Kansas Story
by Grace

Chapter 91 - 100

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Chapter 91 - The Reunion

March 14, Sunset Beach, California, Oak Drive

Ben: God, Meg I'm so sorry for what Derek did to you. For all that pain.

Meg: Hey, it's not your fault.

Ben: It is. I shouldn't have let that happen.

Meg (placing finger on Ben's lips): Shhh, don't say anything.

Ben: But what are you doing here?

Meg: I was robbed and.

Ben (scared): Robbed?

Meg: Yeah. but I'm OK. Anyway, the girl took my purse and started running away. I ran after her and she disappeared in one of the alleys. And when I was looking for her, I heard the rasp and came in. God, Ben, how could he hurt you like that? Are you OK? Does anything hurt you?

Ben: I'm fine, I was worried about you and that he would hurt you.

Meg: He didn't. (Meg looks into Ben's eyes and immediately knows what Ben has had on mind for some time) Ben, I didn't do it.

Ben: What?

Meg: I didn't sleep with him. I couldn't.

Ben (smiles as he realizes how well she knows him): I know.

Meg: I was about to once, but I freaked out and ran away. And then I walked in on him and Maria. Anyway, I didn't sleep with Derek. (Ben smiles) What?

Ben: Nothing. I love you.

Meg: I love you too. (she kisses him once again) Ben, why is he doing this?

Ben: I told you - he hates me.

Meg: But why? What did you do?

Ben: I didn't do anything wrong. I didn't. It's just Derek always thought that parents loved me more. But that's not true, they loved us the same.

Meg: Of course.

Ben: But Derek was always jealous of me. He thought that I had more parents' love, good grades, girls. He thought that it was unfair since we were twins.

Meg: But you were different, weren't you?

Ben: Yes. We were very different. That's probably why I had more friends indeed. But that was not my fault.

Meg: Of course not. How could it be?

Ben: Derek figured out that he would take away what's his?

Meg: And what would that be?

Ben: He tried to ruin my life a few years ago. He came to Sunset Beach and started impersonating me. He fooled everyone around. Including Maria.

Meg: So she DID.

Ben: Yeah.

Meg: I'm so sorry.

Ben: But Derek disappeared soon after that. Maria and I somehow managed to work things out between us. I didn't blame her. How could I blame her?

Meg doesn't say anything, she just squeezes Ben's hand.

Ben: I thought that Derek would finally leave me alone and go back to England.

Meg: But he didn't?

Ben: I don't know, maybe he did. But he appeared in Sunset Beach again a few weeks ago.

Meg: Ben, I'm so sorry.

Ben: No, no, I am the one who should be sorry. For letting Derek hurt you.

Meg: It's not your fault, Ben. (Meg takes a deep breath) He hurt me. He did. But only because I thought that he was you. Because I thought that you lied to me again and I couldn't stand that.

Ben: Meg, you know that I could never lie to you. I love you.

Meg: I know. But when I saw Derek with Maria and thought that it was you.

Meg bursts into tears again and Ben tries to hold her close, but the chains prevent him from embracing her. But still it's enough for Meg to feel his warmth again.

Ben (stroking Meg's hair): Hey, it's OK, it's OK. Everything will be fine.

Derek (appearing at the door): I don't think so.

 

 

Chapter 92 - Piece Of The Past

March 14, Sunset Beach, California, Oak Drive

Meg freezes. She lifts her head and sees his face. It's the same as Ben's, but so strange, cold and unknown. She squeezes Ben's hand.

Derek: Well, well, well, what do we have here? (turns to Meg) How did you find him? (laughs) Looks like you're not so INEXPERIENCED.

Ben: Shut up Derek!!!

Derek (kicking Ben): You shut up!!!

Meg (running at Derek): Don't you touch him!!!

Ben: Meg, no.

But it's too late. Derek grabs Meg's arm. She screams out of pain. Ben freaks out.

Ben: Let her go!

Derek: I don't think so.

Derek smiles and keeps holding Meg's arm. And although she doesn't want to admit, Ben knows how much it's hurting her.

Derek (turning to Meg): You would have saved yourself a lot of trouble if you hadn't come here.

Meg: And let you ruin mine and Ben's life.

Derek: He ruined mine and now I'm gonna ruin his!

