Chapter Five
"Torn"
"Eve wait," Chris tugged on her hand as she turned from him headed towards the small entrance, "hold on."
"Chris, what it is?" Eve questioned her eyes seeking out the reasoning behind his hesitance as he squeezed her hand gently.
"Just give me a second," Chris pleaded with his eyes, "I need a moment."
"Of course," Eve nodded watching him turn away as she felt her own pulse quicken with the anticipation of what lay behind the door and how Chris would respond to it.
"Eve, tell me something," Chris turned his eyes up towards the night sky watching the stars shining off in the distance, living on with some air of mystery to never be within his reach. He thought of the wonders of the world, but more so his mind was running wild with the thoughts of what lay ahead in his future, about the little girl waiting on the other side of the door. Slowly he turned around to face Eve taking in a deep breath as if that breath would be the one thing that would muster up enough courage inside of him to face what the future held in store for them, "tell me again."
"What would you like to know?" Eve questioned realizing that she'd laid quite a lot on Chris in such a short time as his eyes seemingly held something behind them she'd never quite recognized before, something she'd often thought about, but never truly allowed herself to see before this moment in time. Chris was worried, fearful for what the future held, about what meeting his daughter would do to shake up the nightmare he'd been living in, as if it wasn't real.
"Tell me about that day at the cabin, or better yet, let's talk about that night," Chris softened his tone thinking back to the flash of passion they'd experienced together.
"Chris, that feels like it was a lifetime ago," Eve stepped in towards him, "yet I can still envision what it was like to be lost in your arms...." her voice tapered off as she traveled back in time to the morning after her night with Chris leading back up to this moment in time.
*******
"We can be together," Eve mused with a smile dancing around her hotel room as her thoughts lingered to the moment in time when Ian made her aware of Arianna granting him his freedom. She began to dance around the room in a slow, waltz as her heart fluttered at the notion of having everything she'd ever wanted.
"Ian loves me and I love him," her voice filled the hotel room moving along the walls surrounding her as she caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror stopping abruptly as she took a long hard look at herself and her smile faded.
"Oh Eve, what have you done," she sighed to herself as she fell back upon the bed longing to right the wrongs that had been made hours before.
I thought I saw a man brought to life
He was warm, he came around like he was dignified
He showed me what it was to cry
"Lambert, for a moment there I thought you were wussing out on me," Chris' voice rumbled through her head like a thunder bolt as Eve let out a moan. Her eyes slowly focused in on her surroundings and suddenly she was very aware that she was in Chris' apartment. The same cool decorations hung over her, yet this was a place where she hadn't been in quite a long time, a place she'd stayed from when they'd lived together.
"Chris," her voice came out in a half moan as she brought her hand up over her head, "why am I in your bedroom?"
"I thought it would be more comfortable in here than on the living room floor," Chris braced himself over her his eyes straying over her as he propped himself up on his elbow, "you threw me for a loop there when you passed out on the floor."
"I did?" She blinked back at him and after a moment laughter bubbled over her, "I did, didn't I?"
"Yes you did," Chris nodded laughter clouding his own handsome features as his fingers tapered off over her cheek gently caressing her flushed skin, "it looks like you couldn't hold your own with the martinis last night."
"I could hold my own and then some," Eve answered her tone suddenly serious as she poked at his chest, "you on the other hand were having some major issues with staying sober."
"How do you figure?" Chris raised a curious brow.
"Because you," Eve let out another tiny laugh, "you asked me to make love to you."
"I did, didn't I?" Chris smiled proudly as he recalled the moment, "and if I do recall you happened to have said yes."
"I did," Eve giggled once more as if there was some hidden meaning behind her answer to him.
"That's right," Chris nodded in response, "you and I decided to throw caution to the wind and just go for it before you decided to grace my floor with your wounded sparrow routine."
"I'm not a wounded sparrow," Eve turned to her side giving him a harsh stare, "there is nothing wounded about me."
"Oh of course not," Chris gave her a look as he leaned in towards her, "you're completely sober now, aren't you?"
"I don't know," Eve reached out to him, her fingers threading tightly into his hair drawing him in towards her with one sharp pull. Without another word, she claimed his mouth with a full, penetrating kiss allowing her hunger to slip past the surface before abruptly ending the kiss almost as soon as it had started, "you tell me," she challenged with a wicked grin.
Chris remained silent for a long moment, his face a mask of utter seriousness as his eyes gazed into hers.
"Well say something," Eve swatted at him ending the silence between them as he let out a tiny laugh.
"You're drunk," Chris blurted out in a flood of laughter as Eve moved in over him tickling his sides showing no mercy, "hey!"
"And you're not," Eve laughed louder the room filling up with the warmth of this unspoken moment between them.
"Okay so maybe I am just a little," Chris confessed as her fingers swept over his torso drawing out yet another bout of laughter.
"I knew it," Eve cried out victoriously, "you are drunker than I am."
"Only in your dreams Lambert," Chris challenged shaking his head as he tried to capture her hands to end this tickle torture she'd begun on him.
"Only in yours Ramsey," she shook her head defiantly another hearty laugh building inside of her as his arms slipped around her slender waist firmly and within a blink of an eye she found herself caged beneath him on the mattress.
"On the contrary," Chris shook his head, his lips just a mere breath above hers, "in my dreams, being drunk seldom fits into the picture," he leaned in closer brushing his lips over hers in a soft, barely there kiss before drawing back, "it's more so something along the lines of this....." he finished in a whisper capturing her mouth once again in a soft, tender movement.
As they parted, Eve gazed up into his eyes seeing something burning behind the surface of the warm chocolate depths before her. Her fingers leisurely tapered over his spine pressing his body closer to hers as a smile swept over her beautiful features, "Chris."
"Yes?" he questioned in a lackadaisical tone as her hands swept over the contours over his body in a slow, seductive pattern.
"I haven't changed my mind about what we talked about before," she whispered in a low throaty tone as her fingers crept up underneath the bottom of his shirt caressing his heated skin.
"Neither have I, Lambert," he confessed kissing her once more as the magic of the moment and the martinis drifted them along the whimsical course of destiny changing their lives forever.
