(Sorry it's taken awhile, but I have one word for ya: SCHOOL. Blech. I hope you like this chapter. I threw in a little Gwank because I'm just one of those hopeful Gwank lovers I guess. Pretty please, with sprinkles on top, review it if you read it? I'm in need of encouragement to finish the story, lol. Well, here it is. Hope you like. :)

On another not, I just want to say that my thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims of Sept.11. Stay strong.)

"Where am I? What's going on?"

Kay's face was about as serious as it could be. Something was wrong, and she could tell.

"Kay," began Eve," You were... in an accident. You took some drugs. You O.D'd sweetie."

"Right..."

"What do you mean right? Are you saying you knew what was happening to you?"

"I uh... NO. I don't even know what happened," she hesitated," Uh... Dr. Russell? What, exactly did happen?"

"Well, we're not too sure yet. Sheridan Crane found you in the bathroom at the Book Cafe."

Memories began to flood back in Kay's mind as she witnessed what happened to her. Ryan had left her alone, and... she went to the Book Cafe to... to fix her arm. That was it.

"My arm..." she said abruptly.

"We took care of it."

"Oh," she said as she quickly glanced down at it.

" Kay? I need to ask you a few questions, all right?"

"Okay."

"The drugs you took. Do you know what they were called?"

"No."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes."

"All right then. Do you remember where you got them? One of your friends perhaps?"

"I... I don't remember."

Eve sat silently as she observed a nervous Kay shift back and forth. It was so obvious that she was lying.

"One last question. Do you know how much you took?"

"Ummm..."

"It's very important that you tell me what you know Kay."

"I think... I think I took two."

"Just two?"

Eve couldn't recall one pill, or needle that could make a person O.D after taking only two doses. It must have been pretty powerful stuff.

"Yeah. Two. Why? What's wrong with me? Am I going to die?!"

"Well," she began," You very nearly did. Luckily we were able to get you here in time. It seems to me, like you took these drugs to fill, some sort of need. I heard about what happened at your house. Is that the reason you began?"

"Began?" she repeated.

"Began to... do drugs."

"No. I've done them before," she whispered, shocked at her own response. Why was she admitting what she did?

"Kay, this is very serious. We were able to fix your body, but there's nothing we can do to fix your need. I'm going to recommend that you go to therapy."

"Therapy? Are you sure that's necessary?"

"It wouldn't hurt. But don't worry about that now. You're family is waiting to see you. Is that all right?"

'They actually want to talk to me? After what I did? Is it possible they actually care?'

"Sure... I guess. Ummm, Doctor Russell?"

"Yes Kay?"

"Thank you. For helping me, I mean."

"Anytime."

Eve closed the door quietly behind her as she walked into the hallway. Through the blinds, Kay could see the happiness-- she could feel the happiness all around. All for her... One by one the shadows behind the blinds debated who would be the first to see her. Kay hesitated as she sat back against her fluffy white pillows. Looking up at the ceiling, she began to count all the tiny holes that were on all the tiny tiles. She glanced one more time at the shadows, who were still arguing.

'One, two, three. Four, five, six. Seven, eight, nine. Ten, eleven--'

"Hi Kay."

Kay's head shot down, and her eyes landed right in the path of Charity's. She was smiling; holding a giant brown Teddy bear with a pink ribbon wrapped around its neck.

"Hi Charity."

A little hesitant, Charity slowly made her way to the chair that sat next to Kay, and placed the bear on the floor beside it.

"Ummm... Miguel and I bought you this bear."

"Thanks. Where is Miguel anyway?"

"He's outside. Dr. Russell thought it best if we came in one at a time. I asked if I could go first. I really need to talk to you."

"Oh. Okay. What do you want to talk about?"

She sighed," I wanted to talk about what you said before... at the house."

"Right. I forgot about that. You're mad, I understand--"

"I was at first, yes. But I realize now that you were just frustrated. Kay... Can I ask you something?"

"Sure."