Meg: What? How could he possibly ruin your life?!

Derek: How? I'll tell you exactly how. He took everything from me - my parents' love.

Ben: Damn you, Derek!

Derek: He took my parents' love, friends, girls, everything.

Ben: You were the only one to blame for the fact that you didn't have any friends. Everyone who got to know you better just walked out of your life because you made people do that. By the way that you behaved, the way you were.

Derek: No! You were the one who took everything from me!

Ben: Derek, don't.

Derek: What about Shelly? You knew I was in love with her!

Ben: I didn't know.

Derek: You knew! And that's why you started dating her!

Ben: You're sick!

Derek: Maybe. But it's all your fault.

Meg (screams): That is not true!

Derek: Shut up!

Meg (not listening to him): Ben could never hurt anyone! He wouldn't!

Derek: And what can YOU possibly know about him?!

Meg: More than you can ever imagine.

Derek: Come on, you've known each other for a few months.

Meg: That was enough for me to know that Ben could never hurt anyone!

Derek: You don't know anything!

Meg: I know more than you think!

Derek: Ben, please tell her to shut up or I will have to help her to shut up.

Ben: You touch her and you're dead!

Derek: From what I see you're closer to dead than I am.

Ben: Damn you!

Derek: But you know what - soon I'm gonna have everything I deserve. And I'm gonna have just as much fun as I had when I seduced your wife.

Meg (seeing pain in Ben's eyes): How can you be so cruel, Derek?

Derek: You think I'm cruel?

Meg: No, you're not cruel. You're also sick and disgusting!

Derek: And you are annoying. But soon this is going to end.

Derek takes out a gun. Ben and Meg freeze. He puts the gun to Meg's head.

Derek (turns to Meg): So, do you still think I'm disgusting?

Meg: I think you're.

Meg stops and involuntary puts her hands on her stomach. She screams out of pain.

Ben (realizing what's going on): God, no.

 

Chapter 93 - More Trouble

March 14, Sunset Beach, California, Oak Drive

Ben (seeing as Meg's eyes fill with tears): Meg, sweetheart, what's going on?

Meg (frightened): Ben, it's the baby.. the baby.

She screams out of pain again.

Ben: Damn it, Derek, let her go!!!

Derek: You're not gonna fool me.

Derek points the gun at Mg again. She doesn't even have a strength to say anything. She just cries trying not to collapse. Ben sees that there is something wrong going on. He looks into Meg's eyes. There is so much pain in them.

Meg (desperate): Derek, please. the baby.

Derek: The baby. the baby. Just stop it!

Meg (cries): No, please. I'm gonna loose it..

Ben's eyes fill with tears as he sees Meg's frightened face.

Meg (through tears, once more trying to get through to Derek): Please, let me go.

Derek (angry): Damn it, stop crying! And don't worry about the baby. Soon both of you are gonna be a history!

A voice from nowhere: No, you're gonna be a history, Derek!

Ben and Meg look at each other. Then they look at the door. They see Ricardo and officer Ruiz standing there. Derek looks around shocked.

Derek: What the hell.

Ricardo: Put that gun down, Derek!

Ricardo makes Derek look away and at the same time Ruiz runs to Derek and takes the gun away from him. Ben and Meg look at each other not knowing what's going on. They keep staring at each other and the next thing they see is Ruiz leading handcuffed Derek outside.

Ricardo (running to Meg): Meg, are you OK?

Meg: It hurts. the baby..

Ricardo: The baby?

Ben: She's pregnant?

Ricardo: Pregnant? Never mind. Ruiz, come here!!!

Ruiz appears at the door and they help Ben to get out of the chains. At the same time Meg starts feeling the pain again. This time it's even stronger than before.

Meg: God, Ben. I'm gonna loose the baby. No. God, no.

Ben (running to her and taking her in his arms): You're not gonna loose the baby. We're gonna get you to the hospital.

Ricardo helps Ben to lead Meg to the car. Ben and Meg get into the back seat and Ricardo starts the car.

Meg: What about Derek?

Ricardo: Ruiz and the rest are gonna take care of him.

Meg (cries again): God, don't take my baby. please..

Ben (holding her hand): He's not going to. he's not. It's gonna be OK...

