A/N: It's finally here. Enjoy and let me know what you thought if you're still reading that is

Chapter 37: Secrets

A week had passed on Wisteria Lane and Susan and Mike had gotten back to their everyday lives. The turmoil and angst that plagued them in the form of Sullivan and Noah Taylor still existed. The police had used up nearly every possible lead on searching for Sullivan much to their disappointment they had still not found anything new.

"Are you sure you have to go?" sighed Susan watching as Mike stood up from the table. She fed Jacob a piece of toast whilst his twin sister cooed for her father's attention.

"I have too," he answered simply putting his plates in the dishwasher.

He knew Susan was uncomfortable with him going back to work. She stood up resolutely and circled her arms around his waist letting a brisk silence fall between them.

"I wish you didn't have too," she murmured her skin trembling with fear. "It's not safe."

"Baby we have two twins to feed and clothe. I'll be okay," he reassured gently running his hand up her back.

"It's going to take some getting used to not having you here all day. I've just gotten you back I can't lose you again," she spoke voicing her fears.

"You won't lose me," he whispered hoarsely kissing the top of her forehead. "I have to go or Phil will kill me."

Nodding her head slowly she looked up at him painfully reaching up she placed a soft kiss against his lips not quite ready to let him go.

"I'll see you later," she spoke managing a small smile.

Susan watched him go and turn back to the twins surprised to see Julie also sat at the table. "Hi sweetie are you awake already?"

"Yeah mom I take it you haven't told Mike about the nightmares yet?" spoke her daughter pouring herself a bowl of cereal.

"Err...no...not yet," she whispered shamefully.

Her nightmares had become more frequent and in much more detail. She had wanted to tell Mike but there was also a part of her that didn't want to worry him. The last thing they needed was to live in fear not when everything was starting to come together again.

"Mom, don't you think that he would want to know," protested her daughter.

"Julie I can't...I will tell him when I am ready?" she objected turning away and looking out of the kitchen window.

She looked over at Mike's old house. It still hadn't been put up for sale; there was a part of her that wished it never would be. Mike and her shared so many perfect memories there. Memories of a time where they were once safe in the haven of each other's arms. She loved Emma and Jacob and not a day went by where she wasn't grateful for having them but she resented the fact that from the day they were born their lives were put in so much danger. They were supposed to be discovering new things and learning new words not kept under close scrutiny each day that passed.

Julie looked at her mom, she knew her mom had to tell Mike but it was no use. Grabbing her backpack she walked towards where she was standing.

"Mom I have to go to school and I promised Danielle I would go to the mall with her after but if you want I can cancel."

"No sweetie I will be okay you go and have a nice time besides I have a ton of work my publisher wants doing by next week," argued Susan hugging her softly.

"Okay well if you're sure I will see you later." Susan watched her daughter leave the house. Closing the door securely she turned back to the twins smiling faces.

"Hey guys I guess you both need a bath," she cooed picking them up and heading upstairs.

Susan looked at the clock it was only 1.45pm. she had busied herself so far by doing some housework and playing with the twins. Deciding to call Mike she picked up the phone and dialled the familiar number to his cell phone.

"Gahh what's the point of your daddy having a cell phone if he turns it off," she sighed in frustration looking at Emma who found her mother's action strangely amusing.

She knew sitting around wasn't doing her any good. Walking into the kitchen she saw a big red mark on the calendar Gabby's Birthday Party.

She really didn't feel like going to a party but lately she didn't feel like doing a lot of things. Gabby was one of her best friends she owed it to her to be there even if it was only for a few hours.

"Hey guys how about we go shopping?" she smiled grabbing the twins' stroller.

A few hours later

Susan pushed the stroller out of the store tiredly so far she hadn't found the perfect dress but she was having a good time and she felt safe among the hordes of people at the mall. Deciding on her next location she was stopped by the wailing of her daughter. Looking at her watch she realized it was time to feed the twins. Sitting down on a nearby bench she took out the twins bottles of milk smiling as they reached for it eagerly. They never stopped to amaze her. Jacob had Mike's little twinkle and mischievousness. She knew he would be a heartbreaker when he grew up. A part of her didn't want them to grow up and stay as they were but another wanted to see the incredible young men and women they were destined to be just like her daughter Julie.

