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.’

1.68 The ultimate gift

Matt was working on his course work as he and Hazel had a lot to catch up on when Hazel leaned over and asked, “Are you finished yet?”

“Almost,” then he saved his work and pulled Hazel onto his lap and kissed her and asked, “Did you finish your work?”

“Yeah I did but only just. We missed so much…” Matt put his finger on her lips and said, “I have had enough with coursework today…”

“Do you want to get more comfortable?” Hazel asked as she dragged him to the bed. 

Matt smiled at her stroking her cheek, “Are you sure?” Hazel responded by kissing Matt deeply, moving her hand down his back. She then removed his shirt and said, “I love you of course I’m sure.”

Matt removed Hazel’s top and ran his hand down her side and she jumped slightly, “What’s wrong?”

“Your hand was cold.” Matt let out a faint laugh and said smugly, “Let’s warm them.” He kissed her with passion as he moved his hand down her chest, brushing past her stomach and inside her trousers. As he moved his hand Hazel held on tighter and deepened the kiss as it became more intense.

Hazel whispered in his ear, “It needs to be now.” 
Matt was in shock but it had be awhile since they had made love and with all the emotion lately it wasn’t too surprising that it was going to be heated and quick. 

Matt helped Hazel remove her trousers as well as his own. As he went deep inside her, she let out a scream that was both intense and satisfying. Then Matt let out a moan as he came with Hazel then kissed her softly once more.

“Why do you need to see me?”

“As you know Spencer is helping his brother in-law and that is why he asked for me to speak to you.”

Matt looked at Jake and then at Mr Davis, “Why do I need to be here?”

“He wanted a family member here as he couldn’t be here himself and Kay he is really sorry about this. This was something he wanted to do in person. Here is what he hopes will be a birthday gift you’ll like.” He handed an envelope and inside were papers, Kay looked puzzled at Jake. 

He held her tightly and asked, “What is this?”

“It will be odd to hear but when I was asked, I did research for Spencer and found out it was possible but only with your consent, in other words if you sign the documents. What Spencer wants to do is adopt you Kay.” The room fell silent and Kay was in shock, Matt was puzzled and then Kay asked, “What!”

Mr Davis replied, “Spencer thought after everything you had been through and the fact you do think of him as your Dad, this might be something you’d consider so legally he’d become your parent.”

Hazel was concerned about Matt and asked, “Are you ok?” Matt looked at her and said, “I’m still trying to process this in my head.” He looked at Kay and asked, “How do you feel?” She looked at him and said, “I’ve always thought of you as family but I never thought it could be made legal, especially as an adult.” She then spoke to Mr Davis, “Why are there two documents in front of me?”

“Your Dad told me how you felt about Mathew and asked for two sets to be drawn up. The one document will mean Spencer becomes your Dad as I said before but the second document means both Spencer and Tracy, Mathew’s parents become your parents too. He wanted to give you the choice. However it was to be stressed to you that Tracy would never replace you Mum whom you loved so much and you could still call her Tracy. If you choose to sign neither of the documents, Spencer also wanted to say that he would always think of you as a daughter and on his part nothing would change but the choice is yours.”

When Mr Davis left, Kay just stared at the two documents in front of her. Jake asked, “What is on your mind?”

Kay looked at him, “Strange question considering…I’m just in shock.” 

She glanced at Matt and asked, “How do you feel about all this?”

“Same as you shock but thinking about it, you are my sister so it just means it would be real. Would you have the same surname as me?”

“I never thought about that…” Hazel then spoke, “Kay, the more I see you and Matt together you very like siblings. I think you should at least think it over.”

“You are right he is like a brother but I want quality time with Matt on my own.” Hazel replied, “I know you do and I’m ok with that.” She then turned to Jake and asked, “Would you be ok with me signing the papers?”

“I want you to be happy but if you want my honest opinion then if it helps ease that bastard from your life then I say go for it.”

Kay got up and walked out towards her room; Jake followed her and said quietly, “I didn’t mean it like it sounded.” Kay looked at him and said, “Yes you did but I’m not mad at you. I’m just thinking about this as it’s all a shock. I thought the next time I changed my name would be when I got married, not adopted.”

Jake smiled and replied, “That does seem funny. The decision is yours and I know you will do what is right for you.”

Kay kissed him and replied, “Thank you.”

1.62 Jake admits the truth

Andrew had just finished cooking the food on the barbeque, then he called everyone over and that’s when the arguments started. Laura had said something when Kirsten yelled, “Stop it, I want the wedding my way.”

“Kirsten, be reasonable you can’t have the wedding here…” Dan and Andrew looked at each other and then back at mother and daughter arguing.

“That dress we saw suited you better than the one you picked.” Dan turned to Andrew and said which one of us is going to intervene?”

