*~Chapter 6~*
Luis's.
It was fading as Ethan approached the bed. Panicking, Ethan grabbed a piece of paper and pen that lay beside her bed, and handed it to her. And encouraged her to write down, whatever she was trying to say.
She stared at him blankly at first. She didn't know what he wanted her to do with the pen and paper.
"Write what you are thinking right now..." Ethan told her.
She shook her head, no. Ethan started to panic. He stepped away from her, and looked at her painfully. 'Why is she doing this to herself?' he thought as he questioned himself as if he was interrogating somebody.
She had her eyes closed now. She was dreaming or something. At least it looked that way.
Not known to herself, and Ethan; her mind, heart, body and soul were fighting for who she should she be.
Sheridan Crane. This was the life, which contained a lot of prestige, wealth and beauty. And most of all the heart and love of Luis Lopez Fitzgerald.
Flashback
Luis stepped out of his car and made sure that it was safe. After all, even though crime wasn't a big issue in Harmony, there were times that things could happen. However, he didn't draw his gun. Something inside him told him not to.
Luis proceeded to look at her car, and wondered who she could be, he then slowly and flashed his flashlight at the car, its license plate, without stepping any closer he finally said, "You try anything else and I'm using your tires for target practice." He smirked and began to walk towards her car, and talked a bit more, "Well, I hope you had a good time, buster, because you're about to say good-bye to life as you know it. There's no way your sorry behind isn't doing jail time after those moves."
Annoyed, Sheridan replied, "My name isn't Buster, my behind is anything but sorry, and you can't arrest me."
"You've broken at least 10 laws in the last minutes. Give me one good reason I shouldn't arrest you." Luis said remember what he learned while studying to become a cop as he arrived at her car looking in. Sheridan looked up at Luis, and they both get a good look at each other for the first time--both pausing for a second. It was their first time meeting one another.
Sheridan thought for a moment herself before answering Luis's question. She was trying to find her driver's license. Slightly annoyed about being pulled over by a cop, she responded, "Because my last name is Crane." and showed him her license.
Snatching it from her to get a better look, it was like he didn't hear what she said. So he asked again, by saying, "Excuse me?"
Sheridan was getting frustrated now, and blurted, "Can't you read, officer? C-r-a-n-e? As in Alistair Crane and Julian Crane and the Crane industries? Do you want me to go on, because I can."
"I know the name...I know it very well." Luis responded Pointe blank.
Smiling knowing that Officer Luis Lopez Fitzgerald knew the Crane name, she told him, "Well, then I guess we can forget all about this." She stopped for a moment, and then continued, "So if you would just move your car, I'll be on my way. And I'll send a check to the Harmony Police station to cover any damage to your car."
"That is very generous of you, but you don't have to do that." He informed her.
"No, no, I insist. There's no reason why there should be hard feelings between us." She said as convincingly as she could.
"Suit yourself. But you have to get out of the car."
"I don't understand"
"You're under arrest Ms. Crane. Now I need to cuff you." Luis said as he started to handcuff Sheridan as she looked at him in shock and dismay.
End of flashback
There was more to it. She knew there was more to it. But it ended there. Of all places, it had to end there! Is that REALLY how she first met Luis? Did she REALLY give that much of a hard time? What the heck? She didn't care. But he sure did look mighty sexy in that cop uniform.
On the other hand, there was also her other identity which she assumed after her amnesia.
Diana. Even though she didn't remember much, she finally learned some life skills that may come in handy later in life. From learning how to waitress to being an everyday person.
Flashback
She stirred. Brian looked over her in awe. He called Liz and Doc over to see her as well. She was shivering from being in the ocean for such a long time. At least now she was in a warm place. Maybe once she awoke, she would be able to tell them who she was, and where she came from.
"I think she's an alien…" Doc told Liz and Brian.
"She isn't Doc. She's the woman of my dreams" Brian said pushing in between them to watch her.
"Guys, quiet down. You'll scare her." Liz said, and with that she awoke.
She tried to say something. But nothing came out. Doc went to check her. She seemed fine. Liz asked her if she wanted some soup. She shook her head yes. Liz left the room and got some.
When she returned, Liz handed to her and she began drinking it. She opened to talk again, but this time, luckily something came out. "Where am I?" She asked afraid.
"You are on St. Lisa's."
She looked at them confused.
Liz approached her and warmly asked, "What's your name Hun?"
