Uncle Edward

‘Ellis, can I have a word?’

‘Oh, sure. I was wanting to talk to you anyway.’

‘Oh, really? What is it?’

‘You can go first.’



‘Okay… the thing is, there’s something I should tell you. I should have told you a while ago. It’s about Stanley Cooper.’

‘…What about him?’

‘I was actually friends with him, while I was still homeless. Before you found me at the shelter, I had been around Sunset Valley for a few months.’



‘A few months? God, I never even thought to ask how long you’d been around.’

‘Finding you here was a coincidence. Over the past ten years I’ve made my way across various towns. I can’t even really explain why… there was never a reason to stay in one place, I suppose.’

‘I’m sorry.’



‘It’s okay. But yes, I came to Sunset Valley, and found out you were here. I intended to talk to you, eventually. My plan was to get into a better position before talking to you. I never wanted you to see the sorry specimen I was as a homeless man.’

‘It’s not like we judged…’

‘No, but I did. I was going to get myself sorted out, with Stanley’s help. He took me into his home, Ellis. He actually invited me to live with him until I could get better.’



‘What… But why would he do that?’

‘Because he’s a good person. A stupid one sometimes, but ultimately good. He really helped me.’

‘But you were still on the streets when Aria and I found you. He was already in prison at that point. So he made you homeless again, with what he did.’



‘Unintentionally so.’

‘Well I’m sorry, but maybe he should’ve thought twice about burgling someone and then assaulting a police officer. Why are you defending him?’

‘Because he was the first person to actually treat me like a human being in a very long time. He never judged me. Everyone else turned away, or looked at me like I was rubbish. They didn’t want to know. I was either invisible, or scum. Stanley, on the other hand, actually talked to me. Got to know me. We became friends because he saw me as a person. And we got along very well!’



‘Look, that’s great, but he then made a choice to become a criminal. He hurt me. You know that.’

‘I do, and I don’t condone it one bit. I already made that very clear to him.’

‘You’ve been to see him?’



‘Yes. Oh, Ellis, I don’t want to cause any problems. If you’d rather I never saw him again, then I’ll do that. You matter more. I just feel that he’s worthy of a second chance. I believe he made a horrible mistake, and faced his punishment over it. I’d like to stay friends with him, but only with your blessing.’

‘…He really made an impression on you, huh?’

‘He’s a much better person than that one night suggests. If I thought that was all there was to him, then I’d never entertain the thought for a second. But I can’t ignore what he did for me.’



‘Edward… you’re a near forty-year-old man. I can’t dictate your friendships.’

‘But I don’t want you to be upset with me or resent me over it. Your opinion matters to me. I don’t want you to feel betrayed.’

‘I mean… it’s a weird thought, but I don’t want to cut you off from someone who matters to you. Even if I do think he’s a prick.’



‘Thank you. I’m sorry about this. I wish it had never happened either.’

‘It’s hard to imagine him doing all that for you, but I appreciate the fact that he made your life easier for a while.’

‘What did you want to talk to me about?’



‘…Sorry, Edward. It’s just… I wondered what you said in your doctor’s appointment.’

‘Oh? Just the same as I encouraged you to say. That I had been struggling and needed some mental health support.’

‘Right… It’s just that… oh, God. The drinking.’



‘Ah… I see.’

‘You didn’t mention that?’

‘…No, I didn’t. Sorry, Ellis. I know I have a problem. I’m not blind to it, I assure you. I feel horrible about the whole thing.’

‘Don’t feel bad. It’s not your fault. We’re just concerned about you.’

‘You’re too kind… I know I’m a burden. I wanted to mention it, but to be completely honest, the thought of stopping drinking fills me with anxiety. But I also know I can’t carry on abusing your generosity.’



‘I can’t even begin to imagine how scary it is.’

‘I will mention it to the counsellor, once I get there. I’ll try not to bottle it… In fact, I’ll write it down and take it with me. Even if I can’t get the words out, I can tell them that way. They can try… Try to get me some support.’

‘Edward, I want you to know that we’ll never give up on you, okay? No matter how long it takes. We know it’s a sickness beyond your control. We’ll stand by you all the way, as long as you try your best.’

‘Come here.’



‘Thank you so much. I don’t know where I’d be without you.’







‘Oh… you’ve brought them here?’



‘Crap, I’m sorry! They wanted a drink, and we were nearby… I didn’t think, I’m sorry.’

‘No, it’s okay. Don’t worry.’



‘What’s wrong, Raya?’

‘Oh, it’s nothing…’



‘Who’s that?’

‘It’s my great-uncle Edward!’



‘Hey mister, what happened to your face?’



‘Tristan!’



‘Tristan! Don’t say something like that!’



‘No… no, it’s fine. He didn’t mean to be rude.’

