“What’s wrong?”
Creed shook his head, and Ridge stopped him from standing, “What’s wrong?”
Creed glared at him, “I just don’t think I should be here.”
“You were fine earlier.”
Creed sighed when Carol made her way over to him, and she put her hand on his gently, “What’s wrong, love?”
Creed fought to look away from her, but finally said, “I hated Ridge for so long that I didn’t want to make you be nice to me because he forgave me. I don’t want anyone’s pity.”
Carol cupped Creed’s face, “My sweet boy. Ridge told us a little of what happened to you, and I’m sorry you were put in that position, that you felt as if you had to be perfect when no one on this earth is. Your father shouldn’t have put that on your shoulders, that was so much weight for you to carry at such a young age.”
Creed looked at Carol, who smiled at him, “Put that weight down now. It’s okay. You are part of our family now, whether you want to be or not.”
Creed’s eyebrows drew together, “How can you be so kind to me? I tore Ridge and Kress apart for years because I hated him. I placed my anger, hurt and frustration on him. I blamed him for everything bad that happened to me.”
Carol nodded, “I know. That’s understandable. We don’t hate you. Ridge never has. He has always understood, letting you choose to hate him, so that you didn’t place the real blame on your father. You were probably taught to love your family. To accept what they gave you. To go along with it because you had to. You aren’t that boy anymore. You don’t have to worry about someone hurting you. Not here. Ridge forgave you, as do we. You are family now Creed. Our family. We protect our own.”
I watched as if something broke inside of Creed, and he leaned against Carol, sobs pouring from his body.
Tears leapt to my eyes, and I cried with my brother. I could feel arms come around me, and I saw it was Liam. Ridge was crouched in front of Creed, his hand on my brother’s back.
Carol held Creed tightly, and Patrick had his hand on Creed’s back with Ridge.
I could hear Ridge say, “I never needed to forgive you Creed. I never had a reason to hate you, and I knew eventually Kresslee would be mine. I never gave up on us.”
I watched as Creed looked at Ridge, “I never wanted to get in between you and Kresslee. I was so angry with dad, with everyone that I couldn’t see her being happy. Our dad fucked with my head so much that I knew I wasn’t ever meant for anything more, and I was jealous that Kresslee had found her future.”
Ridge stayed silent, and I pulled myself out of Liam’s arms, going to my brother, “Why didn’t you ever say anything?”
Creed looked away from me, “Because I knew I was being a jerk to keep you away from Ridge. I made that choice to hate him, to blame him for my problems, even though I knew full well it was all because of dad. Grandma never wanted me to blame dad, even though we all knew it was because of him we had the problems we had. No normal man would treat his children the way he did. I just chose to hate Ridge instead. I’m sorry.”
Ridge shook his head, “Creed, you were protecting yourself. I told you before, I’m not angry.”
Creed sighed, “You’re too good.”
Ridge chuckled, “I hope so.”
Creed looked over at me, “I’m sorry for keeping you apart. I really am.”
I reached out, touching Creed’s cheek, “I think what you did wasn’t selfish. You were protecting yourself, and while I hated being away from Ridge, we both grew up knowing we still wanted the other. We were able to have the careers we wanted; we were able to go to school, to grow up. I am glad I got to grow up with you at my side, and now I get you both. I love you, Creed. You are the best twin anyone could ever hope for.”
Creed stared at me, then slowly smiled, “I love you Kresslee.”
I hugged him, “No more of letting dad hang over us. He doesn’t have a say in our lives. Not in yours or mine. I won’t let him.”
Creed slowly nodded, “Okay.”
I let go of my brother, and Ridge hugged him next.
Creed hugged Ridge back, then hugged Carol, Patrick, and Liam.
Creed rubbed the back of his neck, “I’m so embarrassed.”
Carol winked at him, “No need to be embarrassed. You just had to work through some of your old trauma. Nothing that families can’t help with.”
Creed chuckled, and Ridge said, “Let’s eat. No more drama for tonight at least.”
