Nathan started awake at the sound of someone's accusing voice. He blinked his eyes twice and looked at a couple dressed in ragged clothes. The look of them was enough to convince him that they'd been drinking or doing drugs. Maybe both.
"How dare you say that to her?" Nathan heard his own father's voice thunder in the room.
"Who are you?" The man asked in a slurred voice.
"Luke Duke. My son is the one who rescued your daughter from the freezer at work. A friend of your daughter's locked her in there for nearly thirty minutes," Luke said. Nathan stood tiredly, feeling his eyes burn.
He looked at Sarah who was crying quietly. Lori was in the chair on the other side of her, stroking Sarah's dark hair gently. "She's just doin' this to get our attention," the man grumbled.
"Excuse me, Mr. Summers, Sarah didn't do anything. She nearly died and I had to do CPR. The way you treat her, you don't deserve her," Nathan said, his green eyes glacial.
It was then that Travis Summers took a punch at him. Nathan dodged out of the way and hit the man right between the eyes. He fell unconscious. Nathan looked at his hand cocked in a fist and then looked at his father, mother, and Sarah. Mrs. Summers had left the room.
"Nathan?" Sarah asked startled, a frightened look in her eyes.
"I'm sorry that I had to hit him, Sarah. He took a swing at me first," Nathan said, pressing his lips to her forehead.
"I'm sorry that he came in here drunk. I can't believe he thought I would do this on purpose," Sarah said, tears rolling down her cheeks.
"It's not your fault, Sweetheart," Lori said, smoothing back her hair as if Sarah was Lisa, Sandra, or Alicia.
"I'm just so afraid of him. When he gets like this he hits me," Sarah said, her voice splintered.
"He actually hits you, Sarah?" Luke asked, a look of concern on his face.
Sarah hesitated as she realized she was talking about her problems to strangers. Nathan noticed that look on her face as she looked at him briefly. "It's okay, Sarah. They're my parents. They want to help you," Nathan said in a calm, reassuring tone.
"Yes. I have bruises on my back from where he's hit me," Sarah said, taking a deep swallow.
Nathan looked at his mother and then his father. "Okay. Sarah, you are coming to stay at our house until you and Nathan decide to marry. Or if you want you can stay at our son, Will's, house. We can talk to Will and his wife, Alicia," Luke said, a determined look on his face.
Sarah looked at the couple who seemed well dressed and well off in front of her. She didn't know just how rich Nathan's
parents were thanks to his mother's singing and acting career. At least this couple cared for her as if she were they're
own daughter. The woman had been so kind to her and was beside her giving her comfort. "That is so kind of you, I think
I will stay at your house, that way I can be close to Nathan everyday". This was the first time Sarah ever met Luke
Duke. He seemed like a nice and trusting person and he had alot of Nathan's looks. Sarah could easily see the resemblance
between the two.
Sarah still couldn't believe her parents acted the way they did, and she still couldn't believe her dad tried to punch
Nathan. Sarah was surprised that both Nathan and Luke stood up for her and said none of this was her fault. Before she
met the Dukes, Sarah used to not have anyone stick up for her. She had to learn to live with bad things happening to her.
Now that she had someone to stick up for her and care for her, Sarah didn't know how to react except she was grateful
for all this care.
Her dad remained unconcious on the floor. Sarah thought he deserved to be punched even though she was shocked that
Nathan would actually hit someone just for her. Then again, Nathan was very protective of her and his father was now
the same way towards her wanting her to live with them. It was a relief that she didn't have to live with her drunken
parents anymore. She had tried a million times to get them to come and hear her sing. BUt they had refused and said
that they had better things to do with their time.
Nathan sat at the dining room table with his family. Sarah sat next to him and looked nervous as she looked around at his family. The doctors had kept her overnight before releasing her. Nathan had picked her up from the hospital, relieved that she was okay.
Nathan's parents had agreed that she could stay at their home and that she could share a room with Sandra. Except for that phone call from Uncle Bo saying that Nathan could press charges against Darcy Nathan was happier than he had been in a long time. His girl was going to be all right and they were getting married in a month.
Because of Darcy and Travis Summers' attitude Nathan and Sarah had decided to marry in a month. That would give them time to plan the kind of wedding they wanted. Nathan looked at Sarah as she looked at him with a soft, gentle look in her eyes.
"I love you," he mouthed.
"I love you too," Sarah mouthed back, squeezing his hand. They had been holding hands since the ordeal.
"So what kind of wedding do you two want?" Lori asked, putting some fried chicken on the table.
"I don't know, Mama. What about you, Baby?" Nathan asked Sarah.
