1.73 Moving forward

“Are you sure?” Spencer asked. Kay looked at both of them and said, “Yes I am. I know I’m officially your daughter now but I’m used to my surname.”

Spencer smiled and replied, “Then I’m ok with it. There is something else though, am I right?”

Kay bit her lip and hesitated for a moment then said, “I’m returning to university. I’m sick of counselling and want to get on with my life and not to be scared anymore but Tracy I know you are having the baby in a few months but you with be ok, right?”

“Hunny, I’m just glad you are going back and this little one in here will be fine. After all, your Dad will keep an eye on me. Have you told Jake the news that you are going back?” Kay looked at them both and quietly shook her head. Spencer calmly voiced, “You will have to tell him but I’m proud you are going back.”

“I will come home when the baby is born.”

Tracy smiled and said, “I hope so because this baby will need to meet their big sister.”

Jake was waiting for Kay at the coffeehouse and had a beaming smile when she sat at the table opposite him. He held her hand and said, “It’s nice to see you so happy.” Kay squeezed his hand tighter and replied, “I am and it’s because of my friends, family and you. There is no easy way to say this Jake so I’ll just say it. I’m going back to university.” 

Jake just looked at Kay and stayed silent for a minute or two then said firmly, “No you can’t. I’m sorry Kay but I’d be worried sick.” 

Kay got out of her seat and stayed silent as she walked to walk out of the coffeehouse and Jake ran after her and shouted, “Kay wait.” She stopped and turned to faced him and replied, “What!”

“How long will you have left for the year?”

“Six months and then I’m home for 3 months.” Jake took a deep breath and said, “I’m coming down every week…” 

Kay could see Jake was making an effort after his initial outburst and wrapped her arms around him planting a kiss on his cheek and said, “Baby, I’ll be fine and I will look forward to seeing you every weekend.”

Andrew decided to stay in the army but every time his Dad wanted to talk to him Andrew would change the subject. Kirsten had also tried to talk to Andrew but he didn’t want to know about his Dad or what he had to say so Kirsten put her energies back into the wedding. 

She tried on many dresses over the next few months and even when Kay and Hazel were home and said they loved the dress Kirsten would change her mind saying it was totally wrong. Laura surprised Kirsten by showing up at the house when she was trying on a new dress and when Kirsten heard from her Mum, “That is a beautiful dress on you sweetheart.” 

Kirsten turned around and hugged her Mum hard and when she finally let go she replied, “This is the dress.”

“Anything new happen while I’ve been away?” Kirsten looked at her Mum and proceeded to tell her about Andrew finding out his real Dad was alive.

“Andrew works with his Dad?”

“Mum, what do I do?” Laura looked at the worry on Kirsten’s face and said, “Don’t push the issue just be there when Andrew is ready to talk about it.”

Alex was training Andrew and asked, “Ready for your big day?” Andrew kept pushing himself as he replied, “I can’t wait. Kirsten has organised most of it but I arranged the honeymoon.”

Alex smiled and asked, “Any sleep involved?”

“I doubt that but I won’t be complaining.”

“Andrew take a break,” Andrew stood up and stretched for a moment when Alex asked, “When are you going to talk to your Dad?” Andrew stayed quiet and Alex pushed further, “I’ve know your Dad since he joined the army and trust me when I say that when he saw your Mum that was it. You can’t continue the silent treatment between you. It’s been almost six months. Did you know he approached you when you were a toddler and the smile he got from you made his day but when your step father noticed who you were talking too he pulled you away. It was like you knew because you looked sad. He wants to know his son give him that chance, please.”

“Did he ask you to talk to me?”

“He is a very proud man. He sold the house he had bought to raise you with your Mum and decided to live on the base.”

“What! How long?”

“When Louise was taken away while pregnant with you, a few months after that and has lived on the base ever since. You are the only thing left in his life that means anything. Andrew just wants to know you.”

It took another week before Andrew asked his Dad to the house and when he arrived he asked, “Andrew what is this about because if it’s work it can wait?” Andrew stared at him for a brief moment and said, “I want to know what happened between you and Mum?”

