Shattered Trust, Stolen Hearts 26-30

Derek is sitting in his cell, looking like a shadow of the man he once was. I
linger in the doorway, watching him, my enemy, and I actually feel a lump in
my throat. He looks up, and sees me. His frown curls into an enormous smile.

"Why are you looking so worried, Meg?" He stands up and walks to the bars.
I take a step towards him as I remind myself that he can no longer hurt me.
"Are you afraid that I'm giving up?"

"I wish you would, Derek." I shake my head in despair. "If not for yourself,
for those children. Little Clive and Susan. What do you think about how
they're feeling?"

"That's true, but what about the future? You're going to be in here for the
rest of their lives. Maria's dead. They're orphans. Or they might as well be.
What has it been for? Is it really worth it?"

"As if Brother Ben knows the truth. He goes through life with his eyes
closed
to the seedy side of life." He sounds angry now as he hits his pillow for
relief. "I hate him, Meg."

"He doesn't hate you, Derek." I tell him. "He feels sorry for you, but Ben
doesn't know how to hate. He should, after all the hateful, evil things you've
put him through. There have been times when I've hated you, but Ben never
has."

"Do you hate me at this moment?" He is so desperate to get the subject
away from Ben that he turns the subject back to me.

"No. I just feel angry with you. You hurt us, Derek. I can't forgive that
easily." I know he feels something for me, but I need to see some remorse
for all the things he's done to hurt us. That is the only thing that will make
me feel better.

"What do you want me to do, Meg? Get down on my knees and beg your
forgiveness?" He comes over to me and squeezes his face between the
bars.
"Because I will, Meg..."

"Now you just look pathetic." I walk away. "Derek, there is nothing you can
do that will ever make me forgive you. Anyway, you should be telling this to
your children." I turn around as I wipe my tears away. "You spent your
whole
life, hating Ben, but trying to be Ben, instead of being yourself. If you can't
see that, I'm wasting my time here."

"Meg, please stay. You're my final chance at redemption!" He begs me. He's
practically on his knees now. "I love you."

"I don't love you. You're an evil, cold-hearted man who is too weak to live
his
own life....."

"And Ben has? Yeah, right? Let me tell you something about your precious
lover, honey. You are so much like Maria. Hell, he probably even married
you
because you remind him of her. You're an imitation of his first wife. He's
using you to gain redemption for her accident." He takes me by surprise
with
his speech. "You say that I'm a poor imitation of Ben, well it takes one to
know one. Welcome to my world!"

"I know what you're doing, and it won't work." I go up to the bars. "You're
damn lucky to be behind those bars, otherwise you'd be flat on your back."

"I never knew you cared." He comes over to me and touches my hand. "You
should have told me how you felt at the cottage. I am so good at satisfying
women, baby..."

"Just listen, Derek. I wouldn't sleep with you if you were the last man on
the
earth." I know I've said all this before, but he didn't understand.

"Fighting talk, Meg. Why don't you ask the nice officer to open up and let us
have a little one on one?" He smiles.

"Okay, Derek." I decide to sink down to his level, and play his games. "Why
don't I put this in a language you can understand? Goodbye, have a nice
life!"
I turn to go away.

"Look after Clive and Susan for me. They're good children." He pleads with
me. I look at him. "I really love them, Meg. I don't want to see them lost in
the system."

"Why didn't you think of that before you committed those awful crimes?" I
ask very gently, not expecting to get an answer.

"Because I'm so consumed with hate, that I can help myself." All of his
lightness has gone. The cold truth is sinking in.

"Derek, it's not too late. You can clean yourself up in prison, get educated
and
come out in ten, fifteen years to live a good life." I tell him. and I really
mean it. "Those children deserve a real father."

"I do. I just know he'll be a good daddy. I saw how much he loves you." He
sits on the bed. "He'd do anything to protect you, and I trust him with my
babies." The way he says 'babies' just breaks my heart.

"Meg, visiting is over. Say goodbye, Derek." I follow Ricardo out of the
room.
I look back at Derek, a broken man who could help himself. Maybe prison will
change him.

Ben is waiting for me. My Ben, who adores me and who saved me. I run into
his arms. I am so tired of being brave.

"Okay, sweetie." He leads me to the car. I hate asking him about Clive and
Susan. I know he wants all reminders of Derek to be gone.......

