True Love Once One is Removed:
Chapter 7: ...Is The Hardest Thing To Do



****** Still don't own them. If I did, you know. It wouldn't have been a year of waiting and still waiting.





'AJ' Brady thought. What had been the meaning of the name and of the dream. As he placed a tie onto his collar and looked into the mirror. And suddenly realized why it was he had been getting dressed so formally. Chloe. It was her day. And it had been the time. The time to say....'ugh' Brady let out a sigh
with frustration of the thought of actually having to let go. Of actually having to say....which is ALWAYS the hardest thing to do. "Especially when you l..." Brady had began to say but was stopped when a knock came at the door and a head poked its way in. He knew already who it was but found it funny how she had done the same thing in his dream.

"Brady, I know this is going to be hard. I mean having to say..." and Belle stopped to sniffle up before she began to sob the few remaining words to be said "...and I know Mr. & Mrs. Wesley would appreciate it. Because you knew her well Brady. Even if I find that hard to believe sometimes, since here I was being Chloe's best friend but my brother knew her better than I could ever know in a lifetime. A connection Brady. Even in the short time you guys had. I am glad you are attending even though it's not for me, our parents, or her parents. But for her. Your going for her. If not for anyone but her...Chloe" Belle said ending her speech and hugging Brady tightly. "I love you Brady" Belle said tears escaping her eyes.

"I love you too, sis" Brady said. As he thought 'If only this was a dream. Belle said almost every exact thing she said in it only the way she ended it'.

As John stepped into the room and saw the display of emotion in the room. And finally spoke up after thinking 'In something bad, good will triumph.'

"Well, you guys ready for a little breakfast before we leave? The service doesn't start until 11 am and its only..." John said staring at his watch to get it and said "its only 9:47."

"Yeah that sounds like a great idea. You coming, Brady?" Belle said releasing him from their hug.

"In a minute. I just want to finish getting ready and I'll be down in no time" Brady said placing a small smile on his face for his concerned family.

Minutes later Brady sat on his bed thinking. Alone in his room and yet he didn't feel alone. He still felt Chloe even if she was....' I'm not going to even go there. Something's still not right about this' Brady thought. As he got up from his bed and prepared for a day filled with emotion......

********

Earlier, elsewhere at the Johnson residence

Chris had only sleep another hour before he awakened at around 7:45 am. And let out a loud, exasperated breath. Did a few stretches before he allowed the sense of smell to really kick in. 'mmm' was all he thought as he walked without cause but to the scent straight to the kitchen. Once there he finally opened his eyes to see the cutest sight. There she was, apron and all cooking. Decked out on the dining room table was pancakes with all the fixings on the side, eggs, bacon, sausage, and lots of other breakfast goodies.

"Well well, someone sure has a knick for something other than bruising hard." Chris said as he began to rub his arm from the previous session in which AJ had hit him in. He let out a sigh as he realized she was giggling at his comment. "Find that amusing AJ? Because me and my arm would have to disagree. What has you up so early after that intense physical combat workout we had the previous night?"

"You underestimate me...Chris. I am up for anything you have up your sleeve of your bruised arm and shall match it with a woman's touch" as Alexia walked past him placing her finger onto his cheek and moving it swiftly onto it and then off. "Good morning to you too by the way"

As Chris just stood stunned at the little amount of contact they had. Could have that much of an effect on him. And he finally exhaled not even realizing he had been holding his breath.

"Something wrong, Chris?" Alexia asked stepping back into the kitchen. She had been waiting for him to join her after that initial touch but for some reason he had just still been standing in the same spot.

"Oh, nothing. Just thinking....I realized I have something to do so I think I am just going to head back up and get dressed" as Chris tried his best to get out of this before something happened.

"Nu un. You, my dear will enjoy this breakfast after I slaved over a hot stove to cook for the people of this house. And since it only seems to be just me and you so far, we will eat. AND you will lick your plate clean and tell me how wonderful a cook I am." Alexia smiled.