"I…I…don't remember…"
Liz and Doc looked at Brian. Brian looked at Doc and shrugged and asked, "Doc is she alright?"
"I fear she may have a slight case of amnesia. With what happened to her. It's highly likely"
"What's the first name that comes to your head?" Brian asked hoping that it may jog her memory.
"Diana. I think that's my name. Diana."
End of Flashback
She loved both of these men. Both had such good things attached to them. Why did she have to make such a hard choice?
~*~*~
Ethan watched her. She looked so afraid. He needed advice. He already got the clearance to use his cell phone in the hospital. He began dialing Luis and Antonio. But stopped midway. He couldn't call them. The woman which they both love was struggling herself, and he didn't want them to fight over her right in front of her. It may to do more harm to her than good.
He took out his pocketbook, and realized there was once person he could call. Without being yelled at, or anything. She'll understand him. It was Gwen Hotchkiss. His fiancée. He started dialing Gwen's cell phone number. It took awhile to connect, but finally she answered.
"Gwen?" Ethan asked in a soft voice, loud enough for Gwen to hear it, but soft enough that it would not disturb her.
"Yes?"
"It's me Ethan."
"Ethan. You sound worried. Is she okay?"
"Yes, she is. It's just that…"
"Ethan, you know you can tell me."
Ethan sat down on the chair, and then finally said, "I'm scared that if she chooses one brother over the other that the one who isn't chosen would be heartbroken."
"Ethan, listen to me. The same happened when you chose between Theresa, and myself. You hand to trust your heart."
"I know. I heard her murmur one of their names though."
"Which one?"
"Luis's"
"Do you think her heart is letting go of him? Or yearning for him?"
"The way I felt it was more of yearning…"
"Maybe she's decided."
"Maybe she has…maybe she hasn't…its better for her to tell us. Not us to judge."
"I agree. Thanks Gwen. The doctor and nurse are coming back soon. I better go"
"You are more than welcome Ethan. She's more like a sister to me too."
"I love you Gwen with all my heart and soul" He told her lovingly as he looked at their engagement photo. He managed to get a copy of it and got a wallet size of it. They delayed their wedding for her. They knew it was for the best.
"I love you too Ethan. Give her my love" Gwen replied and blew him a kiss as she hung up her phone.
Ethan shut off his phone and put it in his coat pocket. He kissed her forehead and said, "I'll be right back."
Ethan was about to leave to get a coffee from the hospital cafeteria, when a knock came at the door. Ethan walked over to answer it, there stood…
*~Chapter 7~*
Alistair Crane.
"Grandfather.... What are on earth are you doing here?" Ethan asked startled.
"My boy...Ethan...How many times do you have say Grandfather? I'm NO longer your grandfather" Alistair huffed.
"Sorry Alistair. Why are you here? Is that better?"
"Yes. I'm here to see my daughter."
"But she doesn't remember it all..."
"I'm NOT stupid."
"I know you aren't. But I'm pretty sure SHE doesn't want you around. So leave."
"NO!"
"You are scaring her. You have to leave."
"And what if I don't? What are you going to do? Run to the Chief Bennett, your father?"
"As a matter fact yes. I would."
"Then do it." Alistair said taunting him as he lit a cigar.
"No. I rather call Luis and Antonio Lopez Fitzgerald. And have them deal with you. You sick bastard!"
"Careful my boy. I can deal with them. I have spilt both Sheridan and Luis apart, as well as Brian and 'Diana'. I can and I swear on my soul that I can do it again."
"You wouldn't."
"I would."
Alistair stepped towards her bed, blowing smoke from his cigar as he stepped closer and closer. He was addicted to cigar smoking. There was a part of him that loved his daughter; and another, which despised her because he felt that HER being born caused the early death of her mother, his wife, Katherine Crane.
"Don't you DARE go near her."
"Ethan, just let me talk to her. Alone."
"Fine." Ethan told him and stepped out of the room.
~*~*~
"Darling…why did you have to choose to fall in love with those men? Why did you have to fall in love to Luis Lopez Fitzgerald as Sheridan Crane, and then his brother Antonio as Diana?" He wiped away a tear and then continued, "I wanted the best for you. I love you so much. No matter who you choose to be."
He was about to break down but he continued, "I still remember trying to convince you when you were supposed to marry Luis. Why couldn't you listen?"
