"Well, I am sincerely happy to see you," Paul said, standing next to Kyle.
"The feeling is mutual," Kyle said.
Rey sauntered over, confident he could talk his way out of the situation. Noticing the level of bruises and scratches on Rey, Kyle and Austin, Paul said, "Someone better tell what's going on. The three of you look like you've been in a fight."
"It was a fight alright," Rey said, "I found Kyle and Lola, planning to run away together. They faked Kyle's death so they could disappear. When I confronted them, they attacked me."
"That's not at all what happened," Austin said.
"Rey kidnapped me," Kyle said, "He held me hostage and tonight, he threatened to kill me. I tried to fight him off."
"They will say anything to cover it up," Rey said.
"Can either of you prove your story?" Paul said.
"I can," Lola said, "It wasn't just Rey, it was me who held Kyle. I can even show you where we kept him."
"Lola, how can you…" Rey started.
"It's over Rey," Lola said, "We are both guilty of this. It was wrong and it's time for Kyle to go home." Kyle breathed a sigh of relief at the thought.
"This is all true?" Paul said, to Kyle.
"Yes," Kyle said, "I didn't mention Lola, because other that keeping me hostage, she didn't do anything to hurt me. Lola actually took care of me, best she could under the circumstances. Rey on the other hand, could have cared less about me and wanted me gone for good."
Stepping closer to Rey, Paul said, "Care to change your story?"
Rey looked at Lola, who lowered her eyes from him. "I wanted retribution for my family, my sister's honor was at stake," Rey said.
"Are you admitting you are guilty or are we going to have Mr. Abbott press charges," Paul said.
"I didn't use sound judgement," Rey said, "I am guilty of kidnapping and holding Kyle Abbott hostage."
Paul instructed an officer to handcuff and read Rey his rights, as he was placed under arrest. Paul then approached Lola, saying, "Lola Rosales, you have the right to remain silent…" Lola was handcuffed and just before she was led away, she said, "I'm so sorry Kyle. I hope one day you can forgive me."
"I don't hold you solely responsible," Kyle said, "But I don't know if I can forgive you."
"I never lied when I said I loved you," Lola said, "You should know, Kyle has an infected wound and he needs doctor." Kyle saw the tears in Lola's eyes as an officer guided her away.
"Alright," Paul said, "Do you Mr. Travers or Mr. Vanderway want to tell me what you have to do with all of this?"
"My friend Tessa and I suspected Lola was involved with the kidnapping," Theo said, "So, we questioned her and she admitted it. Then we all realized Kyle was in trouble. Lola knew where to go so her and I came out here. We found Austin dangling over the cliff and Kyle trying to pull him up."
Paul looked to Austin, who said, "I talked to Tessa on the phone. She told me everything that was going on, and she made it sound like she was coming out here. I felt Tessa was in danger and I knew the police would not come looking on a hunch. So, I knew if I came out here the police would follow. When I arrived, Rey was beating the crap out of Kyle, and was about to whack him, with a fairly large stick, which would have killed Kyle, so I stopped Rey. Then the detective wanted to fight with me. I fell over edge just as Kyle caught me."
"Austin saves Kyle and Kyle saves Austin," Paul said.
"With Theo's help," Theo said.
"It sounds like quite a night," Paul said, "However, rules are rules." Paul looked to Austin who put his hands behind his back, waiting for the handcuffs.
"As for you," Paul said, addressing Theo, "I should arrest you for interfering in a police investigation." A look of concern crossed Theo's face, as Paul continued, "But I am going to let you off with a warning."
"Yes sir," Theo said.
"I am going to want to talk to Tessa Porter as well," Paul said, "Since you mentioned her involvement."
Paul held a handcuffed, Austin by the arm, as Austin said, "What happened to Tessa anyway? Where is she?"
"Tessa had a special mission to complete," Theo smiled, observing a car pull up. Theo watched Rachel, clamour out the car, followed by Tessa and Mariah.
"I think someone is here to see you," Theo said, turning Kyle around.
While she was held back by a police officer, Rachel and Kyle saw each other at the same time. Kyle saw Rachel mouth his name as he began to walk towards her.