Chris just looked at her. 'Who was she?' was all he could think. Her personality was a....their wasn't any words. "Okay, you got me. But there is something I need to take care of this morning. So I might have to cut the licking down a little bit." he smiled and took her hand as they walked into the dining area to take a seat opposite to one another.

"Could you pass me the whip cream, peaches, strawberries, blueberries, syrup, and powdered sugar" Alexia asked as she placed a napkin into her lap.

Chris raised an eye and said "Big appetite for such a small girl...I mean young woman". Correcting himself smiling. "Where does this flavor for such toppings on a pancake originate from?"

Alexia stared and thought for a minute. She didn't even know. In all her years at boarding school had she ever ate like this or even picked up a frying pan. She gave up the idea and finally just said "Don't know. Just came to me. But lets not talk about me, lets talk about you. What is it that you have to do this morning without me....your partner of all people"

Chris was stuck, he forgot about the fact she was his partner. "Well, um you see its a matter of....I mean its not an actual assignment...more personal...and you wouldn't want to go and shouldn't you be getting lessons from Lillie by now?" Chris said nervously after all the stuttering of words.

"Well someone certainly is hiding something but to answer your question since you can't be gentlemen enough to answer mines I am through with that for today. She felt I had enough information for today and tomorrow we would start early for a session of, you ready for this, 'heavy learning'" Alexia laughed. "But other than that. I was hoping of spending the rest of the day with...you" she said after a long pause of just looking at her plate. And looking back into his face to see the smile placed on his face. "I mean.... that was if you weren't bust. I thought we could just like hangout or touch up on some more training techniques early before we got into a new lesson, you know."

Chris could only stare at her. She was beyond imagination and yet right in front of him. "You know I would AJ but its just your father placed me in this position last minute and..." he stopped realizing the hurt written on her face and decided it was probably time to excuse himself before he felt the urge to hug her. "AJ, I think I better get ready. But I'll be back later, kay?" he said and all she offered was a simple nod. As he stood up and began to walk back to his room to get dressed. Since he had to travel to Salem and make it in time for the service. "Finally I will get to meet your past AJ. The life you once lived as Chloe Lane and those in it." Chris said aloud as he suited up.

All the while Alexia sat still staring at the plate. 'Wait who does he think he is? I am his partner and I have the right to know what it exactly is that my father told him to do. I don't care what Chris thinks. I'm going with or without his approval, its just he won't know. And what he doesn't know can't hurt the assignment.' Alexia thought as she ran upstairs to her bedroom and began to get dressed.

**********
Later on

Chris was driving into Salem. Thinking about all that had happened earlier. And how he ruined a perfect chance. A perfect chance to get close to her but still he knew nothing could never come of it. Then all of a sudden when he thought of AJ, he felt her presence. The fact he had felt he wasn't alone only egged on the presumption. As he noticed the big lump in the back seat of his car. Where there laid a blanket that hadn't been there before was now there and covering something. As Chris reached to the back to remove it, for it to only reveal.......

**********
Present

As Philip and his family accompanied him to the service to be held in his first love's honor. She was finally gone and it was nothing he could do about it. He still felt for her in more ways than one. But then he still knew today was the day. Although he could say.... to her in the sense of their relationship ending he couldn't say it as forever. As he knew this would be it. 'Chloe I loved you and now you your gone but you still seem so alive to me. So much very alive.' Philip thought to himself as he took a seat relatively close to the Blacks and Brady's.

As the service began and more people entered along the way of the preacher's speech. Chris had been one of those people. As he took a seat in the back and listened to all. But he thought back to his near scare.

' He reached to the back of his car and snatched the cover from the back only to reveal nothing. It had only been his mind running wild with paranoia. AJ wouldn't stowaway. She probably had been in the kitchen cleaning when he left through the front quietly'

As he stared looking back up to the preacher announce Chloe parents to the front to say some words in her favor.