Well you couldn't be that man I adored
You don't seem to know, don't seem to care what your heart is for
But I don't know him anymore
There's nothing where he used to lie
"Chris wait a second," Eve started after him making her way into the on call room, "hey would you listen to me for a minute?"
"Why Eve?" Chris spun around to face her, his own emotions threatening to overtake this moment as he wished things hadn't been so impossible with her.
"Chris, you have to understand how good my life is going now," Eve began again, "I know you and I have something wonderful, a great friendship...."
"Save it Eve," Chris raised his hand to silence her, "I think we all know where this is headed and I'm not in the mood for it."
"Chris, I just told you about Ian and I because I owed you that much. When Ian and I made love in that hospital room....." Eve started once more.
"I don't need to hear it again," Chris cut her off impatiently, "I'm happy for you. Eve, I'm very happy that you and Ian found your way to one another and maybe if Arianna makes it through what's happened to her, then she can be happy for you as well."
"Chris, that's not fair," Eve felt tears threatening as she looked to him, "please you know how much this is killing me that she's been hurt."
"Eve, what's killing me is the fact that you sit there with Ian pretending that everything is okay when...." he stopped himself as he took in a sharp breath, "I need to get back to my patient."
"Chris, no," Eve reached for his arm tugging him back to her, "don't leave it like that."
"Eve sometimes things are best left unsaid," he met her eyes a darkness behind his glare that chilled Eve to the bone as his tone shifted, "you of all people should know that."
"Chris please," Eve was at a loss as his eyes spoke of the secret they shared, yet as they stood together talking about Arianna's misfortune the moment didn't seem quite right, "I feel like I'm losing my best friend...."
"That seems to be going around lately," Chris sighed, his conflict building with each passing moment.
"Chris, please tell me that we aren't beyond repair. I need you right now. I need my best friend especially now that Ian's wife is in a hospital bed fighting for her life. Chris, I need you....."
"I know you do, but how long is it for this time, Eve?" Chris answered sharply, "I can't give you much considering that Ian's promised you not just one night, but for always. I don't think that leaves much room for me now does it?"
"Chris, that's not fair," Eve finally let out a tiny sob, the tears escaping her eyes as she released him, "this was a mistake. I shouldn't have come to you."
"Eve wait," Chris felt something tug at his insides, guilt perhaps as he'd hated to see her cry. Reaching out to her, he enveloped her in his arms pulling her to him, "everything's going to be okay. I promise you that. Somehow we'll make things right again."
"How can they be right when Arianna is fighting for her life," Eve sobbed into his chest.
"Eve, don't give up," Chris whispered in her ear before he placed a kiss on her forehead, "I'll do all that I can for her."
"But we both know that may never be enough," Eve reminded him painfully, "it may never be enough and if she dies...."
"She won't die," Ian's voice interrupted as Eve nearly jumped out of Chris' arms with a gasp.
"Ian, I didn't hear you come in," Eve turned to him panic over her features.
"Obviously," his eyes cut over to Chris, a glare building beneath the surface, "I think Lambert and I could use a moment alone, if you don't mind Ramsey."
My conversation has run dry
That's what's going on, nothing's fine I'm torn
I'm all out of faith, this is how I feel
I'm cold and I am shamed lying naked on the floor
Illusion never changed into something real
I'm wide awake and I can see the perfect sky is torn
You're a little late, I'm already torn
Chris turned his eyes towards Eve noting her pleading stare as he let out a reluctant sigh reaching for his charts, "Why would I mind? It's not like I don't have other more important things to tend to. She's all yours Ian," he finished not bothering to look back at Eve as he walked out of the room vowing to put that part of his life behind him.
A heavy sigh fell from Chris' throat as he'd left the on call room, his emotions all jumbled inside as he made his way towards the nurse's station. Monica was in with Arianna and there was nothing more he could do for her at this moment. Somehow things just weren't looking up for anyone who was in love with Ian or Eve, surely he could vouch for that. Ian was blinded by his 'love' for Eve, leaving Arianna open for her brother's attack and Chris was left with his heart ripped out into a million pieces after Eve's refusal of him. She'd made it obvious that they wouldn't ever talk of their night together again and her having made love to Ian in the hospital only reaffirmed just how little that night had meant.
Trying to shake the thought, Chris turned his eyes towards the on call room noticing Ian stalked off a bitter expression on his features, but Eve hadn't followed him. Knowing that he should've minded his own business and headed back to work, Chris reached for a patient chart pretending not to notice the door to the on call room, but as Eve remained within the confines of the room, his curiosity overcame him and he marched towards the on call room determined to have a few words with her.
Upon entering the on call room Chris looked around finding it empty as a frown pressed over his features. Perhaps he'd missed her in his attempt to turn away, he reasoned, but as he'd heard a faint sobbing coming from behind the cracked door to his office, he realized she had merely relocated. Tucking the file beneath his arm, he made his way across the on call room, his heart pounding in his chest as he slowly eased the door to his office all the way open to discover her seated upon his cot, tears streaming down her face.
"Eve?" Chris questioned softly almost afraid to speak as she looked so wounded, so broken by this moment.
"Chris, I'm sorry," she tried to wipe at her tears, "I know I shouldn't be in here, but I didn't want anyone to see me like this, to see my like a blubbering idiot crying...."
"Shhh...." he whispered moving in beside her wrapping her up in his arms, "you don't have to explain a thing."
"Oh Chris," she cried harder losing herself to emotion as her tears continued.
"Eve please," Chris brushed his fingers through her hair gently as she lay in his lap cradled up like a small child, "we'll find a way to make things right."
"They'll never be right again," she cried harder, "not ever."
"Yes they will," Chris promised her, "somehow we'll find a way to make them right."
"I used to believe that," she gave herself over to her sorrow as his arms attempted to shield her from the pain, to take away the pain that loving Ian Thornhart had brought her, but somehow the damage had been done and he feared he'd been too little too late for her.
So I guess the fortune teller's right
Should have seen just what was there and not some holy light
To crawl beneath my veins and now
I don't care, I have no luck, I don't miss it all that much
There's just so many things that I can't touch, I'm torn
The cabin filled with a deep, penetrating silence as the loneliness set in once again. Eve felt the tears stinging in her eyes as the memory of Chris' retreat still hung heavy in her heart. What had she done? What had possessed her to turn away from the one man that had truly loved her? What had she been thinking?