"I don't want anything too big. I don't have that may friends or family members to invite," Sarah said, looking down on her plate.
"Do you want to elope or have a church wedding?" Luke asked.
"I kind of wanted a church wedding, Mr. Duke," Sarah said timidly.
"Sarah, you don't have to call me that. Any of the women that my sons marry can call me Daddy and Lori Mama," Luke said, taking her hand that was resting on the table and squeezing it gently.
"Thank you, Mr- I mean, Daddy. And I'm sorry for my father's behavior when he came to the hospital," Sarah said contritely.
"It wasn't your fault. You're part of our family now. We are going to protect you like you are one of us," Luke said firmly.
Sarah was moved and for the first time, loved to. Nathan's parent's were so kind and sweet and opening their home to her
"Thank you, Daddy. I just don't know how to react with all this love surrounding me, I'm just not used to it, not that its
not great it is", Sarah rambled on. Sarah looked at the food on the table and thought it smelled wonderful. The last
time she had eaten was right before she was locked in the freezer.
It felt weird calling Nathan's parents Mommy and Daddy. But at the same time, it felt so right too. These people weren't
like her parents. They were kind and considered her part of the Family. There was a time back when Sarah and her real
parents were happy to. IT was before she lost her older brother Ryan. He had died in a car wreck on her birthday and
it tore Sarah's family apart. Then her parents began to drink and do drugs.
Sarah was even more glad that Nathan rescued her from that Freezer. She had been certain that she wouldn't get to see
him again and it frightened her. Sarah leaned against Nathan holding his hand tighter.
Sandra then came down the stairs exhausted after doing some homework. "Food thank goodness", she grabbed herself a plate
and helped herself. Lisa came in and chimed in, "I'm starving to!"
All through the meal Sarah kept squeezing his hand and leaning into his chest at intervals. It was like she was nervous around the love that Nathan took for granted every day. After dinner Nathan and Sarah sat on the porch and watched the sun set gently. Sarah beside him, her arm around his shoulder and awkwardly rubbing his shoulders gently.
"It's beautiful," Sarah said sleepily.
"Not as beautiful as you," Nathan said, causing her face to turn a light pink.
"Do you always say that kind of thing to a girl, Nathan?" Sarah asked.
"You're the first girl I've ever said anything like that to and the first girl I've ever kissed. Unless you count Darcy yesterday. But she doesn't count. She kissed me. I kind of had no choice on that," Nathan said.
"I'm sorry. I had no idea that Darcy wanted to marry you like I did. But you didn't want her either?" Sarah asked.
"No. Darcy is pretty, but I love you. I think she thought that if she made me kiss her that I'd love her. That's what that woman thought who made my parents divorce that time and forced my father to marry her. I didn't love Darcy after she kissed me. I love you," Nathan said, kissing her lips gently. Sarah kissed him back just as gently.
"I love you," Sarah said as they stood up and went into the house.
"I love you too," Nathan whispered softly. Just then his pager went off.
"What's that?" Sarah asked as Nathan took out his pager.
"I need to get to the firehouse. There's a fire and they need backup. Tell Mama and Daddy I'll be back as soon as I can. It might take awhile to contain it," Nathan said, slipping on his new leather coat and giving Sarah one more kiss before heading out the door.
Sarah kissed him goodbye and watched him leave. She hoped Nathan was carefull on his job. Firefighting was really dangerous.
She watched him drive away then she went back inside. She couldn't believe everything Darcy had done to her while she
was locked in a freezer. Kissing Nathan, trying to get her to marry him. Sarah was glad that Nathan didn't love Darcy or felt
anything for her the way he did her. Nathan was a true gentleman and acted like his father.
Sarah went inside and joined the Dukes in the livingroom to watch tv. Every night Nathan told her they took turns watching
a tv program they liked. Sarah sat in the middle of Lori and Luke Duke and watched an episode of Friends. The show was
funny and they had a good time laughing. Sarah and her real family never did this watch tv together. It felt good to be
part of a family.
She was getting married! Sarah could hardly believe that she would be getting married at eighteen. She just only wished
her parents actually cared about her. Sarah depised the fact that her father hit Nathan the way he did. He deserved to
be punched by Nathan. Sarah couldn't blame him for hitting him. Sarah was sorry Luke and Lori had to see that. Sarah
cuddled up next to them hoping they didn't mind. Sarah wanted to wait up for Nathan.
The fire was nearly out of control and Nathan spent hours trying to contain it with his other friends who worked at the fire department with him. By the time he was finished, his face was streaked with soot, his eyes were red-rimmed from the smoke, his clothes had ash and soot all over them, and his hands and face had second-degree burns all over them.
