Veronica opens her cell phone and looks to see who is calling her. She bites her lip and presses the button to answer, "Hey."

Logan says quietly, "Veronica. Are you busy right now? I need to talk to you about something."

Veronica says curiously, "What is it?"

Logan answers, "It's about DK. He is really upset that you won't talk to him."

Veronica says incredulously, "We haven't talked in months and our first conversation is going to be about Duncan?"

Logan says steadily, "He is my best friend Ronnie."

Veronica takes a deep breath and lets it out. She says questioningly, "So you're saying you wouldn't be talking to me now if it wasn't for Duncan?"

The line is quiet for a few seconds as Logan hears the hurt in her voice. He answers sadly, "Veronica, this is hard for both of us."

Veronica remains quiet. Logan continues, "He's really worried about you."

Veronica remains silent. Logan tries again, "He cares about you."

Veronica still says nothing.

Logan says urgently, "You need to talk to him Ronnie."

Logan's voice begins to rise. He says a little angrily, "I can't believe you are treating him like this. He is your brother you know."

Veronica's voice remains very quiet as she answers, "I know he's my bother."

Logan says, "You are lucky you have two families who love you."

Logan hears a sharp intake of air from Veronica before she answers incredulously, "Lucky? Yeah. I am feeling so lucky right now."

Logan hears the pain in her voice and tries to calm his voice down. "Ronnie. The Kanes are good people. I know you have a lot of unresolved issues with them but if you would just talk to Duncan……."

Veronica interrupts with a quiet voice, "Logan. Let's not have this conversation right now."

Logan voice rises, upset, "Yes by all means let's wait until you are ready to talk. Let's not worry about Duncan who is upset that he doesn't match his dad and has to watch him grow weaker everyday. Let's make this all about you. What would Lilly say about your refusal to be tested?"

Veronica's voice is sarcastic but quiet, "Wow you are bringing out the big guns now Logan! What would Lily say….?"

Logan louder than Veronica, upset, "While you are just avoiding the whole situation, Mr. Kane is dying. How can you just do nothing? You might be able to save his life."

The phone line is quiet. Logan can hear traffic noises in the background and he realizes that Veronica must be in her car.

Logan says, "Veronica, are you there?"

When Veronica speaks, Logan can hear the obvious hurt in her voice. "Thanks for your faith in me Logan. I guess I know where we stand."

Logan speaks quietly and calmly trying to deflate the volatile conversation. "Veronica. The facts are you are refusing to be tested, you haven't called Duncan and you haven't visited your….. Jake."

Veronica says sarcastically, "Look at you so willing to believe the Kanes."

Logan surprised, "What are you talking about?"

Veronica says bitterly, "After last year, I thought you would learn your lesson about believing the Kanes. They lied and manipulated the situation after Lily died. They didn't care who they hurt as long as they got what they wanted. Lilly didn't even matter to them."

Logan defensively returns, "They were protecting Duncan."

Veronica shoots back quickly, "At Lilly's expense."

Veronica pauses then adds, "And apparently Jake wasn't concerned about hurting his other daughter either."

Logan hears the pain and anger in Veronica's voice. He says calmly, "Ronnie. Duncan is really worried about Jake and he is worried about you."

Veronica says flatly, "I think we both know how concerned Duncan was about me being his sister last year."

Logan says, "He found his sister dead Veronica. Can you blame him if he wasn't thinking about other people?"

Veronica says bitterly, "Well last year when Jake was healthy, Duncan didn't have the urge to talk to me about being his sister, did he?"

Logan is frustrated. He bites out, "God Ronnie. None of us were ourselves then. Duncan was so drugged up after Lilly died. He was a zombie. Just give him a chance to talk to you."

Veronica cries out her voice full of anger and pain, "These people you are so worried about Logan. Do you know what they have done to me?"

Her voice raises, "Everyday Logan, EVERYDAY they all got up and went about their days knowing I was Jake's daughter and not caring that they ruined my life after Lilly died. EVERYDAY Logan, Jake and Celeste let my Dad's reputation be ruined."

Veronica takes a deep breath and tries to calm down. She continues, "Then when my dad and I did find out who really killed Lilly, they didn't even have the decency to apologize or make things right. They didn't visit my dad once in the hospital to see if he was OK. They didn't check to make sure I was alright after Aaron tried to burn me alive in that freezer. They let me work two jobs this past summer to pay the bills. These are the people you are so loyal to and so worried about?"

Logan feels his chest clench hearing how much pain Veronica is in. He hears her taking deep breaths to try and control her emotions. He says quietly, "Veronica…..It's not a choice between you and them. Look, I am just asking you to talk to Duncan. The whole situation is fucked up but he does care about you."

Veronica says in a wooden tone, "Well you've done your best friend duty Logan. I have to go."

Logan says, "It's not like that Veronica."

Veronica her voice slow and sad adds, "Look Logan, why are you even worried? The Kanes always get what they want. I should know as I get the privilege of being reminded I'm a Kane every time I have to write my name."

