Body Imhotep was standing at the window, which had been blocked from her view by the door. "Imhotep?" Merenre said tentatively.

He turned to her, and the look on his newly regenerated face made her want to cry. She had never seen so much pain. "Merenre," he replied without feeling.

Merenre crossed over to him. She wanted to hug him, hold him. The once confident man, now invincible mummy, was falling apart in front of her. All she felt she could do was touch his arm. "Do you want to talk now?"

Imhotep nodded and sat in a chair. Merenre pulled another chair across fromh im and sat down. "Why did you bring me back?"

Merenre took a deep breath. "I don't quite know how to explain it."

"Please try."

She sighed, knowing she was about to cause more pain. "Remember what happened the last time?"

Imhotep winced.

"She's dead."

"How?"
"Scarabs." Merenre did not feel she needed to elaborate.

Imhotep nodded, tears in his eyes.

"I tried to save you," Merenre explained. "I was too late."

Imhotep frowned. "I remember...."

Merenre sat forward. "What?"

"Did you...?"

"I told you I loved you." Merenre closed her eyes, sure he would laugh or cry or say something awful.

There was only silence. Merenre opened her eyes slowly and nearly started crying.

He had the half-smile on his face that always made her melt. The confused look on her face even made him laugh a little. "Why did you never tell me?"

"I would have been killed. She would have made sure of that."

"She wouldn't have done that."

Merenre scowled. "I don't think you knew her as well as you thought you did."

He was quiet.

"I'm sorry. That came out wrong." Merenre paused. "She found out. From that moment on, I didn't have a chance to breathe."

"I never knew...." Imhotep began. Merenre wasn't sure what he was referring to.

"She told me you'd never be interested in a servant like me anyway."

"You never answered me, exactly."

"What?"

"Why did you bring me back?"

She began to cry. "I couldn't live without you. I've been so miserable these last two years. At least when I was a servant I still got to see you! It's been unbearable!"

Imhotep said nothing.

"Should I have left you?" she asked.

He stood and went back to the window. "I don't know."

Merenre went to him. "I know I can't replace her, and I know you hurt. All I ask is that you stay with me and give me a chance."

Imhotep considered. "I don't love you."

"I know. I'm not asking you to. Not yet."

He nodded. "I'll try." As if to seal the deal, he gave her a small kiss on the lips.

Just then, the door burst open. They both turned to see Rick, guns in both hands and pointed at them. Evelyn and Alex were behind him.

Elana moved in front of Imhotep. "No! Please don't, Rick!"

"Are you crazy?" Rick replied. "You want to free him after all the trouble he's caused?"

Elana scowled. She moved toward him. "You listen to me, Rick O'Connell! The first time he came back, all he wanted to do was bring his love back. You got in the way. The second time, that witch tricked him into causing trouble."

To Rick's surprise, she was pressed up against the barrells of his guns, as if daring him to shoot her. He quickly put them down.

"This time I brought him back. He's not hurting anybody, and neither am I, so leave us alone!"

Evelyn pulled on Rick's arm. "Let me talk to her." They all looked at Imhotep, who was also looking at Elana in surprise.

"If you promise not to kill each other, you can all wait outside," Evelyn said.

"Hmph," Rick mumbled. Rick, Imhotep, and Alex went otu the door.

Immediately, Elana started talking. "Evelyn, please. He's not going to cause trouble. You know I won't. Just let us go on our way. Please?"

Evelyn sat down. "Are you really sure this is what you want? You could be facing a lifetime of problems."

"I'm willing to take that risk."

Evelyn thought for a minute. "If that's what you want.... Give me the book back and we'll leave."

Elana took the book off the desk and handed it to Evelyn.

"You're sure?"

"Evelyn!"

They went down to the bar, where the men were actually sitting and talking. Alex just looked confused. Evelyn stood by Rick. "Let's go."

"But-" Rick said. Evelyn hushed him and whispered in his ear. He sighed and stood. Giving Imhotep a reluctant handshake, he mumbled, "Well, sorry I tried to shoot you."

They left, and Imhotep and Merenre were left alone to do whatever fate allowed.