A Love Untouched
By: Nicole Marie
Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with nor do I own the show Passions, James E. Reily, or the any of the characters in the show. I am merely an obsessed Shuis fan who loves to write fan fiction about the best characters on the show. So don't sue me! Just sit back and enjoy the story!
Rating: PG-13 so far. Later the story will have a different rating. I will warn you in advance if that kind of thing offends you.
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Narration: This story takes place in the not-to-distant future. Sheridan had chosen Luis over Antonio because deep down, she believed it was Luis who she loved. Luis and Sheridan had finally started to get their lives back on track, much to Beth and Antonio's dismay. But Beth and Antonio had decided to fight for the people they love instead of giving in so easily. All was going well for Sheridan and Luis until jealously and revelations caused trouble in paradise: broken hearts that could not be mended.
Sheridan sighed and grasped the coffee mug she was holding more tightly. Her eyes wandered aimlessly around the room only stopping when she reached a picture of her and the love of her life holding each other's hands and looking deeply into one another's eyes. She sighed again and walked over to the refrigerator. Her fingers lovingly grazed the face in the picture. Her Luis. The man she loved with all her heart. The man who had saved her life countless times and had made her feel as special and loved as a person could feel. She loved him still, even after all this time. Every night she would see him in her dreams, feel his arms around her, and feel his lips upon her skin. It was like it used to be between them. Back before the betrayals and the pain became a reality to difficult to bear. In her dreams, life had beauty and happiness. And meaning. Luis gave her life meaning and Sheridan had savored every moment of their time together but still it seemed to end too soon. She had believed that the magic would last forever. Forever had ended with tears and broken promises.
****flashback****
Sheridan stormed into her cottage with a raging Luis trailing behind her. The romantic evening that Sheridan and Luis had planned had come screeching to a halt after Hank, Beth, and Antonio had arrived at the very same restaurant that Sheridan and Luis had planned on celebrating at. Antonio, who still had strong feelings for Sheridan, flirted with her and even danced once with her while Beth attempted to capture the attention of Luis. Hank stood in the middle, attempting to be the mediator when this harmless flirtation became hurtful. Luis was apparently very jealous of Antonio when he danced with Sheridan and Sheridan became angered at seeing Luis in Beth's arms. They had left the restaurant and traveled home in silence.
Luis: What the hell is wrong with you tonight Sheridan?
Sheridan: What do you mean, what is wrong with me! You're the one who was dancing with Beth!
Luis: Only after I caught you in Antonio's arms! I thought that you had chosen me, that you loved me and not my brother!
Sheridan: Luis, it was a harmless dance! It didn't mean anything.
Luis: Oh really! Then tell me, why did I catch you and Antonio kissing later!
Sheridan: He kissed me Luis.I didn't mean for that to happen! I love you Luis, not Brian! I thought you knew that!
Luis: No Sheridan.I don't know that. You say that you love me but I see something more in your eyes when you talk about my brother. You still care for him.maybe you even still love him.
Sheridan: As usual, you're blowing this way out of proportion Luis.
Luis: Am I Sheridan? Am I really? Look, I understand that you've been under a lot of pressure lately. First, you got your memory back and then you had to choose between me and my brother. Deep down I also understand that this kiss you shared tonight was not your fault. I'm not so much angry about that as I am about the fact that I think you still love my brother.
Sheridan: How can you say-
Luis: Sheridan, please don't lie to me. You've been fighting a battle in your heart for days now. I think that you are still confused about your feelings.
Sheridan: Luis, please don't do this.I-I love you. Sheridan began to break into tears at the pain she saw in Luis's eyes as he spoke.
Luis: Please Sheridan.tell me now. If you can tell me that you have no feelings for Antonio and that you love me and only me, we can forget about this and move on with our lives. I've sensed a change in you lately.you seem sad and distant. Do you regret having chosen me over my brother? Just tell me the truth.
Sheridan, overcome with emotion, was unable to respond.
It was a few minutes before Luis responded.
Luis: Well, I guess your silence answers my question. You love Antonio more than you love me.You-you want to spend your life with him, not me.
Sheridan: Luis, Wait!
