Title: Love Games
Author: Monika
E-mail Address: Blabs15@aol.com
Part: 12/?
Rating: PG-14
Category: Multiple love triangles!
Disclaimer: I do not, I repeat *NOT*, own Passions or anything even closely
related to Passions! I may borrow some things sometimes like names, place,
Jesse Metcalfe and Galen Gering... But I always return everything...
Eventually! Aah, I'm just kidding of course! Had you going there for a minute
huh? ;o)
Author's Note: I tried to put in some interesting plot twists here because I
think the last part was kind of boring. I really have no idea where I'm going
with this story so bear with me, please! Also, this is FINALLY a new day in
my story! YaY :-) And I'm begging you- send feedback! PLEASE! It's the only
thing that keeps me writing!
Recap: Chad teased Whitney with the idea of kissing her and then pulled away,
making her very mad. Eve informed Grace and Sam about Kay's condition. Ethan
proposed to Gwen and she accepted. Luis and Sam went out to find Kay's
rapist. Simone discovered her sister was missing and went to tell her mom
about it.
Love Games, Pt. 12
by Monika
"Did she call?" Eve asked in a worried manner.
"No," TC answered, gripping the phone so tightly his knuckles were
paling. Simone was standing next to him in terror, scared that her father
might send the phone shattering into plastic splinters.
Eve sighed. "I don't know where she can be TC! You called the police and
they said they informed Sam right?"
"That's what they said. Of course I haven't seen Sam since last night
when he came by the house and asked if I had seen anything suspicious. And
then he was long gone by the time you called. I even called the Harmony
Country Club and they said she didn't come in the entire day," TC informed
his wife in a tight voice.
"I can't believe this TC," she whined, her eyes tearing over. "I don't
want to think the worse, but what if-"
"No!" he exclaimed, cutting her off. "Don't say that Eve. Don't worry,
I'm sure she's okay."
"But, TC, what if… What if something did," Eve stopped abruptly, biting
her lower lip. She couldn't stand the thought of it. Now she knew what Grace
must be feeling like.
"Well then I feel very sorry for whoever did it because I will personally
pay them a visit and tear their heart out!" TC screamed. Eve didn't doubt for
a second that he was kidding.
"Daddy!" Simone cried, fear in her large hazel eyes.
"Let me talk to Simone."
TC handed the phone over to his youngest daughter. "Your mom wants to
talk to you."
Simone took the phone and placed it gently on her ear. "Hello?"
"Hi sweetie. How are you?"
"I'm really scared Mom. Dad's really scaring me," she replied in secrecy
to her mother when TC had left the kitchen.
Eve took a breath. "Don't worry baby, your father's just very worried
right now about Whitney. He's not thinking clearly and just screaming things
out that he would never do," she tried to convince her daughter, although she
wasn't all that convinced either.
"Has there been any sign of her?"
"No. But at least we know she must not be hurt otherwise I would've known
about it since I'm here at the hospital," Eve assured Simone. That was mainly
the reason why she had stayed all night. She wanted to be sure that if
Whitney were brought in she would be there. "Now don't worry about it honey.
Everything's gonna be okay. Whitney probably has a very rational explanation
for this and she'll come home soon and explain it. For now- just get ready
for school and try not to think about it."
"I can't go to school Mom," Simone complained. "Not with Kay in the
hospital and Whitney missing!"
"I know Simone, it's hard. But I think it would be the best thing to do.
You would be able to get your mind off of everything. Besides, what good
would it do hanging around the house all day worrying?"
"But I wanted to come to the hospital and see how Kay's doing. She's not
awake yet is she?"
"Not yet," Eve informed Simone sadly. "But we're hopeful that she'll
awaken sometime today. But I really think you would be much better off going
to school. I'd feel better knowing where you were."
"But wouldn't it be better for me to be there with you?"
Eve paused and then reluctantly relented. "All right. You can stay home.
But you are to stay here in the hospital all day, I don't want you wandering
around town."
"I promise I won't," Simone vowed. "I'll walk over there with Theresa,
Miguel, and Pilar. They're all coming to see how Kay's doing."
"Okay. Let me speak to your father again. I love you."
"I love you too Mom. Here's Dad," she said as she handed the phone back
to TC.
