

“Well I am studying criminology.” I say and she smiles.

“Wow! I'm impressed. It’s a nice career.” She says and I nod.

“How did you guys meet anyway cause Timothy is quite a scary guy. “ Thomas asks and we all laugh except for Timothy. You can tell he is just tolerating everything.

“Well I can say his intimidating look actually attracted me to him. I couldn’t stop staring at him until he confronted me about it. Then we actually realized we were in the same English class. We were the only ones who had read Othello and Merchant Of Venice so we were asked to do a brief review in front of the whole class. Then after that I was attacked by some guys and he saved me and we became friends.” I say and everyone smiles.

“How romantic! I have seen your pictures on Instagram and I must say you guys are cute!” Meghan says and I smile.

“Brother Timothy.” Taylor calls him and he quickly looks at her. I suppose Taylor has melted his heart because she is the only one who he genuinely gives a smile to.

“Yes Taylor.” He replies.

“Why are you so quiet?” She asks and I look at him.

“Nothing. I don’t talk a lot. I have Aza right here to talk on my behalf you can see she is quite the talker.” He says and starts chuckling along with Taylor and I look at Thomas and Juliette, they can’t hide their joy. Thomas is even teary. I guess this is the first time in years that he has actually seem Tim laugh. Let alone smile.

“Yes but she has a sweet voice and I know it’s because of her that you are here. You never came to visit before when we were in London.” She says and Tim looks at me.

“Yeah you are right. I am sorry for not visiting you. Maybe I’ll cone by again just to see you and Theo. We could all get to know each other.” He says and she grins which melts my heart.

“Oh Bro what about me?” Gratiano says and Tim looks at him.

“And you Gratiano.” He says making Gratiano smile.

“What grade are you in? “ I ask Taylor

“I’m in first grade.” She says smiling.

“Wow! You almost done with school I tell you.” I say and she laughs.

“I know you just bluffing me just to make me feel better.” She says laughing and we all laugh however this time Tim laughs along with everyone .

“Wow! You are so intelligent. I won’t bluff you ever again.” I say.

I am genuinely happy that there is progress in Timothy maybe Taylor is the redemption he needs. The link that will connect him to his family again.

We have dinner and dessert. After that we all sit in a game room. Where we play chess. However Timothy doesn’t join us instead he steps into the next room which I am told is the library.

“I think you should go and talk to him sir.” I tell Thomas and he hesitates.

“She is right. You have to take the initiative. You are his father and should take the initiative.” Juliette says and he nods.

“He promised me that he would try and that he wouldn’t make a scene. Moreover he is with Taylor so he won’t create a scene.” I say and he gets up from his chair and disappears into the other room.

“Do you want to hear their conversation because I want to .” Juliette asks me and I nod.

We stand near an open space that is between the two rooms however they can’t see us because there is a shelf kept there.

We eavesdrop as they talk.

“Thank you for respecting Juliette and coming for dinner” Thomas tells him and Timothy turns to look at him.

“I came because Azande asked me to.” He says and there is dead silence between them.

“I know that you hate me Timothy I just..” Thomas says but Tim interjects.

“I hate you? Taylor could you please give us a moment to talk.” He asks Taylor and she complies.

“You were saying I hate you? And how exactly was I supposed to love you when you had always hated me. You punished me for every little thing! Pushed me away from you and punished me for Julia's sins. I disgusted you I could see the disgust and hate in your eyes for me. You didn’t want me. How was it my fault? I wanted you to love me so bad yet you rejected me. Now you are telling me that I hate you? Really!? Darn it Thomas! You know what the worst part is? You didn’t fight for me! You didn’t even protect me Thomas! Fuck! ” He says and I look at Juliette.

“It’s a good thing though that they are talking even if they releasing their anger.” I say and she nods.

“I didn’t hate you Timothy. We both couldn’t take it when your mother left especially after everything she had done. I wasn’t sure of what to do with you. You needed her and I was angry I wasn’t in the right state of mind and seeing you reminded me of her.” He says and looks down.

“I might have punished you for that but I am sorry son. I was immature at that time. I am sorry. I missed so many years of your life I don’t want to anymore.” Thomas says and Timothy looks away and starts weeping.

“I’m leaving!” Timothy says and walks out of the room and we quickly sit.

He enters the room and looks at me.

“Azande I think we should leave. Thanks for inviting us Juliette.” He says and I nod. I don’t want to question him at the moment cause he is upset.

I say my goodbyes and we leave.

The drive to his house is silent .

We arrive at his house and walk in.

As soon as we get in he tells me that he needs fresh air and that he is going for a drive and will be back soon.

I don’t argue but let him leave.

“Timothy.” I call him as he is about to open the door. He doesn’t turn but stands at the door way and waits for me to say something.

“I will be waiting for you. Come back soon.” I say and he looks down for a few minutes then leaves.