Her and Mike had made a promise not to force anything onto the twins whatever route they wanted to take in their life they would be proud of them although it would be nice to see Emma become the first female president.

"Well, well if it isn't Susie Q," boomed the voice which made her recoil in horror.

"Karl what are you doing here?" she sighed looking up to see his smug expression.

"Oh just doing a little shopping and why are you here Susie Q?"

"None of your business," she fumed looking back at the twins.

"Susie Q there is no need to be so harsh," he smirked taking a seat next to her. "Where's plumber?"

"Work and I didn't say you could sit with me," she spoke taking the bottle from Jacob and wiping at his mouth.

"Man he looks more and more like the plumber everyday," he grinned watching Jacob look at him with his soft hazel eyes.

"Well that's a surprise seeing as he is Mike's son," she sighed watching in horror as Karl picked up her son. "What are you doing?"

"What I'm just holding him, Relax Susie I've had practice with Julie," he reassured placing Jacob on his legs.

"Oh you mean the few days you were actually home for an hour," she smiled watching his expression.

"Cute Susie Q very cute," he grinned tucking a piece of her hair behind her ear.

"Karl what...," she began.

Without warning Jacob threw up the contents of his stomach onto an unsuspecting Karl.

"Oh what," he spoke watching as the little boy flashed his few teeth playfully.

"Oh I'm really sorry," spoke Susan trying to force back her laughter. She reached for a napkin giving it to Karl as he dabbed at his expensive suit in frustration.

"It's okay Susie Q," he smiled trying to make light of the situation.

"What you're not gonna start yelling?" she asked surprised.

"No he's just a baby he didn't know," he smiled although inside he was fuming at the plumber's son.

"That's very..."

"Susan what are you doing?" invaded another voice close to her.

Susan looked up happy to see Lynette approaching her. Lynette saw the little interaction and was wondering if Susan was feeling alright sitting next to the devil himself.

"I'll see you later," spoke Karl leaving. "Lynette nice to see you."

"Yeah okay," she mumbled watching Susan. "Okay since when have you and your ex-husband been so cozy?"

"Lynette we are not. Karl just came over to say hello," objected her friend.

"And remember what happened last time he got close. Please Susan stay away from him," sighed her friend.

"Lynette you don't need to worry," spoke Susan her tone defeated.

Unbeknown to them Karl had gotten up and was stood around the corner listening to the friend's conversation as much as he could.

"What's with the sullen face?" asked her friend.

"Nothing I'm okay how's Tom?" she asked changing the conversation.

"Tom's fine but you are changing the subject. It seems that everything is okay which can only mean one other thing..."

"Sullivan," interrupted Susan her voice a faint whisper.

"What is it? Has he done something?" asked Lynette concerned.

"No..I..mean...I don't...know..." stammered Susan.

Karl watched as Lynette placed an arm around Susan's shoulder.

"I..eerr...I..have been having these nightmares," began Susan awkwardly.

"About Sullivan?"

She nodded her head quietly. "Just like last time...when I dreamt that...that...he..shot Mike except this time they are more real...it's like I am there."

"What happens?" asked Lynette cautiously.

"I...err...there's this fire and..and..it...burns Lynette...so...much and I try to escape...but I can't..I can't," she cried falling into her friends arms.

"Shhh Susan it's okay it's just a nightmare he can't hurt you," soothed her friend. "Have you told Mike?"

"Umm he knows I had the nightmare a while ago but he thinks they've stopped,... I haven't told him that they have become more frequent," she explained.

Karl smiled at the new piece of information, the plumber didn't know that his wife was having nightmares. Maybe someone should enlighten him.

"Don't you think you should tell him?" asked Lynette.

"No I'm probably being paranoid."

"Honey you're not being paranoid. I have to go pick up the kids from school. Why don't you come with me and we can bake some cookies. I know the boys would love to see their aunt Susan," she suggested not wanting to leave her friend alone.