"Hello?"
"TC, call me here at the hospital the *second* you hear something, okay?"
"Of course honey," TC promised.
"And I told Simone she could come stay with me at the hospital today. I
think she's a little too upset to go to school today. She'll be coming here
with Miguel, Theresa, and Pilar."
"If you think it's best."
"I do."
"I'll call you the minute anything comes up," he reassured her, sensing
the heavy worry in her voice.
"I just hope that's soon."
~
Whitney had been drifting in and out of a restless sleep all night. The
elevator floor was not exactly the most comfortable place to sleep and it
didn't help that the thought of being in the same confined space with Chad
made her shudder, not to mention that she was starving and really had to go
to the bathroom badly.
She turned to her side and tried to take her thoughts off of it. She had
almost dozed off again when she felt Chad's strong arms encircle her waist
and pull her back snugly against his chest. Whitney opened her eyes in shock
and was about to start yelling at him when she realized Chad must still be
asleep. She could feel his breathing tickle the hairs on the back of her neck
and shivered, not from being cold but from something completely different.
Whitney froze. She was scared of moving. 'What if I wake him up and then
he thinks that *I* rolled into his arms. He's conceited enough to think so!'
Contemplating her situation, she couldn't believe she wasn't as upset as she
thought it would be. She actually felt almost… Could it be that she felt
happy being in his arms? She did feel much warmer and safer. Smiling she
snuggled back against him a little more.
Chad felt something brush against him and he stirred awake. Whitney's
eyes widened in horror and she paused. Chad opened his eyes groggily and was
surprised by the soft curls that were brushed out in front of his face. He
lifted his head and looked down to see a 'sleeping' Whitney in his arm. He
chuckled softly to himself and shook his head.
"Well… I'll be damned," he murmured. He stared at her face. She really
was beautiful, with soft, perfect skin and smooth, perfectly proportioned
lips. Chad noticed a curly tendril sticking to her cheek and softly brushed
it aside, cupping Whitney's cheek.
At this Whitney's eyes flew open. Chad was scared that she might start
screaming at him, but the look in her eyes was one of surprise and mild
amusement, not anger.
'Here goes nothing,' he thought as he leaned in and gently brushed his
lips against hers. Whitney was too shocked to do or say anything, but when he
came down for another kiss she surprised both of them by returning his kiss.
She accepted his lips willingly and wrapped her hands around his neck,
bringing him closer to her.
~
Timmy was happily dreaming, off in his own world where Charity and him
were cruising on a yacht and the evil Kay was serving them Martimmy's. He
sighed contentedly and turned to his side, causing a broom to topple over and
hit him on the head.
"Ow!" he screamed, jolting upright. He looked around and saw Tabitha
peeking out of the door. He got up and walked over to her. "Tabitha, Timmy
doesn't understand why him and Tabby had to sleep in a… In a janitor's
closet!" he complained, scrunching up his nose.
"Shh!" Tabitha waved him away, then pulled back and closed the door.
"Don't talk so loudly Timmy! You're sure to get us caught. And we had to stay
in here for the night so we could be the first ones here when Grace and her
brood come in. I want to speak with Charity, start on my next plan!"
"Oh no. What's Tabby going to do now?"
The old blond woman laughed evilly. "Don't you worry about that Tim-Tim.
But before you know it Charity will be on our side and then the real fun can
begin!" She turned around and snuck a look out the door again. "There they
are Timmy!" Tabitha exclaimed excitedly as she spotted Grace and Hank coming
around a corner followed by Jessica and Charity. She hoisted Timmy up on her
hip, and making sure there were no doctors or nurses in sight, flung the door
open and ran out in the hallway, walking quickly to catch up with the
Bennett's.
"Grace! Oh Gracie darling!" Tabitha called after the petite redhead.
Grace turned around and Tabitha could see, even from that distance, that her
eyes were red and puffy. Her face looked sallow and she hardly managed a
smile for their 'kind' old neighbor.
"Hello Tabitha. What brings you here?"
"Well, I just heard about poor Kay," Tabitha said in faux concern, her
neighborly caring routine perfect, "and I just had to rush right over and
offer my sympathies. I am so sorry! How is the poor girl?"