Andrew let out a sigh and said, “Both of us?”

“Agreed.” 

Suddenly the woman stopped when Daniel raised his voice, “Laura who is getting married?”

“Our daughter but…” Dan interrupted her, “But nothing, I’m sure the ideas that Kirsten has will be beautiful and besides don’t you want to help…not take over but help? Remember your mother!” Andrew then added, “Laura, please work with Kirsten on this. We want the wedding here and I don’t want to see her upset anymore because you are fighting.”

Laura looked at Kirsten and quietly asked, “Have I been that bad?

“Yes Mum you have, I want this small beautiful wedding here at home but I need your help. I hate fighting with you.” Laura hugged her daughter and replied, “Me too, ok we can do this and your wedding will be perfect.” Laura looked over at Andrew and smiled. The back gate opened and Andrew heard Mr Davis call out.

“Mr Davis, what are you doing here?”

“I still help run your affairs Andrew and your business still needs you to sign the tax returns and don’t forget the board still want to meet you.”

“I’m not cut out for business…”

“I understand this Andrew but they want to see who they are working for.” He turned to Daniel and said, 

“Have you finally retired?”

“Yes, Kirsten and Jake took over the business and I was supposed to be on holiday but Jake wasn’t well so we came back but will be leaving soon.”

As Mr Davis left Jake and Kay came to join them. 

Kirsten asked, “Did you kick his butt out of bed.” Kay laughed, “No he woke me up.” Kirsten raised an eyebrow and dragged Kay to the other end of the garden to ask her questions.

Meanwhile Jake was being questioned by Andrew, “Did you get it?” Jake’s face changed to angry and in a firm voice said, “Not now Andy…”

Dan intervened, “Not now Andy, what?”

Jake lowered his head on the counter without saying anything, “Andrew, what are you talking about?” Jake looked up at Andrew and said, “Big mouth.”

“I didn’t know you hadn’t said anything to Dan.”

Dan demanded, “Would someone tell me what is going on, please?” Jake stared at Andrew and then took a deep breath and said, “I bought a ring for Kay just before things kicked off but it’s stayed in the draw because it doesn’t seem right.”

Dan was in shock, “Do you mean you want to get engaged to Kay?” Jake just looked at his Dad as Dan continued, “You say you don’t have money…”

“I went to the jeweller’s you have an account with and put it on your account but now I’ve got the money to pay you back, two paydays it cost…”

“And he’s been living rent free for two months because of it.”

“Jake!”

“I know Dad but when I saw the ring it was Kay and I couldn’t leave it there.”

“Does your sister know?”

“Miss gossip, hell no. She’d tell Kay before Kay got the ring.”

“How much do you owe me?” Jake took a deep breath and said, “Almost $3,000…” Dan almost choked but replied, “Transfer the money into my account by the weekend and see me first before you buy on my account next time.”

Kay asked, “Where are you having the wedding?” Kirsten smiled and said, “Here…”

“Aww Kirsten it’s going to be so beautiful.” Laura nervously voiced, “You could have the wedding arch down here or front of the fountain.” 

Kirsten smiled at her Mum, “That could work but what about my dress?”

“We could look again…”

“I have a day off tomorrow can we look then?” then she looked at Kay and asked, “Would you come and help me?”

“I don’t know…”

“Please because I need one of my bridesmaids to help me.”

“Me a brides…I couldn’t…I mean...”

“You can and you are, please.”

“If you are sure then I’d love too.” 

1.22 Still in shock

Andrew was in the park walking back and forth and started talking to himself, ‘Breath Andrew, breath. My grandfather was rich…why did he keep that from me.’

“You know talking to yourself is the first sign of madness.” Mr Davis replied. He knew it was a lot to take in so followed Andrew to see if he was alright.

“Why did he do this?”

“Andrew, your grandfather wanted you to have a normal life. What he meant by that was he wanted you to earn your own money and be happy. He didn’t want you to fall for a girl who was only after your money. Kirsten has feelings for you not because of the money but for you.”

“You do know her family is rich.”

“Yes about that…Your grandfather and Daniel Decker never liked each other. Daniel Decker tried to buy up the company and your grandfather refused even though at the time it was about to go under but he turned the company around and it survived.  He hated that and when your grandfather died again he tried for the company.”

“What are you saying exactly?”

“I’m saying Daniel Decker doesn’t know you are the grandson. He hates the fact his daughter works at the company and he hates anyone dating his daughter without his approval. When he finds out it’s you that own the company he may back off trying to buy it because of Kirsten but it is only her that can get her Dad to back off. He has a soft spot for his daughter not that you’d see it. Rumour was when he first married he adored his wife and when the children were born he spent much time with them. The more money he made for them the worse he became. Your grandfather loved you very much and what he saw happen to Daniel he never wanted that for you. Take some good advice, you can live very comfortable. I say keep your job let the company run how it has been with the occasional appearance but most important love your family.”