Nathan stepped into his parents dark house, hearing the bones in his legs crack with each step. Nathan's hands shook as he poured himself a glass of water to get the smoky taste out of his throat. He looked up as the lights flicked on, causing his eyes to burn.
"Owwww! Nathan groaned as he sat down at the table. Sarah through the film that covered his eyes sat down next to him.
"Nathan, are you okay?" Sarah asked, concern in her blue eyes.
"I'm fine, Sarah. What are you doing up, Sweet Cakes?" Nathan asked as she rubbed his hands gently with her hands.
"I wanted to wait up for you. I had to know you're okay. I love you," Sarah said, her eyes fastened on his hands.
"What?" Nathan asked.
"What happened to your hands?" Sarah asked, picking one of his burned hands up and pressing it firmly to her lips.
"Just a couple of burns. The fire was nearly out of control tonight. I just need to put some ointment on them and wrap them," Nathan said tiredly, resting his head on the table. Sarah stood and went to the first aid kit Lori kept in the kitchen. With a cotton ball and disinfectant she cleaned his hands and wrapped them gently.
"I'm done, Nathan," Sarah said, kissing him gently.
"Thanks. I'm going to bed. See you in the morning," Nathan said, standing painfully.
"Nathan, can I have a kiss?" Sarah asked, massaging his face gently with her hands.
"Sure," Nathan said as Sarah pulled his mouth to hers and kissed his lips gently. Nathan kissed her back, stroking her dark hair gently.
"I love you," Sarah said as Nathan made his way to the couch in the living room. He lay down, in too much pain to try going to his room. Sarah sat on the coffee table in front of the couch and covered Nathan with a blanket.
"I love you too," Nathan said as he drifted off to sleep. He didn't even hear Sarah get up, kiss his lips one more time and go upstairs to the room she shared with Lisa.
Sarah went to bed feeling tired. After seeing Nathan, she felt satisfied and got underneath the covers. Nathan looked
hurt when he came in and in pain but was trying to be strong around her. His burns looked awful and they would have to
clean them every night otherwise they might get infected. Sarah knew that his parents would be worried about him in the
morning. Sarah hoped Nathan would remember to shower.
Sarah had called her band members earlier saying they had to practice somewhere else. In her and Sandra's room, if the
Dukes would allow it. Normally they took turns practicing at other people's houses.Tomorrow she would ask Nathan's
Parents if they could practice here. If necessary, they could practice in Luke's garage.
It felt different sleeping in a new place. BUt at least she knew she was safe from her parents and Darcy at last. The next
morning, her and Lori would go over wedding plans, with her and Nathan, and they would go shop and be back in time
for lunch. Sarah yawned thinking that she had more homework to do tomorrow. Then she went to sleep.
Nathan woke up feeling a pair of hands rubbing his shoulders gently. Nathan looked at the person who the hands were attached. Sarah grinned at him and continued the brisk rubbing.
"Morning, Nathan," Sarah said softly as she leaned over and kissed his lips gently. Nathan kissed her back just as gently, cupping her face with his bandaged hands.
Nathan stood shakily to his feet, Sarah's head against his chest and her arms wrapped tightly around his shoulders. "Ow! Nathan said as he felt the muscles in his legs crack.
"Are you okay?" Sarah asked, looking up at him concerned.
"I'm fine, Sweet Cakes. It's just a little pain in my legs. I was on my feet for hours before I came home," Nathan said, twining his fingers in her hair.
"How are your hands?" Sarah asked, pulling his hand from her hair and looking at the bandages she had applied last night.
"They're a little sore, but I've been burned before. I'll be okay," Nathan said, tracing her jaw with his fingers.
"You can't blame me for being concerned. You came in here last night and you were hurt. I love you," Sarah said, her blue eyes filling with tears.
"I know. I know. Just don't worry. I'll be fine. Now can I have a kiss from my girl?" Nathan asked, lifting her up in his arms and kissing her soundly. She sighed softly as she wrapped one of her slender arms around his neck and pressed her other hand against his broad chest.
"Still worried?" Nathan asked as he put her down.
"I don't know. I just don't want to lose you, Nathan," Sarah said.
"I know, but I promise, you won't," Nathan said, kissing her lips again in a long kiss.
Sarah broke the kiss, breathing hard and trying to catch her breath. "I better go to the kitchen. I promised your mother I'd help her cook breakfast," Sarah said.
"I need to go get a shower. Just think of this, Baby; in a few months you'll be cooking my breakfast," Nathan said, kissing her again lightly before he ran upstairs and into the shower.