***********

Brady couldn't do nothing but constantly blink back the tears forming in his eyes as he listened on to Mrs. Wesley's heartfelt speech.

"If everyone in the world knew what it meant for me to have my baby back in this world of mine....it was a joy. She was mine for the brief time I carried her in my arms after her birth and then I lost her. I never could really forgive myself and she made sure of that when I got her back. But through time it had been getting better. My Chloe was finally becoming mines once again. And even as I speak, I don't feel I have lost her. I don't think I ever lost her. She's not dead to me. Even with what has happened I still feel her. Call it as you see it, but my baby is not....I mean I can't say....because it wasn't" Nancy burst into a sea of tears and Craig just held her in his weak attempt of comfort.

"There, there honey. You've said what you needed to and lets give all everyone else a chance to say something in honor of our daughter okay..." Craig said stopping because Nancy needed him to. She was going to finish.

"This is the saddest truth. Even with what you feel. Saying the 2 words are indeed a hard thing to say when you know you have to. But let it be known, don't ever let a minute go by of wasted time that could of been better spent with love. Making memories, and having those you care for close. Because once their gone, you live off those memories and go back to reflect. Don't let the reflection be a bad one because that meant you never took the chance to make it good." Nancy said as she ended her speech and walked quietly to her seat in Craig's arm.

As Belle got up from her seat and John accompanied her just in case she felt an emotional breakdown taking place. "Chloe was...I mean she was Chloe" Belle laughed out. "She had this way with herself that you felt and although you never knew what was going on with her she seemed to always carry a mystery behind her exterior personality. I liked that about her, even though it hurt not know something's. I felt honored for the things she told me that she hadn't told anybody else. Like..." she began as she stared at Shawn "when she told me how she thought you were cute when she first came to town. I felt a twinge of jealousy because you guys both shared a common background for music. But I realized Chloe thought of you only as a friend as she clearly verified that when I began to notice her and Philip's chemistry. Initially it was like Beauty and the Beast as Philip was the beast for known reason's" Belle smirked and looked at Phil to notice he too was smiling then she continued " as he taunted her. It had been one of the little kids fighting that they had. With them finally ending up getting together to say the least. And Philip" Belle started "Chloe, if you didn't know....Really did feel for you what you felt for her. Although she never got the chance to tell you from her lips. She really did love you even with your temper. That was one of those lucky occasions Chloe would share something so personal as her relationship with you, that made me feel special." Belle said choking up on the last piece. "Something else about Chloe was her with people, specifically my brother..." Belle started staring at Brady with one eye raised "...I mean these two were constantly at each other's throat bickering and bantering. It was like a war of the wits. Who was smarter and this, that and the other. I mean it was like an episode of Jerry Springer without the punches. Their words was how they communicated. Both had this knowledge of each other. A special connection that would eventually lead to a very short lived friendship due to what happened. I mean...why is it that you can lose someone so quickly and still feel...."Belle stopped as she began to cry. "..and still feel they were cheated and so was other people who knew them was....It wasn't fair. And I don't know what more to say. I feel hurt but no amount of words can bring her back...Nothing can" Belle whispered the last part and sobbed heavily as John stepped in and took his little girl's hand and led her back to their seats.

As Shawn stood and watched her walk away and worked up his momentum to walk to the front and say something. "Chloe, what can I say. She was beautiful, talented, and a very good friend. I mean take in mind I barely got the chance to hang out with her for obvious reasons, Phil" Shawn said smiling and looking at Philip. "But, naw me and Chloe were cool. While Mimi had been more of a sister to me and Belle was more of a...you know" Shawn said blushing a little bit even though you could tell he had been crying. "Chloe had been like a girl friend, since Belle was my girlfriend. Chloe was the pal I could seek advice from and share my thoughts on music with. She taught me a lot and passed on some knowledge of hers for playing the piano. Although, she didn't she made it her business to know things related to music. Her passion. And that's what I mostly like about her. While there may have been doubts in other areas Chloe always had comfort in her music and loved it so. Chloe Lane, a girl of many words and so much...." Shawn stopped looked up to God for reassurance and when he found it continued "....so much of life that can never be known again. Like Mrs. Wesley said...only through the memories will you know it. And that's how I want it to be. Although, I would of have liked to make more" Shawn said finally before he too sat back down quietly and his mother embraced him.