After a while they reach South Bay. Ben and Ricardo lead Meg inside.

Ben (shouts): We need help! Somebody help us!

Rae appears and is shocked to see Ben and Meg. Meg is screaming out of pain.

Rae: Oh my God. Ben? Meg? What happened?

Meg: Please save my baby. please.

Rae: Your baby? You're. Oh my God.

Rae calls for one of the paramedics and they take Meg to the examine room.

Ben (going after Rae): Can I go with her?

Rae (surprised): You? Why? (he looks into Ben's eyes and realizes what's going on) I think there is a way too much going on in this town.

Ben: So, can I go with her?

Rae: I'm afraid not.

Ben: What do you mean?

Rae: You can't go in there. I'll let you know.

Rae disappears behind the door. Ben leans against the wall.

Ben (thinks): God, please don't do this to her. to us. I beg you. let Meg and the baby be OK.

Ben sees Ricardo coming closer.

Ben: How did you..

Ricardo: Ruiz was on duty and he found Meg's purse.

Ben: Yeah, she told me that she was robbed.

Ricardo: We found it strange, so we started looking...

Ben: And that's how you found me?

Ricardo: Yes.

Ben: Ricardo, thank you. I mean that after what happened between me and Maria.

Ricardo: Don't even go there Evans. I'm a cop. Helping people is my job.

Ben: I know and I appreciate it.

Ricardo: But don't count on me changing my feelings for you as Maria's brother.

 

 

Chapter 94 - Fear And Forgiveness

March 14, Sunset Beach, California, South Bay General

Meg: Rae, what's wrong with me? Am I gonna lose the baby?

Rae: Meg, please calm down.

Meg: I can't lose Ben's baby. I can't.

Rae: Just take it easy.

Meg: Rae please tell me. What does the result show?

Rae: Meg, you're not gonna lose the baby.

Meg (with tears in her eyes): Thank God.

Rae: But what happened to you? You're hurt.

Meg: That's a long story. But my baby is gonna be OK, isn't it?

Rae: Yes, the baby is fine.

Meg: Then what was that about?

Rae: That's because of stress. You must have been through a lot lately.

Meg: I have. These past few weeks were terrible. And today this whole thing with Derek.

Rae: Who is Derek?

Meg: That's a long story. Look, are you sure that everything is fine with the baby?

Rae: Yes. You just need to take it easy, OK? No stress, no physical push. Just take a few days off and rest.

Meg: I'll think about it. Can you please tell Ben to come here?

Rae: Sure.

Rae leaves and approaches Ben.

Ben: Dr Chang, how is she? Is the baby OK?

Rae: Everything is fine.

Ben: Thank God. Can I see her now? Can I take her home?

Rae: Yes. Just look after her.

Ben: I will.

Ben smiles and enters the room Meg is in. He sees her sitting on the coach, crying. He touches her shoulder.

Ben: Meg, sweetheart.

He sits next to her and takes her in his arms.

Ben: It's OK. It's OK. Everything will be fine.

Meg holds on to him tight, scared, with tears rolling on her cheek.

Ben: Hey, are you OK? Does anything hurt you?

Meg: No, I'm fine. And the baby is fine. Ben, our baby is OK.

Ben: I know.

Meg: I was so scared that I would lose our baby. I wouldn't stand that.

Ben: Ssshhh. You and baby are both fine. You're fine. God, I was so scared. I wouldn't forgive myself if anything happened to you.

Meg: No, Ben. Don't think that. It was not your fault.

Ben: It was because of my brother you could have lost the baby.

Meg: But I didn't.

Ben: So what did the doctors say?

Meg: The baby is fine. And it will be if only I take it easy for a few days. You know, no stress.

Ben: I'm gonna make sure that you take it easy. I will take a wonderful care of you.

Meg: Ben, you don't have to.

Ben: What do you mean I don't have to? I love you and you're carrying my child. I'm not gonna let anything happen to you.

Meg (through tears): Thank you.

Ben: You don't have to thank me. Just say that you forgive me.

Meg: Forgive you what?

Ben: That I let Derek hurt you and our baby. I'm so sorry, Meg.

Meg: It's not your fault.

Ben: But.

Meg (placing her finger on his lips): No buts. Please just take me home.