"You've been thinking like an idiot," Eve blurted out realizing that she'd made a mistake in letting him go as she raced for the door hoping it wasn't too late.
"Well hello Evelyn," David Bordiso grinned wickedly at her, "fancy meeting you here."
"No, no it can't be......" Eve gasped realizing life as she knew it was about to be torn apart by her latest wrong decision.
I'm all out of faith, this is how I feel
I'm cold and I am shamed lying naked on the floor
Illusion never changed into something real
"You'll never leave this place alive Evelyn," David's voice threatened as Eve held the gun aimed firmly at him, "you won't find a way out of here even if you shoot me."
"I won't stay here being your prisoner...not anymore," Eve shouted at him, her knees trembling with fear as she pointed the gun at him.
"You are in no position to be calling the shots around here Evelyn," David let out a hearty laugh, "that bastard brat of yours will be born any day and you'll have run out of purpose in being here. Soon you'll realize that you will either have to bend to my rules or you shall suffer the consequences."
"I'll never give in to you," Eve shouted at him, the determination filling her voice as she felt movement in her abdomen causing her to let out a pained cry.
"It's already happening," DV offered up a wicked smile, "you've already begun your descent into darkness. Soon I shall have your child and then vengeance will be mine."
"You will not take my child!" Eve screamed out despite the pain.
"Oh but I will, just like your lover tried to take my life," DV stepped forward noting the discomfort on her features, "but if you agree to play nice with me Eve, life could be so much easier. If you'd only stop being difficult."
"Never," she shook her head defiantly, "I won't let you keep me from my family, from the man that loves me."
"Chris Ramsey loves only himself," DV argued as a laugh build up inside of him, "the only other thing that turns him on is the right price."
"Chris shot you didn't he?" Eve challenged feeling a confidence that hadn't been there before this moment, "he tried to kill you to protect me. That had nothing to do with money."
"That was simply the actions of a fool, but rest assured that from this moment on, he'll have wished he had killed me that night at the cemetery," DV threatened taking another step towards her, "much like you'll have wished you had the courage to pull that trigger when I'm through with you. If you think life is miserable now Eve....."
"I'll do it," She shouted out realizing that something was happening inside of her. Bracing herself against the counter, she struggled to keep her hold on the gun from shaking, "stay back."
"You need a hospital and only I can give you that. If you shoot me, you and your child will be destined to die here," DV reached out towards her, "your fighting me off all these months will have been for nothing. You and your child will die on this cold, marble floor."
"No, that's where you're wrong," Eve argued the pain building inside of her as he moved in closer towards her, "I won't die here and neither will my baby."
"Eve, don't be foolish," DV stepped in closer yet, confidence surging through his body, "you'll only live to regret this if you don't give me that gun and stop misbehaving like this."
"I won't do it," she argued as he lunged towards her and she fired the gun. She hadn't realized her eyes had closed as the shot went off, but now as she noted the shocked expression on DV's face as he fell back onto the floor, she dropped the gun with a pained cry as her knees gave out and she feared that indeed his prophesy of her child's death would become a reality as they were in the middle of no where with DV's now lifeless body as the only company to keep with her.
Collapsing fully Eve felt a rush of pain sweep over her as she closed her eyes hearing some faint sound in the distance, "Help me...." her voice whispered hoarsely as the world grew blurred and the last thing she saw was a small, dark haired maid approaching her, but before Eve could let out another cry for help, the world faded to black, leaving nothing but the darkness.
I'm wide awake and I can see the perfect sky is torn
You're a little late, I'm already torn. Torn.
"You can do it Evelyn. Just keep pushing," the nurse urged her as Eve drew in another sharp breath.
"I can't," Eve cried out lost in the pain as another contraction hit her, "I can't do this."
"Yes, yes you can," another nurse coached her on further as Eve let out another cry.
"It's not supposed to be like this," Eve sobbed painfully, "I'm not supposed to be here. I'm supposed to be home with my family and friends."
"This child of yours just doesn't want to wait," the nurse's thick Mexican accent swirled in the air surrounding them.
"I didn't want her to be born without her father here to share this, to know....." Eve let out another pained cry.
"Evelyn, life tends to give us very difficult paths, but considering the feat you've just been through," the nurse's voice spoke soothingly, "you're safe now and that evil man won't be able to harm your child. Soon you and the baby can return to your love, to her father...."
"Her father," Eve closed her eyes thinking back to the love she'd left behind in Port Charles, "he doesn't even know....he doesn't even realize that he's going to be a daddy...."
"Then why don't we give it one more push and then maybe we can work on fixing that problem...." the nurse urged as Eve pushed once more giving her all as the other nurse worked hurriedly. Eve closed her eyes lost in the moment as the sounds of crying surrounded the tiny delivery room in the church basement. Her eyes opened as she saw the tiny little girl in the nurse's arms.
"Your little one wants her mommy," the nurse explained placing the small child in Eve's waiting arms.
*******
"And so here we are, after all this time," Chris stepped in closer to Eve, reaching out to draw her into an embrace as she finished with her recollection of life since they'd been apart. Somehow in seeing the hot tears streaming down her face, he felt his heart sink at the knowledge that she'd suffered so much, experienced so much pain in her absense from Port Charles. Now as they stood together at the pivotal moment one step away from their future together, he slipped his palm under her chin urging her to meet his concerned eyes as he used his other hand to gently wipe the tears from her eyes.
"Know this," Chris whispered cupping her face in his hands as this moment eased over them with a cool, gentle breeze passing overhead, "from this moment on, you're not alone anymore. We're in this together and that's how it's going to be."
"Chris, you have no idea just how much it means to hear you say that," Eve blurted out unable to contain her emotions as he enfolded her in his arms in a loving embrace, "I've waited to be with you for so long."
"And now we're together," Chris promised kissing the top of her head gently, "and I'm about to meet my little girl."
"That you are," Eve nodded in response feeling the warmth surrounding her that only his arms could provide.
"What's her name? When was she born? What does she look like?" Chris inquired an enthusiasm rushing through him as he looked to her, "I have so many questions right about now."
