A new Blue 49

“I have no idea why I was insisting you come to me. Waking up in your bed, in your house is the best feeling in the world. And it’s so calm here I will get loads done.” Will says.

“Lets go enjoy the morning sunshine before breakfast.” Blue says and Will nods.

The amble outside nude and Blue does his yoga and Will stretches and does some of his rehab exercises. Happy in the spring sunshine, together.

“Ewww you could put some clothes on.” Bea screeches spotting them.

“Could you not trespass?” Blue shouts back and sprints to the house with Will close behind. Too late Chris and Clara are inside.

“Do you always let yourself in to people’s homes uninvited?” Will asks not at all bothered about his state of dress.

“Can you leave quietly, so I don’t have to call the police on my mother? Or is that the idea? Have you photographers waiting to record the moment and generate more cash?” Blue asks cynically.

“Go and put some clothes on. I’ll make coffee and we can talk.” Clara says.

“Not here. Those two cannot be in my house. Go to the bakery and we’ll meet you there.” Blue says knowing he can’t get out of the confrontation ahead.

Clara nods and Chris gets up without issue. He gives Blue a look that Blue cannot decipher, regret, loss. Blue and Will look at each other holding their breath as they hear Bea complaining outside.

Once they hear the car start they look at each other and laugh.

“You know Bea and Chris will be lucky if they get served at the bakery. Everyone hates them.” Will says.

“Oh, I hadn’t thought of that.” Blue says and gives Will a wicked grin.

“You look so good. How long can we keep them waiting?” Will asks.

“You are staying here to study. As much as I want to get straight back into bed I am going to go and get it over with.” Blue says.

“I am not letting you go into a three on one situation.” Will says.

“I will be fine. I’d call Cheryl but she’ll be staying at the gym as it’s Ocean’s first session and I think Mike will be too intimidating.” Blue says.

“I can study in the bakery. I don’t want you out of my sight.” Will says throwing some books in a bag and grabbing his laptop.

“Going dressed like that?” Blue asks and they laugh, shower and dress.

“What the hell Blue?” Heidi says in a loud whisper, as Blue goes to order drinks for him and Will.

“I didn’t want them in my house. Sorry, are they scaring the customers?” Blue asks.

“Something like that. Although not having cheesecake is not going down too well.” Heidi says.

“What’s the special?” Blue asks.

“My brownies, with marshmallow fluff.” Heidi grins.

“Sounds good. I know it’s not on the menu but can I get sneakily get some avocado on toast for Will? We left in a rush, no time for breakfast.” Blue asks.

“I can do that. I’ll take it over. Anything for the Manson family?” Heidi asks.

“Ugh we don’t want to encourage them to stay.” Blue grins taking the coffees.

“Thanks babe.” Will says as Blue puts his cup down. Will has settled himself into a window seat.

“Heidi will bring over some breakfast in a minute. Wish me luck.” Blue says and kisses Will’s cheek.

“Love you babe.” Will says and pinches Blue’s cheek.

“So why have you decided to invade my life? Momma you promised not to let them know where I live and here you are.” Blue says rolling his eyes and sitting down.

“The cat is out the bag for your location dear. We needed to talk, the four of us face to face and I know you would be too busy with work and Will to come to us.” Clara says.

“So why not call and say you were coming? Why rock up at the house when you thought I’d be at work?” Blue asks.

“I told Cheryl I was coming. She would have told you.” Clara says.

“Cheryl is my guest it is not up to her to agree to further house guests, which she didn’t and you didn’t mention bringing them with you.” Blue says nodding to his siblings who both appear to be sulking.

“Can we quit with all this etiquette shit and get on with it?” Bea says rolling her eyes.

Clara glares at Bea which surprises Blue.

“Have a little patience. You are right I was underhand in bringing them to your house without warning you. I needed to take the risk and expected us to have this fight. I didn’t anticipate things being quite so dramatic at the house and I certainly didn’t want to displace Cheryl and Ocean.” Clara says and Blue knows that is the closest to an apology he is likely to get.

“So what was the big deal that required all of you? What was worth the risk of me never speaking to you again?” Blue asks.

Clara looks at her son questioningly. Would he cut her off for good over this?

“We found a therapist who has experience in working with twins adopted separately and siblings raised apart. He is willing to work with us but he needs all three of us to agree.” Bea says the attitude falling from her face.

“No. I don’t want to be anyone’s study, I don’t want to end up in a text book, paper or documentary. And I am far too busy here. I don’t even think I need therapy any more. I am doing pretty great.” Blue says.

“But Bea and Chris need the help. They are not doing well and I’ve taken them as far as I can.” Clara says.

“I knew he wouldn’t do it, I’m not that keen either but I’m happy to do it for Bea.” Chris says.

“Well you owe her given you screwed her up as much as anyone. Momma too. Me I don’t owe you three anything and I won’t feel guilty about it.” Blue says.