Sheridan cried as Luis walked towards the door of Sheridan's cottage. The last sound she heard was the slam of the door.
****End flashback****
Now, as she stood here alone wishing for the inevitable, Sheridan wondered if she would ever feel happy and loved again. But she knew that such happiness could only come from the man she truly loved, Luis. She had ruined things. Made a huge mistake that would cost her the love of her life. Now, she would be destined to suffer. 'I probably deserve to suffer,' Sheridan thought to herself. 'After what I put Luis through he would never forgive me.He deserves better than me anyway so it's pointless for me to dwell on the past any longer. It's time to move on with my life and forget about Luis.' Tearfully, she picked up the picture of her and Luis and crumbled it up in her fist. She threw it into the trash can and walked out of the room, wiping the tears from her eyes, determined to starting living again.without Luis.
Sitting at the Harmony police station, Luis tried with all his might to focus on the paperwork in front of him. However, it was difficult to concentrate when his heart was breaking in a million pieces. Everywhere he looked, everything he did, he thought about her. He saw her face not only in his dreams, but everywhere in Harmony. So many places held memories for him and his Sheridan. Only she wasn't his Sheridan anymore. Their relationship was over and it was all Luis could do not to run over to her cottage and kiss her with all of the passion inside of him. Luis knew he needed her and he loved her with every fiber of his being. It was a cruel and unjust evil that allowed a love such as theirs to end. He remembered with sadness and regret, their last argument, after he had made Sheridan confront the truth.
****flashback****
Luis: Okay Sheridan.I did what you asked, I gave you time. You told me after that night at the restaurant, that you couldn't answer my question. But how about now? Do you regret having chosen me over my brother.now who do you love? Me or him? Please.I really need to know.
Sheridan: Luis.I told you that I love you! I want to be with you. But you must understand that I still care for Brian. I always will Luis. He's a wonderful man whom I owe my life too...That's my answer Luis. But from the look on your face I can tell that it probably doesn't satisfy you enough.
Luis: Yeah.you got that right! Now that you've told me the way you feel I don't want you anywhere near Antonio. He took advantage of you once and I wouldn't put it past him to do so again!
Sheridan: For the last time, he did not take advantage of me! I cared about him and he cared about me! And I can't just remove him from my life completely just because you can't stand one another! He is a wonderful man who went out of his way for me a number of times.
Luis: There you go again, you're always standing up for him!
Sheridan: I am just trying to talk some sense into you! You can be soooo stubborn sometimes!
Luis: Sounds familiar, doesn't it?
Sheridan: Why are you behaving like such an asshole Luis?! Tell me, why!?
Luis: I'm behaving like an asshole?!
Sheridan: Yes, you are! Why can't you understand.I love you but Brian and I are still friends!
Luis: Close friends-
Sheridan: Why does that bother you so much, even when I told you that it's you I love!
Luis: I know that this may be hard for you to understand, but I hate seeing you to together. First of all, it makes me sick when I think of how my brother got to you. And secondly, every time I see you two together, I feel betrayed again. I see you two making love, planning your futures together. It kills me to see you with another man, much less my brother. I'm sorry Sheridan, it's been difficult for me to get over my anger towards Antonio.first for leaving our family and then for sleeping with my fiancé. I just don't want to see you two together like that ever again. I couldn't stand to feel betrayed like that again.
Sheridan: Are you saying that you don't trust me Luis?
Luis: What?! I never said that.
Sheridan: You don't have to. I can tell you don't. Why else would you say that you don't want to see us sleep together again. Do you really think I would do that after I just confessed my love for you?
Luis: No Sheridan, I-
Sheridan: I can't believe this! You still don't believe in my love for you and now you don't trust me either!
Luis: Would you calm down Sheridan.this is not an issue of trust.
Sheridan: Oh no, I think it is an issue of trust Luis. We've had this problem before.
Luis: Only last time, it was you who didn't trust me after that imposter was hired to impersonate me!
Sheridan: That was different.
Luis: Really, how so?
Sheridan: I actually saw you with my own eyes-
Luis: Only it wasn't me.
Sheridan: Right, but the point is, once again, we have a problem with trust.
