Summer sat on the couch in the Abbott living room, sifting through pictures on her phone. She paused at images of herself and Fen, eventually reaching photos of good times shared with Kyle.
"Well, Diana is finally asleep," Kyle's voice said, as he descended the stairs, causing Summer to quickly close her phone.
"I guess she was a little wound up from her outing," Summer said.
"It took a while, but I got her settled in," Kyle said.
"You're always so good with her," Summer said.
"Who knew I would love fatherhood so much?" Kyle said.
"I can tell you do," Summer said, "It's wonderful to see."
"There's someone else I love," Kyle said, "And I want to know what's bothering you, because you still look really sad."
"I just feel a little emotional today," Summer said.
Putting an arm around her shoulders, Kyle said, "You must have a reason."
"It's hard to talk about," Summer said.
"You know you can tell me anything," Kyle said.
Taking a deep breath to gather herself, Summer said, "I talked to him today. I talked to Fen. Every time I see him, I end up apologizing and trying to get him to forgive me."
"What made you want to try again with him today?" Kyle said.
"Well, it was Susie," Summer said, "She told me Fen wanted to talk to me. Turns out Susie was trying to play cupid, by putting me and Fen back together."
"That's why I couldn't find you," Kyle said, "Susie tried the same thing with me. She wants her Mom and me back together. I take it your talk didn't go well."
"Fen said a lot of things about how he feels," Summer said, "I saw all of his hurt feelings and to hear the pain in his voice when he told me he still loved me, just about broke me."
Noticing Summer's tears start again, Kyle hugged Summer, saying, "I know how you feel. It' going to take time for everyone to get over this."
"It hurts, knowing I caused him so much pain," Summer said, "I don't want him to hate me forever. I couldn't stand that."
Pulling back to look at her, Kyle said, "He doesn't hate you, he hates the situation."
"What's the difference?" Summer said, "I caused all of this, with my panic attack."
"It was meant to be," Kyle said, "You and me. Maybe it was the universes way of putting things right."
"You don't really believe that, do you?" Summer said.
"Well, whatever the reason, I'm glad you and I are together," Kyle smiled.
Reaching over to stroke his cheek, Summer said, "Oh, Kyle, so am I." They shared a quick kiss.
Walking into the coffeehouse, Evelyn approached the front counter. No one was there, causing her to look around for the waitress.
"What can I get you?" Sharon's voice startled Evelyn, as she appeared behind the front counter.
"Oh, I was expecting the waitress," Evelyn said.
"Everyone has left for the day, I'm closing soon," Sharon said, "So you get me." She smiled.
"Maybe, I should go if you're closing," Evelyn said.
"Not to worry," Sharon said, "This is why we are open at this hour. For customers. You might as well treat yourself to whatever you came in for."
"A coffee," Evelyn said.
"Are you sure?" Sharon said.
"Excuse me?" Evelyn said.
"My apologies, but if I had a coffee at this time of day, I would be up most of the night," Sharon said.
"A cup of decaffeinated will suit me just fine," Evelyn said.
"Coming right up," Sharon said. As she put Evelyn's coffee on the counter, Sharon said, "I've seen you in here before, but we've never met. Your resemblance is…forgive me, but I find it fascinating how you look so much like someone I used to know. By the way, I'm Sharon."
"Yes, I know," Evelyn said, "Sharon Newman. I know all about you."
"I beg your pardon?" Sharon said.
"Your marriages have been well highlighted in articles I've read," Evelyn said, "Some of your accomplishments as well."
"And you are…?" Sharon said.
"Evelyn," she said.
"Well, Evelyn," Sharon said, "I don't know what you think you know about me, but you can't believe everything you read."
"You were married to Nicholas Newman at a young age, and share two children. You've been married to Dylan McAvoy. Do you ever hear from him anymore?"
"I am not comfortable discussing my personal life with strangers," Sharon said, "How do you know all of this?"
"I told you, I read," Evelyn said, "I also know you were married to my Jack."
"Your Jack?" Sharon said, "You mean Jack Abbott?"
"He and I have been dating for some time," Evelyn said.
"Just the same, my relationship with Jack was a lifetime ago," Sharon said, "We are friends, not that I have to explain my relationships to you."
