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PART 15

Isabel sat on the back porch, staring at the familiar V formation of stars. The chill wind sent goose bumps over her arms and she shivered slightly. It had been two days since Max had taken her from her own house. She had spent the two days in the Evans's household. She had kept to herself, avoiding the others but she knew she would have to talk to them eventually. She couldn't stay here forever.

She pondered about what she'll do. Do I go back? She thought. But just the thought sent shivers down her arms. She suddenly felt a warm shawl drape her shoulders. She looked up and saw Alex. He smiled gently as he sat down next to her, shoulder to shoulder.

"You should come in. It's cold outside." He told her, as she pulled the shawl around herself tighter.

"I've been colder." Isabel told him softly, still staring at the sky.

They sat quietly, both staring at the sky, each in their own thoughts. Finally, Isabel turned to him and said, "Thank you."

Alex gave her a puzzled smile. "For what?"

Isabel looked at him, smiling at him softly. "For everything…"

Alex nodded in acknowledgment. He knew what she was talking about. She didn't have to thank him. He would have done it sooner or later, even if she hadn't called him. And he was sure she knew it also.

"What do you plan to do now?" He asked after a while.

Isabel sighed, still not looking at him. "I don't know. Leave him, I guess. Maybe Max is right. Maybe there is something for me out there, expect Richard and Destiny."

She finally turned to him, her eyes confused and unsure. "I mean, there has to be, hasn't there?"

"Destiny is what you make it to be. We've all pretty much proved that." Alex told her.

Isabel nodded and turned her face to the sky again. "I wish my mother were here. Not Diane Evans but my real mother, the one from Antar. Maybe she could tell me if we create our destiny."

"She would have told you the same thing." Alex told her.

Isabel nodded. " I guess…"

Finally, after a few more minutes of silence Isabel got up and dusted of her jeans. "So," She said, her long forgotten poise back, "How soon can Max bring out the divorce papers?"

*****

Isabel let the water cascade down her face. Her tears mingled with the water as she leaned back against the shower letting the warm water flow down. Finally, she scrubbed her face and shut of the water. Towelling herself dry, she put on her terry cloth robe and went and sat down in front of the vanity.

She picked up her brush and aimlessly ran it through her wet hair. She watched the water droplets fall on the carpet, the water spreading into a circle. Without a second thought, she ran her hand over it and dried it with her powers. At least, my powers are returning.  She thought absentmindedly before she placed her head in her hands and started to sob.

She hated crying over him. She hated it that it hurt. She knew she should be overjoyed or at least relieved that Richard was going to be out of her life, but she couldn't help crying. Her body racked with sobs as she let herself cry.

She didn't even hear Liz enter, until she placed a hand comfortingly on her shoulder.

"It hurts. It hurts so bad." Isabel sobbed, still not changing her position.

"I know, honey. It can't be easy." Liz told her.

"Why Liz? Why does it hurt so bad? Why do I have to cry for him?" Isabel asked, looking pleadingly at her friend. Her tear-streaked face was filled with confusion.

"No matter how much he hurt you, you loved him, if only a little bit." It was a statement not a question.

Isabel paled at the thought. She shook her head. "No. How could I? I still love…" She broke off suddenly growing quiet.

Liz just smiled and nodded. "Maybe, but a part of you did love Richard. Or else you wouldn't have married him. It's not like you."

Isabel finally nodded in agreement. "I did love him, a tiny bit maybe, but I did nonetheless."

Liz squeezed her shoulder comfortingly. "It'll get better. I promise. We are here to help you and if you want to talk, I'm here. All of us are."

Isabel nodded, thanking her.

After a final hug Liz left Isabel. Isabel felt better strangely. She let herself say the name she hadn't said in front of Liz. "Alex…" Just saying his name made her smile.

*****

"You're sure you want to do this?" Max asked Isabel once more.

Isabel squirmed slightly in her seat. She sat in Max's office with the papers in her hand. She bit her lip, doubt invading her mind. But after a moment's hesitation, she nodded. "Yes. Yes, I want to do this." She told him.

"But I don't get it. Why aren't you contesting for alimony?" Michael asked. "I mean, I'm pretty sure you'll get it and after what he has put you through…"

Isabel shook her head. "I just want my things back. That's all. I don't want his money or anything that he owns. I don't want anything to do with him."

"Izzy is right. She'd be better off without any reminder of that creep!" Maria put in. Maria knew how hard Isabel was trying to forget about her past. She knew it couldn't be easy for her. Maria was furious at Richard. She couldn't believe the guy. When Liz and Alex had gone to get Isabel's stuff from her apartment, he had refused to let them enter. If only I could get my hands on him! She thought angrily, but then remembered her baby.

She heard Michael snort, as if trying to hide his laughter. "Easy girl!" He said so that only she could hear him. Maria smiled. "So you heard my thoughts. I told you to not do that!" She whispered back, sternly. But smiled amused.

"Kinda hard not to. You're a real vibrator!" He shot back.

Maria let out appeal of laughter, which only caused Max and Isabel to give them weird looks.

*****