Luis: You're right, I guess we do. I mean, you were in love with Brian, you were even engaged to him. How do I know that your feelings for him aren't going to just resurface?
Sheridan: Hey! This goes both ways. The same situation exists with you and Beth. How can I be sure that it's not her that you want to be with right now instead of me?
Luis: Sheridan, don't be ridiculous.
Sheridan: I'm not being ridiculous, only realistic. You know, why are we even having this conversation.all we're doing is arguing more and it's quite obvious that we're not going to get anywhere. Maybe we should stop.
Luis: You're right. We should stop, especially since it's obvious that there are too many problems to work out between us.
After a moment of silence.
Sheridan: But you still don't believe that I love you?
Luis: Damn it Sheridan! I never said-
Sheridan: My God Luis! What more can I do or say! You are seriously getting on my nerves now!
Luis: Same here!
Sheridan: I just, I can't believe how thickheaded you are!
Luis: Me! No, no, no, that's you Sheridan! Now if you'd just listen to me-
Sheridan: Listen to you! Why should I do that when you don't even try to listen to me! Maybe this is all just a waste of time!
Luis: I agree Sheridan! Because I can tell you're not going to make any effort to mend our relationship!
Sheridan: Me! You're the one that's trying to control my life and expecting me to let you! If anyone's hurting our relationship, it's you Luis!
Luis: Well you're the one that is casting me aside like yesterday's newspaper! But I'm the one who has to apologize. (mockingly) I'm sorry Sheridan.
Sheridan: Shut up and save your apology! I can't handle you anymore right now! I don't know why you have to be so defensive!
Luis: Well forgive me! I honestly don't know what could have gotten into me!
Sheridan: Yeah, neither do I!
Luis: Well, let me think. Maybe it's the fact that my fiancé was shacking up with my brother the whole time I believed that she was dead!
Sheridan: Don't forget the fact that while I had amnesia my fiancé decides to get back with his former love and propose to her, even after he remembered me!
Luis: That's it.I can't take it anymore!
Sheridan: That makes two of us!
Luis walked to the closet and grabbed his coat.
Sheridan: Where are you going?
Luis: Out!
Sheridan: Good idea Officer.I'd like a few hours of peace and quiet. You know better yet, why don't you just stay out all night! Maybe you can crash at Beth's place!
Luis: Fine! I'm leaving. That will give you some time to spend alone with Brian! Maybe if I'm nice enough to you and him, you'll invite me to your wedding!
Sheridan: Don't count on it Luis! I just almost feel bad for poor Beth because she has to deal with an idiot like you!
Luis: Don't even worry about that Sheridan, I'm sure you'll be to busy making up for lost time with Antoino! Who knows, maybe you'll even decide that Antonio's not good enough for you and that you want Hank now!
Suddenly there was silence as Luis and Sheridan stared into one another's eyes one last time. Finally, the reality of the situation hit Luis as he saw the tears well up in Sheridan's eyes as he held the doorknob. He knew that that last comment was hurtful and he didn't mean for it to sound the way that it had. Sheridan cast a sad but longful gaze his way, the hurt apparent in her eyes.
Luis: Look Sheridan I-
Sheridan: Get Out.
Luis: Sheridan, I didn't mean-
Sheridan: I said get out.
As she spoke, her words came out in small gasps and her eyes were veiled with anger but Luis could see behind the façade. He knew that he had hurt her terribly and he didn't know if she would ever forgive him. He longed to wrap his arms around her, tell her he was sorry, and kiss her senseless until he had proven his love to her. However, the look in Sheridan's eyes, and the complication of their situation made Luis decide to leave. Now. He looked into the depths of those beautiful blue eyes one more time before walking outside and closing the door behind him, just in time to miss the flood of tears that Sheridan cried as she rested her head in her hands and began shaking and sobbing on the couch.