"I also know, you had a stay in Fairview," Evelyn taunted, "How did that work out for you?"
"Who are you?" Sharon said.
"Inquiring minds want to know," Evelyn said.
"Do I know you, from Fairview?" Sharon said.
Evelyn laughed and said, "I've been in lots of places that might surprise you. I watch people and I'm a very good judge of character."
"If you are watching me, that can be fixed by going to the police," Sharon said.
"I've met Chief Williams," Evelyn smiled, "Isn't he such a nice man."
"I don't think I want to talk with you anymore," Sharon said.
"Don't you like nice men?" Evelyn said.
"Are you a reporter?" Sharon said, "Trying to dig up dirt on me for a story?"
"You should never keep secrets," Evelyn said, "They have a bad habit of coming out."
"I haven't the slightest idea what you're talking about," Sharon said.
"Stealing babies…Adam Newman…" Evelyn put a finger to her lips and chuckled.
"Get out of my coffeehouse," Sharon said, "Think long and hard before coming back."
"Alright, I'm on my way," Evelyn said, grabbing her coffee cup, "But maybe if you think long and hard, you can figure me out."
Sharon followed Evelyn to the door, locking it behind her. Sharon stood for a few minutes a confused and worried look coming into her eyes. Shaking her head, Sharon busied herself with closing the business for the day.
"Is that good?" Summer smiled, as she sat in the Abbott dining room, spooning oatmeal to Diana.
Walking in Kyle smiled himself when he saw them. "What are you ladies up to?" he said.
"Breakfast," Summer said, "She couldn't wait to get started."
"I'm glad you like your food," Kyle said.
"Do you want a taste?" Summer said.
"Ah, no thanks," Kyle said, "I will just have one of these incredible looking muffins." Summer looked at him quizzically, prompting Kyle to add, "And a piece of fruit."
Summer nodded in approval, before focusing back on the infant. "Where's your Dad this morning?" she said.
"He had an early breakfast meeting," Kyle said, "Traci did too, so we have the dining room to ourselves."
Hearing the sound of the back door, Summer said, "Or not."
Kyle and Summer looked in that direction, to see Rachel walk in.
"Good morning," Kyle said.
"Good morning?" Rachel said with a look of displeasure, "That's all you have to say?"
"Is something wrong?" Kyle said.
"How could you?" Rachel said.
"What have I done?" Kyle said.
Displaying an envelope in her hands, Rachel said, "I just had a process server come to my door. Imagine my surprise when I found myself looking at divorce papers!" She slammed the envelope onto the table. "Thanks for the heads up, Kyle!" she spat.
"You had to know this was coming," Kyle said.
"I didn't know you had contacted a lawyer and filed," Rachel said, "You could have prepared me. This is some welcome home."
"I'm sorry if you were blindsided," Kyle said, "But we both need to move forward. Why wait?"
"You can't seem to," Rachel said. Looking over at Summer, Rachel said, "What is it you're doing?"
"Feeding Diana," Summer said.
"She's supposed to have a bottle," Rachel said.
"We started her on oatmeal," Kyle said, "She likes it and was a natural eating from a spoon."
"You are her father," Rachel said, "Why aren't you feeding her?"
"Because we alternate," Kyle said, "Sometimes Summer feeds her, sometimes I do."
"And she's all done," Summer said, using the bib, clean up the baby's face.
"Summer can you please take her upstairs," Kyle said, "Rachel and I need to talk."
"I can do that," Summer said. Lifting Diana out of her high chair, Summer said, "Come on, sweetheart."
Kyle and Rachel waited until Summer was out of the room, Rachel watching her with jealousy.
"I don't feel like talking right now," Rachel said.
"We need to," Kyle said, taking her hand and leading her to the living room.
Once they reached the other room, Rachel said, "I don't know where to start."
"This conversation is long overdue," Kyle said, inviting her to sit next to him on the couch.
"So, what comes next," Rachel sighed, as she took her seat.
"First of all, I am sorry, I sprung this on you," Kyle said.
"I can't believe our marriage came to this," Rachel said, "Especially so soon. We would have celebrated our second anniversary in a few months."
"I know," Kyle said, "I'm sorry we didn't get there."
