Austin was deep in thought as he lay on the mattress inside his cell. His mind was filled with visions of the wedding. However, in his version, Austin was the groom and dressed in a flowing white dress Summer was his bride. As they joined hands, Austin said, "I love you."
"I do love you," Summer smiled.
"Someone looks happy," Tessa's voice, broke Austin's thoughts, as he looked to see her standing outside his cell, "Considering your predicament, I expected to find you sulking," she said.
Standing up, Austin said, "Tess, I knew you would come. Are you here to bail me out?"
"Yeah, right," Tessa said, "You were caught red handed. Besides, I couldn't afford bail."
"Your bestie just married a rich man," Austin said.
"You threatened to kill that man," Tessa said, "They would never help you."
"The look in Abbott's eyes when I had him pinned," Austin said, "The fear, it was priceless."
"You are actually gloating?" Tessa said.
"I wanted to do it," Austin said, "It would have served him right. But then you came along and got in the way."
"I saved your ass," Tessa said, "By the way, everyone knows about you and me."
"What does that mean?" Austin said.
"They all know you and I are brother and sister," Tessa said.
"Excuse me?" Austin said, "How did that happen?"
"I told them," Tessa confidently said.
"You told…" Austin gave and angry laugh, as he stepped back with a sigh, "Tell me this a joke, Tess."
"You were holding people at gunpoint," Tessa said, "You forced me to confess."
"It is your fault, I had to resort to extreme measures," Austin said.
"Don't blame me for your lapse in sound judgement," Tessa said.
"You had one job to do," Austin growled, "One. You only had to put drops into a drink and make sure the right person took it. But no, you drugged the wrong person, so I had to execute plan B. What else did you tell everyone?"
"Nothing," Tessa said, "I left as quickly as I could. Not to worry though, I will handle things."
"You're right you will," Austin said.
"Oh, I don't like that look in your eyes," Tessa said, "You're planning something."
"And you're going to help me," Austin said.
"No, I'm not," Tessa said, "What you did, in front of witnesses, is going to keep you behind bars for a long time. I am not going to lift a finger to help you. I am done."
"Don't you leave me here, Tess," Austin said
Tessa stepped close to the bars and said, "Watch me." She turned and proceeded to walk away.
"Tessa!" Austin yelled.
After a quick change of clothes, Kyle and Rachel embarked on their journey. Kyle drove along the road, keeping their destination a secret. He looked over at Rachel and smiled, when he noticed she had dozed off. Pulling the car to a stop, Kyle gently touched Rachel's shoulder to wake her. "We're here," he said.
Kyle darted to the passenger side door, where took Rachel's hands to assist her, as she stood up. Peering into the darkness, Rachel said, "Where are we?"
"You don't recognize it?" Kyle said, keeping an arm around her waist, as they stepped along a pathway.
"It's so dark, I…" Rachel stopped and smiled as her surroundings became more familiar. "The cabin?" she said.
"Surprise," Kyle smiled, "What do you think? We can go somewhere else if you don't like it."
"No, it's perfect," Rachel said, "It's a wonderful surprise."
"It's not over yet," Kyle said, unlocking the door. Letting it swing open, Kyle put his arms around Rachel, lifting her off the ground. Rachel giggled with delight, as Kyle carried her inside.
Kyle watched the wonderment come into Rachel's eyes, at the sight of flowers, arrayed around the room, drapery and tablecloths matching the color scheme of the wedding venue. Small pillows embodied with expressions reading, "bride and groom", "husband and wife" "the happy couple" and "I love you", decorated the couch. A trail of rose petals littered the floor leading to the bedroom.
"Kyle, did you do all of this?" Rachel said, as Kyle set her back on her feet.
"I had some help," Kyle said, "You like it?"
"I love it," Rachel said, "Look at all the roses."
"You're favorite," Kyle said.
"You even have some champagne," Rachel said.
"I wish I could take credit for it," Kyle said, "But I didn't know that was here."
"There's a card," Rachel said.
Picking up a small envelope, Kyle smiled as he showed it to Rachel. "Mr. & Mrs. Kyle Abbott," he read. Taking out the card inside, he continued to read, "Congratulations, we love you! Mom and Dad."
"That's so thoughtful," Rachel said. She put her arms around Kyle, prompting him to reciprocate the hug.
Detecting how tight Rachel was holding on, Kyle said, "You okay?"
"Yeah," Rachel said.
