Only You
by Speedy
Chapter 16
[Ben's room - SBGH]
Ben is lying in his bed resting when he hears a knock at the door. He turns his head and sees his lawyer Charles through the small portal. He waves him inside, anxious to hear what he has to say.
Ben: Charles, I am so glad you are here. Do you have some good news for me?
Charles (evasively): Well let's put it this way, I think you are going to like it.
Ben: Don't keep me in suspense. What is it? How soon is the divorce going to be final?
Charles: There isn't going to be a divorce, or at least I don't think there is. Where is Meg anyway? I expected her to be here.
Ben (quietly): We had a fight and she isn't speaking to me at the moment.
Charles: Oh! Well then maybe this isn't the best time to tell you my news.
Ben: I am going to win her back Charles so out with it.
Charles: Well I called Maria about the divorce papers I had delivered to her a few weeks ago.
Ben: And?
Charles: And she acted like she didn't remember them and then started giving me the run around.
Ben: What do you mean by giving you the run around?
Charles: She has avoided me ever since.
Ben (getting upset): I thought you had good news for me Charles!
Charles: I am getting to that. Just listen. Since Maria wouldn't return my phone calls, I started researching how long a divorce would take without the spouse's consent.
Ben: Yes and how long will it take?
Charles (deliberately being evasive): Too long.
Ben (frustrated): Damn it Charles, will you please stop talking in riddles? I thought it was supposed to be good news.
Charles: Okay Ben, I will just come out and tell you. You are not married to Maria and haven't been for a long time, since October 8th of last year to be exact.
Ben (thinking): October 8th? That was when Meg and I got married, well we had a ceremony anyway.
Charles (with a huge smile on his face): Bingo!
Ben: What are you saying Charles that I am legally married to Meg? How can that be? I had Gregory check into it for me and he told me that Maria and I were still married.
Charles: There is this law on the books. It is an obscure law because this kind of thing doesn't happen everyday. That may be why Gregory missed it. This law says that if a person marries someone in good faith, believing that his or her spouse had died, then the second marriage is valid if the first spouse comes back alive.
Ben is in complete shock. All this time, he has been married to Meg and didn't even realize it. All of the pain they have gone through was avoidable. He has always been committed to Meg. There was a brief period when he needed to examine his feelings, when Meg wanted him to examine his feelings, but he always knew deep down that it was Meg he loved and wanted to be with. Now he finds out that they are legally married and have been since they said "I do". His spirit begins to soar at the knowledge that he and Meg are married, but his practical side is still skeptical that this is for real.
Ben (skeptical): Charles, is this on the level? Are you sure about this?
Charles: I found the law by accident, but when I did, I had it thoroughly checked out. I have even talked to one of the local judges. All you have to do is sign this affidavit that says that you truly believed that Maria had died and the court will recognize your marriage to Meg as being valid and will null the other certificate. I have an appointment this afternoon with Judge Connors to file this document and then by law, you and Meg will be legally married.
Ben: Just like that?
Charles: Just like that.
Ben (with a huge Cheshire grin on his face): Thank you Charles. Now hand over that document so I can sign on the dotted line. I can't wait to tell Meg.
Charles hands the affidavit to Ben along with a black ballpoint pen. Ben takes the pen and immediately signs on the dotted line.
Ben: This is the best news I have heard in days. Thanks again Charles. I have to call Meg and tell her the good news.
Maria: What good news?
Maria had slipped in unnoticed by Charles and Ben. They both turn toward her afraid that she had over heard their conversation. Judging by the smile still on her face, they realize that she didn't hear that her marriage to Ben is no longer valid and hasn't been for a long time.
Ben: Maria, we didn't hear you come in.
Maria: Oh, I'm sorry Ben, I didn't mean to interrupt you two.
Ben: That's okay, I need to talk to you anyway.
Charles: Well I guess I better go if I am going to make that appointment.
Ben (reaching out to shake Charles' hand): Thanks again Charles for everything.
Charles (jokingly): Don't thank me until you get my bill for services rendered.
Ben and Charles laugh at his little joke and then say their good byes. After Charles leaves the room, Ben turns to Maria. How am I going to tell her this, he asks himself?