"I never wanted this," Rachel said, "I didn't want to lose you. I still don't, however I realize, I need to accept you are moving on with someone else. It's hard to let go."
"This is difficult for me too," Kyle said, "We had something special, I feel sad it's over."
"You don't suppose there is any way would could…fix it?" Rachel said.
Kyle sighed. "The damage has been done," he said, "There is nothing left to salvage."
"Which means you don't want to," Rachel said, her eyes down.
Kyle took her hand and said, "Hey, I still care a lot about you and I want you to be happy. I honestly don't think I can give you that anymore."
"I know," Rachel said, "But I still love you."
"I love you," Kyle said, "As someone I want to remain close to me."
"I thought we were going to be together forever," Rachel said.
"And ever," Kyle said.
Kyle saw the tears come into Rachel's eyes, and pulled her into a hug. They held each other close, Kyle rubbing her back a few times, before they separated.
Wiping her tears away, Rachel half laughed saying, "I wasn't going to cry."
"Me either," Kyle said, choking back a few tears of his own. Clearing his throat, Kyle said, "One thing I want you to have, is our…the house. You can live there as long as you like. I will be staying here at the main house, where I can be close by for Diana and if you need anything."
"I appreciate that," Rachel said, "I would like to stay there, at least for now."
"It's yours," Kyle said, "So, you will need to get in touch with your lawyer and go over the petition. If there is anything you want to change, we will work at it, until we have a mutually, beneficial agreement. My lawyer needs to know, who is representing you. I assume Brittany, but didn't know for sure."
"I will be contacting her," Rachel said.
"Okay, I will pass that along," Kyle said, "Then all we need to do is sign and let the lawyers work out the rest."
"You make it sound so simple," Rachel said.
"I know it's not," Kyle said.
"So you expect me to sign out marriage away and say, here you go?" Rachel said.
"I know it's not easy," Kyle said.
"I can't do it," Rachel said.
"Rachel…" Kyle said.
"I'm not going to sign anything," Rachel said, "I still believe in us and I am going to fight this divorce."
"You can't be serious," Kyle said, "Do you really want to drag this out in court?"
"No," Rachel smirked, unable to hold her laughter in.
"What are you doing?" Kyle said, "What's funny? Are you kidding?"
"You should have seen the panic in your face," Rachel said, "It was priceless."
Kyle smirked back at her, shaking his head at falling for her trick. "You're getting me back, for springing this on you," he said.
"Serves you right," Rachel said.
"So, you're not fighting me on this?" Kyle said.
"No, I won't fight you," Rachel said, "I'm not overjoyed, but I know we need to move things along."
"Thank you," Kyle said, "That was not funny."
"You will laugh later," Rachel said.
Adam walked into the coffeehouse and upon seeing Sharon, he turned to walk the other way.
Spying him Sharon called out, "Adam!"
Adam hesitated, before turning back around to see Sharon rushing towards him.
"Morning," Adam said.
"Hi," Sharon said, "I'm sorry to flag you down like that, but I was hoping you had a few minutes."
"Aren't you afraid that you know who will see us," Adam said, "I heard he was out."
"I don't care if he does," Sharon said, "He knows he is not welcome here. Anyway, I don't want to discuss Rey."
"Then what is on your mind?" Adam said.
"Have you been talking to anyone?" Sharon said, "About me?"
"What?" Adam said, "I haven't discussed you with anyone."
"I have been going over this in my mind and can't figure out what was going on," Sharon said.
"I need a little more information," Adam said.
"Last night, that woman who looks like Diane Jenkins, came in here," Sharon said, "It was late, just before close. She was acting really strange."
"Go on," Adam said.
"She started spewing all of this information she knows about me," Sharon said, "My marriage to Nick, my kids, she even brought up Dylan to me! She knows about my stay at Fairview, then she was talking about secrets and she mentioned you."
"What about me?" Adam said.
"The fact that I knew you, I think," Sharon said, "She wasn't making any sense."
"Then what happened?" Adam said.
"I threw her out and warned her about coming back," Sharon said, "It was very unnerving."
Adam was nodding his head. "Adam, why don't you seem surprised?" Sharon said.
