SOL; Generation Three - Chapter One
We start this Gen after a little time gap, and below fills you in on what has happened in the three months we've skipped :)
And for those who don't know - Echo won the heir vote (7/10 votes!)
Set three months after Echo realised that she was pregnant, this generation begins in a new house with just Echo, Law and Chase. In these three months, Alex passed away, and both children were so saddened by his death that they decided that moving out and living independently of their parents would help them to come to terms with their loss. The last month involved hectic packing, morning sickness and infrequent visits from Lukas...
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What happens when friends become enemies?
- when our minds fail us?
- when our pasts come back to haunt us?
- when that single
tear
falls...?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A new house represents new beginnings, right?
Echo and Law had both chosen it for its look. It was beautiful, and it wasn't that far from any part of the city; it was located beside the mountains that separated the housing neighbourhood from the city lights, and perfect for trips to visit family and work.
-FIRST FLOOR-
-SECOND FLOOR-
-OUTSIDE -
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As soon as the majority of things were unpacked and sorted through, they all sat on the comfy seats and relaxed.
"Funny," Law said slowly. "I didn't ever think I'd move out of that wonderful house."
Echo nodded in agreement. "But everywhere there were memories of Grandpa Alex." She looked away sadly. "Grandpa JJ is 110 now. How long -"
"Don't think like that!" Chase said quickly in horror. "You've got to savour the time you have with family, not dwell on how long it is until you lose them!"
Law winced. "..How's your grandma doing?" She was the one that had taken Chase in after his parents had disowned him, and Law knew how close they were, how much Chase adored her.
"Getting on a bit," Chase admitted faintly. "But I see her pretty much everyday, and she's.. managing."
It was a touchy subject for all, but it wasn't thought about for long. Not with so many other things going on.
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Things soon settled into a comfortable routine.
Echo would quietly play guitar until her legs ached from standing so long.
Chase would peacefully paint the views from their garden or balconies.
And Law would train or go to the labs.
Sometimes Faye or Kane would call, and Echo would have to reassure her parents that she was looking after herself and that all was going well.
It could take a while...
But it was still a nice, familiar routine. It was quiet and calming and the only time it wasn't...
Was when Lukas dropped in.
"Hello? Anyone home?"
"Lukas," Law muttered stiffly.
"Law," Lukas greeted in return, trying not to let on how much Law's icy tone hurt him.
"Can I help you with anything?"
"Well, no-"
"You know where the door is, then."
Law did not want him near his sister. She deserved someone who waited. Someone who would marry her and make her happy, not break her heart everytime they spoke.
"Law!" Echo's disapproving voice came from his left, and Law glanced over to her with a soft, caring expression. "You can't just chase him away everytime he comes around."
"I can try," Law replied moodily. Why did she stick up for him? He was only going to hurt her more.
But he didn't say anything else. Yet.
Law gave Lukas a deadly gaze. "If I see her crying because of you..."
Lukas held up his hands in surrender, eyes wide. "I get it! I get it! I'm not a complete tool, Law. I'm not over here just to kick her heart around like it's a football, sheesh!" As much as he missed Law, he was tired of taking his comments.
"Then why are you here?"
"It's my child too! I'm going to be a part of their lives whether you like it or not, Law. I haven't done anything wrong yet, so you have no right to push me away."
"Nothing wrong?!" Law spluttered, hardly believing what he was hearing. This man had slept with his sister the day after her birthday, got her pregnant and then refused to marry her! What the hell had he done right?!
"Enough, Law!" Echo said sharply. She gave him a glare while Lukas looked away in shame. "I love that you care about me this much, but you've got to give it a break. It's my life, Law. My mistakes. Please, just let us talk, okay?"
Law sighed heavily. As much as he wanted to he could not argue with that. "Fine," he said grudgingly. He looked at her worriedly, but soon turned away.
Lukas stepped up to her and tried to smile.
"Why do you keep coming here?" Echo sighed.
His smile faltered. "Don't you want me here?"
"Of course! But my brother... He's not exactly welcoming..."
Lukas pulled her into a hug. "I can deal with it. I'm not going to let him drive me away so easily."
Echo smiled and rested her head on his shoulder. There was something so comforting about being held by him, and she felt so safe in his arms.