****End flashback****
Luis took a deep breath and tried to forget. But it was hopeless. No matter how he tried, he could not get Sheridan out of his heart, mind, or soul. He felt like such a jerk for the way he had acted that night. He had been cold, hurtful, and unwilling to try to understand the terrible position that Sheridan was in. He mentally beat himself up for this daily but he knew that it would take more than that to win back his true love. That was an impossibility. Sheridan had probably already forgotten about him in the few weeks that had passed since their argument. It was asking too much to believe that she could still love him and that she could still want to be with him after the things he had said. Luis turned his attention back to his paperwork, but something else caught his eye first. He saw a picture of Sheridan on his desk and a letter carefully folded next to it. He picked up the letter and began to read it:
To My Love My dearest Luis, Words cannot express the pain and sorrow I feel in writing you these words but never being able to tell you them in person. If you get this letter it means that tragic events have separated us. I would give anything if I could stay there with you, if I could hear the sound of your voice, the rich laughter and the sparkle in your eyes as you would tell another person about how the spoiled princess and the macho cop fell in love. It's true, we came from two completely different worlds. But we had one thing in common: we both seemed to affect each other in the same way. As time passed, our hateful words turned into spoken promises of love and happiness. Yet even in the beginning the attraction was strong; this foreshadowed the destinies of our entwined souls. Fate had played it's role in that first meeting, the rest was left to love. Our love was like a flower, small and delicate at first, only to emerge as a beautiful thing that had proved itself by surviving all the obstacles around it and blossoming without faltering. From the heated arguments we engaged in, to the ecstasy we felt in being together, to the tender moments spent in front of the fire, life was beautiful. Not a second we spent together was wasted because for that short time, we were as happy and as in love as two people could be. During this time we learned so much from each other too. I taught you how to love and open up your heart once more. And you Luis, you taught me how to trust. To give people a chance to see me before I put up my defenses. Neither of us was perfect; we both made mistakes sometimes. But we both became better people because we found one another. You made me want to be a better person. The way you valued family and tradition, and the way you protected those you loved from harm. You saved me Luis, in so very many ways. You were my protector and so much more. You were my lover, my mentor, and my best friend. These things I will never forget. I remember that you once told me that when you found true love it would be like hearing your favorite song playing over and over again in your head. You said you never wanted the music to end and that, as long as the flame of love burns on, it never will. You were right Luis. The music will never end. It is the times we shared together, the way we cherished one another each and every day, and the tearful promises we made to one another that I want you to remember as this music plays. These are now rosy memories which I pray will give you the comfort and strength to go on in my absence. Maybe it was all a wonderful dream in which we were the only two people in the world. But the dream was shattered as I could feel time slipping out of our grasp. How cruel it was to leave you with such emptiness and pain to bear all alone. There were times when I needed you and you needed me and I thought I would die without you, being robbed of seeing the love in your eyes, and feeling the warmth conveyed in your touch. But please try not to feel this way. I know that I am not there to love you and comfort you but I know that you will be taken care of. I want you to be happy and I want you to move on with your life. You must make a new life and find a new love. Trust me Luis, the knowledge of your happiness will allow my soul to rest in peace. I only ask one more thing of you Luis, my darling. Never forget what we shared, not one moment. Remember always what we were lucky enough to find and promise me that you will savor every moment of everyday for the rest of your life. The gift of life is the most precious gift one can be given because with the gift of life comes the gift of love. Remember this and remember me. I love you Luis, now and forever. Yours forever, Sherdian
Luis knew this letter well. For he had read it many times, over and over again so he could savor every single word. Sheridan had written it before the time when she had been separated from Luis. She had written it before that fateful boat explosion had taken her away from him. Luis had thought that if he could just have one last chance to make a life with Sheridan, just one more miracle, that everything would be okay and their love would go on. However, now Luis began to doubt this fact. He had been given another chance and he had ruined it. Again, they were separated from one another. But this time, it was not by death. It was by jealousy and hurtful betrayals. These were things that would not just disappear with time; Luis knew that the second he had looked into Sheridan's hurt, tearful eyes. She would need time to heal, as would he. But the problem was, Luis didn't know if he could stand to be away from Sheridan for even one more day. With each passing day, the pain of their separation grew more difficult to bear. Luis wondered if Sheridan felt the same way as he did. Was she just as lost and longful for him? Whatever she felt, Luis had the feeling that it would take a miracle to bring them back together.