"I've had a run in with the woman myself," Adam said, "She was cold and rude. She threw all this hostility at me, out of nowhere. She claimed to know things about me too. I talked to Kyle Abbott and she has acted out with him too. He doesn't trust her. And get this, Evelyn is dating Jack Abbott."
"She mentioned that to me," Sharon said, "She referred to him as my Jack, like she owns him. Should we say something to Jack?"
"Not yet," Adam said, "I want to find out more information. It can't be a coincidence that she looks so much like the former Miss Jenkins."
"Do you think she's stalking us?" Sharon said.
"No, but she is up to something," Adam said, "A person doesn't get all defensive, like she did with me, unless they are hiding something. I was just going to let it go, but now that she's come after you, I will do some digging. See what I can find out about Evelyn Perkins."
"There is one more very important thing to discuss," Kyle said, "Custody."
"Yes, we need to do what is best for Diana," Rachel said.
"My lawyer said we can either come up with a verbal agreement between us, or custody can be stipulated in the divorce papers," Kyle said, "It can be a separate item too, but I would prefer it's written somewhere in legal document."
"You wouldn't trust my word?" Rachel said.
"It's not that," Kyle said, "But what if something happens to one of us? Suppose something happens to me and you need to prove we had joint custody, so you can update the terms of custody for you. Just taking each other's word, is not going to hold up in a court."
"That's a good point," Rachel said, "I hadn't thought of that. I hope you are speaking hypothetically and nothing is going to take you away."
"Just a what if, that we need to plan for," Kyle said, "I'm not going anywhere."
"You're not sick again?" Rachel carefully said.
"No, I'm perfectly fine," Kyle said, "No worries."
"But you would tell me if you were?" Rachel said, "I'm sorry to bring it up, I just need to know, that you would keep me informed if anything changes."
"It's okay, I appreciate your concern," Kyle said, It's not like it doesn't cross my mind, from time to time, that it could come back. I'm just taking things day by day and if the time comes, I will tell you for sure."
"Let's hope it doesn't," Rachel said.
"Hoping and praying," Kyle said, "So, are you okay with joint custody?"
"Yes, but I don't want to shuttle her back and forth between us," Rachel said, "She needs to have some stability."
"I've had her for two months," Kyle said, "Summer and I love having her with us, but maybe changing parents every eight weeks would be okay. It's not like she has far to go when the time for change comes. We can make exceptions for holidays and her birthday, so we can both spend those special times with her."
"I like that," Rachel said, "Does this mean you will let me take her home tonight?"
Kyle paused before he said, "You want to start this now?"
"I've missed her so much," Rachel said, "She's growing every day and I don't want to miss any more time. We have a lot to make up for."
"I guess, it is fair to let you have her," Kyle said, "It will be strange not having her with me."
"I know you will miss her, but we should be able to visit when it's not our turn," Rachel said.
"You can move her in tonight," Kyle said.
"Thank you," Rachel said, "I'm looking forward to having her."
"As for formal custody, do we have an agreement?" Kyle said.
"Joint custody it is," Rachel said.
"Excellent," Kyle smiled.
"Just one thing," Rachel said, "I have a condition."
"What's that?" Kyle said.
"Summer is not a part of this," Rachel said.
"Of course this is an agreement between you and me," Kyle said.
"I mean, Summer is not included in this arrangement," Rachel said.
"What are you saying?" Kyle said.
"That when it's your time with Diana, Summer is not a part of that," Rachel said.
"Summer and I are building a life together," Kyle said, "She will be part of mine and Diana's life. The two of them get along great. Summer loves Diana and Diana loves her."
"That may be, but there is going to have to be a change," Rachel said, "I don't want that woman around my child."
"And why not?" Kyle said.
"I don't trust her and I don't want her type of influence on my daughter," Rachel said.
"That's ridiculous," Kyle said, "Summer would never do anything to cause Diana distress."
"You are entitled to your opinion," Rachel said, "But those are my terms."
"Do you expect me to choose between the woman I love and my daughter?" Kyle said.
"That is up to you," Rachel said, "But I will not allow Summer Newman to be a part of Diana's upbringing and I will get a judge to stipulate this, if that's what it takes."
"I am not going to agree to this and you really want to take this to court?" Kyle said, "I know you don't like Summer, but I am shocked that you are using Diana, as a means to keep us apart."
