𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐎𝐃𝐎𝐑𝐄 ✔

ғɪғᴛʏ ғɪᴠᴇ

I was a coward.

My whole life, I danced around my father's fingers. Never doubted him, never questioned him. But now that I look back, I know I should have. Maybe then, I could have helped you.

Maybe then, you wouldn't had to go through the horrors that you did.

I found out about the child traffickings and sexual harassments against my dad. I found out about the day he made you sign that document when you were just 11, the day I left you with him even though you begged me not to with your blue eyes shimmering in fear.

I left you.

It has been 8 years since you left and the memory of me blaming you for everything when you were just trying to protect me, still haunts me.

I wonder how are you now? Do you have a girlfriend or a wife? I see you almost every day on TV with the same kind smile you had as a kid, you seem so close yet so distant.

I want you to start a family Theo, I don't want you to be alone anymore. And, start your family with someone who deserves you, not with someone like us.

And, Henry was the one who helped me. I approached him after watching that recording in the office and he told me everything with the proof of my Dad's misdoings that you hid from the world.

You shouldered all this alone.

I told Henry not to tell you anything because I wasn't ready to face you yet. That's why I'm writing this letter hoping that someday I would be able to give it to you. Maybe you could find it in your heart to forgive me and then we could be the family that we wished to be.

All I can do now is hope. Hope, that one day we'll be those brothers again. Hope, that one day we'll look back and laugh at our memories. I love you, Theo. I'm sorry I didn't tell you enough. I'm sorry I couldn't be the brother you needed.

I'm sorry I failed you.

From,
Your Brother.

● ● ●

Theo's whole form shook as tears streamed down his face.

"Theo" Inez whispered as circled her arm around his neck and buried her face on the crook of his neck "Don't cry, at least my Dad knew the truth and loved you till the end"

He sniffled lowly while wiping his tears by the back of his hand "Yeah" he said as his hold around her tightened "It's like a huge burden is lifted off me"

She looked up at him with eyes laced with worry as he kissed her forehead and cupped her face "I love you" he muttered "I know my brother might come back from heaven to kick my ass because of this, but I won't stop"

Inez chuckled as she kissed him on the lips "I love you too"

Then, Theo felt something solid in the envelope still as he looked at it with a confused look.

"What's wrong?" Inez questioned.

"There's something else in here" he said as he emptied the envelope and a photo slipped out. Theo's eyes widened as he took in a sharp intake of breath and that's when all the memories of Timothee's wedding day came rushing back.

● ● ●

It was time for the family photo now. Theo's smile faltered.

His father and mother joined the newlywed couple on the stage as his brother's gaze fell on him. He gestured Theo towards the stage but Theo didn't dare to move from his spot.

His father's glare rooted him in his place.

"Let's go get ice cream!" Henry came again, trying to console the child.

Theo's eyes watered as his jaws clenched. He looked at his brother who had his whole family around him, his own parents and now his wife. Then he looked back at himself.

He saw nothing but darkness. He had no one to call family, no one to call home and no one to love him selflessly.

"You're alone! Everyone will leave you eventually anyway!" his mind would shout every once in a while. His feet pushed the ground as he took off towards the main gate, out of the gloomy room.

"Young Master!" he could hear Henry and Liz's voice from behind but he ran.

But before he could run out of the huge hall, a harsh grip around his forearm halted his movements. He looked back in surprise to see Tim gripping onto his arm while huffing lowly, indicating that he just ran to catch him.

"Come on now, Theo" Tim said as Theo shook his head.

"But—" he started but Tim cut him off.

"You don't need to worry about anything, it's time for the family photo so let's go"

Family.

Being the obedient kid he was, he followed slowly behind Tim up onto the stage. All the while ignoring Wilfred Benedict's glare.

Diana smiled widely at Theo as she bent down a little and wrapped her arms around him while Tim put his arms around her shoulder.

● ● ●

Theo stared at the photo in disbelief. He couldn't believe that he forgot about the most important part. The good part.

His brother was always there for him, he just needed to talk.

"Is that you?" Inez whispered as her fingers traced Theo's babyface in the photo and then travelled to her Mom and Dad.

"Yeah. I was so busy feeling bad for myself that I completely forgot about the one who cared for me" he whispered back as Inez ran her fingers through his hair.

"It's ok, Theo" she consoled as he leaned into her touch and closed his eyes while letting out a tired sigh. Surely today, took a toll on him.

Another piece of paper slipped down as both of their gazes fell on it.

The second letter.

____

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