Sarah grinned sheepishly as Nathan bounded up the stairs. She was his girl and his baby and he'd rather have no one else!
she skipped off happily to the kitchen and joined Lori in there. Together, they made a killer breakfast, Eggs scrambled,
sausage links, and toast for everyone.
Sarah set the table wondering how she was going to ask the Dukes if she could use their barn or house for practices every
weekend. And she wondered how she was going to find a drummer on short notice that wasn't insane.
Both her and Lori talked as they cooked. Sarah had found out that Lori was a country music singer. SO if anyone understood
she needed somewhere to practice, then Lori would.
Sarah watched Nathan come back downstairs dressed in blue jeans, and a plaid green shirt. Sarah loved him in those kind
of shirts and in solid colors to.
Sandra and Lisa also came down with sleepily looks on their faces. Sarah sat next to Nathan holding his hand the entire
time as they ate. They exhanged smiles and kisses to. Sarah finally looked at the Dukes "Ah, Momma and Daddy? There is
a favor I need to ask". Sarah felt nervous. Sandra and Lisa looked at her.
Nathan wondered what Sarah could possibly want to ask his mother and father. He knew that it wasn't that she was tired of Nathan and wanted to leave him. She was holding his bandaged hand and stroking the hand and wrist at intervals with her soft fingers. Anyways she couldn't be wanting to leave him. Not the way they still loved each other and she would have stopped saying that she loved him or stopped kissing him.
"I was wondering if you could let my band practice in the garage? I'm a singer and I need some space and I don't know where to practice," Sarah said, her eyes going to her plate.
Nathan felt sorry for her. She was still so shy around his family! Apparently his mother and father understood that too. "Of course you can practice in our garage. You didn't even need to ask us," Luke said, reaching over and cupping her face gently as if she were Sandra or Lisa.
"Thank you. I just thought that you might not understand I guess," Sarah muttered.
"That's silly. Of course we understand. I'm a singer too. Singers need to practice," Lori said, smiling warmly.
After breakfast Nathan and Sarah sat on the back porch, holding each others hands and kissing every so often. "Do you feel any better?" Sarah asked, resting her forehead against Nathan's arm.
"A bath always makes me feel better. I have to work again tonight. So I get to rest during the day and spend time with my girl and family," Nathan said.
"I'm glad your parents agreed to my music. Your mother told me that she sang, but I guess I thought your parents would be like mine and tell me that it was a waste of time," Sarah said ruefully.
Nathan turned to look at her and holding her chin he forced her eyes to meet his. "That is silly. My parents will never do that. My sister, Sandra, sings with my mother. She never told Sandra that singing was silly," Nathan said. Sarah's eyes filled with tears and she kissed his hand gently.
"I love you," Sarah said in a slightly splintered voice.
"I love you too," Nathan said, covering her mouth with his and stroking her face gently. Sarah wrapped her arms around his neck and twined her fingers in his hair.
After awhile of sitting on the porch Nathan and Sarah went inside to the living room where his parents sat with Alicia and Will. Nathan stopped as he saw his brother and sister-in-law sitting there with grim looks on their faces.
"Will," Nathan greeted his older brother by pounding him on the back.
"Hey, Little Brother. Hi Sarah," Will greeted Sarah kindly.
"Hi, Will," Sarah said politely as she sat next to Alicia.
"What brings you two over here in the afternoon?" Nathan asked his brother.
"It's not good news, Nathan. it affects both you and Sarah. Uncle Bo called me on my cell phone. Darcy Gregg has just posted bail," Will said, a pained look on his face.
"What does that mean?" Sarah asked confused.
"That means her parents paid her fine and Uncle Bo had to let her go," Will said. Sarah's face turned paler than a sheet and she looked as if she were going to faint.
Sarah suddenly didn't feel very well. In fact she felt lightheaded and was about to faint. Darcy made bail?! She couldn't
believe it. All she wanted was for her and Nathan to have peace and to kiss alot and have time with one another. Now
that Darcy made bail, she might do something much worse to her and Nathan maybe even finish what she started to Sarah.
Just so she could have Nathan to herself.
Sarah was still trying to get over with being locked in the freezer at the Dairy Queen. She could have died! Both her
and Nathan had gone to the courthouse with Bo and had a restraining order against Darcy made. Darcy couldn't come
within 100 yards between Sarah and Nathan. But that wouldn't stop her, Sarah realized. If Darcy couldn't come to them,
then she would hire someone who would like one of her friends since her parents were rich.