“I suggest we sit down because it’s going to be a long night.”

“I met your Mum in this very house. Your Grandfather had just left the army and had only been living here for 6 months when he invited us here. I have to admit I was bored so when I heard a noise I had to investigate. At first your Mum was nervous but she soon felt comfortable and then we got to know each other.” Andrew just listened as his father told his story; as Jake was right hear him out before you condemn him. “At first we tried to take things slow but after a while it was very clear to us that we wanted nothing more than to be together. The morning we woke up after we had spent the night together, we discussed me leaving the army and making a life together. When I asked what the rush was, she looked at me and said that we were having you. I was shocked at first but I wasn’t upset, you see Andrew I just knew that all I needed was your Mum and you.” Suddenly he looked at the floor trying not to lose his temper but Andrew could hear by his father’s tone he was angry when he added, “I was a man madly in love, and I was excited at thought of becoming a married man and at being a Dad. I loved your Mum’s enthusiasm as she was already planning your brothers and sisters but then your Grandfather interfered in our life and because of his greed he forced your Mum into something she didn’t want. I tried to stand up to him but it fell on deaf ears. Looking back I should have fort harder for your Mum and us but I didn’t. I let her down but most of all I let you down. You grew up thinking that your step father was your Dad when he was nothing but a thug. Anyway that is my explanation. I will leave now as it’s getting late.”

Andrew watched his Dad turn to walk away and finally said, “Say your peace and walk away and leave me.”

He turned back and replied, “I just thought…” Andrew interrupted him and said firmly, “I have listened to you now listen to what I have to say.” 

Andrew sat back down and listened to his son. “I always thought Mum was happy but when you look at the pictures again she was really miserable. The only pictures she ever had a smile on her face was when it was a picture of her and me. Especially when I was little and she kissed my cheek, how I hated that at the time but have to be honest now I love them. The man, who I thought was my Dad, treated her like shit and I always swore that I would grow up to be better than him. The man I loved and thought of as my hero was really the one who made my Mum miserable because he split my real parents apart. I’m angry at you because we worked together in the army all these years and you never told me, if Kirsten hadn’t found the trunk I’d never have known the truth.”

“Andrew, I should have told you sooner but I didn’t want to tell you without proof because I didn’t think you’d believe me.”

“Yes that is true I wouldn’t have believed you but I do now. However I want to clear a few more things up. Did you sell the family home that you bought for us to live in and now live at the base?”

Andrew stared at his son, “I get it, Alex has been talking to you? Yes it is true, my office is my bedroom too…well I say bedroom more like the sofa is my bed.”

Andrew stopped his father and said, “I want you to move in here…” Andrew was in shock at his son’s gesture but replied, “This house has some wonderful memories but it also has some bad ones too. The front door was where he kicked me out after I begged him to let me marry your Mum and I watched as she cried her heart out begging for him to change his mind.” Andrew knelt down and quietly said, “Dad, let’s make new memories. Mum would want that.”

“Your Mum would love that but your fiancée might want a say in this.” 

Kirsten had been listening at the top of the stairs to the conversation. She knew she shouldn’t have but she was worried about Andrew. He had apologised to her but he was still distant and Kirsten knew it was because of this but now they were clearing the air, Andrew would be his old adorable self and Kirsten would have him back. 

She came down the stairs and said, “I would love you to stay here with us. You could have Louise’s old room.” Andrew’s face lit up when she offered to let him stay, “Kirsten you don’t have to say yes just to please my son.”

“I know I don’t but I want you to stay because it will give you both a chance to get to really know each other.”

“I really don’t know what to say…” Kirsten added, “Just say yes because I spent the last few days getting the room ready in the hope Andrew would want you to stay. Andrew will show you the room.”

They were both taken aback at the hard work Kirsten had put in to the room. “Kirsten did a great job and look, the picture of your Mum next to the bed.”

“Dad, have a good night’s sleep and we will talk in the morning, I mean later today.” Andrew was about to shut the door when his Dad said, “Night son.”

Andrew found Kirsten in the bedroom and he wrapped his arms around her and said, “You are an amazing woman thank you for letting him stay and for being there when I was being an ass.” 