Flashback
"I've come back to see you Sheridan. Now come to me, my dear. Let your father
give you a hug. It's been far too long since I held you in my arms." Alistair
pleaded with his young daughter.
"You didn't come back to see me Father. You must have some business deal, that's the only reason you ever set foot in Harmony." Sheridan replied with some uneasiness and doubt.
"You're right, business is usually the only reason I go anywhere. Not this time, when I learned of the heinous plot Julian & Rebecca carried out against you and Luis, I was shocked. Shocked and Angry! I flew half way around the world to be with you, dear. I know you're hurting, feeling betrayed by your own family. I came to comfort you, make things right." Alistair revealed.
"Really?"
"Well, of course! You're my daughter, Sheridan; and I love you so very much."
"I'm surprised you're here father, surprised that you say you care. Bad things have happened to me before and you never came, you never even called."
"You're right! I failed you time and time again."
"It's always been the same excuse, some pressing business matter that was more important than your own family."
"I admit it, I was wrong to always put business ahead of my loved ones, wrong to worry about the future instead of focusing on the present. Lately, I've come to realize the error of my ways. Julian's unspeakable treachery against you and Luis was the clincher. I came back hoping to make it up to you. Not that I can really, but I wanted to try."
"No, it's too late! How can you just walk in here and say that you love me and try to erase a lifetime of hurt? After you, Julian & Rebecca tried to destroy the most important thing in the world to me. My love for Luis, with this (the Luis mask) and the elaborate scheme that went with it." She said with tears starting to form in her eyes.
"Sheridan, dear!"
"No, you know what, it's over. I will never forgive you. Please don't try to insult my intelligence by saying you knew nothing about it because you have never approved of Luis."
"I'm sorry Sheridan but I knew nothing about this mask or the heinous charade built around it."
"You're telling me that you knew nothing about Julian using that mask to break up Luis & me?"
"On your mother's grave, I knew nothing about it. I see now what happened, your brother wanted to get you out of the country. He thought that if he ended your relationship with Luis, you would go running back to Paris."
"Why would Julian want to get rid of me?"
"Elementary my dear, he knew I was considering making you my heir."
"You're thinking of making me your heir, father?" Sheridan asked shocked.
"Why not, times have changed. Women occupy positions of great power in our society. You're intelligent, personable and you're my daughter, why not pick you. Unlike Julian, I know I can count on you! I won't lie to you Sheridan, as you well know from past conversations, Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald is not a man I would have picked to be your husband.", Alistair continued.
"That's putting it mildly!"
"Luis may have a number of admirable qualities but his family and ours have never gotten along. Having said that, I nonetheless want you to be happy and if Luis is the one man best able to make that happen then I want you to have him."
"Really?"
"Yes, my dear! Everything I've ever done is because I love you, Sheridan. You do believe, don't you?"
End of Flashback
Alistair shook his head in dismay over that conversation which he had with her about 14 months ago, he couldn't believe he did that to his own daughter. And he was more than ready to do it again. He didn't want anybody that HE knew to be connected to the Lopez Fitzgeralds. He made Theresa a Crane, and regretted it. She was too damn controlling, in fact, she was just an exact replica of him, but she was a woman and had the Crane heir.
She began to stir and open her eyes. Alistair noticed, and put out his cigar in the nearby ashtray. Walking towards her once more, his face became more ashen. He finally felt guilty for what he did. He didn't want to ruin her life. He loved her, he truly did love her. He wanted what was best for her. There was something inside him that changed his mind; it was his heart, and it wanted to become pure again.
She saw him pacing back and forth in front of him. She knew as Sheridan Crane, she'd call him Father; however if she chose to call herself Diana, what on earth would she call him?
"Oh you are awake. Should I get Ethan for you?" Alistair asked, as if he was turning a new leaf.
"Yes please", she replied and smiled up at him.
He walked away from her bed and went towards the door, and peeked out, and motioned Ethan to come back in.
"Thank you uh…Alistair", Ethan said as he shook Alistair's hand and re-entered the room.
Alistair bid adieu and whispered into Ethan's ear, "Thank you. I've become a changed man. I'll be back later to see her with a surprise."
Ethan was startled, and wonder if she had anything to do it with it. He would never know. And a surprise? What on earth would Alistair want to give her?
*~Chapter 8~*
"I wonder what made him a changed man…," Ethan thought to himself as he walked
to her bed. He smiled at her, and she returned the same to him.