Echo pulled away reluctantly before things could become awkward.
"How are you doing?" Lukas asked her.
"I'm fine, really. Law and Chase keep trying to stop me doing things like I'm about to pop any second." She rolled her eyes fondly while Lukas chuckled.
Lightly he touched her bump. The thought of there being a child inside her - his child - was as unnerving as it was exciting.
"You know, E, I was thinking..."
Her heart soared at those words. The possibilities of what he was about to say were endless. Did he want to give their relationship a go? Did he want to move in one day?
Lukas leaned closer to her stomach. "We should probably start thinking up names. Or is it too early for that?"
She couldn't help feeling disappointed. "Oh."
Confusion flickered over his face. "What?"
"It's nothing. Sure. I don't see why not." Echo tried to sound friendly and upbeat, but in reality she was quite the opposite. At least he was thinking about the baby. That was something, right?
Lukas, sensing something was wrong, straightened up. "Do you already have an idea for names?"
"Not really," she admitted. There had been other things on her mind, like what the hell her future was going to be like. What if she didn't like the kid? What if something went wrong? What if she was a terrible mother? She wanted someone to comfort her, but Law was to practical to be good at comfort, and Chase was as anxious about it all as her. And Lukas... For some reason Echo couldn't talk to him about it. It was as if there was a wall between them now.
Would it ever be broken?
"What about you? Any ideas?"
"I'll think on it," he promised.
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Law was at the labs bright and early the next morning. He'd been putting extra hours in, trying to get this thing to work -
"Damn," he cursed quietly, placing the flask gently on the table. He needed someone trained in cutting genes to help him; he couldn't do a good enough job.
But the only person in the city who had the skills he needed was the one he refused to talk to.
Law took a deep breath. He could do this, he knew he would get it eventually. It was surely a matter of time until he could correctly cut out the right genes and place them in the right areas. Then it was plain sailing.
Law frowned down at the flask. It was no good. He'd been working solid for hours and his head was pounding. He'd just have to go home and try again tomorrow.
Like he did every day.
Chase instantly got off the chair when he saw a strained Law make his way to the sofas.
"Baby, what's wrong?"
Law relaxed as Chase pulled him into a comforting hug. "I can't get this thing to work," he groused. "It would have been fine if-" He stopped himself. It would have been fine if Lukas could help, but Law refused to so much as acknowledge him.
"I'll get it eventually. But I don't know how long that will be, Chase. It could be years in the future. It's a long process, and I'm still stuck on the first steps..."
"Love, I know you'll get it right," Chase said confidently. "I have faith in you. If it's years in the future then it's years in the future. We can't change that."
Actually they could, but Law wasn't ready to admit that. "What if we're old by that point? Old and wrinkly and too old to be parents?"
Chase sighed. "Stop worrying about nothing. There's no way it'll take that long. That's just you being scared."
"But there are so many things that could go wrong, or delay the project." He frowned. "What if it never gets completed?"
"Back to this again, are we?" Chase sighed. "You said it yourself; you'll get there eventually. It's a matter of time, which for now we have plenty of. So calm. Deep breaths. You can do it." He took his hand. "And you know-"
"Oh no no no.. We're not going onto the marriage topic again, Chase! Please, let's not go into it."
"What, so it's okay for you to talk to me about anything but the moment I want to know if you're ready to commit it's a big, red and blue flashing siren shouting ''NO!"?! Well, I'm sorry but that isn't fair. I want my grandma to see my wedding, Law! She's not gonna be here forever!" He looked away as his voice became chocked up.
Law's expression softened. "Chase, I don't want to be pushed into this. I don't want to end up resenting you because I feel trapped, I guess. I just... I don't know!" he said helplessly. "I don't want to argue with you. I just need some time, alright?"
"You keep asking for time, Law. We might have plenty of it, but with the way you're going there'll be none left before we know it."
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"Whoa, nice fancy house you've got, E! Damn," Pandora whistled low. "Jea-lous!"
Echo laughed. "You should see the cost of it!"
"How'd you afford it?"
"Lukas, mostly. He's saved up a lot of money, and my parents helped out too."
"Speaking of Lukas... What's the latest?"
Echo sighed heavily. "I wish me and Lukas could be as happy as you and Rhoan. But he's only staying in my life because of the baby, and we both know it. Even the friendship between us is awkward because Law keeps butting in..."
