In the soft, sweet silence that surrounds them, Larry continues to comfort Laurent who has been quite down because of the turmoil his clients endure at the hands of husbands who are supposed to be loving and protecting, but instead are abusive and heartless. Larry finds it so admirable that Laurent feels so much for them. To go into the field of social work with the determination to help people shows how big his heart is and the more he thinks about it the tighter he holds him...and the closer he holds him. He's been resting his head on top of Laurent's as he pours his emotions out...softly sniffing in between tears prompting Larry to shed a few of his own. Now he's feeling Laurent raise his head so he raises his to look at him. Laurent is looking back at him with such sad eyes and a few dry tears so Larry takes his fingers to gently wipe them away all while keeping eye contact with him then in a soft voice...

Larry: "You have such a beautiful heart, Laurent. I love how much you care and how passionate you are about what you do".

Laurent: "Thank you. I can't imagine doing anything else". 

Larry gives him a small, sweet smile and slowly comes closer to Laurent's face to drop a soft kiss to his forehead...closing his eyes as he does so. Laurent's skin is so soft it takes him a minute to release the kiss, but he does then goes back to looking into his heart stopping eyes. Laurent is so touched by Larry's comfort that all he can do is gaze back at him. Eventually...

Larry: "Can I get you anything? Water or tea"?

Laurent: "Tea, please. Thank you".

Larry: *smile and wink* "Welcome".

Larry lets him go for the moment to get up and head for the kitchen. He puts a pot of water on the stove to bring to gentle boil. He retrieves a mug from the cupboard and places it on the counter then goes to the end of the kitchen to ask Laurent if he wants a small snack to go with his tea. When he politely declines he walks back into the kitchen and takes a piece of fruit out to eat while he waits for the water to come to a boil. It eventually does so he prepares the tea then carefully picks up the mug to take to Laurent. He whispers to him to be careful and as Laurent gently takes the mug from him he whispers a thank you. Larry sits down and finds himself saying what Laurent has said to him a couple of times when he's done something for Larry. He whispers, "anything for you" prompting Laurent to smile at him. He then begins blowing on the tea before taking a few sips. As he does Larry raises his hand to begin softly rubbing on his back in small, smooth circles as he asks, "does the tea help"? Laurent nods and replies, "yes" in a soft tone. He eventually looks back at Larry who knows that if he keeps gazing into Laurent's gorgeous eyes he will get lost in them so he turns his head to the envelope on the coffee table that contains the contact number for their birth mother...

Larry: "Wow", he whispers.

Laurent: "What", he whispers back.

Larry: "I just can't believe we have her number now".

Laurent: "I know. It seems so surreal".

Larry: "It does". *pause* "You nervous"?

Laurent: "I am. What do we say? How...how do we start the conversation"?

Larry: "I don't know, but maybe when we hear her voice it will be easier to talk to her". 

Laurent: *soft sigh* "I hope so. I thought finding her would take longer but it all came together so fast". *pause* "This envelope holds the answers to our lives".

Laurent putting it in that perspective makes this all the more real so Larry just stares at the envelope. He feels a bit of anxiety just as Laurent does, but they have to know. Laurent finishes his tea then places the mug on the coffee table. He joins Larry in staring at the envelope then they look at each other in sync. Larry ultimately nods at Laurent who takes that as a signal of the time being now so in sync again they look back at it. Laurent then slowly picks it up to open it but he hesitates for a moment because it was just as unbelievable as them getting their adoption records and finally learning of their birth parents names. Lorraine and Lysander and certain that they were named with the letter L just as Larry said. Seconds later he's pulling out a piece of paper. His eyes go straight to the phone number and his nerves increase...

Larry: "Do you want me to call", he asks softly.

*brief pause*

Laurent: "No that's oki. I'll do it. I just need a second".