Grace sighed heavily and Hank put an arm around her shoulder in a
comforting manner. "We don't really know. I'm going to talk to Eve right now
about her condition."
Tabitha nodded in understanding, smiling sympathetically. "Of course, I
won't keep you then. My best wishes of course!"
"Thank you Tabitha," Grace nodded, then turned to Jessica and Charity.
"You girls stay here in the waiting room. If your father comes in Jessica,
tell him we're in Dr. Russell's office."
"Of course Mom," Jessica nodded.
Grace and Hank continued down the hallway and Charity and Jessica sat
down. Jessica buried her head in her hands. Tabitha walked over to stand in
front of them.
"How are you girls holding up?"
"We're okay Tabitha," Charity answered for her and Jessica in an
emotionless tone. There were heavy cirlces under her eyes and she looked
tired.
"I'm going to the cafeteria," Jessica announced, standing up. "I need
some coffee. Do you guys want anything?" she asked Tabitha and Charity.
"Oh yes, could you get me some tea, Jessica?" Tabitha asked sweetly.
"With milk and sugar?"
"Sure," Jessica nodded and walked off down the hallway, her shoulders
sagging.
Tabitha watched her go with a smile. 'This is perfect. A moment alone
with Charity! This is my chance.' She sat down next to the blond and smiled
cheerily. "So really Charity, how are you? I can tell you're not as okay as
you seem to want people to think."
Charity shrugged, a little uncomfortable. "No, I'm fine, Tabitha," she
assured her. "I mean, it's a big shock and I don't think I even comprehended
what's really going on yet, but I'm not bad."
"Yes, big shock indeed. Can you imagine what dear Kay had to go through?
Lucky for her there's so many people here who care about her. Grace, Hank,
Jessica, you. And I'm sure more will come! Why, I'm sure any minute Miguel is
going to come bursting through those doors. You have no idea how close those
two are. You've only known Kay and Miguel since the summer, but they've known
each other since they were about four or five. Why, I remember when they were
just little wee children," Tabitha laughed, "how they used to play around in
the Bennett's backyard. I used to come out and give them milk and cookies.
They were so cute together! And then when they began growing older I was
certain something was going to happen between them. Romantically I mean. And
then-" She stopped abruptly. "Oh, I'm so sorry dear. I'm getting caught up
with my memories. That's not really important right now though is it?"
Tabitha pressed, watching Charity's reaction with glee.
Throughout Tabitha's whole speech, Charity had sat stone-eyed and
expressionless, staring at the wall across from her. Her mind was reeling
with the pictures Tabitha was painting for her and all she could keep hearing
in her mind was Miguel's words that she heard him say to Kay the night
before: "Charity or no Charity, I will *always* need you."
"Charity dear, are you all right?"
Charity shook her head to clear her thoughts and then turned to Tabitha.
"What? Oh yes, I'm fine. If you'll excuse me, I want to go see my aunt and
uncle. I wanna see how Kay's doing," she fibbed as she got up quickly and
practically ran down the hall.
Tabitha watched her go with a malicious glint in her eyes and a smug
smirk on her face. "That went well!" she commented to Timmy with a laugh.
Timmy came out of his doll state and shook his head. "Timmy thinks
Tabby's mean. Very mean!"
"Good," Tabitha chirped and laughed at Timmy's stunned expressions. She
would get Charity over to the dark side sooner than she thought.
~
Luis and Sam were walking back from the police station when they spotted
Beth opening up the Book Café across the street. Luis and Sam looked at each
other, nodded, and sprinted across the street.
"Hey Beth," Luis said casually as him and Sam neared.
"Hi Luis," she flashed a happy smile at him, then looked at Sam, "Chief
Bennett."
"Hi Beth, how are you?" Sam tried to make small talk.
"I'm doing good. Is something wrong? You seem upset," Beth noted, a look
of concern crossing her face.
Luis and Sam exchanged significant glances and then Luis turned to Beth.
"You wouldn't have happened to see a man looking like this pass by did you?"
he showed Beth the flyer of the alleged rapist.
Beth glanced at the flyer with confusion. "No, I haven't. Sorry. Why?
What's going on?"
"He's a convicted rapist from Pennsylvania and we have reason to believe
he's in the area," Sam answered her.
