A/N: HERE'S THE NEXT CHAPTER. I'M TRYING TO UPDATE FASTER NOW. BUT JUST DON'T FORGET TO REVIEW. THAT'S ALL I ASK.

I FORGOT TO MENTION THIS BUT I WANT TO THANK KORVI FOR ALL THE HELP, ESPECIALLY THESE LAST FEW CHAPTERS.

ANYHOO, ENJOY.

~*~

One Month Later

"What do you mean she's not there, again?" Miguel demanded angrily.

John shot him an unimpressed look. "There's no need to yell." He uttered, slightly annoyed by the other man's outbursts. He was never one to yell or shout and Miguel doing so was aggravating John a little.

He leaned back on his chair and returned to his work, not wanting to waste time on watching Miguel rant.

"You're not helping." Miguel declared.

John looked up from his computer. He was at home doing some private work since Kay was out of town yet again. "I never had any intention to do so." He responded ever so calmly and Miguel shot him another angry look.

"Why are you taking her side?" Miguel demanded indignantly.

John decided to abandon his work and 'entertain' Miguel since the man was already there and had no intention of leaving. "How many times do I have to say this? I'm not taking Kay's side. I work for her and there are certain rules and responsibilities that I have to abide by."

"That's a great excuse John." Miguel didn't look swayed but John simply didn't care anymore. The Bennetts and Hastings had interrogated him for a month now, ever since he worked for Kay. He had grown quite accustomed to everyone disliking him for working for Kay.

They were even less thrilled when he found an apartment and moved out a few weeks after working for Kay. John thought it was about time, considering he was in his mid twenties and still living at home.

What right do they have? He angrily pondered. They lied to him.

"I have work to do." He replied curtly.

Miguel sighed. "I have to talk to her. Her family has to talk to her and if she thinks that avoiding us is going to work, she better think again."

John looked unimpressed. "Kay is out of town and no, she's not avoiding any of you. She just has responsibilities far more important than having a little chit chat with people who aren't exactly after her best interest."

Miguel shook his head in disappointment. "You don't know it yet but she already has you wrapped around her finger."

"If you say so. Look, I really have to finish what I'm doing. I'd like to do that in peace." John declared, looking very impatient.

Miguel watched him skeptically. "When will Kay be back?"

"I'm not sure. She'll call me when she's coming back." John lied. Of course he knew when Kay was coming back.

Her plane was landing in Harmony at eight in the morning tomorrow but there was no need for Miguel or anyone to know that. Like John said before, he was under strict orders.

"You're supposed to be her personal assistant. You should know everything." Miguel pointed out.

"Yes, but that doesn't mean I go running off and telling what I know to the next person I run into." John retorted pointedly.

"I'm not just 'any person'." Miguel drawled. "I'm her best friend."

John smirked despite himself. "Was," He corrected and Miguel glared at him. John knew that he really should not involve himself with Kay's personal life but having to work for her and being constantly surrounded by people against her made that impossible.

With the way that everyone was acting lately, John just felt the need to protect her. He knew all too well that Kay can hold her own if the need ever came and she had more than enough people to defend her but John just couldn't help but play the big brother role.

"What is wrong with you?"

John shrugged. Maybe Kay was having more influence on him than he thought.

"Absolutely nothing." He replied dismissively. "I have a great job that pays more than I need; I have a boss who treats me right and my life isn't one big deception anymore. I really can't complain."

"So she bought you with money. How convenient." Miguel uttered snidely.

"I'm not going to justify my actions to you. It's none of your business." John answered. "If you want to hate her, then do so. If you want to say mean things about her, then go right ahead but don't expect me to stand by you or anyone else and join in bad mouthing her. As far as I'm concerned, she's the only one who's bothered to tell me the truth."

"I just want to talk to her dammit!" He exclaimed, pounding his fist on John's bran new desk which trembled slightly.

"There is no need for violence." John said through gritted teeth. "And this desk is expensive. Make sure you can pay for it before you decide to break it or anything else."

"Kay had underlying motives for telling the truth. It served her purposes. Why are you so blind to that?"

"I am hardly blind." John said coolly. "I may have been a fool not to know that my father was lying to me about who Grace was but whatever Kay's motives may be, I simply don't care anymore."