She looked into his eyes, “I was upset but only because I knew you were hurting. Now kiss me so I don’t forget why I’m marrying you.” 

1.72 Confronting the past

Jake and Kay were enjoying some quality time when Kirsten burst in, “Jakey, you need to find Andy.” 

Kay moved out of the way as Jake looked concerned at his sister’s panicked state, “What’s happened?”

Getting to the point, "Andy has found out that his real father is alive.”

“Kirsten his parents are dead.”

“I know we all thought that but in the trunk I found, Andy found there was an original birth certificate in there. The Dad he thought was his father is actually his step-dad. He took it badly and took off.”

“Shit. I’ll find him sis and let you know ok.” Jake rushed off to find Andrew and Kay asked Kirsten, “Do you want me to stay with you?”

“It’s ok Hazel is going to sit with me and besides aren’t you seeing Spencer today? Have you decided what you are going to do yet?” Kay nodded and said, “If you need me call and I’ll see you later.”

Andrew was at the bar when Jake sat next to him, “Spill.”

“Did you know my Dad is alive? Oh yes apparently my real surname isn’t Morgan its Reid. Basically my whole life is a lie.”

“And, don’t be like this…”

“Why the fuck not? My Granddad kept my parent apart, forced my Mum into marrying a guy she didn’t love but he loved me. I come from a bad family Jake, I can’t let Kirsten be a part of that…”

Jake was getting angry, “What are you saying exactly?”

“I need to cancel the wedding.” 
Jake saw red and punched his best friend and shouted, “My sister is worried sick about you and you want to cancel the wedding.” They started fighting like they never had before and were thrown out of the bar. 

As they continued the fight a solider saw what was happening and reported the incident. Andrew being in full uniform and fighting outside the base was frowned upon. 

Suddenly the best friends were being pulled apart, “What the hell is going on? Corporal Morgan, you should know better,” Colonel Reid asked.

Jake looked at the pair and couldn’t believe how alike they were and Andrew turned around and said in a drunken slur, “Should I know better SIR. Why don’t you shut up?” Colonel Reid was about to yell when Jake said, “Sir don’t you don’t understand.”

“Then enlighten me,” as he gestured for Jake to tell him his name.

“I’m Jake sir and he is my best friend. We were fighting because he wants to cancel his wedding to my sister…” Jake was interrupted and asked, “Why?”

“He thinks he comes from a bad family. Is your surname Reid?”

“It is but why do you ask?” 

Jake thought for a moment and seeing Andrew now passed out he took his chance, “He found out today when looking through a trunk is real surname is Reid and not Morgan. Just so you know you do look alike.” Colonel Reid was now in shock but acted quickly, “Alex.”

Alex came over and said, “He knows doesn’t he?” Colonel Reid looked at his friend and Alex added, “I’ll make sure this goes down as a misunderstanding and inform the base so they will protect Andrew. Now this is your chance to tell your story and be the Dad you’ve always wanted.”

“Ok,” he looked at Jake and said, “Let’s get him home and he’s not cancelling any wedding, we both know he loves your sister.”

Kirsten was in a panic as she saw Andrew being laid on the bed, “What happened? Who are you?” He looked at her and replied, “My name is Andrew Reid.” She looked him in the eye and with a harsh tone said, “Get out. It’s because of you my fiancé is in this state. What is it with army guys, think they can have any girl they want and leave them to pick up the pieces.” Andrew now feeling rejected was by the door when Jake shouted, “Stop don’t move and Kirsten you don’t know the full story.”

In the kitchen, Kirsten looked at Andrew and said, “Well aren't you going to say something then?”

“I want Andrew to stay in the army…” Kirsten yelled, “This isn't about the army this is about a son you’ve never spent time with.”

Andrew said firmly, “I wasn’t allowed near my girl or my son because his Granddad went nuts when Louise told him she was pregnant. I wanted to marry her and raise our son together but John told me, my son was a Morgan not a Reid. So before you judge me know your facts.” 

