Warning: This chapter is strong in imagery and graphic in nature. 

The silence that has fallen since Laurent asked if there was something in his past that perhaps was kept from him is deafening. By the look on Vera's face he can't help but wonder if there's something she knows only she isn't sure if she should tell him. On the other hand, he wonders if she's hurt by his inquiry. Laurent's had a great life because of Vera and Kent, and they've always given him a lot of love so he wants to assure her that his inquiry won't take away from the family he loves with everything in him so he stands up and walks over to her. She's still at the sink and she hasn't moved or said anything. Her eyes are lowered and when Laurent notices he gently places his hand on her shoulder...

Laurent: "Mom, I'm sorry if asking about this hurts you. You and Pop are the best. I wouldn't be where I am without you and I love you both more than anything. It's just...what if these dreams and visions keep coming back? I'll always have questions and wonder what they mean. That's why I have to know". 

Vera: "I understand, son. I just don't know what to tell you".

Laurent: "Are you sure? Or are you trying to protect me", he asks softly.

Vera slowly looks up at him and when Laurent sees the saddened look in her eyes he softly exhales then wraps her up in a hug...

Laurent: "I know you want to protect me. That's why you're such an amazing mom".

Vera: "Thank you son, and I love you too", she replies softly.

Laurent hugs her tighter then slowly lets go of her to look in her eyes...

Laurent: "I shouldn't have talked for this now. I'm sorry".

Vera: "Don't apologize my love. You know you can talk to me about anything, anytime. I guess I just wasn't expecting what you told me".

Laurent: "Yeah it shook me too, but we can talk for this some other time. It's family time so let's just enjoy it".

Vera: "I would love that sweetie".

Laurent: *smile* "What do you need me to do"?

Vera: *smile* "I told you it's all taken care of".

Laurent: *chuckles* "But I want to help".

Vera: *smile* "Well since you insist. You can fill the large pot over there with water and place it on the stove so it can come to a boil".

Laurent: *smile* "You're making your famous Caesar pasta salad that I love".

Vera: *smile and wink* "That's why I'm making it".

Laurent does whatever she asks then Chrissy arrives back from the store who puts the large salad together. When everything is prepared they notice they have a little over an hour before the gathering starts so they head for the living room to play a board game as a family while waiting for everyone to arrive. Laurent checks on Vera to make sure she's still ok as he can tell she was becoming emotional during their conversation. When he notices her smiling he knows she is ok so they continue to spend quality time together then enjoy the gathering. His Sunday consists of playing ball with Greg and also catching up on some rest. It was ultimately a great weekend...

~Monday~

It's been days since Larry got out and he's grateful that he had a place to rest his head at night though he's had to continue to sneak in as Katherine's talk with Michael trying to convince him to let Larry stay there was unsuccessful. He's managed to avoid noises that would have Michael searching the house again, but since he's off on the weekend Katherine gave Larry money for a hotel. He's been job searching every day and now dressed in a suit and tie, he stands in front of the hiring manager at a manufacturing company. Katherine saw an online ad and encouraged him to apply. He's nervous if he'll get it because of his record now so he nervously stands there as his application is reviewed. The longer the manager takes, the more his nerves increase. The manager's facial expression appeared to be neutral, at first, but now it's as if he's stuck on something. When he looks up and gives Larry a somewhat suspicious look he knows exactly what the sudden change in expression is about. In a flat tone, he thanks Larry for coming in, but they won't extend employment to him. Larry closes his eyes and slowly drops his head. It's quiet for several moments before Larry softly says, "oki" and without looking up he just turns around and leaves the office...

Across town, it's another busy Monday morning at Laurent's agency. He thought he would see the young lady from his late night house call, but she didn't show up. He just hopes she will come and see him if she does need help because he would love to help her. He had a few appointments but now it's time for the staff meeting so with a coffee and his laptop in tow, and his assistant alongside of him, they head for the large boardroom. What he loves and appreciates about his staff is that they're always on time and when he walks in he cheerfully greets them with good morning as they return a cheerful, "good morning sir". Laurent smiles as he tells him that he hopes they all had a great weekend and let's get started...

Laurent: "Oki. Before I get started with my presentation, is there any business that needs to be discussed"?

At that moment Laurent's research and development specialist, Tommy, speaks up...

Tommy: "Yes sir. I've been doing a lot of research and I discovered a neighborhood with a high homeless rate. It's about 30 minutes from here".

Laurent: "Oki so we need to go to that neighborhood to set up food and serve them".

Laurent briefly stops for a minute to pull out his phone to check something then looks back up at his staff...