Of course John cared but he decided a while back that it was better to know the truth no matter how upsetting than to live in blissful ignorance.

"Suit yourself." Miguel muttered. "When Kay gets back, tell her I'm going to see her whether she likes it or not."

"Take a number."

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

The Next Day

Kay swallowed her cup coffee with a small exasperated groan. She placed her head in her hands and sighed. "London weather didn't agree with me." She muttered; her voice slightly hoarse.

A week after Fox left for Vienna, she was called to London to handle yet another business affair there. John stayed in Harmony since Jason went with Kay the first week. Unfortunately, he was also needed back in San Francisco.

Kay commuted between London and Harmony for over three weeks just to see how business was, until she called John and said that she would remain in London for the duration of her trip.

John looked at her worriedly. He had to admit she looked sick. "You should go home." He suggested as he gave her another Advil.

"I'm fine." She declared stubbornly.

"You just got home and you look awful. Should I call Fox?" John asked, knowing that the two were almost inseparable.

Kay shook her head as she leaned back on her chair keeping her eyes closed. "He's still in Vienna." She declared wearily. Kay had only spoken to him a few times since they were both wrapped in their business affairs.

"Isn't that a bit long? That's almost two months, if I'm not mistaken." John declared with a slight frown.

"One of the downsides to being heir to one of the world's fortune 500 businesses." She sighed, opened her eyes and brought the cup of coffee to her lips. "Stop looking like I'm about to fall apart. I can handle a perfect harmless cold."

"You should see a doctor." He suggested.

"I did. He said I had food poisoning." Kay declared.

John frowned as he walked over to her and touched her forehead. "You're burning up and I thought you said you had a cold."

"I do have a cold and I was food poisoned in London. Talk about unlucky."

He refilled her coffee. "You just have a weak immune system." He declared matter-of-factly.

"That makes me feel even better." She shot him a stubborn look and continued to sip her coffee. Just then he reminded her of Reese but she said nothing about it. "I'm perfectly fine, honest."

"Liar."

She frowned. "Well, I'm the boss and what I say goes." Kay declared with a triumphant smile, arching an eyebrow, daring John to tell her otherwise.

"How very mature." John quipped. "Come on, you're going home. I don't want Fox Crane coming after me for not taking care of his beloved girlfriend." He said and Kay shot him an annoyed look.

"I'm not Fox's girlfriend." She argued stubbornly. Clandestinely, she contemplated what she to Fox exactly.

They were beyond conventional friends.

"Fine," John relented with a heavy sigh. "You're his lady friend, I honestly do not care but the point is he's still going to come after me if anything happened to you."

Kay huffed an obstinate expression. "I refuse to be labeled anybody's property." She stated, miffed. "And Fox won't come after you."

John groaned at her. Sometimes, Kay was a definite thorn in his side. John liked her; he truly did despite her schemes. But sometimes, Kay was just too much to handle, especially when she's being stubborn and changing the subject so that by the end of the conversation, John would forget what he was trying to point out in the first place.

"You're still going home." He answered firmly.

Kay was ready to argue with him, despite her condition but she was interrupted by Miguel who walked into her office without knocking.

He looked uncomfortable which made Kay somewhat glad. "We need to talk." Miguel began as he slipped his hands into his pocket.

"It's very impolite to just stroll into one's office. Hasn't anyone ever taught you any manners?" Kay asserted dramatically, as she shot Miguel very, very displeased look.

She was trying to be calm, to play it cool, but Miguel's hurtful words screamed in her ears and Kay wanted so badly to injure him now.

He ignored her and turned to John. "Could you leave us?" He asked, his voice more commanding that the two other people in the room appreciated.

John raised an eyebrow at the much younger man. "I don't see your signature on my paycheck, Miguel, so I don't think you're any position to order me around." How dare he? John thought, completely insulted. Miguel had no right to tell him what to do.

Kay smirked, proud that John stood his ground.

"Don't talk to my friend like that, Miguel." Kay said, turning her angry eyes on him. Both me seemed surprised but only John smiled gratefully.

He was promoted to 'friend.' It was definitely a step up the ladder but Kay never once treated John as an employee. No employer in their right mind would let an employee talk back after they just incessantly teased them. And John never referred to Kay as Ms. Callaway.

