CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

TAMARA

If no one stepped in now, Alex would probably beat the shit out of my father, even if that would be quite enjoyable to watch but I couldn’t allow that because in some twisted way I will eventually pay for it, but I was surprised to see Alex this way because I have never seen him this angry before, no anger didn’t describe what I was seeing in his eyes, he was enraged and it was directed at my father.

"Do you want to hit me son" my father asked standing head to head with Alex who took an inch off him, he really looked pathetic compared to Alex.

"I'm thinking about it," Alex said as he glared at Thomas taking a step towards him wanting to make due to his threats.

I didn't know what came over me. I stepped in between them. "I think we all need to calm down," I said, slightly pushing Alex back with my small body, with Delia by my side surprisingly he didn't re

"You know what fuck this, but let's get one thing straight Thomas, never touch me again or I swear you will end up six feet under whether my mother loves you or not" Alex said in a menacing tone.

He spared me a quick glance and I swear I saw fear in his eyes even if he was expressing a different emotion,  but it was gone in a matter of seconds then he stormed off to his room, leaving the rest of us standing in the hallway, in a state of confusion and shock.

"What has come over that brat" my father yelled to one in particular before turning to glare at Delia and I, "both of you get out of my sight, your presence is giving me a headache" he added not wanting to anger him further, Delia and I gladly obliged and left the three if them In the hallway, on our way down I heard them arguing before the sounds of door closing followed.

I took Delia to her room and stayed with her not wanting to go back up to my room and run into any of my family members after what had happened previously, "I'm sorry you went through that Delia, you didn't deserve any of it" I said, taking her hands in mine running my thumb over her palm inorder to comfort her as we stayed on the edge of her bed.

"It's not your fault that the girl is the spawn of satan'' Delia said giving me a sad smile, she looked like tired but she had finally calm down which made my nerves settle a bit, she was too old to be treated like this, if I had the opportunity I would take her away from here so they won't be able to hurt her anymore. The memories of her cry made my blood boil, she was like a mother to me and I won't stand and watch them treat her this way, so I came up with an idea.

"Delia why don't you quit your job here and go work at the foundation, it pays well and you won't be treated like this again. Also, my friends would take good care of you," I said but judging from her expression it felt like she was going to reject my suggestion. She freed her hands from mine and placed her right hand on my cheek, caressing my cheeks gently.

"I can't do that Dear, even if you insist, I can't leave you two with them" She said, giving me a sad smile.

"What do you mean us two, who else are you protecting Delia"

"I can't tell you, he will have to tell you himself Dear"

"Who Delia, tell me?" I asked, causing her to let out a sigh before her gaze met mine.

"Alex, Tamara, I'm talking about Alex" she said, shocking for I don't know how many times I've experienced this feeling.

"Why would you protect him, he is a jerk to you and everyone around him"

"Oh dear that's far from the truth, Alex his a good kid who has been through a lot, it's all an act to protect himself"

"How do you know that he has been through a lot or it's all an act Delia? What are you saying"

"Like I said it's not my place to say, you should find time to talk to him, you will see that you are more alike than you think Dear" she said and I didn't want to push her since she has already been through a lot today, so decided to let her rest and find my answers myself even if I have to face Alex.

"You should get some rest Delia, I will take care of the kitchen" I offered 

"You don't need to do that, I can do it tomorrow"

"Just rest please" 

"Okay dear, goodnight"

"Goodnight, Delia sweet dreams" I said before I tucked her in bed and left her room,before I went to the kitchen to clean up, everything Delia said just kept replaying in my head, what was she talking about?, what did Alex go through?, how are our situations the same"

Unable to quench my curiosity I headed for his room. Once I got there I knocked twice but got no answer, I waited for a while but still no answer so I decided to head outside to the garden to clear my thoughts.

I wasn't paying attention until I saw a figure sitting on the bench in front of the garden with his face in his hands. I walked closer, it was Alex.

"Alex" I called out and he immediately looked up at me, and his expression was shocking, he looked vulnerable, broken, in pain. These were emotions I had never seen him expres before.

"Are you okay Alex" I questioned and he just kept staring at me saying nothing.

"You must think I'm a bastard Tamara for treating you the way I have for the past few years" Alex said out of the blue, disgust evident in his eyes, "don't worry you don't have to answer, I'm disgusted in myself too, I'm nothing but a coward and a fraud"

"Alex why are you saying all this what's going on" I asked taking seat beside him

"I don't know, maybe I'm done acting like a jerk to you, after what you did for Huston, it made me think, if you could still help the friend of the man that treats you badly, I really don't deserve to be called your brother"

"Acting, what are you saying Alex"

"I'm sorry Tamara, I know I'm confusing you but I'm trying to make things better between us"

"Make things better?" I asked in a confused tone. 

"Fuck!, I'm a coward" he cursed 

"Alex calm down and talk to me clearly" I said placing a hand on his shoulder causing him to look up at me again, he was acting really strange, the Alex I know is never lost for words or so unhinged.

"I'm trying to apologise for being an ass to you all this years,which I'm doing a bad job at, I have my reason even if it doesn't justify what I've done"

"I don't know Alex, maybe if I hear your reasons I can think about accepting your apology"

That's fair, even if I don't deserve it but I'm optimistic" he said.

"Everyone deserves a second chance, truthfully you're still my least hated family member" 

"Is it wrong for me to feel relieved that you don't hate me like you hate them" Alex said, giving me a small smile then his gaze went sad like he was thinking about something.

"Hate is a strong word, do I think you're an asshole? Yes, do I want to punch you in the face most of the time? Yes,  but I don't hate you Alex, you've never physically hurt me like the rest" I said and hurt flash through his eyes, I didn't know what to do seeing him like this, it was new.

"But I've hurt you emotionally and I'm so fucking sorry Tamara, of i can take it all back I would" he said taking my hands in his placing a quick kiss on it, "I'm so sorry" he repeated once again with his face to the ground.

"If you aren’t ready we can wait" I offered 

"No I need to do this now, I'm done with all this, I need to tell you before I chicken out"

"Okay, I'm ready when you are," I said, giving him an encouraging smile.

"Should I tell you a secret Tamara" Alex said his gaze meeting mine, "Thomas isn't actually my father" he said and my gaze immediately went to his.

"What" I said, 

"You heard right Tamara, Thomas isn't my father and I have the DNA test to prove it, not what you expected right" he said squeezing my hand gently, " There is more, so be prepared, what I'm about to tell you it's not easy to hear"

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Author's Note:
Hello everyone, I just wanted to clear up a mistake I made, Damien's half brother's name isn't Adam. it's actually Daniel, I have made the necessary changes In the previous chapters and I apologise for the confusion. Next chapter will be released soon, oh and Since Tamara's best friend has the same first name as her father, he would be referred to with his nickname Tommy to also avoid confusion . Thank you and enjoy reading