"This is awful news! They can't just let her go! She tried to kill me! Will, you and Bo have to do something. She can't
come near us!" Sarah stood and faced Will as she said this her panicked voice screeching the entire time trying to get
Will to listen. "Please don't let her come near us!" Sarah pleaded with him.
Her and Lori had already began planning her and Nathan's wedding and was hal;f-way through planning things. Sarah wanted
everything to go smoothly. Both her and Nathan agreed to a small but elegant ceremony in a church with just a few friends
and family. Sarah wondered who would protect her now that Darcy was on the loose. Sarah never had considered hiring a
bodyguard until now. She might need to hire one just because this happened. Feeling more lightheadedness overwhelming her,
Sarah lost her balance and fainted.
Nathan caught Sarah before her head impacted with the coffee table. He sat down, holding her on his lap and cradling her head against his shoulder. "Will, we can't let Darcy hurt her again," Nathan said, stroking her hair gently.
"I know, Little Brother. Darcy has only talked about getting Sarah. But that talk could turn real. She'll do anything to have you, Nathan. Believe me. I lived with a woman just like her; they are capable of anything," Will said as Will, Alicia, Luke, and Lori left the room.
Nathan put Sarah down on the couch and covered her with a blanket. Sarah slept for a good twenty minutes and bolted upright. "Nathan?" Sarah asked, trembling as Nathan kissed her forehead gently.
"Are you okay?" Nathan asked, his lips trailing from her forehead to her lips.
"What happened?" Sarah asked, sitting up.
"You fainted," Nathan said, kissing her from her ear to her mouth.
"I fainted. It was Darcy," Sarah said, slowly remembering.
"Yes. She's been released and you freaked out," Nathan said, holding her tightly in his arms and wrapping a few strands of her dark hair around his fingers.
"Nathan, I'm scared. Darcy will stop at nothing until she has you. She was raised selfish because her parents are rich. Anything she wants, she gets. I'm so scared that she'll try to kiss you again and then you'll decide you want her over me," Sarah said, her eyes full of concern.
"That won't happen. I want you, Baby," Nathan said, rubbing her back gently.
"She's more beautiful than I am. Boys weaker than you have decided that they want her. A girlfriend of mine had a boyfriend who said that he loved her. Then Darcy decided that she wanted him and she turned on all the charms and flirts and the boy found himself falling in love with her. Of course his heart was broken when she broke up with him for another boy," Sarah said.
"I'm not like other boys. I will not break your heart that way. I love you and you are the only one I want to kiss and marry," Nathan said, kissing her lips gently.
"So what are we going to do?" Sarah asked, running her fingers lightly over his arm.
"Well, I can protect you on the weekends. And my father and Will can protect you the rest of the time. And since we plan to get married soon that schedule will work," Nathan said.
"Nathan, I love you," Sarah said as they stood up and her adoring blue eyes fixed on his light green eyes.
"I love you too. Just relax and think about our marriage. In a month you'll be my wife," Nathan said, not aware of how much trouble they were in or that Darcy had some evil plan for getting rid of Sarah.
Sarah liked the sound of being Nathan's wife and the only one that he loved to kiss and to marry. They kissed on the couch
some more and Sarah got up saying she had drummer tryouts and practice that afternoon. That night, she had a gig over at
coyote nightclub and her show was a sell out. Even though she wasn't famous yet, Sarah sold out crowds rather quickly with
her fantastic voice and the ability to play electric guitar every now and then.
Nathan followed her out to the barn. Earlier she had dialed and texted the bandmembers to come their early and had announced
that she needed a drummer. Sarah sat at a table with a notepad with Nathan and Karla . Joey, Mary, John, Mark, and Allison
were present there. John was a gifted keyboardist, Joey played the acoustic guitar, Mark was excellant on the electric
guitar. Mary and Allison were her back up singers and dancers. Often during the show, Sarah and them would dance and sing
together having a blast before the roaring crowd. Mary was black with beautiful skin. Allison was a petite blonde who just
love to get lost in the music.
Sarah watched as a line of people mostly young teenagers came in to fill the role as Sarah's drummer. Sarah had changed
earlier into a black tank top which said Rock on the front in glitter and black stretch pants. Sarah didn't recognize
anyone at first until she saw Lisa Duke. Lisa Duke?! Since when did she play the drums? Sarah raised an eyebrow and the
tryouts was underway.
The first couple of drummers were okay. Sarah liked the beat at which they played the drums but at times, their playing was
offbeat. Onto the next round. The next twenty something drummers that played sounded terrible. Sarah took a swig of her water,
doused it down, and shook her head. It was going to be a long day.