They had always kept everything casual.

"I'm going to get something at the drugstore. I'll be back in a few minutes." John declared and Kay nodded. John knew that he might as well leave them alone, since they definitely need to have a talk. He retreated out of the room silently, hoping that Kay knew what she was getting into. Her weakened state left her very vulnerable to Miguel's anger.

If he only knew the capacity of her wrath.

Miguel shot Kay a suspicious look. "Is there something I should know?" He demanded rather rudely, his eyes narrowing at her.

Kay shot him an aggravated glare. "I don't see any reason why you should know anything at all. And I certainly don't recall you asking for an appointment with me, so would you care to explain why you barged into my office?" She countered icily, her demeanor shifting to very irritated.

"Like I said, we need to talk." He replied through gritted teeth.

She arched an unimpressed eyebrow as she spoke again. "And I thought we were through with that. After you accused me of hurting my own daughter, I only assumed that you were finally satisfied that the blame was placed solely on me. After you shouted it in my face in front of the whole neighborhood, I'm sure that everyone agrees with you."

"You caught me off guard. I was outraged." He hissed.

"There you go! It was a moment of insanity." She mocked. Kay gave him a look that would make any man shrivel into dust. "With the way you're family acts, I'd say you'd had about enough 'moments of insanity' to put all of you in an institution. Don't play naive with me, Lo-Fitz. You knew perfectly well what you were saying. And you meant it. Every single, hurtful word but don't you worry, Miguel. I'm tougher than I look."

"I wasn't concerned about you." Miguel declared unfeelingly.

No hurt flickered in her eyes. "You never were." Kay muttered.

He ignored the comment and continued. "You've been avoiding me for over a month now."

Kay sighed unenthusiastically. "I was in London for business. I wasn't avoiding you or anyone else." She replied with a dismissive wave of her hand.

It was true that Kay didn't leave for London just for the sole purpose of evading any altercation with her family but she was just as glad to get away. It allowed her to see Jason who had been away for far too long already and it gave enough time to recollect her thoughts.

He scoffed. "So John says."

Kay watched Miguel for a moment. He no longer looked boyish. His face was slightly more chiseled than she remembered; his eyes deeper, his smile more forced. He looked haggard.

"You're not being very fair to him, Miguel. John is doing what he has to do. There's nothing wrong about that at all."

"You're turning him into you're minion but I'm not here to talk about John Hastings."

Kay twitched her lip as if mulling over why or why not she should hear him out. Finally, her conscience and curiosity got the better of her. "Fine, talk." She said indifferently.

"Why did you leave?" He demanded; his eyes fixed on her as if not wanting to let slip a lie that she might tell him.

She watched him with palpable loathing.

Five years gone by and he was as brainless as the rest of his siblings. Kay noted how her adoration for him in their youth had blinded her from how dim-witted Miguel was.

She hesitated slightly. It was none of his business, although a long time ago, she wished he made it his business. Then again, he was too late.

"It doesn't concern you anymore, Miguel. Why I left is no longer your business." She replied shortly.

"Why you dragged yourself halfway across the country while pregnant with my child is definitely my business!" He argued sternly.

"I went to New York. That is not halfway across the across. Know your geography Miguel." She taunted.

"That is beside the point." He retorted icily and Kay rolled her eyes.

What are you trying to accomplish here, Miguel?" She said scornfully, as she folded her arms over her chest. "This will not bring her back."

He looked hurt then. "If you just stayed, this would not have happened." Miguel's voice was cold and angry and his eyes showed her how much he blamed Kay for their child's death.

"You son of a bitch!" She hissed furiously. "You never wanted that child! You hated the thought of having a child with me so don't you dare give me some bullshit about her death being my fault! I loved her with every part of me!"

Kay was livid. She wanted to climb over her desk and attack Miguel then and there but instead she walked over to the coffee counter and refilled her cup. She knew he was watching her stride across the room in all her grace.

"And you never gave me the chance to love her because you ran off!" He retorted.