“Well, what’s wrong?” Ben sits next to me. He is looking very serious. “Did
Derek try anything on?”

“Of course he is. But that has never stopped him before.” He starts to
nuzzle my neck. “Is this important? Only I know something better to do...”

“I bet you do.” I push him away. “But if I did that, it would look as if I was
trying to seduce you into saying yes, and I’d never do that. Well, I would,
but not about that.”

“The answer is no, Meg. We’ve talked about this before.” He starts to pace
the floor. This is a very bad sign.

“Well, that’s okay, Meg. My brother can charm women and it seems he’s
charmed you.” He is so angry. He grabs his leather jacket.

“Don’t run away, Ben.” I plead with him. “Derek has not charmed me, but he
loves those children.”

“Even a snake loves his offspring.” He goes to the door. “I’m going for a
walk, and when I come back, the subject is closed. It’s far too painful for
me to even think about.”

“I’m sorry, Ben.” I hate arguing with him, and this is our first fight since we
got together. That is a miracle. “I just felt torn in two, I know my loyalties
should be with you, but I’m not doing this because of Derek, I’m doing this
for those children. They deserve to have a home, filled with love.”

“I agree, but not here.” He goes through the door and lets it shut. I can’t
believe how insensitive I was to his needs. All I was thinking about were
those children.

I burst into tears. These last few days have been very hard. I guess it’s
taken its toll on Ben too. I wander out to the beach for some fresh air, and
I see Ben sitting under the tree where we first saw each other. He is
looking pensive. He glances towards the house and sees me. His eyes are red,
and I know he has been crying too. I go to him and put my arms around his
shoulders.

I nod. “We’ve both been through so much these last few weeks. I think
you’re right. We can’t take Clive and Susan. We need time together.”

“I’ve been selfish, Meg. Just thinking about my needs, not about you.” Ben
says. “I think we’ve got some serious talking to do, you and I. And then
maybe I’ll feel strong enough to take Derek’s children in.”

“I know how difficult it is for you, Ben. They’re not only Derek’s, but
Maria’s. That’s got to hurt. I was only thinking of my needs.”

“You have to stop blaming yourself. You didn’t ask Derek to take you away,
in the same way, it is not your fault that he is in jail now.” Ben brushes my
lips with whisper kisses. “And you have every right to think about yourself.
You’ve been through one hell of an ordeal these past few weeks. Now, shall
we go inside?”

I take his hand, and he leads me into the house. He scoops me in his arms
and carries me upstairs. “I thought you wanted to talk, Ben.”

“I do, but I think we both really need this.” He puts me on the bed and
starts to unbutton my blouse. “Imagine we’re in Venice, in a four-poster
bed, with no worries....”

I close my eyes and try to imagine the scene. It is not very difficult with
Ben’s luscious lips making their way down my body. I nuzzle his neck. I need
him. Tonight we’re communicating with our bodies.

He pulls away for a second. “My God, Meg, you’re so beautiful. I love you so
much.” He rolls on top of me, and we make love very slowly, enjoying every
second of our precious time together. We fall asleep in each others’ arms.

I am the first to wake. I sit up and look at my beloved. He is sleeping
soundly. I wonder what he is dreaming about, but I hope they are happy
dreams. He wakes and looks at me through sleepy eyes. “Good morning,
gorgeous.” I greet him with a tender kiss.

“What a way to wake up!” He sits up in bed. “I slept really well. I think I’ve
found a cure for restlessness. It’s making love.” I laugh at him. He certainly
looks happier today.

“I’m sorry we fought yesterday.” He says. “I get like that
sometimes, but only over certain things. Like....”

“I hope he’s in jail for life.” Ben pulls his robe on. “That way we won’t have
to deal with him.”

“The future. What we want, what our dreams are, that sort of thing. Is our
love really enough?”

“I do, Meg.” He crawls over to me and takes me in his arms. “It’s just that
everything has been so hectic lately. It will settle down.”

“I hope so, Ben.” I smile. “Just being with you is enough for me. There is
nothing I want more. How can I convince you of that?” I run my fingers
through his chest. He leans over and starts to kiss my lips. His tongue
enters my mouth and before I know it, we are necking like a couple of
teenagers. I pull away. “I am so hungry for you, Ben. Everything you do
satisfies me so completely.”