Then Lisa came up carrying drumsticks. Sarah looked at her. "I know what your thinking does she know how to play drums?
I played drums with my high school band for four years where me and Will used to live. Since then I've played for several
bands including kinda like this one." said Lisa got behind the drums and smiled at Sarah.
Sarah smiled her famous singer's smile and said "Good. Let's see what you have got". Sarah was then blown away by Lisa's
performance. For a drummer she was actually really good. She was even better than Darcy was! Sarah and the others
applauded . Lisa walked in front of them "Well? How did I do?" she was out of breath.
Sarah and her band members talked in a huddle. They murmured back and forth whether they should hire her. All of them
agreed to. Sarah looked at Lisa and smiled "You got the job. Be at the coyote nightclub tonight at 7 and listen to my cd."
Sarah handed her a demo cd that she had someone made her awhile back. Lisa smiled "Thanks!" Sarah then added "Oh and
do stay behind we're practicing some songs tonight". Sarah then told everyone else the auditions was over and then they
left.
Nathan watched as Sarah fixed her hair in front of a mirror. Nathan loved it when she had her hair down so he could run his fingers through it as he kissed her over and over. But when she sang she had told him that she wore it pinned up, with some long tendrils of hair curled around her face.
Sarah put down the curling iron and piled her hair high on her head. "What do you think, Nathan?" Sarah asked, turning to him.
Nathan walked over to her and sat down beside her on the bench. "I think you look beautiful. I wish your hair was down, but I understand," Nathan said. he leaned forward and kissed her lips gently.
"Nathan, I just put on my makeup," Sarah protested while she kissed him back.
"Sorry. I just love kissing you," Nathan said sheepishly and planted a kiss on her forehead.
"I do love you though. You will be there tonight, right?" Sarah asked as she reapplied her lip gloss.
"I wouldn't miss it. Thanks for letting Lisa join your band. She's had a harder time adjusting to our family after that woman kidnapped her when she was three. Will was able to move on, but the pain of that time has been difficult," Nathan said.
"What did that woman do to her?" Sarah wanted to know.
"She hasn't talked a whole lot about it. Will had to fill us in on the information. Jenna kidnapped both of them when my brother was four and Lisa was three. The first thing she did was dye their hair to her color; which was a chestnut color. Then she lied and said she was their mother and that our father divorced her and never wanted to see Will and Lisa again. Then she forced my brother and sister to call her 'Mama.' They did. for years she told them lie after lie, abused them both, and kept dyeing their hair. Will stopped a year before he became a cop. Lisa's was dyed until they both came back to us. Will saw the missing persons report on both of them and they managed to make their way back to us. Lisa's hair was nearly damaged with fried spots in it. Mama had to take her to the hair doctor and the woman had to prescribe pills and shampoo for Lisa to use every day. Her hair may be back to normal, but she still has problems with it. She cried a little when she first came back, but she's hidden the pain of that time. Daddy has tried talking to her, but she gets upset," Nathan said.
Why did that woman kidnap them?" Sarah wanted to know.
"She was like Darcy. She was an old girlfriend of my father's. When he broke up with her and he married my mother she lost it. When my brother was born and Mama was pregnant with Lisa she kidnapped my mother and brother and forced my parents to divorce. Then she forced my father to marry her. My father did so Uncle Bo could stop her. Which he did. My father divorced Jenna and then remarried my mother," Nathan said, rubbing her back gently.
"That's what I don't want. I don't want Darcy to force us apart and I don't want our children, if we have any, to suffer because of her," Sarah said in a small voice.
"Don't worry. Darcy won't. My father said he didn't like it when Jenna made him kiss her. I didn't like it either when Darcy made me kiss her," Nathan said soothingly.
"I don't like hearing about it. The idea of Darcy's lips touching yours makes my skin crawl," Sarah shuddered involuntarily.
"Don't think about that. Just think about tonight and that you're going to do what you love," Nathan said, hugging her tightly and kissing her forehead gently. The worried look on her face faded and they left the house an hour later.
Sarah's eyes lit up as she saw the club when they first pull in. People was in a long line stretching from the door to the end of the walk-way of building.
of the nightclub. She knew some of them would be turned down once they sold out of tickets. Nathan was going to escort her
in. Sarah put on a pair of shades to disguise herself so she wouldn't draw the crowd's attention. She didn't want to be
late for her own show. They walked into the back door where no one would spot them.