Maria begins to shift uncomfortably under Ben's stare.
Maria: Ben what is it?
Ben: Maria, we have to talk. I have some news about Meg and me.
Maria (with the most distressed look she could muster): Ben, before we go into whatever it is you have to tell me, I feel I must tell you something. (Over Ben's objections) No Ben this can't wait. I'm not sure if I should get involved since this is between you and Meg, but my conscious just won't let it rest. Ben I have to tell you something about Meg.
Ben (acquiescing to Maria's manipulations): Okay Maria what is it?
Maria (with a fake tear in her eye): Ben, I don't know how to begin. You must know this Ben, but maybe I am not the one who should be telling you.
Ben (frustrated): Maria, please just tell me. Is Meg okay?
Maria: Ben, Meg is pregnant.
Ben (stunned): What?
Maria (closing her trap): I overheard Meg talking to her mother this morning. I'm not sure, but I think Meg was afraid that Casey might be the father of her baby.
Ben (in complete shock): No Maria that isn't possible. Meg would never sleep with Casey.
Maria: I know I probably shouldn't have been the one to tell you, and I am sorry that Meg hurt you in this way, but Ben you have to face it. Meg and Casey have spent an awful lot of time together, even before the two of you broke up. You have to admit Ben that it would make sense. I mean when was the last time the two of you were together?
It had been awhile since he and Meg had made love, a little over 2 months, Ben thought to himself. No that still does not make this true.
Ben: No there has to be another explanation. Meg wouldn't sleep with Casey and besides, Sara and Casey are back together now. No I won't believe it.
Maria (acting sympathetic): I'm sorry Ben. I know this is hard for you to hear . . .
Ben (yelling): Get the hell out of here Maria!
Maria: Ben I don't think I should leave you.
Ben (yells): I said leave!
Maria turned around and walked out the door, her face blossoming into a huge grin.
Maria (to herself): Let's see you undo that Ms. Meg Cummings-never to be Evans!
Ben sits down on his bed. He just can't believe that Meg would sleep with Casey whether they had been broken up or not. How could things turn out this way? He had been so happy just moments before Maria walked in the door. He had been on cloud nine. His dreams were finally coming true. He starts to rock back and forth chanting "no" over and over again. Then he screams it!
Chapter 17
Tyus rushes into Ben's room as he is slamming the phone into the receiver.
Ben (yelling): Damn! Where are you Meg?
Ben is so angry that he picks up the phone and comes close to yanking it out of the wall, but Tyus intervenes.
Tyus (reaching Ben before he does any damage to the phone): Ben! What is the matter with you? Settle down.
He takes the phone out of Ben's hands and places it back on the bed stand. He tries to get Ben to sit down, but Ben shrugs him off.
Ben: Leave me alone Tyus!
Tyus: Ben, getting this upset is not good for your recovery. So far, your recovery has been at a record pace. I don't want you to have any kind of relapse.
Ben decides to heed to the good doctor's wishes and gets back in the bed. He is still very fidgety though, and can not get comfortable.
Tyus: Ben, do you want to talk about it?
Ben (sadly): I can't talk about it, at least not with you. I need to see Meg and she is not answering my phone calls.
Tyus: Well let me give you something to help you relax.
Tyus leaves and returns a short time later with a mild sedative.
Tyus: Here Ben, take this.
Ben takes the medicine and a few minutes later, he falls in to a restless sleep.
Meg walks into the Shockwave.
Joan (concerned): Where have you been? And why did you leave your cell phone? It has been ringing off the hook.
Meg: I'm sorry mom. I guess I just wanted some peace and quiet.
Before Joan can respond to Meg, the cell phone in question rings again. Meg reaches for the phone and hits the send button.
Meg: Hello.
Tyus: Meg it's Tyus. We need to talk about Ben.
Meg (instantly worried): What is it? What's wrong with Ben?
Tyus: That is what I was going to ask you. You haven't been to see him all week and today, I walked in his room and he was about to rip the phone out of the wall.
Meg (stunned): What?
Tyus: I tried to get him to talk about it, but all he would say is that he needed to talk to you and that you weren't answering his phone calls. Meg, please come down here and talk to Ben. I don't know what the problem is, but I am afraid it could set back his recovery if he doesn't calm down. I gave him a mild sedative, but he is still very restless. He needs you, Meg.
Meg: Okay Tyus, I will get there as soon as I can.
Tyus: Before you go see Ben, I would like to see you too. We need to set up some appointments for you prenatal care and make sure that you have all the right vitamins and stuff. You left here last week before I could get the prescriptions written.
Meg: Okay Tyus, I am on my way. Bye.
Meg hangs up the phone.
Meg: Mom I have to go the hospital to see Ben. I guess my moment of truth has come. (With teary eyes) What if Ben isn't happy about the baby?
Joan: Honey, Ben loves you and he will love your baby. You and Ben made that baby out of your love for each other. Trust him to take care of everything. Don't let your fears destroy your happiness with Ben.
Meg hugs her momma.
Meg: Thanks Mom, I love you.
Joan: I love you too sweetie.
Meg walks into Tyus' office and finds him sitting at his desk.
Tyus: Meg, I am so glad to see you. How are you feeling? Have you been sick any?
Meg: No I'm fine. Just a little worried about Ben and what he is going to say about all of this.
Tyus: Meg, don't stress yourself out. It isn't good for you or the baby. Now let's set up some appointments. We need to set up an ultra sound and . . .
Meg and Tyus set up all the needed appointments and when she leaves, she has a prescription for prenatal vitamins.
Tyus (to Meg as she is walking out his door): Take care of yourself Meg, and I will see you next week.
Meg: Bye Tyus.
Ben is still in a restless sleep when Meg walks into his room. She sits by his bed and decides not to wake him up. Nervously, she waits as he begins tossing and turning, almost thrashing around in his bed. She gently lays her hands on his arm and forehead and immediately, he settles down.
Meg: Ben? It's Meg. I'm here sweetie and I love you. I'm sorry that I got so upset last week about you and Sara. I hope you will forgive me.
>From a distance, Ben hears Meg's words as she tells him she loves him over and over again. Suddenly his dream of Meg turns very dark as Maria looms above him saying "Meg is carrying Casey's baby." He starts saying "No" over and over in his sleep as he begins thrashing again. Then he feels her hands on him again. Meg's hands, his Meg!
Meg: Ben please settle down. Please settle down. I'm here and I won't ever leave you again.
Again at the sound of Meg's voice, Ben calms down. Her beautiful face is swimming before his unconscious mind. In her eyes, he sees all the pain he has caused her in the past few years. Then he sees the forgiveness that she always so readily gave him. Then he sees the love and acceptance in her eyes. Again the dream shifts and Maria and her haunting words begin to repeat over and over again.
Ben (shouting in his sleep): NO!
Ben jerks awake to find Meg standing over him.
Chapter 18
[Ben's hospital room]
Meg (with concern in her voice): Ben, are you all right? You have been thrashing around in that bed like someone was chasing you.
Ben (dispassionately): I'm okay.
Meg: I was worried about you. Are you sure you're okay?
Ben (irritably): Worried? About me? Is that why I haven't seen you for a week? Forgive me Meg, but you sure do have a funny way of showing your concern.
Meg (nervously): I'm sorry Ben, I wasn't trying to hurt you. Well maybe at first I was after what I overheard between you and Sara, but there is a lot going on that you don't know about. I know that's no excuse, but . . .
Ben (interrupting): Really, well why don't you fill me in!
Meg: Ben what is the matter with you? I have never seen you act like this before.
Ben (impatiently): Act like what, Meg?
Meg: Ben, you are acting . . . (hesitates) You are being so cold.
The moment the words are out of her mouth, she regrets them. Saying them is like giving voice to her feelings of insecurity that have been plaguing her this past week. She shifts under Ben's harsh glare. The look of coldness mixed with the obvious pain in his eyes is more than she can bear. Meg knows her moment of truth has finally arrived. Once again, doubt plagues her. Did she finally drive him away? Does he love her enough to forgive her absence? She ponders on the past week, trying to find the right way to explain things to Ben.
She had been walking around in a daze. She is so excited about carrying Ben's child, but she is scared too. Deep down, she's always known that Ben will be happy about their baby. Her fear stems from the fact that their life is so uncertain. It just does not feel right bringing a baby into the situation. After all, he is still married to Maria. The haunting questions again drift through her mind. Will Maria really give him up without a fight? What kind of stress will this be on their relationship? They had just found their way back to each other. Then there was Benjy's kidnapping to deal with. Benjy wasn't Ben's child, but she still blames herself for what happened.
Tears begin spilling down Meg's cheek.
Meg (crying, brokenly): Ben I am so sorry. I am so sorry I hurt you by staying away. I love you more than my own life. I never wanted to cause you pain. Please believe me. Please tell me that you know how much I love you. Please tell me that you still love me too. Please tell me that we will be together.
Seeing Meg again and seeing the love and agony in her eyes is Ben's undoing. His attitude has been hurtful, but the pain Meg is suffering from is self-inflicted. Her pain is from knowing that she has caused him pain.
Maria must have misunderstood what she heard. There is no way that Meg would betray him with Casey. Besides, she would be betraying Sara too and Meg was not that kind of person.
Ben (taking Meg in his arms): Of course I still love you Meg. I will always love you.
Hearing Ben's words makes Meg cry harder. She is so thankful that he is finally being the Ben she knows and loves. When she cries her last tears, she pulls back and looks into his eyes.
Meg: I love you so much Ben. I don't think I could survive if I lost you again. My life just wasn't complete without you in it.
Ben: I feel the same way Meg. Promise me something.
Meg: What?
Ben: Promise me that no matter what, you will not walk out on me again. I know you blamed yourself for Benjy's kidnapping and that is why you left, but no problem is ever too big that we can't get through it together. Do you remember what I told you after you told me about you and Derek last year?
Meg (smiling): Yes, you told me that our love is so strong that it would get us through anything.
Ben (smiling): And it has Meg. We survived Derek; we survived Tim's interference, we survived Maria's return; we will survive Benjy coming into our lives and whatever else comes our way. Meg, Benjy is my son, and I love him, but that doesn't mean that he should control our lives. Besides how can I be a good father, if I am miserable? And I would be miserable Meg, because you are my life.
Ben watches Meg's face light up at his words. All lingering doubt about what Maria told him is gone in that instant. If she is pregnant, the child is mine, he thinks to himself.
Ben: Can I ask you a question?
Meg: Sure, you know you can ask me anything.
Ben: Are you pregnant?
Meg (taken aback): How did you know?
Ben: It doesn't matter how I know. What matters is how long you have known and why you didn't tell me.
Meg: I found out last week (she pauses to gage his reaction, when there isn't one, she continues). Tyus told me right after our fight.
Ben: Go on.
That isn't the reaction that she was hoping for, but it wasn't the reaction that she secretly feared either, so she decides to come clean with all of it.
Meg: Ben, the truth is that I was stunned when Tyus told me. I mean it has been so long since we made love. Actually, it just seemed like it had been a long time, because I have missed you so much.
Ben: I have missed you too Meg.
Meg: Ben, I need to tell you something. I hope you understand.
Ben: What is it Meg? You know you can tell me anything.
The thought of Meg telling him that Casey is the father of her baby came out of no where. No, Meg wouldn't do that to him, he knows her better than that, he thinks to himself. Yet that one little doubt would not go away.
Meg (tears falling down her cheeks again): I know you love me, and I know that you will love our baby, but Ben, the timing just couldn't be worse for us. You have been through so much the past few months with Maria and Benjy and me that I was afraid to tell you. This is all so complicated. I mean we aren't even married and who knows how long the divorce will take? Has Maria even signed the papers yet? I want to be married when our child is born. I was also afraid of my parent's reactions. My mom knows now, but my dad is going to hit the roof. Ben, I guess I just wasn't ready to deal with it yet.
Ben (with a huge grin on his face): I don't want you to worry about the divorce Meg. I promise you, we will be married before our child is born. Right now, I want you to tell me all about our baby.
Ben clears a spot on the bed and gestures for Meg to join him. Meg gladly accepts the spot and the next thing you know, they are cuddled up together in Ben's hospital bed.
Meg: I love you Ben Evans!
Ben: I love you Meg Evans.
Meg: I still like the sound of that.
Ben: Well get used to it, because it will be your name sooner than you think. Now tell me, how far along are you?
Meg: I am almost 10 weeks now.
Ben smiles as he goes back into time remembering the night that their baby was conceived. It had been a wonderful evening. He had slyly gotten rid of Maria, Tess and Benjy, without them even realizing what he was doing. He had surprised Meg when she got home from work and had carried her up the stairs and they made mad passionate love all afternoon. Then they fell asleep in each other's arms. The next day was when it all began to unravel. He pushes that thought out of his mind and continues to remember the awesome afternoon they spent together.
Meg: What's the Cheshire grin for?
Ben: Oh nothing just remembering.
Meg smiles at Ben, remembering the same thing that he is remembering. Slowly he covers her mouth with his.
Maria rushes down the corridor towards Ben's room. When she heard that Meg had gone to see Ben, she had to go and see the fireworks. She gets to the door and looks through the glass opening. Meg is lying beside Ben in his hospital bed and they are kissing very passionately.
Chapter 19
Maria can't believe her eyes. She rubs at them and then rubs at them again. The vision doesn't clear. Meg is in Ben's arms. His arms are wrapped around her waist. How can this be she asks herself? Maria silently cracks open the door to see if she can hear what is being said. Surely this isn't what it appears to be.
Ben pulls back from their kiss and looks searchingly into Meg's blue eyes. He realizes again that he was right not to confront her about what Maria had said. He loves her more than his own life and she loves him. She would never have done what Maria had said. It took just one look at her to see that. He marvels in that knowledge. She saw past all his faults and still loves him. He had hurt her and pushed her away, yet she is here, still loving him. She never gave up on him. I am a lucky man, he thinks to himself. Very lucky!
Meg (seeing Ben's intense stare): What?
Ben is startled out of his reverie. Had he been staring at her? One could get lost in her soulful blues eyes. Smiling, Ben makes a very important decision.
Ben (punctuating each word with a kiss): I . have . something . important . to . tell . you . I . just . wish . it . didn't . have . to . be . here.
Maria finally has seen and heard enough and makes her presence known.
Maria: Just what the hell is going on here?
Ben and Meg are both caught off guard at the tone in her voice, but nevertheless try to smile at her.
Ben and Meg (in unison): Hello Maria, what are you doing here?
Ben and Meg smile at each other, the secret smile known only to lovers, at their saying the same thing to Maria. Maria caught this look and instantly went on the offensive.
Maria (spitefully): I could ask you the same thing Meg. Haven't you hurt Ben enough? He doesn't deserve you flaunting Casey's baby in his face.
Meg (truly shocked): What did you say?
Maria: Oh come on don't deny it Meg, I over heard you tell your mother how afraid you were of Ben's reaction to the news.
Even in her desperation, Maria knows she has to stick as close to the truth as she can if she is going to manage to turn this thing back in her favor. She has to make Ben doubt Meg. That is the key. However, it never occurs to her that this game is already lost, that her plan would never have worked. She is just letting her demented love for Ben lead her and is too far-gone to stop now.
Maria: Your mother was just as shocked as I was at hearing that you're pregnant. How could you be pregnant all this time and not know it? You and Casey were inseparable after you left Ben.
Maria is really getting in to her diatribe when a yelling Ben interrupts her.
Ben: ENOUGH! Maria I want you to leave right now. (Maria held her ground) GET OUT OF HERE MARIA. NOW!
Maria: No Ben not until you know what a lying scheming slut she is. She is trying to trick you. Can't you see that Ben? She wants to pass Casey's baby off as yours.
Ben: I WOULDN'T CARE IF SHE IS HAVING TIM TRUMAN'S BABY. I LOVE HER! SHE IS MY WIFE! NOW LEAVE!
Ben didn't realize what he was saying until the words were out of his mouth. He looks over at Meg. She is staring numbly back at him.
Meg: Is this true Ben? You think I'm carrying Casey's baby?
Ben realizes that Meg didn't get past the first part of his statement. He could tell that they hurt her. But, before he could go to comfort her, he realizes that Maria caught every word. She begins shouting at him.
Maria: SHE IS NOT YOUR WIFE DAMNIT, I AM! AND IF I HAVE ANYTHING TO SAY ABOUT IT, SHE WILL NEVER BE YOUR WIFE.
Ben plunges in head first not realizing how truly unbalanced Maria is. If he could have foreseen what would happen next, he would have kept his mouth shut. But since he wasn't blessed with such a gift, he tried very calmly to tell Maria the truth.
Ben: Listen Maria, I didn't want to tell you this way, but Meg and I are married. We have been since last October when we said our vows. My lawyer Charles is as we speak filing an affidavit that I signed saying that Meg and I were married in good faith before we knew you were alive. It is legal, Maria. My marriage to Meg will be upheld and my marriage to you will no longer be valid.
Ben turns to Meg as he is saying the words to gage her reaction. Meg is completely stunned. She couldn't have heard right could she? She is married to Ben. They have been married all this time.
Maria (fuming): I don't believe you Ben. You're just saying that to hurt me.
Ben (turning back to Maria): Maria it's true. I am sorry if this hurts you, but it really is better this way. Now we can all get on with our lives.
Maria: NOOOOOO!
Maria lunges at Ben and shoves him out of the way. He had been standing directly in front of Meg. In her rage, she grabs Meg around the throat and begins choking her.
Ben is on his feet in no time trying to get Maria off of Meg, but her desperation and rage combined makes her very strong and he is unable to pry Maria's hands away from Meg's throat. Even Meg's struggles against her are to no avail.
Maria: HE IS MINE YOU HEAR ME! MINE! YOU CAN'T HAVE HIM.
Tyus is outside in the hall talking with Nurse Stacy when he hears the commotion in Ben's room. He was coming to tell him he could go home, but had been distracted by his nurse who was handing him the papers detailing Ben's out of hospital care. Tyus rushes in to see Meg being strangled by Maria. He quickly rushes to Ben's side to help him. Nurse Stacy quickly walks away from the door. Briefly, Tyus wonders why she left, but then is consumed with trying to help Meg.
Three orderlies happen to walk past the open door to Ben's room on their way back from their break. They notice the commotion in the room and rush in to help Dr. Robinson and Ben restrain the woman who is choking Meg Cummings.
Finally, Ben's lawyer Charles, who had come to tell him that everything went as planned, enters the fray trying to free Meg from Maria's firm grip. When Charles walked in, he could see that Meg was already a little blue from lack of oxygen.
It takes the six of them to pull Maria away from Meg. Maria is very strong though and continues fighting, kicking and screaming at them to let her go.
Maria: LET ME GO, DAMN YOU. I WILL KILL YOU MEG. BEN IS MINE. LET ME GO!
Ben is able to free himself of Maria and turns to Meg who is now trying to refill her lungs with life saving gulps of air. She is bent over at the waist and her breathing is very harsh. This alarms him. He starts toward her when Maria pushes him out of the way again in her attempt to get at Meg again. Fortunately, the three orderlies, Tyus and Charles are able to catch her before she reaches Meg again.
Maria: LET ME GO. I HATE YOU MEG! YOU CAN'T HAVE HIM! LET ME GO.
Nurse Stacy walks in the door with a needle and gives Maria a shot in the arm. About 30 seconds later, Maria ceases her struggles and falls limply in their arms. Nurse Stacy then rolls a wheel chair in the room and straps Maria in it.
Tyus: Take her to the psycho ward and put her in a straight jacket, Stacy. Then call her brother Ricardo.
Stacy: I'm way ahead of you Doc!
Stacy motions to the orderlies, who immediately take up strategic positions at her side, and wheels Maria out the door toward the elevators.
Tyus silently chuckles at Stacy's impertinence. It occurs to him then that she is the only one who kept her head in this situation, getting the drug that ultimately restrained Maria keeping Meg out of more danger. He turns to tell Ben and Meg just that, but sees Ben rushing toward Meg, who is leaning on Ben's bed, her face very pale.
Ben: Are you all right? Meg, speak to me.
Ben is hovering over Meg, but she gently pushes him out of her way to stand up.
Meg: Ben I'm fine, just let me catch my breath.
Once on her feet, a wave of nausea and dizziness overtakes her. Before Ben can catch her, she crumples to the floor like sawdust.