"I just want to know how someone with so much going for them could, well, to be blunt- Do what you did... It's because of me isn't it? You feel I've stolen your family from you. Kay, if that is the case, I just want to say that I am so sorry for hurting you like that! You felt like you needed to fill some sort of void in your life... a void caused by me."

"Charity-"

"No Kay, let me finish. I feel just, absolutely horrible about what happened," she cried," You're my cousin, and I will always love you. Can you ever find it in your heart to forgive me?"

Kay couldn't believe what she was hearing. This was coming from the one person in the world that she had hated the most.

'Why?' she thought,' How could I hate her? She's been nothing but sweet to me ever since she came town. And even then I was trying to hurt her... I tried to drive her crazy with a bird statue. I tried to send her to hell. I tried to kill her on Warlock Island. I laughed when she was almost burned at the stake during our school play. The nicest person in Harmony. What's happened to me?'

"Kay? Will you ever forgive me? Please say something."

"Charity, none of this is your fault. None. Nadda. Zippola. You're my cousin too, and I... I love you."

'Did I just say that?!'

"Really Kay? Or are you just trying to make me feel better?"

"No," she laughed, "I'm for real. I can't believe you ever thought it was your fault that I... did what I did. Hey, remember that time, when you first came to town? We were hanging out at the Book Cafe, and you wanted to check out the magazines?"

"Oh yeah! How could I forget? I went over to see what all the fuss was about, only to find Reese reading a Playboy!"

"I don't think he was actually reading it Charity," she replied, gasping for breath between her laughs.

"I was so scared! I didn't even realize it was him until Miguel told me."

"I can still see your face too. You were so shocked. I remember we had to get Luis to drive you home that day."

"Yeah. I miss those days when we were just one big happy group."

'I wouldn't exactly use the word happy.'

"Me too."

"I'm so glad that everything's okay between us Kay. Umm, I'll tell Miguel he can come in now."

"Great. Oh, and Charity?"

"Yes?"

"I'm really happy you moved in with us. I can't imagine life without you around anymore."

She smiled as she opened the door and walked out. One by one every person Kay had ever really cared about (excluding that Care Bear phase she went through when she was four) came into her room to see how she was doing.

~

"Hey Kay... How are you feeling?"

"I'm okay. Miguel? I'm sorry for saying what I said to you."

"I know you are. Charity told me."

"Good. You know, I don't think I've ever told you how happy I am for you two."

"Kay... Don't play dumb with me."

"What do mean? I really am happy for you guys."

"I know how you feel... towards me."

"You do?! How-"

"Simone told me... She told me everything. Well, almost everything. She said you did some stuff, but she wouldn't tell me exactly what it was."

"Oh. But I have to correct you."

Miguel's face cringed into one giant puzzle, as he flopped down on the bed next to her. He almost looked like Reese... almost.

"With what?"

"With what you just said. You said 'I know how you feel towards me,' when you should have said 'I know how you FELT towards me.' I don't feel that way any more Miguel. I've made my peace with Charity... and with myself. Can I make it with you?"

"You don't love me anymore? Why? Do I have something in my teeth?"

"No," she giggled," I've just come to a realization. You love Charity, and she's the only one for you."

'This is it Kay. You're on the road to getting over Miguel now. Stay on it this time.'

"I'm glad. You're my best friend Kay Bennett. I don't know what I'd do without you..."

~

"Woah Kay. I wish I could have had a dream like that!"

"Trust me Simone, you don't. It was so strange. I swear, I was just waiting for a creepy purple cat with a big grin to pop up somewhere..."

~

"Oh my sweet Kay! I'm so glad you're all right!"

"Stop Reese! Please don't-"

"I can't help it!"

"Fight it Reese! Fight it! Don't-"

"I have to!"

"No Reese! No!"

"Kay, I would die without you!"

"Oh God, here it comes..."

"Kaaaaaaaaaaaay!" he cried," I loooooooooove you!"

"Yup. I appreciate that. Shhhhh Reese. That's a good Reese," she whispered as she held the hysterically crying boy in her arms.