Sarah was feeling pretty well before her performance. She had to be in order to perform well. She couldn't let audience
members see her upset then try to sing to. It just didn't work that way. Sarah kissed Nathan before she went to the
dressing room to freshen up her makeup some more just right before the performance. Earlier, Sarah had given his mom and
dad free tickets to her show along with Will and Alicia. They had exclusive VIP seating.
Sarah watched as the clock struck 7. She was ready. Sarah stepped out of the dressing room and waited for them to call
her name backstage. She got her electric guitar ready and her mic which she wore around her face.
The club owner stepped up to the stage "Welcome everyone! Thanks for coming to the show tonight! I can tell most of you
are excited to see Hilary Duff again and we are to. Her shows just keep getting better don't you think?" the crowd roared
their approval and their screams were deafening. The owner laughed "Okay, please welcome back our local newest talent,
Hilarrrrrrrrrrrrrryyyyyyyyy Dufffffffff!"
The beginning of Fly was opening up and Hilary stepped Halfway on stage she would appear in a moment, but first she just
wanted to sing in the back for a few minutes. The crowed roared at her high soprano voice. As she got towards the middle
of the song she stepped out into the smoky floor directly in view of the audience. What was best about the club is you
couldn't see the audience. But you knew they were there. Hilary/Sarah smiled at the audience and continued singing and
playing her guitar.
Nathan watched, his eyes glowing with pleasure as his girl sang. The lights were so bright that she couldn't see him, but he could see her. Her voice was strong and beautiful and if she was nervous she didn't let it show. Nathan was so intent on watching her that he didn't see anyone sit next to him until her felt a gentle caress on his wrist and a sugary sweet voice that made his blood run cold.
"Hi, Handsome," the voice purred softly. Nathan took his eyes from Sarah and looked at Darcy through the harsh glare of the club's lights.
"Darcy, what do you want? You know you go to jail if you harass me or Sarah," Nathan said, pulling his hand out of hers.
"Nathan, I'm hurt. I just came tonight because I heard Sarah was going to sing and I also like the group after her. It's a surprise to see you here," Darcy said in her sickening simper.
"Well, now that your here. I'm going to sit with my parents. Consider yourself fortunate that I'm not calling the cops," Nathan said stiffly, walking through the darkened room. His eyes adjusted to the lights and saw his parents, Alicia, and Will sitting together. He joined them quietly.
"What's wrong, Little Brother?" Will asked, a concerned look in his eyes.
"Darcy's here. She tried to flirt with me again. I think she might try to harm Sarah," Nathan said as Sarah started to sing another song.
"She's in direct violation of her restraining order by talking and flirting with you. I'll call Uncle Bo," Will said, pulling out his cell phone. Nathan bit his lips and watched Sarah as she sang. He hoped and prayed that Darcy wouldn't hurt Sarah this time.
Sarah continued to smile and sing for the crowd shaking hands along the way. Sarah saw Nathan and his family
sitting on the front row. After shaking everyone's hands, Sarah did another round of fast songs including
"Dignity", "Coming Clean", "Dangerous to know", and "Jericho". During "Jericho", Darcy moved towards the
stage.Nathan had made her mad big time and she was going to get him back for it. If he wouldn't dump Sarah
for her, then Darcy would in no doubt try everything she could to kill the singer.
Darcy looked around frantically wondering what she could do.Finally she saw the speakers wires begin to
spark so she pushed with all her might and then suddenly the speaker began to fall.
Sarah was singing "Jericho" when she saw the falling Speaker with it sparking fixing to catch on fire. Sarah
screamed unable to move out of the way it was like her body remained frozen unable to move.
Darcy smiled in triumph. Sarah was going to get hurt badly. But what she didn't count on was Nathan's
quick heroic actions would save Sarah's life. Darcy didn't know Sarah had bodyguards with her that
night.
Nathan saw the speaker fall. Since he was practically able to walk on the stage from where he sat he jumped up ran on the stage and pushed Sarah, who stood frozen, out of the way; taking the heavy piece of equipment on his broad back.
Nathan gasped in pain as he laid there on the floor. Sarah took him in her arms as the lights in the club turned on. Through the haze of pain he saw his father, mother, and brother run to the stage. "Nathan?" Lori's concerned voice echoed through the fog as she sat beside Sarah. He felt his father's arms slide under his shoulders and he moaned in pain.
"Nathan, you saved my life," Sarah said, caressing his face gently with her hand.
"Will, call an ambulance," Luke ordered before Nathan could say anything.
"Will he be okay, Daddy?" Sarah asked, squeezing Nathan's hand gently.
"He'll be fine, Sarah," Luke said, gently brushing her face with his hand. Lisa joined them then.
"Is Nathan okay, Dad?" Lisa asked anxiously.