Logan is silent knowing how Veronica fought having her last name changed to Kane. He doesn't know which is worse; to hear anger and pain in her voice or defeat.

Before Logan can try and talk further to Veronica, she breaks in and says, "Despite what you think about me Logan, I got tested."

Logan is surprised and exclaims, "What? When were you tested?"

Veronica says quietly, "Last Friday. The results should be back tomorrow or the next day."

Logan's voice is puzzled. He says, "Celeste told me today you are still refusing and hadn't been tested yet."

Veronica voice rises and she says bitterly, "Well then it must be true if Celeste says it."

Veronica takes a deep breath and then continues in a lower voice. "Celeste and Jake and probably Duncan know I was tested."

Logan says quickly, "Veronica, Duncan doesn't know…"

Veronica interrupts and says bitterly, "You know I don't even care what game they are playing this time. I've got to get to work."

There is a short pause in the conversation then Veronica says, "I think you should lose my telephone number Logan. I only give it out to my friends and apparently I was overly optimistic when I gave it to you."

Veronica hangs up. Logan looks at his phone and slowly hangs up.

Veronica smiles at her best friend and says, "Wallace thanks for bringing me here today. I wouldn't have made it through those photographers without you."

Wallace nods and answers, "No problem V. Are you ready for this?"

Veronica says quietly, "Yeah. The doctor says I may be able to go home tomorrow."

Wallace says, "That's good." He looks her in the eyes and says, "Have you talked to Mr. Kane?"

Veronica shakes her head and says, "What for? He's getting what he wanted; my bone marrow. He probably never would have admitted I was his daughter if he hadn't gotten sick and needed a bone marrow transplant." There is a touch of bitterness in her voice.

Wallace touches her hand and says, "You don't know that V."

Veronica swallows and says, "Well the 17 ½ years of utter silence is a pretty good indicator of what he wanted and felt."

Wallace says disbelievingly, "He knew the whole time?"

Veronica says quietly but firmly, "Yes."

Wallace squeezes Veronica's hand and says sadly, "I'm sorry V."

Veronica tries to smile at her almost brother and BFF..

Wallace says trying to cheer Veronica up, "Well at least you get to live with your Dad after all."

Veronica lifts her arms above her head and does a fake cheer, "Yeah. Emancipation rocks!"

She looks over at Wallace and says seriously, "I will get to move in with my favorite BFF and soon to be brother in less than one month. It doesn't get any better than that!"

Wallace smiles at her, "You got that right! Do I still get the top bunk?"

The orderly arrives with a stretcher and says, "Miss Kane? I'm here to take you to the operating room." Veronica gets on the stretcher and the orderly covers her legs with a sheet.

Veronica looks over at her BFF, "Bye Wallace. See you later."

Wallace waves and says, "Bye V. Break a leg!"

Veronica smirks and says, "That's for the theater, not the operating room Wallace."

Wallace laughs and says, "Whatever. Love ya."

Veronica blows Wallace a kiss and says, "Right back at you."

The orderly wheels Veronica out of the room.

Duncan and Logan are walking towards the waiting room. Duncan is talking, "She agreed to be the donor through her lawyer. She still won't talk to Dad. She doesn't want anything to do with the Kanes and she is refusing any money or anything."

Logan shakes his head, "That sounds like Veronica."

They arrive at the door of the waiting room. They step out of the way of two doctors running into the closed doors of the operating room area.

Logan says, "Wow! What is all the excitement?"

Duncan and Logan look into the waiting room and see Wallace slumped in a chair crying. Duncan rushes over to Wallace. "What is it? Is it Veronica?" he says anxiously.

Wallace looks up. He is pale and his face is streaked with tears. He says, "She stopped breathing. One minute she was talking to me and the next minute she is grabbing my arm and she can't even talk. Then alarms are ringing and nurses are coming in and making me leave. "

Logan and Duncan stare at Wallace in shock. Wallace continues, "The worst thing was, just before she passed out, I think she said "Lilly""

Duncan's eyes widen in shock, "Lilly? Are you sure?"

Wallace takes a deep breath and says shakily, "I can't be sure but she seemed to look past me and then she said Lilly. Then she closed her eyes and then her heart monitor started alarming."

Wallace wipes the tears from his cheeks. Logan and Duncan stand in front of Wallace. They are all processing what it might mean if Veronica is seeing Lilly. Logan feels like he has been punched in the gut. If anyone would be there to help Veronica pass over, it would be Lilly. Is it possible? Does this mean Veronica is dead?

Wallace gets up and pulls out his cell phone, "I have to call Mr. Mars and Mom. They just left. She was doing great…. "

He leaves the waiting room. Duncan turns to Logan and says worriedly, "You don't think she could die do you? It's supposed to be a simple operation. The doctor said there was very little chance of complications."

Logan runs his hands through his hair, "I don't know man."

Duncan plops down in a chair. He says in despair, "I can't lose another sister. Oh my God."

