Episode 418
Heather paced around the hotel room knowing full well that she should be
taking advantage of the silence that had been suffocating her most of the
day, but with Kyle still out searching with Russ, she couldnt help but
find herself on edge. Shed tried distracting herself with Grady and
Deana, but after a while even that hadnt done the trick in making her
worry any less about her husband. She was beyond terrified about what Kyle
could encounter and she just wished he would check in.
Hell be alright. Hes always going to find his way back to
you, she heard an inner voice remind her although it was hard to be
convincing. Sure, maybe Kyle had always come out on top of things in the past,
but if he was in any kind of danger Heather wouldnt be able to live
with herself. He was so insistent upon helping his friends, yet none of them
truly understood what they could be up against.
And your spending all this time stewing over the issue is only going
to make matters worse, she reminded herself as she walked over to the
bed again. She took a seat contemplating sleep, but she knew better. It simply
wasnt happening. Still, perhaps she could keep busy another way.
Kellen, Heather blurted out before reaching for the phone and
dialing her friends number. If anyone out there could find a way to
distract Heather it was Kellen. Surely he would tell her some story about
Charles missing her like crazy or about some outrageous antic Kellen pulled
in the name of getting Kipp to be more easygoing.
Ill just talk to Kellen and
Heather stopped herself
when she heard the sound of Kellens peppy voice on the other end of
the line. However, just as she was going to greet him, she realized it was
his voice mail. Frowning she hung up the phone and huffed, Voice mail.
Shaking her head Heather dialed again and sat up straighter than before. Im
sure he just left his cell phone on the nightstand or perhaps he didnt
charge it enough.
Still just as Heather found herself anticipating getting Kellen on the line,
she was greeted by the sound of the answering machine. Groaning to herself
Heather listened to the recording before leaving a message of her own.
Kellen, its me. I was just checking in on you, Kipp and Charles.
Give me a call when you have a moment, she finished recording her message
before looking around the walls of the hotel room once again.
Thats it, Heather threw her hands up, I need some
air. Yes, air is a good thing.
Grabbing her purse and making sure her card key was inside of it, Heather
exited the hotel room and made her way to the elevators eager to find something
to keep her busy. Perhaps a trip to the hotels spa would do the trick,
or maybe getting a massage would ease some of the tension coursing through
her veins.
Anything has to be better than this, Heather decided as she stepped
off of the elevator and found herself face to face with Deana.
Wheres the fire? Deana questioned after Heather had practically
knocked her over. Did you hear something from Kyle?
Not yet, but I have to tell you if I stay in that room a moment longer,
Im going to lose my mind, Heather groaned outwardly. I need
some kind of means of unwinding.
I wouldnt suggest the bar, Deana wrinkled her nose at the
thought. It looks like they are having some kind of convention happening
here and when I walked by there were a bunch of sleaze bags ogling me.
What is it with men? Heather rolled her eyes. Doesnt
it ever get old for them?
If it did, well I think they would be dead, Deana admitted with
a shake of her head.
Still we could always go in there and snag a few free drinks,
Heather linked her arm in Deanas.
I dont think thats such a good idea, Deana began to
protest as Heather lead her towards the bar area.
Trust me its almost completely painless in this situation when
Heather stopped mid-movement as her green eyes fell upon the doors in front
of her. On second thought I have a better plan.
Heather where are you
. Deana questioned as she looked up
to see the hotels spa in front of them.
This is exactly what we need, Heather announced eagerly.
Well actually, I was on my way up to check in on Grady and
Deana started with an uneasiness in her tone.
Grady can wait, but this cant, Heather waved her hand dismissively.
Its my treat.
Well I dont know
I mean
Deana began again with
an uncertainty carrying over her.
Trust me. You havent lived unless youve tried a day at the
spa, Heather insisted as she dragged Deana through the oversized doors
in the hopes of forgetting about what was happening out beyond the hotel walls.
Of course what Heather didnt know is that with the new pair of eyes
upon the two women as they entered the spa, it only further proved the point
that you didnt have to go very far to find trouble. In fact, even though
both women were in need of a distraction, it was clear that danger was closer
than either anticipated. It was only a matter of time until everything came
crashing down around them.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
It just doesnt feel real, Sarah sighed snuggling into Douglass
chest as they lay together caught up in the thick mountain of blankets that
surrounded them. She felt his arm wrapped securely around her as she rested
her head on the center of his chest. Closing her eyes she could hear his heart
beating beneath her and she felt a sense of warmth carrying over her in knowing
that she wasnt alone at a time when she was dealing with the thought
of almost losing the best friend shed ever known. Shed stayed
at the hospital until visiting hours were over, long beyond what shed
anticipated, yet it didnt feel like it was enough. Douglas had coaxed
her into coming home and resting despite the fact that she knew that she wouldnt
be able to think about anything other than what Valerie did to her friend.
It just feels so wrong, she continued to explain reopening her
eyes and staring out towards the window now that an ache filled her inside.
She felt Douglas brush his fingertips over her spine gently before he kissed
the top of her head in a tender moment.
From what Ive seen with your friend, shes a fighter,
Douglas offered up with a supportive squeeze keeping his arm around her waist
as she lay over him. Theyll find that woman that did this to her
and then she will be punished for what shes done.
Its just
Sarah sighed feeling herself at a loss. She
pulled herself up on her elbows enough to glance up at him, a frustration
carrying over her, I dont understand. Why would she do something
so horrible to Blake? Blake is such a good person and she doesnt deserve
this.
Things happen that we simply cannot explain and this was one of those
instances, he confessed reaching out to touch her cheek gently, urging
her to meet his eyes, You have to have faith that your friend will pull
through this.
I know she will, but she wont have her child, Sarah felt
an uneasiness as she sank back over to her side of the bed. Resting her head
on her pillow, she placed her hand over her own abdomen, She wanted
to be a mother more than anything and last night that was stolen from her.
All you can do is be there for her and support her Sarah. Im sure
that with your concern and with Seths love, shell be able to move
past this tragedy, Douglas turned on his side seeing the upset carry
over her features. Silently he traced his index finger over her cheek before
leaning forward to offer up a small kiss on her lips. Sweetheart I know
if anyone can help her, its you.
Its just
she paused searching for the right words.
Reopening her eyes she gazed up at him again, I mean look at me. Ive
done so many miserable things. Ive hurt so many people and I dont
even want to be pregnant. It was just some fluke that I wish wouldnt
have complicated my life. Im not mother material, yet
Yet here you are with child and Blake has lost hers, he finished
for her seeing the guilt rush in over her features. Sarah, just because
youve been blessed with a miracle doesnt mean that you should
feel guilty for what you have. What happened to Blake was a horrible tragedy,
but you shouldnt blame yourself for it.
I shouldve stopped her. It just isnt fair, she replied
with a small scowl thinking about the scene that had haunted her all night
long. Doug you have no idea what it was like watching that car plow
her down. I can still see it in my head like its nothing
like she
was
like
Its alright, he reached out to her feeling her break into
tears. He sat up straighter pulling her in towards him and hugging her close
to him, Sarah, its going to be alright.
No its not Doug because she lost her dream last night, she
sniffled fighting to keep her emotions under control as she leaned on her
husband for support. She had everything she wanted well within her reach,
but that bitch stole it from her.
And shell pay. Im certain of it, Douglas paused thinking
about Blakes situation, Shes an Ashford which means that
this wont go ignored. No one crosses an Ashford and lives to tell the
tale.
You did, she blurted out catching the expression on his face.
She sat up straighter and eyed him intently, You stole Kipp from Zoë
and were able to walk away from the situation unscathed.
I made a deal with the devil to get my son and I would do it again in
a heartbeat, Douglas continued with a hollow tone, his eyes clouded
over with a distance that hadnt been there earlier. Nicholas proposed
the deal to me in his quest to uncomplicate things and I took it.
But you knew full well it was the last thing Zoë wanted for her
child, Sarah couldnt help but add thinking about the rumors shed
heard about her husband.
I did what I had to because opportunity presented itself, Douglas
tossed back at her in a cool tone. Im not going to praise my methods,
but at the same time I wasnt about to let complete strangers have my
son simply because Zoë couldnt handle the fact that our relationship
wasnt able to provide her with what she needed the most.