Larry nods and after a few moments pass Laurent raises up to take his phone out of his pocket and begins dialing the number. Larry nervously watches him and his eyes also follow Laurent bringing the phone to his ear. Seconds pass so the phone is still ringing, but Larry can tell the moment she answers because Laurent's eyes widen. He hears her voice and his words are suddenly stuck. He hears "hello" for the second time and knows that if he doesn't say something she will hang up...

~phone call~

Laurent: "Um, is this Lorraine"?

Lorraine: "Yes it is".

*brief pause*

Laurent: "Lorraine Bourgeois"?

Lorraine: "Yes. Can I help you"?

Laurent: "This...." *clears throat* "...this is Laurent".

Silence instantly falls. On the other end of the phone Lorraine's eyes have also widened in shock and for a moment she's speechless...

Laurent: "Hello", he says softly.

Lorraine: "Yes I'm here". *pause* "Laurent. How are you", she asks sweetly.

Laurent: "I'm oki. Larry is with me".

Laurent can hear her softly gasp then waits for her to speak. When she does...

Lorraine: "So he's oki too".

Larry: "Yes he's fine".

*brief pause*

Lorraine: "I can't believe I'm hearing your voice".

Laurent: "I can't believe I'm hearing yours", he replies softly.

Lorraine: "I'd like to hear Larry's".

Laurent looks over at him and whispers that she wants to hear him. Larry softly nods so Laurent tells her that he'll put his phone on speaker, and it takes a minute, but Larry eventually speaks up...

Larry: "Hi". *pause* "It's Larry".

Lorraine instantly bursts into tears prompting Larry and Laurent to look at each other...tears building in their own eyes listening to her emotions. Laurent eventually pulls himself together and tells her...

Laurent: "We really want to meet you".

Lorraine: "Of course and soon".

Laurent quickly suggests a time, day and location they meet...

Laurent: "Tomorrow, 11 o'clock at the Le Bleu Diner. My treat".

Lorraine: "I'll be there and I can't wait".

Laurent: "We feel the same". *pause* "We'll see you tomorrow".

With that in place they release the call then Laurent looks over at Larry...

Larry: "This is really happening".

Laurent: "Yeah", he whispers.

Larry's eyes then move from the mesmerizing eyes that are Laurent's down to his hand to see that he's slightly trembling from nerves so he extends his hand to gently grab a hold of it then give it a light squeeze. Laurent sees the sweet gesture so he places his free hand over Larry's and it remains silent for several moments until Larry realizes it's the time they typically have dinner...

Larry: "Do you want to cook something for dinner together"?

Laurent: "Not tonight. There's a restaurant I want to take you to that's next to the fountain of rivers. After dinner I want us to take a walk by it since it's so beautiful at night".

Larry: "Oki. Let's go", he replies sweetly.

Laurent nods and tells him that he's going to get changed out of his work clothes so Larry waits for him. Minutes later they're out the door and on the way. Laurent's car is coasting smoothly along the street as Larry looks out the window at the beautiful scenery of Paris. When they arrive they're seated quickly and their orders don't take long to place. Most of their dinners include talking, but this is one of their more quiet ones as they're both still in shock that they not only have talked to their birth mother, they will also meet her tomorrow. They do converse a bit and share how much they're enjoying their entrees. Larry also makes Laurent smile with a few jokes since it's been such an emotional day for him. Laurent truly appreciates it and shares that appreciation with him then dinner is finished and they're ready to take that walk. Since Larry grew up in a different city he's never seen the fountain before, but understands why Laurent thought it would be a great place to end the day. It's a beautiful fountain. Statues surrounding the large, round structure while streams of water that shoot into the air and drop into the pool of water beneath it. The sky is also full of stars which makes it all the more gorgeous. Other people are visiting and enjoying the popular area too. Larry and Laurent begin their stroll where they begin discussing what may happen when they meet her, and just how much they might hear about the circumstances that led to them being removed from the home. Their walk comes to a stop and that's when Larry hears something that really touches his heart...

