The recent chapter had Matt telling Juliet that he didn't want to meet Lana and that he was no longer going to go ahead with it.

Reading that at first instantly causes frustration as I know Lana will be devastated. She has spent so long searching for her parents after feeling rejected by them once due to them giving her up and now her dad is doing it again.

If I was in her shoes, I would be heartbroken and I think I would just shut off all contact from that point.

HOWEVER, I also understand it fully from Matt's point of view. He doesn't have any connection with Lana, at all. Sophie doesn't have much but it's a tiny bit easier for her as she carried Lana for 9 months and actually got to meet her when she was born. Matt never experienced that.

Yes, it was his own fault but now it just makes him very unsure about building a father-daughter relationship with a complete strangers.

He's probably scared of what it will be like and worried he won't be able to live up to expectations. Matt knows he will end up having to force a lot because right now, he doesn't feel any emotion towards the situation. Therefore, although it isn't great that he doesn't want to meet her, it may save her a lot of hurt.

I think Lucie deciding to tackle the situation this way in the story was such a good idea. It's so true and honest, rather than being like a fairytale where everything is happy.

In the real world, it wouldn't be easy and Matt probably wouldn't jump at the opportunity with open arms. One, because it's not like him and two, because he has never felt a connection with Lana, from the moment he found out that Sophie was pregnant.

Therefore, she has made this storyline so truthful to what it would really be like and what it would truly feel like. Matt was feeling pressured into doing something just because it was seen as 'right' not because he felt like it was the right thing for him.

The recent Harvey and Jess chapter made me so sad because it showed Harvey in a vulnerable position for the first time!

When it comes to him and Lottie, he is usually the one who is full of confidence and in a way, seems like he doesn't care all that much. However, in that chapter we got to see how much he does for the first time.

I think in Harvey's eyes, taking Lottie to the pier was a romantic gesture and one that ended up back firing on him. I think he was probably trying his hardest to impress her, maybe not realising that he doesn't have to put on an act to do that.

He probably thought going when they should be at school would have been exciting and she would have been impressed - which she was - but she would have enjoyed it just as much any other time.

I do think Harvey and Lottie are extremely different but for some reason, it all still seems to work. Harvey seems really comfortable around her and Lottie is beginning to feel that way too.

However, now that her dad has told her she can't hang around with him, I do think things will change between them.

I think by Lottie trying to turn Harvey away due to her dad's words, he won't try for that long. It won't be because he doesn't care but because he doesn't want to look stupid. So unless Lottie gives in to him quickly and ignores what she's been told, he will soon be back to his old self... which is sad.

In terms of the parents - I did feel sorry for Jess in that scene as you could tell how genuinely sad she was. She obviously knew she had to discipline Harvey but she couldn't help but feel sorry for him at the same time.

She knows her son and knows what he's like so being told by some other dad that your son is basically a troublemaker, isn't the greatest thing to hear.

I do think she dealt with it really well though and that both her and Jack will be good at making Harvey learn rather than just punishing him. They know he isn't an angel but they also know that he isn't helpless and he is capable of being a good guy, he's just lost his way with the pressures at school.

...

So considering they both are part of the Lana storyline, I thought now would be a great time to do a post dedicated to them and what we know about them so far.

Obviously Matt has always held a main part in the story but Todd has been in it the whole way through - mostly in relation to his friendship/relationship with Sophie. They have both influenced storylines in huge ways yet their own is still a bit of a mystery...


The Basics:

Todd (Michael) Russle

Age: 39

Occupation: Gang member/works for Sophie in fashion

Matt Russle

Age: 39

Occupation: Gang member

So we know these two are twins - obviously non-identical and there is always a big deal about twins being forever close etc but this never happened for them.

Something happened which caused them both to become huge enemies and a few things include -

1. The main event that we know about is when Todd slept with Matt's girlfriend Lara

HOWEVER -

The pair were already in separate gangs so they obviously got split up when they were younger and began to drift then.

We know Buddy had a lot to do with their parents death and that Buddy wanted to take Matt in. We don't know why he didn't take Todd but he ended up in a different gang and they became enemies.

2. Sophie/Matt/Todd situation 

We know that Sophie and Matt slept together/dated and had a child together. Obviously Sophie was very close to Todd so this could have annoyed him a lot and fueled his hatred for his brother even more.

It also could have annoyed Matt as Sophie was closer to Todd in the end and this wasn't the first time a girl had chosen Todd over him.

I think there has probably been a lot that contributed to their hatred to each other but I do believe, they were probably close before. I think too much happened in their life and everything ended up piling up. I do believe that them being separated into different gangs is what caused many of the problems and they were never able to come back from that.

Now, even though they hate each other and have their differences, they naturally have a lot in common.

1. Both gang members

2. Same taste in girls - e.g. Lara and Sophie

3. Both put on a strong front yet can be huge softies

4. They both just want to be apart of something and experience love

- this may not be as obvious but their actions show it.

Who would I trust more?