"Oh, don't even give me that lame ass excuse! I gave you a lot of chances but you were too busy with your precious Charity; too concerned for her feelings. You wanted nothing to do with us! You were ashamed of our baby in the beginning." Anger flashed in her eyes. "She was a constant reminder that you cheated on Charity. That you lost your virginity to me!" The coffee cup slightly shook in her hand and she placed it on the counter.

"And you're so damn proud of that, aren't you?" He barked.

"No, I'm not proud of that. It shouldn't have been you but I was a fool then." Kay declared, regret hinted in her voice. "The only good thing that came out of the ill fated night was my daughter. MY daughter but I lost her." Sadness flickered in her eyes and for a moment, Kay thought she might need to sit down. It always hurt to think of her daughter.

Miguel scowled at her angrily. "And you have yourself to thank for that."

The words cut through her like a knife and in a few long strides; she was in front of him. Without another word, she balled her fists and connected them with Miguel's face. She was shocked at first, to see him reeling, his nose bleeding profusely and becoming swollen.

"Don't. You. Ever. Accuse. Me. Of. Hurting. My. Child!" Kay yelled.

Miguel moaned and groaned in pain as he scrambled to stop his broken nose from bleeding. But the blood gushed, smearing on his face and hands for the life of her, Kay laughed.

Miguel looked idiotic as he struggled in front of her, desperately trying to think of something that could help him.

Kay regarded him with cold fury, relishing on the fact that he was in pain. "You have no right to put the blame on me when you failed us in the beginning." She began when he didn't leave. "You want to know why I left. Fine. I left because I finally realized that no matter how many stunts I pull, no matter how much danger I put myself and my child in, you would never care. If I died, you wouldn't miss me. You would go to my funeral because you would want to be there for Charity. You dropped your best friend for a girl you barely knew. You forgot everything we shared and it wasn't just me."

She paused for a moment as if catching her breath and checking if he was listening. Miguel had retreated to the leather furniture, tipping his head up to stop the bleeding. Kay smirked at the pathetic sight of him and made a mental note to throw the seat he was sitting on.

"You forgot about Reese too. We were there with you years before Charity ever came. But then suddenly your priorities shifted. We no longer mattered. I no longer mattered. Maybe my jealousy got the better of me but I'm glad I left. I went into that storm thinking that you would find me. That you would talk some sense into me and promise me forever but I'm glad you didn't. I'm thankful even."

"You were a horrible friend Miguel and I couldn't accept that then because I thought you were everything but you're not." Kay continued as she shook her head in sheer disappointment. "I wasted so much time on you. It's pathetic. I deserve better than you. I admit, I'm not a saint but you're no better than me. No matter how much you try. And I'm glad my daughter didn't live to see what kind of joke her father is."

When the words escaped her lips, Kay thought that maybe she overstepped her bounds this time; that she shouldn't have said it, but she couldn't help feel a wave or relief and gratification wash over her.

Years of pent up rage, frustration and hurt were finally said.

She felt free.

"You must feel so great." Miguel said snidely as he rose from his seat, his voice somewhat muffled by the tissue that he held to cover his still bleeding nose.

She beamed at him. "Actually I do." There was so much triumph in her eyes and smile that Miguel wanted to hate her more than he thought possible.

And he did.

"We're not through yet Kay. You haven't won." He hissed as he walked up to her and shoved her against the wall. Miguel's fingers curled around her arms like a vice, cutting the circulation, making her skin hurt.

The impact of the wall against her head made Kay slightly dizzy and she felt weak. But she wasn't going to let him win. In her fury she raised her leg and kneed him right in the crotch.

Miguel doubled over, releasing his grip. He winced, groaning in unimaginable pain, muttering a few curses. "Lay your hands on me again and I swear I'll cut your balls off next time." Kay hissed as she watched him still bent over in front of her, clutching his crotch like an idiot. If she wasn't enraged, she would have laughed at the sight of Miguel.

John walked in. "Oh holy hell, what happened now?" He demanded as he rushed to Miguel who was now in tears.

Kay shrugged as she straightened herself. "He tried to do the splits." She muttered. "Get that piece of shit out of my office John." She ordered and the other man gave her a we're-going-to-talk-when-I-get-back look. Kay simply sighed, retrieved her coffee and walked back to her desk.