Laurent: "I just need her to know that she's understood. What she went through happens to so many women and I can only imagine how hard it was to not only go through it but watch us being taken away".

*brief pause*

Larry: "Yeah. Hearing her voice when she heard our voices tells me that us being taken wasn't what she wanted, but she couldn't control it".

Laurent: "That's what gets to me, but it sounds like she's doing much better and I can't wait to get to know her". 

Larry: "Me too", he replies softly.

Laurent was looking out into the beautiful fountain pool as they talked. Now he's turning his head to look at Larry. They gaze at each other for only a moment before Laurent wraps his arm around Larry's waist and pulls him in for a hug. Larry's arms don't waste a second wrapping around him and with the sound of the rippling water they merely hold each other. Their connection couldn't be more powerful in this moment. For Larry, there's something else to it and he finds himself gently lowering his nose to Laurent's shoulder, closing his eyes then quietly inhaling his intoxicating scent. He then turns his head and rests his cheek on that shoulder as he relishes in the powerful presence that is Laurent who ultimately whispers in Larry's ear, "let's go home". Larry raises his head to look at him tenderly and nod in agreement...

******

Since tomorrow is another work day, and Laurent's heart is still a bit heavy from seeing Marissa in his office with a black eye along with the look of sadness in her eyes, he just wanted to get in bed. He and Larry went into their rooms to get changed into their bedclothes, but before Larry got in his bed he decides to check on Laurent once more so he makes his way to his room. He gently knocks on his door and hears a soft, "come in" so he pushes the door open to see Laurent under the covers...

Larry: "I just wanted to make sure you're oki before I go to sleep".

Laurent: "Thank you. I'll feel much better after a good nights sleep".

Larry: "Oki. Good night".

Larry is expecting to hear the same, but instead he hears, "will you sleep with me tonight" and he turns around with semi wide eyes at Laurent's request. Laurent is gazing at him...waiting patiently for an answer and ultimately gets a soft, "yes" so he walks over to the other side of the bed...his eyes on Laurent as he gets under the cover. He turns his body towards him and in the sweetest tone Laurent tells him, "thank you" in which Larry whispers, "welcome". Now Larry is watching his eyes flutter a bit before finally closing and falling into a deep sleep. Laurent looked absolutely gorgeous under the moonlight at the fountain, but with his face relaxed...his eyes closed...words just can't describe. Larry whispers into the atmosphere, "be still, my heart" as it's definitely thumping in overdrive at the beautiful sight. After one more look at the sweet, caring entity before him he finally closes his eyes to get some sleep...

~the following afternoon~

This day isn't sunny, but it isn't cloudy with a forecast of rain. It is; however, a gloomy day. A gloomy atmosphere. Katherine woke up relieved to see Michael went to work and could only hope that it isn't another half day where he's home by 12 and questioning her every move if he discovers that she's gone again. She has some paperwork to complete for her new job that she will be starting soon and she arrived about fifteen minutes before the scheduled time. When she left the house she looked around her neighborhood that appeared to look normal so thinking nothing of it she got in her car and made the short drive to the accounting office that she's so ready to begin working in as it signifies what will be a new chapter in her life. She wasn't aware that Michael's car was parked and hidden behind another car on the street and shortly after she pulled off he started following her. He was far enough behind for her to not notice, but he was close enough to follow her to her destination. He saw her walk into an accounting office and suddenly it hits him as to why she came home several days ago in a business suit. She didn't go to an afternoon play with a friend as she told him. She's been searching for work. For her to not tell him about it means she isn't looking for a job for fulfillment. There's a specific reason and he's certain he knows what that reason is. She plans to leave him and needs money to do it, but he already has it in his mind that he won't let that happen. He sits inconspicuously in his car and the longer she is in there the more rage he feels inside. It then occurs to him that he needs proof because if he confronts her she will make up another lie or deny it. He decides that he will go in there and ask if she's an employee so he waits until he sees her walk out of the building. He watches with squinted eyes as she walks to her car and when she drives away with no indication that she saw him he gets out of the car and walks into the office. There's a receptionist who is just wrapping up a call. There's an associate behind her who unbeknownst to him is Maria, the lady Katherine interviewed with. When the receptionist asks how can she help him he goes right to it...