"Oh my God," Beth gasped, "Well, why do you believe he's in the area?"
Sam cleared his throat and sighed. "Well, um… My daughter, last night,
was…"
Beth understood and her jaw dropped in shock. "Oh my God, Chief Bennett,
I'm so sorry. Is she okay?"
"Kay's a strong girl. I know she will be."
"Kay? I just saw her the night before last at the pond and then… Oh my
God," she put a hand over her mouth. "Just last night? Where?"
"In lighthouse park. Down the block from the Bennett's," Luis stepped
into the conversation.
"Wow," Beth shook her head. "I can't believe this. And he's still on the
loose?"
"Unfortunately," Luis nodded bitterly. "We're posting these flyers around
town and we alerted the Pennsylvania police, they're on their way up here.
Don't worry, he's probably long gone by now, but… Just in case, be careful,"
he advised his ex-girlfriend.
"Don't worry, I will," Beth nodded. "And if I see any sign of him I'll be
sure to alert the police," she promised. "I hope you catch him soon! And I
hope Kay gets better Chief."
"Thank you," Sam smiled tightly and him and Luis began to walk down the
block.
Beth shook her head again and entered the Book Café in awe. A rape right
here in Harmony? Just a few blocks away? And the victim was someone she knew?
This was too much. She flicked the light on in the Book Café and closed the
door. She didn't even have time to scream as the man jumped on her and
wrestled her to the ground.
~
~*~
Ethan stared as his bride walked up the candlelit aisle, carrying a
beautiful bouquet and wearing a gorgeous wedding dress. Ethan was standing
next to the minister, looking at the veiled woman in adoration. As she neared
she took his hand and the two smiled at each other before facing the
minister. He smiled at them kindly, sensing the love the two had for each
other.
"Dearly beloved," he began his speech, "We are gathered here today…"
"You may now," he paused dramatically, after the two had exchanged their
vows and put on their rings, "kiss the bride."
Ethan smiled nervously, gingerly lifted the veil, and leaned in to kiss
his gorgeous wife, Theresa Lopez-Fitzgerald. The church erupted in applause
and Theresa and Ethan laughed, taking each other's hands and running down the
aisle. They ran down the stairs of the church, giggling and hugging each
other as rice and confetti surrounded them. They stopped every few feet and
posed for pictures, after all they were the picture-perfect couple.
Then there were flashes of their wedding reception at the Crane mansion.
Ethan and Theresa dancing, cutting the cake, kissing, laughing, dancing
again. Ethan took Theresa's garter off as the guests cheered them on and
threw it into the crowd. Then Theresa stood on a chair and tossed back her
bouquet, laughing a delicate laugh as someone jumped up to catch it.
And then they were off in the limo towards the airport to disembark on
their honeymoon. As the limousine doors closed they leaned in for a
passionate kiss and the guests cheered and applauded yet again. The limousine
drove off in the sunset with the happy newlyweds inside, excitedly awaiting
their life together.
~*~
Ethan stirred awake as he felt a pair of lips against his.
'Theresa,' he thought happily and opened his eyes, expecting to find the
pretty brunette beside him. He was startled when he saw Gwen staring at him
with a happy and amused smile on her face. He sat upright, looking around in
a confused manner.
"Ethan?" she asked. "What's wrong?"
He shook his and tried to wake himself up. "Nothing," he said, "Nothing
at all."
"What were you dreaming about? You certainly looked happy. Were you
dreaming about me?" Gwen teased in a light-hearted manner as she rolled into
his arms.
The dream guiltily flashed before his eyes, but he covered his guilt with
a smile. "What? Oh, I don't remember."
"You probably were. I was dreaming about our wedding," she confided with
a smile. "I can't wait until we get married!" Gwen squealed excitedly,
extending her hand and admiring her engagement ring. "This is so perfect
Ethan. I love you so much," she kissed him deeply. "I want to get started on
our wedding plans as soon as possible! I was thinking maybe a summer wedding?
How beautiful would that be? Maybe we could have it on your family's yachts?
How perfect would that be!"
Ethan wrapped his arms around Gwen tightly and listened to her jabber on
about how she envisioned their wedding. He tried to pay attention to her, but
he couldn't help his mind from wandering to the dream about Theresa. Did it
mean something?