As he led Austin away, Paul motioned for the other officer to let Rachel through. Rachel walked towards Kyle, merging into a run.
Rachel slowed her pace a few feet from Kyle, hardly able to believe he was standing in front of her. "Kyle?" she said.
"It's me," Kyle said, opening his arms.
Rachel could not trust the vision of him was real, until she touched his arm and he smiled at her. "Kyle…" Rachel said, wrapping her arms around him, hugging tight.
Kyle closed his eyes, reveling in the moment to hold the one he loved close, after being forced apart for so long. Tears of relief spilled down Rachel's cheeks, as some fell from Kyle as well.
Parting to look at each other, Rachel said, "Kyle, you're here, you're alive! I thought I lost you."
"I know," Kyle said, "I wanted to tell you I was okay, but I couldn't get to you."
"They had you held hostage?" Rachel said.
"Yeah," Kyle said, "But I don't want to talk about that. I just want to look at you."
Observing bruising on Kyle's cheek, with the companion of a black eye and a long cut on his other cheek, Rachel said, "You've been hurt. What happened to you?"
"Long story," Kyle said, "I will tell you and I will be fine. As long as you are okay."
"I was so scared, thinking I had to go on without you," Rachel said, "I've missed you so much."
"I've missed you just as much," Kyle said, "But I'm home now." Kyle tenderly kissed her. "I love you," he said.
"I love you," Rachel said, as they drew each other into a lingering hug.
Looking on from a distance, Mariah said, "That is the most beautiful thing, I have ever seen."
"Yeah," Tessa smiled, "It is. Don't you want to have you reunion with Kyle?"
"Later," Mariah smiled, "Those two deserve their time together. It does warm my heart to see him alive."
"Actually, mine too," Tessa said, "Look how happy they are."
"You did a good thing today," Mariah said, "I'm proud of you."
"I'm just glad, everything turned out well," Tessa said.
"This waiting around is getting to me," Kyle said, as he sat propped up on hospital gurney.
Sitting at his bedside, Rachel said, "It hasn't been that long. I know you're anxious to go home."
"I am," Kyle said, "But at least you're here. That makes me feel much better."
"You look so sore," Rachel said, "Are you in any pain?"
"Just a little," Kyle said, "Okay, a bit more than that. I will be fine."
"I want the doctor to tell us that," Rachel said.
"Speaking of which, what is taking so long?" Kyle said, "I only had a couple of x-rays and a blood test."
"I want to get you home too," Rachel said, "But they are busy."
"I know, I'm not their only patient," Kyle said.
"While we wait, I have something to tell…" Rachel was cut off by the sound of the door opening and Nate walking in.
"Kyle," Nate smiled, "I thought I told you I did not want to see you back here."
"Sorry," Kyle said, "Couldn't be helped."
"Rachel, nice to see you," Nate said, "How are you?"
"I'm perfect now," Rachel said, taking Kyle's hand, making him smile, "So, is my husband going to be okay?"
"What's the verdict?" Kyle said.
"You have a bruised rib and a cracked one on the opposite side," Nate said, "Not too serious, they should heal with rest, but we will do follow up to make sure. At least there is no damage that requires any surgery. The wound along your leg is infected. We will apply suture and a bandage. I'm going to give you a topical and an oral antibiotic for that. Your blood work came back fine…" Nate flashed a light in each of Kyle's eyes and holding up a few fingers, Nate said, "How many fingers do you see?"
"Eleven," Kyle joked.
"Humor me," Nate said.
"Three," Kyle said, "Like I've been saying, I'm fine."
"Those bruises and swelling on your face, should heal with time," Nate said, "You will need to apply ice to that."
"He said it was causing some pain," Rachel said.
"I can prescribe something to help with that," Nate said. Taking a closer look at the cut along Kyle's cheek, Nate said, "That's fairly deep. We're going to need stiches for that."
"Is it going to leave a scar?" Kyle said.
"It should heal fine," Nate said.
"So, once I get the stitches and the meds, I can go home?" Kyle said.
"About that," Nate started.
"No, don't tell me I have to stay," Kyle said.