"Thanks Lynette but I don't want to be a burden," she smiled.

"You're not a burden," sighed her friend standing up.

"Thanks Lynette maybe I will take you up on your offer," she replied standing up and heading towards the exit with her.

That Night

Susan walked into the dark house throwing her keys on the table. She cooked smell something had been cooked ad walked into the kitchen. Grabbing her cell phone out of her jacket she was surprised to see she had eight missed calls. She listened as Mike's voice filled her senses asking if she was okay and where she was.

Picking up a sleeping Emma and Jacob she quietly walked upstairs to the nursery placing them in their cribs. Tiredly she walked into her own bedroom surprised to see Mike fast asleep on the bed, his hair slightly damp fro his shower.

Puling off her shoes and jacket she joined him on the bed resting against his warm chest listening to the soft lull of his heartbeat as she soon fell into a deep sleep. Everything would be okay she had her Mike and he would keep her safe.

The Next Day

Karl impatiently knocked on Edie's door for the thirtieth time that morning sighing he was just about to leave when she answered the door dressed in a skimpy pink negligee.

"You better have a good reason for waking me up at 7 in the morning," she spoke furiously.

Karl looked at her coyly before walking into the house, an intrigued Edie following behind him.

"Just come right in and take a seat," she grinned sitting down and pouring herself a tall glass of orange juice. "So to what do I owe the pleasure?"

"Mike and Susan?" he grinned.

"Oh and this deserved waking me up," she sighed.

"Lets just say things are not very trusting between Wisteria Lane's answer to Romeo and Juliet," he grinned.

"What planet did you come back form Karl. Those two are all over each other it's nauseating," she grimaced taking a long swallow of her drink.

"But our little Susie Q has been keeping secrets from our plumber," he laughed.

"Keeping something?"

"Apparently Susie has been having nightmares she's told everyone but her beloved plumber. Now how would he feel about that?"

"That's hardly life threatening," mumbled Edie losing interest.

"But here's the plan. I do a little snooping around and tell the plumber everything. Make him think that Susie's been confiding in me rather than her own husband," he spoke determinedly a little gleam in his eyes.

"And Mike will hate the news coming form you her ex," she spoke.

"And he will be in your bed faster than you can say plumber," he chuckled confidently.

"Now about this plan," began Edie moving towards him.

Mike tiredly opened his eyes as they adjusted to the morning light filtering in through the windows. He looked down and saw Susan sleeping against his chest, her soft brown hair fanning her face. She was still wearing the clothes from yesterday he guessed she must have come home and fallen asleep next to him.

He looked at her delicate face she seemed troubled. Lightly tracing a finger across her face he wished beyond anything to make her feel safe and happy. Susan softly opened her eyes at the warm caress and looked at her husband's handsome face staring back at her.

"Hi morning," she murmured her throat dry.

"Morning beautiful," he smiled kissing her softly. "Long day yesterday?"

""Oh this," she blushed watching as he pointed at her clothes. "I just wanted to be near you and I guess I must have fallen asleep."

"What time did you get home?" she asked sitting up slightly.

"About 8.30pm the house was dark and I couldn't hear Julie or the twins so I figured you must have gone out somewhere?" he spoke looking at her.

"Oh I went to the mall then paid a visit to Lynette's house," she explained. "I'm sorry but I only got your messages last night and I guess I was distracted."

"That's okay baby are you feeling alright?" he asked concern lacing his voice.

"Yeah why would you think I'm not," she lied looking at his chest. "I'm just tired that's all"

"Okay," he spoke a hint of suspicion in his voice. "So what did you buy from the mall?"

Relived to change the subject she looked upon into his eyes and smiled. "Well I bought a dress for Gabby's birthday party and a little surprise for you."

"Oh what sort of surprise?" he asked his curiosity peeked.

"The sort of surprise which involves you undressing me," she teased tracing her finger across his smooth abdomen.

"Well I have no objections to that," he smirked playfully.

