BEHIND THEIR MIEN

CHAPTER 33- NATHAN

I sang for what felt like an eternity. It was always a dream of mine to hold my child and sing this one to him or her... mostly her and now I just couldn't stop. Beatrice was fast deep asleep. Her chest slowly rose and fell but her face was scrunched into distress and anxiety. How much did my daughter suffer to not be able to have a peaceful sleep? Anger burst inside me and I vow that my daughter will never shed a single tear in her whole life from now on. I take the blanket and cover both Beatrice and Natalie who also had fallen asleep a few minutes back. She must have been hell exhausted. My miracle. Came in my life like a hurricane but instead of causing havoc she started cleaning the mess that wasn't even hers to clean. Earlier my heart stopped when Charles said that there was no need for us to stay married and I literally lost it there and then because she had every reason to leave me now that the baby is safe and sound and I had no reason to make her stay. Luke coaxed her into marrying me for my greed and desire... and I must be a horrible man to hold on to her despite that. But now that she's with me, by my side, I don't know how I managed all these years without her.. without falling apart. Or maybe because she wasn't in my life I was such an ignorant fool, oblivious of all the crimes happening around me. I was always under the impression that I was in the top game in the business and held my family together. She made me realize that I still can be a better man... she makes me want to be a better man. I just need to find a way for us to be together for the long run.

With heavy steps I leave the room and head downstairs where Mason, mom and dad were with the baby. Mom was playing with the baby as dad made the formula.

All of them turned their heads towards me as I entered the room.

" Where's Nat?" Mason asked

" Beatrice sleep?" Mom asked simultaneously and I just nod.

" They both fell asleep. Natalie must have been really exhausted from the flight back and forth and getting the kids." I say as I sit and take the baby from Mom's arm and finally peacefully hold my nephew.

" He looks like you and dad... with Mary's brunette obviously... you think they'll turn blond afterwards" I say and panic as the baby starts crying and Mason gets up, taking him back.

" That's a no from him. He's going to keep his mommy's hair, right Xavy?" he says, nudging him and peppering small kisses all over his face as the baby quiets down. A small ache forms in my heart as I realize that I will never have this stage with Beatrice ever again, and she must be too broken and hurt to be truly ever open to this... she will be all grown up by the time she heals.

" Xavy?" mom asked smiling and Mason swinged the baby in his arms

" Mary and I.. we decided that if we were to have a girl.. we'd name her Natalie or Natasha... after Natalie... and if we had a son we'd name him Xavier. We promised that the first time we'd tell the name would be directly to the baby, then to anyone else.'' He said getting emotional but Xavier made the gurgling sound causing him to smile again.

" Nathan.. are you going to tell us anything, son? Where did you find Beatrice and why is she like that?.. What's happening son?" Dad asked me, despair taking over him. I wanted to yell and scream at him that his mother is the monster behind all this but this was neither the time or place.

" Natalie found them both. Like I said. She hired an investigator, while trying to find Xavier, she also found Beatrice... well the investigator found Beatrice, informed her and that is why she had to travel." I told them.

" Beatrice.. doesn't she talk?" Mason asked and I shook my head.

" I haven't heard her speak a word. The screams were the first time I heard her voice. She just listens to Natalie. I don't know why... I guess she feels safe with her maybe?" I said but Natalie's voice came.