This is difficult because at the end of the day, I do think deep down they are both as genuine as each other. At first look, you'd probably think that Matt was more trustworthy just because he has lived a more 'normal' life. He has a family and wife etc... all of whom are easy to trust. However, I do think Todd is just as decent.

He works a normal job (which he is known to be amazing at) and when he is around Sophie, he seems completely normal. I think he just does stuff to kick up a fuss because he enjoys it. Although he may be dangerous, he has a gentle enough heart that he could be trusted too.


What to expect from the brothers?

I don't think they are going to be best friends anytime soon however I will not give up hope of them making up. Now that Lana is in the picture, she has probably given a greater chance for that to happen. Todd is looking out for her for Sophie's sake and this may lead to himself and Matt having reason to spend more time together.

I don't know for sure but I do hope that they do manage to get back on speaking terms without getting into raging arguments!

Now that they are both outgrowing the gang (sort of) and are more mature, it would be great to see them put their differences aside and get along.

So in the recent chapter there was a very intense and unusual scene for Jess and Jack - one that made me cry real tears!!

It was emotional and very far from what we're used to from them but the reason this happened was due to everything they are going through.

Jess and Jack have always been one of the most affectionate couples in the story - Jack is a romantic and has always expressed this in every way with Jess. HOWEVER, since she has been ill, it has obviously been tough on both of them.

That is why this scene was SO IMPORTANT.

It showed that something like this illness can really damage couples in all different ways.

Jack was scared of hurting Jess or making her condition worse. He was worried that if she overworked herself in any way that she may never get better. Yes, that was to the extreme but if the person you loved more than anything was in Jess' position, you can understand why Jack would jump to those conclusions.

On the other end, Jess hated the fact she was seen as incapable or fragile. Obviously her past as a gang member plays a huge part in this. She has never been seen as weak and is fully capable of holding her own. However, while ill there are limits to what she can do.

Jack wants to look after her but Jess doesn't want this. She is scared that Jack will end up being her carer and not husband which would eventually ruin the relationship they have.

Jack's distance made Jess very self-conscious which is something we rarely see from Jess. She began to question Jack's feelings for her, thinking that things had changed.

Jess thought that Jack no longer saw her in a sexual light and that the romantic relationship they had was turning into that more 'caring role' one.

Lucie aimed this chapter at the insecurities girls can feel (something that is going to be a theme in an upcoming chapter with the Juliet situation). She said that we all know the insecurities a girl can feel. They can be awful especially when you no longer feel attractive to someone you love or are romantically involved with. This was exactly what Jess was feeling.

Even though this was not the case, the signs he was giving off were making it seem this way to her. She already felt unattractive and not herself due to the illness so she was craving some affection and to put it openly - sexual attention from Jack! She wanted to feel like herself again and her relationship with Jack is a big part of this.

Obviously Jack very quickly made it clear to her that he did still feel the same way about her. He made it very clear that he wanted to prove that to her but obviously her recovery is getting in the way.

I know for sure that he will be able to give her all the reassurance she needs and things will get better between them however, I don't think Jess' insecurities will completely go away.

Jack can't constantly reassure Jess, that would be exhausting so it will take a lot of work on her part too. It will mean her battling with her own inner demons that have arisen with this illness and I think that will take some time.


Either way, I loved that chapter because it was so raw and honest. I think many girls (and guys) can relate to it - even if the exact situation isn't matched. We all have insecurities and a lot of us rely on other people to take these away. Even though it's incredibly unhealthy, we seek conformation from others and this can very quickly lead to a downward spiral of us believing things that may be very far from the truth.

The Lawrence Family Tree

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Here is the Carter Family Tree.

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So, here is the Lloyd (+more) Family Tree! 

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So this is going to become a regular thing! particular scenes/chapters/extra things that won't get posted on wattpad will be put here! They will be extra things lucie writes just for the fun of it, extra things to give you clues on things and also chapters that were going to get deleted as they were not going on wattpad.

so here is an extra scene of jack and aaron's messages!

...

Aaron: soph said jess is having the op soon. are you doing alright? 

Jack: yeah good man she's a bit nervous but all good

Aaron: you'll have her home soon. I bet the kids are excited

Jack: they are. they are driving each other crazy right now

Aaron: I'm sure soph has already spoke to Jess but let her know we're thinking of her

Jack: will do. When you both get your arses home you'll have to come over and cook us all dinner

Aaron: wow cheers Lawrence I'd love to 😂

Jack: I'll just take some of the credit

Aaron: I wouldn't expect anything else

Jack: how's NYC? 

Aaron: it's cool. Not really my thing but it's fine

Jack: basically you hate it

Aaron: being surrounded by well dressed stuck up rich people isn't that fun believe it or not

Jack: yeah soph is getting a bit big for her boots 😏

Aaron: ha ha 

Aaron: but nah she and the kids are enjoying it so I can put up with it

Jack: enjoying it too much?

Aaron: more than I thought the kids would yeah

Jack: you worried?

Aaron: I don't think so. I don't think soph would move back

Jack: even if the kids like it?

