Now

November 1997

What else could he say? He sat there, with his arms around her and he could only hear the soft sobs coming from her.

"I love you, no matter what" she had said over and over again making her point clear. She rose from his shaking hands. Then there was a loud bang from the gun.

The Italian restaurant they ate at was never fully packed, only some people would actually come here since it was fairly expensive for anyone's taste. It always seemed to be a place for the Hartes and Golds to eat at. Every Friday they came to this same place and ate the same meals. This family has known one another ever since their children were born.

James Harte was actually the first to arrive on time. Usually he was very late due to his job, but today the surgery went well and he was able to go home early today. He still had his work attire and his surgical equipment with him though.

"Hi," spoke the soft voice of Melanie Gold, "I guess I'm actually early today too," she spoke as she set her purse down in the chair next to her.

"No, I think everyone is just ruining really late," he half laughed at his own joke. Melanie just sat there, looking at her menu. She didn't know why though, since Gus always knew what everyone wanted.

The next to arrive was Michael Gold, Melanie's husband. "Where's Gus? She's usually never late to these things," he said a little shocked. Every shrugged their shoulders not knowing what to say. It was true, she was never late to these things. Usually when everyone else arrived the food and drinks would already be on the table.

"You will never guess what happened to me today at work," Gus nearly shouted, now entering the restaurant. "So I'm in line waiting for these tickets my client wanted and this elderly man just flats out has a heart attack and dies right in front of me!"

Everyone looked bewildered at her. She kept going on and on about her story until her cell phone rang.

"Hello? Yes this is she… Wait what? Okay we will be right there." She hadn't even taken off her coat yet and she was already heading out the door, until she stopped and looked at the other three people sitting at the table.

"Duncan and Courtney are in the hospital… It doesn't sound too good," she said as tears started to form in her eyes.

As the two couples reached the hospital a nurse stopped them in their tracks.

"May I help you?"

"Yes we're looking for Duncan Harte and Courtney Gold."

"Oh yes Duncan Harte is in the emergency room getting stitches he should be fine."

This was a wave of relief for James and Gus Harte. They rushed to the room they heard was their sons and walked in. Duncan Harte lay still as a stone on the hospital bed. This site of her son almost made Gus burst into tears.

Gus walked out of the room and saw Melanie on the floor with her head in her lap.

"Oh my goodness I wonder what happened to those kids. Thank goodness their both alright or I wouldn't know what to do. Can I see Courtney? You know how much of a daughter she was to me."

Melanie finally looked up, tears all down her face. "Gus, Courtney.. She's… Courtney's dead Gus. My baby is dead," she said with tears sliding down her face.

Okay so what did you think R&R please! I promise the second chapter will be much longer.

-Daniela(: