Chapter 20:

Ram awoke to the roar of an engine and an aching head. A brief review revealed that he was blindfolded, gagged and bound hand and foot. He was able to determine that he was in a truck obviously being transported somewhere…but where? What was it that he last remembered?

Techno's.

He and Slade had been attached by Techno's as they traveled toward the city. But was Slade here too? He didn't think so…and if they hadn't captured him, had they killed him?

Suddenly Ram felt the truck slow to a stop. He was then pulled from the truck and unceremoniously dumped on the ground.

"Well…" said a familiar voice above him, "What have we here?" As his blindfold was removed Ram found himself staring up into Mega's cold gray eyes.

"I've finally found it," Amber said as she walked into the room carrying a large box of baby clothes. "These are the clothes and the toys that Bray has grown out of. I'm sure you'll find lots of things in here that will fit Ryan."

"I'm sure we will, Amber," Salene said gratefully, helping her to set the box down in the middle of the room. "Thank you so much for doing this for us."

"It's no trouble Salene; Trudy did the same for me when Bray was born. They grow so fast, it's amazing we manage to keep clothes on them," Amber said with a fond look down at little Bray's discarded clothing. "Take whatever you need and don't worry about it. That's what family is for, after all." Looking around the room Amber noticed May, sitting in a chair by the crib staring into space. "Salene," Amber whispered softly, "Is she ok?"

Salene looked sideways at May and then let her gaze linger a bit on baby Ryan before turning back to Amber and whispering her reply, "She's still a bit lost, Amber. But don't worry, she'll be alright. I'll help her."

Amber put a hand on Salene's shoulder and gave her an encouraging smile. "I'm glad she has you for a friend. Just remember, we're all here if you need us. I'll leave you to it then. Trudy said dinner should be ready around 6. You should both come down and join us. Bring the baby, the others will enjoy it and you'll get a bit of a break. See you then," she said as she closed the door behind her leaving the little family alone once again.

"May, why don't you come help me with these clothes," Salene suggested softly.

Moving slowly, May stood, made her way over to the box and sat down gingerly on the floor beside Salene.

"Oh, isn't this one adorable," Salene exclaimed holding up a small garment for her inspection.

"Yeah, I guess," May replied, sounding not at all convinced. "It looks a bit too…natural."

"Natural?" Salene queried.

"Well, foresty," May answered.

"Well both Brady and Baby Bray did start out as Eco babies, so I guess that explains that," Salene said with a grin. "Don't suppose that'll please Lex too much, he always hated the Eco's."

"Who cares what Lex thinks," May said sullenly.

"Well he does have quite an opinion, and he is the father," Salene said reasonably.

"Salene…" May said pleadingly, looking up at her friend with her heart showing in her eyes. "I need to tell you something. Something I've been keeping from you…from everyone…for a long time."

"What is it May?" Salene said softly.

"Please don't hate me Salene…Please…don't hate me." May pleaded.

"May, I could never hate you. I'm very happy. I want to be with you and help you raise little Ryan. Nothing can come between us now," answered Salene.

May stared up at her friend and wondered if she really, truly meant what she was saying. Did she really understand the full meaning of her words. She had hated the idea of being with her just a few days ago...and now...she was ready for a relationship. Perhaps it could work, with the baby here now to bring them together...but there was still this, this lie...between them.

Her heart twisted at the thought of ruining what little chance they did have for happiness, but May knew that the time had come. There could be no more lies between them. "Salene…Lex…he's not…" May began, turning her gaze toward the floor. "Lex isn't the father, Salene,"

"He's not?" Salene asked.

"No…" May admitted, tears now streaming down her face.

"But May, why would you lie about that…who is the father?"

"I can't say it, Salene. It's too horrible. You'll hate me forever…"

"May," Salene began, reaching out with her hand and lifting May's chin slightly so she could see her face. "I could never hate you…no matter how horrible it is." Softly she touched her lips to May's, then lifted her head and looked down into her eyes. "Please don't be afraid to tell me."

As May looked up at Salene, she at last felt that she could tell her…she could let another soul into her world, into her suffering. Perhaps love was stronger than hate…Maybe Salene wouldn't hate her forever. Maybe the truth would free her from this terrible darkness.

And so, looking up into Salene's eyes she uttered the name that she hadn't dare let pass her lips in months, "Mega…It's Mega's baby, he's the father."