"Just for one night," Nate said, "You can go home tomorrow."
"I can rest at home," Kyle said.
"I will make sure he does," Rachel said.
"She means that," Kyle said.
"It's not only because you need rest," Nate said, "I don't anticipate any problems, but it would be worse if you went home and then had to come back. This way we can monitor you to make sure you are physically ready to go home."
"I just got free of being restrained and now you're going to do it to me too?" Kyle said.
"You can't blame the doctor," Rachel said, "He's just being cautious."
"I apologize," Kyle said, "I didn't mean it come out like that."
"I understand the ordeal you have been through," Nate said, "You staying here is not the same thing. Under the circumstances, I will let your wife stay with you as long as you like."
"I appreciate that," Kyle said.
"I will keep an eye on him," Rachel said.
"Someone will be in soon to deal with your stitches, then we will give you some medication," Nate said, "Once that kicks in you will likely sleep the rest of the night."
With wrists cuffed in front of him, Austin sat with his legs hanging over the edge of a hospital gurney. A bandage had been applied to this forehead, and the medication he had been promised for his pain was still pending. Peering at the door, Austin could see the shoulder of a police guard through the small window. Although he was anxious to leave the hospital, Austin figured staying where he was, would be nicer, than his next stop.
Looking up as the door opened, Austin saw Paul enter the room.
"Chief Williams," Austin said, "Time to go?"
"Not just yet," Paul said.
"Good, because I was told I could have some pain medication, which I still don't have," Austin said.
"You will be taken care of," Paul said.
"I guess the longer I have to wait, the better," Austin said, "Even though I know, I have to, I'm not looking forward to going back to jail."
"What would you say, if I told you, that you don't have to go back?" Paul said.
"I'd say great," Austin said, "Wait, is that what you are saying?"
"You are going to be put back on parole," Paul said. Austin raised his eyebrows at him as Paul continued, "You did break the law by running off the way you did. However, you saved a life and helped to solve a case."
"That doesn't sound like me," Austin said.
"Six months is being added to your sentence for parole violation," Paul said.
Mulling it over, by moving his head side to side, Austin said, "Sounds fair."
"You will still go to therapy, go to work and live at the same residence," Paul said.
"And keep wearing the ankle monitor," Austin concluded.
"No," Paul said, "That's coming off."
"If that's sarcasm, that's cruel," Austin said.
"No joke," Paul said, "Someone will be in to remove it momentarily."
"Seriously?" Austin said, "So outside of therapy and work, I can go wherever I want?"
"As long as you don't cause any trouble," Paul said, "You have a bit more freedom, but you are still on parole."
"Understood," Austin said, "Why do I get the lucky break?"
"You saved a man's life, more than just physically," Paul said, "Kyle Abbott, goes home and is reunited with his loved ones. Thanks to you."
"Well, I couldn't stand by and watch everything happen," Austin said, "Thank you for this."
"Don't make me regret it," Paul said.
Rushing down the hallway of the hospital, Jack was anxious to see if the news about Kyle being alive, would prove to be true. As he rounded a corner, Jack stopped in his tracks when he saw Austin approaching from the opposite direction.
The sight of Austin's disheveled look, reminded Jack of Austin's animosity towards Kyle. Angry realization came into Jack's eyes as he marched over and grabbed Austin by the shirt front.
"It was you wasn't it?" Jack accused.
"Hey, let go!" Austin said, trying to pull away.
Paul was still close by and noticing the scuffle he said, "Jack, let him go."
Jack released his hold and took a step back. "What did you do to my son!"
"I didn't hurt him!" Austin said, "I only saved his life."
"So, you were involved, you…what did you say?" Jack said.
"Austin was not part of the kidnapping," Paul said, "Kyle is alive because of him."
"Then who did this?" Jack said.
"I have a confession form Rey and Lola Rosales," Paul said.
"Rey, the detective who was on Kyle's case?" Jack said.
"Unfortunately he deceived all of us," Paul said.
Looking at Austin, Jack said, "And you saved him?"
"I did," Austin said.
"Then I apologize," Jack said, "Forgive me, I have been on edge lately."
Austin nodded. "I can see that," he said.