"I'm doing this for Diana," Rachel said.
"No, you're doing this out of spite," Kyle said.
"If you can't agree, then you leave me no choice," Rachel said, "I will sue you for full custody."
Kyle's eyes were wide with the anger building up inside of him. "You would take me away from her? Keep her from me? If that's the way you feel, then go ahead. I will counter sue for full custody."
"You do that," Rachel said, "But I am her mother and I have an excellent lawyer, so you won't win."
"We'll see about that," Kyle said, "Now, I think you better leave, before I say something I will regret."
"You said Diana could come with me," Rachel said.
Kyle was fuming, but knew he could not go back on his word. "She will be having a nap soon," Kyle said, "I will bring her over afterwards. Give me some time to get her things together."
"You had better not make up some excuse to keep her," Rachel said.
Pointing to the door, Kyle said, "Go."
Rachel marched to the door, pausing to look back at a furious Kyle as he stood, with his back to her. Rachel shut the door hard, behind her.
Sitting in his office, Adam was deep in thought. "Okay, Evelyn Perkins," Adam mused, "You don't like me, or Sharon, yet you know everything about us. You know about Sharon at Fairview. Your keeping secrets…maybe you know about Sharon because you were at Fairview? A doctor…a fellow patient?"
A look of realization, came into Adam's eyes. "A fellow patient…could that be it?"
Adam typed feverishly into his laptop. Scanning the contents of his screen, Adam said, "There you are. Incarcerated 2016, release date 2020."
Sitting back in his chair, Adam said, "It all fits. It's the only thing that makes sense." Staring at his screen, Adam said, "What have you done?"
Phyllis was busy at the front counter of her hotel, with her back to the entrance, when a voice behind her said, "Excuse me?"
"I'll be with you in one moment," Phyllis said. Turning around, Phyllis's eyes were wide as she exclaimed, "Ah!" at the sight of Diane Jenkins.
Backing against the counter Phyllis stammered, "No…how..?"
"Oh, it's alright, I am not Diane Jenkins," Evelyn said, "My name is Evelyn Perkins, you are not seeing a ghost."
"Perkins…" Phyllis repeated in awe. Trying to recover herself, Phyllis said, "Of course you are Miss Perkins. Kyle Abbott, he mentioned this to me. Although it's the first time I've seen you. Pardon me for being unprofessional, you startled me."
"I get that a lot," Evelyn said.
"Yes, I suppose you would," Phyllis said, regulating her breathing. Trying to laugh it off she said, "How can I help you?"
"I would like a room," Evelyn said.
"Of course you would," Phyllis said, "What did you say your name was?"
"Evelyn Perkins," she said.
Phyllis set up her guest on the computer and handed her a room key. "My name is Phyllis, let me know if you need anything. Enjoy your stay," Phyllis said.
"Thank you," Evelyn said.
Phyllis stared incredulously at the back of Evelyn as she stepped onto the elevator. As the doors closed, Phyllis shuddered.
Evelyn entered her room, shutting the door behind her, she applied all the locks. Setting her suitcase aside, Evelyn surveyed her surroundings. "Nice," she said, testing the sofa and the bed mattress. Evelyn checked her view outside the window and said, "This will do."
Sauntering across the room, she sat in front of a mirror. She looked at her image, for few minutes, before saying, "The end of another day." Evelyn reached up and began to detach false eyelashes. Contacts were removed to reveal an alternate eye color. Evelyn blinked her eyes before, reaching for a set of false teeth that she took off and set aside. Lastly Evelyn, pulled off her wig and hair net, to reveal a short shaggy natural hairstyle. Evelyn fluffed her hair with her hands saying, "Much better."
Adam was anxiously waiting on his phone, for the other end to pick up, sighing when it went to voicemail. Leaving a message, Adam said, "Sharon, it's me. I think I know who our friend Evelyn really is. Please call me back, because if I'm right, heaven help anyone who crosses her."
Evelyn stared at a picture of Jack, on her phone, caressing the image with her fingers. "Jack, I do love you so. I know you love me too. It won't be long before we will be together for always."
Evelyn looked at her natural image in the mirror. Smiling she said, "Oh Patty, you're so clever." Patty began to giggle.