"He's fine, Baby," Luke said gently.
"Sarah, what happened? All I saw was that speaker and Nathan jumping on stage," Lisa said.
"I don't know. All I know is that Nathan got hurt because of me," Sarah said, tears coming to her eyes.
"That's not true. I'd do it again in a minute. Darcy was here tonight and I think it was her that tried to kill you," Nathan said, reaching up and touching Sarah's face gently.
"Darcy?" Both Lisa and Sarah asked.
"Yes. She sat next to me in the audience and tried to flirt. I got up and sat next to Mama and Daddy and I guess she got angry," Nathan said ruefully. The pain was almost too much in Nathan's shoulder. Looking into Sarah's eyes he passed out completely, not waking up again until he was in the hospital.
Sarah rode in the ambulance with Nathan when he got hurt. Nathan had risked his life for hers not caring if he had gotten
hurt in the process. Sarah admired the hero within him and had he not pushed her out of the way, she could be dead right
now or seriously injured. Sarah held his hand during the ride. It was strange seeing Nathan laying on the stretcher,
helpess and knocked out. Nathan always seemed strong to her and could handle everything. It was hard amagining him hurt
until a few nights ago he came home hurt, and now injured because one of their speakers fell on him. One of her speakers
that is.
Before Sarah got in the ambulance, dozens of reporters had surrounded her wanting info on the story. Being the kind
singer she was, Sarah took a few moments and told them what happened and who had gotten hurt. "I'll tell you more
of the story later, right now, being with my fiance' is important". Sarah then climbed into the ambulance with help from
Luke and Lori who stayed with her when she was being interviewed. The reporters respected the singer's privacy and watched
them drive away into the night.
Earlier after Nathan's accident. Sarah realized the crowd was still there wondering if everything was okay. Sarah explained
to the crowd what had happened, and that the rest of the show would have to be cancelled. Sarah promised them another
show next week on a Friday and for them to hold onto their tickets to get back in. When they got to the hospital,
Nathan was taken in to be examined. Sarah wanted to go back there with him, but the Doctor only asked for Immediate family.
So Sarah had to wait outside by herself and she was mad about that and constantly worried about nathan. Lisa stayed with
her knowing her brother wouldn't want Sarah to be alone. Will, and Alicia stayed with her too. Luke and Lori went in
with their son. "I am his fiance'! I should be alowed to go in there!" Sarah complained to WIll and Alicia.
Nathan woke up to a gentle prodding on his collarbone, which caused a short explosion of pain on his part. He whimpered in pain, feeling like a small boy. "It's all right, baby. It's all right," he heard his mother's voice say as if it came from a tunnel and felt her soft , cool hands run through his hair.
Nathan noticed then that he was on a bed and on his stomach. Someone had covered his lower legs with a blanket and taken off his shirt and was probing his back and shoulders gently. "Broken collarbone," someone with a grave voice said.
"How long?" Nathan asked, looking up at a grim man.
"Six weeks. He can go home in two days, but I don't want him out of bed unless it's absolutely necessary," the doctor said, fixing Nathan with a stern glare.
"What about my job?" Nathan asked.
"You won't be able to work until I say you can. Now, is there anyone you need to tell about your son's injuries?" The doctor asked Luke and Lori.
"We have to call the fire chief and we have to tell his sisters and brother. Also our son's fiance is here. She'll want to know. All our children are here in the waiting room," Lori said, watching as the doctor prepared a shot of something.
"What are you giving my son?" Luke asked as the doctor cleaned a spot on Nathan's muscular shoulder.
"Something for the pain and to help him sleep tonight. Morphine and chloroform. The orderlies will help dress him in a hospital gown while you go tell your children," the doctor said, looking kinder as he injected the clear liquid into Nathan.
Nathan felt like his head was swimming and the room got black. A couple hours later he woke up in his private room, Sarah holding his hand against her lips.
Sarah had been crying the whole time they were there. When the doctor left, Luke and Lori told everyone the news. Nathan
had broken his collarbone! Sarah had cried some more this time on Luke's shoulder. She knew it wasn't her fault in
Nathan getting hurt. But she sure felt like it was. Luke kept telling her it wasn't her fault that Nathan would help any
one in trouble risking his own life.
Sarah had walked into the hospital room seeing Nathan lie there asleep.Since she felt like she did this to him, Sarah
vowed to help him get better.She owed that much to him. Sarah had wiped her eyes earlier hoping she had erased her crying
face good.She sat next to the bed grabbed his hand, kissed it and said "Hey Handsome". she hoped Nathan didn't see how upset
she was.