To be continued.
**************************************************************************** ********
Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with nor do I own the show Passions, James E. Reily, or the any of the characters in the show. I am merely an obsessed Shuis fan who loves to write fan fiction about the best characters on the show. So don't sue me! Just sit back and enjoy the story!
Rating: PG-13 so far. Later the story will have a different rating. I will warn you in advance if that kind of thing offends you.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------
Narration: This story takes place in the not-to-distant future. Sheridan had chosen Luis over Antonio because deep down, she believed it was Luis who she loved. Luis and Sheridan had finally started to get their lives back on track, much to Beth and Antonio's dismay. But Beth and Antonio had decided to fight for the people they love instead of giving in so easily. All was going well for Sheridan and Luis until jealously and revelations caused trouble in paradise: broken hearts that could not be mended.
Sheridan sighed and grasped the coffee mug she was holding more tightly. Her eyes wandered aimlessly around the room only stopping when she reached a picture of her and the love of her life holding each other's hands and looking deeply into one another's eyes. She sighed again and walked over to the refrigerator. Her fingers lovingly grazed the face in the picture. Her Luis. The man she loved with all her heart. The man who had saved her life countless times and had made her feel as special and loved as a person could feel. She loved him still, even after all this time. Every night she would see him in her dreams, feel his arms around her, and feel his lips upon her skin. It was like it used to be between them. Back before the betrayals and the pain became a reality to difficult to bear. In her dreams, life had beauty and happiness. And meaning. Luis gave her life meaning and Sheridan had savored every moment of their time together but still it seemed to end too soon. She had believed that the magic would last forever. Forever had ended with tears and broken promises.
****flashback****
Sheridan stormed into her cottage with a raging Luis trailing behind her. The romantic evening that Sheridan and Luis had planned had come screeching to a halt after Hank, Beth, and Antonio had arrived at the very same restaurant that Sheridan and Luis had planned on celebrating at. Antonio, who still had strong feelings for Sheridan, flirted with her and even danced once with her while Beth attempted to capture the attention of Luis. Hank stood in the middle, attempting to be the mediator when this harmless flirtation became hurtful. Luis was apparently very jealous of Antonio when he danced with Sheridan and Sheridan became angered at seeing Luis in Beth's arms. They had left the restaurant and traveled home in silence.
Luis: What the hell is wrong with you tonight Sheridan?
Sheridan: What do you mean, what is wrong with me! You're the one who was dancing with Beth!
Luis: Only after I caught you in Antonio's arms! I thought that you had chosen me, that you loved me and not my brother!
Sheridan: Luis, it was a harmless dance! It didn't mean anything.
Luis: Oh really! Then tell me, why did I catch you and Antonio kissing later!
Sheridan: He kissed me Luis.I didn't mean for that to happen! I love you Luis, not Brian! I thought you knew that!
Luis: No Sheridan.I don't know that. You say that you love me but I see something more in your eyes when you talk about my brother. You still care for him.maybe you even still love him.
Sheridan: As usual, you're blowing this way out of proportion Luis.
Luis: Am I Sheridan? Am I really? Look, I understand that you've been under a lot of pressure lately. First, you got your memory back and then you had to choose between me and my brother. Deep down I also understand that this kiss you shared tonight was not your fault. I'm not so much angry about that as I am about the fact that I think you still love my brother.
Sheridan: How can you say-
Luis: Sheridan, please don't lie to me. You've been fighting a battle in your heart for days now. I think that you are still confused about your feelings.
Sheridan: Luis, please don't do this.I-I love you. Sheridan began to break into tears at the pain she saw in Luis's eyes as he spoke.
Luis: Please Sheridan.tell me now. If you can tell me that you have no feelings for Antonio and that you love me and only me, we can forget about this and move on with our lives. I've sensed a change in you lately.you seem sad and distant. Do you regret having chosen me over my brother? Just tell me the truth.
Sheridan, overcome with emotion, was unable to respond.
It was a few minutes before Luis responded.
Luis: Well, I guess your silence answers my question. You love Antonio more than you love me.You-you want to spend your life with him, not me.
Sheridan: Luis, Wait!