You mean you werent going to let the fact that you were married
get in the way of what you wanted, Sarah sat up straighter bringing
her fingers through her long, blonde hair before reaching for the blankets.
She brought them up over her bare skin before meeting his eyes again.
Nothing keeps me from what I want, he explained casting a glance
in her direction, which is one way in which we are the same Sarah. You
knew what you wanted and you went for it.
But I wouldnt cross the line into homicide to make it happen.
When I felt my grip on Kyle slipping out of my reach I would have never killed
Heather. I mean yeah okay so I wouldve liked to, but the worst I wanted
for her was for Cameron to make her go away--as in out of town go away,
Sarah added with a small frown bringing her legs up beneath her. She hugged
the sheet to her body and offered up a tiny shiver, Valerie crossed
a line that I wouldnt even cross for a man who didnt love her.
Valerie is ignorant and her actions only reaffirm that position,
Douglas shrugged his shoulders before glancing over at her again, She
made a fatal mistake in crossing an Ashford
You keep saying that, but you never explained how you got out of your
situation, Sarah replied giving him a curious look. I dont
see how you were able to be unscathed by what happened with Kipp.
If you must know, I suppose the best answer I could provide you with
is that Nicholas didnt make a move without some kind of back up,
Douglas paused before taking on a cryptic tone, Do you really believe
that Augustus wouldnt be aware of his childrens doings? That he
would be oblivious to the fact that his daughter was with child?
Are you saying that
Sarahs eyes widened at his suggestion.
Augustus isnt the innocent he likes to portray himself as being.
The old fool might pretend that hes turned over a new leaf, but the
fact to the matter remains that an old leopard will never truly change his
spots, he confessed reaching out to touch her cheek gently, The
fact to the matter is that when he found out that Zoë was about to tarnish
his reputation and name by being an unwed mother, well lets just say
that he wanted to make sure that the problem disappeared. He just didnt
want to get his hands dirty, which is where Nicholas stepped in.
Oh my
Sarah couldnt help but gasp thinking about Blakes
grandfather.
All in all it wound up working out for the best. Kipp had a good life
and I had my son, Douglas informed her with a proud smirk, Thats
what really matters because when it gets down to it my family is everything
to me.
Now thats something I never thought I would hear you say,
she couldnt help but blurt out thoughtlessly. I just mean that
That what? That because my children loathe me it means that I dont
care about them? he couldnt help but ask arching a curious brow.
What kind of monster do you take me for?
I dont. I mean its just
she stammered a bit
only to feel him press his index finger over her lips to silence her.
When I take to loving something I give it my all and nothing keeps me
from delivering on my promises, he whispered in a reassuring tone removing
his finger and leaning in to kiss her. I just expect the same in return.
Are you saying that youd like me to
she couldnt
help but ask seeing something behind his eyes threatening to emerge from beneath
the surface.
Id like you to do what it is you would prefer to be doing Sarah,
he whispered in response, his dark gaze dropping down to her kiss swelled
lips again.
Im insane for wanting what I want, she confessed in a shaky
tone attempting to quell the nervousness in the pit of her stomach. Still
as he sat beside her, his arms wrapped around her, she couldnt help
but arch up into him.
I always knew you were insane, so whats changed? he questioned
with a small amused smile.
This has, Sarah offered up sliding her fingers through his hair
and claiming his lips in a hungry kiss. She stroked the side of his face before
running her palm over his shoulder and pressing him back onto the blankets
again. She pulled back ever so slightly seeing the way that he was watching
her as she settled in over him. She reached for his hand bringing it to her
lips offering a series of erotic kisses over each digit before leaning forward
to capture his lips again.
Sarah, he spoke her name in a small whisper, something shifting
behind his eyes before he stiffened beneath her. He opened his mouth to say
something, to convey the thought in his head, but before he could follow through
on it the phone rang snapping him out of the moment. Perhaps we should
get that
Right now, she half questioned disappointment in her features.
It could be the hospital, he replied carefully sliding out from
beneath her off of the bed. He stepped across the room pulling the phone from
its base while thinking about the strange effect his wife was having
on him. Hello.
Douglas, good to know youre still alive because we have unfinished
business to take care of, the caller snarled into the phone causing
Douglas to feel a bout of agitation carry over him. I sincerely hope
that youre not trying to blow me off.
No, not at all. Would you hold for a second? he questioned setting
the phone on the table top and muting it before turning to Sarah. This
is a business call, but perhaps you should get ready. I can arrange for a
limo to take you over to the hospital to be with Blake if you would like.
Sarah nodded sliding out from underneath the sheet she was in, Yeah,
maybe thats a good idea.
I can make the call for you after this, he assured her giving
her one last look before turning away in fear that hed offered up any
kind of longing behind his eyes. While hed been in all of this for the
game, for the sheer thrill of driving Cameron crazy, after last night at the
hospital he was seeing a softer side of his wife--one that he hadnt
anticipated ever finding in someone so very cold hearted. He paused for a
moment hearing Sarah go into the bathroom and turn on the shower before he
reached for the phone again.
What do you want? Douglas questioned tightly thinking about the
veiled threats behind the beginning of the phone call.
My arent you in a good mood this morning, the caller chuckled
with amusement, I trust youve given my offer some thought and
youre ready to cooperate.
On the contrary, you and your offer can go straight to hell because
Im not going to take part in any of this, Douglas replied in a
strained tone, his thoughts lingering to the gamble he was about to take.
If you even think about going after my son, consider it the last move
you make.
You have no idea how foolish that position will be. I can destroy the
both of you and
the caller lashed out at Douglas once again, Do
you have any idea what something like this will do to your son or to you?
The humiliation you will endure and when he winds up in jail
Hell never see a day of jail time, Douglas replied in a
bold countermove. If you even think about pursuing it further, youll
be the one in need of saving.
Before the caller could reply Douglas hung up the phone determined to find
a way to fix the situation at hand before the man attempting to blackmail
him would do any kind of damage. Yes, Douglas had heard the story, thought
about what was on the table, but he refused to take part in something on this
level. JT had always managed to pull himself out of the water in the past
and given this current predicament Douglas was certain that JT would prosper
as well. Plus there was no proof in the validity of the callers claims.
Douglas hadnt heard anything about the situation that was presented
to him before recently. It could be an outrageous lie spun to take a chunk
of the fortune hed worked so very hard to acquire. However, if there
was some reason why the callers claim had any real substantiated evidence
backing it up, then Douglas would see full well that he took care of the situation
himself with JT one on one. That much he was certain of.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Seth sat in the drivers seat of his car knowing full well that he should
be somewhere else--that he should be back at the hospital beside Blake, but
as he kept his eyes glued on the bar in front of him, he couldnt help
but wonder why it was that no one had taken the time to answer the call hed
made to the police station from the payphone outside the bar. Hed practically
handed them Valerie, yet he hadnt seen any signs of anyone coming to
collect her after what shed done. It was if what shed done didnt
matter--as if his childs life didnt matter and it was in that
moment that Seth found himself thinking about the misery shed brought
into his life.
No more, Seth replied leaning over to open up the glove compartment.
His dark eyes glanced inside to discover the gun hed bought for Jade
after her attack. Hed told her to keep it with her when it seemed that
she needed protecting even when he wasnt around, yet shed refused
to do anything with it. Shed kept it locked up in a small, metal safe
refusing to give a second thought and there it sat until tonight. It wasnt
until Seth pulled out the safe and opened it up that he felt that he couldnt
leave without it.
Shes going to pay for what shes done, Seth vowed as
he glanced over at the door to the bar once again awaiting Valeries
exit. He stayed there for a long while before he spotted a cab waiting near
the back of the club. A few seconds later the bartender walked out with Valerie.
He whispered something in her ear before Valerie nodded and embraced him.
She soon slid into the backseat of the cab while the bartender circled around
to give the driver instructions. He pulled a few dollars out of his pocket
before stepping back while the cab took off.
Seth watched the bartender move back inside the bar before he started his
car up again. With his eyes glued on the cab as it took off, Seth vowed that
hed find a way for justice to finally find its way to seeing the
light of day. Valerie would pay for her crimes, he thought to himself. Putting
the car into gear he drove behind the cab tailing it to where it would leave
with Valerie. Then once she was away from the cab drivers protective
watch, he knew that he would make his move.
