The Truth
The friends say goodbye to Kaylah and Archer, who are returning to New York where duty calls. Andre, Rick and Michelle take Kenjal on an island tour while Loraine and Aziel head back to their villa. As Aziel drives the Bugatti into the garage, he feels the sweet cool breeze from the sea entering the car through the windows. “Shall we take a walk on the beach, Angel? We might even meet at a camp party, which is usually very pleasant,” he suggests.
They still go inside the house and prepare a picnic basket with some leftovers in the fridge. After that they walk onto the beach with intertwined hands. The sun is at its peak, which has driven a number of people, primarily women, to the beach to sunbathe. They decide to walk along the waterline and look for beautiful shells.
At an ice cream truck, Aziel buys them both a sundae. “Hmmm, this is the best of life here on the island. Sun, sea and ice cream”, explains Aziel, licking his fingers. They go a bit further until they see some shady palm trees with stone benches and a table. Aziel takes out the cooler with ice and pours Loraine some bottled water. "Loraine, are you still feeling well now that you're not on Danner's meds anymore?" asks Aziel. He wonders if he should now tell that they’re only vitamin tablets. There is so much fresh fruit on the island to replace the chemical meds. “Much better. Maybe it's because of all the oranges and grapes you get delivered every day," she says gratefully, giving him a peck on the lips.
“Listen, Loraine. I have something to confess to you," he begins. “The tablets you took since you were in Costa Rica were vitamin tablets. The cleaning lady saw the medication Danner gave you and knew it wasn't good for you. She replaced them with vitamins,” he explains to her. Loraine opens her eyes in shock. “Then how did she know they weren't good for me? Danner said it was for my depression," she asks dump folded. “The woman knew that the tablets were for schizophrenia patients and saw no symptoms in you. Because she felt sorry for you, she switched the medicines," he says. Startled, Loraine places a hand over her mouth, it's starting to dawn on her now.
“You mean Danner deliberately gave me the wrong medication? Why would he do that? Danner got the prescription from a nurse who kept renewing it," she says incredulously. Aziel hesitates, he knows that now he will have to tell her the whole story. This is the moment of truth.
“He wanted to keep you to himself, he is obsessed with you. Always has,” sighs Aziel. Loraine turns to him. "Always? Aziel, when are you going to tell me that our meeting in Costa Rica was no accident?” asks Loraine, looking straight at him. "Michelle and Kaylah got out of line so many times that you should know by now that I understand we've met before." Aziel sighs and holds her hands.
“Yes, we were very happy. But then I was raped, the stress of the trial and the publicity surrounding the case became too much for you," he confesses. “You were pregnant with our twins. You miscarried and I've been at your bedside all day. The head nurse sent me home to freshen up because I was not hygienic for the hospital according to her. And that day you suddenly disappeared," he explains sadly.
“Danner? Did Danner kidnap me?” Loraine asks incredulously. Aziel nods in agreement. “Andre and I bribed so many people to track you down until we found you in Costa Rica. Danner didn't know Andre and Kenjal, which made it easier." But for Loraine it all remains incomprehensible. “But why didn't you immediately tell me that I was your wife and claim me?” the woman wants to know. “You had every right to take me to our house with you. Then why did we come to Barbados instead of going straight to New York?”
Even before Aziel can explain everything to her, they hear a shrill voice.
“Loraine! You slut! You and your husband put my granddaughter in jail. Is that the thanks we get after welcoming you here?”. Aziel looks in the direction of the voice and sees the elderly Abi and Jonah standing. Jonah tries to stop his wife but in vain. The woman is determined to spit her bile.
“For years you have lived with us with your bastard son. We took you in as our daughter looked after your son. And what are our thanks! You grateful bitch!” she spits out with hatred. Jonah finally manages to get her away from where Loraine and Aziel are sitting.
Loraine is horrified by the older woman's direct attack. But the words she uttered were the most important to her. "I have a son?" whispers Loraine. Tears appear in her eyes. “Aziel, do I have a son? Where is he?” she asks urgently. Aziel takes her hands and pulls her on her feet. “Come on, let's talk at home. It all gets worse with Abi around.” Loraine lets herself be carried away by Aziel, still amazed by what she has heard. She already had a strong suspicion that she must have a child, and now it has been confirmed.
Once they are home, Aziel puts her at the dinner table.
“Yes, Loraine. You have a son, he is five years old. His name is Lorrich”, he lets her know. Her eyes light up. “That was the name on the one ring that Danner took. I asked him who Lorrich was, but of course never got an answer," she whispers more to herself. “Aziel, where is my son? Aren't you his father?" she turns to her betrothed.
Aziel smiles softly. “Our son is so lucky, has many fathers who spoil him rotten. But his biological father is Dordrich Fellogan with whom you had a short-lived extramarital affair," he let her know. He takes his iPad from the dining table. Soon a boy appears on FaceTime. "Mom!" he screams the moment he sees Loraine on screen and starts to cry. “Daddy said he would find you and here you are. Why did you leave, mommy? I missed you so much. Come home soon, I want to hug you so badly.” Loraine can only nod, tears streaming down her cheeks like a waterfall. She touches the screen, Lorrich extends his hand to her.
“Lorrich, my son. Mommy loves you! I'm so glad to see you. I'll come as soon as I can," she promises. “Why is your hair red now, mommy? I like it when it's black. You black and I blond”, he chuckles, pointing to his own head. A watery laugh escapes Loraine's lips. "See you soon, my son, I love you so much."
When they hang up, Aziel calls Archer right away. “Loraine now knows everything. Please send the jet, she wants to be with Lorrich as soon as possible”, he informs his friend. “Can you get him back from the Fellogans?”
Loraine has already jumped up to pack. She can't wait to be back in New York...
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