Courtney lay there, languidly petting Rosie and listened to the storm whistle outside and around the barn walls. She knew that she should be afraid right now, at least worried. I mean, here she was with a complete stranger in a barn they broke into while one of the snowstorms to hit New York battered outside. For some reason beyond her, she felt safe though. She trusted Zander from a deep part of her heart. He made her feel protected even though he was no better off than she was. Of course, she had made mistakes judging people's characters before. She rolled over and stared at the sleeping Zander's peaceful face; he looked like nothing more than shaggy-haired boy. What if he hadn't found her in that park and changed her mind about finding her family? Would she have found what she wanted so desperately-a place to belong, people who would love her?

Something inside her broke and a tiny tear slid from the corner of her eyes. Why did she feel like not finding then was the best thing for her? She couldn't understand it. She sniffed as more drops followed and next to her, Zander stirred. His eyelids lifted, revealing sleepy, chocolate eyes that quickly filled with concern. He didn't ask any questions; just gently pulled her closer. His strong arms wrapped around her both shocked her and made her relax. She tipped her chin up to stare at him and asked,

"But what am I going to do now?"

Although Zander couldn't have known what she meant, he felt the words come to him, rising up from his heart. He whispered,

"You're gonna stay with me."

At that he lowered his head and pressed his lips gently to hers.

……

Courtney jolted awake, feet flailing and startling Rosie in the process. Confused, she glanced wildly around her living room, expecting hay and a barn and…Zander. Slowly she exhaled, the realization of it being a dream sinking in. She lay back on her couch and felt her loneliness keenly. Here in this empty house, she was constantly reminded of past dreams of a happy, safe family-dreams that never materialized. She was just as confused and lonely as when she had first come to Port Charles. She so desperately waned to try again for all those lost dreams but was too afraid. She sighed inwardly and thought before falling asleep I hope Zander comes in again tomorrow.

……

Zander awoke with a violent start, practically falling out of his chair. He glanced around wildly as his mind left the dream world and his eyes cleared. He sat stock-still and wondered aloud.

"What the hell was that? Courtney? That wasn't how it happened."

A loud voice in his head rang like church bells and said, But that's how it could have happened. Zander groaned, rubbing his forehead in confusion. Damn that Courtney; it was her destiny, what if, alternate reality shit that had gave him such dreams. Calming himself down, he settled back into his chair, wishing that he could go back and change so many parts of life. So many mistakes; he wondered if he was still making them. Sleep wouldn't come again for a while, he was sure. But his last thought before dreaming again was Maybe I'll go see Courtney tomorrow.