Seth stayed far enough behind the cab making sure that the driver didnt realize that he was being followed. While he wasnt quite sure what he was going to do, Seth knew he couldnt let Valerie get away. He couldnt just let her walk out of town as if shed done nothing wrong when shed murdered his child. He felt his fingers grip over the steering wheel, his frustrations mounting as he watched the cab pull into the back lot leading to the Cardinal hotel. He watched Valerie go inside before the cab drove off leaving her to alone to go inside. Pulling his car to the side, Seth parked it again and pulled open the glove box again thinking about what was inside. Reaching for the gun he took in a breath knowing full well that he would make sure that Valerie would never forget the price she had to pay for what shed done to his family!
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Are you sure you want to be seen with me after the stunt I pulled last
night? Evie questioned with wide eyes as she and JT strolled along the
beach with one another, taking in the coolness that had remained after the
previous evenings storm. I was pretty crazy in the mist of the
storm so I can understand if you want to pretend you dont know me.
So far the weather report looks good, so I think were in luck,
he teased reaching out to drape his arm around her waist and bring them to
a stop. He turned her towards him and pulled her in against his chest for
a kiss. So far so good, right?
You arent kidding, she slurred easing her arms around his
strong shoulders as he pulled her up off of her toes.
I could get very used to this, he sighed keeping her against him.
It might put a strain on you, she joked as he kept her in the
air.
Not this, he laughed lightly before leaning forward to drop a
tiny kiss upon the tip of her nose. I mean the whole loafing around
and living the life of pure indulgence.
The last time I checked you werent lavishing upon yourself too
much considering we dont even have Tivo at the beach house, she
wrinkled her nose at him.
Or a television, he reminded her with a sexy smirk, but
who needs those kind of trivial distractions when we have the sand and the
sun to explore?
And just what are we exploring today, she couldnt help but
question.
Wouldnt you like to know, he winked at her before maneuvering
her in his arms. A moment later he set her down on the ground. As she opened
her mouth to question him again, he bent down to hoist her up onto his back.
Where are we going? she asked keeping her arms around him as he
pretended to gallop across the sand.
In time you shall see, he mouthed cryptically as they moved along
the sand towards the main road.
Come on. Give me a hint, she pleaded bringing her chin on his
shoulder when she suddenly noticed the flashing lights ahead of them. Frowning
she felt JT stop moving and she questioned in a whisper, Whats
going on?
I dont know, he admitted as he looked at the scene before
them, but it doesnt appear to be a good thing.
It looks like there was an accident, she noted as she spotted
a car in an embankment. I wonder if that was from the storm.
Im not sure, JT felt her slide down off of his back, but
with these roads not all being paved I suppose anything is possible
Maybe we should rethink being out here, Evie suggested as she
watched the island police setting up the yellow tape around the crime scene
area.
Well just take a detour, JT promised her as he turned around
to face her fully. Plans can change for the better.
I dont think it was for the better for that person, she
motioned to the area beyond where they stood.
Id like to think that things arent as bad as they seem,
JT offered up before taking her hand in his, but right now I dont
want to think about that. Come on. Lets go get something to eat.
Sure, she nodded as Evie gave the overturned car one last look.
Although she had no idea what had happened, she realized that perhaps her
worries about the storm werent at all that foolish after all.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Kevin. Kevin, can you hear me? Rias voice beckoned him
from the darkness that surrounded him. He opened his dark eyes and found himself
searching for her voice, for the sound of her that carried over him.
Kevin, Im here, he felt the warmth of her palm press up
against his cheek gently, Im going to help you.
Ria, he stretched his arm out weakly needing to feel her beside
him. Turning his head ever so slightly he couldnt help but smile up
at her, Ria Im so sorry.
Kevin, you have nothing to be sorry for, she offered up with that
same warm, welcoming smile that always made him feel as though he was at home
in her arms. He leaned into her touch losing sight of the pain that carried
over him. Instead he focused on the way her fingers softly caressed his rough
cheek reminding him all over again of all the reasons why being alive mattered.
Closing his eyes for a brief moment he let out a long sigh, I should
have listened to you
should have
Shh, he felt her place her index finger over his lips to silence
his apology, Kevin, its okay. Youre safe now and were
going to get you home.
Ria I love you, Kevin mouthed looking up at her once again, I
love you so much and I dont ever want to lose you. Youre everything
to me. You have my heart and I know that I dont deserve you, but baby
I promise Ill be better. I swear that Ill stop being so weak if
you just promise youll never leave me.
Im not going anywhere Kevin. I swear to you that isnt going
to happen. We can be together now and have a family just like we talked about
before, she leaned forward her dark hair sweeping in over the side of
his face before her lips brushed up against his in the faintest of movements.
He closed his eyes again feeling a ripple of warmth beside him until it abruptly
faded out. He reopened his eyes again only to discover that he was still in
the darkness, still lost in the cavern without Ria--without hope.
Ria, he cried out in a low, pained tone. He felt a numbness carry
over him beyond the ache while he found himself freezing.
Kevin, Avery snapped out of the daze shed been in long enough
to see that hed awakened. She moved in closer to him bringing her hand
over his forehead, Can you hear me?
Wheres Ria? he questioned with a groan, Why did she
leave me? Why isnt she here?
Kevin, she never was here, Avery offered up seeing the agony that
swept over him. She ran her fingers through his thick, dark hair hating to
see him so very upset over the situation at hand. Kevin, you need to
focus
I want Ria, he admitted in a pained tone unable to take the weight
that was carrying over him any longer. He bit back on his words, but there
were no hiding the tears that followed his declaration, I need to be
with her. I need her to know that Im sorry
Kevin, she knows
Avery whispered soothingly stroking his
face in a feathery light movement while reaching out to his head again. Shed
used a piece of her fragmented t-shirt in an attempt to cool him down after
shed dipped it in the small water pool, but he was still burning up.
Even now she couldnt get over how hot he truly was. His fever had to
be above the charts in terms of what was happening with him.
Avery glanced over at his leg thinking about how shed tended to that
as well, but it still looked horrible. She didnt believe that hed
been injured in a place that would be an immediate threat to his life, but
the longer he lay in this musty place unattended to, the more she knew his
chances for a full recovery would go downhill. She could see his eyes clouded
over with regret and pain, but she refused to let him give up.
I shouldve stayed with her--shouldve let the police take
care of finding Angie. I shouldve let her know how much she means to
me. Should have
Kevin stammered his words escaping from his lips
in a low, whimpering exhale. His eyes clouded over and a groan swept over
him, I should have let her know how much I love her.
You still will be able to do that Kevin, Avery promised seeing
the despair behind his eyes. Trust me when I tell you that were
going to get out of this.
Im not so sure anymore Avery, Kevin admitted weakly thinking
about the ache that had carried over him, and maybe thats my fault.
Ive done so many horrible things that maybe this is karma coming back
to get me. I never, ever shouldve behaved the way that I did and
Kevin stop, Avery cut him off abruptly bringing her finger over
his lips to silence him, Were going to get out of here.
Im so sorry Avery, his words buzzed against her lips as
his dark eyes met hers again, for every complication I brought into
your life
for taking you away from Russ and Erin when we started this
and
And were going to get out of here Kevin. We will find a way,
she promised hoping like hell that was the truth now that it seemed that theyd
found themselves caught up in a position that neither one of them anticipated
being in. Her dark eyes fell upon the closed entrance to the cavern again
and she just prayed that she would be able to find a way to make it out of
there before it was too late for Kevin.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Honey, may I speak with you a second?" Chase moved out of the
bathroom and toward his father and his girlfriend that were sitting on the
couch together talking about something. This is really important.
Really? Cant think of what can be this important, Trisha
bit down on her words seeing the way that Chases blue eyes widened before
nodding slowly. Your father just got here though.
Im sure he doesnt mind, Chase spoke up seeing the
way that his father stared out at him almost knowing that something was wrong
while he talked to his girlfriend trying to hide something. This is kind
of important.
Again, I think it could wait, Trisha almost hissed back watching
Chase shrug his shoulders and nod his head toward the bathroom. The truth
was, she didnt want to know what the test said. The answer feared her
and she wasnt ready for it. Even if Chase was ready for the answer,
she wasnt. This was her body, not his and she wanted to wait for the
answer. Looking on the expression he had, she knew that he didnt want
to wait any longer. She had to get this done. For him and for her. More than
anything, she wanted this out of the way. Something had a fear in her though
that maybe this wasnt out of the way and it wouldnt be good news.