"What's wrong?" She asked.
"Nothing. Just thinking."
She was about to ask Ethan something when Dr. Spencer and Nurse Courtney re-entered the room.
"Sorry to bother you both again, but we want to give you the test results of the tests which we took earlier." Dr. Spencer began as she held the file in her hand and reread a portion of it.
"We were going to wait until tomorrow morning, but we felt as if it would be best if it were done tonight instead." Nurse Courtney explained.
"Is everything alright with me?" She asked.
"Well yes and no…"
"Your blood tests came back fine, but I'm afraid…"
"Afraid of what…?"
"You may be expecting…"
"Expecting? You mean I'm…I'm…"
"Pregnant?" Nurse Courtney finished her sentence, and then said, "You are approximately three months along."
"How is possible…? I don't even remember…well um...doing it…"
"That's where the trauma comes in…with what has happened to you, you may not recall who the father is. And especially now you must make your decision because it could affect not only you and your baby or babies for that matter, but your future as well.", Dr. Spencer stated.
"Could I call them both, and ask them to come down to do a blood test?"
"Already been taken care of. I mentioned that I would like to see both men to Ethan, and he called them up for you."
"Thank you Ethan."
"Your welcome, it's the least I could do."
~*~*~
A knock at the door came and Ethan walked over to answer; it was none other than Luis Lopez Fitzgerald, and his older brother, Antonio Lopez Fitzgerald but to her, Brian O'Leary. Both men were puzzled on why they had to be called over.
Luis stepped inside first, as Antonio stepped in behind him and noticed that she wasn't alone; Ethan was with her, as were the nurse and doctor, which were taking care of her.
"Glad you could join us." Nurse Courtney said as she smiled and greeted both men.
"We came as soon as we heard. We didn't want anything else to go wrong." Luis explained.
"Speak for yourself" Antonio murmured under his breath.
"What's that Antonio...or Brian...Whatever your damn name is now..."
"Luis. We came to help her. We have to settle our differences sooner or later."
"I rather have it sooner so I can beat the crap out of you."
"Oh really. Bring it on." Antonio spoke up as he began to roll up his sleeves.
"Alright. You certainly did ASK for it."
"Luis. Antonio. Stop it! This isn't the time or the place." Ethan uttered as he stepped in between the two before they could get at each other.
"Ethan, stay out of this." Antonio answered annoyed, as he pushed Ethan out of the way.
Ethan was able to control his balance and stood up against Antonio once more, and clearly stated his point. "Listen Antonio, I know you and Luis may have your differences. And you both love her. But that ISN'T the reason you were brought here. "
"It isn't? You mean she's made her choice and chosen me?" Brian smirked as he declared himself the love of her life.
"Hell no. Why would she choose a man like you? You are scum. More like scum of the universe" Luis said as he began to laugh silently.
"That's ENOUGH!" Dr. Spencer yelled.
"He's the one who started it." Luis pointed out.
"I don't CARE who started it. This has to end now!"
"But HE started it! Damn it! First, he runs away from Harmony after Papa disappears then he assumes she belongs to him?"
"I tended and cared for her, Luis. I love her."
"Who cares? Love takes time to happen. I was her bodyguard for God's sake. It was a love hate relationship which blossomed into love!"
"Oooh…do you deserve an award for that?" Antonio mocked him.
"Listen to me, Antonio. She was near death before. She came back to me. My prayers were answered."
"Quit it. Before I have to call security and throw you both out of here." Dr. Spencer said who was getting angrier as they argued.
They quieted down, and looked at her. She was shocked at what she saw. While they were fighting, Nurse Courtney handed her earplugs to block out the noise.
Nurse Courtney motioned her to remove them, and she did so as she stared at both men blankly.
"Are you two done now?" she asked.
"No" Antonio stated.
"Yes. We'll deal with this later on." Luis answered feeling guilty for his actions.
"Thank you. There is a reason why you were both called here."
"There is? What's that?" Luis questioned her.
"I just found out that…" She began but feared to continue and she looked at Ethan and hoped that he could help her somehow.
"Relax. Take your time." Ethan spoke to her in a soothing calming voice.
"I'm pregnant." She finally blurted out.
"But who's the daddy?" Both Luis and Antonio said at the same time.
"Well…that's the problem…I don't know…"
"It's not Antonio is it? Luis asked disgusted.