‘It’s not fine. His mother wouldn’t approve either.’

‘Honestly, don’t be angry.’



‘And that… well, it’s not an appropriate story for young children.’



‘What? I was only asking! He’s got scars like Father, that’s all!’

‘Listen, you can’t just ask someone that.’

‘Why not?’



‘It’s impolite. You know how I got mine, right? I was in a fire… And it’s still upsetting to talk about, because it was scary. So when you ask people about scars and things like that, it makes them remember something frightening. That’s why you don’t bring it up.’



‘Oh… Sorry, mister.’

‘That’s quite alright.’



‘Well, I think it looks cool! Harry Potter has a scar and he’s awesome.’

‘Oh, really?’

‘Yeah! I wanna read all the books but Mum says they might be too long. But we’re seven now! I’m totally old enough.’



‘You must be a very good reader, like your sisters.’

‘Yeah! Thanks, mister!’

‘So you must have only just turned seven.’



‘We all have the same birthday as Charon!’

‘So I heard! All born on the same day. It sounds like you gave everyone a bit of a fright.’



‘We ruined Mum and Dad’s wedding!’



‘Then Dad had me in the toilet!’



‘I didn’t have you in the toilet! I… at least moved to the floor…’



‘Hey Ellis, did he smell like poo?’



‘No, I didn’t!’



‘Of course he didn’t… You kids, I swear.’



‘Tristan, you’re gross.’



‘Not as gross as you! You farted in the car this morning!’

‘You do it too!’



‘They always argue, Mister Charon’s great-uncle. Hey wait, if you’re Charon’s great-uncle, then what are you to us?’



‘…I’m your uncle.’

‘Oooh! We didn’t know we had an uncle! We have an auntie, too. She’s Mum’s sister! So are you Mum’s sister too? You’re too good looking to be Dad’s!’



‘…None taken…’



‘How can he be her sister, stupid? He’d be her brother!’



‘Oh... yeah. Are you Spanish too?’



‘No. I am your dad’s brother, actually. Are you Spanish?’

‘Mum is. Grandma and Grandad come from Isla Paradiso. We can talk Spanish too but Dad doesn’t like it because he can’t understand it.’

‘Ah, I see…’



‘Right then, kids! I’d better get you those drinks!’



‘Nice to meet you Uncle Edward!’

‘It’s lovely to meet you all too.’

Low expectations

‘Thanks for coming over. How are you doing?’

‘Oh, you know. Managing.’

‘I understand.’

 

‘Hello, Brianne.’

‘Oh, Edward… Hi.’

‘Ah yeah, I guess I didn’t say, did I? We live together. Have done for years.’

‘Is anyone else here?’

‘No. Heath’s gone out with Nix, so it’s just us. Come on through.’

 

‘Did you hear about what happened to Tate?’

‘No…?’

‘I haven’t spoken to him yet, but he was abducted from his office at work. By that same demon who did it to Tristan…’

‘Ah… So that did end up happening, then.’

‘Wait, you knew it was coming?’

‘It’s a long story, but yes. Neither of us support it but we were told of Miles’ intentions. I think it was always going to be a matter of time before such a thing happened again. When was this?’

‘Yesterday. I’ve been to the hospital, but Tate was still unconscious, so I came home to look after the girls. Part of me feels bad for not being there, but truth be told, I’m thinking more about just using this as an opportunity to get things done.’

‘I think that’s a better idea, honestly. I find that sympathy is often wasted on Tate.’

‘Yeah… you’re right. How did you find out this was gonna happen anyway?’

‘We heard about it from Hazel.’

‘What? But… How are you talking to her?’

‘Again, a long story, but the short of it is that she’s trying to turn over a new leaf. Honestly, it’s a work in progress. She’s not on board with Miles’ actions anymore but at the same time, she doesn’t have the power to stop Rikard from helping him.’

‘This is so surreal, though… I was shocked when Wednesday turned out to be her girlfriend, and now even you’re giving her another chance…’

‘It certainly wasn’t an easy conversation, Brianne. It’s very difficult for me to face Hazel after all that’s happened. Ultimately, though, if someone truly wants to change their ways, I won’t stand in the way of it.’

‘I guess you’re right. I’d be in a lot of trouble if nobody was willing to let me change, after all. So what is it you wanted to talk about?’ 

‘I’d come up with an idea, but now I’m definitely having second thoughts. I was going to ask you if Tate had a second phone, or something… but no, it’s far too risky to ask you to look for one.’ 

‘A second phone? Oh, I don’t know… I can’t say if I’ve ever seen one.’

‘That’s okay then.’

‘Why? Do you think he’s doing dodgy business on it?’

‘Almost certainly. I’m a good hacker, you see, so… I’d be able to install software on it without his knowledge. Try to record his phone calls and see if I could use it for evidence somewhere down the line.’