Hearing the uncertainty in her voice, Kyle said, "No, something's bothering you. No second thoughts, I hope."
Looking at him, Rachel said, "Absolutely not."
"Then what's wrong?" Kyle said.
"I can't stop thinking about what happened earlier this evening," Rachel said.
"You mean with Austin?" Kyle said, "I know you were scared, I was too, but I'm okay."
"I know," Rachel said, "It's just…when I heard someone was threatening you with a gun, in the parking lot, it reminded me of what happened to my sister." Kyle closed his eyes and sighed. Tears fell as Rachel continued, "The thought that I could lose you the same way…"
Kyle pulled Rachel close to him saying, "I never considered that's what you were thinking and feeling. I'm sorry you got so scared, but I am here and Austin can't hurt us anymore. We're safe."
Rachel looked up at Kyle and said, "I always feel safe with you." She pulled him into a kiss.
"What do you say we take this into the other room?" Kyle said, nodding his head towards the bedroom.
"I thought you would never ask," Rachel said, "There's nothing I would love more."
Kyle picked her up again, kissing her, as he carried her to bed.
Leaning against the counter in her apartment, Mariah twisted her engagement ring on her finger.
"I can't believe this is happening," she said.
Noah sat on the couch and said, "It sure has been a crazy night."
"It all started out so beautifully," Mariah said, "The wedding was breathtaking, there was so much joy at the reception. Tessa proposed and everything was perfect. Then people started to go missing and Austin is alive and he's Tessa's brother. Everything fell apart."
"You know, I can stay tonight," Noah said.
"No, you don't have to," Mariah said.
"You shouldn't be alone," Noah said, "Not when you feel like this."
Mariah smiled at him. "You're a good brother," she said, pulling him into a hug.
The sound of the front door opening, caused them both to pull out of the hug. Noah and Mariah, stared at Tessa as she stepped in.
"Well, look who's here," Noah said, as Tessa shut the door.
Tessa was quiet, prompting Noah to continue, "Don't you have anything to say for yourself?"
"I would like to talk to Mariah alone," Tessa said
"I don't think that's a good idea," Noah said.
"Noah, it's okay," Mariah said.
"I don't trust her," Noah said, "I am not going to leave you alone with her."
"I would never do anything to hurt Mariah," Tessa said.
"How do I know that?" Noah said, "What if you are just like your no good brother, who nearly took a life today and cause heartache for a whole lot of people."
"I did not know Austin would go to such extremes," Tessa said, "I am as shocked as you are things escalated this way."
"I would like an explanation," Noah said.
"You will get one," Tessa said, "I would like to talk to Mariah first."
"It's alright, you can go," Mariah said, "Thank you for bringing me home."
"I'll call you later," Noah said, giving Mariah a quick hug. Noah head for the door, pausing to say, "Tessa, do yourself a favor. Tell her the truth for a change."
"Yeah, goodnight, Noah," Tessa said, with her back to him. Noah shut the door with a sigh.
"Something tells me this will be a long night," Mariah said, "Whatever you have to say, it had better be good."
Nick walked into his home, followed by Phyllis and Summer, with Fen trailing behind. Summer was silent as she sat on the couch, fidgeting with her hands.
"Summer, would you like something to eat, or maybe a drink?" Nick said.
"No, thanks," Summer said.
Sitting next to her, Fen said, "Are you okay?"
"No," Summer said.
Fen rubbed Summer's shoulder, as Phyllis said, "It's been a long day and it's late. We should turn in."
"I can't sleep," Summer said, "I can't get the image out of my head. Austin standing alive in front of me, threatening to hurt Kyle and I thought he was going to do it. Plus he had this crazed look in his eyes…" Summer was unable to continue, as he tears came.
Fen merged his arm all the way around her shoulders saying, "It's all going to be okay."
Nick crouched down in front of Summer and said, "I know you had a traumatic experience, but it is over. Austin is in jail where he belongs and he cannot hurt you anymore. You are safe here."
"He's right," Phyllis said, "Your Dad and I are here for you. You are not alone."
"I think the best thing right now is try to get some sleep," Nick said.
"Things will look better in the morning," Phyllis said.
"Thank you Fen for making sure Summer got home safe," Nick said, "We appreciate your concern."
"I'm going to get going," Fen said.
Summer grabbed his hand, "No," she said, "I don't want you to go."
"Summer it's really late," Nick said.
"You can see Fen tomorrow," Phyllis said.