"Probably is me. Probably I'm the proud papa. If it isn't…I can't believe it. Why would she want to make love to you?" Brian smirked as he commented.
"Because she loves me."
"Stop it! Guys, I don't like it when I see you fighting. I love you both dearly. This is extremely hard on me. Choosing from the two of you, as well as taking care of myself and this unborn child or children will affect everything." She said speaking up.
"Pick me. I'll do everything that I can to make things work, for both you, and child." Antonio begged her.
"No, pick me. We have a history. We delivered Pat's baby together. That shows what we are capable of."
"Actually…I want to get a blood test done to determine who the father is…"
~*Torn Between Two Hearts*~
*~Chapter 9~*
"Blood Test?" Luis and Antonio both said as they looked at her shocked.
"Yes. The sooner, the better."
"Sounds okay by me. But is it possible to get something to drink first? I'm thirsty"
"Yes you can. The cafeteria is down the west wing set of stairs, and is to your left" The doctor told Antonio.
Antonio left the room, he just lied to get out of there. Oh, he loved her that's for sure. But he didn't want his younger brother to have her. He wanted her to himself. He noticed the blood lab and grabbed a lab coat, and walked in. Kari was testing another patient's set of blood and writing down the results.
"Hi there." Antonio began flashing his sexy grin.
"Hi, are you new here? Do you need some help?" Kari asked.
"No, I'm not new here, but I need you to do me a favor"
"Me? What kind of favor?"
"Well my brother, and myself have to do a blood test to determine who the father of the baby or babies of the woman we love is."
"Yeah so…"
"Well I want you to falsify them and make them say, that I'm at least the father of one."
"I can't do that."
"I need it to be done. Please? I'll do anything to repay you. Just do this for me."
"You must really love this woman to go to this level huh?"
"Well…Yes…"
"You seem uncertain of yourself Mr.…?"
"O'Leary. Brian O'Leary. Better known as Antonio Lopez Fitzgerald."
"Pleasure to meet you Mr. O'Leary." Kari said shaking his hand and going by the first name he gave her.
"And you are?" He asked.
"Does that matter?"
"Well…"
"Well what?"
Unknown to both of them, a co-worker of Kari's was close by and listening in. Tiffany stepped closer to get a better look and listen. Tiffany couldn't believe her ears! Why on earth would a man scheme to such a low level?
She thought she was dreaming, because she thought something like this couldn't be true. She rubbed her eyes and tried to listen a bit more but it was too late. He had already left.
Tiffany struggled to keep her composure as she approached Kari. She didn't know what to say, or how to break the news that she overheard everything.
Tiffany tapped Kari gently on her shoulder so she wouldn't startle her. Kari whirled around thinking it may be Brian again, however, it wasn't. It was only Tiffany, and Kari was relieved about that.
"Kari…I heard everything…" Tiffany began.
"You did? You won't tell our supervisor are you?" Kari asked worriedly.
"I won't. But we should tell the person(s) who aren't involved. This could have disastrous results if it is done."
"I want to help him…but I'd feel so guilty in the end."
"Exactly. Should I go tell them?"
"Yeah. I want to see if that jerk comes back. And his name is Brian O'Leary as well as Antonio Lopez Fitzgerald if you need to know."
"Thank you for being honest with me."
And with that, Tiffany hung her lab technician coat on the coat rack and then proceeded on her way. Thinking to herself on how to tell the other people who may get affected, Tiffany walked over to the front desk and inquired where she could find this Brian O'Leary. The nurses' station wasn't sure, but they knew a lady that was connected to him. She was only going by she. She had two names, two different lives. Tiffany didn't want to get involved with that part. She wanted them to know the truth. And that's it.
Tiffany didn't know what Brian O'Leary/Antonio Lopez Fitzgerald looked like as she stepped onto the elevator and pressed the button for the 3rd level. The doors were about to close when a man in his late twenties pressed the open button and stepped in holding a drink. He didn't press a button so it looked like he was going to the same floor as her.
The elevator stopped at the 3rd level, and they both stepped out. He walked a steady pace, and Tiffany managed to keep up with him. She was about to ask him something when he turned the corner and entered a room.
There was another doctor, and nurse inside. Also, there was a young woman in her early to mid twenties there, as well as two young men. One looked similar to the one she saw in the elevator, and the other looked like the young woman.
