Therapist's therapy

So, what now?

Arianna was sure nothing else would shock her but this was certainly shocking.
"How did you-?" She stammered
"I have my ways. But I didn't need to do anything she came on her own" Mr. Benson explained. He gestured to a sit and Matilda sat in the middle of the table where no one would have any difficulty seeing or hearing her.
"Before you ask any questions, just hear me out."
"I wouldn't have it any other way" Mr. Benson permitted.
"I first knew Julianna when she started dating my brother. I came to the city to live with him before I could get a job and support myself. When they started dating and she came by often, I was desperate to find a job and finally move out, I didn't want to be a burden or a third wheel so I got involved in some dishonest business. That year I got pregnant so did Julianna. I didn't know what to do so I told her. She encouraged me to have the baby, and since she was pregnant herself, it was easy to take her advice. We were like sisters even though I was older. We delivered safely, both boys. But one day Julianna had bad news, her father had found out and he wasn't happy about at all. They planned to elope, to go back to our small town. I didn't plan to leave I couldn't face my family unaccomplished and with a fatherless child." Matilda took a deep breath and Mr. Benson ordered them to get her some water. "They were supposed to meet at the station. The day before, I did a terrible thing I betrayed my brother, I told Julianna the life she was going to meet, a poor one. I told her she had to stay for the future of her son but truly I did it for me, I knew I would have nothing left if Julianna and my brother left that night, I and my son would live poor miserable lives. So that night, Julianna never showed up and my brother left with his son knowing she had made her choice. I moved in with Julianna the next day I knew she was distraught and missed her son so much, so I let mine replace him. Years after, I heard my brother had passed on, I knew it was my fault the burden must have been hard on him, he must have thought Julianna didn't love him after all and with time it consumed him, but Julianna ensured the boy grew up well, went to a good school so that in time he will take his place" the helper girl put a glass of water in front of Matilda of which she drank with gratitude "Thanks. That's all that led to what's happening now."
"Julianna's son is Harry right?" Arianna's pride didn't allow her to accord all the big revelations to Matilda. Every body directed their attention to her
"Harry? Your.." Travis began
"Yes that Harry, my ex boyfriend"
"How did you know?" Matilda asked
"Who is this boy?" Mr. Benson asked. He made sense that they didn't know him apart that Julianna was keeping the secret, it was a big enough company.
"Just a troublesome opponent" Arianna directed her attention back to Matilda "don't you have any other confessions to make" Matilda turned sober. She looked up and met Travis eyes "I'm really sorry Travis, it's all my fault, this whole situation, the spiked drink, all of it just for my selfishness" Travis just stared, he didn't look angry, or sad. If for anything he looked relieved
"Why did you come here?" Louis who had been munching a suspicious brown nut finally spoke up.
"Julianna betrayed me. She probably thought I was too illiterate to see but I'm not stupid. She used me and planned to get rid of me. I'm not going to say I don't deserve it but please all I can do is make a selfish request." Matilda fell on her knees. The helpers rushed forward but Mr. Benson stoped them "please forgive Jasper, he doesn't know anything and has done nothing wrong"
"Then what would he need forgiveness for?" Arianna asked
"I don't know the details yet but Julianna is up to something and she is going to make Jasper take the fall. He didn't do it I just need you to remember this moment when the time comes and trust him" the room was silent
"You did the right thing by risking your safety coming here. If not for your confession, a small part of me would always believe there was something wrong me. While I can't forgive you, I can't let Jasper suffer for your sins. Jasper is my friend no matter how our parents parts intercepted" Matilda buried her face in her hands and sobbed louder. Arianna held Travis' hand, he had grown so much and she was proud of him.

Travis and Arianna went out to get some fresh air while the oldies discussed what would come next. While she didn't like the idea of strolling in the woods, she knew Mr. Benson won't let dangerous animals live around him.
"So, what do you think of it all?" Arianna asked. Travis just looked forward and didn't break stride. "What do I think? I haven't really thought about anything lately. After hearing all that, I don't really know how to feel. Relieved, sad, happy? I don't really know"
Arianna bumped his shoulder jokingly. "You better make up your mind it's almost over, the big finale is just around the corner"
Travis sighed "Well, now I know I can't be the heir anymore, even if the truth comes to life I know most still won't believe it. It was the only thing I ever wanted, to be recognized and now that I know I won't achieve it, I don't really know how to feel about it"
Arianna smiled up at the him "You over estimate people Travis. People are simple and will believe anything as long as it benefits them. Have some faith in your father and most off all in me. I'm on your side so you have absolutely nothing to worry about." Arianna believed in herself, she believed in everything working out as she had predicted. But then, when everything was over she wouldn't have any other excuse to stay here anymore, and funny enough she didn't want to.
"You are right, you are really great at what you do."

Travis and Arianna made sure to return before dark. The table was set by the time they returned. Matilda still sat there, although she was chatting with Louis she didn't look relaxed. Mr. Benson raised his head from his screen when they walked in.
"Have you two had time to take it all in?" He asked fitting a napkin into his collar.
"Mostly" Travis replied pulling a chair out for Arianna
"Look at you being a gentleman" Louis teased.
"So, what's next?" Arianna asked directing it to Matilda but Mr. Benson spoke up.
"We should eat first, wouldn't want the food getting cold." No one complained as they ate in silence each carried away with his or her thoughts on what would come next.
"We can't take any drastic action since nothing has being finalized. To the public eye, Julianna and Jasper are just fill ins, she hasn't even brought Harry into light yet and we don't know how she plans to do so" Mr. Benson explained.
"Making the first move would be a total success or failure, knowing Julianna the latter seems more possible. Going public will let her know just how much we know" Louis completed.
"It's impossible for Julianna to bring Harry into the light alone. There is only one person who can deem him fit" Travis shot Arianna a look reading her mind
"No way"
"That's right, your grandfather"