“I am hungry for you too, Meg.” He rolls on top of me, and we make love
again. A gentle breeze is blowing off the ocean, cooling us down. When we
have finished devouring each other, Ben gets out of bed and pulls me into
the shower where we cool down together......

It’s weird the things that happen at the most inopportune time. Ben is
standing in the bathroom, completely naked, and I have only my robe on.
The door knocks.

I go up to him and kiss him on the cheek. “You stay here, darling, and I’ll
answer the door. I won’t be long.” I run downstairs and open the door.

“Hello Meg.” It is Ricardo. “I have a big favour to ask of you, and I
completely understand if you say no.”

“It’s Derek. He’s been screaming for you. Apparently he asked you and Ben
to look after his children...”

“You can tell my evil twin brother that Meg and I have enough to deal with
and we won’t be pressured into making such an important decision.” Ben
takes me by surprise by marching downstairs.

“No, you clearly don’t understand what we’ve experienced in the past month.
If you did, you’d never come around here.” He interrupts. “Now, if you’ll
excuse us, we’d like to be left alone here.”

A cry comes out of nowhere. “At this moment, little Clive and Susan are
with Bette. They need to be with their uncle, they need to see a familiar
face. Derek is driving us all mad at the station.”

“Don’t yell at me. I’m only the messenger.” Ricardo throws his hands in the
air. “If you don’t take the children, I’ll....”

“So is murder, but your boyfriend got away with that.” Ricardo says. “Okay,
that was below the belt. All I’m asking is that you see Derek’s children, and
talk to them.”

“It’s upto Ben.” I look at him. He is trying to contain his anger. I don’t
blame him. What Ricardo did was downright cruel.

“I can’t give you an answer right now.” Ben walks away. Ricardo follows him.
“Ricardo, are you deaf? I need some peace, and then I’ll talk to you. Leave
my house now, please.” He raises his voice slightly. Ricardo backs away.

“Evans, you’ve really lost the plot.” Ricardo walks towards the door. “I
always thought you were crazy, but now I know it.”

“Do you blame him? My God, Ricardo, in the past month, we’ve been stalked,
he’s been shot, I’ve been abducted.” I hiss at him. “Just give us a break.”
In that split second, I understand what Ben has been through. Ricardo
shakes his head and leaves. I shut the door.

“Have I told you how much I love you today?” I nod my head. “Then double
that amount a million times. Because you have saved me from myself, Meg.”
He slumps on the couch and puts his face in his hands. I go to him and put
my arms around him.

“We saved each other, and now nothing can divide us.” I am determined to
make him see that in so much pain, so much misery that our love is the only
thing that matters. “Come on, Ben. Let’s get dressed and go for a walk on
the beach. It’s a pity to waste such a beautiful day.”

“You’re the beautiful one, Meg.” He looks up at me and I see that sparkle
return to his eyes. I stand and pull him up. I wrap my arms around him in a
giant hug. “Can’t we stay here, in bed?”

“No, Ben Evans, we are going out into the big wide world and showing
everyone that this is not tearing us apart, that we’re still as strong as ever.”
I tell him. I lean forward and kiss his lips. “Is that better?”

“If only you knew how incredible you make me feel.” Ben follows me upstairs.
“Okay, we’ll go for a walk.”

We get ready and leave the house. Although it is still officially winter, the
air is warm and balmy. Ben is smiling, he actually looks happy. “I’m glad you
talked me into this walk, Meg. Just being on the beach is helping me relax.
And of course, you can’t beat the company!”

“No, you should listen to your own heart, Ben. It will never let you down.” I
say. I look towards the ocean and see two little children. “I think we should
go home. Or maybe we could go to Elaines’ and get a coffee.”

“Meg, what’s wrong?” He turns to face me, then he looks at the children. “I
see Derek’s children.” He watches them intently. “They’re beautiful. The
boy looks like Derek.”

“Confused, angry, to tell the truth.” He admits. “You’re right. We should go
and get a coffee. Maybe we could visit them tonight.”

“Yes. I mean, they’re the innocent ones in all this. They didn’t ask their
father to kill their mother. They need us, Meg.” He has tears in his eyes.