I guess well be back in a minute Joseph. We have something we
have to check.
Is everything okay?" Joseph questioned looking to his son seeing
him nod slowly as he felt Trisha press a kiss against his cheek and he nodded
slowly. Ill just wait here for the both of you. If you need me
for
anything, just let me know.
Well be right back dad, dont worry, Chase wrapped
his arm around Trishas shoulders and led her toward the back near the
bathroom. There was a noticing glare that she was giving him and he shrugged
his shoulders before taking in a deep breath. I think its necessary
that we find out quicker rather than later.
I know, but you are acting kind of obvious and
, she paused
knowing that he was waiting impatiently for her to tell him what she started.
Kicking at the floor a bit, she looked to the bathroom and shook her head
slowly. I really dont want to find out Chase. Im scared.
Scared for what?" he seemed to be confused with any reason as to
why she might be scared about something like this. To him, this was something
beautiful and natural so he couldnt quite seem to see where she was
coming from. Why honey?"
Because, Im not ready for this Chase, she informed him with
a sigh knowing that now was not the time to be talking about this. If she
was pregnant, this should be what she deserved and what she got. It was her
that made the decisions she did and if she was pregnant she wasnt going
to blame the child. Alright, lets just get this done with.
Alright, he nodded following her into the bathroom to see that
the test was waiting to be read and he looked around for the box seeing her
dark eyes looking back at him. What does it say?"
I dont know, I need the box to tell, she answered seeing
him pushing a few things around before finding it underneath one of the towels
and he handed it to her. Looking it over carefully she gulped down reading
it over. So, what does the test say?"
The digital thing has a plus, Chase explained squinting his eyes
to try and read what the little black line was and he showed her to make sure
that it was what he said. So
what does that mean.
Well
, she read the box over carefully and took in a shallow
breath before dropping the box and moving over toward the bathtub to sit down
on the edge of it. Im
pregnant.
Seriously?" Chase moved for the box seeing her hand him over the
test and he looked down to see thats exactly how the test had come out
in the end. Gulping down, a smirk pressed in over his lips and he shrugged
his shoulders. Honey, this is absolutely great. You are pregnant. This
is amazing.
Yeah, amazing, Trisha simply sighed before shaking her head slowly. Chase seemed to be excited, but right now she didnt know how to react or feel. Right now, it was a bad feeling so she had to think things over. Maybe. I guess so.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pacing for a moment, Don walked back and forth knowing that now as he was
looking down at his phone in the hospital, Shannon had called him over at
least fifty times. That was only what his visual memory was showing him too.
It could have been more and he was almost afraid to listen to his messages
from Shannon. In fact, he wasnt going to listen to his messages. He
as just going to call her and hope for the best. It was evident that she would
be pissed off at him, but he never figured this much along the way. What he
was doing seemed kind of like it would be expected from any good friend even
if Shannon hated Brant.
Come on Don, just call her and tell her everything thats been
going on, he sighed looking down the hallway to find something maybe
to distract him for just a couple of more minutes. When all he came across
was the woman passing out food from the cart, he knew that he had to call
her. Eventually he had to get it done anyways. Even though he wanted to somehow
drift it out until he got home, but then he knew the first thing he would
be receiving was a swift kick to the groin. So instead of that kind of pain,
he could use just a headache for now. If maybe he explained to her everything
that happened, she would understand. Come on Don. Be a man.
Whispering a few words of insurance to himself that everything that was going
to be okay when he called Shannon. That somehow this would work out just fine
and he was hoping that would be the case. Sighing to himself he dialed her
number and waited as the call tone continued. The song felt like it went on
forever before she actually answered.
Shannon! Honey, how are you doing today?" Don bit down on his bottom
lip getting ready for the screaming of a lifetime, but moments passed where
there was just silence. Opening his eyes, he felt less tense as he sighed
in deeply. Honey?"
Why the hell are you calling me now? After this long, she blurted
out and he knew that his hopes on her actually being sweet and having her
missing him was now over. She was pissed and that was what the silence was
about. Do you know how many times Ive called you? That makes it
worse considering I didnt even want you to go on this little escapade
of yours with Brant. Im sure it went just as well as the two of you
assumed, right?"
Honey, some things have happened in the time of me being here and they
are kind of big, Don explained knowing that by the sigh that was over
the phone, she wasnt going to listen to him no matter what he said.
Shannon, we found Angie and a lot of bad things have happened so I would
appreciate it if you would listen to me and not bitch me out for something.
Bitch you out? Ive tried calling you multiple times. You never
answered, not once, she blurted out knowing that he even answered for
Nate and Matt during the time period, but never her. You are full of
shit if you say you cant answer your phone once for me.
To be serious with you honey, Ive slept maybe a good hour since
being here and Ive really done nothing that is in a normal day for me.
Ive been in a car that blew up, I was covered in disgust muck because
of it. Angie was kid knapped and we had to save her, plus--now Kevin is missing
and Kevin is one of my good friends too and I have a friend thats been
gone for quite some time, Don hissed hearing silence on the other end
as he ran his fingers over his forehead and he shook his head slowly at the
thoughts escaping his mind. Ive been in some kind of crazy, real
life reality action movie and Im sick of it. I dont know where
my friend is, I just got one back, my best friend almost died and I had to
help Angela give birth to her babies so if you could back the hell off I would
surely appreciate it. My life has been a lot more hectic than yours and I
can tell you thats for damn sure right now.
Well how the hell am I supposed to know that. It all sounds bogus to
me, Shannon insisted hearing Don groan on the other end and she tossed
her hands up in the air while speaking with him. What am I supposed
to think Don, youve been gone for a long time.
You are supposed to trust me, thats what you are supposed to do,
Don hissed over the phone before smirking to himself knowing that Shannon
would be just like this right now and he wasnt ready to take it. Im
sorry I pissed you off, but honestly we have a mad man running outside somewhere
and he could hurt someone and I shouldnt even be caring enough to call
you because my friend is missing, but I am. My friends are in the hospital
and yet I decided to call you. Call me later if you even get the brains to
be nice and want to be caring.
Hanging up the phone he almost couldnt believe he spoke to her like
that, but it was good for once for him to do that. Right now he was going
to go check on the twins since he promised Brant and Angela that he would
do that and thats what he was planning.
Turning off his cell phone, he knew that nothing good would come from Shannon
trying to call him right now other than her wanting to fight and he wasnt
going to take that right now. Not at all. This was about helping his friends
and if his wife had a problem with it, then she was going to have to wait
because his life with her in it was on hold right now. There was nothing more
he could do to make her less upset. She was just going to have to live
with it
for now.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Oh God, Ken muttered to himself after standing in the hallway
alone by himself for a few moments. Everything was settling in, the thoughts
and memories of seeing his sister like this and it was tearing away more at
him. The more time he spent by himself, the more he realized that this was
the last possible thing he ever wanted for his sister and the moment that
she needed him the most, he was gone. He was gone because he was fed
up with his family and left her. She wasnt one of the people in
his life that was hurting him, but he left her anyways. Not caring. What
were you thinking?"
He had sunk low in his life before, but never like this. Never to the point
where he couldnt be there for his little sister in the time she needed
him the most. Not only was he not there for her, but he was In a complete
other country wanting nothing to do with his family.
Kenneth?" Ken looked up to see his grandfather standing over him
and looking down at him from where he sat on the floor after thinking his
life over. Augustuss eyes seemed to drift over him as Ken looked back
down toward the floor letting out a tight breath. Whats wrong?"
Everything. Blake is in there hurt and this could have been prevented.
This wouldnt have happened if our family would have just stood together
better, Ken answered seeing the way that Augustus gave him a sideways
glance and he nodded slowly. There was no way from hiding the truth, their
family was terrible and it was obvious from the very beginning. Our
family is weak. This would have never happened to her if we could have just
been there for her. I should have never left. I should have never left the
house when she needed me.
