Apocrypha

Chapter 17

"Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing."
1 Peter 3:9

THE HOUSE was silent as Gabriel stood in front of the TV, hearing the news that one would never expect. And that was: His wife was pregnant.

Lysander felt guilty as he had kept this secret away from Gabriel for the longest time. He made sure that the news that played in the house was one that wouldn't mention the Barrington family. However, he slipped up.

Kari had already known, but the other house members preferred not to stay up to date with current events. People were bound to find out eventually.

"According from a report from Barrington Manor, Martha and her child are in perfect condition as the baby is developing perfectly."

The news switched to two TV anchors.

"But now is the question on everyone's mind: Will Gabriel Barrington return to see his child? The former member of the Barrington family who fled his home over two months ago has remained a public enemy as searches continue to locate Mr. Barrington and return him."

"Personally," Said the other anchor. "It'd be best if he didn't return. Who knows how he'll corrupt his child."

"Representative Susanna Harmon. You have been in DC ever since this entire event went down. Could you tell us how people on Capitol Hill are reacting to a new member of the Barrington family?"

A woman with graying hair and an orange tan appeared on TV.

"It's been a hectic few months here. As we know, Gabriel Barrington disgraced this country by straying from God and choosing to avoid the consequences. There's been conversations here about how the Barrington family will possibly move on from this situation since their Mandate of Christ is currently in jeopardy.

"Introducing a new family member could be great for the family as it shines light away from the current controversy. But people will still remember when this family showed its cracks in the perfect facade they've spent 50 years building."

Gabriel kneeled in front of the TV and felt himself begin to cry. Timon took this moment to turn off the TV. Kari gave him a glare, knowing he was the one that had increased the volume when Gabriel walked in.

Lucrece nudged Lysander to go over to him. Slowly, people walked out of the room why Lysander kneeled next to the crying man and comforted him by rubbing his back.

By the time Timon left the living room, Gabriel had slowly stopped crying. Instead, his sadness was replaced by anger. As Lysnader looked away, Gabriel stood up and was quick to land a push on his face.

"Gabriel! Stop!" Lysander said. He was pinned back while Gabriel hopped on top, straddling him.

"Did you know? Tell me the truth. Did you know that my wife was pregnant?" Gabriel asked. He was both angry while tears fell down his face.

Lysander covered his face and tried to stand up. The man on top of him firmly placed himself down. Lysander was going to have to answer truthfully.

"Yes, I knew." He finally replied.

"How long?" Gabriel asked.

Lysander set his hands down and looked into the eyes of Gabriel. "Two weeks after we first met. I heard it on the radio."

Gabriel broke into sobs. Lysander was able to sit up and hug him tightly. Gabriel wanted to fight him off. However, he didn't need people to be angry at him. For now, he just wanted someone to hold him, no matter if it was the man that betrayed him.