~

"Mom-"

"Just... don't say anything! I can't believe you! How many times have your father and I told you about the dangers of drugs? How many Kay?"

"I know Mom. And I'm sorry! I promise I'll never do it again."

"I know you won't, because you'll be grounded until you're forty!"

"But-"

"No but's Kathleen Elizabeth Bennett. I am just so mad right now."

Kay felt her head fall down in shame and tears well up in her eyes. Her own mother was saying this to her. She couldn't believe it. She closed her eyes and just wished she was somewhere else. Anywhere else but there. That's when she felt it. A hand underneath her chin, holding up her head.

"But I love you. I will always love you Kay. You know that."

"I love you too Mom. Always."

They cried for about five minutes, held tight in each others arms.

~

Eve looked through the window and smiled. Things seemed to be going pretty well. As well as can be expected anyway. A smile made its way onto her face as she turned back to the hallway of people. Jessica was leaning on Sam's shoulder, waiting for her turn to see her sister. Simone, Charity, Miguel, and Reese were laughing about some of their best 'Kay memories.' Hank had been talking on a pay phone for quite awhile now...

'It's strange,' she thought,' How something so horrible could bring people so close together. But I guess I know first hand about that, now don't I.'

She snuck a peek at Simone and couldn't help but feel relieved to see her up and around again. When she was hit by that car... well, Eve didn't even want to think about it. Her whole world was just about shattered that night. She turned back to the window and saw Grace and Kay laughing about something.

"Hey everyone."

Sam sat up so fast that Jessica slipped off his shoulder and banged her head on the wall behind her.

"Ow! Hey! Oh... Hi Ethan. Hi Theresa."

"Hi Jessica," replied Theresa," How's Kay doing?"

Sam glanced over to Eve who gave him a warm happy look.

"I think she's going to be just fine. Just fine Ethan..."

"Thank God. You know, I thought- I thought for a while there that I had lost the half sister I never even had a chance to get to know yet. I don't know what I'd of done if that were the case."

"I would always be there for you Ethan. You know I would."

"I know Theresa. And soon you're going to be part of my family," he looked at Sam," Part of our family. Isn't that right Dad?"

"Woah. Dad? Ethan, I-"

"I know! I'm sorry. It just kind of fell outta there some how. I don't know what I was thinking."

"You were thinking right... son. I think we're all glad to finally have you accepted as part of the Bennett family."

"Definitely," chimed Jessica," I really want to get to know you better Ethan."

"Thanks Jess. I'm really looking forward to it."

"No prob."

Theresa's hand squeezed around Ethan's waist, and she looked up at him, her eyes filled with such content.

"You know, I don't think things could get any better than they already are."

"As long as I'm with you, things could never be better."

"Awwww," chanted the chorus of teens seated halfway across the room.

They watched as Ethan pulled Theresa in for a tiny kiss on the lips. When they pulled away, all you could see was the smiles etched onto their faces.

"C'mon. We'd better go say hello."

~

"I don't know mother, I can't really see anything from here. I'm going to try and get a closer look. Hang on. I'll call you back."

Gwen found herself inching closer and closer to Ethan, hiding behind one thing or another to prevent him from seeing her.

'He's with Theresa. Figures. I just have to get a tiny bit closer. Maybe they're just talking. A little closer, and I'll be able to-'

"Ooof!"

'CLUMP'

"Ouch," Gwen whispered, as she rubbed her temples in tiny circular motions. Those meditation classes may have been worth something after all. She reached around and felt the floor, but... something wasn't right. She was on top of something; she was on top of someone! Her eyes flew open and met those of none other than handsome Hank Bennett.

"Well hello beautiful. Nice to see you again."

"Uhh!" she shrieked, as she flew back in horror.

"What? I'm not that ugly am I? I mean, my brother always told me I was an ugly kid, but I think I'm past that stage now."

"No," she smiled," It's not that. You're not ugly one."

"Uh, okay. Did you hit that pretty little head of yours when you crashed into me?" he asked as he started to sit up.