"I didn't think you would," she smiled back moving away. "But not now I want to check on Julie and the twins."

She grinned as he gave her a pleading puppy dog look. "Do you have to go to work today?"

"Unfortunately yes," he moaned running a hand through his hair. He watched as she pulled of her top throwing it to the floor and grabbed a soft cotton vest.

"Oh do you know how long you are going to be?" she asked knowing that she would have to send the entire day by herself again.

"I could be gone all day it's a pretty big job and Phil wants everyone on it," he explained.

She was just about to say something when Julie knocked on the door. "Mom? Mike?"

"It's okay sweetie you can come in," responded her mother sitting on the bed.

Julie walked into the room and looked at them. "Ermm Kendra's downstairs."

Mike took a deep breath and held onto Susan's hand as he walked downstairs. Kendra was here? Why? He had told the Taylor's that he didn't want anything more to do with them. Susan looked at her husbands face and gently squeezed his hand.

"Are you okay? I can tell her to leave if you want?"

"No it's okay I guess we better go and see what she wants." Walking into the lounge they were met by Kendra's sorrowful gaze.

"Mike? Susan it's good to see you both."

"What do you want Kendra?" he asked harshly . Kendra looked at him and took a deep breath. she looked at Mike, then at Susan then back at Mike again.

"I know this may come as a shock especially with your amnesia," she began.

"Don't worry about that I have my memory back," spoke Mike.

"Oh well I'm happy for you," replied the person he once considered a friend. Mike refused to believe that was true and glared at her trying to figure out why she was in his house.

"Dad's dead," she spoke softly making his features soften for a moment.

"Noah's dead?" asked Susan her voice shocked. She watched as Mike collapsed freely onto the couch.

"Yes he passed away last night it was only going to be a matter of time his condition was getting worser by the day," she explained.

"So he's dead?" asked Mike his face stoic and his voice emotionless.

"I came by to invite you to the funeral it's this Friday," responded Kendra.

"You should have saved yourself the bother," responded Mike standing up and leaving the room.

Kendra looked at Susan apologetically. "I'm sorry I shouldn't have come."

Susan offered her sympathies and let her out of the house. She was just about to go find Mike when he came downstairs clutching his jacket.

"Where are you going?" she asked concerned.

"Work?" he stated simply grabbing his car keys.

"Mike I don't think that's a good idea. Don't you want to talk about it?"

He turned around to face her. "There is nothing to talk about."

With that said he left the house and a worried Susan behind.

Mike walked into the dark house that night. walking upstairs he was surprised to see Susan sat on the stairs staring back at him.

"So you finally decided to come home?"

"Yeah it's been a long day," he sighed sitting on the step next to her and looking into the distance.

Susan looked at his troubled face and quietly took his hand. "About Noah..."

"Don't," he spoke harshly pulling his hand back.

"Mike!"

"What Susan? What about Noah? He made my life hell as far as I'm concerned I'm glad he's dead," he fumed turning away.

"Mike I know you must be feeling angry but..."

"ANGRY YEAH MAYBE I AM...look I have you, the kids a new life now."

Susan was about to say something when he stood up. "I'm really tired think I'm going to go to sleep. Are you coming?"

"Umm yeah in a little while," she responded softly.

Susan watched as he walked past her and go upstairs. She knew Mike wasn't feeling alright. He was trying to keep everything bottled up and all she wanted was for him to open up to her. Sighing dejectedly she walked upstairs surprised to see Mike was already fast asleep.

One Week Later

Sullivan calmly walked into the florists, his face hidden by a baseball cap and covered by a messy amount of facial hair. He looked like a poor homeless man rather than a cold, calculating killer.

Over the weeks he had been keeping in contact with Paul Young. He had proven to be a valuable source of information regarding the investigation into his whereabouts. So far that idiot detective Copeland was at a loose end and to think he once worked alongside him.

Smiling at the young woman behind the counter he analyzed her face. Her brunette hair and twinkling hazel eyes. She looked just like a young Susan Delfino. He was going to enjoy seeing the look on Delfino's face as his wife took her last breath. What would it be like? Would he cry?