“Come on Blue. You can’t believe the state of your relationship with Chris and Bea is okay.” Clara says.

“I don’t have a relationship with Chris or Bea. I used to be really hung up on that. But I’m at peace with it now. I don’t have any issues about it. You’re the one who needs therapy for creating the problem in the first place.” Blue says and Chris can’t contain a snigger. Chris is enjoying seeing Blue act as an adult with their mother.

“That isn’t fair.” Clara says.

“Yes it is. You chose to split us up. You alone made that decision. And you decided to move us away and raise me with no knowledge of them. We could have lived nearby, you could have been an influence in all our lives and we could have been a family, unconventional but a family. You chose to leave them with Paul and Lana, even though you knew what he was like. You chose to stay away after the adoption didn’t happen, chose not to fight for visitation. All of that, all of their issues are on you. None of it at all is on me. Nothing. I owe them nothing. You owe so much you can never repay them.” Blue says.

“That’s too far Blue.” Chris says.

“In black and white terms it is true. I’m happy that Blue trusts my love enough that he can say all that out loud now. We need to work through all of those issues, together.” Clara says quietly.

Blue looks at his mother and feels his issues with her fall away. She has messed up going about things this way and bringing them to his house but he can see that they are going to repair their relationship. If this issue doesn’t kill it for good.

“Is there any point without Paul and Lana?” Blue asks.

“The therapist, Dr Jones, says yes. He mostly wants to work with the three of us. It’s not like Paul would ever tell the truth anyway. We’re a fairly unique case, especially as we knew about you and not the reverse. Dr Jones will work with your schedule, he’ll come to you. We would work with your schedule.” Chris says.

“You called him Paul.” Blue says.

“I promised momma I wouldn’t get into what has happened with Paul. She brought us here on the condition we stuck only to the therapy issue.” Chris says.

“So why were you so angry last night? Why get mad at Cheryl and Mike? Make them fear for their safety if it was just about therapy?” Blue asks.

“You’re living your dream and we are jealous as hell. I flipped back into the guy who wanted to take it all away. Everything just lands in your lap” Chris says.

“I was cold and needed to pee and yeah I was jealous too that this amazing house was yours and we are living in a crappy dorm.” Bea says.

“What happened to living with Spence?” Blue asks.

“We made up,” Chris says.

“So what has happened with your dad? I’m not going to budge on therapy, or at least I need to think a lot more before I even agree to meet Dr Jones. You might as well tell me what momma has banned you from talking about.” Blue says.

“Can we get some food first? I am starving and everything looks so good.” Chris says.

“Soup will be out in a few minutes. Soup and sandwiches okay?” Blue asks getting up as they nod. Clara gets up too.

“You’re doing very well.” Clara says as they join the long line.

“You didn’t have to spring this on me. Or at least not at the house.” Blue says.

“I wanted them to see it. I know that was selfish. I guess I wanted them to see what happens if you work hard and make an effort with people.” Clara says.

“And it made them angrier and more volatile. They’re too immature to deal with my success.” Blue says.

“What are your main objections to the therapy?” Clara asks.

“That it is too late to anonymize us. That anyone reading any papers on it would know it was about us. I don’t want my future kids reading about me like that. Any more than you wanted me reading about your life as a babyfood guru.” Blue says.

“You’re being arrogant supposing it would become a teaching paper.” Clara says.

“Oh come on. It would come up whenever anyone searched on triplets separated. Bea would have read everything she could on that when she was a kid and looking for you.” Blue says.

“But you are thinking about it? Bea is receptive right now and I really want to capitalize on that.” Clara says.

“Did you get to the bottom of her issue with Paul?” Blue asks.

“Not yet. Your brother’s take on it is funny though. I would never say that to his face and encourage his underhand ways but oh I laughed when I got home.” Clara says.

“Is that why you banned it from conversation? To not encourage him?” Blue asks and Clara grins.

“Four leek and potato soup, 2 ham sandwiches, what do you want momma?” Blue asks.

“A seven grain roll.” Clara says.

“Three of those and 4 brownies. And a salad for Will.” Blue says.

“I’ll bring it over. Go in back and make what Will needs.” Heidi says.

“Thanks Heidi. I’ll just check what he wants.” Blue grins.

“You okay baby, no one dead yet.” Will says as Blue hugs him,

“It’ll be okay. My family are such hard work. I am going to make you a salad what do you want?” Blue asks and Will lists off what he’d like.

“You are a lot happier than I expected,” Will says.

“My momma finally gets me. She isn’t denying that it was a bad idea to bring them to the house and she isn’t pushing me, rather she isn’t dictating to me. Of course I know it’s a manipulation but it feels like she cares a bit more.” Blue laughs.

“You stand your ground. Or at least give them a good scare before you give in.” Will says.

“We will have to talk before I give an answer anyway.” Blue says.

“You are so cute when you are being a considerate boyfriend.” Will says kissing at Blue’s neck.

