Redemption: A Dickensian fanfiction story

Chapter Six: Seventh Heaven

"Hold me close, 
a shelter from 
beleaguered minds, leaving regret
behind." 

- J. Sexton 

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 

"We should tell them at some point." Clay said, tapping his fingers against the table of his room.

Arthur shook his head. "Not necessarily."

"Is there something in your father's will that states you'll have your half of everything taken from you if people find out?"

"I don't know, but I'm sure Jaggers or Amelia will find some loophole."

"You know," Clay cleared his throat. "You can come back home and stay with me. I can take care of you until you find what you want to do with yourself."

Arthur stared at Clay for a moment.

"That's not a bad idea."

Clay chuckled. He reached across the table as Arthur reached out and grabbed his hand.

"They're still going to have to know. Even if you escape with me into the night, they'll still wonder."

Arthur huffed and ran a hand through his curly hair.

Clay stood up and grabbed an unopened bottle of whiskey and held it up. "Liquid courage?" He grinned.

Arthur swiped the bottle and took a few quick gulps. He then got up from the table and walked toward the door.

"Should I come with you?" Clay offered.

"No. No offense, but having you there might make things worse."

Clay sighed, but understood.

"Fine, but if I don't hear from you by tonight, I'm coming to Satis House."

Arthur nodded and then slipped out the door.

~ ~ ~

Amelia and Arthur sat quietly in Jagger's office building, waiting for him to be finished with another client.

"I wish you would tell me what all this is about." Amelia said quietly. "You have me worried."

Arthur stared at the floor.

"You'll find out soon enough."

Just then, the client walked out of the office and Arthur quickly stood up, walking past him.

"Ah, Arthur, Amelia." Jagger took off his glasses. "You sent a call earlier. What's this about?"

"He won't tell me," Amelia pouted. "He's been acting odd lately."

Arthur began to tremble as he tried to muster up as much courage as he could possibly find in his entire being. Every worst and best case scenario flooded his mind all at once.

"I have something to tell you both."

Amelia and Jaggers watched Arthur, silently waiting for him to continue. Arthur looked at Jaggers, who was watching him with a raised eyebrow. Jaggers gave Arthur a "do you really want to do this?" look, but Arthur ignored him.

"I've kept this inside for as long as I can remember." Arthur continued. "I don't know how to come out with it. But, before I do, I want you both to promise that things will be alright between us all. And that we keep this all to ourselves."

"Keep what between us?" Amelia sounded panicked. She saw the worry in Arthur's eyes as he looked at her. "Arthur, I'm your sister. There isn't anything you could possibly tell me that will make me stop loving you."