Aaron: I want to say no but there is probably a chance 

Jack: what about you?

Aaron: it's cool but I couldn't live here. Fuck no. 

Jack: a true Brighton boy lol

Aaron: exactly. Fuck I need the boys on my side for this one. V is swayed by anything soph loves

Jack: can't have you all ditching us. the kids and Jess would be gutted

Aaron: she hasn't given any hints that she's considering it so hopefully I'm safe lol

Jack: did you manage to make the move?

Aaron: if by move you mean propose again then no not yet

Jack: what are you playing at man? You've been there a week

Aaron: I know 😂 there just hasn't been a chance and there's been a lot of shit going on

Jack: with what?

Aaron: sophie throwing up constantly and this whole fucked up mess with Lana

Jack: oh right yeah

Aaron: I can't figure soph out sometimes she acts like she's fine but she's not present. and I have this feeling that if I did try and propose she wouldn't say yes anyway. her minds not there

Jack: why do you say that? I thought you guys were all over each other again

Aaron: It's not that I just don't know if she'd want to do that all again. You know what she's like

Jack: so you're not doing it in fear of getting rejected

Aaron: and in fear of it bringing stuff up I don't want to hear

Jack: like what?

Aaron: stuff like she never wants to get married again

Jack: why do you think she doesn't?

Aaron: because past ones have failed and she's stubborn

Aaron: she was engaged to that Max guy she met out here and that only ended because she had to move back to London

Jack: so you think she won't marry you because of that?

Aaron: I don't know

Jack: because surely you're then implying that she isn't over him and won't marry you because of that

Aaron: it's not that. It's just it's another failed engagement/marriage. She isn't big on the whole thing anyway

Jack: neither were you but surely when you love someone that much you'd want to do it

Aaron: I just don't want to be the idiot who gets turned down 

Jack: I don't think she'd say no Harris. You two sickos are disgustingly good together even after so many years apart. She's carrying your baby

Aaron: you're probably right she's just hard to read

Jack: as are all women which is why you have to just treat them to a night like they see in those shitty movies and they love you forever 

Aaron: this is why I always comes to you for advice Jack Lawrence 😂

Jack: 19 long years with one woman. i think i must be a pro

Aaron: or you just got lucky

Jack: next joke 

***

So here are the texts that were exchanged between Sophie and Matt as mentioned in a chapter by Sophie. There are hints in here to what happened all of those years ago and what it could all mean now??

Enjoy! ... or try to haha!

...

Matt: when are you meeting her?

Sophie: when I get home from New York

M: cool

M: this whole thing is fucked up

S: I know

M: I don't know what to do

M: is she definitely mine?

M: ?

M: ok you are ignoring me which means you're pissed 

S: it's been 17 years and you're still asking that question. Of course I am

M: it's not like you were just sleeping with me at the time

S: yes I was. 

M: that's hard to believe

S: great, thanks

M: what about my brother?

S: he was after I found out

M: Elliot?

S: too far before

M: anyone else?

S: nobody in the right time of the pregnancy. I worked out the dates 

M: you're sure?

S: I'm about to delete your number from my phone

M: you would never 😂

S: try me

M: ok I'm done asking

M: it's so fucked up and crazy to think she ended up coming back around. 

S: I know

M: if we had got together and kept her things would be so different 

S: don't make me want to throw up

M: charming 😂

S: I'm nauseous 

M: you'd have been lucky to have me

S: your brother was always better

M: fuck you

S: :)

M: now that makes me want to throw up. He doesn't compare 

S: yes he does

M: that's a fucking lie.

S: you're just jealous

M: of him? No way

S: of course because you hate him. I totally forgot

M: that's right I do

M: but I was always better

S: keep telling yourself that

M: just admit it

S: I was taught to never lie

M: so admit it then

S: todd was my favourite brother

M: bullshit.

S: you're still not over it? What a shame 

M: it's still fucked up that you went to him after

S: maybe 

M: *it was

S: I didn't exactly know you had fallen so deeply in love with me did I?

M: not love just 

S: love

M: like

S: okay sure we'll go with that

M: you won the most heartless award, probably even beating my brother

S: how was I to know a gang member could hold such feelings? And anyway, I wasn't going to force anything back... it makes me want to throw up remember

M: ha ha ha

M: but seriously do you think we should meet Lana together?

S: why?

M: I don't know because we're her parents it would make sense

S: I don't think so. it would be weird

M: how??

S: because we've spent the last 17 years wanting to create as much distance between each other as possible and now we're going to act like best friends? No thank you

M: I'd rather not do it on my own

S: you have Juliet

M: that's different

S: no it's not

M: can't we just arrange for the 3 of us to talk

S: nope! You're on your own, as am I

M: you're still just as frustrating as you've always been

S: don't worry, I won't ever change

M: good. Just meet her with me

S: no. Now stop texting me 

M: not until you agree

S: fuck off :)

M: you first

M: right I didn't mean that

M: you need to communicate with me about this

M: for fuck sake

To be continued....