The lost triplets

chapter 42

It's been a while since I updated but hopefully get back onto this story. Is there anything specific you would like to see as readers going forward.

It was the next day. Marco was going to be fine but they kept him over night for observation.

Rafael knew Marco had let Alex hit him like that. It was almost as if Marco wanted to be hurt. He didn't leave his son all night though in case things took a turn for the worse.

Back at home, the siblings were dressed for school. James had come back to Skye's room after leaving to get ready. Skye was very anxious. Her fear of what would happen to Alex and even Marco. James just sat her down and carefully played with her hair and put it up in a ponytail. He knew it calmed her down. They both spoke of their fears.

"I've never seen Alex like that. Do you think he's okay?  I understand Marco hasn't been nice to us but he's in hospital. Surely they are not going to let it go. What if they punish us?" Skye asked fear starting to creep back up.

"I don't know Skye. I'll protect you no matter what though" James wanted to believe they wouldn't get hurt but he had a hard time believing it.

They both reluctantly went down for breakfast that morning.

Lorenzo and Leo were already in the kitchen.

"How are you both" Leo asked.

James instinctively stepped in front of his sister "what happened with Alex last night" he chose to ignore the question.

They both needed to know what was going on.

"He didn't say much. Leo can you make sure the boys are up" Lorenzo said. Leo knew it meant he wanted to talk to them alone so he quickly left.

"Please  spare Skye, I'll take the punishment" James said both siblings were terrified.

Lorenzo looked horrified at the thought "no one is being punished. Now come sit" he said.

The two reluctantly sat down.

"I spoke with Alex and I know the whole abuse thing wasn't meant to be known but I'm afraid I'm going to have to inform dad. I can understand Alex's motives due to Marco treating the three of you like shit but I can assure you he would never hurt you to the point of hospitalisation. I understand why but this behaviour is obviously due to years of abuse. Dad informed me Marco was okay but next time it could be worse. He could take his anger out on you. You might not think he ever would but it's clear he's unpredictable. I will be informing dad so he can get the help he needs and both of you if you want it"

The two looked to each other, not wanting anyone to know of the abuse.
"Please don't tell him. Please. We can't face the truth. Not yet." James panicked. He didn't know how much Lorenzo knew but he feared the truth.

"I know it's scary and I don't want to pressure any of you but Alex especially needs help and I'm sure you two do as well"

Skye and James knew there was no way of getting out of it. Skye especially didn't want the truth to come out.

She oddly found herself wanting Marco. He would understand. She knew James and Alex suffered greatly, she knew they understood just as much but it was nice knowing she didn't have to worry about them.

The cold truth was simple. She had been raped just like Marco.

James and Alex understood her and she felt an immense amount of guilt for what they had to go through, she was greatful for the times, they knocked her brothers out so they didn't see.

They understood but at the same time she was well aware they were just kids. She wanted someone older to rely on instead of putting everything on her two brothers. She now had that chance.

There was no escaping though. Skye wasn't ready.

"We will be better. There won't be anymore angry outbursts" Skye tried

Lorenzo looked at her with sadness.
"That may be so but it's what's best. Whatever foster family you grew up in abused you. You had no one to rely on but each other. Alex needs to learn to be a kid again, he doesn't have to protect you or take care of you. You all have older brothers and a father who are there for you" Lorenzo tried to explain.

"Please Lorenzo don't tell just yet, give us a few days to prepare ourselves for the questions and everything " James asked, his voice breaking. He was almost in tears.

"Very well. I will give you a few days but father will be told after that. The three of you have suffered to much, you need help" he agreed with the compromise.

"Why do you want to help us" James asked curiously. The only people who ever helped him was Skye and Alex. The same being for his other two siblings. They helped each other. No one else cared enough to help.

"Because James I know you don't accept me as your brother, but I am. Family helps each other. And even if you weren't family, no child deserves to suffer like you three have done" Lorenzo said.

He said it so sincerely he had both of them trusting him and believing him.

"Thank you Lorenzo" they both said.

Lorenzo smiled at them but his smile faultered when Alex came in looking pissed. He practically pulled the two back. Lorenzo sighed. He was aware of how he acted when they first met but Alex annoyed him. He even saw how nervous James and Skye became. Not of Alex but they looked at Lorenzo in fear.
He had allowed them a few days but he could see that Alex's defensive behaviour was not helping.

James was defensive enough for Lorenzo to tolerate but Alex was excessive.

"Right, eat breakfast and make sure you're ready for school. I'll be dropping you off on my way to work" Lorenzo said and left the room.

He saw Leo and Nico coming down and told Nico the same. Looking at Nico, Lorenzo knew his youngest siblings should be as carefree as him but unfortunately they weren't.

It was for the triplets safety that he told their dad but he also knew their dad probably suspected abuse.

He knew Alex cared for the two and would never dilebrately hurt them but he also knew abuse fucks you up. Marco was once a happy child but since that day he changed and that was only one time.

What he wasn't completely aware of was that
Marco hurt his siblings because they were a constant reminder of what happened to him, how he couldn't save them, how he was weak, how he was to blame.

And the little that he did know about Marco's trauma stemmed from not being able to protect them. And he knew Alex couldn't always protect his younger siblings.