You couldnt have known something like this was going to happen
Kenneth. Its not your fault, Augustus tried to push the topic
seeing the way that Ken shook his head and he knew that his grandson was being
a little hard on himself. The best way to look at it is to see that
Blake is going to be alright. Even if our family isnt strongly bonded,
we always come back from the things that knock us down. We cant sit
down and let the little things knock us back, we always bounce back. Through
history, that has been proven.
This isnt history, this is something that could tear this family
apart. Blake is hurt in there and hardly any of us can come together to actually
care for her like she needs to be, Ken stated in response moving toward
the door of the room to look inside. Shaking his head he knew that this was
part his familys fault for anything that happened to her. Maybe it was
karma on the receiving end of the wrong person. That had to be it. This
isnt the strength of a family. Its just going to tear everything
apart.
It will only happen if you suggest such a thing, if you let your mind
at ease it wont go that far. You have to think that your heart is strong
enough to move past a situation like this, Augustus suggested placing
his hand over his grandsons shoulder hearing his deep breaths fill the
air and he knew that it wasnt working. I told myself a long time
ago that I would keep this family together once something bad happened. It
tore the family apart in so many ways, but I vowed I would never let it happen
again.
Well its happening again, Ken turned on his heel to stare
out at Augustus and he threw his hands up in the air not caring about anything
other than his sister behind hurt right now. Plus, I bet how you took
care of it then, wont work so much now.
You could say that again, Ken turned to see Rex standing next
to him in the hallway as he pulled his hat off his head and Ken gulped down.
Looking to Augustus he could see that he had some kind of questionable look
behind his eyes and Ken knew something was up. His way of handling things
isnt all that good at all. Isnt that right daddy?"
As Augustus stared between both Ken and Rex he knew that possibly his pep
talk wouldnt work after all. Now that things were changing when Rex
showed up. That wasn't something he was expecting to happen. At all. Now the
things on the plate were up for grabs as to whether his idea would work out for
good or not.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
I dont mean to sound like a downer here Chase, but how the hell
is this a good thing?" Trisha blurted out seeing the look in Chases
eyes as the blue in his eyes almost made him look innocent while he stared
at her blankly. While she wanted to be excited about the situation, she couldnt
find herself happy about it at all. This wasnt right, the situation
and timing was all wrong. Im too young and so are you. The timing
on this was horrible.
How do you figure? People are having babies all the time at our age,
he moved forward to wrap his arms around her spinning her around before letting
out a tight laugh. Were going to have a baby Trisha. Be happy
about it.
But I cant be Chase, there are so many things that are keeping
me from being happy. We both dont make enough money to take care of
a baby, Im hardly even an adult and we can hardly take care of ourselves
let alone a baby, she pointed knowing that maybe she was thinking too
much about the situation, but a baby was the last thing they needed right
now. The idea sent chills up her body knowing that she was pregnant and she
once figured something like this was going to happen. If she kept screwing
around with no worries and now her worries ended because she screwed around
too much. Im so not ready for this Chase.
We have months to get ready for this. Ill get a new job and we
can work on everything, I promise you, he tried to whisper promises
only to see that she was still very unsure of everything and he let out a
tight breath. Come on Trisha, we can change. People have changed
in worse situations. This can work, we can make it work. You and I. Were
a great couple and we can get around something like this. Its a part
of me and you. How can that be bad?"
Honey, I love you so much, but this is insane, she informed him
biting down on her bottom lip knowing that he seemed happier than ever and the
idea for her made her depressed as can be. Im sorry, but I dont
even want to think about how this is going to effect our lives. My mother
still thinks Im a virgin you know.
We can work on our relationship skills later, he hushed her placing
his index finger over her lips while her brown eyes eyed him over carefully.
A smile pressed in over his lips as he rubbed his nose against hers while
cupping her face in his hands. I love you Trisha Merhan and with love
you can do anything. Well work it out.
Alright, was all she could simply say while nodding and reaching
to trace his masculine features tenderly. He was happy and thats what
mattered to her. Over a period of time, she would be happy too. Well, at least
she hoped so. Well, we will work with it over time, but you have to
promise me that you will try and keep this secret. We cant go around
telling everyone yet, we need to work things out first. Try and learn more
about the situation we are in instead of jumping right into it. Okay?"
Okay, Chase simply answered before grabbing a hold of her hand
pulling her back out into the living room with his father knowing that he
was trying to make the best of the situation with what the had. His face felt
it was like about the burst with the information he was holding within and
he looked over at her. He knew that she didnt want him to say a word,
but it was just too good to pass up. There was no helping it. Hey dad.
Are the two of you alright?" Joseph stood up from where he was
seeing the look that seemed to press in over Trishas face, but the look
on Chases looked to be even better. Are you two okay?"
Youre going to be a grandfather! Chase boasted seeing the
look that pressed in over his fathers face as he jumped forward to hug
his father in his arms hearing him laugh with happiness behind his voice.
Isnt that great?"
Im going to be a grandfather? Congratulations you two, Joseph
moved forward to hug Trisha who seemed a bit hesitant before hugging him in
her arms tightly and he pressed a loving kiss against her cheek. Do
you know what the gender is going to be yet?"
No, we just found out, Trisha somewhat nudged Chase in the ribs
hearing him yelp a bit, but tried to hide it from his father who almost seemed
like he could tell that something was going on and something was up. I
think its a bit too early to tell.
But once we find out, you will be the first one to know, Chase
reached out to snake his arm around Trishas shoulders to hug her in
closer to him with a smile. Pressing a kiss against her temple he shrugged
his shoulders and spoke up once again. Well, besides the two of us of
course.
This is perfect news, Joseph smiled looking between his son and
his girlfriend before boasting proudly. I think this sounds like it
could be up for a great celebration.
Trisha glared up at Chase who seemed to just not care. He wasnt upset
about any of this and in fact she realized that this was never going to stay
secret. He was too excited.
What made things worse was that she wasnt. Was she supposed to be acting
like this? Over exaggerative? This wasnt how she felt and it caused
a bit of guilt in her beyond the rage. Chase was excited and she was left
being worried and depressed about the issue. This wasnt going to be
at all what she thought it would have been.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Moving out into the hospital waiting room after a very long time, Sarah stretched
out and looked over toward the waiting area of grouped together people. Spotting
Kellen and Kipp still in the crowd, she moved forward and stood before them
folding her arms out in front of her.
Hey, how is Blake doing?" Kipped looked up nudging Kellen somewhat
awake after he had drifted off for a moment and he suddenly awoke. For the
longest time he was muttering about how much he was worried about Blake and
how he wished someone would give him some kind of information. Now he could
get it and maybe by the time he wanted to rest, he could have Kellen calmer
about the situation at hand. Though, Sarah seemed to be silent and glaring
somewhat down at Kellen. Sarah?"
I cant believe the both of you are still here, Sarah snarled
seeing Kellens blue eyes glare up at her while his jaw tightened and
he noticed the venom behind her voice when she spoke to him. I thought
you two would be seeing that you are overstaying your welcome by now.
What the hell is that supposed to mean?" Kellen snarled standing
up and he felt Kipp tugging on his pants a bit to get him to calm down as
he moved in closer to Sarah noticing the snarl she gave right back. Why
are you being a bitch here, of all places?"
I called you to be nice, I didnt think you would be this pathetic
and camp out right in the hospital here, she snickered seeing Kellen
gulp down and she saw the anger behind his eyes as he stared down at her.
You should go home before you look any more pathetic Kellen. Its
people like you that made this happen to Blake anyways.
One, I cant believe you are pulling something like this on me
when Blake is back there hurt, Kellen grabbed a firm hold of Sarahs
shoulder pulling her back to him once she tried to walk away and he growled
behind each word he spoke. I dont know whats wrong with
you, but what is that supposed to mean? I love Blake, shes one of my
good friends.
Oh yeah?" she arched her eyebrow up pushing into his chest seeing
the way that Kellen glared down at her as she moved in closer to him and shrugged
her shoulders. Valerie was a jealous bitch just like you are Kellen.
Shes just like you and shes the one that hurt Blake. So in my
eyes
Dont even start to say something like that you bitch, Kellen
moved forward to only feel Kipp push him back and he gulped down pointing
out at Sarah seeing her roll her eyes. Dont you and your husband
have someone to torture today or something because Im sure there are
plenty of people you would like to do that too. I would suggest Kyle, but
I know he left the area with his wife. You know, your sister. The one he really
loves.