~
Author: Monika
E-mail Address: Blabs15@aol.com
Part: 12/?
Rating: PG-14
Category: Multiple love triangles!
Disclaimer: I do not, I repeat *NOT*, own Passions or anything even closely
related to Passions! I may borrow some things sometimes like names, place,
Jesse Metcalfe and Galen Gering... But I always return everything...
Eventually! Aah, I'm just kidding of course! Had you going there for a minute
huh? ;o)
Author's Note: I tried to put in some interesting plot twists here because I
think the last part was kind of boring. I really have no idea where I'm going
with this story so bear with me, please! Also, this is FINALLY a new day in
my story! YaY :-) And I'm begging you- send feedback! PLEASE! It's the only
thing that keeps me writing!
Recap: Chad teased Whitney with the idea of kissing her and then pulled away,
making her very mad. Eve informed Grace and Sam about Kay's condition. Ethan
proposed to Gwen and she accepted. Luis and Sam went out to find Kay's
rapist. Simone discovered her sister was missing and went to tell her mom
about it.
Love Games, Pt. 12
by Monika
"Did she call?" Eve asked in a worried manner.
"No," TC answered, gripping the phone so tightly his knuckles were
paling. Simone was standing next to him in terror, scared that her father
might send the phone shattering into plastic splinters.
Eve sighed. "I don't know where she can be TC! You called the police and
they said they informed Sam right?"
"That's what they said. Of course I haven't seen Sam since last night
when he came by the house and asked if I had seen anything suspicious. And
then he was long gone by the time you called. I even called the Harmony
Country Club and they said she didn't come in the entire day," TC informed
his wife in a tight voice.
"I can't believe this TC," she whined, her eyes tearing over. "I don't
want to think the worse, but what if-"
"No!" he exclaimed, cutting her off. "Don't say that Eve. Don't worry,
I'm sure she's okay."
"But, TC, what if… What if something did," Eve stopped abruptly, biting
her lower lip. She couldn't stand the thought of it. Now she knew what Grace
must be feeling like.
"Well then I feel very sorry for whoever did it because I will personally
pay them a visit and tear their heart out!" TC screamed. Eve didn't doubt for
a second that he was kidding.
"Daddy!" Simone cried, fear in her large hazel eyes.
"Let me talk to Simone."
TC handed the phone over to his youngest daughter. "Your mom wants to
talk to you."
Simone took the phone and placed it gently on her ear. "Hello?"
"Hi sweetie. How are you?"
"I'm really scared Mom. Dad's really scaring me," she replied in secrecy
to her mother when TC had left the kitchen.
Eve took a breath. "Don't worry baby, your father's just very worried
right now about Whitney. He's not thinking clearly and just screaming things
out that he would never do," she tried to convince her daughter, although she
wasn't all that convinced either.
"Has there been any sign of her?"
"No. But at least we know she must not be hurt otherwise I would've known
about it since I'm here at the hospital," Eve assured Simone. That was mainly
the reason why she had stayed all night. She wanted to be sure that if
Whitney were brought in she would be there. "Now don't worry about it honey.
Everything's gonna be okay. Whitney probably has a very rational explanation
for this and she'll come home soon and explain it. For now- just get ready
for school and try not to think about it."
"I can't go to school Mom," Simone complained. "Not with Kay in the
hospital and Whitney missing!"
"I know Simone, it's hard. But I think it would be the best thing to do.
You would be able to get your mind off of everything. Besides, what good
would it do hanging around the house all day worrying?"
"But I wanted to come to the hospital and see how Kay's doing. She's not
awake yet is she?"
"Not yet," Eve informed Simone sadly. "But we're hopeful that she'll
awaken sometime today. But I really think you would be much better off going
to school. I'd feel better knowing where you were."
"But wouldn't it be better for me to be there with you?"
Eve paused and then reluctantly relented. "All right. You can stay home.
But you are to stay here in the hospital all day, I don't want you wandering
around town."
"I promise I won't," Simone vowed. "I'll walk over there with Theresa,
Miguel, and Pilar. They're all coming to see how Kay's doing."
"Okay. Let me speak to your father again. I love you."
"I love you too Mom. Here's Dad," she said as she handed the phone back
to TC.
"Hello?"