"You did good Shawn. I'm sure Chloe would be smiling if she heard you say the words you said and everybody else's words in her honor." Hope said.


*******

All the while Chris sat in the back and he even had been shedding tears over the words being sad. They were truly deep and he saw whatever else had began to see. What a terrible lost it had been. He didn't even really know her but he got to know her through them. She was almost kind of like Alexia. Maybe some of Chloe still resided in the character of Alexia. And if that was true, he had just taken a step into getting to know her better without her help. But as answers were being filled, questions were being thought as he began to learn things. Like what really had been her history? How was her life? Was it good or average? How was she or conditions had she been faced with? And what was this musical part of her he hadn't yet been exposed to? These were the thoughts that infatuated Chris minds in wander. When all of a sudden a voice broke that concentration and Chris turned his attention back to the front where there stood a young man in grief.

********

Philip stood wondering for a second why he decided to do this but then realized it was for Chloe. 'It would always be for her' he thought. As he cleared his throat and began "She was the weird girl when she initially came into town. I mean everyone talked about her and what did she do? Crawl under a rock and cry? Go running for safety? No, that wasn't Chloe Lane. She spat back with as much umph in her words and had you wondering how to make a come back. She was so smart with her wit. So beautiful with her enticing blue eyes and long flowing hair that took you on a journey when your fingers combed into it. Silk. Was all I use to think whenever I brushed upon it. But her most important quality she knew would take her places was her angelic voice. A voice so powerful like herself was imagined to only belong to professionals, Chloe had already been discovering it and learning how to use it. She was still in the process of it. Her dream of attending Julliard and then becoming a world renowned opera singer..." Philip stopped to sniffle in a sob and then continued "...her blue eyes is what attracted me to her. Her voice is what amazed me. Her in all is what kept me wanting and loving her. And as I stand here today..." Philip stopped as he began to get really emotional "....I still love her. I still feel her. And not that I mention this to cause harm...I still feel she isn't gone. It just doesn't feel like it. Maybe it's my own un-willingness to surrender but I still....ugh....I could never say.....I mean its so hard to say feeling the way I do. Chloe gave me the honor of being her boyfriend even the way I had treated her before and during the relationship. Then I eventually lost her because of that, but I never have up hope until now. Even when I feel I shouldn't. I have to let go. And that's why I came up here to speak. Letting go and saying...." Philip stopped to gather himself once more to say his closing word "...goodbye". And with that Philip went back to his seat and say down. Although there had been more he wanted to say. He wanted to end it on that note. Since that would be the truth of his emission to the memorial. That thought.

And when all had seemed to go quiet for about 5 minutes the preacher began to rise from his seat and back to the front to say some closing words but Brady got up and motioned for him to give him a second to say something.

"I would like to say in honor of my little Diva, even though she's not here to bear witness to what I am about to say next. You were a reluctant person. Who never listened to anybody and always ran with what you felt best. Just kidding but some of it was and will always be true. Chloe, you knew and I knew all along you had talent. You had voice just with no heart. Remember all those constant fights over who was right and who was wrong" Brady said smiling at the memory. "Well, you know what I am still right and you are still right. But you know me, never coming straight out and saying something unless I felt it necessary to do so. Well this is one of those times. For the longest time had I wanted to tell you something. Something I should of not had waited to say until this moment when you may not even be able to hear it...." Brady had been saying...