"There's a spider right there! Right behind your left hand! Hurry up! Get out of there, it's getting closer!"

"What-- that tiny fellow? He's just lost I bet. Nothing to worry about."

"In case you didn't know- some spiders are poisonous! Now move your hand this instant!"

Hank sat on the floor laughing. She wasn't seriously telling him that a tiny spider was about to kill him, was she?

"Listen, if you want to die, then suit yourself. I won't have any part of it."

Gwen's hair flew out behind her as she spun her back toward Hank, arms crossed and everything.

"Oh no! Gwen! Help me! I think- I think it bit me! I'm being poisoned! Glaurophhophh- Ugh! I can't breathe!"

"Oh my God!"

She spun around and whammed into one tiny spider, held in one giant hand.

"Ahhhhh!" she screamed.

She pushed his hand down towards the floor in a panic, and the spider fell out, more than happy to continue on it's way.

"You could have killed me! You tried to kill me!"

"Jeez. Rich people can be so blind sometimes."

"What's that supposed mean?"

"It means, that that spider wasn't going to hurt you. It was more scared of you, then you were of it."

"I don't believe you."

"Oh well," he smiled lightly," Too bad. Now if you'll excuse me; I was in the middle of a conversation."

He made his way over to the dangling receiver, and placed it against his ear.

"Hello? Sorry about that, I- Hello? Hello? Great."

The phone found its way back onto it's hook, and Gwen found herself staring at one unhappy man.

"Ummm... I'm sorry about your phone call."

"Forget it."

"You know, middle class citizens could be a little nicer to the more wealthier people."

Hank laughed," Oh really? How so you figure?"

"Treat them with a little more respect for one? We're not all rich snobs who only care about ourselves."

"Well, I'll have to keep that in mind next time I talk to the Queen."

"That's not the only nice thing you could do."

"What's the rest?"

"You could always let them, oh, I don't know... Let's say-- take them out for a drink?"

"You're offering to buy me a drink?"

"Yes. I am. Is that so hard to believe?"

"Well, as I recall, I made the same offer to you; and I was actually turned down. So, what makes you think that you'll be so successful?"

"I'm Gwen Hotchkiss."

"And?"

"And no one refuses an offer that I make to them."

"Well, in that case- I guess I don't really have much of a choice then, do I?"

"I don't suppose you do."

"So I guess it's settled."

"Great. I'll call my driver and have him meet us in the front. I know a great restaurant-"

"I thought we were going out for drinks?"

"Well... we are?" she replied sounding a little more than confused now.

"No, no, no. You want to drink with me, you drink in a real bar."

"Is that so?"

"Yeah."

"Then lead on my fearless leader!"

"Great. I just have to tell Sam and Grace that I'm heading out of here for awhile."

"Wait- We're not walking, are we?"

"You'd better believe it honey."

'Honey? Oh dear Lord. What have I gotten myself into? This is the same man I rejected in a church. And now look at me. Walking to a local bar with him,' she couldn't help but stifle a tiny laugh,' Ethan isn't the only one that deserves to be happy. Moving on is a part of the process, and this could be just the step I need to start my journey...'

"Ready to go?"

"You'd better believe it... Hot rod."

'Hot rod?! This girl is in some serious need of a little Hank.'

"Okay," he laughed," Let's go."

Gwen smiled, and happily took Hanks arm as it was extended to her. This was her turning point. She could feel it. Not only for her, but for him as well.

~

A few hours flew by before it was time for everyone to leave. Wounds, both old and new, had been mended and apologized for so many times, that there was nothing left for anybody so say except their goodbyes. Tomorrow Kay would be released, and her life would return to normal. She couldn't wait.

Closing her eyes tightly, she rolled onto her side, and faced the wall furthest from the door. All the lights had been turned out in the halls, as well as in her room, with an exception of a desk lamp over at the nearest nurse's station. The monitor that was showing Kay's heart rate was glowing bright orange, giving off light in the entire area that surrounded it. She couldn't remember the last time she had been so happy and at peace. The room sort of reminded her of home. Well, her old home anyway. There wasn't too much of a difference in them.