Duncan puts his head in his hands.

Wallace returns to the waiting room. He says, "Mr. Mars is on his way back here. They were just in the parking lot."

Wallace starts pacing up and down the isle. "I can't believe this. V has been through so much. I can't believe this."

Duncan raises his head and looks at Logan who is very pale, "Are you OK man?"

Logan sits beside Duncan. He says quietly, "I called her on the telephone and we fought. She thinks I don't care about her and she told me never to call her again."

Duncan says reassuringly, "She knows you care Logan."

Logan remains quiet.

Duncan exclaims, "God, this is harder in a way than Lilly. At least Lilly knew I loved her. This will probably kill my dad. I can't believe this is happening. It is supposed to be a routine surgery. It should have been me. Why couldn't I have matched instead?"

Keith and Alicia rush back into the waiting room. Keith turns to Wallace, "Have you seen her? Has the doctor been by?"

Wallace shakes his head, "No, we don't know anything yet."

Keith turns to Alicia and says, "Let me go find out what is happening."

Keith leaves the waiting room towards the nearest nursing station. Alicia sits beside Wallace and takes his hand. "She is strong son. We have to believe she is going to be OK."

Hours later, Wallace, Duncan, Logan, Keith and Alicia look through the window of Veronica's ICU room.

Wallace chokes out, "She looks so small and there are so many machines."

Alicia turns to Keith, "What did the doctor say Keith?"

Keith Mars says, "He said she had an allergic reaction to one of the medications she was given and her airway closed and she stopped breathing. They had to put her on a breathing machine. The doctor says the next 24 hours will be critical."

Alicia asks, "Is she in a coma?"

Keith frowns and says, "No. It is just that she wasn't breathing for a few minutes and the doctor said she didn't get oxygen for that time."

Duncan interjects, "She could have brain damage?"

Keith answers, "They won't know for sure until she wakes up, if she wakes up."

Keith starts to cry. Alicia puts her arm around him and leads him to a nearby area with chairs. Wallace follows them.

Logan and Duncan remain looking in her room.

Duncan says quietly, "There are so many machines. She does look small in there."

Logan whispers, "She can't die! She just can't die!"

Duncan puts his hand on Logan's shoulder, "I know man. I know."

Each of them remains looking in the window thinking their own thoughts.

Logan after a while says questioningly, "Do you think Ronnie really saw Lilly?"

Duncan shrugs, "I've been thinking about that too. I don't know what to think. You read about people dying and a loved one comes to get them and help them along the way."

Logan, "They were close."

Duncan answers, "Sisters. If anyone would be there for Ronnie, it would be Lilly. Lilly loved her."

Logan says, "And Ronnie loved Lilly."

Clarence appears in the door of the waiting room and walks over to the window where Duncan is standing. He looks in at Veronica. He puts his hand on Duncan's shoulder.

Clarence talks quietly to Duncan, "Your Dad has heard and I think you should come and talk to him. He is insisting he be allowed to come and see her."

Clarence looks back at Veronica and continues, "The reporters are asking for a family and hospital statement. It's all over the news."

Logan exclaims, "Shit. Duncan you better go and calm your dad down."

Duncan says firmly to Clarence, "Tell Dad I will be there after I visit Veronica."

Clarence nods and goes over to Mr. Mars. They talk quietly for a minute and then Clarence motions towards a security guard now posted at the door to Veronica's room. Clarence shakes Mr. Mar's hand and then leaves the room.

Mr. Mars says, "They are posting a guard by Veronica's door. Only family will be allowed to see her. They are going to close off this waiting room for us. We can stay here and not have to worry about reporters or anyone bothering us."

A nurse walks into the waiting room. She introduces herself and shakes Mr. Mar's hand, "Mr. Mars, you can visit Veronica now. Please come with me."

Logan's cell phone rings. He looks at the name and says, "God, I forgot I was supposed to pick up Diana."

Duncan looks at Logan and says, "It's Ok. You can go. I will call you if I need you. You probably won't be allowed to see her anyways."

Logan in anguish says, "I can't go."

Duncan puts his hand on Logan's shoulder and says, "Diana's your girlfriend now. You and Ronnie aren't talking. Don't wreck your relationship with Diana over this."

Logan says, "I just need to know how she is doing."

Duncan says heavily, 'I know Logan. I will keep you updated."

Logan says, "I will stay with you."

Duncan reassures him, "I'll call Meg to come and sit with me. I'll be OK. Go."

Logan looks at Veronica and then at Duncan. He has tears in his eyes.

Duncan pats his shoulder. "I know man."

Duncan leaves the waiting room and goes into Veronica's room. The nurse closes the curtains to the Veronica's room. Logan feels the hot tears going down his face and the pain in his chest. He knows Duncan is right. He knows that he has no right to still need Veronica; he has no right to be there anymore and he knows that it was his choice to end things with her. Why does leaving her feel so wrong? He turns and leaves the waiting room pulling out his cell phone.