"No," Rachel said, "I don't care how much snow is out there. I don't care if it's a blizzard and you can't see where you are, but you are leaving."
"We don't have much of a choice," Fen said.
"You can't expect us to travel in this weather," Summer said.
Peeking out the front door, Kyle said, "It is really coming down."
"Then you can sleep in your car," Rachel said, "We will dig you out in the morning."
"I hope you're kidding," Fen said.
"Fine, we won't dig you out," Rachel said.
"How are we going to handle the sleeping arrangements?" Summer said.
"I call the bedroom," Fen announced.
"I don't think so," Kyle said.
"We can't just stand here and fight about it," Fen said, "There must be a suitable solution."
"There is," Rachel said, "I can push Summer into a snowdrift. She can sleep there."
"You would like that," Summer said.
"I would," Rachel said, "I really would."
Scoffing at her, Summer said, "I'd like to see you try."
"We can go outside right now," Rachel said.
"You're out of your mind," Summer said.
"No, I think more clearly these days," Rachel said.
"Ladies, maybe we can…" Fen tried to interject.
"You really have no class," Summer said.
"This coming from the woman who wears the top half of her clothing so low, just to get noticed," Rachel said.
"At least I did not trap a man into a marriage, with a baby," Summer said.
"This is getting out of hand," Kyle said.
"I just galls you, that Kyle and I love each other," Rachel said.
"You're just jealous," Summer said.
"Of you?" Rachel laughed.
"You can't stand the fact, that I had Kyle first!" Summer said.
"You can't stand that I am going to have his first born!" Rachel said.
"Okay!" Kyle said, stopping the fight. Guiding Rachel, away he said, "Let's go to our respective corners."
Fen moved to Summer and said, "We came to spend the night together and you're fighting over Kyle?"
"I just…she brings out the worst in me," Summer said, "I wanted to throw things at her that I knew she wouldn't like. Fen, I love you, I do." Summer hugged him, "I'm sorry for getting carried away."
"Do you feel better now?" Kyle said.
"I'm sorry," Rachel sighed.
"It's okay," Kyle said, putting a comforting arm around her shoulders.
"I think a good New Year's resolution would be for the two of you to get along," Fen said.
"That's impossible with her," Summer said.
"She needs to understand the world does not revolve around Summer Newman," Rachel said.
"It's going to a very long night if you two keep bickering like this," Fen said.
"This is what we are going to do," Kyle said, "Rachel and I get the bedroom and you two can sleep out here. Just keep an eye on the fire. I trust you won't let the place burn down."
"Why do you get the bedroom?" Summer said.
"Because it's my cabin," Kyle said, "Plus, we were here first and it's our anniversary."
"Congrats," Fen said.
"I'll bet you never thought you would be spending your first wedding anniversary with me," Summer said.
"You can say that again," Rachel said.
"I'll agree if you share some of that champagne," Summer said.
"Help yourself," Kyle said, "You can have what's left."
"We get the leftovers," Fen said, "Isn't he generous?"
"Yes, you even get the leftover girl," Rachel said.
Even Kyle, frowned at Rachel after her remark. While Summer displayed an insulted look, Fen said, "That was un-called for."
"Like I said," Summer said, "No class."
"I'm trying to make this work for everyone," Kyle said. Leaning in to Rachel, he said, "Come on, let's go."
"Before you make your retreat," Fen said, "Let's start this New Year over again, with a toast."
Glasses were poured and handed around. "Well, this was your idea," Kyle said, "You make the toast."
"Okay," Fen said, "To the new year, may it be better than last and happiness for all."
"To many more wedding anniversaries," Rachel said.
"For 2021 and all the possibilities it brings," Kyle said, "Continued health and happiness."
"To love," Summer said, "Here's hoping we all get what we want this year."
The foursome clinked glasses, Summer and Kyle's eyes meeting as they each took a sip.
The feeling of Rachel, touching his arm, diverted Kyle's attention back to his wife. "Shall we continue with the night?" she said
"We shall," Kyle smiled, as Rachel led him into the bedroom, the door shutting behind them.
"Alone at last," Fen said, snuggling Summer into his arms.
A female giggle emerged from the other side of the bedroom door. "We're not completely alone," Summer said. She got caught in a memory, of Kyle always able to make her laugh.
Summer was jolted out of her daydream, by a sudden thud in the bedroom. Ensuing laughter from both Rachel and Kyle followed.
"What are they doing in there?" Fen said.
"I prefer not to speculate," Summer said, "Besides, let's focus on what is happening out here."
As Summer began to unbutton, Fen's shirt, he said, "I like where this is going."
"You haven't seen anything yet," Summer said, kissing him.
A few hours into the night, Summer woke, blinking her eyes to adjust to the darkness. Shivering she reached over to pull Fen's arm around her, only to find Fen was no longer sleeping beside her.
Lifting her head, to look for him, she was distracted by low voices and giggles. Looking to her side, Summer's eyes widened at what she saw. In front of the fire, Rachel was snuggled into Fen's arms, as he stole kisses on her neck and shoulder.
"Fen?" Summer said.
"Oh, hi," Fen said, continuing to caress Rachel with kisses.
"What is going on here?" Summer said.
"This is my time with her," Fen said, stroking Rachel's cheek, as they gazed into each other's eyes.
"You can't be serious," Summer said.
"She's my girl," Fen said.
"All yours," Rachel said, kissing him.
"No, you're supposed to be with me," Summer said.
"Yeah, but that's not what you really want," Fen said.
"How can you say that?" Summer said.
"Because you want me," Kyle's voice spoke from behind her.
Summer turned to find a half dressed Kyle, approaching her. "What's happening?" she said.
"Your heart's desire," Kyle said. Taking her hand he pulled her towards him.
"I don't understand," Summer said.
"We belong together," Kyle said, "You know it."
"You really think so?" Summer said.
"I know it," Kyle said.
"But what about them?" Summer said, gesturing to Fen and Rachel, who were continuing to make out with each other.
"They have chosen what they want," Kyle said, "What do you want?" Summer was quiet, so Kyle said, "Let me help you decide." He pulled Summer into a passionate kiss.
"Summer?" Fen's voice echoed in her head, until she opened her eyes. Summer looked up into Fen's face as he said, "It's morning, time to go."
Sitting up Summer said, "Kyle?"
Fen looked at her questioningly, prompting Summer to say, "Where are they?"
"Kyle and Rachel left already," Fen said, "The storm's over and they were on their way out the door when I woke up."
"They're gone?" Summer said.
"Yes," Fen said, "We should get going soon."
"Right," Summer said, sitting on the couch contemplating her dream.
"Are you okay?" Fen said.
"Yeah, I just had a strange dream," Summer said.
"Good strange or bad?" Fen said.
"I'm not sure," Summer said, "Do you love me?"
Sitting next to her and taking her hands, Fen said, "So much. You don't doubt that do you? Are you having second thoughts about us getting married?"
"No," Summer said, "In the dream you had moved on with someone else and I didn't know what to do."
"I'm not going anywhere," Fen said, "It was just a dream." Stroking her cheek, he continued, "It's you and me always. You couldn't get rid of me if you tried." He smiled as he pulled Summer into a comforting hug.
Summer held Fen tight, her dream kiss with Kyle resonating in her mind.
"Thank you for seeing me on such short notice," Kyle said, as Dr. Nate Hastings entered the exam room, "I know how busy you must be."
"I always have time to see a patient," Nate said, "What brings you in today?"
"I'm concerned," Kyle said, "About me. I really haven't been feeling myself lately."
"In what way?" Nate said.
"I've been edgy, jumpy," Kyle started, "I can't relax. I feel like I am constantly playing catch up with everything. I'm having trouble falling asleep."
"So, you've been anxious," Nate said.
"I have been snapping at people for no reason," Kyle said.
"Are you experiencing an abnormal amount of stress?" Nate said, "Can you think of anything that might be making you feel this way?"
"I can think of one," Kyle said, "That's why I'm here. I'm afraid it's back."
"You're talking about the brain tumor," Nate said.
"Yeah," Kyle said, with a nervous exhale, "This is the way I felt when I had it before."
"Any headaches?" Nate said, "Dizziness?"
"A few headaches," Kyle said, "Nothing bad though. I'm really worried. I don't know if I can go through this again."