Sheridan cried as Luis walked towards the door of Sheridan's cottage. The last sound she heard was the slam of the door.
****End flashback****
Now, as she stood here alone wishing for the inevitable, Sheridan wondered if she would ever feel happy and loved again. But she knew that such happiness could only come from the man she truly loved, Luis. She had ruined things. Made a huge mistake that would cost her the love of her life. Now, she would be destined to suffer. 'I probably deserve to suffer,' Sheridan thought to herself. 'After what I put Luis through he would never forgive me.He deserves better than me anyway so it's pointless for me to dwell on the past any longer. It's time to move on with my life and forget about Luis.' Tearfully, she picked up the picture of her and Luis and crumbled it up in her fist. She threw it into the trash can and walked out of the room, wiping the tears from her eyes, determined to starting living again.without Luis.
Sitting at the Harmony police station, Luis tried with all his might to focus on the paperwork in front of him. However, it was difficult to concentrate when his heart was breaking in a million pieces. Everywhere he looked, everything he did, he thought about her. He saw her face not only in his dreams, but everywhere in Harmony. So many places held memories for him and his Sheridan. Only she wasn't his Sheridan anymore. Their relationship was over and it was all Luis could do not to run over to her cottage and kiss her with all of the passion inside of him. Luis knew he needed her and he loved her with every fiber of his being. It was a cruel and unjust evil that allowed a love such as theirs to end. He remembered with sadness and regret, their last argument, after he had made Sheridan confront the truth.
****flashback****
Luis: Okay Sheridan.I did what you asked, I gave you time. You told me after that night at the restaurant, that you couldn't answer my question. But how about now? Do you regret having chosen me over my brother.now who do you love? Me or him? Please.I really need to know.
Sheridan: Luis.I told you that I love you! I want to be with you. But you must understand that I still care for Brian. I always will Luis. He's a wonderful man whom I owe my life too...That's my answer Luis. But from the look on your face I can tell that it probably doesn't satisfy you enough.
Luis: Yeah.you got that right! Now that you've told me the way you feel I don't want you anywhere near Antonio. He took advantage of you once and I wouldn't put it past him to do so again!
Sheridan: For the last time, he did not take advantage of me! I cared about him and he cared about me! And I can't just remove him from my life completely just because you can't stand one another! He is a wonderful man who went out of his way for me a number of times.
Luis: There you go again, you're always standing up for him!
Sheridan: I am just trying to talk some sense into you! You can be soooo stubborn sometimes!
Luis: Sounds familiar, doesn't it?
Sheridan: Why are you behaving like such an asshole Luis?! Tell me, why!?
Luis: I'm behaving like an asshole?!
Sheridan: Yes, you are! Why can't you understand.I love you but Brian and I are still friends!
Luis: Close friends-
Sheridan: Why does that bother you so much, even when I told you that it's you I love!
Luis: I know that this may be hard for you to understand, but I hate seeing you to together. First of all, it makes me sick when I think of how my brother got to you. And secondly, every time I see you two together, I feel betrayed again. I see you two making love, planning your futures together. It kills me to see you with another man, much less my brother. I'm sorry Sheridan, it's been difficult for me to get over my anger towards Antonio.first for leaving our family and then for sleeping with my fiancé. I just don't want to see you two together like that ever again. I couldn't stand to feel betrayed like that again.
Sheridan: Are you saying that you don't trust me Luis?
Luis: What?! I never said that.
Sheridan: You don't have to. I can tell you don't. Why else would you say that you don't want to see us sleep together again. Do you really think I would do that after I just confessed my love for you?
Luis: No Sheridan, I-
Sheridan: I can't believe this! You still don't believe in my love for you and now you don't trust me either!
Luis: Would you calm down Sheridan.this is not an issue of trust.
Sheridan: Oh no, I think it is an issue of trust Luis. We've had this problem before.
Luis: Only last time, it was you who didn't trust me after that imposter was hired to impersonate me!
Sheridan: That was different.
Luis: Really, how so?
Sheridan: I actually saw you with my own eyes-
Luis: Only it wasn't me.
Sheridan: Right, but the point is, once again, we have a problem with trust.