******
Elsewhere in the present

Alexia had long ago hopped from the trunk of Chris's car and silently followed him into the church. She was glad she settled for the trunk once she noticed he did indeed check the covers for her. But now she stood in the back of the room in the hall peeping in and listening to everyone. As she saw the one boy send down from his speech. And she felt so sorry for him and his loss. To a girl he had loved and now lost, but not only once but twice apparently. 'How I would give anything for a love like that' Alexia had thought. When all seemed to be quiet for awhile she had decided to turn back and go hop back in the trunk when she heard his voice. Then she became mesmerized by him. He seemed so familiar and when she saw a tear trickle down his cheek she felt if she had ran into the room and held him, somehow it would make the difference. Although, she hadn't known him she felt she should. When he had began to say "...say until this moment when you may not even be able to hear it I really truly..." and Brady had once again been interrupted by a cry from the hall screaming. Brady soon recognized it, as so did Shawn.

"That's Jan" Shawn said turning to his mother.

"GHOST!" Jan screamed from the hallway.

As Chris quickly realized she had to have came. He knew it and after hearing from the guy still standing up there she was a reluctant person. Chris jumped from his seat and ran out the doors to find out if his suspicions were true

**********

As Alexia turned to the screaming girl and tried to calm her for a second before she just punched her lights out. 'That ought to do it' Alexia thought smiling as for some reason punching the girl resting on the ground had felt good. It made her giddy all over and she had no idea as she felt someone fiercely spin her around.

"WHAT THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU ARE DOING HERE?" Chris yelled in a whisper.

"Seeing what my partner is up to that's what. And why the hell are you whispering. The chick who died in there, you knew her or something, old flame/girlfriend or something. Is that why you didn't want to tell me because I mean it's not that serious Chris" Alexia stated flatly.

"Fuck it we don't have time for this. I have to hide you quickly before someone sees you and we really be up a creak." Chris sound rushing her into a very small closet as her closed the doors behind them and was forced to move his body closer to hers. As to the point where there wasn't any breathing room for their bodies. Which was colliding closely together and the thought of exploring each other wasn't a too farfetched thing to do.

"This is a pretty stiff fit, wouldn't you say." Alexia whispered into his ear and sent chills down his spines. As he felt he couldn't help himself anymore and closed any distance that was between them before. He sealed it with a steamy kiss heating up the room. Alexia taken back at first quickly joined in as she felt herself letting go. A kiss that was lasting longer than thought original by Chris was becoming hard to stop. her lips were there and up for the grabbing. He was in possession of her lips as she was with his. When a sudden noise interrupted the kiss.

Disappointed a little Chris thought it was for the best. Had it lasted any longer, who knew. He now felt bad for starting it and ending it all in one thought. It was her funeral he was attending and she had no idea of what was going on. "I think that was a sign." he said.

"The kiss or the noise because either way it was good" AJ said smiling.

"Okay I get how the kiss part was good, I mean no disagreement there but the interruption, I'm at a lost" he said confused.

"Well, for one thing I needed air..." she said smiling down "...and you seem to act like we need to get out of here so I think us kissing any longer, wouldn't have accomplished much thinking. If you understand where I am coming from" AJ said.

"Your right, when your right. Wait here and I mean it. WAIT. I will be right back, I need to see if the coast is clear, okay? Can you do that for me?" Chris asked.

"Yes, I can. But why are you so uptight about me staying put up in here. Why can't I go out there. It's not like they know who I am or who you are. Or do they?" AJ questioned becoming aware of the fact Chris had been hiding something. "Chris I don't know if you know this or not, but I hate to be lied to. I feel the need to have trust in people I let close to me. Can I trust you?" she said sadly as he looked guilty for something.

"I will explain later but yes you can trust me. Just trust me and I'll be right back" as Chris rushed out of the closet and into the hall. He couldn't stand the fact he would have to lie to her and then have to face her straight in the face and feed her the lie. He looked down the hall at all the commotion surrounding the girl who had been knocked by AJ. As he began to search for escape routes he felt someone come up behind him and tap him on his shoulder.