"It's not necessarily the case," Nate said, "We will do some tests and go from there." Kyle nodded. "It's human nature to jump to the worst case scenario. Try to not to think that way," Nate assured.
"Positivity," Kyle said.
"As I live and breathe," Austin said, "It's Lola Rosales in her Society uniform."
"I admit, it felt really good to put this on today," Lola smiled.
"You're actually glowing," Austin said, "Back in your element."
"I can hardly wait to get started," Lola said, "At the same time, I'm nervous, like it's the first day of a new job."
"You are going to be amazing, as usual," Austin said.
"Thank you," Lola said, "I should get to it."
"Before you do," Austin said, "Do you think we could get together, sometime this week? I know you're really busy, but you need some time for yourself too."
"For you, I will make time," Lola said, "I'll let you know later what is best for me and we can make plans."
"Can't wait," Austin said.
They shared a quick one arm hug when a voice said, "What do is going on here?"
"Theo," Lola smiled. She walked around the bar to give him a bigger hug, "It's so good to see you."
"And you," Theo said, "Are you working here again?"
"I got my job back," Lola said, "Abby hired me as head chef, this is my first day back."
"That's wonderful," Theo said. Looking at Austin he said, "I see you're still here."
"And it's nice to see you too," Austin said.
"Is someone going to answer my question?" Theo said.
"Which was…?" Austin prodded.
"What gives you the right to put your hands on her," Theo said.
"Wow, feeling a little possessive?" Austin said.
"Theo, it's okay," Lola said, "It was a small show of affection."
"Since when are you two so friendly?" Theo said.
"There is nothing to be concerned about," Lola said, "I have a busy day ahead of me, so I have to get started."
Theo watched Lola walk back into the kitchen, when he heard Austin give small laugh.
"Something funny?" Theo said.
"Looks like Lola blew you off," Austin said.
"She is a busy person," Theo said, "I wouldn't want to hold her day up."
"I see," Austin nodded, "So, tell me, how was your New Year's?"
"Fine," Theo said, "I was hoping to spend it with Lola, but I guess she was had other plans."
"Yes, she did," Austin said, "With me."
Theo stared in disbelief at Austin, who said, "Oh, didn't Lola tell you? We've been seeing each other."
Rubbing his hands together, Kyle nervously paced the exam room, as he waited for the doctor to return. The sound of the door opening, made him turn around.
"Kyle?" Rachel said, concern in her voice. Going to him she said, "What's wrong?"
"I'm okay," Kyle said.
"I get a message from you to come to the hospital and I find you in here," Rachel said, "How can you say nothing is wrong?"
"I have been experiencing some things and I just wanted to be checked out," Kyle said.
"Then why did you call me to come if it's nothing?" Rachel said.
"Because I've noticed some symptoms," Kyle said, "I'm afraid the tumor might be back."
"Kyle," Rachel said, "You never said anything. How long has this been going on?"
"A few weeks," Kyle said, "I know, I should have told you, but with the pregnancy and everything I didn't want to worry you."
"What did the doctor say?" Rachel said.
"I had bunch of tests," Kyle said, "I'm just waiting for results. I wanted you here, just in case they're not good."
Rubbing his arm, Rachel said, "Whatever they are, we will take care of it together. I wish you had told me you were worried sooner, but glad you eventually told me now."
Nate stepped into the room, smiling when he saw them. "Rachel," Nate said, "Nice to see you. How's everything with the pregnancy?"
"All good," Rachel said, "Well, as much as it can be."
"If you have any concerns, you know where to find me," Nate said.
"I hope it's okay she's in here with me," Kyle said.
"I am always happy to see someone with a support system," Nate said.
"So," Kyle said, "What's the verdict?"
"I will get right to it," Nate said, "There is no evidence of a tumor, you are still cancer free."
Kyle collapsed into a hug with Rachel and let out a sigh of relief.
"This is the best news," Kyle said, "But why have I been feeling this way?"
"Your blood work came back normal and your blood pressure is good as well," Nate said.
"Basically, I'm just going crazy," Kyle said, "Because that's what it feels like."
"You went through a traumatic experience when you were missing," Nate said, "It's possible the stress you are experiencing could stem from that."
"You think it's post traumatic stress?" Rachel said.
"That was months ago," Kyle said, "I put it behind me."