Screw off Kellen, she went to turn away from him before thinking
twice and turning toward him. The only reason you are here right now
is for some type of credit so you can go around whining to everyone about
how your friend is hurt and we know Seth nor Blake means nothing to you.
Now thats enough, Kipp hissed seeing the smirk that pressed
in over Sarahs lips after her comment toward Kellen. Kellen tried to
move forward and Kipp knew that Kellen wasnt afraid to attack a woman
and by the look in his eyes he was just about there. You really need
to stop because you know just as well as I do that we are friends with the
both of them. You dont need to be acting like this when our friend is
hurt.
She is my best friend and you cant be lecturing me right now because
you have no say in anything Kipp, she shot right back looking forward
to see Kellen try to move in closer to her while Kipp held him back and she
smirked. You and your lapdog just need to head on home before something
bad happens.
You want to see something bad happen?" Kellen snapped seeing her
chuckle before him and he tried moving around Kipp motioning her to step in
closer. Come in closer bitch and Ill show you something bad.
Trying his hardest to keep the two apart, Kipp knew that this was just like
every time before. Sarah would never get along with someone because she had
to the be the downer in the group. This was just utterly pathetic and wrong
with her best friend in the hospital, but no matter what was happening this
would never end. Ever.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
You have to admit this was even better than youd anticipated,
JT reclined back on the beach, bringing his sunglasses over the bridge of
his nose to look over at Evie.
I suppose the morning has had its perks, she shrugged before
stretching out across the beach blanket. Although I never thought wed
have a picnic on the beach followed by sun and the sand.
Is that a complaint Im hearing because if it is, he wiggled
his eyebrows at her.
Oh I dont know, she stretched her legs out further. I
mean you kept talking about wonderful, yet here we are laying around in the
sun when
Thats it, JT announced kicking his legs off of the blanket.
He pulled himself to his feet and bent down to hoist her up in the air as
he marched towards the beach. Youve asked for it now.
JT, what are you doing? she questioned in mock panic.
Youre going down, he explained rushing into the tide and
taking her down with him in a crashing wave of eagerness.
Evie felt the water splashing over her, bringing about the cold, wash of reality,
but it was the warmth of JTs arms that kept her grounded as his lips
found hers beneath the tide. As they began to surface, she felt the warmth
of the sun upon her now that her damp hair clung to her face and shoulders.
You creep, she finally blurted out pushing him back under again.
She turned to run away, but felt his hand around her ankle tugging her back
underneath the water again. Opening her eyes she sought him out, but discovered
hed swam off.
Youre so going to pay for that, Evie roared as she swam
after him in the hopes of catching up to him and dunking him all over again.
Youre in for it now JT.
Am I? he stopped moving long enough to pop up out of the water
and stick his tongue out at her. He dove under again leaving her to wonder
where hed drifted off to.
Frowning Evie surveyed the area realizing that he would have to come up for
air eventually. Although he thought he had the advantage, shed learned
that JT wouldnt be far from her even if he wanted to lead her to believe
otherwise. Going underneath the waters surface she opened her eyes again
and discovered him beside her ready to tug at her leg again. This time she
blocked the movement and twisted around until she seized him in her arms,
wrapping herself around his torso as her fingers found their way into his
dark hair.
I got you, she announced as they sprung out from the water again,
this time holding onto one another as she realized his eyes sparked with mischief.
Maybe I got you, he wiggled his brow suggestively. Did you
ever think of that?
Maybe I wanted you to believe that youd gotten me when all of
this time I was the one who had you all along, she tossed back at him
with a sudden seriousness.
Is that right? he eyed her suspiciously.
Hey, what can I say? she shrugged. When youre good,
youre good.
And youre very good, he murmured as his lips came crashing
down upon hers once again.
I pride myself on that, she whispered tightening her grip on his
short, dark hair as they rode the waves surrounding them.
Youre trouble, he mouthed before nibbling on her lower lip
with a growl, You do realize that, dont you?
Every bit as much as you realize that you have a very unhealthy obsession
with my kind of trouble, she smiled at him eagerly.
Its not unhealthy, he protested. I happen to think
its good for me.
It would be even better for you if we got back to the beach house and
we continued this in a more private setting, she hinted at seduction.
What do you say?
And miss out on the sun, he shook his head. Were not
done with our picnic yet.
We can have plenty of picnics JT, she slid her arms leisurely
around his shoulders, but not as many days as perfect as this one.
Were only getting started, he assured her as their lips
met in another hungry union. Have a little faith in me.
Faith isnt what Im lacking right about now, she murmured
easing in for another kiss when she felt a crash against the back of her head
sending her forward into JT. The two smacked noses before she heard a wild
laugh from by the beach.
What the
? JT attempted to recover as his eyes found their
way to where the two children were pointing and laughing at them near the
shoreline.
I think this belongs to them, Evie caught the beach ball that
had slammed her in the head. She raised it up in the air and snarled over
at the children on the beach, and theyre about to know what it
feels like to have this spiked in their faces.
Whoa, hold up killer, JT reached out to prevent her from launching
the ball back at the two chortling children.
They are so asking for it JT, Evie started to wind up her arm
to toss the beach ball.
Even so the last thing you want to deal with is angry parents,
JT pointed down the beach to where there were two adults clearly not paying
attention to their children. Trust me as rewarding as it would feel
to return the favor, it would only come back to haunt you.
You cant tell me it didnt annoy you that they hit you,
she protested.
Not enough to cause a scene, JT took the ball from her hands and
threw it back to the children on the beach.
They arent going to stop. You do realize that dont you,
she stood up in the water and gave him a disapproving look.
Sure they will. Theyre kids and they were just playing around
when
his words came to an abrupt ending when the beach ball slammed
into his face again.
Take that loser, one of the two boys hissed at him.
Yeah dork, the older red headed one snorted as well.
See I told you, Evie folded her hands in front of her chest.
Well just take this back to the beach and get going, JT
decided tucking the ball underneath his arm as they moved towards the shore.
Let me take care of it, Evie suggested reaching for the ball again.
I dont think thats a good idea, he frowned back at
her.
Neither was their hitting us, she swiped the ball from JT and
swam to the shore. Once she emerged she walked over to the two boys and glared
at them. Which one of you threw this?
Both boys eyed her in silence before bursting into laughter.
This isnt funny, she snarled down at them. Who threw
this?
We dont have to tell you anything loser, the red headed
boy taunted.
Yeah loser, so why dont you go drown yourself? the other
boy stuck his tongue out at her.
How about I just bury you in the sand? Evie lunged forward only
to feel JTs arm around her waist as he hoisted her up in the air.
Were done here. Drop the ball, JT ordered as Evie kicked
her legs around in the air.
Just give me five minutes JT. Five minutes and I swear theyll
never throw a beach ball at anyone again, Evie writhed in his arms,
twisting with fury.
Its not worth it, JT carried her along over to their blanket
away from the two children. He set her down carefully before moving in beside
her. Just ignore them.
How can you ignore them when the are clearly up to no good? she
gritted her teeth as the two boys whispered to one another. I swear
if I had a child like that, Id shoot them or myself.
You dont mean that, JT gave her a long look.
No, I dont, but at the same time look at them. They are behaving
like little monsters, she wiped at the sand that had collected on her
feet. They dont have any manners.
Thats because their parents didnt teach them any better,
JT pointed out the two adults on the beach. They are too absorbed in
their PDA to notice where their children are.
Of course they are, Evie rolled her eyes. I dont understand
why people dont at least try to keep their children on some kind of
leash.
Gee, you sound like an advocate for childrens rights, he
joked as she glared up at him.
JT, as much as you are poking fun at me, you have to admit you wouldnt
want your son or daughter behaving like that, she curled her lip in
a pout.
No I wouldnt, but then again maybe theres a reason why I
wasnt meant to be a parent, his words tapered off as a darkness
crept in over him.
JT, her voice softened as she realized shed struck a nerve.
Look Im sorry. I was just
Its okay, he shook it off, I know you didnt
mean anything. I mean hey those two were kind of ridiculous.
They were, but still, she touched his cheek, I didnt
mean to spark a bad memory when
Right now I think Im just happy to focus on what I do have in
front of me, he eased his fingers into her long, dark hair. What
do you say you and I head on back to the beach house?