Once John ushered Miguel out of Kay's office and closed the door behind him, Kay relaxed in her seat, rubbing her stinging arms. "Son of a bitch!" She cursed angrily, feeling a migraine coming.

The phone rang and she picked it up hastily, the ringing driving her slightly mad. "What!"

"Ms. Callaway, is there a problem?" Alistair Crane asked casually.

Kay sighed, rubbing her temples. "I apologize, Mr. Crane. I'm having a horrendous day. The locals are harassing me again."

Alistair chuckled softly as he smoked his cigar. "Ah, they never cease to disappoint us by running around like rabid wild animals."

Kay scoffed as she propped an elbow on her desk. "I'd like to have them caged once in a while." She said vindictively.

"That can be arranged. Is there a certain 'species' that you prefer?" Alistair asked and Kay grinned.

"Oh, you know. The town's favorite, the Lopez-Fitzgeralds but I don't want anything done to the mother." She replied offhandedly.

"I'll have the Crane lawyers working on it as soon as possible. Maybe, it's time we started exterminating the pests." Kay could almost see Alistair grinning with satisfaction as he hatched a plan in his head.

If only she knew what he looked like.

"As long as it does not require bloodshed, then I'm with you." She joked.

"You won't be disappointed Ms. Callaway. Think of it as a reward for all your hard work."

"Thank you, Mr. Crane."

"And one more thing Miss Callaway. The Cranes are having a Harvest Ball. It's not tradition but I was hoping that you would attend." He declared.

"I'd be honored, Mr. Crane. When is it?" She asked.

Alistair smiled on the other end of the line. "It's in two weeks. I'm sure you've received your invitation by now." He replied.

"I'll ask my assistant. Thank you."

Alistair nodded, puffing more smoke. "I'll see you then."

Kay hung up and wondered what Alistair was up to now. She had a feeling it was going to be a shocker.

Good, Kay thought.

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

"I can't believe her!" Jessica screeched as she paced in front of Miguel and Charity.

Miguel was conveniently lying on the hospital bed, his nose being tended by a doctor while an icepack sat on top of his pants. He was dying of humiliation.

Charity sat beside him and held his hand.

"Jess, don't yell so loud." Charity said softly.

Jessica continued to pace. "Stop being calm! Look what she did to Miguel." She turned and saw the Miguel's family running into the building. "Oh thank God you're all here." Jessica declared.

"What happened?" Luis asked as he peered over the doctor's shoulder to get a look at his younger brother.

"Kay punched and kneed him." Charity explained.

"Dios mio!" Pilar gasped as she and the rest of the family circled around Miguel.

Theresa was crying. "I can't believe this is happening. Miguel, you look awful." She whimpered; her hand shaking as she tried to touch his face. Miguel swatted his sister's hand away.

"You can thank Kay for that." Jessica muttered as she watched Miguel and Charity sympathetically.

"I'm fine. She didn't hurt me that much." Miguel insisted, disgruntled.

"But you have a broken nose and an icepack on your-"

"Theresa, enough!" Luis intervened, shooting glares at his sister. "What happened Miguel? Did she do this or did Kay have someone beat you up?" Luis asked, placing his hands on his hips.

Miguel tried to shake his head and winced. "We were talking and it got out of hand. We exchanged a few-"

Theresa gasped. "You were fist fighting?" She interrupted widening her eyes to the point that they looked like they were going to fall off.

"Let him finish!" Luis hissed. "And stop putting words in his mouth."

Miguel sighed sharply. "Look, guys, I'm fine. Really. There's no need to worry." He declared, trying to be as convincing as possible although he knew that he's current state displayed otherwise.

"That girl can't keep running around town doing this!" Luis declared angrily. "I'm going to arrest her if it's the last thing I'll ever do."

Pilar frowned and sighed at her son. "Don't get in trouble, mijo. Kay is more dangerous than she looks."

Luis scowled. "I know that. That's why we have to stop her." He declared stubbornly. "She can't keep doing this."

"I agree." Jessica piped out. "My sister is evil. We have to do something to get her to leave town or to stop her.

Luis shook his head. "Miguel I want you to file for aggravated assault and we're all going to sue her for harassing our family."

"Okay."