"Stress from that kind of life event, can linger for weeks, months or sometimes years," Nate said. "I believe this is what is causing your symptoms."
"So, I am going to feel like this the rest of my life," Kyle said.
"No, of course not," Nate said, "We heal. However, I am going to suggest you seek the help of a therapist. That way you can sort out your feelings, get to the root of your anxiety and learn how to manage it. Are you in agreement with that?"
"Yes," Kyle nodded, "Okay."
"I will refer you to someone and notify you about details," Nate said, "You also need to develop a better sleeping pattern."
"I have tried everything," Kyle said, From herbal remedies, to reading, to thinking of nice things when I try to fall asleep. Whatever, I think of, morphs into something else that keeps me awake. It takes me hours to get any shut eye."
"I can prescribe something to help you fall asleep," Nate said, "But it is only to be used in the short term. Once you start therapy, you will learn tools to deal with your sleep issues too."
"Sounds good," Kyle said.
"Remember, you are healthy," Nate said, "That is one less thing to stress about."
"You can't be serious," Theo said, "I've heard about your delusional behavior before."
"Lola and I have become close," Austin said, "Not that it's any of your business."
"For your information, Lola has grown closer to me," Theo said, "We have a special relationship."
"Does Lola know that?" Austin said, "She never mentioned you to me."
"She and I are developing a good thing," Theo said, "So stay away from her."
"I didn't have to talk her into spending time with me," Austin said, "We spent Christmas and New Year's Eve together. Where were you then? We had dinner at her apartment. She was the one who initiated our…" Austin trailed off.
"I'll wait while you think of something," Theo said.
"I just realized, I don't need to explain my special friendship with another woman, to you," Austin said, "If you don't believe me, ask her yourself."
Theo straightened his suit jacket and shot Austin a glare, before walking to the kitchen.
Lola gave instructions to another employee, before turning around to see Theo. "What are doing here?" she said.
"We didn't get a chance to talk earlier," Theo said.
"I'm sorry, but I'm really busy now," Lola said.
"How about after work?" Theo said, "Nice weather for a walk in the park."
"I don't know about that," Lola said.
"Then you pick a time," Theo said.
"My schedule is really up in the air right now," Lola said, busying herself in the kitchen.
"Are you upset with me?" Theo said.
"Of course not," Lola said.
"Then why won't you take a second to look at me, or talk to me," Theo said.
"I can't right now," Lola said.
"Are you actually brushing me off?" Theo said.
"What do you want me to say?" Lola said, finally giving him her full attention.
"I thought we were building something special," Theo said, "You make time for someone like that. I have barely seen you lately. We didn't spend time together over the holidays. I didn't even know you got your job back. We could have shared that news and celebrated."
"Theo, I…" Lola said, trying to find the right words.
"What is going on with you?" Theo said.
"I don't think we should see each other anymore," Lola said.
"You're breaking up with me?" Theo said, "Over Travers?"
"How do you know about that?" Lola said.
"He told all about how close you two are," Theo said.
"I should have been more upfront with you," Lola said.
"You know his history," Theo said, "What kind of person he is."
"I like spending time with him," Lola said, "He makes me feel good, and makes me laugh. I feel a special connection with him."
"What happened to our connection?" Theo said.
"Theo, you're a great guy," Lola started.
"Please, don't give me the you're a great guy but, speech," Theo said, "So, we slept together and now you're done with me?"
"That's a horrible thing to say," Lola said, "I'm not that kind of woman. That night meant something to me."
"You could have fooled me," Theo said.
"If that's how you feel, then it's best you leave," Lola said.
"Oh, I'm on my way," Theo said, "When Travers breaks your heart, don't come crying to me. I won't be available."
Behind the bar, Austin was distracted, when Theo stormed out the kitchen door. Lola appeared in the doorway calling, "I'm sorry, Theo!"
Theo was set to leave, but stopped in his tracks and turning around he marched towards the bar. Slapping the counter hard he said, "Well, congratulations, you won. When you break her heart, you're going to have to answer to me."
"Not going to happen," Austin said, "Now, I'm going to have to ask you to leave."
Theo pushed himself away from the counter and angrily left the restaurant.
Lola sighed and shared a look with Austin, before returning to her work.