Michael: "I need to know if Katherine Auclair works here". 

The receptionist is about to answer him when they here Maria...

Maria: "We don't have an employee here by that name".

Naturally the receptionist is stunned because Katherine told her that she was here for new hire paperwork and even escorted her to the back so she squints confusingly at Maria who's being stared at by Michael...wondering why she was so quick to answer a question that wasn't asked to her. Little does he know Katherine already warned her about Michael and further explained he's the reason she needed the job. She also stressed how important it is he doesn't find out about it so Maria was told his name, but more importantly, shown a picture of what he looks like...

Michael: "I just saw her leave this building. She's my wife so I have the right to know if she works here".

Maria: "The lady that was in here was having trouble finding a consignment shop and came in to ask for help in locating it. Whether or not she's your wife is something I have no knowledge of".

Michael: "You're lying".

Maria: "Please leave sir. We can't help you".

Michael just glares at her for what feels like endless seconds but eventually turns around and leaves as directed. He knows in his gut she's lying and while he doesn't have proof he still believes he can get Katherine to confess looking for work behind his back. He will also make it clear that he doesn't appreciate her essentially warning Maria about him. That only makes him angrier and he storms to his car enraged. When he pulls off his tires screech as he drives in the direction of their home...

~meanwhile~

The time has arrived. Larry and Laurent will meet Lorraine. Naturally Lysander will come up and where he is now though they're understandably nervous about the answer and overall nervous to talk about him because of what he put their family through. They walk inside the restaurant and their eyes are darting around looking for her. When they don't see her they assume she hasn't arrived yet and are prepared for the hostess to return any minute to seat them. That's when they hear a, "hello" so they slowly look at each other then in sync they turn around, and there she is. As beautiful as they imagined. Their eyes are on her...too shocked to say anything at the moment while her eyes are darting between them. They've always been a part of her so she doesn't have to play the guessing game at who is who. It isn't long before tears are building in their eyes while looking at one another. She exhales as she can't hold back anymore so she wraps her arms around Larry and bursts into tears. Her crying prompting the tears in his eyes to roll down his cheek. She eventually lets him go to give Laurent a big hug who was already crying watching her and Larry embrace. They cry as they embrace each other and have to pry themselves away so they can finally sit down and have the long awaited talk. They begin wiping tears away as they turn around to see the hostess back now who's been deeply touched by the moment. Laurent wipes his eyes as he tells the hostess, "three, please" so she nods then grabs three menus and leads them to their table. Larry pulls her chair out in which she thanks him then he and Laurent position their chairs to where they're sitting next to each other so they can have full eye contact with her. Their server comes over to take their drink orders but Laurent tells him that they will hold off on ordering for now so he's told to just let the hostess know when they're ready and she will let him know to come back and take their orders. Laurent appreciates his professionalism and thanks him then puts his attention back on Lorraine. There are still a few tears falling from her eyes so she picks up the folded napkin to dab her eyes then looks back at them...

Lorraine: "You two are so handsome, but you were beautiful babies so of course you're handsome".

Laurent: "Thank you, and you're beautiful".

Lorraine: "Thank you. It feels like a dream sitting in front of you. Everyday I hoped it would be a reality, and now it is".

Larry: "It feels like a dream to us too".

Lorraine gives him a sweet smile, but also knows one of the reasons they asked to meet today...

Lorraine: "I know you have questions and I'm here to answer whatever they are".

*brief pause*

Laurent: "The file we got from the adoption agency listed domestic violence as the reason we were taken from you".