"And you're about to get all your answers," Eve promised, "but first for the answer to your initial question, her name is Juliana Rose."
"Juliana Rose," Chris mused with a smile, "it's beautiful."
"I was hoping you'd approve," Eve offered up in response motioning towards the door, "shall we go introduce you to Juliana Rose Ramsey?"
"Ramsey," Chris repeated his eyes widening as Eve began to unlock the front door.
She looked over her shoulder at him with a soft smile, "But of course. Why wouldn't I have given her your name? She is your daughter."
"My daughter," Chris repeated an overwhelming sense of pride washing over him as she opened the front door reaching for his hand once again.
"Come on Ramsey," Eve lead him into the darkened front room as Chris wondered what Juliana's response to him would be. Glancing around the humble living room, he found himself curious to know more about the life Eve had been living all this time as she set her keys on the table across the room. "Have you two been here long?"
"Not too long, no," Eve shook her head, "this is only a temporary thing, but it's been good enough for now."
"And Juliana? How has she adapted to this?" Chris questioned a bit unsure as Eve shook her damp hair back over her shoulders.
"She's a very happy child, Chris. She's been the one thing that's kept me going all this time," Eve explained as a small, dark haired woman entered the living room looking a bit confused to see Eve keeping company.
"Senora?" she questioned with a thick accent as Eve offered up a smile in response.
"Maria, I'd like you to meet Juliana's father, Chris Ramsey," Eve explained simply as the tiny woman looked over to Chris with great curiosity behind her eyes.
"I've heard a great deal about you," Maria explained, "Evelyn has told me time and time again what you were like, so I feel as if we've met already."
"I'll take that as a good thing," Chris offered up a hint of nervousness lingering behind his voice as he stepped forward.
"Maria has been Juliana's nanny for a while. She's been helping me with her during the traveling we've done recently," Eve stated simply, "she's been a treasure to the both of us."
"I have enjoyed my time with you Evelyn. Juliana is a treasure and any moment I'm able to spend with her is a miracle in itself, though it seems as though our little princess will be pleased to finally have the company of her father. I must confess had I known you'd be bringing him home with you tonight, I would've had her in a more presentable fashion as she's been resting for quite some time now. If you wish I could go awaken her."
"No," Chris shook his head, "that's alright Maria. I think Eve and I can just go in and see her for a little while without waking her."
"Chris, are you sure?" Eve asked gently placing her hand on his arm.
Chris nodded, "I'd love to watch her sleep."
"Alright," Eve agreed turning to Maria, "I think we can take it from here now."
"Of course," she smiled in response, "if you need anything Evelyn, you know how to reach me."
"Thank you very much," Eve escorted her to the door before turning her attention back to Chris, "Shall we go see our daughter?"
"Yes," Chris rubbed his hands together, "please?"
"Right this way," Eve lead him down the hallway towards the nursery opening the door as her eyes cast over her shoulder at him, "after you."
There's nothing where he used to lie
My inspiration has run dry
That's what's going on, nothings right, I'm torn
Alison snuggled into the warmth beside her, losing herself in the feel of the arms draped around her. Pressing her palm over the warm chest beneath her touch a sigh escaped her lips as her eyelids fluttered open. Slowly her eyes drifted northern across the bare skin beside her and she found herself staring into Jack's face that was now veiled by his peaceful slumber. She reached out to him easing her fingers over the warmth of his cheek before the reality of what they'd just experienced together washed over her. Slowly, she untangled herself from his arms finding an overwhelming need to clear her head as he remained asleep beside her. As she eased her way out from beneath the blankets, Alison glanced back over her shoulder at Jack watching him shift a bit on the bed they'd just made love in.
"Oh Alison," She felt tears swelling in her eyes as she felt something she couldn't quite place sweeping over her. She looked over his bedroom finding her things scattered around after their love making, but suddenly the magic of the moment was replaced by the harsh reality that had driven her from Port Charles to Bermuda to find him.
Slipping into Jack's discarded shirt, she walked across the bedroom heading into the living room as she thought of Lucy's warning. Lucy had told her what was happening with Rafe and yet Alison couldn't help but go after Jack. She'd intended to make things right with her best friend before returning to help Rafe for the battle for his soul, but now as she thought of what it had been like being in Jack's arms, lost in his loving embrace, nothing seemed to make sense anymore. She'd come to Bermuda wanting to do the right thing, to explain to Jack why she couldn't let go of Rafe, but instead she'd opened her heart to Jack, shared something magical with him and in this instant as she made her way over to the sofa, she found herself more uncertain of what the right path was anymore. No longer was there a clear cut answer about where she should be, or where she belonged. Saving Rafe should've come first as he'd saved her, but losing Jack was too great a price to pay, she'd decided as she'd made her way down to Bermuda. Now as she was lost in the memory of making love to Jack, she wondered if she'd complicated things far beyond she'd ever dreamed of.
Now as she sat in the fading darkness, she heard Lucy's words swirling in her mind, "You have to save Rafe. Alison, he's here for you and only you can help him...."
"Oh God," Alison tipped her head up towards the heavens wondering if anyone was listening as tears began to fall down her face, "what am I going to do?" she asked finally coming to the realization that she was torn between saving Rafe's soul and embracing the love she'd found with Jack? Could she leave Jack now to go home and save Rafe or would Rafe burn for this newfound emotion she'd discovered for Jack? She was supposed to have been in love with Rafe, wanting to be with him and share her life with him, but now as the memory of Jack haunted her, Alison began to wonder just what destiny was trying to show her. How could she have held so much devotion towards one man who'd given up heaven to be with her, yet found love with her best friend, a man who'd made her smile and feel loved in her weakest moments? Now as she curled up on the sofa lost in her tears, Alison realized that for the first time in a long time she was truly conflicted, at last torn by which path to follow down the road to her destiny. Did she go home and save Rafe or stay and explore her feelings for Jack?
I'm all out of faith, this is how I feel
I'm cold and I am shamed lying naked on the floor
Illusion never changed into something real
I'm wide awake and I can see the perfect sky is torn
I'm all out of faith, this is how I feel
I'm cold and I'm ashamed bound and broken on the floor
You're a little late, I'm already torn
"Torn"
"Eve wait," Chris tugged on her hand as she turned from him headed towards the small entrance, "hold on."