‘I mean, I could look. He won’t be able to disturb me while he’s in hospital, and I really do wanna prove myself to you guys.’

‘Things were already tense and risky before he just got kidnapped and put in hospital yet again. The only thing you need to think about is your own escape, and like you said, now would be a perfect time to do it.’

‘Ellis is right. We’d be wrong to involve you, especially at a time like this.’

‘Wow… Imagine if it could be used as evidence, though. Imagine if it could actually bring him down.’

‘I know. It’s not so simple, though. I can’t take it through my office, after all.’

‘Aren’t you a policeman?’

‘Yeah, I am.’

‘…That was a bit naïve of me, wasn’t it?’

‘Ehh… He’s hardly likely to tell you he’s bribed my superiors, is he?’

‘No, of course not. He wouldn’t let the mask slip that much, even if he’s been getting more easily frustrated with me lately.’

‘He always takes it out on those closest to him, Brianne. At this moment in time, it’s you. That’s how abusers work.’

‘Somehow… I thought I’d be different, though? I-I mean, I didn’t actually believe the worst things Roxxi told me, but… I dunno. I felt like because we had an “understanding”, he knew he didn’t have to pretend with me.’

‘What do you mean by “an understanding”?’

‘…That it was more of an arrangement, y’know? That’s always what he and Roxxi were, too, duh. That was obvious even to thirteen-year-old me. Buuut… I felt like she was expecting him to be proper husband material regardless. And I didn’t have that expectation. We agreed from the start that we didn’t go for romance or the façade of it. Which means I wouldn’t be disappointed expecting him to be different.’

‘That’s… turned out quite conveniently for him, hasn’t it? Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying this to criticise you, but it sounds like he took it as a perfect excuse to not put in effort from the off.’

‘Yeah… Arrangement or not, it doesn’t absolve him of not doing the bare minimum of treating you with respect.’ 

‘Look, I thought I’d have as much power as him in the relationship. I set out my terms and didn’t expect too much, I went into it knowing I didn’t need any of that from him…’

‘You didn’t need what? Basic respect?’

‘…Okay, I get it. I’m so fucking dumb, oh my God.’

‘Brianne. I don’t think it’s appropriate to lay more abuse on yourself right now. I’m just trying to understand.’

‘You’re a psychologist or something, right? Does that mean you’re evaluating me?’

‘No, not consciously… But I am curious how you got to this point. This is without judgement, because like I say, you don’t need that at the moment. But what exactly is it you were trying to get out of this? You don’t seem to have set your expectations very high for your relationship, but at the same time, you said you thought you’d be different?’

‘What I meant is, I didn’t think he’d be so unpleasant to me like this. I thought we’d just carry on our arrangement but in a more “official” capacity, I guess. And plus the girls would grow up with their dad. Don’t comment on that, I already know how stupid that was.’

‘So did you think that because it was more “explicitly” an arrangement than it was for Roxxi, that she always treated it as more of a relationship than you, that what, he’d be nicer to you than he was her…?’

‘He said she was needy… and I believed him. And I guess I didn’t want to be like that.’

‘What do you define as “needy”?’

‘Right now, I’m not really sure any more… I’m starting to realise I’m a lot more fucked up than I thought.’

‘I’m sorry, because this is personal, but… Why were you only ever seeking an “arrangement” in the first place? I know Roxxi well enough to have learned a long time ago that judging people as “gold diggers” isn’t always particularly accurate, and she is your sister. You come from the same background. And I know you really care for your girls, so…’

‘I thought an arrangement would be easier. More secure. Because I don’t believe the real thing exists. That’s why.’

‘Oh…’

‘Don’t. You don’t need to feel sorry for me about it. It’s fine.’

‘…So, the girls… What are you going to teach them about relationships?’

‘Oh God, I don’t know yet. One of the main reasons I’m getting out is that I don’t want them to grow up witnessing this kind of thing. I can put up with being treated like that, but it makes me sick to imagine Marigold or Peach being spoken to in that way by a boyfriend when they’re older. I’ll happily stay a single mum forever rather than let them turn out as messed up as me.’

‘I don’t think that’s strictly necessary, but I do agree staying single for a while is the best idea. It’s too turbulent a time.’

‘Like I said, I’m done with “arrangements” for good. And… I’ve got a lot of thinking to do about all this. I used to think all men were the same before I met you two, and now I just don’t know.’

‘This may be inappropriate for me to comment on, but given the kinds of things I’ve heard from Roxxi about your family, and their willingness to support her marriage to Tate at such a young age… I think that topic should be something you discuss in therapy, if you take it up once you’ve left. And I’d really recommend doing so.’

‘Okay. Thanks for the advice. And for being willing to even talk to me after all that’s happened.’

‘We’re happy to do it.’