Lorraine: "Yes it was". *pause* "He was a wonderful man at first, but in the blink of an eye it all changed. He became possessive and controlling but by that point I was too scared and pregnant with the two of you to leave. I thought his behavior would change when you were born, but it didn't. It just got worse. Cops were called on several instances where I was encouraged to leave and I wanted to. I was just too afraid because of what he would do so child protective services finally took you. Right out of my arms. You both were crying and scared and all I wanted to do was hold onto you. I didn't want to give you up, but it wasn't about me. It was about what the two of you deserved. You deserved a stable home free from abuse. Money was also tight and you deserved more than what I could provide. We've been divorced for years now and it took several years of therapy and learning job skills to obtain one and support myself. I thought about you two constantly and even inquired about you, but I couldn't find out anything".

Laurent: "They wouldn't help us either. I had to get a lawyer to get the records".

Lorraine: "I'm glad you found me. I'm just sad you had to search for me at all. I wanted you both more than anything and really didn't want to lose you".

Her tears came back with a vengeance as she explained everything. Larry and Laurent looked at each other with the same thought...the visions they had of them screaming and crying was because of fear at what was happening around them. They look back at her and their hearts fill with sadness at her tears...

Laurent: "We know you didn't want to give us up".

Lorraine: *sniff* "No I didn't". *pause* "I just prayed that you two would end up with a great family and be close. Looking at the two of you now I can tell you did grow up with a great family and that you're very close".

Laurent: "We are close, but we didn't grow up together and believe it or not, we just met".

Larry: "The adoption agency separated us".

Lorraine: "What", she asks in despair.

Larry: "Yeah. They said it's easier to place one child because most families don't want to adopt two babies at once".

Lorraine: "So, they said no one wanted to adopt twins"?

Laurent: "We think someone would have, they just wanted to place all babies with someone right away so if that meant placing twins with separate families that's what they did".

Lorraine: "I can't believe that. You went years without knowing of each other because it was easier for them".

Laurent: "That's exactly what I said".

Lorraine: "That's so wrong". *pause* "But, you at least went to loving families didn't you"?

Larry: "My mom was good, but I was never close with my dad. Laurent went to a loving family with a great mom and dad".

Lorraine: "That's wonderful, Laurent". *looks at Larry* "I'm sorry about your dad. I'm sorry he wasn't what you needed him to be either".

Larry knows "either" was her saying he had two dads who failed him, and with that, she drops her head and is crying harder than before. Larry looks over at Laurent then back at her...his heart aching for her so he gets up and slides his chair around the table to sit next to her. He gently places his hand over hers and in a soft voice...

Larry: "It's not your fault. You did what you thought was best for us, and Laurent's family is my family now so I'm oki". *pause* "I think I speak for Laurent too when I say that now that we've found you, we would love to have a relationship with you".

Lorraine raises her head and looks at him...

Lorraine: "There's nothing I want more".

Larry gives her a smile as he whispers, "oki". She then looks over at Laurent and extends her free hand to him. He places his hand over hers and gives each of their hands a light squeeze. Now that the heavy part is over they decide to have lunch and spend the rest of the time getting to know each other more. They also shared a few laughs and when lunch was over they told her they will talk to her again very soon which she happily agreed. Hugs were also given then they went in separate directions. Laurent took Larry back home because he has to go back to work so he told him he'll see him tonight. Larry spent most of the afternoon relaxing but ultimately decided to take a dip in the pool. As he swims he reflects on what Lorraine said about her tumultuous marriage to Lysander which makes him think about Katherine and if she was abused, but growing up he never saw Michael raise a hand to her or even yelling at her for that matter so he can't help but think her marriage meant more to agree to kick him out. That's what's precluded him from calling her, but he does love her and admittedly, he misses her...

-----------

A/N: They finally met Lorraine to get some questions answered and it seems all be well going forward with her. Will Katherine successfully escape Michael? Sound off in the comments! Thanks for reading. :)