“I love you, Ben Evans.” I put my arms around him and kiss him gently.
“You’re very special.” He takes my hand and leads me away to discuss our
destiny...

“I hate to admit it, Meg, but I’m really nervous.” Ben says. “What if they
don’t like me?”

“I’m afraid they’ll look at me and see Derek.” He sighs, and looks so
vulnerable that I just go up to him and embrace him.

“I’m not going to say it will be easy, but once they know who you are, they
will love you for being their Uncle Ben. Trust me, children know these
things.” I smile. “Remember everything we talked about this afternoon? You
were more honest than you’ve ever been in your whole life. That’s the Ben
Clive and Susan are going to see.”

“How could I forget the beautiful things we talked about, Meg?” He leans
over and gently brushes his fingers over my lips. “I told you I wanted to
spend the rest of eternity with you. I want to make you my wife. I want to
be your husband.”

“There’s nothing I want more.” I kiss his fingers. “But one step at a time.
You are going to be a wonderful father to all our children.” The ‘phone
rings. “I’ll get that while you finish dressing.”

I reach for the ‘phone. “Meg?” A familar voice says. “It’s Derek. No, don’t
hang up. Ricardo told me that you convinced Ben to see my children.”

“We’re not like you, Derek. We don’t think it’s right for the children to
suffer.” I snap at him. Ben notices the change of tone in my voice.

“I suppose I deserved that.” Derek sighs. “But I will be out one day so don’t
you poison those children against me.”

“Uh, can you do me another favour?” He asks. “Will you and Ben come to see
me one last time?”

I cover the phone. “He wants to see us. Can you believe the nerve of that
man?” A slow smile crosses his face. “What are you thinking, Ben?”

He takes the phone. “Derek, we will see you........No, not tonight, tomorrow
morning. Bye.”

“No, my darling Meg, I have just found it.” He hugs me. “I need to take my
life back. Once and for all.”

I look at him. He seems so much stronger now, more in charge of his life.
“Whatever it takes, Ben. You need to forgive Derek in order to move on.”

“I’ll never forgive Derek, Meg. I just want to look him in the eyes and show
him that I’m a better man than he is...”

“Please understand. Derek has always made me feel like I was worthless.
Oh, he’ll tell you that he was the hard done by twin, but he took every
opportunity to make me feel like I was the scum of the earth. Deep down,
I’ve always felt that way until you saved me. I want him to see the new me.”
He explains.

“You haven’t changed, Ben. You just needed a little more confidence.” I kiss
his cheek. “Now, let’s go!”

“Ben, what are you doing?” I laugh, but stop when his tender lips meet mine,
and our tongues meet, wagging, hungry for each other. Ben can’t hold back
any longer. I sense his innate need for me.

“I just want you to know that life won’t always be like this.” He stands up
and straightens his clothes.

“I have a surprise for you when we get back.” He teases me. “It’s something
you deserve so prepare yourself.”

“You’ll like this one, I promise.” Ben takes my hand and leads me to the door.
“Come on, let’s go!”

On the short walk to Bette’s, I look at Ben. What is he thinking? He looks so
calm, but I know that inside he is all churned up at the thought of seeing
these children. I squeeze his hand tightly.

“Thank God, muffin.” She throws her arms around us. “Those children are a
nightmare. I swear even that niece of mine wasn’t as bad....”

“Bette, Bette, Bette.” Ben tries to calm her down. “We’re not here to take
them yet, only to visit.”

“Oh, I know. Their social worker, Ms Morgan, called me, but it’s just good to
see another adult.” Bette leads us in. “Clive, Susan, your uncle is here to see
you.”

Fortunately Bette rescues him. “No, children, this is your Uncle Ben. He’s
your daddy’s twin brother. Just like you two.”

“I know you don’t, sweetie, but Ben is your Uncle, believe me.” Bette takes
their hands and leads them to the couch. “He’s come to meet you, with his
girlfriend, Meg.”

“He’s had to go away.” Ben tries to explain. “But he’s told me to tell you that
he loves you both so much, and that he wants you to live with us.”

“Suppose so.” Clive mutters. I can see that he is going to be much harder to
reach than his sister.

“Well, you think about it.” Ben stands up. “We’ll see you tomorrow. Be good
for Bette.” He kisses Susan and pats Clive on the head gently.