"Who are you and why are you here?" Brady asked getting to the point.

"That's none of your concern and its a church, open to the public. Did you know that?" Chris said taking the offense and being a smart a** about it.

"Look you know pal, I'm not really in the f***king mood to take any of your BS, unless you really want to know the pain of a true a** whooping." Brady said taking a step closer and getting into Chris's face.

"If that's how you feel. Well, I can oblige to those terms well except for the part that includes me getting my ..." Chris stopped as a noise came from the closet and a girl's voice was heard saying "Shit"

"What the hell was that?" Brady said pointing to the closet and reaching his arms past Chris to turn the knob.

"STOP!" Chris yelled and slapped his hand away.

"Ah that's it buddy you have known your final touch" As Brady balled his hands into fist and was about to strike when Shawn called out "Jan's awake Brady!"

"Another day and another place. She doesn't deserve this." Brady said beginning to walk off.

As Chris said, "Your right she doesn't"

And Brady turned around about to walk back and question him further when he heard Jan yell..

"I saw her....her ghost...except it wasn't...she...and I fell. Physical contact.....so can't...I mean she isn't dead...." Jan was sputtering out. As Brady walked up to her.
"Who isn't dead, Jan? Chloe? Did you see her? Where was she?" Brady said with excitement written on his face.

"It was her but yet it wasn't. And she wasn't alone. I mean I think she wasn't. I mean it was her it had to be. She looked liked the old Chloe...." Jan said still not making any sense to the people listening.

"What do you mean by the old Chloe?" Brady asked.

"She was dressed in all black but not in glasses...I mean she looked like a...those women...you know...but it was a disguise....I think...I mean I think it was her....But it was....Chloe and her voice, appearance but her mind was different." Jan said as she began to cry holding her head as if it hurt.

"Are you sure Jan?" Bo asked speaking up for the first time.

"I don't know" she cried as she felt overwhelmed with nausea. And ran away from everyone.

***********

Elsewhere as the party had been messing with Jan

Alexia in her nun attire had made their great and quiet escape. But Alexia had stopped when she saw the tall, blond, blue eyed boy kneeling down to the girl victim to her punch. And wondered what exactly had been going on and what was such of an importance. She wanted to walk over and investigate but felt Chris hands gripping her waist the opposite direction. But still felt drawn to him. Then she remembered it had been him who she had seen in her thoughts the previous night. Not knowing why it was him, she really wanted to go find out now but Chris had quickly began to get impatient and just hauled her off. By throwing her over his shoulders and running out.

As Jan watched and shouted "CHLOE!"

Alexia turned around as if it was meant for her even though she felt it was and stared back at the girl confused. As Chris rounded a corner and her image disappeared once again.

Jan turned back around and ran quickly back to the group. Out of breath but finally sure of herself.
She grabbed Brady and quickly said "Chloe is alive, he took her. She is alive but she doesn't know me. She doesn't know us. And he took her. Their gone. She's gone." And with that Jan collapsed into Brady's arm. Her body went limp and her breathing had slowed.

"We need to get her to the hospital" Shawn said as he took her from Brady's arm and lifted her.

As everyone filed out...all except Brady as he felt he needed to make a trip to the catholic church from the other day. If what Jan was saying was true he would need to talk to her later on. And if she was dressed as a nun then her apparel may have came from there and that's why he might of been drawn to it the other day. And if a figure had been seen leaving with her, it would make sense for it to have been the guy Brady bumped heads with earlier. 'Whoever that guy was he knew who I was or he knew something. And I have a feeling he is the one who has Chloe in whatever state of mind she may be in. Because whoever that girl was, wouldn't have ran away from her friends, family...from him like she did' Brady thought. As things began to come into play and Brady got into his car and peeled away from the parking lot of the church and drive hurriedly to the Catholic Church that held the key to getting her back.