She couldn't believe her eyes! The young man she was in the elevator with was none other than that person who tried to get Kari into helping him!
"Oh Dear God!" She murmured under her breath as she knocked on the door.
Dr. Spencer noticed her and let her in, and asked, "Is the room ready to have the blood tests done?"
"Yes, it is…But I fear we have another problem." Tiffany said looking up and looking directly at Brian.
Brian looked back and her, and asked, "What? Why are you looking at me as if I'm some sort of criminal?"
"What's going on?" The young woman asked who was lying in the bed.
"I'm afraid I can't say with him in the room." Tiffany stated pointing to Brian.
Noticing that Tiffany was pointing to Brian, Dr. Spencer asked Brian to leave the room. At first, he wouldn't budge because he thought the scheme of his was found out. But Tiffany lied, and said it wasn't. She needed to ask the others some questions of the young ladies' prior medical history when she was in the Harmony Hospital before.
With Brian out of sight and not in the room. Tiffany began what she found out by saying, "I saw Brian trying to convince a fellow lab technician to falsify the blood tests. So it would look like he was the father of your child even if he wasn't."
"Oh my God!" The young lady said shocked.
"I knew he was up to no good." Luis said shaking his head.
"How dare he hurt my...my…" Ethan stated but was lost for words.
"I'll be back later on, for the blood tests. And make sure he doesn't know that you know." Tiffany told them and left the room. Brian came back in and was greeted by mystified faces.
"Luis, and Antonio…Before the blood test…I want one thing done…" She said breaking the silence.
"What's that?" Brian inquired.
"To make a truce with each other. Meaning that…No matter WHO I choose and whose baby this is. I want you to remain brothers and put this in the past."
"Sounds good to me" Luis said reluctantly but knew that this was her choice. As well, her soul and heart would guide her to the right choice.
"There must be a catch…," Brian said unwillingly.
"There isn't."
"Fine by me." Brian said as he put down his drink and walked towards Luis.
"I agree." Luis said and walked to Brian so they could meet half way.
"So its all settled?" She asked them.
"Yes." They said in unison as they shook hands. But something about Brian's side of the yes didn't sound right.
"Thank you" She smiled.
"Who wants to get their blood taken first?" Nurse Courtney asked breaking up the celebration, and then continued, "She Courtney pointed to her has already got her blood taken. Any takers on who's first?"
"I'll do it." Luis offered.
"Very well. Follow me." Nurse Courtney said as she opened the door and walked out.
Luis followed suit and said, "I'll be back soon. Don't miss me too much!"
Nurse Courtney escorted Luis to the lab testing room and explained what the procedure would involve.
"Are you ready?"
"Yes, I guess so. I sure hope I am the father" Luis replied as he rolled up his sleeve as he sat down in the cozy blue chair.
Noticing that Luis was ready; Nurse Courtney went over to the sink to wash her hands, she didn't want any germs or any contamination to affect the blood. Nurse Courtney then proceeded to take out the needle from the side drawer. Nurse Courtney was about to inject the needle into Luis when he panicked at the size of the needle. Nurse Courtney was aware that Officer Luis Lopez Fitzgerald was the man who told everybody he was afraid of NOTHING, but NOPE, didn't look like that anymore. This Officer had fainted at the sight of the needle that was going to be used to draw blood for the blood test!
~*To Be Continued*~
~*Torn Between Two Hearts*~
*~Chapter 10~*
"Sir?" Courtney said panicking.
No answer came. She checked his pulse, it was slightly weak, but nothing more or less. Nurse Courtney needed some assistance to revive him and take the blood test. But nobody was around. They were either on their breaks, or with other patients.
Meanwhile a short distance away...
"Ever had to make a choice in your life?" The young reporter said as she began her story. "Well, this woman has to." A photo of the young woman that Luis and Antonio Lopez Fitzgerald both loved flashed across the screen.
"She has two identities. Both are particular of value to her.", the reporter continued and then added; "We've managed to catch up with some of her friends, to see what they have to say about this rare and unusual circumstance."
"After this commercial break we have Hank Bennett who used to be a boyfriend of hers."
The commercials began to play and Louise who was making her rounds happened to see Courtney struggling and needing some help. She approached Luis and Courtney cautiously and making sure that she wouldn't disturb anything or anyone. "Is everything alright?", Louise asked.