He lowered his voice, “I didn’t want him to find out like this and Kirsten you are perfect for him. Every time he comes into the office I hide my pictures, I sent him birthday and Christmas cards among other things when he was small but after about 2 years, I was sent a legal letter prohibiting me to do this.”

Jake asked, “How are you and Andy going to sort this out?”

“Right now I have no idea.”

In the morning Andrew lay on the bed with a really bad head, “I feel like shit but I need to lie still.” The door opened and Andrew said, “Kirst, can you make me a strong coffee my head is killing me.”

“Kirsten has gone out but I made you coffee, it cures the best of hangovers.” When Andrew looked over he saw his Dad standing there. 

He suddenly forgot he had a bad head and quickly got up and said, “Get out of my house.”

“No. We need to talk; Jake told me why you were fighting so it’s time we talked.”

“My life is no concern of yours and I’m leaving the army.” The look of disappointment on his Dad’s face was obvious, “I know your angry but please hear me out.”

“Colonel, what’s done is done, you can’t change the past. The only regret I have is saying I wouldn’t marry Kirsten, she will never know I said that because I am marrying her. Please leave.”

He got to the door but turned back to face his son, “I just want you to know I loved your Mum and no one has ever taken her place. In the room across the hall was your Mum’s old room and the pictures I hid from you are in there. I always loved you and wished I’d raised you with her. One day I hope you understand. I’m glad she gave you my surname at least for Louise it was an act of defiance against your Granddad for what he was doing to us as a family.”

Over the next few days Andrew walked past his Mother’s room but wouldn’t go in, “Babe, just have a look.” Andrew snapped at her and Kirsten burst into tears and ran into the bedroom. 

He heard Jake say, “You are an ass, my sister loves you and I know you love her but you are taking it out on the wrong person.”

“I love her but I’m all over the place.” 

Jake pushed him into the bedroom so he was confronted by the pictures his father had left for him to look at. Andrew knelt in front of them and said, “My Mum is smiling, she looked so happy.”

Jake stood back and said, “They both seem very much in love. It reminds me of you and Kirsten. Do you remember when my Dad was an ass and tried to stop Kirsten seeing you? The pair of you stood your ground and you are happy but your Mum wasn’t so luck and neither was your Dad.” Jake opened the door to walk out and said, “All I’m saying And is hear the guy out before you condemn him and say sorry to my sister too.”

1.71 Pandora's Box

“Sir you only sent me to solitary a few hours ago, why have I been brought here?” 

Colonel Reid looked at his son and thought for a moment before answering, “Sergeant Major Lance, admitted trying to fix things so you were sent overseas…” He took a deep breathe when he spoke the next part, “It seems you want to leave the army, is that true?” 

He offered Andrew a seat and asked the others to leave. Andrew got comfortable and said, “It is true Sir, I love my girl and we are due to marry in a few months and…”

“I understand Andrew but can I convince you to stay? Colonel Reid held out hope that Andrew would change his mind and added, “You could work on the base and help train new recruits. You know what it can be like Andrew…”

“My girl, Kirsten wouldn’t be happy if I stayed…”

“Andrew, please talk to her and I will ask that you think about the offer, more money, a promotion and doing what you love, the army. I won’t accept the resignation for 48 hours. If you still want to leave then I will make sure the process goes through smoothly for you.”

“Thank you Sir, may I ask you something?” Colonel Reid looked shocked but agreed and Andrew asked, “Many of my mates that have been in your office say it is full of pictures but every time I’ve been in here there are one or two but my mates say there are couple pictures of you and a girl.” Colonel Reid got up and looked away but without the proof how could he explain so he lied, “I took them home.”

Andrew stood in front of him and said, “Why can’t you look at me when you say that? Every time you talk to me its eye contact until I ask about the pictures. What are you hiding?”

“I hide nothing…” 

Andrew tried to call his bluff as he tried to open the drawers but each one was locked.

“Corporal Morgan, enough!” 

They were now having a staring competition, “With due respect SIR, you are hiding something. I only asked because everyone commented how beautiful your girlfriend was etc and yet, there is nothing in here like I’ve heard. You don’t want to show me then fine, may I leave base to see my girl now?”

“Yes. See you in 48 hours with an answer Corporal Morgan.” 