“Thanks Ben.” Bette says. I take his hand and follow him out. Just as we
leave, I look around and see Susan wave to me.

“As long as we’re together, I’ll cope.” He opens the door. I gasp when I see
inside. He’s filled the house with white roses!

“I told you I planned a surprise!” He carries me into the house. “This could
be our last night alone. Let’s make the most of it!”

“You’re wonderful, Ben.” I kiss him hungrily. Whatever this night brings, I’m
sure that I’ll be a very happy woman by morning....

Ben scoops me into his arms and carries me to our room. I get the biggest
thrill when he does this. The sense of anticipation is amazing and more
intense with every passing moment. I can’t really explain it, except to say
that every time we make love, I see more of Ben’s soul and it’s so beautiful.
He stops at the bedroom door and puts me on the floor.

“Look.” He whispers. I open my eyes, and see that he’s filled the room with
tea candles and white roses. Soft, romantic music is playing. “It’s our oasis,
Meg. A place where time is suspended for us to be really together. In every
sense of the word.” My eyes fill with tears and I cannot speak. “Did I do
something wrong?”

I shake my head. “It’s perfect, Ben. Everything I love most is in this room.
Soft music, candles, roses and you. How will I ever want to leave?”

“Ah, that was part of my plan. To keep you here indefinitely.” He laughs. “I
just wanted you to be truly happy tonight.”

“I’m truly happy with you where-ever we are.” I stroke his face, lovingly. He
picks me up and lays me on the bed on top of the white roses. “I feel like I’m
in heaven now, Ben. These flowers are divine.”

“Oh Meg, it feels like such a long time since we’ve made love. I know it’s only
been a day, but..”

“I feel it too.” I reach out for him and pull him on top of me. “Make love to
me, Ben.”

I lift my arms up for him to relieve me of my dress. I feel free as he pulls my
dress off. I unbutton his jeans and gently help him out of his dress. We are
nearly naked, both spiritually, physically and emotionally.

Ben leaves me for a second. “Here, Meg, smell this.” He waves a bottle of oil
in front of me. I breathe in deeply. It’s lavender. “You are in for a treat.
Turn over.” He kneads my tired, aching back with his tender touch, but
instead of the lavender oil on my body, I feel Ben’s lips kissing my skin.
Before long, we are making love with so much passion, all the pent-up emotion
is released. I am surrounded by love and the wonderful scent of white roses.

“We were only doing what comes naturally.” He laughs. I look at him. His hair
is completely messy and his naked body is absolutely soaked with sweat, but
he still looks gorgeous.

I snuggle into him, breathing him in. Our bodies fit perfectly, just like our
lives. “Are you tired, Ben?”

“Ben, you’re naked!” I exclaim. “But we can still dance.” I turn the volume up.
It is ‘Truly, Madly, Deeply’ by Savage Garden. “I love this song. It must be...”

“Kismet.” We both say at once. I put my head on his body, feeling his body
mesh into mine. I look into his eyes. He embraces me in a tender kiss which
becomes a full lip lock. It is though time has become suspended and we are
the only two people in the world.

Finally the song comes to an end and we just stand there together. “Meg, I
have another surprise for you!”

“You’re really spoiling me tonight.” His eyes are sparkling with complete joy.
He reaches over for a tiny box, and opens it. I gasp.

“I know we discussed getting married this afternoon, but it was so
unromantic and business like. We both deserve better.” He drops onto one
knee. “Meg Cummings, you are my sun, moon and stars. The world looks
beautiful now that you’re here. Will you marry me?”

“Well, I don’t know...” I laugh. His face falls with disappointment. “Of
course, I’ll marry you, Ben. I love you with every part of me, and you are the
reason I still believe in my dreams. You not only support them, you help me
make them come true.”

“I’m so happy.” He picks me up and spins me around the room. My head is
giddy with excitement of what is to come. “I want to get married straight
away!”

“So do I, but it takes time to plan a wedding. As it’ll be the only wedding I’ll
ever have, I want the works. Bridesmaids, flower girls, white roses,
champagne, a dream dress!” I exclaim.

It is a dream come true. I look up to him. “No, Ben, all I need is you. And I
have you.....”

“Forever.” He leads me over to the bed where encased in a mass of white
roses, we make love very gently, very slowly and very tenderly......