"Chris, what it is?" Eve questioned her eyes seeking out the reasoning behind his hesitance as he squeezed her hand gently.
"Just give me a second," Chris pleaded with his eyes, "I need a moment."
"Of course," Eve nodded watching him turn away as she felt her own pulse quicken with the anticipation of what lay behind the door and how Chris would respond to it.
"Eve, tell me something," Chris turned his eyes up towards the night sky watching the stars shining off in the distance, living on with some air of mystery to never be within his reach. He thought of the wonders of the world, but more so his mind was running wild with the thoughts of what lay ahead in his future, about the little girl waiting on the other side of the door. Slowly he turned around to face Eve taking in a deep breath as if that breath would be the one thing that would muster up enough courage inside of him to face what the future held in store for them, "tell me again."
"What would you like to know?" Eve questioned realizing that she'd laid quite a lot on Chris in such a short time as his eyes seemingly held something behind them she'd never quite recognized before, something she'd often thought about, but never truly allowed herself to see before this moment in time. Chris was worried, fearful for what the future held, about what meeting his daughter would do to shake up the nightmare he'd been living in, as if it wasn't real.
"Tell me about that day at the cabin, or better yet, let's talk about that night," Chris softened his tone thinking back to the flash of passion they'd experienced together.
"Chris, that feels like it was a lifetime ago," Eve stepped in towards him, "yet I can still envision what it was like to be lost in your arms...." her voice tapered off as she traveled back in time to the morning after her night with Chris leading back up to this moment in time.
*******
"We can be together," Eve mused with a smile dancing around her hotel room as her thoughts lingered to the moment in time when Ian made her aware of Arianna granting him his freedom. She began to dance around the room in a slow, waltz as her heart fluttered at the notion of having everything she'd ever wanted.
"Ian loves me and I love him," her voice filled the hotel room moving along the walls surrounding her as she caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror stopping abruptly as she took a long hard look at herself and her smile faded.
"Oh Eve, what have you done," she sighed to herself as she fell back upon the bed longing to right the wrongs that had been made hours before.
I thought I saw a man brought to life
He was warm, he came around like he was dignified
He showed me what it was to cry
"Lambert, for a moment there I thought you were wussing out on me," Chris' voice rumbled through her head like a thunder bolt as Eve let out a moan. Her eyes slowly focused in on her surroundings and suddenly she was very aware that she was in Chris' apartment. The same cool decorations hung over her, yet this was a place where she hadn't been in quite a long time, a place she'd stayed from when they'd lived together.
"Chris," her voice came out in a half moan as she brought her hand up over her head, "why am I in your bedroom?"
"I thought it would be more comfortable in here than on the living room floor," Chris braced himself over her his eyes straying over her as he propped himself up on his elbow, "you threw me for a loop there when you passed out on the floor."
"I did?" She blinked back at him and after a moment laughter bubbled over her, "I did, didn't I?"
"Yes you did," Chris nodded laughter clouding his own handsome features as his fingers tapered off over her cheek gently caressing her flushed skin, "it looks like you couldn't hold your own with the martinis last night."
"I could hold my own and then some," Eve answered her tone suddenly serious as she poked at his chest, "you on the other hand were having some major issues with staying sober."
"How do you figure?" Chris raised a curious brow.
"Because you," Eve let out another tiny laugh, "you asked me to make love to you."
"I did, didn't I?" Chris smiled proudly as he recalled the moment, "and if I do recall you happened to have said yes."
"I did," Eve giggled once more as if there was some hidden meaning behind her answer to him.
"That's right," Chris nodded in response, "you and I decided to throw caution to the wind and just go for it before you decided to grace my floor with your wounded sparrow routine."
"I'm not a wounded sparrow," Eve turned to her side giving him a harsh stare, "there is nothing wounded about me."
"Oh of course not," Chris gave her a look as he leaned in towards her, "you're completely sober now, aren't you?"
"I don't know," Eve reached out to him, her fingers threading tightly into his hair drawing him in towards her with one sharp pull. Without another word, she claimed his mouth with a full, penetrating kiss allowing her hunger to slip past the surface before abruptly ending the kiss almost as soon as it had started, "you tell me," she challenged with a wicked grin.
Chris remained silent for a long moment, his face a mask of utter seriousness as his eyes gazed into hers.
"Well say something," Eve swatted at him ending the silence between them as he let out a tiny laugh.
"You're drunk," Chris blurted out in a flood of laughter as Eve moved in over him tickling his sides showing no mercy, "hey!"
"And you're not," Eve laughed louder the room filling up with the warmth of this unspoken moment between them.
"Okay so maybe I am just a little," Chris confessed as her fingers swept over his torso drawing out yet another bout of laughter.
"I knew it," Eve cried out victoriously, "you are drunker than I am."
"Only in your dreams Lambert," Chris challenged shaking his head as he tried to capture her hands to end this tickle torture she'd begun on him.
"Only in yours Ramsey," she shook her head defiantly another hearty laugh building inside of her as his arms slipped around her slender waist firmly and within a blink of an eye she found herself caged beneath him on the mattress.
"On the contrary," Chris shook his head, his lips just a mere breath above hers, "in my dreams, being drunk seldom fits into the picture," he leaned in closer brushing his lips over hers in a soft, barely there kiss before drawing back, "it's more so something along the lines of this....." he finished in a whisper capturing her mouth once again in a soft, tender movement.
As they parted, Eve gazed up into his eyes seeing something burning behind the surface of the warm chocolate depths before her. Her fingers leisurely tapered over his spine pressing his body closer to hers as a smile swept over her beautiful features, "Chris."
"Yes?" he questioned in a lackadaisical tone as her hands swept over the contours over his body in a slow, seductive pattern.
"I haven't changed my mind about what we talked about before," she whispered in a low throaty tone as her fingers crept up underneath the bottom of his shirt caressing his heated skin.
"Neither have I, Lambert," he confessed kissing her once more as the magic of the moment and the martinis drifted them along the whimsical course of destiny changing their lives forever.