Ben: OK.

Meg: Ben?

Ben: Yeah?

Meg: I love you.

Ben: I love you too, sweetheart. Very much.

Meg: I'm so sorry I ever doubted that.

Ben: Well, you had good reasons. I mean all the things Derek did. Letting you find him with Maria. He hurt her by fooling her again and you.

Meg: Ben, can we please not talk about it? I just wanna go home.

Ben: OK. Let's get you home.

 

 

Chapter 95 - The Nightmare Is Over

March 14, Sunset Beach, California, Surf - Central

Meg and Ben are at Surf - Central doorstep.

Meg: We need to be quiet. They are all probably sleeping.

Ben: Sure.

Slowly they open the door and get inside. Casey, Michael and Mark are in the living room.

Ben (turns to Meg): You said something about sleeping.

Meg smiles weakly.

Casey: Meg, we heard what happened to you. Thank God you're OK. Both of you.

Mark: We've been so worried about you since Oscar called asking if we knew where you were.

Meg: I'm fine.

Ben: Yeah, thank God Meg and baby are OK.

Ben freezes as he realizes what he has just said.

Mark: The baby? What baby?

Meg: That's a long story. I'll tell you guys later.

Michael: We would definitely like to hear it.

Meg: You will. I just want to go to sleep right now.

Mark: Sure. Good night.

Meg: Goodnight guys.

Meg smiles weakly and Ben helps her to reach her bedroom. She sits on the bed, exhausted. He sits by her side and wraps his arms around her.

Ben: Hey, it's over.

Meg: I know. I just can't understand how your own brother can do something like this to you.

Ben: He is.

Ben is interrupted by a phone ringing. He answers.

Ben: Surf - Central~. Ben Evans speaking.

Ricardo: Ben, it's Ricardo. I'm just calling to say that Derek was brought to the station without any interruptions.

Ben: Good. Thanks for calling. I appreciate it.

Ricardo: Yeah. Look, take care of yourself and Meg.

Ben: I am.

Ricardo: That's good... Bye.

Ben: Bye.

Ben hangs up.

Meg: Who was that?

Ben: Ricardo. He told me that Derek is at the station.

Meg: Ben, I'm so sorry.

Ben: You know, I feel sorry for him even after everything he has done.

Meg: Of course you do. He is your brother.

Ben: Sometimes I wonder how it is possible.

Meg: You know, I can't believe that someone can actually do something like that to the family. I mean I have such a great relationship with my sister. I can't imagine.

Ben (looking into her eyes): Meg, please don't think about Derek right now.

Meg: How can I not after everything he did to you.

Ben: Meg, you heard what the doctors said - no stress. And that means no worrying about my brother.

Meg: OK. I think I'm gonna go to bed now.

She stands up and heads towards the bedroom. After a moment she stops.

Meg (looking at Ben with her eyes still wet from tears): Ben.

Ben (reading her mind): I'm not going anywhere. Not tonight.

Meg runs to him and wraps her arms around his neck.

Meg (cries): Thank you... I really need you now.

Ben: I know, sweetheart. Don't worry, I'm here and I'm not going anywhere. I will never leave you again. I love you and the thought that you're having my baby. our baby.

Meg: Yes. our baby. I love you, Ben.

Ben: I love you too.

 

 

Chapter 96 - The Whole Truth Comes Out

March 15, Sunset Beach, California, Surf - Central

Ben wakes up and sees Meg sleeping peacefully.

Ben (thinks): Thank God he let you sleep the night.

For a while he keeps admiring her beauty and looks at her face. Her eyes are closed but he knows that there is still very much pain inside her. He can tell from the way she breathes.

Ben: I'm sorry, sweetheart. I will never let anyone hurt you again. I promise.

He gently kisses the top of her head and starts stroking her hair. He remembers how Meg was hurting when she thought that she was going to lose the baby. He remembers how hurt HE was when he saw all the pain in her eyes. He can't believe that Meg almost lost this wonderful little one they had created. He thanks God for letting Meg and the baby be OK.

Meg starts to stir. She smiles weakly when she feels Ben's gentle touch. She shivers when she feels his hand running through her hair. She turns around letting Ben know that she is awake.

Ben (smiles): Hey sweetheart.