"TC, call me here at the hospital the *second* you hear something, okay?"
"Of course honey," TC promised.
"And I told Simone she could come stay with me at the hospital today. I
think she's a little too upset to go to school today. She'll be coming here
with Miguel, Theresa, and Pilar."
"If you think it's best."
"I do."
"I'll call you the minute anything comes up," he reassured her, sensing
the heavy worry in her voice.
"I just hope that's soon."
~
Whitney had been drifting in and out of a restless sleep all night. The
elevator floor was not exactly the most comfortable place to sleep and it
didn't help that the thought of being in the same confined space with Chad
made her shudder, not to mention that she was starving and really had to go
to the bathroom badly.
She turned to her side and tried to take her thoughts off of it. She had
almost dozed off again when she felt Chad's strong arms encircle her waist
and pull her back snugly against his chest. Whitney opened her eyes in shock
and was about to start yelling at him when she realized Chad must still be
asleep. She could feel his breathing tickle the hairs on the back of her neck
and shivered, not from being cold but from something completely different.
Whitney froze. She was scared of moving. 'What if I wake him up and then
he thinks that *I* rolled into his arms. He's conceited enough to think so!'
Contemplating her situation, she couldn't believe she wasn't as upset as she
thought it would be. She actually felt almost… Could it be that she felt
happy being in his arms? She did feel much warmer and safer. Smiling she
snuggled back against him a little more.
Chad felt something brush against him and he stirred awake. Whitney's
eyes widened in horror and she paused. Chad opened his eyes groggily and was
surprised by the soft curls that were brushed out in front of his face. He
lifted his head and looked down to see a 'sleeping' Whitney in his arm. He
chuckled softly to himself and shook his head.
"Well… I'll be damned," he murmured. He stared at her face. She really
was beautiful, with soft, perfect skin and smooth, perfectly proportioned
lips. Chad noticed a curly tendril sticking to her cheek and softly brushed
it aside, cupping Whitney's cheek.
At this Whitney's eyes flew open. Chad was scared that she might start
screaming at him, but the look in her eyes was one of surprise and mild
amusement, not anger.
'Here goes nothing,' he thought as he leaned in and gently brushed his
lips against hers. Whitney was too shocked to do or say anything, but when he
came down for another kiss she surprised both of them by returning his kiss.
She accepted his lips willingly and wrapped her hands around his neck,
bringing him closer to her.
~
Timmy was happily dreaming, off in his own world where Charity and him
were cruising on a yacht and the evil Kay was serving them Martimmy's. He
sighed contentedly and turned to his side, causing a broom to topple over and
hit him on the head.
"Ow!" he screamed, jolting upright. He looked around and saw Tabitha
peeking out of the door. He got up and walked over to her. "Tabitha, Timmy
doesn't understand why him and Tabby had to sleep in a… In a janitor's
closet!" he complained, scrunching up his nose.
"Shh!" Tabitha waved him away, then pulled back and closed the door.
"Don't talk so loudly Timmy! You're sure to get us caught. And we had to stay
in here for the night so we could be the first ones here when Grace and her
brood come in. I want to speak with Charity, start on my next plan!"
"Oh no. What's Tabby going to do now?"
The old blond woman laughed evilly. "Don't you worry about that Tim-Tim.
But before you know it Charity will be on our side and then the real fun can
begin!" She turned around and snuck a look out the door again. "There they
are Timmy!" Tabitha exclaimed excitedly as she spotted Grace and Hank coming
around a corner followed by Jessica and Charity. She hoisted Timmy up on her
hip, and making sure there were no doctors or nurses in sight, flung the door
open and ran out in the hallway, walking quickly to catch up with the
Bennett's.
"Grace! Oh Gracie darling!" Tabitha called after the petite redhead.
Grace turned around and Tabitha could see, even from that distance, that her
eyes were red and puffy. Her face looked sallow and she hardly managed a
smile for their 'kind' old neighbor.
"Hello Tabitha. What brings you here?"
"Well, I just heard about poor Kay," Tabitha said in faux concern, her
neighborly caring routine perfect, "and I just had to rush right over and
offer my sympathies. I am so sorry! How is the poor girl?"