Well you couldn't be that man I adored
You don't seem to know, don't seem to care what your heart is for
But I don't know him anymore
There's nothing where he used to lie
"Chris wait a second," Eve started after him making her way into the on call room, "hey would you listen to me for a minute?"
"Why Eve?" Chris spun around to face her, his own emotions threatening to overtake this moment as he wished things hadn't been so impossible with her.
"Chris, you have to understand how good my life is going now," Eve began again, "I know you and I have something wonderful, a great friendship...."
"Save it Eve," Chris raised his hand to silence her, "I think we all know where this is headed and I'm not in the mood for it."
"Chris, I just told you about Ian and I because I owed you that much. When Ian and I made love in that hospital room....." Eve started once more.
"I don't need to hear it again," Chris cut her off impatiently, "I'm happy for you. Eve, I'm very happy that you and Ian found your way to one another and maybe if Arianna makes it through what's happened to her, then she can be happy for you as well."
"Chris, that's not fair," Eve felt tears threatening as she looked to him, "please you know how much this is killing me that she's been hurt."
"Eve, what's killing me is the fact that you sit there with Ian pretending that everything is okay when...." he stopped himself as he took in a sharp breath, "I need to get back to my patient."
"Chris, no," Eve reached for his arm tugging him back to her, "don't leave it like that."
"Eve sometimes things are best left unsaid," he met her eyes a darkness behind his glare that chilled Eve to the bone as his tone shifted, "you of all people should know that."
"Chris please," Eve was at a loss as his eyes spoke of the secret they shared, yet as they stood together talking about Arianna's misfortune the moment didn't seem quite right, "I feel like I'm losing my best friend...."
"That seems to be going around lately," Chris sighed, his conflict building with each passing moment.
"Chris, please tell me that we aren't beyond repair. I need you right now. I need my best friend especially now that Ian's wife is in a hospital bed fighting for her life. Chris, I need you....."
"I know you do, but how long is it for this time, Eve?" Chris answered sharply, "I can't give you much considering that Ian's promised you not just one night, but for always. I don't think that leaves much room for me now does it?"
"Chris, that's not fair," Eve finally let out a tiny sob, the tears escaping her eyes as she released him, "this was a mistake. I shouldn't have come to you."
"Eve wait," Chris felt something tug at his insides, guilt perhaps as he'd hated to see her cry. Reaching out to her, he enveloped her in his arms pulling her to him, "everything's going to be okay. I promise you that. Somehow we'll make things right again."
"How can they be right when Arianna is fighting for her life," Eve sobbed into his chest.
"Eve, don't give up," Chris whispered in her ear before he placed a kiss on her forehead, "I'll do all that I can for her."
"But we both know that may never be enough," Eve reminded him painfully, "it may never be enough and if she dies...."
"She won't die," Ian's voice interrupted as Eve nearly jumped out of Chris' arms with a gasp.
"Ian, I didn't hear you come in," Eve turned to him panic over her features.
"Obviously," his eyes cut over to Chris, a glare building beneath the surface, "I think Lambert and I could use a moment alone, if you don't mind Ramsey."
My conversation has run dry
That's what's going on, nothing's fine I'm torn
I'm all out of faith, this is how I feel
I'm cold and I am shamed lying naked on the floor
Illusion never changed into something real
I'm wide awake and I can see the perfect sky is torn
You're a little late, I'm already torn
Chris turned his eyes towards Eve noting her pleading stare as he let out a reluctant sigh reaching for his charts, "Why would I mind? It's not like I don't have other more important things to tend to. She's all yours Ian," he finished not bothering to look back at Eve as he walked out of the room vowing to put that part of his life behind him.
A heavy sigh fell from Chris' throat as he'd left the on call room, his emotions all jumbled inside as he made his way towards the nurse's station. Monica was in with Arianna and there was nothing more he could do for her at this moment. Somehow things just weren't looking up for anyone who was in love with Ian or Eve, surely he could vouch for that. Ian was blinded by his 'love' for Eve, leaving Arianna open for her brother's attack and Chris was left with his heart ripped out into a million pieces after Eve's refusal of him. She'd made it obvious that they wouldn't ever talk of their night together again and her having made love to Ian in the hospital only reaffirmed just how little that night had meant.
Trying to shake the thought, Chris turned his eyes towards the on call room noticing Ian stalked off a bitter expression on his features, but Eve hadn't followed him. Knowing that he should've minded his own business and headed back to work, Chris reached for a patient chart pretending not to notice the door to the on call room, but as Eve remained within the confines of the room, his curiosity overcame him and he marched towards the on call room determined to have a few words with her.
Upon entering the on call room Chris looked around finding it empty as a frown pressed over his features. Perhaps he'd missed her in his attempt to turn away, he reasoned, but as he'd heard a faint sobbing coming from behind the cracked door to his office, he realized she had merely relocated. Tucking the file beneath his arm, he made his way across the on call room, his heart pounding in his chest as he slowly eased the door to his office all the way open to discover her seated upon his cot, tears streaming down her face.
"Eve?" Chris questioned softly almost afraid to speak as she looked so wounded, so broken by this moment.
"Chris, I'm sorry," she tried to wipe at her tears, "I know I shouldn't be in here, but I didn't want anyone to see me like this, to see my like a blubbering idiot crying...."
"Shhh...." he whispered moving in beside her wrapping her up in his arms, "you don't have to explain a thing."
"Oh Chris," she cried harder losing herself to emotion as her tears continued.
"Eve please," Chris brushed his fingers through her hair gently as she lay in his lap cradled up like a small child, "we'll find a way to make things right."
"They'll never be right again," she cried harder, "not ever."
"Yes they will," Chris promised her, "somehow we'll find a way to make them right."
"I used to believe that," she gave herself over to her sorrow as his arms attempted to shield her from the pain, to take away the pain that loving Ian Thornhart had brought her, but somehow the damage had been done and he feared he'd been too little too late for her.
So I guess the fortune teller's right
Should have seen just what was there and not some holy light
To crawl beneath my veins and now
I don't care, I have no luck, I don't miss it all that much
There's just so many things that I can't touch, I'm torn
The cabin filled with a deep, penetrating silence as the loneliness set in once again. Eve felt the tears stinging in her eyes as the memory of Chris' retreat still hung heavy in her heart. What had she done? What had possessed her to turn away from the one man that had truly loved her? What had she been thinking?