Meg: Good morning, Ben.

Ben (with concern): Are you OK? Does anything hurt you?

Meg: I'm fine. (looks into his eyes) Thank you for staying with me.

Ben: Hey, how could I not stay with you. Honey, I wanna be with you always. Do you understand me? ALWAYS.

Meg: That's what I want - to be with you.

Ben: Well, that's what's gonna happen. I promise. I will never let anyone or anything come between us again. And this time I mean it.

Meg: I know you do.

Ben: I swear to God, Meg, from this moment we are gonna be together forever. And beyond.

Meg: I love you.

Ben: I love you too.

They start to kiss, but are interrupted by a knock on the door.

Mark: Ben, Meg, are you awake?

Meg: Yeah, come in Mark.

Mark opens the door.

Mark: Hi, I just wanted to let you know that Casey and Michael made a breakfast.

Meg (smiles): Casey and Michael made a breakfast?

Mark (laughs): Maybe you shouldn't eat it.

Meg: I think we'll take the risk.

Mark: OK, we're waiting downstairs.

Meg: Sure.

Mark leaves.

Ben: You know, I think I'm not gonna stay for breakfast.

Meg: Why? (smiles) Because Micheal and Casey prepared it?

Ben: No. I have something I need to take care of.

Meg (looking at him): You want to talk to Maria?

Ben: Yeah. I owe her an explanation.

Meg: Of course.

Ben: But if you want me to stay here.

Meg: No, no, no. Go and see Maria. I will be fine, besides I have wonderful friends here.

Ben: Are you sure?

Meg: Yes, I will be OK. I know you need to see her.

Ben: Thank you. I will be back soon.

Meg: Take your time. And remember that I love you.

Ben: I love you too.

Ben kisses her gently and leaves. He heads to Maria's apartment. She opens the door.

Ben: Maria, we need to talk.

Maria: Damn you, Derek, where have you been?! I have been sick worried about you. Is everything fine with Ben?

Ben looks at Maria and freezes.

 

 

Chapter 97 - Looking For Comfort

March 15, Sunset Beach, California, Maria's place

Ben: What did you just say? Did you just call me Derek?

Maria (surprised): And how was I supposed to call you? That's your name, isn't it? Now tell me, is everything fine with Ben? (Maria smiles) Is our revenge on Ben and his little farm girl going well?

Ben looks at Maria shocked. He can't believe what he has just heard. Could it be true? Could his wife do something like this?

Maria: Derek, what's wrong?

Ben: Damn you, Maria! Damn you!!!!

He turns around and rushes out of her apartment. She runs after him.

Maria: What's going on, Derek?

Ben: You knew. I knew that he was not me!!!

Maria: Who? Derek, who?!

Ben: I'm not Derek, damn it!!!!

This time Maria freezes.

Maria: Ben. Oh my God.

Ben: You should be thanking him that I didn't kill you. How could you do this? How could you do this to her?

Maria: You mean that bitch?!

Ben (trying hard to stop himself from hitting her): Don't you dare!!!

Maria: He took you away from me!

Ben: That is not true and you know it!!!

Maria: I loved you!!!!

Ben: You did not!!! If you had loved me just a bit you wouldn't have done that. How could you? You know, I have seen many sick people in my life, but that's the sickest thing I've ever seen. How could you do this to the innocent girl?!

Maria (laughs): Innocent girl?! Does innocent girl sleep with other woman's husband?

Ben: She didn't know. God, I can't believe it. I can't believe what happened to the woman I fell in love a few years ago. She used to be honest, sympathetic. God, how could I be so blind?!

Maria: Ben, please just listen to me!

Ben: I don't intend to (Ben thinks for a while) Or on the second thought - tell me one thing.

Maria: What?

Ben: The first time. The first time he was in Sunset Beach. You knew, didn't you? (Ben looks at Maria) God.

He sends her disdainful look and leaves. He runs to the beach, wanting to be as far away from her as possible. He can't believe that the woman he fell in love a few years ago turned out to be such a heartless monster. He can't believe that he let her fool him for all those years.

Ben: Damn it!

Ben looks around trying to find something to sooth his pain. And he does.

Ben: Meg, what are you doing here?