Grace sighed heavily and Hank put an arm around her shoulder in a
comforting manner. "We don't really know. I'm going to talk to Eve right now
about her condition."
Tabitha nodded in understanding, smiling sympathetically. "Of course, I
won't keep you then. My best wishes of course!"
"Thank you Tabitha," Grace nodded, then turned to Jessica and Charity.
"You girls stay here in the waiting room. If your father comes in Jessica,
tell him we're in Dr. Russell's office."
"Of course Mom," Jessica nodded.
Grace and Hank continued down the hallway and Charity and Jessica sat
down. Jessica buried her head in her hands. Tabitha walked over to stand in
front of them.
"How are you girls holding up?"
"We're okay Tabitha," Charity answered for her and Jessica in an
emotionless tone. There were heavy cirlces under her eyes and she looked
tired.
"I'm going to the cafeteria," Jessica announced, standing up. "I need
some coffee. Do you guys want anything?" she asked Tabitha and Charity.
"Oh yes, could you get me some tea, Jessica?" Tabitha asked sweetly.
"With milk and sugar?"
"Sure," Jessica nodded and walked off down the hallway, her shoulders
sagging.
Tabitha watched her go with a smile. 'This is perfect. A moment alone
with Charity! This is my chance.' She sat down next to the blond and smiled
cheerily. "So really Charity, how are you? I can tell you're not as okay as
you seem to want people to think."
Charity shrugged, a little uncomfortable. "No, I'm fine, Tabitha," she
assured her. "I mean, it's a big shock and I don't think I even comprehended
what's really going on yet, but I'm not bad."
"Yes, big shock indeed. Can you imagine what dear Kay had to go through?
Lucky for her there's so many people here who care about her. Grace, Hank,
Jessica, you. And I'm sure more will come! Why, I'm sure any minute Miguel is
going to come bursting through those doors. You have no idea how close those
two are. You've only known Kay and Miguel since the summer, but they've known
each other since they were about four or five. Why, I remember when they were
just little wee children," Tabitha laughed, "how they used to play around in
the Bennett's backyard. I used to come out and give them milk and cookies.
They were so cute together! And then when they began growing older I was
certain something was going to happen between them. Romantically I mean. And
then-" She stopped abruptly. "Oh, I'm so sorry dear. I'm getting caught up
with my memories. That's not really important right now though is it?"
Tabitha pressed, watching Charity's reaction with glee.
Throughout Tabitha's whole speech, Charity had sat stone-eyed and
expressionless, staring at the wall across from her. Her mind was reeling
with the pictures Tabitha was painting for her and all she could keep hearing
in her mind was Miguel's words that she heard him say to Kay the night
before: "Charity or no Charity, I will *always* need you."
"Charity dear, are you all right?"
Charity shook her head to clear her thoughts and then turned to Tabitha.
"What? Oh yes, I'm fine. If you'll excuse me, I want to go see my aunt and
uncle. I wanna see how Kay's doing," she fibbed as she got up quickly and
practically ran down the hall.
Tabitha watched her go with a malicious glint in her eyes and a smug
smirk on her face. "That went well!" she commented to Timmy with a laugh.
Timmy came out of his doll state and shook his head. "Timmy thinks
Tabby's mean. Very mean!"
"Good," Tabitha chirped and laughed at Timmy's stunned expressions. She
would get Charity over to the dark side sooner than she thought.
~
Luis and Sam were walking back from the police station when they spotted
Beth opening up the Book Café across the street. Luis and Sam looked at each
other, nodded, and sprinted across the street.
"Hey Beth," Luis said casually as him and Sam neared.
"Hi Luis," she flashed a happy smile at him, then looked at Sam, "Chief
Bennett."
"Hi Beth, how are you?" Sam tried to make small talk.
"I'm doing good. Is something wrong? You seem upset," Beth noted, a look
of concern crossing her face.
Luis and Sam exchanged significant glances and then Luis turned to Beth.
"You wouldn't have happened to see a man looking like this pass by did you?"
he showed Beth the flyer of the alleged rapist.
Beth glanced at the flyer with confusion. "No, I haven't. Sorry. Why?
What's going on?"
"He's a convicted rapist from Pennsylvania and we have reason to believe
he's in the area," Sam answered her.