"He's only looking out for you, hun."
"I know, and as much as I love him it's getting on my nerves."
"It's my life, and my decisions. I just wish he'd see that."
"E, he's a big brother. He'll never see that, not even when you're old and grey with grandchildren. He'll always look out for you, and even though it's irritating at times, you have to at least be grateful for him."
"You're right," Echo admitted with a sigh.
"Anyway, how long is it until your first proper scan?"
"It's tomorrow actually," Echo informed her. "Five months along already," she murmured, patting her stomach. It was strange how quickly everything was going.
Pandora grinned at her friend and lightly touched her belly. "You know, E, you're an amazing girl. One day you're going to find your happiness. Whether that's with Lukas or not remains to be seen."
She looked up cheekily. "If you ever need to be hooked up with someone, Rho and I know plenty of decent guys that'll treat you like a princess."
Echo laughed.
"Thanks, Panda. Who knows, maybe I'll take you up on that."
She pulled her friend into a tight hug. "Thanks for always being there Pandora. You always know what to say."
"Hey, what are friends for? Any time you need me just give me a call. I'll be right over," she promised.
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"When are you going to the hospital?" Law asked his sister the next morning while eating his attempt at breakfast.
"In a couple of hours."
"...Does Lukas know?"
"I have told him about it," Echo said slowly, "but I didn't tell him the time I'm going. I guess I didn't want to force him into coming." She searched to change the topic and her eyes rested on Chase sitting at the other table. "Another argument?"
Law winced. "Yeah."
"You know," Echo started, "Lukas is more than willing to help you with your project. Surely getting it done is worth actually - oh god, wait for it! - talking and acting civil to him?"
Law glared at his sister. Her humour wasn't appreciated. "That's in the last resort. The Plan Z."
"Hey, you'll work through the alphabet pretty quickly, bro."
Law scowled and got off the seat. "As much as I like these wonderful conversations with you," his voice dripped with sarcasm, "I have a boyfriend to apologize to, a dummy to beat up and a project to get pissed off at."
Law frowned at her. "Hey, I'll get those plates."
She rolled her eyes. "Law, I'm pregnant, not utterly useless. These plates won't kill me."
The look Law gave them said otherwise.
"Hello?" Lukas called out. "Anybody home?" He closed the door behind him softly and wondered if he was too late to go with Echo to the hospital. Oh, Law would love that. No doubt he'd use it against Lukas.
Law groaned at the sound of Lukas' voice. "Great," he said, moving to go and greet him.
Chase came in and put a hand on Law's arm. "Let me go and talk to him. Then let's leave him here to wait for Echo and go out somewhere, okay? He at least deserves to know the results of the scan."
"He deserves a good kick in the teeth, but fine."
Chase smiled. "Stop being so bitter. Forget about him."
"You're right. Let's go somewhere and have a night out."
Chase grinned this time. "You know what? That sounds great."
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"Echo!" Lukas moved towards her as soon as she came in the door. "I'm sorry, I should have come earlier..." He trailed off.
"What's wrong?" he asked immediately. She was clearly tense, her face was pale and her eyes were rimmed with red. "What happened? Is the baby okay?" He wanted to ask a million other questions, but he bit his tongue.
"It doesn't matter, Lukas," Echo said quietly. "You should just move on, you know? I have my brother and Chase, we can -"
"What?" Lukas gasped. "Echo, I promised to stay with you and help you. I'm not going back on that!"
"Then you're an idiot," Echo snapped, moving away towards her guitar.
She picked up the instrument and began to play. The music always gave her peace and calmed her, and she really needed that right now. If she lost her cool she'd just end up crying, and she didn't want to do that in front of Lukas.
"..Echo.." Lukas whispered, moving closer while she just bowed her head and watched her fingers. "Put the guitar down and talk to me, would you?"
Echo paused in her strumming and chanced a look up. Lukas was watching her with a bewildered and concerned expression, and it only made things worse.
But he deserved to know.
She put her guitar down and took his hand almost mechanically. It was as if she needed to be close to him while she destroyed his future. She hated herself for that.
"Lukas... The scan..." She looked down and gritted her teeth against tears. She would not cry.
"It's triplets."