"Where is Kyle now?" Jack said.
As the nurse left the room, Kyle gingerly touched his cheek, where new stiches were sitting.
"I look bad, don't I?" Kyle said.
"You are still the most handsome man I know," Rachel said.
"That's sweet of you to say," Kyle said.
"It's true," Rachel said, "Nothing could make you look bad."
"I don't know how you can say that now," Kyle said.
"Because I love you," Rachel said.
"I love you," Kyle said.
"Speaking of which, I have something to tell you that might make you feel better," Rachel said.
"Good news?" Kyle said.
"I think so," Rachel said, "I'm sure you will too."
"Okay…" Kyle said.
"After you left, I discovered something," Rachel said, "It turns out I'm…"
Rachel was cut off as the room door open, and Jack appeared, with a look of disbelief in his eyes.
"Kyle," Jack said, rushing to his bedside.
"Hi Dad," Kyle smiled.
"I can't believe…are you alright?" Jack said, "You've been hurt, what happened to you?"
"First of all, I will be fine," Kyle said.
"I thought…I couldn't…" tears were welling in Jack's eyes as he spoke.
"It's okay, I'm here," Kyle said, reaching out an arm, inviting his father for a hug.
Smiling at the sight, Rachel stood up and said, "I'm going to give you two some time alone."
"Don't leave on my account," Jack said, "I'm happy to see both of you together again."
"Please stay," Kyle said, with half a smile.
"I didn't want to intrude," Rachel said, "I know how much your Dad missed you too."
"It's fine with me, if you stay," Jack said. Turning his focus to Kyle, he continued, "She's right, I missed you a lot. I thought…"
"I know," Kyle said, "There was no way to get to you to tell you I was still here."
"You're here now," Jack smiled, "I'm so grateful to see you."
"Same here," Kyle said, "I was beginning to worry, I would never see any of you again."
"Your home," Rachel said, "It's over."
"You look like you were in a fight," Jack said.
"A fight for my life," Kyle said, "I'll tell you about it later."
"I understand Austin Travers is responsible for saving your life," Jack said.
"Yeah, Austin saved me," Kyle said, "There's something I thought I'd never say."
"Maybe you two can call a truce," Jack said, "Be friends."
"I wouldn't go that far," Kyle said, "I'm sure he still has his sights set on Summer." Realization came into his eyes, as Kyle said, "Does she know about me?"
"Summer thought the same thing we all did," Jack said, "As far as I know, she hasn't heard the good news. I can let people know, it you like."
"I would appreciate that," Kyle said, "All I want to do is get out of this hospital and go home with my beautiful wife." He smiled at her.
"And I will take care of my handsome husband," Rachel smiled back.
Gesturing to his face, Kyle said, "You see this? And she still calls me handsome."
"It's because she loves you," Jack said.
"Dad, I was thinking about my failed business trip," Kyle said, "I must have messed some things up."
"You did nothing of the kind," Jack said.
"I know how important the Simpson deal was," Kyle said, "I don't think it made the best impression when I didn't show up."
"I had an unpleasant conversation with Mr. Simpson," Jack said, "He squashed the deal, but when he found out the reason you didn't make the meeting, he was understanding. The deal is still in the works. I don't want you worrying about work now. You just get the rest you need and recover."
"I will be back to work as soon as I can," Kyle said, "You can still count on me."
"I never doubted that," Jack said.
"Rachel, were you about to tell me something earlier?" Kyle said, "Some good news?"
"I was," Rachel said, sharing a knowing look with Jack.
"Now, I feel like I'm intruding," Jack said.
"Not at all," Rachel said, "I'm sure you would like to see Kyle's reaction."
"What's going on?" Kyle said.
Taking his hand, Rachel said, "I really hope you're going to be happy about this, because I am."
"About what?" Kyle prompted.
"This isn't quite the way I planned to tell you," Rachel started, "You and I…We are going to have a baby."
Jack smiled as he saw the wonderment come into Kyle's eyes. "We're…" Kyle started, as smile creeping out, "A baby?"
"I'm pregnant," Rachel said
Kyle stared at Rachel, before breaking into a smile, excitement in his tone, "This is amazing news!"