"You've been thinking like an idiot," Eve blurted out realizing that she'd made a mistake in letting him go as she raced for the door hoping it wasn't too late.
"Well hello Evelyn," David Bordiso grinned wickedly at her, "fancy meeting you here."
"No, no it can't be......" Eve gasped realizing life as she knew it was about to be torn apart by her latest wrong decision.
I'm all out of faith, this is how I feel
I'm cold and I am shamed lying naked on the floor
Illusion never changed into something real
"You'll never leave this place alive Evelyn," David's voice threatened as Eve held the gun aimed firmly at him, "you won't find a way out of here even if you shoot me."
"I won't stay here being your prisoner...not anymore," Eve shouted at him, her knees trembling with fear as she pointed the gun at him.
"You are in no position to be calling the shots around here Evelyn," David let out a hearty laugh, "that bastard brat of yours will be born any day and you'll have run out of purpose in being here. Soon you'll realize that you will either have to bend to my rules or you shall suffer the consequences."
"I'll never give in to you," Eve shouted at him, the determination filling her voice as she felt movement in her abdomen causing her to let out a pained cry.
"It's already happening," DV offered up a wicked smile, "you've already begun your descent into darkness. Soon I shall have your child and then vengeance will be mine."
"You will not take my child!" Eve screamed out despite the pain.
"Oh but I will, just like your lover tried to take my life," DV stepped forward noting the discomfort on her features, "but if you agree to play nice with me Eve, life could be so much easier. If you'd only stop being difficult."
"Never," she shook her head defiantly, "I won't let you keep me from my family, from the man that loves me."
"Chris Ramsey loves only himself," DV argued as a laugh build up inside of him, "the only other thing that turns him on is the right price."
"Chris shot you didn't he?" Eve challenged feeling a confidence that hadn't been there before this moment, "he tried to kill you to protect me. That had nothing to do with money."
"That was simply the actions of a fool, but rest assured that from this moment on, he'll have wished he had killed me that night at the cemetery," DV threatened taking another step towards her, "much like you'll have wished you had the courage to pull that trigger when I'm through with you. If you think life is miserable now Eve....."
"I'll do it," She shouted out realizing that something was happening inside of her. Bracing herself against the counter, she struggled to keep her hold on the gun from shaking, "stay back."
"You need a hospital and only I can give you that. If you shoot me, you and your child will be destined to die here," DV reached out towards her, "your fighting me off all these months will have been for nothing. You and your child will die on this cold, marble floor."
"No, that's where you're wrong," Eve argued the pain building inside of her as he moved in closer towards her, "I won't die here and neither will my baby."
"Eve, don't be foolish," DV stepped in closer yet, confidence surging through his body, "you'll only live to regret this if you don't give me that gun and stop misbehaving like this."
"I won't do it," she argued as he lunged towards her and she fired the gun. She hadn't realized her eyes had closed as the shot went off, but now as she noted the shocked expression on DV's face as he fell back onto the floor, she dropped the gun with a pained cry as her knees gave out and she feared that indeed his prophesy of her child's death would become a reality as they were in the middle of no where with DV's now lifeless body as the only company to keep with her.
Collapsing fully Eve felt a rush of pain sweep over her as she closed her eyes hearing some faint sound in the distance, "Help me...." her voice whispered hoarsely as the world grew blurred and the last thing she saw was a small, dark haired maid approaching her, but before Eve could let out another cry for help, the world faded to black, leaving nothing but the darkness.
I'm wide awake and I can see the perfect sky is torn
You're a little late, I'm already torn. Torn.
"You can do it Evelyn. Just keep pushing," the nurse urged her as Eve drew in another sharp breath.
"I can't," Eve cried out lost in the pain as another contraction hit her, "I can't do this."
"Yes, yes you can," another nurse coached her on further as Eve let out another cry.
"It's not supposed to be like this," Eve sobbed painfully, "I'm not supposed to be here. I'm supposed to be home with my family and friends."
"This child of yours just doesn't want to wait," the nurse's thick Mexican accent swirled in the air surrounding them.
"I didn't want her to be born without her father here to share this, to know....." Eve let out another pained cry.
"Evelyn, life tends to give us very difficult paths, but considering the feat you've just been through," the nurse's voice spoke soothingly, "you're safe now and that evil man won't be able to harm your child. Soon you and the baby can return to your love, to her father...."
"Her father," Eve closed her eyes thinking back to the love she'd left behind in Port Charles, "he doesn't even know....he doesn't even realize that he's going to be a daddy...."
"Then why don't we give it one more push and then maybe we can work on fixing that problem...." the nurse urged as Eve pushed once more giving her all as the other nurse worked hurriedly. Eve closed her eyes lost in the moment as the sounds of crying surrounded the tiny delivery room in the church basement. Her eyes opened as she saw the tiny little girl in the nurse's arms.
"Your little one wants her mommy," the nurse explained placing the small child in Eve's waiting arms.
*******
"And so here we are, after all this time," Chris stepped in closer to Eve, reaching out to draw her into an embrace as she finished with her recollection of life since they'd been apart. Somehow in seeing the hot tears streaming down her face, he felt his heart sink at the knowledge that she'd suffered so much, experienced so much pain in her absense from Port Charles. Now as they stood together at the pivotal moment one step away from their future together, he slipped his palm under her chin urging her to meet his concerned eyes as he used his other hand to gently wipe the tears from her eyes.
"Know this," Chris whispered cupping her face in his hands as this moment eased over them with a cool, gentle breeze passing overhead, "from this moment on, you're not alone anymore. We're in this together and that's how it's going to be."
"Chris, you have no idea just how much it means to hear you say that," Eve blurted out unable to contain her emotions as he enfolded her in his arms in a loving embrace, "I've waited to be with you for so long."
"And now we're together," Chris promised kissing the top of her head gently, "and I'm about to meet my little girl."
"That you are," Eve nodded in response feeling the warmth surrounding her that only his arms could provide.
"What's her name? When was she born? What does she look like?" Chris inquired an enthusiasm rushing through him as he looked to her, "I have so many questions right about now."
