Chapter 2

Katherine Mayfair suffered from terrible nightmares. She would wake in a cold sweat, unbearably envious of those who were able to simply shrug off such terrors by telling themselves that they were only having a bad dream. She did not have such luxury, for her nightmares could hardly be considered dreams, but rather windows to the past. Sleep did not provide Katherine with rest, but instead forced her to relive the most painful experiences of her life over and over again. As trying and merciless as reality was becoming, she certainly preferred being awake. She had much more control over her mind that way.

For the past fourteen years, Katherine hadn't spoken about the death of her only child, Dylan. And with such a quick adoption of her new daughter, it was easier than expected to settle into a cocoon of denial. She had focused so much energy on making sure that others believed that the Romanian orphan was the same child she carried, that it seemed plausible for her to start believing it as well. This was an innate defense mechanism, of course. For if she were to try and actually come to terms with what happened…well, she wouldn't have survived.

Now, suddenly, after being forced to tell her story, she felt her daughter's presence in a way that she had never experienced before. She could hear the sound of her voice; feel the softness of her skin. Katherine did not allow these sensations to interfere with her relationship with Dylan, of course. She had raised the girl for most of her life, and did not feel as though she was no longer her child just because the girl knew the truth. No, she loved Dylan and Dylan loved her. That was just about the only constant in her life, and she clung to it desperately. Katherine refused to destroy the irreversible bond the two of them shared. However, she also knew that she was finally beginning to grieve for the child she lost so many years ago.

Of course grieving was terribly inconvenient, and Katherine had a busy schedule to keep up with. Falling apart was hardly an option, considering she had to take care of herself. The only person she felt somewhat comfortable leaning on was Adam, and he moved back to his hometown in California just as soon as he was well enough. Katherine was indebted to Adam, as he had saved her life, but the two decided that it would be best if they separated permanently. While she certainly did not approve, Katherine had no choice but to agree. After all, how could she accuse Adam of running away from his fears when she had spent so much of her life doing just that.

As each day passed it was becoming more and more difficult for Bree to get through to Katherine. She thought about Lynette, and her harsh confrontational style, but realized that she was far too ladylike to go that route. She considered Susan, and her easy-going attitude that made her so easy to open up to. This was also not quite Bree's forte. She knew that she was just as sensitive and caring, if not more so than some of her friends. What she could not do, however, was pry deep enough to get someone to talk.

"Bree, are you home? We need to discuss dessert options!" The redhead heard Katherine calling outside of her door.

"We're scheduled to meet at one, aren't we?" The redhead opened the door, glancing down at her watch. "It's only ten o'clock, and I just put Benjamin down for a nap." She reasoned.

"Well, perfect timing then." Katherine grinned, letting herself in.

"Yes, Katherine. Please do come in." Bree retorted sarcastically.

"Oh, come on. There's nothing wrong with getting an early start." Katherine settled down on the couch.

Bree took a seat next to her friend and neighbor. "Will it make a difference if I say that I would rather wait until one?"

"Not really."

"I didn't think so." Bree sighed, taking in Katherine's appearance. She was dressed beautifully, her hair done to perfection, but there was a look of utter exhaustion that all the primping in the world could not cover. She was also fidgeting a bit, as if she had too much caffeine. "Well, let's get started then."

The two chatted about red velvet cake, cookies, and lemon meringue pie as if they were going out of style. They finalized just about everything else for the upcoming wedding party, and managed to do so in under two hours time.

"Well, we finished that rather quickly, I'd say." Bree got some kind of a thrill from getting something done so much faster than expected.

"We did." Katherine replied, clearly a bit agitated that her work was done. "I should get home." She said to herself, though she didn't appear to be getting up.

Bree realized exactly what was going on. Katherine was afraid to be alone. Not because she feared someone breaking in or coming after her, but because she did not want to be left with her own mind. "Why don't you stay for lunch?" She sympathized.

"It's no trouble?"

"None at all." She raised herself off the couch.

Bree knew to keep the lunchtime conversation light, but about twenty minutes in she decided to take the initiative and pry just a bit. "How's Dylan?" She inquired.

Katherine's appeared somewhat panic-stricken upon hearing her daughter's name. "She's doing well." She stated. "How's Orson?" Two could play at that game.

"Oh, I imagine he's doing just fine." She slowly stirred her tea. "Does Dylan…well, does she know that she…that you…" Bree stumbled on her words.

"Yes." Katherine resented Bree's questioning. "Are you going to get back together with Orson?" Truth be told she couldn't care less, but she figured that the quickest way to get Bree to stop talking was to delve into her personal life.

The redhead smiled, "This conversation isn't about me." She took a small bite out of her sandwich. "I want to talk to you, Katherine." She felt herself becoming more confident. "I understand your hesitation, I do. But pretending like nothing ever happened isn't going to work. Please. We'll both feel so much better if – "

"We'll feel better? We, as in the two of us? What the hell do I owe you?" Katherine rose from her seat, heading straight for the door.

"Katherine, wait."

"Here's a little secret you don't know." She was not afraid to look Bree in the eye. "I wish more than anything that you didn't know about my life, but you've made it very clear that you do. So let me remind you that I didn't invite you in to hear about it. It's not like we had some heart-to-heart where I confessed my deepest and darkest secrets. No, I was being held at gunpoint and you were there. He would have…" She felt tears building up, but was able to contain them. "Wayne would have killed you if I didn't talk. He would have."

"I know." Bree lowered her head, unable to say anything more.

"So, no. I don't really think I owe you anything, Bree. You, on the other hand, owe me plenty. I saved your life. So do me a favor, and stop trying to be some kind of a hero, and just be my business partner. I've told you once and I'll tell you again. I don't need your pity."