''Chloe, I knew you were out there. And now I know I'm sure that this was meant to happen. Just keep sending those clues Diva, I'll find you don't worry. Wherever you are, I WILL find you'' Brady said aloud with new determination to find her.

*****************

"Shawn what do you think is wrong with her?" Belle asked as all sat in a waiting room. Craig had called ahead and got an awaiting stretcher for her arrival. Now all in attendance at the memorial service was there. "I mean do you think what she said was true? I mean it would make some sense but still not make any. You know what I mean?" Belle furthered her questioning.

"Sadly, I wish I could say I think Jan was telling the truth. But I don't think she was right in the mind at the time due to circumstances." Shawn said looking down.

"What do you mean, man. I mean Chloe's alive and Jan saw her. I mean I don't know why or what is going on but I knew my baby couldn't be dead. I still feel her even as we speak. Saying goodbye might have been the hardest thing to say but..." Philip stopped as he watched Shawn's face grow even more gloomier. "What is it that you aren't informing us in on, Shawn?"

"Son, is it something about Jan we should know?" Bo asked.

"Is it something bad, Shawn?" Marlena asked as she felt something was going change the mood in the room.

"It's just she..." Shawn started but stopped.

"What is it, Shawn? Please tell me. This is my baby's life on the hand. And I can't stand anymore of these up and downs to this whole situation. Now tell me is there any truth to what Jan is saying" Nancy asked through her tears of joy and sadness.

"No." Shawn stated without explanation.

*************

As Brady had just walked into the waiting room. He thought he should make a quick detour before going over to the Church just incase something happened to Jan. But all he got was what he didn't nee to hear.
He had heard the questions thrown Shawn's way. And finally heard Shawn answer. It wasn't what Brady needed to hear as he leaned against a wall at the hospital and felt himself in doubt once again. And slid down the wall sobbing out to God why.

"I guess this was goodbye, Chloe" Brady finally said as he realized he had been holding her too long and it was time to let go.

"Goodbye my delicate Diva. I never got the chance to finish my statement earlier or other times but now I will say it....Chloe Lane with all my heart you have. I love you and forever shall it remain with you. Because there can never be a soul mate. Only one and you were her. But now our love, a true love will never be known. Due to the fact I could never remove the factor that separated us. Now I am finally saying it. Good...Bye and believe me it is the hardest thing to say....." Brady said as he got up and walked out the hospital. No longer feeling the need to stop at the catholic church until something happened.

***************

"AJ we really didn't need to stop by that chuch to drop off that, you know." Chris said as they drove along.

"Well, I felt bad for taking it to begin with. So I had to, I have morals you know even in this line of business." AJ defended herself.

"Yeah, sure" Chris said smiling as they passed the hospital along the way going back to the highway.

"mmm" was all AJ mumbled as she dozed asleep and had a dream.....

*******

As Chris drove staring and looking at her every now and then. 'So I finally get to see your life. Family, friends, boyfriend or is it boyfriends' he thought as he remembered the other guy who seemed familiar. Had he been the figure kissing AJ in his dream the night before. 'Because if it was it would make sense but if that was true what happened. Or was it something else. Maybe they never did and he never got a chance with you AJ. That would explain why it must of been hard to say goodbye for a relationship he never got to say hi to.' Chris thought as he stared back at AJ. As he realized some good came of the situation. He wouldn't miss an opportunity with the beauty now that he had her and knew she had some feelings for him as well.

"Yep, AJ this is the start of something new and a final goodbye to your previous life" Chris said as he turned on the radio to reveal it had been on a classical dial and a familiar song had been playing on it.

'Phantom of the Opera' was all he thought as he continued to drive unaware it might cause a reaction to her.

********

"Brady, you can't give up...feel me as I call to you. Check the church...check it....or you really will be doing the hardest thing....giving up" someone had said through in the back of his head. As he stood watching a car past and knew what he had to do.




TBC...