"And you're about to get all your answers," Eve promised, "but first for the answer to your initial question, her name is Juliana Rose."
"Juliana Rose," Chris mused with a smile, "it's beautiful."
"I was hoping you'd approve," Eve offered up in response motioning towards the door, "shall we go introduce you to Juliana Rose Ramsey?"
"Ramsey," Chris repeated his eyes widening as Eve began to unlock the front door.
She looked over her shoulder at him with a soft smile, "But of course. Why wouldn't I have given her your name? She is your daughter."
"My daughter," Chris repeated an overwhelming sense of pride washing over him as she opened the front door reaching for his hand once again.
"Come on Ramsey," Eve lead him into the darkened front room as Chris wondered what Juliana's response to him would be. Glancing around the humble living room, he found himself curious to know more about the life Eve had been living all this time as she set her keys on the table across the room. "Have you two been here long?"
"Not too long, no," Eve shook her head, "this is only a temporary thing, but it's been good enough for now."
"And Juliana? How has she adapted to this?" Chris questioned a bit unsure as Eve shook her damp hair back over her shoulders.
"She's a very happy child, Chris. She's been the one thing that's kept me going all this time," Eve explained as a small, dark haired woman entered the living room looking a bit confused to see Eve keeping company.
"Senora?" she questioned with a thick accent as Eve offered up a smile in response.
"Maria, I'd like you to meet Juliana's father, Chris Ramsey," Eve explained simply as the tiny woman looked over to Chris with great curiosity behind her eyes.
"I've heard a great deal about you," Maria explained, "Evelyn has told me time and time again what you were like, so I feel as if we've met already."
"I'll take that as a good thing," Chris offered up a hint of nervousness lingering behind his voice as he stepped forward.
"Maria has been Juliana's nanny for a while. She's been helping me with her during the traveling we've done recently," Eve stated simply, "she's been a treasure to the both of us."
"I have enjoyed my time with you Evelyn. Juliana is a treasure and any moment I'm able to spend with her is a miracle in itself, though it seems as though our little princess will be pleased to finally have the company of her father. I must confess had I known you'd be bringing him home with you tonight, I would've had her in a more presentable fashion as she's been resting for quite some time now. If you wish I could go awaken her."
"No," Chris shook his head, "that's alright Maria. I think Eve and I can just go in and see her for a little while without waking her."
"Chris, are you sure?" Eve asked gently placing her hand on his arm.
Chris nodded, "I'd love to watch her sleep."
"Alright," Eve agreed turning to Maria, "I think we can take it from here now."
"Of course," she smiled in response, "if you need anything Evelyn, you know how to reach me."
"Thank you very much," Eve escorted her to the door before turning her attention back to Chris, "Shall we go see our daughter?"
"Yes," Chris rubbed his hands together, "please?"
"Right this way," Eve lead him down the hallway towards the nursery opening the door as her eyes cast over her shoulder at him, "after you."
There's nothing where he used to lie
My inspiration has run dry
That's what's going on, nothings right, I'm torn
Alison snuggled into the warmth beside her, losing herself in the feel of the arms draped around her. Pressing her palm over the warm chest beneath her touch a sigh escaped her lips as her eyelids fluttered open. Slowly her eyes drifted northern across the bare skin beside her and she found herself staring into Jack's face that was now veiled by his peaceful slumber. She reached out to him easing her fingers over the warmth of his cheek before the reality of what they'd just experienced together washed over her. Slowly, she untangled herself from his arms finding an overwhelming need to clear her head as he remained asleep beside her. As she eased her way out from beneath the blankets, Alison glanced back over her shoulder at Jack watching him shift a bit on the bed they'd just made love in.
"Oh Alison," She felt tears swelling in her eyes as she felt something she couldn't quite place sweeping over her. She looked over his bedroom finding her things scattered around after their love making, but suddenly the magic of the moment was replaced by the harsh reality that had driven her from Port Charles to Bermuda to find him.
Slipping into Jack's discarded shirt, she walked across the bedroom heading into the living room as she thought of Lucy's warning. Lucy had told her what was happening with Rafe and yet Alison couldn't help but go after Jack. She'd intended to make things right with her best friend before returning to help Rafe for the battle for his soul, but now as she thought of what it had been like being in Jack's arms, lost in his loving embrace, nothing seemed to make sense anymore. She'd come to Bermuda wanting to do the right thing, to explain to Jack why she couldn't let go of Rafe, but instead she'd opened her heart to Jack, shared something magical with him and in this instant as she made her way over to the sofa, she found herself more uncertain of what the right path was anymore. No longer was there a clear cut answer about where she should be, or where she belonged. Saving Rafe should've come first as he'd saved her, but losing Jack was too great a price to pay, she'd decided as she'd made her way down to Bermuda. Now as she was lost in the memory of making love to Jack, she wondered if she'd complicated things far beyond she'd ever dreamed of.
Now as she sat in the fading darkness, she heard Lucy's words swirling in her mind, "You have to save Rafe. Alison, he's here for you and only you can help him...."
"Oh God," Alison tipped her head up towards the heavens wondering if anyone was listening as tears began to fall down her face, "what am I going to do?" she asked finally coming to the realization that she was torn between saving Rafe's soul and embracing the love she'd found with Jack? Could she leave Jack now to go home and save Rafe or would Rafe burn for this newfound emotion she'd discovered for Jack? She was supposed to have been in love with Rafe, wanting to be with him and share her life with him, but now as the memory of Jack haunted her, Alison began to wonder just what destiny was trying to show her. How could she have held so much devotion towards one man who'd given up heaven to be with her, yet found love with her best friend, a man who'd made her smile and feel loved in her weakest moments? Now as she curled up on the sofa lost in her tears, Alison realized that for the first time in a long time she was truly conflicted, at last torn by which path to follow down the road to her destiny. Did she go home and save Rafe or stay and explore her feelings for Jack?
I'm all out of faith, this is how I feel
I'm cold and I am shamed lying naked on the floor
Illusion never changed into something real
I'm wide awake and I can see the perfect sky is torn
I'm all out of faith, this is how I feel
I'm cold and I'm ashamed bound and broken on the floor
You're a little late, I'm already torn