Meg: I couldn't just sit at home. I needed some fresh air (looks into Ben's eyes) Ben, sweetie, what's wrong?

Ben: God, Meg, I'm so sorry.

Meg: What are you talking about? What happened?

Ben: She knew.

Meg: Knew what? And who?

Ben: Maria.

Meg: But WHAT did she know?

Ben (with pain in his eyes): About Derek. She knew.

Meg (shocked): She knew that it wasn't you?

Ben: Yeah. She was sleeping with him. God, how could I be so blind?

Meg (wrapping her arms around Ben): I'm so sorry, sweetie. I'm so sorry.

Ben: How could I let her do that to you? To us.

Meg (trying to take Ben's pain away): Don't even go there, Ben. Don't, please.

Ben: But.

Meg: No. Don't do this to yourself.

Ben: Meg, I.

Meg: I know, it hurts... it hurts. But I'm here. and it's going to be OK. Everything will be fine.

She holds him close, even closer than before and he lets her smell and gentle touch sooth his pain.

 

 

Chapter 98 - A Long Story

March 16, Sunset Beach, California, Surf - Central

Casey enters Meg's room with a tray of food.

Meg (smiling): Casey, you didn't have to.

Casey: Hey, we are your friends and we are supposed to take good care of you.

Meg: I know. You are the best. Thank you.

Casey: Don't mention it.

Meg (seeing Casey's mysterious smile): What?

Casey: I want something in return.

Meg: I knew there was a catch.

Casey: Just kidding. But more seriously I think it's high time you told me your story.

Meg: What do you mean?

Casey: I mean this whole Derek thing. And you and Ben. And where is the father of your baby?

Meg: Rae didn't tell you?

Casey: Tell me what?

Meg: BEN is the father of my baby.

Casey: What? But you are four months pregnant. you weren't even in Sunset Beach four months ago.

Meg: Gosh, I told you it's a long story.

Casey: I would really love to hear it.

Meg: I guess you deserve that. I mean, I don't wanna lose my home.

Casey (laughs): You wouldn't. But tell me anyway.

Meg: Well, I met Ben about ten months ago over the Internet. We were using the names of SB and Dorothy from Kansas. And we developed kind of friendship between us. But then, after some time I realized that I was in love with him.

Casey: The guy from the Internet?

Meg (laughs): Yeah. I know that this sounds unbelievably, but I fell in love with SB, not even knowing who he was. And then one day, about a half a year ago I met Ben. He saved my life.

Casey: He saved your life?

Meg: Yes. It was late at night and I was going home. Some guy attacked me and Ben was there. You know - my knight in shiny armor. (Casey smiles) Anyway, it was love at first sight. Something attracted me to him so much that I couldn't help. But I was still confused about SB. But when I found out that Ben felt the same, it was like nothing else mattered. I got lost in him completely. I even broke up with my fiancé.

Casey: You had a fiancé?

Meg: Yeah. You know, one of Ludlow boys. We had known each other our entire life. But I didn't love him.

Casey: You loved Ben?

Meg: Yeah. I loved him with my whole heart. And God, when I found out that he was SB, I was so happy. I loved him even more. (Meg pauses) That's why it hurt so much when I found out that he had a wife.

Casey: How did you find out?

Meg: I came to Sunset Beach on New Year's Eve. I wanted to surprise Ben but as it later turned out, I was the one who ended up surprised.

Casey: By his wife?

Meg: Yeah. So I caught the first flight back to Kansas. But a few days later I found out that I was pregnant, so I decided to marry Tim.

Casey: Tim?

Meg: My ex fiancé.

Casey: But you didn't marry him, did you?

Meg: No, I couldn't. Who knows, maybe if Ben hadn't showed up.

Casey: Ben showed up at your wedding?

Meg: Yeah. He told me that he and Maria were getting divorced. So I left Tim at the altar. And that was the smartest decision because as I later found out, he had been cheating on me with my best friend.

Casey: What a bastard.

Meg: I agree. So I came to Sunset Beach with Ben. I really. I really believed that everything would be fine with me and Ben. I felt guilty about Maria and Ben tried to convince me that I shouldn't. Now I know that he was right.

Casey: Why?

Meg: Maria knew about Derek. She signed the papers and when I came to Sunset Beach, she and Derek started their revenge. They imprisoned Ben and made everyone believe that Derek was Ben. Derek did some things which hurt me very much because I thought that he was Ben.

Casey: God, I still can't believe that Maria would do something like this.

Meg: Well, Ben couldn't believe it either. He was so hurt. He still is. And I don't know how to help him.

Casey: I guess he just needs some time.

Meg: Maybe. But I wish there was something that I could do.

For a moment both Casey and Meg remain silent.

Meg: So, what do you think about me now?

Casey: What do you mean?

Meg: Well, now that you know what I did to Ben and Maria. I mean I got pregnant with a married guy, ruined his marriage.

Casey: Hey, you didn't know that Ben had a wife.

Meg: Maybe, but still I feel responsible. I mean, maybe if it hadn't been for me, Ben and Maria would have worked thinks out.

Casey: That's what we will never find out. But let me tell you something - from the way Ben looks at you it's easy to see how much he loves you and that his heart belonged to you even before he met Maria, he just didn't know about that.

Meg: Do you think so?

Casey: I don't know. But why else would God bring you and Ben together? This must be fate.

Meg: I think it is. I really believe that Ben and I are destined to be together.

 

 

Chapter 99 - Welcome Back

March 18, Sunset Beach, California, The Deep - Ben's office

Ben is going through some papers when the door open and he sees Meg coming inside. A big smile appears on his face.

Ben: Hey, what brings you here?

Meg: Well, I had this really strange feeling that someone needs me.

Ben (smiles): Really?

Meg: Yes. Really.

She walks closer to him and gives him a hug.

Meg: How are you doing?

Ben: What do you mean?

Meg: Ben, you don't have to hide anything from me. I know that this whole thing with Derek hurts you more than you want to admit.

Ben: Come on, YOU are the one who almost lost the baby.

Meg: Yeah. But that doesn't mean that I can't see how hurt you are right now. Ben, he is your brother.

Ben (looking into Meg's eyes): No, he's not. Not anymore. Not after everything he did to you.

Meg: Ben, please.

Ben: No, no. I can't forgive him. I won't. And I will never forgive myself for letting Derek put you through all that hell.

Meg: Ben, I told you, this was not your fault.

Ben: I know that you want the best for me, and I appreciate it, but you can't change the way that I feel.

Meg: Then what CAN I do?

Ben: Just be here. Be yourself, the sweet girl from Kansas I fell in love with.

Meg: Well, I'm here. And I always will be.

She smiles and gives him another hug. He holds her close, surprised how soothing that sweet embrace is. After a while Meg pulls away and looks into Ben's eyes.

Meg: What about Maria?

Ben (as if trying to justify himself): She wasn't like that when I first met her. She was nice, friendly, kind. And a little bit crazy I guess. but that's Annie's influence.

Meg: Annie and Maria are friends, aren't they?

Ben: Yeah. Actually I was going on a date with Annie when I met Maria.

Meg: You and Annie were dating?

Ben: Kind of. One day when I went to pick her up I met Maria. And it was like love at first sight. Well, at least that's what I thought.

Meg: But you DID love Maria, didn't you?

Ben: Yes. I wouldn't have married her if I hadn't loved her. But I guess she didn't love me.

Meg: That hurts, doesn't it?

Ben: Yeah. But not as much as the fact that I could have lost the only person that matters to me. The only person I love, the only person I have ever loved so deeply. (Meg's eyes fill with tears) You are my whole life, Meg. You and our baby. If I didn't have you, I wouldn't have a reason to live anymore.

Meg (through tears): Don't say that...

Ben: Why? That's what I feel. I love you. I love you and our baby more than anything in the world.

Meg: I love you too.

Meg smiles and Ben leans and places a gentle kiss on her lips. Then he just embraces her and they stay like this for a few wonderful minutes.

Meg (finally pulling away): Ben, I know you have a lot on your mind right now, but I wanted to ask you about something.

Ben (smiles): Anything.

Meg: Do you think you would handle one more waitress?

Ben: What do you mean ONE MORE? Who do you have in mind?

Meg: And who do you think I have in mind?

Ben (confused): I have no idea.

Meg: I'm talking about myself.

Ben: But I thought you already were.