Andrew was stunned, “How can I cope with this?”

“There is a team managing the money but keep checking on it from time to time. Before you ask, I think Kirsten will be fine with all this. Shocked like you but fine. Just don’t keep it from her.”

Andrew arrived home and was still in shock when Kirsten started to yell, “I’ve be worried sick you were only going to the solicitors you said. You were going to be another hour you said. Do you know how embarrassing it was being stood up?” Andrew just sat there letting Kirsten blow off steam while Jake was trying to calm her down, “Let the guy breathe sis can’t you see he’s in shock or upset. Give him a chance to explain.” 

Kirsten sat down and Jake was about to leave when Andrew finally spoke, “Jake stay I want you to hear this.” Jake nodded and sat next to Andrew. “Kirst, I’m sorry I didn’t turn up for dinner it’s just the solicitor gave me some news that shocked me.”

“I’m confused, I thought you were there to finalise your grandfather’s estate.”

Andrew started to pace the floor. “Andrew you’re worrying me.” Kirsten said with a concerned look.

“I’ve had a lot on my mind.” 

Sitting on a chair looking at them both, “I was expecting to sign a few papers and that was it but instead he took me to a house, told me to look around and then told me the house was mine and I have money because my grandfather was wealthy.” Suddenly there was silence but Jake broke the silence, “Couldn’t loan us a few quid?” Kirsten glared at her brother, “Trying to make the guy smile.”

“Jake, you are so funny!” Andrew said sarcastically. Jake excused himself because this now concerned his sister and Andrew.

He sat next to Kirsten and asked, “You haven’t said anything.” She smiled at him, “Well at least we got together before you found out. I’m not interested in your money. Remember I told Dad where to stick his.”

“About your Dad…”

“What about him?”

“Ok…The Company you work for your Dad wants it.”

 “I know he does but he needs to stop chasing business and chase after my mum. Anyway, what of it?”

“My grandfather owned the company you work for and now I own it.” Kirsten saw red and yelled, “I work for you. My boyfriend is my boss…If you think you can tell me what to do…”

Andrew pulled her towards him and kissed her then said, “Look this is all new I’m not going to tell you what to do. Apparently I just need to show my face every now and then. I don’t want to build an empire, I just want you.”

Kirsten had a girlish smile over her face, “That’s so sweet. When do I get to see the house you were left then?” Andrew smiled, “I have the keys so let’s go now.”

Once they got there Kirsten couldn’t believe how beautiful it was. The first place she went was the garden because over the last few years she missed not having anywhere to sit in the sun. Andrew hadn’t seen the garden until now and was shocked on the size of it and when he turned the corner he saw a barbeque and counter. Andrew thought he was in a dream but it was dawning on him that this was no dream. 

When he saw Kirsten’s face light up when she was next to the pool he had thought of giving his grandmothers ring but felt it would not be a wise move at the moment. “Andrew, when are you moving here?”

“I can’t live here on my own but you could move in.”

“I don’t know…”

“You can have your own room with a door.” Kirsten couldn’t help but laugh. As he kissed her he added, “I want you to take the main bedroom.”

“I can’t it’s your house.” Andrew kissed her again, “I would rather share a room with you but if we are using the same setup similar to what we do now then seeing you more comfortable is the right thing to do.”

“I look like I have no choice but to accept the room but what about Jakey and the others?”

 “I can put them in the basement.”

“Ha-ha very amusing.”

“I wasn’t joking there are rooms in the basement so they can have their own rooms.”

When the others arrived at the house they were all in shock. Jake was the first to instantly agree to move in. 

Hazel did question it with Kirsten, “I’m fine with it Haz. It’ll be like before but as Andrew said we will all have our own rooms.”

Hazel was in shock, “So you and Andrew aren’t sharing?”

“We want to take our time.” Hazel didn’t respond after all what could she say. So Matt and Hazel went to look at their new rooms. Kay was reluctant at first but Andrew insisted she stayed as there was more than enough room. When the old house sold Andrew wasn’t sure what to do with the money. Jake just advised him to put it in the bank until he knew what he wanted. They all loved the new rooms even if they were in the basement. 

Matt quickly unpacked and then didn’t waste any time heading for Hazel’s room, “Wow Haz, you have a double bed.” Then to Hazel’s surprise Matt closed the door behind him and said, “I have something to ask.”

Jake was trying to listen when Kay walked past rolling her eyes at him. He ran up to her grabbed her putting her against the wall and whispered softly, “When do I get to see your room?”