Shock crashed through him as that word echoed through his head.
Triplets.
And for those who don't know - Echo won the heir vote (7/10 votes!)
Set three months after Echo realised that she was pregnant, this generation begins in a new house with just Echo, Law and Chase. In these three months, Alex passed away, and both children were so saddened by his death that they decided that moving out and living independently of their parents would help them to come to terms with their loss. The last month involved hectic packing, morning sickness and infrequent visits from Lukas...
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What happens when friends become enemies?
- when our minds fail us?
- when our pasts come back to haunt us?
- when that single
tear
falls...?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A new house represents new beginnings, right?
Echo and Law had both chosen it for its look. It was beautiful, and it wasn't that far from any part of the city; it was located beside the mountains that separated the housing neighbourhood from the city lights, and perfect for trips to visit family and work.
-FIRST FLOOR-
-SECOND FLOOR-
-OUTSIDE -
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As soon as the majority of things were unpacked and sorted through, they all sat on the comfy seats and relaxed.
"Funny," Law said slowly. "I didn't ever think I'd move out of that wonderful house."
Echo nodded in agreement. "But everywhere there were memories of Grandpa Alex." She looked away sadly. "Grandpa JJ is 110 now. How long -"
"Don't think like that!" Chase said quickly in horror. "You've got to savour the time you have with family, not dwell on how long it is until you lose them!"
Law winced. "..How's your grandma doing?" She was the one that had taken Chase in after his parents had disowned him, and Law knew how close they were, how much Chase adored her.
"Getting on a bit," Chase admitted faintly. "But I see her pretty much everyday, and she's.. managing."
It was a touchy subject for all, but it wasn't thought about for long. Not with so many other things going on.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Things soon settled into a comfortable routine.
Echo would quietly play guitar until her legs ached from standing so long.
Chase would peacefully paint the views from their garden or balconies.
And Law would train or go to the labs.
Sometimes Faye or Kane would call, and Echo would have to reassure her parents that she was looking after herself and that all was going well.
It could take a while...
But it was still a nice, familiar routine. It was quiet and calming and the only time it wasn't...
Was when Lukas dropped in.
"Hello? Anyone home?"
"Lukas," Law muttered stiffly.
"Law," Lukas greeted in return, trying not to let on how much Law's icy tone hurt him.
"Can I help you with anything?"
"Well, no-"
"You know where the door is, then."
Law did not want him near his sister. She deserved someone who waited. Someone who would marry her and make her happy, not break her heart everytime they spoke.
"Law!" Echo's disapproving voice came from his left, and Law glanced over to her with a soft, caring expression. "You can't just chase him away everytime he comes around."
"I can try," Law replied moodily. Why did she stick up for him? He was only going to hurt her more.
But he didn't say anything else. Yet.
Law gave Lukas a deadly gaze. "If I see her crying because of you..."
Lukas held up his hands in surrender, eyes wide. "I get it! I get it! I'm not a complete tool, Law. I'm not over here just to kick her heart around like it's a football, sheesh!" As much as he missed Law, he was tired of taking his comments.
"Then why are you here?"
"It's my child too! I'm going to be a part of their lives whether you like it or not, Law. I haven't done anything wrong yet, so you have no right to push me away."
"Nothing wrong?!" Law spluttered, hardly believing what he was hearing. This man had slept with his sister the day after her birthday, got her pregnant and then refused to marry her! What the hell had he done right?!
"Enough, Law!" Echo said sharply. She gave him a glare while Lukas looked away in shame. "I love that you care about me this much, but you've got to give it a break. It's my life, Law. My mistakes. Please, just let us talk, okay?"
Law sighed heavily. As much as he wanted to he could not argue with that. "Fine," he said grudgingly. He looked at her worriedly, but soon turned away.
Lukas stepped up to her and tried to smile.
"Why do you keep coming here?" Echo sighed.
His smile faltered. "Don't you want me here?"
"Of course! But my brother... He's not exactly welcoming..."
Lukas pulled her into a hug. "I can deal with it. I'm not going to let him drive me away so easily."
Echo smiled and rested her head on his shoulder. There was something so comforting about being held by him, and she felt so safe in his arms.
Echo pulled away reluctantly before things could become awkward.
"How are you doing?" Lukas asked her.