"It's just that, with everybody I love, I need to know where they are tonight," Summer said, "I need you all with me, so I know you're safe. That is the only way I will feel safe."
"If that is what you need, I don't mind staying," Fen said. Looking up at Nick and Phyllis, Fen said, "As long as that's okay with everyone."
Nick and Phyllis hesitated, so Fen gestured to the couch and said, "I can sleep out here."
Nick looked at Phyllis, who shrugged her shoulders. Nick nodded and said, "Okay, whatever you need."
"Stay there, I'll be right back," Kyle called, as he darted into the main room of the cabin.
Smiling, Kyle put his hand on the champagne bottle, when a loud gust of wind slammed up against the door. Startled Kyle sharply looked up as his heart skipped a beat. Realizing it was the wind, Kyle closed his eyes as he quietly laughed at himself. Walking to the door, he peeked at the outside, through the window, before making sure the door was locked. "Keep it together, Kyle," he said, to himself.
Retrieving the champagne bottle and two glasses, Kyle walked back into the bedroom, saying, "Here comes your dashing new husband…"
Observing Rachel with her eyes closed, Kyle walked closer to the bed and said, "Rachel?" Not getting a response, Kyle set the bottle and glasses down and climbed into bed. He leaned over to Rachel and gently touching her shoulder he said, "Mrs. Abbott?" Realizing she had fallen asleep, Kyle smiled and said, "I get it. It's been a long day."
Kyle kissed her forehead and lay down next to her. Draping his arm around her, Kyle watched her sleep, until he was unable to keep his eyes open and he drifted off.
"Okay," Mariah sighed, standing facing Tessa, "I don't know what's more shocking. Discovering Austin is alive, or finding out he is your brother."
"Let me start with I'm sorry," Tessa said.
"For which part?" Mariah said, "How could you not tell me about this? You knew my history with Austin, yet you never mentioned he was your family."
"I knew he had done some bad things and I was embarrassed to admit the truth," Tessa said, "I thought by association you would not like me anymore."
"You think I'm that shallow?" Mariah said.
"No, of course not," Tessa said.
"I need you to start at the beginning," Mariah said.
"I don't know what you mean," Tessa said.
"Did you know Austin was alive all this time?" Mariah said, "Because I really want you to tell me you only just found out like the rest of us."
"I had lost touch with him," Tessa said, "I found out he had been badly injured and was in the hospital. Of course I went to him and did what I could to help him to recover."
"So you did know?" Mariah said.
"Yes," Tessa said.
"And you said nothing to me," Mariah said.
"After he recovered I couldn't walk away," Tessa said, "Austin begged me not to tell anyone he was alive. He was in trouble with the law and afraid to go to jail. He was not himself anymore. He was so set on revenge for that night. He believed you all left him for dead."
"We thought he was dead," Mariah said, "We panicked and did not handle the situation well. Still you should have said something. You could have told me. You could have alerted the authorities. You could have talked to any number of people involved in that horrible night, but instead you did nothing!"
"You have to understand," Tessa said, "He's my brother and he needed me. I couldn't betray his confidence. When he told me he had been left for dead, I had no reason not to believe it was true. I stood by him."
"That doesn't explain…" Mariah stopped in mid-sentence, suddenly staring at Tessa in disbelief.
"Why are you looking at me like that?" Tessa said.
"Is that why you are here?" Mariah said.
"I don't understand," Tessa said.
"Did you come to Genoa City in the first place, because of Austin?" Mariah said, "The reason you befriended me in the beginning and Kyle and Noah. You had to know who we were. Your brother must have told you. You said he was set on revenge, so you infiltrated yourself into our lives, to report back to him."
Tessa shook her head, "That's not what happened," she said.
"You had to know of my involvement in Austin's life," Mariah said, "In Noah's, Kyle's, Abby's and even Summer. You knew when you first came here. Didn't you?"
"Yes, I knew," Tessa said, tears falling.
"Why would you not admit this to me?" Mariah said.
"I was building a new life for myself," Tessa said, "Away from anyone in my family. I had no contact with Austin anymore. I found you all to be such wonderful friends, I just wanted to forget my past. Please believe me when I tell you my feelings and friendships are genuine."
"You had no idea Austin was in Genoa City until tonight?" Mariah said.
Tessa hesitated and lowering her eyes, she said, "I reconnected with him a while ago."
"You what?" Mariah said.