Laurent: "The weather for this weekend is supposed to be sunny so is everyone available for a few hours Saturday? Say 12 to 4"?

After getting a "yes" from everyone Laurent continues...

Laurent: "Perfect and during that time we will make sure they know about our services. Gina, I need you to put together flyers that lists everything we offer".

Gina: "Yes sir".

Laurent: "Thank you, and Kara. I need you to contact the caterer and put together a menu. I would like there to be plenty of vegetables included".

Kara: "Yes sir and I think it will be a good idea to have a clothing drive set up there too for anyone who needs extra. I know I have some clothes I've been wanting to donate so if anyone else wants to contribute that would be great".

Laurent: "That's an excellent idea so we'll need a few tables to set the clothes on".

Kara: "I'll arrange that".

Laurent: "Oki and before we continue, I just want to thank you all for giving your free time to make this happen".

Laurent receives warm smiles and "you're welcome" replies with a sweet sentiment from Kara...

Kara: *smile* "No problem boss. It's what we do and I think I speak for everyone that if it takes some weekend time to do all we can then it's worth it".

Laurent: *smile* "I appreciate it and I want you all to know that your hard work and dedication to my mission for this agency doesn't go unnoticed".

Gina: *smile* "We appreciate you and we're all here because we believe in your mission".

Laurent places his hands over his heart then nods his head in full gratitude then...

Laurent: *smile* "Now please dress comfortably and let's make this a success, oki"?

With everyone in joyous agreement, Laurent moves on to the next thing on the agenda so he sets up his laptop for his presentation...

~meanwhile~

Larry has arrived at the office of the court liaison assigned to him. He's here to do as ordered by the judge which is provide an update on his job search. Larry is already feeling discouraged and has a feeling that being turned down for the manufacturing job set the tone for other interviews or if he'll have another. He's been waiting outside the office for several minutes when the door finally swings open and he sees someone else being walked out then their eyes meet and the officer asks, "are you Larry"? Larry nods as he quickly stands up then walks over to shake his hand as the officer introduces himself as Harold Rousseau then politely tells him to step inside his office and have a seat... 

Harold: "So, how's the job hunting"?

Larry: "I haven't been on many interviews, but the one I had before I came here turned me down".

Harold: "I see". *pause* "Well don't get discouraged. It will happen and that's why you were assigned to me because I will do as much as I can to help you".

Larry: "Thank you. I really appreciate it".

Harold: "You're welcome and I realize that finding something quickly is what you need, but is there also something specific you're looking for"?

Larry: "I really like to work with my hands. I've never been much of an office guy. That's why I wanted the manufacturing job I just interviewed for. I've also worked on cars before so I would love to get a job doing that".

Harold: "To get a job as a mechanic you will need certification".

Larry's voice turned a bit melancholy when he heard that and replies...

Larry: "I didn't know. I just learned everything I know from YouTube and it's all so easy".

Harold: "That's understandable. I think we've all learned something from YouTube, but certification doesn't require a long time of schooling. It's a trade job that typically takes two years to complete and become certified in. Perhaps you can look into places that offers this particular area of study".

Larry: "I don't know of any places like that".

Harold: "You can try the local community college or a social services agency. I'm sure they have answers to all the questions you may have if that's really what you want to do". 

Larry: "Yeah. I'll do that. Thank you".

Harold: "My pleasure. Now as you know we will meet every Monday, but if you find something before then you can stop by or call me. If I don't answer you can leave a message because I check my messages often so I will call you back promptly".

Larry: "I will, and thank you again for all your help".

Harold: "You're very welcome".

Harold extends his hand for a handshake then Larry leaves the office. He checks the time and realizes it will be 5 pm in a couple of hours. That's likely the time the administrative offices at the local community college will close, and since he has to take the subway, he wants to make sure he can get there in time...

*****

Once Larry arrived on campus he stopped a student to ask where he can inquire about the programs the college has to offer who directs him to the admissions office which is only a short distance away. Once inside he sees someone at the front desk being helped so he proceeds to wait, but out his peripheral he sees a stand full of pamphlets so he steps over to see if any of them is regarding the auto certification classes. He sees those and other areas he's interested in so he takes one of each. When he turns around and sees no one at the desk now he walks over to inquire about the program. He's disappointed when he hears that the next class doesn't start for a couple of months, but he's more than welcome to apply now. Larry agrees so he's directed to a small computer room with instructions on how to login and choose the application for his choice. When he has to fill out his demographics he has no choice but to put the only address he has which is that of his parents. He just tells himself to inform Katherine so she can be on the lookout for mail addressed to him that hopefully she will catch before Michael sees. It takes about ten minutes and now that the application is complete Larry breathes a sigh of relief because this process alone makes him feel as though he's on the right track to turning his life around. Now he just has to find something to do until it's safe to go home so he can get some sleep...