Meg (remembering that Ben has no idea that she resigned): Oh my God, I'm sorry. You didn't know that I quit the job, did you?

Ben: You did what?

Meg: I quit. After I found Derek and Maria in bed. It was too hard for me to. you know.

Ben: I do.

Meg: So, I was thinking that since we settled everything maybe I could...

Ben: Of course. I will be honored to have such a beautiful waitress.

Meg: Thank you, thank you so much.

Ben: Hey, how could I say 'no' to you? (pauses) You know that I can never resist you.

Meg (blushing): Good. That may be helpful in the future.

Ben: For sure.

He smiles and kisses her again.

 

Chapter 100 – Elopement

March 21, Sunset Beach, California, Surf – Central

Ben enters Meg room and sees her at her desk with some papers. She is so busy with her work that she doesn’t even notice him. He walks closer and starts stroking her hair.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

Meg: Mmmm, that feels good.

Ben: Hey, do you think you can use a break right now?

Meg (surprised): A break?

Ben: Yeah, a longer break.

Meg: What do you mean LONGER?

Ben: I mean like two or three days.

Meg: Two or three days?

Ben: Yes. I thought that we could spend a few days together.

Meg: Ben, I don’t need to take a break to spend time with you.

Ben: You do if it’s gonna be in Santa Barbara.

Meg: Where?

Ben: Santa Barbara. That’s…

Meg: I know what it is… But why?

Ben: Well, I just thought that we could use some time together… You know, just you and me, far away from everything…

Meg (smiles): That sounds wonderful.

Ben: So does that mean that you agree?

Meg: How could I not?

Ben: Good…

He smiles and kisses her.

Ben: Maybe you should start packing…

Meg: Now?

Ben: Yeah. We’re leaving as soon as you’re ready.

Meg: What about the reservations?

Ben: Already done.

Meg: Then you did it without even knowing if I would agree… what if I hadn’t…

Ben: I knew you would.

Meg: Well, I guess you know me too well…

Ben: Maybe I do… So, how much time do you need?

Meg: Just give me ten minutes. You can wait for me here.

Ben: OK. Do you need me to help you?

Meg: No, I’ll be fine.

Ben: Don’t forget that you have to be especially careful…

Meg: I know… And I am thinking about the baby every second (she smiles) And about the father of the baby.

Ben smiles and walks closer to give her a kiss.

Meg (pulling away): Ben, please, I need to pack…

Ben: All right, all right. But when we’re in Santa Barbara, you won’t get away from me.

Meg; I don’t intend to.

Meg smiles and starts packing her things.

***

March 21, Santa Barbara, California

Meg (entering the hotel room): Oh my God, Ben, it’s beautiful here.

Ben (kissing her cheek): Well, you deserve only the best. And I’m gonna make sure that that’s what you will get.

Ben closes the door.

Meg (close to tears): Ben, thank you. Thank you so much for making me feel so special.

Ben (looking into her eyes): You ARE special.

Meg: Well, I don’t know about that. But what I do know is that I am incredibly lucky to have you in my life.

Ben: WE are lucky to be together.

Meg: You’re right, we’re lucky. Very lucky. But you know, as much as I don’t want to admit it, I guess Tim was the one who helped us get together.

Ben: Really? How?

Meg: Well, if he hadn’t left me alone that night, that guy wouldn’t have attacked me. You wouldn’t have saved my life and we wouldn’t have meet…

Ben: Maybe not that night, but I believe that we would have meet… Fate would have brought us together one way or another.

Meg: You’re right, it would have…

Ben: But I’m glad it happened the way it did.

Meg: Me too.

Ben starts kissing her softly.

Ben: Who knows, maybe if it had happened in a different way, we wouldn’t be in this hotel room right now

Meg: But we are… And that’s wonderful… You know, after I walked in on Maria and Derek, I never thought that I would ever feel this way again.

Ben: Meg?

Meg: Yeah?

Ben: Please, let’s not talk about Maria and Derek. They are not worth our attention… Let’s focus on something else.

Meg (blushing as she knows exactly what Ben means): Like what?

Ben: Like this.

He lifts her up and carries her to the bed.

Meg (stroking Ben’s hair): I was counting on it.

She smiles and they start kissing passion ately.

 

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