"You're happy about it?" Rachel said, "Because, I know we said we would wait."
"That doesn't matter," Kyle said, "I couldn't be happier."
"Congratulations," Jack said.
"Dad, you knew about this?" Kyle said.
"I told your Dad, when I thought I had missed my chance to ever tell you," Rachel answered.
"I'm going to be a father," Kyle mused.
"You will be a wonderful father," Rachel said.
"It helps that I had a great role model," Kyle smiled, at Jack, "You're going to be a grandfather."
"I'm very much looking forward to it," Jack said.
"Me too," Kyle said, as Rachel leaned in to give him a tender kiss.
"Here we are," Tessa said, carrying two mugs into the living room. She placed a cup on the table in front of Mariah, where she sat on the couch, "One for you," Tessa concluded, sitting next to her.
"Hot cocoa," Mariah said, "What's the occasion?"
"After today, I think we need it," Tessa said.
Mariah nodded. "It's such an incredible story," Mariah said, "Kyle goes through this horrible ordeal, his loved ones, including us, think we've lost him. Then turns out he's alive and saved by his nemesis."
"Now, he's reunited with his family," Tessa said, "I'm sure they are all very relieved and happy." Mariah was quiet, prompting Tessa to pull her out of her thoughts, "Mariah?" Mariah looked up at the sound of her name.
"Where did you just go?" Tessa said.
"Sorry, I was just wondering," Mariah said, "If this cocoa is celebration or you are trying to soften the blow. We were supposed to have our serious talk today."
"I do have some things to say," Tessa said, "I hope you will listen."
"If you're ready, then why don't you start," Mariah said.
"First of all," Tessa began, "I need you to know, that you mean so much to me. I know, that I have lied, betrayed and taken you for granted. I want to explain to you, what happened to me. I fell for Rachel, I misunderstood our friendship, for deeper affection. I wanted to have a romantic relationship with her. It didn't matter to me, if anyone was in my way of having her, like Kyle for instance. I simply wanted to remove the obstacles to get what I wanted. My brother, who hated Kyle, came up with a plan to remove Kyle from the situation. He wanted to kidnap Kyle, and hold him long enough for me to get close to Rachel and he could get close to Summer."
"Then how did Lola and Rey end up kidnapping Kyle?" Mariah said, "Were you all in on this together?"
"No, Austin tried to recruit Lola on our plan, by telling her she could be with Kyle," Tessa explained, "Rachel would not be in his life, because Lola was going to be with him. Austin played her feelings and yes I know it was cruel. Before we ever set our plan into motion, Lola went rogue on us and along with her brother they did the kidnapping. You know the rest of that story."
"Was I one of the obstacles, you wanted to remove?" Mariah said.
"No," Tessa said, "I wanted you in my life."
"As your back up plan?" Mariah said.
"It's like I said, I took you for granted," Tessa said, "When I saw how devastated Rachel was over Kyle's loss, I took a closer look at myself. If Austin and I had gone through with our plan, I wouldn't be pulling Rachel into a better life, I would be hurting her. I would have caused her so much pain and I don't know why I couldn't see that before. To force Rachel to be with me, Summer to be with Austin and Kyle to be with Lola, would be hurting those very people that we claimed to love. I do understand now, I was not in love with Rachel. I was fixated on her yes, but it wasn't love."
"Where does that leave us?" Mariah said, "Or is there even an us to salvage?"
"With you and me there is always an us," Tessa said, "I tried to think of the last time I was truly happy. It was when I was with you and things were so good between us. I don't want to be apart from you."
"You are saying a lot of the right things, but I don't know where to start," Mariah said.
"Mariah, you are my everything" Tessa professed, "My love, my soulmate, my best friend. I was looking for something special, extraordinary, beautiful and meaningful. I had that the whole time, right in front of me, in you. I don't know where or how or when I lost sight of that. I'm so sorry, I lost my way. I want to find that path back to you."
"I want that too," Mariah said, "But I don't know how."
"I know what we need to do," Tessa said, "We have to be apart from each other."