~evening~

It's 6 pm. Katherine is eating the dinner she prepared and across from her sits her husband who's going through his phone. She's been upset with him because of how he's treated Larry so she doesn't care to talk to him, but what she isn't aware of is that he's looking through the transactions in their joint account and sees a withdrawal of $200 recently so he instantly looks up at her...

Michael: "Why did you withdraw $200"?

Katherine: "What are you talking about"?

Michael: "You know what I'm talking about. I didn't take it out so you did. Now what was it for"?

Katherine doesn't respond. She just drops her utensils then picks up her glass of tea to take a sip...never returning eye contact with her husband. She gently places the glass down then picks up the utensils again and proceeds to cut into her steak when she hears...

Michael: "You gave it to him, didn't you"?

Katherine: "You know it's ok to call him our son. That's who he is".

Michael: "Just answer the question and stop getting smart with me".

Katherine blows out a frustrated sigh and looks angrily at him...

Katherine: "Yes I did. And"?

Michael: "You gave that troublemaker my money".

Katherine: *frustrated sigh* "Our son, and your money? I thought this was a marriage. A partnership. It's your money now"?

Michael: "I'm the one who works".

Katherine: "Because you insisted that I don't"!

Michael: "Lower your damn voice"!

Katherine jumps slightly then lowers her eyes. Moments later she looks back up at him...

Katherine: "You said he couldn't stay here and that's bad enough. You want him to go hungry or not have a roof over his head at all"?

Michael: "He made his choices".

Katherine: "Choice. You're treating him as if he's a serial criminal. He made one bad choice and you're going to punish him forever"?

Michael: "He's been a troublemaker since he was ten years old".

Katherine: "No he hasn't. He had typical behaviors a lot of kids have at that age. He isn't a bad person and he's never been a bad son".

Michael: "I disagree, but I'm not going to argue with you about this. He's an adult now and he can find his own way to get money for food and a roof over his head just as he did before he got himself put in that place. I don't want to see another withdrawal like this or you won't be able to get money at all".

Giving her no chance respond he stands up then storms off. Katherine has now lost her appetite completely at what just happened. She slowly stands up then takes the plates with the uneaten food to place in separate containers for storage then places the leftovers on the stove in containers as well. She hears the sound of the TV and becomes infuriated on the inside. When she walks into the living room she just watches the back of his head in anger before she walks towards the bedroom then slams the door once inside. She sits down on the bed and her anger immediately turns to sadness as she drops her face in her hands to have a good cry. How he can be so heartless towards their son is heartbreaking because Larry is truly trying to turn his life around. She hates that she allowed herself to become so dependent on him. If she had her own money she would help Larry far more than she's currently able to. It's at this moment she realizes she has to do something to become more independent so she can. She checks the time and notices that their usual time to go to bed is a few hours away, but being so emotionally drained she just gets changed into some bedclothes then gets under the sheets and goes to sleep...

*****

The hour is midnight. Larry arrived just a couple of hours ago and successfully came inside without a sound and went straight to the bedroom to get some shut eye so he can continue his job search the following day. He's been sleeping peacefully so he's unaware that since Michael discovered Katherine's help to him he's been wondering what else she's doing for him. He also discovered that one of his suits is missing and believes Katherine gave it to him for whatever reason. His mind also keeps going back to the night he knew he heard something only he was unable to figure out what the noise was, but he now realizes there was a reason she insisted he ignored it and go back to sleep. Katherine is sound asleep and he's been sitting up and looking down at her suspiciously. He's unable to sleep as he has so many thoughts about this. The suspicion is steadily growing and he has an impulse to check the guest bedroom so he gets out of bed and begins making his way down the hall. He stops in front of the room then places his hand on the doorknob and cautiously opens it. When he sees Larry his eyes squint in anger then he turns around and heads for the kitchen to swing open the cupboard and retrieve a large bowl to fill with cold water. He begins taking angry steps back to the room and now standing over a sleeping Larry he tips the bowl so the water pours on his face who wakes up in a panic. He then sees Michael and the rage in his eyes. Normally that look would intimidate Larry, but he's had it with him now...

Larry: "What did you do that for"?!

Michael: "What the hell are you doing in my house"?!

Larry: "What does it look like I'm doing"?!

Naturally, this woke Katherine up so she flipped the covers off of her and nervously runs to the bedroom. When she sees Larry soaking wet and the bowl still in Michael's hand...

Katherine: "Why did you do that"?!

Michael: "Why is he in my house"?!