I think that sounds like a plan, she nodded as her fingers fanned
out across his cheek. I love you.
I love you too, which is why I think we should get back to the beach
house before I have to bail you out for assault, he half teased. He
stood up and collected their picnic basket and blanket before turning to her
again. Ready to go?
Almost, Evie nodded as she felt the distinct slam of the beach
ball into her thigh. It fell to the ground and she bent down to pick it up
with an exaggerated movement.
Evie, JT gave her a look.
Ill be right there, she promised watching him move ahead
as she turned to face the two children again.
Give that back! one of the boys shouted at her.
Yeah give it back loser! the other snapped out in an order.
You want this? she looked between them before stepping back. Fine
then go get it.
Before either boy could respond, she dropped the ball to the sand and kicked
it with all she had in her. It went flying across the beach towards another
one of the sunbathers who looked like hed stepped out of a muscle magazine.
Immediately the man leapt off of his towel after the beach ball nailed him
in the face.
Who did that? the man snarled in a roar.
Have fun, Evie waved as the mans eyes narrowed in on the
children and she followed after JT away from the beach.
You just couldnt resist misbehaving, could you? he shook
his head at her as he glanced over his shoulder to see the man chasing after
the children, who were now crying for their parents.
Not on your life, she admitted with a proud smirk knowing that
at least for a small moment of the day she had found her own way to ensure
that justice was served--if only for a little while.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Angela opened her eyes feeling a gasp escape her lips after a nightmare about
Craven carried over her. She could still feel his menacing presence surrounding
her, but when she felt the warmth of a hand pressed in against her cheek,
she was taken in by a familiar scent. She turned to face the man beside her
immediately recognizing him by his cologne and as his dark eyes fixed on hers,
she couldnt help but smile. Letting out a breath of relief she felt
his fingers intertwine with hers.
Youre really here, she smiled closing her eyes again for
a brief moment before taking in another breath.
I havent left your side since I found you, Brant admitted
bringing her fingers up his lips and kissing them leisurely. Although
I did step out in the hall with Don to make sure that our children were okay
when they were taken down to the nursery.
Is something wrong? Angela couldnt help but ask worriedly.
Not at all, Brant assured her with a warm smile, Dons
down there making sure that nothing is going to happen to them. Hes
their own guardian angel so to speak.
I think hes ours too, she replied with a thoughtful expression
remembering how Don had helped Brant find her when she needed him the most.
She glanced down at the bandage on his arm and frowned, How are you
feeling?
Im fine, he replied with a small smile catching her look
of disbelief. Okay, so maybe Im hurting a little, but you wont
hear me complaining anytime soon considering that youre the one who
went into labor and had two little miracles today.
Being shot isnt something to downplay Brant. You should get that
checked out while were here, she noted thinking about how out
of it he had been when shed gone into labor, Im worried
about you.
Theres nothing to worry about where Im concerned,
he assured her with a soft smile. He ran his fingers over her short, dark
hair, his eyes memorizing every line of her face as his grin expanded. The
way I see it Im the luckiest man in the world to have you and the twins.
I love you Brant and Im so sorry for all of this, she confessed
with a pained expression, I never shouldve let things get to this
point.
Were together now and thats what is important, he
leaned forward to offer up a tender kiss, Were a family and nothing
can steal that from us not even a monster like Craven.
Craven, she repeated with a tiny shiver thinking about the man
that had horrified her time and time again, Brant, have they found him?
Not yet, but they will, he assured her reaching out to squeeze
her hand firmly, I wont let him hurt you or our family.
What about Kevin? she couldnt help but ask remembering what
shed seen when Craven had her hostage, Is he
?
They are still looking for him, Brant explained sensing her worries
about her friend. Kyle and Russ went out to search for him after the
police told them what you had seen.
Its all so hazy, Angela closed her eyes remembering when
Kevin had been in her view. I know it was by the beach, but after everything
I
think Craven was drugging me.
He was, Brant explained seeing the expression on her face, It
wasnt anything lethal, but after they ran a few tests, they noticed
that youd had some sedatives in your system, which undoubtedly played
a hand in his ability to keep you at bay for so long.
I went to him willingly like a fool. When I couldnt remember who
I was, I bought into his lies, she thought aloud remembering her foolishness,
I just thought that he would take me back to my father and
Im so sorry, he squeezed her hand again, I wish youd
never felt you had to be in that position. If things hadnt happened
like they did at Camerons place, then we never, ever wouldve had
to go through this. We never would have
Brant, I believe you, she blurted out without hesitation, I
know that you love me and that you would never hurt me. Cameron was wrong
about you--about us and now that we have the twins
Its okay, Brant pressed his index finger over the center
of her lips to silence her now that it was clear that she was upset. Its
all in the past and now we need to focus on the future with our family.
Our family, she replied thinking about their children, Brant
I cant believe that this is real--that Im a mother and that were
parents
Its real sweetheart, he offered up proudly thinking about
everything that had transpired between them.
I know, but it just feels so surreal, she paused her thoughts
lingering to her children, I want to see them Brant. I want them in
here with us.
Im sure Don can arrange that, Brant nodded in agreement
ready to offer her anything she wanted now that she was with him again.
And hopefully soon Kevin can be a part of this as well. Hed be
so proud of me--proud of the twins and
she stopped herself feeling
a lump forming in the back of her throat, Oh God, what if they never
find him again? What if hes dead and
?
Hes not dead, Brant assured her not really clear on what
had happened to Kevin. They will find him.
Craven intended on hurting him--on stealing his life away from him just
like he did when he took Kevin out the night our daughter died, Angela
thought back a sudden memory occurring to her, Oh my God, Brant I know
where he is. I know where he went when Craven set off that explosion in the
cave.
You do? he questioned seeing her nod emphatically.
You have to call Russ and tell him. They have to find Kevin, Angela
decided praying that it wasnt too late for her best friend now that
Craven had taken it upon himself to unleash his latest act of terror upon
her and Kevin all over again. Hopefully this time Craven wouldnt be
victorious in tearing Kevin from this world as hed tried to do the first
time around.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Kevin, can you hear me? Kevin, Avery called out to her friend
realizing that hed slipped into an unconscious state again. Feeling
a fear rush over her, she knew that there would be no more waiting. She had
to find a way to get them out of the cavern or else Kevin wouldnt make
it. Looking to the water again, she thought about the tunnel that shed
attempted to go through. There was no real out and if shed tried again
to go under the waters surface she might not make it either. Contemplating
her options Avery glanced over at the rocks at the caverns entrance
once again.
Kevin, Im going to get us out of here. I promise you, she
whispered reaching out to touch his forehead gently. She felt him burning
up beneath her and a new surge of fear washed over her. Please just
hold on.
Taking in a breath Avery pushed herself forward reaching out for the rocks
again. She began to try shuffling between them feeling their rough edges cut
at her fingers, but it was irrelevant now that Kevin was fighting desperately
for his life. She knew that the longer they were away from civilization the
worse shape he would be in and she couldnt let him slip away.
Please help us, Avery begged to the heavens above hoping that
they would find some kind of miracle before it was too late. She glanced over
at Kevin, who had gone into a series of tremors again and she found herself
terrified. Rushing over to him, she fought to get him to regain consciousness,
but it was no use. His fever was too strong, too grueling over him. She wondered
if she would lose him in this place and be trapped for all eternity without
anyone knowing where they were. Closing her eyes for a brief moment she fought
to repress the tears that burned behind her eyes, but before she could lose
herself to her worries she heard a sound from outside the cavern that beckoned
her.
Could it be
she thought wondering if the storm had picked
up again, but after a moment of listening she realized the sound appeared
to be coming from the caverns entrance. Holding Kevin close to her she
shouted out in a pleading gasp, Help! Is anyone out there? Were
trapped in here and my friend is hurt! I need to get him out of here! Please
anyone!
Avery heard another rustling sound before a voice carried over the cavern
catching her completely off guard.
Avery, hold on. Were going to get you out of there, she
heard Russ call out to her causing her to break into full blown tears. She
rushed over to the side of the cavern reaching out to touch the solid rock
formation between them.
Russ please hurry, Avery blurted out her words broken by emotion.