As Rachel, helped Kyle adjust his sitting position in bed, Kyle leaned back against the pillow with a sigh of discomfort. "Baby, you know you don't have to stay," Kyle said, "The nurse will be in with my medication soon. I'll be asleep soon after that."
"Are you kidding me?" Rachel said, "I just got you back. I'm not letting you out of my sight."
Kyle smiled and said, "I can live with that."
The door opened to reveal an police officer in the entranceway. "Kyle Abbott?" he said.
"Yes, that's me," Kyle said.
"I've got someone here who would like to speak with you," the officer said.
"Who is it?" Kyle said.
"Her name is Lola Rosales," the officer said.
"Unbelievable," Rachel sighed.
"I told her I would have to ask if you would be willing to see her," the officer said.
"Uh…" Kyle said.
"You don't have to," Rachel said.
"I'll see her if I'm not alone with her," Kyle said.
"I will stay," Rachel said, "I want to hear what that woman has to say for herself."
"I will be in the room as well," the officer said.
"Okay," Kyle said.
The officer guided Lola inside, Rachel noticing Kyle's uneasiness, as he took a good hold of her hand.
No one spoke a word, until Lola said, "Hello Kyle, Rachel."
"Why aren't you in jail?" Rachel said.
"It's true, I was arrested," Lola said, "I wanted to speak to Kyle, before I move on."
"Are you trying to traumatize him even more?" Rachel said, "The last thing he needs is to see the likes of you."
"Kyle, I'm so sad you have been hurt," Lola said, "Are you alright?"
"Yes, I'm going to be fine. So say whatever it is you have to," Kyle said, "Then I want you to leave."
Lola nodded. "I want to apologize for what I did to you. I wasn't thinking of you, I was focused on myself, what I wanted. I had a misguided thought that I could make you love me. I'm sorry, I hurt you and those you love. I apologize to you Rachel, for taking him from you. It's clear to me that Kyle loves you very much and you did not deserve to be hurt this way. I do love you Kyle, that was my motivation for all of my actions."
"What you are feeling is not love," Kyle said, "You must realize that."
"I know you don't understand," Lola said.
"You are the one who sounds confused," Rachel said.
"I did a bad thing and I have to pay the price," Lola said.
"Behind bars," Rachel said.
"I won't be going to jail," Lola said.
"What?" Kyle and Rachel said together.
"I have been granted parole for one year," Lola said, "For the first few weeks I will be staying in Fairview and then my therapy will continue as an outpatient."
"You've got to be kidding me," Rachel said, "Is this joke? You get to roam free? You get away with what you did to my husband?"
"Parole and therapy is not getting away with anything," Lola said, "I believe it will help me be a better person."
"I hope it does help," Kyle said, "But I want to make one thing clear. You stay away from me, my wife, my family. Do you understand?"
"Yes," Lola said, "I just hope one day you can forgive me. That's all I wanted to say."
"Then get out," Rachel said.
"Yes, officer could you please…" Kyle said, gesturing to the door.
"Let's go miss," the officer said.
As she was led away, Lola called, "I never lied when I said I love you, I always will!"
"That is just sad," Rachel said.
"At least she's getting the help she needs," Kyle said.
"Are you alright?" Rachel said.
"Yeah, I'm okay, I've got you," Kyle said.
"Are you breaking up with me?" Mariah said.
"No, I'm sorry you misunderstood," Tessa said, "I only meant we need to be apart for a little while."
"You mean you want to take a break from us?" Mariah said.
"I'm not breaking us up," Tessa said, "I want us to be together, stronger and better than ever."
"I'm confused," Mariah said, "How are we supposed to get stronger away from each other."
"I need to get myself in a better place," Tessa said, "To be a good person for you, I need to understand, why I did what I did, how to cope with my actions and how to keep from repeating those behaviours in the future."
"I can help you figure all of that out," Mariah said.
"I have no doubt you could," Tessa said.
"You don't have to go through this alone," Mariah said
"Yes, I do," Tessa said, "I need to stand on my own two feet and sort things out away from everything and everyone. That's why I have checked myself into Fairview."
"You did what?" Mariah said.