Luis: You're right, I guess we do. I mean, you were in love with Brian, you were even engaged to him. How do I know that your feelings for him aren't going to just resurface?
Sheridan: Hey! This goes both ways. The same situation exists with you and Beth. How can I be sure that it's not her that you want to be with right now instead of me?
Luis: Sheridan, don't be ridiculous.
Sheridan: I'm not being ridiculous, only realistic. You know, why are we even having this conversation.all we're doing is arguing more and it's quite obvious that we're not going to get anywhere. Maybe we should stop.
Luis: You're right. We should stop, especially since it's obvious that there are too many problems to work out between us.
After a moment of silence.
Sheridan: But you still don't believe that I love you?
Luis: Damn it Sheridan! I never said-
Sheridan: My God Luis! What more can I do or say! You are seriously getting on my nerves now!
Luis: Same here!
Sheridan: I just, I can't believe how thickheaded you are!
Luis: Me! No, no, no, that's you Sheridan! Now if you'd just listen to me-
Sheridan: Listen to you! Why should I do that when you don't even try to listen to me! Maybe this is all just a waste of time!
Luis: I agree Sheridan! Because I can tell you're not going to make any effort to mend our relationship!
Sheridan: Me! You're the one that's trying to control my life and expecting me to let you! If anyone's hurting our relationship, it's you Luis!
Luis: Well you're the one that is casting me aside like yesterday's newspaper! But I'm the one who has to apologize. (mockingly) I'm sorry Sheridan.
Sheridan: Shut up and save your apology! I can't handle you anymore right now! I don't know why you have to be so defensive!
Luis: Well forgive me! I honestly don't know what could have gotten into me!
Sheridan: Yeah, neither do I!
Luis: Well, let me think. Maybe it's the fact that my fiancé was shacking up with my brother the whole time I believed that she was dead!
Sheridan: Don't forget the fact that while I had amnesia my fiancé decides to get back with his former love and propose to her, even after he remembered me!
Luis: That's it.I can't take it anymore!
Sheridan: That makes two of us!
Luis walked to the closet and grabbed his coat.
Sheridan: Where are you going?
Luis: Out!
Sheridan: Good idea Officer.I'd like a few hours of peace and quiet. You know better yet, why don't you just stay out all night! Maybe you can crash at Beth's place!
Luis: Fine! I'm leaving. That will give you some time to spend alone with Brian! Maybe if I'm nice enough to you and him, you'll invite me to your wedding!
Sheridan: Don't count on it Luis! I just almost feel bad for poor Beth because she has to deal with an idiot like you!
Luis: Don't even worry about that Sheridan, I'm sure you'll be to busy making up for lost time with Antoino! Who knows, maybe you'll even decide that Antonio's not good enough for you and that you want Hank now!
Suddenly there was silence as Luis and Sheridan stared into one another's eyes one last time. Finally, the reality of the situation hit Luis as he saw the tears well up in Sheridan's eyes as he held the doorknob. He knew that that last comment was hurtful and he didn't mean for it to sound the way that it had. Sheridan cast a sad but longful gaze his way, the hurt apparent in her eyes.
Luis: Look Sheridan I-
Sheridan: Get Out.
Luis: Sheridan, I didn't mean-
Sheridan: I said get out.
As she spoke, her words came out in small gasps and her eyes were veiled with anger but Luis could see behind the façade. He knew that he had hurt her terribly and he didn't know if she would ever forgive him. He longed to wrap his arms around her, tell her he was sorry, and kiss her senseless until he had proven his love to her. However, the look in Sheridan's eyes, and the complication of their situation made Luis decide to leave. Now. He looked into the depths of those beautiful blue eyes one more time before walking outside and closing the door behind him, just in time to miss the flood of tears that Sheridan cried as she rested her head in her hands and began shaking and sobbing on the couch.