"I'm fine, really. Law and Chase keep trying to stop me doing things like I'm about to pop any second." She rolled her eyes fondly while Lukas chuckled.
Lightly he touched her bump. The thought of there being a child inside her - his child - was as unnerving as it was exciting.
"You know, E, I was thinking..."
Her heart soared at those words. The possibilities of what he was about to say were endless. Did he want to give their relationship a go? Did he want to move in one day?
Lukas leaned closer to her stomach. "We should probably start thinking up names. Or is it too early for that?"
She couldn't help feeling disappointed. "Oh."
Confusion flickered over his face. "What?"
"It's nothing. Sure. I don't see why not." Echo tried to sound friendly and upbeat, but in reality she was quite the opposite. At least he was thinking about the baby. That was something, right?
Lukas, sensing something was wrong, straightened up. "Do you already have an idea for names?"
"Not really," she admitted. There had been other things on her mind, like what the hell her future was going to be like. What if she didn't like the kid? What if something went wrong? What if she was a terrible mother? She wanted someone to comfort her, but Law was to practical to be good at comfort, and Chase was as anxious about it all as her. And Lukas... For some reason Echo couldn't talk to him about it. It was as if there was a wall between them now.
Would it ever be broken?
"What about you? Any ideas?"
"I'll think on it," he promised.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Law was at the labs bright and early the next morning. He'd been putting extra hours in, trying to get this thing to work -
"Damn," he cursed quietly, placing the flask gently on the table. He needed someone trained in cutting genes to help him; he couldn't do a good enough job.
But the only person in the city who had the skills he needed was the one he refused to talk to.
Law took a deep breath. He could do this, he knew he would get it eventually. It was surely a matter of time until he could correctly cut out the right genes and place them in the right areas. Then it was plain sailing.
Law frowned down at the flask. It was no good. He'd been working solid for hours and his head was pounding. He'd just have to go home and try again tomorrow.
Like he did every day.
Chase instantly got off the chair when he saw a strained Law make his way to the sofas.
"Baby, what's wrong?"
Law relaxed as Chase pulled him into a comforting hug. "I can't get this thing to work," he groused. "It would have been fine if-" He stopped himself. It would have been fine if Lukas could help, but Law refused to so much as acknowledge him.
"I'll get it eventually. But I don't know how long that will be, Chase. It could be years in the future. It's a long process, and I'm still stuck on the first steps..."
"Love, I know you'll get it right," Chase said confidently. "I have faith in you. If it's years in the future then it's years in the future. We can't change that."
Actually they could, but Law wasn't ready to admit that. "What if we're old by that point? Old and wrinkly and too old to be parents?"
Chase sighed. "Stop worrying about nothing. There's no way it'll take that long. That's just you being scared."
"But there are so many things that could go wrong, or delay the project." He frowned. "What if it never gets completed?"
"Back to this again, are we?" Chase sighed. "You said it yourself; you'll get there eventually. It's a matter of time, which for now we have plenty of. So calm. Deep breaths. You can do it." He took his hand. "And you know-"
"Oh no no no.. We're not going onto the marriage topic again, Chase! Please, let's not go into it."
"What, so it's okay for you to talk to me about anything but the moment I want to know if you're ready to commit it's a big, red and blue flashing siren shouting ''NO!"?! Well, I'm sorry but that isn't fair. I want my grandma to see my wedding, Law! She's not gonna be here forever!" He looked away as his voice became chocked up.
Law's expression softened. "Chase, I don't want to be pushed into this. I don't want to end up resenting you because I feel trapped, I guess. I just... I don't know!" he said helplessly. "I don't want to argue with you. I just need some time, alright?"
"You keep asking for time, Law. We might have plenty of it, but with the way you're going there'll be none left before we know it."
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"Whoa, nice fancy house you've got, E! Damn," Pandora whistled low. "Jea-lous!"
Echo laughed. "You should see the cost of it!"
"How'd you afford it?"
"Lukas, mostly. He's saved up a lot of money, and my parents helped out too."
"Speaking of Lukas... What's the latest?"
Echo sighed heavily. "I wish me and Lukas could be as happy as you and Rhoan. But he's only staying in my life because of the baby, and we both know it. Even the friendship between us is awkward because Law keeps butting in..."