"He was determined to get Summer back," Tessa said, "He felt that Kyle was always in his way to get to her. He wanted everyone to pay and he went after Kyle first. Austin was in love and he needed Kyle out of the picture. He wanted me to help him."
"Did you?" Mariah said. Tessa slowly nodded. "Tessa, why in the name of everything would you do that?" Maraiah said.
"Because I fell in love," Tessa said.
"Don't tell me that you did this for me," Mariah said.
"I didn't do it for you," Tessa said.
Mariah stared at Tessa, as realization came over her face. "Oh my gosh…" Mariah said, "Kyle wasn't just in Austin's way, he was in yours too. This is about Rachel. Are you telling me you are love with her? Because I thought we were past all of that."
"I tried to get over my feelings," Tessa said, "I can't deny how I feel anymore."
"So, you plotted with your brother against one of my dearest friends," Mariah said, "Do you realize what you've done? All the heartache you could have caused? You claim to have such strong feelings for Rachel, but your lies lead to the man she loves nearly being killed tonight. You were her maid of honor, her good friend. If she only knew what you did on her wedding day!"
"I did not know Austin was going to try and harm him that way," Tessa said, "I thought it was only Summer he wanted."
"You love someone else," Mariah said, "Then why did you propose to me?"
"Because I realized we were meant for each other," Tessa said.
"Try again," Mariah said, "It's not me you want."
"Yes, it is," Tessa said, "Rachel made her choice, she has a husband now. I know you and I can have a good life together."
"Let me get this straight," Mariah said, "You proposed to me as a way to get over your feelings for Rachel? I am your consolation prize?"
"I do love you," Tessa said.
"How could you do this to me?" Mariah said.
"If you would just give me a chance," Tessa said, "I will do anything to make this right."
"I can't do this anymore," Mariah said. Taking off her engagement ring she threw it at Tessa. "I can't even look at you right now," Mariah said. She took angry steps towards the door.
"Mariah, please wait…" Tessa pleaded.
"You know what the worst thing about all this is?" Mariah said, "I don't think you ever loved me."
"That's not true," Tessa said, "Mariah, don't leave like this." Mariah left the apartment without looking back, slamming the door behind her.
"Mariah!" Tessa cried. Laying her hand against the door her tears came, as she whimpered, "Please, no…" Tessa sauntered away from the door and flopped onto the couch and wept.
Fen was lying on the couch unable to fall asleep. The events of the day still played in his mind, compounded by his concern for Summer. He decided to try to sleep, closing his eyes, when footsteps caused him to open them again.
"Fen?" Summer softly said.
Sitting up, Fen said, "Summer? Is everything okay?"
"I can't sleep," Summer walked towards the couch and sat beside him, "Every time I close my eyes this horrible night starts all over again."
"I know what you mean," Fen said, "I'm not getting any sleep either."
"Thank you for staying," Summer said.
"Of course," Fen said, "I'm always here for you, you know that."
Summer shivered, prompting Fen to say, "Are you cold?"
"A little," Summer said. Fen picked up a blanket off the couch and draped it around her.
"You're always taking care of me," Summer said.
"I'd do anything for you," Fen said, leaning in to kiss her.
Summer adjusted the blanket, so she could share it with Fen. "I can't believe it's a whole new year," she said.
Fen nodded, "That's right, it is." Looking at her, he said, "What do you think of Nashville?"
"What?" Summer said.
"I've been doing a lot of thinking, about where we go from here," Fen said, "Wondering what the future holds. I've been thinking about leaving Genoa City. There's a couple of jobs, I have a good chance of getting. It's a great experience to have."
"You want to leave?" Summer said, "So, on the worst night of my life, you're breaking up with me?"
"No, Summer, you misunderstood," Fen said, "I want you to come with me."
"Move with you to Nashville?" Summer said, "I want to be with you, but what would I do there?"
"For starters you could marry me," Fen said.
Summer stared at Fen. "You're not…you just…"
Taking her hands, Fen said, "I asked you to marry me. I love you Summer. Just think of it, we could have an amazing life together. Make fresh start. I would make you the happiest wife in the world. I can give you the world. We can have our own family, we can have it all. With you by my side, there's nothing I can't accomplish. I'm excited for our future."
"Fen, I …" Summer stammered.
"I know I didn't do the whole on one knee thing," Fen said, "I will if you want me to. Just say you will marry me." He smiled at her.
Summer hesitated, before she said, "I can't." Fen's face fell as he stared at her in disbelief.