She turned to see Kevin again and raised her voice again, Kevins
hurt. He needs medical attention and
Before she could finish her statement the rocks over near the caverns
entrance seemed to rumble and shake now that a new sound carried over the
small space. She stepped back hearing a mechanical sound vibrating over the
cavern walls. Moving over to Kevin again she knelt beside him not quite sure
what was happening. She was starting to think she was losing her mind when
the first hints of light filled through the cavern.
Avery listen to me were going to get you out of there, Russells
voice filled the cavern reaching out over her like a warm security blanket.
She wanted to rush over to him, to run into his arms and push away all of
the remaining rocks herself, but she knew that Kevin needed her. Were
going to clear these out of the way and
Russ, you have to hurry. Kevin is hurt. He was injured in the cave in
and hes in bad shape, Avery revealed keeping Kevin in her arms.
She felt his forehead like fire against her touch and her eyes fixed on the
small hint of light again. Russ you have to help me get him to a hospital.
Well get you out of there right away, Russ replied after
a moments hesitation, just stay back.
Please just hurry
Avery cried out again hearing the mechanical
sound carry over the walls of the cavern again until the rocks seemed to split
apart in a quick, explosive movement. Seconds later she felt the blinding
light from the world beyond the darkness carry over her. She squinted her
eyes feeling her pulse racing as a shadow stepped into the cavern revealing
the man she loved before her.
Russ, she spoke his name feeling her heart leap into her throat
as he maneuvered himself through the cavern to get to her.
Youre safe now, he promised reaching out to her before noticing
Kevin in her arms. His green eyes widened with worry before he turned to her
again. What happened to him?
There was the explosion and
Avery found herself at a loss
as Kyle followed Russ into the cavern. Seconds later Ria was moving in close
behind Kyle. Ria, you have to help me help him. He got something in
his leg earlier and hes lost a lot of blood. We have to get him to the
hospital.
Kevin, Ria rushed forward ignoring Kyles earlier warnings
about being careful inside the cavern. She slid in beside him reaching out
to touch his cheek only to feel him burning up. Worry washed over her when
her eyes fell upon the wound on his thigh. Immediately she turned to Kyle
again, a sharpness in her tone, We have to get him out of here like
now.
Okay, let me give it a try, Kyle bent down attempting to pull
Kevin off of the ground. With a few movements, he was able to manipulate a
now unconscious Kevin into his arms while Russ tended to Avery.
Lets get him in the car, Ria suggested as the two moved
to the front of the cavern ready to do what was necessary to help Kevin.
Avery, Russ reached for her hand pulling her up off of the ground
and into his arms. He kissed her frantically unable to hold back on all the
emotions that carried over him. As he pulled back he searched her eyes, Are
you hurt?
She shook her head, Im fine, but Kevin
Were going to help him, Russ explained cupping her face
in his hands for a moment before pulling her into his arms and carrying her
towards the front of the cavern in the hopes that their rescue came at the
right time to help Kevin as well.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
This place is a dump, Valerie wrinkled her nose feeling a tiny
shudder carry over her. While shed been hoping to get out of the eye
of the spotlight, she never anticipated that she would wind up in such a dump.
She glanced over at the walls that surrounded her feeling a chill in the air
in knowing that this was pretty close to hitting rock bottom. Reaching into
her purse she eyed the vial shed had with her thinking about what little
comfort the drugs shed picked up offered her.
Granted it was a bit clichéd for someone in her position to turn to
this point, but she couldnt help herself. When shed moved out
of JTs apartment, shed expected life to turn around, but unfortunately
it wasnt for the better. Her agent had called to inform her that she
was no longer needed in the deal that theyd worked out with a fashion
company in Milan. While shed been anticipating to grace a great many
covers with her career, she learned that the snake shed hired to help
her make it to the top disappeared taking with him her last chance at being
able to reclaim her career. Hed rushed off and left her without a job,
without the bonus shed been promised and with a lot of hassle from the
world around her.
Then to make matters worse Seth pushed for the divorce, which was something
she was against for a long while. Shed refused to let him and Blake
find that happiness with one another especially now that Valerie had nothing
more than the marriage left to hold onto, but even that hadnt worked
out. Shed had no choice, but to agree to the divorce once shed
hit rock bottom, yet shed hoped that shed have something else
to go on. Shed called Cameron hoping he would see her, but he couldnt
be bothered after repeated attempts to reach him.
Now you just need to take care of yourself, she reminded herself
taking in a breath as she blotted on the remains of the expensive European
moisturizer shed carried with her all of the time. Maybe her life was
falling apart, but as she smoothed the lotion into her face, she vowed to
hold onto her good looks even if it killed her. It might be the only thing
she had going for her, but she would be damned if she let that fall away from
her as well. Bitterly she tucked a strand of her hair behind her eyes remembering
the rage shed felt when shed launched her attack on Blake knowing
full well if she was meant to be miserable, then Blake should be as well.
She cant have everything that shouldve been mine,
Valerie vowed walking past the dirty mirror to the bathroom. She eyed the
shower with an air of heavy skepticism before turning on the water. Right
now the hot water would do her aching muscles good and help soothe her nerves
before she split town for good. Once her friend at the bar finished his shift,
he promised he would help her get out of town and once she did, she would
never look back.
To hell with Coral Valley, she blurted out watching the steam
rise from the shower walls. A smile touched over her lips as she slipped out
of her things, Well at least there is hot water in this dump.
Once shed finished undressing she stepped into the shower feeling the
warmth of the water offer up its silent comfort to her. She closed her
eyes allowing her body to slide beneath the spray taking her to a new heaven
as she blocked out the rest of the world. She ran her fingers up to her neck
feeling the tension in her shoulders. It was too much to deal with being in
Coral Valley, but soon she would be on a beach somewhere on some exotic island
enjoying life away from all of the trivial people who had taken up far too
much of her time already. Turning around she reached for the small bottle
of shampoo shed brought with her only to discover it wasnt in
the shower.
Damn it, she cursed under her breath wiping at her eyes before
pushing open the glass shower door. She stepped out into the bathroom spotting
the bottle on the counter top. She moved forward ready to reach for it when
a noise captured her attention. Looking up, she noticed the familiar form
in the mirror in front of her.
Well, well
she couldnt help but offer up a smile as
her fingers curled around the shampoo bottle. She tossed her damp hair over
her shoulders before licking her lips, now isnt this a surprise.
I wasnt expecting you to show up to see me tonight.
Her unexpected guest said nothing as he moved forward. He placed his gloved
hand on her shoulder and watched her grin expand.
One might say that youre stalking me, she spun around to
face him, her bright eyes filled with a hint of seduction. She ran her damp
fingers over the center of his chest and grinned wider than before, Though
now that you are here do you care to join me in the shower?
I think we have other things to talk about, he mouthed in a stiff
tone his eyes reaching out into hers.
I was hoping that given the week weve both had that we could skip
on the small talk and cut to the chase considering that this is something
that I know deep down weve both wanted for a while. I know youve
fought me on the issue, but when it gets down to it Im in your system.
Admit it, thats the only reason you followed me here, she stepped
up on her toes nibbling on his lower lip with a low growl before moving back
ever so slightly, You might have tried to pretend that you could forget
me, but Im always in your blood--in your system and youll never
get rid of me.
See now thats where you and I are of a difference of opinion Valerie,
the gloved fingers moved up to her neck pressing in against the base of her
throat, because tonight I came here to do just that.
What? she blinked back feeling the hold on her throat constrict.
She brought her hands up over his thick, covered fingers and let out a whimper.
Getting rid of you, he clarified for her pushing her back towards
the shower again, because thats exactly what Ive set out
to do once and for all.
But
Valerie squealed in a pained whisper as she felt the
sharp sting surround her throat, the dull ache that pounded in her head, but
before she could get out another word of protest she felt him leaning in whisper
just above her lips.
Tonight is the end of your run here in Coral Valley. The shows
over for you. Now its time to pay the price for your crimes, he
explained to her in a hollow tone crushing her neck without hesitation until
she passed out before watching her fall to the wet bathroom floor in front
of him. As he stepped back he took a long, hard look at her body and knew
full well that this certainly wasnt the send out that Valerie deserved.
Tonight he would give her the appropriate kind of exit fitting of her crimes
now that he was certain she would get nothing less than what she deserved!
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
...to be continued...