****End flashback****
Luis took a deep breath and tried to forget. But it was hopeless. No matter how he tried, he could not get Sheridan out of his heart, mind, or soul. He felt like such a jerk for the way he had acted that night. He had been cold, hurtful, and unwilling to try to understand the terrible position that Sheridan was in. He mentally beat himself up for this daily but he knew that it would take more than that to win back his true love. That was an impossibility. Sheridan had probably already forgotten about him in the few weeks that had passed since their argument. It was asking too much to believe that she could still love him and that she could still want to be with him after the things he had said. Luis turned his attention back to his paperwork, but something else caught his eye first. He saw a picture of Sheridan on his desk and a letter carefully folded next to it. He picked up the letter and began to read it:
To My Love My dearest Luis, Words cannot express the pain and sorrow I feel in writing you these words but never being able to tell you them in person. If you get this letter it means that tragic events have separated us. I would give anything if I could stay there with you, if I could hear the sound of your voice, the rich laughter and the sparkle in your eyes as you would tell another person about how the spoiled princess and the macho cop fell in love. It's true, we came from two completely different worlds. But we had one thing in common: we both seemed to affect each other in the same way. As time passed, our hateful words turned into spoken promises of love and happiness. Yet even in the beginning the attraction was strong; this foreshadowed the destinies of our entwined souls. Fate had played it's role in that first meeting, the rest was left to love. Our love was like a flower, small and delicate at first, only to emerge as a beautiful thing that had proved itself by surviving all the obstacles around it and blossoming without faltering. From the heated arguments we engaged in, to the ecstasy we felt in being together, to the tender moments spent in front of the fire, life was beautiful. Not a second we spent together was wasted because for that short time, we were as happy and as in love as two people could be. During this time we learned so much from each other too. I taught you how to love and open up your heart once more. And you Luis, you taught me how to trust. To give people a chance to see me before I put up my defenses. Neither of us was perfect; we both made mistakes sometimes. But we both became better people because we found one another. You made me want to be a better person. The way you valued family and tradition, and the way you protected those you loved from harm. You saved me Luis, in so very many ways. You were my protector and so much more. You were my lover, my mentor, and my best friend. These things I will never forget. I remember that you once told me that when you found true love it would be like hearing your favorite song playing over and over again in your head. You said you never wanted the music to end and that, as long as the flame of love burns on, it never will. You were right Luis. The music will never end. It is the times we shared together, the way we cherished one another each and every day, and the tearful promises we made to one another that I want you to remember as this music plays. These are now rosy memories which I pray will give you the comfort and strength to go on in my absence. Maybe it was all a wonderful dream in which we were the only two people in the world. But the dream was shattered as I could feel time slipping out of our grasp. How cruel it was to leave you with such emptiness and pain to bear all alone. There were times when I needed you and you needed me and I thought I would die without you, being robbed of seeing the love in your eyes, and feeling the warmth conveyed in your touch. But please try not to feel this way. I know that I am not there to love you and comfort you but I know that you will be taken care of. I want you to be happy and I want you to move on with your life. You must make a new life and find a new love. Trust me Luis, the knowledge of your happiness will allow my soul to rest in peace. I only ask one more thing of you Luis, my darling. Never forget what we shared, not one moment. Remember always what we were lucky enough to find and promise me that you will savor every moment of everyday for the rest of your life. The gift of life is the most precious gift one can be given because with the gift of life comes the gift of love. Remember this and remember me. I love you Luis, now and forever. Yours forever, Sherdian
Luis knew this letter well. For he had read it many times, over and over again so he could savor every single word. Sheridan had written it before the time when she had been separated from Luis. She had written it before that fateful boat explosion had taken her away from him. Luis had thought that if he could just have one last chance to make a life with Sheridan, just one more miracle, that everything would be okay and their love would go on. However, now Luis began to doubt this fact. He had been given another chance and he had ruined it. Again, they were separated from one another. But this time, it was not by death. It was by jealousy and hurtful betrayals. These were things that would not just disappear with time; Luis knew that the second he had looked into Sheridan's hurt, tearful eyes. She would need time to heal, as would he. But the problem was, Luis didn't know if he could stand to be away from Sheridan for even one more day. With each passing day, the pain of their separation grew more difficult to bear. Luis wondered if Sheridan felt the same way as he did. Was she just as lost and longful for him? Whatever she felt, Luis had the feeling that it would take a miracle to bring them back together.
To be continued.
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