Andrew walked out the room closing the door behind him, just as he shut the door he heard a click and when he glanced around the door.

He saw a picture being put on the desk and heard, “How are you today beautiful? I’m having a crap week; my heart is being ripped apart all over again.” Andrew kept thinking why is he lying but he wanted to see Kirsten and this, whatever it was, was going to have to wait.

When Andrew got home the house was empty, he saw in the corner of the room a trunk and when he looked at the trunk it was marked Louise Morgan. Kirsten had been clearing things out from the other rooms as she needed to keep her mind occupied while Andrew was away. 

Andrew sat down in front of it opened it. He pushed some old newspapers aside and found old pictures of him when he was younger then he saw a picture of his parents together but when he looked closer he saw his Mum looked miserable in the picture. He thought his Mum was having an off day and was about to put the picture down when he heard a slight sound coming from inside the picture and he found a scrap piece of paper that read, “My little girl lived a lie for me and my selfish ways. Forgive me Andrew.”

Andrew kept looking at the picture and thought, ‘What does Granddad mean?’ He looked back at the trunk and saw a folder marked, ‘Andrew’s real certificate.’ 

Andrew was about the open the folder when he heard Kirsten scream with delight as she walked in the door, “Andy,” as she flew into his arms. She kissed him with passion all over his face and neck. “Babe, it’s only been a week.”

“A week too long.” 

Kirsten got down but still held on tight and asked, “Why are you back early?”

“Your ex, something Lance…” Kirsten now yelled, “What did he want?”

“He hoped by committing fraud and sending me overseas, he’d get you back but the Colonel sorted things out for me but…” Kirsten interrupted him and said, “Please say thanks from me.”

“I will but he’s hiding something.” Kirsten smiled at him, “What could the Colonel be hiding?” 

Andrew sat down and said, “Everyone at the base always comments about these pictures in his office but every time I’m there, there is nothing but an odd landscape.” 

Kirsten sat next to cuddling up to him, “You read way too much into things.”

“Kirsten, it was more than that…I don’t know but he got angry when I questioned him about the pictures.”

Kirsten wanted to change the subject because she thought it was a strange conversation they were getting into, “What was in the trunk?”

“It has all of my mother’s things in there, letters, pictures but when I opened one photograph, my granddad was saying sorry to me, something about Mum living a lie. I was about to open a document marked Andrews real certificate.”

Kirsten was puzzled and said, “Real certificate, what does that mean?”

“You jumped me before I could look.”

“Well open it and see what it is.” 

The door opened and Mr Davis walked in, “Andrew sorry for just walking in but I saw that trunk and what you have in your hands is Pandora’s Box. I was paid to keep my mouth shut but if you decide to look please believe your grandfather always loved you.”

“Mr Davis, I was very close to my grandfather we had no secrets.” He opened up the folder and saw a birth certificate and it read

 He kept looking at it over and over re-reading the same lines over and over and finally asked Mr Davis, “Corporal Andrew Reid, where is he now?” Andrew was shaking as he stared at Mr Davis waiting for his answer, “Corporal Andrew Reid as he was known then worked his way up the ranks and is now known as Colonel Andrew Reid but you already know that.”

“Why, would my grandfather be in the wrong after all the man I thought was my Dad was apparently my step-father and this person abandoned me and my Mum.” Kirsten looked scared and upset so stepped away and sat down and listened.

“Your granddad loved your Mum but after leaving the army, no bank would loan him the money for the business so he went to a loan shark but this guy was more than a lender, he was a thug and wanted your Mum and he got what he wanted.”

“Are you saying what I think you are saying?”

“Yes Andrew I am.” Andrew yelled at him, “Liar.” He ripped his birth certificate up and said, “I’m getting my birth certificate from city hall and it will prove all this is a lie.”

Andrew fell on the steps of city hall after they reassured him that no birth of a boy named Andrew Morgan was registered but a boy named Andrew Reid. He thought, ‘Mum must have gone against granddad and registered the birth with my real Dad's name and when granddad found out he had the certificate faked. That message behind the photo wasn’t for me it for him, my real Dad.’