Katherine: "This is his home too! Why can't he stay here"?!

Michael: "I told you why"! *looks at Larry* "Get out! Right now"!

Larry: "I don't have anywhere to go"!

Michael: "That's your problem"!

Larry doesn't immediately respond. He just glares at him then in a much calmer voice...

Larry: "What have I done to you? Why do you treat me like this"?

Michael returns the glare, and instead of answering the question...

Michael: "Just shut up and get out. I won't say it again".

He turns around to leave the room, but Larry won't accept that and he isn't going anywhere until he gets an answer. He gets out of bed and follows Michael to the living room with more to say...

Larry: "Ever since I was a kid you've treated me so badly and I don't get it".

Katherine: "He's right Michael. You have, but you can change. You can start by treating him better and being a loving father to him. You can do that by letting him stay here until he gets back on his feet".

Michael: "No. He hasn't changed. He's just as bad now as he was as a kid".

Larry: "Well maybe if you would have treated me like your son I wouldn't have been"!!

This infuriates Michael even more and he charges at Larry. They get into a scuffle and Katherine begins yelling at him to let Larry go. She then runs over and tries to stop him, but he pushes her so hard she falls to the floor. She bursts into tears and helplessly watches as they're having a full on fight and when Michael strikes Larry in the face she screams then using all her strength she gets up and rushes over to Larry who's about to get struck again when Katherine cries as she begs Michael to stop...

~meanwhile~

Laurent is tossing and turning in his sleep as he's hearing voices in his head screaming to the top of their lungs. He then shoots up in bed as he's now feeling pain and a warm sensation on his cheek. He's completely confused as he takes his hand to gently touch it. He turns the lamp on then flips the covers off of him to get up and go look in the mirror. When he doesn't see a bruise he's even more confused about what this dream means and why his cheek is on fire, but nothing's there. He walks back to the bed and sits on the edge of it for several moments...his eyes scrunched in confusion. But, having no idea about any of this he just turns the lamp off and gets back under the covers though he's finding it very difficult to go back to sleep. He wonders if this is somehow connected to the vision he had, but how? Without anything to go on he just closes his eyes and tries his best to go back to sleep...

*****

Katherine is still next to Larry, in tears, and observing the damage done to his face. She whispers she's sorry through her tears then she feels her arm being pulled so she's forced to stand to her feet. With a firm grip on her arm he glares at Larry and in a sharp voice, "how dare you speak to me like that in my home". Larry holds his cheek as he stands up...his eyes directly on Michael as he replies...

Larry: "I don't care if this is your home. It's true".

Michael: "I told you to shut up".

Larry continues to hold his cheek as they have a staring match. Michael then looks at Katherine and in a flat voice, "you told him he can stay here, so you tell him that he has to leave". She looks at him with wide eyes and her mouth falls open as she's about to protest until he yells, "tell him or we're getting a divorce"! She still doesn't respond so he yells, "tell him" prompting her to jump and burst into tears again. She then looks at Larry and says, "you...you have to go". His eyes go wide as he replies in disbelief and a broken voice, "mom". She just drops her head and breathes out, "I'm sorry". Still in disbelief, Larry looks at her for another second then solemnly walks to the bedroom to collect the small amount of belongings he has with tears in his eyes. He then makes his way to the front door and without looking back he just opens the door to walk out...softly shutting it behind him. He doesn't know where he's going so he just walks in whatever direction. Inside, Michael goes to the kitchen to retrieve a shot glass then sits down and pours a double shot of Hennessy. Katherine is still beside herself in tears and she ultimately backs up to a wall then slowly slides down. The moment she hits the floor she drops her face in her hands and cries even more...

*****

Larry has been crying non stop as he continues his walk. He's mentally and emotionally exhausted, and now physically exhausted to where he can't make another step. His face is still in pain and the tears running over the bruise make it worse. He's nervous about sleeping on the street as he doesn't know what could happen, but when he finds a secluded area that doesn't appear to have anyone else around he finds a corner next to a building then sits down and curls up. His mind drifts to what just happened and Katherine telling him he has to leave, but that isn't what hurt him as he doesn't want to live with Michael since he put his hands on him. It's the feeling that she won't reach out to help him because of Michael even after he put this bruise on his face. Now he has no choice but to go to a shelter, but it's really late so he isn't sure if he can get in so he rests his head against the building and closes his eyes to get some sleep...

---------------

A/N: Alright guys. Discussion time. Could Vera know about Laurent's life and she's been protecting him as he asked? Also, is Katherine telling Larry he had to leave because after all that she still doesn't want a divorce, she's dependent on Michael, or both? Sound off in the comments! Thanks for reading. :)