"He's only looking out for you, hun."
"I know, and as much as I love him it's getting on my nerves."
"It's my life, and my decisions. I just wish he'd see that."
"E, he's a big brother. He'll never see that, not even when you're old and grey with grandchildren. He'll always look out for you, and even though it's irritating at times, you have to at least be grateful for him."
"You're right," Echo admitted with a sigh.
"Anyway, how long is it until your first proper scan?"
"It's tomorrow actually," Echo informed her. "Five months along already," she murmured, patting her stomach. It was strange how quickly everything was going.
Pandora grinned at her friend and lightly touched her belly. "You know, E, you're an amazing girl. One day you're going to find your happiness. Whether that's with Lukas or not remains to be seen."
She looked up cheekily. "If you ever need to be hooked up with someone, Rho and I know plenty of decent guys that'll treat you like a princess."
Echo laughed.
"Thanks, Panda. Who knows, maybe I'll take you up on that."
She pulled her friend into a tight hug. "Thanks for always being there Pandora. You always know what to say."
"Hey, what are friends for? Any time you need me just give me a call. I'll be right over," she promised.
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"When are you going to the hospital?" Law asked his sister the next morning while eating his attempt at breakfast.
"In a couple of hours."
"...Does Lukas know?"
"I have told him about it," Echo said slowly, "but I didn't tell him the time I'm going. I guess I didn't want to force him into coming." She searched to change the topic and her eyes rested on Chase sitting at the other table. "Another argument?"
Law winced. "Yeah."
"You know," Echo started, "Lukas is more than willing to help you with your project. Surely getting it done is worth actually - oh god, wait for it! - talking and acting civil to him?"
Law glared at his sister. Her humour wasn't appreciated. "That's in the last resort. The Plan Z."
"Hey, you'll work through the alphabet pretty quickly, bro."
Law scowled and got off the seat. "As much as I like these wonderful conversations with you," his voice dripped with sarcasm, "I have a boyfriend to apologize to, a dummy to beat up and a project to get pissed off at."
Law frowned at her. "Hey, I'll get those plates."
She rolled her eyes. "Law, I'm pregnant, not utterly useless. These plates won't kill me."
The look Law gave them said otherwise.
"Hello?" Lukas called out. "Anybody home?" He closed the door behind him softly and wondered if he was too late to go with Echo to the hospital. Oh, Law would love that. No doubt he'd use it against Lukas.
Law groaned at the sound of Lukas' voice. "Great," he said, moving to go and greet him.
Chase came in and put a hand on Law's arm. "Let me go and talk to him. Then let's leave him here to wait for Echo and go out somewhere, okay? He at least deserves to know the results of the scan."
"He deserves a good kick in the teeth, but fine."
Chase smiled. "Stop being so bitter. Forget about him."
"You're right. Let's go somewhere and have a night out."
Chase grinned this time. "You know what? That sounds great."
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"Echo!" Lukas moved towards her as soon as she came in the door. "I'm sorry, I should have come earlier..." He trailed off.
"What's wrong?" he asked immediately. She was clearly tense, her face was pale and her eyes were rimmed with red. "What happened? Is the baby okay?" He wanted to ask a million other questions, but he bit his tongue.
"It doesn't matter, Lukas," Echo said quietly. "You should just move on, you know? I have my brother and Chase, we can -"
"What?" Lukas gasped. "Echo, I promised to stay with you and help you. I'm not going back on that!"
"Then you're an idiot," Echo snapped, moving away towards her guitar.
She picked up the instrument and began to play. The music always gave her peace and calmed her, and she really needed that right now. If she lost her cool she'd just end up crying, and she didn't want to do that in front of Lukas.
"..Echo.." Lukas whispered, moving closer while she just bowed her head and watched her fingers. "Put the guitar down and talk to me, would you?"
Echo paused in her strumming and chanced a look up. Lukas was watching her with a bewildered and concerned expression, and it only made things worse.
But he deserved to know.
She put her guitar down and took his hand almost mechanically. It was as if she needed to be close to him while she destroyed his future. She hated herself for that.
"Lukas... The scan..." She looked down and gritted her teeth against tears. She would not cry.
"It's triplets."
Shock crashed through him as that word echoed through his head.
Triplets.