"Sir are you okay?" asked the sales girl looking at him intently.

"Sorry I was just somewhere else," he grinned showing of his row of perfect teeth.

"That's okay how may I help you?" she spoke studying him.

"I would like to send a dozen red roses to this address," he smiled.

"Someone special?" she asked her tone a little jealous.

"You could say that," he smirked handing her a wad of cash.

"And would you like to include a personalized card with that?" she asked handing him a pen.

"Oh very much," he laughed taking his red pen out of his pocket.

Susan walked into the house trying to push the stroller and balance the various bags dangling from her arms at the same time. She dumped the bags on the table and helped Emma and Jacob out of their stroller and put them in their playpen.

It had been a week since they heard the news of Noah's death an ever since then Mike had been distant. He would spend most of his day working and she would only see him in the morning or at night if she was really lucky.

"I'll be back in a minute guys," she spoke heading out to the car to fetch the remaining groceries.

Grabbing the bags she was just about to head back inside when she heard some unfamiliar voice call out to her. Turning around she was met by a young man holding a beautiful bouquet of red roses.

"Are you Mrs Delfino?" he asked warmly. Susan nodded her head in disbelief as she took the flowers. Mike must have seen the flowers as a peace offering she was touched by the thought.

Walking back inside she placed the bags down and looked at the delicate rose petals realizing there was a card she picked it out slowly opening the small red envelope.

As each rose petal falls it's one day closer to being near you. Soon S

Dropping the bouquet to the floor Susan quickly ran into the kitchen throwing up the contents of her stomach. She turned and stared at the roses marred with hate and disgust. Hastily grabbing them she threw them into the bin. Sinking to the floor teas of fear slipped past her eyes.

Mike walked into the house dropping his keys onto the nearby table. He smiled when he saw his children happily playing with their toys. The day Susan bought them into the world was a day he would never forget. He knew he had been distant lately ever since the death of Noah he refused to acknowledge anyone or anything.

"Susan?" he called making his way out of the lounge.

Susan heard the distinctive voice and looked at the clock it was only 5.30pm. What was Mike doing home early? Quickly standing up she walked to the sink and splashed some cold water on her face.

"Hey there you are. I've been calling didn't you hear me?" he asked walking into the kitchen.

She turned around a small smile planted on her face. "You're back early."

He walked towards her taking in her features. "Yeah I left early."

"Oh well if you're hungry there' some food in the fridge," she explained moving out of his way.

"Susan," he spoke reaching for her arm. "I' sorry I know I've been a jerk these past few days."

Susan turned her face to look at him and met his apologetic blue eyes. "Mike?"

He recognized her tone immediately and felt guilty for what he put her through. "God baby I'm sorry."

Susan fell into his arms inhaling in his scent. It had been so long since he held her like this, now everything felt right again. Looking up at him Mike carefully placed a finger at the side of her face.

"Here these are for you," he spoke handing her a bouquet of red roses. Susan looked at the flowers immediately shirking back in fear, a involuntary tear slipping past her eyes.

Mike noticed the action and his face lit up in concern. "Baby what's wrong?"

"Nothing it's just they're beautiful," she lied.

"Just like you," he whispered placing a tender kiss against her lips.

Susan moaned softly at the contact and parted her lips deepening the kiss as she wrapped her arms around his neck.

"Sorry...m..clothes...are...all...dirty," he whispered between passion filled kisses.

"I don't care," she sighed moving her delicate hands underneath his t-shirt. Mike grabbed her by the waist quickly undoing the buttons of her blouse and throwing it to the floor. She moaned as she felt him push her up against the counter.

His lips moved from her lips to create a soft torturous journey against the side of her neck.

"God...Mike...feels..." she panted letting out a loud gasp as he moved his hands up her skirt and towards her already wet panties.

Mike looked at his wife, her eyes closed in pure bliss and smiled as he felt himself begin to react to her.

A loud knocking on the door sounded through the house but they both chose to ignore it at that moment not caring who was there.