“You make it so easy. I love how you accept my help, even before we got together. I loved it when I called you about groceries and you gave me a list, no hassle over it at all. I was going shopping and you needed some food.” Blue says.

“I loved that you asked. No hassle over money and you didn’t expect anything in return. I know we will work as a couple as we don’t keep score.” Will says.

“You have so much confidence in us.” Blue grins and goes to make the salad.

“Wow babe this looks amazing.” Will says when Blue comes back.

“You’re going to need your energy later.” Blue says and hugs Will tightly from behind.

“You too.” Will grins and Blue heads back to his family.

“This isn’t your soup.” Clara says as Blue sits down.

“No, Ollie and I didn’t get the full week done before we quit on Monday.” Blue says.

“It is good but I knew it wasn’t yours.” Clara says smiling.

“The sandwich is really good.” Bea says and Chris is wolfing his down, Blue knows it is so he can get started on the brownies.

Blue smiles to himself. His family are so difficult to like and so easy to be away from but being with them, and seeing them doing something so normal as eating lunch, he suddenly feels a wash of affection for all their little habits.

“So what’s the story Chris?” Blue asks utterly curious.

“I tried to set Paul up.” Chris begins.

“You did set him up.” Bea says her eyes lighting up for a second, reminding Blue that hurting people is what his siblings love to do.

“Did you know?” Blue asks Bea.

“No.” Bea says.

“So you know Paul and Lana have been avoiding paying our settlement. When Bea and I sold the story he appeared on the scene straight away, smelt the money. He wanted to be our agent and kept trying to broker deals. So I pushed for him to get some deals for himself to distract him and I strung him along over the agent thing. I mean we have an agent and there was no way we’d have let him do it. But he pushed it too far. He brokered a deal for Bea to do, uh a nude photo shoot, totally behind Bea’s back, a really sleazy site. That is why she froze on TV, I didn’t know what he had done at that point, I would have punched him if I knew.” Chris says.

Blue looks at Clara who has a murderous look on her face. Blue is feeling the same. Whatever he feels about Bea, that Paul did that was disgusting.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” Clara asks Bea gently.

“I just wanted to forget.” Bea says quietly.

“It was a surprise he was on the show but it wasn’t a reunion. He’d been on the scene from the start and as I said I helped get him some deals. He managed to get some more for himself, like the TV show and once I knew he’d been paid I would push the claim for my settlement.” Chris says and Blue laughs.

“I guess not all of it but a start?” Blue asks.

“No we got all of it. Bea found his secret account.” Chris says.

“I found out what he was planning for me, more than just the pictures. I overheard him making a call, the way he was talking about me was gross. I don’t think he ever saw me as his daughter, I was a commodity. He was suggesting disgusting things like a nude mother daughter shoot with Clara and actual porn. Even though I wanted to scream at him to stop or run and vomit, I kept listening. He gave them his bank details for his setup fee and I gave them to Chris’s Pl. Then I ran and vomited.” Bea says.

“Our memory is useful for something.” Blue grins.

“Yeah, no need to hear it twice.” Bea says.

“Did you tell your mom what he did?” Blue asks gently.

“No. I doubt she would believe me. After all I don’t exactly look like the women in porn do l? She would have said I had the wrong idea. But I know what he tried to do.” Bea says quietly.

“She didn’t tell me the full story for ages and I didn’t tell momma. I totally understand why Bea couldn’t be around me when I was still in touch with Paul and we’re good now.” Chris says.

“So you have the money and you have a lot to work through around your parents. You really don’t need me in therapy with you.” Blue says.

“Oh Blue don’t be silly. Of course we do. We need to work out how to not destroy you or be jealous. We need to find a way for the three of us to form a relationship.” Bea says.

“I empathize with your family situation, I do. I hate what Paul has done and feel terrible about it. But I still don’t like either of you, or want you in my life. You may well say that is a sure sign I need therapy, but I just want to move on and pretend I never heard of you.

You were both awful to me before you knew about the college money. You both used me and manipulated me, rather than let our relationship develop organically. Neither of you wanted to get to know me.

Neither of you contacted me before selling our secrets to the world and neither of you checked in to see how I was dealing with it. You both lied to the world about me and made me out to be a thief and a con man. A cheat. Things that could have ruined my future.

You have the money now to pay for therapy, and even if you didn’t momma would have paid for it. You don’t need me to get a special deal or a particular therapist, I don’t have the issues you have and I don’t need the same solution.

Sort your heads out and leave me alone.” Blue says.

“Blue!” Clara exclaims.

“What? It is true. I don’t owe anything. If a boyfriend had treated me the way either of these have you would be begging me not to take them back.” Blue says.

“I always taught you to give to the less fortunate. Think about it.” Clara says firmly.

“No. This just brings us full circle momma. Your mess, you clean it up.” Blue says and stands. Will has packed his bag in anticipation, gets up, takes Blue’s hand and they leave together.