Hearing his Dad whispering, Jeff desperately gets closer, wanting to know his dad secret with this guest.
"Everything was so perfect, she was worried when we left the restaurant and met the Wilsons. She sat at the front with me to avoid any misconceptions. It was the correct thing at the time because she was protecting Torren, that's all.
The evening was sensational. When they switched off the lights, I got worried thinking Torren might panic, but he was fine; it was Shawney who panicked."
"Was your guest angry with Torren, Dad?"
"Jeff stopped all the questions and tried to understand that there was no need for anyone to be angry. My concern right now is the child; she doesn't have any place to stay or any money, and her purse remains in the car."
Jeff knew his dad was worried, but still wanted to stir up trouble, "What sort of person have you invited into the house, Dad?"
Realising the slip of his tongue, he was angry with himself and Jeff, provoking questions. "Don't question me, young man. I invite whom I want into my house."
"Well, then, I hope you are happy. Candis and Travis are quarrelling because you invited her into this house. Now, Torren is back to square one, and the children are in a mood swing, and look now, this accident with Careen."
Train was aware of his rebellion and snapped without a second thought, "Shawney had nothing to do with anything that occurred. She is a very kind-hearted person, and she and Torren had a fabulous time at the restaurant.
"It was only when we met the Wilsons, and they asked about the children, that his behaviour changed.
If only you all were there, you wouldn't believe it was the same Torren, but then you all expected him to stay in the mental asylum forever?"
"Dad, you might think we don't care, but we do. When he gets sick, it affects all of us. and look at what is happening even now."
"Sometimes you all leave me to wonder how it is, a stranger could see the good qualities in him, and you, who he did so much for, can't even appreciate him.
He has always been there for each of you, and the way you all treat him breaks my heart. I don't want to imagine what will happen to him the day I close my eyes."
Jeff raised his voice angrily, "Dad, what nonsense you are spouting now?"
"It is not nonsense, Jeff, if we didn't meet those fools, Torren wouldn't be blaming himself, and we wouldn't have needed to call the Doctor so late."
"Dad tries to understand. Maybe Torren hearing about the children is good." Jeff spoke his mind, not holding back any longer.
"I know and understand what you are saying is true, but he needs time to come back to his right senses.
He has been so long in the hospital, he still needs time to adjust, and the change of scenery will help, but if you all treat him as a lunatic, he will remain one, and that is what this family needs to understand."
"Well, Dad, I just hope it is not going to take another two years for him to realise that the children are his and not Liz's?"
When the Doctor completed his examination with Careen and stitched the wound on her head, hearing him told Carl, "I need to do an ultrasound to ensure that the baby is okay and an X-ray on her neck."
Carl anxiously simmered down after receiving the news, "Okay, Doctor Brian, I will drive behind you."
"Carl, I don't want you moving her. I will call for an ambulance immediately. You just have to give them this report. The medic will know exactly how to move her."
Watching the Doctor leave, Train sends Jeff to see what damage was done to the car, seeing that Travis was about to leave. "Young man, come here, I need to speak with you."
When the house was quiet down Train decided to take a ride and get some fresh air. 'I needed to do some thinking.'
Returning, he was able to think more rationally and clearly. Setting aside his riding boots and coat.
Thinking, 'He could do with a stiff drink right about now, but right now is not the time.
Thank God, Careen is not badly hurt; also, Travis and Candis have mended their differences. The pep talk seems to work.
Torren hasn't awakened yet, and the child has not sent word of her whereabouts.
Jeff, on the other hand, might be the one to stir up some trouble.' Standing by the window with a cold glass of freshly squeezed orange juice and his cigar, 'Wondering, whose vehicle was that driving up the entrance?'
Whispering a silent prayer, "Oh God, I just hope it is the child," but as the car gets closer, he recognises the visitors.
Lifting his hand and praying, "Oh my God, please help me, I don't think I have the strength and charisma to entertain these people right now."
When the knock came, Jeff called out, "Dad, are you in there?"
Inhaling before responding casually, "Yes, Son, what is it?"
Stepping into the room, "Dad, Dalia's parents are here."
Pondering in his heart, 'I should have guessed the Wilsons would take the news of Torren and Shawney to them immediately. Thank God Shawney is not here, it is a blessing in disguise.'
Nipping the tip of the cigar, I heard Gretta coughing. Resting it on top of the space saver, "I must get rid of you permanently. Come to Papa, my Angel"
"Papa!" Gretta ran towards Train.
"Yes, honey, come to Papa.."
"Knack?"
"You want a snack?"
Seeing the nod, "I will get you a tea first, then we will eat a snack, Liz, fix my little Angel a tea for me and inform Mrs Louise we have company, and arrange some refreshments, please."
"Yes, Sir!"