Ice and Fire

Chapter 4 ~ Lachlan

As the car went through the main gates I watched from the backseat the beauty of my parents' home. The soft light that surrounded the house giving it a glowing aspect. Nae matter how long I was away from this place it was always good to be back. There were a few lights on and as late as it was it was not surprising. The car gently headed towards the back where the 5-bedroom guest-house, my home, our home, stood. When Higgins stopped the car I got out without waiting for him to open the door.

Before I stepped on the steps leading up, the door was opened and there stood Mr. Billard, our butler, my butler. « Good evening Mr. Lachlan we were not expecting you tonight. » It always amazed me how this man, that I have known for half of my life, was always impeccable, at any time of day or night.

« Good evening Billard. I am nae staying I just wanted to see... »

Knowing too well where I was heading he smiled and stepped to the side. « The little princess is in her bed. Shall I inform your parents of your arrival? »

« Aye please, but first things first. »

I walked trough the main hall, up the stairs towards her room and quietly opened the door. Stepping through I closed it behind me. I waited a few moments until my eyes got used to the obscurity and as I step further into the room two heads pop up and look my way, but sensing that there was nae danger they dropped their heads back on the bed. I took my jacket off and placed it on my usual armchair and sat on the ottoman watching her beautiful face.

As much as I wanted to just sit there and watch her sleep I could not get my thoughts of the phone call I received earlier today. Was I wrong to keep her from her mother? If I let them meet will Laura continue seeing Deborah or will she just disappear again? Leaving me to pick up the pieces. I could nae stand and see my daughter heart broken.

My head in my hands I thought back to those first days remembering how I could nae have made it this far without the help of every single member of my family even the household.

***

Together my brothers prepared breakfast while Deborah sat quietly on my lap watching in complete awe. It's a wonder how much we are all so different and yet so alike. We come together no matter what.

We were laughing and having breakfast when my parents walked into my bachelor's pad. Though we were awaiting them, their arrival was never less of a surprise. Deborah upon seeing them walking turned and hid her face into my chest and held tight. I tried to sooth her as much as I could, but she was so scared it was tough to get her calmed.

My mother slowly walked towards me after placing her coat on the back of my sofa. She tenderly caressed her hair and back waiting for Deborah to take her time and decide when she was ready to turn around. Slowly Deborah turned her head towards my mother.

I heard my mother gasp. "Hello there eudail (sweetheart). I'm so excited to finally meet ye."

"Deborah? This is yer grandmother, your seanmhair. It's ok ye can go with her? IT will be alright. I will be right here, there is nothing to be scared of."

I felt Deborah nod and I let her down and me mother took her in her arms and hugged her tenderly. Rebecca and our mother took Deborah back to me room and get her washed. I hadn't noted but they were carrying a few bags with them.

My father's reaction was quite different, he just stood there and watched the scene. When he finally snapped out of it gave me a tongue wiping like nae other.

"How could ye have been so irresponsible? Have I nae taught you anythin'? Since you had your first wet dream I have said one thing and one thin' only. Wear a fauckin' condom. Ye can screw all ye want, whomever ye want, but for God's sake cover yerself up." He went on and on.