"Oh my God," Beth gasped, "Well, why do you believe he's in the area?"
Sam cleared his throat and sighed. "Well, um… My daughter, last night,
was…"
Beth understood and her jaw dropped in shock. "Oh my God, Chief Bennett,
I'm so sorry. Is she okay?"
"Kay's a strong girl. I know she will be."
"Kay? I just saw her the night before last at the pond and then… Oh my
God," she put a hand over her mouth. "Just last night? Where?"
"In lighthouse park. Down the block from the Bennett's," Luis stepped
into the conversation.
"Wow," Beth shook her head. "I can't believe this. And he's still on the
loose?"
"Unfortunately," Luis nodded bitterly. "We're posting these flyers around
town and we alerted the Pennsylvania police, they're on their way up here.
Don't worry, he's probably long gone by now, but… Just in case, be careful,"
he advised his ex-girlfriend.
"Don't worry, I will," Beth nodded. "And if I see any sign of him I'll be
sure to alert the police," she promised. "I hope you catch him soon! And I
hope Kay gets better Chief."
"Thank you," Sam smiled tightly and him and Luis began to walk down the
block.
Beth shook her head again and entered the Book Café in awe. A rape right
here in Harmony? Just a few blocks away? And the victim was someone she knew?
This was too much. She flicked the light on in the Book Café and closed the
door. She didn't even have time to scream as the man jumped on her and
wrestled her to the ground.
~
~*~
Ethan stared as his bride walked up the candlelit aisle, carrying a
beautiful bouquet and wearing a gorgeous wedding dress. Ethan was standing
next to the minister, looking at the veiled woman in adoration. As she neared
she took his hand and the two smiled at each other before facing the
minister. He smiled at them kindly, sensing the love the two had for each
other.
"Dearly beloved," he began his speech, "We are gathered here today…"
"You may now," he paused dramatically, after the two had exchanged their
vows and put on their rings, "kiss the bride."
Ethan smiled nervously, gingerly lifted the veil, and leaned in to kiss
his gorgeous wife, Theresa Lopez-Fitzgerald. The church erupted in applause
and Theresa and Ethan laughed, taking each other's hands and running down the
aisle. They ran down the stairs of the church, giggling and hugging each
other as rice and confetti surrounded them. They stopped every few feet and
posed for pictures, after all they were the picture-perfect couple.
Then there were flashes of their wedding reception at the Crane mansion.
Ethan and Theresa dancing, cutting the cake, kissing, laughing, dancing
again. Ethan took Theresa's garter off as the guests cheered them on and
threw it into the crowd. Then Theresa stood on a chair and tossed back her
bouquet, laughing a delicate laugh as someone jumped up to catch it.
And then they were off in the limo towards the airport to disembark on
their honeymoon. As the limousine doors closed they leaned in for a
passionate kiss and the guests cheered and applauded yet again. The limousine
drove off in the sunset with the happy newlyweds inside, excitedly awaiting
their life together.
~*~
Ethan stirred awake as he felt a pair of lips against his.
'Theresa,' he thought happily and opened his eyes, expecting to find the
pretty brunette beside him. He was startled when he saw Gwen staring at him
with a happy and amused smile on her face. He sat upright, looking around in
a confused manner.
"Ethan?" she asked. "What's wrong?"
He shook his and tried to wake himself up. "Nothing," he said, "Nothing
at all."
"What were you dreaming about? You certainly looked happy. Were you
dreaming about me?" Gwen teased in a light-hearted manner as she rolled into
his arms.
The dream guiltily flashed before his eyes, but he covered his guilt with
a smile. "What? Oh, I don't remember."
"You probably were. I was dreaming about our wedding," she confided with
a smile. "I can't wait until we get married!" Gwen squealed excitedly,
extending her hand and admiring her engagement ring. "This is so perfect
Ethan. I love you so much," she kissed him deeply. "I want to get started on
our wedding plans as soon as possible! I was thinking maybe a summer wedding?
How beautiful would that be? Maybe we could have it on your family's yachts?
How perfect would that be!"
Ethan wrapped his arms around Gwen tightly and listened to her jabber on
about how she envisioned their wedding. He tried to pay attention to her, but
he couldn't help his mind from wandering to the dream about Theresa. Did it
mean something?
~