Courtney shook her head and said, "No", and then added, "Is it possible for you to give him a cold compress to his head to awaken him?"
Noticing how hot the man was, Louise jumped at the offer, "Sure. One moment. I think we got some in the back cupboard."
Louise walked over to the back cupboard quickly, she wasn't sure how long the man was unconscious for; but she knew for sure that every second counted.
"Where are those compresses?" Louise thought to herself as the news show that she was watching came back on. Glancing up to see who the news anchor was speaking to. It was none other than Hank Bennett, Harmony's Chief of Police younger brother.
"So tell us...How did you know her?", the news anchor said to start the interview.
"She and I used to date. But she fell in love with my best buddy Luis. Not that I mind it, but I'm really happy for my buddy." Hank replied.
"What are your views on her making a choice between Luis, and his eldest brother Antonio."
"I don't see what good it does. I mean she loves both men, and either way, it will destroy somebody in the process."
"Geez...I hope that lady chooses Luis. Wait a minute...The man over there is Luis! Maybe I can help him during this tough time." Louise said come to the startling revelation and shut off the TV as she grabbed the cold compress from the fridge and wrapped in a cloth.
"I found one." Louise told the nurse as she knelt down beside Luis, and began applying the cold compress.
"Good, I hope he awakens with it.", the nurse replied.
A few minutes later...
Luis's eyes slowly began to open, and adjust to the lighting of the room. At first, he was unaware of his surroundings. He noticed the young nurse behind him applying the cold compress, and asked as he struggled to get up, "Do you know what happened to me?"
"Well...I am not sure how to say this Officer Lopez Fitzgerald..." Louise began with a slight chuckle, and then continued, "...But you fainted from the sight of the needle."
"I...What?..." Luis said shocked.
"Yeah...Mr. Brave fainted..." Kristin said as she entered the room to help out.
"I did NOT faint..." Luis said trying to deny it all.
"Oh really...Then lets take your blood shall we?" Nurse Courtney said taking out the needle.
"No..No..Get that away from me." Luis told Courtney with fear in his eyes.
"Relax Luis. We'll help you through it."
"Can I squeeze Kristin's and Louise's hands will I do it?"
"Sure. Anything to keep yourself calm." Courtney replied as she guided Luis back to his chair.
Luis settled comfortably back in his chair; and then Louise and Kristin happily proceeded to sit on opposite sides of him. Kristin took his left hand, and Louise took the right.
"You can squeeze their hands, as well as close your eyes Luis." Courtney offered as a suggestion.
"Okay." Luis replied as he began squeezing the ladies hands' and closed his eyes tightly.
Before he knew it, it was over. No pain at all. Courtney had already applied the bandage, and had taken the blood to the lab for testing.
"That wasn't so bad after all was it?" Louise asked Luis as he fixed his clothes.
"Nope. Thanks for your help." Luis replied as he approached her and gave her a kiss on the cheek as a thank you. And then proceeded to do the same for Kristin.
Both ladies began to blush, and sure hoped that the young lady that he was doing this for would choose him. He was the perfect gentleman even if he was afraid of needles. As well, before he could leave, they left him some advice. "Be strong Luis. We know she loves you in both her heart and soul. Your brother is nothing compared to you."
"Thanks Louise and Kristin.", Luis said thanking them as he gave them each a hug and bid adieu.
~*~*~
"Luis, are you alright?" She asked as Luis re-entered the room.
"Yes, I'm fine."
"I got worried because you took so long."
"I'm okay…honest…"
Flashback
"Looks like we are all alone now." Sheridan began.
"I guess so." Luis replied looking down.
"Are you ok Luis?"
"Yeah, I am fine." Luis replied uneasily.
"I can see that you have a lot of love for your family." Sheridan finally said.
"I do, and I don't know what I would do if anything happened to one of them." Luis acknowledged.
"I don't know what I would do if something happened to someone I cared about." Sheridan admitted to Luis.
Sheridan and Luis begin to look at each other for a few minutes then...
It was as if they were reading each other's minds, they both finally said in unison, "There's is something I need to tell you"
"You go first…"
"No you…"
"Are we interrupting you two or something?" Hank and Beth asked as they arrive and before Sheridan and Luis can tell each other what the other was going to say.
End of Flashback…
Luis waited until Antonio left to get his blood tested, and then asked her, "Do you remember the time when we nearly admitted our feelings for each other?"
"Well…" She began.