"I don't think that will work." Pilar muttered hesitantly.

Theresa sighed as she comforted her mother. "I'm going to call Ethan. He'll know what to do." She suggested hopefully.

"Theresa, you have enough problems already. There is no need for you or Ethan to take on more responsibilities. Let us handle this." Pilar declared.

"But, Mama, I want to help. I want to be here for the family." Theresa insisted softly.

Pilar shook her head and Luis agreed. "Take care of your own problems, Theresa. I can handle this. I always take care of my family. Don't worry." He said and Theresa hugged him.

"Thank Luis." She whispered.

He nodded. "It's my duty." He replied gruffly.

Jessica cleared her throat. "I'm going to go."

"Jess, you don't need to leave." Charity called after her cousin.

Jessica shook her head. "I have things to take care of." She declared seriously. "I'm going to do what I can to get rid of Kay. Who knows, with everyone trying to drive her out of Harmony, it might just work." She said with a tight smile.

"Jessica, don't do anything you're going to regret." Charity said forebodingly.

The other girl scoffed at that and crossed her arms. "When it comes to doing something to Kay, there is nothing that I'll regret. She deserves what she gets." Jessica declared stubbornly. "I'll see you later." With that said, she whirled around and walked out of the hospital.

She knew just what to do.

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

Two days later

Kay groaned in her bed as the sunlight from her window kissed her cheeks. It felt warm against her skin, even in the cool September weather.

"John, you bastard, I told you to leave the drapes closed." She muttered sleepily as she tried to shield her eyes.

"Hey, baby." A soft voice said as a hand touched her cheek.

Did he just call me baby? Kay asked silently as she kept her eyes closed.

Lips brushed against her forehead and she frowned slightly.

Okay, that's enough! Kay inwardly screamed as she forced her eyes open, ready to hit John.

Instead she found Fox looking down at her; a worried expression on his face. She smiled sleepily, surprised to see him there.

"You're supposed to be in Vienna." Kay whispered as she wrapped her arms around Fox neck and drew him close to a tight hug. "I missed you." She whispered.

"Everything's finally done. I wanted to surprise you. So what's John doing in your apartment?" He teased, giving her a curious look. "Are you getting a little side action?"

Kay laughed and then smacked his arm. "I was sick. He looked after me in fear that you might harm him for failing to do so." She explained as Fox settled beside her, propping his elbows on the bed.

Fox laughed. "He's wise. How are you?"

Kay sat up and regretted it. The room suddenly spun and her stomach began doing flip flops. She groaned as she stumbled out of bed and rushed to the bathroom, slamming the door after her.

Fox followed but she locked it to stop him from coming inside.

Kay bent over the ceramic toilet, her fingers feeling clammy as she tried not to faint. "Why is this happening?" She groaned in frustration, resting her head in her hands.

Fox knocked. "Are you okay?" He asked through the door.

Kay nodded as she stood up and brushed her teeth. "Food poisoning." She replied, feeling idiotic for being weak.

"Let me in." He insisted and Kay said, finished brushing her teeth and unlocked the door.

Fox walked over to her immediately, his hand pressing against her forehead. "You feel cold." He said, embracing her.

Kay smiled at the feel of Fox against her. She hadn't realized how much she missed him until he was in her arms. "Either that or I'm burning up."

"Did you take any medicine?" He asked, leading her back to the bedroom.

She nodded as she laid back down on her bed, ushering him to do the same. "I'm fine, Fox. John took good care of me."

"Good." He whispered wrapping his arms around her waist, drawing her closer to him. Kay snuggled against his chest, inhaling his cologne. "I didn't know if you were going to come back."

"I wouldn't have left you all alone here." He replied stroking her hair.

She smiled at him, kissing his jaw. "It's good to have you back, Fox." She declared, resting her head in the crook of his neck.

"Yes, it is." Fox replied softly as he kissed the top of her head. He had never been more happy to be home.

~*~

A/N: I DID A BIG SKIP THERE BUT THERE'S A PURPOSE. IF YOU HAVE QUESTION, REVIEW OR EMAIL ME. ILL ANSWER THEM THE BEST I CAN.

DON'T FORGET TO REVIEW ALRIGHTY?

THANK FOR READING.