"It's for thirty days," Tessa said, "Then we see where I go from there. I may stay longer, it depends."
"Tessa don't do this," Mariah said, "Not for me."
"I'm doing this for me," Tessa said, "So, I can be there for you. I need to get my head on straight. This is a good thing."
"But, I'm going to miss you," Mariah said, tears in her eyes.
Tessa smiled through her own tears. "And I will miss you, terribly."
"I can't convince you not to go?" Mariah said.
"I am coming back," Tessa said, "This is not forever."
"It feels like it," Mariah said.
"You will be fine," Tessa said, "You are stronger than you think."
Wiping her tears away, Mariah said, "So, are you allowed to have visitors?"
"I'm not sure what kind of contact is involved," Tessa said, "I will let you know if can come see me."
"When are you checking in?" Mariah said.
"Tomorrow morning," Tessa said.
"Oh," Mariah said, "So, one more night together?"
"One more," Tessa said.
"Then let's make it count," Mariah said.
They fell into a kiss, when the doorbell, pulled them apart. Standing up Mariah, said, "I will get rid of whoever it is."
As Mariah, pulled on the door handle, Tessa heard a familiar voice say, "What a night."
"What are you doing here?" Mariah said.
Austin smiled and said, "Austin, why don't you come in? Don't mind if I do." He walked past Mariah.
"Why aren't you in jail?" Mariah said.
"I can see why you would ask that," Austin said, "I'm back on parole."
Spying Tessa he said, "As for you, are you trying to give me a heart attack?"
"Excuse me?" Tessa said.
"I went out to that cliff, because you made it sound like you were going there and I thought you were in danger," Austin said, 'Instead I find a cop, beating the crap out of Abbott and then I got into a fight and nearly fell of that damn cliff myself. If it hadn't been for Kyle, of all people, I wouldn't be here right now!" Exasperated, Austin caught his breath before concluding, "I'm glad to see you are okay."
Tessa moved in and hugged her brother. "I love you too Austin."
Sighing Austin said, "Of course I love you."
"You went through all that for me?" Tessa said.
"You're the only sister I have," Austin said.
"I hate to break up this lovely moment," Mariah said.
"Aw, we love you too," Austin said, "At least Tessa does. I don't know you that well." Spying the mugs, he continued, "Hot cocoa. Any for me?"
"You're in a good mood," Tessa said.
"Look," Austin said, "No ankle monitor. My reward for doing a good deed. I got six months tagged on to my parole, but it is such a relief to have that thing off."
"I'm happy for you," Tessa said, "You are just in time."
"For what?" Austin said.
"To say goodbye," Tessa said.
"Are you two going somewhere?" Austin said.
"No, just me," Tessa said.
"I don't follow," Austin said.
"Imagine that," Mariah said.
"I am checking into Fairview for thirty days," Tessa said.
Austin laughed assuming Tessa was joking.
"I'm serious," Tessa assured.
"Are you crazy?" Austin said, "Sorry, I didn't mean it like that. What are you thinking?"
"I need to understand myself," Tessa said, "To heal from my transgressions."
"If you need therapy, then why don't you stay here and see my therapist?" Austin said.
"Hey, that's not a bad idea," Mariah said, "I'm agreeing with Austin, maybe I need a therapist."
"Fairview has an excellent program, it's just what I need," Tessa said, "Don't worry, I'll be back."
"If this is what you want," Austin said, "Then I wish you the best of luck. When do you leave?"
"Tomorrow," Tessa said.
"Can I drive you?" Austin said.
"I'm taking a car service," Tessa said, "There is one thing you can do for me while I'm away."
"Name it," Austin said.
"I would like the both of you to find a way to get along," Tessa said.
"You want us to be friends?" Austin said.
"With him?" Mariah said
"It would make me happy, if the two most important people in my life could co-exist," Tessa said.
Mariah and Austin looked at each other, as Austin said, "I'm sure we could work something out."
"Sure, why not?" Mariah said, half heartedly.
"That's the spirit," Tessa said, "I knew I could count on the two of you. Now didn't you say you wanted some cocoa?"
Tessa darted into the kitchen as Austin and Mariah, sarcastically smiled at each other.