She remembered how on Christmas Eve, before midnight mass, how her Dad would start a fire, and they'd just turn on the lights of the tree; nothing more. It was so special to her. The orange light emanating from the monitor reminded her of that fire. It made her feel safe. Nothing could get to her here; she was sure of it.

Unfortunately, she wasn't always right; and a few hours later she would have to find it out the hard way.

~

'SQUEAK'

The wooden door to her room opened just as slowly as it was shut. Footsteps made their way across the floor to her bed, and ended in the chair that was sitting on the floor next to her. Charity and Miguel's Teddy bear was resting comfortably against one of the legs.

"Kay..." a voice whispered," It's okay. I'm here now."

Oh God. She knew who it was. She felt something hard pressed against her spine, but she had no clue as to what it might be. Her eyes opened, but her head stayed still. Her gaze was fixated on the wall ahead of her.

"Ryan... You shouldn't be here right now."

"That doesn't matter. All that matters is that I'm here with you. You need me and I need you baby. You know that. Just be a good girl and stay still for a minute."

"Ryan, NO," she whispered in a panic filled voice. She knew what he was doing, but for some strange reason, her body wouldn't move. Her head wouldn't turn. There was nothing she could do to stop it from happening.

A hand covered her mouth as she cried out in pain, not once- but twice. Ryan had injected her with two loaded needles of 'Rage.' The effects were immediate, as Kay began to feel a bit woozy, yet energized at the same time. The pressure on her spine had been removed, and she was free to turn around and face him. Slowly but steadily, her gaze became entangled in his. The smile that was planted on his face disgusted her. She wanted it to go away so she would never have to see it again.

Lucky her. A few seconds after she rolled around to face him, his expression turned grim, and his complexion pale. Then he smiled. The same smile.

"Close your eyes."

"No."

"Close your eyes Kay! C'mon baby, you know I love you. Just do what I say, all right?"

She complied and shut her eyes as tight as they would go. The skin on her cheeks felt something rubbing against it, and it didn't take long for her to realize that Ryan was wiping away blood. Blood that was dripping from her eyes.

"There," he whispered," All done. Now we can leave. Are you ready to leave?"

"No. I'm not going anywhere with you. Your drugs put me in the hospital. Why should I ever trust you again? How could I ever trust you again?"

" I warned you! I warned you, but you wouldn't listen to me. It's not my fault you can be a stubborn bitch sometimes! How many times do I have to tell you this? You can always trust me, because I love you! Now just get out of those pyjamas and come with me."

"No."

Ryan smirked. "I had a feeling you wouldn't co-operate. But don't worry. I planned for it."

He motioned with his hand towards the window, and Kay saw two shadows make their way into the room.

"I'm going to give you one last chance. Either come with me right now, or uh, we'll remove you forcibly."

"I'll scream," she replied. Her breath was shaky and unsteady. She was surprised that she could even hear herself talk over the pounding of her heart.

"Go ahead. Try it. You'll just make things worse for yourself."

Kay's mouth opened and she let out a piercing holler at the top of her lungs. She screamed and screamed for a good two minutes, only there was no sound coming out. Ryan's hand was once again covering her mouth.

"Not smart. Uh, boys? Feel free to jump in any time."

Muffled screams and sounds of struggling filled the room. That's when it happened again. The pain had reappeared in her spine, and she couldn't move.

"That should shut you up for at least a little while. Let's go."

One of the men picked her up, and proceeded to exit the room. He held his arms underneath her back and knees. Her arms dangled wildly, and her head bobbed back and forth. She was being kidnapped, and there was nothing anyone could do about it.

'SQUEAK'

The door shut slowly behind them, as they made their way over to the elevator. The pain was almost unbearable, and she had no idea how she had managed to cope thus far.

'DRIP... DRIP.... DRIP'

The last thing she heard was the sound of her own blood falling in rhythm onto the floor. The nurse's tiny desk lamp shone in the distance. Then it all went black.