Mike slipped her panties to the side and placed a finger across her slit. The knocking sounded even louder this time and then the unmistakable voice of Sophie Bremmer.

"Susie, Mikey, where are you. I know you're home," she yelled.

Susan looked at Mike and rested her damp forehead against his shoulder. "Damn I forgot...she was coming to baby-sit."

"Why?" asked Mike trying to control his breathing.

"Gabby's party tonight," she sighed. "Umm if you still want to go?"

"Well I had planned on making love to my beautiful wife all night but I guess we can always do that later," he sighed moving away.

"I better go let mom in," she mumbled pulling on her blouse.

"I'm going to go and have a cold shower," he grinned walking upstairs and disappearing out of view.

A Few Hours Later

Mike walked down Wisteria Lane with his wife towards the Solis' house. They could hear the extravagant Mexican music loudly coming from the back garden.

"It's really cold tonight," shivered Susan. "I really should have bought my shawl with me."

"It's okay I can run back and get it for you," grinned Mike watching as she rubbed her arms.

"You would do that for me?" she asked looking at him.

"Sure I will be a few minutes. I'll meet you inside the party," he smirked kissing her cheek softly.

"Okay," she smiled happily walking off.

Mike walked back towards the house rubbing his hands trying to warm them from the cold.

"Hi plumber," spoke Karl coming to stand in front of him. "Just to let you know I won't hurt Susie Q."

"Excuse me," asked Mike stopping in his tracks. What the hell was Karl boasting about today?

"I mean it is hard but she is slowly opening up," shrugged Karl. "You know about the nightmares."

"Nightmares?" Mike was clearly confused and looked at Karl for answers.

"You know the one she's been having...oh...you didn't know," spoke Karl shocked.

"With her friends and me knowing I thought you would seeing as you're her husband," he goaded.

"You're going to tell me what the hell you are talking about," snarled Mike standing in front of him.

"It's nothing plumber just nightmares she has been having about Sullivan. Don't worry I've been helping her through it," he spoke softly.

"Why did she tell you?" asked Mike his tone bitter.

"I don't know I guess with you not being around so much. Just last week she was saying," he began.

"What happened last week?" asked Mike disgusted. His wife, his own wife was going to her ex-husbands house and confiding in him.

"We just talked," sympathized Karl. "At least she has someone to depend on."

"Mike? what's taking so long?" called Susan surprised to see him stood next to Karl.

Mike turned to her his expression one of anger and hurt. "You want to tell me about these nightmares?"

"Nightmares? Mike...look I can explain," she began.

"Oh this should be good," he scoffed. "So who did you tell first, Lynette, Bree, Gabby."

"Mike I wanted to tell you but..."

"But what...I thought we were supposed to share stuff isn't that what a husband and wife do not keep secrets," he yelled a little too loudly.

"Mike I didn't mean to keep it from you...but.."

"I must look really stupid everyone must know except for me. God Susan you even confided in him," he yelled pointing at Karl.

"Mike...I didn't...Karl.." she pleaded wanting him to understand.

"Were you at his house last week?" he asked.

"Mike."

"I trust you Susan yet you can't even be bothered to tell me something as important as this. Do I mean anything to you or am I just the dad to your kids?" he spoke venomously.

"Mike how can you cay that?" she spoke reaching for him.

"Just don't touch me," he spat getting into his car. "Go back to the party with your ex I'm sure you have a lot to talk about."

"Mike! Wait Mike!" yelled Susan watching as he sped off down the street. She wiped at the few tears that fell past her eyes and walked towards her house reappearing a few minutes later with her car keys.

"Susie what are you doing?" yelled Sophie witnessing her daughter's hasty exit.

"Sorry mom...I just need to go...find Mike," she mumbled driving off in the same direction.

Susan picked up her cell phone dialling the number again and getting Mike's answering machine.

"Mike please look I know you're mad at me and I would be too but please pick up. Where are you?"

She dropped the phone and stopped at the lights wiping at her eyes. She looked into the distance. She didn't notice as the truck crashed fiercely into the side of her car and her world turned black.

TBC

A/N: Next part coming soon